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MCRJourno Tia Maria has launched a new partnership with Slug & Lettuce bars across the UK, introducing a limited-edition Coconut Espresso Martini, the Coconut Express Martini as part of a month-long series of disco-themed events. Manchester kicked things off last week, as Slug & Lettuce Deansgate hosted ‘Shake Up the Taste’ events on 14th and 15th November, where Tia Maria gave away 800 Coconut Express Martinis. Guests took part in a “Dance For Your Drink” challenge, stepping up to a retro dance machine to battle friends for cocktails and prizes. The celebrations continue on Saturday 22nd November, when select Slug & Lettuce venues will host a Discoco Brunch, complete with a Coconut Espresso Martini welcome drink, a brunch dish and a selection of soft and full-strength drinks. Tickets cost £39.95, and attendees can also get their hands on a limited-edition Tia Maria lip-gloss which is espresso-martini flavoured and created especially for the launch. Peter Dries, Marketing Director at Disaronno International UK, said: "The Espresso Martini continues to hold its place as one of the UK’s favourite cocktails, and with coconut on the rise as a flavour trend, this twist is set to be a real crowd-pleaser." Find more information on Discoco Brunch here.

MCRJourno Stretched, the UK’s first clinically led, one-on-one assisted stretching studio, has opened a new location on Fountain Street. The Manchester studio, which held an exclusive launch event for the local wellness community on November 15th is the company’s first site outside Scotland. The studio offers full-body mobility assessments using motion-analysis technology, followed by a personalized one-on-one stretch with a trained Stretch Therapist. All therapists are certified through the company’s in-house Stretched Academy. Stretched, which already operates successful studios in Glasgow and Edinburgh, was founded by physiotherapist Craig McHugh. He created the concept after seeing high demand for assisted stretching services in the United States and Japan. "Manchester is a vibrant, forward-thinking city with a strong focus on health, fitness and wellbeing," McHugh said. "We saw a real demand for mobility-focused services here. Good mobility is the foundation of healthy movement, and we are excited to bring the power of assisted stretching to Manchester." Assisted stretching is designed to provide a deeper, more controlled stretch than most people can achieve alone. Stretched Manchester is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends. Sessions start at £40 for a 25-minute express stretch or £70 for a 50-minute full-body stretch with a mobility scan. Group bookings are available. Bookings are now open for the studio which can be found at 81 Fountain Street, Manchester, M2 2EE.

MCRJourno The Science and Industry Museum is launching a full season of winter activities, special events and family fun from 20th December until 4th January including the final chance to see its hit exhibition Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You before it closes. More than 78,000 visitors have experienced the exhibition since it opened in February, making it one of the museum’s most popular family shows. Inspired by the BBC Children’s and Education series Operation Ouch! , the exhibition lets visitors explore the human senses through a series of immersive, interactive spaces, from squeezing through an ear canal to being “sneezed” out of a giant nose. Guests with a child ticket in December can also collect a free gift from the exhibition shop while supplies last. To mark the exhibition’s final weeks, the museum will host free activities examining how the brain processes sight and sound. From 20th December to 4th January visitors can take part in hands-on challenges led by the museum’s Explainers, exploring optical and audio illusions that confuse the senses. Families eager to visit earlier can attend a special event on 23rd November when Dr. Chris, one of the presenters of Operation Ouch! and a contributor to the exhibition, returns to the museum to host a Mini Medics Sensory Challenge. Winter holiday celebrations will run alongside these activities with a focus on light, shadow and illumination. Visitors can experiment with how shadows form, draw friends and family at a Silhouette Station, or play among colourful projected skylines. Guests can also explore the newly reopened Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery. The gallery houses historic locomotives and working engines that shaped Manchester’s industrial past and inspired generations of model railways found under Christmas trees. In addition to winter programming and exhibitions, the museum’s free galleries remain open in December. These include the interactive Experiment gallery, the historic Textiles Gallery with working mill machinery, and Revolution Manchester.

