Community News

Tram tracks are now being laid in Birmingham city centre in a clear sign that construction of the West Midlands Metro extension to Centenary Square is continuing at pace and on schedule.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman MP was the special guest to mark the laying of the first tracks for the Westside tram extension.

This key milestone in the construction of the £70 million extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square was also celebrated by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and regional transport chiefs.

The 2km Westside extension is being developed in two phases by the Midland Metro Alliance partnership on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The first, between Grand Central and Centenary Square is due to open by the end of 2019. The second phase will take passengers along Broad Street to Edgbaston Five Ways and will be operational by the end of 2021.

The new services will carry visitors and commuters to key destinations and attractions including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the new HSBC headquarters, the Arena Central and Paradise regeneration sites, Brindleyplace, Symphony Hall and the Town Hall.

This light rail project part of a wider £1.35 billion expansion of the region’s tram network over the coming decade, with new lines serving Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said:  “The West Midlands Metro network shows how government support can help to create a sustainable, accessible and innovative light rail system, which forms an integral part of a modern urban transport network.

This is a great time to explore the incredible potential for light rail schemes across the country.

Today's wide-ranging Call for Evidence seeks new ideas and new support for the next generation of light rail, so that we make existing systems work better, and can work with cities and towns across the UK to create new ones.”

These are the first trams tracks to be installed in the city centre since 2015 when the extension from Snow Hill to Grand Central was under construction. The extension opened in May 2016.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “I am delighted that we have reached this milestone in the development of Metro in Birmingham city centre and are able to share this with the Minister of State.

“It is a clear sign to the people of the West Midlands that we are delivering and this is just the start of a revolution in public transport with huge investment in new rail, tram, rapid bus, services and cycling planned over the next few years.”

Cllr Roger Lawrence, WMCA portfolio holder for transport, said: “We are trebling the size of the tram network in the next few years and this is to make sure we best link to HS2 and help us get the maximum economic benefits from the high speed rail line.

“These routes, particularly in the Black Country, will unlock new housing and employment sites and give more people access to jobs.”

Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “This Metro extension links communities from across Birmingham to the new key regeneration sites and job opportunities at Paradise and Arena Central.

“This extended public transport provision will also play a vital role in helping to cut traffic congestion which in turn will help reduce pollution in the city centre.”

West Midlands Metro network plans

Birmingham Westside extension – phase one to Centenary Square to open by end of 2019. Phase two to Edgbaston Five Ways and 54 Hagley Road set to open in 2021.

Birmingham Eastside extension – Bull Street to HS2 station and Digbeth. Plans in development.

Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension – 11km route serving Tipton, Dudley and Merry Hill due to be running by 2023.

Wolverhampton City Centre extension – trams will run along Pipers Row to the new interchange at the redeveloped Wolverhampton Railway Station. Due to open in 2020.

East Birmingham and Solihull extension – a 17km route from the Eastside extension to HS2 Interchange Station, also linking Birmingham Airport and the NEC site. Plans in development.

Richmond Council became the second London council to approve a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) banning prayer or offers of support outside a local abortion facility. The PSPO is aimed at banning pro-life activity outside a BPAS abortion facility on Rosslyn Road, Twickenham.

As with Ealing’s controversial PSPO that was introduced last April, the Richmond PSPO criminalises “engaging in any act of approval or disapproval…with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means, including, without limitation, graphic, verbal or written means, and including…any form of counselling or interaction with…BPAS clients or members of staff on the street.” It also explicitly outlaws “prayer directed at a BPAS client or a member of staff…” It will now be presented to the full council for approval.

“Only weeks after the Court of Appeal announced that it will review Ealing’s incredibly broad PSPO, Richmond Council has passed a similarly far-reaching measure that criminalises peaceful protest and free speech. Once again, a London borough has capitulated to an activist group and has disregarded the powerful evidence of vulnerable women gladly accepting the practical and emotional support offered by pro-life organisations outside of the abortion facilities. While the measure is purported to address “anti-social” behaviour, it goes far beyond what is reasonable or proportionate – banning even a simple offer of assistance.

