On Friday, April 10, thousands flocked to Aintree for the Grand National Festival 2026.

Ladies Day is renowned as one of the most glamorous dates in the racing calendar for racegoers across the North West, and this year was no exception.

The outfits have become so striking that the event is now widely referred to as the “Scouse Met Gala”.

The Met Gala, by contrast, is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Helen described Ladies Day as one of her “favourite days of the year”, as she wowed in an elegant Karen Millen ensemble.

She wore a floor-length dress featuring a monochrome print and dramatic black draped straps.

The look was accessorised with a black Karen Millen fascinator adorned with white beading, along with a black Chanel bag costing several thousand pounds.

Helen said she received “so many compliments” on her outfit and “loved everything about the dress”.

She enjoyed the Green Room experience at the event, which, according to its website, costs approximately £810 for Ladies Day.

The package includes a private balcony overlooking the start and finish, admission to the Lord Sefton Stand, a four-course seated lunch, champagne, afternoon tea and more.

Ladies Day once again proved why it remains a standout highlight of the season.

It has been almost 400 years since Belfast’s first tavern license was granted, so we headed to investigate what has punters still coming to the same city centre spot after all this time

Depending on who you speak to, the title of ‘Belfast’s oldest pub’ is often up for debate. But when it comes to the city’s oldest tavern, there is one venue that proudly wears its history as a badge of honour.

The story of White’s Tavern, nestled in Winecellar Entry, begins in 1630 when the building that houses the popular pub was granted Belfast’s first tavern licence.

Anchoring it at the start of the city’s licensed trade, Winecellar Entry developed into a hub for wine and spirit merchants and saw the building move from a commercial warehouse into a place of social gathering.

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Almost 400 years on, Whites has become one of Belfast’s most popular nightlife complexes – with the Tavern still standing strong, White’s Garden offering a buzzy night out, the Beer Hall a go-to for live sports and NI’s first Guinness-only bar, White’s Store, offering the perfect pint.

Belfast Live headed down on a rainy Wednesday afternoon to cosy White’s Tavern to chat to General Manager Siobhan McKenna and The Clover Group’s Marketing Director Abigail Bolton about White’s role in Belfast’s hospitality history, its rapid expansion, and plans to go full circle in the future.

READ MORE: White’s Tavern submit plans to open new hotel above bar complexREAD MORE: Belfast’s favourite cosy pub as voted for by Belfast Live readers

The Clover Group took over White’s Tavern back in 2019, making its mark with a major refurbishment, which would see the venue expand into the powerhouse complex it has become today.

But centuries before they held the keys, Abigail shared how in the 1800s, it operated as a wine and spirit warehouse, a trading post for fishmonger John Walker and began its transition to public house use before becoming a fully functioning pub embedded in the city’s social life in the early 1900s.

Officially given the name White’s Taven in 1962, it’s survived the Blitz, it’s survived The Troubles, and it’s even survived a global pandemic.

“There are a few other bars that say they are the oldest bar in the city, but we are a tavern and had the first tavern license,” General Manager Siobhan explains as the buzz of an afternoon in the Tavern happens around us.

“Basically, what a tavern license meant was that they had rooms upstairs and a cellar down below or on the same level.”

If the Tavern walls could tell stories, so can Siobhan, who is White’s longest serving member of staff.

17 years of service make her an integral part of the bar’s story. She said: “I started as a glass collector and bar-back – my aunt was the manager at the time, and my sister was actually the chef too, so that’s how I started here.

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“I then just worked my way up, so at 17 I started to waitress and then at 18, I could start on the bar and then stumbled into management after that.

“The Tavern is still, and will always be, my favourite part – it has that cosy, home vibe, but also you get to meet different people every day when you are in it.

“I think the Tavern is the reason I’ve stayed so long. There is never a dull day.”

In 2021, she took up her position of General Manager of White’s and has been at the helm as White’s Beer Hall and White’s Store were added to the White’s offering.

For those unfamiliar with how White’s has grown since The Clover Group stepped in, Abigail shared how it has evolved from a landmark venue into an unstoppable complex.

