The Vrystaat Arts Festival, and more from around the world
A performer wears a costume of a character from Pop Mart's hugely popular Labubu dolls series while dancing for visitors at the Pop Land theme park on July 17, 2025 in Beijing, China. The viral 'monster' dolls are so popular that Pop Mart, the Beijing-based company behind the craze, saw its profits soar by 350% in the first half of the year. The obsession with Labubu, furry creatures with pointy ears and exactly nine teeth, have inspired long lineups and occasional tussles in some countries as well as a growing black market for imposter products seeking to cash in. Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, first debuted in 2019 but hit global status more recently when they became the accessory toy of choice for celebrities including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink's Lisa. A key part of Pop Mart's commercial success with Labubu is so-called 'blind boxes' where customers find out what they buy only when they open the package. (Photo by)
An aerial view of Lorna Roberts, checking the lavender crop ahead of the start of the harvest at Castle Farm on July 16, 2025 in Eynsford, England. Castle Farm, based in Shoreham, Kent is the largest lavender producer in the UK, growing and harvesting over 100 acres annually. This year the UK's record-breaking dry and sunny spring, paired with a mild winter, has encouraged the blooms of the native Mediterranean plant to peak 10 days earlier than usual at Castle Farm. Warm, dry weather helps the plant build up more of the essential oils, which are distilled on site hours after the harvest. (Photo by)
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