Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other people have been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of drugs charges.

According to state-owned al-Ahram newspaper, they were part of a criminal gang which imported ingredients used to make drugs with the intent of selling them.

They also had illegal firearms and munitions.

Khalifa, 39, is best known for her TV programme Mission Impossible which dealt with crime issues. She has denied the charges.

Nine fellow defendants have been sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven have been acquitted.

Khalifa’s lawyer said she would appeal the death sentence.

The verdict was first announced last month.

However, it was only confirmed a month later after the court obtained a religious opinion from the grand mufti of Egypt – a legal requirement in death sentence cases.

During the trial, the court heard that authorities had seized more than 750kg (1,653lbs) of narcotics and the imported raw materials to make them.

Twenty witnesses had given statements to the prosecutors, al-Ahram said, in addition to electronic evidence that included conversations and video clips.

According to the state-run Akhbar al-Youm newspaper, when asked by the judge about her alleged role during a court appearance last September, Khalifa said she had never seen any drugs until she was photographed with them inside the anti-narcotics authority offices.

According to a 2025 Amnesty International report, there were 492 death sentences in the course of the year, 23 of whom were executed, external.

The defendants were found guilty of drug trafficking and rape, “crimes that did not amount to ‘intentional killing’ to which the use of the death penalty must be restricted under international law and standards”, the report said.

Maya Jama has signed up for series three of The Gentlemen according to reports, after stars of the show dismissed rumours Meghan Markle would join the cast. 

The Love Island presenter, 32, made her scripted acting debut in the second series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit, in which she plays Aisha, the wife of a criminal associate of Theo James‘s character, Eddie Horniman.

Maya is said to have confirmed she will be returning for series three at the premiere earlier this week. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Maya was great in season two and bosses will be glad to see her back for the third series. She’s pulled in even more viewers and was a natural on set.’

Meanwhile, Maya told the publication how director Guy was really reassuring when it came to filming her scenes.

She said: ‘He doesn’t feel as intimidating as you’d think, being who he is.

Meghan, 45, has not given up hope of appearing in Guy Ritchie’s crime drama now she is back in the UK, a source has told the Daily Mail

‘He’s very personable and he would be like, ‘Yeah, you’re doing well’, and reassure me, which was really nice.

‘He’s just really involved and kind of a genius to watch, because everyone’s practising their lines and then he says something that’s way better than the original.’

The Daily Mail has contacted Maya’s representative for comment.  

The new glimpse at the upcoming series shows James’s character Eddie take on the Glass family’s empire as he makes a bid to resume complete control of his estate.

At the start of the clip, he says: ‘400 years ago, this estate spread out as far as the eye could see,’ over sweeping shots of his sprawling grounds. ‘I want it all back.’

However, the path to total domination never runs smooth, especially when the opponent is drug baron Bobby.

Bobby is aware of Eddie and Susie’s ambitions to expand their criminal empire, as he tells them he knows they are hoping he might support their efforts to ‘decriminalize marijuana’.

It comes after cast members ruled out The Duchess Of Sussex joining the show on the red carpet at the London premiere of the second season.

Meghan, 45, has not given up hope of appearing in Guy Ritchie‘s crime drama now she is back in the UK, a source has told the Daily Mail. 

The Love Island presenter, 32, made her scripted acting debut in the second series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit, in which she plays Aisha, the wife of a criminal associate 

The new glimpse at the upcoming series shows James’s character Eddie take on the Glass family’s empire as he makes a bid to resume complete control of his estate

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In his typically direct style, British actor and former professional footballer Vinnie said: ‘I think it’s hot air.’

He added: ‘We’ve got a lot of pretty women in this series, so I’m not sure there’s room for any more.’ 

Theo, when asked about the Sussex rumours, joked: ‘No. Prince Harry is playing one of my love interests. So that’s the Meghan Markle thing.’

He later said: ‘I think it’s a spurious rumour. She’d fit in well because she’s actually from the Royal Family, but I think the practicalities of that are impossible.’

Fellow Londoner Ray Winstone added: ‘It’s the first I’ve heard of it,’ but added that she would be a ‘better-looking’ addition than him.

And Hugh Bonneville was equally dismissive, describing it as ‘a genius bit of marketing by the person who dreamt up that idea’. And new star Maya said: ‘I’d be the last person to know.’

Guy  declined to give any interviews on the red carpet where he could have quashed rumours that he had held preliminary talks with Meghan over a possible role in the hit’s third series. 

People across the country are encouraged to explore the stories, places and people that make Northern Ireland unique during European Heritage Open Days 2026.

Hosted by the Department for Communities, EHOD is NI’s largest celebration of built, cultural and natural heritage, offering free access to hundreds of events, historic sites, and unique experiences across the region.

Each year, thousands of people take part by visiting heritage sites and attractions across Northern Ireland.

Taking place on September 12 and 13, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said it is a “fantastic opportunity” to learn more about the wonderful places that make NI special.

The Minister said: “European Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for people to explore the rich and diverse heritage that surrounds us. This year’s theme is ‘Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine’, focusing on vulnerable or changing heritage and the efforts to protect and revive.

“So whether you are interested in history, architecture, culture or simply discovering somewhere new, it offers something for everyone. I encourage everyone to browse the full programme and plan your visits, completely free of charge.”

With hundreds of free events taking place across the weekend, the Department for Communities has rounded up a handful of exciting events in each county to give an idea of what people can enjoy during EHOD 2026.

Co Tyrone

Killymoon Castle (All American WW2 GI Tour)

Set within the picturesque grounds overlooking the Ballinderry river Killymoon Castle stands as a striking architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned John Nash, once described in the 1841 Irish Penny Journal as “one of the most aristocratic residences in the province of Ulster “The Castle provides the perfect setting for a truly immersive historical experience.

The perfect setting to enjoy an authentic WW2 experience by fully trained Living History tour guides.

