Jessie Ware “so ready to go” for her Halifax concert this weekend

Alex Gibbon on 14 June 2022

Almost two years to the date since releasing the album What’s Your Pleasure?, Jessie Ware will be bringing her classic pop vibes to Halifax this Sunday.

The Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter opens the three-week season of live music at the town’s historic The Piece Hall with What’s Your Pleasure? Live on Sunday June 19.

According to Ware, she is very excited for her upcoming Yorkshire show: “I’m so ready to go and perform What’s Your Pleasure?, and I hope other people are ready to watch it,” she said. “I’ve had a good look at The Piece Hall online, and it’s like a lovely, grand stately home – which is very me. I’m going to be playing a lot of tents and academies this summer, so somewhere like this really stands out. It feels grand and sophisticated, and I can pretend I’m in Downton Abbey or something like that.”

While Halifax will be a new box ticked on Jessie’s live show roster, she’s a big fan of Yorkshire gig-goers.

“I love the crowds in the north – they are the best. They’re warm, they embrace you, they’re loud and outrageous, and that’s what you want,” she enthused. “I’ve played Leeds and Manchester, and hopefully people who missed out on tickets there will come along, or if they came, will want to come again.”

Ware also stressed how different her Halifax show is set to be compared to her previous Northern tour dates.

“Coming into gigs like this, that’s when you know it’s summer. Outdoors shows are always something else: you get more stuck in! If someone has come out, potentially getting rained on for a few hours, to hear your music, they deserve a lot from you.”

What’s Your Pleasure? Live has been two years in the making, with the album released in
June 2020 in the midst of Covid-19 lockdowns, when live music was a distant dream for fans. The record became Jessie’s highest charting release to date and reinforced her reputation as one of the strongest vocalists in UK music, following previous acclaimed studio albums, Devotion (2012), Tough Love (2014), and Glasshouse (2017).


“What’s Your Pleasure? is such a special record for so many people, and it’s very much a
record to dance to and be inspired by,” Ware says. “So to perform it in beautiful surroundings like The
Piece Hall will be really special.”

Jessie Ware’s What’s Your Pleasure? Live at the The Piece Hall is presented by Cuffe and Taylor and The Piece Hall Trust on Sunday 19th June. Tickets are on sale now from ticketmaster.co.uk

Students supporting UCU strike occupy Leeds University management offices in protest

Alex Gibbon on 23 May 2022

‘Occupy Leeds Uni’ are currently squatting in the Level 13 Executives Offices of the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building at the University of Leeds. The group, comprised of students who support the current UCU and UNISON strikes, is protesting what they call the University’s “abhorrent response to industrial action”.

The University and College Union, one of the largest higher education trade unions in the UK, started its industrial action all the way back in December with 58 universities across the UK striking to some degree. UCU’s disputes with University management center on the former’s claims of falling pay, gender and ethnic pay gaps, precarious employment practices, and unsafe workloads.

Upon a previous request for comment, a spokesperson from the University of Leeds told The Gryphon: “Our priorities are to protect the interests of students, including minimising any disruption to them; retain the cohesion of our community; and protect the standards of Leeds degrees.”

They added: “Many of the other issues in dispute are within our gift to address, and we are already taking action to address UCU’s concerns about workload and casualisation.”

Courtesy of Occupy Leeds Uni

Since the strikes started, UNISON, the union which represents many non-academic university staff, has joined in the fight. Yet, in most institutions, negotiations have reached a stalemate.

Last month, 41 branches of the University and College Union (UCU) backed a national marking and assessment boycott, supported by 86% of staff who returned ballots. But only 20 universities are going ahead with a boycott after opposition from branches and members led to national action being curtailed by the union’s executive in favour of letting individual campuses decide. UCU Leeds is still planning on proceeding with the boycott.

This has escalated tensions further as University managers at Leeds have told staff they face having 100% of their pay docked if they take part in the boycott, which would include not marking end of year exams and dissertations.

‘Occupy Leeds Uni’ claims that it will maintain its occupation of the offices until management agrees to no pay deductions for staff taking part in the marking boycott and the Vice-Chancellor commits to resolving the Leeds UCU and Unison disputes by supporting their demands.

