Things To Do

You can spend an evening with Premier League legend Alan Shearer at Edgeley Park next month

On one condition: you have to enter the building wheeling away with one arm in the air.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 23rd October 2024

Events at Edgeley Park just keep getting more varied and exciting as football fans can now spend an evening with none other than Newcastle legend and former England striker Alan Shearer.

Stockport County‘s stadium has been developing a broad lineup of experiences outside of just the usual matchdays year upon year, having hosted everything from a headline Blossoms gig back in 2019 to an ABBA all-nighter last summer, and now they’ve just announced another ‘An Evening With’ date.

As part of the ever-expanding series under the Edgeley Park Presents banner, the next evening confirmed for the schedule is an exclusive interview, dinner and Q&A with the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer (260), Alan Shearer.

A sporting hero for so many growing up and an everlasting icon of the English game, the 54-year-old will be heading to the home of the Hatters next month and tickets are on sale now.

One of the greatest strikers the game has ever seen, the beloved Geordie made his professional debut for Southampton back in 1988 before moving to Blackburn Rovers and helping lead them to their only Premier League title in the 1994/94 season.

ADVERTISEMENT

As one of the most prized players in the country at that point, he then snubbed the likes of the Red Devils and many more to sign for his hometown club Newcastle United the following year for a then-world record fee of £15 million. The rest, as they say, is history.

Having already made his international debut in 1991, he went on to become England‘s captain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, before retiring from international football. Since his retirement, Shearer has been a key pundit and long-time favourite on BBC’s Match of the Day for years.

ADVERTISEMENT

As for the night itself, admission to the event will include a two-course dinner, an in-person interview; a Q&A session with the crowd, an auction of highly sought-after sporting memorabilia as well as a host of live entertainment.

He’s not the only UK sports personality to have hosted a similar event here either as British boxing Hall-of-Famer Joe Calzaghe also held a charity Q&A evening this past September.

Credit: Supplied/The Manc Group

Read more:

The event starts at 6:30pm on Friday, 22 November 2024 and tickets are available to purchase now from the Stockport County website starting at £95. 

ADVERTISEMENT

For those willing to spend more, VIP ticket holders will also have early access to the venue to even meet Alan Shearer himself beforehand, where they will be able to grab a photo and enjoy a signing opportunity before dinner is served. 

If spending An Evening with Alan Shearer at one of the fastest-growing clubs in Greater Manchester sounds up your street, you can grab your Edgeley Park Presents tickets HERE.

The ground itself also undergoing some serious redevelopment as County continue to climb up the ranks of the footballing pyramid.

Stockport County unveils grand expansion plans to nearly double capacity of Edgeley Park
The League One side is hoping an improved sporting arena with help consolidate them as a Championship-worthy team.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Supplied (via Stockport County)

Things To Do

Inside the luxury hotel suite inspired by a Christmas light trail

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Located right next to Piccadilly Station, Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly have curated a new hotel stay which is inspired by one of the region’s biggest light trails.

The new Christmas-themed room has been created as a continuation of Freight Island’s ‘Twilight Trail’, so you don’t need to leave the magic of the event behind in Mayfield Park.

This huge hotel, which recently underwent a £33m refurb, has been setting out to provide guests with incredible experiences and this new Christmas themed room is certainly no different.

As well as a stunning room decked out with festive decor, you can also see immaculate views of the city centre, and even the neighbouring Twilight Trail, thanks to the room being situated on the top floor of the eight storey building.

Initially launching last year, the festive-themed Twilight Trail attraction by Freight Island is only a short three-minute walk away from the all-new Christmas room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.

The converted ‘Deluxe Family Room’ is sure to put you in the festive spirit with everything from mood lighting to a real Christmas tree frocked in red and gold baubles.

Comfy beds in Manchester
How many reindeers could you count before you fall asleep effortlessly?
Christmas room in Manchester
It’s Christmas central at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
Hotel rooms in Manchester
The Deluxe Family Room has had a festive makeover.
Credit: The Manc Group

Once you’ve unpacked your matching PJ’s and chosen where you’ll be sleeping for the night, you can head out the door knowing you get to come back to your own personal winter wonderland.

Next on your itinerary is a trip to the Twilight Trail itself, 6.5 acres of illuminations, interesting structures and fascinating displays.

If you’re not walking round this outdoor venue with a boozy hot chocolate fixed firmly in one hand then you’re definitely doing it wrong.

As you walk through the first tentacle-like tunnel, you’ll be greeted by an on-site refreshments truck serving generous helpings of hot chocolate.

After picking up your sweet drink, you’ll be plunged into a glittering world with a dramatic Christmas tree at the centrepiece of the illuminated park.

