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The vote is taking place in a highly polarised climate, with the US backing the right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura.

Hondurans are heading to the polls to elect a new president in a tightly contested race that is taking place amid concerns over voter fraud in the impoverished Central American country.

Polls opened on Sunday at 7am local time (13:00 GMT) for 10 hours of voting, with the first results expected late Sunday night.

Most polls show a virtual tie between three of the five contenders: former Defence Minister Rixi Moncada of the governing leftist Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) party; former Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura of the right-wing National Party; and television host Salvador Nasralla of the centrist Liberal Party.

The elections, in which the 128 members of Congress, hundreds of mayors, and thousands of other public officials will also be chosen, are taking place in a highly polarised climate, with the three top candidates accusing each other of plotting fraud. Moncada has suggested that she will not recognise the official results.

Incumbent President Xiomara Castro of the LIBRE party is limited by law to one term in office.

Honduras’s Attorney General’s Office, aligned with the ruling party, has accused the opposition parties of planning to commit voter fraud, a claim they deny.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into audio recordings that allegedly show a high-ranking National Party politician discussing plans with an unidentified military officer to influence the election.

The alleged recordings, which the National Party says were created using artificial intelligence, have become central to Moncada’s campaign.

Public distrust

Political tensions have contributed to a growing public distrust of the electoral authorities and the electoral process in general. There have also been delays in the provision of voting materials.

“We are hoping that there will be no fraud and that the elections will be peaceful,” said Jennifer Lopez, a 22-year-old law student in Tegucigalpa. “This would be a huge step forward for democracy in our country.”

Amid the heated atmosphere, 6.5 million Hondurans will decide between continuing with Castro’s left-wing social and economic agenda or shifting towards a conservative agenda by supporting the Liberal or National parties.

Castro, the first woman to govern Honduras, has increased public investment and social spending. The economy has grown moderately, and poverty and inequality have decreased, although both remain high. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised her government’s prudent fiscal management.

The country’s homicide rate has also fallen to its lowest level in recent history, but violence persists.

US stance

The Organization of American States has expressed concerns about the electoral process, and the majority of its members in an extraordinary session this week called for the government to conduct elections free of intimidation, fraud and political interference.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also warned on X that the United States will respond “swiftly and decisively to anyone who undermines the integrity of the democratic process in Honduras”.

US President Donald Trump has backed Asfura, posting on social media that “if he doesn’t win, the United States will not be throwing good money after bad”.

Honduras, where six out of every 10 citizens live in poverty, experienced a coup in 2009 when an alliance of right-wing military figures, politicians and businessmen overthrew Manuel Zelaya, the husband of the current president.

In 2021, Honduran voters gave Castro a landslide victory, ending decades of rule by the National and Liberal parties.

So much can happen in seven minutes of football.

Carson proved that on Saturday night in the City Section Open Division championship game, scoring five touchdowns in a 7:05 span of the second quarter to produce a 36-0 shutout of Crenshaw at Southwest College.

After a scoreless first quarter, Zach Brock broke several tackles on a 12-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter, opening the floodgates for the No. 1-seeded Colts (10-3).

Chris Fields III connected with Royal Moore on a 46-yard touchdown and the two-point conversion made it 15-0 at the 7:32 mark. Darren Panton returned a punt 28 yards for another touchdown with 6:20 left in the stanza and recovered a fumble at the Crenshaw 22 two plays later, setting up Craig Walker’s reverse that made it 29-0. Panton ended the scoring barrage with a 23-yard interception return 4:46 before halftime.

“We saw in the first quarter that they were overly aggressive and if we gave them a fake, they’d bite on it,” said Fields, who completed eight of 15 passes for 147 yards with an interception and ran seven times for 38 yards. “I just took advantage of what the defense gave me. Darren’s punt return sealed the deal.”

Carson sacked Cougars quarterback Danniel Flowers four times in the first half — two of those by end Kingston Sula and one each by Derric Myers and Xavier Allen — and forced him into several other hurried throws. Flowers, who made several clutch throws in the semifinals at Birmingham, was held to four-of-10 passing for 37 yards in the first half Saturday while running back Joshua Jones had 11 yards in five carries by intermission.

Carson High receiver Royal Moore sprints down the sideline on his way to a 46-yard touchdown against Crenshaw in the City Section Open Division final Saturday night.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Eric Myers finished with 88 yards in 18 carries to keep the chains moving for the Colts, who claimed their 12th City crown and first since winning Division I in 2003 under coach John Aguirre, who later became City Section commissioner.

Carson moved to within one of second-place Banning on the all-time titles list. Manual Arts holds the record with 17.

“This is a testament to these kids and how hard they work,” first-year coach William Lowe said. “They have good practice habits on the field and in the weight room and are mentally tough. Any play can win or lose a game and when good things happen we try to build on that.”

The sixth-seeded Cougars (10-2) were vying for their seventh City title since 1991. Terrence Whitehead has served as interim head coach all season in the absence of longtime coach Robert Garrett (the winningest football coach in section history with 300 wins to his credit), who is on administrative leave.

“Chris has grown in leaps and bounds,” Lowe said of Fields. “I credit all of my coaches. Our defensive alignment allows the kids to play fast and physical and we were battle-tested despite some tough losses early in the year.”

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday announced that the agency was opening regional field offices in California and Florida to investigate threats to members of Congress in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Threats against members of Congress have increased in recent years. As of Tuesday, total threats so far in 2021 were double what they were at this point a year ago, according to Capitol Police.

Home to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and other prominent members of Congress, California gives the law enforcement agency a Western base to investigate claims of threats made against members. The state is also home to the nation’s largest congressional delegation.

Yogananda Pittman, the department’s acting chief, told lawmakers in March that the vast majority of the increased threats were from people who didn’t live near Washington..

The field offices will be in the Tampa and San Francisco areas, according to Capitol Police.

“At this time, Florida and California are where the majority of our potential threats are,” a department spokesperson said in a statement. “The field offices will be the first for the Department. A regional approach to investigating and prosecuting threats against Members is important, so we will be working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in those locations.”

The new field offices are among the changes made since the attack six months ago in which Capitol Police were quickly overwhelmed by thousands of pro-Trump supporters, hundreds of whom were able to break into the Capitol building, forcing members to temporarily halt certification of the 2020 election results and flee for safety. Capitol Police leaders told congressional committees investigating the incident that they had no information that the crowd would become violent.

