Bristol

Nakita Devi, a breath therapist at Limitless Living, has explained why she loves Bristol so much in the week that the city was named one of Lonely Planet’s places to visit in 2026

A resident of a UK city newly tipped as one of the best in the world to visit loves it, but would make one change if she could.

This week Bristol was included in Lonely Planet’s best places to visit list for 2026. This comes a few short months after it was named as one of Time Out’s best places in the world.

High praise indeed. And praise which Nakita Devi, a breath therapist at Limitless Living, feels is well deserved. She told The Mirror why she loves Bristol so much and what brought her back to the city.

“There’s a real blend here of history, culture, community, and events. The level of innovation and creativity almost feels tangible. I also love feeling a general sense of togetherness and trust that exists here – perhaps rare for a city,” she explained.

“I’ve lived in various other places and countries over the years, but Bristol is home because there are many people here committed to making life better for everyone; whether that’s through art and music, politics and education, social justice and inclusion, or family festivals and sober spaces. It really feels incredibly diverse, with something for everyone, more than anywhere else I’ve been.”

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When it comes to her recommendations for the best places to eat, drink and visit in Bristol, the 37-year-old was teeming with ideas.

“There are so many! Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road have a whole host of independent cafés, restaurants, and bakeries. King Street is also one of my favourites for bars and pubs with its history and cobbled stones. For dinner, personally I love Indian so Rock Salt and Nutmeg are two of my top recommendations,” the born-and-raised Bristolian said.

“I love the many open green spaces that are so accessible! Brandon Hill, Ashton Court, Blaise Castle, and Leigh Woods are just a few of my favourites for a wander any time of the year.”

However, as with all places, Bristol is not perfect (although some in the city might argue it is.)

Nakita has one small note for Bristol. “It can sometimes feel quite intense. I particularly notice it when I return after being away. There’s an aliveness or electricity here that can feel overwhelming at times. Additionally, with such a constant range of events to choose from, it’s easy to want to do it all instead of prioritising rest,” she said.

Nakita shared her views on the city in the week that Bristol was named as a must-visit destination for 2026 by Lonely Planet, thanks to its vibrant street art scene. The city is the only one in the UK to feature on the travel guide’s worldwide Best In Travel list for next year.

“Bristol’s street art scene makes for a fantastic inclusion in Best in Travel, Lonely Planet’s annual celebration of essential journeys and experiences for the coming year,” said Tom Hall, vice president of Lonely Planet.

“We’re delighted to shine a light on one of the UK’s most exciting cities, showcasing the talents of local artists. Exploring the colourful, creative murals dotted around the city is the perfect first step in getting to the heart of Bristol.”

The city reportedly boasts over 250 street artworks at various locations. ‘Our Common Ground’, a large new piece covering part of the Centre, was revealed in September, although it received a somewhat mixed response.

Banksy, perhaps the world’s most famous street artist and a native of Bristol, contributes significantly to the city’s reputation. Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive of tourism body Visit West, expressed her delight that Bristol had made it into Lonely Planet’s 2026 edition, highlighting the significant financial contribution the local arts scene brings to the city and wider region, reports Bristol Live.

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“Our ever-evolving outdoor gallery draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local visitor economy,” she stated.

“Visitors not only stay in hotels and join tours, but they also contribute significantly to the visitor economy at large… Crucially, this impact extends beyond the city centre, helping to drive economic benefits across the wider city.”

According to Visit West, tourism is worth £2.6bn to the combined economy of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Around 45,000 people work in the ‘visitor economy’ of the region.

“We are thrilled that Lonely Planet has named Bristol in its Best in Travel 2026 for our city’s street art,” Ms Davis added. “We look forward to welcoming many more visitors this next year and beyond, to discover the humorous, playful, political and subversive street art in and around the city.”

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Lonely Planet has unveiled its worldwide Best In Travel list for 2026, with one UK city making the cut

Bristol has been named as a must-visit destination for 2026 by travel guide giant, Lonely Planet, thanks to its vibrant street art scene. The city is the only one in the UK to feature on the Best In Travel list for next year.

