Latest news with #GailPorter
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gail Porter and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy seem in good spirits as they attend Primrose Hill dog show in north London
Gail Porter and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy seemed in good spirits as they attended the Primrose Hill Summer Festival & Dog Show in north London on Sunday. The festival saw a host of dog owners descend upon Regents Park with their pets looking as cute as ever ready to be judged by a panel including former model Gail, 54. The TV personality wore some blue jeans teamed with a pair of Adidas trainers and a green bomber jacket for her day as a judge. Singer Matt, 46, who too donned a green bomber jacket for the occasion, was one of the many dog lovers vying to win the competition. Unfortunately for the Muse singer, his dog was not lucky enough to be placed in the top three. Matt was gracious in defeat nevertheless and posed for a picture with the competition's adorable winner - 13-year-old miniature schnauzer Arnie. As well as the dog show, the Regents Park festival featured a host of entertainment for attendees to enjoy. 'Celebrating all things Primrose Hill', the day saw a host of Londoners soak in the sun while enjoying live music, tea and cake, traditional fairground rides and a great selection of street food. All of the donations received by the dog show were used to support community programmes at St Mary's Church Primrose Hill. Gail's appearance as a judge at the show comes after she opened up about her 'special bond' with Prince William in an interview with The Mail on Sunday last month. The pair had bonded over a shared concern for the plight of the homeless, with Gail having been on the streets herself. The Prince of Wales and the Scot struck up a friendship last year when she was invited to Windsor to became an advocate for his charity, Homewards. Gail said: 'It took me by surprise when I got the letter with the royal seal. My first thought was what have I done wrong? The festival saw a host of dog owners descend upon Regents Park with their pets looking as cute as ever ready to be judged 'But it was signed by Prince William, and it said he'd like me to come and have a chat about his Homewards idea and how he's hoping to eradicate homelessness in the next few years.' Homeless charities have always been close to Gail's heart ever since she was declared bankrupt in 2017 and was forced to sleep rough and spend six months on friends' sofas and in their spare rooms. 'No one knew. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone I was homeless. It can happen to anyone, but I never thought it would happen to me,' added Gail, who began her career on Children's BBC Scotland, Top of the Pops, Children in Need and The Big Breakfast Desperate to help others in the same plight, Gail had no hesitation in rising to the occasion when she received William's letter. But when she met him for the first time to discuss the charity, she was unfazed by the imposing surroundings of Windsor Castle and the presence of royal courtiers and was her usual chatty, warm self. 'Everyone else was shaking William's hand but I just went in for a hug. When my friends saw it in the papers, they said, 'Oh my God, you didn't just do that!' 'But he's just another human and now he's used to me going in for a hug every time we meet. 'He must have known about my background and when I was leaving, he said, 'Is everything all right with you now?' And I said, 'Yeah, it's all right.' And he said, 'Okay, I'm glad.' 'We all need to feel we belong and that we are not nothing, and Prince William makes those connections. He really listens and is interested, and then he acts. He doesn't just nod sympathetically.' Homewards is a £500,000 five-year project funded by the Royal Foundation attempting to help homeless people find accommodation and employment.
Edinburgh Reporter
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
From queue anxiety to culinary delight – Edinburgh Street Food's comeback story
I'll admit it: when Edinburgh Street Food (ESF) first opened in February 2023, I ran in the opposite direction. The queues snaking out the door triggered my university canteen PTSD – that dreaded fear your preferred option would vanish before you reached the counter. Two years later, I'm eating my words (and much more) after giving this vibrant food hub another chance. Tasked with finding somewhere to accommodate an old Bass colleague from 35 years ago and his rugby-mad sons before a Six Nations match, ESF's location and diverse offerings made it the perfect choice. In fact, I've become something of a convert, visiting twice in just one week. My first return was purely accidental – playing tourist in my own city after the Tartan Day Parade left me famished. Despite the glorious weather drawing crowds to both their indoor and outdoor seating areas, I easily secured a spot. L-R Gail Porter who hosted the after party at the Usher Hall with Grand Marshal, Kyle Dawson President of National Tartan Day New York Committee, and the Rt Hon Lord Provost Robert Aldridge What struck me immediately was the welcoming atmosphere for solo diners. I found myself sharing a table with a young Australian traveller from Adelaide who had chosen noodles from Harajuka Kitchen. We struck up a delightful conversation that transformed a simple meal into a memorable half-hour exchange. Service runs with impressive efficiency under George, a familiar face in Edinburgh's hospitality scene, who expertly commands his energetic young team. The ordering system offers welcome flexibility – scan a QR code, flag down a blue-shirted server, or order directly from vendors. My positive experience prompted another pre-theatre visit before catching Moulin Rouge at the Playhouse. On a Tuesday evening, ESF hummed with energy without feeling overwhelming. This time I sampled those Harajuka's Stir-Fry Udon Noodles with Vegetables and Karage Chicken that had tempted me on my earlier visit, while my companion tackled Fred's Back Your Barbecue's gloriously messy Texas Whole Hog Sandwich and Fries with San Marzano Ketchup from Fat Patty's. The venue isn't just about everyday dining – it's becoming an events hub too. Their Eurovision party on Saturday promises European-inspired street food alongside cocktails and big-screen viewing of all those questionable performances and political voting patterns. They're even taking bookings for groups of 10+ specifically for this glitter-filled extravaganza. ESF's genius lies in accommodating diverse tastes within one location. My friends remain baffled by my pizza aversion, but here everyone finds something to satisfy their cravings. The new seasonal menu