One of the most iconic teams to ever walk the Earth, the Harlem Globetrotters, are coming to Manchester city centre for an forgettable night of basketball and entertainment.
Announcing a 2025 UK tour, Harlem’s finest crossing the Atlantic to visit a select few British cities and we’re very lucky to be one of them.
Soon set to land on the court and the big stage at AO Arena this Spring, expect big players, and even bigger crowd and a fantastic atmosphere.
Approaching their momentous 100th anniversary in 2026, the Harlem Globetrotters have contributed massively to the global growth of basketball over the decades.
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They might be a household name over in America but it’s a true privilege getting to see them overseas, especially here in our hometown.
Now a fully fledged exhibition team still creating memories all over, they continue to be one of the most entertaining basketball brands on the planet.
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Famed not only for popularising the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions and the sport’s well-known figure-eight drill, they changed the face of the game forever and now you can see them doing what they do best in one of the UK most legendary arenas.
Experience the thrill of the Harlem Globetrotters live in action as they showcase breathtaking basketball innovation and plenty of fanfare to boot.
Here’s a little teaser of what’s to come:
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From mind-boggling trick shots to expert ball-handling skills, every game promises excitement and laughter. Set to take on their arch nemsis, the Washington Generals, they’re set dribble, spin, slam and dunk their way past the competition.
But we’re not just talking a single game – this event is all about interaction.
Prepare for a proper fan experience like never before as the crowd becomes just as an integral part of the excitement as the players do. There’ll be the one of the best dunk contests you’ll ever see, exclusive pre, post and in-game fan engagement opportunities, a Halftime Skills Showcase and plenty more.
In addition to plenty of atmosphere created by the dedicated DJ, not to mention plenty of slapstick comedy and general showmanship throughout (they do it all, these lot), the audience will be given multiple chances to see the Globetrotters extraordinary talents up and close and personal.
For instance, make sure you don’t miss the ‘5th Quarter’ after the buzzer as people will be giving all access to a Globetrotter Meet and Greet, where every fan is invited down to the court for an autograph from their favourite Harlem Globetrotter stars.
Best of all, this a high energy family friendly for people of all ages and walks of life to enjoy.
Set to arrive at the AO Arena on 23 April before they travel across the rest of the world, the Harlem Globetrotters are made for a sport-loving Manchester crowd.
Featured Images — AO Arena (supplied)/The Manc Group
Sport
Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
Manchester City are offering North West kids the chance to win a team training session
Danny Jones
Manchester City are offering kids across the North West a chance to win a free team training session as part of their latest grassroots competition.
Teaming up with their official sleep partners and well-known British mattress brand, Silentnight, Man City are once again giving children throughout the region the opportunity to train at the Etihad Campus itself.
Better still, all the kids have to do is what they already live and breathe to do: play footy.
Alongside the competition, they’re dishing out free advice for parents to help ensure their children get the proper rest and recovery they need through a good night’s sleep.
Continuing to promote how a good sleep in a proper bed can do wonders when it comes not only to fitness and staying active but overall health, this is part of their wider ‘Dream Big’ campaign.
Put in the simplest terms, as part of this initiative, young football teams across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and beyond are able to be nominated by coaches, parents, guardians or club representatives for this special scheme.
The exclusive coaching session, for whoever is fortunate enough to earn it, will be delivered directly by a professional MCFC coach at The City Football Academy.
Even better still, the winning team will also receive free Man City kits, not to mention Silentnight Healthy Growth Kids mattresses.
Speaking ahead of the event, Manchester City’s Vice President of Partnerships, Marketing and Operations, Mark Lambert, said in a statement: “Our partnership with Silentnight is built on a shared commitment to supporting healthier, more active lives, so it’s great to come together on Dream Big.
“Grassroots football plays a vital role in inspiring young players and bringing communities together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the winning team to the City Football Academy for what we hope will be a memorable experience.”
It’s not the only big thing they’re doing to help promote grassroots football in the local area, either.
Kathryn Pinkham, sleep expert at Silentnight, went on to add: “When children are busy with school, training, matches and everything else that comes with family life, sleep can sometimes slip down the priority list.
“But for young footballers, getting enough good-quality rest can make such a difference – helping them recover after games, concentrate at school and enjoy their sport. The 10-Step Sleep Guide is designed to give families simple, practical tips they can actually use at home.”
Man City’s kids’ coaching sessions will take place on Wednesday, 19 August from 1-3pm, and applications are already live; the window closes at 11:59pm this coming Monday (3 Aug).
To find out more and put a team name forward – made up of players aged seven and over, with no more than a two-year age gap between the youngest and oldest player – you can do so HERE.
Danny Jones -
11th February 2025 
