London Design Festival has unveiled its thought leadership programming for 2026, including the full Global Design Forum line-up and the V&A x LDF installations, taking place during the Festival from 12-20 September 2026.

The Global Design Forum will take place from 12-14 September at the V&A South Kensington's Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre. The curated talks programme is free to attend and tickets are now available at londondesignfestival.com/gdf

This year's Forum is guest-curated by Rhiarna Dhaliwal, a British-Indian architectural designer, researcher and curator whose practice explores design, technology, ecology and geopolitics. She is a Design Researchers in Residence alumna at the Design Museum and co-founder of Xcessive Aesthetics.

Supported by Programme Partners Bowmore and Sun Media Group, the theme for 2026 is Worlds in Motion, exploring the exchange of ideas, culture, context and expertise and how design acts as a catalyst for global change.

DAY ONE - Saturday 12 September: Designing Futures

Day One focuses on technology, innovation and collaboration.

The highlight is a keynote talk between acclaimed artist and designer Es Devlin CBE and Festival Director Ben Evans CBE, reflecting on experimentation and how technology, spatial and interactive design can unlock new creative potentials.

Other talks include 'Shared Ecologies' with Baum and Leahy, Justina Alexandroff, Yasaman Sheri and Claudia Pasquero, moderated by Janice Li, and 'Shared Intelligence' with Harry Kumar of MOTH Quantum and Betty Lu of FIELD.IO, moderated by Pita Arreola. Filmmaker Liam Young will screen "Planet City" alongside Eunjo Lee's "When Forgiving the Sunlight".

DAY TWO - Sunday 13 September: Designing Atmospheres

Supported by Programme Partner Bowmore, Day Two explores how design shapes sensory perception, memory and embodied experience.

A highlight is a conversation between Bowmore Master Blender Dr Calum Fraser and Snarkitecture Co-Founder Alex Mustonen on their collaboration for the new Bowmore Captivo Collection, exploring whisky-making and architectural design. The session will begin with a complimentary tasting of Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage 20-Year-Old.

Other sessions include 'The Power of Sound' with L-Acoustics, composer Hollie Buhagiar and Stephen Dobbie; 'The Shape of Colour' with Adam Nathaniel Furman, artist Lakwena Maciver, Professor Anna Franklin and Ruth Lloyd, moderated by Kassia St Clair; and 'Activating Objects' with Dr Hideki Yoshimoto of Craft x Tech, Brendan Cormier and Sam Jacob, moderated by Corinne Julius.

DAY THREE - Monday 14 September: Designing Common Grounds

Supported by Programme Partner Sun Media Group, the final day examines culture, craft and habits.

A highlight is an in-conversation with pioneering journalist and co-founder of Sun Media Group Yang Lanand Natalie Melton, Executive Director of the Crafts Council, exploring how traditional craftsmanship informs contemporary design.

Other talks include 'Civic Futures' with Marina Blake, Sahra Hersi and Alice Meyer, moderated by Francesca Perry, and 'After Extraction' by Session Partner Ithra, with Sultan AlBadran, Joel De Mowbray and Seetal Solanki.

V&A x LDF: AWAKENINGS

Co-curated by Carrie Chan and Kristian Volsing, V&A x LDF: AWAKENINGS brings radical creative inquiry into the museum's galleries, exploring how design, craft and technology reshape our experience of digital and physical worlds.

Key installations include:

- Image Syncers by Nina Davies: A fictional podcast where a mysterious collective attempts to transform into AI-generated figures, considering how people adapt to computational aesthetics.

- The Server by Playfool: The V&A Emerging Design Commission by Daniel Coppen and Saki Maruyama explores systems of care and AI through the routine practice of object cleaning.

- Lovers Hold by Henry Svendsen: Reimagining the plinth and spatial politics of cruising sites through viscous, grotto-like forms suspended around stainless steel armatures.

- Once Upon A Garden by Linda Dounia Rebeiz: 50 emergent species of speculative flora across 5 chapters, using AI to document flowers not prominently recorded.

- your golf course made my GPU by Sam Ghantous: Drawing together sand and digital technologies to explore the entanglement between earth and technology.

- Metamorphic Modulation by Albert Yonathan Setyawan: Over 700 hand-modelled clay pieces, slip-cast in red terracotta and left unglazed, evoking leaves and flowers.

- When the Void Gazes Back by Eunjo Lee: Inspired by the V&A's Buddhist art collection, a digitally sculpted film exploring Zen, karma and impermanence, with sculptures 3D-printed from recycled clay.

- Sender Unknown by Aziza Kadyri: A response to the V&A's suzani collection, fusing Uzbek hand-embroidered textiles with a bespoke AI model. Female artisans in Nurota, Uzbekistan hand-embroidered contemporary motifs developed by the artist.

- Time After Time by Intoart artist Andre Williams: Fusing clockmaking and soundsystem design, a longcase clock decorated with Ndebele and Bamiléké motifs sits in the V&A's 18th-century mirrored room.

Wider events include V&A Friday Late on 18 September and Digital Design Weekend from 19-20 September, supported by the Adobe Foundation, celebrating digital art and technology through interactive exhibits and workshops.

London Design Festival 2026 is supported by the Mayor of London as Principal Supporter and Bloomberg Philanthropies, with Bloomberg Connects as the official digital guide.

One of the defining moments for UK design and a cornerstone of the global cultural calendar, the Festival will showcase Landmark Installations, Special Projects, the Global Design Forum, the London Design Medals, Fairs and a Partner Programme across eleven Design Districts.

