Today is Corn on the Cob Day, Making Life Beautiful Day, International Lynx Day and German Chocolate Cake Day. Your star sign is Gemini and your birthstone is Pearl (Alexandrite and Moonstone is also recognised).

1933 – 2916 – Gene Wilder (83), American actor, author, comedian, writer and filmmaker (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles).

1939 – Jackie Stewart (87), Scottish former Formula One racing driver, broadcaster and motorsport executive nicknamed the “Flying Scot”, born in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.

1946 – Jenny Pitman (80), English former racehorse trainer who became the first woman to train a Grand National winner when Corbiere won the race in 1983, born in Leicestershire.

1955 – Anthony Allcock (71), English bowls player (twice world outdoor singles champion and three times world indoor singles champion), born in Thurmaston, Leicestershire.

1959 – Hugh Laurie (67), English actor (House, Stuart Little, Blackadder) and comedian (Fry and Laurie, Jeeves and Wooster), born in Blackbird Leys, Oxfordshire.

1960 – Nick Hallam (66), English DJ, producer and co-founding member of Stero MC’s (“Connected”, “Step it Up”), born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.

1961 – Rob Birch (65), English singer, songwriter and co-founding member of Stero MC’s (“Connected”, “Step it Up”), born in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire.

1964 – Jean Alesi (62), French former racing driver, who competed in Formula One (Tyrrell, Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber, Prost, Jordan) from 1989 to 2001, born in Avignon, France.

1969 – Peter Dinklage (57), American actor (Cyrano, Game of Thrones, Pixels, The Hunger Games), born in Morristown, New Jersey, United States.

1986 – Shia LaBeouf (40), American actor (Transformers 1,2 and 3… Lawless, Disturbia, Fury), born in Los Angeles, California, United States.

1987 – Dappy (39), English rapper, singer and songwriter with N-Dubz (“I Need You”, “Good Intentions”), born in Camden Town, London.

1979 – John Wayne (72), was an American actor, director and producer (True Grit, The Alamo, Rooster Cogburn).

1998 – Catherine Cookson (91), was an English author (The Fifteen Streets, The Mallen Streak, The Dwelling Place).

2022 – Hilary Devey (65), was an English businesswoman and television personality on the BBC Two programme Dragons’ Den until she left to present the Channel 4 series The Intern.

2025 – Brian Wilson (82), was an American musician, singer, songwriter and co-founder of the Beach Boys (“Good Vibrations”, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”).

1907 – Gloucestershire dismissed Northamptonshire for 12 runs. It was the lowest total in English county cricket. George Dennett (a left arm spin bowler) took 8 wickets for 9 runs and the other 2 were caught by England Test Player Gilbert Jessop.

1936 – The groundbreaking London International Surrealist Exhibition officially opened at the New Burlington Galleries in Mayfair, London. It introduced the British public to the surrealist movement, famously featuring chaotic opening-day antics like Salvador Dalí nearly suffocating in a deep-sea diving helmet.

1952 – Opening batsman Len Hutton made history by becoming the first professional cricketer of the 20th century to captain England in a Test match.

1955 – Eighty-three spectators are killed and at least one hundred are injured after an Austin-Healey and a Mercedes-Benz collide at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the deadliest ever accident in motorsports.

1962 – Brothers John and Clarence Anglin and fellow inmate Frank Morris escape from Alcatraz prison off San Francisco, the only ones to do so. They were never found and opinion is divided on whether or not they drowned.

1963 – Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk Thích Quang Duc burned himself to death (self-immolation) at a busy intersection in Saigon whilst protesting the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.

1964 – World War II veteran Walter Seifert attacks an elementary school in Cologne, Germany, killing at least eight children and two teachers and seriously injuring several more with a home-made flamethrower and a lance.

1982 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial starring a very young Drew Barrymore, was released in US cinemas (December 9 in the UK), following its premier at the Cannes Film Festival on May 26.

1987 – Diane Abbott, Paul Boateng and Bernie Grant are elected as the first black MPs in Great Britain. On the same day, British prime minister Margaret Thatcher won elections for a record third term.

1987 – George Galloway won his first seat in the House of Commons during the 1987 UK general election, when he was elected as the Labour Party Member of Parliament for the Glasgow Hillhead constituency.

