A mural of Joy Division legend Ian Curtis has been unveiled in Macclesfield.
His former bandmate Peter Hook has said that he’s waited ‘a long time’ to see a tribute to his late friend in his hometown.
The mural has been created by street art legend Akse-P19, who was also behind the Marcus Rashford mural in Withington and Sir Captain Tom Moore in the Northern Quarter.
The hyper-realistic black and white art piece has been painstakingly painted onto the side of a building on Mill Street in the town centre.
It’s been fully funded by Cheshire East Council, who say it’s been ‘worth the wait’.
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Great to visit this wonderful new mural of Ian today by @Akse_P19, now almost finished on Mill St in Macclesfield.
I’ve been waiting for a long time to see a tribute to Ian in his hometown.
Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “Before today, I spoke about how perhaps this beautiful mural has been somewhat overdue but now that I’m here seeing it for myself for the first time, I can say without any doubt that it has truly been worth the wait.
“As I’ve said previously, I am a huge fan of Joy Division – the cultural significance of the band and Ian stretches well beyond my home town of Macclesfield. This is such a proud moment, I’m feeling very emotional about it right now.”
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Akse-P19 working on the mural of Ian Curtis in Macclesfield. Credit: Cheshire East Council
Ian Curtis was the frontman of Joy Division, who were behind the huge song Love Will Tear Us Apart.
The Macclesfield-raised musician tragically took his own life at just 23 years of age.
There’s another mural of him in Manchester, on Port Street, which promotes the mental health charity Shout.
On completion of his latest project, Akse said: “Although I’ve been working on murals most of my life, it’s still always an incredible feeling to get to the end of the journey – well the end of my journey at least. Now it’s time for the people of Macclesfield to enjoy the mural, as I know how much Ian meant to so many of them.”
Peter Hook wrote on Twitter: “Great to visit this wonderful new mural of Ian today by @Akse_P19, now almost finished on Mill St in Macclesfield.
“I’ve been waiting for a long time to see a tribute to Ian in his hometown.”
Featured image: Cheshire East Council
Cheshire
Chester Zoo is hiring a ‘passionate’ new keeper to look after its elephants
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its elephants, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2026, then surely it doesn’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Keeper to join the team looking after the elephants on a permanent basis, and for the right candidate, this offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a breeding group of Asian elephants, leading in the development of science and welfare for the species.
Chester Zoo is responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most-diverse animal communities, and this is your chance to be a part of what makes it so special.
Chester Zoo is hiring a ‘passionate’ new keeper to look after its elephants / Credit: Chester Zoo
For this full-time role, the zoo is looking for an ‘enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated’ individual to provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in caring for and managing the elephant species within a zoological environment.
“We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo, and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world,” Chester Zoo said in its online advertisement for the new role.
“If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.”
The ideal candidate for this job will have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience, and have proven experience in the care and management of large mammal species like elephants, as well as the highest standards of exhibitory.
They’ll also have ‘outstanding’ observational skills with excellent attention to detail.
The role of ‘Keeper – Elephants’ is 40 hours per week, with the working week being 10 days out of 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered, and the salary being £26,500 per annum.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an ‘excellent benefits package’ and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, pension scheme, a staff pass so you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
The closing date for applications is actually very soon (8 January 2026), and you can find out more and apply for the role here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Cheshire
Brilliant Boxing Day walks around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
It’s Boxing Day, and for a lot of us, the only requirement of the day is to sort out (eat) the leftovers and enjoy one last day of vegetating in front of the telly… walking is not high on the agenda.
But all that over-indulgence from Christmas Day can start to creep up on you – waistbands straining, head a bit foggy, bank balance definitely suffering from the Christmas Eve pub session.
Without wanting to sound like your nan, sometimes a bit of fresh air is exactly what you need to get yourself put back together again – not to mention it can help you to build up an appetite again to dive into that cheeseboard for the sixth time this weekend.
Greater Manchester is blessed with beautiful walks in all directions, so we’ve rounded up a handful of beautiful Boxing Day walks to try out.
There aren’t many places in the UK that look so much like a Christmas postcard as Macclesfield Forest, making it one of our favourite winter walking destinations.
Here, huge conifers dominate the landscape like giant Christmas trees – it’s about as close to an alpine wonderland you can get without travelling all the way to actual mountains.
There are a number of walking trails to follow, from a gentle green route all the way to a more challenging red route that takes you deeper into the forest.
Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated beauty spots.
If you tackle a full loop of all three reservoirs, you’ll come across a small waterfall, a stunning view of the Manchester skyline from the dam wall, and paths carved into steep hillsides.
It’s all nestled up in the Naden Valley in Rochdale, just above Norden.
