A theatre performance in Cambridge was once cut short by real-life chaos that ended in catastrophe
Cambridgeshire has seen ghastly tragedies over the years, including a shocking event in Burwell that saw 78 people die in a village barn fire and the rail disaster at Abbots Ripton that cost 13 lives. One particular tragedy claimed the lives of four people right in the middle of a theatre performance.
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In 1802, a fire alarm was raised during a performance when the audience rushed to the door in panic and confusion. Naturally you’d assume that any injuries or deaths would have been caused by a fire, but that was not the case.
During the chaos amid people’s panic, four people were trampled on leading to their death. The horrific event happened at the Stirbitch Theatre, which no longer exists. It was revealed that fire alarm was in fact fake.
Four years after the horrific event that cost four theatre enthusiasts their lives, the building was pulled down as it was rumoured to be unsafe, according to historian Enid Porter. A new theatre was built next to Newmarket but was only in use for seven years before it was replaced by another one in 1816.
The manager of the theatre reportedly put a notice in the newspaper expressing their regret for the false fire alarm. He offered a reward of 100 guineas to anyone who could identify the people who raised the false alarm and was keen to ‘punish’ them.
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The name ‘Stirbitch’ is a variant of the similar name, ‘Sturbridge’ or ‘Steer Bridge’ referring to the bridge where cattle crossed the river on the way to Newmarket. Given that the theatre sat on Newmarket Road, nearby Stourbridge Common, the name was derived as a description of its location.
Chelsea‘s failure to qualify for Europe will help them become “a real threat” in the Premier League next season, says former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.
A 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday brought down the curtain on a disappointing season for the Blues, who have sacked Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior along the way.
While they began the campaign fresh from being crowned Club World Cup winners in July, the result on Wearside allowed the Black Cats to claim the final Europa League spot at Chelsea‘s expense.
Chelsea, who started the day above Sunderland in eighth, slipped to 10th, to also finish a point and two spots behind Brighton, who qualified for the Conference League.
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It is only the third time since 1995-96 that Chelsea have ended a top-flight season in 10th place or lower.
However, they notably recovered to win the title in 2016-17 having been in exactly the same position at the conclusion of the previous season.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said on the Wayne Rooney Podcast.
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“Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.
“It gives him a period of time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club.”
Rooney’s old club Manchester United had no European commitments this season and finished the campaign strongly to take third place in the Premier League.
Chelsea advanced through the league phase of the Champions League this term before suffering their joint-heaviest defeat in a two‑leg European tie, losing 8-2 on aggregate at the hands of holders Paris St-Germain in the last 16.
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Rooney stressed that a less congested fixture list will only serve to benefit the Blues, who will have the advantage of more time on the grass together.
“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup,” Rooney added.
“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across. The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week [on the training pitch].”
“It breaks my heart knowing he is still missing, so I did this song [quickly] as words mean so much to the situation,” Price wrote on Instagram on Friday (22 May).
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Households will this week find out how much energy bills are set to increase by from July when the price cap is updated as forecasts point to a rise of more than £200 and a painful winter of sky-high bills ahead due to the Iran war.
Regulator Ofgem will on Wednesday reveal the level of the annual energy price cap for July to September for a typical dual fuel household across England, Scotland and Wales.
Analysts Cornwall Insight predicted last week the cap will rise by £209 a year to £1,850 from July 1 – an increase of 13% on April’s £1,641 annual cap.
It sets a maximum price per unit of gas and electricity used, meaning households only pay for the amount of energy they use.
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This means households will be largely shielded over the warm summer months, but concerns are growing over a painful hit when the cap is reviewed in October and energy demand rises as temperatures drop.
Cornwall Insight’s forecasts suggest the cap in October will be at a similar level to July, even if the Middle East conflict were to end soon, due to the physical damage to infrastructure and lingering effect of disrupted supply.
Calls have been mounting for the Government to set out action to support the most vulnerable, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves stopped short of any immediate energy measures in her cost-of-living plan.
She told MPs last week: “We stand ready to act if market conditions worsen significantly later this year and I have been leading cross-Government contingency work on design of potential future targeted and temporary support for businesses.”
