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Harry Styles planning huge ‘30 date residency’ in Los Angeles as he makes comeback at Grammys

BRITISH superstar Harry Styles is heading to Hollywood.

On Sunday night the As It Was singer returned to the Grammys to present Album of the Year – keeping a low profile by skipping the red carpet and ceremony.

And now The Sun can reveal Harry Styles, 31, is on the brink of announcing a huge residency in California as part of his upcoming Together, Together tour.

Harry Styles will kick off his Together, Together tour this summerCredit: Johnny Dufo
Harry Styles is set to announce a huge residency in Los AngelesCredit: Getty

Sources have confirmed that Harry has committed to a run of shows in Los Angeles in Spring 2027.

He is currently weighing up which venue to call home after being met with two huge offers.

The management team of The Intuit Dome and The Kia Forum both have sent him big money deals.

The Sun understands a staggering 30 dates are on the table to match his upcoming run of shows in New York.

He will play 30 nights at the iconic Madison Square from August 26 – he only announced US shows. 

Harry played a 15 night run at The Forum in late 2022 and early 2023 with Love On Tour.

Meanwhile, The Intuit, home to the LA Clippers, is the most technologically advanced LA gig spot with lights in seats and a cutting edge audio system. 

A source said: “Harry is heading to Hollywood.

“He is definitely playing LA on this tour. He has mind set on a residency in early 2027.

“The question is which venue would work for him.  He has been offered The Forum and The Intuit Dome and it’s his choice which he prefers.

“The Forum gigs were some of his most free, fun and exhilarating shows on his last tour. 

“He was relaxed throughout the run and really touched by how the fans reacted to him.

“A 20 to 30 night run would be an instant sell out. He could probably play double that amount.

“Interestingly the team which booked these venues are the same people because both have the same ownership.”

The insider added: “The LA leg will be announced as part of an expansion of his tour.”

Last week Harry announced his Together, Together Tour – which included six nights at Wembley Stadium supported by Shania Twain.

The Sun were the first to reveal how that number was set to double to 12 shows.

It means he now holds the title of the act who has played the venue the most times on a single tour.

Coldplay previously held the record with ten nights at the North London venue as part of their Music of the Sphere’s Tour.

Harry Styles landed his third UK No1 single with ApertureCredit: PA
Harry will release his fourth album in just a few weeks timeCredit: Getty

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Huge European theme park unveils two new family experiences in time for summer

This huge park that’s 2.5 hours from the UK is already among the largest in Europe, and visitors arriving in 2026 will have two more thrilling experiences to enjoy including a one-of-a-kind ride

One of the largest theme parks in Europe, which is popular with Brits on holiday, has announced two huge new attractions for the summer season.

PortAventura World is already a vast theme park set in a popular part of Spain. The resort includes PortAventura Park, the main theme park, which is split into six worlds including China, Mexico, and even Sesame Street. There’s also the separate Ferrari Land, which is themed around the luxury car; and PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, a large water park which has a range of waterslides, a lazy river, and more.

The first new attraction will be found in Caribe Aquatic Park and is named Coral Bay: The Lost Legend. It’s set to be a 6,000 m² family area themed around a pirate bay that has risen from the depths of the water.

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At Coral Bay, visitors will be able to make a splash on a water coaster, which PortAventura claims will have a unique twist that’ll be a first in Europe. This is in addition to an adventure pool, featuring a fun obstacle course for kids to take on. The new area will also include more waterslides and new food and drink options for visitors.

The second addition is Makamanu Jungle: The Adventure Trek. The attraction will be added to the Polynesia area of PortAventura Park. Guests will experience exploring the deepest jungle, with secret walkways, hanging bridges, and obstacles and challenges for both “children and their companions”.

The adventure park will join existing rides in the Polynesia world, including Tutuki Splash, a water ride that’s popular on hot sunny days as it includes a cooling splash at the end, and Kontiki, a pirate ship-style ride with a Tiki theme.

PortAventura confirmed that both attractions will open to the public by summer, although it didn’t give exact dates.

