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MCRJourno Balconies across Greater Manchester are getting a green makeover thanks to the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge. The new competition encourages apartment residents to transform their balconies, window boxes or private ground-floor spaces into thriving gardens. Entrants have a chance to win a prize package worth up to £350 including gardening tools, vouchers, National Trust passes and more. The competition is open to anyone living in a flat in Greater Manchester and no gardening experience is required - with five entry categories tailored to all skill levels. Even one-pot wonders are welcome through the “One Pot Power” category that celebrates the big impact of small actions. Participants must submit their entries by Thursday 31st July and share their gardening journey with the National Trust. Shortlisted entries will receive a visit from a friendly judging panel and winners will be invited to a celebration event in September. One of the judges is Cloud Gardener, Manchester’s award-winning balcony gardening expert. He said: "Urban balcony gardening not only has mental health benefits but also supports wildlife and biodiversity." "If we greened every balcony in Greater Manchester, it would equal the size of 33 football pitches." Joining him on the panel are Victoria Holden, founder of Northern Lily CIC in Oldham, and Teddy Jones, a National Trust gardener and wildlife conservation student. Local housing associations have partnered with the National Trust to deliver workshops and expert advice. Salford’s Salix Homes has hosted sessions to help residents green their balconies. Warren Carlon, Director of Communities at Salix Homes, said: "You don’t need a garden to enjoy nature." The National Trust thanks partners STIHL and CJ Wildlife for donating prizes and you can find out more information on the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge website .

MCRJourno A free, family-friendly adventure is coming to Oldham town centre on Saturday 14th June offering residents a new way to explore the borough’s rich history. The Oldham Time Trek is an interactive augmented reality trail featuring 12 stops where visitors can meet hidden characters, read stories, and solve puzzles. The trail invites families to step back in time, take selfies with historical figures, and uncover fascinating facts about Oldham’s past. Highlights include stepping into the shoes of local hero Annie Kenney and spotting unique architectural details like elephant head carvings. All that is needed is a smartphone or tablet that can scan QR codes, with no apps to download or registration required. Participants can view the map at Oldham Time Trek Trail, visit the stops in any order, and take as long as they like to complete the experience. It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete the trail in one go, and at each stop visitors scan the QR code to collect letters that solve a word puzzle. Completing the puzzle unlocks a free digital prize and a small treat from Waterstones inside The Spindles. The trail, created by Oldham Council, High Street Safari, and Dare to Know Theatre, will be available until June 2026. To mark the launch, guided tours led by Jeremy Sutcliffe of the Oldham Area Civic Society will depart from the Annie Kenney statue at 10am and 1pm. Councillor Peter Dean called the trail "a fun and interactive way to get out, get walking, and see Oldham in a new light." Families are encouraged to share their photos using #LoveOldham and for more information you can visit the Oldham Time Trek Trail website.

MCRJourno A new exhibition at Waterside in Sale, Greater Manchester, offers a deeply personal view of dementia through the eyes of a daughter and carer. Our Long Goodbye, by Manchester-based artist and drama practitioner Jenny Harris, runs from 14th June to 27th July in Gallery ’74. The exhibition features photographs, short films and written reflections documenting the relationship between Harris and her mother who lives with Alzheimer’s disease. Harris began the project during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns and care home restrictions kept her from visiting her mother. "I couldn’t be with her, so I started taking photos." Harris said. "Without realising it, I created a visual archive of our relationship with dementia and with each other." Since 2020 she has taken more than 1,000 photographs as part of this ongoing personal and artistic journey. Through Our Long Goodbye, Harris invites viewers to consider how art can help us process and share experiences of love, loss and change. The exhibition is free and open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. On Saturday 21st June Harris will lead a free creative writing workshop for two hous at 1pm. The session is open to anyone affected by dementia and requires no prior writing experience. Places can be booked by emailing ourlonggoodbye2025@gmail.com . Our Long Goodbye is presented in partnership with The Care Lab at the University of Manchester and supported by Arts Council England.

