The popular folk festival is expanding across the city for 2026.

Cambridge Folk Festival has announced more acts set to play in venues across Cambridge later this year. The popular festival was cancelled last year due to financial losses but is returning this summer in a different form.

This year’s main festival will be take place across Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, at Cherry Hinton Hall. There will also be a range of performances happening at local venues across Cambridge throughout the summer.

On Saturday, July 25, John Cooper Clarke will take to the stage at the Cambridge Corn Exchange alongside special guests such as Brian Bilston and The Catenary Wires, Henry Normal and Jan Brierton, and Mike Garry and Toria Garbutt. There will be a family ceilidh hosted by Cambridge Ceilidh All Stars at the Corn Exchange on Sunday, July 26.

There will also be a ‘tradfest’ along Mill Road and Folk Festival favourite Frankie Archer will be performing at The Portland Arms. A pub quiz night is set to take place at the Parkers Tavern alongside a comedy show, open-mic nights, and other events at different spots around the city.

The new “city-wide approach” will offer folk fans even more opportunities to enjoy music. The festival also wants to invite new audiences to “discover and join the vibrant folk community”.

Cllr Dr Antoinette Nestor, Cabinet Member for Culture Economy and Skills at the Council, said: “I’m thrilled that the Cambridge Folk Festival will extend further across Cambridge than ever before, partnering with local venues, promoters, and folk clubs to bring concerts and community events leading up to the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend.

“With performances at the Corn Exchange, The Portland Arms, other city venues, and the return of the Cambridgeshire Music Summer School, this expanded programme will offer residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy folk and roots music, celebrate our vibrant cultural scene, and welcome new audiences into the festival community.”

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed steps to speed up processing of new Attendance Allowance claims, with a target of clearing 90% within 30 days

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is taking measures to “speed up and streamline the processing of new Attendance Allowance claims” as part of its broader Service Modernisation programme. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell stated that the goal is to clear 90 per cent of all new Attendance Allowance applications within 30 days.

Mr Bell noted that most claims are being processed within approximately three to four weeks, a timeline that has been “supported by increasing uptake of the new digital application route”.

In Scotland, pensioners can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for the devolved equivalent – Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). According to recent data from Social Security Scotland, the average processing time for PADP at the end of January was 10 working days (two weeks).

The DWP Minister’s remarks were in response to a question posed by Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who queried ‘what assessment has been made of the potential impact of current waiting times on decisions on claims for Attendance Allowance’ particularly for claimants undergoing active cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, reports the Daily Record.

In a written reply to the Nottingham East MP, Mr Bell said: “The Department keeps Attendance Allowance processing times under review and recognises the importance of timely decisions for older people, including those undergoing significant medical treatment.

“Through our wider Service Modernisation programme, we have taken steps to speed up and streamline the processing of new Attendance Allowance claims.

“We are now working to a target of clearing 90 per cent of new claims within 30 days, and current performance shows that the majority of claims are being cleared within around 3 – 4 weeks, supported by increasing uptake of the new digital application route.

“For customers who are nearing the end of life, we operate a dedicated fast-track process under the Special Rules for End of Life, where claims are prioritised and typically cleared within eight days.

“The extension of the end of life definition from 6 months to 12 months ensures more people with advanced conditions can benefit from this expedited process.”

Recent DWP statistics reveal that at the end of August 2025, more than 1.7 million older people were in receipt of additional financial support via Attendance Allowance. Comparable figures from Social Security Scotland show that over 175,500 individuals aged above 66 are receiving monetary assistance through Pension Age Disability Payment.

Both benefits presently offer either £73.90 or £110.40 each week and as they are generally paid every four weeks, this equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period. The weekly sum someone receives depends upon the level of care they require. The amount someone receives depends on the level of support required, and the benefit is designed to assist people of State Pension age with daily living costs, which can also help them maintain independence in their own home for longer. It’s important to note there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.

The benefit supports people with a disability, long-term illness and mental or physical health conditions.

Who can claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance or PADP if you have a disability or illness and need assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you don’t currently receive that help.

This might include:

• Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
• Help to stay safe

You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• A mental health condition
• Learning difficulties
• A sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired

Pensioners in Scotland

Individuals aged 66 and over should apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment, which is managed and delivered by Social Security Scotland. Comprehensive information can be found on MYGPV.SCOT.

What amount could I receive from Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week.

The funds can be used in any way you see fit and could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period.

This could include:

• Paying for taxis
• Contributing towards bills
• Employing a cleaner or gardener

Can I apply for Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Indeed. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so your other income or the amount of savings you have doesn’t matter – there’s no upper limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning no money will be deducted from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still employed and earning an income.

