If you’re feeling a little weary as 2025 wraps up (why did that feel like the longest, most topsy-turvy 12 months ever?) allow us to brighten your spirits a little, with a list of things to look forward to in the new year.
Here in Manchester, things change fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.
Over the next 12 months, we’ll see some cultural landmarks reopen for the first time in years (some sell beer…), major global events hosted here in our city, and more than a few major sporting updates too.
There are also some rather lovely food and drink openings on the horizon, plus plenty more.
So here you have it – 12 things to look forward to in Greater Manchester in 2026.
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Town Hall reopening
Inside Manchester Town Hall as more scaffolding comes down and reopening date confirmed
It is, comfortably, the most famous and impressive building in the city – and the Manchester Town Hall is finally set to reopen in 2026 (over budget and over deadline…)
It’s been years since any of us have seen the outside of the Grade I-listed building, never mind the inside – but the countdown is finally on.
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When it reopens, the Manchester Town Hall will have a free exhibition inside, and in the meantime there are plans for hard hat tours so us Mancs can see inside this world-famous structure for the first time since 2020.
Cat Cafe reopening
The cafe in Manchester where your latte was served with a side of kitten is set for a new lease of life, in a new location within the city centre.
The Cat Cafe teased it would return to Manchester (after shutting down in 2021) last year, but has been hit with more than a few delays.
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But addressing fans towards the end of 2025, they’ve announced they’re gunning for a spring 2026 reopening, this time in a huge space within the Barton Arcade on Deansgate.
The BRITs
The BRIT Awards will be hosted at Co-op Live. Credit: Supplied
First came Chanel, then came the MTV EMAs, and now Manchester has landed yet another event that will put us on a global scale – the BRITs.
The glittering music ceremony will be moving up north, taking over the Co-op Live in February and attracting some of the hottest names in the music industry.
There are plenty of nods to our city in the BRITs already, including the design of this year’s award itself – designed by internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson, inspired by his Manchester roots and built from an amber toned resin – resembling the golden honey of a worker bee.
The return of Sankeys
Sankeys Manchester will officially return to the city in January 2026 – and ahead of that, the legendary Manchester club has shared a sneak peek of how things are going to look.
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The intimate 500-capacity basement venue is promising to keep the DNA that made Sankeys one of the best clubs on the planet before its demise almost a decade ago.
In a video they’ve shared, you can see the stripped-back clubbing experience taking shape (which will include a no-phones policy).
That location is still strictly under wraps though…
Etihad Stadium expansion and The Medlock hotel
The Etihad Stadium has been busy every summer of late while the pitch is quiet, expanding the huge venue and building a brand-new, 401-bedroom, four-star hotel too.
Set to open in late 2026, The Medlock will be connected to the Etihad Stadium and operated by Radisson Hotel Group.
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Inside, there’ll be a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, plus a luxury penthouse suite, and access to the food and drink outlets and museum experience that are being added to the expanded stadium area.
Rylands reopening
Manchester’s iconic Rylands building is being reborn
It’s one of Manchester’s finest buildings, an art deco-era landmark right in the heart of town that’s gearing up for a new chapter after the collapse of Debenhams.
Rylands Manchester will begin to reopen in phases in 2026, a new home for retail, leisure and workspaces all under one roof.
The plans also include a four-storey glass extension with panoramic views up on the roof.
The MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards are coming to Manchester. Credit: Nick Flynn
And it’s not just the BRITs heading up north this year – the 2026 MOBO Awards will also take place in Manchester for the very first time for its 30th anniversary celebrations in March.
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The MOBO Awards are the biggest celebration of Black music and culture in Europe, and has travelled the length and breadth of the UK since 2009.
But this is the first time Manchester will have the honour of hosting the MOBO Awards, for an unforgettable night at Co-op Live of live entertainment, tributes, recognition and celebration.
Manchester Street Food
Ducie Street Warehouse could be turned into a food hall
Food halls are, apparently, like buses – you wait for ages for one to open then loads come along at once.
Now new plans have been lodged to transform most of the ground floor of Ducie Street Warehouse into a 10-kitchen food hall, complete with arcade machines, pool tables, and an outdoor terrace.
It’s set to be operated by the same team behind Edinburgh Street Food, so this landmark building should be in safe hands. You can read more about the plans HERE.
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PINS Social Club
Earlier this year, the Grade II listed Art Deco building Sunlight House reopened its doors after a £35 million transformation.
There’s a new name set to move into a whopping 25,000 sq ft unit that spans three whole floors in 2026 – Liverpool’s PINS Social Club is finally heading to Manchester.
Manchester’s biggest new hospitality venue will be packed with bowling, tech darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, beer pong, and a dedicated sports bar.
Sister Moon
The Treehouse Hotel has breathed new life into a rather unloved building in Manchester, transforming the old Brutalist Renaissance hotel into a cosy, modern hotel with British restaurant Pip on the ground floor.
