Alex Batty’s grandmother has spoken out after the boy was found safe and well six years after going missing.
Susan Caruana, Alex’s legal guardian, has said she feels ‘relief and happiness’ that her grandson has been found.
The now-17-year-old teenager was picked up by a stranger near Toulouse and taken to a police station, where French authorities confirmed his identity.
Alex, from Oldham, had left the UK in 2017 on a family holiday to Spain with his mother (who did not have parental guardianship) and his grandfather, but never came home as planned.
He had remained missing until this week.
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Greater Manchester Police and The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will now work to bring Alex home safely.
Alex Batty’s grandmother Susan has said that she has spoken to him and ‘can’t wait to see him’.
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Alex Batty has been found alive and well in Spain as GMP issue a statement.
In a statement issued through GMP, she said: “I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.
“I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I can’t wait to see him when we’re reunited.
“The main thing is that he’s safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.
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“I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible.”
10 of the best music videos you didn’t know were filmed in Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
Manchester is the (self-proclaimed) city of music and as much as us Mancs may be loud and proud about our colourful music scene, it’s also good to know these artists think so too, choosing our city for some of the world’s biggest music videos.
Whether acts have come to lipsync in front of a familiar hometown set, or jetted over here to make the most of our vast landscape and scenery, Greater Manchester is no stranger to music videos.
Some are set in Oldham mansions while others were filmed live in concert, some feature global pop megastars and others star the world’s biggest rappers.
So we’ve rounded up 10 music videos you might not know were filmed right here in Greater Manchester.
10 Manchester music videos
1. ‘Hair’ – Little Mix
Gotta get him out my hair and gotta get down to this Oldham mansion instead as the four girls used this location to film their 2016 smash hit ‘Hair’.
The video sees the X-Factor girl group hosting a sleepover to forget their exes and focus on friendships instead, as they dance and sing around the grand staircase and various rooms inside of Ashcroft House.
Little Mix can be seen tucking into some delicious pizza and they’re clearly big fans of the Italian delicacy, with the homeowner revealing she got to chat with them over a slice or two after filming at midnight.
Not too far from Uppermill, anyone with a spare £2.35 million can snap this property up in a heartbeat and find themselves living in a piece of pop music history.
2. ‘Desire’ – Calvin Harris and Sam Smith
Ever wanted to do donuts at The Brick Community Stadiumin Wigan? Well Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris has beat you to it and he’s brought along company in the form of pop recording artist Sam Smith.
The pair are racing round Wigan as well as a few more urban settings in a host of fast cars. A BMW E46 Coupe was the perfect choice for this shot matching the same kit as home team Wigan Athletic.
This car-meet music video was released in 2023 and in true 80s/90s style, much like the instrumental, Harris and Smith dropped a translucent orange vinyl to coincide with dropping the song.
‘Desire’ was the second collaboration for the duo coming five years after its predecessor ‘Promises’ which took the world by storm in 2018.
3. ‘BeFoUr’ – Zayn
It’s not everyday you see a member of One Direction strolling the streets of Manchester, but in 2016 Zayn paid a visit to Miles Platting to create a visual pairing for his latest single ‘BeFoUr’.
Not too far from Ancoats, Malik decided the surroundings of inner city Manchester would be used as a backdrop for the music video, which assisted his debut solo studio album ‘Mind Of Mine’.
There was even a mural of the album, which acted as the music video’s opening shot, painted at this spot to commemorate the filming of the video.
The musician even tried his hand at spray-painting, writing ‘Mind Of Mine’ in graffiti in the same area.
4. ‘Great Pyramids of Stockport’ – Antony Szmierek
This track sees Szmierek discussing the northern landmark while posing right in front of it in all its shining blue-glass glory.
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From Stockport to the stunning desserts of Egypt, the spoken-word poet even got to visit the inspiration behind its British counterpart, the Pyramids of Giza.
5. ‘Perfect Me’ – Blossoms
Staying in Stockport, Manc favourites Blossoms have also shown lots of love to their hometown especially with their visuals.
The music video for ‘Perfect Me’ sees the band stopping off at multiple destinations around the Greater Manchester town including a school, a farm and even a care home.
The Gallagher brother can be seen peering over Manchester city centre from the roof of the Midland Hotel with an additional band arrangement keeping him company.
One of the speakers in the video receives a special feature too, denoting ‘MCFC Spezial’, a nod to his footwear collaboration with iconic brand Adidas.
Famous landmarks like Manchester Central and St. Peters Square can also be spotted in this 2022 video classic, as Liam professes wise words of wisdom followed by ‘Believe me, yeah’.
In his usual parka coat attire, this video is a fully-fledged homage to Manchester and the incredible thriving city it has become.
7. ‘Money Power Fame’ – Don Broco
South Midlands band Don Broco decided to travel north to shoot their video for 2019’s rock release ‘Money Power Fame’.
