Groups who are hopping on trains across the North this winter can now get themselves a massive 75% discount on tickets.
With all the fun and festivities of Halloween, Christmas, and more coming up over the next few months, autumn and winter arguably couldn’t be a better time to gather your mates together and get out and about to experience all Greater Manchester and northern England has to offer.
And luckily, Northern wants to help you save a few pennies while you’re doing just that.
For a limited time only, groups of 10 people or more will be able to make the most of a whopping 75% off the cost of their train tickets.
Fresh off-the-back of releasing a massive five million tickets from as little as 50p last month, the train operator’s latest sale gives groups the chance to explore all of the region’s biggest towns, cities, seaside resorts, little villages, rural locations, and more in the most cost-effective way at one of the busiest times of the year.
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Northern launches massive 75%-off ticket sale for groups of 10 or more this winter / Credit: Northern
All bookings made before Monday 6 November, and for travel between then and Thursday 29 February 2024, are eligible as part of the new offer.
Northern is encouraging anyone travelling with friends, family, or colleagues in large groups to “plan ahead” and make use of the discount – but, in return, is asking them to be “mindful” of other customers and “show respect” to train crew and station staff.
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A warning has been issued to stag and hen parties, in particular – with the train operator asking them to “moderate their alcohol in-take” while on board trains throughout the region.
Mark Powles, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said there’s “never been a better time” to book tickets than now.
The rail operator has urged people “show respect” to other passengers and train crew while the sale’s on / Credit: Northern
“Our network connects people to the best nightlife, attractions, activities, and landscapes the North of England has to offer,” he explained as the sale launches today, “and now with our Groups Winter Sale, there’s never been a better time to book.
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“We want everyone to make the train their number one choice for group travel, and hope that our sale will help convert groups from road to rail.”
Mr Powles said Northern recognises, however, that it has a “responsibility to all customers” to ensure that large groups “show respect” to other passengers, colleagues, and the trains themselves – which is why it is pleading for cooperation while the sale’s on.
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2023 