For 2026, the Festival is defined by a convergence of global exchange, craft revival and future-facing technologies, with many projects exploring how cultural heritage, material innovation and digital thinking can coexist. A key theme is the recontextualisation of tradition within contemporary global narratives, with an emphasis on dialogue — between East and West, past and future, human and non-human, physical and digital. Sustainability, circularity and reflection are at the forefront.

The Mayor of London has been announced as Principal Supporter for 2026. The Festival continues to be supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, with Bloomberg Connects serving as the official digital guide.

"London Design Festival 2026 is proving to be an exceptional year with a vibrant array of international installations and projects, new design districts, and an expanding Global Design Forum following the success of Global Design Forum Istanbul in May. London retains its allure as a global design capital,"
- Ben Evans CBE, London Design Festival Director and Co-Founder

Landmark Project: The Pangolin Shield

The first Landmark Project announced is The Pangolin Shield by Studio Saar and Atelier One, supported by Secure. The pavilion will be located on Strand Aldwych, the pedestrianised public space behind the Indian High Commission.

Inspired by the pangolin, the world's most trafficked mammal, the work explores colonial legacies, power, ecological exploitation and the movement of people and beings across borders. It embodies dualities of vulnerability and protection, East and West, displacement and acceptance.

The structure consists of a bamboo grid shell covered with traditional Indian police shields made from lathis, and woven rain shields or 'knups' traditionally used by farmers in north-eastern India. Layered like scales, they form a protective canopy that plays with light and shade while providing collective shelter.

Studio Saar is a multidisciplinary practice working between the UK and India, led by Founder Ananya Singhal. The pavilion is engineered in collaboration with Atelier One, led by Founder Neil Thomas MBE, known for advancing bamboo as a low-carbon structural solution.

Special Projects

MADE x Barbican: MADE will unveil a collaboration with the Barbican, launching a 23-piece interiors collection that reinterprets the Barbican Estate for modern living. An immersive installation will delve into the archives of Barbican interiors and the work of designer Miriam Howitt. The collection will be available at MADE.COM from August 2026.

Reviving Craft: Reflection of the Mind by Sun Media Group at Somerset House: Curated by Su Dan, Deputy Director of the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum and Professor at Tsinghua University, and Yang Lan, Chairperson of Sun Media Group, the exhibition brings together over 60 artisans and designers from China and abroad. Divided into three sections — Clear the Mind, Nourish the Mind, and Refine the Mind — it explores traditional Chinese craftsmanship within contemporary life. This is the third edition, following exhibitions in Paris in 2024 and Milan in 2025.

Craft x Tech Tokai Project: Returning for its second edition, founded by Dr Hideki Yoshimoto of Tangent and curated by Maria Cristina Didero, the project pairs international designers with Japanese craftspeople from the Tokai region specialising in lacquer, metal, woodworking, ceramics, washi paper and textiles. Collaborations include Yohei Ito with David Caon, Takanori Senda with Lanzavecchia + Wai, Hiroyuki Murase with Bethan Laura Wood, and Shigeyuki Ando with Philippe Malouin.

MixZ: Future Living with Shenzhen Style™ at the Old Selfridges Hotel: An immersive exploration where design, technology and culture converge. The installation will showcase China's leading design and technology brands, many making their UK debut, through cinematic spaces and interactive experiences.

L-Acoustics at Wapping Hydraulic Power Station: An immersive sound experience inside the historic Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, built in 1890. The space will open to the public for the first time in 13 years.

V&A x LDF26: AWAKENINGS and Design Museum

The V&A, the Festival's long-standing partner, will present AWAKENINGS, co-curated by Carrie Chan and Kristian Volsing. The programme explores how design, craft and technology can spark new perspectives around AI, the non-human world, music and identity. It features work from Henry Svendsen, Sam Ghantous, Andre Williams, Nina Davies, Albert Yonathan Setyawan, Aziza Kadyri, Eunjo Lee and V&A Emerging Designer 2026, Playfool.

At the Design Museum, the programme includes NIGO: From Japan with Love, the world's first retrospective on NIGO, Artistic Director of KENZO, alongside the annual PLATFORM series featuring designer and artist Simone Brewster.

Global Design Forum, Districts and Medals

The Global Design Forum will return to the V&A South Kensington from 12-14 September, with programme partners Sun Media Group and Bowmore.

The Festival will take place across 11 Design Districts: Bankside, Brompton, Chelsea, Dalston to Stokey, EC1, Fleet Street Quarter, Mayfair, Park Royal, Shoreditch Design Week, Blackhorse Creates (formerly William Morris Design Line) and the new Soho district.

Shoreditch Design Week, the Festival's largest district, will run from 15-20 September with four main exhibition venues and over 60 showrooms hosting hundreds of events.

The annual London Design Medals — The London Design Medal, Lifetime Achievement Medal, Emerging Design Medal and Design Innovation Medal — will be awarded at a dinner on 14 September.

The graphic identity for LDF26, titled Framing LDF, has been created by Pentagram, continuing a partnership of more than two decades.

London Design Festival 2026 runs from 12-20 September. More information at londondesignfestival.com

The latest economic assessment highlights potential Turkmen gas sales to Afghanistan through the TAPI pipeline, Kazakhstan’s efforts to develop alternative oil export routes amid continuing vulnerabilities affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), and expanding economic cooperation between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and India.

The developments also underline the region’s exposure to disruptions in Russian fuel supplies and the importance of cross-border energy infrastructure.

Turkmen Gas Sales to Afghanistan Expected Through TAPI

The local section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Afghanistan’s Herat province could become operational within two months, according to the governor of Herat.

