The National Space Centre is turning up the glitter this summer with the launch of Cosmic Dancing Queens, a brand-new ABBA‑inspired party night and the latest instalment in its fast-growing after-hours live music series Sat 15th August 2026 Following the sell-out success of Cosmic Country and Cosmic Emo, this much-anticipated next chapter swaps cowboy boots and eyeliner for platform boots, sequins and disco anthems, promising a high-energy night of sing-alongs, dancing and pure feel-good escapism. With previous events selling out in advance, visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of the National Space Centre, this is a night out that combines iconic music with one of the UK’s most unique venues, giving guests the chance to party beneath rockets and space-age surroundings. At the heart of the event is a live ABBA tribute band, bringing the unmistakable sound and spirit of the Swedish pop phenomenon to life. Known for their energy, musicianship and crowd‑pleasing performances, the band delivers a set packed with instantly recognisable hits, creating a soundtrack built for sing-alongs and full dance floors from the very first note. Cosmic Dancing Queens is more than just a gig - it’s a fully hosted, immersive night out. Resident MC Dec will keep the energy high throughout the evening, leading the crowd through games, competitions and interactive challenges, with plenty of surprises along the way. From the moment guests arrive, they’ll be swept into a glitter-soaked atmosphere of disco glamour, playful moments and unapologetic nostalgia. A welcome drink on arrival sets the tone, while optional VIP upgrades add an extra touch of sparkle, including themed accessories and priority entry to kick-start the evening in style. As the live music gives way to an 80s disco, the dancefloor keeps moving late into the night, ensuring the celebration doesn’t slow down. Whether attending as a group of friends, marking a special occasion or simply looking for something different, the event is designed for adults who want to let loose, embrace the theme and enjoy a truly joyful night out. 15th August 2026 Live Band Prizes and Suprises VIP Packages With a proven track record of high-demand themed events and a brand-new concept inspired by one of the most beloved eras of pop music, Cosmic Dancing Queens is set to be another standout night in the National Space Centre’s extra special, 25thanniversary events calendar. For more information, visit https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/whats-on/cosmic-dancing-queens/ FU Media News Release

As schools shut for summer, free bus travel for all 5-to-15-year-olds in England will be available next month. Roads Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Bath today (Thursday 9th July) to meet local leaders and bus companies ahead of the cost-of-living-busting free travel measures launching in time for summer holidays. With child fares typically costing between £1 and £2, families will be able to save on the cost of travel on all participating buses in England from 1 August until 31 August. Families are already able to benefit from free travel for under 5s across the main bus operators. This is part of this government's Great British Summer Savings scheme which is helping people enjoy days out for less, whether it's exploring the great outdoors at a national park or discovering new things at one of Britain's world-class museums. During the visit the Minister met with teachers, school children and parents to discuss how the scheme will benefit them. This package isn't just making getting there cheaper, these summer savings are helping with the cost of living squeeze every day. Over the summer costs are being cut on children's menu meals at restaurants, children's tickets for theatres and cinemas, and tickets for everyone at attractions like adventure centres, theme parks and soft play. Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said: "Great British Summer Savings means more people can be excited about getting out and about this summer, whether it's seeing the Roman Baths, learning something new at the Science Museum, or falling asleep on the bus ride home after a day riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers. "I know that the cost of living is a concern for households across the UK, which is why we're cutting the cost of the day-to-day, with free bus travel for children this summer and the £3 bus fare cap helping more families make the most of the small plans that make life enjoyable." This government is aiming to make all public transport more accessible, as not only has the £3 bus fare cap been extended until March 2027, meaning single bus fares for adults are cheaper too, but earlier this year the first rail fare freeze in 30 years was announced, saving passengers £600m. This comes on top of £3 billion investment to make buses better nationally, supporting local leaders and operators to deliver new and more reliable services for millions of passengers. Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England said: “I am so excited that Kids Go Free is back again! We know what a massive impact this has had for families in the West, helping kids explore the best of the West and putting money back in parents’ pockets. "I am thrilled that the government has seen how successful our scheme has been, and that Kids Go Free is going national for August. This will give West Country families the chance to explore even further.” VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “It’s fantastic to see free bus travel for children as the summer holidays get underway, supporting families to get out and explore the outstanding attractions and destinations across England in a stress free and environmentally friendly way. “Whether enjoying a trip to our stunning seaside destinations, beautiful countryside or our vibrant city attractions there is so much to discover during the summer across England. I know our tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to see you.” Department for Transport News 09/07/26 EMBARGOED UNTIL: 10 Jul 2026 00:01

