Blur bassist Alex James, backed by the Manchester Concert Orchestra, reworked a string of era-defining hits into sweeping, cinematic arrangements, without losing the punch and swagger that made them famous.

Blur’s Alex James brings Britpop classics to Scarborough. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

From the opening bars, the high-energy set struck a balance between nostalgia and reinvention, with crowd-pleasing staples including Supergrass’s Alright, Pulp’s Common People, The Charlatans The Only One I Know, and Disco 2000, and The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony.

Fans descended on Scarborough Open Air Theatre for Blur bassist Alex James’ acclaimed Britpop Classical show. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Recommended reads:

International pop powerhouse wows thousands at North Yorkshire open-air gig

From Manchester United to Wembley glory: York City moments fans will never forget

York MP says new era of politics will ‘turn the tables’ for the city

When Woolworths, C&A and York Carriageworks bustled: 10 photos of York in 1990s

Oasis anthems drew some of the night’s loudest reactions, with Don’t Look Back in Anger and Wonderwall prompting mass singalongs across the open-air venue. Blur’s own catalogue featured prominently, with Parklife, Girls and Boys and a punchy orchestral take on Song 2 standing out.

Fans descended on Scarborough Open Air Theatre for Blur bassist Alex James’ acclaimed Britpop Classical show. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Guest appearances added further weight and star power to the bill. Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler opened with The Riverboat Song, Republica’s Saffron brought high-octane energy to Ready to Go, and Reef’s Gary Stringer led a crowd-rousing Place Your Hands.

The evening closed with Blur’s The Universal, as all performers returned to the stage for a celebratory finale that capped a night built on collective memory and enduring appeal.

Fans at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre waiting for Blur bassist Alex James’ Britpop Classical show. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

The show forms part of a record 28-date run at TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre, which continued with Irish pop star CMAT on Saturday, July 18.

The venue has been hosting a series of concerts this summer, including Rick Astley, Madness, Paul Weller, The Kooks, Skunk Anansie, Garbage, Anastacia, Heather Small, Pete Tong, Richard Ashcroft, Billy Ocean, Bowling for Soup, James Arthur, David Gray, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Deacon Blue, and Bastille.

Upcoming shows include James Taylor, Tom Jones, The Streets, the Sex Pistols, the Scissor Sisters, and Nile Rodgers & Chic.

The ferry, MV Barima, departed from the capital, Georgetown, on Saturday afternoon local time, headed for Port Kaituma, in the north of the country.

The 40m-long (131ft) vessel was built in 1939, according to a listing on VesselFinder.

A survivor, Elena Moonsammy, told local news site Kiskadee Watch, external that the ferry had tilted after being hit by a large wave, with water quickly rushing in.

It started to take on water within seconds, she said.

A distress call was received at 23:01 (03:01 GMT Sunday), triggering a search operation involving government teams and privately owned boats.

Moonsammy said she had survived by clinging to a box floating amidst the debris.

She had tried to hold on to the hand of her two-year-old child but they had been separated.

Moonsammy said she had managed to save a woman, whom she urged to also hold on to the floating box.

At least 15 children were among those rescued. Small private boats were key in pulling at least 17 survivors from the sea.

The French army sent 12 divers, two doctors and a mechanic from nearby French Guiana to aid the search-and-rescue operation.

Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, said three of the survivors remained in hospital with minor injuries but the others had already been discharged.

Most, he added, had cuts and bruises from clinging to debris for hours.

Isabella Nicholls’ family said they were ‘ absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss’, describing their heartbreak as ‘beyond words’ – police are now investigating the fire

A tiny tot is set to grow up without his mum after she tragically passed away in a fire now being investigated by police.

Isabella Nicholls, just 21-years-old, managed to escape the fire at a home in Buderim, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. She was taken to Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, where she sadly died from the serious burns.

Queensland Police said the blaze took hold at 7:30pm on Sunday (July 19) and officers are now appealing for information as they investigate the cause of the inferno.

Isabella’s death has ‘absolutely shattered’ her family, her loved ones said. Her young son, Elijah, will now have to grow up ‘without his mummy’, they added.

“Isabella was a devoted and loving mother to her beautiful baby boy, Elijah, who will now grow up without his mummy,” her family said in a post on GoFundMe to raise cash for her funeral.

“Our family is absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss, and the heartbreak is beyond words.

“Isabella was a vibrant, kind, and beautiful soul with her whole life ahead of her. She had a smile that could light up any room and a contagious laugh that none of us will ever forget.

“She touched the lives of so many people with her warmth, compassion, and beautiful spirit, and her absence has left an irreplaceable void in all of our hearts.”

