The carnival is is set to be revived this summer after an almost 20-year absence, as local group Howfen Wakes seeks to bring back the popular tradition.
The carnival began many years ago as an agricultural show before blossoming into a full-scale event with floats, games, stalls, live performers, and a parade.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
Westhoughton councillor David Wilkinson said: “We were really pleased how our Christmas Markets went.
“The carnival coming back will be a big step forward for our community – it will be great.”
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Cllr Arthur Price added: “Anything that brings the town together is a good thing.”
All councillors present agreed to approve Howfen Wakes’ £500 grant application to help organise the event.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
Howfen Wakes plans to start small in order to test public interest.
They have been granted the right to use the field in Westhoughton, where they will set up this summer.
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The first carnival will be a party in the park – stalls, amusements, food, face painting and hair braiding for the kids.
One of the main issues with the original carnival was the cost of road closures and traffic management, so the plan is to keep that to a minimum this year.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
If the response is good and the carnival is popular, Howfen Wakes will expand it year on year until it begins to resemble its former pomp, with parades, floats, and performers.
‘Howfen’ is a slang term for a Westhoughtoner, so ‘Howfen Wakes’ refers to the reawakening of the Howfens as they revive their carnival.
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As it stands, the carnival has been inactive for about 20 years.
Westhoughton Carnival 2004 (Image: Danny Gifford)
It’s folding was largely due to cost-related pressures, as the expanding carnival accrued expanding costs for policing, road closures, and performers.
This led to the first iteration of Westhoughton Carnival being cancelled in 2007, despite calls for support from local residents and councillors.
The dispute in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran has caused major disruptions to jet fuel supplies recently.
This has led to soaring prices and warnings that flights could be affected because of Europe’s reliance on fuel imports from around the world.
The Airports Council International (ACI), which represents more than 600 airports, has warned that Europe could be hit by a “systemic” shortage of jet fuel in the coming weeks if the Strait of Hormuz (which has been effectively closed off by Iran) does not reopen.
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Director-general of ACI, Olivier Jankovec, said: “At this stage, we understand that if the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU.
“The fact that we are entering the peak summer season is only adding to those concerns.”
Jet2 issues update on the introduction of surcharges
Major airlines around the world, including Air New Zealand, have already responded to the disruptions to jet fuel supplies by increasing fares and cutting flights.
Lufthansa has closed its CityLine regional subsidiary, which operates routes between London and Munich and Frankfurt.
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Norse Atlantic Airways has also cancelled all routes to Los Angeles, including flights from London Gatwick Airport.
Earlier this week, Jet2 responded to passenger concerns, confirming all its planned flights will “go ahead as normal”.
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Now, the budget airline has revealed it will not be introducing surcharges on any of its flights or holidays.
While some major airlines and travel companies have introduced surcharges recently to cover the rising prices of fuel, Jet2 has confirmed it is taking an “industry-leading” position by not passing these costs onto its customers.
The policy, which does not include tourist taxes, applies to all flights and holidays booked through any channel, whether online, via the mobile app, contact centre, or independent travel agent.
Jet2 CEO, Steve Heapy, said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.
“As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them.
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“Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday.”
Are you planning on booking a holiday with Jet2 this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
There is severe traffic on the M11 this afternoon (April 25) due to a car overturning. The incident is impacting traffic heading southbound on the M11.
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The incident took place at junction 14 A14 J31 (Girton / Cloverleaf Interchange). Two lanes of the M11 have been closed as a result of the crash as of 12.50pm.
Traffic cameras show that one car has turned onto its side. Cambridgeshire Police and ambulance services are both in attendance at the scene.
Cars are using the hard shoulder as a lane for flowing traffic. Cambridgeshire Police and East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted in relation to this incident.
A cordon stretches on High Road from the best-one corner shop to the Pizza Hut Delivery store.
Businesses located inside the cordon include Anatolia Turkish restraunt, 5 Star Nails and Beauty, Ezee vape shop, Cafe 94, Bing Kee boba shop, Washoku sushi shop and Iguazu.
