‘The scene will adapt’: Sheffield music scene will Get Together and be louder than ever for the return of eclectic city centre festival
The fate of the Leadmill remains unknown but Sheffield music scenesters will sing back in solidarity at a grassroots festival this bank holiday weekend. Get Together has six stages over the University of Sheffield’s campus After a huge success last Summer, Get Together is back this Sunday 1 for the May bank holiday. Kieran Crosby, 33, who promotes and organises the festival said: “There truly is something for everyone. “I urge anyone to come down and take a look at the musical magic. “We have a free entry section ‘under the bridge’ for anyone who wants some part of the action. “Our ethos is good vibes only.” Doors open at midday and live music is on until 11pm. With a free after party at Sydney and Matilda for wristband-holders, festival-goers can keep going until 4am. Get Together is spread out across six University of Sheffield venues. Grassroots indie artists such as Squid, Wax Works and Oh Papa are just three of the 38 acts on the line-up. The promoter added it's a steppingstone for lesser-known bands to gain fans and get booked for bigger festivals. Accompanying the music madness, an artist will draw a live mural under the bridge and punters can grab a pint at the Student Union’s Beer Festival. Revellers won’t go hungry as Icarus and Apollo world food, Nether Edge pizza company and Shoot the Bull will be serving up a storm. There will also be plenty of bars for partiers to cause some bank holiday mayhem. Mr Crosby added: “We have a cross-section of quality music for music lovers of all ages. “My favourite part is the unplanned, unpredictable things that happen. “Last year the band, Dream Wife, brought their gran on stage to sing a song.” Despite the precarity of the Leadmill’s future, the music promoter is optimistic that the scene will continue to thrive. He said: “In the last few years we have gone from nothing to so much happening musically in the city. “I’m excited about how the new ecosystem is growing and we are progressing in the right direction.” The Blinders an indie-rock band, are getting ready to return to perform at the festival. With Doncaster roots, the band are now based in Manchester but don’t define themselves geographically. With so many memories of the bedrock of Sheffield’s sound, Thomas Haywood, the band’s frontman, is unsure what the future holds. “It is the cornerstone of Sheffield music, but as a scene we are resilient. I am sure we will adapt,” explains the artist. The band’s frontman said metropolitan festivals such as Get Together give grassroots band the chance to connect with fans. He said: “all of the Donny lot will be there, including my mum, Jane, who will be cheering from the crowd. “Sheffield shows are usually rowdy, hopefully people won’t have forgotten about us!” “We go to every show with the same mentality but we love metropolitan festivals like Get Together because most people there are real music fans,” explains Tom.
April 25th: Snooker summary
Scotland's John Higgins remains on course for a first Crucible crown in 11 years, after beating Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham 13-7. Today’s victory sees Higgins through to the 16th Crucible quarter-final of his career. Higgins came into this afternoon with a 11-5 advantage. He then stepped up with a break of 90 to get over the line and confirm his 13-7 win. He now awaits either Jack Lisowski or Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals. England's Stuart Bingham pulled away from 8-8 to beat Kyren Wilson 13-9 in the second round of the Betfred World Championship. More to follow.
New exhibition opens in Fargate showcasing talent from disabled artists
An exhibition showcasing sculptures, paintings and drawings made by artists with a range of disabilities has opened in Chapel Gate, Fargate. The exhibition, put on by Burton Street Foundation, supports people with additional needs, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists themselves.
An Artists work
Adnan's work
Rotherham parents having “sleepless nights” after children living within catchment not offered places at Waverley Junior Academy
Rotherham parents are devastated after 21 children living within the catchment were not offered a place at Waverley Junior Academy. Rotherham Council use a national formula to calculate the number of places likely to be required in each area, and they originally thought that they had over provided the number of places at the school by over 25%. However, the new Waverley housing development has far exceeded forecasted demand, particularly for infant and pre school age groups.
Waverley Junior Academy is one of two primary schools planned for the Waverley development. As of February 2022, there were 1,354 houses occupied on the Waverley estate which, applying the nationally recognised formula for calculating school places, should generate a pupil yield of around 38 per year group.
The developer met their obligation for Waverley Junior Academy to accommodate 60 children which, typically, would be sufficient to meet demand for 2,000 homes. But an unusually high number of children are living at the Waverley development which means exceeded demand, with around 60-90 children living in the catchment area.
