Manchester United are opening up the doors of their Red Cafe to the local community for December, providing “warm spaces” to those set to struggle over the coming months.
As part of the club’s winter campaign, United by Your Side, the Red Cafe will provide a safe space for people to stay warm, eat, drink and chat.
The area will be available to absolutely everyone and completely free of charge every Monday and Wednesday for the next three weeks, starting on 6 December from 5:00-8:00pm.
People can arrive and register via the North Stand reception (Sir Alex Ferguson Stand), before being guided to the Red Cafe and left to get warm, enjoy hot beverages and plenty of snacks, as well as socialise.
Crucially, another objective of the Red Cafe’s United by Your Side scheme is helping combat loneliness, as a big part of the warm spaces are the ‘talking benches’ located on the forecourt at Old Trafford.
Signposted as a welcoming place for people who feel alone or are simply worried, shy or anxious to sit and talk to others, this area is designed for people to look after one another and reach out during a period when we’re all encouraged to be more giving.
As United’s COO Collette Roche detailed in an official statement: “Whether Christmas is part of people’s life or not, the festive period can be a difficult time for many. It’s a time of year that puts extra pressure on people and can affect mental health and wellbeing in lots of different ways.
“Through our United by Your Side campaign, we want people who are struggling to know that they are not alone, particularly in our local community. We want to make Old Trafford a second home by providing winter accessories, company, warmth and food for those who need it.”
In addition, today (Friday 2 December), fans are drumming up extra support for the United Foundation and homeless charity Centrepoint by staging a fundraising sleepout in the Munich Tunnel.
Today is 𝙩𝙝𝙚 day 🏟️
Supporters are bedding down inside #OldTrafford's Munich Tunnel tonight for our first ever sleepout ❤️
The fundraiser is in aid of the Foundation and @centrepointuk's work with vulnerable young people 🤝
The club is working with the council and several local and national charities like Centrepoint to deliver the initiatives and communicate them to people who need it most.
Eleanor Roaf, Director of Public Health at Trafford Council, said: “This year with the increase in the cost of heating and food, many people are likely to find winter and the festive period challenging.
“I’m delighted that Manchester United are opening their Red Cafe and providing this space with hot snacks and drinks. This helps to how football is at the heart of our borough.”
Manchester Mind are also playing a key role in the campaign. The CEO of the mental health charity’s Mancunian arm, Elizabeth Simpson, said: “We know that many people are struggling at the moment due to the cost of living crisis and that this is impacting their mental health.”
Elizabeth Simpson, our CEO said “During these challenging times we… know that our local organisations play a key role in supporting the most vulnerable in our community, and we are proud to be a part of United by Your Side this winter.” https://t.co/ermWj4V02p
— Manchester Mind #NeverMoreNeeded (@ManchesterMind) December 2, 2022
She went on to note these added pressures on top of an already busy and often stressful time of year “can feel overwhelming and isolating”, which is why initiatives like United By Your Side are so important.
The sleepout alone has already raised nearly £15,000 at the time of writing and the lifeline the warm spaces set up in Old Trafford will provide cannot be overstated.
Moreover, while it fills our hearts to hear of local institutions like this doing their bit to help people in the community, it’s heartbreaking to know that warm banks are even required. Sadly, United are by no means the only organisation that felt it was necessary to offer up this kind of support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, loneliness, rising costs or simply not knowing where to go for help, please send them to Manchester Mind’s cost of living information, their wellbeing hub and be sure to make them aware of warm spaces like those at Red Cafe if they need it.
Well done to the club and the associated charities for setting up such vital resources and a safe haven this December. United by name, united by nature.
*Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 16 and due to United’s EFL Cup fixture against Burnley on Wednesday 21 December, the Red Cafe will open on Thursday 22 December instead.
Featured Image — Manchester United/Dayne Topkin (via Unsplash)
News
Rochdale AFC have retired late club legend Joe Thompson’s shirt number
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester club Rochdale AFC have officially retired the number 15 shirt in memory of late midfielder Joe Thompson.
The retired player turned pundit and charity champion, who had to battle three different bouts of cancer, died earlier this year following his final diagnosis of stage four lymphoma.
