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Giant Halloween monsters have taken over Manchester again – in pictures, and where to see them

The monster invasion is back in town.

Daisy Jackson - 26th October 2022

Halloween is one of the festive occasions that Manchester really likes to throw itself in to – from the pumpkin-shaped lanterns that fill the trees to the special events that draw thousands to the city centre.

The ever-popular giant inflatable monsters have crept back onto rooftops and buildings over the course of this weekend.

Anyone passing through town this week will notice that our landmarks have been overrun with colourful tentacles and googly eyes and pointed teeth.

It’s all part of Halloween in the City, Manchester Business Improvement District (BID)’s programme of shockingly good Halloween events, which will culminate with a family-friendly weekend on 29 and 30 October.

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This year, families are encouraged to don their best fancy dress to come and join in with the activities.

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Manchester’s monsters have been created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas and there are 14 to discover.

You can see the full list, photos of the monsters around Manchester, and find the full trail map below…

The monster trail around Manchester. Credit: Manchester BID

Rex-Tacular – Royal Exchange, St Ann’s Square

The monsters are back. Credit: The Manc Group

The monsters are back. Credit: The Manc Group

Krampus – Kampus

Snozzer – Manchester Arndale, above Next

Eye-Scream – Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens

Superstar Mon-star – AO Arena

Dave – The Oast House

Sprites – Selfridges, Exchange Square

Horrible Harvey – Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street

Bloodoo Child – New Century at NOMA

Sucker – The F E Sea monster – The Stile, Meadowside

Lockelin – Whitworth Locke, Princess Street

Scary Garry – Opposite Selfridges, Exchange Square (28 – 30 October only)

Spooky Nelson – Outside Zara, New Cathedral Street (28 – 30 October only)

Ooey & Gooey – St Ann’s Square, opposite McDonald’s (28 – 30 October only)

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Man who stabbed beloved gran to death sentenced to hospital order

Daisy Jackson Man who stabbed beloved gran Michelle Hodgkinson to death sentenced to hospital order

Man who stabbed beloved gran Michelle Hodgkinson to death sentenced to hospital order

The man who stabbed Michelle Hodgkinson to death in broad daylight in Tameside has been sentenced to a hospital order.

Paul Hughes, 30, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court today after his arrest on 3 June 2023 on suspicion of murder.

He was deemed too mentally unwell to stand trial – at the time of Michelle’s murder he was suffering from a schizophrenic attack at the time of the incident and still is suffering from Schizophrenia.

On 2 June 2023, Hughes brought a four-pack of kitchen knives, boarded a tram to Droylsden and headed to a canal path, where he appeared to be ‘lying in wait’ for someone to walk past him.

Tragically, that person was Michelle Hodgkinson, who walked past on her way to meet her mother.

She was followed, attacked from behind and stabbed multiple times.

The attack was captured on dashcam footage and several witnesses came forward to police with statements.

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The court heart this week that despite being unwell, Hughes carefully planned the attack.

Hughes bought a pack of kitchen knives and waited down a canal path before he stabbed a stranger, a 51-year-old woman, on 2 June 2023.

Michelle died at the scene on Edge Lane despite the best efforts of passers-by who tried to give her first aid, and the emergency services.

Detective Chief Inspector Danny Lee of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Michelle’s death has left a void in her family, and nothing will fix the pain they are feeling. I hope that they can gain some form of closure and justice from the sentence passed today.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who rushed to Michelle’s side and the first responders, both paramedics and response police officers who also attended the scene to give CPR in an attempt to give her the best possible chance of life.

“It is a moment to recognise, however, the devastation knife crime causes in our communities. Across Greater Manchester, officers and staff are working hard to fight, prevent and reduce this type of crime.

In a previous tribute to Michelle Hodgkinson, her family have said: “Everyone who knows Michelle are still in utter shock at the attack she endured and how horrific her last moments were.

“Our Shelly B was the most amazing, loving, selfless and funny daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie and most recently a nanna. It was a privilege to have been known and loved by her. She loved helping people in her community and was known for volunteering as an appropriate adult, her charity work and loved creating hampers to make people smile.

“She would be there for anyone and the day she was taken from us, she was doing just that – walking to meet her mum to take her shopping and to go for a coffee.

“Our family and friends are heartbroken. In one moment our world has crumbled and will never be the same. We will support each other, and we thank and appreciate the love and support shown by our family and friends. Please hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them and make memories.

“Words cannot describe how much she will be missed. Our biggest cheerleader, our confidant, our rock – she will never be forgotten. We love you to the moon and back!

“Love you forever and always!”

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Featured image: GMP

News

Manchester set for its busiest weekend of the year with pop-up Park and Rides to open

Pop-up Park and Ride facilities are set to open as Manchester prepares for what’s expected to be its busiest weekend of the year.

The festive season in the run up to Christmas always sees more people flock to the city centre than usual, but this weekend will likely be even busier than expected, as not only are Manchester Christmas Markets still in full swing, but there are also a number of gigs, live festive shows, and major sporting events coinciding with this.

Paul McCartney plays Co-op Live on Sunday night, the AO Arena hosts five showings of the ever-popular Disney on Ice across the weekend, and Manchester City face Manchester United in a Premier League showdown at the Etihad too.

So in a weekend that sees legends gigging and the Manchester Derby take place, as you would expect, thousands are predicted to flock to Manchester city centre and Etihad Campus.

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine — Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing and Paul McCartney will be at Co-op Live this weekend / Credit: The Manc Group | Wikimedia Commons

Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing and Paul McCartney will be at Co-op Live this weekend / Credit: The Manc Group | Wikimedia Commons

Because of this, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is taking action and encouraging people to dodge the likely congestion and use public transport instead where possible – with pop-up Park and Rides set to be introduced for weekend shoppers and fun-seekers who do want or need to drive.

On Saturday and Sunday, Booth Street West Car Park D (M15 6PD) – which will have 965 parking spaces available – will be free for customers travelling to the city centre by bus, and then again on Sunday, the same car park will be free for those attending Paul McCartney at Co-op Live.

Your ticket to the gig must be shown on entry, before a dedicated shuttle bus then takes you from the car park to the Etihad Campus.

Disney On Ice will be hosting four shows at AO Arena this weekend / Credit: Supplied

Shuttle buses – which are only available on the Sunday – will depart from Higher Cambridge Street and run to Co-op Live and back every 15 mins from 4pm until midnight.

Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground (Talbot Road, Stretford, M16 0PX) will also have 500 parking spaces available for Metrolink customers on Sunday, but you must show a valid pre-booked tram ticket to park there.

On Sunday [15 Dec], we’re offering free parking at Emirates Old Trafford to help relieve congestion in the city.

The Park and Ride is available to customers with a valid tram ticket purchased on the app, at a ticket machine or via contactless.

More: https://t.co/mbuokt9czQ pic.twitter.com/MA4d6O9rUM
— Bee Network (@BeeNetwork) December 11, 2024

Anyone else planning to drive across the weekend may also want to consider using one of the permanent Park and Ride sites and complete their journey on foot or by public transport, and you can find more information and the locations of these sites on the Bee Network website here.

Tram capacity has been increased for the festive season, with every available tram running until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The V1 and 36 bus services now also run 24 hours a day.

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Other late-running buses on the Bee Network from Manchester include the 43 service to Manchester Airport, the 86 to Sale, and the 142 to East Didsbury.

All public transport live departure times can be found on the Bee Network website.

Featured Image – TfGM