Cheshire

New mural of Joy Division icon Ian Curtis unveiled in his hometown

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 25th March 2022

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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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.

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Read more: Mancs Max George and Ryan Thomas among celebs to compete in new ITV show The Games

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

Two new immersive installations are coming to Dunham Massey

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Dunham Massey immersive ORIGIN exhibition

National Trust park Dunham Massey is receiving two all-new immersive installations in May that are set to create some magical memories.

These art pieces are coming to the famed National Trust site this spring, with the aim of encouraging visitors to reflect on all things nature.

Both of the new installations will cover two very different aspects of the park while utilising soundscapes that help create a moment of calm for guests.

‘ORIGIN’ is one of the immersive installations coming to Dunham Massey, and it’s branded as a deep listening experience combining both art and wellbeing to help explore humans’ connection to nature.

An insight into the immersive installation ORIGIN.
An insight into the immersive installation ORIGIN.
Just a quick glance at the new immersive installation inside Dunham Massey. (Credit: Publicity Pictures)

Each guest will join a small, timed group of people to walk around the exhibition, where they will hear lots of different harmonies and soothing sounds – you’re even encouraged to sit or lie on the ground.

Amongst this relaxing audio experience, there will be dialogue from Young Identity, a Manchester-based literature and performing arts charity, who have created spoken poetry for the soundscape.

This bespoke creation is the genius of internationally-acclaimed artists Colin Nightingale and Stephen Dobbie, who have teamed up with a wonderful creative team to bring this experience to life.

‘A Field Hospital for Eco-Anxiety’ is the title of Dunham Massey’s second brand-new immersive installation, and frequent visitors to the park will recognise its location as it takes place in The Orangery.

This building will be filled with some lush plants, and just like its name – the ‘Field Hospital’ – it’s set to be a place of sanctuary and comfort for any guests who decide to take part.

dunham massey walks
Visitors enjoying the gardens at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
dunham massey prices
Visitors walking their dogs in the park at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
It really is a National Trust gem. (Credit: Supplied)

There will be an activity sheet on hand for visitors as you walk around, so you can write down some positive steps people can take for the environment and reflect on our natural world.

The latter immersive installation is the brainchild of The Edible Bus Stop and ‘Not here to be liked’, two companies that design and create culturally relevant experiences, typically environment-oriented.

These two brand new immersive installations at Dunham Massey are multi-sensory and are a great chance for little ones and grown-ups alike to take a moment of solace to consider environmental impacts.

Liam Geary Baulch from Not here to be liked explained: “Right now a majority of people are worried about the climate crisis, with so many young people impacted. The Field Hospital is a place for them to feel cared for, take a breath, and build resilience.”

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The two brand new exhibitions, ORIGIN and A Field Hospital For Eco-Anxiety, are officially launching to the public on 3 May at Dunham Massey.

If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can find out more information HERE. It’s also worth noting that the experience is not suitable for under 12s; under 18s must also be accompanied by an adult.

ORIGIN is included in the general admission Park and Garden ticket, which is available from £10 for an adult and just a fiver for children. This ticket also includes access to the garden, deer park, parking, shop, cafe, restaurant and all other facilities – though entry to the site doesn’t guarantee ORIGIN admission

Lastly, as is customary, the experience is FREE for National Trust members, so if you’re looking for activities this spring, a trip out to Cheshire might be on the cards.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity Pictures (supplied)

Cheshire

Wilmslow Street Fest returns for a trio of sunny dates later this year

Danny Jones Danny Jones Wilmslow Street Festival 2025

Down the road in Cheshire and just beyond the reaches of Greater Manchester, the Manc-adjacent market town of Wilmslow is once again hosting a big street festival this summer.

The stylish suburb might be a short trip out of 0161, but this popular and now annual celebration is well worth the journey.

Following a smash-hit inaugural event last year, Wilmslow Street Fest is back for 2025 and what we’re sure will be an even more successful second series of dates.

Consider our train tickets booked already.

wilmslow street fest 2025
wilmslow street festival dates
Credit: Wilmslow BID (supplied)

Set up by Market Co. in association with Wilmslow’s Way Better organisation, which is funded through the Wilmslow BID (Business Improvement Districts) and aims to develop the town centre with local business at the forefront, it’s part of a wider programme of events and activities each year.

Most importantly, the festival is completely free to attend and designed to capture that community spirit at its highest: when the sun is out and shining bright – touch wood.

Based around a main hub on Wilmslow‘s Bank Square, natives and visitors from around the North West have not just one, not just two, but three different chances to enjoy the festivities.

And since you’ll be there all evening, you’ll be glad to hear there’s plenty of scran to be enjoyed. Expect Jamaican delicacies from Hungry Little Critters, a delicious Cheeky Swine Hog Roast, delights from the Thai Food Van and tonnes more. *Deep inhale*…

Mouthwatering American-style smoked meats from Brisket Shack, tasty burgers from The Little Kitchen, Cornwall’s finest pasties from Taste of Cornwall; slices from Oh Pizza, dirty fries from Giz A Chip, and perfectly cooked Chinese-style D’vine Dumplings.

cheshire street food
Cheeky Swine
street food festivals north west
Can’t go wrong with a hot dog
Or a burger
Credit: Supplied

And it doesn’t stop there – not even close: there’ll be crepes from Flippen Good and top-tier ice cream from Gingers Comfort Emporium (big fans), as well as all the drinks under the sun from Vintro Bar. 

Besides eating and drinking your weight like we do in summer, there’ll also be plenty of free entertainment, including live music performances and DJs, stilt walkers and even a bubbleologist.

Yes, that is someone who blows giant bubbles.

Put simply, there’ll be something for everyone and having heard strong reviews from the debut event last year, we won’t be missing out on it this time.

Wilmslow Street Fest 2025 is taking place on Friday, 25 April, Fri 27 June and Fri 29 August 29th, all of which will kick off from 5pm and start wrapping up at 9pm.

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Speaking on the upcoming sophomore event, Verity LeChapois of Wilmslow BID said: “We’re so excited to collaborate with Market Co. again to bring Wilmslow Street Fest back for 2025. These events are all about showcasing Wilmslow at its best – live music, great food and an unbeatable community vibe.  

“Street Fest offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new, a music lover eager to hear live music from talented performers, or you’re simply looking for a great night out with friends and family.

“We’re hoping to build on the success of last year’s events and make them bigger and more successful than ever. Entry is free – bring your friends and family and join us in Bank Square for a fantastic celebration in the heart of Wilmslow.”

Guess we’ll see you there, folks!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images (supplied via Wilmslow BID)

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