After coming out on top in a dramatic final in Qatar four years ago, Argentina are seeking to become only the third nation ever to win back-to-back World Cups, following the Italy team of 1934 and 1938, and the great Brazil outfit of 1958 and 1962.Spain were first to book their place in the World Cup 2026 final after beating pre-tournament favourites France in Dallas on Tuesday thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.As such, La Roja have the chance to complete a second European Championships and World Cup double, 16 years on from achieving the feat.Date, kick-off time and venueSpain vs Argentina is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Sunday, July 19, 2026.The match will take place at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.Where to watch Spain vs Argentina for FREETV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1 and BBC One, with coverage starting at 6.45pm and 7pm BST respectively.Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer and the ITVX app as well as both channel’s websites.Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer / ITVX app and their websites.Spain vs Argentina team newsSpain came through the France game largely unscathed in terms of injuries and have a clean bill of health heading into the final. Nico Williams has come off the bench in the last two games, so will be pushing for a start at the expense of Alex Baena.Lamine Yamal missed training ahead of the final, though, and after he was spotted with strapping on his left thigh, it remains unclear whether he will be fit to feature.In midfield, Barcelona’s Pedri has been dropped for the last two games and there’s no guarantee he will earn a recall with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz impressing against France.Nico Williams is yet to start a game at the World Cup for SpainAFP/GettyGoalkeepers: David Raya, Joan Garcia, Unai SimonDefenders: Marc Pubill, Alex Grimaldo, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc CucurellaMidfielders: Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Gavi, Alex Baena, Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, PedriForwards: Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Yeremy Pino, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Victor Munoz, Borja IglesiasLionel Scaloni’s substitutions against England made the difference in their comeback win, with Martinez taking all the headlines with the all-important winning goal in stoppage time.However, it must be noted that Nicolas Gonzalez and Rodrigo De Paul, in particular, helped changed the game and therefore they could be in contention to start the final.Impact: Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to score Argentina’s winner against EnglandGettyGoalkeepers: Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano MartinezDefenders: Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel MolinaMidfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo FernandezForwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro MartinezSpain vs Argentina predictionSpain have quietly gone about their business all tournament and were mightily impressive in the semi-final win over France.However, this Argentina team just has a knack of producing when it matters in the big moments, thus making this a difficult one to call.The fact that retaining the World Cup has only been done twice before shows how hard it is to do, but we think Argentina will make history as Lionel Messi bows out on top.Head to head (h2h) history and resultsSpain vs Argentina match oddsWe aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK’s best online gambling companies.Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
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Spain vs Argentina: World Cup final prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
BLOG: Putting Children and Young People First. – Liverpool Express
Liverpool’s children and young people are at the heart of the city’s ambitions, and this week’s ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement for Children’s Services marks a significant milestone in that journey. In this blog, Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, reflects on the transformation of the service over the past three years, the investment made in staff and families, and why the city remains committed to building an even brighter future for its youngest residents.
“When I became Cabinet Member for Children’s Services just over three years ago in the wake of an ‘inadequate’ rating from Ofsted, I sat down, in the autumn, with our new Corporate Director, Jenny Glennard, and we agreed that it would be a 3-to-5-year journey to get to delivering really good services.
“Last week’s “Good” judgement for Children’s Services reflects the remarkable progress that we have made.
“Being branded ‘inadequate’ is much more than just a few negative news headlines. It floors the entire workforce, and so a lot of what we had to do, aside from fixing the structural things and strengthening the team, was to lift morale and show our teams that it wasn’t a direct reflection on them. Our staff are passionate and invested in our children and we needed to recognise and value that commitment.
“We did that by investing in the workforce, hiring new social workers to reduce caseloads, investing in training and development, delivering visible leadership and improving communication.
“The inspection recognised the relentless pace and scale of change across the service, highlighting “tangible improvements across all areas of practice” that have been achieved for some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable children.
“This achievement is not the result of one initiative alone. It reflects a city-wide commitment to ensuring that children and young people are at the heart of decision-making and have the support they need to thrive.
“Ofsted recognised several key improvements that have been made since our last inspection in 2023, one of which is that we’ve made a huge shift in our workforce from predominantly temporary agency workers to permanent staff. This is hugely important – you wouldn’t staff a school with supply teachers, and you can’t do it with social work. Staff need time and space to build relationships with the children in our care to earn their trust.
