Betting sign up offers and free bets are available from UKGC-licensed betting sites for signing up and betting online on sporting events throughout the year, including football, horse racing, boxing, darts, tennis and many more.

At The Independent, our experts have used their impartial and detailed analysis to find new and existing customers the best betting sign up offers and free bets available.

We have stringent criteria when it comes to picking our top betting offers available. Our experts focus on accessibility, flexibility, fairness, key terms and conditions and regularity when selecting the best options out there.

Every betting site that we recommend is licensed and regulated by United Kingdom Gambling Commission, ensuring that new and existing customers are using a reputable betting operator.

Free bets can be claimed from betting sites by new and existing customers, allowing bettors to bet without risking their own money.

Terms and conditions are attached to free bets and betting offers. Usually, bettors must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to claim a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.

Wagering requirements can be attached to free bet offers, which means winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw funds as cash, but this is more common on online casinos.

Free bets are straightforward to use for customers, although the way they can be deployed may differ depending on your chosen bookmaker.

Usually, betting sites will have a box or toggle on your bet slip that users can tick or move to confirm free bets on their bet.

An important note. If your bet wins, you only keep the profit, the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.

Bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.

Here are the standout betting offers on the market for users broken down into strength of category.

Sky Bet – Best low-stake betting sign up offer

Sky Bet provide best low stake betting sign up offer for new customers offering users the chance to bet as little as 5p to secure the welcome bonus worth £30 in free bets to use anywhere on the betting site.

Sky Bet offers customers the complete range of its sportsbook to place their qualifying bet. The odds requirement of evens are higher than some of its rivals, but the 5p stake more than makes up for this with a relative low risk compared with others.

Once the qualifying bet settles, Sky Bet pays out your free bets within 24 hours. This can take as little as a matter of hours with Sky offering one of the fastest payouts among online betting sites.

Sky credits your free bets as 3 x £10 free bet tokens to use on the sportsbook. The free bet tokens are slightly more restrictive than other operators that allow users to split their bonus entirely on their choosing, but there are no restrictions where users can place their free bets in terms of sports or markets.

There’s also plenty of time to use the Sky Bet welcome offer, with up to 30 days to use the free bet balance before it expires. For first-time bettors it’s a perfect betting sign up offer for optimum value, needing only 5p to qualify.

Betano – Best football betting sign up offer

Betano is the best option for punters looking for free bets at leading football bookmakers, with the Betano sign up offer providing £50 in free bets with an initial wager of just £10 (an excellent return for a low entry stake).

The offer includes a straightforward qualifying bet with minimum odds of evens and no accumulator required, while the 30-day expiry on free bets gives users flexibility, with plenty of time to use bonuses.

This new betting site provides great variety on its football markets – from match odds and BTTS to goalscorers, correct scores and much more – and users will also find regular offers and promotions once signed up to the site.

Tote – Best for horse racing free bets

The Tote betting sign up offer is an excellent choice for horse racing fans, with a £5 bet returning £20 in racing value – a strong 4x reward for such a low qualifying stake.

The offer provides £10 in Tote Credit for horse racing – which is ideal for pools, exotics, and Tote-only markets – as well as £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook, offering plenty of flexibility for new customers.

The qualifying bet simply need to be a £5 bet on any sport (with some exclusions, though win, place, or pool bets all count) at odds of evens or greater, and winnings are fully withdrawable, with Tote Credit profits available to be cashed out, keeping risk low.

Tote also guarantee boosts payouts paid at SP or better, adding an extra upside for horse racing bettors and making Tote the best choice among horse racing betting sites.

Bet365 – Best for moneyback as a free bet

Bet365 have recently launched its moneyback specials across a number of sports, including football and horse racing, as well as a range of major events.

Customers can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets if their bet fails. The system is simple for claiming the betting offer, with users ticking the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify.

Free bets are usually credited within a matter of hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. Free bet credits can be used anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business with no limit on where and how your credits can be spent.

Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the highlight games of the week are covered with a moneyback special notably on Saturday and Sunday evenings, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured this betting offer.

The nuts and bolts of the requirements are as follows. Customers must place a qualifying bet builder on the eligible game or event, with bet builders needing only evens (2.0) or higher odds.