The development could eventually enable Turkmen gas to be sold directly to consumers in Herat. It follows a bilateral memorandum signed between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan on August 10, establishing a framework for gas purchases.

However, the exact timing of commercial gas sales remains unclear. Additional infrastructure investment will also be required to improve Herat’s gas distribution network and connect industrial facilities and households.

Russia’s Fuel Shortages Put Pressure on Central Asian Markets

Russia’s worsening gasoline shortages are creating additional pressure on fuel markets across Central Asia.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have reduced domestic refining capacity, prompting Moscow to restrict fuel exports and seek additional supplies from international markets.

Countries including Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which have traditionally relied heavily on Russian petroleum products, are being forced to consider alternative suppliers.

The disruption highlights the wider economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Central Asian energy security and could accelerate regional efforts to diversify fuel supply chains.

Kazakhstan Seeks Alternative Oil Export Routes

Kazakhstan continues to examine alternative routes for oil exports as disruptions affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium highlight the country's dependence on infrastructure passing through Russian territory.

Astana has increased shipments across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan and onward toward Georgia. Routes such as Baku-Supsa could provide additional flexibility.

Although alternative routes currently lack the capacity to replace the CPC on a comparable scale, the disruptions are reinforcing Kazakhstan’s longer-term strategy of diversifying export infrastructure and reducing dependence on a single transit corridor.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Discuss Cross-Border Electricity Trade

Armenian and Azerbaijani officials met on August 25 to discuss the development of cross-border electricity infrastructure that could facilitate electricity imports and exports between the two countries.

The working group included representatives from Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy and energy companies from both sides.

The talks follow earlier discussions between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the potential construction of electricity transmission lines.

If implemented, the projects could create new opportunities for regional electricity trade and strengthen energy connectivity between the South Caucasus and neighboring markets.

Uzbekistan and India Target $5 Billion in Trade by 2030

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed economic cooperation on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek.

The two countries set a target of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $5 billion by 2030 and signed a memorandum on cooperation in critical minerals.

Officials in New Delhi also indicated that Uzbekistan and India are considering the renewal of a 2019 uranium supply agreement under which Uzbekistan supplied India with approximately 1,100 tons of uranium annually.

The discussions highlight the growing importance of critical minerals, energy and strategic commodities in Uzbekistan-India economic relations.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Expand Economic Partnership

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are translating their expanding political relationship into a broader portfolio of economic projects.

Following Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s August 23–24 state visit to Uzbekistan, the two countries announced initiatives covering banking, construction materials, education, fuel infrastructure, tourism, mining and agriculture.

The two sides also agreed on a roadmap for implementing the newly signed agreements.

Economic cooperation extends to the Middle Corridor, energy and investment, further strengthening Azerbaijan’s role in Central Asian trade and connectivity initiatives.

Turkmenistan Electricity Supply Disrupted in Seven Afghan Provinces

Electricity supplies from Turkmenistan to seven Afghan provinces were interrupted on August 31, according to Afghanistan’s national power utility.

The disruption was attributed to an alleged technical problem on the Turkmen side.

Afghanistan relies on foreign suppliers for approximately 80% of its electricity, making cross-border energy infrastructure particularly important to the country's energy security.

While the Turkmen supply was disrupted, Afghanistan turned to Uzbekistan for additional electricity. The two countries signed agreements worth approximately $243 million in 2025 aimed at increasing Afghanistan’s capacity to receive electricity from Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan Begins Addressing Methane Leaks

Turkmenistan has repaired infrastructure associated with eight methane leaks as part of efforts to reduce emissions from its aging oil and gas facilities.

Methane is a major contributor to near-term global warming, while Turkmenistan has previously been identified as one of the world's leading sources of large methane releases from oil and gas operations.

The repairs represent a step toward reducing emissions, although satellite-based monitoring continues to identify significant methane releases.

According to the UN Methane Alert and Response System, 192 notifications of methane plumes were issued for Turkmenistan during the past 12 months.

The developments underline the growing economic and environmental pressure on major hydrocarbon producers to modernize infrastructure, improve emissions monitoring and increase transparency.

Regional Energy Diversification Gains Momentum

Taken together, the developments indicate that energy diversification is becoming an increasingly important economic priority across Central Asia and the Caspian region.

Alternative oil export corridors, new gas infrastructure, cross-border electricity trading and expanding partnerships with countries such as India are creating additional options for regional economies.

At the same time, disruptions to Russian fuel supplies and vulnerabilities affecting established export infrastructure are increasing pressure on governments to develop more resilient and diversified energy and trade networks.

This economic assessment is based on information provided to Avrupa Ajansı (AVA) and reflects reported developments and assessments concerning the regional economy, energy markets and infrastructure.

According to a regional assessment compiled by Avrupa Ajansı (AVA), the Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting was among a series of developments highlighting growing diplomatic and economic activity across the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

The talks between Aliyev and Pashinyan focused on the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the ongoing border delimitation process and the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a proposed transport initiative intended to strengthen regional connectivity.

Energy security also remained a key issue across the Caspian region. Kazakhstan is exploring alternative oil export routes as concerns over the security and operational reliability of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) continue to encourage efforts to diversify the country's export infrastructure.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have also continued to expand cooperation in transport, logistics, energy and investment. Their growing partnership is contributing to broader efforts to strengthen connectivity between Azerbaijan and the five Central Asian states and to develop the wider Middle Corridor.

The SCO Summit in Bishkek brought regional leaders together to discuss security, economic cooperation, transport connectivity and energy. The meeting took place against a backdrop of increasing efforts to strengthen links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The United States is also expanding its economic engagement with Central Asia. A US congressional delegation recently visited Uzbekistan, with investment, critical minerals, trade and regional connectivity among the issues attracting increased attention.

