It’s been quite the hectic 24 hours for the country – but in case you missed it, Queen Elizabeth II paid a fleeting visit to Manchester this morning.
Headlines this morning have understandably been grabbed England’s triumphant 2-1 win over Denmark to advance to the final of Euro 2020, as well as the transport secretary’s announcement that fully-vaccinated Brits are permitted to travel to countries on the amber listwithout the requirement to quarantine on return. But a visit from Her Majesty The Queen is a no less significant event to our city.
It may not have been the most highly-publicised event prior to her arrival, but the reasoning behind HRH’s visit remains as important as ever.
From a stop-off on the Cobbles, to an unveiling at the Cathedral, she packed a lot into her short three-hour stay, but what brought Her Majesty to our region?
The Queen paid a visit to Manchester for some engagements today! Her Majesty wore a ruby and diamond brooch that originally belonged to the Queen Mother. The Queen had worn the piece for the last time at Christmas 2019. pic.twitter.com/DzAhTyBCrc
Her Majesty arrived at the famous ITV Studios set in Salford this morning around 11am, and met with TV bosses, Sir Peter Bazelgette and John Whiston, as well as some lucky cast members, before heading off on a tour of the behind the scenes of the continuing drama programme as part of her visit.
As well as getting to chat some of Corrie’s longest-standing cast members, including William Roache who has played the character of Ken Barlow since the first episode aired, Her Majesty also met the TV show’s film crew and heard of how it adapted practices to enable the show to keep filming throughout the pandemic.
Social media was filled with images and videos of her arrival on the set of the iconic Manchester-based soap – which celebrated 60 years on air last November.
Weatherfield has rolled out the red carpet for the Queen today – sound on for the theme tune! pic.twitter.com/odKYJTroqu
Following on from her trip to Weatherfield, Her Majesty made her way over to Manchester Cathedral in the heart of the city centre.
She arrived outside the nearly 600-year-old building at around 11:40am.
During her visit to the Victoria Street Cathedral, HRH met with several representatives and unsung heroes from a wide range of different support groups in the North West who have helped communities throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Youth groups, carers, businesses, and charity volunteers were among those Her Majesty met to listen to their stories and extend her gratitude.
That’s not all either, as one of the main reasons for her visit to the 17th-century Manchester Cathedral was to unveil a brand-new plaque to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the collegiate church.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRENKexjqpA/
Speaking on Her Majesty’s visit, David Walker – Bishop of Manchester – said: “The Queen has not done many visits in the last year, so for one of her first days out to be here in Manchester is very special.”
“Manchester has done itself proud [during the COVID-19 pandemic],” he continued.
“The test isn’t how you enjoy the good times, but how you handle the bad times.”
The Manchester Gay and Lesbian Chorus also provided the soundtrack to the royal visit, singing songs by none other than beloved British band, Queen.
Her Majesty’s whirlwind visit has been described as “a very special day” for all involved.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
Home testing kits will be sent out those who never or rarely attend cervical screenings
Emily Sergeant
People with a cervix who have never or rarely attend appointments are be offered home-testing kits as part of the cervical screening programme.
The Government‘s groundbreaking initiative, which comes under the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan, aims to revolutionise cervical cancer prevention rates by tackling what are described as ‘deeply-entrenched barriers’ keeping some away from potentially life-saving screenings – including a fear of discomfort, embarrassment, cultural sensitivities, and even the struggle to find time for medical appointments.
Participation in cervical cancer screening currently sits at just 68.8%, according to the Department of Health, which is well below NHS England’s target of 80%.
This therefore means that more than five million women in England are not up to date with their routine check-up.
Women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening will now be offered a self-sample kit to complete at home by the NHS.
Women who haven’t come forward for cervical screening will be offered self-sampling kits.
As part of the 10 Year Health Plan, we’re tackling the barriers that keep some women away from potentially lifesaving screenings.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 24, 2025
The self-testing kits – which detect human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that can lead to cervical cancer – will allow women to carry out the testing procedure in the privacy and convenience of their own homes.
The kits will be sent out in discreet packaging, and can be returned via pre-paid mail.
Anyone who may test positive for HPV through self-sampling will then be encouraged to attend a follow-up cervical screening test with a clinician to check for cervical cell changes.
Experts believe this new targeted approach could increase participation in the screening programme and ultimately save more than 5,000 lives each year.
“These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people’s lives, not the other way around,” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages.
“We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. By making screening more convenient, we’re tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.”
Michelle Kane, who is the NHS’s Director of Screening, added: “There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them.”
Featured Image – Cancer Research UK
News
Fire service thanks Manchester public for cooperation while they worked to extinguish Hotspur Press fire
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s fire service has now thanked the public for their cooperation after crews worked under ‘very challenging conditions’ last night.
One of Manchester’s most historic landmarks has been left destroyed this morning after a huge fire erupted at the now-derelict Hotspur Press building, which is on Cambridge Street beside Oxford Road train station, late yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 June).
It was subsequently declared a ‘major incident’ by authorities.
Thick black smoke clouds could be seen for miles over the city centre from around 4:30pm onwards and into the evening, as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.
BREAKING 🚨 Huge fire in Manchester city centre right now – historic Hotspur Press is ablaze with major disruption to trains out of Oxford Road #manchester#mcrpic.twitter.com/SnA52oiqxm
At the height of the blaze, two aerial units and more than 100 firefighters were working at the scene in warm and humid conditions.
Formal statements addressing the incident have already been made by Manchester City Council Leader, Cllr Bev Craig, and the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – the latter of which provided relevant health advice.
GMFRS has thanked the Manchester public for their cooperation as they worked to extinguish the Hotspur Press fire / Credit: The Manc Group | Jonathan Boswell (Submitted)
But as of 9:40am this morning, with much of the fire extinguished despite crews still working at the scene, GMFRS has now issued a statement providing the latest updates on the incident and thanking the public for ‘allowing us to get on with the job’
“The fire spread to several balconies at the two tower blocks at number 1 Cambridge Street, and we took the decision to evacuate all residents,” explained a spokesperson for GMFRS. “Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure all occupants made it out of the buildings safely and there are no reports of any occupants suffering ill health.
“Shortly after 9pm, once the major incident was lifted, the occupants of one of those blocks was able to return home, while the other remains closed as we work with Manchester City Council and the building owner to make the building habitable again.
🚨 Crews remain at the Hotspur Press building to monitor and dampen down remaining hotspots
🚒 Oxford Road train station and the railway lines have reopened but Cambridge Street remains closed
🧑🚒 Thank you to the public for your support while we tackled this incident
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) June 24, 2025
“Oxford Road station and the railway line have now reopened. Crews are still working on Gloucester St and the main area around the mill, but the main roads of Whitworth Street and access off the Mancunian Way have reopened.
“Crews will be joined by specialist fire officers later this morning to begin investigating the cause of the fire, as well as assessing the extent of the structural damage to the building.
Emily Sergeant -
8th July 2021 
