Are you ready for one of the biggest Taekwondo events in the UK this year?

Manchester is set to come 𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 as Taekwondo talent from across the World head to the National Cycling Centre this weekend, and we can’t wait for the action to unfold on the mats.

As we get closer to the event, we wanted to share some key details to help you prepare for the weekend. Please take a moment to review the following information:

When does the action get underway?

Doors to the National Cycling Centre will open at 7:45am on both days, with the first fight scheduled for 9am.

Keep up to date

All official competition updates will be made via the British International Open page on the British Taekwondo website, and the British International Open WhatsApp Channel.

Please follow the links below to keep up to date

Join the British International Open WhatsApp Channel here
British International Open Event Page

Getting to the National Cycling Centre

The competition venue has the following address:

National Cycling Centre, Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ

Please be aware that there are other events taking place nearby during the British International Open that could lead to longer journey times:

Friday 24th April : Louis Tomlinson will be playing at Co-op Live at 19:00

Saturday 25th April : Olivia Dean will be playing at Co-op Live at 19:00

Sunday 26th April : Olivia Dean will be playing at Co-op Live at 19:00

The National Cycling has excellent links to Manchester city centre for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a direct connection on the Metrolink tram network, we encourage participants to make the most of these options when competing at the British International Open, rather than travelling by car.

By Tram [recommended]

Due to engineering works on the Metrolink network, the nearest stop is the nearby Etihad Campus, which is just a short walk from the venue. Trams to and from Etihad Campus are every 12 minutes, or every 15 minutes after 17:00 on Sundays.

From Manchester City Centre, head to St Peter’s Square, Piccadilly Gardens or Manchester Piccadilly Station, and board a tram heading towards Etihad Campus, the journey should take 10-15 minutes.

By Bus

To get to the National Cycling Centre from Manchester City Centre, the following bus routes are recommended:

Piccadilly Gardens (Stop D) Service number 216 to Sportcity – journey time 10 minutes.

Service numbers 230 and 231 also pass Sportcity/Etihad Campus. Alight at the Visitors Centre , and cross Alan Turing Way, to pass through the ASDA Eastlands car park, and cross the Velopark canal bridge. You will see the entrance to National Cycling Centre on your right, after crossing the bridge.

By Car

Limited free parking is available at the National Cycling Centre on a first come, first served basis.

Parking for disabled spectators on site is limited, parking will be for blue badge holders only.

For more information on how to get to the National Cycling Centre, please click here.

Pre-order your RISE Portraits British International Open photos

Our official photography partner RISE Portraits will be on hand to capture all the action in Manchester, and you can pre-order your photo event bundle on their website now.

Pre-order your British International Open photos here

Food and refreshments

The competition venue has a strict policy that only food and drink purchased in the venue can be taken into the seating stands.

There is only one exception which is for athletes as we understand the importance of carefully planned nutrition during competition.

There will be two catering kiosks available in the competition hall throughout the event serving hot and cold food and beverages, accommodating a wide range of dietary requirements. Please note – these will accept card payment only.

There are several other options outside the competition venue for food and drink including an Asda superstore and Starbucks coffee and McDonalds within a 5-minute walk.

Payment options

The British International Open is a cashless event.

This applies to spectator tickets and all other payments to British Taekwondo. Tickets can be purchased before the event via the JustTikit website, or QR codes will be available on the day to access entry to the viewing areas at the venue.

Security

Security bag searches will be in operation at the event. NCC management will accept a small bag, rucksack or similar for personal use. Multiple bags per spectator will not be permitted.

Please be prepared for this process and allow sufficient time before the start of the competition. NCC management reserves the right to inspect any bag and/or articles of clothing.

Please note that professional cameras are not permitted to be brought ito the venue without a media accreditation. Please also note that flash photography is not permitted.

Spectators are not permitted to bring the following items into the venue:

Please note: This is the policy of the venue operator GLL, and British Taekwondo are not permitted to overrule these restrictions.

Buggies and pushchairs
Large bags, holdalls or luggage (Larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm).
Food or drink, including water, but you are permitted to bring in one 500ml empty bottle each into the venue.
Glass, cans, aluminium bottles or thermoses of any kind including liquid products which can be consumed.
Flammable liquids in any container.
Laser pens/pointers.
Video cameras and professional cameras.
Laptop computers, iPads, Go Pro’s or tablets with filming capabilities.
Large/golf umbrellas.
Knives or weapons of any kind.
Illegal drugs or substances.
Signs, banners or flags on poles, staffs or selfie sticks.
Animals (except service animals to aid persons with disabilities).
Air horns, whistles, cowbells or other noise-making distractions.
Projectiles (frisbees, beach balls, footballs etc).
Fireworks, confetti or glitter bombs or sprays.
Balloons.
Wheeled footwear, skateboards.
Masks and helmets.
Anything else which we deem could ruin the enjoyment or viewing experience of others.

Spectator Behaviour Expectations

While we are all looking forward to an exciting weekend at the British International Open, we’d like to remind everyone that respect is at the heart of our sport.

The competition will be full of passion, skill, and determination, it’s important that all athletes, spectators, and officials are treated with courtesy throughout the event.

Spectator behaviour plays a vital role in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the Championships safely and fairly.

Spectators must show respect, stay positive, and follow rules. Clubs are responsible for managing conduct, with sanctions for misconduct ranging from warnings to bans or fines.

Let’s celebrate the talent on display and uphold the values of Taekwondo together.

We look forward to welcoming you and your athletes to Manchester for an exciting weekend of competition. Thank you as always for your support and for helping us to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Get involved

We want to see as many of your pictures and videos from across the weekend on social media, so use #BIO2026 to make sure we see your post!

We hope you are looking forward to the action in Manchester as much as we are. Two days of high-octane, competitive action awaits!