Wilderness Festival 2012

Last weekend I went to the idyllic Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire to enjoy the  funshine at Wilderness.  Organised by the team behind the Secret Garden Party and Lovebox, the two-year old festival is distinctly original and unlike any other I have been to.

With an emphasis on ‘feasting, lounging and partying,’ Wilderness attracts a diverse, family-friendly crowd (there were as many beer-hungry ravers as there were milk-hungry babies) as it combines music, food, talks, debates, outdoor pursuits and late-night parties in equal measure.

With a beautiful boating (and for the more brave/buff, skinny dipping) lake, horseriding, fly-fishing, a spa sanctuary with hot tubs, yoga classes, massage tents, screenings by Secret Cinema, theatre, talks, debates, an array of craft stalls and an exceptional array of delicious food, the whole occasion is both creative and relaxing.  Tim Harvey, who organises the festival said, “Wilderness is more than just a feast for the eyes and ears… It’s a place to indulge the senses, relax, and eat well.”  And Indulge I certainly did....

Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Lianne La Havas, Spiritualized, Crystal Fighters, Temper Trap and Wilco were all playing at the festival, but the real headliners were the celebrated chefs Yotam Ottolenghi, Fergus Henderson and Valentine Warner who all staged decadent banquets across the weekend.  There was also a very popular Moro Souk Tent (below) and the Thyme Cookery School were at the festival offering some excellent classes. 

The copious, delicious food stalls spread generously around the park were certainly not offering the usual greasy festival fodder… With Fin and Flounder, Poco Loco, Churros Bros, Annie Mae’s, and my favourite chilli wraps from Arancini Brothers ('World Famous in ALL Posh Towns!') I could have been rolled home on Sunday.

​​Below: Festival Style - I loved these unfussy, simple and chic looks.  

This year Wilderness joined forces with The Vintage Festival (previously held at London’s Southbank.) So, admist the more usual festival attire (flower garlands, hotpants, colourful Hunter wellies) there was fantastic retro and sexy pin-up fashion in abundance (left and below).

Adding to the eccentricity of this festival, there was an immense vintage market (which I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to vacate), a 1950’s beauty parlour, a roller disco, and a stunning swing/jazz club offering dance classes.

Below:  Not a festival trend I EVER wish to see again... Leave the tails to the children!

​Below:  I felt like Joan of Arc in this incredible Prangsta Costumiers Head Candy.

Love. Want. Need. Please. 

Below:  The wonderful Jack Savoretti
Watch my video of Jack singing 'Take Me Home,' one of my favourites, here.

The highlight of my weekend however, was The Old Vic Tunnels Masked Ball. An enormous masked crowd were led by an African percussion troupe in a midnight procession, from the Wilderness Stage into the Wychwood forest, for a magical extravaganza which had three DJs playing throughout the wood into the wee hours.


(Above: With You Magazine's Amy Williams and Old Vic Tunnel Director, Hamish Jenkinson.)  Amidst the corsets and stunning venetian masks I found myself, in a leopard print catsuit and cat mask, dancing alongside an array of heroic Batmen, a Skeletor, various furry faced animals, several morph suited revelers, and some bloke in a mankini…

Below: The Old Vic Tunnel's Masked Ball certainly put the 'Wild' into the Wilderness.

Early Bird tickets are already available for Wilderness 2013 here.
Sign. Me. Up.

blog_127725_1702475_1345238865.jpg

David Beckham Lights Up The White Cliffs Of Dover

How much better is this than a ‘WELCOME’ sign?!

Last night these three images of David Beckham from his H&M bodywear campaign were emblazoned upon the White Cliffs of Dover, welcoming the hoards of tourists flying into Great Britain to watch the Olympics.  An H&M spokesperson said, "we are always looking for new ways to surprise our customers and saw this as a unique and fun opportunity.”

Alas, the stunt was a one-off treat…. A decision I feel the UK Tourist Board may wish to reconsider.

David Beckham for H&M available here.

Julian Ovenden: Live at the Hippodrome

Last night I went to London’s Hippodrome to watch chiseled stage and screen actor Julian Ovenden showcase music from his debut album, ‘If You Stay.’   Julian sang an eclectic mix of romantic and intimate classics, with fantastic range and depth, my favourites being ‘The Windmills Of Your Mind’ and 'Up, Up and Away.'   Between songs, Julian entertained his audience with sweet stories about his family… In fact, this hour-long performance could be described an hour-long serenade to his opera singer wife, Kate Royal. Lucky Lady.

