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Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

SLADE – Without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 50 years. With their unique blend of perfect pop rock’n’roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, and no less than 23 Top-20 singles of which 6 were No-1 smash hits…plus 6 smash albums, Slade have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

SLADE’S chart career has spanned 6 decades and their enduring songs “Far Far Away”, “Cum On Feel The Noize” and “Coz I Luv You” are still featured today in TV commercials for some of the Worlds biggest companies. SLADE first hit the road in 1966, touring throughout Great Britain and Europe and becoming a regular concert attraction. Joining forces with the former Animals bass guitarist and Jimi Hendrix Experience manager, Chas Chandler, Slade achieved their first chart hit in May 1971 with the Bobby Marchan song “Get Down And Get With It” then, released in October of the same year “Coz I Luv You” was the bands first No-1 and a huge hit across Europe. Throughout the seventies, Slade became one of Europe’s biggest bands, touring and recording continually and making regular trips to America, Japan and other parts of the world. Slade’s catalogue of hits are synonymous with the era:- “Take Me Bak ‘Ome”, “Mama We’er All Crazee Now”, “Cum On Feel The Noize”, “Gudbye T’ Jane”, along with the many others provided a soundtrack to the Glam Generation and are still today, heavily featured on any retrospective of the time.

At the beginning of the eighties, Slade were invited to appear at the Reading Rock Festival, a massive annual event which attracted over 100,000 people. They literally stole the show, giving some of the worlds biggest rock bands a serious run for their money whilst kindling new interest from a whole new audience. As a result, the band signed a new record deal and unleashed the anthem “We’ll Bring The House Down”, which reached the Top-10 in the UK in January 1981. Slade were back! Not content to rest on their Glam laurels, Slade began forging a new path through the hugely influential British heavy rock scene. A second successful appearance at Castle Donnington in 1981, before a crowd of over 60,000 people, consolidated the bands position and paved the way for the single “Lock Up Your Daughters”, and the album “Til Deaf Do Us Part”.

While Slade were busy in the UK releasing the massive hit “My Oh My” to huge acclaim, LA metal band Quiet Riot were spreading the word Stateside with their version of “Cum On Feel The Noize”, which proved so successful that they followed it up with “Mama Weer All Crazee Now”. Throughout the start of the eighties Slade toured and recorded due to them once again being a major force in British pop’n’rock. The early nineties saw the bands “Radio Wall Of Sound” hit the UK Top-30 and thereby give Slade a solid 30 year chart run! In 1991, due to the continual demand from around the world, founder Slade members Dave Hill and Don Powell decided to return to touring by playing a few select dates in Europe prior to embarking on what turned out to be a very successful two month tour of Australia.

SLADE have continued to tour the world. They are firm favourites on the lucrative German festival scene and undertake an annual UK “Merry Christmas Everybody” tour in December. They have a huge following of fans and regularly play concert dates in Germany, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Spain & France. Having just returned from a festival in Gibraltar, next stop is Greenland and Faroe Islands. Now in 2020, Led by founder member Dave Hill on Lead Guitar with John Berry who joined in 2003 on Lead Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Violin. John has also played Bass with Mud, The Sweet, Screaming Lord Sutch, The Tremeloes, Bay City Rollers & The Rubettes. Joining John on Lead Vocals and Keys is Russell Keefe, having played in many original bands in his early years, he has also recorded albums for Polygram & United Artists, Russell has toured with The Pretty Things and Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers, Alex Bines now joins on Drums, Alex has toured with Wilko Johnson, The Rubettes and is also a Drum teacher. Slade today is still one of the most exciting bands on the road, and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock’n’roll.

