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Blackpool Illuminations will pay tribute to England’s victorious Lionesses this year

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 23rd August 2022

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations display will honour the England Women’s team after their phenomenal victory in the Women’s Euros.

Part of the world-famous light installation, which weaves down Blackpool’s seafront, will feature portraits of the squad and their manager Sarina Wiegman.

The iconic Three Lions badge will also be hung up in lights at the celebratory section near The Cliffs.

It’s all to celebrate the Lioness’ incredible win over Germany in the final at Wembley last month.

Visit Blackpool stated: “The team captured the nation’s hearts after a stunning victory at Wembley Stadium on July 31.

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The section designed by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen. Credit: Visit Blackpool

“On the night of the game, the famous Blackpool Tower was lit in red and white to mark the occasion.

“Now the Illuminations manufacturing team have gone a step further by creating a tribute that will remain in place for an extended four-month autumn and winter season. 

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“We are delighted that the Football Association has given us the go-ahead to celebrate the enormous legacy that they have created for women’s sport in this country.”

Read more: Primark has launched a new vintage clothing section in Manchester

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations will be extended and are set to run between 2 September and 2 January.

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Other new additions this year include a section of art deco overhead light installations designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and a glowing seaside section complete with neon sandcastles and multi-coloured waves.

There are even more new installations being added to the event this year – you can see all the details at visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations-and-lightpool

Featured image: Visit Blackpool

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Iconic Manc movie 24 Hour Party People is set to return to cinemas for its anniversary

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of Manchester’s most iconic movies is set to return to the big screen next month.

Remastered in 4K and returning to UK cinemas to mark 24 years since its original release, Michael Winterbottom’s 2002 biographical comedy drama film, 24 Hour Party People, tells the story of Manchester‘s popular music community from 1976 to 1992 – specifically about Factory Records‘ founder Tony Wilson.

The film begins with the punk rock era of the late 1970s, before moving through the 1980s into the rave and DJ culture, and of course, the ‘Madchester‘ scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The narrative largely follows the career of Tony Wilson, played by Middleton-born actor Steve Coogan, while also covering the careers of the major Factory Records artists – especially Joy Division and New Order, as well as A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column, and Happy Mondays.

If you haven’t seen 24 Hour Party People before, it’s a dramatisation based on a combination of real events, rumours, and urban legends, as the film is sure to make clear.

Coogan is joined by a cast by a mixture of big names and, at the time, rising stars like Paddy Considine, Shirley Henderson, Lennie James, John Simm, Ralf Little, Andy Serkis, Sean Harris, John Thomson, and even Peter Kay, alongside cameos from other figures connected to the Manchester music scene.

Before it returns to cinemas, the film will first open music and media festival/conference, Beyond The Music, at MediaCity in Salford on 6 October.

The screening at the festival will also be followed by a Q&A with Coogan, Winterbottom, and producer Andrew Eaton.

Read more:

24 Hour Party People will then be re-released in UK cinemas from 9 October, and you can check your local cinema for screening times and book tickets online now.

Featured Image – Altitude

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The best Oktoberfest events in Manchester where you can drink steins, toss pretzels, and dance on tables

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Bavarian bier palace Albert's Schloss will pull out all the stops for Oktoberfest

September is the month where beer fever grips Europe, as the annual Oktoberfest celebrations get underway in Germany.

The tradition has spilled way beyond its native Bavaria in recent years, and cities across the world host their own Oktoberfest celebrations – including Manchester, naturally.

As you might expect, our city’s own Bavarian Bier Palace, Albert’s Schloss, is going big on the festivities for the coming weeks.

But there are plenty of other venues throwing open their doors, pouring steins, and getting the bratwursts going.

Here are some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in Manchester for 2026.

Albert’s Schloss

Manchester Bavarian bier palace Albert's Schloss will pull out all the stops for Oktoberfest
Manchester Bavarian bier palace Albert's Schloss will pull out all the stops for Oktoberfest
Manchester Bavarian bier palace Albert’s Schloss will pull out all the stops for Oktoberfest. Credit: Supplied

Oktoberfest is back at Albert’s Schloss Manchester, and it’s bigger than ever.

From 19 September to 25 October, the Bier Palace will serve up five weeks of, Bavarian feasting, live entertainment, and Munich’s Big Six biers – the only venue in only venue in Manchester pouring all six official Oktoberfest biers.

Expect Oompah bands, stein-holding competitions, competitive pretzel tossing, cabaret, late-night parties and new-for-2026 Bier Masterclasses.

You can also dig in to a proper Bavarian feast with Schweinshaxe, currywurst, paprika roasted half chicken and new slow cooked beef goulash.

No ticket is required, so grab a stein and join the celebrations.

Freight Island

Freight Island's huge Oktoberfest celebration is back in Manchester
Freight Island’s huge Oktoberfest celebration is back in Manchester

This one will be Manchester’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration, inspired by the world’s biggest beer festival. 

Taking place over a whopping eight days from 1-4 October, and 8-11 October, Freight Island will feature great beer, and entertainment including live music, comedy, drag performances, DJs, and immersive entertainment. 

As for drinks there’ll be Paulaner Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Gold and Steigl Grapefruit on the menu, alongside party kegs and specialty cocktails.

And on each Sunday, children can enjoy arts and crafts, shadow puppet making and a Brothers Grimm-inspired trail.

Tickets are available now HERE.

Society

Society Manchester's Oktoberfest includes a menu of Bavarian specials from their food traders
Society Manchester's Oktoberfest includes a menu of Bavarian specials from their food traders
Society Manchester’s Oktoberfest includes a menu of Bavarian specials from their food traders. Credit: The Manc Group / Supplied

The Manchester food hall with a seriously impressive beer range will be ranging a stein this September, transforming its waterside venue into a Bavarian-inspired celebration.

There’ll be live performances from The Bavarian Trumps, who’ll be bringing oompah beats from classic Bavarian tunes to pop favourites with a German twist.

Society’s many food traders will all be putting their on spin on Oktoberfest classics, like a bratwurst bao dog, a pretzel special burger, and loaded currywurst hash browns.

Everything will kick off on 24 September, with your £10 deposit for a table including a stein of one of Society’s exclusive Oktoberfest specials.

Lawn Club

Lawn Club will host an Oktoberfest bottomless brunch in Manchester
Lawn Club will host an Oktoberfest bottomless brunch in Manchester
Lawn Club will host an Oktoberfest bottomless brunch in Manchester. Credit: Supplied

When Oktoberfest and bottomless brunch collides, it could only be Lawn Club.

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The Spinningfields venue will be getting into the spirit of the Bavarian celebrations with a month-long menu of food and drink specials like frankfurters, currywurst-loaded fries, a German pulled pork bun, and giant pretzels.

The Oktoberfest-themed bottomless brunch features one main and one side dish, plus 90 minutes of themed entertainment and bottomless drinks, where guests are encouraged to dance on the tables.

Find out more HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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