Latest news with #Byron
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘An electrifying moment': Charles and Camilla visit sparks Ravenna tourism boom
If the most satisfying thing for anyone giving a guided tour is speaking to an enthusiastic and curious listener, then Diego Saglia felt he royally hit the jackpot when he met Queen Camilla in Ravenna. The queen, who was in the northern Italian city with King Charles during a state visit to the country in early April, was so enamoured of her visit to a museum dedicated to the British poet and satirist Lord Byron that she kept her husband waiting in the courtyard. She lingered over Byron's original manuscripts, locks of his curly hair and the love letters he wrote to Countess Teresa Guiccioli. The king paid an impromptu visit to the museum, which opened in November, when he went to collect the queen after his own personal tour of the city's Basilica of San Vitale, known for its Byzantine mosaics dating back to the sixth century. 'Darling, come and meet these people,' the queen beckoned to Charles, who duly greeted the staff and posed for selfies while praising the museum, which is located in the residence where the poet completedDon Juan and The Prophecy of Dante during his stay in 1819-21. 'It was an electrifying moment,' said Saglia, an English literature professor at the University of Parma and a member of the museum's scientific committee. 'We had not long been open, and then these exceptional visitors arrived. Camilla was great and then the king showing up was an incredible surprise. He couldn't stop talking about the beauty of the mosaics, but Camilla kept telling him: 'But no, I've found interesting stuff here.'' The royal couple's obvious appreciation of Ravenna, an elegant city in Emilia-Romagna brimming with art and culture, and where the poet Dante Alighieri is buried, has left its mark. Not only did their fleeting trip attract hundreds of union jack-waving visitors from beyond the city, but it has since prompted a significant increase in tourists, particularly from the UK. Saglia said the city, especially during the weekend, was now packed. But as Rome, Florence and Venice grapple with overtourism, people in Ravenna, which has thus far remained off the well-trodden path, have welcomed the royal influence on tourism, and were proud that the city was the only one in Italy the couple visited after the capital. 'We are very happy because obviously the visit provided an important international showcase,' said Maria Grazia Marini, the director of tourism services at Ravenna's city council. 'The people of Ravenna are very proud of their heritage, so the fact that they came was truly a source of pride. The city dressed up for the party and many people were involved.' Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion Giacomo Costantini, Ravenna's tourism councillor, said visitor numbers were up by 16% in April compared with the same month in 2024, with most coming from England. While the launch this year of British Airways flights to Federico Fellini airport in nearby Rimini had helped, Costantini put the increase down to the 'beautiful bond of love between Ravenna and England'. 'We have a shared passion for poets and writers, whether it be Dante or Shakespeare,' he said. 'This connection was then crowned by the opening of the Byron museum.' All the hotels are fully booked this weekend for the start of the Ravenna festival, which includes concerts directed by the Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, who lives in the city. Fabio Ricci, a spokesperson for the Bryon museum and the festival, had no doubt the royals would put Ravenna in the spotlight. 'Ravenna is a city that combines, within a few kilometres, extraordinary art, high-quality entertainment and beautiful nature, including pine forests and the sea,' he said. 'On top of that, you have good food. What more do you want from life?'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The new Y2K coming-of-age BBC series filmed in South Wales