“We spent a lot of time in the early days going to social work recruitment events to sell our vision of Children’s Services. And it has paid dividends. We have gone from four out of five staff being agency workers in 2023 to 16% today. This really is bucking the national trend when councils across the country are struggling with a recruitment crisis. Delivering such a drastic change here in Liverpool really has made all the difference.
“It means children and young people have consistency with the professionals who are supporting them, rather than having to get to know someone new every few months and having to tell their story all over again. It also shows that professionals have seen the changes in Liverpool and want to be a part of it. We’ve seen large numbers of staff returning who left us before or after the last inspection, and new faces, and people wanting to start their career with us and really make a difference to children and young people in this fantastic city.
“Investment in early help and family support has also been central to our journey. The city has delivered 12 Family Hubs, providing a one-stop shop for coordinated support services within communities. These hubs help families access the right support at the right time, reducing barriers and strengthening outcomes for children.
“But social care is just one element of our commitment to supporting our young people.
“We are also tackling inequalities through programmes that support health, wellbeing and enrichment. In 2025-26, Liverpool commissioned 85,758 Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) places, benefiting 9,389 children and young people with healthy meals, play opportunities and enriching experiences.
“Free leisure centre passes are now available for all children aged 8-17, supported by more than £5 million of investment in leisure facilities across the city.
“Alongside this, youth service funding has doubled, providing an additional £1 million for community-based youth work.
“And, since 2022, the city has been working towards becoming recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City and our Ofsted judgement shows we’re on the right track. This prestigious recognition would acknowledge the measurable progress Liverpool has made in championing children’s rights and creating a city where every child can grow up in an environment that is safe, clean, nurturing and full of opportunity.
“But we are not complacent. We know there’s still more to do for care leavers. We’re working hard to deliver our new Care Leaver’s Hub to ensure they can access the right support for them in a familiar place and ensure they have the tools they need to strive in adulthood.
“A ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement is an important milestone, but the city’s ambition remains clear: to continue improving services, championing children’s rights and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed so that, next time we are inspected, we are judged to be one of the best performing services in the country.”
Man jailed for nine years after raping woman he befriended in Bedford city centre
A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford city centre before taking her to the house where he was staying and sexually assaulting her. Robel Gebremariam, 25, targeted the woman in the early hours of 6 July 2024 after spotting her walking through Greyfriars. Bedfordshire Police said Gebremariam walked alongside the victim before taking her to a nearby shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol. He then booked a taxi and took the woman to the address where he was staying, supplying her with more alcohol before raping her.
Victim reported attack
The victim reported the rape to police shortly afterwards, prompting an investigation by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Team. Officers carried out extensive enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage and gathering intelligence, which led to Gebremariam being identified as the suspect. Following a four-day trial earlier this year, Gebremariam, of Dudley Street, Bedford, was found guilty of rape.
Nine-year sentence
Appearing at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, July 14, the 25-year-old was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. He was also handed a one-year extended licence, meaning he will remain under supervision after his release from prison. Bedfordshire Police said the conviction followed a thorough investigation by specialist detectives, who worked to gather the evidence needed to secure justice for the victim. The force continues to encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual offences to report incidents, assuring victims they will be supported throughout the investigation process.We are your go-to destination for breaking UK news, real-life stories from communities across the country, striking images, and must-see video from the heart of the action.Follow us on Facebook at for the latest updates and developing stories, and stay connected on X (Twitter) the for live coverage as news breaks across the UK.
