new'ken'...

3 clifton avenue room 1 Leeds uk ls9 6eu

Taylor Swift remains inescapable. Tales of her reign are legion, as are her fans. Next to Beyoncé, her power and influence have reached heights so unbridled it’s almost unfathomable. Her Eras Tour made nearly a billion dollars in 2023, and the concert film of that tour has brought in nearly $250 million worldwide. When rumors started swirling in the fall that she was dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, they upended American football. Still, when Time named her Person of the Year, conspiracy theorists saw only one explanation. They allege Swift is a psyop.

If you’ve lived on the internet long enough, you will have heard this kind of thing before. Back in 2016, when she was largely apolitical in her public life, Swift was a hero of the so-called alt-right who some believed was actually red-pilling America to further a racist, conservative agenda. When she piped up about politics in 2018, some people online (somewhat jokingly) theorized she’d been replaced by an NPC. The latest twist? “The regime has plans to weaponize her just in time for 2024,” the @EndWokeness account posted on X Wednesday, adding that if you didn’t find this plausible “you clearly have not been paying attention.”

@EndWokeness has 1.9 million followers, and, as of Monday morning, the post had more than 788,000 views. On Telegram, a QAnon influencer account posted that “we need to wake the next generation up to the occult forces colluding with their favorite celebrities.” Right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec posted on X that “the Taylor Swift girlboss psyop has been fully activated.”

Last week’s Person of the Year honor was also followed by resurfaced allegations that Swift is performing witchcraft to further her success and that the left is using her to influence the 2024 US presidential election. Stephen Miller, a senior adviser during Donald Trump’s presidency, posted a message on X saying that “what’s happening with Taylor Swift is not organic.”

All of this happened the same week WIRED reporter David Gilbert published an investigation into a pro-Russia campaign that used fake Swift quotes in a series of Facebook and X posts attempting to seed anti-Ukraine sentiment, reinforcing—in a totally different way—that celebrity is a powerful tool for manipulation. A few days later, Microsoft researchers revealed a similar effort by an unknown Russian group to alter Cameo videos by celebs like Elijah Wood and Mike Tyson to make it look like they were being critical of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Swift exists as a unique example of the intersection of celebrity and politics, and how it operates globally, says Jonathan Dean, a professor of politics at the University of Leeds. “An important feature of culture and politics over the past 10 years, certainly in the UK and the US and I think probably more broadly as well, is that there’s been a significant convergence in the grammar and style and mode, if you like, of pop culture fandom and political citizenship,” he says, referencing the similar ways fandoms and political parties can operate. “Taylor Swift is interesting in that sense because I think she’s a real embodiment of those convergences.”

Simone Driessen, an assistant professor of media and popular culture at Erasmus University Rotterdam, agrees, noting that as the message-spreading of fandom has merged with that of politics, support can be mobilized readily. As Driessen puts it, “fandom(s), particularly the practices of what fans do, can be weaponized.” What’s weird is that to those who believe these claims, Swift has risen to a level where she can be a powerful political pawn—all without her input. (Swift’s rep did not respond to an email seeking comment on whether or not the singer was part of a psyop.)

Well, maybe not entirely without her input. Swift herself knows how to plant seeds. Her lyrics are written to be decoded by listeners. Her fans have their own theories, like those espoused by Gaylors who decode every image and message from Swift through a queer lens, powered by their belief that the singer is trying to signal that she’s in some way into women. (She could be! But also, who cares?) Some people believe she showed up at Kelce’s game against the New York Jets just to alter Google Search results away from her use of private planes.

Swift’s name draws attention, and that’s power. It’s why the State of Israel often tags her in social media posts, and why #SwiftiesForPalestine have been asking for her to speak up about the Israel–Hamas war.

Celebrity has been used by political movements for centuries. Politicians are celebrities. Swifties are simultaneously like every fandom before them, but they’re also unique. By remaining largely apolitical for the first half of her career, her acolytes were able to project whatever values they held onto her. When she finally came out in support of women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and Joe Biden during the past few years, she alienated some and brought others to the fold.

Swift also created a vacuum in which anyone could claim she was an agent for any cause. It’s hard to imagine Swifties believing she said Ukrainians “behave like charlatans,” so the odds that a pro-Russia campaign could successfully weaponize her fame are slim. Where she stands on the 2024 US election may be more indecipherable. Perhaps that is the real psyop.

Scholarship Resources - Conferences

In addition to the question of where to publish completed articles (a matter of purely intellectual curiosity for me, since at this point I’m miles away from doing anything that intellectually rigorous), there is the question of where to go to present Tolkien-themed talks, or more realistically, where to see such talks presented. What follows is a list of regularly recurring events where Tolkien’s work and related topics are discussed throughout the academic year, or at least as near as I can figure out. Feedback and corrections are welcome.

