There have been countless calls for Huw Edwards to be knighted for his coverage of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The seasoned broadcaster has been a presenter on the BBC since 1986, and while he has held a number of notable roles during his time working for the corporation, he is mostly-known to UK audiences as the face BBC News at Ten – which he has been since 2003.
Some of the significant events Edwards has delivered the news of to the nation over the years include the election of Barack Obama, the results of the EU referendum, and the Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
But by far one if the most important events was the death HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the 10pm slot is where he is usually most at home, following the announcement by Buckingham Palace earlier yesterday that HM Queen Elizabeth II was “under medical supervision” at Balmoral after her doctors had become “concerned for Her Majesty’s health”, Edwards remained on air for extended periods throughout the day.
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Following the release of Buckingham Palace’s statement, the BBC confirmed that all its regular programming had been suspended and that it would be showing rolling news streams until at least 6pm.
Shortly after 6:40pm BST, Edwards confirmed the news that HM Queen Elizabeth II had died aged 96.
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Delivering the statement released by The Royal Family to announce HM The Queen’s passing live on air to millions of people watching right across the UK, Huw said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Since the news was confirmed and the world watched as Edwards delivered one of the most important statements in recent British history, famous names and members of the public have been taking to social media in their thousands to share messages of respect for the presenter and praise his long-running service to news reading.
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Edwards’ delivery of the news has been called a “masterclass” in broadcasting, and many people have been calling for him to be knighted.
Comedian David Baddiel said on Twitter: “It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.”
Rory Bremner added: “Respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina and professionalism.”
Darryl Morris also said in a tweet: “Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.”
It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.
Also, respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina & professionalism.
Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.
“I wouldn’t go as far as a knighthood but the way he held him self during what was evidently a very hard thing for him to do after covering the last 72 hours of the new PM was nothing short of admirable and professional,” one Twitter user said.
Another Twitter user said: “Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think.”
A third added: “In awe of Huw Edwards, leading the BBC News live broadcast for almost five hours from a single press release. He’s cautious not to generate hysteria but also respectful of the potential severity of the situation. Top class broadcaster.
“And now he reads the biggest news bulletin of his career, with grace, calmness and respect.”
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think!
“Hats off to Huw Edwards who has been delivering extraordinary coverage on BBC One since lunchtime. A masterclass in professionalism. I am in awe,” a fourth said.
Another said on Twitter: “Huw Edwards, in the circumstances, was brilliant. If anyone was born to broadcast, it was him. Dignified throughout and visibly upset. A credit to the BBC.”
“What a week for Huw Edwards. His relentless professionalism through Liz Truss’ appointment and now the Queen’s death really is to be admired. If anyone has the right to say they’re tired, it’s him. Hope he has a day off soon,” yet another person said full of praise.
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood after this shift
HM Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on 8 September 2022.
During her reign, Elizabeth II served as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – undertaking an important symbolic and unifying role as a head of state, spanning numerous geographical regions, cultures, and religions.
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She was not just the longest-reigning British monarch in history, but she was also the first-ever monarch to reign in the UK for 70 years.
She was beloved by many for her sense of duty and devotion to her role.
Featured Image – BBC News
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Neighbourhood Festival’s return to the city centre is looking great with after revealing second wave
Danny Jones
Neighbourhood Festival’s city centre all-dayer is returning to Manchester for 2026 after a year off, and with the second wave of the lineup having just dropped, it’s looking very promising.
Following teasers over the past month or so, it didn’t take long for us to figure out that NBHD Festival was coming back, especially with the Weekender in Warrington having taken a similar hiatus in 2024.
However, when festivals like these take time out, it can be easy to worry whether or not they’ll lose momentum or come back stronger.
Judging by this follow-up batch of acts alone, there’s no doubt NBHD Fest ’26 will be another cracker.
As you can see, as well as the fast-rising grungey alternative and garage rock quartet, KEO, being announced as one of the first big hitters on the list, there are some other familiar names on the lineup.
Especially for us Mancs.
