Altrincham FC is continuing to establish itself as a cornerstone of the local community beyond just the football as the club is now looking to host a brand-new concert series.
The National League side announced this week that following meetings between members of the board and supporters groups, a plan has been put together to bring “large-scale” live music to The J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane for the first time ever.
Following initial talks, it has now been proposed that Alty FC‘s stadium will host “two high-profile” concert dates in 2025 under the banner of the ‘Proudly Altrincham’ series.
While the initiative could see plenty of other entertainment events under the same banner, the exciting new community attraction will start with live gigs.
🆕 Altrincham FC to develop ‘𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺’ Large-Scale Community Concerts in 2025 😍
The Greater Manchester team will help deliver the inaugural Proudly Altrincham weekend event series, focusing on creating a live music experience for the local community to enjoy, with the first gigs scheduled for May 2025.
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Collaborating with local organiser Max Eden of Cheshire Concerts – the same team behind Hale Barns and Bowdonbury festivals, as well as Happy Radio UK – the proposed events are aiming to feature “headline performances by multi-million record-selling artists”.
They’re going big and bold with these plans but they’re also hoping it will serve as an opportunity to help support grassroots musicians and local performers, combining an “unforgettable entertainment experience” with contributions to the community and the obvious economic benefits.
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As per the official statement released on Wednesday, 23 October, the ultimate goal is to continue “showcasing and championing Altrincham and its Football Club as a vibrant cultural hub.”
Likely to draw in thousands from around the region and beyond, the hope is to create not only additional revenue for the football club but also to help nearby restaurants, shops and independent businesses.
Weekends could soon go from this……to scenes like these.Credit: Bill Boaden (via Geograph)/Orna W (via Pixabay)
Ensuring that the community remains a part of the process not just on paper but in practice too, Altrincham FC has invited local residents and business owners to attend a consultation open evening about the potential concert series on Tuesday, October 29th.
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Taking place from 6-8pm in the John King Sponsors Lounge at their home ground, the event is open to the public and will provide a platform for questions, feedback and ideas to “create an experience that benefits everyone”. The club recently saw an influx of new investment so it’s a fun time to be a Robin.
CEO of Altrincham FC, Samantha Mackenzie commented: “These concerts represent a unique opportunity for the club to give back to the community and bring something truly special to Altrincham.
“We’re incredibly excited about working with Cheshire Concerts to not only bring world-class entertainment to the area but also to boost our local economy and enhance community spirit.
“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with local residents to ensure these events are a resounding success for everyone involved.”
Former Manchester City player Joey Barton found guilty of assaulting his wife
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has officially been found guilty of assaulting his wife following his two-day trial in the capital this week.
Barton, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a number of other clubs, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 March, following an incident back in June 2021.
The former midfielder left his wife, 37-year-old Georgia Barton (McNeil), with a bleeding nose and a bruise on her forehead following a drunken row at their home in London.
Barton is said to have grabbed and pushed her to the floor before kicking her in the head. Married in 2019, the two have four children and are thought to still be together.
The 42-year-old was still employed in professional football as the manager of Bristol Rovers at the time, but he was ultimately sacked in October 2023.
His wife called 999 at the time, telling police that he had hit her, but later retracted her statement.
Born in Huyton, Merseyside, the chief magistrate Paul Goldspring recognised that the one-time England has a history of violence.
He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he won’t serve time unless he commits another offence and has been ordered to pay £2,138.
Since dropping out of mainstream football, in particular, Barton has come under heavy criticism for allegations of racism, sexism and controversial right-wing politics; he even started an ‘anti-woke’ podcast called Common Sense with Joey Barton.
Back in June of last year, he was ordered to pay £35,000 in damages to settle a libel claim with presenter Jeremy Vine after a series of inflammatory comments made online.
The Radio 2 presenter sued Mr Barton earlier this year, after the former footballer wrote a series of posts suggesting Mr Vine had a sexual interest in children.
He also accused of threatening fellow former pro, Eni Aluko, after a torrent of abuse regarding her punditry online – the ex-England international even went so far as to say she no longer felt safe staying in the country.
The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Danny Jones -
24th October 2024 
