UNITY HOMES & ENTERPRISE TO SPONSOR BEESTON FESTIVAL

Unity Homes and Enterprise will be principal sponsor of the annual Beeston Festival on Saturday 4 June in Cross Flatts Park, it has been announced.

Now in its 22nd year, the all-day event will feature a diverse live music line-up, food from around the world, a large bazaar, arts and crafts, a fun fair and an array of sporting activities. 

Unity staff will be present to offer free advice to local people on housing, welfare and employment.

Unity Homes & Enterprise Chief Executive Ali Akbor  

Ali Akbor, Unity’s Chief Executive, said:  “Unity Homes and Enterprise has an historic association with Beeston Festival and we are proud to be its lead sponsor this year.

“The event has become a highlight in the Leeds summer calendar and, alongside local residents, attracts many people from outside the area to celebrate what is best about Beeston.

“Unity owns a significant number of homes in the area with 18 new houses also under construction and others in the pipeline.

“We are strongly committed to Beeston and, through our support for the Festival, want to play the fullest possible part to promote the many cultural and community attractions it has to offer.”

It has already been confirmed that Britain’s top Cossack folk-punk ensemble The Ukrainians will be the headline music act on the main stage, with top notch support from Leeds-based 7-piece Cuban Salsa band Tarantismo.

Joining them on the bill are Moja playing an energetic selection of pop, soul and rock songs with a strong reggae influence, and highly-rated solo artist Sumana Basu performing Hindi classics and contemporary Bollywood tunes.

The ever-popular Silver Steel Sparrows, also from Leeds, will warm up the crowd with a lively showcase of pop music hits.

Cllr Angela Gabriel, Chair of the Beeston Festival Organising Committee, said she was looking forward to the big day and thanked Unity for its support.

Cllr Angela Gabriel at last year's Festival

She commented: “Volunteers have been working hard for months to put together the final programme which, with the Rio Olympics only weeks away, has carnival as its theme. 

“But it would be impossible for the event to happen without the support from our sponsors.  We are particularly grateful to Unity Homes and Enterprise, who are very active in Beeston, as the festival’s main sponsor.”

Beeston Festival has also received funding from the Inner South Community Committee, Beeston and Holbeck ward councillors, City and Hunslet ward councillors, the Big Lottery Fund and Sport Relief Community Cash.

The Unity Homes and Enterprise stand at the 2015 Beeston Festival

Leeds to be showcased at London's top digital job fair

Renowned Leeds graffiti artist Bretski will join Herd founder Amy De-Balsi and other representatives from the city this weekend to promote its attractions to an expected 3,000 attendees at London’s premier tech industry job fair, the Silicon Milk Roundabout.

London-bound: Leeds graffiti and street artist Bretski

Supported by Leeds City Council and Leeds BID, the team will have a dedicated space at the two-day event on Brick Lane. They will be making the case for skilled candidates to move North to work in the burgeoning Leeds digital and tech sector and improve their quality of life.

There are now more than 1,350 digital companies based in Leeds employing a total of over 10,000 people and these numbers are increasing all the time.  

But such rapid growth has led to an upsurge in digital and tech vacancies in the city which local firms are understandably very keen to fill.

Ms De-Balsi, who organised the inaugural Leeds Digital Job at the First Direct Arena in February, said it was vital to be proactive in selling the many benefits of living and working in the city to graduates and experienced tech candidates from other parts of the country, as well as internationally. 

“There are currently around 640 tech job vacancies in Leeds, an increase of 50 per cent in just six months,” Amy said.

“But illustrating what has catapulted Leeds ahead of other major digital cities such as Manchester and Bristol, the Leeds Digital Board has formulated a Digital Skills Action Plan with a series of actions to address the recruitment challenges we face.

“This includes sending a team to London to promote the career opportunities available in the Leeds digital sector, alongside the superb quality of life employees and new investors will enjoy by relocating here. 

“With several thousand job seekers and more than 175 companies signed-up to attend on Saturday and Sunday, the Silicon Milk Roundabout is the ideal location for us to tell people why they should consider joining the Leeds digital and tech revolution.” 

Flting the flag for Leeds: Herd founder Amy De-Balsi

Amy will showcase the hundreds of tech vacancies currently on offer in Leeds through Herd, a specialist online jobs board.  

She will be accompanied by a number of other Leeds representatives able to talk with authority about the city’s universities, housing options, nightlife, cultural attractions and regeneration plans.

And adding unique element to the Leeds Tech Zone, Bretski will be there to create pieces of street art themed on some of the city’s best known landmarks. 

LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING FOR BANK HOLIDAY BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND

Hundreds of music fans from both sides of the border will flock to the village of Macosquin near Coleraine this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Big Marquee Weekend II which this year boasts an unrivalled line-up of dance, Britpop, indie and Irish country stars performing live in a giant marquee in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar.

