Art & Culture

New photography exhibition showcases hidden stories of people who live and work along the River Irk

The exhibition has been created by various community groups and aims to showcase the hidden stories of those who live and work along the River Irk

Olivia Stringer Olivia Stringer - 21st May 2021

A new community photography exhibition showcasing the hidden stories of people who live and work along the River Irk has opened this week across various locations in North Manchester. 

The exhibition is the product of The People’s River Project – delivered by Manchester Histories and funded by Manchester City Council through their Neighbourhood Investment Fund and Economic Regeneration Fund.

The project is inspired by German socialist philosopher Friedrich Engels who wrote about the River Irk in his 1845 essay ‘The Condition of the Working Class in England’, based on his experiences in Manchester.

During the project, artist and photographer Liz Wewiora worked with various groups including Friends of Angel Meadow and the no.93 wellbeing centre through online and socially distanced workshops to create three exhibits.

Photography, poetry and cyanotype prints are on display in two outdoor exhibitions, one in Queen’s Park in Harpurhey and another in St Michael’s flags in Angel Meadows Park until June 20. 

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There is also a permanent exhibition of the work created by users of the no.93 wellbeing centre in the art and therapy rooms.

The photographs and poetry reflect the Irk Valley’s ever-changing landscape, exploring ideas of personal journeys, community, nature and regeneration. 

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The cyanotype process acts as a reminder of both the surrounding nature and the local industrial history which has shaped the Irk Valley from Engel’s period to today.

The project also features a digital walking trail around the Irk valley, which can be followed using the Love Exploring App.

The trail will guide you around the Irk valley whilst you listen to stories about the local area, shared by members of the community groups. 

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To access the trail download the Love Exploring App and search ‘Irk Valley Heritage Trail’. 

More info is available online.

Featured image: Art Rabbit

Art & Culture

Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail to take over Stockport town centre this summer

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant SmileyWorld® Art Trail

Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail takes over the town.

Following huge success in London and North Tyneside, Stockport visitors are being told to get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.

Kicking off from the start of next month, the trail will be making its North West debut in Stockport, and organisers say it’s guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays.

Oh and best of all, it’s completely free to attend. 

Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld – a lifestyle brand that’s dedicated to true emotional expression – the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.

Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail is taking over Stockport town centre this summer / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography

Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured everywhere from the Merseyway Shopping Centre, to Stockport Underbanks, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, and more.

Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles, and doodles for kids, all of which will be available to download ahead of time.

Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport,” commented Charlie Langhorne, who is the Managing Director and co-founder of Wild in Art.

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“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”

The SmileyWorld® Art Trail is taking over Stockport from 4 July through to 15 September 2025, and you can find out more here.

Featured Image – Scott Kershaw Photography

Art & Culture

Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.

Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.

With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.

Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.

From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.

Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.

Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council

“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.

“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”

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Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Saturday 15 July, and will be kicking off at midday right through to 5pm that same evening.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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