Known by many for his acting role in the long-running series Foyle’s War, Julian Ovenden has always sung and played piano (winning musical scholarships to both Eton and Oxford) and it was only a matter of time before his two talents merged together on stage.   This Autumn Julian will star in the much-anticipated musical theatre version of the 2004’s Oscar-nominated film, ‘Finding Neverland.’  Produced by the Oscar-winning Harvey Weinstein and directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, Julian will play the Peter Pan author James M. Barrie.  With a five week Leicester run opening in September, there are high hopes for a West-End transfer early next year.  Fingers all crossed. 

Fact:  Julian Ovenden played the role of the Diet Coke Man and his father is the Queen’s chaplain. Yes. That officially makes Julian a real life sweet talking son of a preacher man (or in this case, a sweet singing son of a Queen’s chaplain) who can also make an entire nation of women collectively swoon during their morning work breaks.  

Julian Ovenden: Live At the Hippodrome tickets available here and to buy 'If You Stay' click here.

Emma Stone - In Vogue

Forget ripped denim and peplums, Emma Stone is officially the new Black. 

In the space of a mere month, the 23 year old Spider-Man actress has covered THREE editions of Vogue and quite frankly, I could do with a few more.

Emma Stone covered July’s US Vogue, and August’s Teen Vogue and British Vogue (the latter, naturally, being my favourite where Emma wears a veritable feast of Autumn/Winter’12 trends and is interviewed by the gorgeous Alexa Chung.)

Emma Stone has long been my ‘one to watch’ on the red carpet and I loved seeing her stunning, highly anticipated, premiere choices whilst promoting the new Spider-Man film, which she stars in alongside her real-life British-beau, Andrew Garfield.

Above: Wow. Emma Stone wearing Chanel and spikey Louboutin's at the LA premiere. 

Above: Day Time Demure 
​L-R: Dolce & Gabanna in Spain, Andrew Gn in Berlin, Emilio Pucci in Moscow.

Above: Gothic Nights
L-R: An Ellie Saab jumpsuit in London, Gucci in Paris, Bottega Veneta in Rome.

Gorgeous, talented and dating Spider-Man. This girl rocks.

The Amazing Spider-Man is at cinemas now. 

Jack Savoretti, 'Before The Storm' UK Tour

“London-born Jack Savoretti is the type of guy you can imagine flinging his guitar on his shoulder and hitching a ride to explore pastures new: a free spirit, with a sensitive soul worn on his sleeve."  Jameela Oberman.

With the release of his album, ‘Before The Storm,’ husky singer/songwriter Jack Savoretti has been touring the country, showcasing his new material with his band, The Dirty Romantics.  This album’s music is more confident and diverse – darker almost – than his previous releases, although Jack’s romantic, poetic lyrics are still ever present, ever wooing his audience.  

I personally love the Gypsy inspired song ‘Knock Knock’ and the beautiful, emotional duet Jack sings with the actress Sienna Miller, ‘Hate & Love.’

Throughout Jack’s UK tour he has been holding an amazing competition in support of unsigned, upcoming musicians, to find the best cover of his new single ‘Take Me Home.’  Jack chose his favourite YouTube submitted entry and invited the winner to open his show and perform alongside him at his Bush Hall gig in London last week, which I attended.

Right:  Backstage with Jack Savoretti after his gig.

Below:  I filmed the nervous and talented winner, Rebecca Clements, on stage performing 'Take Me Home' with Jack.

Below: Jack Savoretti and The Dirty Romantics perform ‘Black Rain’ at the Bush Hall.

Also, see Jack joined onstage at the Bush Hall here by enthusiastic superfan Adam, after he pleaded from the crowd for Jack to sing his favourite song ‘One Man Band.’


See Jack Savoretti playing live with The Dirty Romanticsat The Hard Rock Calling Festival in London (July 14th) and at The Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire (August 11th)

www.jacksavoretti.com

Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Now that our neighbours have been met, our bunting has come down and my tiara has been taken off (admittedly, under duress...) we have time to reflect on how utterly AMAZING the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were.  As thousands of people, up and down the country, celebrated the Queen's 60 years on the throne, I felt so privileged and excited to have been in London to witness this truly remarkable anniversary and to enjoy the excited patriotic revellery I was met with all over town.

Britain really does know how to throw one helluva party!

Below are some of my favourite Diamond Jubilee moments... 

Above: Sunday's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant, which saw the Queen travelling on the Royal barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, in a 1000 boat flotilla on the River Thames.

