Latest news with #HenleyFestival
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vernon Kay hits back at 'freebie' backlash after attending several Oasis gigs
Vernon Kay owned up to using his credit card to pay for two expensive purchases that had social media users fuming Vernon Kay has been criticised following an action-packed weekend, as the star made a recent admission about his social life. But fans have shrugged off the criticism, rallying around the presenter to show their support. The BBC Radio 2 star was among the first to witness Liam and Noel Gallagher reunite on stage for the inaugural gig of their Oasis Live '25 tour in Cardiff earlier this month. Not content with just one performance, the Bolton-born star made his way to Manchester to catch Oasis ' comeback at Heaton Park, attending both gigs on Friday (July 11) and Saturday (July 12). Vernon shared a clip from Liam and Noel's first homecoming concert on Instagram, where he was seen donning sunglasses and a New York Cosmos shirt, belting out the lyrics to "Live Forever." He captioned the video: "Manchester! Day1. @oasis The excellence continues! Bravo!!" However, some followers questioned how he managed to secure tickets to multiple shows in the comments of his post. Social media user @lfcarbz queried: "How did Vernon get so many tickets? Cardiff now Manchester!" to which Vernon responded: "Paid for them!!" User @alanthomas1965 also commented: "A lot of people couldn't get tickets for 1 gig you've managed 2 I wonder how that is," prompting Vernon to admit: "Smashed the credit card, Alan!" On Saturday (July 12), Vernon updated his Instagram again, revealing he had stayed in Manchester over the weekend to enjoy the Henley Festival. Donning a crisp white shirt, dickie bow and sunglasses for the event, he enjoyed performances by club legends Hacienda Classical, fronted by Graeme Park. Vernon shared a clip from the concert on social media, exclaiming: "@fac51thehaciendaofficial @graemepark What a superb night @henleyfestival!! B2B Manchester icons in two days! "(And for those who are gonna get the wet wipes out, our dear friend Mr. Park who we've admired since '89! ! Sorted us out!) Rave on Brothers and Sisters!! Nothing but [heart emojis]." Vernon has since posted an update showing how he spent his latest weekend, which included a trip to Wimbledon with his eldest daughter, Phoebe. In his post, the ex-Family Fortunes host wrote: "Well what a weekend! "Not dusted off the cobwebs like that in a long time!! @oasis @fac51thehaciendaofficial classical with @graemepark and @wimbledon with @champagnelanson. Back garden and the new lawnmower await!!" Fans were quick to express their enthusiasm. Social media user @ commented: "Who cares if he bought a ticket or not? Being a Celebrity comes with benefits." While @janetjeans said: "You deserve it!," and @hayley_mc76 remarked: "Good on you Vernon, enjoy the gardening." User @ responded: "LOVED seeing your action packed weekend." Another fan, @rubyeyelashes added: "Glad you enjoyed everything that's what it's about! And a new lawnmower!! Get in!" Meanwhile, @maxiflamingo cheered on: "Good for you Vernon! If you get the chance, go for it!! You still got time to plant beetroots!" @andreacassidy7 chimed in with enthusiasm: "Flipping love it! We only have one life!!"
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Diana Ross, 81, looks ethereal in custom-made flowing white gown as Motown legend opens the Henley Festival
Diana Ross looked ethereal as she kicked off this year's Henley Festival with a performance on Wednesday evening. The American icon, 81, had been booked to grace the stage at the British festival after performing a series of dates across the UK on her own tour earlier this month. And Diana proved age is just a number as she put on an incredible show featuring some of her greatest Motown records including Stop! In the Name of Love, Chain Reaction and I'm Coming Out. The Detroit-born songstress initially took to the stage in a sensational white dress as she performed in front of thousands of adoring fans. She later changed into an eye-catching glitzy black number, while flailing an extravagant golden cloak around with her on-stage. Diana kicked off her British tour on June 22 at Birmingham 's BP Pulse Live before performing a further five shows, finishing at London's 02 arena last week. Ahead of the tour Diana revealed she was planning a host of dazzling outfit changes in order to wow fans. All of the gowns she's worn on tour, including the two Diana donned at this week's Henley Festival, have been custom-made for the singer, who has personally designed each one with the help of a seamstress. She too collaborated with the designer on the eye-catching gown she wore at the Met Gala earlier this year, which paid tribute to her children. The American singer has eight grandchildren and five children, including her daughter Rhonda, 53, who often travels with her on tour. Diana looked sensational in the floor-grazing white gown complete with a feather-boa-trimmed cape on the evening, which marked her first appearance at the event in 20 years. Determined to pay homage to all her children and grandchildren on fashion's biggest night of the year, Diana had all their names sewn onto the glamorous gown. 