Visitors will be captivated as they steep back in time to experience what life was like for the young American soldiers from the 82nd Airbourne Division was like before heading off to D Day.

Have the opportunity to explore the original cellars which lay untouched since the end of WW2

Meet with members of the Coulter family who will tell you what it is like to have a castle as their family home, the high’s and low’s of life at the castle and the challenges they meet.

Benburb Priory & Castle

Benburb Castle and Priory Estate invite visitors to explore over a thousand years of history set within the scenic Blackwater River valley.

Highlights include guided tours of Benburb Castle and the 19th century Priory Manor House, with access to areas normally closed to the public, including the Library and Museum. Talks, cultural activities and exhibitions bring the site’s rich past vividly to life.

Associated with Shane O’Neill, the Castle is central to understanding Gaelic Ireland before the Plantation of Ulster, later connections with the Wingfield family and Powerscourt, and the pivotal Battle of Benburb (1646). This year marks the centenary of the Castle being in state care, underlining its national importance. The Priory community acts as keyholders for Benburb Castle, working in partnership with the Historic Environment Division to support access and active use of the monument—demonstrating how collaboration and community engagement help sustain historic places.

The Priory Manor House, now home to the Servite Order, was once the residence of Belfast born philanthropist and whiskey distiller James Bruce and later served as a US Army field hospital during the Second World War. Woodland walks and riverside views complete a visit that blends history, landscape and living heritage.

Gray’s Printing Press Strabane

Take a step back in time and discover a treasure trove of ink, galleys and presses hidden behind an 18th-century shop front in the heart of Strabane, once the famous printing town of Ulster.

Gray’s Printing Press is now being staffed with local volunteers who have gained expert knowledge about the Press.

Relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings.

Lissan House Cookstown

Lissan House is a 400-year-old property set within 260 acres of ancient woodland in the foothills of the Sperrins. The family home of the Staples family, Baronets of Lissan and Faughanvale from 1628, the house and estate were gifted to the community by the last owner, Hazel Radclyffe Dolling, following her death in 2006. Today, Lissan House is entirely volunteer-run, with all running, insurance and restoration costs supported through fundraising efforts.

This EHOD mini tour offers an engaging introduction to the many colourful and eccentric characters associated with Lissan, from the renowned artist Sir Robert Ponsonby Staples, known as the “Barefoot Baronet,” to Handsome Kitty Hawkins, as well as the estate’s ancestral connection to C.S. Lewis.

Reflecting the theme of Heritage at Risk, visitors will also have the opportunity to view ongoing restoration work in the yard buildings. Volunteers have been carefully undertaking repairs to stabilise these structures, revive once-derelict spaces and reimagine their future use, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Lissan House.

This is a unique chance to experience a living heritage site, where dedicated community efforts are actively preserving its history for future generations.

Wellbrook Beetling Mill Cookstown

Nestling in an idyllic wooded glen offering lovely walks and picnic spots this, the last working water-powered linen beetling mill, offers a unique experience for all the family.Enjoy a guided tour of the mill, which lasts approx 45 mins to 1 hour.

Co Fermanagh

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Castle Coole Enniskillen

Set within a beautiful wooded landscape park, Castle Coole is one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classical mansions, offering the perfect setting for peaceful walks and family exploration.

This impressive 18th-century house provides a fascinating glimpse into life at the home of the Earls of Belmore, from the grandeur of the main rooms to the often-hidden world below stairs. The restored servants’ quarters and service rooms reveal the stories of those who lived and worked behind the scenes, bringing the house’s social history vividly to life.

Visitors can also enjoy a second-hand bookshop and explore the surrounding grounds through self-led walks, taking in the scenic beauty of this historic estate.

Reflecting the theme “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” Castle Coole highlights the ongoing work needed to protect and preserve historic places. Since the late 20th century, the National Trust has undertaken extensive conservation, including structural repairs, restoration of interiors, and the care of significant collections—ensuring this remarkable property can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum Enniskillen

How many places can you get a haircut and explore the golden age of steam travel at the same time?

The Johnston family’s blend of traditional barbering and a passion for local railway history has created one of Northern Ireland’s most unusual attractions. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum displays one of the largest collections of Irish railway memorabilia on public view.

Beginning in a reconstructed booking office, where the ticket collector invites you to step on board, visitors follow the story of railway travel through Fermanagh and the border counties until the closure of the lines in 1957. Highlights include the Station Master’s office, signal cabin and a large model railway enjoyed by all ages.

The museum reflects the importance of safeguarding vulnerable heritage collections. Several exhibits on display were once at risk but have since been restored, demonstrating how small, volunteer run museums play a vital role in protecting local history.

The collection also touches on wider world events, including the Second World War, when American troops stationed in County Fermanagh relied on local railways—an evocative reminder of enduring transatlantic connections.

Enniskillen Workhouse: A Guided Tour

Step inside history at the beautifully restored Enniskillen Workhouse Entrance Block.

Join Catherine Scott for a powerful 90-minute guided experience exploring over 100 years of Workhouse life. Walk through the heritage spaces, discover newly restored interiors, and uncover the real stories of the people who lived and worked here.

Enniskillen Workhouse Entrance Block has been carefully restored and reopened as both a heritage space and a vibrant business hub. This historic landmark, transformed into a modern enterprise facility, now offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience its past while seeing how the building has been brought back to life for the present day.

Thanks to the generous £2.3 million investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2019, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with South West College, has sympathetically conserved this magnificent Victorian stone building—preserving its architectural character while creating a compelling and immersive visitor experience.

Murphy’s on Main Street Community Hub Ederney

Come along to Murphy’s on Main Street Community Hub, a restored Grade B1 Listed building in the heart of Ederney village, for a vintage tea party.

Through music, stories, laughter, and the sharing of food, our community will celebrate the memories of this unique historic property that has served as a gathering place for generations of our community.

