People are calling for there to be an extra bank holiday in England if the Lionesses clinch the win in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 final.
After what has truly been an outstanding string of victories in the lead-up to the grand finale of European football’s flagship tournament over the last couple of weeks, England women’s national team are set to face Germany in a long-awaited showdown on Sunday evening.
The Lionesses will play in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium after booking their ticket to the final by beating competition favourites Sweden in the semi-final on Tuesday.
Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and Fran Kirby all found the back of the net for England in the thrilling 4-0 victory, which is just one of several wins that have gone on to inspire the nation and prompted people on social media to call for an extra bank holiday should the Lionesses come out on top this Sunday.
The calls for an extra bank holiday should England’s women’s team bring home the title of European champions come after similar calls were made when the England men’s equally made their way to the EURO 2020 final against Italy last year.
Although, as most football fans will know, that extra day off was never granted as the Three Lions lost out – but many are hoping for a different ending to the story this weekend.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer – who was spotted at Tuesday’s semi-final match at Bramall Lane in Sheffield with his wife, Victoria – is one of the notable names who has reportedly joined fans in calling for a “day of celebration” in the form of an extra bank holiday.
He told The Mirror: “The whole country will be roaring on the Lionesses in the final on Sunday.
“They have already done us proud, but if they win it will be a truly historic achievement – one that should be marked with a proper day of celebration, where clubs can open and promote access for women and girls.”
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Starmer’s endorsement of an extra bank holiday follows Tory former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey’s own calls for a day of worthy celebrations.
England will face Germany in the final of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 on Sunday / Credit: Lionesses (via Twitter)
Tracey Crouch also told The Mirror: “The Lionesses have already made the nation so proud, blazing a trail for women’s football everywhere [so] if we win on Sunday, let’s give everyone a chance to celebrate with a special bank holiday as we said we would for the men.”
Sir Ed Davey added: “If football comes home, then the country must be allowed to celebrate it.”
In response to the growing calls for an extra bank holiday in the event of the Lionesses’ victory, a government spokesperson has said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and while an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy of an additional bank holiday is considerable.”
You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
29th July 2022 
