A MUCH-LOVED family theme park has reassured Brits that it will still reopen to the public, despite entering liquidation last week.
Brean Theme Park in Somerset claims to be the ‘biggest free-entry theme park’ in the UK.
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Brean Theme Park will reopen after entering liquidation last weekCredit: Brean Theme ParkThe theme park claims to be the ‘largest free-entry theme park in the UK’Credit: Brean Theme Park
However, last week The Gazette – the UK’s official public record – published ‘resolutions for winding up’ for the company, meaning that it must cease trading and in other words, close.
However, in a turn of events, the theme park is now under a new organisational structure and is preparing to open in just weeks.
Peter Mainwaring, general manager, said: “We are working hard behind the scenes and will reopen for the 2026 summer season from Easter.
“Although the group structure has changed, our loyal visitors will still enjoy the same park, the same team, and the same great day out.
“We operate as a fully independent business and lease land from them.
“We look forward to continuing to work together.
“Preparations are underway and we can’t wait to welcome you back very soon.”
Many excited fans also took to social media to express their happiness at the news.
One said: “This is good news. My children were quite upset to hear it may close.
“I will definitely be coming for our annual visits.”
Another added: “Brilliant news, that’s defo now been added to my list to visit ASAP and support.”
A third commented: “Aw what a relief – my kids look forward to going every summer holidays and other times when we can.
“They were gutted to hear the sad news last week but [are] thrilled now.”
It also claims to have the best ghost train attraction in the UKCredit: Brean Theme ParkIn total, the park features over 40 rides and attractionsCredit: Brean Theme Park
Brean Theme Park originally opened back in 1946 as a campsite and today is home to over 40 rides including indoor and outdoor rollercoasters, carousels, crazy boats and dodgems.
It even has a ghost train, which according to the attraction’s website, is the best in the UK.
The park is usually open seasonally between March and October.
And even though entry is free, each ride costs a certain amount of credits which can be bought when you arrive at the attraction.
Los Angeles County leaders are pushing forward a measure for the November ballot that would remove their ability to have final say on one of the costliest decisions they make: How much to pay firefighters and sheriff’s deputies.
The supervisors voted 4 to 0 on Tuesday to have their lawyers draft a ballot measure that would give final decision-making power in contract disputes regarding pay and working conditions for public safety workers to a three-person panel, a practice known as binding arbitration.
Supporters say the proposal, which the supervisors are pushing to get on the November ballot, would offer a new tool to smooth over disputes and provide a “reset” after recent tumultuous contract negotiations.
“It incentivizes both parties to come to a fair agreement,” said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who introduced the measure along with Supervisor Hilda Solis.
The supervisors are expected to vote again on the proposal in the coming months before putting it on the ballot.
Currently, if contract talks hit an impasse, the five county supervisors can, after a complex mediation process, impose a final offer. Public safety workers, who are not allowed to strike, say they have no leverage with which to fight back, giving the county final word.
Under the new proposal, the power dynamics would shift. An arbitration panel would instead make the final decision on some contract disputes for public safety employees, including firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and county lifeguards. The panel would have one arbitrator chosen by the county, one chosen by the union and one agreed to by both sides.
It’s rare for labor negotiations to get to this point. The county said it has imposed contract terms after reaching impasse over negotiations twice since 2001, once with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists in 2001 and Supervising Deputy Probation Officers in 2024.
“The goal is to never have to get to that step,” Horvath said.
Unions say the measure would give them needed leverage and remove political pressure from the thorniest contract questions. Critics say it shifts financial control away from politicians and into the hands of unaccountable arbitrators, which could lead to bloated labor costs.
“Arbitrators aren’t elected, they’re not required to weigh countywide trade-offs like homeless services, healthcare, capital improvements, all of those things,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell, the only supervisor to abstain from the vote.
Interim County Executive Officer Joseph M. Nicchitta said he viewed it as a potential “seismic change” in how the county handles labor negotiations.
“Because the arbitrators ‘pick a winner’ as between the parties’ final offers, the decision will no longer be a compromise. One side will win,” Nicchitta wrote in a Feb. 9 letter to the board.
Substantial raises mandated by arbitrators, he wrote, “could, among other things, materially and detrimentally increase the County’s day-to-day operating costs, lead to workforce reductions and program curtailments, balloon our unfunded pension liabilities, and damage the County’s credit ratings.”
The decision of who gets final say over wage increases will become increasingly important as county leaders try to steer the government through financial tumult brought on by federal cuts, booming labor costs and billions in sex abuse payouts. Last week, the supervisors unanimously approved $200 million in homeless service cuts to close the budget gap.
Horvath said more than 20 jurisdictions in California use binding arbitration for public safety workers, including the counties of San Francisco and Sacramento.
Public safety unions are simultaneously gathering signatures to get the proposal on the ballot in case the board decides against moving forward. A coalition of public safety unions has started a campaign arguing that binding arbitration would “remove politics from pay decisions” and leave “pay decisions in the hands of neutral experts.”
“They have every intention and probably all of the resources needed to collect signatures to put something on the ballot that gets them this,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said. “This makes sense to work on something that we can have some input in.”
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will be played Sunday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. There are many other games and activities at Intuit Dome, Kia Forum and Convention Center. Here is what you need to know.
WE all know rail travel across the UK is expensive – but did you know you can go on these five city breaks for less than the price of a train ticket?
