What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 30 May – 5 June 2022

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 27th May 2022

We’re leaving May behind and saying hello to June with what is a jam-packed week full of events right across our region.

Not only is summer nearly upon us, but it’s the extended bank holiday weekend for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and it’s the start of half term in Greater Manchester, so there’s plenty to be getting up to this week, and we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.

Here’s our top picks.

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Amazônia

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 30 May – onwards

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Amazônia / Credit: Science and Industry Museum

A critically-acclaimed photography exhibition has officially opened in Manchester as part of its international tour.

In what is the first UK exhibition of this scale outside of London for over 20 years from the world-renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, the Science and Industry Museum has will welcomed Amazônia – a major photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and breathtaking landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest.

In what is the first UK exhibition of this scale outside of London for over 20 years from the world-renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, the Science and Industry Museum has will welcomed Amazônia – a major photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and breathtaking landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest.

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Salgado worked in the Amazon for seven years with 12 different indigenous communities, and the result is an incredible collection of powerful photographs that present his vision of a forest that is approaching a crucial tipping point in the fight against climate change, the Museum says.

You can find out more here.

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British Pop Archive

John Rylands Library

Monday 30 May – onwards

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A new national collection that’s dedicated to “the preservation and research of popular culture” has now opened in Manchester city centre.

The British Pop Archive (BPA) has been created by the University of Manchester (UoM) and has opened at the iconic John Rylands Library on Deansgate in the heart of the city centre, with the aim of celebrating British popular music and other aspects of popular culture to recognise its “pivotal influence” on the world stage.

Featuring “iconic items” relating to quintessential British bands, legendary UK television, youth culture, counter-culture, and more that have set trends around the globe, the BPA will be an important academic resource for research and teaching, UoM says.

It’ll also be public resource for exhibitions and public events that’s open to all.

Find out more here.

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Jurassic Encounter

The Pavillion Garden

Monday 30 May – onwards

Jurassic Encounter / Credit: Jurassic Encounter

It’s been 65 million years since dinosaurs last roamed the earth, but The Pavillion Garden in Buxton will see the beats roaming through its parkland once more as 2022’s “most roarsome experience” has arrived.

Running right through until 12 June, the event will feature 50+ animatronic creatures, including two life-sized T-Rex beasts, which roar and snarl at passers by, and family favourites such as a Pterosaurs that shriek from the trees and a 15m tall Brachiosaurus guarding her eggs.  

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The event makes for the perfect family day out in the picturesque Peak District, and tickets are now available.

Find out more and grab yours here.

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Jubilee Weekend

East Lancashire Railway

Monday 30 May – Friday 2 June

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Jubilee Weekend / Credit: East Lancashire Railway

East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is giving all people named Elizabeth a ride for free through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.

From the 30 May – 2 June, Elizabeths can ride on all trains and services along the ELR line for free of charge, and get the chance to explore some of the hidden gems along the Irwell Valley – including pubs, restaurants, and so much more. 

The heritage railway is opening its doors to Elizabeths ahead of its Jubilee bash Friday 3rd – Sunday 5 June, which will feature special performances from the era during the long weekend, with each station along the line celebrating in true 1940s / 50s fashion with food, vintage stalls, and live music from local acts.

You can find out more here.

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May Half Term at Science and Industry Museum

Manchester City Centre

Monday 30 May – Sunday 5 June

May Half Term / Credit: Science and Industry Museum

Little Mancs will get the chance to discover how Manchester has kept the world moving through a range of transport-themed activities this half term.

With the next school holidays right around the corner, Manchester’s very-own Science and Industry Museum in the heart of the city centre is making sure the region’s children are kept entertained, engaged, and educated as always through a number of dedicated hands-on workshops and activities.

Kids will be given the chance to design and make their own moving machines, before putting their creations to the test to see how fast and far they go.

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They’ll also be given the chance to hear some of the inspirational stories of the Museum’s historic site and the vehicles that passed through there.

You can find out more here.

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Hatch Street Party

HATCH

Wednesday 1 – Sunday 5 June

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Hatch Street Party / Credit: Hatch

Hatch is hosting its very own ‘Street Party’ over the Jubilee weekend, with a platinum line up of the best events all taking place under one roof over.