2001 – Timothy McVeigh (33) is executed for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing.

2002 – “American Idol” created by Simon Fuller with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson premieres in the US.

2004 – Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan laid in state at the U.S. Capitol, followed by a state funeral service conducted at the Washington National Cathedral. Following the ceremony, Reagan’s body was transported back to California for burial at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

2009 – The World Health Organization declares H1N1 swine flu to be a global pandemic, the first such incident in over forty years

2010 – The 19th World Cup football tournament opened in the host country of South Africa, marking the first time that the event was played on the African continent; Spain won the tournament 1-0 against the Netherlands. Colombian singer Shakira performed the official tournament song, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”.

2012 – Downing Street admitted that David Cameron had left his eight year old daughter in the pub after a Sunday lunch two months previously, because of a mix-up with his wife Samantha. The story proved embarrassing for the Prime Minister, as it came on the same day that the government relaunched its £450m ‘Troubled Families Programme’.

2014 – JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, made a £1m donation to help fund the campaign against Scottish independence.

2017 – Rafa Nadal beats Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland 6–2, 6–3, 6–1 becoming the first person to win the French Open men’s single title 10 times.

2019 – Toy Story 4 with the voices of Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves and Tim Allen, had its world premiere at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles before being released in cinemas in the United States and the United Kingdom on June 21.

2021 – Commercial lobsterman and diver Michael Packard survived a rare and terrifying experience when he was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale while diving for lobsters off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts.

2023 – Uruguay defeated Italy 1-0 in La Plata, Argentina, to win their first FIFA U-20 World Cup.

2023 – English actress Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Play at the 76th Tony Awards ceremony for her critically acclaimed performance in Suzie Miller’s one-woman play, Prima Facie.

1965 – It was announced that all four members of the British group The Beatles, would be awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday honours list. John Lennon returned his MBE to the Queen on 25th November 1969, as an act of protest against the Vietnam war.

1966 – European radio stations mistakenly reported that The Who’s lead singer Roger Daltrey was dead. Actually, it was guitarist Pete Townshend who had been injured in a car accident a few days earlier.

1969 – The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘The Ballad Of John and Yoko’ the group’s 17th UK No.1. The only two Beatles that played on the track were John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

1988 – Nelson Mandellas 70th birthday tribute took place at Wembley Stadium, London, featuring Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, George Michael, Eric Clapton, UB40, The Eurythmics and Simple Minds. The event was broadcast live on BBC 2 to 40 different countries with an estimated audience of 1 billion.

1997 – Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall received a Master of Science Degree at UMIST, Manchester for his fund-raising work following an IRA bombing in the city the previous year.

2011 – Pink Floyd’s 1973 album The Dark Side Of The Moon, re-entered the Billboard Album chart at No. 47, and reached the milestone of 1,000 weeks on Billboard’s charts. The album which was released in 1973 has done consistently well reaching No.1 on more than one occasion.

2022 – Justin Bieber was forced to cancel his current tour after he revealed he was suffering from facial paralysis. The 28-year-old said in an Instagram video that the condition was due to a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

2025 – American singer, songwriter and record producer Brian Wilson died in his sleep at his Beverly Hills home, nine days before his 83rd birthday. Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys and received widespread recognition as one of the most innovative and significant musical figures of his era.

1488 – James III of Scotland was murdered by rebellious Scottish nobles and was succeeded by his 15 year old son, James IV.

1509 – King Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon. When his marriage to Catherine did not produce a male heir, King Henry became infatuated with Anne Boleyn. After Pope Clement VII refused to grant a divorce from Catherine, King Henry took it upon himself to assume supremacy over the church. This set off a chain of events that eventually led to England’s division with the Catholic Church.

1685 – The exiled James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, sailed from Holland and landed in Lyme Regis with a small force to overthrow the new Catholic King James II.

1770 – HMS Endeavour under the command of Lieutenant James Cook was sailing north along the east coast of Australia. At 11pm it ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef and started taking on water. Desperate to lighten the ship, the crew heaved nearly 48 tonnes of material over the side, including six cannons.

1776 – The Continental Congress appoints Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston to the Committee of Five to draft a declaration of independence.

