UK retail footfall rose 3.9% over Christmas, with Boxing Day up 4.4%—the strongest increase in a decade. Retail parks led with an 8.8% surge. Discover the full analysis of the festive retail boost.
Stephen Fry's performance as Lady Bracknell at the Royal Variety Performance left many viewers puzzled. Discover the Oscar Wilde reference they missed.
Jessie J moved the Royal Albert Hall with a deeply personal song dedicated to her late bodyguard, Dave, at the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Comedian Jason Manford returns to host the Royal Variety. We explore his career, his first marriage's breakdown after a sexting scandal, and his life with six children in a blended family.
New CAA data reveals TUI as the worst major airline for punctuality in 2025, with only 57.5% of flights on time. Discover the full rankings and your passenger rights.
Ordnance Survey reveals the UK's most Christmassy street names, with Noel topping the list. Discover which festive roads and counties are celebrating all year round.
New data reveals Birmingham streets with the most fines for Blue Badge misuse. Over 20,000 penalties issued since 2022, impacting disabled parking access. Read the full report.
Plans to replace the 'outdated' Lidl in Bilston with a modern supermarket have been approved. The redevelopment will increase parking and improve the High Street entrance.
Discover the 27 highest-performing primary schools in Birmingham based on the latest Key Stage 2 SATs results. See which schools lead in reading, maths, and writing standards for 2025.
A man and a woman were rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a two-vehicle collision on Longbridge High Street. Read the latest updates on this developing story.
A man and a woman have been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a two-car collision outside Marks & Spencer on Longbridge High Street. Get the latest updates on this breaking news story.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin made a secret appearance at a Staffordshire wedding to perform the couple's first dance. Read the incredible story of how it happened.
Police appeal for witnesses after a car and motorbike collision on High Street, Wordsley, leaves a man with potentially serious injuries. Call 101 with information.
Wirral Council revisits plans for 22 new car park charges, sparking fears from Bromborough businesses who warn it could be 'another nail in the coffin' for the village high street.
Dozens of UK bank branches are set to close in early 2025, impacting NatWest, Santander, Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland customers. See the full list of affected locations.
Walsall's once-thriving high street now has over 40 vacant units, with locals describing a 'dying ghost town'. Discover the impact on community and business.
Kylie Minogue delivered a show-stopping set at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball, including the first live performance of her new festive single 'XMAS'. Watch the full show on Global Player.
Louis Tomlinson made a solo return to Capital's Jingle Bell Ball after 13 years, delivering a poignant One Direction tribute. Read about the special moment and his thoughts on a band reunion.
Louis Tomlinson makes his solo debut at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball 2025. Get the full setlist and details on his festive performance and new album.
Lloyds Bank, with over 28 million customers, has closed 17 branches this November. See the full list of affected locations and the wider trend of UK bank branch closures.
A 150-year-old shoe shop in Worcester is shutting down for good, with the family business stating it is no longer viable. Discover the story behind this high street loss.
New data reveals a 0.8% year-on-year drop in UK retail footfall last month, driven by Autumn Budget tax fears and poor weather. Industry leaders call for a new high street revival plan.
Poundland is shutting around 30 branches as part of a major restructuring. See the full list of locations closing in December and January, including Melton Mowbray and Bexhill.
More than 500 bank branches have disappeared from British high streets in 2025. See the full list of closures and check your area with our interactive map.
Singer JoJo Siwa reveals she was hospitalised with burst ovarian cysts just an hour before a performance. Discover her health update and how she powered through the show.
Lloyds Banking Group announces 44 branch closures for 2026 as customers move online. Find the full list and see what support will be available for affected communities.
NatWest is closing six high street branches on December 31, 2025, citing a shift to digital banking. Community pop-ups and mobile services will support affected customers. See the full list.
A man has been rushed to hospital with potentially serious injuries after being hit by a bus on Digbeth High Street. Emergency services were called to the scene opposite Birmingham Coach Station.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust has surpassed its cancer treatment target for two consecutive months, showing a 15% year-on-year improvement. Read about the positive trajectory.
New data reveals a worrying rise in A&E waiting times at Birmingham hospitals, with fewer patients seen within the four-hour target. Read the full report on the trust's performance.