Conferences

Medieval Academy of America (MAA) to hold Annual Meeting at Washington DC on 23-26 Feb 23

University of Vermont (UVM) to hold Tolkien in Vermont 2023 at Burlington on 1 Apr 23

Popular Culture Association (PCA/ACA) to hold National Conference at San Antonio (this year) on 5-8 Apr 23; areas of interest include Tolkien Studies Area, Medievalism in Pop Culture, and potentially others

Center for Fantasy and the Fantastic (CFF) to hold GIFCon (Glasgow International Fantasy Conversations) at University of Glasgow (online only this year) on 10-12 May 23

International Congress on Medieval Studies (ICMS) to hold 58th Congress at Kalamazoo on 11-13 May 23

Signum University to hold MythMoot-10 at Leesburg on 22-25 Jun 23 (projected); expect details in Dec 22

International Medieval Congress (IMC) to hold IMC-2023 at Leeds on 3-6 Jul 23

The Mythopoeic Society (MythSoc) to hold 53rd MythCon on 29-31 Jul 23 (projected); host city TBD

The Tolkien Society (TTS) to hold 50th OxonMoot online and in Oxford on 1-4 Sep 23

German Tolkien Society (DTG-Deutsche Tolkien Gesellschaft) to hold 19th Tolkien Seminar at Jena University (near Leipzig) on 27-29 Oct 23 (projected)

It is worth noting that this list does not include emerging events that are not yet well established or those with dates that fluctuate from year to year (the Mythopoeic Society and Signum University have a variety of such events, very valuable but not particularly regular). Also excluded are major Tolkien events conducted in languages other than English, which are not accessible to me as a monoglot.

I was greatly aided in my search by referencing curated CFP lists (call-for-papers) provided online by more experienced (and very gracious) scholars including Kris Swank (forums.signumuniversity.org), Anna Smol (annasmol.net), Becky Dillon (International Tolkien Fellowship on Facebook), Robin Reid (tolkien-on-the-web.dreamwidth.org), Tom Bolton (Green Book of the White Downs on Blogspot), and Eric Mueller-Harder (tolkienists.org). I recommend their work as being more significantly more informed than my own. Their lists often include CFPs for journals, monographs, and other non-event forums which exceed the scope of what this list is intended to be.

EXCLUSIVE: Badshah says The Paagal Tour is an homage to his community: “The divide between East and West in entertainment and music is diminishing”

He will be embarking on an expansive global summer tour from May to August of this year.

Amid unprecedented anticipation for his third studio album, acclaimed hip hop artist of Indian origin, Badshah has just announced his long-awaited return to the global performing arena with The Paagal Tour 2024; he will travel to Canada and the USA for the very first time later this year. With a long-term vision to solidify the Indian hip-hop brand imprint overseas, he will be embarking on an expansive global summer tour from May to August of this year.

Currently, a 6-date arena run with stops across Toronto (May 31st), Vancouver (June 1st), San Francisco (June 7th), Houston (June 8th), Dallas (June 9th) and New Jersey (June 15th) have been announced. Tickets will go live for general sales on Ticketmaster and Sulekha on 1st March 2024. Additional dates for cities such as Singapore, Washington DC, Los Angeles and the Netherlands will be announced for the next few weeks.

Touring in support of his much-awaited third studio album Ek Tha Raja, the upcoming global showcase was previously premiered in India with a sold-out 10-city trek and will couple stellar visual storytelling with state-of-the-art production. The tour with its fresh format will entail a 3-hour show and embrace an eclectic setlist of over 30 songs. Fans can expect to be regaled with some of his all-time radio hits such as ‘Jugnu’, ‘Paani Paani’, ‘Garmi’, ‘DJ Waale Babu’, ‘Lets Nacho’, ‘Kala Chashma’, ‘Kar Gayi Chull’, ‘Genda Phool’, ‘Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai’ and ‘Paagal’, amongst others.

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama about his anticipated world tour, Badshah says, "Grateful and privileged. The Paagal Tour is an homage to my community, symbolizing the power to achieve dreams, shatter stereotypes, and transcend boundaries. Live performances are the highlight of my career. India's cultural richness is something to be proud of, and I salute every Indian contributing to a positive global image. We've moved beyond mere labels, proving our worth. The divide between East and West in entertainment and music is diminishing, fostering more cross-cultural exchange and equal opportunities on both sides."

While Badshah has delivered singular global performances over the past few years—such as his sold-out shows across London, Leeds, Dubai and Abu Dhabi - The Paagal Tour 2024 will mark the rapper’s first-ever multi-city global arena trek of a considerable scale.

The nomenclature of the tour, suggestive of a celebration of the 38-year-old’s artistry and legacy over the last decade, aptly sums up Badshah’s sentiments of the unprecedented run as he prepares to hit the road and set a brand new milestone for the Indian hip hop industry.

Recently rapper-entrepreneur-philanthropist grabbed headlines for becoming the first-ever Indian hip-hop artist to headline the mainstage of UNTOLD which is ranked as the world’s #6 music festival and Europe’s #3 music festival by DJ Mag.

Badshah states, “Grateful and blessed. This year has kickstarted on an extremely electrifying note and I’m appreciative that I’m getting to do everything that I’m truly passionate about. The Paagal Tour is about the ability to conquer your dreams, break stereotypes and transcend boundaries- inspire to be inspired. See you in the arenas soon for one of my most experimental and never-before-seen live show experiences to date! Love and peace!”

Originally due in 2023, his upcoming album Ek Tha Raja was ultimately pushed back to 2024. In a message to his fans announcing the postponement, Badshah assured his audiences that his latest album would be worth the longer-than-expected wait. Billed as the biggest gift the artist has ever presented to his global fan community, the full album will be released sometime in mid-March 2024 and will feature a slew of top-ranking collaborators. The first single from the album ‘Daaku’ which was released earlier this week was trending across all digital streaming platforms.

14th of March – 6.30pm: Diamond, University of Sheffield, Lecture Theatre 2.

Centre for Poetry and Poetics, Sheffield, in collaboration with Black Humanities Series, Presents: FRAN LOCK · SAFAA FATHY · J. R. CARPENTER · GHAZAL MOSADEQ & Pamenar Press

Please note this is an in-person event but we will be running a livestream for those unable to attend in person, please log in by no later than 6.30pm: meet.google.com/bht-tzds-guy

Books will be on sale; payment by cash (preferred).

