With the 2024 Paris Olympics right around the corner, Manchester is set to give Team GB a warm homecoming reception this summer.
Teaming up with the National Lottery, Team GB will be getting a hero’s welcome when they fly back from the games which kick off this Friday, 26 July.
Set to take place at Manchester’s legendary AO Arena, the event will be hosted by Emma Willis and Vernon Kay, with interviews and appearances from Olympic legends, rising stars and all those hoping to bring home the gold at Paris 2024.
With live music and entertainment from some big names as well as the all-around celebrations following what we already know is going to be another successful year for our Olympians, it’s set to be a very special occasion.
Featuring a stellar line-up of iconic UK artists including Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne, Pete Tong and Rag’n’Bone Man, the show will be a moment for the nation to party alongside the athletes and toast their incredible achievements, dedication and passion with pride.
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This year’s events are also to thank National Lottery players whose funding helps support Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes to be the best they can be.
A sister event for the Paralympics will also be hosted at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Thursday, 12 September, with coverage of both being broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
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Since the National Lottery began funding to help support elite sport in 1997, Team GB has never fallen out of the top 10 in the medal table and came fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, winning a stunning 22 golds.
During the Tokyo 2020 English swimmer Adam Peaty won Team GB’s landmark 100th gold medal since National Lottery funding began, with a total of 117 golds won so far.
TV presenter and host Vernon Kay said: “I’ve seen first-hand how amazingly dedicated and talented our athletes are and the difference the support of National Lottery players makes to their ability to be the best they can be.
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“The National Lottery’s Team GB Homecoming event will be a moment to recognise the achievements of the athletes and thank National Lottery players who have helped them on their journey to Paris. I can’t wait to celebrate together!”
National Lottery players in Manchester and all over the country are helping power the Paris 2024 team and their homecoming event.
Co-host Emma Willis added: “There’s a fantastic buzz during the Olympics and The National Lottery’s Team GB Homecoming event will be the perfect way to celebrate and welcome home our phenomenal athletes.
“The National Lottery plays a key role in supporting them all to get to the Games, so everyone involved is ready for a big old party packed with athletes, artists, and of course, the public! I’m super excited to be asked to host, along with Vernon. I have no doubt it’ll be a very fun and special evening.”
National Lottery players have the opportunity to enter a ballot to win a pair of free (barring a £2 booking fee). The ballot is now open with a total of 6,000 tickets up for grabs and those entering for tickets will be required to confirm they have a National Lottery ticket that they can present on the day of the event.
Team GB’s Manchester Olympic homecoming is due to take place on Saturday, 17 August with the broadcast set to go live the following day. Lottery players can grab their tickets HERE.
Manchester United home kit for 2026/27 ‘leaked’ online in unboxing video
Danny Jones
Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2026/27 campaign has reportedly been leaked online in a YouTuber’s unboxing video ahead of next season.
We know fake shirts and dupes can be pretty accurate these days, but it looks very much like this could be the real deal.
Shared by dedicated football kit reviewer, ‘Retro Man‘, who has seemingly revealed the latest Man United jersey, this unveiling lines up with the previously rumoured designs circulated on social media.
A Red Devil himself, the creator has teased previous releases that turned out to be true in the past, so we’ll leave it up to all of you to decide how bona fide you think this supposed home strip is. Ever-reliable footy fashion peers, Footy Headlines, have also shared these images:
Uploaded to the channel on 25 April, Retro Man did a full overview of the United 26/27 home shirt, highlighting key features such as a red-forward collar with black and white accents.
That same trim is repeated on the ends of the sleeves – reminiscent of the 2011/12 iteration, only differing in the more crew neck style – and the back of the neck now simply reads “UNITED”.
It is worth noting that this is specifically the replica shirt that most fans will purchase.
Should it prove to be the genuine article, this will be the 11th Manchester United kit by adidas since they returned as manufacturers over a decade ago, a.k.a. the start of the Louis van Gaal era.
Retro Man has since posted another video showing off what he claims to be the ‘authentic’ version, too; you can check it out in more detail down below.
Looks pretty legit…
As you can see, the official player edition that will be worn on the pitch by actual United squad members (though they are still available to purchase by the public) appears to hold some key distinctions.
Besides some differences around the panelling and stitching, there is also a noticeable textured section along large sections of the interwoven fabric as part of the brand’s breathable and trademark ‘Climacool’ technology.
Elsewhere, the badge itself also looks to have a more embossed/raised finish. If this is the real deal, what do you make of it?
This isn’t the only United kit that’s caught some attention of late, either:
Featured Images — Retro Man (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN LIVE TOUR
The hit TV show announces its first-ever live arena tour! Hosted by Jamie Redknapp!
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Danny Jones -
23rd July 2024 
