Today, Grammy and Emmy Award winning comedian, actor, director, writer and producer, Chris Rock has announced his highly anticipated return to live comedy in the U.K. with his Ego Death World Tour 2022. This is his first U.K. tour in 5 years and he’s set to hit Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Produced by Live Nation, the exclusive arena run kicks off Thursday May 12 in London before travelling to U.K. and closing in Manchester on Sunday 15 May. General on sale for tickets start 10am on Friday 18 March at LiveNation.co.uk
 
Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director.
 
Rock recently wrapped production on the upcoming Higher Ground produced biopic, “Rustin '' and David O’Russell’s Untitled film. He is also set to direct an Untitled Chris Rock project in 2023.
 
In 2021 Rock starred as Loy Cannon in season 4 of FX’s Emmy-winning drama series “Fargo.”  He also teamed up with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures in the reimagining of the newest Saw franchise movie, “Spiral,” in which he produced and starred in. His most recent standup special, “Total Blackout: The Tamborine Extended Cut,” is currently streaming on Netflix.
 
In 2014 he led the ensemble cast of “Top Five,” a critically acclaimed comedy feature that he also wrote and directed. In 2009 Rock ventured into the documentary world as a writer and producer of “Good Hair,” and in 2014 he executive produced “Eat Drink Laugh: The Story of the Comic Strip,” a documentary recounting the history of one of New York’s most famous comedy venues.  His feature acting credits include The Week Of, the Grown Ups and Madagascar franchises, 2 Days in New York, Death at a Funeral, Nurse Betty, Dogma, the hip-hop comedy CB4, and New Jack City.
 
His television work includes serving as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1989 - 1993 and as executive producer, writer and narrator for the series “Everybody Hates Chris.” The series ran from 2005 - 2009 and is still one of the highest rated syndicated shows in the world.
 
In 2011, Rock made his Broadway debut starring in Stephen Adly Guirgis’s The Motherf**ker With The Hat.  
 
Rock has won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. In addition, he received two nominations for the 2016 Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Director for a Variety Special for “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” and Outstanding Special Class Program for the 88th Annual Academy Awards.
 
Chris Rock’s Ego Death tour will no doubt be cultural calendar highlight of the year!
 
TICKETS: 
General on sale for tickets start 10am on Friday 18 March at LiveNation.co.uk
 
TOUR DATES:
Thu 12 May       Royal Albert Hall, London
Fri 13 May        Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Sat 14 May       First Direct Arena, Leeds
Sun 15 May      AO Arena, Manchester
 

With rising fuel costs set to bring misery to homes across the country, New Open Property Group research found that just 40% of homes in England meet the recommended Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above.

The EPC scale is ranked from A-G and is used to measure the efficiency of a property based on the level of its emissions, its potential heat or energy loss and its likely fuel costs.

Currently, 63% of properties in the City of London meet the EPC rating of ‘C’ or above. This is closely following by Salford, which has 58% of properties meeting the recommended energy rating and Peterborough, where 53% of its properties are in the band of ‘C’ or above. 

At the other end of the scale Birmingham was ranked last, where only 31% of homes meet the target energy rating. Both Stoke-on-Trent and Lancaster also fell below the nationwide average with 32% and 33% of their properties respectively scoring an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above.

In terms of regions across England, London saw 45% of its properties meeting the EPC band of ‘C’ or above. Yorkshire and The Humber was the lowest scoring region on the list, where only 35% of its properties meet the recommended EPC standards of ‘C’.

What does this also mean for UK landlords? The Government have proposed a bill where all rental properties would need to meet a compulsory energy performance certificate rating of band “C” on new tenancies by December 2025.

Openpropertygroup.com Managing Director, Jason Harris-Cohen said:  

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“The Government is proving relentless in its quest to be carbon net zero by 2050. Landlords are seen as a soft target and raising the bar in terms of EPC standards feels somewhat unfair. Buy-to-let owners have not long finished ensuring their properties meet the current ‘E’ EPC rating but now face three years of further eco improvements to reach a new ‘C’ target. Sadly, the energy efficiency measures required in the near future are the most expensive. Switching to LED light bulbs alone isn’t going to be enough - we’re moving into the territory of solar panels, cavity wall insulation and air source heat pumps.”
“Landlords will seriously have to look at their yields when it comes to profits, margins and financing energy efficiency works. Some of the UK’s biggest cities – Leeds, Birmingham and Brighton – have some of the biggest issues with poor EPC ratings. Once the sums are done, many landlords will find they won’t be able to recoup any eco investments, especially if their local area can’t tolerate increased rents.” 

“The UK’s ageing housing stock also presents an issue, with period and pre-war properties falling short when it comes to EPC ratings. We forecast a trend towards investing in new homes – especially given that data released by the Government showed that 97% of new homes delivered in the second quarter of 2021 had an EPC rating of C or above.”

Sources: 2022 Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Committees

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) indicates the energy efficiency of a building. The assessments are banded from A to G, where A is the most efficient in terms of likely fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions.