***

Ghazal Mosadeq is a poet, editor and translator. She is the founder of Pamenar Press, an independent publisher of poetry, translation, hybrid and critical writing. Her own work has been published by gammm Press, Tamaas, Litmus Press, Firmament and Blackbox Manifold among others. She is a member of the editorial advisory board for the Journal of British and Irish Innovative Poetry.

J. R. Carpenter is an artist, writer, researcher, and Lecturer at University of Leeds. Her work asks questions about place, displacement, migration, colonialism, and climate across performance, print, and digital media. Her hybrid print-digital project This is a Picture of Wind was listed in The Guardian’s best poetry books of 2020 and featured in the the Digital Storytelling exhibition at the British Library 2023. Her most recent collection Le plaisir de la côte / The Pleasure of the Coast was published by Pamenar Press in 2023. https://luckysoap.com

Fran Lock is the author of numerous chapbooks and thirteen poetry collections, most recently 'a disgusting lie': further adventures through the neoliberal hell-mouth (Pamenar Press, 2023). Fran was the Judith E. Wilson Poetry Fellow at Cambridge University (2022-23), researching feral subjectivity through the lens of the medieval Bestiary. A collection of hybrid essays based on her research, titled Vulgar Errors/ Feral Subjects was published by Out-Spoken Press late last year. Fran is a Commissioning Editor and maid of all work at the radical arts and culture cooperative Culture Matters. She hates the Tories and all who sail in them. She lives in Kent.

Safaa Fathy was born in Egypt. She is a poet, essay writer and filmmaker. She had her PhD form the Sorbonne University and has been director of programme at the Collège International de Philosophie, Paris. Her plays Terror and Ordeal were prefaced by Jacques Derrida, with whom she signed a book, Tourner les mots (partly translated into English by Max Cavitch, University of Pennsylvania). Her book of poetry Revolution Goes Through Walls (SplitLevel Texts) was first published in Egypt, then in France, and in Brazil. Safaa Fathy’s experimental book of poems entitled Al Haschische is published by Pamenar s Press (London, directed by Ghazal Mosadeq2023). Where not to be Born, 2024 is published by Litumus Press NY. Safaa Fathy’s Name to the Sea, a film poem structured within a still frame, is being published along with the text in seven languages (Vanilla planifolia, Mexico City). Safaa Fathy has been writing a novel in English for the past five years.

The reading will be followed by a conversation with Pamenar Press, its editor, Ghazal Mosadeq and its writers run by Agnes Lehoczky.

Please note this is a free event (students, staff and public); all warmly welcome. There will be Pamenar books on sale before, during and after the readings.

Also see on:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../cente-for-poetry-and...

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/centre.../events/pamenar-press

We've just the blam you need for December with this month's CreativeMornings/Derby speaker Clare Francis-Slater.

Clare is an educator, she has worked mainly in primary schools, but also within many other educational settings including secondary schools, colleges and universities for over twenty years. She is now a freelancer.

She is an educational consultant and has founded her own consultancy organisation ‘Diversity Days Everyday’ which supports other organisations to be more inclusive and embed diversity. She has worked with many local schools, The University of Derby, DTSA (Developing Teachers Schools Academies), the NHS, Leeds City of Culture 2023 and The Arts Council on various projects, creating multi-media work, speaking at events and creating podcasts.

She is a writer and the author of ‘The Little Book of Balm for the Broken Soul’, which was published earlier this year. Clare started to write her ‘Little Book of Balm for the Broken Soul’ after having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and recovering. It was the kind of book she would have wanted to read to support her recovery and help her cope with the trauma she experienced. Clare Francis-Slater lives in Derbyshire where she grew up, with her family – her husband, two teenage children, a dog, two cats, and her chickens!

#CreativeCommunity #Derby #

"The Herricanes" Screens at Nashville Film Festival

Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and make a trail." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) That quote appears at the beginning of the documentary "The Herricanes," which played at the Nashville Film Festival on Monday, October 2, 2023. Olivia Kuan's Mom played football. Olivia thought it was something any girl could do Upon learning how unique her mother's experience was, the young filmmaker decided to document her mother, Basia Haszlakiewicz's, participation in the female football leagues of the seventies. Basia played for the Houston Herricanes in the NWFL (National Women's Football League.) Ms. Kuan's excellent documentary traces the origins of female contact football. She interviewed members of several teams of the seventies. Additionally, she did a great job of labeling each interview subject onscreen. The research and editing team did a terrific job of assembling the interviews into a coherent whole.The archival production team consisted of Kelsey Carr and researcher Chris Morcam. Still photographs and film footage from the games of the seventies take us back in time. The documentary embraces the concept "it's okay for women to be whole people." Another truth the film underscores: "It's important to create a world that welcomes everyone." Interesting timing. Olivia Hill, the first trans-gender woman to hold office in Nashville, was sworn in this very day as one of 5 council-members at large for the Metro area. Meanwhile, the state of Tennessee has banned drag shows in the very recent past. Title IX The entire idea of letting women play contact football grew out of the cultural shift of Title IX in 1972. Title IX said that no school could discriminate on the basis of sex in extra-curricular offerings in public schools. Today's youth don't remember what a sea change this was, but I do. I began teaching junior high school students in 1969 and witnessed the changes of the seventies firsthand. Olivia's mother, Basia Haszlakiewicz, played for the Houston Herricanes in the seventies. To the argument women "don't want to play contact sports" the rebuttal was,"They've never been given the opportunity to see if they want to play football." Today, one of the early supporters of female football runs Gridiron Girls camps. Youngsters who know nothing about Title IX can try football out. Be the Revolution As the film emphasizes, it is not easy to be first. Four National Women's Football League teams were founded in 1974. Among the teams participating over the years were the Toledo Troopers, the Dallas Bluebonnets, the Los Angeles Dandelions, the Dallas/Ft. Worth Shamrocks, the Oklahoma City Dolls, the San Antonio Flames, and the Houston Herricanes. There were initially 14 teams with 3 divisions. The power team was Oklahoma City. In fact, the Oklahoma City Dolls didn't lose a game until their sixth season. The Dolls put a  beat-down on the Herricanes in their first meetings. They averaged 35 points a game and routinely beat the early Herricanes by scores as lopsided as 40 to 0 and/or 56 to 0. The Houston Herricanes But the Herricanes steadily improved and were competitive near the end of the league's existence. The players had to buy their own equipment ($88,15 in Olivia's Mom's case) and it took $50,000 to keep a team afloat. There were more people on the field than in the stands. This did not help the financial situation of the teams. The comment is made in the documentary that parity for women in any sport is yet to be achieved. The documentary made it clear that support for women's contact football in Europe is much stronger, citing the 2019 World Championship in Leeds, England. Teams thrive in countries like Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, Germany and England. As for the original NWFL teams, they began to fold in '78 (Los Angeles Dandelions) and '79 (Toledo Troopers, Oklahoma City Dolls, Houston Herricanes,) Some (the Dallas/Ft. Worth Shamrocks) had folded earlier. The 1979 Championship game was canceled. Today, there are over 100 teams playing, worldwide, and women's sports are increasing in popularity (Natalie Portman is one owner of a woman's team). This interesting and informative documentary---one of the best at the Nashville Film Festival---gives you the history of the genesis of contact football for females. It's a well-done fun documentary. Read the full article

