Everything we know about symptoms of meningitis after two people die amid UK outbreak – Manchester Evening News
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Another 11 people are being treated in hospital amid the outbreak
Two people have died amid a meningitis outbreak in Kent(Image: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)
Everything we know about symptoms of meningitis after two people die amid outbreak
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved. Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.”
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include a high temperature, being sick, a headache, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures.
According to the NHS, meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
The NHS advises that meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing, coughing, kissing. Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.
The NHS advises people to call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops,” the NHS advises.
The DWP has confirmed most legacy benefit claimants have now moved to Universal Credit, with migration notices continuing to be sent to remaining claimants ahead of March 2026 deadline
The DWP has issued an update regarding a significant benefits change concerning Universal Credit. The department has been dispatching letters to specific claimants about the matter.
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Millions of individuals receiving older benefits being phased out in favour of Universal Credit have been progressively transferred to the new system. The process of transitioning people from these former payments, referred to as ‘legacy benefits’, has been taking place in phases over several years.
The vast majority of recipients have now switched to Universal Credit. The DWP had previously confirmed that certain benefits would cease at the end of March 2026 as part of the initiative, reports the Mirror.
Recipients of these six legacy benefits have been transferred as part of the migration programme:
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
The DWP was approached for an update on the initiative and who remains to be moved to Universal Credit.
A DWP spokesperson stated: “The department has been migrating people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit since 2022 and most have now moved. Help is at hand for those making the move to Universal Credit, including our dedicated helpline, guidance on gov.uk, and the Citizens Advice’s free and independent Help to Claim service.
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“All legacy benefit claimants who have received a migration notice continue to receive their legacy benefit up until the point they move over to Universal Credit, or the deadline passes.”
These migration notices are correspondence sent out inviting recipients to apply for Universal Credit. You typically need to submit your application for the new benefit within three months, enabling you to begin receiving payments through the scheme.
Once the deadline passes, your payments through your existing benefit will cease.
The DWP provides an ‘enhanced support journey’ to assist more vulnerable claimants on Employment and Support Allowance, and on Income Support, with the transition. This can include telephone calls and even a home visit to help you complete your application and transfer across.
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The department has also pledged that if you transfer over and your circumstances remain unchanged, your benefit entitlement will remain the same when you are on Universal Credit.
When asked who she’s rooting for at the Oscars tonight, singer Diane Warren simply said, “Me.”
Carsen Holaday15 March 2026 21:04
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A look at the best dressed celebrities
A-listers are beginning to file on to the red carpet — and here’s a peek at some of the best looks of the night so far.
Carsen Holaday15 March 2026 20:50
Mr. Wonderful has arrived
Kevin O’Leary, who appeared in nominated film Marty Supreme, has arrived on the red carpet.
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Kevin O’Leary on the Oscars red carpet (AFP via Getty Images)
Carsen Holaday15 March 2026 20:43
Order of presentation revealed
The award categories will be presented in the following order:
Supporting Actress
Animated Feature
Animated Short
Costume Design
Makeup and Hairstyling
Casting
Live Action Short
Supporting Actor
Adapted Screenplay
Original Screenplay
Production Design
Visual Effects
Documentary Short
Documentary Feature
Original Score
Sound
Film Editing
Cinematography
International Feature
Original Song
Lead Actor
Lead Actress
Director
Best Picture
The show, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will also include performances and an in memoriam tribute.
Carsen Holaday15 March 2026 20:34
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Shaboozey arrives
As stars are filing on to the red carpet, “Tipsy” singer Shaboozey has arrived wearing a black tux and silver jewelry.
The singer will perform tonight alongside actor Miles Caton and singer Brittany Howard to honor the movie Sinners, which is nominated for best original song for “I Lied To You.”
Singer Shaboozey has arrived at the 98th Annual Academy Awards wearing a black suit (AFP via Getty Images)
Carsen Holaday15 March 2026 20:32
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That’s the Best Picture line-up for you! And we’re now getting awfully close to the start.
