The question is not simply how much we spend on defence, but what we understand defence and security to mean, says SIMON BRIGNELL
IF THE “Earth is a common treasury for all” then so is music. Everyone will love something today and after the last 18 months what better way to celebrate being with family and friends than watching great live artists again. What better place than the Diggers festival and what a superb line-up.
National and local stars combine to provide a variety of genres and each act in its own way will be a joy to see. They have waited a year to perform today so give them all a wonderful Wigan welcome.
The historical Wiend area of the town will be alive with stalls, bars, and a couple of stages. After the Diggers re-enactment on the main stage UkePunk will open the show. Hailing from Ramsbottom, no guitars will be used in the making of their unique sound.
The bard confirms that the right has a humour bypass, and replays the English Revolution on period instruments
SOPHIE WENBAN recommends a remarkable Italian quartet who revive Bluegrass on period instruments to give a taste of the communal spirit that first made it popular
BEN COWLES samples the many sonic and social therapies of Manchester Punk Festival 2026, and is ready again to smash capitalism
STEVE JOHNSON relishes a celebration of the commonality of folk music and its links with the struggles of working people the world over