1817 – The first predecessor of the bicycle is demonstrated Using his revolutionary Laufmaschine, also known as Draisine, a two-wheeler without pedals, German inventor Karl Drais completed a 14 km test run in less than an hour, presenting a viable alternative to transportation by horse.

Charities are warning that thousands of homeless women are being missed from official government figures because many avoid sleeping in obvious public places, instead seeking safety in hospitals, transport hubs and other hidden locations. A new survey suggests the true scale of female homelessness could be far greater than previously thought, prompting calls for better support and more accurate data collection.

The UK housing market is showing signs of cooling rather than crashing, with major lenders reporting small monthly price falls but modest annual growth. Mortgage approvals remain higher than this time last year, suggesting buyers are still entering the market despite affordability pressures and higher borrowing costs.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that tax rises may be needed to help fund increased defence spending as the Government prepares to publish its Defence Investment Plan. The comments are likely to fuel debate over public finances as ministers balance national security with cost-of-living pressures.

YouTube has faced criticism after launching a campaign arguing that parents—not technology companies—should be responsible for limiting teenagers' screen time. Critics say social media firms should take greater responsibility for online safety, while YouTube insists parents remain best placed to manage children's digital habits.

Violence and disorder have continued in parts of Belfast following a knife attack earlier this week, with political leaders and the victim's family appealing for calm and urging people not to inflame tensions while the police investigation continues. Authorities have condemned attacks on homes and businesses and warned against the spread of misinformation online.

Scotland has launched a new First Homes Fund offering eligible first-time buyers up to £10,000 towards a deposit. The scheme aims to help thousands onto the property ladder and is already prompting debate over whether similar support should be introduced elsewhere across the UK.

The Bank of England's latest figures show mortgage rates have eased slightly in recent weeks, although borrowing costs remain significantly higher than they were at the start of the year. Many homeowners and prospective buyers will now be watching closely for any further movement in interest rates over the summer.

The World Cup dominates this morning's newspapers as England's squad settles into its Florida training base ahead of next week's opening match against Croatia. The Daily Mirror focuses on the growing excitement around the camp, while The Sun backs Harry Kane and the team with a patriotic front-page show of support.

The Daily Star takes a lighter approach to the World Cup, leading on players including Declan Rice suffering from the Florida sunshine after arriving at England's training base. It serves as a reminder that adapting to the North American climate could be another challenge facing teams this summer.

The Daily Mail reports that Apple has agreed to introduce major new security measures designed to tackle the growing problem of mobile phone theft. The changes aim to make stolen devices harder to access and less valuable to criminals, potentially reducing one of the UK's fastest-growing crimes.

The Times leads on developments following Monday's attack in Belfast, featuring the court appearance of a man charged with attempted murder and reporting on wider issues surrounding asylum seekers crossing the Irish border. The story continues to dominate the political agenda as investigations progress.

The Daily Telegraph reports that people-smuggling gangs are advertising what it describes as a "backdoor route" into the UK via flights to Dublin before crossing into Northern Ireland. The newspaper says the issue is increasing pressure on border enforcement and immigration policy.

Metro leads on the aftermath of the Belfast unrest, reporting that the family of the victim injured in Monday's knife attack have appealed for calm and said the disorder that followed is "not welcome". Their message urges communities not to allow violence to overshadow the investigation.

The Financial Times reports that European regulators intervened to strengthen oversight of fintech giant Revolut while also highlighting continuing unrest in Belfast. The story reflects growing scrutiny of fast-growing financial technology firms and the challenges regulators face in keeping pace with innovation.

The FIFA World Cup is dominating UK searches as fans count down to the biggest tournament in history, which gets underway tomorrow across the USA, Canada and Mexico. With 48 teams competing for the first time and England beginning their campaign next week, football fever is building rapidly across the country.

England FC is trending as supporters discuss Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of today's final warm-up against Costa Rica. Fans are debating team selection, Bukayo Saka's fitness and whether this could finally be England's year.

England vs Croatia is attracting huge search interest ahead of next week's opening World Cup fixture. Supporters are already revisiting famous meetings between the two nations and discussing England's chances of making a winning start.

Doctor Who is trending after fresh discussion surrounding the latest series and speculation over the programme's future direction. Fans have been debating storylines, casting and where the iconic sci-fi drama goes next.

