We’ve all cursed and shouted at our Sat Nav system when it’s guided us down the wrong road or tried to point us down a non-existent path. It happens more often than many of us would care to admit.
Spare a thought, then, for this poor fella who had to be rescued by local police after putting too much faith in his computer system last weekend – driving directly into the canal as a result.
The man behind the wheel had been travelling through Salford on Sunday (April 11) when his taxi’s Sat Nav urged him to make a turn off Bridgewater Way.
But the path ultimately led down to the Bridgewater Canal – where the taxi had to be hauled out of the water by a local Road Policing Unit.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
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Greater Manchester Police posted an image of the incident online, calling it a “very lucky escape” for the “embarrassed” driver.
Sat Nav malfunctions don’t come much worse than this…
This Taxi was rescued by RPU west A relief in Eccles after the driver followed his Sat nav straight into the Bridgewster canal. Very lucky escape for the embarrased driver. #gmptrafficpic.twitter.com/lJWKD5pkXx
Sale Sharks secure England veteran Courtney Lawes as he eyes up international return
Danny Jones
Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of rugby union veteran Courtney Lawes as he returns to the Premiership after a two-year hiatus.
Almost just as importantly, Lawes also looks to be eyeing up an England comeback…
Courtney Lawes officially retired from international duty following the 2023 Rugby World Cup and left the Gallagher PREM in ’24, but now the London-born and former Brive flanker is reannouncing himself to the division, becoming Sale’s latest signing ahead of the Sharks’ 2026/27 term.
Penning a one-year contract, the deal is now done, with the ex-British and Irish Lions star set to journey back across the Channel soon, as the start of the next campaign is coming back around quickly.
Lawes left the UK just a couple of years ago to join the side in southern France, and could have accepted a move to Leicester Tigers but turned down the offer; given the obvious rivalry between them and his former stomping ground, Northampton Saints, it was little surprise.
It’s also worth reminding the his last season with the Saints saw him helping them lift their title in a decade, and even he remains a hugely experienced addition to any squad.
Having been monitored by a number of teams, including his old team, he admitted that his wife’s family being from Cheshire did prove to be a decisive factor.
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Now 37, there had been many who questioned how he would fare back in this league – guess we’ll find out very soon.
More importantly, the seasoned member of the second row also made it clear his intentions to at least put himself in the conversation for the national team once again.
Writing in an official statement, he said: “I’m officially un-retiring from international duty, and I’d love to play for England again, but first and foremost I want to play well for Sale, and we’ll see what happens after that.” He also recently penned a column for The Times explaining the decision.
He’s made it plain he’d like to be involved next year.
Courtney went on to add: “I’m really excited to be joining Sale. I’ve been out of the Prem now for a couple of years, and I just want to finish my career playing at the top level. I think Sale have got a brilliant squad, so hopefully I can add to that, and we’ll see what we can do next year.
“My body feels good, and I’m still performing at a high level. I feel like I can compete with the best of them, and then some, and I think if I retired now, I’d probably regret it when I was older.
“As a rugby player, you’ve got a very finite career, and you’re a long time retired, so I want to make the most of it while I can, give it everything for another season and then we’ll see what happens…
“There will be quite a few familiar faces at the club. I’ve played with a lot of the England lads, and Dorian West was my first forwards coach as a professional player. I know the club is bringing in some brilliant players for next season too – guys like Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski will add a lot on and off the field.
What do we reckon then, Sharks fans: is this a signing you’re happy with?
Featured Images — Fearless Fred/Bob Bob(via Flickr)Sale Sharks (press shot via X)
Salford
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
The Manc -
14th April 2021 
