The UK’s biggest football fan park is back by popular demand and returning to Manchester for the 2022 World Cup later this year.
Following what was a hugely successful and sold-out run during Euro 2020 – where 25,000 fans come together at different fan park locations across the UK to cheer on England’s historic Euro campaign – sporting events company, 4TheFans, has launched the first edition of its World Cup 2022 fan parks.
And Manchester’s Soccer Dome at Trafford Park is the location picked for this year’s event.
As it has now become known for, 4TheFans will be bringing back the big game atmosphere and immersive fan experience, but this time, without any necessary COVID-19 restrictions.
This means that football fans can expect huge anti-glare screens, world-class sound systems, a series of exclusive bars and food traders, DJs, competitions, and prize giveaways, all brought to you by a dedicated host for the event.
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4TheFans has launched the first edition of its World Cup 2022 fan parks / Credit: 4TheFans4TheFans is bringing back the big game atmosphere and immersive fan experience to Manchester / Credit: 4TheFans
Not only that, but each match screening is also set to welcome a genuine football legend to the party – with big names such as former Manchester City and Manchester United players, Joleon Lescott and Wes Brown, lined-up for the England games.
Other stars are set to make appearances during the tournament’s Knockout games too, and their names are soon-to-be-announced, so keep your eyes peeled.
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The 4TheFans Fan Parks are all about “putting football fans at the heart of the action”.
The 2022 World Cup officially kicks off on 21 November and runs right through to 18 December in Qatar, and while it’s certainly not an easy one to get to, 4TheFans is probably the next best thing to having a match ticket if you’re looking to make the most of one of the world’s most iconic sporting competitions.
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The 4TheFans Fan Parks are all about “putting football fans at the heart of the action” / Credit: 4TheFans
Tickets will set you back £12 per person or £8 as part of a group booking of six, with a range of VIP table options also available.
As mentioned, previous 4TheFans events have all sold out, and for some of the games in the past, the waiting list was over 10,000 people, so if you want to make sure you’re part of the action this year, then don’t put off buying your tickets.
Curious kids can meet star of hit CBBC show Operation Ouch! in Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
Got a curious kid on your hands? You can take them to meet the star of one of their favourite TV shows at the Science and Industry Museum next month.
In case you hadn’t heard, Operation Ouch! is back in Manchester again with a fresh new experience for 2025, and this time around, visitors can journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond have already visited the city centre museum make the most of the new exhibition, and get stuck into the wide range of immersive and interactive activities it has on offer.
But for those who haven’t been able to pay a visit yet, this summer couldn’t be a more ideal opportunity to do so.
Operation Ouch! star Dr Chris Van Tulleken will be at the Science and Industry Museum next month / Credit: Science Museum Group
That’s because Dr Chris Van Tulleken – who is one of the presenters of the BBC showOperation Ouch! – will be at the museum in a couple of weeks time to meet visitors as part of his myth-busting mission to answer some of the public’s deepest questions about our senses.
Dr Chris will be at the Science and Industry Museum for one day only, and will not only join mini medics on their voyage through the senses, but will also be on-hand to answer brain teasers from the audience during a series of live Q&As.
Whether it’s banging on a super-sized eardrum, venturing into a massive eyeball, or even taking a whiff of a ‘smell library’, this world-premiere exhibition dives into the science behind hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell – and Dr Chris will be there every step of the way.
Also to celebrate Dr Chris’ visit, the museum is introducing additional sense-themed activities that very same weekend, where sight and sound will be examined during an interactive experience led by the museum’s expert Explainers.
Book your tickets to visit Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You on Sunday 9 November, for any of the time slots between 11:30am – 1pm, and 2:45 – 4:15pm for the opportunity to grab a selfie with Dr Chris from inside the exhibition.
Tickets will cost visitors £10 each, with those under three going free, and a range of family discounts available.
First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns
Daisy Jackson
One of the North West’s most popular festive events is officially back open for a third year, with the return of Gulliver’s World Land of Lights.
The huge lantern festival transforms part of Gulliver’s World in Warrington into a twinkling wonderland, filled with glowing ‘dreamworlds’.
Visitors can wander the trail meeting all manner of lanterns inspired by the natural world.
This year there are brand-new collections to discover along the trail, including a new dinosaur dreamworld.
You’ll come face-to-face with beasts like zebras, giraffes and a flock of flamingos, plus mythical creatures and loads more.
The woodland comes to life (and light) through lit-up giant flower lanterns, surrounding adorable woodland creatures like hedgehogs, foxes and squirrels.
And you can take a trip under the sea to meet a giant octopus, turtles and sharks.
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver’s World for 2025
There are lanterns perfect for spooky season too, like a giant spider suspended on an illuminated web and cackling pumpkins.
All the way along the breathtaking trail you’ll pass plenty of beautiful photo opportunities, before warming up with cosy street food.
You’ll even be able to take your four legged friends along to enjoy the event, with select dates dog-friendly.
Land of Lights in Warrington was officially opened last weekend by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain.
Ross Partridge, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “What a wonderful opening weekend we have had!
“We’d like to thank Mayor Hussain for taking the time to visit our event and officially open it for us.
“It was lovely to see him and all the wonderful people who came along to get a first look at this incredible lantern festival.
“It’s back for its third year and is a wonderful boost to the local economy over the winter period and provides guests with an enjoyable, family friendly activity that is suitable for all so make sure you don’t miss out.”
Find out more about Land of Lights and book tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd May 2022 
