by Malcolm Pheby | Jan 9, 2019 | 1980s, Manchester, TV
It was the TV show billed as the new Coronation Street when it launched to great fanfare on Friday August 30th 1985. Granada had high hopes for it. Set in Salford, they described it as a ‘continuing drama series’ rather than a ‘soap opera’. The TV studios confidently...
by Malcolm Pheby | Jan 2, 2019 | History, Manchester
The winter of 1962-3 was unique for Bolton Wanderers. They didn’t concede a point or a single goal – and never lost a match. But they didn’t win any either. In fact they failed to play at all from December 8th to February 16th. Bolton were frozen out – quite...
by Malcolm Pheby | Dec 19, 2018 | 1980s, 1990s, Football, Manchester
December 1992 brought a large slice of festive cheer to manager Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United team. The Red Devils had suffered a few setbacks – and were languishing in 10th place in the inaugural Premier League season. New striker Dion Dublin was ruled out...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 10, 2018 | Celebrity, Manchester
Belle Vue has a special place in the heart of every Mancunian lucky enough to ride the Bobs, make a splash on the water chute or enjoy an ice-cream or two on a hot, sunny afternoon. It was the undisputed entertainment centre for the North West for more than 150 years,...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 10, 2018 | 1970s, Manchester, Music
It’s fair to say there was a seismic shift in the Manchester music scene during 1968. Freddie and the Dreamers split up after a lack of chart success, Graham Nash left The Hollies and The Mindbenders folded after their latest album and single flopped. A potent mix of...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 3, 2018 | Manchester, Theatre
Playwright Noel Coward was in exceptionally high spirits when his play of the same name opened at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in October 1964. It was a double celebration for the legendary impresario as another of his plays, Hay Fever, had started its run at the Opera...
