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New festival of music, food, and wellness coming to Lancashire this summer – and tickets are now on sale

The inaugural Gatherings Festival is happening on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 August in the mythical Ribble Valley.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 26th May 2022

A new two-day festival filled with music, multi-arts, food, and wellness is coming to the Lancashire countryside this summer.

And tickets are now on sale.

After the success of a number of 2021 summer pop-up events, the inaugural Gatherings Festival will take over the Gisburne Park Estate in Clitheroe on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August 2022 – with event organisers promising a weekend of cultural indulgence, music and arts, fabulous feasts, and a sanctuary for wellbeing.

The festival will take place across the 1000-acre historic private estate, and will have an eclectic lineup across two days.

With the River Valley Main stage nestled in the woodlands, some of the live acts and DJs on the lineup include sets from Ibibio Sound Machine, Roger Sanchez, Crazy P, Craig Charles, Children Of Zeus Live, House Gospel Choir, Horse Meat Disco, Greg Wilson, PBR Streetgang, Homoelectric DJs, Hot Gorilla Records DJs, Moodymanc and more.

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The weekend will also be packed full of chances to tuck into exceptional dinners and feasts prepared by award-winning local chef Steven Smith.

The inaugural Gatherings Festival is happening on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 August / Credit: Gatherings Festival

There’ll also be a VIP pool party, a Village Green with immersive theatre games, The Peacock Tales lounge with poets Chris Jam and Griot City, the chance to listen to some Ribble Valley folklore tales, a Mad Hatters Tea Party, and Hindelinis Jazz Café.

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When it comes to wellness, those looking for a rejuvenation experience like no other will get the opportunity to try out the popular ice bathing phenomenon, as well as IV drips, goat yoga, and so much more, all alongside wellness expert and influencer Davina Taylor.

And as Gatherings Festival is set in the ancient and mythical landscape of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, and is said to take inspiration from the Sika deer that are synonymous with the wildlife sanctuary Gisburne Park Estate, festival-goers will also be able to experience the charm of their surroundings through performances of dance, theatre, art, poets, and storytellers, who will all play their part.

There’s a number of accommodation options to choose from too, including luxurious lodges, historic houses, and cosy cottages all with hot tubs, or a fully-kitted-out glamping village and the option to bring your own tent to camp in.

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It will take over the Gisburne Park Estate in Clitheroe and take inspiration from Lancashire’s mythical Ribble Valley / Credit: Gatherings Festival

“We are excited to bring Gatherings to all,” said Guy Hindley – co-founder of Gatherings Festival.

“On the success of our pop-ups last year, we wanted to create an annual music and cultural led boutique festival in the North, on this historic estate that I grew up on [and] Gatherings is just that – it’s the coming together of various tribes, creating a cultural melting pot.

“Music, multi arts, immersive theatre, wellness experiences, pop up restaurants, glamping, and much more will all happening throughout the weekend.

“And we have more plans to develop this beautiful estate’s Grade I-listed mansion and to create a series of smaller events throughout the seasons.”

The two-day festival will be filled with music, multi-arts, food, and wellness / Credit: Gatherings Festival

Tickets for Gatherings Festival are now on sale.

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There’s daily admission tickets available, adult weekend tickets – including general camping – priced at £166.95, Gatherlings (6-15 years) tickets setting you back £90.95, all under 6s going free, and Golden Gatherers packages available from £240.95.

You can find more information and grab tickets here.

Featured Image – Gatherings Festival

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Vanilli’s – the Manchester bakery and dessert spot that has carried on the tradition of an old Italian favourite

Danny Jones Danny Jones Vanilli's dessert shop Manchester

Vanilli’s Cake Company is one of those names whose reach extends far and wide, with a history that goes way back into the past, and a deeper Greater Manchester heritage than you can imagine.

It’s one almost as rich as the desserts they’ve been making across the city centre and beyond for decades, but it also begins back in Italy.

Formerly San Marco Products, a fellow cult-favourite bakery, suppliers and catering company from way back, owner Sapna Kumar took over their old premises on Crown Industrial Estate over in Ancoats more than six years ago, and has been carrying on their sweet treat traditions ever since.

The difference these days is that it’s gone from more of an Italian ‘pasticceria’ to a Mancunian bakery with both local and Indian roots.

