A huge taco and tequila festival is coming to Manchester for the very first time this September, bringing more than 30 street food tacos and 50 types of tequila with it.
Combining cultural live entertainment with an array of authentic Mexican flavours, those heading down to Taco Town can expect to find an array of different dishes on offer at the event, which will take place at new city centre venue Love Factory later this year.
With room to host more than 5,000 taco and tequila fans at once, it is being branded as the UK’s largest taco and tequila festival.
The festival will spread across four arenas and boast a vast array of different dishes. In addition to the 30 different taco stalls, guests will also be able to tuck into traditional burritos, nachos and tostadas, with plenty of vegan options and even a variety of sweet ‘dessert’ tacos to choose from.
As for drinks, expect plenty of cocktails including hundreds of different margaritas that will range from sweet to spicy, frozen to classic.
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Image: Taco Town
Image: Taco Town
Entertainment-wise, festival-goers can expect to find Mariachi bands, Lucha Libre Wrestling, Chilli eating contests and rodeo rides, plus a Pinata beating championship, Mexican bingo, tequila tasting sessions and even games of cactus hoopla.
Due to take place on 23 September at new Manchester venue Love Factory, the festival will be split into two sessions. The first in the afternoon will run from 12-5pm, followed by an evening session running from 6-11pm.
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Tickets are on sale now, and early birds have the option to sign up early to get £10 off tickets and a free branded shot glass on entry.
Tom Cullen, Marketing Manager of Taco Town, said: “We are excited to bring Taco Town to Manchester for the first time, to share their delicious variety of tacos and tequila.
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“With an array of entertainment including Mariachi bands and Lucha Libre wrestling, this will be an unmissable event with a truly loco atmosphere.”
Manchester security guard jailed for raping woman who asked him for help
Emily Sergeant
A local security guard has been jailed after raping and sexuality assaulting a woman who asked for his help.
Shazad Mughal, from the Crumpsall area of Manchester, has been jailed after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a 999 call from the victim at 12:45am on Wednesday 10 August 2022, who said she had been sexually assaulted.
The victim had asked Mughal, who was working as a security guard, for directions to Manchester city centre after their tram had terminated earlier than expected.
The 48-year-old Mughal allowed the victim to use the toilet and then proceeded to sexually assault her in his security booth, before the victim managed to flee the scene and call the police, remaining hidden until an officer could locate them.
Mughal was sentenced last Friday (7 November 2025) to seven-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
Detective Constable Luke Miller, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said Mughal ‘abused his position of authority’.
“Mughal claimed that the victim was advancing onto them whilst in the security booth and that he did not want to have any sexual activity with the victim, which was completely untrue,” DC Miller explained in a statement following the sentencing.
“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Mughal, who will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.
“Our officers will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders.
“Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101, or through the Live Chat function on their website – gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Georgina Pellant -
10th May 2023 