Sadly passing away at the age of just 36 on 18 April 2025, the Bath-born footballer – who built his life and career here in the North West – was recently honoured with a minute’s silence and charity match between Rochdale and his boyhood club Man United’s under-21s youth side.
Penning an official statement on their website, The Dale wrote: “With the blessing of Joe’s family, we can confirm that First Team squad number 15, the shirt Joe wore with pride during his time at the Club, will be retired in his memory.
“Joe made over 200 appearances across three stints for Dale and became synonymous with the number 15 in his time with us.”
Thompson tragically left behind two kids, Thailula-Lily and Athena Rae, along with his wife, Chantelle, who also helped raise thousands in vital funds for cancer research and treatment here in the UK during his multiple battles.
Rochdale go on to add: “The retirement of Joe’s former squad number is recognition of his impact, not just as a talented football player, but as an incredible person who had a positive impact on everyone who has been touched by his story.
“This is just the second time in our history that a shirt number has been retired, after the number 55 was retired in memory of young Dale fan Joshua McCormack in 2016, who also sadly lost his life to cancer.”
The ex-Man United youth, Rochdale servant and one-time Bury player sadly had to retire due to his recurring illness back in 2019.
His story, however sad, was an inspiring one.
Safe to say that both his final send-off as a professional and tribute match last week were equally emotional days, with the latter ending in a 1-1 draw and an inaugural trophy lifted in his name, with the Red Devils having recently named a new club award after him too.
The United academy graduate has raised more than £20,000 for charity by joining a walk with hundreds of fans, friends and ex-teammates from Old Trafford to Rochdale back in October last year and remained an influential fundraising figure until the very end.
His number may have been retired, but the memory and impact of Joe Thompson live on forever. You can still donate to his cause and pay your respects via the Joey T Foundation HERE.
Rest in peace, Joe.
💙 The Legacy of Joe Thompson Lives On 🙌
Last week we were proud to support the Team Thompson appeal and now the journey continues.💙
Plans are now in motion to create the Joey T Foundation, honouring Joe’s bravery and continuing his legacy by helping others facing cancer. 💪 pic.twitter.com/VZO7Kgq3PP
— Rochdale AFC Community Trust (@RAFCCommunity) August 5, 2025
The Warehouse Project 2025 – full calendar, lineups, tickets, stage times and more
Thomas Melia
The summer and festival season may be almost over, but the Manchester music calendar is still going strong with The Warehouse Project announcing its full 2025 lineup.
If there’s one thing Manchester has got you covered for, it’s live music, and this EDM favourite returns year in and year out to power you through the winter – trading your dark nights for DJ sets with vibrant strobes and lasers.
The Warehouse Project know how to deliver a series of absolutely incredible b2b sets, exclusive shows and more, with the 2025 calendar looking just as impressive as previous years.
This latest full calendar lineup covers you with some of the best music events from 12 September right through til 31 December – grab your mates and your diaries, it’s time to get your next rave booked in.
Everything you need to know about The Warehouse Project 2025
The Warehouse Project tickets
As mentioned, with events running until 31 December, there are plenty of tickets available; however, with growing popularity annually and some of the biggest acts performing, these will be in high demand.
You can find the full calendar online, highlighting what events are still on sale – yes, the majority sell out fast every year – and takes you directly to their website HERE.
WHP stages
There are three separate rooms, which range in capacity, sound and facilities:
Depot is the largest room, boasting a capacity of 10,000.
Concourse can accommodate a significant 2,500 concertgoers.
Archive still holds an impressive 1,900.
It’s also worth noting that the Concourse room will now operate a strict no phones rule this year. The venue has been flagging a number of ‘Concourse only’ shows over the last few weeks in an effort to soft-launch the new policy.
Limited to the mid-sized room only for now, they’re taking cues from the likes of popular Manc nightclub Amber’s, insisting that they “feel that club culture is best enjoyed in the moment with your friends, and your phone in your pocket.”
Amber’s is also relaunching their newly formatted ‘Room Two’.
For anyone at all frustrated about this news, at least take the news of new ‘proper flushable toilets’ being installed through 80% of the venue this year as a pretty decent silver lining.
Transport and how to get to The Warehouse Project
This iconic EDM music series moved from its Victoria Warehouse to another music hotspot, Depot Mayfield, back in 2019 and has seen some of the greatest artists and DJs grace these very four walls.
