A first-of-its-kind ‘intergalactic’ roller skating rink with space cocktails is being opened in Manchester this year by some of the team behind Junkyard Golf Club.
Described as “an explosion in space meets Miami beach, fused with an intergalactic fantasy”, Paradise Skate World is set to open in May inside an as-yet-undisclosed venue on Deangate.
The brainchild of Junkyard Golf Club founder Chris Legh and PR manager Sophie-Larissa Houghton, the new project promises to bring Mancunians a brand new ‘mind-blowing’ roller-skating experience.
Fusing together roller skating with drinking and quirky in-venue design, it promises to be the “most Instagrammable spot in the city, where nothing is as it appears, and everything is left to the imagination.”
Image: Pexels
Paradise Skate World will feature a cutting-edge interactive roller skate rink and a huge bar serving intergalactic cocktails and a selection of Japanese and Mexican bar snacks, with those behind it promising that revellers will soon be able to ‘roller-skate into space’.
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Owners say visitors will “escape reality and enter a dream like world as they cruise around on roller-skates and float between the dimensions of space and time”.
“We are so excited to launch this new concept,” says Sophie-Larissa.
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“We have created an amazing new world where people can escape reality, get lost in music, roller-skate into space, drink incredible cocktails and try out some cool snacks, too.
“We will be taking roller-skating to new heights, no matter what your level of skating, Paradise Skate World is for all.”
If you fancy dusting off your skates and taking this favourite eighties past time firmly into the future, you can stay up to do date with everything Paradise Skate World has going on by signing up on its website here.
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If you do, you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win a holiday in Miami, complete with flights, a 4-night art deco hotel stay, and roller skating lessons in Miami Beach (naturally.) Find out more here.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
18th February 2022 
