Wakefield Hosts Space * Slade * Peter Hook * We Are Scientists

With apologies for the delay we have previously mentioned, but here, a mega catch up of events here in our home City of Wakefield, courtesy of the delightful Maria x

Space - Slade - Peter Hook and the Light - We Are Scientists

SPACE play WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 on this Friday, 7th April 2017!
‘Give Me Your Future’ Tour.

Space released the much anticipated new studio album “Give me your Future” in May 2016 and embarked on a new tour of the same name in April – June across the UK and Ireland.

The new album was recorded and produced by Grammy and Brit award winning producer Steve Levine who has worked with The Clash, Culture Cub, Beach Boys, Deniece Williams and Gary Moore to name a few.

2015 was a good year for the band with ‘Female of the Species’ making the top of the album charts with the “TFI Album” – (Number 1 in June 2015).  Followed by the release of the “Strange World” single and the sold out 30 date UK tour of the same name..

Tommy said he was very proud of the Strange World single and the video shot by Mark McNulty, “it is a return to the true origins of the band, the tour has been mental with the whole audiences joining us on stage for the final encore of Female, just amazing nights with the fans, very special for me, for me it’s all about playing new music to new and old fans and playing them the hits”.

The bands last album release was ‘Attack Of The Mutant 50ft Kebab’- their first new album for nine years. Tommy’s influence for the new songs stemmed from his infamous fascination with science and horror films, and he likens the album to a ‘Fifties B-Movie’ for the ears.

Proud to note how Space have always stood out from the ‘normal,’ Tommy concedes that their last album has the usual signature Space quirkiness, with some extra ingredients added to the mix – he describes the songs as a mish-mash of SKA, Punk and the classic Space sound. “When we tour, we love playing the old stuff, but I always knew I wanted to record some new material. We know the fans like to hear the old classics from our multi-million selling albums ‘Spiders’ and ‘Tin Planet’, but we wanted to give them something extra.”

“The title track on the album is my favourite song from the record and is the story of how a fifty-foot kebab from a side street takeaway shop wreaks its revenge on the ailing high street. It’s a message about survival in a tongue-in-cheek way. The first single from the album is a track called ‘Fortune Teller’ – keeping up with the mystic vibe!”

Space have sold over 2 million albums world-wide with titles including “Spiders, “Tin Planet” “Suburban Rock and Roll” and “Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab” and also released 10 top 40 singles and host of other single releases to-date with titles including “Neighborhood” “Female of the Species”, “Me and You Vs. The World” “Avenging Angels” “Dark Clouds”, and “Begin Again” The band continue to write gritty edgy pop songs that captive the imagination of the listener, The band release the Album “Give me your future” in May 2016 followed by the Box Set to include the 5 released Albums plus the un-released “Love you More Than Football” in 2017.

Tickets for the WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 show are available from:

Friday 7th April 2017
WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23  
Box Office No: 0844 249 1000
Website – http://www.eventim.co.uk/cgi-bin/space-wakefield-Tickets.html?affiliate=EUK&doc=artistPages%2Ftickets&fun=artist&action=tickets&key=1701337%248645649&jumpIn=yTix&kuid=524606&from=erdetaila
Tickets - £16.50
Show – 7.45pm

SLADE - Without  doubt  one  of  the  most  exciting  bands  to  come  out  of  Great Britain in the past 30 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 3 decades and their enduring songs "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 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  200,000 2 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  We'er  All  Crazee  Now".  Throughout  the rest of the eighties Slade toured and recorded due to them once again being a major force in British pop'n'rock.

The early ninties saw the bands "Radio Wall Of Sound" hit the UK Top-30 and thereby give Slade a solid 20 year chart run!

In  1993,  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 also have a huge following of fans  and  regularly  play  concert  dates  in  Russia,  Poland,  Belgium,  Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, France and the Czech Republic.

Led by founder members Dave Hill and Don Powell, the bands latest additions are ex Mud bass guitarist John Berry, frequently spied in the guise of the Big Issue seller in Eastenders, and new lead vocalist Mal McNulty. Mal has had an extensive career, he featured with Rockin Horse in the 70s, heavy rock band Golden Night, German rock band Hazzard, and he was a founder member of London   fun-pub   band   Paddy Goes To Holyhead.  Having formed The Wandering Crutchless with Tino Troy of Preying Mantis,  Bruce  Bisland  of Sweet   and  occasional guest Andy Scott, Mal  joined  Sweet  in which he eventually became lead vocalist.

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 – December 2017 -  UK Tour Dates are:

Friday 8th December                        
SHEFFIELD – Foundry     
Box Office No – 0114 222 8777
Website – https://foundrysu.com/ents/event/10692/

Saturday 9th December                        
WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23      
Box Office No – 01924 200162
Website – http://warehouse23.co.uk/events/slade/

Sunday 10th December                        
NORWICH – Waterfront       
Box Office No – 01603 508050
Website – https://thewaterfront.ticketabc.com/events/slade-2/

Thursday 14th December                        
SALISBURY – City Hall      
Box Office No – 01722 434434
Website – http://www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk/index.php?page=1776

Saturday 16th December                        
WREXHAM – William Aston Hall       
Box Office No – 0844 888 9991
Website – https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/Events/eventlistings/Slade-2.htm

Sunday 17th December                        
MANCHESTER – Academy 2       
Box Office No – 0161 832 1111
Website – https://www.manchesteracademy.net/order/tickets/13325257/slade-manchester-academy-2-2017-12-17-19-00-00

Thursday 21st December                        
OXFORD – 02 Academy        
Box Office No – 0844 477 1000
Website – https://academymusicgroup.com/o2academyoxford/events/958908/slade-tickets

Friday 22nd December                        
LIVERPOOL – Hangar 34        
Box Office No – 0844 477 1000
Website – http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/slade-tickets/274337

Saturday 23rd December                        
HULL – Welly       
Box Office No – 0844 477 1000
Website – http://giveitsomewelly.com/slade.html


PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT announce new UK Tour Dates Of Substance - The Albums Of Joy Division & New Order for December 2017 playing WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 on Saturday 16th December!