Northampton’s phenomenal multi million pound soft play which employs 110 people and attracts thousands of visitors from miles around gears up for summer holidays with reduced price tickets for families
The owner’s of Northampton’s biggest soft play are busy preparing for welcoming thousands of people through its doors this summer following the Government’s announced of its VAT saving scheme.The powerhouse that is the Riverside Hub, in Carousel Way, first flung open its doors to the public on August 21, 2013 by Valentina and Ellis Potter who for the past 13 years have lovingly made it the huge success it is today. A summer of fun at the Hub awaits with the Government reducing VAT which will be based on to customers to make savings on a family day outHaving spent months visiting existing indoor play centres and making a list of their likes, dislikes and ideas of their own, that was when they secured the massive empty space of a unit within the Riverside business park. The pair remortgaged their home, borrowed money from family members and threw everything they had into reaching the million pounds they needed to make their vision a reality.The aim for Riverside Hub was always not just to be an indoor play centre, but somewhere unique and unlike anywhere else.Fast forward to to the summer of 2026, the ginormous soft play has seen around five to six million pounds worth of investment and a wage bill alone of £125,000, figures which Ellis describe as ‘quite scary’. The couple currently have a 110-strong team of staff both full and part time, as well as various sub-contractors they bring in when needed. When the Chron asked Ellis if he ever imagined the Hub would be as successful as it is today, he said: “Not really, no. We thought it could do okay, but we keep on investing and our catchment areas keeps getting bigger and bigger because we have so much here. We regularly have people travel for two hours or more to get to us.”The play centre attracts a phenomenal amount of visitor numbers per month from the lowest of 17,000 in June to 42,000 in December. Ellis said: “We love what we have created here and it’s very flattering when people tell us they have travelled a long distance.”People who live in Northamptonshire must think that all play centres are like the Hub, but to be honest we’re a bit of a unicorn. Nowhere else spends the silly money that we do on new features all the time, but amazingly, it works and we’re still in business 13 years later and looking forward to the next 13!”Ellis describes wife Valentina as the brains behind the incredible special touches that make the hub so unique.He said: “Valentina is probably the most creative person dreaming up and designing play and sensory spaces in the UK. I might sound biased, but I know the indoor play industry well and nobody comes up with the constant stream of good ideas Valentina does.”The hardworking couple work around the clock and have been known to work right through the night on a few occasions, with maintenance teams coming in overnight due to the Hub being a seven day a week operation. Never ones to sit still, Ellis and Valentina are constantly looking to the future and the next investment. New areas will be opening up within a few months with plans for ‘visually exciting walk-throughs’, a beautiful giant tree that comes to life at Christmas as well as new sensory and play areas.Ellis explains: “We spend a high six figure sum on new play features each year. As long as people keep visiting we will keep on improving.”To begin with the parking was a ‘free-for all’ which would cause uncertainty for customers but now with a pre-booking system in place, visitors know exactly whether they’re able to paid or not.The moved was described as a ‘huge improvement on the visitor experience’ with Ellis adding: “ In leisure, if you are standing still then you are realistically going backwards, so we must improve.”Ellis states that the whole Hub will look very different in two years from now whilst retaining all the play features that people love.The couple are now prepping for a busy summer ahead as schools begin to break up, boosted by the announcement of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme aimed at family activities and dining experiences.With a reduction in VAT from 20 to 5 per cent, the Hub will pass the savings onto customers meaning cheaper tickets from now until September 1. Continue Reading
REVEALED: Hotspots for invasive Japanese knotweed across Cambridgeshire – here’s where Peterborough ranks and what to do if you find it
If left unmanaged, knotweed can cause damage to buildings, hinder property sales and lead to legal disputes if it spreads across property boundariesThere have been a total of 220 verified sightings of knotweed across Cambridgeshire, with 40 identified in Peterborough according to new research by Invasive plant consultancy Environet.The new research reveals where homeowners and buyers are most likely to encounter the invasive plant.Japanese knotweed spreads rapidly and overwhelms other plants. It hibernates during the winter months before emerging when the ground temperature reaches around 4C.There are 220 verified sightings of knotweed across CambridgeshireIf left unmanaged, knotweed can cause damage to buildings, hinder property sales and lead to legal disputes if it spreads across property boundaries.Knotweed does not reproduce by seed in the UK since all the plants are female, but its root system can extend up to 7 metres laterally beneath the ground and once established, even tiny fragments of rhizome can regenerate into new plants.Cambridgeshire’s top 5 Japanese knotweed hotspots are as follows Cambridge – 40 verified sightings Peterborough – 37 verified sightings Wisbech – 13 verified sightings March – 10 verified sightings St Neots – 8 verified sightings Environet’s map for Japanese knotweed hotspotsHow to spot Japanese knotweed during summer Tall, upright canes which can reach 2 to 3 metres high. Dense clusters of stems emerge from a central crown in the ground. Large green shield-shaped leaves with a pointed tip grow alternately up the stem. By late summer, cone-shaped tassels of small creamy-white flowers emerge on the upper canopy. Environet director Emily Grant said, “Japanese knotweed is now firmly established right across the country, which means homeowners everywhere should know what to look for.“My advice to anyone living, or buying a home, in a Japanese knotweed hotspot is to check your garden regularly during the growing season. At this time of year, an established knotweed plant can be identified quite easily by its hard bamboo-like canes and distinctive bright green shield-shaped leaves which grow in a zig-zag pattern along the stem.“The earlier it’s spotted, the easier and cheaper it is to deal with. Acting quickly with professional advice will prevent it spreading further and help protect both your property and its value.”Continue Reading