TravelSupermarket has found five two-night holidays – including flights and hotels – that all cost less than the £193 single walk-up train fare from London to Manchester.
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You can stay in Krakow for just £129pp – explore the bars and see Wawel CastleCredit: AlamySee the canal-lined streets in Amsterdam from just £149ppCredit: Alamy
Krakow, Poland
Starting with Poland’s southern city of Krakow, two nights at the 4-star Q Hotel Plus Krakow costs just £129pp.
This includes flights departing London Stansted on March 7.
The hotel sits in the heart of Krakow City Centre, from there you can walk to some of the most famous attractions like Wawel Castle and the Old Town.
It’s also just a 15-minute walk to the buzzing Kazimierz district with plenty of pubs, cafes, museums and art galleries.
Krakow is nicknamed the ‘jewel of the Baltic’ and one Sun writer who took a city break there late last year described the city as a “medieval fairytale”.
To make it even better, they also discovered the average price of beers was just £1.50.
Budapest, Hungary
The capital of Hungary is just two and a half hours away from the UK.
The modern hotel is close to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian Art Gallery, Zoo and the famous Heroes Square – so you can see it all.
Budapest is known for having quirky ruin bars, Neo-Gothic architecture and thermal spas – the grandest being Szechenyi.
The spa has multiple swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, a restaurant and even a beer spa where guests can pour themselves as many pints as they like from the side of the hot tub.
A day ticket to Szechenyi start from €36 (£31.33) a full-day ticket at the spa with a 45-minute Beer Spa session is £79.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has always been a great choice for a city break thanks to having plenty to do and flights taking less than two hours.
For beaches and city head to Barcelona for £189ppCredit: Alamy
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Two nights at the 4-star XO Hotels Blue Tower found in Amsterdam West with flights leaving Manchester on March 3 starts from just £149pp.
From here you can explore all aspects of the canal-lined city. Take a 20-minute tram ride and you can get to the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and dig into a stroopwafels along the way.
She said: “Start in Runstraat, known as the ‘9 Streets’. As well as picturesque canals and bridges, there are lots of cute boutiques and shops to browse.
“I could spend all day here just grabbing coffeeand nipping in and out of the stores, soaking up the laid-back Ditch vibe. If you want abeer, there are lots of funpubstoo.
“It’s here you will find the viral Fabel Friet chip shop – chucky fries topped with truffle and garlic mayo.”
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the best of both worlds when it comes to beaches and city.
Make sure to check out Gaudí’s masterpiece at Park Güell, tapas bars, and the beach that’s a 15-minute walk away from the hotel.
When it comes to shopping, the Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “I’ve never understood why Barcelona’s Las Ramblas gets more attention than the Gothic Quarter when it comes to shopping.
“The maze of narrow streets that make up the Gothic Quarter, however, are so much fun to explore, flanked by pokey antique stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
“You’ll find lots of little tapas joints and bars, too. Nevermind Bar has outrageously cheap drinks and nibbles – beers will set you back €3.50 while a hefty portion of chips costs €1.50”.
The FBI released new images of a person of interest in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. File by FBI/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 11 (UPI) — Authorities in Arizona have detained a person in the investigation of missing Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie.
The unidentified person was detained by deputies of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday, the department said.
“The subject is currently being questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
No other information was made immediately public, and the sheriff’s department later added that “no press conference would be scheduled at this time.”
DoorDash, the on-demand delivery platform, said it was “urgently investigating” to see if the detained individual was one of its drivers.
“We have reached out to law enforcement and are ready to support their critical investigation in any way we can,” the technology company said in a social media statement early Wednesday.
“Like tens of millions around the world, our hearts are with the Guthrie family during this heart-wrenching time.”
The development comes as the search for the 84-year-old woman enters its 11th day on Wednesday.
Authorities believe she was kidnapped from her Tucson, Ariz., home on the night of Jan. 31. She was last seen at about 9:45 p.m. MST that night and was reported missing the following day after she failed to arrive at a friend’s house to watch a church livestream. It was previously reported that she was to attend church in person.
Before the unidentified individual was detained on Tuesday, the FBI released images taken from doorbell footage at Guthrie’s front door the morning she disappeared that show a person tampering with the camera.
A $50,000 reward is being offered by the FBI for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery.
The federal law enforcement agency said there has been no contact between Guthrie’s family and the suspected kidnappers, despite a 5 p.m. Monday ransom deadline for them to pay $6 million in Bitcoin having elapsed.
The ransom was reportedly demanded in messages sent to several news outlets and has yet to be authenticated by law enforcement.
Iran had been an absolute monarchy ruled by the Pahlavi dynasty since 1925. In the 1960s, a series of reforms intended to modernise Iran had failed to improve the economic conditions. Large-scale rioting took place following the arrest of the cleric, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini who had made a speech attacking the Shah. Khomeini was sent into exile in November 1964.
In 1978, resistance against the rule of the Shah intensified, with marches, demonstration, and strikes paralysing the country. Recognising that he had lost control and suffering from ill-health, the Shah left Iran on January 16th 1979.
On February 1st 1979, Khomeini made a triumphal return to Iran and led the campaign to overthrow the remnants of the Shah’s rule.
Ten days later, the Pahlavi royal regime was defeated when Iran’s military declared itself “neutral” after …
David Miller’s batting heroics in the second super over got South Africa over the line against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad.
