Legendary Salford poet and musician Dr John Cooper Clarke has been awarded the freedom of his home city.
With a stellar and multi-award-winning career spanning nearly four decades, and after firmly cementing his place as a true local legend within Greater Manchester culture, it was only right that the 74-year-old Salfordian be given the prestigious honour of the Freedom of the City of Salford.
Cooper Clarke has been chosen for the honour in recognition of “his contributions to the world of poetry” and for his “unwavering commitment to the arts”.
If you’re unfamiliar with his work, Cooper Clarke was born in Salford and grew up in the Higher Broughton area, where he became interested in poetry after being inspired by his English teacher, and eventually went on to become an affectionately-named ‘punk poet’ in the late 1970s.
Legendary Salford poet John Cooper Clarke awarded freedom of his home city / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Since then, he has toured with major musical artists throughout his career – including Sex Pistols, The Fall, Joy Division, and New Order – and has undoubtedly captivated audiences worldwide with his distinct vocal style, wit, and social commentary.
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Sir Paul McCartney, Peter Hook, and Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys – who notably covered one of his most famous pieces, I Wanna Be Yours, on their 2013 album AM – are just some of the famous names Cooper Clarke is able to name as fans and admirers of his work.
Great day today as we proudly honoured Salford born punk poet and all round legend Dr John Cooper Clarke @official_jcc with the Freedom of the City of Salford. A well deserved accolade for a man who truly embodies the #SpiritofSalford. pic.twitter.com/HxdC5TzKqY
— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) July 19, 2023
Cooper Clarke was presented with the honour of the Freedom of the city of Salford during a meeting with Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Cllr Gina Reynolds, and other members of Salford City Council yesterday (19 July) in the council chamber.
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It was also attended by local councillors and officers, and of course, Cooper Clarke’s friends and family.
The legendary poet described his latest honour as “wonderful”, adding in his acceptance speech: “I’ve circumnavigated the globe 10, count em 10 times, reciting poetry all the way and coming back here to my home town of Salford is always a treat…
“But this one, wow – thank you everyone.”
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He was chosen for the honour in recognition of his contributions to the world of poetry / Credit: Salford City Council
Ceremonial Mayor Gina Reynolds described Cooper Clarke as “an icon not only in Salford but throughout the country”.
She added: “His remarkable literary contributions, infused with his unique Salfordian charm, have made a lasting impact on the world of poetry and beyond [and] he has inspired countless artists, musicians and writers with his incredible talent and has given a voice to the working-class spirit within his verses.
“John’s words have inspired us, challenged us and been a motivator for change.”
Cooper Clarke joins an impressive notable figures who have been honoured with Freedom of the City of Salford for their “outstanding achievements and contributions to society” – including Nelson Mandela, Harold Riley, LS Lowry, and Alan Henning.
Featured Image – Salford City Council
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You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2023 
