23-29 AUGUST 2014
Saturday
Carved in stone
The first of more than 400 paving stones commemorating those who were awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War were laid in the soldiers’ home towns or birthplaces throughout the UK.
Sunday
Dancing in the streets
West London once again welcomed the two-day Notting Hill Carnival. The street festival, which is Europe’s largest, welcomed about 1 million visitors and was far from a washout despite heavy rain on Monday.
Monday
Elementary entertainment
Sherlock fans had cause to celebrate as the BBC series won three Emmys. But the hit show still came second to everybody’s favourite teacher-turned-drug dealer, with Breaking Bad racking up five awards.
Tuesday
Change of heart
Patients with dicky tickers were given new hope when the first operation to install a “bionic” battery-powered heart was successfully conducted in Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire 20 years ago.
Wednesday
LA Dolce CINEMA
Italy was graced with glamour as the 71st annual Venice Film Festival got under way. The Look of Silence and Good Kill are among the titles competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award.
Thursday
All hands on deck
Boat enthusiasts gathered for the maritime spectacular that is the Tall Ships Regatta. Proceedings started in Falmouth, with vessels on display to the public before racing to Royal Greenwich on Sunday.
Friday
Walk of life
Walking a mile a day could significantly reduce the risk of death in patients diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer, according to research published today by Macmillan Cancer Support.
30 AUGUST - 5 SEPTEMBER 2014
Saturday
Face the music
Sharp-tongued shatterer of dreams Simon Cowell returns with a new series of The X Factor, joined by judges Louis Walsh, ex-Spice Girl Mel B and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (ne Tweedy, formerly Cole).
Sunday
On another level
Geek alert! Pax, one of the biggest gaming events in the US, will be in full swing in Seattle. Thousands of joystick-wagglers have snapped up tickets to check out the latest consoles, along with live music.
Monday
Striking out
With millions spent on overpaid whingers, the Premier League football transfer window closes. Di Maria is in at Manchester United, Balotelli has signed for Liverpool and Costa for Chelsea, but who will reign supreme?
Tuesday
Independence day
It’s the deadline for Scottish residents who will be at least 16 years old on 18 September to register to vote in the independence referendum. After two televised debates, pollsters have called a one-all draw.
Wednesday
Strange and beautiful
All things weird and wonderful will be flogged at Christie’s Out of the Ordinary sale in London. Some of the unusual lots, from dinosaur skeletons to medieval swords, are expected to fetch in excess of pound;120,000.
Thursday
World powers in wales
The UK hosts the Nato summit convening in Newport. Heads of state will meet to discuss world issues such as the situations in Ukraine, Syria and Iraq, and the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
Friday
Week in, week out
And that’s it - the first Friday of term for many teachers in England. Pour yourself a drink, put your slippers on and look forward to a well-earned rest at half-term.
