Gatwick Airport station was evacuated on September 29 due to severe overcrowding as rail chaos spread across the Thameslink network following two separate incidents where individuals were struck by trains. The station was completely cleared with no passengers permitted to enter until further notice, creating significant disruption for travelers attempting to access one of Britain's busiest airports.

The disruption began when emergency services were first called at 9:13 am to a person hit by a train between Luton and St Albans City, blocking all lines between these stations. Just over an hour later, a second incident occurred at 10:55 am when another person was struck between Haywards Heath and Gatwick Airport. Both incidents occurred outside London but created widespread travel chaos affecting routes in and out of the capital.

Thameslink issued a stark warning to passengers, stating 'Due to multiple incidents across the network, Thameslink services will be cancelled until further notice and we recommend not to travel.' The rail operator advised passengers on stationary trains to remain onboard unless directed by staff, assuring them that 'We know where you are and we are working to get you on the move again shortly.'

The disruption extended beyond Thameslink services, affecting multiple rail operators across southern England. Southern services between Brighton, Gatwick Airport, East Croydon and London were expected to be cancelled or severely delayed, while Gatwick Express services were suspended entirely. East Midlands Railway trains were also affected, with services unable to run between Luton and London St Pancras International, and Connect route services between Corby and London St Pancras International were similarly disrupted.

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.