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.
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.
The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.
Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.
The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.
Image: Supplied
From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.
“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”
Image: Supplied
The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.
“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”
Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Danny Jones -
10th September 2025 
