Latest news with #Sheffield-based
North Wales Live
22-05-2025
- Science
- North Wales Live
Live rocket firing launches Space Age in North Wales
The Space Age arrived in North Wales today (Thursday, May 22) with the formal opening of state-of-the-art testing facilities in Eryri (Snowdonia). A rocket was launched and a high-altitude balloon was dispatched to the edge of space from a disused airfield at Llanbedr, Gwynedd. The new Space Test & Training Centre (STTC) blasted off in style with a series of demonstrations for gathered dignitaries. Among those watching on the UK Space Agency's launch director Matt Archer, who said the new facilities were a 'significant step forward for the UK's space capabilities'. Testing facilities at the newly built STTC includes a centrifuge, vibration table, aerostructures rig and teaching laboratory. Also on site is a thermal-cycling vacuum chamber that simulates the extreme temperatures and near-vacuum of space environments – the idea is to test whether newly developed systems can withstand these conditions. The centre also features a rocket engine test stand and two variable inclination rail launchers. These enable both vertical launches for rockets, and horizontal launches for rocket planes. To mark the facility's unveiling, a live rocket firing demonstration was successfully conducted by Norfolk's Launch Access. In addition, a high-altitude balloon was launched by Sheffield-based Sent Into Space. Via its attached CubeSat nanosatellite, visitors could view and track its progress to the edge of space from the STTC mission control room. The new hi-tech centre is a joint venture between the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre and Newton Launch Systems. To support its development, it received £820,000 from the UK Space Agency as part of a total investment in excess £1.3m. UK telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant said the Llanbedr facility will help the UK develop into a 'space superpower'. He said: 'The opening of the Snowdonia Space Centre cements our commitment to building a space ecosystem right across the UK. 'The centre will not only drive economic growth in North Wales but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through its outstanding educational facilities, strengthening Britain's position as a space superpower.' For the space industry, the new centre provides low-cost access to testing facilities. It is hoped the site will enable companies to accelerate the development of new products and technologies. Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans said being at the centre's official opening was a 'real privilege'. Also present were representatives from Space Wales. She added: 'This is a landmark moment not only for the local community – bringing new opportunities, skills, and investment to the region – but also for the wider UK space sector. 'Facilities like this will play a crucial role in delivering our National Space Strategy for Wales, strengthening Wales' position as a hub for innovation and helping drive forward the UK's space ambitions.' Snowdonia Aerospace Centre (SAC) already provides access to Special Use Airspace (SUA) immediately around the former Llanbedr Airfield. This use has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority to support the ongoing development of novel aerospace systems in the UK. To accommodate its space testing programme, the SUA has now been extended to include a larger area over Cardigan Bay. Also at the STTC is a flight test range for trialling various modes of space flight. This provides a dedicated area for rocket-powered vehicles, near-space scientific flights, microgravity research and trials of re-entry vehicles and payload recovery systems. Another crucial remit of the STTC is to provide educational facilities to support universities as well as primary and secondary STEM learning. Already it has hosted several rocketry and cansat-focused STEM events for Welsh pupils. Jeremy Howitt, SAC's technical director, said: 'As well as providing much needed testing facilities to the UK space industry, we hope the centre will help to stimulate local and national interest in the space industry and inspire more young people to engage in a career in the space industry.' It is hoped education and other facilities opportunities can be expanded over time. A key plan, with astrotourism also in mind, is the creation of a new Space Discovery Centre featuring observatories and a planetarium. 'We are in one of the most accessible and spectacular Dark Skies settings in the world!' noted SAC CEO Lee Paul.