“Bristol’s street art scene makes for a fantastic inclusion in Best in Travel, Lonely Planet’s annual celebration of essential journeys and experiences for the coming year,” said Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet.

“As well as showcasing the talents of local artists, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of the UK’s most exciting cities. Exploring the colourful, creative murals dotted around the city is the perfect first step in getting to the heart of Bristol.”

The city reportedly boasts over 250 street artworks scattered throughout its streets. ‘Our Common Ground’, a massive new artwork that adorns part of the Centre, was revealed in September, although it received a somewhat mixed response.

Bristol’s own Banksy, arguably the world’s most renowned street artist, is a major draw. Kathryn Davis, CEO of tourism organisation Visit West, expressed her delight at Bristol’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s 2026 edition, highlighting how the local arts scene significantly contributes to the city and wider region’s economy, reports Bristol Live.

“Our ever-evolving outdoor gallery draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local visitor economy,” she said.

“Visitors not only stay in hotels and join tours, but they also contribute significantly to the visitor economy at large… Crucially, this impact extends beyond the city centre, helping to drive economic benefits across the wider city.”

According to Visit West, tourism contributes £2.6bn to the combined economy of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Approximately 45,000 people are employed in the region’s ‘visitor economy’.

“We are thrilled that Lonely Planet has named Bristol in its Best in Travel 2026 for our city’s street art,” Ms Davis added.

“We look forward to welcoming many more visitors this next year and beyond, to discover the humorous, playful, political and subversive street art in and around the city.”

A celebration event marking Bristol’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 will take place at The Canteen in Stokes Croft this morning (October 22).

Prominent local street artist Alex Lucas – known as Lucas Antics – will create a brand new mural to commemorate the occasion.

Wales’ players will assemble at their training base on the outskirts of Cardiff on Monday, 27 October.

New head coach Steve Tandy will then begin his tenure with a match against Argentina on Sunday, 9 November, with Tests against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa to follow.

Those fixtures, which will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, represent a formidable first assignment for ex-Scotland defence coach Tandy.

He takes over a Wales side ranked 12th in the world and one that only broke an 18-match international losing sequence by beating Japan in Kobe in July.

“It’s been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we’ve got,” said Tandy.

“There’s a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well. But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.

“It’s a new time and there are some new faces in and around the playing group as well.”

Carre has started the season strongly with Saracens, but was ineligible under Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) selection policy because he has 20 caps, five short of the required number for those playing for clubs outside Wales.

But in its statement confirming the squad, the WRU said Carre had been “included following confirmation by the Professional Rugby Board that he is eligible for Wales selection”.

Second rows Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins are back having missed the two-Test series in Japan over the summer because of being given a break and elective surgery respectively.

There are also returns for Jacob Beetham, Rhys Davies, Rio Dyer, Jarrod Evans, Joe Hawkins, Max Llewellyn and Nick Tompkins.

However, fellow lock Will Rowlands is not included having announced his retirement from international rugby shortly before the squad was published on Tuesday.

Bristol: Elizalde, Carrington, Bates, van Rensburg, Ravouvou, Jordan, Marmion; Genge, Oghre, Kloska, Rubiolo, Batley, Grondona, Harding (c), Mata.

Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Chawatama, Dun, Owen, Lennon, Worsley, Pepper.

Red card: Jordan (32).

Sin-bin: Pepper (60).

Exeter: John, Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Hammersley, Brown-Bampoe, Skinner, Varney; Goodrick-Clarke, Yeandle, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Roots, Fisilau, Vintcent.

Replacements: Heaven, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Pearson, James, Chapman, Lilley.

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe.

Time Out has released its list of the 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2025, and one unexpected UK area has made the cut for its community spirit and multiculturalism

The UK’s coolest neighbourhood has been unveiled, and the location might come as a shock. Prestigious travel guide Time Out has just dropped its annual list of the world’s 39 coolest neighbourhoods, with one unexpected British area securing a coveted place.

The publication updates this ranking yearly, spotlighting the latest districts that have earned “cool” status. Notable past UK entries like Stokes Croft and St Paul’s in Bristol failed to make this year’s cut.

London claims the title for Britain’s “coolest” neighbourhood, though it’s probably not the area you’d expect. Most people would immediately think of trendy spots like Camden, Shoreditch, Hackney, Dalston or Peckham when considering London’s hippest districts.

