Latest news with #HappyMondays
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
North Wales and North West locations for DevaFest giveaway
With festival season just getting started, Deva Fest is giving people the chance to win £5,000 worth of tickets in a Deva Fest Giveaway, and it's happening in towns across the North West and North Wales. Deva Fest takes place from August 7-10, 2025 at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire and this year has an impressive line-up including Gloria Gaynor, The Fratellis, Happy Mondays, Matt Goss, and Sigala. With its blend of live music, free family entertainment and exceptional food and drink experiences Deva Fest is a festival that has something for everyone. 'This year Deva fest is bigger and better than it's ever been and this is our biggest giveaway ever, we're so excited to get out there and surprise some lucky festival-goers,' says festival organiser Phil Marston. OTHER NEWS 'Whether you're into live music, comedy, family fun or all of the above, Deva Fest this year is going to be unforgettable and now 10 people will get to experience it all for free.' Starting on Saturday the Deva Fest team will be hitting the road and hiding golden-ticket-style envelopes worth £500 each in 10 secret locations across the North West and North Wales. Clues to the locations will be released via Deva Fest's social media channels and those who crack the code first will be walking away with a £500 Deva Fest voucher to spend on tickets for themselves and their crew. Clue videos will drop on Deva Fest's Instagram, Facebook and TikTok starting on Saturday, May 31. Each video will hint at a mystery location where a golden envelope will be waiting. Be the first to find it – and the £500 Deva Fest voucher is yours – simple! The £5k giveaway will run until Wednesday, June 4 with two locations being revealed each day. With only 10 vouchers up for grabs, every second and every clue counts. Follow @DevaFest on social media and tag your festival crew to join the adventure. Clues as to where exactly the golden envelopes are hidden will be shared on Deva Fest's social media channels on the day so make sure to check them out to be in with a chance of winning one of these epic prizes.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis band member with world famous dad brutally replaced by American musician
Oasis band member with world famous dad brutally replaced by American musician Zak Starkey is the former drummer of Oasis but has also worked with The Who and Mantra of the Cosmos Zak Starkey as the touring drummer for The Who during a performance in Las Vegas in 2017 (Image: Getty Images ) The former drummer of Oasis, Zak Starkey, has voiced his disappointment at being excluded from the band's monumental reunion. Last August, brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher surprised fans by announcing they would reunite for the first time since their explosive split in 2009, with the landmark Oasis 2025 shows starting in Cardiff on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. Zak Starkey, who was a member of Oasis from 2004, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss his latest track with Mantra of the Cosmos, which features Bez and Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays and ex-Oasis bass guitarist Andy Bell. While on the news programme, Starkey discussed how Oasis member Noel Gallagher originally wrote the group's new single Domino Bones but then passed it on, suggesting the track was better suited to them. Noel had previously heaped praise on the group, likening them to "Dylan, Dalí and Ginsberg on a rocket ship to the moon to have it with the Clangers". As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Zak told presenter Ben Thompson about his surprise when he received the song from Noel, saying: "I was blown away by it - I couldn't believe it. "The greatest songwriter of my generation sending me a tune." The conversation naturally turned to Zak's thoughts on the eagerly awaited comeback tour, where he openly admitted to feeling "gutted" for not being asked to join the upcoming shows. He commented: "I texted them and said 'why am I not in it?' "You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don't you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that's what's happened and I'm alright with that." Noel and Liam Gallagher will embark on a huge reunion tour, 16 years after last performing together, this summer (Image: PA ) He went on to express his enthusiasm about the possibility of touring, telling the BBC: "God, yeah. "Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation." But this isn't Zak's only connection to music fame. Zak Richard Starkey is also the son of a famous drummer - none other than The Beatles' Ringo Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey. Zak was born in 1965 to Ringo and his first wife, Maureen Starkey (nee Cox). According to The Mirror, Zak had an illustrious childhood, growing up around major stars while enjoying private education and a home in a gated community in Surrey. He spent much of his younger days with The Who's original drummer, Keith Moon, who bought his first drum kit. Moon died in September 1978, with his position in the band filled by Kenney Jones. In 1996, Zak Starkey officially joined The Who during their