A HUGE heavy metal band has announced their first UK show in over a decade, after they retired from touring.
The 70s band, who who are best known for We’re Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock, are heading back on the road – and they are heading to the UK.
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A huge heavy metal band are coming out of tour retirement and heading to the UKCredit: Getty70s rockers Twisted Sister are set to perform live againCredit: GettyLead singer Dee Snider confirmed they were touring to celebrate 50 years of the bandCredit: Getty
Formed in New Jersey in the 70s, American rockers Twisted Sister are coming out of tour retirement and making a stop in Wales.
The much-loved band revealed in September they were heading back out on the road again, after nearly a decade of not touring.
Twisted Sister, who are headed up by Dee Snider, have now announced their first UK show which will see them headline the Welsh festival Steelhouse.
Organisers have brought in the legendary heavy metal band to celebrate 15 years of the festival – which next year will take place from July 24 to 26.
They will take to the stage at the iconic Welsh festival, which is held at the mountainous Hafod-y-Dafal Farm, Aberbeeg, Ebbw Vale.
Speaking about booking Twisted Sister, Steelhouse promoters Max and Mike said: “We thought 15 years was worth celebrating in the biggest possible way.
“And what better way to do that with one of the most iconic names in metal – Twisted f***ing Sister!
“To have them come and celebrate their milestone 50 years with us is an absolute and unbelievable honour.”
The statement ended: “When Dee Snider came and laid waste to Steelhouse a decade ago – and more than any other headliner, fundamentally got what we were trying to do as an independent rock festival – we hoped that perhaps he would one day return with the band he made his name with… In our 15th year and their 50th, this is coming to pass… Twisted Sister on The Mountain is going to be huge!”
Other bands confirmed for Steelhouse 2026 include The Temperance Movement, plus Reef, Alien Ant Farm, Tyketto, Von Hertzen Brothers, Darren Wharton’s Renegade, Mason Hill, Dan Byrne, Luke Morley, Anthony Gomes, King Kraken, Blue Nation and more.
Twisted Sister have only played one live show since 2016, when they temporarily reunited for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2023.
But they announced in September that they would be heading back out on tour.
At the time, the band revealed that their line-up had changed, as longtime bassist Mark Mendoza won’t be on the tour.
Instead, Russell Pzütto, who has played with the band in the past, will be joining for the new shows.
They are going back on tour to celebrate a HUGE milestone in the band’s long career.
“If you’re lucky enough to be in a band that people still want to see after fifty years(!), how can you not answer the call?” lead singer Dee teased.
“In 2026, Twisted F***ing Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”
Dee and the band haven’t played in the UK for a decadeCredit: Getty
CHRISTMAS is just six weeks away, and with that, many festive events and experiences are opening.
But sometimes meeting Santa or heading to a light trail can set you back quite a bit of money – especially when you add on the inevitable hot chocolate your child screams for when they get cold.
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There are a number of free festive events across the UK for the family to enjoyCredit: Just Giving
With Christmas already stretching our pockets, finding something to do with the family that doesn’t require you to get out your debit card is hard.
So we’ve rounded up some of the free events across the UK you can head to this Christmas, from pop-up performances to lantern parades.
Santa’s Grottoes and Meet & Greets
In Leeds, at Kirkgate Market, families get the chance to meet Santa for free on December 6, 13, 20, 22 and 23 between 12pm and 3pm.
At the Cadbury House Christmas Fayre on December 3, families can meet Santa in his grotto between 5pm and 7pm.
At Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke, near Bristol, families can head to a Christmas Jamboree for free on November 28.
The event will have a Santa meet and greet, as well as a free bouncy castle, Rodeo Rudolf, obstacle course, slide and bungee run.
Visitors will also be able to meet the Grinch, and Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked.
For a slightly different Santa meet and greet, head to Hamleys toy store.
Over the Christmas period, visitors can share hugs and high fives every day at either 1pm or 2:30pm, with Santa Hamley Bear outside the Regent Street store in London.
Light trails
South Bank Winter Light Trail in London features numerous artworks by different artists that glow in the dark night.
The event takes place from November 6 to January 18, 2026.
In Liverpool, you could head to the Royal Albert Dock which features giant light-up figurines and a fairytale carousel.
Over in Sheffield, Light Up Sheffield features three of the city’s most iconic landmarks lit up – Sheffield Cathedral, Sheffield Central Library and Pounds Park.
The event will take place across 10 nights from December 5 to 14.
For example, Light Up Sheffield lights up three of the city’s most iconic buildingsCredit: Alamy
Light Up Wakefield will take place in Wakefield city centre from November 21 to 23.
On November 21, visitors can head to the Cathedral Precinct to enjoy live music and entertainment before the switch on event at 5:30pm.
Just after Christmas is Christmas Dubs in Clifton Village, near Bristol.
Taking place on December 26, visitors can see a number of Volkswagens light up Clifton Village, as they are decked out in lights.
In Torquay in Devon, visitors can head out on the Bay of Lights illuminated trail from November 28 to January 2, 2026.
