STAT
@statmagazine.org
Anti-profit arts & culture zine for the North West. Worker co-op. Abolish Manchester.
Pitch us: statzine@gmail.com
statmagazine.org
Pitch us: statzine@gmail.com
statmagazine.org
ISSUE 15
July 2025
Printed at STAT HQ in Leigh.
One of 250 limited, numbered copies.
Rainy Miller is back to Lancs, Bolton’s home to a Romani dance troupe and we’re telling the Hacienda to FAC OFF all in our brand spanking new No. 15.
GO GET EM
statmagazine.org/shop
July 2025
Printed at STAT HQ in Leigh.
One of 250 limited, numbered copies.
Rainy Miller is back to Lancs, Bolton’s home to a Romani dance troupe and we’re telling the Hacienda to FAC OFF all in our brand spanking new No. 15.
GO GET EM
statmagazine.org/shop
July 18, 2025 at 2:37 PM
ISSUE 15
July 2025
Printed at STAT HQ in Leigh.
One of 250 limited, numbered copies.
Rainy Miller is back to Lancs, Bolton’s home to a Romani dance troupe and we’re telling the Hacienda to FAC OFF all in our brand spanking new No. 15.
GO GET EM
statmagazine.org/shop
July 2025
Printed at STAT HQ in Leigh.
One of 250 limited, numbered copies.
Rainy Miller is back to Lancs, Bolton’s home to a Romani dance troupe and we’re telling the Hacienda to FAC OFF all in our brand spanking new No. 15.
GO GET EM
statmagazine.org/shop
IMPRESSIONS OF SPEKE
by Luke Charnley
A sift through Grandma’s old diaries gives us a glimpse into the mid-century Scouse suburbs.
“It’s [Speke] that Joan lived much of her early life, and where the nostalgia of her writing truly starts to flow.“
statmagazine.org/impressions-...
by Luke Charnley
A sift through Grandma’s old diaries gives us a glimpse into the mid-century Scouse suburbs.
“It’s [Speke] that Joan lived much of her early life, and where the nostalgia of her writing truly starts to flow.“
statmagazine.org/impressions-...
Impressions of Speke - STAT
A sift through grandma's old diaries gives us a glimpse into mid-century life in the Scouse suburbs. A write up by Luke Charnley.
statmagazine.org
July 9, 2025 at 12:46 PM
IMPRESSIONS OF SPEKE
by Luke Charnley
A sift through Grandma’s old diaries gives us a glimpse into the mid-century Scouse suburbs.
“It’s [Speke] that Joan lived much of her early life, and where the nostalgia of her writing truly starts to flow.“
statmagazine.org/impressions-...
by Luke Charnley
A sift through Grandma’s old diaries gives us a glimpse into the mid-century Scouse suburbs.
“It’s [Speke] that Joan lived much of her early life, and where the nostalgia of her writing truly starts to flow.“
statmagazine.org/impressions-...
IN A WEEK’S TIME THIS POST WILL BE ILLEGAL. NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR A FREE PALESTINE. NO ONE IS FREE INTIL EVERYONE IS FREE.
June 30, 2025 at 8:17 PM
IN A WEEK’S TIME THIS POST WILL BE ILLEGAL. NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR A FREE PALESTINE. NO ONE IS FREE INTIL EVERYONE IS FREE.
ROY JAY: How An Obscure Northern Comedian Became An Internet Demon
An online conspiracy about a relatively unknown Wigan comic reveals how AI has us all paranoid. STAT investigates.
statmagazine.org/roy-jay-inte...
An online conspiracy about a relatively unknown Wigan comic reveals how AI has us all paranoid. STAT investigates.
statmagazine.org/roy-jay-inte...
Roy Jay: How An Obscure Northern Comedian Became An Internet Demon
An online conspiracy about a relatively-unknown Wigan comic reveals how AI has us all paranoid.
statmagazine.org
June 24, 2025 at 12:38 PM
ROY JAY: How An Obscure Northern Comedian Became An Internet Demon
An online conspiracy about a relatively unknown Wigan comic reveals how AI has us all paranoid. STAT investigates.
statmagazine.org/roy-jay-inte...
An online conspiracy about a relatively unknown Wigan comic reveals how AI has us all paranoid. STAT investigates.
statmagazine.org/roy-jay-inte...
THE WOMEN OF HMP FOREST BANK
The state’s hand is heavy, but no match for the camaraderie of HMP Forest Bank’s visitors. Rosy Wilson visits the Salford prison.