James Justin: Every training session comes with pressure – Leeds United
With Daniel Farke’s squad reporting for pre-season testing at the start of the week, the hard yards are being put in as the players get back up to speed with the upcoming season just around the corner.Impressing in a debut term with the Whites last time around was James Justin, making 34 appearances for the club across a variety of positions and now aiming to build on that on the return to Premier League action. “It is exciting to be back with the lads and see everyone’s faces again,” the versatile full-back began, catching up with LUTV at Leeds Beckett University. “It has been quite a long off-season and, yeah, we are ready to get back to work.“I feel like over the last 10 years that I have been around it, it has changed dramatically. Everyone comes back fit and raring to go now. Everyone is in a good place so far and we are excited to get back on the pitches.”It has been a thoroughly enjoyable few months for James who, after playing his part in securing the Whites’ Premier League status, tied the knot at the start of the summer. With the wedding and honeymoon ticked off, attentions very quickly turned to the upcoming campaign’s preparations, with the 28-year-old recharged and raring to go after his time off.“It was amazing, the best day of my life and everything that I had hoped it would be,” he proudly said of getting married. “Football is a big thing but your family is always number one. Making them happy and proud is the most important thing to me. “It was great to have those moments after the cut and thrust of last season. It was nice to just completely switch off from football and take a step back, really.“Every game comes with pressure, every training session comes with pressure, and there is a lot of pressure at such a big club like this. So, it is key to have a bit of time to reset in the summer and hopefully everyone has done so.“I think the first run that they set us was the day after my wedding so a couple of days after that, I was focusing about getting my body in the right place, as well as enjoying time with family and having a bit of time off from the actual graft.”The club have already dipped into the transfer market, securing the services of Wales international Harry Wilson, whose fine season at Craven Cottage saw the forward earn Fulham’s Player of the Season accolade.Discussing the squad’s first new arrival, Justin added: “We know the type of player he is and what he has done over the last few seasons. He is a special player and he has got that quality that it is hard to come by, to be honest. “Hopefully he is a good addition to the squad and keeps us going in the right direction. Obviously, he knows loads of the lads already so I am sure he will bed properly in no time.”Daniel Farke’s squad have reported back for their first week of testing before they travel across the Atlantic for the much-anticipated US Tour this summer, where they will face Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool in three of the States’ most iconic venues.Discussing the upcoming trip, the England international is looking forward to playing once more in front of the Leeds United faithful and hopes a productive pre-season schedule will translate into performances in the Premier League.“Leeds is a worldwide club and hopefully we can have a few fans out there in the US and, yeah, see what it is like, the facilities, and make sure we are training right to be ready for the upcoming season.“Now, we are going to have new goals and we are excited for the upcoming season. The first thing is to get to safety mark. That is the baseline. “Last season was great and we finished 14th. That was a good start but backing it up season after season and growing on things and building things is the most difficult part.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP blasts plans for new North Staffordshire council
A Labour MP says the government’s plan to merge Newcastle-under-Lyme with Stoke-on-Trent in a new North Staffordshire council is ‘completely unacceptable’.Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, spoke out against the final decision on local government reorganisation (LGR) in Staffordshire in the House of Commons on Thursday.Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced that the existing councils in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire would be abolished and replaced with two new unitary authorities in the north and south of the county. The northern unitary will cover Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands.This is part of the biggest shake-up of local government in England since the 1970s, which ministers say will support devolution and result in more efficient and effective local services.Mr Jogee told the Commons that the proposals for Staffordshire did not reflect his views or those of his constituents.More than 11,000 people in Newcastle-under-Lyme signed a ‘save our borough’ petition against LGR, while there is cross-party opposition to a merger with Stoke-on-Trent on Newcastle Borough Council.Reform UK council leader Jonathan Gullis called the decision a ‘betrayal’ while Conservative opposition leader Simon Tagg called for a special meeting to discuss potential legal action against LGR.The borough council, while opposing LGR, had proposed a model involving a separate unitary for Newcastle.