MCRJourno Five Manchester charities have received £6,000 each from the KFC Youth Foundation to support local young people. The £30,000 total grant is part of KFC’s largest-ever funding round, marking the brand’s 60th anniversary in the UK. Local beneficiaries include Contact Hostel and Revolution Youth, which provide critical support to vulnerable young people. Revolution Youth helps those facing poverty, exclusion and instability - including young carers, care leavers and those out of education, offering safe spaces, mental health support and free hot meals. "This generous grant means we can keep providing hot meals for free," said John Hopkins, Director of Revolution Youth. "It takes pressure off families and ensures young people don’t go hungry while accessing our support." Contact Hostel offers safe accommodation to teenage girls facing homelessness across Manchester. Since its launch a decade ago, the KFC Youth Foundation has invested over £10 million into youth-focused grassroots organisations. This latest funding round delivered nearly £500,000 to over 150 local causes nationwide. The Foundation’s mission is to unlock potential and create long-term positive change for young people through education and support. KFC also recently published its first economic and community impact report, highlighting its role in UK communities. In the North West, KFC contributes £96 million to the economy annually and supports over 4,500 jobs. Jenny Packwood, KFC’s Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, said the latest funding reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to local impact. "Young people are facing unprecedented challenges," she said. "That’s why we’re backing organisations in Manchester and across the UK that help unlock potential."

Helen Clarke Credit: Annabel Staff On 5th July Baller FC will kick off a summer of football and community at The Carlton Club in Whalley Range, Manchester. The grassroots collective is launching Topbins & Party, a series of free, inclusive Women’s Euros 2025 events celebrating England and Wales games. Created to challenge the sidelining of women’s football, Baller FC transforms match screenings into festival-style parties full of energy, music and food. Every England and Wales match will be shown across four indoor and outdoor screens at the venue. Each event features live performances, including Manchester-based brass duo Shezelle, plus DJs from Rain on Me FC (ROM FC) and Baller FC’s Soccermom crew. Street food, multiple bars and a welcoming, queer-friendly crowd will bring the atmosphere to every whistle. Credit: Viks Abols After each match, fans can keep the party going with themed afterparties curated by Baller FC and ROM FC. Tickets are free and are available via Baller FC’s website. The Carlton Club events are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with support from Greater Manchester’s women’s, trans, non-binary and mixed football communities. "We’re building something special with Baller FC," said Evan Woodall, events coordinator at The Carlton Club. "Last year was huge, and with the energy of ROM FC and the inclusivity Baller FC brings, this summer will be even bigger." Rachel Gould, founder of Baller FC, added: "We want everyone in Manchester to feel welcome and seen during the tournament." Follow @ballerfc and @rainonmefc on social media for the latest updates.

MCRJourno Horizons Festival returns to HOME from Thursday 12th June to Sunday 15th June bringing a bold, multi-arts celebration of community, creativity, and connection as part of Refugee Week 2025. Presented in collaboration with Community Arts North West (CAN), Horizons 2025 embraces this year’s Refugee Week theme 'More in Common'. The theme seeks to build understanding and break down divisions caused by fear and misinformation. Audiences are invited to experience a dynamic programme of visual art, film, live music, theatre, and family-friendly workshops - all designed to celebrate the cultural richness of Manchester’s communities, especially those shaped by migration. Festival highlights begin on Friday 13th June with the 6pm preview of Between the Lines - a new photography exhibition by Pinar Yildiz in HOME’s café bar. The work reimagines her 2019 project Self Portraits, this time captured in Manchester’s night-lit streets. A live music performance by Horizons musicians will accompany the opening. Later that evening at 8:30pm the Arts & Migration Group hosts the Horizons Festival After Party and Networking Event, featuring a special live set from Refugee Action’s band. On Saturday 14th June families can enjoy a day packed with interactive workshops, including paper mosaics with Ahmed Elzber, Dabke dance with Fares Farraj, printmaking with Linda Wachaga, and craft sessions with Valeria Leonova and Deepa Parmar, exploring Petrykivka painting and Diwali clay lights. At 3pm Global Youth Takeover takes the stage in Theatre 2 highlighting performances by young people from Afrocats, Band on the Wall, and Culture Bridge. Horizons Festival is more than a cultural event - it’s a call for unity and celebration through art. As Anna Vu Thompson, CAN’s Creative Director, said: "Horizons is a space where unheard voices are amplified. We don’t just witness change, we make it happen, together." Tickets are now available at HOME's website.

