People used to think the cathedral was floating above a city
It would be crazy to think that a landlocked county like Cambridgeshire once had places surrounded by water. This was the case for Ely, which was once known as the Isle of Ely.
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When it had this name, the historic city was surrounded by undrained fens and water. As the city stood on a high point of around 85ft, it was only reachable by boat. It was surrounded by water until the 17th century, until the surrounding fens were drained and converted into farmland.
Ely is well-known for its cathedral, and with the city once being surrounded by water, the cathedral had a nickname inspired by this fact. It was known as the ‘Ship of the Fens’ because it stands so high over the city and is also 26m above sea level.
When Ely was surrounded by water, it looked like the cathedral was floating. The cathedral can still be seen from miles away across the fens, from the roads or the railway.
It dates back to AD 672, when it was founded by St Etheldreda. The earliest parts of the building date back to 1083, and it became a cathedral in 1109.
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The cathedral is considered architecturally outstanding due to its scale and style. It was built with a Romanesque style, but the galilee porch, lady chapel, and choir were rebuilt in an exuberant Decorated Gothic style.
Today, the cathedral is popular with tourists, attracting around 250,000 visitors every year. As well as people wanting to look inside the cathedral, there is also a hidden museum inside.
The stained glass museum is tucked away on the first floor of the cathedral. The museum is the only one of its kind in the UK. For anyone who hasn’t yet been to this iconic cathedral, then it may be worth the trip.
York singer songwriter Alistair Griffin’s Ignite Concerts is staging a concert on Yorkshire Day, Saturday, August 1 in York Minster which will see top vocalists perform classic ABBA hits including Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Fernando, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, and The Winner Takes It All.
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The performance will be hosted by Alistair and feature live string accompaniment from Ebor.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the music of ABBA to York Minster,” said Alistair.
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“These songs are loved across generations and deserve a setting as special as this.
“With outstanding vocalists, beautiful live strings, and the incredible atmosphere of the Minster, it promises to be a really memorable evening.”
Alistair Griffin’s Ignite Concerts is set to stage a night of ABBA music in York Minster on Yorkshire Day (Image: Supplied)
He described York Minster as “such a special venue” for concerts, noting the positive feedback from audiences.
He said: “York Minster has become such a special venue for our concerts, and audiences always tell us how magical it feels to hear live music in that setting.
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“We can’t wait to welcome people for what should be a fantastic night.”
Alistair on stage at a previous performance (Image: Marek Strods)
The event follows a series of successful concerts by Ignite Concerts at York Minster and other venues across the region.
Back in 2022 Alistair, who shot to fame on the BBC talent show Fame Academy in 2002, scored a number 5 hit with a track co-penned with his former mentor, BeeGee Robin Gibb.
The comedian had to be ushered off stage just 45 minutes into his show at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on the evening of Friday May 1 after a “potentially suspicious bag” was found.
A full evacuation took place and West Midlands Police has confirmed that a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax.
The Utilita Arena has now confirmed that tonight’s Peter Kay show at the same venue will go ahead as planned.
The venue had to be evacuated (Image: Social Media)
A statement said: “Following the precautionary evacuation of Utilita Arena Birmingham during Peter Kay’s performance last night, Friday May 1, we can confirm that tonight’s Peter Kay event, Saturday May 2, will go ahead as planned.
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“Following an extensive search by West Midlands Police, no items of a suspicious nature were found, and the building was determined to be safe.
Officers outside the venue (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)
“West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place.
“We would like to thank the attendees of yesterday’s Peter Kay event for their cooperation, which secured a swift and safe evacuation.
“Ticket holders for yesterday’s Peter Kay performance will be contacted with the next steps from their original point of purchase.”
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The venue was packed last night (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)
Witnesses said two members of staff came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the performance, whispered into the Bolton born comedian’s ear, and then escorted him off.
In an update on Saturday morning, a West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night, no items of a suspicious nature were found.
Police were called (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)
“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our inquiries continue.
“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”
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Steve Aspinall, who was at the gig with his wife, told the Press Association: “Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side.”
He said the audience was told to look for security guards and listen out for any announcements.
“To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first,” Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon, said.
“It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening.
