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.
Home Bargains has announced a special two-day closure of all UK stores
Emily Sergeant
Home Bargains has, once again, announced it’ll be closing all its UK stores on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year.
And it’s to make sure staff get a ‘well deserved break’.
After what has been yet another busy year for the retail industry, many workers have been left feeling like they could do with a little extra time off, which is why Home Bargains is following on with what has become a now-annual tradition by shutting up shop on two bank holidays.
All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day & New Years Day.
Announcing the move in a post on social media, the discount retailer confirmed: “All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day and New Years Day. We would like to thank all our colleagues for how hard you have worked this past year, and want you to relax and enjoy the Christmas break with your loved ones.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time the retailer has kept its doors shut on bank holidays.
Many shoppers will recall it has made the same decision to give hardworking staff a break every year since 2019.
Explaining a little more about the decision taken to close all its stores, Home Bargains said: “As a family-run business, we know the importance of being together at Christmas with those we care about most, now more than ever.
“This is our way of saying thank you to our colleagues for their continued hard work and dedication.”
Featured Image – Geograph
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Two Greggs in Manchester will be serving their breakfast menu in the evening next week
Emily Sergeant
Who says breakfast has to end at 11am?
In news that’s set to be music to the ears of breakfast lovers in Manchester, Greggs is giving them exactly what they want.
We all know that brunch is a ‘thing’ by now, so now it’s time for brinner to make a name for itself instead, as Greggs has teamed up with Heinz to bring its much-loved breakfast menu back for tea time, kicking off from 4pm onwards.
The move comes as a new survey has found that the majority of Mancs (69%) admit to enjoying eating breakfast food in the evening, saying it’s ‘convenient and comforting’ – even ranking breakfast as a ‘more important’ meal than tea, as well (38% vs 36%).
Two Greggs in Manchester will be serving their breakfast menu in the evening next week / Credit: Greggs (Supplied)
Greggs says it has ‘lost count’ of the amount of customers that have tried to order breakfast items after the usual cut-off time, especially in Greater Manchester.
But luckily for those breakfast-loving Mancs, they can finally get their favourite breakfast and sauce pairing long after the morning rush is over next… but only at two Greggs branches, and only for a very limited time.
On Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October, the Heinz x Greggs Brinner collab will be available at Greggs St Mary’s Gate and Greggs Oxford Road, from 4-7pm only.
“We’ve lost count of the number of customers who have tried their luck ordering breakfast after 11am, so when Heinz came to us with the idea of making Brinner a reality, it felt like the perfect excuse to give the people what they want,” explained Zoe Harris, who is the Customer Director at Greggs.
“And let’s be honest, a Greggs Bacon Roll just wouldn’t be the same without a squeeze of Heinz Tomato Ketchup.”
Emily Sergeant -
14th October 2021 
