This year’s summer getaway is expected to see the biggest number of midweek car trips made since records began.
Now that schools across Leeds, and the rest of the UK, have either or are soon to break up for the summer holidays in the coming days, latest data released by The RAC has revealed that drivers are planning a whopping 13.9m journeys on UK roads before this Thursday (24 July).
Figures suggest that two million trips are planned today (Tuesday 22 June) when the majority of schools in England break up, with another two million each on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 respectively.
According to the figures, a larger number of drivers than ever are expected to head off on holiday at some point during the week, rather than waiting until the weekend to get away.
UK drivers are being warned to prepare for ‘midweek mayhem’ / Credit: Mike Bird (via Pexels)
An additional 5.6m journeys are likely at some point between Monday and Thursday, but drivers haven’t decided on the date yet.
Following the midweek surge, the ‘end of summer term’ getaway weekend will be classically busy, it is predicted, with 2.7 million journeys planned on ‘Frantic Friday’ (25 July), the largest number of journeys on a single day, three million, set to take place on Saturday 26 July, and an additional 2.7 million trips expected on Sunday 27 July.
Again, 4.6 million are planned some point throughout the weekend on dates not yet decided, bringing the total number of journeys over the full getaway week to 26.9 million.
Data from transport experts shows that the ‘midweek mayhem’ predicted will likely cause delays across many major routes, starting on Tuesday 22 July when most schools in England finish for summer.
Both the RAC and INRIX are advising those setting off at the weekend to travel as early or late as possible, because traffic is expected to be at its worst through the middle of the day.
This means that anyone getting away on Friday or Sunday should try to start their trips before 10am or after 7pm, while Saturday drivers should consider heading out before 10am.
“Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic, but this year we’re expecting ‘midweek mayhem’ as schools finish for summer,” commented RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender.
“We typically see a peak on ‘Frantic Friday’ when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned.
“To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours.”
Aldi has brought its viral garlic bread-flavoured crisps back to stores across the UK, and for a bargain price too.
The budget supermarket chain is absolutely no stranger to bringing out some weird and wonderful food concoctions, many of which have seen shoppers flocking to their nearest store - but judging by reaction on social media and their popularity over the years, it sounds like Aldi has properly knocked it out the park with this creation.
By combining two of Brits' most beloved food obsessions, garlic bread and crisps, Aldi has created the ultimate snacking combination, and they're now back on shop shelves across the UK after going viral when they were first released back in 2024.
And they'll only set you back £1.15 per sharer bag, too.
Aldi's viral garlic bread-flavoured crisps are back in UK stores / Credit: The Manc Group | Rawpixel
If you're looking to get your hands on a bag, then you can expect the crisps to be 'packed full of fin-gar-lickin’ good flavour', according to the retailer.
Shoppers are then hit with the delicious taste of smoky garlic, all while 'experiencing the hearty crunch' that's known to come with Aldi’s premium Specially Selected crinkle cut crisp style.
When the crisps were first released a few years back, a couple members of The Hoot team headed to our local Aldi store to grab a packet of the new creation - and we can confirm that they are, in fact... garlicky.
Aldi's calling them the 'perfect dinner party nibble' or the 'ultimate partner to any summer picnic', and to be honest, we couldn't agree more.
We're gonna say it... run don't walk to your nearest Aldi store.
Featured Image - The Manc Group
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Celebrated Yorkshire names on lineup as BBC Comedy Festival heads north for 2026
Emily Sergeant
The BBC's popular comedy festival heading up north next month, and there's some big local names on the lineup.
Previously held in other major cities like Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Newcastle but this year pitching up in Liverpool, the BBC Comedy Festival is an opportunity for those working in the TV industry to get together, discuss, and celebrate comedy.
Respected Yorkshire comedy legend, Sir Michael Palin, alongside other northern names like John Bishop, Lee Mack, Diane Morgan, and Sue Johnston, are among a stellar lineup of comedy talent taking part in next month's festival, as well as other big names like Ruth Jones, James Corden, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and the creators and producers of hit BBC show Amandaland.
Talent on the lineup will take part in a selection of talks, panels, screenings, and live comedy shows across the two days - with many events also being open to the public to attend.
Last year's BBC Comedy Festival proved to be a big success, with 16 panels and masterclasses, and more than 70 comedy names taking to the stage.
Diane Morgan and Lee Mack are two major names appearing at BBC Comedy Festival 2026 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (BBC / Al Campbell | Amanda Benson)
The BBC says the 2026 festival in Liverpool - which is set to take place on 13 and 14 May - 'marks the start' of expanded script‑development opportunities across the North West, with more details to come.
Alongside some of the more household names on the lineup, other comedians set to appear this year include Ash Atalla, Jessica Knappett, Philippa Dunne, Michael Odewale, Emma Garrett, David Mumemi, and Simon Mayhew Archer, among many others.
Speaking ahead of the festival next month, Jon Petrie, who is the Director of Comedy at the BBC, said: "Liverpool has funny bones and a rich culture of producing top tier comedy creatives, so we’re delighted to be bringing the BBC Comedy Festival 2026 to the city.
"Comedy occupies a unique place in the television industry and British culture. It’s important that we provide a forum that brings together some of the best comedy minds to celebrate and discuss the success of the sector now and in the future."
Emily Sergeant -
22nd July 2025 
