Manchester’s Burning – a theatre show about a blaze breaking out and its effects – has been cancelled as a mark of respect to the firefighter who tragically lost his life tackling a Northern Quarter fire.
The play was part of the 24:7 Theatre Festival and was due to run from July 19-21 at the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Training and Development Centre.
However, following the devastating Northern Quarter blaze that took place on Oldham Street on Saturday and tragically claimed firefighter Stephen Hunt’s life, the show has been cancelled.
A statement from the 24:7 Theatre Festival read: “Following the tragic death of Firefighter Stephen Hunt from Phillips Park Fire Station on Saturday, July 13 whilst tackling a fire in Manchester City Centre, the play ‘Manchester’ Burning has been cancelled as a mark of respect to Stephen, his family, friends and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service colleagues.
“We offer our sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragic loss.”
‘To a fallen brother’ is one of the heart-felt floral tributes at the scene of the fire, left by Blackley Fire Station’s Red Watch.
A sea of flowers have been laid in front of the burnt remnants of the shop, among them messages from the public, businesses in the area, and fellow firefighters.
Many businesses that have been affected by the fire have told MM that due to the severity of the blaze they have been unable to return inside their stores.
Because of this, many do not know how badly damaged their property is or how much of their stock has been affected.
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