Channel 4 has revealed its plans for coverage of the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympics games - and Leeds has been named as one of three cities set to act as a host for the event.
The channel has announced over 70% of its presenters will be disabled this year, in a pro-accessibility move that has been widely praised by followers of the tournament.
Broadcaster Clare Balding will present live sports finals each morning from Channel 4’s Leeds headquarters, amid programming plans that include a multi-location presentation format.
Also broadcasting from Leeds will be TV presenter and paralympic cyclist Arthur Williams and Steph McGovern. The pair will host a daily Paralympics breakfast show from the channels' HQ.
Leeds will also host an early evening show celebrating the medals of the day, followed by a late-night end-of-day summary show called The Last Leg.
The highlights show, meanwhile, will be broadcast directly from Tokyo in the early evening.
“Channel 4 has long played a fundamental role in bringing a global audience to the Paralympic Games and for shifting perceptions of disabled people through our significant investment in coverage and award-winning marketing campaigns for London 2012 and Rio 2016," said Channel 4’s Director of Programmes, Ian Katz.
“Now we’re finally able to get excited about bringing the long-awaited Tokyo 2020 Paralympics to UK viewers with even more coverage than ever before across multiple platforms, from multiple locations and hosted by a stellar presenting team.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the best coverage possible to the British public so we can all get behind ParalympicsGB and celebrate their success in Tokyo.”
Both Channel 4 and More 4 will carry subtitles on live events. The opening ceremony will also have live signing and live enhanced open AD/commentary simulcast on 4Seven to make viewing as accessible as possible.
The majority of content on the Paralympics Microsite will also have subtitles.
The rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Paralympics begins on Tuesday, 24th August 2021 and ends on Sunday, 5th September.
Feature image - Channel 4.
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
6th July 2021 
