We’re all in need of a good chuckle, especially in these dark and colder months, which is why we’re buzzing to hear the local venue, The Garden Bar in Chorlton, is bringing back comedy nights after a sold-out debut this year.
Sod your January blues, let’s have a laugh.
That’s right, the bar and restaurant – formerly well-known under the legendary Font brand – is set to supply the giggles once again after the place was packed out for its first show of 2026.
Promising a top-tier line-up of comedians to the heart of the suburbs for an evening of “sharp wit, big laughs and brilliant live entertainment”, we can’t think of a better way to start the working week.
Credit: Press shots (supplied)
With doors opening at 7pm and the show proper starting around an hour later, The Garden‘s fantastic food menu will be available as usual on the night.
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Whether you want to share a pizza, smash some burgers or have a simple sarnie, guests aren’t just being welcomed to arrive early for a cheeky pre-show meal.
And it goes without saying that having an evening of stand-up comedy in a popular neighbourhood bar makes for the perfect place to take a night off from ‘Dry Jan’ if you fancy it, but of course, there will be plenty of zero-alcohol options, as well as soft and hot drinks if not.
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To be fair, it’s been fun weeknights like this that have made it easier for us this year.
Now, as for the latest roster of roasters, comics and comperes, you’re in for a treat this coming Monday, 19 January.
The night will be hosted by veteran Tony Vino, a charismatic and quick-witted compere known for his warm crowd work and infectious energy. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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Co-headlining the show is local lad, Stephen Bailey; the Tameside comedian, presenter, writer and television personality’s popularity only seems to keep growing of late.
Outside the live circuit itself, the Denton stand-up and jack of all trades has appeared on everything from the Takeshi’s Castle reboot and Celebrity Mastermind, to The Stand Up Sketch Show and Richard Osman’s House of Games, as well as being a regular comedian on Big Brother‘s ‘Bit on the Side’.
Joining him is seasoned comic, writer and actor and self-confessed former football hooligan, Eddy Brimson. Known for his no-nonsense style and unapologetic humour, he’s no stranger to touring up and down the UK, bringing stories drawn from his real life with warmth and plenty of bite.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)/The Garden Bar (via Facebook)
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National Trust and Pokémon team up for exclusive trading card game and trail this half term
Emily Sergeant
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail this half term.
Families are invited to National Trust sites across the UK, including here in the North West, this upcoming May half term, as a brand-new partnership has been launched with Pokémon, and it’s bringing the widely loved brand to the great outdoors through a series of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Mega Evolution Trails.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout May half term at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and trail this half term / Credit: James Dobson & Annapurna Mellor (Supplied)
Each trail point features a simple physical or creative challenge inspired by different Mega Evolution Pokémon.
From showing courage and curiosity with Darkness-type Mega Gengar ex, to unleashing energy and imagination inspired by the powerful Fire‑type Mega Charizard Y ex, the trails blend imaginative play with gentle activity.
A trail sheet will help young trainers keep track of their discoveries, and at the end of the trail, explorers can celebrate their achievement together with a photo opportunity at a Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail backdrop.
It’s hoped that it’ll help more families feel ‘welcome, confident, and curious’ about exploring the outdoors together.
Quarry Bank in Cheshire, Sizergh in Cumbria, and Speke Hall in Merseyside are the three National Trust sites in the North West where the new experience will be talking place.
The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are exclusive to the National Trust and are included with standard National Trust admission (free for NT members).
Beyond May half term, the Mega Evolution Trails form part of a wider National Trust partnership with Pokémon, marking the first of several playful experiences for families throughout the summer holidays, kicking off in July.
Featured Image – James Dobson / National Trust (Supplied)
What's On
Manchester City turn down Old Trafford offer for FA Youth Cup final in favour of Joie Stadium
Danny Jones
Manchester City have turned down an offer from rivals Man United to hold the FA Youth Cup final at Old Trafford.
The Cityzens have instead chosen to host it themselves, only not at the Etihad Campus’ main ground, but rather the Joie Stadium.
Primarily used for City Women and the club’s EDS (elite development squad) and academy teams, the arena was formerly and simply known as The Academy Stadium, was renamed for sponsorship reasons back in 2023, and has seen several updates over the years.
Seating just a fraction of the amount possible across the city at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, the decision has disappointed many, but has been seen as a shrewd bit of gamesmanship by some, as it could effectively see any home advantage handed over to their opponents.
With this set to be the first Manchester derby FA Youth Cup in four whole decades, many supporters were hoping to go along and back their young teams in big numbers.
Proving somewhat divisive among both fan bases, with each of their under-18s squads having enjoyed promising seasons, to say the least, literally tens of thousands look set to miss out on potential tickets as a result of the announcement.
For context, the last time Man United won the coveted academy tournament – which has often served as a key first piece of silverware won by entire generations of young talent – they welcomed a record youth crowd of 67,492 in May of 2022.
In comparison, even with a sold-out stadium, the Joie would only be able to match around 10% of that figure at most.
That being said, it goes without saying that United fans have been some of the most vocal on social media following the controversial confirmation.
best two youth teams in England meeting in the FA Youth Cup final and playing them in small stadium at MCFC is such a shame. 60,000 would watch this game if it was done right.
On the day, the winning team featured the likes of now fully graduated senior stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joe Hugill, along with several still-rising prospects.
Some of the starlets that lots of fans would have been looking forward to seeing live in a large and historic sporting arena include Jim Thwaites, Noah Ajayi, Kai Rooney, JJ Gabriel on the red half, and the likes of Kylan Midwood, Divine Mukasa, Stephen Mfuni, Reigan Heskey and more in the blue.
Head coach Oliver Reiss (who took over in July 2024) led his City side to the U18 Premier League North title at the start of this month; meanwhile, Darren Fletcher has returned to oversee his young Red Devils after a spell as caretaker manager of the men’s first team.
While tickets were expected to be snapped up rather quickly already for the all-Manc FA Youth Cup final, it’s now set to be a race for followers of both teams to get their hands on their respective allocations.
Danny Jones -
15th January 2026 
