Your bumper briefing of news and what to look out for
"We wish we weren’t needed": Lifeshare marks 40 year anniversary
Lifeshare, Manchester’s oldest charity supporting the homeless community, is marking its 40th year with a call out to the public to continue supporting its essential services for those who desperately need them.
Over the years Lifeshare has pioneered some of the most recognisable services for the homeless community in Manchester including launching a Harm Reduction Service, Rent Bond Scheme, bringing the Big Issue to the North West and a Resettlement Service with Manchester City Council.
So far in 2024, the charity has supported almost 9,000 people with its services that otherwise would require support from the state, and therefore the charity is asking the people of Greater Manchester to support its services once again.
Here's a breakdown of the support it's asking for:
- For members of the public - donations of cash, time, clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries and food.
- For companies - come and volunteer at the breakfast service and fundraise for the charity.
- For Manchester Council, the charity needs its financial support more than ever.
Lifeshare Chief Executive, Judy Vickers said: “Only a year ago, we were probably serving 150 people a weekend, jump to our 40th year and right now we’re serving upwards of 400 a weekend. Our service is needed more than ever. Our amazing team of volunteers come week in week out to serve our guests, but the costs are rising on a daily basis. We need your support now more than ever. That’s why our anniversary is bittersweet - we wish we weren’t needed.”
Beyond the Music back for second year
Beyond The Music has announced 70 new artists for its 2024 music lineup. Partnering with brand new curators for its second year, including SXSW, Manchester Pride, BBC Introducing and Secret Garden Party, Beyond The Music will welcome over 200 artists to perform for its 3 day takeover of Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Aviva Studios from 9 - 12 October.
Tickets for the second edition of Beyond The Music are available here.
Lina Stores coming to Manchester
If the arrivals of Maya, Sexy Fish, Caravan, Flat Iron and Blacklock don't spell it out, then the news that Lina Stores is coming to Manchester will.
Batten down your flat vowels, The Londoners are here.
Never heard of it...
Back to the familiar ground of Manchester, and the news that a book celebrating The Haçienda is being released in October.
The Haçienda Threads, a book of photographs and first-hand accounts from the people who were there and key figures including Peter Hook, John Cooper Clarke and Noel Gallagher, will be released on 10 October.
To celebrate the release, there’ll be a launch event at New Century Hall on Wednesday 9 October, with guests speakers such as Peter Hook, Noel Gallagher, Mani, Graeme Park & Greg Wilson plus DJs playing until 1.30am.
Tickets are available to buy from today.
Camerata reaching a crescendo
Manchester Camerata will conclude its eight-year-long project of performing and recording every Mozart concerto in collaboration with Chetham’s School of Music, with its final concert taking place on Friday 20 September.
To find out more visit the Camerata website
Another year, another crop of talent
The University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing will be publishing its latest annual anthology on Monday 21 October.
The Manchester Anthology, Volume Fourteen highlights the work of twenty-one writers who have recently completed their Creative Writing MA, offering them a platform to share their voices and kickstart their careers. It will include short stories, poetry, non-fiction and novel extracts.
The anthology will be launched at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, and will feature live readings from the contributors as well as opportunities to connect with peers, editors and literary agents.
20 years of The Bruntwood Prize
Europe’s biggest playwriting competition, The Bruntwood Prize, is now open for submissions as it celebrates 20 years of investment in the talent of playwriting across Manchester.
Submissions for the 2025 Prize will close on 9 January 2025. The longlist will be announced on 17 April 2025 and the shortlist in June, with the winning plays announced at the 2025 Awards Ceremony on 21 July in Manchester.
Arty Party at Manchester Central
Manchester Art Fair returns in November, with advance tickets now available.
The full list of galleries and artists, along with a preview of some of the work which will be available to buy, can be seen on the Manchester Art Fair website.
A day for curious young minds
A brand new family festival of science and tech, SciTech Extravaganza, is set to take place on 14 September at Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park.
Designed to inspire young minds, spark curiosity and encourage engagement with STEM-related learning, SciTech Extravaganza invites families to enjoy a day filled with fun science-themed activities and shows, new skill-building opportunities and the chance to experience the magic of Alderley Park.
To find out more and get your tickets visit here.
Call the coppers
The legendary Band on the Wall is due to open brand-new New York jazz bar-inspired, The Copper Bar on Friday 20 September and Saturday 21 September.
Housing the second stage of the venue, the new space will host free live gigs every Friday and Saturday.
Here’s the lineup for the launch night.
Fridays: La Fiesta
Ft. Afrodesia, Bacana, Chilli ChaCha, NGUVU, Trees.R.Good, Good King Steady
Saturdays: Funk Street
Ft. Blush, Plimp Souls, Flat Moon, Make Me Feel, Maya Blandy
Take Refuge
Refuge is set to celebrate its eight birthday party on Saturday (14 September) with a free all day party, headed by legendary DJ John Morales.
During the day, Morales will also host an exclusive screening of his ‘Disco Confessions’ documentary followed by an intimate Q+A, with tickets available to purchase here.
Free for three, see?
In news that will horrify pun fans but delight throuples, Banyan Spinningfields are offering a free meal to groups of threes.
‘Free’s a Crowd’ offers groups of three friends, family or colleagues a completely free meal from 2.30pm until 5pm on Wednesday 18th September exclusively at the Manchester Spinningfields venue. To book your trio in visit their website.
Fancy Gaffs
Our Fancy Gaff this week comes from the land of Roman walls, Daniel Craig and of course Hollyoaks - Chester (or near enough anyway)
The Gibbett Windmill, Woodbank nr Chester
Yes, it’s a windmill. And with planning permission already agreed, it could be even more. For the small fee of £850,000.
Estate Agents, Signature Property Partners, describe it thusly: “A detached three bedroom windmill, just outside of Chester, with planning permission for a two story contemporary extension.
“The windmill is believed to date back to 1610, with renovations in the late 18th Century and conversion to a house in 1960. The property is set over four floors with a wealth of original features, including a large cast iron shaft on a square wooden framework in the main bedroom.”
All it’s missing is a dumb waiter.
Picture of the Week
Our picture of the week is in fact a series, courtesy of Liam Freeman.
Captioned ‘The dangers of using second hand film’, they were taken with a second hand Olympus XA2 that Liam bought on eBay that still had some old 35mm film from 2001 in it.
Who are the ghostly faces from 2001 and where are they?
Any ideas? Or fancy submitting something for Picture of the Week? Email davida@confidentials.com
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