Buxton leaves teammates in awe with breathtaking game-ending catchApril 23rd
MINNEAPOLIS -- A comfortable lead had become very uncomfortable for the Twins on Tuesday night. A nice, feel-good win was threatening to become yet another gut-punch loss. And then in 4.4 seconds, Byron Buxton restored all of the good vibes
Buxton’s sensational diving catch on Andrew Benintendi’s line drive to deep right-center secured a 4-2 Twins victory against the White Sox
who has made a career of spectacular moments
according to no less of an authority than Buxton himself
The catch stymied a dangerous Chicago rally
preventing the tying runs from scoring and the go-ahead run from getting into scoring position
It let Jhoan Duran off the hook for what would’ve been a very painful blown save
and ended a three-game Twins losing streak
who tossed six very effective innings and made a point to seek out Buxton in the clubhouse for a hug
“I don't think I’ve ended a game with a catch like [that]
especially with everything that's going on
trying to get things to fall for us,” Buxton said
“To be able to have something fall our way
Lenyn Sosa opened the ninth against Duran with an infield single
and a very real sense of unease settled on Target Field
and Nick Maton drove in a run with a groundout
Benintendi sent a hard liner to right-center
Buxton celebrated with right fielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
who had the best view of the play of anyone
after watching the catch on a live monitor
I see him and he just jumps in the air and it’s like slow motion
It was one of the most incredible catches I’ve ever seen.”
Perhaps the greatest tribute to Buxton is that no one on the other side was all that surprised that he made the play
I knew he was going to catch it,” Benintendi said
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At some point Buxton had to change from go-get-it mode to actually-catch-it mode
he had to assess how much room he had before he hit the wall
He put all the pieces together and added another jaw-dropping play to his lengthy legacy
“I knew off the jump I had to get on my horses,” he said
“The biggest thing is making sure I had a good line to the ball because the ball didn't get up too high for me to run up under it
Being able to [have] the right instincts and make the first step was a big key to that.”
with Buxton turning nervous anxiety into pure joy
“I saw the ball and saw it turning to the right-center field,” Duran said
‘Oh my goodness.’ He’s really fast and he made that catch
Chester advanced into the National League North Play-Off Semi Finals with a dramatic Extra Time victory over Buxton at the Deva
Calum McIntyre’s side made the perfect start down CH1 as they took the lead with just three minutes on the clock
Declan Weeks’ corner found its way out to the edge of the box where the superb Iwan Murray controlled and finished left footed beyond True Grant in the Buxton net
The Bucks fired a warning shot back moments later as Luke Brennan curled a free kick just over,
before they equalised on 18 minutes as a cross from the left was headed back across goal and into the path of Tommy Elliott
Both teams went close towards the end of the half
as Kurt Willoughby’s cutback was turned over the bar by Tom Peers
before Johnny Johnston raced into the Chester area and saw his shot brilliantly tipped onto the post by Jimmy Storer
with Weeks seeing an effort from the edge go wide before Connor Woods drove into the box and saw his attempt deflected behind for a corner
Into Extra Time and sub Dylan Mottley-Henry almost restored the Seals’ advantage with a superb curling effort which was well stopped by Grant
But the Blues then got back ahead on 108 minutes
Weeks’ free kick into the box causes problems
which ended with Jack Bainbridge hooking the ball back into the path of Harrison Burke who sent the Deva into a frenzy
Buxton sub Diego De Girolamo had a chance in stoppage time at the very end of the game to equalise but blazed over as the Seals move on to face Kidderminster at Aggborough on Sunday
are a community benefit society operating under the name of Chester Football Club
and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
The club is fan owned and does not have any major shareholders
Will Buxton recalled having a “furious” Sergio Perez on his case over a “pay driver” comment in the first series of Drive to Survive
explaining that he talked the situation through with Perez over coffee
Buxton revealed that some out-of-context editing had led to the confusion
and he had not actually used the term ‘pay driver’ in reference to Perez
The first series of Netflix’s hit F1 fly-on-the-wall docuseries Drive to Survive landed in 2019
which Perez spent with Force India/Racing Point Force India
Drive to Survive has played a key role in Formula 1’s surge in popularity, and former F1 presenter turned IndyCar commentator Will Buxton has appeared as an analyst throughout the Drive to Survive seasons – the seventh released in 2025 – and speaking via Road to Success Stories
Buxton was asked if he has ever made a comment on the show which irked a driver
Buxton would pick out an example involving Perez
though said his comment had been taken out of context
and made to look like he called Perez a ‘pay driver’
That Formula 1 term refers to a driver who brings financial backing to a team and receives a seat that way
rather than being paid by the team to race for it
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and I went and had a coffee with Sergio Perez in the Australia paddock
so first race of the year,” Buxton continued
‘Why did you say I was a pay driver?’ I said
‘I never said you were a pay driver.’ He said
you said I was a pay driver.’ And I said
and I gave them an explanation of the definition of a pay driver
They then painted that with footage of you
But I never said you were a pay driver.'”
but you said I drove like sh*t in Singapore.’ And I said
but you did drive like sh*t in Singapore!’ And he just went
“So long as you can give reason for why you’ve said what you said
Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 after departing Racing Point – which became Aston Martin – but parted ways with Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season
The Mexican could though be on course for a return to the series
having been linked with the new Cadillac team joining in F1 2026
Read next: Former Sergio Perez team accused of ‘betrayal’ as Cadillac rumours intensify
© Planet Sport Limited 2025 • All Rights Reserved
There will be plenty of great own-choice music on show at the Buxton Brass Band Festival next month
The popular NWABBA Buxton Brass Band Festival will take place on Sunday 4th May at the Octagon Theatre at the town's Pavilion Gardens
The own-choice format event starts at 10.00am with the Fourth Section
Second and joint First/Championship Section
The adjudicator is the experienced Alan Widdop
There will also be a wide variety of test-pieces performed with works from the pens of Eric Ball
All day admission to the contest is £10 — wristbands can be purchased on the day of the contest
Championship/First Section:BedworthFoss DykeHebden BridgeSkelmersdale Whitworth Wingates
Besses BoysCarltonDelph Hawk GreenVBS Poynton
City of WrexhamDobcross SilverStalybridge
A Malvern Suite (Philip Sparke); Dances and Arias (Edward Gregson); The Essence of Time (Peter Graham); Hostile Skies (Richard Grantham); Images for Brass (Steven Bulla); Journey into Freedom (Eric Ball); The Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke); Music of a Legacy (Steven Ponsford); The Plantagenets (Edward Gregson); Purcell Variations (Kenneth Downie); The Saga of Haaken the Good (Philip Sparke); Stantonbury Festival (Ray Steadman-Allen); Variations on Laudate Dominum (Edward Gregson)
4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice
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Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month
May 6 • The British Open Spring Festival will be held in Birmingham in 2026
May 6 • The incredible live sounds of Mike Lovatt's 'Brass Pack' can now be enjoyed following the release of their new album
May 6 • The music making will go on long into the night in Stavanger on Friday with a special Midnight Brass treat from Manger Musikklag
May 6 • Whitworth Vale & Healey capture the essence of victory as there are also wins for Delph
Dobcross Silver and St John's Mossley in Buxton
Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex
May 6 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist
Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program
we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025
May 6 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Bass player (position negotiable) Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program
IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025
Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville near M1 J22
May 5 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for our Principal Cornet position
as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond
Chester FC are delighted to be welcoming a sell-out crowd to the Deva Stadium tonight for our Play-Off Eliminator against Buxton
We wish to share the following important matchday information with supporters…
A reminder that all tickets for this fixture have been sold
The ticket office will be open for collections only and there will be no pay at the gate option this evening
Please do not travel to the Deva if you do not have a ticket
Allocated seating is in place for this game
Please sit in the seat you have been allocated on your ticket
If you have any issues then in the first instance you should speak to the nearest steward
You are only permitted into the stand your ticket is valid for
If you attempt to scan into the wrong stand then the scanner will not process your ticket and you will need to enter via the correct area
you should enter through Turnstiles 2 or 3 – If your ticket is for Blocks F-I
you should enter through Turnstiles 1 or 1a
please allow plenty of time for your journey to the stadium
particularly those travelling by car due to the temporary traffic lights on Bumpers Lane
We expect the stadium car park to reach capacity
street parking is available in the surrounding area
however supporters should adhere with any parking restrictions that may be in force
We also ask fans to be considerate to our neighbours and their private property – please do not park in any businesses car park unless you are permitted to do so
There will be a significant police presence for this game and enhanced security checks will also be in operation
We ask all supporters to behave in a responsible manner and conduct themselves in a way that truly represents our values as a community club
Anyone who engages in criminal or anti-social behaviour puts themselves at risk of prosecution and/or bans
as well as risking sanctions being brought against the club
Conduct which jeopardises the safety and enjoyment of others
or is likely to bring the club into disrepute
is not acceptable and will not be tolerated
Full match highlights from the Deva Stadium as the Blues advance into the National League North Play-Off Semi Finals with a dramatic Extra Time victory against Buxton
A huge clash is in store on Wednesday night at the Deva Stadium as we face Buxton in the Play-off Eliminator
Calum McIntyre and his players concluded their 2024/25 National League North campaign with an accomplished 3-0 victory away to fellow play-off side King’s Lynn Town
Academy prospects Alex Brown and Henry Briscoe made their debuts for the club and contributed to a clean sheet in Norfolk
Key figures such as Connell Rawlinson and Jack Bainbridge also got some important minutes in the tank following a period out injured
The three points on the road resulted in our final points tally standing at 87 – the most the club have accumulated in 12 years
The winner of this match will travel to Kidderminster Harriers for the semi-final on Sunday
Buxton sneaked into the last play-off spot on the final day courtesy of 2-0 win against a 10-man
Former Chester player Kieran Burton broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Johnny Johnston confirmed the victory in the closing stages
Curzon Ashton’s draw with Leamington meant the Bucks displaced their fellow contender by way of a superior goal difference
After finishing 14th last term and 13 points adrift of the top seven
Buxton’s clever recruitment has seen them significantly improve
which has helped bridge the gap between them and top teams in the division
John McGrath has successfully guided the club to the play-offs
The Irishman had previously established himself as an astute tactician during an eight-year spell with Derbyshire neighbours Mickleover Sports
McGrath led his former employers to third in the Southern Premier Division Central and only four points away from league winners Needham Market
the club were handed a 12-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player and ended up falling short in the play-offs
McGrath made over 200 appearances for Burton Albion and eventually captained the Brewers
he was named the club’s Player of the Year before being heavily involved in their inaugural promotion into the Football League the following season
the 45-year-old signed a new contract at the club
which extended his stay at the Silverlands Stadium to the end of the 2025/26 campaign
Buxton skipper Kieran Burton has played an integral part in his team’s journey to the play-offs
The versatile defender displayed his potential down CH1 in the second half of last season and has flourished this campaign
Burton was included in the most recent Vanarama National League Team of the Week for his significant contribution on Saturday
His opener against Warrington Town was his sixth goal of the season
while he also helped his side keep their third clean sheet in four games
The Englishman’s consistent performances this season resulted in him being named the Supporters’ Player of the Year
He has already represented the likes of Scarborough Athletic
Chester FC | W25 D12 L9 | F73 A45 | Final Pos: 4th
Southport (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Woods
Marine (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke
King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Kurt Willoughby
Buxton FC | W24 D5 L17 | F76 A52 | Final Pos: 7th
Chorley (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Kirby
Alfreton Town (A) | L 3-2 | Scorers: Luke Brennan & Cian Coleman
Warrington Town (H) | W 2-0 | Scores: Kieran Burton & Johnny Johnston
Kick off is 7.45pm at The Deva Stadium on Wednesday evening
All tickets for this fixture have now SOLD OUT
Please do not travel to the stadium if you do not have a ticket
Here’s what’s happening Under the Canopy…
Opening Times and Location: The Fan Canopy area is situated outside the ground by the North-East corner of the ground
The canopy will be open from 5.45pm up until kick off at 7.45pm
The canopy will not reopen after the match for this fixture
the entry point will be stewarded and there is a capacity limit in place
Food: We will be welcoming RGFC Under the Canopy for the first time on Wednesday night
who will be serving the following food from their two units…
Pizza: freshly prepared stone baked pizzas & garlic breads
with various toppings from Pepperoni to Spicy
Fries with chip shop curry or gravy & cheese
Give RGFC a follow on Instagram @rgfc_events or Really Good Food Co on Facebook
Additional Vendor: Keep It Sweet will also be on site on Wednesday
They will be setting up inside the canopy area serving their delicious sweet treats including…
Drink: Spookton Brewery will be serving a range of beers Under the Canopy – make sure you grab yourself a pint
Spookton started life as a result of an obsession for homebrewing modern craft beer
They launched in 2022 as a cuckoo brewery and then opened their own microbrewery and tap room in the centre of Chester last year
For more information, visit www.spookton.co.uk. Please note
alcohol sales will commence at 5.45pm and then stop at 7.30pm
Kiosk: The Kiosk in the East Stand will be integrated within the space and available for supporters to purchase their usual goods with GWG Catering
we will be selling retro CCFC merchandise from our cart
which has been kindly loaned to us by Urban Tricycles
For more information on the fantastic work Urban do, please visit www.urbantricycles.co.uk
Live Music: It’s another debut Under the Canopy on Wednesday night
Harry is now pursuing his passion for music
writing original songs and hoping to share them with a wider audience
Come along to support local talent and follow @harryhuxmusic on Instagram to keep up with his journey
The Cestrian: The Bar outside the ground will also be open prior to the match serving a vast range of alcohol for supporters to enjoy
The GWG Street Food Van will be open prior to the game
Ginger Cat Coffee are also on hand outside the ground providing their usual excellent selection of hot drinks and iced coffees
Free commentary on Seals Live via our Match Centre: CLICK HERE
All Play-Off games are being streamed LIVE on DAZN: CLICK HERE
Match Updates on our Twitter/X page: CLICK HERE
HT/FT Updates on Facebook and Instagram: CLICK HERE
A full time match report on ChesterFC.com: CLICK HERE
There is plenty going on down at the Deva on Wednesday evening as we host Buxton in our National League North Play-Off Eliminator
Come along to support local talent and follow @harryhuxmusic on Instagram to keep up with his journey