Notable Movies and TV Shows That Were Filmed in Leeds

Leeds, a vibrant city in West Yorkshire, has been a popular location for filmmakers and video production companies, including Shot Blast Media ! Over the years, several movies have been filmed in Leeds, showcasing its diverse landscapes and unique architecture. The city’s rich history and modern infrastructure make it an ideal backdrop for various genres of films. From period dramas to contemporary thrillers, Leeds offers a versatile range of locations that can bring any story to life on the silver screen. One notable film shot in Leeds is The Damned United (2009), which tells the largely fictional story of legendary football manager Brian Clough’s ill-fated, 44-day reign, as the coach of Leeds United. The movie captures the essence of Leeds during the 1970s and features iconic landmarks such as Elland Road Stadium, home to Leeds United Football Club. This 2009 film was adapted from the 2006 bestselling novel “The Damned Utd”. The film used the real Elland Road football stadium for the scene where Brain Clough has a talk with the team in the tunnel facing the pitch. Other locations used in Leeds include; Headingley Stadium, the former Cookridge Hospital site and a linen hire firm in Armley. Interestingly, the film has been criticised by the Clough family as they claim it was not a true story of events. Another film that utilised Leeds as its filming location is Brassed Off (1996), a heartwarming comedy-drama set against the backdrop of a colliery brass band. This movie showcases various areas of Leeds, including its industrial heritage and charming suburban neighbourhoods. Emmerdale is one of Leeds’ greatest TV exports. The long-running soap (1972-present) is set in the fictional Yorkshire village of Emmerdale and is filmed between the ITV Studios in Kirkstall Road and a purpose-built set in Harewood. Some filming also takes place in Leeds and Otley. Filming for the hit BBC period crime drama Peaky Blinders (2013-present) has taken place at several Leeds locations, including Leeds Town Hall, City Varieties and Studio 81 on Kirkstall Road. Have you recognised any Leeds locations whilst watching Peaky Blinders ? Based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick; Bank of Dave (2023) tells the story of how a working class Burnley man and self-made millionaire fought to set up a community bank. Bank of Dave was filmed at Park Square, Duck and Drake, Bond Court, Wellington Street, and many more Leeds locations! A feel-good drama following the story of car dealer Dave Fishwick, Bank of Dave has been a runaway hit since debuting this year. Another film that showcases Leeds is Four Lions (2010), a dark comedy that explores the lives of four aspiring terrorists. The film was shot in a variety of locations across Leeds, including Hyde Park and Headingley Stadium. Four Lions offers an unconventional perspective on the city’s urban landscape. Have you seen this film? The History Boys (2006), based on Alan Bennett’s play of the same name, features scenes filmed at Leeds Grammar School. The movie tells the story of a group of students preparing for their university entrance exams and highlights some of Leeds’ historic educational institutions. In recent years, there has been an increase in film productions choosing Leeds as their filming destination. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and picturesque surroundings have attracted filmmakers looking for unique settings to tell their stories. From small independent productions to big-budget blockbusters, the allure of filming in Leeds continues to grow. Its combination of urban landscapes, scenic countryside, and historical architecture provide filmmakers with endless possibilities for creating visually captivating movies. Overall, with its diverse range of locations and supportive infrastructure for video production companies, it’s no wonder that many filmmakers choose Leeds as their preferred destination for capturing captivating stories on film. Do you know of any other movies or TV shows filmed in Leeds? Let us know! +44 (0)113 288 3245 | [email protected] Watch some of Shot Blast Media’s short films : The Front Line Alchemy ‘The Front Line’ Behind The Scenes The Evil Twin Returns Groundhog Day Parody Shot Blast Media is an award-winning video production and animation company based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Find out more about our services here . Your Industrial Story Starts Here Press the button. Make the call. Transform your media. +44 (0)113 288 3245 [email protected] Contact Us

As 2022 draws to a close, we take a look at the UK property market over the last 12 months and see how Manchester compares to Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds and Glasgow (JLL’s ‘Big Six’ UK cities outside of London).

