BBC Radio 1’s Adele Roberts has been confirmed to perform a DJ set after racing finishes on Ladies Day at this year’s Grand National.
The Southport-born DJ has worked for a number of Northern radio stations throughout her career, including Rock FM, Galaxy, and Hits Radio Manchester, before she moving to national radio and becoming a regular presenter of Radio 1’s Early Breakfast Weekend show since January 2021.
The 43-year-old first found fame in Channel 4’s Big Brother in 2002, and has appeared on ITV reality competition series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2019, and won the sixth series of Celebrity Coach Trip in 2020 too.
Adele is also a bowel cancer survivor, announcing back in June 2022 that she’s now cancer free, and a passionate supporter of LGBT rights, having been named as role model of the year at British LGBT Awards last year.
But away from all of that, she is also a massive sports fan.
Ladies Day at the Randox Grand National 2023 is taking place on Friday 14 April / Credit: The Jockey Club
Also throughout her revered career, Adele has impressively competed in the London Marathon, and has formed part of BBC Sport’s coverage of the event – which is why getting to combine her love of sport and her love of music by performing a DJ set after racing finishes on Ladies Day at this year’s Grand National is something she “can’t wait” to do.
“I can’t wait to be at Aintree on Ladies Day to celebrate with everyone,” Adele said.
“I know how much the people of Liverpool turn out for that day, I’m excited to perform my DJ set and get everyone dancing, and as a Southport girl it’s a real thrill for me to be involved with the Randox Grand National Festival.”
Radio 1’s Adele Roberts will be performing a DJ set on Ladies Day at this year’s Grand National / Credit: The Jockey Club
Dickon White, Regional Director at The Jockey Club North West, says the Festival is “thrilled” to have Adele performing.
“Ladies Day is very much the day at the Randox Grand National Festival that attracts the strongest local crowd, and with Adele hailing from Southport it is the perfect match, so we look set for what should be a party to remember.”
The three-day 2023 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse runs from Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 April inclusive, with Ladies Day taking place on Friday 14 April.
Joining House of Cavani as The Jockey Club’s men’s competitions style partner, popular fashion retailer QUIZ has been announced as the Official Style Partner for Ladies Day this year, and is hoping to “inspire all women to look fabulous and feel confident on any occasion” by offering a constantly-updated choice of affordable fashion, both casual and formal, all with a touch of glam.
Ladies Day Style Awards prizes 2023 🚨
🥇 prize is ALL of this…
🏝 £5,000 holiday & £1,500 spends 🏇 2 Garden Club Tickets to Ladies Day 2024 🤝 £1,000 donation to your chosen charity 💆♀️ @RandoxHealth full-body Everyman/woman package
Of course, a huge part of Ladies Day every year is the style competition, which gives the best-dressed attendees at the Festival the chance to take home some incredible prizes.
Some of the prizes lined-up for first, second, and third place in this year’s style competition include a holiday worth £5,000 along with £1,500 spending money, £1,000 donation to your chosen charity, ticket bundles to next year’s Grand National, and a £500 QUIZ voucher, to name just a few.
You can find out more about what to expect from Ladies Day at the 2023 Randox Grand National Festival, and grab tickets from as little as £47.70 here.
Featured Image – The Jockey Club
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Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later this year
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
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Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2023 
