After another stellar edition of Neighbourhood Weekender last month, the festival’s organisers were quick to announce the first wave of artists and release tickets for the fourth instalment next year.
Moving back to its usual May dates and taking place on 28 and 29 May 2022, Neighbourhood will return to Warrington once again.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet, what are you waiting for?
In case you still need a bit of convincing, we’re on hand to give you a little push with five reasons why you should get straight onto that ticket page and get it booked.
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1. It’s less than 20 miles from Manchester
Happening at its usual home of Victoria Park again in 2022, it’s less than 20 miles from Manchester City Centre and just down the road from Altrincham too.
You can get to the festival using several modes of transport, whether it be by the local bus networks, on foot, drop off, or by car using the dedicated car park that’s just a 10 minute-walk to the festival gates.
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Trains to the two stations – Warrington Bank Quay and Warrington Central – are also just a short 20 minute journey from Manchester.
Direct eco-friendly coaches courtesy of the festival’s travel partner Big Green Coach are also being put on, and with pick up points in the city centre and Stockport, your coach will drop you right at the festival site and will take you right back afterwards – it couldn’t be any easier.
2. The lineup
Known for putting together lineups of big names alongside breakthrough and up-and-coming talent, next year’s Neighbourhood will be no different.
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The first wave of artists was announced last week, revealing that a handful of Greater Manchester’s very-own will take centre stage across the two days.
Courteeners, Blossoms, Pale Waves and The Lathums are all confirmed to play. Whilst Kasabian, Australian trio DMA’s, and Dublin-based Inhaler will also add the weekender to their early summer festival calendar.
But it’s not just bands and indie music, as the lineup boasts a full range of genres, with music from the likes of Example, Tom Grennan, Becky Hill and more throughout the weekend, providing plenty of listening options – so, there’s definitely something for everyone.
And as this is just the first drop of artists, there’s loads more waiting to be announced.
3. The unique experience
Drawing on its namesake, the festival’s main hub, The Neighbourhood, is a hive of activity and immersive fun.
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You can grab a pint down the local at the Neighbourhood Inn, stock up on festival essentials and snacks at the Corner Shop Rave, and even experience the silent disco in The Library.
Grab a pint down the local pub in ‘The Neighbourhood’, the festival’s mini town hub.
The mini town creates a unique experience, with so much going on for you to get involved in – including solving fictional crimes with the festival’s Inspector Malaprop, chasing down a dangerous robbing duo.
And as it’s open to those five and over, it’s super friendly and suitable for the whole family.
4. Affordable ticket options
For this level of festival with this calibre of artists, you could expect to pay hundreds – but Neighbourhood offers some genuinely affordable ticket options, with day tickets costing as little as £59.50, and full weekend tickets for just £115.
On each day of the festival, the gates will be open from 12.30pm, with the music running until 22.30pm, so you’ll be getting an entire day of music action for your buck too.
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Accessible tickets are also available, and there’s a dedicated free ticket scheme for carers and assistants to those who could not attend the festival without their help.
To apply for one of these, you’ll need to buy one ticket as normal through Gigs and Tours or See Tickets, and then email [email protected] with the relevant proof (e.g. PIP form or access card), along with photo ID, booking reference, the ticket agent you used and state what you’ll require: carer ticket, accessible car parking area and/or viewing platform.
5. The VIP treatment
For that added extra Neighbourhood experience, you could go VIP.
You’ll get a separate entrance away from the main gate to avoid any entry queues, and access to the main stage viewing area with great views of the crowd and artists.
As well as this, you’ll get access to a dedicated VIP area with fancy toilets – because we all know what festival toilets can end up like – and a chill out area with comfy seats, so you can give your feet a well-earned rest.
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Chill out in the VIP area. Credit: Anthony Mooney
The food and drink are also levelled up too, as with your VIP ticket, there’ll be unique food vendors that aren’t available to the rest of the festival, plus an undercover bar, which is ideal should it start raining – this is the north, after all.
So, now you’re fully convinced, you can secure your tickets for Neighbourhood Weekender here and find more information on the website.
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Featured Image – Neighbourhood Weekender
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The Lottery Winners champion the ‘working class’ after notching their second number one album
Danny Jones
Another UK Official Charts gold trophy is heading Wigan Way as Leigh’s very own The Lottery Winners have notched another number one album,and you can rest assured these lot will never forget where they came from.
Being awarded the accolade for the second time in the space of just four LPs, the much-loved Greater Manchester band emerged as increasing favourites in the race for the top spot this past week, but nothing is ever certain until the race is run – and thankfully, they crossed the finish line on Friday evening.
Having previously claimed an inaugural number one for their third outing, ART (Anxiety Replacement Therapy), back in April 2023, their presence on the British indie and pop scene has only continued to grow, and they’ve been fittingly rewarded for their efforts.
Not only one of the most popular artists coming out of the region right now but prolific creators and performers, we couldn’t be happier for them. Here’s what happened when they heard the news:
Nevertheless, and annoying nose rings aside, their latest record KOKO (Keep On Keeping On), which dropped on 21 March, not only showcases some of The Lottery Winners‘ best material to date but it’s gone straight to number one.
Including another stunning lineup of special guests including Reverend and The Makers’ Jon McClure, Shed Seven, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and Frank Turner for the third time as a featured artist, the album has gone down an instant hit with their fan base and plenty of new listeners too.
