One of the most iconic teams to ever walk the Earth, the Harlem Globetrotters, are coming to Manchester city centre for an forgettable night of basketball and entertainment.
Announcing a 2025 UK tour, Harlem’s finest crossing the Atlantic to visit a select few British cities and we’re very lucky to be one of them.
Soon set to land on the court and the big stage at AO Arena this Spring, expect big players, and even bigger crowd and a fantastic atmosphere.
Approaching their momentous 100th anniversary in 2026, the Harlem Globetrotters have contributed massively to the global growth of basketball over the decades.
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They might be a household name over in America but it’s a true privilege getting to see them overseas, especially here in our hometown.
Now a fully fledged exhibition team still creating memories all over, they continue to be one of the most entertaining basketball brands on the planet.
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Famed not only for popularising the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions and the sport’s well-known figure-eight drill, they changed the face of the game forever and now you can see them doing what they do best in one of the UK most legendary arenas.
Experience the thrill of the Harlem Globetrotters live in action as they showcase breathtaking basketball innovation and plenty of fanfare to boot.
Here’s a little teaser of what’s to come:
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From mind-boggling trick shots to expert ball-handling skills, every game promises excitement and laughter. Set to take on their arch nemsis, the Washington Generals, they’re set dribble, spin, slam and dunk their way past the competition.
But we’re not just talking a single game – this event is all about interaction.
Prepare for a proper fan experience like never before as the crowd becomes just as an integral part of the excitement as the players do. There’ll be the one of the best dunk contests you’ll ever see, exclusive pre, post and in-game fan engagement opportunities, a Halftime Skills Showcase and plenty more.
In addition to plenty of atmosphere created by the dedicated DJ, not to mention plenty of slapstick comedy and general showmanship throughout (they do it all, these lot), the audience will be given multiple chances to see the Globetrotters extraordinary talents up and close and personal.
For instance, make sure you don’t miss the ‘5th Quarter’ after the buzzer as people will be giving all access to a Globetrotter Meet and Greet, where every fan is invited down to the court for an autograph from their favourite Harlem Globetrotter stars.
Best of all, this a high energy family friendly for people of all ages and walks of life to enjoy.
Set to arrive at the AO Arena on 23 April before they travel across the rest of the world, the Harlem Globetrotters are made for a sport-loving Manchester crowd.
Featured Images — AO Arena (supplied)/The Manc Group
Sport
An official and completely FREE Manchester Marathon fan zone is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
Yes, last year’s newest and official Manchester Marathon fan zone is returning for 2026, promising more positive pre- and post-race vibes than the first time around.
Here’s hoping for some lovely sunshine to go along with the atmosphere on 19 April.
Set to host the city centre’s runners and spectators for just the second time, Circle Square’s Symphony Park will be home to the 2026 Manc Marathon fan park, complete with independent pop-ups, big screens to watch all the action on, plus plenty more.
Best of all, it’s completely free to enter all day long for participants and those of you cheering your loved ones along, as well as being an ideal all-ages spot for families to relax and enjoy.
Located just moments from the finish line, just outside the University of Manchester along Oxford Road Corridor, you simply follow it down towards the tall Vita Group and Bruntwood SciTech buildings.
Circle Square itself hosts many events and activities all throughout the year, and they couldn’t resist getting back in on the raceday party once again, as more legends are set to take part than ever.
For context, 2025 saw more than 35,000 sign-ups, but this April is expected to see a whopping sold-out crowd exceeding 42,000 – a record number for the annual event.
With that in mind, finding a place to fit all of them and the countless fans who come along to cheer them on from the sidelines is paramount, so it’s a good job the Symphony Park x MCR Marathon fan zone will be open from 9am on the day.
Here are some more scenes from the last edition:
Credit: Jody Hartley (supplied)
Although more are set to be revealed nearer the time, visitors can expect “a lively schedule of entertainment, food and drink pop-ups, family-friendly activities and special offers from our community of independent businesses and brands.”
Set to close around 5pm as the hordes of runners will doubt either head home for a long bath, leg rub or straight to the pub for their victory pints, we can assure you lots of time will be spent on the square.
Featured Images — Jody Hartley (supplied via SH Comms)
Sport
Bruno Guimaraes’ talks over potential move to Manchester United this summer said to be ‘true’
Danny Jones
With the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign fast approaching, eyes are already shifting towards next season and the upcoming transfer window, and one player who has already been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer is Bruno Guimaraes.
Currently the captain at Newcastle, it’s fair to say it would take some doing to swap Uniteds, but stranger things have happened.
Man United seem to be linked with a new midfielder almost every week at this point, with several names floating around in the same sentence as Old Trafford, but this is one that looks to have increasing traction to it.
With talks between the club and Bruno Guimaraes’ representation having reportedly taken place over the past month or so, some have even gone as far as to claim that discussions have already progressed to an ‘advanced’ stage.
🚨 BREAKING:
A meeting took place a few weeks ago between the agents of Bruno G & Manchester United!
As per ever-reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, while he refuted the claims that any direct negotiations have taken place with Newcastle themselves, he stated that “a meeting did take place in recent weeks.”
Believed to have happened a little while ago, rather than more recently, as some reports have suggested, he went on to add that “the information from Brazil is accurate: a meeting was held, and United maintain a good relationship with the agency.”
He also qualified that although it is true that Guimaraes is admired by those at Carrington, he is among a number of shortlisted candidates that they could potentially bring in from June onwards.
For instance, names such as Elliot Anderson, previously pursued Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, as well as two Wolves players and even Bruno’s midfield partner Sandro Tonali have all been rumoured.
However, it’s thought that the 28-year-old Brazilian international and compatriot is the only one that current cog in the middle of the park, Casemiro, is said to have ‘personally’ recommended.
That’s according to the likes of Sports Illustrated, ESPN and others, who say that the veteran midfielder and fellow national teammate has put his Bruno G as the man to follow in his footsteps and fill the key central position when he eventually departs.
Meanwhile, with Bruno Fernandes still the talisman for the Red Devils, you would imagine he wouldn’t mind having another Portuguese-speaking playmaker alongside him.
Whether or not the Magpies secure another year in at least one of UEFA’s continental tournaments will factor into his decision to stay long-term or not remains to be seen, but the feeling is that he could be allowed to leave if they miss out on the Champions League.
As for selling to a relative rival in the table these days, on the other hand, it would likely take some fee for the North East side to let one of their most important stars leave St James Park.
Then again, it looks like Manchester United aren’t willing to simply settle for just the Europa League, given their upturn in form under Michael Carrick, and were they to end up back in all four competitions next year, they could do with all the strength in depth possible.
Danny Jones -
11th February 2025 