Helen Clarke From drag shows and rainbow runs to art markets and community vigils, Levenshulme Pride 2025 is in full swing with three more days of music, colour and connection. Levenshulme Pride 2025 launched on Wednesday 6th August with its 'No Barriers' theme. The community-led festival is offering a packed schedule of free events across Levenshulme until Sunday. Opening night saw the Levenshulme Pride Party at Authentic City Church - the event was hosted by Peter Quinn Friendship Dementia Support with LeeAnn James, setting an inclusive and celebratory tone. Thursday brought Pride specials across the neighbourhood while Isca served natural wines and organic food. Bopcap Books curated an LGBT book display at Levenshulme Antiques Village and Long Boi’s Bakehouse unveiled rainbow-themed bakes with Overdraught hosting a Pride Quiz with Rob Steventon. Earlier today, venues across Levenshulme embraced the rainbow spirit with Bia Café Bar offering Pride cocktails and a performance from Gypsy Darling. Businesses including Manchester Hair Products, Grounded MCR, The Bark Hut, Crimson Rose Tattoo, Cibus, Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre, The Bluebell and Station Hop launched Pride offers, treats and themed experiences to celebrate the occasion. This afternoon’s highlights have included community activities, live music and a Queer Brewing Tap Takeover at Station Hop. The festivities are set to continue into the evening with tree decorating on the Village Green, a vinyl social at Station South, a film and discussion at The Talleyrand, and drag, disco and karaoke at venues such as The Klondyke, Nordie, Overdraught and The Union. Saturday 9th August The day will begin with free gym sessions, a HIIT class and the MQAM Queer Mini Market at Station South. Levenshulme Runners’ Pride Run will feature glitter stations and rainbow-themed races. Bluebell Green will host family crafts, face painting and placard-making. The annual Pride March, dubbed “Gay6,” will parade along the A6 to The Klondyke for stalls, art markets, choirs, drumming, poetry, DJs and food. Evening entertainment will include drag shows, cabaret, pub parties and LGBTQ+ club nights. Sunday 10th August Sunday will round off the festival with a Pride service at Inspire Church, the Levenshulme Artisan Market, community stalls and the 'Artbeats' show at The Klondyke. The day will also feature a dog show, toy drag race and the Pride Vigil at 5 pm, followed by a film screening, drag bingo, karaoke and an open-decks closing party. Levenshulme Pride 2025 is set to deliver three more days of music, art, community and celebration, with the 'No Barriers' theme running through every moment. Learn more here.

Helen Clarke Greater Manchester clubs delivered a dramatic weekend of football with eight teams flying through the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday 2nd August. There were convincing wins, narrow victories, and a few tightly-fought draws - meaning replays are now on the cards. Greater Manchester Fixtures Abbey Hey 1 | 1 AFC Liverpool Replay: Wednesday 6th August AFC Liverpool v Abbey Hey kick off 19:45 Atherton Laburnum Rovers 1 | 0 Ossett United Bury 6 | 0 South Liverpool Chadderton 2 | 1 Stockport Town Irlam 4 | 0 Thackley Wythenshawe Town 2 | 4 Prestwich Heys Ramsbottom United 2 | 1 Golcar United Trafford 2 | 1 Barnoldswick Town Cheadle Town 1 | 4 Witton Albion Winsford United 1 | 1 West Didsbury & Chorlton Replay: Wednesday 6th August West Didsbury & Chorlton v Winsford United kick off 19:45 Wythenshawe 3 | 0 Liversedge Bury stormed to a 6-0 home win against South Liverpool, showing serious early intent in their FA Cup campaign. Irlam also impressed with a dominant 4-0 win over Thackley, while Wythenshawe marked their debut in the competition with a strong 3-0 away win against Liversedge. Prestwich Heys edged a thrilling all-Greater Manchester clash, beating Wythenshawe Town 4-2 in a game full of goals and momentum swings. Elsewhere, Chadderton progressed with a 2-1 win over Stockport Town, and Ramsbottom United saw off Golcar United by the same scoreline. Trafford held their nerve in a close encounter with Barnoldswick Town, winning 2-1 at home. Atherton Laburnum Rovers clinched a 1-0 victory over Ossett United, while Cheadle Town were knocked out in a 4-1 loss to Witton Albion. West Didsbury & Chorlton drew 1-1 away at Winsford United, and Abbey Hey shared the same scoreline at home against AFC Liverpool. As both ties ended level, replays are now confirmed for midweek. The winners will advance to the Preliminary Round of the world’s oldest knockout competition, keeping their FA Cup dreams alive. Greater Manchester fans have plenty to look forward to, with several local teams already securing their spot in the next stage.

