“How do you spell condolences?” It’s the morning of the 23 May 2017. Last night a bomb went off in Manchester Arena. When I’d fallen asleep, there were conflicting rumours about what had happened. It still seemed possible that the ‘bang’ was a burst balloon or a faulty speaker. This morning I’m on the other […]
Hugs conquer hate in Manchester
Sitting and watching Sarah Whitehead and her team of volunteers giving out free hugs, it became clear to me that the spirit of this city will not be broken. Mancunians were visibly embracing the advice of poet Tony Walsh when he said “Choose love Manchester” at a vigil to those killed and injured in the […]
It beggars belief: Rochdale Council plans to punish the homeless and restrict civil liberties
Rochdale Council are proposing sweeping new laws that will force homeless people to pay fines for begging and also restrict freedom of expression by fining the distribution of unauthorised printed materials and leaflets. The proposals, which are still open to limited public consultation, have been condemned by human rights charity Liberty as a “staggering misuse […]
Breathing is bad for your health in Manchester: concerned citizens call for action on air pollution
Illegal and health-destroying levels of air pollution across Greater Manchester have forced concerned citizens of Manchester to call on the mayoral candidates to act. Doctors, religious leaders, academics and teachers have signed an open letter asking for a new Clean Air Act for the 21st century, enshrining our right to breathe clean air. The GM […]
Unite Community protests against benefit sanctions across Greater Manchester
A national day of protest against benefit sanctions saw Greater Manchester Unite Community Branch (GMUCB), and other campaigning organisations, demonstrating outside job centres across Greater Manchester (GM). Benefit sanctions are applied as a punishment to benefit claimants who have broken jobcentre rules. If someone on benefits does not apply for enough jobs, or turns up […]
Free autonomous art festival at old Cornerhouse holds finale event this weekend
An autonomous art collective named Loose Space has been running a free arts festival from the old Cornerhouse building in Manchester City Centre for the past two weeks. The festival culminates on Saturday 1 April with a ‘Mystik Masquerade’ ball. The iconic building, which is owned by Network Rail, has been left vacant since the […]
The fight for freedom of expression rages on in Syria
Warning: contains images and ideas that some may find shocking/controversial. War is a cruel and powerful muse. Those affected by the death, destruction and misery create works as acts of rebellion and survival against the inhumanity, chaos and insanity thrust upon them. The people of Syria rose up against the oppressive culture of fear of […]
What would you change about Manchester?
In the last episode of ‘The Meteor Asks Manchester…’ residents spoke about the changes they have seen Manchester go through, both good and bad. This episode explores how people might want the city to change for the better – a difficult question to answer on the spot. Residents’ aspirations for Manchester included ending homelessness, greening […]
‘The Meteor Has Landed’ – and wants to hear from you
The Meteor: Manchester’s Alternative Media held its first public event on 24 Feb 2017. Bringing people of Manchester together around films, spoken word and music, the night blended both ancient and modern forms of storytelling to explore media related issues from global to local. A counterweight to mainstream media The Meteor, which is the official […]
Newton Heath residents baffled by council blocking of fully funded public building renovation
Residents of Newton Heath were left in shock at their local council’s decision to block the proposed renovation of a dilapidated property in Brookdale park for community use, which would have come at no cost to the council budget. Community members have since launched a campaign urging local councillors to reconsider the proposal from Newton […]