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Manchester Food and Drink Festival announces 25th-anniversary event

The festival will be bringing back some of its original traders in celebration of 25 years on the city

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 25th May 2022

Manchester Food and Drink Festival will return to its home at Cathedral Gardens this September, marking 25 years in the city with some extra special events.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, the festival will bring back some of the most popular chefs and events to have taken place over the decades – including appearances from restaurants involved in its very first event.

Returning to the city from 15 – 25 September, as well as taking us on something of a nostalgia trip, this year’s festival promises to bring together some of the most exciting new food talent in the region through its various street food pop-ups, banquet dinners and fringe events.

Image: Supplied

The 25th-anniversary events will also put a big focus on sustainability, with the free-to-access Festival Hub going completely plastic-free this year with dedicated panel talks, as well as zero waste and budget cooking classes.

Read more: Inside Blinker, the new Manchester bar with a dedicated martini menu

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As ever, those heading down to the pop-up food and drink village will find a huge beer bar, wine and gin bar, alongside a raft of street food traders, live music and an artisan food market.

Elsewhere, there’ll be some special banquets taking place throughout the week as well as masterclasses from some of the region’s leading chefs.

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Image: Supplied

Speaking on the 25 anniversary, festival founder Phil Jones said: “We’re proud and excited to be presenting the 25th Anniversary Manchester Food and Drink Festival. I can honestly say when we started the Festival 25 years ago we could never have imagined what was to come for the city or the event itself.

“This year’s Festival will be about celebrating that progress and looking ahead too… From restaurants who took part in the very first MFDF  to some of the hottest new talent, it’s going to be a superb festival for everyone”

Read more: Sale pastry chef Jefferey Koo to compete on Bake Off: The Professionals

The festival is now looking for restaurants, bars, chefs, makers and bakers to take part in the 25th-anniversary celebrations. Anyone who would like to get involved is encouraged to email the team here.

Feature image – Supplied

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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

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We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches