The Art of Banksy has already appeared in galleries around the world including London, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Miami, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Gothenburg, now it is set to come to Manchester.
Due to appear inside a new purpose-built gallery on First Street next year, on display will be prints, canvasses, screenprints, unique works and limited-edition pieces mainly dated between the years 1997 to 2008 – the period which resulted in Banksy’s most recognisable and well-known works.
The exhibit will also feature some iconic works such as ‘Girl and Balloon’, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’ alongside some of Banksy’s lesser-known masterpieces.
The new gallery is due to be constructed on the estate’s River Street pop-up space, which has formerly hosted HOME’s Homeground festival and several Pride events, reports Manchester Confidential.
When the exhibit arrives here in 2023, fans of the artist will be given the chance to see some of Banky’s specially-made pieces that have been given out or loaned by private collectors.
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As a result, the art on show will be curated almost entirely from made-to-order pieces as opposed to much of the public street art, known for appearing spontaneously on walls and doors around the world, for which Banksy is most famous.
This is due to the fact that the artist has not authorised or been involved with the curation of the exhibit.
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Banksy’s “Di-Faced Tenner” is one of his most iconic works, stemming back to one of his original large-scale public pranks. / Image: artofbanksyexhibit
HOME MCR and Manchester City Council are both said to be involved in the build of the new space, which will run from Monday 5 September and Thursday 22 September 2023.
Once open, visitors will then be able to access the specially-built gallery from 10am – 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 10am – 7pm Sunday to Thursday.
Running from Thursday 22 September until Sunday 8 January 2024, it will give art lovers a special insight into the work of a celebrated artist who is notoriously elusive.
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To this day, Banky’s identity remains a mystery – although many are convinced that they hail from Bristol, due to the proliferation of early works in that part of the country.
Banksy is considered one of the world’s top political artists and in 2010, was selected by Time magazine for its list of the worlds’ 100 most influential people – sitting alongside the likes of Barack Obama, Steve Jobs and Lady Gaga.
Over the years, Banksy has carried out a considerable number of ‘pranks’ – including having his “Girl with Balloon” painting go through the shredder just moments after the work was sold for nearly $1.4 million at auction – something the buyer later said they felt, ironically, made the work even more valuable.
Local BID board launch new ‘Visit Alty’ app ahead of Taste of Altrincham 2026
Danny Jones
One of Trafford’s resident BID (Business Improvement District) board have officially launched their brand-new ‘Visit Alty’ app for the market town ahead of this year’s A Taste of Altrincham festival.
Set to be a dedicated one-stop where residents can find out what’s going on in and around the area, the platform is already available on the likes of the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android phones.
As A Taste of Alty returns for 2026, this is just the second instalment in the total 10-day food and drink party – with a big opening weekend celebration starting this Friday, 27 February – the latest innovation by Altrincham BID is hoping to keep residents more up to date on their village than ever.
Sponsored by native law firm Myerson Solicitors and supported by various local businesses, the sophomore edition of the now annual festivities serves as the ideal staging event for the fledgling Visit Altrincham app.
Running until Sunday, 8 March, A Taste of Altrincham is even bigger this time around. (Credit: Press shot)
With a full programme events kicking off this weekend, the app itself is ideal for keeping track of everything going.
In addition to workshops, live demos by regional chefs, supper clubs, wine tastings, the latest ‘Ultimate Pudding Competition’ and lots of other special events, it can be hard to keep track of everything.
That why, like any good festival, the app has a full map and guide featuring all the key info.
Beyond just the event itself, the app itself is aimed at supporting local independents and more by helping to increase their exposure, sign-post daytrippers to the old Cheshire holdout’s best bits, and push more and more people to one of the borough’s blossoming suburb in general.
Teaming up with a number of popular locations in and around the town centre, it’s a real come one, come all affair – just as things should be.
Residents and visitors alike can also found physical printed copies of the full Taste of Alty ’26 programme nearby at the likes of Altrincham Library, the Bee Network Interchange, as well as OYEZ Arts at the Town Hall.
Created with digital town hub partners, Loqiva, co-founder Marcus Chidgey said in a statement: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Altrincham BID to support Altrincham’s continued growth.
“With a strong independent business scene, an award-winning Market and excellent transport connections to Manchester, the Visit Altrincham app offers a new way for people to discover and explore the town.”
As for the local BID department, Alty’s director Mandy White added: “If you haven’t downloaded the Visit Altrincham app yet, now is the perfect time. It’s a simple way to find out what’s on, discover local businesses and unlock exclusive offers, especially during A Taste of Altrincham.
“The app helps people get more from their visit while supporting our independent businesses and high street brands.”
The Visit Altrincham app is FREE to download right now – you can find it HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Altrincham BID)
Art & Culture
Manchester artist Stanley Chow to host free DJ set at beloved Chorlton bar
Danny Jones
Well-known Manchester artist Stanley Chow is set to host a exclusive DJ at one of the most beloved neighbourhood bars in Chorlton– and it’s happening this weekend.
So, if you fancy something other than BRITs buzz that has well and truly gripped Manchester, you can always go and dance with Stan.
Following the success of other special one-off performances such as Cain Dingle from Emmerdale (yes, really), The Garden Bar will be inviting the famous portrait creator to spin a few tracks with his fellow suburban residents.
Previously known as The Font, which sadly closed it’s city centre site a couple of years ago and has since been reborn in Chorlton and hosted all kinds of fun events throughout the week. Up next:
Still living nearby and remaining a passionate Chorlton regular – as we found out from his very opinionated ‘Tram Takes’ interview last year – the 52-year-old illustrator and local legend with be heading to Garden Bar this Friday, 27 February.
He’s also no stranger to stepping behing the decks.
As a member of not only of the art hub here in the city centre, but Greater Manchester’s wider creative scene as a whole, he played the likes of Green Island – which recently announced the first wave of its lineup for 2026 – and he’s played the area more than once before.
It’s still unconfirmed whether or not he’ll be returning to the big outdoor bash in garden centre, but he’ll certainly be an equally popular and familiar face at The Garden at the end of the month.
Also, we caught him at Green Island ourselves and, on this ocassion, we can vouch: the man’s not half bad, you know…
Speaking on booking his next live gig, Stan said: “I’m very happy to be back DJing in Chorlton. The Garden Bar is a fantastic local spot, and I’ll be playing a mix of my favourite tracks, some old classics and a few surprises.
“DJing has always been a big part of my life, and it’s a joy to share that with a friendly crowd in such a creative space.”
Jess Anderson, Manager of The Garden Bar, added: “As one of our regulars we’re thrilled that Stan will be bringing some of his record collection for us all to hear.
“His DJ night comes straight off the back of brilliant guest slots with Jeff Hordley [aka Emmerdale‘s Cain Dingle], and James Cartwright [aka Coronation Street‘s Theo Silverton] and we’re expecting more of the same with Stan as guest DJ. We can’t wait to see the energy he brings.”
So yeah, if you fancy seeing Stan the man swap his 2D geometric portrature for a fun little night on the tiles, it’s completely free entry, with the party starting from 8:30pm and food served until 9pm.
You can of course phone ahead to book yourself a spot on 0161 518 2227, and in case you’re wondering what else they’ve got on at The Garden, find out more down below.
Georgina Pellant -
27th July 2022 
