Classical music is to be played at dozens of train stations across the North in a bid to “deter anti-social behaviour”.
It may not be the first tactic you’d think of if you were trying to ward off trouble and prevent it from happening again in the future, but after a successful trial was conducted at 35 train stations in Greater Manchester and across the North back in 2022, Northern has now announced that “classical music is here to stay”.
After noticing a rise in incidents of anti-social behaviour, the train operator orchestrated a plan to play music inspired by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, and Handel at nine stations.
Following this, it was then introduced at another 26 stations last year.
As part of the trial aimed at “preventing loitering, vandalism, and graffiti”, the teams at the participating stations would play the classical music at certain times of the day that were identified or often associated with incidents of anti-social behaviour, but would make sure to control the volume so it didn’t disturb local residents.
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During the initial trial, the music was played at stations in Billingham, Shildon, Heighington, North Road, Orrell, Keighley, Hyde North, Ilkley, and Newton Aycliffe.
The following year, it was rolled out at Beverley, Birchwood, Bryn, Cottingham, Cross Gates, Fitzwilliam, Flimby, Halewood, Haltwhistle, Hattersley, Levenshulme, Lostock Gralam, Maryport, Mill Hill, Newton for Hyde, Penistone, Rainhill, Sowerby Bridge, Sunderland, Ulverston, Wetheral, Whiston, Nunthorpe, Seaton Carew, Stockton, and Seaham.
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When the trail proved to be successful, passengers apparently “called for an encore” as they claimed the music made them feel safer at participating stations, because large groups had stopped gathering there on a regular basis to “cause a nuisance” – particularly during the school holidays.
It follows successful trials carried out at 35 stations in 2022 and 2023 / Credit: gov.uk
“We’re pleased to have found an innovative and effective way of deterring anti-social behaviour,” commented Tricia Williams, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Northern.
“Following the successful trial, we will continue playing classical music at these stations and look to introduce it at others in the coming months, as we want all of our customers to feel safe and secure when they travel.
“This approach, along with other investment we are making, is working well.”
Featured Image – Jonny Walton (via Northern)
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Beauty paradise as Sephora Manchester finally opens in the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is finally ready to welcome its first-ever Sephora store as the cult beauty retailer heads north.
The huge shop, which officially opens tomorrow at the Trafford Centre, is stuffed full of luxury skincare, haircare and makeup, including several brands that are usually hard to find in the UK.
There are exclusive-to-Sephora brands in store like Makeup by Mario, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Topicals, and their own Sephora Collection range of affordable beauty items.
Plus it’s a chance to browse hit names like Glossier, famed for their liquid blushes and ‘Boy Brow’ gels, in person.
Selena Gomez’s Rare beauty, loved by people of all ages for its ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, is also available to shop inside the new Sephora.
As for skincare, you’ll find Drunk Elephant, The Ordinary, Sol de Janeiro, Supergoop, Sunday Riley, Paula’s Choice, Mario Badescu and loads more.
Inside the huge Sephora ManchesterThe beauty hub in the heart of Sephora ManchesterSephora’s cult favourite minis
That’s all alongside classic make-up names like Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Lancome, and Benefit.
There’s also a huge range of fragrance for men and women.
One of Sephora’s most popular features is its minis – tiny versions of some of its best-sellers for those who are a little indecisive, frequent fliers, or don’t want to splurge on a full-sized new product.
And as for haircare, alongside rows and rows of shampoos, conditioners and styling products, are electronic brands like Dyson, Shark and GHD.
In the heart of the huge new Trafford Centre Sephora is a beauty studio, offering makeovers and skincare including a Manchester exclusive with Grown Alchemist.
If you’re totally overwhelmed by the choices on offer, there are several edits of products arranged around the shop, grouped by concern – so a whole display of the best lip products, another for eyes, and so on.
An Eyes ‘must-haves’ editThe OrdinaryRare Beauty
It’s only the third Sephora to open in the entire country, with the other two both based in London.
Sephora fever seems to have fully gripped the Trafford Centre, which has plastered black and white decor everywhere in celebration of the new arrival.
There’s even a monochrome striped staircase leading to the new store, banners outside, and huge posters hanging from the shopping centre’s ceilings.
And it’s only going to get bigger after today – to celebrate its launch, 500 goodie bags will be given away to the first people in the queue on Sephora’s official launch day, Thursday 16 May.
Do you fancy yourself a bit of a brainbox? Reckon you’re ready to put your general knowledge to the test in the hopes of winning some money? And by ‘some money’, we just mean the small matter of £1 million?
If you answered yes to those questions, then you’ll probably keen to know that ITV has put out a casting call for people to take part in the next series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.
That’s right… it’s been confirmed that Jeremy Clarkson is back hosting another series of the world-famous reality game show – which was revived to great success by ITV back for the first time back in 2018 – later this year, and that means the show’s producers are, of course, looking for contestants who believe they’ve got what it takes to make it to the million.
Brainy Mancs are wanted by ITV producers for a new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? / Credit: ITV
A casting call on the ITV website reads: “If you would like the chance to sit opposite Jeremy in the world-famous hotseat, then apply now, as could be just 15 questions away from becoming a millionaire.”
Applications for the new series of the show are now live and currently being accepted up until the cut-off date of 15 November 2024, but the earlier you apply the better, as the audition and casting process is set to take place between 22 July and 11 October 2024.
To apply, you must be aged 18 or over on the date of submitting the form, and you must be a British citizen or have the right to reside in the UK, as well as ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements listed on the ITV website before you start completing this application form.