Manchester 2026

Day by day

Plan your weekend with a clear view of what's happening each day. The full details are still being finalised, but the outline below gives you everything you need to map out your time in Manchester.

Thursday — WELCOME TO MANCHESTER!

6pm
Thursday 16th April
Manchester Metropolitan University, Dalton Building, Chester Street, M1 5GD

Join us for a welcome drink and your tournament registration. Receive your special edition kit and event entry card.

Meet the other teams in a relaxed, social environment and meet your Tournament Committee.

Find out about the activities we have planned for the weekend as well as some important information about the games, rules, and the venues.

Once introductions are complete, the Sharks will lead you to Manchester’s iconic gay village on Canal Street. Stay for an extra drink or head home for an early night - the choice is yours.

Friday — TOURNAMENT DAY 1

Daytime — Tournament

9am-3:30pm
Friday 17th April
Manchester Aquatics Centre*

*some Friday games to be held at East Manchester Leisure Centre - travel will be provided for affected teams.

Tournament matches run throughout the day to kick off the competition.

Evening — Bad Reputation Blowout

Doors 7:30pm
Hidden, Salford (Manchester)

Bring your inner rebel to the Bad Reputation Blowout. In a nod to ball culture, take to the runway in groups or as individuals to show the world your bad side. For full details, see the Bad Reputation page.

Saturday — TOURNAMENT DAY 2

Daytime — Tournament

9am-7pm
Saturday 18th April
Manchester Aquatics Centre

Placement and winners matches.

Evening — Closing Party

8pm
Cruz 101, Canal Street, Manchester

Join us for the medal ceremony, drag entertainment and farewell messages from your tournament lead. You're welcome to stay at Cruz 101 or explore the other iconic venues of Canal Street.

Sunday — AFTERNOON TEA & TOUR

12pm-3pm
Sunday 19th April
New York, New York, Gay Village, Manchester

Cure your hangover with an English afternoon tea hosted by local drag queen Tonya Knees. Sandwiches and scones! But is it cream on top of jam or jam on top of cream? If you've still got the energy, get on the mic for some (optional) karaoke before a walking tour of Manchester's queer history.

This event is not included in your tournament ticket and is charged at £30 per person. Pre-booking is required.

SIGN UP HERE

Tournament venue map

Use this map to get your bearings on tournament venues and key event locations across Manchester.

Click a "" venue to get Waze and Maps directions
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At a glance

A quick snapshot of the daytime and evening plans for each day.

DayDaytimeEvening
Thursday 16th AprilArrive at your leisureRegistration and welcome event
Friday 17th AprilTournament day 1Bad Reputation Blowout
Saturday 18th AprilTournament day 2Closing Party
Sunday 19th AprilAfternoon tea & tour-