Co Derry

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Bridewell Gaol Magherafelt

Step back to the Magherafelt of 1839, with a visit to the town’s Bridewell – a gaol for the criminals of the town

Meet with Mrs McKinley, one of the strict wardens, and walk the gloomy cells as she tells you of life within the Bridewell walls, the fate of the prisoners and the ancient graveyard attached to the prison.

Remember though – it is very easy to enter the Bridewell, but far harder to leave it…

Coleraine Town Hall and Walking Tours

Join Coleraine Museum at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday 12th September for European Heritage Open Days 2026!

We will be offering a series of guided walking tours, exploring Coleraine’s rich built heritage and history.

Enjoy a free copy of our new publication ‘The Coleraine Heritage Trail’, and join Museum Staff to learn more about the historic buildings and stories of Coleraine town.

Tours will last approximately 1.5 hours – starting at 10.30 and 13:00.

Members of the public will also be welcome to drop in throughout the day to the new Coleraine Heritage Hub at the Diamond Centre to explore Coleraine’s historic collection, and to visit the USA 250: Showbusiness, Culture and the Causeway Coast exhibition at Coleraine Town Hall.

Katie’s Cottage Bellaghy

The cottage is a wonderful example of a vernacular building and is a rare one and a half storey Grade B+ Listed thatched cottage circa 1830. It was fully restored and renovated to a high standard in 2016/2017.

It is a very well-known landmark within the Bellaghy area which is loved and appreciated by both the local community and far beyond. The ground floor consists of a small entrance hall which leads to the living room off which the rest of the ground floor flows. There is a kitchen/dining area, utility room, single bedroom, double bedroom and a small wet room.

The living room and both bedrooms have working open fireplaces and there is a woodburning stove located in the kitchen/dining area. The stairs in the cottage are located at the rear of the living room fireplace leading to a spacious landing off which are a double bedroom, a bathroom with shower and bath and a further double bedroom with ensuite. The cottage is flooded with natural daylight making it a beautiful and relaxing environment.

There are lawns to the front and one side of the cottage. To the rear there is a spacious gravel yard for parking and several outbuildings used mostly when this was previously a working farm. This event will provide a full tour of the cottage and back courtyard including some history of the cottage and those who lived there.

We will be providing Tea, Coffee and tray bakes etc. for charitable donations. Our chosen charity this year is Charis Cancer Care.

Magilligan Martello Tower

This well preserved Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, built between 1812 and 1817 during the Napoleonic Wars to guard against possible invasion, is an important historical site in Northern Ireland.

The Tower is a well known landmark, marks the entrance to Lough Foyle and is one of the most northerly of the towers built all around the coasts of Ireland.

It was one of 74 constructed in Ireland, 40 or so survive. They were placed at strategic points all around the coast and designed to fire on any invading fleet or withstand lengthy sieges. This tower marks the end of a long tradition in Ireland of defensive buildings stretching back over 3,000 years to Bronze Age forts.

Martello Tower lies within Magilligan Point Nature Reserve which is the tip of Northern Ireland’s largest sand dune system. The ever changing tides and storm events constantly change the profile of the beach, dunes and shape of the ‘Point’ itself. The mature or ‘grey dunes’ have established populations of various mosses, lichens, grasses, herbs and higher flowering plants providing a good nectar source for a variety of bee, butterfly and moth species. The rare Scarce Crimson and Gold moth, which is only found on the North Coast, has been recorded here.

Visitors will be able to explore the three floors of the tower, and learn from a re-enactor what life was like for soldiers in the early 1800’s – including the rations, weapons and kit that would have been used at the time.

Co Down

Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick

USANI 250 Exhibition: Ulster-Scots and the American Story

The Schomberg Society presents its USA NI 250 Educational Exhibition, on display at the Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick.

This informative exhibition explores the Ulster-Scots connections to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, highlighting the role and influence of Ulster people in shaping early American history.

Discover the stories, links and legacy that connect this region to one of the most significant moments in global history.

Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Society

As part of European Heritage 2026, the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Society invites visitors to discover the dramatic maritime history of the town through an immersive exhibition of shipwrecks and sea rescues in local waters. Set within the evocative setting of the historic Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat, the exhibition brings Donaghadee’s seafaring past vividly to life.

Through guided interpretation, storytelling and engaging displays, visitors will hear powerful accounts of courage, loss and community resilience, including the story of the Princess Victoria disaster. These experiences offer a direct connection to the realities of life saving at sea and the people who risked everything to protect others.

At its heart, the exhibition highlights the importance of caring for both physical heritage and living memory. By preserving the lifeboat and sharing the stories connected to it, the project shows how fragile maritime heritage—vessels, skills and personal testimony—can be protected and passed on, ensuring these powerful coastal stories continue to resonate with future generations.

Downpatrick and County Down Railway Society

Step back in time and experience Ireland’s only full-size heritage railway. Discover the station museum, explore the vintage signal cabin, and visit the carriage gallery featuring beautifully restored locomotives and carriages spanning more than a century of railway history.

Join us this EHOD for a special weekend of free access to our carriage and locomotive museum. Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of our restoration workshop and rarely seen areas of the railway.

Inspired by the EHOD 2026 theme, “Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist and Reimagine,” this unique weekend offers a fascinating insight into the work being done to preserve and celebrate Ireland’s rich railway heritage for future generations.

Trains will be running from 13:00 – 16:00. – Trains will run to Inch Abbey, where visitors can disembark and take a short walk up to Inch Abbey, the ruins of an ancient Cistercian Abbey, which was also used as a location for the TV Series ‘Game of Thrones’. Please note fares will apply for train rides

Jordan’s Castle Ardglass

100 years ago Jordan’s Castle was bequeathed to the State by Francis Joseph Bigger. The castle was his weekend retreat. For European Heritage Open Days two tours have been organised showcasing the rich heritage of Ardglass, a quiet coastal village with no less than six castles!

