Latest news with #StPatrick'sDayParade


Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over ‘national security threat' after becoming ‘increasingly vulnerable target'
Major enhancements to security would be needed for the event to go ahead HIGH ALERT UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over 'national security threat' after becoming 'increasingly vulnerable target' ORGANISERS of the UK's second biggest carnival have decided to cancel the event amid fears over "elevated national threat levels." An "extensive security review" led to the cancellation of the festival with organisers and the local authority raising concerns. Advertisement 4 Harborne Carnival was cancelled this year amid security concerns Credit: BPM 4 The event would require extensive security enhancements to go ahead safely Credit: BPM The move to cancel Harborne Carnival comes after a string of attacks at events around the world have sparked fears for public safety. Concern around the safety of public events has been growing in recent months with the Lapu-Lapu day festival tragedy sparking major fears. The heightened security measures come after an attack which left 11 people dead in Vancouver, Canada last month Following attacks at a number of public events across the globe in recent months, concern for public safety has skyrocketed. Advertisement Organisers of the Harborne Carnival decided to cancel their event amid these growing security concerns. The carnival, originally planned for June 22 in Birmingham, was axed yesterday with organisers planning to refund stallholders and participants. Similarly, the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Parade was postponed in March. The decision to axe the event came following a meeting of the carnival committee, Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials. Advertisement The City Council's Safety Advisory Group asked organisers how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident. They were particularly concerned about the open side streets along the carnival route. Paul Burgess MBE, Chair of Harborne Carnival, said: 'The Harborne Family Carnival is a highlight for our community, and with preparations already underway, this decision was not taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year. Advertisement "Our safety record over the last 27 years has always been strong, and this is an area we're not willing to compromise on. "Recent global incidents have led to new requirements for enhanced security, such as better protection of the many side streets that connect to the main carnival area. 4 Harborne Carnival is the second biggest in the UK Credit: BPM 4 Security concerns led to the event being cancelled this year Credit: BPM Advertisement "These changes present significant logistical and financial challenges that we simply cannot overcome in time for this year's event. "Public safety is our top priority, and our attention now turns to 2026. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special.' Organisers said no 'specific threat' was identified in their security review. Advertisement Despite this the event was cancelled with fears around public safety sited in the review. It was decided that for the event to run safely the carnival would need enhanced barriers, increased stewarding and additional access routes for emergency services. Organisers concluded that it would not be possible to implement the extensive extra measures in time for the event. West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.


The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
UK's second biggest carnival is AXED over ‘national security threat' after becoming ‘increasingly vulnerable target'
ORGANISERS of the UK's second biggest carnival have decided to cancel the event amid fears over "elevated national threat levels." An "extensive 4 Harborne Carnival was cancelled this year amid security concerns Credit: BPM 4 The event would require extensive security enhancements to go ahead safely Credit: BPM The move to cancel Harborne Carnival comes after a string of attacks at events around the world have sparked fears for public safety. Concern around the safety of public events has been growing in recent months with the Lapu-Lapu day festival tragedy sparking major fears. The heightened security measures come after an attack which left 11 people dead in Vancouver, Canada last month Following attacks at a number of public events across the globe in recent months, concern for public safety has skyrocketed. Read more UK News Organisers of the Harborne Carnival decided to cancel their event amid these growing security concerns. The carnival, originally planned for June 22 in Birmingham, was axed yesterday with organisers planning to refund stallholders and participants. Similarly, the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Parade was postponed in March. The decision to axe the event came following a meeting of the carnival committee, Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials. Most read in The Sun The They were particularly concerned about the open side streets along the carnival route. Paul Burgess MBE, Chair of Harborne Carnival, said: 'The Harborne Family Carnival is a highlight for our community, and with preparations already underway, this decision was not taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year. "Our safety record over the last 27 years has always been strong, and this is an area we're not willing to compromise on. "Recent global incidents have led to new requirements for enhanced security, such as better protection of the many side streets that connect to the main carnival area. 4 Harborne Carnival is the second biggest in the UK Credit: BPM 4 Security concerns led to the event being cancelled this year Credit: BPM "These changes present significant logistical and financial challenges that we simply cannot overcome in time for this year's event. "Public safety is our top priority, and our attention now turns to 2026. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special.' Organisers said no 'specific threat' was identified in their security review. Despite this the event was cancelled with fears around public safety sited in the review. It was decided that for the event to run safely the carnival would need enhanced barriers, increased stewarding and additional access routes for Organisers concluded that it would not be possible to implement the extensive extra measures in time for the event. West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.


