This camp will give young people the opportunity to work alongside professional artists, musicians and youth workers to create an original live performance for family and friends.

Activities will include:

• Music and Songwriting 
• Drama and Acting 
• Filmmaking and Scriptwriting 
• Animation and Art 
• Rehearsal and Performance Skills

Summer Creative Camp Key Dates

Week 1: Monday 27th July, Tuesday 28th July 

Week 2: Monday 3rd August, Tuesday 4th August, Thursday 6th August 

Week 3: Monday 10th August, Tuesday 11th August, Thursday 13th August

Final performance Day: Friday 14th August.

Sessions will run from 10am to 3pm, with the final day beginning at 1pm, followed by a performance for families and invited guests later in the day.

The Summer Creative Camp is suitable for young people aged 10 to 16 years with different levels of confidence and experience. No previous creative experience is required, this is designed to help young people make friends, build confidence, develop new skills and contribute to a shared creative production.

Free transport is available for young people travelling from Hattersley. The daily pick up point will be Hattersley Hub Car Park at 10am, returning at approximately 3:30pm. Separate arrangements will apply on the final performance day.

Places are limited, so booking is recommended. You can book by contacting:

Prime Active Communities CIC

Email: info@pac-cic.co.uk

Telephone: 07519 987667 

Website: www.pac-cic.co.uk

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Summer holidays are almost here, and at Ladysmith Shopping Centre, we are turning up the magic! If you’re looking for a spectacular, budget-friendly way to keep the kids entertained, look no further. We are bringing the thrill of the carnival, the joy of the funfair, and a touch of pure mystery right to the heart of Ashton.

Become A Real Magician And Impress Your Friends And Family!

But before we tell you about our incredible event, we’ve got something super mysterious to share with you! To celebrate, we’re giving you a free mind-boggling trick that your children can perform for friends and family.

Click here to download the instructions. You can take a photo with your phone or print it out. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Fancy taking a photo or video of them performing the trick? Send it to us and we’ll share on our socials!

DOWNLOAD THIS MAGIC TRICK HERE and be the star of the show at home!

Want to know more?

3 Things You Might Not Know About Magic!

1. What was the first trick ever performed?

The oldest magic trick we know about is called ‘Cups and Balls.’ A painting of this exact trick was found inside an ancient Egyptian tomb from nearly 5,000 years ago! The magician hides tiny balls or stones under upside-down cups, making them vanish, reappear, or jump from cup to cup right before your eyes.

2. Who is the most famous magician?

The most famous magician in history is Harry Houdini. He lived about 100 years ago and became incredibly well known for his astonishing escape acts. He could break out of  police handcuffs, untie himself from ropes while hanging upside down, and escape from locked boxes filled with water!

3. How can  you or your children start to learn magic?

• Start with everyday objects, you don’t need expensive tools. You can do amazing tricks using a regular pack of playing cards, coins and elastic bands.
• Practice the ‘secret move’! Film yourself on a phone doing the trick. Watch it back to make sure your hands look completely natural and aren’t accidentally showing the secret!
• Tell a story. A great magician doesn’t just do a trick in silence, they tell a funny or mysterious story to distract the audience.
• The Magician’s Code! Never tell anyone how a trick is done, and never do the exact same trick twice in a row for the same person (otherwise, they will figure out your secret)!

One More Fun Fact!

How Was Candy Floss Invented?

Surprisingly, candy floss (or cotton candy) was invented by a dentist!

In 1897, a dentist named William Morrison teamed up with a confectioner named John C. Wharton in Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they designed and patented an electric candy machine that used centrifugal force to spin liquid sugar through tiny holes. As the melted sugar flew through the air, it cooled instantly into the fluffy, thread-like strands we know today.

They originally called it ‘Fairy Floss’ and introduced it to the world at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. It was a massive success, they sold over 68,000 boxes even though it cost 25 cents a box, which was a lot of money back then!

In the 1920s, another dentist named Josef Lascaux tried to improve the machine and rebranded the treat as ‘cotton candy,’ which stuck in America, while the UK and Australia kept names like candy floss and fairy floss.

