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.
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.
“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.”
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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Rochdale to become colourful canvas as internationally-acclaimed artists bring mural festival to town
Thomas Melia
Some of the world’s best artists will descend on Rochdale soon, creating beautiful artwork on buildings and turning Rochdale town centre into a huge urban art gallery.
The ‘Common Walls’ International Mural Festival will give Rochdale locals and visitors a chance to see artworks being created up close by the world-renowned artists who’ll be in the Greater Manchester town for a week bringing their masterpieces to life.
Set to run from 7 through to 14 September, a collection of artists are descending onto the streets of Rochdale to give walls around the town centre a lick of paint that will not only brighten up the space, but also leave a lasting legacy.
10 of Rochdale’s notable town centre buildings will undergo a drastic change as part of this art-focused event.
Each art piece will pay homage to moments in Rochdale’s captivating history.
Rochdale-raised artist AYLO and Manchester-based Le Mai are two of the creatives getting involved, alongside Smug / Credit: Supplied
The artists involved in this creative, colourful, and cross-continental campaign include Greek artist Insane51, Swiss-born Onur, Manc-based Lei Mai, and so many more.
This new initiative is fronted by local artist Hayley Garner, known by her artist pseudonym AYLO, who was raised in Rochdale.
The festival’s main celebrations are taking place on Saturday 13 September, when you’ll be able to walk through the town and admire all the pieces of art dotted around.
There will also be BMX stunt shows, a live grafitti jam, pop-up galleries, artist talks, and live music, as well as street art workshops so you can unleash your inner Bansky.
Insane51 and Smug join AYLO as just some of the other artists involved / Credit: Supplied
“I’ve painted murals all over the world, but nothing compares to painting in your hometown alongside artists I have looked up to and admired, especially during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture,” commented lead artist and curator of Common Walls, Hayley Garner aka AYLO.
“I’m excited to see every day spaces transformed into landmarks of creativity and connection.
“What makes this even more special is welcoming world-class artists I’ve met on my journey, many of whom will be painting in Greater Manchester for the first time. They are amongst the best in the world and to bring them to my hometown is a real honour.”
Common Walls International Mural Festival is coming to Rochdale from Sunday 7 September to Sunday 14 September, and you can find out more information and further Greater Manchester Town of Culture listings online HERE.
Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
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Drag Race UK winner Kyran Thrax plans PERFECT Manchester day out ahead of hosting all-new racing event
Thomas Melia
Ahead of hosting the cleverly-named Drag Race event ‘Glam Prix’ in the city centre, Kyran Thrax plans their perfect day out in Manchester.
Now it’s not a secret that Manchester is home to music royalty, but this city has always been a must-visit for various celebrities – including Drag Race UK season six winner Kyran Thrax.
This talented performer has spent plenty of time in the city centre and is now sharing their Manchester city centre hotspots ahead of their upcoming appearance at entertainment venue Chaos Karts for ‘Glam Prix’.
Kyran Thrax and a whole host of Drag Queens are coming to Chaos Karts for their ‘Glam Prix’ event in Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Thrax begins the day with a light walk through Urbis to reminisce their teenage years, and a must-have time has to be a “three pound can of cider”.
From this, our horizons and tastebuds take a two-minute journey to the always-beautiful Corn Exchange ,which houses a huge selection of food options – but this performer loves one spot in particular.
A special shoutout to the team at the Italian eatery’s city centre site as the performer notes: “[Vapiano] never hits as hard as it does in Manchester”.
After munching down on some much-needed carbs and cheesy goodness, the Drag Race UK winner must pay a visit to not one, but over 60 independent retailers, as they take us toAfflecks.
Afflecks is one of Thrax’s favourite spots and with a huge selection of independent retailers we can see why / Credit: The Manc Group
The UK Drag Queen reveals a fun fact about themselves, noting: “I actually got my nipple pierced in Afflecks and she’s still going strong”.
Now that we’re dazzling in vintage fashion, jewellery, accessories and an all-new nipple piercing courtesy of this independent shopping hub, a night out on Canal Street is definitely necessary.
The Drag Queen has frequented this party paradise, also known as Gay Village, many times and has even performed on various stages.
Thrax recounts: “I was on stage so late that when I left it was daylight. Everyone was going to work with their briefcases and I’m here, 30 inch wig, face immaculate, but my beard’s coming through,” – a stellar night out, if you ask us.
Gay Village is known for throwing some of the best parties including Manchester Pride Festival / Credit: The Manc Group
Kyran Thrax will be hosting Manchester’s first-ever Drag Queen Drag Race event ‘Glam Prix’ at Chaos Karts in Manchester with a team of iconic performers who are ready to take to the tracks.
The event, which cleverly combines both meanings of the phrase Drag Race, takes place just days before Manchester Pride Festival 2025, on Wednesday 20 August.
Although a whole host of Drag performers have been announced, there’s also chance for three lucky members of the public to try and secure pole positions by racing alongside these UK Queens.
If you fancy attending and racing as part of the ‘Glam Prix’ event at Chaos Karts, you can find all the information you need as well as your chance to enter HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
15th July 2022 
