“At the same time, I’ve used shared experiences as the basis for songs which try to delve into why we humans behave as we do, so the record is a mixture of fact and fiction.”
The tour –Lily AllenPerforms West End Girl – will see the singer perform the album in its entirety in the order the songs feature on her record.
When is Lily Allen’s 2026 tour?
Lily Allen’s 2026 West End Girl tour is scheduled to take place throughout March 2026.
The British singer is set to perform her acclaimed fifth studio album at venues, theatres and concert halls across the UK.
This tour marks her first headline shows since her No Shame Tour in 2018-19.
The tour dates and venues for Lily Allen Performs West End Girl UK in March 2026 are:
March 2: Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
March 3: Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
March 5: Birmingham, Symphony Hall
March 7: Sheffield, City Hall
March 8: Newcastle, City Hall
March 10: Manchester, Aviva Studios (The Hall)
March 11: Manchester, Aviva Studios (The Hall)
March 14: Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
March 15: Cambridge, Corn Exchange
March 17: Bristol, Beacon
March 18: Cardiff, New Theatre
March 20: London, Palladium
March 21: London, Palladium
How can I get tickets for Lily Allen’s 2026 tour?
Tickets go on general sale from 10am GMT Friday, November 7, 2025, via Ticketmaster and LiveNation.
For fans who want to secure tickets before the general release, thankfully there is a presale, taking place from 10am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
But to access this presale, you will need to register with co:brand before midnight on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Selected venues have already confirmed ticket prices for Lily Allen’s UK tour.
The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall said they start at roughly £40 and go up to around £85.
METALLICA are bringing the M72 World Tour back to the UK in summer 2026, and demand is sky high.
If you missed out on the first wave, do not panic—here are the confirmed dates, who is supporting, and the most innovative ways to still grab seats for Glasgow, Cardiff, and London.
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With Metallica promising fresh setlists and huge production for M72, the extra effort will be worth itCredit: Tim Saccenti
What are Metallica’s UK tour dates 2026?
Metallica have set four massive UK shows for June and July 2026 as part of the M72 World Tour, with different setlists and support lineups across the weekend.
Glasgow, Scotland Venue: Hampden Park Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 Supporting acts: Gojira and Knocked Loose
Cardiff, Wales Venue: Principality Stadium Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 Supporting acts: Gojira and Knocked Loose
London, England Venue: London Stadium Date 1: Friday, July 3, 2026, with support from Pantera and Avatar Date 2: Sunday, July 5, 2026, with support from Gojira and Knocked Loose
The M72 World Tour is built around the No Repeat Weekend format, which means two different shows and two different setlists in the same city, plus a rotating cast of special guests.
It is designed so fans can go twice and get a completely fresh night each time.
Two‑day tickets for the 2026 European leg went on general sale on May 30, 2025, with fan club presales earlier that week.
For London specifically, single‑day tickets were released later and went on sale on Friday, July 25, 2025.
How can I still get tickets for Metallica’s UK tour?
If your chosen date is now sold out, you still have a few solid routes to get in. Some are official and face value, others are resale and often carry a markup.
Here is what to try, in order.
1. Check primary sites for drops and verified listings
Start with the official primary agents. Inventory does move.
Extra production holds and restricted views can be released closer to the show, and Ticketmaster remains the key place to check for any new London Stadium allocations and verified listings when they appear.
Keep refreshing on on-sale anniversaries and ahead of staging deadlines.
The show is designed so fans can go twice and get a completely fresh night each timeCredit: Getty
2. Try official hospitality for guaranteed seats
Hospitality and VIP packages are often still available even when standard tickets are sold out.
Seat Unique is the official hospitality partner for Metallica’s UK dates, with packages for London and Cardiff that bundle premium seats, lounge access and extras.
These are pricier but secure, and availability tends to last longer than standard tickets.
VIP options typically include fast‑track entry, lounge access, premium seating and early access, which can be a game-changer if you want a smoother day out.