According to Tweets from the Occupy Leeds Uni account, the group has also met with the Vice Chancellor today to speak about their demands.

Upon request for comment, a University spokesperson said: “It is deeply regrettable that our community is one of only 21 from about 150 nationally that is subject to this marking and assessment boycott. We have already made a series of commitments to deal with some of the issues at the heart of this industrial action, including cutting the use of short term contracts.

“The University will consider participation in a marking/assessment boycott to be partial performance, resulting in pay deductions of up to 100% due to breach of contract, although where staff notify us of their involvement in advance to help us mitigate the impact, we will deduct at 50%.”

Occupy Leeds Uni is hosting an ‘Occupiers’ protest’ today at 5pm at the wavy bacon statue for all those who wish to show solidarity with striking university staff.

Groove Armada: Dance music legends bring super style to their twilight voyage

Alex Gibbon on 8 April 2022

The babysitters have been booked, the Friday morning sick calls have been fully rehearsed, the hangover remedies have been pre-emptively laid out on kitchen islands. O2 Academy Leeds is packed with old-school ravers raring to go like it’s the last night of their lives. And why not? After all, this is likely the final chance they have to see Groove Armada perform a fully live show.

To celebrate a hugely successful 25 years since their debut, the dance legends are going out with a bang with a farewell tour. The duo, consisting of Tom Findlay and Andy Cato, defined the sound of the dancefloor for a generation alongside the likes of Basement Jaxx, Moloko and The Chemical Brothers. Throughout their genre-defying 8 album discography, they infuse floor fillers with flavours of trip-hop, funk and jungle to create music that is as at home in a sweaty house party basement as it is on a sun-soaked Ibiza beach. As sad it is to see them go, the crowd can’t wait to watch them leave.

As expected, the night’s setlist has its focus on the fan favourites rather than deeper cuts. With hits like ‘Look Me in the Eye Sister’, ‘My Friend’, and ‘Song 4 Mutya’ smartly starting proceedings, the room is invigorated from the offset.

M.A.D. and Groove Armada

Three singers share the responsibility of vocals, switching out individually for each song. Saint Saviour, complete with a tartan kilt and pigtails like a rave-ready Pippi Longstocking, covers the stomping house tracks while throwing her body into theatrically poised shapes. Veba punches iron-lunged power into the duo’s soulful electronica. M.A.D. acts as the hypeman, MCing over breakbeats and bringing the vigorous energy of an after-hours party. Each vocalist excels in their own style and highlights the impressive breadth of Groove Armada’s sound. This variety is also what propels the show forward, sometimes in unexpected ways. M.A.D. filling the shoes of Gramma Funk on irresistible Big Beat anthem ‘I See You Baby’ was a particular delight.

After a night of bleeping synths and pumping four-to-the-floor beats, the call of a trombone signals the encore with the opening riffs of downtempo house anthem ‘At The River’. By the time the intro of show closer ‘Superstylin’ rolls around, the crowd are practically rabid.

This swansong may have been a no-frills affair but, by relying on the strength of their crowd-pleasing catalogue, Groove Armada were able to deliver a lively and consistent send-off. This armada may be on its twilight voyage, but this is how you dock for the last time in super style.

Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival set for a fabulous return

Alex Gibbon on 5 April 2022

The hotly anticipated Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival (HBBF), an annual event established in 2013, returns to the stage this Spring after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The almost sold-out 2020 edition of the festival was cancelled only 6 weeks before the opening night when the world went into lockdown. However, with their “keep calm and carry on” attitude, an online show took place via Zoom and over 250 people bought tickets and watched live from their living rooms as 11 Burlesque performers transformed their homes into stages and performed their acts to their phones and laptops.

Now, Festival producer, Lady Wildflower, is delighted to finally bring the Festival back to the stage from 28th April – 1st May 2022. Previously, HBBF – the biggest and most renowned Burlesque Festival in the UK outside of London and now in its 9th year, took place at various venues throughout the Calder Valley with its Saturday night Gala at Todmorden Hippodrome. This year, due to demand, all 5 shows will be taking place at the Hippodrome and will be making use of the larger stage and venue capacity for what’s set to be the biggest and most anticipated HBBF yet!