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Energy costs have been sent rocketing higher by Iran’s move to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas is carried.
But households have yet to feel the impact, as the price cap is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and April saw a 7% drop thanks to Government measures to reduce bills.
This included moving 75% of the cost of the UK’s renewables obligation from household bills on to general taxation, and scrapping the energy company obligation scheme.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she stands ‘ready to act if market conditions worsen significantly later this year’ (Carl Court/PA) (PA Wire)
Campaigners have warned over an “extremely difficult winter” ahead for the most vulnerable without extra support on bills.
Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “Households need reassurance and support, not a summer of suspense.
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“That means the Government must act before winter to spell out what support will be available.”
The Government has insisted that “tackling the affordability crisis is our number one priority”.
Its package of support measures so far includes a cut in the rate of VAT on attraction tickets over the summer holidays, free bus travel for children in England during August, extending the 5p-per-litre fuel duty reduction and lowering import tariffs on more than 100 types of food products.
But the lack of further action on energy bills is seen as holding back spending by cash-strapped consumers.
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Economist Martin Beck, at WPI Strategy, said recent official figures showing lower retail sales in April was already a sign that “energy pressures are biting”.
“Higher petrol prices, the prospect of an increase in household energy bills in July and weakening consumer sentiment all point to a more cautious spending backdrop,” he said.
The Oak Bistro has a Secret Garden courtyard that can be enjoyed in any weather.
14:00, 24 May 2026Updated 14:50, 24 May 2026
A restaurant in the centre of Cambridge has been named as one of the best in the UK for outdoor dining ahead of summer. The Oak Bistro has been picked by OpenTable in its list of the Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in 2026.
The list includes food spots along the coast, as well as outdoor terraces in busy cities where you can enjoy some sun. The restaurants were picked based on a range of factors including diner reviews, and are said to deliver “exceptional al fresco experiences”.
From the outside, the Oak Bistro looks like a tiny restaurant with a few cosy tables inside. But if you walk through the restaurant, you will find the Secret Garden courtyard where you can enjoy al fresco dining “within the comfort of a semi-enclosed and weather-controlled space”.
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The quaint courtyard has a retractable marquee roof and heaters and blankets in case you feel chilly during the evening. The outdoor dining spaces also offers a ‘unique place to enjoy a peaceful meal while in the middle of the city.
On the restaurant, OpenTable said: “In the daytime, it’s ideal for business lunches, meeting friends or even lunching on your own with a newspaper; in the evenings, customers flock for a romantic meals, dinner parties with friends and special occasions.”
The Oak Bistro says it is “passionate about quality British and European food” that is “cooked to order with traditional recipes”. The restaurant offers a a set lunch menu on Tuesdays to Fridays that costs £16 for one course, £22 for two courses, and £27 for three courses with a few options for each.
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There is also an a la carte menu with options ranging from confit duck leg served with mashed potato, braised red cabbage, and red wine jus to aubergine alla parmigiana. There are lots of sides to share as well as a dessert menu featuring classic dishes like sticky toffee pudding and chocolate fondant.
Sasha Shaker, Senior Director at OpenTable in the UK and Ireland, said: “Outdoor dining has become a key draw for UK diners in the warmer months, shaping everything from catch-ups to celebrations, and even dog walks. Restaurants are responding by investing in alfresco spaces, with venues offering outdoor dining up 13% in the past year, year-over-year.
“For many diners, the perfect spot also includes space for their four legged friends. Our annual Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining list features icons to help identify dog-friendly spots, so it’s easy to find the right place, whoever you’re dining with.”
Christopher Scott had slashed his victim on the face and body with a piece of broken glass, the town’s sheriff court was told.
Police officers found a man “covered in blood” after an attack outside a shop in Hamilton.
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Christopher Scott had slashed his victim on the face and body with a piece of broken glass, the town’s sheriff court was told.
Scott, 29, admitted assaulting the victim to his severe injury in Red Road, Burnbank, on March 10 this year while on bail orders for three other matters.
It was accepted that he acted under provocation.
Daisy Bentley, prosecuting, said the victim left a shop about 9.15pm and saw Scott in the street.
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She told the court: “He walked towards the accused and punched him on the face, causing Scott to fall.
