Latest news with #Toploader
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bleary eyed students head home after Oxford University's prestigious £165-a-ticket Balliol College May Ball
Bleary-eyed Oxford University students were pictured making their way home from a May Ball in the early hours of this morning. Revellers donned ball gowns and bow ties as they ambled through the town's historic streets following the Star Crossed Lovers themed event at Balliol College. The night ran from 8pm until 4am when those who stayed to the end had a 'survivor's photo' before making their way home. One trio of stragglers were seen munching on sandwiches as they tried to refuel themselves for the journey back. Meanwhile, another group, including a man holding a croquet mallet, wheeled a wagon carrying crates of unused beer down the road. Others clutched their shoes as they tried to give their tired feet a rest while one woman hitched a ride on a friend's shoulders. Some chose to cycle home, with one cheerful pair beaming and waving at the camera as they pedaled away. Early on Saturday evening excited students wearing masquerade masks lined up along Broad Street in the city centre as they waited for the doors to open. The night's headliner was early 2000's band, Toploader known for hits like 'Dancing in the Moonlight'. Revellers donned ball gowns and bow ties as they ambled through the town's historic streets following the Star Crossed Lovers themed event at Balliol College. One trio of stragglers were pictured munching on sandwiches as they tried to refuel themselves for the journey back The lavish event boasted a silent disco, dancers and even a rave room pumping out techno into the surrounding streets. Drone footage captured what was happening behind the prestigious university's walls and showed the different stages and areas of the ball. In one aerial image the campus resembles a festival - with colorful strobes lighting up the courtyards. The sold out Balliol Ball had tickets that included food, drink and various games and music acts were available for Alumni students for £165. The college, which is the oldest in the city and founded in 1263, was where Boris Johnson and Rory Stewart studied. Various other Oxford Colleges also had their balls on the same evening, including Lady Margaret Hall where attendees were also seen making their way home at 5am. In recent months, some colleges from Cambridge have shunned the traditional May Ball for lesser garden parties or discos as prices spiraled and left many students unable to afford tickets. In February Robinson College announced it was going to scrap the extravagant bash - in favour of hosting a 'more accessible and inclusive' event instead. With entry to the previously annual Ball setting students back as much as £270, the institute opted for an 'alternative' event which it hopes will have more appeal. Early on Saturday evening excited students wearing masquerade masks lined up along Broad Street in the city centre as they waited for the doors to open The sold out Balliol Ball had tickets that included food, drink and various games and music acts available for Alumni students for £165 The night's headliner was early 2000's band, Toploader known for hits like 'Dancing in the Moonlight' Robinson College, which is Cambridge's newest college having been founded in 1977, will now hold a 'mega bop' in June in place of the May Ball. This new event will retain the original Ball's 'film noir' theme, but will see tickets made available to all Cambridge University undergraduates at much cheaper prices. It is believed that the May Ball has struggled in recent years to attract Cambridge students, with the lofty £270 ticket prices turning off many young people as they endure increased living costs. Ticket sales were in fact so poor in 2019 that the event was cancelled altogether. A statement on the Robinson May Ball committee's social media said that the decision had been made to cancel this year's event to 'ensure as many students as possible' can enjoy the college's new 'mega bop'.