PortAventura is close to the popular tourist town of Salou, and just a short drive from Reus Airport, which has seasonal flights to the UK from easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and TUI throughout the summer months. It’s also just under 90 minutes from Barcelona, and a popular day trip for those staying in the city.

If you want to spend longer exploring PortAventura, one option is to stay in the resort’s hotels, six of which can be found on-site and include unlimited visits to PortAventura Park. Packages also include one-day access to Ferrari Land, and discounted tickets to Caribe Aquatic Park, so you can enjoy all that this vast resort has to offer.

Four-star Hotel PortAventura is a popular option for guests as it offers direct access to the park through its Mediterrània area, home of Europe’s fastest rollercoaster, Furius Baco. Themed around a charming Mediterranean village, the hotel has its own pool, games room, and entertainment. Guests can also opt for half- or full-board stays, with buffets and an on-site restaurant.

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Another fun-themed hotel is the Hotel Gold River, which is close to the park’s cowboy-themed Far West area. Designed to look like a Wild West town, the hotel has its own saloon and an upmarket Victorian-style restaurant. It also has three pools open for the summer season, so you can cool off after a day exploring the park.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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‘Brilliant’ Cruz Beckham’s Beatles inspired debut album revealed as record is backed by huge British band

VICTORIA Beckham was in the biggest girl group of all time but her son Cruz is taking inspiration from another brilliant British band for his debut album — The Beatles.

The budding musician’s close friend Luke Pritchard has unofficially helped guide the project thanks to years of experience in the industry, along with his ten UK Top Ten singles with his band The Kooks.

Cruz Beckham performing with a red electric guitar on stage.
Cruz Beckham is taking inspiration from The Beatles for his debut albumCredit: Eroteme
Luke Pritchard of The Kooks performing at Leeds Festival.
Luke Pritchard has unofficially helped guide Cruz’s project thanks to years of experience in the industryCredit: Getty

In an exclusive chat, Luke revealed Cruz was heavily influenced by the Fab Four’s ninth record, The White Album, which gave us iconic songs including Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da and Blackbird.

“He’s brilliant. He’s got all the right things,” Luke told me at the Iconic Images Gallery in London, where we were invited to celebrate a new exhibition of The Cure ahead of their headline slot at Isle of Wight Festival.

“I think he’s a rockstar, I really do.

“It’s got a kind of White Album psychedelia sound, with warm tones.

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“I think he’s a great guitar player – it’s kind of what I want to hear in my head.”

In March, Cruz took to social media to tease a self-penned track inspired by his love for The Beatles.

In the short clip, he sang: “I wanna be John Lennon.”

Last week, as the showbiz world imploded thanks to his brother Brooklyn’s bombshell statement hammering his family, Cruz was locked away in a north London studio putting the finishing touches to the record.

As speculation about the family rift circulated the globe, Cruz took to Instagram to reshare a shot from the studio with the words “Loneliest Boy” along the top of a song sheet, leading some fans to wonder if it will be about his estranged brother.

Luke, who has released a new live version of The Kooks’s 2014 song See Me Now today, explained: “We were actually in the studio with him.

“His album sounds so good, so authentic. It’s really refreshing.

“You know, he’s recording everything completely authentically and trying to pick up that magic to some parts. I think that’s amazing.”

And he is determined to prove himself as an artist in his own right, breaking free from the nepo baby label.

Luke continued: “He’s the real deal. He wants to do things properly and he wants to gather his fan base the right way and he wants to go out and just play. It’s been a mad few days for him.”

Cruz has sold out his first headline show in London in March and has announced a UK tour with his band The Breakers which went on sale on Friday.

As well as their own tour this year, The Kooks are performing at Isle of Wight Festival alongside The Cure, Calvin Harris and Lewis Capaldi.

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World famous site to become a ‘real faff’ as huge change comes into force tomorrow

Travel expert Simon Calder has called the new booking system a “real faff” as Rome introduces charges to manage overtourism.

A travel expert has issued a warning about major changes taking effect at a world-renowned tourist attraction from tomorrow.

Numerous cities have been grappling with overtourism in recent years, with authorities working to tackle enormous crowds and unacceptable conduct.

