The “biggest balls in the UK” projected onto a Manchester billboard have stopped people travelling in and out of the city centre in their tracks today.
You may have read the title and clocked the date, but we promise this isn’t an April Fool.
The first day of April may be more widely-known as the international day of the prank or practical joke, but crucially, it also signals the beginning of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, one dedicated charity organisation has projected the biggest balls in the UK on the side of Manchester’s flagship billboard as part of its #TalkingBollocks campaign.
The aim of the striking billboard is to not only raise awareness of testicular cancer – which is the most common cancer in men aged 15-45 – but also to encourage people to get into the habit of “checking their balls every month” to spot the signs early.
The billboard’s arrival in Manchester is the work of the Robin Cancer Trust, which was founded by 32-year-old Toby Freeman after he tragically lost his brother Robin to testicular cancer at age just 24.
— The Robin Cancer Trust (@RCTcharity) April 1, 2022
2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK, which is more than six people per day, and sadly, it’s also on the rise too, with cases increasing by more than a quarter since the early 1990’s.
However, it’s also one of the most curable forms of cancer, and, if caught early, is 98% curable, which is why monthly self-checks are so important.
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The Robin Cancer Trust therefore created the #TalkingBollocks campaign to get men talking about their balls, as by starting conversations through the campaign, they can break down the stigma.
The “biggest balls in the UK” have been projected onto a billboard in Manchester city centre / Credit: The Robin Cancer Trust
Speaking on the instalment of the billboard in Manchester, Toby Freeman – Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust – says: “Spreading awareness of testicular cancer in the most creative ways has always been our priority, so more people can see and act on our messages.
“After seeing previous national campaigns on the billboard in Manchester I was obsessed with getting a pair of balls on there to encourage people to check their own.
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“So we made it happen.”
For more information, support and how to get involved with the #TalkingBalls campaign, you can visit The Robin Cancer Trust website here.
Featured Image – The Robin Cancer Trust
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Iconic Flying Scotsman steam train returns to Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic steam trains of all time will be travelling through the Greater Manchester countryside this summer.
East Lancashire Railway (ELR) says it’s ‘delighted’ to announce the return of the magnificent LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman – which is also, affectionately, known as ‘The People’s Engine’ – to its historic train line next summer in June, courtesy of both the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam.
The record-breaking engine is making a long-anticipated return to the line, bringing with it the unmistakable sights, sounds, and nostalgia of the ‘Golden Age’ of steam travel.
This is a rare opportunity to see the engine up close and to feel the power and presence of one of Britain’s most iconic locomotives.
The legendary steam engine will be giving passengers the chance to hop onboard for the ride on various dates throughout June (5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 June), so enthusiasts can make the most of this unforgettable opportunity to travel on this world-famous train.
For those who prefer a closer look, the Flying Scotsman will be on static display on selected dates throughout June too.
Luxury dining experiences aboard one of ELR’s beautifully restored heritage carriages will also be available to book on the days the Flying Scotsman is here in Greater Manchester.
Unfamiliar with the Flying Scotsman? The train first entered service in 1923, and since then has become a British icon, representing the very best of steam-era innovation. It was the first steam locomotive officially recorded at 100 miles per hour, and over a century later, it continues to attract attention all over the world.
The train’s journey has not always been an easy one though, from budget cuts to multiple ownerships and painstaking restorations – yet through it all, Flying Scotsman has remained a beloved part of the UK’s cultural heritage.
Flying Scotsman’s visits to Greater Manchester drawn record crowds in previous years, and 2026 is set to be no exception.
“We are delighted and proud to once again warmly welcome back the world’s most iconic locomotive, Flying Scotsman, as it returns to the East Lancashire Railway for a five-day visit in June,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of the ELR.
“We have an exciting programme of events planned for all our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy the unique experience of riding behind Flying Scotsman or visiting the footplate and creating wonderful memories.”
Find out more and book tickets to see the Flying Scotsman next summer here.
Featured Image – ELR (via Supplied)
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MediaCity’s massive Vue cinema has had a comfort upgrade with new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats
Emily Sergeant
Manchester cinephiles are now able to enjoy the latest movie releases in ultimate comfort.
That’s because, over at the popular MediaCity Vue cinema complex, 75 brand-new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats have been installed across seven screens, offering film fans what is, quite literally, the chance to sit in the best seats in the house.
Each seat provides the very-best view of the big screen and comes with a host of premium features.
Some of these exciting premium features include extra-wide armrests and a personal table for snacks and drinks, your very-own beverage cooler, which is ideal for films with a particularly long run-time, and even a back and legs that recline independently, so you can find the most relaxing viewing position possible.
Vue currently has 93 state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, totalling more than 850 screens – and the Quayside cinema is the latest to benefit from upgraded seating.
Ultra Lux seats have arrived at Vue Quayside Manchester / Credit: Vue Gallery / Supplied
This means that anyone heading to the cinema to see some of the latest and upcoming releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Marty Supreme, The Housemaid, Fackham Hall, Wicked: For Good, and so many more, can experience comfort like never before.
“We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to our venue and are excited for our customers to enhance their experience on their next visit,” commented Darren Tinsley, who is the General Manager at Vue Manchester Quayside.
“It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.”
Tickets for Vue Manchester Quayside start from £6.49, with upgrades to Ultra Lux from £3 on selected tickets.
January is a month where the temperatures are colder, the days darker, and the social batteries a little lower, so it couldn’t be a better time to lose yourself in the power of cinema – and treat yourself to an Ultra Lux experience.
You can book tickets to upcoming films online by visiting myvue.com.
Emily Sergeant -
1st April 2022 