Mallorca Lee

Scotland’s top-ranked DJ Mallorca Lee will get the three-day festival off to a spectacular start on Friday when he headlines a night of old-skool rave and upfront dance tracks also featuring sets from Craig Dalzell, Tizer and Booshanty.

Resurrection

Next up is Madchester Saturday as the original Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection top the bill alongside Oasis copycats Roll With It, supported by Cellar Door.

Roll With It

And on Sunday 1 May, Irish country’s man-of-the-moment Lee Matthews – whose self-penned number one hit ‘The Irish Way’ was named Best Original Single at last week’s Hot Country Awards - joins his big band to bring the weekend to a rousing finale.  Rising solo star Ben Currie and JD Country will warm up what is sure to be a capacity crowd.  There will also be the chance to a ride on a mechanical rodeo bull – adding a brand new element to the country carnival atmosphere.    

Lee Matthews

Drew Hutchinson - who is organising the event alongside Robert Todd, Elizabeth Todd and Hughie Hamilton – said that the second Big Marquee Weekend would be even bigger and better than the first.

“We are thrilled with the line-up across all three days and the ticket sales reflect that, with only a handful remaining.

“As well as the massively positive response we’ve had from the public, all of the acts have been in regular touch just to say how excited they are to be part of the event. 

“Mallorca Lee and Resurrection are coming across from Glasgow to make their Big Marquee Weekend debuts and couldn’t have been more helpful and encouraging to us. 

“Despite the huge demands on his time, Lee Matthews has also been terrific and Roll With It, who stole the show last year, cannot wait to get back to Macosquin.

“It’s going to be a Bank Holiday weekend to remember.”    

Tickets for Big Marquee Weekend II are still available from Mary Pat’s Bar, Card Land in Coleraine, Lou’s Boutique in Ballymoney, Jingles of Portrush or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday, and £15 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-day ticket can also be purchased for £25.

JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO UNTIL BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

There are just two weeks to go until the village of Macosquin near Coleraine plays host to a thrilling mix of big name dance, Britpop, indie and Irish country stars at Big Marquee Weekend II.

Scotland’s number one DJ Mallorca Lee will open the much-anticipated three-day event on Friday 29 April – staged once again in a purpose built marquee in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar - with a spectacular dance night also featuring sets from Craig Dalzell, Tizer and Booshanty.

Mallorca Lee

Macosquin will then be transformed into ‘Madchester’ for the night as Glasgow-based Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection and Belfast’s Oasis copycats Roll With It – who return after stealing the show at the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend - top Saturday’s bill with support from Coleraine’s ever-popular Cellar Door.

And on Sunday 1 May, singer-songwriter sensation Lee Matthews and his big band will bring the curtain down on a memorable festival of music when they headline a stirring line-up of local country talent which also includes rising star Ben Currie and JD Country.

Ricky Toner, who gives a brilliant live performance as Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, said Resurrection were looking forward to the trip across the Irish Sea as part of their UK tour. 

Resurrection

“We’ve heard about the success of last year’s Big Marquee Weekend and are excited about having the chance to take to the same stage next month,” Ricky commented.  “There are a lot of Roses fans in Northern Ireland and with rumours that the band might be releasing new material later in the year, a whole new generation will get to experience their music.  Resurrection love doing what we do and can’t wait to share all of the old Roses hits with festival goers in Macosquin.”         

Nick McCay from Roll With It – who will again strap on the rhythm guitar in the guise of founding Oasis member Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs - promised another gig to remember.  

Roll With It

“We filmed our promotional video at last summer’s Big Marquee Weekend and couldn’t have chosen a better gig to capture on camera,” Nick explained.  “The crowd were off the scale and, with Resurrection joining Roll With It on the bill this year, fans of the Manchester music scene are guaranteed a special Saturday night.  Are we madferit? You bet we are.”     

Sunday’s headliner Lee Matthews has already achieved eight Irish country download number one singles, penning four of them himself including ‘That Country Girl’ and ‘There's Irish In Our Eyes.’  The 27-year-old is currently enjoying commercial success with his second number one album, ‘It’s A Great Day To Be Alive,’ featuring his re-worked version of ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ which also reached top spot in the charts.

Lee Matthews

Lee said the Big Marquee was an ideal venue for his full big band show.

“I love taking my music to new places and playing in front of big, knowledgeable crowds,” he said.  “I understand the marquee was packed to the rafters throughout the weekend in 2015 and there’s already a big demand for tickets this year. It promises to be a terrific three days of singing and dancing, and it’ll be wonderful for me to close the event with a taste of country on the Sunday night.”   

Tickets for Big Marquee Weekend II are available from Mary Pat’s Bar, Card Land in Coleraine, Lou’s Boutique in Ballymoney, Jingles of Portrush or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday, and £15 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-day ticket is also available priced at £25.