SLADE HITS & TOP 20 CHART POSITIONS
Coz I Luv You (1)
Look Wot You Dun (4)
Take Me Bak ‘Ome (1)
Mama Weer All Crazee Now (1)
Gudbuy T’Jane (2)
Cum On Feel The Noize (1)
Skweeze Me Pleeze Me (1)
My Friend Stan (2)
Merry Christmas Everybody (1)
Everyday (3)
Bangin’ Man (3)
Far Far Away (2)
How Does It Feel (15)
All Join Hands (15)
Thanks For The Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) (7)
In For A Penny (11)
Let’s Call It Quits (11)
We’ll Bring The House Down (10)
My Oh My (2)
Run Run Away (7)

SLADE – Re-scheduled December 2021 – UK Tour Dates are now:
Friday 3rd December CARDIFF – Tramshed
Saturday 4th December SOUTHAMPTON – Engine Rooms
Sunday 5th December

READING – Sub 89
Friday 10th December LONDON – Islington Assembly Halls
Saturday 11th December NORWICH – Waterfront
Friday 17th December LEEDS – Warehouse
Saturday 18th December BIRMINGHAM – Asylum
Sunday 19th December MANCHESTER – O2 Ritz
Thursday 23rd December NEWCASTLE – O2 Academy. Tickets for all other dates are available from – https://www.gigantic.com/slade-tickets. For further information on SLADE, check out the following website / social

media links:
Website – https://www.davehillslade.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSladeBand/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/officialsladei/
Slade – You Tube Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A8KT365wlA – Merry Christmas Everyone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDEVVSzGZdE – Coz I Love You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3morxUSOvk – My Oh My

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Only astronauts can really know the indescribable feeling of being able to see the Earth in its entirety, but in Rochdale until Christmas you can get something approaching the same experience. Gaia, the stunning replica of planet Earth, is open in Rochdale and you can see it for free. Direct from the Congress Of Parties (COP) 26 in Glasgow, artist Luke Jerram’s internationally renowned huge work of art depicting the Earth is being exhibited at Number One Riverside in the town centre. The exhibit is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm weekdays (extended until 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm on Sundays, until 24 December 2021.

The sculpture is designed as a talking point, a reason to bring people together to think about our home and should give a ‘renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment’, say organisers. The name Gaia comes from Greek mythology, meaning the personification of the Earth. 7 metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, it provides an opportunity to see the planet on a huge scale, floating in 3 dimensions. A surround sound composition plays while Gaia rotates once every 4 minutes, 360 times faster than the real Earth.

‘Wonderful and inspiring’
Gaia was beamed worldwide during its high profile recent visit to COP26 in Glasgow. It aims to create a sense of the ‘Overview Effect’, a common reaction by astronauts who have seen the real thing, ‘a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.’ Booking is not required, however as it is in an indoor space all visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings. You can also minimise the environ-mental impact of your journey to Rochdale by using public transport. Gaia is located inside Number One Riverside, next to the Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink stop, the bus station and only a short walk from the train station.

As well as seeing the spectacular Gaia, there are special events themed around looking after our environment and its precious resources. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “That moment of seeing the world in front of you is wonderful and inspiring. We know we urgently need to look after our home and change our behaviour. I hope to see visitors of all ages coming to see it and getting a new perspective of our place on the planet.” In July 2019 Rochdale declared a climate emergency and Councillor Sara Rowbotham, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and sustainability said:

“Climate change will impact the lives of everybody who lives and works in the borough unless we take action.
It’s going to mean more frequent intense storms increasing the devastating flooding we have already experienced. The council has a responsibility to take meaningful action to reduce carbon emissions, alongside preparing the borough for the impacts of a changing climate and I hope Gaia will spark the imagination of those who visit in lots of ways and inspire us all to think about the changes we can make.”

Gaia visitors can share their views on the borough’s climate change priorities, you’ll be invited to cast your vote by placing a token in one of 5 boxes.
• More about Gaia and the special events planned
• Plan your journey

The exhibition and supporting events are staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust, supported financially by the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Gaia is created in partnership the following partners:
• The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC),
• Bluedot
• The UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres.
• Culture Liverpool
• Liverpool Cathedral

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport, Lancs What's On

The world’s largest IRONKIDS event will be bigger than ever when it returns to Bolton next year.
A record 4,000 young athletes will take part on Saturday July 2 as the event continues to grow in popularity. Registration opens at 1pm on Friday, October 29 on the IRONMAN website. https://www.ironman.com/im-uk
The Night Run will also return next year on July 1 and 1,500 places will be made available at the same time.