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Yet none of these well-known areas secured a place on the list. Instead, a compact but flourishing neighbourhood in London’s southeast corner has been crowned the country’s coolest district.

Time Out ranked Camberwell fourth on its global list of the world’s trendiest neighbourhoods, reports the Express. Contributor Lauren O’Neill praised this “community-oriented little patch” for its “young-at-heart vibe, the independent spirit, the multiculturalism”.

She added: “One of the big draws of the place, of course, is the food. Over the years, Camberwell Church Street has become the stuff of legend, and now, it’s easily one of the heaviest-hitting roads in the capital for hungry Londoners.”

For an ideal day out in Camberwell, the writer suggests kicking things off at Toad with a scrumptious sandwich and a cuppa, then heading over to the South London Art Gallery. While wandering around, she advises popping into Dash the Henge for some vinyl hunting, followed by a refreshing pint at The Clarendon.

When it comes to dining, she raves about “FM Mangal for Turkish food that absolutely always hits the spot.” Impressively, Camberwell has outshone a host of trendy global spots to clinch fourth place.

This year, it’s ranked above locales in Paris, Chicago, Lisbon, and New York. Another British area also made the cut, with Digbeth in Birmingham securing the number 13 position.

Time Out described Digbeth as possessing a “rough-edged beauty” and being a hub for the city’s creatives including writers, artists, and filmmakers.

Hopping over the Irish Sea, Dublin’s The Liberties nabbed the 23rd spot on the list. Known for housing the iconic Guinness Storehouse, The Liberties was lauded for its historic charm and an array of distinctive, traditional pubs, cafes, and distilleries.

The coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2025, as per Time Out, are:

• Jimbōchō, Tokyo
• Borgerhout, Antwerp
• Barra Funda, Sao Paulo
• Camberwell, London
• Avondale, Chicago
• Mullae-dong, Seoul
• Ménilmontant, Paris
• Nakatsu, Osaka
• Vallila, Helsinki
• Labone, Accra
• Nguyen Thai Binh, Ho Chi Minh
• Anjos, Lisbon
• Digbeth, Birmingham
• Red Hook, New York
• Perpetuo Socorro, Medellín
• Burwood, Sydney
• Linden, Johannesburg
• Former French Concession, Shanghai
• Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples
• Bencoolen, Singapore
• Endoume, Marseille
• Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montréal
• The Liberties, Dublin
• North Melbourne, Melbourne
• Portales, Mexico City
• Davenport, Toronto
• Little River, Miami
• Kemang, Jakarta
• Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
• Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
• Barranco, Lima
• Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
• Clarksville, Austin
• Margit-negyed, Budapest
• Glen Park, San Francisco
• MiZa, Abu Dhabi
• Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires
• Mehrauli, Delhi
• Poblacion, Metro Manila

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Cuthbert believes Rees-Zammit is excelling after trying life in NFL.

“He is only going to benefit from coming back into rugby,” said Cuthbert.

“He has been in a high performance environment and knows exactly what it takes to play at this level.

“He has played rugby his whole life and has only been away 18 months, the game has not changed an awful lot.

“He has probably come back more experienced and professional. He was pretty laid back, but now he seems way more dedicated.

“It has probably opened his mind to a different way of seeing the game.”

Former Wales fly-half James Hook says Rees-Zammit has something his Welsh rivals don’t.

“He has that X-factor, that point of difference,” said Hook.

“You see some of the tries he scored before he left and since he has came back.

“To be fair, Wales’ back three have not done too bad with the likes of Tom Rogers, Blair Murray and Ellis Mee, but Zammit is just something a little bit different, with that little bit of class.

“He also puts people in stadiums and bums on seats.”

Self-proclaimed adventurer Adam headed to the south west of England where he discovered what he described as possibly the UK’s ‘coolest and quirkiest’ Airbnb experience

A self-proclaimed British adventurer claims he’s discovered one of the “coolest and quirkiest” Airbnb spots in the UK that would make a “unique” staycation getaway. Adam took to TikTok to show off the unique accommodation, which gives guests the opportunity to sleep inside a real airliner.

