Manchester’s massive New Year’s Eve fireworks display has been cancelled for the second year in a row.
Manchester City Council has taken the ‘difficult decision’ to call off the celebrations due to the spread of the Omicron variant.
The council said it would prove ‘extremely challenging’ to manage the huge event, with the Government guidance for vaccine passports difficult to implement at such an open and public event.
The huge fireworks display moved from Albert Square to the Manchester Cathedral to welcome in 2020.
But it hasn’t been able to return since, with the nation in strict tier restrictions in December last year.
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And now, the plug has been pulled on this year’s New Year’s Eve display too.
Councillor Pat Karney said: “We know that many people will be upset about this.
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“It was a difficult decision to make but with the new Covid variant spreading quickly – and government regulations around large events – we have to put the health of our residents first.
“For those who want to indulge in festive fun, get down to the Winter Gardens and enjoy the stalls that are open until January 2.
“But think about your own safety and of those around you. It’s not to late to get your vaccine and booster to protect yourself from serious illness.”
The council also cancelled its organised Bonfire Night events earlier this year, saying that the Government guidance around large-scale events made it ‘unworkable’.
The Winter Gardens portion of the Christmas Markets will remain open through until January 3, 2022.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.