Additionally, talks have been organised in the Castle which cover the life and legacy of FJ Bigger. The Castle will remain open during the day for visits and will give a rare opportunity to see this unique building.

Co Armagh

Archbishop’s Palace Tour

Take a rare opportunity to step inside The Primate’s Palace, Armagh. This elegant neo-classical building was constructed in 1770 as the residence of Archbishop Richard Robinson and remained home to successive Church of Ireland Archbishops until the 1970s. Dante’s Deli, located adjacent to the Palace building, provides an ideal spot to relax and enjoy refreshments before or after your visit.

Led by an expert guide, this 60-minute tour offers a fascinating insight into the Palace’s history and architecture. Designed by renowned architect Thomas Cooley, the building was originally two storeys over a basement, with a third floor and raised portico added in 1825 during the primacy of Lord John George Beresford.

Discover the story of Archbishop Robinson (1765–1794), often known as the “Builder of Armagh,” whose vision helped shape the city.

Visitors will also enjoy an exhibition by Artist in Residence J.B. Vallely, a celebrated local figure whose career in art and music spans more than six decades. His work, recognised nationally and internationally, explores themes including music, sport, mythology, dance and history.

Ardress House Portadown

This charming 17th-century farmhouse, elegantly remodelled in Georgian times, offers fun and relaxation for all the family.Set in 40 hectares (100 acres) of countryside there are apple orchards, charming woodland and riverside walks.The atmosphere of a working farmyard has been rekindled with the return of small animals.

HED Conservation Works Depot Moira

Step Inside Heritage Craft and Help Protect “Heritage at Risk”

Discover the vital role traditional skills play in safeguarding our historic environment at the Historic Environment Division’s Conservation Works workshops in Moira.

As part of the European Heritage Open Days theme “Heritage at Risk”, this special event highlights how expert craftspeople work to preserve buildings and structures that might otherwise be lost. Meet the Conservation Works Team and experience live demonstrations that bring conservation to life.

Watch skilled specialists showcase stone carving, lime mortar techniques, joinery, traditional blacksmithing, heritage carpentry, painting, and signwriting—all essential skills used to repair and protect vulnerable historic sites.

Explore behind the scenes in a real working conservation workshop and learn how these time-honoured crafts are helping to tackle the challenges facing at-risk heritage today.

Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, a family looking for an inspiring day out, or simply curious about traditional trades, this is a unique opportunity to see how the past is preserved for the future.

The Fair Day, Poyntzpass

The idea is to replicate some of the activities associated with the Fair Day as it would have happened in the era 1920. We will open with the unveiling of the village Mural. This will be followed by Soda Bread making. Music from local silver band, local Ballad Group and a Harpist. The local set dancers will be present. The amateur dramatics society will perform a sketch relating to village life in 1899. There will be displays of farm machinery, small farm animals, sheep shearing and there will also be a Farrier showing his trade. There will be people crocheting also. We ask people to dress in clothing in fitting with the era if possible.

There will be a number of stalls selling, Arts, crafts and home made produce.

There will be an exhibition showcasing the Models made locally by the Savage sisters depicting rural life. Local school children will be involved in a project relating to History and local heritage. This will all be on display in the Meeting Place, Church Street, Poyntzpass, From 2-5.The Fair Day will close with a Tour of the Village. The Railway Cabin will be open for visitors in the Afternoon.

Co Antrim

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Old Courthouse Antrim

Step inside one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable historic buildings during European Heritage Open Day. Built in 1726 by the Grand Jury, the Grade A Listed Old Antrim Courthouse is the oldest courthouse still standing in Northern Ireland.

Over the centuries, the building has served many purposes, including a temporary bridewell (jail) and later a public library. Various alterations during the 20th century concealed many of its original features, including its elegant Doric columns, until an extensive restoration brought the building back to life.

To mark the 300th anniversary of this historic landmark, the theatre will be transformed into a traditional courtroom where visitors can experience fascinating re-enactments of real historical cases drawn from the courthouse’s long and colourful past.

Court sessions will take place throughout both Heritage Open Days, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness justice as it may have been administered over the last three centuries.

Five courtroom re-enactments each day -10:30, 11:40, 13:10, 14:20, and 15:30

Sentry Hill Newtownabbey

A 19th century Victorian farmhouse that was home to the McKinney family who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s.

The contents of the house have survived almost intact, and the archive and collections of books, photographs, souvenirs from travels around the world, natural history specimens and items of local history assembled by William Fee McKinney and his family, make it a fascinating visit.The following activities will be taking place over the EHOD weekend:

• Conservation tours that show the practicing of preventative conservation techniques, with tools etc.
• Supervised peek into some of the many documents kept in our archive that are not on display and why it’s so important to document and preserve them.
• Demos of Heritage and Conservation crafts.
• Living history with stories about the family.
• Display of old photos.
• Music on both days and performance by Ballyduff Silver Band on Sunday afternoon.
• Garden games.
• Craft activities.

Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Ranger Museum Carrickfergus

Enjoy a guided tour or explore at your own pace at the carefully restored Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum, where visitors can discover the story of Ulster emigration and its lasting transatlantic connections.

Learn about the cottage, ancestral home of Andrew Jackson’s family, and hear how the US Rangers formed in Carrickfergus, alongside engaging stories of how American soldiers spent their time in the town. A local craft demonstration adds an interactive element to the visit.

Reflecting the theme of Heritage at Risk, the site highlights the importance of preserving both historic buildings and the stories and traditions they represent. Through restoration and interpretation, this unique heritage is being safeguarded and shared with new generations. Linking to the US‑NI 250 the cottage tells a powerful story of migration from Ulster to America, connecting local history with the wider story of the United States in the years following the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This is a distinctive opportunity to experience a site where local and international heritage come together.

