About this issue: Overview
On the cover of this week’s Big Issue North are the stars of hit US show Nashville who are arriving in Manchester on their farewell tour on Wednesday. The show might be coming to a close but Cornishman Sam Palladio, who plays Gunnar Scott, tells Antonia Charlesworth it’s not over yet.
Not many people know that anyone can just turn up to watch the proceedings at their local criminal court. Saskia Murphy spends a day in the public gallery to get a glimpse of our 1000-year-old justice system.
Elsewhere there’s an eye-watering interview with Eddie Hall, the first Briton in 24 years to win the World’s Strongest Man competition.
In arts and entertainment there’s all our usual previews and reviews plus interviews with Brontë expert Michael Stewart, who’s filled in the gaps in Heathcliff’s story, and the creatives behind a new production of Swan Lake for children as young as three.
In our comment section Carl Good, co-founder of Lifeline Harrogate, seeks God’s advice on how to tackle homelessness while Saskia Murphy weighs in on food fads.
In news we report on the Italian election and campaigns against Accountable Care Organisations, which critics believe will threaten patient safety standards.
Sara Cox pens a letter to her younger self and, of course, there’s our ever-popular crossword and Sudoku.