It is very surprising that Richmond is proceeding to implement this PSPO, notwithstanding the fact that Ealing’s PSPO is still subject to a rigorous legal challenge on the grounds that it has violated fundamental civil liberties. Richmond’s PSPO has already attracted similar, if not higher, levels of criticism and is likely to result in another costly court challenge,” said Laurence Wilkinson, Legal Counsel for ADF International in London.

Richmond’s PSPO comes after the Home Secretary’s announcement that it would be disproportionate to introduce censorship zones on a national level last September. These censorship zones particularly target pro-life groups who offer help and support to pregnant women who want to keep their babies. The first censorship zone introduced by Ealing was subsequently challenged by Alina Dulgheriu, a mother who accepted the offer of help to keep her baby from the Good Counsel Network on her way to an abortion appointment. Ealing’s PSnPO was initially upheld by the High Court but now faces review by the Court of Appeal in July.

“Just like Ealing, Richmond has removed the only real choice women have in the name of ‘choice.’ This PSPO ignores the real experience of hundreds of women and is entirely disproportionate. It is a violation of freedom of speech, the importance of which has been so often reiterated by the European Court of Human Rights, especially when it comes to controversial topics like abortion,” said Robert Clarke, Director of European Advocacy for ADF International.

Methodist minister Greg Obong-Oshotse marks his publishing debut with the release of ‘If the Angelic Postman Never Knocks on My Door’ a poetry collection presenting the essence of discipleship in a commitment to Christ…at all cost!

The publication centres on the sovereignty of God over people’s lives, highlighting how one’s discipleship does not give a warrant either to presume upon God’s love or to usurp his power, whilst aiming to help readers understand the ‘gold standard’ of the calling of the disciple of Jesus Christ: commitment at all cost, plus learning to rejoice in God’s sovereign will for them, whatever it may be.

“Contrary to popular teachings that your discipleship is a ticket to an earthly paradise, you are required to die to self and follow your Lord Jesus Christ at whatever cost,” he shares. “This book cuts to the chase, clarifies the path, and will reroute many sincerely deceived disciples, while at the same time helping new disciples to avoid the pitfalls of deception from false teachings.”

A snippet from ‘If the Angelic Postman Never Knocks on My Door’:- Each of us must fit into / His general will for humanity and His entire creation / as well as His specific will for each individual / as He works His overarching purpose out / and does so according to His divine plan and timing.

God must be sovereign, / For He is the Creator and Master. / He is the author and finisher of our faith. / He is the Lord of Lords and King of kings. / He is the beginning and the end of all things.

After graduating with first class honours in political science at the University of Ife, in Nigeria, Obong-Oshotse became a journalist working for national and international newspapers and magazines before serving the Nigerian government first as press secretary to country’s first lady Maryam Babangida, and later as chief executive of the national Centre for Women Development in Abuja before returning to journalism.

He worked in the U.K. as Europe and North America editor for Nigeria’s Daily Independent newspapers, from which he was called to British Methodism; training for the Methodist ministry at Wesley House in Cambridge where he has degrees in theology - from the universities of Cambridge and Wales.

‘If the Angelic Postman Never Knocks on My Door’ (published by WestBow Press) is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The UK Statistics Authority has said that a new “search-as-you-type” facility on the online form for the 2021 Census will allow anyone to identify as being of any particular ethnic identity, including Sikh.

It comes after over 100 British MPs, including Indian-origin lawmakers, asked the authority to include ‘Sikh’ as a separate ethnic box for the 2021 census; which will list it as a distinct ethnicity, rather than only as a religion, although this is not what has been taken forward.

In the 2011 census, many Sikhs refused to tick any of the choices in the question on ethnicity, ­rejecting options such as ‘­Indian’ in ­order to write ‘Sikh’ in the ‘any other ethnic group’ space.

Under the UK’s Race Relations Act 1976 Sikhs are a legally recognised ethnic group and campaigners for the change believe this gives them a right to be able to identify themselves separately from current census options, such as Indian or British Indian.

National Statistician John Pullinger said: “The recommendations fully recognise the need for good data on the Sikh community, both in terms of the need for high quality data from the census and also wider across all public services.

“Everyone who wishes to identify as Sikh will be able to do so.”