‘“My son has been inside countless times,” she told me. “It’ll get easier.”’
The state’s hand is heavy, but no match for the camaraderie of HMP Forest Bank’s visitors. Rosy Wilson visits the Salford prison.
‘“My son has been inside countless times,” she told me. “It’ll get easier.”’
The Women of HMP Forest Bank - STAT
The state’s hand is heavy, but no match for the camaraderie of HMP Forest Bank’s visitors. Rosy Wilson visits the Salford prison.
statmagazine.org
May 23, 2025 at 9:02 AM
THE WOMEN OF HMP FOREST BANK
The state’s hand is heavy, but no match for the camaraderie of HMP Forest Bank’s visitors. Rosy Wilson visits the Salford prison.
‘“My son has been inside countless times,” she told me. “It’ll get easier.”’
The state’s hand is heavy, but no match for the camaraderie of HMP Forest Bank’s visitors. Rosy Wilson visits the Salford prison.
‘“My son has been inside countless times,” she told me. “It’ll get easier.”’
STOCKPORT RULES: Where is Greater Manchester’s Best Pool Table?
Next on the yuppie chopping block, Stockport’s pool tables are under threat. But which is best? Rhys Delany’s done his research.
statmagazine.org/stockport-ru...
Next on the yuppie chopping block, Stockport’s pool tables are under threat. But which is best? Rhys Delany’s done his research.
statmagazine.org/stockport-ru...
Stockport Rules: Where is Greater Manchester's Best Pool Table? - STAT
Greater Manchester's pool tables risk the yuppie chopping block. But which is best? Rhys Delany reckons the answer lies in Stockport.
statmagazine.org
May 22, 2025 at 12:52 PM
STOCKPORT RULES: Where is Greater Manchester’s Best Pool Table?
Next on the yuppie chopping block, Stockport’s pool tables are under threat. But which is best? Rhys Delany’s done his research.
statmagazine.org/stockport-ru...
Next on the yuppie chopping block, Stockport’s pool tables are under threat. But which is best? Rhys Delany’s done his research.
statmagazine.org/stockport-ru...
NORTHERN FACT: The Adam Viaduct in Wigan is among the first examples of a prestressed concrete railway bridge in the World.
April 27, 2025 at 5:09 PM
NORTHERN FACT: The Adam Viaduct in Wigan is among the first examples of a prestressed concrete railway bridge in the World.
MR. MAN-CHEST-HAIR: A CHAT WITH TWH’S AUSTIN COLLINGS
“Catch the bus instead of getting an Uber... It’s never not theatrical.”
A chinwag with the writer and artistic director behind the North’s best nightclub [@m3_7lw].
“Catch the bus instead of getting an Uber... It’s never not theatrical.”
A chinwag with the writer and artistic director behind the North’s best nightclub [@m3_7lw].
Mr. Man-Chest-Hair: A Chat with TWH's Austin Collings
A conversation with the writer and artistic director behind the North's best nightclub, Salford's White Hotel.
statmagazine.org
April 22, 2025 at 9:07 AM
MR. MAN-CHEST-HAIR: A CHAT WITH TWH’S AUSTIN COLLINGS
“Catch the bus instead of getting an Uber... It’s never not theatrical.”
A chinwag with the writer and artistic director behind the North’s best nightclub [@m3_7lw].
“Catch the bus instead of getting an Uber... It’s never not theatrical.”
A chinwag with the writer and artistic director behind the North’s best nightclub [@m3_7lw].
OPINION: Preston, Are We Ever Going to Talk About the Cyberdog?
by Hannah Browne
Preston City Council clings to the success of Wallace & Gromit’s Prestonian creator, but does it support the Nick Parks of today?
by Hannah Browne
Preston City Council clings to the success of Wallace & Gromit’s Prestonian creator, but does it support the Nick Parks of today?
Preston, Are We Ever Going to Talk About the Cyberdog? - STAT
Preston City Council clings to the success of Wallace & Gromit’s Prestonian creator, but does it support the Nick Parks of today?
statmagazine.org
April 3, 2025 at 3:23 PM
OPINION: Preston, Are We Ever Going to Talk About the Cyberdog?
by Hannah Browne
Preston City Council clings to the success of Wallace & Gromit’s Prestonian creator, but does it support the Nick Parks of today?
by Hannah Browne
Preston City Council clings to the success of Wallace & Gromit’s Prestonian creator, but does it support the Nick Parks of today?