Gracehill Conservation Area

Visit the 18th century Moravian Settlement of Gracehill and experience the unique atmosphere and heritage of Northern Ireland’s first Cultural World Heritage site, inscribed in July 2024. This is a transnational listing with partners in USA, Germany and Denmark.

Guided Walking Tours in the square take place hourly from 12.30 to 4.30pm. Meet up with the tour guides outside the Church doors for an informative and entertaining time. Enjoy a stroll around the unique Brothers and Sisters walk up to “God’s Acre”, Bishops Walk, Widow’s walk and the Village Square. Call at The Old Village Shop and hear all about the ongoing restoration and the historic postal links to the USA.

Ulster Aviation Society Lisburn

Step inside the Ulster Aviation Society and explore one of the UK and Ireland’s finest independent aviation collections, housed within two original Second World War hangars.

Following record-breaking EHOD crowds of 7,000 in 2024 and more than 7,200 in 2025 despite wet weather, the Ulster Aviation Society has become one of the largest attractions at EHOD. Families know this is somewhere special: a warm welcome, hands-on discovery, and the kind of memorable day out people talk about long after the weekend ends.

Big in scale, rich in history and genuinely memorable, the Ulster Aviation Society is one of the true highlights of the EHOD weekend.

For EHOD 2026, visitors can get up close to — and into the cockpits of — many historic aircraft, helicopters, engines and artefacts, explore multiple display rooms, and enjoy state-of-the-art flight simulator and VR suites. Expert, knowledgeable volunteers share the stories behind the machines, the people and the preservation work that keeps this aviation heritage collection alive. See our new arrivals, including a Harrier jump jet.

A fantastic family-friendly day out with real scale, atmosphere and significance. Children and adults alike can climb into many open aircraft cockpits, including big jets and helicopters, while aviation enthusiasts can enjoy the depth of the collection and heritage visitors can experience an extraordinary piece of living history within this scheduled monument.

Belfast

Blackstaff Mill – 19th Century Linen Mill

Step inside Blackstaff Mill for a rare chance to explore one of Belfast’s historic linen mills and uncover the stories behind its industrial past. Wander through spaces once filled with activity—from cutting rooms to ornamenting areas—and discover how this “community within a community” helped shape the city’s identity as Linenopolis.

Through guided tours, photographs, plans, and an impressive scale model, visitors can trace how the mill has changed over 200 years and learn about ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy.

Reflecting this year’s theme, Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine, Blackstaff Mill highlights the importance of protecting Belfast’s industrial heritage and finding new life for these historic spaces. It also connects to USA 250, exploring how the linen industry thrived during the American Civil War, when cotton shortages in the United States strengthened Belfast’s global role in textile production.

A fascinating opportunity to experience a key piece of the city’s heritage up close.

NI Regional War Rooms

Step inside a remarkable piece of Cold War history at this 1950s former bunker, one of just 13 regional “War Rooms” designed to coordinate civil defence in the event of a nuclear attack. Hidden in plain sight, this unique site offers a rare glimpse into a time of global tension and local preparedness.

Recently restored and given a new purpose, the bunker now houses the archives of the Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland—bringing together past and present in one fascinating space. Visitors can join Historic Environment Division staff for an exclusive guided tour, exploring its original features while uncovering the stories behind its vital role during the Cold War.

Reflecting the theme of Heritage at Risk, the site is a powerful example of how historic buildings can be sensitively reused and revitalised, ensuring their preservation while giving them a meaningful role today. This is a must-see opportunity to experience a hidden heritage asset brought back to life.

Belfast City Hospital Tower Block Tour

An icon of the Belfast skyline, the City Hospital Tower Block tends to provoke a ‘Marmite’ response. Love it or hate it, the Tower has a fascinating history. It welcomed its first patients forty years ago in 1986, but the construction process had been so arduous that the building was dubbed ‘the baby born with grey hair’ in the media when it finally opened its doors.

The Tower was conceived as the focal point of a new health ‘precinct’ in the early 1960s. This was an era when modern, large-scale developments would sweep away entire districts and the Tower represented a significant transformation of the historic City Hospital site. The Belfast Union Workhouse of 1841 and several other buildings were demolished to make way for it. But the designers and builders faced numerous challenges to completion over almost a quarter of a century.

Financial constraints, industrial strife and changes to the design were all set against the backdrop of the conflict.

Today the Tower remains a hub of healthcare in Belfast, including a busy outpatients department, cancer treatment facilities and cutting edge research connections.

Join the Belfast Trust Estates team, who keep the Tower and its systems running around the clock, for this special behind-the-scenes tour, new for EHOD 2026.

History Tour: The Victorian Corridor at RVH

The Victorian Corridor was at the heart of the Royal Victoria Hospital from 1903 until the modern ‘Phase One’ building opened a century later in 2003. Although the original 20 ‘Nightingale’ wards were demolished to make way for modern expansion, the Victorian Corridor itself still stands and is used by hundreds of staff and service users every day.

Along its walls can be seen numerous heritage artefacts that provide a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Royal: from plaques memorialising the ‘great and the good’ of late Victorian Belfast, to historic archive photographs, drawings, sculptures and paintings. Key figures involved in the development of the hospital were drawn from Belfast’s high society of the late Victorian era: shipbuilders, merchants, landowners and industrialists. But significantly, in an era before the NHS, the hospital also depended on many thousands of smaller contributions from ordinary people throughout the city.

Join us for this guided tour to explore the unique architectural and engineering history of the Royal, philanthropy across the social spectrum, and how pioneers of medicine responded to social conditions in Belfast through the turbulent 20th century.

N.B. – Booking is required for a number of events taking place for EHOD – ensure you check times, dates and availability before attending.

