Award-winning north Manchester rapper Aitch is giving away free train tickets to help under 25 year olds get to gigs and festivals across the UK this summer.
The new initiative, called The Aitch-S2, pokes a bit of fun at the government’s scrapped northern HS2 scheme and says it aims to ‘rebalance cultural accessibility outside of the M25’ to ‘spotlight bubbling music scenes across the UK.’
Running for eight weeks between July and August, the alternative travel scheme will release hundreds of train vouchers worth up to £100 each.
The idea is to give under-25s the ability to cover their rail travel costs to music events in different cities – helping young music fans to balance the return of music events and festivals post-Covid with the rising cost of transport and living.
His Aitch-S2 initiative hopes to make a difference by removing some of the financial barriers that might restrict people from making the most of the first summer since the lifting of restrictions.
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As a northern artist who is known for supporting rising stars in his hometown of Manchester, Aitch is evidently passionate about regional scenes, talents and cultures and says he wants to help people ‘break out of their city limits’.
Speaking on his involvement in the Relentless Aitch-S2 scheme, he said: “I’m really excited to launch The Aitch-S2 with Relentless – there’s so much amazing culture around the UK, but for young people to experience it, they need to break out of their city limits, which is hard to do when it’s so expensive to travel outside your hometown.
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“I don’t want anyone missing out on what is going to be a summer to remember, so this initiative will help young Brits get back out there and have fun, no matter the location.”
Image: Supplied
The launch of the Aitch-S2 initiative marks Aitch’s second year heading up the Relentless Without Limits campaign, which aims to inspire the next generation to live, dream, dance and create without limits.
As part of this year’s without limits campaign, Aitch fans will also be able to win a day with the rapper via an on-can promotion that will be running from August.
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The Aitch-S2 travel scheme will run for eight weeks from 5 July to 26 August.
Under 25s can apply from anywhere in the UK for free travel across the national rail network by visiting www.aitch-s2.com, with travel vouchers worth up to £100 allocated on a weekly basis.
Feature image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Georgina Pellant -
5th July 2022 
