The possibilities are endless - but here's just some of them
American President Donald Trump could be in for one mighty shopping trip in Manchester if he visited Afflecks
American President Donald Trump could be in for one mighty shopping trip in Manchester if he visited Afflecks(Image: Supplied)
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On his first day as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has already made the bold pledge: he’s invited Donald Trump round for a trip to Manchester.
According to reports, Mr Burnham's first call to the American President featured an open invitation to visit Manchester. It came just weeks after the U.S leader faced backlash after he questioned in the Oval Office was about his views on Sir Keir Starmer's then-potential successor.
In the comments last month, he said: "I don't know anything. I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a... town?". During a meeting with Nato chief Mark Rutte, Trump also referred to Burnham as someone he believed to be 'extremely liberal'.
Mr Trump was more magnanimous when speaking of Mr Burnham following the pair's first call, posting: "I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham.
“We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK. We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest.”
He added: “The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the USA will be there to help! We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics.
President Trump Delivers Address To Nation
President Trump(Image: Getty)
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“The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!”
On Monday (July 20), Burnham officially became Prime Minister and promised to win over voters “fed up with politics” and show the world that the UK can once again be a source of stability. He also
So, if Trump was to take on Burnham's invite and agree to visit Manchester, where would be on his itinerary of places to go? Well, we've taken the liberty of coming up with some initial spots based on some of the city's best-loved institutions and some of Burnham's favourite haunts. Whether Trump would be welcomed inside is another thing in itself.
DJ battles at Victoria Warehouse
Back in 2022, Andy Burnham went against Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram for a ‘Mayoral DJ Battle’ at famed Manchester nightclub and live music venue Victoria Warehouse. Under the moniker of DJ Bambi Burnham, his other sets at the likes of Ramona and Jimmy's (as shown here) have also included popular tracks by the likes of Courteeners, New Order and The Stone Roses.
Andy Burnham DJing at Victoria Warehouse back in 2022
Andy Burnham DJing at Victoria Warehouse back in 2022(Image: Shaun Peckham)
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On the other side of the pond, Trump is also reportedly known for turning up for surprise DJ slots at his Florida resort his Mar-a-Lago, where his iPad supposedly includes the likes of Elvis and Celine Dion, as well as 80s anthems and Broadway tunes.
With things changing a lot in the six years since the Mayoral battle, perhaps it’s time for Burnham to propose a ‘Leader DJ Battle’ where he goes head-to-head with the American President and spins some tunes for charity? We can already imagine Boston’s More Than A Feeling being mashed-up into The Beatles’ Let It Be. It might not work on paper, but it’d be worth it for the madness alone.
A 'cheeky Nando's' at the Trafford Centre
It’s a bit of a rite of passage to stop off for a trip to the ‘TC’ when visiting Manchester, especially if it’s for the first time.
And the popular shopping centre is also home to a host of American favourites - like Shake Shack and Five Guys - that will make Trump feel at home but it will also give him the chance to try a ‘Cheeky Nandos’ whilst exploring the ‘vibey’ cruise chip food court which has been compared to something you'd see in Vegas. He could even take in a visit to the SEA LIFE Centre to help cure his apparent fear of sharks too.
Crawling around the NQ
What better way of seeing Manchester in all its glory than a pub crawl around the Northern Quarter that must definitely end with a round of karaoke at The Millstone.
The iconic pub is known for its lively sing-a-long’s all year round. They didn’t even stop singing when Chanel took over the part of town for their prestigious Métiers d'Art show back in 2023.
(Image: MEN Staff)
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During the crawl, he could enjoy a bit of a rodeo throwdown at Bunny’s Country Bar, take in the vibes and live music at Gulliver’s, and even stop in for a pint at The Badger, which got officially opened by Burnham when it opened two months ago.
Speaking of pubs, Trump could also make the trip over to Withington to The Victoria pub, where staff once made Andy Burnham pull his own pint. Perhaps they'll be willing to let the American President try his luck with the same honour.
A trip to Afflecks
Similar to the Trafford Centre, a visit to Manchester has not properly happened if it does not include getting lost at Afflecks. Alice Cooper has done it, Lady Gaga has perused the aisles and, most recently, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams also visited the Manchester institution.
Here, Trump would have his pick of shops selling everything from vinyl and posters to plants and taxidermy. If he finds his trip to Manchester is too intimidating with all the public attention, he could also pop into one of the fancy dress stores and buy himself a disguise.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
With the FIFA World Cup this year, Trump has already made it clear that he loves a bit of soccer.
Donald Trump loves the football now, apparently
Donald Trump loves the football now, apparently(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
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Perhaps after being impressed with England's third-place result in the 2026 tournament, a trip to see Manchester's rival football squads Manchester United and Manchester City in action could also firm up his love for the sport. For his trip to Old Trafford, he could soak up the pre-game atmosphere at The Trafford pub before taking in the match at the stadium and then stodging up on some chips from a burger van after it all.
Meanwhile, his visit to The Etihad could see him enjoy a drink and the vibes in Mary D's Beamish Bar. He could also time the trip to see the arrival of a potential new immersive theatre that could be set to open next to the stadium soon. He does apparently love a good show tune, after all...
A well-earned night's kip
After a rowdy time in Manchester, it would be a given that Trump would need somewhere to rest up ahead of the long-trip back home.
Whilst some of city's hotels are known to host the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Madonna, it's notorious spot Sachas which would leave him having fulfilled the true and authentic Manchester experience. If it's good enough for M.E.N. editor Tom Burnett, it's good enough for the American President.