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
Police tell gig-goers to ‘remain vigilant’ as Oasis Live ’25 hits Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Anyone lucky enough to be heading to Heaton Park for the Oasis Live ’25 gigs this summer is being told to ‘remain vigilant’.
Manchester is all set for a sensational summer of sound, as more than 300,000 music fans prepare to descend on our city to see a little-known band called Oasis (sarcasm detected) reform for the first time in over a decade.
And today is finally the big day after what has been a very long-time coming.
With the Gallagher brothers staging five nostalgia-drenched gigs at Heaton Park starting today (11 July), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has now issued some important advice and information for gig-goers attending what is likely going to be one of the best live shows of their life, and what is sure to be a momentous moment for the city.
Oasis Live ’25 Manchester gig-goers told to ‘remain vigilant’ / Credit: The Manc Group | Simon Emmett (Publicity Picture)
GMP confirmed that it will be working with partners to ensure Oasis’ homecoming shows ‘pass by safely’ on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Planning has been underway within GMP over the past six months, alongside our partners at Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and many more.
Police officers will be present around the Heaton Park site, working with event security staff to ‘prevent crime and disorder’, while off-site patrols will also assist with traffic management and policing in the surrounding areas and the city centre.
Efforts are also underway to ‘minimise disruption’ in Manchester city centre and the surrounding areas, GMP confirmed.
We’ll be working with partners to ensure Oasis’ homecoming shows pass by safely at Manchester’s Heaton Park starting from this Friday.
Planning has been underway within GMP over the past six months alongside our partners.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 10, 2025
“Our priority is to ensure everyone’s safety,” explained Assistant Chief Constable, Matt Boyle.
“We have worked closely with event organisers and partners to make sure the event is safe and enjoyable for those attending, whilst minimising any crime or antisocial behaviour impacts on local residents.
“We will have a large and highly visible policing operation in place in Heaton Park, the city centre, and on routes into and out of the venue to help people enjoy the event. We also have neighbourhood police officers and staff in place who are dedicated to dealing with local residents’ concerns.
“Our advice to fans attending is to enjoy yourselves but to remain vigilant, keep your belongings safe, and report anything suspicious to police or security staff so we can act on it.”
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
Georgina Pellant -
3rd August 2022 