ONS will also utilise the Digital Economy Act 2017 to help ensure data on the Sikh population is available across public services – not just census collected data. ONS is committed to working with departments across government to make sure this happens on an on-going basis.

ONS will also update guidance to public bodies highlighting their duties to record information on the Sikh community and has offered to provide analysis to local authorities to help them better serve the different communities in their areas.

Getting paid to learn, the prospect of a secure job and not graduating with a large debt are just three of the reasons which led James McCall-Smith to an apprenticeship in plumbing.

Award-winning apprentice James is joining forces with WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers, to promote Modern Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, from March 4 to 8.

James says: “I’m in my fourth and final year of my apprenticeship, which I’m spending on the tools with my employer Derek Scott Plumbing & Heating. The first three years were a combination of college study and work-based training – the mix works well and kept me engaged and motivated – although I prefer tools to textbooks!

“Getting paid to learn is a huge plus for me – you don’t finish your training with a large debt. A good employer will look after you and often give you a job at the end of your apprenticeship. It gives you a sense of security.”

James says he loves the broad variety of work in plumbing but was never tempted by the fast-track courses: “There’s no substitute for proper training and you won’t gain the right qualifications without it. What you learn on the job you won’t always find in a textbook.”

James, who was crowned champion of the plumbing competition SkillPLUMB at WorldSkills UK Live last year, is completing his apprenticeship with a WaterSafe-approved business.

He says: “Having WaterSafe approval reassures your customers – after all, people’s health can be at stake so it’s important to be fully qualified and registered.”

WaterSafe advises future plumbers in England to avoid fast-track courses and work towards the new apprenticeships developed for plumbing and domestic heating which automatically lead to a level 3 qualification.

By choosing an apprenticeship with a recognised training provider, future plumbers will:

• combine practical hands-on experience with their studies
• receive a regular salary with a contract of employment and holiday leave
• steer clear of rogue trainers and fast-track courses
• gain industry-approved qualifications.

The winners of the third annual Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers of Commerce awards have been unveiled at a glittering event at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.

The Business of the Year winners were the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (Sutton Coldfield Large Business), KEP Print Group (Lichfield and Tamworth Large Business), Ark Media Productions (Sutton Coldfield Small Business) and Proftech Talent (Lichfield and Tamworth Small Business).

The Sutton Coldfield President’s Award went to Mustafa Shevket for his work as head of Sutton Coldfield College, while Paula Da-Silva from the Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre won the Lichfield & Tamworth President’s Award.

The awards dinner was hosted by former Aston Villa TV presenter Jack Woodward, while Birmingham City University were headline sponsors.

Sutton Coldfield Large Business winners, the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, are a multi-academy trust made up of 12 schools across Birmingham, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

Led by CEO and influential education sector leader Richard Gill, ATLP have earned a glowing reputation for providing outstanding education and developing the next generation of teachers.

KEP Print Group, the Lichfield and Tamworth Large Business winners, have experienced significant growth after bucking a trend that has led to other print companies suffering since the rise of digital marketing.

The family-run Tamworth firm pride themselves on their culture and staff retention – their average length of service for skilled workers is over 12 years.

Sutton Coldfield Small Business winners Ark Media’s work at the cutting edge of video production has led to contract wins with some well-known international brands.

Lichfield and Tamworth Small Business winners Proftech Talent are professional and technical recruitment experts who have grown their client base and staffing levels since launching in 2017.

Chris Brewerton, senior business development and relationship manager for the Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers, said: “These awards are a wonderful showcase of all the positive and inspiring work businesses across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth have done during the past 12 months.

“It was great to see so many delegates networking with each other throughout the evening and we can’t wait to start planning next year’s event.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, of course, but also to all of those businesses who applied or who were nominated too.

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has launched the Drink Free Days are not Just for January campaign.

Evidence from the Drinkaware Monitor 2018 has revealed that whilst men are more likely than women to be drinking over the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units a week and to have attempted to cut down on their drinking, they are less likely to be doing so by using moderation techniques, like having more Drink Free Days.

