Latest news with #OVOArena
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The London neighbourhood that feels like a peaceful village - right next to a major stadium
Wembley Park is shaking off its old reputation as simply the heart of football. Now a vibrant residential neighbourhood with over 10,000 people calling it home, it was voted as one of the best places to live in London by The Sunday Times. This North-West spot blends urban buzz with calm green pockets, sleek rental apartments and unbeatable transport links. Once known mainly for its iconic venues - Wembley Stadium and the OVO Arena - the area has gone through a huge transformation. With pet-friendly homes, tree-lined streets, and its very own seven-acre park, it's now a destination in its own right - and people who live here have a lot to say about it. READ MORE: 'Desperate' ex-Tube driver who stole £123k from Barclays customers only has 65p in account READ MORE: Angry protesters slam closure of London park toilets - children using bushes instead Drishti Gokani, who is expecting her first child, said: 'Most locals love the area, including me. It's always lively, you get everything around.' For Drishti, Wembley Park's pocket parks and pet-friendly spaces stand out. She added: 'There's many green spaces... you have beautiful dog parks so it's really nice here. Amazing.' Green space is central to life in Wembley Park, from the peaceful Elvin Gardens to the fountains at Arena Square. Lisa Hanz, 18, who has lived in the area almost all her life, said: 'Right below my house there's a lake and lots of green areas, and they're all pretty clean.' Residents also consistently describe Wembley Park as safe. Zilzal Hussain, 22, who's lived here for two years, said: 'At night time it's peaceful. You can come out, sit anywhere… No problems at all.' Mateus Moura, 27, also says his fiancé goes out at night and feels safe at all times. However, he has noticed a recent rise in trespassers using private communal areas. Quintain Living is the rental company behind most of Wembley Park's managed buildings, currently overseeing seven developments with an eighth on the way. In an interview with MyLondon, they acknowledged Mateus' concerns. Nathan Wise, Leasing Director of Quintain Living, said: 'Unfortunately, we have some amazing amenities and people do want to partake in those... even though they're not our residents. So we encourage residents to know who should be around them and report anything unusual.' Nathan says safety remains a priority with CCTV throughout the buildings, a 24/7 team and regular patrols. He added: 'We have a relationship with Brent Council and the Metropolitan Police to ensure that we do everything to ensure safety the best we can.' It's not just people who feel looked after here - pets do too. All the buildings managed by Quintain Living are pet-friendly. Mateus said: 'We started having a dog because of just seeing so many people with pets around. The dog owner community is amazing here... you'll have pet sitters literally in every single building.' Transport is also a major win. Wembley Park station connects residents to Baker Street in 12 minutes and Liverpool Street in 29. Lisa said: 'It's really accessible, and most of the time we don't even need to leave the area, there's a lot of facilities on-site.' Wembley Park is packed with supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, gyms and high street essentials all within walking distance. The neighbourhood is also home to the London Designer Outlet, where over 100 shops offer discounts on major brands like Nike, Adidas and Calvin Klein. Itasha Arene, 25, a Master's student at Brunel University, said the proximity of shops make the area ideal. She said: 'All the stores are nearby so you need not to travel… and the community is so nice I want to stay here all the time.' Mateus agreed: 'You can do everything here in Wembley Park without needing to go to central London.' But while it's ideal for many, Mateus also noted: 'It feels like a very transitory place... people come and leave quite often.' Despite that, he added: 'It holds a special place in our heart though... We love Wembley Park.' What do locals think about having Wembley Stadium on their doorstep? The iconic stadium dominates the skyline - and opinions are mixed. Drishti admitted: 'Sometimes it bothers me, but we do have amazing security... it's not like it's every day so it's fine.' Mateus praised the way events are managed. He said: 'Noise is never an issue... these buildings are triple glazed. And Quintain seals off the residential area from people that are in the event.' For Zilzal, it's a love-hate situation. He said: 'I'm a big football fan, I love it and I hate it at the same time because of the fans... but other than that it's really great.' Lisa said the atmosphere actually adds to the area's charm. She added: 'I kind of like it. I like the busyness and the rush... you always know when there's an event.' Do you live in a neighbourhood you love and you think it deserves the spotlight? Email Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's Daily Newsletter HERE to get the biggest stories every day
