Things To Do

The jaw-dropping country walk that passes a tower taller than The Shard

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 27th February 2022

When we think of tall structures, we tend to think of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, The Shard, maybe even Deansgate Square if we’re thinking a little closer to home.

But there’s a structure across the border in West Yorkshire that towers over them all.

The Emley Moor Mast is a broadcasting facility between Huddersfield and Wakefield with some impressive credentials.

It’s the tallest freestanding structure in the entire UK, and the 25th tallest self-supported tower in the world.

Emley Moor Mast seen in West Yorkshire. Credit: Instagram @susannehughes1

It’s taller than the Eiffel Tower and only 38 metres shorter than the iconic Berliner Fernsehturm, Germany’s tallest tower.

The Grade II-listed Emley Moor Mast is so massive, you can see it dominating the horizon from right across Yorkshire.

It’s not the first transmission tower to stand here – one of its predecessors famously collapsed in 1969 due to a combination of strong winds and heavy ice that had formed around the top of the tower.

Emley Moor Mast in West Yorkshire. Credit: Instagram, simon_martin_photography

The size of the tower is something to behold, both from a distance and when you get right up close to it.

You can drive right up to the Emley Moor Mast, officially named The Arqiva Tower, with some limited parking near the foot of the tower.

Read more: Peaky Blinders season six – release date, where to watch, and what happened last time

Or you can take on a country walk in the rolling hills that surround it, like this 14.8km loop (pack sandwiches) that weaves through several West Yorkshire villages.

It can get muddy in places after wet weather – which we’ve had a lot of – and there are a few stiles to clear, but it’s well worth the effort.

Featured image: Instagram susannehughes1

Things To Do

Council organises thousands of FREE activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Thousands of free activities are planned ready for local families to take part in this summer.

With it only being a couple of weeks to go until schools right across Greater Manchester break up for the summer holidays, many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for the six whole weeks before the new term starts – and even better if those ‘ways’ don’t break the bank too much, either.

Thankfully, Manchester City Council has relaunched its Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.

From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.

The Council has organised thousands of free activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer / Credit: Senjuti Kundu (via Unsplash) | Yan Krukau (via Pexels)

If you’re unfamiliar with HAF’s long-term goal, it’s to ensure that some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Manchester, aged between 5-16 years old, get the support they need when the school term is over.

Last year alone, the Council says it was able to support a whopping 29,224 local children in accessing nearly 4,000 holiday sessions.

Although HAF is usually reserved for those eligible for free school meals, an extensive range of these free or low-cost activities taking place in Manchester this summer open for everyone to join in with.

For those families who are eligible and a part of the HAF programme, a free and nutritious meal will also be provided at these free events, ensuring that no child has to endure holiday hunger.

“We know the holidays can be a real pinch point for families, which is why schemes such as the HAF programme are so important,” commented Councillor Julie Reid, who is the Executive Member for Early Years, Children, and Young People at Manchester City Council.

“Providing free activities can be a real boost for children of all ages throughout the holidays, allowing them to meet new friends and try out new things – both hugely significant in terms of their personal wellbeing and mental health.

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“There’s lots of great events that will be running over the summer holidays with a free meal or snack included, so if you have not already been contacted to take part, I’d urge families to have a look at our Loads to Do website and see what they think their child would enjoy over the break.”

Check out all the free activities planned on the Loads To Do website here.

Featured Image – Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash)

Things To Do

Mika announces first-ever arena gig in Manchester next year

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Global popstar and certified hitmaker Mika announces massive gig in Manchester set for next year as part of a huge string of world tour dates.

If you hear the name Mika and don’t instantly scream out, “I could be brown, I could be blue
I could be violet sky”, you’re definitely on the wrong side of history.

This star has been pumping out hits like no other with singles ‘Grace Kelly’, ‘Lollipop’, ‘Relax, Take It Easy’, and plenty more since entering the music scene back in 2007.

Back in 2013, the Lebanon-born performer even released a Wicked-inspired duet ‘Popular Song’ with honorary Manc, Ariana Grande, called ‘Popular Song’ – with the latter going on to play Glinda in the live action musical.

Mika Manchester tickets
Mika is heading out on a world tour which visits Manchester next year.

Now, the global singer-songwriter is ready to head out on his biggest tour to date, and he’s playing a variety of venues, including our trusty 21,000 seater AO Arena.

Mika has become a staple in UK culture in more recent years, thanks to his appearance on hit TV talent search show ‘The Piano’, with the latest series taking a trip to Sheffield Train Station earlier this year.

The ‘Grace Kelly’ penman found himself hitting a career pinnacle back in 2022 when he co-presented one of the music calendar’s biggest highlights: the Eurovision Song Contest.

With six studio albums to his name and another LP on the way, this upcoming run of shows will be nothing less than impressive.

Our friends over at The Hoot got an exclusive preview of the title track from Mika’s upcoming album ‘Spinning Out’ when he played a special set as part of Sounds in the City at Millennium Square.

As well as being known for his smash hit singles, another big talking point is Mika’s extravagant stage, one we’re sure the Manchester crowd will be embracing with open arms.

The last time Mika paid Manchester a visit was just last year at one of the city’s many live music venues, O2 Apollo, on his ‘Apocalypse Calypso’ tour, and he’s clearly eager to see our lovely faces once again.

Mika is embarking on the ‘Spinning Out’ tour and paying a visit to AO Arena in Manchester on 11 February 2026, with tickets on sale from Friday 11 July at 10am HERE.

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Featured Images – Press shots (supplied via AO Arena)

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