Published On 11 Feb 202611 Feb 2026
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South Africa edged Afghanistan in a second super over following a dramatic Group D game on Wednesday that was tied after regulation at cricket’s T20 World Cup.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s runout ended Afghanistan’s chance to win it in regulation with a ball to spare, leaving both teams tied on 187.
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Afghanistan posted 17 in the first super over, and Farooqi was in position to win it again, restricting South Africa to 11 runs with one ball remaining, until Tristan Stubbs plundered a six to level the scores again.
South Africa batted first in the second tiebreaker, posting 23 with David Miller and Stubbs combining for three sixes.
Keshav Maharaj gave South Africa control with a wicket and two dot balls to start the second super over, leaving Afghanistan needing 24 from four balls – or four sixes.
Enter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. With nothing to lose, the big-hitting opener – who earlier blazed 84 from 42 as Afghanistan chased South Africa’s target of 187-6 – hit three consecutive sixes to get the required runs down to six off one delivery.
A wide from Maharaj lowered the target to 5 from one delivery and raised the prospect of yet another tiebreaker, but the South Africa spinner rebounded by having Gurbaz caught at backward point on the next delivery. It was game over.
Lungi Ngidi, who took 3-26 during the match and then bowled the first of the super overs, was voted player of the match.
“I’ve lost so much weight today. I’ve never been that stressed in my life in a cricket game,” he said. “Being able to win two super overs with our hitters hitting like that … very happy.”
South Africa earlier beat Canada in their opening match. Afghanistan have lost both their group matches after an opening loss to New Zealand and are unlikely to progress to the Super Eights from a group containing three highly-ranked teams. Only the top two teams in each of the four groups will advance.
Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, left, who struck 84 runs off 42 in regulation time, nearly staged a remarkable Afghanistan comeback in the second super over with three sixes, but came up short in the final two deliveries [Shammi Mehra/AFP]
The new route will start from June 2026 although flight prices are yet to be confirmed.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, CEO, London Gatwick said: “The new daily service will provide excellent opportunities to visit the city or onward connectivity across the region – ideal for holidaymakers, businesses and the many British‑Malaysian families who will now have even better options for visiting friends and relatives.”
One of the biggest new additions to London Gatwick is Jet2, which is launching its first ever flights for London Gatwick.
The first take taking off next month, with flights to Tenerife on March 26.
However, this is just one of 29 new routes from the airline connecting to Europe.
This includes flights to Spain, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy and Cyprus.
One of the longest new Jet2 flights will be to Turkey, flying to Antalya.
If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores.
The word “desert” suggests barrenness for many, but anyone who lives in or near one knows how rich, wild and complex it can be. That’s equally true of the best books set there. The winter months are the best time to travel to the desert — but tucking into one of these titles is timeless, of course. Here is a brief selection of some of the best desert reads, old and new, that put the Southwest at their center. Whether you’re planning a road trip or reading from the comfort of home, get a glimpse of awe-inspiring vistas, rugged wildlife, tales of resilience and more.
Arguably the first collection of lyrical essay writing about the California desert, Austin drew on her travels through the Owens Valley and environs, covering mining, the Shoshone tribe, weather and water. The book is thrilling in Austin’s close attention to details, from the grasses to rivers and hard-trod trails. Here, she writes, “it is possible to live with great zest, to have red blood and delicate joys.”
Chronicling his stint in Utah’s Arches National Park in the late ‘50s, Abbey’s bestselling memoir revealed the beauty and fragility of the Southwest to a wider American audience, depicting the punishing weather and awe-inspiring vistas while thundering against the masses of lookie-loos driving into the desert only to despoil it. It’s often likened to “Walden,” but Abbey’s flinty, darkly humorous voice gave Western literature a tone distinct from East Coast gentility and folksy cowboy writing.
Part handbook, part folklore collection, part tribute to the Southwest, Layne’s entertaining chronicle is built on brief chapters about the outlaws, writers, singers and other characters who define the region’s hardy reputation, from the path of Western swing musicians from Texas to L.A. to UFO conspiracists who convene in New Mexico, the Manson family’s trek to Death Valley, and beyond.
Kaufmann’s lavishly illustrated field guide to the state’s arid regions is wide-ranging both geographically (from the Great Basin to the north and the Sonoran and Mojave to the south) and in terms of the species covered, from bats to bobcats and chias to palo verdes. It’s built for both the backpack and end table, with detailed descriptions alongside pleas for the land’s preservation.
A contemporary epic set in the Imperial Valley, Straight’s novel is a cross-section of desert denizens — a motorcycle officer, a Palm Springs spa employee, a family rocked by a police shooting — set against the demands of desert life. Encompassing COVID-19 and wildfires, it speaks to the present while exploring the region’s long history.
“Mojave Ghost” By Forrest Gander New Directions, 80 pp., $16 (2024)
“In this xeric topography / we fold ourselves into the circumstance of desert foothills / chewed away by leprosies, toothed winds, and / sudden rains,” writes the Pulitzer-winning poet Forrest Gander in this book-length poem about his hike across the 800 miles of the San Andreas Fault after the deaths of his wife, poet C.D. Wright, and mother. Though the writing is informed by the starkness of the landscape, he writes beautifully about the desert’s healing powers.