Tickets On General Sale - Friday 24th March - http://bit.ly/PeterHookTheLightSubstanceTickets

Peter Hook & The Light play more UK dates in December  2017 on their widely acclaimed world tour performing both Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order.

Having  just wrapped up a widely celebrated tour, the band  are to  perform in Norwich, Salisbury, Bristol, Wolverhampton and Wakefield with a massive end of year tour homecoming concert also just announced for Manchester Academy 1.

In addition, a special London return has been announced as The Light's final show of the year at The Roundhouse, Camden where they will be playing Joy Divisions' two albums in full along with a support set of New Order material.

Critical reaction from fans and media alike have been very strong with many commenting on the strength of the shows and performances. The debut Manchester Apollo show was awarded five stars from the Manchester Evening News - "the place is packed and the atmosphere electric" -  and similar reviews and reactions have followed the band on their travels so far.

"In the two-and-a-half hours Peter Hook & The Light were on stage, it was hard to fathom how many hits New Order and Joy Division had. Just within the first hour, there were enough songs that some artists today wish they could both write and have in their arsenal. That is what great chemistry in a band does."  Huffington Post

"A brilliant night, a celebration of the music of Joy Division and New Order. That is Hooky's mission and this was easily mission accomplished."   Everything Flows

Tickets for the WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 show taking place on Saturday 16th December are available from:

Saturday 16th December 2017
WAKEFIELD - Warehouse 23
Website - http://warehouse23.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 249 1000 
Tickets - £22.50 
Doors – 7.00pm

WE ARE SCIENTISTS play WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 on Friday 21st July 2017!
Formed in 2000, Rock band, We Are Scientists, aka ‘W.A.S’ comprises of Keith Murray (Guitar & Lead Vocals) and Chris Cain (Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals)
play Wakefield – Warehouse 23 on Friday 21st July.

Having issued four albums with one of the way, the band are back on tour having performed constantly across America and Europe.

Tickets for the WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 show are available from:

Friday 21st July 2017
WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23  
Box Office No: 0844 249 1000
Website – http://warehouse23.co.uk/events/we-are-scientists/
Tickets - £16.50 (advance)
Doors – 7.00pm

Liverpool Sound City 2017 Reaches New Heights

Liverpool Sound City have announced the huge lineup for their 2017 event. Celebrating the festival's 10th anniversary in style, the likes of Metronomy, The Kills, White Lies, The Kooks, Slaves and many more will take to the stage over the weekend. Check out the full lineup poster below.

For us the pick is the opening night, Thursday 25th which sees 80s new wave legendary outfit The Human League headline but of equal, arguably more interest in support from the seminal Art of Noise rebooting the classic In Visible Silence lp. With A Certain Radio opening this is night to remember. Tickets will fly...we advise early purchase and subscribers will get an email tonight with the offer of discounted rail travel and a very short number of hotel rooms at truly unbeatable rates.

Meanwhile music legend John Cale is due to take to the stage on Friday with the only European performance of The Velvet Underground & Nico.


A limited number of additional tickets have now been released for the sell-out gig which is a 50th anniversary celebration of one of the most important albums of all time.

Acts further down the bill include Gigwise's favourite newcomers Cabbage, along with The Japanese House, Local Natives, The Sherlocks, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Milburn and Peaches.

Tickets for the Human League are £45, and John Cale £50.

Sound City Saturday and Sunday are £35 per day, or a weekend ticket for both days is £65.


More details via the http://www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk website HERE.

We wish to apologise for the lack of updates to this blog. It was never our intention.

Unfortunately we were first hit with an attack on our site which disabled us for a few weeks, then a complaint, unfounded was made to Google which mean we couldnt post.

In among the bad news, we lost some staff, thats good news because they got real jobs helped we hope in no small part by the sterling work they did for this site. Congratulations, Jane, Rich and Mo!

And lastly, we are proud parents to our baby daughter, Jessica Ellen, born 26/1/17.

This week we have recruited Luke and Emmy who will be helping us on catch up this week.

Thanks for your patience, normal service resumed very soon!

Dave
Editor

Y Not announces first wave of line up: Stereophonics, Two Door Cinema Club and Vaccinces headline

Y Not Festival Reveals First Wave of Line-Up
Stereophonics, Two Door Cinema Club & The Vaccines to headline

Clean Bandit, Jake Bugg, Slaves & Maximo Park also unveiled

Derbyshire’s finest festival Y Not (27-30 July) has announced the first wave of acts for this year’s festival and it already looks like the best yet with legends the Stereophonics, Two Door Cinema Club and The Vaccines topping the bill.