In the light of these findings, the charity is urging people to consider moderating across the year by taking more drink free days as a way of reducing the risks to their health from alcohol. The charity is particularly targeting those who may have taken part in this year’s Dry January and encouraging them to avoid reverting to their former drinking habits once their month of abstinence is over.

The facts about alcohol are simple - the more alcohol people drink, the greater their risk of developing several serious potentially life limiting health conditions, including high blood pressure, liver and heart disease, as well as seven types of cancer.

Regular drinking also increases the amount of calories being consumed, which contributes to weight gain and obesity.

But these risks can be reduced through moderation and something as simple as taking more drink free days each week can have a real and lasting impact on health and wellbeing.

Former Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Benidorm and Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson, who has often spoken about her own drinking is supporting the campaign.  She said:

“Many of us enjoy a drink, but it can be very easy for our drinking to creep up on us.  A glass of wine here and a pint of beer there all adds up.

“It’s great that so many people take part in Dry January every year, but it can be really easy to go back to the old bad habits in February.

“Taking more drink free days throughout the week can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.

“I can’t be the only person who wants to make a change to their drinking habits. If you are wanting to make a change or have successfully done so, then please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to share your story.”

Commenting, Dr Sarah Jarvis GP , Medical Adviser to Drinkaware said:

“Drinkaware is here to help people who want to make changes to their drinking that last beyond Dry January.

“The fact is that the more alcohol we drink, the greater the risks to our health and wellbeing.

“Taking several drink free days each week helps reduce these risks and is simple and easy to do.”

The 2020 British Basketball Cup Finals are set to take place at Arena Birmingham on Sunday 26 January 2020. With this year’s incredible near capacity event still fresh in the memory, tickets are expected to be snapped up quickly. As such fans are being urged to grab their tickets early and get closer to the action.

It promises to be once again an exhilarating day of hoops action, with a line-up featuring a pair of showpiece games and the 2020 BBL Dunk Contest. Add in to the mix the incredible courtside fun and entertainment and you will have a day that will live in the memory forever.

BBL Cup Final 2020

26 January 2020, Arena Birmingham

City of Wolverhampton’s new railway station building will start coming out of the ground next month.

Contractors Galliford Try are close to completing the foundation works and the mobile crane has arrived to start lifting the construction steels into place.

It follows the demolition of the former British Transport Police building, and a small section of the current station building next to Platform 1.

It is the next stage in delivering a £150 million transport hub to provide an attractive commercial gateway to those entering the city by national rail, bus or tram.

As there will be no changes to the platform areas as part of the scheme, this has allowed it to be cleverly designed in two phases to ensure train services from City of Wolverhampton continue to operate as normal throughout.

The first section of the new station building is expected to become operational to customers in autumn 2019, when phase 2 of the programme – bringing down the remainder of the current station building and completing the new build - will also start.

The new state-of-the-art railway station building to serve the city will be fully open in summer 2020.

Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Trains, Virgin Trains, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The arrival of the crane on site means we are entering into an exciting phase of this project.

“Works are progressing well on the first phase of the railway station programme and people will soon be able to see the new building taking shape as the steels quickly go up.

“It has been a long-held vision for the council to deliver a new railway station befitting of our great city and it sits within a total £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced – the new state-of-the-art station building we are developing will deliver that.”

Once work on the new station building is completed it will pave the way for the Midland Metro Alliance to begin the final link of the new city centre tram extension. The Midland Metro Alliance are currently delivering the Pipers Row and Railway Drive phases of the extension to the railway station.

Chris Jones, Associate Director, Ion, said: “The arrival of the crane is a significant milestone and brings the project one step closer to providing enhanced facilities for customers of Wolverhampton Railway Station”.

Finland may be the happiest country on earth*, but Bristol, home of controversial artist Banksy, is the happiest city in the UK, according to a study** by the UK’s number one bingo site, GalaBingo.com.

Now that the excitement of Christmas has died down, most people have reluctantly gone back to work, and as we are rapidly approaching Blue Monday (21st January), which many consider to be the saddest day of the year, spirits can run low.

To combat the gloomy period, GalaBingo.com has studied how Brits rate their happiness, and more importantly, what can help to improve our moods.

