The rally, outside Manchester City Library in St Peter’s Square, was led by those who have taken up residence in tents around the corner in Albert Square and was also attended by supporters and representatives from RAPAR, the Manchester-based human rights organisation.

Jessica Ennis-Hill was the star that shined the brightest – with the London 2012 heptathlon champion and media darling competing for the first time since July 2013, after the birth of her first child.

The Olympic heptathlon champion had not competed since the Anniversary Games in 2013, having taken time out to give birth to her now ten-month-old son Reggie.

Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones wants to add World Championships gold to her CV after a flying start to 2015 when she heads into battle at the May 12-18 tournament in Russia.

Manchester’s first gaming festival is to arrive in the city next month, with organisers wanting to put the emphasis on the social side of gaming over hardcore competition or the latest triple-A titles hoovering your wallet.

King Lear – the tale of a monarch’s decent into madness after he attempts to secure an early retirement – is perhaps Shakespeare’s finest tragedy. And it is done a great justice by the Northern Broadsides troop at The Lowry.

Labour held their heads high as they kept all 17 seats with ease after quite a predictable afternoon following a disappointing national result.

Split across two venues votes were counted for 22 out of 32 electoral wards at the Velodrome, granting a welcomed success for Labour.

The Dutch winger has agreed a £30million deal with after scoring 21 goals in 28 games for PSV, and Van Gaal said he had to act fast to prevent Depay joining PSG.

Lutalo Muhammad, Great Britain’s male representative in the -87kg category for the May 12-18 World Taekwondo Championships in Russia, already has his eye on the 2016 Rio Olympics after a fine start to 2015.

Ahead of the British punk band Slaves’ show at Gorilla in Manchester, guitarist and vocalist Laurie Vincent chatted to MM about their new album, surreal gigs and love of grime.