There’s less than a month to go now before Manchester Originals and The Hundred is set to return to Emirates Old Trafford.
Sports fans will get the chance to see some of the world’s best cricketers, watch a handful of the hottest music acts, and tuck into some amazing local street food once the city’s 100-ball cricket franchise, Manchester Originals, and The Hundred tournament returns to Emirates Old Trafford in just a few weeks’ time.
It’s set to be one of the best sporting and entertainment events this summer.
Unfamiliar with The Hundred? It’s cricket’s newest one-day tournament that gives spectators the chance to watch a mix of fast-paced world class cricket, along with music and entertainment off the pitch – and it particularly proved to be big hit with families and young people during its first year.
The Hundred’s return to Emirates Old Trafford also gives people the chance to watch the city’s very-own Manchester Originals live in action.
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The Hundred’s 2022 season starts on 3 August / Credit: Supplied (Nathan Stirk ECB via Getty Images)Manchester Originals and The Hundred is returning to Emirates Old Trafford / Credit: Supplied (Ashley Allen ECB via Getty Images)
Manchester Originals have a roster that is absolutely packed with impressive players for their second year – with the women’s team led by Manchester-born pace bowler Kate Cross, and explosive batter Jos Buttler heading up the men’s team.
Cricket fans will know that Kate Cross made history last year as she hit The Hundred’s first ever six and took 12 wickets, while Jos Buttler will be looking to use his World Cup-winning pedigree to inspire a men’s team full of talent.
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“We’ve got immense talent in both squads, and if we perform at the level we know that this group is capable of, there’s nothing that can stop us from going all the way,” Kate Cross said ahead of The Hundred’s return.
“The Hundred presents a huge opportunity for our game and it’s going to be a fantastic summer, with something in there for everyone no matter your age or background.
“I can’t wait to get back out at Emirates Old Trafford to do it all over again.”
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The Hundred gives spectators the chance to watch a mix of fast-paced world class cricket and entertainment / Credit: Supplied (Ashley Allen ECB via Getty Images)Fans can watch the city’s very-own Manchester Originals live in action at Emirates Old Trafford / Credit: Supplied (Ashley Allen ECB via Getty Images)
World number one bowler Sophie Ecclestone and last year’s top scorer Lizelle Lee also both return to the women’s lineup, while local hero Matt Parkinson and exciting batter Phil Salt have too kept their place on the men’s team.
They will all be joined by new international superstars Andre Russell, Deandra Dottin, Amy Satterthwaite, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who are all set to make their Originals debuts.
Jos Buttler said he “can’t wait” to see fans packing out Emirates Old Trafford to cheer on both sides once again.
“We’ve got a great mix of international quality and local talent in both our squads and we are really looking forward to playing some exciting cricket and hopefully inspiring the next generation along the way,” he added.
The off-field entertainment this season will be hosted by BBC Radio Manchester’s DJ Roesh for all the home games, while an all-star music lineup curated by BBC Introducing has now been announced – with some of the most exciting names on the UK music scene, Leigh’s very-own indie pop band Lottery Winners, and Manchester-based singer Phoebe Green, confirmed to perform at Emirates Old Trafford.
Fans can also look forward to a wide range of street food on offer, as well as a dedicated kids zone for the team’s younger supporters.
The Hundred 2022’s season officially begins on Wednesday 3 August, with Manchester Originals’ home matches at Emirates Old Trafford to be held on Friday 5 August, Saturday 13 August, Tuesday 16 August, and Wednesday 31 August, and the final set for Saturday 3 September.
Tickets are selling fast, but you can still grab them on The Hundred website here.
Featured Image – Supplied (Nathan Stirk ECB via Getty Images)
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The Manchester restaurant serving up the ‘world’s hottest curry’ for just a few days
Danny Jones
City centre favourite Zouk is serving up ‘the world’s hottest curry’ again to celebrate National Chilli Day next week.
