UK | New Years Eve Manchester, Events Listings, Parties & Venues In Manchester 2009 / 2010

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Up on the roof

In 1988, the bell tower that dominates the city skyline in Worcester was in danger of collapse, with the rest of the stonework on the building fast being worn down by wind and rain.

But thanks to grants and public funding totalling more than £10m, much of the fabric of the building has now been restored. Take a look around with Cathedral Architect, Chris Romain – and Works Manager, Darren Steele.

Not all images have captions. Music courtesy KPM Music.
Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 23 March 2010.

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Worcester Cathedral
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More audio slideshows

Sea drifters

Quilts at the V&A

First class scientists

Greece and Rome rediscovered
</p

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In Pictures

Britons raise cash for charity by doing the Sport Relief mile

Election to be captured by artist

Simon Roberts

A photographer has been chosen as the nation’s official artist for the coming general election.

Simon Roberts has been commissioned by the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art to document campaigning activity in the run-up to polling day.

Mr Roberts will be given special access to the campaign trail and his images will join the House of Commons Parliamentary Art Collection.

He will also ask the public to send in photographs for a parallel exhibition.

They are being asked to use digital cameras or mobile phones to capture local campaigns for an online gallery, with some images selected for display at the official Commons exhibition after the election.

"Getting the public involved in the project also emphasises the democratic process Simon is documenting"

Works of Art Committee Chairman Hugo Swire

Mr Roberts said: "I’m thrilled to receive this commission and be able to play a role in documenting what’s likely to be one of the most exciting and historically significant elections since 1997."

He will spend three weeks travelling in a motor home, capturing the relationship between canvassing politicians and the voting public.

Election battle-buses, village greens, polling stations and shopping centres will provide the backdrop to many of the shots, taken using a traditional 5in by 4in plate camera.

"I’m particularly interested in the relationship between politicians and the public," said Mr Roberts.

"With the internet age, will there be politicians hitting the streets or will it all be done via mobile phones and call centres That’s the key for me."

‘Inspiration’

There have been two previous election commissions. Jonathan Yeo’s Proportional Representation was a series of three portraits of the party leaders, painted for the 2001 election.

In 2005, David Godbold’s Forward not backward was a series of 18 drawings. However, he later claimed there had been attempts to censor his work and that he would not work for Parliament again.

Works of Art Committee chairman Hugo Swire said: "Since the days of Hogarth, elections have provided artists with a rich source of inspiration.

"This is the first time we have commissioned a photographer to follow the election and we are therefore very excited about what Simon Roberts is going to produce.

"Getting the public involved in the project also emphasises the democratic process Simon is documenting."</p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Shaping the news

By Torin Douglas
BBC media correspondent

A Channel M microphone

Drastic cuts at a respected community TV channel in Manchester have raised questions about the future of local news and the reshaping of local media in the UK.

Channel M, under the ownership of Guardian Media Group (GMG), pioneered the convergence of local TV, newspapers and online news services.

Many see this as the only way forward for the local media, as more and more of their advertising moves on to the internet.

The station was singled out in the Conservatives’ blueprint last year for restructuring local media as "the most successful local television in the UK". Now it’s ceasing most production.

Channel M began life as a student TV station, and opened officially in 2003, winning a Restricted Service Licence to broadcast in and around Manchester.

‘Loss-making’

Later it became available on cable and satellite and the internet. To keep costs low, it used content and staff from the Manchester Evening News, owned by GMG.

At its peak, the channel was producing live news broadcasts five days a week at 5pm and 9pm, as well as a live three-hour breakfast show, incorporating music, sport and entertainment.

Now, most of its original production is to be stopped, after GMG failed to find a buyer for it when it sold the Manchester Evening News and its other regional newspapers to Trinity Mirror.

"We want to see the emergence of a radically different, improved and forward-looking local media sector"

Jeremy Hunt
Shadow culture secretary

Jeremy Hunt

The station will remain broadcasting, showing mainly archive material, network news and traffic, but 29 of the 33 staff are likely to lose their jobs.

Many saw the Manchester station as a model for the government’s new breed of Independently Funded News Consortia (IFNCs), designed to make regional news bulletins for ITV1.

