Premium performance car brand, CUPRA, is set to open its first-ever UK city centre garage right here in Manchester next month.
It’s just their 12th British branch and will be one of their most impressive yet.
CUPRA, which primarily makes its models in Spain, is one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in Europe, especially in the performance market, and has recently launched in the likes of Mexico City and Sydney too.
Now set to open their latest location here in England this June, the new CUPRA space is set to be more than just your average garage/car showroom.
Due to open up on St. Ann Street (Manchester M2 7LP) next to the city centre square of the same name, the premium dealer is promising more than just a space to show off their cars.
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As per an official statement, it will be “a bold new destination that blends Mediterranean attitude with Manchester’s disruptive spirit.”
Detailing that they chose our home due to its “unrivalled cultural impact and creative energy”, they went on to describe Greater Manchester as a “high-impact cultural hub rooted in music, design, wellness, food, and electrifying performance, it’s designed to connect people, ideas, and communities.”
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The press release goes on to explain that at the core of CUPRA’s Manchester launch will be their new ‘Counter Culture‘ calendar of immersive experiences and events, with this new venue looking to innovate when it comes to programming and collaborations with Manchester independents and more.
CUPRA have steadily been announcing their arrival in town via various special activations, but come 26 June, they’ll be here full-time.
The CUPRA Dark Rebel landed on UK shores recently at Diecast Manchester!
Speaking about the launch, Marcus Gossen, CUPRA UK Brand Director, said: “Manchester was the natural destination for the latest CUPRA City Garage. The desire to continually evolve and transform is something we share with this great city, as well as its disruptive spirit.”
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Having surpassed 800,000 cars sold worldwide and boasting big sponsorship deals with famous athletes like FC Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, not to mention being a leading partner of the rising Baller League competition, their presence in the UK is growing, and fast.
To mark the occasion here in 0161, a special launch event with live music, entertainment, as well as food and drink, will be taking place; the lineup is still yet to be announced.
Once again, CUPRA Manchester – their first UK city garage and showroom – opens in 2–14 St. Ann Street on Thursday, 26 June.
JD are giving away 400 free iced drinks at Trafford Centre this weekend
Lydia Mastrolonardo
JD has just launched a brand-new in-store cafe at the Trafford Centre, with a huge iced drink giveaway planned for its opening weekend.
iced. opened earlier this week and we couldn’t be more chuffed they’ve chosen Manchester as their third UK location.
The cafe is set to supply a range of matchas, coffees, teas, shakes and some delicious sweet treats to choose from while you shop – as if we needed any further encouragement to do some retail therapy.
iced.’s menu contains some of our favourites, including banana bread matchas, white mocha clouds, and strawberry cream shakes.
JD are giving away 400 free iced drinks at Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: The Manc Group
What better way to browse the latest fashion, sports, and lifestyle brands than with an iced matcha in hand?
To celebrate, iced. are offering a free drink to each of the first 200 customers each day this weekend.
Simply head on inside JD Sport in Trafford Centre, to claim a free drink of your choice this Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, while stocks last.
iced. will be open on Mondays to Fridays from 9am-10pm, Saturdays from 9am-9pm, and Sundays from 11:30am-6pm.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Manchester Storm announce partnership with USAsports including NHL pop-ups and more
Danny Jones
Manchester Storm have announced a landmark new deal with USAsports, a dedicated home for British fans of North American sporting disciplines and global merchandising suppliers, which will see various exciting events this upcoming season.
Confirming the collaboration ahead of the pending 2026/27 campaign, this crossover will involve everything from special pop-up events to player sponsorships and much more.
USAsports specialise in officially licensed NHL, NFL, NBA and MLB clothing, and while you may have seen the odd jersey here and there at various Greater Manchester locations, they are now gearing up to work with Manchester Storm to deliver better exposure.
Whether you’re just a die-hard member of the Storm Shelter or an ex-pat who still follows an NHL franchise overseas, kit collecting and the fascination surrounding limited edition team jumpers is a big part of ice hockey fandom and culture not just here in the UK but around the world.
Sharing their own announcement, they wrote: “Manchester Storm are thrilled to announce a new partnership with USAsports for the 2026/27 Motorpoint Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) season as the club embarks on an exciting new chapter at the AO Arena.
“As part of the partnership, USAsports will sponsor a Manchester Storm player throughout the season and deliver multiple NHL Pop-Up Shop events at Storm home games during the forthcoming campaign.”
On the subject of sponsorship, commercial entities are the only people who will be given the opportunity to back big players this term, as Storm are once again bringing back their ‘own-and-loan’ scheme.
Speaking on working closely with their new partners, the club’s General Manager, Ryan Finnerty, added: “We’re delighted to have USAsports on board for the 2026/27 season.
“Their passion for the fan experience really stood out to us, and their NHL Pop-Up Shops throughout the season will be a fantastic addition to game days at the AO Arena.
“We’re looking forward to working together throughout what promises to be a very exciting season.”
As casual fans here at The Manc, we’ll admit that watching the growing buzz around the resurgent ice hockey team, especially ahead of their Manchester city centre ‘homecoming’, has got us amped to dive deeper into the sport when it gets back underway next month. We’re not the only ones, either…
Danny Jones -
27th May 2025 