3. Look at Enhanced Experiences and fan club options
Metallica also run official Enhanced Experience packages via their own channels for the M72 tour.
Perks vary by city, but expect premium views, early entry or special access, plus exclusive merch.
The band have also offered an I Disappear ticket for this tour, granting general admission floor access with early entry across multiple shows, subject to availability and terms.
If you are flexible and planning more than one date, that pass can be highly valuable.
4. Use trusted secondary marketplaces carefully
If the primary route is tapped out, secondary marketplaces can help.
Sites like Viagogo and StubHub may have tickets listed by other fans.
Prices can be above face value, and fees add up, so read the listings closely and check seller guarantees before you buy.
Ticombo is another option some fans use for peer‑to‑peer resales.
Only purchase from platforms that offer clear protection in case of event changes or invalid barcodes.
5. Set alerts and keep checking back
Speed matters. Set up alerts so you are first in line when something drops.
Services like Twickets let you create notifications for specific dates and price points, and receive them from other fans at face value.
It is also worth checking the venue sites in the final run‑in, as Hampden Park, Principality Stadium and London Stadium sometimes free up last‑minute seats after production is locked.
Oct. 18 (UPI) — Senate Democrats and Republicans are not budging on their demands to temporarily fund the federal government and end the shutdown as key dates approach.
The shutdown is the federal government’s third-longest and entered its 18th day on Saturday after the Senate failed to approve a temporary funding measure for the 10th time on Thursday and adjourned for the weekend.
More votes are expected to be held next week, but if the Senate stalemate continues, active federal workers won’t receive their full paychecks on Friday for the first time during the current shutdown, according to The Hill.
Those federal workers who are still on the job also received only partial pay on Oct. 10, which affected an estimated 2 million employees and their families.
Federal workers are guaranteed back pay when the shutdown eventually ends and the government is funded, in accordance with a 2019 federal law.
While active federal workers could miss their first full paychecks on Friday, military personnel are slated to be paid a week later on Oct. 31.
President Donald Trump earlier announced his administration has located $8 billion in unused research-and-development allocations from the 2025 fiscal year that ended on Sept 30.
He used that money to pay 1.2 million military personnel on Wednesday, but several congressional lawmakers question the legality of doing so.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., intends to hold a vote to pay military personnel and other “excepted” federal workers.
“We’re going to give [senators] a chance to pay the military next week,” Thune told media.
Senate staffers also are slated to be paid on Monday and House staffers on Oct. 31, but the funds are not available.
Another pressing issue is the Affordable Care Act’s annual open enrollment period starting on Nov. 1.
A House-approved continuing resolution that would fund the federal government through Nov. 21 does not include an extension of ACA tax credits, which expire at the end of the year.
The 18-day shutdown will last at least into Monday and only has been surpassed by a 21-day shutdown from Dec. 16, 1995, to Jan. 6, 1996, and a 35-day shutdown that started on Dec. 22, 2018, and lasted until Jan. 25, 2019.
Senate Democrats mostly have refused to approve the continuing resolution and instead offered an alternative funding measure that would fund the federal government through Oct. 31 and would include an extension of the ACA tax credits and Medicaid eligibility.
Senate Republicans mostly prefer to negotiate such things in the 2026 fiscal year budget, though.
Another pressing date is Nov. 21, which is the Friday after Thanksgiving and one of the busiest travel weekends in the United States.
If the shutdown extends into the Thanksgiving weekend, a shortage of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration workers would greatly affect air travel.
The president has cited the shutdown when laying off federal workers, but U.S. District of Northern California Judge Susan Illstonhas temporarily blocked the Trump administration from continuing to lay off federal workers who are represented by two public sector unions.
On Friday, Illston said she might expand the injunction to include members of three more labor unions, Roll Call reported.
Former President Bill Clinton appointed Illston to the federal bench in 1995.
Dearest gentle reader, Lady Whistledown — voiced by Julie Andrews — is back.
