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Responsible gambling

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Problem gambling – problemgambling.ie
• Gamble Aware – gambleaware.org

Help with gambling addiction

If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.

GLASTONBURY fans have been left bitterly disappointed as the BBC failed to film one major performance.

Iconic band The Searchers performed their final ever gig over the weekend after 70 years of touring across the globe.

Shutterstock Editorial

The Searchers played their final ever gig on Fridat at Glastonbury[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

But it wasn’t filmed or aired by the BBC[/caption]

It was a momentous occasion for the band and fans were left over-the-moon that they would get to perform at the country’s biggest festival in order to bring their touring career to a close.

However, many viewers were left stunned to discover that the Friday night set would not be broadcast by the BBC.

The band were due to perform on the Acoustic Stage between 8pm and 9pm.

But fans hoping to catch it live streamed on the BBC iPlayer were left fuming when they discovered that there was no dedicated stream for performances on the Acoustic Stage.

Reacting in disbelief, one unhappy fan said online: “Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show.”

Before another questioned: “Will the BBC show The Searchers set??”

The BBC went on to clarify why they would not be broadcasting the group’s final ever gig in a statement.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We’ve celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven’t been able to have cameras in throughout the years.”

Sir Paul McCartney was one of the revellers who was spotted in the crowd for the band’s final gig.

The Searchers had long been associated with popular Liverpool music venue The Cavern Club – the same club which gave The Beatles their start in the music industry.

Ahead of the gig, one of the band’s members, Frank Allen, spoke out to share his excitement at appearing at the festival for the very first time in order to close out their momentous career.

He said: “I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now.

“The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all.

“What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can’t wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast.”

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The iconic band have had a six-decade long career[/caption]

A MAJOR road used by thousands of Irish drivers has closed for days.

Dublin City Council has alerted motorists about the temporary closure on their website.

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A major road used by thousands is closed for days[/caption]

Google Maps

Broadstone Place Avenue in Dublin is closed for planned road works[/caption]

Broadstone Place Avenue in Dublin 7 is temporarily closed this week to facilitate planned road works.

The closure is taking place from 8am to 6pm between Monday, June 30 and Friday, July 4, 2025.

And motorists are being warned it will affect the stretch of Broadstone Place Avenue between Royal Canal Bank and White Lane.

Dublin City Council stated: “Broadstone Place Avenue (from Royal Canal Bank to White Lane), Dublin 7.

“Date – Monday 30th June 2025 to Friday 4th July 2025.”

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the road closure and local access will be facilitated when possible from all closure points.

Traffic marshals will be on-site at closure points to assist with traffic management and ensure access where needed.

For traffic wishing to drive along Broadstone Place Avenue, diversions will be in place.

Clear signage will be installed to direct motorists and road users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during this period.

Dublin City Council added: “Pedestrian access will be facilitated at all times”.

Meanwhile, a busy Dublin street is also closing as a new rule change comes in.

Dublin City Council has announced that the transformation of Parliament Street will begin on Friday, July 4.

There will be a market held to celebrate the change.

And family-friendly events are scheduled to take place every weekend throughout the month, starting from July 5.

It’s believed that up to 23,000 people pass through the street on a daily basis.

ROAD TRANSFORMATION

This new measure will permanently close the space to traffic, reallocating it to walking and cycling.

It will also provide green and public seating.

The council said: “This space will provide an attractive north-south pedestrian and cycle route between City Hall and Bolton Street.”

It will link with Capel Street as well as between the east and west areas of Temple Bar. 

In May 2025, 90 per cent of respondents to a survey said they were in favour of enhancing public space and enabling two-way cycling.

The presentation to the South East Area committee showed a positive reaction, as the majority said they had a desire for fewer cars and more space for people.

People referenced the success of Capel Street as an example, citing the increased vibrancy, improved atmosphere and greater footfall as positives for local businesses.

SAFER AREA

They mentioned that the proposed measures would make the area safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle through.

It would also encourage families and children to visit, with outdoor seating perfect for socialising and community events.

Works on seating, planting and surfacing will begin on July 7 and will continue through the summer.

It is the third measure in the Dublin City Transport Plan 2023.

PARENTS have slammed a hot air balloon festival, billed as “captivating”, that had no hot air balloons, expensive food and a disappointing Eminem tribute act.

