As fireworks crackled across the night sky, the ‘prison’ fences surrounding Fallowfield student campus came crashing down.
This moment was the tipping point, in every sense.
After three months of waking up to the same four walls and forking out thousands of pounds to sit on Zoom, Fallowfield first-years woke up on Thursday to find they’d been fenced-in to their accommodation.
There’d been no warning, and whilst University of Manchester’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell quickly apologised and pledged to dismantle the fencing within hours, students decided to take matters into their own hands.
The pressure from a deeply-troubled first term had come to a head, and hundreds congregated together on campus to rip down the blockades.
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It was, according to one student at the protest Ben McGowan, a: “really overwhelmingly cathartic moment.”
This was more than just taking down a fence. We hope this will raise awareness to the lack of support students have received over the course of the pandemic. If you say it is safe for us to come to uni, support us so we don’t lose another student. #ManchesterUniversitypic.twitter.com/ZGnq0vQuIE
The fact that #ManchesterUniversity thought it was a good idea to cage us in with 7ft fences like animals or prisoners absolutely baffles me. Only weeks ago was there a suspected suicide due to anxiety in lockdown in a flat just below me. pic.twitter.com/chJJmiuLnr
A completely out of touch group of managers develop a stupid plan. The plan creates chaos and mountains of work for everyone underneath them. They then offer an abysmal apology that gaslights everyone. https://t.co/w0KV7dISST
The fences had been installed overnight by the university as an additional security measure – intended to protect residents and ensure no unauthorised people were entering the halls.
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But students insist they weren’t informed about the construction work – leaving them panicked at the prospect of being ‘locked in’.
This was made worse by the cryptic response students got when they asked the construction workers what was happening.
“They said they couldn’t tell us and that it was information that was private,” Politics and Sociology student Ben explains.
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Whilst Ben called the assembly of the fences an “amazingly stupid” move by the Uni, he says it was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
“Since the day we got here the uni has repeatedly failed us and broken promises,” he told us.
“When we got here we were promised in-person tutorials and before they could begin they moved to online. They moved thousands of us across the country into cramped halls riddled with problems especially in Oak House – there’s always a leaking roof or even flooding.
“During isolation they gave us barely any guidance or support. They sent us food package which arrived after we actually finished isolating which was a week’s worth of food that was due to go off in a day.”
When Ben packed his bags and travelled up from South East London to move into Oak House, he was excited about the university experience that lay ahead.
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But it’s been nothing like he expected.
“It’s not really felt like we’re at uni, it just feels like I live in a hall and occasionally have to go on a Zoom call.”
It’s been the same for hundreds of others just like him.
So, when the ‘lockdown fences’ went up, collective frustration that had been building the student community mutated into an organised protest.
“By 8pm we gathered outside Owens Park tower within an area that had been fenced and began chanting and speeches,” said Ben.
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“We could see security were filming us and after a bit of shaking of the fences noticed they came down relatively easily. So, once the first one crashed down everyone ran across campus tearing them all down.”
He added: “There was a real sense of solidarity amongst the hundreds of students that were there that we had actually managed to win this – especially as whilst we were at the protest we received an apology email from the university.”
I can't believe this is even happening. Please remember though, this is just ONE university forcing students to stay. Cambridge told students if they leave to go home for lockdown, they'd be kicked out off their courses. Including international students. #ManchesterUniversityhttps://t.co/Jo4KoFoTtj
According to Ben, the facility needs to focus on providing more mental health services as the pandemic continues.
“I think the main priority for universities has to be supporting student’s mental health,” he explains.
“Most of us are far away from anywhere we know, surrounded with people we barely know and the level of mental health support has been abysmal.
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“Yesterday when the fences were put up actually coincided with the day an enquiry into the suicide of a student at the halls begins. At the protest last night we held a minute of silence for him at the start, but the university has to learn that if they don’t start treating students humanly things will only get worse.”
The major misstep of the fences has seen UoM apologise profusely, with a statement posted online explaining the decision.
Spokespeople for UoM have also said that the university has been offering “further support” during isolation.
But Ben says students still feel like they aren’t being heard.
“It really feels like now they’ve trapped us up here,” says Ben
“[They’ve] got our 9k, they really couldn’t care less what happens to us.”
Feature
Lantern Pike – the countryside walk with amazing views, an old railway line, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, with an optional stop at Marmalade Coffee Shop for a bacon sandwich and some caffeine.
Then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
Lantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc GroupLantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Instead, turn off to the right to cross the River Sett and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and back down the other side, passing the Lantern Pike pub (we won’t judge if you pause for a pint here), cross the road, and join Snake Path.
This will take you past Twenty Trees, which is literally a group of trees standing on its own, and back into Hayfield.
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in the last year.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
You can see a map of the circular walking route at alltrails.com.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Feature
Hairspray lands at the Palace Theatre, proving to audience members that you really can’t stop the beat
Oli Lowe
Energetic ensemble numbers, lavish costumes and stand-out performances: Hairspray welcomes everyone to the 60s in its latest tour production.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hold very fond memories of the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into the already iconic musical. I bring this version of the show up because until last night it was my only experience of the story.
Yes, much to my shame, I had never seen a live production of the show but after coming out of the Palace Theatre last night, I can now say that Hairspray‘s latest tour production is just as fun-loving – and as free wheeling.
From start to finish, Hairspray is a vibrant, colourful, high-energy show which takes you on the journey of teenage misfit Tracey Turnblad as she deals with the struggles of pursuing her dreams, in the face of adversity and a 1960s America that seems determined to halt progression.
The entire cast gave stellar performances from leading lady Alexander Emmerson-Kirby in the role of Tracy, all the way through to the ensemble who constantly wooed me with brilliantly executed dance routines, filled to the brim with swinging-sixties dance moves.
I’d like to take a second to highlight some standout performances, which in my opinion elevated the show to new heights. Starting with Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s ‘larger-than-life’ mum.
Neil was a constant comic relief throughout a show that whilst generally lighthearted does tackle some serious issues such as unrealistic female beauty standards and racial segregation.
Neil, alongside his comedic partner Dermot Canavan, gave a standout, belly-laugh performance of their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. It truly had the audience in fits of laughter and lauded huge applause from the entire theatre.
On to Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle and Michelle Ndegwa as ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle. Both gave superb renditions of their solo numbers and showcased their experience in every scene they were in.
Murray’s rendition of Miss Baltimore Crabs (still always caught off-guard by that name) was impressive, to say the least, with the performer delivering big and bold vocals, all whilst being held upside down by a group of the male cast.
Meanwhile, Michelle Ndegwa’s version of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was spellbindingly beautiful. It carried with it the weight and severity of the number, all whilst delivering knock-out vocals that were filled to the brim with pain and suffering.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16th July 2024 in ManchesterStunning vocals all around.
Finally, a small shoutout to Reece Richards as Seaweed. Growing up (and occasionally to this day) I tried many times to stumble my way through Seaweed’s big number, ‘Run And Tell That’, and let me tell you from experience, that’s one damn hard song to sing…
Reece delivered the number expertly, all whilst dancing in a routine that even just watching, made me feel slightly exhausted. Props to Reece… One day I will nail that opening high note (I won’t).
All in all, Hairspray delights, delivering laughter, splendor, and high fuelled entertainment from start to finish – we’d consider a must-see if you’re a fan of the film, especially.
The show runs through till 27th July and with limited tickets still available, there’s no reason to not get yourself down and enjoy an evening of mesmerising, musical fun. You can grab yours HERE.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16 July 2024 at the Palace Theatre in ManchesterSeriously, give it a go.