How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?

If you receive Attendance Allowance, your other benefits might increase. These include:

• Extra Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit Reduction
• Council Tax Reduction

How do I submit a claim?

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. Although it may seem intimidating initially, assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Complete information on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you are considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately – you could potentially receive more money.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed if you reside in Scotland, instead, you will need to apply for the new devolved benefit Pension Age Disability Payment. Full details can be found on MYGOV.SCOT.

You won’t be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you already receive PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance whilst receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Sarah Michelle Gellar has revealed the one condition that would see her reunite on screen with husband Freddie Prinze Jr — and fans may have to wait a little longer.

The couple, who met on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer and have been together for more than two decades, remain one of Hollywood’s most beloved love stories.

But while they’ve shared the screen before — most famously in Scooby-Doo — Gellar says timing is everything when it comes to working together again.

‘Never say never,’ she told Metro on the red carpet for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.

However, she added: ‘Not while our children are still in the house because one of us has to be home at all times. Never say never. I’ve learned that one, but not right now.’

Gellar has spent much of the past decade stepping back from the spotlight to focus on family life.

Gellar and Prinze Jr share two children, Charlotte and Rocky, and she has long been open about prioritising being a present parent over chasing roles.

That’s part of why her recent return to acting has felt so deliberate and exciting.

After a string of defining roles around the late 90s and early 2000s — including Scream 2, Cruel Intentions, Scooby-Doo, and The Grudge — Gellar largely stepped away from major projects, cultivating a quieter life that she shares with more than four million followers on Instagram.

Her comeback began with a turn in Netflix’s Do Revenge in 2022, followed by a leading role in Paramount+’s supernatural drama Wolf Pack.

Now, she’s taking on one of her most exciting parts yet.

In Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, the sequel to the cult 2019 horror hit, Gellar plays Ursula Danforth, a villainous role that taps into the same sharp, no-nonsense energy that made her Cruel Intentions performance so iconic.

Speaking to Metro at the film’s premiere, she said embracing the darker side was a major draw: ‘So much fun. Villains get to do all the fun stuff. Like, you know, they get to twist, twirl their mustache and say the crazy shit. Like, it’s fun to be on both sides.’

The film once again leans into its chaotic, satirical ‘eat-the-rich’ themes of the original, though Gellar is happy for audiences to take from it what they will.

‘I always say it’s up to the audience, right?’ she explained. ‘If you want to go and just have a crazy ride and see this out there crazy fun movie, then go see this movie. If you want to take the messages then do that… the message is there, but only if you feel like taking it.’

The role has already sparked strong reactions, with some calling it her best in 20 years — something she doesn’t entirely dispute.

‘I mean, I loved it. I don’t disagree,’ she said. ‘Ursula was so much fun… it’s one of those things as an actor, you just get lucky.’

For now, any on-screen reunion with her husband will have to wait, but, as Gellar says, never say never.

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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In a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump was asked why he didn’t inform allies about his plan to attack Iran.

Trump responded by raising Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, saying, “Who ​knows better about surprise than Japan?”

More on the latest on the conflict in the Middle East here.

Emergency services were called to the Elie Chain Walk after the alarm was raised at around 11am on Thursday.

A walker has been rushed to hospital after falling from a sea cliff in Fife.

Emergency services were called to the Elie Chain Walk after the alarm was raised at around 11am on Thursday.

Pictures shared with the Record showed an ambulance at the scene alongside a helicopter.

Medics confirmed one person was rushed to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown.

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The popular route forms part of the Fife Coastal Path and requires walkers to traverse jagged cliffs with the help of vertical chains anchored into the cliff-face and foot and handholds to reduce the risk of falls.

The 500m route comes with several dangers, including becoming trapped by the incoming tide, being struck by falling rocks, and the risk of falling.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 11.41am to attend an incident at Elie Chainwalk.

“An ambulance was dispatched to the scene, and one patient was transported to the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.”

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Former The Only Way Is Essex and Ex On The Beach star Jordan Wright was found dead in a canal in Thailand months after moving to the country for a new start

The death of former Towie star Jordan Wright is shrouded in mystery after he was found dead in Thailand. The reality TV star died at the age of 33. He was found dead months after he moved to the holiday destination for a ‘new start’.

His body was found in a canal in the country. He had earlier checked into a hotel alone and was seen to be “pacing relentlessly” outside of the building. The devastating discovery was made on the popular island of Phuket.

