Leicester: Puns see comedian crowned UK's number one
Mr B Found - whose full name is William Bicknell-Found - was presented with the Championship Belt designed by Cornish stand-up comedian and 2019 champion Colin Leggo.Other contestants in the 2025 championships were finalist Daniel Edison, Josh Faulkner, Mary Cross, Pauline Eyre and Stevie Vegas.
Mr B Found, whose usual stand-up is more narrative, said: "I didn't expect to get into this competition, let alone win - so I'm pretty baffled."It's an absolutely crazy feeling to think back to Christmas when I was reading cracker jokes and thinking about how it would be fun to do this in front of an audience."I can't really believe it."The boxing ring and massive crowd really ups the ante. It stressed me out."
Will B Found's favourite puns
"My cousin lost his job at the clock factory; it's such a shame, as he was putting in all the hours.""Old McDonald has turned his farm into a massive corporation; he's the E-I-CEO.""I thought my dad was a smart guy, but I asked if he knew what an eclipse is, and he said, 'No, son'.""Whoever stole my copy of Microsoft Office, I will find out—you have my Word."
Leicester Comedy Festival continues until 23 February, with more than 720 events across 80 venues.Michael Harris-Wakelam, chief executive of the festival charity Big Difference Company, said: "The UK Pun Championships are a highlight for everyone in the comedy community."The calibre of talent we saw this year was extraordinary."Puns are often seen as a niche comedy style, but their universal appeal is undeniable – they're easy to love, easy to remember, and easy to join in on."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
10 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
The retro model theme park that was like a ‘mini wonderland' – here's what it was like to visit as a child
Plus, Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios DOWN SIZED The retro model theme park that was like a 'mini wonderland' – here's what it was like to visit as a child A FORMER amusement park in Bournemouth used to be home to "Europe's largest model landscape" with Big Ben and a mechanical Tower Bridge. The model village of Tucktonia opened back in 1976 and included an array of different landmarks such as Admiralty Arch, Hadrian's Wall and Stonehenge. Advertisement 6 Tucktonia opened back in 1976 and included an array of different landmarks such as Admiralty Arch, Hadrian's Wall and Stonehenge Credit: Alamy 6 Located in Bournemouth, Tucktonia used to be home to "Europe's largest model landscape" Credit: Alamy 6 Some of the models were even mechanical including Tower Bridge which opened and closed Credit: Alamy Some of the models even moved, including Tower Bridge, which opened and closed to allow boats to pass through. A model of an airport also was mechanical with planes actually travelling along the runway. But the model village didn't just feature big landmarks, it also had a Cornish village, Kellogg's factory and a motorway flyover. At the time, the attraction was dubbed "the best of Britain in Miniature", according to an advert for the destination. Advertisement One woman, Emma Cansdale from Waltham Abbey used to visit regularly as a child. The 52-year-old told Sun Travel: "As an eight-year-old it was like a mini wonderland. "Back then I loved the quaintness of model villages and miniature railways. Emma added: "I remember it was a hot summer day spent following the map to find the different attractions and eating ice cream." Advertisement Across the village, there were over 200 models made from fibre glass and steel and it cost £2million to develop - about £13.5million now. The attraction took two years in total to plan and build. Best of British: Bournemouth's beach and vibrant city life is the perfect getaway And for little ones, there was Railriders club - which Emma was part of. "One of the reasons we went to Tucktonia was to pick up a sticker for my Railriders sticker book as they were participating in that scheme," Emma added. Advertisement Old maps of Tucktonia Leisure Park that Emma has, show what featured at the 21acre site. And it wasn't just the model village - it also had a number of other attractions including fairground rides, a fun slide, boating lake, an amusement arcade, crazy golf, a go-kart track and a mini cinema. One leaflet even claims the park was home to "Europe's largest model landscape". Another poster claims it was "the greatest model Britain in the world". Advertisement 6 There used to be a number of other attractions too including fairground rides Credit: Emma Cansdale According to Dorset Life, some famous faces made appearances at the park too. Comedian and magician Tommy Cooper and actor Jon Pertwee visited in 1978. Keith Chegwin and Maggie Philbin also hosted the BBC's Multi-Coloured Swap Shop live from the park. Advertisement Then in 1985, it was used as a film set for the alien movie Lifeforce - a sci-fi horror by Tobe Hooper, who also created The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Some believe that a number of the models were destroyed as part of the filming, whilst others claim that whilst the village was used as a set, the buildings destroyed in the film were actually different models created by the visual effects team. 6 Emma used to visit as a child and remembers it well Credit: Emma Cansdale In 1980, Alton Towers opened and many believed that this immediately had an impact on the number of visitors at Tucktonia. Advertisement In the following years, the park changed ownership more than once and then in 1986, the park closed - just a decade after the model village had first opened. The site's buildings and fixtures were then all cleared to make the land available for a pub. In 2003, the site then transformed again into a number of retirement flats and homes. One fan of the park commented on social media: "What a fab place it was... Big childhood memories, very sad when it closed." Advertisement Another added: "Absolutely loved Tucktonia. As a child these places were so exciting." There is also an abandoned £118million fairytale theme park that would have been a Disneyland rival – but closed after four years. Plus, Universal's UK theme park plans have dropped – here's what you can expect including nightclubs and film studios. 6 In 1985, the attraction was even used as a film set for the alien movie Lifeforce Credit: Emma Cansdale