Just an eight-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly or a 20-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, it’s super easy to get to on foot or via public transport.
You can catch a train or multiple tram lines from Victoria and various other points around the city centre, which will drop you off at Manchester Piccadilly; better still, a tram journey will only set you back £1.90 and not much more for the train.
Friday, 12 September – DJ HEARTSTRING
Electronic duo DJ HEARTSTRING are swapping the cold city centre feels of Berlin for the equally chilly Manchester to kick off the WHP25 series.
Playing in the Concourse, they will also be joined by a handful of acts, including Peach, Niamh and Ireland-born but now Berlin-based act, Spray.
Saturday, 13 September – D.O.D
Dan O’ Donnell, more widely recognised by his stage name and acronym D.O.D, is playing a huge hometown show in the Concourse with more DJs and mixers yet to be announced.
The Bury-born talent has a roster of hits and remixes under his belt, including ‘So Much In Love’, ‘Azizam (D.O.D Remix)’ and ‘Somedays’, the latter a collaboration with previous Warehouse Project alumni Jazzy.
Friday, 19 September – ANOTR
You might get ‘Vertigo’ from this next duo, who are currently soaking up the Ibiza club scene before making their way to the prestigious Manchester event later this year.
Amsterdam-based duo ANOTR are gearing up to play in the Concourse with a selection of yet-to-be-announced acts, and we’re sure you’ll want to ‘Turn It Up’ when they visit.
It’s time to get ‘Jamming’ with gold-coast music producer Fisher and we’re sure you’ll be ‘Losing It’ as soon as you feel the ‘Atmosphere’ at Depot Mayfield on this night.
Ranked as one of the top 10 DJs in DJ Mag’s top 100 DJs of 2024 and surpassing over 18 million monthly listeners on Spotify, expect this to be a busy one.
Friday, 26 September – Worried About Henry
All three rooms are in use for this event, and if you were at Parklife this year, you know this drum and bass event organiser knows how to start a party.
There are over 30 acts playing out across the night, and although we can’t list them all, expect Andy C, Wilkinson, Sub Focus in Depot, Camo and Krooked b2b K Motionz in Concourse and Simula in Archive.
Saturday, 27 September – YOU&ME 10th Birthday
Can you feel the buzz? We certainly can, as legendary DJs Josh Baker and Max Dean are in residency for a landmark Warehouse Project birthday celebration.
This London name has been behind some of house and UK garage’s recent anthems like ‘If U Need It’ and ‘Cops & Robbers’ with his 2020 album ‘Spice Up My Life’ reaching No.7 on the Official Dance Charts.
Now, the record producer is teaming up with a specially selected DJ crew at Depot Mayfield, including Armand Van Helden, Bakey, Joy Orbison and local lad Ghoulish.
Saturday, 4 October – &ME
Techno giant has worked on numerous collaborations and solidified his place in the house music scene with remixes and originals like ‘Say What’, ‘Thandaza’ and ‘More Love – Rampa &ME Remix’.
Coming to the Concourse, he’ll be joined by two other notable music creators like ‘P*ssy Power’ hitmaker Desiree and ‘Intuition’ credited act Megatronic.
Friday, 10 October – Dom Dolla
We’ve been ‘Dreamin’ about this one for a while, and after his latest tune gaining a spot on the F1 The Movie soundtrack, ‘No Room For A Saint’, this dance act has definitely earned its stripes.
The Australian producer is set to play Depot Mayfield, which will mark his only UK headline show outside London in 2025, and he’s bringing a couple of house music acts along for the ride too.
Saturday 11 October – Defected & Glitterbox
Depot Mayfield and Concourse are getting new names for one night only, with the larger of the two becoming ‘Defected’ and the latter taking on its new title of ‘Glitterbox’ while Archive keeps its moniker.
The legend himself, MK, will be in attendance and after the success of his recent hit ‘Dior’ with Bolton act Chrystal, the Manchester crowd will be lapping him up.
Friday, 17 October – Jamie Jones presents Paradise
Well-established Welsh DJ Jamie Jones is fronting the bill on this event, with the rest of the lineup awaiting announcement.