BROOKLYN Beckham has shown that he still has his tattoo tributes to his brothers despite covering up his inking to his mum and dad.
The 26-year-old is yet to remove his inking to his brothers despite them losing touch amid the bitter family feud.
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Brooklyn can be seen sporting his ‘brotherhood’ tattoo tribute on his legCredit: BackGridHe has yet to remove the inking despite the family feudCredit: BackGridBrooklyn’s famous brotherhood inkingCredit: Instagram/@certifiedletterboy
In new snaps, Brooklyn can still be seen sporting his famous “Brotherhood” inking on his leg which he got in honour of both Cruz and Romeo.
When he was pictured out and about in LA with wife Nicola, the tattoo was on full display – proving he is yet to make any permanent alteration to the inking.
It could spell a slight sense of hope of a potential reconciliation between the brothers despite Brooklyn claiming he did not want to reunite with his family members.
One telling sign is that Brooklyn has already opted to cover up the tributes to David and Victoria in his clearest sign yet that he is not letting the feud go.
Sending a defiant message, he opted to have the word “family” tattooed onto his neck despite the blistering feud.
He already has a tattoo of a cross with angel wings on the back of his neck in honour of his dad’s famous body art in the same place.
But now penned above the cross in cursive lettering is one distinct word: ‘family’.
His inking comes days after it was first revealed that Brooklyn had covered up his own tribute to his parents.
His previous dad inking has already been covered upCredit: Instagram/@brooklynpeltzbeckhamThe Beckham boys have been torn apartCredit: InstagramBrooklyn is no longer on speaking terms with his familyCredit: AP
One in four couples consider themselves incompatible travel partners, with disagreements over budgets, itineraries and even bedtimes – take this quiz to discover how compatible you are
10:44, 11 Feb 2026Updated 18:54, 11 Feb 2026
Railcard.co.uk quizzes Brits on travel habits
One in four couples consider themselves incompatible travel partners, with tensions most likely to flare over budgets, itineraries – and even bedtimes. A survey of 2,000 people in a relationship found of the 89% who have travelled with their partner, 23% do not think they are well-matched in their preferences.
Only 28% think their partner ‘ticks all the boxes’ when it comes to travelling together. Among the top things couples disagree about when having a trip away were where to eat, what times to wake up and go to bed, and the budget. However, differences aren’t necessarily a relationship ender.
A quarter believe opposites attract as it helps prevent rows such as not wanting the same seat when using shared transport (43%) and prompts them to venture beyond their comfort zone (35%).
The study, commissioned by Railcard.co.uk, also revealed the benefits of travelling as a duo, including making memories together (57%), consistently having someone to talk with (47%) and building emotional bonds (36%).
Over half reckon it requires one to two journeys to determine if they are genuinely travel compatible with someone. Those who are in sync (77%) credit shared preferences around accommodation (60%), activities (48%) and budget (43%).
Uncover your ultimate travel compatibility score – take the quiz now.
Catherine Lyver from Railcard.co.uk said: “The study shows that travelling with a plus-one comes with its quirks – from debating who gets the window seat to discovering you have very different definitions of an ‘early start’.
“But that’s all part of the fun. Travelling together sparks the kind of conversations that help you learn more about each other and create the memories you laugh about later.
“And with a Two Together Railcard, couples, friends or relatives can save a third on their rail journey while enjoying quality time – even if it’s spent negotiating playlists.”
The research also revealed that despite nine in 10 believing travel compatibility matters, over half (51%) reckon compromise is crucial to a happy relationship.
Being more thoughtful of each other’s needs (34%) and discussing priorities before a trip (25%) are amongst some of the ways travellers have overcome differences with a companion.
Of the 30% who said a train journey is where they and their partner are most travel compatible, 55% viewed these trips as quality time together and 41% said it gives them a chance to catch up.
Catherine Lyver added: “This Valentine’s Day, it’s likely many couples will be travelling together for a day trip or night away.
“Why not make the train journey a part of the experience and make the most of the quality time together”.
TOP 10 THINGS COUPLES DISAGREE ABOUT WHEN TRAVELLING TOGETHER:
Seattle’s smothering defense preventing New England from ever getting on track in the game at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., was more appreciated by serious football fans than casual watchers. But the controversy surrounding the event with halftime performer Bad Bunny likely stoked additional interest.
Bad Bunny’s halftime show averaged 128.2 million viewers, higher than the game overall. The performance aired after the second quarter, when the game was still close and hit a peak of 137.8 million viewers.
The NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny riled up right-wing commentators who objected to having an artist singing only in Spanish performing at the premier U.S. sporting event of the year. Bad Bunny has also been outspoken over the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics in removing undocumented immigrants. He skipped the mainland U.S. on his last tour, citing fears that his fans would be targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Right-wing activist group Turning Point USA presented an alternative halftime show on YouTube, which topped 6 million viewers, a surprisingly high number considering details of the program were not revealed until days before game day. A concert featuring Kid Rock and several lesser-known country artists did not get a strong critical reception on social media.
But the audience size showed that a hot musical act could attract a significant chunk of the audience already gathered to watch the game.
“More bands should go head to head with the halftime show and not in a political way,” said one rival network executive not authorized to comment publicly. “It would be a good stunt for HBO Max or some other company that’s not an NFL rights holder.”
Nielsen’s improvement to its measurement of viewing through internet connections and set-top boxes — which boosted NFL TV ratings throughout the season, also likely helped the Super Bowl LX number. The additional data was incorporated into TV ratings starting in September.
Another 3.3 million watched the Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo. NBC did not release data for viewing on its Peacock, saying only that it was the biggest day ever for the streaming platform.
NBC sold out the commercial time for the game at an average price of $8 million for a 30-second spot, with some going for $10 million. USA Today’s annual “Ad Meter” panel chose Budweiser’s “American Icons” as its favorite commercial on the telecast.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry on Wednesday rejected criticisms that it has taken a “submissive” stance toward North Korea after comments by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who is seen here at the National Assembly on Feb. 11. Photo by Yonhap
The unification ministry on Wednesday rejected media criticism that it maintains a “submissive” stance toward North Korea after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young made back-to-back remarks expressing regrets over actions that strained ties with the regime.
“Some are portraying the government’s peace efforts as a submissive stance toward the North … but the government is seeking to create conditions for inter-Korean trust in pursuit of peaceful coexistence,” the ministry said in a press release.
The media criticism came after Chung expressed regret the previous day over the alleged privately led drone dispatch to North Korea in recent months and Seoul’s 2016 shutdown of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.
“We need the courage to acknowledge the wrongs we have committed, and in that perspective, the drone dispatch was a clear wrongdoing,” the ministry said, adding that such past missteps must be overcome.
The Lee Jae Myung administration has repeatedly extended overtures for dialogue to Pyongyang since taking office last June, although Pyongyang has remained unresponsive.
Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.
PLANS have been revealed to rescue a historic English seaside venue and return it to its former glory.
The Margate Winter Gardens in Kent – where stars such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have performed – is set to be restored and reopened.
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Margate Winter Gardens in Kent is due to get a £8million upgradeCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLPThe venue opened over 100-years-ago and has hosted stars such as The BeatlesCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLP
Dating back to 1910, the venue has previously had a number of different areas including the Main Hall, Queen’s Hall, two side wings and an open-air amphitheatre.
As part of the Thanet District Council’s plans, the seafront venue will reopen with a new rooftop bar and restaurant, a drama school and a 100-place nursery.
As part of the plans, the Main Hall and Queen’s Hall will be made fully accessible and reopened.
There are also plans to create two mezzanine pods, similar to those found in Peckham Library.
The restaurant will then be located above the Main Hall, with both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.
As for the nursery, that will be in the upper part of the site and will feature separate areas for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
The new drama school will be held in the smaller Queen’s Hall and have classrooms and dance studio spaces.
In all, the project is expected to cost around £8million to complete.
According to the plans, the vision for Margate Winter Gardens “marries both history and opulence, creating a visually stunning seafront icon with nods to its luxurious past as well as futureproofing the building for years to come”.
The aim is to reopen the Main Hall by late 2026, then other parts of the venue will open in phases from 2027.
Margate Winter Gardens, which closed two years ago, sits on a site known as Fort Crescent and looks over Margate Main Sands and the English Channel.
When the venue opened, it featured a Concert Hall, four entrance halls, two side wings and one open-air amphitheatre.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the Winter Gardens was a much-loved entertainment venue with performances including cabaret and tea dances.
Under the new plans, there will be two mezzanine pods similar to the pods found in Peckham library (pictured)Credit: WikipediaThere will also be a rooftop bar and restaurant with sea viewsCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLPThe Main Hall will be made fully accessible as wellCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLP
Then, during World War II, the venue was used initially as the Dunkirk evacuee reception before later being turned into an ARP shelter and food depot.
In 1946 the building was partially rebuilt after bomb damage.
After the war, Winter Gardens was once again used as an entertainment venue with performances by Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Dame Vera Lynn.
However, over the decades visitor numbers declined and in 2022, the Winter Gardens closed for a while to assess concerns over the building’s condition.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke out against intervention by ‘alien Westerners’ during a rally to mark the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. Celebrations have been taking place after weeks of US threats of military action.
“Frankenstein” star Jacob Elordi, at 6 feet 5 easy to spot from across the ballroom, leaned down to hug Teyana Taylor, a supporting actress Oscar nominee for “One Battle After Another.” Nearby, her co-star Leonardo DiCaprio caught up with Steven Spielberg, who directed him 24 years ago in “Catch Me If You Can,” while “Sentimental Value” filmmaker Joachim Trier huddled with “One Battle’s” Paul Thomas Anderson, a fellow directing nominee. In the middle of it all, songwriter Diane Warren paused to take a selfie, still evidently enjoying the giddy thrill of being in a room full of fellow hopefuls even after 17 times.
In all, 203 of this year’s 230 Academy Award nominees gathered Tuesday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual nominees luncheon, a brief moment of campaign-free conviviality amid the churn of awards season. As flashbulbs followed the most famous faces, major stars like Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone and Kate Hudson rubbed elbows and shared champagne toasts with lesser-known nominees from categories like animation, sound and live-action short before lining up for the annual class photo.
With the Oscars just weeks away on March 15, the long-running gathering — a ritual dating to 1982 and returning this year after being canceled in 2025 because of the Los Angeles County wildfires — offered the nominees a welcome stretch of easygoing mingling, largely free of competition. The reprieve is short-lived: Voting begins on Feb. 26, when the brutal math of awards season will reassert itself, meaning roughly 80% of them will head home on Oscar night empty-handed.