MCRJourno From carnivals to community picnics, Manchester’s free summer calendar is bursting with colour, music, food and family fun this August. If you’re looking for things to do that won’t cost a thing, here are a few more events to add to your diary - including street festivals, live music, outdoor funfairs and creative workshops just a tram ride away. Manchester Caribbean Carnival - Alexandra Park (9th - 10th) A staple of the summer, this vibrant weekend brings live music, traditional Caribbean food, costume parades and community pride to Alexandra Park in Whalley Range. Expect dancers, steel bands, DJs and a huge celebration of Caribbean heritage and Manchester culture. Debdale Park Funfair - Gorton (8th - 17th August) Rides, games, street food and classic fairground fun for all ages. Free to enter (pay per ride) and just a short ride from Manchester city centre. Ideal for families, dates or spontaneous sunny afternoons. Cringle Park Fair - Levenshulme (30th - 31st August) A smaller, more local version of the Debdale funfair with all the charm and none of the queues. Perfect for families looking for something walkable and fun to round off the month. MCR Live ’25 - ongoing Street Music Festival Running daily across the city centre until 28 August, this summer-long series brings live music to public squares, street corners and hidden corners of town. Expect surprise pop-ups, lunchtime performances and open-air culture - all totally free. Feel Good Family Picnic - Rochdale parks (August) Theatre, circus, storytelling and outdoor dance - the Feel Good Family Picnic series brings high-energy, family-friendly programming to local parks across Rochdale, just 30 minutes from Manchester. A great one for kids, especially if you’re looking for something wholesome, active and screen-free. Free community workshops & events From beginner fundraising webinars to social impact meetups, August also brings free training and connection opportunities for creatives, volunteers and local changemakers. Highlights include: Get Grants Beginner Workshop (7th Aug, online) Media Trust: Accessible Content Webinar (20th Aug) GMYN Breakfast & Networking Event (21st Aug, city centre) Looking for more? Don’t miss our full guide to: Oldham Bar Hop 2025 Pina Colada Festival, Northwich Dita Von Teese: Nocturnelle Tour at O2 Apollo Courts Club Manchester Got an event you want us to cover? Get in touch

Helen Clarke Nineteen women’s football clubs from Greater Manchester are set to take part in this season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup, which kicks off on Sunday 24th August 2025 with the preliminary round. With a record prize fund on offer including £430,000 for lifting the trophy, the competition presents a major opportunity for grassroots and semi-pro sides across the country. Local teams competing in the 2025-26 Women’s FA Cup Greater Manchester clubs confirmed to be entering the tournament: Altrincham FC Women Bolton Wanderers Women FC Bury FC Women Cheadle Town Stingers WFC Curzon Ashton FC Women FC United of Manchester Women Hyde United Ladies FC Manchester City Women FC Manchester Laces Ladies FC Manchester United Women FC Mancunian Unity Women FC Radcliffe FC Women Rochdale AFC Women Salford City Lionesses LFC Stockport County LFC West Didsbury & Chorlton Women FC Wigan Athletic Girls & Ladies FC Winton Wanderers Ladies FC Wythenshawe Women FC Prize fund highlights The Women’s FA Cup prize structure has seen significant growth over recent years. Here’s what’s on offer at each stage: Preliminary Round: £600 for winners, £150 for losers First Round Qualifying: £1,800 for winners, £450 for losers First Round Proper: £6,000 for winners, £1,500 for losers Final: £430,000 for winners, £108,000 for runners-up With early wins potentially boosting club funds by hundreds or even thousands of pounds, each fixture counts. Key FA Cup dates 2025-26 Preliminary Round: 24th August 2025 First Round Qualifying: 7th September 2025 Second Round Qualifying: 21st September 2025 First Round Proper: 26th October 2025 Final: 31st May 2026 at Wembley Stadium Why this matters For women’s teams outside the WSL, the Adobe Women's FA Cup offers not only a competitive platform but also vital exposure, prize money, and community pride. For Greater Manchester sides, it’s a chance to represent the region on a national stage. As the competition unfolds, we’ll be tracking local fixtures, player highlights, and underdog stories right here at MCRJourno.