For the full list of events, see the EHOD guide here or read more on the Discover Northern Ireland website here

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

He had to have a pacemaker fitted after noticing his heart rate was not within a normal range

A headteacher from Longstanton needed surgery after being diagnosed with a dangerously slow heart rate. Now, Jonathan Newman will run the Great North Run on September 13 to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The 56-year-old had planned to run the event 25 years ago, but was suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis at the time. The headteacher of Histon and Impington Park Primary was diagnosed with bradycardia in 2023. The condition sees the resting heart rate consistently below 60 beats per minute, with additional symptoms of dizziness, palpitations, tiredness, and fainting.

Jonathan said: “It was Spring 2023 and I didn’t feel quite right and noticed on my sports watch that my heart rate was not within a normal range.” His GP referred him to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he underwent some tests in the cardiology department.

Jonathan was told that he would need a pacemaker to keep his heart beating at a faster, more regular rhythm. A pacemaker is a small electrical device that’s put under the skin in your chest.

The devices are used to treat some abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that can cause your heart to beat too slowly or miss beats. Jonathan’s pacemaker sends data to a small box device in his bedroom that sends it on to his team at Papworth, so they can keep an eye on his condition.

He was also told by his cardiologist that he was safe to continue running after recovering from his pacemaker operation at the Royal Papworth Hospital in June 2023.

He said: “It does give me peace of mind and I feel very lucky that my issues were all picked up so quickly and that I made the sensible decision to seek medical help. I’m about to retire from my job as a headteacher, but I do have plans to keep working in some capacity when I’ve had a break.

“Life is precious and like many people I want to make a difference in my community. I’m heavily involved in Junior Parkrun and have taken a running coaching course and volunteer at my local athletics club Cambridge and Coleridge. Since having my pacemaker fitted, I have run over 100 Parkruns and improved my time to just over 21 minutes.”

Jonathan also ran the Madrid 10k in 2025 to raise money for the BHF, and said he feels like he is “completing the circle” by doing the GNR.

“I’m really looking forward to it and giving back to the British Heart Foundation’s research which helped develop the pacemaker,” he said. “It’s going to be a very special milestone for me and I thank my lucky stars for being able to enjoy my running.”

Lesley Birch, Deputy CEO of Meridian Trust, said: “Having worked with Jonathan for many years, I’ve seen the dedication he brings to everything he does. We are immensely proud of him as he takes on the Great North Run, though it comes as no surprise that he is turning his own health journey into a way to reassure and inspire others.

“Throughout his time at Histon & Impington Park Primary, Jonathan has championed the power of sport and physical activity, not least by driving our regional cross-country events, teaching our pupils invaluable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. We will all be cheering him on every step of the way on September 13.”

Emma Hulland, from the BHF, said: “It’s fantastic to see Jonathan’s courage and determination to help us fund lifesaving research. Without the dedication of our team of BHF runners and the commitment of people like Jonathan we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has already broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.”

You can view Jonathan’s JustGiving page here.

Casualty star Olly Rix has teased what’s to come for Flynn Byron and Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) in the wake of the milestone anniversary episodes, confirming a shift in the pair’s dynamic following their near-death experience.

The long-running medical drama celebrated four decades with a bang, in episodes Olly branded a ‘very self-aware thank you’ to fans.

After a major incident was declared following an explosion at neighbouring hospital St James, it was all hands on deck at Holby ED, with the staff run off their feet like never before.

Flynn, who celebrated his own 40th birthday, was coincidentally at the site of blast at the time of the atrocity and wasted little time in jumping in to assist.

The Clinical Lead was later joined by Stevie, who left the ED after a call out for a HEMS doctor, and the duo worked together to get patient Ahmed back to Holby.

With pandemonium hitting the streets and looters making the journey a difficult one, tragedy struck as Indie (Naomi Wakszlak) was forced to swerve, with the ambulance subsequently veering off-road and left teetering on a cliffside.

Indie managed to get out of the vehicle with Ahmed in tow but Stevie and Flynn weren’t so lucky, with the ambulance plummeting into the icy water below.

Stevie and Flynn – who are experts when it comes to acting swiftly in life-or-death situations – attempted to formulate a plan but, with water gushing in and little to no oxygen left, it really wasn’t looking good.

‘The characters often survive and achieve the outcome that they’re after but I like that we resisted making it easy’, said Olly of the intense underwater sequence, admitting that he found this particular scene ‘heartbreaking’.

‘My favourite part of both episodes is when Stevie says “I’m so scared”. And Flynn just says “I know”. It’s this sense that he can’t do anything about this apart from try his best. It’s such a flawed situation. There was no guarantee that they’d come out of it. That idea of complicated non-linear heroism is something this show does really well.’

After arming themselves with a plan, Stevie and Flynn made a break for the surface. In harrowingly brilliant scenes, helmed by exceptional performances from stars Elinor and Olly, Stevie waned and lost consciousness, much to the horror of Flynn.

‘Flynn has that realisation [that she might not make it] underwater when he essentially has to watch her drown, and he swims back to grab her and just races to the surface,’ said Olly, breaking down the intense moments.

”I think when he’s on the shore with her, he’s just focused on the job in hand and trying to bring her back. I don’t think he has to countenance losing her because he can’t.

‘There’s no mental space. He has to just move in that moment and try what he can, and of course he’s also bleeding out at the same time. Maybe there’s a split second but it’s snatched away from him.’

While attempting to resuscitate Stevie, Flynn too lost consciousness but the pair were ultimately located by Indie and transported back to Holby, where their colleagues and friends worked tirelessly to ensure their survival.

But with Stevie and Flynn having fought off death together, what’s next for them? There was a shift in their dynamic last season when both characters came to realise that there was something of a spark between them, though neither have yet acted upon it.

‘Part of the fun of Flynn and Stevie’s dynamic is that everybody sees it but them,’ said Olly with a smile. ‘They are the last to realise it’.

‘In this moment in the 40th – in a life or death situation where they realise that one half of this equation might not make it – perhaps that reorientates them going forward and makes them fully understand the depth of what is there.‘

‘I’m not going to give too much away, but that’s the beginning of their story, not the end of their story,’ he said.

