Manchester Rum Festival is giving away a huge prize package worth more than £2,000 to one lucky rum lover.
The prize – believed to be the biggest ever rum prize in the UK – includes VIP treatment at the festival itself, a hotel stay, and a year’s supply of rum.
And to be in with a chance of winning this epic prize, all you need to do is buy a discounted ticket for the Manchester Rum Festival through The Manc.
One lucky ticket-holder will be chosen at random on 24 June to take home the huge prize.
The winner will receive two passes to the festival, food and cocktails at the event, a room at Hotel Indigo for two for the night, and a year’s supply of rum, plus loads more goodies.
It’s all to celebrate the return of the Manchester Rum Festival, which is taking place at New Century on World Rum Day (13 July), promising its biggest celebration outside London yet and all the tiki vibes.
Inside, ticket-holders will be able to sample more than 40 rums from around the world, while devouring Caribbean food, calypso-inspired DJ sets, tastings galore, fun games and general good times.
Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city. Credit: Supplied
A number of prestigious rum brands will be making their festival debut, including Bristol Classic, a rum firm that produces limited quantity rums from countries including Guyana and Mauritius as well as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic; Ron Carúpano, a Venezuelan brand with the only female Master Blender in the country; Rhum Depaz from the volcanic terroir of Martinique in the Caribbean; and Don Q from sunny Puerto Rico.
Other notable brands making a return appearance at the festival include Chairman’s Reserve, Pusser’s, Worthy Park, Cockspur, Planteray, Don Papa, Ninefold and Aluna, plus Manchester-based One-Eyed Rebel from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery.
The Manchester Rum Festival has partnered with us here at The Manc to offer discounted tickets and a whole load of bespoke content.
Festival founder and rum expert, Dave Marsland, said: “We have pulled together the UK’s greatest rum prize for a true rum aficionado who grabs their great value ticket to the event.
“This year, festival goers can expect great vibes, they can taste 40 rums from all over the world and enjoy great food and cocktails from our partners Nyammin’ and MONIN. It really is a great day out for rum lovers and tickets make fab presents for friends and family, too.
“This year, we are expecting the best Manchester Rum Festival yet as we relocate to a bigger, better, bolder venue. New Century Hall is absolutely iconic and we can’t wait to party all day with more rum brands and more experiences than ever before.”
Grab your ticket now and get £5 off using The Manc’s bespoke link – and enter the draw to win the package worth over £2k.
The full Manchester Rum Festival prize
A one-night stay for two people at Hotel Indigo
Two tickets to Manchester Rum Festival on 13 July 2024
Complimentary food from Nyammin’ and a round of cocktails from MONIN at the festival
12 months’ supply of rum, including some money-can’t-buy expressions from some of the best distilleries in the world
A special rum cocktail in a bottle from new Manchester cocktail bar, Stray
Two tickets to tour Dropworks Distillery (Europe’s largest rum distillery)
Exclusive rum goodies from Harvey Nichols
A cocktail kit from Monin syrups
Two tickets to tour Manchester based distillery Spirit of Manchester, home of One Eyed Rebel
A selection of mixers from the festival’s sponsor, London Essence Co.
Award-winning rum cake courtesy of Nyammin’
Competition T&C’s:
Competition closes at midnight on 21 June. Entries are limited due to capacity of the venue. Once filled, the ticket page will have no access to purchase further tickets to enter the draw.
Open to over 18’s only and must have a valid UK address.
A valid ticket must be bought to gain entry to the prize draw.
The prize is non-refundable or transferable.
One winner will be drawn at random by Manchester Rum Festival.
Travel to the festival and any prizes outside of your home address is not included.
Any tickets already bought for Manchester Rum Festival 2024 will automatically enter the draw.
Featured image: Supplied
Sponsored
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Daisy Jackson -
29th May 2024 
