Meet Our Local Behind Stretford Confidential – Alice..

I’m the (shy!) face behind Stretford Confidential. I started the page just to keep track of all good things that were happening locally, but it’s grown into a way of connecting people, shouting about independent businesses, and proving that, even if you come from abroad, here you can play an active role and feel part of the community.

Originally from Italy, I moved to Manchester back in 2012, straight after uni, and by 2015 I’d planted myself in Stretford. Ten years ago, it looked very different, but even then, you could tell something was brewing.

There was this low-key shift in the air – like a steady build-up that kept gathering pace.

Looking back over the past decade, so much has happened. Major projects, key people, and a proper sense of community slowly forming.

Bit by bit, I was putting down roots – starting a family, recognising familiar faces, and learning the stories behind them. Stretford was changing, but not in a glossy, “gentrified” way — more like an organic, sustainable evolution.

From the crowdfunding for the community building in Victoria Park, to The Mall slowly taking on a new shape, to the Public Hall coming back to life… Local businesses were popping up too, playing a huge role in the area’s revival, including those that have since disappeared.

By 2019, I didn’t just live in Stretford – I felt part of it. That’s when I created @stretford_confidential.

At first, it was just a simple Instagram account where I posted photos and re-shared whatever was going on locally. No plan to monetise it, no content strategy – just a way to keep on top of things so I didn’t miss out. I thought, if it helps me, it might help others too.

Then Covid hit. Weirdly, that’s when things levelled up. Stretfordians came closer – lap after lap around Vicky Park, people found time to think, talk, plan, and dream up new ways to make the town a better place.

After the lockdown, Stretford was buzzing with markets, fests, gigs, and art pop-ups.

I’d just had a baby, so keeping up with it all was a challenge – but that’s also exactly why I didn’t want the page to fade away like many others do when life gets in the way.

To make it manageable, I switched the format: sharing mostly as Instagram Stories, then saving them into monthly highlights. A rolling calendar of what’s on. Nothing fancy, just simple and useful.

People seem to appreciate it — views are solid, followers keep growing, and most importantly, it’s giving visibility to local projects, events, and independent ventures, while helping everyone stay in the loop.

One of the best things about running the profile has been the connections it’s created.

I’m sometimes on the shy side, and for this reason I like to keep my face behind the account, but through @stretford_confidential I’ve met so many people I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.

The account nudged me into being more active in the community: if I wanted to document what was happening, I had to show up and be part of it.

I’m not doing it all alone. Coolo, our dog, and little Freddie, aged four, are the real VIPs of the family! They get recognised around town long before I do — and I’m more than happy to let them take the spotlight!

As for the future? I just want @stretford_confidential to keep doing what it does: shout about the great stuff happening here and give something back to the community.

I’d also love for it to carry a message of integration — showing that, especially nowadays, people coming from abroad can get involved, contribute, and genuinely be part of the local community.

If I could change anything, it’d be to have more interaction with the followers.

I’d love to hear their stories, swap tips, and maybe even collaborate – not for clout or business, but simply because connections are what make Stretford so special.

If you’re not following already, find us on Instagram: @stretford_confidential

Alice the local behind Stretford Confidential.

Eddie – Sunday 14th September 2025. (Images and text supplied by Alice – Stretford Confidential).