Paul Burnell

A blue plaque has been unveiled in Manchester to commemorate Sister Rosetta Tharpe's performance at the former Wilbraham Road railway station in May 1964. The pioneering guitarist and singer, known as the “Godmother of rock and roll,” was recording Granada Television's Blues and Gospel Train alongside artists including Muddy Waters. The plaque was unveiled by social historian Karen Gabay as part of her initiative honoring Black musicians who influenced Manchester's musical heritage. Singers Pauline Black and Ruby Turner, along with an attendee of the original recording, paid tribute to Tharpe's influence and powerful performance.

A blue plaque has been unveiled in Manchester to commemorate Sister Rosetta Tharpe's performance at the former Wilbraham Road railway station in May 1964. The pioneering guitarist and singer, whose work influenced artists including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Little Richard, was recording Granada Television's Blues and Gospel Train with Muddy Waters and other blues greats. The plaque was organized by social historian Karen Gabay as part of an initiative honoring Black musicians who shaped Manchester's musical heritage.

A former rough sleeper in Manchester describes the difficulty of adapting to accommodation after a year on the streets, stressing that sustained mental-health, addiction and practical support is essential. Andy Burnham has announced a £442m plan to provide emergency accommodation for all rough sleepers this winter and build on the Covid-era Everyone In scheme. Homelessness charities cautiously welcome the ambition but warn that shelter alone will not address high rents, limited social housing, the cost-of-living crisis and complex health needs. Critics point to Burnham’s failure to meet his earlier pledge to end rough sleeping in Greater Manchester, where numbers rose to 197 in 2025, while supporters argue that national government backing could now make a larger impact.

Maths teacher Anthony Hook, 66, has been banned from the teaching profession after a misconduct panel found that he repeatedly breached professional boundaries with female pupils at a Greater Manchester school. The panel found allegations including touching and playing with pupils’ hair, making remarks about their appearance and prom dates, and writing affectionate messages in pupils’ books. Hook denied sexual motivation and had previously been cleared of assaulting eight girls, but the professional panel found the allegations proven on the balance of probabilities. It concluded that he had ignored earlier management guidance about physical contact with pupils and that his conduct harmed their health and wellbeing.

The parents of a baby whose foetal remains were found beneath Hodder Bridge in Stonyhurst have contacted Lancashire Police following a public appeal. After speaking with them and conducting further inquiries, police concluded that no crime had been committed and closed the investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Jill Vescovi said the parents were receiving support and asked the public to respect their privacy and avoid speculation.

A 25-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving a stolen Amazon delivery van at speeds of up to 100mph from Wigan through Bolton and into Chorley. The 40-minute pursuit followed reports that the van, carrying about £1,000 worth of parcels, had been stolen. The vehicle crashed into pedestrian barriers and another vehicle, injured a cyclist, and damaged street furniture, although no serious injuries were reported. The suspect faces several allegations, including vehicle theft, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of Class A and C drugs, and was later bailed pending further inquiries.

Fire crews are tackling a blaze that gutted a semi-detached house on Norleigh Road in Northenden, south Manchester. The fire began at about 14:45 BST, damaged part of the roof and produced thick black smoke. It remains unclear whether the property was occupied, no casualties have been reported, and the cause has not yet been determined.

Thousands of people across North West England gathered at beaches, parks and tourist attractions to watch a partial solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Between 90% and 96% of the sun was obscured by the moon, with crowds assembling at Heaton Park, Crosby beach, Salford Quays, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Jodrell Bank and Werneth Low. Spectators described the event as a rare and almost spiritual experience, while some improvised viewing equipment, including a cereal-box viewer.

Rail services across northern England were gradually returning to normal after a 90-second power cut at Network Rail’s Manchester Rail Operating Centre caused widespread cancellations and delays. The disruption affected thousands of passengers across the North West and parts of the West Midlands, with some TransPennine Express services still disrupted as trains and crews were repositioned. Electricity North West said an unexpected incident involving a high-voltage cable in Manchester affected about 5,000 customers, while Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig called for investigations and assurances that the failure would not recur.

