QLL Summer 2026 — Week 1

What number precedes ‘Nights’ in the title of the collection of Arabic folktales that introduce the characters of Aladdin and Sinbad?

One Thousand and One

How is Irish singer Ciara Thompson known professionally? Her 2025 Mercury Prize-nominated breakthrough album Euro-Country includes the singles Take a Sexy Picture of Me and When A Good Man Cries.

CMAT

Fighting Talk, Sports Report and the football phone-in 606 are regular programmes broadcast on which BBC radio station?

Radio 5 Live

Which country, the home of Toblerone and one of the world’s highest consumers of chocolate per capita, is the only country to border both France and Italy?

Switzerland

What was the surname of the German politician with the first name Walter who led East Germany from 1950 until he was replaced by Erich Honecker in 1971?

Ulbricht

Which chain of restaurants, specialising in peri-peri chicken, runs a loyalty programme where customers get one chilli stamp for every £7 spent?

Nando’s

In 1932, which American Nobel-prize-winning chemist and peace activist developed the first scale for accurately measuring the electronegativity of atoms?

Linus Pauling

In 2024, which Ukrainian athlete set a world record of 2.10 metres in the women’s high jump, surpassing a record which had stood since 1987?

Yaroslava Mahuchikh

The centre court arena at Queen’s Club in West London is named for which well- known Scottish tennis player, a two-time men’s Wimbledon champion?

Andy Murray

In the human body, which of the senses does the first cranial, or olfactory, nerve deal with? Damage to this nerve can cause anosmia.

Smell

Which Italian composer’s works include operatic adaptations of The Barber of Seville and Walter Scott’s narrative poem The Lady of the Lake?

Gioachino Rossini

Which major river features in Andreas Gursky’s photograph which was, from 2011 to 2022, the most expensive photograph ever, having sold for over $4.3 million?

Rhine

Named after a British queen consort, which Canadian provincial capital lies on its namesake harbour, on the northern shore of the Northumberland Strait?

Charlottetown

Which song by Bob Marley and the Wailers titles a 2024 biopic film about Marley’s life starring Kingsley Ben-Adir?

One Love

What is the six-letter name of the hourglass-shaped tool, commonly made of stainless steel, used by bartenders to measure spirits and other ingredients?

Jigger

Which of the New 7 Wonders of the World is a 21,000 km long series of fortifications built by dynasties including the Han and Ming? A popular urban legend holds that this structure can be seen from space.

Great Wall of China

Which Asian country’s flag features a representation of a kastane - a traditional single-edged ceremonial sword with a curved blade?

Sri Lanka

Which British actor’s credits include Danny Pink in Doctor Who and Mal, the titular character’s downstairs neighbour, in Amandaland?

Samuel Anderson

Located on St James’s Street, Lock & Co is London’s - and arguably the world’s - oldest shop selling which accessories?

Hats

What regnal name was shared by the kings of Britain who were on the throne in 1726, 1826 and 1926?

George

With 11 EuroLeague titles, which is the most successful men’s basketball team in Europe? It is part of a multi-sports club whose football team is based at the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid Baloncesto

Which planet in the Solar System, which is similar in size and mass to Earth and larger than Mars, orbits the Sun between Mercury and Earth?

Venus

What colour is the surname of the deep-voiced soul singer of You’re the First, the Last, My Everything and also the colour of flag that Dido sang about on a 2003 UK No. 2 single?

White

Lending its name to albums by U2, Songs of Innocence and of Experience is a collection of illustrated poems by which British poet, painter and printmaker?

William Blake

In May, Green Party politician Zoë Garbett was elected mayor of which London borough, which includes the districts of Stamford Hill, Hoxton and Clapton?

Hackney

Known for its security, which brand of bicycle lock shares its name with the substance which, in its green form, is fatal to Superman?

Kryptonite

In the life cycle of salmon, what six-letter name is given to the stage after hatching when the fish rests on gravel and feeds from its yolk sac? Once the sac is absorbed, the fish, now known as a fry, begins to swim freely.

Alevin

Appearing on The Independent’s Pride List 2026, which curler skippered Great Britain’s men’s team to a second successive Olympic silver medal this year?

Bruce Mouat

In a series of books by Michael Bond, which fictional bear takes up residence with the Brown family at 32 Windsor Gardens, London?

Paddington

Written by David Bowie, what was the signature song of English rock band Mott the Hoople? Reaching No. 3 in the UK in 1972, it was their highest charting hit.

All the Young Dudes

In the 2010s, which Mexican filmmaker, who gained prominence with the third Harry Potter film, won Best Director Oscars for both Gravity and Roma?

Alfonso Cuarón

For what does the letter ‘R’ stand in the name of the measure of inflation commonly abbreviated as RPI? Half time – question order changes

Retail

Named after a Hanoverian prince, which Canadian provincial capital lies on the Saint John River, 130km north of where it flows into the Bay of Fundy?

Fredricton

Which Whitney Houston single titles a 2022 biopic film about the singer’s life starring Naomi Ackie?

I Wanna Dance With Somebody

What is the seven-letter name of the bartender’s tool, similar to a pestle, used to mash fruit, herbs and spices at the bottom of a glass to release their flavour?

Muddler

Which of the New 7 Wonders of the World is a marble mausoleum in northern India? One urban legend holds that the emperor who commissioned it ordered its architects to be blinded so they may never create anything more beautiful.

Taj Mahal

The Glasgow velodrome built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is named for which well-known Scottish cyclist, a six-time Olympic gold medallist?

Chris Hoy

In the human body, movements of which muscular organ, crucial to one of the senses, are controlled by the twelfth cranial, or hypoglossal, nerve?

Tongue

Which Italian composer’s works include operatic adaptations of Walter Scott’s novels Kenilworth and The Bride of Lammermoor?

Gaetano Donizetti

Which New York building is the feature of Edward Steichen’s photograph which sold for $11.8 million in 2022, making it the second-most expensive photograph of all time?

The Flatiron

What was the surname of the German diplomat with the first name Walter who served as the first president of the European Commission from 1958 to ‘67?

Hallstein

Giving customers a stamp for every £12 spent, Soul Club is the loyalty programme of which chain of restaurants that specialise in pan-Asian cuisine such as ramen, served in a casual setting?

Wagamama

Which Swedish scientist, a founder of modern chemistry and the discoverer of cerium and selenium, first coined the term ‘electronegativity’ in 1811?

Jöns Jacob Berzelius

Born in Ukraine, who is the world record holder in the women’s long jump? Set in 1988, her mark of 7.52 metres is one of the longest-standing records in athletics.

Galina Christyakova

According to the title of one of the most famous folktales in One Thousand and One Nights, how many thieves does Ali Baba encounter?

Forty

What is the stage name of 20-year-old American singer Shane Boose, who recorded the 2025 breakthrough album I Barely Know Her? He has enjoyed four UK top ten hits including the singles Back to Friends and Homewrecker.

Sombr

Choral Evensong and Composer of the Week are regular programmes broadcast on which BBC radio station that focuses on classical music?

Radio 3

Which country, the home of pilsner lager and the world’s highest consumer of beer per capita, is the only country to border both Germany and Poland?

Czech Republic / Czechia

In a series of books by P L Travers, which fictional nanny takes up residence with the Banks family at 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London?

Mary Poppins

Which song, written by Paul McCartney, gave Welsh rock band Badfinger their highest charting hit? It reached No. 4 in the UK, and the US Top 10, in 1970.

Come and Get It

In the 2010s, which Mexican filmmaker, known for his ‘Trilogy of Death’, won back-to-back Best Director Oscars for Birdman and The Revenant?

Alejandro González Iñárritu

For what does the letter ‘C’ stand in the name of the measure of inflation commonly abbreviated as CPI?

Consumer

In May, Green Party politician Liam Shrivastava was elected mayor of which London borough, which includes the districts of Deptford, Sydenham and Catford?

Lewisham

Known for its durability and security, which brand of luggage is named for the Biblical strongman who was betrayed by his lover Delilah?

Samsonite

In the life cycle of salmon, what name is given to the stage following fry when the juvenile fish develops dark markings on its sides? It remains in this stage for up to three years, before transitioning to a smolt.

Parr

Appearing on The Independent’s Pride List 2026, which Welsh professional boxer successfully defended her unified world welterweight title in April this year?

Lauren Price

With 13 EHF Champions League titles, which is the most successful men’s handball team in Europe? It is part of a multi-sports club whose football team is based at the Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona Handbol

Which planet in the Solar System, which is similar in size and mass to Neptune, orbits the Sun between Saturn and Neptune?

Uranus

What colour links the soul singer whose signature track is Let’s Stay Together and the door which Shakin’ Stevens sang about on his 1981 UK No. 1 single?

Green

Which British writer’s works include Crash, High-Rise and the short story collection Myths of the Near Future - the latter lending its name to an album by the Klaxons?

J G Ballard

Which Asian country’s national emblem and flag feature a representation of a khanjar - a traditional dagger with a short, curved blade that resembles a hook?

Oman

Which Irish actor, who featured in Derry Girls and This Is Going to Hurt, plays Anne, the much put-upon friend of Amanda, in both Motherland and Amandaland?

Philippa Dunne

Located on New Oxford Street, James Smith & Sons is London’s - and one of the world’s - oldest shops selling walking sticks and which other accessories?

Umbrellas

What regnal name was shared by the kings of England who were on the throne in 1226, 1426 and 1526?

Henry

Actress Anne Dudek has twice played sitcom characters who were dumped on their birthday. The first occurrence was when she played Precious in which sitcom that ran from 1994 to 2004? Mike Hannigan breaks up with her to continue his relationship with Phoebe Buffay.

Friends

Which English runner is the reigning Olympic women’s champion in the 800 metres? She set an indoor world record in this distance at a 2026 meeting in Liévin.

