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Win a weekend break in Manchester

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Win a weekend break at the new Travelodge Manchester flagship hotel in Piccadilly Gardens

To celebrate the opening of Travelodge’s new flagship hotel in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens, we’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a fantastic short break in the cosmopolitan capital of the north west. Manchester is steeped in history and offers a vast range of attractions, some of the best bars & restaurants in the UK and is also a shoppers haven as it s home to hundreds of designer, high street and boutique shops.

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This prize includes a two night stay at the new contemporary hotel which is located in the heart of the city centre and has been designed in the new modern Travelodge brand style. The lucky winner will stay in a family room which caters for either two adults and two children or three adults. Each room has an en-suite, a luxurious king size called the Travelodge Dreamer, a flat screen TV, tea & coffee facilities and WiFi – everything you need for a comfortable stay. Breakfast is included too.

2013 room

Travelodge has over 500 hotels located in all major cities, popular holiday locations and airports. It offers great value and is the smart choice for all your accommodation needs. Visit: www.travelodge.co.uk for further information.

To be in with a chance to win the two night stay, simply tweet @TrendLifePR and @TravelodgeUK with one interesting fact about Manchester. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #TrendingManchester. The prize winner will be announced on Friday 9th May 2014.

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Terms and conditions:
Entrants must be 18 years old or over. Prize is for accommodation only and does not include travel. Only one entry per person. The winner is entitled to a two-night stay in a family room at Manchester Piccadilly Travelodge with an evening meal and breakfast. Family rooms are suitable for two adults and two children under 16, or three adults.
Reservations can be made by calling the press office on: 01844 358 703. Bookings must be made by 30 September 2014
There are no cash alternatives. All rooms are subject to availability. Employees of Travelodge and any agencies connected with the competition and their families are not eligible to enter. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is only open to UK residents.

Deputy Editor of TrendLife Magazine. Often daydreaming, always happy. If you only do one thing today, do it more stylish than you did before.

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Events

Found Festival Set To Return to Buckinghamshire in 2026

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Found Festival 2026 returns to Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, after a dazzling debut. Enjoy grassroots music, family fun, and early bird tickets.

After a spectacular debut in 2025, Found Festival is set to return to the scenic Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, for the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2026. Following a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community, organisers have announced a limited number of early bird tickets frozen at 2025 prices, alongside a new tiered ticketing system to ensure accessibility for all.

A Shining Debut in 2025

Born from the 60-year legacy of Towersey Festival, Found Festival’s first edition brought together grassroots talent and cultural discovery in a family-friendly setting. The event delivered on its promise of “head-turners, not headliners,” with standout performances across Americana, folk, world music, comedy, and wellbeing experiences.

Highlights included:

  • Elles Bailey delivering soaring country soul.

  • Talisk impressing with jaw-dropping virtuosity.

  • The Longest Johns bringing rousing sea-shanties.

  • Honeyfeet captivating with soulful ferocity.

  • Comedy from Robin Ince, Marcel Leconte, and rising star Chelsea Birkby.

  • Family fun with Professor Elemental’s steampunk antics and Nutty Noah’s acrobatic storytelling.

Beyond the stages, the festival site came alive with Ceilidhs, dance and craft workshops, circus artistry, stone-carving demos, nightly fire shows, silent discos, and a dedicated wellbeing programme featuring yoga, breathwork, and a wood-fired sauna overlooking the estate’s lake.

Found Festival 2026 returns to Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, after a dazzling debut. Enjoy grassroots music, family fun, and early bird tickets.

Building for 2026: Accessible Ticketing

Co-director Joe Heap reflected:

“Found is an event built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work. We’re delighted with how our first year has gone, despite the challenges. It’s increasingly hard to run an independent festival, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our community.”

To ensure Found 2026 remains accessible, a tiered ticket system has been introduced:

  • Supporter Tier: Pay a little more to help subsidise reduced tickets.

  • Standard Tier: Covers the base cost of producing the event.

  • Supported Tier: A subsidised rate for those needing financial help (released once enough Supporter tickets are sold).

Only 300 early bird tickets are now available — with camping included — at 2025 prices, plus reduced caravan-pitch rates and unchanged hook-up fees. Interest-free instalment plans will also launch at the end of September.

Found Festival 2026 returns to Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, after a dazzling debut. Enjoy grassroots music, family fun, and early bird tickets.

Dates and Tickets

Found Festival 2026 takes place Friday 28th – Monday 31st August 2026 at Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire.
️ Tickets available now via Gigantic.

Whether you’re drawn by grassroots music, family-friendly creativity, or the wellbeing sanctuary by the lake, Found Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer celebration.

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Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: Explore Europe in Lights

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Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: The Ultimate Festive Light Trail and European-Themed Experience in Buckinghamshire

We get it—it’s still autumn, and the last thing on your mind might be mince pies and fairy lights. But Christmas at Waddesdon Manor (running 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) is no ordinary festive event. It’s an immersive, artful celebration of light, music, European charm and seasonal joy—all set in one of Buckinghamshire’s most stunning locations.

If you love Christmas and crave experiences that go beyond the usual markets and mulled wine, Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour is calling your name.

Explore Europe in Lights at Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour

The theme for 2025 is inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s European travels—and his beloved dog, Poupon. With cutting-edge projection mapping lighting up the Manor’s historic façade, you’ll be transported across Europe in a visual journey featuring Paris, Vienna, Venice and more.

The show unfolds on the North Front with a continuous 25-minute immersive display that bathes the landscape in colour, music, and wonder. This is one for your camera roll—and your memory bank.