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“But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”
The world champion started from pole and was never under threat as he took the chequered flag almost four seconds ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who started second, again paid the price for a poor start to cross the line in fourth, before he was hit by a five-second penalty for track limits to finish sixth. The Italian’s early lead in the standings was therefore cut to seven points by finishing two places behind Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
Norris is now 42 points adrift of leader Antonelli. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a ding-dong battle, with the Dutchman coming out on top as they finished sixth and seventh, Verstappen promoted one place by Antonelli’s penalty.
Not only was the pub popular during World War Two, it has also earned a strong reputation in recent times
A long-lived tradition for many people has been to enjoy a drink at the end of a long day at work. The Plough in the pretty village of Duxford frequently hosted airmen from the nearby Duxford airfield during their breaks between flying Spitfires and Hurricanes in World War Two.
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Duxford Airfield was built during World War One. A key role of its airmen in World War Two included fighting off Luftwaffe attacks on London during the Battle of Britain.
The airfield has since been transformed into Imperial War Museum Duxford, housing extensive collections of aircraft, military vehicles, and hundreds of personal stories of lives impacted by conflict. Visitors at the museum can learn about the aircraft used during wars and watch incredible air shows.
The museum is also only around five minutes away from the pub by car. A visit around the museum followed by a dinner at The Plough sounds like a lovely day to spend steeped in history.
The pub dates back to 1851, so has been frequented by locals and visitors for more than 150 years. Nowadays, the team prides itself on serving homemade pub food and a choice of roast dinners on Sundays. Traditional pub grub including the classic battered cod and chips as well as pie of the day are among the options.
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Pub entertainment and games are also on offer such as darts, crib, cards, pool, and dominos so guests can indulge in some light-hearted competition with their loved ones.
It seems that this pub wasn’t only popular in war times, but it has also earned a strong reputation amongst guests more recently. One guest wrote on Google: “Dropped in after a visit to the IWM, they were very welcoming and friendly. Lots of choice of beers. The food choice was very good, from light bites, rotisserie chicken to pie specials. The portions were huge and absolutely delicious.”
Another wrote: “Wow. If this was our local we’d be here twice a week. Alas we only popped by after visiting IWM for a pint and rotisserie chicken. Super large delicious portions even in the sides, good prices, and craft beers on tap. It’s a must after IWM!”
Angry locals are meeting at the local pub this week to voice their concerns
Richard Evans, Local Democracy Reporter
17:34, 02 May 2026
Residents in a quiet village in rural Wales are angry over plans for a helicopter hangar and two helipads, according to a local councillor.
Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust has submitted a planning application to Denbighshire County Council for the creation of a helicopter hangar, staff facilities, offices, two helipads and parking at the site beside the village of Rhuallt south of Prestatyn.
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The trust is also seeking permission for new access from the B5429 to the site west of the quiet village.
The trust has said the proximity of the site, which is near the A55, is vital to improving response times. It said no adverse noise impact is expected and air ambulances in the UK “routinely operate alongside key road infrastructure without issue”.
But local councillor Alastair Edwards, of Tremeirchion, Cwm, and Waen Community Council, predicts a significant pushback from residents.
Annoyed residents will gather at the White House pub and restaurant in the village on Wednesday evening, May 6, to voice their concerns about the proposed development. Cllr Edwards said those worries relate primarily to noise and safety for road users on the neighbouring A55.
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He said residents fear the location raises serious concerns – particularly its proximity to homes, businesses, and the A55. “It’s right next to ten homes – within 160 metres of the properties – and the noise is going to be horrendous,” he said.
“There will be two helicopters stationed there, a fleet of emergency vehicles coming and going, housing for pilots, restrooms, and a car park. It is a massive development for that site.”
Concerns are also being raised about the potential knock-on effect for drivers on the nearby expressway. “They want it there because they say it needs to be close to the A55, but my other major concern is the rubber-necking effect,” Cllr Edwards said.
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“Helicopters have to take off into the wind; if they are taking off right as drivers are coming down the A55 – which is already a blackspot – it’s going to have a massive impact on road safety.
“It is a terrible idea. We are not against the amazing work the air ambulance does. It is just the site selection.”
