Tag: Manchester

  • IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    MUMBAI: Forget layovers, Indigo’s new flights to Europe are taking off with sass, speed and a social media splash. On 1 July 2025, Indigo will launch its first-ever non-stop service from Mumbai to Manchester, followed swiftly by a Mumbai–Amsterdam route on 2 July. This bold expansion into Europe isn’t just a milestone for the airline, it’s a full-throttle rebrand as a global player, now powered by Dreamliners and digital dazzle.

    The airline’s entry into long-haul territory marks a pivotal leap from being India’s favourite low-cost carrier to a serious contender in premium international travel. Both routes will operate thrice a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with complimentary hot meals and beverages, giving flyers a taste of comfort at 35,000 feet.

    But what really took off faster than a takeoff roll? Indigo’s viral tweet:
    “We’ll be in Manchester on 1st July. Anyone wants anything?”

    That off-the-cuff one-liner triggered a runway-wide brand fest. Over 25 top Indian brands joined the banter Durex asked for “a safe trip”, India Gate Foods wanted tulips, Taco Bell craved “Manchester masala”, and Blinkit cheekily offered to deliver in 10 minutes. From masalas to masala marketing, the tweet thread became a masterclass in brand engagement, reaching millions online.

    The new routes are now open for booking on the GoIndigo site, app, and through authorised travel partners. And while the Dreamliner promises a smooth ride, it’s IndiGo’s social media chops that are landing the biggest applause.

    With over 400 aircraft in its fleet and more than 2,200 daily flights, IndiGo continues to dominate Indian skies. Now, with a growing footprint that connects over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations, including two of Europe’s iconic cities, the airline is ready to go intercontinental without losing its irreverent edge.

    As IndiGo’s slogan suggests, it’s not just India by IndiGo anymore, it’s the world.

  • BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    MUMBAI: As the United Kingdom looks towards the EU Referendum, the BBC has today unveiled its plans to help global audiences make sense of the vote.

    From documentaries and debates to live streaming on social media, BBC World News and BBC.com/news will provide a multiplatform offer, which means people around the world can keep up with the latest on the campaign wherever they are.

    The BBC’s international news service will be mobilising its team of experienced correspondents and presenters with live broadcasts from across Europe to explain key moments in the campaign and help people understand what the result could mean where they are, while also offering a wealth of content online at bbc.com/eureferendum (www.bbc.com/news/politics/eu_referendum)
    Sharing content and analysis via Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter will be at the heart of the coverage as Outside Source presenter Ros Atkins takes his innovative daily news show on the road. He will be presenting his TV programme from Paris, Manchester and Edinburgh as well as live steaming on the BBC News Facebook page. He will also be covering the BBC’s live, televised EU membership debate at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley on Tuesday June 21st. Ros will use social media to bring viewers key points as senior politicians and other key figures explore both sides of the argument, while BBC World News will broadcast the debate live.

    On results day Ros will be joined by World News presenter and former BBC political correspondent Philippa Thomas in London’s Westminster as they cover the reaction to the referendum’s outcome in a special day of live broadcasts. Presenters David Eades and Karin Giannone will be bringing the view from Brussels, and Kasia Madera will be in Poland. BBC World News America anchor Katty Kay will be keeping American audiences up to speed, with a special London edition of her show while business correspondents Karishma Vaswani and Michelle Fleury will gauge the reaction of the financial markets and business communities around the world.

    Alongside the service’s news reporting BBC World News will also be broadcasting special documentaries. These include an Our World special with Gabriel Gatehouse considering what has become of the European dream and an hour long film ‘The Truth About EU Migration’ (title TBC) presented by Mishal Husain taking an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK.

    Unveiling the wealth of content, BBC World News digital and editorial director Richard Porter said, “This is a historic referendum for the British people, which we know is being watched closely around the world. It’s our responsibility to ensure audiences get the clearest explanation of the issues, with coverage they can trust. Audiences can expect the same quality of coverage whether they come to us on TV, on our website, our app or on social media – and we’ll reflect back what they’re saying to us, as well as what the politicians are saying to them. We’ll draw upon all the knowledge and experience of our expert correspondents to ensure audiences get the whole story.”

    Key Content

    • Our World: The European Dreamwith Gabriel Gatehouse-It’s more than 65 years since Europe set out on a journey that’s led to today’s complex union of 28 states. As the European Union struggles to stay united in the face of 21st century crises, for Our World Gabriel Gatehouse asks what’s happened to the European dream. Tx Friday June 10th 0930 GMT

    • The Truth about EU Migration – Mishal Husain takes an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK. From the economy and jobs market, through education, housing, and the NHS, to security and national identity, this documentary explores the true impact of EU immigration on Britain.Tx date tbc

    • EU Referendum: The Great Debate -As the campaign reaches its climax, BBC presenters David Dimbleby (Question Time) will be joined by Mishal Husain (Radio4 Today) and Emily Maitlis (This Week’s World), live at SSE Arena, Wembley in London for the BBC’s biggest ever campaign event as thousands of voters are invited to question representatives from the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ camps
    – TxJune 21st.

