A series of photographs is going on display at Electrik bar in Chorlton depicting Manchester’s time in lockdown.
Those lockdowns might feel a long way away now but, in reality, it hasn’t been that long since we’ve been able to enjoy life without restrictions – no matter how keen many are to sweep the memory under the carpet.
Not local artists Richard Kelly and Emma Evans, who are looking back on that transformative period through their new collaborative exhibit ‘My Utopia’ this month.
Image: Supplied
Exploring a positive outlook at Manchester’s time in lockdown and marking a turning point in the pandemic, the new work sees two creatives come together to compare and contrast their differing experiences of that time.
Kelly’s images, taken on his government-sanctioned daily walks, are a reflection of the city and its outskirts during a bleak time for Manchester.
His work spans themes around society, fashion and music – with a formidable portfolio that features The Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty, Dr Martens and Fred Perry.
Evans, meanwhile, is an artist and illustrator who made a name for herself during lockdown with doodles on Monton High Street’s shop window.
Through an exploration of form and colour, she creates drawings of positivity and snippets of life as it was, and as it will be again.
Together, the pair combine mediums to construct one expression of two very different takes on the city – echoing a journey that has evolved from something desolate into something hopeful.
Image: Supplied
The free-to-attend exhibition will launch at Electrik on Thursday 4 of August at 7pm, with music from Manchester underground legend Chris Massey.
Massey has played an integral part of Manchester’s underground electronic music scene over the years and is most famed for his DJ genre-jumping sets that cover an eclectic mix of house, disco, boogie and techno.
As an independent café bar, Electrik is nestled in suburban Chorlton, offering high quality food, drink & service in intimate and down to earth surroundings.
With an impressive selection of beers and ales from across the globe on draught, cask and in bottles & cans, an extensive wine list, a perfectly formed spirit selection, plus an ever-changing cocktail menu including the classics.
The food menu is headed up Four Side Vegan Pizza and their mouth-watering take on a classic Detroit-style pizza with sides to match.
Feature image – Supplied
News
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Georgina Pellant -
3rd August 2022 