For more information please visit www.openpropertygroup.com

About Open Property Group

Open Property Group are a professional house buying company who help people sell their properties quickly. They buy all types of properties (including vacant or let), throughout England and Wales.

Open Property Group specialise in buy to let property purchasing which suit landlords who want to cash in property quickly without disrupting the tenants.
Homeowners benefit from selling their house fast, with a completion date fixed to the owners’ requirements. By selling directly, you pay no agent fees, ‎and can plan ahead with certainty. We also pay your agreed legal costs too.
 

Salford's annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Non-binary, plus (LGBT+) pride event returns once again this year to Peel Park, Salford, M5 4WU on Saturday 25th June, 1-8pm.

The grass roots event is back for its eleventh year, bringing together the local community to showcase the diversity within Salford.

The day will host an array of live entertainment on the main stage, showcasing a roster of local diverse LGBT+ talent and headline artists. you can expect to see drag, musicians, dancers, DJ’s and powerful words from prominent voices in the community, including Salford Pride patron and trans activist Annie Wallace (Hollyoaks).

In previous years, The Pink Picnic has hosted big names such as Ru Paul Drag Race’s Cheryl Hole, Booty Luv & Big Brovaz, Stooshe, The Cheeky Girls, Eurovision’s SuRie, Union J and local legend Cheddar Gorgeous.

This year will be no different with a jam-packed line-up of talent.

As well as their main stage the event will host community stalls promoting local groups, organisations and charities, activities and entertainment for families, children, and LGBT+ youth, funfair rides, a bar tent, food and drink vendors and much more.

Grab your FREE general admission tickets now, for more info visit: https://pp22.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=facebook

For those looking for a little extra PinkPLUS experience tickets are NOW on sale at an early bird price: https://pinkplus2022.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=facebook

Covid Restrictions: Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic restrictions maybe in place depending on Government guidelines. More information will be available nearer the event date at: www.pinkpicnic.org.uk

Police were called at around 12:30pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 13th March) after reports of a young boy having suffered a medical episode at a house on Firth Close in Lower Broughton.

Paramedics were quickly on scene and he was transferred to Salford Royal but sadly passed away not long after arrival.

The North West Air Ambulance also reportedly landed at the nearby Alberts Park in order to assist.

A GMP Spokesperson, said:

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"Police were called around 12.30pm on Sunday 13 March to Firth Close, Salford to a report of a child suffering from a medical episode.

"The child - a boy - was taken to hospital but despite the best efforts of hospital staff sadly died a short while later.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

 

Neither the boys age or name have yet been disclosed so we ask that people to not post them in the comments as it would be unfair to the family at this sad time.

The cities only 24/7 FM radio station is in a fight to keep the music playing and needs the help of the public to stay on air.

Salford City Radio which broadcasts on 94.4FM, has launched a crowd-funder for £20K in order to help keep the station broadcasting over the next 5-years as it seeks to renew its Ofcom licence and improve its aging equipment.

The multi award winning station which broadcasts from its base at Swinton Civic Centre, has served the community for almost 15-years and in that time it has provided a valuable voice for local people, community groups and charitable organisations across Salford.

The station is ran by one full time member of staff (Jill Bowyer) and is manned by almost 80 volunteers, representative of the huge melting which is the wide and varied community of Salford.

The community station is ran as a not-for-profit venture and although it does make money from selling ad space, it does not make nearly enough to cover its full costs. SCR is more than just a radio station though as it provides education and training in the industry to those who often would not otherwise have the opportunity. Many of those presenters at the station have used it as a vital stepping stone to bigger things with some going on to find jobs in commercial radio at stations like Capital and BBC Greater Manchester.

Most importantly the station continues to help countless people within Salford who suffer from both mental health as well as physical disabilities. For some it truly has been a life saver which has helped improve their mental health as well as they self-confidence and overall well-being.

Salford Council was forced to remove funding for the station due to changes in how funding can be allotted, but continues to help the station by accommodating the stations studios and transmitter, without which support the station would have been forced to close already.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic the station was instrumental in helping to provide REAL information to those who needed to hear it the most, no click bait, no alarming headlines, just facts, figures and valuable information. It played a huge part in informing the public and it only goes to highlight just how important it is to ensure the station remains on air.

If you can help keep this vital resource broadcasting upon the airwaves then please consider a donation via their crowd-funder page (link below).

Salford has lost far too much of its home-grown local media over the years with the closure of SalfordOnline and the Salford Star to name just a few. We are supposed to be THE MediaCity but it is a sad fact that local media struggles against the behemoths next door in Manchester.

Salford City Radio's entire operating costs for the next five years are a drop in the ocean for the much larger regional and national stations which broadcast over our airwaves and we challenge the likes of Hits Radio Manchester and Capital Manchester as well as the BBC to get involved and help fund local radio, as in doing so they would also be supporting the next generation of presenters who may go on to become future stars on their own platforms.

