Latest news with #ManchesterEveningNews
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Traffic stopped on M6 as vehicle goes up in flames
All traffic was stopped on the M6 this afternoon (June 28) following a vehicle fire. The incident took place just after 12pm between junctions 30 and 31 (Samlesbury Interchange) just outside of Preston, according to Inrix. Videos shared with the Manchester Evening News on Facebook show police vehicles blocking the road and sirens blaring as a thick black plume of smoke pours from the burning car. READ MORE: Sir Rod Stewart says 'sounds filthy' as he makes Glastonbury cancellation admission READ MORE: Manchester suburb's 'beating heart' will be 'turned inside out' with huge new plans It is not known whether anybody was injured in the incident, which caused stop-start traffic on the motorway further south and long delays of up to 75 minutes. Traffic began moving again just after 1pm but two lanes remained closed as emergency services worked to clear the scene. Another video shared with the M.E.N showed the charred remains of the vehicle, whose engine appeared to have exploded. Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Friends scoop £24,000 jackpot at airport before boarding party flight to Ibiza
The group of four lads were waiting to board their plane as their holiday tradition bagged them £24,000 just moments before they jetted off to the party island of Ibiza Four friends waiting to fly out to Ibiza for a lads holiday couldn't believe there luck as they bagged £24,000 while they waited to board their flight. Owen Halstead, Sam Carr, Jack Duffy and Tyler Roscoe were hit with the massive stroke of luck as they sat in Manchester Airport. The group had wagered £20 on the online casino game Gates of Olympus 1000 before they scooped the jackpot during one of the spins while sat in the terminal of the airport. A video capturing the moment the group shared their joy shows one of the lads displaying the winning amount as they erupt with excitement. 23-year-old Owen, from Bury in Greater Manchester, confirmed the prize money was shared evenly among the friends. Speaking to Luxury Travel Daily, he revealed the group's pre-travel tradition. He said: "It's a holiday tradition of ours to have a few spins before the flight. "If you win, it helps towards the cost of the holiday. "But this time we had a real stroke of luck and won the £24,000 jackpot. So it was £6,000 each. It definitely helped with the holiday." The incredible slice of fortune happened on Wednesday, June 18, and the pals have since returned to Britain, the Manchester Evening News reports. Owen, who is employed as a buyer for a construction firm, said: "It was a great feeling to win it, especially at the airport. "It would have been easy to blow it in Ibiza, to be honest. But I still had most of my share when I got back." A video of their winning moment was shared by Owen and quickly went viral, amassing over 7 million views. Stephen Power commented on the windfall: "What a boy. Get that withdrawn and in the bank, mate." Meanwhile, Jamie joked: "Bros not making it back from Ibiza in one piece." Leah Ray said: "Unfortunately, he's just going to waste it all in Ibiza. Instead of buying something useful."
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside underrated country with £2 pints and £36 flights from UK airports
Travel guide Lonely Planet has listed this EU country as the perfect destination for those seeking 'sun, sand and seafood' and it resembles the pricier and luxurious Maldives Given the unpredictable British weather, it's no surprise that many of us opt to fly abroad for a summer holiday where sunshine is more or less a guarantee. Spain and Greece have long been favourite holiday destinations for Brits, but recently there's been an increase in anti-tourism sentiment, with locals protesting against mass tourism. These popular spots have also become pricier, leading holidaymakers to look for alternatives. Lonely Planet has recently revealed a list of "unexpected summer holiday spots in Europe", perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and discover something new. The Albanian Riviera features on the list, described as a coastal region that "remains a treat for those in search of sun, sand and seafood". While it may not be the hidden gem it once was - it's been likened to the Maldives on social media, boosting its popularity - it remains a top choice for a budget beach holiday, reports the Manchester Evening News. The travel experts at HelloSafe also named Albania the best place to visit in 2025. According to the company: "Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money." The company's research suggests that the best months to visit Albania are between May and September when the skies are sunniest, with temperatures reaching an average of 32-33C across July and August. Airbnb also confirms that searches for Durrës, Albania are 'booming' for summer 2025 travel as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations - aka " White Isle dupes". Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget. Saranda, a bustling resort, has become a party hotspot, but quieter resorts like Himara are just up the coast, offering something for everyone. Lonely Planet commented: "In summer, you're guaranteed sun, balmy water and hot weather; unsurprisingly, loungers and beach umbrellas are at a premium but you can still seek out peaceful patches of sand at spots such as Palasa, Borsh, pebbly Bunec and the islands off Ksamil. ". They also suggest "boat trips to isolated beaches at the end of the Karaburuni Peninsula" and exploring ancient ruins at Butrint. Not only does Albania offer stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, but it's also budget-friendly compared to more tourist-dense destinations. Numbeo, a cost of living website, revealed in 2024 that a pint in Saranda is 250 Albanian Lek – just £2.17 A three-course meal for two at a modest eatery will only cost you 5,000 Lek – about £43. The quickest route to the Albanian Riviera is by catching a ferry from Corfu to Saranda, with the journey taking roughly 30 minutes. Skyscanner lists direct flights from Manchester Airport to Corfu in July starting at a bargain £36 one way, though this price doesn't include baggage or seat selection. Return flights start from around £35 in July.
