For prolific nightlife operator Steph Kay, the only way for her to enjoy the type of daytime event that she wanted to attend in the Gay Village was to host it and arrange it herself. So she did.

Almost exactly a year ago, the former manager of legendary 90s LGBTQ+ venue Manto and owner of Vanilla, held her first ever Afternoon Delights event at New York New York.

Billed as a ‘gay time disco’, Steph said at the time of its inception that she wanted the event to ‘capture the spirit’ of venues like Vanilla, which was the first lesbian venue in the area and had been ‘all about the music, the vibe, and the freedom’ on the dancefloor.

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Since its launch last July, Afternoon Delights has gone from strength to strength and now often sells out. The party will return to New York New York on Saturday (July 11) from 3pm to 8pm. Whilst online tickets have sold out, Steph said she is making a number of tickets available on the door.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed by the success of it all, to be honest,” Steph tells the Manchester Evening News. “I sold Vanilla eight years ago and ever since then, I’ve had people coming up to me telling me the Village is not the same. When I came up with this idea, I was like, well ‘put your money where your mouth is’ – and, I’m glad to say, they have.”

Steph said the concept of a daytime party came about after she and two friends went out in the Village and realised the concept of clubbing on Canal Street had become more expensive and revolved mostly around the evening.

“We’re older now and we prefer to get home by the time some people are just going out,” she laughs. “One of the best things about Afternoon Delights is that it finishes at 8pm and, for us, it feels like it’s midnight already by that point.”

Whilst it has become big with those looking for a club experience that comes with an appropriate bedtime, the event has also been popular with those who no longer live in Manchester and are looking to reminisce on their time clubbing out in the Village.

“A lot of the people who used to come to Vanilla now have grown up or moved out of Manchester,” Steph explains. “Not everybody can come here for a night out every weekend, but they still want the experience. That’s why we decided to do Afternoon Delights every three months – it becomes a special event and a moment for people, and they can get the train home afterwards.

“We have people who travel from Blackpool just for this event. We’ve even had people come up from Amsterdam as they’ve said there’s nothing like this there. There’s clearly a big interest in it!

“A member of my team recently got proposed to someone who she met at an Afternoon Delights event so we now have our very own wedding on the cards too.”

Steph said that once she had left Vanilla, she had considered herself a retiree of Manchester’s nightlife scene. But when she became frustrated with the lack of offerings in terms of what she was looking from the Village, she realised it was up to her to get an event running.

“I had to come out of retirement,” she says. “If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it properly. I demand the best and that’s how we get the best. I’ve been doing this for 30 years now, so I like to think I know what I’m doing.”

Whilst the event is not directly aimed towards lesbians and queer women, it has attracted such an audience due to Steph’s links to Vanilla. But, she says that it has been great to see the event bring in audiences who are often not always represented within the village – and she hopes it will make other venues see the potential.

“It’s what the Village has been missing,” she says. “There’s not really been anything that has properly taken the space that Vanilla had, sadly. Quite frankly, I don’t think anybody has the balls to do it. Love me or hate me, Vanilla happened because I was confident enough and I had the funds to do it.”

Asked why the village doesn’t really have many lesbian bars or club nights right now, she adds: “I think there is generally a bit of a different approach to clubbing with women. I don’t think people think women want to go out clubbing every night, but somebody’s got to be the first do it, haven’t they?

“With Vanilla, we did loads of events which were hailed as the first one of its kind for the Village. We were the first bar that hosted Black Angel, which was an R&B and Urban night. We also did events tied into Asian music. People followed us at the time, but when we left, nobody really filled that gap.

“But I do also think the approach to the Village is different today. I feel like Manchester is, as a whole, so cool that being gay is not an issue anymore. Most people do not care. With the internet and social media, it’s changed how people go out now.

“That being said, you will always know when Afternoon Delights has taken place because you will see loads of women in one place in the village – something which is still quite a rarity!”

