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Little Amal is returning to Manchester for a parade through the city centre this summer

The 11-foot wooden puppet will be returning to the city for this year's annual Manchester Day parade.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 26th May 2022

A giant 11-foot wooden puppet that captured the hearts of Manchester last year is returning to the city once again this summer.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-loved free event that is Manchester Day is back for 2022 on Sunday 19 June, and thousands of people are set to flood the city’s streets for what promises to be a bigger and better parade than ever before.

Back for its first outing since 2019, the spotlight for this year’s Manchester Day – which is created by Manchester People, and produced by award-winning local arts organisation Walk the Plank – will be dedicated to the city’s children and young people, who Cllr Pat Karney said “have missed out on so much during the pandemic”.

Organisers are pulling out all the stops to make sure the city centre will be buzzing with plenty of things to see and do all day long.

And what better way to celebrate the children of the city that with a visit from a very special young guest who recently made Manchester her home after an epic 8,000 km journey through Turkey and across Europe from Syria.

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Read more: Manchester Day parade returns for 2022 following two-year hiatus

Little Amal – the 3.4 metre high puppet of a Syrian girl refugee who arrived in Manchester last summer – will be out and about taking in all the sights and sounds of the unforgettable annual Manchester Day parade as it makes its way through the city streets.

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With the spotlight for the return of Manchester Day this year firmly fixed on children and young people as part of the city’s year-long 2022 Our Year campaign, and as Manchester works towards becoming a UNICEF recognised child-friendly city, event organisers are asking the city’s children and young people to look out for Little Amal and be ready to “extend the hand of friendship to her” to show her the true spirit of Manchester and how the city likes to celebrate.

“This year, we’re focusing on the contribution of children and young people to our city, and the future of our planet, so we’re delighted to welcome Little Amal, one of the city’s most famous children, to the celebration,” said Liz Pugh – Creative Producer at Walk The Plank.

“And she will take the spirit of Manchester’s youth with her as she sets off on her next journey at the start of Refugee Week.”

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Little Amal will be returning to our city for the 2022 Manchester Day parade / Credit: Bevan Ross (via MIF / The Walk)

Speaking on the return of Manchester Day for 2022, Cllr Pat Karney – Chair of Manchester Day – said: “Manchester Day is the city’s way of celebrating everything we love about our incredibly diverse city and all its brilliant communities, who together help make Manchester the best place in the world to be, and this time we’re dedicating it specially to all our children and young people who we know had such a rubbish time and missed out on so much during the pandemic.

Read more: A giant puppet walks to Manchester to raise awareness for displaced refugee children

“We’re honoured also to have Little Amal with us this year.

“She’ll be joining families and children as our iconic Manchester Day Parade makes its way through the city, and can’t wait to show her some Manchester love to hold in her heart and take with her on the next leg of her important journey.”

Featured Image –  Bevan Ross (via MIF / The Walk)

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Jack Catterall set for all-British bout in Manchester this summer

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank fight Manchester tickets

Local fighter Jack Catterall is returning to Manchester for his latest fight against compatriot Harlem Eubank in what is sure to be a brilliant night for British boxing.

The all-English face-off between Catterall and Eubank will be the 33rd bout of the Chorley-born boxer’s career, returning to our city to hopefully get back to winning ways.

‘El Gato’s last appearance in the ring came against American Arnold Barboza Jr., in which he registered just his second-ever defeat on a debut visit to Co-op Live back in February, losing via split decision.

Now looking for redemption, the 31-year-old has sized up another member of the Eubank boxing dynasty, with Harlem still undefeated in 21 fights. They’ve already exchanged what we can only assume were a few spicy words:

The cousin of Chris Eubank Jr. and nephew of Eubank Sr., Harlem is one of several members of the family to have found their way into combat sports.

Harlem, also 31, turned pro back in 2017 and has quietly been building a consistent and thus far flawless record, with nine knockouts to his name.

Speaking ahead of the match-up, Catterall said: “This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into. “I’m eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I’m ready to put the fire out in style.”

Meanwhile, his opponent replied: “This is a fight that’s been on my radar for a long time, and I’m delighted it’s finally happening. Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view – and many others’ – a former undisputed champion.

“These are the elite-level match-ups I’ve been calling for, and make no mistake, I’m ready.”

While many are arguing this is somewhat of a step down for Catterall, this will be the biggest fight of Eubank’s career yet, who has also called out fellow welterweight Conor Benn.

As for Catterall, who just missed out on becoming England’s first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2022, he’ll just be glad to be back in action and will go in as the favourite.

The pair of UK fighters are scheduled to fight on Tuesday, 5 July at Manchester’s AO Arena, where so many iconic fights have been held in the past.

For those of you looking to grab tickets for Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank, you have two opportunities to grab early access, firstly through the venue’s own presale window and secondly for Three+ members – both of which go live at 10am on Tuesday, 20 May.

As for general admission, seats will be available from the same time on Wednesday, 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Shots (supplied)iFL TV (screenshot via YouTube)

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A massive ultra and trail running event is coming to Greater Manchester this summer

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ultra marathon trail running event Greater Manchester

Has this past month’s Manchester Marathon and Great MCR Run heroics got you feeling all hyped up for the next big challenge? How does an epic ultra/trail running event sound?

Best get those legs resting because there’s a brand new event coming to the race calendar.

The advent of ultras and trail running, in particular, looks to be growing ever more popular and with some brilliant terrain to be enjoyed around the North West, it’s not hard to see why.

Greater Manchester has loads of these runs throughout the year already, and now beloved event organisers, Beyond Trails, are bringing their first-ever Manc date to life.

Simply titled ‘Beyond MCR‘, this dual event will see runners offered the chance to take on one of two races, both of which will see them plodding beyond the half-marathon distance.

Depending on your disposition, you can take on either a 25k trail around Manchester, Trafford and Salford, or an ultra around even more nearby boroughs.

The ultra marathon distance will see participants putting in the ones and twos for a total of 55k, passing through the likes of Bury, Bolton, Salford and more. It’s one way to see 0161, put it that way.

As described on the website: “See a little of Manchester’s wild side with Beyond Manchester: a running event with a 25km trail option or a 55km ultra route for runners and walkers.”

Beyond Trails will also be teaming up with local favourites Track Brewery to supply some much-needed suds after the slog is done, with runners being handed tokens to claim their free pints there afterwards.

Now that’s the kind of motivation we can get behind.

The announcement goes on to add: “With its accessible city centre start and finish, plenty of signage, and a trademark Manchester welcome, Beyond MCR is for every kind of runner, no matter whether it’s your first trail event or your umpteenth ultra.

“Parkland, street, disused railway, reservoir trails – you name it, Beyond Manchester’s got it. The city just feels different when you go beyond your usual route – and we think you’re going to love it.

No matter which one you choose, both runs will begin and end in the picturesque Castlefield district, and whether you’re lacing up your trail shoes or your most cushioned trainers for some serious mileage, you’ll be able to take some stunning views from around the city and beyond.

Taking place on Thursday, 26 July, with an 8am start for the ultra and 10am for the 25k, we reckon it’s a great excuse to book a long weekend off work. You can find out more information and enquire about booking a place HERE.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Beyond Trails (via Facebook)

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