A Leeds-born musician and rising star not just of the Yorkshire music scene but UK jazz as a whole, Emma-Jean Thackray, has been named among the nominees for this year's Mercury Prize.
The 2025 Mercury Music Prize shortlist is officially out, and we're proud to say that the North has been well represented once again this time around.
Better still, with multiple names from 'God's Own Country', Emma-Jean Thackray is flying the flag for the Leeds delegation following her most recent album, which has seen her notch the Mercury nod for the first time.
She may now be based in south-east London, but the local lass still his a big following back home, so it goes without saying that we're proud as punch for her.
Released back in April, Thackray's fourth studio LP hasn't just been a firm hit with her fan-base but has won over plenty more, not to mention earning plenty more plaudits from the critics - hence being shortlisted this year.
Addressing the huge honour in an emotional post on Instagram, the 36-year-old said: "Weirdo is a Mercury Prize shortlisted album of the year!! Who wants to come over and ugly cry with me on the sofa??
"Making this album saved my life, so thank you to everyone that’s been listening. After going through the most unimaginable grief, losing the love of my life and not wanting to be here anymore, I threw everything into making this record, alone, for a year, and it was my therapy."
She continues: "I wrote every note, played every instrument, produced it, recorded it, and mixed it, and came out the other side having found myself again. Changed, but here. I’m so grateful for this record because I wouldn’t be here without it."
"It all started as a celebration record for being a neurodivergent little weirdo with constant mental health issues, but it evolved and became a survival record in so many ways." It's no surprise that the deeply personal record has struck such a strong chord.
The well-earned recognition recently saw her spotlighted on Jools Holland too.
She joins the likes of resurgent Sheffield Britpop icons and fellow Yorkshire folk, Pulp, as well as Wolf Alice, CMAT and lots more talented acts on the list.
Unsurprisingly, the likes of Fontaines D.C. and Sam Fender are also on there after a standout 12 months for both artists.
As for Thackray, she signed off by adding, "Thank you to all the weirdos out there for being in my gang. We’re not alone inside the music x." Well said, EmJ.
It goes without saying that she gets our vote, and wouldn't potential back-to-back Mercury Prize wins for Leeds be quite the story? You can see the rest of the 2025 shortlist in full down below.
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.
Danny Jones -
10th September 2025 