Polling more than 2,000 people, the research revealed that residents in Bristol are the happiest in the UK, while those in other cities may be in need of a pick-me-up.

The happiest places in the UK (based on average happiness rating out of 10) are:

1. Bristol - 7.3
2. Birmingham - 7.2
3. Liverpool - 7.2
4. Leeds - 7.0
5. Glasgow - 7.0

However, while Bristol takes the crown for most happy on average, it is home of the Beatles, Liverpool that has the most people in the highest levels of joy, with over a quarter (27%) of Liverpudlians rating themselves a 9 or a 10!

In contrast, lending weight to the stereotype of grumpy, busy Londoners, England’s capital city trails behind with an average happiness rating of 6.7, but Manchester takes the bottom spot with just 6.6.

Overall, 65% of those polled rated their happiness at 7/10 or above on a typical day, with one in ten declaring they were a staggering 10/10 on the happy scale.

But it is the older folk, who really bring the numbers up, with Brits aged 65 and above rating themselves 7.4 on average, compared to the 6.8 average happiness of baby boomers (aged 45-64)

So, just what makes the nation tick? According to the study, the perfect day includes spending time with family or friends, eating favourite foods, and getting some much-deserved rest and relaxation!

Top 10 things that make us feel happy are:

1. Spending time with family (46%)
2. Going on holiday (34%)
3. Eating your favourite foods (25%)
4. Socialising with friends (24%)
5. Getting peace and quiet/relaxing (23%)
6. Watching your favourite TV show or film (22%)
7. A good sleep (22%)
8. Shopping (16%)
9. Reading (15%)
10. Getting outdoors (14%)

The cost of a four-week West Midlands Metro tram ticket is being cut by £4 to celebrate the launch of the Swift on Mobile smartphone app.

Android smartphone users with Google Pay can now buy and save their tickets using the Swift on Mobile app. They simply tap their phone on the tram conductor’s ticket machine and therefore no longer have to carry a separate Swift card.

As an incentive to use Swift on Mobile, customers that buy four-week Metro tickets will only pay £70, instead of the usual £74 price. Those using Swift on Mobile to buy Metro day tickets will also save 10p per day.

West Midlands Metro is the first public transport service in the UK to allow passengers to save an ITSO-enabled ticket on Google Pay. This is now available to all travellers following a limited trial in the autumn.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has worked with Google Pay and smart ticketing specialist ITSO Transit Hub on the new service.

TfWM is also working with technology partners and bus and rail operators to bring Swift on Mobile to more forms of public transport. The ultimate aim is to provide seamless tap and go ticketing across the region’s public transport network.

Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have today announced that actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden will star in their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which will visit Birmingham Hippodrome for the very first time from 13-18 April 2020. Tickets will be go on sale this spring with an exclusive early booking period for Birmingham Hippodrome Friends.

The tour marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team is completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale.

Joe McFadden’s theatre credits include: House on Cold Hill (UK tour); The Missing (National Theatre of Scotland); Rainbow Kiss (Royal Court); Torch Song Trilogy (Menier Chocolate Factory); Rent (West End); Haunting Julia (Colchester Mercury/ UK Tour); She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The Edinburgh Playhouse); A Life In The Theatre (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh); How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; (Chichester Festival Theatre); 15 Seconds (Traverse Theatre ); Aladdin (The Old Vic); Entertaining Mr Sloane (Theatre Clwyd). Television credits include:  Holby City (BBC); Casualty (BBC); Heartbeat (ITV/YTV); Cranford (BBC); Sparkhouse (BBC/Red Productions); A Mortal God (BBC); Reverse Psychology (BBC); Judge John Deed (BBC/One Eyed Dog); The Glass (ITV1/Granada); The Law (ITV1/Pearson); Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll (BBC); The Crow Road (BBC/Union Pictures). Film includes:  Small Faces; Dad Savage; Zig Zag Love; The Trouble with Men and Women; Bumping The Odds.

Joe McFadden said: “I’m over the moon to be taking on this new and exciting challenge in a musical that I have been a massive fan of for such a long time. I’m looking forward to working with this wonderful production team, including Jason whose guidance I feel especially lucky to have given his previous experience with the production.  I can’t wait to take the Priscilla bus on the road and have a bonzer time making the role my own!”

