Manchester Museum is hoping to install a full Tenontosaurus skeleton, dating back around 110 million years.
The incredible skeleton dates back to the Cretaceous period and has affectionately been named April, after the wife of Barry James, who originally prepared the fossil for display.
April was previously displayed in the landmark museum standing upright – much like a T-Rex.
But research from Earth Sciences students at the University of Manchester has found that she would actually have walked around on all fours.
It means that a huge restoration and installation project is needed to get April the right way up, where she’ll be the focal point of a new dinosaur display at the refurbished museum when it reopens in February 2023.
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Manchester Museum is asking for public support to raise the £10,000 needed to get April installed in the Dinosaurs and Fossils gallery.
Restoring AprilThe TenontosaurusStan the T-RexWork has begun to restore April at Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
She’ll join Stan, the museum’s legendary T-Rex mascot, who towers way above the heads of visitors.
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The Tenontosaurus (pronounced Ten-ON-tuh-sore-us) would reach up to seven metres in length and was a herbivorous dinosaur.
As well as seeing April’s impressive frame, visitors will also be able to come face-to-face with prehistoric giants, get hands-on with objects, and learn more about palaeontology.
The display will also look at the history of British dinosaurs that would have once roamed our homeland, and the story of how they became extinct.
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The restoration is part of Manchester Museum’s capital development project hello future.
David Gelsthorpe, Curator of Earth Science Collections, says: “April is a Tenontosaurus purchased by Manchester Museum in 1999 and was previously displayed standing upright.
“Over the past few years, we have been working with a team of Earth Sciences students from the University of Manchester to carefully study April’s bones and find out more about her.
“Using their palaeontology skills and computer modelling, their research shows us that she would have moved on all fours.
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“As well as changing the way the skeleton stands, over 10,000 hours of careful conservation work is required to restore its bones.
“We’re asking for any donations, big or small, to support the project and help bring April back to the museum floor.”
To play your part and contribute to April’s restoration, please visit Support Manchester Museum. Every donation will go towards helping to put April back on display.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Daisy Jackson -
21st September 2022 