Promising live music and a hot air balloon display Balloons and Beats in Manchester was slammed for being “overcrowded” and “overpriced.”

Instagram/@balloonsandbeatsfestival

Punters were promised live music at the event[/caption]

Instagram/@balloonsandbeatsfestival

Parents were left unimpressed with the festival[/caption]

Parents turning up with their kids for a fun family day out were sorely disappointed by the lack of hot air balloons.

The event was held in Platt Fields Park, Manchester, over the weekend on June 27 and 28 and left punters furious with organisers.

Before coming to Manchester the festival had visited Nottingham and Wrexham, and over the summer will move to Salisbury, Hull, Chepstow and Birkenhead.

Parents were reportedly asked to cough up a whopping £58 for a family ticket admitting two adults and two children to the event.

The event promised to offer “captivating hot air balloon displays, electrifying live music and a thrilling celebration of family fun, infectious rhythms and captivating performances.”

But parents were left furious after it turned out to be the exact opposite.

Attendees said no hot air balloons made an appearance, food was overpriced and the live music was disappointing.

One parent told the Manchester Evening News: “In reality it was just a noisy and overpriced funfair.

“We paid so much for entry but were charged £5 for rides on top of that.”

The event was touted as being perfect for music lovers by organisers.

After being promised live music parents expected local bands to be playing but were left disappointed again with only one stage hosting tribute acts.

Parents left the event early after being offered nothing of what they were promised.

Dozens of parents and punters took to social media to complain about the event, slamming organisers who they claim “mis-sold” the festival.

According to organisers around 5,500 people showed up to the Balloons and Beats festival in Manchester.

Bav Media

Parents were left disappointed by overpriced food and drink[/caption]

Bav Media

No hot air balloons were seen at the “hot air balloon festival”[/caption]

Bav Media

The event promised dozens of impressive attractions[/caption]

Complaints varied from overpriced food and beer to a lack of balloons to promised attractions not materialising.

A foam party, monster trucks, BMX displays and kids entertainers were all promised but not delivered as expected.

One upset punter took to social media to say: “Bought a family ticket on Friday thinking it was going to be amazing had the worst time ever.

“Security on the gate said we couldn’t take food and drink in, it was so crowded and on a boiling hot day queues to get any drinks were crazy.

“We ended up leaving after an hour and was so thirsty and weren’t paying them type of prices.

“Will definitely not be going next year £6 for a small kids slushie was so expensive and line was massive.”

The Sun has contacted the organisers of Balloons and Beats for comment.

CORONATION Street star Melissa Johns has announced she’s pregnant with her first baby with husband Dan Hampton.

Melissa, who played Imogen Pascoe on the ITV soap, shared the news with her fans on social media on Monday.

Instagram/melissa_johns_1

The star posted a sweet clip of her on a sandy beach, as she showed off her growing baby bump in a red and orange floral dress.

Rex Features

ITV

Melissa has campaigned for actors with disabilities to have more roles[/caption]

The parents-to-be then shared a kiss, before they tenderly cradled her stomach and sweetly embraced one another.

A pair of baby booties were placed on the sand, along with a picture of the scan, a soft toy and a mirror with the words “Baby H-J 2025.”

Melissa captioned the post: “Oh Baby. We made a wish and it came true…Baby H-J – we can’t wait to meet you. Forever grateful.”

The happy news comes eight months after Melissa and Dan tied the knot in a lavish ceremony.

The actress and disabled rights activist looked stunning in a white off-the-shoulder bridal gown.

One snap shows the newlyweds jokingly posing with pals during the wedding reception.

While another clip shows the happy couple entering their reception to cheers from their guests. 

The happy couple were surrounded by their loved ones and her ex-Corrie co-stars.

Fellow former Coronation Street actress Bhavna Limbachia also shared multiple snaps from her pal’s big day via her own Instagram.

One snap shared by the Rana Habeeb actress shows her and her actor husband Darren Kuppan posing alongside Melissa and Dan.

Melissa joined the ITV soap in 2017 as Imogen Pascoe, the girlfriend of Kate Connor (Faye Brookes).

The character appeared on and off for almost two years before making her final appearance in July 2019.

Since leaving the soap, Melissa has forged out a successful acting career with her currently starring as regular Miss Scott in hit ITV series Grantchester.

