GIANT FOOTBALL GIVING AWAY FREE BEER THIS WEEKEND IN MANCHESTER

A giant inflatable football will be roaming the streets of Manchester this Saturday 27th June, challenging England fans to sing iconic football anthems in exchange for free beer and prizes.

This comes as new research reveals most Mancunians don’t even know the lyrics to their favourite football anthem, ‘Three Lions’.

Fans who spot the football, could be in with the chance of winning a supply of beer to last the whole World Cup plus on the spot prizes, from alcohol-free beer brand Mash Gang, provided they get the lyrics right.

New research from the brand shows that while England fans in Manchester rank ‘Three Lions’ as their favourite football anthem, even above ‘World in Motion’ by Manchester born and bred New Order, a shocking 75% don’t know the lyrics.

In fact, one in five admit they only know the chorus, while a further 17% say they’re tired of hearing the song altogether.

Manchester’s Top 5 Favourite Football Songs

1. Three Lions by Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds

2. Waka Waka by Shakira

3. World in Motion by New Order

4. Vindaloo by Fat Les

4. All Together Now by The Farm

Despite its status as the city’s favourite anthem, the data shows a clear gap between how much Manchester residents say they love the song, and how well they actually know it, and on Saturday fans will be put to the test in a series of finish-the-lyric challenges.

The giant inflatable football will be travelling across Manchester, stopping off everywhere from the Northern Quarter to Picadilly, Victoria and Media City, with live location clues being shared via Mash Gang’s social channels.

Fans who track down the giant ball will be invited to take part in the challenges. with on the spot prizes of t-shirts, beer and inflatable footballs. A competition will also see Mancunians entered to win a whole World Cup’s worth of free beer.

Mash Gang have conducted research into not only song preferences, but also drinking habits, and the activation lands as research shows drinking habits are shifting across Manchester.

69% of Manchester residents will be changing their alcohol consumption habits this World Cup, with 2 in 5 cutting out alcohol altogether in favour of alcohol-free options.

While the late kick offs are a key driver, the data reflects a wider cultural shift towards moderation, with ‘zebra striping’ (alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) becoming increasingly common during major sporting events and many looking to enjoy a match without any booze at all.

Fans can follow Mash Gangs Instagram on Saturday for live location updates or try to track the giant football down at popular locations across the city.