Looking to challenge yourself in 2022? Fancy setting some new fitness goals? Reckon you’re up for a 10K, or even a Half Marathon?
It doesn’t have to be running – perhaps you’d prefer to tackle something else entirely?
A lot of us will already have our New Year’s resolutions picked out and lined up, but if you’re really up for a test in 2022, then one of Manchester’s most iconic charities is offering an ideal incentive to get going by giving The Manc’s readers and followers an exclusive opportunity to get £25-worth of entry fees to any sponsored event refunded if they choose to commit to raising some worthy funds in its name.
If you’ve not heard of We Love MCR before, the charity works with some of the city’s most vulnerable people and ambitious communities to help them write Manchester’s next chapter.
ADVERTISEMENT
The charity says it knows too well the problems that the people within our city face, especially as one in three children live in poverty, one in 10 have no qualifications to their name, and alongside that, there are also those who seek to create division within our communities – but, the charity’s seeks to address these challenges.
It aims to do so by “spreading opportunities” and “helping communities to build themselves up” through direct financial support.
ADVERTISEMENT
And taking part in a sponsored event or challenge could not be a more ideal way to help.
We Love MCR Charity wants to help ambitious Mancunians achieve their goals in 2022 / Credit: Great Manchester Run
For whatever it is you’re keen to set your mind to, there’s plenty of challenges already lined up in the Manchester events calendar for 2022.
Need some inspiration?
ADVERTISEMENT
One of the largest events – and the highlights of the year – is the Great Manchester Run.
This year, the Great Manchester Run returns on Sunday 22 May, and with entertainment zones that celebrate local character and culture at every kilometre, some of the best – and loudest – crowd support anywhere in the world, and all the action televised live on the BBC, it’s known as an event day experience like no other.
Depending on your choice or running ability, the Great Manchester Run has both a 10K circuit and a Half Marathon that you can sign up to.
Entries are open to runners aged 15+ (10k) and 17+ (Half marathon) on the day of the event.
The WLMC Firewalk in St Peter’s Square on 13 October 2021 / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
All sponsorship money raised by those undertaking the 2022 Great Manchester Run, or indeed any sponsored event across the city-region throughout next year, will go directly to supporting We Love MCR Charity’s two current grant programmes – the ‘Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund’, and the ‘Stronger Communities Fund’ – which both support local communities and ambitious young Mancunians to overcome the barriers in their way and recover from the problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ‘Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund’ awards grants to ambitious young Mancunians to remove the first hurdle that prevents them from fulfilling their ambitions – in qualifications, work and entrepreneurship.
While the ‘Stronger Communities Fund’ aims to empower local people to improve their own communities and spaces, whenever they are ready.
The Great Manchester Run returns on Sunday 22 May 2022 / Credit: Great Manchester Run
2022 is set to be another big year for the charity.
And you can be a part of that.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can download the exclusive refund entry form on the link below, and sign up to do a sponsored event of your choice in 2022 for We Love MCR Charity.
A free wedding show is returning to the spectacular Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall
Daisy Jackson
A beautiful wedding show is returning to the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall next month, and it’s totally free to attend.
Rochdale Wedding Show (RWS) will bring together 40 different suppliers, showcasing everything from flowers and wedding cars to catering and cakes.
There’ll be food tastings, live music, and breathtaking wedding fashion to get stuck into when the event returns to Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday 17 May.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council have brought together a huge line-up of businesses to help couples get inspired and organised for their big day.
Companies will be showing off the latest trends in bridalwear, menswear, and everything in between when it comes to wedding fashion.
Then you’ll be able to meet and browse suppliers for your flowers, your wedding transport, photography, venue dressing, cake design, hair and make-up, entertainment, jewellery, music, decorations, and even lighting.
And even if you’re in the very early stages of planning, you might be able to find your perfect wedding venue at the Rochdale Wedding Show, along with masses of inspiration to get started.
Many suppliers will be offering exclusive ‘show only’ offers on the day too, so you could make some big savings.
Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, whether you’re looking for something traditional, a more contemporary theme, or a civil ceremony.
If the surroundings of RWS have caught your eye, good news – you can get married at the Rochdale Town Hall itself, and you will be able to take a look around the building on the day.
That includes the accommodation inside the nearby Rochdale Register Office, which includes a 70-seat ceremony room, the Red Rose Suite, which holds marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
Classic and contemporary wedding cars will be on display at Rochdale Wedding ShowEnjoy a taste of wedding bands and DJs at Rochdale Wedding ShowA complimentary glass of fizz and canapes will be served to guests on arrival.Hair and beauty experts will be at Rochdale Wedding ShowToastmaster Alan CalowLooking for inspiration? At the show there will be many ideas for things you may not have even considered having at your wedding, yet!Meet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersExperts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questionsThe bar on the first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktailsMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersCompanies will be exhibiting the latest collections and trends in bridal wear, formal menswear and everything in betweenVisitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurantRochdale Wedding Show will be in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, itself a popular wedding venue
Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes, and in between wedding planning, visitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurant, where there’ll be hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings on offer.
The first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktails, including a Passion Fizz, Blushed and Frisky, and Love Bite, plus other drinks and snacks.
Events manager Charlotte Preston says: “Rochdale Wedding Show is the ultimate afternoon out for anyone looking to look at their options ahead of the big day.
“Whether you are in the early stages of planning or your wedding is rapidly approaching, this is a must-attend event to get ideas and inspiration, meet the experts and relax with friends and family.”
No need to book tickets, entry is free, just turn up and browse – you can find out more HERE.
National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom trail returns with dozens of Bloomtown events this spring
Emily Sergeant
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme is back once again.
Each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, the National Trust’s interactive Bloomtown map is filled with more than 50 of the best places to see blossom – with trails that will take you on a journey through several floral hotspots.
You can follow the Bloomtown Trail everywhere from Manchester city centre, to Salford, Trafford, Rochdale, and Stockport, or get creative and use the map to explore and create your very-own route.
The National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom and Bloomtown trail has returned this spring / Credit: The Manc Group
That’s not all either, as the National Trust has also organised a whole host of themed events and activities to help you appreciate the blossoms in all their glory.
You can get involved in everything from walks and bike rides, to poetry, dance, storytelling, creative workshops, and so much more at hotspots like Castlefield Viaduct, Dunham Massey, and Lyme Park.
Bee Pedal Ready are hosting a series of Bloomtown bike rides – including one this weekend (Saturday 25 April, followed by others in May) – where you can bring your own bike or borrow one for free and explore some of Manchester’s best blossom-lined routes.
A special Blossom-themed parkrun will take place at Heaton Park next weekend (Saturday 2 May), or there’s also a hands-on ‘blossomify your kit’ workshop at the park’s Lakeside Cafe this Saturday (25 April) morning too.
One of the most creative events on the lineup has to be the poetry and writing walks through the city’s pocket parks and green spaces, where you’ll be given a related writing prompt at each blossom stop.
First timers and experienced poets alike are welcome of the event on late May bank holiday Monday (25 May).
Bloomtown then ends in a finale weekend with dance performances and music created from the electrical signals of plants on Saturday 30 May at Castlefield Viaduct (booking required), as well as a free celebration for all ages on Sunday 31 May at The Whitworth Art Gallery – featuring blossom-themed storytelling, arts and crafts, bike rides, free books, drumming, dance, and more.
The Bloomtown programme is underway until 31 May, and you can find out more about all the themed events and book your tickets on the National Trust website here.