The Government has condemned what it has referred to as “far-right thuggery” following demonstrations across the UK over this past weekend.
Following the devastating killing of three young girls during a knife attack in the Merseyside seaside town of Southport on 29 July, with several others also injured during the incident – including two adults, believed to be protecting children – widespread far-right protests, and counter demonstrations, have been taking place nationwide.
Towns and city centres across the UK have been subjected to what local police services have described as a “staggering level of violence” for the past five days.
The North, and North West in particular, has seen the most violence occur.
The Government has condemned ‘far-right thuggery’ following UK-wide protests over the weekend / Credit: GMP
Middlesborough, Rotherham, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Blackpool, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and of course, Southport itself, are some of the towns and cities where marches were staged, and actions such as cars being set alight, windows of shops and hotels smashed, and burning wheelie bins and other objects hurled at police officers, were carried out.
More than 140 people have been arrested so far across the country, according to Sky News.
Here in Greater Manchester, disorder has been seen on the streets of Manchester city centre over the weekend, as well as borough towns like Rochdale, and most-notably, Bolton – where Section 34 ‘dispersal notices’, and Section 60 and 60AA ‘stop and search’ powers, have been in place at the latter.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has addressed unrest and violence around the UK.
He said: "I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder either directly or those whipping up this disorder online".
Because of the riots, Downing Street is expected to hold an emergency COBRA response meeting today (Monday 5 August), with this meeting expecting to involve relevant Government ministers and police officials, who will discuss the response in the coming days to ensure such violent scenes aren’t repeated in the future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also addressed the escalating situation as it continued Sunday evening (4 August) at Downing Street, assuring the public that “crime is crime” and this new Government “will tackle it”.
Our country is coming to terms with an act so inexplicably vile.
Our thoughts are with the families at the heart of this unimaginable pain.
Let me be clear: the tiny, mindless minority in our society who provoked violent disorder on our streets will be made to face the full…
The Prime Minister‘s address reads in full: “I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
“Be in no doubt – those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow, and convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder. Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.
“This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery. And it has no place on our street or online.
“Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham. Marauding gangs intent on law breaking, or worse. Windows smashed. Fires set ablaze. Residents and staff in absolute fear.
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ
“There is no justification for taking this action, and all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence. People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet, we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted. Attacks on Mosques. Other minority communities singled out. Nazi salutes in the street. Attacks on the police. Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.
“So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is – far-right thuggery.
“To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin, or your faith, I know how frightening this must be. I want you to know this violent mob do not represent our country, and we will bring them to justice.
“Our police deserve our support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up.
“Whatever the apparent cause or motivation we make no distinction. Crime is crime. And this Government will tackle it.”
Featured Image – Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street (via Flickr)
News
Rochdale has been named Greater Manchester’s ‘Town of Culture’ for 2025
Emily Sergeant
Rochdale has officially been named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025.
Taking over the reins from Bolton – which held the title in 2024 – and following in the footsteps of Stockport before that, which held the title in 2023, and even hosted a massive ‘Town of Culture Weekender’ festival with 50+ free events to celebrate and bring its title year to a close, it’s now the turn of the north-eastern Greater Manchester borough of Rochdale.
Rochdale’s year will build on the town’s already-rich cultural history and international reputation as the home of the co-operative movement.
More than 35 arts organisations will be bringing together an ambitious programme of festivals, exhibitions, events, and performances throughout the year.
Unfamiliar with what the ‘Greater Manchester Town of Culture’ title is all about? It’s an accolade that’s handed out every year to different boroughs across the region.
Bury was the inaugural title-holder 2020 and held onto it in 2021 too due to the COVID pandemic, before being followed by Stalybridge in 2022, Stockport in 2023, and of course, Bolton in the year just gone.
The title celebrates Greater Manchester’s culture and heritage.
As well as getting a new title to shout about, it also sees the towns given a grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) culture fund to help develop a programme of cultural events and activities throughout the year.