Kicking off on Wednesday 1 June and running right through to Sunday 5 June, as with any street party, the Oxford Road venue will be adorned with bunting and party decorations to get everyone in the royal mood, and partygoers can expect everything from a raft of the best DJs to live music, street food, so much more.

You can find more information here.

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Street Party Bottomless Brunch

Joshua Brooks

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Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 June

Street Party Bottomless Brunch / Credit: Joshua Brooks

Popular city centre venue Joshua Brooks is hosting a Queen’s Jubilee-themed Street Party Bottomless Brunch this week, and it includes the choice of one main from all-day kitchen favourites like burgers, burritos, and halloumi dippers, and combines them with 90-minutes of bottomless drinks.

Taking place on Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 June from 12pm-5pm, there’ll also be teacakes and prosecco on arrival.

Tickets will set you back £25 per person, and you can make a booking here.

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Manchester Flower Show

Manchester City Centre

Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June

Manchester Flower Show 2022 / Credit: City Co & Manchester BID

The city will bloom into life this as the Manchester Flower Show makes its return, and this year, it will have a very special Jubilee Trail as part of the celebrations.

With this year’s event landing on the same weekend as the Queen’s Jubilee, a new celebratory trail commissioned by Manchester BID, and visitors will be able to walk around 10 flower displays inspired by the Queen, marking her 70 years of service – with everything from a giant floral bee, to a classic red phone box bursting with blooms on the lineup.

Beyond the official trail, shop windows, squares and statues will also be given botanical makeovers to mark another Manchester Flower Show.

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There will also be al fresco food and drink, and plenty of activities and entertainment.

You can find out more here.

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Summer Knights

Camelot Theme Park

Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June

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Summer Knights / Credit: Park N Party

Northern kids of the 80s, 90s, and 00s can truly revisit their youth, as the abandoned Camelot Theme Park in Chorley has gone back to its days of Arthurian legend for the new Summer Knights drive-in cinema and entertainment attraction this summer.

Some of the film highlights in the genre-diverse lineup include Insidious, Superbad, The Greatest Showman, Anchorman, Dirty Dancing, Disney’s newest smash-hit, Encanto, and so much more.

There’s also be a fully-licensed bar and a number of street food vendors on site to choose from to make it a truly magical night.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Cloudwater X Levanter – The Queer Ju-Beer-lee Festival Bank Holiday

KAMPUS

Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June

Cloudwater x Levanter / Credit: KAMPUS | Cloudwater Brewery

Manchester’s neighbourhood KAMPUS will play host a solid ten weeks of back-to-back block parties from its canalside garden, with each weekend seeing guest DJs take to the decks to spin tunes from different corners of the world – and this weekend’s event is celebrating the Queer Ju-Beer-lee Festival bank holiday.

Free-flowing beer will come courtesy of Manchester brewery Cloudwater, and food will be provided by Ramsbottom favourites Levanter serving up tapas, giant paella, and charcuterie boards aplenty.

This weekend, you can expect to celebrate the best of British in honour of Queen Liz, with arty bags and a street party at the ready, pouring fresh beer from the Queer Brewing Project.

You can find out more here.

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Jubilee Tea Dance Jive

The Trafford Centre

Thursday 2 June

Jubilee Tea Dance Jive / Credit: The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre will come alive with performances to bring together all age groups, who will perform contemporary and traditional tea dances. 

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style, this lively and heart-warming entertainment will be performed to iconic numbers including Elton John, Spice Girls and Queen on Thursday 2 June between 1pm-3pm by the Miss Joanne Farnell School of Dancing on the main stage located in The Orient.

It will be open to members of the public to watch and enjoy. 

You can find out more here.

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Cheshire Fest

Knutsford

Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June

Cheshire Fest / Credit: Cheshire Fest

Bongo’s Bingo, a craft beer festival, and a big Jubilee-themed street party are just some of the things to expect when at Cheshire Fest.

Taking place at a brand-new Knutsford location, The Lambing Shed at Moseley Hall Farm, Cheshire Fest is returning after a two-year hiatus this Jubilee bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June, with everything from live music, a Big Top circus, a street food fair, a wide range of family-friendly entertainment, and a headline performance from Liverpool band The Zutons on the lineup.

Festival organisers say the 2022 lineup is “definitely the best we have ever had”.

You can find out more and book tickets here.

