Cricket fans, be ready to be bowled over because the return of The Hundred is nearly upon us and the anticipation is already starting to ramp up – as are the ticket sales.
Now entering its fourth year, cricket’s newest and most exhilarating format is set to be bigger than ever and, yes, we know people always say that but we really do mean it.
First set up back in 2021, The Hundred has gained a massive following all over the UK in a very short space of time, not least because of all the action going on off the pitch as well as on it.
With less than 50 days left to go before Manchester Originals and the rest of the teams get underway for a month of fast-paced cricket amongst an already jam-packed summer of sport, we thought we’d give you a rundown of everything you can expect from this year’s competition.
We cannot wait.
How does The Hundred work?
For anyone new to the tournament, The Hundred is a much shorter form version of the game than the likes of test matches and it’s also much easier to understand for casual fans or anyone who’s completely new to the world of cricket – that’s why it’s become so popular. Here’s the gist:
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100 ball cricket
It’s 100 balls per innings; whoever scores the most runs wins.
The fielding side change ends after 10 balls.
Bowlers deliver either five or 10 consecutive balls – the captain decides.
Each bowler can deliver a maximum of 20 balls per match.
Timeouts
Each bowling side gets a strategic timeout of up to 90 seconds.
The coach can walk out to the middle of the ground and discuss tactics with their players mid-match.
Powerplays
A 25-ball powerplay for each team.
Two fielders are allowed outside of the initial 30-yard circle during the powerplay.
How long are the games?
A match of The Hundred will last two and a half hours.
Straightforward enough, right?
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Credit: Supplied (via The Hundred)
Tickets for The Hundred in Manchester
With the Originals home games starting from 25 July, Manc fans will have four opportunities to catch the excitement at the Emirates Old Trafford, though we have every faith they can make it all the way to the Final at Lord’s in London.
The Hundred’s Manchester fixtures for 2024 are as follows:
Thursday, 25 July: Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire (women’s start 3:00pm, men’s at 6:30pm) – and tickets selling fast, by the way.
Sunday, 11 August: Originals vs Northern Superchargers (women’s 2:30 pm, men’s 6:00pm) — tickets are selling fast for this regional derby too.
This particular tournament also happened to be one of the most affordable ways to watch cricket in the entire sporting calendar, with tickets costing £5 for under-16s and prices starting from just £17 for adults in the early bird window which ends on 27 June, so you best be quick if you want to get the best deal.
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You can find the full list of Hundred fixtures at various other grounds HERE.
Credit: Supplied/The Manc Group
Manchester Originals squad for 2024
The homegrown hopes of a first Hundred trophy are looking stronger than ever this year, with a seriously talented roster for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Captaining the Manchester Originals men’s team once again will be England‘s very own white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, whose 391 runs in 2023 secured him the title of The Hundred’s highest-run scorer.
The women’s team will also see the return of last year’s captain, Sophie Ecclestone, a.k.a. the number one women’s bowler in the world. Also back for another year with the Originals are national men’s duo Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue, as well as Emma Lamb and Mahika Gaur.
Lastly, the Originals have bagged several new world-class international talents too, including Australian wicket-keeper Beth Mooney and all-rounder Sophie Molineux on the women’s team, as well as Sikandar Raza, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Pakistan’s superb leg-spinner, Usama Mir, on the men’s team.
Another reason The Hundred has become such a hit with die-hard cricket fans and newcomers alike is that the organisers make sure that there’s plenty going on in between plays too.
From pulse-raising pyros and light shows before, after and during the games (there’s nothing quite as rousing as seeing flames shoot into the air when someone smashes a six), to the DJ sets and live music performances each day through The Hundred’s partnership with BBC Introducing, it’s non-stop fun.
There is tonnes going on around the concourse too, with free batting and bowling games for spectators, a dedicated kids play area; plenty of merch stands for you to get decked out in your home colours, not to mention more food and drink than you could shake a stick at.
The Hundred’s full artist lineup has also just been revealed very soon and don’t forget to download the official app to get a complete list of all the other activities and goings on.
So, as you can see, The Hundred really is going to be massive this year and besides watching the games themselves, each double-header day is stacked with plenty of other family-friendly things to get stuck into.
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That’s why we love it.
As mentioned, with under-16s tickets costing just a fiver and the early bird for adults only £17, the games in Manchester are already flying but you’ve still got enough time to grab your seats at the Emirates Old TraffordHERE.
We’re glad to inform you that The Hundred isn’t the only big cricket push happening in and around Greater Manchester this summer either.
