UK Top 10 Music Chart: The Biggest Songs This Week

Chart week: 18–24 September 2026

Music fans across the UK have plenty to choose from this week, with pop, country, dance, indie rock and soulful R&B all represented in the Official UK Singles Chart. The chart is compiled by the Official Charts Company using sales and streaming data. Below is a guide to the current Top 10, including who performs each song, who wrote it, where the performers are from and a short description of each track.

1. Great Expectation – Sienna Spiro

Chart position: No. 1
Peak: No. 1
Songwriters: Sienna Spiro, Omer Fedi and Michael Pollack
Performer from: Sienna Spiro is from London, England.

Great Expectation is an emotional pop song built around romantic disappointment, longing and the gap between what somebody hopes for and what actually happens. Sienna Spiro delivers the song with a strong, expressive vocal style. It is her first UK Singles Chart number one and demonstrates the rapid rise of the young London singer-songwriter.

2. Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley

Chart position: No. 2
Peak: No. 1
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor
Performer from: Ella Langley was born in Hope Hull, Alabama, USA.

Choosin’ Texas is a country song about heartbreak, independence and somebody choosing the open road and Texas over a relationship. Langley’s direct country delivery gives the track a traditional feel while the production gives it a modern crossover sound. The song reached No. 1 on the UK chart earlier in September.

3. Movin’ to the Sun – HUGEL, Imael Angel & Ultra Naté

Chart position: No. 3
Peak: No. 2
Songwriters: Florent Hugel, Imael Angel, Loris Cimino and Maximilian Riehl
Performers from: HUGEL is a French DJ and producer from Marseille; Ultra Naté is the Baltimore-based American singer, songwriter and DJ; Imael Angel is the creator and collaborator behind the track.

Movin’ to the Sun brings together modern house production and the distinctive dance vocal of Ultra Naté. Its upbeat theme of moving towards warmth, freedom and brighter times makes it particularly suited to summer and club playlists. The record reached a UK peak of No. 2.

4. Boston – Stella Lefty

Chart position: No. 4
Peak: No. 4 in the UK
Songwriters: Stella Lefty, Grace Enger, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Joe Reeves and Noah Kahan
Performer from: Stella Lefty was born in Winnetka, Illinois, USA.

Boston is a contemporary country-pop song about falling in love and unexpectedly deciding that being with someone may be worth changing your plans. The song includes an interpolation of Noah Kahan’s Stick Season, which is why Kahan receives a songwriting credit. Stella Lefty’s acoustic country style has helped make the track one of 2026’s prominent crossover songs.

5. Training Season – Dua Lipa

Chart position: No. 5
Peak: No. 4
Songwriters: Dua Lipa, Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Kevin Parker, with additional credited writers connected with the sampled material
Performer from: Dua Lipa was born in London, England.

Training Season is a bright, rhythmic pop track about dating, expectations and knowing what you want from a relationship. It combines a breezy synth-led sound with disco and dance-pop influences. The song originally entered the UK chart in 2024 and reached No. 4.

6. The Cure – Olivia Rodrigo

Chart position: No. 6
Peak: No. 2
Songwriters: Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro
Performer from: Olivia Rodrigo was born in Murrieta, California, USA, and grew up nearby in Temecula.

The Cure is a slower alternative-pop and rock-influenced song dealing with emotional doubt and isolation. Rodrigo’s intimate vocal delivery gives the track a reflective quality, while Dan Nigro’s production provides the musical framework. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

7. Rein Me In – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean

Chart position: No. 7
Peak: No. 1
Songwriters: Sam Fender, Olivia Dean and Max Wolfgang
Performers from: Sam Fender is from North Shields, England; Olivia Dean is from London, England.

Rein Me In combines Sam Fender’s anthemic indie-rock approach with Olivia Dean’s soulful vocals. The song explores vulnerability, relationships and the tension between wanting independence and allowing another person to get close. It became a UK No. 1 and has had a long run in the UK chart.

8. Man I Need – Olivia Dean

Chart position: No. 8
Peak: No. 1
Songwriters: Olivia Dean, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Zach Nahome
Performer from: Olivia Dean is from London, England.

Man I Need blends pop, R&B, soul and jazz influences. The song is confident and playful, focusing on love, self-worth and knowing what kind of relationship you want. It became Olivia Dean’s first UK Singles Chart number one and has remained in the Top 10 for an extended period.