Fans of British dramas will be transported back to the early 00s, as the new coming-of-age BBC series, What It Feels Like For A Girl, will soon be on our screens. The eight part series is based on the memoir of the same name by writer and journalist Paris Lees. The series starts in the new millennium and follow Byron, played by Ellis Howard, who is a teenage stuck in a small working-class town that hasn't been the same since the coal mine shut in the 80s. The actor described the series, saying: "It's the story of someone who has grown up in a small town with people who aren't like them, dreaming of a life bigger and bolder" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter. READ MORE: Tom Jones played matchmaker for another huge Welsh singer READ MORE: Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Wednesday, May 28) The series, tackles gender identity, what makes a family, class, sexuality and friendship as Byron attempts to break free from the confinement of their small town, and instead embarks on a new vibrant life of partying in Nottingham's underworld. Ellis said: "The show has a real bite to it and feels anarchic, punk and edgy, but also joyful and has a real lightness of touch and wit. The characters are misfits, punks, living on the fringes of society and use their acid tongues as a defence mechanism, giving the show wit and banter whilst also delivering a severe emotional punch. "Hopefully, people will stay for the love and joy but will be heartbroken by the depths that the series goes to. It doesn't shy away from telling the truth; it has trauma and grasps the human experience. If you're looking at the series through a queer lens and perspective, those things are just magnified tenfold. "As a queer person, not only are you wrestling with these things, but you're also wrestling with who you are, as well as experiencing them." The actor, who is also queer, enjoyed playing the role of Byron as they so similarities and stark differences between their own life and the life of their character. They said: "Byron finds themself in this mad queer space with a crazy eclectic gang of friends. It's an experience I didn't have growing up as queer, and it's one that I have found through filming and building a relationship with the cast." The series was filmed in both South Wales and Nottingham, where the series is set. The author of the memoir, grew up in the city and the series is largely based on their life growing up queer in a traditional working class town. Paris said: "At its core, the story is inspired by my life and all my unique past experiences. Growing up, my friends and I were the only openly out young people in Nottingham. Even in the past decade, things have changed drastically. "Back then, we were on the outskirts of society, and people thought we were too young to be transitioning. This is ultimately a coming-of-age story, and like many coming-of-age tales, it's about the people we lose and gain along the way." They continued: "As a working-class trans woman, I've never had the opportunity to tell my story in this way before. I've never seen a trans character represented in this way on British television. Someone cool, edgy, and imperfect. I'm not a perfect trans woman, and I don't want to be a role model. I'm a hot mess, and I have the right to be just as messy as anyone else. "There's a reason why the trans community hasn't had a voice in television like this before, and I hope this series will resonate with anyone who feels marginalised or lives on the edge of society. I want this story to make people feel heard." View this post on Instagram A post shared by P A R I S L E E S (@ The journalist and writer, said that she was thrilled that they cast Ellis as Byron and that something about the actor stuck out straight away. Paris explained: "He brought a certain naughtiness to the role, which shines through in the series. Byron is such a complex character, going from being a schoolboy to a trans woman and everything in between; it is a challenging role. Byron is the central character, but Byron is also based on me, so getting the casting right was crucial. For me, Ellis was the perfect choice!" All episodes of What It Feels Like For A Girl will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Tuesday, June 3 , and air on BBC Three and BBC One from that night.
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NBC Sports
