Maanik Chadda’s gig will see bands including Jesse’s Divide, Daniel John Marsden, Helena Raby and headline act Sherry Counsellors play on May 10 at the Wedgewood Street BAD EDIT Venue.

Maanik, 20, originally set up the website as part of his university dissertation.

But the site has grown in popularity and is a key showcase for local music, arts, culture and more on one website with original interviews and gig reviews.

Michael Holdcroft is the BAD EDIT creative director and is excited for the new venture.

“Stoke of Genius have such a great knowledge and relationship with the music scene in and around Stoke-on-Trent, it only made sense for them to put on a night of their own.

“We are happy that they will make the BAD EDIT venue their own and look forward to seeing their genius shine.”

Early bird tickets are available on the BAD EDIT website or are £5 on the door on the night.

Dr Angela Priestman

The dangers of malaria were on the agenda at an event in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Mosquitos on the Rampage seminar took place at Staffordshire University’s Centre of Science yesterday (April 25).

Three schools, along with local sixth form members attended the event, which coincided with World Malaria Day.

Dr Angela Priestman, who spoke at the seminar, said: “World Malaria Day is important so that the concerns of the academics, clinicians and people dealing with malaria can be broadcast to a wide group of people.

“I am delighted to have been asked to support, in any way I can,  the progress of controlling malaria.”

People can donate towards the fight against malaria online.

Devine talking to Denise Lewis on Tower Bridge

A Staffordshire University graduate has completed the London Marathon dressed as a panda.

Chris Devine, 26, ran to raise money for the Leukaemia CARE.

The former sports journalism student had previously donned his panda suit for the Great North Run last year.

“I liked the idea of something different because there are so many people and it’s very difficult to get sponsorship,” he said.

“I wanted to do something a little more difficult and entertaining.”

Chris, who now works for the Press Association, finished the course in 6hr 33min – and even appeared on the BBC when he was interviewed by Denise Lewis at Tower Bridge.

He said: “I actually stopped her as I saw an opportunity to get on TV and raise more money.

“It was after about 13 miles, so when I went off again everything was a bit stiffer and my feet were rubbing more, but it led to a massive surge in donations so it was worth it.

“I actually found the marathon easier than the Great North Run due to the pace because I went out too quick in the half marathon and had no energy left after two or three miles.

Chris after the Great North Run in September

“I went off as slowly as I could in London and it seemed easier. I don’t think I was ever in as much trouble as the Great North Run.”

The build-up to the race was overshadowed by the Boston Marathon bombings and Chris admits the incident in America had played on his mind.

“I didn’t really feel like I could pull out,” he explained. “The organisers were sending e-mails reassuring runners about security and I felt safer running than if I was in the crowd.

“I think some of the people who would have come down to watch opted out which I understand, and I would have been a bit shaky watching it.

“There were so many police that I think everybody felt safe and it was as if the country was showing that we are not scared.”

So far Chris has raised just over £2,000 of his £2,350 target and he remains optimistic of hitting it.

“I may fall just short but I should definitely get between £2200 and £2300.

“The charity said they are chuffed with the exposure of the TV interview and they won’t chase me up for the money if I don’t reach the target.”

People can still donate at www.justgiving.com/chrisdevinepanda.

Matthew Brighton, 19.

A Staffordshire student is to meet Lord Sugar after taking part in a national scheme.

Matthew Brighton, a Graphic Design student at Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent, has been taking part in the National Enterprise Challenge.

The 19-year-old has been travelling to different secondary schools in the UK to help year sevens and eights with enterprise challenges to develop their business skills.

Matt found out about the opportunity through the ambassador scheme at Staffordshire University.

He said: “The chance came through an e-mail and seemed like an opportunity I shouldn’t miss.

“If anyone is looking to get involved in developing their own skills as well as helping others, get involved with TNEC.

“I create and sell my own graphic designs to different companies. The chance to meet Lord Sugar is amazing, I see him as an icon and a role model.”

Matt has praised Staffordshire University for its help as he works with TNEC.

“I get quite a lot of emails a week with all the different shifts and what I’m doing.