Kate Hudson, a lead actress nominee for “Song Sung Blue,” at the 2026 Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
For first-time contenders, the luncheon carried a particular rush. Christalyn Hampton, a co-director of the documentary short “The Devil Is Busy,” which follows a day at an abortion clinic in Atlanta, said she was excited to meet “Sinners” director Ryan Coogler, whose period vampire thriller leads the field with a record 16 nominations.
“We’re two African American directors nominated this year — I think that’s pretty historic,” said Hampton, a former professional dancer whose first directing credit has landed her an Oscar nod. “Flying back and forth from Atlanta has been a bit exhausting, but to be in this moment with all these incredible filmmakers — you can’t complain.”
Jacob Elordi, left, and “Sirāt” film director Oliver Laxe — two extremely tall nominees — at the 2026 Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Still, even inside the awards-season bubble, the turmoil surrounding the movie business, the country and the world beyond it was hard to ignore. As attendees tucked into their chicken, more than a few discussions drifted to whether Netflix or Paramount would prevail in their attempts to acquire Warner Bros. and what either scenario might portend for the future of movies.
In her remarks, academy President Lynette Howell Taylor acknowledged the questions many nominees have been asking themselves amid industry contraction, political volatility and global conflict. “The art you create is vital,” Howell Taylor told the crowd. “I know many of us ask ourselves, ‘Should we be doing something else? Should we be doing something differently? Should we be doing more?’ The answer to that is personal. But what I do know is this: What you are doing is not easy and it is so needed.”
Teyana Taylor, nominated for supporting actress for “One Battle After Another,” at the 2026 Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
She praised the resilience of filmmakers who have endured strikes, dangerous political environments and even war zones. “To not make your films, to not tell your stories, is to give in,” she said. “And there is not one of you in this room who has been willing to do that.”
That tension was felt especially sharply by Sara Khaki, co-director (with Mohammadreza Eyni) of the documentary feature nominee “Cutting Through Rocks,” which follows the first Iranian woman elected as a councilwoman in a rural village. The weeks since the nomination, Khaki said, have been both “terrible and wonderful,” as her home country has been rocked by protests against the Iranian government.
Elle Fanning, nominated for “Sentimental Value,” at the 2026 Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
“What’s terrible is what we’re experiencing back home — the internet shut down, worrying about our loved ones,” she said. “What’s wonderful is what’s happening here. So it’s a mix of emotions, really.”
Another Iranian nominee was absent altogether. Mehdi Mahmoudian, nominated as a co-writer of director Jafar Panahi’s drama “It Was Just an Accident,” was arrested this month in Iran after signing a statement condemning the government’s deadly crackdown on protesters.
Actor Wagner Moura, nominated for “The Secret Agent,” and former AMPAS President Janet Yang at the 2026 Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
At each table, nominees were asked to fill out a card with a simple question: “What movie made you want to be part of this world?” After pondering for a moment, “Nomadland” Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, nominated in the directing category for the second time for the wrenching drama “Hamnet,” wrote down Hirokazu Kore-eda’s 1998 film, “After Life,” a quietly humane meditation on memory and meaning that felt closely aligned with her own filmmaking sensibility. The answers, Howell Taylor explained, would be used for “a special moment” during the Oscar telecast.
As in years past, the luncheon also came with a bit of gentle coaching about what to do — and not to do — should one’s name be called on Oscar night, including moving briskly to the stage, keeping remarks to no more than 45 seconds and not leaning into the microphone.
Directors Steven Spielberg, left, and Paul Thomas Anderson at the 2026 Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Above all, Howell Taylor urged nominees to resist the temptation to thank everyone they’ve ever worked with. “You’ll forget someone and you’ll feel terrible,” she said.
Better, she suggested, to focus on what the moment actually means. “You are the show,” Howell Taylor reminded them. “It’s your speeches. This is an entertainment show millions of people will be watching, so let’s make the most of it.”
A woman recently visited a Victorian train station in the UK, but was left floored when she made a discovery hidden within its walls. Sometimes the most unexpected things await us
09:54, 11 Feb 2026Updated 09:54, 11 Feb 2026
She couldn’t believe what she found at the station (stock image)(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Thousands of people visit train stations every day, but sometimes more lies within them than we realise. One woman recently discovered this when she visited an old train station in the UK, and it left her totally taken aback.
Korina, known as thedreamywanders on Instagram, recently shared her epic find on social media, and it’s since gone viral, as people can’t believe how beautiful her discovery was. When she entered the train station, she ended up finding a lot more books than she did trains, and the experience left her, and her followers, totally mesmerised, and it’s pretty easy to see why.
In Korina’s clip, she wrote: “POV: You entered a Victorian train station and found the UK’s cosiest second-hand bookshop.” Alongside this, she added: “Barter Books is set inside a Victorian train station and it feels like stepping into a different world.
“There are shelves everywhere, cosy corners to browse and model trains running overhead as you explore. It’s the kind of place where every book feels like it’s waiting to be found.
“There’s also a café on site and fireplaces around the shop, so you can grab a coffee, sit by the fire and read for a while. One of those places you could easily lose track of time in.”
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The post quickly got people talking, and dozens were quick to comment. They shared all sorts of thoughts.
One said: “Oh I love this spot! You really captured its magic.” Another added: “Had the absolute joy of introducing a friend to this place today. He loved it.”