MARY PAT’S ‘KEEPS ‘ER COUNTRY’ ON FINAL DAY OF BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

Singer-songwriter sensation Lee Matthews and his big band will headline the last night of Big Marquee Weekend II on Sunday 1 May as the curtain comes down on the three-day festival with a stirring line-up of country music in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar, Macosquin.

They will be supported on another hugely impressive bill by rising local star Ben Currie, also making his debut appearance in the village, and JD Country who won rave reviews after playing at last year’s inaugural event.

27-year-old Lee has already achieved eight Irish country download number one singles, penning four of them himself including ‘That Country Girl’ and ‘There's Irish In Our Eyes.’ 

He is currently enjoying commercial success with his second number one album, ‘It’s A Great Day To Be Alive,’ featuring his re-worked version of 'Cotton Eye Joe' which also reached top spot in the singles charts.

IRISH IN HIS EYES: Lee Matthews will top Sunday's eye-catching bill at Big Marquee Weekend II

Lee said the Big Marquee was an ideal venue for his full big band show.

“I love taking my music to new places and playing in front of big, knowledgeable crowds,” he commented.  

“I understand the marquee was packed to the rafters throughout the weekend in 2015 and there’s already a big demand for tickets this year. 

“It promises to be a terrific three days of singing and dancing, and it’ll be wonderful for me to close the event with a taste of country on the Sunday night.”   

Drew Hutchinson - who is organising the event in partnership with Robert Todd, Elizabeth Todd and Hughie Hamiliton – said Big Marquee Weekend II was set for a memorable finale.

“We knew it would be a challenge to put together a Sunday afternoon and evening line-up as good as last year’s, but we’ve topped it,” he said.

“Lee Matthews is the man of the moment on the Irish country music scene.  He’s playing to sell-out crowds wherever he goes and recently picked up the award for Best Album at the 2016 Sunday World Country Music Awards.

“We’re also thrilled to have Ben Currie coming to Macosquin, a brilliant young talent who has already built up a loyal following of his own and is winning new fans all the time as more people get to hear his music. 

“And having JD Country back – this time with their big band – will ensure that the day gets off to a perfect start.”

SUNDAY NIGHT CURRIE: Magherafelt country star Ben on his way to Mary Pat's

Drew, aka DJ Steady, will keep the crowd entertained between live performances with a selection of classic country favourites.

Last month it was announced that Scotland’s number one DJ Mallorca Lee will open Big Marquee Weekend II on Friday 29 April with a spectacular dance night, also featuring Craig Dalzell.

And the following day, Macosquin will be transformed into Madchester as Glasgow-based Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection and Belfast’s Oasis copycats Roll With It top the bill with support from Coleraine’s ever-popular Cellar Door.

Tickets for Big Marquee Weekend II go on sale on Friday 18 March from Mary Pat’s Bar, Card Land in Coleraine, Lou’s Boutique in Ballymoney, Jingles of Portrush or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday, and £15 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-day pass is also available priced at £25.

IT’S ‘MADCHESTER’ SATURDAY AT BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

The village of Macosquin near Coleraine will become ‘Madchester’ for the night on Saturday 30 April when two of the UK’s best tribute bands take to the stage at Big Marquee Weekend II in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar.    

In another major coup for organisers Robert Todd and Drew Hutchinson, it can now be confirmed that Glasgow-based Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection and Belfast Oasis boys Roll With It will top the bill on the second night of the three-day music festival.

Formed in 1998 and originally touring under the name The Complete Stone Roses, Resurrection have been described by legendary Stone Roses bassist Mani as “the best Stone Roses tribute around.”

And with the Manchester indie kings now back together and set to play a series of sell-out stadium gigs this summer, Resurrection – who have toured with The Inspiral Carpets and count Northern Ireland’s Snow Patrol amongst their celebrity fans - have never been in greater demand. 

MADE OF STONE: Glasgow band Resurrection confirmed for Big Marquee Weekend II

Ricky Toner, who gives a brilliant live performance as Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, said Resurrection are already looking forward to the trip across the Irish Sea as part of their UK tour. 

“We’ve heard about the success of last year’s Big Marquee Weekend and are excited about having the chance to take to the same stage next month,” Ricky commented.

“There are a lot of Roses fans in Northern Ireland and with rumours that the band might be releasing new material later in the year, a whole new generation will get to experience their music.  Resurrection love doing what we do and can’t wait to share all of the old Roses hits with festival goers in Macosquin.”         

And the Madchester nostalgia will not end there with Belfast Oasis look and sound-alikes Roll With It making a triumphant return to the Big Marquee Weekend stage after stealing the show at last year’s inaugural event.

ROCK AND ROLL STARS: Oasis copycats Roll With It promising fans another special night in Macosquin

Nick McCay, who will again strap on the rhythm guitar in the guise of founding Oasis member Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, promised another gig to remember.  

