UK
Slap fighting is having a moment. But is it safe?
BritSlap — The booming underground sport sees two competitors take turns striking each other without defending themselves. Critics warn of concussion and long term brain damage, but its devotees see it as a release. George Nash reports from a Liverpool meet, which includes the first ever female fight.
Written by: George Nash
Revenge of the nerds: Inside the Microsoft Excel Championships
The Obsessives — The revolutionary software turns 40 years old today, and since launching has transformed businesses across the world. But it also has a competitive underbelly, where behind the spreadsheets lies a world of brains, brawn and all-out bloodsport.
Written by: Ginnia Cheng
World’s first youth culture museum is opening in London
Music, subculture and style — The Museum of Youth Culture will be opening in Camden in December, with 6,500 sq ft of space.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Inside the UK Bus Driver of the Year Competition
Terminating here — The annual tournament takes place in Blackpool, where over 100 bus drivers from around the UK are invited to show off their proficiency behind the wheel, from bus stop manoeuvres and the dreaded ‘tailswing test’, to a notoriously hard theory quiz. George Francis Lee reports.
Written by: George Francis Lee
Merlin Daleman’s stark portrait of time-trapped Britain
Mutiny — Created in the wake of the Brexit referendum, the photographer’s debut book is a years-long photographic survey of economic inequality, and of towns and cities left behind as London continues to develop.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Vibrations and victories at the World Worm Charming Championships
The magic below — Every year, the small town of Nantwich in Cheshire turns the quiet art of coaxing worms from the earth into an internationally known sport, as competitors shake, stomp, and strum their way to glory.
Written by: Ella Glossop
The fun, flares and frenzy on ‘Gallagher Hill’ when Oasis came home
Unmistakably Northern — With tickets for the Manchester Britpop legends’ reunion tour being difficult and expensive to secure, thousands of fans gathered on a hill in Heaton Park to catch a glimpse regardless. Now, its party atmosphere is immortalised in photographer Gabriel Purcell’s new zine.
Written by: Isaac Muk
“Humanity’s big threat is our disconnect from nature”: Craig Richards and Chris Levine in conversation
Lighting up — With Houghton Festival collaborating with artist Chris Levine in its most recent edition, we sat down with the light artist and the festival’s creative director Craig Richards to chat about their new installations, and the role of art and music in tumultuous times.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The Tossers: Inside the world of competitive egg throwing
The Obsessives — From Russian Egg Roulette to the showpiece Throw and Catch, the World Egg Throwing Championships is a cracking tournament. Ginnia Cheng joined this year’s edition, and scrambled to keep up.
Written by: Ginnia Cheng
Lionesses Euro final win draws the UK’s most watched 2025 TV moment
Bringing it home again — 12.2 million people tuned in to watch England women’s football team beat out Spain on the BBC, with a strong showing from young fans.
Written by: Ella Glossop