A third replied: “Wow, this is amazing.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “It’s a truly wonderful world. A place I could spend a whole weekend.”
One more also chimed in with: “I think I bought 17 books last time I was there.” Another also noted: “Such an adorable bookshop.”
Where can you find it?
The bookshop is located in Alnwick, Northumberland. If you haven’t visited before, it’s known for its charmingatmosphere, with towering shelves of second-hand books and a lovely collection of old railway memorabilia. Barter Books also features a unique “barter” system, where customers can trade in old books for store credit.
It’s considered a gorgeous place to visit for both book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. You’ll find it located in the historic former Alnwick Station, and it was opened in 1991 by Stuart and Mary Manley.
The station, which was built back in 1887, was later transformed into an amazing bookshop. It still contains much of its original Victorian architecture, including the station’s platforms and waiting rooms. Today it is one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe.
If you haven’t visited Northumberland before, it’s directly adjacent to and north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Many areas can be accessed in less than an hour by car or public transport.
It serves as a rural, and coastal counterpart to the city, offering easy access to attractions like Alnwick, Morpeth and the coast. As well as this, Northumberland is directly adjacent to Scotland, forming the northernmost county of England and sharing the border to the north and west.
Even with essentially his entire starting lineup unavailable because of injuries, Lakers coach JJ Redick still looked forward to competing against a worthy opponent in the San Antonio Spurs.
Even facing a Spurs team with the second-best record in the Western Conference without LeBron James (left foot arthritis), Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (left calf injury), Marcus Smart (right ankle) and Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness), Redick still wanted his group to compete at a high level.
It’s just that Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama competed at a level the Lakers were unable to reach, the 7-foot-4 center dominating with his season-high-tying 40 points to go along with 12 rebounds in just 26 minutes during San Antonio’s easy 136-108 win Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Wembanyama had 25 points in the first quarter alone and 37 by halftime.
“I know right now we have to contend with him and he’s one of the five best players in the world,” Redick said. “He’s put that stamp on himself. It’s more than counting the stats with him, because there is such an avoidance of him defensively and there is an awareness you have from him defensively.”
Luke Kennard had 14 points and five assists, Drew Timme had 14 points and Bronny James had 12 points and six assists for the Lakers (32-21).
For LeBron James, missing the game meant the Lakers’ All-Star became ineligible for NBA postseason awards, ending his streak of making the All-NBA team at 21 seasons. The league’s threshold to be eligible for postseason awards is 65 games. The most James can reach is 64 if he does not sit out another game.
James, playing in his NBA-record 23rd season, missed the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica, making it difficult to meet the threshold.
Redick said James has been “dealing with the history of injuries he’s had and to start the year.”
“Just depends on how he wakes up the next day and as he goes through his treatment in the morning,” Redick added. “But we ruled him out.”
Doncic missed his third straight game with his injury. The Lakers next play Thursday night here against the Mavericks, Doncic’s former team. Redick said Doncic was listed as “day to day” when asked if his All-Star would play against the Mavericks.
Doncic, the leading-vote getter for Sunday’s All-Star Game, has been working out and playing some five-on-five action to get ready.
“Luka continues to progress,” Redick said.
Before playing in the last four games, Reaves had missed the previous 19 with his calf injury.
Redick said Reaves “was coming back from a tissue injury” and was “only going to play in one of these games.”
Lakers forward Drew Timme tries to fend off Spurs guard Dylan Harper in the first half.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Redick said Smart tweaked his ankle in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s game and had a “pretty high level of soreness” when he woke up Tuesday.
Ayton had been listed as questionable and was being called a game-time decision before the game because Redick said Ayton is dealing with “his knee again.”
So, it was left up to the rest of the healthy Lakers to deal with Wembanyama and the Spurs.
The Lakers lost on Monday night to the Thunder, the defending NBA champions, who also have the best record in the league, and then had this back-to-back game against the tough Spurs.
“He makes me feel like a normal size dude,” Timme, who is 6-0, said laughing. “It’s crazy. But I mean, it’s that size, coordination and athleticism, it’s crazy. I mean, he’s really one of a kind. What they call him, the ‘Alien?’ Like, he’s a really good player. A lot of times people are like, ‘Well, if I had that height or if I had that…’ I mean, he has that but he also has the skill. I mean, he’s a really skilled, talented player and I think that’s why he’s so good. There’s a lot of tall players that can’t do that and I think that’s what really separates him.”
Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani has said Tehran is ready to engage in ‘realistic’ nuclear talks with the United States. Speaking in Muscat during a visit to mediator nation Oman, he said issues must be resolved through dialogue and not the ‘language of force’.
The UK’s busiest train station has been given the green light to expandCredit: City of LondonThe plans were first announced back in 2023Credit: City of LondonLondon Liverpool Street will be transformed over the next ten yearsCredit: City of London
However, for years there have been plans to upgrade some of the station’s dated features as well as make it larger after record passenger numbers.
And the City of London Corporation has now approved plans for the redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station.
It confirmed that it would “improve central London’s connectivity to the rest of the country [and] make the local area a much more enjoyable place to visit, work in and travel through.”
The new plans – predicted to cost £1.2billion – include more shops and cafes, as well as better pedestrian and cycle paths and parks.
More office spaces will be part of a new 318ft tower block being built over the main concourse.