Five people died in the melee or the days after. Two officers died by suicide, and more than 140 were injured — some permanently. More than 500 people have been charged for participating in the attack.

Other changes, spurred in part by congressional investigations and reports by the department’s internal watchdog, include increased training for officers alongside the National Guard, improved intelligence-gathering efforts and protocols for reporting sensitive information, and new equipment and technology for officers.

The police agency rarely provides information to the public on how it operates, citing security concerns and member safety. For example, unlike other government agencies, the internal watchdog’s reports are not publicly available.

A spokesperson did not answer questions Tuesday about how many staff would be hired or what the cost to taxpayers would be.

The spokesperson said other regional offices were expected.

Very few members of Congress are accompanied by security outside of the Capitol building, and it is unclear if the new offices will primarily investigate threats against members or also will help when security is needed in the state. The Capitol Police have jurisdiction to investigate all threats made against a member of Congress.

“It’s crazy to see where Samoa are from being close to beating us in 2023,” said Manu.

“It’s tough to see.

“My five brothers have played for Samoa, maybe they will say ‘go, get on the flight’!”

Tuilagi played 20 league matches in Bayonne’s run to the Top 14 play-off semi-finals last season, a run of fitness that he rarely matched during his time in England.

Although currently out of action with a hand injury, he believes a change of scenery has helped him avoid longer lay-offs.

“I think it’s the sun and the red wine, something like that,” he joked.

“Training’s intense [in England], over there maybe not as intense.

“It’s long – on Tuesday, our big day, we will still be up at 6-7km [of running in the session]

“But the contact is not as much as in England… just in general the lifestyle is different, the way the French live is very, very relaxed.”

A POPULAR holiday chain has ditched plans to open a new Wetherspoons pub at one of its sites.

Haven had planned to invest more than £3million to build a new Wetherspoons pub at a North Wales site.

According to a number of sources, the pub – which was set to be the largest of a number of pubs Haven is building at its parks – fell victim to the incoming tourism tax in Wales.

Plans for the JD Wetherspoon pub at the Presthaven holiday park were approved earlier this year by Flintshire County Council.

However, according to North Wales Live, a source stated that Haven is concerned that the tourism tax in Wales will cause more families to head to England than Wales.

Whilst Haven did not discuss the impact of the tourism tax, they did confirm they will not be moving ahead with the plans for Presthaven this winter.

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A Haven spokesman said: “Haven is always exploring potential opportunities to further develop our offering with a range of factors influencing which projects go ahead.

“This weekend we were excited to be able to announce that four new JD Wetherspoon pubs will be built this winter at our Hopton, Lakeland, Cala Gran and Riviere Sands parks.”

The Welsh tourist tax, which is also known as the Visitor Levy, is a local charge on overnight visitors.

And it is set to be introduced in April 2027.

Essentially, local councils will decide if they wish to add the tax to their area.

Currently, the proposed rates sit at £1.30 per person per night for accommodation like hotels and 75p for campsites and hostels.

Money raised from the Visitor Levy is set to be used for tourism-related improvements and local projects.

The Welsh Government finance secretary Mark Drakeford said: “The visitor levy represents a small contribution that will make a big difference by helping to maintain and enhance the very attractions that make Wales such a wonderful place to visit and to live.

“This historic legislation gives Wales the same tools used so successfully by destinations all over the world to balance the benefits and pressures of tourism between visitors and residents.”

Earlier in November, the holiday park brand announced that it would be opening four new JD Wetherspoon pubs in the UK in spring 2026.

These include new boozers at Cala Gran in Blackpool, Hopton in Norfolk, Lakeland in the Lake District and Riviere Sands in Cornwall.

Currently, there aren’t many details about the new pubs but Haven said that they will be “linked to the proud heritage of the local area our parks are located in”.

In addition, the new £9million pub project is part of a bigger £14million investment plan in Haven’s food and drink options across the parks.

And Haven is also splashing out £10million on a new water park at their Kent Coast site.

In other holiday park news, a UK holiday park operator has gone into administration affecting 11 resorts.

Plus, the price of holiday park breaks could DOUBLE thanks to new Budget ‘tourist tax’.

Nov. 27 (UPI) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he was receptive to the latest U.S. plan to end the conflict in Ukraine, but insisted the country’s forces would have to give up territory.

Putin made the comments to reporters during a visit to the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan ahead of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow next week. Witkoff is expected to discuss a version of the Trump administration’s 28-point peace plan that’s been criticized for allowing Russia to keep territory seized by force and barring Ukraine from joining the western NATO military alliance.

The Russian leader said the U.S. government is now taking some of its positions into account and that the U.S. plan “can be used” as the basis for future agreements, the state-run TASS news agency reported. However, the plan needed to be refined into “diplomatic language,” while other points were non-starters.

Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, about 1,500 square miles, since launching its invasion nearly four years ago. Putin said Russian forces would continue their advance in the eastern Donbass region, The Moscow Times reported.

“Ukrainian forces will have to leave the territories they currently occupy, and then the fighting will stop,” he said. “If they don’t, we will achieve this by military means.”

Russia analyst Tatiana Stanovaya wrote in a post on X that Putin “feels more confident than ever about the battlefield situation and is convinced that he can wait until Kyiv finally accepts that it cannot win and must negotiate on Russia’s well-known terms.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected calls for the country to cede territory and has insisted that any peace deal include security guarantees against further Russian aggression.

“The Russians are peddling the narrative around the world that Ukraine allegedly cannot defend itself,” Zelensky said in a post X Wednesday. “They are saying that Ukrainian warriors cannot defend themselves. The daily combat results of the Ukrainian army, our special forces, and deep strikes — these are all proof that Ukraine can defend its interests.”

Putin also stated that signing any agreement with Ukraine was pointless, implying that it was illegitimate because it had not held elections during the conflict, The Kyiv Independent reported.

However, the paper pointed out that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections from being held under martial law, which was declared at the beginning of the conflict in 2022.

The Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests in its original state, with the 30-hectare Spanish forest belonging to the Natura 2000 Network and opening for just 10 days a year

Millions of people worldwide enjoy hiking, with many taking to slopes, hills, mountains and other challenging terrains each year.

