The ever-popular Great Manchester Run will return next month, with exciting new features added for 2022.
Runners will be treated to loads more entertainment as they make their way around either a 10km or a half-marathon course.
The event will spur participants on with everything from water pistol breaks to a live DJ, as organisers pull out all the stops to make it the best Great Manchester Run yet.
The action will begin before the race even starts, with a live DJ at the start line to get the energy levels up.
The Great Manchester Run. Credit: Supplied
This year’s timed pacers, who give runners the best chance of smashing their targets and personal bests, will add extra motivation by blasting out tunes as they run through the city.
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A new on-course entertainment area is being added this year too.
The Run Thru Madchester Zone spans 50 metres and features a ‘wall of sound’, power up boards and super soaker water pistols.
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The Great Manchester Run. Credit: Supplied
For the first time ever, there’ll be an apres-run zone at the end of the course, so runners can kick back for post-race celebrations within minutes of crossing the finish line.
There’ll be food and drink stalls and music for the apres-run after party – full details will be revealed soon.
All of this has been added to the existing Great Manchester Run format, where there are more than 20 music and entertainment zones.
There’ll still be the People’s Playlist (with tunes chosen by Mancs), the Pump It UP and Beats Boost zones with DJ trucks, the Hacienda zone with disco lights and a playlist inspired by the iconic club, and even Bands on the Run, with live music from local artists.
Several charities will pitch up on the course at various cheering points to celebrate and spur runners on – look out for cheering buses for Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Manchester Foundation Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and The Christie.
The Great Manchester Run will take place on Sunday 22 May, starting and finishing in the city centre and taking in landmarks like Old Trafford and the Imperial War Museum.
Those tackling the half marathon will also pass by the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more
Emily Sergeant
It’s timeeeeee… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2026.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year sees an even bigger return of Albert Square, and there’s also some new locations too for 2026. Lincoln Square has joined in on the action, and there’s also some big changes to St Ann’s Square – with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’, bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There’s a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, but we know there’s one question on everyone’s lips… ‘what’s it gonna cost me?’.
We’ve been running around the markets this morning checking out all the prices on things like beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.
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Average food and drink prices at Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Mulled wine – £6.50
Beer – £7
Prosecco – £7
Hot chocolate – £5
Bratwurst – £8
Albert Square
Bratwurst King on Albert SquareThe North Pole pub at Albert Square
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Daisy Jackson -
4th April 2022 