“We filmed our promotional video at last summer’s Big Marquee Weekend and couldn’t have chosen a better gig to capture on camera,” Nick explained.  “The crowd were off the scale and, with Resurrection joining Roll With It on the bill this year, fans of the Manchester music scene are guaranteed a special night.  Are we madferit? You bet we are.”     

Also back by public demand, energetic Coleraine four-piece Cellar Door - who went down a storm in Macosquin last summer – will again kick-off a mighty Saturday night of live music, with Steady and Tigger taking to the decks between sets to blast out a procession of celebrated Madchester anthems.

Last week it was announced that Scotland’s top-ranked DJ Mallorca Lee will open Big Marquee Weekend II with a spectacular dance night on Friday 29 April, featuring top notch support from Craig Dalzell.

The artists performing on Sunday 1 May – the final day of the event - will be revealed next week when tickets also go on sale.

FIRST ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

Scotland’s top DJ Mallorca Lee will be the big name headliner on the opening night of Big Marquee Weekend II in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar, Macosquin from Friday 29 April until Sunday 1 May.

The ground-breaking international DJ/producer has performed hi-octane sets to huge audiences around the globe for more than two decades.  His incredible CV includes appearances at major venues in the United States, Japan, Ibiza, Russia, New Zealand, Australia and across continental Europe, earning him the number one ranking in the Scottish Vestax DJ20 Poll for three years running.

On his way to Macosquin: Mallorca Lee

Providing the support on what is guaranteed to be an immense dance night in the Big Marquee will be DJs Craig Dalzell -  best known for a critically-acclaimed run of 10 consecutive summers in Ibiza – and the ever-popular Tizer, who has thrilled clubbers around Northern Ireland and far beyond for 23 years. 

Old Skool master Booshanty will be first on the decks with some warm-up tunes.

Big Marquee Weekend II will follow a similar format to last year’s inaugural three-day festival, with Friday’s clubland line-up being followed by two equally high profile bills on the Saturday and Sunday, each with a radically different theme.

The event is being organised by Robert Todd and Drew Hutchinson, aka DJ Steady, who will also be playing regular sets.

Drew said he believed the first night line-up would get a thrilling weekend of live music off to the best possible start. 

“Mallorca Lee remains at the top of his game, where he has been for a very long time,” he commented. 

“Coloursfest, Judgment Fridays Ibiza, Planet Love, Homelands, Creamfields, Gatecrasher and the Reading and Leeds Festivals are just some of the legendary promotions where he has triumphed, and it will be a real treat to welcome him to Macosquin.

“And we could not be more excited that he will be supported on the night by Craig Dalzell and X-Ray, both DJs with massive reputations of their own and ready to show the crowd why.”      

The identities of the artists performing on the Saturday and Sunday of Big Marquee Weekend II will be revealed in the coming days, together with ticket details.   

One week on: Business leaders praise Leeds Digital Job Fair

The inaugural Leeds Digital Job Fair has won acclaim from local business leaders seven days after more than 1,300 candidates filed through the doors of the First Direct Arena to talk to employers about the hundreds of tech vacancies on offer across the city.

Google, William Hill, Callcredit, Sky Betting & Gaming, Provident Financial, Sky and Lhasa Limited were just some of the 33 firms with exhibition stands at last Wednesday’s event, all with real jobs – from entry level through experienced industry professional - ready to be filled.

The event was organised by Herd, the Leeds-based technology job board, after its research revealed that the number of unfilled tech jobs in Leeds had risen from an estimated 400 in December 2014 to more than 600 in less than 12 months.   

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi described the Leeds Digital Job Fair as, “a resounding success.”  And she revealed that a follow-up was already in the pipeline.

Amy De-Balsi (Photo: www.thecapturelab.com)

Ms De-Balsi said: “We did it and we did it well.  Almost all of the companies who came to exhibit and offer jobs said they would return, and planning for another tech job fair is now underway.  Herd has also been contacted by firms that weren’t there but want to be involved in a future event.

“I was particularly taken aback by the number of candidates who travelled from outside Leeds to gain access to the numerous positions we had available.

“The city’s digital and technology sector is growing remarkably quickly and we can’t fill the vacancies at the pace they’re currently being created.  This is an opportunity that cannot be lost.  It is essential that we keep the digital talent we have, rather than lose it to London as has been the case in the past.  We must encourage skilled tech people to build their careers here.

“The first Leeds Digital Job Fair set the bar high but its success demonstrates beyond question that we’re on the right path.”

The event – which was co-sponsored by Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University, Tech North and Leeds BID – has been roundly applauded by company bosses who were there.

Andy Williams, Managing Principal of Answer Digital, said:  "The digital transformation movement in Leeds is really catching fire.  Leeds City Council and Herd are to be commended for setting up, in the space of six months, a Leeds Digital Board with broad representation from many different stakeholders, identifying the skills gap and organising the first digital recruitment fair to begin addressing that gap.