The popular tea bar and grill located on Chester Street just off Oxford Road is slap bang in the middle of student central and has hordes of patrons lining up day in, day out, to taste their incredible Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
Now, to celebrate every spicy-food lover’s favourite day, Zouk is putting on special, limited-time-only menu to cater to all you heat freaks and speaking collectively on The Manc‘s behalf (several of us having tried it), it’s no joke.
The World’s Hottest Curry will be available for five days from Monday 24 to Friday 28 February, with a challenge on Thursday 27 February with prizes to anyone who can finish the fiery karahi.
The dishes
When it came to coming up with the world’s hottest curry, Zouk didn’t have to look far for inspiration, they simply picked the world’s hottest chilli: the Carolina Reaper Chilli.
Combining the 1,569,000 Scoville scorcher of a chilli with their much-loved and already spicy chicken karahi and vegetable karahi recipes, they knew they were on a winner. You might have to sign a waiver to eat it but that’s all part of the fun, right?
Typically prepared in a wok and cooked over hot flames with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, peppercorns and cumin to create the sauce base, the karahi originates from the Northwest region of Pakistan and has a great flavour. Depending on how brave you’re feeling, you can have it as a kebab or a full curry.
Credit: Supplied
That being said, this version does contain dried Carolina Reapers so you might not taste much beyond the heat of the sun after a few seconds. While the chilli is deemed suitable for human consumption, even Zouk’s chefs have admitted to struggling with the dish. Gulp. So, what can you win?
The challenge and prizes
Us Brits love a good curry and we already know that plenty of you won’t be able to resist the urge to take on the Reaper Challenge simply out of pride, so we might as well just tell you what you’ll have to eat in order to win the prizes.
Here’s what’s up for grabs:
Finish the full Carolina Reaper Curry (either chicken or veg) in one sitting (max eating time 30 minutes and no helping from companions), Zouk will give you the meal for free.
PLUS, a £50 Zouk Gift Card so you can come back at a later date to try their full menu (including some less omg-spicy options).
You’ll also get a Zouk Ice Cream Sunday to help cool off afterwards. Trust us, you’ll need it.
Issuing a statement for National Chilli Day and the Reaper Challenge, owner Tayub Amjad said: “Our food is usually more about flavour than heat but it’s National Chilli Day, and we know our customers love this challenge.
“For those who complete the challenge, you still have chance to come back and dine on us at a future date, so you will still get to experience the real Zouk too.”
What you thinking, Manchester? Are you up for taking on the world’s hottest curry?
Grammy-winning disco legend Purple Disco Machine is heading to Manchester for a huge gig
Daisy Jackson
Legendary German nu-disco and house producer Purple Disco Machine has a huge Manchester gig on the horizon, hot off the back of the release of his Paradise album.
The Grammy Award-winning artist’s latest release is packed with collaborations from some of the biggest names in music, including Nile Rodgers, Metronomy, Jake Shears, Duke Dumont, Sophie and the Giants, Nothing But Thieves and more.
And now he’s bringing his unforgettable disco vibes to a dance floor on our home turf, with a massive gig lined up at O2 Victoria Warehouse.
Set to take place on Friday 7 March, Purple Disco Machine will promise an incredible night of sizzling dance and house music, with support from Dan Shake, Oden & Fatzo Live!, and Urbi.
His irresistible sound includes hits like Hypnotised, Dished (Male Stripper) and, never one to miss a trend, an addictive remix of I’m Just Ken from the Barbie soundtrack.
His other remixes have included tracks for Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, Fatboy Slim and Britney Spears.
And of course there’s that Grammy win for his remix of Lizzo’s About Damn Time.
On Paradise, he’s released tonnes more addictive disco beats, notably Substitution with Julian Perretta, and Honey Boy with Nile Rodgers.
And live, Purple Disco Machine has cut his teeth on the British festival circuit, including recently joining Fisher at his headline Gunnersbury Park show in London.
Now a multi-platinum-selling artist, with more than two billion streams worldwide, the Paradise tour is set to take Manchester by storm.
Purple Disco Machine will be at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on Friday 7 March – you can get tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
15th July 2022 
