Ever wondered what self-driving cars are actually like? Manchester will have the opportunity to find out this weekend.
In what is part of an innovative study lead by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) – which is a joint Department for Transport, and Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy unit – the people of Manchester are being invited to head on down to the Great Self Driving Exploration this Friday 22 – Sunday 24 July.
The exciting new event is happening at the Etihad Campus, next to the Metrolink stop, and will be open over the three days from 9am-6pm.
Self-driving vehicles are said to have the potential to make our journeys “greener, safer, and more reliable”, and could make a difference to everyone’s transport – no matter where they live, whatever their income level, and whether they have a disability that limits their ability to access to different transport services.
The Great Self Driving Exploration roadshow will give people the chance to look at self-driving vehicles, ask questions about them, and even take a ride in one if they fancy.
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A safety supervisor will always be in the vehicle with anybody test-driving.
The Great Self Driving Exploration is coming to Manchester this Friday 22 – Sunday 24 July / Credit: Pxhere
They will be ready to take control should there be any requirement to do so, as well as being on hand to help answer any other questions people may have.
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The CCAV is working with BritainThinks to bring the event to our city.
“This is an ideal opportunity for people from Manchester and the wider North West to see first-hand the innovation, safety features and convenience that self-driving technology could bring to our roads and communities,” said Transport Minister Trudy Harrison.
“This innovation has the potential to completely reform how we get from A to B.
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“It’ll make our future journeys easier, more environmentally friendly, and most importantly, safer, while creating thousands of high skilled job opportunities right across the UK.”
Lucy Farrow – Associate Partner at BritainThinks – adds that the event will offer “a unique opportunity” to understand both what people think of self-driving vehicles as they are now, and what their “hopes and expectations” are for the future.
Featured Image – Pxhere
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A Manchester barbershop is offering a ‘pay what you can’ service this month
Danny Jones
Amidst the tidal wave of January deals on food and drink in Manchester, a local barbers is championing their own ‘pay what you can’ offer to help people along this month.
Jefe’s Barbershop, located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, is one of the best barbers in the city centre, offering a wide variety of cuts and facial hair grooming services – they even offer a subscription service that helps people save money on regular trims.
That being said, they are well aware of those January blues and the mounting obstacles and anxieties that come with weeks of penny-pinching to make it to month’s end, as well as the general toll it can take on people’s mental health.
So this January, Jefe and his team are doing something different – as he puts it, “something special”: the barbershop is allowing customers to simply pay what they feel comfortable handing over and, in the case of those struggling, whatever they can afford.
It’s a simple gesture with a big purpose which helps ensure no one has to miss out on a feel-good moment or the confidence that comes from a fresh trim.
“All we do is laugh and joke about life—that’s why people come here,” Jefe explains. “I don’t want anyone to lose the chance to be present, to feel good, and to laugh with us.
“Men often need more help than they’re willing to let on and we want to be a helping hand they can rely on.” Now that’s a cause all of us can and should get behind.
Community support has remained at the core of Jefe’s Barbershop since the beginning when he swapped a basketball career for providing a much-needed service to Mancunian men.
From partnering with Manc sandwich shops and offering free haircuts for the homeless, to hosting street parties with local events companies and providing £5 trims to promote men’s mental health in 2023 when the cost of living crisis really kicked in – Jefe’s is always trying to make a difference in the area.
You’ve got to love businesses that go the extra mile.
If you want to make the most of this wholesome deal or just feel like you’re in need of a trim, you can book HERE or call them directly on 0161 818 7659.
The ‘pay what you can’ offer runs Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm, subject to availability. You’ll find Jefe’s Barbershop on Stevenson Square
Because as the man himself puts it, “Everyone deserves to feel their best”.
Colourful Simpsons-themed cafes pop up inside Manchester’s Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Cafes inside Primark stores across the UK are being transformed into The Simpsons-themed foodie hubs for a limited time only.
You may remember that Grinch-themed cafes popped up inside Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo during December, which were a hit with fans of the furry green character – with everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
A new life inspired by the legendary animated sitcom, The Simpsons, that is.
Colourful Simpsons-themed cafes have popped up inside Manchester’s Primark stores / Credit: The Manc Group & Supplied
Get ready to step into Springfield, as from now right through until the beginning of May, Primark shoppers can get their D’oh-nut fix and much more, with each cafe kitted out with Simpsons-themed menus and decor.
The special themed menu includes a wide selection of waffles and toasties, and also plenty of drinks and shakes to choose from, including an indulgent Chocolate Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, and a scrumptious Strawberry Doughnut Shake.
Prices start at £4.25 for drinks, and £5.50 for food items.
The menu is filled will themed delights inspired by the beloved animated sitcom / Credit: The Manc Group
“We’re serving up a slice of Springfield with our latest cafe theme, giving fans a taste of The Simpsons right in our stores,” explained Tim Kelly, who is the Director of New Business Development at Primark, as the cafes opened across the UK last week.
“We’re always looking for new ways to create fun and memorable experiences for our customers and our themed cafes have been a big hit, so we can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction in store.”
The Primark Café with The Simpsons is now open in Primark’s Manchester Market Street, and Manchester Trafford stores, as well as in Birmingham, Belfast, Braehead, Edinburgh, and Cardiff until the beginning of May.
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2022 