Afternoon Delights will be held at New York New York on Saturday (July 11), tickets will be £10 on the door, and from £7.75 online.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust formed in 2006

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has celebrated two decades since its formation.

On Wednesday, July 1, the Trust marked 20 years since it was first established through the merger of three services: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust, East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust, and Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Simon Chase, Chief Paramedic and Director of Quality at EEAST – who witnessed the 2006 merger first-hand – has worked for the ambulance service for more than 30 years.

He said: “The ambulance service has changed significantly over the past 20 years and continues to evolve, adapt and improve. What has remained constant is the dedication of our staff in serving their communities, many of whom… have devoted decades to the ambulance service and experienced its transformation first-hand.”

One person who has been part of that journey from the very beginning is paramedic Brent Sylvester. Now a Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer (HALO), Brent transferred from Essex Ambulance Service at the time of the merger.

He said: “I love the job today as much as I did when I first started with the Essex Ambulance Service in 1986. You experience both wonderful and difficult moments, but that is all part of the role. Making a difference to patients’ lives, at some of the best and worst times, is incredibly rewarding.”

Brent admitted he had seen much change over the course of his working life: “The ambulance service has changed so much during my career, and the care we provide today is more advanced than ever and continues to improve.”

Since 2006, EEAST has worked in close partnership with the region’s three air ambulance charities: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Magpas Air Ambulance and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance:

Dr Simon Lewis MBE, Executive Medical Director of Magpas said: “EEAST isn’t simply a partner to Magpas Air Ambulance, they’re part of the foundation on which everything we do is built. Operating alongside EEAST crews every single day, our partnership runs far deeper than shared geography; at every level of our organisations, we share a common goal of improving outcomes for patients by providing outstanding pre-hospital care 24/7.

“As EEAST marks this milestone, Magpas Air Ambulance is proud to be part of its story.”

The tournament organisers have issued a statement ahead of the final batch of last-16 fixtures

FIFA has been told it should postpone the World Cup last-16 match between France and Paraguay on Saturday, with the game set to be played in sweltering conditions that could pose a threat to life.

A heatwave has hit eastern and central areas of the United States and is expected to continue over the weekend, with the tournament organisers already forced into making changes to its Fan Festival event in Philadelphia due to the dangerous and potentially record-breaking temperatures expected.

France and Paraguay will face each other in the city at 5pm on Saturday, with the head index – which includes humidity – expected to be between 37C and 46C at the uncovered Philadelphia Stadium.

Under FIFA’s current heat guidelines, any match could be postponed if the wet bulb temperature – accounting for heat and humidity – reaches 32C.

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With rising concerns for the safety of players, officials and fans, the governing body has been urged to postpone the match and delay kick-off until the evening, when temperatures will be slightly cooler.

One critic added that playing the fixture as it stands puts those involved at “unnecessary risk”, with a postponement of just a few hours making conditions “considerably more playable”.

Director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Bahart Venkat, told the Associated Press: “When you’re exerting yourself on a particularly hot day, the likelihood of experiencing heat related illness or even death is much higher.”

He added that players’ decision-making could also be negatively impacted by the sweltering temperatures.

This year’s World Cup matches have featured mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half.

While they have been criticised for disrupting the flow of games, they have remained in force to protect players from extreme heat illness.

In a statement, FIFA said it was taking proactive steps to protect fans heading to Saturday’s match in Philadelphia, such as setting up cooling tents and making water readily available.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff through a tiered heat mitigation model,” a spokesperson told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Through close collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, medical experts and emergency authorities, FIFA remains committed to delivering a safe, resilient and memorable tournament experience for everyone involved.”

It comes as England’s match against Mexico on Sunday was almost brought forward by six hours amid concerns over storms and fan safety.

What is 2026’s song of the summer?