A reminder that you can watch the live feed here:
Louis Chilton15 March 2026 19:45
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Then, finally, the favourite. One Battle After Another. It would be a deserving winner any year, writes Annabel Nugent…
Louis Chilton15 March 2026 19:30
Finally, we have the first of the two horses in what seems for all the world to be a two-horse race.
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Sinners is still the outside bet, but only slightly: it’s a blockbuster juggernaut that has only seemed to gain momentum as the awards season has progressed.
It’s not just Best Picture that Sinners stands a good chance of winning, either. Ryan Coogler’s film should be competitive in basically all of the record-breaking 16 categories it was nominated in.
It’s the most nominated film in Oscar history, but that shouldn’t be the end of the ‘Sinners’ story, writes Jacob Stolworthy. Taking home the show’s biggest prize would serve as a striking celebration of bold, original storytelling
Louis Chilton15 March 2026 19:15
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Next we have Hamnet. For a while, Chloé Zhao’s historical fiction adaptation was being tipped as the film to beat One Battle to Best Picture.
Going into the evening, though it seems unlikely that Hamnet will really pose a threat – despite Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress award being perhaps the most bankable win of the whole ceremony. Bookmakers now place Hamnet’s odds of winning Best Picture at about 25-1.
Jessie Thompson argued that it really deserved to go the distance:
Chloé Zhao’s grief-stricken Shakespeare film is emotionally traumatising yet quietly extraordinary, argues Jessie Thompson, and more than worthy of taking home the biggest prize at this year’s Academy Awards
Louis Chilton15 March 2026 18:50
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Marty Supreme faces a very real chance of going home empty-handed, though Chalamet may well still win Best Actor. It’d be a harsh shutout for a film that’s quite obviously one of the year’s very best.
It’s unlikely to win Best Picture at this point (between 33-1 and 50-1, per bookies), but you could make the case that it’d be a deserving winner.
Ellie Harrison did, in fact, make exactly this case!
Marty himself wouldn’t be happy about being an Oscar season underdog, especially when – as Ellie Harrison argues – he’s the star of the year’s best film, and a worthy winner of the night’s biggest prize
In an appeal to nations affected by the oil price spikes on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.”
“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised travel advice for countries.
British citizens have already been evacuated from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and other areas affected by the Middle East conflict.
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Now, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised travel advice for further countries.
Bristol Live reports the most vulnerable will be given priority for booking onto charter flights and the Foreign Office has said it will contact those who have registered their presence in the region.
The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.
“If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.
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“Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.”
The full list of countries below:
Afghanistan
You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.
Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open. There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan.
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If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan.
Belarus
FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.
There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus.
In the unlikely event that conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals will be severely limited. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign Office.
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Burkina Faso
FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country.
There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance.
If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
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Haiti
The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and its ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.
If you choose to travel to or remain in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.
Iran
The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, the Foreign Office said: “carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying”.
British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.
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Iraq
The FCDO advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq due to recent escalation in regional conflict.
There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable. The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The border crossing from Iraq into Kuwait is closed.
“British nationals wishing to cross into Kuwait must contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance. The British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will determine entry.”
Israel
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. You should inform the UK government you’re in Israel, register your presence if you’re in the region for further updates.
The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.”
You should follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.
Mali
The FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Mali, you should leave “immediately” by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.
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The Foreign Office said: “The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.”
There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako.
“If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk,” said the guidance. “You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.”
Niger
The FCDO advises against all travel to Niger. It said: “This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.”
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Support for British nationals is severely limited in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.
In-person assistance is not available. If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
Palestine
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. If you are a UK citizen in the area, inform the UK government you’re in Palestine, register your presence for further updates.
If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart, check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
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The Foreign Office said: “The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”
Russia
The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia owing to the risks and threats from its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity, lack of flights to return to the UK and limited capacity for the UK government to provide assistance.
The Foreign Office said: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.”
South Sudan
The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan owing to the risk of armed violence and criminality. Travel guidance said: “The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
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“If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.”
Syria
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria owing to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks. Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria.
The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Yemen
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to the entirety of Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions. The advice given was: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”
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Support for British citizens is severely restricted in Yemen. Services at the British Embassy in Sana’a have been suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.
The UK government cannot assist British nationals in leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.
