12th February 2026

Thursday 12th February 2026 – Guardian Review

Remembering Viola Beach, local business success, and Wire 2026 kicks off

Cheshire’s Mix 56’s Paul Smith chats with Warrington & Knutsford Guardian Deputy Editor Gareth Dunning about this week’s stories from across Warrington, Northwich and Knutsford.

Ten years on – remembering Viola Beach

It’s 10 years since we lost Warrington band Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry in a car crash in Sweden – a tragedy that stunned the town just as they were on the verge of making it big. All four band members were Warrington lads, and the news that Sunday morning is something many here will never forget.

Gareth says the families are very much in everyone’s thoughts this week, remembering an incredibly talented group who had posthumous highs including a Coldplay tribute at Glastonbury, a number one album and that unforgettable night at Parr Hall with Courteeners and Blossoms and the families on stage. Paul says the famous photo of the band on top of the red phone boxes in the town centre still stops him in his tracks.

Birchwood mum wins cosmetic Brand of the Year

There’s good news for local business as Birchwood mum Maria Murray sees her makeup line named Cosmetic Brand of the Year. She’s spoken to the paper about the graft involved in building her business, especially in the current climate, and how it’s grown and grown despite the challenges facing small business owners.

A great example of local entrepreneurship thriving against the odds.

New life for Warrington’s old M&S

After 10 years standing empty, the former M&S store on Sankey Street finally has a new occupant. Furniture store A. Furniture has moved in and opened its doors on Saturday, bringing fresh life to a huge town centre unit.

While traditional department stores have been closing across the country, Gareth says Warrington feels far from a “dead high street” – Golden Square is busy, most units are filled and trade is generally good. There’s also a new menswear shop which has relocated from St Helens to Golden Square after struggling for business there.

16-page Wire season guide and new podcast

Rugby league fans are in for a treat with a 16-page Warrington Wolves 2026 season guide in this week’s paper. Wire kick off away at St Helens on Friday night, with a record crowd expected at the Halliwell Jones and every ticket sold.

After a tough season last year, there’s big excitement to see how Sam Burgess and the team fare this time round. Sports editor Matt has also launched a new Wolves podcast – quick reaction pieces for fans heading home from games, plus midweek episodes looking back and previewing the next fixtures, featuring the sports desk team and sometimes Gareth himself. A must-listen for all Wire fans.

The Warrington, Northwich and Knutsford Guardian is out today – and Paul will be back with Gareth at the same time next week, even if it is half term!