Year of cheers ahead...

FEELING the January blues? It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s not even Christmas any more - but believe it or not, there’s still fun on the horizon. From blockbuster movies to concerts and sports, there’s plenty of reasons to be cheerful in 2026. Here MEG JORSH gives you a rundown of 15 things you can look forward to over the next 12 months.

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STILL TO COME: Above, Commonwealth boxer Rosie Eccles and Eric statue. Right, Winnie-the-Pooh and Wuthering Heights. Inset, Florence

In case you hadn't noticed, it's a World Cup year! The 48-team footie festival will kick off on June 11.

The world’s top athletes go to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July and Birmingham's European Athletics Championships in August.

The European Figure Skating Championships are also in Sheffield this month and Devon's Paddleboarding World Cup comes in May.