Images shared with the statement show Isabella, originally from Kallangur in Queensland, playing in a paddling pool with Elijah. Her family also shared a photograph of the duo shortly after the tot was born.

Cops are now probing the fire, asking witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for Queensland Police said: “Police are investigating a fatal fire at a unit complex at Buderim overnight, July 19.

“Emergency services were initially called to the King Street address around 7:30pm following reports one of the units in the complex was fully engulfed.

“A 21-year-old Kallangur woman who was inside the unit was able to escape and was initially transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious burns but has since died from her injuries.

“Residents of neighbouring units were also evacuated.

“The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Anyone who may have relevant information or CCTV/dashcam footage to come forward.”

Another woman, 32, was reportedly injured in the blaze, but has survived her wounds.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting .

Quote this reference number: QP2601400544

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers . Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au .

Robotaxi firm Zoox has issued a software recall after one of its vehicles drove into smoke near a fire scene in Las Vegas.

About 100 vehicles from the Amazon-owned company were potentially affected by the software issue, which was discovered after the June 20 incident, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report submitted Thursday.

On that day, an unoccupied Zoox vehicle encountered heavy smoke, obscuring a fire scene that was not blocked off with traffic cones. The report didn’t specify where the incident took place, but a person with knowledge of the matter told The Independent that it happened in Vegas.

After entering the fire scene, the robotaxi braked hard as it attempted to steer away. Guided by a remote operator, the vehicle reversed, and then first responders placed cones to block off two of the three lanes of traffic.

Within days of the incident, Zoox notified federal regulators and launched its own investigation into the matter. The probe found that the June 20 incident was the “only event of this kind that Zoox has experienced” and no injuries were discovered.

Federal regulators said Zoox developed a software update that “enhances existing capability of detecting and responding to heavy smoke including active EV [emergency vehicle] scenes.”

A spokesperson for the California-based company told The Independent, “Safety is foundational at Zoox. We value our work with first responders, city officials, and regulators to continue to ensure we’re driving safely in the communities we serve.”

This is not the first time Zoox vehicles have been subject to a recall.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report from December noted that Zoox had to update its robotaxi software after discovering its vehicles crossed lanes “unnecessarily” at or near intersections in certain circumstances.

Amazon acquired Zoox in 2020, about six years after the company was formed.

Zoox officially launched its robotaxi service on and around the Las Vegas Strip in September. The company started offering rides to the public in San Francisco in November.

The loved ones of a teenager who died at a festival following a ‘severe medical emergency’ have paid tribute to the ‘caring, funny, clever’ young woman.

Lucy Halpin, 18, attended the Tonnau festival in North Wales last Saturday but was rushed to hospital following the unspecified medical emergency, where she later died.

It is unclear what caused her death, with police treating it at the time as unexpected. 

Ms Halpin’s sister, Jessica Mariee, shared a message of her devastation, confirming in a tribute that the teen died just a few weeks following her 18th birthday.

Tonnau festival, an independent music and arts festival aimed at families, said paramedics, who arrived around 1.45am on July 11, did ‘everything they could’ to treat Ms Halpin.

The event, held annually on the Carreglwyd Estate near Llanfaethlu on Anglesey and featuring international bands and DJs alongside culture, food and drink, later closed and attendees were asked to leave the site following the teenager’s death.

Ms Halpin’s friends have launched a GoFundMe to help support her family during this period, with donations also towards giving ‘her the best send-off she deserves️’.

Meanwhile, Ms Halpin’s workplace, Breeze Hill Bar, Eatery & Hotel, shared their condolences, writing that they are ‘a broken pub full of broken hearts’. 

Ms Halpin’s workplace described her as ‘caring, funny, clever and always smiling’

It described the ‘wonderful’ Ms Halpin as ‘caring, funny, clever and always smiling’, as well as being a ‘treasured’ ‘member of our extended family’. 

It added: ‘Lucy was exceptionally good at looking after our customers, many of whom will miss her lots.

‘Our thoughts are very much with Lucy’s family and friends. 

‘Lots of her closest friends have visited The Breeze this last week and their pain and sorrow is clear to see. Lucy was like a glue between them, a magical bond.’  

In a statement immediately following Ms Halpin’s death, the event’s organisers said: ‘Everyone at Tonnau Festival is deeply saddened to confirm that a festival attendee tragically passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning following a severe medical emergency.

‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the attendee’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

‘​From the moment the attendee became unwell, our on-site welfare teams, security, and emergency medical staff responded immediately.

‘Paramedics and welfare personnel did everything they could to provide emergency care, but unfortunately they later died in hospital.

