SAVE THE DATE: MTRC to Celebrate 150th Anniversary
The Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club is set to celebrate its Sesquicentennial with special tournaments and exhibition matches on and surrounding its anniversary day of Friday, 22 May, 2026.
The Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club celebrates its Sesquicentennial on Friday 22nd May next year, 150 years after the first ball was struck on the old Rackets Court at Miller Street in an exhibition match involving the then World Champion, “Punch” Fairs, the Club marker, Tom Attreed, and two enthusiastic amateurs, J. Platt and Richard Entwistle.
Only four years later, in 1880, under threat of compulsory purchase, the Club moved to its present site on Blackfriars Road when the opportunity was taken to build a Tennis Court as well as a Rackets Court. Since then, the Club has had a continuous and illustrious history up to the present day.
Anniversary proceedings are planned to start on Monday 18th May 2026 with a Handicap Doubles Tennis Tournament and a Rackets Tournament which will continue throughout the week until Thursday 21 st May 2026. The actual Anniversary falls on Friday 22nd May 2026 and will be celebrated by Exhibition Matches at both Rackets and Tennis and a Reception with champagne & canapes.
The formal Sesquicentennial Dinner will be held at the Club on the evening of Saturday 23 rd May. The celebrations will conclude on Sunday 24 th May, whilst Monday 25 th May, which is a Bank Holiday in England, will be held in reserve to allow for contingencies. Other events will be fitted in during the week including Golf, Walking tours, Theatre trips etc.
Details of the local Hotel with rates and booking instructions are below. If you would like to stay with a member, please let Brendan Hegarty know and he will do his best, alternatively if you know any Manchester members it is worth giving them a ring.
Early expressions of interest will be welcome, please contact manager@mtrc.co.uk.
We look forward to seeing you in May.
The Maldron Hotel - a 5 minute walk from the Club
To book, phone reservations on 0161 777 2450 and any queries ask to speak to Jade.
Monday 18th May
£80 Bed and Breakfast
Tuesday 19th May & Wednesday
£110 Bed and Breakfast
Thursday 21st May
£90 Bed and Breakfast
Friday 22nd May
£105 Bed and Breakfast
Saturday 23rd May
£160 Bed and Breakfast
Totalling £555 for the 6 days.
Any double occupancy rooms would be an additional £10 for second person’s breakfast; cancellation would be x4 weeks prior so would need final numbers by then and payment to be settled. Thank you!