As for local business, there exists an image that the bigger the news outlet the more reach your ads have, well I can assure you that stations like SCR have a much deeper reach into those target areas, speaking directly to people within the community, an ad on SCR is a no-brainer as they are a lot cheaper than main stream commercial radio and far more effective at engaging with a targetted local audience.

Should the worst case scenario happen and the station play its last tune, it would be a very sad day for this city and yet another nail in the coffin for local media. So please support what we still have and ensure that Salford has a media presence into the future.

Website: http://www.salfordcityradio.org

Listen: http://www.salfordcityradio.org/listen.php

Donate: SCR Crowd-Funder Page

Police in Eccles say that a man from the borough who had been arrested and charged for exposing himself AGAIN at Edwin Court , Canal Bank, has now been jailed.

Carl Hulme, aged 54, from Westwood Park, Eccles appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court on 8th Feb and was sentenced to 6 months in prison.

It would appear that it is not the first time he has done this.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says the city-region has a crucial role to play in developing the next generation of scientists as he launched a major scientific festival today (Saturday 12 March). 

This weekend the city plays host to New Scientist Live, which has more than 40 speakers and 30 exhibitors showcasing the latest in science and technology.

From the fight against climate change and exploring the deep oceans to growing a supermassive black hole, our relationship with artificial intelligence and the mind’s power to impact health and longevity, New Scientist Live will stimulate, challenge and inspire with some of today’s biggest scientific discoveries and ideas.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said.

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“It is the first time New Scientist Live has come to Manchester, a world-class hub of scientific and technological learning, research, innovation and industry and we are proud to host this festival.

“Greater Manchester has an important role to play in the future of scientific and technological discovery to build on our heritage of discovery and innovation here.

“I’m pleased to officially open this festival and I’m particularly inspired by the number of young people with us who are passionate about science and technology, including many primary and secondary schools from across Greater Manchester, who are here today. It bodes well because we have an important role to play in developing the scientists of the future.”

 

Adrian Newton, commercial and events director of New Scientist Live, said:

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“It’s amazing to host this event in Manchester which is, of course, internationally recognised as one of the leading global science and technology hubs.

“The event is aimed at anyone who has an enquiring and inquisitive mind. The unique mix of demonstrations, discussions and interactive experiences will amaze and inspire. The scientific and technological heritage of Manchester means it’s the perfect location for the world’s greatest science festival.”

 

Brain and body, the universe, the earth and technology & engineering are the four themes that will run through stimulating talks, interactive performances, workshops and hands-on activities geared towards scientists of all ages.

Salford Uni were on hand to demonstrate virtual worlds and technology to both young and old alike.

Talks and discussions will be led by leading academics, entrepreneurs and experts in their field include Radha Boya (Chair of Nanoscience at University of Manchester), Christopher Jackson (Chair in Sustainable Geoscience at the University of Manchester), Dallas Campbell (TV presenter and author) and Jon Chase who is best known for his science ‘raps’ for NASA, BBC and Chester Zoo.

Find out more and get tickets here.

THE founder of Salford Survivor Project, a charity aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse, has been appointed as co-chair of Greater Manchester’s newly formed Gender-Based Violence board.

Jane Gregory, who lives in Salford and founded the charity in 2013 following her own experiences of domestic violence, will help the board continue its work to tackle gender-based violence in Greater Manchester.

The board, co-chaired by Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice and fire, Bev Hughes, met for the first time in December 2021 which coincided with the launch of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s ‘Is This OK’ campaign.

Jane said:

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“Greater Manchester is looking to lead the way in combatting gender-based violence and I am delighted to be joining the board as co-chair. I want to use my voice, both as a survivor of abuse and for sharing the voice of the thousands of survivors I have helped, to show the reality of gender-based violence. My appointment shows those who have suffered abuse or trauma that there is life after abuse. 

“I believe the system has to change and to fix it we need to know where the holes are, by using the experiences of those living with violence and understanding the issues they face. The board seeks to make systemic changes in the hope of reaching those impacted by gender-based violence, empowering them to make a change, and helping them on their journey.” 

 

Jane became a mother aged 18 after growing up in a violent household. She in turn experienced violence and spent time in refuges and homeless units. She has seen history repeating itself within her own family, with her daughter also experiencing violence in a relationship, and she now wants to reach those trapped in similar cycles.

She added:

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“For my own granddaughter and for every other child in this world, the cycle of abuse has to be broken and we are the ones to break it,” said Jane. “As survivors of abuse, the one thing that cannot be taken is our voice. That voice gives us the power to take back our lives and give the guilt and shame back to the people who chose to hurt us.”

Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes said:

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“It is vital that we hear the experiences of people who have lived through gender-based violence and use their insight to shape the services we offer and the way we tackle gender-based behaviours and crimes.

