Mancunians can’t stop laughing at this picture snapped by a lad during a “casual walk” alongside Ashton Canal this past weekend.
Well, this isn’t what we were expecting to see on a Sunday morning.
Given that we’re firmly within our third national lockdown amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic here in England – with all non-essential retail and hospitality closed, accompanied by restrictions on outside household meeting, exercise and travel, with guidance to “stay home” – it stands to reason that many of us have embraced the chance to get outside into the fresh air for walks over this past year, as it’s one of the few things we’ve been permitted to do.
This also probably means that you’re used to seeing your social media timelines filled with pictures taken by friends and family while out walking, but there’s something about this now-viral photo that’s really got people talking.
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And it’s really not hard to see why – or maybe it is.
Despite how dirty and litter-filled the canals and waterways of Greater Manchester are known to be, there’s really no denying that this photo – which was taken by Kyle Walkden-Blythe and shared to the over 44.7K members of the ever-popular Mint Manchester group on Facebook yesterday – shows as clear as day, among all the other twigs and bits of rubbish floating, an adult toy sitting above the water.
No further context was given as to where along the canal the picture was taken, or any insight as to why or how the adult toy had made it there, but really, do we even want to know?
Ashton Canal is NSFW at the best of times, but this on another level.
Of course, as you would expect with this not being an encounter you come across everyday, the hilarious photo has since gone viral in the Facebook community, amassing over 950 interactions and hundreds of comments by entertained group members throwing out their best phallic-themed puns.
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One commenter wrote: “Some n*b messing about on the canal”.
Another added: “Didn’t know we had c**kodiles in our canals”, with a third chipping in with: “There’s some right d***s out there in the morning floating about” and a fourth exclaiming: “Love feeding the d***s on a Sunday with the kids”.
“Who freed Willy?” another commenter cleverly wrote, just proving that no one beats us Mancunians when it comes to having a cheeky sense of humour.
At least we can have a laugh about it.
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
18th January 2021 