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Mr Jogee said: “The announcement today and the proposals in it are completely unacceptable, and I reject them in the strongest terms. There is nothing here that reflects the views that I have consistently put to ministers, nor any acknowledgement of the concerns received by thousands of local people in Newcastle-under-Lyme.”Can I ask the minister, how he thinks we can protect the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme from the debt held by Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent, and why he thinks any of my constituents should have any faith in these proposals that they don’t want.”Mr Jogee also said that it was ‘utterly unacceptable and a disgrace’ for the government to announce the LGR decision on the day before the summer recess, and four days before Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister. He suggested that is is ‘not too late to stop and think again’.But Mr Reed insisted that residents in Newcastle would benefit from the changes, and gave assurances that Newcastle’s ‘unique heritage and identities’ would be maintained.He said: “It is very important that we get this process moving, because we will not realise the benefits in terms of economic growth, job opportunities and money in people’s pockets, if we keep delaying it.”We need to get it completed in this parliament and we need to get areas ready for the mayoral devolution that will follow.”Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell said he is ‘broadly supportive’ of the LGR proposals for Staffordshire, but raised concerns that the changes could mean a tax hike for his constituents.At the moment, Stoke-on-Trent residents pay the lowest council tax in Staffordshire, with a Band D household in the city being charged £2,183.12 a year, compared to £2,313,24 in unparished areas of Newcastle.
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Mr Snell said: “Is it the expectation that everybody will be harmonised to [Stoke-on-Trent’s] level, or is it expected that my constituents will see a council tax increase to give a council tax cut to some of the wealthiest in the county?”Mr Reed said council tax levels would set by the new unitary authorities.Under the government’s timetable, councillors will be elected to the new unitaries next May, with the authorities taking over from the existing councils in 2028.
Things To Do In London This Weekend: 18-19 July 2026
All weekend
See a Kensington landmark in miniature. Image: Jaron James/Leighton House MuseumWORLD CUP FINAL: Big weekend in football, as the 2026 World Cup comes to a close. The third place play-off match takes place on Saturday (K/O 10pm) followed by the all important final (8pm on Sunday). At time of writing, we don’t know which teams will make it that far in the competition, but check out these London bars, pubs and other venues which are doing screenings.
GREENWICH COMEDY GARDEN: Jack Dee, Sara Pascoe, Jen Brister and Thanyia Moore are on the bill for the final couple of days of Greenwich Comedy Garden, a laughter-inducing festival taking over the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for eight shows across five days. There are street food stalls and pop-up bars aplenty too. 15-19 July 2026LEIGHTON HOUSE MINIATURE: To mark its 100th anniversary as a public museum, a one-twelfth scale miniature of Kensington’s Leighton House is on display for just a few days. Head to (the real) Leighton House to view the 2.5m-wide replica, which showcases the Silk Room, the Narcissus Hall and the Arab Hall in painstaking detail. 15-20 July 2026
GRAYSON THE MUSICAL: Catch the preview run of a new musical comedy inspired by the life and work of Sir Grayson Perry. The show tells the story of one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists — though note that Perry doesn’t appear in the performances — at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. 16-19 July 2026
Jack Dee is on Saturday’s line-up. Image: Greenwich Comedy GardenCLOTHES SWAP: SoLo Craft Fair hosts its first clothes swap in the City, taking over Leadenhall Market for four days. Take along clean and undamaged items from your wardrobe which you no longer need, and swap them for tokens which can be used to collect garments donated by others. Mending and crafting workshops are also part of the fun. 16-19 July 2026
SUMMER SERIES: Lightning Seeds and Thee Sacred Souls, are the headliners for the first weekend of this year’s Somerset House Summer Series, a programme of open-air gigs taking place in the building’s courtyard, continuing into next week. 16-26 July 2026. See other music festivals taking place in London this summer.CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: Over 100 breweries are expected to pour into London Craft Beer Festival, which moves to Southwark Park for 2026. Sample from 800+ different brews from established and newer breweries. All beers are included in your ticket. 17-18 July 2026
