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.”
Premier League Darts is returning to Manchester’s AO Arena in 2027
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Premier League Darts is confirmed to be returning to Manchester next year.
Now’s your chance to see the youngest world champion in darts history, AKA Warrington’s very-own Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, show us how it’s done, as next year’s BetMGM Premier League Darts lineup has just been announced this week – with various dates confirmed across 17 different cities in the UK and Europe.
And Manchester is one of those cities, as the AO Arena has shared that they are set to host an evening next April, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
This means that we will be lucky enough to witness the biggest names in world darts all under one roof, including headliners Gian van Veen and Luke Humphries, as well as Littler.
Manchester is the only northern city to get the pleasure of hosting the event next year, as Liverpool is also on the lineup, as is Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle, while elsewhere in the UK, the stars will travel to Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and several other major locations.
BetMGM Premier League Darts is to be held on Thursday 8 April at the AO Arena in Manchester, and to avoid being disappointed, fans are advised to register for presale ticket access.
Following a successful season of events in 2026, tickets are expected to be like gold-dust, so don’t say you haven’t been warned.
To access the first wave of tickets, fans must become an active PDCTV Annual Member before 23:59pm on Friday 9 October. Alternatively, general sale is on Thursday 22 October 2026, but make sure not to hang about.
Featured Image – Sandro Halank (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sport
Andy Burnham wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on drinking alcohol in football stands
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has claimed he wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on fans getting to drink alcohol in football stands.
It’s a ban that’s been in place in the top five tiers of men’s football since 1985, when fears over violence and hooliganism were at their height, but now the Prime Minister has raised the question of whether drinking in football stands – or ‘drinking in sight / view of the pitch’, as it’s known formally – is actually unjust, due to the fact that same rules don’t apply to fans of other sports.
“I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way,” Andy Burnham has declared this week, grabbing headlines in the process.
He continued: “I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different, and I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination.
“I’m not going to back away from what’s been a long-held view of mine. I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently.”
The Prime Minister’s comments have been met with mixed response.
Andy Burnham wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on drinking alcohol in football stands / Credit: James Kirkup | Julia Nastogadka (via Unsplash)
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), for example, has very much welcomed the idea, saying that it ‘totally agrees’ the legislation is ‘outdated’ and ‘deserves to be reviewed’.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, said in a statement: “The FSA has always argued that it’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.”
However, on the flip side, the UK Football Policing Unit said it would be ‘incredibly rash’ to change the rules without proper consultation.
“Other sports simply don’t see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour,” it said in a statement on the matter.
The Prime Minister did state in his initial proposition though that ‘there are different ways it could be done’, hinting that it could be done ‘on a trial basis’ perhaps.
The English Football League (EFL) added that it would be ‘receptive to discussions around reviewing current legislation and permitting alcoholic drinks within view of the pitch’.
No formal details on a review have been confirmed as of yet, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates in due course.
Danny Jones -
24th October 2024 