Step Right Up to the Funfair

Tuesday 11th August from 11am – 3pm is officially the Ladysmith Summer

Spectacular and It’s entirely FREE to attend. We are transforming the centre into a bustling carnival ground for the afternoon. Kids can get creative with our fantastic Face Painting artists, testing out their favourite mystical designs. Then, it’s time to test their skills at our classic funfair games! We’ll have Hook a Duck and Tin Can Alley, with plenty of brilliant prizes just waiting to be won.

Circus Skills Workshop

Have your little ones ever wanted to learn the secrets of a circus performer? Alongside our games, we are hosting a completely free Circus Skills Workshop. There is absolutely no need to book, simply turn up on the day and join the fun! Kids will learn how to move like real carnival performers. It’s the perfect way to build up their coordination and give them a few dazzling ‘magic tricks’ to show off to the family at home.

Save the date Tuesday 11th August 11am – 3pm.

Enter Our Sweetest Competition Yet!

Think your eyes can’t be tricked? We are putting your vision to the test with our Sweet Spectacular competition! We have a sweet jar packed entirely to the brim with colourful treats, but can you work out exactly how many sweets are hiding inside?

This is a digital competition you can enter right from your phone. Simply head over to our website, fill out the form with your ultimate guess, and you could WIN a £50 Ladysmith gift card! Your guess could be the lucky one, so make sure to look closely.

Want To Start Your Magic Journey With Ladysmith?

Head to Home Bargains and pick up some juggling balls and a pack of cards for less than £2.

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Think you've got the sweetest guess in town? 

Take a close look at our sweet jar and tell us how many sweets you think are hiding inside. 

But be careful – it’s trickier than it looks! There are sweets hidden behind the label and tucked away at the back of the jar that you might not be able to spot!

Submit your guess below and you could WIN a £50 Ladysmith shopping voucher. If more than one person guesses correctly, a winner will be selected at random. If nobody guesses the exact number, the closest guess will win. 

Good luck, entries close on 12th August!

Make Your Guess To Win!

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Get ready for a day packed with family fun, funfair games and circus-themed entertainment.

Taking place on Tuesday, 11th August from 11am – 3pm, our FREE Summer Spectacular is bursting with activities for all ages, including:

Glitter Tattoos

Hook a Duck with prizes

Tin Can Alley with prizes

Circus Skills Workshop

No booking is required for the circus workshop – simply come along and join in at any point.

Don’t forget to enter our Sweet Spectacular competition while you’re here. Guess how many sweets are hidden inside our jar and you could WIN a £50 Ladysmith gift card.

We look forward to welcoming you for a fantastic day of summer fun!

Ladysmith Summer Spectacular Event Terms and Conditions

1. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18
2. This event is free to attend.
3. Ladysmith Shopping Centre reserves the right to refuse entry.
4. Ladysmith Shopping Centre at its absolute discretion reserves the right at any time to cancel or amend events, activities, workshops, alter times, prices and services without notice.
5. If the event is cancelled in its entirety, Ladysmith Shopping Centre will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you as soon as reasonably possible.
6. Dogs and all other pets are not permitted within the Ladysmith Shopping Centre or any events. This is with the exception of Assistant Dogs and some restrictions do apply. 
7. Admission to any event, activity or workshop is at your own risk. Ladysmith Shopping Centre will not be held liable for any loss, injuries or damages or emotional distress sustained at or during or following the event, activity or workshop including damage, theft or losses to property and motor vehicles.
8. Please note that CCTV, film cameras and photographers may be present. By entering Ladysmith Shopping Centre, you consent to filming stills photography and sound recording and its use in distribution (commercial or otherwise) without any payment.
9. If you experience any problems during the event, activity or workshop, please contact a member of Ladysmith Shopping Centre staff, as it may not be possible to resolve issues after the event, activity or workshop.

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But celebrating the special men in our lives, whether that’s Dad, Grandad, an uncle, or a stepdad, doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can find some brilliant, thoughtful ways to say ‘thanks’ right here on your doorstep.

Here are a few simple, budget-friendly ideas to show him some love this year:

The Perfect Card & Little Extras

Start your shopping at Cards Direct. You don’t need to spend a lot to make someone smile. Here you’ll find a fantastic range of Father’s Day cards, gift bags, and small keepsakes at prices that keep things kind to your wallet.

