Aitch took home his first-ever BRIT Award this past weekend, and he’s dedicated it to the city of Manchester in a heartfelt message.
The chart-topping rapper – real name Harrison Armstrong, who proudly hails from Moston in North Manchester – found himself on the national stage on Saturday night as he clinched the win for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act at the 2023 BRIT Awards.
The 23-year-old was the first act to be presented with an award on the night of ceremony, which took place at The O2 Arena in London, and was up against some tough competition with the likes of fellow superstars Stormzy, Dave, and more in the same category.
But the local lad beat the lot to be one with the trophy in his hands on the night.
Although he hoped he would’ve been able to have “a couple more drinks” before stepping up on stage to accept the award to calm his nerves, the rapper was able to deliver a heartfelt speech and express gratitude for his journey and how far he’s come.
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“I’m not gonna lie, I never get a bit scared, but I’m sh****ng myself,” Aitch said as he began his speech, “I thought I’d have time to have a couple more drinks before I came on here, but obviously not.”
He then thanked his record label, everyone on his team, and sent love to friends, family, and fans
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After thanking those who helped him get to where he is today, Aitch then took some time in his speech to reflect on where he came from: “Not to get all cliché, but I just want to say, not many people where I’m from – especially my side of Manchester – get the opportunity to stand up here and receive such an amazing gift or award.”
He then discussed his motivations, as the speech turned heartfelt.
“I think that’s the main reason I do it for – to set examples and let people know that it’s possible, no matter where you’re from.
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“Just because five million people haven’t done it before, you can [still] do it.”
He closed out his speech by encouraging everyone in the audience to be proud of themselves and their journeys as well: “I think everyone should be proud of themselves in the room just for being here and sometimes we need to kick back and reflect on how well everyone’s doing, because I don’t do that personally enough.
“Big up everyone, respect. 0161 in the building. All love, thank you.”
The rapper then took to his Instagram the day after the ceremony to dedicate his first-ever BRIT Award to the city of Manchester: “This one’s for Manchester. The next one’s all for me.”
Aside from Aitch’s win, Manchester and the North West were also well represented in the form of several other local winners.
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Wilmslow originated, now and Manchester-based, indie pop rock band The 1975 took home the award for Best Rock/Alternative Act, and then there was, of course, serial winner Harry Styles – with the Holmes Chapel singing superstar scooping four awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop/R&B Act.
Styles also opened the show with a performance of his smash-hit single As It Was.
Other big winners on the night included Isle of Wight indie rock band Wet Leg, who also took home three awards and, like Styles, too won big at this year’s GRAMMYs last weekend.
Beyoncé won two awards in the international categories, while Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. won Best International Group, and Becky Hill won Best Dance Act.
Featured Image – ITV
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Images of latest Stone Roses x Man United collaboration kit leak online
Danny Jones
Images of the latest collaboration between Manchester United and The Stone Roses have been linked online.
Put simply, we think it looks mint, albeit very familiar.
Serving as yet another fitting tribute from his beloved football club, who already honoured the late, great, Manc musician at Old Trafford, it’s rumoured to launch later this year.
Snapped alongside United’s current third kit for the 25/26 season, the rumoured ‘lifestyle’ jersey is apparently coming very soon.
This pair of images has seemingly confirmed the claims made by trusted online kit source, Footy Headlines, who specialise in sharing pictures of the football shirts, boots and more, who had already reported on the release in 2025.
As you can see, not only does the design feature a striking blue take on the band’s iconic album art style (expanded from an original painting by guitarist John Squire), but if you look closely, it also features the band’s iconic song and overriding slogan, ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, built into the crest.
You can see the rest of the existing Stone Roses collection in full down below.
We’re sure there are loads of other little details besides the twist on the badge still to be spotted, but for now, all we know is that the world-famous sporting franchise is continuing to capitalise even further on The Stone Roses connection.
Since the last batch of officially licensed adidas x Stone Roses merch quickly became collector’s items, we can only assume that this latest shirt won’t be the only new addition.
For instance, one user already commented, ‘Where’s the bucket hat?’
As for Manchester United, they’re no doubt looking to generate as much revenue as possible after having to pay another sizeable severance package following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – the question is, who is going to be next?
Chester Zoo is hiring a ‘passionate’ new keeper to look after its elephants
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its elephants, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2026, then surely it doesn’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Keeper to join the team looking after the elephants on a permanent basis, and for the right candidate, this offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a breeding group of Asian elephants, leading in the development of science and welfare for the species.
Chester Zoo is responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most-diverse animal communities, and this is your chance to be a part of what makes it so special.
Chester Zoo is hiring a ‘passionate’ new keeper to look after its elephants / Credit: Chester Zoo
For this full-time role, the zoo is looking for an ‘enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated’ individual to provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in caring for and managing the elephant species within a zoological environment.
“We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo, and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world,” Chester Zoo said in its online advertisement for the new role.
“If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.”
The ideal candidate for this job will have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience, and have proven experience in the care and management of large mammal species like elephants, as well as the highest standards of exhibitory.
They’ll also have ‘outstanding’ observational skills with excellent attention to detail.
The role of ‘Keeper – Elephants’ is 40 hours per week, with the working week being 10 days out of 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered, and the salary being £26,500 per annum.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an ‘excellent benefits package’ and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, pension scheme, a staff pass so you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Emily Sergeant -
13th February 2023 
