Manchester gym shares moving tribute to personal trainer Archie Vokes, who died in French avalanche
'Even if you had only had the chance to speak to either of them briefly you would have instantly known how kind-hearted, caring and loving they both were.'
The gym where Archie Vokes, 22, worked has shared a moving tribute to him after he was killed in an avalanche in France.
Archie was a personal trainer at FORM, based just outside Manchester city centre in Salford, before his tragic death last week.
He and his mother Kate, 54, both died after an avalanche swept through an off-piste ski area around Saint-Gervais, near Mont Blanc.
They were found by mountain rescuers Thursday afternoon, and later named as the mother and son from Manchester.
Kate was a director at Bruntwood and the sister of Bruntwood SciTech chief executive Chris Oglesby, and a well-loved and well-respected figure in the city.
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She was also a familiar face around the FORM gym space where her son worked.
FORM has now shared a moving tribute to the pair, describing them as ‘kind-hearted, caring and loving’.
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Kate and Archie Vokes, both from Manchester, who tragically died in an avalanche in France. Credit: Family handout
The gym wrote in a post on Instagram: “We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that coach Archie and his mother Kate tragically lost their lives.
“Both Archie and Kate were adored by the team and many members of the gym. You may have been lucky enough to have known them well, but even if you had only had the chance to speak to either of them briefly you would have instantly known how kind-hearted, caring and loving they both were.
“The love lost for Archie and Kate will never go away but the love for our team, members and what we do at FORM will only grow stronger.
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“More than ever we are so grateful for the support and love that we have from everyone and over time we will find ways to use this to help heal.”
Several more people have shared their own tributes in response to FORM’s statement about the late Archie Vokes.
One person wrote: “I was so sorry to hear the news and the immeasurable loss for their family. The photo shows Kate and Archie exactly as they were. Archie was so personable and at the same time unassuming about his own talents. Kate was an incredible force for good in the north west region. A huge loss.”
Another said: “Such awful news. Archie was a lovely man and always had a smile for everyone when they walked in the gym. Sending love and hugs to all of you.”
Someone else shared: “Awful news. Archie was a brilliant person to have around the gym. Always took the time to say hello and ask me how I was doing every time I was in. Will be missed.”
Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
“The Pink Picnic is a family event – it’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s about making space for everyone.”
The Pink Picnic returns to Peel Park in Salford next month on Saturday 13 June, and you can find out more and book tickets online here.
Featured Image – Salford Pride (via Facebook)
Salford
Major events programme announced as part of the Salford 100 centenary celebrations
Daisy Jackson
A raft of exciting new events have been announced as part of the upcoming Salford 100 celebrations, marking the city’s 100th anniversary.
The city-wide events programme will take place throughout the year, featuring everything from art commissions to community events – with many free to attend.
Salford City Council is putting together the cultural programme across Salford’s eight neighbourhoods, supported using public funding by Arts Council England, and it’ll feature major events from the likes of Walk the Plank and From The Other.
Everything will be created to explore the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future of Salford.
At the heart of the upcoming celebrations are three flagship commissions: a travelling pop-up festival called The Wagon Train, a large-scale multimedia artwork titled Salford Everywhere, and Songs of Salford, a new concept record aiming to create a modern anthem for the city.
Speaking about the cultural commissions announced today, Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “As we mark 100 years of Salford as a city, it’s only right that we celebrate in a way that reflects who we really are – proud, creative and rooted in our communities.
“This cultural programme puts our residents at the heart of everything, recognising the people, places and stories that have shaped Salford and continue to define it today.
“From neighbourhood parks and green spaces to city‑wide moments of collective pride, these celebrations are taking place right across Salford.
“Whether it’s families coming together at The Wagon Train, musicians creating the next chapter of Salford’s soundtrack through Songs of Salford, or residents seeing themselves reflected in the extraordinary Salford Everywhere project, this is culture made with the people of Salford, not just for them.
“I’m also incredibly proud of the local residents, artists and community groups who are driving community events and celebrations at grassroots level. Their ideas, energy and care for their neighbourhoods are a powerful reminder of the strength of our communities – and Salford 100 is about recognising that strength, amplifying those voices and sharing them with the world as we look confidently to our next 100 years.”
The first events begin later this month with The Wagon Train, a touring programme created by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The free family-friendly events will pop up in parks and green spaces across Salford, featuring live music, poetry, workshops, games, performances and community celebrations.
The Wagon Train
Walk The Plank’s The Wagon Train will be part of the Salford 100
The celebrations begin on Saturday 23 May at Buile Hill Park in Seedley, where a launch event marking the park’s 150th anniversary will bring performances from local musicians and the Seedley Salford Strummers ukulele band, alongside badge-making workshops and a community croquet tournament.
The following day, Albert Park in Broughton hosts an afternoon of activities including recycling-themed art workshops from Just Junkies’ Trash Panda project and food from the Doosti Friendship Group.
On Monday 25 May, Ordsall Park celebrates its own 150th anniversary with a parade, live music and performances.
The month’s events conclude on Saturday 30 May with a Whit Walk-inspired procession travelling from Little Hulton to Parr Fold Park in Worsley, featuring brass bands, choirs and stilt walkers, leading into an afternoon of performances and family activities at the park.
