The Mayor of London‘s new Weekend Hopper scheme launches this weekend, giving Londoners and visitors the chance to explore more of the capital without paying extra to get around.
Landing just in time for the summer holidays, the scheme means you can hop on and off buses and trams as much as you like over the weekend, all for the price of a single fare.
It comes as Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) previously announced that single bus and tram fares would remain frozen at £1.75 until November 1.
Earlier this month, TfL confirmed the freeze would be extended for four months, after it had been due to end on July 5.
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The move is designed to make travel more affordable and encourage more people to use public transport.
Whether you’re planning a sightseeing trip, heading to a festival or simply making the most of a sunny weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the Weekend Hopper scheme and how to make the most of it.
TfL’s Weekend Hopper scheme launches this weekend
TfL
What is the Weekend Hopper scheme?
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For the first time, anyone travelling by bus or tram on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer holidays will be able to make unlimited journeys across London for the price of a single fare.
Passengers can make unlimited journeys within an hour of the first journey on a bus or tram.
The scheme is intended to make travel cheaper and simpler for both Londoners and visitors looking to make the most of the city’s attractions.
For example, TfL says a family of two adults and two children under 16 could travel all day on a Saturday or Sunday for a total of £3.50.
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This would save a family up to £7 a day — or £14 over the course of a weekend — if they make three or more bus journeys.
Passengers can tap in with an Oyster card, contactless bank card, or mobile device on their first bus or tram of the day. They will be charged £1.75.
Every subsequent touch-in on a bus or tram for the rest of that day is completely free, meaning travel is capped at £1.75 for the whole Saturday or Sunday.
The journey is calculated automatically, providing that you touch in and out using the exact same card or device for every journey.
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When will the scheme run?
The offer will run over weekends from July 25 to August 31.
This includes the August bank holiday Monday, when millions travel across the capital to enjoy Notting Hill Carnival, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.
Does it apply to all transport?
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No, the offer only applies to TfL trams and buses.
The Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and River Bus services are not part of the Weekend Hopper scheme and will cost a standard fare.
Bus and Tram fares remain £1.75 after fare freeze extended until 1 November 2026
TfL
What other schemes are there?
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TfL is also supporting the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, which will allow anyone under 16 to travel free by bus during August.
Children, teenagers and Londoners aged 16 to 18 can already travel for free on buses and trams with a valid Zip Oyster photocard.
But, from August 1 to 31, children under 16 visiting the capital without a Zip Card will also be able to travel on buses for free.
The nationwide government scheme aims to make days out more affordable, helping families explore everything from national parks to some of Britain’s top museums.
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What has the Mayor of London said?
The Mayor said the scheme would help families save money during the summer holidays while making it easier for Londoners and visitors to explore the city.
“During 10 years as Mayor, I’ve been committed to keeping public transport as affordable as possible – including a record seven freezes on bus and tram fares, which I recently extended until November to further support Londoners with the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“Buses and trams are a lifeline for many Londoners, and I’m determined to keep them the most accessible and affordable mode of transport in the capital.
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“I’m pleased that my Hopper fare has enabled millions of people to enjoy cheaper bus travel over the past decade, and this new Weekend Hopper will help open up our great city even more, as we continue building a fairer and better London for everyone.”
Honestly, all these whiskies are fantastic in my view, so it really comes down to your budget and the style of whisky you (or your gift recipient) enjoys. They’re all a little bit different from your standard supermarket whisky, too, so they all stand a chance of eliciting curiosity and excitement.
I personally have my favourites, with the strongest contender being Nc’nean. You’re not just purchasing an incredibly delicious whisky (I’ve poured this at many a tasting and it’s a real crowd pleaser), you’re supporting a small company that’s making the world a better place. That’s a double-win in my eyes, and a gift anyone would be honoured to receive.
Why trust me
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Becky Paskin is an award-winning drinks writer and presenter, with 20 years of experience tasting, judging and speaking about all things booze – particularly whisky. The only journalist in the world with a distilling qualification, she’s a regular lead judge for spirit competitions. You can find her writing about everything from whisky and cocktails to wine and travel in major magazines and newspapers, and regularly speaking about all the above on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. She also has a weekly newsletter, Drink This, pouring drinks, bar and travel recommendations and insight.
An Australian woman has given birth to identical quadruplet girls after a pregnancy doctors described as incredibly rare.
Jenitar Sau Na’amoana, who is 34 years old and already had four children, delivered the babies last week at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Queensland state.