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Jubilee Garden Party

20 Stories

Thursday 2 June

Jubilee Garden Party / Credit: 20 Stories

Manchester’s highest restaurant and bar, 20 Stories, is inviting people to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at its British-themed garden party on the stunning 19th floor roof terrace at No.1 Spinningfields.

From 2pm – 4pm on Thursday 2 June, there will be live music from the resident DJ and a quintessentially-British afternoon tea served alongside stunning views of the city’s skyline, which includes a selection of sandwiches, signature cakes and desserts, such as a
pornstar martini cheesecake, and a cherry, pistachio and tonka bean jaffa cake.

Guests can also enjoy drinks and dishes from the 20 Stories’ Terrace Menu too.

You can find out more and make a booking here.

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John Digweed at Manchester 360º

Manchester Cathedral

Friday 3 June

Manchester 360º / Credit: Manchester Cathedral

A new clubnight will see the awe-inspiring Manchester Cathedral turned into a 360-degree dance floor this Friday.

The event comes from JBM Music and Fever, who will turn the medieval cathedral into a haven for house and techno music, with a DJ booth set up in the centre of the Grade I-listed building and revellers dancing on the marble floors all sides.

John Digweed has been confirmed to play an extended three-hour set at the historic party.

Tickets are priced at £28, and you can grab yours here.

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ManiFest

The Oast House

Friday 3 June

ManiFest / Credit: The Oast House

One of the most popular city centre venues is back with another edition of its free music festival this Jubilee bank holiday.

The Oast House has launched a brand-new music festival, and it kicked-off for the first time over the extended Easter bank holiday weekend, with a full day of tunes provided by local musicians throughout the one-day event – and now, it’s back once again for the upcoming Jubilee bank holiday on Friday 3 June.

The festival, which is named ManiFest, takes over The Oast House’s large outdoor terrace area, with a dedicated stage set up, street food, and free-flowing drinks.

You can find out more here.

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Jubilee Street Party

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Friday 3 June

Jubilee Street Party / Credit: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

One of Manchester’s grandest hotels is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a rather unique event this week.

A whole host of Manchester’s best DJs and bands will descend onto The Refuge’s terrace on Friday 3 June to celebrate in royal style. Curated by The Refuge team, the Jubilee Street Party will showcase a diverse range of up-and-coming talent, alongside established names from around the city and beyond playing music with a tongue-in-cheek nod to the royal family from 1-10pm.

It’s not all about the live entertainment though, as partygoers can also expect to tuck into an array of different street party nibbles and a themed cocktail menu fit for a queen.

You can find out more and grab tickets here.

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Featured Image – Hatch | Manchester Flower Show

What's On

You can ‘run and rave’ as part of this new charity-driven social in Manchester city centre

Danny Jones Danny Jones Run The Streets MCR running social event Manchester city centre

If you’re looking for a fun new way to spend a night out or thinking about getting into running but maybe haven’t quite found the right way in for you just yet, this new Manchester run social that starts and ends with a good old-fashioned party might be right up your street.

Run The Streets MCR is a community-led and charity-driven fitness and social event that recently launched in Manchester and has already developed a bit of a cult following in the space of only a couple of months.

The concept is simple: it’s a running social where you can meet new people whilst getting your yards in, just not quite as you know it. Instead of people turning up for a 5k and then heading home, the fun carries on at a host venue where people can keep chatting and mingling whilst having a boogie.

And the best part is that not only is it more of a causally paced, low-pressure jog and crucially social-first, but it’s all for a good cause too.

How it began and the purpose behind the event

Started out by East Manchester locals and lifelong mates, Liam Parker-Worsley and Sarah Edwards, (‘Sezzle’ to those who know her among the Manc running circles), Run The Streets started out as a running social concept at its very core but has now become truly bigger than the sum of its parts.

While the ‘run and rave’ idea has been done before, this particular event is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and after facing some serious obstacles to get it off the ground and plenty of adversity at the very first hurdle – for lack of a less punny phrase – they’ve managed to turn it into a force for good.

After pivoting the model at the start of 2024 to be completely non-profit, the monthly event is now helping bring people together for a good time, from the tarmac to the tiles, all whilst raising money for the likes of The Running Charity (TRC).

Not only do all the proceeds from the super affordable tickets – we’re talking the same price you’d pay for a decent pint in town these days – go straight back into running the next social, but they also help fund the chosen charity for that month.

