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.
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd March 2023 