In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is continuing institutional reforms under his “New Kazakhstan” agenda. The country's transition towards a new unicameral legislative structure marks another stage in the political and institutional changes being pursued by the government.

Armenia, meanwhile, is continuing to deepen its engagement with the European Union. Prime Minister Pashinyan has announced plans to put the country's EU membership aspirations to a national referendum, signalling a further evolution in Yerevan's foreign-policy direction.

The TRIPP initiative has also been identified as an important element of Armenia's transport strategy for the 2026-2031 period. If implemented, the route could have wider implications for connectivity between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Türkiye, as well as for the broader Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia.

Armenia-Russia relations continue to evolve alongside these developments. Pashinyan has reiterated Armenia's increasingly independent foreign-policy approach, while questions surrounding Russia's role in regional security structures and Armenia's railway system remain part of the wider debate.

Nuclear diplomacy remains another important element of Kazakhstan's international agenda. President Tokayev has called for renewed international efforts to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) into force, reflecting Kazakhstan's long-standing position on nuclear disarmament and the legacy of the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site.

The Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting in Bishkek, together with the wider discussions surrounding the SCO Summit, underline the growing importance of diplomacy, energy security and transport connectivity in shaping the strategic landscape of the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

The renewed agreement begins with the 2026-27 season and will give Sportradar exclusive global distribution rights for Euroleague Basketball’s official data and AV betting rights through 2031.

The deal covers more than 650 games each year across the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup competitions.

Sportradar said the extension strengthens its global basketball portfolio and supports the continued development of the sport through technology, innovation and enhanced fan engagement.

The company currently works with a number of major basketball competitions, including the NBA, WNBA, NBL Australia, NBB Brazil, CBA China, LNB France, GBL Greece, LBA Italy and ACB Spain.

Expanded betting and fan engagement products

Under the renewed partnership, Sportradar will use its global distribution network, official data capabilities and technology to develop new betting and fan engagement products.

The company said the agreement will support deeper integration of official Euroleague Basketball data into products including expanded micro-betting and player markets, giving fans additional ways to engage with teams and players.

Sportradar will also continue providing integrity services to Euroleague Basketball, including betting monitoring through its Universal Fraud Detection System AI.

The partnership will also include education workshops for players and administrators aimed at raising awareness and helping prevent match-fixing.

“A shared strategic commitment”

Euroleague Basketball CEO Chus Bueno said the organisation was pleased to extend its partnership with Sportradar, describing the company as a trusted partner with a shared commitment to innovation and premium experiences for basketball fans worldwide.

Bueno said the long-term agreement reflected the strength of the EuroLeague and EuroCup as platforms for global organisations, while creating new opportunities to engage fans, support clubs and generate additional value for the competitions and their stakeholders.

Sportradar EVP Rights and Strategic Projects Moritz Gloeckler said the agreement strengthened the company’s position as an official data rights holder across major basketball properties.

Gloeckler added that the renewed partnership would create new commercial opportunities and support the development of innovative basketball solutions designed to enhance the global fan experience.

Enfield Council environmental health officers discovered significant quantities of cat faeces and urine in areas where food and drinks were stored during inspections in January and February 2025.

The company, based on Lockfield Avenue, breached legal requirements relating to the cleanliness and condition of food premises and the need to keep domestic animals away from foodstuffs.

During an inspection on 28 January 2025, officers found cat faeces in aisles where drinks were stored, including areas containing bottled water and other consumer products.

The council said contamination was also found on packaging that consumers could handle directly. Some drinks bottles had fallen into aisles where cat faeces had been identified, increasing the risk of contamination.

Due to what officers described as an imminent risk to public health, the company agreed to voluntarily close the premises for cleaning and disinfection.

However, when officers returned on 17 February 2025, further problems involving cat faeces were identified. The premises was again closed for cleaning and staff training.

Company pleaded guilty

FoodArt UK Limited pleaded guilty to four charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 14 May 2026.

The court imposed a £12,000 fine, together with a £2,000 victim surcharge and £4,355.55 in council prosecution costs.

The total financial penalty was £18,335.55.

Enfield Council said cat faeces can carry bacteria and parasites including E. coli, salmonella and toxoplasmosis, which can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable people.

Cllr Elisa Morreale, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Licensing, said the conditions discovered by environmental health officers represented a significant public health concern.

She said the council had taken immediate action by temporarily closing the premises and stressed that food businesses must maintain appropriate pest control, cleaning and maintenance procedures.

The council added that it would continue to take enforcement action against businesses that breach food safety laws and put residents’ health at risk.

Off the pitch, he has become one of the most respected voices in the game. He breaks matches down with a depth and precision that makes him sound less like a former player than a philosopher of the sport, and his honesty resonates with fans, coaches and colleagues past and present alike.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:

Pace, grace, skill and ice-cold finishing made Henry a striker for the ages – and a man still writing his story within the sport as a world-class pundit,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. “He has never hesitated to raise his voice on the issues that matter: relentlessly vocal about discrimination, racism and mental health, and just as generous with his time, supporting numerous humanitarian causes both during and after his football career. His passion and the work he did off the pitch showed that the ‘ice in his veins’ was never the whole story – underneath it all there is a warm, deeply caring heart.

Since 1998, UEFA’s annual President’s Award has acknowledged outstanding achievements that transcend the sport. At the start of each new European season, the UEFA president recognises professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities, on and off the field.

