News
Sporting Events Called Off Following Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Horse racing was halted on Thursday following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while Friday’s play in cricket’s Test match between England and South Africa was called off.
All Friday’s race meetings in Britain have also been cancelled, along with the same day’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy cricket fixtures.
The second day of the PGA Championship golf on Friday will not take place.
The English Football League has also postponed its two games on Friday.
A decision on weekend Premier League and EFL fixtures will be made after a review of the official mourning guidance, plus consultation with other sports and the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
It is also scheduled to be the opening weekend of the Women’s Super League and the Premiership Rugby season, while the Great North Run is due to take place on Sunday.
The Irish FA has announced that all football in Northern Ireland scheduled for this weekend will not take place.
The government’s national mourning guidance states cancelling or postponing sports fixtures is not obligatory and “at the discretion of individual organisations”, including on the day of the state funeral.
On the day of the funeral, the guidance suggests events could be rescheduled so that they do not clash with the timings of the service and that organisers could hold a period of silence or play the National Anthem at events, with players wearing black armbands.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Following the announcement, the Southwell horse racing meeting was halted after the second race, and Chelmsford after the fourth race.
The British Horseracing Authority is likely to take a decision on when horse racing will resume on Friday.
Play was also abandoned at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast,” said a European Tour Group statement.
“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed.”
Organisers say they are hopeful of restarting the tournament at some stage over the weekend but will “review protocol guidance from Buckingham Palace in addition to aligning with what other major sporting events in the UK are doing”.
In football, Manchester United said their game against Real Sociedad in the Europa League went ahead “following direction from the Football Association and Uefa”.
West Ham’s game against FCSB in the Europa Conference League was also played.
The Scottish Championship game on Friday between Cove Rangers and Dundee has been postponed.
Cycling’s Tour of Britain has cancelled its final three stages in Gloucestershire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, with Spain’s Gonzalo Serrano given the race victory after keeping his overall lead on Thursday’s fifth stage.
“This decision has been taken in consultation with stakeholders and partners in light of operational circumstances, including the understandable reassignment of police resource at this time,” said a statement.
“The Tour of Britain organisation, alongside the teams, riders and officials involved in the event, send their deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.”
In rugby union, Northampton abandoned their Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Saracens scheduled for Thursday evening.
Scotland women’s Test international against Spain on Sunday has been called off and Scottish Rugby has also postponed all domestic competitive games this weekend as a mark of respect.
Friday’s weigh-in for the women’s world boxing title fight between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields will take place behind closed doors.
Promoters Boxxer are expected to issue a statement later on the status of the bout, which is scheduled to take place at the O2 in London on Saturday.
Formula 1 is planning a minute’s silence with all teams prior to practice on Friday for the Italian Grand Prix, with the race weekend to proceed as planned.
At the US Open tennis in New York, organisers said “to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth II” there would be “a moment of silence prior to the start of the first women’s semi-final match between Ons Jabeur and Caroline Garcia”.
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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