Pier pressure

We do like to be beside the seaside, and this year it’s predicted that more of us than ever will choose to holiday in the UK. But behind the sun, sand and retro arcades lies a darker story. For people who live in our coastal towns, many struggle to survive the seasonal employment and soaring house prices. We look at the ways homelessness is hidden in coastal regions, how the rise of Airbnb and second homes is hollowing out communities, and ask if staycations could be our salvation. We also hop on a Southbank Centre bus to explore a new project, A Poet in Every Port – introduced by legendary Merseyside poet Roger McGough – and talk to some of the poets involved about what language and dialect means to them.

Also inside

• Keir Pressure: we ask what could save Starmer from the revolving door of Number 10. Might eradicating poverty be the answer?
• Comedian Michael Spicer tells us what he would do in Starmer’s shoes, if he were PM for the PM
• TV’s Dr Ranj Singh recalls a moment of realisation when everything changed and he had to rebuild his sense of self
• Author of the Year at the British Book Awards AF Steadman explains how reading for pleasure as a child is an early marker of success
• Gareth Southgate went from zero to hero in the eyes of England fans. A new drama, Dear England explores his remarkable redemption tale
• Dear Emily is giving a much-needed shot in the arm for the British romcom
• Danalogue’s first solo album takes listeners on a cosmic trip
• And Cardiff vendor Arran Martakies is feeling happy-go-lucky with life

And much more

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