‘Stangs Take On
the WORLD

JamFest Europe
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Manchester, England

 

JamFest Europe - ITINERARY

Tuesday, May 27 - Tuesday, June 2 - Practice Days (Times TBA - will work around Elite Choreo)

Tuesday, June 3 - Last Practice and Earliest Departure Day

  • 10:00 - noon - Last Practice in Dallas; first option to travel to Europe this afternoon

  • Earliest Departure Date for any flight leaving after 10:00 a.m. Practice

Wednesday, June 4 - Optional Travel Day

Thursday, June 5 - Optional Travel Day

Friday, June 6 - Travel Day, Arrival Day in Manchester

  • All Athletes arrive in Manchester

  • 8:30 a.m. Program Photo (in uniform :)) in front of London Landmark (Buckingham Palace, Big Bend, Tower of London, etc.) on the way to the train station - TBA (optional!)

  • 9:00 a.m. Depart Team Photos for train station

  • 10:13 a.m. to 12:19 p.m. - Avanti Train from London Euston to Manchester (Man) Picadilly

  • 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Practice - Meet in Edwardian Hotel Lobby at 2:00 to walk to St. John’s Gardens for practice (location is tentative)

  • 3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Enjoy downtown Manchester or the hotel

  • 6:15 p.m. - Meet in Lobby to walk to Team Dinner

  • 6:30 p.m. - Team Dinner at Italiana Fifty Five in the Great Northern Warehouse behind the Edwardian Hotel

Saturday, June 7 - Competition Day!

Mustang International Divisions:
Globetrotters - L2 U12 SMALL
Mustang United - L3 U14
Revolution - L3 U16 SMALL

  • 1:06 p.m. - Globetrotters Compete - Hall B (Tentative meet time 11:30 a.m. in hotel lobby)

  • 2:30 p.m. - Globetrotters’ Awards - Champions’ Hall (we will have a small group at awards because Mustang United will be warming up!)

  • 3:03 p.m. - Mustang United Competes - Hall B (Meet at Convention Center after watching Globetrotters)

  • 4:45 - Mustang United Awards - Champions’ Hall

  • 6:12 p.m. - Revolution Competes - Hall B (Tentative meet time 4:45 p.m. at Convention Center)

  • 7:15 p.m. Revolution Awards - Champions’ Hall

Sunday, June 8 - Travel Day from Manchester

Performance Order (as of 5.31.25)

Check out our Mustang Divisions!

Mustang International Divisions:
Globetrotters - L2 U12 SMALL
Mustang United - L3 U14
Revolution - L3 U16 SMALL

Varsity Athlete Participation Waiver

All athletes must have an executed athlete participation waiver.

Manchester Hotel Information

Edwardian Hotel

Free Trade Hall, Peter St, Manchester M2 5GP, United Kingdom

BOOKING DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 6th

The Edwardian Hotel is conveniently located across the street from the Convention Center and downtown central to restaurants and shopping. Because this event is not a “stay-to-play,” you are welcome to stay at any hotel of your choice!

Booking Instructions:

  • Call: 011-44-161-835-9929 (press 1 and then 2)

  • Email: groups.manchester@edwardian.com

  • Code: MUST060625

  • Deposit: Credit Card needed at time of booking, no funds taken at time of booking

  • Cancellation Policy: 7-day cancellation policy, cancel within 7 days forfeit the whole stay

  • Booking Dates - Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th

  • For additional assistance, contact Mustang’s travel agent, Katie Roach at katie@strongtravel.com

ROOM CONFIGURATIONS:

2 People

  • Superior King - (No rollaway available for this room) 267pounds per night including VAT

  • Superior Twin Room (No rollaway available for this room) - 267pounds per night including VAT

3 People

  • Alfresco Suite - King Bed with Sofa Pull out - No contract rate available for Alfresco suites, subject to current rate and availability

4 People

  • Superior King connected to Superior Twin Beds - 534pounds per night including VAT

  • Alfresco Suite - King Bed with Sofa Pull out (rollaway can be accommodated if needed)- No contract rate available for Alfresco suites, subject to current rate and availability (Max 4 people in an Alfresco Suite)

5+ People

  • Alfresco Suite connected to Alfresco Suite - King Bed with Sofa Pullout connected to King Bed with Sofa Pullout - No contract rate available for Alfresco suites, subject to current rate and availability

Train from London to Manchester

Manchester Picadilly

If you would like to travel with Mustang from London to Manchester on Friday, June 6th, see plans below!