Mum-of-two and Waverley estate resident Bethany McNeil, said that her eldest daughter being placed at a school two miles away is "causing me sleepless nights." Ms McNeil continues that "she knows its not the developers fault but when we moved here we were sold the idea of there being a school" adding that she's "devastated we have to do this to her" when speaking of telling her daughter Darcy. Rotherham Council's Assistant Director for Education and Inclusion, Nathan Heath, said that 95.3% of children in Rotherham have been offered a place at their first choice Primary or Junior School. Mr Heath also said that In light of the unprecedented demand they are speaking to the developer to review agreements in place but that sadly any extra capacity this may create won't be in place in time for children starting school in September. Mr Heath adds that wherever possible they have been offered places at their second and third preference schools, all within two miles of their home. "It's in all our interests to ensure children have access to a good school close to home and we're sorry that, due to expectational circumstances, some Waverley parents have not been offered their first preference school" He continued. The MP for Rother Valley, Alexander Stafford, acknowledged that it is upsetting and distressing for parents. The MP said: "The council housing policy should be about developing sustainable communities, that is at the heart of national and local housing strategy. To allow a community the size of Waverley to develop without the services to support the population is a failure of Rotherham council's housing and planning policy. He continues "The issue of lack of amenities and services in Waverley is not new. The undoubted success of house building has not been matched by an appropriate level of services for the population. Besides the inadequate number of primary school spaces, there is no medical centre and the plans for a public transport hub seems to have vanished." Mr Stafford is holding a meeting tonight for parents to discuss the issue further and see what assistance can be provided for them. Any parent or carer whose child is refused a place at the academy can appeal against the decision not to offer a place, but appeals are heard by an independent panel and the decisions the panel make are legally binding on all parties.
South Yorkshire Police are urging people to come forward during National Stalking Awareness Week
This week is National Stalking Awareness week, which is dedicated to raising awareness of stalking and the effect it has. South Yorkshire Police are encouraging people to report any incidents of stalking or harassment, Superintendent Cherie Buttle, the force lead for stalking, said: “Stalking is a very serious offence, which can have a devastating impact on its victims- both physically and psychologically. As a force, we are committed to tackling this type of crime wherever we find it. There are many ways we can put a stop to this behaviour, including prison sentences, restraining orders and other penalties." Stalking is a pattern of fixated, unwanted and repetitive behaviour that causes the victim to fear for their safety. This includes a variety of behaviour such as unwanted contact in person, over the phone, online or on social media. It can involve threats, criminal damage, following or spying on someone. Currently, under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, the maximum prison sentence for stalking involving fear of violence or serious distress is 10 years in custody. Stalking involving fear of violence or distress is a serious offence. It involves multiple occasions that cause a victim to fear violence against them or if there has been a substantial effect on their daily lives. South Yorkshire Police are working closely with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which campaigns to raise greater awareness of personal safety and stalking issues. Suzy Lamplugh Trust is an expert in lone-working and personal safety training, stalking training, as well as consultancy, campaigning, and support services. Violet Alvarez, from the Policy and Campaigns Team at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said there is a need for a better response to victims from those within the criminal justice system. "Independent Stalking Advocates are trained specialists who provide victims with expert advice and support during a period of crisis, often when the stalker’s behaviour is escalating and the response from the criminal justice system or other agencies fails to address it. "Despite Stalking Advocates providing an essential service to victims, the majority of respondents who experienced stalking in the UK were not supported by an advocate of any kind. Dedicated stalking support services have grown in recent years, but unfortunately, the demand for stalking advocates still far exceeds current capacity, with many victims left to navigate this traumatic and dangerous crime on their own." As a result, the trust are calling for £10 million a year in funding to be ring-fenced for stalking victims specifically. Violet Alvarez said that the trust found that victims who receive support from stalking advocates had a higher rate of reporting to the police and were more successful when pursuing legal action against their stalkers than the national rates. "This is compared with published rates for England and Wales where only one in 50 cases are reported, one in 435 stalkers are charged, one in 556 stalkers are prosecuted, and one in 1,000 stalkers are convicted. This demonstrates the vital need for more advocates to support victims." Supt Buttle said: “If you are suffering, or you think a loved one might be, please know that you are not alone. You do not have to put up with it. We are here to help and support you.
Police incident at Fox Hill Road comes to an end
A man has been taken into the care of emergency services after they were called out to a Sheffield street this afternoon.
Concerns for a man's safety had been raised in Fox Hill Road, near Firth Park, at around 2pm.
Police closed off the area between Wilcox Street and Browning Road and South Yorkshire Fire Services were also sent out to assist.
Credit: Megan Thomas
At the time, South Yorkshire Police responded with this statement: "Emergency services are currently on scene at reports of concern for a man's safety on Fox Hill Road in Sheffield.