Netflix released a trailer for the fourth season of “Bridgerton” on Monday, and the Ton’s resident gossip columnist promised to have all the delightful details. The teaser also revealed that the next chapter of the Regency-era romance will be released in two parts on Jan. 29 and Feb. 26.
The eight-episode season will follow Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) fairy tale-inspired romance. The beloved second-eldest sibling of the Bridgerton brood is is known for being commitment averse and uninterested in marriage, but, if the trailer is to be trusted, it seems a masked mystery woman he brushes past on a staircase might change that.
“With each passing season, one is known to experience plenty of ups and downs,” Whistledown says in the teaser footage. “So then we must ask ourselves, do we rise to the occasion? As always, time — and this author — will tell.”
Unbeknownst to Benedict, the mystery woman, also known as the Lady in Silver, is Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). According to Netflix’s in-house blog Tudum, the staircase encounter featured in the trailer is the first time the pair cross paths during Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.
Benedict and Sophie’s romance is based on the events in “An Offer From a Gentleman,” the third book in Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” book series. Much like the wicked matriarch in “Cinderella,” Sophie’s stepmother (Katie Leung) is more concerned about her two daughters’ (Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei) societal debut and marriage prospects than whatever her stepdaughter is getting up to.
“Bridgerton” showrunner Jess Brownell previously told The Times that Benedict’s character arc “has a lot to do with being someone who is learning how to exist between society and and being unconventional.”
“Benedict [is] trying to figure out what his place is in the world and how to circumvent certain rules, which is something Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) [taught] him [in Season 3],” she said last year. “I think we will continue telling the story of his [sexual] fluidity going forward.”
The brief “Bridgerton” Season 4 teaser focuses solely on Benedict and Sophie. Those interested in updates about the state of Penelope’s writing career or what Francesca, John and Michaela Stirling have been up to since the end of the third season will have to keep waiting.
Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com and HotelPlanner.ai, says his virtual travel agents are already taking 50,000 real calls a day and will hit the 100,000 mark before the year is out
The robo travel agents are coming(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“I’m sorry. That was a generic answer. Let me come up with something a little more meaningful.”
There’s something quite novel about a robot apologising to you. Cassandra, one of HotelPlanner.ai’s American representatives, was as quick on the contrition as it was on suggesting hotels in Tupelo, Mississippi, that I might want to stay in.
I chucked a few requirements at Cassandra and it quickly found me a place that ticked all of the boxes. Cassandra even obliged when I asked for a description of the rooms, and then apologised when I cut it off, demanding that those descriptions be a little less lifeless.
Try as I might, my efforts to wind Cassandra up failed. It kept delivering helpful answers and even extra titbits of information without being prompted, all with an upbeat tone of voice against a backdrop of fake call center sounds.
Robo-travel agents such as Cassandra are currently fielding calls on HotelPlanner.ai, where you can choose the language and gender of your call handler before taking it on a test run. It’s working on a beta trial basis in the UK at the moment, but in the US, the world of AI travel agents is very much here already and booming.
Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com and HotelPlanner.ai, says his virtual travel agents are already taking 50,000 real calls a day and will hit the 100,000 mark before the year is out. He claims that 10% of HotelPlanner.com’s bookings are made by bots.
That’s no small potatoes, given the company’s expected $1.8 billion gross revenues this year and the 1.5 million properties it can book.
Tim is a huge believer in the power of AI to transform customer service in the travel industry and argues that HotelPlanner.com’s agents are trained to be “more helpful and efficient” than humans and already able to “compete head-to-head” when it comes to customer satisfaction and sales.
While Tim says the company has no desire to stop using humans to answer calls, the AI side of the business is growing quickly and could one day field 100% of all calls. Partly because they’ve learned from the best. The large language model bots were trained using eight million human phone calls.
What’s arguably a little unnerving is that customers aren’t told they’re speaking to a robot, and they often don’t realise.
“We only tell customers if they’re speaking to an AI agent if they ask. Sometimes it has come up as customers have asked them out on dates,” Tim told the Mirror.
