OpenTable is lifting the lid on how Brits are celebrating Mother's Day in 2026, and breakfast in bed is falling out of favour.

Birmingham Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race is moving to the iconic Brindleyplace canal and running across two action-packed days this year – making it bigger and better than ever.

Teams from across Birmingham are invited to come together – whether colleagues, friends or family to compete in this exhilarating water sport challenge, all to raise money for Birmingham Hospice, which provides expert end of life care for local people. This year the event runs across Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June, giving more opportunity to be part of this epic challenge.

Participants need no prior experience, and all training, safety gear and equipment will be provided, ensuring a safe and exciting day for all involved. Spectators are also encouraged to attend, with plenty of food and drink outlets on offer at Brindleyplace as well as family-friendly activities available throughout the day. 

Samantha Julius, Events Officer at Birmingham Hospice, said: “We’re so happy we’ve been able to extend the Dragon Boat Race across two days, so we can welcome more teams in 2026, and even more thrilled to be holding it at Brindleyplace.”

“Brindleyplace is such a special venue and has so much to offer that it will be a memorable day for participants and their supporters. We are hoping to raise £20,000 from this event - money that will fund specialist palliative care for those living with a terminal diagnosis.”

Each day will culminate in a grand finale where the fastest teams from the initial heats go head-to-head to be crowned the 2026 Birmingham Hospice Dragon Boat Race Champions. Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager for Praxis at Brindleyplace said: “We are delighted to welcome Birmingham Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race to Brindleyplace in 2026.

“This exciting event will be a great addition to our calendar, while raising funds to support the vital work of Birmingham Hospice. Hosting the Dragon Boat Race reflects Brindleyplace’s ongoing commitment to community-focused events and partnerships that make a positive impact.”

Registration is now open! To sign up or find out more, visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/dragonboat.

A pioneering Wolverhampton youth voice group has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising outstanding co‑production with children, young people and families.

Children in Birmingham are being given the chance to turn their artwork into a real cake masterpiece this Mother’s Day, thanks to a special competition running at any Birmingham Cake Box store.

TransPennine Express (TPE) is celebrating a family trio of colleagues this Mother’s Day, as a mum and her two daughters share their pride in building careers on the railway together.

Passengers travelling across the North West this Easter period have been warned to plan their journeys ahead of time as major rail improvements take place.