He began a video by providing a tour of the plane’s exterior, which boasts a hot tub, sauna and shower. “As you can tell behind me, this isn’t just any stay – it is a very large Boeing 727,” Adam continued, indicating that he had lowered the stairs into the cabin ready for him to board.

Understandably, the rooms inside are quite narrow, but Adam pointed out the plane comes with everything you could ever need. Starting with the living area, which includes two rows of seating from the 727’s days as a passenger plane either side of a dining table.

“I believe its from the 1960s,” Adam revealed. “There are so many switches on this plane,” he added as he made his way down a corridor to the master bedroom.

He highlighted the luxury double bed still has includes a “strap for safety” for “night flights”, while noting the room comes with an en-suite bathroom and shower, as well as a sofa, table and two reclining chairs.

“How cool is this?” Adam enthused, passing another bathroom on his way to the “area you will be spending most of your time”.

Here, a second living area is furnished with more sofas and reclining chairs and a TV linked to a mirror enabling guests to watch at either end of the room.

Adam continued with 727 exploration, making his way towards the front of the aircraft where he discovered a single bedroom situated across the aisle from a charming kitchen area, equipped with hob, oven, sink and “everything you might need” – including a dishwasher, fridge and freezer.

He left the “coolest part” until last, however as his journey reached its finale at the very front of the plane. Donning a pilot’s cap, Adam squeezed himself into the cockpit, which remains fitted out exactly as it would have been during the aircraft’s days soaring through the skies.

Meanwhile, the Airbnb, located in Brislington on the city’s outskirts, boasts an outstanding guest rating of 4.82 out of 5 from 103 reviews.

The accommodation, which caters for four guests, is promoted by its owner as “your chance to live like a billionaire at 32”.

“This Boeing 727 airliner has the original 1980’s private jet interior,” it adds. “Walnut panelling, gold details and crystals adorn this exquisite space ideal for nights away. It has two lounge spaces, a king-sized bed, two single beds, three toilets, a shower, full kitchen and a fully-fitted cockpit.”

Meanwhile, the latest review of the Airbnb makes for remarkable reading, with the visitor gushing: “This is a great and special place. You can tell, this property was a passion project and was overflowing with character. Good and clear check in instruction video. Check in and check out was perfect.

“Would recommend staying at a weekend, as its location in an industrial estate wouldn’t have a lot of privacy in the week. Loved it so much, am already thinking of the next excuse to stay.”

The only drawback of this Airbnb, as highlighted by several TikTok users, is its location in the “middle of an industrial estate, lacking nearby amenities other than a McDonald’s”.

Ingle – who left in 2015 for a three-year spell at Liverpool before swiching to west London – previously captained the Bristol side in her first spell with the club.

“It’s about feeling valued as well,” said Ingle. “Bristol City want the women’s team at Ashton Gate and that for us as a women’s team is really important.

“For someone like myself who’s been through different teams and not always had that representation from a football club, those small things mean a lot to me.”

Bristol City will play all their home games at Ashton Gate this season, following the conclusion of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Ashton Gate hosts both semi-finals as New Zealand take on Canada on Friday night and England take on France on Saturday afternoon.

Ingle is one of more than 10 new signings for the club as they target a return to the Women’s Super League.

“When I first spoke to Charlotte [Healy, head coach] her demands and standards were very high which linked with mine.

“It’s obviously going to be hard, WSL2 is always such a tight league, each team can take points off everyone, so it’s never set in stone that team A is going to win.

“It’s going to be a long season and we’re going to have to find ways to keep digging in and getting points on the board.

“Come the business end of the season we want to be in a position where we can get promoted.

“This football club deserves to be in the top division and I think we can get there.”

THIS terraced house may look normal from the outside but one disgusting feature has left potential buyers flabbergasted.

Much of the three-bedroom property looks pleasant and welcoming enough but one feature may be too much to bear.

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The family home in Brislington, Bristol, has a bewildering bathroom and kitchen setup that will leave prospective buyers thinking again.

The open-plan utility room may seem perfectly normal at first glance but look a little closer and you’ll find an unwelcome addition.