“We are very excited to be able to care for this amazing little family, a big family now,” Dr. Alexa Bendall, a maternal fetal medicine specialist who cared for Na’amoana, said in an interview released by the hospital.
The babies were conceived naturally and came from one fertilized egg that split into four, “which was incredible,” Bendall said.
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“We think the figures are probably around 1 in 15 million for a case like this to be spontaneously conceived,” she said. “We don’t think it’s ever happened in Australia.”
Overall, experts say, the chance of conceiving quadruplets naturally is only 1 in 700,000; most are conceived with the assistance of medical technology.
Hospital officials said Na’amoana and her husband, Jortham, hadn’t planned to have more children and were quite surprised when she became pregnant with the quadruplets.
Na’amoana faced a high risk of complications, especially given the fetuses shared one placenta. In general, being pregnant with any multiple fetuses puts a mom at increased risk for problems such as preterm birth, miscarriage and birth defects, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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Na’amoana was monitored by a large medical team at the hospital since 10 weeks gestation and was admitted as an inpatient at 25 weeks so she could be monitored, hospital officials said. She delivered the babies by cesarean section on July 14.
“The fact that we’ve got four beautiful, healthy babies born at 28 weeks and four days is incredible,” Bendall said. “Mum did lose a little bit of blood but not an excessive amount for having quads, and she’s doing well.”
The babies are doing well in the neonatal intensive care unit. Their names are Emily, Harriet, Catherine and Alexa, in honor of Bendall. The doctor called the name a “beautiful tribute,” and said she feels privileged to have helped bring these children into the world.
“From an academic perspective, it’s really interesting,” she said. “But also from a human perspective, to be able to be part of the family’s journey and come out with four beautiful babies and a healthy mum is very precious.”
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The 49-year-old drove at speeds of 70mph in 30mph zones
A man who forced pedestrians and cyclists to dive out of the way as a result of his dangerous driving has been jailed. Sean Kimber, 49, was driving a car linked to burglaries when he was spotted by police on Milton Road, Cambridge, on May 5.
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Officers signalled for him to pull over, but he made off at speed. Kimber led officers on a pursuit around residential streets, reaching speeds of more than 70mph in 30mph zones.
This forced pedestrians and cyclists to dive out of the way. He travelled to Histon and smashed through a wooden gate, speeding over private land and was then stopped by officers.
Kimber was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, criminal damage and using fraudulent registration plates.
Kimber, of Manor Close, Little Wilbraham, was sentenced to one year and three months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday (July 17).
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Detective Constable Lisa Bacon, who investigated, said: “Kimber’s actions that day were nothing short of appalling. He drove dangerously and clearly with no thought about the danger he was putting other people in.
“He narrowly missed numerous collisions as pedestrians were forced to take evasive action. Thankfully, the pursuit ended and he was arrested before anyone was hurt.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger, whose team led the investigation, said: “Durkan’s offending represented a serious and sustained course of predatory behaviour, deliberately targeting women who were entirely unaware they were being filmed, without their consent and in the privacy of their own homes.
Cher Lloyd needs to ‘stop airing her dirty laundry in public and talk to her husband’ says friend – a day after she revealed she had ‘thrown her wedding ring in the bin’ amid split
Cher Lloyd announced she had split from her hairdresser husband of 13 years, Craig Monk by posting a ring-free hand to her 2.6million Instagram followers on Monday.
Telling a fan she had put her ring in the bin, a source close to her husband later told the Daily Mail that Cher should ‘stop airing her dirty laundry in public’.
The former X Factor singer, 32, had responded to a comment which asked: ‘I have many questions, where is your wedding ring? What are we supposed to understand from your photos?’ with Cher replying: ‘It’s in the bin’.
A friend responded: ‘Realising the timing of me sending you my save the date….whooooops my bad. Onto greater things eh lass, love ya x’
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A source close to Craig, 35, has since urged the singer to ‘have an adult conversation with her husband’ instead of posting about the state of their marriage online.
Cher Lloyd needs to ‘stop airing her dirty laundry in public’ said a source close to her husband Craig Monk, a day after she revealed on Instagram that they had split
The singer, 32, had shared a photo of her ring-free hand with her 2.6 million Instagram followers on Monday, saying her ring was ‘in the bin’
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They said Craig found Cher’s comments ‘disrespectful’ adding: ‘She’s obviously spent the last few days photographing her hand. It seems to be for attention.
‘To say that she’s thrown her wedding ring in the bin is extremely disrespectful. Once something like that goes online, it’s always online.
