24/7 Laughter Now Available Via Comedy UK's new radio station

COMEDYUK has officially launched as the UK's first and only 24/7 dedicated comedy radio station. 

Delivering non-stop laughs around the clock, Comedy UK brings together live stand-up, classic clips, and fresh voices celebrating the best of British humour. Available online, on app, and on smart speakers, because the nation deserves a good laugh!

But COMEDYUK also goes beyond the playlist. Each week, live comedy gigs are streamed directly to listeners, capturing the raw energy of the UK's world-class live comedy circuit and bringing it straight to your ears, wherever you are.

COMEDYUK also launches with an addictive new interactive feature: "Whose Laugh Is It Anyway?" A fresh spin on the classic guess-the-voice format, challenging listeners to identify famous celebrities from their laugh alone. Simple concept. Harder than you think.

Streaming now at ComedyUK.online, and available via app, smart speaker, and YouTube, COMEDYUK is the new home of British comedy, meaning there's never a bad time or place to sit back and have a good laugh.

Plus the fun doesn't stop at your speaker. On 18th June 2026, COMEDYUK hits the road with its first ever Comedy UK Radio Roadshow, kicking off at the iconic Leicester Square Theatre in London before touring major cities across the UK.

The London show will be broadcast live on the station and features a stellar line-up:

• Jessica Fostekew

• Thanyia Moore

• Alex Kealy

• Ria Lina

• Roman Harris. Voted New Comedian of the Year

COMEDYUK is a partnership between NextUp, Bridgemore Productions, and Positive Digital Media, three organisations united by industry expertise and a genuine love of comedy. The station is funded through a mix of advertising and subscription, offering both free listening and premium options for comedy fans who want more.

John Dash, Director, Comedy UK Media Ltd explained to That's Books and More: "COMEDYUK is live, and we couldn't be more excited. This is something completely new for UK audiences, a dedicated comedy station available 24/7. From live gigs to interactive features and the upcoming Roadshow, we're building a platform that celebrates comedy in every form and brings fans closer to it than ever before."

Hampshire Author Gethyn Jones Releases Fatal Equation: Sweet Revenge, a Romantic Suspense Novel with Companion Soundtrack

Hampshire author and former BBC producer and composer Gethyn Jones has released Fatal Equation: Sweet Revenge, the second novel in the Fatal Equation trilogy. 

Published on 21 April 2026, the book combines romantic suspense, domestic thriller tension and contemporary British and Irish settings, with a distinctive companion soundtrack available on Spotify. 

Set between Hampshire and Tipperary, Fatal Equation: Sweet Revenge follows Laura and Ali as they try to rebuild their lives after the devastating events of the first novel. As Laura pursues her philanthropic ambitions and Ali focuses on his music career, a figure from the past returns with revenge in mind, pushing their fragile future into danger. 

Written to work both as a stand-alone novel and as part of the wider trilogy, the book blends relationship drama, psychological threat and a strong sense of place. Its cross-media concept is one of its defining features: readers can also listen to the Coolstar playlist created to accompany the story, adding an immersive musical dimension to the novel.    

“I wanted Fatal Equation: Sweet Revenge to combine the emotional pull of romance, the tension of a thriller and the atmosphere of music,” Gethyn Jones told That's Books and More.

“The companion soundtrack gives readers another way to enter the world of the story.” 

Jones brings decades of experience in broadcasting and music to his fiction. Fatal Equation: Sweet Revenge is available now in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon UK:    

The trilogy website is available at https://fatalequation.com, and the companion soundtrack can be heard on Spotify via the Coolstar playlist.

Tracing the Rails® Launches National Search for Britain’s Next Lost Railway Story

Show presenter Steven with loco 41312

Tracing the Rails Productions Ltd, the not-for-profit team behind the acclaimed documentary series Tracing the Rails®, is launching a national appeal to help decide which lost railway line should become the focus of a future series.

The documentary series began by following the former Steyning Line in West Sussex, uncovering the forgotten stations, hidden trackbeds, community memories and local stories connected to a railway that once shaped the landscape and the lives of those who lived along it.

