The Lionesses could be set to make history as they take centre stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday.
And you can make your way down to Piccadilly Gardens to see all the action unfold.
Fresh off the back of a groundbreaking win at the UEFA Women’s EURO last year, England’s outstanding Women’s team has once again booked their place in a final – but this time, it’s for a chance to clinch what is undoubtedly the most coveted title of them all.
After storming past Australia and claiming an impressive 3-1 victory over The Matildas in the semi final earlier this week, The Lionesses now face Spain in the last match of the Women’s World Cup.
#ENG have reached the #FIFAWWC Final for the first time. 🥹
If you’re hoping to catch the match this weekend when it kicks off at 11am on Sunday, then there’s going to be absolutely no shortage of places to watch – but if you’re really keen to soak in all the atmosphere surrounded by hundreds of other passionate fans right here in Manchester city centre, then you’ll probably want to head on down to Piccadilly Gardens.
ADVERTISEMENT
That’s because Manchester City Council has just announced that a huge screen will be set up in the middle of the public greenspace so you can see every kick, tackle, and hopefully, celebration, up close.
There’s also going to be a dedicated fan zone for the occasion too, opening from 10am.
ADVERTISEMENT
Women’s World Cup final to be shown on a big screen in Piccadilly Gardens / Credit: Manchester City Council
Entrance into the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone will operate on a first-come, first-served basis – with the capacity capped at 6,000.
Fans will be able to choose whether to watch the big screen action from the strictly no-alcohol grassed area of Piccadilly Gardens, or from the adjoining raised platform area with its existing bars – which the Council says will operate “in accordance with the usual Sunday licensing restrictions”.
Fans are encouraged to “travel light” with no big bags if they’re heading to the fan zone.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Council is also encouraging people to bring their own food and soft drinks, and reminding that no glasses or bottles will be allowed.
Routine bag searches will also be in operation.
The Lionesses are facing Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday / Credit: Lionesses (via Twitter)
“As a city that loves its football, it’s been absolutely fantastic to watch the skill and determination shown by the Lionesses over these last few weeks in the World Cup,” Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said ahead of the final this Sunday.
“Getting to the final is a massive achievement and we want them to know that the whole of Manchester is behind them, so if you’re looking for some big screen action to cheer the Lionesses on and an atmosphere to rival that in Australia, Piccadilly Gardens is the place to be.
“But whatever you do, and wherever you are, this is one match you don’t want to miss.”
Fans can head on down to Piccadilly Gardens from 10am this Sunday.
Fancy heading to somewhere a little different to catch the final instead? Check out our round-up of places to watch in Manchester here.
Featured Image – Lionesses (via Twitter)
Sport
Everton manager Sean Dyche randomly pops up in the music video for Blossoms’ new single – and he’s great
Danny Jones
Did anyone else think they’d ever see Sean Dyche make his acting debut in the role of a Northern crime boss in a silly little music video for the Blossoms?
No, us neither but that’s the bizarre alternate reality we’re living in, apparently.
Blossoms are currently working on the fifth studio album and have already released their lead single entitled, ‘To Do List (After The Break-Up)’, but now they have a new song out as well, with a rather amusing music video to go along with it and somehow Sean Dyche has found himself the star.
The Stockport band teased the curious collaboration in April, giving us just short glimpses of the Everton manager and former Burnley boss with very little explanation – all we know is that it looked funny and it was.
Sean Dyche sends the five of us on a mission in our new single What Can I Say (After I’m Sorry) out Wednesday 1st May ⏰ pic.twitter.com/WcDdfgAD1m
Sean Dyche stars as the boss in the music video for Blossoms’ latest single, ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?’ As you do.
Dyche is still busy trying to finish the Premier League campaign as strong as possible after successfully navigating the Toffees to safety even in spite of their points deductions this season, but it sounds like keeping them up has given him enough time to moonlight as an actor.
Sending the indie five-piece on a mission to collect something of value (yes, that’s all the info we have at this point as the story is still to be continued), it looks like the Kettering-born coach has a larger role to play in whatever this narrative turns out to be.
Playing what can only be described as some kind of semi-Manc mafia figure on the hunt for a very valuable piece of art, i.e. a big giant gorilla statue – one that many Stopfordians spotted being lugged around various parts of the borough –
They also shared a little bit of BTS footage from the shoot for the music video last week. Some lovely head-bobbing and unassuming surroundings here:
As for the track itself, it’s a bit of stylistic change for the lads who’ve mastered their 80s-tinged indie formula over the past decade but it’s an absolute pop and is already stuck in our heads.
Revealing that they’ve collaborated with contemporary funk, disco and electronic icons Jungle on the track, it doesn’t take too long to hear the influences. Look forward to hearing it at Wythenshawe Park this summer.
You can watch the music video for ‘What Can I Say?’ and the ginger-goatee’d football manager extraordinaire in full character HERE.
He’s not the only footballing figure who’s made an entertainment crossover recently either.
So, Erling Haaland is now a character in Clash of Clans… 👀
Bit random, we know, but it's a funny little trailer. 😅
Featured Images — Blossoms (via YouTube)/Virgin EMI
Sport
Tributes paid to former Manchester City winger Ian Mellor, dead at 74
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring following the death of former Manchester City star, Ian Mellor, who has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Mellor, from Sale in Greater Manchester, played as a left winger for Man City as well as the likes of Norwich City, Brighton, Chester, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford.
With his family and former club confirming the death on Wednesday, 1 May, social media has been awash with people paying their respects to the seasoned ex-pro who sadly died following a long battle with amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease which affects organs such as the heart, brains and kidneys.
Replying to his son and ex-Liverpool turned Sky Sports broadcaster, Neil Mellor, the club paid their respects to the former Blue who made 50 appearances for the club.
We're saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Ian Mellor.
Mellor began his career just down the road at Wythenshawe Amateurs before going on to represent City from 1970 to 1973.
A boyhood fan of the club, he scored 10 goals whilst wearing Sky Blue and also went on to win the Charity Shield with them back in 1972.
Eventually nicknamed ‘Spider’ for a good chunk of his career due to his long-legged stature, he remained attached to the beautiful game for years after his retirement and went on to become a committee member for the Former Players Association at City.
Joining the likes of all his former clubs, Chester City said: “Everyone at [the club] is saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Mellor. Sending all our love to you and your family, Neil Mellor.
His son Neil’s goodbye has touched many online too, calling his dad his “hero” and his “everything”.
He also went on to thank locally-based end-of-life care organisation and charity, St Ann’s Hospice, who have facilities all over Greater Manchester and who helped care for Ian in his final days.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family as well as those whose lives he touched through football during this difficult time.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