    • Outside Source Specials / BBC World News live broadcasts

    o Paris – June 9 and 10

    o Belgium – June 14

    o Manchester & The Netherlands – June 16

    o Scotland – June 20

    • Results Day – rolling coverage from Westminster and Brussels with in-depth analysis as the result becomes clear – June 24

  • BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    MUMBAI: As the United Kingdom looks towards the EU Referendum, the BBC has today unveiled its plans to help global audiences make sense of the vote.

    From documentaries and debates to live streaming on social media, BBC World News and BBC.com/news will provide a multiplatform offer, which means people around the world can keep up with the latest on the campaign wherever they are.

    The BBC’s international news service will be mobilising its team of experienced correspondents and presenters with live broadcasts from across Europe to explain key moments in the campaign and help people understand what the result could mean where they are, while also offering a wealth of content online at bbc.com/eureferendum (www.bbc.com/news/politics/eu_referendum)
    Sharing content and analysis via Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter will be at the heart of the coverage as Outside Source presenter Ros Atkins takes his innovative daily news show on the road. He will be presenting his TV programme from Paris, Manchester and Edinburgh as well as live steaming on the BBC News Facebook page. He will also be covering the BBC’s live, televised EU membership debate at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley on Tuesday June 21st. Ros will use social media to bring viewers key points as senior politicians and other key figures explore both sides of the argument, while BBC World News will broadcast the debate live.

    On results day Ros will be joined by World News presenter and former BBC political correspondent Philippa Thomas in London’s Westminster as they cover the reaction to the referendum’s outcome in a special day of live broadcasts. Presenters David Eades and Karin Giannone will be bringing the view from Brussels, and Kasia Madera will be in Poland. BBC World News America anchor Katty Kay will be keeping American audiences up to speed, with a special London edition of her show while business correspondents Karishma Vaswani and Michelle Fleury will gauge the reaction of the financial markets and business communities around the world.

    Alongside the service’s news reporting BBC World News will also be broadcasting special documentaries. These include an Our World special with Gabriel Gatehouse considering what has become of the European dream and an hour long film ‘The Truth About EU Migration’ (title TBC) presented by Mishal Husain taking an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK.

    Unveiling the wealth of content, BBC World News digital and editorial director Richard Porter said, “This is a historic referendum for the British people, which we know is being watched closely around the world. It’s our responsibility to ensure audiences get the clearest explanation of the issues, with coverage they can trust. Audiences can expect the same quality of coverage whether they come to us on TV, on our website, our app or on social media – and we’ll reflect back what they’re saying to us, as well as what the politicians are saying to them. We’ll draw upon all the knowledge and experience of our expert correspondents to ensure audiences get the whole story.”

    Key Content

    • Our World: The European Dreamwith Gabriel Gatehouse-It’s more than 65 years since Europe set out on a journey that’s led to today’s complex union of 28 states. As the European Union struggles to stay united in the face of 21st century crises, for Our World Gabriel Gatehouse asks what’s happened to the European dream. Tx Friday June 10th 0930 GMT

    • The Truth about EU Migration – Mishal Husain takes an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK. From the economy and jobs market, through education, housing, and the NHS, to security and national identity, this documentary explores the true impact of EU immigration on Britain.Tx date tbc

    • EU Referendum: The Great Debate -As the campaign reaches its climax, BBC presenters David Dimbleby (Question Time) will be joined by Mishal Husain (Radio4 Today) and Emily Maitlis (This Week’s World), live at SSE Arena, Wembley in London for the BBC’s biggest ever campaign event as thousands of voters are invited to question representatives from the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ camps
    – TxJune 21st.

    • Outside Source Specials / BBC World News live broadcasts

    o Paris – June 9 and 10

    o Belgium – June 14

    o Manchester & The Netherlands – June 16

    o Scotland – June 20

    • Results Day – rolling coverage from Westminster and Brussels with in-depth analysis as the result becomes clear – June 24

  • Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, addresses Reliance foundation young champs

    Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, addresses Reliance foundation young champs

    MUMBAI: The twenty-two young Reliance Foundation Young Champs currently in England visited the Premier League headquarters in London as they entered the second week of their 11-day trip. The Young Champs have already visited the academies of Premier League outfits like Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Southampton since arriving in England on May 11 and will soon be visiting those of West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City and Liverpool before their scheduled departure on May 23.

    After experiencing their first live premier league match at St, Mary’s Stadium on Sunday as Southampton hosted Crystal Palace, the youngsters travelled to the Premier League headquarters for a fun-and-educational session. The youngsters also received the opportunity to pose alongside the Premier League trophy and were addressed by Executive Chairman of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore.

    Scudamore started his address by highlighting the world class youth development facilities on display at Premier League clubs. “You’ve already been to Chelsea, already been to Southampton, you’re here today and then travelling up the rest of the country, finally Manchester and Liverpool. You will see a complete spread of what’s best about Premier League Youth Development facilities,” he said.

