Jetting off to some of Europe’s cheapest capital cities for a boozy night out with your mates before tying the knot is pretty common-place in the world of stag do culture nowadays – but in 2024, all that could be set to change, as some new statistics are seeming to show that grooms might not need to travel quite as far for their one last hurrah.
That’s because, according to dedicated stag party planning platform, StagWeb, some of the UK’s biggest cities are set to be popular places this year instead – and Manchester is right near the top of the list.
That’s right, Manchester is apparently set for “a huge influx” of stag parties in 2024.
StagWeb’s recent search data has identified that our city is set to be a more popular choice than classic stag party hotspots like Newcastle, Cardiff, and Dublin this year.
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Manchester is apparently set for an ‘invasion’ of stag parties in 2024 / Credit: PickPik | shawnanggg (via Unsplash)
Back in 2023, Manchester didn’t even feature in the Top 10 most popular UK destinations for stag parties, but this year, it’s a different story, as the city has claimed the fifth spot on the list, and is only right behind Bristol, Edinburgh, Brighton, and fellow North West city Liverpool.
The spike in stags heading to the Manchester is said to be due to the city’s “ever-growing party reputation”, according to StagWeb, but also a move away from traditional stag do destinations – which has been appearing as a trend in recent years.
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Luke McFarlane, who is StagWeb’s Manchester specialist, said our city is “one of the most up-and-coming stag cities in the country”.
Top 10 most popular UK destinations for stag parties in 2024
Bristol
Liverpool
Edinburgh
Brighton
Manchester
Newcastle
Cardiff
Bournemouth
Birmingham
Nottingham
He explained that it’s due to “the variety of nightlife and activities on offer”.
“You can party on a budget,” he continued, “plus it has the opportunity to go big if people want to, so it’s got something for everyone.
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“There’s a massive range of unique activities available too – from the insanely-popular Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience, to wrestling schools, and things like the National Football Museum to keep the guys occupied.”
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most challenging driving locations have been revealed, according to new data… and isn’t good news for Manchester.
No matter whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, some roads can test even the most confident of motorists.
From congestion and poor road conditions, to limited parking and higher incident rates, it’s fair to say that some areas make driving more stressful.
But which parts of the UK are the hardest to drive in?
Well, in a bid to answer that question, MoneySuperMarket has analysed a whole host of data – such as road infrastructure, road safety, road conditions, vehicle crime concerns, and insurance-related trends – for 58 UK cities, boroughs, and local authorities to create a drivability score and discover the locations that drivers find most stressful.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK / Credit: Manchester City Council | pxfuel
Manchester, unfortunately, claimed third place on the list of top 10 most challenging locations for drivers – with an overall drivability score of 25 out of 100.
Other northern cities and towns like Leeds, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham have founded themselves in the top 10 too, meaning the North West is sadly the most-represented area.
Top 10 Most Challenging Locations For Drivers
Croydon
Derby
Manchester
Leeds
Preston
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Wakefield
Oldham
The findings also reflect some of the concerns drivers experience on the road, with more than a third of motorists (34%) saying they have avoided driving because they were travelling in an unfamiliar area, while almost a third (32%) have chosen not to drive due to heavy traffic or congestion.
Dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers was the most commonly cited source of stress, with almost two-thirds of motorists (65%) saying they find situations such as tailgating and beeping stressful.
“Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring,” commented Alicia Hempsted, who is a Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.
“Particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads.”