You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Father Christmas will be paying a very special visit to one of Manchester’s best tourist attractions this festive season.
And you can now book tickets to take the little ones to meet him.
Now that Halloween has passed and November is here, things are really starting to get all festive across Manchester – especially with the Manchester Christmas Markets and Skate Manchester opening from this Friday – so it really won’t be long before Santa sets off on his present delivery rounds. But before then, he’ll be making a special stop in our city first.
That’s because the Science and Industry Museum is inviting you to meet Father Christmas in the atmospheric surroundings of Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery.
Starting later this month from Saturday 21 November and running on selected dates throughout December, this is your chance to meet the main man himself and his friendly elves in one of the most unique settings in the city – set against a backdrop of iconic locomotives and historic engines.
Formerly a shipping shed for the world’s first inter-city steam-powered passenger railway, Power Hall will once again become a hub for deliveries – only this time, for Father Christmas’ presents.
Visitors will get to explore Power Hall and discover the story of the packages and goods that used to arrive there, before making their way up the platform to meet the big red man and receive a special science-themed gift.
Not only that, but on two special dates – Saturday 21 November and Wednesday 23 December – visitors will be invited to enjoy even more Christmas cheer, as the museum welcomes classic Victorian-costumed carol singers to add to the magical atmosphere.
You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season / Credit: Science Museum Group
A number of accessible events will also be running, including BSL supported sessions on the afternoon of Saturday 12 December, and relaxed performances to accommodate a quieter experience and slightly longer time with Father Christmas on both Sunday 29 November and Friday 18 December.
If you want to make a day of it, you’ll also be able to explore the rest of the museum’s free interactive galleries and displays as part of your visit, tuck into some festive food in the museum cafe, and pick up discounted souvenirs in the gift shop before you leave.
Tickets for the Father Christmas at the Museum experience are now on sale, setting you back £15 per child (including a gift) – with accompanying adults going free.
Rochdale set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures for this year’s Ignite Fire Festival
Lydia Mastrolonardo
The run up to Christmas is officially here – deck the halls, dig out your gloves, and get yourself across to Rochdale for a free, festive, family-friendly evening.
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by The Trade Centre UK, is set to once again light the way towards Christmas, together with the festive lights switch-on, this November.
Organisers Rochdale Development Agency are promising the best year yet with a spectacular trail of fire, lights and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions including blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
The gardens and square surrounding the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall, as well as the parkland and walkways on Broadfield slopes, are all preparing to be transformed into a vision of festive light and colour.
However, this year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising night time-trail, ‘BODY.’ This multi-sensory and immersive trail will transport visitors on an educational but exciting journey, through the six zones of the human body.
Visitors can expect a dramatic experience from start to finish, executed through cutting-edge technology as part of Ignite’s most ambitious light display yet, led by the award-winning, worldwide outdoor art sensation – Walk the Plank.
The Fire Garden is also a must-visit during the festival, illuminating the slopes and gardens behind Rochdale Town Hall with intricate, hand-crafted fire sculptures and pyrotechnics.
‘BODY’ is a new installation at Ignite Fire Festival in RochdaleIgnite Fire Festival returns this winter
Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes fire shows and flaming hot circus performances from some of the north’s top talent, alongside ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.
Then there is the ultimate Christmas activation – Santa’s coming to town.
On Sunday 22 November, Father Christmas and his helpers, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Faisal Rana, are paying us a visit to officially switch on the festive lights in front of the town hall at 5.30pm.
Not forgetting the fabulous, flame-cooked, hot food available each night of the festival, accompanied by warming mulled wine and other seasonal beverages, facilitating the full seasonal experience.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Ignite Fire Festival has become a real success story for the borough, drawing audiences from across Greater Manchester and beyond.
“This 2026 line-up will build on that success with new attractions, creative performances and family-friendly experiences. It will be a fantastic celebration for residents and visitors alike, setting the stage perfectly for our Christmas lights switch-on.”
Bev Ayre, senior producer at Walk the Plank, said they are delighted to be returning to Rochdale, stating: “The Body is unlike anything we’ve brought to Ignite before. An immersive fire and light experience that combines art, science and creativity to help people discover the incredible human body in a fun and engaging way.
“Set against the stunning backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall Square and gardens, it promises to be one of our most exciting attractions yet. Even if you’ve visited Ignite before, this year’s festival will feel completely new.”
This festival is made possible by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op.
Ignite is a free festival that will be running across three magical evenings, between Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November, 5pm-8pm.
Click HERE for more information about the Ignite Fire Festival, in Rochdale.
Danny Jones -
7th June 2024 
