Anyone aged 18 or over can go and get their vaccine this weekend by simply walking into one of the pop-up vaccination centres.
A county-wide vaccination push is happening in West Yorkshire this weekend, giving any and all adults over 18 the opportunity to walk in and "grab a jab".
The pop-up centres mean that there's no need to book, rather people can just turn up to receive either their first or second dose without having to wait for a pre-booked appointment.
New evidence has suggested that the second vaccine dose is very important in protecting against the new Delta variant, which is currently causing a third wave to break out across the country.
BBC
Second doses have also now been brought forward to eight weeks, to ensure that the vaccines provide people with the maximum protection against Covid-19.
The walk-in clinics will be open across the weekend from Friday 25th June to Monday 28th, with locals in West Yorkshire being advised to look up their nearest center using the NHS.uk website.
Here, you can search for the one closest to you - as local NHS clinical commissioning group websites.
If you live in an area with a particularly low uptake, chances are you'll also receive a text message with details of local services encouraging you to attend this weekend.
West Yorkshire's senior responsible officer for the Vaccination Programme, Dr Phil Wood said: “Over recent weeks it’s been great to see glimpses of what we once called normal life return and I know we all want restrictions to be lifted.
BBC
“The reality of the situation is that getting the vaccine is the best way we can all help to see those restrictions lifted. The more people are fully vaccinated, the more the spread of the virus will be limited and fewer people will end up in hospital.
“That is the aim of ‘Grab a Jab weekend’. It’s about putting needles in as many arms as possible and making the process easy for everyone to get their jabs - whether that is a first or second dose.
“If you are 18 or over, please go and grab your jab.”
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
25th June 2021 
