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A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester

Experience a taste of the Far East without the 16 hour flight.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 2nd September 2025

An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.

Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.

Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.

We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.

On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.

With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.

This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.

Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.

More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.

manchester city centre japanese festival
japan week 2025
(Credit: Manchester Japan 2025)

Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.

You can find out more information HERE.

See you there, or should we say, ‘また会いましょう‘

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Featured Images — Press shots (via Japan Week website)

News

Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.

Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.

So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.

The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.

The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.

The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.

Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic

Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.

Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.

The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.

Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.

The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels

“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.

“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity

“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.

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“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”

Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)

News

Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025

Danny Jones Danny Jones Old Trafford Stadium Sleep Out 2025

Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.

Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.

Manchester United by name and by nature – just like always.

Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.

For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.

Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.

A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.

Holding the third sleep-out last winter, the United Foundation smashed its previous tally and is now aiming for even bigger numbers.

Dare we say £50k is on the cards?…

Manchester United’s latest Stadium Sleep Out raises £30k for the homeless and vulnerable young people
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.

Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.

“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”

Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.

All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.

Truly heartwarming scenes.

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Featured Images — Manchester United Foundation

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