Rome has now joined the growing list of cities taking action. Visitors wishing to see the famous Trevi Fountain will be required to pay a €2 (£1.75) entrance fee. The new charge for tourists comes into effect on February 2.

Coins thrown into the fountain will continue to be donated to charity, but the entrance fee for the Baroque landmark will go to the city council. Officials say the money will fund the fountain’s maintenance as well as visitor management.

Rome anticipates generating €6.5million annually from the fountain alone. Furthermore, the Trevi Fountain isn’t the only attraction where tourists will now face charges, as fees have been introduced at five additional sites including the Napoleonic Museum, reports the Express.

The Trevi Fountain attracts approximately 30,000 visitors daily. Travel expert Simon Calder offered his perspective on the new charging system, revealing it took him 15 minutes to secure a ticket.

He confessed: “It’s a real faff, but they say it is necessary at the Trevi Fountain, and five other locations around Rome, in order to keep tourism manageable.”

Explaining the rationale behind the fee, Simon told BBC Breakfast : “The idea is that tourism is so intense in some key locations, that you have got to do something to control it.”

Discussing the impact of the charge, Simon said: “I don’t think it will put people off, it will hopefully make the experience a bit more manageable.

“There has been cases of people climbing into the fountain, they have police there prepared to haul them out and fine them heavily.

“I think Romans are in two separate camps here. There’s the people that say it is a public space, you can’t possibly start regulating entry, it is anti-democratic and anti-freedom.

“Then there’s others that say, frankly, when you’re into the summer in Rome things become a bit unmanageable and anything we can do to try to bring some decorum has to be a good thing.”

From February, tourists and non-residents wanting to enter the basin of the Trevi Fountain must shell out two euros for a ticket, which grants access daily between 9am and 10pm.

Rome residents, youngsters aged five and under, and disabled visitors can still enter without charge. Viewing the Trevi Fountain from afar will remain completely free.

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Huge new cowboy themed immersive experience to launch this summer

STEP into your cowboy boots, grab a Stetson, and immerse yourself in the Wild West.

A new cowboy experience called Phantom Peak is launching this summer in a popular London location.

Phantom Peak will open a new immersive Wild West experience at StratfordCredit: Phantom Peak
There will be three western areas – one will surround and indoor lakeCredit: Phantom Peak

Phantom Peak will open in Westfield Stratford City in summer 2026.

After a successful run in Canada Water, the western experience is set to close and will later reopen at the Stratford venue.

The experience makes visitors feel like they’re actually in a western town with a mix of live performances, interactive storytelling and games.

To make it even better, you can visit again and again as the stories change every three to four months along with the seasons.

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The new Stratford location will be even bigger than the one at Canada Water as it will go across multiple levels.

It will have three distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere and characters – the first being the Old Town.

It’s the underground industrial mining town at the centre of Phantom Peak.

There’s also The Town Square which is a more modern area with a Town Hall and the in-world bar: the Thirsty Frontier Saloon.

Lakeside is set around an indoor lake and in the middle will be The Watermill with its water wheel.

The venue will be fully accessible too.

The experience will replace the one currently open at Canada WaterCredit: Phantom Peak

It will have upgraded technology so stepping into the Wild West will feel even more real.

There will also be a seven-day-a-week themed bar with speciality cocktails and food.

In the town visitors can explore an area with arcade and carnival games.

For VIPs, guests have their own entry which takes them into the experience on a train carriage.

The Canada Water experience has seen a whopping 16,000 visitors since it opened in August 2022 – and there’s been over 625 performances.

Some reviewers have even called it the “best experience in London”.

With another reviewer branding it “bonkers” and “fun”.

So if you can’t wait until the new experience opens, you can still book at Canada Water before it ends on February 28, 2026

Adult tickets cost £42, and children can enter for £27.

Phantom Peak has been named the best Immersive Experience globally by blooloop and won Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice award in 2024 & 2025 consecutively.

Tickets for the new Stratford experience go on sale soon at phantompeak.com.

For more on experiences, check out Traitors live which Sun Travel found to be a heart-pounding world of lies.

