Greater Manchester’s favourite market is planning to return on Saturday 17th April.
Following the recent announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown, things are looking brighter in Levenshulme as their award-winning market gears up to return.
As Manchester’s go-to for the best of local talent, Levy Market is perhaps one of the county’s most adored and jampacked markets, so its reopening can’t come quick enough.
Levenshulme Market will currently be operating as a ‘Shop & Go’ model, meaning there will be no eating, drinking or socialising at the market.
You’ll still find the same great stalls but we ask that people make their purchases and head home to safely enjoy them rather than sticking around at the market,” says Richard, Levenshulme Market’s manager, when asked about their new strategies.
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Although we’ll happily get on board with this small change to have Levy Market back in our lives, sharing all of the delicious food we’ve bought when back at home will be a struggle.
They will also be operating a socially distanced market with a one-way system, so you can safely travel through without missing anything, and their night markets – which usually take place on the third weekend of every month – are currently on hold as Levy Market’s return is phased.
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Levenshulme Market launched in 2013 in an effort to improve their high street. Who knew that 8 years later, the market would have such a massive impact on the entire county.
“We work hard to offer our customers a balance of stalls selling arts and crafts, street food, general groceries and all the strange and wonderful things in between”, says Richard.
But Levy Market is more than just a shopping opportunity for many, it’s a community of Manchester’s greatest makers and loyal visitors.
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“The secret ingredient in what makes Levy Market what it is, is Levenshulme itself”, comments Richard.
“Our market shares its home with the warmest, kindest, most welcoming community you could hope to find.”
While Levy Market has always been a highlight of our Saturdays, the uncertainty of the past year has cemented it as a rite of passage for Mancunians.
“It became evident last year that Levenshulme Market was even more of a weekly fixture for locals than it had been in pre-Covid days,” says Richard.
“With everyone having so few opportunities to go anywhere or do anything different, having a handful of new shops popping up in the neighbourhood and finding the opportunity to say a quick and safe hello to friends and neighbours took on an additional importance.”
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If April 17th still feels like a lifetime away, you can support their creators online in the meantime with their online directory of food stalls and arts & crafts items.
You can also keep up-to-date with their proposed markets and which traders will be attending on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
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New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Daisy Bradbury -
5th March 2021 