One thing is for sure, if the talent on the night takes any homage or inspiration from Jones’ records like ‘Lose My Mind’ and ‘We Groovin’, this will be a night of dancefloor fillers across Depot Mayfield.
17.10 /// JAMIE JONES PRESENTS PARADISE – LINE UP REVEALED
Jamie Jones brings Paradise back to WHP this October. Jamie plays a special b2b with Joseph Capriati plus across the evening he will be joined by East End Dubs, Alisha, Ahmed Spins, Obskür and more.
‘Is U’ looking to get ‘Lippy’? Well, Overmono have just the set for you when they present their new show to you alongside a curated lineup of special guests at Depot Mayfield.
Fellow collaborator Joy Orbison will be popping up with chart-topping act Interplanetary Criminal in Concourse and a selection of artists in Archive, hosted by Virus.
Friday, 24 October – Confidence Man
Janet Planet and Sugar Bones are ready to take you on a ‘Holiday’ when they return to Manchester with their celebrated records and unmissable dance moves.
Also bringing the heat to Manchester on this night is Antony Szmierek, who’s trading ‘The Great Pyramid of Stockport‘ for Depot Mayfield with Archive hosted by city centre nightlife venue and bar, Yes.
Saturday, 25 October – Black Coffee
After working with notable artists like Drake, David Guetta and Alicia Keys, this caffeinated music creator is ready to power you through the night with a selection of hits from his stacked roster.
Although the support is to-be-announced, this lineup will be one you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Wednesday, 29 October – Aitch
Moston rapper Aitch is touching down on home turf to play his huge hits out to Depot Mayfield with the release of his latest album 4 earlier this summer.
Collaborating with drum and bass heavyweight Bou on ‘Raving in the Studio’ has been great exposure too, with the Manc star receiving a warm welcome from dance music lovers.
Friday, 31 October – WHP25 Halloween – Warehouse Banger
Another one of The Warehouse Project’s biggest nights of the year, there will be lots of dance, house, drum and bass artists decorating the bill.
With no official lineup yet, expect this night to be spook-tacular.
Saturday, 1 November – Marlon Hoffstadt presents Party of the Year
‘It’s That Time’ and by that time we mean Marlon Hoffstadt’s self-proclaimed ‘Party of the Year’, which is bringing good vibes only to Depot Mayfield.
Artists include Biianco, Surf 2 Glory and Horsegiirl, who sat hoof-to-hoof with TV Royalty Danny Dyer at this year’s Brit Awards.
Friday, 7 November – Rossi.
‘Don’t Touch That Dial’ because the ‘Freak in the Sheets’ is heading to Manchester for a night dedicated to all things Rossi.
He has been on a roll this year appearing at various music festivals from Parklife to Glastonbury, and has even headlined this dance music event before in 2023. It’s safe to say that much like his track – ‘Little Man’, we’re ‘(Proud of You)’.
Friday, 21 November – Barry Can’t Swim – Earth’s Only Paradise
Probably one of our favourite electronic acts around right now, full stop.
All three rooms are open for Barry Can’t Swim, who ( in our not-so-biased opinion) might have one of the best DJ names of all time.
He’ll be bringing along a whole gathering of notable DJ figures like Jayda G, Chloé Caillet, and Prospa as he hosts his ‘Earth’s Only Paradise’ event.
Saturday 22 November – The Hacienda
Manchester has always been a city of clubgoers, and it’s lovely to see the musical history of the music capital of the North celebrated via a dedicated night to its most legendary club, The Hacienda.
Expect Depot Mayfield to be filled with all the greats from DJ Paulette, Groove Armada, Primal Scream and more.
Aussies are well and truly feeling the love from the Manc crowd this year, with a variety of acts making the over 20-hour flight to play their club classics, and now Sonny Fodera joins this list.
Fodera has worked with Calvin Harris, Jazzy, Becky Hill, Glass Animals, and Sinéad Harnett, just to name a few – so expect to hear a lot of recognisable tunes throughout the night.
Wednesday 31 December – New Year’s Eve
The lineup for this one is always a secretive one, but as you’re welcoming in the New Year, what better way to do it than attending a night soundtracked by dance and house anthems.
The Warehouse Project New Year’s Eve event is usually a big one, so expect tickets to this exclusive party to sell out pretty quickly.
Danny Jones -
2nd December 2022 