ROUGH TRADE 50: Check out the programme for a three-day takeover at Southbank Centre marking 50 years since the first Rough Trade shop opened. The line-up mixes gigs, film, live performance and literature, with highlights including Pulp, Scritti Politti, caroline + My New Band Believe, and a live soundtrack screening of Ken Loach’s Kes introduced by Jarvis Cocker. 17-19 July 2026
Watch Kes, accompanied by a live soundtrack. Image courtesy of Park Circus/Amazon MGMSUMMIT PHOTO: The Royal Geographical Society hosts the three-day Summit Photo featuring talks, exhibitions and practical workshops that look at how photography and filmmaking can drive positive change. Confirmed speakers include Areeba Hamid (Greenpeace), climate change photographer James Balog, National Geographic photographer Bertie Gregory and human rights defender Shahidul Alam. 17-19 July 2026
SWAN LAKE: The State Ballet of Georgia brings Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to the London Coliseum, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in the pit. The production tells the story of Prince Siegfried, Odette and the evil Rothbart, with a 12-performance run. 17-26 July 2026
BBC PROMS: We can’t even type those words without Land of Hope and Glory firing up the record player inside our heads — but that’s Last Night of the Proms, and there’s almost two months’ worth of live music to enjoy before that. For all your info on tickets, highlights, promming and the like, peruse our guide to the BBC Proms 2026. 17 July-12 September 2026
Saturday 18 July
Work out on high. Image: Sky GardenSKY GARDEN PILATES: Begin your weekend 36 floors above London, with a pilates session in the Sky Garden. Women’s fitness platform Shreddy leads today’s session, which is a full-body pilates sculpt session followed by a post-workout smoothie and pastry. 8.30am-10am
GORES BROOK REVIVAL: Help restore the riverbank in Dagenham by joining a community conservation day at Gores Brook. Work alongside the Thames21 team to remove litter and tackle invasive non-native species to help local biodiversity flourish. All necessary equipment, including waders and wellies, is provided on-site, and there are even biscuits and tea to keep you going. FREE, 11am-3pm
ELSYNG PALACE: Discover the royal history of one of Enfield’s most significant Tudor sites. This family-friendly day at the Forty Hall Estate offers a rare chance to watch archaeologists excavating the grounds of Elsyng Palace and examine 400-year-old artefacts uncovered from the site. Younger visitors can join in with a hands-on mini dig in a dedicated sandpit excavation area. FREE, 11am-4pm
FAMILY DANCE DAY: Take the kids along to Family Dance Day, a programme of free performances and interactive workshops at Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury. Aimed at children up to 12 and their families, the schedule includes interactive workshops and live dance performances. FREE, 11am-4pm
JURASSIC JUNGLE: Meet a roaming T-rex, Bumble the Brontosaurus, a Megalosaurus, two baby dinosaurs, and another two dinosaurs which you can climb on and ride, all at Jurassic Jungle at the Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury. The free, family-focused event includes meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and dinosaur encounters. FREE, 11am-4pm
ILLUSTRATORS’ FAIR: Over 100 hand-picked illustrators and collectives sell prints, zines, comics, cards, pins, stickers, ceramics and children’s books at the Illustrators’ Fair in Granary Square. Buy directly from both emerging and established artists. 11am-5pm
Buy direct from artists at the Illustrators’ Fair. Image: King’s CrossWHARFSIDE WATERCOLOURS: Artist Annamaria Antonazzo leads a relaxed afternoon of plein air painting by the water at Royal Albert Wharf. Experiment with watercolour techniques while enjoying live music from Jon Howell’s jazz duo and a provided picnic spread of vegan and vegetarian sandwiches. The session is open to all skill levels, with all necessary materials provided. FREE, 12pm-3pm
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: An outdoor production of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until today, telling the enchanting story of a bitter dispute in the fairy kingdom, and four fleeing lovers who find themselves in an enchanted forest. 12.30pm/7.45pm
FOOTBALL EMBROIDERY: Artist Nicole Chui and the Migration Museum lead an embroidery workshop at the Whitechapel Gallery exploring the intersections of sport, migration and belonging. Take your own football jerseys along to learn hand-embroidery techniques, transforming your shirt into wearable archives of personal heritage and identity. FREE, 2pm-3.30pm