Inside the cordon are two police cars, a crime scene investigation vehicle, and two other cars – a black ford and a white Audi.
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Two police officers are working within the cordon, our reporter George says.
See what farm shops have been named among the best in our region
Farm shops are some of the best places for a day out. Across Cambridgeshire, there are a number on offer for people to visit and explore.
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As it does every year, Muddy Stilettos has announced the best of what the region has on offer. One of these categories is the best farm shop and delis.
Several farm shops and delis have been named as some of the best in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. The best farm shops and delis named in Cambridgeshire are:
The GOG in Cambridge – The Gog, located at Heath Farm in Stapleford, specialises in craft butchery, artisan cheese and deli. Customers have described their visits there as a “lovely experience”.
Willow Grange Farm Shop in Chittering – This dog friendly farm shop is based in Ely Road, Chittering, and also has a café on site. Customers have described it as a “traditional” farm shop and find it “fabulous”.
The other establishments making the list are based in Suffolk. These are:
Alder Carr Farm in Ipswich;
The Barn Butchery in Bury St Edmunds;
The Black Dog Deli in Walberswick;
Field’s Farm Shop in East Bergholt;
Friday Street Farm Shop in Saxundham;
Little Gems in Southwold;
Suffolk Food Hall in Ipswich;
Willow Tree Farm Shop in Glemsford.
People who wish to vote for their favourite local pub can do so on the Muddy Stilettos website.
The “Knitting Nannas” of Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn, all in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, are supporting Wildlife SOS, an organisation that works to rescue, treat and protect wildlife across India while providing lifelong care to animals in need.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “The knitted elephants have been flying out.
Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Joyce Baxtrem, 95 (Image: Supplied)
“They sell straight away and the residents are already busy making more.”
The group has previously made toys for monkeys, blankets for rhinos in South Africa, and jumpers for penguins in Australia.
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In honour of Save the Elephant Day, residents joined a web call with Wildlife SOS, where they heard directly from Wildlife SOS leadership about their work helping elephants exploited for begging, as well as efforts to improve welfare and end the practice.
Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Ellen Else, 94 (Image: Supplied)
Linda Whiteley, UK manager at Wildlife SOS, introduced residents to Kartick Satyanarayan, the charity’s co-founder and CEO.
Mr Satyanarayan described how the charity aims to end the exploitation of begging elephants by 2030 and the complex care they provide—including purpose-built elephant ambulances and rehabilitation programmes.
He also shared the story of Bani, a three-year-old elephant who was knocked down by a train.
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Wildlife SOS team members in India with their elephant ambulance (Image: Supplied)
Rescuers initially thought she would never walk again but, with specialist care and custom-made boots, Bani has since regained her mobility.
Funds raised through the sale of the knitted elephants will go towards helping elephants like Bani.
Tina Parker, 75, a Hazelgrove resident, said: “Elephants are my favourite animal, and it is heartbreaking to think people will take them from the wild and make them beg, breaking their spirit.”
Two of the woollen elephants produced by The Knitting Nannas from HazelgroveCourt Care Home, in Saltburn (Image: Supplied)
Ellen Else, 95, said: “I am happy that I am still able to help with the knitted elephants we are doing, which will raise money to help these poor elephants.”
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Fellow resident Peter Rayson, 77, said: “It was wonderful to be invited to the webinar and see the amazing work the rescuers are doing.”
Ms Lewis said the project had given residents a real sense of purpose.
Three-year-old Bani, who was rescued and rehabilitated by Wildlife SOS after shewas knocked down by a train (Image: Supplied)
She said: “The Knitting Nannas love knowing that something they have made with their own hands is helping animals on the other side of the world.
“It gives them a huge sense of achievement and has sparked lots of conversations with families and visitors about wildlife and conservation.”
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Ms Whiteley said: “The entire team and I are sincerely touched by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and generosity of the residents of Hazelgrove Court Care Home.
