In news that should surprise absolutely no one, Manchester has been named one of the friendliest cities in the UK: the second most friendly, to be exact, but we already know we should be first anywayso we’re not going to split hairs.
Yes, that’s right, Manchester city centre and the surrounding area tied second for the friendliest city in Great Britain, according to the annual Condé Nast Traveller‘s Readers’ Choice Awards, dishing out a score of 94.12 when it comes to us Mancs making people feel welcome in the best city in the world.
The figure itself is a percentage representing the “overall average levels of satisfaction” for people who come to the city. I mean, who are we to question their metrics? All we’re saying is that for anyone dubious, at least now you have an excuse as to why weren’t number one this year.
Recognising the jewel of the North as “the world’s first industrial city and home to the UK’s first ever working canal”, they reinforced how Manchester has “come a long way since the 19th century, though it still retains its historical charm and nods to its heritage can be spotted around the city.” Hard agree.
As the entry goes on to state, they describe Manchester as “in and among the modern shopping destinations, an exciting arts and culture scene and [boasting] a foodie scene that is continually reinventing itself”, adding simply, “We defy you to be immune to this Northern city’s charm.
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They even gave a recommendation of the best spot to stay if you’re staying over: Whitworth Locke — a favourite of ours as well, to be honest. All the apartments are situated inside a historic cotton mill, painted in pastels and, as CN Traveler put it, “ready to take over as your own”.
There’s even a Foundation Coffee House site located on the ground floor and a cool little co-working space tucked away in the back as well.
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So, whether you’re just staying over or looking for somewhere to settle down where the people smile, you know where to look. And that’s just the city centre, don’t forget — wait until they hear about what the rest of Greater Manchester boroughs have to offer.
Now, if you were wondering not only what city we tied with but also somehow beat us, we will reluctantly be the bearer of sceptical news.
According to these lot, Liverpool and Belfast join us in second place; two great cities in their own right, no doubt (we’ll cheers to Irish hospitality, especially), but we’re still not having that they’re better than 0161.
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As for the city that took the gold medal, that coveted accolade goes to the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Again, a wonderful place, fair enough, but if this list were reduced simply to the friendliest cities in England you might as well have just crowned Manchester as champion.
We look forward to next year when these guys see the error of their ways and rightly hand us the top spot — then we can sit back and relax. Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of places to do so around here.
Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings
Danny Jones
Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.
We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…
Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.
Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's home fixture against Notts County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. #oafc
Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.
“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”
As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.
They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”
Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.
2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.
The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.
As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.
Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.
Greater Manchester urged to ‘check before you travel’ as Storm Goretti sets in tonight
Emily Sergeant
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to check before they travel as Storm Goretti prepares to bring chaos this evening.
In case you weren’t aware, yellow weather warnings for snow have been put in place for parts of Greater Manchester – including Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, and Stockport – from 5pm this evening until around midday tomorrow, and additional amber warnings are even in place from 8pm tonight for some neighbouring areas like Derbyshire and Yorkshire.
As a result, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), is understandably warning locals that there could be disruption to journeys this evening, including by rail, trams, buses, and on the roads.
Trams on the Oldham, Rochdale, and Ashton lines are most likely to be disrupted by the weather, as are buses in the north and east of the region, TfGM has warned, and due to the expected impact, no trains will run on the following routes from 6pm this evening:
New Mills Central – Sheffield (no trains between Manchester & Sheffield)
Hazel Grove – Buxton
Guide Bridge – Glossop/Hadfield
🌨️ Storm Goretti will hit parts of Greater Manchester from 5pm tonight to midday tomorrow [8 and 9 January].
If you're making a journey, please check before you travel to see if your route is impacted and take extra care when travelling.
Train ticket acceptance will be in place on the 237 and 341 bus services tonight and tomorrow to help passengers get to where they need to be, although disruption could be on the cards here too, once again.
All train routes are planned to reopen after midnight on Saturday morning.
Interchanges, platforms, and crossings across the region are being treated with grit and anti-icing measures to make sure they are safe to use, and TfGM has confirmed that ‘ice breaker’ trams are also ready to be deployed to keep overhead lines clear of ice so trams can keep moving.
For those driving this evening, TfGM is also urging people to take extra time and make sure you are driving ‘appropriately’ for the conditions.
Greater Manchester is urged to check ‘before you travel’ as Storm Goretti sets in / Credit: rawpixel
Speaking ahead of Storm Goretti’s arrival, Danny Vaughan, who is TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “We are expecting Storm Goretti to hit Greater Manchester as we head into the evening peak travel time and we are urging everyone to check their plans before they travel, leave extra time and if possible to consider if they can make their journey before 5pm before the storm hits.
“Working with our partners and operators we are ready to respond to the storm and help to keep Greater Manchester moving.”
He also warned commuters that there may also ‘be an impact on journeys’ tomorrow morning, so if you are planning to travel, then it’s advised to check before you do so.
Danny Jones -
6th October 2023 
