Sacha Lord has publicly shamed Rishi Sunak by plastering enormous digital adverts all over Manchester, right as the Conservative Party Conference takes place.
Lord has even paid to take over the largest screen in the city centre, which happens to be directly above where the Tory Conference is being held.
Roving digital advertising trucks are also circling the area as a stark reminder to the PM of his actions during his time as Chancellor in the pandemic.
Sacha Lord, Parklife and WHP boss as well as Greater Manchester’s Nighttime Economy Adviser, has said that the adverts are for ‘3.8 million lives that were ignored’ when Covid halted the events industry.
He has once again called out Sunak for providing no financial support to all the freelancers whose work vanished practically overnight.
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The adverts themselves show a grinning Sunak, his eyes edited red, with the words ‘I ignored 3.8 million self-employed because they didn’t vote Tory’.
Sacha has then released a video where he reminded people of an interview where Sunak said those who were left without financial support ‘probably were not Conservatives in the first place’.
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He again outlined the heartbreaking reality that so many people in hospitality and events faced in 2020 and 2021 when the industry collapsed.
This is for the 3.8 million lives that were ignored.
The freelancers and the self employed.
The Conference are trying every trick to have this taken down…so I’ve just deployed large digital vans as well, to keep circling the area. pic.twitter.com/saFTL5Jolr
He said in his video: “I’ve taken out the largest digital screen in the city centre, which is directly above the Tory conference, for the entire duration of the conference.
During the pandemic, we witness the complete and utter decimation of the events industry. Freelancers left with no financial support whatsoever. I witnessed families break up, marriages dissolve, houses repossessed. I also know two people who took their own lives. They simply could not live riddled with so much debt.
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“There were in total 3.8 million self-employed people who were left to fend for themselves. And at the time none of us could work out ‘why is the Chancellor doing this?’
“And we now know the reason why he left 3.8 million people out to dry. The reason being, he didn’t believe they would vote Conservative. He put politics before lives. So if you were one of those people who were excluded and had your life ruined, this is for you.
“This must never, ever happen again. It’s a disgrace, and we should never forget the injustice that these people suffered.”
Sacha Lord has plastered adverts of Rishi Sunak all over Manchester. Credit: TwitterOne of the Rishi Sunak advert trucks driving around Manchester. Credit: Sacha LordDigital trucks driving loops around the Tory Conference also show the adverts. Credit: Twitter, Sacha Lord
Sacha Lord then wrote: “This is for the 3.8 million lives that were ignored. The freelancers and the self employed.
“The Conference are trying every trick to have this taken down…so I’ve just deployed large digital vans as well, to keep circling the area.
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“Wave if you see one…”
It’s the most perfectly passive-aggressive move of all time, this.
One person replied to Sacha: “THANK YOU! This directly affected my partner and I know the stress and strain it put on him and many people in his industry. Too many people just want to ignore that this happened. The light you continue to shine on this is absolutely phenomenonal. Again, THANK YOU.”
Another said: “Excellent work yet again. Keep it up, @Sacha_Lord! While a few got very rich during that horrible year of Covid, freelancers, self-employed and hospitality were largely hung out to dry by the govt, who now absolutely must bring VAT down to 10% for hospitality, @CampaignforPubs.”
Someone else shared: “I was one of the Excluded. Too long out of employment and not long enough self-employed. I fell between the cracks of the financial support and had to fend for myself.”
The biggest New Year’s Eve parties taking place in Manchester city centre for 2025
Danny Jones
Yes, New Year’s Eve 2025 is nearly upon us, and it still surprises us how many people haven’t sorted proper NYE plans right up until the last second, so we thought we’d round up some of the biggest parties happening in Manchester city centre on 31 December.
From simple pubs and bars pouring away, to those offering live music, entertainment and other packages, there’s something to suit everyone.
That’s it – we don’t need a big, long intro to explain what’s going on here; just dive in, see what might suit you, and party like it’s your last night on Earth.
The biggest and best NYE parties happening in Manchester | 2025
1. Mulligans – Deansgate
Where else to start than with the biggest, booziest Irish bar in town? Yes, just like any old night out, Mulligans of Manchester is going big and won’t be going home until well into the early hours, as their New Year’s Eve party is set to be one of the best in town.
