“Behind every stall, café and restaurant is a personal story – people who have built businesses, developed products and contributed to the city’s growing reputation as a food and drink destination”

Belfast’s thriving food and drink scene will serve up a warm welcome to the 800,000+ people expected to attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month.

From artisan producers and market traders to independent cafés, restaurants and drinks brands, the city’s food and drink offering will play a central role during the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August.

While individual venues city-wide are planning their own special Fleadh offers and taster menus, alongside performance spaces for musicians, Belfast City Council has shared details of dedicated markets and pop-ups planned across the celebrations.

Fleadh Food and Drink Village

A Food and Drink Village beside Belfast Cathedral, operated by Market Place Europe on behalf of Belfast City Council, will provide a dedicated destination for local traders, producers and growers to showcase their flavours to visitors. The family-friendly space will be open from 11am to 6pm on Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 August, 10am to 8pm from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August and 10am to 11pm from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 August. It will include a delicious, diverse menu celebrating the region’s unique flavours and the best local ingredients, alongside relaxed, communal seating, a covered dining area and performance space for live music, providing the soundtrack to your snack.

St George’s Market

Normally only open at weekends, St George’s Market will also be open throughout the week of the Fleadh, welcoming visitors on 10am to 3pm on Sunday 2 August as usual, then from 10am to 5pm, Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August, before extending its opening hours to 10am to 10pm from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August – expected to be the busiest days of the event. Belfast’s oldest market will offer the ideal place to relax with friends, grab a coffee or sweet treat and shop for souvenirs and handcrafted goods, with live music and additional space for traders in neighbouring Verner Street.

Craic and Craft Market at Waterfront Hall

Another official Fleadh location, ICC Belfast/ Waterfront Hall, will also host its own Craic and Craft Market. Set just outside the competition venues, it offers an easy-to-reach culinary stop, packed with street food vendors, family activities and live music.

Titanic Quarter Night Market and Titanic Food Festival

Further along the Maritime Mile, a packed programme of activities will also get tastebuds tingling, with the Titanic Quarter Night Market (4pm to 10pm, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August) and the Titanic Food Festival (11am to 5pm, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August).

Located at SS Nomadic, they’ll be joined by live music sessions, outdoor movie screenings, carnival games and pop-up céilís.

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “The Fleadh is an opportunity to celebrate not only our local music and culture, but also the incredible people who help make Belfast such a vibrant place to visit. “Behind every stall, café and restaurant is a personal story – people who have built businesses, developed products and contributed to the city’s growing reputation as a food and drink destination. “Through the Belfast Flavours network, our business and tourism teams have been working closely with local producers and independent businesses to help them make the most of this opportunity to connect with new audiences, showcase their skills and demonstrate the quality and creativity that can be found right across Belfast.”

With additional late-night bus services now confirmed for the Fleadh, visitors can also extend their experience until later in the evening to enjoy a taste of world-class restaurants, neighbourhood cafés and lively bars.

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

Two men have been shot dead by ICE agents in separate incidents in Maine and in Texas – raising questions about the tactics used by immigration officers and bringing back a big political problem for President Donald Trump.

BBC’s North America Editor Sarah Smith explains the backlash the president is facing on one of the biggest issues he ran his election campaign on.

Video produced by Cai Pigliucci, filmed by Ian Druce, edited by Meiying Wu

Police found several bottles of whiskey inside the driver’s cab when he was stopped

A lorry driver was more than six times the legal drink-drive limit when members of the public reported his dangerous driving to police. He was seen weaving across lanes on the A14 by police who responded.

Officers stopped the Iveco HGV lorry on the A14 eastbound at Fenstanton on Monday afternoon (July 13). They found several bottles of whiskey inside the cab.

Driver Darek Smagiel, 55, provided a roadside breath test and blew 221 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than six times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes. Two hours after his arrest in custody, he gave an evidential reading of 121.

Smagiel, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to drink driving and dangerous driving at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 14). He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for three years.

PC James Allen, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “Smagiel’s driving fell far below the standards of a careful and competent river. He put members of the public at risk of a serious collision. I would like to thank members of the public who called in to report his driving which has ensured he is now off the roads for a considerable time.”

Imagined Things Bookshop, on Montpellier Parade, worked out it would need to sell an extra 176 paperbacks to cover the increased cost.

In an appeal posted online in March, bookstore owner Georgia Eckert said: “Despite it being the Year of Reading, the government has increased business rates bills for bookshops across the country, including ours.