And find out what one Sun Travel reporter found when she tried out the new Race Across the World The Experience.

Phantom Peak will open at Stratford in summer 2026Credit: Phantom Peak

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Huge band confirmed to perform at Brit Awards joining Harry Styles and Olivia Dean

ONE of the UK’s most celebrated rock bands has been officially confirmed to perform at the Brit Awards alongside major stars.

The indie band, joining Harry Styles and Olivia Dean, is none other than Wolf Alice.

Wolf Alice is the first band to be confirmed to take the stage at The Brit Awards in ManchesterCredit: Getty
Harry Styles is also set to join Wolf Alice in performing at the Co-op Live

They were the first band confirmed by the BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard and it could be a huge night for them.

Wolf Alice are up for three exciting awards including, Group of the Year, Alternative/Rock Act and Mastercard Album of the Year for their fourth studio album ‘The Clearing’.

Their newest album debuted last August and was a huge hit with fans, reaching number one upon release.

Theo Ellis, Wolf Alice’s bassist, said: “We’re truly honoured to get the opportunity to play this year’s BRIT Awards!

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“Can’t wait to see what everyone’s wearing, can’t wait to see who else is playing, can’t wait to have ten mini wines (after we play).

“Most of all can’t wait for a big night out in Manny. Make sure to tune in and watch it all live on the telly.”

The band recently announced a huge summer show at Finsbury Park on 5th July, where they will be joined by The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, Rachel Chinouriri, Keo, and Florence Road.

Wolf Alice had a jam-packed year in 2025 from performing at Glastonbury in the summer to launching a huge global tour for their newest album.

The band travelled across North America, Europe and the UK from September to December and it seems they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Comedian Jack Whitehall will be back on Saturday, 28 February to host The Brit Awards as it debuts at its new Manchester home.

Wolf Alice had a packed schedule in 2025 from launching their world tour to performing at GlastonburyCredit: Getty
Man I Need singer Olivia Dean is another huge star announced to perform – she’s been nominated for five awardsCredit: PA

Last week, the nominations were announced for this year’s awards and leading the charge for 2026 are Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five nominations each.

Sam Fender follows closely behind with four nominations following his Mercury Prize win last year.

Other British artists up for awards this year include Lily Allen, Calvin Harris, JADE, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, RAYE and Skye Newman.

The public vote for Song of the Year with Mastercard and International Song of the Year open tomorrow at midday only via Whatsapp.

Information on the vote can be found here.

The Brit Awards will be available to stream exclusively on ITV and ITVX.

Harry recently announced his new album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. – dropping on March 6

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Huge £15milllion entertainment ‘island’ to open in UK city with bars, live music and beer gardens

A HUGE new food, drink and music venue is coming to Leeds – after success in another major city.

Freight Island has announced it’s opening a new site in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre and will welcome new food stalls and lots of entertainment.

Freight Island will open in Trinity Leeds shopping centreCredit: Freight Island
Panoramic view of Leeds City Centre, showing the Victorian QuarterCredit: Alamy

The new venue is part of a £15million expansion at the Trinity Kitchen food court in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

It will be huge too as the space will more than double in size from 30,000 square feet to 63,000.

Inside will be street-style food stalls, independent bars, and live entertainment.

The plans also include a new outdoor terrace which will look over City Square.

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Construction is set to start in late spring 2026 – and Trinity Kitchen will remain open throughout the entire time.

Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience.”

He added: “Food will remain at the heart of the venue, with menus driven by independent chefs and operators, alongside a programme of DJs, sports, performances, cultural and family events, all with a strong focus on showcasing and supporting local Leeds talent.”

There are three other cities with Freight Islands already in the UK.

The first to open its doors was in Manchester – it opened in July 2020 as part of the Depot Mayfield development.

There are bars, restaurants, food trucks, shops and even a bike park.

There’s also a New York inspired-roller disco, and a karaoke spot called Queen Samantha’s where visitors can sing their hearts out.

Throughout the year it holds free entertainment too like screenings of the Six Nations Bingo and Drink, Dance, Dine sessions.