With a remarkable 20 year career and nine seminal albums behind them, Welsh rockers Stereophonics have an incredible back catalogue to delve into and with the promise of some brand new material and a reputation for jaw-dropping live performances their headline set at Y Not is going to be a highlight.

Award-winning three piece Two Door Cinema Club, known for their infectious indie-pop anthems, are certain to go down a treat with Y Notters. With plaudits still pouring in for last years hit album Gameshow their show is definitely not to be missed.

No introduction is required for the final headliner The Vaccines. The platinum selling post-punk outfit will be delivering an aural assault with their inimitable brand of power pop with a set destined to be a Y Not classic.

Also announced today are electronic/classical crossover Clean Bandit, indie-folk troubadour Jake Bugg, nu-punk outfit Slaves, Geordie alt-rockers Maximo Park, Feeder psych-rock experimentalists Nothing But Thieves, EDM stalwarts Example & DJ Wire, Scottish alternative rock act Twin Atlantic, indie-rock upstarts The Hunna, Cast, Sundara Karma and Brit Award winning singer/songwriter Kate Nash.

Elsewhere on this already awe-inspiring bill is Palace, Cabbage, Fickle Friends, Pulled Apart By Horses, Tom Grennan, Jaws, Beans on Toast, Tigercub, Muncie Girls, Banfi, Crows, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, Everly Pregnant Brothers, and Trash.

Said festival director Simon Mawbey: “We are immensely proud of this year’s line up. We’ve worked really hard to secure the very best acts – bands and artists we personally love.”

We have a diverse range of amazing internationally renowned artists and our headliners are literally next level. It’s going to be a legendary weekend - the best Y Not yet – we can’t wait for the summer!”

Bringing the spectacular Peak District countryside to life from 27-30 July, Y Not is a beautiful gathering of like-minded people who love great music and know how to party. Complete with stunning panoramic views, a fully stocked bar of local ales and ciders, a mouth-watering selection of food and more live music than you could ever possibly take in, Y Not is a firm favourite in the festival calendar for those in the know.

This year’s event is seeing the greatest demand for tickets with tier one and two already sold out. A limited amount of tier three tickets are currently on sale, priced at £104.50 (inc. booking fee) for adults (Children aged 12 and under go free) and available via the festival’s official website. Tier four tickets are likely to sell out fast. Purchase now to avoid disappointment.

Website:     http://www.ynotfestivals.co.uk/2017-tickets/
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/ynotfestival/

Sing for your dinner - Fat Friends Is A Musical!

The much loved TV drama Fat Friends has been adapted for the stage by prolific Leeds writer Kay Mellor with original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber
Fat Friends will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on 7 November 2017 before embarking on an extensive UK tour in 2018, with full tour dates and venues to be announced soon.

The TV Cast of Fat Friends

Long term readers of our Just Families publication may recall that Fat Friends scooped the board in our 2000 end of year awards for best new show and again in 2003 for best recurring! The news that the show is to return – as a musical is sure to appeal to fans up and down the country. As Kay told us “About once or twice a week I get asked if Fat Friends is going to come back on the television. I’m always flattered that people loved the characters and premise. It ran for four series with a Christmas special and although I felt it had run its course on television, I always secretly thought there could be a musical using those characters and
looking at weight. It’s such a topical subject matter, more so today than ever. Everybody you meet is on some kind of diet or knows someone on a diet”

Packed full of warmth, life and weight loss, this brand new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart. Join the infamous group of loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantastises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Fat Friends offers a generous serving of hilarious fun with a sprinkle of romance on top!

The award-winning Jodie Prenger will lead a star company in the beloved role of Kelly Stevenson with further casting to be announced. Jodie landed the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's revival production of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane after winning BBC 1's I'd Do Anything.

Fat Friends first hit television screens in October 2000 and folowed the lives of a group of overweight friends as they struggled with the absurdities of modern dieting. Running for five years on ITV, the show starred Alison Steadman, Sheridan Smith and Lisa Riley and also launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. Written by Kay Mellor, the show was nominated for multiple awards including the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

“The musical is funny and sad with a big story and some meaty and memorable songs. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work with Nick Loyd Webber who absolutely gets my characters and world. Together I think we’ve created something rather unique. I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled for the premier of Fat Friends The Musical to be held at Leeds Grand Theatre. Not only is Leeds my home town, but it’s where I set the television series and the stage musical. I love Leeds with a passion and the people of Leeds inspire me every day, so it fills me with pride to know that the musical will be seen by the people of Leeds before it goes on a national tour in 2018.’

LISTINGS INFORMATION 
Fat Friends
By Kay Mellor Director: Kay Mellor
Music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber

Leeds Grand Theatre
46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NZ
Tue 7 November – Sat 2 December 2017
Priority Members on sale: Wednesday 18th January
General on sale: Wednesday 25th January
Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees, 2.30pm
Tickets from £21
Box Office: 0844 848 2700
Book Online: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

Marc Almond announces an All The Hits tour

Marc Almond yesterday announced his Hits and Pieces tour for 2017 – tagged All the Hits , a 60th year celebration. This accompanies the February release of his Greatest Hits package of the same name.

