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JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester

What a night we're in for.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 15th July 2026

JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.

The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.

With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.

No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0FDI3tp3I/?hl=en

Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.

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In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.

Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.

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Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.

Touch wood.

Road to Victory is turning Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl into the latest World Cup fan zone
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.

We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.

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We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.

For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!

Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…

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

Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via JD Sports)

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Meet the team that reimagined The Horse and Jockey into a gastropub masterpiece

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo Horse and Jockey pub review Chorlton Manchester

The Horse and Jockey is a historic neighbourhood pub that has forever been a cornerstone in the heart of Chorlton, with its iconic Tudor exterior and outdoor seating looking out onto The Green. 

Since the team behind the well-known and loved The Black Friar and Leo + Roobs in Salford, headed by Managing Director Neil Burke and Executive Chef Ben Chaplin, reopened the pub in October 2025, we have since seen some significant changes.

Positioning themselves as Chorlton’s first-ever proper gastropub, they’ve expertly balanced maintaining the pub’s character and restoring the cosy indoors while catering for Manc foodies, with an ever-evolving menu consisting of fresh local produce as well as a wide selection of Joseph Holt award-winning beers.

neil burke ben chaplin
Credit: Bigger Boat Hospitality

We’re not the only ones who have noticed the hard work these two have put in – the transformation has led to the Horse and Jockey being crowned as one of the best local boozers at the Pub and Bar Awards.

Today, we had a chance to talk with Ben, who is the mastermind behind their delicious dishes and makes it all possible…

For anyone who doesn’t know you, give us a little bit of background on your career as a chef thus far?

“I started in the kitchen when I was 15 and worked my way up through different kitchens. Ended up working for Aiden Byrne, who remains the youngest person ever to achieve a Michelin star at 22. I worked for him for about nine years, ran one of his pubs for him and helped develop Manchester House.”

“I then went off and worked as head chef at Australasia for two years and 20 Stories for another three years before meeting Neil. Together we opened The Black Friar in 2021, Leo + Roobs in 2024, now the Horse and Jockey and are 100% looking for more venues.” 

How would you sum up the Manc food scene at the minute?

“Very diverse. Within the industry side of it, it’s difficult with a lot going on with VAT and wages, but there are some great venues doing some great food even just in Chorlton alone, and there is a lot of choice – I actually think it rivals London.”

Manchester’s mouthwatering annual Pie Festival at The Black Friar returns
This has become a staple of their annual calendar of events. See more from this year’s edition HERE.

We already know you’ve worked wonders bringing The Black Friar back to life and taking it beyond just a pub – what lessons have you taken from that experience to the Horse and Jockey?

“I think not just the Horse and Jockey but one of our values as a company for Bigger Boat is we are ‘yes people.’ So trying new things and not just saying no to something because we don’t want to do it, saying yes first and trying to find a way to achieve it.”

“It’s something that we don’t just do here, but we do it at the cafe, The Black Friar, and we’re going to do it going forward, opening more and more places.”

If you could describe how the approach is different between the two venues, what would you say?

“The spaces in The Black Friar allow us to do a lot more events; we obviously have a bigger outdoor area, so that leads to us being able to sell different areas for different events. We don’t have that as much here, and this is more of a neighbourhood, local pub, serving gastro-style food.

“The Black Friar we can go from events to weddings pretty seamlessly – we do a lot more there as there’s space for it and even more to come.”

They’ve even started doing a picnic basket offer. (Credit: The Manc Eats)

What is your favourite dish on the menu?

“We change the menu so often here (the Horse and Jockey) following the seasons, often changing a dish a week. However, right now my favourite is probably our lamb rump with a red pepper and harissa hummus with a hazelnut and sesame seed dhukka.”

And if you could sum up the food in three words, what would they be?

“Evolving, tasty and bold.” 

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These two truly know what they’re doing with these restorations, and we can’t wait to experience what else they take over in the future.

Don’t believe us? Go on down and try it for yourself.

You can read our full review of the food and drink from when they first reopened the gorgeous suburban, village-style spot down below.

You can also reserve yourself a picnic basket here.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shot (supplied via Bigger Boat)

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UK Management College to host ‘biggest ever’ summer festival in Manchester this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

UK Management College is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a massive summer festival in Manchester this weekend.

UK Management College (UKMC) has empowered thousands of students to achieve their academic and professional ambitions over the past decade, building a ‘vibrant and diverse’ learning community along the way, and now to mark the institution’s 10th anniversary, a landmark celebration called SummerFest will be taking place this weekend.

More than just an annual gathering, this year’s SummerFest is set to be the largest celebration in the college’s history.

Taking place this Friday (10 July) at Heaton Park, the event will bring together students, staff, partners, families, and friends for a day of celebration and recognition, while looking ahead to the ‘exciting’ future of the college.

Festival attendees can look forward to a packed programme of live entertainment, festival-style food and refreshments, interactive activities, awards and recognition ceremonies, and plenty of other experiences designed to bring the entire UKMC community together.

You can also expect exclusive announcements throughout the day and a lottery draw with some incredible prizes to be won.

UK Management College is hosting its ‘biggest ever’ summer festival in Manchester this weekend / Credit: Supplied

“SummerFest 2026 is more than a celebration of our tenth anniversary,” explained Michael Taylor, who is the Head of Marketing at UKMC, “it is a celebration of every student, every colleague and every success story that has shaped UKMC over the past decade.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to welcoming our community for what promises to be an unforgettable day.“

The event will begin with arrivals from 11am for UKMC staff and students, before opening to all attendees from 3pm onwards.

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Ready to celebrate how far the UKMC has come? And get excited about where it is heading next? SummerFest is taking over Heaton Park, near Dower House, this Friday ready to kick off a weekend of sunshine.

It’s free to attend, and you can find out more here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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