KOKUM GRILL-OUT: East Dulwich Indian restaurant holds a hands-on grilling workshop on its terrace teaching you how to whip up Indian-spiced smash burgers, seekh kebabs and charred sweet potato over live flame. Marinades, charcoal technique, heat zones and flare-ups are also covered in the session, after which you can eat what you’ve cooked. 2pm-5pm
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: Last chance to see The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind at Soho Place, a musical about William Kamkwamba. Based on his book and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s film, the show tells the story of a boy who figures out how to build a windmill to save his village from a devastating drought. 2.30pm/7.30pm
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS: David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Glengarry Glen Ross is at The Old Vic in a production featuring an all-female cast, coming to a close today. Set in a cutthroat Chicago real-estate office, the play charts four salespeople as a brutal competition unfolds. 2.30pm/7.30pm
TRANSATLANTIC FOOTIE FRIENDLY: East London’s fan-owned club, Clapton CFC, welcomes American visitors for a special exhibition match at the Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate. The CCFC Men’s First Team vs New York International fixture offers a rare cross-continental meeting at London’s oldest senior football ground. 3pm
THREADS OF SOUND: Emerging musicians from the Waltham Forest Music Service take over the café at the William Morris Gallery for a summer evening of live performance. The show features local bands playing a mix of original material and covers in the gallery’s ground-floor Deeney’s Café. FREE, 4.30pm-6.30pm
HUW LEMMEY: Radical author Huw Lemmey visits Housmans Bookshop in King’s Cross to celebrate the reprinting of his cult novels, CHUBZ and RED TORY. In a conversation with Juliet Jacques, Lemmey discusses his visceral satires of the last decade, which blend eye-watering sexual potency with a terrifyingly predictive look at British political life. FREE, 7pm-9pm
AFRIQUE EXPRESS: Collective AfroDesi takes over the decks at SJQ in Dalston for Afrique Express, a vinyl-only journey through the sounds of Bamako, Lagos, Abidjan and Kinshasa. Expect a night of analog heat featuring rare Afro-funk, driving Afrobeat and vintage Congolese rumba played entirely from wax. 9pm-2am
POUR IT UP: Unpretentious party vibes take over the upstairs club room at the Old Queens Head in Islington for a late-night session of R&B and hip-hop. Pour It Up features a heavy rotation of club bangers from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Peggy Gou and Burna Boy. 11pm-3am
Sunday 19 July
It’s festival time at Walpole Park. Image: LatinoLifeVINTAGE FAIR: Around 50 vintage traders are selling mid-20th-century furniture, lighting, homeware, posters, maps, books, records and summer fashion in and around Beckenham Place Mansion, as the So Last Century vintage fair returns. Outside, the Beckenham Place Park Food Market offers about 15 food stalls, and the Mansion Bar and Café is open for drinks and snacks. 10am-5pm
CRAFTY FOX MARKET: Crafty Fox brings more than 100 independent designers and makers to The Crossing in Granary Square (King’s Cross) for a one-day summer market. Browse handmade jewellery, artwork, clothing, ceramics and homewares at the free-entry event. 11am-5pm
LATINOLIFE FESTIVAL: The UK’s largest Latin Festival, LatinoLife celebrates its 10th edition at Walpole Park in Ealing. Britain’s only Latina-curated festival offers salsa, reggaeton, samba, jazz, fusion, folk, funk, bolero, tango, hip-hop and more across four stages. 12pm-10pm
SOHO VILLAGE FETE: A tug of war between the police and fire brigade, a best in show where pooches must dress like royalty, and a music stage are all part of the Soho Village Fete. But surely the highlight is the Soho Waiters’ Race, which sees serving staff from different restaurants legging it around the area while balancing a bottle of fizz, wine glass and ashtray on their tray. FREE, 12pm-6pm (Waiters’ Race at 3.15pm)
Entertainment galore at the Soho Village Fete. Image: Peter Clarke/Soho Village FeteCOMICS AND ZINES: Small press creatives and independent publishers gather at Stanley Arts in South Norwood for the fifth instalment of the South London Comics and Zine Fair. Browse a diverse range of graphic novels, picture books, and zines, or head to the room hosted by WIP Comics to discover work from first-time exhibitors. The afternoon also features a free programme of panels and talks alongside an extra-large communal table for sharing new work. FREE, 12pm-6pm
IRISH MUSIC: The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith opens its summer season of live performances with the ICC Concert Session. Host and guitarist Tad Sargent is joined by uilleann piper James O’Grady and flute player John Rynne for an afternoon of traditional Clare tunes and set-dance music. O’Grady, a veteran of Cara Dillon’s touring band, and Rynne, a co-founder of the Ennis Trad Festival, bring a wealth of experience to this intimate session. FREE, 1pm-3pm