Lancashire County Cricket Club has opened AO Farington in South Ribble, its second first-class venue and England's first new ground of its kind in 25 years. The 5,000-capacity facility hosted Lancashire's opening Metro Bank One Day Cup matches against Kent and Notts Outlaws, with attendance initially capped at 2,000 as a trial. Alongside the professional oval, the site includes a community oval, a women's cricket centre of excellence and plans for England's second indoor cricket dome. Funded largely by Lancashire County Council, with additional government support, the project is intended to provide extensive community access, improve facilities in an underserved area and broaden participation in cricket across the county.

Bexley Square in Salford, the site of a major 1931 protest against unemployment-benefit means testing, has been nominated for local heritage asset status. About 10,000 trade unionists gathered outside Salford Town Hall before mounted police charged the crowd, causing serious injuries. The event later influenced Walter Greenwood's novel Love on the Dole and became part of the cultural history associated with folk singer Ewan MacColl. Salford Council is considering Bexley Square alongside pubs, churches, bridges, war memorials, a bingo hall and other sites, with public comments invited from 3 August to 14 September.

Two boys, aged 10 and 12, were stranded on Blackpool's South Pier when a rapidly rising tide cut them off from the shore. After clinging to the pier for about 40 minutes, they were rescued within four minutes of the emergency call by Blackpool RNLI volunteers. The boys' family later returned to thank the crew, describing the rescue as a miracle.

A much‑loved lollipop man in Wallasey, Dave York, died on 14 July, and his family reported that floral tributes left outside Mount Primary School were stolen by two individuals caught on camera. His daughter‑in‑law, Kerry, described the theft as heartbreaking, noting that the thieves returned to take all remaining flowers and that York’s 13‑year‑old grandson witnessed the first incident. The family, expressing devastation, appealed for information while the school safeguarded tribute cards for later collection.

Beatles fans on a Liverpool tour briefly encountered Paul McCartney at a red light as he was on a video call with Ringo Starr, prompting excitement among passengers. Tour guide Neil Morton described the moment as surreal and noted it was not his first encounter with McCartney.

Robbie Williams will headline Lytham Festival on 3 July 2027, his only UK date on next year’s world tour. Festival co-founder Peter Taylor called the early announcement a major start to 2027 following the event’s successful 15th anniversary. Williams is currently touring Europe before continuing to Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. Tickets go on general sale Friday, with PayPal pre‑sale access available earlier.

Fire crews have battled a large moorland wildfire in Greater Manchester for seven days, with more than 100 firefighters and volunteers working across two fronts at Dovestone and Swineshaw. Helicopters have been used to water‑bomb remote and inaccessible areas as smoke continues to drift across the region. Incident commanders say the fire remains deep within the moorland and could continue for some time. Teams from Derbyshire, South Wales, Lancashire, and Hereford & Worcester have joined efforts as local fire chiefs praise the resilience and professionalism of crews working continuously in difficult conditions.

Police arrested Marwan Jumaa in Lancashire after a manhunt launched when he absconded during a transfer from a secure hospital to North Manchester Hospital. Authorities warned the public not to approach him and credited public tips and coordinated efforts for his capture, after which he will be returned to secure care.

An inquest determined that former England footballer Nobby Stiles’ death was caused by Alzheimer’s disease contributed to by chronic traumatic encephalopathy resulting from thousands of headers during his career. His son, John Stiles, warned that an epidemic of brain injuries is likely among footballers, particularly women, whose brains may be more vulnerable to damage. He criticised insufficient support for affected ex-players and called for a dedicated care fund. Evidence presented showed Stiles had headed the ball about 140,000 times, and experts stated this caused his CTE. The FA and PFA were noted to have funded studies showing footballers face significantly higher risks of neurodegenerative disease, while several members of England’s 1966 team also developed dementia-related conditions.

Firefighters expect to spend several days tackling a major moorland fire near Dove Stone Reservoir after it merged with a blaze on Tintwistle Moor. Dry conditions and shifting winds have hindered efforts as teams use helicopters, drones and aircraft for water drops and reconnaissance. About 70 firefighters and specialist units are working in steep, difficult terrain with limited water access. A 20-year-old woman, Shania Care-Slede, has been charged with aggravated arson and dangerous driving and was remanded to appear in crown court in August.

Firefighters expect to spend several days tackling a major moorland fire near Dove Stone Reservoir after it merged with another blaze at Tintwistle Moor. Dry conditions and shifting winds have made containment difficult, prompting the use of helicopters, drones and reconnaissance aircraft. Around 70 firefighters and multiple specialist units are on site. A 20-year-old woman, Shania Care-Slede, has been charged with aggravated arson and dangerous driving and has been remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance in August.