Registration is £4 for IRONKIDS and £12 for the Night Run, plus processing fee. Both events will help set the scene for the full IRONMAN UK event on Sunday, July 3 as athletes complete a gruelling 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a full 26.2 mile marathon. Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “We can’t wait for IRONKIDS to return as part of Bolton’s iconic IRONMAN weekend, and we’re delighted the event has been expanded to meet growing demand. “The event is always great fun, bringing people into the town centre and creating a real family atmosphere. “But it also serves a serious purpose by inspiring young people to get involved in sport, and we’re even starting to see former IRONKIDS taking part in the larger events.

“Night Run is also making a welcome return, giving residents of all ages a chance to enjoy themselves and take part.” The race is open to children aged 3 to 15 years old with different distances depending on the school year of the child. Each child will receive an IRONKIDS t-shirt in their entry pack and a medal after completing their run. Sam Braun, Regional Operations Director for IRONMAN UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to bring back both IRONKIDS and Night Run to the one weekend in July next year.

“Along with IRONMAN UK, this festival weekend of sport involves the whole family and encourages fitness through participation and inspiration. “The support from the local community is unparalleled and we are delighted to put on events for all ages.”

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

The largest event of its kind in the borough is taking place on Thursday, November 4 and everyone is invited to come along and join in the fun. Following a break due to Covid this year’s event makes a welcome return to its home on Oldham Edge Playing Fields (Henshaw Street, Oldham OL1 3EN).

Final arrangements are currently underway for what promises to be one of the biggest, loudest and most colourful events of the year – including fire-themed entertainment and a fireworks display from former UK champions Fantastic Fireworks. Keep an eye out on our website www.oldham.gov.uk/OldhamBonfire and social media accounts for the latest updates and news.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I’m delighted to be able to say the Big Bang bonfire is back. “We know people missed it last year as the event is always is hugely popular – even if the weather isn’t that good. “This year we’ll have another spectacular line-up of free entertainment fireworks and flames for all the family to enjoy. “Why go to the trouble of buying your own fireworks when you can come to our event? You’ll be able to see top class entertainment, including some of the best fire display and fireworks professionals in the country, all within a safe and controlled environment.” At this time of year the council works alongside the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and partners to keep people safe from fires, injuries and nuisance. The Big Bang Bonfire helps to ease the extreme pressure that can be put on our emergency services. Free parking will be available on all council-owned town centre car parks and on street pay and display parking bays from 3pm on the day. As in previous years we expect demand for spaces will be high so you are advised to use public transport where possible. There is no spectator parking available at the bonfire site.

To find your nearest car park, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/parking. The following are not allowed on site: confiscated; alcohol, gazebos, fires, barbecues, fireworks, sparklers or any naked flames. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and attendees are asked that they don’t bring their dogs, except for assistance dogs, on site.

You are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear on the night.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

With the Coronavirus Pandemic putting a stop to Live music around the world for most of 2020/21, it is with a huge sigh and with many fingers crossed that The South can get back on the road and do what they do best – perform the songs of that great British pop institution, The Beautiful South, to the thousands of fans of these timeless classics.

The South are an impressive 9 piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles.  Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties.

Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this exciting live band have spent 11 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of these treasured songs  –  A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Song For Whoever, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her plus many more singles and album tracks as well as a few choice South originals. These songs span an impressive 18 year career starting way back in 1989! 

Let’s Carry On… Regardless!

The South are:

Alison Wheeler (Vocals), Gaz Birtles (Vocals), Phil Barton (Guitars), Steve Nutter (Bass), Dave Anderson (Drums), Karl Brown (Percussion), Gareth John (Trumpet), Su Robinson (Sax),  Andy Price (Keys). 

