Manchester is preparing for huge queues of ‘sneakerheads’ to descend upon the city centre as a local fashion label Drama Call is set to release a limited run of limited edition tram-inspired trainers in partnership with Adidas.
The UK fashion scene continues to ‘Head North’.
Yes, that is the name given to this exciting new collaboration between streetwear brand Drama Call, who have gone viral on numerous occasions with their exclusive drops, and one of the most iconic names in sports apparel on the planet.
In truth, these shoes would have been snapped up in an instant regardless, but there’s something about a Manchester designer teaming up with a global clothing brand to create a product so distinctly like Manc like a pair of trainers inspired by our tram network that just tickles our fancy.
Credit: Adidas x Drama Call (supplied)
You’re looking at Adidas’ Superstar II model the ‘Drama’ edition: a creative twist on an old-school classic design inspired not only by Drama Call’s growing streetwear aesthetic but, more specifically, a retro look at Manchester’s Metrolink trams.
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The Superstar II ‘Drama’ features teal accents that pay homage to the city’s classic tram design – long before the yellow of the modern era, let alone the Bee Network, and is the follow-up to their previous crossover shirt with both Adidas and Manchester United.
For this first release in what is set to be a multi-drop collab collection, you can see Drama’s unmistakable star-shaped logo reimagined on the Originals mainstay shell-toe, as well as an updated heel tab, tongue, sole and a silver hangtag
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There are even nods to the insignia in the small star-shaped slits found between the trademark three stripes which help with breathability.
You can see these features up close and in greater detail down below:
Credit: Supplied
Speaking on their latest crossover, Adidas said: “This partnership between adidas Originals and Drama Call demonstrates the true power of collaboration.
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Born from our shared love and deep-rooted heritage within British culture, the Superstar II ‘Drama’ expertly blends the best of Drama Call with an icon of adidas Originals design, adding even more stars to our shell-toe for 2025.”
As for Drama Call founder, Charlie Bows, he added: “We can’t wait for people to Head North and get their hands on the Superstar II ‘Drama’, a shoe that combines Drama Call’s Mancunian roots with an iconic adidas Originals silhouette.
“We wanted to do our city justice and pay homage to the place that has grown and sculpted us, so we placed the map of Manchester on the under-sole of the shoe, allowing your feet to always be rooted in the city.
“We decided to completely re-create the shoe box to look like the old tram we would get on as kids growing up in Manchester, representing a simpler and easier time. The graffiti artwork on the side of the shoe was done by a close friend of mine who I grew up skating with, to really bring it round full circle.”
Like what you see? Well, you’ll have to have a fair bit of luck on your side if you want to get your hands on them as we don’t even know how many shoes are up for grabs.
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A limited run of the Superstar II ‘Drama’ will be available exclusively on Saturday, 22 March at Adidas Originals and Drama Call’s ‘Head North’ pop-up which will be located just a short walk from Manchester’s Piccadilly Station.
These tram-inspired trainers will be available for £110.00 a pair, from 65 Ducie Street from around 1pm. They’re not the only thing up for grabs either (see down below).
Given that hordes of fans line up to try and get their hands on the latest Drama Call release whenever a new piece is about to drop, you can expect so serious queues around Piccadilly and a few viral videos capturing the chaos, we’re sure.
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.
JD shuts down Northern Quarter with surprise set in a phone shop from DJ Josh Baker
Daisy Jackson
JD pulled off a massive party in a phone shop in the Northern Quarter last night, with a surprise set from one of the world’s hottest DJs right now, Josh Baker.
The North West sportswear giant opened ‘Phones-4-Youse’ to coincide with the release of its new JD Christmas advert, which played on screens to the packed-out crowd.
Josh Baker stars in the Christmas campaign, ‘Where are you going?’, which is a self-directed portrait of youth culture, all films entirely on mobile phones by young people.
JD chose to shoot its new campaign without rigs, sets, or lighting crews, and instead used footage shot by 286 individuals around the world.
These user submissions captured life exactly as the young people involved see it.
The JD party last night was a moment of music, community and energy, with Josh Baker performing to a delighted and packed-out crowd in a pop-up phone shop.
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Every corner of the venue told the JD story, with branding and clips of the ad everywhere.
The ‘Where are you going?’ campaign celebrates a generation that refuses to be put in a box, showing the energy, emotion and individuality that drives them forward.
Whether it’s collecting exam results or chasing platinum records, it’s a snapshot of the life of young people right now.
One voice says: “I want to be famous. If that doesn’t work, I’ll just become a pharmacist.”
Stills from the JD Christmas campaign ‘Where Are You Going?’
Another admits “You can fail, you can make mistakes…but really, who cares.”
Someone else confides: “I’m scared we’re not going to be friends in 10 years,” while another adds: “I wanna have fun, times are changing – you get me.”
There are some famous faces involved, like Cole Palmer having his picture taken with fans, Nemzzz in the club with his crew, and Jade Thirwell between takes in the studio.
And you can see Paddy the Baddy mentoring the next generation of talent in the gym, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the tennis court with a friend.
Sky Newman also stars, riding with a friend.
The entire campaign showcases the simple, joyful moments that exist in all of our camera rolls.
Neil Corrie, Marketing Director at JD, says: “Young people today don’t need to be told who they are, they’re already showing us.
“JD’s ‘Where are you going?’ isn’t about them, it’s made by them. It’s their voice and their direction. This is youth culture, not as a trend to follow, but as a movement to believe in.”
The JD ‘Where are you going?’ Christmas campaign has launched on the JD YouTube and across digital and OOH channels today, with exclusive drops also online HERE and in stores across the UK.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2025 