“We need to sell an additional 176 paperbacks to cover the increase alone (it’s over 1,000 to cover the original bill).

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“So if you’re in a position to buy one extra book we’d really appreciate it! Let us know it’s an extra one by telling us in person in the shop or commenting at checkout on our website, and we’ll colour a book in each time.”

A reminder of what needed to be done. (Image: Pic supplied)

Georgia added: “And just to add that though we’re concerned about our own rising costs, we do totally appreciate costs of all kinds of things are going up for everyone and many won’t be in a position to buy any extra books.”

By the end of June, the target had been reached.

Georgia posted on Facebook that “we got off lightly” in having to sell 176 more books.

She continued: “For some bookshops it’s tripled (that would’ve been 2,000 extra books for us, as the base bill is about 1,000). We’re so grateful we weren’t in that position.

“With rising costs everywhere we enormously appreciate every single book purchased, extra or regular. You help us to pay the rent, pay our wonderful booksellers, pay the bills and buy lots of brilliant new books! You help Imagined Things do wonderful things!!! Thanks so much folks.”

The bookstore in Montpellier Parade, Harrogate. (Image: Pic supplied)

Georgia told The Press this week, that the rates hike was around 16 per cent.

She continued: “We had to sell nearly £2,000 more of books to sell just to cover the rates increase, as not all that is profit.”

“People have been lovely and very supportive. They wanted to help and that was so lovely.”

In the meantime, Imagined Things, which began in 2017 in Westminster Arcade, before relocating to Montpellier Parade in 2022, says it is popular with authors, with 60 of them calling in over the past year for book signings.

This week, the business turns nine and to celebrate, it has a pile of books to giveaway.

Georgia added on Facebook: “You bought not just a book, but a bookshop’s future! Endless thanks from me. It’s been a rollercoaster going from a radiographer to opening a bookshop, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Getting to walk into my bookshop will never get old.”

Warrants were issued for three properties in the Eston area to crack down on the problem.

The operation was carried out by Redcar and Cleveland trading standards in partnership with Cleveland Police as part of a multi-agency effort to tackle the supply and distribution of illicit tobacco.

Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare and Housing Support, Cllr Ursula Earl, said: “The trade in illicit tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law.

“The National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HRMC is playing a significant role in disrupting this illicit trade and is helping to take illicit tobacco products off the streets.”

Lord Michael Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The illicit tobacco trade is driven by organised criminal gangs and poses serious risks to local communities, especially young people.

“Since its launch in January 2021, Operation CeCe – a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC – has removed 102 million illegal cigarettes.”

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council say further investigations will be undertaken by the relevant enforcement authorities.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Fans in pubs and fan zones across the country looked crestfallen as Argentina scored two goals in just seven minutes to go 2-1 ahead just before the final whistle. 

England, who are looking to secure their place in the final for the time in 60 years, had been leading 1-0.

The match kicked off at 8pm UK time in Atlanta, Georgia – and while thousands of supporters have travelled stateside to watch England play, millions more are watching screenings of the game across the country. 

Fans had been nervously gripping their pints as both teams were both goalless at the end of a fiery first half that saw 19 fouls and two yellow cards. 

But in the 55th minute Antony Gordon put England ahead after he snuck the ball into the corner of the net past Argentinian goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

There were delirious scenes in Leeds, where 4,500 England fans have piled into the city’s Millennium Square to cheer on the team.

Pints were flung high in the evening sky as fans celebrated wildly with one another.

Supporters then began chanting ‘football’s coming home’ – knowing that a first World Cup final in 60 years is possibly little over 30 minutes away.

More than 3,000 pints had been poured before the 8pm kick-off – with vendors ordering in extra kegs to cope with demand at the sold-out fan zone.

Fans in Manchester celebrate England’s goal and dance on tables 

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Anticipation is building across the nation, with supporters anxiously waiting to see if the Three Lions can secure a place in the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years

Fans inside the The Clock pub in Hebburn go wild as England go ahead against Argentina in their world cup clash 

England fans bite their nails in anticipation as the match gets underway in Atlanta, Georgia

England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham, before the England v Argentina semi-final

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Football fans get ready for kick off in Manchester where pints are already being drunk 

Student paramedic Kaye Davey, 19, out with Findlay Thomas, 20, a pipefitter, had a vision of how the World Cup semi-final would pan out.

She said: ‘I’ve predicted all the England games correctly up until now. I think this one will be 3-2 to us – and then we’ll beat Spain in the final. It’s going to be a night to remember.’