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brian Eno announces one-off benefit concert in London to raise money for Palestine
Termed as a 'gathering of artists, musicians, and people for whom silence feels impossible', Brian Eno is teaming up with Together For Palestine to host a fundraiser for Palestinians. English musician, songwriter, and activist, Brian Eno has just announced a one-off fundraiser show at Wembley in support of the people of Palestine. Termed as a 'gathering of artists, musicians and people for whom silence feels impossible', Eno took to his social media pages to announce the one-off show called Together for Palestine. The show will take place on September 17 at OVO Arena Wembley and will see Eno donning the hat of an executive producer along with Khaled Ziada, Khalid Abdalla and Tracey Seaward. It comes after furious Bob Geldof issued a desperate plea on Sky News to save babies in Gaza. Captioning his post as 'a letter to artist friends', Eno explained why he is organising the event via a carousel of pictures with text, stating: 'I've had the good fortune to work with some of the world 's most remarkable artists for over 50 years. But one of my biggest regrets is that during that time so many of us have remained silent about Palestine. Often that silence has come from fear — real fear — that speaking out could provoke a backlash, close doors or end a career. 'But that's now changing – partly because some artists and activists have lit the path, but mostly because the truth of what's going on has become impossible to ignore.' Eno continued: 'What we are witnessing in Gaza isn't a mystery, and neither is it a blur of competing narratives making it 'hard to understand'. When dozens of non-partisan organisations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders describe it as genocide, the moral line is clear. We can't remain silent.' The musician then shared that he's helping to organise Together for Palestine, calling it 'a night of music, reflection and hope at Wembley Arena on 17th September.' 'My sincere belief is that this evening can become a moment of courage where artists come together to speak the truth in their hearts — which is what we trust artists to do. Whether on stage or by video from around the world, this is a chance for us to stand together and say: this can't continue.' The Spider and I singer also confirmed in his post: 'Every penny donated will go to Palestinian partners through Choose Love, a UK charity supporting local humanitarians in conflict zones. Together we can raise millions in urgently needed aid for families in Gaza.' For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. The With or Without You producer reinstated that beyond financial support, the show is about 'sending a message of love and solidarity to the people of Palestine — that they haven't been forgotten.' 'We see them, we hear them, and though we may be far away, we're deeply connected – as we are to all humanity,' Eno concluded. Brian Eno has consistently used his platform to support Palestine. Earlier this year, he urged Microsoft to cut ties with Israel and pledged to donate his fee from composing the Windows 95 chime to aid Palestine. In 2024, he called on the International Criminal Court to prosecute war crimes through an open letter addressed to the judges of the body. Eno previously participated in a benefit event for Palestine at London's Union Chapel in April, alongside Nadine Shah and Maxine Peake. Eno also collaborated with members of Fontaines D.C., R.E.M., and Bastille in reading letters from Palestinians in Gaza as part of the 'Voices For Gaza' initiative. More recently, he joined Kneecap, Fontaines D.C., Garbage, and others in publicly supporting a musicians' alliance led by Massive Attack, which speaks out against 'intimidations from within' the music industry towards those supporting Palestine. Further details about Together for Palestine — including the full line-up of artists — will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on sale at 10am BST on Monday, August 4. Visit the official site here for more information.
