The ever-popular Great Manchester Run will return next month, with exciting new features added for 2022.
Runners will be treated to loads more entertainment as they make their way around either a 10km or a half-marathon course.
The event will spur participants on with everything from water pistol breaks to a live DJ, as organisers pull out all the stops to make it the best Great Manchester Run yet.
The action will begin before the race even starts, with a live DJ at the start line to get the energy levels up.
The Great Manchester Run. Credit: Supplied
This year’s timed pacers, who give runners the best chance of smashing their targets and personal bests, will add extra motivation by blasting out tunes as they run through the city.
ADVERTISEMENT
A new on-course entertainment area is being added this year too.
The Run Thru Madchester Zone spans 50 metres and features a ‘wall of sound’, power up boards and super soaker water pistols.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Great Manchester Run. Credit: Supplied
For the first time ever, there’ll be an apres-run zone at the end of the course, so runners can kick back for post-race celebrations within minutes of crossing the finish line.
There’ll be food and drink stalls and music for the apres-run after party – full details will be revealed soon.
All of this has been added to the existing Great Manchester Run format, where there are more than 20 music and entertainment zones.
There’ll still be the People’s Playlist (with tunes chosen by Mancs), the Pump It UP and Beats Boost zones with DJ trucks, the Hacienda zone with disco lights and a playlist inspired by the iconic club, and even Bands on the Run, with live music from local artists.
Several charities will pitch up on the course at various cheering points to celebrate and spur runners on – look out for cheering buses for Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Manchester Foundation Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and The Christie.
The Great Manchester Run will take place on Sunday 22 May, starting and finishing in the city centre and taking in landmarks like Old Trafford and the Imperial War Museum.
Those tackling the half marathon will also pass by the Etihad Stadium.
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 -
4th April 2022 
