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.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2023 
