News

Rising Manchester DJ issues heartfelt statement after Parklife set is cancelled over safety concerns

'I can't really put into words what today was going to mean to me."

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 15th June 2025

Manchester DJ Josh Baker has issued a statement after his Parklife set was unexpectedly cancelled.

The rising star techno and house DJ was supposed to be playing on the brand-new Matinee stage on Sunday evening.

But his set attracted some huge crowds, not helped by the sudden downpour as his set was due to begin.

The area around Matinee became increasingly busy and Parklife announced that the Josh Baker performance would be paused on ‘the advice of safety team’.

Josh Baker has now issued a statement on social media to his followers as his Parklife set was due to end, signed off with a row of crying emojis.

He wrote: “Unfortunately I will not be performing at Parklife due to reason outside of my control.

Josh Baker has shared a statement after his Parklife set was cancelled
Josh Baker has shared a statement after his Parklife set was cancelled
Josh Baker has shared a statement after his Parklife set was cancelled. Credit: Instagram, @joshbaker

“I deeply apologise. I can’t really put into words what today was going to mean to me.”

Next on the Matinee stage should have been Chris Stussy, another name that was predicted to pull in a big crowd.

At the time of writing, The Matinee Stage remains closed but there are again large queues of fans waiting to re-enter the space.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.

Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.

After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.

Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.

Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group

The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.

If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.

Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.

These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.

This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.

You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.

The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group

Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.

“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.

Read more:

Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – The Manc Group

News

Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new ‘£13 rule’ from September

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Aldi is set to become the first supermarket to pay staff working in its stores across the UK at least £13 an hour.

The budget supermarket retailer’s new minimum rate – which increases to £14.33 within the M25 – will officially take effect from 1 September 2025, and is set to further exceed the Real Living Wage of £12.60 an hour that was set by the Living Wage Foundation in October last year.

At present, Store Assistants at Aldi are currently paid a minimum of £12.75 an hour nationwide, but that is set to change in the autumn.

As well as the standard £13 hourly rate, Store Assistants’ pay will be subject to further rises depending on their length of service – meaning they’ll get £13.93 nationally, and £14.64 within the M25.

Aldi outside
Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new ‘£13 rule’ from September / Credit: Aldi

The news that Aldi will become the UK’s first supermarket to pay colleagues £13 an hour follows the retailer’s impressive achievement of being named the Employer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards – where it was recognised for its competitive pay, investment in training, and its focus on diversity and inclusion.

Aldi is also the only retailer to offer all colleagues paid breaks too, on top of their hourly rate or salary, which is worth approximately £1,385 a year for the average store colleague.

“Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK,” commented Giles Hurley, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland.

Read more:

“This latest investment in pay is a reflection of their hard work and the incredible contribution they make every single day.

“We’re proud to remain the UK’s highest-paying supermarket and will continue to support our colleagues in every way we can.”

Featured Image – Aldi

More News

Stockport County statement on political imagery use of club crest

News

Stockport County issue statement condemning ‘deeply concerning imagery’ featuring club crest

Boroughs

Northern is offering Greater Manchester students half-price train tickets for the entire academic year

Boroughs

More than 1,300 Clean Air Zone signs to finally be taken down across Greater Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches