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Family-friendly drive-in cinema to aid with social distancing opening in Manchester
Sam Ridgway -
21st March 2020
Sam Ridgway -
21st March 2020 What's On
Manchester Storm’s annual ‘Pride Night’ returns to Planet Ice Altrincham
Danny Jones
With 2026 marking not just the start of another competitive year for Manchester Storm but an opportunity for even more people to get into the growing craze here in the UK, our city’s resident team are bringing back their annual ‘Pride Night’ once more.
Returning for yet another edition, the local ice hockey outfit has been playing this particular themed match every year now for nearly a full decade, and while there are plenty of special fixtures throughout each campaign, few are quite as joyous and vibrant as the Pride game.
We’re used to the Manchester Storm fan base being some of the most wholesome and community-driven supporters in the region, be it through the beloved ‘Air the Bear’ meetings or gathering to pay tribute to late members of the backroom staff, and backing their LGBTQIA+ members is no different.
Announcing the date this week on social media, the club reminded matchgoers and others online “that hockey is, indeed, for everyone.”
Detailing the context around the game online, Storm wrote: “We’re showing our support for the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday with our Pride game, one of the big events in the Elite League (EIHL) calendar.
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“Coming to the Storm Shelter will be Belfast Giants, and as well as sharing the message of inclusivity, both teams will also be sharing the ice for EIHL points.”
A classy gesture and reminder that there are, of course, always more important things than sport.
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With just a few hundred tickets left, Planet Ice is close to selling out as it often does, and you can expect plenty from both sides to turn up in full colour.
In fact, lots of fans are already asking for replica editions of the unique Pride jersey designs commissioned specifically for the event to be made available to buy, as they have done previously.
Taking on the Northern Irish club at the weekend, this will also be the two sides’ first competitive meeting since the tragic death of a young Giant fan, with Manchester Storm paying their respects this month.
We have no doubt they will find another touching way to honour Blake on Sunday.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) January 18, 2026
As they continue demonstrate each season, it’s about coming together in difficult times and in solidarity against adversity and all obstacles.
For instance, the Belfast hockey franchise was one of the first to share its condolences following the sad passing of ‘cherished’ Storm physio, Cherry Woodhams, late last year.
It’s this kind of togetherness that is helping make ice hockey in Britain such a well-engaged and fast-growing attraction at the minute – the Pride game is just one example of this.
Anyone who fancies grabbing tickets to the 2026 Manchester Storm vs Belfast Giants ‘Pride Night’ can do so right HERE.
See you in the stands.
Read more:
- The men’s and women’s Tour de France is coming to Greater Manchester
- Stockport County fans are calling for the club to bring back Isaac ‘Tanto’ Olaofe on loan
- The 2027 BMC and IFSC World Climbing Series is coming to Manchester
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Manchester Storm (publicity pictures)
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The Bodyguard at Palace Theatre, Manchester – a celebration of Whitney Houston’s hits
Clementine Hall
If you’re looking for a night out at the theatre drenched in glitz and glamour, then this is the show for you.
Whether you’ve seen the smash hit 1992 film The Bodyguard or not, the musical adaptation that has just arrived at the Palace Theatre is hard not to tap your foot to.
It’s a show that celebrates Whitney Houston’s powerhouse vocals whilst delivering a heartfelt love story wrapped up with moments of thrill and light comedy.
My initial concern from the offset was whether or not the vocals would match that of the icon herself, but boy oh boy, there was there no need to worry.
Sidonie Smith, who plays the Hollywood superstar Rachel Marron, hits every note with ease, and this isn’t an easy job.
The soundtrack – which quickly became one of the best selling soundtracks of all time – features ballads like ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘One Moment In Time’, as well as energetic bops like ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and ‘I’m Every Woman’.
It’s a tough role to play (and mostly sing), but Smith really proves herself as the superstar she’s portraying.
A special shoutout must go to the costume department, as I’ve never seen so many show-stopping glittery bodysuits in one show, and the speed with which these were changed into too was truly impressive.
Adam Garcia, who plays the bodyguard himself, Frank Farmer, perfectly portrays the handsome, American secret agent-type that you want.
Standing tall on stage exuding irresistible charm and warmth, a standout moment was Sasha Monique’s rendition of Saving All My Love where the two shared undeniable yet heartbreaking chemistry.
The choreography was sharp, snappy, and full of Hollywood glitz and glamour, making the ensemble scenes some of the best, as the audience revelled in Houston’s disco hits.
Overall, this is a fabulously fun celebration of the classic film that’ll get you up dancing on your feet at the end.
Read more:
- The biggest theatre shows coming to Manchester in 2026
- Big Night of Musicals is back this month and there’s thousands of FREE tickets
- 13 Going On 30: The Musical at Manchester Opera House – a fresh take on the nostalgic smash hit | Review
The Bodyguard at the Palace Theatre Manchester is on until Saturday 31 January and you can get your tickets here.
Featured Image – Paul Coltas (Supplied)
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