ISSUE 14
One of 200 and each complete with a unique rubbing of Preston’s Wallace & Gromit statue, STAT is BACK.
Besides Preston, we’re bringing you pool tables, prison visits, and peeking into Martin Scorsese’s dressing room. Grab one while you can.
One of 200 and each complete with a unique rubbing of Preston’s Wallace & Gromit statue, STAT is BACK.
Besides Preston, we’re bringing you pool tables, prison visits, and peeking into Martin Scorsese’s dressing room. Grab one while you can.
STAT - ISSUE 14 - STAT
One of only two hundred and each complete with a unique rubbing of Preston's Wallace & Gromit statue, STAT is BACK. Besides Preston, we're bringing you pool tables, prison visits, and peeking into…
buff.ly
March 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
ISSUE 14
One of 200 and each complete with a unique rubbing of Preston’s Wallace & Gromit statue, STAT is BACK.
Besides Preston, we’re bringing you pool tables, prison visits, and peeking into Martin Scorsese’s dressing room. Grab one while you can.
One of 200 and each complete with a unique rubbing of Preston’s Wallace & Gromit statue, STAT is BACK.
Besides Preston, we’re bringing you pool tables, prison visits, and peeking into Martin Scorsese’s dressing room. Grab one while you can.
STAT PRESENTS: Patchwork
7TH MARCH 2025. 6PM — 11PM.
STAT HQ, Leigh, WN7 2LB.
An exhibition of visual art and performances by artists from across the North West in celebration of STAT’s 14th issue release.
TICKETS: buff.ly/4jYYfAe
7TH MARCH 2025. 6PM — 11PM.
STAT HQ, Leigh, WN7 2LB.
An exhibition of visual art and performances by artists from across the North West in celebration of STAT’s 14th issue release.
TICKETS: buff.ly/4jYYfAe
February 15, 2025 at 7:13 PM
STAT PRESENTS: Patchwork
7TH MARCH 2025. 6PM — 11PM.
STAT HQ, Leigh, WN7 2LB.
An exhibition of visual art and performances by artists from across the North West in celebration of STAT’s 14th issue release.
TICKETS: buff.ly/4jYYfAe
7TH MARCH 2025. 6PM — 11PM.
STAT HQ, Leigh, WN7 2LB.
An exhibition of visual art and performances by artists from across the North West in celebration of STAT’s 14th issue release.
TICKETS: buff.ly/4jYYfAe
NORTHERN FACT: The Lancashire town of Accrington is home to the densest and strongest bricks in the world, some of which can be found in the foundations of the Empire State Building.
February 14, 2025 at 10:11 PM
NORTHERN FACT: The Lancashire town of Accrington is home to the densest and strongest bricks in the world, some of which can be found in the foundations of the Empire State Building.
Happy Valentine’s Day folks x
February 14, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Happy Valentine’s Day folks x
MINORITIES’ LIVES ARE NOT ENTERTAINMENT
Opinion by Manvir Sohal
“While minorities' stories were once a rarity in mainstream media, they are now just commodities that the majority can manipulate to further their own careers and cultural capital.”
https://statmagazine.org/minorities-lives-are-not-e…
Opinion by Manvir Sohal
“While minorities' stories were once a rarity in mainstream media, they are now just commodities that the majority can manipulate to further their own careers and cultural capital.”
https://statmagazine.org/minorities-lives-are-not-e…
OPINION: Minorities' Lives Are Not Entertainment - STAT
The liberal art world likes to flex its “progressive” credentials, but who benefits? Manvir Sohal says it's not the minority voices they claim to celebrate.
buff.ly
January 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
MINORITIES’ LIVES ARE NOT ENTERTAINMENT
Opinion by Manvir Sohal
“While minorities' stories were once a rarity in mainstream media, they are now just commodities that the majority can manipulate to further their own careers and cultural capital.”
https://statmagazine.org/minorities-lives-are-not-e…
Opinion by Manvir Sohal
“While minorities' stories were once a rarity in mainstream media, they are now just commodities that the majority can manipulate to further their own careers and cultural capital.”
https://statmagazine.org/minorities-lives-are-not-e…
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Opinion by Mary O’Neill
Parents bemoan the death of cool culture — it still exists, they just don’t know about it. Mary O’Neill looks back on her teenage years in St Helens, in those corners no one cared to look.
Opinion by Mary O’Neill
Parents bemoan the death of cool culture — it still exists, they just don’t know about it. Mary O’Neill looks back on her teenage years in St Helens, in those corners no one cared to look.