This a short five date tour as the former Soft Cell frontman is planning something more substantial for the Autumn. The gigs though should be fantastic nights, featuring ‘every hit you want and more – some for the last time and some for the first, and last time’

The tour calls at 
London Roundhouse - 22 March
Perth Concert Hall – 25 March
York Barbican – 26 March
Buxton Opera House – 27 March
Warrington Parr Hall – 28 March

There is a presale tomorrow (Thursday), follow @marcalmond for the links (as at time of this being posted it wasn’t known) otherwise normal sale from Friday 9th December

Event; An Evening With the REAL Class of 92 - Leeds United Champions

On 26th April 2017 it will be 25 year since Sgt Wilkos troops went out at Bramall Lane to play Sheffield United in the most bizarre of games. That game ended 3-2 and (barring the little matter of Liverpool beating Man U later that afternoon – which they did) meant that Leeds United were Champions of England. The Last Champions is one tag given to that side, the following year football changed for ever and money became absolute king.

In recent years, those pretenders from over the hill have been masquerading their young players of that era as The Class of ’92. Well that class in dismissed, the real Class of ’92 is that team of players that against the odds delivered the title to Leeds

To commemorate and celebrate that fantastic achievement, MJK Sports Event will be hosting a special evening with that class.


Manager and chief architect of that team Howard “Sgt Wilko” Wilkinson will be there to relieve his memories of a fantastic season. He will be joined by midfield maestro Gary McAllister. The four man defence that frustrated so many that season will also be there, marauding right back and rocket like free kick taker Mel “Zico” Sterland, cultured left back Tony Dorigo and the centre backs, Jon Newsome and Chris Whyte. Midfield general and contributor of crucial goals, Steve Hodge joins the initial group of players announced.

The audience with.. style event will see all of the players interviewed before being joined by Sgt Wilko of an extended insight into that monumental season. An audience Q and A will follow and during the evening there will be extended videos of that season unfolding.

VIP seats, of which they are just 96 will also get the opportunity for a personal meet and greet / photo opportunity with the players and boss

The Real Class of 1992: Leeds United, Champions will be held in Keighley on 26th April 2017
For more information visit http://mjksportsevents.co.uk/event/the-real-class-of-92/ and follow MJK for future player appearance announcements @mjksportsevents

Scarborough Open Air Theatre - A summer of great gigs

A series of live shows have been announced at Europe’s largest open air theatre, here in Yorkshire. Scarborough Open Air Theatre has hosted many sell out shows over the last couple of years, including sets from the likes of Noel Gallagher, Simply Red, Bryan Adams and James Bay.

Now there are plans to up the number of shows per year from the current 10 to 18 which should see around 108,000 fans attend. Given that around 50% of tickets are sold outside the Town, this is a major tourism boost for the Yorkshire coastal resort.

The 2017 season starts with the legendary Beach Boys, with a hit packed career spanning more than 50 years they are rightly acclaimed as one of the influential bands of all time. With classic hits such as I Get Around, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows and Good Vibrations amongst many more, the Beach Boys have multi-generational appeal and will bring their critically acclaimed show to Scarborough on  May 29th

Recently announced for June 16 are The Charlatans, with 22 Top 40 singles and three number one albums, their back catalogue is a jukebox of indie rocks greatest hits including the unmistakable swagger of The Only One I know, North County Boy, How High, Weirdo and  2015s Come Home Baby. 

Cliff Richard arrives on June 26 while just four days later on the 30th the resurgent UB40 (ft Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue) will stride into town with their Grandslam tour. With 17 top 10 singles including Red Red Wine, I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, the trio are backed on stage by a fantastic eight piece reggae band, Ali Campbell promises to “pull out all the favourites (you) love the most”

The final show – currently – is Olly Murs, the chart topping star arriving for a balmy evening in the Scarborough sunshine. Possibly. 2016 has been an incredible year for Olly which has seen him celebrate his fourth number one album and become the most successful solo artist ever to come from the X Factor. To date he has sold more than 10 million records, this is sure to be a sell out.

More date and artist are to be confirmed, subscribe to this thread
Tickets for all shows are now on sale at
www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com
Additionally in person / over the phones from the Scarborough Open Air Theatre box office (0844 844 0444) or Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636

Gino D'Acampos' Leeds Restaurant Opens 7th December - take a sneak peak!

Gino D’Acampo the UK’s favourite Italian chef promises to add some sparkle to
the Leeds restaurant scene this Christmas with the opening of his new Restaurant
& Prosecco Bar

Gino D’Acampo; the UK’s favourite Italian chef, will open his restaurant, Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, on Wednesday 7th December, just in time for Christmas. Located in the heart of the city on Park Row, right opposite Jamie’s Italian, and will open all day every day serving lunch until late. 

Gino’s popularity continues to go from strength to strength with his rating busting primetime TV series, Gino’s Italian Escape now into its 4th series. Gino is also a firm fixture on day time television, regularly appearing on This Morning and other primetime shows including Celebrity Juice, alongside his close friend Leigh Francis better known to fans as Keith Lemon. He has just announced an 18-date national tour of Gino’s Italian Escape for 2017 in April and May )

The opening in Leeds follows the hugely successful launch of his restaurant brand Gino D’Acampo My restaurant in Manchester and London’s Euston station in 2016. Gino plans to open more pasta bars & restaurants in major cities and travel hubs, both in the UK and internationally. The 150-cover restaurant is over two floors and includes an open kitchen, deli bar overlooking Park Row and a cool basement Prosecco Bar.

