Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths will be hosting a festival filled with live music, art exhibitions, street food, and more next month.
All set to transform the beautiful Grade II-listed building into a cultural hub for the day, and gearing up to “put a spring in the step” of the Greater Manchester public, Victoria Baths has confirmed that ‘SpringFest’ will be making an exciting return for 2024.
After last year’s event proved to be a massive success, SpringFest 2024 will be back again in just a couple of weeks time.
The festival will be celebrating music and art from across the region and beyond.
We're buzzing to announce the lineup for this year's SpringFest – join us for a day of Music, Art, Food and Fun!
Dennis Queen, Dominic G, Amatiime, and the Guacamaya Latin Band are just some of the artists forming part of the diverse lineup of musical talent on the day, while stunning and eclectic artworks from John Merril, Vanessa Scottm Pool Arts, Mavish Masood, Jessie Tam, and even more names set to be announced, will all be on display.
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Perfect for families, friends, and solo festivalgoers alike, SpringFest also provides a unique opportunity to explore the nooks and crannies of the historic building, all while supporting the venue’s charitable trust too.
The ‘Make, Do, and Bop’ kids social event will be taking over the Gala Pool for “an extra special pool party” with a silent disco scheduled on the day, and although there’s no need to bring your swimming costumes, party clothes and dancing shoes are “definitely encouraged” at the under the sea-themed fancy dress bash.
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Victoria Baths is set to host a ‘Spring Fest’ with music, art, street food, and more / Credit: Victoria Baths (via Facebook)
There’ll also be lots of lawn games, a book tent, craft activities, and a colouring station for the little ones to get stuck into too.
And, when you naturally work up an appetite and fancy taking a break from all the family-friendly fun, independent street food vendors Dim Sum Su, Wholesome Junkies, and Exclusive Scoop will be serving up the scran, while there’ll also be a selection of savoury bakes and sweet treats in the venue’s-own Tea Room too.
A licensed bar will even be there on the day too, so you can wash it all down with beers, wines, tea and coffee, and a range of other soft drinks.
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The event is taking over the iconic Manchester venue for one day only next month / Credit: Andrew Billington Photography (via Facebook)
SpringFest 2024 is taking over Victoria Baths on Saturday 20 April from 11am – 4pm, with tickets now on sale and setting you back just £8 for general admission with a voluntary donation, and £12 for general admission plus a guided tour, while under-18s go free with a paying adult ticket.
Tickets will also be available on the door, but organisers say booking in advance is “recommended” to secure your spot.
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.”
Emily Sergeant -
28th March 2024 