Lady Wildflower, who produces the Festival said: “Following a tough couple of years for the live entertainment industry, I am so excited to bring back the Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival in 2022. HBBF has been sorely missed over the past 2 years and I’ve been touched by the support of our audiences throughout the pandemic and their enthusiasm for being able to attend live shows and visit the valley once more. From nearby residents to those coming from around the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, attendees have always brought a real buzz to Calderdale when the Festival is on, with local accommodation and businesses reporting an uplift over the weekend. It’s great that the Festival can contribute so much to the local community again. Described as ‘the Jewel of the Burlesque Calendar’ by 21st Century Burlesque, and with performers and artists coming from all over the world, this year’s bigger and better HBBF is a show not to be missed!”

Heidi Bang Tidy, host of Legend in the Making

HBBF opens on Thursday 28th April with the Legend in the Making newcomers competition – the most prestigious Burlesque competition in the country. 12 upcoming artists from all over the UK will compete for the title in front of a panel of industry professionals and an audience vote.

On Friday 29th April, there are two shows running back to back for a full night of exciting, cutting-edge entertainment. First up is a visiting show from London: The Cocoa Butter Club (TCBC) – the game-changing burlesque of ground-breakers, space makers and booty shakers! TCBC invites audiences to join a movement of culture, history and empowerment, to revel in the rhythm and soak up the stories. Featuring Burlesque, live music, Drag, circus and more from a cast of BIPOC performers from the world of alternative cabaret. Next up on Friday evening is The Late Night Quickie – A short but sweet foray into the edgier side of cabaret! Showcasing the finest neo-burlesque artists from all around the UK.

Sadie Sinner of The Cocoa Butter Club

On Saturday 30th April, the Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival Gala takes place as the highlight of the weekend. Starring the crème de la crème of burlesque, cabaret, comedy and circus entertainment, the Gala will be headlined by international Burlesque royalty, Miss Exotic World & Queen of Burlesque 2018: INGA – who will be flying to the UK from the USA to perform exclusively at HBBF. The Gala will be hosted by Antipodean chanteuse KIKI DEVILLE – one of the most recognisable faces in the European cabaret world and star of BBC’s The Voice and judge on All Together Now. Kiki and Inga will be joined by an all-star cast bringing aerial circus acts, fire performances, hilarious comedy, clowning and mime performances and of course, the most glamorous and sensational burlesque acts.

The Festival goes out with a bang on Sunday 1st May with the most anticipated event of the weekend – Live & Stripping! The worlds of burlesque and live music collide in this electric, exciting show like has never seen before. Each internationally acclaimed artist will perform exclusive Burlesque acts accompanied by live band Cabaret Against the Machine with their eclectic and unique setlist of rock, pop, metal, funk, dance and blues tunes.

Kiki Deville

During the day on Saturday and Sunday, HBBF promises to keep attendees busy with a programme of fun and informative workshops and master classes from travelling artists – taking place at the Todfellows Space on Oxford Street, Todmorden. With topics ranging from Beginners’ Burlesque to Drag Aerobics to Retro Go-Go Dancing and much more.
There will also be a “Pop-up Vintage Hair & Beauty Parlour” taking place on Saturday afternoon ready for attendees to get glammed up and feel fabulous for the Saturday night Gala.

Possibly one of the most anticipated events of the weekend is Dolly Trolley’s Drag Bingo which returns after a sold-out success in 2019. This glitzy and glamorous game show for all to partake in, with camp anthems, prizes, lip-sync battles, bum shake-offs, conga lines, spot prizes and drag performances from Dolly Trolley throughout will be taking place at The Golden Lion, Todmorden on Sunday 1st May at 2pm.