9. Stop the Wedding – Ashe

Chart position: No. 9
Peak: No. 9
Songwriters: Ashe (Ashlyn Willson), Annika Bennett and Noah Conrad
Performer from: Ashe was born in San Jose, California, USA.

Stop the Wedding takes a theatrical approach to a relationship warning. The narrator sees signs that something is wrong and urges a bride-to-be to stop before making a life-changing mistake. The song combines singer-songwriter storytelling with modern pop production and reached the UK Top 10 in September 2026.

10. Die On This Hill – Sienna Spiro

Chart position: No. 10
Peak: No. 9
Songwriters: Sienna Spiro, Omer Fedi and Michael Pollack
Performer from: Sienna Spiro is from London, England.

Die On This Hill is an emotionally charged pop song about stubborn love, loyalty and staying with a relationship despite knowing how difficult it has become. Spiro began developing the song while learning to play Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody on piano, before completing it with Omer Fedi and Michael Pollack. It became one of her breakthrough international songs.

A Diverse UK Top 10

This week’s Top 10 shows how broad the modern UK singles market has become. The list includes British pop, American country, French electronic production, American alternative rock and UK soul. Two songs are performed by Sienna Spiro, while Olivia Dean appears twice in the Top 10 as a solo artist and collaborator.

The Official Singles Chart is based on a combination of music consumption including downloads, physical sales and audio and video streams. Positions can change from week to week, so this article is dated to the chart week shown above.

SEO Information

SEO description: Discover the UK Top 10 music chart for 18–24 September 2026, including song descriptions, writers, singers, chart positions and where the artists are from.

SEO keywords: UK Top 10 music, UK singles chart, UK Top 10 songs 2026, biggest songs UK, Official Singles Chart, Sienna Spiro Great Expectation, Ella Langley Choosin Texas, Dua Lipa Training Season, Olivia Rodrigo The Cure, Olivia Dean Man I Need, Sam Fender Rein Me In

Categories: Music, UK Entertainment, Charts

Tags: UK Top 10, UK Singles Chart, Music Charts, New Music, Pop Music, Country Music, Dance Music, Sienna Spiro, Ella Langley, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Ashe, 2026 Music

Featured image: Live music performance photograph by Brunxs via Unsplash.

Sources

• Official Charts Company – Official UK Singles Chart
• Official Charts Company – individual song chart histories
• Music industry and artist biography sources used to verify songwriter and birthplace information

Before Money: How People Bartered in Britain and North America

Long before coins, banknotes and digital payments, people still needed to obtain things they did not produce themselves. They exchanged goods, services, gifts and obligations through networks of cooperation and trade. We cannot identify the single “first person” to barter in Britain or what is now the United States, because these exchanges pre-date written records. Archaeology, however, provides evidence for long-distance exchange in prehistoric Britain, while Indigenous societies across North America developed their own sophisticated systems of exchange long before the United States existed.

The First Evidence of Exchange in Britain

English Heritage notes that goods and skills were probably being exchanged in prehistoric Britain from very early times, although little direct evidence survives. With the arrival of farming around 4000 BC, some of the earliest surviving traded objects include stone-headed axes. citeturn0search1

Stone axes made from distinctive materials travelled considerable distances. Axe stone from the Lake District, including Langdale, was distributed widely, while jade axe-heads originating in the Italian Alps have also been found in Britain. These discoveries demonstrate that people were moving valuable objects across substantial distances, although archaeology cannot tell us exactly whether every individual transaction was a simple one-for-one barter.

What Did People Exchange in Ancient Britain?

• Stone tools and axe-heads – essential for farming, woodworking and land clearance.
• Flint – including high-quality material from places such as Grime’s Graves in Norfolk.
• Metals – copper, tin, bronze and later iron became important commodities.
• Gold and jewellery – prestige objects could travel through long-distance networks.
• Amber – Bronze Age finds indicate links with the Baltic region.
• Pottery, salt and specialist goods – later communities exchanged products made in particular regions.
• Food, livestock and textiles – many important traded goods were perishable and therefore left little archaeological evidence.

