Top 5: World Cup events with beaches, swapsies + more in Manchester

The World Cup is upon us, so, as well as pointing out where to watch the big show, we have rounded up some of the most interesting, free and downright fun World Cup events in Manchester. Look out for the Proper World Cup Football Quiz at Joshua Brooks (Wed 11 Jun) too.

ITV Fever Pitch fan park with beach @ Old Granada Studios
If you haven’t managed to bag yourself a trip to Brazil this summer, ITV’s Fever Pitch fan park viewing area has you covered. The venue will show selected live games throughout the tournament at the old Granada TV studios on Quay Street. With a capacity of 3000 you will have the opportunity to feel the sand between your toes – they’ve shipped in 450 tones of the stuff! There will also a little Copacabana beach bar and High Tempo Zone if you want a bit of a run out. Impressively ITV will also be hosting international beach soccer games throughout the group stage. Presale tickets are now sold out, but on-the-day admissions are available.
Old Granada Studios, Quay Street, Manchester, M60 9EA, FREE, www.itv.com

Basement screenings + dedicated hot dogs @ Montpellier’s NQ
Montpellier’s bar in the Northern Quarter has decided to get involved in the World Cup buzz by bringing you their Deluxe Hot dog – obviously accompanied by Brazil’s finest beverage – Brahma Beer. The dog will change every week, each concoction inspired by a World Cup team; the Belgian-inspired addition is an early favourite, complete with a dark chocolate sauce. Montpellier’s have also released their new summer cocktail menu with one eye on the World Cup. Look out for Latin flavours, especially their take on Brazil’s own caipirinah. Booking available.
Montpellier’s Café & Bar, Back Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1FR, Tel: 0161 410 0105, www.montpelliers.com

Swapsie Party @ Black Dog NWS
On World Cup kick off day, the Black Dog Ballroom will give the collectors of the Panini World Cup stickers the chance to get rid of all their swapsies and hopefully make some profitable trades before the big kick off between hosts Brazil against Croatia. They’ve even added the incentive of a free caipirinha for anyone who manages to finish their collection at the event. As a part of the evening’s festivities Black Dog will also be featuring a full Brazilian BBQ and the national drink caipirinha for£3 as a tribute to the host nation. Stickers, meat and football, What better way to kick off the event of the summer?
Thu 12 Jun, Black Dog NWS, 11-13 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP. Tel: 0161 236 4899, FREE,  www.blackdogballroom.co.uk

More swapsies with #WantGotNeed @ BrewDog
If you’ve succumbed to the draw of the Panini official World Cup stickers no doubt you’ve invested a large proportion of your pocket money on these essential collectables and would relish the chance to negotiate the transfer of any duplicates you may have amassed over the last few weeks – well you’re in luck.  Brew Dog be hosting the #WantGotNeed trading event. Head down at 12pm is you’re game for some hardcore swapsies,  few beers and a chat about the opening 10 days of this summer’s World Cup – In addition there will also be a raffle at the event in aid of MacMillan Cancer Research.
Sun 22 Jun, Brewdog, 35 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5BG. Tel;  0161 832 9038, noon-5pm, FREE, www.twitter.com

England’s Kick-off Weekend & more at National Football Museum
An honourable mention, of course, to our very own football-mad museum, which is hosting ‘live’ broadcasts of classic World Cup games, plus an exhibition of World Cup posters throughout the tournament, and its own sticker-swapping sessions every Sunday. Visit the museum before Saturday 14 June – the England Kick-off Weekend featuring live samba music and more – for a chance to win a trip to see England versus Costa Rica later in the month.
Until Mon 14 Jul, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, M4 3BG, Tel: 0161 605 8200, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.nationalfootballmuseum.com