There’s still more to come though… Sister Moon, a 14th-floor Southeast Asian dining destination by Sam Grainger, is still to open in 2026.
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Expect ‘bold, punchy flavours’ and great views of the city.
The Shamrock reopening
The historic Ancoats pub The Shamrock will finally undergo a £1.8m revamp. Credit: Supplied
When Ancoats pub The Shamrock shut down, the neighbourhood looked very different. As new apartment buildings and restaurants have sprung up on all sides, it’s remained firmly bolted shut since 2018.
But now, Joseph Holt’s £1.8m revamp of this historic boozer, which dates back to 1808, has kicked off and it’s set to open up once again in 2026.
There’s a new name on the cards though – Joseph Holt asked the public to vote on what to rename The Shamrock, and it will reopen as The Spinners Rest.
Women’s Cricket World Cup
Emirates Old Trafford – the home of Lancashire Cricket – will be an official host venue for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
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The stadium already holds the record for hosting more Men’s Cricket World Cup matches than any other ground, and now it’s time for a new significant milestone.
Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive of Lancashire Cricket, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to Emirates Old Trafford for the very first time. This moment reflects both the growth of the women’s game and our ongoing commitment to hosting world-class cricket events for all.”
Eggslut
The humble egg is the star of the show at this new arrival to Manchester (as she deserves) – viral sensation Eggslut is finally coming to town.
When this breakfast spot opens on Deansgate you’ll find brioche buns filled with soft scrambled eggs, plus sides like truffle hash browns, and French toast sticks to be dipped in a maple custard.
Eggslut was founded way back in 2011 and first opened in London a few years later, but this is the first time it’s left the capital to head north. They’re set to crack open the doors early 2026.
Manchester Marathon 2026 guide – waves, start times, route map and much more
Danny Jones
It’s nearly that time again: the adidas Manchester Marathon has come back around for 2026, so it’s about time we gave you a helpful guide on everything you need to know.
Doesn’t matter whether you’re running it or are simply set to be one of the countless people expected to line the streets in support of the annual event; there are plenty of important details that can help make it as stress-free as possible.
Well, there are obviously going to be plenty of nerves out on the tarmac, but we already know you’re going to smash it.
So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in…
The great big Manchester Marathon guide – all the key info
We can start off by letting you know that, no, there aren’t any places left to join this year’s Manchester Marathon, but as always, it’s worth keeping an eye out on social media for any last-minute bibs going.
There’s always a fair few drop-outs in the last few weeks leading up to a big race, and while we hope it’s not happened to you or anyone you know, do let people know down in the comments if you know of any spares so we can field out the field as much as possible.
Waves and start times for the 2026 MCR Marathon
Where else to begin than with the start times themselves? If you’re joining the pack this year, you should have long received your race pack by now – if not, you can collect yours/try to sort a back-up bib at the adidas store on Market Street – and therefore should already know when you’re getting going.
However, even if you’re just watching, it can be helpful to know the exact minute that your friends and loved ones’ waves are starting. Here’s a full breakdown:
(Credit: adidas Manchester Marathon)
If you’re wondering how best to track those taking part, as well as sharing names and numbers on race bibs for predictive tracking, we would always recommend turning on the ‘Find My’ app on Apple devices and/or your phone’s equivalent.
We would also suggest sharing your location on WhatsApp, which can be set for several hours and beyond, which is usually pretty accurate.
Manchester Marathon route and event map
As for this year’s marathon route, 2026 marks just the second year that the sell-out Manc run will see its final stretch along the Oxford Road Corridor, with the finish line hosted just outside The University of Manchester’s historic Whitworth Hall.
Complete with a series of adidas-branded hoardings tilted at an angle for those cheering from the sidelines to slam and spur finishers along those last few yards.
Once again, the course will take participants from beneath the Trafford City Arch near White City retail park, down Bridgewater Way, then Chester Road, before heading towards Castlefield and Deansgate, on to Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, and then out of Trafford in the direction of Baguley.
Eventually, you’ll make your way back to central Manchester, passing through Chorlton, Whalley Range, Hulme and eventually to the home straight on Oxford Rd for a grandstand finish.
You can see a detailed version of the Manchester Marathon right HERE and/or watch a full virtual tour of the 2026 route down below.
The start area is outside Man United’s Old Trafford stadium, which can be easily accessed by tram or car
Toilets, water and fuelling stations
Now, next up on the list of crucial locations is, obviously, the issue of toilets, as well as water and refuelling stations.
You’ll be glad to know that there will be places to go for your pre-race pees and poos, both in the first pan and in a secondary section just after you begin the starting process and head towards the retail park and Trafford Arch.
From there, runners will be able to use the toilet (fingers crossed you won’t need one) whenever they come across a water station, and in addition to the eight or nine points along the course, you can refuel energy and nutrition-wise with High5 Orange Aqua Gels.
