A new exhibition shining a light on the history of women’s football is opening in Manchester
Manchester City Council is teaming up with the National Football Museum to uncover more of the hidden history of the game first played professionally 141 years ago.
A brand-new exhibition that’s shining a light on and charting the history of women’s football is coming to Manchester city centre.
To help kick off a summer-long celebration of the beautiful game as Manchester prepares to play its part as one of nine host cities for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament matches, Manchester City Council is teaming up with the National Football Museum to uncover more of the hidden history of women’s football in what will take a closer look at the game – which was first played professionally 141 years ago – and its players, and communities.
As well as recording more of the stories of the pioneering women and girls involved, and tracing the roots of the women’s game from its early nineteenth century beginnings, through to the 21st century, a unique “contemporary collecting” project is also planned.
The ‘Football Heritage Collection’ project will see volunteers go out into local communities to speak with people and collect their memories and stories about the game and the women involved, along with any artefacts relating to the game or the women who played it.
The project will work directly with community and grassroots partners, and will be accompanied by interactive sessions and resource packs about the history and importance of the women’s game, as well as family activities in the fan-zones.
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A selection of the objects, oral histories, and stories that are collected will be showcased on the National Football Museum website.
Manchester City Council is teaming up with the National Football Museum to uncover more of the hidden history of women’s football / Credit: Flickr (David Lisburn)
Manchester City Council and the National Football Museum hope this project will help reveal even more insights into the long tradition of women’s football in Manchester – which dates from humble origins, through to the great Manchester Corinthians’ ground-breaking international tours in the 1950s, and right up to the present-day era, led by Manchester City Women and a growing number of female clubs, teams, and coaches.
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The National Football Museum says it has been improving its representation of women’s football across its collections and exhibitions over the past few years, and this brand-new large-scale exhibition will add to that.
Aiming to celebrate and document the history of the women’s game, the exhibition will go on display at the museum from June – December, as the city prepares to welcome the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament.
It will be supported by an exciting range of activities and events to celebrate and capture the tournament.
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The exhibition will take a closer look at the game, its players, and the communities / Credit: National Football Museum
Speaking ahead of the exhibition’s opening next month, Belinda Scarlett – Women’s Football Curator at the National Football Museum – said: “From the Manchester Corinthians’ ground-breaking international tours in the 1950s, to being home to two WSL teams and grassroots teams like Manchester Laces, Manchester has played an important role in the history and development of the women’s game.
“The National Football Museum has been improving its representation of women’s football across its collections and exhibitions over the past few years, culminating in our exhibition to celebrate the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with our UEFA Women’s EURO Host City partners and The National Lottery Heritage Fund on this unique programme,” said Baroness Sue Campbell – UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Board Member and Director of Women’s Football.
“Together we will bring to the fore incredible stories of the pioneers of women’s football who have helped shape the women’s game we have today.
“The programme will also capture and tell, for generations to come, the profiles and stories of current and future England players, ensuring fans are better informed than ever before [and] with the UEFA Women’s EURO coming to England this summer, this really is the time to celebrate our past and look forward to a very exciting future.”
Featured Image – National Football Museum
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Comedian Romesh Ranganathan to play huge Manchester arena show on new UK tour
Clementine Hall
Ready to laugh your socks off? Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester.
The comedy legend is embarking on an major UK arena tour, and of course he’ll be stopping off at our very own AO Arena.
Whether you know him for his fantastic stand up, or for the massively popular Rob & Romesh Vsseries on Sky, one thing’s for sure, the man knows how to make us laugh.
After his last visits to us in Manchester have been nothing short of a roaring success, Ranganathan will be returning to our city with his next tour Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life on Saturday 10 April 2027.
Yes we’ve got a while to wait, but we’re sure it’ll be absolutely worth it.
It’s safe to say that Romesh has been on fire across the TV, radio, and live stages over the past few years.
From hit shows like The Ranganation, where he guides a panel of everyday people and celebrities through the week’s big topics, to the radio where he hosts For the Love of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2, Romesh is now a part of our daily lives – and we’re not at all mad about it.
On his upcoming tour, he’ll be treating us to a show comprised of brand-new material, and if his last arena shows were anything to go by, this one’ll be constant belly laughs throughout.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester on his new UK tour / Credit: Supplied
Romesh Ranganathan is bringing his Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life tour to AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 10 April 2027, and tickets go on sale next week – with both pre-sales and general sales available.
There’ll be a Three+ Presale on Wed 19 November, a presale for AO Arena members on Thursday 20 November, both at 11am, and then General Sale will be on Friday 21 November, again at 11am.
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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THE CENTURY’S MOST POPULAR MURDER MYSTERY
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
17th January 2022 