However, some trails are more popular than others, such as the Seven Sisters walk in southern England, which becomes particularly crowded when the UK transitions from winter to spring and summer.

Spain also has a thriving hiking scene, but there’s one route that sees not thousands, but merely tens of tourists annually.

In a world of overtourism, the Pinar de Can Camins is a haven of tranquillity, reportedly accessible only about 10 times a year.

According to Trendencias, the Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests that remains in its original state, with the 30-hectare forest currently part of the Natura 2000 Network, reports the Express.

The limited visitor numbers are due to the forest only opening on the first Sunday of each month, excluding July and August. Moreover, only the first 25 tourists are allowed entry.

These lucky 25 visitors are given a free guided tour of the area, starting from the Puerta del Delta at 11am. Reservations can be made via phone, in person or email.

While Spain’s Pinar de Can Camis successfully limits tourist numbers, another Spanish territory has urged tourists to reconsider visiting in 2026.

In recent years, the Canary Islands have been a hotbed of tension between tourists and locals, with residents voicing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on their communities.

Last year alone, the Canary Islands played host to approximately 7.8 million visitors, while the islands’ airports processed around 27 million passengers during the same period.

Fodor’s Travel, a renowned travel publication, has included the Canary Islands in its 2026 ‘No list’, which highlights destinations experiencing a surge in tourism that travellers might want to reconsider visiting.

The Canary Islands made the list due to the overwhelming number of people flocking to popular spots like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote.

Echoing this sentiment, an environmental group in Tenerife known as Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN) has raised the alarm that natural spaces are being “degraded”.

In a statement, they said: “Natural spaces are constantly degraded, with alarming losses in biodiversity. Overcrowding has erased peaceful places where we could once enjoy life there are no truly local spaces left.

“We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn’t come to truly discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop.”

AN airport that was forced to close in 2022 is inviting people back – and they even even walk on the runway.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport axed all flights and shut its doors three years ago, due to financial viability issues.

With new plans being pushed to relaunch operations in the next year years, it is opening to the public for a special event.

Being organised by Libra Races, the new Run the Runway event will let people run a race directly on the abandoned runway.

Guests can choose between a 3.5k – which is open to anyone over the age of seven – or a 5.8k race – for anyone aged 12 and above.

Runners will be given a ‘bespoke’ medal with the race being chip timed.

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At the end, there will also be t shirts on sale, and people will able to take pictures with a Vulcan Bomber aircraft currently on the tarmac.

Proceeds from the race are going towards the upkeep of it, as it also offers rare cockpit and wing tours still.

Libra Races said: “We are very excited to announce that Run the Runway is now open for entries, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to run a race on the Doncaster Sheffield Airport Runway ahead of flights returning hopefully in 2027.”

The one-day event is set to take place next year on March 21.

Tickets are on sale with the shorter race costing £14 and the longer route costing £20.

More than 300 tickets have already been sold since they went on sale yesterday.

A huge drive to reopen Doncaster Sheffield has resulted in plans to relaunch passenger flights.

The airport first opened in 2005, then called Robin Hood Airport, before being renamed to Doncaster Sheffield in 2016.

The airport welcomed both TUI and Wizz Air, operating to destinations across Europe.

This included destinations such as Paris, Alicante, Dubrovnik and Berlin.

However, the airport closed back in 2022 after Peel Group – the then operator – said it was making yearly losses.

But new plans will see a £193million reopening project, the City of Doncaster Council confirmed.

Airlines such as Ryanair and TUI have been in talks with the airport, and it is hoped that some flights could relaunch as soon as 2027.

Yet this is likely to initially be limited to cargo flights, with commercial routes following in 2028.

Reopening the airport could boost the economy by as much as £5billion.

Here is another closed UK airport that wants to reopen.

Dear Chancellor Frenk,

It’s time we talked.

Your predecessor, Gene Block, never granted me that courtesy, and look where UCLA athletics are now.

A football team adrift, an athletic director less popular than student fees locked up on a long-term contract and more questions facing your athletic department than the 466 yards the Bruins gave up to Washington on Saturday in what might have been their last game at the Rose Bowl.

(As a side note, if you’re contemplating not keeping your word with regards to the Rose Bowl lease, do you have to fulfill the terms of Martin Jarmond’s contract?)

I’ve heard from so many people who care so much about UCLA sports, and I’m wondering if you’re listening to any of them. They’re saddened and angered and want some answers — and deservedly so given the lack of transparency around here.

So let me start with some questions in the event your many public relations advisors and crisis management experts tell you to go the Gene Blockade route and remain mum or offer another statement that doesn’t say much of anything.

How did that Jarmond contract extension come about? It was signed by Block in the spring of 2024 and curiously announced the following November — in the wake of a three-game winning streak by the football team that took considerable heat off Jarmond for his questionable hiring of coach DeShaun Foster.

Why was there a rush to grant an athletic department boss with a shaky track record an extension before you took over and how do you feel about it? And what was the role of interim chancellor Darnell Hunt, if any, in pushing this thing through? Unless you make a bold move to part ways with Jarmond or he leaves for another job, you’re stuck with him through 2029.

Moving on from Jarmond would come with its own cost thanks to the absurd terms of his contract. (A yearly $300,000 retention bonus for an athletic director nobody else wanted? Really?) Unless you can find a way to terminate him for cause or negotiate a settlement, you’ll have to pay every dollar he’s owed through the end of his contract even if you bid him farewell. I can’t imagine you’re happy about that, but maybe there’s something I’m missing.

Let’s move on to your vagrant football team. Who’s driving the proposed move to SoFi Stadium and what do the numbers look like? There’s been lots of chatter about chief financial officer Steven Agostini trying to clean up the financial mess you both inherited within the athletic department. I’m assuming there have been extensive calculations about a Rose Bowl payout and how much more money you’d make playing at SoFi Stadium.

But how much of that is SoFi spin and aren’t you worried that a judge could make you pay so much in damages that the whole thing would be a net negative? Yes, you’d presumably get suite revenue at SoFi Stadium, but would anyone want to buy one given what we’ve seen from this football team over the last decade? Shouldn’t you just go back to the Rose Bowl, football helmet in hand, and ask for a lease renegotiation that satisfies both sides?

