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