She has also had roles in hit shows including The Interceptor, The Split and I Hate Suzie.

The actress has also made appearances in Casualty, Doctors and Silk.

Melissa is also a disabled rights advocate and often fights for better on screen representation of disability. 

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Melissa has starred in various dramas including The Split and TV series Granchester[/caption]

CONTROVERSIAL band Bob Vylan have been stripped of their US visas ahead of a tour later this year.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed that visas belonging to the controversial punk duo had been revoked because of “their hateful tirade at Glastonbury”.

PA

Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival[/caption]

Bobby Vylan, the frontman of the band, chanted “death to the IDF” and other alleged anti-Semitic slurs during their appearance on the West Holts stage on Saturday.

The band has subsequently been dropped by reps United Talent Agency after a flurry of talks between bosses.

Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary, posted on X: “The Department of State has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.

“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”

It comes after PM Keir Starmer last night blasted the BBC for allowing the hate-filled rant to be broadcast on live TV.

Demanding an explanation from director-general Tim Davie, the Prime Minister said: “There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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KEITH EARLS thanked fans for their support after revealing he had become “tired” and “burnt out” since retiring from rugby.

The former Ireland and Munster winger hung up the boots following the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Since then, the 37-year-old threw himself into post-rugby work with Eleven14 – a coffee production company the Limerick-native founded.

However, his commitment came at a cost, as he outlined in a lengthy Instagram post last week.

Earls explained: “The last two years since I retired have taught me more than any course, book, or business coach ever could.

“I built something I was proud of. A real business. Real customers. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself in it.

“I was always working. Always thinking about the next move. Saying yes to everything.

“And even when things were going well… I felt tired. Disconnected. Like I was building something for everyone else while missing the moments that actually mattered to me.

“It took hitting that wall mentally, emotionally to realise: The business isn’t my identity just like rugby wasn’t. It’s just a tool.

“Not a badge. Not a burden. Not the full story of who I am.

“Now? I still build. I still care. But it’s different. I’ve started choosing presence over pressure. Structure over chaos. Quiet over performance.

“I don’t need to chase a purpose anymore. Living well is the purpose.

“If you’re tired from building something that’s burning you out you’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re just human.

“I’m looking forward to building Eleven14 while staying true to my values.”

His honest and open admission prompted supportive comments, both from general fans and former rugby colleagues.

Bundee Aki, Niall Scannell, Simon Zebo, Jack Carty and JJ Hanrahan all commented in support.

Jean-Marie Stander – wife of former Ireland international CJ Stander – said: “Think this is so relatable for many people”.

The outpouring of backing clearly blew Earls away, as he posted a follow-up message to say thanks.

He said: “Just wanted to say thanks for all the messages, shares and replies to my last post.

“Honestly didn’t expect that response, just felt like something I needed to say out loud.

“Things are great. I feel more calm, more clear, more grounded than I’ve felt in a long time.

“I’ve got a beautiful family and great friends. A business I care about on my terms now. Good people around me. I’m very lucky.”

SUN Racing takes on Tuesday’s action looking for value winners at a big price.

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LONGSHOT 

G’DAAY (7.30 Chelmsford)

He has winning form over this trip and track and went close in fair company at Chester last time.

EACH-WAY THIEF

AN BRADAN FEASA (6.00 Chelmsford)

He was a half-length second on the sand at Southwell two runs before a good effort on turf at Newbury last time out.

ANZAC DAY (8.30 Chelmsford)

He’s lightly raced and is bred to love this trip on just his second run at handicap level.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

THIS is the jaw-dropping moment an out-of-control lorry with no brakes smashes into a tiny family hatchback carrying five – including a child – off a bridge.

Horror CCTV footage shows the HGV veering into the opposite lane at incredible speed last Thursday afternoon in Brazil.

Jam Press

The out-of-control lorry just before it smashes into the car[/caption]

Jam Press

The lorry sends the car flying off the side of the road[/caption]

Jam Press

The lorry then hit another truck in its path, causing it to spill its cargo[/caption]

The lorry driver managed to miraculously swerve back into the correct lane to avoid what could have been a head-on collision with another truck.

But the decision to do so meant the out-of-control lorry smashed into a tiny hatchback, not only pushing it off the road but through the crash barrier and off the overpass.