‘I think it’s quite obvious that she’s not acting in a very mature manner. Maybe have an adult conversation instead of going straight onto Instagram.’
Cher married Craig in November 2013 and the couple share two daughters, Delilah-Rae, who was born in May 2018, and Eliza Violet, born in September 2023.
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The source added: ‘Craig’s okay. He’s getting on with life and prioritising his two girls and that is literally all that is at the forefront of his mind. They are the only ones who matter in all of this.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Cher’s representative for comment.
On Tuesday, Cher alluded to moving ‘onto greater things’ amid the surprise split.
Moreover, she ‘liked’ a number of posts referencing, her gut and intution, crying for hours and lost love.
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She then liked a funny video showing somebody dancing in a video to Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie, with the caption: ‘Me after crying for two hours’.
Another shot showed words layered over an image of Jessica Alba reading: ‘Source? My gut feeling. My intuition. Super symbolic dream. The vibe I got’.
One of the more poignant videos shared by Cher, was a video with a voiceover saying: ‘I’ll buy you whatever you want’, with the response: ‘No you can’t’.
Cher and Monk share two children: daughters Delilah-Rae, seven, and Eliza Violet, two
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When a fan asked Cher where her wedding ring was, she replied that it was ‘in the bin’
Cher re-posted a video about crying and acting ‘like nothing happened’
Another shot showed words layered over an image of Jessica Alba reading: ‘Source? My gut feeling. My intuition. Super symbolic dream. The vibe I got’
She liked and reposted a video about the loss of ‘old school love’
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Another post reshared by the star showed a picture of a bird in a tree with the caption: ‘Imagine hating me and I’m just having a full conversation with a bird hoping my dad can hear me from heaven’
An accompanying caption read: ‘What happened to old-school love? When trust came naturally, loyalty meant something, and people weren’t afraid to genuinely care for each other.’
Cher and Craig got engaged less than a year after meeting, following her rise to stardom on The X Factor, where Cheryl Tweedy was her mentor.
During a guest appearance on ITV chat show Loose Women in October 2018, Cher said: ‘You know when you grow up and dream of that fairy tale of course we’ve had our ups and downs, but honestly it is like a fairy tale with me and him.’
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The speculation of a marriage split comes just three months after Cher announced the devastating news that her father had died.
In an emotional statement posted onto her social media, she wrote: ‘Life will never be the same again. I’ve never felt pain like this. My Dad, I love you. Goodnight. 10.03.73 – 11.04.26.’
Cher also shared an image of a text message conversation with her dad Darren, in which she had said ‘I love you dad. More than you’ll ever know’, to which he replied: ‘I know you do. And I love you more and more each day see you tomorrow.’
Cher’s father struggled throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and was rushed to hospital three times in 2020 as he battled against the deadly bug.
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At the time – due to the strict restrictions – Cher was unable to visit her dad.
An Israeli-American businessman has died after falling from the 28th floor of a Miami luxury building.
Yakir Levi, 45, was identified by family members as the man who fell from the Acqualina Resort and Residences On The Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, on Monday.
Police and members of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) were dispatched to reports of an adult male who fell from the building shortly after 9.30pm.
‘Upon arrival, they confirmed an adult male had fallen, and MDFR determined he was deceased on the scene,’ a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
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Detectives are in the process of identifying the decedent and making the next-of-kin notifications, and were unable to confirm Levi’s identity.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau has taken over the investigation, which has been deemed an unclassified death investigation.
‘The manner and cause of death will be determined by the autopsy results conducted by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner,’ the spokesperson added.
A woman who is listed as Levi’s sister on Facebook posted a tribute, writing, ‘My dear precious brother. I entrust his soul to the Creator. May someone wake me up from this crazy nightmare.’
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Israeli-American businessman Yakir Levi, 45, died after falling from the 28th floor of a Miami luxury building
Police responded to reports of a man who had fallen from a balcony at the Acqualina Resort and Residences On The Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, on Monday
A representative from Acqualina told the Daily Mail the residence building is cooperating with investigators.
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‘We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time,’ the spokesperson said.
‘In cooperation with the ongoing investigation by local authorities, we are unable to share further details.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members remains our highest priority.’
Levi, who served as an IDF soldier before moving to the United States, founded the Los Angeles-based water damage and restoration company 770 Water Damage Restoration, according to Los Angeles Magazine.