The design has a true Italian feel, with the use of white marble, washed woods and Riva green leather reflecting Gino’s passion for his homeland of Naples in Southern Italy.
Gino promises to serve real Italian food as it should be. The day to evening menu is packed full of favourites from his books and TV programmes. No compromises are taken on any recipes and Gino insists on the use of well sourced, seasonal, artisan ingredients by utilising his vast range of contacts across the diverse regions of Italy.

It’s not just the food Gino is keen to make a statement with. His Prosecco Bar showcases an all Italian list of more than 40 Prosecco’s, sparkling wines and regional wines all available by the glass. The wine list is complemented by classic Italian cocktails including seasonal Bellini’s, artisan Italian Beers and last but not least great Neapolitan coffee.

Gino says “When I am back home in Italy I love visiting cool bars for Aperitivo….an Italian tradition for a pre-dinner drink with friends. I love it. At My Prosecco Bar its Aperitivo time 4pm while 6.30pm everyday where my guests can drink, relax and also enjoy some wonderful Cicchetti on me! Salute!”

He goes on to say. “After months of planning for the opening, I can’t wait to welcome guests to My Restaurant Leeds at this wonderful time of year”

We will be paying our first of several visits on 11th December, watch this space for our review!

Opening Times:
Restaurant: Monday – Saturday 12pm – 11pm. Sunday’s 12pm- 10.30pm.
The restaurant will be serving Neapolitan coffee from 10am.
Book a table:
Online: www.GinoDacampoRestaurants.com
Call: 0113 244 3220
Email: leeds@ginodacamporestaurants.com
Address: 11/12 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5HD

Be social:
Twitter: @ginorestleeds 
Facebook: Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant Leeds
Instagram: @ginomyrestleeds

Drayton Manor Magical Christmas, Top Marks for the Park, Must do better for the Hotel

There is no doubt, that for any child of a certain age – and certain of their dads, a trip to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park is several dreams come true. For my son Joe, at 2¾ and a Thomas fanatic, almost word perfect on the Theme tune and able to identify every engine at 100 yards. He was beyond excitement as we checked in to the Parks own Hotel the night before..

This though is where you were reminded – as if a glance out of the window didn’t already confirm – that you were in Britain where generally good customer service is the exception rather than the rule. Having used Theme Park hotels in the States, the clear intention there is for staff to maintain if not ramp up significantly the excitement levels, furnish you with every detail and every park map you need to ensure those levels remain.

The UK model exercised, amongst other by Drayton Manor is to knock all excitement out of you, leave you having to eek out every detail you might need, such as what time the park opens, what rides will be open, do any of the bars have Sky Sports (ok that was just me) whilst being as downbeat as possible. Even a simple request as to the location of the lifts (they are out of sight at check in) was met with little more than a grunt.

Our room was billed as a family room but was actually an executive room.  In my experience an family room is light and airy, colourful perhaps and built for families. They are not executive rooms, dark wood, soul-less and just a little tired. Parts came off in your hand in the bath and shower, windows had a weird catch the like we had never seen before which took an age to close…. This room becomes a family room exclusively by virtue of the number of beds available.  It is of course true that Thomas themed rooms are available, at a premium, sadly none were available at the time of booking.

Having had a hectic day already and then travelling down from Yorkshire, Joe was exhausted and by 7pm was in his bed, time for the grown-ups to order food and some drinks to the room, we should have known better, cold and tasteless. That’s the food.

So breakfast the next morning and we are all excited, trying to get Joe to eat, too giddy.. and then…darkness. Oh no Drayton Manor haven’t paid their ‘leccy bill. Actually it seems the whole area, including the Theme Park has suffer a power cut, so the already luke warm food was chilling nicely, no toasters, no juice machines… We retreated to the playground outside as several families had waiting on news.

THOMAS LAND IS OPEN! the cry goes up, power is restored. and like the first day of the Next sale, the families drop everything and dash towards the park…

For this Christmas season much of Drayton is closed but of key interest to the little Santa believers, Thomas land is a collection of Thomas the Tank engine themed rides almost all suitable for the younger end such as Joe. As we walked down, we came across The Fat Controller, himself walking to take up his duties.  Joe was thrilled as he spoke to him, excited beyond belief. And then, there it is, first glimpse of Winston, the controllers car on his whistle stop tour ride and then there is Harold the Helicopter, Scruff, Captain, Flynn, the troublesome trucks, all of Joes favourites right there, going through their paces in preparation for opening.
 
And then spotted in the distance, chugging his way into Knapford station… its Thomas, with his Rudolph red nose, antlers and fairly lights, the smile on Joe’s face was priceless, the rides are now open..

Flynns Fire Rescue
This is a ride that suffers seasonally, in summer I imagine its great fun standing on the back of Flynn and squirting water at a ‘burning’ building as you go round. In winter its decided that it would be too cold for water and so it is a largely pointless exercise though thanks to our child’s imagination and ‘pretend’ hoses he enjoys it so much that both Mum and Dad get a turn on the ride.

Jeremy Jets Flying Academy
A great ride for the little ones, taking controls of a plane – well you can send it up or down – Joe tells me we are flying to the sunshine and swimming pools. We must be horrendously delayed as we never got there.

Captains Sea Adventure
Sit in Captain and beam the spotlights into the water  (see, its search and rescue) whilst spinning around – a little faster than we anticipated but Joe is unfazed and this was a contender for a second ride

Blue Mountain Engines
A simple ride based on the smaller trains like Skarloey etc.. a basic sit and go round but again because of the characters its great fun for the little ones.