Chester FC will host Buxton in the National League North Play-Off Eliminator on Wednesday 30th April
Buxton’s 2-0 home win against Warrington Town saw them finish 7th and take the final Play-Off spot
More than 1,400 tickets have already been sold after two days of Season Ticket sales and one day of City Fans United member sales
CFU members still have tomorrow (Sunday) to get their ticket
CFU members will only be able to purchase their ticket in the following ways…
All remaining home tickets will then go on General Sale from 10am Monday onwards
The easiest way to secure your ticket is by heading to our online ticketing site, chesterfc.com/tickets
Supporters can also visit the Ticket Office during opening hours (weekdays 10am-4pm)
Admission for this play-off fixture is in line with our usual National League North prices
which includes a price increase 24 hours before kick off
Your Season Ticket/Cestrian XI ticket does not cover this fixture – you will need to pay the price of the relevant age category below
*Under 12 tickets free with full paying Adult only (maximum two tickets)
**Carer ticket free with any paying ticket (proof may be required)
Unemployed and Armed Forces (proof may be required)
The schedule for the Playoffs is as follows:
Kidderminster Harriers v Winner Eliminator B
To be played at the home ground of the Team which finished highest during the regular season
with the winner set to face off against Kidderminster Harriers this Sunday
Both sides think they’re ready to step up but who will be stepping into the semi-finals
Chester spent a large portion of the season at the top of the pack
and eventually finished five points off the title
Buxton have also been in and around the promotion places but needed a final day triumph which saw them sneak into a play-off spot
level with Curzon Ashton who finished just a place behind them
however Buxton’s superior goal difference was crucial in the end
They go in on a high and have already proven this season that reputation matters little to them
Chester:Tom Peers: 19Harrison Burke: 11Connor Woods: 8Kurt Willoughby: 6
Buxton: Luke Brennan: 12Tom Elliott: 9Connor Kirby: 9Cian Coleman: 9
Head-to-head:22/10/24: Chester 0-1 Buxton11/01/25: Buxton 2-4 Chester
Chester: “We're at home and my message to the fans is that we need you
we need to be at our best and we need to win the game
“It'll be tough because they'll have more time to prepare then we do
it's about turning our attention to Chester and doing all our analysis on them
“They're a good side but were a good side and i'd hate to play us in the play-offs”
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Moving into this year and Trump 2.0 it wasn’t a difficult prediction to suggest that things might become a little more volatile
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By Matty Paddock - 05/04/2025
late in the day to ensure Harriers picked up a point at Buxton on Saturday
came in the 92nd minute after Harriers had conceded a late opener to the Bucks
A very quiet first half in terms of chances did little to show what was to explode in the game’s final stages
short of one wasted Buxton free kick routine
neither goalkeeper really had much to keep an eye on until a brace of half chances that fell the way of Ashley Hemmings before the break
the Aggborough top marksman struck a free kick from distance cleanly
but Buxton goalkeeper Cooper was able to watch it comfortably enough into his chest
In added time at the end of the half Hemmings nudged smarty away from his man but skewed his attempted snap-shot
sending it wide without any serious danger
Harriers made a change at the break with the booked David Davis withdrawn in favour of Ryley Reynolds
but chances remained at a premium with Buxton next taking aim through Kieran Burton’s effort wide after the hour
a more adventurous Buxton approach saw them rewarded with some clearer chances; sub Johnston played in on goal and shooting low
Christian Dibble blocking him well with an outstretched leg
The hosts moved into the ascendency and got a goal that their pressure arguably deserved on 82 minutes
a moment of quality in the finish as Kian Coleman bent a superb finish around his man and past Dibble
That did at least seem to spur Harriers on to their strongest spell of the game
Doing well to mop up Buxton counter-attacks
they pushed and asked questions of their own
getting a breakthrough in the second minute of added time when Worrall’s superb
first-time cross finding the head of Brown whose finish was perfectly placed beyond Cooper
It was then Buxton who clung on – almost breached again in added time’s eighth minute; Worrall again instrumental as he turned his man and drove across goal where Beresford bust a gut to meet it
held by a sprawling Cooper who saved his side would have been a certain defeat
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WATCH back the key moments from Saturday’s 1-1 draw away at Buxton
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Oxford City were well beaten by Buxton this afternoon as the rampant Bucks romped to a 7-0 win at the MGroup Stadium
and Johnny Johnston and one each from Connor Kirby
Keziah Martin and Faisu Sangare eased the visitors home on a day that a City side reduced to ten when skipper Reece Fleet was sent off early in the second half
City have had a season of having to overcome problems and today’s came in the first minute when Freddy Willcox
who has been excellent on loan from Cheltenham ,limped off after pulling up lame in a chase for the ball
The change affected the opening minutes and perhaps the entire outcome
although that's tenuous given the scoreline and Buxton's supremacy in front of goal
after 38 minutes a stray arm was struck as Canice Carroll challenged for a high ball with a Buxton forward clinging to him
Ref Allsop pointed to the spot and Brennan sent Walker sprawling the wrong way to make it 1-0
City needed to hold tight but instead on 44 they were 2-0 down when Kirby let fly from 30 yards out and the ball ripped into the top corner for a spectacular second goal
then in the 49th minutes of 48 Johnson found space and fired past Walker to stun the home fans and leave The Hoops with a mountain to climb after the break
Sub Martin danced his way through for a brilliant fifth after just four minutes on the pitch
the excellent Johnston made it six and then fellow sub Sangare pinged the ball into the right hand top corner to make it seven and simply underline the gulf between the teams on the day
return to th4e training ground and work as hard as possible to erase this result and get back to winning ways as quickly as possible
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | OXFORD CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
By Matty Paddock - 04/04/2025
HARRIERS journey once again to Buxton on Saturday in National League North as the final five games of the season begin
Having already travelled there in the FA Cup earlier this campaign – that game going to a replay – the Reds journeyed back to the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium to face Farsley Celtic last month
this will be the fourth meeting of Harriers and Buxton this season
Phil Brown’s men went through to the next round after the replay
Buxton then came to Aggborough back in November as the two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw
the stakes are high for the latest get together; Harriers needing the three points to continue their battle towards a promotion push
while Buxton are one of a number of teams smack bang in the middle of a scrap to get into the play-offs
Saturday’s hosts sit two places outside the top seven
but the gap is just two points to seventh-placed Hereford
over whom they hold a slightly better goal difference
King’s Lynn and Spennymoor sit either side of them and will equally hold hopes of cracking the play-off positions – even Darlington down in 11th are just seven points off with five to play and 15 points still up for grabs
Buxton have lost just once in their last six National League North encounters
Last time out they were 2-1 victors at Needham Market
There’s little margin for room anywhere ahead of Saturday
with Harriers hopeful on the fitness of Reece Devine and Kam Kandola
Charlie Lutz and Fin Roberts were among the players to get key minutes in a training ground friendly at Leicester this week
with the latter well enough to be in contention for a possible debut at Buxton
Roberts missed the weekend’s fixture with Peterborough Sports through illness
missed that Leicester game through his own illness
this weekend’s tie and the run-in in his pre-match interview which can be played below
Kick off at Buxton on Saturday is at 3:00pm
