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You can ride a wizard-themed steam train through Greater Manchester next week

The Wizarding Adventure is an "enchanting experience for all the family".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th February 2024

The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be travelling through Greater Manchester once again next week.

It’s no secret that East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is known and loved for its immersive events that give rail enthusiasts and curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style carriages and ride a steam train 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.

But by far one of the most popular experiences on the lineup 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” of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic during their interactive journey through the “Irwell Valley of wonders”.

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During the enchanting 90-minute return trip that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train, you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations, and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.

Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

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The Wizarding Adventure is an “enchanting experience for all the family” / Credit: ELR

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.

It truly is an “enchanting experience” for the whole family.

Read more:

The Wizarding Adventure is back this half term, with several special journeys lined-up for next week on Thursday 22 February, and tickets still available to get your hands on from £17.50 each.

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Grab tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR

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Manchester’s ‘super duper’ family festival full of FREE activities is back early next year

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Super Duper Family Festival

A popular festival full of free activities for all the family to get involved with is coming back to Manchester early next year.

Fresh off-the-back of the success of Manchester’s massively popular annual Christmas Parade – which is coming up this weekend, and is set to see tens of thousands of people flock to the city centre’s main shopping streets especially for the occasion – the return of another exciting event has been announced for February half term next year.

Get ready, as Manchester city centre will transform into a giant playground next year as The Super Duper Family Festival brings four free days of fun.

The popular event will feature a series of pop-up play zones at a variety of outdoor spaces and popular venues across the city centre, all of which will be free to use and ready to explore.

Super Duper Family Festival
Credit: Supplied
Super Duper Family Festival
Credit: Supplied

Taking place from Wednesday 18 February through to Saturday 21 February, this year there will be more immersive play areas than ever before – with nine different zones providing unique experiences for all ages.

Families can dive into high-energy challenges in The Sports Hall at Great Northern, level up in The Arcade at Printworks, whirl and twirl through The Carnival on St Ann’s Square, and get playful in The Playground with Waterloo Road on Exchange Square.

You can expect everything from gaming and crafts, to pop-up performances, hands-on workshops, fun children’s activities, and so much more.

More brand-new zones are set to be announced in the new year, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled and get ready to play.

As well as the four days of free half term fun already announced, even more Council-organised events are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Read more:

The Super Duper Family Festival is returning from 18-21 February 2026, and you can find more information about everything happening here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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Manchester Christmas Parade 2025 – all you need to know-ho-ho

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Christmas Parade guide 2025

Now we’re into December, the Manchester Christmas Markets have returned both to the city and even to Albert Square for 2025, not to mention it’s bloody COLD, we think it’s fair to say the holiday season is well and truly underway – plus, the annual parade is now just around the corner.

Time to wrap up warm, pick your perfect spot, grab a hot drink and watch as a train of coloured ribbons and giant puppets flood the streets.

Yes, that’s right: not only can Mancs enjoy the return of the festive firework display this winter, but this year’s Christmas parade is taking place this weekend, and the fun-for-all-ages event is promising to be as magical as ever.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 edition.

manchester christmas parade start point
We managed to catch it right at the start last year. (Credit: The Manc)

MCR Christmas Parade 2025 – all the important info

When is the Manchester Xmas Parade this year?

For starters, if you’re wondering what time the Manchester Christmas Parade starts this weekend, the fun will be kicking off from 1pm on Sunday, 7 December and will last around an hour from start to finish.

MCR Xmas Parade route

As for where it will be heading and when, the procession will follow a circular route that starts and ends back at Manchester Cathedral, before heading through the city centre, running along some major roads and passing notable landmarks.

It is as follows: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral.

There will be two accessible viewing areas available on a first-come basis – one on Cross St (outside Boots) and one on Deansgate (outside House of Fraser).

You can see a full map of the Manchester Christmas Parade route for 2025 down below.

MCR Xmas parade route map
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)

People coming into the city centre for the parade should note that the busiest sections of the parade route are likely to be previously mentioned Cross St and St Mary’s Gate.

Manchester city centre road closures for Sunday (7 Dec)

8am-5pm

  • Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
  • Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)

11am-3pm

  • Victoria Bridge Street (Chapel St to Deansgate)
  • Deansgate (Victoria St to John Dalton St)
  • John Dalton Street (Southgate to Clarence St)
  • Cross Street (John Dalton St to Corporation St)
  • Market Street (Cross St to Exchange St)
  • St Mary’s Gate (Exchange St to Deansgate)

11am-6pm

  • St Ann’s Street (Deansgate to Cross St)

As well as the city now having entered what is expected to be one of its busiest periods, it’s also worth reminding that the Metrolink tram service is scheduled for more strikes this weekend, so plan accordingly when heading into town.

It’s also worth noting that these closures will obviously affect parking and bus lanes, as well as some trams and taxi ranks.

Thankfully, there are special Xmas pop-up park and ride services on the Bee Network running during this period to ease congestion and help more people get around. You can read more here:

More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled

What’s new this year?

There are, of course, always new additions each year, and there’s more never-before-seen content coming for 2025, too.

With even more community groups now taking part than ever, the completely free, family-friendly parade will not only be led by the usual ‘Reindeer Ensemble’ – a talented troupe of eight synchronised dancing reindeer – but a new fantastic ‘Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle’.

Think Christmas meets Willy Wonka, meets Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph and more.

Standing more than four metres tall and surrounded by a giant cavalcade of stilt walkers and dancers, the spectacularly decorated castle slowly rotates as it glides along and is sure to be a particularly must-see moment for the youngsters this year.

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mcr xmas events
who is performing at manchester christmas parade 2025?
Credit: Supplied)

We’re not going to spoil too much else for you this year, as we always find it’s more fun to be surprised by what we see whilst stopping roadside.

Let’s just say there’ll be plenty more Christmassy characters and fantastical festivities in store.

Local councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for MCC, said of the 2025 parade: “Manchester is one hundred per cent the best city in the world when it comes to celebrating the festive season.

“There is nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do, and our iconic Christmas Parade has been a big part of our celebrations over the last three years, helping make magical memories for thousands upon thousands of Mancunians.

“It’s the heartwarming event of the season and our special Christmas gift to the city. Grab your Santa hat and some tinsel, and come down and join us. Don’t miss it!” There’s plenty more on this week, too…

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The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 1 – 7 December 2025

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Featured Images — Manchester City Council (supplied)/The Manc Group

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