The third Freight Island will open in Newcastle later this year

Freight Brixton has a tequila-led bar called Casa Amigos and another called Hotel Milano which is inspired by Northern Italy.

Freight Island Newcastle will open in Eldon Square in late 2026.

The 60,000 square foot venue is being developed in the former Debenhams shop.

This site is said to have taken inspiration from Coney Island in New York and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

Along with having street food it will have high energy DJs and live music performances in the evenings.

For more on entertainment, check out this huge new riverfront music and food attraction to open in UK capital, as part of £4billion redevelopment.

Plus, this popular London borough to get huge £10billion makeover with parks, restaurants and ‘flower amphitheatre’.

Freight Island will open a new venue in LeedsCredit: Freight Island

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Katie Price reveals HUGE new tattoo after surprise wedding and getting new husband’s name inked

KATIE Price has revealed a brand new tattoo on her shoulder just days after getting her new husband’s name inked.

The former glamour model, 47, stunned fans when she revealed that she had married businessman Lee days after meeting him.

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Katie Price revealed her new tattoo on her left shoulder after jetting back to the UKCredit: BackGrid
NINTCHDBPICT001054554553
The former glamour model tried the knot with Lee Andrews – just a few weeks after meetingCredit: Instagram/@wesleeeandrews

The mother-of-five got hitched for a fourth time in a quiet ceremony in Dubai with no loved ones present.

It came just hours after Katie revealed they had got engaged, calling it a “wedding at first sight”.

Katie has since returned to the UK after without her new man, while Lee took to social media to dispel reports that their marriage wasn’t official in the eyes of the law.

Now Katie has showed off yet another new tattoo – and it’s huge.

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The media personality posted a picture of her revealing a new design on her left shoulder.

This is the latest inking to her massive collections.

Just a a few days ago, Katie revealed she had her new man’s name inked on her hand, while he had her name on his.

And earlier this month, the podcaster showcased her huge flower tattoo on her bum as well as horses on her forearm and stomach.

Her various leg inkings were also on display.

Katie wrote: “I absolutely love it!! Now that is what you call a piece of ART!”

When it came to her bum art, Katie said: “Tattoo round 3,” with a picture of her full behind peeking out from red tracksuit bottoms.

Earlier this year, Katie stripped naked to show off her tattoo-covered back and captioned the revealing shot: “Join my Onlyfans link in my bio,” referring to the X-rated online subscription service.

Katie Price’s relationship history

We take a look back at the highs and lows of Katie Price’s relationship history.

1996-1998: Katie got engaged to Gladiators star Warren Furman – aka Ace – with a £3,000 ring. But their relationship didn’t make it as far as ‘I do’.

1998-2000: Katie described Dane Bowers as ‘the love of her life’ but she broke up with the singer after he allegedly cheated on her.

2001: Footballer Dwight Yorke is the father of Katie’s eldest child Harvey. He has had very little to do with his son throughout his life.

2002: Rebounding from Dwight, Katie famously had one night of passion with Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, allegedly taking his virginity.

2002-2004: Katie was dating Scott Sullivan when she entered the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!. He threatened to “punch Peter’s lights out” when chemistry blossomed between her and Peter Andre.

2004-2009: The jungle romance resulted in Katie marrying Aussie pop star Peter. They had two kids, Junior and Princess, before their bitter split in 2009.

2010-2011: Fresh from her break-up with Peter, Katie enjoyed a whirlwind relationship and marriage with cage fighter Alex Reid. They split 20 months after their Las Vegas wedding.

2011: Katie briefly dated model Danny Cipriani… but it ended as quickly as it begun.

2011-2012: They didn’t speak the same language, but Katie got engaged to Argentinian model Leandro Penna in 2011. He later fled home to South America.

2012-2018: Wedding bells rang once more after Katie met Kieran Hayler in 2013. They had two kids together, Jett and Bunny, before their break-up and divorce.

2018-2019: Katie moved on quickly with Kris Boyson. They had an on-off romance for one year and even got engaged. They split for good in 2019.

2019: Katie was linked to Charles Drury during her on-off relationship with Kris. Charles, who also dated Lauren Goodger, has always denied being in “official relationship” with her.