“Becky, who’s my line manager, will sort absolutely everything out between me and TNEC Company.”

The work with TNEC will continue for Matt and other students through to summer.

They will meet Lord Sugar in July during a special Q & A session.

The girls and Alex standing by the plane before their jump!

Members of Staffordshire University women’s hockey team dived out of a plane thousands of feet up to raise money for the Dystonia Society.

And the girls, who jumped for the cause in Langar, Nottingham, are on cloud nine after raising more than £200.

One of the team Kat Muruganinrajah, 20, said: “It was a truly unique and fantastic experience.

“I couldn’t compare it to anything I’ve ever done before.

“I’m so glad I took part and I’m happy with the amount of money we managed to raise!”

The club planned to raise money for the society after being inspired by fellow student Bal Deol, 19, who suffers with generalised dystonia.

The condition is a muscle disease which affects the right and left side of her body, which also meant she was unable to take part in the sky dive.

She said: “I would’ve loved to have participated as I think it’s great they are raising money for the cause.

“Not many people have heard of dystonia as there aren’t many big charities out there that support it, so I’m glad they raised awareness and of course a lot of money!”

The sky dive was originally planned for the beginning of March but poor weather forced it to be rescheduled.

Alex Kirk, leader of the sky dive and Staffordshire University student, said: “I was a qualified skydiver before coming to Staffordshire Uni.

“I arrived last year and set the club up so more people can experience the sport that I enjoy.

“After a month of rescheduling finally the sky dive went really well and one of the girls loved it that much; she wants to take it up!”

The centre on Leek Road, Stoke, held a 24-hour bike ride in the reception area, with 30 people taking part and staff filling in any empty slots.

The team managed to cover 230 miles during the event which is the equivalent to cycling to London and back.

Rob Scriven, duty manager at Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre, said: “The event was a big success!

“My legs were really bad on Saturday as I covered 12:15am-04:45am. I managed to raise £60 so it was well worth being sleepy for!”

So far the centre has raised £304.51 raised towards Comic Relief, beating their target of £250.

Emma Barnard, student at Staffordshire University, said: “This was a brilliant way for people to exercise as well as raise money for Comic Relief.

“I had a lot of fun and it was good to see so many people take part. Some people were cycling for ages but I’m sure they’ll be having a good rest now!”

Guillem Balague’s book was unveiled at the Britannia Stadium in an event attended by the England striker and his Potters team-mate Asmir Begovic.

Guillem Balague with Asmir Begovic and Peter Crouch at the book launch. Pic: Michael Catling

The duo joined the Spanish football writer to speak to a packed audience for over two hours, as well as holding an exclusive hour-long talk with journalism students from Staffordshire University beforehand.

“Guillem was fantastic and provided everyone with a great insight,” Crouch said. “We’re obviously professional footballers but he’s got a real insight into Barcelona.

“It was really interesting to listen to him speak in depth because although we watch Spanish football here, we don’t really know a great deal about it.

“He knows absolutely everything about probably the best team in the world at the moment, so it was a really fascinating insight.”

Begovic also feels the event was a big success and the goalkeeper is interested to see if Guardiola can continue his managerial success at his next club.

He said: “Some of the stuff he told us and gave us an insight to was hard to believe, but true. It’s crazy to hear about some of the things that happen behind the scenes.

“I’m a Bayern Munich fan so it’s going to be interesting to see how he settles in next year. He just seems to be a legend – the stuff that he’s accomplished speaks for itself and is unimaginable really.

“Like Guillem said in the talk, 14 trophies out of 19 in four years is incredible. He seems a great guy and I can’t wait to read the book and find some more insights about him as a person.

“We have to appreciate what we can – his demands, his work ethic and everything else. I’m looking forward to him coming to Munich and hopefully he can bring us more success as well.”

The earth in the eye of a needle – by Willard Wigan

World famous microsculptor Willard Wigan MBE is set to unveil the world’s most exclusive watch at Staffordshire University.

The watch is by Swiss watchmakers Greubel-Forsey and features a sculpture by Wigan, that is normally visible only under microscope, magnified by a set of special lenses.