Dolly Trolley

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.hebdenbridgeburlesquefestival.co.uk

Dorian Electra brings high voltage hyperpop to Belgrave Music Hall

Alex Gibbon on 4 April 2022

Dorian Electra has brought the Queers out to play. The crowd is a multi-coloured sea of dyed hair, trans pride flags, and rainbow suspenders. Any sold-out show at Belgrave Music Hall is bound to conjure an atmosphere of excitement, but this rainbow brigade seems especially ready to get down and dirty.

Such a unique audience could only be drawn by an artist as innovative as Electra. The genderfluid popstar’s outlandish on-stage persona and intelligent caricature of masculinity has made them the doy-them of hyperpop performers. In a genre that thrives on collaboration, Electra has racked up an impressive roster of credits alongside 100 Gecs, Charli XCX, and even Lady Gaga. Their most recent album, 2020’s ‘My Agenda’, is a riotous collection of distorted and glitching pop bangers and masterfully blends Queer politics, meme culture, and experimental production. Electra’s range of influences is so broad and esoteric, it’s anyone guess what they will bring to the stage tonight.  

As the creepy and abrasive trills of show opener ‘F the World’ ring out, a silhouetted figure appears on stage. Through strobing neon lights, Electra can be seen in an ensemble best described as a sort of kinky Slenderthem: a long black PVC trenchcoat; devilishly pointed shoulder pads; taloned black gloves. Through both ‘M’lady’ and ‘Gentleman’, two technpop tracks that cleverly satirise the trope of the chivalrous man, the singer thrashes to the beat with flare. The constant oscillation of Electra’s shows between ridiculous camp and unnerving horror brings nothings but joy.

Launching into the middle third the set, Electra drives the show into pure pop overdrive. A speedy costume change sees them return as a scantily clad police chief flanked by two similarly bare-skinned dancers. The focus is now on Electra’s brighter first album ‘Flamboyant’ as the trio convulse in synchronisation to sticky melodic hooks and clattering synths. In fact, the outro of the album’s title track is where Electra’s vocals shine the brightest, drawing attention to how seldom their voice is gifted a spotlight amid the extravagance. Although, this does nothing to diminish their command of the stage. “Spell it out for Daddy”, Electra orders as the financially benevolent love interest during the tongue-in-cheek ‘Daddy Like’. The singing audience do as they are told.  

The tail end of the show sees Electra, now dressed as an anime-inspired army general, deliver their most aggressive material. With maximalist tracks such as ‘Ram It Down’, ‘Iron Fist’ and ‘My Agenda’, they juggle heavy metal, hardcore, dubstep and bubblegum bass to create the sound of sickly-sweet dystopian future. It’s enchanting and unnerving in equal measure.

For all the theatricality of a Dorian Electra show, the performer is smart to not rely solely on shock value. To see the deconstruction of masculinity from an artist between the binary enacted with such irreverent playfulness is nothing short of exhilarating. Make no mistake, this protest pop could be just the thing to kickstart a genderqueer revolution.

Skiddle launches candles that smell just like your favourite festival

Alex Gibbon on 1 April 2022

Ever sat at home watching daytime TV, rain pelting against the window, reminiscing about your favourite festivals you haven’t been able to attend for the last TWO years? Fear not! The limited edition festival candle from Skiddle, appropriately named ‘Festiv’eau’,  has just dropped. 


The first in Skiddle’s new line of ‘Live e’scents’ candles , Festiv’eau launches today (April 1st), and is jam-packed with all of the unique, but not always agreeable, scents any festival-lover will need to transport themselves into the field of their dreams.


A limited number of the candles have been released today, retailing at £30 each, with all proceeds donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, the brand’s long-term charity partner.


Name a more iconic festival partnership than the smell of grass stains, pints,  burger vans and… portaloos? As the candle starts to burn, those lucky enough to get their hands on one will feel transported to the grounds of their favourite festival. Imagine… 


It’s the morning, the sun is shining, everyone is buzzing with excitement and the smell of freshly trimmed grass is wafting through the air. As the day goes on, your stomach starts to rumble. A familiar smell of sizzling, hot, fresh burgers cooking tempts you over to the van. When the sun starts to dip over the horizon, you find yourself queuing up at the bar, chatting to your friends before ordering a pint of lager. And the next morning, when you pop your head outside your tent and you’re ready to take on the day, you notice a smell lingering in your nostrils. It’s not particularly pleasant, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is… Until you pass the portaloos.


