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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Manchester’s big wheel is returning to Exchange Square for the summer… sort of
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to reach new heights, as the big wheel that once stood proudly in the city centre is making a comeback this summer.
Well… sort of.
That’s because it’s not quite the same big wheel that many will remember from its glory days in locations like Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square throughout the 2000s, and more recently Albert Square during last year’s Manchester Christmas Markets – but it is a big wheel and it’s a big wheel that you’ll be able to hop on for a ride.
Celebrating the launch of its new Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range, Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday and Saturday (24 and 25 July), inviting people to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy panoramic views of the city below from a big Ferris wheel.
The two-day takeover will give customers the chance to unlock a ride on the big wheel with the purchase of any Grande or Venti iced drink from participating Manchester city centre Starbucks stores.
Both in participating stores – which in Manchester are Starbucks stores in the Arndale, City Tower Offices, on Market Street and on Fennel Street – and at the Ferris wheel itself in Exchange Square, you can expect complimentary Cloud Frappuccino-inspired candy floss, live music from DJ and presenter Ethan Porte, and a free photobooth with digital and printed photos.
Alongside the big wheel ride, there’ll also be the chance for members to win exclusive Starbucks merchandise across the two days too.
A limited number of additional ferris wheel ride tokens will also be available to win via the fairground-style Plinko game on site.
The new Starbucks Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range includes a range of bespoke creations like the Strawberry Matcha Cloud Frappuccino, the Brown Sugar Cloud Frappuccino, and the Caramel Mocha Cloud Frappuccino.
With skyline views and summer sips, Starbucks says its Summer in the Clouds is set to be one of Manchester’s must-visit experiences this month.
Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.
Featured Image – Cédric Dhaenens (via Unsplash)
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Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
The Manc -
16th December 2020 
