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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A FREE home show is coming to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new event is heading to Manchester in May that’s been created to help people get on the first rung of the property ladder.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by taking that first step or wanting to find out more about affordable homeownership options, the Manchester Home Show promises to be a one-stop shop.
You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive FREE financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership.
How do you actually buy a house? How can you boost your savings? How do you cope with the rising costs of owning a home? All these questions will be answered at the Manchester Home Show.
You’ll even be able to browse for a home, with leading providers showcasing new properties available across Manchester and the North West, each one suited to first time buyers, second-steppers and those looking to downsize.
There’ll be hundreds of affordable homes available to browse, from apartments to spacious homes.
If you spot your dream home, you’ll even be able to register your interest on the spot.
Sponsors of the event include major providers of first time buyer developments including Gecko Homes, L&Q, Places for People, Plumlife, and Tembo.
The free event will help you get to grips with the vast array of affordable homeownership options available.
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Expect live sessions and workshops, plenty of information on affordable housing products, and the chance to meet conveyancing solicitors and mortgage advisors with free one-on-one appointments.
You may also discover affordable buying schemes you didn’t know existed, like Shared Ownership, Deposit Unlock, First Homes, and schemes exclusive to people aged 55 and above.
There’ll be exclusive merchandise, prizes and incentives for all attendees.
The Manchester Home Show comes from Share to Buy, the country’s number one property portal dedicated to affordable homeownership.
The Manchester Home Show will take place on Saturday 31 May 2025 between 10.30am and 4pm, at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.
It’s free to attend but you’ll need to register for tickets – head HERE to register.
You can also follow @sharetobuy on Instagram HERE for the latest.
A brand-new immersive ‘walking theatre’ and XR experience has landed in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
We hear the word immersive thrown around a lot these days, but if the notion of walking through some of your favourite fantasy and sci-fi worlds in a state-of-the-art XR tour doesn’t fit the definition, we don’t know what does.
Get ready to pull on a headset and be dropped into a different universe, Mancs.
This is Immersia XR: an industry-leading immersive entertainment and XR (extended reality) experience has just been unveiled right here in Greater Manchester.
Anyone for a ride on a magic carpet?
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: Immersia XR (supplied)
Immersia XR specialises in what they call ‘Walking XR Theatre – a new term for a new kind of experience’, and boasts big plaudits across the board, with an average Google rating of 4.8 from dozens of reviews already.
Having just made its Manchester debut to the public at Trafford Palazzo (located right next to 0161’s famous Trafford Centre) this summer, the new addition brings cutting-edge technology blended with iconic family-favourite tales in an “unforgettable walk-through format.”
A lucky few have been treated to our first time, including us here at The Manc, and you’ll have to take our word for it when we tell you it’s a truly incredible experience.
It’s the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and although there are other similar VR and AR offerings around the region, you won’t find anything quite like ‘walking theatre’ and this free-roam experience.
Credit: Supplied
As you can see above, there are a number of experiences to be enjoyed right from the off, including two modes inspired by childhood classics, Alice in Wonderland and Tales of Aladdin.
Ever fancied trying your hand as an astronaut and walking on the surface of the moon as you look back at the Earth below? Course you have! No training involved in this one, either.
Take that, Katy Perry, you can keep your short-lived Blue Origin nonsense to yourself.
Immersia XR’s ambition doesn’t stop there, though, as they are also preparing to introduce the exciting new ‘Terracotta Army’ experience in the near future.
Here’s a glimpse at how it looks inside the goggles:
Already open to the public and running up until Sunday, 6 July 2025, Immersia XR is fun for all ages, with kid-friendly zones and accessible narratives built into the experience.
Best of all, there are actually very few bells and whistles; no screens, no controllers – it’s just you walking through the story of your choice.
Immersia XR’s founder, Ian Xiang, said: “We’re not just launching a new attraction—we’re pioneering the future of storytelling. Walking XR Theatre is where cinema, theatre, and technology converge to create magic. You don’t just watch the story—you walk through it.”
Tickets are on sale now, with adult prices starting from only £17, children (ages 3–15) from just £12, and family tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) from £54. Great value for money.
Concession tickets are also available for students and over-65s, priced from £16, and group bookings of 10 or more receive 10% off. You can even get 20% off all ticket types with the early bird code: PRESS20. You can grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
15th July 2022 