 "What a fantastic opportunity to showcase Answer Digital's message, create further links with academia, network with other exhibitors and crucially check out the talent that Leeds has to offer. 

 “It was great to see that so many business, both SMEs and large companies, felt able to support the day, pulling together with the academic institutions and the Council to show the art of the possible and the true potential of the Leeds digital market."

Leeds Digital Job Fair (Photo: www.thecapturelab.com)

Emma Cheshire, CEO of Dotforge, said: "The first tech-focused careers fair in Leeds highlighted just how much opportunity there is in the area for coders, project managers and marketers to build an amazing career working for digital companies with national and international clients in sectors as diverse as health, fintech, gaming and betting.

"The event was a great opportunity to see many of these companies in one place, to reconnect with great teams and to hear how quickly and successfully all the companies are growing."

Alex Bradley, Director of Axiom Futures, said: "The buzz was brilliant and exactly what the city needs.  There were some excellent conversations happening, not just about attracting current talent, but about how we grown our own and put Leeds ahead of the competition."

Last call to sign up free for Leeds Digital Job Fair

Software engineers, web designers, developers, digital marketers and project managers are just some of the hundreds of positions on offer to candidates who sign up for free to attend the Leeds Digital Job Fair at the First Direct Arena next Wednesday (10 February).

Sky Betting & Gaming, Google, Provident Financial, William Hill, Callcredit, Sky and Lhasa Limited will be amongst the more than 30 employers with vacancies for tech specialists from entry level through to experienced industry professionals.

The event has been put together by Herd, the Leeds-based technology job board, to help fill more than 600 jobs currently available in the Leeds digital sector.   

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi said: “This will be the first digital job fair held in Leeds and the first job fair of any kind staged at the magnificent First Direct Arena.

 "All of the city’s major tech employers will be there to talk about the wide range of career opportunities available for good candidates.

 “It’s free to register and I urge anyone seeking to advance their career in the digital sector to sign up.  With just a few days to go, places are now filling up very quickly.”

 Sky Betting & Gaming chief executive Richard Flint said the event was an ideal vehicle to showcase his company’s plans and ongoing recruitment drive.       

He commented:  “I’m really looking forward to the day and the opportunity to meet with potential Sky Betting & Gaming employees.

“We’ve hired almost 400 new people in the last year but continue to expand and have many more vacancies to fill.

"The Leeds Digital Job Fair will enable us to talk about what's in the pipeline including our software and commercial academies that will help students into a role at Sky Betting & Gaming."   

The event is being sponsored by Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University, Tech North and Leeds BID.   

Tom Riordan

Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan said: “Leeds is now rightly regarded as one of the country’s leading digital cities. 

“But we want to maintain our remarkable record of success which means keeping our outstanding technology talent here. 

“The inaugural Leeds Digital Job Fair is a forum for the city’s finest digital employers to talk directly to skilled people and provide a further boost to the local economy.  The Council is delighted to be involved.”    

Students, graduates and digital professionals wishing to attend the Leeds Digital Job Fair can register for free at www.herd.careers/jobfair/attendees  

Statement: Macosquin to host Big Marquee Weekend II

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, it can now be confirmed that Big Marquee Weekend II will take place at Mary Pat’s Bar in Macosquin from Friday 29 April until Sunday 1 May 2016.

The event will follow the same format as last year and feature a thrilling mix of returning artists and acts brand new to the area.

Ticket and line-up details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Get the dates in your diary!

Herds of candidates expected at first ever Leeds Digital Job Fair

Hundreds of jobs for tech-savvy candidates from Yorkshire and far beyond will be up for grabs at the First Direct Arena on Wednesday 10 February when doors open for the inaugural Leeds Digital Job Fair.

Google, Sky Betting & Gaming, William Hill, Callcredit, Sky and Lhasa Limited will be amongst the big-name employers offering eye-catching career opportunities for apprentices and recent graduates through to experienced technology professionals.

The event is being organised by Herd, the Leeds-based online jobs board, with support from Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University, Tech North and Leeds BID. 

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi said the rapidly-increasing number of tech vacancies in Leeds had led her to the view that a job fair could provide a catalytic boost to the city’s burgeoning digital sector.

As well as visiting the many exhibition stands over two floors of the First Direct Arena, attendees will also be able to participate in a series of seminars.  Each session will be led by an industry leader from a company showcasing its digital and technology career opportunities on the day.     

“Herd recently conducted research which found that the number of vacancies in the Leeds digital and technology sector had risen by half over the last twelve months from around 400 to more than 600,” said Ms De-Balsi.  “This is costing the local economy millions of pounds and risks losing some of the momentum our tech firms have worked so hard to establish.”       

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi

She was confident that bringing the city’s digital leaders together under the same roof as talented tech individuals wishing to advance in the sector would pay real dividends.

