In case you somehow missed it, even in all of its beaming neon and futuristic glory, Pixel Bar Manchester has recently undergone some serious renovations and we’re not just talking a lick of paint – this is a proper next-gen upgrade if we’ve ever seen one.
One of the city centre’s best activity spots and go-to hubs for gamers, specifically, Pixel Bar has been impressing Manc players since 2021, when it took over the old Bar 21 site – one we were sad to say goodbye to at first.
But in the few short years that we’ve had the pleasure of picking up pads at this place, we’ve slowly managed to get over it and now we’re just as madly in love with the gaming gaff as we were its predecessor.
The bar itself was already pretty engaging to begin with but after more than a few tweaks to the overall hardware and a major refitting downstairs, its videogame offerings are bigger and better than ever.
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Let’s start with the first thing that hits you as you come in: those brilliant booths, complete with large LED screens, access to various different kinds of consoles and all manner of titles, all from the comfort of the plush padded seating.
Not only are these ideal for group bookings and parties, as they’re roomy enough to seat plenty of you, but you can also order a wide array of gaming-themed food and drink – still displayed within a cute little disc (cute) directly to your table.
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You essentially never need to get up and take a break from playing beyond nipping to the loo.
There are, of course, your classic arcade machines dotted around the main floor as well as downstairs if you prefer old-school.
Credit: The Manc Group
Speaking of downstairs…
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Now, this is where the levelling up gets seriously silly as not only have they transformed Bar 21’s old basement room into a shiny new large seating area, perfect for private hires, large groups or just a quieter room out back away from the bustle upstairs.
However, wander even further into the belly of this brilliant gaming venue’s lair and you’ll find there more than a few beasts waiting for you – in a good way.
Part of the former club room has now been turned into a hardcore gamer’s arena with a fully decked-out PC den and some extremely impressive rigs lining the walls.
Credit: The Manc
Boasting Razer keyboards, headsets and mice to boot, this has everything you need to host a proper old-school LAN party or for the esports hopefuls amongst you (and Manchester’s scene is growing fast, believe us), host competitive online tournaments.
Honestly, these guys are taking this stuff as seriously as you’d like them to; pull back a curtain plastered with UltaGear and Riot Games Play Club branding and you’ll even find a dedicated casting booth should you want some to commentate a live event or run a properly presented livestream.
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We don’t need to go into the exact specs of what you’ll find down here as we could be here forever but let’s just say you won’t go wanting for much.
God knows how much Pixel Bar pumped into this major refurb of their Manchester site, all we know is we’re impressed and we’ll be coming back here very soon.
Sale Sharks are pioneering an inclusive rugby programme for people with Down’s Syndrome
Danny Jones
Sale Sharks are currently pioneering a heartwarming and, crucially, inclusive rugby programme for people with Down’s Syndrome.
The native organisation has always been good at working across the local community, but this is the kind of grassroots sports backing that we want to see more of across the region.
Working in collaboration with PREM Rugby and the Premiership Women’s division, Sale Sharks spawned the important scheme just a few short years ago, dubbing it the Crusaders Fins Club (CFC).
Driven by the overarching theme of ‘belonging’, these sessions are now happening every other Sunday at the club’s High Performance Training Centre over in Carrington.
Today we’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
This year’s theme, Together Against Loneliness, is a powerful reminder of the role we all play in creating social connection
— Sale Sharks Foundation (@SaleSharksFdn) March 21, 2026
In its simplest terms, this increasingly popular and important bi-weekly programme is a dedicated tag rugby team for individuals with Down’s Syndrome who love the sport.
Not just inspired by but named in memory of Sean Browne – a beloved player and Sharks fan whose favourite team was the New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Crusaders – isn’t just about playing, but fundamentally helping those involved “become more active and increase their confidence and life skills.”
Sean sadly passed away at the age of just 32, but he touched so many people’s lives in and around the club, as well as across the Greater Manchester rugby scene, and now his legacy lives on through CFC.
Prior to it being founded back in 2020, there wasn’t any accessible provision to deliver Down’s Syndrome specific rugby sessions, but now families from all over the North West and even beyond travel to take part, with at least nineteen regular participants attending each and every session.
One of those is 27-year-old James, who said of CFC: “I love it here! We’re a family of Sale Sharks. Playing here makes me feel excited. The coaches are lovely and kind.”
It also goes without saying that, besides serving as a key outlet and extended support network for those involved, it also provides them with purpose, a safe space to be themselves and enjoy the game, as well as the opportunity to build lasting friendships.
Sharks Foundation CEO, Abi Dean, added: “The programme continues to be a joyful, inclusive space where young people with Down’s Syndrome thrive through sport, and where families can come together to form a powerful support network rooted in shared experience and belonging.”
“With regular sessions growing confidence and friendships beyond the pitch, Crusaders Fin Club shows that rugby is a place where everyone can belong.”
This weekend, specifically (27–29 March), round 12 of the Gallagher PREM and round 16 of the PWR will see their clubs unite for the first time to celebrate inclusivity across the game, celebrating work like that done by the Sale Sharks Foundation with the Crusaders squad.
It also served as a reminder to fans that in the world of rugby, “everyone is welcome, and anyone can play”. You can find out more right HERE.
Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Danny Jones -
4th February 2025 
