Man named and charged with ‘brutal’ murder at Peak District stone circle on summer solstice

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A man has been formally named as he’s charged with murder after a man’s life was taken in ‘the most brutal way’ following a summer solstice event.

He has been named as Szymon Babynko – a 23-year-old Polish national who now lives in London.

Babynko was named as part of an ongoing investigation, which was launched after Derbyshire Police were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District at 1:38pm on Monday 22 June, and when emergency services attended the scene, a 26-year-old man was found and pronounced dead.

The man was identified as Isaac Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, with police assuring his family are being supported by specialist officers.

Police are now searching to understand the circumstances around his death.

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Babynko was arrested on Thursday 25 June in connection with the incident, before being charged with murder today (29 June).

He has also been charged with attempted murder in relation to another incident on Hady Lane in Chesterfield on Thursday 25 June, the same day he was arrested.

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Investigators say they still remain ‘keen’ to hear from anyone who was at the stone circle site over the weekend – which was notably the weekend of the summer solstice – as well as anyone with video footage from the event, and dashcam footage of vehicles arriving and leaving over the weekend.

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up where members of the public can send information to police directly.

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Babynko has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Derby Magistrates Court this week, with more updates on the case to follow.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

Beloved sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.

More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.

Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.

Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.

Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.

Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC

Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.

Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.

No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.

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Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).

Get tickets when they go live here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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