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Experience Manchester like never before with music-themed cruise nights

We’re rollin’ on a river, literally!

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 20th September 2024

A cruise company in Manchester are hosting a range of musical-themed cruise trips inspired by legendary household singing greats.

Manchester River Cruises is giving guests the opportunity to sail the Salford Quays with live entertainment from professional tribute acts such as Queen of Country, Dolly Parton and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis.

The events are scheduled throughout the autumn season, take you through various parts of the city and can hopefully help carry you through the summer slump.

Adele is the first musical icon embarking on the gorgeous Salford Quays with her impressive vocals and sombre ballads. Guests can sing along to tracks from the powerhouse artist followed by a megamix of soul, Motown, disco and many more.

A hunk, a hunk of burning love is hitting the waters next is Elvis Live, continuing the music-themed season. Fans of the rubber-leg dancing performer are in for a wonderful night of entertainment as well as a scenic tour of Manchester by cruise.

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The cruise may depart at 7:30pm but Ms. Parton will still serenade you with her smash hit ‘9 to 5’. The Tennessee musical great will take guests on a journey down memory lane singing songs spanning her 49 album discography.

There are also a handful of events which span musical decades including ‘Club Tropicana’ for the 80’s lovers and ‘Back to the 90’s’ for your dancefloor fillers.

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‘Soul River’ is another music event which spans everything from Marvin Gaye to Barry White. Your host for the night Babalola Jnr. spoils guests with not one but three magnificent sets spanning decades of classic soulful tunes.

All excursions include a phenomenal performance, attendees are treated to a sparkling glass of prosecco on arrival and table service throughout the journey.

If music isn’t really your thing, this nautical company offers standard services which allow you to fully enjoy the surroundings of Manchester by water with no musical backdrop, plus plenty of other special cruise nights and seasonal events. For instance…

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Throughout half-term, there are a handful of ‘Wizards and Fairies Cruises’ that can keep your little ones occupied over the school break. Adults can refresh themselves with mulled wine and a mince pie, while kids have juice and a cookie on hand to calm their excitement.

From 23 November, Santa Claus is comin’ to town and ticket holders can enjoy a full-on Father Christmas-style grotto experience on the water. 

They truly do have an impressive assortment of events to choose from.

For a full rundown of events and musical-themed cruise nights, you can find more information on the Manchester River Cruises website HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — pxhere/Manchester River Cruises (via Instagram)

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The Book of Mormon at Palace Theatre – the outrageous musical that will make your jaw drop

Abbie Bartlett Abbie Bartlett The Book of Mormon Manchester. Credit: Paul Coltas

After three years of waiting, The Book of Mormon is back in Manchester at the Palace Theatre and it’s just as outrageously funny as before.

All I had ever heard about this musical going into it is how absolutely hilarious it is – I had little knowledge of the story line and from what I did know I was still unsure I would like it. But I didn’t just like it, I loved it and I can’t remember the last time I laughed that much in one evening.

Written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, the masterminds being South Park, The Book of Mormon returned to the Palace Theatre on Wednesday 11 September and will run up until Saturday 5 October with lots of tickets still on sale.

The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to a remote village in Uganda to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Upon arrival, they are faced with harsh realities which starkly contrast with their own naïve expectations.

The full cast of the Book of Mormon on stage at Palace Theatre in Manchester
The full cast of The Book of Mormon. Credit: Paul Coltas.

Also sounds quite serious doesn’t it? Well despite the plot line this is a show that had every member of the audience rolling around laughing from start to finish.

I must warn if you are not of fan of dark comedy, you’ll be better off catching Mamma Mia, but if you can lean into the humour you’ll be walking away with sore ribs and teary eyes.

As the story pans out the pair struggle to connect with the locals and each other while their religious mission takes unexpected and often absolutely absurd turns.

This is a musical that certainly doesn’t shy away from poking fun at religion, especially Mormonism, and has a knack for finding the funny side of culture clashes and colonialism.

The ensemble of The Book of Mormon performing a dance number.
The ensemble of The book of Mormon. Credit: Paul Coltas.
Credit: Paul Coltas.

While the show is famous for its comedy, something has to be said for the choreography, when you can take a moment from gasping at the contents of the lyrics you can appreciate that this cast can really dance.

Absolutely turning the musical genre on its head, it carries all the same profanity and shock-factor as South Park in the best way possible.