If you decide to stay in Yemen, you should limit your movement within the country and within cities and towns, keep an eye on developments in the local security situation and adhere to other safety measures.
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Designer radiators from Best Heating are available in a range of styles and colours, from sleek vertical panels to classic column radiators in bold finishes
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
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Radiators might not spring to mind as stylish home features, but Best Heating reckons it’s transforming domestic heating. Wave goodbye to that uninspiring white box lurking in the corner – these designer radiators are crafted to inject character into walls whilst providing dependable warmth.
From slimline vertical panels that maximise space to traditional period-style columns, or striking shades like matte black, vivid orange and brushed brass, there’s something to complement any décor. Price-wise, the firm currently stocks a selection of bestsellers up for grabs, including the Milano Aruba Vertical Designer Radiator for £99, available in various colours, heights, widths and panel dimensions – or the Milano Windsor Traditional Horizontal Column Radiator – Metallic Custom Colours for £274.95.
With such an array of options, swapping out a radiator might seem overwhelming, but Best Heating maintains it’s pretty straightforward. Drawing on more than 15 years in the business , their approachable team offers support throughout the entire process.
READ MORE:
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Their Advice Centre, for instance, provides hands-on assistance for selecting the perfect radiator, working out BTU output for specific rooms (which gauges heat output), and detailed fitting guides.
The brand emphasises that Best Heating radiators are engineered for longevity and undergo testing to satisfy recognised technical benchmarks – what’s more, they’re backed by industry-leading warranties extending up to 20 years. Energy-saving alternatives, including intelligent heating systems, allow households to control their energy consumption whilst maintaining aesthetic appeal, reports Wales Online .
bestheating designer radiators
According to the brand, BestHeating radiators are built to last and are tested to meet trusted technical standards and come with industry leading guarantees of up to 20 years.
Each purchase comes with a 30-day happiness guarantee (excluding bespoke items) plus complimentary standard UK delivery, ensuring designer radiators are accessible to all homes.
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Shoppers might also consider the Urban Vertical Radiator – Anthracite, priced at £149.95 from Victorian Plumbing . Offered in various other shades, this model boasts ‘distinctive rectangular tubes’ and reportedly creates visual impact whilst occupying minimal wall space.
Big Bathroom Shop stocks the Milano Aruba Flow – Vertical Designer Radiator in white for those preferring something more understated – starting from £204.99. This option comes in multiple widths and heights (pricing varies accordingly) and showcases a ‘space-enhancing vertical design and attractive oval-shaped columns’.
The Milano column radiators from Best Heating have garnered impressive reviews, with one customer sharing on Trustpilot: “Excellent price, I ordered white and pearl Milano column radiators – 8 altogether, and I was very impressed with the pearl custom paint spray, both in colour and finish. The brass wall hanging pieces are of great, heavy quality and really aesthetically pleasing; the finishing touch. Superb customer support too, truly beyond words; they quickly reserved and sent additional legs overnight, which was necessary as my plumber was booked for just two days.
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“This company is ridiculously fantastic. I don’t know where they find their staff, but they’re exemplary, friendly, knowledgeable and generous with their time. A real person who speaks clearly, answers your calls immediately and finds and implements solutions immediately. Plumbing a very old house isn’t easy. Thank you so much! I’m finally warm, which I haven’t been in 10 years.”
Another customer commented: “Fantastic radiator looks stylish and a great statement piece in our hallway. Ordering was easy, delivered swiftly. I have no complaints, I’m planning to buy two more for other rooms.”
Some buyers did express reservations, with one noting: “Arrived as expected, what I would say is that the radiator sections were not all aligned, some up and some down. After emailing Best Heating customer service, this was resolved to my satisfaction.”
A different purchaser mentioned: “Instructions could have been a bit better, but overall good.”
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The vast majority were thoroughly satisfied, though one buyer commented: “Quick delivery of an excellent product at a good price.”
