Famous Didsbury eco-pioneer and RSPB founder Emily Williamson to be honoured with new statue
A new festival dedicated to Emily Williamson at Manchester Art Gallery will examine her eco-campaigning legacy and give people the chance to vote for the final statue design
Known as the woman who saved a million birds, the famous Victorian Didsburyite Emily Williamson is widely considered to be one of the outstanding eco-pioneers of her day.
Now, she is set to be honoured with a new festival at Manchester Art Gallery – culminating in the announcement of the winning design of a statue for Emily.
Emily founded what would become the RSPB from her home in Didsbury’s Fletcher Moss Park in 1889 by inviting her friends to tea and asking them to sign a pledge to ‘Wear No Feathers’.
Statue design by Eve Shepherd / Image: Emily Williamson statue campaign
That one pledge ricocheted through the next century, spawning campaigns and movements that changed the face of UK conservation.
A statue of Emily in the grounds of her former home is one of the ways of giving her the recognition that she deserves and it’s hoped that her legacy will be used to inspire a new generation of nature activists.
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As COP26 looms and promises are made regarding action on climate change, the activist and RSPB founder’s campaigning legacy will be celebrated with a dedicated festival.
The event, which runs from. 12 to 14 November, will also showcase local stories of resistance, resilience and hope in the world of conservation today.
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The festival will welcome some of Manchester’s most dynamic change-makers, exploring the links between conservation, campaigning, science, and art at a pivotal moment for humanity.
Of the 24 speakers scheduled to appear, 23 will be women – shining a spotlight on some key female players in the conservation world.
Speakers confirmed so far include RSPB CEO Beccy Speight; the British Ornithologists’ Union President Juliet Vickery; campaigner and Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin; and Emily Williamson’s descendent, bird scientist Professor Melissa Bateson.
The living link between Emily’s history and her eco-campaigning legacy will also be examined in a range of panel debates that will look at Victorian Manchester’s greenness and the city’s changing relationship with the natural world today; campaigning tactics across the centuries; the fashion industry vs environmentalists; and the link between nature and mental health.
The festival will culminate in the announcement of the winning design of a statue for Emily, which members of the public have been voting for in their thousands.
The maquettes (miniature statues) of the four shortlisted designs will be on display at Manchester Art Gallery from Saturday 30 October until Sunday 14 Novemberand with voting open until 12 pm on Sunday 14 November.
Statue design by Billie Bond / Image: Emily Williamson statue campaign
Festival founder, social historian and author Tessa Boase, who uncovered Emily’s story and photograph while researching her book on the RSPB’s origins, says:
“Emily Williamson understood the value, magnificence and significance of nature, especially birds. She stood firm and fought against the powerful worldwide ‘murderous millinery’ trade – and she won. This festival celebrates her achievement and remarkable legacy, showcasing some exceptional women fighting for nature here in Manchester today.”
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Emily Williamson founded the (R)SPB, now the UK’s largest conservation charity, in 1889. In 1891 she teamed up with two other eco pioneers to take it to the next level: Etta Lemon and Eliza Phillips of Croydon.
None of these women has been remembered by history.
As Tessa Boase explains:
“The first thing that struck me when I visited RSPB headquarters at The Lodge, Sandy, was the male portraits looming down all round the entrance hall.
“Where were the female founders? After unearthing their photographs, I commissioned these drawings from nature-lover and artist Clare Abbatt in the hope that, one day, they might hang in The Lodge and redress the gender balance.”
Emily’s story shows us that one voice can make a difference. With 15% of birds in Britain now facing extinction, her legacy is more crucial than ever.
The large drawings of Emily, Etta and Eliza will feature alongside the shortlisted designs of a statue for Emily Williamson. This will be the first time that the portraits have gone on public display.
Manchester Art Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. For further information on the Emily Williamson Festival and the Emily Williamson Statue Campaign visit the dedicated website here
Feature image – David Dixon via Commons Wikimedia / Wikipedia
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MOBOs 2026 in Manchester – all the award winners and iconic performances
Thomas Melia
Manchester had its second major music award show visit of the year courtesy of the MOBOs, and here’s all the awards, winners and iconic performances from the night.
We knew 0161 was known for its impact on the music industry, but it’s recently become a place for music celebration on multiple occasions with the BRITs and, most recently, with the MOBOs.
As expected, this was a night full of A-listers, rising stars and incredible music makers, who all united for an award show dedicated to celebrating one aspect of the industry in particular – Music of Black Origin.
