Laura Evans Announces Headline Shows

LAURA EVANS

ANNOUNCES HEADLINE SHOWS

This will be the first run of live performances for the welsh songstress Laura Evans since early 2020. Eager to get back on stage to showcase all her new music with a full band, these power-house shows will be something you do not want to miss!

Laura kicks off the first run of summer shows at The Sound Lounge, Sutton on 2nd July. Paul Sexton writer and broadcaster (BBC Radio 2, The Sunday Times, Billboard, Music Week) and patron for the successful grassroots venue said “We really hope to see you on July 2nd some fine British talent, Laura’s sassy country-pop has taken her from the valleys of south Wales to the C2C Festival, a guest slot with The Shires and numerous Spotify playlists”

Following on from that Laura will double headline the Theatre On the Steps in Shropshire 10th July, with young Blues artist of the year Conor Selby before playing the Main Stage at Buckle & Boots Festival Manchester on 2nd August and then heading back to London for a headline show 13th August at Pizza Express Live, Holborn.

Laura will continue her second run of shows in the Autumn with a headline show at the Uckfield Civic Centre on 1st October, playing the Mowlem Theatre at the Swanage Blues Festival on the 2nd October, supporting Jo Harman in concert at the Exeter Phoenix 21st October as well as being confirmed as part of a very impressive line-up for the January Blues Festival with APMG early next year. It was quite an astounding year for Welsh, Nashville loving songstress Laura Evans with the release of her debut EP that saw her truly making her mark on the country/blues scene. Laura’s first single from the EP charted straight at number one on the UK Blues Chart and peaked at 43 on the US Blues Chart as well as follow up singles “Drag Me back In” & “Solo” following suit, acquiring several Spotify & Apple music editorial playlists including ‘Nu-Blue’ & “Blues Drive” curated by Heidi Shenk, alongside US artists like Larkin Poe and Dave Stewart ‘Very Nearly Nashville’ and Apple Music’s ‘New In Country’ playlist alongside Taylor Swift & Eric Church. The EP racked up thousands of streams in the first week of release resulting in this latest single being acquired and distributed worldwide by U-NXT c/o Universal Music. Laura has received continued support from BBC Radio Wales, with 4 A Listed singles airplay on Planet Rock, Chris Country Radio, Country Hits Radio and Absolute Radio Country.

All the shows will also feature an excellent band “The Company” featuring Nat Martin, Carl Hudson, Martin Johnson and Steve Watts.

ALL TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE LINK BELOW: www.songkick.com/artists/ 5492488-laura-evans/calendar

D www.thelauraevans.com I @lauraevansuk T @laurajevansUk

Accrington By Megha Seth

New Accrington, was earlier in the Forest of Blackburnshire. Most of its places got their names from here, such as Broad Oak or Oak Hill, due to the oak trees in this forest.

Are you curious about the past of this town? In that case, you will come to hear various stories—how it turned out to be the way it is from a “considerable village” —stories about the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century and how it changed the face of this town forever.

History of Accrington’s Industries

“Accy” as per how the inhabitants ofAccrington, or as people popularly the town refer to it, is a fairly underpopulated and peaceful place to live in. It’s notknow this small town as Accrington very far from the central business district and only takes a 20-mile drive north to reaStanley, is considerably famous for ch Manchester City center. its football club Accrington Stanley F.C. that competes in EFL League One.

HISTORY OF ACCRINGTON’S INDUSTRIES

History of Accrington Accrington has a particularly enticing his It is located in the heart of Hyndburn borough of Pennine Lancashire county of North West England. The Hyndburn River flows through this town, primarily through culvert tunnels which offers a pretty sight, here and there around tory with both geographical and industrial significance that is fairly interesthe city. Locals often like to take a walk instead of using transport to stop and take a look at the beautiful corners ting. According to the people of the town, earlier ththis town conceals. ere were two townships: the Old Accrington and the New Accrington. But later on, with the incorpo “Accy” as per how the inhabitants of the town refer to it, is a fairly underpopulated and peaceful place to live in. It’s ration of the borough council, they were merged together into one town. The soutnot very far from the central business district and only takes a 20-mile drive north to reach Manchester City center. hern part of Accrington, the township of HISTORY OF ACCRINGTON

Accrington has a particularly enticing history with both geographical and industrial significance that is fairly interesting. According to the people of the town, earlier there were two townships: the Old Accrington and the

New Accrington. But later on, with the incorporation of the borough council, they were merged together into one town. The southern part of Accrington, the township of New

Accrington, was earlier in the Forest of Blackburnshire.

Most of its places got their names from here, such as Broad

Oak or Oak Hill, due to the oak trees in this forest.

