The podcast brought to you by Forever Manchester , a charity raising money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester
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Sophie Sveinsson sits down with broadcaster, presenter, food reviewer and critic Matty White to talk about finding a true sense of home and friendships. After moving to Manchester in his twenties, Matt discovered a city and its people that finally gave him the belonging he'd been searching for since leaving his childhood hometown. Matty invites us in. Sophie cries. They giggle.
School never felt like the right fit for Liam Heeley. It wasn't until he found his tribe of creatives that everything clicked. Now, at just 24, Liam has travelled the world as a photographer, founded HEADS Manchester, and helped launch the Manchester Creative Council. In this episode, Sophie Sveinsson sits down with Liam to talk about the power of community, backing yourself, and how finding the…
Simon Wood joins Sophie Sveinsson for a powerful conversation about passion, pressure and starting over. From growing up cooking with his grandad to feeling trapped in an IT career, Simon always knew food was where he belonged — but winning MasterChef changed everything overnight. Thrust into the spotlight, he built his dream restaurant and a team that became family… until it all came crashing…
In this episode of Forever Mancunians, Sophie Sveinsson chats to Katie Lloyd, bassist of The Lottery Winners. Raised by musician parents, music was always her norm—but her experience of being bullied growing up as a “mosher” helped shape her resilience. She shares how she found her place through performing, built a band that feels like family, and helped create a loyal fan community—from home to…
From Essex to Manchester, Olympic BMX and World Champion Beth Shriever joins Sophie Sveinsson to share her journey: leaving home to live in Manchester and train with British Cycling, navigating life as the only woman on the team, and discovering the female riders who make her feel at home.
In this punchy episode, DJ Paulette (Paulette Constable) speaks with Sophie Sveinsson about facing racism in the church, finding freedom and acceptance on the dancefloor, and how queer club culture led her back to music — while opening up about being made to stop clubbing during her marriage, and why she’s still judged today as a woman behind the decks.
In this episode, Sophie speaks with musician and composer Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses and Simply Red) about growing up in Longsight, discovering the rich, multicultural life of South Manchester, and the sounds that brought people together across faiths and backgrounds. Aziz reflects on choosing music in the face of community expectation, and the judgement that can come with stepping beyond…
In this episode, artist and DJ Stan Chow sits down with host Sophie Sveinsson to talk about how he found his tribe in the hallways of art school and carried that creative spark into Manchester’s underground. Stan shares how a need to make something—to carve out a space where art, music, and identity could collide—led to the creation of a genuine community in the club. From late-night experiments…
In this episode we meet Rachel McFarlane, the founder of Ampliied Voices CIC. Beyond her own record of remarkable personal achievements, Rachel's dedication to community outreach is evident in her work with this pioneering initiative allowing her to showcase her commitment to leveraging the power of music to empower and foster a sense of belonging through singing programmes specifically designed…
The Forever Mancunians Podcast shares the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode we chat with Esther Whittaker, CEO of Down's Syndrome Manchester. DS Manchester is an inclusive, member-led charity for individuals with Down’s syndrome, their…
Forever Mancunians shares the stories of featured guests whosevision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode we chat with the founder of the award winning WAVE Adventure, Grahm Wood and Trustee Fay Wiblin. Passionate about outdoor adventure and the environment, WAVE love introducing…
In this Forever Mancunians episode we chat to the founder of Manchester based Colibri Mexican Folk Dance company, Magali Flores. Hailing from Mexico, a country steeped in rich music and dance heritage, Magaly studied ballet, folklore and traditional contemporary dance to become a graduate teacher of Arts Education before moving to England in 1989. As a widely traveled researcher, choreographer and…
“I feel comfortable when I’m combining a touch of class with a touch of craziness, you should try wearing chicken slippers” The Forever Mancunians podcast series aims to share the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others within our local communities is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode (018) we meet Olga Gerke…
“When life is tough, and you don’t want to get out of bed” The Forever Mancunians podcast series aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we meet the founders of Headspace Bolton, Stehpen Pilling and Ginny Allende. Upon…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In Part 2 of this two part (Episode 016), we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being a hairdresser helped her acquire some of the patience and…
“Dementia comes in many forms, no dementia journey is the same” Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In Part 1 of this two part episode, we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Shaun O'Brien from Trafford based sensory theatre company, 'Theatre of the Senses' (ToTs). Our chat sheds light on both the inspiring work ToTs does and…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Jamie Dennis, founder of Mandem Meetup for a candid chat about Men's Mental Health. After a difficult upbringing left Jamie "a bit rough around the…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Jamie Dennis, founder of Mandem Meetup for a candid chat about Men's Mental Health. After a difficult upbringing left Jamie "a bit rough around the…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Katarzyna Pryzbylska, one of the directors at The Together Family Centre in Irlam which initially started out as a Junior Football Club before further…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode we meet Sharon Davis, founder of Mums Mart Wythenshawe, a women’s group that came together after a local mum broke down in the school playground. Exhausted from…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 02), Rod Maxwell, co-founder of community radio station Radio Alty shares the story of overcoming a brain hemorrhage, community radio involvement and what…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 01), Rod Maxwell, co-founder of community radio station, Radio Alty, shares his story of overcoming trauma following a Brain Hemorrhage, finding comfort…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, Maureen Holcroft and Noreen Bond from Daffodils Dreams in Wigan, share their story, commitment and response to the concerning issue of child poverty inpacting…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 02), Elliot Sparks, founder and CEO of Pennine Mencap introduces The Rhodes Bank Inclusive Choir, shares his views on Public Perceptions and Attitudes and…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode (Part 01), founder and CEO Elliot Sparks of Pennine Mencap shares his story of volunteering, overcoming ill health and settling in Oldham alongside sharing some…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. Trafford Veterans is a group of armed forces veterans, emergency service personnel and local volunteers. The group was formed in 2015 after the two founding members, Royal Navy…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In 2012, a group of residents came together and formed a group to save Denton West End Community Library from closure with the full backing of a rather unhappy local community.