There will also be an Absolutely Fabulous drag night and a celebration of Disney+ show Rivals

A popular Manchester festival will return this summer with its biggest line-up ever, opening with a special Traitors-themed party and celebration.

SCENE has been described as Manchester’s only LGBTQ+ film and TV festival since it was first held in 2024. Now in its third outing, this year’s event will feature a series of premieres, screenings, Q&A panels, events, parties and more across eight days from August 20 to 27.

A special panel discussion honouring hit BBC series The Traitors, moderated by TV critic and author Scott Bryan, will officially kick the festival off and will feature the likes of Maddy and Wilf from series 1 and Amanda from series 4, as well as more guests to be confirmed. It will be proceeded by a Traitors-style opening party with themed cocktails and more.

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The festival, which is an official Manchester Village Pride fringe partner, will also feature a special fifth anniversary screening and panel discussion of Russell T Davies’ critically-acclaimed series It’s A Sin. It will also feature a preview of the upcoming ballet adaptation of the show, which will receive its world debut at Aviva Studios next year.

TV creator Davies, alongside executive producer Nicola Shindler, will also appear at the event to recognise the significant impact of this year’s gripping Channel 4 series Tip Toe, which starred Alan Cumming and David Morrissey as feuding neighbours in a socially-charged climate.

There will also be an intimate in-conversation event with Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman, reflecting on the impact the book series has had around the world as well as with its Netflix series, which has just concluded with a feature-length film.

Other highlights include a drag-inspired celebration of Absolutely Fabulous starring Manchester stars Anna Phylactic and Banksie, a tribute night to comedy icon Caroline Aherne, and a 25th anniversary of acclaimed stage show Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Events will take place at HOME, New Century Hall, Cultplex, Kampus, Treehouse Hotel, Aviva Studios, Vada Vada, Cruz 101 and more.

SCENE will also feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Disney+’s hit series Rivals with cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton alongside executive producer Alexander Lamb, as well as a return of Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night which will feature a special line-up of stars.

The festival will also feature a celebration of BBC’s ground-breaking dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, hosted by Charley Marlowe, which will feature appearances from stars from both series as they reflect on its significance on LGBTQ+ visibility on screen.

Over the eight days, SCENE will also feature a number of film premieres, including Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Queer Palm-winning Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Chatlines, and a special screening of Adam Shankman’s wildly-anticipated drag comedy Stop! That! Train! starring RuPaul and a host of famous drag queens.

In addition, the festival line-up also includes a St Trinian’s party screening, live podcasts, a free outdoor photography exhibition at Kampus, and a free outdoor cinema at First Street, as well as a showcase of documentaries, shorts and productions highlighting new voices.

Tickets start from £5 with many of the events free of charge to attend. Profits from all ticket sales, alongside booking fees from Skiddle, will be donated to Manchester Village Pride Charities. The festival has been made possible thanks to a number of local and international partnerships, including CityCo, Screen Manchester, SCRUFF, Aviva Studios and many of Manchester’s hoteliers.

Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo and producer of SCENE, said: “We’re thrilled that SCENE is back for a third edition, and after doubling our audience last year, the festival is going from strength to strength with thousands of fans from all over the UK and across the world coming to Manchester for the ultimate celebration of queer screen culture.

“We’ve always wanted SCENE to be a festival where audiences can discover their next favourite film alongside celebrating the shows and stories they already love. This year’s programme is our biggest and most ambitious yet – from Almodóvar to Ab Fab, Barbara Hammer to I Kissed A Girl, old classics, new stories, shorts, docs, live comedy, dance shows, parties and exhibitions there’s something for everyone.

“Whether you’re coming just for the festival or extending your visit to Manchester ahead of our city’s Pride celebrations, we’re welcoming artists, filmmakers, writers, producers, programmers and importantly amazing audiences with open arms and a bucket of popcorn.”

The full line-up and ticket details for SCENE 2026 can be found here.

BEIJING (AP) — A remote province in China was struck by two earthquakes just 18 minutes apart late Tuesday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The earthquakes in Qinghai province at 11:16 a.m. and 11:34 a.m. had magnitudes of 5.7 and 5.8 at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), the USGS reported.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Qinghai province in China’s northwest is sparsely populated and often experiences earthquakes.

A video from state broadcaster CCTV showed dust clouds rising from cliffs as the land shook.

The earthquakes also impacted Lanzhou in neighboring Gansu province, one of the largest cities in the area.. Social media videos showed lamps swinging inside residences in the city.

TransPennine Express said crews are dealing with an incident in the Mirfield area this morning (Tuesday, July 28).

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Services are currently being cancelled at the West Yorkshire station, with one eyewitness saying the entrance has been cordoned off.

Rail replacement transport is in operation from Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly and has been requested to Leeds.

National Rail said operating trains may be delayed by up to 60 minutes and is advising customers to check its real-time Journey Planner.

A spokesperson for TransPennine Express said routes from Manchester to York, Scarborough, Newcastle and Redcar Central are all affected by delays or short-notice cancellations in both directions.

Network Rail said delays in the area are expected until 10.30am.

Passengers are advised to check live journey updates at journeycheck.com/tpexpress.

The Press has contacted West Yorkshire emergency services.

We will provide updated information to this breaking news when we receive it.

Traffic is queueing along the road while recovery takes place

Traffic is queueing along a major A-road after a “significant” crash involving two lorries. The A1 near Stibbington, between the A1139 Fletton Parkway in Peterborough and A47 at Wansford, was closed in both directions just after 4am today (Tuesday, July 28).

Two lorries crashed along the road and later caught fire. The Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the scene.

A fire spokesperson said: “A significant incident is currently ongoing on the A1 northbound, with multiple fire service crews, ambulance personnel, and police in attendance.

“The A1 northbound is fully closed between Chesterton and Wansford. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, seek alternative routes, and expect significant delays while emergency services respond.”

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There are currently delays of around 20 minutes and two miles of congestion this morning while recovery takes place, National Highways reports.

Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted for further information.

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The star, who played Cassie Plummer on the ITV soap since 2023, has opened up on her emotional final scenes.

Ms Sweeney is leaving the show after being cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK theatre tour of Annie.

Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney opens up on exit scenes

Coming up on the Cobbles…

Who attacks Dylan? What does Ross do to Cassie? And what heartbreaking glimpse into the future does Debbie witness?

Read more about what’s coming up via the link below 🔗 👇https://t.co/W6kFRyYq8n #Corrie pic.twitter.com/zvNNTpt3or

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— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) July 27, 2026

“Saying goodbye to Hope and Ruby, I sobbed,” she told The Sun.

“The tears were real.

“At one point, the director even asked me to hold back a bit because it looked like I was having a breakdown.

“The children started crying too.”

She said the stage role as Miss Hannigan prompted her departure, being something she could not turn down.

The actress has previously spoken about the impact Coronation Street had on her career, describing it as a “real turning point” and a “lovely surprise” at the age of 52.

Speaking last year she said: “I’ve done brilliant things in my life and in my career, and I’m grateful and thankful.’

“But when I got into Corrie at the age of 52, it was a lovely, lovely surprise and a real turning point for me.

“When I was younger, I wouldn’t think, ‘This is fabulous.’ It would be, ‘What’s next?’

“But with Corrie, I’m so appreciating it and I’m staying in the moment.”

A Coronation Street spokesperson said previously: “We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play.

“Cassie will be on the cobbles until the summer, during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield leading up to a great exit storyline.”

Ms Sweeney will begin her run as Miss Hannigan on July 7, with tour stops planned across the UK and Ireland.

Coronation Street star talks potential return to ITV soap

In other Corrie news, former star Charlotte Jordan, who played the popular Daisy Midgeley on ITV’s Coronation Street from 2020 to 2025, has spoken about a potential return to the show in the future.

The actress notably earned a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance for her role.

She weighed in on a potential return to Weatherfield when speaking to Radio Times.

She said: “Oh, well, nobody’s asked, but for now I’m happy to sort of just keep exploring and keep seeing what… I mean, I only left a year ago, it’s very early days, so now I’m happy to keep, keep giving it a good go.”

Ms Jordan’s latest role is in the new BBC period drama series The Hairdresser Mysteries, where she stars as Clary Coombs, alongside Sally Phillips, who plays the main character, Lily Petal.

Charlotte Jordan plays Clary Coombs in the new BBC drama The Hairdresser Mysteries (Image: BBC/Mill Bay Media/Gary Moyes)

It tells the story of upmarket hairstylist Lily, who leaves the city to run a hairdressers in a small town, and becomes the centre of gossip and secrets.

Ms Jordan revealed that the transition from Coronation Street to her latest project was relatively smooth.

She said: “I mean, speed-wise, it wasn’t an adjustment.

“Corrie was a fantastic training ground in that sense, for this particular job, but I did really like playing a character that couldn’t be more different from who I played, which was great.

“I was hoping for that.

“I wanted to play someone next who was the polar opposite, so I’m grateful for that.

“But no, it wasn’t super different technically, it was all sort of the same ingredients, but it was a very different world, and it’s a very different tone, and it’s obviously very different, it’s a different genre, different vibes.

