Weekend Content

A NOUGHTIES pop star looks unrecognisable 23 years after his controversial hit, as he braved the rain at a UK festival.

This US singer, now 54, shot to fame in a quirky Detroit rock band – but can you guess who he is?

The star in question is Dick Valentine, who is known for the band Electric Six, which he founded with friends from high school.

The band launched into the spotlight in the early noughties, and were known for their controversial song Gay Bar.

The tune was released in June 2003, and lead singer Dick, who’s real name is Tyler Spencer, has now revealed how he came up with the song.

Speaking in the rain at Download Festival, he told the Academy Music Group: “The real story, I was in a rock and roll bar. Okay, and so there’s ambient noise, there are people talking, there are drinks clinking.

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“In the background, on the jukebox, right, you’re hearing the song that they’re playing in the jukebox, but you can’t quite make out the lyrics.

“The song on the jukebox was Girl You Want by Devo, where the lyrics are, ‘She’s just a girl, just a girl, girl you want.’

“Those are the lyrics, those are the actual lyrics.”

Continuing with his story, Dick said: “But I thought he was saying, ‘She’s just a girl, just a girl in a gay bar.’

“And so I started singing that, and my friend was like, ‘No, no, no, what are you singing?’

“So then I’ve got this lyric now about a girl in a gay bar, right, I’ve got this, and it hasn’t been used, so now this is mine.

“So that was the genesis of it. It was just a misheard lyric in a pub, and it worked out really well for me!”

When Gay Bar was released over twenty years ago, the track certainly caused a stir.

While the song and music video got a lot of airplay the lyrics mentioning the Iraq war, which was ongoing at the time, were edited because they were perceived to have been offensive at the time.

Meanwhile, Electric Six shot to fame with their first single, Danger! High Voltage, which soared to No. 2 in the UK charts.

Along with Dick, the original line-up included Cory Martin on drums, Anthony Selph on lead guitar, Joe Frezza on rhythm guitar, and Steve Nawara on bass.

Over the years the band has experienced various changes in members, but Dick has always remained at the helm.

Electric Six continue to perform, and are currently on tour right now in the UK.

IT’S been five years since Britney Spears was released from her conservatorship following the Free Britney campaign, but insiders say the pop superstar is more lost than ever. 

In recent months alone Britney, 44, has been arrested for a DUI and faced accusations of bizarre behaviour including making barking sounds at a restaurant and brandishing a knife. 

It’s a far cry from the 16-year-old who took over the world in 1998 with her debut single Baby One More Time, which catapulted her to instant worldwide fame. 

She should be living life on her own terms after 14 years under the heavy surveillance of her dad Jamie Spears. But The Sun understands that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

An insider said: “Some people close to Britney can’t help wondering whether she’s actually happier now than she was then.

“The sad reality is that she seems incredibly isolated. She spends most of her time at home and her world has become smaller and smaller over the years. 

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“Those around her would love to see her thriving, but instead they worry she’s become increasingly detached from everyone else.”

In 2023, Britney split from her third husband Sam Asghari – less than a year after tying the knot – and we’re told the break-up had a huge impact on the mum-of-two.

She shares Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, with ex-husband Kevin  Federline and has struggled with a strained relationship with her sons for years. 

Our source said: “The divorce hit her hard and she hasn’t appeared to find the stability or companionship she craves and desperately needs. 

“Her relationship with her sons has also been a source of sadness over the years, and those closest to her know how much that weighs on her.

“People are worried rather than reassured, especially when they see her on social media. The videos and posts leave people concerned and scratching their heads, it looks like we’re seeing someone who is still struggling.”

Despite being one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Britney left fans gutted in 2022 when she insisted she’ll “probably never perform again”. 

She said on social media at the time: “I’m pretty traumatized for life and yes I’m p****d as f**k and no I probably won’t perform again just because I’m stubborn and I will make my point.”

And it’s the lack of ambition for performing – something she once thrived on – that has pals seriously concerned and wondering what she’ll do with her life if she doesn’t return to the stage. 

“The overwhelming feeling among those who care about her is sadness,” our insider said. “Nobody is questioning her right to live life on her own terms, but there are fears that she’s still searching for happiness and hasn’t found the peace that everyone hoped freedom would bring. 

“They look at Britney and see a woman who appears deeply lonely, increasingly disconnected and still trying to find her place in the world all these years later.”

THE start of summer will officially begin tomorrow with the longest day of the year – where one UK town won’t see nightfall.

Summer solstice celebrations are set to take place across the Northern Hemisphere.

Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland islands, will see almost 19 hours of daylight tomorrow (June 21) as the Northern Hemisphere celebrates the summer solstice.

Located closer to the Arctic Circle than London, night will fall for just five hours on the UK’s most northerly town.

Residents will not experience complete dark either, as the sun will remain just below the horizon, creating an effect which residents have named “da simmer dim”.

This summer twilight means that light lingers well beyond midnight, with a light blue hue visible across the sky throughout the night.

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Lerwick, translating to “Bay of Clay”, is a busy fishing town with just 7,000 residents year-round.

Despite the summer twilight, the island only sees around 1,158 hours of sunshine – around 13 per cent – a year and August remains its warmest month with an average temperature of 14° C.

On the day of the winter solstice (December 21), the town will receive just five hours and 49 minutes of daylight.

Packed with narrow winding streets, stone cottages and prehistoric settlements, the remote location can be typically reached via ferries from Aberdeen.

The summer solstice marks the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year as well as the official start of astronomical summer.

It occurs when the earth’s axis is tilted at its closest point from the sun, with many countries marking the occasion with midsummer celebrations.

A FREE UK beach festival dubbed a “giant family playground” returns this weekend to an iconic seaside town.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the beachfront to enjoy a programme of live music and workshops.

A huge, free beach festival is set to return this weekend (June 20 to June 21) with tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend.

The First Light Festival takes place annually in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and features more than 200 performances across 24 stages.

The creative festival also offers visitors a wide-ranging programme of workshops, wellbeing sessions, crafting, dance, science, storytelling and family adventures for a fun-filled weekend.

Taking place over the summer solstice, the festival is a celebration of the first sunrise of midsummer.

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This year, visitors will be able to attend a “special Indian Sunrise raga” at dawn on Sunday, June 21.

The festival covers an expansive area of the South Beach, spreading along the seafront, promenade and nearby Kensington Gardens and East Point Pavilion.

Converting the seafront into a “giant family playground”, festival-goers will enjoy events such as dance parties, science discoveries and circus skills workshops.

There are also camping options for those looking to stay overnight, including a glamping experience in well-equipped campervans.

Visitors are able to enter the First Light Festival for free and without a ticket.

However, after 9.30 pm, any festival-goers looking to attend one of the Sundown Events happening on Saturday night after the free programme of beach events ends will need to purchase a ticket.

The festivities began on Friday, June 19, with a selection of live theatre and music events to kick off the celebrations, and there are many more activities to get involved in as the weekend progresses.

A huge Big Bang Boogie parade takes place on Saturday, June 20, starting at the East Point Pavilion at 11 am and travelling along the seafront towards the main Sunlight Stage.

Other activities include a grounded movement ring, rocketry experience, and a traditional Punch and Judy show.

Visitors can also explore a selection of dance workshops, aerial displays and even get to see objects from the Natural History Museum.

Returning for its sixth year, the festival also has a huge impact on the town itself.

Chairman of Lowestoft Vision business improvement district, Danny Steel, told the BBC that the midsummer festival was “massive” for Lowestoft.

He explained: “We get about 30,000 people come to the First Light Festival over the weekend, and if all of those people spend £35 in Lowestoft, that’s £1m extra into the Lowestoft economy.”

Chief executive officer of the First Light Festival, Genevieve Christie, said the festival is about “coming together” as a community and gives people the chance to “experience things in real life”.

The festival also aims to put Lowestoft on the map as a holiday destination.

She explained: “All of our work is about raising the profile of Lowestoft, actually as a place to come on holiday, to be a tourist.

“We’ll be looking forward to 2028, when we’ll be operating the new cultural centre in Lowestoft, and our whole idea there is to bring the spirit of the festival into the town.”

TUCKED away in the Tuscan countryside is a tiny town called Pienza – and it is about to get a lot more famous.

The small town was the used to film Netflix movie You, Me and Tuscany.

It features in the scene where Anna (Halle Bailey) first meets Michael (Regé-Jean Page).

Anna accuses him of stealing the sandwich which she travelled more than 4,000 miles to eat – and it was filmed outside a shop in Pienza dressed to look like a deli.

It’s apt that a romantic comedy was filmed in Pienza as the town is known for having love-themed street names.

A few are Via dell’Amore which translates into ‘love street’ and Via del Bacio which is ‘kiss street’.

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Pienza sits within the Val d’Orcia valley which is known for its rolling green fields and has been described as “a charming little town” by visitors.

One of the most impressive buildings within the town is Piccolomini Palace which was built in 1459.

The impressive Renaissance building has a beautiful garden with views of Val d’Orcia, later becoming a summer residence for Pope Pius II.

