Newsworks Speakeasy at MAD//UpNorth
For the last two years, Newsworks — the marketing body for the UK’s national news brands — has showcased the very best of British journalism at its Newsworks Speakeasy at MAD//FEST in London. From vintage fashion shows and delicious food and drink tasters to incisive panels on politics, sport, wellbeing and relationships, we’ve offered a glimpse at what makes news brands so important to millions of readers and advertisers alike.
In 2025, it’s time for the Newsworks Speakeasy to hit the road. Join us on 26–27 February as the Newsworks Speakeasy heads to Manchester for the first-ever MAD//UpNorth.
What’s on at the Newsworks Speakeasy?
Day 1 – Wednesday 26 February
12:40-1:30pm: Feast
Our esteemed panel of top food and drink experts are on hand to guide you through a tasting session of their favourite nibbles and tipples. Attendees will not only pick up some handy tips from our speakers but will also discover the best-kept secrets of Manchester’s scrumptious food scene.
Rob Buckhaven
drinks editor
Metro
Jimi Famurewa
restaurant critic and writer
Mary-Ellen McTague
chef and founder
Eat Well MCR
Cathy Toogood
Manchester travel expert
The Telegraph
4:15-5pm: Newsworks Generations Game followed by drinks
Join us for drinks, key insights from our ‘Youth’ research and our quick-fire news quiz of the year. Watch three media industry legends go up against rising talent from the next generation to see which team had their finger on the pulse of 2024.
Mel Leslie
agency & client relations
Newsworks
Niki West
director of agency and client services
Newsworks
Kate Bradbury
regional deputy managing director
Wavemaker
Yolandi De Villiers
performance manager
Notorious Communications
Jon Kershaw
managing director
PHD Manchester
Howard Parker
agency sales director UK regions, Scotland and Ireland
Reach Solutions
Lily Polak
international account manager
The Guardian
Grace Sharp
planning and partnerships manager
Wavemaker
Day 2 – Thursday 27 February
11.10am-12pm: The News Briefing
Kickstart your morning with a look at the day’s biggest headlines with former Mirror editor Alison Phillips and three top northern correspondents. The panellists will cast their eyes over the top stories, turning their razor-sharp analysis to explain how the day’s national news agenda matters to Manchester.
Liz Hull
northern correspondent
Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday & Mail Online
Constance Kampfner
northern correspondent
The Times
Alison Phillips
journalist and commentator
Stephen Robson
northern correspondent
The i Paper
12.55pm-1.10pm: Youth (Factory stage)
Newsworks research and insight director Heather Dansie presents our latest ‘Youth’ research, exploring how retailers can harness news brands to engage with elusive young consumers.
Heather Dansie
research and insight director
Newsworks
How can you be there?
Want to join us but not yet secured your place? Tickets to MAD//UpNorth are extremely limited. However, click the golden ticket button below and we’ll do our best to get one for you. Alternatively, you can also buy a ticket directly from the MAD//FEST website.
Where is MAD//UpNorth?
MAD//UpNorth and the Newsworks Speakeasy will take place at the Aviva Studios in the heart of Manchester. The venue is easily accessible by car, foot and public transport.
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