Despite the wet weather, queues formed outside the hall and around the grounds as visitors came to sample sweet and savoury treats from traders across the region.
The annual event, which ran from 11am to 4pm, once again brought together cheesemakers, chocolatiers, and other local producers for a day celebrating Britain’s favourite flavours.
It was held in the church gardens as well as Ramsbottom Civic Hall.
Inside, the hall was busy with people milling around rows of stalls, browsing and chatting with sellers. Live music provided the backdrop, while younger visitors were kept entertained with face painting, crafts, and a roaming magician making their way through the crowds.
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Emma, from Emma’s Homemade Cookies, based in Ramsbottom, said the turnout had been “incredible”. Visitors queued down the road to get in, with her rainbow sprinkle cookies proving a hit with children and classic chocolate cookies remaining a firm favourite.
Emma from Emma’s Homemade Cookies (Image: Danny Crompton)
“The way people have come out to support it is brilliant,” she said. “This is a hobby for me, but it’s nice that friends and family will come by. You see people that you know, and you get to chat to the other stallholders, we build a bit of a community. It’s just a really nice day, and one of the reasons I like living in Ramsbottom. It’s good for the whole town.”
Peter, from Jeni’s Brownies in Lancaster, said it was their first time trading at the festival. The salted caramel brownie had been their best seller.
“It’s been a really good day, very busy despite the weather,” he said. “We do events all over but this is our first time here. Everybody’s come out and it’s been really good – especially nice that it’s inside!”
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Ramsbottom Chocolate and Cheese Festival (Image: Danny Crompton)
Also based in Ramsbottom, Zareena from The Samosa Hut said her biriyani had proved the most popular item. “It’s been very good, very busy,” she said. “There’s a great community feel.”
An event spokesperson previously said the festival aims to bring visitors into the town for a relaxed day out while supporting independent traders and local businesses.
First held in 2009 as a chocolate‑only celebration, it has since evolved into one of Ramsbottom’s best‑loved community events, drawing people from across Greater Manchester and beyond.
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Let’s be crystal clear from the outset: workers’ rights and the minimum wage are not to blame for the NEETs crisis.
Youth unemployment didn’t appear overnight. It’s the result of more than a decade of austerity under the previous government, a failed apprenticeship system, weak economic growth, and deep regional inequality.
Ahead of Alan Milburn’s landmark review into young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), right-wing politicians and business leaders tripped over themselves to blame workers’ rights and minimum wage rises.
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Rishi Sunak called for the Low Pay Commission to be scrapped. Tony Blair attacked the government’s Employment Rights Act. The boss of Next, a Tory peer, complained about wage increases.
One after another they shamelessly tried to blame a long-running crisis on policies that are barely even in force yet.
But Milburn himself was clear: the causes are “much more long-term and deep-seated than any decisions taken in the last few years.”
He’s right. This is a cynical attempt to turn workers’ rights and decent pay into a scapegoat.
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The reality is that most measures in the Employment Rights Act haven’t even come into force yet. And many decent employers already meet these standards. The only businesses with something to fear are the rogue employers relying on exploitative practices like fire and rehire.
The same goes for the scaremongering about the minimum wage. Young people face the same rents, bills and rising costs as everyone else. Paying them less for the same work is indefensible.
And the evidence simply doesn’t support the critics. The previous government gradually moved 21 to 24-year-olds onto the full adult minimum wage with no negative impact on employment — according to the independent Low Pay Commission itself. In reality, most employers already pay younger workers the full rate anyway.
We’ve seen this pattern before. Instead of fixing the problem, people look for someone to scapegoat. First it was young people themselves — dismissed as “lazy” or “snowflakes” for struggling with mental health. Then it was the benefits system. Now it’s workers’ rights and fair pay.
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But the crisis is structural.
Young people are far more likely to be trapped in insecure, low-quality work that damages their health and pushes them in and out of employment. The answer is not weaker protections or lower pay. It’s secure jobs, decent conditions and real opportunities.
The government’s expanded Jobs Guarantee for young people on Universal Credit is a start. But why should someone wait 18 months for meaningful support? It needs to be bigger, faster and more ambitious.
