Singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft will be a no-show at the UK's Victorious Festival in August, citing Covid-19 safety measures put in place by organisers.
The former frontman of Britpop band The Verve was due to perform at the festival, taking place in the coastal city of Portsmouth from August 27 to August 29.
Other artists on the bill include Nile Rodgers with funk group Chic, RnB singer Craig David and rockers Royal Blood, The Kooks and Feeder.
The event announced Ashcroft's withdrawal on Instagram on Friday.
"Following extensive discussions about the measures we have put in place to reduce the risk for visitors, artists and workers at this year's festival, Richard Ashcroft will no longer perform at the event," read the post.
"We will announce a replacement shortly."
While unclear which elements of the restrictions the Bitter Sweet Symphony singer found contentious, the festival listed the safety measures on its website.
They include proof of a Covid-19 negative status upon entry, taken prior to the day of arrival and proof of full vaccination with the second dose received at least 14 days prior to arrival to the festival.
Ashcroft's withdrawal from Victorious Festival follows his removal from Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival for similar reasons.
"I had informed my agent months ago I wouldn't be playing concerts with restriction," he explained on Instagram regarding Tramlines Festival.
“The status of the festival was one thing when I signed up for it, but, sadly was forced to become something else."
Ashcroft is not the only UK artist taking a hard line against event organisers.
In July, Eric Clapton announced he will not perform in UK venues requiring proof of vaccination for entry.
This was in response to moves by UK authorities to encourage venue operators to use the NHS's Covid Pass to allow guests entry.
The online pass indicates if a person is fully vaccinated and the dates of their recent Covid-19 tests.
"I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present," Clapton said.
"Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show."
The news does not currently threaten his two concerts in London scheduled for next year.
Clapton is due to play at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8, 2022, and for the time being, the venue does not require proof of vaccination for entry.
Tickets for both shows remain on sale online.
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The flights
Flydubai flies to Podgorica or nearby Tivat via Sarajevo from Dh2,155 return including taxes. Turkish Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Podgorica via Istanbul; alternatively, fly with Flydubai from Dubai to Belgrade and take a short flight with Montenegro Air to Podgorica. Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Podgorica via Belgrade. Flights cost from about Dh3,000 return including taxes. There are buses from Podgorica to Plav.
The tour
While you can apply for a permit for the route yourself, it’s best to travel with an agency that will arrange it for you. These include Zbulo in Albania (www.zbulo.org) or Zalaz in Montenegro (www.zalaz.me).
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
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Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
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- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
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