“Through the board’s work, we aim to create a strong, accountable, victim-centred approach that changes the reality of gender-based violence for generations to come. I am delighted that Jane is joining our mission and her voice will be invaluable.

“It’s poignant that Jane’s appointment comes in the week we mark International Women’s Day as she herself has overcome such adversity in a bid to achieve a better future for our women and girls as well as call out the inequality that perpetuates gender-based violence.”

 

The gender based violence board was established following the publication of the GMCA gender based violence strategy in September 2021. Jane is one of four members representing VCSE organisations that support victims and survivors and that there are two members with lived experience from Greater Manchester communities. Other members include professionals from public agencies across the city-region.  

From Thursday 10 March - Thursday 5 May

From the makers of smash hit the Isklander trilogy and The Drop comes a brand new interactive short film this Spring, where two timelines intersect.  

Immersive entertainment company Swamp Motel today announce The Alter. This brand-new, interactive short film will be unleashed globally and for free as part of The Lowry's LIVE NOW digital commissioning programme for a limited time only from Thursday 10 March - Thursday 5 May.  

The Alter is an exciting new digital venture which follows Swamp Motel’s thrilling live experience The Drop, which just ended its debut season in London, and the Isklander trilogy, their hugely successful online game series, which demonstrated new digital possibilities in immersive entertainment, first developed as a creative response to the pandemic. Swamp Motel continue to develop and evolve these digital possibilities, leading them to create their first short film, The Alter, part of The Lowry’s LIVE NOW digital commissioning programme.   

One story, two timelines. It’s up to you to discover the narrative as you click to switch between the night before and the morning after. A group of city-dwelling friends in need of a break from London unite at a remote country house for a weekend away, ready to recharge and reconnect with nature.  

When they find an old map of the grounds and hear the story of an old family mystery of hidden wonders to discover somewhere in the land, a nocturnal hunt for buried treasure begins. What they unearth will alter them forever.  

The Alter asks questions many of us have asked before - would we be happier somewhere else? Is the grass really greener? At a crossroads in life, four friends must decide where they really want to be in life.  

Swamp Motel are once again employing interactive technologies to share this story, as dual narratives run concurrently - the night before and the morning after. Matched exactly, shot for shot, audiences will click to switch between morning and night, discovering the mystery as they go along. At night, you find yourself watching four friends drinking in a dining room, click to morning and see only the detritus of the party. Spend too long in one story, and you might miss a crucial moment. It’s up to you to choose the timeline you want to follow and piece together the narrative of a weekend where everything changes.  

Hosted on Swamp Motel’s website, audiences will be able to watch and interact with this short film whenever - and as many times as - they choose, until Thursday 5 May.   

Interactive short film is a new medium for Swamp Motel, who constantly look to innovate and evolve in their creative process, finding new ways to experiment with audience agency and role within a narrative. Isklander first put audiences into the centre of an online mystery to be solved collaboratively, The Drop transported them physically to London’s criminal underworld and now The Alter asks you to sit outside the mystery and act as detective, piecing it together as it unfolds in front of you.  

Swamp Motel’s company founders and creative directors Clem Garritty and Ollie Jones commented:

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'Over the past two years we have pushed our creative output in a bid to give audiences further agency and explore interactivity within our stories. In creating The Alter, we knew that we wanted to challenge ourselves to work creatively in a limited timeframe. We filmed The Alter in only three days, filming two timelines shot-for-shot, and finding space for creativity and playfulness within the challenge we had set for ourselves. We are delighted with the final film and can’t wait to share it with our audiences for free online.'

The Alter has been developed as part of The Lowry’s LIVE NOW digital commissioning programme for mid-career artists and companies to create new work for audiences to experience online and through digital platforms.

Antonia Beck, Senior Producer: Artist Development at The Lowry said:

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“Swamp Motel are pioneers in their field, creating thrilling in-person and online experiences that blur the boundaries between theatre, film and gaming, and placing audiences at the heart of the action. We are delighted to have supported the company to develop their latest work, The Alter, as part of our Live Now digital commissioning programme. An interactive short film in Swamp Motel's celebrated style of storytelling, using an exciting new digital form. We can't wait for audiences to experience it.”

Creators Ollie Jones and Clem Garritty formed Swamp Motel in 2017. Both co-founders of the critically acclaimed comedy theatre company Kill the Beast, they have been weaving immersive storytelling webs for the stage and screen around the world together for over ten years. The Drop gave UK audiences their first opportunity to experience a Swamp Motel full-scale live production, in their home city of London. With The Alter, Swamp Motel continue to experiment with new form as they delve more into the film and tv world. They have worked alongside Amazon Prime Video to produce Panic, The Experience, which launched alongside  the release of Amazon drama series Panic. In July 2021, Swamp Motel secured a deal with Gaumont UK - the British arm of the French company behind Lupin and Narcos - to option the film and tv rights for the Isklander trilogy, which is now set for TV adaptation.  