THE SOUTH – 2021 UK Dates include:

Saturday 21st August                       FROME – Cheese & Grain   

Sunday 22nd August                        CARDIFF – Globe    

Saturday 4th September                  WHITBY – Pavilion    

Sunday 5th September                    BLACKBURN – King George’s Hall     

Thursday 9th September                 HASTINGS – White Rock Theatre     

Friday 10th September                     SHOREHAM – Ropetackle

Friday 8th October                           COLNE – Muni Theatre     

Saturday 9th October                       HALIFAX – Square Chapel     

Sunday 10th October                       LEEDS – Warehouse     

Friday 29th October                          HARPENDEN – Public Halls      

Saturday 30th October                     SOUTHAMPTON – The Brook  

Saturday 6th November                    SETTLE – Victoria Hall      

Thursday 11th November                PORT TALBOT – Princess Royal Theatre

Friday 12th November                      TAMWORTH – Assembly Rooms

Saturday 13th November                 DURHAM – Gala Theatre

Wednesday 1st December              WOLVERHAMPTON – Robin 2 

All tickets for above shows are available from – http://thesouth.co.uk/tour-dates/

For more information on THE SOUTH, please visit the following website / social media links below:

Website – http://thesouth.co.uk/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthBand

Twitter – https://twitter.com/thesouthuk

You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJAjjjfCC8k&feature=youtu.be   and   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sbWXyaXm4o&feature=youtu.be

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The winner of MasterChef 2019 has been confirmed as a special guest at the forthcoming Lakes Hospitality Show on 25 & 26 March 2020, where she will be creating special dishes made from nationally and internationally renowned local Cumbrian produce.

Irini Tzortzoglou hasn’t been wasting any time, having already highlighted local products including Kin Vodka, Hawkshead Relish, beverages from the Lakes Distillery, Claire’s Handmade and even Windermere Artisan ice cream as potential ingredients for her creations.

One of the region’s biggest trade events of 2020, the Lakes Hospitality Show is Cumbria’s longest-running show of its kind and is organised by The Lakes Hospitality Association (LHA) alongside Cumbria Tourism. Irini, who impressed MasterChef judges in early 2019 thanks to her ambitious cooking methods, says, “Coming from Crete, which is acknowledged by many as the European seat of eagerness to show hospitality – as well as a foodie island, I feel that I fit right in in Cumbria.

It is a wonderful county which welcomes millions of visitors every year and its tourism industry has such a strong culinary focus. “I have always considered myself extremely fortunate to have homes in two very different places, Cumbria and Crete, where nature is stunning, the people are warm and hospitable, and much time is taken by many to produce amazing culinary delights.

This is my hope for this year’s LHA show where I will create dishes that I love using great, world-famous local produce. “I was honoured to be asked to participate at the LHA show this year and I will very much enjoy bringing together the abundance of wonderful Cumbrian produce made by passionate artisans and elements of my culinary heritage, demonstrating what is possible with only a small amount of effort and time, along with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Cumbrian hotelier and Director of the Lakes Hospitality Trade, James Tasker, says, “We’re so pleased to announce Irini as one of our special guests, especially so soon after she brilliantly won such a prestigious TV cooking show.

We’re delighted and have no doubt that Irini will come-up with some amazing ideas and we’re all very excited that she’s planning on using local produce to come up with what are sure to be extremely tasty creations!” The 2020 event will celebrate the show’s 45th anniversary, at the Junction 36 Rural Auction Centre. Just a one minute drive from the M6 motorway, the show is not only one of the biggest in the north of England, but one of the most easily accessible.

More than 1,250 delegates from across Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and beyond were welcomed through the doors during last year’s two-day event, where the show hosted a record-breaking 136 stands for a wide range of hospitality businesses including tourist attractions, food and drink suppliers and support services such as IT technology and catering equipment. For 2020, even more exhibition stands have been made available, giving businesses from across Cumbria and the north of England the chance to showcase their products and services to hospitality industry businesses from all over Lancashire, Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool and the North East.

