Manchester is set to introduce a “tourist tax” for anyone who is staying overnight in the city from next year.
The city may recently grabbed headlines for having been named as the only UK city in a list of 30 must-visit global destinations on in Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2023 guide, and also having clinched the title as a “must-see” destination for world tourists in 2023 according to National Geographic, but from next year, visiting Manchester could be a little more expensive than usual.
It comes after accommodation providers voted to set up a body called Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) – with around 74 hotels and guesthouses in the region having reportedly signed up to the scheme.
The scheme will see people staying in the city pay an extra £1 per night.
While Manchester may have already been the third most visited city for international tourists in the UK prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, ABID says the new ‘tourist tax’ idea is intended to help boost the tourist economy as the city recovers from the long-term effects of several lockdowns.
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According to Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), global and domestic tourism contributed a whopping £9 billion to the local economy in 2019 and supported more than 100,000 jobs, which is another reason why ABID is looking to introduce the tax – which is believed to officially come into operation on 1 April 2023.
Manchester is set to introduce a ‘tourist tax’ for visitors next year / Credit: Marketing Manchester
A Manchester ABID spokesperson claimed the scheme is “a direct response to significant challenges including recovery from the pandemic”
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They also said it relates to the “impact that Brexit has had on the hospitality sector”.
The funds generated through the £1 charge will be used for marketing the city as a destination, according to the ABID spokesperson, and will look to help draw in more large-scale events – such as conferences and festivals during the off-season – which will help to keep the streets clean around hotels and “improving guests’ welcome”.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, says that “exciting times” are in store for the city in the new year, and that Manchester ABID will be an important source of support.
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She added: “We believe that targeted investment through the Manchester ABID will help support the accommodation sector, which plays such a vital role in supporting jobs in our city and adding to its overall vibrancy.”
Featured Image – Marketing Manchester
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Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Emily Sergeant -
13th December 2022 