Are you curious about the past of this town? In that case, you will come to hear various stories—how it turned out to be the way it is from a “considerable village”—stories about the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century and how it changed the face of this town forever.

Acc Accrington has a rich history of being home to a variety rington has a rich history of being home to a variety of different industries in of different industries in the early 1900s. Many small the early 1900s. Many small and large-scale industries were heavily dependent on and large-scale industries were heavily dependent on Accrington’s array of productions to run their businesses. Accrington used to be foAccrington’s array of productions to run their businesses. Accrington used to be formerly famous for its machinery rmerly famous for its machinery industry that produced heavy machines for the industry that produced heavy machines for the cotton and cotton and textile industries. However, the entire sector died in time, and textile industries. However, the entire sector died in time, Accrington held up its name for The Accrington NORI. and Accrington held up its name for The Accrington NORI.

The Accrington NORI (or bricks, which is palindrome for the word “iron”) manufactures metal-hard bricks specially engineered to provide a strength similar to iron. These bricks are considered the toughest and densest bricks in the world. They have been in production since as early as 1887 but halted in 2013, only to restart again in 2015.

These bricks have been used to build the foundations of the famous tourist attraction, Blackpool Tower in Blackpool,

Lancashire, and the world-famous Empire State Building of

Manhattan, New York.

To To the world, Accrington is known for its professional the world, Accrington is known for its professional football club, Accrington football club, Accrington Stanley F.C, formed in 1968. Stanley F.C, formed in 1968. The club has spent its entire history playing in their The club has spent its entire history playing in their home home ground, Crown Ground, in Accrington. ground, Crown Ground, in Accrington. The current Accrington Stanley team has been competing in League One, the The current Accrington Stanley team has been competing second-highest division in the English football league and the third tier in the in League One, the second-highest division in the English entire English Football League system. The prime highlight of the club’s career football league and the third tier in the entire English happened to be in 2002-2003 when they won the Northern Premier League. This Football League system. The prime highlight of the club’s career happened to be in 2002-2003 when they won was followed by their promotion to the National League in 2005-2006 for the first tthe Northern Premier League. This was followed by their ime in the history of Accrington’s football club. Accrington Stanley’s latest win promotion to the National League in 2005-2006 for the first happens to be in the EFL League Two, where they were winners for the 2017-2018 time in the history of Accrington’s football club. Accrington matches. Stanley’s latest win happens to be in the EFL League Two, where they were winners for the 2017-2018 matches. Things to do in Accrington THINGS TO DO IN ACCRINGTON

A visit to Haworth Art Gallery and Park

A VISIT TO HAWORTH ART GALLERY AND PARK

Accrington is home to the Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington is home to the Haworth Art Gallery, particularly famous for possessing particularly famous for possessing Europe’s most extensive Europe's most extensive collection of Tiffany glass. But apart from the museum’s collection of Tiffany glass. But apart from the museum’s rich rich art, it also offers the space for an entrancing walk through Haworth Park. It art, it also offers the space for an entrancing walk through has a calming effect on one’s mind and soul. Haworth Park. It has a calming effect on one’s mind and soul.The Park has a profusion of natural flora that grows along the margins of the park amidst the tantalising greenery spread over the entire area. You can spot around 50 The Park has a profusion of natural flora that grows species of wildflowers around the park that naturally attracts wildlife and along the margins of the park amidst the tantalising occasional birdsongs and antics of the squirrels scurrying around this place. greenery spread over the entire area. You can spot around 50 species of wildflowers around the park that naturally Amidst all this magnificent natural beauty, Haworth museum stands still, as if attracts wildlife and occasional birdsongs and antics of the squirrels scurrying around this place.

Amidst all this magnificent natural beauty, Haworth museum stands still, as if almost presiding over the scene, as nature races against our efforts to be tamed by it. The whole place almost feels like a dreamy escape from the daily hustle and bustle of one’s life. p- The Accrington town centre along the Accrington Acorn Trail calls for exploration. The Town Hall was originally The Accrington town centre along the Accrington Acorn Trail calls for exploration. built as an assembly hall to commemorate the former The Town Hall was originally built as an assembly hall to commemorate the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, in the 18th century. The former Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, in the 18th century. The building is building is designed in a neoclassical style and was built at designed in a neoclassical style and was built at the prime time of Accrington’s the prime time of Accrington’s cotton and textile industries cotton and textile industries when its success was booming and was at its highest when its success was booming and was at its highest peak.peak. Lo Located in Blackburn Road, it leads down to Willow cated in Blackburn Road, it leads down to Willow Street, full of houses with Street, full of houses with striking features, and past the striking features, and past the Carnegie Library to the oldest part of the town Carnegie Library to the oldest part of the town along along Warner Street. Warner Street.