The door was opened after Michael Grade, ITV’s executive chairman, said it could no longer afford to provide them.

But the Department for Culture Media and Sport chose three other areas for its pilot IFNC projects – the north-east of England, Scotland and Wales.

While the Digital Economy Bill, giving legal backing to the IFNCs, goes through Parliament, industry experts are sifting bids involving ITN, the Press Association, several regional newspaper groups and other production companies.

US model

An announcement of the winning bids is expected later this month.

But the Conservatives have warned the bidders they will scrap the IFNCs if they come to power.

Jeremy Hunt, the shadow culture secretary, said: "Propping up regional news simply casts a failed regional TV model in aspic and would actively prevent the emergence of new, local media models."

Instead, Mr Hunt wants to create about 80 local multi-media companies, each producing TV, radio, print and online services.

Channel M logo courtesy of MEN Syndication

He takes his inspiration from city TV in the United States and Canada and points out that Birmingham, Alabama, has eight local TV stations, while Birmingham in the UK has none.

He said recently: "We want to see the emergence of a radically different, improved and forward-looking local media sector.

"Not just local TV, where we are about the only major developed country not to have proper city-based TV franchises, but profitable, hungry and ambitious local radio, local newspapers and local websites."

To achieve this, the Conservatives would scrap the cross-media ownership rules that prevent local media companies merging.

The plan was set out in a paper last summer by Roger Parry, former chairman of Johnston Press.

He proposed that Ofcom should advertise a single bundle of about 80 local TV licences, to be run by a "spectrum band manager", which would then allocate them to independent local consortia.

But the industry remains sceptical about city TV, more than two years after Mr Hunt first put forward his vision.

At a recent event, several experienced TV executives and financiers reminded him that Channel One, the London cable TV service run by Associated Newspapers, lost £25m before being closed – and that Channel M in Manchester was also loss-making.

This fact was acknowledged in the Conservative blueprint, which has a three-page annexe devoted to Channel M.

It said the channel had "a good audience share and has won many awards but, lacking significant classified advertising revenue and without shared network programmes, it is loss-making."

That could be changed, the paper suggested, if Channel M were part of a national network of local stations, which would allow syndication of content and access to national advertising budgets.

Reality check

So why is Channel M cutting back just as the two biggest political parties see its model as a way forward for local media

In a statement, GMG said the station was no longer sustainable in its current form.

It cited "the absence of a committed buyer, the loss of access to news from MEN Media, and the costs associated with the requirement to leave its current building".

Trinity Mirror declined to buy Channel M when it acquired MEN Media, despite its involvement in the government’s IFNC bids. GMG’s chief executive Carolyn McCall said she was "surprised Trinity Mirror didn’t see it as a strategic fit".

Would it have made any difference if the north-west of England – rather than the north-east – had been chosen as one of the IFNC pilots Or would that simply have delayed a reality-check that has implications for the whole industry</p

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BBC world music DJ Gillett dies

Charlie Gillett

BBC World Service DJ Charlie Gillett has died after a long illness, aged 68.

Known as a champion of world music, the Lancashire-born broadcaster passed away on Wednesday morning, his official website confirmed.

The author and publisher had contracted a disease of the autoimmune system, and last week suffered a heart attack.

Gillett is credited with discovering Dire Straits in 1976 after playing Sultans of Swing from their demo tape on his Radio London show Honky Tonk.

‘Sorely missed’

He also wrote an acclaimed history of rock’n'roll, The Sound of the City, in the 1970s.

World Service director Peter Horrocks said he was an inspiration whose spirit of adventure and passion for the rich diversity of global music opened the ears of the world.

"His broadcasts brought together music and radio fans from far flung corners of the globe," he said.

"His postbag was one of the biggest, most affectionate and diverse in Bush House, which confirmed his special place in listener’s lives. He was a very special broadcaster and he will be sorely missed."

Gillett, who was born in Morecambe and brought up in Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, discovered several stars of world music.

