Greater Manchester is being asked to ‘Step Up’ in support of a fundraising event that’s aiming to raise funds for a very important cause.
In a bid to raise money for unemployed women an all-new fundraising challenge has been announced titled ‘Step Up’ and it’s running throughout March 2025.
This challenge has been set up by Smart Works Greater Manchester, an important local organisation and necessary resource that provides interview clothing and coaching for unemployed women.
Women who use this service can receive a 60-minute dressing appointment and accompanying hour-long personalised interview preparation, completely free of charge.
In order for vital services such as these to be made readily available, companies like Smart Works Greater Manchester rely on schemes like these to raise money and for people to get involved.
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The ‘Step Up’ fundraising challenge is hoping to reach a goal of £35,000 while also covering 130 miles – the equivalent of walking the perimeter of Greater Manchester‘s ten wonderful boroughs.
In 2024, this organisation helped over 800 women and from this, two-thirds of the candidates went on to secure jobs in various work sectors.
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Anyone can join this new initiative and Smart Works are calling on local businesses, community groups and individuals to sign up, recruit and take part. Walk, run, cycle, break it up into as big a team as you like – the choice is yours.
As well as raising money for a good cause, those who can get the most donations will be rewarded with some fantastic prizes too; it’s also a brilliant and easy way to promote regular exercise, physical health and general well-being.
Smart Works put on a wonderful festive crowdfunding event this past year too:
There is no better time for this challenge to take place than now as money raised can instantly help as many people as possible during this current period of economic strain and financial instability.
Smart Works has many centres across the country including London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading and even a spot just over the hill in Leeds.
Who knows? Maybe you can rope a co-worker or two into getting involved, all we know is every little bit of effort contributes to making a big difference.
Anyone looking to take part in ‘Step Up’ for Smart Works Greater Manchester can find out more information and sign up HERE.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more
Emily Sergeant
It’s timeeeeee… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2026.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year sees an even bigger return of Albert Square, and there’s also some new locations too for 2026. Lincoln Square has joined in on the action, and there’s also some big changes to St Ann’s Square – with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’, bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There’s a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, but we know there’s one question on everyone’s lips… ‘what’s it gonna cost me?’.
We’ve been running around the markets this morning checking out all the prices on things like beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.
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Average food and drink prices at Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Mulled wine – £6.50
Beer – £7
Prosecco – £7
Hot chocolate – £5
Bratwurst – £8
Albert Square
Bratwurst King on Albert SquareThe North Pole pub at Albert Square
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Thomas Melia -
3rd February 2025 
