Pop royalty walks among us the one and only Sophie Ellis-Bextor was recently spotted filming a new video smack bang in the middle of Stockport town centre.
The early 2000s hit-maker and veteran of the charts has been going through somewhat of a renaissance over the past year or so, now finding herself back in the mainstream consciousness, playing some huge festival slots up and down the UK and rightly reminding everyone what an icon she is.
In truth, this comeback is at least somewhat in part down to her ultimate classic, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, being featured in that scene from the 2023 film Saltburn, but we couldn’t care one bit as to how and why it happened – we’re just glad to have her back and, apparently, so close to home.
As recorded by Stockport local Brian Howell last week, Sophie Ellis-Bextor was being filmed walking through a set located in the Greater Manchester borough’s historic ‘Old Town’ district and right past the recognisable market hall.
‘Murder on the Market Floor’? ‘Get Over You and Underbank‘?
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That’s precisely two more Sophie Ellis-Bextor meets Stockport-based puns than we ever thought we’d get to utter out loud, to be honest, so we’re pretty happy with ourselves.
While local outlet Stop in Stockport reported that the filming looked to be for a new music video and the 45-year-old is working on a new album set to drop later this year – which will be her seventh studio outing following 2023’s HANA – there have been no hints as to when we might expect a first tease.
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Alternatively, as many people were left speculating in the comments, Ellis-Bextor has been involved in a number of campaigns with brands like Marks and Spencer and LG in recent years, so it could just as easily be for an advert or some other kind of commercial shoot.
Who knows, maybe it’s a collab? ‘This isn’t just any music video, this is an M&S music video…’
Only time will tell whether or not the next era of Sophie Ellis-Bextor tunes is going to kick off with a random music video filmed in Stockport but we’re just honoured to have been graced with her presence, even if only by proximity.
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Either way, we are very much enjoying Americans suddenly discovering ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ more than two decades later and finding out how much of a banger it is – long may it continue.
It’s also not the only thing of note that’s been filmed around SK recently.
Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Streets announce big change for Castlefield Bowl gig in Manchester amid World Cup clash
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest gigs taking place in Manchester this summer has announced a pretty major change to its plans.
The Streets are set to perform two nights at Castlefield Bowl this weekend, taking to the magnificent outdoor stage in the heart of the city.
But one of those shows happens to clash with a pretty major event – England’s quarter final World Cup match against Norway.
But The Streets have got the nation’s interests at heart, and have announced a plan to make sure fans can watch both their gig and the football.
Mike Skinner et al will be shifting their entire Saturday gig forward by a full hour, which means gig-goers should be able to escape Castlefield Bowl and peg it to the nearest pub in time for the footy.
“Fear not,” they wrote in an update on Instagram today. “Saturday’s show will begin early to accommodate England vs Norway at 10.”
It also means their support acts – Mancunian artist Antony Szmierek, and rap and grime MC CASISDEAD – will be playing an hour earlier than planned.
The Streets’ gig on Friday will remain at the time originally planned.
Doors to Castlefield Bowl will open earlier ahead of Antony Szmierek’s performance at the revised time of 5.50pm.
Then CASISDEAD will perform at 6.15pm, with The Streets on stage at 7.45pm.
Fans have been delighted with The Streets’ decision to move their Manchester Saturday show forward, with one writing: “THANK YOU CASTLEFIELD BOWL AND MIKEYYYY. We had a very difficult decision on our hands today, this is what dreams are made of. See you Saturday!!!!”
Many more are calling for the England games to be screened at Castlefield Bowl, but no plans have been confirmed for that just yet. Watch this space…
Danny Jones -
6th August 2024 
