The 2013 tourney schedule seemed top fill up pretty quickly as the New Year came and went. With a couple of new events on the calendar this year, along with several staples, it’s looking like 2013 is going to be the “busiest” year to date. First up on the schedule of big events is the Manchester 8s Lacrosse Music Festival. This tournament was in it’s test phase last year as it ran along side the Manchester 7s; an established rugby tournament with massive participation. After announcing that they were going to organize an independent lacrosse tournament for 2013 the buzz quickly spread and teams began to jump on board. With the backing and resources from it’s parent event (Manchester 7s); the Manchester 8s Lacrosse and Music Festival is looking like a seriously good time in May!
What’s the Gist?
The Manchester 8s (M8s) is a 3 day Lacrosse & Music Festival that will be held at the Broughton Park sports complex in Manchester, England. The park is situated by the Hough End playing fields approximately 10 minutes drive from the heart of Manchester city centre.
The festival is spread over 3 days and lax fans can look forward to playing and partying all weekend. On the pitch there are various lacrosse tournaments for both men and women; off the pitch you can soak in the atmosphere by walking around the trade village or making some shapes in one of the party marquees!
It’s a Lacrosse and MUSIC Festival!
The Manchester 8s is a 3 day party with music playing a big part at the festival. The party atmosphere continues throughout the weekend with live bands and DJs playing in the Festival Marquee and Red Bull Wigwam.
Bands that have played at the festival in recent years have included Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Quangos, Dead Kestrels, The Brightsparks, Cheap Cuts and Bourbon Street Beat. Some videos from past bands are below.
What’s a Festival Without a Little Fancy Dress?
More details will be released soon according to the event website regarding contests and prizes…but the important detail has already been released; the theme! The theme for 2013 will be FAMOUS MOVIES; so break out the Scarface and Rambo attire…it’s going to be a HOLLYWOOD styled weekend!
A Lacrosse Village to Get Your S.W.A.G Fix
Just in case you are one of those individuals that has been throwing the term around for years…but have no idea what it means…here’s the education of a lifetime for ya. “S.W.A.G” originally stood for “stuff we all get”. It was used at various tournaments and events for sports and stood for all of the freebies that were given out to participants. Nowadays it’s used to describe everything from free t-shirts to the $50 pair of shorts that kids buy off the rack at games. Either way…there will be plenty of SWAG on hand for everyone at the festival provided by numerous vendors including the always product stacked Northern Soul Sportswear.
Get Some Wings at the Red Bull Tent
In between matches make sure you head down to the Red Bull Wigwam to relax on their comfy bean bags and enjoy a cold drink. For those competing…keep an eye out for the Wing’s Samplers; they’ll take you through the benefits of drinking Red Bull before your game.
Experience Every Minute of the Festival by Camping All Weekend!
Camping at the M8s is the best way to experience the Festival! Team managers can book a Team Camping Package (15 adult tickets) for just £100. Spectator ‘Camping’ tickets start at just £15; these can be purchased on Ticketmaster.co.uk . The Campsite opens 18.00 Friday and closes 11.00 Monday. Make sure you set up your tent on the Friday evening and head along to the Festival Marquee for the Opening Party!
The Campsite is a secure area, there will be 24hr security in place and a number of temporary Toilets. All campers may use showers within the clubhouse during the event. Don’t forget to bring – Sleeping Bag, Towel, Toothbrush, Clothes and your Tent!
Team ArchLevel Will be Entering a MEN’S and WOMEN’S Team!
Costs:
£65/player: This includes your tournament fee, player wristband that gets you entry to ALL parties and events, and fully custom team kit with reversible pinnie, shorts, and tshirt. Additional pieces of team swag can also be purchased individually if desired to include hoodies and sweat pants.
Accommodation:
It will be up to the players to book their own accommodation. The tournament organizers have a recommended hotel on their main site that’s found below along with camping packages for players.
Team ArchLevel Facebook Event Page