Latest news with #VIPevent
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Obama to host London event - here's how much tickets cost
Barack Obama is taking the stage in London this fall and offering guests the opportunity to say hello and share a drink. But the meet-and-greet with the former president will set you back a pretty penny, with tickets costing as much as $2,430 (£1,790). The 63-year-old's An Evening With President Barack Obama event will come to London's O2 Arena on September 24. Four VIP packages are currently available event organizer Seat Unique's website, ranging from $671 (£495) to more than $1,214 (£895) depending on the selected ticket package. The $1,214 dining package is nearly sold out with only six tickets remaining. It includes a four-course meal at the Gaucho steakhouse, a glass of champagne, a seat in the first ten rows at the O2, access to the Seat Unique Club afterparty, and a copy of Obama's book. General admission seats for the event, without all the bells and whistles of premium packages, are available for $172 (£127) each, according to Ticketmaster. A top tier VIP option, which according to the Evening Standard is only sold in pairs, will offer guests an opportunity to pose for a photo with Obama, subject to security clearance. The package is understood to be more expensive than the dining package, with the newspaper suggesting it will cost at least $2,430. However, the Daily Mail could not independently verify that price as these tickets appear to have already sold out. The cheapest hospitality package, titled the premium ticket, costs $671 per ticket and offers guests guaranteed premium seating, priority access to the arena, a welcome drink at the Seat Unique Club, post-show access to the club and a copy of Obama's new book. Two other hospitality packages - the Seventh Row and Seat Unique Club packages -cost $745 (£549) and $1,800 (£795), respectively. Tickets went on sale Thursday, with organizers having reportedly set aside 100 seats for charitable organizations. It is unclear if Obama, worth an estimated $70 million, will be donating any of the profits or ticket sales to charity or if he and Seat Unique will be pocketing the funds. Daily Mail has approached Seat Unique for further information. The event will see the president be interviewed by British-Nigerian historian David Olusoga. Obama is expected to speak about his experiences as a two-term US president and his thoughts on the future of the nation. The event organizers, in a statement to the Standard , said they are 'incredibly honored to bring President Obama to the UK'. 'His message of unity and progress resonates deeply, and we anticipate an evening that will inspire and empower all who attend,' the statement said. 'We believe in providing exceptional experiences, and this event perfectly aligns with our mission to connect people with inspiring moments.' Obama is a highly regarded speaker and in 2022 won an Emmy for best narrator for his work on the Netflix docuseries Our Great National Parks. He also previously won a Grammy for his audiobook reading of both his memoirs. But Obama's high-dollar prices are arguably a bit steep, with the top level ticket costing more than double what London-based Beyoncé fans paid to see her Cowboy Carter Tour last month.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Outrageous Barack Obama meet-and-greet cash grab as $70m ex-president hosts London event
Barack Obama is taking the stage in London this fall and offering guests the opportunity to say hello and share a drink. But the meet-and-greet with the former president will set you back a pretty penny, with tickets costing as much as $2,430 (£1,790). The 63-year-old's An Evening With President Barack Obama event will come to London's O2 Arena on September 24. Four VIP packages are currently available event organizer Seat Unique's website, ranging from $671 (£495) to more than $1,214 (£895) depending on the selected ticket package. The $1,214 dining package is nearly sold out with only six tickets remaining. It includes a four-course meal at the Gaucho steakhouse, a glass of champagne, a seat in the first ten rows at the O2, access to the Seat Unique Club afterparty, and a copy of Obama's book. General admission seats for the event, with out all the bells and whistles of premium packages, are available for $172 (£127) each, according to Ticketmaster. A top tier VIP option, which according to the Evening Standard is only sold in pairs, will offer guests an opportunity to pose for a photo with Obama, subject to security clearance. The package is understood to be more expensive than the dining package, with the newspaper suggesting it will cost at least $2,430. However, the Daily Mail could not independently verify that price as these tickets appear to have already sold out. The cheapest hospitality package, titled the premium ticket, costs $671 per ticket and offers guests guaranteed premium seating, priority access to the arena, a welcome drink at the Seat Unique Club, post-show access to the club and a copy of Obama's new book. Two other hospitality packages - the Seventh Row and Seat Unique Club packages -cost $745 (£549) and $1,800 (£795), respectively. Tickets went on sale Thursday, with organizers having reportedly set aside 100 seats for charitable organizations. It is unclear if Obama, worth an estimated $70 million, will be donating any of the profits or ticket sales to charity or if he and Seat Unique will be pocketing the funds. Daily Mail has approached Seat Unique for further information. The event will see the president be interviewed by British-Nigerian historian David Olusoga. Obama is expected to speak about his experiences as a two-term US president and his thoughts on the future of the nation. The event organizers, in a statement to the Standard, said they are 'incredibly honored to bring President Obama to the UK'. 