Plans to mark Armed Forces Day 2024 with a “poignant” military parade in Manchester next weekend have been revealed.
As the country prepares to honour Armed Forces Week – which is taking place this year from Monday 24 June, right through to Saturday (29 June) – and show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, Manchester has revealed how our city will mark the annual event next weekend.
Armed Forces Week sees Brits celebrate those who are currently serving troops, their families, serving reservists, veterans, and cadets.
Manchester will also be paying tribute to the hundreds who have “fearlessly served”.
Manchester has revealed its plans to mark Armed Forces Day with a ‘poignant’ military parade / Credit: LCC | MoD
To mark the start of Armed Forces Week, the Armed Forces Flag is always raised on buildings and famous landmarks across the UK, and here in Manchester city centre, Manchester City Council has confirmed that the flag will be raised above Manchester Central Library on Monday 24 June at 10:30am.
Armed Forces Day 2024 itself is to be marked in our city with a formal commemoration and free public event on Saturday 29 June in St Peter’s Square.
Beginning at 11am and running through to 4pm, the Council has stated that the formal celebrations are to begin from 11:30am with a military parade and “poignant” performances from the Lancashire Artillery Band, before visitors of all ages are invited to gather together in the heart of the city centre centre to show their support.
The free public event takes place in St Peter’s Square next Saturday 29 June / Credit: Mark Owens (via MoD on Flickr)
There’ll be live music throughout the day, as well as face painting for little Mancs, the chance to see an Army Light Gun on display, and, in another “celebratory nod”, specially-selected information stalls will also be in attendance to give visitors a look into the history of life in the Armed Forces.
“Commemorating Armed Forces Week and Day is a chance to remember the selfless and heroic sacrifices of thousands of service men and women in our community,” commented the city’s new Lord Mayor ahead of next week.
“We have a rich history of recognising the efforts of the Armed Forces in Manchester, and this day is only a continuation in acknowledging their feats both past and present.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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You can star in your own series of Taskmaster in a castle near Greater Manchester this summer
Clementine Hall
Are you ready to channel your inner comedian? Great, because Taskmaster is coming up north.
Well…sort of.
The beloved (and hilarious) show is bringing a family-friendly version to Beeston Castle and Gardens, which is a picturesque English Heritage site in the rural Beeston area of Tarporley in Cheshire, and you are invited to try your hand at the wacky tasks yourselves.
From now right up until Sunday 31 August, visitors can take part in the ridiculous challenges inspired by the hit TV show.
In partnership with English Heritage, it’s appropriate for all ages and a fantastic day out for all the family.
Contestants will pick up their score card on arrival before exploring the site and getting involved in tasks along the way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the popular comedy show or a complete newbie, this Taskmaster experience guarantees a hilarious day out in the Cheshire countryside… and don’t worry, Greg Davies and Alex Horne won’t be judging your efforts along the way either – phew.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with the Taskmaster team this summer,” commented Beth Stone, who is the Head of Visitor Engagement and Experience at English Heritage.
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster near Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: Jim Holden (via English Heritage)
“From tasks such as becoming a monarch and making your own laws, to creating your own solstice, our visitors can expect a host of fun with a history twist at many of our properties, and of course, plenty of rubber ducks.”
Alex Horne, creator and star of Taskmaster, added: “It’s nice to go to nice places, but it’s even nicer to do fun things in those nice places – and this should ensure you can do just that for this summer at least.”
To find out more, take a look at English Heritage’s website here.
Featured Image – English Heritage
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Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Croatian cellist and former member of classical band 2CELLOS, Hauser, has announced a tour including an arena date in Manchester this year.
World-class musician Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as Hauser, is getting ready to pack his cello and cheeky smile as he embarks on ‘The Rebel Is Back’ tour.
Hauser has amassed a worldwide cult following of classical music lovers, by not only respecting the genre, but evolving it too by intertwining his cello skills into modern day pop hits.
The cellist has covered lots of current pop songs while part of musical duo 2CELLOS like ‘We Found Love’, ‘Despacito’, and ‘Viva La Vida’.
You can also expect to hear covers of some of music’s greatest compositions, including the timeless opera classic ‘Nessun Dorma’, and highly-adored ballet piece ‘Swan Lake’.
Recently, Hauser has teamed up with London Symphony Orchestra to reimagine Ennio Morricone’s ‘Le Vent, le cri’, taken from the 1981 French film Le Professionnel.
Hauser has performed in over 40 countries and played at some of the most prestigious venues across the world – including Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
He’s also become a social media sensation, capturing people’s attention via his videos playing his cello in a variety of interesting locations like a swimming pool, at the desert, and even on the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year / Credit: Stefan Brending (via Wikimedia Commons)
You’ll be able to identify a lot of the tracks played out when Hauser visits AO Arena, as his upcoming album titled Cinema, features a wide variety of soundtracks and film theme tunes.
The highly-anticipated LP from Hauser contains ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘A Time For Us’ from Romeo and Juliet, alongside lots more motion picture melodies.
The musician is quite familiar with Manchester city city centre too, Hauser studied at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester before taking the classical world by storm.
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2024 
