The Manc is thrilled to announce that we’re the official media partner of Manchester’s largest entertainment venue.
The arena recently rebranded to the AO Arena as part of a sponsorship deal with the Bolton-based online electricals retailer AO, marking a period of regeneration for the iconic venue – which last year celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Now, as well as the famous green smile, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive money can’t buy experiences as well as on the spot ‘surprise and delight’ activations on the concourse, courtesy of the retailer.
As the UK’s most engaged local digital publisher with a total audience of over 1.5 million across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, our media partnership with the AO Arena is a great fit – especially as we’re the only Manchester publication with a devoted music platform, The Manc Audio.
In a fitting celebration of the fact that Manchester’s music and its venues are unrivalled, we will use our reach to showcase this to the rest of the city and way beyond.
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The partnership also highlights our commitment to supporting Manchester’s music scene on all levels.
The Manc is the new official media partner of the AO Arena / Credit: AO Arena | The Manc Group
Speaking on the partnership, Anna Gledson – Managing Director of The Manc Group – said: “We’re absolutely made up to be the official media partner for the AO Arena. The AO Arena is such a huge part of our city’s entertainment and leisure landscape and attracts over a million people through its doors every year thanks to its unrivalled calendar of shows.
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“To have the opportunity to collaborate and partner with the Arena is super exciting and we can’t wait to work with them to shine a very bright spotlight on the incredible music we have in Manchester.”
James Allen – General Manager of the AO Arena – added: “This is an exciting partnership [and] we look forward to working collaboratively with The Manc on a variety of projects that will help accelerate Manchester’s recovery process.
“We have a packed calendar of events, with some real show-stoppers to look forward to and a first class platform to promote them on.”
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Known as ‘the people’s voice of Greater Manchester’, The Manc publishes content seven days a week, online and across a number of social media platforms, and has become a widely-recognised brand across the city for its news coverage, viral content, its various social channels, and its support of local Manchester businesses.
The Arena has welcomed the best bands, singers, musicians, and DJs from across the globe / Credit: The Manc x AO Arena
The Manc team has extensive experience and expertise in news, social media, content creation and publishing – with founding members of the team working for some of the country’s biggest social publications.
This experience has enabled The Manc to work on a number of city-wide campaigns with some of the biggest names in the hospitality, business and entertainment sectors in and around Greater Manchester.
The Manc Audio was launched in the summer of 2020 as the dedicated music branch of The Manc family, with the goal is to shine a spotlight on Manchester’s vibrant, world-renowned music scene, and the established and emerging talent to come from it.
By covering a wide variety of music genres, events, club nights and venues, The Manc Audio celebrates Manchester’s rich music heritage, as well as representing the very best of the city’s music offerings past, present and future.
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As The Manc Audio has grown, it has also launched a live music series – Frequencies.
Since the pilot episode back in February 2021, the series has received thousands of views on IGTV, and in September 2021, a live version of the event was held in front of an audience for the first time to huge success.
The Manc has worked on a number of city-wide campaigns with some of the biggest names in the hospitality, business, and entertainment sectors / Credit: The Manc Group x AO Arena
The arena has become an integral part of Manchester’s music scene since first opening its doors in 1995, and in its 26 years of operation, the venue has welcomed the best bands, singers, musicians, and DJs from across the globe to the heart of the city.
With a capacity of 21,000, the AO Arena has the highest capacity of any indoor venue in the UK.
And with more than a million people visiting the arena every year, it has landed itself the title of the busiest arena in the world on numerous occasions.
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Find more information about what’s happening at the AO Arena in 2021 here.
Government announces homebuying overhaul to fix country’s ‘broken’ housing system
Emily Sergeant
The Government has announced what it’s calling the biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history.
In a bid to ‘rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership for thousands nationwide, the Government has today (Monday 6 October) unveiled proposals that it says will speed up the long-drawn out and costly process of buying a home by four weeks.
The Housing Secretary says this will not only save people money, but unnecessary stress too.
The proposed new plans would see sellers and estate agents required to provide buyers with ‘vital’ information about a property upfront – including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chains of people waiting to move.
It’s hoped this will help end any last-minute chain collapses and ultimately give greater confidence to first-time buyers when they’re making one of life’s most important decisions.
The Government has announced plans to fix the country’s ‘broken’ housing system / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers painstakingly spend months in negotiations to hopefully halve the number of failed transactions.
The new reforms are also proposing that prospective buyers are provided with side-by-side information on estate agents and conveyancers, including their track record and expertise, alongside new mandatory qualifications and Code of Practice to drive up standards and work to rebuild trust in the industry.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to Twitter this morning to address the proposed new homebuying overhaul, commenting: “I promised that my Government would fix the broken housing system.
“Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives. That’s national renewal.”
I promised that my government would fix the broken housing system.
Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money back into working people’s pockets and making a simple dream a simple reality.”
Featured Image – James Feaver (via Unsplash)
News
English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis
Danny Jones
Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.
The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.
The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Lewis Moody's MND diagnosis and join the entire rugby community in getting behind Lewis and his family at this extremely difficult time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/46doNRQFvq
Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.
“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.
“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”
Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.
There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.
Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.
Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.
“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.
“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.
Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”
Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.
The Manc -
2nd November 2021 