Quadrophenia tour. As reported by NME, Starkey's departure from The Who has played out in recent months, with the precisionist appearing to publicly confirm that he had been let go, but guitarist Pete Townshend later denied it. In May, Townshend confirmed that Starkey was no longer with the band and added: "the time has come for a change". Meanwhile, it has been confirmed who will be joining the Gallagher brothers on their highly anticipated reunion tour. Zak Starkey's famous dad is none other than Ringo Starr, the drummer of The Beatles (Image: Getty Images ) Andy Bell, the bass player from Mantra of the Cosmos, confirmed recently that he would be joining the brothers on their reunion tour. Gem Archer and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs will be on guitar, while Christian Madden will be on keys, and the drummer has been confirmed as Joey Waronker. Waronker is an American drummer and has also worked with Beck, R.E.M. and the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. He is also a music producer and has collaborated with Tracy Chapman, Nelly Furtado, Paul McCartney and David Byrne, amongst others. Article continues below Oasis has a string of 17 UK dates lined up for the summer, as they kickstart the tour in Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday, July 4, with their second gig in the Welsh capital taking place on Saturday, July 5. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . The tour will also feature seven appearances at London's Wembley Stadium, and other highlights include performances at Manchester's Heaton Park.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
GAIL's bakery wins Deliveroo's top community champion award - amid 'gentrification' row and furious boycotts from hipster residents
GAIL's Bakery has won a prestigious award for its commitment to community engagement by a huge restaurant platform - as residents in trendy neighbourhoods are left up in arms over the stores opening in their areas. The upmarket bakery chain has been awarded Deliveroo's Heart of the Community gong in the Restaurant of the Year awards, celebrating its commitment to quality and community engagement. It comes as the upmarket bakery chain's rapid expansion has sparked boycotts and petitions throughout the UK, with many locals expressing concerns about the impact on independent businesses and the character of their communities. In November last year, GAIL's announced it would be opening a new branch in Primrose Hill and locals quickly defaced the shops hoardings with graffiti which said 'Fail's – Go Away'. Meanwhile residents of Walthamstow Village fumed when they found out the chain was opening on their high street in 2024. Locals claimed the branch was the 'ultimate sign of gentrification' and will see independent coffee shops lose trade. It led to hundreds of people signing a petition against the opening after the chain announced plans to open 35 new UK sites. Last year, the Heart of the Community accolade went to a local family-run cafe in Rushden, Northamptonshire, Happy Mondays. The judges, who included notable food critic Jimi Famurewa, were inspired by the cafe's community-first ethos, which included supporting local suppliers to serving fresh, locally sourced food and products, as well as fundraising for local charities and hosting markets and events for Rushden residents to enjoy. The independent café pipped Gail's to the post in 2024 and also fended off competition from Wingstop, GAIL's Bakery, and Zambrero Ireland. The Deliveroo Restaurant Awards' mission is to celebrate the best and most loved independent restaurants across the UK and Ireland. The website explained the reasoning behind awarding GAIL's the accolade this year. It read: 'GAIL's has supported local charities since it first originated, equating to over 99 charities in the past 18 years, namely through their partnership with Neighbourly, donating surplus food to over 400 local charities and organisations in their communities. 'This partnership goes back to what GAIL's is – a modern neighbourhood craft bakery, integrated into communities.' Despite the recent backlash, GAIL's continues to thrive, with plans to open additional branches in various locations. In the year to February 2024, it achieved a turnover of £232 million, up from £182 million the previous year, according to the most recent accounts it has filed at Companies House. Known for its artisanal pastries and upscale clientele, the bakery has even become synonymous with the so-called 'GAIL's effect' — the idea that a new branch signals rising house prices and accelerating gentrification in the area. This theory is backed up by Brandling-Harris, who owns the House Collective estate agency, and who has lived in Primrose Hill for 15 years. Speaking to Mail Online he said: 'GAIL's is good for the area, it's a community hub. It is really consistent – good sandwiches, good coffee. And, importantly, it has filled a void. This was an empty site before.' Many local residents, however, would have preferred to see an independent business open, rather than another outlet from a rapidly expanding chain. Primrose Hill critic, Cuitlahuac Turrent, told the Mail Online: 'It could destroy local neighbourhood bakeries with its bland, soulless food and atmosphere.' Another resident, Martha Swift, who owns Primrose Bakery which opened 20 years ago said: 'There are just so many GAIL's. There are five others within walking distance. She added: 'It is really tough to run an independent business on the high street at the moment – the cost of ingredients has gone through the roof, it's a nightmare. Then there's the price of electricity, plus the cost of business rates. You just can't pass on these costs to customers.' 