It’s all change again at Manchester’s troubled Piccadilly Gardens, which is now home to a huge stack of shipping containers.
A new event space is being created on the public square as Manchester is announced as a host city for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Fan Festivals.
Piccadilly Gardens was temporarily transformed into a decked outdoor street food hub for the Manchester Christmas Markets last year – and that construction has never been dismantled.
Manchester City Council says that using the space positively for events is helping to reduce some of the anti-social behaviour that plagues the area.
Plans for a new-look event space at Piccadilly Gardens. Credit: Supplied
So now the space is being developed even further, with several large, rusted shipping containers stacked up in the area.
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The two-storey concept includes a bridge across the walkway and will soon be covered in plants.
Cllr John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s executive member for employment and leisure, said: “We are currently working to develop the event space in Piccadilly Gardens ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euros that begins in July.
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Shipping containers have appeared in Piccadilly Gardens. Credit: The Manc Group
“This will include a big screen area, food and drink traders and public space to create an official fan area.
“The beginning of the build is now visible at the event space in the Gardens and will undergo planting and dressing ahead of the Euros competition.
“There is then the potential for the event structure to be retained for the events programme that is being developed for the coming months, including Christmas this year. This could include a performance space, community area, children’s activities and more.
“Using the Piccadilly Gardens space positively through activity and events is already reducing some of the more problematic anti-social behaviour in the area.
“The recent Manchester Day Youth Zone is a good example and we are continuing to develop a programme of events that will ensure the Gardens is welcoming for families and visitors alike.”
You can find out more about the UEFA Women’s EURO Fan Festivals here.
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
29th June 2022 
