The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be travelling through Greater Manchester once again next week.
February half term is right around the corner, and that means East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is back with a whole host of immersive events that give curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style steam train carriages through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaur, Peppa Pig, and seasonal themed train rides are just a few of the events that have been entertaining families in the region over the last few years.
By far one of the most popular experiences on the lineup, however, has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun.
You can ride a wizard-themed steam train through Greater Manchester next week / Credit: ELR
Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery this February half term, as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful’ whistle stop tour through the ‘Irwell Valley of wonders’.
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Little Mancs will get to learn powerful incantations and perfect their wand-waving skills, all while using their imagination and learning how to soar through the skies on a broomstick.
They’ll also get to discover the proper way to greet mystical creatures, and take care of a ‘real’ dragon egg too.
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The Wizarding Adventure is an “enchanting experience for all the family” / Credit: ELR
Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and food and drink will be available to tuck into from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and from the Rawtenstall Buffet too, making it a truly ‘enchanting’ experience for the whole family.
The Wizarding Adventure is back this half term, with several special journeys lined-up next month on Thursday 19 February, and tickets still available to get your hands on from £18 each for children and £20.50 for adults.
A huge vintage fair with retro car displays and vintage bus rides is coming to Stockport
Daisy Jackson
Retro cars, stalls packed with vintage clothes, live music, and dancing like no one’s filming you on a smart phone – that’s all coming to Stockport again this summer with the return of the Vintage Spectacular.
So Retro Events will be back in the town centre this July, drawing thousands of people for shopping, entertainment, and even vintage bus rides.
When it took place last year, The Vintage Spectacular attracted thousands of people to the marketplace for vintage treasure hunting.
And now it’s time for another go, this year popping up at Stockport Market Hall on Sunday 12 July.
There’ll be dozens of stalls selling everything from clothing, accessories and jewellery, to homeware, ceramics and artwork.
You’ll also be able to go digging for vinyl records from across the decades.
Fashion expert Sophie Yesufu will be offering free colour analysis sessions so you can rummage for your perfect new (but old) look.
And The Vintage Beauty Parlour will also be popping up to help you wrestle your hair into a classic victory roll.
So Retro Events is bringing its Vintage Spectacular to Stockport. Credit: Supplied
There’ll be free vintage bus rides around Stockport town centre, thanks to RM Coaches.
You can admire the retro cars that will park up outside the Market Hall for the occasion, along with a retro bike display of classic choppers from the Old School Cranks.
Leeds City Stompers will be performing blues, swing, ragtime and jazz, with a setlist dating back to the 1920s-1950s.
So Retro Events founder Michelle Barratt said: “We had an amazing time at the market hall last year.
“I loved seeing people from all generations enjoying all the vintage stalls and entertainment and the atmosphere was incredible!”
The Vintage Spectacular by So Retro Events will take place on Sunday 12 July from 11am until 4pm.
Tickets will be £3 in advance, or £5 on the door, and you can grab yours HERE.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 11 – 17 May 2026
Emily Sergeant
How has May been treating you all so far?
Now that this month is well underway, and summer is right around the corner, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from blossom trails, to museum exhibitions, days out, and more.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 11 – Sunday 31 May
Blossom and Bloomtown 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, 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, Bloomtown has something for everyone.
Find out more about all the events happening here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 11 May – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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NEW OPENING – Egg & Co
Deansgate
NEW OPENING – Egg & Co / Credit: The Manc Group
Manchester’s very-own Egg & Co has opened the doors to its first solo restaurant this week, promising some of the best breakfast butties in town.
Located just down the road from Eggslut, but undercutting them on price by several quid per sandwich, this is a local business that wants to start your day off the right way.
Grab an egg sandwich and a truffle hash brown, because these breakfasts are no yolk.
The Flat Baker Pistachio Festival / Credit: The Manc Group
A festival dedicated to all things pistachio is officially back in Manchester this weekend.
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Back again by popular demand, nowhere does pistachio quite like Debs and her team at The Flat Baker, who have, once again, worked up a full menu of pistachio inspired bakes – from classic filled croissants to Basque cheesecakes, savoury bakes, and even drinks.
There are vegan maritozzi, and gluten free brownies too, so no one has to miss out on the bakery event of the year👇
Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out you’ll find this spring.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
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Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know.
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Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in April, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in May, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
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It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2026 