MCRJourno Didsbury-based Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester has shown its commitment to community health by supporting a remarkable cycle challenge in aid of the Wheelchair Football Association (WFA). As an official sponsor of the WFA, Optegra backed the #TheGoodRoadToDerby challenge this May, which saw two dedicated supporters cycle 200 miles in just two days. Dean Williams, WFA executive coach and chair, along with long-standing supporter Nick Woodward, completed the demanding route from Hull to Derby via the Pennines and Moors. The challenge aimed to raise both awareness and funds for the WFA Benevolent Fund - a resource designed to support wheelchair football players and clubs in times of financial difficulty. Jen Abbott, Mat Pickering, Dean William During their journey, the pair made a pitstop at Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester, where they were welcomed and cheered on by Managing Director Mat Pickering and UK Operations Director Jen Abbott. The WFA Benevolent Fund is currently in development and will be built over the next three years to offer sustainable support to those in need. "As title sponsors of the 2024-25 Optegra National League, it was important to include a visit to Optegra’s Manchester hospital" said Williams. "Optegra’s backing has helped raise the profile of our competitions [so] we were delighted to meet the team and refuel." The challenge has raised £5,000 to date.

MCRJourno Hard Rock Cafe Manchester has launched a brand-new catering service delivering its American-inspired dishes straight to events across Greater Manchester. Now you can bring the iconic flavours of Hard Rock Cafe to your next party, work-do, or special occasion without leaving the house. Think burgers, fajitas, loaded nachos, and all the bold sides you’d expect with a fully customisable menu with hot and cold options. From build-your-own buffets to easy-to-grab finger foods available, General Manager Aneta Jarzmik said: "We’ve heard the people of Manchester loud and clear. With our new catering service, we’re bringing Hard Rock’s flavour and fun to every celebration." Burger fans can dive into the Big Cheeseburger Bundle with 12 individually wrapped cheeseburgers with all the classic fixings, served alongside chips, cookies, and all the sauces. For a more hands-on experience, the Build-Your-Own Burger and Nachos Bars allow guests to pile on their favourite toppings. Meat-lovers can enjoy BBQ Bundles loaded with ribs, pulled pork, jumbo wings, and Hard Rock’s famous Twisted Macaroni & Cheese. Fajita fans can choose from double or triple protein packages featuring grilled chicken, marinated steak, and vegan options. All catering packages include reusable holders and warmers - ideal for keeping things fresh at your venue. To place an order or find out more email Manchester_social@hardrock.com

MCRJourno Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett at the stadium. Credit: Salford City Council Salford City Council has now completed its acquisition of Peel Land's 50% shareholding in the City of Salford Community Stadium (COSCOS) - making the council the sole shareholder. CosCos was initially a joint 50:50 venture between the council and Peel however the council are now in control of the stadium, two training pitches, a surfaced car park with around 500 spaces, and a number of developable land assets with a footprint of 24.76 acres, adjacent to the stadium. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett shared that the decision was made following a democratic process as well as financial and legal due diligence with the deal costing £7.7million - including the assignment of debt and shares. Dennett said: "This is great news for the city as it will safeguard jobs, ensure the continued community use of the facility and support the delivery of the council’s Rugby Strategy in 2025. "It will enable the council to deliver its aims and aspirations by controlling future redevelopment of the area. "The future will be grounded in new sports and leisure and rugby strategies, with links to activity, culture and health and wellbeing and fair access and opportunities. It also helps protect the Super League status of Salford Red Devils RLFC and ensure both the Red Devils and Sale Sharks will retain their position playing in Salford." Plans are underway already with 6.02 acres under offer and 1.82 acres to be sold imminently in a bid to attract significant private investment. Dennett added: "The deal brings to fruition the commitment to deliver the initial vision of a community stadium for the city and its people."

