birthday

I have a “big” birthday coming up. It’s the big 70 (gulp!). I’d like to throw myself a party, but one that might seem more fit for a 7-year-old than a 70-year-old (except when it comes to the food). I would like for there to be activities or games such as scavenger hunts, escape rooms, billiards, pinball, karaoke, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey — you name it. But my friends and I also appreciate gourmet-quality food like the stuff that’s served at Providence, Crustacean and Mélisse. Is there any way to combine all of that into a party for 20-30 people? — Marla Levine

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Here’s what we suggest:

Marla, I love that you want to celebrate your milestone birthday in a playful way that sparks your inner child. Who says you can’t run around and play games with your friends just because you’re a “grown-up”?

Similar to you, I prefer fun activities over stuffy, formal parties. I’ve celebrated my birthday at a go-kart racing track and a bowling alley. One year, I hosted an adult field day at the park with sack races, water balloons and snow cones, so I have some fun ideas for you. While many of these spots don’t offer gourmet-level cuisine — unless you consider chicken tenders and fries fancy — I’ve paired them with nearby restaurants that you can walk to. Depending on your vibe, you can do the activity first then walk to dinner, or vice versa.

One of my favorite adult-only barcades in Los Angeles is EightyTwo in the Arts District. Not only is it nestled between an array of bars, shops and restaurants, it is home to more than 50 vintage pinball and arcade machines. They have all of the classics like “Donkey Kong,” “Galaga,” “Mario Bros.,” “Ms. Pac-Man” and “Mortal Kombat.” On certain nights, you can catch live DJ sets as well. For a meal, consider the Michelin-recommended restaurant Manuela, which received a stamp of approval from the late Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold. Tucked inside of the Hauser & Wirth complex, Manuela is a farm-to-table establishment with a variety of modern American bites to choose from. Whatever you do, be sure to order cream biscuits for the table.

An activity that instantly makes me feel like a kid again is singing — OK, more like belting — my favorite song into a microphone while surrounded by loved ones. One of the coolest karaoke spots in L.A. is Break Room 86, a nostalgic speakeasy hidden inside Koreatown’s Line hotel, which has private karaoke rooms, live DJs (and sometimes dancers, including a Michael Jackson impersonator) and an ice cream truck that serves boozy ice cream and Jell-O shots. Times senior food editor Danielle Dorsey says, “Entering the bar feels like you’ve stepped through an ’80s time machine with vintage arcade games, stacks of box TVs with static-fuzzy screens and tape cassettes decorating the walls.” Break Room 86 doesn’t open until 9 p.m., so check out Openaire for a sunset dinner. Led by Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin (the same guy behind one of your favorites, Mélisse), the rooftop restaurant offers elevated American fare such as a brick-pressed jidori chicken and grilled branzino — and it’s inside a glorious light-filled greenhouse.

Another spot that would make for an enjoyable birthday celebration is Highland Park Bowl, the oldest functioning bowling alley in L.A. Built in 1927 during the Prohibition era, the venue still has that vintage aesthetic with old pinsetters that serve as chandeliers, a revamped mural from the 1930s and eight refurbished bowling lanes. There’s also a billiards room and a full bar (with a tasty cocktail menu that rotates twice a year). When you get hungry, take a quick walk to Checker Hall, a neighborhood bar and restaurant that serves California-Mediterranean food such as skewers, turkish chicken and chicken schnitzel. Actor-comedian Hannah Pilkes told The Times it’s her “favorite bar in all of L.A.” How she described it: “It has the best cocktails and it almost feels like you’re in New Orleans when you step inside. It has a beautiful patio overlooking Highland Park. The decor is funky and kitschy yet classy; it’s magical.” Afterward, you can take another short walk to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a sweet treat (if you don’t have a cake).