Community members and Micklehurst Cricket Club gathered donations of food, drinks and supplies to support firefighters tackling moorland blazes near Dove Stone reservoir. Volunteers delivered sandwiches, water and cooked food to crews working long shifts, with the club highlighting the strong public response following a social media appeal. The effort reflects widespread local support as firefighters continue their work across Greater Manchester.

A Lancashire gardener, Lesley Middleton, opened her home garden to the public through the National Garden Scheme after nearly two decades of work transforming it. Visitors praised the garden’s design and personal history, including a neighbour with family ties to the property. The open day may return next year, though Middleton notes the ongoing work required to maintain the space.

Manchester City supporters who also follow England express anxiety ahead of England’s World Cup match against Norway, fearing Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring form. Fans and commentators describe his speed, ruthlessness and ability to punish defenders, while some suggest disrupting his partnership with Martin Odegaard as the only possible tactic. Despite hoping for an England win, many City supporters admit admiration for Haaland and anticipate he will have a major impact on the match.

Police recovered 100kg of cocaine worth £10m from a house in Liverpool as part of Operation Medusa targeting County Lines drug dealing. A 53‑year‑old woman was arrested on suspicion of intending to supply class A drugs. The seizure followed the discovery of 38kg of cocaine valued at £2.6m in nearby Roby the previous day. Detectives said the operation aims to disrupt organised crime groups and protect vulnerable people exploited by County Lines networks.

Greater Manchester Police opened a murder investigation after Ramon Logan died two years after suffering severe injuries in a 2024 Oldham assault. Logan’s family paid tribute, expressing grief and calling for justice. Police confirmed a post-mortem had been completed, and inquiries are ongoing. Sebastian Jones, previously jailed for grievous bodily harm for the 2024 attack, has not been arrested in connection with the new investigation.

Theatres Trust kept Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre on its at-risk register due to concerns over a planning application affecting acoustics and fire escapes. Programme manager Hayley Smitton rejected the designation, saying the venue is financially strong, has long-term bookings and recent acoustic tests show no threat to operations. The trust said the listing aims to ensure no changes jeopardise the building’s future.

Police arrested a 40-year-old man after stopping a van in Roby and discovering about 38kg of suspected cocaine in five shopping bags. Merseyside Police said the seizure removed a substantial quantity of Class A drugs from circulation, with Detective Chief Inspector Gary Stratton emphasizing the harm drug dealing causes to communities and urging the public to report related activity.

An inspection found Merseyside Police performed strongly in crime prevention, earning an outstanding rating, supported by above‑average numbers of neighbourhood officers. Its criminal investigations were rated as requiring improvement, with only slight progress on victim outcomes since the previous review. Additional ratings included good for leadership, police powers and workforce diversity, and adequate for public response, safeguarding, fraud management and custody services.

A heritage charity reports that more than a third of the UK’s at‑risk theatres are located in North West England, listing 39 vulnerable venues nationwide. Fourteen theatres in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside face threats from closure, redevelopment or structural decay, including Preston Guild Hall and Barrow’s Forum. Issues such as RAAC and asbestos have forced prolonged closures and demolition proposals, while several theatres in Sheffield and Edinburgh have been removed from the risk register after improvements. The Theatres Trust notes a growing number of 1970s‑built theatres appearing on its annual list.

A government minister said the law may be changed to allow the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the recently released ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, whose British citizenship was revoked after his conviction, cannot currently be removed from the UK due to protections in the Immigration Act 1971 for Commonwealth citizens who arrived before 1973. Minister Alex Norris told MPs that all options, including amending forthcoming immigration legislation, were being examined. Conservative MP Katie Lam criticised the legal barrier, saying it prevented the deportation of a high‑risk offender, while ministers reiterated that the current situation was unacceptable.

A California-born Star Wars fan living in Cleveleys describes how filming of the Disney+ series Andor transformed the Lancashire seaside town into a global attraction for franchise enthusiasts. Local fans Jessica Monger and Neil Trickett organise annual meet‑ups at the filming location, drawing hundreds of visitors who replicate scenes, dress as characters and celebrate the series’ connection to the promenade. The event has become a popular community gathering, surprising locals and delighting visiting fans.