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
VE Day viewers baffled after 90s one hit wonders perform for King Charles
Viewers have been left bewildered after a 90s band who are best known for their one hit song performed for King Charles at the VE Day concert. Yesterday evening, a live concert was performed from the iconic Horse Guards Parade in London to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allies winning World War II. Host Zoe Ball presented the gig as King Charles and Queen Camilla sat in the Royal Box alongside veterans. King Charles himself spent the evening next to 107-year-old bomber pilot Harry Richardson throughout the gig. But, after a series of Strictly Come Dancing performers took to the stage to accompany Fleur East's opening, fans were particularly baffled by the choice of one band. Taking to the stage at one point during the evening was 90s band Toploader, who are renowned for their tune Dancing in the Moonlight. Taking to X, fans were quick to question why they were selected as performers tonight. @gorgeousuk wrote: 'Oh and they ended with Toploader, of course, why not???!!! I was asleep by then, no honestly, I was…I like Dancing in the Moonlight, but what the hell had that song to do with VE Day, at all??? There were some v strange choices made for the VE Day performance.' @eastcoaststoat added: 'Trying to work out how toploader singing dancing in the moonlight fitted in with VE day.' @smeeho7 also said: 'Just watching the VE concert here on the national broadcaster. If anything sums up the sacrifice and communal legacy of VE, it's Toploader singing 'Dancing in the Moonlight'. William Beveridge would have been delighted.' @Mendelpol wrote: 'Toploader's dancing in the moonlight closing the VE Day concert.. because that's what everyone sang in 1945 of course. 'Honestly, all they ad to do for this concert, was basically the Proms.. maybe get Paul Macca out also.' However, not all viewers were angry with the decision to feature Toploader, as @simplysam1965 argued: 'Just watched Toploader singing Dancing in the Moonlight on the VE Day Concert. It was a lovely concert. A nice tribute #VEDay80.' Throughout the rest of the night, there were other performances from the likes of Samantha Banks, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings and Keala Settle. Alongside them, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Tom Walker and classical singer Sir Willard White also performed. Dame Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Sheila Hancock also spoke during the evening as actor Brian Cox delivered a reenactment of Winston Churchill's wartime speech. Before the live concert, the royal family were seen arriving at Westminster Abbey for the annual VE Day service with war veterans. More Trending London was filled with red, white and blue this week to mark the emotional moment 80 years ago when Germany surrendered and the Allies declared victory. King Charles greeted crowds outside Westminster Abbey in central London today as he attended the service with Queen Camilla, Prince and Princess of Wales, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, veterans and 2,000 guests. Charles was dressed in a pinstripe suit, while Kate donned a dotted turtleneck dress next to William, who wore a classic navy suit and red and blue tie. View More » VE Day is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: When is Eurovision 2025 final? Date, location and latest odds revealed MORE: 'We just went wild': how children celebrated cakes and peace on VE Day MORE: I'm proud to be British – and I'm not embarrassed to admit it
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Kate Middleton's heartfelt VE Day tribute as Kensington Palace shares new update
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the VE Day service at Westminster Abbey today with the King and Queen, where Kate offered a heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives in the Second World War as she left the ceremony. The Princess of Wales made a moving gesture at the end of a special service at Westminster Abbey commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. She and her husband, Prince William, joined the royal family - including the King and Queen - for the service of thanksgiving, held in honour of those who sacrificed to bring peace to Europe eight decades ago. A national two-minute silence was held before the simple ceremony, which was attended by veterans who played a role in defeating fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years. Following the service, all members of the royal family, including Kate, spent time speaking with veterans and their families as they exited the Abbey, the Mirror reports. Kate, who wore an Alexandra Rich dress and earrings that belonged to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, knelt down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she spoke to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair. While William was seen putting his hand on one veteran's shoulder as he chatted to the former serviceman, who stood to speak to the Prince and Princess of Wales. As per tradition, a young girl handed Kate a large colourful posy of flowers as she exited the building. However, in a touching gesture, rather than taking the flowers she placed the bouquet on the circular slate Innocent Victim's Memorial outside the Abbey on her departure - as did the Queen. The flowers were gathered the day prior from within the grounds of Windsor Castle and the surrounding area. The bouquet featured rosemary for remembrance, oak symbolising endurance and bluebells, which are traditionally associated with gratitude. This evening Kate and William both joined Charles and Camilla at Horse Guards parade for a special concert to mark VE day. The VE Day party was hosted by Zoe Ball and featured performances by The Darkness, Toploader and classical music singer Sir William White. As well as Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott and the Strictly Come Dancing professionals also took to the stage for a performance. Actor Timothy Spall opened the VE Day commemorations in London on Monday by reading extracts from then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech, originally delivered to the nation on May 8, 1945. Monday also saw a military procession and flypast in central London, as well as a street party held at Downing Street. Members of the royal family waved to thousands of people from the Buckingham Palace balcony when the Red Arrows flypast came there way. King Charles and Queen Camilla watched alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, Prince Louis, 7.
