The Women’s Euros Watch Party at the National Football Museum kicked things off on July 5th, and the tone was set straight away.
Not just screens and cheers, but workshops, activities, and that extra buzz you only get when the city’s all in.
People stayed long after the final whistle, weaving through exhibits and football history like it was part of the match.
Just down the road, Aviva Studios offered something different with Football City and Art United.
It took the game off the pitch and into the gallery, drawing in a mix of art lovers and football fans you wouldn’t normally find sharing a space.
Cricket stepped up quickly, too, as Emirates Old Trafford hosted England Women vs India Women on July 9th, and the Roses T20 between Lancashire and Yorkshire is still one of the summer’s most electric fixtures.
The Hundred returned as well, with Manchester Originals drawing in crowds who, even if unsure about the format, showed up for the atmosphere.
England Men will close out the season with a T20 against South Africa in September.
During busy match weeks like these, especially when international teams are playing or when events like The Hundred or the Women’s Euros take centre stage, fans don’t just watch, they engage in other ways too.
A big part of that includes comparing odds, checking different platforms, and looking for flexible ways to follow along beyond just the broadcast.
That’s when many start exploring trusted non UK betting sites, particularly when local options feel too limited or lack coverage for certain matchups.
It could be the different wagering features or just a smoother experience during high-traffic weekends, these platforms have quietly become part of how people participate in the season, especially when global fixtures dominate the schedule.
Rugby is making its mark too. Salford Community Stadium will host Women’s Rugby World Cup matches on August 23rd and 30th, bringing top teams like England, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
Salford doesn’t always get the same attention as the city centre, but on match days, you feel the surge. Pubs fill early, and even those who don’t follow rugby closely turn up to be part of the moment.
Further out, Bolton had its spotlight in June with the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon.
Roads closed, families lined the route, and even those unfamiliar with the sport got caught up in the energy.
Next comes the UK B-Boy Championships on August 24th at Aviva Studios. Dancers from more than 50 countries will compete, turning the venue into a loud, fast-moving display of rhythm and athleticism that usually wins over even the most casual spectators.
For a more hands-on experience, the Celebration of Sport on July 25th at Manchester Regional Arena is packed with free tasters in cricket, netball, gymnastics, and more.
This year will bring a quiet hour for SEND families, a considerably thoughtful touch that’s long overdue at large events.
Manchester Day took place last year, but the energy from it still lingers, especially if you caught the cricket nets near Market Street or the taekwondo demos tucked into city corners.
Through it all, the city keeps moving, and you’ll hear football debates at tram stops, see basketball drills happening in odd places, and maybe even find yourself being roped into a conversation about which team surprised everyone this summer.
Manchester has always been a city that’s all about sports, but something about this season feels more spread out, like it’s not just for the diehards anymore.
Around when August winds down, there will be sports in practically every part of the city.
It might be a big-ticket match or a quiet family event, rest assured that there’s something for everyone to get involved in, and most people already have without even knowing it. The only real question left is which event you’ll be at next?
Featured image credit: William Mccue
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