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Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, will host MAD//North for a third consecutive year when it returns in February 2027. The announcement, which went live at MAD//Fest earlier this month, follows another successful showing in Manchester, which saw the event welcome 4,000 delegates from the North’s creative, media and marketing community.MAD//North has now established a reputation and profile in Manchester that has not only seen it enjoy year-on-year growth, but also attract internationally recognised brands, speakers and influencers. This year, MAD//North brought together brands including Unilever, Bupa, Primark, Manchester City FC, Stripe, ITV, TikTok and BBC, sat alongside agencies, creators, innovators and emerging talent from across the North and beyond.At the heart of the event itself was a design-led, original and ‘unconference-style’ approach, built around the theme of ‘Northern Soul’. The event design encouraged movement, conversation and self-curated experiences, blending content, networking and live activations.The return is a significant moment for both the event and the city. In Manchester, MAD//North has found a natural fit, using the campus environment of the surrounding St John’s area and the city’s wider creative district, while connecting the event with neighbouring spaces and local businesses. The collaboration between event, city and venue has created an experience that feels distinctly Northern in character and ambition.Dan Brain, Co-founder of MAD//Fest, commented, “Coming back to Manchester and Aviva Studios was a very easy decision for us. The response to MAD//North was overwhelmingly positive, not just from our audience and partners, but from the wider creative and business community across the city.“There’s a real openness and energy to Manchester that suits the spirit of the event, and Aviva Studios gave us the flexibility and scale to create something that felt collaborative, ambitious and connected to its surroundings. We’re excited to build on that again in 2027.”Stephanie Williams, Head of Events at Factory International, the organisation that programmes and operates Aviva Studios, added: “MAD//North is exactly the kind of event we love to host at Aviva Studios. It’s an event brand that is bold, inventive and innovative, but not afraid to have boldconversations. It also embodies our own values, and that of our city, of creativity, culture and business-for-good in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.“The team at MAD//North brought the venue and the surrounding area to life, attracted a contemporary crowd of influential and inspirational people and created some outstanding content. We can’t wait to work with them again in 2027.”The 2027 edition is expected to build further on the campus-style model, with organisers already exploring expanded programming, deeper collaboration with local partners and new ways to connect audiences with Manchester’s wider cultural and creative ecosystem.

Lime Venue Portfolio has continued its standout year of expansion by adding three football stadiums to its growing collection of UK event venues.Peterborough United’s Weston Homes Stadium, Watford Football Club’s Vicarage Road and Charlton Athletic’s The Valley have all joined the portfolio, further strengthening Lime Venue Portfolio’s presence across London, the Home Counties and the East of England.The announcement forms part of a significant period of growth for Lime Venue Portfolio, which has expanded its nationwide collection across sporting venues, exhibition centres and other distinctive event spaces. It reflects growing demand from venues seeking specialist representation and from event organisers looking for spaces with character, heritage and a strong sense of place.Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, said: “This has been a standout year for Lime Venue Portfolio. We’re welcoming major sporting stadiums, exhibition centres and distinctive event spaces from across the UK, creating an increasingly diverse nationwide portfolio for agencies and event organisers.“Peterborough United, Watford and Charlton Athletic each bring something different, but they all combine professional event facilities with the atmosphere, heritage and personality that make stadium events so memorable.“Together, they give our clients even greater choice across London, the Home Counties and the East of England, from meetings and conferences to exhibitions and dinners. Their arrival marks another significant step in the growth of our portfolio.”All three stadiums offer adaptable non-matchday spaces, including suites, lounges and executive boxes, with pitch views providing a distinctive backdrop for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, hospitality and celebrations.The Weston Homes Stadium in Peterborough can accommodate up to 220 guests. Many of its conference rooms overlook the pitch and benefit from natural daylight, private bars and stadium views.Watford’s famous Vicarage Road stadium offers a collection of bright, modern and distinctive suites overlooking the pitch, with space for up to 250 delegates.Charlton’s The Valley is one of South-East London’s largest event venues, accommodating up to 450 guests for a banquet. Located near the Thames Barrier, it also offers 200 car parking spaces.

A spectacular celestial event is set to grace the skies over Dorset this summer, and Coastal Cruises is giving people the chance to experience it from one of the most unique viewing locations in the county.On Wednesday 12th August 2026, Coastal Cruises will be hosting a special Sunset Solar Eclipse Cruise, departing Poole Quay at 6:00pm and returning at 8:00pm, perfectly timed to coincide with a deep partial solar eclipse visible across the UK.As the Moon passes across the face of the Sun, guests aboard the cruise will enjoy uninterrupted views creating a truly memorable setting to witness one of nature's most fascinating spectacles.Carol Scott, Managing Director of Coastal Cruises, said:"Events like this don't come along very often, and we wanted to create something really special. Watching a solar eclipse from the waters Poole Harbour, surrounded by beautiful scenery as the Sun begins to set, promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a unique evening out, this is a cruise you'll remember for years to come."The two-hour cruise will feature spacious open viewing decks, comfortable indoor lounges, a fully licensed onboard bar and live commentary from the friendly Coastal Cruises crew.As this is a solar eclipse, guests wishing to observe the event will need to bring their own ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection and must not be used to look directly at the Sun.The cruise is expected to be popular due to the rarity of the event and the exceptional views available from Poole Harbour.Carol added:"We spend every day showcasing the beauty of Poole Harbour, but this cruise offers something completely different. It's the chance to experience a remarkable natural event from the water with family and friends, and we can't wait to welcome everyone on board."Cruise Information - Event: Sunset Solar Eclipse Cruise - Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026 - Departure: 6:00pm from Poole Quay - Return: 8:00pm - Duration: 2 hoursAdvance booking is recommended as places are limited.Book here!