A huge light display is shining from Beetham Tower until May 17 in celebration of the imminent return of indoor hospitality.
The famous Deansgate structure features a giant countdown across the 22 floors of the Hilton – using its floor-to-ceiling windows and bedroom lights to mark the number of days left until the hotel’s ‘full’ reopening.
The initiative, titled Light Up MCR, will conclude with the building lit up in the shape of a heart – ‘highlighting the community spirit that has kept the Manchester hotel industry afloat throughout the pandemic’.
The countdown is being held ion collaboration with the Manchester Hoteliers Association (MHA) – a non-profit organisation of the key hotels within the Greater Manchester area. The Hilton’s Cloud 23 bar is set to open for industry workers, supporters and members of the MHA on May 17.
Adrian Ellis, Chair of the MHA, said: “Light Up MCR is a brilliant opportunity for all who are connected to the hospitality industry to celebrate the reopening of our beloved sector.
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“Over the past 12 months we’ve faced huge challenges, as tight restrictions in our region have resulted in an extended period in which hospitality has been closed.
“Facing such difficulties would have been insurmountable had it not been for the enduring community spirit which carried the sector through.”
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He added: “The culture of support and kindness in the Manchester hospitality sector has been unrivalled, so to have an occasion, like Light Up MCR, where all of the industry can celebrate its return is really heartwarming. We hope lots of people will turn out and show support.”
Adam Reckert, General Manager of the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, said that he was “delighted to be able to support the MHA in a way that can help unify Manchester’s hospitality industry”.
Hospitality workers will be able to enjoy complimentary and discounted drinks in Hilton’s champagne and cocktail bar, Cloud23, on the night of May 17.
Tickets can be secured by contacting a General Manager.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
11th May 2021 
