This weekend will be one of the busiest of the year for Greater Manchester, with huge events taking place right across the region – and strikes happening right across the public transport network.
Tens of thousands will flock to the city for Manchester Pride Festival (with its iconic parade), for Noel Gallagher‘s High Flying Birds’ gig at Wythenshawe Park, and for Manchester United‘s game against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Saturday is expected to be the busiest day of the already very busy August bank holiday weekend, with TfGM warning of particular time frames where you can expect parts of town to become crowded.
They have said that they anticipate the busiest times on the transport network to be between 12pm and 2.30pm on Saturday, around the St Peter’s Square, Deansgate and Old Trafford areas and again between 5pm and 7pm.
Amidst all the celebrations and events around town will be industrial action on buses and trains, putting extra pressure on tram services.
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There’ll be very limited services on trains due to planned RMT strike action, and only a few First Manchester buses will run across the whole weekend. Stagecoach has called off its industrial action over the bank holiday.
People are being warned to avoid driving into the city centre because of congestion due to road closures and bus diversions.
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Noel Gallagher. Credit: Publicity picture, Matt CrockettManchester Pride Festival. Credit: SuppliedMajor events happening this weekend as Manchester travel advice is issued
The Metrolink tram network will be best way to get around Manchester this weekend, with services on the Airport line to be ‘significantly boosted’ for the Noel Gallagher concert.
TfGM also stressed that ‘steps have been taken to ensure there is still adequate capacity and a stable, resilient service for those going to enjoy the Pride Parade or watch Manchester United – as well as for the overall network’.
Sean Dyball, TfGM head of customer experience, said: “It’s shaping up to be a fantastic bank holiday weekend in Greater Manchester and we want everyone to enjoy it to the full – whatever they’re doing.
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“That’s why we’re urging people to plan ahead for their journeys and allow plenty of time to get to their destination, whether that’s the city centre, Wythenshawe Park, Old Trafford or somewhere else.
“While it’s good news that Stagecoach has called off its industrial action, it’s still really important people follow our advice to avoid disruption and congestion and make the most of their long weekend.
To help everyone’s weekend go as smoothly as possible, Transport for Greater Manchester, promoters, local authorities, and the emergency services have all been involved in the planning and delivery of the transport operation for the events.
Rochdale AFC vs York City is set upto be one of the most blockbuster title-deciding matches ever
Danny Jones
In case you haven’t been keeping track of the absolutely incredible story that’s been unfolding in the National League, local club Rochdale AFC and York City have put on one of THE very best season-long shows in recent memory, and it’s all set to be decided this Saturday, 25 April.
Despite both teams having surpassed the 100-point mark and only losing 10 games between them – just four in the case of current ‘favourites’, York – it’s still anyone’s guess as to who could win the title.
One of the most divisive but undeniable dramatic things about non-league‘s top division is that only one team is promoted: the one that wins the lot and lifts the trophy.
At present, the table toppers need just a draw to claim victory and wrap up what has been nothing short of an incredible 2025/26 term, but Rochdale need all three points to pip them to the post after an equally praiseworthy campaign. We can all agree it would make for quite the Hollywood ending.
We’re obviously biased towards the Greater Manchester hopeful, but it’s worth mentioning that The Dale have been just as good value for money in terms of entertainment this year.
Having most recently finished with yet another late goal in (get this) the 99th minute of extra time against Braintree last weekend, it’s basically become a habit for them over the past few months.
Mani Dieseruvwe’s winner is just the latest in a long line of similar blockbuster moments for Rochdalians, both home and away: Luke Hannant won it in the 90th minute to beat Wealdstone in the previous game, Ian Henderson netted in the 97th against Sutton United before that.
There’s also been plenty of goals post the 80-minute mark, and so on and so forth.
Honestly, there have been so many of these at-the-death moments during the 25/26 contest; here’s just one of many examples that produced unbelievable limbs in recent weeks…
York City beat these boys 4-1 in the reverse fixture, but how will they fare on the road?
Weren’t not exaggerating when we say there’s been so much last-minute bedlam from both outfits that you’d think the novelty might have possibly worn off by now – a bit Ross and Rachel, ‘will they, won’t they?’. Rest assured, it absolutely hasn’t.
Not a little bit.
Currently sitting just two points behind their Yorkshire title rivals, with a goal difference of nearly 50 to boot, in most instances, this would be far and away enough to make it over the line most years.
However, the Minstermen have had other ideas, leading the pack pretty much from day one, not only racking up 107 points but also amassing a whopping 105 goals so far – quite literally the same number of points that Jimmy McNulty’s squad have in their entirety up to this point.
Truly staggering stuff, and not just in terms of the stats themselves, but because this could still prove not enough to lift the all-important piece of silverware and secure a place back in the EFL. It’s already produced plenty of hold-your-breath level viral clips on social media:
York City’s players reactions to Rochdale’s 99th minute winner to deny them winning the league😂😂😂
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Rochdale have sold all of their home tickets to fill the max capacity of the 10,249-seater stadium as they prepare to host the league leaders at the Crown Oil Arena.
Equally, the entire 850 allocation afforded to fans travelling from York was snapped up in less than 10 minutes earlier this month, with supporters queuing around the ground at the crack of dawn to secure their spot in what will be an unforgettable and no doubt crucial away end.
We have no idea how things are going to pan out, especially given all the players and plot points that have made this one of the most box office title sporting contests ever (you heard), but we do know that it’ll be a day that stays with all those involved forever.
The two sides have even penned a joint statement ahead of this highly anticipated conclusion, reiterating this as the best advert for the tier teetering on the edge of the professional pyramid: “This Saturday’s game brings an end to one of the most thrilling, exciting and unpredictable title races in football history.
Both ourselves and Rochdale have the chance to write our names in National League history. The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League 2.”
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They all know how much this one game means not just for the respective organisations and fan bases, but their communities, culture and native areas on the whole.
Kyron Gordon wants Rochdale fans to bring the energy tomorrow 💥 An exclusive Kyron Gordon interview features in NL72 | Promotion Race Preview, which is free to watch on DAZN with no sign up required ▶️
It continues: “We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP.
“Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League Play-Offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case.
“We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue, so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year.”
Rousing stuff, to be sure.
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They sign off by adding: “For both sets of supporters attending the Crown Oil Arena this weekend, we say thank you for being with us all season. The passion you’ve shown for both clubs has been felt across the world. This game will be seen far and wide.
“We want to showcase this league for all its potential. Keep your support in the stands, not on the pitch, and let’s all protect the game we love. Thank you! Rochdale AFC & York City FC.”
Naturally, we’re wishing all the best for Rochdale, but who do you fancy to put a ribbon on this truly unreal title race?
Daisy Jackson -
22nd August 2023 