Be it national causes like TRC, which recently received huge support from the incredible ‘Hardest Geezer‘s run across Africa, or charities strictly local to Manchester, everyone involved is striding towards a goal – quite literally.

What is Run The Streets MCR?
Meet the team behind the new non-profit run social in Manchester.

Offering a different kind of night out

Speaking to The Manc, co-creator Sezzle says the mission statement is simple: “Everyone’s welcome and you can meet new people whilst running but at the same time we’re giving back to the community.

“We’re supporting local charities, artists and DJs, as well as local running clubs who want to get involved. Essentially, it’s just about bringing people together, which is what run clubs do, but we’re also in a big city and not everyone wants to go out and just drink at a bar all night.

“You want to keep fit, it’s good for your mental health, but you also still want to be social and enjoy yourself. Run The Streets is that Mancunian through and through but everyone’s invited.”

Sober for five months now, she acknowledged that outlets like this are crucial, insisting: “I don’t want to stop going out and having a good time or meeting new people, so this is a way that you can still go out on a Friday night and enjoy a party atmosphere with no pressure to drink”.

run the streets manchester running social
This is what the start of a night in trainers, hi-vis and glow sticks looks like. (Credit: Supplied)

The ‘by Manchester for Manchester’ ethos

Her partner in crime Liam echoed that party-run description, reiterating that whilst people can still get a bit boozy if they like, it’s all about “providing an alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to drink and want to be included but might have felt a little alienated otherwise”.

A fellow Tameside native, he explained how Run The Streets has already partnered with zero-alcohol brands like Clean Break for their inaugural event back in March and now alcohol-free favourite Lucky Saint for their sophomore social this month.

They’ve also already managed to get sports brands involved in the event, offering giveaways, running shoe try-ons and more, most notably hosting the Fight Day 5k across the city centre in partnership with Matchroom Boxing.

“It’s not about the financial aspect for us”, says Liam, “we only charge for tickets to sustain the event and pay for the talent, hiring spaces and so on… It might be different venues, different charities etc., but as long as we focus on core issues to Manchester with a cultural element that’s important to us, we’re happy with that”.

Sez couldn’t agree more, adding: “At the end of the day, we’re Mancs, we’ve watched the city grow into what it is today. When it comes down to it everyone knows about the Manchester spirit, it’s a hard-working area and there’s such a community to this place – we want to make sure everyone feels welcome.

“We look out for each other. That’s how it’s always been.”

Their recent running event with Matchroom ahead of the Gill vs Barrett fight at AO Arena. (Credit: Run The Streets MCR)

Roots in the running and wider Greater Manchester community

Chatting with Tom Lewis, founder of Manchester’s annual 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness and Chairman for the Run The Street’s official host club, Manchester Road Runners, he said that they became interested because they “really liked the idea of sponsoring different charities every month”.

Confessing that it felt like “a natural crossover” given MRR’s size and ethos, as well as their own non-profit work with the British Heart Foundation and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, he said the “overall response from the first event was incredible – everyone just loved it”.

“There were people dancing on the streets as they saw us come past and there were so many videos on social media. That sort of stuff can really help get people into running who wouldn’t necessarily consider it in the first place.”

“I think it’s going to grow really quickly; the first event sold out and I think the next ones will too, definitely. It’s great to see what just a random group of friends can accomplish when we come together.”

This massive Manchester running club where jogs finish at the pub is the best
Manchester Road Runners is helping bring huge numbers to the event already.

Liam himself couldn’t speak highly enough of the Castlefield-based group, insisting that “me and Sez find a lot of happiness and solace” at MRR.

While they are affiliated with others like KOKO (Keep On Keeping On’s Manchester arm) and Stretford Run Club that they want to help promote, the hope is that events like this might help people who run but don’t attend a club might give them a try in the future.

Regular ambassador and volunteer at both organisations, Natasha Barclay – who herself is over a year into her own sobriety journey – described the flagship event as “such good fun, really welcoming” and filled with plenty of people who had never even run before.

Nat also urged people not to be scared if they’re first-timers to run socials or running full stop, reassuring that “no one gets left behind; even if you can’t really run, you’ll always make it back, have a good time and meet others in the same boat”.