Away travel to the game is now sold out, but match tickets remain available. Advance purchase is strongly recommended by the hosts to avoid congestion on the day, particularly for away fans. Tickets are available from Buxton’s website
Away fans needing to transfer to seating areas can contact a steward on the day to do so
Harriers again strongly supports The National League and Football Association in delivering their antisocial conduct message
Please review the following information before visiting Aggborough or following the team on the road
and remember that your entry into Aggborough Stadium
is subject to the acceptance of the National League’s Ground regulations and adherence to the Smoke No Joke policy
Both documents are clearly visible and available on entry turnstiles but are also available for download below
we would like to remind supporters that the club will not tolerate supporter misconduct of any kind
Please support Kidderminster Harriers responsibility
Should you be concerned by any of the above conduct you may witness
please report it to your nearest steward at any venue
to the Club Office or Safety Officer or by e-mail to security@harriers.co.uk
By Matty Paddock - 31/03/2025
THE finale to the 2024-25 season rolls on this weekend as we head to Buxton this weekend
This will be our third visit of the season to the picturesque surroundings of the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium
having ventured there in the FA Cup earlier in the term and beat Farsley Celtic there in the league a number of weeks ago
Away travel is once again available from the club (details below), while advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended by the hosts to avoid congestion on the day, particularly for away fans. Tickets are available from Buxton’s website
Book your travel tickets online or by calling 01562 823 931 during office hours
Season Ticket holders purchasing online must do so via the account to which their Season Ticket is linked
Travel tickets are subject to availability and are non-refundable
and the club reserves the right to cancel any transport for which there is not sufficient interest
No alcohol is permitted on board and the club reserves the right to refuse full or partial travel to any supporters guilty of antisocial behaviour either on transport or in and around any stadium
after his side came back from behind to secure a share of the points at Buxton
Post Match Interviews are supported by Purple Granite
Known to only grand prix anoraks prior to its ‘Netflix era’
Will Buxton became a household name as the talking head dramatically narrating the wildly successful Drive to Survive series from 2019 – further supported by his role as a lead anchor on the in-house F1 TV channel
after over 20 years involved in the world championship
Buxton is trading Monaco for Milwaukee as he moves Stateside to front Fox’s IndyCar coverage
the media monolith having taken over coverage of the American series from 2025
Fox has spent big on three cinematic trailers involving its brightest stars to kickstart promotion
The 2025 season begins next weekend in St Petersburg
while Buxton and co cover what is as a result the most highly anticipated IndyCar season in years
Fox appears determined to make a splash with what purists often point to as motor sport’s most exciting series
but one which struggles to reach a broader audience
it hired one of world motor sport’s best-known broadcasters to do the job
But why has Buxton made hop across the pond
but the sheer thrill of commentating IndyCar racing at 200mph up against the barrier for entire races is a not insignificant reason
Speaking to Motor Sport about making the change after over a decade involved in F1
he says “we have a real opportunity to bring amazing racing to an entire generation of new racing fans”
IndyCar kicks off at St Petersburg in Florida this weekend
“[There are] things that are phenomenal about IndyCar,” he emphasises
“The different types of race track; then there’s the teams: brand new ones like Prema and grandees like Penske; and the drivers: the different skill sets they need to bring [racing at 220mph at Indianapolis
threading through narrow street tracks and mastering classic American road courses]
“The thing that astonishes me still is how much of a megastar Colton Herta is
We feel like he’s been around forever
“Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou are electrifying
everyone wants to beat Scott Dixon and Will Power
Robert Shwartzman could be something really special for the American audience too
because of his racing style and his personality
IndyCar star Alex Palou became the series' most wanted man last summer - and the centre of controversy between Chip Ganassi Racing and McLaren
The Spaniard explains his reaction in our September 2023 edition
When you ask F1 drivers: ‘Would you go and race IndyCar?’ A lot of them say
I think it might be a bit dangerous.’ When you have F1 guys saying ‘We’re a bit scared about IndyCar’
it shows you the level that these drivers are at
“The fact that they can go out and race these things shows such tremendous skills
such incredible speeds and such brilliant race-craft as well
You look at the number of overtakes for position at every single IndyCar race
A conversation with IndyCar race winner and commentator James Hinchcliffe at last year’s Brazilian GP first made Fox aware that Buxton could be available to front its new coverage
When he then subsequently met Fox executives to discuss as possible link-up
did the media giant have to sell itself to Buxton
Buxton joins former IndyCar drivers James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell in the commentary booth
what I enjoyed [about it] and how I go about it as well
“[For me] it’s always been about that on-screen relationship
making the folks at home feel a part of that
Made them feel like you’re just sitting down at the pub with your mates and having a chat about racing
that it’s there’s not this sort of ‘them and us.’
what the broadcast schedule was going to be like
and massive things like every race being in one place on network TV for the first time
That’s absolutely huge if we’re going to grow the sport to where I think it deserves to be
When new fans think about tuning in for the first time
they’re going to know exactly where to find it.”
Buxton has previously been involved with both Fox and NBC in covering both IndyCar and F1
giving him a good knowledge of who the right people to hire in American motor sport broadcasting
He has also been at the centre of Liberty’s transformation of F1
not just through its Netflix collaboration but also how it has utilised digital media to expand the brand
He believes he sees similarities in terms of how Fox wants to connect with fans
Commentator says thrill of IndyCar is unrivalled
“When I knew who they were bringing in behind the scenes
the experience that they had going back decades in racing and in broadcast
they’re really bringing some of the most talented producers and directors into the mix to make this this work,” he emphasises
both in terms of longevity and finance to push this thing
and then really being open to some of the ideas that I brought to the table [was attractive].”
Though Buxton has commentated on-and-off during his F1 TV tenure
he last worked as a full-time commentator on the GP2 series over 15 years ago
He says the opportunity to do that again was enticing
“That was an opportunity that hadn’t been available for a while
something which I absolutely loved doing when I when I was able to do,” he says
“Fox had seen some of the bits and bobs that I’ve done on F1 TV with commentary
when I’ve been filling in for either Ben Edwards
or when we had a bit of a rotational thing going on
“I love looking at the sport through the lens of history”
“I think we were just in line from the first moment of the vision of where IndyCar can and should be
in the hearts of the American race fan – and how we go about doing that.”
Will he be ready in time for St Petersburg though
he is an all-round motor sport fanatic – but even he admits he’s had a uphill task absorbing over 100 years of IndyCar history in just a few months
“I’ve spent about a grand on books!” he laughs
There’s over 100 years of history to get my head around from AAA through to USAC into ‘The Split’ and then the more recent 20 odd years of IndyCar history to add on to the top of it
“I’m never gonna know everything by the time we get to the US
but I’ve been absolutely immersing myself in it
from the statistics to watching as many races as I can – get myself as well versed as I possibly can be
“I love looking at the sport through the lens of history
It’s a really good way of being able to compare and contrast and really bring what the modern era of driver and team is doing into full context – looking back to the all-time greats.”