Mark Goucher said: “Joe is great casting for Priscilla. He is a very strong musical theatre performer and will bring great charm and integrity to this new production of a great musical.”

Jason Donovan said: “So pleased to announce Joe be starring in our production. He’s a down to earth, talented guy who will bring enormous warmth to the role of Mitzi. I can’t wait to see him in heels doing those dance routines.... Awesome.”

The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison.

Published author Chukie Morsi continues to use his experiences as a Christian, a Bible teacher and pastor to delve into religious subjects to instill a deeper knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and the Christian faith.

His latest publication, ‘The Realm of Revelation: Living Beyond Doctrines & Man-Made Traditions’ (published by AuthorHouse UK), gives a biblical perspective on the Christian’s way of life.

Morsi shares; “I found that there were misconceptions and wrong beliefs about Biblical doctrines and traditions that were happening in the body of Christ. I was inspired to set out a way to inform, guide and encourage people to know what the Bible said about doctrine and traditions of man.”

‘The Realm of Revelation’ is a practical handbook that aims to serve Christ’s believers in their knowledge against denominational church, man-made beliefs, creed, dogmas and traditions. It is an instructional manual based on the Bible, sharing how the individual and the church ought to live in the light of God’s word as revealed through the Holy Spirit.

Giving a clear reference to the Scripture, Morsi encourages the reader to seek to know, understand and have wisdom in the things of God. “And more importantly, to be safe from man-made make-beliefs, traditional rudiments, falsehood and counterfeit religion, in our present church community and society,” the author adds.

He - Chukie – is a pastor and leader who has a heart after people knowing who they are in Christ and how they can be effective in and for the body of Christ.

If 2018 felt like a noteworthy twelve months for North Shields musician Sam Fender, in truth, those first few chapters of his story have barely been written. With a debut album in the works for later this year, his opening bow in the US currently being rubber-stamped, and a handful of sold-out UK shows already long-since in the diary, 2019 is surely when it starts getting serious.

Following a hectic year of touring, signing a record deal, and becoming one of the hottest new names in the industry and beyond, Sam concluded 2018 being awarded his first BRIT Award, as the Critics’ Choice for the year ahead. It was a fantastic and humbling nod for an artist who spent very few days off the road, and is determined to repay the faith with a supersonic 2019.

Kicking off this month with a new single, Play God is one of the songs that first set him out on his journey. Originally released independently to ensure any new fans he made had something to hear online when discovering Sam live, it encompasses everything that makes him such a fascinating young prospect; angular, sharp and ambitious guitar-led melodies coupled with Sam’s observational, questioning and socially engaged lyrics.

Play God was recorded in North Shields, and produced by long-standing friend and collaborator Bramwell Bronte.

Sam says of the song: “Play God is set in an alternate dystopian reality that shares similarities with our own world. I wrote it a couple of years ago where there were a lot of big changes happening in both the UK and the States, I had just entered my twenties, I was anxious about the future of the world and its leaders, and it didn't help that I'd just read George Orwell's 1984 at the time. As you can imagine I was pretty paranoid!

Following a pair of long since sold-out shows in Manchester and London next month, Sam will now play six more headline dates in May.

The dates kick off on the 2^nd May at the Ritz in Manchester, and conclude at Bristol’s SWX on the 13^thMay. He plays Shepherds Bush Empire on the 6^th May.

Birmingham Hippodrome have released a selection of stunning, rarely seen backstage images taken during a performance of this year’s high-flying pantomime, Peter Pan.

Performances of Peter Pan conclude in just two weeks’ time. This year’s all-star line-up is led by theatre, TV and recording star Darren Day, comedy-actress Meera Syal, Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack, Union J’s Jaymi Hensley, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Sascha Williams and amazing acrobatic-troupe The Timbuktu Tumblers.

With amazing flying effects, barrels of laughter, magic and fairy dust, be sure to join Peter and the Lost Boys as they set sail in the ultimate pirate Pantomime adventure.

Peter Pan runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sun 27 Jan 2019