"Road closures between Wilcox Road and Browning Road are in place while officers carry out their work."
16:05pm: In the closed off area, our correspondent Megan Thomas reports there is a man talking through a sky light window to police down below, and a woman is currently sat outside a house, wrapped in a foil blanket. 16:12pm: Police appear to be putting on protective clothing, Megan has witnessed. 16:25pm:The police have chainsawed down a door. It has been witnessed that it was the door of the man who was previously speaking to police through a skylight window.
“Survivor” Red Fox Lab has returned home safe after being stuck in mine shaft for days
Olive, the two-year-old Red Fox Labrador Retriever, has returned home safely after being stuck down a mine shaft for four days. The lab was found last Monday, by a volunteer involved in the search, in the large mine shaft just off Ringinglow Road, Sheffield. Olive is said to be in good health and is “very lucky” that she was found.
Olive reunited with her family.
Olive being rescued by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
The mine shaft in which Olive was found.
Olive is now home safe with her family.
Superbike charity fundraiser money to buy specialist equipment for Sheffield Children’s Hospital
Sheffield Children’s Hospital has received £1,280 from a charity auction where Double World Superbike Champion, James Toseland's 2001 biker leathers were sold to help buy a specialist high-sided bed for Ryegate House, a respite facility for children and young people with neurological conditions. The specialist designed high-sided bed will provide a safe sleeping environment for children with complex neurological needs when staying overnight at the respite centre. Caitlin Hallatt, the Senior Marketing and Communications Officer for Sheffield Children’s Hospital, said: “We are hugely grateful for James' continued support of the Charity and the hospital. "Ryegate House facilitates for children and young people up to the age of 19 who suffer with complex neuro disabilities, multiple and profound physical and learning difficulties and life-limiting conditions. "The bed will be used for mobile children creating a safe and stable environment with the ethos 'home away from home'." James has been an avid supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital for 19 years. Over the last decade, he has auctioned off several of his superbike leathers to raise money for the hospital. In total, he has auctioned five of his Superbike sets from his career. All of his leathers have sold for over £1000.
James delivering Easter Eggs to Sheffield Children's Hospital in his 2001 SWC leathers
Hundreds of bikers joined the 2022 Easter Egg Run
James delivering Easter eggs to Sheffield Children's Hospital
Sheffield Steelers defeated by The Dundee Stars
The Stars defeated Sheffield's ice hockey team in yesterday's quarter final game, leaving them out of the play off finals. They upped the ante towards the third period and the overall score stood at 4-3 to The Stars. The Steelers remained successful in the first and second period. The first period had the audience at the edge of their seats with Marco Vallerand scoring twice within the first 14 minutes. The Steelers then took the lead by 3-0 within a minute of the second period beginning. Following this, things took a turn for The Steelers. In the third period, Martin Latal whizzed by The Stars defenders and scored within just 39 seconds of the period starting. However, minutes later, Stars player Kalzis Olzols, scored making the score 1-3. The Stars remained on an undefeatable high. Bengstsson then took his turn to score with only 7.34 minutes remaining until the end of the match closing in the score at 2-3. Almost an hour into the game, Bengstsson whacked in a goal drawing The Stars and The Steelers. Bengtsson delivered the final blow before the end of the match, meaning The Stars won by 4-3. The hat trick knocked The Steelers out of the play off finals. The Stars will play next weekend at the play off finals in Nottingham.
Spring has sprung in Sheffield
Following the Easter break, Sheffield has seen it's green spaces blooming with evidence of springtime. Springtime has always been the turning of the season around the UK, but over the Easter break we have really seen Sheffield's green spaces come to life. Although spring starts in March time, the sunnier weather has really seem some of Sheffield's best nature come to life. Here are some of the places around the city that have really bloomed into action this holiday.