Above: God Save McQueen! 
(L) Kate's Sunday McQueen worn with a James Lock & Co hat by Sylvia Fletcher
(R) Kate's Monday McQueen worn with Jane Taylor Millinery's Beaded Cocktail Hat
Both accessorised with her faithful L.K.Bennett Sledge heels available here. 

Above:  War Horse's Joey saluting the Queen from the National Theatre's Olivier flytower.
I loved how excited she was to see this. To buy tickets to see War Horse click here.

Above: Pocket Rocket Kylie Minogue in her Pearly Queen outfit on Monday at the Jubilee Concert held at Buckingham Palace.  The musical extravaganza was organised by Take That's Gary Barlow and we saw, amongst others, Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Sir Tom Jones all perform for the Queen.

Above: Prince Charles having just thanked the Queen (whom he brilliantly called "Mummy" to great applause) for her services to Great Britain and "for inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for making us proud to be British."

Above: Monday night's incredible Jubilee Concert fireworks which were followed by the Queen lighting the National Beacon to honour her 60 year reign.

Above and Below: Tuesday's pomp and pageantry.
After a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and a lunch reception at Mansion House, the Royal Family travelled towards Buckingham Palace.

Below:  Whilst the Royal Family waved to the enormous crowds all dressed in red, white and blue, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace we saw an RAF flypast of nine Red Arrows and rifle salutes marking the end of the celebrations.

Below:  Addressing the country the Queen said, "the events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience... I hope that memories of all this year’s happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come."

Below:  Lastly... HOW completely wonderful is this?!

Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraiser

On Tuesday night I attended Heather Kerzner's star-studded fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Marie Curie Cancer Care is best known for its network of 2,700 nurses, who provide vital and free end of life care to patients with terminal illness in their own homes, or in one of its nine hospices.

The beautiful ballroom at Claridges, filled with celebrity florist Rob van Helden’s heavenly pink peonies and red roses, looked almost as stunning as the glamorous guests, including Kate Moss and Jamie Hince, Ronnie Wood, Yasmin Le Bon, Holly Valance and Nick Candy, Tamara Beckwith, Geri Halliwell, Sarah the Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice.

Above:  Wearing a Nanette Lepore velvet dress and turquoise Chanel shoes.  Below: (clockwise) David Bailey and Sarah the Duchess of York, a rocking Ronnie Wood, Holly Valance, Richard Dennen and Kelly Eastwood, a papping Kate Moss, Matthew Freud with Heather Kerzner, Kate Moss and Jamie Hince. Photographs by Christopher Jackson.

During the lavish dinner, Heather Kerzner and model Saffron Aldridge movingly expressed their own personal gratitude to the Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses. Matthew Freud followed, cheekily referring to his infamous scuffle with Hugh Grant (“it’s nice to attend one of Heather’s parties and not get punched… although the night is still relatively young!”) went on to introduce ‘When I Die: Lessons from the Death Zone’, an intimate short film (below) he co-produced about his friend Philip Gould’s final days.

An auction followed, led by the charismatic Lord Harry Dalmeny, that raised over £620,000 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care. The amazing lots included an opportunity to have your portrait taken by David Bailey, a private party at Annabels, and an absolutely stunning George Pragnell Diamond Daffodil ring.  The ring, shown below, in the shape of a daffodil (the Marie Curie’s emblem) was designed by the jeweller’s grandson, Charlie Pragnell, in recognition of Marie Curie’s outstanding work.  I was allowed to wear the stunning ring, with its rare and glittering orange-yellow diamond centre for around five minutes before I was reminded I had to give it back... They were a happy five minutes. ‘My’ beautiful daffodil ring was later auctioned off for £50,000. Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Kate Moss took to the stage to model a last minute donation from Ronnie Wood; a painting of Rod Stewart by the Rolling Stone himself. The piece was auctioned off for £12,000 after Lord Harry Dalmeny managed to push the bidding past £10,000 by saying that Kate Moss wouldn’t even get out of bed for so little… Reaslising he’d got his supermodel’s mixed up (“Oh, no, that’s not you – that’s the other one!”) Kate went on to confirm that she would indeed rise from bed for less than £10,000. Damn recession.

We were later entertained by the legendary Grammy award winning R&B artist Sam Moore, who was joined on stage by Ronnie Wood in a surprise set that included 'Stay With Me' and 'Mustang Sally' (which was directed at Wood’s new girlfriend… Sally!) 

