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An event designed to make dating ‘less sh*t’ is coming to Manchester

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Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 21st May 2025

A dating event with a difference is heading to Manchester this week, designed to bring all the fun of dating without the endless swiping to our city.

Haystack Dating promises to blend good old-fashioned meeting-people-in-real-life with all the fancy technology that helps to match-make people online.

At each event, you’ll be placed in a group of up to 12 people who all have similar interests to you, based off a short survey you fill out before you attend.

You can grab a drink, have a natter, get stuck into some friendly competition (the event is hosted at Sixes Social Cricket Bar) and get to know each other – and potentially meet the love of your life.

Worst case scenario, you come away with some new mates and have a decent night in one of the city’s top venues.

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Haystack Dating are on a mission to make ‘dating more fun and less s**t’, promising that you might meet your soulmate over a Baby Guinness and a few round of virtual cricket.

They also want to make dating more inclusive and take a good step away from toxic dating apps and awkward dating events.

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Haystack Dating is coming to Manchester
Haystack Dating is coming to Manchester
Previous Haystack Dating events. Credit: Supplied

The company launched earlier this year in London with more than 2000 people passing through its events looking for love and a laugh – and now it’s Manchester’s turn.

This is the only dating company that uses a matching algorithm on the evening – so it’s basically the best bits of online dating, but in real life.

While this particular event is taking place at Sixes Social Cricket, previous activities have included live music, arcades, and even bucking broncos (that’s not a euphemism).

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Every venue Haystack Dating uses is also fully accessible.

There’ll be a team of reps on hand on the evening to oversee, make intros and remove any awkward vibes.

And Haystack Dating has a solid success rate – around one in five people go on a date after the event.

Haystack Dating was found by Lucy Rout, an entrepreneur who gained a 50k following on Instagram after surviving cancer, documenting her dating life and then finding the love of her life.

Haystack Dating will be in Manchester on Friday 23 May – you can find out more and book your tickets HERE.

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You can also follow them on Instagram HERE and Tiktok HERE.

Featured image: Supplied

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has shared details of a huge late night shopping event, where major brands will be offering major discounts.

The outlet village is one of the top shopping destinations in the North West and a favourite with Mancs looking to save big on fashion, beauty and homewares.

And now there’ll be even bigger savings to be had with the return of the Late Night Shopping Event this week.

If you head across to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, you could save up to an extra 30% on outlet prices.

And there are some big brands taking part, including adidas, Dr Martens, UGG, All Saints, and Levi’s.

Whether it’s a new handbag, a pair of winter boots, or early Christmas presents for the family, the event is the ideal time to get your shopping done. 

Highlights of the Late Night Shopping Event will include 20% extra discount at dozens of big-name stores like Calvin Klein, Russell & Bromley, Salomon and The Cosmetic Company, and even bigger discounts at brands like Dr Marten, Lacoste and Jack Wolfskin. 

And if you want a break from the shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy magical performances throughout the night. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be open from 10am until 10pm on both the 29 and 30 October. 

Away from the Late Night Shopping Event this week, there are plenty more reasons to visit Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event. Credit: The Manc Group

They’ve just unveiled their ice rink ‘Oaks on Ice’, a 600 sq metre rink that has space for 200 skaters, with a unique ice path that leads to a viewing platform. 

It has a partially open top, bespoke light rings, and a festive garland for maximum magic, and sits at the heart of the Outlet’s dedicated Christmas events space. 

Other attractions include the Winter Village, Santa in the Sky, and the Big Wheel.  

“We can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they finally step on to the ice.” says Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 

“It’s going to be a proud moment for us and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking. The stunning path leading round the tree will be a great moment for families to share.” 

There are new openings you might have missed too, like Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lindt, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s.

Find out more and see all the offers for the Late Night Shopping Event HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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Less than a month to go until a blockbuster Manchester derby in the WSL at the Etihad Stadium

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Women's Derby WSL Etihad Stadium tickets

We’re just one month out until one of the best games on the football calendar: the Manchester derby in a Barclays Women’s Super League campaign that is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in some time, with multiple Lionesses and international stars on show.

Manchester City and Man United are both duking it out at the top of the table already, with the high-flying East Manchester club and last season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup finalists both boasting plenty of reason to go into the game confident.

With Man City boasting not just the home advantage but the bonus of playing in front of a crowd at the Etihad Stadium, many are already expecting a blue moon to rise once again.

This season may have only just begun, but Man City Women have already shown plenty of promise and signs of early form. Barring an opening day blip against the champions, Andrée Jeglertz’s side have looked pretty prolific; Man United are right up there with them, meaning we’re bound for a good clash.

Netting well over a dozen goals – the most of any team in the league – the Cityzens will understandably feel on the offensive when they host the visitors on Saturday, 15 November.

The Etihad recently hosted the Lionesses themselves in a close-fought fixture against Brazil this past October, with City legend Georgia Stanway herself getting on the scoresheet.

Man United are right up there with them, though, meaning we’ve got a derby day that shouldn’t disappoint. Let’s be honest, it rarely does.

Don’t you just love it when two rivals go into a clash in strong spirits?

There’s also an added element of feistiness bubbling under the surface, as this is also the first meeting between the two clubs since Grace Clinton swapped the red half of Manchester for a sky blue shirt, with Jess Park going the other way.

Now both full England internationals are arguably fighting for the same position, too, you can expect the pair to get a rousing reception when they rock up/return to the Etihad.

The 22-year-old scored on her debut in City’s 5-1 win over Spurs.

All eyes will be on this WSL fixture, especially with members of the back-to-back Euros-winning Lionesses squad taking to the pitch on both sides.

Clinton, Park; Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, as well as more international stars such as Viv Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – there’s going to be so much talent on show.

Speaking to The Manc ahead of the match, first-team star and City vice-captain, Kerstin Casparij, gave us their thoughts on the historic and always hard-fought rivalry…

What does the Manchester derby mean to you?

The derby means more to me every year. It’s not just 3 important points, but also pride and bragging/banter rights. This year, I’d say it’s also about redemption for me, considering our home loss last season. 

Are there any standout memories of derby day that come to mind?

I think the away win at Old Trafford two years ago is a nice memory. Being booed for the full 90 minutes and coming away with a win feels extra satisfying.

It really is set up to be an unmissable meeting between the two heavyweights of the female football world, with a 1:30pm kick-off leaving plenty of time for added fanfare before and after either whistle.

Promising plenty of activities in and around the stadium, as well as the dedicated Man City Kids Fan Zone, a completely free event that runs for four hours before kick off on the indoor pitch of the City Football Academy, the ‘Blue Carpet’ experience, where you can see players arrive 90 minutes before the game and plenty more, there’s so much going on.

As well as fun games at half-time, live entertainment, not to mention a wide range of food and drink around the concourse, it’s going to be a great day out.

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Best of all, tickets are super affordable: general admission for adults starts from only £15 and £5 for under 16s. If you grab two adult passes and one U16 ticket, you can get any additional U16 tickets for just £1 each.

If you want to enjoy Hospitality at the Etihad Stadium, packages start from as little as £35. From the Sports Bar experience and the Tunnel Club, where you can see players getting read on the way to the dugout and pitch, or even a bottomless brunch before the game with your friends.

Whatever offer best suits you, fans can grab tickets right to see Manchester City Women, Man United, Lionesses stars and more right HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Manchester City

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