What's On

Lightopia returns to Heaton Park this Christmas with new festive ‘fantasy’ installations

Lightopia will bring new artistic illuminated displays with unique fantasy themed installations and light shows this year.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 7th September 2021

Award-winning illuminations event Lightopia is returning to Manchester with a new Christmas Fantasy adventure at Heaton Park.

Featuring an illuminated trail with multi-sensory interactive lights, lanterns and installations, Lightopia is back for its third successive year in Manchester in just a couple of months time, after a successful run in 2020. The popular event will bring a “fantasy festive world for family and friends filled with mythical creatures”.

The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall will play host to a Christmas Spectacular, with a 9ft bauble-inspired Christmas tree and an immersive stand-alone giant bauble for visitors to walk inside of.

Lightopia 2021 will also feature a fantastical Magic Circus display, complete with illusional installations and interactive entertainment as clowns, animals and magicians take charge of the night. 

A giant Earth Flower will also be on display, which will be surrounded by 10 musical drums and powering a Field of Love with 50,000 hearts filling the floor.

The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall will play host to Lightopia’s Christmas Spectacular from this November / Credit: Lightopia

A Time Travel zone will contain holographic time portals and a colourful time tunnel complete with digital interactions, whilst an enchanted Fantasy Forest will introduce visitors to mythical creatures hidden in the woodland, including a nine tailed fox and unicorns.

Lightopia 2021 will also be home Dragon’s Land featuring huge 40m dragons and fabled fairies; Candy Land – a sweet-inspired illuminated dreamland; Fantasy Bees – where iconic insects are brought to life in a fantasy world; and a Wonders of the World display with giant mirrored, glistening crystals and gems.

There will also be a Lakeside Water Show – a new fantasy production created especially for 2021.

Speaking ahead of the festival’s return to Heaton Park, Ian Xiang – Creative Director of Lightopia – said: “We are excited to bring a brand new concept to Manchester this winter, a fantasy world that has never been seen before. Lightopia 2021 will be a dream world adventure for families and friends to escape to this Christmas.

“We want our guests to become part of this new fantasy Lightopia experience, as they interact and engage with the luminescent sculptures that trail through Heaton Park.”

Ava Moradi – Creative Designer for Lightopia – added: “This year, Lightopia will bring new artistic illuminated displays with unique fantasy themed installations and light shows.

“My main focus as an artist is for this immersive light experience to bring happiness and joy; making this festive day out a go-to place for friends and family to celebrate together through the magical trail.”

Lightopia will be open to the public from Thursday 18 November – Monday 3 January.

The event is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during school holidays, and it will also close on Christmas Day.

Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is 8:30pm daily.

For those looking to plan ahead with friends and family this Christmas, you can sign-up for a 15% discount on your tickets via the Lightopia website.

Lightopia is promising a ‘state-of-the-art’ lakeside water show for 2021 / Credit: Lightopia

Advance tickets are priced at £20 for adults (or £22 on the day), £13 for children (or £15 on the day), and £60 for families of two adults and two children (£68 on the day). Children under three can go free.

Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free, the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.

You can grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – Lightopia

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 September 2025

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

September, you’ve been treating us well so far.

Now that September is really in full swing, it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the fact that autumn is nearly here – but even though summer may be coming to an end, there’s still plenty of exciting activities to be getting up to in Greater Manchester in the coming weeks.

Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.

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DARKFIELD

Greater Manchester

Monday 15 – Sunday 21 December

SEANCE
FLIGHT
DARKFIELD / Credit: Floro Azqueta | Mihaela Bodlovic

A pioneering production company is bringing immersive theatre inside shipping containers to Greater Manchester this week.

DARKFIELD has announced their first shows in Greater Manchester for seven years, and will present their three most critically-acclaimed experiences at iconic venues across the region as part of an ‘exciting’ collaboration.

Keen audiences will be able to head to The Lowry, Aviva Studios, and HOME this month to see theatre like they’ve never seen it before.

Find out more and get tickets to the shows here.

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Heritage Open Days 2025

Greater Manchester

Monday 15 – Sunday 21 September

Heritage Open Days 2025 / Credit: Paul Harris

The UK’s largest festival of history and culture has returned, and there’s thousands of free events on the lineup this week.

Always proving to be a smash-hit success, both here in Greater Manchester and nationwide, over the last 30 years, the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days are back by popular demand for the next couple of weeks, and this means loads of the UK’s top attractions will be open to visit for free.

You can explore historic houses, factories, museums, music halls, and countless of other places and spaces – some that are normally closed to the public.

Find out more here.

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Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 15 September – onwards

Operation Ouch!
Operation Ouch!
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group

You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.

Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.

Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.

Find out more here.

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Kargo on the Docks

MediaCityUK

Tuesday 16 September – onwards

Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh

Summer is nearly over, but Kargo on the Docks is clinging on.

MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.

A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.

Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.

Find out more here.

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NEW OPENING – Mappin & Webb

St Ann’s Square

This is a stop-you-in-your-tracks addition to the city.