Are you sure a big enough chunk of the fan base is on board with a move to Inglewood to justify such a jarring and abrupt abandonment of the school’s longtime home? If you indeed left the Rose Bowl, how would you compensate donors who contributed major gifts to the stadium for capital improvements on the premise that the Bruins would be a tenant through the 2043 season? And why would any business entity ever feel comfortable signing a long-term lease with the school again?

Speaking of contracts, you’re going to be signing another one soon for the next football coach. Since the school has paid out so much money on so many bad deals over the years, here’s a free piece of advice: Do everything — and I mean everything — within your power to hire Bob Chesney.

The guy is a winner. He won big at Salve Regina and Assumption, and I’m wondering if you even knew those were football teams before this very moment. He went on to do the same at Holy Cross and now James Madison, the new cradle of coaches, lest you haven’t seen what’s happening over at Indiana under Curt Cignetti. Chesney has a proven system for success, not to mention the personality to win over recruits, donors and a fan base sadder than Bob Toledo’s final season.

Some of the Plan B options might work out, of course, but can you really take that risk? Chesney has won everywhere he’s been and there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t do the same in resuscitating UCLA football after bringing a decent chunk of his James Madison roster with him.

So if Jimmy Sexton, the superagent reportedly representing Chesney, does his thing and leverages you into a few more million dollars than expected to finalize a deal with his client, pay the man. Chesney will be more than worth it. This hire must go right not only for the football team but also the health of an athletic department that’s facing possibly the most pivotal moment in its history.

But don’t worry, I’m here for you and we can talk more about this soon. Right?

Best,

Ben

And another thing . . .

Any presumption that UCLA attendance will soar at SoFi Stadium might need further consideration.

Just look at what happened when the then-No. 15 men’s basketball team played Arizona at the nearby Intuit Dome earlier this month. Even with a crowd bolstered by a large contingent of Wildcats fans, attendance was a mere 7,554 — less than half of the arena’s 18,000-seat capacity. There were probably fewer than 5,000 UCLA fans in the building for a showdown between nationally ranked rivals.

Here’s wondering how many donors and season ticket holders would really prefer Inglewood for football games and how the actual time it takes to drive southbound on the 405 from Westwood on a Friday night, Saturday afternoon or Saturday night compares to the alternative commute to Pasadena.

It has been a rough season for UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

Losing by 34 points in what might have been UCLA’s last game ever at the Rose Bowl generated the sort of grades you want to hide from your parents.

Quarterbacks: B-. Nico Iamaleava has nothing left to gain this season and should protect his health by sitting out the cross-town rivalry game. Meanwhile, Luke Duncan’s work as a backup continues to impress, putting him in line for a possible John Barnes breakthrough against USC.

Running backs: D. Jaivian Thomas didn’t play and those who did probably wish they didn’t considering UCLA rushed for a total of 57 yards.

Wide receivers/tight ends: C-. Mikey Matthews caught a touchdown pass, but all anyone is going to remember is Titus Mokiao-Atimalala’s drop that could have changed the trajectory of the game.

Offensive line: C-. Watching Garrett DiGiorgio walk off the field one last time after another tough day on the job was heartbreaking.

Defensive line: C-. Giving up 212 yards rushing means that there wasn’t enough resistance at the line of scrimmage, but the late sack by freshman Cole Cogshell was encouraging.

Linebackers: B-. Jalen Woods continued to emerge as a playmaker with two tackles for loss.

Defensive backs: B. Held up pretty well considering Rodrick Pleasant was out with an injury. Cole Martin’s interception was among the highlights on an otherwise bleak night.

Special teams: D. Cash Peterman certainly generated some viral social media content with his over-the-shoulder flip gone awry on the fake field goal leading to a Washington touchdown.

Coaching: C-. The initial infusion of energy from this staff seems to have gone missing in recent weeks.

Olympic sport the week: Men’s water polo

Chase Dodd

(Elijah Carr / UCLA)

With the exception of the men’s and women’s basketball teams winning every game as expected, it was a frustrating week for UCLA sports.

The men’s and women’s soccer teams saw their seasons end in the NCAA tournament. The women’s volleyball team lost to Washington in straight sets. The football team got stomped by Washington.

The final indignity came Sunday.

UCLA’s top-ranked men’s water polo team fell behind big early and couldn’t catch up during a 14-11 loss to second-ranked USC in the championship of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center.

After trailing 10-4 late in the second quarter, the Bruins closed to within 11-8 late in the third quarter but could come no closer. Ryder Dodd finished with three goals and one assist for UCLA (24-2), which has suffered both of its defeats this season against the Trojans.

UCLA will open play in the NCAA tournament Dec. 5 at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center.

Opinion time

In a rivalry oddity, the home team has not won since 2019 when UCLA has faced USC in football. Will that trend continue Saturday when the teams meet at the Coliseum?

Yes, UCLA will pull the upset

No, USC will snap the streak

Click here to vote in our survey.

Poll results

We asked, “Which possible football coaching candidate excites you most?”

After 701 votes, the results:

James Madison’s Bob Chesney, 76.8%
Washington’s Jedd Fisch, 11.3%
San Diego State’s Sean Lewis, 4.8%
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, 4.6%
South Florida’s Alex Golesh, 2.5%

In case you missed it

UCLA loses in blowout to Washington in possible Rose Bowl swan song for Bruins

UCLA fans tailgating at Rose Bowl apprehensive about possible move to SoFi Stadium

No. 19 UCLA surpasses Mick Cronin’s challenge in blowout win over Presbyterian

Should they stay or should they go? UCLA greats weigh in on the Rose Bowl debate

Former head of UCLA’s football NIL collective denies wrongdoing alleged in report

Plaschke: Shame on UCLA for trying to ditch the iconic Rose Bowl for cash grab at SoFi Stadium

Have something Bruin?

Do you have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future UCLA newsletter? Email me at [email protected], and follow me on X @latbbolch. To order an autographed copy of my book, “100 Things UCLA Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,” send me an email. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

A HUGE new attraction is set for the UK with water, snow and dry land fun all in one place.

The £300million attraction, set to be in the Welsh Valleys, would feature a water park and the UK’s longest ski slope.

Known as the Rhydycar West Development, the new attraction will be located just off the A470 dual carriageway and 10 minutes from the Brecon Beacons National Park.

According to the Rhydycar West, it will be a world class leisure resort, open all year round.