The 2020 Lakes Hospitality Trade Show will also include the introduction of ‘Level 1’; 17 new stands created for smaller or start-up businesses, for just £225+vat for both days. Also appearing at the Lakes Hospitality Show are wine expert Joe Wadsack, whose TV credentials include regular appearances on shows including Great Food Live, Saturday Kitchen, Ladette to Lady and Richard and Judy. A columnist for The Sunday Express, Joe also writes for magazines including ‘Waitrose Food Illustrated’, ‘Red’ and regular articles in the trade press. Joe also judges at various international wine competitions and acts as a consultant to numerous companies in the wine trade.

Meanwhile, Andrew Coy will bring his tales of his 50+ years working in the hospitality trade to the event, putting a focus on how to deliver the very best customer service.

Andrew is Proprietor at Simply Banqueting and undertakes consultancy contracts in Private Houses, Villas, Hotels and Venues. Andrew also manages VIP areas at major events, acts as a mentor for young managers, leads courses for those undertaking customer service training; and also trains and develops butlers in both private and corporate service.
To find out more about exhibiting at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show, visit: www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk

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Food lovers are in for a treat – tickets are now on sale for cookery demonstrations in the festival kitchen at Rochdale Food & Drink Festival, being staged on Saturday, 4 April 2020 in and around Rochdale Town Hall.
5 chefs will be cooking live during the event, staged in partnership with Premier Kia and new local Indian street food restaurant Bombay Brew, with 6 40-minute demos scheduled packed with tips, techniques and the opportunity to ask questions. Television presenter Chris Bavin will be hosting the day, introducing Rochdale’s Andrew Nutter, Tom McNeeney from The Oxford, Bombay Brew’s Austin Hopley, Adolfus Lewis from The Hare On The Hill in Littleborough and Noo Meenan from Thai food experts Issan Friends.

Chris, presenter of BBC1’s popular ‘Eat Well for Less?’ and currently starring in ‘Britain’s Best Home Cook’ alongside Mary Berry will be returning to town having appeared at Rochdale Feel Good Festival in 2016. His ‘Eat Well For Less?’ television series with ‘Masterchef’s’ Gregg Wallace sees them helping families, proving good food doesn’t have to cost the earth. As well as hosting the event, helping out the chefs in the festival kitchen he’ll be signing copies of his new book ‘Fakeaway’ that features simple healthy recipes for takeaway-inspired meals.

At 5pm he’ll also be talking part in a live interview, chatting about his career, love of good food and taking questions from the audience.
Andrew Nutter will be up first at 11:15am – he’s had an amazing career since coming runner-up in the National Junior Cook of the Year competition aged just 13-years-old. 7 years later, he launched ‘Nutters’ Restaurant, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019. He’s won multiple awards, including Lancashire Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and ‘Rochdale Man of the Year.’

In 2016 he opened gastropub ‘The Bird At Birtle.’ At 12.15pm it’ll be time for rising star Austin Hopley from new Indian street food restaurant Bombay Brew. Expect culinary delights such as pakora and kofta, spiced potatoes, loaded poutine fries, sweet and savoury chaat, ‘bom-bae’ and tandoori chicken wings. Later in the afternoon it’s Tom McNeeney.
Head chef at The Oxford, catering lecturer and host of his own Youtube cookery channel, Tom cooked at the festival in 2018 and will be back for the 2nd time.

Adolfus Lewis, chef at the Hare on the Hill gastro pub in Littleborough will also be cooking live, then at 4.15pm it’s the turn of Noo Meenan, Thai chef from local street food specialists Issan Friends.

Over on the indoor Family Stage popular TV presenter and Gastronaut Stefan Gates will be performing 30 minute shows at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Expect an exciting blend of science and laughter, engaging and educating both children and adults with spectacular experiments, explosions, rockets and edible chemical reactions. Renowned for his quirky style and exciting live shows, Stefan has presented over 20 television series including the acclaimed CBBC series Incredible Edibles and Gastronauts. Children will also be able to get involved in some foodie fun, with cooking classes perfect for little chefs. Following sold out shows at the 2018 and 2019 festivals, Pat from Little Hens Early Years Activities in Milnrow will present more classes suitable for 2-10 year olds, giving you and your little ones a chance to make something nutritional and tasty.

