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AN ABANDONED department store’s roof is being turned into a huge new attraction – after success in two other UK cities.
Freight Island will open at the abandoned Debenhams in Eldon Square Shopping Centre in Newcastle in June.
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A new Freight Island food and entertainment venue will open in Newcastle in MayCredit: Refer to source
Costing £16million, the “island above the city centre” is set to become the largest food, drink, and entertainment venue in a UK city centre.
The venue itself will be on the top floor of the empty Debenhams store and span 5,574-square-metres.
Inside, the main hub called The Plant Room will boast communal areas for guests to dine under a retractable roof.
The Plant Room will feature 12 street food-style restaurants with specific brands including Meat: Stack, I Scream for Pizza, Miso, V.Goode Pies, Fab Bakery, Churros Kingdom, Fuku and Pita.
When it comes to grabbing a drink, there will be four bars including a specialist Aperitivo cocktail bar with cocktails on tap and Two by Two Brewing beers.
For music lovers, there will also be a 1,200 person venue called the Music Box, where touring acts, theatre shows, festivals and DJ sets will take place.
Reportedly, there will even be raves for kids, as well as multiple screens showing live sporting events.
When the new destination was announced last year, Co-founder and Managing Director of Freight Island, Dan Morris, said: “This venue has been designed with scale, prominence, and long-term investment in mind.
“We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30million to the local economy.
“This incredible venue in the heart of a very special city offers a truly exciting opportunity to create a cultural space that could become a focal point of Newcastle for years to come.”
Freight Island is already open in Manchester and, back in January, announced that it is opening a new site in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
Similar to the Newcastle venue, there will be street food-style stalls, bars and live entertainment.
There will also be an outdoor terrace looking over City Square.
Inside it will feature 12 street food-style restaurants, as well as a music venueCredit: Freight Island
Construction of the Leeds site is set to start in late spring.
And next month, Freight Island will open a venue in Brixton, south west London.
The rooftop destination will be able to host around 1,000 people and officially opens on May 7.
It is expected to be the capital’s largest rooftop venue with chef residencies, cocktail bars, live music, DJ sets, food festivals and major sports screenings, amongst other events.
For the upcoming World Cup, the rooftop will even have a dedicated World Cup Fanzone with screenings of the matches.
Other upcoming events include Reggae Brunch and Maggi Brunch.
There will also be four bars, including one where visitors can get cocktails on tapCredit: Refer to source
Similar to the Newcastle venue, Freight Island Brixton will have a number of speciality bars including the Casamigos ‘House of Friends’ and Hotel Milano – themed around much-loved Italian aperitivos.
Freight Island already has a destination in Manchester, located near Piccadilly Station.
It was the brand’s first venue, opening its doors back in July 2020.
After the China tie, Team Whyte, who are ranked in the world’s top five but are making their debut at this level, continue the round-robin against Norway (02:00). They conclude it with matches against the Swiss and Czech Republic on Thursday, with the tie with Switzerland available to watch on the BBC Sport website and app.
Whyte – along with Robin Brydone, Euan Kyle and Craig Waddell – are representing Scotland after world top-ranked rink Team Mouat elected not to compete after their silver medal at the Olympics in Cortina earlier this year.
The top six progress, with the top two going straight into the semi-finals and the other four teams competing to join them.
“We have two tough games [on Wednesday] in China and Norway,” said Whyte.
“Both teams seem to be playing quite well, so if we can try to come out firing and put in some good performances then that would be great to allow in the last stage to maybe get us two more wins and hopefully secure us the semi-final spot.
“However, there are a lot of teams around that area that could easily also get that semi-final spot, so there a lot of big games still to be played, but we are feeling positive.”
Erasure have split up and won’t be performing againCredit: Getty Images – GettyVince Clarke, part of the iconic 80s duo, revealed the news in an interviewCredit: Getty – Contributor
Erasure were responsible for some utterly iconic tunes back in their day, many of which have stood the test of time.
But now they’ve revealed that they have already performed their final gig.
Speaking to The New Cue newsletter, Erasure’s Vince Clarke spoke about the decision to stop touring and how it wasn’t an easy choice.
Vince was asked: “What’s the bravest career decision you’ve ever made?,” in an interview with the outlet.
He then continued to explain the reasoning behind the decision in more depth.
Vince elaborated: “What happened was [Erasure singer] Andy Bell and myself, we did these fan shows before Christmas and they were great but…
“It’s difficult to explain… the simple answer would be is I just don’t want to be really old and going onstage!
“I just don’t want to do it anymore.”
