18-24 April 2015
Saturday
Superhuman effort
Thousands of people in Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman costumes descended on cities across the world. Their aim? Not to beat the baddies, but to set a world record for the most people dressed as superheroes.
Sunday
Shroud unshrouded
The first wave of an anticipated 1 million Christians arrived in Turin, Italy, for the first day of an exhibition of the holy shroud. Pilgrims believe it is the cloth in which Christ’s crucified body was wrapped.
Monday
Going the distance
The world’s oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon, took place. The event, which began in 1897, attracts about half a million spectators each year. It is two years since bombings at the event left three dead.
Tuesday
Queen of them all
Elizabeth II, now the oldest serving monarch in the world, celebrated her 89th birthday. The occasion was marked by gun salutes in Hyde Park, at the Tower of London and at Windsor Castle.
Wednesday
The XX factor
World leaders rubbed shoulders with film stars, activists and businesswomen at the Women in the World summit. Actor Meryl Streep and US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were among the guests.
Thursday
In the slow lane
Take life in your stride to mark International Downshifting Week. Campaigners argue that improving work-life balance and taking care of the environment can boost physical and mental health.
Friday
Picture this
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope. It is about the length of a school bus, the weight of two fully grown elephants and has captured thousands of images.
25 April - 1 May 2015
Saturday
Let battle commence.again
The Wars of the Roses ended centuries ago, but the Pennines rivalry remains fierce. In the annual Roses tournament, York and Lancaster universities will compete at sports including hockey, netball and darts.
Sunday
Universal right
Global Action Week for Education begins, promoting the ambition of free primary schooling for all children. World leaders pledged in 2000 to achieve this by 2015, but the goal now appears unlikely to be met.
Monday
All you can eat
Could you feed yourself for just pound;1 a day? Thousands of people across the world will find out this week, as they take part in the Live Below the Line challenge to raise money for good causes.
Tuesday
Shore thing
On this day in 1770, Captain James Cook and his crew became the first Europeans to reach the east coast of Australia. Their ship, the HMS Endeavour, landed at what is now known as Botany Bay in Sydney.
Wednesday
Best foot forward
Get your dancing shoes on to mark Unesco’s International Dance Day. The date commemorates the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet, who was born in 1727.
Thursday
Question time
With just a week to go until polling day for the general election, party leaders will again be grilled about their plans in a series of regional BBC debates. But is there enough time to change voters’ minds?
Friday
Moor power to them
On yer bike! The first ever Tour de Yorkshire cycle race starts today in the seaside town of Bridlington. The three-day event will bring back fond memories of when the Tour de France visited the region last year.