Helen Clarke Salford was alive with excitement on Friday 30th May as the official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 trophy arrived in the city, marking a major milestone with less than 100 days to go before the tournament kicks off. As part of its nationwide countdown tour the trophy made several stops across Salford, beginning at Eccles RFC. Schoolchildren, university students and local grassroots teams got involved in special rugby sessions led by the Sale Sharks Foundation - budding players to passionate fans, the day was all about celebrating community, sport, and the road to 2025. The tour continued to MediaCity with a stop at BBC Sport’s studios before heading to The Lowry Plaza for a public event that drew crowds from across Greater Manchester. Families and rugby fans gathered to see the trophy up close, take part in activities, and soak in the build-up to what is set to be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. City leaders including Salford Mayor Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jack Youd, and Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith joined the celebration, alongside England legend and World Cup winner Gill Burns MBE. "Salford is proud to be one of the host cities," said Mayor Dennett. "This is a major international event and we hope it inspires people of all ages to get involved - whether that’s playing rugby, supporting local clubs or coming to matches this summer." Salford Community Stadium will host several matches during the tournament which runs from 22nd August to 27th September. With over 300,000 tickets already sold fans are being urged to secure their seats for a historic summer of rugby.

Helen Clarke Manchester United’s Amad and Maya Le Tissier have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to community engagement, each receiving the prestigious PFA Community Champion award for the 2024/25 season. The accolade, presented by the Manchester United Foundation celebrates the players’ dedication to making a positive difference across Greater Manchester. Throughout the season both Amad and Maya have played pivotal roles in a variety of Foundation-led initiatives inspiring young people and supporting local causes. Amad’s involvement included participating in a Black History Month workshop where he encouraged students to embrace diversity and celebrate their cultures. He also surprised children at a Moss Side primary school presenting a Foundation staff member with a Community Captain trophy as part of a Premier League initiative. Beyond these events, Amad has consistently supported charitable activities, such as attending a Christmas lunch with Manchester United’s Disabled Supporters’ Association and meeting fans facing life-limiting illnesses during the Foundation’s ‘Dream Days’. Reflecting on his award Amad said: "I’m so happy to have received this award. Visiting schools and seeing the kids smile is incredibly rewarding. "As a Manchester United player, it’s important for me to give back and help inspire the next generation." Maya Le Tissier, captain of Manchester United Women, was also celebrated for her efforts, particularly her visits to Foundation partner schools. She has become a role model for aspiring young female footballers and has promoted the value of education and reading among students. Maya said: "Working in the local community is incredibly important to the club. "I enjoy giving something back and making a difference to young people." Both players received their awards during a special ceremony at Carrington Training Ground underscoring Manchester United’s ongoing commitment to supporting and uplifting the local community.

MCRJourno Manchester’s Festival of Libraries is back from 4th to 8th June promising five days of creativity, community and discovery across all 133 of Greater Manchester’s libraries. Now in its fifth year and fresh from winning Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards 2024, the festival is the largest of its kind in the UK, offering an impressive 134 events - almost all free and open to everyone. Highlights include author talks, writing workshops, exhibitions, comedy, music masterclasses and even silent discos. The festival celebrates both the historic and the new - John Rylands Library marks its 125th anniversary with a new Collections Gallery, while Stockport’s innovative new Stockroom library reimagines what a modern library can be with creative spaces and a café bar. A major draw is the Inspired by Libraries series featuring appearances from Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, broadcaster Yasmin Evans, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, and creative Jordan Stephens. The Embassy of Utopia (2024) The festival also welcomes international guests from UNESCO Cities of Literature with immersive performances and global collaborations on the schedule. Family-friendly activities abound, from the Look for a Book treasure hunt hiding 500 copies of Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s book across the city, to Mexican storytime, music workshops, and creative sessions for all ages. Community events such as Knit and Natter, comedy writing workshops, and DJ masterclasses offer something for every interest. With nearly all events free and most bookable in advance, the Festival of Libraries 2025 is set to be an unmissable celebration of Manchester’s rich literary and cultural life. For full details and bookings, visit the Manchester City of Literature website.