The Manchester craft beer festival will return to Mayfield Depot this summer, bringing with it hundreds of different brews from across the globe.
Following a successful debut last summer, the festival will take residence in the former warehouse this summer – taking place across Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July.
Bringing together great music, beer and street food under one roof, the festival will take place across three sessions: 6pm-11pm on Friday, 11:30-4:30pm Saturday and 6pm-11pm Saturday.
With a line-up of world-class breweries, beer fans will be able to sample everything from sours to IPA’s, lagers to imperial stouts at this year’s event.
Image: Manchester Union Lager
Run by the team behind Bigfoot Festival, music will come from the likes of UK jungle legend Goldie, soundsystem and radio DJ Norman Jay MBE, and electronic musician and composer David Holmes.
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For £55 a ticket, guests will have access to unlimited beer throughout their chosen five-hour session. On top of that, they’ll also be given a special festival beer glass to take home and access to the festival’s pop-up street food kitchens.
Manchester breweries Manchester Union Lager, Black Jack, Track, Marble, Pomona Island and Beatnikz will all be in attendance, as well a host of top-tier breweries from further afield.
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Further breweries confirmed to attend so far include Mondo, Timothy Taylors, North Brew Co., Brixton, Brew York, Vocation, Pastore, Alpha Delta, The Kernel and Burnt Mill.
Image: Pomona Island
And for those who are after something other than beer, there’ll also be stalls from Tappd Cocktails, Jim & Tonic and Ascension Cider.
The festival will also play host to the North West’s finest chefs, restaurants and popups taking stalls for the weekend – including a brand-new fire-pit cooking concept, which will see guest chefs take turns to serve up their own BBQ takes.
Speaking on the festival’s return, co-founder of We Are Beer, Greg Wells said: “After such a warm welcome last year, it was no question whether we’d return to Manchester.
“The city is home to many incredible breweries so it’s great to be able to bring everyone together to celebrate their contribution to the craft beer community!
“As well as local legends and newcomers, we’re excited to showcase international favourites and breweries from all over the UK.
“There’s really going to be something for everyone – beer lovers and even non-beer lovers, foodies, music heads, for those wanting a learning experience or simply a memorable night out! We’re very excited to be back.”
Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time
Daisy Jackson
Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.
The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.
He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.
Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.
He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”
He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”
The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.
Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.
The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).
“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.
“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.
“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”
They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.
Touch wood.
Today's announcement comes with reassurance that we welcome fans to Co-op Live from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on 1 May and into Olivia Rodrigo from 3 May 2024.
This could back to bite them. It already has once before.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.
“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”
Georgina Pellant -
3rd March 2022 