Now, as the first series continues to grow its audience through YouTube, community screenings and television broadcast on Rewind TV, the team is inviting the public to nominate other lost, closed or abandoned railway lines from across Britain.

Director Chris Kirk told That's Books and More: “We know the Steyning Line is only one of many lost railway stories waiting to be told. 

"Across the country, there are vanished stations, forgotten bridges, old cuttings, former railway communities and memories that deserve to be preserved. 

"We want people to tell us which line they think should be next. It needs to be exciting, contain abandoned stations and maybe tunnels and viaducts, but be less well publicised. Something with a story waiting to be told, like we have with the Steyning Line in Sussex.”

The appeal is open to railway enthusiasts, local historians, former railway workers, community groups and anyone with photographs, memories, documents, artefacts or family stories linked to a lost railway.

Tracing the Rails has also recently gained wider recognition, reaching the semi-finals of the Hollywood Indie Film Festival in two categories: Best Serialised Web Documentary and Best Feature Documentary.

Tracing the Rails Productions Ltd is a not-for-profit company, with all support helping to cover the practical costs of filming, research, archive material, insurance, travel and editing through Patreon.

To nominate a lost railway line for a future series, or to support the project, visit tracingtherails.com

or email info@tracingtherails.com and of course, watch Season 1!

Independent title Walt & The Magical Bee presented at London and Bologna international book fairs

Walt & The Magical Bee is an original illustrated story created by artist and author Cristina Cargasacchi, founder of the independent creative studio Goldenhive Productions, based in Southall, London.

Following its participation at the London Book Fair 2026, the project was also presented at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026, where it was included in the Foreword Reviews collective exhibition, a curated showcase of selected independent titles presented to an international audience of publishers, agents, and creative industry professionals.

These presentations mark an important step in introducing the project within an international publishing and creative context.

Inspired by the life and creative spirit of Walt Disney, Walt & The Magical Bee is a lyrical illustrated story for both children and adults, with early-stage ideas for adaptation into audiobook, film, and stage. It is an independent work, not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company.

Cristina Cargasacchi, a graduate of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia, is an artist and author whose work has developed over time through her own creative path.

“I hope this story can keep growing and reach people in different ways,” Cristina told That's Books and More.

Through Goldenhive Productions, Cristina continues to create across publishing, visual, and performance formats, with Walt & The Magical Bee at the centre of this journey.

www.goldenhiveproductions.com

Haydn’s The Creation Set to Shine at Sheffield’s Victoria Hall

Music lovers and fans of classical storytelling are in for a remarkable treat this summer. On Saturday, 13 June 2026, Sheffield’s historic Victoria Hall will host a powerful performance of one of classical music’s most celebrated works: Joseph Haydn’s monumental oratorio, The Creation.

In an exciting collaboration, the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra will join forces with the Steel City Choristers and three acclaimed soloists from Opera North, all conducted by John Lyon. 

Bringing together around 70 musicians, the performance promises a sweeping musical retelling of the world’s beginning, drawing inspiration from the Book of Genesis and John Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Haydn’s The Creation is widely regarded as one of the crowning achievements of the classical repertoire. According to Denis McCaldin, Director of the Haydn Society of Great Britain, the composer was inspired to write the piece after attending the grand Handel festivals in London. The result is a magnificent fusion of orchestral brilliance, operatic storytelling, and the rich tradition of English choral music.

One of the most famous moments arrives early in the work with the dramatic orchestral introduction known as “The Representation of Chaos.” This striking musical passage resolves suddenly into a radiant C-major chord as the choir proclaims the words “And there was LIGHT.” Even today, the moment still sends shivers through audiences.

A special highlight of the concert is the participation of the Steel City Choristers, an independent choir that brings children and adults together to perform to cathedral-level standards. Under the direction of Eleanor Jarvis, the choir provides both musical excellence and an inspiring educational experience. Jarvis emphasises the profound sense of achievement young singers feel when mastering a complex work like this, particularly in beloved choruses such as “The Heavens are Telling.”

The production also features three exceptional soloists from Opera North:

Claire Lees (Soprano) performs the roles of the archangel Gabriel and Eve, delivering the lyrical aria “With Verdure Clad,” a celebration of nature’s beauty.