'His message of unity and progress resonates deeply, and we anticipate an evening that will inspire and empower all who attend,' the statement said. 'We believe in providing exceptional experiences, and this event perfectly aligns with our mission to connect people with inspiring moments.' Obama is a highly regarded speaker and in 2022 won an Emmy for best narrator for his work on the Netflix docuseries Our Great National Parks. He also previously won a Grammy for his audiobook reading of both his memoirs. But Obama's high-dollar prices are arguably a bit steep, with the top level ticket costing more than double what London-based Beyoncé fans paid to see her Cowboy Carter Tour last month But Obama's high-dollar prices are arguably a bit steep, with the top level ticket costing more than double what London-based Beyoncé fans paid to see her Cowboy Carter Tour last month. VIP tickets for the president's event are also more than twice the cost of premium tickets to some of the UK's most anticipated including the Oasis reunion tour, which is current underway, and Taylor Swift 's Eras Tour last year - both of which sold out.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Church that will feature in Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venice wedding is covered in SCAFFOLDING - with locals speculating whether the couple knew it was currently being repaired
The historic venue that multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos has chosen for part of his $20 million Venice wedding with Lauren Sanchez is covered in scaffolding, MailOnline can reveal. The lavish three-day event will feature a party held within the fabulous 15th Century Madonna dell Orto church in Venice's quaint Cannargio district tomorrow night. In preparation, security guards have now blocked off entrances to the closure where the party will be held but what guests will first see when they arrive is the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding. This has left locals speculating that Bezos may have booked the venue based on seeing pictures on Google without realising it is being repaired. The revelation comes just a day after MailOnline revealed how a careless wedding-organiser had unwittingly leaked sensitive details of the VIP event to the media by being photographed carrying a printed guest list. Meanwhile the fact that the huge wedding is taking place in one of the world's most vulnerable heritage sites has become so controversial that it is being angrily discussed in Italian parliament. This controversy intensified overnight as council chiefs ordered the blocking off the canal running in front of the church for around 200 metres with a landing point for boats closed off with red and white tape. Access from the Brazzo and Dei Muti canals blocked as well from 6pm tonight - when the wedding festivities kick off with a pyjama party at a secret location - until midnight tomorrow. Dozens of electrical cables, threading along the ground like spaghetti, are being run from a noisy generator boat moored in the Madonna dell Orto canal which is creating a noisy din. The venue for the party is the cloister next door to the church – which is where the famous Renaissance artist Tintoretto is buried. The website for the cloister describes the venue – which is used for the famous Biennale art exhibition in Venice – describes the colonnade as 'simple and yet elegant'. Pictures from previous events show tables beneath the vaulted ceilings, atmospherically lit by candlelight– but this week the scaffolding on the church tower will be clearly visible. The cloister extends to three sides and is supported on ornate columns with a beautiful herringbone floor. When MailOnline approached a guard and asked if the cloister was open, we were told: 'No, it's closed, there is a private function.' Extra police and added safety measures have been brought in for the wedding – and local authorities have been holding a series of daily meetings to discuss how to protect the expected 200 VIPs. According to local media reports, the city will pay overtime to an unspecified number of police officers involved in security for the wedding organisers. When guests first arrive, they will see the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding This has left locals speculating that Bezos may have booked the venue based on seeing pictures on Google without realising it is currently being repaired Among the assorted billionaires and millionaires on the guest list, there is also Ivanka Trump, who as the US president's daughter has an extra added level of security. All of this has prompted questions in parliament from furious MPs - mostly from opposition centre left and environmental parties - wanting to know just how much Italian tax payers' money was being spent. Angelo Bonelli, an MP with the Italian Green and Left Alliance angrily demanded that Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi from the ruling Brothers of Italy right wing party provide cost details. Mr Bonelli said: 'We need information because from Wednesday until Saturday night the city of Venice will be in a virtual lockdown to allow the Amazon magnate's wedding to go ahead. 'It will be locked down, but it will also be a city bought for three days in a sort of unbridled celebration of luxury that will limit the movement of citizens. 