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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Tramlines Festival 2025 was an out-of-body experience for one reason'
It's one of the highlights of my year, and this year, I turned 30 in Hillsborough Park, but one performer made me forget I was actually on the planet for their set, says Daniel Bird 3am opinion Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor Daniel is an Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor at the Mirror. He studied an MA in International Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University before joining Reach in 2019. When he's not busy down on-site at music festivals to bring the latest updates and exclusive backstage chats, he can be found writing about all things celebrity and his love for One Direction. He's also partial to a cup of tea – or ten. Before working in the entertainment industry, Daniel studied an NCTJ in Public Affairs and worked as a news reporter. Tramlines Festival was back for yet another incredible year, but one set left me completely blown away. Each year, bosses at the festival always pull in the biggest names, which baffles me as I always think the previous year can't be beaten. This year, however, was extra special; there were two local acts headlining the Sarah Nulty Main Stage – one, I didn't even think was possible, but somehow, bookers managed to secure them. Each year, I attend Tramlines with a group of friends, and we always have the best time, whether that's grabbing food or a drink en route to Hillsborough Park and supporting local businesses, or this year, finding ourselves in a rather lively pub afterwards, with hundreds packing inside in a bid to keep the electric atmosphere going. 2025 was no different. Local legend Jarvis Cocker and his Pulp headlining on Friday, certainly setting the weekend up for us. It was Pulp's 571st concert since the band launched in 1987, and you could have easily believed it was their first. Jarvis' energy was off the scale when he burst onto the stage, showcasing some of his best dance moves. It was their second festival of the year, after Glastonbury, and they certainly didn't disappoint. From explaining that most of their tracks were written either in Sheffield or about Sheffield to throwing grapes and chocolate out to the crowd (I'm sad I didn't get the Fudge or the Twirl), they delivered arguably one hell of a performance. Taking to the stage with Spike Island, the atmosphere in the crowd instantly switched, and everybody became friends; there were no arguments or pushing, just 40,000 people embracing every moment. Hearing Sheffield: Sex City live for the first time since 2012 was certainly an experience. Although I'm not from Sheffield, I've called it my home on and off since 2017, and everybody could relate to some part of the song when Cocker called out various areas of the city. Disco 2000 instantly saw the energy in the crowd switch, 40,000 people jumping in the air, belting out every lyric; it was as though we had somehow found ourselves in The Leadmill on a Saturday night. Meanwhile, Common People saw a completely different aspect that none of us could have expected, fellow local legend Richard Hawley joined Pulp on stage, with the crowd erupting into cheers. Day two, Saturday, saw a string of huge musicians, including Natasha Bedingfield, Heather Small, Lucy Beaumont, Rizzle Kicks, The Reytons, and Franz Ferdinand taking to the various stages. I was quite lucky to see Natasha chilling backstage before her set, and she was, as expected, rather lovely. Her performance didn't disappoint. Although she was on earlier in the day, she drew in one of the biggest crowds I had seen from a non-headliner on the Main Stage. One aspect of day two I have to talk about is Heather Small. It was an out-of-body experience. Standing in the front row, with thousands of people packed into the T'Other Stage, was something else. Her energy was off the charts, and she performed her biggest hits, including Proud and Movin On Up. My friends and I were instantly taken to another world during Heather's set. I can't find the words to explain it, but she just has this magical aura about her, on and off stage. I was lucky to catch up with Heather after her performance, which you can read later in the week. I walked away extremely calm and relaxed. She gave me a hug, and it felt as though I'd been in hours of therapy with just that one hug. Even my friend couldn't believe the calmness that radiated from Heather. Earlestown band The K's also performed on the main stage, just one day after the release of their second album, Pretty On the Internet. Having seen the lads live and worked with them a few times, I knew that fans in the crowd would be in for a treat. There were mosh pits, people on shoulders, all belting out the songs, including Gravestone and an acoustic performance of Hoping Maybe. I I was lucky enough to catch up with the lads, Jamie Boyle, Ryan Breslin, Dexter Baker, and Nathan Peers, just before they performed, which you can read here. They're also on track for their first-ever Number One album. Elsewhere on T'Other Stage were Rizzle Kicks, who I forgot had so many bangers. The tent was completely packed, with thousands getting down with the trumpets. One thing that struck me was the bond between Jordan and Harvey. The duo stopped performing in 2016 due to Harvey's anxiety, something that Jordan mentioned on stage, and I can't lie, it was quite emotional seeing the deep connection between the two. Their set was nothing short of incredible, such a wild atmosphere, and I can't lie, I'm glad they weren't on the main stage. There was something about the atmosphere in the packed tent that just added an extra layer of excitement to their performance. Meanwhile, Rotherham's own, The Reytons, headlined the main stage, and they didn't disappoint. Opening with Red Smoke, the deep guitar riffs and bass made the ground of Hillsborough Park tremble. Frontman Jonny Yerral's vocals could have been heard in Clifton Park. I've followed the