The mural – appeared on the side of The Griffin Hotel in Heaton Mersey – and features a young boy painted in black and white flying a bright yellow kite with an acid house-style face but with sad expression.
Given that the style of the mural was so instinctive, the pub landlords had no idea how it go there, no artist name had been left, and the work appeared to have been done overnight, it lead many local local residents to believe that it could be a genuine Banksy work – who’s identity still remains top secret.
But despite all the talk of the town and rumours that there could be a “Banksy in Stockport”, it’s finally been revealed that painting is not the work of the world-famous artist.
It might not be a Banksy, but the real artist also remains anonymous and uses a pseudonym.
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Salford-based artist Mr Eggs says he has “appreciated” street art for the past 15 years or so now, but has always laughed off Banksy comparisons when they’ve previously come up, saying: “It’s not like he invented spray can art.”
Mr Eggs told the MEN: “That’s weird as everyone always puts stencilling down to him.
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“It’s been around for years and there are a lot of good artists out there, but it’s always Banksy who gets any air time and publicity. I’m the only person in the world to have smuggled a painting into a Banksy show so I don’t think I’m on his favourites list.
“I do like his work though.”
Mr Eggs also gave an insight into the meaning of the now-viral street art piece – which has been shared all over social media this week – Mr Eggs added: “The boy is inspired by the sadness of the refugee crisis [as] I know so many people are arriving here with just the clothes on their backs and times are hard here too.
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“I know many people have given all they can to try and help but it must be very difficult for families to be broken apart.
“The acid house reference is of course a nod to Manchester and the sadness of so many people here right now, and the mental health issues surrounding our communities whether that be drugs, escaping war or whatever.
“It’s just a very bad few years especially with the people lost at the arena also.”
It might not be a Banksy, but the real artist also remains anonymous and uses a pseudonym. / Credit: Instagram (@mreggs.co.uk)
Do you like the artwork piece re-created on the Stockport wall? Keen to own a copy for yourself? Prints of the mural are being sold by Withington Walls, and signed copies are also available to buy the Shopify page here.
You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
14th October 2021 