Credit: The Manc Eats

Born out of pregnancy cravings ahead of her third child, ironically, Vanilli’s Cake Co. went from an unfortunately timed passion project conceived on the cusp of the pandemic to a mainstay of Greater Manchester and North West markets and now part of a mini Manc empire in the making.

After taking control of the old commercial premises back in 2020, their understated but impressively high-output unit still has lots of regulars in the know coming in for the good stuff, but still operates somewhat under the radar.

Maybe that’s part of the reason their quality control has remained at such a high level: although they provide to plenty of vendors all across the city and wider region, they’ve never overextended themselves to the point that even the slightest of standards slips.

If you’ve met Sapna before – the charismatic matriarch behind this brand and others like spin-off Cake Bar Co. and most recently, Punjabee – you’ll know that she doesn’t do anything by half measures.

‘Rooted in India, made in Manchester’ – Punjabee Deli has big designs on the local food scene
And yes, there are Vanilli’s desserts on sale here, too.

A familiar face at the likes of Foodie Friday and various other street food stalls across the 10 boroughs and even further afield, she’s been doing some of these events since the very outset.

Sadly, without going into too much detail, she admits that there have been instances where her generosity has been “taken advantage of on more than one occasion”, but they will never stop her continuing to offer a helping hand.

The difference this time, however, is that she’s not simply putting others before herself all the time anymore; the Manc mum who’s played mother to many through her work over the years is finally shouting about herself and her unsung but nevertheless dedicated and talented team more.

And not just a little bit, either (no half measures, remember?) – she proudly proclaims that not only does Vanilli’s serve up some of the most authentic traditional recipes, but she happily lays claim to whipping up “the best Manchester tart” you’ll find anywhere.

You might have even seen lots of them pop up at Morning Glory in the Northern Quarter.

Be it amongst the smaller artisan traders or the big heavyweights, she’s gearing up to take them all on and let her food do the talking.

As for this location, specifically, she simply wants to give people like you a reminder that it’s been there for more than 30 years at this point

She’s also looking to rebuild support throughout the community by teaming up with local brands and creators moving forward. Again, it’s about time she finally got on the receiving end of ‘You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’, which sounds like it’s long overdue.

Having recently put on a speciality spread for us, showcasing not only the classic but some fresh new ideas and creative takes on familiar, we can assure you some very delicious things are coming from Vanilli’s throughout the rest of 2026.

So, if like Sapna, you love “indulging in the sweeter side of life”, give a Vanilli’s cake, pastry or one of their other tasty desserts soon.

Find all of these and more at Unit 8, Crown Industrial, Poland Street, M4 6BN. (Credit: The Manc)

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

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10 things to do this summer across Greater Manchester, all accessible by Bee Network buses and trams

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The UK's largest tubing slide has opened at Heaton Park

We’re right in the heart of the summer holidays now, and there’s loads going on all over Greater Manchester to keep families occupied. 

There are wholesome activities for little Mancs, like fruit-picking on a local farm, and a gigantic pop-up summer fair at the Trafford Centre complete with beach, splash pool, and fairground rides. 

You’ll also find loads of free cultural events for all ages, including a huge installation of inflatable famous faces all across Manchester Arndale, and a real rocket that’s currently in situ at the Science and Industry Museum. 

Not got kids to entertain but looking for fun things to do with your mates? We’ve got you covered there too, whether it’s kayaking down the Bridgewater Canal or taking on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide at Heaton Park. 

And no matter what you’re doing, you’ll be able to get there on the Bee Network’s trams, buses, and Starling Bikes – visit the Bee Network app or website to plan your journey. 

Trafford Centre Summer Fair

Trafford Centre Summer Fair
Trafford Centre Summer Fair
Trafford Centre Summer Fair. Credit: The Manc Group

A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre this summer.

The event has attracted thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond in recent years, ready to build sandcastles on the massive manmade beach, or splash around in the splash park with lots of water jets perfect for cooling you off.

Adrenaline junkies both young and old will also get to enjoy retro fairground rides, including ‘Star Flyer’, ‘Sea Storm’, while the event’s in town, as well as a giant inflatable area, and loads more.

Tickets from £3

Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum

Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum. Credit: The Manc Group

You can spend the summer in space at the Science and Industry Museum, which has loads of space-themed free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.

From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities, Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.

By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.

Book your tickets here.

Whizz down the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide at Zip World 

Thrill seekers, this one’s for you. Zip World up at Heaton Park has launched a brand new attraction this summer that’ll have you whizzing through the woodland on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide. 