'A chain like GAIL's can afford to lose money, whereas if you are an independent business you have to make a living.' This concern was so accurate that when GAIL's moved into Walthamstow last year, a petition garnered 1,800 signatures. 'It's about choosing inclusive growth, preserving diversity and creating equitable and sustainable local economies,' the petition claimed. Locals in the East London enclave spoke to MailOnline about their concerns as some fought to stop the upmarket bakery opening. Some business owners claimed local resistance was down to the firm's pro-Brexit and anti-lockdown chairman Luke Johnson, who called some eco activists 'alarmists'. There is an apparent feeling that Mr Johnson does not align with the politics of the area, which backed Remain in 2016 and has had a Labour MP for more than 30 years. Residents also feared GAIL's could put independents out of business, while others claimed that the plans were 'not great for coolness factor' and the chain was 'probably out of reach price-rise for a lot of the community'. Others pointed out that while they liked GAIL's and had visited other branches, they did not agree with it coming to Walthamstow and would instead support local firms. Resident Fanie, 30, painter, said: 'Gail's coming in, it's not great. The Gail-sification of London. That's why I don't want to live in Wanstead, I don't want to live in Leyton, I want to live somewhere with cool and interesting stuff - not stale pain au chocolate. Sorry, Gail's.' Misha, 35, human resources worker, said: ''I quite enjoy that there are local coffee shops here. I like Gail's, I would go there if it was here, but I do try and shop local if I can.' Dawn, 50, local resident, added: 'I think any new business in the area is great, but I think the concentration just on the village is disproportionate to the rest of Walthamstow. 'The gentrification of the area is fantastic, but I think it needs to be spread out and some of these bigger chains need to come and revive the high street and not just concentrate on the most affluent areas of the borough.' Meanwhile Gail's was also met with a new backlash for the same reason in Bath recently. Chief executive Tom Molnar has slammed claims the chain is ruining high streets, as they spread at a rate of a new shop every fortnight. Mr Molnar has insisted that he only ever wanted to give the customers choice. 'We build small sites so they are a part of a diverse high street, so whenever I build a Gail's I think what it would be like if I was a resident here,' he told The Times. 'I'd encourage people to look at what we're trying to do, rather than taglines. There's good independents and bad, and good chains and bad chains.' Gail's Bakery started as a single store in Hampstead, north London, and slowly began to spread across the capital before cherry picking new towns and cities to set up in. The chain now has more than 130 shops across Britain already and is seen by many as the successor to Waitrose, with plans now in place for new sites to be opened across Britain. Mail Online have reached out to Gail's Bakery and the Deliveroo Restaurants of the Year Awards for comment.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
90s 'Madchester' legend back on stage in Bolton as headline star of ball
One of Manchester's most iconic stars will be back on stage in Bolton to ensure everyone has a ball. Bez, of Happy Mondays fame, and a 90s 'Madchester' legend will be taking visitors back to the decade for the 'Bucket Hats and Ballgowns' ball at the annual Backup North West charity ball. The event will be held in the 1887 suite at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and it's sponsored by PCG, Product Care Group. It will take place on Friday, June 20, and tickets include a drinks reception, two course meal and entertainment from the man himself. They can be picked up now – with a standard ticket costing £100 and a VIP ticket costing £125. Bez will be headlining the Backup charity ball (Image: Backup North West) The charity ball is being organised by Backup North West – an organisation which helps young people who are experiencing homelessness. Tickets can be bought from their website here ( Maura Jackson, CEO of the Backup North West said: "Bucket hats and Ballgowns is the Backup charity ball not to be missed headlined by Bez of Happy Mondays and more, fame or infamy? "The event will be an evening of fabulous food, entertainment and music to take you back to that amazing era of iconic Manchester music of the early 90s and beyond. Tickets are on sale now." The night will raise much needed funds to prevent homeless and rough sleeping among young people across Bolton. Every year the charity organisers a glittering ball. Have a story? Get in touch at Backup, formerly Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, was set up in 1992 in partnership with Bolton Council and Irwell Valley Housing with one house in