Author: Scott Dylan

A 10-day celebration of all things literary has begun in Wigtown.The festival features over 250 events and is expected to attract thousands of visitors.The 26th edition of the Wigtown Book Festival has commenced in south-west Scotland. This year’s festival promises a myriad of engaging events. Highlights include actor Alan Cumming, renowned performance poet Pam Ayres, and celebrated novelist Irvine Welsh.With over 250 events scheduled, the festival offers a diverse range of attractions. The festival runs until 6 October and is expected to draw up to 8,000 visitors.Artistic director Adrian Turpin shared that he hoped the festival would be a ‘celebration…

Celtic have made a significant milestone by qualifying for the Champions League group stages. Below is a concise overview of the events leading up to this achievement and what lies ahead for the Scottish champions.Elena Sadiku’s leadership has brought continued success to Celtic, including their first SWPL title.Celtic have qualified for the Champions League group stage, marking the first time since the competition was revamped.The draw for the group stage will take place at 12:00 BST in Nyon, Switzerland, with a challenging set of potential opponents.Celtic’s upcoming fixtures include domestic league matches and the Sky Sports Cup second round.Elena Sadiku’s…

Barry McCambridge, the standout star in Armagh’s unexpected All-Ireland football triumph, describes his newfound recognition as ‘crazy’.The Clann Eireann player, who wasn’t a regular starter at the season’s onset, emerged as a crucial figure by the end, earning admiration from fans and peers alike.Barry McCambridge played a pivotal role in Armagh’s All-Ireland success, despite not being a regular starter for Kieran McGeeney’s side at the beginning of the season. His journey from relative obscurity to being a favourite for the footballer of the year award is nothing short of remarkable.McCambridge’s defining moment came during Armagh’s stunning semi-final win over Kerry,…

The world of artificial intelligence welcomes a new and unexpected participant: Dame Judi Dench. The venerable actress is joining innovative efforts to merge technology with human interaction, signalling a new era for AI in entertainment. Dame Judi Dench Embraces Technology Renowned actress Dame Judi Dench is venturing into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of an innovative project. Known for her extensive career in film and theatre, Dame Judi continues to break new ground, this time by lending her voice and persona to an AI chatbot. This move underscores the intersection of technology and the arts, highlighting the…

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced 37 new full-time contracts for women players, making the team one of the highest paid in international women’s rugby.This development comes after extensive discussions between players and the WRU, with pay being a central issue.Significance of the New ContractsThe WRU’s decision to award 37 new full-time contracts marks a significant milestone for women’s rugby in Wales. This move has propelled the team to become one of the best-paid women’s rugby teams globally, highlighting the growing recognition and investment in women’s sports.Wales captain Hannah Jones confirmed the agreement on these new deals earlier this…

Gary Lightbody, lead vocalist of Snow Patrol, has raised concerns about the dire state of arts funding in Northern Ireland. He recently met with the Minister for Communities to discuss potential solutions.Highlighting the lack of financial support, Lightbody emphasised the importance of arts for societal well-being and the need for immediate measures to prevent a cultural decline.’A great tragedy’Gary Lightbody has described the current state of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland as ‘quite dire’. He was recently involved in discussions with the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, to find ways to strengthen the arts sector.Lightbody pointed out that…

Noddy Holder, former frontman of Slade, has experienced a profound shift in his life and career following a battle with oesophageal cancer. The legendary singer, now 78, reflects on how his illness has influenced his approach to performing.Despite the challenges, Holder’s determination to connect with audiences and share his story remains unwavering. As he prepares for potential future tours, his journey continues to inspire fans around the world.A Battle Against the OddsNoddy Holder, the iconic frontman of Slade, has faced a significant transformation since his oesophageal cancer diagnosis in 2018. Initially given just six months to live, Holder has defied…

A memorial to the Brontë sisters in Westminster Abbey has been amended 85 years after it was first installed.The amendment involves the addition of diaereses above the letter ‘e’ in the authors’ surname, ensuring correct pronunciation.The omission was discovered by Sharon Wright, a historian and editor of the Brontë Society Gazette. Wright noticed the missing diaereses during a research trip to Poets’ Corner and reported it to Dr David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster.Dr Hoyle responded by instructing the abbey’s stonemason to add the diaereses and its conservator to paint them.This correction ensures that the names of the Brontë sisters…

Naomi Campbell, the renowned model, has been prohibited from serving as a charity trustee for five years following a charity watchdog’s investigation.The inquiry uncovered significant mismanagement, including the misallocation of funds to luxurious expenses and unauthorised payments, tarnishing the reputation of her charity, Fashion for Relief.Campbell, along with two other trustees, Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou, faced different periods of bans following the findings. Hellmich received a nine-year ban, and Chou a four-year ban. The investigation highlighted a breach in the charity’s constitution, where Ms Hellmich received unauthorised payments totalling £290,000 for consultancy services.Tim Hopkins, part of the investigations team,…

Kate Winslet devoted nearly a decade to bringing the story of Lee Miller to the big screen.Her dedication highlights her deep admiration for the iconic war photojournalist.The story of Lee Miller, an iconic war photojournalist, captivated Kate Winslet. She spent almost a decade ensuring this story was told authentically.The film ‘Lee’ delves into the turbulent life and career of Miller, showcasing her significant contributions and personal challenges.For Winslet, Miller’s story was not just a project but a passion. She felt a profound connection to Miller’s courage and resilience.’Lee Miller was a force of nature,’ said Winslet. ‘Her work, especially during…