EastEnders star Max Bowden hit the town in Coventry after the play he is touring with, Murder at Midnight, stopped off at the town – but a video of his karaoke performance left fans stunned
21:08, 15 Mar 2026Updated 21:08, 15 Mar 2026
EastEnders star Max Bowden left drinkers stunned as he channeled his inner Elton on the karaoke at his local pub earlier in the week. The Ben Mitchell actor belted out Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, as he shared the mic with another singer at the Town Wall Tavern in Coventry.
The 31-year-old played Phil Mitchell’s son on the BBC soap between 2019 and 2024. But his character abruptly departed from Albert Square when he was convicted of fraud, extradited to America and sentenced to six years in prison, leaving behind his husband Callum Highway, and daughter Lexi Pearce.
As he sang Elton’s 1974 hit, he wore a white long-sleeved top and jeans, as he joined another pub-goer on the stage. Proudly posting the video on their TikTok account, the pub wrote: “Karaoke at Coventrys little Theatre Pub we often see famous faces! #karaoke #coventrycitycentre #fridaynight #eastenders #pub.”
TikTok users commented on the performance, although it was a mixed bag, with the verdict on a future singing career firmly undecided. One fan wrote: “I didn’t expect that voice to come out of him!”
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Another gushed: “He’s amazing! I’m guessing that’s a karaoke mic as well! Imagine if he was in a studio.”
Others weren’t convinced, with one deciding: “Sorry max the other guy out sung you. Someone else wasn’t impressed, adding: “That’s f***ing awful.” But another reflected fairly: “There’s too much gravel in Max’s voice here, other videos of him singing shows him in a better light. But kudos to them both x”
Meanwhile, soap fans weren’t interested in his singing, with one saying: “we want u bk Ben Mitchell.” Another echoed: “We need you back in eastenders.”
Max is likely to be taking his mind of his recent breakup, after he and fellow soap star Katie McGlynn are said to have split in December. Max was seeing Corrie star Katie, but she reportedly “decided to end things”, despite them still working together on the Murder at Midnight stage tour, which was in Coventry from 3-7 March.
A source told The Sun previously: “Max and Katie have had a bit of a whirlwind romance. Working together has meant they didn’t have much time for anything else and one thing led to another but Katie has come to her senses and decided to end things.”
They added that Max was “pretty cut up” by the split and that things backstage on the Murder at Midnight tour were “awkward”. The tour is heading to Bath and Darlington, where it ends in April.
Katie and Max were very publicly affectionate with each other during their relationship and were seen on multiple nights out together. But Katie is not the only soap star that Max has dated.
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In the past, he has been linked to Shona McGarty, who played Whitney Dean on EastEnders before her time on I’m A Celeb, and Danielle Harold. Danielle played Lola Pearce on the show, who had a daughter, Lexi, with Max’s Ben Mitchell.
Meanwhile Katie has previously been linked with TOWIE star Ricky Rayment. He was said to be devastated when he found out that his ex had moved on with Max, and was reportedly hurt by the photos of the pair kissing.
A source previously told The Sun : “[Ricky] wishes her the best, he would just rather not have seen those snaps while things are still pretty raw for him.”
Having pride in what your local area can offer and hoping it can improve in the future can go hand-in-hand, and Pontypridd has a chance to achieve this
20:38, 15 Mar 2026
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I’ve visited, worked in and lived near Pontypridd my entire life.
In recent times, I’ve lived just three miles down the road and found myself frequently visiting the town frequently once more and fell in love it all over again. While the high street has seen better days no doubt, I believe Ponty – as I have to call it, because it’s what I always have – is a brilliant choice for UK Town of Culture 2028.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council and the Town and Culture Partnership, are joining forces to submit Ponty for the inaugural Town of Culture, which, if successful, will see the winning town will receive £3 million to deliver an ambitious cultural programme in 2028, running for approximately six months.
I’ve seen what the town has to offer go from strength-to-strength over the past six years I’ve lived nearby. While new ideas, businesses and people move into the town, the iconic mainstays of Ponty stand strong. For 200 years it’s been a hive of activity thanks to its place at the heart of south Wales’ booming coal and metal industries and drew visitors from all across the valleys.