The offence took place on 14 January 2025 and breached Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Following an investigation by Enfield Council’s Waste Enforcement Team, Florea was charged with the offence. He pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in north London on 9 July 2026.

The court ordered Florea to pay a £500 fine, £500 towards the Council’s legal costs and a £200 victim surcharge, bringing the total amount to £1,200.

Cllr Maria Alexandrou, Cabinet Member for Environment at Enfield Council, said the prosecution sent a clear message to people who dump waste illegally.

“We will find you and we will prosecute you through the courts,” Alexandrou said, stressing that fly-tipping has no place in the borough.

The Council also reminded residents that free bulky waste collections are available from their homes. Household waste can also be taken to disposal facilities at Barrowell Green and Edmonton Eco Park.

Enfield Council is continuing to pursue proposals to restore weekly bin collections, which it says could have a significant long-term impact on waste management across the borough.

The Council’s Waste Enforcement Team continues to investigate reports of fly-tipping using enforcement cameras and other measures to identify offenders.

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The TTG Discovery Sessions take place on Thursday 5 November with the opening session dedicated to market updates, exploring not only the latest destination booking trends as seen by its travel agent readership but also the key factors influencing consumer demand.

This is followed by speed networking, where eight specially selected suppliers will each deliver a presentation to small groups of agents. This structure ensures that every attendee hears directly from every supplier, fostering an efficient and engaging way for agents to discover new products, destinations and sales opportunities.

TTG will invite a select number of agents from the UK and Ireland to attend. Agents who accept the invitations will receive a complimentary pass for WTM, allowing them to access the event free of charge on all three days.

TTG Media, whose mission is to promote Smarter Better Fairer travel, will also have a team of journalists on site producing daily online reports covering breaking news from the show floor and high-profile interviews with speakers and exhibitors. It will also host a daily podcast, broadcast live from the exhibition floor.

Ahead of the event, TTG Media will also publish articles and interviews promoting the event to its 60,000 registered users, nearly 20,000 of whom are profile UK and Ireland travel agents. TTG Media is owner of the TTG brand which operated in print from 1953 before transitioning successfully to a digital-only and events business at the end of 2025.

Daniel Pearce, CEO, TTG Media said: “Since first partnering with WTM in London in 2012, TTG Media has constantly found new ways to deepen our partnership, encourage travel agents to attend and support WTM in London. This year we can’t wait to deliver the first TTG Discovery Sessions at WTM, introducing travel agents from across the TTG community in the UK & Ireland to elite exhibitors in a new dedicated event format.”

Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director, WTM London added: “TTG Media has proven over the duration of our partnership that it is a key media brand to get our message across to the travel agents in the UK and Ireland.

“Like the travel agent community, and like WTM London, it has adapted to the ever-changing travel landscape, as proven by innovations such as TTG Discovery Sessions. Agents are a vital part of the ecosystem and a community which our exhibitors are always keen to engage with.”

www.wtm.com

Her winning project, "The Telegraphic Ontology: Hemingway's Anatolian Apprenticeship and the Genesis of the Iceberg Theory," challenges conventional literary histories by arguing that the roots of Hemingway's signature stylistic evolution trace back to his formative years in Turkey and Istanbul.

The Society's Board of Directors backed the project, allocating a special grant to support its completion.
Ross Tangedal, Bursary Committee Chair and Associate Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, praised the selection, noting, "This research has been selected for this award due to the entirely fresh perspective it brings to the literary world."

Established to honor foundational Hemingway scholars Robert W. Lewis, Michael Reynolds, and Paul Smith, the fellowship is awarded annually to a select few researchers advancing the field.

Making Waves in Toronto

The achievement drew global attention during the international Hemingway Conference in Toronto, where more than 200 leading scholars convened.

Canada’s Toronto Today spotlighted Kuzu’s milestone, highlighting the fresh analytical framework her project brings to Hemingway studies and drawing attention to Turkey's prominent place in the research.
During the conference, Kuzu presented key findings from her research, drawing heavy engagement and questions from international academics.

The event also featured a keynote by Ambassador Tacan İldem, Turkey’s former Assistant Secretary General of NATO, who delivered a lecture on "Hemingway's Journalism and Istanbul Telegrams" and personally congratulated Kuzu on her fellowship.

The high-profile gathering brought together prominent cultural figures, including Toronto Star Editor-in-Chief Nicole MacIntyre; author Barry Callaghan, son of Hemingway’s legendary Toronto Star colleague and rival Morley Callaghan; The Hemingway Society President Verna Kale; Michael Von Cannon of Florida Gulf Coast University; and acclaimed poet Gianna Patriarca.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/S0JfaaN6duQ?si=QA_hDchlL69WHA6P

The documentary moves through the years of EOKA, the events of Bloody Christmas in December 1963, the Larnaca Missing Bus, the siege of Erenköy, and the attacks on Turkish Cypriot villages, before reaching 1974 and the massacres at Taşkent and at Muratağa, Sandallar and Atlılar, and closing on the population exchange agreement of 1975 that reshaped the island into the one we know today.

At its heart, DISPLACED is a film about people - about what was lost, what was survived, and what must never be forgotten. It gives voice to a generation who witnessed these events first-hand and are telling their stories in their own words.

DISPLACED: A Turkish Cypriot Story is supported by the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign. It is available now, free to watch, on the campaign’s YouTube channel.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has reported on, shared and supported the film, and we encourage all who care about this history to watch it and share it widely.

This format ensures 224 regular season games, which will be played between Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and Wednesday, January 13, 2027. The postseason could feature as many as 45 more fixtures.