‘​The safety and well-being of our audience is always our highest priority. Following this tragedy, and to allow emergency services and local authorities to conduct their necessary work, we made the decision to close the remainder of the festival and have asked people to vacate the site when it is safe for them to do so.’

They added the festival was cooperating ‘fully’ with the police investigation and added: ‘Our thoughts and hearts are with the family.’

North Wales Police said emergency services arrived at the festival early on Saturday morning ‘following reports of a medical emergency’.

‘Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, sadly, the 18-year-old woman later died in hospital.

‘The death is being treated as unexpected whilst investigations are ongoing and the coroner has been informed.’

Detective Inspector Iolo Edwards said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

‘We urge members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the death, and anybody with information that could assist our enquiries should contact us via our website or by calling 101.’

With the Moon in Scoprio and Jupiter gaining a larger cosmic prescence, confidence and purpose are on the rise. Be bold today.

Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, something cathartic or validatingis just over the horizon. Stay consistent and you will be rewarded.

Allow the funky vibe of this celestial placement to add some fun to your daily routine. Don’t be afraid of straying outside of the box.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday July 21, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Your speed of thought and clarity of expression can be exceptional today, as long as there are no lingering personal issues clouding the celestial airwaves. For the first time in many years, as Jupiter amplifies your confidence to express yourself creatively, Uranus adds an extra slice of electric energy to amp up the vibe furthermore. Some group politics may, though, lurk.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

The more dextrous you can be about how you use your home, its space, or your personal resources, the more you’ll feel enriched. This can be about clever shuffling of money, but more likely to be how you utilise whatever you currently have and bring a fresh and imaginative approach to this. This could also be looking at close relationships in a different way.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

No one can ever accuse you of being one-dimensional. Even in the space of a day, you flex into many different topics, conversations, and ideas, with rapid élan. However, this talent for quick thinking and fast pivots can go up several gears today, so don’t underestimate just how much impact you can have on the people you meet. Someone can find you inspirational!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Many of us have base values that come from our early lives and the influence of the caregivers we had. And these can be enduring, as well as reassuring. At some times, life or the sky above may just nudge us to consider whether a refresh might be valuable, and today can be one of those times, especially if an old hurt can be rooted out and released.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

The expansive Jupiter has been gaining influence in your sign for the last three weeks and has been forging a series of influences with other planets. Today, however, it perfects the standout one so far, as a sparkling, radiant, and quite brilliant link to the progressive Uranus gives you a wonderful platform for personal expansion or to build new contacts or friendships.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

You might be reviewing your life role just now, but however much you scan the possibilities available, the one thing you should stay aware of is the skills, experiences, and knowledge you’ve gained over many moons. Granted, if you used some of these now, they might require adaptation but do value the journey you have had so far; it can shape your future route.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

We can all get caught up in life’s daily routines and demands. However, the planets are conspiring in a truly positive way for you now pushing you to pursue a big idea, expansive hope, or a reset in your approach. Your default can be to carefully weigh possibilities up but today is a time to listen to your intuition and let that guide you boldly forward, Libra.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

The Moon in your sign today briefly angles to your modern ruler, Pluto, and this can create some intensity. You could feel strongly about something and feel caught up in this. If you step away from the immediate issue, other planetary action is seeking your attention, and if you can connect to it, it can see you dazzle someone influential with a brilliant, perhaps lucrative, idea.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Your dynamic ruler Jupiter is tearing things up in a potentially exciting way, in fellow fire sign Leo, for the next year. Today he links to the planet of innovation, Uranus, in a fabulous way, that could see you encounter someone new with exciting fresh ideas, or you can forge a new partnership that is bright-minded and progressive. Today is unlikely to be is dull!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You are one of the zodiac’s shrewdest signs, but sometimes that means your cautious instincts can see you wary of new approaches, knowing, as you do, that the tried and tested works for the very reason it has done so for so long. Today be open to new approaches. For in time, the best of these can endure and become well established. A gem awaits being unearthed.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Your co-ruler, Uranus, is loving life in his new home in Gemini, enjoying great affinity with the sign’s fleet-footed ruler, Mercury. A palpable sense of excitement can be building up in many parts of your life, but especially where you can combine your love of the quirky and new with warmth and charisma. Today, this dazzling vibe can link you to someone special.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

You may have possessions that are like a timeline of your life story, and that you have great affection for. However, the word that defines your day Pisces, is space. That can apply to creating more space in your abode, with a selective declutter of these or creating space by letting go of some old hurts or sadness that may be lingering. This may prove cathartic.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of July here.

Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!