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'My no-iron, bloat-friendly FatFace dress is a must-have for your holiday suitcase'
If you're looking to add a versatile, easy-to-wear piece to your summer wardrobe, look no further than the FatFace Bryn White Beeble Dress I'm a firm believer that every wardrobe should have the perfect white summer dress. Not only are they ideal for reflecting light and heat to keep wearers cool, but they also tap into the timeless 'Wimbledon whites' trend which returns year after year. If you're on the hunt for a breezy, elegant addition to your holiday wardrobe, FatFace has a beautiful option that ticks tonnes of style boxes. I took the Bryn White Beeble Dress on a recent trip to Dublin, and I'm already planning on packing it for my Cornish getaway next month, too. I always love a shirred bodice because they hug the figure without being clingy, maintaining stretch for all-day comfort, making it bloat-friendly, too. It's not your average smocking, but a more textured, diamond-style shirring that feels more interesting and looks more expensive. The dress is made from 100% cotton making it light, airy and breathable to wear. The seersucker fabric also requires little ironing, which is a huge win when packing for a getaway. I just hung the dress up on the first day of our trip, and when I came to wear it, any creases had dropped out. Whether you're self-conscious of your upper arms (many of us are) or like me, prefer to cover the shoulders to protect them from sun exposure, the dress has romantic puff sleeves, which also lend themselves nicely to layering in the cooler months, be it with a leopard print gilet or a knitted vest. Bryn White Beeble Dress Product Description The maxi length makes it great for pairing with sandals or heels, effortlessly taking it from day to night. But perhaps my favourite thing about it is the faux dropped waist. Dropped waists are trending at the minute but many fashion fans may still be on the fence about them. The shirring gives the illusion of a dropped waist, but there is still a defined waistline making it perfect if you're curious about the silhouette but not quite ready to fully commit. I was a little disappointed to find that the FatFace dress doesn't have pockets, but the Nobody's Child Starlight Midi Dress (£85) does. This is one of the celeb-loved brand's most popular designs, reimagined countless times. The romantic midi features feminine sleeves and a flattering shape, ideal for city breaks or garden parties. Boden's Anna Double Cloth Midi Dress also has pockets, and comes in at £98. Crafted from a breezy double cotton, this dress has a subtly structured silhouette and even comes in three different lengths. The downside to any white dress, though, is the high-maintenance colour as the crisp white hue isn't the most forgiving when it comes to stains. You do have to be careful of sunscreen smudges and morning coffee spills, or at least own a good stain remover. The FatFace Bryn Beeble dress comes in at £72 and is part of the FatFace x Beeble collaboration, inspired by 'the hard work of bees and the beauty of the natural world'. As such, there is a little hidden bee embroidered on the hem of the dress, which is a very sweet little detail. I love that, while it's the perfect summer staple, it can be worn year round, including with boots and a cardigan in the autumn and winter months. So if you're looking for a versatile, elegant, easy-to-pack summer frock, FatFace might just have the answer. Shoppers can explore the brand's range of holiday-ready attire at FatFace here. One on my wishlist is the Tabitha Sage Green Textured Dress for £89. Part of the retailer's Copper and Black collection, it's a more elevated piece 'designed to turn heads'. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric, it features voluminous puff sleeves, a cinched waist that flatters the figure, and a plunging neckline. For a sleeveless option, the Iris Light Blue Denim Dress is £69, with an easy silhouette and midi length that make it perfect for everything from market strolls to holiday dinners. It would look great with sandals and a gold belt.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Haunting photos show UK theme parks abandoned and left to rot