Meet Time: 9:30 a.m.

Meeting Location: Square outside of Euston Station (with large train schedule on screens)

Ticket Booking: Book Avanti West train from London Euston to Manchester Picadilly

Departure: 10:13 a.m. Arrival: 12:19 p.m.

NEW! UK Visa Application Requirement

NEW UK Visa applications are required for all adults and children. To make the process easier, we recommend using the app rather than the website.

You can find all the details by CLICKING HERE.

London Hotel Options

The Londoner Hotel - Leicester Square

Address: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 7451 0101

While our deadline for the block has expired, our travel agent, Katie Roach, can assist you with reservations.

Radisson Blu Hotel - Leicester Square

Address: 31-36 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 7839 9399

The Radisson is located next to the Londoner Hotel and a good alternative to the Londoner.

JamFest Competition Information

  • Varsity will keep its event site updated in the coming weeks!

  • Tickets are now on sale! All of our teams will compete on Saturday so only purchase a two-day pass if you would like to watch both days of the competition.

  • Manchester Central Convention Center

    Address: Windmill St, Manchester M2 3GX, United Kingdom

 

London Sightseeing and and Restaurant Ideas

Theme: “Royal and Historic London” Full Day Itinerary

Combining iconic landmarks, regal history, dramatic stories, and just the right amount of fun. Think castles, crowns, carriages, and a few Instagrammable stops too!

9:30 AM – Visit the Tower of London

  • Why: Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders (“Beefeaters”), raven legends, and tales of queens & intrigue.

11:30 AM – Tower Bridge Experience

  • Why: Walk across glass floors high above the Thames, and learn about Victorian engineering.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Borough Market

  • Why: London’s most iconic food market — grab a gourmet grilled cheese, tacos, or crepes.

1:30 PM – Stroll Along the South Bank (Optional: London Eye or Thames Cruise)

  • Why: Gorgeous river views, street art, live performers, and optional stops:

3:00 PM – Buckingham Palace & St. James’s Park

  • Why: Royal palace photo ops and possibly Changing of the Guard (check schedule).

  • Website (Palace): rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace

  • Park: royalparks.org.uk

  • Tickets: Buckingham Palace interior tours available in summer; otherwise enjoy the grounds.

4:00 PM – Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace (or Sketch)

  • Option A: The Rubens at the Palace

  • Option B: Sketch (The Gallery)

    • Funky, artsy afternoon tea in iconic pink or yellow rooms.

    • Website: sketch.london

5:30 PM – Explore Westminster Abbey (if still open) or Take Photos at Big B

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Ivy Victoria or Brown’s Hotel

  • Option A: The Ivy Victoria

  • Option B: Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel

Bonus Add-On Ideas:

Theme: “Chic Shopping & Selfies” Full Day Itinerary

London Itinerary for a trendy 14-year-old girl and her parents — filled with stylish boutiques, selfie moments, and plenty of café stops to recharge.

10:00 AM – Brunch at EL&N Café (Mayfair or Oxford Circus)

  • Why: Pink floral walls, heart-shaped waffles, glitter lattes — perfect Insta start.

11:15 AM – Selfie Factory or Dopamine Land

  • Option A: Selfie Factory (Westfield White City)

  • Option B: Dopamine Land (Kensington/High Street)

1:00 PM – Covent Garden: Shopping + Street Style

  • Why: Boutiques (Glossier, Charlotte Tilbury, M.A.C), Apple Market, fun street performers.

  • Snack Tip: Grab a bubble tea at CUPP or an ice cream at Milk Train (cotton candy cones).

  • Website: coventgarden.london

2:30 PM – Walk to Neal’s Yard (5 mins)

  • Why: One of London’s most colorful hidden courtyards — ideal photo spot.

  • Shops/Cafés: Wild Food Café, Neal’s Yard Remedies.

  • Free to visit

  • Neal’s Yard on Google Maps

3:00 PM – Visit Glossier London (just off Covent Garden)

  • Why: Stylish makeup/skincare store that feels like a beauty playground.

