A local artist with bipolar disorder and autism has given a makeover to a dull passageway at Manchester Victoria station.
Huge artworks of the city’s skyline have been installed on the footbridge at the train station, where it will be seen by thousands of commuters every day.
The public art installation and colourful tribute to our city has been created by self-taught Mancunian artist Dez, or Loveartpix, and is his biggest piece to date.
The windows along the bridge have been covered in 11 bold coloured pieces of art from his Iconic Manchester collection as part of Victoria’s makeover.
They show some of Manchester’s most recognisable buildings, including the National Football Museum, Hotel Gotham, the Central Library, Printworks, and Manchester Victoria itself.
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Dez was diagnosed with bipolar in his 20s, then autism later in life, and campaigns to break the stigma around mental illness and autism.
He said he uses art as his own personal therapy and coping strategy, saying: “I’m a strong advocate for neurodiverse and mental health conditions and promote art therapy – as it’s what I do to help me cope.”
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He hopes that his work will ‘project a positive mood on the people commuting and using the station’.
Dez has been working as Loveartpix for three years, regularly donating to local charities.
Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, who manage the station on behalf of Network Rail, said: “This amazing piece of art is a great addition to the station interior and something I know our passengers will enjoy admiring as they travel through the station every day.
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“Dez has really captured the featured buildings well. They’re as Manchester as you get.”
The Iconic Manchester murals were unveiled at Victoria with a small ceremony that included The Queens High Sheriff of Manchester.
Dez said: “Yesterday’s launch was very nerve wrecking and involved a lot of medication to get through it (and a few Irish coffees) but I was very pleased and proud I made it there.
“This was a very moving life experience and something I will never forget.
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“I want to thank everyone who came and showed support and let you know how important it was to me.
“I also want to thank all the staff at Northern who have supported me with this project and for once again trusting me to bring my artistic vision to yet another station.”
Featured image: Network Rail
Art & Culture
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 29 April – 5 May 2024
Emily Sergeant
We’ve only got a couple more days left of April before May graces us with its presence as this week goes on.
And there’s so much to look forward to this month.
Foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more has been happening all throughout April – but thankfully, there’s even more where that came from in May, as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do this week though, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘What’s on‘ guide.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Tales of Manchester 2.0
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Monday 29 April – onwards
A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.
Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.
The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.
Did you see that Manchester’s newest live entertainment venue is finally almost ready to open?
The biggest indoor arena in the entire UK is (we think) ready to rock and roll.
It’s been a very long time coming, but Co-op Live will finally throw open its doors this week, with the massive space having room for 23,500 music fans and a clever ‘smart bowl’ that’s been designed to make the best possible gig experience.
There’s also a huge bill of artists lined up to perform here in the coming months, including The Black Keys (rescheduled), Olivia Rodrigo, and Take That in the next few weeks alone.
You can take a closer look at the inside of Co-op Live here, and read a round-up of all the events happening across the brand-new venue’s opening season here.
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The Wizard of Oz
Palace Theatre Manchester
Monday 29 April – Sunday 5 May
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The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets
A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is now on stage here in Manchester.
Having taken to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is a truly magical for all the family.
Yes, Manchester’s biggest free music festival is back for this upcoming early May bank holiday.
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Hosted at the ever-reliable Oast House in Spinningfields – one the best suntraps in the city when the sun finally decides to peek out (and it’s coming) – you can expect live music all day long, dancing well into the night, not to mention as much food and refreshing cocktails as you can stuff your face with.
We went along to the last one during Easter and even on a cloudy day it didn’t disappoint.
Find out more about the full season they’ve got lineup and sort your place here.
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Bloomtown Blossom Trail
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 29 April – onwards
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group
Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.
From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown.
There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition
Manchester Central Library
Monday 29 April – onwards
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied
Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.
150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.
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More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.
Don’t forget there’s a world-first exhibition still running down at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.
The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.
Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.
Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?
The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.
So that means it’s time for a walk, right?
Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.
Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.
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‘Trust’ – Six by Nico
Manchester
Tuesday 30 April
‘Trust’ – Six by Nico / Credit: Six by Nico
Are you ready to put your trust in Six by Nico?
Previously a hit in London, but having now arrived here in Manchester at the Spring Gardens and Deansgate restaurants for the first time ever, ‘Trust’ is the latest dining experience from Six by Nico where guests are invited to put their trust in the popular restaurant’s chefs with a completely blind tasting menu that “puts culinary senses to the test”.
The three-hour tasting experience has 10-courses, and diners are given a blank menu with space write down what they think they’re eating.
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Ingredients of each dish are then revealed by your server following each course.
Find out more and book your place on one of the ‘Trust’ dining experiences on the Six by Nico website here.
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KinderFest 2024
Haigh Woodland Park
Friday 4 & Saturday 5 May
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KinderFest 2024 / Credit: Haigh Woodland Park
Haigh Woodland Park is hosting a festival filled with fun activities for the whole family this bank holiday weekend.