MCRJourno As England’s Lionesses continue to inspire a generation, Greater Manchester has proudly produced some of the country’s most iconic women’s footballers. From World Cup goal scorers to England staples, these players represent the strength of local grassroots football. Whether you're searching for "which Lionesses are from Manchester" or want to learn more about female footballers with local roots, here's your go-to guide. Ella Toone (Manchester United & England) Born and raised in Tyldesley, Wigan, Ella Toone is one of the most celebrated Lionesses of her generation. A Manchester United academy graduate, she became a household name after scoring in the Euro 2022 final and the 2023 World Cup semi-final. She is Manchester through and through - and a fan favourite at Old Trafford. Abbie McManus (Prestwich-born, ex-England) A Prestwich native, Abbie McManus rose through the ranks at Bury Girls and Manchester City’s youth system. She later played for both City and United, earning 18 caps for England. Her local roots and leadership made her a visible role model for aspiring Greater Manchester footballers. Amanda Barr (Stockport-born, former Lioness) Amanda Barr, born in Stockport, represented England 39 times between 2001 and 2007, scoring 10 goals. A trailblazer in the early 2000s, Barr’s success paved the way for more Greater Manchester talent in the women’s game. Alex Greenwood (Manchester City & England) Originally from Merseyside, Alex Greenwood has spent much of her playing career in Manchester, captaining Manchester United before joining Manchester City. With over 100 England caps, Greenwood is one of the most experienced players in the squad and a key part of the Lionesses’ defence. Why this matters for Manchester girls in football Local inspiration: These Lionesses show that world-class football starts in our local parks, school fields and Sunday leagues. Community connection: Their careers link WSL clubs like Man Utd and Man City directly to grassroots youth clubs across Greater Manchester. Role Models: Players like Toone and McManus grew up in the same boroughs where thousands of girls now lace up boots each weekend. Not local, but still Manchester icons While players like Georgia Stanway (from Barrow) and Lucy Bronze (from Berwick-upon-Tweed) aren’t from Greater Manchester, their WSL careers with Manchester City connect them to the region’s football story. They’re not born-and-bred Mancunians - but they’re still part of the local legacy. Want more? We're launching a Greater Manchester Women's Football series featuring profiles on: The local girls’ teams that shaped these players The grassroots coaches behind their journeys How schools and community clubs are growing the next Lionesses Stay tuned on mcrjourno.co.uk for more features, interviews and coverage of women’s football across Greater Manchester. Want your girls’ team featured? Get in touch.

MCRJourno If you like Pina Coladas... you’re in luck. The Pina Colada Festival 2025 returns to Northwich town centre on Saturday 16th August, and this year’s free family-friendly celebration promises to be its biggest yet. Just a 45-minute drive from Manchester, this quirky annual festival brings a splash of the Caribbean to the heart of Cheshire with tropical street performances, a giant urban beach, live music, and plenty of Pina Coladas (both alcoholic and alcohol-free) to sip as you explore. Now in its fifth year, the Pina Colada Festival was born from a viral social media post in 2021 after it was revealed that Rupert Holmes - the man behind the iconic 1979 hit Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - was born in Northwich. Since then, the festival has grown into one of the region’s most feel-good events, attracting families, music lovers and cocktail fans from across the North West. This year’s highlights include: A 100-performer Samba Parade bursting with colour and rhythm Live music and performances on the main stage at Apple Market Place A catwalk, LED screen and confetti cannons creating a carnival atmosphere A surf simulator, urban beach, pineapple-themed mini golf, kids’ crafts, and face painting Street food, pop-up bars and specials from local Northwich restaurants and cafes Whether you're heading down from Manchester or already local, this free day out is packed with tropical energy, community spirit and unforgettable photo ops. The event is completely free and takes place across Northwich town centre from 12pm until 6pm. For full line-ups and updates, visit pinacoladafest .