CYCLING ROUTES IN ACCRINGTON

Any visit to Accrington is pretty much incomplete without exploring its picturesque landscapes in and around its countryside. There are many cycling routes around Accrington that interest wheel enthusiasts and dedicated cyclists alike to revel in the long mile circumvent of this small town. Hyndburn Clog happens to be one of them, which passes through a flamboyant countryside that includes pastures, moorland villages, and lowland close to the reservoirs that offer one exquisite sight of the scenic Hill Country.

Hyndburn Greenway is another excellent cycling route that is almost free of traffic with upgraded canal towpaths and links Accrington Town Centre with Blackburn, Rishton, and Church over Baxenden. One can also find a link to Great Harwood from this route.

The next route commonly taken up by cyclists is the White Path - Rishton - Great Harwood cycle route. As the name suggests, it is the route of the White Path that connects Rishton with Great Harwood. Following this route, most two-wheelers often end up having an enjoyable ride along the old railway line that links to the canal towpath, ideally used by people for leisure or to go to school or work. Canal Clog connects some parts of Hyndburn Clog with the towpath of Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

ACCRINGTON’S SHOPPING CENTRES

Accrington is East Lancashire’s best shopping district with exceptional independent boutiques. It offers a wide range of products, from modern Arndale Shopping Centre to 19th century Victoria Market Hall. If you have a quest for antique items, you can tick off pretty much every item in your shopping list.

The grand Victorian building has local market traders selling fresh Lancashire produce. Oswaldtwistle Mills The grand Victorian building has local market traders selling fresh Lancashire Shopping Village and Garden Centre are Accrington’s produce. Oswaldtwistle Mills Shopping Village and Garden Centre are highest-rated shopping centres with a wide range of Accrington’s highest-rated shopping centres with a wide range of products in the products in the home & lifestyle category. Housed in five former weaving sheds, it happens to be the bargain hunters’ home & lifestyle category. Housed in five former weaving sheds, it happens to be the bargain hunters’ place with over 80 discount outlets. It is full of furniture stores, bookstores, garden works, clothing and apparel, gift shops, and houses place with over 80 discount outlets. It is full of furniture four choices of restaurants. stores, bookstores, garden works, clothing and apparel, gift shops, and houses four choices of restaurants.Appetising Meals

APPETISING MEALS

The highlight of any place that is embedded into memory is usually the palette t The highlight of any place that is embedded into memory hat the site serves. Accrington has multiple restaurants, all with different cuisines is usually the palette that the site serves. Accrington has to offer. multiple restaurants, all with different cuisines to offer.

The Park Inn is the highest-ranked restaurant and bar in Accrington that serves British cuisine and is vegetarianfriendly with vegan options. The most favoured items ordered are under its “From the grill” section of the menu. You can always go for their heavenly grilled steak of your choice served with grilled tomatoes, chips, side salad, egg, and onion rings - a classic!

Th If you are looking for Chinese cuisine around Accrington, e Park Inn is the highest-ranked restaurant and bar in Accrington that serves then Oriental Delight is the best place as it is said to be the British cuisine and is vegetarian-friendly with vegan options. The most favoured i“Best Chinese Restaurant in Accrington”. Its menu is extensive tems ordered are under its “From the grill” section of the menu. You can always and allows for customisations and combinations of dishes, go for their heavenly grilled steak of your choice served with grilled tomatoes, chips, side salad, egg, and onion rings - a classic! where one chooses the meat to go with the choice of sauce. The most popular dish here is the ‘Aromatic Crispy Duck.’

If you are looking for Chinese cuisine around Accrington, then Oriental Delight is the best place as it is said to be the “Best Chinese Restaurant in Accrington” . Its menu is extensive and allows for customisations and combinations of dishes, where one chooses the meat to go with the choice of sauce. The most popular dish here is the ‘Aromatic Crispy Duck. ’

If you are someone with an aesthetic eye,

‘Gallery Kitchen’ would not be one to disappoint you. Housed in the famous Haworth Art Gallery, Gallery Kitchen, besides its delicious food, boasts a spectacular view and an ecstatic interior decor — perfect place for brunch and an afternoon tea!

If you are someone with an aesthetic eye, Gallery Kitchen would not be one to disappoint you. Housed in the famous Haworth Art Gallery, Gallery Kitchen, besides its delicious food, boasts a spectacular view and an ecstatic interior decor — perfect place for brunch and an afternoon tea!

Accrington also serves a variety of Indian cuisine, all from various parts of India.

One that the people of Accrington would recommend is The Spice Room, which is known for its aromatic Indian curries and excellent dining experience. They pride themselves on their attention to detail and dishes such as Murgh Spice Special, Lamb Kuvani, and Tandoori Specials.