Light trail in manchester
The opening tentacle-like tunnel which spans out across the floor.
Hot chocolate in Manchester
You can never go wrong with a hot chocolate.
Christmas tree in Manchester
The grand Christmas tree towering over the various light features.
Credit: The Manc Group

You can walk over a brightly lit bridge that constantly changes colours and makes you feel like you’re walking on a rainbow, literally.

This makes for a great sensory experience for all ages as you feel as though you’re a part of the trail, walking over the light displays instead of just seeing them from a distance. Class!

The twinkling tunnel lit with fairy lights makes for the perfect Instagrammable moment and is honestly core-memory worthy.

Whether you’re celebrating the occasion with your family or your loved one, really take a second to admire these LEDs.

Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park
Lighting up the city centre with the Mayfield Depot sign adding some character.
Fairy lights in Manchester
Look at those lights! The fairy light tunnel which are part of the Twilight Trail.
One of the best light trails in Manchester
Take a walk over the rainbow bridge as you soak up all this light trail has to offer.
Credit: The Manc Group

Whether walking makes you hungry or you can just smell the delicious flavours of the street food vendors from next-door neighbours Freight Island, it would be rude not to pay them a visit.

It’ll probably take you just as long to decide what food you want as it did to complete the light trail thanks to the wide variety of cuisines on offer.

From 22 inch pizzas at Voodoo Ray’s to desserts on a stick at Oh My Cheesecake, you can grasp how exciting and mind-boggling the meals here are.

Burgers were the craving of the night and we left our foodie fate in the hands of the trusty Burgerism with their ‘Veggied’ and Pattersons ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepa’ single stack chicken burger.

This is one of three plant-based options from their menu and its packed with a selection of topping greats like pickles, tomatoes and a cheese slice.

ADVERTISEMENT
Best veggie burgers in Manchester
Burgerism’s veggie offering was absolutely gorgeous.
Pattersons chicken burger in Freight Island
Pattersons flavoursome single stack chicken burger.
Burgerism Freight Island
The veggie has officially been ‘Veggied’.
Credit: The Manc Group

This little Christmas themed adventure and stay is in the heart of Manchester city centre meaning it’s close to all amenities like trains, trams, bars, pubs and those all important Manchester Christmas Markets.

However when you’re sleeping in a room that has pillows galore, a built-in TV and Christmas decorations, a quiet night in was next on the agenda and you really do feel right at home.

Read more:

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly may just be one of Santa’s many little helpers and you can create your own priceless memory by staying in this gorgeous Christmas suite.

Cleanest hotel bathrooms in Manchester
The bathroom in the Marriott Christmas room.
Beautiful hotel views Manchester
Waking up out of bed to those stunning lights and cute tree.
Relaxing things to do in Manchester
After your activity-filled day, fill up the tub and relax.
Credit: The Manc Group

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: The Manc Group

Things To Do

A family-friendly New Year’s Eve rave for kids is happening in Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There’s a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event making its way to Manchester this winter that’s sure to make everyone feel included – even your little ones.

The ultimate family-friendly dance party is travelling to Manchester and stopping off in one of the city’s biggest venues, Freight Island.

Ran by ‘Raver Tots’, this is set to be an experience filled with the best in British dance music from house to garage and drum and bass, with a huge laser show, confetti cannons, and performers.

Besides being the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave brand, they are also motto masters using a slogan we all could live by – ‘Throw shapes not toys’.

Helping you dance the night away will be DJ Millz and Charlotte Devaney, who are definitely no stranger to each other, remixing tracks together and performing live on stage at a variety of events.

Both are known for their drum and bass records, a genre which they both share a clear love of. Guests attending can expect similar ensembles including some of the best in British dance music like house and garage tunes.

This party is taking place during the day meaning your kids won’t miss their curfew and can get a full night’s sleep, as long as the fireworks over at Big Ben don’t disturb their sleeping schedule.

Starting at 12pm on New Year’s Eve, Freight Island is about to transform into a family-friendly dance wonderland. This environment is suitable for all ages and all music is an appropriate noise level. Ace!

These independently run festivals are a quick-fire crowd pleaser which have attratced up to 15,000 people a time, you’re sure to be surrounded by some good company.

Saoirse Holland, director at Raver Tots, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve parties, we do a huge countdown and confetti blast so kids can experience ringing in the New Year without the late night.

“The whole family can join in the celebrations, listen to some great music and make memories without the hassle of trying to find a babysitter!”

These family-friendly party events are usually in high demand and anyone wanting to attend ‘Raver Tots New Year’s Eve Manchester’ can find tickets available here.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (Supplied)

More Things To Do

IKEA Christmas events Ashton under Lyne

Art & Culture

IKEA are hosting a wide range of FREE Christmas activities this winter

Christmas

Bents Garden Centre – the Christmas wonderland that everyone, including Molly-Mae Hague, obsesses over

You Are Not Alone Festival 2025 tickets

Audio

You Are Not Alone Festival returns after hiatus and has left the city centre for a new home

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches