2 h. ago ‘I get to do whatever I want in the moment’: why more people are going to gigs, festivals and clubs alone

The number of solo festivalgoers has jumped since the pandemic, and even safety concerns aren’t dissuading lone ravers. We speak to some to find out whyFrom solo travel to dining alone, people have increasingly been embracing social activities by themselves in the years since the pandemic – even in the ultra-social contexts of live music and club culture.A recent survey by Ticketmaster found that the number of people who have attended either a weekend or day festival by themselves has risen from 8% in 2019 to 29% this year. Reading and Leeds festival introduced a campsite area for solo attendees this year, joining Download’s longstanding “lone wolf” area, and there are a growing number of social media pages such as London Solo Ravers, and WhatsApp groups such as Untitled Rave Community Project, for people venturing to nightclubs alone. Continue reading...

Politics

21 h. ago Reading and Leeds 2026 Headliners Odds: The 8 favourites to top the bill at the music festival

It’s going to be one of the biggest musical events of next year.

Culture

56 h. ago Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson says he knew Drew McIntyre would become movie sensation

The global superstar said he predicted the WWE fellow champion would not only smash it in the ring but turn out to be a screen legend.

Politics

5 d. ago Reading and Leeds 2026: US pop sensation and rock duo the current favourites to headline next year

Who are the current favourites to be a headliner at next year's Reading and Leeds Festivals, in the run up to Christmas this year?

Politics

8 d. ago Two men charged with prison murder of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins

Convicted child sex offender Watkins was attacked with a knife at HMP Wakefield on SaturdayTwo men have been charged with murder after the death in prison of the former Lostprophets singer and convicted child sex offender Ian Watkins.Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have both been charged with murder and will appear before Leeds magistrates’ court on Monday morning, West Yorkshire police said. Continue reading...

Events

8 d. ago Two men in court charged with prison murder of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins

Convicted child sexual abuse offender Watkins was attacked with a knife at HMP Wakefield on SaturdayTwo men have appeared in court after being charged with the murder of the former Lostprophets singer and convicted child sexual abuse offender, Ian Watkins, in prison.Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, were produced separately and appeared before Judge Dunne at Leeds magistrates court on Monday. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago UFC prospect Mario Pinto on training with Tom Aspinall and the problem with perfection

Exclusive interview: The heavyweight takes on Jhonata Diniz in enemy territory, at a Brazil event headlined by fan favourite Charles Oliveira

Politics

2 w. ago Thomas Frank says it was ‘about time’ Mohammed Kudus shone for Spurs

Kudus scored first goal for Tottenham in 2-1 win at Leeds‘It’s a good start to the season but we need to continue’Thomas Frank admitted it was “about time” Mohammed Kudus scored after his second-half strike earned Tottenham a 2-1 victory at Leeds. The £55m summer signing had not found the net in nine games but his deflected 57th-minute shot sealed an impressive win.Kudus also provided the assist for the opener by Mathys Tel, who notched his first of the campaign, but Noah Okafor levelled for Leeds before Kudus’s strike proved decisive. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Isle of Wight Festival announces iconic band, huge DJ and pop favourite as 2026 headline acts

ISLE of Wight Festival has just announced the headliners for its 2026 extravaganza. The festival, first held in 1968, is much-loved in the UK and typically spans over four days. Featuring a mixture of legendary and up-and-coming artists, fans can expect to see all kinds of musical genres celebrated alongside one another. This is perfectly...

Culture

3 w. ago Housing secretary says work will start on three new towns before election

Steve Reed hails predecessor Angela Rayner as ‘true working-class hero’ and accuses Tories of blocking new homesSteve Reed, the new housing secretary, has said he is “appalled” at the slow pace of housebuilding as he used his conference speech to pledge that work would start on three new towns before the next election.The government wants to build at least 12 new towns and has identified three of the most promising locations at Tempsford, a village in Bedfordshire, Crews Hill on the outskirts of north London, and South Bank in a suburb of Leeds. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Eddy Current Suppression Ring’s electrifying return proves they never really went away

Fifteen years after their last headline show in Melbourne, the cult favourites played a packed out Federation Square on Friday – and demonstrated the definition of timeless It’s Saturday night in August and I’m standing in a packed bandroom at Singing Bird Studios in Frankston, waiting for the return of Eddy Current Suppression Ring. It’s been a long wait. Apart from a couple of festival appearances in 2016, the beloved garage rock band’s last proper headline show was 2010.But earlier this year, smoke signals: a secret set in a Prahran skate shop. A surprise single, Swimming Hole, and a new EP. A one-off at Melbourne’s The Night Cat that instantly sold out. Then the announcement of a free all-ages show at Federation Square on grand final eve, flanked by a couple of small gigs in Anglesea and Frankston. The chat groups go into overdrive. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Reading and Leeds Festival Headliners 2026: Here are 13 acts rumoured to be topping the bill

There are some huge names vying to take the top spots at the twin music festivals.

Politics

3 w. ago UK nurse jailed for killing four patients is denied chance to appeal

Three judges block Colin Campbell’s attempt to overturn his murder convictions at the supreme courtA nurse convicted of murdering four patients and trying to kill a fifth will not be allowed to appeal to the supreme court, judges have ruled.Colin Campbell, 49, was jailed for life in 2008 for killing Doris Ludlam, Bridget Bourke, Irene Crookes and Ethel Hall on orthopaedic wards in hospitals in Leeds. Continue reading...

Events

4 w. ago Pop superstar Adele 'in talks to play 2026 Super Bowl halftime show'

The star turned down the coveted slot in 2016 but is now reportedly preparing for next year’s show

Politics