Created by Kanya King back in 1996, Manchester had the pleasure of hosting the MOBOs as the award show celebrated its 30-year anniversary right here at the 23,500 seater Co-op Live.
MOBOs 2026 – all the highlights from the night
Get ready to find out everything that happened during the MOBO Awards 2026, including the awards, winners and iconic performances.
All the awards and winners from MOBOs 2026 in Manchester
MOBO Global Songwriter Award – Pharrell Williams
MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award – Slick Rick
Album of the Year – The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
Song of the Year – Olivia Dean, ‘Man I Need’
Best Male act – Jim Legxacy
Best Female act – Olivia Dean
Best Newcomer – DC3
Video of the Year – Raye, ‘Where Is My Husband!’
Best R&B/ Soul Act – Flo
Best Alternative Music Act – Nova Twins
Best Grime Act – Chip
Best Hip-Hop act – Central Cee
Best Drill Act – Twin S
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
Best African Music Act – Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act – Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Best Electronic/ Dance Act – Sherelle
Best Gospel Act – DC3
Best Media Personality – Niko Omilana
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best Producer – P2J
Pharrell Williams receiving his ‘MOBO Global Songwriter Award’ and Flo accepting the ‘Best R&B/ Soul Act’ / Credit: The Manc Group
Who performed at the MOBOs 2026 in Manchester at Co-op Live?
Flo opened the show with their iconic silhouettes, just like on their Access All Areas Tour, which we had the privilege of witnessing live at Manchester Academy last Autumn.
If you’re worried you’ve lost a backstage pass to all things Flo, think again. Their latest single continues the unrestricted theme with its aptly-fitting title ‘Leak It’, and they set standards high.
A variety of grime acts dominated the stage as curated by DJ Target with Chip, D Double E, Wiley, Nolay and Scorcher with staple hits like ‘Legend’, ‘Street Fighter Riddim’ and ‘Wot U Call It?’
Slick Rick treated Co-op Live and the MOBOs audience to a medley of hits like’Children’s Story’ and ‘Landlord’ while bringing out the wonderful Estelle to sing ‘Mona Lisa’ alongside the respected rapper.
Flo opened the show with a live debut of new single ‘Leak It’ / Credit: MOBO Organisation (supplied)
Folk-pop star Miles Smith had the crowd in the palm of his hand as they all sang ‘Stargazing’ in unison, almost as though it was their own performance. This singer-songwriter returns to Manchester and Co-op Live this winter.
When Tiwa Savage walked onto the stage, this Manchester indoor venue knew they were in the presence of royalty, the Queen of Afrobeats to be exact. She performed ‘You 4 Me’ and dropped a preview of her new hit ‘Energy’.
The multi-MOBO winner Olivia Dean showed off her vocal prowess with an exclusive live performance of ‘A Couple Minutes’ accompanied by a beautiful orchestra arrangement.
Ms Dean blew our minds with her ‘Man I Need’ performance at the BRITs just last month, and she can’t keep away from Manchester, returning to Co-op Live next month for ‘The Art of Loving Tour‘.
Credit: MOBO Organisation (supplied)
Moston’s own Aitch had the crowd going crazy with his The Stone Roses-sampling track ‘1989’ and one of his biggest hits to date, and Ashanti-sampling record ‘Baby’.
Dancehall diva Shenseea closed the night with not one but four of her cathartic bangers like ‘Hit & Run’, the empowering ‘Shenyeng Anthem’, UK Top 20 single ‘Shake It To The Max (Remix)’ and newest effort ‘Talk To Me Nuh’.
Which stars attended the MOBOs red carpet in Manchester?
Manchester is the music capital of the North, so it makes a lot of sense that some of music’s biggest names decided to pop over to this city for a visit.
Alongside all the nominees and performers, there was a whole host of acts in attendance from the music, film, TV and social media industries.
Everyone from former Little Mix member turned independent artist Leigh-Anne and Bemi Orojuogun, more widely recognised by her digital moniker ‘Bus Aunty’, strutted their stuff on the MOBOs red carpet.
Audio North had the incredible opportunity of chatting with a whole host of talented artists and creatives straight from the red carpet, including shaking hands with legendary multi-hyphenate Nile Rodgers.
This was a truly beautiful night which celebrated the contributions and impact made within the music industry across the past 12 months and beyond, soundtracked by some class live performances.
Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named The StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Georgina Pellant -
21st October 2021 
