With less than a week to go before Christmas, Salford Foodbank has set itself a rather unique donations target this year.
Salford Foodbank – part of the Freedom Central Manchester charity, and supported by local churches and the community to “work together towards stopping hunger in the local area” – is aiming to raise a whopping 1.5 tonnes of food donations for families in need across the region.
If you need something to put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent in weight of three whole camels.
And thanks to the kindness of local residents – including Keith Walker from Boothstown, who collected a staggering 600kg of donations from generous neighbours, friends and family – the foodbank has now already received over 1000kg of donations – or almost two camels.
Salford Foodbank – which is also part of The Trussell Trust’s network of more than 1,200 foodbank centres working to tackle food poverty and hunger across the UK – has distributed a record number of food parcels throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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However, with demand set to increase over Christmas and into the new year, they have vowed to keep the momentum going and reach the target.
In a bid to help with this mission, MediaCityUK-based design agency Carbon Creative has transformed a deluxe shed at the popular Box on the Docks open-air gallery and immersive art trail into a striking ‘Salford Foodbank Giftbox’ collection point.
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Visitors to the trail and passers-by are being asked to drop off an item such as instant coffee, boil-in-a-bag rice and pasta, jars of jam and sauces, seasonal chocolate boxes, and toilet roll.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJDqFoXgorP/
If you are not able to visit MediaCityUK though, but still wish to help Salford Foodbank “over the hump” of its donation goal, several community donation points have also been set up across Salford to support the campaign, including Moorside High School.
The ‘mini’ food giftbox locations are clearly marked its website, and is also filled with information, updated lists of items Salford Foodbank needs, and ways you can get involved.
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Steve Mills – Assistant Headteacher at Moorside High School – said pupils have filled four wheelie bins full of food to donate to the appeal.
Moorside High School
Mr Mills said: “As soon as we mentioned the appeal our students, their families and staff were eager to help.
“We had planned to use crates but had so many donations we had to borrow wheelie bins from Salford City Council to hold them all. I’m overwhelmed by their kindness, generosity and determination to make Christmas that little bit easier for people in need this year.
“We place great importance on community spirit as a school and they have done themselves and Salford proud.”
Iain Wight from Salford Foodbank added: “This year has seen an outpouring of local generosity, with communities coming together, such as Moorside School, MediaCityUK and through people like Keith who want to play their part in helping to support those who may be struggling.
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“We have been blown away by people’s kindness and we can’t thank everyone enough – it means we can support even more families through unprecedented times of hardship.”
You can find more information about donations via the Salford Foodbank website here.
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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…
ITV is reviving an iconic music trivia gameshow Name That Tune from the 70s
Emily Sergeant
ITV is set to revive one of the most iconic music-themed gameshows of all time for a new generation.
That’s right – Name That Tune is making a comeback.
Based on the successful US format of the same name, and airing in the UK on its original run from 1976 through to 1987, before being rebooted for the first time by Channel 5 from 1997-98, Name That Tune is being revived for the third time and is set to hit screens on ITV early next year.
If you’re unfamiliar with the premise of the show, Name That Tune sees contestants pitted against each other as their music knowledge is put to the test in a series of fast-paced rounds that featuring tracks from some of the world’s best-loved music artists and bands across every genre, all building towards a nail-biting finale.
Competitors will be tasked with correctly deciphering iconic riffs, melodies and lyrics from some of the biggest songs on the planet.
Set to be presented by Alison Hammond, and with a studio audience singing along, the show’s reboot will invite viewers at home to play from their living rooms, making it the ultimate soundtrack for all generations.
Every round is designed to challenge music enthusiasts by asking them just one simple question – can you name that tune?
“As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along when one of my all-time favourite tunes comes on,” commented Alison Hammond as she was announced as the host for the reboot.
“And trust me… that will take serious self control.
“I grew up absolutely loving the original show so being part of this now feels like a real full-circle moment. I cannot wait to get into the studio, put the contestants through their paces, and see who really knows their music.”
ITV has told viewers to expect the show to be ‘bigger, louder, and more feel-good than ever’ once it returns in January.
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2020 