A surprise toilet can be found alongside the room’s typical kitchen appliances and items – and it’s the butt of jokes online.

The room is home to a washing machine, a fridge-freezer, a sink and even a coffee machine laid out on a cabinet.

But despite food and drink being stored there, there is nothing to separate the toilet from the rest of the room.

The room has been described as the “utility/downstairs WC”.

Listing images were shared on social media, where viewers were left “flabbergasted” by the arrangement, as reported by Luxury Property News.

One person commented: “I get that’s a utility room but… Imagine having your fridge in a windowless room where someone just had a rough time on the throne.

“Or your washing. Either settle for one toilet or put a small cubicle in.”

“This new trend of open plan s***ters has to stop,” another joked.

Someone else wrote: “That’s got to be breaking some health and safety regulations surely?”

“Oh that’s grim, and right next to a kettle and stuff. Imagine how many airborne poop particles are in that fridge and cooking area,” commented another viewer.

Thankfully, the rest of the terraced home looks perfectly ordinary.

It has three bedrooms, a spacious lounge, a dining room, kitchen which opens out onto the back garden and a fully family bathroom upstairs.

And you’ll be pleased to know that there are no other surprise lavatories throughout.

It is currently on the market for £400,000 with Moving You.

It’s not the only property on the market that has some unwelcome additions either.

The Sun recently reported on a perfectly normal looking house that’s hit the market for £435,000 – but it’s hiding a sci-fi surprise inside.

The unique four-bedroom house is certainly bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside.

Another quirky five-bed property has also gone on the market but has a surprise waiting in the basement.

And this unassuming semi-detached home comes complete with its own dance floor, bar and cinema.

Keen entertainers have the opportunity to snap up the five-bed “party house” on Bedford Avenue in Barnet, north London, for £1.25 million.

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A MAN has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after he was crushed under a large tree.

The tree is believed to have been damaged in the recent stormy weather.

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The horror incident unfolded on Shirehampton Road, Bristol, just before 5pm.

Emergency services rushed to assist the man who was out walking his dog when the terrifying incident occurred.

Police and fire crews were scrambled to the scene where the man was found with “serious injuries.”

He was rushed to hospital to be treated by medics.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called by the ambulance service shortly before 5pm to reports a man had been injured after a tree fell in Shirehampton Road in the Stoke Bishop area of Bristol.

“Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious.”

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THIS is the shocking moment a Deliveroo rider pretends to drop off a takeaway — only to swipe it back seconds later after being caught on camera.

The sham delivery was filmed in Bristol, where stunned homeowner Daniel Ali, 19, watched the bizarre scam unfold on his doorbell camera on August 18.

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The footage shows the courier placing the meal on the doormat and snapping a photo for “proof”, before stuffing it back in his bag and cycling away.

Ali said: “It was a crazy experience,” after sharing the footage on TikTok, where it quickly racked up thousands of views.

The stunned customer later revealed the rider got in touch after the footage blew up online, apologising and begging for the viral video to be taken down.

Viewers were left fuming with one saying: “Absolutely disgusting, he should be banned.”

Another raged: “This is theft, plain and simple.”

Furious social media users warned the stunt could leave vulnerable people hungry, with some relying on deliveries for their only hot meal of the day.

Calls mounted for Deliveroo to act fast.

The firm has since refunded the cost of the food, and Ali has agreed to remove the video.

A Deliveroo spokesperson told Bristol World said: “Deliveroo is committed to ensuring the highest standards of behaviour and we take customer experience extremely seriously.

“We offboarded the rider and issued a refund to the customer after they alerted us to this incident.”

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MIGRANT protests have broken out across UK cities today, as demonstrators clash with police.

It comes following a landmark ruling on the use of the Epping hotel.

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A number of cities will see demonstrations over the weekend, primarily centred on so-called asylum hotels, with an estimated 27 protests expected over the bank holiday weekend.

A protest at Castle Park in Bristol saw mounted police officers clashing with demonstrators.

The demonstration was led by Abolish Asylum System, with anti-racism counter protesters also present.

Another protest in Horley, Surrey saw around 200 anti-immigration protesters draped in St George’s and Union flags.