“We find AI works best with older customers as it’s extremely helpful and patient—sometimes to a fault, as the AI doesn’t understand the money value of time. The question is, if you want a service, who can perform it better? A human or AI with unlimited information?
“The agents have accents. They make an attempt at humour. The robots are programmed always to be helpful, it has nothing but kindness.”
Whether the idea of an AI customer service bot excites or appalls you, their arrival in increasing numbers seems inevitable. Just this week, OpenAI announced it had struck a deal with travel giant Expedia, paving the way for holidaymakers to book trips directly through the platform.
At the Travel and Tourism Summit in Rome at the end of September, Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, predicted that AI would “double the travel market” – because “people will work three days due to AI, and take much longer holidays.”
Jane went on to describe how she thought AI would improve customer service.
“We must make sure our customers are very well looked after with good customer support. 30 seconds, an AI in your native language will be able to speak to you over the phone. Within 30 seconds a call centre employee will be able to answer your call. Within two minutes of a crisis, our team will be able to call them to get them to safety. This will be powered by AI,” she said.
How do you feel about AI travel agents? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing [email protected].
Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants football to keep an “open mind” about when World Cups are played.
The tournament has traditionally been contested in the northern hemisphere’s summer months – though the 2022 competition, in Qatar, took place in December to avoid playing in the hottest conditions.
“We have summer and winter and in the world if you want to play at the same time everywhere you can play in March or in October,” said Infantino, who runs the sport’s world governing body.
“In December you cannot play in one part of the world and in July you cannot play in another part.
“We need to consider all these elements and let’s see how we can make it better for everyone.
“Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar. We are discussing. We have to have an open mind.”
The international match calendar is fixed until 2030, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting next year’s men’s World Cup in June and July.
Morocco, Portugal and Spain host the World Cup in 2030 – with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay holding matches to mark 100 years since the first World Cup was held in, and won by, Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia will host the tournament in 2034.
Meanwhile, Infantino also confirmed Fifa’s desire to further grow the Club World Cup.
The US hosted an expanded 32-team tournament during a major heatwave in the summer, with temperatures in New York reaching a record 39C in June.
This drew criticism from footballers and players’ unions, who raised issues over player welfare and the number of games adding to a packed calendar.
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango said in July the competition was devaluing football.
Chelsea beat Paris St-Germain in New York to claim the title.
Infantino, speaking at the European Football Clubs’ general assembly in Rome, said: “When the Champions League was created the first revenue was 40m (euros), now it is 4bn (euros). If the first Club World Cup generated 2bn (euros) in 30 years we should generate 200bn (euros).
“This has created revenues for the clubs. Now we work together to see how we can make it better, bigger and more impactful in collaboration with the clubs and stakeholders because it will benefit everyone.
“I’m biased but it was a huge success from every possible angle. We had 2.5m spectators in the stadiums. We had an average [attendance] of 40,000 and only the Premier League is doing better.
“There is interest in the entire world and we need the interest to boost the national leagues, the European and global competitions.”
GET ready, Prime members! Amazon’s next major sales event is just hours away.
In recent years, Prime members have been treated to two exclusive sales – Prime Day in July and Prime Big Deal Days, which typically takes place in October.
Amazon’s Prime subscription service gives you access to a treasure trove of benefits
Amazon Prime Day deals
Amazon’s last Prime Day sale kicked off on July 8 and ran for four days, ending on July 11.
We also spotted plenty of deals on Amazon devices such as Echo speakers, Fire TVs, and Ring security systems, plus major price drops on top brands and trending tech products, such as dash cams, and we’re predicting similar savings next week.
It’s the last major sales event from Amazon ahead of Black Friday – so make sure you don’t miss out, especially if you’re hoping to get a head start on your Christmas shopping or pick up a few affordable winter essentials.
Just remember: to take advantage of the deals, you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription (there’s a 30-day free trial), currently costing £8.99 per month or £95 per year.
Jump to…
When does Amazon Prime Day 2025 start?