“The two men then had a stand-up fight as they punched and kicked each other.
“During this the accused’s backpack fell and a bottle smashed on the ground.
“The victim walked away from the accused who was lying on the ground.
Ali is showcasing the people of Belfast through a different lens
06:30, 25 May 2026
The street photographer giving Belfast a confidence boost
A Portadown taxi driver is spreading positivity across Belfast by stopping strangers in the street to photograph them and “capture life’s unscripted beauty.”
Ali Syed, 39, regularly approaches members of the public to ask if he can take their portrait, usually choosing people who are not rushing off somewhere or listening to music.
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One candid interaction with a police officer on St Patrick’s Day last year brought him online fame, with a video of the encounter now viewed millions of times on social media. Despite his growing popularity online, Ali still admits approaching strangers still pushes him outside his comfort zone..
Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Northern Ireland over a decade ago and struggled with English when he first arrived. He has been working in photography for more than ten years after first specialising in weddings, but became inspired to try street portraits after watching photographers online in other countries.
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Ali said: “I thought why not do it in Belfast?
“But starting it, to be honest, was not easy. I’m not from here, I am not from here, and my English wasn’t very good when I first arrived. I always been shy talking to people as well.
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“After a few attempts though, I became more confident and I started my social media pages around two years ago. Since then, I’ve had lots of messages from people all over the world and some really positive feedback. I think every person has a story to tell and photography is a great way to showcase these tales.”
Ali said the experience has helped him build confidence and connect with people in ways he never expected.
“If I approach ten people in a day, I probably get eight yeses,” he said.
“I have made friendships with people from all over the world. I’ve had offers from people in America saying I could stay in their homes while I photograph in their cities. I’ve also met photographers from other countries, including one in Prague that I am hoping to visit soon. The experiences of me doing street photography seem to stay with people as much as they stay with me.”
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However, one recent message had a lasting impact on him.
“A few days ago, I received a message from the family of a man I photographed last summer who has passed away,” he said.
“I want my photography to make people happy and give them memories through my lens. That news made me very sad.”
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Belfast Live spent several hours walking around the city centre with Ali as he approached people from all walks of life, always respecting those who declined to take part.
Watching him work, it quickly became clear how easily he puts people at ease. Several people said being stopped for a portrait had brightened their day, while others beamed as he showed them the finished photographs on his camera.
Ali said Belfast had become one of his favourite cities in the world because of the warmth of its people.
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“The people here are amazing,” he said.
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“Everyone says hello. Belfast is the best place I’ve been for street photography because people are so welcoming, Northern Ireland feels like home to me now.”
Through his social media pages, Ali often asks the people he photographs about their lives and outlook on the world, using photography as a way to connect with strangers and learn their stories.
He encourages others to pursue their passions, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.
“If I could go up to complete strangers and take photographs with very little English when I first came here, then I am sure other people can follow their dreams too,” he said.
Inspectors praised a primary school for its “thoughtfully designed curriculum” which helps pupils develop into “well-rounded, confident citizens”
A Cambridgeshire primary school where children achieve “significantly above national averages” has been praised by Ofsted. Bewick Bridge Community Primary School in Cambridge has been rated ‘strong standard’ in all areas assessed in its latest report published on Monday, May 18.
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The primary school in Cherry Hinton was described as “nurturing and ambitious”. The report said it offers a “a strong commitment to pursue academic, physical, social and emotional excellence at every stage” of children’s development journey.
Inspectors found that Bewick Bridge Community Primary School is a “happy school” where pupils “want to attend”. “Warm relationships run throughout this inclusive school” and pupils and staff form “kind, caring connections,” the report said.
Leaders were praised by Ofsted for being “ambitious and determined to make the school the very best it can be” and for making decisions in the “very best interest of pupils”.
Children were found to achieve “highly at this school”. The report added: “Pupils thrive academically and achieve well, including pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Published assessment outcomes, which sit significantly above national averages, reflect this success.”
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The chair of governors for Bewick Bridge Community Primary School said that the inspection demonstrates that “with the right mindset, and a clear vision of high expectations for all, remarkable outcomes may be achieved”.