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The markers of days gone by are all around if you look hard enough, the 1756-built old bridge at the Trallwn edge of town, the red sculpture sitting atop where Brown Lenox chainworks once stood – one of the last hurrahs of Ponty’s iron, steel and tin histories that drew thousands into the area to work. Just to the north of Pontypridd, you’ll find Hetty Winding House, a vivid and physical reminder of the area’s coal mining history, as it sits on the former Great Western Colliery site.
That’s currently looked after by Great Western Colliery Preservation Trust and is an impactful, and rare reminder of why communities were forged and families immigrated into the valleys for work, all those centuries ago.
Culture-wise, you can’t move for it in the town.. The revamped Muni, a long-standing arts space has now reopened. I’ve seen shows from Blur, Rhod Gilbert, there in the past and in 2024 it reopened after a long time shuttered, thanks to £5.4m from UK Government’s Levelling Up fund. It’s a place where you can book onto film nights, comedy clubs and live music and local acts, singers can be seen on the bill there, too.
Across the road you’ll find YMa, where community assemblies, poetry, wellness events and a massive range of activities are available.
These two community and performance-led venues go to show that Ponty is striving to harness culture – be it music, theatre, poetry, talents that are long-held in the area. Let’s not forget one of our country’s greatest songs, Cwm Rhondda was written just on the town limits at Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown – a staple of rugby matches, choir concerts and anyone enjoying a flush of hiraeth.
Let’s not even forget Ponty has its own museum, the ideal place to find out more about the town and its industrial history. Here you’ll find a plethora of industrial history detail, but also Ponty’s Celtic artefacts, local art exhibitions and coffee mornings for history buffs and new keen beans!
When it comes to representing culture through food, Ponty’s got it in heaps. We’ve got excellent coffee bar, Zucco, on Mill Street – which is a great little corner for dining and shopping at independent shops like Storyville Books and Martha’s Homestore.
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The Mill Street collective proves to be a corner of Ponty that believes it, and the town have a lot to offer locals and people coming in from further afield, and mixes the traditional with modern shopping and dining out lifestyle – who doesn’t want their neighbourhood town to have a fresh Italian pizza spot, unique, locally made gifts, cards and art, and a local book store?
Around the corner Pontypridd’s Market Quarter is a testament to a town that kept the faith in the traditional indoor market. Owned by the John family, the 150 year-old market is home to traditional butchers, fruit and veg stalls, Welsh cakes, bakers and more to keep your kitchen stocked but it also has books, memorabilia stalls, music and a card shop.
From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
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While shopping and eating might not be directly the arts, they still show a creative, willing passion to improve, to push Ponty forward and appeal to different generations, while holding onto Ponty personality.
A jewel in town’s crown is Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, which played host to the epitome of Welsh culture two years ago, the National Eisteddfod.
A massive green space in the centre of town, it’s home to tonnes of wildlife, beautiful trees and plants and tennis courts, a cricket pitch and acres of open space to explore. The lido play area is a brilliant playground for the kids, too.
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Speaking of the lido, the art deco swimming pool was reopened in 2015 after a multi-million-pound redevelopment. Now called National Lido of Wales, it’s become a premier attraction in the town that’s too often written off. Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad Park has just been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award, which recognises green spaces that reach “international quality standard”, for the 13th year running, and has always been an idyllic outdoor space to escape the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre of Taff Street..
So while, like any other town in Wales, or indeed the world, Pontypridd isn’t perfect, but it’s got so much going for it and the voices who talk it up hopefully outnumber those who don’t. And if you needed any more reasons to marvel at Pontypridd, it’s also had the world’s longest platform after a reconstruction in 1914, it’s impressive red brick railway station is still a pretty attractive construction!
The UK Town of Culture is a new, UK-wide initiative led by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), building on the success of the UK City of Culture programme. For the first time, towns of all sizes are invited to showcase their creativity, cultural heritage and unique stories, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and accessible culture.
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If you think Pontypridd will be a great recipient of the 2028 UK Town of Culture title email me your thoughts on kathryn.williams@reachplc.com
French animation has a rich history. But it has yet to achieve the same widespread recognition as American, British or Japanese animation. Arco could change that. The film’s accessible Studio Ghibli-esque story, unique visual imagination and surreal tone marks it out from run of the mill family fare.