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: Winter Light trail

Step Into a Christmas Fantasy Inside Waddesdon Manor

Inside the house, selected rooms have been transformed into lavish tributes to Baron Ferdinand’s favourite European cities. Each space blends the Manor’s historic decor with bespoke Christmas styling and immersive storytelling:

  • Venice in the East Gallery

  • Paris in the Dining Room

  • Geneva in the White Drawing Room

  • Bavaria in the Billiard Room

  • Vienna in the Breakfast Room

The experience wraps up with a giant snow globe installation, offering a magical finale to an already spectacular journey.

Discover the Best Christmas Light Trail in Buckinghamshire

Outside, Waddesdon’s light trail winds through illuminated woodland with new installations and returning favourites. It’s designed to surprise, delight, and immerse you in Christmas magic.

Look out for:

  • A tunnel of lights

  • An 8-metre tall Pole Tree glowing with festive patterns

  • Interactive displays that respond to sound and movement

  • Giant golden gift boxes made for festive selfies

  • The return of the shooting star installation, a fan favourite from 2023

It’s a perfect evening stroll for couples, families and anyone looking for a dose of winter enchantment.

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: The Ultimate Festive Light Trail and European-Themed Experience in Buckinghamshire

Shop Unique Christmas Gifts at Waddesdon’s Artisan Market

From 22 November to 14 December, Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Market takes over the South Front of the Manor. This is your go-to spot for discovering handmade gifts, local produce, and festive foodie treats.

Complete your visit with a stop at the Wine and Gift Shop, or explore the Christmas Shop in the Powerhouse for decorations, tableware, toys, and stocking fillers.

Christmas Fun for Children at the Coach House

One of the most charming parts of Christmas at Waddesdon is the Coach House display at the Stables. Created by local school children, this year’s theme is ‘Sounds of the Season’, exploring festive music and carols through imaginative, heartwarming installations.

It’s an unmissable stop for families, filled with creativity and holiday cheer.

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea or a Five-Course Christmas Feast

Dining at Waddesdon is just as spectacular as the decorations. Treat yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Manor Restaurant, or go all in with a five-course Festive Feast Dinner on select December dates (5, 12, and 19). Each dinner starts with canapés and sparkling wine in the wine cellar, followed by seasonal dishes paired with Rothschild wines.

If you want to extend the experience, book a stay at The Five Arrows Hotel (packages from £175 include event tickets), or head to The Bow for a cosy drink, hearty winter menu, and four-course Christmas Day lunch (£90pp).

Host a Stylish Private Christmas Event at Waddesdon

Planning a festive gathering or end-of-year celebration? Waddesdon offers unique venues across the estate, from the historic Manor and Dairy to the contemporary Windmill Hill. Whether it’s an elegant dinner, private hire, or lively Christmas party, these spaces bring festive flair and sophistication in equal measure.

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: The Ultimate Festive Light Trail and European-Themed Experience in Buckinghamshire

Plan Your Visit to Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Experience

Event Dates: 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Tickets: From £13 (adults) / £6 (children) – must be booked online in advance
Opening Times: Grounds: 12noon–7pm / House: 12.30pm–7pm
Late Night Openings: Saturdays – 22 & 29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec (Grounds until 8pm)
Book now at: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas

Don’t Wait for December – Book Your Christmas Experience Now

If you’re looking for a festive day out that blends history, art, luxury and seasonal charm, look no further than Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas celebration. It’s not just an event—it’s a destination. And it sells out fast.

Start planning now, beat the December crowds, and experience Christmas at its most magical—right here in the heart of Buckinghamshire.

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The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

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Discover The Stable Bar at Tewinbury Farm Hotel — a new wine bar in Hertfordshire serving sustainable wines, small plates, and live jazz by the river.

The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

Just 30 minutes from London, Tewinbury Farm Hotel — Hertfordshire’s hidden gem — is now home to The Stable Bar, a striking new wine and events space that blends countryside charm with a touch of London cool.

Set on Tewinbury’s 700-acre working farm, The Stable Bar is more than a place to drink — it’s a destination. From the handpicked art adorning exposed brick walls (curated in collaboration with Common Room Projects) to its exclusive wine list from Humble Grape, every detail has been crafted to offer an experience that’s as stylish as it is soulful.

A Wine Lover’s Escape in the Countryside

The Stable Bar serves a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from independent, family-run wineries around the world. Expect to find Old World classics from Bordeaux and Veneto alongside adventurous pours from the vineyards of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond. Whether you’re discovering your new favourite orange wine or sipping on a familiar fizz, every bottle tells a story.

Paired with small plates, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and seasonal sharing boards, the menu offers easy-going luxury in every bite — perfect for slow afternoons or intimate evenings.

Discover The Stable Bar at Tewinbury Farm Hotel — a new wine bar in Hertfordshire serving sustainable wines, small plates, and live jazz by the river.

Live Music, Riverside Views & Summer Events

The Stable Bar’s riverside terrace offers a scenic setting for every season — heated in the winter and open-air in the summer, with views over the tranquil River Mimram. Inside, deep sofas, ambient lighting and a warm welcome set the tone for weekend nights filled with live jazz and acoustic sets.

July brings a host of exciting events to the calendar:

  • Acoustic Thursdays fill the bar with laid-back live music and summer vibes.

  • Fizz Fridays invite you to toast the weekend with special sparkling wine offers.

  • DJ Saturdays turn up the tempo as day turns to night with curated DJ sets.

  • And for the early risers, Farmers Market Sundays feature local produce, artisan goods and fresh coffee to start your day the Tewinbury way.

One to Watch

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing countryside escape, The Stable Bar offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. With a packed summer schedule and an atmosphere that effortlessly bridges laid-back and luxe, it’s quickly becoming one of Hertfordshire’s most talked-about new openings.

TrendLife Magazine will be visiting The Stable Bar soon — stay tuned for the full review and inside look.

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