England’s World Cup hopes have been dashed, but the show must go on - on three dedicated screens at Castlefield, where football fans are invited to come and watch the rest of the tournament.
More than 13,500 people were at the Hyundai World Cup Fan Park at Castlefield as England went out of the World Cup in a dramatic showdown with Germany in South Africa.
But, in true sporting spirit, fans can now watch the rest of the matches together and still enjoy the thrill of the World Cup from the city centre.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: "It's devastating that our team lost, but despite that the atmosphere at Castlefield has been absolutely electric and it's without doubt the best way to see the rest of the World Cup in Manchester."
In-between the matches to come, the Fan Park will also be used to show other sporting events.
Bring your strawberries and soak up the sunshine as Wimbledon hits the big screens. Or, watch from the sidelines as UK Beach Soccer take Manchester's primary schools through their paces on the Castlefield sand as they stage their own mini world cup competition.
For non-sports fans, there will be a lively celebration of Irish music and dancing (4 July) featuring top folk bank Quare Crack plus The Last Orders - a new band featuring Jimmy Doherty and Toss The Feather's Dessy Donnelly, the Keegan Kennedy School of Irish Dancing and the energetic celtic rock of The Green Hot Clover. And, for Friday (9 July) the Fan Park has joined with Manchester Jazz Festival to create very special night featuring South African township jazz and the big band sound of Big Band Theory, as a fitting tribute to the World Cup Hosts.
A special tribute to Chris Sievy and his comic creation Frank Sidebottom will take place on Thursday 8 July. More details of this special event will be announced shortly.
"There's something for everyone," said Cllr Amesbury. "The screens give crystal-clear views and the venue lends itself to a party. Let's show the world that Manchester and England still have a lot to be proud of."
For a full list of times and events to be shown at the Hyundai World Cup Fan Park, see our web site.