Last week, the Welsh Government agreed not to call in the planning application following Merthyr Tydfil Council’s decision to back the planning application in March and as a result, have given the application the green light.

Now, the Local Planning Authority will move forward to grant planning permission.

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At the site there will be a number of different features including a waterpark with a tropical theme, set to be one of the largest waterparks in the UK.

Inside the waterpark, guests will find artificial beaches, swimming and bathing areas for all ages and abilities, waterslides and a number of other water-based attractions.

Then the 39,200sqm indoor snow centre would take over Chill Factore in Manchester – which is 180 metres long – to house the longest ski slope in the UK, measuring over 400 metres long.

The centre will also match the standards of the International Ski Federation (FIS).

And it will use special equipment to ensure the slope can remain open all year.

The site will be the home and national training headquarters for the Welsh and UK national, Olympic and Paralympic teams as well.

In addition to the snow centre, there will be an indoor and outdoor adventure centre.

Known as the Adventure Park, there will be a ‘mountain coaster’, clip ‘n’ climb, zip wires and other adrenaline-based activities and attractions.

Of course, the destination is also planning on creating accommodation.

When it comes to the 418-bedroom hotel, there would be three different wings.

The Resort Wing will feature conferencing and co-working spaces, whereas the Luxury Spa Wing will have leisure facilities such as a fully equipped spa.

Finally, in the Sport and Value Wing, visitors will find a more casual and relaxed feel.

But if you’re not a fan of hotels, there will be around 30 Woodland Lodges as well.

These will be in the heart of nature, located in the woodland, with value and premium options available.

Plans for the attraction were first announced back in 2017 and once open, it hopes to create 842 jobs and contribute £38.1million to the local economy.

Details including when the attraction will open are still unclear.

Many people have taken to social media to show their excitement for the project.

One person said: “Awesome news. Most importantly, are you planning an ice climbing wall?”

Another said: “That is awesome news and another milestone reached for what will be an amazing asset to GB Skiers.”

A third person added: “This will be transformational for the town, our economy and as importantly help and change how Merthyr Tydfil is often unfairly talked about!”

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In other attraction news, the UK’s biggest live action show reveals plans for new historical theme park.

Plus, a popular UK theme park reveals new plans for first-ever holiday village with 122 overnight lodges.

Reporting from DAVOS, Switzerland — President Trump gave his salesman’s pitch for America on Friday before an international crowd of corporate and political titans, and took credit for its economic success, even as he was shadowed by fresh clouds from home about his heightened jeopardy in the Russia investigation and opposition to his immigration plan.

Contrary to predictions that Trump might use his keynote address to the World Economic Forum in Davos to bash multilateral trade deals and international alliances, as he did during his campaign, he appeared to soften the edges of his “America First” policy in his speech to the elites who gather in this glitzy Alpine resort each winter to champion free trade and global cooperation.

“America is open for business and we are competitive once again,” Trump told several hundred attendees, reading his speech from teleprompters. “Now is the perfect time to bring your business, your jobs and your investments to the United States.”

Given the complaints here about Trump’s aggressive trade policies and worries that America is withdrawing from its global leadership role, Trump received general credit for showing up and hobnobbing with fellow world leaders and moguls at an event that has not seen a U.S. president since Bill Clinton in 2000.

Some in the crowd booed and hissed when Trump, during a question-and-answer session that followed his speech, said it “wasn’t until I became a politician that I realize how nasty, how mean, how vicious, and how fake the press can be.”

While Trump’s anti-media remarks are familiar to Americans, they struck a dissonant note on the international stage since U.S. presidents historically have been global clarions for a free press.

Although the evidence was scant, Trump dropped at least one hint he might be moderating other views.

Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau announced here that his country would join 10 others that have agreed to move forward on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact without the United States. Trump withdrew from the proposed accord shortly after taking office, calling it a “horrible deal.”

In his comments here, Trump cracked the door slightly to reentering the TPP in some way, saying he was open to negotiating trade deals with the 11 countries “either individually, or perhaps as a group.”

That sparked a buzz of comment here and on social media. Trump vowed to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement during the campaign, but his administration is seeking to renegotiate it with Mexico and Canada. In contrast, the White House has shown no sign it is reconsidering its decision on TPP.

And while global challenges like climate change and poverty dominate the agenda here, the CEOs and other top executives Trump met in his 36-hour visit publicly applauded the corporate tax cuts he signed into law last month.

All that put Trump in a good mood.

“I’ve been a cheerleader for our country,” Trump said in his speech, which largely echoed familiar White House talking points. “And everybody representing a company or a country has to be a cheerleader, or no matter what you do, it’s just not going to work.”

Trump said he will put America first just as other leaders should put their countries first, a line he used in a harder-edged address he delivered at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam in November.

Trump accused “some countries” of exploiting the international trading system at the expense of others. He said he supports free trade, but it “needs to be fair and it needs to be reciprocal.”

“The United States will no longer turn a blind eye to unfair economic practices, including massive intellectual property theft, industrial subsidies, and pervasive state-led economic planning,” he said, probably a reference to China.

At his raucous political rallies back home, that sentiment often generates loud cheers. The crowd at Davos stayed silent, saving polite applause for the end of his remarks.

As he often does, Trump claimed credit for the booming U.S. economy, citing growth numbers and the removal business regulations. That message was partly diluted by news Friday that U.S. growth slowed slightly in the fourth quarter to 2.6%, which was short of Trump’s projections.

The Davos conference is considered the premier event for the world’s wealthy glitterati, a familiar group to the billionaire owner of Mar-a-Lago and other high-end hotels and resorts. In his speech, Trump nodded to his working-class supporters, saying that “when people are forgotten, the world becomes fractured.”

Trump also couldn’t resist taking a jab at Hillary Clinton despite the American tradition of steering clear of partisan politics while on foreign soil. In the question-and-answer session, Trump said the stock market would have dropped 50% if “the opposing party” had won instead of him.

The audience scored the tone of Trump’s speech carefully, given his antagonism to international organizations and pacts, such as the Paris climate accord, trade agreements and the Iran nuclear deal that are generally celebrated at the conference.

It was partly overshadowed at home after the New York Times reported late Thursday that Trump tried to fire special counsel Robert S. Mueller III last June, halting the effort only after White House Counsel Donald McGahn threatened to resign.