And for many young people, the problem isn’t unwillingness to work. It’s that the jobs simply aren’t there.
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Vacancies are falling. Youth unemployment is rising faster than unemployment for older workers. And the places hit hardest – towns like Blackpool and Middlesbrough – are communities that have spent decades paying the price of deindustrialisation and economic neglect.
If the government is serious about tackling the NEETs crisis it must go all in on creating secure jobs, expanding training and education and rebuilding local economies.
That means stronger rights at work, fair wages and targeted support for young people – not rolling back protections to boost corporate profits.
The people offering easy answers aren’t trying to solve this crisis. They’re trying to protect the broken status quo.
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Agility Parks on the London Ebor Business Park, Nether Poppleton, received the rating, meaning ‘major improvement necessary’ following a visit by City of York hygiene inspectors on March 9.
For hygienic food handling, the inspectors determined ‘improvement necessary.’
For cleanliness and condition of the facilities and the building, it was also a matter of ‘improvement necessary.’
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And for management of food safety, inspectors rated ‘major improvement necessary.’
Agility Parks opened around six years ago as a fitness park with two Ninja Warrior obstacle courses for children of five years up to adults.
With more than 100 linear meters of obstacle course and more than 30 obstacles the park says there is something to challenge all ages and abilities.
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The venue has received great reviews, with Google awarding 4.6 stars out of five, based on 335 reviews.
TripAdvisor awards 4.4 stars out of five, based on 51 reviews. TripAdvisor notes the venue has a large café and bar on two floors catering to a wide range of parties, functions, events and group sessions.
The Shack Café offers jalapeños cheese dogs, salads, loaded fries and stone baked pizzas, plus real espresso coffee. A new cafe bar has also just opened serving a range of beers wines and non alcoholic drinks, the reviews website also said.
The most recent review on TripAdvisor awarded five stars for ‘an excellent birthday party.’
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It also said: “My daughter had the best 9th birthday party. Roz & Fin were great! Thank you so much. Everything went very well. Food was great.”
One recent comment on Google said: “This place is miles ahead of the similar sorts of options in York. The staff are brilliant, and genuinely look after the kids (and adults, too). They actually seemed to want to be there!
“Leon was excellent in overseeing my 10-year-old daughter’s birthday party – he was fun, and kind, and helpful, and they thought he was great. Kitchen staff and others went out of their way to make sure we were ok. Very impressed – thank you!”
The Press has requested a copy of the food hygiene inspector’s report under the Freedom of Information Act, which we have yet to receive.
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Agility Parks did not respond to our request for comment.
An adult New World screwworm which could cause devastation to US cattle if it spreads across the border from Mexico (Picture: AP)
Fears have been raised over the spread of a parasitic worm that could have a devastating impact on the food chain.
The New World screwworm has been found in Mexico just 30 miles from the US border. It’s a devastating parasite that can kill fully-grown cows in less than two weeks.
Its spread has spooked US officials, fearing the US’s food supply could be impacted if it crosses into the country.
The latest detection of the fly was in a six-month-old sheep in the Coahuila state.
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As of May 20, there have been more than 171,000 reported cases in animals in Central America and Mexico, and more than 1,960 cases in people.
The New World screwworm larvae feeds off the host’s blood by hooking itself into wounds (Picture: AP)
Why is it so feared? The maggots lay eggs in open wounds, which then feed on the blood of their hosts.
It was eradicated in the US in the 1960s but there was an outbreak in Texas in 1976 which affected more than 1,400,000 cattle. Today, that would cost the economy in Texas alone an estimated $1,800,000,000.
Human transmission is rare but the first ever case of infestation was confirmed in August last year.
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The US’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued advice to Americans living near livestock.
An outbreak among cattle could cause around $1,800,000,800-worth of damage to the economy in Texas (Picture: Reuters)
It said people should contact their healthcare prover immediately if they ‘see or feel maggots (larvae) in or on a wound or other area of your body’.
Symptoms can also include unexplained wounds that do not heal, a foul-smelling odour from the site of infestation, and seeing maggots in open wounds or in areas of the body such as the nose, mouth, eyes, ears or genitals.
The US Customs and Border Protection office has launched a campaign raising awareness about screwworm.
