Latest news with #ChesneyHawkes
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Butlin's Big Weekender unveils headliners for seven new dates of 'mayhem'
Butlin's is introducing seven brand-new Big Weekenders in 2025 and 2026 across all three resorts—Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness—and also offering a 20% discount off the adult-only breaks The biggest holiday park party weekend of the year is back and bigger than ever. Butlin's Big Weekenders is an event exclusively for adults that turns the three Butlin's holiday parks into a riot of music and drinking. The event is known for bringing the same kind of chaotic good vibes that Brits typically venture out to Magaluf or Zante in search of. "I went to a Skegness 80s one for my stag do (was 26). The best way I can describe it was freshers week (weekend) for people in their 40s and 50s who didn't go to uni. Just mayhem, really. At one point I was drinking rum and Coke out of a large sock whilst watching a band," one happy customer relayed on Reddit. Another fondly remembered: "I think on the whole we can all agree the crowd is very much the salt of the earth (myself included), however in all the times, I haven't seen even so much as an argument, never mind a fight. The whole setup is brilliant and everyone is just on their best, albeit their most unhinged behaviour. I'm a gay guy and I've been in fancy dress as a woman a couple of times - nothing but good vibes from every single person I met. No homophobia, nothing." Now Butlin's is introducing seven brand-new Big Weekenders in 2025 and 2026 across all three resorts—Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness—and also offering a 20% discount off the adult-only breaks. Many of them are themed and include weekends dedicated to the best electronic or funky 90s soul music and celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community and Mod culture. The Big Weekender features bands and DJs alongside a packed schedule of daytime and evening activities, such as pool parties and pop-up exhibitions. The ticket price includes three nights' accommodation. Here's what's coming up: 2025 Halloweekenders (Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, 3 – 31 October) from £53pp Classic decade-themed Big Weekenders across all three resorts are getting a spooky makeover this October, transforming into Halloweekenders. From £53pp, guests can choose from Ultimate 80s Thriller, 90s Reloaded Fright Nights, Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares or a monster mash-up of all these decades with Replay Time Warp Terror. Headline acts include Chesney Hawkes, Claire Richards and A1. DJ Spoony Presents UNDRGRND (Skegness, 7 – 10 November) from £96pp For the first time, DJ Spoony is heading to Skegness for 72 hours of clubbing heaven with his brand-new multi-genre break UNDRGRND, following the sell-out success of his A House Full of Garage Weekenders. From £96pp, committed clubbers will not only see the garage pioneer himself, but also David Rodigan, Majestic and radio DJs Rickie & Melvin, playing a mash up of R&B and Dancehall, House and Garage, and Jungle and Drum n Bass. Madness House of Fun Weekender (Minehead, 28 November – 1 December) from £205pp Returning to Minehead's Big Weekender line-up in 2025 is the House of Fun Weekender. From £205pp, fans will be treated to an incredible one-night-only performance by Madness, as well as performances from The Specials – Neville Staple, Aleighcia Scott, Janet Kay and over 20 other artists and DJs. There's also a jam-packed schedule of activities throughout the weekend, from diving headfirst into The Nutty Professors Pool Party, breaking a sweat at Reggae Aerobics or shouting 'BINGO' at Bangerz Bingo. 2026 My Generation Weekender (Minehead, 9 – 12 January) from £131pp Minehead will kick0start 2026 with a celebration of Mod culture in the form of the My Generation Weekender. The specially curated weekend for Mod fans will feature bands and DJs from the UK and international Modernist scene, including Ocean Colour Scene, Secret Affairs and The Dualers. Soul Power Weekender (Skegness, 16 – 18 January) from £114pp Celebrate the 'neo-soul' era of the early 90s with the Soul Power Weekender at Skegness. With a fusion of funk, R&B and acid jazz jams, defining artists of the soul scene, such as Trevor Nelson, Craig Charles and The Brand New Heavies, will be taking the