The UK’s longest indoor ski slope has finally reopened at Manchester’s Trafford Quays Leisure Village – alongside a selection of its shops and dining experiences.
Whether you’re an avid skier or simply looking for an exciting day of adventure with the kids, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Chill Factore is back in operation.
From learning how to snowboard to playing in the snow, the ice-themed venue guarantees a fun-filled day out for almost anyone – with activities available on and off the slopes.
Now Chill Factore has reopened, here’s what you need to know about the types of experiences and events happening; and how to prepare for your visit to Trafford Park.
If you’re looking to style up your snow sport wardrobe, then this is a must-visit shop at the Chill Factore.
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Although jackets and trousers are readily available to rent, this stylish alternative will leave you gracing the slopes looking like a pro. Snow + Rock commit to stocking the latest designs from the world’s biggest brands, so you know you’re in trusted hands.
Dare 2b
If you’re not just limited to looking for ski wear, then Dare 2b is the place to be.
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They also stock cycling clothing, outdoor wear and activewear to have you prepped for any possible activity; offering some funky patterns and very on-trend styles.
Subvert Boardstore
If snowboarding is becoming more of a serious passion than just a hobby, then it might be time to invest in your own board.
Conveniently positioned in the centre of the Chill Factore, this store offers a massive selection of snowboards, binding and boots, meaning you’ll definitely find something that takes your fancy.
This adorable café is a must visit if you want to get your hands on some fresh food and coffee to keep you fuelled during your visit.
From their mouth-watering all-day breakfasts to scrumptious homemade cakes and desserts, Lift Up is definitely the vegan-friendly treat you need after a day on the slopes.
Paul’s Ice Cream
If you’re not too cold after spending time in the snow, you can grab a well-earned ice cream over at Paul’s.
With a selection of 40 flavours, as well as milkshakes, waffles and other hot desserts, there’s plenty of opportunity to reward yourself after hours on the slopes.
If you want to keep it classic, the Chill Factore also has a Costa Coffee, Nando’s and Wetherspoons for you to kick back with a hot drink or beer.
If you’re after a proper challenge, why not get involved in a race?
The Turris Alpine takes place on 20 September and the NSSA Race is on the 21 September – giving you a few weeks to train up before putting your skiing skills to the test against others.
If you’re still looking to improve your technique, then Chill Factore are hosting a Race Skills event every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. The coaches will give you guided instruction and assistance to improve your coordination, edge, pressure and rotation, making you a skilled skier in no time.
Perhaps your preparing for a ski holiday sometime in the future? Well the Chill Factore’s Terrain Challenges event helps you get a feel for the bumps and hills that you’ll experience on a real slope. They include a variety of table tops, pipes, kickers and moguls to promise a challenging yet realistic experience.
The Chill Factore is now open on weekdays from 12pm-8pm and weekends from 10am-6pm, and you can book tickets via their website.
What's On
Price of Manchester Village Pride 2026 tickets confirmed as wristbands go on sale
Emily Sergeant
Wristbands for Pride in Manchester this summer officially go on sale today.
Following last week’s announcement that the iconic Manchester Pride celebrations would, in fact, be returning in 2026 thanks to the creation of Manchester Village Pride CIC, today marks a ‘landmark’ moment as wristbands go on sale, helping to rebuild and reclaim what has always been once of the city’s most important events.
Early bird wristbands are now on sale at just £25, plus booking fee, offering community members access to four days of ‘safe and responsible’ celebrations.
This is set to include a ‘diverse’ programme of events that build on some of the best-loved elements of previous years – a Pride Parade, candle-lit vigil, party with performance and music across various stages, as well as talks, exhibitions, and community activities.
Manchester Pride is returning in 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group | Manchester Pride
Once early bird wristbands sell out, then general release wristbands will go on sale priced at £30 plus booking fee for the full weekend, or £20 plus booking fee for individual day passes.
Options for those on low-income, or those that require additional support, will also be available too.
Under the new direction of Manchester Village Pride CIC, all funds raised through the sale of wristbands and passes will enable the safe delivery of the Summer Bank Holiday Weekend event, and will support LGBTQ+ charities, grassroots organisations, and vital community services.