The Eighthfinals are scheduled to take place between Tuesday, February 2 and Friday, February 12. The Quarterfinals are set to open on Tuesday, March 9 and conclude on or before Friday, March 19. The dates for the Semifinals are between Wednesday, March 31 and Friday, April 9. The EuroCup Finals are set for Game 1 on Wednesday, April 21; Game 2 on Tuesday, April 27 and – if necessary – Game 3 on Friday, April 30.

Opening night will be historic with Riga Zelli hosting Baglietto Derthona Tortona in the first EuroCup game for both sides. Also in Group A, newcomer Rostock Seawolves visit Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem later that night and Le Mans makes its long-awaited return when it hosts Aris Thessaloniki Betsson. Another Group A debutant, Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos, takes the floor on Wednesday, September 30 when it hosts Cedevita Olimpia Ljubljana.

The lone Tuesday night opener in Group B sees Umana Reyer Venice welcome Skyliners Frankfurt in the latter’s first EuroCup game since 2019. On Wednesday, La Laguna Tenerife and Maxima Roma will both make their EuroCup debuts at home in Group B; Tenerife hosts Turk Telekom Ankara while Maxima Roma takes on U-BT Cluj-Napoca. Meanwhile, Siauliai Basketball, which has not played in the EuroCup since 2010, marks its return when it hosts the London Lions.

In Group C’s Round 1 games, Neptunas Klaipeda meets Dolomiti Energia Trento, and Tofas Bursa will duel Niners Chemnitz on Tuesday. The next day, Napoli Basket will host reigning EuroCup champion Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse in its first EuroCup game since 2005, while Slask Wroclaw will play Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

All four Group D games in Round 1 will be on Wednesday. First Bahcesehir College Istanbul welcomes Roma Basketball in the latter’s EuroCup debut. Then AS Monaco visits Lietkabelis Panevezys in Group D in its first EuroCup game since winning the championship in 2021. Bulgarian champ Balkan Botevgrad heads to ratiopharm ulm for its debut, and PAOK Thessaloniki, back in the EuroCup after more than a decade, opens at home against Kids&Us Manresa.

The expanded competition, loaded with teams arming themselves with top-tier talent and big-name coaches, promises to keep fans on the edges of their seats from September through April.

Local residents who spoke to the European News Agency (AVA) described the situation as "a war zone" as flames advanced toward residential areas.

According to eyewitnesses, firefighters began pumping water from the swimming pools of private villas in Yeşilüzümlü after the wildfire could not be fully contained. The fire reached the area in front of Yeşilüzümlü Borsa School, where emergency crews managed to prevent the flames from spreading to the building.
Both sides of the main road at the entrance to Yeşilüzümlü were affected by the fire, and several roads were closed to traffic. Witnesses reported that five to six helicopters were continuously making water-dropping sorties throughout the day.

Electricity has been cut since the morning as a precautionary measure, while internet service has been intermittent due to the ongoing emergency.

Authorities have strengthened safety measures as the firefighting operation continues.
The Gendarmerie closed the Üzümlü–Fethiye road to civilian traffic, allowing access only to emergency services and accredited media vehicles. Local villagers have been using tractors to transport water and firefighting equipment to support crews on the front lines. Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca has also been coordinating operations at the scene.

Witnesses said the number of firefighting helicopters operating over the area had increased to around ten as authorities intensified aerial efforts.
Officials said firefighters continue to work around the clock to bring the wildfire under control and urged the public to follow official warnings and stay away from high-risk areas.

The agreement, which has not yet been formally announced, is expected to be submitted to the US Congress for review. Two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that the deal could allow Saudi Arabia to build a uranium enrichment facility following a joint US-Saudi study.

The agreement represents a significant step in Riyadh's long-running effort to develop a domestic civilian nuclear industry. Saudi Arabia has argued that nuclear power is essential to its plans to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions and preserve more of its oil production for export.

For Washington, the agreement could strengthen strategic ties with one of the Middle East's most influential powers while securing a major role for American companies in Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure. The deal could also help the United States compete with China, Russia and other countries seeking to expand their economic and strategic influence in the kingdom.

However, the agreement is already generating concern among nuclear nonproliferation experts and some US lawmakers. The key issue is whether Saudi Arabia will be permitted to enrich uranium domestically. Uranium enrichment can be used for peaceful nuclear energy but, at higher levels, can also produce material suitable for nuclear weapons.

Critics are particularly concerned that the agreement does not appear to include the same strict restrictions associated with the so-called "gold standard" nuclear cooperation arrangements. The United Arab Emirates, for example, agreed to forgo domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing as part of its nuclear partnership with the United States. The Saudi agreement is reportedly less restrictive and could potentially allow enrichment following further technical studies.

The issue has broader implications for the Middle East. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said that the kingdom would seek nuclear weapons if Iran acquired one. That position has fueled fears that allowing Saudi Arabia access to sensitive nuclear technology could trigger a new nuclear competition in the region.

The agreement also comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as tensions between the United States, Iran and Israel continue to reshape the security landscape across the Middle East. Any move that expands the number of countries with uranium enrichment capabilities could face intense scrutiny from lawmakers and international nonproliferation advocates.

For Saudi Arabia, however, the agreement marks a major diplomatic and economic victory. Riyadh has long sought US support for its civilian nuclear ambitions, and securing American participation could provide the kingdom with advanced technology and international credibility for its nuclear energy plans.

The agreement's final details, including the precise limits on uranium enrichment and the safeguards that will govern the program, are likely to become the focus of intense debate in Washington. The deal is expected to undergo congressional review, meaning the political battle over its terms may only be beginning.