…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Forever Manchester's Helen, Lisa & Vikki, the UK's first real life Community Builders. They talk about their Asset Based approach and…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Claire Courtney, Managing Director and Co-founder of Manchester based Heart and Parcel. Alongside providing English language…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Jenni Smith, CEO of Salford Loaves & Fishes and Chair of Buile Hill Mansion Association. Alongside providing support for homeless…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with Greg Davis, maverick founder of the United Estates of Wythenshawe. Greg shares his story of taking over a vandalised local church and…
Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both exemplary and inspiring. In this episode, we have a candid chat with June Kelly MBE, founder of the multi-award winning Abraham Moss Warriors. Pride of Britain award winner June shares the story of…
This interview was conducted on 27th May 2009 as part of the Forever Manchester Radio Show which was broadcast on Manchester Radio Online at the time. Although Frank Sidebottom didn't undertake actual interviws as such, he was more than happy to chat about his mad creative world, tell us a few home truths about 'Bobbins' & 'Plagarism' and share some of his many experiences including having a…
Aniff Akinola is a renowned vocalist, writer, producer and ex record label owner who was also a founding member of the cult Manchester hip-hop outfit 'Chapter and the Verse' and co-writer of A Guy Called Gerald's classic house anthem "Voodoo Ray". Aniff was also a co-writer of Kirsty MacColl's hit "Walking Down Maddison" and general co-conspiritor of such 90's electronic luminaries as The Orb,…
Aniff Akinola is a renowned vocalist, writer, producer and ex record label owner who was also a founding member of the cult Manchester hip-hop outfit 'Chapter and the Verse' and co-writer of A Guy Called Gerald's classic house anthem "Voodoo Ray". Aniff was also a co-writer of Kirsty MacColl's hit "Walking Down Maddison" and general co-conspiritor of such 90's electronic luminaries as The Orb,…
In this podcast we chat with Sebastian Heeley, co-founder of the Manchester Gin Company who along with his now partner Jen Wiggins, set up Manchester Gin in May 2016. Sebastian shares the love story behind the formation, growth and development of Manchester Gin, shares a few distilling secrets and shares his delight at such a young company already recieving an array of plaudits, recognitions and…
Part Two of a two-part podcast where we chat to acclaimed Manchester based singer, Rowetta about her life in Happy Mondays, her associations with some of the music world's greats and other interesting stories from one of the most sampled and powerful female singers on the planet! This interview was conducted at the offices of Forever Manchester who today occupy the same building as Manchester's…
Part One of a two-part podcast where we chat to legendary Manchester singer, Rowetta about her life, love of music and her memories and experiences from School Hall's to Concert Halls. Life in Happy Mondays, her X-Factor adventure and other interesting facts and stories from one of the most sampled and powerful female singers on the planet. Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester's Community…
Part Two of a two-part podcast where we chat to Manchester based writer, broadcaster and DJ Dave Haslam about his love of music and his memories and experiences of venues such as the Boardwalk and the world famous Haçienda nightclub. We also touch on Dave's love of English, his books and writings, and his series of live and 'Close Up' onstage interviews that have featured many guests including…
This is Part One of a two-part podcast where we chat to Manchester based writer, broadcaster and DJ Dave Haslam about his love of music, his memories and experiences of venues such as the Boardwalk and the world famous Haçienda nightclub. We also touch on Dave's love of English, his books and writings, and his series of live and 'Close Up' onstage interviews that have featured many guests…
Seven Months in 79 is an exhibition of interesting music related photographs taken by David Hunter and unseen for almost 40 years! In this podcast we chat to David about his love of music and a passion for photography culminating in the Seven Months in 79 exhibition at Eccles Community Art Gallery and featuring unique photographs of many names including The Specials, The Only Ones, The Human…
YARN is a crowd-sourced interactive poem curated by local community artist Kirsty Gbasai. The concept is to bring together people across Manchester, to become united in writing a poem that will document the current creativity of local residents and generating a unique peice of written creative art. Yarn is being constructred one sentence at a time, with each contributor generating a sentence…
This is the story of 'This is the Place' The iconic poem originally commissioned by Forever Manchester that became a symbol of resilience in the wake of the devastating atrocity at the Manchester Arena on May 22nd 2017. Mancunian Poet Tony Walsh, aka 'Longfella', was originally commissioned to write 'This is the Place in 2012' as a way of describing the very communities Forever Manchester is proud…
On Thursday 27th July 2017, Forever Manchester presented Tony Walsh "the poet who defined a city, with a poem that inspired the world” in a very special evening of verse at Manchester’s legendary Frog and Bucket. Tony delved into his vast collection to deliver a variety of amusing and topical poems in what was an entertaining master class of performance poetry with all proceeds going to support…
After the Manchester Arena terror attack on May 22nd 2017, more than 60 Manchester creatives, including Peter Saville and Malcolm Garret, came together to turn Tony Walsh's iconic ‘This is The Place’ poem into a book. The poem, originally commissioned by, and written for Forever Manchester, gave language to our city in a moment when it wasn’t sure what to feel. This is the Place quickly became an…
Artist Amy Coney, raised an amazing amount following the auction of her This is The Place “Bee Love” artwork which was signed a huge variety of stars & celebrities with the proceeds helping to support the work of Forever Manchester and the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. 'Bee Love' was created across a ten-hour painting session and features words taken from Tony Walsh’s “This is the Place”,…