Winston’s Whistle-stop Tour.
An aerial car ride, giving your little on the chance to drive Winston on  an inspection of Sodor, there is an amusing in car commentary which adds to the fun and the tour offers great views across the park

Sodor Classic  Cars
Directly underneath Winston and a tenuous link as how many times do you see cars on Sodor, especially of this vintage. Again the little ones get to drive along this guided track through the farm land. Again one that Joe wanted to do twice..

Harold’s Helicopter Tours
Again an aerial roundabout type ride but again one that thills as they fly Harold while Mum and Dad relax in the back

Ladys Carousel
One of the most sedate rides suitable for even the very youngest.. Daisy and her carriages on a small roundabout 

Diesels Locomotive Mayhem
One of the rides that Joe had most fun on, especially as he got to go on xx. Travelling around in a figure of eight, so many near crashes and close misses. 

Carousel
Joe has always loved these big old fashioned carousels and again this was one he did twice

Finally we visited the Castle for (another) meeting with Santa, our appointment was 2pm but we were accommodated early, that said that is and nearly always is apparently a 15minute wait. There is nothing to see or do during this wait which is a missed opportunity. Finally you are split into two queues behind closed doors and alternately families are led through into a corridor with several doors, green and red lights above them. Now the adult cynic might say there were , shock several Santa’s at play here, controlling safe entry via a red and green entry system. That said, our particular Santa, though not as old as I would have expected by now, was highly personable, very friendly and coaxed all the relevant info out of Joe. 

The present were a bit of a let-down, a corporate Elf cuddly toy, the slide in the pound against the euro and dollar seems to have hit Santa too this year.

There were other things we just didn’t have the time or inclination to do, we didn’t actually take the very short train ride up to the zoo etc.. seemed like too much time was wasted queuing Nor did we visit the Zoo, there aren’t a great many animals and the key Christmas attractions are the Reindeers which can be seen as you exit the Castle. The Troublesome Trucks ride is a small scale roller coaster and not suitable for small children, I quite fancied it but this was a special day for our Son, a treat before he stops being an only child! Tobys Tram Experience, Cranky Crane, Bertie Bus are all more vigorous rides and not suitable for our little one but look good fun for those a little older.

As we climbed into our car for the journey back up North, Joe couldn’t stop chattering about his favourite rides and wanting to tell Nana all about it. Ten minutes later he was fast asleep. Joe will take some lovely memories away from this, it really is perfect, as Parent we too took immense joy in seeing his enjoyment but the visit was tainted by the poor service and accommodation at the Hotel which had massively increased the cost of our visit.

The winter season continues and we thoroughly recommend you visit if you are so inclined but select from a range of offsite accommodation unless you can get a themed rood. We only wish we had..

Lothertons Xmas Event a bit of a let down

Lotherton Halls Christmas Event adverts and its 12 days of Christmas walk immediately draws comparisons with Stockeld parks long established walk.

There the comparisons end though as what LCC have put together for the 12 installations are generally poor and lacking in imagination, sound or light. The woods around the Hall don’t have the same intensity or darkness either of Stockeld, it just doesn’t work here. For example the Lords-a-leaping are represented by static figures that neither move nor light up, Neither do they pipe. Each of the 4 calling birds down to the Partridge in a pear tree can be easily missed up in trees with no colour light or sound to attract.

There are some “Have-a-go” type stalls to represent certain days but there are set for older children than ours and were crowded with adults anyway as we approached.

Earlier we had visited the Elfs workshop and that was a good session where the children, with help could make a little reindeer feed to leave out on that most important night.  It’s a fun little hands on experience and is the precursor to visiting Santa. There is a little diversion in the form of sing along Christmas songs and letters to Santa and then it’s in to see the big man. Authentic? well he looked the part, age, whiskers, coat. He engaged well enough with our little one. As seems to be trend this year, presents seem a bit generic and poor. Thin books or teddy bears, Joe got the bear and to be honest he likes it as it was given to him by Santa.

Overall, was it worth it? Well to get into the grounds, Adults must purchase an estate entry at £5.50, children under 4 are free. Then for the Elf workshop and Santa it’s another £9.95 for the child only so just over £20. Personally I would rather have paid the tenner and let Joe do the Elf Village and Santa, it would have been better value.

This is Lothertons first Christmas event and in my opinion needs a rethink should it choose to go again in 2017.

Bananarama to play Pontefract Race 80s night

Pontefract Races today confirmed what we leaked briefly last week that Bananarama will be playing their 80s night after racing next May, 26th 2017

This year’s night was headlined by Bucks Fizz and was a resounding success with the majority of racegoers packing into the parade ring for a hugely entertaining set of Fizz classics and medleys of some of the decades most memorable songs by other artists.


Bananarama have carved out a niche as purveyors of top 80s pop, a huge back catalogue of hits to pick from, Venus, Cruel Summer, Love in The First Degree, I Heard A Rumour, I want You Back and many many more.

We have seen the Nana’s at many Rewind type festivals and they are always one of if not the highlight, always a professional but fun set and one not to  miss

The band will perform on the raised grass area next to the Parade Ring and will be on stage as soon as the horses have left the area after the running of the last race – between 9.20pm and 9.30pm.

Racegoers from all enclosures will be able to move to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure to watch the performance.