The two leads played by Adam Bailey and Sam Glen are phenomenal all the way through, how they don’t burst out laughing sentence is a skill itself, and had the audience clinging onto every punch line.

But for me the ensemble really make a musical and this cast is nothing short of spectacular, I would go and watch it again tomorrow.

The Book of Mormon Manchester. Credit: Paul Coltas
The Book of Mormon Manchester. Credit: Paul Coltas

The show is in Manchester at the Palace Theatre until October 5 and if you want an evening of non-stop laughing I could not recommend it more.

If you needed any more persuading, it’s been announced today that 15 tickets for each performance will be made available at £15 each, from 12pm the day of the performance so get your alarm set quick.

Grab your tickets here.

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Featured image: Paul Coltas

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A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre. Credit: Supplied

A brand-new Halloween trail will be leading people through an enchanted and haunted woodland this autumn – and it’s all taking place at Trafford Centre’s little-known Wilderspool Woods. 

The 4.5 acre hidden woodland in the grounds of the iconic shopping centre will be taken over by skeletons, bats, and all sorts of other spooky creatures.

But as the event comes from acclaimed The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park, you’ll be sure to be more mesmerised than terrified. No blood-thirsty zombies here. 

There’ll be more than 100,000 lights illuminating a Skeleton Village, laser-filled gardens of mist, and a spooky soundtrack of otherworldly tunes curated by DJ Rasp.

Visitors will find supernatural surprises around every corner, whether it’s colourful bats soaring overhead or glowing LED eyes watching down from the treetops. 

The Halloween Trail will be suitable for all ages and will captivate audiences with the glittering light trail, interactive events, and a massive food and drink programme curated by Freight Island.

A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre. Credit: Supplied
A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre. Credit: Supplied
Decadent hot chocolates will be part of The Halloween Trail's Freight Island-curated food line-up. Credit: Supplied
Decadent hot chocolates will be part of The Halloween Trail’s Freight Island-curated food line-up. Credit: Supplied

As you creep and weave your way through the eerie Wilderspool Woods you’ll be able to pick and carve your own pumpkins, toast marshmallows, and throw some shapes at the skeleton disco. 

There’ll even be a skeleton petting zoo, a mysterious Haunted Hotel, and a creepy old-fashioned pub, Ye Olde Skeleton Arms, tucked away in the woods. 

The light installations brought to The Halloween Trail will include Helix, a floating ribbon of sparkling light that weaves through the forest, and The Twist, a psychedelic, corkscrew pathway of mesmerising lights. 

After making it through the mystical woodlands, visitors can feast on food from top traders including Voodoo Rays (22” New York-style pizzas), and Soft Boi (soft-serve ice cream). 

Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s will be warming up guests with loaded roasties, rich poutine, deep-fried mozzarella and Italian-American toasties, and there’s Cabin Chocolat for decadent hot chocolates topped with fluffy marshmallows, caramel, and sweets (plus a drop of booze for the grown-ups).

Heard, a new burger venture from two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey of Ireland’s Aimsir, will also feature on the trail, whipping up a selection of smash burgers made with eco-friendly ingredients. 

Voodoo Rays will be one of the traders serving food at The Halloween Trail. Credit: The Manc Group
Voodoo Rays will be one of the traders serving food at The Halloween Trail. Credit: The Manc Group
Formaggio by Lazy Tony's will have loaded roasties and loads more. Credit: Supplied
Formaggio by Lazy Tony’s will have loaded roasties and loads more. Credit: Supplied

Free parking is available for all ticket holders, or there are easy public transport links via tram or bus along The Bee Network.

Dan Morris, co-founder of Trafford Trails, said: “We’re excited to reveal Wilderspool Wood as the location for this year’s Halloween Trail. 

“This hidden space offers the perfect setting for an immersive and exciting Halloween experience. With DJ Rasp’s soundtrack, stunning light displays, and some of the best food traders around, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages for a great night out.”

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “We’re delighted to bring something new to Trafford this Halloween. Collaborating with Freight Island and other great partners, we’ve created an experience that promises to be a real treat for our visitors. We can’t wait to see Wilderspool Wood lit up at night.”

The Halloween Trail will run from Thursday 17 October to Sunday 3 November. 

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £8 for children, £10 for adults, and family tickets from £32 – you can grab yours here. 

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Featured image: Supplied

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