My colleague Todd Martens, who writes about theme parks and immersive experiences, says it’s difficult to find escape rooms that can accommodate 20 to 30 people, but if you don’t mind splitting up and staggering your start times, check out Hatch Escapes near Koreatown. The venue can accommodate about 10 people at a time. Martens wrote about their room called “the Ladder,” which he describes as a “90-minute interactive movie with puzzles, taking guests through five decades, beginning in the 1950s, in which they will play an exaggerated game of corporate life.” The room “incorporates a wide variety of games, puzzles, as well as film and animation,” he adds. If this theme doesn’t spark your interest, there are three other options, including “Lab Rat,” which can accommodate 12 people.

You sound like a fun person, so I have a feeling that anything you do will be a good time. I hope that these suggestions are helpful in planning your special day. If you end up visiting any of these spots, please send us a photo. We’d love to see it. Happy birthday!

PINKPANTHERESS brought out Zara Larsson, KATSEYE and Janelle Monae at the second weekend of Coachelle for her on-stage birthday bash.

The singer, 25, celebrated her big day while performing, with a slew of famous faces joining her for the iconic show.

Her fellow pop star Zara came out solo during her set to perform her song Midnight Sun to the crowd.

She thanked them and appeared to tease that PinkPantheress will feature on the upcoming deluxe version of her album of the same name.

At one stage, Janelle briefly joined the Boy’s A Liar singer on stage to play the guitar.

Later on, Australian DJ Ninajirachi played during the set, which led to several stars appearing, including actress Chase Infiniti, Manon from KATSEYE and Slayyyter.

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During her performance of Illegal with Tyriq Withers, the two spent the entire set dancing around one another.

The actor expressed: “I really had something important to say. I know it’s Coachella, shoutout Coachella, but a birdie told me that it is your birthday.”

He gave her a rose as the back up dancers held up a sign that said “Happy Birthday” which led to a thunderous applause from the audience.

The pair hugged before walking off stage hand in hand.

PinkPantheress wasn’t the only performer to bring out a special guest at this year’s Coachella festival.

Justin Bieber brought out Billie Eilish during weekend two, who has been a longtime fan of his.

He then sang he song One Less Lonely Girl to her midway through his Coachella set.

Clearly overcome by the special moment, Billie appeared emotional as she enjoyed being serenaded.

Fans took to X to react to the moment as one said: “THE FACT that it wasn’t planned, literally it was Hailey Bieber herself who pushed Billie Eilish to get on stage and be the OLLG.”

A second wrote: “No way that Billie Eilish became one less lonely girl in 2026.”

“This is so cute I love how Billie still stays in her fangirl zone around Justin,” said a third.

“Will go down as one of the most iconic Coachella performances ever,” added a fourth.

During her own set, Sabrina Carpenter stunned revellers by bringing out the icon that is Madonna.

The 67-year-old legend teamed up the Espresso singer for a show-stopping finale – dressed-to-impress in purple lingerie.

Two decades after her own epic headlining slot at the Californian festival, the queen of pop turned heads in a flesh-flashing frilly outfit.

The duo delighted the crowds with classic hits including Vogue, Like A Prayer and I Feel So Free from Madonna’s new album.

Sabrina had been mid-performance when an instrumental tease of Madonna‘s 1990 hit song Vogue weaved in.

Madonna told the cheering audience: “Wow, thank you.

“Sabrina, thank you so much for inviting me on your show.”

Holding hands, she replied: “No thanks needed, Madonna.”

SWEET stations in the lobby, statues of famous cartoon characters and a rip-roaring theme park right outside your bedroom window.  

This might just be the best family resort out there. 

The new Nickelodeon Hotel, which opened last year at the Land of Legends complex in Antalya, is bursting with fun. 

On top of character meet-and-greets at all times of day, there’s free gaming stations and an energetic kids’ club.  

And that’s before you even get to the splash park and heated pool, available for hotel guests only. 

My kids had watched Land of Legends being built on other family trips to Antalya over the years, and the excitement had grown on each visit. 

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But with Joshua and Jessica now 12 and nine, my partner Jo and I wondered if we’d missed the boat, or rollercoaster. 

We needn’t have worried, though.  

Land of Legends, which turns ten this summer, caters for all ages, tastes and daredevil levels. Designed to be a giant entertainment resort, visitors have access to hotels, shopping avenue, waterparks and, of course, a theme park in one place. 

