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Subbuteo World Cup Finals to Be Free for Spectators Thanks to Sponsorship

Subbuteo World Cup Finals to Be Free for Spectators Thanks to Sponsorship

Tunbridge Wells Hosts Iconic Event Celebrating Table Football’s Local Heritage

Thanks to sponsorship, the Subbuteo World Cup Finals will be free to attend for spectators. The event, which will feature players from 32 countries, is set to take place in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, the birthplace of the popular table football game invented by Peter Adolph in 1946.

The finals, scheduled for the weekend of September 20-22, will also include an exhibition and other events. The English Subbuteo Association, organisers of the tournament, announced that the sponsorship from Royal Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Eland Cables will make all events free for the local community and the public.

Alan Lee, chairman of the English Subbuteo Association, expressed his excitement over the local response, saying, “We’ve been inundated with enquiries about tickets, so it’s fantastic to announce that the events will be free for everyone. Subbuteo is deeply embedded in the hearts of Tunbridge Wells, and it’s great that the event is coming home.”

Jeremy Kimmel, the council’s arts, heritage & engagement officer, shared similar sentiments, praising the event’s connection to the town’s history. Eland Cables, the event sponsor, added that they were thrilled to provide an opportunity for the whole community to experience the sport and see the world’s top players in action.

Shortlist for Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Comedy Award Announced

Shortlist for Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Comedy Award Announced

Comedians Craig Hill, Susie McCabe, and Zara Gladman Nominated for Prestigious Glasgow Award

The shortlist for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award has been revealed, with comedians Craig Hill, Susie McCabe, Zara Gladman, Raymond Mearns, Rosco McClelland, and Susan Riddell all in the running for the prestigious accolade. This special award is part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) and is chosen personally by comedy legend Sir Billy Connolly.

The award, which is the only official recognition at the GICF, will be presented at the closing comedy gala on March 30. An independent panel of judges, including Sharon Rooney (Barbie) and 2023’s winner Janey Godley, curated the shortlist. The Big Yin himself, Sir Billy Connolly, will select the final winner.

Comedian Craig Hill expressed his excitement at the nomination, highlighting the personal significance of the award being named after Glasgow’s comedy hero. Raymond Mearns, who hails from the city, said he was “delighted” to be nominated, while Zara Gladman, known for her “west end mum” persona, was “in complete shock” to be included.

The GICF, celebrating its 21st year, is in full swing, with over 560 comedy shows taking place at more than 50 venues across the city. The event has attracted major acts including Frankie Boyle, Frank Skinner, and Elaine C. Smith.

Historic Homes See Decline in Pest Numbers, Says National Trust Report

Historic Homes See Decline in Pest Numbers, Says National Trust Report

Clothes Moths in Historic Properties Decrease Significantly in 2023

In 2023, historic properties under the care of the National Trust saw a significant reduction in pest numbers, with an 18% drop in the number of clothes moths. These pests, which can damage priceless carpets, tapestries, and textiles, had previously seen a rise during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which resulted in an unusually quiet environment for many historic homes.

The conservation charity attributes the decline to improved pest management strategies and a general decrease from the lockdown-induced spike. Alongside clothes moths, the number of various pests has also dropped by 11% compared to 2022. However, the silverfish, which feeds on books, paper, and cotton collections, remains a persistent problem, with numbers up by 6%.

Alexandra Radford, assistant national conservator at the National Trust, explained that the significant efforts from house staff to control moth populations, including additional training and resources, have played a key role in these positive outcomes. Despite the improvement, challenges remain as climate conditions continue to affect insect breeding cycles, making pest management even more crucial.

The report also highlights that unpredictable weather patterns in the UK, particularly warm temperatures and wet conditions, have altered insect breeding seasons, leading to extended reproductive periods for pests. The National Trust is now focused on furthering its efforts to control pest numbers while ensuring the longevity of its vast collections.

Riverdance Announces 30th Anniversary UK Tour

Riverdance Announces 30th Anniversary UK Tour

Iconic Irish Dance Show to Celebrate Milestone with Performances Across 30 Cities

The internationally renowned Irish dance troupe, Riverdance, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary with an extensive UK tour next year. Known for its electrifying performances that have transformed Irish dance into a global cultural phenomenon, Riverdance will visit 30 venues across the UK, beginning in August 2025.

Originally showcased during the interval of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Riverdance quickly became a global sensation. Its seamless blend of traditional Irish music, innovative choreography, and breathtaking performances forever changed the landscape of Irish dance, captivating audiences worldwide.

To mark this significant milestone, the 30th anniversary tour will introduce a new generation of performers who were not even born when the show first began. John McColgan, director of Riverdance, expressed his excitement about the anniversary, stating, “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance… The show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon, continuously evolving yet staying true to its Irish roots.”

The tour kicks off at Swansea Arena on August 12, 2025, and will also visit cities including Sheffield, Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. The tour will culminate with performances at London’s Hammersmith Apollo from December 9 to 14, 2025.

Fergus Fitzpatrick, the principal dancer and dance captain, shared his enthusiasm for the milestone: “Being part of Riverdance’s journey is an absolute honour, and it’s truly a dream come true to perform in this phenomenon.”