Tom Smith (Tenor) appears as the archangel Uriel, guiding the audience through the unfolding story with both grandeur and reflective warmth.

Andrew Randall (Bass) portrays Raphael and Adam, bringing vivid character to Haydn’s playful musical depictions of animals and creation itself.

Beyond its artistic ambition, the concert also reflects Sheffield Chamber Orchestra’s mission to bring outstanding classical music to the heart of the city. The organisation is currently seeking a Programme Sponsor, offering local businesses an opportunity to support the arts while connecting with Sheffield’s vibrant cultural community.

With its blend of drama, beauty and joyful celebration, this performance promises to be a standout event in Sheffield’s 2026 cultural calendar.

Performance Details

Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026

Time: 2:00 PM

Venue: Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield

Tickets: £12 in advance / £6 for under-18s

Booking: www.scorchestra.uk

For anyone who loves music, literature, or the timeless power of great storytelling, this promises to be an unforgettable afternoon.

Tricycle Film Festival Expands Globally Through Partnership with Pure Land Foundation

Pure Land Foundation, a UK-based philanthropic organisation focused on social, spiritual and emotional well-being, announces a new collaboration with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, North America’s leading Buddhist publication, to co-present the 2026 Buddhist Film Festival.

Returning in June 2026, the festival marks its most expansive and internationally oriented edition to date. A carefully curated programme of five short films and five feature-length works will explore themes rooted in Buddhist philosophy and practice. Screenings will be available online across a two-week period, extending access to a global audience.

For the first time, the festival will introduce a flagship physical activation in London. Hosted at OXO Gallery on the South Bank, Pure Land Foundation will present a five-day public Sand Mandala installation, created live by senior visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks. 

Unfolding in real time within one of the city’s most active cultural spaces, the installation offers a rare encounter with a centuries-old sacred art form. A series of accompanying sound bath sessions will further open the space for reflection and engagement.

Alongside the festival, Pure Land Foundation will launch a new digital submission platform, inviting filmmakers worldwide to contribute work for consideration. Selected films will be presented across five categories: Documentary Short, Animated Short, Narrative Short, LGBTQ+ Short, and Vertical Short.

Held ahead of the autumn festival circuit, the Buddhist Film Festival occupies a distinct place within the international calendar, foregrounding ethical inquiry, philosophical depth and accessibility over premieres and market dynamics.

Bruno Wang, founder of the Pure Land Foundation, will serve as chairman of the 2026 festival, which has been programmed by Tricycle’s curator and acclaimed producer Shrihari Sathe since the festival’s inception in 2024.

“This partnership is about more than cinema, it’s about cultural dialogue,” Bruno Wang told That's Books and More.

“In a fragmented world, film offers a powerful way to surface timeless values such as compassion and mindfulness and make them relevant to contemporary audiences across cultures.”

Sam Mowe, Tricycle’s publisher, told us: “We are happy to partner with the Pure Land Foundation, whose mission aligns with our commitment to disseminate Buddhist teachings.” 

He added that “proceeds from the festival will be used to expand our free offerings, such as Buddhism for Beginners, our Daily Dharma email and app, and our online-learning scholarship program.”

The Tricycle Film Festival continues its tradition of presenting innovative storytelling, showcasing films that highlight diverse perspectives and narratives rooted in Buddhist thought. With the new partnership, the festival expands its international reach and deepens its cultural impact.

Pure Land Foundation supports initiatives that promote social, spiritual and emotional wellness through the arts. Founded by philanthropist Bruno Wang, the foundation champions projects that inspire compassion, foster cultural exchange, and cultivate deeper awareness of humanity’s shared values.

Founded in 1991, Tricycle is a leading independent Buddhist publication and foundation dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available. Through its quarterly magazine, online platform, and events, Tricycle fosters dialogue across Buddhist traditions and engages contemporary issues through a Buddhist lens.

https://purelandfoundation.com

https://tricycle.org

A Steam Train Video, this one in Shropshire

Just sharing another steam train video. However this steam train video was filmed in Shropshire, rather than at Chester station as the previous steam train videos were recorded.

I hope you enjoy it.