Speaking about the Wagon Train, Liz Pugh, Co-Founder and Creative Producer of Walk the
Plank said: “Our cultural programme will uncover talent and bring communities together at local events throughout the summer, and our finale this autumn when the Wagon Train’s journey reaches its climax with a major celebration, in classic Walk the Plank style, at Buile Hill.”
Looking back on how Salford has shaped her own path, Liz added: “When Walk the Plank first sailed up the Ship Canal back in 1992, I didn’t think we’d still be here 34 years later! The City of Salford has made us welcome and I’m glad we can repay that warm welcome by creating some amazing events this summer.”
There’ll be loads more events to come throughout the summer as part of Salford 100, with a grand finale scheduled for October – head HEREto find out more.
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Salford Everywhere: A Living Monument to the People of Salford
Previews of Salford Everywhere
One of the most ambitious commissions in the programme is Salford Everywhere, a multimedia public artwork created by artist Matthew Rosier.
The project will transform some of Salford’s buildings into giant moving portraits of local residents and community groups, celebrating the people who shape the city today.
Groups taking part include sports clubs, youth organisations, choirs, women’s groups and charities from neighbourhoods across Salford.
The project also features music direction from AFRODEUTSCHE, movement direction from Company Chameleon and videography by Izzy Pie.
The artwork will culminate in a two-day gathering at Peel Park this autumn, where the film will be projected onto buildings alongside a specially created live soundtrack celebrating Salford’s musical heritage.
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Mark Carlin, Co-Director, From The Other, said: “We’re delighted to be including communities from so many of Salford’s distinct neighbourhoods in this project, capturing the essence of those who live, work and play here.
“Combining film capture, music, choreography and mass, grassroots participation makes this project truly special and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
Songs of Salford: Creating Salford’s Next Album
Artists involved in Songs of Salford. Credit: Daniel Johnson
Songs of Salford is aiming to create a fresh musical identity for the city – a modern response to the long association with Dirty Old Town.
The project is being led by creative producers From The Other in partnership with the University of Salford.
Music producer and songwriter Charlie Deakin-Davies – whose previous collaborators include RAYE, Kate Nash and Gary Barlow – is currently working with six Salford-connected artists to create a new body of music inspired by the city in 2026.
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The line-up includes rappers Strategy and Che3kz, vocalist Salo, songwriter & poet, Meduulla ,spoken word performer Matt Concannon and singer-songwriter Sam Seth, with young people from Salford Youth Zone and members of Age Friendly Salford also contributing stories and memories to the songwriting process.
The completed record is expected to be released later in 2026.
Tim France, Director, Performance, Music, English & Dance at the University of Salford, said: “Songs of Salford is a powerful example of what can happen when a city’s creative community, its institutions and its people come together.
“It’s especially inspiring to see one of our star alumni, Sam Seth, returning to Salford as a songwriter, collaborator and performer, exemplifying the talent that grows here and continues to shape our cultural landscape.”
Emma Thompson, Co-Director, From the Other, who is leading on the project, said: “Music drives everything From the Other does. To celebrate Salford’s 100th anniversary, we’ve brought together a group of musicians to create a concept record dedicated to our city.
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“This project isn’t just about history; it’s about the people who make Salford home today; from the born-and-bred to the newly arrived, the students to the teachers.
“By blending genres and perspectives, these musicians are capturing the spirit of Salford in 2026, through a collection of songs that will mark this centenary and create a lasting legacy that will resonate in the unique, timeless way that only music can.”
Other key events in the Salford 100
Salford 100 events will take place throughout 2026
Big Sing – 30 June, Salford Community Stadium – Primary schools across Salford will come together for a large-scale singing event with a special Salford twist.
Paper Party – 10,000 young people across Salford will take part in creating artworks in the form of birthday gifts for the city, which will be exhibited at a takeover event at Salford Museum and Art Gallery on the 18 and 19 July.
BBC Philharmonic – will perform at Swinton Palais in September for schools and the public, with more details to follow.
Contains Strong Language – 24-27 September – the BBC’s national poetry and spoken word festival celebrates its 10th year in Salford as part of the centenary celebrations. Expect four days of performances, poetry and live recordings across the BBC.
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Brick Explorers – 18 July – 31 August – invites visitors to discover and learn through incredible wildlife sculptures, created from hundreds of thousands of bricks, set throughout the garden this summer, with a special centenary addition to look out for.
Grit Studios and The Writing Squad – working with community groups across Salford to create murals across the city – look out for these over the summer.
Special centenary themed editions of uniquely Salford events such as Pink Picnic, UK Chinese Dragon Boat Race, and We Invented the Weekend.
Also added is a range of events firmly rooted in communities across the city, such as Weaste Fest, the Summer Centenary Celebration at Light Oaks Park, Print Lives Here at Islington Mill, Irlam Live and the Then and Now Photography Exhibition at Height Library.
And as well as all that, there’ll be The Pink Picnic, Greater Manchester’s largest voluntary-led LGBTQ+ pride event, which will return to Peel Park next year for its 15th year on Saturday 13t June 2026.
The city wide celebrations started on 21 April – which coincided with the date Salford was granted city status in 1926 – and will run throughout the year, culminating in a spectacular finale moment in Autumn.
From The Other and Walk the Plank are working together with Salford City Council to produce all the art commissions which will form the cultural programme, weaving in the true character of Salford throughout and celebrating the communities that make Salford so special.
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For more information about the programme and the individual commissions, visit HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd January 2024 