Speaking on the massive achievement, bassist Katie Lloyd said: “I hope that people from a background that we’re from can look at what we’ve managed to achieve, with two of these now, and see that you can do it if you work hard and put everything into your dreams.”
Echoing her sentiment, frontman Thom Rylance went on to add: “This is for grassroots music, this is for the working class; this is for Leigh, this is for anybody who has a dream – go out there and get it.
“Make it happen.” Well said, lad.
“Sometimes the path to something like this can seem impossible, but hopefully we’re proof you can do it!” ✊#TheLotteryWinners (@LotteryWinners) have some inspiring words as they celebrate their second Official Number 1 album #KOKO 🏆🌼 pic.twitter.com/HhMi2XEOXb
Even Mayor Andy Burham chipped in, telling the Official Charts Company: “I’ve been a big fan of The Lottery Winners since they started out playing pubs and clubs around Leigh, and I know the whole town will be proud of them today.
“Landing a first Number 1 album was brilliant, but to do it again is something properly special. They’re one of the hardest working bands in the business and they deserve every bit of this success.”
Congratulations again to The Lottery Winners on KOKO and a second UK number one. We’re sure they’ll keep flying the flag for Greater Manchester and Northern music as a whole.
As well as headline dates to come, not to mention supporting the one and only Robbie Williams later this year, they’ve got a big festival season ahead as they’re set to return to the likes of Neighbourhood Weekender, Kendal Calling and more.
Roll on the summer and in the meantime, Keep On Keeping On.
Featured Images — Official Charts Company/The Lottery Winners (supplied)/Audio North
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A Salford student has made history as BBC Radio 1’s newest presenter
Danny Jones
A University of Salford student has made history after becoming the latest radio presenter for mainstream national station BBC Radio 1.
And he’s only 20 years old.
Matt Hallsworth from Harleston in Norfolk has become the first ever Salford student to sign a contract with the station whilst still studying, and is now set to join fellow alumni such as Vicky Hawkesworth and Katie Thistleton in working for the BBC’s biggest radio station.
If that isn’t hitting the ground running in your career, then we don’t know what is.
👏 We are delighted to share that BA Television and Radio Production student Matt Hallsworth has made history as our first current student to sign as a presenter for @BBCR1!
— School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology (@UoS_ArtsMedia) March 27, 2025
Set to host the spin-off online stream ‘Radio 1 Anthems’ – available via BBC’s digital Sounds platform, which hosts live and pre-recorded broadcasts, podcasts, music playlists and more – Hallsworth will be taking charge of several shows in the coming weeks.
The BA Television and Radio Production student, who is currently Head of Radio at the University’s in-house station Shock Radio, has already won a number of awards in his fledgling broadcast career and is now set to present a total of 16 shows through next month, starting from 8am on Tuesday, 2 April.
Matt has already had a glimpse of life at the BBC, having joined in as one of their Christmas Presenters back in December; he won the coveted slot after being crowned winner of ‘Best Presenter’ at last year’s Student Radio Awards (SRAs) and was the youngest out of a total 27 guest hosts that got the chance.
In addition to that accolade, he also collected the Gold Award for ‘Best Chart Show’ at the 2024 SRAs, with his on-air partner and fellow student Issy Brand also joining him in earning the title of ‘Best On-Air Team’ for the second year in a row in the International Student Broadcasting Championship.
Since then, he’s already enjoyed experience as a freelance presenter for nearby Hits Radio, working and is now the lead host officer for The Student Radio Association’s annual conference over in Salford.
Speaking on the unbelievable opportunity, the rising radio star said: “I am so excited to be joining the BBC Radio 1 Anthems family across April! Since the stream’s launch in October, it’s been evident the BBC is using it as a platform to nurture new presenters, and I feel thrilled to be able to join that.
“I was working on some university assignment work in January when I got the text and call from Aled [Hayden Jones, Head of Station at BBC Radio 1], with feedback from my Christmas show and offering the opportunity.
“The shows have the best playlists, full of songs that I grew up with, forgot about, and play anyway. I can’t wait for people to hear them.”
As for UoS‘s Programme Leader for BA TV and Radio Production, Louise Ready-Syrat, she says: “I’m hugely proud and pleased for Matt, he is such a lovely person and a huge talent that will be amazing in every capacity.
“Watching his development over his time with us on the BA Television and Radio Production course has been a privilege and a real inspiration to his fellow students.
“Always quick to help out on our Open Days, award shows and as Head of Shock Radio, he has proven himself to be a true professional and a genuinely great guy! Super pleased for him, he will smash this!”
Lyndon Saunders, Senior Lecturer and Subject Group Head for Broadcast Media, went on to add: “As soon as we heard Matt take to the student airwaves at Salford, we knew he would be snapped up by somebody big before too long. It’s just amazing to discover that he’s going national on BBC Radio 1.
“He’s so hard working, so determined, but so humble about his on air talent. I’ve worked with Matt in a producer capacity as well and he has an incredible work ethic – a gift for the journalism and storytelling side of radio too. In short, radio is in his veins, and we’re thrilled he’s making his dream a reality.”
You’ve done your department, Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole proud, Matt – we look forward to hearing you on the airwaves for years to come!
As far as universities go, UoS continues to be a brilliant proving ground for up-and-coming media talent.
Hannah Starkie -
6th October 2021 