Police chief Sutthirak Chuthong of Choeng Thale district station said: “The guest was identified as Mr Jordan Wright, a British national, whom the hotel had been unable to contact. A search of the room revealed no signs of forced entry or other irregularities.”

READ MORE: Inside TOWIE star Jordan Wright’s lonely death from worrying CCTV to body in ditchREAD MORE: Jordan Wright’s stunned pals speak out after unimaginable tragedy

Reports say police had rushed to the scene of the incident near Bang Tao Beach – an idyllic spot popular with tourists. His body was found in the water. He was wearing a grey shirt and black pants, but was barefoot, according to police.

He is thought to still have his key card and in his pocket and a phone was found left on the bank nearby.

Police are said to have been told by hotel staff that the former reality TV star had checked into their accommodation alone. He had reportedly been due to leave the hotel on March 13, but never checked out.

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Following his death, a spokesperson for The Only Way is Essex said in a statement: “Everyone at Towie sends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jordan Wright at this very sad time.”

Others paying tribute in the comments section of Wright’s last Instagram post include fellow stars of the show. Chloe Brockett wrote: “Rest in peace Jordan.”

Liam “Gatsby” Blackwell, who also appeared on the reality programme, also wrote: “Miss you already, brother. Glad I got to see you in Thailand a couple of months ago. Big love to all your Family.”

A spokesperson from the UK Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Jordan, who previously dated Vicky Pattison, appeared on TOWIE on series 22 and 23 in 2018. He had previously featured on reality dating series Ex On The Beach. However, he was reported to have been axed from the series after claims suggested he had been filming after taking sick leave from the London Fire Brigade.

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Using a heated airer to dry clothes is a smart way to save on bills. The best airers cost mere pennies per hour to run, and come with other benefits, too. Cleverly designed frames, multiple tiers, covers and flexible feet offer versatility for even the heaviest laundry load. In colder months, the increased drying speed helps prevent damp smells in your home, and ensures clothes can be washed and dried as needed (dehumidifiers can help speed up this process further). 

Compared with traditional tumble dryers (rather than newer, more expensive heat-pump varieties), airers often win for efficiency and garment care. “Heated airers are far more energy-efficient than a tumble dryer, which can use up to five or six times more electricity per hour,” says Stephen Day, heating engineer at iHeat. “That’s a big difference in both emissions and energy bills. Plus, you’re also reducing wear and tear on clothes, as tumble dryers can be quite harsh on fabrics over time.”

I tested a range of heated clothes airers at different prices, and answered your FAQs below.

The best heated clothes airers: At a glance

How to choose the best heated clothes airers

The type of airer best for your home depends on a few factors.

Laundry capacity: Be realistic about the size of your laundry loads. Bigger is not always better. While large families may need a large airer for regular washing, this also takes up valuable space. One or two-person households might benefit from a smaller heated airer which can be stored easily and doesn’t dominate your living area.

Energy efficiency: Appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith explains that heated airers are a popular option due to their low running costs. The heated airers tested here cost between 7p and 28p per hour to run – measured via a smart plug – whereas a tumble dryer can cost you closer to 75p per hour. “Although you’d probably have to use a heater airer or drying pod for longer at a time, it would likely still cost you much less overall than a tumble dryer load,” he says. 

Storage and build quality: A heated airer needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of 10 to 20kg of wet laundry, but also to fold down sufficiently to be stored away without issue. Consider the size of your storage space before you buy.

How I test heated clothes airers

Both Emily and I have experience testing mattresses, having contributed numerous reviews across our different mattress guides. It’s a difficult job for one obvious reason – they’re huge.

So, for this guide, you’ll find a mixture of products that Emily tested at home and ones I (Rebecca) tested after a week visiting dozens of showrooms across London. I tested sofa beds at the same time, if you’re in the market.

It’s important to note that the best mattress for each individual varies enormously, based on weight, height, pressure points, sleeping position and whether or not you share a bed.

Memory foam mattresses tested at home were slept on for at least a month, to get a true feel for how each one adjusted to the person sleeping on it and whether it helped regulate their temperature, and how durable it was. Edge support (being able to sleep at the edge of the mattress without rolling off) was also considered.

In the showroom, I judged the mattresses on more objective criteria: foam density and thickness, number of layers, temperature-regulating features, sustainability of materials and, of course, comfort.

All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — David Punch provided some bulletin-board material this week when he told the Columbus Dispatch that TCU would beat Ohio State “nine times out of 10” because of its athleticism.

On Thursday, Punch and the Horned Frogs backed up his bold talk.