Amazon’s second Prime Day sale of the year, Prime Big Deal Days, will take place on October 7, 2025.
The two-day shopping event ends on October 8, 2025.
In 2024, Amazon Prime Big Deal Days ran from October 8 to 9.
Amazon Prime Day: The best deals live now
We’ve rounded up a wide range of deals you can shop right now.
Best Amazon home deals
Prime Day is the perfect time to pick up big-name brands for lessCredit: Amazon
Treadmill Walking Pad Running Machine, £149.99 for Prime members (was £599.99) – buy here
LEENON Dehumidifiers for Home, £109.99 (was £159.99) –buy here
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor (Newest gen), £26.99 (was £69.99) – buy here
Alexander Graham 3 Tier Heated Clothes Airer Dryer, £92.65 (was £109) – buy here
Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket King Size, £32.60 (was £42.99) – buy here
Slumberdown Feels Like Down King Size Duvet 13.5 Tog, £21.56 (was £31.19) – buy here
Yankee Candle Scented Candle Vanilla Cupcake Large Jar, £16.99 (was £29.99) – buy here
LEGO Botanicals Orchid, £29.99 (was £44.99) – buy here
LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook: Hogwarts Express Set with a Train Toy, £67.99 (was £89.99) – buy here
LEGO Halloween Barn, £9.99 (was £12.99) – buy here
Monopoly Harry Potter Edition, £21.99 (was £37.99) – buy here
MEGA Pokémon Charizard Action Figure, £14.99 (was £22.99) – buy here
Paw Patrol Adventure Bay Bath Playset, £19.99 (was £29.99) – buy here
PAW Patrol Fire Rescue Command Center with Marshall Figure, £37.49 (was £49.99) – buy here
AOLEVA Wooden Afternoon Tea Set for Toddler, £14.75 (was £17.35) – buy here
Pukomc 36/60in Toddler Trampoline for Kids, £26.59 (was £49.99) – buy here
LeapFrog Build-a-Slice Pizza Cart, £39.99 (was £59.99) – buy here
Best Prime Day deals on Amazon services
During the sales event, Amazon offers promotional deals and free trials on several services, including Prime.
Here are just a few of our favourite deals you can snap up today:
When was the last Prime Day event?
The last Prime Day sale took place between July 8 and July 11, 2025, giving bargain hunters four days to shop exclusive deals.
Prime members were treated to thousands of discounts across everything from tech and beauty to home essentials and fashion, with many items hitting their lowest-ever prices.
Here are the dates of past Prime Day sales:
2015: 15 July
2016: 12 July
2017: 11-12 July
2018: 17-18 July
2019: 15-16 July
2020: 13-14 October
2021: 21-22 June
2022: 12-13 July
2023: 11-12 July
2024: 16-17 July
2025: 8-11 July
Do I need to be a Prime member to take part in Prime Day?
Never been a member before? You’re in luck – Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for newbies.
This essentially gives you full access to the mammoth sale and all the Prime perks, without spending a penny.
Just be sure to set a reminder – you’ll need to cancel before the 30-day trial ends to avoid being charged the £8.99 monthly fee.
If you’re planning to keep Prime long-term, you can save by opting for the annual membership at £95.
How much is Amazon Prime?
An Amazon Prime membership costs £8.99 per month or £95 for the whole year – but with all the perks on offer, it could save you a fortune.
Amazon’s yearly subscription service gives you access to a treasure trove of benefits, from quick delivery to binge-worthy telly and exclusive discounts.
The annual membership works out cheaper than paying monthly, saving you nearly £13 over the year – perfect if you’re planning to stick with Prime long-term.
Not sure if it’s worth splashing the cash? Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new members (or anyone who hasn’t been a member in the last 12 months).
This means you can enjoy all the Prime perks, including access to the Amazon sale, without spending a penny – just remember to cancel before the 30 days are up if you don’t want to be charged.
The mega-sale features a mix of different deal types, including:
“Deals of the day,” which last a limited time – or vanish even quicker if stock runs out.