“We are expecting up to 40 technology businesses to join us to talk about their latest projects and the hundreds of vacancies they have to offer dynamic, capable people seeking an exciting new challenge in the digital industry,” Ms De-Balsi continued.  “There is still room for more employers and candidates to join us, but places are going very quickly.” 

Companies wishing to take a stand at the Leeds Digital Job Fair can obtain an exhibitor pack by emailing amy@herd.careers

Candidates wishing to attend and find out what jobs are on offer can register for free at www.herd.careers/jobfair/attendees  

Leeds golden girl tops the bill at Unity AGM

Olympic boxing icon Nicola Adams was the star attraction at Unity Homes and Enterprise’s Annual General Meeting, which also heard a speech from Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan praising Unity’s work.

Unity Housing Association was formed in 1987 with the objective of building a strong, BME-led, community housing association to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds.  Unity currently manages almost 1,200 properties, providing homes for single tenants, families, older people and those with special needs, from all communities.  The initial focus was on Chapeltown, but this has widened to other areas of the city. 

Unity Enterprise was established in 2000 to support local entrepreneurial activity, followed later by Unity Employment Services which helps tenants access employment and training.

Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan addressing Unity's AGM 

“There is a really positive feel about the work Unity is doing,” Mr Riordan said.  “Leeds is a diverse place encompassing many different communities.  Unity’s activities in Chapeltown, Harehills, Holbeck, Beeston and elsewhere are fundamental to how the city operates.”       

In the last financial year, Unity’s turnover increased by 6% to £5.6 million. 80 new homes were built, including a small development in Huddersfield – the organisation’s first project outside of Leeds.  More than £1.3 million was invested in home improvements to 180 existing properties, with a further £1.4 million spent on the refurbishment of Chapeltown Enterprise Centre and Unity Business Centre, the latter now home to around 80 different companies.  Unity Employment Services helped 60 people into work, delivered accredited skills training to 61 others and enabled 20 to gain work experience.

Unity chief executive Ali Akbor told invited guests at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance that assisting people was in the organisation’s DNA. He said: “Unity will continue to do our very best to provide high quality housing and other professional support to as many individuals and families as we can.”  

Nicola Adams, who was born and educated in Leeds, offered an insight into her preparations for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.  She said: “I am a proud Leeds girl and hope that my success will inspire many other young people in the city to work hard and achieve their dreams.” 

Closing the meeting, recently-appointed Unity chair Shruti Bhargava thanked staff, shareholders, tenants and board members for their contributions over the past year.  She said: “I look forward to playing a leading part in helping Unity to further enhance its well-established reputation for aspiration, excellence and delivering results.”   

Reigning Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams (centre), flanked by Unity chair Shruti Bhargava (left) and chief executive Ali Akbor

TransPennine electrification to recommence

A key component of the Government's Northern Powerhouse initiative got back on track today as it was announced that work on the electrification of the TransPennine Express railway is to restart.

Halted back in June, Network Rail Chair Sir Peter Hendy said the "temporary pause" had "given us the space to develop a better plan." The decision has been signed off by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The result will be six "fast or semi-fast trains" per hour between Manchester, Leeds and York, reducing journey times by up to 15 minutes.

The Manchester to York section of the work is due for completion by 2022.

Sir Peter said: “We face some difficult challenges, and there is more work still to do, but the secretary of state's decision means we can now move forward with our plans to electrify TransPennine and Midland Mainline.”

Undoubtedly good news for the North, although perhaps we could’ve done without the three months of uncertainty.

Final countdown to the Big Marquee Weekend

Organisers are predicting a total ticket sell-out as solo artists, bands, DJs and music fans from across Northern Ireland prepare to converge on the village of Macosquin near Coleraine for the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend which gets underway next Friday (21 August).  

The three-day event, being held in a professionally-erected marquee in the car park of Mary Pat’s Bar, begins with a clubland night headlined by Micky Modelle and Ultrabeat with local support.

A hotly-anticipated Rock v Brit Pop battle will top Saturday’s bill as long-established Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi from Armagh go up against Belfast’s Oasis copycats Roll With It.  Coleraine band Cellar Door, acoustic performer Adam Buick, and DJs Steady and Trigger will warm up the crowd.

And the weekend will conclude to the sound of country music when singer-songwriter Ritchie Remo, duo JD Country and Ireland’s most popular Garth Brooks tribute act Jason Hughes perform on the specially-constructed indoor stage on Sunday. 

Drew Hutchinson, who has been organising the Big Marquee Weekend with Robert Todd and the bar’s proprietor Hughie Hamilton, said everyone involved was thrilled at the reaction the event has generated.

“We were ambitious from the outset in going for a big marquee with its own fully-kitted bar, booking top quality acts and running the event over three days,” Drew commented. 

“And we are delighted that the public have backed us by their buying tickets.  We are looking at an absolute sell-out, and we can’t do better than that.