Cllr Edwards said the impact on nearby residents and businesses could be severe. “The noise impact will be devastating for local residents, especially for those ten houses and the businesses within a few metres of the field,” he said.
“For example, the White House holds weddings; a project like this will have a massive impact on local businesses like theirs.”
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He also pointed to what he described as a nearby alternative site. “The reason I am opposing this location is that there is already a valid alternative site in Rhuddlan on Rhuddlan Road, where the police helipad is currently disused and being used only for storage and as a dog facility,” he added.
“People are angry. Residents are upset that this development will ruin their quality of life. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty full of agricultural land and they are planning to build right on top of it.”
A spokesman for the Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust responded: “Following seven weeks of community engagement, including a 28-day pre-application consultation, we have submitted a comprehensive, fully evidenced planning application to Denbighshire County Council.
“The application is supported by an independent specialist acoustic assessment which concludes that significant noise effects are unlikely and that no adverse noise impact is expected.
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“As a service that operates by road and by air, a more central location next to the A55 is vital to improving our response capability – and will help us save more lives.
“We are consulting with the highways authority in relation to this. Air ambulance operations across the UK routinely operate alongside key road infrastructure without issue.”
Cardiff signed off their League One campaign with a performance full of attacking intent but riddled with defensive lapses in a 5-4 defeat at Mansfield Town.
Going forward there were flashes of quality, particularly from Tanner and Kellyman, but the backline was repeatedly exposed.
It made for an entertaining spectacle, but one that underlined clear areas for improvement ahead of next season.
This pretty 16th-century pub offers a variety of traditional classics
It is one of those rare weekends many of us particularly look forward to, a little extra time to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with the people we love. This bank holiday weekend is looking like we could have the weather on our side with temperatures reaching 21C in parts of Cambridgeshire at times.
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What better way to spend a day basking in the warmth than at a pub with a crisp drink in hand and a plate of food? The Black Bull in Brampton sits in a pretty village just two miles from Huntingdon and boasts one of the biggest beer gardens in Cambridgeshire.
One of the perks of this 16th-century pub is having all the traditional classics to choose from such as The Bull’s mac ‘n’ cheese, Black Bull’s homemade cottage pie, and a variety of different burger options. Breakfast is served from 9am at the weekends and there is also a roast dinner on a Sunday.
The glowing reviews on Tripadvisor speak for itself. The pub is described as having a “huge beer garden” with “fantastically friendly staff”.
One guest captioned their review as “out of this world food” and continued to say that they “were truly blown away”. The review added: “The food was delicious – such great quality and great value for money! I had the burger and can truly say it was probably the best I’ve ever eaten!”
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Another wrote: “This is our local. We go here quite a bit and it never disappoints. Food is always lovely (chilli beef is one of my favourite things in the world). Always good in the summer with the bouncy castle, BBQ and outside bar.”
‘It’s wild to see how far we’ve come, even from the people rejecting us,’ he said.
‘When you think about it, we came out and just told everyone to be the best version of themselves, that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it,’ he recalled.
‘People booed us out of the building and told us that we suck! What is going on in this jaded world that we live in where you tell people to be the best that they can be, and they say, “Nah, we don’t want to hear that, man, you guys suck!”‘
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Arsenal will hope to pile more pressure on Manchester City in an absorbing Premier League title race when they host Fulham this evening.
The Gunners head into Saturday’s all-London clash at the Emirates Stadium sitting back on top of the table and three points clear of their rivals after bouncing back from consecutive league defeats by Bournemouth and City.
Back on top: Eberechi Eze’s early goal was enough for nervy Arsenal to see off Newcastle last weekend
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A win over mid-table Fulham today would create a six-point buffer to City, who already have a game in hand and travel to Everton on Monday night.
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However, Marco Silva has warned Arsenal that his team are ready to “fight” as they look to cause an upset and boost their bid for European qualification next term, having proven tricky opponents for the Gunners in recent years.
How to watch Arsenal vs Fulham
TV channel: In the UK, Arsenal vs Fulham will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League at 5pm BST, ahead of a 5:30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the game live online via the Sky Go app.
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Live blog: Follow all the action as it happens with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Arsenal correspondent Matt Verri at the Emirates.
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