2006

Charles Kennedy, resigns as leader of the Liberal Democrats, admitting that he has a drinking problem.
six men taking part in a clinical trial for a new anti-inflammatory drug TGN1412 are placed in intensive care, some in a life-threatening condition, after suffering adverse side-effects.
Elizabeth II celebrates her 80th birthday at Windsor. The Prince of Wales makes a televised address in tribute.
European heat wave affects the UK, resulting in July 1983’s record for the hottest month in the CET series being beaten with a mean monthly CET of 19.7 °C or 67.5 °F.
George W. Bush greets Tony Blair with the phrase “Yo, Blair”.

The BBC announces that Grandstand, its flagship sports TV programme, will be phased out within the next year after nearly 50 years on air.
The last astronomy show is held at the London Planetarium before it is acquired by neighbouring Madame Tussauds.
31 July- JK Rowling turns 40 years old.
31 July- Harry Potter celebrates his birthday.
Helen Mirren awarded best actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in The Queen, portraying Elizabeth II following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The 21st James Bond film – Casino Royale – is released in British cinemas. Daniel Craig makes his debut as Bond in the film.

The one billionth song is downloaded on iTunes; the song is “Speed of Sound” by Coldplay.
James Blunt, with his single “You’re Beautiful”, becomes the first British artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100 chart since Elton John with “Candle In The Wind 1997”.
The last weekly edition of the British television chart show, Top of the Pops, is broadcast.
Justin Hawkins, lead singer of The Darkness announces he is leaving the band.
Leona Lewis is named winner of the third series of The X Factor UK. Ray Quinn is named runner-up, while Ben Mills and The MacDonald Brothers finish in third and fourth place respectively.

Artist	Title
Edison Lighthouse	Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)
Lee Marvin	Wand’rin Star
Simon & Garfunkel	Bridge Over Troubled Water
Dana	All Kinds Of Everything
Norman Greenbaum	Spirit In The Sky
England World Cup Squad	Back Home
Christie	Yellow River
Mungo Jerry	In The Summertime
Elvis Presley	The Wonder Of You
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles	Tears Of A Clown
Freda Payne	Band Of Gold
Matthews’ Southern Comfort	Woodstock
Jimi Hendrix Experience	Voodoo Chile
Dave Edmunds	I Hear You Knockin’

Sven-Göran Eriksson announces that he will quit as manager of the England national football team after this summer’s World Cup in Germany. Eriksson, 57, has been in charge of the England team for five years and, as a Swede, is the first non-English manager of the England team.
the British Grand Prix is held at the Silverstone Circuit and is won by reigning world champion Fernando Alonso ahead of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen, while local hero Jenson Button retired earlier in the race with an engine oil leak.
the England football team’s World Cup campaign begins with a 1–0 win over Paraguay.
England go through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the second tournament in succession by beating Ecuador 1–0 with a goal from captain David Beckham.
England’s World Cup quest ends in the quarter-finals when they lose on penalties to Portugal after a goalless draw.
Steve McClaren is officially appointed as manager of the England national football team.

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