lads for several years now, and to say they're an unsigned act, the music industry is missing out, but I think it works well for them. Kids Off The Estate saw Hillsborough transformed into Disneyland, with pyrotechnics galore, the lads didn't disappoint, and I genuinely believe that they're going to be even bigger than they already are. I mean, they have just announced a Wembley Arena show, which is proving my point already. But it was time for a much-needed break, so I snuck off back to the comfort of Hillsborough Stadium's backstage area, where the festival bosses put on a spread from local restaurant, China Red. We feasted on fried rice, spring rolls, chow mein, and spiced chicken, which is what I would call the best food there is. I also turned 30 on the Saturday, which was, in my opinion, the best way to do it. Backstage, friends who work at the festival ensured I'd be celebrating properly, with a cake, candles, and a bottle of prosecco, which went down a treat. Although day three of a festival is normally a bit of a slower pace, Scouting For Girls opened the day for me. I've been friends with lead singer Roy Stride for a couple years now and seen the band several times and they never disappoint and Tramlines was no exception. Performing hits including Posh Girls, She's So Lovely, Elvis Ain't Dead, and around thirty seconds of James Bond, the crowd instantly found themselves jumping up and down as they also filmed a music video with the crowd, so that was very exciting. Barnsley-based band The Sherlocks also delivered an epic set. This included a very brief tribute to the late, great Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, with lead singer Kiaran Crook belting out "I'm going through changes." But a last-minute decision meant that the women's Euros were played on the main stage, with Chloe Kelly's winning penalty instantly seeing drinks thrown into the air as we all leapt with happiness as football finally came home. The energy continued right through Kasabian's headline set, as they walked onto the stage with Freed From Desire blasting out. Frontman Sergio Pizzorno ensured that nobody was standing still as he belted out tracks including Club Foot, Shoot the Runner, and You're In Love With A Psycho. Having seen Kasabian live several times since Serge took over as the frontman, I can hand on heart say, it should have happened sooner. His performing abilities are something else. As the encore came to a close with Fire, he made sure the crowd was involved, with everybody blasting out the lyrics, despite many of us no longer having a voice after three days. In my opinion, it was the best decision to have Kasabian close the weekend. The rocky tones of the band and Serge's gentle yet feisty approach to performing make them one of the best bands. If Kasbian headlined every year, I'd be quite happy with that decision. Although luckily for Tramlines, I don't do their artist bookings, so I think they're safe.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK shoppers slam 'shrinkflation' as popular chocolate bars reduce further in size
British shoppers have slammed the price of chocolate after several Cadbury's products appeared to suffer further 'shrinkflation' - with multipacks reducing in size, but prices remaining the same Many of the UK's most popular chocolate bars have reduced in size yet again, prompting angry shoppers to slam the 'shrinkflation' technique adopted by the leading brands. The term refers to a product decreasing in size or quantity, only for the price to remain the same. As such, companies use the method to subtly get more money from the consumer - often without them realising. Recent cases have been highlighted on TikTok by user, Cost of Living Crisis Tips, who pointed out several changes to Cadbury products on supermarket shelves. They elaborated on the new prices in a video, which have affected multipacks and Share Bags of some of the nation's favourite treats. "Chocolate is shrinking again - this time it's CurlyWurly," they began in the clip. The TikTok user claimed multipacks now contain four bars instead of five - with the £1.40 price tag being maintained. Next, they revealed that Fudge multipacks are making the same move - proving their point by showcasing the packets of four already lined up on the shelves behind the packets of five, ready to be sold. "You can see it with your own eyes," they said. "Here at Morrisons the four-packs are ready to go out, so if you like your Fudge, and you see a five-pack, then get them because you're not going to be able to get them soon." Continuing in the same vein, Cost of Living Crisis Tips shared that Freddo multipackets have suffered the exact same fate, yet their price has gone up a "bl***y lot". As for Dairy Milk Little Bars, they claimed they have reduced from six in a pack to four. "They're thin enough as it is," they slammed. "It's the same with Twirls," Cost of Living Crisis Tips continued. "You used to get four Twirls in a multipack - now you get three. They think we won't notice like we're daft or something. But it's just an insult to our intelligence." Moving on Cadbury's Share Bags, the TikTok user added that Crunchie Rocks treats have fallen from 110g bags to 100g - again with the price remaining the same. They closed by noting Bitsa Wispa and Twirl Bites bags, which have undergone an identical change. "Shrinkflation is out of control!" they declared. Writing in response, one TikTok user slammed: "I was debating between a pack of Twirls and Double Deckers yesterday and walked away with neither cos they're almost half the size." A second person fumed: "They can only do this so many times, eventually they'll have to get rid of multi packs altogether! It's getting out of control. Iv been boycotting." A third added: "It's so bad now, the quality has gone down, the quantity has gone down but the the price has gone up." Whilst a fourth quipped: "If this shrinkflation carries on at the rate it is, I really do wonder what we will actually be paying for in a couple of years time, a packet of chocolate dust?"
