Author: BBC

An original watercolour illustration has become the most valuable Harry Potter item ever sold – fetching $1.9m (£1.5m) at auction in the US.The artwork for the first edition of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone sold for more than three times the expected price.It was first auctioned in 2001, before the book series was complete, for £85,750 (about $108,000 at current exchange rates).”This is really the first visualization of Harry and the wizarding world,” said Kalika Sands from Sotheby’s auction house. The artwork had been expected to sell for between $400,000 and $600,000, which Sotheby’s said was the…

1 hour agoBy Mark Savage, Music CorrespondentSugababes / XSugababes / XSugababes at Glastonbury 2022 (L-R): Siobhan Donaghy, Keisha Buchanan and Mutya BuenaSo many fans tried to get into the show that the Avalon field had to be shut downAll of a sudden, the police arrive.It’s 2022 and we’re in Glastonbury’s Avalon field. It’s a chilled-out area where “travellers come to rest their weary legs,” according to the festival’s website.You can buy hot buttered crumpets or kick back with a pint of local ale. The music tends to be less frenetic, the atmosphere more kid-friendly.Then Sugababes turn up.The day one line-up of Keisha…

One of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers has announced her retirement from the sport after failing to qualify for this year’s Olympics in Paris.Cate Campbell announced that it was “time to officially say goodbye to the dream I have had since I was 9 years old,” in a social media post on Wednesday, a week after bowing out of the Australian Olympic Trials in Brisbane.Campbell missed out on what would have been her fifth Games team when she fell short of qualification for the 100m and 50m freestyle events.A veteran of four Olympics, she has won eight Olympic medals, broke seven…

An aircraft mechanic who was contracted to repair Boeing planes has alleged he was labelled a “snitch” and then sacked for speaking up over safety concerns.Richard Cuevas claimed he witnessed substandard manufacturing and maintenance work on a crucial section of Boeing 787 aircraft.Boeing, which has been dogged by questions over whether its safety culture is rigorous enough, said the issues had been investigated and “did not present a safety concern”.Lawyers representing Mr Cuevas alleged he reported critical issues that could create a serious public safety risk and have filed complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Occupational Health and…

BBC West reporter Emma Elgee sheds light on what not to miss at this year’s GlastonburyWhether you’re a seasoned veteran or a festival newbie, there’s always so much to fit in your Glastonbury itinerary.To help you plan, our reporter Emma Elgee has selected five top tips for what not to miss at Worthy Farm this week.Video journalist: Alex Howick Source link

18 minutes agoBy Todah Opeyemi, BBC News, LagosDemola Mako/The Fola Francis Ball The location of the celebratory ball had to be kept a secret.This was a queer event and in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships or public displays of affection are illegal, anything that is dedicated to embracing this culture is in danger.Marking Pride month in any way here is an act of defiance.The organisers of the Fola Francis Ball – named in honour of a transgender woman who died last year – only released the venue details with just hours to go before it opened.But this did not deter the more than…

19 hours agoBy Carys Nally, BBC News, West of England REUTERS/JASON CAIRNDUFFIt is possible to attend the festival cheaply With the Glastonbury gates opening many thousands of people will be travelling to one of the biggest festivals in the world.Known for big-name artists and sparkly outfits, it is also infamous for its cost.The tickets are pricey, and hundreds of pounds can be spent while staying at Worthy Farm. But it is possible to do it cheaply.So here’s a rundown of how you can save those precious pennies. Volunteer at the festivalThe best way to do Glastonbury on a budget is to volunteer…

France’s top appeals court has ruled that an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued for alleged complicity in crimes and humanity and war crimes is valid, lawyers say.Last year, investigative judges sought the arrest of Mr Assad and three others over a deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria in 2013, in which he denied any involvement.Anti-terrorism prosecutors challenged the French warrant’s validity, saying he had immunity as a sitting foreign head of state.The lawyers for the plaintiffs in the initial complaint hailed as “historic” the Paris Court of Appeal’s decision rejecting that argument.“It’s the first time a national…

26 minutes agoBy Emma Woollacott, Technology reporterGetty ImagesAmazon had to defend the use of AI technology in its physical grocery storesAmazon received critical headlines this year when reports questioned the “Just Walk Out” technology installed at many of its physical grocery stores.The AI-powered system enables customers at its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go shops to simply pick their items, and then leave.Open to people who have registered via an app, the AI uses facial recognition technology, and lots of sensors and cameras, to work out what you have chosen. You then get automatically billed.However, back in April it was widely reported that…

A little girl shares with a BBC reporter in front of her amused parents that she has her first boyfriend. Source link