Burnley-born but Bolton-raised Sir Ian, famed for his roles in the Lord of the Rings films, will attend Bolton Pride’s awards dinner on October 16 having previous posted a teasing YouTube clip in which he declared his support for the event.

Anderson, who made his England debut at Wembley against Czechoslovakia in 1978, is one of the People’s History Museum’s 100 Radical Heroes and will return to the museum on October 15 for the event to celebrate Black History Month.

Preparations are already underway for this year’s event, which takes place at Old Granada Studios from September 24 to 27

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.

Manchester comic Kerry Leigh has revealed that an intrinsic love for her brother inspired her oddly named new headline show at the Frog and Bucket.

Manchester comedy veteran Smug Roberts is getting into ‘Rocky training mode’ ahead of a mammoth 24-hour gig marathon across the North West for Comic Relief tomorrow.

Comedy veteran and Phoenix Nights actor Smug Roberts is appealing to mosques and churches to open their doors and host him as part of his Red Nose Day ’20-20’ tour next weekend.

Manchester gang culture is put under the spotlight during a special event, led by writer and DJ Dave Haslam, at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Cornerhouse will be presenting the audio-only adaptation of Herk Harvey’s 1962 experimental horror, Carnival of Souls, for you to feast your ears (but not eyes) upon.

Salford halfback and England star Rangi Chase believes his club can put the disappointments of last season behind them as they strive for success in the new ultra-competitive Super League format.

The Warriors came painstakingly close to a fourth Super League crown last term, only to be pipped at the post by local rivals St Helens, and Joel Tomkins was adamant the squad will take it further this season – starting with victory in the World Club Series.