A famous cat known for making friends with Metrolink passengers in Chorlton now has his own mural outside his local tram stop.
Batman, who is affectionately known as the ‘Chorlton tram cat’, is an undeniable local legend in the sought-after Manchester suburb, and has been watching over his local tram stop and making friends with countless commuters now for several years.
Brightening the days of everyone he meets at Chorlton Metrolink stop, Batman even has his own Facebook and Instagram pages with thousands of fans, and regularly features in viral social media posts too.
And like all good Greater Manchester icons, Batman has now been immortalised in mural form and features prominently on a colourful artwork – commissioned by the civic society, Chorlton Voice – outside Chorlton tram stop, which was formally unveiled yesterday.
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Fame for Batman the Tram Cat!
If you've ever been to Chorlton tram stop, you'll probably have seen our favourite feline patrolling the platform, and he's finally been immortalised by Manchester artist @missdalys to celebrate Chorlton Arts Festival. We love to see it. 🐱
After what Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) admits has been “several years of planning”, the design of the mural was chosen by members of Chorlton Voice, in collaboration with a group of local community groups, traders, councillors, and council officers, and has been painted by Manchester-based artist Caroline Daly to coincide with the Chorlton Arts Festival.
As well as Batman’s feline silhouette, the mural also features scenic green spaces and birds to reflect the area’s local biodiversity.
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As mentioned, the bright and colourful mural was officially unveiled yesterday – with Withington MP Jeff Smith doing the honours, alongside TfGM’s Head of Metrolink Danny Vaughn, Chorlton Voice chair Carolyn Kagan, and other local councillors Eve Holt, Joanna Midgley, and Matthew Benham.
Chorlton’s legendary ‘tram cat’ Batman now has a mural outside his local Metrolink stop / Credit: TfGM
Carolyn Kagan explained that Chorlton Voice first raised the possibility of a Batman mural with Metrolink all the way back in 2014, and the group is “thrilled” to have had that vision finally realised.
“The mural will be a focal point for Chorlton and contribute to a strong sense of community, and we hope there will be many more Metrolink lift shaft murals,” Carolyn added.
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Danny Vaughn, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, says he is also “delighted” to see this “brilliant artwork finally come to fruition”, adding that TfGM knows Batman has become “quite the Metrolink celebrity in recent years”.
“It’s great to see him taking centre stage on a piece of art, which I’m sure will be enjoyed by passengers,” Danny concluded.
Featured Image – TfGM
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SpudBros are returning to the Trafford Centre following HUGELY successful debut
Emily Sergeant
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are returning to the Trafford Centre following their hugely successful debut.
Following the ‘overwhelming’ success of their first Trafford Centre residency earlier this summer, the UK’s most-followed jacket potato creators SpudBros are returning to the iconic retail destination for a second pop-up later this month.
Shoppers will once again be able to tuck into freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes served up in minutes, all without compromising on quality, flavour, or portion size.
The SpudBros – also known as Jacob and Harley Nelson – will, once again, be returning as part of Trafford Centre‘s annual summer fair.
At the pop-up, you’ll be able to pick from fan favourites like the Tram Classic, which is loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and world-famous ‘tram’ sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw.
There’s also a range of other flavour-packed options to tuck into, alongside the option to build your own potato, allowing every customer to create their perfect lunch.
“The response to our first week at Trafford Centre was incredible, so we couldn’t be more excited to return,” commented SpudBros co-founder, Jacob Nelson.
Viral internet sensation SpudBros are launching a special pop-up at Trafford Centre this summer / Credit: The Manc Group
“Manchester has always shown us so much support online and it was amazing to finally bring SpudBros to the city. We’re looking forward to serving even more visitors and welcoming back everyone who came to see us the first time around.”
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “SpudBros was a fantastic addition to our summer line-up and proved hugely popular with our visitors, so we’re delighted to welcome the team back for a second pop-up.”
The SpudBros pop-up will be located outside The Great Hall next week from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 August, serving signature loaded potatoes daily from 12-8pm.
Featured Image – Supplied
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IKEA is launching its own online marketplace full of second-hand furniture
Emily Sergeant
IKEA has announced it’s launching its own online marketplace full of second-hand furniture.
Just like the ever-popular Facebook Marktplace, the IKEA second-hand marketplace is a dedicated space where pre-loved IKEA products can find a new home.
In bid to make affordable second-hand home furnishings easily accessible, the new online platform will enable customers across the UK to connect with one another directly, so they can buy and sell pre-owned IKEA items locally.
Designed specifically for IKEA products, the marketplace will provide everything shoppers need in one place.
The Swedish retailer is already known and loved for its ‘functional’ and ‘affordable’ home furnishings, all produced with care for people and the environment, but the launch of the new IKEA second-hand market place will make it just as easy to pass on an old favourite as it is to find a new one.
IKEA is launching its own online marketplace full of second-hand furniture / Credit: Supplied
“At IKEA, we are always looking for new ways to make life at home even better and help our customers discover products they love,” a spokesperson for the retailer said.
“With the launch of IKEA second-hand marketplace in the UK, we’re taking a meaningful step toward creating a destination that simplifies access to pre-owned IKEA furniture.
“Our goal is to make passing on beloved IKEA pieces as seamless as possible.
“We’re creating a trusted and vibrant space to make it quick and easy for our IKEA Family members to trade directly with one another. We want the process for buying and selling pre-owned IKEA products to be simple, accessible and rewarding.”
Detailed information regarding the official launch and how customers can get involved will be made available in the coming months.
Emily Sergeant -
31st May 2023 
