Europe does big festivals brilliantly—but beyond Oktoberfest and La Tomatina lies a stranger, more fascinating world of local celebrations. These are the festivals rooted in folklore, fire, superstition, and centuries-old traditions that most tourists never stumble across. If you’re looking for travel experiences that feel genuinely unexpected, these five under-the-radar UK and European festivals deliver exactly that. 1. Up Helly Aa Every winter, the town of Lerwick transform

Impossible crimes, baffling illusions, and clever explanations... Inspired by classic mystery shows and impossible-problem puzzles, these five cases seem supernatural at first glance — but every one has a perfectly logical solution. Can you work out the trick before the reveal? 🧠 1) The Vanishing Ring (Easy) At a dinner party, a magician borrows a woman’s ring. He places it beneath an upside-down teacup in the centre of the table. Everyone watches carefully. A cloth is place

More than 50 students took to the stage as Carisbrooke College’s first-ever Battle of the Bands brought live music, packed crowds and emotional tributes to the school hall.

Libraries in Ryde, Newport, Cowes, Sandown, Freshwater and Ventnor will host a range of events including storytelling sessions, arts and crafts and hands-on workshops.