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Fireta Del Llibre Brings Culture And Activities To Santa Pola

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Santa Pola book fair features readings, awards and family activities. Photo Credit: Kate Bezzubets / Unsplash

Santa Pola is gearing up to celebrate the 4th edition of the Fireta del Llibre on Sunday, April 26, turning the heart of the town into a vibrant meeting point for readers, writers and culture lovers. The literary event, held in Santa Pola, will run throughout the morning with activities designed for all ages and a strong focus on encouraging reading among children and young people.

Children’s events, recognitions for readers, author signings, and delicious food

During the event, children will be able to enjoy a creative space of wooden recreational games organised by Jocs de Fusta, offering an accessible and playful introduction to the festival atmosphere. The programme will continue just before noon with the awards ceremony for “The Most Readers 2025”, recognising the most dedicated young readers from the municipality’s libraries.

One of the highlights of the day will take place from noon to 2:00pm with “The Literary Reed”, an interdisciplinary session combining live readings by local library users, music by CHAMÁN, and a popular food and drink offer of a beer or soft drink with a tapa for just €2. The session will also include book signings by popular local authors, strengthening the connection between writers and their community.

Visitors will also find bookstalls from Guilló, Sarai, Sonidos y Letras and El Morenet, offering a wide selection of titles and new discoveries. The municipal library stands will present Fanzine Arte_Fact_0, the first youth magazine in Santa Pola, while language promotion will be led by AVIVA Santa Pola, supported by Generalitat Valenciana, along with Som Cultura Santa Pola and the Xarxa de Biblioteques Municipals de Santa Pola.

A bookish event for the whole family

The Fireta del Llibre in Santa Pola continues to grow as a key cultural event, reinforcing its role as a meeting point for literature lovers across the region. Families are encouraged to participate in the Fireta freely and explore all scheduled events throughout the morning, in an event that is sure to inspire readers and writers from all over the municipality and beyond.

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British Couple’s Juice Empire In Spain Steals Spotlight On UK Television

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Stacey being quizzed on camera. Credit: EWN

Cameras rolled through the doors of Andajuicya juice bar in Alhaurin el Grande on Friday, April 17, as part of a popular UK television programme that follows British people who have moved to Spain.

Producers chose the location to interview Andi and Stacey about the rapid growth of their cold-pressed juice enterprise and them making success of moving to a whole new life in southern Spain.

Nationwide deliveries bring healthy options to hotels and workplaces

Andajuicya now distributes fresh juices right across Spain. Hotels and companies order regular supplies so staff members enjoy tasty, nutrient-rich drinks that support daily fitness and wellbeing. Customers appreciate the absence of additives and the focus on pure ingredients pressed daily. Employers love the idea that this little extra they give to their staff will go a long way to keeping them healthy, and, of course, in shape for work.

Cafe draws visitors from every corner of Andalusia

People travel from far and wide to experience the cafe at Andajuicya in the Malaga Province town of Alhaurin el Grande. Expat families and local Spanish residents drop in for revitalising juices combined with nourishing meals. Stacey explains their approach clearly. “When we were first starting, everyone was advising we do English breakfasts and bangers and mash. But, Andi and I don’t eat those things. We do things like sausage meat muffins and sausage and bacon pancakes, but we use the best locally-sourced ingredients, and it’s all homemade,” she says. Flavours remain familiar yet every dish receives careful preparation with only the best produce and ending with a fresh juice chaser.

Expansion into franchises and retreats

Andajuicya is now branching out and developing franchise opportunities as well as launching wellness retreats inside the Guadalhorce Valley. This area has gained fame over centuries for rich soil that yields abundant fresh produce ideal for juice recipes. Early interest from British television channels confirms the couple’s achievements as they launch what promises to become the major success story that Spain has been waiting for.

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Trailblazing BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw Dies At 66

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Radio One DJ Andy Kershaw Rest in Peace. Credit: AK X

Andy Kershaw passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 66. His family confirmed the sad news, stating he died around 7.30pm on Thursday evening following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Pioneering broadcaster who championed world music

Kershaw gained fame through his long-running BBC Radio 1 show from 1985 to 2000, where he introduced listeners to global sounds and indie acts they might otherwise never have heard. Many remember his distinctive northern voice and passionate storytelling on air. He often played sessions back to back with John Peel, giving entire evenings of rare sounds to music fans not interested in the regular pop usually favoured by BBC Radio One.

He also notably presented coverage of Live Aid in 1985 and continued broadcasting across BBC platforms for decades, including Radio 3 and documentaries.

In 2025, cancer affected his spine and left him unable to walk. Doctors diagnosed the condition last summer, with a public announcement in January 2026. Kershaw underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments while maintaining positive spirits and plans for more podcasts.