With both Bolton and Altrincham youngsters, Florentenes and The Guest List, both joining the roster, as well as the likes of Bury-born ‘rockabilly’ revivalist Elliot James Reay also featuring on there, there’s a good deal of local talent to be enjoyed as always.
That goes for the regional delegation in general, too, with the likes of Jos River heading back up this way from her base in London, and Leeds’ fittingly named indie four-piece, The North, also booking a slot.
We’ll admit there are plenty of bands and artists coming up from the capital for the all-day festival, but at least they know where the UK’s real home of music is.
For instance, we’re buzzing to see the Red Rum Club boys returning to the NBHD stage once again – they never disappoint, and there are so many other guaranteed top performers on the bill. And that was just this year’s Weekener…
It’s worth reminding, once again, that since its inception in 2016 (yes, it really has been a decade now), Neighbourhood Fest has continued to serve as a proper launchpad for the next wave of superstars, not just here in the North West but across the country.
We still remember seeing the likes of Sam Fender, Holly Humberstone, Declan McKenna, Mahalia, The Lathums and more – some for the very first time – on these city centre stages, and it’s crazy to see how big some of them have gone on to become.
Set to take over some of Manchester’s most iconic venues along the Oxford Road Corridor once again, this is, without a doubt, one of the best dates for independents on the annual live music calendar.
Hosting a total of 11 stages on Saturday, 17 October, for a full day of live music, tickets for this year’s Neighbourhood Festival are on sale now right HERE.
And if you’ve already sorted yours, why not read our review of NBHD Weekender ’26 down below to get you in the mood for the next two editions.
Major DJ forced to pull out of Parklife festival on doctor’s orders
Thomas Melia
A well-known techno and trance DJ will no longer be playing at Parklife this weekend, he’s announced, with just one day to go until his major set.
Anyone heading to Heaton Park over the weekend for Manchester-based festival, Parklife, may notice the lineup looks a little different after one distinctive DJ has pulled out due to doctor’s orders.
Marlon Hoffstadt, who also goes by the moniker ‘DJ Daddy Trance’, was expected to play out on the Matinée stage on Saturday 20 June from 6.30pm – 8pm.
The Germany-based act was taking to the decks right before Manchester’s own Morgan Seatree, who has become recognised for his material which is an ode to house music and is likely to be one of the busiest sets of the weekend.
Hoffstadt had two gigs this weekend; the first being Parklife in Manchester and the second Fête de la Musique in Paris, both of which he has since pulled out of in a newly-published social media announcement.
The Berlin-born music maker has reluctantly called off these upcoming appearances and justified his decision by saying: “As much as I hate missing shows, I need to put my recovery first”.
To much dismay, Hoffstadt received doctor’s advice who deemed him ‘currently not fit to fly’ following surgery, urging him to rest and recover.
Marlon posted today: “I’m so sad to have to share this, but unfortunately I won’t be able to play Parklife in Manchester and Fête de la Musique in Paris this weekend.
“I recently had a surgery and, following my doctor’s advice, I’m currently not fit to fly and need rest and recover.
“I know many of you made plans and were looking forward to it, and I’m so sorry to let you down.
“As much as I hate missing shows, I need to put my recovery first so I can get back to doing what I love as soon as possible.”
As much as the presence of this world-class performer will be missed, there’s still plenty of notable names set to make their mark on Parklife including Zara Larsson, Calvin Harris, Skepta and more.
The outdoor big music weekender has established itself as a rave haven with mainly dance artists and DJs making up its lineup through a variety of curated b2b sets and live performances.
If you’re after immersing yourself in some jungle music, Bradford-native Nia Archives will have you transfixed over at The Valley with her jungle-heavy tunes from 6.30pm – 7.30pm or there’s three more stages to take your pick from.
We’re sure that anyone eager to see the ‘Hands Up In The Sky’ producer live may be frustrated by this brand-new social media announcement however as Hoffstadt mentions it’s so he can “Get back to doing what I love as soon as possible”.
Emily Sergeant -
9th September 2022 
