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Manchester to host FREE official Olympics fanzone with big screen this summer

You won't have to pay a penny to get in amongst all the action.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 22nd May 2024

Manchester is one of a handful on UK cities chosen to host an official Olympics fanzone with a big screen this summer.

And the best bit? It’s going to be FREE to enter.

That’s right – with a little over nine weeks to go before millions of people across the globe gather to cheer on their country’s finest sportspeople as they compete against their toughest competitors in a wide range of sporting events at this year’s Olympics in Paris this summer, fans in Manchester won’t even have to pay a penny to get in amongst all the action.

That’s because our city has been chosen by Team GB itself to be one of the 10 places that plays host to an official free-to-enter fanzone.

More than 300 Team GB athletes are embarking on their final preparations as we speak, and over half a million British fans are planning to travel to France to cheer them on in person… but for those who aren’t wanting to make the trip, this is definitely the next best thing.

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Manchester to host FREE official Olympics fanzone with big screens this summer / Credit: Team GB (via Twitter)

A big screen playing all the major sporting action and coverage highlights from across the two-week event will be set up in Spinningfields in the heart of Manchester city centre.

The Lawn Club has been picked to host this year’s official Olympics fanzone in Manchester – conveniently after it also hosts its own EURO 2024 big screen a few weeks earlier – and sports lovers will be able to tuck into an all-day food and drinks lineup while they watch the Games surrounded by other equally-enthusiastic fans.

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There’ll be everything from sharing boards and burgers, to craft beers, cocktails, and more to order while you’re there.

London, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, and fellow North West city Liverpool are the other places hosting fanzones.

Not only that, but Team GB has also promised that each official fanzone will host appearances from Team GB stars past and present throughout the Games too, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements on that.

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All fanzones will be fully wheelchair accessible, Team GB has confirmed.

Each official Team GB fanzone – including Manchester’s – will open on Friday 26 July, just in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Games, and will be running until the day of the Closing Ceremony on Sunday 11 August. 

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Find out more information about the official Team GB fanzones this summer here.

Featured Image – Team GB

What's On

Joseph Holt pubs are serving £1.75 pints at two Manchester locations for one week only – but there’s a catch

Danny Jones Danny Jones £1.47 pints at Jospeh Holt pubs Manchester

In what we’re pretty sure is the best deal on beer you’ll find anywhere in Manchester, Joseph Holt Brewery is serving up £1.75 pints at a pair of city centre sites next week.

Yes, you heard us right, £1.75 – however, there is a small catch…

The locally based brewery and pub chain has dozens of locations all over Greater Manchester but just two of their city centre boozers will be taking part in this special promotion to mark the well-known brand’s 175th anniversary.

We’ll happily join in the celebrations with pints that cheap!

joseph holt pub manchester
old monkey manchester pub
Credit: Joseph Holt/The Manc Eats

What’s the catch then? Well, not only will you not know which Joseph Holt pub will be handing out the discount drinks until on the day itself, but there’s also only a limited window of time for you to enjoy those £1.75 pints – and we couldn’t tell you when that’s going to be if we tried.

So, with that in mind, you need to keep your eyes on their socials, as the chosen location and the times you’ll be able to enjoy the offer will posted on their Instagram and Facebook each day at 9am sharpish.

That’s us turning notifications pronto.

But once you’ve got all the info, you’re plain-sailing all the way to a crisp £1.75 pint Crystal Lager or their house bitter. It always tastes better when it’s cheap, doesn’t it?

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Having opened way back in 1849 and making a name for themselves from their ancestral home over in Cheetham Hill, the ever-growing Joseph Holt Brewery hits the impressive landmark of 175 years this Sunday (23 June).

They might feel like you can find them on many street corners around here but they’re a Manchester brand and not everyone in the country is so lucky to stumble upon them so regularly.

So what better way to toast to 175 more than with an actually affordable pint – they can be pretty rare these days so make the most of it!

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

Featured Images — Joseph Holt/The Manc Group

What's On

Manchester’s Block Party comes to the streets of Stockport town centre this summer

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Stockport and its street party scene seem to be thriving at the moment and now Manchester’s increasingly popular Block Party is getting involved too.

We’ve all seen how SK1 Records and their street parties have taken off over the past year or so, so it only makes sense for Block Party to team up with them and others to bring their tried and tested format to another Greater Manchester borough this summer.

No, we don’t care how many times you repeat it, it isn’t Cheshire and hasn’t been for ages.

But back to the matter at hand, Block Party – who have already seen great success over at Piccadilly Trading Estate with the help of Manc brewers Cloudwater, Track, Balance and Sureshot – are set to deliver a day of music entertainment, food, bevs drink and fun for all the family.

Block Party always goes off (Credit: Supplied)

Aptly named ‘Stock Party’ (some things just line up perfectly), the latest street party will be landing on the historic Underbank in collaboration with all their usual partners as well as local beer experts Robinsons Brewery and Runaway, as well as Michelin-recognised Where The Light Gets and many more.

Being brought to life with the help of Stockport’s Business Improvement District (BID), Totally Stockport and Stockport Council as part of the growing ‘Old Town’ revival moment, they’re set to deliver a day of music entertainment, food & drink and family activities around the town centre.

‘Robbies’ Brewery on Lower Hillgate will be home to the main festival square and bar, pouring the freshest beers from each of the breweries, with tunes being pumped out onto the street by SK1 Records and a special DJ set curated by Bohemian Arts Club to ensure a proper party atmosphere.

For those who prefer a nice pinot noir, Isca will be serving up a selection of their natural wines; plus Where The Light Gets In will be serving up BBQ and Honest Crust – one of the best pizza places anywhere in Greater Manchester – will be serving up slices… of heaven, we mean.

It doesn’t stop there – not even close…

Credit: Supplied

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Although we can promise plenty of dancing and footfall, Underbank will also be lined with tables and chairs enabling festival-goers to enjoy an alfresco beer from a five-tap van located outside Rare Mags, while Yellowhammer pottery and bakery will see visitors can build their own tankard in a special one-off.

There are even more offerings food and drink-wise too, with popular local bars Spinn Off and Cracked Actor, Cafe San Juan and Marley’s Tacos all serving up street food and pints for you to gulp down in the sunshine (fingers crossed).

Head just a few metres over the road and you’ll also find Stockport’s oldest and newly restored White Lion pub hosting an Old Town General Store DJ set and tap takeover, with Ginger’s Ice Cream Emporium on hand serving up their artisan ice cream. As if things couldn’t get any more summery.

Best of all, you don’t have to wait too long as Stock Party is happening on 20 July, lasting from 12-9pm and is completely free entry. You can bank on us being there and dancing along the cobbles until dusk. See you in SK next month!

Block Party first event in Stockport event beckons (Credit: Stockport BID)

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

Featured Images — Block Party (supplied)

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