After making an inspired return last year with the critically acclaimed ‘Planet Nowhere’ album, the resurgence of Razorlight continues with details of a major UK headline tour. This represents their first full scale tour since the release of the album after the band – Johnny Borrell (vocals/guitar), Björn Ågren (guitar), Carl Dalemo (bass) and Andy Burrows (drums) – played a sold-out run of underplay shows last year. The Razorlight live show captures the spontaneity of the moment: an outpouring of energy and emotion with an unpredictable streak that means that anything can happen – and, as Johnny affirmed on socials recently, with no backing tracks or clicktracks required. His charisma provides the focal point, supported by his bandmates’ ability to play both frantically and with finesse. Their setlists are packed with hits – think ‘America’, ‘Golden Touch’, ‘In The Morning’, ‘Somewhere Else’ and more. Expect new fan favourites from ‘Planet Nowhere’ to make their mark too. Johnny says, “I’ve been playing live music for 30 years and I’ve seen so many great bands in my life. Music saved my life a million times and still does. Right now I reckon about 90% of the time in rock music, the musicians on stage are playing along to a backing track. A generation of young bands are coming-of-age in a time where doing this is the norm and I’m trying to highlight that musicians playing live without the click or backing track is in danger of becoming a lost art. There’s a world of identity, interaction and creativity that comes when you get off the musical grid. I believe it’s part of what gives each band its own unique sound.” Tickets will go on general sale HERE from 9am on Friday, February 14th. Razorlight’s headline tour dates are listed below. APRIL 26th – Southampton, O2 Guildhall 27th – Sheffield, Foundry 29th – Birmingham, O2 Institute 30th – Bath, Forum MAY 1st – London, Roundhouse 3rd – Norwich, UEA 4th – Liverpool, O2 Academy 6th – Nottingham, Rock City 7th – Glasgow, SWG3 Galvanizers

Financial expert and TV personality, Emmanuel Asuquo has supported the NSPCC’s annual maths fundraising event for its 25th anniversary.

He celebrated Number Day with a visit to Vange Primary School and Nursery on Friday, February 7th.

The NSPCC saw primary schools across Basildon taking part in a range of maths related activities and games on Number Day’s 25th anniversary, and the charity is encouraging more schools to take part for the whole of February. These activities aim to enthuse children about mathematics, as well as fundraise for the NSPCC.

Emmanuel kicked off the day with an interactive assembly with Years 5 and 6 children, followed by two 30- minute workshop sessions.

Financial expert and TV personality, Emmanuel Asuquo, has previously presented programmes such as the BBC’s Our Money Journey documentary and regularly appears on Channel 4 and ITV. With over 20 years of financial experience and expertise, Emmanuel has held positions in Barclays Bank and KW Wealth. Emmanuel is also the author of children’s books, The Ultimate Guide to Money and Get your Money Right, which helps to educate children on how to be financially literate.  

Across the UK, as part of the NSPCC’s Number Day, children also took part in a new exciting activity Who Framed Herbie Rained? from mathematical content creators, Sums of Anarchy. The maths-inspired mystery adventure features a brilliant inventor framed for a crime he didn’t commit, and the task is to uncover the truth to clear his name.

Other new activities included Get Knotted by television’s Johnny Ball, and Baking with Numbers from Great British Bake Off 2023 finalist, Dr Josh Smalley.

Emmanuel said: “It was a privilege to visit Vange Primary School for Number Day and see the enthusiasm students have for building their financial knowledge. Understanding money from a young age is key to making informed decisions in the future, and it’s inspiring to see schools prioritising financial education. I truly enjoyed engaging with the students, answering their questions, and sharing insights that can help them navigate their financial futures with confidence.”
Katie Fudge, NSPCC Fundraising Manager said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Number Day and we are very grateful to Emmanuel for helping us mark this fantastic milestone.

“Number Day is so important because it gives children the opportunity to explore their love of maths. It’s always great to see how the day has been celebrated in Basildon and as this year’s Number Day is extra special, we want schools and nurseries to know that it’s not too late to sign up! Children across the UK will have the chance to get involved in our incredible day of learning and play for the rest of the month.

“Around 80 per cent of the NSPCC’s income comes from supporters, including schools, and the charity simply couldn’t run its vital services that help so many children and young people without such support. Every pound raised adds up.”

Schools and nurseries can sign up to Number Day for free at www.nspcc.org.uk/numberday or email [email protected] for more information