A spokesperson added: “All members of staff at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School are to be congratulated on their excellent work in providing the pupils with the opportunity of a first-rate education.
“This report is a tremendous outcome for the school and commends the vast amount of work by staff and pupils over a number of years of steadily rising achievement. Governors are immensely proud of the school and its commitment to holding pupils at the centre of all it does.”
The school was also praised for enriching the curriculum further by offering opportunities such as rowing and cycling, giving pupils an authentic ‘Cambridge’ experience. “This broad and thoughtfully designed curriculum helps pupils develop into well-rounded, confident citizens,” inspectors said.
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Additionally, the school was found to take “great pride in celebrating its diverse and multicultural community”. According to the recently published report, leaders describe this diversity as a ‘superpower’ and actively harness the strengths of their context.
In its next steps, inspectors asked leaders at the school to continue to provide bespoke and focused support for teachers at the earlier stages of their careers and continue to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve even more highly.
The Headteacher at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection. The outcome is a result of the work of our talented staff team, our amazing children, our supportive parents/carers, and our effective governing board.
“We feel that the report is a very accurate description of everyday life at Bewick Bridge and we are looking forward to continuing the school’s journey.”
Barbra Streisand has found a way to show her appreciation for the Cannes Film Festival after a knee injury forced her to miss the 2026 film festival.
Days after the iconic singer, 84, announced that she would not be at the festival’s closing ceremony to receive her honorary Palme d’Or, Isabelle Huppert took the stage Saturday with the statuette. Then, Streisand herself appeared on the big screen with a video message thanking the festival for the honor and speaking about her love for foreign films.
“I was mesmerized by those images on the screen,” Streisand said about watching movies as an adolescent. “They were so powerful that they’re still in my head. I wanted to be an actress and live in those other more interesting worlds.”
She went on to say that movies taught her how to think critically about stories and ask the right questions.
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“I didn’t realize at the time, but I was thinking like a director,” Streisand said. “Trying to figure out how to tell the story. And I had stories I wanted to tell.”
Barbra Streisand delivered a recorded video speech after being awarded with an Honorary Palme d’Or award during the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony (Reuters)
Speaking about her directorial debut with the 1981 film Yentl, the film legend said: “I was a woman, which was an obstacle to people. Even worse, was an actress who wanted to direct. So every studio turned me down. And for 15 years the project was on the verge of collapsing. But I had to make this movie.”
She concluded: “In this crazy volatile world that seems more fractured every day, it’s reassuring to see the compelling movies at this festival, by artists from many countries. Film has that magical ability to unite us, opening our hearts and mind. I’m so proud to be part of this community, so merci beaucoup and vive la cinema!”
Isabelle Huppert delivered a speech to honor Barbra Streisand during the closing ceremony at Cannes Film Festival (Reuters)
The message came a week after Streisand shared a statement revealing that she would not be able to attend the festival.
“On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year,” she said, according to Variety. “I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire — and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved.”
She continued: “While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year.”
The Canadian Grand Prix was the race in which the Formula 1 title battle finally came alive this year.
It was also, however, the race in which it took a potentially decisive turn, putting a huge dent in George Russell’s hopes of beating his 19-year-old Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to the championship.
Russell’s retirement from the race came after 30 laps of frenetic battling between the pair which lit up the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on a damp, gloomy day so cold it tempted world champions McLaren into a seemingly inexplicable decision to start the race on a dry track on wet-weather tyres.
Russell’s retirement handed the win to Antonelli, his fourth in a row, and the Italian now has a massive 43-point lead.
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Doubtless there are many twists and turns to come in the remaining 17 races. Even so, that will take some recovering.
Afterwards, Russell was stoic but understandably downbeat.
“Right now it’s his to lose,” he said. “He is so many points ahead. It feels like the gods don’t want me to be in this fight, when I look at the safety-car timing in Japan, breaking down in China Q3, fighting for pole, breaking down from the lead here today.
“But, you know, the pressure’s off. Go out, enjoy every single race. Try to win every single race. And I’ve got nothing to lose.
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“I don’t want to be stood here talking like that. It is, of course, frustrating, but I want to be in that fight. Hopefully, the luck will turn.”
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