Manchester Desi news — 2026-10-17
Four Greater Manchester Universities Join GREAT Scholarships 2027 for Indian Students
The British Council announced that four universities from Greater Manchester will participate in the GREAT Scholarships 2027 programme, expanding opportunities for Indian students to pursue postgraduate taught studies in the United Kingdom from autumn 2027. The institutions joining the programme are Manchester Metropolitan University, the Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Manchester and the University of Salford. The GREAT Scholarships initiative is run in partnership with the UK government's GREAT Britain campaign and is specifically targeted at eligible Indian students seeking access to high-quality postgraduate education in the UK. The announcement was welcomed as a significant step in strengthening educational and cultural ties between India and Greater Manchester. The programme offers financial support and institutional access, reducing barriers for Indian students who wish to study at leading British universities, with Manchester's diverse academic environment seen as particularly attractive to prospective applicants. [1]
Holi Festival of Colours Celebrated Across North-West England
Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colours marking the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil, was celebrated with joyful events across the north-west of England in 2026. Communities gathered to offer prayers, share traditional food and sweets, and take part in the exuberant tradition of throwing brightly coloured powders and water over family members and friends. Events took place over a ten-day period following the main Holi date in early March, with gatherings featuring dancing, music and singing spread across multiple venues in the region including areas in and around Manchester. The festival drew participation from Hindu and broader South Asian communities, as well as people of all backgrounds who joined in the colour-filled celebrations. BBC coverage highlighted the inclusive and community-centred nature of the events, reinforcing Holi's growing prominence as a shared cultural celebration in the north-west of England. [3]
'Apnas': British-Pakistani Crime Drama Builds Momentum Ahead of Nationwide Release
A British-Pakistani crime drama titled 'Apnas' is set for a nationwide release after building strong momentum among audiences and critics. The production tells the story of British-Pakistani cousins drawn into the Manchester criminal underworld, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, family ties and the pressures faced by second-generation South Asian communities navigating life between two cultures. Eastern Eye reported that the show has generated considerable excitement within the British South Asian creative community, reflecting a broader surge in British-Pakistani storytelling on screen. 'Apnas' joins a growing catalogue of British-Asian productions that centre South Asian characters and experiences in authentic and dramatically compelling ways. The nationwide rollout is expected to reach audiences far beyond Manchester, bringing the specificities of British-Pakistani community life and its tensions to a wide mainstream viewership. [4]
Sources: [1] Devdiscourse · [3] BBC · [4] EasternEye