They include Johnnie Allen’s Cajun version of Chuck Berry’s Promised Land, Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita and the young singer of Portuguese fado music, Mariza.</p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

UK Asians ask BBC to save station

BBC logo

A group of leading British Asians has called on the BBC to reverse its planned closure of digital radio station Asian Network.

The group includes comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, boxer Amir Khan and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

In a letter to the Guardian newspaper, signatories said that a key outlet for Asian talent would be "tragically lost" if the station was shut.

The BBC unveiled the proposal this week as part of a major service review.

This also included the proposed closure of fellow digital radio station 6 Music and a 25% reduction in website spending.

The threat to 6 Music has prompted protests from thousands of listeners, as well as musicians like David Bowie, Lily Allen and Coldplay.

BBC director general Mark Thompson said that half of BBC websites would close by 2013, along with teen services Switch and Blast, and that he expected an extra £600m ($893m) to be diverted into programme-making as a result of the changes.

"As loyal licence-fee payers, we trust we will not be let down"

Letter signatories

Those supportive of Asian Network said in the letter: "The BBC we have grown up with has always prided itself on celebrating diversity.

"In that respect the Asian Network is a national platform for musicians, Asian culture in general, news, debate and documentaries.

"It provides a key platform for the national Asian community, and offers an outlet to Asian talent, which is demonstrably underrepresented in the more mainstream BBC.

"We urge the BBC Trust to reconsider this proposal and stop the closure of a valued station which is greatly needed by your licence-fee-paying audience nationally.

"As loyal licence-fee payers, we trust we will not be let down."

Other signatories include writer Meera Syal, Khalid Mahmood MP, Lord Dholakia and Lord Kamlesh Patel.

BBC Asian Network has an annual budget of £12.1m and attracts about 360,000 listeners a week.

The BBC review said the station provided an "inconsistent listening experience," adding that the audience was declining and the costs were relatively high.

Following the announcements made earlier this week, the proposals have now been put out for public consultation by the BBC Trust over the next three months. </p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Danny La Rue costumes for sale

Danny La Rue in a 1969 BBC television play

Sequined gowns and pantomime classics worn by the late entertainer Danny La Rue are to be auctioned in March.

They include outfits worn in the West End hit Hello Dolly! and glamorous frocks he wore impersonating Zsa Zsa Gabor, Tina Turner, and Dolly Parton.

The costumes and other memorabilia from La Rue’s 60-year career will be sold at Brick Lane Music Hall in London.

The Irish-born star, who was once Britain’s best known drag act, died last May at the age of 81.

The costumes are being sold by Annie Galbraith, the entertainer’s long-time friend and companion towards the end of his life.

Comic in a frock

Four have already been bought by the Victoria and Albert Museum, two of which will be on permanent display.

Another pair will be featured in a forthcoming exhibition of pantomime costumes at the Museum of Childhood.

During the 1960s and 70s, La Rue was one of the highest paid stars on television as well as carving out a successful career on the stage and in cabaret.

He was born Daniel Patrick Carroll, in Cork in 1927 and moved to London with his family when he was nine.

La Rue moved into show business after leaving the navy and made his West End debut in the mid-50s.

Danny La Rue in drag

In 1969, he became the first drag act to feature in the Royal Variety Performance, the first of three such appearances.

He also became the first man to appear as a female character in a major musical when he took the role of Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! in a 1982 production which eventually transferred to the West End.

He became a regular in pantomime and in summer shows around the country leading one critic to describe him as "a national monument".

He continued working almost to the end with appearances in a biographical revue in Spain at the age of 79 and the Brick Lane Music Hall in 2007.

Though he made his name as a drag performer, Danny La Rue always refused to be labelled as a female impersonator, once describing himself as "a comic in a frock".</p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

MP seeks licence fee debate

Ben Bradshaw

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw has queried the value of the BBC’s licence fee and said there is "good reason" for a debate over its future.

Mr Bradshaw told Sky News there were questions over whether the licence fee should continue "as the best funding mechanism" for the BBC.

The debate over the £3.6bn settlement should consider the size of the corporation, he said.

But Mr Bradshaw declined to comment on reports about proposed BBC cuts.