May NASCAR Cup Power Rankings: Kyle Larson holds top spot for another month
Here is a look at the top drivers in May. May Power Rankings 1. Kyle Larson (Last month 1st) While his attempt to run all 1,100 miles of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day fizzled after crashes in both races, one shouldn't overlook the month Larson had in NASCAR. He won at Kansas from the pole and finished fourth at Texas. He finished the month with one Cup victory, three stage wins and one bonus point for the fastest lap in a race. He led a series-high 345 laps in the three points races in May and ranked second for the month in stage points at 38. Larson ranked second in points scored in the month at 112. Dustin Long, 2. Christopher Bell (NR) He won the All-Star Race and and finished in the top 10 in each of the three points races in the month, placing ninth at Texas, second at Kansas and eighth in the Coca-Cola 600. That helped Bell score the most points of the month with 118. Bell ranked fifth for the month in stage points scored at 26. The area he was lacking was in leading laps. He led only eight laps in the three points races (he led 28 of 250 laps in the All-Star Race). Nate Ryan, 3. William Byron (2nd) Byron ranked third in points scored in the month at 110. He had one top-10 finish in the three points races, placing second in the Coca-Cola 600. He had three stage wins in the month — all in the 600. Byron finished May tied for second with Kyle Larson in stage points scored at 38. Byron ranked second for the month in laps led at 305. 4. Ross Chastain (NR) The Coca-Cola 600 winner also scored a runner-up finish at Texas. He placed 20th at Kansas in the month's other points race. Chastain also was third in the All-Star Race. He was one of only four drivers to top 100 points for the month. He had 104 in May. 5. Joey Logano (NR) He won at Texas and finished runner-up in the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro. Logano also was ninth at Kansas. He ranked sixth in points scored in May with 92. Those outside the top five Chase Elliott — He finished fifth in the series for points scored in May with 98. Elliott had one top-10 finish in the three points races in May, placing sixth in the Coca-Cola 600. He was 15th at Kansas and 16th at Texas. Tyler Reddick — He ranked first in stage points scored in May with 42 and was seventh in total points scored in May with 89. His best finish in a points race in May was 17th at Kansas. Points scored in May 2025 118 — Christopher Bell 112 — Kyle Larson 110 — William Byron 104 — Ross Chastain 98 — Chase Elliott 92 — Joey Logano 89 — Tyler Reddick 87 — Ryan Blaney 79 — Chase Briscoe 79 — John Hunter Nemechek 78 — Ryan Preece 76 — Josh Berry 75 — Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 74 — Chris Buescher 70 — Todd Gilliland 65 — Erik Jones 62 — Austin Dillon 60 — Austin Cindric 59 — Alex Bowman 58 — Noah Gragson 58 — Michael McDowell 56 — Kyle Busch 55 — Shane van Gisbergen 53 — Denny Hamlin 53 — Carson Hocevar 51 — AJ Allmendinger 47 — Brad Keselowski 46 — Cole Custer 45 — Ty Dillon 45 — Zane Smith 42 — Riley Herbst 39 — Ty Gibbs 35 — Justin Haley 31 — Daniel Suarez 26 — Cody Ware 16 — Bubba Wallace Stage points scored in May 2025 42 — Tyler Reddick 38 — Kyle Larson 38 — William Byron 30 — Denny Hamlin 26 — Christopher Bell 25 — Carson Hocevar 24 — Chase Elliott 18 — Ryan Blaney 17 — Alex Bowman 16 — Austin Cindric 16 — AJ Allmendinger 15 — Josh Berry 13 — John Hunter Nemechek 11 — Chris Buescher 12 — Ryan Preece 10 — Ross Chastain 6 — Bubba Wallace 5 — Noah Gragson 5 — Brad Keselowski 4 — Joey Logano 4 — Erik Jones 3 — Zane Smith 3 — Ty Gibbs 3 — Michael McDowell 2 — Chase Briscoe 1 — Kyle Busch Laps led in May 2025 345 — Kyle Larson 305 — William Byron 56 — Denny Hamlin 41 — Josh Berry 31 — Chase Elliott 28 — Carson Hocevar 19 — Michael McDowell 8 — Ross Chastain 8 — Christopher Bell 8 — Joey Logano 6 — Ty Gibbs 4 — Ty Dillon 4 — Todd Gilliland 3 — Alex Bowman 2 — Ryan Blaney 2 — Tyler Reddick 1 — Chase Briscoe 1 — John Hunter Nemechek Watch highlights from the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. Relive a chaotic NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.