“The Garden came from Covid – we wanted to open something that was open-air,” she explained.

“At that point, there was no retractable roof or anything, but we wanted it to focus on seasonality and offer something a bit different from the Tavern.

“You have your small plates, cocktails, alfresco dining, and then we were able to move that along with the roof covering. It’s great because we have a mixture between live music and DJs so there’s a bit of everything.”

Next came the Beer Hall in 2022, the venue that “merged things together”, giving a happy medium between the Tavern and the Garden – keeping with the traditional pub feel but adding a modern twist.

They could never have expected that what once was a store room space would become one of White’s most unique selling points – the first Guinness-only bar on the island of Ireland.

Abigail continued: “Sitting outside on the barrels or at the open window and just calling in for a pint of Guinness is what was imagined.

“We wanted people working in it to have a personality so that you can call in and chat to the person behind the bar – a more old school kind of vibe.”

With the growing offering comes a growing customer base, something that Siobhan has welcomed with open arms.

“Why we are so popular at the minute is we have something for everyone under the one roof – you can have a full night out with live music, sport or trad sessions or a quiet pint in the Tavern or Store.

“It is great because, whenever I started, it was always more of a tourist bar or you’d get people in at lunch from the offices around but we would have died early on. We would have closed at 8pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Now that White’s has been put on the map, we’re open right through and more people are finding out about us and popping in – you’re still getting our regulars and the older crowd, but younger ones are also coming in, and there is somewhere for everyone here.”

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As for the future? If plans are approved, then White’s will really be going full circle and returning to its real tavern status with the addition of rooms above the existing complex.

It will see the refurbishment of the existing vacant floors above the bars, transforming them into 36 bedrooms in a style that complements White’s history.

The new hotel will see a further investment of £2m, following The Clover Group’s acquisition of the building in 2024 for £5m.

Last year, when announcing the plans, Mark Beirne, Director of the Clover Group, said: “While the concept for the hotel is yet to be announced, each room will have a story to tell, strengthening the link to the rich history and heritage of the Tavern.

“We are excited about the new project, not only as it will add a new holistic dimension to our strong offering at White’s but also because of the value it will add to Belfast as a dynamic and fun location for both local people and international visitors.”

Abigail gave an update, adding: “We are just making sure everything’s right and just the way we want it. It’s a fantastic-looking building, and if you go upstairs, the views you get across the city are lovely.

“It’s going to have a wee bit of personality in each room.”

On what makes White’s magic, almost 400 years since the building began its journey to the bustling venue it is now, Siobhan said, while it “feels like home” to her, it is a place for everyone and anyone wanting a great night’s craic in Belfast.

“Our staff love to chat, and that’s what people want from a place like White’s – they want you to have a conversation, they want to hear about the history and a welcoming atmosphere.”

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A mum traded her ‘trackies and trainers’ for gowns and swimsuits to be crowned Mrs Galaxy UK. Gemma Pritchard, 45, from Llanrug, Gwynedd, is a martial arts instructor who is more commonly found on the training mats.

She holds a 5th degree Black Belt in Karate and Kickboxing, along with a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and works full-time as a martial arts instructor at her own academy. Her familiarity with beauty pageants stems from her daughters Erin and Efa-Hâf.

However, she chose to push herself out of her comfort zone and enter Mrs Galaxy UK. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here

The bold move paid dividends as she triumphed over competitors from across Britain to be crowned Mrs Galaxy UK. Gemma and the remaining UK Galaxy Queens will be flying to the USA to take part in the Galaxy International Pageant.

Gemma said: “After 11 years as a dedicated pageant mum, I stepped into the spotlight myself.”, reports North Wales Live.

“In the competition I had an interview, provided a portfolio of the community work I have done and it also included a stage competition of three rounds, fashion wear, swimwear and evening wear.”

She added: “I have been a pageant mum for 11 years where both my daughters have also previously been Galaxy Queens so I decided to follow in their footsteps. It’s usually the other way round!.