The pair released their first album together in 1985Credit: Getty – Contributor
Vince and Andy sent fans rushing to conclusions of a reunion years ago after posting a vague post online with the caption: “plotting and planning.”
The news thrilled fans on X, who immediately started speculating what they had up their sleeves.
“Let’s GO! Gotta see Erasure again live soon, it’s been way too long!” wrote one fan.
“So thrilled you two are still working together all these years later,” said a second.
A third noted: “New album? Would kill for a follow up to Erasure”
Erasure released their debut album Wonderland in 1985, and in the following year they broke into the UK charts with their single, Sometimes.
Since that time, they have released a staggering 19 albums, with their last being 2022’s Day-Glo.
They won Best British Group at the 1989 Brit Awards, with other hit tracks including A Little Respect, Always, Chains of Love and Breath of Life.
Andy went on to have a successful solo career, whileVince Clarkehad previously been a founding member of two more iconic bands, Depeche Mode and Yazoo.
Vince was candid about just not wanting to do it anymoreCredit: GettyTheir biggest song together was called A Little RespectCredit: Rex
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THRILLING stunts, tough challenges, eager contestants and the stars of the ITV show themselves, the Gladiators Live Tour is returning.
Tickets go on sale in a matter of days for the 28 brand-new shows across the country.
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Gladiators Live Tour will return in 2026 with tickets on sale soonCredit: GladiatorsTVFans of the TV show will get to see Gladiators and contestants return to take on challengesCredit: BBC
Based on the popular TV show on ITV, Gladiators Live will be making a return to the stage this year after making its debut in 2025.
The show originally launched back in the 90s and is currently in its third revival.
On the show, contenders compete against Gladiators in a series of challenges to earn points – and soon, you’ll be able to watch it live.
There will be 28 shows across the UK at various venues from Aberdeen, to Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and Birmingham.
Legendary Gladiators will storm back into the arena to face fearless contenders from previous seasons.
Fan-favourite challenges that are likely to take place during the live shows are Duel, Hang Tough, The Wall and The Eliminator.
The description of the event teases “iconic fan-favourite events, breathtaking stunts, epic head-to-head battles and the unforgettable Eliminator finale.
“With non-stop action, heroic showdowns and moments guaranteed to have the entire arena on its feet, Gladiators Live delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment for the whole family.
“Audiences can expect a truly immersive, high-octane experience, as arenas are transformed into modern gladiatorial battlegrounds complete with purpose-built sets, spectacular lighting and cinematic staging.”
One reviewer to last year’s live tour called it ‘ultimate family entertainment’ and an audience member added “it was a great show! Felt like I was inside the tv.”
Another said it took them to being a “kid back in the 90s”.
The presale kicks off on March 26 at 9am with general sale on March 27, 2026.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but tickets for the Liverpool show start from £48.45.
If you want even more of a Gladiators experience and would rather step up to the challenge yourself – you can.
It will essentially become a gladiator training facility with all the classic challenges you’d expect plus some extras.
In the Vault, visitors will be able to see behind the scenes of the TV show.
There’s also a shop where fans can buy exclusive merchandise.
Dom Bird, senior vice president at MGM Alternative Television said: “Now, fans young and old will get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes, as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience.
“Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games – from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and of course the legendary Travelator.
“Come and see if you’ve got what it takes!”
There are separate tickets depending on if you want to have a go or not.
For contenders, tickets start from £39.50, and spectators from £17.50.
ONE town in Wiltshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK – and it was once very popular with royalty.
Malmesbury in Wiltshire sits just outside of the Cotswolds border with a pretty high street, stone cottages and it is home to what is considered England‘s oldest hotel.
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Malmesbury is a small market town in WiltshireCredit: AlamyIt was just was named one of the best places to live in the UK by The TimesCredit: Alamy
They added: “Our room was a delight, dominated by a vast, comfy bed covered in a rainbow of soft throws and cushions, while a menagerie of monkeys and peacocks danced across the wallpaper.
“The helpful team at The Old Bell can arrange a guided tour of the King’s gardens in nearby Highgrove House, a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum or paddleboarding at Cotswold Water Park.
“However, it’s just as nice to potter around Malmesbury.”
If you want to explore out of the town, a 22-minute drive away from Malmesbury is Cotswold Country Park and the UK’s biggest inland beach.
Along with swimming, there’s an AquaVenture inflatable course and boat hire.
On land there is more to do with mini golf, playgrounds and lake walks.
It opens for the new season on March 27, 2026.
The town is also close to Castle Combe Race Circuit, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre and Brinkworth Golf Course.
These are the top 10 places to live in the UK…
The Times revealed the top 10 places to live in the country…