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.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
‘Glittering winter adventure’ set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park will be transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ this festive season.
With spooky season now a thing of the past, and Christmas merely a few weeks away, families will soon be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
A ‘glittering winter adventure’ is set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
All set to transport visitors right into the heart of Yuletide tales, the exciting new event – which opens next weekend, and runs through until late December – is produced by Wild Rumpus, who you may know for other magical local events such as ‘The Lanterns’ at Chester Zoo (2018-2022) and Just So Festival.
The highlight of this new event has to be The Glittering Trail, where beautifully-illuminated puppets and performers bring legendary stories of Yuletide to life as visitors wander through the park’s popular Japanese Gardens and make the most of the stunning winter landscape.
Families can gather around an open fire to toast marshmallows, all while they watch live performances that add even more magic to the evening.
Yuletide will be running at Tatton Park on selected dates from Saturday 16 November through to Monday 23 December, and tickets are on sale now – with adult tickets costing £20, children paying just £12 each, and free personal assistant passes are also available.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop for just £5 this week
Daisy Jackson
Students will be able to take part in a build-your-own ramen workshop this week, led by everyone’s favourite pan-Asian restaurant group, Wagamama.
The workshops will cost just £5 (all of which will go to a brilliant cause), and will include the time spent creating your perfect meal, the actual food, plus drinks and sides.
Wagamama has teamed up with mental health charity SHOUT to host this cosy ramen-making workshop.
Students will be invited to join Wagamama chefs in the kitchen, selecting their own broth, protein and veggies, with perfectly-cooked noodles, before sitting down at the restaurant’s benches to slurp up their creations with fellow students.
There’ll also be toppings and garnishes including kimchi, tea-stained eggs, chilli oil, spring onions and more.
With merch to take home too, and steaming bowls of the best-ever autumn dish, this is a one-off event you won’t want to miss.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop for just £5 this week. Credit: Supplied
Each £5 ticket includes your food and two drinks, plus a variety of the new Wagamama winter sides and sharers.
All money raised will be donated to SHOUT to support the vital services they provide.
A representative from SHOUT will also be in attendance to talk about student wellbeing and the services available from the charity.
Wagamama says: “At Wagamama, we believe having a conversation is one of the most powerful ways you can support someone struggling with their mental health. Whether it’s a quick check-in via text or an open conversation over a bowl of steaming ramen. no chat is too big or too small to make an impact.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop with SHOUT this week. Credit: Supplied
“This ethos is one we share with SHOUT, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs someone to talk to. After huge demand during Covid, SHOUT’s service has become increasingly essential + today SHOUT is more highly in demand than ever before.”
The Japanese and pan-Asian restaurant is donating £40,000 to SHOUT this year, plus providing perks and rewards for their team of volunteers, and hosting events in their spaces.
The Wagamama ramen-building workshop will take place at the St Peter’s Square restaurant on Thursday 7 November between 2pm and 4pm. You can get your tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd March 2023 