“My daughter Efa-Hâf was Junior Miss Galaxy 2023 and my eldest daughter Erin Pritchard was Teen Galaxy 2025.

“I am a martial artist by day, so at 45 I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do something different.

“Taking part was really empowering, doing something totally different to my every day, I was nervous but thought ‘I’m here, lets go for it’.

“Winning was a shock, and even more so when I won all the scoring rounds too, so I felt overwhelmed but extremely proud, I just kept looking at my daughters who I think were just as shocked as me.

“Being on stage all glammed up in elegant wear was nice as it’s completely different to my everyday life on the martial arts mats where I’m in my trackies and trainers, no makeup and hair tied back.

“It’s most definitely built my confidence.”

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After exchanging early breaks, neither player was really able to impose themselves on the match with both having to work hard at times to hold serve.

However, in the tie-break, Sinner upped his first serves and after squandering the first of two set points, an Alcaraz double fault gave him the initiative in the match.

Sinner started the second set sluggishly and had to come from 15-40 down in his opening service game before Alcaraz broke to go 2-1 ahead and hold for 3-1.

But the Italian managed to stay in the match as Alcaraz failed to dominate his service games, taking a 4-3 lead to put the pressure on his 22-year-old opponent, who had won 10 of their 16 previous encounters.

Another shaky service game from the Spaniard gave Sinner another break point, and from there he made no mistake, quickly wrapping up his 27th ATP Tour victory.

The GB News presenter shared an Instagram update after being rushed to hospital on Tuesday

Television presenter Eamonn Holmes has broken his silence following a stroke that saw him hospitalised on Tuesday. The 66-year-old broadcaster, who remains in recovery, has now addressed the health emergency publicly.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a touching photograph of his granddaughters holding up a handmade card bearing the words “get well soom”.

The presenter playfully referenced the endearing spelling error in his caption, writing: “Got this first thing this morning, from my two lovely granddaughters,” and “So now doing my best to get well SOOM!!”

READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes in hospital after suffering a strokeREAD MORE: Eamonn Holmes’ son issues health update after presenter suffers stroke

Supporters flooded the comments section with messages of encouragement. One follower shared their experience, saying: “Get Well Soon…my Husband had a stroke over a year ago…he’s back to work and enjoying life again, with a few little changes, but we will take that. Speedy recovery.”

A second commented: “Eamonn … The little things like this mean the most in life .. get your self well soom as the gorgeous girls say.” While another wrote: “Eamonn, Your lovely granddaughters, with their get well messages, will give you strength to aid your recovery x”, reports the Mirror.

The post follows an earlier update from his son regarding his father’s progress. Declan Holmes, 37, issued a statement on the family’s behalf.

Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support, he provided reassurance about his father’s medical status. The broadcaster’s son stated: “I just wanted to share a quick message to say we hugely appreciate all the messages, it means a lot to us as a family.

“What happened came as a real shock, but dad is doing OK given the circumstances and we’re taking it one step at a time. For now, we’re focused on him and keeping things steady around him.”

He continued: “We’d really value a bit of privacy as we navigate it, and what lies ahead, but thank you again for the support as it means so much to dad and the rest of the family.”

GB News confirmed on Saturday that Holmes had experienced a stroke. The network stated the presenter is receiving hospital care at present.

In an official statement, the broadcaster revealed: “Eamonn was taken ill last week and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke. He is currently responding well to treatment. Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better.”

Following the announcement, his co-presenter Ellie Costello expressed her concern: “Thinking of you Eamonn and wishing you a speedy recovery.” Meanwhile, Alex Armstrong, who will cover presenting duties during Eamonn’s absence, commented: “Thinking of you Eamonn Holmes. Such a shock to all of us. You’re sorely missed. Get better soon.”

Holmes had been scheduled to return to GB News Breakfast the following week for his programme alongside Ellie Costello. The duo normally present from Monday through Wednesday, though Alex will now deputise for the experienced broadcaster.

