Six weeks of intense preparation culminated in an exuberant display of artistic talent and creativity as the Manchester Day Parade celebrated its 10th birthday on Sunday.

This year, with England’s amazing and unexpected performance to remain in the tournament far longer than anyone could realistically have hoped, interest in the World Cup has been at an all-time high.

Nearly 20 years ago Britain bounced around to the summer tune ‘Better Off Alone’ by Dutch trance trio Alice DJ – now you can hear the group at Bongo’s Bingo in August.

A £10million Manchester-based company is to launch new services that aim to transform the likelihoods of sick and injured people and improve the jobless rates of the UK.