Saturday 31st August 2019 12 noon to 8pm Leicester Pride is Leicester’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival and is a colourful and vibrant event celebrating diversity and freedom of expression. The event starts with a spectacular parade through the city which culminates at an popular event on Victoria Park that includes live music, market stalls, funfair rides and health and wellbeing information. The event is free to attend and celebrates equality and diversity in the community. Leicester Pride is a family event with entertainment and attractions suitable for all ages. Pride is attended by more than 10,000 + people each year with more than 2,000 taking part in the parade through the city. The Parade Orton Square Leicester. (In front of the curve theatre) We invite everyone to join us on the parade, although we ask that larger groups register via the website so that we can plan the order and layout. Please note that no glass bottles are allowed on the parade and much of the route runs through the cities alcohol free zones so please refrain from drinking alcohol. Please arrive early so that we can start to form the parade outside the curve theatre no later then 11.30am, the Parade will start at 12.00 For a Safer Pride This year we are significantly increasing security on the parade. We now require all groups of people greater than 5 to register or you may not be able to take part on the day. We may also ask to search your belongings at any point in the parade. The festival site Victoria Park 1pm to 8pm The Parade arrives at the park at 1pm Its Free to attend and it is a Family event and everyone is welcomed. For security and safety reasons bag searches will be carried out on entry to the park. Please note that when the Parade arrives there may be a delay during this peak on entry. But please remember this is for safety reasons. and we want everyone to have a happy and safe pride. You can bring your own alcohol provided it’s not in glass bottles. Everyone must be over 18 year old to drink alcohol on the park. Please ensure you bring Photo ID We are hoping that the sun shines on Saturday please remember to apply sunblock cream and ensure you drink plenty of water on the Parade and on festival site throughout the day. Car Parking Part of the Victoria car park will be available for parking for the public on the day (pay and display) Free Pride Bus Catch the FREE Pride Bus from the Rainbow and Dove Charles street. every 15 mins, taking you directly to Leicester Pride, to the Festival site at Victoria Park. Leicester Media has been covering the Leicester Pride events for over 10 years. They are very proud to be our official media partner please help them by waving and being joyful when they are capturing the pride event. You will be able to see the official pictures and videos later on our social media sites coming soon after the event. We respect everyone’s privacy and if you wish not to be photographed or filmed, Please let them know. All the official photographers will be displaying Media ID passes. Don’t forget to Hash tag you pictures of Pride day using #leicesterpride2019 Pride guides are available at Visit Leicester and LGBT venues around the city. Please follow Leicester Pride and Leicester Media on Twitter and Instagram. @leicesterpride @leicestermedia Look out for the event pictures coming soon For more information www.leicesterpride.com

10th Year of Leicester Pride in our city Leicester Pride Event Since 2009 the current Pride team lead by Martyn Parker and Craig Thorpe have organised an annual festival in Leicester, UK aimed at celebrating the great diversity in our city. In particular we promote equality and education whilst eliminating discrimination against the LGBT community. 2018 is the 10th Year of Leicester Pride. This years the Pride Parade through our great diverse city of Leicester, ending up on Victoria Park. with lots of diverse entertainment throughout the day, DJ Tent. Bars, food and community and Market stalls. this is a family event and you are all welcome, and Its a Free.. and being its our 10th Year we would like to make it the biggest and best event yet. Please visit our website www.leicesterpride.com Check out the Pictures and Videos of Leicester Pride www.facebook.com/leicesterpride

