Local DJ and producer Luke Leadbelly has died after a short illness, with tributes pouring in.
The young DJ was a familiar face behind the decks at clubs, festivals and events right across Manchester.
Luke had been diagnosed with AML cancer, a type of blood cancer, and ‘fought many rough months’ before passing away on Sunday 25 August.
A GoFundMe has now been set up to help his family and to give him ‘the send off he deserved’.
Several event organisers and clubs around Manchester are now paying moving tributes to Luke.
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Hit and Run, a local club night, shared: “Just wanted to take a moment to big up our dear departed friend @lukeleadbelly – who recently left this world after a brief illness
“He was a key figure – especially in the first decade of the night. He played several of the @hitandrunuk takeovers and boat parties at @outlookfestival, as well as our first 2 room takeovers at @fabriclondonofficial – plus countless HIT & RUN’s, especially the Grime takeovers, whether we were doing a joint event with his crew @p13_mcr or not.
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“He was a wicked DJ, dedicated producer for nearly 20 years, and one of the sweetest spirits you could ever hope to meet.
Tributes pour in for much-loved Manchester DJ Luke Leadbelly after his death. Credit: Instagram, @hitandrunuk
“We are truly shocked by the news, and send love to his family and loved ones at this most difficult of times.
“He will always be remembered with the utmost affection by all of us here at @hitandrunuk”
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The GoFundMe page said: “Sadly on the Sunday 25 August 2024 Luke lost his fight to AML cancer. After his diagnosis, Luke fought through many rough months till his body gave in and he finally passed away.
“Luke truly was one of a kind and we’re hoping to raise some funds towards the funeral; to help the family and give him the send off he deserved. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.”
DJ Rich Reason shared: “Really gutted to hear that our friend @lukeleadbelly has just died – all happened so quickly, it’s difficult to get your head around it at all.
“Such a sweet and kind soul, with the cheekiest and widest smile; had mad love for the guy, and his fashion sense too! Always so happy to see him when out & about.
“He was a key presence in so many milestone moments for @hitandrunuk and will never be forgotten; also for his tunes with @tumarnigresham & @skittlesuk, his residency at @p13_mcr, countless sets with @mcrchunky & @strategyyeah
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“So sorry that so many people I know & love will be hurting a lot right now. Seems so cruel when he was really on the up and was obviously so happy in life and in love. This one hurts. Big Love Luke, Rest easy.”
DJ Katie Cooper wrote: “LJ, Luke, Beeb. I could write a million words to describe our lives growing up together over the last 17 years, but there isn’t any words to describe how proud I am to have been your friend.
“@lukeleadbelly my heart is truly broken and its hurting to imagine a world without you in it. thank you for being a brother, a best friend and for the most incredibly ridiculous memories anyone could ask for. I love you so so so much, forever and eve”
And fellow DJ and sound engineer Jonny Opo wrote: “This one hurts bad. Gonna miss you our Luke. You were there through all the early rave days, your energy and mischievous grin were infectious. I’ll never forget the b2bs in dirty warehouses and fields – you lived for it with me and the rest of the crew.
“I’ll never forget the outfits – there were always belters. You pioneered some crazy pants and animal prints!
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“Until we meet again at the big rave in the sky love you always and rest easy”
Manchester’s 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness returns with its biggest venue host yet for 2024
Danny Jones
November is well underway which means that not only have the likes of the annual Christmas Markets begun but Manchester is once again ramping up for the latest edition of The 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness.
Although the holiday season is a jolly one for many, we’re always reminded that for lots of those less fortunate, the colder months signal an even more difficult time for lots of people all over Greater Manchester, with the region still suffering with the third highest rate of homelessness in the UK.
That being said, each year volunteers from founding organisation, Run Wild MCR (the University of Manchester’s long-standing running society), team up with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to help put in the hard yards on their behalf and raise as much money as possible.
Marking the sixth year of the heartwarming and vital fundraising event, the 2024 edition of The 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness is hoping to be the most impactful yet, landing even more support from local clubs and businesses than ever, as well as their biggest host venue yet.
For anyone still unaware of the event, the annual 24-hour relay run sees thousands of runners turn up from all over the 10 boroughs to participate in 5km laps around the city centre to witness the effects of homelessness first-hand.
Those lacing up their trainers – be they from local clubs like Manchester Road Runners, charitable organisation, Northern business or just a Manc who fancies doing their bit for a good cause – can do as little or as few laps as they like, as well as contribute to the fundraising with donations on the night.
Now with national vehicle marketplace AutoTrader named as the principal sponsor for this year’s run and the Together Co. social charity pledging to match public donations up to £20,000, The Manchester 24 Hour Homeless Run is hoping to achieve its biggest goal to date.
