Tameside Council has commissioned Mossley-based GW Theatre Group to carry out a new multi-sensory project based on life in lockdown – combining film, music, poetry, live performance and art.
The Ripple Project is asking Tameside residents to send in their lockdown stories – no matter how big or small – for a scheme that brings people together and raises awareness of isolation and mental health issues amid the pandemic.
Part of the project – titled Building Intergenerational Bridges – will involve secondary schools teaming up with care homes and elderly people in their own homes to draw together snippets of pandemic experiences.
All contributions will help to form a digital story archive titled The Story of Lockdown, which will feature in the final installation and exhibition event on 23 March 2021 – marking one full year of quarantine.
GW Theatre Group
Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong learning, Councillor Leanne Feeley, said: “This year has been a challenging time for everyone but I’m really proud of the resilience and sense of community shared by Tameside people, which is helping to get us through.
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“The Ripple project is a great way of capturing these unique times as well as the fantastic sense of community spirit and belonging we share in the borough.
“It is also a safe and exciting way of bringing us together to help tackle the isolation and anxiety that so many of us are feeling during these unprecedented times. I encourage everyone to take part.”
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The Ripple Project
There is hope that the project will strengthen the community, prevent loneliness and encourage new friendships in unexpected places.
To find out more, visit their website here. Sample stories can also be viewed online.
Share your stories and help #spreadtheripple.
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Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
Iconic popstar Robbie Williams has announced a surprise gig in Manchester – and it’s soon.
The British star will be performing as part of the upcoming BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a gig series which is seeing huge artists playing intimate venues all over the UK.
Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage at Aviva Studios in Manchester in just a few weeks’ time, ahead of the BRIT Awards’ northern debut at the Co-op Live.
The 18-times BRIT Award-winner be performing tracks from his debut album Life Thru A Lens and his recent number one album BRITPOP, with support from indie chart-toppers Lottery Winners.
The newly-announced gig for Robbie Williams is part of BRITs Week, which takes place around The BRIT Awards 2026, with other artists performing in Manchester including Olivia Dean, Josh Baker, and The K’s.
All proceeds from the shows will go to help War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support to children whose lives are affected by war.
Robbie Williams will perform at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 27 February.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child full lineup
12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
18 February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
20 February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
26 February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, supported by Lizzie Reid
27 February – Robbie Williams – Aviva Studios, Manchester, supported by Lottery Winners
Fans can enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, for just a £10 per entry donation to War Child. Available HERE.
A limited number of tickets are also available on general sale HERE.
A ‘Primary School Bangers’ gig is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A night of non-stop, nostalgic primary school bangers is heading up to Manchester this year.
The event comes from viral sensation and Glastonbury festival favourite James B Partridge, who’ll be taking his incredibly silly event on the road in 2026.
Expect to hear all those hits that shaped your childhood, whether you were sat cross-legged on a carpet or one of the lucky ones who got to sit on a PE bench in assembly.
His usual setlist includes classics like Sing Hosanna, One More Step Along The World I Go, and When I Needed A Neighbour.
Primary School Bangers will be heading to the beautiful Albert Hall in Manchester in March, along with a run of dates across the UK.
He’s promising ‘classic school-day singalongs, heart-on-sleeve nostalgia, and the infectious joy that has made James a national favourite’.
Most recently, the teacher-turned-performer has been delighting audiences with his Big Christmas Assembly tour, playing to tens of thousands across the country.
James continues to teach primary school children during the week, then goes so far as to shut down the fields of Glastonbury with the crowds he pulls in.
He’s also had appearances on the likes of Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong.
Hannah Starkie -
20th November 2020 