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Utilising the gas holders as a backdrop right next to Etihad Stadium and Manchester’s newest live music entertainment venue, Co-op Live, it’s a video filled with money, power… and fame.
The boys silhouettes are displayed in front of the large gas holder which had dominated the skyline of the Bradford area of Manchester before demolition commenced this year.
Although they may not be resident Mancs, the band have played our music-filled city over 20 times since their first visit to Satan’s Hollow back in 2009.
8. ‘Lights Out’ – Rick Astley
The King of ‘Rick-rolling’ filmed the video for his 2010 single ‘Lights Out’ right here in Manchester’s AO Arena, directed by none other than comedy legend and British-legend Peter Kay.
This was a milestone song for Astley, not only thanks to the directorial credits but also due to the fact it was his first musical release in 17 years.
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Obviously, the best place to record your comeback single is an iconic UK venue such as AO Arena’s standing section, main stage and rooftop.
The track welcomed its first play at the same venue, joining Peter Kay on his 2010 UK Tour to perform the new addition as well as his classic hits such as ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ (At least we didn’t rick-roll you).
9. ‘Fix You’ – Coldplay
Yes, believe it or not, Chris Martin paces the streets of London before making his way to the home of Bolton Wanderers football club, Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The filming of this video linked to their 2005 tour and two-day residency at the landmark stadium in Bolton, with Martin joining the rest of the band part-way through the video on stage enthralled by a crowd of over 28,000.
This song has reached untouchable levels of success and has become a staple to their touring setlist since its release much like many of their other smash-hit singles, their achievements are never-ending.
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Not too long ago in 2023, they blessed the crowds of Manchester with four back-to-back nights of musical therapy and physical therapy with fans encouraged to use static bikes while watching the show to power the show run.
10. ‘The Way I Are’ – Timbaland and Keri Hilson
The year is 2007, Timbaland has the current music scene hooked and he’s perched up with fellow American singer Keri Hilson to promote their record ‘The Way I Are’ in a basement in… Salford!
It’s safe to say the record producer and performer had the early 2000s pop and R’n’B music scene in the palm of his hands and this track definitely didn’t break that record.
Filmed in a lock-up garage on Chapel Street in Salford, catches Timbaland and Hilson dancing in a spotlight-lit setting in some rather formal office clothing.
The three football players suited and booted doing keepy-uppys were apparently supposed to be stars from that year’s Manchester United lineup, but filming took place at the same time as the FA Cup.
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Honourable Mention
‘Take Me Back To London’ (Sir Spyro Remix) – Ed Sheeran (ft. Stormzy, Jaykae and Aitch)
Ginger-haired pop sensation Ed Sheeran called upon Moston’s own Aitch to add a couple of bars to his Stormzy remix ‘Take Me Back To London’.
The video sees these cheeky chaps chopping it up in a New Moston sandwich shop, indulging in some good scran and cheers-ing their cuppas.
Sheeran started his life in the cosy Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge just an hour away from the site of this music video and is now one of the best-selling UK artists of all time.
Fans spotted the star mid-filming and although he may not have had a guitar on hand to serenade them, he did in fact stop to take selfies with passers-by.
Music is an integral part of Manchester’s history and it’s great to see our city and its surrounding boroughs being represented throughout time and many different genres.
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Here’s to many more famous faces popping up in and around Manchester to promote their albums!
And to a certain Ms Swift, we’ve seen you filming in Liverpool… why not give this wonderful city a try?
Featured Images — Screenshots (via YouTube)
Oldham
The big Manchester guide to Bonfire Night – everything you need to know
Thomas Melia
Remember, remember the fifth of November, when spots around Manchester will be lighting up the night sky for Bonfire Night.
Dazzling fireworks displays, roaring bonfires, hot chocolates and loads more will be on offer in the coming week as the nation turns fully autumnal.
Although the Manchester City Council-run Bonfire Night celebrations have been called off once again, there are plenty of places you can still celebrate.
Listed below are some of the top bonfires happening in and around Greater Manchester in 2024 including some viewing spots where you can immerse yourself in a world of free fireworks atop the Manchester skyline.
Although we can’t list every single event occurring over the next week, here is a summary of upcoming firework displays across Greater Manchester and its many boroughs.
The UK’s highest altitude distillery is hosting a night of luxury drinks and spooky stories in their cosy establishment this Bonfire Night.
Joined by David Atkinson from Dark Chester Ghost Tours, there will be eerie tales told as you sip on a cocktail that is smoked right in front of you by the bartenders.
How can you possibly go wrong, especially when there is a charcuterie board on hand to soak up your liquid courage and take you to food heaven.
The landscape even overlooks Buxton and Macclesfield meaning guests have a chance to gaze at the fireworks while tucking into the finer things in life.
Guests wanting to take their Bonfire Night to the next level with this unforgettable experience can purchase tickets here.