Arco is a 2D hand-drawn time travel fantasy film set in 2075 and 2932. The eponymous hero is ten-year-old boy who steals a cape and gemstone that enable him to travel back in time. Arriving in 2075, Arco meets Iris, an inquisitive girl whose primary caregiver is a robot. It’s a substitute for her parents who work away from home and are only present through holograms. Having lost the gemstone, Arco and Iris try to find a way for him to return home.
As this plot description might already suggest, Arco displays admiration for the Studio Ghibli films of Hayao Miyazaki from the first frame. With its pre-teen protagonists, collision of fantasy with reality, environmental themes and bumbling comedic supporting characters, viewers will be reminded of Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), Porco Rosso (1992), Spirited Away (2001) and Ponyo (2008) among others.
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The trailer for Arco.
Arco’s depiction of wide-open blue skies accompanied by delicate piano music and later apocalyptic scenes of climate disruption also share an audio-visual heritage with Ghibli films. But far from a mere imitation, the film also offers a distinctly French take on animation.
French animation legacy
France can lay claim to one of the earliest innovators of animation – cartoonist Émile Cohl’s 1908 short Fantasmagorie was the longest and most elaborate animated cartoon to date. In 1973 the surreal sci-fi Fantastic Planet captured the trippy psychedelia of its time, and remains a cult favourite today. More recently, internationally acclaimed and financially successful French animated feature films have included The Triplets of Belleville (2003), Persepolis (2007) and My Life as a Courgette (2016).
These films are all very different. But what unites French animation is not a consistent style or thematic concern. Rather, it has a quirky sensibility that embraces the capacity of animation to look at the world from new perspectives and explore outlandish stories that couldn’t be made any other way.
An important part of the success of Arco is in balancing that distinctive French sensibility with commercial appeal. Like Studio Ghibli films, that includes using big star names for the English-language dub. This is essential to reach family audiences who might be unable or unwilling to read subtitles.
One of the film’s producers is actor Natalie Portman, lending the production Oscar-winning credibility and contacts. Portman herself voices Iris’ mother, joined by Mark Ruffalo as Iris’ father, America Ferrera as Arco’s mother, and a triple-act comedic turn from Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg and Flea as eccentric cultists.
Future thinking
Despite Arco’s fantastical story elements, its most significant achievement is in tackling timely contemporary environmental themes. Where most cli-fi cinema (science fiction that depicts climate change) often dwells on apocalyptic gloom, Arco’s take is both incisive and uplifting.
The time-travel themes allow for a subtle consideration of the need for long-term “future generations” thinking, while reinforcing the need for human, rather than technological, solutions.
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The landscapes of Arco are inspired by Studio Ghiblin films. Neon
The makers of Arco will no doubt be hoping for a reprise of last year’s surprise animated feature film Oscar, when the low budget Latvian computer animation Flow beat out the usual suspects of Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks. It signalled a new openness of academy voters to international and creatively adventurous animated films.
A win would be well deserved. Just as Arco’s colourful rainbow styling underpins its hopeful vision for the future of humanity, the film’s present day success signals a bright future for animation production in Europe and beyond.
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The UKHSA said it was notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia from Friday (March 13) to Sunday (March 15) in the Canterbury area of Kent. And in an update shared on Sunday, it was revealed that two people are known to have died.
The UKHSA and the NHS are arranging antibiotics for some students at the University of Kent following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease although the specific strain has not yet been identified.
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The UKHSA said ‘very occasionally’ the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, including inflammation of the lining of the brain and blood poisoning, which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.
“Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
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“Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.”
Issuing a warning amid the outbreak Mannes shared that as the disease can ‘progress rapidly’, it is ‘essential’ that everyone remains alert to the symptoms.
The UKHSA regional deputy director warned: “Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.
“Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass. Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.
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“That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them. This could save their life.”
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia
The UKHSA has warned that the disease can progress quickly, so it is important to recognise the warning signs. The symptoms can include the following:
Fever
Headache
Rapid breathing
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Cold hands and feet
A characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass
The UKHSA warned that it is ‘vital’ to check on friends if they go to bed unwell.