The company will be visiting SXSW this March, presenting a panel discussion alongside Punchdrunk Enrichment and Secret Cinema, asking To IP or not to IP in immersive storytelling. SXSW visitors will be able to watch The Alter online as part of the festival’s special events.  

Salfordian actress and local favourite, Catherine Tyldesley, best known for playing Eva Price in Coronation Street collaborates with Salford City Council on the next phase of their ‘Home is On Your High Street’ campaign.

Salford City Council’s ‘Home is On Your High Street’ campaign was developed and began in December 2021 encouraging locals to rediscover high streets and to support local businesses.  Right across the length and breadth of the city there are countless independent cafes and restaurants, hairdressers, bars, butchers, green grocers, locksmiths, delis – all have supported their local communities in recent times beyond just their business focus; many continued to be the heart of the community, a haven when one was needed most, and a friendly face for residents to connect with. And while some businesses have stood for generations, Salford is also seeing the opening of new enterprises on its high streets. Now is the time they need everyone’s support. A series of vibrant outdoor media advertising focusing on this message to enjoy and shop local continues across the city.

This was followed by a successful four day tour of Salford over February half-term where Salford music festival ‘Sounds From the Other City’ and outdoor arts producers ‘Walk the Plank’ brought live music and art to 7 areas of the city. BBC Philharmonic brass trio, Tucano Samba Band, LangworthyLive and Irlam and Cadishead Festival were just some of the many musicians and artists involved in bringing live music to our high streets.

In this next instalment of the campaign, Salford City Council commissioned creative agency ‘Whistlejacket’ with a brief to produce a short film focusing on the message to engage residents to support local businesses. And so, the search was on for a recognisable Salfordian to be the face of the campaign. Catherine Tyldesley was the natural choice - always supportive of her hometown and has collaborated with the Council on previous projects promoting Salford. The short film will be shown on Connected TV in Salford for the next fortnight as part of the ‘Home is on the High Street’ campaign.

Cath Tyldesley said:

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“It was great to be asked to be involved with this campaign, supporting Salford businesses coming out of a very difficult few years. Being from Salford myself, and living locally - anyone who knows me will know I’m always championing the city that I love, talking about the great things it has to offer. I had such a fun time shooting the film and talking to staff working in lovely independent shops and cafes. I’m very excited and can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

The film was shot over half a day taking in multiple high street locations, giving a real sense of the unique and diverse communities we have across the city.

Salford City Councillor David Lancaster, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said:

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“It's been wonderful to see the ‘Home is on your High Street’ campaign come to life across the city. All thanks to funding from the Welcome Back Fund and European Regional Development Fund, we’ve been able to further support local businesses and communities across Salford with this campaign. And now I'm delighted to see Salfordian, Catherine Tyldesley, as the face of a new short film highlighting some of the many independent businesses across the city. I hope people see it and are reminded that they need our support.”

The film is now live via Salford City Council’s YouTube Channel and will be shown on Connected TV.

Manchester will be paying homage to the Emerald Isle next week with 'The Manchester Irish Weekender' - to help Mancunians and visitors alike celebrate all things Irish.

The free music and street food event runs from St Patrick's Day, Thursday 17 March, through to Sunday 20 March on the boardwalk in Piccadilly Gardens.

The city already plays host to an annual community organised city-wide Irish Festival and this new additional event has been put together to help bring a taste of Ireland into the heart of the city centre itself.

It will see a foot-stomping programme of live music and dance, alongside food and drink stalls with traditional Irish tipples on tap, including glasses of Ireland's infamous stouts, as well as Irish coffees, and classic hot toddies to warm the coldest of hearts and hands.

Irish dancers, pipe bands and Irish folk musicians will be taking to the stage in the middle of the gardens throughout the long weekend and promise to get even the most reluctant toe-tappers dancing with free entertainment every day from 12 noon to 7 pm.

The event has been funded through the European Regional Development Fund and their Welcome Back Fund which has provided councils across the country with a share of £56 million to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic.

Manchester Councillor Pat Karney, city centre lead for Manchester City Council, said:

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"We all know that if you can't be in the Emerald Isle itself then Manchester is the next best place to celebrate St Patrick's Day.  We also know that one day alone isn't nearly long enough to celebrate all that's great about Ireland and its unique cultural heritage of music and dance - which is why we've put together the weekender event to share the love over four days and give everyone a chance to enjoy the craic.  

"It's brilliant to see so many people already coming back into the city centre to enjoy what it has to offer, and the Manchester Irish Weekender gives another good reason to come into town.  It's going to be fantastic, so find a shamrock, wear something green, and come on down!"

 

Other events to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Manchester include the annual parade organised by the Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill which takes place this Sunday 13 March, and the Manchester Irish Festival which has events throughout the month up to 20 March.

This weekend's parade will start from the Irish World Heritage Centre on Queen's Road in

Cheetham Hill at 12 noon on Sunday and will follow a route down Cheetham Hill Road as far as the AO Arena before turning round and following the same route back to where it started.  

