Tributes have been pouring in today for legendary Salford figure and artist Harold Riley, who has sadly died at the age of 88.
Harold was a hugely respected talent and local character, who spent lengths of time with the likes of Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, and Prince Phillip creating portraits for royalty and political heavyweights.
His work to this day is proudly displayed in the Salford Museum, and he was considered to possess the ‘true spirit of Salford’.
In 2017, Harold was given the Freedom of Salford – and afterwards was permitted to drive a flock of sheep up the Crescent in a truly memorable moment.
He was close friends with L.S. Lowry himself for 30 years.
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To mark the news of his death, the flag at Salford Civic Centre has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Harold RileyHarold Riley
Tributes have been flooding in today following the sad news of Harold’s passing, who has been described as ‘one of this city’s most famous sons and treasured artists’.
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Salford Museum and Art Gallery shared: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Salford artist Harold Riley. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
“Harold has been a huge part of Salford Museum & Art Gallery over the years, not only through his wonderful personality but also in his artistic contribution. Born in Salford in 1934, he sold his first painting to the museum aged 11, a sale engineered by his friend L S Lowry, and the museum then went on to purchase other works over the years as he became world-famous.
“As well as painting well-known figures, he spent much of his time recording the lives of people in Salford, and the significant changes to the city, through painting, photography and drawing. This love for Salford was reflected in his work and he enjoyed close links with the museum over the years, popping in frequently as he worked from his nearby studio.
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“In 2017, Harold Riley was given the freedom of Salford, honouring the creative and cultural impact he has made on his home city.
Salford Scene: The NunThe Price of IndustryThe Chimney SweepThe CourtyardSome of Harold Riley’s paintings owned by Salford Museum & Art Gallery
“We are honoured to hold a number of Harold’s works in our collection and even more so to have some pieces currently on display as part of our exhibition ‘Exploring the Collection’, which is open until 30th April. Harold will be greatly missed.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Harold for all he has done for our great city, he had the true Spirit of Salford with a deep love for the people, communities and an unwavering commitment to his city, Salford.
“Harold was a humble eloquent man with a great sense of humour and with the ability to put everyone at ease particularly through his many stories about his life in Salford and wider experiences travelling the world as an artist.
“Harold was a very generous man contributing to numerous good causes across the City over his lifetime. The list is long, but to name just one, Harold donated 100 original works to Salford Royal Hospital along with 100 prints of these works that are now on display around the hospital to support patients and staff. He will be sorely missed, and Salford is very much the worse for his passing – Rest in Peace Harold.”
Salford City FC shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Salfordian artist Harold Riley. He was devoted to his roots and was awarded the freedom of Salford in 2017. Rest in peace, Harold”
Poet Tony Walsh, also known as Longfella, said: “RIP #HaroldRiley, the great Salford artist.”
Photographer Simon Buckley, aka Not Quite Light, posted: “Sad to hear of the death of artist Harold Riley, a great talent, a lovely man and such a faithful son of #Salford.”
“Harold Riley was an incredible artist who remained connected to his roots in Salford. He was a regular in the local church, often doing and giving out quick sketches of the congregation. He will be much missed”
Louise Woodward-Styles said: “We remember with the greatest respect and love our beloved Salford Son. Harold Riley, thank you for being the eyes and smile of our great city. The Civic Flag in the sunshine at half mast for you.”
Sorry to hear that Harold Riley has died. I photographed him for my ‘Eminent’ Salfordians exhibition for Salford City Art Gallery l, and spent several entertaining, enjoyable days with him. My condolences to his family and friends #Salford@SalfordMuseumpic.twitter.com/yIBXF6BKd1
All Brewers Fayre and Beefeater locations across the UK are closing down
Danny Jones
It looks to be the end for not one but two of Britain’s best-known and long-running restaurant franchises, as Brewers Fayre and Beefeaters will be closing down all of their locations.
Dating back to the mid-1970s, there will soon be none left anywhere in the country
The pair of recognisable chains, owned by parent company Whitbread PLC – who also own Premier Inn, hence why they usually come as a joint package – have nearly 200 sites across the UK, but they are already in the process of a wholesale shutdown.
News of the impending closures first began circulating back in April, but now the process is said to be fully underway, with multiple Greater Manchester names on the chopping block.
A real shame all brewers fayres are closing down. As a member they’ve sent me a last free main. So enjoying a mixed grill pic.twitter.com/EIHMZ7LCvv
— Daniel Turner⚽️ 🏟️ 1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣8️⃣ (@puffpuff65) August 4, 2026
With roughly 3,800 staff set to be made unemployed as part of the major restructuring by Whitbread, the job cuts will see approximately 12% of their workforce laid off from a total of around 30,000.
One local duo due to face the music is the soon-to-close Stable Gate in Denton and Wheatlea Park in Wigan – both of which are Brewers Fayre branches.
89 of the brand’s boozers have been given until early September (some dates may vary) to shut up shop and hold not just their last orders, but their final dinner service full stop.
The rest of the venues closing next month are Beefeater pubs, including the Heaton Park one in Crumpsall, The Quay House at Salford Quays, and the Whitgate Inn over Oldham way.
As for others nearby, Macclesfield’s Springwood Park is also set to close.
The older of the two British mainstays is Beefeater, which was founded by Whitbread back in 1974 when they opened their first pub, The Halfway House, down in Enfield.
Brewers debuted up North in ’79, with a maiden watering hole called The Farmers Arms in Preston, before going on to open several locations around Lancashire and eventually nationwide.
Most of you will likely have visited or at the very least passed one of those food and drink spots in your time, and while they may be more associated with hotels and service stations these days, they still served as regular haunts for plenty of people who will no doubt be gutted to see them go.
Speaking of services, another big name is expanding further into the North West.
Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
Daisy Jackson -
20th April 2023 
