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.
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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.
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“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.
One of Manchester’s grandest restaurants has finally reopened TWO YEARS after fire
Daisy Jackson
One of the most historic restaurants in Manchester has reopened at last, two years after a fire forced its closure.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar – which many of us may remember as Mr Cooper’s – stands within the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel.
The grand dining room dates all the way back to 1903, when it opened with the hotel as the Grill Room.
The restaurant was at the epicentre of the Industrial Revolution and was frequented by railway travellers, perhaps best-known for hosting a lunch between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904, who went on to form the world-famous Rolls-Royce brand.
The Midland’s restaurants has gone through several changes in the decades since, undergoing a major £14 million refurb in 2020 to relaunch as Mount Street Dining Room & Bar.
Its interiors are inspired by the hotel’s early 1900s art deco and railway heritage, with a menu that focuses on locally-sourced British produce.
But the restaurant has been shut since early 2024, when a fire damaged the entrance and trellising around its main entrance on Mount Street.
The beautiful bar areaA glimpse of the menu at Mount StreetCocktails and British food
The Midland has finally managed to get the restaurant back open again this month, with a new food and cocktail menus, which aims to offer refined but simple British dining.
Expect dishes like pork and black pudding bonbons, white onion soup with crispy potatoes, smoked British salmon with lemon gel and dill mascarpone, and slow cooked beef daube with confit garlic mash.
Plus desserts such as rice pudding with Anise glazed pearsand Bakewell pudding with cherry syrup.
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen inside this beautiful, storied dining room – and it looks just as beautiful as we remember.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Georgina Pellant -
5th September 2023 
