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The next pubs dishing out free drinks in Sacha Lord’s happy hour scheme

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 29th June 2022

Sacha Lord has announced which pubs will next take part in his ‘happy hour’ scheme.

The Parklife boss recently announced plans to ‘buy everyone a drink’ in pubs across Greater Manchester.

He said: “This is all about getting together and thanking the people of Greater Manchester for their support over the past two and a half years.

“As a city region, we suffered tougher restrictions than any other during the pandemic, and now with the difficult economic environment, our operators are once again at the precipice of closure.

Sacha Lord. Credit: Darren Robinson Photography

“It’s about time I bought everyone a pint, and what better way than to launch a summer hospitality hour across our ten boroughs.

“I’m looking forward to being at each one to personally thank landlords and staff and the punters who have kept our sector going.”

The happy hours launched last weekend at Adelophi Lads Club in Salford.

Read more: A Manc’s guide to: Prestwich, the Bury neighbourhood that’s crafting its own cool

Sacha has now confirmed where people can head for their next round of free drinks.

He’ll be putting money behind the bar at The Crooked Man in Prestwich on Sunday 17 July, between 4pm and 5pm.

Then it’ll be the turn of Bask in Stockport on Sunday 24 July, again between 4pm and 5pm.

Sacha is also appealing for other venues to take part, saying: “If you know a bar/pub in Greater Manchester that needs recognising, please keep the recommendations coming.”

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Co-op Live is running a limited two-for-one offer on gig tickets

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
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.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Underground train

Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.

As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.

Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.

At the launch of The Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035 this week, the Mayor announced everything from plans to build thousands of new homes, including social housing, to intentions to transform the region’s technical education system through delivery of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), and more.

Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM

But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.

The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities. 

Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.

Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028. 

The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.

He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.  

“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.

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“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”

Featured Image – Maria Lupan (via Unsplash)

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