Pie Friday ??
By Nicole WoottonCane
Hello,
Today is a big day for Greater Manchester. No, I’m not talking politics, nor some kind of historic anniversary. I’m talking something (arguably) even bigger. I’m talking pies.
The winners of the British Pie Awards are set to be unveiled today, and the shortlist has no shortage of representation from across the region. Because if there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s pies.
The Town Street Fryer chip shop in Stockport's Marple Bridge has previous history with the contest, taking home third place for its Chicken and Leek Pie last year, and this year they’ve been shortlisted for no less than four awards.
Baldy’s Pies in Wigan have also received seven shortlists after their efforts bringing home several bronze prizes last year.
“Being shortlisted for the third time at the biggest pie awards in the country is nothing short of unbelievable,” Alex told the Manchester Evening News. “This year my entries are the best I have ever produced for the awards and some of these flavours have been worked on for the last six months.
“Friday will be a special day for me as not only is it the awards ceremony but it would have also been my dad’s, aka ‘Big Jim’s’ 71st birthday. Let’s take that supreme pie trophy home for the Big Jim entry this year. It’s an honour to be representing Wigan again and bringing some new awards home.”
It’s Friday, and if you don’t know what to do for dinner tonight - well, I think I’ve just answered your question. It’s a great day to get out and support your local - and potentially, by this evening, British Pie Award 2025 winning - pie joint. You can read more about our pie heroes here.
A Midsummer Nightmare
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Bosses at the Royal Exchange Theatre have apologised to creatives, staff and audiences after a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream was cancelled at the last minute last year.
The modern take on the Shakespeare classic was called off in September following a row over references to Palestine and trans rights.
While complaints about censorship were not upheld, the independent review, published this week, concluded that a "failure to maintain robust support during a leadership change led to multiple issues on a Midsummer Night's Dream and its ultimate cancellation".? You can read more here.
Baby beers
Ever wanted your alcoholic beverage out of a teeny tiny glass? I can’t say I have either, but you know, I’ll try anything once.
The world’s smallest pub is coming to Manchester next week - and in line with its miniscule size, it’s only serving tiny beers.
The 6.5ft x 3.25ft pub, named the Tiny Tinkard, will be in the city centre next Tuesday and Wednesday (March 11 and 12) as part of the Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) trade show at Manchester Central.? Read more here.
Extra baggage
Almost five tonnes of cannabis was seized by police and Border Force officers at Manchester Airport last year, new figures have revealed.
The region’s airport has been named a hotspot for seizures and arrests over the drug after the National Crime Agency said the airport was second only to Heathrow in London.
The NCA said it believes the trend is being fuelled by organised crime groups that have access to cannabis grown overseas in locations where it is legal. In turn, they recruit couriers or 'mules' to transport drugs to the UK to be sold for greater profit.? Read more here.
Homeless evictions
Last week, Manchester City Council disbanded the red tent camp that has sat outside the Town Hall for the last year, effectively evicting those living there.
But the eviction simply moved the camps, rather than solving the problem. Within an hour, some residents had already set up a new camp around the corner on Lower Moseley Street. By that afternoon, a second splinter camp was in Albert Square.
Local Democracy Reporter Ethan Davies takes a look at why the camps are still in town.? Read more here.
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Weather etc
Saturday: Sunny intervals changing to partly cloudy by early evening. 18C.
Trains: Buses run instead of trains on Northern between Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate, between Manchester Victoria and Bolton and between Manchester Piccadilly and Bolton due to engineering works on March 8 and 9.
Manchester headlines
Worth a read
More than 25 years ago, a dog walker found an infant's naked body hidden in knotted black bin bags in the woodland close to Gulliver's World theme park. Ever since, the story behind the child’s death has remained a mystery.
That is until 8.40am on July 28th 2023 - one day after the 25th anniversary of the baby's funeral. Police knocked on the door of Joanne Sharkey, the child’s mother, who yesterday admitted the manslaughter of the child by reason of diminished responsibility.? You can read the full story behind this tragic case from Neal Keeling here.
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