Punch delivered a textbook entry pass to Xavier Edmonds, who converted a layup to beat the shot clock with 4.3 seconds left as No. 9 seed TCU held off a furious second-half rally by eighth-seeded Ohio State for a 66-64 victory to open the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Bruce Thornton’s half-court heave at the buzzer hit all backboard, and the Buckeyes’ standout senior leaned forward and put his hands on his knees in dismay near midcourt as TCU began its celebration.

Micah Robinson made four 3-pointers and scored 18 points to lead TCU, Edmonds scored 16 and Punch had 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Horned Frogs (23-11) will play Saturday against either No. 16 seed Siena or Duke, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.

“I felt like it kind of put a little more pressure on us, but at the same time, I know his words were just a little bit misconstrued and a little twisted,” Edmonds said of Punch’s comments. “That’s not 100 percent how he meant it. Still we seen it, and we felt like we had to stand on it. So we wanted to go out there and make sure we won nine out of 10 times.”

The 6-foot-7 Punch hurt the Buckeyes with his physicality in the paint, but no play was bigger than finding Edmonds for the winner.

“We got it to Punch, and he created some space,” Edmonds said. “He didn’t have a shot he wanted, so he kicked it out to me, and I had a good seal and I just went up with it. Credit to him for making a better pass.”

John Mobley Jr. scored 15 points to lead Ohio State (21-13), which was making its first March Madness appearance since 2022.

TCU built a 15-point halftime lead and appeared in control, only to miss 18 of its first 22 shots to start the second half and fall behind 55-50 with seven minutes left.

“I just thought, I’m not going home like that,” Mobley said. “I’m not going home without putting my all to it. I had a talk at halftime, I’ve just got to do better. I was a little sluggish in the first half, can’t do that.”

The Horned Frogs rallied for a 64-61 advantage on a 3 by Robinson with 56 seconds left. Thornton hit a tying 3 with 33 seconds remaining, and TCU called timeout to set up a final play in the halfcourt.

“What a character check for us down the stretch and just going and executing on every play,” TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. “It was multiple guys in a variety of ways.”

Dixon won’t let his players overrule him again

Dixon said his players convinced him to change up the defense on Ohio State’s possession, which ended with Thornton’s tying 3.

“We guarded it well,” Dixon said. “So I’ll let them get away with that one. It was a tough 3 that they hit.”

Teams entered March Madness in fine form

Both teams came into the tournament playing well. Ohio State won four straight before falling to Michigan 71-67 in the Big Ten Tournament. TCU had won six in a row before losing to Kansas 79-78 in the Big 12 tourney.

Buckeyes find motivation for next season

Mobley said the loss will drive him and his young teammates in the offseason.

“There is a motivation now of getting back here,” Mobley said. “Ohio State has a great repertoire to come here. We want to keep building that. … When the guys come in, we’re going to have that and be ready to go for the summer.”

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

A total of 16 dates have been announced for 2026, including a stop at Leeds’ O2 Academy on October 16.

The tour marks the alt-rock band’s 40th anniversary and begins in Newcastle on October 1, concluding at London’s O2 Brixton Academy on December 8.

Vocalist and guitarist Miles Hunt said: “When the original line-up of The Wonder Stuff first rehearsed together on March 19th 1986 – exactly forty years ago today – I wonder what our thoughts might have been if Malc Treece and I knew that we would be fortunate enough to still be playing gigs together now?

“Whatever those scruffy young fellas would have thought I can tell you now, all these years later, both of us are incredibly grateful to all of the audiences that have stuck with us these past four decades.

“And it shall be our absolute honour to get up on stage this year and play as many of the old faves as we can to those wonderful people. We are blessed.”

The Wonder Stuff’s long-standing line-up will include Hunt, Malc Treece, Erica Nockalls, Mark Gemini Thwaite, Tim Sewell and Pete Howard.

They will perform a setlist covering their four-decade career, featuring hits such as Unbearable, A Wish Away, and Size of A Cow.

Formed in 1986 in the Birmingham/Black Country area, The Wonder Stuff signed to Polydor Records in 1987 and released four Top 20 albums between 1988 and 1994.

Joining them as special guests on the tour are Madchester favourites Inspiral Carpets.

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Inspiral Carpets said: “We are looking forward to hitting the road later this year with our mates The Wonder Stuff.

“Expect a set full of our garage pop hit singles and maybe a couple of surprises… see you down front.”

A venue pre-sale will take place from 10.00am on Wednesday, March 25, before going on general sale at 10.00am on Friday, March 27, available from www.thewonderstuff.co.uk.