The Mancunian Way: A game changer

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Here is today's Mancunian Way:

Hello,

It was extraordinary to see an empty Manchester city centre as the world watched Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Market Street, usually the bustling heart of the city, was deserted. A few hundred metres down the road, people sat and watched the service on big screens in Exchange Square and Manchester Cathedral.

Whatever your thoughts on the Royal Family, and of the pomp and ceremony of the event, it was certainly very moving.

"She was the greatest Queen you could have ever had," said John Henshaw as he watched from The Dell Care Home, in Gorton.

While Sue McGranaghan - who travelled from Salford to sleep overnight on The Mall - said it was 'an honour' to be there.

Sue told Dianne Bourne it was a pilgrimage she had to make.

"It's hard to put into words, but listening to the bands play felt very solemn and sad but at the same time just incredible to see. When the Navy came pulling the Queen's coffin I felt honoured to be able to witness it and see her family walking behind her. It's something I will never forget to have been part of history."

For the first time in a century, Manchester city centre is getting a new public park. The gates to Mayfield Park - an impressive 6.5 acre space - will be thrown open for the first time this Thursday, as Ethan Davies reports.

Council leader Bev Craig, who will do the honours, tweeted today: “Excited to be opening Manchester’s first public park in the city centre for 100 years this week. Manchester has over 140 parks and green spaces, but this