A particular region in the UK has been home to some incredible theme parks but sadly many have had to close down over the years. Here are some of the most haunting abandoned theme parks Once filled with the sounds of merriment and glee, these once-loved amusement parks now stand eerily deserted. Independent theme parks have struggled in recent years, particularly against the likes of national giants of Alton Towers and Thorpe Bay. Just this year, an amusement in Devon had to shut after two months due to rising rent. Meanwhile, Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire – the largest in Wales – was forced to close its doors after almost 40 years. The company behind the group, Aspro Parks Group, said: "Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and where possible team elsewhere." Photographs have now captured the chilling sight of some parks in the South West that were left to rot after they were forced to close. Spirit Of The West, Cornwall Located in St Columb Major in Cornwall, the Spirit Of The West theme park was once a popular spot. The park closed its doors in 2009 and was transformed into holiday lodges under the name Retallack Resort and Spa. Retallack Resort and Spa is a five-star luxury self-catering holiday destination boasting holiday Lodges, watersports, spa, and entertainment. A few years ago, the Spirit Of The West theme park drew considerable attention when photos of the deserted park surfaced in publications such as the Mail Online. However, the former theme park has since been entirely demolished. Blobbyland, Somerset Inspired by the popular Saturday night TV show Noel's House Party, set in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom, Blobbyland was established at Cricket St Thomas in Somerset. At the peak of Blobbymania, the show's pink and spotty sidekick, Mr Blobby, was the star attraction at a theme park filled with rides inspired by him. Among the attractions were the Animals of Farthing Wood, a safari ride, a deer park, and Dubblobbin, Mr Blobby's house, painted in his signature bright pink with yellow spots and topped with a blue roof. However, the park shut its doors in 1998 due to falling visitor numbers. Despite efforts to secure the site, including blocking an access tunnel, it became a target for trespassers until it was finally demolished in 2014. Tivoli Park, Cornwall Nestled deep within a Cornish woodland, beside a scenic river, lie the overgrown remnants of a century-old pleasure garden, modelled after one of the world's oldest and most beloved amusement parks. The deserted fountains, arches, bandstand, and swimming pool, which emerge unexpectedly from the undergrowth along a woodland path in the village of Lerryn, are all that remain of the once-popular Tivoli Park. The park took its name from the renowned Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen. The brainchild of China Clay magnate Frank Parkyn, who was born in the village in 1850, construction on the elaborate park began around 1920, following his visit to the Danish Tivoli. Drawing inspiration from the fountains, the octagonal Glass Hall and the arches of Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Parkyn transformed a large portion of his woodland into an ornate garden, complete with intricate structures and water features, including an octagonal pool. In 1922, Tivoli Park in Cornwall was unveiled to the public, serving as a fresh venue for the increasingly popular Lerryn Regatta. Despite its former reputation as 'The Henley of the West', the annual event was last held in 1968. While Tivoli Park remained relatively untouched until the late 20th century, nature has slowly reclaimed it over recent decades. Dobwalls Adventure Park A decade ago, the closure of Dobwalls Adventure Park marked a sombre day for Cornwall. John Southern emerged as a tourism trailblazer in 1970 when he transformed his pig farm into one of the South West's earliest tourist attractions. For over 35 years, trains chugged along two-mile-long tracks at the park, situated just a 20-minute drive from Plymouth. The site rapidly became a favourite destination for school trips for generations. Admission granted visitors access to explore the Krazee Kavern play barn, enjoy unlimited rides on the park's trains, visit Rocky Ridge's sand and water play area, inspect the locomotive shed, and experience the Steam Back in Time exhibition. The park's main draw was its immaculately maintained steam and diesel trains, with two tracks on offer - the Union Pacific Railroad and the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande track, which opened in 1970, boasted a four per cent gradient, making it the world's steepest climb on a passenger-carrying miniature railway. Due to its success, the Pacific was added in 1979, closely modelled on the real Union Pacific Sherman Hill line in Wyoming. However, a proposed redevelopment of Dobwalls, including a new arts centre, hit a snag, and the 22-acre site was put up for sale in 2012 with a guide price of £400,000 via sealed bid auction. In March 2013, Charteroak purchased the site, renaming it Southern Halt, which now houses a collection of eco-friendly log cabins. Kitley Caves Kitley Caves in Yealmpton were once a beloved tourist attraction in the Plymouth area. Over 20 years ago, they temporarily closed their doors, but have never reopened since. These cherished caves nestled in the woods at Yealmpton were a popular destination for school trips and archaeology enthusiasts for two decades. Despite being closed to the public since 1999, with little hope of reopening, the historic caves and grottoes along the Yealm estuary remain a significant landmark, having housed Bronze Age and Stone Age artefacts. Additionally, green marble was once quarried from these caves, some of which has been used in notable London landmarks. Ever since a Devon labourer accidentally opened up the caves, they've been a treasure trove of discoveries, including a 6,000 year old human bone and a lion. The caves became a tourist hotspot in the 1970s, offering self-guided tours through the intricate network from one end to the other. The two primary chambers were affectionately dubbed Bob's Cave and No Name Cave. However, in 1999, management concluded that visitor numbers were dwindling. After an impressive 114 years of operation, the decision was made to seal the caves.