Riverdance’s 30th anniversary performances will feature music by Bill Whelan, who won a Grammy for his original Riverdance album in 1997, and will be produced by Moya Doherty. The show’s lasting impact continues to inspire new generations of dancers, as principal dancer Amy Mae Dolan remarked, “I have no doubt that it will continue to surpass our expectations, move audiences, and inspire new generations of dancers.”

The full tour will include stops at Brighton Centre, Portsmouth Guildhall, Bristol Hippodrome, Plymouth Pavilions, and many other iconic venues.

Government Risks Breaking Manifesto Promise on Bottle Deposit Scheme

Government Risks Breaking Manifesto Promise on Bottle Deposit Scheme

Pressure Mounts for Urgent Legislation to Deliver Recycling Initiative Amid Growing Concerns

The UK government faces accusations of breaking its 2019 manifesto pledge to implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) after years of delays, according to a coalition of environmental groups, retailers, and drinks producers.

The DRS, designed to encourage recycling by offering a deposit refund for returned single-use bottles and cans, was first proposed in 2017 and featured prominently in the Conservative Party’s manifesto. However, despite its long gestation, the scheme remains mired in delays, with the government now projecting its launch in October 2025—although some reports suggest it may not be fully operational until 2028.

In a letter sent to recycling minister Robbie Moore, signatories including Greenpeace, Coca-Cola, Keep Britain Tidy, Surfers Against Sewage, and the RSPCA warned that the government risks failing to meet its commitment unless it introduces legislation before the next General Election. They urged for the legislation to be laid before Parliament this spring, stressing that the scheme is essential for improving environmental, social, and economic outcomes across the country.

The letter also highlighted the UK’s growing lag behind other European nations such as Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Ireland, which have already implemented DRS systems. A 2022 survey by Keep Britain Tidy found that drinks containers accounted for 75% of street litter by volume, with the Marine Conservation Society reporting that 93% of UK beaches surveyed contained such litter.

With growing calls for urgent action, the pressure is mounting on the government to deliver on its promise and ensure that the DRS scheme becomes a reality sooner rather than later.

David Raya’s Heroics Justify Bold Arsenal Transfer Decision in Champions League Win

David Raya’s Heroics Justify Bold Arsenal Transfer Decision in Champions League Win

Arsenal’s Goalkeeper Becomes a Fan Favourite with Penalty Saves, Kiwior and Odegaard Shine in Porto Victory

Arsenal’s progression to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 was secured in dramatic fashion, with a penalty shootout win over Porto. The tense match, which had very few clear chances, ultimately saw the Gunners triumph 4-2 in penalties, with David Raya emerging as the star.

Raya, who has had a mixed start to life at Arsenal, proved his worth by saving two crucial penalties, including one from Galeno, who had caused problems for Arsenal in the first leg. His performances this season had raised questions, particularly after Mikel Arteta’s bold decision to sign him over established number one Aaron Ramsdale. However, Raya’s heroics in this match, saving at full stretch, cement his status as a fan favourite and fully justified Arteta’s decision.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with Martin Ødegaard providing a moment of magic to break the deadlock. After skilfully evading the Porto defence, Ødegaard played in Leandro Trossard, whose calm finish gave Arsenal the lead. Ødegaard’s creativity and leadership were key in a match where chances were scarce, and though his potential match-winner was ruled out by the referee due to a Kai Havertz foul, his influence on the game was undeniable.

Another player to impress was Jakub Kiwior, who repaid Arteta’s faith after being given a run of starts in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Kiwior, playing at left-back, delivered his best performance since joining Arsenal in January 2023. His solid defensive work against Porto’s Francisco Conceição and composure on the ball showed that he’s a worthy competitor for a regular spot in the starting lineup.

This victory marked a crucial milestone for Arsenal, who now look ahead to their first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years, with a memorable win that combined heroics from Raya, leadership from Ødegaard, and resilience from Kiwior.

Thierry Henry’s Bold Penalty Shootout Prediction Stuns as Arsenal Triumph Over Porto

Thierry Henry’s Bold Penalty Shootout Prediction Stuns as Arsenal Triumph Over Porto

Arsenal Legend’s Swagger Precedes Dramatic Win with David Raya Heroics in Champions League

Arsenal’s penalty shootout victory over Porto in the Champions League was already a nerve-wracking affair, but Thierry Henry added an extra layer of drama with his incredible confidence in goalkeeper David Raya.

The Gunners secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 after Raya saved two penalties, with his second stop, a crucial save from Porto’s Galeno, sealing the win. However, in an unexpected twist, club legend Henry wasn’t even watching when the decisive moment occurred.

While on punditry duty for CBS Sports, Henry, clearly confident in Raya’s abilities, walked away just before the final penalty was taken. “The way he put the ball down, it looked suspicious to me,” Henry explained, adding that he had already decided Raya would save it. As Galeno’s penalty was saved, the Emirates erupted in celebration, but Henry was already heading towards the exit.