KinderFest 2024 will bring together some of Greater Manchester’s best children’s entertainment to the walled gardens of Haigh – with themed activity zones, bubble parties, an inflatable playground, puppet shows, and live music all on the exciting lineup, as well as there being a wide range of food and drink vendors serving up tasty grub to took into.
Have you seen that a new ‘hobby house’ has opened up in the heart of Manchester city centre?
It’s called ‘Altogether Otherwise’.
Having recently opened down at Manchester’s growing neighbourhood, NOMA, the innovative new concept is is setting out to provide the Greater Manchester public with a welcome relief from all the demands and fast-paced culture of city centre life that we’ve, sadly, all become so used to.
It’s been dubbed a “place to pursue creativity” and a chance to explore and get stuck into some new activities, all while bumping into like-minded people in an ever-changing gathering space.
There’s an exciting lineup of workshops and events that are free to attend.
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is once again making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
The beloved Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.
Families will have the chance to hop onboard the East Lancashire Railway’s replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns in a couple of weeks time for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 22 – 28 April 2024
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe we’re already into our last full week of April, and May is right around the corner?
So far, April has been full of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more – and thankfully, there’s more where that came from as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with throughout this week too.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Bloomtown Blossom Trail
Manchester City Centre
Monday 22 April – onwards
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group
Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.
From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library, to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown Map.
There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.
A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.
Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.
The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition
Manchester Central Library
Monday 22 April – onwards
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied
Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.
150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.
More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.
Did you see that one of the biggest charity shops has recently opened here in Greater Manchester?
The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton.
Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers can find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.
There’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, there’s even the chance to get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, all without the hefty price tag.
Did you know there’s a huge gaming event currently happening in Manchester?
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back for more in 2024 down at the Science and Industry Museum, and it’s taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming every weekend.
There’s everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more to get stuck into, and each ticket includes unlimited play all day.
Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch / Credit: The Manc Group
Pieminister’s legendary pie bottomless brunch with free-flowing drinks has finally made a comeback.
The popular pie restaurant chain – which has two sites here in Manchester city centre on Church Street in the Northern Quarter, and on Deansgate – is known and loved all across the UK for its thick and chunky pies, but its bottomless brunch offering is something else.
Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie, vegan, flexitarian, or gluten free, there’s something to suit everyone on the menu.
Find out more and book your bottomless brunch slot here.
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The Wizard of Oz
Palace Theatre Manchester
Wednesday 24 April – Sunday 5 May
The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets
A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is arriving here in Manchester this week.
Taking to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is set to be truly magical for all the family.
The Botanist has brought back The Botanist LIVE to “help everyone celebrate summer” with free live music every weekend.
Set to “supply the soundtrack to your weekend” every Friday and Saturday night, The Botanist’s talented artists are set to play live from 8pm until late, and guests can expect a vibrant party atmosphere with sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco, and blues.
The events are not ticketed and are free to attend, so all you need to do is turn up and wait for its house band get the party started.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this week.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 March right through to November this year, East Lancashire Railway’s Red Rose Diners are described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?
The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.
So that means it’s time for a walk, right?
Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.
Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.
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Spring Fest
Alderley Park
Saturday 27 April
Farm Weekend / Credit: Jody Hartley
Spring Fest is taking over Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park this Saturday.
With families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West set to make their way to Macclesfield, Spring Fest is a chance to celebrate the magic of spring and everything that it means for wildlife, animals, and nature.
You can expect a jam-packed day full of different outdoor family-friendly activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink.
A festival especially for dogs is all set to take over a popular Manchester city centre park for some “paw-tastic fun” this weekend.
And the best bit about it? It’s absolutely FREE to head on down to.
Back by popular demand, the Ex-Paw Extravaganza festival is returning to Angel Meadow Park near Manchester‘s Green Quarter this Saturday for a jam-packed day of “pawsome activity”.
Kicking off from 11am and running right through until 4pm, this year’s dog-themed festivities include a selection of different stalls to shop from, dog agility courses, puppy play areas, hands-on pet first aid courses, and so much more.
Looking for somewhere to go for a hearty roast dinner in and around Greater Manchester this weekend?
From the moment we start to feel the weekend rolling in, we can’t help but turn our thoughts to Sunday roasts, steaming jugs of gravy, and big glasses sploshing over with red wine.
It’s just the best feeling, and there’s plenty of it to be found here in our region.
We’re used to it being wet and miserable most of the year, and while we do love Sunday lunch on a sun-soaked afternoon in the beer garden when we get the chance, nothing warms the cockles more on those darker days than a giant plate piled high with roasted meats, vegetables, and gravy.
Read our round-up of some of the best Greater Manchester roast dinners here.
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Featured Image – Ex-Paw MCR | The Manc Group | Bruntwood