Dozens of celebrities and former footballers are getting together once again for the Manchester Remembers charity football game in 2023.
Founded by firefighter turned fundraiser Aaron Lee, who was one of several first responders on the frontline following the Manchester Arena attack, the organisation has been running since 2021.
To make the day even more special, a whole host of familiar faces have been turning up to show their support and this latest fixture is no different, as even more celebs and ex-pros are joining the line-up.
With former England boss Sam Allardyce once again returning as Legends manager and opposite number Peter Reid taking charge of the Celebs dugout, not to mention ex-pros Matt Le Tissier, Dean Holden and more taking to the pitch, it’s sure to be another brilliant occasion.
As an added bonus, Manchester Remembers are now calling on local artists to come and perform on the day, promising to make this latest charity game bigger and better than ever.
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We’re trying to continue building Manchesters best live music & Football Charity event 🐝⚽️🎤
We’re looking to speak to Bands/Singers/Artists to perform live infront of thousands at the stadium.
We already have huge names signed up DM for info if you’re able to support us. pic.twitter.com/KXe4wrAsF5
— The McrRemembers Foundation™️⚽️🐝 (@McrRemembers) December 7, 2022
The organisers have insisted that in addition to putting on another memorable match for an important Manc cause, they have kept ticket prices affordable given the ongoing energy and cost of living crises.
The game will be held at Oldham Athletic FC‘s home ground, Boundary Park, in May next year.
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Last time out, the likes of Paddy McGuiness, Shaun Goater, Paul Merson, Wes Brown and many more laced up their boots to raise money for the families of the Arena victims. We’re sure you’ll see a fair few of them returning again in May.
As for the celebrities confirmed for this year so far, new signing Calum Best has joined the likes of Robbie Savage, actors Joe-Warren Plant and Jay Kontzle, as well as Love Island‘s Dom Lever, with many sure to sign up in the coming months. Wonderful stuff.
The money raised from this latest match will go towards the following five charities set up by a number of families who were among the 22 victims killed in the 2017 explosion.
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The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust
Liv’s Trust
The Megan Hurley Foundation
The Remembering Nell Foundation
Eilidh’s Trust
We spoke to Lee ahead of the previous match held at Manchester City‘s Academy Stadium back in March this year:
Lee told The Manc: “After seeing the positive reaction to the first match and how the £82,000 raised will be spent it spurred us on to make this an annual event featuring football and music.
“We’re grateful for all the support we have had from players, musicians and celebrities; we couldn’t do it without our team and most importantly the people of Manchester and beyond who turn up and enjoy a brilliant day of entertainment, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts”.
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The Manchester Remembers charity match kicks off at 3pm on 7 May 2023 at Boundary Park. You can grab your tickets HERE.
Ian McKellen to play legendary Salford artist L.S. Lowry in new BBC documentary
Emily Sergeant
Sir Ian McKellen has landed himself an exciting new role, and he’s set to play one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic sons.
One of the most celebrated British actors of all time playing one of the most celebrated British artists of all time? It was meant to be. That’s right, Ian McKellen is set to portray Salford’s very-own L.S. Lowry in the new BBC documentary, L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes, produced by award-winning Wall to Wall Mediaand coming soon to BBC Two and iPlayer.
Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, this immersive documentary film will focus on the touching and often surprising exchange between the enigmatic artist and Angela Barratt – a young fan whose interviews capture Lowry in his most intimate and reflective moments.
Recorded in the artist’s own living room, these tapes reveal Lowry’s authentic voice, which Burnley-born actor McKellen will lip-sync on screen.
Across these candid conversations, Lowry traces his journey from childhood right through to his final days, sharing the memories and experiences that shaped him both as an artist, and crucially, as a man.
Alongside this deeply personal account, the documentary is also set to explore the dramatic transformation of Salford and Greater Manchester, which Lowry, of course, depicted so prolifically in his work.
“To give play to Lowry through his own voice has been a unique privilege,” commented Ian McKellen as his casting was announced this week.
“These tapes reveal an intimate insight into the artist’s thoughts – his ambitions, regrets and his humour. Anyone like me, who admires his paintings and drawings, will be intrigued and delighted that the artist is brought back to life through his own words.”
Mark Bell, who is the Commissioning Editor at BBC Arts, added: “Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, and celebrating Arena’s own 50-year tradition of ambitious, intelligent storytelling, this film comes at a very special moment.
“The inspired casting of Ian McKellen and Annabel Smith feels like life imitating art in the best possible way. But this film isn’t just about the life of the artist, it also provides an insight into the realities of urban life in Greater Manchester in the 20th century.”
L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes is directed by James Kent, following his recent Emmy win for Lost Boys and Fairies, with executive producer Morgana Pugh, and producer Hannah Mirsky.
Further broadcast details will be announced in due course.
Featured Image – BBC / Wall to Wall Media Ltd / Connor Harris
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The nominations for the 2026 MOBOs are officially out
Danny Jones
Another awards season is already well underway, and over in the music business, the nominees for the 2026 MOBOs have just been revealed.
Founded by the legendary Kanya King back in 1996, the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year
As heading up North wasn’t already exciting enough, the nominations are looking well and truly stacked as always; without further ado, here is the shortlist in full:
2026 MOBOs Nominees
BEST FEMALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH got2b
FLO
KWN
LITTLE SIMZ
OLIVIA DEAN
PINKPANTHERESS
SASHA KEABLE
BEST MALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROSTATE CANCER UK