News

Rail and postal workers call off strike action in ‘mark of respect’ following the Queen’s death

Proposed railway works could also be postponed to ensure people can travel to pay their respects.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 9th September 2022

Rail and postal worker union bosses have decided to postpone a number of planned days of strike action following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8 September.

Representing rail workers and Royal Mail postal staff, unions said that  “out of respect for her service to the country and her family.” they had made the decision to cancel immediate action.

They also revealed that planned maintenance works on the railway will likely also be postponed in order to enable people to travel more easily to pay their respects, reports The Manc.

Postal workers had previously planned to hold strike action on Friday 9 September, with members voting by 98.7% to pursue further action, on a 72.2% turnout.

RMT rail workers had also planned walkouts on 15 and 17 September, but this has now been suspended.

Speaking on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, RMT’s Mick Lynch, who has been a vocal presence for RMT this summer, said: “RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth.

“The planned railway strike action on 15 and 17 September is suspended.

“We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.”

https://twitter.com/AaronBastani/status/1567931353508757508

Aslef, the train drivers’ union, has also postponed strike action that had originally been planned for 15 September.

The cancellations of planned strikes mean that railway services will run as normal, bosses said.

A spokesperson from the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said it welcomed the decision by the RMT to call off next week’s strike action at a time of “national mourning”.

“The whole railway family is united in sending our condolences to the Royal Family,” the spokesperson said.

The RMT Union will reschedule the strikes, it is believed, although it has not yet decided when they would take place. However, it has been confirmed that two weeks’ notice will be given in advance of any strike action.

Proposed railway works could also be postponed to ensure people can travel to pay their respects.

Feature image – Geograph / Geograph

News

Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.

Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.

The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.

His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.

This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.

Jason Derulo gig guide

Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons

Jason Derulo UK tour dates

  • Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
  • Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
  • Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
  • Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
  • Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
  • Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena

Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig

If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.

Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.

Jason Derulo setlist

Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.

  • Swalla
  • Wiggle
  • Take You Dancing
  • Acapulco
  • Savage Love
  • Whatcha Say
  • Who Hurt You
  • Tip Toe
  • Breathing
  • In My Head
  • Ridin' Solo
  • Spicy Margarita
  • Love Tonight
  • The Other Side
  • Dame Un Grrr
  • Talk Dirty
  • Want to Want Me
  • Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
  • Who Hurt You

What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?

The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons

First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.

Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.

How to get to first direct arena

Bus Station

Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.

Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.

Nearest Bus Stops

  • Clay Pit Lane
  • Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
  • Woodhouse Lane

Nearest Train Station

Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.

Parking

There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here

The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.

None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.

Hiring Bikes in Leeds 

If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:

  • Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
  • Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.

Read more: Arctic Monkeys release first song in four years as part of upcoming all-star War Child album

Featured Images - Press Shots (via Supplied) / Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

News

Salon Madre – a new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Leeds this month

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.

It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.

Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.

Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.

Food and drink from Salon Madre in Manchester.
Image: The Manc Group

Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.

There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.

If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.

Images: The Manc Group

Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”

Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.

We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.

Read more:

Featured image - The Manc Group

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