By the later Iron Age, southern Britain had established trading links with areas including northern Gaul and Brittany. At Hengistbury Head in Dorset, archaeological evidence points to exchanges involving locally produced iron and imported goods such as pottery, glass, figs and wine. citeturn0search1turn0search2

Britain Moves Towards Money

Barter and exchange did not suddenly disappear when money arrived. Different systems existed alongside one another. British coins began appearing before the Roman conquest, with local coinages developing in southern and eastern Britain. English Heritage identifies coinage at Hengistbury Head as a new concept in Britain and notes that local tribes later produced their own gold and silver coins. citeturn0search1

After the Roman conquest in AD 43, the economy became increasingly money-based, particularly around towns, the army and long-distance trade. Roman military pay helped drive demand for a monetary economy, while British grain, animals, minerals, pottery, salt and other goods became part of a much larger imperial trading system. citeturn0search2turn0search3

Barter and Exchange in North America Before the United States

It is important to remember that the United States did not yet exist when Indigenous peoples developed these trading networks. Archaeological and historical research shows that exchange among Native American societies predates European contact. Trade could involve local markets, long-distance networks, diplomacy, gifting and reciprocal relationships—not simply the modern idea of swapping one object directly for another. citeturn0search10

What Was Exchanged?

The goods varied enormously between regions because North America contained many different environments and cultures.

• Animal furs and hides – important regional products, particularly in northern areas.
• Shells and shell beads – valuable for ornament, diplomacy and exchange.
• Food and agricultural products – communities exchanged products that were abundant locally for goods that were harder to obtain.
• Stone and tools – useful materials could travel far from their geological sources.
• Pottery and crafted objects – specialist production created items suitable for exchange.
• Tobacco and other regional commodities – later historical records document their importance in exchange.
• Clothing, beads and manufactured goods – these became particularly important in Indigenous-European trade after contact.

Wampum is a particularly interesting example. Shell beads were important in Indigenous societies for ceremonial, diplomatic and social purposes. Europeans later adopted wampum as a medium of exchange in some colonial settings, but the National Park Service stresses that wampum had meanings beyond simply being “money”. citeturn0search4turn0search6

Why Was Barter Useful?

Barter and other forms of exchange allowed communities to obtain things they lacked. A farming community could exchange surplus food for specialist tools; a coastal community could obtain inland resources; and communities could develop relationships through repeated exchange.

However, direct barter also had limitations. If one person had fish but wanted tools, the toolmaker had to want fish—or another arrangement had to be found. This problem encouraged people to use goods that were widely desired or relatively easy to measure and transfer. The Bank of England describes early exchange as involving both direct swapping and more complex systems using commodities and objects whose value could be accounted for by weight. citeturn0search0

What Happened When Money Was Introduced?

Money did not simply replace barter overnight. Instead, coins and other forms of money provided an additional way of measuring and settling transactions.

A coin could give a seller something that was easier to store, carry and reuse than many bulky goods. It also made it easier to state prices and pay people who did not necessarily want the goods being offered in exchange.

In Roman Britain, money became particularly important because the Roman army needed a reliable system for paying soldiers and purchasing supplies. Towns became centres for commercial activity, while goods and services could be exchanged through a developing monetary economy. citeturn0search2

Money Changed Trade, But Exchange Continued

The introduction of coins did not mean that people stopped exchanging goods, services or favours. Even in economies with coins, people continued to use credit, gifts, reciprocal arrangements and direct exchanges. The major change was that money provided a common unit through which very different goods and services could be valued.

From Axe Heads to Coins

The story of trade is therefore not simply a straight line from “barter” to “money”. Early people used whatever systems worked for their communities. Archaeological evidence from Britain shows long-distance movement of stone, metals, amber, gold and manufactured objects thousands of years ago. Indigenous North American societies likewise maintained extensive exchange networks before European colonisation. Eventually, coins and other forms of money became increasingly useful because they helped people measure value and settle transactions across larger and more complex economies.

A Fascinating Beginning to Everyday Shopping

Every time we buy something today, we are taking part in a system that has developed over thousands of years. The modern pound or dollar is very different from an ancient axe, shell bead, animal hide or metal object used in exchange, but the underlying human problem is familiar: how do we obtain something we need or want from someone who has it?

SEO Description: Discover how prehistoric people in Britain and Indigenous peoples of North America exchanged goods before money, what they traded, and how coins changed commerce.

SEO Keywords: barter before money, first barter UK, ancient British trade, prehistoric Britain trade, barter in America, Native American trade, Indigenous trade, history of money, first coins Britain, ancient exchange, wampum, Roman Britain economy.

Categories: History, British History, American History, Money & Trade

Tags: Barter, Trade, Money, History, Prehistoric Britain, Ancient Britain, Native American History, Indigenous Trade, Wampum, Roman Britain, Coins, Economics

Image credit: Ryan Du via Unsplash.

