The Mancunian Way: A rainbow of tweed

Rap superstar Aitch had a go at playing Father Christmas during a surprise toy giveaway for struggling families in Trafford. Lucky fans were treated to clothes and state of the art games consoles for this year's '‘Big Drama Call Christmas Giveback’ supported by the rapper on Tuesday night (December 19).

Olly Alexander has said shares his hopes to “fly the flag for the country in the gayest way possible” when he performs as the UK’s entry at Eurovision 2024.The Years & Years singer will represent the country next year in Malmö, Sweden – the hometown of this year’s winner Loreen – as revealed during the Strictly Come Dancing final this weekend.He will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last in the 2023 competition.The artist previously shared on social media that it was “very difficult to keep quiet”, but that he has “wanted to do this for a long time.”In a statement released Saturday (December 16), the ‘King’ singer vowed to “fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible” and “put on an unforgettable performance”.While details about the song currently remain under wraps, Alexander has confirmed that it was co-written by Danny L Harle, who has produced Dua Lipa‘s new song ‘Houdini‘ alongside Tame Impala‘s Kevin Parker.“It’s gonna be electronic, something you can dance to,” Alexander told the BBC. “But I can’t say much more than that.“I just can’t wait to get out there and meet the fans and everyone else taking part,” he added.

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Motorists have been warned to expect lane closures on the Mancunian Way and bridge closures a week after New Year.

Bundobust - an independent Indian street food chain - has ingeniously turned a telling off from a food giant into a festive fundraiser.

A woman hit with a controversial 'bus gate' fine - having been led along the stretch by her sat nav amid roadworks - has claimed a 'victory over the big man' after it was overturned. Gaynor Richards says she feels 'vindicated' after an independent arbitrator sided with her over Stockport council.

Oldham supermodel Karen Elson returned home to stalk Chanel's extraordinary runway on the streets of her home city - and hailed it a "career highlight". She has also praised Chanel for shining a light on Manchester "for raising some of Great Britain's finest".

Keep up to date with all the big stories from across Greater Manchester in the daily Mancunian Way newsletter. You can receive the newsletter direct to your inbox every weekday by signing up right here.

It would not be Manchester without a bit of rain and the city has well and truly made its likeness for a bit of water known just in time for the arrival of fashion house Chanel.

Two brothers were caught with a stash of cocaine and cash when cops raided their home - while they were asleep. Mohammed and Meisam Abvabi have been locked up for their part in a county lines drug operation in Wigan uncovered by detectives.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for part of the north west of England as the region braces for heavy rain and hail.

Excitement is building across the city as all eyes in the fashion world will be on Manchester this Thursday for a huge Chanel fashion show. The luxury clothing brand is holding its annual Métiers d’Art event in the Northern Quarter.

Final preparations are underway for Chanel’s exclusive Métiers d’Art show, taking place in the Northern Quarter on Thursday. Chanel fever has gripped the city in recent weeks as Thomas Street began its transformation into a catwalk with the construction of a huge canopy.

Keep up to date with all the big stories from across Greater Manchester in the daily Mancunian Way newsletter. You can receive the newsletter direct to your inbox every weekday by signing up right here.

Never mind Turkey, the true star of Christmas dinner comes miniature and wrapped in bacon.

The long-awaited trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 has been released - and it arrived earlier than expected.

A dad-of-seven whose family are the last ones living in a now-derelict street has hit out at council chiefs who want to bulldoze his home. Demonique Wilson and his wife Thabo are locked in a bitter dispute with Salford town hall bosses over the value of his house which is set to be demolished to make way for a £250m regeneration project.

One of Manchester Airport’s lounges has been named among the worst in the UK according to a study by consumer group Which?. The Manchester Terminal 1 Escape Lounge received a score of just one and a half stars based on secret inspections.

Most of what’s in Omid Scobie‘s new royals tell-all Endgame is about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This story doesn’t seem to be… until it is.

Did disco ever go out of style? Not if you ask Mark Ronson and Dua Lipa, the forces behind the soundtrack for this year’s No. 1 box office hit, Barbie. Specifically, they co-penned the album’s lead single “Dance the Night,” which is performed by the English-Albanian singer.