The red car is captured terrifyingly flipping through the air before plunging out of sight to the ground below.

The lorry then hit another truck in its path, causing it to spill its cargo as it zigzagged across the single carriageway.

Traffic police desperately scrambled to the scene to administer first aid, cordon off the area, and manage the resulting traffic.

Unbelievably, the family-of-five in the car that went off the bridge managed to survive the horror ordeal.

One person’s injuries were considered serious while the others’ were minor.

Those injured were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to local healthcare facilities.

The incident unfolded on a stretch of the BR-116 highway in Cândido Sales, south-west of Salvador, Brazil.

The drama ended when the timber-loaded lorry plunged down an embankment alongside the motorway.

The Federal Highway Police say a terrifying brake failure caused the accident.

And, despite their presence, they were unable to stop locals from looting the split timber.

The road was reopened to traffic about two hours later.

A mere few days ago, footage caught the moment a speeding bus filled with students swerved across the road before plunging into a river.

A video shows the double decker narrowly avoiding cars before flying off the road near Eastleigh, Hampshire.

The speeding bus squeezes between an oncoming car and a learner driver before crashing through a fence into the River Itchen, on Bishopstoke Road.

19 people were left injured following the disturbing ordeal, which was over in a matter of seconds.

Video from inside the vehicle, filmed by one horrified passenger, also shows the double decker barrelling down the Hampshire road.

Terrified screams can be heard from the students, who shout, “we’re going to die”, before the video cuts off.

Jam Press

The Federal Highway Police say a terrifying brake failure caused the accident[/caption]

Jam Press

The road was reopened to traffic about two hours later[/caption]

A FLIGHT attendant, 24, has died after falling from her third-floor balcony in mysterious circumstances.

Aurora Maniscalco was at home with her boyfriend when she tragically plunged around 33ft to her death.

Jam Press

Aurora Maniscalo fell to her death[/caption]

Jam Press

She at home with her boyfriend when she plunged around 33ft[/caption]

Jam Press

The police have not ruled out foul play[/caption]

Cops haven’t ruled out foul play in the 24-year-old’s untimely passing that continues to be investigated.

Aurora, from Palermo, Italy, tragically fell from the balcony on the night of June 21 at her home in the Austrian capital of Vienna.

The flight attendant sadly succumbed to her injuries in hospital two days after her initial fall.

Aurora was at home with her 27-year-old boyfriend, also from Palermo, when she plunged from the balcony, according to cops.

He was the one who called emergency services after her fall.

Aurora worked as a flight attendant for Lauda Europe, a Maltese low-cost airline that operates on behalf of parent company Ryanair.

Authorities said her unnamed boyfriend is a flight attendant for another airline.

Investigators are checking her phone and devices to get an idea of the circumstances leading up to the young woman’s fatal fall.

They are also awaiting the results of an autopsy that was requested by her grieving family.

Their lawyer Alberto Raffadale said: “We have filed two complaints, one with the prosecutor’s office in Vienna and one with the Palermo prosecutor’s office.”

The investigation into Aurora’s tragic death continues.

The tragedy comes after it was announced that the truth behind Brit Kirsty Maxwell’s death is to be revealed in a new podcast.

Kirsty, 27, died after falling from the 10th floor apartment occupied by five men from Nottingham when on a hen party.

At first, it was suspected Kirsty had been murdered, but following a Spanish police investigation, the case was shelved and her death was recorded as an accident.

Her grieving family, however, refuse to accept this.

“I know she didn’t jump,” says Kirsty’s aunt Angela Lees, 64. “She wouldn’t take her own life.

“There’s no way. That girl had everything to live for. She didn’t sleepwalk. She had a drink in her, but she wasn’t falling-about drunk.”

Now, the family’s eight-year fight to discover the truth is being told by a new podcast.

What Happened To Kirsty Maxwell? is written, narrated and produced by true crime podcaster Naomi Channell, who decided to make the series after meeting Kirsty’s family at a CrimeCon event in 2023, which they were attending to raise awareness of their campaign.

Jam Press

The flight attendant sadly succumbed to her injuries in hospital two days after her initial fall[/caption]

Jam Press

Aurora was at home with her 27-year-old boyfriend, also from Palermo, when she plunged from the balcony[/caption]