Accrington, on its own, is an incredibly peaceful place to

live in. From basic amenities like grocery centres, schools, Accrington also serves a variety of Indian cuisine, all from various parts of India. hospitals spread across this small town to leisurely areas One that the people of Accrington would recommend is The Spice Room, which alike, there is nothing Accrington does not offer to is known for its aromatic Indian curries and excellent dining experience. They someone who wishes to come and stay here, whether for pride themselves on their attention to detail and dishes such as Murgh Spice Special, Lamb Kuvani, and Tandoori Specials.

travel or long term.

Accrington, on its own, is an incredibly peaceful place to live in. From basic amenities like grocery centres, schools, hospitals spread across this small town to leisurely areas alike, there is nothing Accrington does not offer to someone who wishes to come and stay here, whether for travel or long term.

The life of Di

A monthly column by Di Wade, the author of ‘A Year In Verse’

AH THE JOYS OF SUMMER...

Just back from watering the plants, (for which read soaking myself to the skin, painfully trapping my finger in the back gate, and I don’t know what else), and I’ve no idea why as on the evidence of recent times, the beggars’ll probably snuff it just to spite me.

Through my parents’ neighbours’ son-in-law, (twenty-four times removed and counting), I’d been expecting a guy round to inspect my blown-down fence, and quote me for putting it back up again. So when the doorbell rang first thing last Monday morning, I assumed it was him. Instead, I found myself embroiled, first via a Polish man, then an Englishman, (not the start of a joke, however much it sounds like it), in discussions about a rubbish collection I was supposed to have booked. Well I hadn’t. On the contrary, the only kind of rubbish collection I knew of was that involving the hauling of one’s bin down one’s back passage once a week - so that, dutifully parked up by one’s newly demolished gatepost, it could next day be emptied, and left somewhere completely different - halfway to Glasgow for apparent preference.

My multi-national guests had their info however, and seemed reluctant to accept that it wasn’t the same as mine – to the tune of different hymn sheets not coming into it. I even at one point found myself asking what kind of rubbish they were expecting - as though that would make any difference – as though when they named it, I’d suddenly remember I’d a tonne of the stuff out back just clamouring for disposal. As it happened, they couldn’t name it, apparently not knowing, which

seemed a further curiosity: Surely if you were collecting something, you’d have an inkling what. However, my capacity for selfdoubt never ceases to amaze me, and directly they’d gone, I was on the phone to my mum, just in case I could somehow have confused talk of rubbish with the proposal to erect a brand spanking, all-singing, all-dancing new fence. It seemed I hadn’t however as the fencer was now coming round at midday, to be preceded by my dad, who, being better both with fences and social distancing, would kindly do the honours in terms of explaining what needed to be done. My star of a dad duly arrived at ten to twelve – and had built two rockeries, a hammock, a summerhouse, and winter house by the time it was clear the fencer wasn’t coming.

This gentleman arrived at four o’clock next day - went round the back, couldn’t see what needed doing, and was seemingly none the wiser after I’d phoned my dad and thereby provided a blow-byblow account. It was clear from his questions that he was waiting for me to describe matters as I was seeing them - except of course I wasn’t, hence all the referring to my dad. I doubt I’d even have noticed my fence was no longer in the upright position had it not been pointed out to me. At length I’d no choice but to admit to being as blind as a bat, and agree to have him shove his number through my letterbox so my dad could ring it and arrange to meet him here. Hang about though, hadn’t we already been there and not done that? Oh well, it was late in the day, plus I’d now to email my manager and explain how my computer had inexplicably conked out mid-task, that I’d tried everything I could think of but been unable to get back in again, but hey, I’d try again in the morning – just in case some unsuspected computer fairy had happened to pitch up in the night.

The following day brought no evidence of fairies, just a wouldbe roofer, who came as planned, photographed my dodgy roof tiles, promised to be in touch later with a quote - and hasn’t been heard of since. Still this was practically a result compared to two days later, when another roofer was supposed to be coming any time after two, and hadn’t appeared by six: I mean, if I’d known he wasn’t coming, plus that there’d bee no word regarding the morning’s failed computer-resuscitating attempt, I could have so-and-so’d off into the garden, and forgotten the lot of it. As it was, the only light on the horizon was the fencer’s assurance to my dad that he’d been told nothing about anything, I.E. what needed doing, coming round at midday on Monday, anything. Seemed he was properly apologetic, keen to make amends by getting himself round as soon as - and let’s face it, we’ve all been on the receiving end of failures from on high.

The only other thing is that things not working are a TAD easier amid a sizzling summer of sport – I.E. at the end of the day, they can all just silly-mid-off, get netted – and serve ‘em right..