Cherry blossom trees lining the path by Crookes Valley Park
Cherry blossom tree on London Road
Greenery in Porterbrook
Peak District national park
Ducklings waddling through the Peak District national park
Rotherham Titans win 41-22 against Sheffield Tigers at Dore Moor
Sheffield Tigers v Rotherham Titans was a historic game for rugby as the two teams played for the first time at Dore Moor to a crowd of around 400. The Tigers kicked off against extreme wind and enforced pressure on Rotherham’s scrum, earning a penalty. Townsend looped around and drove over the line to score after four minutes. Rotherham's response was strong, their winger Connor Field just failed to touch down in the right corner. The Titans stole a Tigers line-out and James Cooke ran ahead before feeding inside for scrum half Sam Boxhall. After 10 minutes there was an equaliser at 5-5. The Tigers earned break-down penalties in Rotherham's half but failed to place a kick. Instead the Tigers opted for territory and possession and were rewarded for effective scrum and line out play when Townsend crossed the line again in the right corner in the 19th minute. Tigers took advantage from an attacking scrum with Ryan Holmes exchanging passes with his back row before offloading to Broadley. Tom Parkin converted to give Tigers a 17-5 lead after 23 minutes. Titans' Boxhall took it short and quick and passed to the supporting Kieran Curran to go over. Joe Carlisle hit the post with the conversion, but the visitors fought back. Just before the turnaround Sam Wager was pinged in a ruck on halfway and this led to Curran driving home again from short range to reduce Tiger’s lead to 17-15 at the interval. Despite playing against the conditions in the second half, it was Rotherham who produced a period of strong rugby to secure the five points, taking them into the lead. Within two minutes of the restart they had earned a penalty and territory From the restart Carlisle gathered and moved it left for Cooke to advance. The ball was quickly recycled and Richard Hayes found space to run in. Hayes converted both tries to open up a 29-17 lead for the Titans. The Tigers came back and had a period of return pressure but were thwarted when they were penalised at an unsettled scrum. Home side had to score next to have a chance of winning but with Tigers attacking again, Rotherham effected an interception which led to number Zak Poole running through and when caught, offloading to Field to sprint home unchallenged. Five minutes later, with Broadley having seen yellow, Harry Dunne broke through and fed to sub George Tucker who crossed to make it 41-17 to the Titans. The Tigers scored the last try of the game, taking their final score up to 22. Tigers almost scored again near the end when Broadley made good ground on the right and passed inside to Keetley but the left winger was tackled by Curran. Rotherham remain joint second in the table with Sedgley Park, meaning they hold the chance to return to the Championship. And the Tigers slip a place to eleventh.
Police and demonstrators clash during protest in Sheffield city centre
Police have been accused of violence towards protestors during a demonstration by the Kurdish community in Sheffield city centre on Sunday, when police reportedly “hurled people to the ground and hit them around their heads.” Around a hundred people from Sheffield’s Kurdish community and the South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group (SYMAAG) gathered outside Sheffield Town Hall to stand in solidarity with Kurdish fighters in Northern Iraq where Turkish forces recently launched a military offensive. Of the demonstrators, that included families and young children, men and a woman were reportedly pepper sprayed and had flags forcibly confiscated. One person, who was delivering a speech at the protest was detained by police but later released without charge. John Grayson, one of the founders of SYMAAG and researcher for the group who was at the demonstration said: "One guy was hurled to the ground right in front of me and just missed a small child. They were using batons and wading into the crowd, they were certainly menacing and violent. They all had pepper sprays which they started to use. There was a lot of use of pepper spray by police. "A woman who had been heavily pepper sprayed was violently sick at the scene and there were another two men who were really heavily pepper sprayed, they received treatment, not from medics but from friends. The demonstration started at around noon and included speeches from a number of local members of the Kurdish community. Demonstrators were holding flags protesting against the Turkish government and president, Recep Erdogan. A statement from SYMAAG regarding police action at the protest said: “SYMAAG demands an immediate investigation by the Chief Constable and Police Commissioner into the tactics and violence of the South Yorkshire police. It is intolerable that a peaceful crowd with families with tiny children gathering on a sunny Sunday afternoon to celebrate their Kurdish identity and to protest the invasion of their country were assaulted by their own local Sheffield police.” “From 1.30 the mood shifted as the police decided that they wanted to seize some of the flags and refused to return them to families,” said the SYMAAG statement. “One family asked me to try and get their flag back from the police. The police officer point blank refused saying that they would retain flags as part of an investigation looking at whether they ’supported any proscribed organisation’.
“Other individuals and families tried to get back their flags and the police responded on the town hall steps with real violence hurling people to the ground and hitting people around their heads. A woman and some Kurdish men were pepper sprayed by the police. “Eventually some of the flags were wrestled back from the police and a Kurdish man, one of our speakers, was arrested.” South Yorkshire Police have been contacted for a statement.We are shocked at the police violence today during a peaceful protest in Sheffield in response to recent invasions by Erodagn's government in Kurdistan. Kurdish flags were ripped from protestors' hands, who were then beaten and pepper sprayed when they tried to retrieve them. pic.twitter.com/ss4HDD0jK4
— SYMAAG (@SYMAAG) April 24, 2022