There’s no booking ahead, it’s just a case of paying £20 on the door for admission, which also comes with a drink token that you can exchange at the bar. Simple as – slàinte!
Credit: The Manc Group
2. Albert’s Schloss – Peter Street
Where do you go before and/or after Mully’s? Plenty of people will say Albert’s Schloss no matter what the occasion or even night of the week, and they’re going full Y2K-themed this time around.
Ringing in the New Year just like the world did back in 1999, expect 90s fashion, tunes, free-flowing food and drink throughout the day, as well as an unforgettable evening of live entertainment. Click HERE to grab the last few tickets.
One of Greater Manchester’s recent openings, Tangerine is located right under the Salford Central and just across from Spinningfields, and it also happens to be one of the coolest new canteens, martini and music hall.
Dubbing their very first NYE in the city, ‘The New Year’s Experiment’, the stylish orange-hued arthouse has live bands booked, as well as DJs and dancers until late. If you haven’t tried it out yet, now’s the perfect time to give it a go, so grab tickets while they last.
Now, for those of you wanting an equally classy affair with the promise of even more top-quality food, steak and seafood restaurant Cut and Craft in the city centre is bringing a party atmosphere along with stunning dishes in a stunning room, champagne and more.
With a performance by the legendary house vocalist, Julie McKnight of Diamond Life, plus support from Glitterbox DJ, Raven Mandella, not to mention showgirls, welcome glasses, bar tabs, and the option of a three-course menu to choose from, there are various tiers to enjoy. Book now whilst you still can.
Heading over Ancoats way to Detroit-style pizza, tater tots and spicy margarita specialists, Ramona and their late-night counterparts of Firehouse are hosting what they’re calling ‘The Velvet Hour’.
Expect the usual chaos, featuring drinks table options with welcome drinks and the Firehouse NYE feast, as well as regular standing admission if you just want to be in the room for the countdown and beyond. Grab your tickets HERE.
Another very welcome newcomer to the city is the stunning Italian paradise that is Circolo Popolare inside Gary Neville’s new St Michael’s tower on Jackson’s Row. To celebrate their first New Year here, Chef Alfredo is creating a towering GOLDEN version of their famous lemon meringue pie.
Available alongside a three-course ‘Italo’ feast filled with next-level DJs, live music, and plenty of shots throughout the night, you can find where to book as well as the full festive menu online, and get ready to be blown away. For starters, just look at the normal room alone…
Circolo Popolare HAS to be one of the most beautiful restaurants this city has ever seen. 😍🍋
Big Mama Group’s Manchester debut is an absolute stunner. 🤌
Diecast is delivering ‘NYE BANG’ to the Manc masses across all three big rooms, but there’s so much more on offer. We’re talking aerialists, circus stunts, vertical staging, lasers and light shows and even a 10-piece live band.
The debut of The Old Foundry dancefloor is the centre piece of the whole thing, though, and will serve as the perfect place to step into 2026. You can see all ticket options HERE.
Yet another recent addition to the city, House of Social food hall is going for a house party feel, complete with beer pong, pool, red plastic party cups and nothing but good vibes all around.
Best of all, this one is completely FREE entry, you just need to reserve your ticket online, and enjoy great food and drink from their five independent kitchens between 7pm and 1am on 1 January, 2026.
BAR MAYA is also delivering the house party festivities, including plenty of drinks, feel-good tunes and a buzzing crowd. Meanwhile, down in the dining room, their new supper club are serving four sensational courses alongside 90 minutes of limitless beer and bubbles for £100 per person.
Besides DJs and a big dancefloor, ‘The Pump Room’ will serve as the late-night club space with a few more surprises in store, too. Enquire about bookings HERE.
Credit: The Manc
10. Electric Shuffle – Deansgate
Fancy something with a little more activity and some friendly competition to see you through the night? Well, there are plenty of places that do shuffleboard, but few quite as high-tech and well-rounded for a part as Electric Shuffle.
It’s a pretty boilerplate affair – not that we’re complaining: prosecco in hand, a few games and bar snacks to tide you over and, obviously, some DJs. You can put your name down for a table HERE.
Bar Lina – the low-lit, sister bar to Lina Stores – is hosting their own NYE takeover in collaboration with Manchester’s longest-running club night. They’ll be supplying the funk, disco, soul, R’n’B, hip-hop and everything in between from 9pm until 2am.
