The new Co-op Live arena will really be put to its first big travel test this weekend when it welcomes Barry Manilow on the same day that Manchester City are playing next door.
Travel advice has now been issued ahead of what’s set to be a ‘really busy’ Sunday in the city.
Tens of thousands of people will travel to and from the neighbouring venues of Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium for the two huge events.
TfGM has warned people to ‘leave plenty of time’ for travelling to either Barry Manilow’s gig, or to see Manchester City potentially scooping another Premier League title against West Ham.
It’s advised to use public transport and active travel to get to either venue, with parking at Co-op Live already sold out and a strict residents parking scheme in operation in the surrounding area.
ADVERTISEMENT
And of course, ticket-holders for Barry Manilow do have free Metrolink tram travel included with their event ticket.
The free tram travel is valid for four hours before and after the show, and can also be used on post-event shuttle buses from Co-op Live back to the city centre.
ADVERTISEMENT
As for Manchester City fans, a double tram service will be running between town and Etihad Campus before and after the match, and there’ll be a bespoke shuttle bus service to the city centre and 17 supporters’ bus services around Greater Manchester.
Credit: Unsplash, Jonny GiosCredit: Publicity pictureTravel advice has been issued as Barry Manilow and Manchester City events take place in neighbouring venues on the same day.
If City do claim their fourth Premier League title, the buses will leave later, at 7.15pm.
Public transport will be extremely busy before and after the events (and there’ll be some crossover with thousands of footy fans leaving the area as thousands of gig-goers arrive).
ADVERTISEMENT
One of the most straight-forward ways to get to the area is just to walk, if you’re able to, with a new walking route laid out that takes around 35 minutes from town.
The step-free, well-lit, interactive walking route (also marked on maps as ‘CityLink’) is clearly signposted from Piccadilly Station and through the Ancoats and New Islington areas, with new light and art installations along the route.
Helpers will be on hand to support people as they make their way to and from the events.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “We’re expecting it to be a really busy Sunday with Barry Manilow in town and Manchester City on the brink of a fourth consecutive Premier League title – that’s why we’ve worked with partners on plans to ensure our transport network is as robust as possible on the day.
“We want everyone to have a great time and, would encourage those off to the Etihad or Co-op Live to use public transport for their journeys, or consider walking, cycling or wheeling as the best way to get to and from their destination.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Planning and preparation for events such as this is done in great detail and there will be plenty of staff on hand to help and support people making their way to and from their destination.
“Enhanced bus and tram services will be in place and we will also be monitoring the network and providing up to date travel information so people’s journeys run as smoothly as possible.”
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Drivers warned of ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter
Emily Sergeant
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ on the roads that could seem them hit with hefty fines as winter rolls around.
Once the temperatures drop, and the days get shorter and darker, fog tends to become a more common weather occurrence around this time of year – but an eye-opening new survey has found that most drivers don’t really how to use their fog lights correctly.
According to guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fog lights should only be used on British roads when visibility drops below 100 metres, yet the new research by eBay has found that 60% of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong times, and what’s more is that one in 10 say they switch on their fog lights when visibility is less than 300 metres.
48% of drivers who took part in the research admitted that they activate full-beam headlights when it’s dark, regardless of oncoming traffic and other road users.
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter / Credit: Nabeel Syed (via Unsplash)
The RAC says these stats reveal a ‘worrying trend’ among motorists, and have warned that these habits could actually means drivers are risking fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.
If the incorrect usage of fog lights wasn’t bad enough as it is, the new research also found that many Brits say they do not stay on-top of regular car maintenance when it comes to car fog lights, either – with just 15% saying they check them every month, and shockingly, 24% stating they’ve never checked them before.
Due to the ongoing issue of headlight glare, in whatever form that may be, The RAC has found that as many as one in four drivers (25%) who find headlights ‘too bright’ are actually driving less as a result.
“Unfortunately for a lot of drivers, the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort,” explained Rod Dennis, who is the Senior Policy Officer at the RAC.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.
“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead, so there’s a balance to be struck.”
Daisy Jackson -
15th May 2024 