Now, most of the property is open to visitors as it is mostly a museum.

When it comes to food, the town has plenty to offer and is known for having high quality cured meats and fresh truffles.

The town is particularly famous for Cacio di Pienza, or Pecorino cheese – usually grated over pasta or eaten on a cheese board.

To celebrate its cheese, the town even holds a festival dedicated to it on the first Sunday in September that includes a cheese-rolling competition.

For those who want to stay in Pienza, you’ll mainly find holiday rentals over hotels.

One that is popular is Casa Olivieri, with the one-bedroom apartment starting from £90.

The closest airport that has direct UK flights is in Florence – from there it’s a one hour and 40-minute drive.

A NEW multi-million-pound waterfront park is set to open today – and it’s three times larger than London’s Trafalgar Square.

Visitors will be able to walk across a 55-metre bridge from the High Street to the revamped riverside.

Stockton-on-Tees‘ Waterfront Urban Park is set to be unveiled today (June 20), as part of the council’s vision to regenerate the struggling town centre.

The £23million project will bring a “dynamic space for events, leisure and community life” to the area, where residents will be able to enjoy three separate play areas, event spaces and even a skate spot.

The focal feature of the park is a 21,000sq ft amphitheatre designed for live events, which connects the upper and lower sections of the park via 402 granite steps.

Ten-metre play towers, an oval lawn and facilities that can accommodate pop-up food and drink vendors are also key landmarks in the area.

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The history of the town centre has also been integrated into the space, with text, poetry and illustrations featuring Stockton’s heritage carved onto floor and wall surfaces.

Activities for children include a toddler trail, swings, climbing nets, trampolines and “exhilarating” slides connecting the amphitheatre to the riverside.

The waterfront space features sweeping views of the River Tees, and more than 17,000 plants have been installed from over 224 species.

The entire project, completed by contractors Esh Construction, cost more than £41million, which included the demolition Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel.

Building began in December 2024, and now the opening will take place as part of Armed Forces Celebration Day.

Councillor Paul Rowling, the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and regeneration, said: “Stockton Waterfront urban park is going to have a transformational effect on the borough, the wider Tees Valley and beyond.

“The Waterfront Park is set to be a catalyst for further investment and drive our ambitions for the future. This is only the beginning of that journey.”

The project has been named “one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in Europe” in a bid to help revitalise the deprived market town.

A LITTLE-known band were left totally gobsmacked after a rock legend turned up in the audience at one of their shows.

The Rolling Stones cover band were playing to a small crowd in a bar when the iconic musician revealed himself as a fan, dancing alone in the bar.

The mystery figure was none other than Noughties nu-metal megastar Fred Durst, frontman of Limp Bizkit.

Fellow punters couldn’t believe their eyes and quickly pulled out their phones to capture the surreal moment as the Rollin’ singer rocked out to their set.

Musician Jenny Teator, who was singing on stage shared the clip on TikTok, writing: “This was unexpected. Get it, Fredddd!! We had so much fun at @GRAYSonMAIN.”

The unlikely scene unfolded at Grays on Main, a bustling music venue and dining room in downtown Franklin, Tennessee – the town Fred now calls home.

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The star looked almost unrecognisable with a full white beard, although he still sported the signature baseball cap fans will remember from the band’s heyday.

Other diners appeared oblivious to the famous face in their midst, continuing with their meals unaware they were in the company of rock royalty.

One viewer commented: “The people sitting there eating, completely unbothered that Fred Durst is getting down right beside them, is killllling me!”

Fred and Limp Bizkit were one of the biggest bands of the late Nineties and early Noughties, with hits including Break Stuff, My Way and Rollin’.

Their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavoured Water debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold over one million copies in its first week.

The singer was also linked to a string of high-profile romances, including rumoured relationships with pop stars Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. He has been married four times and has two children.

Despite stepping out of the spotlight in recent years, Fred, now 55, continues to record and perform with Limp Bizkit.

Limp Bizkit’s last official UK tour was last year, with the band appearing at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

Besides continuing to tour and perform with the band, Fred has made his mark as a film director with movies like The Education of Charlie Banks and The Longshots.

He also directed the film The Franatic in 2019 which starred John Travolta.

LONDON isn’t necessarily known for its gardens – but it does have some spectacular green spaces.

In fact Syon Park in Hounslow has just been named the ‘best public garden in London‘.

The gardens at Syon Park were named the best in London by White Stores, experts of outdoor living.

They looked at 240 gardens in total, totting up the best from factors like on-site attractions to Google ratings, reviews – even average amount of rainfall and sunshine.

Topping the table was Syon Park in Hounslow, West London.

The entire estate is one of the Duke of Northumberland‘s homes – its been owned by the family for over 400 years.

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While it is still a family home, the house, along with the award-winning gardens are open to the public on certain days during the week.

Of course the Bath stone manor is impressive, but it’s the grounds that you have to check out this summer.

There’s 100 acres of parkland on the estate with trees, grassland, wildflower meadows and an ornamental lake.

One called it a “hidden gem” which “exceeded expectations.”

While you’re having a stroll around the gardens, it will be hard to miss the enormous glasshouse.

The conservatory has an enormous dome-shaped roof and was once used to grow exotic plants from countries like South Africa and Australia.

The building was neglected during World War One, but was restored in the late 1980s.

Fans of Netflix‘s Bridgerton might recognise Syon Park; the glasshouse conservatory was used as a venue for Lady Danbury’s ball in series two.

Kylie Minogue and Little Mix even filmed music videos in there.

If you want to visit the estate, Syon Park is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays between 10.30AM and 3.30PM.

Tickets to the gardens and conservatory start from £7 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £3.50 for children (between 5-16).

If tickets are bought on the door it’s £1 more expensive.

While it’s a private home, some state rooms at Syon Park are open to explore.

It has a huge Great Hall with patterned tiled floor and Greek-style columns.

The Ante Room (essentially a waiting room) has gold detailing with paintings of Greek and Roman gods on the walls.

Others that visitors can see are the state dining room, drawing room, gallery, print room and Princess Victoria’s bedroom.

You can get a glimpse of the inner courtyard too which has a pretty fountain and neat hedges.

If you want to visit the whole estate, including the house, it’s a little more expensive – with an advance ticket, it costs £16.50 for adults.

For concessions it’s £15, children between 5-16 it’s £9.50 – children under five go free.

Again, entry on the door is an extra £1 on top of the online ticket price.

SUMMER has officially arrived with a sea of fragrant flowers, as the UK’s largest lavender farm opens its gates this week.

Get ready to stroll through 110 acres of picture-perfect purple fields, with an array of summer activities on offer for all the family.

Castle Farm Lavender Fields are opening for the summer season this week, with the public now able to enjoy its purple blooms once again.

Nestled between Eynsford and Shoreham in Kent, this sprawling lavender paradise will welcome visitors from Friday, June 19, remaining open until the end of July.

Opening in 1998, Castle Farm’s enterprise has bloomed into the UK’s largest lavender field, receiving five consecutive gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Visitors wanting to indulge in the delightful flowers can take part in a variety of different activities, including a one-hour stroll though its most famous field, Darenth Valley.

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A whole host of workshops and events are also on offer across the season, including lavender wreath-making and breathwork sessions, and lavender picnics.

Castle Farm also is home to an award-winning farm shop and dedicated Lavender Barn, where visitors can choose a fresh bunch of purple flowers as the ultimate souvenir from the day.

The farm shop also offers an array of Kent-based produce, including apples from the Castle Farm orchard and even lavender-flavoured gin.

This sprawling lavender field is only a short, one-hour drive from London, where citygoers can go relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery.

Previous visitors have raved about their day trips, with one saying: “It’s so beautiful here, it’s well worth a visit”.

Others praised the “stunning views” and “beautiful scent” in the fields.

Tickets for the lavender field walks are priced at £7 for over 16s, and £4.50 for children, with infants under three able to visit for free.

Dogs are welcome for the one hour lavender walk and guided field tours, but not for lavender picnics, wreath workshops or breathwork classes.

Castle Farm is opening to the public again on June 19, with tickets for its various activities on sale now.

COMPLETELY surrounded by Italy, one European country that’s home to the oldest republic in the world makes for a dreamy escape.

With only two million people visiting last year – less than the population of Greater Manchester – San Marino is a great European option if you don’t want the crowds.

Officially a UNESCO World Heritage microstate, San Marino – which is the fifth smallest country in the world – feels like “walking around in a Disney movie” according to one visitor on Instagram.

The Disney-like feel is most likely due to San Marino‘s three towering medieval castles at the top of Monte Titano.

Guaita Tower – which is the First Tower – was built in the 11th century and is the largest of the three.

Visitors can head to the tower and explore the battlements, as well as old prison cells and the Chapel of Santa Barbara.

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Cesta Tower – the Second Tower – is slightly newer, dating back to the 13th century and sits on the highest of Monte Titano’s peaks at around 755 metres above sea level.

The tower is home to the Museum of Ancient Weapons.

And finally, there is the Montale Tower – the Third Tower – which is the smallest and youngest of the three, built in the 14th century.

