Birmingham 1997: How the city looked in a pivotal year
Step back to 1997 Birmingham. See the city's tribute to Diana, iconic concerts from Ozzy to Oasis, and sporting triumphs. Explore 24 archive photos showing a world before smartphones.
Step back to 1997 Birmingham. See the city's tribute to Diana, iconic concerts from Ozzy to Oasis, and sporting triumphs. Explore 24 archive photos showing a world before smartphones.
Year 12 students at Derby Cathedral School organised the school's inaugural Christmas market, raising over £2,000 for local charities. The event featured 35 stalls and was part of the Archbishop's Young Leaders Award.
Manchester's Christmas Markets have ended for 2025. While some traders reported their worst year in 20 years, others saw strong sales. Read the full story on the festive season's economic impact.
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher was a pallbearer at the funeral of Stone Roses bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield in Manchester. Read the full story and tributes.
Hundreds of fans and famous friends gathered in Manchester to pay their final respects to Stone Roses bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield. See the emotional scenes from his funeral procession and service.
A Which? blind taste test reveals supermarket own-brand cheddars from Tesco and M&S beat Cathedral City. See the full ranking and save money on your Christmas shop.
A blind taste test by Which? has revealed the best cheddar cheeses for Christmas. Find out which supermarket own-brand beat the famous Cathedral City.
Sixteen victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing have been awarded nearly £20 million in damages. The settlements follow a public inquiry that found serious security failings. Read the full story.
Taylor Wimpey Manchester has donated 321 winter essentials to Lifeshare charity for the homeless. The homebuilder's national Wrap Up Warm campaign has provided over 14,000 items. Learn more about this vital community support.
Virgin Media O2 has moved 1,100 staff to a new 'marquee' Manchester HQ. The telecoms giant says the city centre location boosts recruitment and hybrid working is here to stay. Read more.
Virgin Media O2 has moved its Manchester customer hub to a new city centre office, doubling job applications. The firm confirms hybrid working is permanent. Read more.
Manchester United face Aston Villa without Casemiro, Amad, Mbeumo & Mazraoui. Get the latest team news and injury updates ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture.
Aston Villa's nine-game winning streak faces a stern test against Manchester United with up to five players potentially missing. Get the latest injury updates and return dates here.
Discover the three main contrasts between Birmingham's huge German Christmas Market and the Cathedral Square craft market. Plan your perfect festive visit with our guide.
Churches across Rochdale, including St Luke's, St Mary's, and St Chad's, have released their schedules for Advent and Christmas services, community groups, and fundraising events. Find service times, study groups, and festive activities.
A former detective who stole cocaine from police stores has been ordered to repay £75,420. Andrew Talbot was jailed for 19 years in 2024. Read the full story of his downfall.
FIFA rules will see Man Utd lose three key players for their Premier League trip to Aston Villa on December 21 due to AFCON. Get the full details and manager reaction here.
Music fans feel 'ripped off' after Heather Small performed for just 25 minutes at Manchester Cathedral. Organisers accused of mis-selling the event. Read the full story.
Sean Farrell, who fled to Spain to escape justice, has been sentenced to over five years for supplying class A and B drugs. Read how police finally caught him.
Marcus Rashford finally plays for Barcelona at the Camp Nou after illness delay. The Manchester United loanee has impressed with 15 goal contributions this season.
Two Birmingham residents were intercepted at Manchester Airport smuggling over 60kg of cannabis concealed in their luggage. Discover the details of this major drug bust.
Aston Villa could beat Manchester United to sign Real Madrid's Brazilian wonderkid Endrick on loan in January to boost their Champions League push and solve striker concerns.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery shuns post-match spotlight as his team builds momentum. With Liverpool and Man City facing issues, Villa's balanced squad eyes a top-four challenge. Read the full analysis.
Wolves receive transfer boost as David Ornstein denies Manchester United talks for Joao Gomes. Exclusive details on the midfielder's future amid relegation fears.
Celebrate Rochdale's vibrant arts scene by nominating local heroes for the Rochdale Culture Awards 2026. Submit your entries before December 19 deadline.
Two strangers from Birmingham arrested smuggling cannabis on same Thailand flight. One jailed, one gets suspended sentence. Read the full court details.
Two strangers from Birmingham, Leon Coley and Gemma Edgar, were caught smuggling over 60kg of cannabis on the same flight from Thailand. Discover their stories and sentences.
Birmingham's two Christmas markets go head-to-head in our festive comparison. Discover which market offers the best food, gifts and atmosphere this winter season.
Manchester United are targeting Wolves midfielder Andre alongside Joao Gomes for January transfer. Wolves face relegation battle as United seek midfield reinforcements.
Unai Emery believes Jadon Sancho is building confidence after completing his first 90 minutes for Aston Villa. The Manchester United loanee created six chances against Young Boys.