Fresh Grooming & Skincare Treats

If Dad loves to look sharp, pop into Boots to check out their fantastic range of men’s grooming and skincare. You don’t need to spend a fortune on high-end brands; they have brilliant, affordable daily essentials from names like Nivea Men, Bulldog, L’Oréal Men Expert and No7. From refreshing face washes and moisturisers to beard oils,  shaving gels and anti-ageing creams, you can easily mix and match a few items to create a lovely, budget-friendly custom gift pack he’ll actually use every day.

Affordable Style for Dad

If Dad’s wardrobe needs an update, head over to Peacocks. They currently have the brilliant Michael Owen Edit in-store. It’s packed with everyday menswear essentials, like t-shirts, polos and casual shirts that will make Dad stand out this summer. And don’t forget the all-important England shirt to celebrate the World Cup!

A Delicious Local Treat

Sometimes, the best gift is just spending a bit of time together. Why not treat him to lunch? Head to Rosie’s and order their famous French Toast. It truly is incredible and makes for the perfect affordable treat. If you’re on the move, you can always swing by Costa for a proper coffee chat, or pop into Greggs to grab a gift voucher so he can enjoy his favourite bakes and sweet treats whenever it suits him!

Something a Little Extra?

If you do have a bit more wiggle room in your budget this year, Boots has an incredible selection of experience days that you can both do together! It’s a wonderful option if you want to team up with siblings to buy him one big, memorable present.

Come and visit us today at Ladysmith Shopping Centre and pick up a treat for Dad while supporting your local high street. We can’t wait to see you soon!

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Nominations Are Now Closed. Thank you for all your entries.

We’re proud to support the incredible work local charities do across Ashton-under-Lyne. Each year, we partner with one charity to support them through fundraising, events in the centre, and promotion across our digital channels, helping them reach more people and continue the work they do in our community.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with The Anthony Seddon Fund and Willow Wood Hospice, supporting their efforts and helping raise valuable funds along the way. Now, we’re looking for our next Charity Partner for 2026/27.

We know there are so many charities out there doing important and meaningful work, and we’d love to hear about as many as possible.

Terms and Conditions

1. The Charity of the Year competition will be open for entries from 5th May 2026 and will close on 26th May 2026. Entries received outside of this period will not be considered.
2. To enter the competition, the entrant must like the Instagram post or the Facebook post and comment with their chosen charity or head to the website and fill out the form
3. All entries will be carefully reviewed, and one partner charity will be selected by the management team, the decision of the Promoter is final, and no correspondence will be entered into
4. The selected charity will be contacted by the marketing team directly and must confirm acceptance of the Charity of the Year partnership within 14 days of notification. If no response is received within this timeframe, or if the charity declines the opportunity, the Promoter reserves the right to withdraw the offer and select an alternative charity.
5. Due to the volume of entries, only the successful entrant and/or nominated charity will be contacted, we are unable to notify unsuccessful entrants
6. By entering the promotion, you accept these terms and conditions and agree to participate in any publicity associated with this promotion
7. If the entrants fail to agree to these terms and conditions, they will be automatically excluded
8. The promoter and partners have arranged this competition in good faith and cannot accept liability in any matter relating to the competition whatsoever
9. The entrant’s personal information will be used only on the website and social media of the Ladysmith shopping centre and will not be passed on to any third parties other than where legally or contractually obliged
10. Employees of Ladysmith and their relatives can enter this competition
11. The Promoter reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage
12. These terms and conditions are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

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To make things simple, we’ve pulled together a handy list of ideas with locations, rough prices and links so you can plan your week with ease.

Cockfields Farm Park

Lees Road, Oldham, OL6 8AR

Approx. £10–£15 per child (varies by event)

A firm favourite for families, Cockfields Farm Park offers a full day out with animal feeding, tractor rides and hands-on experiences like holding chicks. During half term, they often run themed events and extra activities, making it well worth the visit.

Hartshead Pike Tower

Mossley Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 9HP

Free

For a budget-friendly day out, head to Hartshead Pike Tower. It’s an easy family walk with rewarding panoramic views at the top. Pack a picnic, and you’ve got a simple but memorable half-term activity.