Stars like O’Ward “electrify” the sport
alongside his former IndyCar driver co-commentators James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell
will be able to make a true success of Fox’s IndyCar venture
“I just think it’s phenomenal championship,” Buxton says
we have a real opportunity to bring this amazing racing to an entire generation of new racing fans – people who have fallen in love with F1 over the last half a decade
and can’t get enough of open wheel racing
“We have this opportunity to show them something that they’ve never seen before
American racers Mario Andretti and Phil Hill have a lot of successes in common
McLaren stole the show at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix with a dominant 1-2 finish that left rivals trembling
Here are the key takeaways from a pivotal weekend in Formula 1
The Miami Grand Prix weekend was action packed both on and off the track
Here's a look at what you may have missed from the event
McLaren crushed the opposition in the Miami Grand Prix
with Piastri taking his third straight win in a race that looked like Norris's to lose
Mark Hughes answers the main questions from the sixth round of the 2025 season
A fantastic performance in snowy Derbyshire earned the Seals three points and successive away wins
Charlie Caton grabbed a brace while Harrison Burke and Jack Bainbridge both netted one to claim a 4-2 victory which moved Calum McIntyre’s side up to sixth in the National League North
Caton had a couple of opportunities in quick succession early on but True Grant was equal to both in the Buxton net
Tom Peers then saw a shot deflected over the cross-bar before the hosts went straight up the other end and put their stamp on the contest in the 18th minute
A well-worked corner from Connor Kirby found Ethan Fitzhugh who struck the ball with power into the bottom corner
and gave debutant Jimmy Storer no chance in between the sticks
Fitzhugh grabbed the only goal of the game in the reverse fixture at the Deva Stadium
the lead lasted only two minutes this time
as Caton drew Chester level from close-range
The ball was bundled over the line by the number 10 after a goal-mouth scramble inside the six-yard box
It was an end-to-end contest at the Silverlands
but it was the hosts who re-took the lead just before the half hour mark
A through ball found Tommy Elliott who managed to find space in behind the Seals’ defence before he was brought down by Storer inside the box
Niall Smith pointed to the spot and Luke Brennan smashed past the goalkeeper to reinstate Buxton’s advantage
It was a very entertaining contest in Derbyshire
and Charlie Caton doubled his tally for the afternoon after another penalty was awarded by Smith
Liam Ravenhill was penalised inside the box when he was judged to have stopped a pass by Bainbridge with his hand
Caton slotted past Grant to draw the scores level once again
There was time for one more goal before the interval
as Harrison Burke smashed a volley into the net after a dangerous corner delivered by Declan Weeks was flicked on by Ben Pollock before the ball fell to the number three just a few yards out
The second half started in the same vein as the first finished
an open contest that saw numerous chances for both teams
Calum McIntyre’s men continued to dominate and grabbed a fourth goal just before the hour mark
It was Bainbridge who finished in excellent fashion past Grant with a low strike before the midfielder jumped into the bank of snow right in front of the ecstatic Chester faithful to celebrate
The last 30 minutes was played at a slower pace
as Chester controlled the contest in expert fashion and restricted the home side to no clear-cut sights of goal
Substitutes were brought on to change the game by John McGrath in the Bucks’ dugout but none had the desired impact against a stubborn back line
Both teams reached a stalemate towards the end of the clash and neither keeper had much work to do in the final few moments
An important victory has moved the Seals up to sixth ahead of a trip to Leamington on Tuesday night
The Iron were looking to continue their recent unbeaten run of nine matches the afternoon when they travelled to Derbyshire to face off with play-off hopefuls and fellow full-time side Buxton FC
This was to be the fifth encounter between Scunthorpe and the Bucks across a two-year period and of these previous meetings the Iron had acquired just one point
a record they came into the tie looking to abolish
In terms of the United team for the day it was to be another change of shape by Iron manager Andy Butler who opted to rest striker Mark Beck leaving recent debutant Chris Wreh to lead the Scunthorpe line on his own
In place of Beck came the energetic midfield man Kian Scales
who after being placed on the bench for the previous fixture
returned to the side with hopes of cementing his starting spot
after two weeks out of the side central defender Andrew Boyce was back and available to play from off the bench
In the game's early exchanges at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium both sides attempted to test one another with a flurry of early corners that failed to test the respective goalkeepers
however managed wake up both defences by calling them into action almost instantly
The first chance of the game would fall to the Iron inside the opening 10 minutes when midfielder Joe Rowley dispossessed his opposing number skilfully in the middle of the park
after a storming run forward that presented the opportunity for a through ball into the forward run of Cal Roberts
Rowley released possession and found Roberts in the area who attempted to wrap the ball around goalkeeper Paul Cooper and into the far corner
Roberts failed to connect properly and saw his shot caught by Cooper
Following this first chance another opportunity would present itself to Roberts mere minutes later in a similar area
It was some clever passing play from United that allowed them to work the ball from one side of the area to the other and it was Wreh who played the final ball into his teammate
but when looking to provide the same finish as the previous chance Roberts leaned back and sent his shot soaring over the bar
In what was an action packed first-half of football at the highest stadium in English football
the Bucks would manage to create a couple of positive chance for themselves as the break approached
The majority of opportunities that the hosts had conjured had come through wide man Luke Brennan who was enjoying cutting in off the left flank
It was exactly this that gave Buxton their best chance of proceedings when Brennan chopped inside skilfully and opened up the space for a finessed shot
As the Irishman’s shot curled towards the top corner it was bravely diverted away for a corner by the head of defender Maxim Kouogun
In response to this attack the Iron would mount one of their own courtesy of some exquisite link up between Wreh and Beestin to release Beestin down the left
With space to beat his man and fire a cross across the face of goal the winger would do just that with a pinpoint delivery into Roberts at the back post
Wide of the goal but a matter of yards out Roberts came steaming onto the ball but could only send the ball crashing into the post and behind for a goal kick
On the stroke of half-time Scunthorpe would be made to regret their missed chances as Buxton would take the lead from a questionably awarded set-piece
It was a swift ball across the box that would be United’s undoing as somehow the ball evaded all efforts to clear and found Ethan Mann at the back post who rifled the ball into the top corner for 1-0
This would be the half’s last action and after the restart the Iron would go in immediate search of a much-needed equaliser and would come a matter of inches away from finding it early on
Scales was playing extremely well on the day and continued this theme with a dart from deep to meet the pass inside from Beestin
With the ball under his spell and space to explore
Scales drifted into the area and attempted to lash the ball towards goal only for it to fly a whisker wide of the target
The Iron were in charge of the encounter during the second period but were still unable to find their worthy equaliser due to the persistent defending on Buxton who continued to battle hard for their lead
In the 64th minute Scunthorpe fans would’ve surely thought that they had finally broken through the Buxton flood gates when Roberts went on a surging run down the right
After some lovely step overs to work the space for a cross
Roberts checked back and drove aa low ball into Scales in the centre who managed to steer his shot goalwards although it drifted marginally wide of Cooper’s near post
As often the case the Iron’s substitutes were having a major impact on the game and the replaced front three of Beck
Mo Fadera and Carlton Ubaezuonu were mounting the push for an equaliser
however the Bucks would come close to a second through one of their own substitutes as striker Faisu Sangare broke into the area and sent his shot rolling past the far post
After the fourth official had indicated an astonishing nine minutes of additional time Scunthorpe would finally get their minimum reward of a leveller in the second of these minutes
It would be Ubaezuonu to save the Iron as after his initial effort was blocked by his own man
but the Irishman pounced on the second with a cunning effort into the roof of the net
With the scores level but time to spare the Iron would attempt to push on for the equaliser by mounting a full-scale siege on the Buxton goal
Deep in injury time there were countless corners that failed to bear fruit for United due to some expert keeping from Cooper who denied multiple Scunthorpe players with a flurry of saves at the death
Following the full-time whistle there was a mix of frustration and relief among Scunthorpe who more than warranted the point they received to keep their unbeaten run going
but rightfully felt they deserved more from the tie at the Silverlands
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A stunning first-half goal from Connor Kirby saw Buxton through to claim all three points at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium to frustrate the Magpies on Good Friday
Chorley looked to settle into proceedings early and play on the front-foot
the hosts took the lead with just 19 minutes played
Connor Kirby’s curling effort from the edge of the box
Chorley looked to reply quickly following a cross into the box
which saw Mike Calveley leap well to meet it but his header was comfortably saved by True Grant
there was little action to report on and the Magpies went into the break a goal behind
Warren Clarke delivered a fine ball across that found its way through to Adam Henley
had a golden opportunity to double their lead just ten minutes later after a ball across from Luke Brennan was met by Johnny Johnston
Chorley were left frustrated in their efforts to level the game and left Derbyshire empty-handed
In her BBC Radio 4 podcast Young Again, journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Young asks fascinating people what advice they would like to give their younger self.
