Entertainment
Manchester Bombing: Newcastle Arena Introduces ‘Martyn’s Law’

One of Tyneside’s biggest venues has welcomed proposed new legislation designed to prevent terror attacks in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing.
The lives of 22 innocent people, including four from the North East, were claimed when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his explosives at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, in May 2017.
Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett died in the tragedy, has spent the past five years campaigning for tougher laws to ensure large venues are kept safe from terrorists. This week plans for ‘Martyn’s Law’ moved one step closer when the Government published the findings on its consultation into the proposed legislation, otherwise known as ‘Protect Duty’.

Manchester Victim: Martyn Hett
Under the new proposals, venues would have a legal duty to provide specific security plans for a terror attack, and resources would be made available to help with this.
Private and public owners of venues and sites currently have no obligation to act on free advice given to them from specialist counter-terrorism advisers about threats of a terrorist attack and how to mitigate the risk.
Newcastle’s Utilita Arena has been one of the venues involved in discussions about the Protect Duty plans. Yesterday bosses welcomed the new laws and said it would introduce any new measures necessary to help keep audiences safe.
A spokeswoman for the arena said: “We will carefully consider the new legislation as soon as it is available and look at any additional steps we can take to ensure that the safety of everyone remains central to our security and event planning.”
Ministers first announced plans to introduce the Protect Duty legislation back in February 2020. But, the pandemic and closure of venues has delayed the period of public consultation.
The Government published its response to the consultation yesterday and said “2,755 responses were received from a variety of organisations, sectors and campaigners, with the majority supporting the government’s proposals to introduce stronger measures.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “My number one priority is keeping the people of the UK safe. Following the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena, we have worked closely with Figen Murray, victims’ groups and partners to develop proposals to improve protective security around the country.”
Would this new law make you feel more at ease attending major events? Let us know over on socials!
Entertainment
Vicky Pattison left in tears before her praised Channel 4 documentary airs

Vicky Pattison opened up on Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that she had been ‘crying in the toilets for hours’ after a press tour for her Channel 4 documentary on alcoholism left her ‘completely emotionally exhausted.
The Geordie Shore star confirmed last month that she would be releasing a documentary focusing on her father John’s battle with drink and addressing her own fears that she could follow his path, admitting that alcohol has already impacted stages of her career.
My Dad, Alcohol and Me aired on Tuesday at 10pm on Channel 4 and has already received widespread praise from viewers.
The promotional trial ahead of the documentary’s release saw Vicky appearing on shows like The One Show and This Morning, as well as in numerous magazines and newspapers.
Vicky is known for her honest social media presence, and on Tuesday posted a tearful selfie to Instagram with the following caption:
“Today got the better of me… 🥺
“I’ve spent the last month talking about things that I’ve kept bottled up for years- in the hopes that people will watch my documentary tonight and understand a little bit more about addiction and alcoholism. But I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t left me completely emotionally exhausted. Every interview I did I grew closer and closer to tears.
“I went and hid in the toilets at the BBC today and had a little cry after my chat- which I’d been threatening to do all day if I’m honest with myself 🥹”
She also shared that she hopes that the documentary is able to help even just one person feel less alone or bring one family closer together while bringing clarity and peace, and helping people understand what those struggling with addiction and those that love them have to face on a daily basis.
Entertainment
Almost two weeks to go until Hardwick Festival 2022

On the 20th and 21st of August 2022, Hardwick Festival will return, the biggest musical festival in the North East!
It’s set to be a brilliant weekend of music, perfect for all the family.
Located in the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel in the heart of County Durham countryside, Hardwick festival is easily accessible from Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Richmond, Northallerton, and Darlington.
There’s a great line up with Stereophonics and Jake Bugg taking on the Main Stage on Saturday and Becky Hill, The Specials, and Ella Eyre on the Sunday, plus many more. There’s also the Introducing Tent, the Tree House Arena, the Courtyard Arena and the Soul Tent.

Image credit: Instagram (@hardwickfestival)
On top of fantastic music, there’s cocktail bars, and a vast variety of food vendors, ranging from Hog Roast, Greek and Thai dishes, to freshly made donuts. There is something for everyone.
There’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained with a dedicated kid’s area and children’s programme running from 12-6pm daily. This includes circus training, children’s entertainers, fairground rides and a mobile museum.
Tickets are still available to buy. Adult day tickets are £69, young person tickets (12-18year-olds) are £35 and children (5-12year-olds) are £15.
Weekend tickets are also available with the option of camping or glamping for 3 nights. There are complimentary shower and toilet facilities, food and drink vendors and a designated cooking area.
They are also offering return coach travel across the North East making the travelling process easy and stress-free.
For more information visit the website here.
Will you be going to Hardwick Festival this summer? Follow us on Facebook and join in the conversation…
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