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”
Traders to move out of Manchester food hall as it pivots to ‘new chapter’
Daisy Jackson
Manchester food hall New Century will be closing its kitchens, it has announced, making way for a ‘new chapter’.
The New Century Kitchens are home to some top local food traders, including Parmogeddon’s Fricken concept, Wholesome Junkies, and Ply Pizza.
The food hall opened in 2022 as part of the iconic music venue’s rebirth, creating a modern mid-century space with six kitchens.
In the years since, it’s welcomed a rotation of amazing food offerings, including Hip Hop Chip Shop, Banh Vi, and Zumuku Sushi.
Now, New Century Kitchens has announced it will be ‘evolving’ to make live events part of the offering across the venue – not just upstairs in the main gig space.
That means that the traders currently based here will be moving out, though the venue has assured people that they have been supported as they take their next steps.
New Century said that music is in the building’s ‘DNA’ and this chapter will reflect that.
New Century Kitchens will close, with traders moving outNew Century is entering a ‘new chapter’
In a statement shared with The Manc, they said: “The ground floor at New Century is evolving. We are currently finalising plans for live events to become an even bigger part of our offering across the whole of the venue.
“As part of this evolution the current community of independent traders are moving onto exciting new chapters, and we have been working very closely with them to support all of these brilliant businesses in their next steps.
“Music is in the DNA of our iconic building and this new chapter will reflect that.
“New Century is a place for people to come together through entertainment and good hospitality and we’re looking forward to sharing more details soon.”
Police urgently appeal for footage after fatal stabbing in Moss Side
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal for footage in their ongoing investigation into a fatal stabbing in Moss Side last week.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are appealing for information – and in particular, mobile phone footage – as they continue to investigate the murder of 34-year-old father of three, Adrian Brown, who died following a stabbing in Moss Side last Friday (8 May).
Police were called to Raby Street in Moss Side at around 11pm last Friday to reports of a serious assault.
Mr Brown was found with stab wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries.
An 18‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of murder the following day (Saturday 9 May) and remains in custody. A second man, aged 26, has also been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men, aged 25 and 38, and a 26‑year‑old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
With the police investigation now progressing at pace, officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have captured mobile phone footage at any point during the evening – particularly in or around the West Indian Sports and Social Club on Westwood Street.
Adrian had been attending an event at the club that evening, before at around 11pm, he was assaulted just outside the front entrance.
“There were around 200 people at the club that night, and we believe some of those present may have information that could help us understand what happened,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson.
“This could include eyewitness accounts, or photos and videos taken throughout the evening.
“I appreciate that speaking to police can feel daunting, but anyone with footage can upload it anonymously through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal.”
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 2270 or 101, quoting log 4069 of 08/05/26, or uploading to the MIPP online here.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
30th August 2024 