As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

Advertisement

MORE: Daily horoscope July 20 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope July 19 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope July 18 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

Prime Minister Andy Burham’s Cabinet appointments: (top row, left to right) Chancellor John Healey, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Education Secretary Lucy Powell, Chief Whip Anneliese Midgley and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, (second row, left to right) Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, Justice Secretary Alex Norris and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh (UK Parliament/PA)

PA Media

​

Aldi has said it is continuing to work with North Yorkshire Council on the creation of a new £7 million supermarket in Eastfield, Scarborough.

​

Despite an initial setback regarding demolition proposals at the site, the company said the “demolition works are expected to be completed in July, helping to make the site safe and secure”.

​

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), they added: “We continue to work closely with North Yorkshire Council as it considers Aldi’s planning application for a new store at the former Driving Test Centre in Eastfield.

​

“The site has been cleared in advance to help facilitate the timely delivery of the development should planning permission be granted.”

​

In January, North Yorkshire Council rejected Aldi’s prior notification for the demolition of two buildings as part of its scheme to build a supermarket at Cayton Low Road.

​

The multinational supermarket chain, now one of the UK’s “big four”, said it was “disappointed” but was still going ahead with the proposal.

​

However, in March, planning officers said that “prior approval of the method of demolition and any proposed restoration of the site is not required” and that the demolition “must be carried out within five years from the date when the application was submitted”.

Aldi Eastfield Proposed Site.

​

The spokesperson for Aldi added: “We look forward to continuing to engage with the planning process and supporting the council towards determination of the application in the coming months.”

Officers discovering several more illegal snares in the area in Musselburgh, including one containing a rabbit.

A “much-loved” family cat has died after becoming caught in an illegal snare trap in a woodland.

The pet was found entangled in the deadly device on a footpath near Musselburgh leading into Whitecraig from Wallyford on the evening of Sunday, July 12.

Police attended the scene and shockingly discovered several more snares, including one which had caught and killed a rabbit.

All of the traps were seized by officers for further investigation.

Police Scotland is now appealing for information from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Whitecraig area in the days before the cat’s death.

Constable Whitby, Wildlife Crime Coordinator for the Lothians and Scottish Borders, said the incident highlighted the dangers posed by illegal snares.

They said: “Snares have been illegal in Scotland since 2024, and they were banned for this very reason.

“A much-loved family pet has sadly died due to someone operating these illegal devices.

“If anyone has any information in relation to this incident or saw anyone acting suspicious in the Whitecraig area in the last week, please contact officers on 101, quoting incident number 3158 of 12 July, 2026.

“In addition, if you have any information or concerns regarding wildlife crime in the area, please get in touch.”

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as enquiries into the incident continue.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

An everyday kitchen staple could transform your homemade jacket spuds, helping create a soft-to-the-touch texture without the extra effort

A perfectly cooked jacket potato should have a crispy skin and a light, fluffy centre. Achieving this is surprisingly easy, with culinary experts backing one inexpensive kitchen ingredient to get the job done.

While many home cooks simply rub their potatoes with a concoction of oil and salt before baking, a number of chefs recommend adding baking soda to the preparation process instead. They say the ingredient can help break down the surface of the spud, creating that softer, fluffier texture once baked.

According to food science writer J. Kenji López-Alt, baking soda raises the pH level of the water when potatoes are parboiled, causing the outer layer to break down more quickly. Writing for Serious Eats, he explains this creates a starchy coating that encourages a crisp exterior while helping the inside become lighter and fluffier.

How to use baking soda with jacket potatoes

Serious Eats recommends to add around half a teaspoon of baking soda to a pan of salted water before briefly parboiling whole potatoes for around 10 minutes. After draining, allow the potatoes to steam dry before rubbing them with a little oil and seasoning, then roast until the skins are crisp and the centres are tender.

The Idaho Potato Commission also recommends allowing potatoes to dry thoroughly before roasting, saying excess moisture can prevent the skins from becoming crisp. It advises baking potatoes directly on the oven rack where possible to allow hot air to circulate evenly around them.

According to BBC Good Food, choosing a floury potato variety such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet also makes a noticeable difference. These varieties naturally contain more starch and less moisture than waxy potatoes, producing a softer, fluffier centre when cooked.

Food experts also advise avoiding wrapping jacket potatoes in foil during cooking. BBC Good Food says that foil traps steam around the potato, softening the skin rather than allowing it to crisp up in the oven.

The Idaho Potato Commission recommends baking potatoes at a high temperature, typically around 200C to 220C, until they are tender all the way through. Cooking times will vary depending on size, but most medium potatoes take around an hour.

Although baking soda is commonly used by chefs when preparing roast potatoes, food experts say the same principle can help improve jacket potatoes by encouraging a fluffier interior. Combined with choosing the right potato variety and baking at a high temperature, it could help elevate a simple midweek meal.