The weather is forecast to be up to 27C this weekend, so why not head out to the beach?

It was a wet and miserable start to the week, but this appears to have made way for a scorching bank holiday weekend. The weather forecast says that parts of Cambridgeshire will be 25C to 27C between Saturday (May 23) and Monday (May 25).

With such nice weather, a beach trip may be on your mind. One place people in Cambridgeshire may want to venture to, is Aldeburgh Beach in Suffolk.

Only an hour and 48-minute drive from Cambridge, the beach has been called a “favourite day out to the seaside” by The Suffolk Coast. The beach is mainly shingle and pebbles, but it is backed by a pretty promenade and charming pastel-coloured houses.

The beach is popular for its food on offer, especially its fish and chips. Aldeburgh Fish and Chips is regarded as one of the best fish and chip shops in Britain. It has been providing seaside goers with their fish and chip fix since 1967.

Other great food on offer in Aldeburgh includes a handy kiosk at Moot Hall, which sells drinks, snacks and of course ice creams. Nearby to Aldeburgh Fish and Chip shop there is also a range of delis and cafes to try.

Over the years, Aldeburgh has become a favourite place for many. It was once the favourite beach of composer Benjamin Britten, who lived in the town for some time.

It’s said that he enjoyed walking along the beach from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness most days. Today, there is a tribute to him on the beach in the form of a scallop sculpture, created by artist Maggi Hambling.

The beach is dog friendly, however dogs are not allowed on it between May and September.

James believes it is important that the event provides “something for everybody” which is why the convention focuses on being a holistic, fun day out for families

The organiser of the Belfast Tattoo Convention has urged first-time visitors to come and see what it is like for themselves, as they pride the annual event on offering ‘something for everyone’.

The third instalment of the Belfast Tattoo Convention is due to take place over June 5, 6 and 7 at the Europa Hotel. The popular show will see several thousand people pass through over its three days, with the convention’s founder saying it is “not just for tattoo lovers.”

If you have ever wondered what a tattoo convention is like, the Belfast event next month will be the perfect opportunity for you to find out. James Conway, 36, from Lurgan, launched the event in 2024 after identifying a market need. He said the city hadn’t had its own convention for some time, despite being home to some “world-class artists.” Attendees can contact artists they want to work with before the event to get tattoos done at the event.

This year, over 150 artists from across the globe will take part in the three-day spectacle, which will feature plenty of entertainment for the entire family. High-profile tattooists will include Chris Crooks, Isnard Barbossa, who was the runner-up of the popular television show Ink Master and Lorena Morato. Alongside the artists will be 25 shops, the Working Class Podcast, a variety of food offerings, including a vegan vendor and children’s entertainment.

James said, “We don’t want guys to think that they should leave the wife and kids at home because we have lots for them to do at the event as well. It is an international convention, so probably over 100 of the artists are from overseas. Every major city has a tattoo convention, and this is a relatively new show that isn’t related to the old one, because for a while Belfast didn’t have a show of our own.

“I’ve been all around the world visiting shows. When we go to other cities, we get treated really well, but we couldn’t return the favour for when people came here because there wasn’t a Belfast convention. A lot of these guys from overseas think we are still in The Troubles, so it is important that we show artists from other countries how beautiful Belfast is. When people come here, they are blown away. The event is a welcoming place for everyone, so we encourage people to come and check it out.

“We have a lot of world-class talent here in our city. This convention gives people a chance to have our own show.It also gives people who live here a chance to get tattooed by artists they normally wouldn’t have access to. We have serious world-renowned artists who are really good business people that are coming over for the event.”

James believes it is important that the event provides “something for everybody” which is why the convention focuses on being a holistic, fun day out for families. A lot of what is on offer will be included in the ticket price; more information can be found by searching for ‘Belfast Tattoo Convention’ on social media. The event will feature different music, three stages of entertainment, a hypnotist, an arcade of retro machines, Julian Simmons and other celebrities.