This tower is not open to the public though.

There’s also Piazza della Libertà, which is the heart of the Old Town.

Here, visitors can explore a number of shops and small museums, as well as stop at the historic parliament building.

And while you don’t get your passport stamped when visiting San Marino, you can head to the tourist centre inside Porta San Francesco, and get a physical stamp in your passport as a souvenir for €5 (£4.33).

To catch an amazing view of San Marino, head up the Cableway which goes from Borgo Maggiore to the city centre and then to the monument of Bartolomeo Borghesi.

The cities of Florence, Rimini and Bologna are all close by as well, making San Marino the ideal day trip if you’re staying in one of them.

Though if you did want to stay in San Marino, there are a few options including the four-star Grand Hotel San Marino costing from £69 per night in June.

The easiest way to get to the microstate is by hopping on a shuttle bus from Rimini, which costs about €7 (£6.06) and takes around an hour.

When it comes to spending money in San Marino, it is typically cheaper than Italy with the average coffee costing €1.57 (£1.36) and the average beer costing €5 (£4.33).

In comparison, in Florence a beer will set you back at least a euro more and a coffee costs from €2.05 (£1.77).

Flights to Rimini in June cost from £37 return and take between two and two-and-a-half hours from the UK.

Alternatively, if you want to go to Bologna, return flights in June cost from £28 and again, take between two and two-and-a-half hours from the UK.

From Bologna, it then takes about an hour and 20 minutes on the bus to reach San Marino.

STAYCATIONS are on the rise, according to the experts – and there is a county that is booming in demand.

In its latest Summer Travel Report, Airbnb revealed that not only are staycations up 11 per cent year on year, but an unlikely trending rural destination is Herefordshire where searches have increased by 76 per cent.

The county bordered by Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Worcestershire is known for its cider and pretty villages that look similar to those found in the nearby Cotswolds.

Earlier this year, Herefordshire was called the ‘quiet corner of England’ by The Independent – but hoped it would be thrust into the spotlight after the release of Hamnet.

Some of the county’s small villages were used for filming and doubled as Shakespeare’s Stratford.

One of the villages is Weobley which is nicknamed a ‘black and white’ village thanks to its half-timbered houses.

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Alongside its pubs, 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.

It’s not just Weobley – there are lots of other villages like this one and some are part of that are part of Herefordshire’s ‘black and white villages’ trail which is a 40-minute driving route.

Other villages include 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.

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Herefordshire gets around six million visitors each year compared to the Cotswolds’ 25million – so for visitors it will make for a much quieter staycation.

For fans of cider, Herefordshire has around 15,000 orchards growing apples and pears, some of which is used to produce the drink.

There are even dedicated cider circuits with cycling routes.

Stops on the South Circuit include Little Pomona Cider & Perry, Gregg’s Pit Cider & Perry, Oliver’s Cider & Perry, Ross on Wye Cider & Perry.

Another famous spot that TV fans will recognise in Herefordshire is Symonds Yat.

The spot on the River Wye is known for its enormous limestone gorge.

It even appeared in the Netflix series of Sex Education – one of the most recognisable places is the red and white chalet that sits high above the valley, which was the exterior of Jean and Otis’ house.

The River Wye within the valley is the fifth longest river in the country.

It’s surrounded by walking paths and tourists are also welcome to take to the water on a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Of course, Herefordshire’s centre is the city of Hereford which is home to a large cathedral.

This houses a famous treasure called Mappa Mundi which is a medieval map of the world from 1300.

It also has the unusual 17th century Chained Library – a collection of over 1,500 rare books and manuscripts that are secured to their shelves by iron chains, rods, and locks.

Entry into Hereford Cathedral is free, but to see Mappa Mundi, Chained Library or a Tower Tour there are additional fees.

Another popular spot is the Eastnor Castle which while it looks like one isn’t a medieval fortress, instead, it’s a 19th-century mock castle.

Found in Ledbury, the castle was once home to the Hervey-Bathurst Family who lived at there for over 200 years.

It’s open throughout the year holding events like family fun days, bird of prey and supercar displays,

The grounds are popular for hiking and to entertain the kids, there’s a playground, tree top walkway, maze and mini zip wire.

IF you fancy visiting to Lake Como but can’t face the long airport queues, how about going in the opposite direction?

In the Finger Lakes region of New York State is the quiet village of Hammondsport – and it has been compared to the famous Italian lake.

Both lakes are a Y-shape, but Keuka Lake is smaller than its Italian alternate – it’s just under 20 miles long with over 60 miles of shoreline.

Meanwhile, Lake Como has a maximum length of 29 miles; however, the shoreline length is a whopping 105 miles.

Keuka Lake is much shallower too at 187 feet at its deepest, while Lake Como has a maximum depth of 1,394 feet.

You can swim in both, as well, but Keuka Lake is considered one of the cleanest and warmest of the Finger Lakes too so it’s ideal if you want to take a dip.

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It might even be a better option as visitors can swim in Lake Como, but the water quality differs depending on where you enter the water.

Keuka Lake is surrounded by vineyards, much like Italy and is so pretty that one visitor called it “one of the most beautiful lakes in upstate New York“.

The Finger Lakes itself has around 140 wineries, and near Keuka Lake there’s Bully Hill Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery and Divided Sky Vineyard.

For those who really want to learn more about the wine scene, there’s even a dedicated Keuka Lake Wine Trail.

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If you head to the official website, you can pay $45 (£33) and redeem tasting flights at six of the included wineries.

At the very south of Keuka Lake is the small and charming village of Hammondsport.

There’s not too much see with it being a village, but visitors have raved about Verns Bakery, Burgers & Beers, Park Inn restaurant, Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company which is also a 50s-style diner.

A 30-minute drive down the road is Watkins Glen, a charming ‘Hallmark-like’ village.

It’s home to the ­Watkins Glen International track, where ­Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980 before Nascar took over.

Head to Depot Park for views across the water – and this is the spot if you want to hire out your own boat.

With multiple boats, you can hire them out for the day from $535 (£398) – split between eight (which is the maximum passengers), that’s just under £50per person.

If you want to stay in Hammondsport, check out Park Inn which has just five suites above its restaurant.

Rates start from $150 (£111) per night (with a two-night minimum stay).

Or there’s the Vine Inn & Carriage Houses which is described as a ‘serene retreat’ and is a 10-minute walk from the lake.

If the heat of Italy during the summer is what you’re afraid of missing out on, then rest assured, it will still be just as hot.

In the summertime, the Finger Lakes region can reach temperatures of 28C with it cooling down in the following months.

IF you’ve ever fancied trying a luxury sleeper train but can’t justify the price, how about staying overnight in a revamped train carriage instead?

At Brockford Railways Sidings, guests can choose between five disused train carriages that slightly differ from each other.

The first is Railway Carriage One, which has a living room, kitchen area and two bedrooms.

In Railway Carriage Two – which is a little bigger – guests will find two bedrooms as well as a further sofa bed and an open plan living area with an adjoining kitchen.

The third carriage is The Guard’s Van, which has two bedrooms, a living room, dining rooms and kitchen area.

The fourth option is staying in The Italian Carriage, which sleeps up to four people and boasts open plan seating in the centre of the carriage, as well as an outdoor patio.

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And last but not least is Wilby Halt, which is described as a “quirky and unusual property is split over two restored railway carriages”.

The carriages are linked by a railway platform, with one carriage being home to the living space and kitchen and the other carriage being home to two bedrooms.

All of the train carriages have views across the surrounding countryside.

Around the carriages, guests will find a children’s play area which is shared with other carriages also at the site.

And if you fancy a dip, there’s an indoor glasshouse with a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.

If you have a bigger group, you can even book out all of the carriages for up to 29 people, as well as the Station House, which sleeps up to six people.

Seven nights in one of the carriages costs from £469.

One recent visitor said: “Peaceful location and quirky accommodation with everything you needed.

“Good pubs near by for food, use of swimming pool a bonus.”

Another added: “We were welcomed with tea and cake and found the guards van to be very cosy and comfortable.

“We loved the quirkiness of it and the surrounding carriages.”

Surrounding the carriages, guests can venture down country lanes ideal for walks or cycle rides.

The closest village is Mendlesham, about 1.5miles away, where guests can find the Kings Head Inn Mendlesham, described as a “nice friendly village pub”.

Attached to the pub is also a post office and elsewhere in the village you can find a fish and chip shop.

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From the village it is also a short walk to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, dubbed by locals as ‘The Middy’.

The museum is Suffolk‘s only standard gauge heritage railway and from the museum, visitors can often hop on steam railway ride in vintage carriages.

And for adults there’s The Kitchener Arms, which is a ale bar that sits inside a converted railway carriage.

If you don’t fancy an alcoholic beverage, then you can visit the Tea Room and Gift Shop for some freshly baked goods instead.

The museum costs £15 per adult and £8 per child to visit (and that includes unlimited steam train rides).

A EUROPEAN island often compared to the Caribbean is getting a massive multi-million pound makeover.