Manchester’s world of entertainment situated right in the city centre is even getting involved with the firework frenzy presenting a jam-packed night of free fun – though these fireworks have a big twist.
They’ll be showing a fireworks display on that huge new digital ceiling, meaning you can enjoy all the wonder of a classic display while staying warm and dry.
Special guest Nigel Clarke, known for his work on CBeebies and various kids channels is treating little ones to a ‘Relaxed hour’ with some campfire stories.
Two firework displays are taking place at 6pm and 7pm with two DJ sets from Kai Ryan in between at 6.15pm and 7.15pm to dance your heart out to.
Tickets aren’t required for this event and a free toffee apple will be handed out to each child that attends.
When: Tuesday 5 November, 5pm – 8pm
Where to find: 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The skies above Manchester city centre will be sparkling this autumn, when a huge Bonfire Night event takes over the city’s newest park.
The huge fireworks display comes from Freight Island and the acclaimed Walk the Plank, and is set to take place over several evenings of Bonfire Night weekend.
There’ll even be free sparklers for kids when the festive event takes place between 1 and 3 November.
Bowdon Bonfire 2024 at Bowdon Cricket Hockey and Squash Club
This Altrincham sports venue is spoiling its guests with not one but three fireworks displays and a traditional bonfire.
There will be stalls, refreshments and a BBQ with a stall selling everybody’s favourite sweet treats.
Three showings will be held at this site with children and young people advised to attend the 7pm and 8pm displays as the 8:45pm slot will contain louder fireworks.
Where to find: South Downs Road, Altrincham, WA14 3DT
Fireworks at the Farm – Cockfields Farm Park
This Ashton farm is hosting a ‘low bang’ night perfectly designed for children and animals with lots of fun activities to get involved with including a bonfire.
There will be everything from a mini disco to an LED robot light show and in typical farm fashion, kids are also invited to the cuddle corner where they can see all the smaller animals up close.
An array of food will also readily available from your typical jacket potatoes to pizza, hot dogs and donuts to tuck into as well.
If this has caught your attention, tickets are onsale here.
When: Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November, 5pm – 8pm
Where to find: Lees New Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Cavendish PTA Bonfire Night – Cavendish Community Primary School
Chorlton Fireworks are teaming up with a local primary school to create an incredible light display set to go off with a bang.
Get transported back to your childhood days as this event has its own tuck shop on site for snacks and drinks to enjoy while you marvel over the fireworks.
There’s also festival glitter on-hand meaning guests can soak up the action while shining as bright as the sky in front of them.
Anyone interested in attending can find tickets available here.
When: Friday 1 November, 5.00pm-7.00pm
Where to find: Cavendish Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1JG
Bonfire Night at Ashton on Mersey Sports Club
Gates open at 5.30pm for this event with the bonfire lighting at 6.15pm, visitors at this sports club can expect a family-friendly night as thrilling as ever.
A selection of food and drinks will be served at this event including all your typical Bonfire feasts to more gourmet options.
Parking at this event may be limited and anyone attending is being urged to walk where possible as no spaces are available on-site.
This local Greater Manchester town’s amateur rugby league football club is presenting its attendees with a bonfire night they’ll never forget as it won’t have a bonfire!
Their fantastic entertainment and fireworks will still be there as well as some tasty delights in the form of Rochdale street food and restaurant favourite, Bombay Brew.
If you are intending on popping down for a funfilled night, guests are being encouraged to respect neighbours and their driveways.
Tickets are available as your arrive with both cash and card accepted at the gates.
When: Friday 1 November, 6.30pm – late
Where to find: Keswick Street, Castleton, OL113AG
Littleborough Cricket Club Bonfire & Firework Display
Not too far from Rochdale, Littleborough cricket club are entertaining locals with a night of fireworks, food and fun.
There will be a fun fair, food stalls and two outdoor bars to cut down on those pesky queues that us Mancs always get caught up in.
What’s also special about this display is that little guests who are two and under even get into the venue for free here!
When: Saturday 2 November, 4.00pm – onwards
Where to find: Denhurst Rd, Littleborough OL15 9LD
Shaw Cricket Club Bonfire Night & Firework Extravaganza 2024
This annual event promises to be one to remember especially with the name ‘Extravaganza’ in its title.
Gates open at 4.00pm with rides and attractions starting at this time too in preparation for the bonfire and show later on in the evening.
Anyone planning on paying a visit are guided to take public transport such as the tram or walk to avoid congestion in the area.
For those who wish they had a clone, fear not, this Manchester skyline spot might just give you free access to multiple firework displays all at once.
With views across Manchester, Liverpool and beyond, curious travellers are sure to see some incredible sights especially across the firework-packed week and weekend.
There’s a pub not too far from this spot so you can really soak up the action with your phone recording the view in one hand and a pint fixed in the other.
Daisy Jackson -
16th December 2023 