2022 has been pivotal in demonstrating the country’s recovery from the pandemic. The demand for homes across the “Big Six” cities has risen compared to 2020 and early 2021, where more households left urban areas in favour of the countryside. However, 2022 has shown that the pandemic is well and truly behind us with students and young professionals returning to the cities, causing a spike in rents and property prices alike, as demand exceeds supply within cities with growing populations.

Manchester’s property market is showing no signs of slowing down as the growing population continues to boost the economy and therefore the property market. Manchester offers both owner-occupiers and investors plenty of choices.

Looking into future projections, we dive into what this means for 2023 and beyond, taking facts and figures from the UK’s top property sources.

How is Manchester’s economy performing compared to its 5 main city-region competitors?

The Big Six were responsible for contributing a combined £15.2bn to the UK economy, with their combined economies growing 22% in the last 10 years. Manchester leads the GVA growth by city, with almost 35% 10-year historic growth, and a further 25% projected growth for the next 10 years.

Manchester’s economy is driven by high-growth modern industry sectors, having strong financial services, tech and creative businesses. This is a combination of both home-grown and high-growth businesses such as The Hut Group, UK Fast, and Boohoo, and national and international businesses relocating to the city. As recently as December 2022, Starling Bank has hailed Manchester’s “deep pool of tech talent and rich cultural and creative heritage” as key to its decision to open an office in the city and is set to create up to 1,000 jobs. This is just one recent example of many major financial services and tech businesses opening or relocating to the city.Not only has Manchester had the highest 10 year historic growth, it also has the highest 10 year forecasted growth of JLL’s ‘Big Six’ cities. (Source – JLL’s Big Six Residential Development Report 2022)

The city has seen large-scale investment into infrastructure such as the ongoing Metrolink expansion with over £1.5bn spent developing and expanding the tram network within the city since 2010. The government’s Northern Powerhouse rail has also recently been reaffirmed and the £39 billion investment project will improve the east-to-west travel links in the North, contributing an estimated £14.4 billion to the UK economy.

Manchester Airport is also the busiest UK airport outside of London, benefitting from the first phase of the huge £1 billion investment with the upgrade of Terminal 2 and the airport city development. The city is also awaiting the arrival of the HS2 between 2035-2040, another £44.6 billion investment which will see travel times from Manchester to London halved.

Growing population = growing demand

Manchester led the ‘Big Six’s population growth over the last 10 years with 10.7%, as people moved north away from London in search of a more affordable lifestyle in a city that still offers big city life, with a further 100,000 people predicted to move into Manchester city centre by 2025. The city saw the highest number of people moving there from elsewhere in the UK in 2021, totalling 58,800, with young professionals making up 35,000 of this figure.Manchester has had the highest level of population growth over the past ten years (10.7%), followed closely by Edinburgh (10.5%). (Source – JLL’s Big Six Residential Development Report 2022)

Manchester gathered many accolades in 2022, with its Northern Quarter being featured on two of Time Out’s Coolest Neighbourhood Lists – coming in at number 30 on the Top 51 Coolest Neighbourhoods In The World and number 4 on the Top 12 Coolest Neighbourhoods In The UK and it’s neighbour, Ancoats, named number 21 on the Top 33 Coolest Streets In The World. National Geographic also named it in the top 25 ‘Best of the World 2023’ list, citing the city’s art scene and famous football teams, and Lonely Planet recognised Manchester in the ‘Learn’ category of its ‘Best of Travel 2023’ list, the only UK city to feature. The thriving northern city was also named the UK’s top tech city outside of London in CBRE’s latest “UK Tech Cities Report”, retaining its position at the top following previous reports in 2017 and 2019. 

It’s no surprise Manchester was also named UK’s Most Liveable City once again, according to The Economist’s Global Liveability Index 2022, making it the 28th Most Liveable City In The World, beating London by 5 places. This is an accolade the city has held each year since the Global Liveability Survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit began in 2011, where cities are ranked according to factors such as political stability, infrastructure, healthcare, graduate retention rates, and access to green space. 

Manchester has the highest graduate retention rates in England, with more than 50 percent of students who study there opting to stay after they finish uni, with almost a third of people moving to Manchester from other parts of the UK aged 20-24, and young professionals aged 20-34 making up 59% of newcomers to the city annually.Young professionals aged 20-34 make up 59% of newcomers to the city annually. (Source – JLL’s Big Six Residential Development Report 2022)

Job opportunities continue to rise

Manchester employment has seen a 32% growth in employment over the last 10 years, almost twice nearly all the other cities. As more businesses come into the city, the demand skyrockets for people to work in industries such as tech, logistics, banking, and property amongst others, with 80 of the 100 Financial Times Stock Exchange’s companies having offices in Manchester. Manchester is also the European headquarters for companies like Brother and UAE firm Etihad Airways, and accounts for 7% of all financial services output and 10% of all employment in the UK.

Employment growth in the city is projected to be 14.7% through to 2040. This is a significantly high figure, particularly where the majority of the growth is from the professional, scientific, and technical services sectors, meaning high-value jobs created for professional workers with a significant disposal income available to spend on rent. The proportion of earnings spent on rent has been steadily declining in recent years and sits below the long-term average. The average renter spent 35% of their pre-tax income on rent in 2022, down from closer to 40% five years previously. For couples and sharers, this figure will be even lower.Manchester displays the highest 10-year employment growth out of the Top 6 UK Cities in the report. (Source – JLL’s Big Six Residential Development Report 2022)

How does Manchester’s House Price Growth compare to the rest of the UK?