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His social media pages show that he once had a career as a musician, and he started on an Israeli reality TV show that aired on Israeli broadcasting company Reshet.
He was married to his wife, Meital Gershoni Levi, and they shared three children.
An Instagram page called the Bukharian Community, which is described as the largest online community for Bukharian Jews, posted a tribute to Levi.
He was married to his wife, Meital Gershoni Levi, and they shared three children. Levi served as an IDF soldier before moving to the US and founded the Los Angeles-based water damage and restoration company 770 Water Damage Restoration
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The night before he died, Levi was tagged in a group photo on Instagram that was caption, ‘Nights we won’t remember with people we won’t forget’
‘The Israeli community is mourning the tragic passing of Yakir Levi, a Los Angeles resident, who died last night at the age of 45,’ the page said.
‘Levi is survived by his wife and their three children. May his memory be a blessing, and may his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.’
The night before he died, Levi was tagged in a group photo on Instagram that was caption, ‘Nights we won’t remember with people we won’t forget.’
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The Daily Mail contacted the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, 770 Water Damage Restoration and Reshet 13 Media Group for comment.
And on Tuesday, 21 July, Thames Water announced that it will join them.
The company will implement a TUB “for customers who receive their water supply from Thames Water” (it doesn’t include people who only get waste water services from them, though).
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Here’s why it’s in place, who it may affect, and what a hosepipe ban actually means in practice:
Thames Water’s director of strategic water resources, Nevil Muncaster, said: “We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.”
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When does Thames Water’s hosepipe ban come into effect and when will it end?
The TUB will officially come into effect on Thursday, 23 July.
Thames Water does not yet know when the TUB will end, saying that “restrictions will be lifted as soon as conditions allow”.
You can’t run water from your mains through a hosepipe for something like filling a swimming pool, washing a car or watering your garden. But you can use watering cans and water butts for gardening and a bucket for cleaning your vehicle.
You can’tuse anything that does the job of a hosepipe to do this, like sprinklers or pressure washers, either. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you do.
However, you can use grey water – unused water from e.g. your sink or bath – to water plants.
Who is exempt from a hosepipe ban?
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People who only use Thames Water’s wastewater services are exempt from the ban (though they may be subject to a TUB from another company, so check if this applies to you).
If your usage is crucial to your business (for instance, crop farmers and car washers), if it’s needed for health reasons (like washing away dangerous agents or filling a dangerously low fish pond) or if it’s necessary for animal welfare, you may be off the hook.
Additionally, Thames Water said there will be exemptions for “Priority Services customers who cannot reasonably adjust their water use because of a disability or medical condition”.
They added that more details on exemptions will be available when the ban comes into force on 23 July.
Ryanair flight FR6597 was supposed to leave Barcelona Airport at 4.50pm local time on Monday but passengers were only allowed to board at around 6pm, with temperatures inside the plane allegedly topping 40C
Ryanair flight FR6597 had been scheduled to depart Barcelona Airport at 4.50pm local time on Monday, yet passengers weren’t permitted to board until approximately 6pm. Rather than taking off, those on board were left drenched in perspiration as the Boeing 737 sat stationary on the tarmac for two hours.
Footage captured inside the aircraft showed perspiring travellers attempting to cool themselves while enduring the lengthy wait for take-off. Those expecting complimentary water were reportedly dismayed to learn they’d have to purchase it.
While the temperature outside Barcelona Airport peaked at 31C, conditions inside the cabin allegedly exceeded 40C.
Rachel, a 34-year-old teacher and mum to six-year-old twins, filmed the ordeal and subsequently told the Manchester Evening News that sweltering passengers were ‘trapped’ aboard and forced to pay three euro and 50 cents for bottled water.
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She explained: “Everything seemed to be fine at first although it was very hot outside, 32 or 33C. We got a message to sit down as quickly as possible as there would be no air conditioning until the engines were on and we were moving.
“It was getting hotter and hotter and we were sitting there and we weren’t moving. Then they gave out water and we thought it was free of charge but then they came though the cabin asking for whoever had taken the water with their payment machines and taking money. After the first 45 minutes people were dripping in sweat and we just weren’t getting any information.
“The staff were telling us to sit down or we’d miss our slot and everyone sat down and we thought we were leaving but again nothing happened. Another 20 minutes went by and we were still sitting there and still waiting. Then we were told there would be a further delay.
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“At that point it was so hot people were asking to be let off the plane. It got really bad. It was scary at that point because there was no cool air at all. Everyone was pouring with sweat. It was like being locked inside a sauna. It felt exactly like that.
