14th May 2026

Thursday 14th May 2026 – Guardian Review

MasterChef buzz, a fundraising football story, Neighbourhood Weekender and a West End trip
Cheshire’s Mix 56’s Paul Smith catches up with Gareth Dunning, Editor of the Warrington & Knutsford Guardian, for this week’s round-up from across the patch.

Frankie Dunn heads into the MasterChef kitchen

Warrington’s in the spotlight tonight thanks to Frankie Dunn from Lymm, who’s appearing on MasterChef. The show now has new hosts Grace and Anna, and Frankie is throwing her hat into the ring in the latest episode.

Paul and Gareth are keeping their cards close to their chests on how she gets on, with no spoilers yet on whether it’s a triumph or a flop. They’re hoping she’ll come back with food if she ends up champion. Gareth also gives a nod to Liam, a former Bridgewater High School student who reached the final of MasterChef: The Professionals and went on to have a successful career in the food industry.

• You can catch up with the MIX56 coverage of this story here

Finnley’s story strikes a chord

There’s also a powerful local story about Finnley Atkinson, a Warrington teenager who has been making waves playing football in America. His family is now facing a new challenge after Finnley was struck down by a rare condition.

Gareth says it came out of the blue for someone who seemed so fit and full of life, and the family is working hard to raise money and awareness. It’s a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how important community support is in moments like this.

• You can catch up with the MIX56 coverage of this story here

Fundraiser at Alford Hall Sports & Social Club

There’s a fundraiser taking place tomorrow night at Alford Hall Sports & Social Club in support of Finnley. Tickets are still available, and Gareth says it should be a brilliant evening if people can get along.

Neighbourhood Weekender returns

Summer’s edging closer, which means festival season is nearly here – and Neighbourhood Weekender is back next weekend in Victoria Park.

If you’ve driven past recently, you’ll have seen the setup work beginning, with barriers going up and Parkrun paused this week and next while the site is prepared.

The line-up is a big one: Kaiser Chiefs, Blossoms, Mel C, Richard Ashcroft and, for the 80s fans, Human League on the Friday night. There are still tickets left, so there’s something for everyone if you want live music right in the heart of town.

Pauline Quirke Academy heads to the West End

Finally, the students of the Pauline Quirke Academy, based in Appleton and meeting at Bridgewater High School, are off to London for a West End performance at His Majesty’s Theatre. That’s an incredible opportunity for local young performers to appear alongside stars on one of the biggest stages in the country.

Gareth says the academy gives youngsters brilliant opportunities, and this one will be a huge moment for everyone involved. There’s also a quick shout-out for Owen Cooper, whose success in Adolescence continues to shine, with Gareth noting that he’s picked up more awards and is still right in the middle of his GCSEs.

That’s this week’s Warrington & Knutsford Guardian Review on Mix 56 – back next week with Paul and Gareth.