Bet365 also attaches its Sub Play On feature on football bet builders in conjunction with the moneyback special, which keeps bets alive even if a player is subbed.

Virgin Bet – Best free bet club

Existing customers can use the weekly Virgin Bet rewards club to claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas.

Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday, making these qualifying stakes smaller than most rival free bet clubs.

Virgin Bet have an extremely low minimum odds requirement to use your free bet at 1/100.

You’re spoiled for choice, and better yet, there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.

In addition, the seven-day expiry gives plenty of time to use the bonus, meaning the free bet club offers huge flexibility.

After the qualifying bets have settled, Virgin Bet pays out the £5 free acca bet into your account and to activate the free bet offer, simply use the toggle on your bet slip to use up the credits.

Below, we’ve provided some detail on common traps that users can fall into when claiming free bets:

Stake not returned on free bets

Not all free bet offers return the original stake if your bet wins. For example, a £10 free bet at 3/1 pays £30 profit, not £40; always factor this in when comparing headline free bet amounts.

Short expiry windows

Free bets usually expire within 5-7 days of being credited, and occasionally less. Unused free bets are removed automatically once they expire, so casual or infrequent bettors can lose value this way.

Remember to always check the expiry date as soon as the free bet is added.

Bet builder or market restrictions

Some free bets are limited to certain types of use. For example, some are football bet builders only, accumulator bets or bets fixed to specific sports, leagues or events. These restrictions reduce flexibility and can increase risk.

Bet builder-only free bets often require multiple selections to win, meaning long odds, and it is the same with accas. Remember to check eligible markets before placing your qualifying bet.

Minimum odds requirements

Betting offers may require minimum odds on either the qualifying bet or the free bet itself, and sometimes both. Higher odds thresholds can push bettors toward riskier selections, while a smaller free bet with low odds requirements can offer better value.

Cash-Out and In-Play exclusions

Remember that cashing out a qualifying bet often voids eligibility for the offer. Some free bets also cannot be used on in-play markets.

These exclusions are commonly hidden in the T&Cs, so avoid cashing out unless you’re sure it won’t affect the promotion.

Wagering requirements and bonus conditions

Wagering is uncommon on free bets, but it is not unheard of. Some promotions attach extra conditions to winnings or follow-on bonuses instead.

Offers requiring winnings to be wagered multiple times reduce real value, while simpler “bet and get” free bets are usually the safest option.

Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.

1. Licensing

Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.

The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.

2. Security

Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.

3. Reputation

Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.

4. Mobile

With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.

Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.

5. Experience

The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.

Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers, but we also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and available payment methods.

6. Value

Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings.

If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.

When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose. Even free bets still involve a level of risk.

The same applies if you’re using new online casinos, slot sites, poker sites or any other form of gambling.

Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.

If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

The crash involved a car and a motorcycle

A person was seriously injured after a crash in a Cambridgeshire suburb. Cambridgeshire Police were called to the A15 at Hampton Vale, Peterborough, on Saturday (August 1) at around 1pm.

A crash took place between a car and a motorcyclist. A police spokesperson said: “We were called at about 1pm on Saturday with reports of a collision between a car and a motorcyclist on the A15 at Hampton Vale.

“One person was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests and the London Road carriageway was reopened just after 2pm.”

The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for further information.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

The popular volunteer-run event featured more than 300 classes, more than 120 trophies and over £6,000 in trophies.

All went well, but the dry conditions meant the cancellation of the showjumping and it was said the weather was too warm for the expected visit of the giant tortoises.

Large crowds were present, with organisers saying the turnout was similar to the well-attended 7,000 of last year, though a more accurate count is not yet available.

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John Revis and wife, Phil Tottie, Lisa and Paul Chasney (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Traders were happy when the Press saw them in the morning, though they admitted it was early days.

Among them Tara Gavin and Sheri Dignan of The Curious Confectionary of Doncaster, who were enjoying their first visit to the Tockwith show.

Tara said: “Other people we know have attended and they told us about it. The show makes for a lovely day out. It’s too soon to say how we are doing. It’s been steady this morning. I think people are having a look around first.”

Michael Broadbent and his 1967 Austin A35 van (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Anthony Barnett of the Little Fudge Company of Doncaster was back after several years away.