Best of all, anyone staying in the onsite Nickelodeon Hotel can use a private entrance to access the theme park — meaning they can ride when they want, pop back for meals and drinks and then go again.  

Spongebob’s Bikini Bottom became a solid family favourite. The new indoor addition to the park features rides for all ages, including an interactive coaster where you shoot targets as you go. 

Young kids will also love the Star Trek simulator, Family Coaster and the crazy Typhoon Coaster where you go up in a lift before splashing down log flume-style. 

And once me and Josh got our big-boy pants on, we were ready for Hyper Coaster — a ride that rollercoaster enthusiasts travel across Europe to try. 

Trust me, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but I had to at least pretend I was being brave by laughing when Josh was next to me on the ascent, saying: “Dad, I think I’m going to pass out.” 

I couldn’t really hear him over my screams after that, as we plummeted, looped, corkscrewed and flew our way across the park. 

I’m not ashamed to say it took me a good 15 to 20 minutes to be able to feel my knees again. 

For a little less speed, there’s a neat Paw Patrol section of the park and Masha and the Bear area — a favourite of our children when they were toddlers so the boat ride was a lovely trip down memory lane for us all. 

On days when the Turkish heat gets too much, holidaymakers can get more thrills at the waterpark (open April to October). 

Dozens of flumes and the quite incredible Turtle Coaster, where you are propelled uphill in a boat by water jets at amazing speeds, were big hits. Although the group favourite was a rubber-ring ride — especially for Jess, as she found it hilarious that I seemed to go backwards the entire way down the steep slopes. 

As we went early in the season, it didn’t really matter what water attraction we went for first as there were no queues. 

You won’t need to splash out on food at the parks when you stay onsite, either. 

The Nickelodeon Hotel operates a “Full-Board+” concept, which means breakfast, lunch and dinner in La Spatula restaurant and all soft drinks are included.  

Alcohol is served at lunch and dinner times with meals, too. 

The food was tasty, fresh and plentiful — from the omelette station at breakfast to the grilled lamb kebabs in the evenings. 

Magic shows performed over breakfast added another element of fun and Jess was still trying to figure out just how the magician had done it by lunch. 

Most evenings, we were so tired that not even the multi-coloured, themed character rooms could have kept us awake.  

Rooms are spacious and our Dora the Explorer suite had a balcony overlooking the park, meaning the kids went to sleep dreaming of the next ride. You can request room types on different floors subject to availability, themed around Spongebob, Star Trek and Turtles. 

In-room fridges filled with glass bottles of pop, plus a pod-coffee machine and snacks in the drawer were a real bonus for the post-park chill before dinner. 

The “Club Nick” kids’ club was excellent, too, with art classes (we painted SpongeBob, obviously) and nightly dance and character shows. 

Included in longer stays is an afternoon trip to sister hotel Rixos Premium Belek, with a minibus laid on. 

Lunch out was good and it meant we could get a drink by the sea.  

This was our fifth visit to Turkey in three years and the destination never fails to impress. The locals delight at welcoming tourists and showing off their country. 

Not everything is still “cheap” here, but this part of the world definitely knows how to do value for money. 

And if you did want to spend a few more lira, the front of the hotel opens out on to the Land of Legends shopping avenue — a Las Vegas-style strip with a canal, high-end stores and evening shows all centred around a Disney-like castle. 

For a slightly more chilled vibe, there are dancing fountains scattered around the shopping district, which Jo and I enjoyed while Josh and Jess played on the PS5s and arcade games. 

I tended to avoid those because, you know, it’s hard to keep letting them win every game . . .  

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa star Ashley Roberts is marking her birthday with her new campmates

Viewers of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will see one of the campmates celebrate their birthday in a unique way during the latest episode.

Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts can be seen volunteering for a trial during the episode to be aired on Friday, April 17 – despite it being her birthday. But her co-stars feel she should put her feet up on her special day.