Sources: English Heritage, Bank of England, National Park Service and Cambridge University Press. Dates and interpretations are based on archaeological and historical evidence; individual prehistoric transactions cannot usually be reconstructed with certainty.

Sugar Soap and Bathing: An Important Difference

Sugar soap is a familiar product in British homes, but there is an important point to understand before putting it anywhere near a bath: traditional household sugar soap is a cleaning and decorating product, not a bathing soap. Products sold as sugar soap are commonly intended for removing grease, dirt and grime from walls, woodwork and other household surfaces, and for preparing surfaces before painting. They should be used according to their label instructions and should not be added to bath water unless the manufacturer specifically says the product is suitable for bathing.

Why Is Sugar Soap So Popular?

In the UK, sugar soap has become popular because it is an effective, inexpensive household cleaner. It is particularly well known among decorators because it can help remove dirt, grease and residue before painting. Current retail listings also show liquid sprays and concentrated versions being sold for household cleaning and decorating.

The name can be confusing because the product does not mean ordinary table sugar dissolved in water. It is a cleaning formulation, and the exact ingredients vary between products. Always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Can You Use Sugar Soap in a Bath?

No—not ordinary household/decorating sugar soap. It is not a bath product simply because it contains the words “sugar soap”. Using a household cleaning product on the skin could cause irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin.

If you are looking for a gentle bathing product, choose something specifically labelled as a body wash, bath soap, bath soak or bath salt. This is an important distinction when shopping.

What Are Epsom Salts?

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It has been used for generations in warm baths and foot soaks. Many people enjoy an Epsom salt bath as part of a relaxing evening or after exercise.

The evidence needs a little explanation. Warm water itself can be soothing, while claims that large amounts of magnesium are absorbed through the skin during an Epsom salt bath have not been firmly established by clinical research. There are no definitive studies demonstrating that enough magnesium is absorbed through the skin to correct a magnesium deficiency.

Why Do People Use Epsom Salts?

• Relaxation: A warm bath can provide a simple opportunity to unwind.
• After exercise: Many people use Epsom salts in a warm soak when their muscles feel tired or achy.
• A traditional bath ritual: The crystals dissolve in warm water and can make an ordinary bath feel more like a spa treatment.
• Simple self-care: A 10–15 minute bath can be an easy way to slow down at the end of a busy day.

These benefits should be viewed mainly as comfort and relaxation rather than a proven medical treatment. The temperature of the bath itself may contribute to comfort.

How to Have an Epsom Salt Bath

Choose a product labelled for bathing and follow its package directions. A commonly described approach is around 300g (about 1¼ cups) in a full warm bath, soaking for about 15 minutes, while making sure the water is not dangerously hot.

After bathing, gently dry your skin. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, stop using the product and consider a fragrance-free moisturiser.

Where Can You Buy Sugar Soap and Epsom Salts?

For household sugar soap, UK retailers such as Wilko currently list sugar-soap products, including trigger sprays and concentrated cleaners. Availability and prices can change, so check the product description and label before buying.

For a bath, look specifically for Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate labelled for bathing, rather than household sugar soap. Pharmacies, supermarkets, health-and-beauty retailers and online shops commonly stock bath salts.

Safety First

Do not drink Epsom salts as a “detox” treatment. Taking Epsom salt orally can cause significant diarrhoea and other problems. Epsom salt baths should also be avoided over severe skin inflammation, skin infections, open wounds or severe burns.

If you have kidney disease, are pregnant, take medicines that affect magnesium, or have a medical condition for which you are unsure about using bath salts, ask a healthcare professional before use.

The Simple Takeaway

Sugar soap is for cleaning; Epsom salts are a bath-soak product. The two should not be confused. Sugar soap remains popular because it is useful for household cleaning and decorating, while Epsom salts are popular as part of a relaxing bath routine. Choosing the correct product for the correct purpose is the safest approach.

SEO Description: Learn the difference between household sugar soap and bath products, why sugar soap is popular, and how Epsom salts are used in relaxing baths.

SEO Keywords: sugar soap, sugar soap UK, sugar soap uses, sugar soap bath, Epsom salts, Epsom salt bath, magnesium sulfate, bath salts, relaxing bath, UK bath products.

Categories: Health & Wellbeing, Home & Garden, Lifestyle

Tags: Sugar Soap, Epsom Salts, Bath, Bath Salts, Home Cleaning, Home Care, Wellbeing, Relaxation, Magnesium Sulfate, UK Shopping

Image credit: Forté Foundry via Unsplash.

