The leader of Manchester Council Sir Richard Leese announced that he would step down as leader next spring after 25 years in the job. Sir Richard’s leadership will be associated with the transformation of the City Centre. He took charge shortly before the IRA bomb demolished much of the centre in June 1996.
Greater Manchester MP and Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner came under fire after allegedly calling Tories scum at a fringe event at the party conference in Brighton. According to the Daily Mirror The Ashton under Lyne MP described the Tories as “a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic”, at an event for North West members.
Rochdale’s stunning town hall, widely considered to be one of the finest municipal buildings in the country, turned 150 years old and residents were invited to get involved in a celebration. The gothic masterpiece first opened to the public on 27 September 1871 after architect William Crossland won a competition to design the building.
A new cooperation agreement was struck between Greater Manchester and Germany’s largest metropolitan region following a visit by city-region leaders to the country. The mission, aimed at strengthening economic and cultural links in a changing Europe, saw the signing of the new partnership and the appointment of a Special Advisor for Germany. The role would act as Greater Manchester’s ambassador to the country, fostering and enhancing new and existing relationships.
Former Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding died at the age of 39 from breast cancer. Harding who was raised in Stockport , and attended Hazel Grove High School, rose to fame when she was chosen along with Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts on an ITV singing contest to create the girl group.
It was a long time coming but in September, Manchester’s AO Arena opened its doors again to a sell-out crowd of Blossoms fans, marking the first time a band has played on the iconic stage in over 553 days.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford launched a national campaign calling on MPs to back recommendations to End Child Food Poverty. The call comes as the Food Foundation released new data showing that 15% of households with children experienced food insecurity as the economic impact of pandemic were felt.
Over the summer holidays, local charity Foundation 92 helped disadvantaged children across Greater Manchester to access inclusive exercise and activities, as well as providing healthy food for those who would normally receive free school meals.
Pretty Green announced the opening of its flagship store in Manchester, the spiritual home for the brand and hometown of founder Liam Gallagher. Located on King Street, a street historically renowned for fashion in the city and now the heart of a new developing retail and cultural scene, the store spans two floors and covers 2,000 sq. ft.
Manchester’s Hotel Brooklyn won the prestigious 2021 Catey’s Accessibility Award, adding to its stellar line up of prizes. The Catey’s are known as the ‘Oscars’ of the Hospitality world and are one of the biggest awards within the industry, spearheaded by the trade publication The Caterer.
Dormouse Chocolates, located in Deansgate Mews at Great Northern Warehouse, did the nation proud by winning a legendary gold award for its delicious chocolates at the Academy of Chocolate Awards 2021, a prestigious worldwide prize.
Maverick rum makers ‘Decorrum’ bid to build Manchester’s ‘tallest building’ as leaked plans revealed a bottle-shaped tower could be the next landmark on the city’s skyline. The elaborate designs propose a striking, Art Deco-inspired tower containing luxury apartments, a five-star hotel and exclusive private members club.
Salford Lads Club announced that music legend Shaun Ryder would be the special guest for a fundraising in-conversation with journalist, musician and presenter John Robb.
Droylsden’s new library formally opened by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Janet Cooper. Situated in Guardsman Tony Downes House, only a stone’s throw away from its previous site, it occupies a bright and airy space with large windows letting in lots of natural light.
Digital experts analysed the huge impact that Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Manchester United has had on the online world, as the influence of individual players begins to dwarf the clubs they play for. Ronaldo, known as CR7 online, returned to Manchester United during the summer transfer window in a surprise move that shocked the football world.