UHL is proud to have been included in the Sunday Times’ top 100 UK apprenticeship providers list, for the second year running. The Trust is named in the 2026 list, which celebrates organisations that demonstrate excellence in apprenticeship recruitment, training, diversity and completion outcomes. UHL is ranked tenth out of the health and social care providers included, and 86th overall. Apprenticeships support a wide range of areas across UHL, including business administration, operations management, nursing, healthcare science, pharmacy services and other professional healthcare pathways. The programmes provide opportunities for colleagues at all stages of their careers, from entry-level roles to higher-level professional development. At the time of recognition, 640 colleagues were enrolled onto UK Apprenticeship Levy-funded apprenticeship programmes at the Trust. Head of Learning and Development, Julie McCarthy said: “This achievement reflects the contribution of apprentices, managers, educators and support teams across the organisation, and shows that apprenticeships are a core part of UHL’s workforce development strategy. “By supporting people to learn while they earn, the Trust is able to attract new talent, retain and invest in our experienced colleagues, and develop the skills needed for future healthcare services.” 33 UHL apprentices who have recently completed their programme of study attended the 2026 Leicester Employment Hub graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall, celebrating their achievements alongside apprentices from other organisations in Leicester and Leicestershire. Among those attending was Stewart Walker, a gardener from the estates and facilities team at the Leicester General Hospital, who has achieved the level three team leader apprenticeship. Stewart said: “I wanted to challenge myself and get ready for the next stage in my professional development. It was a great course for anybody who’s looking to open their wings and go further. “I was a bit wary about going back into education, especially at my age. But I had an excellent supervisor, Lee Hines, who helped me all the way through. And there’s an excellent learning and development team at UHL, who were absolutely fantastic. Even at difficult moments, people were always there to lift me up and help me through. “If you are thinking about an apprenticeship, go for it. I’d recommend it to anybody.” A group of colleagues who completed the level three data technician apprenticeship also attended the ceremony. Research and Innovation Information Analyst, Menaga Vinothkumar; Office Administrator, Rebecca Gardner and Patient Pathway Navigator, Caroline Wilford have all graduated from the one-year programme, which gives colleagues the technical and presentation skills to turn data into actionable insights. Rebecca said: “Things that I do which used to take hours can now be done in minutes. So there’s a lot of additional time to use on analysing the data to add value. But I think the biggest thing I’ve got out of this course is that I feel so much more confident with what I’m doing.” Menaga added: “Thanks to the apprenticeship, we’re looking at data differently and are better able to interpret the story it is telling. We’re much more confident now in how to present the data for business needs. It’s been an amazing journey.” Caroline said: “I’ve done presentations of the data that I’ve gathered to do consultants and senior management teams, and I would never have dreamt of doing that before I started the apprenticeship. It’s a brilliant course.” You can find out more about apprenticeships at UHL on our apprenticeships webpage. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News - 9 July 2026

A second man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man in Loughborough. The body of a man was found on the evening on Monday 6 July in a caravan parked in a layby on the A6 Derby Road, Loughborough. East Midlands Ambulance Service attended, and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Subsequent enquiries found that the deceased man – who was in his 40s – reported being involved in an altercation in the days leading up to being found. As a result, a murder investigation was launched and a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue. Last night (Wednesday), a second man, aged 42, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is now in police custody. There is a cordon in place at the layby on the A6 northbound while forensic work is being carried out. Detective Inspector Mike Chander from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) is leading the investigation, and said: “We will continue our investigations today to work to understand the sequence of events that lead to this man’s death. “There is significant work going on including forensic enquires, talking to witnesses and any CCTV opportunities. “Anyone with any information, contact us on 101, quoting crime number incident 26*398136.” Read related post Murder investigation launched following discovery of body Leicestershire Police News - Published : 13:29 09/07/2026

People struggling with substance misuse who come into police custody will receive expert help to recover from addiction and turn their backs on crime thanks to a step up in drug testing. Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews is increasing funding for the area’s Drug Testing on Arrest (DToA) service to boost testing capacity to divert more vulnerable people into treatment. The PCC is investing £200k in the service over the next two years. It will play a critical role in the PCC’s preventative work to reduce theft-related offences linked to substance misuse, often committed to fund drug use. The upgraded service, provided by health and social care charity Turning Point, will fund two experienced recovery workers from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, with flexible Saturday morning cover. This is a significant uplift of existing arrangements which have delivered limited rather than full-time cover throughout 2025/26 after additional funding from the Home Office ceased. This will leave the service better placed to meet demand and will reduce missed opportunities to identify people needing treatment. The recovery workers will be based at Euston Street Police Station in Leicester and will travel to Keyham Lane Police Station as required and according to demand. The service will officially go live in September and will run until May 2028. All individuals with a positive drug test will receive an initial assessment and will be supported and offered a clear pathway into treatment. Additionally, detainees identified as opiate users will be offered the overdose prevention drug Naloxone which has saved countless lives since it was rolled out across England and Wales. Data shows that a significant proportion of those testing positive for drugs upon arrest are involved in theft, with one study indicating that theft accounted for 43% to 48% of positive drug tests in certain areas. Preventing and Tackling Crime and Harm is a key mission in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner committed to diverting vulnerable adults and young people away from the criminal justice system to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities and to reduce pressure on public services. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Drug addiction is all too often at the heart of criminal behaviour, driving people to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Punitive measures are usually futile in these circumstances and unless individuals are supported to recover from the source of their problems, they will become trapped in the revolving justice loop. "There are no quick fixes to addiction, but with the right treatment and sustained support, people are far more likely to recover and rebuild their lives. That is the principle behind the DTOA scheme: by helping people overcome addiction, we not only improve their prospects and wellbeing, but also tackle the root cause of the offending behaviour that their addiction often drives, thereby preventing repeat offences. “For some individuals, this scheme will involve confronting their addiction for the very first time in their lives - but importantly they will not be doing it alone.” Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews DToA was initially introduced to Leicestershire Police in 2021, supported by extra funding made available from the Home Office over the course of three years. Leicestershire Police was identified as an ‘expansion force’ with a remit to build and innovate the existing nationally recognised DToA framework. In the first year of the scheme, 240 individuals entered drug treatment over the 12-month period, many of whom would otherwise not have had the opportunity and encouragement to do so. Over the next three years, the programme provided clear evidence that custody-based assessments/interventions delivered immediately after any positive drug test provided the best chance of a successful outcome, rather than relying on community-based appointments set weeks in advance. Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. News release 09/07/2026

