“Our attractions in York have proved very popular indeed with guests and have exceeded our initial expectations.”
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Phil Pinder, director of wizardry, said: “Blackpool was a natural choice on the next part of our journey; as it is the UK’s number 1 seaside resort and has a lot to offer both the many visitors and residents.
“This will be the second wizard themed golf for the Potions Cauldron following the opening of ‘Hole in Wand York’ in 2021.”
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.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride
Thomas Melia
One of the North West’s favourite theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is receiving a brand new, multi-million pound ride next year.
The newest addition to the massive coastal amusement park will be a giant gyro swing, and work on making it come to life in the park has already started.
Although the concept of a swinging pendulum may exist at other theme parks in the UK, Blackpool Pleasure Beach reassures thrill-seekers that this will be bigger than any other – especially in terms of height. You could say this is the new rival to ‘The Big One’.
It’s certainly big in terms of cost, as estimates have construction valued at around £8.72m.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to some phenomenal rides and they’re gaining another.Thrill seekers will be able to the Pleasure Beach’s latest ride next year. Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort
The attraction is set to hold 40 riders who, if brave enough, will face outward with their legs dangling over the edge to replicate the feeling of flying.
This new ride has been on the horizon ever since Blackpool Pleasure Beach sent a digital van to their rivals over at Thorpe Park (currently closed for maintenance), which read: “We’ll just have to come up with something else then, won’t we?”
The next closest competitor at Drayton Manor is ‘Maelstrom’, which reaches nearly 74 feet, while this gyro swing will more or less double this number, racking up to 138 feet at its highest point at a 120-degree angle. Gulp.
Suspense has been building for this new addition as eager adrenaline junkies noticed the demolition of the former Bowl-A-Drome building, with no words from the park itself – until now.
CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE, said: “We’re thrilled to confirm the addition of a Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach Resort, with work already underway.” It doesn’t have an official name yet, but it’s been dubbed ‘Project MMXXVI’.
We're delighted to unveil Project MMXXVI, a colossal 138ft Gyro Swing coming to Pleasure Beach next year. 🐍 pic.twitter.com/xAtEKpcgv5
— Pleasure Beach Resort🎢 (@Pleasure_Beach) March 20, 2025
Thompson also stated, “We’re well known for doing things on a large scale, so becoming home to the largest Gyro Swing in the UK made complete sense.”
This isn’t the only attraction receiving all the love at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as ‘Wallace & Gromit‘s Thrill-O-Matic’ is adding some new scenes, thanks to its recent win at the BAFTAs.
Much-loved ride ‘River Caves’ is also going to be re-imagined, while the ‘Launch Pad’ – which recently finished an upgrade earlier this year – will be open in Spring.
The Gyro Swing will be opening sometime in 2026, and while the date for its grand debut might not be released, the park has spoken on its location, announcing it will be placed up in the north of the park.
How exciting!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is constantly adding innovative rides.This new Gyro Swing will be joining the infamous ‘The Big One’.Credit: Supplied
Daisy Jackson -
8th April 2022 