There’s no easy answer. Algorithmic division is certainly a factor in why there isn’t an obvious pick this year. Where have the songs like “Despacito” in 2017 or “Old Town Road” in 2019 gone? Last year, some even wondered if Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” — a ballad, not a banger — qualified, a departure from the usual up-tempo, feel-good hits.

Whatever your summer mood or flavor, The Associated Press has found a song to soundtrack the season, collected in a Spotify playlist.

Biggest song of the year and therefore the default song of the summer: “Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley

Ella Langley broke out just last year with the throwback, spoken-word track “You Look Like You Love Me,” featuring Riley Green, but it’s her breakup banger “Choosin’ Texas” that has made her a crossover country star. Not only has it spent more time at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 than any other song this year, it also has some of the most distinctive lyrics of the year. “He always loved ‘Amarillo By Morning,’” she sings in a particularly melancholic verse, referencing the George Strait classic. “I should’ve taken that as a warnin’.” Indeed.

Past champion: “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA (2025)

Song of the summer for when you lose the beef but still have fight left in ya: “Janice STFU,” Drake

For the better part of 2025, Drake mostly made headlines for his feud with Kendrick Lamar. It’s safe to say he lost that war, but he’s clearly not going anywhere; he’s still one of the most streamed artists of all time. “Janice STFU” is the undeniable hit off May’s “Iceman,” with its familiar Lykke Li interpolation and moody production.

Past champion: “Nokia,” Drake (2025)

Song of the summer that shares a title with a film: “Midnight Sun (Girls Trip),” Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress

It’s the title of a 2018 romantic drama starring Bella Thorne and a term used to describe regions around the Arctic Circle. But in 2026, the phrase “Midnight Sun” belongs to Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. It’s the title of her last album and lead single, the inescapable Eurodance-pop “Midnight Sun,” with an elastic vocal performance. Last month, she released “Midnight Sun: Girls Trip,” a collection of remixes featuring everyone from Shakira and Robyn to Kehlani and rapper JT and, of course, PinkPantheress.

Past champion: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Deep Blue Something (1995)

Song of the summer for high-energy It Girls: “DANCE…,” Slayyyter

She’s the “Wor$t Girl in America,” if her cheeky album title is to be believed, but also one of pop’s great new provocateurs. At the album’s center is her buzzy electro-pop opus “DANCE…,” perfect for those who’ve been patiently awaiting her mainstream rise — and those who need a good excuse to hit the dance floor.

Past champion: “Bad Girls,” Donna Summer (1979)

Song of the summer for the throwback crowd: “I Just Might,” Bruno Mars

Earlier this year, hitmaker Bruno Mars returned with his first new album in 10 years, anchored by the feel-good, disco-pop-soul single “I Just Might.” The throwback tune is a funky reprieve from slow or boring days — and one that will be heard on wedding dance floors for the foreseeable future.

Past champion: “Red Red Wine,” UB40 (1983)

Song of the summer that arrived at the beginning of the year: “Dracula (Jennie Remix)”, Tame Impala and Jennie

There’s a long tradition of the song of the summer arriving at the top of the year — looking at you, “drivers license” and “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2.” This year, the title goes to Tame Impala’s “Dracula” — particularly the remix with Blackpink’s Jennie. “Run from the sunlight, Dracula,” they harmonize, in a vocal melody inescapable on TikTok and in the real world.

Past champion: “NUEVAYoL,” Bad Bunny (2025)

Song of the summer for those looking for a club classic: “Chévere (premium_remix),” by Aria Vega and Ryan Castro

A club-ready contender for song of the summer should be easy, breezy and amorous. Such is the case of Aria Vega and Ryan Castro’s “Chévere (premium_remix),” where reimagined, romantic reggaeton is perfect for a house party or finding the love of your life. Ideally both.

Past champion: “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé (2022)

Song of the summer for people who know the power of a good bridge: “The Cure,” Olivia Rodrigo

In the lead up to her career-best album, “You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” Olivia Rodrigo released “The Cure.” It marked a giant step forward for the young songwriter, with dreamy guitars, orchestral strings and most impactful of all: its explosive bridge.