Construction worker Tony Jenkinson, 44, from Leeds, was slightly more cautious.

He said: ‘I think England have done amazingly well to get this far – but it’s going to be really tough.

‘We’ve got to keep Messi quiet to stand a chance and just hope that the referee is strong and doesn’t fall for the Argentine dark arts.

‘I think it’s going to go the distance – extra time and penalties. Then it’s a complete lottery.

‘If we do come through it, then I think our name is on the trophy.’

Meanwhile, England World Cup 1966 Winner Sir Geoff Hurst said: ‘It’s a big day for England. 

Two hours before kick off supporters, proudly donning Three Lions shirts of sides current and past, were in buoyant spirits

Participants in a Jude Bellingham lookalike competition at BOXPARK Shoreditch

Fans party at Luna Springs in Birmingham before kick off at 8pm tonight 

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England fans gather ahead of the match against Argentina tonight 

‘I really believe we can do it tonight! Kane, Bellingham, Rice all world class . Fingers crossed. Good luck for tonight boys. It’s time to win this thing again. Come on boys.’

Among the watering holes being gripped by the anticipation is the Greyhound in Diss, Norfolk, where punters have been promised a free shot for every time England scores.

They said: ‘To celebrate England, with each goal they score, we have consistently stuck to our word in rewarding our loyal patrons with a free shot for every single customer.

‘With 13 goals, you can imagine what my accountant thinks, haha.’

Another pub in South Benfleet, called the Anchor, is to remain open despite a car crashing into the building.

Landlord Hayley Sewell told the BBC: ‘We wanted to remain open for the Benfleet community, who have given us so much.’

And while she said the incident was a ‘nuisance’, the business has managed to keep its doors open by boarding up any damage.

An Essex Police spokesperson said no life-threatening or life-changing injuries were reported following the crash. 

England fans at a bar near the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, ahead of the match 

England fans outside the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

Three Lions fans have begun packing out fan zones across the country as Thomas Tuchel’s squad prepares to take on Argentina in a historic clash tonight

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England fans gather at Castlefield Bowl, Manchester head of a screening of the game 

A casualty was rescued from one of the cars by fire crews from Grays and Rayleigh Weir and was later attended to by the ambulance service.

Meanwhile fans in London hoping to rush to homes and pubs to watch the crucial match could face potential delays following reports that the E-bike rental app Lime is down across the capital. 

The Daily Mail have contacted Lime for a comment. 

Elsewhere in London, a hunt for the UK’s best Jude Bellingham lookalike has been sparked, with his ‘doppelgängers’ set to gather at BOXPARK Shoreditch ahead of tonight’s match.

The winner is set to receive £1,966 in Deliveroo credit, while fans can also enjoy free drinks and other prizes as part of Deliveroo’s ‘Believeroo’ campaign.

But the palpable joy has not been felt nationwide, as one pub faces losing its licence after a ‘killjoy’ fan made a complaint to the council about fans cheering.

Landlord Antony Lunn was left ‘gobsmacked’ when he received a letter about the ‘ridiculous’ noise complaint at his pub, The Rustic Arms in Ackworth, West Yorkshire.

The warning from Wakefield Council threatened to revoke his licence after reports of ‘particularly bad’ noise levels on Sunday, June 28, after England beat Panama 2-0.

The pub has been ‘absolutely electric’ during the tournament, Mr Lunn said, who has been screening games outside as fans cheer in ‘pure happiness’.

Fans looked tense throughout a nail-biting first half which ended 0-0 – with zero shots on target for either team but 19 fouls and two yellow cards

England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham, before the England v Argentina, semi-final

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England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham, before the England v Argentina semi-final

England fans party before kick off in Birmingham 

He added that they have caused ‘no trouble’ and that the football has been the ‘only positive thing’, saying it was a real ‘kick in the teeth’ to receive the complaint.

Mr Lunn, 37, said: ‘It’s a ridiculous complaint. It came through yesterday, and I was a bit shocked by it.

‘I looked at it, chucked it on the side, cracked out a laugh and went for a brew. Some people literally need to get a hobby.’

Taking to Facebook, the pub shared a photo of the letter captioned ‘buy a house near a pub then start complaining to the council the noise is too loud at the football’.

Mr Lunn said the letter warned that if they received further complaints, they could revoke his licence, take him to court, or remove any equipment.

Many users took to the pub’s defence, with one user saying the complaint was ‘hilariously stupid’.

The landlord said the pub will ‘absolutely not’ do anything differently when England take on Argentina in the semi-final tonight.