Rochdale has been named Greater Manchester’s ‘Town of Culture’ for 2025 / Credit: The Manc Group | Rochdale Council
In Rochdale’s case, you can expect the ‘very best local talent’, as this year is promising to put ‘people power’ centre stage, with residents helping to plan, develop, and deliver a lineup of creative activities, alongside a number of major events.
This includes the popular free days out for families, an exciting new urban arts festival, two different food and drink festivals, a lantern parade, the Ignite Fire Festival, a Pride parade, and so much more.
You can also expect live music performances, a new people’s gallery, and even some major international collaborations that are yet to be announced.
Rochdale is taking over the reins from Bolton, which held the title in 2024 / Credit: Rochdale Council
“Rochdale is a place with a rich cultural history, so it is great to name it Greater Manchester’s town of culture as it’s town hall and town centre enter a new era,” commented Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as the borough was crowned this week.
“Rochdale submitted a fantastic bid for this which, was incredibly exciting and ambitious, while being firmly rooted in its local talent and deep history.
“We are definitely going to see the very best of what Rochdale has to offer over the next 12 months and people will come from far and wide to see it.”
Featured Image – Rochdale Council
News
The Lowry Theatre undergoes revamp following Biffa Award grant
Danny Jones
The Lowry in Salford Quays has had a bit of TLC with one of its biggest theatre spaces undergoing a pretty significant refurb this past month.
Following a well-deserved grant distributed via the Biffa Award, a multi-million-pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through community and environmental projects across the UK, the legendary local theatre received nearly £75k last year.
As a result, all 440 seats and various other aspects of The Lowry‘s Quays Theatre have now been renovated and refurbished.
The short story is, she looks more gorgeous than ever – see for yourself:
Being initially handed over in March 2024, The Lowry was awarded a total of £74,816 to reupholster seating in the venue’s Quays Theatre with new padding and fabric.
After almost 25 years of constant use as one of the most popular theatres in the North, the seats in the Quays Theatre were much in need of a refurb, and with work completed in December, Lowry visitors can now enjoy watching the venue’s wide range of theatre, dance, comedy and drama in comfort.
The work was actually carried out between July and December, with seats being carefully removed in batches and reupholstered off-site.
This was made possible due to the Biffa Award’s most recent ‘Cultural Facilities’ theme, which aims to improve recreation, interest and education, drawing funds from the UK government’s wider Landfill Communities Fund.
The old fabric and padding were disposed of sustainably, with lots of it being repurposed where possible to minimise waste and all the new materials used meet current guidance for safety and quality.
The Lowry’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Development, Gwen Oakden, said of the long overdue update:“It is so important that our audiences are able to enjoy our world-class performing arts programme in a comfortable and welcoming space.
“For many visitors to the Quays Theatre, this is their first experience of live performance – often to see a family show or as part of a school trip. We really want it to be the best experience possible, and for them to begin a lifelong relationship with Lowry.
“As a registered charity, without the generous support of this Biffa Award, for which we’re hugely grateful, we couldn’t have carried out this important work for our audiences.
As we head into our 25th Anniversary year, we are delighted to be able to welcome audiences and visitors can enjoy the beautiful and revived Quays Theatre.”
As for the Biffa side of things, Grants Manager Rachel Maidment added: “We are delighted to have supported The Lowry in refurbishing the Quays Theatre seating, ensuring audiences can continue to enjoy performances in comfort.
“Through Biffa’s Cultural Facilities theme, we fund projects that provide engaging and inspiring spaces for communities. The Lowry is a key cultural venue, and we’re proud that our funding, made possible through the government Fund, has helped enhance the experience for visitors for years to come.”
Like most Mancs, we love The Lowry, so here’s to hosting countless more theatregoers in the most comfortable seats possible for generations to come.
We’ve been to some brilliant performances around here of late.
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2024 