Highlights of the Manchester Irish Festival include the award-winning Fianna Phadraig Pipe band who are coming up to their 75th anniversary and will be taking the festival on tour with visits to different locations across the city throughout this weekend, before touring Levenshulme, Burnage, and Fallowfield on St Patrick's Day itself.

For more information about what's on during The Manchester Irish Weekender head to https://www.manchester.gov.uk/irishweekender

For more information on Manchester Irish Festival visit http://www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk/

The council joined the campaign launched by the Salford Social Value Alliance in 2017, pledging to do its bit towards improvements in the city.

A report has been published setting out the achievements from 2017 to 2021 and Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has now set out the next phase of the campaign.

https://www.salford.gov.uk/media/397660/social-impact-report-2017-to-2021.pdf

He joined leaders from the city’s private, public and community/voluntary sector on Thursday 10 March in launching the next phase of Salford’s 10% Better campaign.

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“We set out to recruit 10% more young people aged 16 to 24 into apprenticeships with the council and have increased that by over 1,000 per cent,” City Mayor Paul Dennett said.

“Since 2017, we have employed 446 apprentices from all age groups with another 130 expected to start by March 2022. This is giving people a chance to start their careers with good quality training.

“It’s about encouraging the whole city to step up – asking people to recycle more, dispose of waste properly so our parks are not spoilt by litter, and come forward to volunteer and give back to Salford.

“In addition, the council and its partners will continue working hard to get more people into good jobs and persuade more local employers to pay the real Living Wage as we have done for care workers.

“If we can meet these targets – as we did between 2017 and 2021 - they will have a real, beneficial impact on people’s lives and our city. I hope everyone will get behind 10% Better and do their bit for Salford.”

 

The targets for the next phase are to support 10% more:

  People volunteering

  People in employment, education and training

  People saying they have good wellbeing

  Recycling

  Digital inclusion

  Companies/organisations paying the real Living Wage

  Purchasing from Salford-based suppliers

  Use and care of green and blue (water) spaces

  Reduction in carbon emissions

  And 10 per cent less household waste

Mayor Dennett said the drive to encourage more employers in Salford to pay the real Living Wage has also been a huge success with a 116 per cent increase in council suppliers accredited as real Living Wage employers. In 2019 Salford set out to become England’s first Living Wage city and has seen the number of accredited Living Wage organisations and businesses in the city rise from 32 in 2019 to 68 in 2021.

The council also pledged to meet two green targets. It has introduced a car club, including electric vehicles, which staff can use during business hours and the public can use outside business hours,  cutting business miles travelled by more than 479,000 and carbon emissions by 137 tonnes since 2019.

It has reduced gas and electricity use across all council buildings from offices to leisure centres and by 8.5% and cut C02 by 31.5% since 2017. Work continues to install more solar panels as part of the council’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2038.

Looking for something to do with the kids this summer?

A fantastic new family friendly festival attraction is set to roar into Cheshire this summer.

The Cheshire Festival of Power will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend in the stunning surroundings of the 50-acre Ashley Hall Showground near Altrincham.

The two-day event, on 27-28 August, promises to delight and excite petrolheads, music lovers or anyone who simply loves a sunny and social day out.

Organisers have drawn together a brilliant line-up of amazing attractions and entertainment to thrill and surprise festivalgoers.

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Motor Brand Showcase which will feature classic and supercar paddocks packed with exclusive models like Bentley, Rolls Royce, McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Nissan Nismo, Tesla and more.

There will also be classic and superbikes – including Ducati and Honda – on display.

And visitors will be able to learn more about some of their favourite vehicles with a host of car clubs set to be in attendance, while there will also be a fascinating steam and traction engine display.

The festival showground will be alive with entertainment throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend, with attractions including a traditional funfair with all your favourite rides, a daredevil zip line, watersports, and GB Helicopters who will display one of their fleet next to the main stage.

Special arena entertainment will be led by Bolddog FMX, the UK’s top freestyle motocross display team, which will captivate audiences with its daring stunts and non-stop aerial action including the ‘Superman seat grab’, ‘switch blade’ and ‘kiss of death’.

And the arena will also host Nick Gregory’s Misselchalke Gundogs. The internationally recognised dog trainer, who is in demand on both sides of the Atlantic, will showcase his skillful training techniques with the assistance of a range of gundogs from spaniels to Labradors and from puppies to fully trained animals in this unmissable, family-friendly show.

Many more acts are still to be announced.

Meanwhile the festival also boasts a marvellous music line-up with two nights of stellar live performances on the main stage.

Soul singer Heather Small will headline on Saturday 27 August.

Heather Small became one of the voices of the 1990s as lead singer of M-People whose songs including Moving On Up, One Night In Heaven and Search For The Hero became a soundtrack to the decade. She has since had great successes with two solo albums, while the title track of her Proud album went on to become an Olympic anthem.