The audience is encouraged to go IN TO THE PARADE RING to watch the concert.

For safety reasons, after the last race, there will be NO ACCESS to the stepped area in between the raised grassed area and the Parade Ring.

A disabled viewing area is available in front of the saddling boxes. Should you need assistance, please ask one of the designated helpers in the hi-vis tabards.

Bars around the Parade Ring will stay open after the last race during the concert.

Last orders will be at 10.30pm.  

Get your tickets before they sell out - book here

David Walliams interview: Weekly friends keep it fresh

David Walliams new sketch show, Walliams and Friend to BBC one this month. The ‘Friend’ will be different every week and among them are Harry Enfield, Jack Whitehall, Miranda Richardson and Sheridan Smith. A Christmas special with Hugh Bonneville is also in the can.

Thanks to our friends at the Beeb, we had a brief catch up with David earlier this week..
 
Were you eager to return to sketch comedy with Walliams & Friend?
I wanted to reconnect with something purely comic. This show has no agenda - it’s just there to make you laugh. It’s rather old-fashioned in that way, like The Two Ronnies.

Why do you think sketch shows remain popular?
A sketch show is a great way of doing comedy, because it is constantly reinventing itself. If you don’t like one sketch, another one will be along in a minute. People often try to write off sketch shows and say that they’re finished, but they are a perfectly valid way of doing comedy. You can also cover a lot of ground doing sketches. You can do everything from spoofs to relationship comedy.

Were you anxious to make a show that does not replicate your huge sketch show hit, Little Britain?
Yes. The big thing for me was to be different from Little Britain. On that show, we didn’t do historical sketches or spoofs. Little Britain had a very strong idea of its own identity. I didn’t want Walliams & Friend to be like a spin-off of that. I wanted it to be very much its own thing.

Is there an advantage of having a different guest star every week?
Yes, It means the show can reinvent itself week to week. It feels very fresh and never gets boring. In other sketch shows, there are a lot of reasons why you end up doing the same characters every week. You need at least a hundred sketches for a series, and that’s very hard. But if you’re writing for specific people, you can constantly reinvent the show.

In addition to your guest stars, you are featuring some old-school celebrities such as Bob Carolgees and Spit The Dog in the sketches, aren’t you?
Yes. I loved working with them all. For instance, it was great filming with the Chuckle Brothers. They’re so talented. They’re natural clowns. They’re very hard workers, too. They come prepared with lots of ideas and really deliver. I’d love to work with them more. It would be great to have them on set every day because they’re such fun!

So tell us why you chose your six guest stars in this series? Firstly Jack Whitehall
He’s so, so funny. In fact, he is too funny. He needs to be stopped! He made me feel really old when he told me, “I used to love watching Little Britain when I was at school”.
“I’m sorry, how old are you?” He’s still in his 20s. It’s absurd!

What about Meera Syal?
She is fantastic. She is very nice, very intelligent and brilliantly funny. Having been in Goodness Gracious Me she’s a wonderful sketch performer. But she’s also a really good serious actor - she’s been in dramas such as Broadchurch before. So she’s got a lot of gravitas - unlike me! She is excellent with scripts, and very committed to everything. Meera and I also had the delight of doing a sketch with Jeanette Krankie!

And Sheridan Smith?
She’s a consummate actress. She’s proven herself on stage and she’s a huge star in musicals. She has that vulnerability and likeability that you can really play on. She’s like Julie Walters - there is nothing she can’t do. Although she is known for comedy, you could give Sheridan any dramatic role and she would excel in it. Not many people have that talent.

One of our favourite actresses, Miranda Richardson?
She is an incredibly classy actress. She is iconic to the nation because of Blackadder Two. Although it is now 30 years ago, her performance as Queenie is still emblazoned on our imagination. She has done comedy before, with French and Saunders. She is a brilliant and incredibly committed performer. Because she’s such a great actress, everything she does is believable.

And comedy legend Harry Enfield?
I’ve always been in awe of him. He is one of my absolute favourite comedians. I loved him when I was growing up. When he did Stavros and Loadsamoney on Saturday Live it was so fresh. It’s an incredible thing when someone who is your comedy hero treats you as an equal. I never lose that sense of wonder when I meet my comedy heroes.

What about Hugh Bonneville, your guest in the Christmas special?
I worked with him on Mr Stink, and I knew that he was a fantastic comic actor. He throws himself into everything. It’s great to see him in a way that we haven’t seen him before.

Do you see yourself making more series of Walliams & Friend?
I’m very old now! But I’d love to do more. Hopefully it’ll stand out because there are so few sketch shows these days. We’re trying to be funny in a very uncomplicated way. You don’t have to think too much - it’s just meant to be a fun watch. The moving moments in The Office are magic. But comedy is valid in all its different forms.

Gino D'Acampo Opens Leeds Restaurant

Can the restaurant scene in Leeds get any better? 


The simple answer to that is yes with the news that Gino D’Acampo is bringing his “My restaurant” brand not to that South Yorkshire city that now allegedly forms his middle name but to Leeds and with a pre-xmas opening hoped for, its sure to be the go-to venue this year.