“I have spoken to all of the artists over the past few days to finalise the running orders, and they are as excited as the rest of us.  

“There are a handful of tickets still available but all the indications are that they’ll be gone before we open the doors on Friday.

“It’s going to be a weekend to remember.”

Day tickets for the Big Marquee Weekend are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 on Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

They can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Leeds is up for the Cup

This is the sight that now greets travellers at they pass through Leeds Train Station.

Yes, the Rugby World Cup is coming to town.

Well, I say that - it's here already.  And this is the proof.

Above you can see Sion Lloyd-Parry (left) and Oisin Higgins - two fine up-and-and coming young players at Aireborough Lions RUFC in Leeds - on their visit to Headingley yesterday.  And between them is what it's all about, the William Webb Ellis Trophy, which 20 international teams will be fighting for (sometimes literally) in September and October.

The Cup is in Yorkshire for a few days as part of its nationwide tour before the big kick-off at Twickenham on Friday 1 8 September when England take on Fiji.  

Leeds itself will play host to two games; Italy facing Canada at Elland Road on Saturday 26 September, and Scotland tackling the US Eagles at the same venue the following day.  Indeed, both the Scots and the Americans will be based in the city for the group stages.

An exciting time for rugby union fans here in Yorkshire - and great news for the local economy which is set to benefit from the very welcome visitor influx.  Let's hope our Scottish friends are aware that you don't get owt for nowt in these parts.

Fake words exchanged as tribute bands prepare for Big Marquee battle

A fake war of words has broken out between two tributes bands due to go head-to-head later this month at the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend music festival in Macosquin on the outskirts of Coleraine.

The three day event gets underway on Friday 21 August with a Clubland night headlined by Micky Modelle and Ultrabeat, before climaxing on Sunday with a hugely impressive country music line-up featuring JD Country, Ritchie Remo and Ireland’s leading Garth Brooks tribute act Jason Hughes.

But it is on Saturday 22 August when sparks have long been expected to fly as Belfast’s Oasis look and sound-alikes Roll With It go up against Bon Jovi tribute band Con Jovi from Armagh in a Brit Pop versus Rock battle.

And the verbals have started early after Roll With It’s “Liam” claimed that Con Jovi would “cast no shadow” over the Belfast boys. 

“Liam” from Roll With it, letting it out

“Look man, some might say that Con Jovi are half a world away from us,” said Liam, who said he was looking forward to lots of cigarettes and alcohol after coming off the professionally-constructed stage. 

"We’ve played all around the world and, unlike the real Oasis, we’ll not fade away and gonna live forever.  We’ve got a masterplan, I’m a rock ‘n’ roll star and Con Jovi can slide away.  Come the Big Marquee Weekend, they’ll be standing on the shoulders of giants as we bask in the sunshiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine. D’you know what I mean?”

But “Jon” from Con Jovi wasted no time in hitting back, saying that his band were planning to give Roll With It “a taste of their own bad medicine.”

“Hey, we weren’t born to follow,” said Jon.  “We’ll have a nice day in Macosquin and leave in a blaze of glory.  But we won’t runaway and, no apologies, Roll With It are livin’ on a prayer if they think they’re better than us.  

Con Jovi who have pledged to leave the Big Marquee stage in a blaze of glory

"This ain’t a love song and I say to Liam, you give love a bad name. Keep the faith.  I’ll be there for you, always, but don’t lay your hands on me or you’ll be wanted dead or live. These days life isn’t a bed of roses and you were born to be my baby. What about now?”  

Hearing Jon’s fighting talk, Liam’s pretend big brother “Noel” entered the fray with a direct challenge to Con Jovi.

He said: “Either stop crying your heart out or go let it out.”  But Noel added: “We’ll never acquiesce so let there be love.  I’m a songbird and I don’t look bank in anger.  But after the gig, Con Jovi can stand by me as I sit on a wonderwall and toast Roll With It’s victory with a champagne supernova.” 

Noel also revealed that Roll With It are planning to travel from Belfast to Macosquin in a supersonic car.  “She’s electric,” he explained.

Day tickets for the Big Marquee Weekend are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 on Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

Tickets can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar in Macosquin, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Garth Brooks fans urged to drown their sorrows at Big Marquee Weekend

Garth Brooks fans left broken-hearted at the US country music star’s Croke Park no-show last summer have been urged to flock to the village of Macosquin on Sunday 23 August where Jason Hughes, Ireland’s best-loved Garth Brooks tribute act, will join other big names in the local country music scene to bring the curtain down on the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend.  

The three-day music festival, which kicks off on Friday 21 August with a clubland DJ night headlined by Ultra Beat and Micky Modelle, will take place in a professionally-erected marquee in the car park of Mary Pat’s Bar.