“So that was great.”

Will you be sad to see Claire Sweeney leave Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.

Need to know

More than 800,000 people are expected to visit the city during the festival

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to Belfast for the very first time from Sunday. Here is what you need to know before it kicks off:

1. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s biggest celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture. It translates from Irish as “a festival, or feast, of the music of Ireland”.
2. It is coming to Belfast for the very first time this week – running from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 9 2026. With more than 800,000 visitors expected to descend on the city, it will be one of the biggest and most celebrated events ever to take place in Belfast.
3. The Fleadh is organised annually by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and has been running since 1951. The Fleadh features All-Ireland music and dance competitions, live stage concerts, céilí dancing, street performances, pub sessions, storytelling, language events and a huge fringe festival programme.
4. The Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall will host a packed programme of free music and performances throughout the festival. Special performances and competitions will also take place at Ulster Hall, ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall.
5. During the Fleadh, Belfast City Council will need to close many Belfast city centre streets and roads to ensure safe pedestrian movement and allow street performances and activities to take place. Some roads and streets in Belfast city centre will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6am on Sunday August 2 to 10am on Monday August 10 2026.
6. To help everyone to move with the rhythm of the Fleadh, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and choose Park and Ride, public transport or active travel wherever possible.To create a safe and welcoming event zone for Fleadh 2026, Belfast city centre will be pedestrianised – find out more and see the map here.
7. The Fleadh is an inclusive and family-friendly festival. Children are warmly welcomed and there is a wide range of events, workshops and entertainment designed especially for younger visitors.
8. CCÉ has already announced that Belfast will host the Fleadh again in 2027, making it a back-to-back host city.
9. The full event programme will be published on fleadhcheoil.ie. Visitors are encouraged to check regularly as more announcements and event details are confirmed in the run-up to the festival.

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

The local authority has internally submitted a planning application which describes eight houses and 46 flats which would be built near Dunbeth Family Centre.

North Lanarkshire Council has published details of its plans for a significant housing development in Coatbridge.

The local authority has internally submitted a planning application which describes eight houses and 46 flats which would be built near Dunbeth Family Centre, on a site which was formerly the location of Jackson Court tower block which was recently demolished.

In addition to the new housing, parking at the site would be increased to 44 spaces.

Prior to seeking planning permission for the development, the council held a public consultation exercise which included two public sessions.

These were not well attended, with just five people attending each session, which the council attributes to a relatively low number of people and properties in the vicinity and a general acceptance that replacing the tower block will improve the area.

However, the feedback which has been received in person or online has largely been positive.

Some concerns were raised about the availability of space for children to play in at the site, but the proposed development includes areas designated for informal free play.

In response to concerns over traffic at the junction of Hillcrest Avenue and Main Street, the council has indicated that this development represents a reduction in the total number of homes compared to the old tower block, while no access to it from Main Street is planned.

For more information, or to comment on the proposals, visit the council’s website and search for planning reference 26/00849/FUL.

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Mia, 13, was last seen last night (July 27) in Glenbrook Gardens, Bolton, at around 8:20pm.

She is described as four feet tall with straight, shoulder-length brown hair.

She was last seen wearing grey leggings, a black jacket, and black socks with beige crocs.

Greater Manchester Police put out the following statement: “Mia is around four feet tall with straight, shoulder-length brown hair and was last seen wearing grey leggings, black jeans, and black socks in beige crocs.

“Police in Bolton are becoming increasingly concerned about Mia, 13, who was last seen last night.

“Anyone with information about Mia’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 – or 999 in an emergency – and quote log 3508-27/07/26

For years, former detective Mike Barley hoped to say one of two things to the parents of Suzy Lamplugh.

“Those two lines were ‘one we found her’, or two, ‘we’ve got it’,” he said.

“We used to sit with Paul and Diana and not be able to deliver those two lines. I watched them age over the years, constantly saying to them, ‘I’m sorry, there’s nothing new’.”

It is forty years on Tuesday since Suzy, a 25-year-old estate agent, left her Fulham office to meet a client under the name “Mr Kipper” and never returned. She was legally declared dead in 1993.

Her parents died without the answers to one of Britain’s most notorious missing person cases, which is set to be mothballed in 12 months.

Suzy’s disappearance inspired her family friends Mary Asprey and Janet Newman to launch the charity Missing People, which Mr Barley describes as one of the few positives that came out of the case.

The Independent joined forces with the charity in November to spread awareness of children who have gone missing and help launch SafeCall – a free and confidential support service designed to keep young people safe.