The Kids Are Alright - STAT
Parents bemoan the death of cool culture — it still exists, they just don’t know about it. Mary O'Neill, an artist and writer from St Helens reminisces.
buff.ly
January 7, 2025 at 8:43 PM
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Opinion by Mary O’Neill
Parents bemoan the death of cool culture — it still exists, they just don’t know about it. Mary O’Neill looks back on her teenage years in St Helens, in those corners no one cared to look.
Opinion by Mary O’Neill
Parents bemoan the death of cool culture — it still exists, they just don’t know about it. Mary O’Neill looks back on her teenage years in St Helens, in those corners no one cared to look.
WIGAN’S FOLK TRADITION IS A FANCY DRESS PISS UP
words + photography by Laura Barnes
“If costumes and debauchery are emblems of the human spirit, then there is certainly one place where the human spirit is alive and well: Wigan.”
words + photography by Laura Barnes
“If costumes and debauchery are emblems of the human spirit, then there is certainly one place where the human spirit is alive and well: Wigan.”
Wigan's Folk Tradition is a Fancy Dress Piss Up - STAT
For those out there whose knowledge of Wigan begins and ends with pies, Boxing Day is one of the town’s most anticipated events.
buff.ly
December 30, 2024 at 8:54 PM
WIGAN’S FOLK TRADITION IS A FANCY DRESS PISS UP
words + photography by Laura Barnes
“If costumes and debauchery are emblems of the human spirit, then there is certainly one place where the human spirit is alive and well: Wigan.”
words + photography by Laura Barnes
“If costumes and debauchery are emblems of the human spirit, then there is certainly one place where the human spirit is alive and well: Wigan.”
Squatters, George Formby, and Child Trafficking: A Visit to Hulme Hippodrome
Armed only with his camera, Blackpool filmmaker Dean Cooper heads to Hulme’s neglected Hippodrome.
Armed only with his camera, Blackpool filmmaker Dean Cooper heads to Hulme’s neglected Hippodrome.
Squatters, George Formby, and Child Trafficking: A Visit to Hulme Hippodrome
Armed only with his camera, Blackpudlian filmmaker Dean Cooper heads to Hulme's neglected Hippodrome.
buff.ly
December 29, 2024 at 4:57 PM
Squatters, George Formby, and Child Trafficking: A Visit to Hulme Hippodrome
Armed only with his camera, Blackpool filmmaker Dean Cooper heads to Hulme’s neglected Hippodrome.
Armed only with his camera, Blackpool filmmaker Dean Cooper heads to Hulme’s neglected Hippodrome.
LESSONS LEARNED AS A COCAINE DEALER
by Guy Lewis
“Mine is a predictably cautionary tale, but – if you’ll forgive the cliche – failure is the best teacher. I learnt some terrific life lessons along the way of my career that I’d like to impart to you.”
https://statmagazine.org/lessons-learned-as-a-…
by Guy Lewis
“Mine is a predictably cautionary tale, but – if you’ll forgive the cliche – failure is the best teacher. I learnt some terrific life lessons along the way of my career that I’d like to impart to you.”
https://statmagazine.org/lessons-learned-as-a-…
Lessons Learned as a Cocaine Dealer - STAT
"It turns out there is a lot of money to be made in the sale of illicit drugs. Seriously, the profit margins are huge."
buff.ly
December 13, 2024 at 4:14 PM
LESSONS LEARNED AS A COCAINE DEALER
by Guy Lewis
“Mine is a predictably cautionary tale, but – if you’ll forgive the cliche – failure is the best teacher. I learnt some terrific life lessons along the way of my career that I’d like to impart to you.”
https://statmagazine.org/lessons-learned-as-a-…
by Guy Lewis
“Mine is a predictably cautionary tale, but – if you’ll forgive the cliche – failure is the best teacher. I learnt some terrific life lessons along the way of my career that I’d like to impart to you.”
https://statmagazine.org/lessons-learned-as-a-…
Pete’s in Design Week today chatting about our ABOLISH MANCHESTER schtick. Thanks to Laura Havlin for reaching out.
“[Manchester’s] too caught up in its own mythologised past, flogging nostalgia in aid of an exploitative and sterile rentier capitalism.”
www.designweek.co.uk/how-manchest...
“[Manchester’s] too caught up in its own mythologised past, flogging nostalgia in aid of an exploitative and sterile rentier capitalism.”
www.designweek.co.uk/how-manchest...