He said: “Business is always an afternoon thing but it’s a good show, you can’t really fault it. I came 4-5 years ago when it was really muddy. We did quite well.”

Anthony Barnett of the Little Fudge Company (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Tockwith Show is noted for its extensive vehicle displays.

Mark Denton of nearby Cowthorpe was polishing his steam engine. Mark tries to get out with his steam engine about four times a year and has done several pub runs with it, including Thorpe Arch, Walton and Tockwith.

He added: “This is my first time showing my steam engine here, even though I have lived here for years and years. There’s a good turnout, a good crowd. There’s lots of stuff to see, plenty of variety.”

Michael Broadbent of Barnsley was proudly showing off his white 1967 Austin A35 van, which he bought in May 2025.

Tara Gavin and Sheri Dignan of the Curious Confectionary. (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Michael said: “It’s had a full-bore metal respray, new disk breaks back and front, new wheel and an engine overhaul. It did come out of the factory this good.”

“This is my first season with the van though I was part of the Rolls Royce display last year.”

In the Discovery Zone Rachel Muir of Pocklington’s The Purple Pig Company was showing children how to feed her baby pygmy goats.

She said: “It’s a really lovely show, with a wonderful atmosphere.

Martin Denton of Cowthorpe with his steam engine (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Rachel added she is a regular at farm shows with the mobile farm, but most of her work is visiting schools.

The main sponsor this year is Tockwith-based Revis Transport.

The company’s John Revis said his business was supporting the show as it is a great community event, adding he’s been attending it for 35 years.

He added: “It’s a great, little show. We do not like blowing our own trumpet, but we will blow the show’s trumpet as much as we can.”

Rachel Muir and her pygmy goats (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Show chairman Phil Tottie said the show went very well and the society that runs the show were “very pleased with the great turnout.”

Final figures have year to be assessed but they are expected to be similar to last year.

Phil said today (Monday) the children’s mascot race proved popular, as did all the events in the main ring.

“I can’t single anything out. There were loads of attractions.”

“We are currently taking things down. The field will return to normal and after a few days rest we will start preparing for next year, which will be on Sunday August 1.”

Did you go to Tockwith Show? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Police and paramedics were called to an altercation on St Vincent Road in on July 18

A woman died from a stab wound after a violent altercation in Newport, an inquest opening heard.

Charlene Dowsell, 41, from Maesglas in Newport, died from a stab wound after police and paramedics were called to an altercation on St Vincent Road at around 1.30am on July 18.

Gwent Coroner’s Court heard on Monday that police had received a call alerting them to a man and woman fighting, with the woman bleeding.

Emergency services attended but despite first aid attempts Ms Dowsell was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Coroner Rose Farmer told the court that an inquest is being opened due to it being a violent death.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter and a provisional cause of death has been given as a stab wound to the left back, involving lower lobe of left lung, left hemi diaphragm, stomach and left lobe of liver.

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the incident. Albert Williams, 66, has been remanded into custody.

The inquest will resume on a date to be confirmed pending the completion of criminal proceedings.

In the days following her death, Ms Dowsell was remembered by her family as a “beautiful daughter and mum”.

The family’s statement reads: “To our beautiful daughter Charlene, mum of four beautiful children. They say time will heal, but time will never change how we as a family feel.

“You’re so loved by everyone that really knew you. You have left us broken hearted – we are all in shock. We don’t know what to do but we are finding comfort in memories we have of you. You did not deserve what you went through our girl.

“Losing our daughter at such a young age, she was the foundation to our family and without her it’s difficult to know what to do and what comes next. Four children without a mum is just heartbreaking.

“Gone are the days we used to share but in my heart you will always be there. You’re at peace now our beautiful girl. Gone but never forgotten.”

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz narrowly missed his estranged parents as he stepped out for ice cream in Saint Tropez on Sunday. 

The aspiring chef, 27, stepped out with his actress spouse for a sweet treat having spent time with his godfather Elton John on his yacht, where they are staying, however they missed Victoria and David just five minutes before. 

The famous couple were most recently seen on their yacht in St Tropez, 75 miles away from their son, before enjoying lunch with Michael Jordan later in the day. 

The Beckham-Peltzes put on a low-key display for their outing to Saint Tropez’s Barbarac ice-cream parlour, with Nicola in a micro-mini skirt and Pucci bag while flashing her ankle tattoo reading ‘Elijah’ – meaning ‘The Lord is my God’. 

