The myths behind how some of history’s most notorious serial killers are profiled in the media are to be uncovered at an event right here in Manchester.
The intrigue of true crime and the psychology of serial killers is something that seems to have taken the world by storm over the past couple of years, which is probably why an upcoming talk lead by an expert in the field is already proving popular with the people of Greater Manchester.
The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling will be a talk that will focus on some of the most “infamous and perplexing” serial murder cases in FBI history, and reveal how criminal profilers often got it so wrong.
Coming to Contact Theatre on Thursday 18 May, Professor Jackson – who has contributed to over 50 documentaries about violent crimes and murder throughout his career – will reveal evidence he believes shows criminal profiling has never resulted in the identification, apprehension, and conviction of serial murderers.
Unfamiliar with what criminal profiling actually is? Developed by the FBI all the way back in the 1970s, criminal profiling is used in countless serial murder investigations globally, and uses information about a crime, crime scenes, and victims to put together behavioural profiles of wanted people.
Manchester event to uncover ‘myths’ of some of the most notorious serial killers / Credit: Supplied
The general public believes profiling to be a reliable and valid scientific way of investigating serial crimes – but this talk sets out to reveal that “the reality is far from that”.
Professor Jackson will demonstrate how his work to assist investigations into serial rape, murder, and missing people over the years proves this to be true.
Some of the cases he will talk attendees through include the manhunts for the BTK (Bind Torture Kill) serial murderer, The Trailside killer, The Unabomber, The Tylenol Poisoner, The Yorkshire Ripper, The London Nail Bomber, The Grindr Killer, The Gay Slayer, The Washington Beltway Snipers, and most infamously, the unsolved case of The Zodiac Killer.
The way many of these cases were solved will be “surprising” to attendees, Professor Jackson explains, and the truth about criminal profiling as a pseudo-science will be demonstrated.
The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling is coming to Contact Theatre in Manchester this May / Credit: Contact Theatre
On top of all of this, the talk will also look at serial murderers who correspond with the police or media, and how these killers provide many clues, but often remain free, as well as taking a look at the behavioural analysis that’s been used in high-profile murder investigations once detectives “hit a brick wall”, and how criminal profiles are “far from helpful”.
Tickets to The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling are now available to book on Skiddle, will set you back £24.45, and are already being snapped up fast.
Aspiring artists can get their work displayed on one of the biggest digital screens in Manchester
Danny Jones
Are you a budding artist looking to get your work seen or know some who is? Well, you might want to pay attention because there’s an opportunity to have your creation seen by countless passers-by and on one of the biggest displays in the entire UK over at the Printworks.
If you’ve passed through the much-loved hospitality and leisure complex over the past year or so, you’ll have noticed their roof is now no longer a roof at all, really; the striking ceiling is now a constantly moving image and the largest of its kind in all of Europe.
Meaning that anyone who got their artworks on there would effectively be securing one of the biggest displays and public installations on the continent.
As Printworks themselves put it: “This isn’t just a screen; it’s an artistic stage viewed by millions of visitors every year, with the power to turn a single artwork into a 360-degree sensory experience.”
With that in mind, they’re giving one lucky individual the chance to grab the spotlight and see their creative expression plastered on the 1,000m² wraparound LED canvas.
“Supporting emerging talent and seeing fresh, creative perspectives is always inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what these young artists bring to the table! It was so surreal seeing my artwork on the digital.”
Past installations have included the ‘Spaces Up-Above’ exhibition by world-renowned light artist, Rupert Newman, as well as an International Women’s Day showcase by Heitzman herself, as a fellow Manchester-based creative.
In case you need a better idea of the sheer scale of this screen and why this is such an exciting opportunity for up-and-coming local artists, here’s how they celebrated Oasis returning to Manchester for their Heaton Park reunion gigs this week:
Synchronised with sound and added motion effects, the competition is now open to students who are currently enrolled in college, university or art school.
Better still, you don’t even have to be from or based in the area to take part – this is a nationwide competition hoping to spotlight the best talents in the UK.
All you have to do to enter this exciting competition in Manchester is simply provide Printworks your details and upload your artwork of choice HERE by Sunday, 3 August.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd March 2023 