Mr Bradshaw told Sunday Live on Sky News: "I think there is a good reason to have a debate in the run-up to the next licence fee, which we shall have if we are in government, as to how big the BBC should be, how big the licence fee should be, even if we should continue to have a licence fee in the long-term as the best funding mechanism."

‘Difficult decisions’

It was important the public were involved in the debate because they paid for the service and consumed the programmes, he said.

He went on: "The BBC is free at any time to say ‘Look we don’t need all the money we have got, have some back’.

"But it is very, very important that political parties in between the years when the licence fee is set don’t give a running commentary like that because that would be a very serious breach of the BBC’s independence," he said.

Mr Bradshaw said he did not want to be drawn on proposed BBC cuts, which would reportedly close down digital stations BBC 6 Music and the Asian Network.

He admitted he had never listened to 6 Music but said the station’s future was a matter for the the BBC to decide.

"Whatever the BBC drops or stops doing there are bound to be people who are not happy with that but hey that is the job of leadership, that is the job of strategic management which means you have to take difficult decisions.

"Let’s wait to see what the BBC comes up with before we weigh in and give commentary on it," he said. </p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Health worry over cinema snacks

Popcorn

Movie-goers should have more information about how many calories are in cinema snacks, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.

The nutrition watchdog is concerned about the portion sizes of cinema snacks which are often high in fat, sugar or salt.

The FSA said that cinemas sell "pretty large portions" and do not offer a smaller choice to customers.

FSA chief executive Tim Smith told The Times cinema food was "a concern".

Mr Smith said there seemed to be increasingly large snacks on sale. "Who would ever have thought of the idea of a family needing a wheelbarrow to go into a cinema" he said.

"There is a myth that popcorn is calorie-free but that is not the case."

A spokesman for the FSA also said the watchdog did recognise how trips to the cinema were "occasional treats" for people, and that food eaten there "only represents a small amount of the nation’s calories".

Smaller portions

"However, the food on offer at cinemas is food that is often high in fat, sugar and salt," they said.

"It is also served in pretty large portions and people don’t have a choice to choose something smaller, for example the smallest soft drink on offer can be as big as a pint and popcorn tends to come in large buckets.

"The FSA thinks it’s a good idea that people should have more choice. If they want to order a smaller popcorn box or soft drink then it should be available."

The FSA is currently consulting on a calorie labelling scheme for some food businesses and will publish its final recommendations in the summer.

The Times said a large sweet popcorn from a central London cinema weighed 375g (13oz) and was likely to contain around 1,800 calories. </p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

UK cities culture title shortlist

Top left to right: Derry, Norwich. Bottom left to right: Birmingham, Sheffield

The final four cities hoping to be named the UK’s first city of culture in 2013 have been revealed.

The cities chosen by an independent judging panel are Birmingham, Derry, Norwich and Sheffield, with a winner due to be announced in the summer.

The competition aims to build on the success of Liverpool, which was European Capital of Culture in 2008.

It is expected that the successful city will see economic and social benefits which could leave a lasting legacy.

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge congratulated the four cities, which were taken from a shortlist of 14 bidders in December.

"The panel was influenced by the expected step change each city was asked to envisage, if they gained the title and subsequent media spotlight"

Phil Redmond

Chair of advisory panel

"It’s a testament to their hard work – and dedication to culture – that they’ve come so far in what has proven to be a very tough competition.

"I’m really pleased that we attracted such a strong and varied field. It just goes to show the richness of culture across the UK," she said.

The other 10 cities should "take heart" from what they had achieved and "continue to work on creating a cultural offer which can be enjoyed by all," she added.

Phil Redmond, chair of the independent advisory panel which made its recommendations to Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw, said making the selection had been a "stimulating but difficult task".

"The panel was influenced by the expected step change each city was asked to envisage, if they gained the title and subsequent media spotlight.

"It was a hard choice but also heartening that all bidders had recognised the power of culture to bring people together; to work collectively within existing resources for a common goal and bring into being networks that may not have existed before," he said.

The panel also includes the former controller of BBC Northern Ireland, Anna Carragher, and Culture Show presenter Lauren Laverne.</p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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