There’ll be lots of fun and interaction along the way, promoting healthy eating, creativity and food awareness whilst building confidence and encouraging independence.

‘Spectacular entertainment’
The Festival Kitchen, sponsored by Bombay Brew, will be located inside the gothic splendour of Rochdale town hall along with plenty of stalls and activities. There’ll be an outside food and drink village, an indoor seating area to watch chef demonstrations on a big screen, themed foodie workshops plus live music and activities – with lots to offer from nearby local pubs, bars and restaurants. Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said she is pleased with the mix of local and national talent on the line-up:

“Our aim is always to celebrate the best in food and drink in Rochdale and I am pleased with the line-up so far. Hosting the day is Chris Bavin, one of the highest profile BBC food presenters and we are delighted to welcome him back to Rochdale. Headlining our family stage is Stefan Gates and his live shows are spectacular entertainment, mixing chemistry, physics and biology with food and nutrition in a really exciting and fun way.

“I encourage everyone to save the date so they can see our star chefs in action and enjoy great food, drink and entertainment. We’ll be announcing more attractions and stalls on the run up to the festival.” Rochdale Food & Drink Festival is open from 11am-6pm, Saturday, 4 April 2020.

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Rochdale’s new arrival Bombay Brew will be spicing up the 2020 Rochdale Food & Drink Festival. The Indian street food and craft ale restaurant is sponsoring the festival kitchen when the event returns to the town hall for its 3rd year on Saturday, 4 April 2020.

Bombay Brew will be trading at the festival itself, selling street food, hosting menu tastings and their head chef Austin Hopley will be showing off his culinary skills in the kitchen, revealing how a couple of their most popular dishes are created from scratch. The restaurant, based at 1 Drake Street in the town centre, will also stage festival warm up events in March during the run-up to the event.

Television presenter Chris Bavin will be hosting the festival, also introducing local favourite Andrew Nutter, Tom McNeeney from The Oxford, Adolfus Lewis from The Hare on the Hill in Littleborough and Noo Meenan from Rochdale’s Thai food experts Issan Friends. The Festival Kitchen will be located inside the gothic splendour of Rochdale town hall along with stalls and activities. There’ll be an outside food and drink village, an indoor seating area to watch chef demonstrations on a big screen plus a live music stage and lots of other activities. On the Family Stage popular TV presenter and Gastronaut Stefan Gates will be performing his shows – promising hilarious, mind-blowing edible adventures with food and science stunts including food rockets, edible chemical reactions, magical colour-changing cocktails and more.

‘A great addition’. Ben Boothman, owner of Bombay Brew said: “I have supported many local events over the years and this festival is a great opportunity for our latest new venture Bombay Brew. There is already a strong food and drink offer in the town centre and we need to keep on promoting it to as wide an audience as possible, which is why events like Rochdale Food & Drink Festival are so important. We’ve had a busy first couple of months at Bombay Brew and the team are really looking forward to being part of this festival.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at the council, added: “Having one of our new restaurants on board is a great addition, adding value and expertise to the festival. We are grateful to businesses who support this event, who share our goal of celebrating Rochdale’s wonderful food and drink offer to visitors and locals all year round.”

Rochdale Food & Drink Festival is on from 11am-6pm, Saturday 4 April 2020.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

An award-winning project which brings a broad range of arts events into libraries across the borough is back for 2020. Now in its 16th season, Cultural Hubs: Arts in Libraries – crowned the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded arts programme in 2016 – will run a packed programme of events between February and July, with something for everyone to enjoy.

This February half-term – in partnership with local organisation, Citadel Arts – St Helens Libraries will present a week of events showcasing the very best theatre for children and families as part of a new Story Telling Festival.
Featuring uplifting shows using puppetry and songs in unusual, intimate settings such as giant pop-up story caves, The WhirlyBird; Twisted Tales for Terrible Children; and Beastly Belle are certainly not to be missed.