Let’s see how awake your quads are, shall we, with an entirely uphill climb from Ramsbottom village to its magnificent Peel Monument.
The walk’s not too tough if you take it at a slow pace, and it’s well worth it for the views. Trust us.
You can go straight up the hill to the tower and straight back down again if you don’t want to rack up too many miles, or turn it into a circular and stroll across Holcombe Moor instead (beware – it can get windy up here).
There’s a map of the circular route here and some great pubs in the village to relax in afterwards.
Dovestone Reservoir is a beloved gem among many Mancunians – it might be busy on Boxing Day, but thanks to its mostly wide footpaths and circular route, it’s still easy enough to have your own space on your walk.
The path around the water is mostly flat and accessible, making it ideal if you’ve still got a few generations worth of relatives hanging about.
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You can keep going if you’re feeling adventurous, extending your walk to include Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, or heading up to Saddleworth moor and the crags above.
You can find more information about Dovestone Reservoirhere.
This is far and away one of the best winter walks you can do locally, especially on a crisp sunny day (which we hope Boxing Day will be).
The water is surrounded by woodland and meadows, and you can take a stroll along the banks of the River Mersey while you’re out here.
The lake itself is actually an artificial one, and was flooded after gravel was dug up to build the M60 in the 1970s.
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In summer, it’s packed with people doing watersports, but during the winter, it’s a picturesque little local stroll – and as a bonus, you can even get the tram right to the gate.
Right then, if you want maximum bang for your buck (as in soaking in as much fresh air and scenery as you can in as short a time as possible), Reddish Vale is the one.
There’s a really gentle loop that starts from the car park and skirts the edge of the bottom pond, also taking in views of the enormous viaduct that looms overhead.
And if you’re after something slightly more involved, you can keep exploring – this urban oasis spans 161 hectares with the River Tame running right through it.
Rivington Pike is a real gem in the North West, just across Bolton’s border with Lancashire, with loads to explore.
There’s a trio of reservoirs at the foot of the hill, but most people head upwards, towards the historic tower at the peak, where you can soak in views for miles around.
The Terraced Gardens are well worth exploring too, where you’ll find a hidden Japanese garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves.
It might not be the most adventurous of Boxing Day walks – Heaton Park is one of Manchester’s most popular and prominent green spaces and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – but it’s a perfect option for a family-friendly stroll.
The huge park has miles of accessible footpaths which loop around the boating lake, the Grade I-listed Heaton House, and the ‘Temple’, which stands at the highest point in the city of Manchester.
There are also cows and horses wandering about (even when the animal park itself is closed), and the old tramline to check out.
12. Hollingworth Lake – Littleborough
Credit: The Manc
What’s better than a walk where, after you’re done, you can stop off for a well-deserved Friday night feast: some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever have.
This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.
Located just a nine-minute drive away from Bury town centre, Burrs Country Park is a great chance to be at one with nature while also making sure you’re not too far from home.
This lovely stroll is certainly a-MOO-zing with comforting pub grub at The Brown Cow or nearby ice cream parlour Jersey Girls’ – we may have a little ice cream obsession…
14. Peel Park and Kersal Wetlands – Salford
Peel Park (Credit: Richerman via Wikimedia Commons)
Featuring some vast green spaces and some of the most intricately landscaped paths and patterns, Peel Park is like stepping into a mini Bridgerton-inspired garden, all that’s missing is the keys to your own castle (we wish)…
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Another Salford beauty spot is just a 20-minute walk away, but if the conversation is flowing, the time will just fly by.
Kersal Wetlands is a circular route that offers visitors the chance to see some cute feathered friends, mainly ducks, while burning off some of yesterday’ Christmas treats.
Both these walks are flat, making them accessible for all and ideal for anyone with a pram or people who may struggle with strenuous walks.
15. Fletcher Moss Park – Didsbury
A Didsbury gem, Fletcher Moss Park is a 15-minute tram ride away from Manchester city centre and just under a 15-minute wander from Didsbury Village tram stop.
This is more than a park; it’s a hidden oasis with well-maintained and lush garden spaces, to a fascinating rock garden that’s simply awe-inspiring.
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Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the retro food and beverages truck and take a minute to appreciate this quiet spot before making your return to the usual hustle and bustle.
Ever wanted to ‘hover above a huge gorge’while getting all your steps in? Well, this Peak District town has got you covered.
Situated directly next to the River Sett, the impressive 175-yard walkway can be incorporated into various walking trails and routes that surround the area.
New Mills has it all, whether you’re after a walk that admires some grand architecture in the shape of the impressive railway arches, or the lovely forest trails and greenery, there’s something for every type of walker – and let’s face it, we all move a bit slower on Boxing Day.
Daisy Jackson -
25th March 2022 