Nor could Trump escape fallout here from reports that he had labeled African nations “shithole countries” during a recent Oval Office meeting with several members of Congress. The comments sparked widespread condemnation around the globe.

Trump ignored reporters’ questions about the crude language when he met early Friday with Paul Kagame, longtime president of Rwanda and incoming chairman of the African Union. Kagame is the first African leader Trump has met since his comments were reported on Jan. 11.

The African Union had called on Trump to apologize for the remarks, which he has denied making. It is not known whether the dispute came up in Trump’s private discussion with Kagame. A subsequent statement from the White House summarizing the meeting did not mention the issue.

“It’s a great honor to be with President Kagame,” Trump told reporters as he sat beside Kagame and several aides, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. “We have had tremendous discussions.”

Kagame also tried to smooth over the dispute, thanking Trump “for the support we have received from you … and your administration.”

Trump also dismissed a shouted question about the Mueller development as “fake news.” Instead, he boasted of how his appearance had swelled the crowd at Davos this year.

“We have a tremendous crowd, and a crowd like they’ve never had before. It’s a crowd like they’ve never had before at Davos,” Trump bragged as he entered the hall with Klaus Schwab, the Germany founder of the forum.

Then, in a rare burst of modesty, he quipped, “I assume they’re here because of Klaus.”

[email protected]

Twitter: @noahbierman

UPDATES:

1:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from Trump’s meetings in Davos.

6 a.m.: This article was updated with Trump’s comments.

This article was originally published at 2:10 a.m.

WETHERSPOONS has revealed it is opening its first EVER pub in a popular Spanish city.

The much-loved pub chain currently only operates in the UK, with hundreds open across the country.

However, it has revealed that they are opening their first pub in Spain.

Called Castell de Santa Bàrbera, it will open at Alicante Airport, on the departures side.

It will be the first Wetherspoons to open in continental Europe.

Set to open in January 2026, it will be open seven days a week, from 6am to 9pm.

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Inside will be 1,000sqft of tables, as well as an outdoor seating terrace.

The food menu will include many of the Wetherspoons classics such as burgers and pizzas, as well as Spanish food such as garlic prawns and tortilla.

Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin said: “ We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub.

“We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante Airport.”

It might not even be the only Wetherspoons pub opening abroad.

He added: “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”

Plans for Wetherspoons pubs abroad were first put forward back in January.

Sir Tim told The Sun: “We are looking at it. There are probably 100 to 200 franchise partnerships in the UK.

“Now it’s a question of going abroad and it’s a possibility.”

He admitted the pubs would be in popular Spanish spots like Benidorm, Majorca and Alicante, but didn’t rule out opening in winter sun destinations as well.

It comes after Wetherspoons recently announced plans for four more pubs at a number of Haven holiday parks across the country.

Otherwise did you know there was a dupe pub called Weatherspains in Spain?

It even won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award back in 2023.

And Spain is even home to a chain of bars that are often dubbed the Spanish Wetherspoons.

Called 100 Montaditos jugs of beer cost £1.50 and you can grab sandwiches for £1

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They are all across Spain, with 350 currently open.

The women’s national soccer team will return to Carson in 2026 for the first time in nearly two years for its annual January training camp, U.S. Soccer will announce Thursday.

The 10-day camp will run from Jan. 17-27 and will conclude with two international matches. The first, on Jan. 24 against Paraguay, will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park and will include a tribute to two-time World Cup champion Christen Press, who announced her retirement this fall.

The venue and opponent for the second match on Jan. 27 has not been finalized.

“January camp is a vitally important part of our yearly schedule, especially with 2026 being a year that will host World Cup qualifying,” USWNT coach Emma Hayes said in a statement. “We don’t get many training days together during any given year, so there is a high value in getting a whole week of training as well as two matches.

“I was pleased with the progress we made as a team in 2025, but we still have a ways to go to get to where we want to be heading into the CONCACAF W Championship in the fall.”

Press, who was born and raised in Palos Verdes Estates, about 10 miles from Dignity Health Sports Park, scored 64 goals for the USWNT, ninth-most in team history. She helped the U.S. to back-to-back Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019 and played the final four years of her professional club career for her hometown Angel City FC.

The first 2,000 fans through the gates on Jan. 24 will receive a commemorative Christen Press bobblehead.

No venue has played host to more USWNT matches than Dignity Health Sports Park which, under various names, has been the site of 21 games for the U.S., dating to 2003, soon after the stadium opened. The U.S. went 20 games unbeaten at the venue (19 wins and one tie) before losing its most recent match there, a 2-0 upset to Mexico on Feb. 26, 2024, in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, a tournament the U.S. would go on
win.

The USWNT was scheduled to hold its January training camp in Carson last year, but the deadly Southern California wildfires forced U.S. Soccer to move the camp to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Presale tickets for the January matches will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. PST Friday through 8 a.m. PST Monday.

Tickets for both matches will go on sale to the public on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PST.

THE UK isn’t short of light trails when it comes to the winter period, but high street favourite, John Lewis, is now joining the club.

This year John Lewis is bringing its 2025 Christmas advert – ‘Where Love Lies’ – to life as part of the Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park.

This year’s John Lewis Christmas tells the story of a teenage boy and his father who struggle to communicate, yet when it comes to Christmas the boy gives him a music record that helps them to reconnect.

Running from November 20 to December 31, the event will mark the first time the retailer has brought its annual Christmas advert off the screen.

According to the Northern Lights Manchester website, John Lewis will join this year’s “brand new large-scale winter light trail”.

The website adds that the high street brand will join “Northern Lights to firmly establish Manchester’s newest seasonal tradition from year one”.

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Visitors can expect an in-person experience with music that is designed to connect visitors to the story of John Lewis’ Christmas advert – think feelings of joy, nostalgia and festive cheer.

The Northern Lights trail at Heaton Park is brand new for this year and in total stretches a mile long.

Venturing around the trail visitors will find 14 illumination zones and there will also be a number of food spots along the way.

The illumination zones include the Frosted Forest, Laser Garden and Runway to the Sky.

In addition, there will be a Christmas Village with local food, drinks and more music.

The village will have eight foodie destinations in total including God Save the Toasties, The Sausage Factory and the Super Sweet Fry Guys – who serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange churros, battered mince pies with boozy cream and hot chocolate with a dash of Salford Rum and topped with a Tunnock’s Marshmallow Snowball.