When it comes to pretty islands, not many beat Sardinia in Italy.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

And now, 15 villages across the island will be getting upgraded.

The villages include Bosa, Castelsardo, Aggius, Atzara, Carloforte, Galtelli, Gavoi, Laconi, La Maddalena, Lollove, Oliena, Posada, Sadali, Sardara and Tempio Pausania.

Each village will get a €2.5million (£2.2million) makeover to promote tourism and slower living, with experiences including hiking and trying local cuisine.

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The money will be used to restore historic buildings in each village, as well as improve transport links and support local businesses and ease the pressure on coastal areas.

Here are some of the most beautiful villages which will be getting an upgrade.

Bosa

Bosa is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and sits on Sardinia’s western coast.

One spot worth visiting is Malaspina Castle, which was built in 1112, as well as a number of pretty churches including the Cathedral of Bosa, which was built in the 19th century over the remains of a Romanesque church.

Castelsardo

The pretty coastal town of Castelsardo sits on a rock rising from the water, with a 13th-century castle on top.

It is open to the public and in addition to a few rooms, visitors will find the Museum of Mediterranean Interweaving inside. One of the top beaches to visit in the town is Spiaggia La Marina di Castelsardo, which is ideal for snorkelling.

Aggius

The landlocked town of Aggius boasts not one, but three museums to explore. There’s one about criminals from the area, another about Gallura traditions and a third that has contemporary art.

And the landscape is ideal for hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Gavoi

The mountainous village of Gavoi overlooks Lake Gusana and boasts amazing landscapes.

In the centre of the village you can also wander through narrow cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit the main church as well, which features a Gothic style.

Posada

The small village of Posada can be found on top of a limestone hill and is one of the most ancient villages on the island.

On top of the hill in the village is also a castle, which was where aristocracy used to spend their holidays – today most of the castle is in ruins, but the tower still stands and provides the perfect spot to see panoramic views of the village.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena is located off the north of Sardinia on its own island that can be reached by a 15-minute ferry ride.

Visitors can explore the 18th-century town as well as try out local seafood in the many restaurants.

From the island, visitors can also go on a number of boat trips and cross a bridge onto Caprera Island, where there are a number of hiking trails, pretty beaches and even the tomb of the Italian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Make sure to also stop by Spiaggia di Budelli while on a boat tour – the beach features pink sand but is a protected National Marine Park, so you can only see it from the water.

Recently, Sardinia was named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, which gathered data from millions of visitors and revealed that searches for Sardinia holidays have risen by 63 per cent.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the island last year and said: “Sardinia is full of dreamy beaches and a historic, crowd-free city.

“Whilst it is part of Italy, the island is actually located closer to Africa than mainland Italy and as a result, it boasts warm temperatures and exotic fauna and flora.

“Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.

“The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches.”

A TIKTOK rapper has shocked fans when he revealed he is the son of a huge 90s boyband star.

The cheeky lad didn’t hold back as he roasted his famous father for his “s*** music” as he poked fun at him at one of his gigs.

The rising TikTok star in question is Phoenix JD, who is the son of James ‘Spike’ Dawbarn, 51, from 90s’ boyband, 911.

In a new post this week, the young rapper shared a video from backstage at one of his dad’s gigs.

In the clip, Phoenix was seen mocking his dad as he rehearsed with 911 bandmates Lee Brennan, 52, and Jimmy Constable, 54, who are supporting Blue on their tour.

Addressing his followers, Spike’s cheeky son said: “There’s their little soundcheck. I don’t know why they need to do a soundcheck, still sound s**t!”

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“But yeah, and then this is them on stage. There’s me dad on the right.”

Poking fun at Spike, he said: “Thankfully, I don’t get my musical ability from him, you know, I’ve got a bit about me.

“I hope he doesn’t see this now. He’ll kill me.

“But hey, this is him at 51 still trying to do back flips – and nearly decked it.

“I would’ve flipping loved it if he decked it.”

Phoenix also added he only went to the gig “to see Blue”.

Fans of 911 from back in the day went wild for the video, with one joking: “Oi your dad was a legend to us fossils!!”

Another quipped: “Lmfao! The way your roasting your dad! I’ll have you know 14-year-old me loved your dad’s band!”

This fan said: “I was obsessed with 911 still love them now! You’ve got your dad’s humour!”

Meanwhile, along with Lee and Jimmy, Phoenix’s dad Spike had a huge amount of fame in the 90s.

The band formed in 1995 when Jimmy met Spike whilst working as a dancer on the show The Hitman and Her.

The trio sold out arenas thanks to their hits like Bootyshakin’ and A Little Bit More.

Spike previously looked back on his time in the trio and joked that he was “treated like Harry Potter at the Dursley’s house”.

Appearing on the BBC’s Boyband Forever doc, the star spoke about his bizarre living arrangements when the band were in their heyday.

“Jimmy got one bedroom, Lee got another bedroom and I was in the cupboard like Harry Potter,” he explained.

“On a mattress, in a cupboard. It’s literally where you’d just throw a load of coats in there.”

“And I just didn’t care to be honest, I wasn’t bothered,” he laughed.

In their early days, the band would tour schools across the country and perform for students.

“I used to come in, press play, do your singing and dancing routines, do your bit then load yourself back in the van and go to the next school,” he said.

WITH over 6,000 islands, travellers are simply spoiled for choice when it comes to booking a holiday in Greece – but one quieter island offers a serene retreat.

Often dubbed the ‘Goldilocks’ of the Greek Cyclades, Sifnos “is quite possibly the perfect Greek island: not too big and not too small” according to Conde Nast Traveller.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Its ‘perfect’ appearance is helped by the lack of crowds on the island compared to other Greek islands.

So much so, Swedish news website News55 has said the island is one of the top travel destinations this year as it avoids mass tourism.

Apollonia is the main village on the island and when visiting, make sure to have a wander down Steno, which is the main pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and cosy cafes.

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On the coast of the island, you can visit the former capital Kastro.

Dating back around 3,000 years, Kastro is completely pedestrianised and is full of quaint, whitewashed buildings with paths leading down to the sea where you can spot Church of the Seven Martyrs, perched on a rock islet just below the village.

There are a number of other villages on the island too, including Artemonas, which is just a short walk from Apollonia.

In Artemonas, visitors can see a number of 19th century neoclassical mansions along the main stone path.

The village is also known for its churches, such as the Church of Panagia Kohi, which is built over an ancient temple to Artemis.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, you won’t be short of hiking routes including a well-marked trail between Artemonas and the sea.

Wherever you go on the island, make sure to look out for amigdalota – a type of almond sweet that the island is famous for.

Scattered across the island you’ll see lots of quaint tavernas too, serving traditional Sifniote food such as chickpea balls and slow roasted lamb.

One Sun reporter who previously visited the island said: “Everything is delicious on Sifnos.

“There’s the food bursting with zingy, sunny flavour, a landscape of steep hillsides carved with agricultural terraces, azure-domed churches perched by the sea and whitewashed villages.

“For a beach day, head to Platis Gialos – a stretch of sand backed by chic bars and eateries, such as Omega3 which serves seafood dishes such as sea urchin ceviche, paired with regional wines.

“The coastline is laced with smaller beaches and secluded rocky coves, with my favourite being below the blue-domed church of Panagia Poulati –reached via a short, but steep, hike down from Verina Astra.

“Floating in the clear water, and having the place all to ourselves, was the most delicious feeling of all.”

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If you are keen to explore more beach spots, Cherronisos is another good choice and can be found in a small fishing village on the far north of the island.

One recent visitor said: “Amazing beach, amazing walking trail to the church on the top of the hill and AMAZING tavern.”

Dotted around the beach you will find a number of holiday homes too, costing as little as £63 per night and boasting panoramic views of the sea.

Sifnos doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll have to catch a ferry to reach the island which takes between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half hours from Athens.

The main and only port on Sifnos is Kamares, where you will also find a number of places to stay including AirBnBs costing as little as £209 for a five night stay.

A single ticket from Athens to Sifnos on the ferry costs from €40.50 (£35.01) and the return leg costs from €35 (£30.26).

THIS summer, six cities across the UK will be hosting a major sporting tournament – and each one makes for a great weekend break.

This summer, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place from June 12 to July 5 across Manchester, Birmingham, London, Leeds, Southampton and Bristol.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

With the cricket being played in these cities, it is the perfect excuse to book a UK staycation city break and enjoy everything else each city has to offer.

Whilst fans of fast bowling, wearing white and tea breaks will delight in the cricketing drama, there are plenty of other opportunities to relish during a summer city break in England.

Birmingham

Outside of the sporting event, Birmingham has a lot to offer – with everything from Peaky Blinders sets, the Balti curry and a jewellery quarter, according to Visit England.

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Head to the Black Country Living Museum to learn about the industrial history of the city or, if you are a fan of Formula 1, then drop by the F1 Arcade for some competitive racing.

The city is also home to a number of canals which are the ideal place to paddle on Roundhouse Birmingham’s three-mile kayak tour.