Adam Buxton is a writer, podcaster and comedian. He first found fame with his friend Joe Cornish – together, they made the TV series The Adam And Joe Show and the BBC 6 Music show Adam and Joe.
As a solo creator, Adam is the host of The Adam Buxton Podcast. He’s directed music videos for Radiohead and toured his own live show, Bug. He’s also an author, with his second memoir, I Love You, Byeee, out later this year.
He talks to Kirsty about falling in love with Joe Cornish, caring for dying parents, and how podcasting got him through grief. Here are six things we learned.
Kirsty describes Adam as having a “hand-knitted” quality, which he doesn’t mind at all. He’s always enjoyed making things.
“I went to art school,” he says, “and I’ve realised recently that I feel like I am an artist. I never wanted to call myself an artist, because that’s too embarrassing and requires too much hubris. But I do feel like that’s how I want to do things, like an artist. I pay attention to all the details. When you make a podcast, you have to concentrate on every detail.”
While he studied sculpture, his tutors always suspected his ambitions lay elsewhere. “What I generally did was, I made videos and then retrofitted them into sculptural objects… One of the tutors said, ‘I think you might be using this as a stepping stone to getting on TV.’”
Aged nine, Adam was sent to boarding school. He hated it. “I’d get so sad and worried when it was the end of the holidays,” he says. “I had a lovely, beautiful childhood until I was nine… and then suddenly it’s like, ‘Oh we’re going to send you off to school where you don’t know anyone and we won’t be there and some of the children will be horrible to you.”
He says it’s affected his relationships as an adult. “It’s very hard not to join the dots between being sent off as a nine-year-old and… being quite a needy person to go out with.”
Adam and Joe had a successful partnership for several years, and continue to work together occasionally, but when it came time to doing separate projects, Adam was upset. “He’d always wanted to direct movies, ever since we got together,” he says. “I think being on TV was a bit of a side track, which really ended up delaying his film career in some ways… It didn’t feel good because originally we fantasised about [making movies together].”
“I’m trying to write about my mum at the moment,” says Adam. “It’s really difficult because… [there’s] no info.” Adam’s first memoir, Ramble Book, spoke a lot about his relationship with his father, who died in 2015. His mum told him stories about his dad for that book, but when his mum died in 2020, Adam realised he hadn’t asked her enough about herself.
Adam had a complex relationship with his dad, who kept much of his life private, like his struggles with debt. When Adam’s dad was dying of cancer, he came to live with Adam, who had hopes of resolving their relationship. “You sort of think, ‘Surely it’s going to be like a film?’… I tried to ask him a few of those questions. I wrote down some of the things I wanted to ask him… He just wasn’t up for that level of self-examination.”
But his dad left him with some strong advice that Adam carries with him. “He was so good with words of wisdom… One of his favourites was, ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath’… Beautiful stuff, and true…Turn the temperature down. Soften your voice… Works every time.”
Exclusive: Fan-favourite broadcaster Will Buxton has been a figure synonymous with the hit docu-series
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Drive to Survive star Will Buxton admits he is unsure whether he will continue in his role on the hit Netflix show beyond the new season airing on 7 March
F1 broadcaster and journalist Buxton has appeared on the docu-series since the show’s inception in 2019
with his catchy explainers and memorable soundbites endearing him to a new fanbase that has emerged within the sport
In recent years, Buxton has worked for F1TV as a presenter but announced a surprise departure last month, as he takes up a new role as lead commentator for Fox’s coverage of IndyCar for the 2025 season.
As a result, Buxton will not be a permanent presence in the F1 paddock this year, bringing into question his future on the Netflix series.
“To be honest with you, I don’t know,” he told The Independent, when asked whether the latest series, season seven, would be his last on Drive to Survive.
“They’ve always been very careful not to show me in situ in the paddock, I’ve always just been a talking head in a room.
“So, I guess that could continue [with me] if they wanted to. I actually really hope we can, that would be lovely.
“I’m not just going to walk out of the F1 paddock and suddenly not talk to everybody that I have worked with. I’ll be back throughout the year, not on a TV screen with F1, but I’ll be going to some races.
“The fun part for me this year, ahead one of the most exciting F1 seasons in a long time, is I get to enjoy this one as a fan. That’s really exciting for me.”
Season seven of Drive to Survive, chronicling the events of an entertaining 2024 season, is released on Netflix on Friday 7 March.
Buxton, meanwhile, will be narrating proceedings at the first IndyCar race of the season, in St. Peterburg, Florida, this Sunday. Former IndyCar racer and F1 pundit James Hinchcliffe will be alongside him in the commentary box.
IndyCar races this year will also be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 in the UK.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
For the fourth episode we have Comedian Adam Buxton
songwriter and actress Self Esteem AKA Rebecca Lucy Taylor
as well as Comedian and actor Tommy Tiernan competing
set by Paul Hollywood and new judge Caroline Waldegrave
the bakers must make delicious crumpets in the Signature
not panic over perfect piping in the Technical and recreate their celebrity hero in pastry for their Showstopper.
The Great Celebrity Bake for Stand Up To Cancer continues Channel 4 on Sunday 6 April 19:40, and on catch-up at Channel4.com
of thinking I might actually be quite a talented baker
and I made three versions of my showstopper
and maybe turn into a professional baker.” But since then
it’s been getting away from me in the tent – and that’s an understatement
Describe your baking style in one word.Angsty
What’s your favourite baked good?Oh blimey… Bread
Would you describe yourself as a foodie?I suppose so – a very entry-level foodie
I have a slightly fraught relationship with it
and some of the most memorable times I’ve had in my life have been having good meals in a lovely setting with nice people
One of the saddest times was when I lost my taste and smell after getting Covid
and I spent most of 2021 not really being able to taste things
I thought back to all those years when I could taste and smell everything
so much processed food that had a strong flavour just because it was so loaded with chemicals and sugar
I do want to spend the rest of the time I have left eating better food and enjoying it more and being a bit more adventurous
and I hope I will bake a little bit more after this experience
I realised that I had to start eating a bit better
and I also thought that I wanted to see what it would be like to eat much less meat
having thought “I couldn’t possibly be vegan or vegetarian
it turned out that I liked vegan food very much
and that was all thanks to those recipe boxes
I really like the actual process of cooking
I think it was on the Off Menu podcast.Oh yeah
There are times when I’m cooking actual proper dishes
What’s been your biggest culinary triumph?I don’t know that I’ve had too many absolute triumphs
it was just one of the best moments of my life
and my wife was looking at me in a different way
like “Who’s this guy?” It was wonderful.
