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.
Full list of Manchester restaurants set to add an extra £1 to bills to tackle homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
As November arrives, the temperatures begin to start dropping, and the nights set in a little earlier, people in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 15 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launches today (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Proloco, Erst, Ezra & Gill, Stretford Canteen, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
Now in its 29th year, StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
Since launching in 1998, the campaign has raised over £16.2 million to support charities across the UK, providing practical help, from meals and emergency accommodation to healthcare, training, housing advice and routes towards finding a permanent home.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2026, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2026
Proloco
Hache MCR
Bar Posie
SAMPA
Blue Eyed Panda
Ezra & Gill
Erst
Little Seeds
Lina Stores
Stretford Canteen
Hawksmoor
Manahatta
San Carlo Bottega
Tampopo
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference.”
Featured Image – John Carey (Supplied)
Manchester
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
1st April 2023 