With 30 hours of burn time, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the candle and be transported through the different phases of everyone’s favourite festival experiences. 


Skiddle has confirmed that they are also working on two new scents that will drop later this year. Smells like Teen Spirit, will evoke the memories of student nights, with scents of sickly sweet drinks, burnt pizza, latex, and a slight whiff of puke; and Eau’asis – Cigarettes & Alcohol will transport users to their favourite indie gigs, with smells of stale cider, cigarette fumes, sweat, ending in a taxi ride home (new car smell). 


Made in collaboration with Leeds based company, Flaming Crap, Skiddle’s limited edition candles are made from vegan soy wax and recycled materials and are in the company’s iconic recyclable paint tin style. So as well as being a statement piece, the candle is great for the environment. 


Jamie Scahill, head of marketing at Skiddle, commented: “We all missed live events over the last couple of years, and we wanted to give fans a new way to celebrate them, all from the comfort of their own home.” 


“We’re getting ready for festival season at Skiddle, so as we eagerly await, it felt only right to release Festiv’eau first, the first limited edition product in our new candle range ‘Live e’scents’. From the satisfying tempting smells of burgers and pints of lager, to the unpleasant, yet strangely pleasing wafts of grass and portaloos, the ‘Festiv’eau’ candle has everything anyone needs to get in the festival spirit.” 

Purchase the first Live Event Scent, ‘Festiv’eau’ candle from Skiddle’s website here, from 1st April at 12pm. 

Roxy Lanes: Yorkshire’s largest gaming destination and bar opens next week

Alex Gibbon on 2 February 2022

Bar and bowling alley, Roxy Lanes, is relocating from its current location on Bond Street to
The Light on The Headrow. The mammoth venue, due to open on 11th February is a
whopping three times the size of its Bond Street predecessor, which opened in Leeds back
in 2014. This brand-new gaming hub will incorporate all the elements of existing Roxy
venues along with some new games that have never been seen in Leeds before.

Whether you’re looking for date ideas, want to relive childhood memories or simply fancy a
fun night out, the brand-new Roxy Lanes has got you covered. The ground floor will play
host to a large bar area where customers can choose from a selection of craft beers,
cocktails and spirits, as well as slices and fries, The games will begin here for those who
want to shoot some hoops with two Basketball Machines. The basement area will be
dedicated to gaming, with 10 bowling lanes, massive shuffleboards, American pool tables,
air hockey, ice curling and a massive second bar area.

Something new for this venue is the addition of two ice curling lanes where players slide
stones down the smooth surface of the lane, aiming for the bullseye. However, the only chill in
the air will come from your opponents as this is an ice-free curling lane, one of only a few in
the whole of the UK. 

Speaking about the re-location and what customers can expect from this venue, General
Manager Cameron Mosley, says: “This is an incredible location, right in the heart of Leeds city
centre. Whilst the Bond Street venue was a great starting point for us as a brand, it’s now time to up
the ante. We’re delighted to be able to expand and offer our customers even more of that Roxy
Lanes experience, the demand is already going through the roof for our new venue and we can’t wait
to take gaming In Leeds to the next level!”

With two Roxy Ball Room venues already a huge success at their Merrion Street and Boar Lane locations, the Roxy brand looks forward to adding a bigger, better Roxy Lanes to the mix. 

The 15,000 square foot venue is also the perfect place to watch the latest sporting action,
with live BT and Sky Sports showing everywhere, even at the end of the bowling lanes – a
perfect addition in time for the 6 Nations Championship and FIFA World Cup which are both taking place in 2022.

So, if you want to rack up your strikes, play some drinking games or try your hand at
something totally new, then the brand-new Roxy Lanes at The Light is the ideal venue to
while away an evening or kick-start the weekend. The Bond Street venue will continue to
trade until the switch over takes place. Those looking to get their game on this from February
should book in now!