Welsh rock legends Stereophonics brought their 2025 tour ‘The Sky’s Edge’ to Sheffield, delivering a night filled with nostalgia, stadium-sized energy and timeless anthems.
Following a hugely successful summer of outdoor shows, the band arrived at the Utilita Arena armed with hits from across their 30-year career.
Despite being three decades in, they remain impressively current, still releasing bangers that resonate with old fans and new.
Their 13th studio album, Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait, debuted at the top spot earlier this year, marking their ninth official number one album - a feat that few guitar bands can claim in today’s landscape.
One of the most striking aspects of the night was the diversity in the crowd.
Generations stood side by side, families and fans of all ages united by the voice of Kelly Jones, whose raw, unmistakable tone remains as powerful as ever. Every song felt like a shared memory.
The setlist was stacked with classics: 'Bartender and the Thief', 'Just Looking', and 'Local Boy in the Photograph' hit just as hard as they did in the late ’90s.
The band’s musical tightness and stage presence ensured that these tracks didn’t just spark nostalgia; they felt alive, urgent and fresh.
And then came 'Dakota'. Hearing it live remains one of rock’s greatest live experiences, and Sheffield agreed.
As soon as the opening riff hit, the entire arena erupted into a mass sing-along.
The finale delivered bursts of colour, giant balloons cascading from above and a spectacle that perfectly matched the emotion of the song.
More than a closer, 'Dakota' became a reminder of personal memories - where you were, who you were with, and the first time you heard it.
Stereophonics weren’t just ticking off yet another big gig, they were cementing a legacy with a set that balanced reflection, celebration and pure rock energy. Once again, they proved why they matter so much to so many.
Even after all this time, their sound still hits hard, their storytelling still resonates, and their connection with fans remains undeniable. Long live the 'Phonics.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Declan Kelly -
8th December 2025 