2020-2023: Car salesman Carl Woods took a shine to Katie in 2020. Their relationship was up and down for three years. They broke up for a final time last year.

2024-2026: After weeks of rumours, Katie confirmed her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater in February 2024. The pair split in January 2026 after two years together.

2026: Katie shocked fans when she revealed she is engaged to businessman Lee Andrews.

KATIE’S JETS HOME

Earlier today, Lee revealed the real reason he had not jetted back to the UK with Katie.

He said: “I’m going be meeting Katie tomorrow in the UK.

“I just need to wrap up a few things here.

“She had to get back for her children because she’s a good mother and she’s lovely like that.”

Despite currently being apart, a smiling Lee said that he and Katie “are so happy” and that more information would be coming out via their publicists in the coming days.

“Hey guys, how are you?” he began in a video posted on his Instagram Stories.

“So yeah, myself and Katie are legally married okay. I think you know that.

“No, I’m not a gigolo,” he added. “There is a press release going out.

“I wish,” he said of the gigolo nickname. “I would have got more money from it wouldn’t I, I don’t think those are the going rates in Dubai, but let’s look at it obtusely.

“So yes, I’m in Dubai, she’s in England,” he confirmed again of their current locations. “You’ll see us reunite.”

Before signing off, Lee made a brief swipe at online speculation over the couple’s wedding rings.

Some eagle-eyed fans claimed that Katie previously wasn’t wearing her diamond engagement ring and wedding band on the correct finger.

“Our rings are on the correct hand,” he said in the video, jokily adding: “Which is on the right hand, no I’m joking, it’s on the left hand.”

“And the tattoos still remain,” he added, flashing a glimpse of his Katie tribute inking on his hand.

The Sun understands Katie’s family, including her children, Princess and Junior Andre, had no idea she was getting married for a fourth time.

A source has exclusively told us that her loved ones are set to take action after growing alarmed by the quick nuptials.

“They’re planning on sitting down with her for a serious talk today,” the insider said.

“Everyone is worried she’s spinning out of control.

“They haven’t even met this man and if she’s only known him a week, he could be anyone.

“Nobody is planning to hold back.”

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‘I’ve visited Disney World more than 50 times – there’s one huge mistake everyone makes’

Writers from around the world have provided their top tips on how to get the most out of going to one of Disney’s many resorts, and how to save money along the way

A writer who has been on more than 50 Disney vacations has given their advice on what to do when visiting one of the parks. Kari Becker, a travel planner and freelance writer, has a vast amount of experience visiting various Disney locations.

After years of engaging in the experience of these places, Kari has discerned several major tips and tricks for getting the most out of the magical destination.

Her number one tip, she said, was to make sure to arrive as early as possible. This is due to the large crowds that continue to visit these parks.

She told Business Insider: “My No. 1 tip for visiting theme parks of any kind is to arrive early. You’ll get a huge jump on your day if you get to the parks as soon as they open, or just before.

“Crowd levels tend to be much lower at this time, meaning you can experience many attractions early in the day. By midday, the crowds usually significantly increase.”

As well as providing guidance on when to go, Kari also outlined some of the mistakes people usually make when either planning or physically going to one of Disney’s many parks.

These include cutting the trip too short, going during school holidays, as well as arriving too late, and over-planning.

On the latter, she explained: “Make a general outline of your daily agenda — with dining reservations and a list of must-do rides and attractions — but leave room for spontaneous fun.

“If you’re on too tight a schedule, you’ll miss all the good stuff, like unique character interactions.”

Kari isn’t the only writer to have provided some tips on how to experience Disneyland to the maximum with ReachPlc’s Portia Jones also providing some tips on how to do the visit yearly without spending a lot of money.

Her main tips were to skip the crowds, book tickets in advance, and, in the case of Disneyland Paris, take the train, plan as much as possible, consider a Disney meal plan, and bring your own food.

On the last matter, she told WalesOnline: “Disneyland Paris may be the happiest place on earth, but its food prices can bring you down to earth with a bump.