Mappin & Webb has opened the doors to its exclusive new store right in the heart of Manchester, and it’s two floors of jewellery paradise

The company has meticulously-restored this landmark pink building on St Ann’s Square and filled it with all things heritage and sparkly, with a luxury bar and lounge downstairs.

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NEW OPENING – Primark Home

Trafford Palazzo

Seasonal items like pumpkins are rife
NEW OPENING – Primark Home / Credit: The Manc Group

Home sweet (Primark) home.

New openings don’t get much bigger than this, both metaphorically and literally, as Great Britain’s first-ever dedicated Primark Home store has now opened its doors over at Trafford Palazzo, and it’s an absolute interior-lover’s paradise in there.

The huge new store is packed full of homewares and lifestyle items at Primark’s typical affordable price point so expect bathroom bits, kitchenware, soft furnishings, bedroom decor, and right now, LOADS of pumpkins.

Read more about the exciting new store here.

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Looking for a bite to eat in Manchester this month? We’ve got a few suggestions to share…

Ooh we were eating good in August.

Even with the last of the warmer weather throughout August, that doesn’t mean we haven’t been having some right feasts – with plenty of cheese pulls, saucy drizzles, and for some reason, ANOTHER Labubu-themed dessert.

With the festive season soon approaching, we’re expecting the next month to get extra cosy and indulgent. 

If you need some inspiration for where to eat in our region this month, we rounded up some of our best suggestions for you to pick from:

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NEW OPENING – Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch

The Blues Kitchen

Everyone knows that brunch is better when the booze is bottomless, and there’s bangers blasting in the background, so if you’re on the hunt for a bottomless brunch that will truly get your night out started, Manchester’s The Blues Kitchen is the place to head to.

Endless mimosas, rum punch, and prosecco, banging brunch dishes like their legendary Buffalo wings and popcorn shrimp, and DJs spinning 90s and noughties tunes throughout.

The vibes of a Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch are truly unmatched. 

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Manchester Wing Fest 2025

Victoria Baths

Friday 19 – Sunday 21 September

Manchester Wing Fest 2025 / Credit: Supplied | The Manc Group

The ultimate chicken wing showdown is back. 

Wing Fest, the world’s largest chicken wing festival, will return to Manchester this weekend, taking over the city’s historic Victoria Baths and promising to be the ‘biggest and boldest’ event yet – with over 100,000 drums and flats served across the weekend.

As always, the festival will champion independent food traders, showcasing their skills as they compete for the coveted titles of Best Buffalo Wing, Best Wild Wing, and Best BBQ Wing.

Manchester Wing Fest will run across four sessions – Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and a Sunday afternoon finale, and tickets are now on sale here.

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SciTech Extravaganza 2025

Alderley Park

Saturday 20 September

SciTech Extravaganza 2025 / Credit: Supplied

SciTech Extravaganza is back for 2025 this weekend.

Set to descend on the grounds of Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park – a unique place where world-leading science, innovation, and stylish living all come together in the Cheshire countryside – SciTech Extravaganza will be a day filled full of fun science-themed shows, interactive activities, new skill-building opportunities, and more.

The popular family festival is designed to ‘spark curiosity’ and ‘encourage engagement’ through STEM-related learning.

Last-minute tickets are on sale now at just £8.50 each, and you can get them here.

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Featured Image – Paul Harris | The Manc Group | Science Museum Group

What's On

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse is hosting a free dance class in Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael Wharley

One of Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved professionals, Oti Mabuse, is going to be hosting a free family dance class in Printworks this month. 

The two-time Strictly champion will be getting Mancs jiving and waltzing with a fun and inclusive workshop, geared towards all ages and abilities. 

Whether you’ve got a little one desperate to boogie or have two left feet yourself but love to dance, this event is for you. 

Oti will be bringing her world-class moves and infectious energy to Printworks, dancing beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling just in time for the show’s glittering premiere, screened on the huge gaming screen. 

After your own dancing workshop you can watch Strictly Come Dancing’s first show as the new cast of celebs and professionals hit the famous dance floor. 

The evening will kick off at 6.10pm on Saturday 20 September, with a dance class led by Oti followed by the launch episode screened on the giant Printworks gaming screen. 

Oti Mabuse will lead a Strictly Come Dancing dance class at Printworks beneath the digital ceiling
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael Wharley
Oti Mabuse will lead a Strictly Come Dancing dance class at Printworks beneath the digital ceiling
Oti will lead a dance class beneath the digital ceiling at Printworks

Ahead of the event, Oti Mabuse said: “I’m so excited to be coming to Manchester’s Printworks! It’s such an iconic venue, and I can’t wait to feel everyone’s energy and see how the city comes alive here – show me what you’ve got!”

Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Printworks is the ultimate city centre destination for anyone ready to catch the Strictly fever. 

“Europe’s largest digital ceiling will feature bold, bright and energy-inducing content to compliment the unique dance class led by the dancing queen herself Oti Mabuse, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.” 

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s most celebrated (and twice-decorated with the glitterball trophy) performers – book your spot HERE.

Read more

Featured image: Supplied, Michael Wharley

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