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Ice skating legends Torvill & Dean to perform in Manchester on ‘Our Last Dance’ tour

They've announced their farewell tour on the 40th anniversary of their legendary Winter Olympics performance.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 14th February 2024

The legendary Torvill & Dean will be skating into Manchester on their final-ever tour next year.

The ice skating icons will be performing at the AO Arena as part of their ‘Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance’ farewell tour – a poignant moment, as the duo were the arena’s first ever show back in 1995.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are record-breaking figure skaters, perhaps best-known for their gold medal winning performance at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics 1984.

The pair have returned to Sarajevo today, 14 February, to commemorate their historic performance to Ravel’s Bolero 40 years ago to the day.

That performance had a TV audience of 24 million people in the UK alone, becoming a defining moment for figure skating and British sport.

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As well as returning to the setting of their iconic Olympics effort, Torvill & Dean have announced their retirement from skating together.

Although the pair will continue to work together off the ice – they are the head judges on ITV’s Dancing on Ice – their 2025 tour marks the end of their 50-year skating partnership.

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The Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance UK tour will kick off in London on 12 April, before heading across the UK on a 28-date tour, including a night at the AO Arena in Manchester.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean said: “Following the kind invitation from the Mayor, we are thrilled to be back in Sarajevo 40 years on from that memorable day.

Torvill & Dean have announced their farewell tour on the anniversary of their iconic Olympics victory
Torvill & Dean have announced their farewell tour on the anniversary of their iconic Olympics victory

“Returning to the city which provided such a life-changing moment for us is incredibly nostalgic and brings back so many wonderful memories.

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“We’re also feeling very emotional as we announce our 2025 farewell tour: ‘Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance’. Whilst we will continue to work together off the ice, this will be the final time we will skate together following our 50-year partnership.

“But not without celebrating one final time with all of our incredible fans across the UK, who have supported us constantly over many years.

“We promise to put on an amazing live show – and we really hope to see you there!”

Tickets will go on sale at 8am on Wednesday 14 February.

Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance 2025 tour dates in full

  • 12 – 13 April – London, OVO Arena Wembley
  • 15 – 16 April – Belfast, SSE Arena
  • 19 – 20 April – Sheffield, Utilita Arena
  • 23 – 24 April – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
  • 25 – 27 April – Birmingham, Resorts World Arena
  • 30 April – 1 May – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
  • 2 – 4 May – Manchester, AO Arena
  • 8 – 9 May – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
  • 10 – 11 May – Glasgow, OVO Hydro

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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‘Glittering winter adventure’ set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park will be transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ this festive season.

With spooky season now a thing of the past, and Christmas merely a few weeks away, families will soon be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.

Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.

A ‘glittering winter adventure’ is set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas / Credit: Supplied

All set to transport visitors right into the heart of Yuletide tales, the exciting new event – which opens next weekend, and runs through until late December – is produced by Wild Rumpus, who you may know for other magical local events such as ‘The Lanterns’ at Chester Zoo (2018-2022) and Just So Festival.

The highlight of this new event has to be The Glittering Trail, where beautifully-illuminated puppets and performers bring legendary stories of Yuletide to life as visitors wander through the park’s popular Japanese Gardens and make the most of the stunning winter landscape.

Families can gather around an open fire to toast marshmallows, all while they watch live performances that add even more magic to the evening.

Yuletide will be running at Tatton Park on selected dates from Saturday 16 November through to Monday 23 December, and tickets are on sale now – with adult tickets costing £20, children paying just £12 each, and free personal assistant passes are also available.

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Find out more and book your tickets here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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How to look after your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Tips for cats and dogs Bonfire Night 2024

Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.

When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.

Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.

72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.

How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night

Cover your windows where possible

Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.

In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.

Try to block out the noise with your own

Radio station Classic FM hosts their calming show on Bonfire Night every year and 2024 seems no different with Charlotte Hawkins and Dan Walker curating a pet-friendly playlist for all to enjoy.

I mean, come on, how lovely is this?

Keep them occupied

The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.

It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.

Stay calm yourself

It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.

As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.

There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…

how to look after cats fireworks
Joules worked with animal behaviourist Kimberly Grundy to help develop these helpful Bonfire Night tips cats and dogs.
how to keep dogs calm on guy fawkes night
They are one of many retailers that stock comforting cushions and blankets that are perfect for these occasions.

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Nine signs to be aware of:

The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.

  1. Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
  2. Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
  3. Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
  4. Hiding or trying to find a safe space
  5. Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
  6. Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
  7. Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
  8. Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
  9. Dilated pupils

Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!

You can find all the rest of the events happening for Guy Fawkes Night 2024 here:

The big Manchester guide to Bonfire Night – everything you need to know

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

Featured Images — Supplied/Sebastian Hietsch (via Pexels)/Jeremy Wheaton (via Flickr)/Raxpixel

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