For Peaky Blinders fans, you can step into the living set and filming spots featured in the series including St George’s Hall, the Georgian Quarter and Stanley Dock.

You can even grab a ‘Ruby Murray’ (a 1950s singer who’s name became Cockney rhyming slang for curry) on Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle.

Make sure to explore Digbeth too, which is a trendy neighbourhood with a new food hall.

A Visit England spokesperson said: “Top tip – Edgbaston Village is not only home to the cricket ground but also leafy streets, a buzzing food scene and historic gardens.

“Take a leisurely stroll around the reservoir or try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing via Edgbaston Watersports (disability-friendly sessions are available).”

Matches will be taking place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on:

• Friday June 12 – England vs Sri Lanka
• Sunday June 14 – Bangladesh vs Netherlands & India vs Pakistan
• Wednesday June 17 – South Africa vs Pakistan 

Bristol

Heading more south, Bristol offers amazing street art as well as swimming and even surfing.

Visitors can head to The Wave, which is a surfing and bodyboarding simulator, in an in-land lake.

But if you prefer a dip, you can head to Bristol Lido instead, which dates back to the Victorian period.

If you prefer to see art, then Bristol is ideal as you can head to Wake the Tiger or visit the new ‘Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman’ in Bristol at M Shed between June 20 and September 13.

Bristol of course has a lot of street art to explore as well, which was recently named one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel experiences for 2026.

If you want to get even more hands on and embrace your inner Banksy, you can participate in a Where the Wall spray painting session.

A Visit England spokesperson said: “Don’t forget to call into the Gloucestershire Cricket Museum and Learning Centre for the chance to see some top cricket memorabilia.

“The collection includes the Benson & Hedges Super Cup, won in 1999, plus a collection of bats, balls and other cricketing equipment signed by some of the most famous cricketers of our time, including Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh and Jack Russell.”

The museum is open on match days.  

Matches taking place at Bristol County Ground include:

• Sunday June 21 – West Indies vs Sri Lanka
• Tuesday June 23 – New Zealand vs Scotland & Sri Lanka vs Ireland
• Thursday June 25 – South Africa vs Netherlands
• Saturday June 27 – Pakistan vs Netherland & West Indies vs Ireland

Manchester

In Manchester, football lovers can check out the National Football Museum and even try out the interactive games floor with a penalty shoot-out challenge.

If history is more your thing, then make sure to not miss out on the Everyone Welcome Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Trail, which heads around the Gay Village.

Alternatively, you could swing by the Manchester Museum, where you can come face-to-face with a T-rex named Stan.

Currently, The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind exhibition is also on at Depot Mayfield until July 5

And as for music events, visit Aviva Studios which has events year-round.

A Visit England spokesperson said: “Stay as close to the action as possible with a pitch-side hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn, Emirates Old Trafford.

“Rooms look over the grounds, with two match tickets offering access to a private balcony overlooking the pitch.”

Matches at Old Trafford Cricket Ground include:

• Saturday June 13 – Scotland vs Ireland & Australia vs South Africa
• Sunday June 21 – South Africa vs India 
• Thursday June 25 – India vs Bangladesh
• Friday June 26 – Sri Lanka vs Scotland

Leeds

In Leeds, you can get into the cricket atmosphere by heading to Sixes, which allows visitors to play the sport in a fun, party-style way, with World Cup and T20 ‘modes’ available to play.

Elsewhere in the city, visitors can also head on a guided food tour and visit six independent spots to eat, showcasing the best of Yorkshire food.

Make sure to also wander around the Victorian Quarter, where you’ll find a mix of high-street, designer and independent brands across the historic shopping arcades.

A Visit England spokesperson said: “The suburb of Headingley is buzzing with bars, pubs and restaurants and is sure to provide a lively atmosphere around the match.

“Post-match, sports bar The Box, offers rooftop views over towards the stadium.

“For a pre-match bite, another rooftop location is Crowded House in Leeds city centre set within the Trinity Centre, alongside Trinity Kitchen which offers an array of global cuisine.

“Stay at Headingley Stadium Hotel and wake up close to the action.”

Matches at Headingley Cricket Ground include:

• Wednesday June 17 – Australia vs Bangladesh & India vs Netherlands
• Thursday June 18 – West Indies vs Scotland
• Saturday June 20 – England vs Scotland
• Tuesday June 23 – Australia vs Pakistan

Southampton

For a sporting city on the south coast, you should visit Southampton.

The World Cup Cricket Tournament is taking a ‘tea break’ in the Southampton Hampshire Bowl, where reigning champions New Zealand will attempt to defend their title.

Of course though, while in Southampton, you have to make the most of the water and can do so by heading to Southampton Water Activities Centre with canoeing and jet skiing.

Alternatively, you could step into the Solace Sauna in Lepe Country Park, which is a heated, beachside sauna experience with add ons including aromatherapy, scrubs and masks.

A Visit England spokesperson said: “Following a World Cup tour can be tiring, Eforea Spa at Utilita Bowl however offers a side of relaxation and rejuvenation alongside the thrilling jeopardy.

“Guests can experience an outdoor hot tub, Ice Fountain and Hydrotherapy Pool pre- or post-match.”

Matches at Utilita Bowl include:

• Saturday June 13 – West Indies vs New Zealand
• Tuesday June 16 – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka & England vs Ireland
• Friday June 19 – New Zealand vs Ireland
• Saturday June 20 – Australia vs Netherlands & Pakistan vs Bangladesh

London

Would this list really be complete if it didn’t feature the UK’s capital?

London has two major cricket venues – Lords in North London and The Kia Oval in South London – which will both host matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Lords is home to the Marylebone Cricket Club which is one of the most famous clubs in the world.

And if you are heading to a match at Lords, then you can also visit the nearby Regent’s Park and Marylebone Village, which is bursting with spots to grab a bite to eat, bars and independent shops.

Even though you are in a city, you can still enjoy a bit of water fun as well by heading paddleboarding with Paddleboarding London, which operates tours around Primrose Hill, Little Venice and Camden Market.

As for The Oval south of the river, it is home to Surrey County Cricket Club and you can even go on a tour of the grounds.

Nearby, make sure to visit Market Place in Vauxhall for some top notch street food.

A Visit England spokesperson recommended: “Lords is the fitting backdrop to host the final, taking place on July 5.

“Cricket enthusiasts can go behind the scenes and gain access to exclusive areas of the ground including the Long Room, Player’s Dressing Rooms and MCC Museum, home of the Ashes Urn – cricket’s best-known artefact, as part of a museum and tour experience.”

Matches in London at Lords in North London and The Kia Oval in South London include:

• Wednesday June 24 – England vs West Indies at Lords
• Saturday June 27 – England vs New Zealand at The Oval
• Sunday June 28 – South Africa vs Bangladesh & Australia vs India at Lords
• Tuesday June 30 – Semi Final at The Oval
• Thursday July 2 – Semi Final at The Oval
• Sunday July 5 – Final at Lords

Match tickets start at just £5 per child and £20 per adult, via the official ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 website.

ELLA Bright left fans absolutely stunned when she revealed her ‘real’ voice on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The Off Campus actress, 19, has seen huge success in her role as college junior Hannah Wells on the new YA series, where she speaks in an American accent.

However, both Kelly and viewers were left absolutely stunned by what her day-to-day speaking voice actually sounds like.

Bringing it up with Ella, a surprised Kelly said: “Your accent is f*****g throwing me. It’s throwing me, it’s crazy.

“It’s weird. I was doing research on you last night because you were coming on and I was like, ‘Oh my God, she’s British.’

“Because I only saw the clips from Off Campus so I was like, ‘Wait, what?’

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“You do such a great American accent!”

Fans watching the clip felt the same way and commented about it on TikTok.

One user said: “I didn’t know she was British. Wow.”

A second shared: “I’m loving that raspy voice.”

A third added: “Insane insane insane.”

Season 1 of Off Campus debuted earlier this month, corresponding to the first book in Elle Kennedy’s viral series, The Deal, released in 2015.

It follows aspiring film composer Hannah as she pretends to date cocky Briar U hockey captain Garrett Graham to win the attention of her real crush, Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston).

Ella’s on-screen partner, Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli), is 28 years old and also plays the role of a college student.

It’s caused a stir among fans because Ella is actually only 19 years old.

She is the youngest among her co-stars, who range from their mid to late twenties.

JODIE Marsh was once one of the most photographed women in Britain, with her belt-braced boobs becoming one of the defining images of early Noughties celebrity culture.

Back when today’s reality stars were still in nappies, and the world had ‘It Girls’ instead of influencers, Jodie was everywhere – splashed across lads’ mags, starring in her own TV shows and commanding huge pay cheques at the height of her fame.

She even penned books, launched fitness DVDs and became one of the country’s most talked-about glamour models.

Jodie first shot into the spotlight, tipped as the edgy alternative to glamour queen Jordan – now known as Katie Price – with the pair locked in a fierce rivalry as they battled to become Britain’s biggest pin-up.

More recently, it appeared Jodie had finally found peace after quitting showbiz to run an animal sanctuary in Essex.

