A competition to discover the photo that best captures the nation’s experience of lockdown has begun and the chosen picture could win a grand prize of £1000.
As social distancing measures continue to transform the daily activities we all once took for granted including how we work, socialise and raise our children, the public are being asked to share snaps that document these extraordinary times.
The competition is hosted by Stockport-based printer company Cartridge Save.
Speaking on the competition launch, Managing Director of Cartridge Save, Ian Cowley, said: “Recent months have transformed our nation beyond recognition.”
“We have a responsibility to future generations to document these changes for posterity [and] I’m really looking forward to what our hunt for the nation’s most iconic lockdown image produces.”
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The competition will be split into three categories – under 18s, 18-50, and over 50s.
Up to 25 photos will be shortlisted. These entries will then be made available for public vote, which will account for 25% of the final judging and then a judging panel will then make their final decision by selecting a winner of each category, as well as an overall winner who will take the cash prize.
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Cartridge Save
The competition will be judged by national journalist Deborah Linton and national press photographer Mark Waugh.
Deborah Linton, whose work regularly appears in The Guardian, Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Grazia and The Huffington Post, said: “The coronavirus outbreak has had a huge effect on ways of life across up and down the country, in countless different ways.”
“It is the role of storytellers to document what these changes looked and felt like so we can share in one another’s experiences.”
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Mark Waugh added: “My career has been built on a very simple formula: that the most captivating stories are the ones that unite photos with words, and there’s no bigger story in our lifetime than the coronavirus outbreak.”
“Photos are incredibly powerful storytelling tools [and] as they say – a picture is worth 1,000 words.”
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The competition is now open to the public and entries must be submitted before Monday 20th July.
Entrants under 18s category will need to submit their entry with written parental permission.
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The top 25 entries will be open to the public vote from 6th August, the panel of judges will be making their final decision towards the end of August and winners will be announced on 8th September.
You can read full T&Cs and submit your entries via the Cartridge Save website here.
What's On
Hear stories from Coronation Street legends in all-new live shows
Thomas Melia
Members of Coronation Street are spilling all the secrets of the cobbles to live audiences with a brand new series of Q&A sessions across the country, including right here in its hometown of Manchester, of course.
Although Weatherfield may only be up the road (hypothetically), it’s not every day you’re face to face with TV soap royalty, but this newly announced live show makes the impossible, possible.
Soap lovers will be able to find out all the tales, trials and tribulations cast members have had on set and swap the comfort of their own homes for a front-row seat at the theatre.
This night is perfect for Corrie lovers, whether you’ve been following the show since its humble beginnings in 1960 or tagged on later when it became a face of British TV culture, everyone is welcome.
The event is titled, simply, ‘An Audience with Coronation Street‘ and will feature five cast members as well as one surprise ‘Corrie legend’ who will all vary depending on each show.
So far eight names have been released and this includes some of the soap’s many famous faces, Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor).
There’s room for fresher talent too as Jodie Prenger is attending after only joining the cobbles in 2022 as Glenda Shuttleworth.
Be it the long-standing favourites or the new faces you want to know more about, there’s something for everyone in what is a first for ITV’s long-standing and multi-award-winning continuing drama.
Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor)Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Other stars you might also get to see at your show are Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).
The all-new Coronation Street shows, interview and Q&A series are kicking off in London with shows set for Sheffield, Glasgow and obviously here in 0161.
Of course, keeping these Coronation Street stars in check will be no easy feat and that’s why these shows will be hosted by the self-proclaimed ‘Soap Queen of This Morning‘, Sharon Marshall.
New monthly artisan markets to return to popular site in Levenshulme
Emily Sergeant
New day and night artisan markets are set to take over the site of the popular former Levenshulme Market this spring.
Manchester City Council has collaborated with Independent Street, known for its successful events around the North West, to bring a new market offering to the Manchester suburb – with freshly-baked produce, independent food stalls, and unique artisan products.
The new market, aptly called The Levy Artisan Market, will take place during the day on the second Sunday of every month.
There’ll also be an exciting night market on the last Friday of every month.
The Levy Artisan Market is set to showcase Manchester’s array of artisans and creators, while also helping to drive footfall into the vibrant area of Levenshulme and its already-established shops, cafes, restaurants, and independents.
The monthly Sunday markets will offer lots of family-focused events, including live entertainment, children’s workshops, food tastings, and cultural celebrations.
The monthly Friday night markets, on the other hand, will offer a newly-designed food court area with some of the best street food in town, as well as live music and a large seating area for people to kick back, relax, and welcome in the weekend.
Local councillors have collaborated with Manchester City Council to bring markets back to Levenshulme, after they have been deeply missed by both residents and visitors in recent years.
The Council hopes the new artisan market ‘fosters a strong sense of belonging’, by encouraging people to shop locally, connect with their neighbours, and celebrate the diversity of Levenshulme.
New monthly artisan markets are returning to a popular site in Levenshulme this spring / Credit: MCC
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome back Levy’s loyal customers and introduce the new Levy Artisan Market to a new generation of visitors,” commented Lisa Cowley, who is the Director of Independent Street.
“With a focus on community, sustainability, and high-quality, local produce, we hope to make Levy Artisan Market the heart of Manchester for years to come.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th June 2020 