Past champion: “Hollaback Girl,” Gwen Stefani (2005)

Song of the summer for people who love music, fashion and film in equal measure: “SS26,” Charli xcx

So long, “BRAT.” The contemporary pop landscape’s preeminent party girl is in for a bummer of a summer. “SS26,” one of the first tracks released from Charli xcx’s forthcoming “Music, Fashion, Film,” is shockingly minimalistic, with little more than distorted guitar riffs and production that sounds like a simple Casio keyboard preset. It’s rock music, as she’s promised — but done her own way.

Past champion: “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Glen Campbell (1975)

Song for people who live like it’s summer year-round: “E85,” Don Toliver

“On the highway with my significant lover (I love),” the singer-songwriter-rapper Don Toliver declares with ease in the chorus of “E85.” “High octane, more fuel for your consumption.” If there is an image more primed for the hot summer months than rolling down the freeway on a trip with a loved one, we have yet to see it.

Past champion: “Mi Gente,” J Balvin and Willy William (2017)

Song of the summer for seaside dreamers: “Swim,” BTS

The game-changing K-pop boy band BTS returned after a nearly four-year musical hiatus with “ARIRANG.” The comeback was led by “Swim,” a reserved, alt-pop track that brings a kind of intimacy to their stadium-sized output. The “Swim” here is metaphorical — as is the “dive” in its chorus — of having a crush, but the aquatic language works in conjuring dreamy, poolside imagery, too.

Past champion: “Waterfalls,” TLC (1995)

Song of the summer for the yearners: “Raindance,” Dave ft. Tems

British rapper Dave and Nigerian singer Tems team up for the Afroswing single “Raindance,” a sweet, sexy song about wanting to lock things down. “Hold me close, don’t tell me goodnight / Are you down to get me?” the pair dreamily duet on the second verse. “Tell me when you’re ready, I’m ready.”

Past champion: “Nineteen,” Tegan and Sara (2007)

Song of the summer for the sports crowd: “Dai Dai,” Shakira and Burna Boy

This summer is all about soccer, so, of course, we had to include one of the official songs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: “Dai Dai.” The Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy team up on an energetic, undeniably global pop track. It exists at the intersection of all their strengths: Afrobeats and Latin rhythms, separate, complementary verses and a strong chorus about unity.

Past champion: “The Final Countdown,” Europe (1986)

Song of the summer for those ready to stop feuding and enjoy life again: “Horses & Divorces,” Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert

Look, there’s no shortage of great songs from Kacey Musgraves’ latest album, “Middle of Nowhere.” A case could be made to include “Mexico Honey” or “Dry Spell” here, but what about a song with norteño accordions and slide guitar that doubles as a cheeky punchline to a fight? The capital-c country “Horses & Divorces” brings musicians’ feud to an end over a shared love of drinking and Willie Nelson. What could be sweeter?

Past champion: “Girl, so confusing,” Charli xcx and Lorde (2024)

The space will feature a café and wellness space

Plans have been approved for a former chapel to become a “vibrant community hub”. Back in May, Mr D Daly submitted plans to turn the former Masonic Hall in The Crescent, Wisbech into a community space.

The plans proposed that the building would include a health and wellbeing centre and a café, and it would also be used as a community space and for events. The applicant said the Crescent Wellness Club would bring a “historic building back into use”.

They also said the space would provide a “welcoming and inclusive environment supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, alongside community and creative use”. The wellness space will offer mental health and wellbeing workshops, therapy and group support sessions.

The basement area will also be used for yoga, Pilates, reformer Pilates and sound healing. Fenland District Council has now approved the plans.

Before approval, there was a mix of objections and support for the application. A resident in Lerowe Road objected to the plans as they said there was “no provisions made for wheelchair access”.