What are the strengths and weaknesses you take with you into the tent?Strengths
a respect for the kitchen and cleaning as you go (even though that was not much in evidence when I actually started cooking)
They kept on coming over and asking me what was going on while things were falling apart
And a slight tendency to panic a little bit
walking into the tent for the first time?It’s bigger than it looks on telly
it really feels like being inside the television
And Alison is incredibly friendly and lovely
Paul Hollywood is quite convincingly dour at certain points
I haven’t seen him for years – we used to bump into each other in the comedy world in the early 2000s
and slightly surreal to catch up on camera
and talk about our respective experiences of double acts
and how that relationship changes over time
Your great friend Louis Theroux did the show a few years back
Have you asked him for advice?I don’t think I did
I have too many competitive rivalries with Louis as it is.
Have you sought tips from anyone else?Yeah
who has been a friend of the family out in Norfolk for many years
She gave me some invaluable pointers that completely transformed my game
most of which I forgot when I was under pressure
And my daughter gave me some really good advice when I was practicing something for my first challenge
So they were my two most valuable supporters.
Is it an intimidating moment when you look up and see Caroline and Paul studying you?Yes
and you just work away and get it all done
But I didn’t really anticipate how stressful and distracting that would be
I think I thought maybe they would come over once or twice
I saw Paul come over and just prod my pastry
and I could see by the look on his face that I was in trouble.
How badly do you want to win?I am competitive
I wanted to do my idea as well as possible
when things don’t turn out the way you wanted.
Describe your baking style in one word.Impatient
What’s your favourite baked good?A Cherry Bakewell.
Would you describe yourself as a foodie?Yes
Do you cook much in everyday life?When I’ve got time
I love to put a reality TV show on my laptop and cook.
What have been your biggest culinary triumphs and disasters?There’s a celeriac fish pie that was very good
And I did one of the recipes from The Sopranos Cookbook
but I will say my practices for this were awful
This experience has really put me through it
You have talked in the past about your love of art
Does that translate to decorating your bakes?It does a bit
but once I knew that you could do different shades of pastry with different egg washes
that unlocked a whole thing for me where I was trying to play with shading.
What are the strengths and weaknesses you take with you into the tent
My weaknesses are my impatience and I think Paul Hollywood lovingly called me ‘violent’ - with my bake of course
I am quite fast and the tent is quite a pressurised space
Lots of people describe baking as a soothing
Presumably that’s not the case when you’re in the tent?No
About 15 years ago I got in touch with the chap who does the illustrations over the internet and asked him to draw me as a Cherry Bakewell so this is all very full circle for me..
walking into that iconic tent for the first time?It was really cool
As someone who is used to performing in front of thousands of people
have you learned to control your nerves?I’ve not been nervous
but I think that was all the caffeine and the adrenaline
I tend to get more nervous about going to someone’s barbecue or house party
One-on-one social situations make me much more nervous than being on Celebrity Bake Off.
Have you sought advice from anyone ahead of the show?My mate Travis’ nan told me to keep my hands cold
and run my pulse points under a cold tap before I did the pastry
And I asked for a lot of advice in the tent
Paul Hollywood gave me some good advice about egg wash which changed the direction of my design.
but then I used a mixer in the end anyway.
Is it an intimidating moment when you look up and see Caroline and Paul studying you?I would call it more annoying than intimidating
I don’t like anyone in the kitchen when I’m cooking
you said you were surprised by how competitive you were
How badly do you want to win?It’s happened again
What would it mean to you to get a Hollywood handshake?I’d love to refuse a Hollywood handshake
Like when they give me the knighthood and I refuse
Why is SU2C important to you?Cancer is something that will affect almost one in two of us. Research is desperately needed
Fundraising is going to save so many lives
and went through the treatment really well
I’m so lucky that science has evolved the way it has
that my dad could get actual cancer and then easily and quickly not have it anymore
The more chance of that being the case for people
it might be more than cakes I am asked to bake
Describe your baking style in one word.Relaxed
What’s your favourite baked good?I suppose the one that always goes down well is lemon drizzle cake
You said on the podcast Off Menu that you were just waiting to be asked onto Celebrity Bake Off
Is it fair to say you were pleased when the call came in?I was absolutely thrilled
We’ve watched the programme for years and years
and we particularly love the celebrity one
as well as raising money for a fantastic cause
You also remarked that you find baking a meditative pursuit
and the next minute it was five minutes to go
I don’t know what had happened in the meantime – I think there was an alien abduction I didn’t know about
Would you describe yourself as a foodie?Totally
and I think the best evenings are sharing food with friends around a table
That is my favourite way to spend an evening
What’s been your biggest culinary triumphs and disasters?Disasters: I did try and make a Greek dish called spanakopita
It’s a dish of feta and spinach and pastry
and it honestly came out like a lump of lard
We should have ended up using it as a doorstop
and I realised that there are some things you should just buy.
And triumphs?I cook a lot of Indian vegetarian food
and I am told that people really love my saag paneer.
What are the strengths and weaknesses you take with you into the tent?My strength is I do enjoy cooking
but whenever I watch the incredible creations people come up with on this show
I just can’t understand how they make it look so fabulous
That’s definitely not a strong point for me
Especially when feeding the family – just get it on the table
walking into that iconic tent for the first time?It’s really surreal
I think the equivalent was when I filmed Doctor Who
Oh my God!” Definitely one to tick off the bucket list
What’s the worst thing you could be asked to make in the technical?Something like a brandy snap
because I’m a bit cackhanded and a bit slapdash
delicate work I think I’d be pretty bad at.
[Nathaniel won the It’s a Sin festive special in 2021]
His biggest tip was “Relax and enjoy it” and I think that was very good advice
And are you enjoying it so far?Now I’ve got the first one over with
It was a little nerve-wracking at the beginning
And there are so many people around to help if you’re feeling a bit lost.
Is it an intimidating moment when you look up and see Caroline and Paul studying you?Yeah
And they caught me at a time when I had to take my proving out
and all I could think was “It’s in there too long
it’s going to collapse!” All while trying to make small talk
That thing about being judged is always a bit scary
I didn’t want to look like a complete failure
I’d quite like to be complimented on my flavours
I’ve had cancer in my family a couple of times
so that was another reason wanting to come on
what would it mean to you to get a Hollywood handshake?It would be another tick off the bucket list
along with going in the Tardis and going to visit Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City
Describe your baking style in one word.Hurried
What’s your favourite baked good?I’m a big fan of rhubarb tart
Would you describe yourself as a foodie?No
And I tend to talk about it an awful lot.