GB News Chief Executive Angelos Frangopoulos issued a statement after Holmes’s medical situation became public knowledge, saying: “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.” Taking to Instagram on Friday evening, Eamonn’s partner Katie Alexander shared her thoughts on the week, without referencing Eamonn’s health. In her post, she said: “What a week. Prayer, a little visit to church to have a word with the good Lord himself, prayer each day.” This was posted the day before details of Eamonn’s medical situation emerged.

Eamonn and Katie’s relationship started following his separation from his estranged wife Ruth Langsford. The couple, who had been married for 14 years, parted ways in 2024 and are now going through divorce proceedings. It’s understood that Ruth is receiving updates about her former husband’s health through their son Jack.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The former RAF servicewoman was last seen at her Cambridgeshire home in November 1993, but there have been no traces of her since

There are many cases of murders or missing people that have been left cold for many years. Over the last few decades, there have been cases left with no trace of investigation across Cambridgeshire.

A case left as a mystery for over three decades is the disappearance of Davina McMillan from Godmanchester. The former RAF servicewoman, aged 36 at the time, was last seen alive at her home in Godmanchester on November 25, 1993.

It was believed she went to Germany to look for work. When there was no sign of her, she was reported missing by her brother, Gary Coulson, on December 27.

Since then, there has been no trace of her. At the time when she was last seen at her home, she lived with her four-year-old daughter Rebecca. Davina’s family said she would have never left her beloved daughter.

In 2020, Gary claimed that he had been told by a cold case detective that Davina’s case had changed from a missing person’s investigation to a murder investigation. At the time, he appealed to the public to share any vital information with Cambridgeshire Police.

Gary told The Mirror in 2020: “I hope more people will come forward to help the investigation. Even after all this time it could only take one key witness to crack the case.

“Losing Davina still hurts as much now as it did then. I have a daughter who is a ringer for my sister and every time I see her it makes me think of her.

“I’m desperate for the case to be solved. I’ll never stop fighting to find out what happened.”

Officers said they are “growing increasingly concerned” for the missing man

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Police are growing increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of Richard Marcus who was last seen in Belfast last Friday.

Officers said Richard is 45-years-old, approximately 5ft5 inches tall and of medium build. He has ginger hair with a stubble beard.

Richard was last sighted on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7.45am walking from Grand Central Station Belfast towards Glengall Street.

READ MORE: Dublin fuel protesters say they felt ‘ambushed’ by police during late-night operationREAD MORE: NI woman on devastation of dad’s terminal cancer diagnosis days before Christmas

He was wearing a blue puffer coat, grey/white hoodie underneath and dark bottoms. It is believed Richard was also carrying a green backpack.

If you have any information on Richard’s whereabouts that may assist police, contact 101 quoting serial 1630 of 10/04/26.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The airline, which is primarily based at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) said it is “aware of adverse weather conditions” currently affecting the Portuguese region of Madeira, specifically in its capital, Funchal.

In recent days, Portugal has seen heavy rain and thunderstorms, which resulted in yellow weather warnings for all mainland districts.

In a statement this afternoon, Jet2 shared: “We are aware of adverse weather conditions currently affecting Madeira (Funchal).

Now’s the time to book your seats!

When they’re gone, they’re gone… so get them booked now ✈️

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Click here: https://t.co/VzJW50RP0M pic.twitter.com/eiFvHEorRV

— Jet2tweets (@jet2tweets) April 9, 2026

“Our UK Based Operations Team are working hard to minimise any disruption to flight to and from Madeira (Funchal).”

The UK air carrier urged customers to find out if their flight has been affected by entering their flight number on the arrivals and departures section of its website, for the most up to date information.

It added: “We have credited your boarding passes with €10 each towards some light refreshments.

“If you are currently delayed in Madeira (Funchal) and are awaiting confirmation of your new flight times back to the UK, please refer to the communications we have sent to you via SMS & Email for confirmation of your new flight date and time.

“Information will also be included regarding check-in opening times for your new flight.

“Safety is our number one priority and we’re sorry if you’re affected by any flight disruption during this period.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.”

