Iconic lyrics from songs by some of Manchester’s most famous bands and artists are to appear in the city centre this weekend for a very “heartwarming” reason.
It’s all part of a newly-launched campaign by North West Cancer Research – an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first, and funding lifesaving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care, and find the cure for cancer – which is called #OurRegionOurWords, and is committed to raising awareness of its life saving work across the North West of England and North Wales.
It comes after a recent study highlighted by the charity in its 2021 North West Regional Report found that residents living in the region are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than in the rest of the UK.
The campaign will feature messages of hope in the form of lyrics made famous by high profile local artists and bands.
The words have been chosen to reflect the experiences facing those affected by cancer.
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Our latest campaign #OurRegionOurWords is about raising awareness of the charity and the work we do in this region.
Inspired by our region’s love for music and passion for its home-grown heroes.
Manchester-based rock band, New Order, and Liverpool’s The Farm – two of several artists whose renowned work has inspired some of the words featured throughout the activation – have pledged their support for the charity’s campaign, which kicked-off with an event at Liverpool One this past weekend and saw a prominent walkway branded with lyrics made famous by Liverpool-based musicians.
A similar crossing takeover will take place at Spinningfields this weekend.
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As well as the two launch events, the charity’s wider campaign will also feature many lyrics displayed across billboards, buses, and street hubs, as well as digitally and across social media until mid-April.
Those living in Chester, Blackpool, Wigan, Preston, and Llandudno will also have the chance to spot lyrics inspired by the work of local bands in their area.
The campaign will feature messages of hope in the form of lyrics made famous by high profile local artists and bands / Credit: North West Cancer Research
Speaking on the important campaign ahead of its arrival in Manchester city centre this weekend, Alastair Richards – CEO at North West Cancer Research – said: “For over 70 years, North West Cancer Research has been independently funding life-saving research and strategies designed to support those living with and beyond cancer in the North West of England and North Wales.
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“Tackling the challenge of cancer requires a localised approach that understands the unique nature of each region, and this is especially pertinent for our work, given the increased likelihood of developing cancer if you live here.
“Inspired by our region’s love for music and passion for its homegrown heroes, we hope this campaign will resonate with people far and wide.”
Featured Image – Visit North West | New Order
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From drone shows to free ice lollies – what went down at Parklife 2025
Daisy Jackson
It’s been a few days since Parklife 2025 wrapped up, and now that we’ve all caught up on sleep we’re looking back on some of the highlights you might’ve missed.
With such a stacked line-up of live music, it would be impossible to have seen everything – from that sizzling final set from Charli XCX to Morgan Seatree’s emotional hometown show, plus viral sensation Interplanetary Criminal filling Matinee and D.O.D. getting the whole Big Top dancing.
One moment that you couldn’t possibly have missed if you were on the ground at Parklife festival was a surprise drone show which dazzled overhead on Saturday night.
As rap legend 50 Cent wrapped up his huge headline set on The Valley stage, and The Hangar came alive to the sound of Pawsa, fans got an extra special treat way up in the skies.
Hundreds of drones came together in an impressive, illuminated aerial display, starting with a 10-second countdown that stopped festival-goers in their tracks.
The drones then flew in formation to create iconic shapes like a yellow JD Sports duffle bag, an adidas shoebox, and the shape of a slowly-rotating Climacool trainer – and what a trainer it is.
The adidas drone show on Saturday nightadidas handed out Climacool-branded lollies and slushies50 Cent on The Valley stageadidas handed out Climacool-branded lollies and slushies
That wasn’t the only bit of attention the Climacool footwear got at Parklife either – thankful fans were treated to free Climacool branded ice lollies and slushies on their way into the festival on Saturday.
As the sun beat down on Heaton Park (bar the odd brief downpour, classic Manchester), adidas and JD Sports arrived in an ice cream truck with the coolest drop at the festival.
There was a helping hand from social media sensation Yombo to hype up the crowd before the festival had even got started.
The Climacool has a textile lining and upper work, with a perforated midsole to allow airflow and keep your feet fresh – perfect for any city adventure (and pretty perfect for a day at Parklife, we discovered).
If the Climacool trainers have caught your eye – either in the sky, at the Climacool ice cream truck, or on social media – then the good news is you can now shop them for yourselves.
Manchester bar announces huge giveaway of margaritas to celebrate first birthday
Daisy Jackson
A cocktail and shuffleboard bar in Manchester city centre is throwing a weekend-long party to celebrate its first birthday, and there are free cocktails up for grabs.
Electric Shuffle is kindly offering to give all of us presents for its birthday, with an epic free margarita giveaway.
That’s alongside an almighty party that includes resident DJs, live music performances, giveaways, exclusive offers, a cracking happy hour and a free photobooth.
The Deansgate activity bar, which has 15 interactive high-tech shuffleboards to play, each one loaded with different game modes, is celebrating one year in the city centre between Friday 20 and Sunday 22 June.
They’re throwing a three-day-long celebration, kicking off at 5pm on Friday with a giveaway of margaritas for the first 250 guests through the doors.
Then there’ll be an Electric Shuffle birthday prize game, where each slide of the puck could unlock prizes like bar tabs, brunch tickets, branded merch, cocktails, pizzas and more.
Singer-songwriter Luke McColl will be playing live during the evening, and you’ll be able to dive into a free photobooth all evening.
Electric Shuffle ManchesterFood and drink at the premium gaming barElectric Shuffle Manchester turns one
Moving on to Saturday’s celebrations – expect happy hour deals all day long, like £4 pins and £7 Sarti Spritzes, complimentary shuffleboard hire (you need to pre-book HERE), a special late brunch session between 5pm and 7pm, and more prize giveaways.
This part of the birthday party will be soundtracked by resident DJs and a live set from Elle Graham.
And if you thought that was the end of the party, you’re mistaken.
On Sunday, Electric Shuffle will host free shuffleboard all day long.
All summer, there’ll be a Margs and Margs deal, where you can get two margarita cocktails and a margarita pizza for just £25.
Electric Shuffle’s first birthday celebrations take place between 20 and 22 June.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2022 
