An initially controversial group, boycotted by local media for their "yobbo pop band punk" image. Appeared in 1985 in local venues like the Boardwalk and the Haçienda . The band explained their enigmatic name : "Something hard and something pretty; something noisy but tuneful". Overtly Mancunian,...

Gary Barlow Gary Barlow was born on the 20th January 1971 in Frodsham in Cheshire and attended Weaver Vale Junior School and then Frodsham High School. From a very early age he worked every Saturday night as a musician in Connah's Quay Labour Club. At the age of fifteen he entered the BBC's...

Shayne Ward Singer Shayne Ward was born on 15th October 1985 and lives and was raised in Clayton, Manchester. He is the youngest son, and a twin, of a large family of 3 brothers and 3 sisters, and was educated at St Gregory's High School. His career took off in 2005 when he won the ITV...

Media City UK - Part 2

Media City UK - Part 1

East Manchester Festival held at the Grange was part of Refugee Week, the event was organised by Rainbow Haven and held on a wet saturday (21-06-08). The day was well attended and spirits were high even though the weather tried to dampen them. Some events had to be cancelled due to the weather...

This years East Manchester Festival took place at the Grange in Beswick, Manchester, the event part of Refugee Week which is now in its 5th year is now a regular annual festivity for the community. Despite the weather\\\'s attempts to spoil the event, it was still a good day...