THE SANCTUARY STORY
Sanctuary is the story of Viraj Mendis - the man who sought refuge in a Manchester church, not leaving its tiny vestry once for two and half years.
Sheltered from the law in plain sight, his story kicked off a culture war and was a direct confrontation to Margaret Thatcher's government.
It's also the story of the vicar who shielded him: Fr John Methuen. The tale of how their mutual gamble snowballed farther than each of them could ever forsee - and what happened next.
Viraj passed away in 2024; making this the definitive story of these incredible events, in Viraj's own words.
Developed and licensed by Big City Nights. Produced by BBC Radio Manchester for BBC Sounds.
***
BBC ONE - TV PRE-ROLL
A significant media campaign has accompanied 'Sanctuary' - including this 20sec pre-roll advert which has aired ahead of major programmes on BBC ONE.
***
HUGE PODCAST COVERAGE
The series has also attracted regional BBC News headlines and multiple outlet radio and digital coverage.
***
AN ATMOSPHERIC ON-LOCATION LAUNCH
A nail biting launch for an incredible podcast series: from the very room where it all happened between 1986 - 1989.
Darkness descends for the series’ most breathtaking moment - the police raid on the Ascension Church. Pic by Rory Carson.
***
© Big City Nights 2025. Artwork by Sasha Denisova.