Portadown’s renowned Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi and Belfast’s biggest Oasis dead ringers Roll With It will be the star attractions on Saturday in a Rock v Britpop face-off, with Cellar Door and Adam Buick providing top notch support.

And then on Sunday, hugely popular two-piece band JD County and the brilliant Ritchie Remo – whose version of Hit the Diff has now attracted more than half a million views on YouTube – will join Jason Hughes in laying on an all-day feast of country music.

Drew Hutchinson, who is organising the event with Robert Todd and the bar’s proprietor Hughie Hamilton, said he had been taken aback by the level of interest the Big Marquee Weekend has generated since being announced.

“What started off as quite a modest event when we first came up with the idea has really taken off,” said Drew.  “Kerry McLean has talked about it on her BBC Radio Ulster afternoon show and it’s been getting lots of mentions on social media.

“We’re now getting ticket enquiries from all over Northern Ireland, from across the border and from England.

“The quality and variety of the acts over the three days has been the key and no one will leave disappointed – unless, of course, we sell out before they’ve managed to get their hands on a ticket.

“The appearance of Jason Hughes on Sunday has excited a lot of people, particularly after Garth Brooks decided not to bring his big hat to Dublin last year.  

“Disappointed Garth fans have had refund money burning a hole in their pockets for a whole year now.  And at just £12 for a full day of country music, they will still have plenty left after buying a ticket.  I know some of them are still hurting after Garth’s snub, but I think a few drinks from the marquee’s fully-kitted bar will help to ease the pain.”     

Day tickets for the Big Marquee Weekend are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 on Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

Tickets can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Jason Hughes, who will perform his critically-acclaimed Garth Brooks tribute show at the Big Marquee Weekend in Macosquin

Leeds and Sky: Marching on together

More excellent news for the Leeds economy today after Sky announced plans to create 400 jobs at a new tech hub in the city centre. 

The digital skills and innovation centre will be located at Allied London’s Leeds Dock with the design and development of Sky’s next generation of apps and websites the primary focus.

And in an added boost for Leeds, Sky will also create a Software Engineering Academy here.  Based on a similar scheme established in London in 2011, the facility will provide young people across the North with the opportunity to learn digital skills and find a route into the sector.

“Digital skills and innovation are at the heart of what we do at Sky, helping us give customers the best possible TV experience, whether at home or on the move,” said Sky Group Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch.  “With our investment in Leeds, we’re creating one of the largest digital communities in the UK.”

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid added: “The announcement is a boost to the digital economy of the entire Northern Powerhouse, and will undoubtedly help to cement Leeds as a leading technology cluster.”   

Sky’s investment will take the number of its employees in Leeds past 1,000, spread across tech and customer services.

Truly a city on the digital march. 

Big Marquee Weekend ready to Roll

We’re delighted to be playing our part in promoting what promises to be a thrilling feast of live music on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland next month.

The historic village of Macosquin, on the outskirts of Coleraine, will play host to the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend featuring top acts from across the Province.

The three-day festival, which runs from 21-23 August, will take place in a professionally-erected marquee - complete with its own stage and fully-equipped bar – sited in the car park of Mary Pat’s Bar.

The entertainment kicks off on the Friday with a clubland night headlined with DJ sets from Ultra Beat and Micky Modelle, plus local support.

Belfast's Oasis tribute band Roll With It who will take to the festival stage on Saturday

Saturday’s highlight will be a Rock v Britpop battle with Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi taking on Oasis look and sound-alikes, Roll With It.  Coleraine band Cellar Door and acoustic solo artist Adam Buick are also on the bill, with DJs Steady and Trigger playing rock and Britpop tunes to keep the party going.

And the weekend is sure to end on a high on Sunday with a country music spectacular starring singer-songwriter Ritchie Remo, popular two-piece JD Country and – in a real coup for the promoters - Ireland’s best known Garth Brooks tribute act, Jason Hughes.  A country DJ will also be there to entertain the crowd between the live performances. 

Event organiser Drew Hutchinson aka DJ Steady 

Drew Hutchinson, who is organising the event with Robert Todd and the bar’s proprietor Hughie Hamilton, said Macosquin - which historians say originated as a 6th-century monastic settlement - was already full of anticipation at the prospect of welcoming so many visitors to the village. 

“The sight of customers swaying in Mary Pat’s is not unusual on an average weekend evening,” he said. 

“But the image of many hundreds of people in the car park gyrating to the beat of high quality live music will be a new one. 

“More seriously, I am thrilled at the line-up we have managed to put together over the three days of the festival.  There really is something in there for all musical tastes and, having spoken to all of the artists, I know that they are looking forward to putting on a great show.

"I'm not aware of an event like this being staged in the Triangle area before.  Tickets are selling very well with enquiries coming from both sides of the border and also from across the water after we posted the details on social media.

“With only a few weeks to go, I would encourage anyone interested in coming along to buy their tickets now because I am confident we will sell out.”

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

​Tickets can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.