Here’s a quick rundown of where you’ll find them:
Manc Marathon road closures
Next up, it goes without saying that such a big event is not just city centre-wide, but one spread across multiple Greater Manchester boroughs, doesn’t go ahead every single year (not to mention bigger and better each time) without some major logistical planning.
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns to the streets of Greater Manchester this weekend, and the full list of road closures set to be in place has now been announced. 🏃♂️🏅
Bag drop and collection points for the Manchester Marathon
The bag drop is situated near the front of Manchester United’s famous home ground, where you’ll also find the official starting area within the E2 car park.
If you plan to use this service (small sports bag or rucksack only), the organisers recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before you are due to access the start line.
Bags will then be collected and loaded into lorries corresponding to your wave colour, which will then transport them to the finish line, where they can be collected with proof. If you’re still unsure about anything, here’s a full explanation.
Fan zones, cheers squads and popular spectator spots
As for this year’s dedicated Manchester Marathon fan zones and cheer points, you’ll find popular spectator hotspots, including the Deansgate-Castlefield Interchange, the Chester Road roundabout and strip leading up past Stretford Mall and a main section of Chorlton’s high street, just to name a few.
Thankfully, you can find lots more tips on where to cheer on your friends and family via the online Supporter Hub, including help when it comes to tracking them.
In addition to the multiple signposted junctures and atmosphere hubs, with more live music and festivities from artists, charities and local organisations than ever, last year’s Manchester Marathon official Event Village at Circle Square has also seen a big upgrade. Find out more below.
As always, Transport for Greater Manchester is advising everyone making their way to the event this year to use public services wherever possible.
In terms of using the Metrolink trams, Old Trafford tram station is just 10 minutes from the start line, while Trafford Bar, Wharfside, Imperial War Museum and Exchange Quay are your next best options and still only a reasonable walk away.
One could even say they’re the perfect distance away to go through your full warm-up routine and pre-race checks; you can also check out a full interactive map of the relevant tram lines:
As for this year’s dedicated Manchester Marathon fan zones and cheer points, you’ll find popular spectator hotspots, including the Deansgate Interchange, the Chester Road strip leading up past Stretford Mall and a main section of Chorlton’s high street, just to name a few.
Thankfully, you can find lots more tips on where to cheer on your friends and family via the online Supporter Hub , including help when it comes to tracking them.
In addition to the multiple signposted junctures and atmosphere hubs seen in the virtual route tour above, with more live music and festivities from artists, charities and local organisations than ever, the 2025 equivalent of previous years’ event village comes in the form of an all-new fan zone on Oxford Rd.
Finally, if you were looking to use the bus this weekend, you can see the full list of bus diversions HERE.
Last but not least, there’s nothing else left for us to say other than good luck to everyone taking part, and whatever reason you’re running the 2026 Manchester Marathon, go and SMASH it!
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Manchester Marathon)
Manchester
First look at the lavish two-storey penthouse hotel suite opening at the Etihad campus
Daisy Jackson
The Medlock – the new hotel opening on the Etihad Campus later this year – has shared brand-new images of its luxury penthouse suite.
The lavish new two-storey suite will come with its own private terrace, views across the city, and its own entrance.
That’s on top of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area and dining space.
The hotel itself, which takes its name from the river that runs beneath the area, is set to open later this year, and is under construction immediately beside the Etihad Stadium.
When it’s complete, it will boast 401 upscale bedrooms, including the newly-revealed penthouse suite, with panoramic views across to the city centre.
Guests in The Medlock’s two-storey suite will have floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury finishes across the 150sq ft interior, and five-star service.
Privacy will be a key feature – the penthouse comes with its own dedicated entrance separate from the main hotel, plus a personal concierge service. You’ll even be able to ride an express list direct to the private dining room of the hotel’s brasserie.
Still not fancy enough? The penthouse offers provisions for a private chef and an additional suite suitable for a nanny or personal staff, perfectly suited to VIP guests.
The private terrace at The Medlock penthouse suiteLuxury bathroom finishes at the hotelThe dining space within the hotel suiteOne of the two bedrooms in The Medlock penthouse suite
Bosses hope the hotel will be a perfect base for the year-round events taking place at the Etihad Campus, whether it’s matches at the Etihad Stadium, gigs at the Co-op Live, or the new hub for culture, leisure, and entertainment, Medlock Square.
Richard Pearson, general manager of The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel, commented: “The Medlock’s penthouse suite is a space that we are particularly proud of, truly offering our guests the best in class when it comes to a luxury stay in the city.
“We’re perfectly positioned to serve both the Etihad Campus and Co-op Live, but also the wider city which you can enjoy undisrupted views of from the private terrace.
“For those looking for a discreet and high-end stay in Manchester, guests will be blown away by the space when we officially open later this year.”
The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel, is set to open this autumn, with bookings now live HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
30th December 2025 