“Pack your snacks and bring a refillable water bottle to save money. You can bring food into the park, so load up on sandwiches, crisps, and fruit before you arrive.

“Plenty of water fountains are scattered around where you can refill your bottle, meaning you’ll avoid paying sky-high prices for drinks.”

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England’s ‘quiet corner’ overlooked in favour of the Cotswolds set for boom in tourists after huge Hollywood movie

HAMNET, the new Shakespearean film starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal is thrusting this lesser-known UK county into the spotlight.

Herefordshire stood in for Stratford-upon-Avon in the new film and it’s predicted that people will soon be visiting its pretty villages over that of its popular neighbour.

Hamnet is set to put Herefordshire on the map after using it for filmingCredit: Alamy
The half-timbered houses make the perfect period backdropsCredit: Alamy

The Independent called Herefordshire the ‘quiet corner of England’ and explained that the county hoping for more tourists with what they’re calling the ‘Hamnet effect’.

In 2024, cast and crew descended on a small Herefordshire village to transform it into looking like Shakespeare’s Stratford.

The hope is that the county will become popular like its neighbour – the Cotswolds which is just 25 miles down the road.

As we all know the Cotswolds is known for its charming villages with cottages built from limestone brick that sit along cobbled streets around winding rivers.

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Well, you can still get such charm in Herefordshire, and it sees much fewer visitors – around six million each year compared to the Cotswolds’ 25million.

One of Herefordshire’s villages that appeared heavily in Hamnet was Weobley, which is nicknamed a ‘black and white’ village thanks to its many half-timbered houses.

The Hollywood production transformed the village into one from the 1500s, which was done fairly easily thanks to its old buildings.

While you won’t find many shops in Weobley, there are a few places to have a bite to eat like The Green Beach Cafe, or the local Indian restaurant, Lal Bagh which has a Tripadvisor Travellers‘ Choice Award and 375 five-star reviews.

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Weobley also has two pubs, Ye Old Salutation Inn and The New Unicorn Inn.

But fans of Hamnet should head into The Wobbly Badger cafe which took centre stage for the exterior of Shakespeare’s family home in the film.

There are lots of other villages that are part of Herefordshire’s ‘black and white villages’ – and there’s even a dedicated tour route to see them.

One of the other villages in the trail is Pembridge, or Eardisland, which sits on the banks of the River Arrow – and looks similar to Bourton-on-the-Water.

Even smaller villages include Eardisley, Dilswyn, Leominster and Kingsland.

It’s not just Hamnet that was filmed in Herefordshire, as one very famous Netflix series also made its home there.

Sex Education starring Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson was filmed in Symonds Yat East, which sits in the counties of Herefordshire.

The recognisable red and white chalet where Otis and Jean live sits high above the River Wye.

Eardisland in Herefordshire sits on the banks of the River ArrowCredit: Alamy
It’s riverside location makes it similar to Bourton-on-the-water in the CotswoldsCredit: Alamy

It’s the UK’s fifth longest river and has an incredible backdrop of rolling green hills – and getting onto the water is one of the best ways to see it.

There are plenty of companies offering kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboard sessions for around £60 per person along the river.

Herefordshire is also well regarded for its cider production thanks to its acres of orchards that cover the countryside – it’s been made there since the 17th century.

Scattered around the county are orchards and breweries that you’re welcome to pop into.

VisitHerefordshire even has ‘Cider Circuits’ with dedicated cycling loops to see as many as possible.

If you head to Westons Cider Mill in Ledbury, you can sample the latest flavours – tours of the cider mill cost just £15 for adults.

If you go there with the family, there’s an outdoor play park with slides and tyre trails to entertain the kids.

If you need a place to stay, Gwatkin even has its own campsite with pitches from £9pppn.

Just outside Lyonshall village is the White Heron Estate where they make their own signature blackberry liqueur – British Cassis and British Framboise.

Taking a walking tour and tasting is £25pp (for groups of 10+).

For more on British villages, check out this destination with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs.

And for another Cotswolds alternative, this one is under one hour from London and is set to be a world-famous destination.