Leader Live
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Kneecap ‘banned from advertising' on London Underground
The group have been in the headlines since one of their members, who is due to appear in court next month, was accused of allegedly supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. On Thursday, in a social media post, they said: 'We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get… After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. The below poster has been rejected because: "it is likely to… — KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 10, 2025 'How petty can political policing and interference get… 'After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. 'The below poster has been rejected because: 'It is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication.' 'Speak out against genocide and they'll use every single angle they can to silence you.' The poster shows their logo, based on the balaclavas worn by paramilitaries during the Troubles, and reads: 'Kneecap. OVO Arena Wembley, London. Thurs 18th September '25.' This performance will be their first in the capital since they supported Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC at a sold out performance in Finsbury Park on July 5. In May, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024. Ahead of his first court date billboards appeared in London that said 'More Black, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara', referencing discriminatory signs placed in some boarding houses across the capital in the mid 20th century. O hAnnaidh, 27, and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters when they arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Musicians including Nadine Shah and Gurriers have said they will attend court to support the rap group when O hAnnaidh returns on August 20. The group performed at Glasgow's 02 on Tuesday, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds. They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow this weekend, but their set was axed after concerns raised by police. The musicians have repeatedly spoken out against the war in Gaza and performed to a sea of Palestinian flags during their set at Glastonbury Festival in June. The trio followed punk duo Bob Vylan on the West Holts stage, and both acts are being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police for comments made on stage. A TfL spokesperson said: 'All adverts submitted for display on our network are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 'Having given this very careful consideration, this advert was rejected as it was deemed that running it would likely cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public.'
North Wales Chronicle
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Kneecap ‘banned from advertising' on London Underground
The group have been in the headlines since one of their members, who is due to appear in court next month, was accused of allegedly supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. On Thursday, in a social media post, they said: 'We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get… After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. The below poster has been rejected because: "it is likely to… — KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 10, 2025 'How petty can political policing and interference get… 'After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. 'The below poster has been rejected because: 'It is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication.' 'Speak out against genocide and they'll use every single angle they can to silence you.' The poster shows their logo, based on the balaclavas worn by paramilitaries during the Troubles, and reads: 'Kneecap. OVO Arena Wembley, London. Thurs 18th September '25.' This performance will be their first in the capital since they supported Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC at a sold out performance in Finsbury Park on July 5. In May, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024. Ahead of his first court date billboards appeared in London that said 'More Black, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara', referencing discriminatory signs placed in some boarding houses across the capital in the mid 20th century. O hAnnaidh, 27, and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters when they arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Musicians including Nadine Shah and Gurriers have said they will attend court to support the rap group when O hAnnaidh returns on August 20. The group performed at Glasgow's 02 on Tuesday, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds. They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow this weekend, but their set was axed after concerns raised by police. The musicians have repeatedly spoken out against the war in Gaza and performed to a sea of Palestinian flags during their set at Glastonbury Festival in June. The trio followed punk duo Bob Vylan on the West Holts stage, and both acts are being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police for comments made on stage. A TfL spokesperson said: 'All adverts submitted for display on our network are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 'Having given this very careful consideration, this advert was rejected as it was deemed that running it would likely cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public.'
South Wales Guardian
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Kneecap ‘banned from advertising' on London Underground
The group have been in the headlines since one of their members, who is due to appear in court next month, was accused of allegedly supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. On Thursday, in a social media post, they said: 'We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. We've been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get… After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. The below poster has been rejected because: "it is likely to… — KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) July 10, 2025 'How petty can political policing and interference get… 'After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. 'The below poster has been rejected because: 'It is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication.' 'Speak out against genocide and they'll use every single angle they can to silence you.' The poster shows their logo, based on the balaclavas worn by paramilitaries during the Troubles, and reads: 'Kneecap. OVO Arena Wembley, London. Thurs 18th September '25.' This performance will be their first in the capital since they supported Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC at a sold out performance in Finsbury Park on July 5. In May, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024. Ahead of his first court date billboards appeared in London that said 'More Black, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara', referencing discriminatory signs placed in some boarding houses across the capital in the mid 20th century. O hAnnaidh, 27, and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters when they arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Musicians including Nadine Shah and Gurriers have said they will attend court to support the rap group when O hAnnaidh returns on August 20. The group performed at Glasgow's 02 on Tuesday, in a gig which sold out in 80 seconds. They were due to perform at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow this weekend, but their set was axed after concerns raised by police. The musicians have repeatedly spoken out against the war in Gaza and performed to a sea of Palestinian flags during their set at Glastonbury Festival in June. The trio followed punk duo Bob Vylan on the West Holts stage, and both acts are being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police for comments made on stage. A TfL spokesperson said: 'All adverts submitted for display on our network are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 'Having given this very careful consideration, this advert was rejected as it was deemed that running it would likely cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public.'