A Film that features four local people whose lives are being changed by a coordinated programme of help and support will have its first public showing in Leicester tomorrow (Friday 10 July). The 30-minute film by Dear Albert focuses on the stories of Nina, Laura, Elise and Mark – individuals who have all experienced multiple disadvantage in their lives, such as homelessness, poor mental health, drug and/or alcohol dependency, contact with the criminal justice system, and domestic abuse. The film shows how Leicester City Council and its partners are helping all four to stabilise their lives through the Changing Futures programme – a national initiative that’s been running in Leicester for the past four years. Delivered by a multi-agency partnership that includes lived experience workers, the programme is transforming support for vulnerable adults, where traditional approaches have often failed. The new film, which takes viewers into the heart of Changing Futures in Leicester, is part of the evaluation of the first phase of the programme, providing perspective from the beneficiaries of the programme as well as from those delivering it. Jon Roberts, director of Dear Albert, said: "We made the film to share what people go through and the help that is available. “It's important to know that the city residents suffering the most disadvantages are not forgotten. "This film - Through the LERO Lens - shows that when city services work together with those possessing lived experiences of the challenges we're striving to resolve, it really is possible to start changing people's futures." Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin said: “Individuals navigating multiple disadvantage, from homelessness and substance reliance to mental health struggles, are often failed by fragmented systems. “This short film shows how a coordinated approach, that ensures that people get the right support at the right time, really can change lives.” Earlier this year, Leicester received more than £3m from the government to fund the next phase of the Changing Futures programme. The second phase of the programme will run until 2028-29. The new funding will continue to pay for a local multi-agency team that provides intensive and specialist support to the people in most need. Cllr Cutkelvin added: “Over the next three years, this funding will enable us to strengthen integration and collaboration across all sectors – and deliver sustainable, long-term improvements for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.” Dear Albert’s Through the LERO Lens will be shown at the The Stairway Project at 68 Humberstone Gate at 2pm tomorrow (Friday 10 July). Tickets are free of charge but must be reserved in advance at eventbrite.co.uk Dear Albert is a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO). LCC News - Published on Thursday, July 9, 2026

