Manchester is hosting its very-own ‘Lass Fest’ with loads of special events to celebrate International Women’s Day next month.
International Women’s Day is coming up in a couple of weeks time on Friday 8 March, and in a bid to mark the annual occasion and properly celebrate all the brilliant women and girls from Greater Manchester and beyond, GRUB will be hosting a special ‘Lass Fest’ – with four days of special events and activities planned.
It’ll be returning for another year, and taking over three Manchester venues, Cultplex, the newly-returned Fairfield Social Club, and GRUB itself – all tucked away down in the Green Quarter part of the city centre.
And this year’s festival is gearing up to be the biggest one yet, so there’s lots to look forward to.
Festivalgoers can expect food, drinks, music, art, shopping, comedy, cabaret, games, films, and more, all to celebrate amazing women in our region.
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Themed charity quizzes and raffles, crafting and painting workshops, sip and paint classes, live music and burlesque shows, comedy nights, a music video watch party, screenings of both classics and alternative ‘girl movies’, an inclusive chance to explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons, ‘Speed Mateing’ events, and so much more is on the exciting lineup across the four days.
Not only that, but throughout the festival, you’ll also be able to grab grub from local female-owned street food businesses – including No Meat No Cry, Desert Island Dumplings, Rio Mex, Tiny Beast Bakes, and Munchie Mummy’s.
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GRUB is hosting its very-own ‘Lass Fest’ to celebrate International Women’s Day next month / Credit: GRUB
Of course, International Women’s Day on the Friday of the four-day event is a stand-out day on the lineup.
On the all-important day itself, there’s an interactive macrame workshop, guided wine and spirit tasting session, Ember Travixen’s IWD-themed female empowerment cabaret show, and a special ‘Girl Power’ edition of GRUB’s popular Disco Bingo all set to take place.
Sunday also brings more event highlights, as it also happens to be Mother’s Day as well, and there’ll be the return of the third annual ‘Feminist Market’ to celebrate.
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There’s something for everyone to get involved with over the four-day event / Credit: GRUB
Here, there’ll be the chance to shop unique creations from independent local makers and artists who’ll be showcasing handcrafted items and designs embodying empowerment and creativity, and support them as they share their one-of-a-kind pieces that each carry the spirit of feminism.
With a lineup this jam-packed, there absolutely is something for everyone of all ages, genders, sexualities, races, and backgrounds to get involved with.
Find out more and grab tickets from the GRUB website here.
Featured Image – GRUB
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Fashion brand Blake Mill to host pop-up shop in Manchester this month
Thomas Melia
Bold and stylish fashion brand Blake Mill are hosting a pop up shop later this month and it’s happening right here in Manchester.
Well renowned for their unique British designs, Blake Mill is running an exclusive event in collaboration withthe wonderful charity Mind.
Through this pop up shop, guests will be able to discover the wide range of designs and styles that are featured on their cherished shirts and polo shirts.
ThisManchester based fashion company aims to make anyone who wears their products stand out from the crowd whether that’s a plain and simple block colour or some quirky and eye-catching patterns.
Mental health charity Mind, who are also involved in the pop up shop, will be receiving 10% of the money made from each shirt, which will be used towards supporting people struggling with their mental health.
The mental health organisation have a variety of resources including their online and over the phone helpline which can be accessed from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
What better way to celebrate sprucing up your wardrobe than also knowing you’ve helped contribute to an outstanding and dependable charity too.
Alongside hosting the event, the polo shirt specialists are also running limited offers including 70% off a handful of Blake Mill collections – it would be rude not to.
There’s going to be lots of interactive fun as well with a digital ‘Wheel of Fortune’ where each contestant is guaranteed to win prizes, including Blake Mill merchandise.
Everyone who decides to pay the event a visit will bag themselves a complimentary gift in the form of a Blake Mill t-shirt.
It’s hungry work finding your latest office and party attire, that’s why there will be an upstairs room dedicated to refreshments and snacks, clothes and food.
Blake Mill’s special pop up shop with Mind is taking place on 30 January from 11am to 1pm at Fourways House, for more information about the fashion company and their chosen charity find outHERE.
Greater Manchester’s popular wizard-themed steam train rides are back next month
Emily Sergeant
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be travelling through Greater Manchester once again next month.
February half term is right around the corner, and that means East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is back with a whole host of immersive events that give curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style steam train carriages through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaur, Peppa Pig, and seasonal themed train rides are just a few of the events that have been entertaining families in the region over the last few years.
By far one of the most popular experiences on the lineup, however, has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun.
You can ride a wizard-themed steam train through Greater Manchester next month / Credit: ELR
Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery this February half term, as they take a “wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour” of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic during their interactive journey through the “Irwell Valley of wonders”.
During the enchanting 90-minute return trip that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train, you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations, and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
The Wizarding Adventure is an “enchanting experience for all the family” / Credit: ELR
Food and drink will be available to tuck into from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and from the Rawtenstall Buffet too.
It truly is an “enchanting experience” for the whole family.
The Wizarding Adventure is back this half term, with several special journeys lined-up next month on Wednesday 19 February, and tickets still available to get your hands on from £17.50 each.
Emily Sergeant -
15th February 2024 