And on Sunday 28 August there’s a chance to break out all those groovy disco moves when the brilliant Boney M, featuring Maisie Williams, take centre stage. The legendary Euro-Caribbean disco group have sold more than 80 million records worldwide since they were formed in the 1970s.

Expect a night of classic hits including Daddy Cool, Sunny, Brown Girl in the Ring, Rivers of Babylon, Hooray! Hooray! It’s a Holiday, and their sensational 2021 TikTok version of Rasputin which topped the charts.

There will be joined by a full programme of live music on the stage throughout the two days.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a wide range of delicious and carefully chosen gourmet food and drink options – with the festival beer being Moretti, and an artisan Makers Market packed with gift and craft stalls.

And ahead of the festival, organisers are promising an amazing family car raffle. The winning ticket will be picked live at the event itself – with the prize being a new family car worth up to £60,000.

Cheshire Festival of Power Managing Director Sir Peter Grainger said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring this great new event to Cheshire, and we know all our visitors will have a fantastic time this August Bank Holiday.

“We plan to grow the Cheshire Festival of Power into a permanent annual event and number one choice for car fanatics, music lovers, foodies and for families who enjoy a social day out together.”

Day tickets are £27.50 for adults and £10 for children – while youngsters aged four and under, go free (although you will need to order a ticket). There are also special family and weekend ticket options.

VIP Experience tickets include fast track entrance, access to a VIP area with special bars, foodstalls and toilets, a complimentary glass of champagne or bottle of premium beer, and entrance to the Secret Wood – an exclusive cosy lantern-lit area behind the main stage with bespoke music, bars and food.

And an Ultimate Hospitality Experience includes the full VIP package with the addition of access to a caddy to go to any location in the festival, a drinks/table package in the hospitality suite, and a meet-and-greet with the headline acts.

All tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Cheshire Festival of Power will take place across the weekend of Saturday 27 August and Sunday 28 August 2022, at Ashley Hall Showground near Altrincham.

For more information visit www.cheshirefestivalofpower.co.uk/

Book tickets via Ticketline at https://www.ticketline.co.uk/cheshire-festival-of-power#bio

Website:         www.cheshirefestivalofpower.co.uk/    

Facebook:       @CheshireFestivalofPower

Instagram:      @cheshirefestivalofpower

On International Women’s Day 8th March shoppers at Swinton Asda were able to find out the latest news for women born in the 1950s about their case for compensation for changes to their state pension age. 

Members of the Salford and Eccles Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) Campaign ran an information stand and gave out leaflets and flowers. 

Campaign Co-ordinator Judith Robertson, explained:

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“We celebrated International Women’s Day by making sure as many 1950s women as possible understood how they are affected by a recent ruling by the Ombudsman, 

“We had a very productive day meeting lots of enthusiastic supporters. We recruited new members and made sure that everyone we chatted to was up to date with our current position. 

“The Ombudsman has ruled that it was maladministration when 1950s-born women were not given proper notice that we would have to wait several years longer to get our State Pension. A cross-party committee of MPs has already recommended we get compensation at the highest level. Some 5,000 women in our area are affected by this ruling and need to understand what is happening.” 

“I was very relieved to hear the latest about our situation,” said Patricia Daniels from Salford. “I’m a 1950s women.  I had heard something was going on but didn’t know the details. I’ve joined the local WASPI group now so I will keep up to date with developments.” 

 

Anyone interested in finding out more, or joining Salford and Eccles WASPI can contact 

Judith Robertson at waspisalfordandeccles@hotmail.com 

Or on Facebook WASPI Salford and Eccles Supporters Group 

Photo: WASPI members (L to R) Breda Cooper, Judith Robertson, Maureen Jolly, Beth O’Shaughnessy, ran an information stall in Asda on International Women’s Day 8th March to inform 1950s women about their case with the Ombudsman. 

As part of The Lowry’s dedication to digital work, the organisation has also supported the development of multiple new digital projects through its LIVE NOW commissions. LIVE NOW supports artists to pivot into making work for digital platforms, paving the way for a new type of performance to sit within The Lowry's programming. These commissions having been debuting since late 2021 and will continue to be showcased on Lowry Digital this year.

Audiences can access the platform to view the work via the URL thelowry.com/lowry-digital.  

From Tuesday 29 March - Saturday 23 April

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce full casting for his acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s “Les Misérables” as the UK and Ireland tour arrives at The Lowry from Tuesday 29 March where it will run until Saturday 23 April.

Les Misérables stars Dean Chisnall as ‘Jean Valjean’, Nic Greenshields as ‘Javert’ and Katie Hall as ‘Fantine’ will be Ian Hughes as ‘Thénardier’, Will Callan as ‘Marius’, Nathania Ong as ‘Eponine’, Helen Walsh as ‘Madame Thénardier’, Samuel Wyn-Morris as ‘Enjolras’ and Paige Blankson as ‘Cosette’.

