Altrincham FC is continuing to establish itself as a cornerstone of the local community beyond just the football as the club is now looking to host a brand-new concert series.
The National League side announced this week that following meetings between members of the board and supporters groups, a plan has been put together to bring “large-scale” live music to The J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane for the first time ever.
Following initial talks, it has now been proposed that Alty FC‘s stadium will host “two high-profile” concert dates in 2025 under the banner of the ‘Proudly Altrincham’ series.
While the initiative could see plenty of other entertainment events under the same banner, the exciting new community attraction will start with live gigs.
🆕 Altrincham FC to develop ‘𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺’ Large-Scale Community Concerts in 2025 😍
The Greater Manchester team will help deliver the inaugural Proudly Altrincham weekend event series, focusing on creating a live music experience for the local community to enjoy, with the first gigs scheduled for May 2025.
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Collaborating with local organiser Max Eden of Cheshire Concerts – the same team behind Hale Barns and Bowdonbury festivals, as well as Happy Radio UK – the proposed events are aiming to feature “headline performances by multi-million record-selling artists”.
They’re going big and bold with these plans but they’re also hoping it will serve as an opportunity to help support grassroots musicians and local performers, combining an “unforgettable entertainment experience” with contributions to the community and the obvious economic benefits.
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As per the official statement released on Wednesday, 23 October, the ultimate goal is to continue “showcasing and championing Altrincham and its Football Club as a vibrant cultural hub.”
Likely to draw in thousands from around the region and beyond, the hope is to create not only additional revenue for the football club but also to help nearby restaurants, shops and independent businesses.
Weekends could soon go from this……to scenes like these.Credit: Bill Boaden (via Geograph)/Orna W (via Pixabay)
Ensuring that the community remains a part of the process not just on paper but in practice too, Altrincham FC has invited local residents and business owners to attend a consultation open evening about the potential concert series on Tuesday, October 29th.
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Taking place from 6-8pm in the John King Sponsors Lounge at their home ground, the event is open to the public and will provide a platform for questions, feedback and ideas to “create an experience that benefits everyone”. The club recently saw an influx of new investment so it’s a fun time to be a Robin.
CEO of Altrincham FC, Samantha Mackenzie commented: “These concerts represent a unique opportunity for the club to give back to the community and bring something truly special to Altrincham.
“We’re incredibly excited about working with Cheshire Concerts to not only bring world-class entertainment to the area but also to boost our local economy and enhance community spirit.
“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with local residents to ensure these events are a resounding success for everyone involved.”
Founded in Los Angeles back in 2007, and making a splash on social media and growing in popularity ever since, Alo is a favourite among wellness enthusiasts and celebrities alike thanks to offering a curated collection of elevated performance and lifestyle apparel for all genders, aiming to blend the best of technical excellence with contemporary fashion.
Designed to inspire ‘mindful movement’ and ‘modern living’, the brand has a strong commitment to mind-body wellness, and even likes to call its stores sanctuaries.
Alo already has a selection of stores in London, but its move to Manchester marks the first time the brand has ventured outside of the capital to elsewhere in the UK, and has chosen to open doors at the Manchester Arndale complex, on the ever-popular New Cathedral Street.
Alo Yoga is opening its first UK store outside of London here in Manchester / Credit: Alo Yoga (Publicity Picture)
Recognised as the home of luxury brands in Manchester – with retailers such as Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss, and Ralph Lauren already stationed there – Alo is the latest retailer to select New Cathedral Street for its first location in the city.
Alo joins the recently-announced arrivals of Arc’teryx and Represent – the latter of which opened to huge success last October – after signing a 10-year lease.
Asset managers also say Alo’s arrival showcases just how much Manchester has become a ‘magnet’ for fast-growing brands that are keen to access a premium shopper audience.
The luxury activewear and lifestyle brand is moving into New Cathedral Street / Credit: Alo Yoga (Publicity Picture)
“Alo Yoga is a fantastic addition to our retail mix,” commented Scott Linard, who is the Portfolio Director for joint asset managers M&G Real Estate.
“We’re proud to support the growth of innovative brands like Alo Yoga who are seeking high-quality, well-located space to connect with new audiences, and their arrival highlights the strength and diversity of Manchester’s retail offer.”
Steve Gray, who is the Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, added: “Welcoming Alo Yoga to New Cathedral Street underlines its reputation as one of the UK’s premium retail destinations.”
No opening date for Alo Yoga in Manchester has been announced yet, so interested shoppers will need to keep their eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Alo Yoga (Press Pictures)
Sport
Ex-Manchester United player Brandon Williams issues public statement following sentencing
Danny Jones
Former Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams and his legal team have issued a statement following his recent sentencing over dangerous driving charges.
The Crumpsall-born defender left the club last year after being released following a 14-year stint in Red, graduating from Man United’s academy and making a number of first-team appearances before being sent out on a pair of loan spells.
After representing Norwich City 26 times and then making just 15 appearances for former youth coach Kieran McKenna‘s Ipswich Town, he hasn’t played professional football for more than 17 months.
Williams was officially given a 14-month prison sentence this past Friday, 23 May, but the term has been suspended for two years, and now Brandon himself has responded following the decision.
Once tipped to succeed Luke Shaw, Brandon Williams has not played a game for almost 18 months.
The free agent pleaded guilty to driving dangerously earlier this month after it was found had been driving at speeds of up to 99mph in a 70 zone prior to crashing his Audi A3.
Issuing a statement to The Manc via his lawyers at Blackfords LLP, he said: “I would like to thank my legal team headed by Richard Littler KC and Philip Williams of Blackfords LLP for establishing that I was not under the influence of any substance at the time of the accident.
“I have always accepted that my driving that day fell below the standard that is expected of me. It was never my intention to cause injury to anyone, but I am responsible for the standard of my driving. I make no excuses. I have learnt from this experience and will ensure there is no repetition.
“I wish to apologise again to those who were involved in the accident. Now that the case has concluded, I look forward to resuming my career with a new team later this year.”
Despite Chester Crown Court hearing that he and his female passenger at the time “appeared to have yellow balloons in their mouth” – typically associated with imbibing nitrous oxide a.k.a. ‘laughing gas’ – Williams has maintained that he was sober during the incident throughout the investigation.
On Friday, the former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams was given a 14-month sentence, suspended for two years, along with a three-year driving ban and 180 hours of community service after crashing his car while speeding at 99mph with a nitrous oxide balloon in his… pic.twitter.com/eeIKM6Z96n
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 24, 2025
The crash, which occurred on the A34 near Handforth in Cheshire back in August 2023, saw the left-back collide with a Ford Fiesta after a female motorist travelling behind him on the dual carriageway around 6pm claimed he seemed out of control of the vehicle. Both cars were heavily damaged.
While Williams will be avoiding jail time, his suspended prison sentence has not only seen him banned from driving for three years but will also see him have to complete 180 hours of community service.
In addition to the collision itself, Williams racked up a total of 30 points on his license for multiple offences, including twice failing to declare who was driving, operating a vehicle without third-party insurance, and now this latest development, having already paid a £1,000 fine in May 2024.
The 24-year-old has since spoken out about the incident in brief detail with Ben Foster (a fellow former United player) on his podcast.
Brandon Williams’ most recent statement isn’t the first time he’s touched upon the incident.
Danny Jones -
24th October 2024 