Wakefield Council claims that the complaint relates to multiple occasions of ‘amplified music’ and is not a one-off incident.

However, Mr Lunn claims they have no outside music and that the only noise they make outdoors has been the match, including on the cited evening.

Cross-party members at Durham County Council criticised the changes, imposed through national legislation, which means planning committees will be replaced by a single panel.

The changes, brought in to comply with the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, will see the council’s County Planning Committee, three Area Planning Committees and Highways Committee replaced by a single Planning and Highways Committee.

Joe Quinn, the council’s cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, said the new arrangements would make decision-making “more efficient and effective”, but acknowledged they would reduce local decision-making powers.

He told councillors: “To do nothing is not an option. We have little to no choice on this matter and we can thank the Labour Government for that.”

The reforms also mean many smaller planning applications, including householder, minor residential and minor commercial developments, must be decided by planning officers rather than councillors under a new national scheme of delegation.

Larger applications, changes to existing permissions and proposals involving listed buildings or tree preservation orders may still be considered by the committee, but only if they pass national “gateway tests” agreed by both a senior planning officer and a nominated councillor.

Yet, the changes prompted criticism from opposition members.

Labour group leader Rob Crute said: “This is a retrograde step. It’s taking away the voice of local people.”

Green councillor Jonathan Elmer described the reforms as “a disgrace”, adding: “The loss and influence of local communities is a very serious matter.”

Liberal Democrat leader Amanda Hopgood said she wanted safeguards to prevent developers taking advantage of the new arrangements.

She said: “This is absolute madness. We all know how developers like to, on occasion, circumnavigate the system and once planning permission has been approved, then come back for extra.”

Deputy council leader Darren Grimes also raised concerns about the impact on residents.

He said: “Residents feel utterly powerless and this will render them more so.”

The government says the Planning and Infrastructure Act is designed to speed up planning decisions by ensuring committees focus on the most significant or controversial applications, while routine cases are determined by officers.

Durham County Council said the constitutional changes were necessary to ensure it complies with the new national planning framework.

And that’s the end of the first half in Atlanta. Here’s John Cross’ player ratings:

Jordan Pickford 6

Good long range kicking but was left clutching air at a couple of shots.

Reece James 6

A surprise selection at right back and did not make his crossing opportunities count.

John Stones 7

Rightly rewarded for his heroics against Norway and put in another assured shift.

Marc Guehi 7

His calmness and quality on the ball really settles the defence. Top class.

Djed Spence 7

What a warrior. A surprise pick but he set the tone early on by leading the charge.

Declan Rice 6

Back after recovering from illness. His passing was off key and his mistake let in Messi.

Elliot Anderson 7

Flew into tackles, combative and strong. Another excellent display. Booked for foul on Messi.

Morgan Rogers 6

Got the nod on the right wing over Saka and Madueke, didn’t completely solve the right wing issue.

Jude Bellingham 7

One magical turn to leave Giuliano Simeone on his back side. Bang up for it.

Anthony Gordon 7

Worked hard, ran hard and pressed hard. Passed up one big shooting chance.

Harry Kane 6

Surpassed Wayne Rooney’s caps record for an outfield player. First half passed him by.

Victoria Beckham leaped into David’s arms as she celebrated England’s goal against Argentina during the tense World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday.

Posh Spice, 52, made sure to celebrate this time round after she was ridiculed for failing to react to Jude Bellingham‘s goal in the quarter-finals last week.

The legendary footballer, 51, poked fun at his wife becoming an instant meme and insisted she was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after her subdued reaction went viral.

Victoria jumped out of her seat as David roared with victory after Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up against Argentina.

David has followed the Three Lions around the US in the hope they will finally take home the World Cup trophy.

The couple watched the semi-final with their children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, Harper, 15, as well as Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

The family joined England fans singing the national anthem, only to be drowned out by Argentina fans booing loudly.

David will have to face watching his beloved country’s team go against his good friend Lionel Messi, who is part of his Inter Miami team.

Posh Spice, 52, was ridiculed for failing to react to Jude Bellingham’s goal in the quarter-finals last week (pictured) 

And she certainly made sure to celebrate this time round as she jumped into David’s arms

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David supported the Three Lions with wife Victoria and their children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, Harper, 15, as well as Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30

David roared with pride as he celebrated England’s victory against Norway last week. 

When photos Victoria, who famously rarely smiles, stayed seated during the goal, it prompted David to jokingly defend his wife.

