Waterworld Stoke has made the decision to ban all family nude swim events in the future after receiving fierce backlash from members of the public.
The waterpark has confirmed a change in its policy to restrict the events to those over 18 years of age only.
It comes after the controversial event – which is organised by British Naturism and is open to adults and kids of all ages – was confirmed to still be going ahead last weekend despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the criticism faced in previous years.
The event usually attracts 300 people to the Staffordshire city, but in previous years has garnered widespread criticism among members of the public stating that it could attract people looking to prey on youngsters, and one session held last year saw even around 20 protesters gather outside the entrance to Waterworld with the police in attendance.
A petition was also set up.
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Now, after “extensive dialogue with its customers”, Waterworld has made a u-turn on its policy following two decades of hosting British Naturism events.
Waterworld
Speaking on the policy change, Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry said: “British Naturism is a perfectly law-abiding organisation which has been hiring our venue – and many similar sites across the UK – for private events for over 20 years.
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“In all that time, the sessions have taken place happily and peacefully with all appropriate health, safety and safeguarding policies in place, giving our team no reasons for concern. However, it has become clear following extensive dialogue with our customers that a growing number are unhappy with these sessions being open to children and young people.
“So, while we are happy to continue hiring out our venue to naturists, the board of directors have decided to amend our company policy – future events must now be restricted to over 18s.”
Waterworld
He continued: “Having arrived in the UK from Pakistan as a young boy, unable to speak a single word of English, I know precisely what it feels like to be discriminated against. And that is why, throughout my years in business, I have always been determined to treat everyone equally, and fairly.
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“Although I do not personally share the views of naturists, I feel it is important to acknowledge the freedom of choice for all people providing they abide by the laws of the land. However, my staff have been subjected to unacceptable and unwarranted abuse from those protesting against the event that took place this weekend.
“This is something that I cannot allow to continue in the future.
“And from our point of view, we have always prided ourselves on listening to the wide-ranging views of all our customers.
“British Naturism is welcome to continue hiring Waterworld outside of public opening hours for its private events. But in future, it will simply be on the condition that these sessions are only open to people aged 18 and over.”
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Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
The Manc -
28th September 2020 
