The Dean of Manchester Cathedral said that this Thursday’s memorial service would be a chance to “honour” loved ones at a time when normal funerals have not been possible, and he added that the online book of remembrance, which has been organised with the help of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, would be “a permanent record.”
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Rogers Govinder, who is leading the service on Thursday, said: “The pandemic has taken the lives of so many who are dear to us. Worse still, we have not been able to provide normal funeral gatherings, so people have not been able to provide that comfort and sharing in loss that is a normal part of bereavement.”
“It is very important for people to have an opportunity to remember their loved ones.”
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“We don’t know when this pandemic will end and this is an opportunity for grieving folk to honour them.”
Wikimedia Commons
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said that the service will also allow people to pay particular tribute to frontline health and social care staff who put themselves at risk and “too often paid the ultimate price through their care for others”.
Mr Burnham said he hoped every person who died from the virus in Greater Manchester would be remembered.
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He added: “We will never forget what they did.”
#GMRemembers
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Police appeal as woman left in ‘critical condition’ after falling off bridge into River Irwell
Emily Sergeant
A police appeal for information has been issued after a woman has been left in a critical condition after falling off a bridge.
The incident took place at Burrs Country Park in Bury.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at around 6:30am yesterday morning (3 December), officers were called to a concern for welfare where a woman was reported on the wrong side of the bridge at the Country Park.
The woman, who has not been named, subsequently fell into the River Irwell and is now in a critical condition.
She was been taken to hospital, where she is currently being treated for her injuries, and at this time, police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information after a woman has fell into the River Irwell at Burrs Country Park, #Bury at around 6:30am this morning.
There are no suspicious circumstances.
Any info? Call us on 101 quoting log 522 of 03/12/25.
With an investigation currently ongoing and proceeding at pace, GMP are now appealing to the public for help.
If you’re not familiar with Burrs Country Park, it’s located just one mile north west of Bury town centre and lies on the River Irwell, covering an area of 36 hectares of scenic countryside – with wide variety of different wildlife habitats and spots for outdoor activities.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward, and this includes any witnesses, or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.
Can you help? You can contact GMP on 101, quoting log 522 of 03/12/2025, or the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Manchester Christmas Parade 2025 – all you need to know-ho-ho
Danny Jones
Now we’re into December, the Manchester Christmas Markets have returned both to the city and even to Albert Square for 2025, not to mention it’s bloody COLD, we think it’s fair to say the holiday season is well and truly underway – plus, the annual parade is now just around the corner.
Time to wrap up warm, pick your perfect spot, grab a hot drink and watch as a train of coloured ribbons and giant puppets flood the streets.
Yes, that’s right: not only can Mancs enjoy the return of the festive firework display this winter, but this year’s Christmas parade is taking place this weekend, and the fun-for-all-ages event is promising to be as magical as ever.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 edition.
We managed to catch it right at the start last year. (Credit: The Manc)
MCR Christmas Parade 2025 – all the important info
When is the Manchester Xmas Parade this year?
For starters, if you’re wondering what time the Manchester Christmas Parade starts this weekend, the fun will be kicking off from 1pm on Sunday, 7 December and will last around an hour from start to finish.
MCR Xmas Parade route
As for where it will be heading and when, the procession will follow a circular route that starts and ends back at Manchester Cathedral, before heading through the city centre, running along some major roads and passing notable landmarks.
It is as follows: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral.
There will be two accessible viewing areas available on a first-come basis – one on Cross St (outside Boots) and one on Deansgate (outside House of Fraser).
You can see a full map of the Manchester Christmas Parade route for 2025 down below.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
People coming into the city centre for the parade should note that the busiest sections of the parade route are likely to be previously mentioned Cross St and St Mary’s Gate.
Manchester city centre road closures for Sunday (7 Dec)
8am-5pm
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)
11am-3pm
Victoria Bridge Street (Chapel St to Deansgate)
Deansgate (Victoria St to John Dalton St)
John Dalton Street (Southgate to Clarence St)
Cross Street (John Dalton St to Corporation St)
Market Street (Cross St to Exchange St)
St Mary’s Gate (Exchange St to Deansgate)
11am-6pm
St Ann’s Street (Deansgate to Cross St)
As well as the city now having entered what is expected to be one of its busiest periods, it’s also worth reminding that the Metrolink tram service is scheduled for more strikes this weekend, so plan accordingly when heading into town.
It’s also worth noting that these closures will obviously affect parking and bus lanes, as well as some trams and taxi ranks.
There are, of course, always new additions each year, and there’s more never-before-seen content coming for 2025, too.
With even more community groups now taking part than ever, the completely free, family-friendly parade will not only be led by the usual ‘Reindeer Ensemble’ – a talented troupe of eight synchronised dancing reindeer – but a new fantastic ‘Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle’.
Think Christmas meets Willy Wonka, meets Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph and more.
Standing more than four metres tall and surrounded by a giant cavalcade of stilt walkers and dancers, the spectacularly decorated castle slowly rotates as it glides along and is sure to be a particularly must-see moment for the youngsters this year.
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Credit: Supplied)
We’re not going to spoil too much else for you this year, as we always find it’s more fun to be surprised by what we see whilst stopping roadside.
Let’s just say there’ll be plenty more Christmassy characters and fantastical festivities in store.
Local councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for MCC, said of the 2025 parade: “Manchester is one hundred per cent the best city in the world when it comes to celebrating the festive season.
“There is nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do, and our iconic Christmas Parade has been a big part of our celebrations over the last three years, helping make magical memories for thousands upon thousands of Mancunians.
“It’s the heartwarming event of the season and our special Christmas gift to the city. Grab your Santa hat and some tinsel, and come down and join us. Don’t miss it!” There’s plenty more on this week, too…
The Manc -
13th July 2020 
