
In the aftermath of the devastating Southport knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls and left yoga instructor Leanne Lucas critically injured, a new campaign is calling for a significant change in the design of kitchen knives. The Let's Be Blunt initiative, spearheaded by Lucas, advocates for the widespread adoption of blunt-ended knives as a measure to reduce the risk of serious injury or worse in similar incidents.
Leanne Lucas, who survived the attack while attempting to protect her students, has shared her ongoing struggles with the trauma of that day. Her campaign is not just about changing the tools in our kitchens but about sparking a broader cultural shift towards safety and prevention. The initiative encourages individuals to exchange their pointed knives for rounded alternatives, a small but meaningful step towards mitigating the potential for harm.
The emotional toll of the attack was palpable during Lucas's appearance on Good Morning Britain, where she discussed her recovery and the motivations behind her campaign. The segment highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy on Lucas and her determination to ensure that such an event does not happen again. Her message is clear: change is necessary to prevent future loss and suffering.
As the Let's Be Blunt campaign gains attention, it raises important questions about the balance between utility and safety in everyday objects. While the debate over the necessity of pointed kitchen knives continues, Lucas's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of knife violence. Her advocacy for blunt-ended knives is a call to action for manufacturers, retailers, and the public to reconsider the tools we keep in our homes and the potential they have to cause harm.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.
The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.
'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.
Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.