Hundreds of people will be protesting outside their local Costa to take a stand against the dairy industry this weekend.
Organised by one of the UK’s leading vegan charities, Viva!, this Saturday is the second of several ‘Days of Action’ this year, and it’ll see activists assemble outside branches of Costas nationwide in an attempt to “educate members of the public about the modern dairy industry”.
They’ll also be encouraging people to opt for plant-based milk alternatives like oat, soya, or almond, and sharing the benefits of switching to them.
Protests will be taking place in 40 towns and cities across the UK – including here in Manchester.
Vegans to protest against the dairy industry outside Costa in Manchester this weekend / Credit: Viva! Vegan (via Facebook)
Campaigners will be taking a stand outside Costa on Market Street in Manchester city centre this Saturday 11 March to hand out leaflets, holding placards, and have “friendly open conversations with customers” about why they should consider choosing plant-based alternatives.
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Viva! says its ‘Days of Action’ were set up after the charity conducted a recent undercover investigation into Home Farm – a Red Tractor-approved dairy farm that supplies milk to Freshways, which in turn, supplies milk to Costa Coffee.
The charity says it found cows at Home Farm that were emaciated, lame, and struggling to walk, while others were manhandled, slapped, and shoved, and some were even visibly-injured or in shackles.
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But despite the shocking revelations from the investigation, and what Viva! has called a “mountain of evidence indicating breaches of animal welfare laws”, Home Farm is continuing to deny any wrongdoing, according to the charity, and Red Tractor claims that Home Farm abides by their standards.
Campaigners will be taking a stand outside Costa on Market Street in Manchester city centre / Credit: Costa
“After seeing first-hand the despicable conditions that these poor cows and calves are being kept in at Home Farm, I knew Viva! had to act,” said Viva!’s founder and director Juliet Gellatley ahead of Saturday’s protests in Manchester.
“It was heart-rending to see these gentle curious animals being treated so badly.
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“So that’s why we’re taking to the streets to educate people about the dairy industry – one that profits from exploitation and suffering.
“We’ll be having judgement-free, positive conversations with Costa Coffee customers, helping them see that dairy alternatives are delicious, and don’t involve suffering.”
Get involved with our next Day of Action on Saturday 11 March!✊🐮
We will be holding protests outside Costa stores all across the country – check to see if your local Costa is covered! 🙏 #ScaryDairy
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
8th March 2023 
