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A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship

They've got the cues and the beers sorted.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 31st March 2026

We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.

You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.

The 2026 Tour Championship got underway on Monday, with number one Judd Trump claiming the opening victory against Mark Allen.

However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.

snooker fan zone manchester central
manchester central events april 2026
Credit: The Manc

Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.

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Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.

Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.

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In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.

As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.

Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.

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If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.

For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Sport

Bayern Munich reportedly set to target Phil Foden in the summer transfer window

Danny Jones Danny Jones Bayern Munich interested in signing Phil Foden this summer transfer window

European giants Bayern Munich are said to be interested in homegrown Manchester City star, and are interested in signing him this coming transfer window.

And if you believe some of the reports circulating around the Stockport-born footballer, he could very well be looking to leave the Etihad in the summer.

Foden seems to have somewhat fallen out of favour at Man City of late, having been benched in four of the last five games, with his overall minutes having been on a gradual slump over recent months; as a result, some sources are suggesting it’s prompted a potential move away.

As per TEAMtalk, the Bundesliga side is hoping to target the City youth product and England international ahead of next season, with former teammate turned Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany very keen on acquiring his services.

Whether or not having a club and Premier League legend in charge would serve as a sweetener for the attacking midfielder or not, who knows?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, while the gifted playmaker is said to be “frustrated” with the current situation at Man City, the club are believed to have “stepped up efforts to secure the long-term future of Phil Foden, with fresh talks held during the international break”

Having still managed to chip in with 15 goal contributions so far this campaign – two-thirds of those involvements being goals – the hope is that they can tie him down to a new deal long before the end of the season.

There’s no question about his natural talent and versatility across the forward line; it’s just whether or not he’s happy with his game time under Pep Guardiola, which admittedly has often fluctuated ever since he broke into the first team.

Pep has never made a secret of his love for Phil, either; he’s just not afraid to mix things up and try different things given the squad depth at his disposal and other teams in the division becoming increasingly competitive.

It’s also worth noting that many expect him to be in Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineups for the Three Lions at this year’s World Cup.

At present, Foden’s contract is set to expire at the end of the next term (2026/27), but it’s rumoured that he could soon commit to staying until 2030 on paper.

Now 25, the once up-and-coming youngster/’rising star’ is now a fully-fledged senior professional and serial winner.

With many years still ahead of him, you could argue that this is the perfect time to take on a new challenge, or equally, stay with his beloved Blues and extend their modern dynasty as one of the more experienced and decorated members of the dressing room.

As for whether Kompany can convince him to swap his familiar surroundings for a fresh chapter in Germany, or whether or not another big Champions League-level outfit monitoring the situation could come sniffing, only time will tell.

For now, let’s just hope he has an incredible few weeks over in North America this June and July.

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Featured Images — Steffen Prößdorf/ManuluxWiki (via Wikimedia Commons)

Sport

Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best

Danny Jones Danny Jones Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026 Manchester

This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again – and there are some big names on show.

Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.

These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.

Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.

Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.

Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.

Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.

Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.

It also comes fresh after the much-welcomed news over in Yorkshire, as it was confirmed that the World Snooker Championships are staying in Sheffield.

With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.

Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.

There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.

The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.

free snooker fan zone manchester central
Credit: The Manc

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group

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