stage throughout the weekend. Don't Tell Mama (Bognor Regis, 23 – 26 January) from £113pp The Bognor Regis resort will host a brand-new LGBTQ+ Big Weekender, Don't Tell Mama. The Weekender is dedicated to a community that knows how to party, and they'll be joined by Claire Richards and Louise Redknapp, drag icons Danny Beard and La Voix, plus a whole host of other artists and DJs. Bugged Out! (Bognor Regis, 6 – 9 March) from £133pp The legendary clubbing brand's Weekender boasts a line-up of the best DJs and artists in the electronic music space, including Daniel Avery, Emerald and Helena Hauff. They'll be blasting only the greatest electronic music, with acid house and techno for the energetic crowd and Balearic beats for those chasing a more chilled vibe. Before guests get ready for another unforgettable night, there's pool parties, pub quizzes, fairgrounds and so much more, to ensure the good vibes last all day.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol in Pictures: Love Saves the Day and Good Times
The starting gun has been fired for Bristol's festival season, with two big events in one Saves The Day, one of the largest events in the city, is in full swing at Ashton Court, while up in Chipping Sodbury, Good Times Live has brought some big names down to entertain ticket Hippodrome has been packed out this week as well, as fans flocked to see hit musical Chicago. Whatever the weather: Saturday may not have had the glorious sunshine of recent weeks but that didn't deter ticket holders at Love Saves The Day. The festival continues on Sunday with acts such as Groove Armada among plenty of others. The one and only: Chesney Hawkes was among the famous names who have played at Good Times Live at Chipping Sodbury. On Sunday it will be the turn of Will Young and Natalie Imbruglia to headline, while on Monday the comedy stage will host the likes of Katherine Ryan and Gary Delaney. Showtime: Hit musical Chicago has been entertaining audiences at the Bristol Hippodrome this week, ending its run on Saturday. Life is but a dream: It's been (mostly) a good week for getting out and about on the harbour. Flocking together: The right of commoners to graze animals on the Downs was kept safe for another few years when some sheep were taken to the well-used green space earlier this week. Special guests: The Project Zulu Choir has been appearing at various places across Bristol including here at Avon Valley Adventure Park, in a tour hosted by UWE. Making a stand: More than 150 young people from across the city created slogans against knife crime as part of an innovative project led by the University of Bristol in partnership with youth organisations and schools. The shirts went on display in the Lord Mayor's Chapel. Shipshape: Is there a better view of the SS Great Britain than from above on a sunny day?
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We're launching a search for Britain's best dad – find out how to enter and win £7k of prizes
DO you know someone who should be crowned Britain's best dad? To celebrate Father's Day on June 15, we are launching a search for the bravest, kindest or most devoted dad out there. Perhaps you know a real-life superhero who is always helping others, or maybe a superstar who has raised a fortune for charity. The one lucky winner will be showered with nearly £7,000 worth of fantastic prizes, including four tickets worth £1,000 in total to the star-studded Butlin's Big Weekender music festival this summer, where the headline acts include Chesney Hawkes, Blue and Billy Ocean. Safari tent On top of that, Britain's top pop will be spoiled rotten with a £500 relaxing trip to Celtic Manor hotel in Newport — with dinner, bed and breakfast for two and a round of golf all thrown in for good measure. We are also giving away a £700 stay in a luxury safari Tent at Lovat Parks in Cornwall or the New Forest. READ MORE ON DADS Also up for grabs are four tickets to the spooktacular Shocktober Fest, Europe's largest Scream Park held in Sussex this Halloween — worth £150 each. And there is a family set of four Micro Scooters to be won, worth £1,000, along with a £1,200 home technology upgrade from Netgear, £400 of fabulous Rock Face men's grooming products, a £149.99 top-of-the-range Instant Pot Grind and Brew coffee machine, family-sized multi-cooker worth £250, a brand new Char-Broil gas barbecue worth £665 and the Vax SpotWash