Instead it’s Mo Farah taking on Termite Terror where Ant McPartlin instructs: “You need to make your way into the termite mound and down into the nest below. Once you’re down there, your mission is simple: you must dig, crawl and scramble through the tunnels, collecting stars as you go.”

Meanwhile, birthday girl Ashley has another announcement as she tells everyone they need to leave camp immediately for the day’s challenge – Balance of Power.

She tells them: “Celebrities, in front of you are two pits and eleven balance paddles. You must each take hold of a paddle and keep it steady to prevent your ball from falling into the pit. When you drop your ball, you are eliminated. The last person standing wins.”

The celebrities position themselves behind their paddles and the challenge begins. While some adopt peculiar techniques, they quickly realise it’s an endurance challenge rather than one of skill.

As night falls, most celebrities are still standing, balancing balls on their paddles with focus as the eliminated campmates try to distract them from the sidelines.

The group makes a unanimous decision to throw the game by dropping their paddles and letting one person win. But will Ashley be given that chance as the birthday gift?

How old is Ashley Roberts?

Ashley Roberts is 44 years old. While the I’m a Celebrity episode featuring her birthday airs on April 17, her actual birthday is on September 14.

Episodes of the original series of I’m a Celebrity, which airs in November and December, are broadcast live from Australia but the current all stars series was pre-recorded in South Africa and the latest scenes were filmed seven months ago.

However, the series finale will be broadcast live from London in two parts on Friday 24 April. It will run on ITV1 and ITVX from 7.30pm until 9pm. The winner’s announcement will then air at 10pm.

The entire celebrity cast will gather and the public will get the chance to vote for this year’s I’m a Celebrity legend.

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is on ITV1 and ITVX

VICTORIA Beckham has kicked off her early birthday celebrations with a lavish “girls” dinner in Miami after finally breaking her silence on her bitter feud with Brooklyn.

After her eldest son launched a scathing attack on the family with a bombshell Instagram statement back in January, the singer recently addressed the fallout for the first time.

Since speaking out on the “rift” between her family the fashion designer has been spotted letting loose at her early birthday celebrations.

Stunning Victoria took to her Instagram to show fans the incredible navy blue dress she decided to wear to the dinner.

Posing in the mirror of a huge dressing room, Victoria explained her dress of choice.

She said: “So I’m here in Miami and tonight I’m going out with my girlfriends for my birthday and I’ve got this amazing navy blue jersey dress which I love.

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“I love the waist detail here, which really brings the waist in making it look super super toned. It’s got a slit up the side as well… It is the perfect party dress for a night out with my girlfriends.”

Victoria, who turns 52 today, looked sizzling in the tight fitting dress as she showed off her toned physique.

The Spice Girls star had her hair styled in natural waves and her makeup was flawless, complete with a very subtle smoky eye.

She accessorised the chic outfit with some blue open toed stilettos, chunky diamond bracelets and an emerald ring.

Victoria and her closet gal pals sat down for a very bougie meal at Italian restaurant Casadonna.

For starters they had focaccia bread, followed by a choice of grilled octopus or a baby gem lettuce caesar salad.

And for their third and final course the girls had the option to pick between filet mignon, branzino or beef ragu bolognase.

Victoria’s daughter Harper, 14, was also present at the girls dinner as she was seen giving her mum a big hug.

The singer-turned-fashion-designer captioned the snap: “I love you so much @harperbeckham.”

Victoria appeared over the moon as Harper surprised her with a huge birthday cake, which was complete with regal white icing and a singular gold candle.

Earlier this week Victoria broke her silence on her long-running feud with her son, amateur chef Brooklyn, 26.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal magazine, Victoria did not refer to Brooklyn by name when asked about the rift but discussed how she had only ever tried to “protect and love our children”.

The Spice Girls star said: “I think that we’ve always—we love our children so much.

“We’ve always tried to be the best parents that we can be. And you know, we’ve been in the public eye for more than 30 years right now, and all we’ve ever tried to do is protect our children and love our children.

“And you know, that’s all I really want to say about it.”

80’S ICON Sinitta has shared rare pictures of her two children on social media to celebrate her son Zac’s 20th birthday.

