Have you noticed that a handful of colourful new benches have popped up across Salford over the past couple of days?
Been wondering where they’ve come from? Keen to know what the story is behind them?
Of course, benches are not something the residents and locals of Salford would usually bat an eyelid at considering there are so many dotted all around the borough, but it’s fair to say that these 20 colourful new additions that have been cleverly-designed to resemble the shape of a book, and are inspired by a range of different themes, are worth stopping to take a closer look at.
The new ‘BookBench’ sculptures are actually part of the first-ever Salford Literacy Trail – which began last week and will be running up until 9 September 2022.
The new art trail – which is in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and BUPA Foundation – has been described as a “unique collaboration” between local school children and artists, and features 20 eye-catching sculptures created by global public art producers Wild in Art.
Wild in Art famously brought the popular Bee in the City art trail to Manchester back in 2018, and has a number of other award-winning art trails to its name.
The 20 new ‘BookBench’ sculptures are part of the first-ever Salford Literacy Trail / Credit: Wild in Art
Artists worked with children from 20 different primary schools across Salford to design benches that capture how their favourite books inspire make them feel.
The BookBenches have placed at key locations across Salford, including near the Blue Peter Garden, around MediaCity, and at Salford Cathedral, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, RHS Bridgewater, and Salford Shopping Centre, for families to explore their local area, discover the benefits and joys of reading, and engage with stories together.
As you make your way around the trail, you will been able to find inspiration from the children’s favourite books, inlcuding The Boy Who Grew Dragons, Macbeth, The Memory Tree, and the absolute classic that is The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The project is said to have been designed to “inspire a love of reading”, with each BookBench providing “a blank canvas for children’s creativity”, according to trail organisers.
The trail has been described as a “unique collaboration” between local school children and artists / Credit: Wild in ArtArtists worked with children from 20 different primary schools across Salford to design benches / Credit: Wild in Art
The trail also aims to raise awareness of the positive links between reading and mental wellbeing, as research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who are the most engaged with literacy are three-times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing than their least engaged peers.
“We want to create an environment where every child in Salford has the opportunity to engage with stories and books that reflect their lives, offer them comfort, or an exciting escape,” said Mike Leyland – the National Literacy Trust’s Programme Manager for Salford Literacy Trail.
“We hope that the Salford Literacy Trail starts conversations in families, at schools and in communities about stories that have affected them, or that have shown them a different view on life, and encourages an even greater love of reading in everyone who takes part.”
Each BookBench has been individually-sponsored by local businesses.
These sponsorships, alongside the BookBench auction in the autumn, will raise vital funds for the National Literacy Trust to help it “champion reading” with local disadvantaged children.
There is a downloadable map available online, along with fun activities for kids to inspire them with the magic of stories, and you can find out more about the Salford Literacy Trail 2022 on the trail’s website here.
Salford Lads and Girls Club to receive lifeline funding grant for ‘essential repairs’
Emily Sergeant
Salford Lads and Girls Club is set to receive a lifeline funding grant for essential repairs merely months after facing closure.
The £400,000 grant will be helping to secure a long-term future for the iconic youth club.
Established in 1903 as a purpose-built club for boys, but now open to girls too, Salford Lads and Girls Club nowadays works to provide new generations with access to sports, creative workshops, fitness, music, drama, and ultimately, life skills.
The building is, of course, forever linked with legendary Manchester band The Smiths, through Stephen Wright’s iconic photo of the band outside the front doorway.
For this reason, the venue has become a worldwide landmark and pilgrimage site for music fans, and it even has a dedicated Smiths room.
Salford Lads and Girls Club will receive a lifeline funding grant for ‘essential repairs’ / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The venue’s funding grant is part of £2.4 million awarded to six historic places in the North West from Historic England’s Heritage at ‘Risk Capital Fund’.
Other sites in the region include the restoration of the upper seating areas at Morecambe Winter Gardens, and the conservation of the Grade II listed pumphouse at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.
Some of the essential repairs set to be carried out with the funding include roof slate replacements, and brick and terracotta masonry repairs to ensure the long-term sustainability of this famous community building in Salford.
“Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings in the North West that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes,” commented Louise Brennan, who is the Director of Regions at Historic England, as the funding grant was announced.
“This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the region’s most disadvantaged areas.
Cult Manchester food brand Brewski to launch new BBQ concept at MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
The creators of Manchester’s viral restaurants Brewski, American Pies, and Foldies are set to launch another new exciting concept.
Spanning 5,235 sq. ft and inspired by Brewski’s ongoing culinary tour of the US, the new concept at Quayside MediaCity will be called BIG TRAY BBQ and will be setting up shop at the bustling new food hall Kargo MKT this autumn, adding another exciting offering to the destination’s lineup of tasty food brands.
BIG TRAY BBQ is set to bring a counter-service smokehouse to Quayside, serving up BBQ by weight, alongside homemade sides and standout sauces, with inspiration from across the 52 states of the US and cutting-edge smoked meats and flavours.
With ‘smoke and spice’ set to be at the heart of the new concept, foodies can expect Brewski’s famous crowd-pleasing portions – but this time, with a twist.
New dishes to look forward to include 16-hour brisket, hot honey jalapeño cornbread, loaded trays of jerk chicken sausage, and smoked birria lamb shanks and ribs – with counter-side carving to give a true authentic experience.
“We’re delighted to be launching our latest concept BIG TRAY BBQ at Quayside later this year,” commented James Daly and Steven Stockton-King, who are the co-founders of Brewski.
“As a Manchester-based brand, it was important that our next chapter stayed true to our roots. We’re excited to bring something completely new to Quayside’s growing food scene and be part of what’s to come at the destination for the local community.”
Ben Hey, who is the Asset Director at Quayside, added: “We’re excited to welcome one of Manchester’s most loved food brands to Quayside.
“Their decision to open their new concept here is a real testament to the growth of the area and our exciting plans for the future. We know they’re going to bring something completely unique to our visitors, and we can’t wait to see the new concept thrive here at Quayside”.
Read more:
There is no confirmed opening date for BIG TRAY BBQ just yet, but what we do know is that it’ll be opening in the autumn, so keep your eyes peeled.
Emily Sergeant -
18th July 2022 