Brooklyn went for a tight white tee and black shorts as they stepped out alongside Elton’s husband David Furnish, who also enjoyed a sweet treat, before Nicola headed into a Jacquemus store.

Shortly before their trip to the ice cream parlour, his parents had headed to lunch with basketball legend Michael Jordan – meaning they missed each other within just five minutes 

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The aspiring chef, 27, stepped out with his actress spouse for a sweet treat having spent time with his godfather Elton John on his yacht, where they are staying, however are said to have missed Victoria and David just five minutes before

Brooklyn and Nicola looked laid-back and happy for the trip – seemingly unaware they were in such close quarters to his parents. 

Elton’s husband and long-time friend of the Beckhams David wore a pink top while enjoying his ice cream and accompanying Brooklyn.  

Once again, Brooklyn skipped his family’s annual getaway on the £16million yacht after severing ties with his parents and siblings.

Instead, he united with Elton and his husband David, where they were spotted chatting on board the vessel. 

Christmas 2024 was the last time the Beckham clan were pictured with Brooklyn and Nicola before they lost all meaningful communication.

During his trip, David appeared deep in thought as he wrapped his arm around his beloved son Romeo.

Meanwhile, aspiring chef Brooklyn appeared in high spirits as he was seen laughing and giggling with Nicola.

Nicola was glammed up to the nines as she headed out while avoiding her in-laws

Brooklyn has made his feelings about his family clear 

The couple headed into the Jacquemus store 

While Elton stayed behind, the famous couple were joined by his husband David Furnish (far right) 

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The couple were not just hitting the ice cream parlour but also boutiques in the swanky area

Before arriving in St Tropez, Victoria and David visited different parts of the Balearic Islands with Romeo on their luxury £16million yacht, Seven.

The Beckhams and Elton have been pals for more than 30 years, with David affectionately calling the musician ‘Uncle Elton’ after the pair became friends in his football heyday.

Yet Elton appears to be pledging an allegiance with Brooklyn and Nicola as they enjoyed a luncheon on the sundeck.

Victoria and David recently followed the World Cup around the US with Romeo and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 24, 15-year-old Harper, Cruz, 21, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

Despite living across the pond, Brooklyn has avoided all family outings amid their ongoing estrangement.

He was seen tucking into the sweet treat as he avoided his parents 

In January, Brooklyn released a scathing six-page statement denouncing his parents and declared he was no longer part of ‘Brand Beckham’

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In January, Brooklyn released a scathing six-page statement denouncing his parents and declared he was no longer part of ‘Brand Beckham’.

Brooklyn also claimed David and Victoria had controlled him for much of his life, attempted to drive a wedge between him and Nicola and left him embarrassed when his mother danced ‘inappropriately’ with him during the first dance at his wedding.

He has not acknowledged any of his parents’ birthdays or milestones publicly since their rift began, around the time of David’s 50th celebrations, and failed to share a post for Father’s Day this year.

It was previously reported that Brooklyn was ‘furious’ that his parents had included him in a Father’s Day post and wants them to ‘leave him alone’.

Shortly before Christmas last year, Brooklyn blocked his parents on Instagram, while his lawyers later wrote to the Beckhams’ team requesting all communication be conducted through legal representatives.

The Daily Mail contacted Brooklyn’s representatives for comment at the time.

In November 2020, a Belgian racing pigeon called New Kim sold at auction for £1.44 million. The record price offered a striking insight into the money, competition and international interest surrounding pigeon fancying.

The breeding and keeping of pigeons for racing or showing is practised worldwide, with particularly valuable European birds attracting buyers from as far away as China. The UK remains one of the sport’s traditional heartlands.

Every January, thousands of fanciers (people who breed birds) travel to Blackpool for the British Homing World Show of the Year. They browse trade stalls, meet friends and admire birds with elaborate head feathers, curled plumage and colours ranging from warm reds to iridescent greens.

Among the prize birds, our research team is there for a different purpose: we collect blood samples from the fanciers.

Pigeon lung

People who spend many hours around pigeons can develop a condition commonly called pigeon lung, or bird fancier’s lung. It is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune-related disease in which repeated exposure to certain airborne substances causes inflammation deep inside the lungs.

