Which businesses in Greater Manchester need the most support in Tier 3 Lockdown?
The year of trials and tribulations continue in Greater Manchester, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock announcing the region remains in Tier 3 following the end of the December 2 national lockdown.
The year of trials and tribulations continue in Greater Manchester, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock announcing the region remains in Tier 3 following the end of the December 2 national lockdown.
While the actual numbers of infections continue to drop, this increased safety measure aims to further contain the COVID-19 spread, to save as many lives as possible.
Of course, this comes with difficulties to daily lives and businesses to which we are growing increasingly, and disappointingly, accustomed.
So, what do you need to know, and which businesses need the most support?
Tier 3 Lockdown
For simplicity’s sake, people in Greater Manchester should understand the following about Tier 3:
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Most hospitality venues will have to remain closed, except for those which offer delivery and takeaway services.
Hotels and other forms of accommodation such as backpackers and Airbnb locations must remain closed. The only exception for these businesses is those which remain open for work purposes with customers who cannot return home.
Outdoor sports will open in Tier 3, though spectators will not be allowed until the alarm level is lowered to Tier 2.
Meeting socially with others that do not live with you or who exist outside of your support bubble is not allowed.
In terms of supporting the community in Greater Manchester, the unfortunate truth is that, outside of government support, there is often little that the average person can do. The big exception here is the delivery industry, which could benefit from your involvement if it is financially viable to do so. The same could be said about outdoor sporting arenas, where some groups might find it helpful to rent out spaces. Again, this only applies if within your budget, as there’s little point propping up others if it causes you crippling issues.
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Looking towards a more positive side, there are some ways in that alternative businesses are thriving with wealthier established names taking a temporary back-seat. For example, brick and mortar casinos in Greater Manchester are taking another hit from their digital rivals. These are wealthy enough that they won’t feel the hit from lockdown, while online casinos could see appreciated growth. There are a lot of different casinos here with a variety of different games and bonuses, so their time in a bigger spotlight will be much appreciated.
Otherwise, it could be a good idea to save your money until lockdown shifts into a lower tier. When businesses do start opening up again, they’re going to need your continued support. This could help many of them get back on their feet with a much-needed injection of cash, so keep this in mind.
At this point, we can only hang on, abide by the rules set by the government, and continue to support businesses and each other as best we can.
The end is coming, and sooner than you know, we should be able to get this whole thing behind us.
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Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
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The Oldham Man and The Sea: the documentary about the Latics owner’s record-breaking Atlantic voyage
Danny Jones
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an Athletic fan or native to the borough; we think everyone should go along to watch the much-anticipated documentary about football club owner Frank Rothwell and his record-breaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean: The Oldham Man And The Sea.
One of the simplest and most satisfying names for a film we’ve heard in a long time.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Oldham Athletic FC chairman turned OBE’s incredible story, Frank Rothwell has set multiple records with his impressive sea-faring feats in recent times.
This new doc, which just premiered at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, charts his latest trip across one of the biggest bodies of water on the planet in March 2024.
As you can see from the recent trailer, it’s almost as arduous a tale as the original Hemingway story.
This movie – produced by Journeyman Pictures and Chief Productions – made its full debut at the Odeon in Great Northern Warehouse for MFF 2026, and is set to have a number of other screenings in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.
One of those is happening rather soon, in fact, over at Saddleworth’s Millgate Arts Centre on Saturday, 28 March, which is ideal for those local to the region; grab your tickets now.
ln fact, there’s also one happening even closer to his hometown the following month, with Oldham’s very own Queen Elizabeth Hall also hosting a special screening of Rothwell’s incredible achievement.
You can reserve your seats for that one right HERE.
Having not only become the eldest (70) Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge finisher back in 2021, but now holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to ever complete the crossing while rowing solo at 73 years old, he’s become nothing short of a local hero – and that’s just his stewardship of the Latics…
The film does, obviously, touch on his time at the helm of the League Two side, who finally returned to the EFL last June, but the heart and soul of this inspiring watch is the sail itself.
More importantly, it also documents not just the gruelling nature of the 64-day, seven-hour and 53-minute trek, but also how Frank has now helped raise more than £1.4 million on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
What an absolute icon.
Hopefully, this should be just about all the reason you need to watch The Oldham Man And The Sea the very next opportunity you get to do so – and, of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to charity, because just the kind of bloke he is.
And here’s hoping we get a streaming version sometime soon.