Upgraded facilities such as more ticket barriers, lifts, escalators and toilets, and wider train platforms, are also part of the plans.
It hopes it will eventually double in capacity, with up to 200million passengers.
It won’t be anytime soon, however – works could start by 2029, and be finished by 2036.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, Tom Sleigh, said: “Everyone likes an upgrade, and this astonishing improvement to Britain’s busiest train station is just that; a major improvement by every measure.
“The soaring Brick arches and bold architecture will cement Liverpool Street’s status as a modern temple to transport.”
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, added: “This redevelopment of Liverpool Street station is a major step forward for the Square Mile.”
If the proposals go ahead, work would start at the beginning of 2029 and last seven years, with the new station completed by mid-2036.
The long-discussed plans have caused controversy in the past, with previous plans even including a rooftop poolalthough this has now been scrapped.
New cafes and shops are also part of the plansCredit: City of LondonThere are fears there will be years of chaos with closed platformsCredit: City of London
This would affect passengers travelling to airports like London Stansted, as well as those using the Elizabeth Line.
London Liverpool Street Station is the UK’s busiest, recording a record 98million passengers from 2024/25.
In second is London Waterloo, which has nearly 28million fewer passengers.
The plans have changed over the years, with elements such as a rooftop pool scrappedCredit: City of LondonWorks might not be able to start until 2029Credit: City of LondonUntil then, the train station remains fully openCredit: City of London
JJ Slater shared this telling snap on Instagram after his split from Katie PriceCredit: InstagramKatie recently reunited with her husband Lee Andrews in DubaiCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramThe couple were joined by Katie’s best pal Kerry KatonaCredit: wesleeeandrews/Instagram
His latest Instagram post saw him basking in the sun beside a pool with the aptly titled Mark Manson bestselling book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k.
JJ has dropped a number of posts alluding to his ex including a snap of him sitting in a hot tub and writing the word “recovery”.
In his only interview about the split, JJ told us that he wished Katie the best but was purposely avoiding her fledgling relationship with Lee.
And he admitted he was blindsided by the split having spent a happy Christmas with Katie and their families.
He said: “Everything seemed good, to be honest, and then it was probably three or four days into the new year that the conversation kind of just happened where all of a sudden Kate said that she doesn’t love me or is not in love with me anymore.
“Obviously when someone says that to you you have no choice but to pack up and leave, and that’s exactly what I did.”
Katie, 47, said it would be a short trip for a honeymoon following their quickie wedding.
But pals fear she is planning to relocate to Dubai for good.
Katie and JJ split just days into 2026Credit: GettyJJ has been recovering in Florida ever sinceCredit: instagram.com/johnjoeslater
A source said: “Katie said she had found a property in Dubai and has put down money.
“The contract is signed and she’s forging ahead.
“She is really excited and thinks she is going to have her happy ending with Lee.
“But those close to Katie fear this could be the start of a potential scam.
“She was only supposed to be in Dubai for two days but she’s still not returned home.
“Katie says she is busy planning her new life with Lee and has splashed the cash on this property – but it’s making her closest friends and family anxious.
“They’re concerned about his motives and that is only natural given what some of his ex partners have said.”
The Sun reported last month how two of Lee’s former partners, Alana Percival and Crystal Janke, had issued stark warnings to the mum-of-five.
Katie Price’s money worries
REALITY star Katie Price has faced multiple bankruptcy hearings.
Katie was then declared bankrupt again in March 2024 for over £750,000 in unpaid tax.
In August 2024, a warrant was issued for her arrest for failing to attend a hearing.
She later had a private interview and a public exam for the second bankruptcy which was set for April 2025.
As per reports, Katie remains under strict income payment orders until 2027.
Alana, who was engaged to Lee, told Katie to “run to the hills” and branded Lee a “liar” and a “narcissist”.
Crystal echoed her sentiment and warned Katie not to give Lee money. It comes after The Sun revealed how businessman Lee lives a Walter Mitty style existence in Dubai.
He was also claimed to be speaking to multiple women at the same time, with single mum Tina Prodromou alleging Lee was sending her mucky messages in December saying what he would do to her “when we are married”.
Lee calls himself Dr Lee Andrews and says he founded Aura Sustainable Vehicles on Linkedin.
He also claims he is the founder of Blue Diamond Resorts, now Royalton Hotels and Resorts.
But in a statement to The Sun, they denied this and said: “We can confirm that Dr Wes Lee Andrews (also known as Lee Andrews) is not the founder of Blue Diamond Resorts.
“Based on our corporate records, he has not been affiliated with the company in any professional capacity.”
Katie Price’s new husband Lee Andrews has a penchant for using AI to generate and edit images of himselfCredit: FacebookLee looks very different in several unedited snaps shared on the internetCredit: Instagram
Andrews lists himself as a Director of Philanthropy at the Prince’s Trust — now the King’s Trust.
But they denied his involvement and said Lee does not hold the role of Director of Philanthropy, and it has no record of him as a volunteer, or under the moniker Weslee Andrews, which he uses online.
Another claim by Lee was that he had been a Member of the Board of Advisors to the Labour Party since 2015.
A Labour insider denied his claim to The Sun and said: “We don’t have a board of advisors and he doesn’t work with us.”
Lee’s former fiancee Alana warned: “Lee doesn’t know what’s fact and what’s fiction.
“It’s worrying because I think he believes his own lies.”