The model devoted herself to rescuing animals and regularly shared videos introducing followers to meerkats, foxes, lemurs and marmosets living at the farm.

But pals say a string of devastating events slowly pushed her into isolation.

Now the former Celebrity Big Brother star is facing assault charges following an alleged incident at her Essex animal sanctuary – as pals tell The Sun of their fears for the once larger-than-life star.

One friend told The Sun: “After her mum died, something in her just switched off.

“She became far more isolated, and it was worrying.

“The irony is she spent years desperate to be photographed and talked about, but now the last thing she wants is to be the centre of attention.”

Jodie was left heartbroken in September 2020 when her beloved mum Kristina died following a battle with cancer.

The 47-year-old previously spoke of her anguish after claiming her mum was sent home from the hospital during the Covid pandemic despite battling an aggressive cancer.

Friends believe the loss deeply affected the star, who became increasingly withdrawn from public life in the years afterwards.

A pal said: “She only wanted to be around her animals – they are the only thing that brings her any joy.

“She felt safe around them, so she stayed in her own little bubble. “

Three years later, Jodie put her £1.5million Essex farm on the market following bitter tensions linked to the sanctuary and the animals she kept there.

While many local families regularly visited the sanctuary with their children, Jodie also became embroiled in rows with neighbours.

The TV personality previously went to court after attempting to adopt eight lemurs at the sanctuary.

She claimed Uttlesford Council’s refusal to grant a dangerous wild animal licence was unreasonable amid allegations she had previously taken a meerkat to the pub.

Our source shared: “She fell out terribly with her neighbours and absolutely dreaded seeing them – she became convinced they all hated her too, and it caused a lot of anxiety for her.

“Ultimately, she just wanted to live in peace. Having tensions in a place that is meant to be your sanctuary is just the worst.”

Then, in August 2024, tragedy struck when a fire tore through part of the farm and killed two of Jodie’s beloved marmosets.

An emotional Jodie later admitted she planned to “go far, far away” after the devastating blaze.

She said, “I don’t care about my house being destroyed; all I care about is losing two marmosets.”

A close pal explains: “The fire destroyed more than just the house, emotionally, that was the moment she completely unravelled.

“Behind all the glamour and bravado is somebody incredibly vulnerable and sensitive.”

Friends claim Jodie became increasingly isolated following the blaze and breakup of her most recent relationship.

They added: “Some of her friendships have fallen by the wayside because contact dwindled. Her older friends have been worried about her and did try and reach out, but not all of them heard back. She has a very small cirlce around her now. There was definitely some self-sabotage going on on Jodie’s behalf, although it’s not all on her.

“When Jodie is in a tough place, she does have a tendency to pull away, but her mates that have lost contact with her are still hopeful she will come back.”

Her last publicly confirmed partner was builder Mark, but the pair reportedly split in March 2024 after he struggled with the quiet lifestyle at the farm.

A pal said: “She does struggle with loneliness, but she also struggles to trust people, so it’s a bit of a catch-22.

“A lot of people in her life have badly scarred her, so it’s understandable she has her walls up a lot of the time.”

Last month, Jodie appeared in court accused of assaulting a man at the sanctuary. Essex Police confirmed a woman had been charged following an alleged incident at the site.

The former reality star was also accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause or provoke violence against the man and a woman.

Appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, she pleaded not guilty and was told a trial would take place in May 2027.

With a potential prison sentence looming, Jodie previously claimed neighbours had trespassed onto her land and filmed her animals before posting edited clips online to make them appear “skeletal”.

Speaking about one alleged confrontation, she said: “I’m scared to sleep in my own house. I’m scared to go out.”

Now, friends fear the once vivacious glamour model has completely retreated from the world she once dominated.

One pal told us: “It’s really sad what’s happened to Jodie, and we all really feel for her.

“She’s deleted her Instagram and now fully blocked the outside world from her life. It’s just her and her animals now.

“She lived this mad showbiz life for so long, it’s like she became addicted to the chaos and forgot what being normal was like.

“People think the fame disappeared overnight, but the truth is it was a slow-motion car crash.

“It’s been very sad to watch, but the one thing about Jodie is she is made of tough stuff and, like she has in the past, she’ll likely pick herself back up again.”

When approached by The Sun for comment, Jodie claimed the biggest ‘nightmare’ for her over the last few years, beyond the fire, is that she has been ‘harassed and stalked’ by her neighbours.

She accuses them of trying to bully her out of her home.

“I find it hard to trust people but the circle I have around me now are amazing and worth their weight in gold,” she says. “I trust them with my life. Everyone who comes to my home never wants to leave because it’s magical here.

“The animals are all so special and my life revolves around them. It’s a shame people like my neighbours are trying to ruin it for me. But good always wins over evil and karma is real. I will come out on top. I always do. Watch me.

“I’m living my best life and my dream life and these people are obsessing over me. That can’t be a fun way to live (being obsessed with another human you don’t even know). I just want to be left in peace to run my sanctuary with my true friends and family.”

DID you know that an Italian island has its own ‘Little Barcelona?’

With honey-coloured architecture and beautiful beaches, the coastal city is known to be a slice of Spain.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

On the island of Sardinia is a coastal city called Alghero.

While it’s over 300 miles away from Spain, Alghero‘s link to Spain is from it’s Catalan history.

In 1353, Alghero was conquered by the Crown of Aragon and repopulated by Catalan settlers.

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Around 20 per cent of locals even speak Algherese, which is a dialect of the Catalan language and officially recognised by the Italian and regional governments.

Visitors will see that street signs throughout the old town are written in both Italian and Catalan too.

When it comes to looks, the two cities don’t strike up too much of a resemblance, but both have cobbled streets and golden-coloured buildings.

In Alghero you’re likely to see more of this in its Old Town.

This is where you’ll find its cafes and restaurants where you can pick up a glass of wine from €4 (£3.48) (or you can buy a bottle at the supermarket from €5 (£4.35)).

When it comes to what to do, most head towards the coastline and visit the city’s beautiful beaches.

One of the most popular is Spiaggia di Maria Pia which has white sand, and is backed by pine trees beach bars along the shoreline.

One visitor said: “The sea is completely Vicks blue – it’s absolutely amazing that there is such a lovely beach within walking distance of the cozy Alghero town.”

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Other pretty spots along the coastline include Spiaggia Mugoni and Delle Bombarde.

Something you can’t miss it Neptune’s Grotto (Grotta di Nettuni) which is a sea cave found at Capo Caccia with enormous stalactites and stalagmites.

The easiest way to reach it is by boat, otherwise take the 654-step staircase which has been carved into the fact of the cliff.

In June, Brits can fly directly to Alghero Airport from London Stansted with Ryanair from £18.

HE’S responsible for teaching Michael Jackson the famous moonwalk and choreographed some of the pop superstar’s biggest hits.

Now Shalamar icon Jeffrey Daniel, 71, has spoken in defence of Jackson’s box office smashing biopic, Michael, which has come under fire for omitting controversial elements of the singer’s life – including multiple allegations of child abuse.

Giving his view on the film, which has grossed over $700m worldwide, he says: “At the end of the day, they’re a family and it’s about their family and it’s up to them to do. The public likes to hear controversy. The public likes dirt.

“They want to delve into that negativity. But when you look at Michael’s life and when you look back at it, the negativity was something that was fabricated. There are things that were just engineered to stand against him.”

Speaking from a friend’s home in LA ahead of Shalamar’s 50th anniversary UK tour, he continues: “There’s no way in the world you’re going to be totally vindicated on all charges and acquitted and still looked at as if you’re guilty? Then what was the point of even going to court?

“What was the point of even standing in front of a jury to come to a conclusion that you’re absolutely, unequivocally not guilty if the public is still going to keep running with the narrative of what you were supposed to have done? That doesn’t make sense to me.”

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The film’s critics have called it a glorified promo for MJ’s glittering career, void of the challenging and concerning allegations he faced over the course of his life.

However, Colman Domingo, who plays Michael’s dad Joe Jackson, told the Today Show that it was the film’s timeline that dictated the events. It focuses on Michael’s life from the 60s through to 1988, some five years before the first allegations were made.

With the film teasing a part two, the darker side of Jackson’s life could still be revisited.

Filmmakers were also reportedly forced to do expensive re-shoots, having originally intended to include Jordan Chandler’s 1993 accusations when he was 13 years old.

They were unaware that part of Chandler’s $23m settlement in 1994 forbade anyone from dramatising the account.

Further accusations came much later, with Gavin Arzio’s allegations that he had been molested by Jackson as a child leading to seven charges brought against the star. However, in 2005 he was found not guilty on all counts.

In 2019, 10 years after Jackson’s death, the documnentary Leaving Neverland raised more uncomfortable questions.

The two alleged victims who were the focus of it, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, have joined forces to seek $400m (£298m) in damages from the Jackson estate in a civil trial set to take place later this year.

But Jeffrey has a different outlook and cites an online conspiracy theory that claims Jackson used his Neverland Ranch to shield child victims of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein as evidence of his innocence and insists MJ was trying to save “youngsters”.