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
River Island launches limited-edition summer collab with contemporary artist
Fashion retailer River Island has revealed the latest offer in its 'Behind the Design' series, an exclusive limited-edition collection created in collaboration with contemporary artist Adrianne Dimitrakakis, founder of Atlas. The drop 'fuses fashion with storytelling, transforming Adrianne's distinctive hand-drawn artwork into 45 bold, bespoke summer pieces'. Rooted in the artist's 'spirit of exploration', each sun-washed design is inspired by her travels across remote islands and off-the-map destinations giving inspiration to her vintage-inspired aesthetic. Thus, every print in the collection 'tells a story; and every piece becomes a keepsake… echoing her illustrated maps, collected trinkets, and the nostalgic charm of vintage posters… to brighten every summer wardrobe'. Key pieces include dresses, printed blazers for women, tailored shorts (sizes XS-XL), and linen shirts for men. The collection also features a kids' range including boys (1-14 years in one style), 5-14 years in the rest, and older girls (5-14 years). In April, River Island's Behind The Design series also launched a curated resortwear collaboration with Latin-Australian swimwear brand Del Maar. The series has previously featured independent creatives such as Sheffield-based visual artist and photographer Joe Horner, who created an occasionwear collection inspired by his award-winning artworks.
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
River Island launches limited-edition summer collab with contemporary artist
Fashion retailer River Island has revealed the latest offer in its 'Behind the Design' series, an exclusive limited-edition collection created in collaboration with contemporary artist Adrianne Dimitrakakis, founder of Atlas. The drop 'fuses fashion with storytelling, transforming Adrianne's distinctive hand-drawn artwork into 45 bold, bespoke summer pieces'. Rooted in the artist's 'spirit of exploration', each sun-washed design is inspired by her travels across remote islands and off-the-map destinations giving inspiration to her vintage-inspired aesthetic. Thus, every print in the collection 'tells a story; and every piece becomes a keepsake… echoing her illustrated maps, collected trinkets, and the nostalgic charm of vintage posters… to brighten every summer wardrobe'. Key pieces include dresses, printed blazers for women, tailored shorts (sizes XS-XL), and linen shirts for men. The collection also features a kids' range including boys (1-14 years in one style), 5-14 years in the rest, and older girls (5-14 years). In April, River Island's Behind The Design series also launched a curated resortwear collaboration with Latin-Australian swimwear brand Del Maar. The series has previously featured independent creatives such as Sheffield-based visual artist and photographer Joe Horner, who created an occasionwear collection inspired by his award-winning artworks.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic music venue where the likes of Oasis and Coldplay played closes down after 45 years
Pulp played their first ever gig at the venue, back in 1980 OFF STAGE Iconic music venue where the likes of Oasis and Coldplay played closes down after 45 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LEGENDARY music venue, which has hosted huge names such as Oasis and Coldplay has announced it has been forced to close after 45 years. The Leadmill in Sheffield, which will have to close its doors after it lost an appeal against eviction, described the decision as a "heart-breaking moment." Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Leadmill has hosted big name bands such as Oasis, Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys Credit: Alamy 2 Def Leppard playing at the venue in 2023 Credit: Alamy The venue, where Sheffield-based band Pulp played their first ever gig back in 1980 said that the closure felt like a 'betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city'. Liam Gallagher described the closure as "scandalous" whilst Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker has also publicly backed the venue. The Leadmill will now have to leave the property within three-months, after losing a lengthy battle with its landlord, the Electric Group, who first issued an eviction notice back in 2022. Electric Group issued the notice because they plan to run the 900-capacity business themselves. In a statement released on Wednesday, the venue, which been a Sheffield staple since 1980, said that the closure will mean the loss of 70 jobs. It said: "This is a heart-breaking moment not just for our team but for the entire Sheffield community. 'We've fought tirelessly to protect this independent venue which has supported countless artists, musicians and creatives for over four decades. 'Today's decision feels like a betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city.' 'We're truly devastated by this outcome, but we also know hand on heart that we did everything possible to stop the Leadmill being evicted. 