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Welcome to Manchester Active Voice.

In this special festive edition, and final edition of 2025, we share some brilliant activities, events and opportunities for you and the family to enjoy over the festive period and into the new year.

Thanks for being with us this year! Learn more below.

SEASONS GREETINGS

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to thank you for your continued support and collaboration. This year, Manchester has reinforced its position as a leading city for sport, health, and community wellbeing, delivering major events, record participation in leisure and community activities, and new milestones in inclusion, investment, and partnership.

To celebrate these achievements, we’re delighted to share an end-of-year message from our CEO Eamonn. Please take a moment to watch and reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, encapsulating just a small section of our work and an approach that ensures long-term impact and resilience for the local sport & physical activity landscape.

WATCH THE REVIEW FILM HERE

Thank you for being part of the journey. We appreciate your support and collaboration. Wishing you peace, joy, and good health during this festive season.

Here’s to an exciting 2026 filled with new opportunities and shared successes and a year of growth, innovation, and positive impact for our Manchester's communities.

BADMINTON IS BACK IN MANCHESTER

Badminton England are thrilled to announce that the English National Badminton Championships 2026 are returning to Manchester in 2026!

For the first time since 2013, the Nationals will be back in the heart of Manchester as the National Cycling Centre is set to play host to the best players in the country on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February 2026.

It is an event which continues to inspire fans of all ages by showcasing the skills and athleticism of England’s best players in the nation’s favourite racket sport. And as a new generation of talent takes to the court, new legends will emerge and long-standing records are there to be broken.

Tickets to this festival of the best badminton in England are on sale now! Get yours here.

MANCHESTER RIDING HIGH

Manchester has been recognised in the top 35 bicycle-friendly cities in the world in the prestigious 2025 Copenhagenize Index – EIT Urban Mobility Edition, ahead of many other global cities.

This accolade is a powerful testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to cycling, following its successful year as the European Capital of Cycling 2024.

Manchester’s impressive ranking reflects years of dedicated investment, policy innovation, and community engagement. The city’s cycling journey has been shaped by a clear vision: to make cycling a practical, year-round mode of transport for all. This recognition comes as Manchester continues to build on its legacy as European Capital of Cycling 2024, further embedding active travel into the fabric of daily life.

For more on Manchester’s cycling initiatives, visit mcractive.com/cycling/

FREE GYM, SWIM & FITNESS FOR 11-16s

As part of the Christmas HAF provision in Manchester, we’re delighted to offer free gym sessions, fitness classes, and swimming for children aged 11–16 who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals over the Christmas holiday.

Click here to book.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CRICKET THIS XMAS

World-class women’s cricket is coming to Manchester as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup hits the city in 2026 and there’s no better festive gift for sports fans of all ages.

See some of the world’s best players from England, India, South Africa and beyond go head-to-head in fast, thrilling T20 action.

With exciting fixtures, family-friendly entertainment and an unbeatable atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to celebrate cricket on the global stage right here in Manchester.

Tickets on sale now, get yours here.

Make this Christmas unforgettable, give the gift of cricket!

BASKETBALL FESTIVE DOUBLE HEADER

Get into the festive spirit on Sunday 21 December as Manchester Basketball hosts a special Xmas Double-Header at the National Basketball Performance Centre, Belle Vue.

Enjoy two exciting match-ups as the men’s team face Surrey Scorchers at 3pm, followed by the women’s team taking on Oaklands Wolves at 6.15pm.

It’s a great family-friendly way to kick off Christmas week, with fast-paced action, a lively atmosphere and plenty of festive fun.

Tickets available now via this link

Come along, cheer on Manchester, and celebrate community sport this Christmas!

BECOME A WINTER WARRIOR

Don’t let the colder weather stop your game. Staying active through winter boosts your mood, energy and fitness and tennis is the perfect way to keep moving, remain social and beat the winter blues.

Whether you’re a regular player or thinking about picking it back up, now’s a great time to get involved.

Find your local Parks Tennis Programme at wedotennis.co.uk

COACH, VOLUNTEER & ATHLETE GRANTS

Manchester Active, with support from the Manchester Marathon Community Fund, is now accepting applications for two exciting funding opportunities:

• Manchester Active Athletes Fund – Financial support for talented athletes living in Manchester to help with training and competition costs.
• Manchester Active Coach & Volunteer Fund – Funding to support coaches and volunteers in developing their skills and qualifications.

For more information about the grant and to apply click on the relevant link:

ATHLETES FUND

COACH & VOLUNTEER FUND

Deadline: Sunday 14 January 2026; 23:59.

Applicants must be part of a registered club / organisation. No money will be paid to individuals. More information about this can be found on each application form.

TRACK IS BACK THIS WINTER

The National Cycling Centre welcomes two track cycling events this winter. See below!

LLOYDS NATIONAL TRACK SERIES (20-21 DEC 2025)

The Lloyds National Track Series comes to Manchester and the National Cycling Centre this December — and you can now secure your place!

Join us on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December 2025, for two days of elite racing, electric atmosphere and the very best of British track cycling, featuring para cycling, endurance, national omnium and national madison.

From blistering sprints to tactical endurance battles, this is where future champions are made.

Adults £10, children 5 to 17 years £5 and under 5s go free.

Don’t miss out, the velodrome is calling. Grab your tickets now and be part of the action here.

2026 LLOYDS NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS (19-22 FEB 2026)

Looking for a Christmas gift that’s a little different this year? 

Give the thrill of elite cycling with tickets to the Lloyds National Track Championships, returning to Manchester from 19–22 February 2026.

Watch Britain’s top track cyclists go head-to-head across four days of electrifying action inside the legendary velodrome. From explosive sprints to edge-of-your-seat endurance battles, it’s the perfect experience for sports lovers, cycling fans, families, and anyone who enjoys world-class competition.

Tickets start from just £11, the ideal stocking filler! Don’t miss the chance to be part of the atmosphere, the speed, and the drama of the National Championships.

Book today and give the gift of incredible moments. Get tickets here.

HEATON PARK WINTER ACTIVITIES

FAMILY WALK PARTY

On the shortest day of the year, get outside and join us for a Family Walk Party!

We’ll go on a short walk or wheel up to Heaton Hall and the Stables Cafe, following the family-friendly Winter Trail. Meet at 10:50am for 11am start at the Middleton Road entrance to Heaton Park (opposite Bowker Vale Primary School).

Free and no booking necessary - just turn up!

WINTER TRAIL

Can you spot all the woodland characters on this short, family friendly route?

Running from mid-December until February, this short walk takes you through scenic areas of the Park in search of fun winter characters.

Pick up a free trail map from Reception (by the Stables Cafe) and follow our family-friendly Winter Trail! 

Learn about more Heaton Park events taking place here.

Across Manchester, we're promoting daily messages of support, inspiration, guidance and updates to the city across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – tagging #MCRactive.

Follow @MCRactive to stay connected with the latest updates on staying active and healthy and share details with your friends and family.

We'd also love to hear about the innovative ways Mancunians are being active to share with others. If you have inspiring content – a short video, image or message, you can send via: info@mcractive.com or share them through @MCRactive on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.