Manchester shows great potential for house price growth as it is expected to be one of the strongest housing markets in the UK outside of London. JLL’s UK Residential Forecasts Q4 2022 reports that Manchester has the highest house price growth forecast of any UK city, with a 19.3% cumulative from 2023-2027, equalling the figure for Central London. (Source – JLL’s Big Six Residential Development Report 2022)

Manchester rental market shows the highest forecasted growth of any UK city in the next 5 years

Urban Bubble’s 2022 letting market report stated that Manchester’s lettings activity in 2022 was down almost a third compared to 2021, simply due to a lack of properties available to rent. The report stated that the number of properties available to rent in Manchester hit its lowest rate on record, just 360 properties across the entire city centre, during the third quarter of 2022. This caused asking rents to hit new highs during 2022, with rents achieved for new developments in the city centre increasing 18% in the summer compared with the same point a year earlier in 2021. The increased figures were partly a correction following obvious falls during 2020, but rents are still 15% higher on average than they were three years ago in 2019. The demand for new rental properties in Manchester has resulted in significant annual increases, up by 18.3% in the last 12 months.

Looking forward, JLL’s UK Residential Forecasts Q4 2022 reports that as well as the highest house price growth, Manchester also has the highest rental growth forecast of any UK city, with a 21.6% cumulative from 2023-2027. This is higher than the figure for Central London (19.9%), which means that Manchester has the highest forecast rental growth of any UK city, averaging 4% pa for the next 4 years.  (Source – JLL’s Big Six Residential Development Report 2022)

Will Manchester continue to thrive as a top property investment hotspot in 2023?

The projections for Manchester’s future as the UK’s leading property market look strong. The Build to Rent sector is set to grow 82% in the next five years, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank, with Manchester being the most active market.

With rental stock in Manchester still in short supply and alongside this unemployment is near record lows, wage growth remains strong, and access to mortgage finance is restricting owner occupation, this outlook is supporting rental growth and price growth through competition from Manchester’s growing population of tenants for a limited supply of properties and from a growing number of investors seeking to acquire properties in the UK’s leading property market.

Find out more about Manchester’s property market in our free Manchester Investment Guide or see how we can help you meet your property investment goals by arranging a no-obligation call with one of our Property Investment Consultants.

8 spots you have to Go To fulfill an Attractive Leeds MILF in 2023

In an urban area with so many fun locations commit, it’s difficult to learn where you can satisfy a Leeds MILF. But do not fret, there are many gorgeous, daring earlier feamales in Leeds. Therefore know precisely how to locate all of them. You are in a city with folks with diverse cultural experiences. Which means you’ll find several various MILFs in Leeds without difficulty. The mature feamales…

View On WordPress

Thursday Thrill: Unforgettable Events of This Week!

Capture the essence of May's final days by embracing thrilling events and experiences. Dance to the rhythm of music festivals, savor culinary delights, and immerse yourself in cultural celebrations. Embrace the magic and create unforgettable memories before May slips away. Bring The Noise Live 20 May This weekend Birmingham's clubbing Mecca is hosting a massive daytime festival bang in the heart of the city at The Mill in Digbeth.  A venue which as a huge success of hosting weekly sell out by top promotions.  Bringing the full-on festival experience include a stellar production and visuals with live stage performances. With three rooms hosting a massive stacked DJ line up which includes a fine selection of well-known DJs playing out Hard Dance, Hard House, Hard Trance, Techno, Trance dance music.  In the Main Room expect to Scot Project, Shugz, Renegade System, Lab 4 LIVE, Metta & Glyde, Will Rees, Jon Hemming, Paul Clark, Symmetrik, Nick The Kid, Brad Pickle, David Timothy and in Room Two Lee Follon, D-Willz, Ben Singh, Pringy B2B Daveros, Jason Kinetic, Deano Gleed, Deckheadz, Gav Roberts, Jordan Drape, Mr Legacy, Mark Alexander, Stuffed Animal. Finally taking over the Terrace is Dan Carter, Tash Tikka, Edd Croft, Gerald Pearce, Deckteaser, Adam Bellew, Clara D & Wayne Webb, PeeWee B2B Base Jumper, Unit Dvsn B2B Wellybob, Rob EJ, Digital Carnage Birmingham is a fantastic clubbing destination which has always some of the best clubs and this weekend there are some of the best nights out for the weekend.  If Digbeth is your pick of your weekend then this is one daytime festival not to be missed with tickets flying out for this mammoth line up and after the huge success of the #bringthenoise début party. For Tickets & More Info www.bringthenoiselive.co.uk #bringthenoise Back To The 90s Day Festival 20 May With spring in full swing and festival season about to set off the global stratosphere for 2023. This weekend sees a right corker taking place at the Mint Warehouse in Leeds.  The city has a long history to the home of some of the biggest clubbing nights and dance music promotions tours.  Back To The 90s Day Festival is a celebration of the biggest dance floor fillers which created dance music history from 90s, oldskool classics, tantalizing trance With Line-up of 90s DJ royalty and live acts including king of the 90s airwaves Dave Pearce, Phats & Small, K-Klass, Livin Joy, Lisa Marie Experience, Joe Hunt, OPD, Jester. This indoor day festival is gonna be a banger and one not to missed if you’re heading off up North and into Leeds for a big night out. Dig out your best 90s rave attire, white gloves and glowsticks always welcome. For Tickets & More Info www.the90sfestival.co.uk #back2the90s #oldskooldancemusic #mintwarewhouse Fly Open Air Festival 20 – 21 May The destination for one of Edinburgh big weekend out is at the lovely surroundings of the stately home of glorious Hopetown House.  In its 10th year the festival returns having built a steadfast reputation on the annual dance-music festival calendar. Returning each year with a bigger and better production and line-up that brings its festival-goers back each each.  With spring in the air this weekend is celebration of a mix of some of the finest DJ talent, live music artists, headline acts to stand out Radio DJ hosts.  This is a warm up for the beginning of festival season! It’s going to be the most talked about festival summers and memorable one in dance music history.  Spread across two-days Fly Open Air Festival hosts three stages all equal with a quality dance music Including on the Mainstage which features Ben Hemsley, Christian Rogers, Disco Tits, Dominique, Elation, Eliza Rose, Hannah Laing, Just Beth. The Prospa Fools Utopia - Boiler Room Stage Denis Sulta, ELANDA, Gav & Jezz, Hannah Laing, Interplanetary Criminal, Sarah Story, Seren Seo, Tais-Toi Reboot & PRTY present: The NRG Dome Aisha, Azyr, Bad Boombox, DKEN, Fionn Curran, Franck, Jezza & Jod, NRG Trax, Neoma, Reboot DJs, Sikoti, Stretch, VXYX and finally Locals Defender stage All U Need Open Decks Crew, Amplify, Christian Rogers, Dems, Everytime, Fever, Lauz, Off Record, Progressive, Sammy Aberdein, Scott Brandon For any festival-goers who is up for a northern road trip to one of Scotland’s best festivals this is a big contender to get you in the mood for festival time For Tickets & More Info www.flyflyfly.co.uk/open-air #festival #flyopenair Read the full article

