Chris Kamara was left close to tears after football fans gave him a standing ovation during a return to one of his former clubs over the weekend.
The Middlesbrough-born ex-footballer, manager, and football analyst turned broadcaster was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to Leeds United’s ground Elland Road for a Premier League clash between the West Yorkshire side and Brentford yesterday afternoon.
The 65-year-old, who is affectionately known as ‘Kammy’, said his “boyhood dreams came true” during an emotional speech at the side of the pitch.
Kamara notably played for both London club Brentford from 1981-1985, and West Yorkshire side Leeds United from 1990-1991, where he collectively made hundreds of appearances as a tough-tackling midfielder for both teams during his career.
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Following his stint as a professional footballer, he has since amassed a huge following of fans from his time as a match correspondant and pundit over the past two decades.
And all of these fans came together to show their support to the broadcasting legend before the match.
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Kamara – who was given an MBE for his services to football, anti-racism and charity in the latest New Year Honours List – revealed that he is suffering from speech apraxia in March 2022, and announced at the end of last season that he was leaving Sky after the disorder has sadly left him with limited and difficult speech ability.
Chris Kamara receives standing ovation from supportive fans after emotional speech / Credit: Sky Sports
Since bravely speaking about his diagnosis, Kamara went on to receive an outpouring of support from key figures and fans in the footballing world.
After receiving a warm welcome and a standing ovation from both sets of supporters inside Elland Road on Sunday, a thankful Kamara addressed the crowd saying: “Unbelievable! When I played in this stadium for Leeds United it made my boyhood dreams come true, who would’ve thought 33 years later you would give me a reception like this?
He also addressed the away fans inside the stadium, and reminisced on the “great” spell he had at the club, before closing out his speech thanking everyone to even more rapturous applause.
“Thank you everybody,” he concluded with a wave.
Featured Image – Leeds United
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd January 2023 
