Cricket’s newest and most exciting format, The Hundred, is back for the third year running and whether you hear this phrase all the time or not, it really is going to be bigger and better than ever.
The fast-paced and increasingly popular cricket series starts this month and our home team Manchester Originals get underway on Wednesday, 2 August, with the aim of going one better than last year and winning the whole thing.
Consisting of eight teams across seven of the UK’s biggest cities, The Hundred attracts the top women’s and men’s talent from across the world and it’s already becoming a sporting phenomenon.
With that being said, The Hundred 2023 is about much more than just cricket, so here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this year’s tournament.
Manchester Originals kick off their campaign on Tuesday, 2 August against Welsh Fire in Cardiff and, in case you weren’t aware already, one of the best parts about The Hundred is that every round is a double-header of men’s and women’s games, meaning you get twice the action.
Your first double dose of the Originals at their home comes on Saturday, 5 August, when the Manc team take on London Spirit at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground — one of Manchester’s favourite and most iconic sporting arenas.
The full Originals squad at The Hundred 2023 launch eventThe women’s team get underway at 11am on 2 AugustCredit: Manchester Originals
Live music and entertainment
In between the 100-ball games, the action doesn’t stop though; The Hundred is known for hosting top-notch live music and entertainment all day long and this year’s lineup is as good as any.
As well as highly impressive light shows and pyrotechnics before and after the games, you’ve got DJ sets from our resident DJ Roesh and live performances from artists at each matchday through The Hundred’s partnership with BBC Music Introducing.
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In terms of who’ll be playing in Manchester, you’ll be treated to local chart-toppers, The Lottery Winners, who are returning for the third year on the trot to serenade their city, as well as the likes of Manc-born R&B star, Akemi Fox, rising hip-hop and spoken word artist, Antony Szmierek, just to name a few.
You can see the full lineup for the four rounds of fixtures being played at the Emirates Old Trafford down below and make sure to check out our Kendal Calling interview with the Leigh legends while you’re at it too.
Sky Zero’s Summer
Working with Sky Sports’Summer of Sustainability campaign and Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester Originals are encouraging fans to travel green to their home fixtures this season. Emirates Old Trafford is even allowing fans to recreate the ‘Walk of Fame’ to the wicket at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which will be filmed so they can share with their friends and family whilst inspiring them to travel green and play their part in protecting the sports they love.
Along withother green measures for 2023, they’ll be benchmarking on four of the matchdays to assess the impact of their sustainable efforts.
The Hundred remains an affordable day out with adult tickets starting from £15, under 16s just £5 and any kids under 6 are absolutely free. Ace, right?
This also means you have all the more pennies to spend on food and drink on the day, as well as copping your 2023/24 Manchester Originals kit in time for their first game at the Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, 5 August, where we’re sure we’ll be treated to them smashing non-stop sixes.
It’s Manchester’s year, the men’s and the women’s, we can feel it. They certainly made a quick and easy job of it when we had a go at playing them…
Charlotte Dawson will be handing out compliments and big prizes in Manchester to brighten Blue Monday
Daisy Jackson
TV star Charlotte Dawson will be cheering up Blue Monday in Manchester, dishing out compliments to strangers and awarding some big prizes too.
The actress, who is the daughter of the legendary late Les Dawson, will be bringing her signature sunny energy to Printworks on Monday 20 January.
Otherwise known as Blue Monday, it’s believed that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year – so she’s here to nip that in the bud.
Between 1pm and 3pm on the huge gaming screen inside Printworks – part of its £21m transformation that included adding a huge digital ceiling – Charlotte Dawson will be spreading joy and laughter.
She’ll be live streaming straight to passers-by, spreading smiles and dishing out compliments.
Charlotte will also be treating visitors to some amazing prizes from Printworks’ collection of bars, restaurants and leisure venues.
These prizes will include free brunch for four at Walkabout, gaming sessions at Bierkeller, or family cinema tickets with Ice Blasts at VUE. Other prizes include Nando’s vouchers, a drink and activity for two at the new Trax Social, and much more.
And the top prize will be a luxury overnight stay for two at Hotel Indigo, just across the road in the very heart of Manchester.
Charlotte Dawson will take part in Blue Monday at Printworks, Manchester
There’ll even be free coffee vouchers for Todd St Cafe on offer to brighten your Blue Monday.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to have Charlotte at Printworks this Blue Monday.
“As a true Mancunian icon, her vibrant personality is exactly what we need to brighten up the most depressing day of the year and we know she’ll bring plenty of laughs and smiles to everyone who stops by.
“What makes this event truly unique is the opportunity for the public to chat with Charlotte under Europe’s largest digital ceiling, which will showcase new mood-boosting content.
“It’s an innovative and exciting way for people to connect, and we can’t wait to see families and friends come together to create joyful memories in this truly unique setting!”
Kane Funeral Services – the award-winning Greater Manchester business offering fitting farewells from just £1250
The Manc
No one wants to have to think about funerals – whether for themselves or their loved ones – but when the time does come, you want to make sure it’s the most fitting and respectful farewell possible.
This Greater Manchester-based independent funeral service is the fastest-growing in the UK, and has gained a solid reputation for providing exceptional care and support to families during the darkest of times.
The business recently scooped a Quality Business Award, thanks to an overall score exceeding 95% across categories including service, reputation and satisfaction.
Kane Funeral Services has branches across the region, in Burnage, Brinnington, Newton Heath, Poynton, Salford, Stockport and Wythenshawe, each one perfectly positioned to create healing moments after loss.
These truly independent funeral directors offer everything from affordable, stress-free ‘direct to crematorium’ services to more elaborate, personalised funerals.
With the direct to crematorium service, starting from just £1250, you can strip away all the stress and overwhelming decisions involved in planning a funeral, while still honouring your loved ones with dignity and respect.
Kane Funeral Services also has a full fleet of funeral cars, with three hearses and seven luxurious and elegant limousines.
Recognising that the journey to and from a funeral can be a big part of the final farewell, these limos offer families a serene and private space to comfort one another.
Credit: Unsplash, Dan Meyers
The local business promises three major benefits – simplicity, transparency and compassion.
Kane Funeral Services says: “We believe in shouldering the responsibility of presenting you with the widest range of products and services available, ensuring that you have the freedom to make informed decisions.
“We understand the importance of financial considerations, and therefore, we encourage our clients to inquire about costs at every stage of the process.
“With us, you can expect a seamless and personalized funeral experience that honors the life and legacy of your loved ones. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way, providing comfort, empathy, and respect throughout the entire funeral journey.”
Find out more and get in touch with Kane Funeral Services HERE.
Danny Jones -
2nd August 2023 