HMRC pension inheritance tax changes are generating significant searches as people try to understand proposals that could affect how pensions are treated for inheritance tax purposes. Financial experts are encouraging people to review their retirement planning as discussions continue.

BBC Strictly Celebrities 2026 is trending as speculation grows over who could join this year's ballroom line-up. Fans are already predicting surprise contestants and debating which famous faces would be perfect for the dancefloor.

Octopus Energy is trending after announcing new customer initiatives and tariff discussions, prompting many households to compare energy bills and look for better deals. With energy costs still a major issue, consumers remain keen to save wherever possible.

George Clooney has reignited the debate over who should become the next James Bond after revealing he believes Callum Turner would make an excellent 007. With speculation continuing over Daniel Craig's successor, Clooney's endorsement has sparked fresh discussion among film fans about who should inherit one of cinema's most iconic roles.

The BBC has confirmed there will be no Doctor Who Christmas special this year as Russell T Davies announced his departure as showrunner. The broadcaster says it is investing in the long-term future of the series, with fans now eagerly waiting to discover what the next regeneration of the iconic programme will look like. ([The Guardian][1])

Perrie Edwards and former England footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are reportedly preparing to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony in Portugal this weekend after a four-year engagement. Close family and friends are expected to attend, making it one of the biggest UK celebrity stories of the week.

Taylor Swift has been making headlines after performing "You've Got a Friend in Me" at the Toy Story 5 premiere alongside legendary songwriter Randy Newman. While many fans loved the surprise appearance, others offered mixed reviews online, ensuring the performance became one of the entertainment talking points of the day.

Billy Ray Cyrus has revealed he almost died after suffering sepsis and vocal paralysis before making a remarkable recovery. The country music star says the experience changed his outlook on life and inspired his return to recording after a 14-year break.

Sheffield's own Heaven 17 are being celebrated with the world premiere of a new documentary at Sheffield DocFest, following the band's journey from the city's pioneering electronic music scene to international success. The film shines a spotlight on Sheffield's continuing influence on British music and culture.

Olivia Rodrigo has revealed she already knows which song she wants played at her future wedding despite becoming famous for writing about heartbreak. The singer says her latest music reflects a much happier period in her life, giving fans a glimpse of a different side to one of pop's biggest stars.

Madonna is making a huge return to the spotlight with a rare BBC special alongside Graham Norton ahead of the release of her new studio album next month. The programme promises a look back at her extraordinary career as well as an exclusive preview of her latest music, making it one of the biggest music events of the summer.

Queen drummer Roger Taylor has announced a brand-new solo album alongside a UK tour later this year. The legendary musician has also released the first single from the record, giving fans their first taste of new material while proving there's still plenty left in the tank.

Taylor Swift is once again dominating music headlines after her surprise performance at the Toy Story 5 premiere and the release of her new song for the film. The track has generated huge online reaction and quickly climbed streaming charts, underlining her status as one of the world's biggest artists.

Sir Paul McCartney has reflected on The Beatles' journey to global superstardom, saying the years before fame helped give the band the resilience and chemistry that changed music forever. He also admitted that even after decades of songwriting success, he still sometimes starts writing without knowing where a song will end up.

BBC Radio 2 in the Park has unveiled its line-up for this year's festival in Stirling, featuring Chaka Khan, Simple Minds, The Script, James Blunt, Blue, Lulu and many more. The event is expected to attract thousands of fans and will also be broadcast across BBC Radio 2, BBC Sounds and iPlayer.

A new report has revealed Liverpool's music industry contributes around £780 million to the local economy every year and supports more than 14,000 jobs. Researchers say the city is on course to become a £1 billion music economy within the next decade, highlighting the huge value of live music, venues and creative talent.

Niall Horan has spoken emotionally about the loss of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, saying the tragedy reminded him to appreciate every day and never take loved ones for granted. He reflected on watching the news unfold and said the experience has changed the way he approaches life.

More people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol, with growing numbers choosing to cut back or quit altogether because they feel healthier and happier without it. Many say they sleep better, have more energy and don't miss the weekend hangovers they once accepted as normal.