Despite all of the allegations, Jeffrey maintains his late friend is still a great role model.

He continues: “You know what’s really inspiring? I’m seeing kids five years old, six and 10 years old imitating Michael.

“They weren’t alive even when he passed away. And they still love him. His legacy is living on.

“He’s the most successful post-mortem artist in history. He’s making more money in his grave than a lot of artists that are out there working their butts off right now. That is a testament to a miracle.

“I mean, because I work with him and I know him, I’m not trying to be biased.”

The biopic is very much a family affair, endorsed by the Jackson estate and with the King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar, 29, cast in the titular role.

However, MJ’s siblings Rebbie, Randy, and Janet don’t feature in the project and none has addressed their absence publicly, though La Toya Jackson said her sister “kindly declined” to be involved.

Jeffrey says the portrayal of the young Michael is so uncanny that it’s like seeing him revived from the dead.

“My God, you have to tip your hat to Jaafar,” says Jeffrey.

“That boy played the hell out of Michael. I couldn’t imagine anyone else. It’s like that guy who played Freddie Mercury [Rami Malek]. It’s like he was born to play that role. And deservingly enough, he won an Oscar for it.

“I see a lot of Michael Jackson impersonators, and they’re pretty good. But they either do too much or they only encapsulate just one dimension of Michael’s performance. Jaafar captured it in its totality.

“He was subtle when it was time to be subtle. He was dynamic when it was time to be dynamic. His mannerisms, the way he spoke, I got emotional.

“I mean, there’s about three times during the film I almost went to tears because I just got emotional because of the scenes that I had something to do with. And I was there when that happened. And I was a part of that when it was happening.

“And then it reminded me of being with Michael and the person he was. It was like seeing a relative come back to life or something. Because I was very close with him.”

Jeffrey’s working relationship with Michael began in 1980, two years prior to the Shalamar founder’s legendary performance on Top of the Pops.

Unknown to the public at the time, Jeffrey had taught the groundbreaking move to MJ after the Thriller star was mesmerised by it while watching an episode of American music show, Soul Train in 1979.

Jackson spent three years practising what was then referred to as a backslide before debuting his version in 1983 during a Motown 25 TV special.

Meanwhile, Shalamar had been scheduled to perform I Can Make You Feel Good on ToTP in 1982 but it was canned at the last minute when the song dropped down the singles chart.

Undeterred, they returned weeks later with a point to prove after Night to Remember became a hit.

Jeffrey’s backslide caused such a stir, bosses scrambled to get the group back for another performance.

Not long after, MJ took the backslide to new heights and remains synonymous with the move.

“I worked with him for over 20 years,” says Jeffrey. “And so, to see this come to life like that again, it was just amazing. I can imagine how his family must have felt.

“Jackie Jackson and Jermaine and Marlon were saying how they were feeling watching this come to life in front of them on screen. And by their own relatives as well, so it’s amazing.”

Jackson’s not the only megastar Jeffrey worked closely with.

He also found a fan in Sir Paul McCartney too, with the Beatle actively seeking him out on a visit to London in the 80s.

Their fortuitous meeting came when McCartney’s crew, who were filming musical drama Give My Regards to Broad Street, spotted Jeffrey taking a walk by the canal in Maida Vale and told him Macca was keen to work with him. The two music men had a brief introduction and Daniel would later return to the UK to work with him on the project properly.

On their second meeting, McCartney hopped out of a car after filming a scene with actress Tracey Ullman and proceeded to lead Jeffrey around the set by the hand, before they sat down for lunch with his late wife Linda.

He said: “I mean, oh my God. Come on, this is legendary greatness. You know, it was an amazing experience.”

Fast forward to the present day and Shalamar are gearing up to bring their energetic set to the UK next month.

Slick and well-honed after five decades, the group know what the audience wants and are more than happy to give it to them.

“The good thing about it is that we have so many hits to choose from and that’s a good thing,” says Jeffrey. “But we’re always trying to adjust it to make sure that we keep the shows interesting and that they appeal to the audience that’s there.”

The live music market is more competitive than ever. Already this year a string of big acts have been forced to cancel tours due to sluggish ticket sales.

When it comes to putting bums on seats, many of whom weren’t alive when Shalamar burst into the charts, Jeffrey says: “We have a catalogue of evergreen, feel-good music. And I think because when times get hard and we go through things, people need a respite.

“I think Shalamar’s music is kind of the antidote to that because it can help you get away when they’re in the audience. They’re up on their feet dancing. They’re singing along.

“I think we’re the last of the high performance bands in the 80s where the choreography, the costume, the interaction, it’s all there, you know.

“Not to toot our own horn, but I think we put on a good show together, you know. And it’s very entertaining. And the people love what we’re doing. And we love the people.”

I’VE lived on Kent’s trendy coastline for more than five years, so I think I can legitimately call myself a local now.

After ditching London in my late twenties, I’ve lived in both Margate and Folkestone, while spending my weekends exploring the other seaside towns.

In the last 15 years, Kent’s seaside towns have arguably seen the biggest transformations of the whole British coast.

That’s due to a combination of new investment, an influx of ‘down from Londoners’ moving in and a reignited love of the traditional seaside break among Millennials.

But which town you should visit depends on what type of trip you’re looking for.

So here are my top tips for seven of the best Kent beach towns and villages, from what to do and where to eat, to the best hotel and things to do under a fiver.

Whitstable

One of the more established Kent seaside towns, Whitstable is famous for its annual Oyster festival and has been a popular tourist destination for the last few decades – long before towns like Margate saw a resurgence.

Eat and drink in Whitstable

Blueprint Coffee and Books is the kind of place where you’ll go in for a cappuccino but come out with magazines and a candle.

The pastel pink Wheelers Oyster Bar is where everyone goes for their seafood (and for good reason) but if you fancy something other than fish, Harbour Street Tapas is the place for Spanish sharing plates.

In the summer months, the Old Neptune pub is a must, where the pub garden is right on the beach. Or try Porto Wine Bar, tucked a bit further down for staff who really know their wines.

Don’t forget an ice-cream – Bear’s Ice Cream Imaginarium has everything from classics to more unusual flavours like celeriac and wasabi. Yes, really.

Best things to do in Whitstable

Harbour Street is home to some fantastic vintage shops to explore. I picked up a jumper worth £69 for a fiver, so it has some treasures if you look hard enough.

There’s also Whitstable Harbour, still a working harbour, to explore as well as the free-to-visit Whitstable Castle with beautiful gardens and a kids’ play area.

Really fancy a dip? Brave the water with the other cold water swimmers but make sure to warm up in the Sea Scrub Sauna, one of many around Kent.

Where to stay in Whitstable

The Marine Hotel is a classic coastal B&B, with big chunky king size beds and windows thick enough to keep out the sea breeze.

The restaurant is where you will join the locals on a Friday night with a classic but hearty menu making you grateful for the proximity of your room.

Rooms from £125. See marinewhitstable.com.

Under £5 in Whitstable

Why not test your crabbing skills?

Head to the end of the harbour and pick up a crabbing net from one of the stalls which are usually under a fiver and see what you can catch.

Margate

Nicknamed Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate is known for being one of the trendiest beach towns in the country.

As well as having one of Kent’s rare sandy beaches (most are shingle) this has also seen a huge increase in cool wine bars and restaurants.

Eat and drink in Margate

Start your day at Big Shot Diner for a cup of tea while looking out over the beach, or the Bus Cafe for a great full English breakfast.

When it comes to fish, the best chippies in town are Peter’s Fish Factory and Beach Buoys, so expect queues out the door, or for a fancier sit down affair, head to Angela’s.

Pizza by the slice is best at Palm’s Pizzeria, best chased by a pickleback shot (whisky and pickle juice).

There are some great wine bars too but my favourite place to go are the pubs in Margate.

Try Rose in June for fun food and drink pop ups or the 18th century George & Heart House, which also has rooms above if you fancy staying the night.

Best things to do in Margate

The beach itself is beautiful but for more adrenaline-fuelled fun, head to the free-to-visit Dreamland.

You can pay for rides, or just take in the retro-style attraction – come in the summer for the fantastic live music line up ranging from Lovebox to Bastille.

Or did you know Margate is home to Europe’s only Crab Museum? It’s certainly quirky but one to visit as its free, although they rely on donations.

And of course there is the free Turner Contemporary art gallery as well, which is reopening on May 23 with a new exhibit.

Where to stay in Margate

Lots of boutique hotels have opened in Margate in recent years, and one of the best is Guesthouse No.42.

One of just four in the UK, it even has the town’s only rooftop bar, which overlooks the beach.

Rooms start from £141. See guesthousehotels.co.uk.

Under £5 in Margate

The bizarre Shell Grotto remains a mystery as to why or how it was built – but its a beauty to see.

Concession tickets start from £5, kids tickets are £2.

Folkestone

Named one of the best places to live in the UK last year, Folkestone has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, partly because of its speedy, 52-minute train from London.

