Kampus, the new garden neighbourhood that sits across the water from Manchester’s famous Gay Village, will soon be home to a new LGBTQ+ bar.
A queer cocktail den serving dirty martinis under dim lights, Red Light will move into one of the Victorian warehouses off the cobbles of Little David Street – a newly reopened route connecting Kampus with Chorlton Street – later this summer.
The brainchild of Deana Ferguson, an adopted Manc originally hailing from Belfast, the inclusive, queer space will serve a menu of refined cocktails, natural wines and locally-brewed ales.
Speaking on the new opening, she said: “Red Light will be a queer and inclusive space, where we’ll be mixing signature cocktails in a historic space that just draws people in from the street.
“The bar we’re creating fits perfectly with the red brick of the stunning Victorian warehouse, opening onto Little David Street. ”
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Little David Street will welcome Red Light later this summer. / Image: The Manc Group
Soundtracked by disco beats, the laid-back lounge will feature an imposing bar set against a red-brick backdrop, queer art and low-lit, intimate corners for lovers and friends to sequester themselves in.
The bar’s name nods to the area’s history as a hidden red light district, stretching back over 100 years.
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Once at the heart of the cotton industry, as canals were replaced with other transport methods the canals and warehouses that surround The Village and Kampus became deserted.
That vacuum drew sex workers to the area, and it continued to be known as a red light district into the late 1980s.
Red Light founder Deana Ferguson explained: “The name is a nod to the fascinating history of the area, with the canals and warehouses once at the heart of the cotton industry, but then becoming a hidden red light district after the businesses wound down.”
As well as a number of cosy corners inside the Minshull Warehouse, there will also be seating outside on the cobbles – perfect for late-night, al fresco drinking.
When the bar opens later this summer, it will sit alongside the growing list of indie food and drink brands set to call Kampus home including Madre, Great North Pie and Cloudwater Brewery.
Speaking on the new opening Adam Brady, from developer HBD, said: “Red Light will be a worthy addition to Little David Street. So many people are discovering the charm of this once-lost street and it’ll be awesome for them to have a cocktail den tucked away just off the cobbles.
“Loads of people comment on the community spirit and laid-back, inclusive atmosphere we’ve created at Kampus. The warm and welcoming vibe of Red Light will fit it to a tee, providing an intimate getaway from the crowds and excuse to lap up the industrial beauty of Minshull Warehouse.”
Feature image – Supplied
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Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Georgina Pellant -
15th June 2022 
