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Another man arrested for sending ‘abusive’ emails to Labour deputy Angela Rayner

Ms Rayner thanked the police for their action in the ongoing investigation.

The Manc The Manc - 20th January 2022

Another man has been arrested after a string of “abusive” emails were sent to the Labour Party’s deputy leader Angela Rayner.

In what is said to be part of an ongoing investigation into emails sent to a woman in the Ashton-under-Lyne area, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Sussex Police confirmed that officers have arrested a 68-year-old man at an address in Brighton yesterday on suspicion of sending malicious communications.

The emails were confirmed to have been sent to Ms Rayner on 17 November 2021.

The man – which GMP said has now been released on bail – is the fourth person to have been arrested so far as part of the investigation, and comes after one man was sentenced last October to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty.

In a statement issued on the progressing matter this week, Ms Rayner thanked the police for their action in the investigation.

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Read more: Man, 36, sentenced for sending ‘abusive’ email to deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner

A spokesperson for the Rayner said: “We are working with the police to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice and Angela would like to thank the police for their work during these investigations.

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“Abuse and threats of this nature don’t just have an impact on Angela but also on her family, her children and her staff, who are on the receiving end of these communications.”

Angela Rayner has been the Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015.

Featured Image – Sky News

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Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.

After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio album Music, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.

The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.

Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.

And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.

Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.

Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.

Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027

  • 13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
  • 15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
  • 17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
  • 19 February – The O2, London
  • 22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
  • 24 February – Accor Arena, Paris

Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.

Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.

Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.

Read more:

Presales, including Co-op Member Presale, begin on Wednesday 16 September at 9am, before general sale starts on Friday 18 September, again at 9am.

Get tickets when they go live here.

Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)

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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening date announced – including new spots

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant The Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: Supplied, Manchester City Council

Manchester Christmas Markets are merely months away, and the opening date and important details for 2026’s return have been announced.

It’s official… holidays are coming, and the countdown is on.

Just as we do every year, the Greater Manchester public has been eagerly awaiting news of when the city’s iconic Christmas Markets would be making a comeback for the 2026 festive season. And now, Manchester City Council has announced – initially via the MEN – that the famous wooden huts will be lining the city’s streets once again from the first week in November.

Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bring thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.

This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine
2022 Manchester Christmas Markets
Gorgeous Cheesecakes
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 return date has officially been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr

And there’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action this year.

There will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square this year, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.

There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.

The Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: Supplied, Manchester City Council
There’s officially eight weeks to go until the iconic wooden huts line the streets / Credit: Manchester City Council

Promising to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages, it has been confirmed that 2026 will see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.

Of course, everyone’s favourite big red legend, Zippy Santa, will also be back this year, although his location has not been set in stone just yet, so stay tuned.

“There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council.

“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.

“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.”

He concluded: “Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”

Read more:

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 will officially open across the city on Friday 6 November and close on Tuesday 22 December – with the exception of Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open right through until Sunday 3 January.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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