Sir Mo Farah is one of the familiar voices Metrolink passengers should keep an ear out for on Greater Manchester trams this week.
With only a few days to go until the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run takes over the streets of Manchester city centre and beyond on Sunday 21 May, passengers riding on the Metrolink network this week can expect to hear some familiar voices making guest announcements in the lead-up to the big event.
Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah will be taking over the Metrolink airwaves alongside Commonwealth Games champion Eilish McColgan to share some important advice ahead of the event’s 20th anniversary.
With Sunday set to be a busy day on the transport network, the decorated duo will be encouraging passengers to “get on your marks, get set, Mo” and plan their journeys ahead of time.
Around 25,000 runners – including Sir Mo Farah himself – are expected to take part in the event this year, with thousands more expected to line streets in support.
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Along with the incredible local support in Manchester, Trafford, and Salford, the city centre’s streets will also welcome lots of live music, charity cheering squads, and entertainment zones on hand to help runners get over the line.
With the Metrolink having several stops that are close to the start and finish lines for both the 10k and Half Marathon races, tram travel is set to be one of the most convenient ways for spectators to travel around the region – which is why Sir Mo and Eilish will also remind passengers to “touch-in and touch-out” if paying by contactless on the day of the event.
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TfGM is encouraging Metrolink passengers to “plan ahead” for travel on the day of the 2023 Great Manchester Run / Credit: TfGM
The athletic pair are the latest in a long line of famous voices to be heard across the UK’s largest tram network – with Tony the Tiger, Professor Brian Cox, Shaun Ryder, Sir Kenneth Branagh, and many others having also made guest announcements.
“We’re really excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Great Manchester Run, and we can’t wait to welcome people onto the network this weekend,” said Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
“We’re also delighted to have Sir Mo Farah and Eilish McColgan making announcements on Metrolink, and I’m sure our passengers will enjoy hearing their voices in the lead-up to what is a brilliant event.”
TfGM has also confirmed that significantroad closures will be in place to accommodate the Half Marathon and 10k races this Sunday, and dedicated travel advice for competitors, spectators, and the wider travelling public has already been released.
Passengers are strongly urged to plan any journeys on Sunday in advance, with the information and advice on the TfGM website here.
Featured Image – TfGM
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
17th May 2023 