There is also the Bees Knees Tavern, a heated alpine-themed bar, where visitors can grab a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, including mulled wine.

Hotel Chocolat will even have its own van selling velvety, hot chocolate.

There are four types of ticket prices in total.

For super off-peak tickets, it costs £15 per adult and £5 per child.

For off-peak tickets, it costs £19.50 per adult and £13.95 per child.

For a standard entry ticket, it costs £21.50 per adult and £14.95 per child.

And finally, for a peak entry ticket, it costs £23.95 per adult and £16.50 per child.

Rosie Hanley, brand director, added: “At John Lewis, we love bringing people together to create shared experiences and magical Christmas memories.

“This spectacular light trail is a brilliant way for us to share the spirit of the season with Manchester and its communities, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

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For other festive experiences in the UK, here are 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

Plus, the top Christmas train experiences around the UK – including a festive ‘theatre on rails’ and ‘journey of lights’.

CJ Olive Young Corp., the distribution unit of South Korea’s food-to-cosmetics conglomerate CJ Group, said Wednesday it will open its first U.S. outlet in California in May next year.

The store will be located in Pasadena, a city about 18 kilometers northeast of Los Angeles, with several additional locations set to open in California by the end of next year, the company said in a press release.

“The location is expected to attract Younger consumers interested in K-beauty products, as well as high-income customers in an area near the California Institute of Technology and other research organizations,” the company said.

In February, CJ Olive Young established CJ Olive Young USA in Los Angeles to bolster its presence in the world’s largest beauty market.
The company views Japan and the United States as key strategic markets for its global expansion amid rising global interest in K-beauty.

Last year, it opened an office in Japan to supply its cosmetic products to local distribution channels.

CJ Olive Young currently sells products in global markets only through online platforms, without operating any offline stores overseas.

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.

Theme parks may seem like a modern invention. but there is a surprisingly long history behind the attractions. The first theme park in the UK is over 180 years old and still delighting visitors

From thrilling rollercoasters to interactive games, theme parks are always inventing new and more exciting ways to keep people entertained. But the concept of a theme park, or amusement park, actually dates back as far as the Middle Ages, when travelling fairs would bring markets and live entertainment to towns and villages.

In Victorian times, pleasure gardens kept people entertained, with music and theatre, social events, street entertainment, and al fresco dining. At the same time, Victorians were also growing more interested in improving their health. They’d often escape the grimy city streets to enjoy seaside resorts, believing the fresh air and sea water were good for curing any ailments. The Isle of Wight became a particularly desirable destination among well-heeled Victorians, and this gave a local businessman an idea for a new venture.

Blackgang Chine was originally conceived as a kind of pleasure garden by founder Alexander Dabell, opening its doors in 1843. Since then, the park has remarkably not only stayed open, but also stayed within the family, with Alexander’s descendants still running Blackgang Chine to this day.

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The site was initially a general purpose park with some curiosities to amuse Victorian guests, such as a large whale skeleton, which is still on display today. Rumours and legends about smugglers around the island gave the park its theme, and one of its most iconic sights is the giant fibreglass smuggler at the entrance. There are also lots of local stories about the ghosts of smugglers haunting the park at night.

After going through many changes throughout the years, the park has 40-acres of gardens with several themed lands to explore. There are thrill rides such as Extinction, which make the most of the park’s clifftop position to offer an adrenaline fuelled experience. This swing rotates 360-degrees and hangs off the edge of a cliff, with nothing but the sea beneath your feet. There’s also Evolution, a tower drop ride which gives riders amazing views of the Jurassic Coast before plummeting 400 metres in seconds.

There are many pirate and smuggler-themed rides including the Jolly Robin, a pirate ship ride, and the spinning Shipwrecked. The park is also home to Waterforce, the Isle of Wight’s biggest waterslide, and the Crooked House, which is fun for all ages to explore.

There’s also fun stuff for younger kids such as The Blackgang Beach, a giant water pillow you can walk and bounce across, and the classic twirling Pirate Barrels, which both adults and children will love.

Blackgang Chine has many fans, having delighted visitors for decades, and among them is a celebrity. In 2010, former child star Rupert Grint, known for his role in the Harry Potter films, expressed his love for the Isle of Wight and said his favourite attraction was Blackgang Chine.

Find out more about Blackgang Chine on its official website. The park opens from late March to early November with 2026 dates to be confirmed.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

A NEW multi-million water wellness resort is set to open – and it might look familiar to Brits.

Therme has revealed its latest plans to open an attraction in Singapore.

The S$1billion (£584million) Therme Singapore will be a “state-of-the-art” facility.

Funded by the Singapore Tourism Board it will be on the Marina South Coast, near Marina Bay Sands.

Inside will be “wellness, culture and nature” mixed throughout the four-hectare site.

This includes thermal pool and botanical gardens, as well as art installations and huge spa facilities.

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While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, it hopes to welcome tourists by 2030.

As many two million tourists a year are expected to visit.

Therme Group CEO Dr. Robert Hanea said: “Backed by decades of science and innovation, Therme Singapore will be a state-of-the-art facility that transforms urban life by making holistic health enjoyable and accessible to all.”

This was backed by the Singapore Tourism Board who said it would make Singapore a “leading urban wellness haven”.

They added: “In line with our pursuit of quality tourism, this attraction will draw travellers seeking wellness experiences, potentially increasing length of stay and spend, whilst providing locals with best-in-class wellness experiences.”

The Therme Singapore might look familiar because of a similar one opening in the UK.

Therme Manchester was first announced back in 2020 and now hopes to open in 2028, after a number of delays.

Costing £450million, it will be the UK’s largest wellbeing resort.

This includes 25 swimming pools and 20 slides as well as bars, gardens and spa areas.

Set to be 33C year-round, it will even have the UK’s first indoor beach.

It also isn’t the only new Therme attraction opening in the world.

The £100million Therme Glasgow hopes to open, although an official date is yet to be confirmed.

And Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky will be a £439million resort and the tallest of its kind in the world.

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It is being designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro who also created the High Line in New York, and will have themed areas, spas and pools.

Can’t wait for all these new openings? Here’s how to find the already-opened Therme Bucharest.

A THEME park in the UK has announced it will open all of its major rides throughout the festive season – for the first time.

