Manchester

Manchester’s iconic ‘Tram Taylor’ Swift cardboard cut-out is being auctioned off for charity

EXCLUSIVE - all the details you need, right here.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st April 2023

She’s as much of a landmark in Manchester as the Central Library, or Beetham Tower, or the Royal Exchange Theatre – but now Tram Taylor’s days are numbered. Thankfully, we’ve got our hands on her, and she could soon be yours.

The cardboard cut-out of Taylor Swift has been watching over commuters in Castlefield for years, bringing a little bit of joy (and bemusement) to tram journeys around the city.

Now it’s time for her owners to pack up and move out of Manchester for a new chapter in Sheffield, leaving Tram Taylor behind – and she’s come to live with us lot here at The Manc for a bit.

We’re going to be auctioning this legendary figure off for charity, raising money in aid of Mermaids, a phenomenal charity that supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families.

It’s a cause we’re proud to throw our full weight behind, while finding a deserving new home for Tram Taylor in the process, and 100% of the money raised through the auction with Adam Partridge Auctioneers will go to Mermaids.

Tram Taylor’s big day out with The Manc before she’s auctioned in aid of Mermaids. Credit: The Manc Group

And anyone who’s worried about how this will change their daily trip to work, you can relax – comedian Red Redmond, who has owned the cut-out since 2017, has already replaced her with a look-a-like.

Red told us: “It’s not every day you find out you have a piece of cultural heritage in your window. In 2017 she was just a leftover cardboard cutout at a club night I worked at. Now in 2023 Tram Taylor is a citywide icon.

“I’m very sad to part ways with something that means so much to so many people. Hopefully her replacement will be accepted by her fans.

“We are so grateful for the love and support we have received on social media. It felt only fair that we would continue the good will by auctioning off the original Tram Taylor to a worthy cause.

Tram Taylor in the pub with The Manc. Credit: The Manc Group
Tram Taylor in her temporary home at The Manc. Credit: The Manc Group

“Mermaids is an amazing charity who do fantastic work for trans children and their families. Following the recent tragic murder of Brianna Ghey, I think it’s more important than ever to support the transgender community and show that love is always stronger than hate.”

A spokesperson for Mermaids said: “Mermaids is extremely thankful for Red Redmond’s decision to choose us as the recipient of the proceeds of the Trams Taylor auction. As a youth organisation specialising in providing invaluable support to trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse young people and their families, in what is a particularly toxic time for our community, the funds will go towards expanding our services and reach, to ensure we are there for everyone who needs us.

“We’re glad Red Redmond and Adam Partridge Auctioneers share our passion to protect trans kids’ futures, and we hope Tram Taylor finds a wonderful home!”

The Tram Taylor auction is now live with Adam Partridge, with 100% of proceeds being donated to Mermaids. Stay tuned for updates and how to bid for this piece of modern history.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

Manchester

You can stay in an aircraft, helicopter or old school bus at this glamping pod near Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Cool glamping spots near Greater Manchester

There’s a glamping retreat near Manchester offering extraordinary stays in an aircraft, helicopter, old school bus and more.

Over in Blackpool at Manor House Glamping, there is a range of static vehicles that you can have an overnight stay or two in, and according to the pictures on its website, there’s even a resident emu.

You can stay in various modes of transport, such as an aircraft, an iconic yellow school bus, a campervan or a military green truck.

Each has its own perks ranging from a hot tub, outdoor bath, fire pit, sandpit and more. Whatever type of getaway or retreat you’re looking for, you’ll find everything you need right here.

glamping blackpool
sleep in a school bus north west
Credit: Manor House Glamping

The most eye-catching of the company’s stays is certainly the aircraft, which has kept its original cockpit features, although it’s safe to say the interior has definitely had a makeover.

There’s no such thing as a bad in-flight experience with this guest house, as you can get cocktails delivered to the cockpit after taking a dip in your own personal hot tub – not too shabby, eh?