The Wisbech Society said they “welcomed” the plans, but they did raise some concerns. One of these concern was about a potential “nuisance” to neighbours.

A spokesperson for the society said: “The design and access statement notes long operational hours of 7am to 9pm with a café in operation from 8am to 5pm with a capacity for 50.

“Also, an estimate of a possible 208 users at one time. We wish the enterprise well, but this will have a significant impact on neighbouring residents in this prime location in Wisbech.

“We wish to have assurance that all measures will be taken to alleviate any disturbance; including use of on street parking and noise.”

Another resident in Union Place was in support of the plans. They said: “It is refreshing to see a large public building and period property being restored and put to use in the community when so many others in town are derelict and slowly going to ruin.”

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The sell-out event, which was due to take place in Northallerton, had to be moved to Harrogate to accommodate the significant demand from Conservative supporters.

Consistently named as the most popular Party Leader in Britain, Kemi Badenoch’s favourability ratings have been constantly increasing according to opinion polls, the Conservative Party says.

Ms Badenoch addressed Party Members at the Pavilions of Harrogate within the Great Yorkshire Showground to set out the Conservatives’ vision for the country on both local and national levels.

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Yorkshire Conservatives’ Regional Chair, George Jabbour, said: “Hosting such a successful event has been a thrilling experience.

“The demand to attend the lunch with our Party Leader was so high that we had to move the venue from Northallerton to Harrogate so we can accept as many requests as possible.

“Even with this much larger venue, we had a long waiting list. It just goes to show how interested people are in listening to what the most popular Party Leader in Britain has to say.”

Conservative-run North Yorkshire and East Rising of Yorkshire Councils are facing all out elections in May 2027.  In addition, voters in a number of local authorities in West and South Yorkshire will be heading to the polls at the same time.

Earlier today, as previously reported, Kemi Badenoch visited Twisted Automotive in Thirsk, where she toured the car factory, which adapts Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles to a much-higher specification.

Accompanied by Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, Ms Badenoch also held a business roundtable session with a group of local businesspeople, including celebrity chef Tommy Banks, before giving media interviews, including to The Press.

The coffee house on Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road, was closed for nearly two weeks while refurbishments were carried out.

The shop was closed from June 12 to 25.

Costa Darlington Yarm Road reopen after closing for refurbishments. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to welcome customers back to our Darlington Drive Thru store following its recent refurbishment.

“The refreshed store features a new look and feel, including updated décor, an improved layout and a new counter, creating an even better experience for customers to enjoy.”

The Costa store announced that they had re-opened on their social media accounts alongside pictures showcasing their new look.

The caption said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our loyal customers for your patience and support while our shop was closed for refurbishment.

“We truly appreciate everyone who has waited for us to reopen, and we’re so excited to welcome you back into our fresh new store.

“Whether you’re a familiar face or visiting us for the first time, we can’t wait to serve you and share our brand new Costa with you.”

The store is open seven days a week.

The Briton added that he was “very surprised” by the pace of Ferrari.

“They have been on the back foot with the PU [power unit] and energy management and today they look the best,” he said. “We’ve always known they have a great chassis. Some things are not quite making sense. Ferrari have had the upper hand all day.”

Russell’s comment about things “not quite making sense” may be a veiled reference to Ferrari’s recent spate of upgrades. Both Russell and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have spoken recently about the number and speed of upgrades emanating from Maranello, with Wolff seemingly questioning whether it was possible within the budget cap.

Fred Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, admitted he had been unimpressed with those comments. “I found it quite ironic from Toto, coming from Toto and Mercedes,” he said in Friday’s press conference.

“When Red Bull is developing, or when Mercedes is developing, they are geniuses. When we are developing, we are cheating. I think you have to calm down with this. We didn’t bring more parts than Red Bull or another one. I don’t know if it was a joke, but…”

Silverstone’s fans will not care if it means another British Grand Prix win for Lewis Hamilton this weekend.