Tributes pour in from fans and colleagues

Social media users quickly shared memories of his impact. One X post noted: “A truly unique voice who introduced so many of us to incredible music from around the world. His passion and storytelling made him unforgettable. Rest in peace, Andy.

Another user wrote: “He did a lot for African and world music and indie bands back in the ’80s when it was rare to hear an unashamedly northern accent on the BBC.”

A further tribute highlighted his influence: “Andy Kershaw and Charlie Gillet were two wonderful souls and millions of music fans… credit them with broadening our musical horizons… their beautiful influence goes on.”

Hundreds of fans have been sending messages of condolences as well to his older sister and co-BBC radio presenter Liz Kershaw.

Born in Rochdale in 1959, Kershaw built a career that opened doors for non-Western artists in British radio. Colleagues and listeners recall his dedication to eclectic playlists and global discoveries.

Legacy lives on through recordings and podcasts

Kershaw’s later podcast revived elements of his classic shows, allowing new generations to experience his selections. Family members, including sister Liz Kershaw, also a broadcaster, have received messages of support.

His death marks the end of an era for those who delight in world music and alternative radio. Many express gratitude for the sonic journeys, the tales behind them, and the magic discoveries he provided over nearly three decades at the BBC. Kershaw leaves behind two children.

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Armed Robbers Take 25 Hostages At Naples Bank Then Vanish Underground

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By the time officers entered the branch, the robbers had already fled. Photo credit: littlewhitecrow/Shutterstock

Three armed robbers held hostages inside a bank in Naples before escaping through an underground tunnel, prompting a major police operation in the Italian city. The robbery took place at a branch of Crédit Agricole in the Arenella district, near Piazza Medaglie d’Oro. According to Italian media reports, the men entered the bank at about 11:30am and took control of the building while staff and customers were inside.

Police and emergency services were sent to the scene after the alarm was raised. Officers surrounded the branch and began efforts to secure the release of those inside.

Hostages freed after two-hour standoff

Around 25 people were inside the bank during the incident. They were held for roughly two hours before police entered the branch shortly after 01:30pm.

All hostages were freed and no serious injuries were reported. Medical teams attended the scene as a precaution and officers began taking statements from witnesses after the building was secured. Authorities have not said whether any of the hostages required hospital treatment, but early reports indicated there were no major physical injuries.

Suspects escaped before police entered

By the time officers entered the branch, the robbers had already fled. Investigators said the men escaped through a hole in the floor that connected to an underground tunnel system.

Italian reports said the route may have linked to Naples’ sewer network or other subterranean passages beneath the district. Police later searched nearby access points as part of the manhunt. The escape route suggested preparation before the robbery, with investigators examining whether the tunnel had been dug or accessed in advance. Forensic officers were deployed to inspect the opening inside the bank and gather evidence.

Unclear whether money was taken

Authorities did not immediately confirm whether any cash or valuables had been stolen. Investigators were expected to review security footage, bank records and witness accounts to establish what happened inside the branch. Police were also working to identify the suspects and determine how they entered and left the area without being stopped during the siege.

The branch was sealed off after the incident while officers carried out searches and technical examinations.

Large response in Naples district

The robbery drew a significant police presence in Arenella, a busy residential area of Naples. Roads around the branch were restricted while emergency services managed the operation.

Residents and passers-by gathered nearby as officers secured the perimeter. Images from the scene showed police vehicles and emergency crews outside the bank during the hostage situation. Local authorities urged people to avoid the immediate area while the response continued.

Use of tunnels has precedent in Italy

The method of escape recalled previous crimes in Italy involving underground access routes. In some past cases, robbers have used sewer systems or service tunnels to reach or leave buildings without using main entrances.

One widely reported case in Milan in 2020 involved criminals who entered a bank through the sewer network before being intercepted by police. Investigators in Naples will now examine whether the latest robbery was carried out by an organised group with specialist knowledge of underground routes.

Investigation continues

No arrests were announced in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Police were reviewing surveillance images from the bank and surrounding streets, along with any CCTV from nearby buildings and traffic cameras.

Officers were also expected to examine mobile phone data and other evidence that could help trace the suspects’ movements before and after the robbery. The condition of the tunnel, the tools used and the level of planning involved are likely to form a central part of the inquiry.

Focus on security measures

The incident is also expected to raise questions about security procedures at urban bank branches, particularly in cities with extensive underground infrastructure. Banks in older European cities sometimes operate above tunnels, basements or service networks that can create additional security challenges.

For now, the priority for investigators is locating the three men and establishing whether they acted alone or with outside assistance. The hostages have been released safely, but the robbery has left police searching for suspects who disappeared beneath one of Naples’ busiest districts.

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