9 News
3 days ago
- 9 News
'I want answers': Mum grieving after FIFO son dies on Bali holiday
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The mother of a Queensland FIFO worker who died on holiday in Bali has called his death "suspicious" as tributes continue to pour in. Noosa man Byron Haddow died on Monday morning while holidaying on the Indonesian island, prompting a flood of messages online from family, friends, fellow mining workers and a local football club. Mother Chantal Haddow said the family was "humbled and forever grateful" for the support they'd already received. Noosa man Byron Haddow died on Monday morning while holidaying on the Indonesian island, prompting a flood of messages online from family, friends, fellow mining workers and a local football club. (Instagram/@bizza_hads_) "We are still chasing answers as to how our fit healthy 23 yr old son wound up dead in his private villa," she posted in a comment on Facebook responding to some unkind comments from strangers. "No it wasn't a scooter accident! No it wasn't his first time in Bali either! "We believe it's suspicious & are going through the avenues to get it investigated which will hold up the process of not only having him returned home but also the release of any monies! "I want answers more than anyone!" Shania Chapman, who organised an online fundraiser, asked people to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers. "A son, brother, and friend to many taken way too soon," she wrote. "As many of you know he was living his life to the fullest, working away, and achieving so many things." Noosa man Byron Haddow died on Monday morning while holidaying on the Indonesian island, prompting a flood of messages online from family, friends, fellow mining workers and a local football club. (Byron Haddow) Chantal said the 23-year-old's travel insurance would get her son's body home but wouldn't cover the cost of some other things. She said the online fundraiser was set up by Byron's friends as a "kind gesture to help support us". "All donations have been made by family & friends of Byron which goes to show how truly loved he was by his community & we are very humbled & forever grateful for that," she wrote. Katie Vider said Byron, known to many as "Bizza", was the "type of guy to give the shirt off his back". "Byron was the funny, kind and considerate friend that you could always count on," she said on Facebook. Noosa man Byron Haddow died on Monday morning while holidaying on the Indonesian island, prompting a flood of messages online from family, friends, fellow mining workers and a local football club. (GoFundMe) "I can't remember how many years it's been since I met him, but I know it's been many years of love and laughter." The Buderim Wanderers Football Club, where Byron's brother Taison played, and the hugely popular Jobs in Mining Facebook page were among others to pay tribute. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment. Bali Indonesia Australia national World mining queensland Sunshine Coast noosa CONTACT US Property News: 'Stressful': Perth mum's dilemma after rental mix-up.
Daily Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Byron Bay's Beach Hotel sold for $140m
The famous Beach Hotel at Byron Bay has traded hands for $140m, the second most expensive Aussie pub ever sold. 'The Beachie' has been bought by Scott Didier, Group CEO of construction firm Johns Lyng Group. The $140m price tag is the second highest price paid for a pub in Australia, behind The Crossroads Hotel in Casula in Sydney's southwest which changed hands for $160m in 2022. MORE: Bizarre feature of Hemsworth's $50m Byron Bay home MA Financial Group's Redcape Hospitality confirmed the sale late Wednesday. 'The Beach Hotel is a special place, and the team has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of its history' said Chris Unger, Managing Director, Redcape Hospitality. 'The sale not only delivers a strong result but also marks an exciting new chapter for the Beach Hotel and we are sure it will continue to thrive as a beloved part of the Byron Bay landscape under the guidance of the Didier family.' The sale was brokered by John Musca of JLL. The sale of The Beach Hotel has come amid increased new competition for drinking holes across NSW. Originally a family pub run by Sale of the Century hostess Delvene Delaney and her producer husband – and best mate to Paul Hogan, John 'Strop' Cornell – The Beach Hotel in Byron was the first Aussie pub to sell for $100m, when it last traded in 2019. RELATED: How family business became billion dollar pub empire Records then revealed that global investment firm MA Financial Group had entered into an exclusivity agreement to purchase the 4585sq m property that Delaney and Cornell, who produced and co-wrote the international blockbuster Crocodile Dundee, spent about $9 million building up in the 1990s. The pub has since been managed by Redcape. At the time of the 2019 sale, Dan Brady, CEO of MA Financial Group, described the almost waterfront hotel as an 'iconic Australian establishment located on irreplaceable real estate.' MORE: Kmart set to change everything in Temu war 'The acquisition of both freehold and operating interests will enable the required capital investment to further enhance what has made the hotel iconic – that is, a great community gathering place with a fun, sociable, friendly and safe hospitality offering delivered by an engage and passionate team of local hospitality professionals,' Mr Brady. said. The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay on Sydney's North Shore was believed to have been sold for $175m in 2022, before the sale fell through and long-time owners The Thomas family decided to keep running it. Former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers and his family were revealed as the buyers who paid top dollar for The Crossroads. MORE: Price of car spot proves Australia has lost it