Tickets are £25 per person and include a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a Bar Lina signature cocktail, as well as another glass of fizz at midnight. We’ll cheers to that!
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Credit: The Manc
12. Nell’s – Media City
Now, if you fancy chasing your NYE cocktails with some big ol’ slice of New York-style pizza, then Nell’s new site over in Salford Quays is the place to be. The drink in question will be plenty of margs, naturally.
We’ve been to plenty of seasonal parties at their Kampus venue before, so we can vouch for their hosting skills, and you can secure entry to this one for just a fiver, or get 90 minutes of non-stop 22″ pizzas plus a welcome drink and some midnight fizz for only £40. Find all the timings and tickets HERE.
13. Thomas St NYE Takeover (4 venues) – Northern Quarter
This one is another we can personally vouch for after having done it one year, when other plans fell through, before making it a tradition for a few NYEs in a row. Taking place across four fantastic NQ favourites, you buy a wristband and get one drink in each of the venues.
Admittedly, a different lineup this time around – Bay Horse Tavern, Cane & Grain, The Social NQ and Crazy Pedro’s – you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Maybe see you there…
14. Bongo’s Bingo – Albert Hall
Now, THIS one is going to be carnage – but the good kind, of course. We don’t need to talk you through the Bongo’s Bingo format; it’s a British nightlife institution at this point, and if you’ve never given it a go before, their ‘Big Fat Bingo of the Year’ edition will be unforgettable.
Heading over to the ever-growing St John’s district next, The Trading Route on Good Yard’s Street are also getting involved with the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Being hosted by promoters Love Dose, they’ve confirmed former Hacienda DJ, Tom Wainwright, as the resident for the night. Running from 9pm until 2am, you can grab your tickets HERE.
16. Founder’s Hall – Albert Square
Last but not least, if you just fancy more classic pub vibes, J.W.Lees’ new central hub, Founder’s Hall, is also throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash which kicks off from 7pm.
Bookings are live now, and there’ll be DJs all night long and plenty of local ale, including ‘The Cream of Manchester’, Boddington. Say no more – see you there.
Oh, and if none of these tickle your fancy and/or you don’t want to spend too much money, you could always pop just outside or round the other side of Town Hall…
Iconic Flying Scotsman steam train returns to Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic steam trains of all time will be travelling through the Greater Manchester countryside this summer.
East Lancashire Railway (ELR) says it’s ‘delighted’ to announce the return of the magnificent LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman – which is also, affectionately, known as ‘The People’s Engine’ – to its historic train line next summer in June, courtesy of both the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam.
The record-breaking engine is making a long-anticipated return to the line, bringing with it the unmistakable sights, sounds, and nostalgia of the ‘Golden Age’ of steam travel.
This is a rare opportunity to see the engine up close and to feel the power and presence of one of Britain’s most iconic locomotives.
The legendary steam engine will be giving passengers the chance to hop onboard for the ride on various dates throughout June (5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 June), so enthusiasts can make the most of this unforgettable opportunity to travel on this world-famous train.
For those who prefer a closer look, the Flying Scotsman will be on static display on selected dates throughout June too.
Luxury dining experiences aboard one of ELR’s beautifully restored heritage carriages will also be available to book on the days the Flying Scotsman is here in Greater Manchester.
Unfamiliar with the Flying Scotsman? The train first entered service in 1923, and since then has become a British icon, representing the very best of steam-era innovation. It was the first steam locomotive officially recorded at 100 miles per hour, and over a century later, it continues to attract attention all over the world.
The train’s journey has not always been an easy one though, from budget cuts to multiple ownerships and painstaking restorations – yet through it all, Flying Scotsman has remained a beloved part of the UK’s cultural heritage.
Flying Scotsman’s visits to Greater Manchester drawn record crowds in previous years, and 2026 is set to be no exception.
“We are delighted and proud to once again warmly welcome back the world’s most iconic locomotive, Flying Scotsman, as it returns to the East Lancashire Railway for a five-day visit in June,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of the ELR.
“We have an exciting programme of events planned for all our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy the unique experience of riding behind Flying Scotsman or visiting the footplate and creating wonderful memories.”
Find out more and book tickets to see the Flying Scotsman next summer here.
Daisy Jackson -
1st October 2023 
