The Stone Roses’ Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield has revealed the auction prizes for his charity fundraising event – and they’re absolutely unbelievable.
Mani and his wife Imelda announced plans for the ball at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel ballroom back in August, which will raise money for The Christie Hospital and The Stockport NHS Charity.
As well as live music, DJs and surprise guests, all hosted by John Robb, there’ll be a huge raffle and online auction with prizes donated by bands, footballers, actors, venues and promoters.
Donations include a signed Foo Fighters guitar, signed David Beckham boots, an overnight stay and breakfast at Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel, a hand-painted John Squire guitar, signed limited edition print from Coldplay, a seven-night holiday in The Maldives, a guitar signed by Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend, a Stone Roses gold disc, a seven-night stay in a French country estate, a year’s supply of wine from Cork of the North, plus paintings, prints, restaurant dinners, and more.
Mani and his wife Imelda. Credit: Paul Husbands
The online auction will be open to everyone and will run until the week before Christmas, with all proceeds going to the pair’s chosen charities.
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Imelda, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in November 2020, says: “Both charities have supported me through my journey.
Credit: Stan Chow
“Cancer affects not just the person who has it but everyone around them, and I hope that by investing in some more research, we can help alleviate some of the devastation caused to families.”
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The event also happens to fall during Mani’s 60th birthday week, so promises to be celebratory as well as fundraising.
Mani said: “When life deals you a pair of twos, you have to get your game face on! These past two years since Imelda’s diagnosis have been brutal in so many ways, but it’s also opened our eyes to so many things as well.
“This disease needs to be eradicated – we feel duty-bound to do our bit to achieve this. So, everybody get on board, dig deep, help out. We will win!”
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Mani and Imelda’s fundraising event will take place on Friday 18 November, and tickets go on sale at 9am today (Monday 10 October) here.
Featured image: Supplied
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A Thomas the Tank Engine replica steam train is travelling through Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this summer.
But this time, it’s with a rock and roll twist.
After delighting families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back this summer, arriving in a couple of weeks for a ‘rocking good’ time.
In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.
Families have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns next weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: ELR
The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.
On the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, families will be able to watch and dance along to exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends character hunt, have fun with garden games, keep the beat going at the ‘Music Corner’ packed with music-inspired fun, and so much more.
Thomas will be stopping at East Lancashire Railway this year on 18-19 July so there’s plenty of opportunities to see him, and tickets are now on sale.
Ticket prices start at £14.50 for kids, and £24 for adults.
Beloved sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.
More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.
Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.
Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.
Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.
Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).
Daisy Jackson -
10th October 2022 