In previous years, the only open rides were in one just section of the park but now there are Christmas thrills all over.

Drayton Manor in Tamworth has announced all of its major rides will remain open throughout the festive period for the very first time.

Throughout December weekends, Christmas week and Twixmas (the period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), Drayton Manor will operate its major rides and attractions.

In previous years, it’s only been a selection of rides in Thomas Land that have been open rather than the bigger coasters.

This year rides that will stay open include Gold Rush, a rollercoaster in the new Wild West area, The Wave and Maelstrom.

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There will also be plenty of Christmas experiences between November 22 and December 31.

For the festive season, Drayton Manor has launched its new Elves Behavin’ Badly | Elftoria experience.

Here there’s a Christmas Tree Maze, Snowball Fight Arena, Live Pranking Workshop and Show, Elf Meet and Greet, and elf slide.

There’s festive food and drink too like a pink peppermint milkshake, roast potatoes topped with hot gravy and bacon bits, plus the Christmas classic, pigs in blankets.

There’s even a Yorkshire pudding wrap with chicken, stuffing, roast potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce.

Elves Behavin’ Badly | Elftoria will be open on selected dates up to December 24 between 4pm to 6pm.

There will also be a Christmas Grotto, the Twinkle Express light trail, and pantomime performance of Cinderella.

Plus, at the end of the day, there will be a new festive show that’s the largest of its kind in the UK – which is included in the price of a park ticket.

Called ‘Drayton Manor’s Christmas Miracle’, it transforms the onsite lake into a stunning visual spectacle.

The new show features a 30-metre water screen, with more than 65 choreographed water jets, dramatic fire effects, vibrant lighting and festive animations.

Earlier this year, Drayton Manor picked up the top prize when it came to the ‘Best Value Theme Park’.

The awards were organised by ThemeParks-UK.com, and winners were announced after a series of votes made by 330,000 members of British public along with scores from expert judges.

There were 22 categories including Best New Attraction, Best Theme Park for Families, for Toddlers and for Thrills, the Best Seaside Park and Theme Park of the Year.

Best Value Theme Park wasn’t the only award Drayton Manor won, it also came in second place for Best (Large) Theme Park for Families, and for Best Theme Park for Toddlers.

Drayton Manor came in first place for Best New Accessibility Initiative, and third for Best Use of IP in an Attraction.

It also came second for its 75th Anniversary Fireworks which won Best New Event.

Park entry tickets are £25 for visitors aged between four and 66. Anyone over the age of 66 can grab a ticket for £19.90.

The festive experiences can be bought on top of the park fee. The Elves Behavin’ Badly l Elftoria experience starts from £20.

The Enchanted Santa’s Grotto costs £10 to enter. The Twinkle Express and Cinderella Pantomime are £5 each.

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For more theme parks, hear from one writer who went to one of Europe’s biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters.

Plus, Head of Sun Travel (Digital), went on a day out at the UK’s best theme park and there were no queues for the rides.

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One writer reveals her top tips on how to do Drayton Manor on a budget…

Tesco Vouchers

If you’ve got a Tesco Clubcard, you can double up your Clubcard vouchers and use them to pay for entrance on the gate.

You can’t book in advance online or use the vouchers towards car parking or season passes though, so it’s worth comparing to some of the other offers out there to see which is best for your family.

Blue Light Card

Using a discount scheme like Blue Light Card for public sector workers or Kids Pass can offer savings all year round and also access to special member days, when the park is not open to the public and parking is included in the entry price.

The Blue Light Card member day at Drayton Manor in March offered tickets for £26 per person, with toddlers aged 2 and 3 costing £15 and babies under 2 free.

Black Friday Offers

It’s worth keeping an eye out over Black Friday to see what offers pop up – last November, you could buy four tickets for £75 and they were valid until the end of May this year, which covered Easter and half-term holidays.

FANS of Lightning McQueen and Buzz Lightyear will soon be able to get up close to the characters in real life thanks to a new immersive experience.

A Pixar Animation immersive experience will open in London in 2026.

Mundo Pixar Experience, which is the world’s largest celebration of Pixar Animation Studios, will open at Wembley Park on February 13, 2026.

Visitors will be able to step inside 14 of Pixar’s most famous worlds, such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Coco, Inside Out and Up.

In total, the experience will sprawl across 3,500sqm and it will feature more than 25 life-sized sculptures.

Sets from the movies will also be recreated, with soundscapes, lighting and even smells from the films.

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Fans will be able to shrink down to the size of a toy in Andy’s Room, then explore the Scare Floor with Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc.

From Cars, there will be Flo’s Café where visitors can meet Lightning McQueen and you can then even head into the Headquarters of Riley’s emotions from Inside Out 2.

Visitors can even venture on a journey from Coco’s Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead.

And if it wasn’t enough to explore the sets and meet the characters, then there will also be a Pixar Ball Treasure Hunt, where visitors are challenged to spot the famous yellow star ball hidden throughout the experience.

The opening in London follows record-breaking runs of the experience in Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and Spain – where it attracted more than 3.2million visitors.

The experience will also be fully accessible for visitors with motor, hearing, visual and neurodivergent disabilities.

The experience lasts around 45 to 55 minutes, but if you want to spend longer exploring you can.

The venue will have a selection of exclusive merch available to buy too.

Tickets go on sale from November 21, 2025 and though prices haven’t been revealed yet, the experience cost from €14 (£12.33) when it was in Barcelona.

One person who visited the experience in Spain said: “Absolutely one to do at least once.

“There are so many super immersive rooms where you can get lost in details, take pictures with your favorite characters and become children again.

“I loved the rooms dedicated to Coco and Up.”

Another person, who visited the experience in Brussels said: “We had an amazing time visiting Mundo Pixar in Brussels – it truly felt like stepping into the heart of the Pixar universe!

“From the moment we entered, we were surrounded by vibrant, immersive sets that brought to life so many beloved characters and movie moments.

“The attention to detail was fantastic, with each room thoughtfully designed to reflect the magic of films like Toy Story, Up, Cars, Finding Nemo, and Coco.

“Our four-year-old was completely enchanted, and honestly, so were we – it felt like reliving our childhood.”

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There are a number of other immersive experiences across London, including a new immersive Titanic attraction.

And ideal for little kids, there is a Paddington immersive experience with ‘train rides’ and street parties.