“There were children crying. There was a woman with a heart condition seated behind me who fainted. She was slumped over. The temperature must have been in the high 40s. I was looking at my own children and their faces were all puffy because of the heat. It was actually shocking how they treated us. They wouldn’t do that to animals”.
“They were telling us if anyone wanted to get off they wouldn’t be allowed back onto the plane. A few people fainted. My husband nearly fainted. There was a school trip of about 30 children aged 15 or 16.”
At approximately 8.20pm, with departure still nowhere in sight, every passenger was instructed to leave the aircraft. Once inside the terminal building, several male travellers attempted to remove their soaking garments but were promptly ordered by local authorities to put them back on, Rachel recounted.
“I felt for the crew to be honest. I don’t really blame them. They were just doing their jobs and they were as hot as we were. I don’t think they really knew what was going on,” Rachel explained.
Travellers were ultimately instructed to re-board the aircraft, which finally took off just before 1am Spanish time today (Tuesday July 21, 2026), touching down in Manchester at 2am UK time to cheers from the exhausted passengers.
“It was an absolutely horrific experience,” Rachel stated, revealing that travellers received four euro vouchers which could only be redeemed within the terminal. Terminal shops were shut, she noted.
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A Ryanair statement said: “This flight from Barcelona to Manchester (21 Jul) was delayed prior to departure due to thunderstorms at Barcelona Airport. Passengers were disembarked during the delay and reboarded once weather conditions improved.
“Passengers booked on this flight received communications via email and PUSH notifications and were issued with refreshment vouchers during the delay. Once weather conditions improved, this flight departed for Manchester at 00:29am local time.”
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The concerns come after a series of Freedom of Information requests submitted by Belfast Live.
Questions continue to be raised over how the homeless in Belfast will be supported during this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann after Belfast City Council confirmed it has not commissioned any additional emergency accommodation for the event.
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The issue has been highlighted by independent councillor Paul McCusker, who has called for assurances that vulnerable people will not be “disadvantaged or left without access to the assistance they need” when thousands of visitors descend on the city next month.
The concerns also come after a series of Freedom of Information requests submitted by Belfast Live.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive said it did not hold information relating to planning for homelessness during the Fleadh and advised that enquiries should instead be directed to Belfast City Council.
In response to a separate FOI request, Belfast City Council initially extended the deadline for responding, stating that it was considering whether to withhold information under commercial interests exemptions.
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However, in its final response, the council instead relied on an exemption relating to information provided in confidence to withhold minutes from meetings discussing the event.
The council’s handling of the request was challenged through an internal review, arguing the change in exemptions was procedurally flawed and that the public interest favoured releasing the minutes, at least in a redacted form.
The review ultimately upheld the council’s decision to withhold the meeting records, with the City Solicitor concluding the information had been provided by partner organisations and concerned commercially sensitive planning for the Fleadh.
However, the council accepted that it should have provided further explanation in relation to other parts of the request.
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It confirmed there will be no specific Fleadh strategy for Safer Neighbourhood Officers, saying officers will instead extend their working hours from 8 am until 10 pm throughout the festival while continuing their normal duties.
The council also said there are no specific standard operating procedures or strategy documents for its Complex Lives Team for the event. Instead, a meeting was held in May to inform homelessness and support services about road closures and access arrangements so they could plan accordingly.
On emergency accommodation, the council said: “There has been no funding applied for or additional bed space commissioned by Belfast City Council.”
It added that it had informed the Housing Executive about the Fleadh and its potential impact and would continue liaising with the organisation “to ensure we have safe, inclusive and compassionate Fleadh 2026”.
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The council also said it held no correspondence or briefing notes regarding the “clearing” or relocation of rough sleepers from areas being used for performances or pedestrianised event spaces.
Independent councillor Paul McCusker, who works within the homelessness sector, has written to the chief executives of both Belfast City Council and the Housing Executive seeking further clarification.
He said: “The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Belfast, celebrate Irish culture and bring visitors into our city. However, it is vital that we also consider how the event will impact those who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness.
“With restrictions and operational changes expected across the city centre, we need to ensure that people who depend on support services are not disadvantaged or left without access to the assistance they need.
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“I have asked for clarification on whether additional emergency accommodation or bed spaces will be made available during the festival and what measures are being put in place to support vulnerable people throughout the event.
“As we welcome thousands of visitors to Belfast, we must also ensure that those who are most in need are treated with dignity and supported appropriately.”
