Manchester Gin has teamed up with Joy Division legend Peter Hook to launch two new, limited edition series of Manchester Gin FAC51 The Hacienda.
Created to honour the iconic Manchester nightclub’s 40th anniversary this year, the special bottles feature two new rare label designs that nod to the heady days of all-night acid house raves in the former shipping warehouse.
The first recreates a famous piece of Haçienda street art originally featured on the famous Northern Quarter House, whilst the second includes the mantra “The Haçienda Must Be Built.”
Image: Manchester Gin
Both labels are located on the inside of the bottles to make them appear distorted through the clear liquid – an intentional reference to the club’s wild, debaucherous parties of days gone by.
As for how it all tastes, dandelion and burdock root joins with lemon and lime peel to create a ‘refreshing zestiness’ on the nose that then turns sherbety on the tongue in another nod to the club’s acid house era.
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To mark the special release, New Order and Joy Division legend Peter Hook will play an intimate gig at Northern Quarter record shop Vinyl Exchange as part of a store takeover.
Image: The Manc Group
The Manchester music legend will be stepping behind the decks on Saturday 5 March between 1 and 4pm, with free gin, bottle signings and on-point selections promised all afternoon.
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Those heading down will be amongst the first to get their hands on the new gin and will have first access to the limited edition bottles.
‘Golden tickets’ will also be hidden throughout Vinyl Exchange, which will entitle the holder to a free vinyl record (or £20 off) in store on Saturday only.
Located in the Northern Quarter, and a staple of the Manchester music scene for over 34 years, Vinyl Exchange can be found on the corner of Oldham Street and Dale Street.
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Seb Heeley, Manchester Gin founder and master distiller, said: “When we first collaborated with Peter Hook in 2019, we were overwhelmed by the public response. Now, we are so excited to revisit this partnership with the launch of two new limited-edition labels.
“The Haçiendawas such an iconic venue, and its influence has spread far beyond Manchester. It occupies a special place in the heart of many Mancunians, and we are delighted to be able to further celebrate its legacy 40 years on.
“Vinyl Exchange is another Manchester musical institution. Opening in 1988, just in time for the Haçienda’s Acid House heyday, it makes perfect sense for us to launch the new limited-edition series of Manchester Gin FAC51 The Haçienda here.”
The new limited edition expressions of the gin can be purchased online from 7 March.
Feature image – Manchester Gin
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Georgina Pellant -
1st March 2022 