She went on to add: “Run The Streets MCR is all about giving back to the running community which I think can often get overshadowed by social media and certain brands. The spirit can sometimes get taken out of it but this run social puts its straight back in whilst helping Manchester business and DJs.”

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When we asked the guys to sum this whole experience up in three words or less that weren’t ‘rave and run’, they came up with some pretty telling answers too. “Community, soul and fun”, “alternative Friday fun” and our personal favourite: “Simply for Manchester”.

It’s also worth reiterating that these guys have done it completely off their own backs and are doing so on an entirely voluntary basis on top of their full-time jobs, sometimes juggling two or three different roles. It’s been built over countless late nights and dinner hours, all for the love of running and the city.

The second ever Run The Streets MCR running social and party kicks off this Friday, 26 April from 7pm at Joshua Brooks, with a light 5k around our lovely city centre starting at 7:30pm before heading back to the venue for more tunes, dancing, glowsticks and general good vibes from 8pm onwards.

You can grab the last few remaining tickets HERE and we hope to see a few of you there on the night.

guy running with a speaker in manchester
Come rain or shine, there’s always tunes to keep you going.
run the streets mcr deaf institue
The turnout at the last Run The Streets Manchester social at The Deaf Institute.
Credit: Supplied/The Manc Group

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Run The Streets MCR

What's On

Co-op Live announce UFC 304 is coming to the brand-new arena for Manchester return this year

Danny Jones Danny Jones UFC 304 returns to Manchester

Co-op Live has announced one of the biggest nights yet and their first-ever sporting event after confirming that the UFC is coming to the new state-of-the-art arena.

While the shiny new music and live entertainment stadium suffered an unfortunate setback earlier this week, with both of Peter Kay’s gigs being postponed following power supply issues discovered during their test event, the confirmation of UFC 304 at Co-op Live is a big plus for the opening month.

Rumours had been circling that a huge sporting event might be coming to the UK’s newest indoor arena, one of the biggest of its kind in Europe, but this being just the fourth time the UFC has washed up on British shores, it’s a huge coup for their debut year.

Announced on Wednesday, 24 April, the global MMA phenomenon and multi-billion-dollar promotion company will be bringing their 304th fight night to Manchester on 27 July and you can roll your eyes at the pun all you like, but it’s going to be a knockout.

The UFC is coming back to Manchester for the first time in eight years.

As the UFC has said in an official press release, “UK MMA is currently experiencing what is being described as an unheralded golden era, with stars such as welterweight champion Leon Edwards, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, and local favourites, including Paddy Pimblett, Molly McCann, Muhammad Mokaev, Michael Page and Arnold Allen, with more rising through the ranks.”

That being said, there isn’t a better moment for the brand to capitalise on the growing fight audience here in the UK and 0161, specifically, with the aforementioned Aspinall having created a real appetite for the discipline in and around the city.

The Greater Manchester region has always been home to iconic fighters regardless, be it boxing or otherwise; Ricky Hatton, Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, as well adopted Manc MMA legend Michael Bisping, whose pedigree helped bring UFC to Manchester and the AO Arena for the first time back in 2016.

Nearly a decade later the promotion is now part of Co-op Live’s maiden calendar and set to be the first of many sporting events they hope to host – a plan bolstered by their partnership with neighbours, Manchester City.

ufc returning to manchester july 2024
ufc co-op live
The UFC 304 fight card is yet to be announced but there are a few local names you can probably bank on. (Credit: The Manc Audio)

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“I’m so excited to get back to Manchester, and no better time than this summer,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “We have two champions from the UK and fans have been dying for a UFC PPV event. So here we come to the largest indoor arena in the UK. See you soon, England!”

As for Co-op Live, Executive Director and General Manager Gary Roden added: “With the north of England home to so many of the world’s leading fighters, we are primed and ready for UFC and its knowledgeable, passionate fanbase.

“Offering a state-of-the-art platform for globally broadcast events, Co-op Live is extremely proud to welcome entertainment of this scale and calibre as the future home of combat sports in the UK.”

Co-op members get early access to presale tickets at 10am on 5 June and general admission goes live via Ticketmaster at the same time on Friday, 7 June. UFC Fight Club members will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets early on the Wednesday from 9am BST.

You can also register your interest HERE to gain access to a special pre-sale which starts on Thursday, 6 June 6 from 10am as well. Roll on fight night!

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Supplied

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