A beauty product claiming to reduce under-eye bags in just 15 minutes has gone viral online, with dramatic before-and-after videos racking up millions of views. While experts say results vary, it's becoming a popular quick fix before big events and nights out.

Cleaning fans are praising The Pink Stuff Miracle Wash-Up Spray for leaving air fryers sparkling in around ten minutes with little or no scrubbing. With air fryers now a staple in millions of UK homes, simple cleaning hacks are proving almost as popular as the recipes themselves.

Interior designers say pale blue is this summer's must-have bedroom colour, with searches soaring as homeowners look to create cooler and calmer spaces. Experts believe softer shades can even make rooms feel bigger and more relaxing.

A new quiz asking whether you're the neighbour everyone secretly complains about has sparked plenty of debate online. Loud DIY, late-night music and parking disputes all feature high on the list of common neighbourhood annoyances.

Some restaurants are experimenting with a 'pay what you think it's worth' system, allowing customers to decide how much to pay after eating. Supporters say the trust-based model can actually encourage people to pay fairly while building stronger customer loyalty.

Fashion searches for woven raffia bags have exploded this summer, with affordable high street versions proving just as popular as designer labels costing hundreds of pounds. The trend is inspired by natural materials and relaxed holiday style.

Cleaning experts say brown toilet stains can often be removed using specialist limescale removers or pumice stones rather than traditional bleach or vinegar. The advice could save homeowners time and effort when tackling stubborn stains.

Luxury fashion brand Valentino has sparked debate after its latest designer heels were compared to 'pig's hooves' on social media. Despite the criticism, the expensive shoes continue to attract celebrity fans and fashion influencers.

Award-winning author Douglas Stuart has warned that fewer men are reading books than ever before, urging people to spend more time with novels instead of endlessly scrolling on their phones. The comments have reignited debate about modern reading habits.

England head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup full of confidence after a convincing 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in their final warm-up match in Orlando. Declan Rice opened the scoring early, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead from the penalty spot, and Ollie Watkins added a late third. Manager Thomas Tuchel says his side are now ready for their opening match against Croatia on June 17.

Anthony Gordon has thrown himself into contention for a starting place against Croatia after a standout performance against Costa Rica. His pace, direct running and clinical finishing (including a penalty) have left Thomas Tuchel with a genuine selection headache ahead of England’s World Cup opener.

The biggest World Cup in history officially gets underway this week, with 48 nations competing across the USA, Canada and Mexico. The expanded tournament will feature 104 matches, giving football fans more action than ever before over the next six weeks.

Businesses across Britain are introducing flexible working arrangements to allow staff to watch late-night World Cup matches. Some employers are letting workers start later the next morning or swap shifts to keep morale high during the tournament.

England fans are calling for the Three Lions to wear their red away kit more often during the tournament, believing it brings better luck and memories of the 1966 World Cup triumph. Surveys suggest many supporters feel more confident when England play in red.

Scotland are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with strikers Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland expected to lead the line. Steve Clarke is considering a more attacking approach as the Scots get ready for their opening match.

Australia's women have laid down an early marker ahead of the T20 World Cup with a dominant warm-up win over the West Indies. Beth Mooney starred with the bat as one of the favourites continued their impressive preparation for the tournament.

Tom Willis has been named Premiership Rugby Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign, while Saracens completed a successful night at the Rugby Awards with multiple honours.

Patrick Mahomes has become the first NFL player to sign a contract worth more than half a billion dollars after agreeing a record-breaking extension with the Kansas City Chiefs (total value ~$504.75M). The staggering agreement underlines the financial power of American sport.

The PDC World Cup of Darts gets underway today in Frankfurt, with England once again among the favourites to lift the trophy. The doubles tournament always produces drama as nations battle it out for international bragging rights.

Robyn has become the first girl to be dumped from the villa after new bombshells Tommy Murphy and Simba Kudyiwa were given the power to choose who they wanted to couple up with. Tommy picked Ellie while Simba chose Angelista, leaving Robyn single and bringing her Love Island journey to an emotional end.

Sean and Lola continue to divide viewers after deciding to become exclusive just days into the series. While some fans think they've found a genuine connection, others believe they've committed far too quickly before the villa has really been tested.