The shops on offer will include toy shops, a taxidermist, alternative clothing and a variety of food vendors. Some artists at the event will also work with vegan products when creating their tattoos. For children, there will be face painting, a clown, sticker collecting, a sideshow, and a balloon artist. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a free tattoo as part of the convention’s quiz competition.

James said the family-friendly focus is a reaction to the evolution of the tattoo scene. The industry has become more modern in contrast to the images conjured up by some people of old bikers solely being those who are tattooed. Nowadays, he said, there is a cross section of different people who are now artists, including more women, people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The highlight of the show for the artists will be a custom-made belt on offer for the best in show tattoo. The belt will be created by a man who makes them for some of the biggest boxing organisations in the world. James said he is hoping a local artist can take the honours home this year for the first time in the convention’s history.

The show will have disabled access, card and cash facilities, and the option to pay on the door.

For more information about the event or to book tickets, click here.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Rapper Tinchy Stryder was staying in Port Talbot before performing at the In It Together Festival

Staff at a Welsh hotel were left stunned after discovering they had been serving one of the acts performing at a major music festival. British rapper Tinchy Stryder, best known for chart hits including Number 1 and Never Leave You, performed at Port Talbot’s In It Together Festival on Friday, May 22.

What came as a surprise to staff, however, was the fact the rapper had chosen to stay locally for the event, spending the night at Blanco’s Hotel and Restaurant.

According to a spokesperson from the hotel, staff initially had no idea they were speaking to the celebrity musician during breakfast service the following morning.

“He was a guest of the hotel. The morning staff came in to serve breakfast and he just started talking to us in the restaurant,” the spokesperson said. “We didn’t realise who he was at first!”

The spokesperson added that Tinchy was “really friendly” and “very talkative” with staff members. However the biggest takeaway from the encounter was how much he loved the Welsh accent.

“He kept saying how he loved the accents down here,” they said with a laugh.

According to the spokesperson, the rapper was only staying briefly while performing at the festival and had left on Saturday. Stay informed on everything Neath Port Talbot by signing up to our newsletter here

Although staff admitted that they were surprised by the visit, the hotel is no stranger to well-known faces. “A few of the regular people we have down here are people like Rob Brydon and Michael Sheen,” the spokesperson shared. “But, we’d be happy to have Tinchy here again, of course.”

Tinchy Stryder is no stranger to Wales, having previously performed at Swansea’s Escape Into the Park festival as well as NRT Fest in Neath. He joined a star-studded line up at this year’s In it Together festival which boasted acts like Madness, Aitch and Snow Patrol.

Video footage and witness reports suggest the police have taped off a large area from the Asda Express on Oxford Road and the Maldron Hotel on Charles Street.

Witnesses have told the M.E.N. that armed police and around six police vehicles are in the area.

It is also understood that guests are not being allowed in and out of the hotel.

The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.

Kirknewton Primary School has been awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.

Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life.

READ MORE: Livingston jeweller warns Sun Protection Factor could dull diamond’s sparkle

The external assessor noted that the pupils were confident and knew their views were taken seriously, and that they were making a positive difference in school and the wider world. It was noted that there were strong relationships with families, including high levels of engagement with the overall life of the school, and that there was a caring and nurturing environment where values of dignity and respect were valued by all.

Headteacher of Kirknewton Primary School, Kimberley Hughes, said: “I am immensely proud of our school community for achieving the UNCRC Rights Respecting Schools Gold Accreditation. This reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, the passion of our pupils, and the commitment of our wider community.

“Together, we have built a culture where children’s rights are lived every day—and we remain wholeheartedly dedicated to sustaining this high standard for years to come.

“A huge thank you to Mrs Mair and our UNCRC parent and pupil group who successfully showcased all our work during our recent accreditation and represented our school to such a high standard.”