My place at the front of the stage allowed me the perfect view of Ronnie Wood’s studded Louboutin loafers, and in what must be the most glamorous mosh pit ever, I spent a good part of the evening dancing next to Kate Moss.  Just your average Tuesday night…

After a hugely fun and successful night, Heather Kerzner commented, "I am so impressed by the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care it was natural for me to lend my support. People don't like to talk about death, but we all have to face it and I wanted to help bring money and attention to this incredible charity whose nurses, like angels, bring peace to terminally ill patients and their families during this devastating time."

Below: In the Marie Curie Photo Booth with Katy Wickremesinghe and with Charlie Pragnell (wearing the stunning George Pragnell Daffodil Diamond ring he designed.)

Lucien Freud Exhibition

With tickets being likened to gold dust, I was lucky enough to recently visit The National Portrait Gallery‘s Lucien Freud exhibition.  Showcasing more than 100 of Freud’s portraits, the vast range of paintings are divided into different time periods, allowing visitors to follow the progression of his style through the revered artist’s legendary 70 year career.

Having not been too familiar with Lucien Freud’s work before this exhibition, which was curated with the help of the artist himself before his death last year, I feel I have now had the best of introductions. 

I was really amazed at Freud’s ability to produce almost tangible portrayals of his sitters by using an enormous amount of paint to create a magnificent 3D, structured effect.  The artist’s merciless love of human flesh is also clear to see and there is, what seems to be, room after room of creamy, contorted, lifeless, and thickly applicated painted bodies. I did eventually find the enormous and iconic portraits of Leigh Bowery and Big Sue’s swirly, fleshy and mountainous naked bodies a little, for want of a better word, over-baring.

Left: Reflection (self portrait) 1985.

Below:  Lucien Freud was the father of some fourteen children and my favourite portraits displayed in the exhibition were those of his pregnant girlfriend Bernadine, Pregnant Girl, 1960-61, and of his new born baby daughter Bella Freud, Baby on a Green Sofa, 1961.

With art lovers flocking to see this show, more than aware that they are unlikely to ever see another exhibition of Lucien Freud’s portraits as good as this, a new record has been set for visitor numbers at the National Portrait Gallery.  The exhibition closes on May 27th and the gallery has just announced that the show will remain open until midnight from May 24th-27th to help cope with the demand. Tickets are on sale today only - here.

Above:  An unlikely friendship blossomed between Lucien Frued and Kate Moss after he painted a life-sized nude of the supermodel whilst pregnant with her daughter, Lila Grace, in 2003. Kate Moss later described the artist as ‘the most interesting person’ she had ever met, while Freud moaned about how the model had aaalways been late for her sittings. This photograph was taken of the two friends in 2010 by photographer David Dawson.

David Shrigley's Brain Activity

I recently went to the Hayward Gallery to visit the David Shrigley exhibition, 'Brain Activity.'  This exhibition extends much further than the humourous, witty drawings he is best known for, with 240 works also including photographs, sculptures, paintings and animations.

I have always been a big fan of Shrigley’s random, dead-pan, scratchy doodles and there is a whole wall dedicated to these.  I also really enjoyed the animations and photographs on show  – yet more examples of his one liner humour which has you laughing out loud.

Shrigley’s sculptures (including a headless ostrich and a stuffed Jack Russell puppy holding a placard that says “I’m Dead”) seem less engaging and slightly more novelty.

Walking around the gallery you may question whether anything you are viewing is, or even should be, considered ‘art’ but what you certainly don’t question is how compelling and undeniably funny Shrigley’s work is.  I am particularly fond of the animation below...

'Brain Activity’ at The Hayward Gallery is on until May 13th 2012.

A Street Cat Named Bob

In 2007, recovering heroin addict, James Bowen returned to his sheltered accommodation in Tottenham to find a thin, mangy ginger tomcat on his doorstep.  Despite limited resources, James began to feed the cat and nurse him back to health.  After a fruitless search to find the cat’s owners, James decided to keep the cat he'd christened Bob.

Bob soon began following James across London to Covent Garden where James would spend all day busking for spare change.  To ensure Bob’s safety, James made a makeshift lead and purchased a travel card for the feline commuter… Yes, Bob enjoys daily tube rides, curled up on James’ shoulders.  Wrapped in a scarf, Bob now spends his days sitting faithfully by James, being petted by adoring strangers and listening to his owner sing.

The relationship lead to the final push James needed to end his drug dependency, “Bob came and asked me for help, and he needed me more than I needed to abuse my own body.”

Alongside the busking, James has a new job as a Big Issue seller and amazingly, received a book deal - the brilliantly titled, heart warming tale, ‘A Street Cat Named Bob.’

“We’re two injured souls looking for someone we can trust — and we trust each other.”

'A Street Cat Named Bob' by James Bowen, £6.99