Donald R Kusser from the Laredo office said: ‘We are working to increase public awareness regarding New World Screwworm so that the public can help prevent this invasive pest from reaching the US and adversely affecting US livestock and pets.’
“The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance.”
An easyJet flight to Glasgow has been forced to divert to Liverpool. Flight EJU7357 departed Palma de Mallorca Airport shortly after 6.40pm on Sunday, May 31 bound for Glasgow Airport.
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The Airbus A319 was due to arrive in Scotland at around 8.45pm but was forced to divert to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. easyJet have apologised to customers following the diversion which they have said was “outside of our control”.
Updating passengers online, EasyJet said: “We’re very sorry that your flight will be diverting to Liverpool.
“We apologise for the inconvenience. We plan to continue your journey to Glasgow as soon as possible.
“The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance.
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“We plan to refuel and continue your flight as soon as possible. Your crew will keep you up to date.”
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Fans of the BBC soap have just seen Denise learn the devastating news that she has leukaemia, and as the residents of Walford continue partying at Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and Ross Marshall’s (Alex Walkinshaw) wedding reception on Monday, Denise’s absence from the occasion raises concerns from her loved ones.
At the hospital, Denise is shocked as the doctor relays further information regarding her diagnosis, before she heads to Fox and Hair for some peace, where Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) finds her.
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Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Denise breaks down and reveals all to Yolande.
Denise struggles to take in the news (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
She takes Denise back to No.27, where they have a heart-to-heart, but they are interrupted when her consultant calls and insists she come back to the hospital for immediate treatment.
However, before she has a chance to process her doctor’s words, Denise then takes a deeply worrying call from Chelsea.
With Chelsea’s world having just been turned upside down by some shocking news, Denise rushes to be with her, hiding her own life-changing diagnosis from her daughter.
While viewers will have to wait to find out what bombshell has been dropped on Chelsea, there is speculation that it has something to do with her murderous ex-husband Gray Atkins.
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Chelsea’s world is about to turn upside down (Picture: BBC)
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Teams will be penalised for grappling from corners at the World Cup this summer as referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina makes a number of major changes ahead of the tournament
Referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has brought in a major crackdown on grappling at corners at the World Cup this summer.
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And that will come as a major blow for England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has admitted that he wanted to use set-pieces – including free kicks, corners and throw-ins – as a major weapon in the United States.
FIFA are bringing in a raft of new directives ahead of the tournament to crackdown on players covering their mouths, time-wasting, hydration breaks and also new VAR rules to intervene on wrongly awarded corners, second yellow cards and also mistaken identity.
And the really eye-catching directive is a clampdown on grappling at corners, which Arsenal have turned into a work of art in the Premier League as Mikel Arteta’s champions scored 24 goals from set-pieces last season.
At the moment, there is effectively a free-for-all where you can push, block and foul before a corner or free kick is taken and FIFA want to stop that happening at the World Cup.
Referee chiefs have been able to gain last-minute approval from law makers IFAB to allow VAR checks to allow fouls to be given for penalty box grappling BEFORE corners and free kicks to be given.
IFAB confirmed in a statement: “The IFAB has approved a clarification to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction.
“If the offence meets the criteria set out in the clarification, the VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which, if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken.”
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Tuchel admitted that he has been working on it with the express idea that set-pieces will be important because of searing heat and conditions in the United States this summer. But Collina made it very clear that they are looking at a clampdown – and have even used an England goal as one of the examples of what will not be allowed in a pre-tournament presentation to referees this summer.
Ben White scored for England against Uruguay at Wembley in March but there were accusations that Adam Wharton blocked José María Giménez in the build-up and refs were shown that to make sure that would not count in future.
Collina said: “The incident at Wembley was very serious. The ball was not in play and there was a clear foul committed by an illegal block against the defender. That block was the only projected threat preventing the defender from being able to defend on his opponent.
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“This happens a lot when defenders mark man to man and attackers try to create space but we are convinced that this goal cannot stand. It is completely unfair.”
But the move has already caused something of a potential backlash because the new clampdown is seen as being one way traffic. Attackers can be punished for fouls before the set-piece is taken – but it will not apply to defenders which would result in a penalty.
