A handful of UK radio stations are to join in with a minute’s silence this morning as a mark of respect in memory of Brianna Ghey.
Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl from Birchwood in Warrington, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3:13pm on Saturday 11 February, and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short while later.
She was just 16 years old.
Her heartbroken family described their “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister” in a tribute issued shortly after her passing as a “larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her” – adding that she was “beautiful, witty, and hilarious.”
“Brianna was strong, fearless, and one of a kind,” her family said in tribute.
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Detectives from Cheshire Police confirmed earlier this week that a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl have been charged with murder.
Over the past couple of days, a series of candlelit vigils organised by action groups, and members and allies of LGBTQ+ communities, have been held in Brianna’s memory in several major cities across the UK and Ireland – including here in Manchester city centre.
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UK radio stations to fall silent this morning in memory of Brianna Ghey / Credit: Cheshire Police
Now, a handful of LGBTQ+ radio broadcasters across the UK are to join forces at 11am this morning (Friday 17 February) to lead a one-minute silence as a mark of respect.
They will fall silent to commemorate her life, and stand against hate and violence towards trans people.
Stations including Gaydio, Hits Radio Pride, Pride Radio, Gorgeous Radio, Glitterbeam Radio, Trans Radio UK, and Juice 1038 will be joining to simultaneously broadcast a package introduced by prominent trans broadcaster, Steph Hirst, followed by a one-minute silence.
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In the feature, Hirst will reflect on the discrimination and violence that trans people face, before commemorating and remembering the life of Brianna.
This morning at 11am, we join forces with all other LGBTQ+ radio stations in the UK to lead a 1 minute silence to remember the life of trans teenager Brianna Ghey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OGUJgkGxal
Gaydio’s Network Content Manager, Kriss Herbert-Noble, who has coordinated the broadcast across all seven UK LGBTQ+ broadcasters, said they “felt it important” to work across the LGBTQ+ radio sector so that they could show as a community “we stand together against hate”.
“Trans people face daily challenges, and our role is to stand up and highlight these stories and voices,” he added.
“This event in particular has reverberated across the community and it’s right we take a stand and remember the life of a bright, young trans person.”
Featured Image – GoFundMe
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Stunning Ancoats favourite Street Urchin closes after ‘heartbreaking’ health emergency
Danny Jones
The stunning Ancoats restaurant and Manchester favourite, Street Urchin, has announced its sudden closure following a serious health emergency.
Opened by partners Kevin and Rachel Choudhary back in 2019, the inventive dining room has been a firm favourite among local foodies and those visiting Manchester for some time.
However, following the awful news that co-founder and head chef Kevin has recently suffered a heart attack, the city centre food spot has sadly had to close its doors, seemingly for good.
Informing diners and longtime fans online, Rachel confirmed, “We are unable to continue as a business”, adding that they are simply “heartbroken” by the turns of events.
Known for endless creativity and famous experimental dishes over the years, including a viral squirrel dish, Street Urchin has been one of the most envelope-pushing kitchens in the area for some time.
Writing in the caption, Rachel said: Thank you to our amazing team who supported us over all the years and continued to do so in these dark times. Thank you also to our suppliers, we never thought this would happen. We’re so sorry x”
Reacting to the news, local artist Painted By Courtney replied: “This is so sad, I’m so sorry to you both. Forever one of my favourite dining experiences in Manchester.”
Various names from across the Greater Manchester hospitality scene, including the likes of Tameside’s Cafe Continental, have joined in sharing their sadness and heartfelt support, with the Stalybridge spot simply adding: “Sending love. A remarkable place!”
Their menus boasted all the style, quality and flavour of a fine dining establishment without any of the haute cuisine pomp and traditional culinary trappings.
Put simply, they delivered great food served in an efficient market diner fashion. We, along with countless other Greater Mancunian foodies, absolutely loved this place.
It goes without saying that everyone at The Manc Group is shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news; we hope Kev makes a full and fast recovery, and our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
Manchester City fans appeal to Pep Guardiola ahead of planned protest at Wolves game
Danny Jones
A number of Manchester City fan groups have come together to appeal to the club and Pep Guardiola in particular ahead of a planned protest at the Etihad Stadium over season tickets and matchday prices this week.
Man City are set to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this Friday, but with the title now wrapped up and just European football left to secure (not a certainty but still expected), plenty of Blues’ attention has turned to the pressing issue of further impending ticket changes.
Not only are prices going up once again, and season tickets still somehow increasingly scarce/difficult to secure, even despite plans to increase the stadium’s capacity already underway, four different supporters organisations have come together to pen an open letter to Pep personally.
Quoting Pep’s own comments on wanting the stands to be more “alive” on matchday, they begin by writing: “With that in mind, we ask you for one more favour.”
Open letter from 4 groups to Pep Guardiola. The final line is a play on words of our banner earlier this season. In Catalan it says "Pep Guardiola you want US to stay" pic.twitter.com/amatwXkawB
The direct address urges the Catalan coach to implore club CEO, Ferran Soriano, to “do one more good thing” and reconsider their current stance on ticket policies and pricing, with the ‘Flexi-Gold Season Tickets’ advent alone causing considerable controversy.
Leading supporters organisation, The 1894 Group, goes on to add: “The stadium is growing by 8,000 next season and the fans want the club to bring back some real season tickets so that the generational links can be protected.
“The amount of season ticket-holders in the stadium has been shrinking. When fans cannot attend games the club then cannot resell those tickets because they are priced too high. We think the club has time to rethink two issues: season ticket availability and matchday pricing.
“We want the same things as you. A powerful club, with a loud atmosphere in the stadium. Surely the most important thing is to ensure there are no empty seats inside the Etihad?”
Insisting that the Etihad buzz will never reach the heights that Pep has cried out for in recent times, if they do not create better avenues for younger ‘Cityzens’ to attend games and ensure that “generational links can be protected.”
1894 Group are also spearheading a campaign to give a proper send-off to club legend Kevin De Bruyne, who revealed that he wasn’t offered a new contract before deciding to leave at the end of this season.
The day that Blues hoped would never come has arrived…
Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will be leaving #ManCity. 🥺
Warning that those at the club will not “get the atmosphere you crave if you do not think again” and take their suggestions on board, the overarching goal was put in the simplest terms: “no empty seats inside the Etihad Stadium.”
As for the planned peaceful demonstration itself, a boycott of seats is scheduled to take place before the Wolves fixture at 8pm on Friday, 2 May.
It’s unclear how many in attendance will participate in the protest, but with adults facing £88 and kids up to £58, those inside the ground will no doubt echo their stance.
With Lionness and former Man City Women player Esme Morgan even coming out to criticise the new restrictions regarding season tickets, the profile of this protest is definitely increasing.