What have been your biggest culinary triumphs and disasters?The biggest imaginative triumph was a sweet potato and quinoa pie
And the biggest disaster was the sweet potato and quinoa pie
So your ambition exceeds your ability?Oh totally
What kind of stuff do you eat on the road?It’s all focused towards the show
when might that run out?” Say I’m going onstage at 8 o’clock
but it would be fairly considered – I wouldn’t just eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it.
What food do you ask for on your rider?I love mandarin oranges
I don’t ask for vodka or tictacs or anything
They’re such a sweet little burst of sugar
so I have maybe one or two before the start of the first half
and then I’d have another one or two in the interval to keep me going
So you’re quite literally having a halftime orange?Yes
You present the Tommy Tiernan Show in Ireland
which sees you interviewing guests with no idea who’s coming on the show
Will that come in handy here?I did absolutely no preparation for the baking
when you find yourself sitting opposite somebody
you follow a line of thought until a more interesting one comes along
But I think what’s interesting is the familiarity of pressure
I think my central nervous system is addicted to adrenaline
you’ll be jumping out of a plane every day?Or even just risk shoplifting
Whatever gives you a little buzz during the day
and you’d kind of run around a hotel naked
or offer to fly the plane or anything like that
I do tend to drift towards that feeling you get in dreams
I do seem to drift towards those experiences.
What are the strengths and weaknesses you’ll bring with you into the tent?A strength would be not taking it too seriously
And a weakness would be my inability to bake – how about that
Are you a fan of Bake Off?I don’t watch it that much
Even though it was completely out of my comfort zone
in terms of the fact that I’m not incredibly familiar with the shaking the hand thing
it’s nice to be able to put your shoulder to the wheel and help whenever you can
There was a Derry Girls Festive Special in 2019
Did you speak to any of the gang who took part in it
The only preparing I did was fly to England
it’s not as big a deal as it is for some?I don’t watch it as often as my wife and kids do
Maybe you’re coming in a bit more breezily than the people who are really struck by it
The only time I’ve ever been really struck by where I was
was when I was in an episode of Father Ted
Being in the sitting room on Craggy Island
that’s where Mrs Doyle goes in and out.” For this
I don’t need to be more nervous than I am.
Do you feel a little bit more pressure because your wife and kids are fans of the show?They keep encouraging me to be awful
They’re quite happy to sit there and laugh at you?Yeah
I’m not flying the flag for the family or the nation
Any my wife seems quite pleased that my ineptitude will finally be seen at an international level
So they can see what she has to put up with
What’s the worst thing you could be asked to make in the technical?Oh Jesus
Anything to do with folding sponges or designing swirls
My idea of a technical now would be where to place fruit on a slice of bread
I’m hoping my ineptitude isn’t offensive to fans of the show
Is it an intimidating moment when you look up and see Caroline and Paul studying you?No
what was incredible was seeing what the other three guests were baking
I was really blown away by their imagination and skill
And it was a bit weird when Paul and Caroline came down to taste what I had made
But it’s probably good for the ego to be treated like that every now and again.
I’ve abandoned all notions of winning a long time ago
But I would be ferociously competitive otherwise
Why is SU2C important to you?Because I feel like it is a wonderful
and we need to do all that we can to stay in it for as long as we can
And whatever amount of help you can give in order for people who are seriously unwell to fight that
and there are positive things we can do to encourage one another to keep fighting the good fight
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 that brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research
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The MU represents and advises musicians working across the music industry
From individual music sector to touring abroad and advice for music users
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We also provide contract templates and specimen agreements
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you can access music career advice and events designed to assist you in developing your career
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We are delighted to announce a new agreement between the MU and Buxton International Festival (BIF)
detailing how its musicians will work as well as the minimum fees they will be paid
The Musicians’ Union has met with Buxton International Festival (BIF) to put together an agreement for its freelance players
The agreement details how musicians who are engaged directly by the festival will work
as well as the minimum fees they will be paid
says: “The creation of the Buxton International Festival Orchestra and the agreement with the MU
which is now incorporated into the suite of collective agreements that employers and engagers have with us
is an exciting and most welcome development for the Festival
the MU and the musicians that will perform in Buxton’
"The launch of a festival orchestra marks a new and exciting chapter for Buxton International Festival” comments Michael Williams
“Working alongside our colleagues in the Musicians Union
this initiative enhances our ability to support UK freelance musicians while further enhancing the quality of our world-class opera productions.”
View the new agreement
Over 11,000 MU members are live performing musicians
Whether you are playing at music festivals
performing at events or busking in the streets – MU membership is essential for your protection and career progression
Explore all membership benefits
Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London
uses recent campaigning at Welsh National Opera as a case study to explore how empowering orchestral musicians in the workplace can drive change — serving as a practical introduction to workplace activism in the sector
Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement
following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation
Northern Ballet management continues to use non-union contracts for some performances
members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra took to the stage on opening night of Peter Grimes on Saturday 5 April
to address the audience about the need for better funding
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Nestlé Waters Buxton welcomes Jon Pearce MP
visited the Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages bottling site in Buxton for the first time since his appointment in 2024
Mr Pearce was hosted at the site by Hannah Phillips
who was recently appointed as Managing Director for the business in the UK
The visit included a guided tour of the site
where Buxton natural mineral water and Nestlé Pure Life spring water are bottled at source
Mr Pearce had the opportunity to talk to factory employees and learn more about the work the company is doing across responsible water stewardship as well as supporting the local community
Operating in the heart of the Peak District
more than 200 employees make up the Waters & Premium Beverages site in Buxton
with 63 per cent of employees living locally
Factory Manager of the Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages site in Buxton
said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Pearce to the Buxton site
The visit was a great opportunity to highlight how we are investing in people and building competency through a number of initiatives
including apprentice and graduate programmes
We proudly showed Mr Pearce around our state-of-the-art bottling plant and automated distribution centre
We are passionate at Buxton to build inclusive and diverse teams
focused on delighting our consumers so they can enjoy our products all over the UK.”
Nestlé aims to halve its carbon emissions by 2030
and good water stewardship is supporting this journey
the Buxton site achieved the Alliance for Water Stewardship certification at the highest available
recognising the site’s dedication to responsible water management and collaboration on shared needs of the water catchment area
the site was recertified at platinum level
Managing Director of Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK
added: “Our team in Buxton work hard to invest time and resources into this area
and it was a pleasure to showcase this to Mr Pearce
This includes working with local organisations
and re-route the River Ecclesbourne back to its original channel to promote biodiversity
Working with the Moors for the Future Partnership
we’ve supported enhancing Combs Moss peatland to slow the flow of water from the moor and help mitigate the risk of flooding downstream
These are really great examples of the work we’re doing to help achieve a positive water impact where we operate.”
said: “I drive past the site every week so it was great to actually go inside
Nestlé is such an important local employer - being the custodians of our great Buxton water
Visiting the plant gives you a whole new perspective on the scale and precision that goes into producing something we often take for granted
It was fascinating to see the technology at work and hearing directly from the staff about their roles and experiences
Their focus on local employment and their support for apprenticeships and graduate programmes is really welcome
It was also great to hear about their commitment to the local community and to conserving water through projects like the collaboration with Moors for the Future Partnership on Combs Moss.”
Member of Parliament for High Peak; Hannah Phillips
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