Limited “lightning deals” which appear and disappear in the blink of an eye once stock is gone.
Some offers (particularly Amazon’s own devices) will stick around for the full sale period.
How long will Prime Day 2025 deals last?
As mentioned above, Prime Big Deal Days is a two-day event that will take place between October 7 and 8, 2025.
The sale is slightly shorter than July’s Prime Day event, which gave shoppers four days of unmissable deals.
It was the biggest Prime Day event to date, with customers saving billions on deals across more than 35 product categories.
Our top tip? If you spot something you’ve been eyeing up with a massive discount, grab it quickly.
Hesitate and you’ll likely miss out – these deals wait for no one!
Does Amazon have Prime Day deals on everything?
Prime Day is a shopaholic’s dream, with discounts across virtually every Amazon department.
Here are several categories worth checking out:
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for gifts, you’ll find something on sale in whatever category catches your eye.
Can students take part in Prime Day?
Yes, students can get in on all the Prime Day bargains.
Amazon offers students a special Prime Student membership that comes with the same perks as regular Prime but at a serious discount – just £4.49 monthly.
Even better, students get an incredible six-month free trial (compared to the normal 30 days), giving you access to all the Prime Day deals without spending a penny.
To qualify, you’ll need:
A valid university email address
Proof of enrollment
The student discount lasts for four years or until you graduate (whichever comes first) – making this one of the best bargains going for cash-strapped students.
How do I cancel my Amazon Prime 30-day free trial after Prime Day?
If you’re taking advantage of an Amazon Prime trial to grab Prime Day bargains, you’ll need to cancel before your 30 days are up to avoid being charged the full membership fee.
Luckily, cancelling is a doddle – here’s exactly how to do it:
On your phone or tablet:
Open the Amazon app and tap the profile icon at the bottom
Tap ‘Your Account’
Select ‘Manage Prime Membership’
Tap ‘Manage Membership’ at the top
Hit ‘Update, cancel and more’
Scroll down and tap ‘End membership’
On your computer:
Head to Amazon.co.uk/gp/primecentral
Click ‘Update, cancel, and more’ below ‘Membership’
Click ‘End membership’
Select the yellow ‘Cancel My Benefits’ button
Click ‘Continue to Cancel’
Confirm by clicking ‘Cancel Membership’
Even after cancelling, you’ll still keep all your Prime benefits until the end of your trial period.
You’ll see the exact end date displayed on the screen after cancelling.
If you end up forgetting to cancel and get charged, Amazon may offer a full refund if you haven’t used any Prime benefits since the trial ended.
How often is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day typically takes place once a year in July.
The retail giant also hosts a second major sales event in October, known as Prime Big Deal Days.
In addition to these two events, Amazon runs regular sales throughout the year, including a Spring Sale in March.
The retailer also offers unbeatable deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so there are plenty of opportunities to save.
CMAT has shared the sad news that she’s cancelling her October tour dates, revealing on Instagram that she’s due to undergo surgery following a medical emergency
The singer D4vd called off a series of upcoming tour dates, including a concert this weekend at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, as police investigate his connection to the death of a teenage Inland Empire girl whose decomposed body was discovered this month in a car registered to the musician.
A representative for the Greek said the show, which was scheduled for Saturday night, had been canceled. Other tour dates in San Francisco and in Europe had either been removed from or were listed as canceled on Ticketmaster’s website by Friday afternoon.
An event at L.A.’s Grammy Museum scheduled for Wednesday — in which D4vd planned to perform and to take part in a conversation about his work — has also been called off. A representative for D4vd didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Last week, D4vd, 20, announced that he would release a deluxe edition of his 2025 album, “Withered,” on Friday, but the project hadn’t appeared on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music by Friday morning.
Police are investigating the singer’s ties to Celeste Rivas, who was reported missing in April 2024 and whose whereabouts were a mystery until this week, when authorities identified her remains after they found a body in the trunk of a Tesla in a Hollywood tow lot on Sept. 8.