Paul McCusker said that following a briefing on the event, there remained “no clarity” on how homelessness services would operate during the Fleadh or whether additional emergency accommodation would be available.
He added: “The lack of planning will displace our most vulnerable, and this is unacceptable.”
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The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Belfast between 2nd and 9th August, making it one of the largest cultural events ever hosted by the city.
Kerry Nwachukwu, 44, has described the terrifying time behind bars in a Dubai prison where she begged for a mattress to sleep on and lived in constant fear of getting attacked
04:12, 22 Jul 2026Updated 04:14, 22 Jul 2026
A British mum is stuck in Dubai after spending a month in prison for failing to pay £19,000 of rent.
Kerry Nwachukwu, 44, has been caught in a legal and financial crisis in Dubai tied to two separate Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) cases in late 2024 and 2025. Despite having a British passport, the marketing consultant from London is still stuck in the UAE under two travel bans and needs to pay her debts to two landlords, avoid returning to prison – and eventually come home to the UK.
The founder of a marketing agency fell into £19,000 of rent arrears with two landlords after more than £10,000 in client contracts went unpaid by November last year, leaving her unable to cover her rent.
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She has also been unable to renew her UAE business licence since January due to the legal proceedings, with her financial situation significantly worsened due to the war in the middle east. Kerry paid £3,000 to be released from prison under a 15-month repayment plan, only for the same judge to reverse the decision three weeks later and give her 15 days to repay instead.
Now that 15 day period is up, she claims the only thing stopping her from being arrested right now is “actively going outside”.
Kerry, who used to work as a marketing director at Sotheby’s, grew up in London and moved to Dubai to set up her own marketing agency in August 2022 with her 25-year-old son, John Nwachukwu.
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Kerry, who shared her story via Talk to the Press, wants others to be aware of how “unpredictable” the law is in the UAE.
“It’s a criminal offense when I don’t pay rent, but when businesses don’t pay people, there is no legal consequence at all,” Kerry says. She says there is a “dark side” to the “glitz and glamour” of living in Dubai.
Kerry spent the earlier months of this year going back and forth to the rental court to set up instalments but says she “didn’t realise they had already issued a judgement or an arrest warrant to detain me”.
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On April 22, she was walking through a mall on her way back from speaking to a rental clerk when she was stopped by a CID law enforcement officer and transferred to Bur Dubai police station.
She stayed in a cell in Bur Dubai for two weeks before being transferred to Al Awir Central Jail where she says there were “so many dangerous characters, that you can’t show emotion”.
Kerry said: “I was put inside with people who’ve murdered people, I was in one cell with people who were selling drugs. How is that even possible? Just for not paying your rent, you are thrown into a horrible, horrible jail.
“You have to be mentally strong and I feel like part of what I’ve learned about myself is how strong I am. I was the sort of person who would go into the shower and cry.”
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She adds that she “nearly got into a fight a couple of times just to mark my territory. I became a person that I don’t want to be – it’s terrifying I could not sleep every night, I was feeling somebody’s going to jump at me.”
She says that women used to wee on the floor of the loo and for the first couple of days she didn’t have a mattress.
“I had to beg some girls to share. I was cold. They take away your shoes, so I was barefoot,” she added.
Kerry claims she barely had any cash but had to use what she had to buy a pair of slippers for £3. She was released on May 15 after her son requested nine times for her to be set free.
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But three weeks later, she received a text with a new arrest warrant that had been changed from 15 months to 15 days. She says her lawyer has advised her not to “argue” with the judge.
“It makes the situation worse. Either I pay off another significant amount and the judge may give me more time but at the moment, as we stand, there’s nothing to do except avoid being arrested,” she said.
Her lawyer told her that if she coughs up another £4,000, it may convince the judge to cancel the current arrest warrant – but this is still not definite.
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Kerry’s ultimate aim is to return home to the UK. She said: “If I had any means to literally pay the courts today, I’ll be on a plane straight out of here. I would not even look back. All my stuff is in storage, I’ll get a courier to bring it to the UK. I’ll literally just run out with my two suitcases and I won’t even look back.”
Her friends and family in the UK have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover day-to-day living costs and rent while repaying the two separate rental instalment plans – which are both tied to their own travel ban.
Before all of this, she started writing a book about building her business – but she now wants to base it about her detention story.
“People need to know the story of a businesswoman by herself, trying to build somewhere where actually the law can be very dangerous and people don’t forgive you,” she says.
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