Year in Review - The stories that shaped Macclesfield in 2025
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 30th Dec 2025
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 30th Dec 2025
As the year draws to a close, we take a look back at the stories that shaped Macclesfield in 2025.
The town saw many highs and lows throughout the year, from huge celebrations to tragedies that shook the community.
Below, we pick out one Macclesfield Nub News story from each month of the year.
January - Snow hero
The year started with a cold snap that saw schools and businesses forced to shut.
But through the flurries shone a community hero - Ben Moorhouse.
The Bollington resident set off in his snow plough at 3am each day, clearing the roads for others out of the kindness of his heart.
In return, members of the community raised thousands of pounds as a way of thanking him for his hard work.
February - Lunar New Year
In February, Macclesfield welcomed in the Year of the Snake.
Over 10,000 people flocked to the town centre on February 1 to watch the parade, take part in craft sessions and sample Chinese food.
You can view more photos from the celebrations here.
March - Silkmen secure promotion
In March, Macclesfield FC clinched the Northern Premier League title with a 2-1 win over Bamber Bridge.
With it, the Silkmen booked their place in next season's National League North.
When the final whistle blew, fans flooded onto the pitch to celebrate with Robbie Savage and co.
April - 'One in a million' lamb
A family in Sutton was left stunned after one of their pet sheep gave birth to a 'one in a million' five-legged lamb.
At the end of April, Jake 'the peg' underwent surgery to have the extra limb removed.
Thankfully, everything went according to plan!
May - Peak District fire
Firefighters spent the first week of May battling a fire in the Peak District, near the Erwood Reservoir.
Over 100 personnel, from various fire services and partner agencies, were deployed to the scene over this time.
In total, the blaze destroyed a moorland roughly the size of 325 football pitches.
June
Credit: Nub News
Campaigners celebrated in June as the controversial housing plans for Danes Moss were formally withdrawn.
Cheshire East's economy and growth committee agreed the current reserved matters planning applications, for up to 950 homes and a new link road, should be withdrawn.
Thomas Eccles, chair of environmental charity Danes Moss Trust, told the committee: "You've got a historic opportunity now to do the right thing by this incredible piece of land, this incredible habitat, this incredible asset."
July - MaccPride
MaccPride returned in July, celebrating the strength and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Sadly, in the run-up to the event, posters peddling transphobic and homophobic popped up around Macclesfield, prompting a police investigation.
In response, Macclesfield MP Tim Roca wrote this column for Nub News, reflecting on the importance of Pride and why is still needed in 2025.
August - 1261 Festival
The celebrations continued in August with the 1261 Festival.
More than 20 local businesses took part in the event, hosting live music, workshops, exhibitions, activities, street theatre, walking tours and more.
"We had so much great feedback and have started planning 2026 already!" Rachael Higham, events officer for Macclesfield Town Council.
September - Ex-councillor jailed
September saw Ashley Farrall, previously a Cheshire East councillor for Macclesfield Central, jailed for attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The court heard how Farrall met with his former partner several times despite bail conditions preventing him from doing so.
A by-election for his vacant seat was held later in the year - won by the Green Party's John Knight.
October - Adlington protests
Protests against the Adlington new town proposals began in October.
Organised by the 'Supporters of Adlington Greenbelt' Facebook group, dozens of residents gathered on the Poynton Relief Road roundabout to make their voices heard.
Momentum continued to build, leading to Cheshire East Council voting unanimously to oppose the plans to build up to 20,000 new homes.
November - Remembrance Sunday
The Macclesfield community came together in November to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Many said it was the busiest they had ever seen the town for a Remembrance Sunday service.
You can see more photos from the service and parade here.
December - Macclesfield FC hit by double tragedy
December started as a month of huge celebration for the Silkmen, who were drawn to holders Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup.
However, things took a tragic turn on December 16 when 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod died after a crash on his way home from Macclesfield's 2-1 win over Bedford Town.
Just days later, the club was hit by another tragedy as women's first team player Winnie Mayele passed away following a battle with cancer.
Our thoughts continue to go out to their loved ones and everyone at Macclesfield FC at this difficult time.
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