Consider us intrigued.

Teasing what’s to come for Casualty beyond the 40th, Olly concluded: ‘The residue of what happens is left on every person who walks through those doors. It’s inevitable that it’s carried forward.

‘It’s certainly carried forward for Stevie and Flynn in the way that I just mentioned, in the sense of what it might have revealed to them about their relationship’.

Casualty’s 40th anniversary specials are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

MORE: Bad news for Casualty fans for next week and beyond after 40th anniversary

MORE: Casualty rejected 40th anniversary nostalgia and proved why it still matters

MORE: When is Casualty back on TV? Return date as 40th anniversary episodes near

If you’ve spotted more spiders in your home over the past few weeks, you’re not alone.

As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to fall, sightings of house spiders start to increase across the UK.

Horrified Brits have shared videos online showing eight-legged ‘monsters’ hiding in corners, lurking in the bathtub, racing across the carpet and dangling from the ceiling.

Despite the common belief that spiders suddenly move indoors to escape the cold, experts revealed that autumn is peak mating season for many of the UK’s most common house spiders.

During this time, males leave their usual hiding places in search of females.

And this increased movement, combined with doors and windows being left open during the final weeks of warmer weather, means homeowners are far more likely to notice them.

‘At this time of year, mature male spiders leave their webs and begin roaming in search of females,’ window experts at SolarFrame said.

‘A single female house spider can produce an egg sac containing around 70 young spiders. This means that the more male spiders that easily enter the home, the higher the chance that female spiders will produce egg sacs in living spaces.’

Horrified Brits have shared videos online showing eight-legged ‘monsters’ hiding in corners, lurking in the bathtub, racing across the carpet and dangling from the ceiling

Despite the widespread invasion, there are several simple steps homeowners can take to keep the eight-legged creatures out.

‘Closing your windows won’t completely stop spiders getting into your home, but it takes away one of the easiest routes in,’ Darren Coates, sales director at SolarFrame said.

‘At the minute, I’d be looking to close them by around 8pm, particularly if you’ve had them wide open all day.

‘That’s roughly when it starts getting dark across much of the country, so rather than leaving windows open well into the night, get into the habit of shutting them as the evening draws in.’ 

Experts from Fluid Glass have also shared ways to make your home less attractive to spiders this autumn.

‘One of the biggest misconceptions is that spiders are attracted to homes because they’re warm,’ they said.

‘In reality, they’re usually following a food source. Spiders are predators, so a house full of flies, moths and other insects is effectively an all-you-can-eat buffet.

‘If fruit is left uncovered, food waste is allowed to build up, or recycling isn’t emptied regularly, you’ll often end up attracting the insects that spiders feed on.’

As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to fall, sightings of house spiders start to increase across the UK

Moving furniture away from the walls when you’re cleaning can help to disrupt existing webs, remove egg sacs and make it far less likely that spiders will settle there long term, they said.

Tackling clutter, especially in garages, lofts and utility rooms, can also help disrupt spiders from natural hiding spots.

Meanwhile, cutting back plants growing against your property can act as a deterrent.

‘Your garden could be making it much easier for spiders to find their way indoors,’ they said.

‘Climbing plants, overgrown shrubs and dense planting around doors and windows create natural pathways between the garden and your home. They also attract the insects that spiders feed on.

‘Trimming plants away from exterior walls, moving stored firewood away from the house and clearing away garden debris can create a useful barrier between outdoor habitats and your living space.’

Damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms often become spider hotspots, partly because they are humid and partly because they’re where other insects are most likely to gather.

‘Condensation around windows, poor ventilation and damp corners create the sort of environment that many household pests enjoy,’ the experts said. ‘Using extractor fans, opening windows after showering and dealing with leaks promptly can make these spaces much less inviting.’

Despite the common belief that spiders suddenly move indoors to escape the cold, experts revealed that autumn is peak mating season for many of the UK’s most common house spiders. Pictured: A house spider in Yorkshire

Finally, they urged Brits to ‘think twice about outdoor lighting’.

‘Bright lights by your front door or porch are a magnet for moths and other flying insects after dark, and where the insects gather, spiders soon follow,’ they explained.

‘If you’ve got a porch light or security light that’s on all evening, it’s worth switching to a warmer, dimmer bulb or fitting a motion sensor so it’s not left blazing all night.

‘Moving lights away from doors and windows, so the glow doesn’t spill directly onto them, can also help keep insects (and spiders) from congregating right at your entry points.’

Donald Trump‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff spent over three hours in top-secret talks with Vladimir Putin amid the White House‘s renewed bid to end the war in Ukraine.

The US envoys landed in Moscow Saturday morning and were escorted to the Kremlin by the Russian President’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev.

Putin met with Witkoff and Kushner for closed-door talks where he described the conflict as a ‘complicated situation,’ but praised his American counterpart for wanting to end the war.

‘Understanding that he is entering a difficult situation, he nevertheless does not stop his efforts to help bring about a settlement and to make his contribution to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict,’ Putin said of Trump. 

Afterward, Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks as constructive, frank, and useful to journalists, but didn’t discuss specific outcomes.

He said Moscow offered its ‘comprehensive assessment’ of the battlefield situation in Ukraine, but also that the conversation was not purely focused on Russia’s invasion.

‘Economic issues and potentially large, mutually beneficial joint projects for Russia and America were discussed in considerable detail,’ Ushakov said.

Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy both agreed to pause strikes on each other’s capitals while the talks took place.

Putin described the conflict in Ukraine as a ‘complicated situation,’ but praised Trump for wanting to end the war

Trump described Kushner and Witkoff as two ‘great negotiators’ 

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‘Putin has ordered that no strikes be carried out against Kyiv for three days, starting at midnight today,’ presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russia’s Tass news agency.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was prepared to halt strikes on Moscow until Monday. He said he spoke on Saturday afternoon with the US delegation after their arrival in Moscow.

