It’s been another busy weekend for news here in Greater Manchester – here are the top five stories we were all talking about over the last couple of days.
Storm Arwen
Erst was closed because of the storm on Saturday. Credit: Instagram @erst_mcr
We’ve all been talking about the weather. All of us.
The weekend started with Manchester getting battered from all angles by Storm Arwen.
Overnight on Friday and well into Saturday, gale-force winds caused havoc across the region.
The massive storm saw the M62 closed as lorries got stuck, trees ripped up from their roots, and Erst in Ancoats closed as water flooded into the restaurant.
Omicron
Credit: (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)
A new variant of concern that has emerged in South Africa, putting six countries onto the red list and triggering new rules from the UK Government.
Three cases of the new Omicron variant have now been found in England, with a further six in Scotland – contact tracing is underway.
From Tuesday November 30, face masks will once again be mandatory in retail and on public transport, though hospitality settings will be exempt.
All people arriving in the UK will now need to take a PCR test too.
Suspected contacts of Omicron cases will have to isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status.
There are also plans to speed up the booster jab programme.
Snow day
Snow in Manchester city centre. Credit: Instagram @bee_manuk
It’s the weather again!
Manchester spent most of yesterday in a flurry of snow and woke up on Monday to a blanket of white.
It’s made the roads a little tricky and closed a few schools.
Don’t expect it to stick around for long though – there’s rain forecast this evening and much milder temperatures of 10C from tomorrow.
I’m A Celebrity
Thanks to the wild weather brought by Storm Arwen, I’m a Celebrity has dropped off air.
The live portion was called off on Friday and over the weekend, highlights reels have been broadcast on ITV instead.
The channel confirmed that the production site at Gwrych Castle has been badly damaged.
The celebrities – including Frankie Bridge, Naughty Boy and David Ginola – were all removed from the castle.
It’s hoped that the live show will return tonight.
Virgil, a ‘genius and visionary’ designer and father of two, was the founder and CEO of Off White and artistic director at Louis Vuitton.
He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in 2019, which he battled privately.
Tributes from the likes of Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Venus Williams have been pouring in.
Featured image: Instagram @bee_manuk
News
Huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech to open at Quayside MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
Time to get practicing your swing, as a huge new premium indoor golf venue is opening up over in Salford this autumn.
Founded by a local PGA Professional and spanning a whopping 4,500 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, TeeClub is set to be a revolutionary new venture where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious comfort at the unique waterside destination.
TeeClub will provide a first-of-its-kind premium environment with seven high-tech Trackman simulators, taking players to more than 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.
The new venue is also launching a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so golf fans can either bring their own clubs to use on the day, or make use of TaylorMade equipment available if needed.
Resident PGA professionals will offer personalised lessons with AI-driven video analysis when the venue opens later this year, while a dedicated club fitter will make sure every swing is matched with the right equipment.
There’ll also be a club shop stocking TaylorMade gear alongside apparel from Manchester-based brand, Concrete Links Co.
The new venue is designed for both individuals and businesses alike, and will offer exclusive memberships and corporate packages, as well as semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes, making it an ideal place for team-building events or relaxed evenings with friends.
A huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech is opening at Quayside MediaCity / Credit: Supplied
There’ll also be bar on site serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and craft beers.
“Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury,” commented Nick Holmes, who is a PGA Professional and the Director of Golf at TeeClub, ahead of the venue opening this autumn.
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.”
TeeClub is set to open at Quayside this autumn, but an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Florence + The Machine announce massive Manchester gig on new tour
Daisy Jackson
Florence + The Machine are heading back out on a huge arena tour, with a massive gig here in Manchester.
Florence Welch has announced the UK and European tour dates in support of her sixth studio album, Everybody Scream.
As well as a show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, Florence + The Machine will perform in Sheffield, London and Liverpool, along with several other UK cities.
She’ll be joined by Paris Paloma as support across all 18 dates.
Last week, Florence released the album’s title track, ahead of the album’s release on 31 October. She’s worked for two years on this new music, calling on collaborators including Mark Bowen of IDLES, Aaron Dessner and Mitski.
She has said that this new album explores womanhood, partnership, aging and dying, inspired by her recovery from lifesaving surgery on the Dance Fever Tour.
Big hits of Florence + The Machine’s discography include You’ve Got The Love, Shake It Out, and Spectrum (Say My Name), and she’s collaborated with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga.
She’s famed for her high-energy, ethereal stage presence which has seen her sell out arenas for years.
Florence + The Machine will be back in Manchester in February 2026, performing at the Co-op Live on 20 February.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 5 September 2025 at 10am HERE.
There are also packages available with Seat Unique HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
29th November 2021 
