Manchester’s Bonfire Night celebrations won’t be going ahead this year, and they “will not return” again in the future either.
In case you missed it, Manchester City Council officially confirmed last year that it “will not be reinstating Bonfire events” in its parks throughout the city, after rumours swirled following several consecutive cancellations in previous recent years, due to both social distancing COVID restrictions and also “escalating costs”.
No large Council-run Bonfire Night events have been held in the city since 2019, when the impacts of the pandemic initially caused them not to go ahead.
The Council also says its “position remains the same” now following that post-COVID review.
Which means while there are plenty of privately-organised displays taking place around town, some of the region’s best-known events like the Heaton Park Bonfire Night display are off.
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Manchester’s Bonfire Night celebrations have officially been cancelled / Credit: Pixabay
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, says the authority “looked carefully at the cost benefit of putting on these huge bonfire events” before making the decision to cancel them going forward.
As mentioned, she pointed to “continuing rising costs” and “pressure on budgets” as the reason for the cancellations.
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Since the formal decision was made to not continue with Council-run Bonfire Night events going forward, the Council has decided to refocus its attentions on delivering a “bespoke programme of autumn and winter park activities” for its local communities each year instead.
No large Council-run events have been held in the city since 2019 / Credit: Alexander Kagen (via Unsplash)
Cllr Igbon explained last year that the positive feedback received from smaller-scale events in previous years informed its decision to continue doing the same in the future.
“We want to support families through the cost of living crisis,” Cllr Igbon.
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“We feel that this is much better way to target resources by providing a programme of events, whether that is sports and physical activity, arts and crafts, educational activities or initiatives that provide free or low-cost food, that are relevant and meaningful to residents in their local neighbourhoods.
“The Council will continue to work with our partners to ensure that all our residents stay safe this season.”
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings
Daisy Jackson
The hunt is on to find a National Lottery player in Tameside who’s won £1m – and not claimed it.
The missing millionaire won the huge prize on a Lotto ticket bought on Wednesday 1 July, somewhere in the Borough of Tameside.
But with just two months to go until the prize expires, the player has still not come forward to claim their winnings.
The winning numbers in were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39, 42 and the Bonus Ball was 54.
Now, the National Lottery is renewing its search for the millionaire, calling for the mystery winner to cash in their prize before it expires at midnight on 28 December.
National Lottery Senior Winners’ Advisor Andy Carter has been out in Tameside ‘hunting’ for the missing millionaire, visiting everywhere from Portland Basin to Hartshead Pike.
Andy said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck.
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings. Credit: Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
“With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the 1 July draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email [email protected].
Featured image: Supplied – Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Emily Sergeant -
29th October 2024 