Sources: Wilko product information; Cleveland Clinic guidance on Epsom salt and bathing. Product availability, prices and health guidance can change.

CES 2027 in Las Vegas is one of the world’s biggest technology gatherings, bringing together technology companies, start-ups, media, investors and industry professionals. If you are thinking of combining CES with a New Year’s trip to Las Vegas, there is plenty to see and do before and after the show.

When is CES 2027?

CES 2027 takes place in Las Vegas from January 6 to January 9, 2027. The main exhibits open Wednesday, January 6, and continue through Saturday, January 9. CES is held across major Las Vegas venues, with the show floor and programming spread across locations including the Las Vegas Convention Center, Venetian Expo and other connected event venues.

What can you expect at CES?

CES is focused on emerging technology and product innovation. Expect demonstrations and announcements covering areas such as artificial intelligence, smart homes, digital health, mobility and connected vehicles, gaming, displays, robotics, space technology, quantum computing and other consumer and business technologies.

It is a very large event, so comfortable shoes, a phone charger and a sensible daily plan are worthwhile. The official CES programme also provides planning tools, sessions, show-floor information and transport guidance.

How much are CES tickets?

CES 2027 is a trade-only event for people aged 18 or over who are affiliated with the consumer technology industry. You must provide appropriate industry or media credentials for registration.

• Standard Pass: $149 through November 30, 2026, then $349 from December 1 through January 9.
• Premium Pass: $1,450 through November 30, 2026, then $1,750 from December 1 through January 9.

The Standard Pass includes exhibit-floor access, keynotes, Great Minds sessions and selected conference sessions. The Premium Pass adds all conference sessions, all conference tracks, a pre-show planning webinar and partner programming. Prices and eligibility should be checked on the official CES registration page before booking.

Where should you stay?

Las Vegas has a huge range of hotels, from large Strip resorts to hotels away from the main resort corridor. For CES, location and transport are particularly important because the event covers several venues and the city becomes especially busy around the New Year period.

CES says its official hotel accommodation programme is handled by onPeak, and advises visitors to book early because rooms can sell out and rates can rise as January approaches. Avoid unofficial agents claiming to be the official CES housing provider.

If you want to enjoy the Strip as well as CES, staying close to the main Strip corridor can make restaurants, shows and sightseeing convenient. If your priority is getting to the convention venues quickly, compare the official CES hotel options and transport arrangements before choosing.

New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas

If you arrive for New Year’s Eve, Las Vegas becomes an enormous celebration. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reports that hundreds of thousands of people descend on the destination for New Year’s Eve, with fireworks, concerts, DJs, special dinners and parties across the city.

The Strip can become extremely busy and road closures are part of the celebrations, so plan your journey before the evening begins. Book restaurants and entertainment well ahead of time and allow considerably more travel time than usual.

What else can you do in Las Vegas?

• The Las Vegas Strip: Explore the resorts, themed hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment.
• Sphere: Look for an immersive show or experience during your visit.
• Fremont Street: Visit Downtown Las Vegas and experience the famous Fremont Street Experience.
• Shows and concerts: Las Vegas has an extensive programme of residencies, concerts, comedy and stage entertainment.
• Restaurants: From casual food halls to fine dining, there are choices for almost every budget.
• Grand Canyon: Consider a day trip if your schedule allows, although travel time should be planned carefully.
• Red Rock Canyon: A good option for visitors who want scenery and a break from the city.
• Hoover Dam: Another popular excursion from Las Vegas.

Planning a CES and New Year’s trip

A practical plan is to arrive before New Year’s Eve, enjoy the celebrations, then allow a few quieter days before CES begins. Because CES registration, hotels and New Year’s entertainment can all become more expensive or limited closer to the dates, early planning is sensible.

For CES registration, official accommodation information and the latest programme, always check the official CES website before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

SEO description: Plan a Las Vegas trip around CES 2027 and New Year’s Eve. Find CES dates, ticket prices, hotel advice, technology highlights and things to do in Las Vegas.

SEO keywords: CES 2027, CES Las Vegas, CES tickets, CES hotels, Las Vegas New Year’s Eve, Las Vegas travel, Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas technology show.

Image: Las Vegas photograph by Julian Paefgen via Unsplash.

Official links: CES 2027 | Visit Las Vegas