Full list of delayed Jet2 flights from Madeira to UK departing today

Jet2 has informed its passengers of the below delayed flights, now expected to depart on Sunday (local time):

• LS3624 Bournemouth via London Stansted – 8.25pm
• LS1226 Birmingham – 8.35pm
• LS736 Edinburgh via Leeds Bradford – 9.25pm

Visit the Jet2 website (a link to which can be found above) to find out more information about possible flight delays.

Jet2 announces brand-new flight route to La Palma

Earlier this month, Jet2 marked the launch of its brand-new route to La Palma, after the first flight departed from Manchester Airport on April 3.

Has your Jet2 flight been cancelled this week? (Image: GORDON ZAMMIT/Getty)

The full flight signalled the start of Jet2 operating flights and holidays to La Palma for summer 2026 – its fifth destination in the Canary Islands. 

As a result of the new flying programme, Jet2 now has two weekly services (Monday and Friday) on sale year-round from Manchester Airport to La Palma.

In addition to this, holidaymakers from London, Essex and the Southeast will also be able to experience La Palma’s subtropical landscape, natural beauty and culture from November 6 this year, as Jet2 will offer weekly Friday flights to the Canary Island from London Stansted Airport from this date.

Emirates confirms it is operating a ‘reduced flight schedule’

The latest travel news from Jet2 comes as the Dubai-based Emirates airline has warned UK travellers it is currently operating a “reduced flight schedule” to more than 100 destinations, after the US and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire.

In a statement on Friday (April 10) Emirates said: “Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule.

“You can check our latest flight schedules for upcoming flights and book seats to travel.

“We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

“We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Have you got a flight booked with Jet2 that’s been disrupted or delayed? Let us know in the comments below.

We have compiled a list of four hidden gems in Cambridgeshire just waiting to be explored

With the warmer months upon us, many people will be looking to make a list of places to branch out and explore this summer. We are so lucky to have a county filled with numerous pretty villages offering unique attributes, fun days out, and intriguing history.

The Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Oliver Cromwell’s House in Ely, and Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge are all fun-filled days out in Cambridgeshire. However, for many who have lived and explored Cambridgeshire for many years, you may have visited these well-known places time and time again.

There is so much more to this county than the most famous attractions. There are also so many small, lesser-known villages with cute cottages, hidden history, and gorgeous houses. To help you narrow down your search of places to visit this summer, we have compiled a list of four hidden gems in Cambridgeshire.

Hemingford Gre

This picturesque village, Hemingford Grey, located east of Huntingdon is home to one of the oldest continuously-inhabited houses in Britain called The Manor. The pretty village features a lovely meadow that pops with colour.

Sitting against the banks of the River Great Ouse, this village is arguably known best for its stunning thatched cottages and countryside walks. Visitors can enjoy a delightful lunch at the charming pub – The Cock – which offers a varied selection of food and drink as well as dining pods in the outside area ideal for the summer.

Doddington

Doddington sits around halfway between Chatteris and March. It is home to a war memorial and a lovely plant life. Doddington has its own horticultural society and two independent garden centres.

Debatably the busiest time for this village is during the first weekend of July when it hosts their annual vibrant carnival dating back over a hundred years.

Bourn

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Perhaps the most popular feature in this village, is for having one of the oldest windmills in England. Bourn is a petite village located in South Cambridgeshire. It is filled with properties considered ‘chocolate box’ houses and extensive countryside.

It is home to Cambridge Country Club offering endless facilities for a relaxing day. It is no wonder this village has been recognised as one of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire by Muddy Stilettos.

Grantchester

Nestled beside the River Cam sits Grantchester, home to an array of characterful cottages, tree-lined streets, a medieval church, several pubs, and arguably the most riveting – a tea garden known for its previous famous guests.

The Church of St Andrews & St Mary is not just filled with history, but also features in the ITV drama ‘Grantchester’. Although it’s a small village, it has four pubs called The Red Lion, The Grantchester Green Man, The Blue Ball Inn, and The Rupert Brooke.

Better yet, The Orchard Tea Garden, offering delectable items including scones and homemade cakes, has seen a few notable faces over the years. This includes English poet, Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, philosophers Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.