    However, Scudamore didn’t forget to emphasise that there was more to a footballer’s development than just excellent facilities. “But I don’t want you to leave your tour here thinking that it’s all about facilities. Your career development, youth development is primarily down to you as individuals. It is of course, not only about how good you are physically but also how good you are mentally,” he said.

    He also stressed the need for top quality coaches to help the young budding talents further their footballing education. “Probably the most important thing is your coaching and the quality of your coaches and the coaches as mentors in the way they develop you. Realistically, it will be difficult in the next couple of years in terms of your development, to have an enormous amount of facilities in India like you’ll see this week.”

    Scudamore ended his address to the Reliance Foundation Young Champs by stating that it was a privilege to have the young champs in England and encouraged the talented youngsters to enjoy their stay in England. “Most importantly, this week and next week just ensure you have fun and it’s really been a privilege of ours to host you, to be involved in your visit and it’s really great to see you,” he concluded.

  • Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, addresses Reliance foundation young champs

    Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, addresses Reliance foundation young champs

    MUMBAI: The twenty-two young Reliance Foundation Young Champs currently in England visited the Premier League headquarters in London as they entered the second week of their 11-day trip. The Young Champs have already visited the academies of Premier League outfits like Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Southampton since arriving in England on May 11 and will soon be visiting those of West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City and Liverpool before their scheduled departure on May 23.

    After experiencing their first live premier league match at St, Mary’s Stadium on Sunday as Southampton hosted Crystal Palace, the youngsters travelled to the Premier League headquarters for a fun-and-educational session. The youngsters also received the opportunity to pose alongside the Premier League trophy and were addressed by Executive Chairman of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore.

    Scudamore started his address by highlighting the world class youth development facilities on display at Premier League clubs. “You’ve already been to Chelsea, already been to Southampton, you’re here today and then travelling up the rest of the country, finally Manchester and Liverpool. You will see a complete spread of what’s best about Premier League Youth Development facilities,” he said.

    However, Scudamore didn’t forget to emphasise that there was more to a footballer’s development than just excellent facilities. “But I don’t want you to leave your tour here thinking that it’s all about facilities. Your career development, youth development is primarily down to you as individuals. It is of course, not only about how good you are physically but also how good you are mentally,” he said.

    He also stressed the need for top quality coaches to help the young budding talents further their footballing education. “Probably the most important thing is your coaching and the quality of your coaches and the coaches as mentors in the way they develop you. Realistically, it will be difficult in the next couple of years in terms of your development, to have an enormous amount of facilities in India like you’ll see this week.”

    Scudamore ended his address to the Reliance Foundation Young Champs by stating that it was a privilege to have the young champs in England and encouraged the talented youngsters to enjoy their stay in England. “Most importantly, this week and next week just ensure you have fun and it’s really been a privilege of ours to host you, to be involved in your visit and it’s really great to see you,” he concluded.

  • Sony Six to live telecast Vijender Singh’s first professional fight

    Sony Six to live telecast Vijender Singh’s first professional fight

    MUMBAI: Vijender Singh is on the verge of creating a historic landmark in his boxing career as he makes his debut in professional boxing at the Manchester Area. And Multi Screen Media (MSM) Network’s sports channel Sony Six has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights to the event.

     

    The channel will be airing the fight live on Saturday, 10 October at 10:20 pm (IST). The event begins at 9.30 pm with the main fight at 10:20 pm.

     

    India’s first Olympic and World Championships-medallist, Singh, will take on England’s Sonny Whiting, who is three-bouts old and has a 2-1 overall record so far in the middleweight division. The fight, which features in the prime time viewing belt for Indian audiences will feature four rounds of three minutes each.

     

    Ahead of his fight, the 29-year-old Singh has set up base in Manchester to train under renowned coach Lee Beard and has been training alongside stable mates Jack Catterall, Adrian Gonzalez and Jimmy Kelly. Singh has made essential changes to adapt his game against the 27-year old English boxer, who already has one knockout win to his credit so far.

     

    Sony Six’s association with boxing was highlighted with the broadcast of the ‘Fight of the Century’ featuring Mayweather against Pacquiao in May 2015. Following that, the channel focused on bringing premium and marquee combat sports content to Indian viewers including showcasing the high profile fight of Floyd Mayweather Jr Vs Andre Berto in September this year. This will be the channel’s third initiative in bringing one of the most headlined boxing fights live to Indian viewers in 2015.

     

    Sony Six and Kix business head Prasana Krishnan said, “We are proud to showcase the fight that marks Vijender Singh’s foray into the professional boxing circuit. Vijender Singh is a National icon and an Olympian who has made India proud with his accomplishments. We are pleased to play our role as broadcasters of his pro debut fight to his fans.”

     

    Singh added, “I am really happy that my professional debut fight in Manchester will be telecast live on Sony Six in India. Now all my friends, fans and coaches in India, who have been asking me about the telecast of the fight can watch me live in action. I am confident that with the reach of Sony Six, everyone in India will be able to watch my pro debut at Manchester Arena.”