There are some new openings to be excited about too, including the Lower Leas Cliff funicular.

Eat and drink in Folkestone

After it’s success in Margate, Pomus opened their second small plate restaurant in Folkestone. It’s one of the smarter places in town, but service is just as friendly with a rotating menu of locally caught produce.

Award-winning Rocksalt is the place for fish lovers, overlooking the harbour (and the oysters are a must).

Or for something more low-key, there is the local-loved Morley’s which has a small but classic menu – think burgers and pastas.

If there is one thing Folkestone isn’t short of, it’s pubs – try the Harbour Inn or The Pullman for friendly staff and local ciders.

And splash out for the evening by heading to the end of the harbour for a glass of fizz at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar, or a cocktail at Gaia Studios.

Best things to do in Folkestone

The Harbour Arm celebrated 10 years this year, and you can easily spend a day in the shipping container yard.

Along with food and drink stalls, there are independent shops selling everything from locally-made wine to clothing and dog treats. It also has lots of live music throughout the year and live screenings of films and sports.

Also nearby is The Boardroom for darts and shuffleboard (currently closed for a renovation), while the new Sea Scrub Sauna is the largest of its kind in the UK. Otherwise go for a wander along to the Lower Leas Coastal Park, which is getting a huge new playground too.

Where to stay in Folkestone

The London & Paris Hotel is one of the few boutique hotels in town, where every room overlooks the harbour.

Each room is coastal chic – think blue striped walls and vintage bathtubs – and they come with little touches such as complimentary binoculars and breakfasts delivered by hamper.

Rooms start from £71. See londonandparishotel.co.uk.

Under £5 in Folkestone

Grab an ice cream from Herbert’s Gelato with a rotating menu of interesting flavours such as hot cross bun or malted milk. From £3.90.

Ramsgate

From welcoming Queen Victoria in the 1800s to having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, Ramsgate has a rather regal history.

Now, it is a popular seaside town still slightly overlooked by its trendier neighbours Margate and traditional Broadstairs, but it is a great weekend break.

Eat and drink in Ramsgate

Get your morning coffee at Staple (along with an irresistible cruffin to go) with cafes also open in Westgate and Broadstairs.

But for the best places to eat, there are two top choices. First up is Marc-Pierre’s Kitchen restaurant where you will find some of the best seafood in town (with enough awards to show for it).

Otherwise curry fans should head straight to Flavours by Kumar.

It’s tucked down a tiny hidden side street but with big restaurants under his belt, including London’s famous Cinnamon Club, you’re in good hands (make sure to save room for the chocolate samosas).

End your evening at Noa Rooftop, which opened last year, for a crisp glass of wine to watch the sunset.

Best things to do in Ramsgate

Ramsgate has the UK’s only Royal Harbour, so it is the best place to spot the boats coming in and out for the day.

But its wartime history is best learned about at the Ramsgate Tunnels.

There are daily tours of the underground system that is also the largest UK network of wartime tunnels.

Search the knick-knacks of Petticoat Emporium, one of Kent’s biggest indoor markets with 200 traders and where you can pick up everything from vintage spoons to huge wicker chairs.

Where to stay in Ramsgate

Ramsgate is more B&Bs than boutique hotels, but one of the best in town is the The House at Ramsgate which dates back to 1780. With just 14 rooms which are cosy but modern, choose the Queen Victoria Room where she spent three months in 1835. Make sure to stay for the roast dinners too…

Rooms from £90. See thehouseatramsgate.co.uk.

Under £5 in Ramsgate

Of course, a visit to Ramsgate isn’t complete with a trip to the Victorian Pavilion – the UK’s (and technically) the world’s biggest Wetherspoons pub, so spend around £4.50 for a pint of Corona and head to the rooftop for views over the beach.

Broadstairs

With strong connections to Charles Dickens (who raved about the place while holidaying there), Broadstairs is your more traditional seaside town.

It has seven sandy beaches to choose from, so you’re spoilt for choice.

Eat and drink in Broadstairs

If you love a good coffee, you’re in luck – there’s Giant Coffee, who do unique hot drinks like cloud matchas (and are also in Ramsgate and Margate) to Forts who are known for their great coffees across Kent.

Fish and chips are a must at the beach and everyone heads to The Mermaid who do very large portions.

Chase it with an ice cream at Morelli’s Gelato which dates back to 1907, they sell huge towering sundae with all the trimmings.

But for dinner, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Bar Ingo, a tiny restaurant with just a few tables but serving small plates inspired by basque dishes.

I’m still dreaming of the miso mushrooms after my last visit.

Best things to do in Broadstairs

Broadstairs has the beautiful curved Viking Bay sandy beach, so hanging out there is a must. Grab a paddleboard or rent a deckchair; you can do what you like to while away the day.

There are also the retro arcades at the top of the hill, which are a surefire hit with the kids.

Or you can explore some of the independent shops selling trinkets and gifts on the high street (my favourites are Home by SP and Arrowsmiths).

Where to stay in Broadstairs

One of the newest hotels in Broadstairs is Smith’s Townhouse, with just six bedrooms in the Georgian building. Stylish east London interiors are across the downstairs cafe and the rooms – Room Five even has Elton John’s former wardrobe.

They have some of the best coffee in town – perfect for a breakfast pick me up – but stay for a vibe in the evening where you can get cocktails and nibbles too.

Rooms start from £140. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.

Under £5 in Broadstairs

Broadstairs was once raved about by Charles Dickens, so a visit to the Dickens House Museum is a must.

Inside is the inspiration for Betsey Trotwood’s home from the novel David Copperfield.

Tickets cost £5 for adults of £2.50 for kids.

Deal

The town of Deal is quickly becoming a foodie hub, with some critically-rated restaurants popping up.

It also has a great art scene, with numerous galleries and frequent exhibitions from local artists.

It’s on the smaller side than Whitstable or Folkestone, but also makes it far more walkable.

Eat and drink in Deal

Popup Cafe is, despite it’s name, not a pop-up but a fantastic coffee shop where you’ll be hanging with young families and coworkers on their laptops.

Mostly known only to locals, the local Jenkins & Son Fishmongers opens at certain days to offer street food dishes; I regularly make a trip for the Monkfish Tacos.

For pubs, try the Caribbean style roast at The Port Arms, which shares an outdoor seating area with the nearby Kings Head pub – also worth a drink in.

The recently revamped Le Pinardier wine bar will transport you to a French bistro (without the snobby staff when you ask for a Pinot Grigio, however).

Best things to do in Deal

The high street is full of art galleries and independent sellers, my favourites being The Hoxton Store, Mileage and 123 High Street for gifts.

Explore the brutalist Deal Pier, restored twice in its history and now one of the last remaining of its kind, where you can weave between the fishermen for some of the best views in town.

Kids will love Deal Castle where they can explore the hidden tunnels and even play pretend with wooden muskets.

Otherwise try and visit on a Saturday morning to catch the local market that dates back to 1699 – and fill your pockets with antiques and cinnamon buns.

Where to stay in Deal

The Rose Hotel is one of the UK’s best boutique hotels, with just nine cosy rooms. Make sure to try the restaurant too, its one of the finest in town with a previous menu highlight being the chicken shnitzel.

Rooms from £110. See therosedeal.com.

Under £5 in Deal

Grab a bottle of beer at the stunning Deal Pier Kitchen to get beautiful ocean views, while being protected from the sea winds.

Hythe

The military history of Hythe shapes it, being one of the UK Cinque Ports.

Now, its a sleepy seaside town, less crowded due to it being off the beaten track and having no major train station.

Eat and drink in Hythe

Arrive early and get a coffee from the tiny, locally-run Mit Milche Coffee although expect queues out the door by mid-morning.

Gorge on some moules mariniere at The Waterfront with a table outside by the promenade, where you can expect a range of live jazz and DJ music on certain days.

If you’re in the mood for something fancier, just on the outskirts is Hide & Fox which gained a second Michelin star last year.

Just come hungry if you opt for the eight-course menu.

If the sea air is a little brisk, warm up in the Kings Head pub, one of the oldest and cosiest in town dating back to 1583.

Best things to do in Hythe

The Royal Military Canal is prime for low-key strolling, running for 28 miles and made as an anti-invasion defence again Napoleon in 1803 (although it was never used.)

There are also the Hythe Sound Mirrors which were huge structures build to “listen” for enemy planes and have now been left abandoned – but worth a visit to see the sheer scale of them.

Make sure to take kids to the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, with small train carriages running a small route via Dungeness.

Want to get your shopping kicks? Head to Malthouse Arcade on Fridays and Saturdays with trinkets galore across two floors.

Where to stay in Hythe

You don’t get much grander than the Hythe Imperial Hotel, overlooking the English Channel. Inside an 18th manor house, there are 92 rooms to choose from. Save time for a cuppa in the Snug or a trip to its Moet & Chandon Bar.

Rooms from £146. See hytheimperial.co.uk.

Under £5 in Hythe

Why not have a free game of tennis, with five courts open to the public at South Road Sports Facility (although save a few quid to buy some more tennis balls for any rogue hits).