Following on from their impressive and closely-ran 2022/23 campaign, Manchester United Women are gearing up for a huge and historic WSL fixture as the Manchester derbyapproaches this month.
After very nearly winning both the Women’s Super League and the Women’s FA Cup last season, not to mention qualifying for the Champions League for the first time ever, Man United Women are looking to build on that progress and put a big marker down against local rivals and fellow title contenders Man City.
Better still, they want to ensure this is an even bigger occasion than ever, as not only is the Women’s Manchester derby being held at Old Trafford for the first time ever but the club is also looking to make the much-anticipated match a historic one by getting as many fans through the doors as possible.
With the women’s team breaking a club record late last year as 30,196 supporters turned up to watch the home side smash Aston Villa 5-0, United are hoping to go one better this year by bringing in even higher attendances and maybe even break the WSL record. There’s no better game to do it in.
The current record for best attendance at a WSL game belongs to Arsenal, who had 54,115 fans travel to the Emirates for their match against Liverpool just last month. The game ended in a 1-0 defeat but saw them smash the previous record, also set by the Gunners themselves (47, 367) against Spurs.
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Since Old Trafford‘s capacity is nearly 75,000 and the Manchester derby remains a much bigger fixture than its equivalent in North London, both in the men’s and the WSL, surely us Manc can do better? Especially given the fact that match tickets for women’s games are still so affordable no matter how big the team gets.
Manchester, as it has always been, is on the up in every department: music, art, food, fashion and more, but there’s nothing that this city does better than sport. 0161 has always had a deep connection with football but the city is truly becoming one of the biggest champions of the women’s game.
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The same goes for women’s football, which thanks to the likes of the Lionesses‘ success at Euro 2022 and incredible efforts at the World Cup, is growing larger and faster than ever before and there isn’t another place in the UK where interest is on the rise like it is here in 0161.
The WSL Manchester derby is one of the biggest fixtures on the Manc sporting calendar. (Credit: Man United Women via Instagram)
Setting an example with their performances on and off the pitch and serving as huge ambassadors for the women’s game to a next-generation eager to get stuck in, there aren’t many bigger and more inspiring club fixtures in the world right now than the Manchester derby.
As both teams are on the rise and guaranteed to go neck and neck for the title again this season, this is a game you don’t want to miss and since it’s two of the best teams in the land are played at both major home grounds for the first time in history, they know how big a clash this is — question is, do you?
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With Manchester at the forefront of women’s football and sport in general as it has always been, not only are they giving you the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a truly special and global movement, but you can even play your part in history by helping them break the attendance record.
Best of all, with tickets to watch the derby between Man United and Man City Women still just £15 for adults and as affordable as £7.50 for under 16s and those over 65, you won’t get many livelier, family-friendly atmospheres than under the light at Old Trafford. You can grab yours HERE.
Featured Image — Manchester United Women/Manchester City (via Instagram)
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Sensory-friendly Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Emily Sergeant
This week marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference, according to the most recent statistics, and Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) highlighting the importance of championing, raising awareness of, and accommodating neurodiverse people.
And Printworks is marking the occasion in its own special way, with a series of new initiatives designed to create a more ‘inclusive’ and ‘sensory-friendly’ environment.
You may already know that the popular indoor entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester city centre is home to more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and leisure activities – including one of the largest IMAX screens on the continent – and Europe’s largest digital ceiling too, of course, but this week’s experience is unlike anything the venue has welcomed before.
Throughout the week, Printworks will be transforming its digital ceiling with calming Northern Lights and constellations which have been specifically designed to create a relaxed, sensory-friendly atmosphere for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week / Credit: Supplied
As part of a long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Printworks is also introducing a weekly sensory-friendly hour every Sunday too, where lighting throughout the venue will be dimmed, and music and SFX volumes reduced for a reduced-stimulus environment.
200 free sensory packs – which can be collected at Vue cinema – with a pair of ear defenders and sensory-friendly toys, designed to support visitors who may benefit from sensory tools while enjoying the venue, are also on offer throughout the course of the week.
On top of this, there’s also a range of autism-friendly cinema screenings taking place on the last Sunday of every month at 10:30am.
An additional autism-friendly screening will be taking place with a showing of Hoppers this Sunday 22 March at 10:30am, with tickets now available from Vue’s website.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for brands and venues to recognise and support the diverse ways visitors and audiences experience the world,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks.
“We endeavour to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and welcome when spending time at Printworks.”
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week on Printworks’ website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Danny Jones -
3rd November 2023 
