In a new campaign launched this week, Manchester City Council has joked that unjabbed holidaymakers could face ‘lovelorn island’ this summer in a nod to the smash-hit ITV show currently being watched by millions across the UK.
Warning travellers not to be a mug this summer, local health bosses suggested that those who’ve not topped up their vaccines before jetting off could end up being pied-off by travel companies – potentially leaving them end up unable to reach their destinations as a result.
Calling on people to make sure they top up their COVID vaccine boosters before heading away, David Regan, the city’s Director of Public Health for Manchester, said that “‘Lovelorn Island’ could be the reality destination for those who aren’t up to date on vaccines or travel requirements.”
“Some of our younger travellers may well be inspired to go away as we head to a new season of a villa-based dating show – but […] I’d urge everyone to check, or talk to us about it.”
Manchester City Council has joked that unjabbed holidaymakers could face ‘lovelorn island’ this summer / Credit: Manchester City Council
He continued: “It’s that time when we all start looking forward to a change of scene – which thankfully is possible this year – and we want the whole city to know that it is never too late to come forward for a vaccine.
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“And, for those people who have questions, or may need further support, please do ring our free dedicated helpline.”
Dr Manisha Kumar Medical Director, GP, and Medical Director at Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, added: “Our message is one of support: we will always help and our teams will always have time for you.
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“Even on the day, at a vaccination venue, you can still ask about any detail that’s important to you. It’s crucial that you plan ahead and receive the full course as this will give you the best opportunity for a safe holiday.”
The Council is calling on people to make sure they top up their COVID vaccine boosters before heading away on holiday / Credit: Flickr
Manchester City Council’s free COVID helpline is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, staffed by a nursing team with a translation service available.
The free number is 0800 840 3858, or you can text 07890 036 892.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Premier League Darts is returning to Manchester’s AO Arena in 2027
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Premier League Darts is confirmed to be returning to Manchester next year.
Now’s your chance to see the youngest world champion in darts history, AKA Warrington’s very-own Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, show us how it’s done, as next year’s BetMGM Premier League Darts lineup has just been announced this week – with various dates confirmed across 17 different cities in the UK and Europe.
And Manchester is one of those cities, as the AO Arena has shared that they are set to host an evening next April, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
This means that we will be lucky enough to witness the biggest names in world darts all under one roof, including headliners Gian van Veen and Luke Humphries, as well as Littler.
Manchester is the only northern city to get the pleasure of hosting the event next year, as Liverpool is also on the lineup, as is Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle, while elsewhere in the UK, the stars will travel to Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and several other major locations.
BetMGM Premier League Darts is to be held on Thursday 8 April at the AO Arena in Manchester, and to avoid being disappointed, fans are advised to register for presale ticket access.
Following a successful season of events in 2026, tickets are expected to be like gold-dust, so don’t say you haven’t been warned.
To access the first wave of tickets, fans must become an active PDCTV Annual Member before 23:59pm on Friday 9 October. Alternatively, general sale is on Thursday 22 October 2026, but make sure not to hang about.
Featured Image – Sandro Halank (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Andy Burnham wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on drinking alcohol in football stands
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has claimed he wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on fans getting to drink alcohol in football stands.
It’s a ban that’s been in place in the top five tiers of men’s football since 1985, when fears over violence and hooliganism were at their height, but now the Prime Minister has raised the question of whether drinking in football stands – or ‘drinking in sight / view of the pitch’, as it’s known formally – is actually unjust, due to the fact that same rules don’t apply to fans of other sports.
“I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way,” Andy Burnham has declared this week, grabbing headlines in the process.
He continued: “I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different, and I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination.
“I’m not going to back away from what’s been a long-held view of mine. I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently.”
The Prime Minister’s comments have been met with mixed response.
Andy Burnham wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on drinking alcohol in football stands / Credit: James Kirkup | Julia Nastogadka (via Unsplash)
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), for example, has very much welcomed the idea, saying that it ‘totally agrees’ the legislation is ‘outdated’ and ‘deserves to be reviewed’.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, said in a statement: “The FSA has always argued that it’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.”
However, on the flip side, the UK Football Policing Unit said it would be ‘incredibly rash’ to change the rules without proper consultation.
“Other sports simply don’t see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour,” it said in a statement on the matter.
The Prime Minister did state in his initial proposition though that ‘there are different ways it could be done’, hinting that it could be done ‘on a trial basis’ perhaps.
The English Football League (EFL) added that it would be ‘receptive to discussions around reviewing current legislation and permitting alcoholic drinks within view of the pitch’.
No formal details on a review have been confirmed as of yet, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates in due course.
The Manc -
23rd June 2022 