SLACKER SHAKESPEARE: The Slacker Shakespeare season continues at the Rio Cinema in Dalston with a screening of 1998 rom-com Shakespeare in Love. Season curator Travis Elborough introduces the film, about the famous playwright overcoming writer’s block when he falls for a woman who disguises herself as a man to appear in one of his plays. 2pm
THE ODYSSEY LIVE: The London Literary Salon presents readings from Homer’s Odyssey, performed by Toby Brothers with actor Jane Wymark at Theatro Technis in Camden. The reading is followed by a Q&A, and brings key episodes such as the Cyclops, the Sirens and Circe to the stage. 3pm-5pm
DIVERGENT BOOK CLUB: Dystopian YA novel Divergent by Veronica Roth is the subject of a special book club at Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham, led by Caitlin Curry from London Girls Book Club. Discussion focuses mainly on the first book in the Chicago-set post apocalyptic series. 5.45pm, followed by a screening of the film adaptation (7.45pm)
The Open set to return to Liverpool City Region at least three more times before 2050
Liverpool City Region leaders have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with golf’s governing body, The R&A to host The Open at least three times in the next 25 years.
As the sport’s biggest names are set to battle it out for Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale this week, the Combined Authority alongside Sefton and Wirral Councils entered into an agreement with The R&A to cement the City Region’s status as a premier destination for major golf championships.
The deal would see the region stage The Open at least three times by 2050 alongside other R&A championships.
Hosting The Open drives up visitor numbers during the Championship and beyond, with an economic forecast estimating a £200 million boost for local businesses and communities from The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale*.🚄
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The Memorandum of Understanding replaces a current hosting partnership with Wirral and Sefton which is set to end after The 154th Open this year and prolongs a long-standing relationship between the region and the Championship’s organisers.
Credit: The Open Championship
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“The Open is one of the biggest prizes in world sport, so securing it for the Liverpool City Region at least three more times is fantastic news. It’s a huge vote of confidence in everything our region has to offer – from our world-class courses and spectacular coastline to the warm welcome visitors receive wherever they go.
“With some of the best golf courses in the country on our doorstep, we are undoubtedly the UK’s golf coast and this agreement cements that reputation for decades to come. Every time The Open comes here, it puts our region on the global stage, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and delivers a major boost for local businesses, jobs and our visitor economy.
“This is about building a long-term partnership that will inspire the next generation, showcase our communities to millions of people around the world and create opportunities that last long after the final putt. We can’t wait to welcome golf’s biggest stars – and fans from across the globe – back to the Liverpool City Region again and again.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said:
“The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and has a unique ability to showcase a destination to a global audience while delivering significant long-term economic and community benefits. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Liverpool City Region, whose outstanding links courses, passion for golf and commitment to hosting world-class events make it an exceptional home for our championships well into the future.”
Find out more on Liverpool City Region Combined Authority website.
Find out more about The Open on our website.Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.‘A big milestone’: Parents wanted for Central Beds Council’s starting school survey
School readiness survey. Image: CBC.Central Bedfordshire parents and guardians are invited to take part in a starting school survey.The council would like to hear about your experience of getting your child ready for their first day.The feedback will be used to help shape future information, advice and support for families.”Please share this post with other parents and carers of three and four year olds to help us hear from as many families as possible.”The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Click here to take part.It will close on Monday, August 24.Continue Reading