The Three Lions made a dream start, taking the lead after just three minutes. Declan Rice intercepted a misplaced pass from Désiré Doué, surged forward, and fired a powerful shot past Mike Maignan to score England's earliest goal in a competitive match since the UEFA EURO 2020 final.

England doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Ezri Konsa climbed above Adrien Rabiot to head home from a cross, leaving Maignan with no chance.

The lead grew to three in the 37th minute after a rapid counterattack. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson's crucial save launched the move before Bukayo Saka converted on the rebound after initial efforts from Marcus Rashford and himself were blocked.

Saka struck again in first-half stoppage time. Eberechi Eze threaded a perfectly timed pass into the winger's path, and Saka calmly slotted the ball into the corner to give England a commanding 4-0 halftime lead.

France responded immediately after the break. Kylian Mbappé scored in the 48th minute before substitute Bradley Barcola finished another swift counterattack six minutes later to reduce the deficit.

Mbappé struck again in the 66th minute following a clever exchange with Michael Olise, cutting England's lead to 4-3 and raising hopes of a remarkable comeback.

England restored their cushion late in the match when Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after Djed Spence was fouled by Malo Gusto inside the area.

France refused to surrender, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-4.

However, England had the final word. Deep into added time, Jude Bellingham surged forward from midfield, beat Maxence Lacroix, and finished confidently to seal a memorable 6-4 victory.

The win secured England third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation's best tournament finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, while France ended the competition in fourth place.

Attention is focused on the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas projects off the Scottish coast. Although both developments received approval under the previous Conservative government in 2022 and 2023, court action led to those decisions being overturned in 2025.

The expected announcement is part of a broader package of early policy initiatives from Burnham's incoming administration. These proposals are set to include greater public ownership of water and energy companies, an expanded programme to build council housing, and measures designed to ease pressure on household finances.

Specific details of the revised North Sea policy have not yet been disclosed. The issue has remained politically contentious, with former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arguing that additional drilling would not reduce consumer energy bills and that long-term energy security depends on accelerating the transition to renewable sources.

Opposition parties, including the Conservatives and Reform UK, have consistently argued for increased domestic oil and gas production. They contend that relying more heavily on UK energy resources is particularly important during periods of global instability, such as recent tensions involving Iran that have contributed to higher energy prices.

The debate also attracted criticism from US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly urged the UK to expand North Sea oil production and criticised the previous government's energy strategy in social media posts before Starmer left office.

Within Labour, views on energy policy have been divided. Some MPs have called for a more flexible approach, arguing that the shift away from fossil fuels must safeguard employment and help keep energy affordable. Others maintain that expanding renewable energy remains the most effective way to strengthen energy security while addressing climate change.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is expected to retain a senior cabinet position, has been one of Labour's strongest advocates for limiting new drilling licences. He has previously described approval of the Rosebank project as damaging to the UK's climate ambitions.

Earlier this week, representatives from the oil and gas sector and trade unions jointly urged Burnham and Labour MPs to support continued North Sea production. They argued that backing the industry would demonstrate the government's commitment to domestic manufacturing, investment and communities that have long depended on the energy sector.

Burnham secured the Labour leadership unopposed after receiving the support of 379 Labour MPs and all 11 affiliated trade unions. He has said he is finalising his cabinet before formally entering Downing Street on Monday.

Speculation continues over key ministerial appointments, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood among those reported to be potential candidates for the role of chancellor. Burnham has declined to announce his cabinet in advance, saying doing so before taking office would create unnecessary disruption.

In his first speech after becoming Labour leader, Burnham pledged to restore optimism and deliver practical improvements quickly. Alongside changes to energy policy, his wider agenda is expected to focus on expanding council housing, revitalising town centres, improving education, reforming social care, increasing public control of water and energy services, and transferring more decision-making powers from Whitehall to local authorities.

At a private tasting attended by British journalists, food writers, chefs, public relations professionals, artists and business leaders, guests were introduced to the extraordinary heritage behind Turkish extra virgin olive oil. Rather than promoting individual brands, the evening focused on the history, craftsmanship and internationally recognised quality of Türkiye’s olive oils, with award-winning extra virgin olive oils from Oro di Milas and Köstem Organic Farm presented throughout the tasting.

Hosted at Zahter Restaurant, one of London’s leading ambassadors of modern Turkish cuisine, the event offered a compelling example of gastronomy as cultural diplomacy—using food not simply to showcase flavour, but to tell the story of a civilisation.

Two international olive oil experts, one shared mission

The evening was hosted by journalist, international olive oil educator and certified olive oil sommelier Aynur Tattersall alongside Giulia Crouch, food writer for The Times and a certified olive oil sommelier.

Despite coming from different countries, both speakers shared the same ambition: to raise awareness of extra virgin olive oil not only as a premium food product, but also as an essential element of health, culture and Mediterranean heritage, while helping position Turkish olive oil more prominently on the international stage.

During her presentation, Tattersall traced Türkiye’s olive oil story from the ancient olive presses of Klazomenai in Urla to the internationally acclaimed oils of Milas.

She argued that although Türkiye is now among the world’s leading producers of olives and olive oil, its premium extra virgin olive oils remain significantly underrepresented in global markets.

“The challenge today is no longer simply producing exceptional olive oil,” Tattersall said. “It is telling the world the story behind it—the thousands of years of history, culture and healthy living that every bottle represents.”

She described gastronomy as one of the most powerful forms of cultural diplomacy available to countries seeking to strengthen their international image.

Tattersall and Crouch then led a professional olive oil tasting, introducing guests to the sensory characteristics that define premium extra virgin olive oil. Participants learned how fruitiness, bitterness and pungency are not defects but essential indicators of freshness, quality and high polyphenol content.

Their shared conclusion was clear:

Exceptional extra virgin olive oil is far more than a cooking ingredient; it is a symbol of healthy living, sustainable agriculture and one of humanity’s oldest culinary traditions.

A 2,600-year-old legacy

The presentations explored Türkiye’s remarkable olive-growing history, which stretches back thousands of years.

At the heart of the story is the ancient city of Klazomenai, near today’s Urla on the Aegean coast. Dating back to the 6th century BC, its olive oil workshop is widely regarded as one of the oldest known olive oil production facilities in the world. Its remarkably sophisticated pressing technology demonstrates that Anatolia played a pioneering role in olive oil production more than two and a half millennia ago.

Guests were reminded that olive oil has never been merely a food product. For thousands of years, it has shaped economies, cultures, civilisations and the Mediterranean way of life.

Milas: Türkiye’s internationally recognised olive oil region

The evening also highlighted Milas, in southwestern Türkiye, where the indigenous Memecik olive produces some of the country’s most distinctive extra virgin olive oils.

Celebrated for their vibrant fruitiness, balanced bitterness, peppery finish and naturally high polyphenol content, Milas olive oils became the first Turkish olive oil to receive the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Speakers noted that the designation recognises not only exceptional product quality but also the unique geography and centuries-old production traditions that define the region.

Attention was also drawn to Türkiye’s growing position among the world’s largest olive oil producers. Participants agreed that stronger international branding and storytelling could significantly increase the global value of Turkish premium extra virgin olive oils.

A menu built around olive oil

Following the tasting, guests enjoyed a specially curated menu inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Anatolia.

Each dish showcased the role of extra virgin olive oil as the defining ingredient of Turkish cuisine.

Yasemin Mutlu, manager of Zahter Restaurant, explained that olive oil is central both to the restaurant’s philosophy and to her own family’s daily life.

“We simply don’t cook with any other oil,” she said. “Every dish in our kitchen is prepared with extra virgin olive oil, and we use only olive oil at home as well. For us, it is much more than an ingredient—it is the foundation of our cuisine, our culture and our approach to healthy living.”

A lesson in gastronomic diplomacy

With industry forecasts pointing towards another strong olive harvest in Türkiye, speakers emphasised that increasing production alone will not be enough. Building global recognition through education, storytelling and cultural engagement will be equally important.

The London gathering demonstrated how olive oil can become a powerful instrument of soft power.

As guests sampled oils from Urla and Milas alongside Zahter’s contemporary interpretation of Anatolian cuisine, they experienced something that extended far beyond a tasting. They encountered a civilisation shaped by olives over more than 2,600 years.

The evening closed with a clear message: if Türkiye wishes to secure the international recognition its olive oils deserve, it must export not only exceptional products, but also the history, culture and identity that have made them possible.

Speaking after the event, Bilal Korkut, senior executive at Great British Doner, said that the idea of vegan doner was once considered impossible by many.

"If someone had shown me this photo a few years ago, I probably wouldn't have believed it," Korkut said. "When I first came up with the idea of serving vegan doner on a traditional kebab spit, many people said, 'It will never work,' 'Who would eat that?' or 'You're wasting your time.' To many, the idea simply sounded crazy."
Korkut said the same idea has now become something that brings people together.

Bilal Korkut, senior executive at Great British Doner

"Today, together with PETA UK, we celebrated World Kebab Day by giving away hundreds of free vegan kebabs. An idea that once seemed impossible has become something that unites people," he said.
Emphasising that Great British Doner has never been afraid to challenge convention, Korkut added: "We're still only at the beginning of our journey, but days like today remind me that we're heading in the right direction. I'd like to thank PETA UK, my incredible team who believed in this vision, and everyone who joined us to support the event."

The celebration took place at Barton Arcade in central Manchester and attracted strong public interest, with hundreds of visitors attending to mark World Kebab Day while sampling the company's plant-based vegan doner.

Great British Doner Locations

MANCHESTER PICCADILLY 01613992713 87 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2DA

MANCHESTER DEANSGATE -0161 566 2481 - 61 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW

LIVERPOOL BOLD STREET - 01512720357 - 28 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4DS

LIVERPOOL EXPRESS- Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DS

MANCHESTER OLDHAM - Elk Mill Retail Park, Oldham OL2 5HX.

Mohammad Arshad Ali, CEO of Cheshire Homes Group met Northern Cyprus Turkish Cyprus PM Unal Ustel in Manchester

“We have launched a new scheme in Stockport,” Mohammad Arshad Ali, CEO of Cheshire Homes Group, said in an exclusive interview. “The proposal is to demolish the existing office and deliver a high-quality residential building that responds to the town’s housing need while respecting its urban fabric.”

Vitality signed a 10-year lease on 45,000 sq ft at Stockport Exchange in 2025, clearing the path for its departure from St Christopher’s House, according to property records.

Design and Planning

Ollier Smurthwaite Architects has been appointed to design the scheme. The red-brick proposal includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments arranged around a central courtyard. A landmark corner block at the junction will step down in height to align with adjacent terraced properties.

“We are developing proposals for a modern mansion block with taller ceilings, more windows, better communal areas and private gardens,” said Matt Ollier, co-founder of Ollier Smurthwaite. “We’ve been researching Albert Hall Mansions and Richard Norman Shaw, who was credited with making flats desirable to the aspiring Victorian middle classes.”

Paul Butler Associates is advising on planning matters.

Brexit is just around the corner, the issue of direct flights to North Cyprus is becoming never increasing important. Who will you be supporting?