Any surplus funds will then be legally locked in for public benefit, and a ‘transparency dashboard’ on the Manchester Village Pride CIC website will be updated regularly to show ticket sales, costs, and projected charitable surplus.
Manchester Village Pride CIC has so far received £120,000 in loans from Village venues, which it says reflects the ‘determination’ of local LGBTQ+ businesses to safeguard Pride and ensure it remains rooted in the community that created it.
However, despite this, funds from wristband sales are now required to help start planning and organising the event properly.
“Naturally, given the failure of Manchester Pride Ltd and ongoing impact that this has had on charities, artists, and businesses within our community, we know that everything we do is going to be scrutinised,” admitted Carl Austin-Behan, who is one of the founding board members and spokesperson for Manchester Village Pride CIC.
“We are ready to meet that head on with clear open book management, direct and clear language when providing updates, and radical transparency about any funding.
Wristbands have officially gone on sale for 2026’s event this morning / Credit: Manchester Pride
“In the spirit of this transparency, we do need to be clear that we need people to purchase a wristband or day pass.
“Over Pride weekend, the Village becomes a large-scale live event space, with outdoor stages, performances, and street bars. A ticketed entry system allows us to meet essential safety, security, and government licensing requirements, manage crowd numbers responsibly, and provide appropriate stewarding, medical, and welfare support.
“Without this approach, venues would not be legally permitted to host stages or outdoor bars, and the Village simply couldn’t operate in the way people expect during Pride weekend.
“This is not about restricting access, it’s about keeping people safe, protecting our venues, and ensuring Manchester Village Pride can happen responsibly.”
Manchester Village Pride 2026 will take place over August Bank Holiday weekend between Friday 28 and Monday 31 August.
Where to watch Super Bowl LX in Manchester
Danny Jones
Game day is fast approaching, and with the NFL scene getting bigger and bigger in the UK each year, more and more Mancs are left wondering where to watch the Super Bowl in Manchester.
With six-time Championship winners, the New England Patriots, set to take on the Seattle Seahawks – a resurgent side who have only won just one Super Bowl in their history – it’s all set up to be a fully blown blitz from the off.
Luckily, there are a whole host of sports bars in the city centre that will be showing Super Bowl LIX right through, so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action – all four hours or so of it.
Yes, it’s a long, old night (usually wrapping up around 3am here in the UK), but that’s part of why people love it, and if you’re still undecided as to where to go, here are a dozen places you can hunker down with some good grub and plenty of pints to watch it.
13 of the best places showing the Super Bowl in Manchester
1. The Blues Kitchen – Deansgate
We’ve spent the last three years watching it from here, so we vouch for the vibes. (Credit: The Manc)
First up on our list is the place we spend the Super Bowl pretty much every year: Blues Kitchen just off Deansgate, which promises big screens, live music, American BBQ favourites and more from 9pm.
With food and drinks served until late to keep you going throughout the long night, you’ll have an absolute ball. Book HERE.
2. BOX – Deansgate
BOX Bar opened on Deansgate back in 2021 and has quickly become one of the most popular places to watch any sport in town, and it’s not hard to see why.
With massive pitchers and steins of booze, a banging food menu built for shuffleboard at the back and screens on almost every wall, including a massive NBA-style jumbotron screen, you won’t miss a second of the action. This one always fills up quickly, so book now if you don’t want to miss out.
3. O’Malley’s – Portland Street
Ideal gameday scoops and scran. (Credit: Supplied)
As one of the only pubs in Manchester that regularly stays up this late – and by that we mean 4am – keeping eyes open until the early hours is child’s play for these lot, so similarly, it’s no surprise that the Irish bar is showing the Super Bowl.
One of many recent green and gold additions to the city that’s obsession with Guinness and all things Gaelic only seems to be growing, O’Malley’s, you can book your spot to watch both the Bowl and the Six Nations right HERE.
4. Black Cat Club
If you’ve never been to Black Cat Club before, then what are you playing at? They’ve got interactive darts, high-tech shuffleboard, foosball tables, and with the El Gato Negro team having spawned their food menu, you’re guaranteed a solid lineup of gameday goodies inspired by proper NFL tailgates.
They’re coming up on their second birthday very soon, and we think giving Mancs a first real taste of a proper sporting all-nighter is the perfect way to celebrate. You can find out more and how to book HERE.
