Tributes have been pouring in this weekend for DJ legend Janice Long, who has died aged 66.
The radio DJ and Top of the Pops presenter was the first female to have her own daily show on Radio 1.
Some of music’s biggest names have paid tribute to Janice, who died at home on Christmas Day after a short illness.
She was the sister of Keith Chegwin, who passed away in 2017.
Many have paid thanks to Janice, for her ‘enthusiasm and passion’ for music and support for those just starting out in the industry.
The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess said: “Janice Long was a supporter and mentor for so many bands.
Janice Long. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“To hear our records on her show was always the biggest thrill – her enthusiasm and love shone through. One of a kind. Safe travels, we’ll miss ya x x.”
Clint Boon posted: “Devastated to hear the news about Janice Long passing away.
“She was by far one of the warmest, most beautiful people in the industry. Her enthusiasm & passion for music was infectious.
“Being in her company was always an absolute privilege & honour. I love her & I’ll miss her.”
In 1995, Janice Long invited me to be a presenter on a new radio station she was launching, Crash FM. It was based in a primary school near Penny Lane, Liverpool during the summer holidays. My first ever radio presenting job. I’ve worked in radio ever since. Thank you Janice xxx pic.twitter.com/zqnhp8Yjz3
Clint later added a fond memory of Janice, writing: “In 1995, Janice Long invited me to be a presenter on a new radio station she was launching, Crash FM.
“It was based in a primary school near Penny Lane, Liverpool during the summer holidays. My first ever radio presenting job. I’ve worked in radio ever since. Thank you Janice xxx”
The Pet Shop Boys posted on Twitter: “We are both very sad to hear of the death of radio DJ Janice Long who was always so enthusiastic about new music and such fun to be around.
“She was very supportive to us in the early days of PSB. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Neil and Chris xx”
Janice Long’s husband and partner of more than 30 years Paul Berry said: “I’ve lost the love of my life and I’m going to spend the rest of it half a person. She had my back from the day we met, you couldn’t possibly ask for more love and loyalty from a wife.”
Badly Drawn Boy wrote: “Those of us lucky enough to meet Janice Long will know she was exactly the person you’d seen on the telly or heard on the radio. Like meeting an old friend for the first time.
“The outpouring of Love for Janice is real. She was always herself which is why we loved her.”
Peter Hook wrote: “Such sad news about Janice Long. She was always a great friend and a great supporter of our music. She was a lovely lady and a pleasure to be around. RIP.”
Elbow’s Guy Garvey posted: “From her blowing a needle across a @midgeure1 record trying to remove some fluff and then laughing for ages when I was 10 I loved her.
“Then a really early supporter of @Elbow. She’d sway with her eyes shut during a session. Mad about her family. We really loved her #janicelong.”
Featured image: BBC
News
Bob Vylan dropped from Manchester music festival following Glastonbury controversy
Danny Jones
English punk rap duo Bob Vylan have been dropped from an upcoming music festival in Manchester following the recent controversy surrounding their set at Glastonbury 2025.
The media storm surrounding their much-talked-about and heavily televised Glasto appearance has seen them reportedly dropped by their agency and their US Visas cancelled, along with multiple concerts – one of those being right here in Greater Manchester.
Bob Vylan were scheduled to play RADAR Fest at Victoria Warehouse in Stretford this weekend, but now the organisers have informed gig-goers that the artists will not be performing in their planned slot on Saturday.
The alternative music event did provide any additional details, posting nothing but this image:
For anyone unaware, Vylan were heavily criticised for the pro-Palestine chants, which Glastonbury itself has deemed as having “crossed a line”, labelling the chants against the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as antisemitic.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also commented on the situation.
In addition to RADAR, Vylan were also due to appear at Kave Fest in France the following Sunday, 6 July, but the music event has also decided not to host them.
The BBC also opted not to broadcast Northern Irish band Kneecap as part of their coverage this year, as the Belfast rap trio have also been outspoken on the issue, among many other musicians of late.
Responding to the decision on social media not long after the news broke, the act simply shared the post on their Instagram story along with the caption: “Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting. Manchester, we will be back.”
Trafford Centre launches school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families
Emily Sergeant
A school uniform drive has been launched at the Trafford Centre to support local families ahead of the new school year.
With schools across Greater Manchester soon set to be out for the summer holidays, many parents, guardians, and carers in the region may be looking ahead to the new school year in September, concerned about how they may be able to provide their children with the necessary uniform items needed.
According to a 2020 survey by The Children’s Society, 23% of parents reported that the cost of school uniforms led to their children wearing ‘ill-fitting, unclean, or incorrect’ items.
It’s these statistic that highlight the ongoing pressure faced by families.
This is why the Trafford Centre has partnered with both Manchester South Central Foodbank and local charity, Bridging the Gap, to launch a school uniform donation drive aimed at supporting more than 700 children across Manchester this summer.
The Trafford Centre launches a school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families / Credit: Trafford Centre
From now up until the 15 August, anyone heading to the region’s largest shopping centre is encouraged to donate new or pre-loved school uniforms.
“The cost of living crisis has deeply impacted our community, with more and more families unable to afford the essentials,” commented Emily Jeremy, who is the Assistant Project Manager at Manchester South Central Foodbank.
“As an anti-poverty charity, we recognised the need for school uniform support years ago. Though costs vary between schools, a full set of branded secondary school uniform can total around £150, which is a significant burden for many households.”
All items can be donated at the shopping centre’s Guest Services point / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography | Trafford Centre (Supplied)
Simon Layton, Centre Director at the Trafford Centre, added: “We’re proud to be working alongside Bridging the Gap and Manchester South Central Foodbank to support local families during these challenging times.
“School uniforms shouldn’t be a barrier to education, and we hope this initiative will ease some of the pressure many parents face as the new school year approaches.”
The school uniform donation drive is running up until 15 August.
All items can be taken to the Trafford Centre’s Guest Services Lounge, which is located on Lower Regent Crescent next to M&S, and they must be clean and free from stains or damage.
Daisy Jackson -
27th December 2021 