Daubhill. The charity operates a number of houses where young people aged 16-25 can stay if they are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Their supported accommodation includes emergency housing, temporary accommodation, short and medium stay supported housing. READ MORE: Bolton woman holding 24 hour Danceathon for 5th and final time READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers charity football day for Bolton Hospice READ MORE: Bolton Pride celebrates tenth anniversary this weekend They also have non-accommodation based support jobs" target="_blank">work focusing on mental health, employment support and more. Young people can live in more than one of their services to make progress and develop more independence before moving on completely. They have different services to meet different levels and ranges of needs.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Gutted' Oasis star texts Liam and Noel Gallagher after 'being axed' from reunion tour
'Gutted' Oasis star texts Liam and Noel Gallagher after 'being axed' from reunion tour Former Oasis member said he was 'gutted' to have been 'axed' from Liam and Noel Gallagher's upcoming reunion tour An Oasis star has been dropped from the line-up (Image: PA ) A former Oasis drummer has expressed his disappointment at being left out of the band's monumental reunion. Last August, Noel and Liam Gallagher stunned fans by announcing they would reunite for the first time since their explosive rift in 2009, with the landmark Oasis 2025 shows kicking off in Cardiff on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. Zak Starkey, who was part of Oasis from 2004, made an appearance on BBC Breakfast to talk up his latest track with Mantra of the Cosmos, which includes Bez and Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays and ex-Oasis bass guitarist Andy Bell. Son of Beatles icon Ringo Starr, Zak delved into how Oasis member Noel Gallagher originally penned the group's fresh single Domino Bones but then handed it over, suggesting the track better suited them. Noel had previously lavished praise on the group characterising them akin to "Dylan, Dalí and Ginsberg on a rocket ship to the moon to have it with the Clangers". Above all, Zak shared with presenter Ben Thompson just how astonished he was upon receiving the song from Noel, remarking: "I was blown away by it - I couldn't believe it. The greatest songwriter of my generation sending me a tune.", reports the Manchester Evening News. The conversation naturally veered towards Zak's thoughts on the eagerly anticipated comeback tour, where he candidly admitted to feeling "gutted" for not being enlisted to join the forthcoming shows. He remarked: "I texted them and said 'why am I not in it?' You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don't you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that's what's happened and I'm alright with that." He continued with enthusiasm about the possibility of touring, mentioning to the BBC: "God, yeah. Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation." Chris playing the drums (Image: Getty Images ) In related news, Andy Bell from Mantra of the Cosmos confirmed last week his participation in Liam and Noel's reunion tour. The bass player, who was part of Oasis from 1999 to 2009, expressed his excitement about reuniting with the band. The BBC Breakfast featured an interview with Zak where he discussed his tenure with The Who, for whom he has drummed since 1996. Recent headlines claimed he was sacked following a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in March, but during the interview, Zak cleared the air by saying: "I didn't leave, I never left. We did a gig and there's a song that's called The Song is Over that they've never played live. It's on Who's Next, which is their biggest record, and I suggested it." Zak detailed how The Who agreed to play 'The Song is Over' live, albeit with some hiccups. He recounted: "We played it at the gig and it went wrong. I'm not going to name names, but it went wrong. It went four bars wrong. "We stopped it again and it was all about the drums being too loud, but my drums are electric - if you stand in front of them, you can't hear them, they're just in my ears. The next thing I know I'm getting the sack." He added: "Sack the drummer.... everybody's called me. I posted something about it, and three days later I got my job back. Then two days later, I secretly didn't get my job back and it's all gone haywire since then. "I found out the other day I wasn't fired, I was retired because I was too busy but I've actually got nothing on besides this single - and half the band are in Oasis, half the band are in Happy Mondays so they can't work, I'm totally free." Oasis is set to perform an impressive 17 dates across the UK this summer, including seven shows at London's Wembley Stadium. The list also includes performances at Manchester's Heaton Park, Cardiff's Principality Stadium, among others. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . So far the cheapest date we've found is July 25 at Wembley, with the lowest cost tickets at £230. Meanwhile, the cheapest price for Cardiff Principality Stadium is July 5, at £290. If you're keen to conduct your own research on these resale websites, here are the links you need: Article continues below
