The trailer for a new BBC series telling the story of five menopausal women who come together to create a makeshift punk-rock band has finally been released.
Riot Women, the brand-new drama from the multi-BAFTA award-winning writer Sally Wainwright – best known for being the creator of Happy Valley – is a six-part series set and filmed in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
First look pictures of the new show were shared back in January of this year, but since then, very little information about its air date emerged, leaving eager fans in the dark.
But now finally, the first trailer for the show has been released.
The newly-released trailer gives fans a glimpse at the show’s stars in action – with Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Amelia Bullmore as band members, alongside a talented supporting cast consisting of Taj Atwal, Chandeep Uppal, and Macy-Jacob Seelochan as the band’s riotous backing singers.
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A trailer has been released for the new BBC drama series Riot Women filmed near Greater Manchester / Credit: BBC
According to a synopsis on the BBC website, Riot Women dives headfirst into the world of five women who come together to create a makeshift punk-rock band in order to enter a local talent contest.
But, in writing their first original song, they soon discover that they have a lot more to say than planned – and this is their way to say it.
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As they juggle demanding jobs, grown-up children, complicated parents, husbands who’ve buggered off, and disastrous dates, and relationships, the band becomes a catalyst for change in their lives, and it’s going to make them question everything.
The six-part series is coming to BBC One this autumn / Credit: BBC
Creators and producers say the show is a testament to the power of friendship, music, and the resilience of women who ‘refuse to be silenced by age or expectation’.
Speaking ahead of the show airing later this year, Riot Women creator, Sally Wainwright, commented: “I’m having a whole new buzz of excitement about the show as we bring it together in the edit, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
Riot Women will be coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One this October.
Featured Image – BBC
Boroughs
Council plans 14 weeks of ‘free fun’ for children across Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme launches this week – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Activities will be running in 32 parks across Manchester all summer long.
The programme launches as Manchester celebrates being officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, reinforcing the city and Manchester City Council’s commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to ‘play, thrive, and enjoy’ their local community.
🌳 Parktastic is back!
FREE play sessions are happening daily in @MCRparks_ across Manchester, led by trusted youth partners.
A great way for kids to have fun, make friends & enjoy the outdoors safely 💙
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 19, 2026
Sessions are set to take place rain or shine, so even if the classic rainy Manchester weather returns, children can still have fun.
It is suggested that younger children are accompanied by a parent/carer if they attend any of the organised events.
“We’re really lucky in Manchester to have lots of beautiful parks and open spaces and want our children to be able to get outside and enjoy them,” commented Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“Our expanded Parktastic programme this year is even bigger and better.
“[This] means even more opportunities for youngsters in the city to go along to their local park, maybe try something new, have fun, meet friends and even make new ones.”
Date for Greater Manchester’s next Mayoral Election officially announced
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester is set to vote for new Mayor, and the election date has now officially been announced.
After it was announced last Friday that Andy Burnham had clinched the victory in the crucial Makerfield by-election, winning 24,927 votes (54.8% vote share) and a majority of 9,231, and right off-the-back of announcing his intentions to run for Labour Party leader, and therefore Prime Minister, the date of Greater Manchester’s next Mayoral Election has now been announced.
As the role of Mayor of Greater Manchester also holds Police and Crime Commissioner powers, as an elected MP, Burnham is now disqualified from holding the office of Mayor.
“It is with some sadness that this result brings an end to my wonderful nine years as mayor of Greater Manchester,” Andy Burnham said in his victory speech last week.
“This city region has given so much to me, and it is a wrench to leave the job I love, but I am not leaving the service of Greater Manchester.
“I’ve always been clear that it can’t achieve everything it should be and we can’t close the north-south divide, and we can’t make all the great English cities be what they should be without big change at the national level.”
The date for Greater Manchester’s next Mayoral Election has officially been announced / Credit: GMCA
In accordance with the law, an election to fill the vacancy of Mayor must be held within 35 working days.
Therefore, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Returning Officer has determined that a Mayoral Election will be held on Thursday 30 July 2026.
More information on the upcoming election, and the full list of candidates running for the position, is set to be announced in due course.
Timeline wise on the Prime Ministerial side, Keir Starmer says he will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable for the takeover, with nominations opening on 9 July and to be completed by the summer recess (16 July), and in the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, adding: “I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.”
Featured Image – Mangopear Creative (via Unsplash)
Emily Sergeant -
21st August 2025 