Ambitions to transform an underused area of a Leicester estate have reached an important milestone with the appointment of a construction partner. Following a competitive tendering exercise, Leicester City Council has selected Clegg Construction as its delivery partner for the major £18.8 million redevelopment of the Stocking Farm estate, in the north-west of the city. The city council has worked closely with the local community over recent years to shape proposals for the area, which will see 50 new energy-efficient family council homes built on the 3.34-acre site, along with new community facilities. An additional five existing council maisonettes will also be improved as part of the scheme. All the new homes will be built to the highest energy performance standards and feature a range of energy efficiency measures, meaning cheaper energy bills for council tenants and significant carbon savings. The existing locally-listed Stocking Farm farmhouse building – which dates to the 19th century – will also be redeveloped to provide six much-needed supported living apartments. An additional 16 supported living apartments will be created in the grounds. Major landscaping will also be carried out to provide attractive community outdoor space, with improved footpaths, sustainable drainage and space for wildlife to flourish. There will be another opportunity for residents to be involved in the design of the new community open space in the coming months. A new road will also be constructed connecting Marwood Road to Packwood Road. Existing pedestrian links between the new homes and shops will also be improved. Designs will be finalised over the coming months with construction of the new homes expected to begin by winter 2026. The first homes are expected to be complete by mid-2028. Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who leads on housing, economy and neighbourhoods, said: “We are committed to investing in our council estates and local neighbourhoods. Stocking Farm presents an opportunity to make lasting and ambitious improvements that will transform this neighbourhood, provide much-needed new council homes and bring real benefits to the area. “I’m pleased that we have now appointed Clegg Construction as our delivery partner for this ambitious scheme which will help bring unused land and property back into use, improve life for local residents, and help kickstart the regeneration of this important part of the city.” Michael Sims, managing director of Clegg Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Leicester City Council to deliver much needed new homes in Leicester. This is a significant project that will provide modern new homes, and we look forward to working closely with the council and the team to bring the development forward and deliver a scheme that everyone involved can be proud of.” Christian White, pre-construction director of Clegg Construction Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council to deliver new sustainable homes in the heart of the Stocking Farm estate. “Utilising modern methods of construction, these new homes will be delivered to exceed benchmark industry targets for embodied carbon, and we will use renewable technologies to deliver sustainable homes which will be fit for future generations and meet the growing demand for new affordable housing. “We will also work closely with project stakeholders, local community groups and businesses to ensure that we deliver tangible social impact within the local community and surrounding areas.” The cost of the Stocking Farm regeneration scheme will be covered using money from Leicester City Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) which includes rent income, government funding and capital from Right to Buy receipts. Unused Right to Buy money is returned to the Government unless it is spent, so housing schemes like this help ensure the money is reinvested locally into much-needed affordable housing. The city council was also awarded £500,000 of government funding from the One Public Estate (OPE) programme to support delivery of these high-quality council homes, including demolition and site preparation costs. LCC News - Published on Thursday, July 9, 2026

Motorists are being advised that traffic restrictions will be in place on a busy Leicester road from next week as traffic calming measures are introduced. Leicester City Council will be closing part of Gipsy Lane, between its junctions with Northfield Road and Oliver Road, for up to seven weeks while works are carried out. The aim is to help reduce traffic speeds alongside North Mead Primary Academy and improve road safety for pedestrians and schoolchildren. Two existing 20mph zones will also be linked with a short extension of the regulations to cover a short stretch of Gipsy Lane, between Oliver Road and Naseby Road. The improvements are being made in response to concerns raised by local ward councillors and residents. Works will involve raising the two existing zebra crossings onto raised tables, installing speed cushions and widening parts of the footpath between Huntingdon Road and Marsden Lane. The road closure will be in place from Sunday 12 July. Well signposted diversions will be in place during the works. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport, said: “This road closure is required while important road safety improvements are carried out to this busy route which runs alongside a local school. “The work will be carried out during the school summer holidays when traffic is considerably reduced, and we will do all that we can to ensure that work is completed quickly and that the road reopens in good time.” The improvement scheme will cost £250,000 and will be funded for the transport improvement works budget as part of Leicester City Council’s capital programme. LCC News - Published on Thursday, July 9, 2026

Residents across North West Leicestershire can soon benefit from several improvements to Fox Connect, Leicestershire County Council’s on-demand transport service. FoxConnect allows users to book a journey via the app or by phone to travel to local centres, services and areas of interest. Coming into effect from Wednesday (15 July), enhancements include; the addition of Ashby-de-la-Zouch as a new destination within Zone 11, to give passengers better access to employment, education and healthcare in the area. Alongside this, a number of Family Hub locations across the Coalville area have been added as stops, making it easier for families to access support services, activities and community facilities. These include: Coalville Children and Family Centre Coalville Library Family Hub Greenhill Family Hub The changes are part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity across the district and help residents travel more easily to the places and services they need. In total, there are now 11 FoxConnect zones across Leicestershire, offering improved access to public transport and better connectivity for residents. Journeys can be booked through the Leicestershire FoxConnect app, or by calling the telephone booking line on 0116 216 7756. Rides can be booked up to seven days in advance. More information on the improvements, as well as a full list of villages served by FoxConnect can be found on the Choose How You Move Website. Leicestershire County Council News - Thursday, 9 July, 2026

A man has been charged after a number of offences of robbery and theft in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Jack Moore, 33, of Montvale Gardens, Leicester has been charged with: One count of theft from person relating to a theft in Sweetbriar Road, Leicester on 31 May 2026 One count of theft from store relating to a store theft in Exploration Drive, Leicester on 22 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Granby Street, Leicester on 26 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Lower Parliament Steet, Nottingham on 26 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Stephenson Drive, New Parks on 2 July 2026 Two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence relating to the Lower Parliament Street and Stephenson Drive robberies One count of possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place relating to the Granby Street robbery Moore has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday 9 July). Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:54 09/07/2026