offers mouthwatering options like Street Food Sessions' Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef with Szechuan sauce and egg noodles, Bundits' Instagram-worthy Tornado Potato (a deep-fried spiral-cut whole potato on a skewer), and Antojitos' Crispy Enoki Tacos. For meat lovers, The Peruvian's Lomo Saltado – stir-fried steak strips, spring onions, tomatoes and coriander, served with chips and garlic rice had me hooked and satiated, while Fred's Backyard Barbecue Alabama White Sauce Chicken Drumsticks with just the right kick, and Street Food Sessions slow-roasted Char Sui Pork Belly in soy caramel glaze, both came a close second choice. Sweet tooths won't be disappointed with SoftCore's Sundae. I loved by Miso Caramel and choclate with honeycomb bits or you could go for a diabetic coma and try one of their very sticky, candy floss encased SoftCore's cones. Not for me but the kids around me seemed to be loving it. Whether you're catching a show at Edinburgh Playhouse, heading to Edinburgh Rugby, or simply seeking somewhere to enjoy sunshine and good food, Edinburgh Street Food deserves another look. I'm genuinely glad I set aside my initial queue-phobia and rediscovered this gem. In a city renowned for its culinary offerings, ESF has carved out a special niche – casual yet high-quality, bustling yet accessible. It's the perfect solution when dining with friends who can never agree on what to eat, or when flying solo and open to conversation with fellow food enthusiasts. So next time you're in the neighbourhood, do what I didn't do two years ago – look past any queues and dive into the vibrant world of Edinburgh Street Food. Trust me, this time it's worth the wait. Edinburgh Street Food, Leith Street (next to Omni), Edinburgh Like this: Like Related
STV News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Hundreds march in colourful costumes for Edinburgh's first Tartan Parade
Edinburgh hosted its first Tartan Parade on Saturday, with hundreds marching through the city to the sounds of swirling pipes and drums. Inspired by New York's famous Tartan Week, around 1,600 participants set off from the City Chambers in colourful costumes. They were led by TV star Gail Porter and Kyle Dawson, president of New York's Tartan Week, who began the march when the One O'Clock Gun sounded. Pipe bands from around the world and Highland dance troupes performed for the crowds as the parade made its way to Princes Street Gardens. Performers included Chinese lion and dragon dancers and Viking 'jarl squads' from Shetland. PA Media Viking 'jarl squads' from Shetland took part (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Media In the afternoon, a ceilidh took place at the Ross Bandstand. Lord provost Robert Aldridge welcomed marchers from the top of the Mercat Cross in the Royal Mile, as the city enjoyed a day of warm, sunny weather. He said: 'It's absolutely fantastic to see so many people gathered here on the Mile. 'What better way to celebrate the 900-year anniversary of our city than with the first Edinburgh Tartan Day Parade with the sun shining down on us.' New York hosts an annual parade as part of its Tartan Day celebrations, with Scottish pipe bands marching up Sixth Avenue. The inaugural Edinburgh parade was designed to 'celebrate the Scottish culture, foster community engagement, and commemorate Edinburgh's significant 900th anniversary as a city'. It is hoped it will become an annual event. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Live
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Hundreds line Edinburgh streets as Gail Porter leads first ever Tartan Parade
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp Hundreds took to the streets of Edinburgh on Saturday for the first Tartan Parade. Marching from City Chambers, Gail Porter led the parade through the city with around 1,600 participants. Kyle Dawson, president of New York's Tartan Week, was also at the helm. Pipe bands from around the world and Highland dance troupes performed for the crowds as the parade made its way to Princes Street Gardens, reports the Daily Record. Performers included Chinese lion and dragon dancers and Viking "jarl squads" from Shetland. In the afternoon, a ceilidh took place at the Ross Bandstand. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Lord provost Robert Aldridge welcomed marchers from the top of the Mercat Cross in the Royal Mile, as the city enjoyed a day of warm, sunny weather. He said: "It's absolutely fantastic to see so many people gathered here on the Mile. (Image: Jeff) "What better way to celebrate the 900-year anniversary of our city than with the first Edinburgh Tartan Day Parade with the sun shining down on us." New York hosts an annual parade as part of its Tartan Day celebrations, with Scottish pipe bands marching up Sixth Avenue. (Image: Jeff) The inaugural Edinburgh parade was designed to "celebrate the Scottish culture, foster community engagement, and commemorate Edinburgh's significant 900th anniversary as a city". It is hoped it will become an annual event.
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tartan Parade in Edinburgh as hundreds march in colourful costumes
Inspired by New York's famous Tartan Week, around 1,600 participants set off from the City Chambers in colourful costumes. Edinburgh hosted its first Tartan Parade on Saturday, with hundreds marching through the city to the sounds of swirling pipes and drums. Inspired by New York's famous Tartan Week, around 1,600 participants set off from the City Chambers in colourful costumes. They were led by TV star Gail Porter and Kyle Dawson, president of New York's Tartan Week, who began the march when the One O'Clock Gun sounded. Pipe bands from around the world and Highland dance troupes performed for the crowds as the parade made its way to Princes Street Gardens. Performers included Chinese lion and dragon dancers and Viking 'jarl squads' from Shetland. In the afternoon, a ceilidh took place at the Ross Bandstand. Lord provost Robert Aldridge welcomed marchers from the top of the Mercat Cross in the Royal Mile, as the city enjoyed a day of warm, sunny weather. He said: 'It's absolutely fantastic to see so many people gathered here on the Mile. 'What better way to celebrate the 900-year anniversary of our city than with the first Edinburgh Tartan Day Parade with the sun shining down on us.' New York hosts an annual parade as part of its Tartan Day celebrations, with Scottish pipe bands marching up Sixth Avenue. The inaugural Edinburgh parade was designed to 'celebrate the Scottish culture, foster community engagement, and commemorate Edinburgh's significant 900th anniversary as a city'. It is hoped it will become an annual event. More On Edinburgh
