Manchester

Eric Cantona pictured at Peveril of the Peak on reopening day

A footballing legend heads down to one of Manchester's most famous pubs as they prepare to pour the first pints after lockdown.

The Manc The Manc - 22nd April 2021

Thursday was always going to be an important day for Peveril of the Peak. The doors to the famous pub had been locked for months – and this was the date when the pints would finally start pouring again.

But the arrival of a very special guest at the Great Bridgewater St boozer on April 22 turned reopening day from a big occasion into an unforgettable one.

As the barrels were prepped and the tables were propped up outdoors, the first visitor pictured at ‘The Pev’ turned out to be none other than Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

The former striker – who scored 82 goals during five years at Old Trafford – was seen stood behind the bar on Thursday afternoon.

Posting on social media, The Pev revealed that some filming was being completed at the venue during the daytime and they planned to reopen to the public around 5pm.

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Cantona has been spotted shooting in other locations around the city this week – with another photo showing him in conversation with current United star Bruno Fernandes.

Peveril of the Peak is not just one of the most beloved old boozers in Manchester but also one of the most visually distinct for its iconic green tiled Victorian architecture.

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It is operated by one of the longest-serving landladies in the region – with 89-year-old Nancy Swanick celebrating 50 years behind the pumps in January 2021.

The Pev had originally planned to reopen on May 17 following the national lockdown, but owners brought the date forward “due to much popular demand and nice weather.”

Serving recommences outdoors from around 5pm tonight (April 22).

Manchester

World-renowned rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd announce HUGE Manchester anniversary gig

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Legendary Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd are returning to Manchester for a limited UK tour at one city’s foremost venues.

Six years since their last visit, we’re sure they’ve missed ‘That Smell’ of a Manchester crowd and it’s safe to say safe we’ve missed them too.

Known for our love of live music and gigs, there’s no better place to stop off at other than Manchester when you’re playing a world tour, especially celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s formation.

Their name needs no introduction, however, if you need a reminder of this band’s remarkable career then ‘Don’t Ask Me No Questions’.

Just kidding, the well-seasoned country and blues veterans from Jacksonville, Flordia are one of the most acclaimed acts to ever come out of the US; in 2006 they received one of the biggest honours any artist could wish for, getting inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.

With plenty of well-known radio rock staples to their name such as ‘Free Bird’, ‘Simple Man’ and, of course, the iconic ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, they’ve sold more than 28 million records and are ranked at no. 95. in Rolling Stone‘s ‘Top 100 Artists of All Time’.

Now that’s pedigree, right there.

With 14 official studio albums, several EPs and numerous live recordings, there are definitely more than enough songs to pack into one unforgettable night.

As one of just four dates here in England, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Manchester tour show is taking place at none other than the AO Arena, which has also reached a milestone in 2025 as they celebrate 30 years of unbelievable gigs. What better way to party than with a good ol’ fashioned rock show?

They won’t be travelling solo either, they’re also bringing Georgia-based rockers Blackberry Smoke as a support act, notable for their 2012 single ‘One Horse Town’ along with many others.

rock concert manchester, lynyrd skynyrd, manchester
Rockin’ it out like they always do, bring on Manchester.
rock concerts this year, lynyrd skynyrd, manchester
That iconic Lynyrd logo will look immense in AO Arena this year.
Credit: Supplied

They’ve chosen the right venue to belt the hits too and, ironically, they’ve chosen a Tuesday for their Manchester date, meaning you’ll be able to walk out of the concert singing ‘Tuesday’s Gone’ with more conviction than ever.

Similarly to Katy Perry, who also announced a gig at AO Arena set for this year, £1 from every ticket will also be donated to Live Trust in support of grassroots music venues. Love that.

One thing is for sure, with a legacy as big as this, the rockers are guaranteed to have a great time. There might not be any founding members left following the passing of guitarist and songwriter Gary Rossington in 2023, but you can bet the current lineup will do the originals justice and then some.

Lynyrd Skynyrd visit the AO Arena in Manchester on Tuesday 15 July 2025 with tickets going on sale from Friday 24 January at 10am. You can grab yours HERE.

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Featured Images — Publicity Pictures (Supplied)

Manchester

North Manchester General Hospital to be rebuilt and replaced with new ‘world-class facility’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

North Manchester General Hospital is set to be rebuilt following new commitment by the Government, it has been announced.

After a review of the New Hospital Programme was carried out, and found that the previous Government’s commitment to deliver ’40 new hospitals by 2030′ was behind-schedule, unfunded, and therefore, undeliverable, the Department of Health and Social Care has today confirmed funding and a realistic timetable to deliver all of its hospital projects.

This credible timeline for delivery, according to the Government, will ensure that staff and patients have access to the facilities they desperately need around the country “as soon as possible”.

Buildings and equipment across the UK that had been left to crumble, disrupting patient care and hindering staff, had been inherited by the new Government, which is why ministers said they are now “committed” to rebuilding the NHS.

North Manchester General Hospital will be replaced with a new ‘world-class facility’ / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The new plan – which the Government say is “affordable and honest” – will be backed with £15 billion of new investment over consecutive five-year waves, averaging £3 billion a year.

Hospitals in Wave 1 of the Programme, which includes North Manchester General Hospital, are expected to begin construction anytime between 2025 and 2030 – with these schemes including hospitals constructed primarily using RAAC, and have been prioritised due to patient and staff safety being paramount.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s certainty and commitment around the future of North Manchester General Hospital and its plans for a full rebuild,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council.

“Working together with our communities, we will ensure that the new North Manchester General Hospital does not just provide excellent healthcare but also improves the health and quality of life for the communities which it serves.

“This rebuild is the lynchpin of that vision, and we are ready now to make it a reality.”

Read more:

The Government says its plan for implementation of the New Hospital Programme sets out a clear pipeline of schemes to be delivered over the next decade and beyond. 

Featured Image – Flickr

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