Following on from their impressive and closely-ran 2022/23 campaign, Manchester United Women are gearing up for a huge and historic WSL fixture as the Manchester derbyapproaches this month.
After very nearly winning both the Women’s Super League and the Women’s FA Cup last season, not to mention qualifying for the Champions League for the first time ever, Man United Women are looking to build on that progress and put a big marker down against local rivals and fellow title contenders Man City.
Better still, they want to ensure this is an even bigger occasion than ever, as not only is the Women’s Manchester derby being held at Old Trafford for the first time ever but the club is also looking to make the much-anticipated match a historic one by getting as many fans through the doors as possible.
With the women’s team breaking a club record late last year as 30,196 supporters turned up to watch the home side smash Aston Villa 5-0, United are hoping to go one better this year by bringing in even higher attendances and maybe even break the WSL record. There’s no better game to do it in.
The current record for best attendance at a WSL game belongs to Arsenal, who had 54,115 fans travel to the Emirates for their match against Liverpool just last month. The game ended in a 1-0 defeat but saw them smash the previous record, also set by the Gunners themselves (47, 367) against Spurs.
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Since Old Trafford‘s capacity is nearly 75,000 and the Manchester derby remains a much bigger fixture than its equivalent in North London, both in the men’s and the WSL, surely us Manc can do better? Especially given the fact that match tickets for women’s games are still so affordable no matter how big the team gets.
Manchester, as it has always been, is on the up in every department: music, art, food, fashion and more, but there’s nothing that this city does better than sport. 0161 has always had a deep connection with football but the city is truly becoming one of the biggest champions of the women’s game.
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The same goes for women’s football, which thanks to the likes of the Lionesses‘ success at Euro 2022 and incredible efforts at the World Cup, is growing larger and faster than ever before and there isn’t another place in the UK where interest is on the rise like it is here in 0161.
The WSL Manchester derby is one of the biggest fixtures on the Manc sporting calendar. (Credit: Man United Women via Instagram)
Setting an example with their performances on and off the pitch and serving as huge ambassadors for the women’s game to a next-generation eager to get stuck in, there aren’t many bigger and more inspiring club fixtures in the world right now than the Manchester derby.
As both teams are on the rise and guaranteed to go neck and neck for the title again this season, this is a game you don’t want to miss and since it’s two of the best teams in the land are played at both major home grounds for the first time in history, they know how big a clash this is — question is, do you?
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With Manchester at the forefront of women’s football and sport in general as it has always been, not only are they giving you the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a truly special and global movement, but you can even play your part in history by helping them break the attendance record.
Best of all, with tickets to watch the derby between Man United and Man City Women still just £15 for adults and as affordable as £7.50 for under 16s and those over 65, you won’t get many livelier, family-friendly atmospheres than under the light at Old Trafford. You can grab yours HERE.
Featured Image — Manchester United Women/Manchester City (via Instagram)
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An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
Daisy Jackson
One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.
All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars.
Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues).
And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below.
Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.
The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.