Home pet and car cleaning kit, worth £220. To win the lot, tell us why your dad, or someone you love just like a father, deserves all these prizes! THIS IS WHAT YOU WIN 4 tickets to Butlins Big Weekender £1000 - Dinner, bed, breakfast and golf at Celtic Manor Hotel £500 - Safari Tent at Lovat Parks £700 - 4 tickets to Shocktober Fest £600 - 4 Micro Scooters £1000 - Netgear Orbi RBE870 £1200 - Rock Face products - £400 - Instant Pot Grind and Brew coffee machine - £400 - Instant Pot Multi Cooker - £250 - Char-Broil BBQ - £665 - Vax SpotWash Home pet and car cleaning kit - £220 - How to enter Email s Most read in Competitions Include your name, address and contact number together with a photo. Or fill in the form at The nominated dad must be based in the UK or Ireland. Competition closes at 6pm on Friday June 6. T&Cs apply.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Chesney Hawkes reveals the touching reason he finally went on Celebrity Big Brother after an 'incredibly tough time'
Chesney Hawkes has revealed he chose to go on Celebrity Big Brother after his best friend urged him to 'take life by the horns' before passing away the next day. The singer, 53, appeared on FUBAR Radio's showbiz programme Access All Areas, and got candid with hosts Bobby Norris and Ellen Coughlan. The One and Only hitmaker, who had previously turned down chances to go on the show, said: 'I'll be very honest, my best friend passed away earlier this year, and it's obviously [an] incredibly tough time for me. 'And I had a magical hour with him just before the day before he died, where he said, 'Obviously, life is short. ''I want you to just take life by the horns, smash it to pieces, say yes to the crazy s**t, and just to live out loud.' 'And he used all of those words and literally he died a day after that, and a week after that, I got approached by Big Brother.' In the episode, Chesney also gave his thoughts on the relationship between Jojo Siwa and Chris Hughes, with rumours of a romantic relationship between the two confirmed by snaps of the pair kissing in a pool this week. Chesney said he was close with the duo, and added that the pair were each other's support. He claimed that when contestant Mickey Rourke spoke inappropriately to JoJo, the former Love Island star was there for her. Mickey was eventually ousted from the Big Brother house for 'unacceptable behaviour'. Chesney added: 'Chris was there to support, and he was absolutely brilliant.' Chesney said that while on the show, he only ever saw a 'very sweet platonic relationship' between the pair, and that whatever was happening now was none of his business. He added: 'All I do know is they're very much part of each other's lives and I think they have a connection that is very special.' Later in the show, Chesney spoke about his kids' reaction to his sex party confession on the show: 'To be honest with you, I made a video just before I went in the Big Brother house completely naked. 'So they're just thinking, I'm having a, you know, midlife crisis.' In April Chesney's wife Krissy shared her side of the story after the singer claimed they had visited a 'sex club' together where she whipped him. The hitmaker admitted he was first whipped by a 'muscly guy in a thong', before claiming that his wife also had a turn. However, keen to dismiss any speculation that the married couple regularly visit sex clubs together, Krissy has now weighed in on the situation. 'It was a one-off spontaneous moment - not something we've got booked in the calendar regularly! For us, it's all about fun and spontaneity.' Chesney revealed the tawdry tale while taking part in The Big Fame Board Game during an episode. The stars took their minds off eviction by taking part in the challenge and putting their celebrity status to the test. Working in teams, they were tasked with their human playing piece around a board filled with tasks to complete, with the winning side promised exclusive access to Big Brother's VIP drinks reception later in the evening. Chesney had to lift the lid on some headline-grabbing information about himself, saying: 'I was once in a sex club and I was whipped in front of the whole club and there are photos to prove it.' A shocked Chris Hughes asks, 'Who was whipping you?' to which the One And Only hitmaker responds: 'A very muscly butch guy in a thong, followed by my wife.' He is then quizzed: 'Did you enjoy it?'