The piece will be revealed to the public for the first time on Saturday March 16 in a free talk that launches a week long exhibition of Wigan’s sculptures.

Wigan said: “This watch is unique, which makes it almost priceless. I’m delighted that people can see it for free.”

Staffordshire University lecturer Gary Hudson, who was the first to put Wigan’s work on TV when working for the BBC, will lead a Q & A with the artist at 11am.

He said: “Willard Wigan has an extraordinary story to tell, and the watch is just the latest chapter.

“It’s the ultimate bling, rarer than gold and diamonds. The price remains a closely guarded secret.

“If you have to ask, you can’t afford it!”

The exhibition will feature 10 of Wigan’s creations including the world’s smallest guitar, which has also never been on public display.

To reserve a place for the talk call 01782 295860 or email public@staffs.ac.uk

Nanas Vintage Fair paid a visit to the Leek Road Venue yesterday (March 7).

The student nightclub was transformed into a thrift lovers heaven for the event – with plenty of clothes, jewellery, cupcakes and even a forties-style bar open, offering popcorn and classic cocktails.

Faye Williamson, founder of the event, told StaffsLive: “You do get something a little more unique. I wouldn’t even say it’s the fact it’s vintage, especially in Stoke. It’s more about having something a bit different from everyone else.” I

Click below to hear what people thought of the event.

vintagevoxess

As students started to gather and more purchases were made, Faye added: “Our fairs provide alot of clothing. A lot of events like this use vintage in their title and don’t neccesarily provide the vintage. We have a good clothing following and that’s what customers like the most about us.”

Click below to see pictures from the fair.

The Raise Money And Give (RAG) parade, first organised in 1956, is being staged to raise money for charities.

Money will go to Peter Pan Nursery for Children with Special Needs, University Hospital of North Staffordshire Charity, and national veterans charity Combat Stress.

The parade starts on Saturday (March 9) at the Peter Pan Nursery on Hoon Avenue and ends in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre at 11am.

Organisers are aiming to top £10,000 in fundraising and become one of the biggest student fundraising groups in the country.

Danny Walker, RAG representative, said: “RAG is a really simple concept. We raise money, hopefully lots of it, and then we give it away to charities, hopefully making a big difference.”

The University Hospital of North Staffordshire Charity is hoping to raise money for a new PET_CT Scanner, costing £250,000.

Community fundraiser Lynette Barlow said: “We are extremely grateful to the students at Keele. We would like to thank all the students for getting behind the events and supporting the charity.”

The Peter Pan Nursery needs £250,000 a year to provide care and education to children aged from birth to five with special needs.

Sophia Baker, head of fundraising, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected as one of the few charities. They have been fantastic in supporting us.

“We are primarily supported by donations, the £100,00 we receive from the lottery will end in October this year.

“We have 49 children. It costs us £50 per session per child for 2hrs and the parents only have to pay £9 towards it. We struggle with our profile so the parade will help raise awareness. We have a long waiting list, but we are one of the only nurseries in the country that can provide this specific care.

“We are hoping for £5,000 from the event, and it looks like they are well on their way. However the amount doesn’t matter, every penny helps.”

Students and volunteers will march into Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre in fancy dress, accompanied by circus acts and musical talents where entertainment such as an outdoor stage, fireworks and charity stalls will be provided.

Ex Keele student Rachel Hodkinson, who is running a marathon for Combat Stress on April 21, has raised £328 so far.

She said: “Combat Stress is a veterans mental health charity who do tireless work to raise awareness and give support to service men and women across the world.

“With everything these men and women have had to go through running a marathon is the least I can do.”

The line-up includes dance acts Street Click and Happy Feet academy. Music acts Arthur the Calmer, Stepping Lane, Clair Brennan and more.

Street Click dancer Katie Tonkin, 21, said: “We love dancing at carnivals we do it all the time, it’s great experience for the group and I’m very happy to be a part of it.”

On March 13 there is an opportunity for people to take part in a bungee jump and on Thursday March 14 there is a fun run.

If you would like to make a donation please contact Danny Walker on 01782734820.