In a recent analysis by Zoopla, the UK's most affordable towns for families seeking three-bedroom homes have been identified, with Scotland and Wales dominating the list. Glenrothes, a town in the Fife area of Scotland, has emerged as the most popular choice, offering an average house price of just £136,900. This town, once a mining settlement, now provides residents with a blend of industrial heritage and access to stunning landscapes, making it an attractive option for families.

Close behind Glenrothes in popularity are Neath and Port Talbot in Wales, with average three-bedroom home prices of £176,400 and £160,300 respectively. These towns not only offer affordability but also boast strong community ties and access to natural beauty, from the River Neath to golden sandy beaches. The proximity of these towns to major cities like Bristol, with Port Talbot being just an hour and 20 minutes away, adds to their appeal for commuters seeking value without sacrificing connectivity.

The list also highlights Wishaw in Scotland, where the average three-bedroom home comes at a competitive price, nestled on the edge of Clyde Valley. With its mild climate and access to green spaces like the Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park, Wishaw represents another viable option for families looking to balance affordability with quality of life. Similarly, Maesteg in Wales offers three-bedroom homes at around £142,000, further underscoring the trend of Wales and Scotland offering the most bang for your buck in the UK housing market.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, commented on the findings, noting the adaptability of families in today's market. With a significant portion of the population concerned about being priced out of their ideal locations, the appeal of these affordable towns is clear. As the housing market continues to evolve, the demand for value-driven locations like Glenrothes, Neath, and Port Talbot is expected to rise, offering a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of homeownership in the UK.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.