With the bright and unmissable yellow school bus, there are plenty of decorations that help continue this theme in the form of various American road signs, one of which acts as your headboard for the night.

If you’re after a more toned-down chance to unwind, you can step into a pale-white camper van with cosy cushions and a snug haystack-turned-sofa adorned with some gorgeous blankets.

Say less.

staycation in an aircraft
glamping north west
You can see the full gallery HERE.

And if you’re looking at going all out, then your Manor House Glamping accommodation of choice has to be the chopper, which was once used by the Royal Navy.

Worried this option might be a tad nippy? Fear not, because this helicopter is fully kitted out to suit your glamping needs with two fluffy-lined cushions on each seat of this vintage heli.

This glamping company has even been recommended by one of the most trusted hotel review sites around, Tripadvisor, which awarded the increasingly popular site with their coveted Travellers’ Choice Award earlier this year.

Besides a big screen and lawnchairs, you could argue there’s also some other alternative entertainment.

Read more:

Anyone who experiences cabin fever, fear not, because all the aircraft and vehicles are static and aren’t planning on making a long-haul journey anytime soon, you’ll still be able to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Manor House Glamping has a variety of vehicle-themed guest houses, both old and new, for you to stay in overnight and if you’re interested or after any further information.

You can find everything you need HERE.

If you fancy staying within the boundaries of Greater Manchester but still fancy getting the feel for a cockpit, though, there’s a very fun day out over at Barton’s City Airport.

You can now feel what it’s like to pilot a 747 at Barton Aerodrome’s incredible flight simulator
You could always consider this a test flight of sorts before potential glamping near Manchester.

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

Featured Images – Supplied via Manor House Glamping

Manchester

Inside the UK’s largest Bershka store that has just opened inside the Trafford Centre

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Bershka has opened its first-ever Manchester store this week, and it’s a fashion lover’s paradise.

Spanning an absolutely massive 1200 square meters, the Spanish fast fashion clothing retailer has touched down in the Trafford Centre with a bang.

Known for its on trend and affordable pieces, Bershka caters to a younger audience who are looking to dress to impress.

From camouflage mini skirts to buckled biker boots, if you’ve seen a fashion trend online and you’re wanting to try it out for yourself – Bershka is the place to spend your money.

Images: Supplied

The new flagship store located on Peel Avenue next to John Lewis is organised into three independent sections: BERSHKA, BSK, and MAN collections.

The store concept aims to integrate the building’s interior with a groundbreaking store prototype already used in other locations across the world.

Featuring a sequence of product display modules designed to showcase the different collections while changing materials depending on the section.

Images: Supplied

Each section is designed to be your own personal shopper, so you really don’t have to go far to find your perfect fit.

Spending money has never been so easy, with the brand new streamlined checkout sections that include plenty of both traditional and self-checkout counters meaning you’ll never find yourself queueing.

Another standout feature is the store’s lighting, specifically designed for this supersized flagship store. Small rectangular LED spotlights with warm and comfortable lighting have been used to enhance the customer’s shopping experience, so you can say goodbye to harsh changing room lighting.

Images: Supplied

Custom sound panels have been designed and installed in central areas of each section, as well as AR mirrors that us AR technology allowing you to try on products through different filters created exclusively by the brand. How cool is that?

So grab your wallets and get yourself to the Trafford Centre to browse Bershka to your heart’s content.

Read more: Inside the new supersized Zara store that’s just opened in the Trafford Centre

Featured image – Supplied

More Manchester

Adidas drop Liam and Noel Gallagher SPZL trainers

Audio

Adidas drop Liam and Noel Gallagher SPZL trainers

Manchester

Inside the new supersized Zara store that’s just opened in the Trafford Centre

HOP Vietnamese at Manchester Arndale

Eats

Manchester Arndale is slashing prices on food and drink across the shopping centre

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches