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The Double Negative » Field Trip: Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre – Bringing Forth Other Worlds

“One can use art to create new instruments and different spells.” Mathilde Grandjean takes a trip back to the future to visit the repurposed Bidston Observatory…

Edward Clive’s morning brew is sometimes accompanied by strangers’ big-eyed faces pressed up against the glass of his window at the Bidston Observatory. Though it can be startling, he understands people’s wonder and curiosity at the incongruous, almost alien-looking building. Fort-like, twin-domed, partly hidden by thick woodland, and
Mancunian Matters •

Number of littering fines drop a third in four years

The number of fines issued for littering has dropped a third in the last four years – with those being paid also plummeting by 20%, new data has revealed.

A Freedom of Information request to Manchester City Council revealed that 10,324 littering fines were issued in 2022 – a 35% drop compared to 2018 when that figure was 15,811.

Figures also show the proportion of littering Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) which actually get paid has been consistently decreasing over that same period of time.

Out
Liverpool Echo •

FACT Liverpool celebrates Chinese New Year with free events

Chinese New Year celebrations begin this Saturday at FACT with a special programme of free events and workshops for the whole family.

Festivities include a tea ceremony, artistic performances and conversations, a gameplay walkthrough, and a lantern-making workshop. All events are free to take part in - but booking is required.

Teaming up with the Liverpool East and South East Asian Network (LESEAN), FACT is inviting the public to learn about Lunar New Year traditions from members of the commun
Mancunian Matters •

[VIDEO] Manchester celebrates Chinese New Year in style

Chinese New Year celebrations began in Manchester yesterday – with the return of its spectacular Dragon Parade for the first time in two years.

Thousands of people packed the city’s streets for the first Chinese New Year Parade since the start of the pandemic.

The dragon departed from Manchester Central before weaving its way to Chinatown.

The 175th dragon was accompanied by traditional lion dancers from the ChiMo Martial Arts Centre and performers in festive clothing. Celebrations continued
Liverpool Echo •

Speedo Mick to hang up his trunks after one last 'epic stomp'

Charity fundraiser Speedo Mick will be embarking on a final 1,000-mile stomp next week - before hanging up his Everton trunks for good.

Michael Cullen, 58, will brave the freezing temperatures one last time walking from John O’Groats, Scotland, to Land’s End in Cornwall in nothing but his famous blue swimwear, trusty boots, and Everton scarf. For the past seven years, open water swimmer and Everton fan Mick has raised more than £800,000 for causes close to his heart such as mental health and ho
Liverpool Echo •

Arts group helped support community after Olivia murder

A community reeling from the murder of a child in her own home were supported by an award-winning arts group.

After the death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, shot in her Dovecot home on August 22, local residents went to community space The Drive for moral support.

There, while adults grieved, collage artist Olga Snell looked after the children. Together, they created a tree made out of colourful paper birds. On each of them, they wrote a message in memory of Olivia and in support of her
Liverpool Echo •

Show will go on for panto organisers despite rising costs

A theatre is gearing up for panto season with a pledge not to increase ticket prices despite rising costs.

Bosses at the St Helens Theatre Royal say they are grateful for audiences "sticking by" the theatre, and are seeking to reward that loyalty by ensuring prices don't go up. The theatre plays host to two shows for theatregoers of all ages between now and the New Year.

First, Sleeping Beauty, which runs from October 21 to October 30, is set to be a half-term hit as it tells the tale of Princ
Liverpool Echo •

Ryanair workers issue demand after flight attendant killed by car

Ryanair workers have called on the council to take urgent action following the death of a “much-loved” flight attendant.

Stewardess Cinzia Ceravolo, from South Liverpool, was on her way home from work at Liverpool John Lennon Airport when she was hit by a Ford Focus on Hale Road. She died from her injuries on August 26.

The 36-year-old was returning from two days away with work and had arrived into Liverpool John Lennon Airport from Dublin at 11.20pm.

READ MORE:New CCTV footage released in hu
Liverpool Echo •

Charity warns of 'horrific' winter as cost of living crisis bites

A Liverpool charity has raised the alarm over soaring living costs threatening to push more people onto the streets this winter.

The Paper Cup Project, a charity founded and run by Michelle Lagan, has been looking after rough sleepers on Liverpool’s streets for years, providing food, clothes, and crucial support.

The Paper Cup Coffee shop opened in February to expand the charity’s outreach, offering hospitality training to the city’s most vulnerable population.

READ MORE: £1m in cash found in
Liverpool Echo •

Driver encounters 'road ghost' who 'completely disappeared'

A paranormal investigator unveils the story of a local "phantom hitchhiker" haunting Coastal Road near Southport.

The town of Southport is a much-loved destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city centres, boasting miles of beautiful and expansive beaches. But its coastline might harbour a presence far more sinister than your typical beach-goer.

An incident dating back from 1983 recounts the chilling sighting of a ‘road ghost’ on Coastal Road between Ainsdale and