Keely Hodgkinson

Who has been the MP for Wigan since 2010 and served as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport since 2024?

Lisa Nandy

Bauxite is the primary ore of which metal?

Aluminium

In 2006, Avid Technology acquired which scorewriting software, founded in 1993 by Ben and Jonathan Finn, which allows musicians to compose, create, edit, and print music scores, as well as play it back using synthesised sounds?

Avid Sibelius

Religions love things coming in threes. The Holy Trinity of what major world religion consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (or Ghost)?

Christianity (accept specific denominations)

What is the southernmost London Underground station? Ironically, it is on the Northern Line.

Morden

Succeeding Gabriella Hearst in 2023, who is the current Creative Director of Chloé?

Chemena Kamali

Which restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark, was ranked as the Best Restaurant in the World five times between 2010 and 2021 by Restaurant magazine? This restaurant focuses on foraging and invention in New Nordic cuisine.

Noma

What is the second-tallest mountain in Africa? It shares its name with the country in which it is located, whose capital is Nairobi.

Mount Kenya

Simone Biles and Nadia Comenaci are two of the most decorated athletes in which sport? British stars of this sport include Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock.

(Artistic) Gymnastics

Played by Alexandre Rodrigues, which character who dreams of becoming a photographer is the protagonist and narrator of the 2002 Brazilian crime film City of God?

Rocket / Buscapé (accept either)

What is the SI unit of pressure? It shares its name with the forename of a one- capped French international footballer, who played for Wigan, Spurs, and Sunderland in the Premier League.

Pascal (Chimbonda)

During the Scramble for Africa, which European country established colonies in modern-day Ethiopia and Libya?

Italy

Which American photographer and photojournalist worked for Vogue during World War II, and covered events including the Blitz and the Liberation of Paris? She is the title character portrayed by Kate Winslet in a 2023 film.

Lee Miller (prompt on 'Lee', the title of the film)

One of the most recognisable soprano arias in opera, Der Hölle Rache is an aria sung by, and more commonly named for, which character in Mozart’s The Magic Flute?

Queen of the Night

The first person to document microscopic movements in muscle fibres and bacteria, which Dutch scientist is often known as the Father of Microbiology?

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

The 1591 Battle of Tondibi resulted in the collapse of which West African empire, whose first ruler was Sonni Ali?

Songhai Empire

Which British novelist is best known as the creator of Bridget Jones, publishing Bridget Jones’s Diary in 1996?

Helen Fielding

We learn how to spell the word ‘Respect’ in the chorus of the song Respect, written by Otis Redding but most popularly performed by which American singer, dubbed the Queen of Soul?

Aretha Franklin

0800 11 11 is the phone number for which service, founded by Esther Rantzen, and run by the NSPCC since their 2006 merger? It is a free advice service for young people in the UK.

Childline

Most US states are divided into counties. What name is instead used in Louisiana for its political subdivisions?

Parishes

Which racing track plays host to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix?

Suzuka International Racing Course

Who was the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar, doing so in 2009 for The Hurt Locker?

Kathryn Bigelow

Eleanora Fagan was the birth name of which legendary jazz singer, who was given her most famous nickname by her friend and musical partner, saxophonist Lester Young? She is well known for her rendition of the protest song Strange Fruit.

Billie Holiday

A 1620 painting by Artemisia Gentileschi [jenti-LES-ki] depicts which Biblical woman beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes [ho-lo-FUR-knees]?

Judith

Which stock market index serves as the primary indicator of overall market performance in Hong Kong?

Hang Seng Index

What word precedes ‘Sally’ in the name of a classic rhythm and blues song recorded by Wilson Pickett in 1966? This is a free-roaming horse of the American West, descended from horses brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors.

Mustang

Which Japanese manga series, also adapted into an anime, follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy with the physical qualities of rubber, as he leads his pirate crew, the Straw Hats, in search of the legendary treasure that gives the series its name?

One Piece

Which left arm slow bowler has taken the second-most Test wickets for Sri Lanka, after Muttiah Muralitharan, with 433? He played for Sri Lanka from 1999 to 2018.

Rangana Herath (accept HMRK Herath)

Which man founded the People’s Republic of China, and ruled it from its foundation in 1949 until his death in 1976? This man wrote a ‘Little Red Book’ and his portrait overlooks Tiananmen Square.

Mao Zedong

Name either of the planets in our solar system without a moon. Half time – question order changes

Mercury or Venus

What is the SI derived unit of inductance? Though pronounced differently, it shares its name with the surname of a French international footballer who played for teams including Monaco, Juventus and Barcelona, and who is regarded as one of the greatest Premier League players in history.

Henry (Thierry Henry)

During the Scramble for Africa, which European country established colonies in modern-day Togo and Namibia?

Germany

The 32 year old Florence Owens Thompson is the titular Migrant Mother in a 1936 photo taken by which photographer, one of the iconic images of the Great Depression?

Dorothea Lange

When I am laid in earth is the closing soprano aria of which 17th-century English opera?

Dido and Aeneas