Thanks to the support of our readers and the backing of former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, former footballer Sir David Beckham, mother of missing Madeleine, Kate McCann, and many others, the helpline was launched in January after an incredible £165,000 was raised.

Mr Barley, who spent 12 years working on the Lamplugh investigation as a Met Police detective chief inspector, has recently published the book Suzy Lamplugh: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Missing Person Investigation.

He has told The Independent of how he always lived in hope of getting answers for Suzy’s family, and says no case in his 25-year career has stayed with him more than hers.

At around 10.30pm on 28 July 1986, he was heading to bed when another detective rang his landline.

“‘Mike, we’ve got a missing person here, it doesn’t feel right. You’d better come in, meet me at Stevenage Road’,” Mr Barley was told.

He arrived to find Suzy’s white Ford Fiesta abandoned, with the driver’s door open, the handbrake off, her purse still inside the door pocket, and the keys missing.

That day, she was supposed to be meeting the mysterious client at a nearby property in Shorrolds Road.

“At the end of that first day, we knew that Suzy had left her office at around 12.40pm, we knew that her car had been found at 10.01pm, and we knew that she hadn’t been seen since,” he said.

“Really, strictly speaking, 40 years on, we still only know those same three things.”

John Cannan remains the prime suspect in the case, but died in prison in 2024 and was never charged.

In October of 1987, he was arrested for the murder of Bristol newlywed Shirley Banks, whose Mini was found in his garage, repainted and fitted with a false number plate SLP386S.

“The inference was that the letters SLP stood for Suzy Lamplugh,” Mr Barley said.

In what he describes as his most unforgettable moment in the investigation, he went to interview Cannan in prison in 1990 after he was jailed for Banks’ murder the previous year.

“I said, ‘So why did you choose those [numberplate] letters in that particular order, John?’ And he said, ‘Let me tell you something about that car, that car belongs to a Bristol businessman, and he’s the man who killed Suzy Lamplugh, Shirley Banks, and another girl’.

“I said, ‘Was that man you, John?’ And he said, ‘Yes’, and then he went, ‘No, no, no, I’ve met him. I don’t know who he is. I’ve met him’.

“For that briefest moment in time, I firmly believe John Cannan was telling the truth.”

Mr Barley tried to recover that moment, but it was gone forever. He believes that Cannan is responsible for the abduction and murder of Suzy, but says his “belief isn’t proof, and there’s a huge gap between suspicion and proof.”

One of Cannan’s girlfriends, Gilly Paige, then claimed that he had driven her to Norton Barracks, Worcestershire, and told her Suzy was buried there. She later denied that he ever confessed to her murder.

Mr Barley urged his force to search the area at the time, but it did not go ahead.

Following further information and a review of the case, police launched a search of the site in 2000, but found no evidence.

But Mr Barley said the force had searched the wrong area, and the correct site had already been developed into a housing estate.

“Suzy was never born to be a case to be investigated,” he said. “She should be 65, probably with a family, maybe with grandchildren. She’s missed out on all that. Her family is still suffering, grieving.”

He said Missing People was a charity that was “very much needed”, and is “one of the really good things that has come out of this particular tragic event.”

Interim chief executive Ross Miller said: “Suzy’s disappearance became the catalyst for something that continues to make a difference today. When Suzy disappeared, there was no support for families with a missing loved one, and no way for a missing person to reach out for help in confidence.

“Inspired by the search for Suzy, sisters Mary Asprey and Janet Newman and a team of volunteers founded what would become Missing People, creating a lifeline for people facing the unimaginable. Today, Missing People continues that same mission.”

Suzy’s parents set up The Suzy Lamplugh Trust in the wake of her disappearance to champion women’s safety.

On Tuesday, it launched a campaign calling for urgent action to ensure victims of stalking, harassment and abuse receive appropriate protection and access to justice.

In a statement issued through the charity, her family said: “She was, as she is always portrayed, a truly beautiful person inside and out.

“Within months of her disappearance, our parents founded the Suzy Lamplugh Trust with a vision to help create a world where everyone can live free from violence, aggression and fear.”

Met Police detective chief inspector Teresa Foster said: “The investigation into the disappearance and murder of Suzy Lamplugh remains open, and is one of the oldest cases in the Met.

“They have shown remarkable strength despite everything they have endured and we will never give up hope that we can find the answers they deserve.”

Please donate now to The Independent and Missing People’s SafeCall campaign, which has raised £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support.

For advice, support and options if you or a child you love goes missing, contact safecall.org.uk

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is inviting people to join and donate to its #40YearsShouldHaveBeenEnough campaign.