The cast is completed by George Arvidson, Aidan Banyard, Will Barratt, Adam Boardman, Rebecca Bolton, Emily Olive Boyd, Olivia Brereton, Earl Carpenter, Harry Chandler, Rebecca Ferrin, Aimee Good, Steven Hall, Jenna Innes, Tessa Kadler, Damien Kneale, Caleb Lagayan, Abel Law, Joseph McDonnell, Zabrina Norry, Emily Owens, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jamie Pritchard, Dean Read and Rebecca Ridout.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of Les Misérables in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary it has taken the world by storm continuing to enjoy record-breaking runs in countries including North America, Australia, Japan, Korea, France and Spain.

 ★★★★★ ‘This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine – You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated’ Daily Telegraph

‘ A production of awesome power and mind-blowing restaging’ Irish Times

 ★★★★★ ‘Les Misérables is arguably, the greatest musical of all time’ Edinburgh Evening News

 ‘A thrilling inspiration’ The Guardian

 ‘Packs an almighty punch and brings audiences to their feet every night’ The Independent

 ★★★★★ ‘A five-star hit – Astonishingly powerful’ The Times

 ★★★★★ ‘The mighty Les Mis is still revolutionary. This new staging of one of the world’s longest-running musicals remains fit to burst the seams of the mightiest of stages’ Daily Mail

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

Local vet practice Irlam Animal Clinic in Salford has been shortlisted for the esteemed title of Vet Practice of the Year in the prestigious Petplan Veterinary Awards 2022.

Now celebrating its 23rd year, the awards continue to go from strength to strength, with Petplan receiving over 22,000 nominations this year.

The awards recognise the nation’s most outstanding veterinary professionals, who have been nominated by their colleagues and pet owners for their continued hard work and dedication to keeping pets healthy.

The ceremony will be taking place face-to-face for the first time since 2019, at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on 24th March.

Commenting on the nomination, Irlam Animal Clinic said:

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“The team are delighted, surprised and honoured to be in the finals for Vet Practice of the year.

“Rebecca and Jackie set up the practice to aim to provide a community-based service, where we get to know our clients and their pets, and the bottom line is the animal and not the bank. It’s a place where we hope we can offer kindness and go the extra mile when we can.

“The community has embraced us, voted for us and we are eternally grateful.”

 

Isabella von Mesterhazy, head of marketing at Petplan, commented:

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“The judges had a very tough time picking the finalists in each category this year. As always, the quality of entries has been incredibly high and we’re delighted to have received so many nominations from the veterinary community and indeed pet owners themselves.

“The awards recognise outstanding individuals and teams who go above and beyond to care for the nation’s pets. The Petplan Veterinary Awards provide an opportunity to say thank you for the exceptional work carried out by members of the veterinary profession and are particularly special this year now that we are able host the ceremony in-person once again.”

 

For further information on the awards and to follow the finalists’ progress visit https://petplan.co.uk/about-petplan/vets/.

A film highlighting the work of Emmaus Salford, created by a pair of volunteers during lockdown, has made the final shortlist in the 5th Charity Film Awards.

Creatives Isy and Leigh Anderson from Bury used some of their time during the pandemic to volunteer and create short films for our charity. Emmaus Salford supports formerly homeless people by providing a stable home, meaningful work, training and individual support.

Film Link: Introduction to Emmaus Salford - Photography By Anderson | SmileyMovement

Rachel Richardson, Community Director at Emmaus Salford, said:

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“The Introduction to Emmaus Salford film created by Isy and Leigh is a fantastic showcase of our team and charity. We’re delighted that their film has made the final shortlist and is continuing to help us raise awareness through the Charity Film Awards.”

The Charity Film Awards celebrates the effective use of film by the third sector to change mindsets and raise awareness of good causes and the work they do. The awards are organised by Smiley Movement CIC, the non-profit organisation for social and environmental good that is sponsored by the original Smiley™ brand, and aims to drive positive change in the world.

More than 300 charities took part in the 5th Charity Film Awards and there were almost 40,000 votes in the first round of public voting. The Charity Film Awards has a panel of expert judges – which includes high profile names from entertainment, business, media, academia and social enterprises – who will be selecting the winners from each category. The winners of the 2022 awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in central London in March 2022.

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, said:

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“Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These amazing films from wonderful causes absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning.

“It’s vital we support all causes – big or small. A huge congratulations to all the Finalists, who should be delighted with the public support for their films through the campaign. We’re incredibly proud that Smiley Movement’s investment in the Charity Film Awards has already generated 500,000 additional views on these films.”

 

The film for Emmaus Salford was created by Isy and Leigh who work together as Photography by Anderson. The pair work with some of the UK’s most creative agencies and regularly shoot for big brands and well-known organisations. They specialise in portraiture and lifestyle photography and have a passion for filming human interest stories.

In addition to making the final shortlist in their award category, the Emmaus Salford film is also in the running for a ‘People’s Choice’ award.

Vote now to help them win the People’s Choice award.