Derby day in the Barclays Women’s Super League is just days away and with both sides of Manchester a game in hand on league leaders Chelsea, there’s some serious leverage to play for.
With just three points separating red and blue and Manchester City on a run of eight-straight victories, it’s all set up to be a blockbuster.
Moreover, while you always know you’re in store for some top-notch football when it comes to the Manchester Women’s derby, the Etihad Campus has plenty more in store.
Here’s what you can expect from the derby day on Sunday, 11 December.
Upon arriving at the Etihad, food and drink will be available to from a number of different vendors around City Square from 10:00am, with the official welcome ceremony getting underway at 10:30.
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Presenters for the day will guide you through all of the pre-match talking points and will also be joined by legendary goalkeeper Karen Bardsley on stage, who made over a century of appearances for the club.
With both City and United boasting nine Euro 2022-winning Lionesses between them, fans can visit the Cityzens hub to have their photo taken with the trophy ahead of kick-off and even create their own Dream Team video.
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You can also get involved in a number of other activities such as penalty shootouts, table tennis and its football equivalent, ‘futtoc’ (we know at least one of you had played some form of foot tennis).
Just after the players arrive at approximately 11am and those enjoying the Blue carpet experience are cheering on their heroes as they enter the Etihad Stadium, you can also watch the Battle of the Bands, with local band Strawberry Lemonade playing live at 12pm.
Supporters on both sides are advised to make their way to their seats by 12:15 in preparation for the Etihad Campus’ exciting pre-match fireworks display, which will set the tone for a captivating encounter.
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But the matchday experience continues at half-time, with those in the crowd able to take part in a half-time quiz and even be in with the chance of winning an exclusive holiday which will be revealed on the day.
Here’s your full schedule of pre-match and half-time festivities:
A pop-up apres-ski bar with yurts, live music and steins has opened in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
All the vibes of an apres-ski experience have landed in Greater Manchester with the arrival of a full Yurt Village.
Inside each cosy space you’ll find log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, cable cars and fur throws for the perfect Alpine atmosphere.
The YurtBar pop-up in Sale has several different event spaces of varying shapes and sizes, each one named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts.
Just imagine gathering all your loved ones together to sip on mulled wines, steins of beer and ski shots surrounded by twinkling lights. Bliss, right?
If you’re planning a party this winter, whether it’s your work Christmas do, a birthday, or just a festive get-together with friends, YurtBar is a perfect party spot for the season.
While the yurts can be booked for groups up to 152 people, you can also just enjoy the apres-ski atmosphere in much smaller groups, with tables available for six people too.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
To feel like you’ve been whisked off to the mountains without ever leaving town, click HERE.
And you can save money on your booking using the code Organisergoesfree!
Huge Black Friday sale launches on flights from Manchester to New York, Barbados and Orlando
Daisy Jackson
Anyone who says money can’t buy happiness clearly hasn’t booked themselves a discounted flight to a bucket list destination.
The Aer Lingus Black Friday sale is now live, with huge savings on trips between Manchester and dream locations like New York, Barbados and Orlando.
Direct flights with Aer Lingus from Manchester are now on sale from just £379 return, valid on trips all the way through until next summer.
As well as those deals on direct flights already mentioned, Aer Lingus’s Black Friday sale will also whisk you off to other hotspots like Las Vegas, LA, Chicago, Boston and more, via Dublin.
The sale is live now and will run until 3 December, valid on flights until 30 June 2025.
In just a matter of hours you could be relaxing on white-sand beaches and sipping on coconuts in beautiful Barbados.
Or Aer Lingus could jet you off to the city that never sleeps, New York City, ready for a winter soaking in the sights or a spring break scrolling around Central Park.
There are also amazing deals to Florida, whether you’re seeking an action-packed holiday filled with theme parks or just relaxing on one of the state’s many sunny beaches.
Keep your eyes peeled in Manchester city centre on Thursday 28 November, as Aer Lingus will be in town with a spin-the-wheel activation where you can win short- and long-haul flights.
Aer Lingus will be in Manchester Arndale between 10am and 8pm on Thursday.
You can browse all the Aer Lingus Black Friday deals HERE – T&Cs apply.