READ MORE: West Lothian councillors to get twice yearly updates on pothole and road repairs

Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter

It can also be lucrative. The groups maintain that the only costs involved are covering donors’ travel (men who donate through regulated clinics receive £45 each time). Yet some mass donors speak openly about their demands for cash, including one who reportedly has 800 children, charging £50 apiece — some £40,000. Reports swirl that repeat offenders donate multiple times in a day and charge travel costs to each recipient, despite them being in the same vicinity; others are said to mix their samples with egg or milk in order to increase the volume they can sell off. Unscrupulous, certainly, and potentially fatal for those with severe allergies. The donor is adamant that “if groups are run by a donor as a private harem, yes, they should be banned.” How many of them fall into that category? “At the moment, 100 per cent. There’s a lot of fake profiles and they’re vouching for themselves, which is terrible… It’s a numbers game,” he adds. “Not everyone falls for it, but enough do.”

Arsenal will be aiming to secure a memorable double with a clash against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final to come next weekend

William Saliba says Arsenal are still “not full” even after winning their first title in 22 years. Arsenal face Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30 as they look to complete an unprecedented Double.

The Gunners are aiming for the first European Cup in the club’s history and Saliba says winning the title will give them even more confidence they can win both. Arsenal defender Saliba said: “It would mean a lot. Now we have started with the Premier League, it is my first one, so I am happy. But I am not full. I want more. And there is a big chance next week in the Champions League, so we have to give everything.”

Saliba believes finally winning the title after three years of finishing second will give them greater belief they can win the European Cup. PSG will arguably start the final as favourites because Luis Enrique’s men are holders but Saliba was talking like a man with a new confidence after winning the title.

Saliba said: “Yeah, of course, it changes something. Because when you win the Premier League, when you win your championship, you have more confidence before you approach this final. So, yeah, we’re positive.

READ MORE: Arsenal outcast gets England call-up 24 hours after Thomas Tuchel named squadREAD MORE: Arsenal transfer state of play as Mikel Arteta to be handed £250m war chest

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

“Now we are champions. Last season we finished second but even when we finished second, we had the good mentality the season after to keep going and it finally paid off. We didn’t give up, we deserve that title, and we will come back again next season to try and win as well.

“When you win a trophy it is positive. We can see everyone is in a good mood, the staff, the players. It is better that you win the league before the Champions League final so now everyone is happy.

“We have one more game in the Premier League but whatever happens we are champions and then we have one week to prepare for Paris.

“I knew it would be hard to win the Premier League but of course for three years we finished second, and it was hard because those first two years we deserved to win the Premier League.

“Every game in the Premier League is so hard, even if you play the bottom team. Finally we won the league and we have to go again next season.”

Arsenal have the meanest defence in the Premier League – just 26 goals conceded in 37 games – and keeper David Raya has won a third consecutive Golden Glove for the most clean sheets. But they will face an awesome PSG attack led by Ousmane Dembele and winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Saliba says that is a challenge they will relish: the best defence against the best attack.

Advertisement

Saliba said: “We have the best defence this season. And when you are the best, you want to play the best so we are so happy to have attackers like this to play against us next Saturday and I hope we will win that battle.

“It is normal that they (PSG) are the favourites because they won the Champions League last season, and now they are in the final again. We have to fight and if we want to change that, we need to win.”

Saliba admits his early days at Arsenal were tough as he was loaned out after first being signed and now he is a Premier League title winner and also dreaming of the World Cup. He added: “We started the season well, but you know the Premier League is long. I started to feel we could do it in March. After the game against Everton, it was clear to me that we would win the league.

Advertisement

“When we came back from the national team it was a bit hard. But we kept going, we believed in ourselves, even after the loss against City. And now we are champions.

“It has been a long journey, up and down, but now I am so happy. I was not always happy when I was on loan and not playing but it is part of the process.

“I kept working hard and I believed I could make it, and for four years I have started for Arsenal and I finished the season with a Premier League, and we have something even bigger next week.

“We have a World Cup coming up. First, we have a final with Arsenal, but we have a World Cup coming up. It’s a good time to show myself and bring everything I have.”

Advertisement

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re cu rious, you can read our Privacy Notice.