LEGO lovers assemble, because the dream job just came up – and you don’t get the chance to apply for this often.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is on the hunt for a talented individual to become their new Master Model Builder.
The job of a Master Model Builder is a coveted role that aims to inspire the next generation of builders, while creating showstopping LEGO sculptures.
One of the rarest jobs in the world, potential candidates for the dream role will compete in an elite competition to determine Manchester’s best builder, which is being held at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, located in The Trafford Palazzo, on Saturday 23 September.
Participants will engage in a series of exciting speed builds and challenges to flaunt their skills set by Luke – the UK’s Mini Master Model Builder.
The challenges will allow them to flex their LEGO abilities when constructing intricate structures under pressure.
The successful candidate will join the exclusive ranks, becoming the 35th Master Model Builder in the company’s history, and they will craft brick-tastic displays in the attraction’s Miniland to sit alongside the cobbles of Coronation Street, the Old Trafford stadium, among many other LEGO masterpieces.
ADVERTISEMENT
When they’re not crafting LEGO displays that wow visitors, the Master Model Builder will also be responsible for maintaining the existing awe-inspiring models, igniting imaginations through creative workshops, and teaching visitors how to build their own wonderful creations.
If you think that the job sounds like a bit if you, you can apply to become Manchester’s Master Model Builder and join the growing team before Saturday 16 September.
Image: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Image: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Speaking on the role, Jenn McDonough – General Manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester – said: “If you live and breathe LEGO, our Master Model Builder role will be your dream job. It’s a chance to get creative and play with LEGO all day and create showstopping structures, all while being paid.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The right candidate will be passionate about all things LEGO and ready to take their building skills to the next level, with flair and a creative spark.
“At LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for LEGO enthusiasts, and we want you to be a part of it, so don’t miss your opportunity to apply.”
Potential candidates will be asked to submit a photo of their best LEGO build yet, before showcasing their skills in the competition at The Trafford Palazzo, followed by a face-to-face interview.
The UK’s Mini Master Model Builder Luke, Operations Manager Matthew O’Connell, Marketing Manager Nathalie Eady, and the site’s General Manager Jenn McDonough will act as judges to decide which contestants will take on the job.
The new BBQ restaurant beneath a Manchester railway arch where meat is cooked very, VERY slowly
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new BBQ spot beneath a railway arch in Manchester, and it’s cooking its meat very, very slowly.
Sandy’s Smokeshed has just opened in Castlefield, where Sam – and his smoker, Angela – are serving up serious Texas-style BBQ, with queues already stretching out the door.
The idea is simple: take great cuts of meat, cover them generously in seasoning, put them in the smoker and give them all the time they need.
That means beef shin smoked over oak and cherry for 10 hours, eight-hour smoked beef chuck and the Boston Butt, alongside brisket, short ribs, chicken and plenty more.
Sam has always been a fan of BBQ, but decided to take things rather more seriously when he bought the enormous smoker now sitting underneath the arch. It’s a serious piece of kit, cooking the meat from all directions and producing the kind of results where everything practically collapses in your hand.
And the location only adds to the atmosphere. While you’re eating, trains rattle overhead, giving the place an appropriately industrial Manchester soundtrack.
Sandy’s Smokeshed is beneath the arches in CastlefieldOwner Sam seasoning his pulled porkJuicy, pull-apart chicken
The BBQ comes with plenty of proper sides, too, including pit beans and slaw, plus garlic BBQ sauce for pouring over the top.
There are also some particularly good sandwiches, made with Holy Grain sourdough from next door and filled with pulled pork, steak, or braised ox shin.
Sandy’s Smokeshed kicked things off last weekend with a free food, BYOB feast, and judging by the queues, word has travelled quickly.
It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – but only until they sell out.
Vegetarians, look away now. Everyone else, you’ll want to get there early.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
5th September 2023 
