A massive new Peter Kay mural has been painted on a wall in Levenshulme and while we think it looks pretty great, not everyone is so keen.
The large spray painting appeared on Friday, 28 April, paying tribute to the legendary Bolton comic who is once again back on the comedy circuit after a long hiatus.
Created by Manchester Murals — the same people behind the likes of Phil Foden’s image in his hometown of Stockport, as well as the recent Paul O’Grady murals in Fallowfield and the Gay Village — the artwork depicts Peter Kay’s ever-familiar smiling face in a suit.
However, while plenty of people have called it “brilliant”, “absolutely amazing” and praised it as a fitting way to honour Manchester‘s favourite funnyman, others think it perhaps isn’t the greatest likeness.
With the mural being shared by various people on social media, many seem to think it doesn’t strike such a great resemblance, with several commenting “terrifying”, “should’ve got to Specsavers”, and one person even remarking “I’m glad it’s in Manchester so we don’t have to look at it in Bolton”.
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We have to admit, we did let out a little chuckle at one person who quipped: “One eye on Longsight, the other on Burnage“. We think even Pete would appreciate that kind of wit.
Judging by the negative reactions that were left in the comments section, it looks like it’s mainly the eyes that are the issue for the majority of people — always one of the trickiest parts when it comes to portraits, for sure.
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Nevertheless, we think it’s brilliant and considering how much of a local legend he is, we think a Peter Kay mural is long overdue.
The 49-year-old comedian and actor returned to the public eye at the back end of last year and literally broke the internet with the demand for tickets to shows.
Having taken more than 12 years out following rumours of ill health and confirmed reports of “unforeseen family circumstances” that saw him cancel his last previously comeback in 2017, it was a long road back for the industry veteran but he was well worth the wait.
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Stepping back onto the stage at the AO Arena in December, Kay broke down in tears following a standing ovation before the show even started, as it’s clear the crowd were just as emotional as he was.
With the tour dates scheduled to keep him busy right up until 2025, we’re just glad to see him back at it. Oh great, now we’re crying again.
Horror film festival Grimmfest announces fear-filled return to Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is just around the corner, and now a popular horror film has announced its return to Manchester next month.
Grimmfest, also known as Manchester’s International Festival of Fantastic Film, has confirmed its 2026 return dates, and has also announced its the full lineup – with four fear-filled days planned, showcasing the best in brand-new horror genre cinema.
You can expect some ferocious feature films, a savage selection of shorts, hair-raising horror classics back on the big screen, and more premieres than ever before.
Returning to Odeon Great Northern early next month, Grimmfest audiences will have an exclusive opportunity to see many of the films on the lineup long before their formal release – with both world, UK, and international premieres on the cards.
Some of the programme’s highlights this year include the UK premiere of Zachary Wigon’s darkly comedic period piece, Victorian Pyscho, shot in Ireland and starring big-name stars Maika Monroe, Jason Isaacs, Thomasin McKenzie, and Ruth Wilson.
Ángel Gómez Hernández’s Crawlers will also make its UK debut at the festival, and horror fans are also said to be eagerly awaiting Jason Lei Howden’s Deathgasm 2: Goremageddon – which is the highly anticipated follow-up to the beloved cult metal comedy-horror, Deathgasm.
There will also be an array of incredible short films screened throughout the festival, all in a huge range of styles, themes, and twisted sensibilities, proving that when it comes to Grimmfest, good things often come in small packages.
Grimmfest has announced its fear-filled return to Manchester next month / Credit: Grimmfest | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
It’s not just new releases you can expect either, as some absolute horror classics are also set to return to the big screen for their anniversaries.
Respected guests from all around the world are set to descend on Manchester for the festival, and that include the film makers and actors from many of the selected films.
And of course there will be plenty of film introductions, Q&As, and signings for fans.
Grimmfest 2026 returns to Oden Great Northern from from 8 – 11 October, and you can see the full lineup and get tickets here.
Featured Image – Grimmfest (Supplied)
Art & Culture
Chester Zoo’s popular FREE Nature Fest returns this weekend with its biggest event yet
Emily Sergeant
A free festival helping people connect to nature is returning for its 10th anniversary, and organisers say it will be their biggest event yet.
Nature Fest is returning to Chester Zoo this weekend, and is set to explore the relationship between nature and wellbeing, with lots of new activities designed to help festivalgoers experience the benefits of connecting with the natural world
Around 4,000 people, and lots of families, are expected to attend across the weekend.
Visitors can take part in animal yoga sessions, relax in a zen den, and explore an interactive nature adventure based around the five pathways to nature connection, traveling along tunnels and through a tree along the way.
There will also be live music, puppetry, crafts, workshops and talks, alongside opportunities to discover how conservationists work to protect wildlife.
Chester Zoo’s popular Nature Fest returns this weekend with its biggest event yet / Credit: Chester Zoo
On top of that, the festival will feature stands from various nature organisations and community groups across the North West, talks and tips from nature professionals, and wildlife-friendly gardening sessions with the zoo’s schools team.
Chester Zoo has also teamed up with Outside Lives Ltd on the festival, giving visitors the chance to take part in other activities like crazy golf, den building, and willow weaving.
“We’re hoping our 10th Nature Fest will be the biggest yet,” commented Chris Ablett, who is the Community Volunteer Assistant Manager at Chester Zoo.
“Chester Zoo is well known for supporting conservation across the world but protecting nature here in the UK is just as important.
“We want people to know there are simple things they can do to help wildlife at home, and Nature Fest is a great way to link up with people and learn new skills you can put into practice in your community, all while enjoying a great day out.”
Chester Zoo’s Nature Fest returns for 2026 this weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. It’s free to attend, parking is also free, and no booking is required.
Danny Jones -
28th April 2023 