The triggers are proteins found in bird droppings, feathers and bloom, the fine powder coating a pigeon’s feathers. These proteins can become part of the dust circulating inside a loft, where the birds are kept, and are then inhaled.

Most fanciers never develop the disease. In susceptible people, however, the immune system reacts to the proteins and causes inflammation around the lungs’ tiny air sacs. Symptoms can include coughing, breathlessness, fever and tiredness after spending time with birds.

Repeated inflammation can lead to fibrosis – permanent scarring of the lung tissue. This makes the lungs stiffer and reduces their ability to transfer oxygen into the blood. In the most serious cases this can eventually be fatal. Research suggests that pigeon breeders have an increased risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other interstitial lung diseases, an umbrella term for conditions that inflame or scar the tissue surrounding the air sacs.

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Reducing or avoiding exposure is central to treatment. For a fancier, however, complete avoidance may mean giving away birds to which they have devoted much of their life. Some patients also need medicines to reduce inflammation or slow progressive scarring.

There is no single test that confirms pigeon lung. Doctors usually consider symptoms, exposure history, breathing tests, blood tests and lung scans. Blood tests can show whether the immune system has reacted to pigeon proteins, but this indicates exposure rather than proving disease.

Some fanciers tell us that they have been advised to give up their birds before receiving a thorough investigation. Others describe pigeon fancying being dismissed by their doctors as a “silly hobby”.

Such experiences can damage trust. Some fanciers become reluctant to tell healthcare professionals that they keep pigeons, while others delay seeking medical advice.

More than four decades ago, Dr Phil Lynch, a GP and pigeon fancier, and Dr Gavin Boyd, a consultant respiratory physician, established a research programme that developed into the British Pigeon Fanciers Medical Research Trust. It is supported by donations from the pigeon-fancying community.

Since 2019, our team of researchers, doctors and medical students has worked with the trust at pigeon shows as part of the British Pigeon Fanciers Genetics of Interstitial Lung Disease study.

Participants answer questions about their health, work, smoking history and time spent with their birds. We also use breathing tests. Spirometry measures how much air a person can forcefully breathe out and how quickly, giving us a measure of general lung health. Oscillometry uses gentle pressure waves to assess how easily air moves through the lungs and airways allowing us to identify those who have stiffer, and potentially scarred, lungs.

Blood samples allow us to study participants’ DNA, antibodies produced against pigeon proteins, and biological markers linked to inflammation. By comparing people who remain healthy with those who develop symptoms or lung abnormalities, we hope to discover why some fanciers become ill while others do not.

This could help researchers identify people at greater risk, diagnose the disease earlier and find biological processes that might become targets for treatment.

The research could also help people beyond the pigeon-fancying community. Pigeon lung belongs to a wider group of diseases caused by inhaling substances encountered at work, at home or during hobbies.

Farmer’s lung is associated with microorganisms growing in mouldy hay or straw. Hot tub lung is linked to breathing fine droplets of water containing certain environmental bacteria. Other cases can be triggered by mould in buildings, contaminated humidifiers or animal proteins.

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The triggers differ, but some immune responses and processes leading to fibrosis may overlap. Studying people with a clearly identifiable exposure could therefore improve understanding of cases in which the trigger is harder to establish.

Our visits also provide opportunities to discuss reducing exposure by improving ventilation, controlling dust and wearing a properly fitted protective mask when disturbing feathers or dried droppings. These measures cannot guarantee prevention, and anyone with persistent coughing or breathlessness still needs medical assessment.

More than 500 people have taken part in our research, and many return for repeat tests every year. This allows us to examine how their lung function, exposure and immune responses change over time.

The project depends heavily on the pigeon-fancying community. Fanciers have helped to fund the work, shape the research questions and encourage others to participate. The trust built over several decades has also been essential.

By working alongside fanciers as research partners, the project can investigate a serious disease while respecting an activity that gives participants friendship, purpose and enjoyment.

Egg mayonnaise sandwiches are a classic summer lunch, but they can often turn greasy and oily in hot weather. I have discovered a simple way to keep them tasty using an ingredient most people have at the back of their fridge.

