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A huge, free party is taking over Manchester’s railway arches this weekend

You know how the famous hit goes, right? I’m still, I’m still Jenny from the… arch

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 3rd September 2024

Manchester is a city of innovation, so it comes as no surprise that the city is trialling a new way to party – The Arch Party.

Overtaking street parties and block parties and house parties, the new free event will be launching this weekend in the Green Quarter.

You know how the famous hit goes, right? I’m still, I’m still Jenny from the… arch. Anyway…

The Red Bank Arch Party, presented by lifestyle brand Found, will bring live music, craft beers and a wide variety of food from some of Manchester’s finest, many of which are based right here.

Running from 12pm until 9pm, party-goers can expect to dance from morning til evening with accompaniment from Manchester City’s resident DJ Jamie Anne, with a helping hand from Jake Rowbottom and SHADEV to soundtrack your Saturday night under the arches. 

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Food will range from a BBQ feast to Sicilian-style pizza as The Spärrows and Half Dozen Other are left to fuel the occasion.

The drinks will be handled by Wineboys, Suzume, alcohol-free brand Love From, and Green Quarter-based brewery and taproom Green Arches.

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There’s no need to rush off to the England match either as a screening will be held at Green Arches from 5pm. This venue will also host the official after party venue too, keeping the energy high right through til the early hours.

Brands taking part in the free arch party in Manchester include Green Arches brewery. Credit: The Manc Group
Brands taking part in the free arch party in Manchester include Green Arches brewery
Brands taking part in the free arch party in Manchester include Half Dozen Other brewery. Credit: The Manc Group
… Half Dozen Other…
Brands taking part in the free arch party in Manchester include The Sparrows brewery. Credit: The Manc Group
And The Sparrows
Credit: The Manc Group

Gemma Price, managing director of Found, said: “The Red Bank Arch Party is all about showing the people of Manchester what we’re all about – unique and immersive events, where everyone is welcome.

“We’re going to be bringing together some of the city’s best musical talent, creatives, bars and restaurants to create a buzz and atmosphere like no other. We’re passionate about our corner of the city and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

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Brought to Manchester by new experience-centric lifestyle brand Found, the family friendly event will be held at the Red Bank Viaduct, on Faber Street. Tickets are available for free here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

What's On

Manchester set for its busiest weekend of the year with pop-up Park and Rides to open

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Pop-up Park and Ride facilities are set to open as Manchester prepares for what’s expected to be its busiest weekend of the year.

The festive season in the run up to Christmas always sees more people flock to the city centre than usual, but this weekend will likely be even busier than expected, as not only are Manchester Christmas Markets still in full swing, but there are also a number of gigs, live festive shows, and major sporting events coinciding with this.

Paul McCartney plays Co-op Live on Sunday night, the AO Arena hosts five showings of the ever-popular Disney on Ice across the weekend, and Manchester City face Manchester United in a Premier League showdown at the Etihad too.

So in a weekend that sees legends gigging and the Manchester Derby take place, as you would expect, thousands are predicted to flock to Manchester city centre and Etihad Campus.

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine
Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing and Paul McCartney will be at Co-op Live this weekend / Credit: The Manc Group | Wikimedia Commons

Because of this, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is taking action and encouraging people to dodge the likely congestion and use public transport instead where possible – with pop-up Park and Rides set to be introduced for weekend shoppers and fun-seekers who do want or need to drive.

On Saturday and Sunday, Booth Street West Car Park D (M15 6PD) – which will have 965 parking spaces available – will be free for customers travelling to the city centre by bus, and then again on Sunday, the same car park will be free for those attending Paul McCartney at Co-op Live.

Your ticket to the gig must be shown on entry, before a dedicated shuttle bus then takes you from the car park to the Etihad Campus.

Disney On Ice will be hosting four shows at AO Arena this weekend / Credit: Supplied

Shuttle buses – which are only available on the Sunday – will depart from Higher Cambridge Street and run to Co-op Live and back every 15 mins from 4pm until midnight.

Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground (Talbot Road, Stretford, M16 0PX) will also have 500 parking spaces available for Metrolink customers on Sunday, but you must show a valid pre-booked tram ticket to park there.

Anyone else planning to drive across the weekend may also want to consider using one of the permanent Park and Ride sites and complete their journey on foot or by public transport, and you can find more information and the locations of these sites on the Bee Network website here.

Tram capacity has been increased for the festive season, with every available tram running until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The V1 and 36 bus services now also run 24 hours a day.

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Other late-running buses on the Bee Network from Manchester include the 43 service to Manchester Airport, the 86 to Sale, and the 142 to East Didsbury. 

All public transport live departure times can be found on the Bee Network website.

Featured Image – TfGM

What's On

Stretford’s popular festival with dozens of FREE events and activities to return next spring

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A popular festival for all the family is set to return and take over a buzzing Greater Manchester town next spring.

After a successful first run last summer, where thousands attended as a diverse array of music, art, dance, and interactive workshops descended on the streets of Stretford, The StretFest is back again for 2025, and will be taking over the whole Trafford neighbourhood with loads of free events and activities to get involved with.

This new spring edition of the neighbourhood festival will spread across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces to celebrate ‘new beginnings’.

Organised by Stretford Town Centre Forum – which is a new collaboration of local businesses and community groups, with support from Trafford Council and Bruntwood – the theme of next year’s festival has been chosen as a nod to the development work that’s now well underway across Stretford town centre.

The StretFest returns in 2025 / Credit: Supplied

Free events will be at venues such as Stretford Public Hall, the Mall, Victoria Park, St Matthew’s Church, and Stretford Library, alongside loads of local independent businesses.

The festival also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Stretford Public Hall’s transfer into community ownership, so you can celebrations at the Hall all throughout the day. 

One of the main events on the day of the festival will be the popular ‘Stretford Socials’ from midday through to 4pm, where you’ll find an array of stalls featuring talented local makers, bakers, and community groups.

It’s here where you’ll also an also enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities that organisers say “promises fun for all ages”.

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More information is set to be announced in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled.

The StretFest returns on Saturday 1 March 2025, and you can find out more and apply to be a part of it by submitting an application here.

Featured Image – Adrian Michael (via Supplied)

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