'I am here to ask the Ministry of the Interior to guarantee the freedom to express dissent. How is it possible to buy a city for three days creating a series of inconveniences?' He added: 'I remember that Amazon is under investigation for the exploitation of workers, Bezos' wealth comes from this. If they can buy Venice for three days, these super rich can pay taxes.' Bonelli's request was echoed by opposition M5S deputy Antonio Iaria who said: 'We too, as the Five Star Movement, ask Piantedosi for information. The fact that the huge wedding is taking place in one of the world's most vulnerable heritage sites has become so controversial that it is being angrily discussed in Italian parliament 'In the Senate as M5S we also proposed an increase in the web tax not to go against a sector but to address a problem of the future. 'This government immediately bows to billionaires, it does not ask itself if in a historical moment like this a public order problem is not created. 'The government shows that Venice must not be a playground for billionaires, tourism is welcome but not to those who rent a city to the detriment of the citizens themselves.' He added: 'Bezos is getting married. Venice is blocked. And how much does it cost the Italian State? 'We asked Interior Minister Piantedosi. We pay, certainly for security, for public order, to lock down an entire city and protect a cover wedding. 'But how much does all this cost Italy? Who guarantees security? Who coordinates traffic? 'Who manages the inconveniences for citizens and workers? The answer is always the same: the public machine, with public money. 'And in exchange? Selfies and luxury, while those struggling to pay the rent watch from afar.' Campaign group No Space For Bezos have already said they plan to disrupt the wedding by blocking canals and have asked activists to 'turn up with snorkels and masks', They have also been encouraged to bring inflatable crocodiles or other toys to scatter along the canals to impede the dozens of water taxis hired to ferry guests between venues. Ruling Brothers of Italy MP Salvatore Caiata hit back and said:'We do not agree that Piantedosi should report to the Chamber on this topic also because the Minister of the Interior is not a wedding planner, we cannot ask that the government come to report to the Chamber on every topic, it is paradoxical that every situation is used to exploit.' No-one from the organisers or Venice town hall who cover the local police budget was immediately available for comment.
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Freddy Brazier, 20, is seen for the first time since revealing he is going to rehab as he arrives at star-studded Jurassic World event
Freddy Brazier appeared in high spirits as he attended a VIP launch event for Jurassic World: The Experience at Neon, located at Battersea Power Station, on Saturday - just days after revealing he is heading to rehab in Marbella. The 20-year-old son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody told fans on Friday that he has been addicted to 'smoking' from the age of 12 and will be heading for treatment soon. Despite the personal challenges ahead, Freddy looked upbeat as he arrived at the venue with a wide smile. He bundled up for the outing in a Louis Vuitton black monogram denim jacket, which retails for over £2,000. He paired the designer piece with a plain black T-shirt and beige linen drawstring trousers. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Completing the look, he wore casual beige trainers as he posed in front of a towering dinosaur statue. The event drew a star-studded crowd, including presenter Fearne Cotton, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Made in Chelsea's Louise Thompson. They were among the first to explore the jaw-dropping, fully immersive adventure, which brings one of cinema's biggest blockbuster franchises to life. Also spotted at the launch were Gladiators stars Matt Morsia 'Legend' and Karenjeet Kaur Bains 'Athena', strolling beneath a towering Brachiosaurus, while Boris and his family enjoyed the genetic lab and met baby dinosaurs. Rachel Riley and her husband Pasha Kovalev were seen digging in the fossil pit before a close encounter with a Velociraptor. Created by NEON, a global leader in producing experiential entertainment, Jurassic World: The Experience is the inaugural experience at the new NEON at Battersea Power Station visitor space located next to the iconic London landmark. Returning to London due to overwhelming demand, the experience is the first of many planned at the new space. Visitors can walk among prehistoric giants and encounter a variety of species across two floors of curated immersive environments. Now open for a limited time, the attraction coincides with the upcoming release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, set to hit cinemas this July. Earlier this week, Freddy was pictured out with his dad Jeff, 46, as they visited a barbershop near their home in Essex, in photos obtained by The Sun. Freddy kept it casual in a grey tracksuit, while Jeff wore a grey zip-up jacket and navy trousers. Freddy's public appearance follows his recent admission that he is entering rehab and his candid remarks about wanting to rebuild a healthy relationship with his father after a family rift. In an honest admission on Friday, he wrote on social media that he wants to turn his life around and find better coping mechanisms after finding 'someone he wants to get to know'. The news comes just days after Freddy enjoyed a first date with controversial influencer Tasha Newcombe, 22, at Glasshouse Terrace in London Bridge. Freddy wrote on his Stories: 'I've decided that I will be cutting down And I want to go to Rehab In Marbs as I feel if I'm in England I won't take getting clean seriously. 