The Herald Scotland
29-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow woman takes fight to save XL bully to court
The seven-month-old pup faced being put to sleep because she was too young to be spayed in line with the new legislation to manage the breed. Under rules brought into place last year, owners must register their dog for an exemption certificate, have them microchipped and make sure they are kept on a lead and muzzled in public, as well as being insured and spayed. Failure to comply with the rules means that the dog can be seized and put to sleep at any point. She turned to solicitor Sharon Collins after realising the dog would be too young to be sterilised and would miss the exemption deadline by just a few days. Sharon Collins and Margaret Keely with Fudge (Image: Gordon Terris) The solicitor, who is working on the case pro bono, has lodged a petition with the High Court of Justiciary to try and change the law and give more protection for the breed and owners like Margaret. The pair were originally told that Fudge had been given an extension before this was revoked, with the government saying it had been 'issued in error'. The penalties for not having an exemption for an XL bully mean that owners can face a significant fine or even a jail term. A date has now been fixed for the case to be heard on August 7, when a determination on the petition will be reached. The action seeks to extend the deadline for XL Bullies to allow for discretion for dogs to be given their exemption certificates in circumstances like Fudge's. Sharon said: 'The lawlords have confirmed our case is competent and we will have a chance here to achieve something ground-breaking."
Glasgow Times
29-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow woman takes fight to save XL bully to court
Margaret Keely bought Fudge unaware of the hurdles she would face around the timeline to meet the requirements of owning her pet. The seven-month-old pup faced being put to sleep because she was too young to be spayed in line with the new legislation to manage the breed. Under rules brought into place last year, owners must register their dog for an exemption certificate, have them microchipped and make sure they are kept on a lead and muzzled in public, as well as being insured and spayed. Failure to comply with the rules means that the dog can be seized and put to sleep at any point. She turned to solicitor Sharon Collins after realising the dog would be too young to be sterilised and would miss the exemption deadline by just a few days. Sharon Collins and Margaret Keely with Fudge (Image: Gordon Terris) The solicitor, who is working on the case pro bono, has lodged a petition with the High Court of Justiciary to try and change the law and give more protection for the breed and owners like Margaret. The pair were originally told that Fudge had been given an extension before this was revoked, with the government saying it had been 'issued in error'. READ NEXT: XL Bully Fudge was facing death until Glasgow lawyer stepped in The penalties for not having an exemption for an XL bully mean that owners can face a significant fine or even a jail term. A date has now been fixed for the case to be heard on August 7, when a determination on the petition will be reached. The action seeks to extend the deadline for XL Bullies to allow for discretion for dogs to be given their exemption certificates in circumstances like Fudge's. Sharon said: 'The lawlords have confirmed our case is competent and we will have a chance here to achieve something ground-breaking."
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Cadbury makes major change to Fudge bars – and customers are fuming
CADBURY has made a major change to Fudge bars and customers are fuming. The chocolate giant has once again reduced the size of its Fudge mulitpack, with customers now getting four bars instead of five. 1 The popular snack has been reduced in size Packs of four are still being sold for £1.40, even though bigger packets were sold for the same price a few month prior Cadbury has faced backlash from customers, especially parents who put the treat in their children's lunch box. Leaving a review on Tesco's website, one angry parent branded it "shrinkflation in action". "Apparently these are no longer meant to go in kids lunchboxes any more because there are 5 days in the school week, not 4." They added: "The price hasn't changed though ." While another upset customer asked: "When will it stop? Not a happy customer! Same goes for fudge bars." And a third shopper said: "Same price, fewer bars. Not good." Cadbury told The Sun changes to product sizes is a "last resort" for the business, blaming "higher input costs" for the change. Most read in Money They said: "This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges." It is not the first time Cadbury has reduced the size of its chocolate products. We've outdone ourselves with this one' say Cadbury Ireland as they reveal new limited edition bar 'coming soon Cadbury reduced packs of Freddos from five to four and Cadbury Dairy Milk multipacks were cut from nine bars to seven. More recently, the brand slashed the size of it's Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks by a third. Packs of four are being sold for £1.40, even though packs of six cost the same last month. MORE CADBURY NEWS The confectionery giant has recently rolled out a number of new flavours for customers to enjoy. That includes new Cadbury Dairy Milk Summer Edition bars such as the Iced Latte flavour. The choc is w rapped in cold-activated packaging that transforms in the fridge. A new limited edition Twirl bar has also been rolled out across stores. Read more on the Irish Sun The Twirl White Dipped is coated in white chocolate and customers are saying it reminds them of the discontinued Flake Snow. How to save money on chocolate We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs... Go own brand - if you're not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you'll save by going for the supermarket's own brand bars. Shop around - if you've spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it's cheaper elsewhere. Websites like let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you're getting the best deal. Look out for yellow stickers - supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they've been reduced. They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged. Buy bigger bars - most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar. So if you've got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.
