As tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II spring up around the city, one bar in Manchester has paid its own respects with a heartfelt message emblazoned above its door for everyone to see.
Impossible Bar on Peter Street is known for its tongue-in-cheek comments about current affairs, typically using its prominently-placed sign to comment on the latest Love Island or Kanye West scandal.
But in light of the Queen’s sudden passing, bosses have instead used it to share an ardent message about the late Monarch, writing “The best to ever do it. HRH Elizabeth II.”
Sharing the tribute on its social media channels, the bar described Queen Elizabeth II as “a leader, a lady, elegant and true… A role model for us all, our queen through and through… Queen Elizabeth ll 1926-2022.”
It follows the appearance of a number of tributes across the city, as locals and businesses begin to come together to mourn the death of Her Majesty.
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Manchester City Council has already announced St Ann’s Square as the dedicated space for anyone wishing to lay flowers in tribute, whilst the flag at Manchester Central Library has been lowered to half-mast and will remain so until 8am on the day following the State Funeral.
The Queen’s Books of Condolence has also opened at the library this morning, with locals invited to visit between 9am and 6pm from now until the day after the funeral.
Elsewhere, billboards across the city have been changed to show tributes to the Queen with numerous pictures of her now on display.
A number of voices from the wider nightlife industry have also joined in sharing tributes and condolences, with the Night Time Industries Association writing: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen has been an amazing ambassador and servant for this country over the last 70 years. Thank you for your service x”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen has been an amazing ambassador and servant for this country over the last 70 years. Thank you for your service x pic.twitter.com/SrckAGE9Yn
— Night Time Industries Association (@ntiaofficial) September 8, 2022
Manchester’s Night Time Economy Advisor Sacha Lord also shared his condolences, tweeting “A terribly sad day. My condolences are with the Queen’s family and with all who knew and loved her.”
Local brewery Joseph Holt has tweeted: “Joseph Holt Brewery and all of our Pubs share the sorrow of the nation following the announcement on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Thank you for 70 Years of service and dedication. Rest in Peace Your Majesty.”
And J W Lees has added its condolences, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Everyone at JW Lees extends their sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and the entire Royal Family.”
The crown now passes to King Charles III, who will now rule as Monarch with his wife Camilla becoming Queen Consort.
Feature image – Impossible
Manchester
Beloved stage musical Billy Elliot to return to Manchester for 2026 Christmas season
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage musicals of the 21st century has confirmed its return to Manchester for the festive season.
Based on the highly successful film of the same name, seen by more than 12 million people across five continents, and the recipient of over 80 awards internationally – including 10 Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards – Billy Elliot The Musical is heading back out on tour this year, and making its long-awaited return to one of Manchester‘s most legendary stages.
If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, the show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.
Billy Elliot The Musical is returning to Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
Since its debut on stage all the way back in 2006, the show has been massively acclaimed by audiences and critics alike – with 125 boys having now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.
The upcoming Manchester production will be brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, and of course, they’ll be joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score.
“Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting,” commented Elton John and Stephen Daldry.
Tickets officially go on sale early next month / Credit: Supplied
“It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it.”
Billy Elliot The Musical is taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 2 December 2026 through to 9 January 2027, before it does a run in the West End shortly after, and tickets officially go on sale in early March.
Tickets go on sale to ATG+ members on Thursday 5 March at 10am, and general on sale begins on Monday 9 March at 10am here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Manchester
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.
The Manc -
9th September 2022 
