Last season Manchester City followed up their iconic treble-winning campaign with a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title – that being said, there’s really no better time to give one of their already award-winning stadiums tours a go.
Being once again voted not just in the top five stadium experiences in the UK but the 99th percentile of all reviewed Tripadvisor’s global experiences,Man City‘s tours of their home ground and the wider Etihad Campus are literally some of the most highly-rated on the planet.
In fact, the club was actually awarded theTripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award in the category for the second time in three years, delivering not only a perfect family day out for Blues and football fan tourism in general but an experience that goes beyond most other stadium tours.
So what makes them so good? Well, there’s a few things.
There are a lot of unique experiences to be enjoyed on Manchester City stadium tours. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The most immersive stadium tours in the Premier League
First and foremost, you’ll struggle to find a more immersive and interactive stadium tour from any otherPremier League club, as Manchester City use the latest technology to allow fans to fully dive into ‘the City story’.
Lasting approximately 75 minutes (so you already know you’re getting your money’s worth), there’s something new around every corner, with a whole variety of things to see and do.
From visiting the Blues’ dressing room and sitting with your favourite player’s shirt, to walking down the glass players’ tunnel to the sound of a packed stadium – where countless supporters line up to watch as part ofthe Tunnel Club experience – you get to truly feel what it’s like to walk out at the Etihad.
You can even sit in the man himselfPep Guardiola‘s actual seat in the home dugout and even meet him virtually, along with various members of the first team including Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. They also make sure to throw in the odd surprise from time to time…
‘R Bernard on the job.
Things are only set to get bigger and better
With all that in mind, we think it’s fair to say that the official Manchester City tours of the Etihad Stadium are about much more than just getting a glimpse of the pitch or staring at a trophy cabinet.
Moreover, as the Etihad Campus continues to grow with an expansion of the stadium itself and the launch of the brand-new museum, hotel and other attractions coming in the near future, it’s an exciting time to be a Blue.
Works are now well underway, so fans can be very excited about visiting the Campus outside of just game day as it bids to become a year-round and industry-leading leisure destination.
Tours at Man City start from only £26 per adult during off-peak times and, with additional looks at the academy andWomen’s team facilities and wider campus costing £45, which also includes the short buggy ride over the Nexen bridge between stadiums.
If you really want to push the boat out you can pay £50 for a guided stadium tour with a club legend or even splash out on an exclusive VIP stadium tour from £70 per adult.
Whatever package you fancy, you won’t be disappointed when it comes to enjoyment, immersion or value for money – and you don’t just take our word for it, Tripadvisor says so too.
To book a solo tour, family and friends trip or group booking of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, you can find out moreHERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Man City (supplied)
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Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later this year
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
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Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
Danny Jones -
9th August 2024 
