Now it’s time for the Soccer Aid party to kick off
STARS HEAD TO HILTON AFTER BIG MATCH
AFTER that thrilling penalty shoot out won by England at Old Trafford, the stars of Soccer Aid were in the mood to party.
And both the England and Rest of the World teams headed to Manchester’s Hilton Hotel on Deansgate to celebrate raising millions for charity through the televised game on Sunday night.
They were joined by family, friends and the TV crew – including presenter Kirsty Gallacher who had chatted to players pitchside during the game, and Cold Feet star James Nesbitt who had been a pundit for the ITV coverage.
The game at the home of Manchester United ended 3-3 – followed by a tense penalty shoot out that also saw honours even leading to sudden death penalties.
England proved victorious after Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison netted the winning goal.
But while sprint legend Usain Bolt may not have tasted victory on the pitch as captain of the RTW XI and he was still in the mood for a spot of dancing off it at the party.
For as he arrived at the Hilton Hotel with the teams he couldn’t resist a bit of a jig!
Take That star Robbie Williams was unable to take part in the match this year, but was all smiles as he arrived at the after-party after watching his team lift the Soccer Aid trophy.
England’s Mark Wright was also full of smiles as he joined the revels, and his wife Michelle Keegan had earlier cheered him on at Old Trafford.
Former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown headed to the hotel bash to catch up with her ex-United player hubby Wes Brown who played in the match on his Old Trafford return.
And it was something of a Red Devils reunion for the footballers, with ex-United stars Phil Neville, Michael Owen, Edwin van der Sar and Jaap Stam all involved in this year’s Soccer Aid.
The party at the Hilton’s grand ballroom, organised by Manchester’s event organiser-to-the-stars Julie Perry, was described by some guests as ‘like an old-school rave’ as DJs played into the early hours. Also spotted at the after-party was TOWIE star Samantha Faiers, arriving with her hubby Paul, after cheering on her former TOWIE costar Mark Wright in the game. Mark’s glam sister Jessica Wright had earlier been spotted in Manchester heading off to watch the game alongside her sister-in-law Michelle. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, body coach Joe Wicks and Rak-Su pop star Myles Stephenson were also among those at the party. The Soccer Aid game raised an incredible £5.5m for UNICEF, and saw the return of ‘King’ Eric Cantona to Old Trafford. The Frenchman headed onto the pitch during the second half to a rapturous reception from fans.