A hilarious new trend has taken Manchester by storm recently, as taxi drivers have reportedly been dropping off unsuspecting football fans and tourists not at the legendary Old Trafford home of Manchester United, but at the Gandeys Circus Big Top tent at the Trafford Centre.
With the proposed redesign of Manchester United’s iconic stadium drawing comparisons to a circus tent, it seems local cabbies – some suspected to be cheeky Manchester City supporters – have decided to have a bit of fun at the expense of eager fans visiting from out of town.
Gandeys Circus, currently touring at the Trafford Centre, has welcomed the accidental visitors with open arms, even offering discounted two for one tickets and photo ops with the performers to those expecting to see the Theatre of Dreams.
“We had a group turn up the other day in full United kits, looking around confused and asking where the statue of Sir Alex Ferguson was,” laughed a Gandeys Circus spokesperson. “They soon realised the only clowns here were ringmaster Joel and Bippo the clown also no footballs in sight only juggling balls and the biggest ball of all the thunderdome of which motorbikes travel at record speeds. But they took it in good spirits!”
Rumours are circulating that the prank is being carried out by a group of mischievous taxi drivers who either support Manchester City – or just love a bit of chaos. One unnamed cabbie was overheard saying, “Well, if the new stadium’s gonna look like a big top, they might as well see the real thing!”
As debate over the future of Old Trafford continues, Gandeys Circus has leaned into the joke, posting on social media:
“Dreams may be made at Old Trafford, but magic happens under the Big Top!”
Fans are advised to double-check their destination with drivers and perhaps keep an eye out for red noses on the dashboard.