Derwent Edge, Ladybower Reservoir and The Wheelstones

A solid Peak District hike taking in Derwent Edge and the Wheelstones with great weather and wide open views

The David Bowie Experience A Decade On, Still Starman

A review of The David Bowie Experience at the Opera House Manchester, marking ten years since David Bowie’s death with a full-throttle celebration of his music.

Atari Retro Collection Project

A personal retro gaming project revisiting the Atari 2600, modernised with the Atari 2600+ and a growing cartridge collection.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – A Rushed Arrival into Narnia

A theatre review of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry, Salford, January 2026.

Hiking Piethorne Reservoir

A brisk December hike at Pennine Way and Piethorne Reservior, battling mist, drizzle and boggy ground for a quick winter leg stretcher.

Film Review: The Running Man (2025)

A review of Edgar Wright’s 2025 remake of The Running Man stylish, visually sharp and entertaining, but mixed opinions on execution.

The Clause Manchester Academy 2

A live review of The Clause at Manchester Academy 2 sweaty, energetic and proof that guitar bands are still thriving.

Inspiral Carpets @ Albert Hall Manchester

A live review of Inspiral Carpets at Manchester’s Albert Hall — new songs, classic energy and a band still doing it properly.

Tina Turner The Musical @ Palace Theatre Manchester

A review of Tina Turner The Musical at the Palace Theatre Manchester an energetic, emotional and inspiring tribute to a true music icon.

Gig Review: A Tribute to Manchester @ Manchester Academy

A tribute night at Manchester Academy featuring The Smiths, Oasis and Stone Roses tribute acts, plus an emotional remembrance of Mani.

Nuremberg (2025) Film Review

Compelling and engaging account of the Nazi trial.

Peter Hook and the Light Holmfirth Picturedrome

Blog review of the gig

CRASH Live 2025 A Retro Gaming Weekend in Warwickshire

Battling flooded roads for retro, curry and boxing

Hiking Ingleton Falls

A great hike for beginners

Hiking Whernside The Highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks

A dramatic ascent of Whernside in low visibility with memorable moments including a waterfall and an A400 aircraft flyover.

Review: Fawlty Towers The Play Palace Theatre Manchester

A touring play out of the West End

Gig Review: Tom Meighan @ Whittles, Oldham

A rare visit to a venue of this size

Review: Walk Right Back The Everly Brothers Story

A touring tribute musical telling the life story of The Everly Brothers

Building My Own Blog Site with Jekyll

A guide to creating a Jekyll blog on a Mac and why I chose this approach.

Review: Young Frankenstein @ Hope Mill Theatre

A wild, witty revival of Young Frankenstein at Hope Mill — intimate venue, big laughs.

Review: New Dawn Fades @ The Met, Bury

A gripping and inventive retelling of the Joy Division story, staged at The Met in Bury the site of an infamous 1979 gig

Review: The Story of The Kinks @ Palace Theatre Manchester

A tribute style theatrical concert and biography of The Kinks at Manchester’s Palace Theatre

Review: Titanic Museum Tour at Manchester Central

A personal review of the Titanic Exhibition at Manchester Central immersive, reflective, and unforgettable for anyone fascinated by the story of the RMS Titanic.

Hiking Skiddaw Summit via Jenkins Bridleway

A great hike with a steep early ascent and a cloud inversion

Review: First Light @ Shaw Playhouse

A touring staging of First Light a WW1 era drama about desertion, duty and family

Creating a Reusable Hike Info Box in Jekyll

Step-by-step guide on creating a reusable hike info box with animations, badges, and conditional rendering in Jekyll.

Travel Blog: Four Days in Munich History, Beer Halls & The Bavarian Alps

Four days in Munich exploring historic sites, beer halls, mountain views, castles and the Eagle’s Nest. An immersive and unforgettable trip.

Recipe: Chicken & Berry Bowl

A vibrant chicken and berry grain bowl with ras el hanout spiced chicken, blistered blueberries, grains, lentils, peas, mint and feta.

Trip Review: The Eagle’s Nest Bavarian Alps From Munich

A day trip to the Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps stunning scenery, remarkable engineering and a moving historical experience.

Trip Review: Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles A Day Out from Munich

A day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau with GetYourGuide magical, scenic and very worth the early start.

Trip & Gig Review: Bridlington Spa Weekend

A review of the Bridlington Spa Weekend (This Feeling By The Sea) on 29th–31st August 2025 bands, highlights and real festival experience.

Hiking Brontë Way & Top Withens

A moorland hike from The Old Silent Inn following sections of the Brontë Way to Brontë Waterfall and the windswept ruins of Top Withens.

Trip Review: Keighley, Haworth & the Brontë Country Moors

A day trip to Keighley and Haworth exploring Brontë Country, Wuthering Heights landscapes and a moorland hike towards Top Withens.

Recipe: One Pan Omelette Meal

A fast and healthy one pan omelette meal with sourdough croutons, avocado, cheese and smoked salmon. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner.

Hiking Blackstone Edge Reservoir Loop

A warm weather loop around Blackstone Edge Reservoir with wide views, steady paths and a perfect pub finish.

Public Image Ltd at Holmfirth Picturedrome

A raw and divisive performance from John Lydon and Public Image Ltd at the Holmfirth Picturedrome.

Theatre Review: A Manchester Anthem Hope Mill Theatre

A review of the one man play *A Manchester Anthem* at Hope Mill Theatre hilarious, heartfelt and brimming with Mancunian spirit.

Review: Together in Electric Dreams North West Computer Museum, Leigh

A visit to the North West Computer Museum to see Together in Electric Dreams on 25th July 2025. A mix of theatre, retro gaming, and pure nostalgia.

Gig Review: Shed Seven at Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Review of Shed Seven live at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on 14th June 2025, including support, setlist, atmosphere, travel and standout moments.

United vs Lyon Europa League: Where dreams, chaos and memories collide

The GAP Hope Mill Theatre Review

A thoughtful and intimate production at Hope Mill Theatre exploring love, loss and friendship.

EP Review: Spangled Always in Colour EP

A review of Spangled’s Always in Colour EP uniquely Manchester, gloriously funky and full of belief.

Film Review: In Bruges

A darkly comic crime drama from Martin McDonagh, blending sharp humour, sudden violence and moments of surprising reflection.

Theatre Review: Hamilton

A powerhouse production of Hamilton at Manchester Palace Theatre bold, modern and unforgettable.

Oppenheimer (2023) Film Review

Christopher Nolan’s epic examination of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb, anchored by a career-defining performance from Cillian Murphy.

What's the difference between Observability & Monitoring?

Overview and explanation between observability and monitoring

Beginners Guide to building in GCP with Terraform

Step-by-step guide on automating the creation of GCP resources