They were opposed by roughly 50 Stand Up to Racism protesters.

Those on the anti-racism side chanted “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”, with signs called for an end to deportations.

They were met with abuse from the anti-immigration group, one of whom yelled through a megaphone “you’re all scum and you should be ashamed” claiming it “wasn’t about racism”.

Police are separating the two groups.

Further protests are taking place outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle.

Anti-immigration could be seen carrying Union Jacks as they faced off against police.

One woman could be seen carrying a sign that reads “fairness isn’t extremism”, with a St George’s flag donned like a cape.

The protests come following a ruling earlier this week on the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping.

Following weeks of protests outside the hotel, the High Court ruled that it must remove migrants staying there.

The Home Office has since launched an appeal against the decision in the hopes of continuing its use as a home for asylum seekers.

A Six Nations winner and a British and Irish Lions tourist, Rees-Zammit stunned rugby – including Warren Gatland – by revealing his shock NFL switch on the morning the Wales head coach was naming his Six Nations squad.

His 32 caps mean he is still eligible to play for Wales under the cap rule despite not signing for a Welsh region.

And new Wales head coach Steve Tandy has already hinted at a possible return as early as this autumn.

“You wouldn’t rule anything out. Zammo [Rees-Zammit] brings a big effect and excitement by coming back,” said Tandy.

In his absence Wales have fielded Josh Adams, Tom Rogers, Blair Murray, Rio Dyer, Ellis Mee, Josh Hathaway, Mason Grady and Keelan Giles but none have the star quality with a strike rate of 14 tries in 32 Tests.

“He’s a fantastic athlete with strength, speed, pace, he’s an X-factor player,” said former Wales fly-half James Hook.

“He has the attributes to compete with the best players in the world in his position.

“It doesn’t help that he would be coming into a Wales team struggling but he has that x-factor and stardust. I just hope he can live up to that.

“Payers like Henry Pollock, Marcus Smith, Finn Russell, Antoine Dupont, Cheslin Kolbe generate enthusiasm and a buzz around any team they play in.

“Louis fits into that category and if he had been available he would have been in with a shout for a starting Lions berth this summer. He is that good.”

The easyJet flight from Cyprus to Bristol was forced to land in Turkey due to the smell of smoke on the aircraft, with one passenger revealing the ‘mayhem’ it caused on board

A passenger on an easyJet flight, which was forced to make an emergency landing due to the smell of smoke, has recounted his harrowing ordeal, revealing that he and his fellow travellers “thought that they were going to die.”

The easyJet service, flying from Paphos, Cyprus, to Bristol Airport on Saturday (June 14), had to make an unscheduled descent into Izmir, Turkey, just an hour and 20 minutes after takeoff.

Jamie Shorland, returning from a trip to see his grandfather in Cyprus with a friend, was aboard when the smoke alarms went off. He described how the crew’s lack of communication likely added to the ensuing chaos.

The 21-year-old Exeter resident detailed that the plane, already behind schedule by half an hour, finally left the ground at 10:30 p.m. It was while soaring over the Turkish coast that Jamie sensed trouble brewing. Jamie said: “The air cabin crew were told to put away the catering trolleys, whilst we were told no information at all, then we were told to brace for an emergency landing.”

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He continued: “We were above the water so we thought we’d crash into the sea, there was pure panic and none of the crew were helpful. I thought to myself ‘this is how it ends’, people were screaming ‘we are going to die!'”.

“One father rushed up the plane to hug his kids and the airline staff told him to go back to his seat. He told them to ‘f**k off, if I am going to die I am going to be with my kids.'”

Speaking to BristolLive, Jamie described the terrifying moment their aircraft suddenly veered off course, executing a gut-wrenching 180-degree turn towards Turkey, with passengers experiencing the sensation of the plane flying sideways before it dramatically dropped 15,000ft.

“I saw cabin crew crying at the back of the plane thinking they were going to die, however the plane flew into Izmir and landed at the airport,” Jamie said. “It was a traumatic experience, I genuinely thought I was going to die. I was trying to think happy thoughts of my family as we fell through the sky.”

He recounted the disorder that ensued: “It was a load of mayhem, the plane had no lights and it was a scary time.”