  • Address: 43 King St, London WC2E 8JY

  • Website: glossier.com

4:00 PM – Peggy Porschen (Belgravia or Chelsea)

  • Why: Iconic pastel-pink bakery covered in flowers — cakes are cute and delicious.

  • Website: peggyporschen.com

5:00 PM – King’s Road or Carnaby Street for Late Shopping

  • Option A: King’s Road (Chelsea)

    • Chic boutiques, vintage shops, and cool cafés.

  • Option B: Carnaby Street (Soho)

    • Edgier, more youthful — shops like Brandy Melville, Skinnydip, Urban Outfitters.

6:30 PM – Dinner at Circolo Popolare or Gloria

  • Why: Over-the-top Italian food, twinkly lights, and giant desserts to share.

  • Website (Both): bigmammagroup.com

 

Manchester Hot Spots

Afternoon Itinerary: Trendy Shopping + Insta Moments

 

Start: The Edwardian Manchester, 3:00 PM

  • Elegant hotel exterior – quick group selfie before heading out!

3:10–3:45 PM – 

New Cathedral Street & Market Street

(5–7 min walk from hotel)

Trendy shopping meets perfect photo backdrops.

Must-Shop:

  • Sephora (Arndale): For beauty testing & selfies with the bright, modern displays

  • Lululemon: Try-on mirror selfies in stylish athleisure

  • Zara: Great seasonal fashion

  • Brandy Melville (in Selfridges): Simple, cool-girl vibe

  • Urban Outfitters: Trendy interiors & photo-worthy dressing rooms

Instagrammable Spots:

  • Arndale’s Sephora Entrance – sleek black/white stripes

  • Selfridges escalator atrium – artsy lighting + mirror shots

  • Manchester Bee Pavement Mosaic on Exchange Square (right outside Selfridges)

3:45–4:10 PM – 

Sweet Treat Stop

Choose your vibe:

  • Milksha (Market Street) – pastel boba shop with cute branding

  • Ginger’s Comfort Emporium inside Afflecks – gourmet ice cream like “Marmalade on Toast”

Instagrammable Spot:

  • Milksha neon signs

  • Afflecks stairwell graffiti & mirror walls – a must-shoot stop

4:10–5:00 PM – 

Afflecks Palace + Northern Quarter Boutiques

Walk through the artsy Northern Quarter – creative energy and street style.

Explore:

  • Punky Pins – Fun earrings & stickers

  • Soapy J – Rainbow bath bombs

  • Pop Boutique – Retro ‘90s fashion

  • Thunder Egg – Kawaii fashion and accessories

Instagrammable Spots:

  • Afflecks Rooftop Window – bright painted windows

  • Tib Street & Oldham Street Murals – including the iconic “I MCR” mural

  • Record shops like Piccadilly Records – aesthetic album walls

5:00–5:30 PM – 

Street Art Stroll & Posing Session

Slowly loop back through:

  • Stevenson Square – rotating wall murals

  • Bee Wings Mural (Thomas Street) – stand in front for cute winged selfies

  • Pink phone box on Tib Street – TikTok heaven

5:30–6:00 PM – 

Cathedral Gardens & Back to The Edwardian

  • Chill at Cathedral Gardens (grass, fountain, benches)

  • Catch golden hour lighting for soft sunset selfies

  • Loop back past Royal Exchange Theatre’s arches – very photogenic

Summary Timeline

When: 3:00–3:10

What: Walk to New Cathedral Street

Selfie: Hotel exterior selfie

When: 3:10–3:45

What: Sephora, Lululemon, Zara, Brandy, Urban O.

Selfie: Selfridges atrium, Bee mosaic, Sephora

When: 3:45–4:10

What: Milksha or Ginger’s Treat Stop

Selfie: Neon signs, Afflecks stair murals

When: 4:10–5:00

What: Afflecks + Boutique shopping

Selfie: “I MCR” wall, Tib Street graffiti

When: 5:00–5:30

What: Street art photo walk

Selfie: Bee Wings mural, pink phone box

When: 5:30–6:00

What: Cathedral Gardens & walk back to hotel

Selfie: Sunset garden shots, Royal Exchange