Heading into March – multi-awarding winning writer, performer, and BBC Radio 4 broadcaster Byron Vincent will bring his funny and entertaining show, Instagramming the Apocalypse, to Chester Lane Library on Friday 20 March at 7:00pm.

Then on Saturday 28 March, a group of local artists will come together in the former Argos store in Church Street for a day of diverse works, including dance, photography, sculptures and live art.

Moving into April – a digital maker station will make its way to Bllinge Library on Thursday 9 April. Held during the library’s opening hours of 11:00am-4:00pm – you can let your imagination run wild by creating digital crafts – and best of all, you don’t have to be a tech whiz to take part.
There will be football fever in Parr Library on Saturday 25 April, 1:00pm, when Mikron Theatre perform ‘Atlanta Forever’ 100 years on from when Dick Kerr’s Ladies football team drew a 53,000 crowd to Goodison Park – a side one of St Helens’ famous daughters, the legendary Lily Par, was a part of.

Meanwhile, following successful bids to the Arts in Libraries Fund, local artists and performers have been given the opportunity to showcase their talents at a number of exhibitions in libraries around the borough.
Pete Fletcher will use his fascination of old and new technology to create a virtual reality film of St Helens Borough which will be premiered at Haydock Library on Thursday 27 February – while on World Book Day (5 March) Rebecca Ainsworth will display her exhibition ‘The Trace of Words’ in Rainhill Library – a video installation made up of words in response to library visitors’ favourite books.

Drawing on the history and landscape of where she grew up, Stephanie Fry has used film, photography, collage and audio to bring back two forgotten Billinge locations; the old cinema that used to be on the same site as Billinge Library and the Cold War bunker on Billinge Hill. ‘Threads of History’ will be on display at Billinge Library on Thursday 12 March.

Then from 22 May until 19 June – Alice in Wonderland fans will be in for a treat when Angela Wilkinson brings Exploring Wonderland to Rainford Library which will see re imagined scenes from Lewis Carrol’s much-loved story, using libraries in St Helens as the backdrop.

And finally on Friday 3 July at 7:30pm, father and daughter duo Imogen and Jeremy Sleith will hit all the right notes as they perform a collection of new jazz songs titled ‘Songs of Hope and Redemption’ in Rainhill Library as part of their St Helens Jazz Café project. As part of the Cultural Hubs: Arts in Libraries programme, residents looking to lift their mood and self-confidence can also access award-winning ‘arts on prescription’ service ‘Creative Alternatives’.

The programme can be offered as an alternative or as an additional treatment for people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress – opening up opportunities to take part in a number of workshops led by trained artists. A Creative Alternatives open day will be held at Peter Street Library on Friday 20 March between 2:00pm- 4:30pm.

St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for libraries, arts, events and culture, Councillor Anthony Burns, said: “We’re really proud of our Cultural Hubs programme and how it has positively impacted communities across the borough, with over 4,000 people engaging with the project last year.
“Cultural Hubs is an opportunity for people, who may not usually engage with the arts, to be introduced to the world of arts and culture in a comfortable setting, and I’m delighted to see it return, with more exciting and inclusive events scheduled to take place in our libraries this year.”
Cultural Hubs is funded by Arts Council England and delivered by St Helens Council’s Library Service, which is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Look out for a new Cultural Hubs events brochure in libraries and venues across the borough very soon, or alternatively visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/artsinlibraries

Keep up to date with what’s happening in your local library by following St Helens Libraries Service on social media. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

The Victoria Theatre Halifax’s spectacular family pantomime for 2019!

This production has all the ingredients for a magical trip to the theatre, with hilarious slapstick humour, plenty of audience interaction, not to mention some fabulous song and dance routines that will delight audiences of all ages.

Beauty and the Beast will be sure to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with a host of hilarious and hairy characters – so book your tickets for a fun filled panto and to discover if Beauty can see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast! Integrated signed performances and relaxed performances also available – please ask for details.

Best value tickets available on Saturday 14 December at just £16 each!
To book your tickets call 01422 351158 or visit
www.victoriatheatre.co.uk