Herefordshire is hoping to welcome more visitors after HamnetCredit: Getty

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Prep talk: St. Monica Academy enjoys huge turnaround under new girls’ basketball coach

When it comes to improved teams, the girls’ basketball team at St. Monica Academy in Montrose has had a big turnaround under first-year coach Vic Karapetian.

The team is 15-3 and 10-1 in the Heritage League after going 1-26 in league play the previous two years.

There are no seniors on the roster, and three freshmen have been making major contributions.

Karapetian had previous success coaching at AGBU and Mesrobian.

Mary Tomooka and Victoria Grigsby, the freshman backcourt duo, have been key players.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

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Huge 1,400-ton bridge relocated 100m without using a single crane

The new Rauchmühle bridge in Innsbruck, Austria, was built close to its final location to keep disruption to a minimum. Engineers then began lifting the structure more than five metres off the ground using hydraulic presses.

A massive 1,400-tonne bridge has been transported nearly 100 metres through the heart of Innsbruck, Austria without requiring a single crane.

Austria’s state-owned railway operator, ÖBB, accomplished the feat at the weekend as part of a major overhaul of the city’s rail infrastructure. The new Rauchmühle bridge had been constructed near its ultimate destination to minimise disruption. Once completed, engineers began raising the structure more than five metres above ground level using hydraulic presses.

This phase required careful execution to maintain the bridge’s stability, reports the Express. On Sunday morning, the bridge began its slow journey. Rather than cranes, the team used heavy-duty platforms typically found at industrial facilities.

READ MORE: Abandoned zoo closed down leaving two living orca whales to rot to death

A total of 12 units were deployed, featuring 56 axles and 112 wheels. They travelled at approximately 1-2 km/h, providing precise control as the bridge rolled into position over Hallerstraße. The structure was also rotated roughly 90 degrees before being lowered onto its new supports.

Engineers stated the approach was safer and more precise than hoisting the bridge with cranes, particularly in a densely populated urban environment. Construction on the scheme continues.

Over the coming days, teams will install bearings, complete the supports, fit railway equipment and prepare the line for reopening. Rail services between Rum and Innsbruck Central Station remain suspended until January 29, with replacement buses running instead. The new bridge replaces a metal structure that had been in service for more than 60 years. Around 270 trains crossed it every day, and a combination of heavy use and harsh Alpine weather meant it had reached the end of its technical life.

The replacement is made from concrete, offers a longer lifespan, reduces noise and should provide a smoother ride for passengers. ÖBB released several figures showing the scale of the operation:

Engineers described the relocation as one of the most complex moves carried out on an Austrian railway site in recent years. The bridge is expected to come into full use once the remaining work is completed later this month.

Meanwhile, those who wish to sample the delights of Denmark and Sweden can visit both in just one day, thanks to a striking ‘disappearing bridge’.

With many of us eyeing up quirky travel destinations this summer, this intriguing construction is a bit of a must-see. Remember, however, it has a different name depending on what side of the crossing you’re on – Øresund in Danish and Öresund in Swedish.

What’s striking about this structure is that, while it begins as a bridge, it cleverly plunges into the ocean, transforming into a tube tunnel in such a way that makes it appear as though it simply vanishes beneath the surface. Completed in 2000, following a grand opening ceremony jointly hosted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Øresund connects the two great cities of Copenhagen and Malmö.

All in all, the structure is approximately 16km in length, and cost £2.3 billion (£4.8 billion in today’s money) to build over a period of five years. Project designers opted to incorporate a tunnel over fears that a complete bridge could well interfere with radio signals from nearby Copenhagen Airport. This design also means a readily available shipping channel, whatever the weather.

More than a quarter of a century on since it was first unveiled, Øresund is regarded as a roaring success, helping to improve economic prospects for both Denmark and Sweden, and is credited with helping to build a trading region of some 4.2 million people, known on the world stage as the Øresund Region.

A recipient of the prestigious IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, Øresund is also immortalised in popular culture, being a key setting for the Swedish/Danish TV crime drama The Bridge. Seaon one, which first aired in 2011, kicked off with the discovery of a body on the bridge, located just between the two countries.

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