There have already been some serious records broken in past iterations, with multiple runners even going for upwards of 100k in total distance covered and staying overnight in sleeping bags to get their laps done over the 24 hours.
Having made upwards of £30,000 since it started, amassing more than £25,000 during its fifth anniversary in 2023, and raising over £1,400 with its first spin-off event in Birmingham earlier this month, this is set to be a hugely impactful year for the team and Manchester’s ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme.
The growth of the event speaks for itself, with Mayor Andy Burnham now a regular attendee on behalf of his namesake charity, an increase in clubs, influencers and national coverage, not to mention the event landing Freight Island as the 2024 host venue.
You can see a quick run-through of the city centre route here:
Having sent a huge message to the previous government regarding comments about the homeless community and directly contributing to approximately 842 rough sleepers being given a bed in Manchester during last year’s run, they’ve done incredible work in just a few short years.
With the profile of the ever-important event bigger than ever, as it looks to continue expanding into different cities – especially following the success of its debut Brummy run – we’re expecting big things and even more wholesome vibes as the crowds gather at the now well-and-truly festive Freight Island.
Members of The Manc will also be taking part and putting in as many miles as we can, so come and say hello if you can or, even better, come join the countless other volunteers going for a jog from 12pm on Wednesday, 13 November until noon the next day.
More importantly, please give even a little bit to this crucial cause HERE if you can; the charity livestream will also be active on our Facebook page throughout the duration and QR codes for direct donations will be available at Freight Island on the night.
You can see a full list of the organisations taking part down below. This really is a time when Manchester shows its best face and we can all be very proud that we’re putting in the graft to combat a global crisis.
Viral bakery Half Dozen Other set to open new site this December
Thomas Melia
Famed for their incredible sweet treat pastries and fresh bread offerings, Half Dozen Other are preparing to open a brand new cafe and bakery in December.
Founded by ex-Rugby players Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan, who’ve both competed for the St. Helens team alongside a whole host of different clubs throughout their astonishing careers.
The pair also own Manchester coffee shop Pot Kettle Black, an establishment which has earned its stripes as a frontrunner in the city centre cafe scene.
Half Dozen Other opened a new bakery last summer, painting the Green Quarter landscape with a splash of coral pink thanks to their brightly coloured warehouse plot – and now they’re expanding again.
This bakery is opening their second site at Circle Square, the new Bruntwood Scitech development which is also home to Onda and Federal.
The esteemed bakery will also be accompanied by a whole host of foodie favourites like Detroit Slims and Hello Oriental who all currently reside in the same neighbourhood.
Some of the incredible bakes and creations by the team over at Half Dozen Other.The bright coral pink site that started it all for these Manchester-based bakers.The lovely food and drink options by Half Dozen Other to feed your appetite.Credit: The Manc Group
Not too long ago, Half Dozen Other collaborated with Indian restaurant Dishoom to launch their tasty ‘Chai custard tart’ creation.
The sweet treat specialists supply their delicious bites to many Manchester famous eateries including some of the city’s favourites like San Carlo and Tast Catala.
At the new site, they’ll be serving baked-fresh-daily ‘classic bakes, modern takes’.
November has been a very busy month for the Half Dozen Other team as they’re halfway through running their specials of the month including a Pistachio Croissant, PBJ Cookie and a vegan Tarte Tatin Croissant.
With so much going on including ever-changing new products and its brand new Oxford Road development, the bakery is teaming up with speciality coffee brand Ozone to offer £1 coffees every day in December.
Jon Wilkin said: “We’re obsessed with creating things that didn’t exist yesterday.
“Our bakers are already working their magic while Manchester’s bars are still thumping, committing to a mind-bending graft against the clock to ensure your morning toast is worth getting out of bed for.
“Some people count sheep to fall asleep, we count pastries to stay awake. It’s our obsession, an obsession that’s growing. Speaking of growth, we’re pretty chuffed to be opening a bakery shop in Circle Square on Oxford Road. Come at us!”
Charlotte Wild, Head of Retail & Leisure at Bruntwood SciTech commented: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Half Dozen Other to the Circle Square community.
“This is a brand founded on passion, craft and innovation and one we know will thrive within our vibrant neighbourhood, which is fast becoming a city centre hot spot for hospitality innovators.
“As well as freshly baked artisan treats we are excited to be bringing a new artisan bakery to Circle Square and we can’t wait to see what the team create at their new home.
“Half Dozen Other will be joining the likes of Onda, Detroit Slims by Ramona, Firehouse & Diecast, Federal and North Taproom and will complement this exciting mix perfectly.”
Sweet tooth lovers and bread aficionados can count themselves lucky as by next month, they can add a stop at Half Dozen Other at Circle Square on Oxford Road to their morning commute serving pastries, bakes and coffees from 7am.
Daisy Jackson -
30th August 2024 
