Legendary Salford poet and musician Dr John Cooper Clarke has been awarded the freedom of his home city.
With a stellar and multi-award-winning career spanning nearly four decades, and after firmly cementing his place as a true local legend within Greater Manchester culture, it was only right that the 74-year-old Salfordian be given the prestigious honour of the Freedom of the City of Salford.
Cooper Clarke has been chosen for the honour in recognition of “his contributions to the world of poetry” and for his “unwavering commitment to the arts”.
If you’re unfamiliar with his work, Cooper Clarke was born in Salford and grew up in the Higher Broughton area, where he became interested in poetry after being inspired by his English teacher, and eventually went on to become an affectionately-named ‘punk poet’ in the late 1970s.
Legendary Salford poet John Cooper Clarke awarded freedom of his home city / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Since then, he has toured with major musical artists throughout his career – including Sex Pistols, The Fall, Joy Division, and New Order – and has undoubtedly captivated audiences worldwide with his distinct vocal style, wit, and social commentary.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sir Paul McCartney, Peter Hook, and Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys – who notably covered one of his most famous pieces, I Wanna Be Yours, on their 2013 album AM – are just some of the famous names Cooper Clarke is able to name as fans and admirers of his work.
Great day today as we proudly honoured Salford born punk poet and all round legend Dr John Cooper Clarke @official_jcc with the Freedom of the City of Salford. A well deserved accolade for a man who truly embodies the #SpiritofSalford. pic.twitter.com/HxdC5TzKqY
— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) July 19, 2023
Cooper Clarke was presented with the honour of the Freedom of the city of Salford during a meeting with Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Cllr Gina Reynolds, and other members of Salford City Council yesterday (19 July) in the council chamber.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was also attended by local councillors and officers, and of course, Cooper Clarke’s friends and family.
The legendary poet described his latest honour as “wonderful”, adding in his acceptance speech: “I’ve circumnavigated the globe 10, count em 10 times, reciting poetry all the way and coming back here to my home town of Salford is always a treat…
“But this one, wow – thank you everyone.”
ADVERTISEMENT
He was chosen for the honour in recognition of his contributions to the world of poetry / Credit: Salford City Council
Ceremonial Mayor Gina Reynolds described Cooper Clarke as “an icon not only in Salford but throughout the country”.
She added: “His remarkable literary contributions, infused with his unique Salfordian charm, have made a lasting impact on the world of poetry and beyond [and] he has inspired countless artists, musicians and writers with his incredible talent and has given a voice to the working-class spirit within his verses.
“John’s words have inspired us, challenged us and been a motivator for change.”
Cooper Clarke joins an impressive notable figures who have been honoured with Freedom of the City of Salford for their “outstanding achievements and contributions to society” – including Nelson Mandela, Harold Riley, LS Lowry, and Alan Henning.
Featured Image – Salford City Council
Audio
Niall Horan is heading back to Manchester with a massive arena show just announced
Daisy Jackson
Niall Horan will be back in Manchester this year on a huge newly-announced European arena tour.
The former One Direction star (and chart-topper in his own right) has just announced his Dinner Party Live On Tour tour.
The tour comes in support of his upcoming fourth solo studio album, Dinner Party, which promises to be ‘cinematic and organic’.
Niall Horan will be performing at the Co-op Live in Manchester this September, along with gigs in other UK cities including Sheffield, Glasgow, and Newcastle.
He’ll then head right across Europe, playing music from his multi-Platinum-selling songbook.
Niall first shot to fame as one-fifth of One Direction, but has one of the group’s strongest solo careers, with three chart-topping albums and massive hits like Slow Hands, Heaven, and Our Song.
Niall Horan is heading back to Manchester with a massive arena show just announced
He’s also worked on some exciting collaborations with the likes of Anne-Marie, and most recently Myles Smith.
£1 from every ticket sold for Niall Horan’s Dinner Party tour will be donated to the LIVE Trust, which is dedicated to protecting, expanding, and supporting grassroots music across the UK.
Niall Horan will be at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Friday 25 September.
Tickets will go on sale from 10am on Thursday 2 April HERE.
Yard Act announce handful of new headline shows ahead of 6Music gig in Manchester
Clementine Hall
Yard Act are back as they announce first round of UK headline dates since 2024, including a show right here in Manchester – but not before their BBC 6Music Festival gig later this week.
We are so, SO back.
It’s been a few years, but Yard Act have just announced a limited run of domestic shows for later in the year including their homecoming gig at the O2 Academy in Leeds on Friday, 6 November.
But after playing over in Yorkshire, the lads will be performing shows at the O2 Victoria Warehouse on the following Friday (13 Nov).
Yard Act completed the touring for their critically acclaimed second album, Where’s My Utopia?, with a victory lap back home at the 5000 capacity Millennium Square in Leeds in August ’24.
It was a record that brought a stark change of pace to the acerbic, post-punk of their debut, embracing something altogether more playful and bringing a different energy.
It shifted the dynamic on stage too, with the addition of dancing backing singers and additional musicians and openly challenged listeners to reconsider who they thought Yard Act were.
Since then, the band have been keeping busy writing and recording their third studio LP, as well as heading out across the UK and Europe with The Hives – oh, and that intimate one-off show at Blackpool Tower last May.
Following a lengthy stint in the studio, the band now look to this coming autumn for three big UK dates and we cannot wait. We spoke to them a little while back and know how much big stuff they’ve got further pipeline; you can see the interview HERE.
Booking just three headline slots, the handful of tour dates are as follows:
06 Nov – Leeds
13 Nov – Manchester
26 Nov – London
Tickets go on artist presale from 10am on Wednesday, 25 March before hitting general sale at 10am on Friday, 27 March. Sign up to grab yours right HERE.
As for those wanting to find out more about this year’s 6Music Fest, you find the full lineup and more down below.
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2023 