Sunday World
02-05-2025
- Sunday World
Woman tells uncle ‘you stole my innocence' as he is jailed for sex abuse
The woman said that she couldn't sleep and suffered with anxiety and male intimacy issues. A woman who was sexually assaulted by her uncle between the age of 7 and fourteen has told a sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court how he took seven years of her life and childhood. She said to her abuser, 'You stole my innocence. I can never forgive that.' Last October the defendant was found guilty by a jury of nine counts of sexual assault which occurred between 2009 and 2017. He has been in custody since awaiting sentence. The man who used babysit the victim and her siblings at their grandmother's house where he lived is now aged 30. He is eight years his niece's senior. What occurred came to light in April 2017 when the woman told her mother about what her mum's brother had done to her. She said it caused a rift in the family which added to her suffering. Some family members stopped talking to her and called her a liar. All but one of the nine incidents in question occurred at her grandmother's house. The other was in the victim's own home. On one occasion he attacked her while she lay on her gran's bed drawing, while on another she had gone to the house after leaving school early because she was ill. The last assault occurred on March 16, 2017, when the teenager was trying on outfits for a St Patrick's Day Parade. She told her mother the following month and they went around to her grandmother's house to confront him. His reaction was that he couldn't remember. The next morning they went to the garda station. A specialist interview was set up. The accused was arrested by arrangement on July 11, 2018. He denied any abuse. He was released and later charged. There were no previous convictions. The case was heard in Dundalk Court. Today's News in 90 Seconds - Friday May 2 _duplicated Reading from her Victim Impact Statement, the woman said that she couldn't sleep and suffered with anxiety and male intimacy issues. It took her five years to realise what he did was wrong. She no longer liked to go out on her own. An uncle who should have been there to protect to her, did 'vile and disgusting' things. It would affect her for the rest of her life. She didn't get to see her gran for four years. The defence requested time to get a medical report on the accused who is suffering from cancer, and asked for an updated probation report. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned sentencing to June 30, remanding the defendant in custody. He noted a mixed probation report and 'with some reluctance' asked for an updated report.


Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Woman says that uncle stole her innocence during seven years of sexual abuse
She said to her abuser, 'You stole my innocence. I can never forgive that.' Last October the defendant was found guilty by a jury of nine counts of sexual assault which occurred between 2009 and 2017. He has been in custody since awaiting sentence. The man who used babysit the victim and her siblings at their grandmother's house where he lived is now aged 30. He is eight years his niece's senior. What occurred came to light in April 2017 when the woman told her mother about what her mum's brother had done to her. She said it caused a rift in the family which added to her suffering. Some family members stopped talking to her and called her a liar. All but one of the nine incidents in question occurred at her grandmother's house. The other was in the victim's own home. On one occasion he attacked her while she lay on her gran's bed drawing, while on another she had gone to the house after leaving school early because she was ill. The last assault occurred on March 16, 2017, when the teenager was trying on outfits for a St Patrick's Day Parade. She told her mother the following month and they went around to her grandmother's house to confront him. His reaction was that he couldn't remember. The next morning they went to the garda station. A specialist interview was set up. ADVERTISEMENT The accused was arrested by arrangement on July 11, 2018. He denied any abuse. He was released and later charged. There were no previous convictions. Reading from her Victim Impact Statement, the woman said that she couldn't sleep and suffered with anxiety and male intimacy issues. It took her five years to realise what he did was wrong. She no longer liked to go out on her own. An uncle who should have been there to protect to her, did 'vile and disgusting' things. It would affect her for the rest of her life. She didn't get to see her gran for four years. The defence requested time to get a medical report on the accused who is suffering from cancer, and asked for an updated probation report. Judge Dara Hayes adjourned sentencing to June 30, remanding the defendant in custody. He noted a mixed probation report and 'with some reluctance' asked for an updated report.


Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
All the jewellery King Charles and Queen Camilla have bought Princess Kate, including the dazzling £90k wedding gift
HEIR WE GO All the jewellery King Charles and Queen Camilla have bought Princess Kate, including the dazzling £90k wedding gift BEING in the royal family has its perks - particularly when it comes to fancy gifts from relatives. Princess Kate has been fortunate enough to have received some dazzling pieces of jewellery from King Charles and Queen Camilla over the years. Advertisement 8 King Charles and Princess Kate have grown closer over the years and he has given her jewellery over the years Credit: Getty 8 At Wimbledon in 2011, Kate wore a charm bracelet from Camilla Credit: Paul Edwards - The Sun From glittering earrings to a wedding gift worth £90,000, Kate's father-in-law has certainly pulled out all the stops with his presents. And that is on top of the £540K jewellery Wills has splashed out on for Kate, including a £121k Cartier necklace and a £20k watch. Here is what Kate has added to her collection from King Charles and Queen Camilla… Gold charm bracelet - £2,500 8 The charm bracelet featured a 'C' for Catherine - but also could represent Camilla too Credit: Richard Pelham Kate is often spotted sporting a gold bracelet that was gifted to her by Queen Camilla. Advertisement It features a 'C' for their names, alongside a coronet and a crown. Stephanie Tyler, jewellery expert at Purely Diamonds, shared: 'The gold charm bracelet we often see Kate in was a touching wedding gift from Camilla and holds a lot of sentimental value. 'However, it is one of the more affordable pieces of royal jewellery, estimated at around £2,500.' Diamond set - £90,000 8 Princess Kate received a show-stopping bracelet from King Charles for her wedding gift Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement 8 We saw the sparkling bracelet up close at the 2011 Baftas Credit: Getty When Princess Kate tied the knot with university sweetheart Prince William in 2011, she received a very generous wedding present from her father-in-law. King Charles gave Kate a jewellery set estimated to be worth £90,000, which included earrings, a bracelet and a ring. According to The Express, each piece was made of either white diamonds or yellow gold diamonds. Advertisement Princess Kate makes a visit to Irish Guards on solo trip to St Patrick's Day Parade The set is unique to Kate as it was custom-made and wasn't previously part of the royal collection. Anna Byers, of 77 Diamonds, said: 'After her wedding to Prince William, [the then] Prince Charles welcomed his new daughter-in-law a set of matching yellow and white gold pieces. 'This included a ring, bracelet and a pair of drop earrings she has since worn on several occasions. 'They are in an Art Deco style and seem to be custom made for Kate.' Although Kate didn't wear the set on the day itself, she did poignantly have them on at an event in July later that year, for her first solo royal engagement. Advertisement Round Diamond Baguette Cluster Earrings 8 Kate is also said to have received a Round Diamond Baguette Cluster pair of earrings from Charles Credit: Getty The earrings from Kate's wedding gift were a Round Diamond Baguette Cluster pair. She debuted the earrings after her wedding in the summer of 2011 in Canada, as she added a touch of sparkle to her purple Issa wrap dress. We also saw her wear them with an Amanda Wakeley gown at Clarence House. Advertisement Art Deco brooch £14,000 8 Royal fans have questioned if Kate was given this Art Deco brooch from Charles or Camilla Credit: Getty 8 King Charles and his 'beloved daughter-in-law' Princess Kate are said to have a close relationship Credit: AFP On Remembrance Sunday we saw Kate wearing a eye-catching new Art Deco-style brooch by Bentley & Skinner. The brooch is a rectangular shape adorned with diamonds, including a central round-cut diamond at its centre. Advertisement Royal watchers speculated if the shiny accessory was a gift from her 40th birthday, and said it could have come from Prince William, King Charles or Queen Camilla. It is possible that the £`4,500 brooch could have also been a gift from the late Queen, and that Kate was honouring her at the poignant event.