'My son Evan and a young designer, Ugo Mozie, and I collaborated on the gown and cloak that I wore, we wanted something meaningful,' she explained. 'The 18-foot train stretches across generations with the names of my adult children and grandchildren beautifully embroidered on it, it's beaded and has crystals— the details celebrate my family and our love.' In a later interview with The Mirror, the 81-year-old gushed about the importance of family. 'My family is really my greatest joy and blessing,' she said. 'Rhonda travels with me on tour. My five children really take care of their mum.' Diana shares Rhonda with Motown legend Berry Geordy, with the pair welcoming her in 1971. Later that same year, she married her first husband, music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, and they had two more daughters: Tracee, 52, and Chudney, 49. She split from Robert in 1977 and went on to marry Norwegian mountaineer Arne Naess Jr. in 1986. The former couple welcomed sons Ross, 37, and Evan, 36. Born in Detroit's Brewster-Douglass Housing Project, America's first federally funded housing for African Americans, Diana was one of six children and grew up singing at family parties and in a Baptist church gospel choir. But her life changed forever when she met Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson in early 1959. The three girls, along with Betty McGlown, formed The Primettes, an all-girl singing group. The trio auditioned for the fledgling Motown label, and in January 1961, they were eventually signed as The Supremes. By 1965, they had racked up five consecutive number-one hits with popular tunes such as Baby Love and Stop! In the Name of Love. However, in 1967, the band's name changed to Diana Ross and The Supremes before she went solo three years later.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Henley Festival 2025: What you need to know
Motown legend Diana Ross is set to headline the opening night of this year's Henley black-tie music and arts festival takes place on the riverside in Henley on Thames over five Ross will perform at the event's Floating Stage on Wednesday, along with McFly and Rick Astley later in the festival, based on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border, was first held in 1982. It attracts about 25,000 people each year. Now aged 81, Ross started her career at Motown in the 1960s, achieving stardom with The Supremes, on hits like Baby Love, Stop! In The Name Of Love and You Keep Me Hanging split from the group in 1970 and went on to score more than 50 UK chart hits, including Upside Down, Endless Love and Chain performers on the Henley line-up include comedians Ed Byrne and Alistair McGowan, while Mel Giedroyc is set to perform her first DJ festival's charitable initiative aimed at nurturing upcoming talent - Rise - continues, with local acts White Lakes and Conor McLain Festival made headlines in 2022 when former prime minister Theresa May was spotted enjoying Craig David's set on the day her successor Boris Johnson resigned. Who are this year's Henley Festival headliners? Wednesday 9 July – Diana RossThursday 10 July – McFlyFriday 11 July - Rick AstleySaturday 12 July - Hacienda ClassicalSunday 13 July - Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullam Getting to Henley Festival The concert is staged at Henley Bridge. The post code is RG9 2LY, a 15-minute walk from the town nearest train station is Henley-on-Thames, which has links to London (1 hour) and Reading (20 minutes). The festival entrance is a 10-minute walk from the is pre-bookable parking available on you want to arrive by boat, limited moorings within the Henley Festival enclosure are available to Visit Henley website can help plan your stay and journey by public transport. When do the gates open and what can I bring? Gates open at 17:00 BST with the shows ending at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, 01:00 on Friday and Saturday and 23:30 on are three bookable restaurants as well as a variety of street-food-style concessions. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food and drink into the festival sarnies and pork pies are more your thing - bring your deck chairs and rugs as picnics can be enjoyed in the car park throughout the festival. What should I wear? The event is billed as the UK's only all-black tie festival. So it is strictly posh clobber only - dinner jackets and bow ties, long or short evening dresses, formal lounge suits and smart jumpsuits are all allowed. Turn up in denim, leather or casual clothing or trainers and you will be jogging home. Accessibility issues Festival goers with disabilities can apply for a free ticket for a care Badge parking is available and much of the site and audience areas have wheelchair ramps. Contact the event organisers for specific details. What is the Henley weather looking like? The festival starts just as the UK's third heatwave of the summer is forecast to arrive later this heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, for regions including London the South East and South West, from Wednesday until 15 the advice on coping with the sun - slap on the sun cream, drink plenty of water and wear a the BBC website to check the weather forecast for Henley for the latest on each day of the festival You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