'I've been smoking from the age of 12 and it's time to stop it was a bad coping mechanism that turnt into an addiction something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and some what ok. 'I've found a rehabilitation centre and a boxing club I've found someone I want to get to know and I'm happy I got a good bunch of friends and I get out and enjoy myself. 'I want to be clean so I can life happily and have healthy relationships with people and be there for all of my family rather then feeling like I'm in the middle and have to choose a side.' He continued: 'I haven't been able to feel love properly as I have never loved myself and it starts now I want to play football and take up boxing I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father.' Freddy's new love interest Tasha hit headlines herself last summer when she, then 21, became romantically involved with 16-year-old Marko Vituk, from Maidstone. But it appears she has moved on from GCSE-age Marko as she and Freddy sipped on champagne before going bowling at Roxy Ball Room for their first date on Thursday - on what would have been his mum Jade's 44th birthday. Celebrity Race Across the World star Freddy lost his mother when he was just four years old after she died from cervical cancer in 2009, and has since been raised by his dad Jeff. It comes after Freddy and his maternal grandmother Jackiey Budden were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad's legal war to block contact. He was seen puffing with his gran, 68, in front of tourists near Tower Bridge in South London, after Mail On Sunday revealed Freddy had been living with his maternal grandmother for a week. MailOnline has contacted Bobby and Jackiey's reps for comment. Jackiey and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years, and it was revealed last month the TV star is taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother, 'to keep him safe'. Mail On Sunday revealed that Freddy, who was restricted from seeing Jackiey by his dad after he filed court paperwork, spent a week at her home in Bermondsey, after reuniting despite his father's efforts to keep his son away. Family friends say the duo remain 'extremely close,' explaining: 'Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long – they've always had a strong bond. 'Jeff may hate her for all sorts of reasons going back many years, but Freddy loves her very much. 'They had a great time together, playing with her dog and catching up at her flat – where he has often stayed over the years. Freddy then shared a now-deleted TikTok post about his mental health, featuring personal photos of himself with his brother Bobby and late mum Jade, alongside a series of captions about his state of mind. The video, set to the heartbreaking audio of Ricky Gervais ' character expressing his sadness in a scene from his Netflix show After Life, Freddy's video included statements from the audio which included: ''I feel sad all the time. I'm not the person I was!' 'I lost most of me and all the good stuff, all the happiness enjoying, I feel like I'm nothing you know?' 'People think I'm sort of OK you know? Like, I'm getting on with it, I'm snarky now and get, and this is a lapse. But it's not! This is me all the time now. I'm not well but I remember what it was like to be normal so I do an impression of that.' 'But this is what I really am and I want to be normal again. But I'm weak you know?' Captioning his post, Freddy penned: 'As a man, I bottle up my emotions and hide my feelings away. I rarely let them out to play. Feelings are being felt and thoughts are being heard and played out.' He then asked his male followers how they were mentally and urged them to speak out about how they felt and what was 'hurting them'. His post was met with a plethora of supportive messages from fans. Freddy also reportedly skipped his brother Bobby's birthday bash amid his feud with dad Jeff over his relationship with grandmother Jackiey. EastEnders star Bobby turned 22 on June 2, and while other loved ones including his father and step-mum Kate were present, his sibling was noticeably absent. Despite Freddy acknowledging the birthday online, it is said that there was 'sadness' felt by the family that Freddy wasn't there to celebrate in person. A source told The Sun: 'It was a really nice family occasion but everyone really missed Freddy. 'He was of course invited but he is making his feelings quite clear at the moment about who he wants to be spending time with.' They added: 'He did acknowledge that Bobby's birthday online but there was some sadness that he wasn't there with his brother.' In March Freddy revealed he has been diagnosed as bipolar in a candid video about his 'serious' mental health. The Race Across The World star discussed his struggles with bipolar and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a TikTok post filmed for No Cause, No Cure, Epilepsy Awareness. Bipolar causes unusual and often sudden changes in mood and energy levels, while ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Are you struggling with addiction? Talk to Frank on 0300 1236600
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Tourism Lethbridge holds event for frontline tourism staff for second year
Tourism Lethbridge took the day Wednesday to celebrate the frontline workers that serve the city's tourism industry with a VIP event held for a second year.