nother - david jmes barton

University of York UK : Everything You Should Know?

Overview

The university of york uk is a leading UK university, creating independent critical thinkers through a culture of academic excellence and ground breaking research. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, York is committed to research-led teaching, providing a supportive and inclusive learning experience for our students. 

All accommodation is on or near campus and you’ll become a member of one of York's ten colleges once enrolled. All colleges encourage inclusivity and a valuable sense of community, through a wealth of social activities and a supportive system available to each and every student. A wide variety of clubs and societies on campus, as well as our college system, make it very easy for new students to integrate and feel at home throughout their studies.

York is a flourishing city, being voted the ‘best place to live in the UK’ (The Sunday Times 2018). With a wide array of shops, museums, festivals, sporting and cultural activities, restaurants and cafes it’s big enough to feel lively, but small enough to be friendly.

Ranking

york university ranking -:

17th in the Times University Guide 2023

21st in the Guardian University Guide 2023

162nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023

169th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022

The University of York moved into the top 10 of UK universities for research quality in the REF 2021, up from 14th position in 2014.  All of York's subject areas are now ranked in the top 30 in the UK, with four Departments positioned in the top five.

Accommodation

All University of York accommodation is located on or very near to the university's compact and safe campus, so you’ll soon feel at home in York. Rooms are available with en-suite options and various catering options.

The University of York offers a college system for its accommodation so you will be a member of one of the ten colleges. Your college is a built-in community, helping you to make friends and settle into York and the UK.

Location

York is a vibrant, safe, student friendly city, renowned for its rich history and heritage and regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK. York is a flourishing city with a wide array of shops, museums, festivals, sporting and cultural activities, restaurants and cafes. It's located just 2 hours from London and 20 minutes from Leeds plus has the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and coastline on your doorstep to explore.

Read More-: york university fees for international students

leeds is city of culture 2023? work I guess

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield Heart of the City

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield Building, Queensberry, Heart of the City Development, Architect, Image

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield News

23 June 2021

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield Building

Design: HLM Architects

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, UK

Works commence on Sheffield’s flagship Radisson Blu hotel development

Major work to construct Sheffield city centre’s new flagship Radisson Blu hotel, as part of the £480 million Heart of the City development programme, has begun this week.

The hotel scheme, designed by HLM Architects, will provide ground floor retail and restaurant space, a high-end lifestyle hotel and rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the Peace Gardens. It forms one of Sheffield’s key economic projects, led by Sheffield City Council alongside its Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry.

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield – Heart of the City Peace Gardens:

In addition to the new hotel, the wider Heart of the City scheme is delivering Grade A office space, residential developments, restaurants and cafés, leisure destinations, retail and stunning public realm.

It was also announced that McLaughlin & Harvey, the construction firm that worked on the recent renovation of The Moor, has been appointed on the flagship Radisson Blu hotel development on Pinstone Street.

A key element of the Heart of the City programme, the arrival of Radisson Blu in Sheffield will help attract new business opportunities to the city, while raising its profile as a major destination for business and travel.

Accommodating visitors with stylish facilities for both work and relaxation, the hotel will be housed behind the charming facades of Palatine Chambers and City Mews. Replacing Barkers Pool House on Burgess Street will be a second complementary building, containing the majority of the hotel’s 154 bedrooms.

Serving to enhance Sheffield’s social scene, a rooftop bar, restaurant and terrace is also planned for the hotel, which will look out over the Peace Gardens. Upmarket ground-level retail and food and beverage units are another promising feature of the new development, set to enliven this prominent location on Pinstone Street.

A commitment to preserving Sheffield’s Victorian heritage has been integral to the development of the proposals. Designed by HLM Architects out of its Sheffield Studio, the retention of Pinstone Street’s historic facades and the incorporation of complementary materials and colours will ensure the new development reflects the city’s strong historic identity.

The phased demolition for Barker’s Pool House is expected to get underway towards the end of June, with the entire programme expected to be compete in summer 2023.