“Knowing that they care so deeply about the once-captive elephants in our care highlights the global appreciation for these endangered keystone animals.”
Will Steve Tandy be tempted to include the Cardiff backrower in his Wales squad? He certainly has a number of fans
Wales head coach Steve Tandy would have been an interested observer as Cardiff beat the Ospreys at the Arms Park for the first time since 2007 last night.
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With Tandy set to name his squad for the inaugural Nations Cup in the near future, a number of players on show last night, the Wales boss was looking at a number of players. Nobody caught the eye more than Cardiff openside Dan Thomas who won the official player of the match award.
Thomas may be 32-years-old but there are few players as consistent as the all-action openside, who played havoc with the Ospreys last night.
But for all his consistency for Cardiff and previously for Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership, Thomas has never received an international call-up.
Thomas is somewhat unlucky to have played in a generation where Wales has been blessed with top-end openside flankers, with the likes of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Ellis Jenkins all around during the first stage of his career, while he now has to contend with the likes of Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Thomas Young, Josh Macleod, James Botham and Harri Deaves.
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But despite Wales’ strength in depth at openside it is somewhat surprising Thomas has never been called into a senior international squad.
Speaking on S4C last night presenter Sarra Elgan was quick to highlight Thomas’ consistency.
“It is astonishing to me how he has never had the opportunity with Wales,” she said.
He is also hugely popular with his teammates.
“Dan has been a huge player for us over the last two years,” Cardiff and Wales lock Teddy Williams told S4C last night.
“He is a bonkers character. I describe him as a bit of an old school seven.
“You leave him out on the field and he runs around like a madman in how he tackles and he supports everything with the ball.
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“He’s been a very good player for us.
“He is always fit and that is huge for any team. That is why we see him performing well for us every week.”
Thomas was outstanding in the victory over the Ospreys, more than holding his own against Jac Morgan.
This season he has won 12 turnovers in the United Rugby Championship and is second behind his Cardiff teammate Alun Lawrence for tackles made on 199.
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“There was a try for him and the fact he was a thorn in the side of the Ospreys throughout the night,” said former Wales backrower Gwyn Jones on S4C last night.
Thomas may be at the tail end of his career but Tandy could do a lot worse than include the 32-year-old in his wider squad.
He has turned into one of Welsh rugby’s great cult heroes and is hugely popular with the players.
Away from the field of play, he helps run his family’s Croesyceiliog, near Carmarthen which has a herd of 130 cattle.
He also helps run a wedding car business and has developed a passion for arm wrestling.
“When my wife was pregnant, she was back in Carmarthen and I was still up in Bristol,” he said.
“So, every night, I was bored as hell and needed to find something to do.
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“I was scrolling through Facebook and a Canadian arm wrestler came up on my phone and I thought I would give this a go.
“So I searched arm wrestling clubs in Bristol and this Ukrainian bloke called Sasha came up. He said it was every Monday or Tuesday night for an hour, come along.
“I turned up and it was literally his garden shed!
“It was four or five Ukrainian blokes and me in the garden shed of this apartment block.
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“Sasha was 5ft 5ins, but his arms were huge and he just played around with me. He would hammer me.
“But I really enjoyed it because I was bored stiff in the house. I went back once a week.”
ROCHDALE, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Luke Hannant of Rochdale celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Enterprise National League match between Rochdale and Wealdstone at Crown Oil Arena on April 11, 2026 in Rochdale, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield and now faces an uncertain future
Mark Pirie Assistant Live Sports Editor, Mark Wakefield Sport Central Audience Writer and Mark Walker
11:54, 25 Apr 2026
Rangers consultant Stig Inge Bjornebye has disclosed that the Ibrox club have held talks about the future of Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward confirmed he will be departing the Anfield giants at the end of the campaign after nine years at Liverpool.
Salah confirmed the news during the March international break, and will leave Liverpool this summer despite his contract with the club still running until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The 33-year-old will have no shortage of suitors at the next chapter of his career, with a hugely lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia widely tipped as a potential destination.
