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.
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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.
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“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 GroupTram 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.”
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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.
Jane McDonald announces huge new arena tour, with gig in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
National treasure Jane McDonald has just announced a brand-new arena tour, including a show here in Manchester.
The singing sensation has shared details of a new UK tour and album for 2026, with the Living The Dream tour hitting 19 stages.
Jane McDonald, star of stage and screen, will be performing at the AO Arena in Manchester next September, following the release of her new album in the spring.
Living The Dream is her 11th studio album, and boasts nine original songs plus four re-workings of country classics.
Jane has been a British icon ever since she appeared in the BBC docusoap The Cruise back in 1998.
Since then she’s sold out some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
As well as her singing and stage career, she’s known for her TV work including the BAFTA Award-winning Channel 5 series Cruising with Jane McDonald, Celebrity Gogglebox with best friend Sue Ravey on Celebrity Gogglebox, and her starring position on Loose Women.
She’s also recently launched her sold-out cruise charter, Cruise with Jane McDonald, with a seven-night round-trip for 1,400 fans planned for next October.
Before heading out on tour, TV audiences will also see Jane undertaking an ocean expedition for Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole, where she’ll be travelling from the Antarctic to the Arctic.
In May 2026 Jane will headline the main stage at Mighty Hoopla festival in London in her first ever festival headline appearance.
Making the announcement, Jane said: “It’s true, I am officially Living The Dream so what better way to celebrate that than with a new album and a new tour.
“I love Country music and I love partying with you so I want to bring that together by bringing you some exciting new music along with the songs you know and love.
“We had brilliant fun on the last tour and we’re stepping it up a notch this time to visit even bigger venues so buckle up and let’s make even more memories together.”
Jane McDonald will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Thursday 10 September.
Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 28 November HERE, but you can pre-order Jane’s album HERE for access to the pre-sale.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan to play huge Manchester arena show on new UK tour
Clementine Hall
Ready to laugh your socks off? Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester.
The comedy legend is embarking on an major UK arena tour, and of course he’ll be stopping off at our very own AO Arena.
Whether you know him for his fantastic stand up, or for the massively popular Rob & Romesh Vsseries on Sky, one thing’s for sure, the man knows how to make us laugh.
After his last visits to us in Manchester have been nothing short of a roaring success, Ranganathan will be returning to our city with his next tour Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life on Saturday 10 April 2027.
Yes we’ve got a while to wait, but we’re sure it’ll be absolutely worth it.
It’s safe to say that Romesh has been on fire across the TV, radio, and live stages over the past few years.
From hit shows like The Ranganation, where he guides a panel of everyday people and celebrities through the week’s big topics, to the radio where he hosts For the Love of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2, Romesh is now a part of our daily lives – and we’re not at all mad about it.
On his upcoming tour, he’ll be treating us to a show comprised of brand-new material, and if his last arena shows were anything to go by, this one’ll be constant belly laughs throughout.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester on his new UK tour / Credit: Supplied
Romesh Ranganathan is bringing his Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life tour to AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 10 April 2027, and tickets go on sale next week – with both pre-sales and general sales available.
There’ll be a Three+ Presale on Wed 19 November, a presale for AO Arena members on Thursday 20 November, both at 11am, and then General Sale will be on Friday 21 November, again at 11am.
Daisy Jackson -
1st April 2023 