There are two slides side-by-side, with one measuring a whopping 262ft, which you zoom down in huge inflatable rings. 

It’s suitable for ages four and up (and trust us adults, you’ll love it too).

Book your visit here.

Pick your own berries at Kenyon Hall Farm

Strawberry picking at Kenyon Hall Farm
Strawberry picking at Kenyon Hall Farm / Credit: The Manc Group

We might be creeping towards the end of strawberry season, but Kenyon Hall Farm has absolutely loads of different pick-your-own activities. 

The family-run farm has been growing strawberries and other fruit for almost 50 years, and it’s one of our top recommendations for where to spend some time this summer. 

You can frolic around the fields, then enjoy loads of seasonal summer treats in its cafe and farm shop too. 

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See what’s available to pick here.

Visit the Stanley Chow inflatables in Manchester Arndale 

Stanley Chow inflatable portraits in Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group
Stanley Chow inflatable portraits in Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group
Stanley Chow inflatable portraits in Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group

13 portraits of Manchester icons are on display in Manchester Arndale, but this is not your normal art exhibition. 

Local trailblazers including Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing, and even Aitch have been turned into enormous inflatables, measuring up to a whopping six metres in length. 

The impressive installation comes from celebrated local illustrator Stanley Chow. 

Open all summer, free to visit. 

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Check out the Manchester Open exhibition at HOME

Manchester Open exhibition at HOME
Manchester Open exhibition at HOME
Manchester Open exhibition at HOME. Credit: The Manc Group

The Manchester Open is back for 2026 – more than 1,500 applicants entered, of which 420 have been selected to showcase their works inside the gallery space at HOME.

With mediums ranging from ceramics, digital, painting, photography, sculpture and more, there’s art made for everyone to enjoy.

The exhibition is completely FREE and you’ve got plenty of time to visit before its final date on Sunday 6 September. 

Walk along to Riverbank Coffee 

The view from Riverbank Coffee
The view from Riverbank Coffee
Riverbank Coffee's famous sausage rolls
Riverbank Coffee’s famous sausage rolls

The only way to find this charming outdoor cafe on the River Mersey is on food – but that makes for a perfect summer activity. 

Whether it’s a pitstop on a dog walk, a break on a family stroll, or a dedicated trip for one of their legendary sausage rolls, Riverbank Coffee is a gem. 

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You’ll also find breakfast barms, pasties, cakes, cookies, coffees, milkshakes, and loads more.

Get lost at The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill

The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in Stockport
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in Stockport
A corner of vintage fashion
A corner of vintage fashion

Who knew the North West’s largest vintage lifestyle centre was hiding inside an old cotton mill in Stockport?

Set within the historic Pear Mill, The Vintage Emporium is home to more than 65 independent traders, selling everything from vintage fashion and furniture to retro vinyl, jewellery and one-of-a-kind antiques – plus finds like giant Flake statues, Japanese parasols, and taxidermy.

After browsing, stop by the charming on-site tea room for a toastie, homemade cake and a brew, all served on vintage crockery.

You never know what treasure you’ll discover.

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Have a pint or a play at The Airport Pub 

Flights taking off outside the Airport Pub
Flights taking off outside the Airport Pub
You can sit inside a booth built from an old engine
You can sit inside a booth built from an old engine

Have you ever been to a beer garden where jets land just 50ft away from you? No? Get a visit to The Airport Pub on your list. 

This has got to be one of the most unique pub gardens in the UK, perched right beside the runway at Manchester Airport. 

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or you just like a side of very noisy adrenaline with your pub lunch, it’s a Manc icon for a reason.

And there’s a huge play area in the garden to make it a truly family-friendly day out. 

Kayak down the Bridgewater Canal

Paddling along the Bridgewater Canal
Paddling along the Bridgewater Canal
Paddling down the Bridgewater Canal in Greater Manchester
Paddling down the Bridgewater Canal in Greater Manchester

You really don’t have to travel far to spend an idyllic day on the water. 

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In fact, you could be paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddle board in just a short tram journey. 

This is Grip Adventures, and you’ll find it in Sale right on the beautiful Bridgewater Canal. 

The team here will send you on your way along the water, and if you paddle far enough, you could even visit Walton Perk for a coffee or a takeaway Aperol spritz, without even leaving your boat.

If you’re planning a trip around Greater Manchester this summer, visit the Bee Network to plan your journey.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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