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
JoJo Siwa continues to gush over her bond with Chris Hughes as she shares sweet snaps of the pair and reflects on her happy memories
JoJo Siwa continued to gush over her close bond with Chris Hughes as she shared sweet snaps of the pair to Instagram on Sunday. American singer JoJo, 21, and the British TV personality, 32, struck up an incredibly close bond while appearing on Celebrity Big Brother together last month, with fans questioning whether their friendship was purely platonic. And weeks after leaving the famous house, JoJo proved her admiration for Chris is still as strong as ever as she mentioned him in a Q&A, while also commenting on her happy memories. When one fan asked what her favourite picture of the pair was, JoJo uploaded a snap of them hugging in the house, with another seeing them on a FaceTime call together. While another post saw her hint at her memories of their time together when asked what makes her happy. She said: 'So many things... but currently something that's not very typical. I love replaying things in my head over and over that make me happy!!!!' JoJo also told how she's missing the UK 'very much' as she shared a tearful video of her heading home following her stay. With another post showed JoJo practising her and Chris' dance to Dirty Dancing's (I've Had) The Time Of My Life song as she noted he'd yet to show up for rehearsals. JoJo also revealed how she would do Celebrity Big Brother all over again given the chance. It comes after Celebrity Big Brother's Chesney Hawkes shared an update on Chris and JoJo's 'sweet' bond, as he attended the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday. Fans have been sent into a frenzy over their connection as they are convinced they have a blossoming romance, after JoJo called time on her relationship with partner Kath Ebbs at the CBB wrap party last month. And now their fellow former housemate, Chesney spoke out on his thoughts on what happened during the house as he graced the red carpet on Sunday. He said: 'Their relationship is so sweet. They are just lovely. They supported each other throughout the whole time and I think for them they would both say that it would not have been the same without each other. 'And for us in the house it was just a sweet thing.' JoJo also told how she's missing the UK 'very much' as she shared a tearful video of her heading home following her stay When asked if he he thought it was platonic, he quipped: 'I do actually. I think it was completely platonic. She was always, you know, a proud gay girl - had a girlfriend, and you know, had a partner, sorry. 'And was very happy, and so, yeah, for me, they were just friends, you know.' When asked about what he thinks about their friendship since leaving the house, Chesney added: 'Listen, none of that is my business to be honest with you. 'They are friends of mine and I don't kind of want to get involved with whatever may have happened with JoJo and Kath.' JoJo and Chris have kept tongues wagging since they got out of the house, and on Saturday, the pair offered a new glimpse at their friendship in images shared on Snapchat. In an image shared during a Q&A, Chris revealed that he and JoJo perfected the Dirty Dancing lift they'd practiced while in the CBB house. Chris then went onto share a snap of himself and JoJo on FaceTime together, telling his followers they've 'kept in touch.' JoJo and Chris have kept viewers guessing over their relationship despite them clarifying during a This Morning appearance that they were 'just friends'. Many were left unconvinced, especially after Chris dropped out of appearing in the upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating . JoJo's latest appearance stoked the flames further when she failed to shut down a possibility of a romantic future when she appeared at Stanford Speakers Bureau for A Night with JoJo Siwa. Fans have been sent into a frenzy over their connection, with this fuelled further after JoJo called time on her relationship with Kath Ebbs at the CBB wrap party On Saturday, Chris shared a sweet snap from his friendship with JoJo, showing that they'd perfected the Dirty Dancing lift they'd practiced while in the CBB house Chris then went onto share a snap of himself and JoJo on FaceTime together, telling his followers they've 'kept in touch' JoJo has previously done little to quash mounting speculation about the status of her relationship with her Celebrity Big Brother co-star Chris Hughes after appearing on the show The Dance Moms star was asked how she sees the relationship progressing, to which she said: 'I mean look, we have the absolute most fun together and he is an absolute gem that's come into my life. JoJo's words were met with an abundance of 'awws' from the crowd and reacting to them, she said: 'Don't let him see this it will boost his ego!' She continued: 'Genuinely something I love about him so much is that he has zero ego, he's a really incredible sweet man. 'I told him this on the last night, maybe it wasn't the last night but sometime. I said you're a vital part of my life that I didn't know was missing.' 'But I'm happy that I don't have to anymore. So yeah he is an awesome guy and I think he will be around for a very long time.' As the crowd wolf whistled at her response, JoJo told them to grow up.
