93 m. ago UK grassroots music venues show lowest decline since 2018 as sector stabilises post

The number of small venues shrank by just nine in 2025, but more than half of them reported making no profit, while employment in the sector dropped almost 22%The number of grassroots music venues (GMV) in the UK shrank in effect by just nine in 2025, the lowest rate of annual decline since 2018.Thirty venues closed permanently between July 2024 and 2025 and 48 ceased functioning as GMVs, citing financial viability, change in ownership and eviction or redevelopment. However, 69 spaces that had previously ceased operating as GMVs returned to the sector. Continue reading...

Culture

3 h. ago Dramatic red squirrel jump pictures captured by wildlife photographer

The jaw-dropping action shot of a red squirrel flying through the air like a comic-book hero has captured a split second of pure wildlife magic.

Events

4 h. ago Suspicious item found in Bristol home after terror arrest as residents evacuated

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to join proscribed organisation Daesh during a pre-planned police operation in Horfield

Events

4 h. ago Starmer’s ‘keep calm and carry on’ strategy on Trump seeks to protect UK

Prime minister hopes for ‘pragmatic’ solutions, while US president drops one diplomatic bomb after anotherIn his account of Tony Blair’s years in power, the New Machiavelli, Jonathan Powell sets out two opposing strategies for any British prime minister in dealing with their counterpart in the White House.The first, he says, is “cutting a bella figura” by openly criticising the US president, for which he gives the example of the French. The other, and the approach preferred by Powell, is to do diplomacy in private and build a close relationship, in the hope of having greater influence. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Starmer’s ‘keep calm’ Trump diplomacy bets on influence over popularity

Prime minister puts faith in ‘pragmatic’ solutions, while US president drops one diplomatic bomb after anotherIn his account of Tony Blair’s years in power, The New Machiavelli, Jonathan Powell sets out two opposing strategies for any British prime minister in dealing with their counterpart in the White House.The first, he says, is “cutting a bella figura” – parading for show – by openly criticising the US president, for which he gives the example of the French. The other, and the approach preferred by Powell, is to do diplomacy in private and build a close relationship, in the hope of having greater influence. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Arne Slot drops Mohamed Salah selection hint as Liverpool forward returns

Salah has not started for Liverpool since criticising Slot following the draw with Leeds in early December.

Politics

5 h. ago Arne Slot blindsided by Virgil van Dijk's request for players

Liverpool are back in Champions League action this week following claims that Virgil van Dijk requested a players‑only meeting after they dropped more points against Burnley

Sport

6 h. ago Prosecutors seek to drop child abuse charges against Atlantic City schools superintendent

Prosecutors say they won't proceed with a child abuse trial against Atlantic City’s superintendent of schools

Events

6 h. ago Watch: Police officer chases wanted man on horseback through town centre

'Ever wondered if we’ll pursue you on horseback? Well, the answer is YES....'

Events

6 h. ago Biodiversity collapse threatens UK security, intelligence chiefs warn

Ecosystem destruction will increase food shortages, disorder and mass migration, with effects already being feltThe global attack on nature is threatening the UK’s national security, government intelligence chiefs have warned, as the increasingly likely collapse of vitally important natural systems would bring mass migration, food shortages and price rises, and global disorder.Food supplies are particularly at risk, as “without significant increases”, the UK would be unable to compete with other nations for scarce resources, a report to ministers warns. Continue reading...

Events

6 h. ago Nervous rex: the Davos elite brace for Trump and his dinosaur diplomacy

Leaders of EU, France and Canada stake out positions on Greenland ahead of US president’s speech to World Economic Forum“There’s no diplomacy with Donald Trump: he’s a T rex. You mate with him or he devours you.” Debate at the World Economic Forum annual meetings high in the Swiss Alps is usually scrupulously polite, but as this year’s gathering got under way in Davos on Tuesday, California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, had this blunt advice for handling the week’s star speaker.The US president was yet to arrive but throughout the blond wood congress centre the hottest topic among the global elite of business and politics – on and off conference stages – was Trump’s intemperate attack on European allies, threatening punitive tariffs if they fail to let him annex Greenland. Continue reading...

Politics

7 h. ago How old is Coronation Street’s Will Driscoll actor Lucas Hodgson

Coronation Street's Will Driscoll character is at the centre of a harrowing grooming storyline - but how old is actor Lucas Hodgson-Wale in real life?

Politics

7 h. ago Howard Webb drops verdict on Diogo Dalot horror tackle and VAR failing to award red card

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot was not sent off for a tackle on Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku, with PGMOL chief Howard Webb now providing his verdict

Events

7 h. ago 'Tough' Wales player phone calls emerge as France to drop Six Nations bombshell

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

Sport

7 h. ago Police release images as they investigate alleged assault in Cardiff city centre

They have released images of four people they want to speak to after the alleged incident on one of the main streets in the Welsh capital on New Year's Eve

Events

8 h. ago Harry Styles sends fans into meltdown as he announces new single Aperture dropping on FRIDAY amid his return to music

The singer, 31, announced his long-awaited return to music last week with his first new album in four years.

Politics

8 h. ago Victoria Beckham treats herself to £225k Ferrari amid family feud with son Brooklyn

FORMER Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has bagged herself a brand new £225,000 Ferrari amid her bitter family feud. The 51-year-old was snapped driving off in the lavish supercar last week -just days before her son Brooklyn's explosive social media rant last night. Brooklyn, David and Victoria's eldest son dropped a scathing six part statement about...

Economics

8 h. ago Boy, 16, is crushed to death by tank at Russian display of captured Ukrainian military equipment

The tragedy unfolded in the Russian city of Yakutsk on Tuesday after the 16-year-old was pinned down by a heavy, movable metal component inside the tank, killing him instantly, Mayor Yevgeny Grigoryev said.

Events

8 h. ago Ten per cent drop in people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in North Lanarkshire over past 12 months

North Lanarkshire Jobcentres are gearing up for a busy and exciting year, with plans to expand its support for jobseekers, strengthen partnerships with local employers, and deliver more opportunities across the community.

Politics

8 h. ago Guildford leisure centre staff 'tried to save schoolboy's life after horror stabbing'

Police said a 15-year-old boy, who has not yet been named, was stabbed to death in Guildford on Monday night, and that officers and members of the public desperately tried to save his life at the scene

Events