Passengers made to wait half an hour as firefighters stormed plane

Further tension followed after the emergency landing as passengers were made to wait onboard for half an hour amidst confusion, while firefighters swarmed the aircraft.

In the midst of uncertainty after landing, Jamie watched as emergency crews accompanied the plane until it came to a full stop, resulting in firefighters storming the laneway.

Passengers remained in limbo, confined within the aircraft without sufficient information. After a tense 20 minutes, they gradually learned that the ordeal might be linked to a fault with the cooling system.

Following the incident, EasyJet confirmed that accommodations were arranged for all affected travellers, spreading them across three hotels. Jamie was briefed on the arrangements, being told he could remain at the hotel until 6pm on Sunday in anticipation of the rescheduled 10pm flight.

Jamie recounted the mayhem that ensued at their hotel, with all guests being asked to leave suddenly at noon, resulting in a prolonged wait at the airport for a flight that was further delayed until 11pm.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Jamie expressed his apprehension about flying again: “I did not want to leave Izmir, I thought ‘I might not make it’.”

Airline criticised over lack of response

EasyJet was heavily criticised for their poor communication during the disruption.

Jamie reported difficulty in getting information from easyJet, saying the airline wasn’t helpful: “They’ve been no help at all, the pilot [of the initial flight] even made a joke after landing telling everyone to buy a lottery ticket because ‘we got lucky’, I couldn’t believe it.”

After the delayed take-off, the flight landed at Bristol Airport at 12.30am on Monday, with Jamie arriving in Exeter just before 3am.

He described the ordeal’s impact on his companion, stating: “It was my friend’s first time flying in 12 years. We will never get on a plane again, I’ve never been so scared of flying, it was the worst experience of my life.”

EasyJet released an official statement on Saturday, June 15: “We can confirm that flight EZY2902 from Paphos to Bristol diverted to Izmir due to a technical issue which resulted in a smoke smell onboard.

“The aircraft landed safely in Izmir and was met by emergency services as a routine and precautionary measure only.

“All passengers disembarked as normal into the terminal and were provided with hotel accommodation and meals where required. Passengers will continue to Bristol on a replacement aircraft later today.”

The carrier emphasised its commitment to safety: “The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.

“We would like to thank customers for their understanding and apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

HOBBYCRAFT will shut nine stores in days with huge closing down sales launched.

Sites across Bristol, Dunstable, Borehamwood and Basildon are all set to close on June 21, The Sun can reveal.

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A further two sites in Essex and one in Gloucestershire are also set to close, with a site in Kent closing earlier this year.

The impacted stores are part of at least nine Hobbycraft stores that have been earmarked for closure this year.

News of the closures has come as a blow to locals in the area, with Bristol residents describing it as a “shame”.

While another said the store would be missed and they needed to find another “rainy day activity”.

A Kent local said: “Oh noooooo it’s the only one I go to regularly as the rest are too far away!”.

Another resident said they would “need therapy” following news of the closure.

Closing down sales have also been launched across the stores, with up to 70% off on some items.

It comes as new owner Modella Capital is launching an overhaul after buying Hobbycraft in August last year.

Modella also agreed to purchase WHSmith’s high street business earlier this year.

The move is set to impact between 72 and 126 jobs.

It is said the shake-up will help secure the future of 99 stores and around 1,800 jobs across the arts and crafts business.

You can check out the full list of stores earmarked for closure below.

• Canterbury, Kent – closed 
• Basildon, Essex – June 21
• Borehamwood, Hertfordshire – June 21
• Bristol, Imperial Retail Park – June 21
• Dunstable, Bedfordshire – June 21 
• Epping Forest, Essex – June 21
• Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex – June 21
• Cirencester, Gloucestershire  -June 21
• Bagshot, Surrey – June 21

OTHER STORE CLOSURES

Hobbycraft is not the only retailer facing hard times.

Up to 11 Original Factory Shops stores are to set to close this month, including sites across Worcestershire, Durham and Cumbria.

Meanwhile, another five stores across Nairn, Market Drayton, Troon, Blairgowrie and Castle Douglas have been put up for sale.

