Boroughs

Everything you need to know about watching the solar eclipse in Greater Manchester

You won't get a shot like this again until 2081.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 11th August 2026

People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky tomorrow evening.

For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Greater Manchester – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon tomorrow (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.

NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.

But what can astronomy fans in Greater Manchester expect from tomorrow’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?

Here’s everything you need to know.

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What is a solar eclipse?

First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.

Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.

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When will it be happening?

The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.

How much coverage can Greater Manchester expect?

Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the North West after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.

Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.

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Spectators in Manchester will see 91.9% coverage, according to expert sources.

Where are some of the best places to watch the solar eclipse in Greater Manchester?

As a general rule, any open and elevated position with a view to the West will be the best place to catch a glimpse of this rare spectacle.

But across Greater Manchester, we have plenty of those, so some of the most recommended places to see the solar eclipse include Werneth Low, Rivington Pike, or even Salford Quays. There are also a number of dedicated viewing events happening in places like Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Barton Aerodrome to make the most of.

How can I watch the eclipse safely?

If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.

The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.

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It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.

Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.

Read more:

Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.

Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.

Featured Image – Mathew Schwartz (via Unsplash)

Boroughs

New BBC series based on bestselling book to film in Manchester with big-name actors

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A new BBC series based on a bestselling book is set to begin filming in Manchester.

The new series, titled You Are Here, is described as being an ‘honest, witty, and tender’ love story based on David Nicholls’ critically acclaimed novel of the same name – with the author having also written the eight-part adaptation set to be directed Lenny Abrahamson, who is best known for BBC‘s cult-classic miniseries Normal People, and the Oscar-nominated Room (2015).

Set along the Coast to Coast walking trail from the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, You Are Here tells the story of Marnie and Michael.

When a mutual friend throws them together, Marnie and Michael unexpectedly find themselves setting off on an epic walk.

Against the odds, they end up on the brink of a relationship that neither was looking for, but might be exactly what they both need.

Treading the tricky path from loneliness to love, Marnie and Michael go coast-to-coast across the stunning English countryside, navigating an undeniable attraction along the way that is just as exhilarating as it is terrifying.

Producers say the series is about finding a connection when you least expect it and overcoming the obstacles of midlife.

Set to be filmed across Manchester and the Lake District, it has been announced that respected actors Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen will take on the lead roles of Marnie and Michael.

“I’m so delighted to be working on You Are Here with Element, the BBC, Starz, and Lenny, whose work I’ve admired for many years,” commented David Nicholls.

“And Matthew and Claire are both just dream casting, wonderful in comedy and drama, so detailed and thoughtful and sympathetic.

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“The intention with the novel was to write a close-up study of a relationship, but set against this magnificent landscape, and that’s our ambition here too – to make something both intimate and epic, funny and dramatic, a romantic comedy with real emotion.

“We can’t wait to bring Marnie and Michael’s journey to the screen.”

Featured Image – Juankr and Josh Wool (via BBC Press Office)

Boroughs

New Mayor Bev Craig announces £20m fund to ‘revitalise’ Greater Manchester high streets

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The new Mayor of Greater Manchester has unveiled plans to ‘breathe new life’ into local high streets with a landmark £20 million fund.

Bev Craig says Greater Manchester has enjoyed a decade of rapid economic growth, ‘outstripping’ every other city region in the UK in the process, but now she wants to make sure that everyone can ‘see and feel’ the benefits of that growth where they live.  

The new £20m Good Growth High Streets Fund will be made available to local businesses, business groups, and voluntary and community organisations across Greater Manchester to improve their high streets, and will primarily back ideas that can ‘make a real difference’ to good economic growth and restore local pride. 

The new fund forms part of the Our High Streets campaign – which will run throughout her first mayoral term to ’empower’ local communities to revitalise where they live, shop, and socialise.  

New Mayor Bev Craig has announced a £20m fund to ‘revitalise’ Greater Manchester high streets / Credit: GMCA | Jonny Gios (via Unsplash)

To drive forward this work, Bev is calling on local businesses and groups to join a new High Streets Taskforce, which will help design the ‘ambitious’ plans for the fund and put them into practice across the city region. 

Bev launched her high street plans in Middleton yesterday, where she said the ‘passion and ambition’ of local people and the independent business community are already leading to a transformation of the town centre, and there’s potential of even more to come.  

“Our high streets are the beating hearts of our communities, and people want to feel pride about where they live,” commented Mayor Bev Craig.

“They are rightly worried and frustrated when they see derelict pubs, boarded-up shops, and dodgy operators, and independent traders moving away. They want to see practical support for local businesses now and that’s why I’m taking action.

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“Our new £20 million Good Growth High Streets Fund is all about restoring pride in a vibrant high street, backing our neighbourhoods, and spreading the rewards of good economic growth everywhere.”

The Good Growth High Streets Fund will open for applications later this year.

Featured Image – GMCA

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