Helen Clarke The 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup officially begins this Saturday, 2nd August, with the Extra Preliminary Round - and it’s a big weekend for Greater Manchester’s grassroots football scene. Eight local clubs are set to begin their FA Cup journey, offering fans the chance to support their community sides in the world’s oldest knockout competition. Most games kick off at 3pm, with affordable entry, local rivalries, and a rare chance to catch cup magic up close. Here’s where you can catch the action across Greater Manchester: Atherton Laburnum Rovers vs Ossett United Crilly Park, Spa Road, Atherton, M46 9WW Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Bury vs South Liverpool Gigg Lane, Bury, BL9 9HR Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Chadderton vs Stockport Town Andrew Street, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 0JT Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Abbey Hey vs AFC Liverpool Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Manchester, M18 7HD Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Irlam vs Thackley AFC Silver Street Playing Fields, Silver Street, Irlam, Manchester, M44 6JL Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Trafford vs Barnoldswick Town Shawe View Stadium, Shawe Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5DL Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Wythenshawe Town vs Prestwich Heys AFC Ericstan Park, Timpson Road, Roundthorn Industrial Estate, Baguley, Manchester, M23 9LL Saturday 2nd August, 3pm Why it matters The Extra Preliminary Round is the first step in a long and often unpredictable FA Cup run. It’s where football dreams begin - before the TV cameras and Premier League giants enter the picture. For local fans, it’s a rare chance to support homegrown talent, see new faces, and experience that classic cup atmosphere without leaving your postcode. Entry at most grounds is under £10, and these fixtures also mark the start of the competitive season for many non-league clubs. Things to know Fixtures are subject to change. Check directly with clubs before attending, especially if you’re travelling. Most games are pay-on-the-gate with food and drink available at the ground. If you’ve never watched grassroots football before, this weekend is the perfect time to start. Want to feature fan photos or write a local matchday diary? Get in touch.

MCRJourno Oldham town centre is set to serve up a taste of its nightlife scene this summer, as the Oldham Bar Hop returns on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August inviting residents and visitors to "bring local back" and explore 14 of the area’s best pubs, bars and venues. Just a 30-minute tram ride from central Manchester, the Oldham Bar Hop offers a free, self-guided trail through the borough’s independent nightlife spots - from craft beer havens and real ale pubs to cocktail bars and live music venues. Each stop has something unique to offer, and visitors can pick up an official Bar Hop map, collect stamps at each venue with every round, and even win an exclusive Oldham Bar Hop T-shirt. Highlights include: A pop-up beer festival at Billingtons Ballroom featuring Outback Bars, six real ale lines, six craft/cider taps and street food Live music and DJ sets across multiple venues Cocktails, mocktails and themed drinks menus from Oldham’s best independents Participating venues include The Bank Top Tavern, The Ashton Arms, Whittles@Tokyo, The George Tavern, Bees Knees, The Egyptian Room, Up Steps Inn, and more. Organised by Oldham Council and backed by the borough’s regeneration vision, the event aims to showcase the town’s vibrant hospitality sector while encouraging locals to support their high street. Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "It’s about bringing local back, celebrating our pubs, bars and clubs, encouraging people to support local businesses, and creating a welcoming atmosphere right here in Oldham." Maps will be available from participating venues across the weekend and keep an eye on venue socials and the I Love Oldham page for full event details. For safe drinking advice: www.drinkaware.co.uk

MCRJourno A cult ‘90s thriller is coming to the stage - and Kym Marsh is leading the charge. The world premiere of Single White Female, a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the iconic psychological thriller, will land at the Manchester Opera House from 10th - 14th February 2026, as part of a major UK and Ireland tour. Based on the 1992 film starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh - and the bestselling novel by John Lutz - this fresh stage version has been reimagined for the modern day, exploring obsession, identity, and blurred boundaries in the digital age. Starring Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Hear’Say), the play follows newly-divorced Allie, a single mum and tech entrepreneur who takes in a lodger to help make ends meet. When Hedy moves in, the two women form a fast bond - but as trust turns to tension, things begin to spiral. Written by journalist and author Rebecca Reid, and directed by Gordon Greenberg (West End’s Guys & Dolls, Broadway’s Heart of Rock and Roll), the production promises sharp suspense, dark humour, and plenty of drama - stilettos and all. Kym Marsh said: "I remember being totally gripped by the movie when I first saw it in the cinema and could never have imagined back then that I’d be starring in the world premiere of its life on stage." Produced by JAS Theatricals, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin, Single White Female will tour the UK and Ireland from January to June 2026, with full casting still to be announced.