'We have poured our energy, time, love and determination into this fight and we're immensely proud of our team and the community that stood by us." Car dealership abruptly closes after 60 years with customers' vehicles trapped inside as they find note on door Electric Group, which also owns Electric Brixton, as well as venues in Bristol and Newcastle, said it plans to keep the building as a music venue, and promised "substantial investment." The Leadmill said that the decision shows that tenants have "no rights whatsoever" and accused Electric Group of "copying the tenant's business" to make more profit. It said: "If you worked all the hours God sends over years to build a successful business, it can be forcibly seized in the most egregious way. 'Our advice to every business tenant in the country is: if you can, get out of the building you occupy and go online. Your business cannot be stolen there.' The venue will be hosting a number of farewell venues for fans, with punters who have tickets for future events told that that gigs will be relocated to other locations in the city. After winning the initial court case, back in February, the Electric Group said: "The successful legal outcome paves the way for a bright future for this venue, ensuring it will receive the substantial investment it needs to thrive. 'It will continue to be a cornerstone of the live music scene in Sheffield, supporting artists, fans, and community projects for the next 100 years.' His Honour Justice Sir Alastair Norris, who ruled in favour of the Electric Group said that the "present intention" is to rename the venue SK 35. The Leadmill has been at the forefront of Sheffield's music scene for over four decades, helping to launch the careers of bands such as Artic Monkeys.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Iconic music venue where the likes of Oasis and Coldplay played closes down after 45 years
A LEGENDARY music venue, which has hosted huge names such as Oasis and Coldplay has announced it has been forced to close after 45 years. The Leadmill in Sheffield, which will have to close its doors after it lost an appeal against eviction, described the decision as a "heart-breaking moment." Advertisement 2 The Leadmill has hosted big name bands such as Oasis, Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys Credit: Alamy 2 Def Leppard playing at the venue in 2023 Credit: Alamy The venue, where Sheffield-based band Pulp played their first ever gig back in 1980 said that the closure felt like a 'betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city'. The Leadmill will now have to leave the property within three-months, after losing a lengthy battle with its landlord, the Electric Group, who first issued an eviction notice back in 2022. Electric Group issued the notice because they plan to run the 900-capacity business themselves. Advertisement Read more closure stories In a statement released on Wednesday, the venue, which been a Sheffield staple since 1980, said that the closure will mean the loss of 70 jobs. It said: "This is a heart-breaking moment not just for our team but for the entire Sheffield community. 'We've fought tirelessly to protect this independent venue which has supported countless artists, musicians and creatives for over four decades. 'Today's decision feels like a betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'We're truly devastated by this outcome, but we also know hand on heart that we did everything possible to stop the Leadmill being evicted. 'We have poured our energy, time, love and determination into this fight and we're immensely proud of our team and the community that stood by us." Car dealership abruptly closes after 60 years with customers' vehicles trapped inside as they find note on door Electric Group, which also owns Electric Brixton, as well as venues in Bristol and Newcastle, said it plans to keep the building as a music venue, and promised "substantial investment." The Leadmill said that the decision shows that tenants have "no rights whatsoever" and accused Electric Group of "copying the tenant's business" to make more profit. Advertisement It said: "If you worked all the hours 'Our advice to every business tenant in the country is: if you can, get out of the building you occupy and go online. Your business cannot be stolen there.' The venue will be hosting a number of farewell venues for fans, with punters who have tickets for future events told that that gigs will be relocated to other locations in the city. After winning the initial court case, back in February, the Electric Group said: "The successful legal outcome paves the way for a bright future for this venue, ensuring it will receive the substantial investment it needs to thrive. Advertisement 'It will continue to be a cornerstone of the live music scene in Sheffield, supporting artists, fans, and community projects for the next 100 years.' His Honour Justice Sir Alastair Norris, who ruled in favour of the Electric Group said that the "present intention" is to rename the venue SK 35. The Leadmill has been at the forefront of Sheffield's music scene for over four decades, helping to launch the careers of bands such as Artic Monkeys.