Given that students are typically the ones who don’t tend to worry about sleeping/waking up at any particular time, it’d be rude not to put a regular uni haunt and Manc nightlife favourite, The Courtyard, on this list.
Not only is this one of the cheapest places for a night in town, possibly the country, but it’s yet another prime location to watch the sport. You are never, we repeat, NEVER too old for Courtyard, and it never disappoints when there are sports fans in.
Another all-time classic Manchester sports bar, The Directors’ Box, just off St Peter’s Square in the city centre, has plenty of pints, an absolutely mint menu full of sharing platters perfect for watching the game with your mates, as well as a pool table to keep you occupied during the breaks.
They’re even putting on a special menu just for the game. This is another one that packs out fast, so book now while you still can.
The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits is another tried and tested favourite come any matchday, and the team over there does a great job of building a proper atmosphere across their two floors when it comes to the Super Bowl.
It’s a great post-work spot any day of the week, let alone when there are big events on like this. Food, pints, pool, table tennis and more. 10/10, no notes from us. Reserve your table now
8. Tib St Tavern – Northern Quarter
Credit: The Manc Group
No list of Manchester sports bars would be complete without Tib Street Tavern, one of the most popular in NQ or the city centre in general, for that matter.
With booths for you and all your mates to pile into, massive screens filling the walls and solid grub, this place is packed out noon till night, so give ’em a ring on 0161 834 1600 to sort your seat whilst you still can. They also completed a refurb not too long ago, so you’ll be comfier than ever this year.
Nothing like the Bowl at Bunny’s. If you’ve ever been in this beloved wing-stop and rock-themed watering hole for an NFL game, you know that this place is pretty much the perfect place to be.
Arguably the best dive bar on the planet (it’s us, we’re arguing it), and not just because the wings start from 30p, there’s no bookings – you just rock up and try your luck and hope for laces out. Say no more.
10. Albert Hall – Peter Street
Following the success of their England watchalongs for the Euros and World Cups, Albert Hall is going all fan park once again for Super Bowl Sunday 2026. With plenty of room and a very big screen, it’s set to be the ideal place to watch SBLX, from the gridiron carnage to the halftime show.
It’s just a tenner for entry, and once again, besides a top sound system and big HD telly, there’ll be pitchers of beer, hot dogs and all the essentials required for a proper American sports party. Find out more down below.
If you popped into Brickhouse for the World Cup or even the Six Nations, you’ll know the bar, club, rooftop terrace, and pool hall are really killing it when it comes to live sports at the minute – especially with tickets to dedicated fan zones for just a fiver.
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Kicking off from 8pm and spreading across two of the three floors, this is one of the best places to grab a slice of pizza and a pint while watching the game. Better yet, their increasingly popular fan zone is absolutely free; you just need to email [email protected] or ring 0161 236 4899.
Last on our list is another cult favourite amongst NQ frequent flyers, as not only do Shack MCR specialise in all the very best kinds of food you want whilst watching live sport – wings, fries, burgers, nachos, etc. – but they’re even serving up special Super Bowl platters for the occasion.
They’ll be serving scran until 1:30 in the morning, and although all the private booths have already sold out, there are still some tables left for Sunday, 11 February, so book yours now.
Last but not least, lucky number 13 (yeah, we’re glass-half-full kind of people) on this year’s list of Super Bowl screenings in Manchester for 2026 is veteran Aussie sports bar, Walkabout.
With Bierkeller and Shooters across the way having sadly closed, this is now the longest-standing boozer of its kind in Printworks, and they also love a late night,
Of course, it goes without saying that if we could chuck every one of our city’s wonderful pubs and sports bars on this list, then we would, but we’d be here forever.
That being said, a literal dozen places to watch the big game in Manchester city centre should be more than enough to get you started — now it’s down to you to make sure you plan out the perfect Super Bowl Sunday for LX 2026. Just make sure you’ve got your arse in a seat before that first touchdown.
Get lots of sleep this week because you’re going to need it!
Oh, and if you’ve also been wondering where to watch American football’s forefather, the best rugby union tournament in the land is underway, and there are plenty of places showing it in town.
Daisy Bradbury -
28th August 2020 
