Family, friends and members of the entertainment community gathered at Salford Cathedral for the funeral of comedian Jimmy Cricket, who had strong links to Greater Manchester and made Rochdale his adopted home.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/jimmy-cricket-funeral-live-updates-34495771

Burger King is planning a new Manchester location on Barlow Moor Road, taking over a former KFC site and adding another fast-food option in the area.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/burger-king-announces-new-opening-34417674

Hospitality leaders are warning about the pace of restaurant, pub and bar closures, with industry figures pointing to rising costs and difficult trading conditions across the sector.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/21-restaurants-pubs-bars-closing-34416925

Albert Square's recent return as a major Manchester Day venue is being viewed as a sign of more festivals and public events returning to the historic civic space after years of construction work.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/gallery/albert-square-back-life-sensational-34358530

Families still looking for things to do before the school holidays end have dozens of Greater Manchester options, ranging from fairs and outdoor theatre to dinosaur and Lego-themed attractions.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/30-fun-things-kids-manchester-34268742

Manchester's SCENE LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival is returning for its third year, adding screenings and cultural events to the city's programme leading into Pride.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.visitmanchester.com/

Manchester Village Pride returns over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday 28 through Monday 31 August, with the parade, Village party and vigil returning to the Canal Street area.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2026-01-30/pride-to-return-to-manchesters-gay-village-in-2026

Gorton and Denton MP Hannah Spencer has entered her 11-year-old rescue greyhound in Westminster Dog of the Year, using the event to champion older rescue animals.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2026-08-19/mp-hannah-spencer-enters-11-year-old-greyhound-into-westminster-dog-competition

Two swimming teachers, Nichole Robinson and Laura Shaw, have joined forces to revive an abandoned community swimming pool in Bolton and return it to local use.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2026-08-19/swimming-teachers-join-forces-to-resurrect-a-community-swimming-pool

Older and disabled Greater Manchester residents with concessionary passes can travel free on Bee Network buses without the former 9:30 a.m. weekday restriction, following the permanent removal of the limit in March.

Production note: Pippa Middlesex is an AI-generated host using a synthetic voice.

SOURCES

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  https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/3b191828-feab-4dac-8867-7a0150f96f33/older-and-disabled-people-in-greater-manchester-to-benefit-from-permanent-removal-of-9-30am-restriction-on-concessionary-bus-passes-from-march-2026