The 62-year-old, who is currently on screens in I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, shared a sweet photo montage on Instagram of her eldest to mark the milestone.

Looking all grown-up, the proud mum uploaded snaps of Zac attending a variety of fancy black-tie evenings, red-carpets, and luxury dinners over the years.

Alongside it, the singer wrote; “Happy Birthday My Beautiful Boy @zac_willner. 20 years old does not seem real. You are the gentle giant, affectionate, kind, smart and funny and so so big now!!!”

‘I Love being your Mom, you are everything I wanted and I love you so much I want you to have everything good that this world has to offer and that you want”

Sinitta married Andy Wilner in 2002, and in 2007, the couple adopted two children – Zac and Magdalena Wilner.

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The couple decided to adopt following several miscarriages and failed IVF attempts during their marriage. 

Her post comes after she recently opened up on her struggle with mental health and how her adopted children gave her ‘a reason to live’ through some of the darkest moments she’s ever had. 

Talking to The Mirror, Sinitta explained how she “wanted to curl up in a ball and shut the world out”.

She recalled the day she took her two children home as ‘surreal’ and ‘scary’. 

Sinitta and Andy Wilner later divorced in 2010 after eight years of marriage/

The singer has since opened up on their early relationship together – calling it a ‘revenge move’ at her previous romance with TV personality Simon Cowell. 

In a recent I’m A Celeb episode, Sinitta revealed that she met Simon in a London nightclub when she was a teenager, and their on-off romance continued to last for 40 years. 

When speaking to fellow campmates, Sinitta explained that Simon “wasn’t a faithful boyfriend” but that she believed they would get married one day. 

Simon isn’t the only high-profile romance the star has enjoyed with Sinitta also dishing in the camp about her relationship with actor and producer Brad Pitt.

The singer, 62, dated A-lister Brad, also 62, back in the late 80s for around two years, long before he went on to marry Jennifer Aniston and, later, Angelina Jolie.

Talking about Brad, Scarlett asked Sinitta during the episode: “You were with Brad Pitt, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, years ago. Before he was actually famous,” replies Sinitta.

Scarlett continued: “That’s unbelievable that. Did you, like, kiss and tha?” with Sinitta confirming: “Yeah, everything”.

In a solo piece to camera in the Bush Telegraph, Sinitta confessed: “Even I do think, wow, it was nice while it lasted.”

The pop star originally burst on to the music scene back in 1986, with her hit single So Macho reaching number two in the UK charts and spending several weeks in the top 10.

After a series of successful songs for Simon Cowell’s record label, she appeared as a judge on The X Factor alongside him for it’s 2004 season during the Judges’ Houses stage.

Victoria Beckham is speaking out about her rift with son Brooklyn Peltz Beckham.

In an interview with WSJ Magazine, the former Spice Girl shared insight into her relationship with her son, although she did not refer to him by name.

“I think that we’ve always — we love our children so much,” Beckham said. “We’ve always tried to be the best parents that we can be. And you know, we’ve been in the public eye for more than 30 years right now, and all we’ve ever tried to do is protect our children and love our children. And you know, that’s all I really want to say about it.”

The response comes after Peltz Beckham took to his Instagram Story in January to accuse his parents of “endlessly trying to run” his relationship with his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham. The 27-year-old claimed his parents “repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe” him into signing away the rights to his name, that his mother “hijacked” the first dance during his wedding and that his family “values public promotion and endorsements above all else.”

“My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we’ve tried to come together as one,” Peltz Beckham wrote. “Family ‘love’ is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it’s at the expense of our professional obligations.”

Peltz Beckham ended the post writing, “I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”

After the Instagram bombshell, fans believe David Beckham broke his silence while speaking about the power of social media during an interview in January on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”

“They make mistakes, but children are allowed to make mistakes. That is how they learn. That is what I try to teach my kids,” David Beckham said. “You sometimes have to let them make those mistakes as well.”

During Peltz Beckham’s birthday in March, his parents wished him happy birthday and shared that they love him on their Instagram Stories.