Man City’s treble parade was always going to be an unforgettable one, but our wonderful city also chose to welcome back the boys in blue in the only way it knows how: with a heavy downpour of rain as thunderstorms spread across the region.
Nevertheless, the thunder, lightning and torrential showers didn’t bother the City fans one bit, as thousands lined the streets of Manchester from Deansgate all the way to St Peter’s Square and while plenty had the good sense to bring anoraks, ponchos and umbrellas, others just had their kits on.
Some didn’t have a shirt on whatsoever — after all, it was a title parade in British summertime.
Even though the parade start itself had to be pushed back to around 7pm, with police, stewards and police horses escorting the open-top bus back underneath a bridge to keep out of the storm, the Cityzens weren’t going anywhere. Once it got going, it was like no one even noticed the weather.
If you look closely, you can the cameraman get sprayed in the eye with champagne by Ederson.
If anything, the weather only seemed to get heavier again once the open-top bus began rolling but, as you can clearly see, there wasn’t a single soul who was letting the weather put them off.
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Seeing everything from mums with little kids in prams and old boys who’ve been going to the game for decades, to people with their faces painted in full City colours and others wearing Haaland wigs, the fans were in strong spirit throughout.
As the treble parade bus drove further along Deansgate and towards the centre of town, the rows of City fans lining the streets let off flares and waved their sky blue flags as they chanted and sang along with the team — pretty sure there were at least 50 choruses of ‘Johnny, Johnny Stones…’
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Here’s how it looked from a rooftop not far from Spinningfields:
As for those who gathered near the stage, people had been sprinting through the rain like they were in the middle of a counter-attack to get a spot as close to the front as they could.
Situated just before St Peters Square at the intersection around Oxford Road, Portland Street and Peter Street, a big blue stage fit for a bald king, his council and their three shiny new crown jewels sat waiting for them to arrive.
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First dubbed ‘Centurions’ and now Treble Winners, Pep Guardiola and this Man City squad have become heroes amongst the blue half of Manchester, so it’s no wonder supporters did whatever they could to get a glimpse of them in all their glory.
Fans legging it to get to the frontThat’s not how you use a bus stop…The crowd packed out quickly as the bus arrivedThat’s a Manchester sky if we’ve ever seen one
As for the aftermath, there was always going to be rubbish, confetti and the rest of it after a big city centre celebration, but we didn’t expect to see a bus stop completely destroyed. Regardless, we’re glad to see that the majority has been cleaned up this morning.
To be honest, whatever ‘carnage’ was left behind following the parade will no doubt pale in comparison to whatever Jack Grealish got up to last night, let alone the rest of the City squad.
We’ll leave you with a few lasting images. Congrats again, Blues.
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed
Daisy Jackson
The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.
Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.
And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.
Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.
The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.
They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.
Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.
The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.
Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.
The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.
As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.
Danny Jones -
13th June 2023 
