Reckon you’ve got what it takes to walk bare foot over 500-degree hot coals?
Imagine how amazing it would feel to conquer your fears and take the first step onto a path of fire? Is that even possible?
Well, this is your chance to find out.
There’s no denying it won’t be for everyone, but one of Manchester’s longest-running charities We Love MCR Charity has announced that its Manchester Firewalk Challenge is happening in one of the city centre’s most iconic locations this October – and you can get yourself signed up to take part now.
Following on from the success of its Landmarks of Manchester 10K – which saw hundreds dig their running shoes out between March and July to raise some money and fall in love with the city all over again once lockdown restrictions first began to lift – the charity is keen to keep the theme of Manchester’s iconic locations going.
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Which is why training for the daring challenge is set to take place in the historic Manchester Central Library, before the event itself arrives at St Peter’s Square on Wednesday 13 October.
Some familiar faces are set to take part, and are already gearing up for the challenge.
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“It sounds crazy, but I was thrilled to be asked to take on We Love MCR Charity’s Firewalk as one of my first challenges,” said Cllr Donna Ludford, Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester.
“Doing this to raise money for Manchester’s communities and young people is a fantastic idea [and] I can’t wait to learn the secrets of walking on hot coals.
“I hope that lots of fellow Mancunians will join me.”
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The Manchester Firewalk Challenge is this year being sponsored by Manchester-based IT company Sync – which has been powering organisations throughout the UK with the latest technology to keep them moving for the last 30 years – and all funds raised by those with the guts to take the walk will go directly towards We Love MCR Charity.
“After awarding £1 million to frontline groups tackling problems in the pandemic, we need to raise new funds,” explained Ged Carter, We Love MCR Charity’s Manager.
“We plan to award a further half a million pounds this year to our local communities to help them recover, and to ambitious young Mancunians to help them to take their next steps to success [but] we can do nothing without the public’s support.
“And we know there are plenty of people who love Manchester too, who would fancy taking on this bucket-list challenge to support our local communities.”
“Places are limited, so sign up today before you miss the chance,” he added.
Registration for the Manchester Firewalk Challenge costs just £15 per participant, and you must commit to raising sponsorship for We Love MCR Charity as an individual online sponsorship page is automatically created for as part of the sign-up process.
All participants will receive full safety guidance on the evening, and learn how to do the seemingly-impossible by walking over burning coals with training led by fully-trained and renowned experts in this field.
As mentioned, funds raised will go towards helping the We Love MCR Charity continue to carry out its vital work throughout the city of Manchester, and will particularly support the organisation’s Manchester Rising Stars programme – which helps young people to succeed in their chosen paths.
Events on the night will be captured by one of the charity’s ‘Rising Stars’, who has been awarded camera equipment to get started in their ambition to become a professional photographer, and another beneficiary of the fund, who is an aspiring DJ, will provide inspiring tunes to build the atmosphere as the brave firewalkers step out.
“The event really is by Manchester, in Manchester, for Manchester,” Ged concluded.
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Reckon you’ve got what it takes to walk bare foot over 500-degree hot coals? / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
Fancy it then?
You can find more information about the challenge and sign up to the Firewalk via the We Love MCR Charity website here.
Featured Image – We Love MCR Charity
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
31st August 2021 