The football legend commented on stand-up comedian Jenny Johnson’s summary of the match, after she wrote: ‘There’s nothing like cheering your heart out for England from home, then they cut to Victoria and we see that classic Posh Spice smile! It’s so infectious!’

‘I used to think I got animated while watching sports, but Victoria blows my enthusiasm out of the water! Each time I see her I shout, “SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!!!!” because her energy is electric!!!’

Commenting with a string of crying laughing emojis, David wrote: ‘She was celebrating inside I promise her reactions were slightly slower than mine.’ 

The fashion designer and singer has famously said that she wasn’t a fan of football when she met David at a Manchester United match in 1997.

Ever the doting wife, Victoria ensured she attended every game she could, but confessed she didn’t enjoy the sport because she didn’t feel ‘wanted’ when she was pitch side. 

However, in recent years Victoria has had a change of heart after David retired and set up his own club Inter Miami.

Victoria told the Financial Times in 2024: ‘I never enjoyed watching football. I never felt necessarily wanted [at the matches]. I’m not saying this as in, poor me, but it was never the fun that it is now.

‘Now, when we’re in Miami, I feel wanted. I’m friends with the families of the players.’

The legendary footballer poked fun at his wife becoming an instant meme and declared she was ‘celebrating on the inside’ after he subdued reaction went viral last week

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Victoria jumped out of her seat as David roared with victory after Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up against Argentina

David couldn’t contain his happiness as he cheered on the Three Lions taking the lead

David wiped away his nerves at the start of the game

The tense-looking footballer has followed the Three Lions around the US in the hope they will finally take home the World Cup trophy 

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The Beckham clan stood for the singing of the national anthem

David appeared teary-eyed as he wiped his face during the national anthem

As the game kicked off, Cruz lifted his arms in the air passionately while David explained the game to Victoria

Victoria consoled David as he appeared to get something in his eye

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David roared with pride as he celebrated England’s victory against Norway last week

David and Victoria chatted in the stands to calm their nerves ahead of the game

David gave his fans a thumbs up in the stands

The family larked around with each other before the game kicked off

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David was spotted getting acquainted with Timothee Chalamet as they cheered on rival teams at the France vs Spain World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

Timothee’s father is French and he is bilingual in both English and French. The star holds dual United States and French citizenship.

The Dune star, who is dating Kylie Jenner, threw his support behind the French side as he attended the nail-biting match where they were defeated 2-0 by Spain.

David played in both Spain and France during his career, with a stint at Real Madrid from 2003 to 2007, and five months with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

But his loyalty lay firmly with Spain, who scored a penalty in the first half and netted a goal in the second to leave the tournament favourites dumbfounded.

Despite supporting rival sides, the two stars still found common ground as they caught up in the VIP hospitality box on the night.

They looked to be exchanging friendly banter in the match breaks, where David was joined by his wife Victoria and their children.

His children followed suit by supporting the side, with Harper and Romeo both sporting jackets from his brand Intra in Spain’s colours.

Harper was also seen looking slightly starstruck as she greeted Timothee.

Meanwhile, Romeo shared a photo of their meeting on his Instagram page shortly after the match ended.

Both Timothee and the Beckhams were left starstruck while eagerly posing for photos with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who performed on their home turf during the match.

The DCC have soared to superstardom since featuring in three seasons of Netflix‘s hit docuseries America’s Sweethearts.

Victoria, who stuck to her famous Posh pout during the football match, even managed to raise a small smile as she excitedly posted a series of snaps with the cheerleaders, posing with pom poms and asking ‘did I make the squad?’

‘ABSOLUTELY’ replied the DCC girls as they reposted the photo along with a sweet family snap which showed them posing with Victoria, David and their kids.

The family were also treated to a special performance of the DCC’s famous Thunderstruck routine, with Victoria sharing a video of the cheerleaders in their kick line on the field after the match had finished.

Timothee Chalamet and David Beckham were spotted getting acquainted as they cheered on rival teams at the France vs Spain World Cup semi-final on Tuesday

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Romeo shared a photo meeting Timothee on his Instagram page shortly after the match ended

Cruz also got in on the action posing for photographs with Timothee

Timothee was also left ‘thunderstruck’ by the cheerleaders.

The DCC Instagram account shared a video of the star meeting the girls, with a near-speechless Timothee admitting to the camera that he was ‘starstruck’.

Timothee singled out Anna Kate Sundvold, giving her a huge hug before borrowing some pom poms for a photo.

Dallas put on a show as the AT&T Stadium, temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium, hosted the first World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.