The villa is already feeling the impact of bombshell Simba after he shared a passionate kiss with Angelista, leading to a confrontation with Ope. Viewers are predicting this could become the first major rivalry of the series as emotions begin to boil over.

Former Islander Kaz Kamwi has praised ITV's contestant welfare programme, saying she was offered therapy and extensive support during and after her time on the show. Her comments come as reality TV duty of care continues to be an important topic.

George Knight has explained that he left the villa because of urgent family circumstances, thanking fans for their support and saying being with his loved ones was the only decision he could make. His departure has prompted an outpouring of support from viewers.

Olivia Attwood has reflected on how Love Island transformed her life and career, saying the programme opened doors she never imagined possible. Nearly a decade after entering the villa, she remains one of the show's biggest success stories.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It marks the beginning of the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 nations, 104 matches and three host countries – the USA, Canada and Mexico. ([FIFA][1])

Three spectacular opening ceremonies will launch the tournament across the three host nations, with today's event in Mexico City featuring performances from Shakira, Burna Boy and a host of international stars before the opening match. The celebrations are designed to showcase the culture and identity of each host nation. ([The Sun][2])

England head into the tournament as one of the favourites, with supporters daring to believe this could finally be the year football comes home. Thomas Tuchel's side begin their campaign next week against Croatia, and debate is already raging over the starting line-up and England's chances of ending 60 years of hurt. ([Yahoo Sports][3])

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both embarking on what many expect to be their sixth and final World Cup appearances, bringing an extraordinary era of football closer to its conclusion. Fans around the world will be watching two of the greatest players in history as they chase one last shot at glory. ([The Times of India][4])

Scotland return to the World Cup and face a daunting group containing Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Qualification for the knockout stages would represent one of the nation's greatest modern football achievements and supporters are already dreaming of causing an upset. ([Wikipedia][5])

The expanded 48-team format will be used for the first time, with 12 groups and a new Round of 32 creating more opportunities for emerging football nations and increasing the chances of dramatic qualification scenarios. The format has divided opinion, but many believe it could produce more surprises than ever before. ([SportsOrca][6])

Off the pitch, FIFA has defended its handling of ticket prices and visa issues after criticism from some fans and officials ahead of the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the event will unite people from around the world despite the logistical challenges of hosting the biggest World Cup ever staged. ([Reuters][7])

Sheffield DocFest is officially underway, bringing thousands of filmmakers, industry professionals and visitors to the city for six days of documentaries, premieres and live events. Widely regarded as the UK's leading documentary festival, this year's programme includes the world premiere of a new Heaven 17 documentary celebrating one of Sheffield's most influential bands.

Sheffield is getting ready for its first-ever Krazy Races Soapbox Derby on 21 June, with thousands expected to line the route in support of youth homelessness charity Roundabout. The free event will feature homemade racing karts, fancy dress, live entertainment and fundraising, promising one of the city's biggest family days out of the summer.

Sheffield's iconic Mecca Bingo has closed after 55 years, with owners saying the venue is no longer commercially viable and faces significant maintenance costs. Originally opened as an Odeon cinema before becoming a bingo hall, the closure marks the end of another much-loved city centre institution.

International fashion retailer H&M has closed its Fargate store after more than a decade, adding to ongoing concerns about the changing face of Sheffield city centre. The closure comes as regeneration continues, with many hoping new investment will help attract fresh businesses and shoppers back into the area.

South Yorkshire Police have issued conditions and route information ahead of Saturday's Raise The Colours march and planned counter-demonstration in Sheffield city centre. Officers are urging everyone attending to respect the agreed conditions to help ensure both events pass peacefully.

A brand new nightclub, The Hangr, opens in Sheffield this weekend with internationally renowned DJ Eats Everything headlining the launch event. The venue hopes to become a major addition to the city's famous nightlife scene and continues Sheffield's long tradition of producing and celebrating electronic music.

A new public sculpture inspired by stories from local residents will be installed later this year at the Beckett Hill development in Parson Cross. Created by Yorkshire artist Coralie Turpin, the cast-iron artwork aims to celebrate the area's heritage and the people who call it home.

A planning application has been submitted to transform a former Ladbrokes bookmakers into a new sports bar and snooker club. Developers hope the venue will breathe new life into the empty premises and provide another leisure destination for local residents.