‘From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on Sunday and Monday, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow, and we expect the Russians to do the same regarding Kyiv,’ he said.

Washington’s push to end the fighting has lost momentum as US attention has been focused for the past six months on the Iran war. 

‘I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They’ve done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we’ll do it,’ Trump said.

‘They’re bringing with them a proposal to end the war,’ he said.

Witkoff and Kushner last visited Moscow in January, when they also held talks with Putin at the Kremlin.

Both US envoys will also visit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, for the first time as part of the peace process on Sunday, Ukrainian officials said.  

Kushner and Witkoff landed in Moscow on Saturday morning and were escorted by the Russian President’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, to the Kremlin

Firefighters work on the site of a Russian drone strike in the Kyiv region overnight

Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Ahead of the envoys’ arrival, Putin’s deputy foreign minister warned the US about how to bring the four-year war to an end.

‘The key question ​is the extent ⁠to which ⁠the US administration is prepared to invest in ‌finding a real solution to the current crisis, considering ‌the realities on the ground,’ Sergei Ryabkov said.

This, according to Ryabkov, was a situation not developing in Kyiv’s favor, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

It comes as Zelensky announced today that Russia carried out ‘deliberate’ strikes on Ukrainian airports overnight in Kyiv and Boryspil.

‘Clearly, these Russian strikes on the airports are a reaction to the discussions and preparations for the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine and land at Kyiv Airport or Boryspil Airport,’ he wrote on X.

‘We have taken note of this Russian move, and next week we will adjust our operation accordingly regarding Russian airspace, which has become dangerous because of our drones and missiles in the sky.

‘Of course, there are and will be no threats to diplomacy from our side. Ukraine is interested in bringing peace closer. Russia will be held accountable for what it does.’

The Ukrainian president added that four people were killed and five others injured after a Russian strike in Kamianske, in the Dnipro region.

The Daily Mail contacted the White House for comment. 

More than 10 days after a wall of ice, rock and mud tore through a Himalayan valley in Nepal, rescuers continue to find survivors.

Chandika Shrestha, a 64-year-old woman, was discovered alive on the fourth floor of her partially buried house in the Nuwakot district by Nepal’s Armed Police Force on 5 September, according to Reuters.

She was airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu for treatment, Reuters reported.

More on this story.

The affected item is the 120g Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives with a few use-by dates – September 6, 2026, September 7, 2026 and September 10, 2026.

Shoppers are being warned that the item could cause flu-like symptoms or, in rare cases, cause serious complications, including meningitis.

Friday 4 September – Sainsbury’s recalls Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes #FoodAlert https://t.co/pqcwnQvkb3 pic.twitter.com/64HepnEfGr

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) September 4, 2026

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Sainsbury’s recalls olives and issues ‘do not eat’ warning

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says: “Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

“However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

“Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.”

Customers are being warned “do not eat it” and instead must return the item to their local Sainsbury’s store where they will get a full refund.

If you’d like more information about this recall, you can visit the website or contact the careline on 0800 028 8303.

The supermarket has apologised “for any inconvenience caused.”

What is a product recall?

The FSA explains: “If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

“The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

Recommended reading:

“In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

“This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.”

Have you bought this recalled item recently? Let us know in the comments below.

Killers, sex attackers, and violent criminals are amongst Scotland’s longest serving prisoners.

The Record’s new series will explore the individuals and their sordid crimes that have kept them locked away from the public.

Owen Bonner had already spent time at the State Hospital in Carstairs when he was caged again for more than three decades after a notorious five-hour siege at a chicken factory.

The violent brute held two female co-workers hostage at knifepoint during the terrifying incident at Marshall’s Chunky Chicken in Coatbridge.

The incident happened only one year after he had been released from Carstairs.

He was regarded as such a danger to society that he has remained locked up for 32 years later, as one of Scotland’s longest serving prisoners.

Bonner forced his hostages to pray during the five-hour siege as he declared himself “worse than the devil”.

He slashed both women as he waited for his £10,000 ransom demand to be met and made a series of bizarre demands, saying he wanted TV cameras and a Michael Jackson album and outfit.

Police eventually intercepted the then 27-year-old and arrested him.

He was put on trial at the High Court in Glasgow in 1994.

It was heard in court that Bonner said he had been hearing his own voice outside his head telling him to do things.

It was also revealed that when he had been released from Carstairs in 1993, he was ordered to continue taking drugs which helped his schizophrenia.

His mental condition deteriorated when he stopped taking the drugs and on the night he took the women hostage he had also been sniffing glue.

He was eventually found insane by a jury and returned to Carstairs, where he was detained without limit.

Following his conviction, Helen Liddell, then-Labour MP for Monklands East, wrote to Ian Lang, the Conservative Secretary of State for Scotland at the time, demanding answers for the reasoning behind letting him out of the security hospital in the first place.

Locked up from public view in Carstairs, he was known to regularly fight with other patients, disobey basic rules, dressed bizarrely, refused to get out of bed and continued to tell people he was the devil.

During his three decades in custody, he has tried to escape from the psychiatric facility several times.

In 1999, he gave his Carstairs nurses the slip on an escorted trip and briefly went on the run in Glasgow city centre. He was eventually picked up after being found semi-conscious after sniffing glue.

He was later transferred to the medium-security facility at Rowanbank Clinic near Stobhill Hospital in Springburn as part of a programme to eventually release him into the community.

However, in 2015 he sparked a major alert after going on the run during a shopping trip to Glasgow.

The following year he absconded again while on escorted leave before cops caught up with him a day later and returned him to Rowanbank.

Last year, during a trip to the dentist in Ayrshire he managed to escape again and Police Scotland warned the public not to approach him while launching an appeal for information on his whereabouts.

He was eventually traced four days later after a huge manhunt and remains in custody.

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