A brand new mosaic mural inspired by Manchester‘s iconic music, sporting, and architectural heritage has just been unveiled.
Ahead of the return of cricket’s newest and most entertaining tournament, The Hundred, later this week, the new mural has been unveiled just outside of the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground and it pays homage to the city’s very-own team, Manchester Originals.
The new mosaic mural – which is described as being a “legacy artwork” – not only brings to life the Manchester Originals’ striking monochrome branding that fans will know well, but it also draws inspiration from the architecture, music, and sporting heritage that the Greater Manchester region is world-famous for.
It also features the city’s emblem, the Manchester worker bee, The Stone Roses’ lemon, and also a clever nod to “the Mancunian Way of doing things”.
The Manchester Originals mural has been unveiled outside of Emirates Old Trafford / Credit: Nathan Whittaker (@Manc_Wanderer) via Manchester Originals
The new mural is the impressive work of renowned local mosaic artist, Mark Kennedy – who’s recognisable creations adorn the streets of Manchester, and have become synonymous with the city for over 20 years now.
Mark was as at Emirates Old Trafford himself to help unveil the mosaic yesterday.
“Manchester has been my canvas for nearly 30 years, I can’t imagine being from, or based, anywhere else,” Mark said on the unveiling of the new mural.
“We wanted this piece to be modern, but with references that will stand the test of time.”
The new mural is the work of renowned local mosaic artist, Mark Kennedy / Credit: Nathan Whittaker (@Manc_Wanderer) via Manchester Originals
A handful of local residents and cricket fans were also invited down to Emirates Old Trafford to place the final pieces into the mosaic ahead of Manchester Originals’ first home game of the tournament against the Northern Superchargers this Friday.
The mural also depicts Manchester Originals’ Women’s captain, Kate Cross.
Speaking on the mural’s unveiling, Kate explained: “Manchester is more than our name, it’s our home, so to be part of a piece of art that captures that iconic Manchester spirit is a real honour… and I hope to see plenty of photos [of our fans] stood next to the mosaic.”
A Manchester Originals mosaic has been revealed at Emirates Old Trafford ahead of the return of The Hundred this week. 🐝#TheHundred
Now in its second season and already proving popular with people of all ages, it’s cricket’s newest one-day 100-ball tournament that runs for four-weeks and gives spectators the chance to enjoy a mix of fast-paced world class cricket, along with music, entertainment, and street food off the pitch.
“This concept of cricket is radical – and Manchester is a radical city,” Mark Kennedy added.
Featured Image – Nathan Whittaker (@Manc_Wanderer) via Manchester Originals
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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 -
4th August 2022 
