Oldham Comic Con '18

The Oldham Comic Con event returned for a second year at Oldham Library. Last year's was a lot smaller and less well-attended, but was put together well enough to convince me to return. No free 2000AD comic this time, but I found a few decent comics and graphic novels on sale, that I didn't come across last time.

Oldham Comic Con this morning! Some impressive finds at the library

A post shared by Matt Tuckey (@matttuckey) on May 12, 2018 at 12:26pm PDT

I wish I'd talked to Carlos Ezquerra. The co-creator of Judge Dredd is responsible for one of the cheesiest, most enjoyable 90's action movies, and a movie I fondly remember watching on a ferry when I was only 13. How I blagged that I don't know.

Carlos Ezquerra, creator of Judge Dredd

I hope he comes back next year, and the third event is bigger and better.

 

Anthony Johnson, creator of Atomic Blonde

Come Try Some Cocktails in Tattu

On the blog: a comic convention, a new bar, a PR launch, a load of celebs and a potential interview in a magazine.

In the city: I've finally organised for Manchester Cool Bars to drop into Tattu, the Chinese bar and restaurant. Although it's mostly known for its incredible Asian cuisine, the ground floor bar also serves up some of the most amazing cocktails. I've been meaning to put together a night out to go do check these out. I got around to it yesterday. Luxurious décor, quiet deep house music, and, last time I was there, friendly people propping up the bar.

Get involved!

A Beautiful Launch of A Beautiful Event

Wednesday night saw the launch of Hale signmaking firm A Beautiful Event, offering 'a range of personalised products from our workshop in Cheshire, with over 500 gorgeous products.'

The night, held at the traditional but classy Victor's restaurant in Hale, was organised by Go PR events and kick-started with a complimentary glass of champagne and a doughnut. Cannot complain!

A Beautiful Event, launch of @abeautifulevent from @abeautifulsign in @victors_restaurants great night

A post shared by Matt Tuckey (@matttuckey) on May 11, 2018 at 4:36am PDT

More shots from @abeautifulevent with @mezfogg @cheshire_brow_queen

A post shared by Matt Tuckey (@matttuckey) on May 11, 2018 at 6:18am PDT

In attendance: MTV presenter Jess Impiazzi, and Anthony Quinlan who plays Pete Barton in Emmerdale and previously Gilly Roach in Hollyoaks. Also:

Rachel Lugo and Lauren Simon from Real Housewives of Cheshire.

A good atmos with some familiar friendly faces from other Ledigo PR / GO:PR events.

Andy's Man Club Oldham Turns 1

The Oldham branch of Andy's Man Club, men's depression support group, celebrated their first birthday last night. Local wine bar Milan in Lees offered a venue and Parcel O' Rogues provided the live music. A few of us, myself included, stepped up to tell the bar about our struggles but most importantly how the group has helped us, and what a strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood has emerged from the collective struggles we've faced and the support we've steadfastly provided for each other.

@andysmanclubol @MilanBarLees great night WELLDONE!! Lads #andysmanclubuk #itsokaytotalk pic.twitter.com/YumbP2DmP6

— BAMMBAMM57 (@mcfcblueglasses) May 11, 2018

Met the great @lukeambleruk tonight at @MilanBarLees @andysmanclubol party to celebrate 1yr of helping the men of Oldham with mental health problems. Well done to @andygreenway for organising a brilliant night.👌👍🔥👊⭐️ pic.twitter.com/7WHKah1lUU

— BAMMBAMM57 (@mcfcblueglasses) May 11, 2018

I've always been a pretty decent public speaker, but talking about my own mental health issues is an always has been the hardest thing to discuss. Last night was a challenge but it was remarkably rewarding. I, like most of us there, was moved by the bravery displayed by the speakers. We've all gone through somewhat of a transformation to what you see in the above video.

The buffet was astounding too.

Bank Holiday Closing Time

There's something about the phrase 'bank holiday' that, to a good number of people, equates to 'get hammered and behave like a knob.' This weekend just passed was no exception, and after 21 Stories on Friday I had a wander.

I found this Sean Hughes lookalike getting arrested outside Tiger Tiger.

Sunday: after Theatre of Impossible closing I hung around to do another spot of low-grade photojournalism.

Here's Manchester's answer to Peoples Hernandez from the Shaft remake, outside Revolucion de Cuba, who seems not to understand the phrase 'fuck off, you stupid twat.'

But, then, I don't think their night was quite as bad as this guy's. Deansgate Locks seems to have taken it out of him. Or put it in him, in the case of alcohol.

But he wasn't the only one. 

Back at the Printworks again...

If you think what I'm doing is immoral in any way, please remember: You're in a public place, and people have cameras. You're an adult, control yourself. If you don't, you risk anding up being featured either here or in the MEN.

Hey Look, it's Alex Carter at his 5th Form Leaving Do

Alex Carter, Oldham actor who played Lee in Hollyoaks and Jamie in Emmerdale, went to The Blue Coat School in Oldham with Yours Truly. In the run-up to a 20-year school reunion, a few of us from the class of '98 banded together to find as many pictures from our school days as we could. Someone managed to gig out this gem from the 5^th Form leaver's party, which if memory serves was held at the since-demolished Pennine Way Hotel.

Gutted you weren't at last month's reunion, Alex...

Carnival of Fools Bank Holiday Special

This is the last thing I saw before I got snogged by a monkey.

Sorry for the blur, not easy to photograph a chimp in full swing @impossible_mcr #bankholiday #carnivaloffools #manchester #nightlife

A post shared by Matt Tuckey (@matttuckey) on May 8, 2018 at 3:58pm PDT

Sunday night: Carnival of Fools took over Theatre of Impossible for a night of circus-themed antics. A team of acrobats, most dressed in monkey outfits with added waistcoats, scrambled through the audience and scaled the structural beams of the bottom floor club.

Chimps causing havoc in @impossible_mcr #bankholiday #carnivaloffools #manchester #nightlife

A post shared by Matt Tuckey (@matttuckey) on May 8, 2018 at 4:11pm PDT

Not long after this the performers took to the stage, displaying incredible trust in their own- and each other's- abilities.

We went with Manchester Cool Bars. Another great meetup with the group.