You may remember a giant metal Mount Rushmore-style sculpture of the G7 leaders’ heads hit headlines when it appeared on a beach in Cornwall during the G7 Climate Summit last month.
Now, it’s arrived back “home” in Stockport.
But what actually is ‘Mount Recyclemore’? And why is this head-turning sculpture made entirely from discarded electrics set to spend the summer in Greater Manchester?
Made from approximately 20,000 individual items of what is known as e-waste – which is said to include anything that has plugs, cords and electronic components – the arresting installation depicts world leaders including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, American President Joe Biden, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
With e-waste reported to be the fastest growing waste stream in the world, the UN has revealed that the current 53 million tonnes generated annually worldwide is set to more than double by 2050.
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Mount Recyclemore was therefore created to raise awareness of this issue.
The sculpture was created by Stockport-based leading UK re-commerce expert, musicMagpie, alongside artist and founder of the Mutoid Waste Company, Joe Rush.
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If you're walking through Stockport this week, make sure you head up to Stockport Exchange, in front of the train station, to take in this fantastic e-waste sculpture commissioned by @musicMagpie named 'Mount Recyclemore'.
Research carried out by musicMagpie found that four in five (79%) Brits do not know what e-waste is, and when given the definition of e-waste, nearly a third (31%) didn’t believe it damaged the environment or were unsure. A further 45% weren’t aware it impacted climate change.
Despite its first appearance being made at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, Mount Recyclemore is going to be calling the Greater Manchester town of Stockport its “home” for the summer, having been installed at business hub Stockport Exchange.
Forming part of Stockport BID’s ‘Totally Stockport’ summer activities – which also includes an art trail of 21 gigantic colourful frogs, a food festival, and Stockport’s first Enduro cycling festival – the sculpture will be in situ for eight weeks.
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‘Mount Recyclemore’ was created to highlight the growing threat of discarded electricals / Credit: Joel Goodman & Stockport BID
“I’m delighted to be able to bring Mount Recyclemore back to our hometown of Stockport,” said Steve Oliver – founder and CEO at musicMagpie.
“The sculpture is simply incredible to look at and caused a worldwide stir when we unveiled it during the G7 summit in Cornwall.
“E-waste is a growing problem worldwide and its impact on the environment is significant. Our research has found that almost half of Brits currently do not recycle, resell, or donate their old tech to charity, with most opting to hold onto it instead where it ends up at the back of drawers collecting dust.
“I’m hoping that not only will coming to see Mount Recyclemore provide an amazing day out for adults and children alike across this summer, but also help to better educate and empower people to make changes today.”
The sculpture was created by Stockport-based leading UK re-commerce expert, musicMagpie / Credit: Joel Goodman & Stockport BID
Mike Lamont – Chair of Totally Stockport – added: “We are delighted to support Steve and the team at musicMagpie in bringing Mount Recyclemore to Stockport, highlighting the importance of reducing waste.
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“This is such a fantastic, innovative work of art that will bring vast numbers of visitors into the town centre.”
It is hoped that Mount Recyclemore’s stay in the region will not only complement the work of Stockport Council and Totally Stockport, but also showcase the continued investment within the town centre.
Featured Image – Joel Goodman & Stockport BID
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Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Featured Image – Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
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Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd July 2021 