August is my preferred month for egg mayonnaise sandwiches, as it’s typically when I dust off my picnic blanket and dine outdoors more frequently to savour the final days of warm summer sunshine. It’s an affordable and simple sandwich to prepare without needing to switch on the oven, but egg filling can rapidly turn into an oily mess at this time of year if you rely on mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise is commonly used in sandwiches, as it helps bind the ingredients and boasts a naturally rich flavour that complements eggs beautifully. However, mayonnaise is laden with fat, and in my experience, it tends to seep through the bread in warm weather, leaving the sandwich unpleasantly greasy.

Nobody wants a soggy sandwich, so I set out to discover whether there was an alternative method for making egg filling. After experimenting with numerous recipes, I can confidently say it tastes far better when you substitute Greek yoghurt instead.

I appreciate that spreading yoghurt on your sandwiches might sound peculiar, but it lends the egg filling a considerably superior texture, which is why I now refuse to use mayonnaise for my lunch or picnics.

Greek yoghurt has a thick, creamy consistency comparable to mayonnaise, yet it contains no oil whatsoever, allowing you to enjoy your sandwich free from all that excessive greasiness.

Mayonnaise tends to be high in fat, which not only contributes unnecessary calories to an egg filling but can also overwhelm the other ingredients, leaving the filling tasting cloying and bland.

Greek yoghurt is my preferred choice, as its fresher and slightly tangier flavour beautifully offsets the richness of the eggs, resulting in a considerably more flavoursome sandwich.

Having made egg filling with Greek yoghurt throughout the summer, I have not only developed a preference for it, but many of my relatives have also declared it tastier, and now regularly request that I prepare the sandwiches for family gatherings.

How to make tasty egg filling without mayonnaise

You will need:

• Six eggs
• 60g of Greek yoghurt
• Two to three spring onions
• Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• One teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

Method:

Begin by cooking the hard-boiled eggs. Place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to medium-low for 10 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice-cold water and leave them to rest for a further 10 minutes.

In the meantime, combine the Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl and stir until smooth. Use this time to chop the spring onions as well.

Once the eggs are ready, peel and chop them into small pieces. Alternatively, mash them with a fork if you’d prefer a creamier, more spreadable consistency.

Add the chopped eggs and spring onions to the bowl and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. You’ll now have a wonderfully tasty filling — no fatty mayonnaise required.

After a thrilling start to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast yesterday, the city is readying itself for a second day of music and culture treats today, Monday 3 August.

Over 800,000 people are expected to visit the city over the course of the week for the world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance, hosted by Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.

Public transport is the recommended way to travel into Belfast, as a large area of the city centre is pedestrianised this week to create a safe and welcoming festival zone.

Main routes across the wider city are open, but motorists should check routes in advance and allow additional travel time. No stopping is permitted around the event zone perimeter to help buses run smoothly. There are specific drop-off and pick-up zones for private hire taxis.

Roads around City Hall Donegall Square North, Donegall Square South, Wellington Place and Chichester Street, are all still in use today, to help keep public transport moving around the city as much as possible, so take extra care in these areas, use the traffic crossings and follow the directions of event stewards.

Park & Ride shuttles are running every 10-15 minutes at peak times between Eikon Exhibition Centre and Grand Central Station and between Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour Estate into Laganside Bus Centre. Park & Ride spaces can be booked in advance via the RingGo app or pay on the day, using contactless machines only, with all spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dedicated accessible parking, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, is available for Blue Badge holders at Dunbar Street (outside Common Market) and Winetavern Street/Smithfield. A free city centre loop bus is also running for those with mobility needs and those carrying large instruments, equipment or costumes.

Today’s highlights are set against the iconic backdrop of Belfast City Hall with the main ‘Gig Rig’ stage a hive of activity from 12 noon when Innova Irish Dance company bring an energetic start to a full day of performances. Today you can see the Aisling School of Irish Dance, Flute Church Band Portadown, Ronan McEvoy and Filidh.

Auris – Luke Savage are our headliners at 9pm, combining funky basslines, saxophone, electric guitar and a pinch of groove with traditional jigs and reels – get ready to dance!

The MAC will also host the Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards at 2pm today, celebrating traditional Irish musicians with additional needs.

This free, uplifting event recognises the talent, commitment and contribution that are part of the tradition at every level.