Those familiar with Leeds city centre will know the site until recently occupied by PIccolinos on Park Row. This is where the 150 seat My Restaurant will open, it is opposite and across from Jamie’s Italian and a prime location. Piccolinos themselves are relocating within the city, more news on that soon…

Those subscribers not familiar with Leeds might want to take advantage of a quick unbeatable rail and hotel offer landing in your inboxes. Whilst we can’t guarantee that Gino’s restaurant will be open for your visit, as you will have seen last issue there are many other reasons to visit this wonderful city and perhaps plan your New Year visit for a great experience at his new Leeds offering.

The opening follows the hugely successful launch of his restaurant brand Gino D’Acampo - My Restaurant in Manchester’s Corn Exchange and London’s Euston station. Mrs JM and I are regular visitors over the hills to the Manchester restaurant and as reported earlier this year have had nothing but wonderful food and service, frankly we cannot wait for the Leeds restaurant to open, anything Manchester can do….

The two-storey restaurant will boast an open kitchen, lower ground cocktail & wine bar and an eat-at deli bar, great for those of us who work or play in central Leeds.. The design has a true Mediterranean feel, with the use of white marble, washed woods and trademark green leather reflecting Gino’s passion for his homeland of Southern Italy. The menus are packed with favourites from his books and TV shows, offering good value, family friendly kids options that our increasingly fussy offspring love but at the same suitable also for serious evening dining. – as Mrs JM will testify.

Gino told us: “After months of planning for the opening, I can’t wait to welcome guests to My Restaurant, Leeds. Every effort has been made to make sure our guests have a true Italian experience – we’ve got some great dishes for you to try. I’m looking forward to treating Yorkshire to a real taste of Italy.”

Gino’s popularity grows from strength to strength and his primetime TV series, Gino’s Italian Escape, returned this month. The series is accompanied by a new book, Gino’s Hidden Italy, a cracking book which we got signed during his visit to Leeds last week , and the restaurant will feature many of its delicious dishes on their seasonal menu.

More news to follow including confirmed opening dates and booking details, keep an eye on http://ginodacamporestaurants.com/myrestaurant/

Lets Rock Leeds returns, full line up and discounted tickets!

Lets Rock Leeds returns on 17 June with an impressive line up to shake your deely boppers to… 

After a hugely successful couple of years, the Lets Rock team have pulled together an eclectic and exciting line up for the Temple Newsham show. Come with us as we guide you through this year’s line-up… 

Headlining for 2017, The Human League still thrill audiences the world over, with an impressive stage set and an enthusiasm for the songs that belies the fact many are over 30 years old. If anything the girls voices sound better now and you can be sure of a wonderful sing along, hit filled set to close the night 

That said, singing voices are likely to be well stretched already with the appearance of Tony Hadley, the Spandau Ballet frontman will bring his solo set, always packed with those hits such as “True” and “Gold” 

Howard Jones recently celebrated 30 years in the business and has been regularly outputting new work ever since. That said, expect nothing but faithfully reproduced hits such as “New Song”, “Like To Get To Know You Well” and the atmospheric “Hide and Seek” 


Former Haircut 100 leader, Nick Heyward is one of those artists that may well be a surprise package, more hits that you might recall from his Haircut and solo days. Likely hi spots, “Favourite Shirts” and “Nobodys Fool”.. 

Roland Gift had a short but productive career as the focal point of the Fine Young Cannibals. The voice is still as strong and endearingly foghorn-like, “Im Not The Man I Used To Be” will bring you to tears. Possibly. 

Stool Pidgeon – Ha cha cha cha – oh yes, the Kid is back. August Darnell aka Kid Creole and the Coconuts make a long overdue appearance in Yorkshire… I confess to being very excited by this and you will find me down the front with a jug of Mojito…oh Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy….the whole of Lets Rock will be swayin’ I promise you… 

Techno! Techno! Techno! Techno! Technotronic are in town and will get all your 90s ravers up and ‘aving it large. It’s unclear if the current incarnation is still Ya Kid K and MC Eric though they did reform for anniversary show recently… It’s possible Lets Rock don’t know who is turning up as they are the only band without a bio on the website. 

From The Jam, is now Bruce Foxton on bass, still slapping it like he was Down In The City all those years ago.. Rick Buckler left a few years ago however Russell Hastings has proved a very worthy frontman and if you ever had any love for The Jam then there this will be unmissable, a set packed with all those hits you sang along to on Top of The Pops and more.. 

Hue and Cry more than ably fill that mid to late afternoon slot, a time to sit down with your choice from the fab array of food and drink and nod your head appreciatively at classic 80s tracks such Looking For Linda and Labour of Love, we caught the Kane brothers recently and its an impressive set still. 

Hazel O Conner is responsible for one of the most under-rated iconic songs of the 80’s, “Eighth Day” was a smash and an amazing song and the relevance remains today, expect a stomping “Decadence Days” and a soulful rendition of “Will You” 

Imagination or more precisely Leee John, yes three e’s, had a string of hits in the 80’s , Just an Illusion probably the pick and it should be a good excuse to calm down, mellow a little after the madness that is.. 


Dr and The Medics, who said one hit wonder….that’s never let the good Doc get in the way of a rip roaring madcap set. Immerse yourself in the performance which always has more than a hint of manic-ness. 

The same can sometime be said of A Flock Of Seagulls, Mike score to be precise. Sometimes quiet and hiding away behind his synth, other times the chatty front man responsible for one of the biggest 80s hits, Wishing (If I Had A Photograph of You) has a decent bag of synthtastic tunes to open up you 2017 Lets Rock Leeds

Tickets Lets Rock Leeds 

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