Raya, who had also got a hand to Marko Grujić’s earlier penalty, reflected on his performance post-match, admitting that he felt he could have saved a third penalty but was still thrilled with his crucial saves. “We’ve been working a lot on penalties this year, because on nights like this, we need to be really, really good,” he said.

The victory secured Arsenal’s place in the quarter-finals, marking a milestone moment for the club in European competition.

Ship Set to Depart Cyprus with Aid for Gaza

Ship Set to Depart Cyprus with Aid for Gaza

Humanitarian Mission Underway as Ship Prepares to Deliver Food to Gaza Amid Crisis

A ship loaded with humanitarian aid is preparing to depart from Cyprus to Gaza, marking a significant step in addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in the region. The vessel, Open Arms, a salvage ship operated by a Spanish NGO, will tow a barge carrying 200 tonnes of food provided by World Central Kitchen (WCK), mostly funded by the UAE.

The ship is currently docked in Larnaca, Cyprus, about 210 miles from Gaza, with an estimated 15-hour sea journey ahead. The European Commission aims to establish a maritime corridor for aid delivery, with hopes that it will be operational by Sunday. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that the ship would leave within 24 hours, although the exact timing remains uncertain due to security reasons.

This shipment is crucial as Gaza faces severe food shortages and a looming famine, worsened by months of conflict and a lack of proper port infrastructure. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are displaced, and aid deliveries via land checkpoints have been slow, with bottlenecks severely limiting access. This sea corridor, alongside other aid efforts like airdrops, is seen as a vital lifeline for those in need.

Havertz Shines as Arsenal Battle to Top Premier League Table

Havertz Shines as Arsenal Battle to Top Premier League Table

Gunners Fight Through Difficult Match to Secure Vital 2-1 Victory Over Brentford

Arsenal’s journey to the top of the Premier League table was far from straightforward as they fought off a determined Brentford side to secure a 2-1 victory, their eighth consecutive win. Despite not playing their most fluid football, Mikel Arteta’s men found a way to clinch the three points, with Kai Havertz emerging as the unlikely hero, silencing the build-up surrounding Ivan Toney.

After weeks of dominant performances, this clash proved a test of resilience for Arsenal, who were facing the pressure of potentially dropping points. Brentford, despite a strong performance, could not hold onto a draw as Havertz’s late goal made it four in as many league matches, showing his growing confidence at Arsenal.

Havertz’s winning goal came in the dying moments after he had earlier missed a good opportunity. His header, from a Ben White cross, proved decisive, a moment which could have been typified by Toney, but instead saw Havertz cement his place as a key figure for the Gunners.

Ramsdale Redeems Himself After Early Blunder

Aaron Ramsdale had a chance to impress in his first Premier League start since November, but his afternoon was marred by a mistake right before the break. A misjudged back-pass saw Yoane Wissa charge down his clearance, almost costing Arsenal a goal. After the mistake, Ramsdale looked rusty but was able to recover in the second half, making vital saves to keep Arsenal ahead, including a crucial stop from Nathan Collins’ header.

Rice’s Advanced Role Continues to Thrive

Declan Rice has been in excellent form, and his performance against Brentford was no exception. His first-half header put Arsenal in front, making it seven goal involvements in his last nine matches – a career-best tally for the 25-year-old. Moving further up the pitch this season, Rice showed his attacking prowess once again, and his second-half effort was unlucky to hit the post. It’s clear that Rice’s best role for Arsenal is further forward, and his recent performances only strengthen this case.

Five Arrested as Thousands March in London for Gaza Ceasefire

Five Arrested as Thousands March in London for Gaza Ceasefire

Pro-Palestine supporters demand immediate ceasefire as they march from Hyde Park to the US Embassy.

Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), the protest followed months of violence after the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7. In retaliation, Israel’s continuous airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with both sides suffering devastating losses.

Carrying Palestine flags and placards reading “stop the war on Gaza” and “ceasefire now,” protesters marched from Hyde Park Corner to the US Embassy. Chanting slogans like “Free Free Palestine” and “What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now,” the demonstrators made their voices heard.

The Metropolitan Police reported that five individuals were arrested during the event. Two men were detained for allegedly chanting offensive slogans, while a woman was arrested for holding an inappropriate placard. A further two men were arrested for separate public order offences—one carrying a shield and wearing a helmet, and the other for assault.

Despite the arrests, the police reported no significant disturbances during the march, which attracted a large turnout. One participant, speaking on behalf of the campaign, urged the government to send a “strong, peaceful and loving message” in support of a ceasefire.

The march also coincided with International Women’s Day, with female volunteers from Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA) joining the demonstration to highlight the Palestinian genocide as a gendered issue. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowd, condemning the ongoing bombing in Gaza and calling for a halt to arms shipments to Israel.

Labour MP Apsana Begum also took part, reminding the crowd that women’s liberation must include the liberation of Palestinian women.

Amid the large protests, the cost of policing related demonstrations in London has risen to over £32 million, according to the Metropolitan Police, who reported that 35,464 officer shifts were involved in the operations. A counter-protest, organised by pro-Israel supporters, also took place on the same day in Victoria, central London.