It comes as part of a major restructuring carried out by new owner Modella Capital with a number of loss-making stores having to close as result.

You can see the full list of store closures here:

• Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – June 26
• Perth – June 28
• Chester Le Street, County Durham – June 28
• Arbroath, Angus – June 28
• Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire – June 28
• Pershore, Worcestershire – June 28
• Normanton, West Yorkshire – June 28
• Peterhead, Aberdeenshire – June 28
• Shaftesbury, Dorset – June 28
• Staveley, Cumbria – July 12
• Middlewich – TBC

The following stores are also up for sale:

• Nairn
• Market Drayton
• Troon
• Blairgowrie
• Castle Douglas

It comes after pivate equity firm Modella bought The Original Factory Shop back in February and has since launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 TOFS stores.

At the end of April, Modella drew up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for TOFS.

Companies often use CVAs to prevent insolvency, which could otherwise result in store closures or the collapse of the entire business.

They allow firms to explore different strategies such as negotiating reduced rent rates with landlords.

Ed Hadwin, BBC Radio Bristol commentator

Inigo Calderon’s short tenure as Rovers’ head coach has been a difficult one for him. He was so excited to get the chance of his first senior job in football management he spent Christmas away from his family in Spain to prepare.

And while there were definitely some games where he – and the team – showed some real promise (back-to-back wins over Huddersfield and Bolton in a run of five home wins in seven games) their awful finish to the season sealed his fate.

He certainly made mistakes during that time, with some of his substitutions leaving fans scratching their heads. But potentially the biggest issues he’s faced weren’t of his making.

Rovers’ owner, Hussain AlSaeed, told us this season’s playing budget is the largest in the club’s history, and while plenty of the players recruited in the summer are undoubtedly talented, the blend of a lot of youngsters and a handful of very senior players wasn’t right.

Then in January, with all his senior strikers having had significant injury issues, they didn’t sign an experienced player as cover.

And with just five goals scored in their past 10 games, that decision probably cost Calderon his job and Rovers their place in League One.

A MAN battered his housemate to death with a hammer then killed his lover during sex before dumping their remains in suitcases.

Yostin Andres Mosquera kept the severed heads of Albert Alfonso, 62 and Paul Longworth, 71, in a chest freezer at their home in London, it is said.

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The 35-year-old then allegedly dumped the rest of their remains in a suitcase 116 miles away on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Jurors heard Mosquera, a Colombian national, had been staying at the couple’s home in Shepherd’s Bush.

He had met Albert online before coming to the UK to participate in degrading sex acts with the swimming instructor, which were posted online.

The Old Bailey was told his partner Paul had no involvement in the extreme sex side of his partner’s life.

Between July 8 and 10, Mosquera allegedly repeatedly bludgeoned the retired handyman in the back of the head with a hammer.

He then went to have sex with Albert, and was caught on camera stabbing him to death, jurors heard.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said: “The defendant admits that he killed Albert Alfonso. He could hardly deny it, because the killing took place whilst he and Alfonso were having sex, and the sex and the killing were recorded on film.

“However, although he admits killing Albert Alfonso he denies the offence of murder, admitting only the lesser offence of manslaughter – and he denies that he killed Paul Longworth at all.

“He blames Albert Alfonso for Paul Longworth’s death.

“The prosecution case is that the defendant murdered both men, that he intended to kill them, that his actions were planned and premeditated and, that having killed them, he immediately set about trying to steal from them.”

The court heard on July 10, Douglas Cunningham was cycling home across the Clifton Suspension Bridge when he saw Mosquero stood by a red suitcase and a large silver trunk.

He believed the alleged killer was a tourist so asked if he was okay – causing Mosquera to tell him he was Colombia and that the suitcase contained car parts.

Ms Heer said the cases actually contained the “decapitated and dismembered bodies of Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso”.

Police later discovered the couple’s heads inside the freezer and found Paul’s skull had been shattered.

Albert had suffered multiple wounds to his torso, face and neck and his throat had been cut, it was said.

Jurors were warned they would see the footage of Albert being stabbed to death during sex.

Mosquera, who is being assisted by a Spanish interpreter, denies two counts of murder but admits the manslaughter of Albert.

The trial continues.

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