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis shop opens in Cardiff with queues snaking around the shopping centre
Oasis shop opens in Cardiff with queues snaking around the shopping centre People were lining the shopping centre when it opened at 10am on Thursday, June 26 A first look inside an Oasis Live '25 Fan Store (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News ) If you can't wait until Oasis hit the stage at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in a fortnight's time, then it might be music to your ears to hear that a pop-up shop has just opened in Cardiff city centre in St David's Centre selling all of the merch you could dream of, from £1-£85. Queues were snaking around the shopping centre as it opened for the first time at 10am on Thursday, June 26, with fans eagerly counting down the minutes until they could go in and pick up the much-anticipated items. The atmosphere was buzzing when WalesOnline headed over, with people buying handfuls of merchandise for themselves, family members and friends. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Lots of shoppers were browsing for the perfect piece of clothing, mug or vinyl to take home, taking their time to pursue what was available. Shoppers in Cardiff have been loving the range of merch that is available (Image: JAY MAWSON 2024 ) A huge number of customers were also on video calls with people from further afield who could not attend the store themselves, showing them all around the shop to see if they wanted them to pick anything up. Article continues below The Oasis Live '25 tour will include 17 dates across the UK and Ireland, with stops in Cardiff , Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, before heading off to North and South America, Asia and Australia later in the year. From parkas with pockets and shell jackets, to polo shirts and bucket hats, the Gallagher brothers have left an indelible mark on British fashion. Ahead of the concerts, fans can dress in Oasis-inspired outfits and purchase a variety of other merchandise from the official Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores. Alan Edwards, from Rhondda (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Chatting to fans pursuing around the store, it was clear there was a huge amount of excitement bubbling amongst people who are going to the show, as many of the people in the pop-up shop had been one of the lucky ones to get tickets. Alan Edwards, from Rhondda said: 'It's a great atmosphere. I'm going to the concert so it's feeling more real now. 'I've got a t-shirt for my wife and I'll have a look at the rest of what's here as the prices are really good as well. 'I really like the look of the Adidas things so will have a proper look at those too.' Mia Friederich and Zara Mboue (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Mia Friederich and Zara Mboue, who are from Germany have travelled to Cardiff to see Lana Del Rey and although they aren't going to the Oasis concert in Cardiff, the shop caught their attention as they were passing by. Mia said: 'We were just walking past and we like their songs. I think I might go for one of their bucket hats.' Zara said: 'The atmosphere is very nice and the fans are definitely dedicated, and there's loads of people in here.' Article continues below The official Oasis Live '25 merchandise collection, which includes menswear, womenswear, children's wear, and accessories - such as tees, hoodies, jackets and more - will be available both in-store and online. The Oasis pop up shop is located in St David's Centre - directly opposite (Image: JAY MAWSON 2024 )
Edinburgh Live
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing star targeted in 'traumatising' incident and issues warning to fans
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Michelle Tsiakkas has issued an urgent warning to her fans, sharing a harrowing experience to raise awareness after suffering a 'traumatising' ordeal. The professional dancer, who joined the BBC One dance show's line-up in 2022, reached out to her followers on social media to recall a recent distressing event where she fell prey to pickpocketing in Central London. Michelle took to Instagram with a candid video in which she addressed her audience directly, opening up about the incident. She recounted: "I just wanted to make this video to let you know something that happened to me the other day in London." She admitted to just starting to feel normal again after stating: "This was a couple of days ago and I've just about mentally recovered from that. It was quite traumatising on the day, it ruined my whole day and made me feel awful, scared, helpless and I don't want the same to happen to you." The 29-year-old then revealed: "My phone got stolen. I mean, I see it happening all the time but it's just one of those things that you think is never going to happen to you and then it does." Michelle went on to explain that it was early morning and she was on her way to the dentist and felt she was the "only person around" when she took out her phone to check for directions, reports the Manchester Evening News. Michelle described the moment vividly: "I was on the actual street of the dentist and what happens? A man comes on a bike behind me, sweeps past me and grabs my phone. So he's grabbed my phone, he's on an electric bike and my heart sank." Michelle recounted that in the heat of the moment, she instinctively tried to snatch her phone back, only to tumble onto the pavement and scrape her knee. She noted that the thief was masked, making identification impossible, and they made a swift getaway on an electric bike. The dancer gave her thanks to two women nearby who noticed she was "distressed" and came to her aid, offering their phone so she could contact her network provider, bank, and her mum, who she knew would be worried if she didn't respond to her messages. Michelle managed to get a new phone and considered herself "lucky" despite feeling "traumatised" by the ordeal. "I'm being way more careful, I won't even take my phone out for directions," she added. (Image: PA) Alongside her video, Michelle issued a warning to her social media followers: "Warning. This can happen to you in Central London. Be aware and be very careful. Phone theft is happening more and more and it seems like crime in the city is getting worse ... Has something like this ever happened to you? #pickpocketing #london #crime." Her post was soon inundated with supportive messages. @ dance commented: "Really sorry to hear this. It seems to be a common occurrence in London these days sadly. Sending love and hope you're ok!!". @maiyakarina reached out with supportive words: "I'm glad you're starting to feel a bit better about it now. Lots of love michellie you are a beautiful person who was just caught at the wrong time sadly." @nataliecox112 echoed the sentiment: "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry this happened to you what is wrong with people. sending love." @alanpressland responded: "Oh no, sorry to hear this, Michelle. I'm glad you had everything backed up, I hope you feel better soon." While@courtneygroves25 commiserated: "oh Michelle i'm so sorry that this happened to you! sending you so much love."
