Loads of fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages to get stuck into are happening across Manchester tomorrow.
Now that schools across Greater Manchester are out for summer, there’s likely to be lots of parents, carers, and guardians who are struggling to come up with different ways to keep the kids educated and educated at the same time, all while not breaking the bank too much – but luckily, there’s plenty happening in our region tomorrow to have you covered.
And it’s all to celebrate ‘National Play Day’.
One of the most wholesome annual events, ‘National Play Day’ was established back in 1987, and is a day dedicated to recognising and highlighting the importance of play in children’s lives.
National Play Day on 7 August is a chance for your child to enjoy the benefits of play. 🪁
Expect activities across the city – including crafts, free play, den building, sports, and more.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) July 29, 2024
A particular issue is focussed on each year, and 2024’s theme is ‘The Culture of Childhood’, which will celebrate the rich and lively culture of children’s play, and how playfulness is a distinct feature of behaviour across generations and cultures.
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Manchester will be looking at the “vital benefits” of play for children’s health, happiness, and creativity as it celebrates ‘National Play Day’ on Wednesday 7 August.
This means children of all ages can get involved with a wide range of fun activities at countless community venues across the borough – including arts and crafts, free play, den building, team sports, cycling, drumming, a book club, and more.
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Manchester is hosting loads of FREE kids activities for National Play Day tomorrow / Credit: Stephen Andrews | Kenny Eliason | Yan Krukau (via Pexels & Unsplash)
Many of the events happening tomorrow are organised and run by Manchester City Council – with the local authority saying “children from all backgrounds and abilities” are “welcome” at the activities and events near them.
Manchester Central Library, Manchester Art Gallery, Z-Arts, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Aquatics Centre, and Heaton Park are just some of the places where play sessions are happening at throughout the day, and many of them are free to turn up to without needing to book places in advance.
Countless other libraries, leisure centres, galleries, and cultural hubs across the city are also hosting free events too.
You can get FREE tickets to watch The Voice UK in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Fans of The Voice UK can apply to get free tickets to watch the filming of the upcoming series taking place right here in Manchester.
Anyone looking to get their late-night fix more up close and personal than just sitting on the sofa will be delighted to know that The Voice UK is returning, and you could see this show in the flesh.
The music competition show is returning to its usual filming spot right here in MediaCity UK in Salford and offers members of the public the chance to showcase their vocals in front of music icons.
The Voice is known for attracting some of the biggest musical stars, with judges of past seasons including Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Hudson, Meghan Trainor, Ricky Wilson and more.
Last year’s judges included American country-pop superstar LeAnn Rimes and the first-ever double-chair, which seated McFly members Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.
Fortunately, these tickets aren’t to take part in the show, instead they’re to appear in the studio audience, although we all know Mancs love a good sing-along.
There are three various filming dates all taking place at MediaCity UK in Salford, meaning Mancs have a few opportunities to see the judges discover the next best thing in music.
Although the judging lineup for The Voice 2025 hasn’t been officially announced yet, there are two music mentors who have been on the show since it very first launched here in Britain.
Anyone considering attending is almost guaranteed to see the legendary Sir Tom Jones, as well as notable producer and recording artist Will.I.Am, as both music legends have been on the judges panel since it first aired back in 2012.
It is just us, or does it seem hard to believe it was that long ago?
The Voice UK starts filming at MediaCity UK in Manchester from Thursday, 5 June until the following Saturday (7 Jun), with tickets to all three dates still available HERE.
Featured Image — Okras (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Voice UK (screenshot via YouTube)
What's On
A brand-new dessert, ice-cream and doughnut shop in a former Manc food spot
Thomas Melia
Sweet lovers and dessert connoisseurs alike, a brand-new dessert, ice-cream and doughnut shop is opening in Manchester city centre this month.
Titled ‘Baby Mayhem’, this sweet-filled shop has been teasing its arrival for the past month with videos showcasing everything from new instalments to their graffiti-style logo.
This brand-new opening will be located on Radium Street, not too far away from Chinese superstar Wing Yip and fellow sweet treat specialists, Flat Baker, right in the heart of Ancoats.
The interior has been given a very nice and bright facelift too, going from an all white four-walled site to a bold and distinctive baby pink-covered site.
Manchester seems to have quite the sweet tooth at the moment, as it was only last month that our Northern Quarter was christened by cake gods, Get Baked.
As for this new dessert shop, they’re starting from scratch, with a temporary wooden window frame with their branding spray-painted onto it fitted ahead of their soft launch later this week.
Baby Mayhem is taking up residence in the much-loved Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria shop, and it really is out with the old, in with the new, as the familiar neon ‘No Lasagne’ sign has been traded for a sweeter read of ‘Fresh Donuts’.
It may be Yank spelling, but this still feels Manc through and through.
Case and point: all their signage, stamps and stencils have been done by local laser cutting service and neighbours, Drawn By The Light – also on Radium Street.
Enough salt, let’s have a serious amount of sugar. (Credit: Baby Mayhem via Instagram)
Baby Mayhem are taking sweet treats to the complete extreme, serving up everyone’s beloved combo of coffees and cakes, while also creating our soon-to-be-favourite indulgence: doughnut sandwiches. 10/10, no notes – genius.
There really are no complaints here; what’s not to love?
Baby Mayhem is taking up residence in the former Lazy Tony’s site, 23 Radium Street in Ancoats, and will be serving up their sweet treats for all to try from this Saturday, 26 April.
Emily Sergeant -
6th August 2024 
