About this issue: Overview
Creation story
Grime might be more associated with London but in Bugzy Malone the north can lay a claim
to having one of its greatest stars. As what he calls his nine-year plan for world domination reaches a peak, he’s setting up an educational foundation to help kids who share his difficult background. Richard Smirke meets him at home.
From her own lips
It was a story as big as Brexit, says the author who discovered the tale of the 19th century abduction of a Cheshire girl and the trial of her kidnapper. But if there wasn’t a spare bed to be had in Lancaster during the proceedings, why did the tale of Ellen Turner disappear, Antonia Charlesworth asks Kate Atkinson.
The Big Busk
Last week’s Big Busk showcased great musical acts and raised funds for Big Issue North Trust along the way. We teamed up with Skiddle and borrowed their bus, putting on gigs featuring the likes of Tom Grennan and Y.O.U.N.G playing Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Preston.
News pages
Plans for a partial restoration of Grange Lido have divided opinion. Is mental health first aid at work a worthwhile activity?
Arts and entertainment
Manchester Science Festival preview, round-up of independent cinema screenings, new book releases for kids and more.
Plus Comedian Romesh Ranganathan’s letter to his younger self, columnist Saskia Murphy on climate change, crossword, Sudoku and the chance to win great Big Issue North merchandise.