Manchester city centre restaurant and bar Ramona has responded after guests visiting the venue over the weekend were injured in an accident following damage to the tipi.
The busy nightlife venue was evacuated on Saturday night after falling debris crashed through the canvas and injured customers.
Ramona has stated that the high winds brought on by Storm Elin caused materials to fly off a neighbouring construction site and onto the bar’s tipi below.
A large emergency service presence, including two fire engines, attended the ‘scary’ incident at the venue, which is situated just on the edge of Northern Quarter and Ancoats.
Ramona has been in touch with the guests who were injured in the freak accident, two of whom were sent to hospital, and all are reported to be ‘safe and recovering’.
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They have also said that the construction site has ‘taken full responsibility’.
News of the accident first began circulating on a r/Manchester Reddit page, in which an anonymous individual shared details of a “serious incident”, with a witness claiming that a part of Ramona’s outdoor tent collapsed as a result of the damage and high winds drummed up by Storm Elin which has spread across the North West.
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The poster said: “At least one person sat near the wooden supports that gave way was seriously injured. Not talking just a chipped tooth but life-threatening head injuries, profuse bleeding, the lot.”
They went on to add: “The place was immediately evacuated, and a major emergency services presence arrived shortly thereafter.”
We’ve enjoyed many a drink in the Ramona tipi which was damaged and partially collapsed’
Issuing an official statement to The Manc, Ramona said: “On the evening of Saturday, 9th December, an incident occurred where, during the severe storm, high winds blew several pieces of debris from a neighbouring construction site, onto parked vehicles, and piercing the Ramona tipis, injuring customers.
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“Thankfully, all injured parties are now safe and recovering. They have contacted Ramona to thank the team for their wonderful support in what was a scary situation for all involved.
“The construction site next door to Ramona has taken full responsibility for what happened and ensured that all is safe and secure after the extreme conditions.
“The team is committed to continuing to support all involved and is speaking to Hospitality Action to arrange for some potential crisis management support for those who may want to take that up.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) also confirmed: “Around 8:15pm on Saturday (9 December) two fire engines from Salford and Manchester Central fire stations were called to Cable Street, Manchester, in response to reports about falling debris.
“Firefighters established a cordon to make the area safe, working alongside colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police at the scene. Crews were in attendance for around two hours.”
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GMP also verified that “two people received injuries and were taken to hospital” as a result of falling debris”, with a cordon put in place to secure the perimeter around the incident.
We’re just glad everyone is ok and that the site has been deemed safe to re-enter.
Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings
Danny Jones
Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.
We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…
Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.
Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's home fixture against Notts County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. #oafc
Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.
“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”
As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.
They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”
Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.
2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.
The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.
As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.
Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.
Greater Manchester urged to ‘check before you travel’ as Storm Goretti sets in tonight
Emily Sergeant
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to check before they travel as Storm Goretti prepares to bring chaos this evening.
In case you weren’t aware, yellow weather warnings for snow have been put in place for parts of Greater Manchester – including Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, and Stockport – from 5pm this evening until around midday tomorrow, and additional amber warnings are even in place from 8pm tonight for some neighbouring areas like Derbyshire and Yorkshire.
As a result, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), is understandably warning locals that there could be disruption to journeys this evening, including by rail, trams, buses, and on the roads.
Trams on the Oldham, Rochdale, and Ashton lines are most likely to be disrupted by the weather, as are buses in the north and east of the region, TfGM has warned, and due to the expected impact, no trains will run on the following routes from 6pm this evening:
New Mills Central – Sheffield (no trains between Manchester & Sheffield)
Hazel Grove – Buxton
Guide Bridge – Glossop/Hadfield
🌨️ Storm Goretti will hit parts of Greater Manchester from 5pm tonight to midday tomorrow [8 and 9 January].
If you're making a journey, please check before you travel to see if your route is impacted and take extra care when travelling.
Train ticket acceptance will be in place on the 237 and 341 bus services tonight and tomorrow to help passengers get to where they need to be, although disruption could be on the cards here too, once again.
All train routes are planned to reopen after midnight on Saturday morning.
Interchanges, platforms, and crossings across the region are being treated with grit and anti-icing measures to make sure they are safe to use, and TfGM has confirmed that ‘ice breaker’ trams are also ready to be deployed to keep overhead lines clear of ice so trams can keep moving.
For those driving this evening, TfGM is also urging people to take extra time and make sure you are driving ‘appropriately’ for the conditions.
Greater Manchester is urged to check ‘before you travel’ as Storm Goretti sets in / Credit: rawpixel
Speaking ahead of Storm Goretti’s arrival, Danny Vaughan, who is TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “We are expecting Storm Goretti to hit Greater Manchester as we head into the evening peak travel time and we are urging everyone to check their plans before they travel, leave extra time and if possible to consider if they can make their journey before 5pm before the storm hits.
“Working with our partners and operators we are ready to respond to the storm and help to keep Greater Manchester moving.”
He also warned commuters that there may also ‘be an impact on journeys’ tomorrow morning, so if you are planning to travel, then it’s advised to check before you do so.
Danny Jones -
12th December 2023 
