Manchester has been chosen as a “must-see” destination for world tourists in 2023 by one of the most widely-read magazines of all time.
And it’s the only place in the UK to make the list.
We’re nearly losing track of all the titles our city has been claiming as of late, because recently, Manchester has been crowned the best UK city for retail and leisure in 2022, voted as the top rated city toreplace London as the UK capital, and picked as one of the happiest places in the UK to retire, and was named by The Economist as the 28th most liveable city in the world in the ‘Global Liveability Index 2022’ – being the highest-rated UK city on the list, and beating out big hitters like Barcelona, New York city, and our own country’s capital in the process.
But it seems like the titles just won’t stop coming, as National Geographic’s annual annual Best of the World list has been released for 2023, and Manchester is the only UK destination to feature.
The magazine publication says the prestigious accolade “recognises Manchester’s post-pandemic revival”, and it also pointed out that this title comes ahead of “a raft of significant cultural attractions due to open in the city in 2023.”
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The long-awaited opening of Mayfield Park last month, which is the first new city centre park in over 100 years, and the grand opening of Manchester’s New York High Line-inspired Castlefield Viaduct – which has seen a 330-metre Grade II-listed steel viaduct transformed into an elevated park across one of the most historic parts of the city – are among the attractions classed as “must see”.
2023 is set to be a big year for Manchester, with National Geographic naming the reopening of Manchester Museum after a multi-million-pound transformation early next year as one of the highlights, as well as the highly-anticipated opening of arts, music, and culture venue Factory International, which will welcome its first visitors next summer.
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“This international recognition is great news for Manchester,” said Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council.
“Tourism is really important for our economy and creates and supports thousands of jobs and opportunities.
“We have a long term vision for a vibrant city with an array of activities, especially for families, and this accolade and others show that is bearing fruit.
“There is so much to do here, both for residents and visitors, and we’ve been working to broaden the range of high quality family-friendly facilities and attractions across the city, so the fact that we have been recognised in National Geographic’s ‘Family’ category demonstrates the strong progress that is being made”.
Entire tram line suspended due to overhead line damage at Old Trafford
Daisy Jackson
Metrolink trams along the Altrincham line have been suspended due to damage to an overhead line near Old Trafford.
The damage, caused by a third party, has caused significant disruption for commuters across the Greater Manchester region this afternoon.
No Metrolink tram services are operating between Altrincham and Piccadilly, in either direction.
Large queues are already forming for buses at Piccadilly Gardens as people attempt to get home.
Engineers have arrived on site to try and fix the issue, but ‘significant disruption’ is expected to continue into the evening.
TfGM and Metrolink have also deployed staff to assist people with their journeys at all stops in the city centre as well as at Old Trafford, Trafford Bar, and Cornbrook.
Trams between Bury and Deansgate-Castlefield are unaffected.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the 245, 255, 256, 263, 281 and 285 bus services and on Northern Rail services between Altrincham and the city centre. Simply show the driver your Metrolink ticket or pass when boarding.
You can plan the rest of your journey online using the TfGM journey planner here.
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals
Emily Sergeant
Pubs are to be permitted to extend their opening hours if England make it through to the semi-finals of EURO 2024 this summer.
With the Premier League, and the English and Scottish football leagues, all drawing to a close over the next couple of weeks, our nations are already looking ahead to what is gearing up to be a massive summer of sport – with both the UEFA EURO 2024, and the 2024 Olympics coming up before August is out.
And now, it’s been revealed by Home Secretary James Cleverly that if either England or Scotland’s mens national football teams make it to the semi-final of European football’s flagship tournament, then pubs will be allowed to stay open for longer.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?
The Government has said that venues will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours on match days if either or both teams reach the last four or the final of the competition, but this only applies to pubs that already have a license to open until 11pm anyway.
The move to extend opening hours comes after a consultation at the end of last year, and is hoped to provide a boost to the hospitality industry – which has notably been hit hard during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Home Secretaries in England and Wales, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, but the Scottish and Northern Irish Governments have to set their own rules.
“We have listened to the public through our consultation,” explained Home Secretary James Cleverley, “and we will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”
The EURO 2024 semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July / Credit: UEFA
Mr Cleverley said the move will “allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home”.
This legislation is set to be laid in Parliament today (Wednesday 8 May) to ensure there is enough time for it to be debated and passed before the tournament begins on Friday 14 June, the Government has confirmed.