The UK’s longest indoor ski slope has finally reopened at Manchester’s Trafford Quays Leisure Village – alongside a selection of its shops and dining experiences.
Whether you’re an avid skier or simply looking for an exciting day of adventure with the kids, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Chill Factore is back in operation.
From learning how to snowboard to playing in the snow, the ice-themed venue guarantees a fun-filled day out for almost anyone – with activities available on and off the slopes.
Now Chill Factore has reopened, here’s what you need to know about the types of experiences and events happening; and how to prepare for your visit to Trafford Park.
If you’re looking to style up your snow sport wardrobe, then this is a must-visit shop at the Chill Factore.
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Although jackets and trousers are readily available to rent, this stylish alternative will leave you gracing the slopes looking like a pro. Snow + Rock commit to stocking the latest designs from the world’s biggest brands, so you know you’re in trusted hands.
Dare 2b
If you’re not just limited to looking for ski wear, then Dare 2b is the place to be.
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They also stock cycling clothing, outdoor wear and activewear to have you prepped for any possible activity; offering some funky patterns and very on-trend styles.
Subvert Boardstore
If snowboarding is becoming more of a serious passion than just a hobby, then it might be time to invest in your own board.
Conveniently positioned in the centre of the Chill Factore, this store offers a massive selection of snowboards, binding and boots, meaning you’ll definitely find something that takes your fancy.
This adorable café is a must visit if you want to get your hands on some fresh food and coffee to keep you fuelled during your visit.
From their mouth-watering all-day breakfasts to scrumptious homemade cakes and desserts, Lift Up is definitely the vegan-friendly treat you need after a day on the slopes.
Paul’s Ice Cream
If you’re not too cold after spending time in the snow, you can grab a well-earned ice cream over at Paul’s.
With a selection of 40 flavours, as well as milkshakes, waffles and other hot desserts, there’s plenty of opportunity to reward yourself after hours on the slopes.
If you want to keep it classic, the Chill Factore also has a Costa Coffee, Nando’s and Wetherspoons for you to kick back with a hot drink or beer.
If you’re after a proper challenge, why not get involved in a race?
The Turris Alpine takes place on 20 September and the NSSA Race is on the 21 September – giving you a few weeks to train up before putting your skiing skills to the test against others.
If you’re still looking to improve your technique, then Chill Factore are hosting a Race Skills event every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. The coaches will give you guided instruction and assistance to improve your coordination, edge, pressure and rotation, making you a skilled skier in no time.
Perhaps your preparing for a ski holiday sometime in the future? Well the Chill Factore’s Terrain Challenges event helps you get a feel for the bumps and hills that you’ll experience on a real slope. They include a variety of table tops, pipes, kickers and moguls to promise a challenging yet realistic experience.
The Chill Factore is now open on weekdays from 12pm-8pm and weekends from 10am-6pm, and you can book tickets via their website.
What's On
Huge vintage home show to take over historic Manchester building next month
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most historic buildings is set to host a huge home show full of vintage finds next month.
The Vintage Home Show is taking over Victoria Baths for their second event of the year.
For anyone looking to add a retro touch to their homes, this is a chance to feast your eyes on a carefully-curated collection of furniture, homeware, ceramics, artworks, vinyl records, and more stocked by more than 60 knowledgeable sellers in a welcoming atmosphere amid the empty Grade II-listed swimming pool.
Planning to renovate in a vintage style? Or looking for one missing piece of the puzzle? This event can help you track down that something special for your home.
From one-off minimalist pieces, to mass-market retro and kitsch classics, with prices for items starting from as little as £1, you’ll have the chance to shop the collections of dozens of quality independent dealers from right around the UK, all under one historic roof.
Browse a selection of vibrant stalls featuring pieces spanning from the mid-century decades to the bold brightness of the 1990s, and everything in between.
No matter what your budget, you’ll find that gorgeous something to suit your impeccable taste.
Once you’ve finished shopping everything you need to transform your home, you can stop off at Victoria Baths’ on-site cafe to treat yourself to a selection of cakes, savouries, pastries, and soup, as well as both hot and cold drinks.
A huge vintage home show will be taking over the historic Victoria Baths in Manchester next month / Credit: Vintage Home Show
The Vintage Home Fair will take over Victoria Baths on Sunday 5 October, kicking off from 10:30am for keen shoppers after ‘Early Bird’ entry, while ‘Standard Entry’ starts at 11am and runs through the day until 3:30pm.
Due to popularity, the event will be operating a timed ticket entry process, that way organisers can manage the numbers of visitors in the building at any one time to allow everyone a chance to see everything.
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Tickets are now on sale, priced anywhere from £2 to £6 depending on the time you go, so you simply need to arrive anytime within your allocated hour and stay as long as you wish.
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later month
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Daisy Bradbury -
28th August 2020 