Collina also defended the decision to allow VAR to intervene on even more incidents during the World Cup such as corner kicks and yellow cards.
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He added: “I would ask those fans or fans or whatever they are, if they would be happy that their team, club or national team, lose an important competition because of this kind of incident. Would they be happy?
“Would they say: ‘Oh, ok, we lost the match, the corner kick, it was a fake corner kick, but we accept it because the VAR is written that cannot intervene.’ Do you think that they would be happy? What do you think?”
The key points
Red card will be shown to any player covering their mouth while talking to an opponent in what is deemed an “aggressive manner.” Doing it in a friendly way is fine. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was given a six game ban for covering his mouth while talking to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Players or coaches will be given an automatic red card if they leave the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. This follows the crazy scenes at the African Cup of Nations.
There will be a five second throw-in countdown to crackdown on time-wasting and if the throw is not taken in time then it will be awarded to the opponent.
A new goal kick countdown of five seconds will be imposed by the referee – and a corner will be awarded for any violation.
Players must leave the field within 10 seconds of being substituted – unless injured or for safety reasons. If the rule is broken then the sub will not be allowed to enter the field of play until the ref says so in the next break of play.
Players cannot re-enter the pitch for one minute if they go off for treatment. This is designed to crack down on time-wasting. There are exceptions if a keeper is injured, concussion and also if a penalty kick is awarded and the injured player is the penalty taker.
VAR can now intervene on second yellow cards, in cases of mistaken identity on yellow and red cards and corner kicks being wrongly awarded.
There will be a three minute hydration break at the midway point in each half in every game through the tournament.
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
A £600,000 resurfacing scheme ended on the road a few months ago
16:17, 31 May 2026
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The Infrastructure Minister has said they are “deeply concerned” about a bonfire in South Belfast that could cause damage to a £600,000 resurfacing project that ended a few months ago.
A bonfire is starting to be built at the junction of A55 Milltown Road and Milltown Hill that has the potential to damage a road that was recently resurfaced. Work ended on the road in February. A bonfire is normally built at the location and has caused damage to road and pavement previously.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has expressed deep concern regarding the bonfire and the risk it could pose to the recently completed resurfacing scheme and the wider public being so close to a road. She has asked for community leaders and political representatives to come together to address the concerns and find the best way to address the risks.
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A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “The Minister is deeply concerned about the building of bonfires on Departmental land, or adjacent to the public road, given the potential risk they can present to the public. There has been a significant investment made in the Milltown Road, close to this site, with the recent completion of a 1km resurfacing scheme at significant costs to public finances.
“The Minister is urging political and community leaders to come together to address safety concerns around the bonfire and the potential damage to the road. She has asked Department officials to proactively engage with multi-agency partners to determine the most appropriate way to address risks associated with this bonfire.”
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, who the strategic event commander for London Fire Brigade, said: “Fortunately, the fire caused only a small amount of damage to the exterior of the building. Pyrotechnics are also believed to have triggered the fire alarms at several other locations in the area.
Emergency services are searching for a missing 11-year-old boy last seen in the River Don in Mexborough (Picture: YappApp)
A major search has been launched for an 11-year-boy who disappeared after entering the River Don in South Yorkshire.
Emergency crews were called to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough at 8pm yesterday to reports the young boy had entered the water.
A specialist search operation is ongoing involving th National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
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Members of the public have been asked to avoid area while enquiries continue.
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Response team inspector Neil Pryce said: ‘We know, from witnesses and items left on the riverbank, where the boy entered the water.
‘Utilising specialist knowledge and skills, a coordinated multi-agency operation is underway and we are doing everything we can to find this young man.
‘We are invaluably assisted by an underwater search team, supported from above by the police helicopter and drones.
‘This is a tragic incident and we understand that members of the public want to do all they can to help but we must ask that, for everyone’s safety, only those who are involved in our operation enter the River Don.
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‘To give the boy and his family the dignity they deserve, we ask that people do not spectate or film the search operation.’
Some 15 people have drowned in waterways across the country over the heatwave.
A 19-year-old man died on Thursday after entering Balderton Lake in Nottinghamshire.
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