Portland Basin Museum

Portland Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA

Free entry

Step back in time at Portland Basin Museum, where kids can explore interactive exhibits, historic streets and canal-side displays. It’s educational without feeling like it, perfect for a relaxed indoor afternoon.

Jumparooz Inflatable Park

Ashton Moss Leisure Park, OL7 0PG

Approx. £8–£12 per child

Need to burn off some energy? Jumperooz Inflatable Park is packed with giant inflatables, slides and obstacle courses. A great option for rainy days or when the kids just need to bounce it out.

Fun Depot

Ashton Moss Leisure Park, OL7 0PG

Approx. £5–£10 depending on age/time

Soft play meets arcade fun at Fun Depot. Ideal for younger children, it’s an easy, low-pressure option when you want something quick, fun and indoors.

Cineworld Ashton-under-Lyne

Ashton Moss Leisure Park, OL7 0PG

Approx. £5–£12 per ticket

Catch the latest family films at Cineworld Ashton-under-Lyne. With IMAX and 4DX screens available, it’s a great fallback when the weather isn’t playing ball.

Hollywood Bowl Manchester

Ashton Moss Leisure Park, OL7 0PG

Approx. £6–£10 per game

Bowling is always a win, and Hollywood Bowl Manchester delivers with lanes, arcade games and food all under one roof. Perfect for mixed ages (and a bit of friendly competition).

Emergency Exit Escape Rooms

Ashton-under-Lyne Town Centre, OL6

Approx. £15–£25 per person

For older kids and teens, Emergency Exit Escape Rooms offers an exciting challenge. Work together to solve clues and escape the room, a great way to mix fun with problem-solving.

If you’re scaling the heights of Hartshead Pike for those stunning views or racing the clock at Emergency Exit, there is no shortage of ways to make memories right here in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Half-term doesn’t have to mean long drives or a drained bank account, sometimes the best adventures are the ones just a few minutes from home. Whatever you choose to do, we hope this list makes your planning a little easier and your week a lot more fun. Be sure to check the links for the latest opening times and event bookings, and most importantly, enjoy your break!

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Plus our top 5 non chocolate easter gifts ideas.

Have you ever tried a slow cooker pudding? Well, if you haven’t, now is the time to try! Here’s a fun, super-easy Mini Egg slow cooker brownie recipe. It’s a bit gooey, a bit brownie, a bit pudding and absolutely perfect with ice cream.

Slow Cooker Mini Egg Chocolate Brownies

A lazy Easter dessert where everything goes in the slow cooker and comes out rich, chocolatey and packed with crunchy Mini Eggs.

Ingredients

• 150g butter
• 150g dark chocolate (or milk if you prefer sweeter)
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g plain flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 bag of Cadbury Cadbury Mini Eggs, roughly crushed
• Pinch of salt

Optional for serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Extra Mini Eggs for the top

Method

1. Melt the chocolate and butter

Melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.

2. Mix the batter in a bowl

Stir in the sugar, eggs and vanilla until glossy.

3. Add the dry ingredients

Fold in the flour, cocoa powder and salt until combined.

4. Add the Mini Eggs

Stir in most of the crushed Mini Eggs, saving a handful for the top.

5. Prepare the slow cooker

Line the slow cooker with baking paper or lightly grease it.

6. Cook

Pour in the brownie mixture, sprinkle the remaining Mini Eggs on top and cook on high for 1.5–2 hours.

The edges will be set, but the middle should stay soft and fudgy.

7. Serve

Scoop warm brownie into bowls and top with ice cream.

You can buy all of these ingredients from Heron Foods and Home Bargains, Ladysmith.

Our top 5 present ideas that avoid chocolate

We all know gifting at Easter is a lovely thing to do but sometimes we don’t always want to give chocolate. We have picked 5 of our favourite ideas that you could swap for an Easter egg.

Daise Scent

Perfect for a quick refresh throughout the day, this Daise scent is as practical as it is pretty. The lilac plastic case helps prevent breakages, making it ideal for popping into your bag without a second thought. Plus, the fresh, uplifting fragrance makes it a joy to spritz whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Pick your favourite flower from Boots.

