Much-loved National Trust venue, Lyme Park, has welcomed some very special guests this winter time with the arrival of fascinating animal sculptures.
The ‘Animal Crackers’ exhibition is a returning favourite for the country park and sees the grand mansion filled with lots of wonderful guests.
Lyme Park has now reopened after a three week sleep and is ready to welcome guests back inside its incredible halls.
You’ll be sure to find comfort in these animals as you walk round the property as many of them are participating in some familiar Christmas activities.
There’s an appearance from a turkey at the table, who’s patiently waiting on their Christmas dinner and even a brown bear who you’ll find hibernating in one of the mansion’s many beds.
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All of these creations have been made by Stockport-based artist, Sophie Tyrell, who loves taking inspiration from the carnival and masquerade scenes to make sculptures and art that pops.
When you’re making your way around the building and its countless rooms, you’ll soon notice a lot of these animal sculptures are multi-coloured and incredibly vibrant.
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The fox who’s just one of many animals living in this carnival wonderland.The majestic deer draped in bright and colourful bunting at Lyme Park.Credit: Chris Doyle via Publicity Picture.
Although the main focus of the ‘Animal Crackers’ trail is the amazing large-scale animal figures on display in Lyme Park, a big helping hand has come in the form of nearby locals.
The National Trust staff, volunteers and community groups have been working together to deck the halls with handmade decorations made from recycled and donated materials.
It’s not just Lyme Park itself that’s undergone a makeover so has the menu, especially the much-loved afternoon teas which are receiving a ‘festive twist’.
As well as the art installation in the house itself, Crow Wood, next to the Timber yard, will have some glorious trees decorated by local primary schools and organisations from Disley and nearby areas.
‘Animal Crackers’ at Lyme Park is running until 24 December, standard admission applies while National Trust members are free.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent
Emily Sergeant
The biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent is making a much-anticipated return next summer.
Taking place every two years and now in its fourth iteration, Manchester Open exhibition sees the HOME Gallery walls filled with hundreds of artworks selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
The exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs, and even first-time artists.
Artists are invited to submit work into eight different categories, with the aim of creating an exhibition ‘rich in variety’ for visitors to explore.
Manchester Open exhibition is set to return in 2026 / Credit: Jason Lock Photography
This means you’ll get to explore works of ceramics, digital/moving images, drawings, prints, paintings, photography, sculptures/installations, and textiles.
Several awards will also be up for grabs throughout the exhibition – which is set to run from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September 2026 – including a prestigious new award in honour of philanthropist and business leader, Kate Voke.
Three artists will also be awarded with artist development packages, managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery.
“Following our 10 year anniversary in 2025, we are looking forward to 2026 and welcoming applications to HOME’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s artistic talent,” explained Karen O’Neill, who is the CEO of HOME.
“With a record number of applications to the last Manchester Open, we’re hoping for even more in 2026 and to demonstrate how the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”
Manchester Open exhibition is taking place in 2026 from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September, and the application and submission process is now live – with all submissions being reviewed by the selection panel who make the final selection of work to be included in the exhibition.
Artists will only be able to submit one artwork, and the selection panel members will be announced in spring 2026.
Featured Image – Jason Lock Photography (Supplied)
Thomas Melia -
5th December 2024 
