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.
National Trust and Pokémon team up for exclusive trading card game and trail this half term
Emily Sergeant
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail this half term.
Families are invited to National Trust sites across the UK, including here in the North West, this upcoming May half term, as a brand-new partnership has been launched with Pokémon, and it’s bringing the widely loved brand to the great outdoors through a series of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Mega Evolution Trails.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout May half term at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and trail this half term / Credit: James Dobson & Annapurna Mellor (Supplied)
Each trail point features a simple physical or creative challenge inspired by different Mega Evolution Pokémon.
From showing courage and curiosity with Darkness-type Mega Gengar ex, to unleashing energy and imagination inspired by the powerful Fire‑type Mega Charizard Y ex, the trails blend imaginative play with gentle activity.
A trail sheet will help young trainers keep track of their discoveries, and at the end of the trail, explorers can celebrate their achievement together with a photo opportunity at a Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail backdrop.
It’s hoped that it’ll help more families feel ‘welcome, confident, and curious’ about exploring the outdoors together.
Quarry Bank in Cheshire, Sizergh in Cumbria, and Speke Hall in Merseyside are the three National Trust sites in the North West where the new experience will be talking place.
The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are exclusive to the National Trust and are included with standard National Trust admission (free for NT members).
Beyond May half term, the Mega Evolution Trails form part of a wider National Trust partnership with Pokémon, marking the first of several playful experiences for families throughout the summer holidays, kicking off in July.
Featured Image – James Dobson / National Trust (Supplied)
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Manchester City turn down Old Trafford offer for FA Youth Cup final in favour of Joie Stadium
Danny Jones
Manchester City have turned down an offer from rivals Man United to hold the FA Youth Cup final at Old Trafford.
The Cityzens have instead chosen to host it themselves, only not at the Etihad Campus’ main ground, but rather the Joie Stadium.
Primarily used for City Women and the club’s EDS (elite development squad) and academy teams, the arena was formerly and simply known as The Academy Stadium, was renamed for sponsorship reasons back in 2023, and has seen several updates over the years.
Seating just a fraction of the amount possible across the city at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, the decision has disappointed many, but has been seen as a shrewd bit of gamesmanship by some, as it could effectively see any home advantage handed over to their opponents.
With this set to be the first Manchester derby FA Youth Cup in four whole decades, many supporters were hoping to go along and back their young teams in big numbers.
Proving somewhat divisive among both fan bases, with each of their under-18s squads having enjoyed promising seasons, to say the least, literally tens of thousands look set to miss out on potential tickets as a result of the announcement.
For context, the last time Man United won the coveted academy tournament – which has often served as a key first piece of silverware won by entire generations of young talent – they welcomed a record youth crowd of 67,492 in May of 2022.
In comparison, even with a sold-out stadium, the Joie would only be able to match around 10% of that figure at most.
That being said, it goes without saying that United fans have been some of the most vocal on social media following the controversial confirmation.
best two youth teams in England meeting in the FA Youth Cup final and playing them in small stadium at MCFC is such a shame. 60,000 would watch this game if it was done right.
On the day, the winning team featured the likes of now fully graduated senior stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joe Hugill, along with several still-rising prospects.
Some of the starlets that lots of fans would have been looking forward to seeing live in a large and historic sporting arena include Jim Thwaites, Noah Ajayi, Kai Rooney, JJ Gabriel on the red half, and the likes of Kylan Midwood, Divine Mukasa, Stephen Mfuni, Reigan Heskey and more in the blue.
Head coach Oliver Reiss (who took over in July 2024) led his City side to the U18 Premier League North title at the start of this month; meanwhile, Darren Fletcher has returned to oversee his young Red Devils after a spell as caretaker manager of the men’s first team.
While tickets were expected to be snapped up rather quickly already for the all-Manc FA Youth Cup final, it’s now set to be a race for followers of both teams to get their hands on their respective allocations.
Emily Sergeant -
28th March 2024 