How Manchester’s design past is being used to question its present
There is something interesting going on with the design motifs of Manchester, where creatives are fighting back against the city’s relentless development by subverting its most famous aesthetic codes.
www.designweek.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Pete’s in Design Week today chatting about our ABOLISH MANCHESTER schtick. Thanks to Laura Havlin for reaching out.
“[Manchester’s] too caught up in its own mythologised past, flogging nostalgia in aid of an exploitative and sterile rentier capitalism.”
www.designweek.co.uk/how-manchest...
“[Manchester’s] too caught up in its own mythologised past, flogging nostalgia in aid of an exploitative and sterile rentier capitalism.”
www.designweek.co.uk/how-manchest...
Our new mags were flying like hot cakes over the weekend, and from within the belly of the beast, an’ all. Sold out both days of Bound Art Book Fair!
December 2, 2024 at 10:09 PM
Our new mags were flying like hot cakes over the weekend, and from within the belly of the beast, an’ all. Sold out both days of Bound Art Book Fair!
STAT - ISSUE 13
A smorgasbord of northern delights in ‘ere, our thirteenth issue: squatters, trespassers, and coke dealers among them. Not everything’s criminal though, we’ve social commentary, poetry, and a short story, too.
Grab one of only 200 copies.
A smorgasbord of northern delights in ‘ere, our thirteenth issue: squatters, trespassers, and coke dealers among them. Not everything’s criminal though, we’ve social commentary, poetry, and a short story, too.
Grab one of only 200 copies.
November 29, 2024 at 12:11 PM
STAT - ISSUE 13
A smorgasbord of northern delights in ‘ere, our thirteenth issue: squatters, trespassers, and coke dealers among them. Not everything’s criminal though, we’ve social commentary, poetry, and a short story, too.
Grab one of only 200 copies.
A smorgasbord of northern delights in ‘ere, our thirteenth issue: squatters, trespassers, and coke dealers among them. Not everything’s criminal though, we’ve social commentary, poetry, and a short story, too.
Grab one of only 200 copies.
Reposted by STAT
Had the novelty of being quoted in this much-needed article on culture beyond Manchester for @hyphenonline.com
on behalf of @statmagazine.org!
hyphenonline.com/2024/11/26/c...
on behalf of @statmagazine.org!
hyphenonline.com/2024/11/26/c...
Move over, Manchester: the towns reshaping the north-west's cultural landscape
A creative movement is spreading across the region in areas like Bury and Rochdale, as grassroots arts projects platform marginalised voices
hyphenonline.com
November 26, 2024 at 7:17 PM
Had the novelty of being quoted in this much-needed article on culture beyond Manchester for @hyphenonline.com
on behalf of @statmagazine.org!
hyphenonline.com/2024/11/26/c...
on behalf of @statmagazine.org!
hyphenonline.com/2024/11/26/c...
Kate Bush Flash Mobs & £3.50 Doubles: A Ramshackle Tour of Lancaster Music Festival
“I was to leave the festival spreadsheets to my local-knowledge friends. I’m not a fan of planning.” — Dan Colonna
statmagazine.org/lancaster-mu...
“I was to leave the festival spreadsheets to my local-knowledge friends. I’m not a fan of planning.” — Dan Colonna
statmagazine.org/lancaster-mu...
A Ramshackle Tour of Lancaster Music Festival - STAT
Kate Bush Flash Mobs and £3.50 Doubles, Dan Colonna takes a tour of the 14th instalment of Lancaster Music Festival.
statmagazine.org
November 26, 2024 at 1:43 PM
Kate Bush Flash Mobs & £3.50 Doubles: A Ramshackle Tour of Lancaster Music Festival
“I was to leave the festival spreadsheets to my local-knowledge friends. I’m not a fan of planning.” — Dan Colonna
statmagazine.org/lancaster-mu...
“I was to leave the festival spreadsheets to my local-knowledge friends. I’m not a fan of planning.” — Dan Colonna
statmagazine.org/lancaster-mu...
NORTHERN FACT: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (b. 1934) was an avant-garde composer and conductor born in Salford and educated in Leigh. An outspoken critic of New Labour’s “atmosphere of philistinism”, Davies marched against the Iraq War in 2003.
November 23, 2024 at 3:15 PM
NORTHERN FACT: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (b. 1934) was an avant-garde composer and conductor born in Salford and educated in Leigh. An outspoken critic of New Labour’s “atmosphere of philistinism”, Davies marched against the Iraq War in 2003.