Our Press Data Future News Forward Planning database contains over 50,000 future events and news items from around the world for the next 12 months. 

Next week in view 22/08/2026 – 28/08/2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to continue his UK “listening tour” next week. It will come as regulator Ofgem announces its quarterly energy price cap, on 26 August. Bills are forecast to rise by 4% from October, according to Cornwall Insight. The latest quarterly immigration stats will be out on 27 August. This will be the first release since Burnham assumed the office, pledging his government will be “relentless” in curbing the number of small boats arrivals.

A re-trial of alleged Rochdale grooming gang is expected to begin in Manchester on 24 August. It follows after the jury in the trial was discharged by a judge for legal reasons in December 2025. The trial collapsed over a WhatsApp group set up by a number of jurors. Six men were facing allegations of rape and other sexual offences against two teenage girls in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on dates between 2003 and 2006.

Controversial social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate are due back in Miami court on 27 August. The court will decide whether they should remain in custody as they fight extradition to the UK, where they are accused of rape and sex trafficking. Earlier this month, a federal judge postponed their hearing after the Tates’ lawyers said they needed more time to respond to prosecutors’ arguments.

The United States and Canada reached a last-minute deal ahead of original 19 August deadline to delay tariffs on billions of dollars of Canadian goods, granting a temporary reprieve to exporters fearful of a renewed trade war. The two sides agreed to suspend the tariffs until 22 August. The tariffs would have applied to some $20.2bn worth of Canadian exports, affecting goods ranging from electronics and industrial machinery to furniture, dairy products and wine. The US President appeared to link the breakthrough to his efforts to revive the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline, which has faced strong opposition since it was first proposed in 2008, would transport about 830,000 barrels of crude oil each day between Alberta, Canada, and Nebraska, United States.

Beijing will host the second World Humanoid Robot Games from 22 – 28 August, featuring over 30 events that showcase the latest advancements in embodied intelligence and fine manipulation. The five-day competition is divided into two main categories: competitive events and scenario-based contests. The competitive category includes 26 events across nine disciplines: athletics, football, gymnastics, weightlifting, martial arts, street dance, sport dance, tug of war and pitch-pot.

On Friday, 7 August, US President Donald Trump demanded that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook answer mortgage allegations against her within three weeks (28 August) – or face a dismissal that the Supreme Court has already ruled against, thrusting the central bank’s independence back into the spotlight. Trump has sought to rid the federal government of appointees aligned with his Democratic predecessors.

The Edinburgh TV Festival takes place from 25 – 28 August. Actor Gary Oldman will receive the Global Icon Award while presenter Davina McCall will be presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award. McCall will be recognised for her extraordinary contribution to British television and broadcasting, at the Edinburgh TV Awards which will be hosted by Suzi Ruffell and Maisie Adam. YouTube VP Pedro Pina will deliver the festival’s James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture.

Jason Donovan, KayCee Stroh, Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer will appear in the first UK non-replica production of Disney’s “High School Musical”, opening on 22 August. The Lyric Theatre at Lowry will be completely transformed into an immersive basketball court, with on stage seating and an extended stage, bringing audiences into the world of East High.

200,000 revellers are expected at the Reading and Leeds Festival form 27 – 30 August. Chase & Status, Charli XCX, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Kasabian, Gunna, Skepta, Declan McKenna, Duke Dumont, Holly Humberstone, JADE, Kneecap, Geese, The Lathums, Maisie Peters, Paris Paloma and Skye Newman are among the acts who will perform.

Wednesday 26 August

PCS union members at Foreign Office continue to strike

US chipmaker Nvidia releases Q2 earnings results

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman attend “Practical Magic 2” European premiere in London

Thursday 27 August

Plug-in solar panels can be legally sold in British shops from today

Annual Jackson Hole Symposium begins in Wyoming

FrightFest film festival begins

Friday 28 August

Ballot opens in Scottish Labour party leadership election

2026 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Smart City held in Shanghai

Bon Jovi play Edinburgh and London shows

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