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Former Liverpool star Bjornebye is currently serving as a football consultant and adviser at Rangers on an initial six-month deal, though he is widely expected to extend his tenure at the club.
The former Norway international appeared as a guest on Egyptian channel Modern MTI’s Modern Sports discussion programme, where he was quizzed about Salah’s next move, reports the Daily Record.
And the 56-year-old let slip that Salah had been a hot topic of conversation within Ibrox. Bjornebye said: “I don’t know what Mo’s plans are – we discussed it at work today as well, as I’m an advisor to Rangers.
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“We discussed where he’ll go and so on. But I think most people are grateful for what he’s done for Liverpool.
“He is a true legend at Liverpool and has achieved a remarkable legacy for a great club. He has delivered exceptional results for them over many seasons.
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“There were some heated discussions about his situation last year, but the matter has been resolved and he has remained loyal to Liverpool.
“I think most people can accept that he has given the club many great years and now wants to seize a new opportunity, perhaps embarking on another adventure.”
Salah is not the only player to have confirmed that they will leave Liverpool in the summer, with Andy Robertson also announcing earlier this month that he would be departing Anfield at the end of his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
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.
Refuse collector Ashley, who shares tips with thousands of followers online, says there is one thing people should do immediately if they realise too late.
In a video, Ashley explains that timing and approach make all the difference.
He said: “If you forget to put your bin out, I’ve got a solution for you.”
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He warned against simply asking from a distance, adding: “What you don’t do is walk up and just tell them you forgot because nothing can happen.”
Instead, he says there is a much better way.
The simple trick that works
‘Bin-fluencer’ warning on the item you shouldn’t throw away with general rubbish https://t.co/gWfV2HwWRS
Ashley explains that physically bringing your bin to the crew gives you a much better chance.
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He said: “If you bring the bin with you and say ‘sorry, my fault completely, forgot to put my bin out on time, can you empty it?’
“They’re more likely to say yes if you have the bin with you.”
He added: “If you realise you forgot, carry on taking it to the dustcart and you’re more likely to get it collected.”
Recommended reading:
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The tip has been widely shared online, with many saying they have done the same thing in the past.
One person said: “That’s why I remind myself the day before. I take it out the night before.”
Another added: “One man drove the bin to us two weeks ago since he forgot to put it out.”
Others joked about the reality of rushing out late, with one saying: “Imagine me running down the street with my full heavy bin.”
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For anyone who forgets bin day, the advice is clear: Act quickly, take the bin to the collection crew, and ask politely. It might just save you waiting another week.
Have you ever missed bin day? What are your top tips? Tell us in the comments below.
Jonathan Hammond, who runs Alpiner, has committed to supporting the River Tyne through a new partnership with Tyne Rivers Trust. This pledge aligns with his long-standing dedication to environmental conservation and his professional background.
Mr Hammond, a firefighter of 21 years, said: “It has never been more important to consider the environmental effects of what we do, what we purchase and how we live our lives.
“Charities now play a vital role in protecting and restoring our rivers.
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“I wanted to ensure Alpiner was supporting ‘profit with a purpose,’ giving back to the environments that give us so much.”
In addition to his firefighting duties, Mr Hammond serves on the Fire and Rescue Service’s Specialist Water Rescue team, responding to emergencies along the river and educating communities on water safety.
Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing and surfing, giving him a direct view of the environmental challenges facing the UK’s waterways.
His business, Alpiner.co.uk, specialises in high-quality vintage clothing, grounded in a philosophy of repair and reuse.
Having previously volunteered with the RSPB, he plans to take part in hands-on projects with Tyne Rivers Trust to support the health of the River Tyne and its tributaries.
Sophia Stovall, chief executive officer at Tyne Rivers Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Jonathan’s support.
“It is heartening to see a local business like Alpiner value the environment so highly.
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“We truly appreciate businesses supporting our work; these contributions are essential in allowing us to continue our mission of protecting the Tyne for future generations.”
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