Edinburgh Live
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Toploader fans are just working out band name meaning amid VE Day performance
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 Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, commemorating eight decades since Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces, effectively ending the Second World War in Europe. The nation has been paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives with a series of events over the past four days, including fly-pasts, beacon lighting, and street parties. Earlier, members of the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, honoured the fallen at a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey. The day's tributes are set to conclude with a star-studded concert put on by the BBC at Horse Guards Parade in London this evening, featuring acts like The Darkness, Samantha Barks, Fleur East, and classical singer Sir Willard White. However, it's another act on the line-up that's sparked curiosity among some Brits, with many only now discovering the cheeky slang behind the name Toploader. The East Sussex band, formed in 1997 and famed for their 2000 hit cover of 'Dancing in the Moonlight', has an unexpected origin story for its name. "Today I learned that Toploader, best known for their cover of King Harvest's 'Dancing in the Moonlight', were named after a joint-rolling technique," confessed one person in a post on Reddit. They continued: "Toploading is when you (accidentally or by design) put too much of the weed up at the top of the joint, so the first person to smoke it gets a bigger hit than later users." In response, one individual admitted: "I thought it was after the washing machine!" Another confessed: "I always thought it was because of those old VHS players where the tape was loaded in the top... they were called top loaders." Similarly a third added: "I often wondered about this, concluding that naming a band after a style of video recorder would be laughable." Whilst a fourth Reddit user quipped: "Oh, so not named after storing their Pokémon more securely?". Hosted by Zoe Ball, the full line-up for the concert is as follows: Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings, Keala Settle and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker, and Sir Willard White. Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington are set to dazzle on stage adding to the atmosphere, meanwhile. The BBC adds online: "In addition to the musical performances, the concert will feature appearances from a raft of award-winning talent. Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock will lend their voices to the event, while acclaimed actor Brian Cox is set to perform a stirring rendition of Winston Churchill's famous wartime address." VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember airs on BBC One and iPlayer from 8pm tonight (May 8).
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kate's emotional VE Day tribute as Kensington Palace issues new update
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen for a moving VE Day service at Westminster Abbey today, with Kate paying a touching tribute to those who died in the Second World War as she left the ceremony The Princess of Wales made a moving gesture at the end of a special service at Westminster Abbey to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Kate and husband, Prince William, had joined the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, for the service of thanksgiving honouring the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe 80 years ago. A national two minutes silence was observed before the simple ceremony, and among the congregation were veterans of the conflict who helped to defeat fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years. At the end of the ceremony, all of the royals, including Kate, spent time with veterans and their families as they made their way out of the Abbey. The princess, in an Alexandra Rich dress and earrings that belonged to Princess Diana, crouched down to meet one woman, holding her hand as she chatted to the veteran, who was wearing medals and sat in her wheelchair. William was seen warmly placing his hand on one veteran's shoulder as he chatted to the former serviceman who stood to speak with the prince and Kate. Then, as is tradition, a young girl presented Kate with a posy of colourful flowers as she made her way out of the building. But in a moving tribute, she left the flowers at the large circular slate Innocent Victims' Memorial outside the abbey on departure, as did the Queen. The blooms were picked yesterday within the walls of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate. They included rosemary for remembrance, oak for endurance and bluebells, which traditionally represent gratitude. Kate's gesture comes as it has been revealed that both she and William will now join Charles and Camilla at Horse Guards Parade for a special concert tonight. The VE Day party, presented by Zoe Ball, will feature performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White. The likes of Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott and a host of other performers are also set to take to the stage, while the professionals of Strictly Come Dancing will also be performing. Actor Timothy Spall began VE Day commemorations in London on Monday by reading extracts of then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech to the nation on May 8 1945. Monday also saw a military procession and flypast in central London, as well as a street party held at Downing Street. Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary. Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm tonight will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours to celebrate. Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said. Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp!