Delia Harmston, Studio Director at HLM Architects said: “As the economy restarts, our city centres will play a more important role than ever in ensuring the vitality and prosperity of communities throughout the UK. Pivotal to this vision is making sure that schemes are centred around people and focused on sustainability and wellbeing. It is exciting to see this project move forward to the next stage, as it is set to breathe new life into Sheffield’s city centre while celebrating its unique heritage and positioning this community to thrive for years to come.”

20 Nov 2020

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield Heart of the City

Design: HLM Architects

Location: Heart of the City, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, UK

Plans for flagship Radisson Blu hotel in Sheffield get green light

20th November 2020 – Proposals to introduce sophisticated hotelier Radisson Blu to a key Sheffield city centre location have been approved by the Local Planning Authority.

The project, designed by HLM Architects working with the Council’s Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry, is the latest to be approved as part of Sheffield’s transformational Heart of the City scheme.

image courtesy of architects

As an international hotel brand with a reputation for excellence, the arrival of Radisson Blu in Sheffield is expected to attract new business opportunities into the city, while raising its profile as an attractive destination.

Accommodating visitors with stylish facilities for both work and relaxation, the hotel will be housed behind the charming facades of Palatine Chambers and City Mews. Replacing Barkers Pool House on Burgess Street will be a second complementary building, containing the majority of the hotel’s 154 bedrooms.

Serving to enhance Sheffield’s social scene, a rooftop bar, restaurant and terrace is also planned for the hotel, which will look out over the Peace Gardens. Upmarket ground-level retail and food and beverage units are another promising feature of the new development, set to enliven this prominent location on Pinstone Street.

A commitment to preserving Sheffield’s Victorian heritage has been integral to the development of the proposals. Designed by HLM Architects out of its Sheffield Studio, the retention of Pinstone Street’s historic facades and the incorporation of complementary materials and colours will ensure the new development reflects the city’s strong historic identity.

The plans for Radisson Blu are the latest set of proposals within the Heart of the City scheme to receive planning approval as the project forges ahead to create a thriving new central hub for Sheffield. Introducing a new mix of leisure, retail, office and residential developments, the scheme is set to breathe new life into the city centre, making it a better place to work and live.

Jamie Wilson, Director at HLM Architects said: “It’s hard to overstate how important this project has been to our Sheffield Studio. The team are acutely aware of the importance of the site and surrounding historical context. We have consulted widely with Planning Officers, Urban Designers, local community and heritage groups and the success of this engagement is reflected in unanimous support from Planning Committee Members. This project will preserve our urban heritage, breathe new life into the city centre and create a publicly accessible landmark with views across the Peace Gardens and towards the Town Hall.”

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’re delighted that our plans to introduce a new hotel to the heart of Sheffield have received planning approval. I’d like to thank everyone that has taken the time to share their comments on these proposals.

“We believe that the arrival of Radisson Blu – a brand of real quality and prestige – will be key to the ongoing rejuvenation of our city centre.”

Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, Strategic Development Partner, said: “We’re pleased to learn that we have received approval to develop the Radisson Blu hotel in Sheffield city centre. The hotel’s premium brand reputation provides confidence in the market despite the current challenging times. It also demonstrates the strength and viability of the Heart of the City programme, along with the desirability of Sheffield as a viable destination for businesses to develop and thrive.

“The hotel’s high-quality rooms, first-class conferencing facilities, and bars and restaurants, will deliver a new dynamic to the Heart of the City scheme and wider city centre.”

Adela Cristea, Senior Director, Head of Business Development UK & Ireland, Radisson Hotel Group said: “We’re very excited to be at the forefront of Sheffield’s regeneration project in a fantastic location at the heart of the city, as well as adding this vibrant new property to our selection of Radisson Blu hotels across the UK.”

HLM Architects

Thoughtful design and the desire to make spaces and places that improve lives sits at the heart of every discipline within HLM Architects, these include Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Sustainability and Masterplanning.

Creating places of education that inspire, healthcare environments that nurture, homes that are part of thriving communities, and infrastructure that is sustainable in its widest sense: environmentally, economically, and socially.

HLM Architects are passionate about retaining a strong Regional presence across their 5 studios located in London, Sheffield, Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff but pride themselves on their ability to work internationally.

HLM Architects adopt a sector led approach, meaning clients benefit from working with teams who have specific knowledge, insight and experience in the required sector, these include Education, Healthcare, Living & Communities, Defence, Hospitality Leisure & Culture, Asset & Workplace and Justice & Emergency Services.

HLM Architects

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield images / information from HLM Architects

Location: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, UK

Architecture in Sheffield

South Yorkshire Architecture Designs – architectural selection below:

Sheffield Architecture Designs – chronological list

Sheffield Buildings

Sheffield Architecture Tours

Sheffield Architects

Recent Sheffield Architecture

The Diamond Building at The University of Sheffield Design: Twelve Architects photograph : Jack Hobhouse The Diamond Building at The University of Sheffield

Park Hill Design: Hawkins/Brown and Studio Egret West photo © Daniel Hopkinson Park Hill Sheffield

Meadowhall Shopping Centre Building Design: BDP, Architects Sheffield Meadowhall Building

The Moor Market, Cumberland Street Design: Leslie Jones Architecture The Moor Market Sheffield

Sheffield Hallam University Furnival Building Design: Bond Bryan Architects Sheffield Hallam University building

Website: Visit Sheffield

Leeds Buildings

Yorkshire Building Designs

Comments / photos for the Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield by HLM Architects page welcome

The post Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield Heart of the City appeared first on e-architect.