Uno

A classic for a reason, Uno makes the perfect gift for all ages. It’s a brilliant way to bring family and friends together, whether for a quick game or a full-on tournament. And if they already own it, this serves as a fun addition to keep the games going even longer. Find Uno at Home Bargains.

Manuka Honey

Have you ever tried real Manuka honey? While it’s a little more of an investment than your everyday jar, its well-known health and healing benefits make it truly worth it. A thoughtful and slightly luxurious gift, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates natural wellness. A sweet treat, without the refined sugar. Buy your jar from Holland and Barrett.

Cherry Bag Charm

Add a playful pop of colour and personality to a school bag or handbag with this cherry bag charm. We really love the hint of sparkle from the disco ball detail, we know it will catch the light beautifully.

No7 Cosmetics Brush

For beauty lovers, this No7 Pro Artist detailed stroke brush is a real treat. Designed to add precision to makeup application, it offers a super professional finish. Investing in high-quality tools like this can make all the difference, and it’s a little everyday luxury they’ll truly love adding to their collection.

However you’re celebrating Easter, pop along and come and say hello and don’t forget to come to our Bunny Bonanza event that’s happening Tuesday, 31st March 2026, 11am – 3pm.

Expect face painting, a bunny ear workshop, and an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet!

Fancy a free Easter Egg? Be one of the first 100 people to attend and receive your sweet treat from us.

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Treat Mum To Something Sweet!

Give Mum a well-deserved break and take her to Rosie’s Bar and Kitchen. Think perfectly brewed coffee, delicious cake and a quiet, welcoming atmosphere where you can sit, chat and enjoy each other’s company. These moments together can allow you to catch up, talk properly and avoid the rest of the world for an hour.

Make It Personal

For a gift she’ll treasure every day, head to Max Spielmann and create a personalised mug. Add your favourite photo together for a heartfelt touch that transforms an everyday item into something truly special. Simply drop in and speak to Zoey and the team, who will advise on timings. Most mugs can be ready in around an hour. For an extra thoughtful twist, choose a heat-reactive design that reveals a hidden message when hot water is poured in, a truly unique way to show Mum just how much she means to you. What message would you display?

Build The Perfect Beauty Treat

If she loves a little self-care, a beauty bundle from Boots is always a winner. Explore glow-boosting favourites from The Inkey List, trusted No7 essentials and nourishing lip care treats. It’s the perfect way to create a luxurious at-home pamper experience.

Not sure what she’d love most? A gift card is a thoughtful way to give her the freedom to choose exactly what she wants. There are dozens to choose from, including NEXT, M&S, Dunelm and much, much more!

For The Tech-Savvy Mum

If your Mum loves her gadgets, why not surprise her with a CeX voucher, perfect for exploring games, tech and entertainment? Did you know CeX have all the big tech brands like Apple, PlayStation, and Nintendo? If her phone needs a facelift, why not refresh it for her with a new case from Tech Corner?

Wrap It Up Beautifully

Presentation makes all the difference. At Home Bargains, you’ll find beautiful floral gift bags to lift your present, along with individually wrapped, floral cookies that add a charming, thoughtful finishing touch.

Say What Matters Most

And finally, don’t forget your heartfelt message. Words can mean more than anything else, so find the perfect card from Cards Direct and take a moment to write down everything you’ve been meaning to say over the last 12 months.

Celebrate Mum At Ladysmith

From indulgent treats to meaningful keepsakes, Ladysmith Shopping Centre is filled with ways to make Mother’s Day unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a full day together or picking out the perfect gift, everything you need is right here.

Make this Mother’s Day one she’ll truly remember.

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at Ladysmith Shopping Centre for our Bunny Bonanza this Easter!

On Tuesday 31st March, we welcomed families for a fun-filled day of crafts, characters and plenty of Easter fun – and it was lovely to see so many of you getting involved.

Throughout the day, you enjoyed:

• Face painting and glitter tattoos 
• Our bunny ear workshop, where you got creative and made your own ears
• Special appearances from the Easter Bunny, who stopped by for plenty of photos
• We also gave away 100 free Easter eggs to families, helping to make sure as many children as possible could enjoy a tasty treat

Have a look through some of our favourite moments from the day…

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for more events, activities and things to enjoy at Ladysmith throughout the year.

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