Or you could head to the Bay of Lights in Devon which runs along the seafront in TorquayCredit: Alamy
Across the event, Torquay waterfront will become illuminated with a light trail stretching 1.5 miles.
In Devon, Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham will take place from November 21 to 22.
The popular event features a lantern parade, firework display, live music, street entertainment and a market.
Markets
A lot of markets across the UK are free to enter, but once inside you usually do spend money – whether that be on food and drink or attractions.
However, if you take some snacks with you and skip the attractions you can get into the festive spirit without spending a penny.
For example, you could head to one of Liverpool’s most loved buildings, the Bombed Out Church, for their weekend Makers Market.
From 10am to 4pm on various dates throughout November and December, you can wander around stalls selling fresh bakes and pretty creations.
There will be a free-to-enter Christmas village at Royal Hospital ChelseaCredit: Alamy
In London, you could head to the Chelsea Winter Village where there is street food, artisan markets, firepits, traditional fairground rides, and an aprés ski bar.
The event is set within the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, so even if you don’t want to spend any money, it is a pretty market to see and take in the free choir performances.
Festive treasure hunts and other trails
In London, visitors can head off on the Snowman Trail, which is a free outdoor sculpture trail inspired by Raymond Brigg’s The Snowman.
Each sculpture has been decorated by artists and then place close to the city’s landmarks.
There will also be a Snoopy Trail around Fleet Street.
London will have a free snowman sculpture trailCredit: Alamy
Light switch ons
Up and down the country there are thousands of Christmas light switch-ons taking place in November and December – and most of which are free to attend.
This includes the Christmas Light Switch On in Oldham, just outside Manchester.
Taking place on November 15, the event will feature the turning on of the Christmas lights, a visit from Santa, as well as Bluey and Bingo from the hit TV show and fireworks.
For a slightly different ‘switch on’ event, head to Tavistock in Devon on December 5, for a Victorian Christmas lights switch on, with people in Dickensian costumes and vintage entertainment.
In Richmond, the Christmas lights will be switched on, on November 27 and visitors can expect entertainment with the Wickedly Witches, Candy Cane Stilt Walkers and Giant Nutcracker.
In Tavistock in Devon, the Christmas light switch on event has a Dickensian themeCredit: Alamy
Store events
Ikea stores across the country also offer a number of free events so it is worth checking out the events page for your local store.
For example, at Ikea Greenwich children can write a letter to Santa and post it in a special post box between November 10 and December 23.
At Ikea Southampton, families can even have breakfast with Santa if they are an Ikea family member – which is free to sign up to.
The same goes for Hamleys with events at the Regent Street store including Box of Christmas Mischief, a festive game show (November 6 to December 24) and Twinkle Jingle Town Parade where Hamleys elves dance their way through the store (November 6 to December 5).
A number of stores also host events, such as Hamleys toy store on regent StreetCredit: http://www.hamleys.com
If your kids love to read or you want them to explore more stories, Waterstones offers loads of events up and down the country, including regular free storytelling sessions.
Over the festive period, there are even more events such as Epsom Christmas Evening with local authors and illustrators and late night Christmas shopping nights, with free mince pies and mulled wine.
Other events
Inside Sheffield Cathedral, visitors can explore 40 Christmas trees decorated by different local charities.
A similar event will also take place at Selby Abbey – the Christmas Tree Festival, which will take place from November 28 to January 5, 2026, will feature 30 trees decorated by locals.
On November 21, when Wakefield’s Christmas lights are switched on, there will be a lantern parade through the city at 6pm.
At Wakefield’s Christmas lights switch on event there will also be a lantern paradeCredit: Alamy
At Windmill Hill City Farm, near Bristol – a free family farm attraction with a play area and animals – the cafe will be hosting free screenings of much-loved children’s films every weekday from 3:45pm.
In Devon, Candlelit Dartmouth is from November 28 to 30.
Visitors can see a procession of hundreds of handmade paper lanterns through the town as well as Father Christmas’ boat gliding across the River Dart.
For fans of Charles Dickens, the UK is home to some Victorian and Dickensian-themed events including a Victorian evening in Newton Abbot, Devon on December 3.
The high street will be transformed into a Dickensian Christmas Shopping scene with performers and a chance to meet Santa.
For more ideas of things to do around the festive season, the UK’s biggest Christmas event is returning with 150 rides and attractions… and new FREE Santa’s grotto.
Love Actually star Thomas Brodie-Sangster has signed up for Google Pixel’s new festive adCredit: AlamyMartine McCutcheon will star alongside Thomas 22 years after they appeared together in Love ActuallyCredit: Alamy
They filmed the top-secret project in London yesterday afternoon — 22 years after appearing opposite each other in the 2003 hit film.
A source said: “Nothing says Christmas like Love Actually, and so Google Pixel are bringing a sprinkling of it back to insert some nostalgia into the festive period.
“It’s still such a firm favourite with millions of people, so they tapped up Martine and Thomas for the sweet reunion.
“The ad is going to be packed full of throwbacks — especially because Thomas was only 13 when he was in Love Actually.
“A whole street in London was transformed into a winter wonderland and Martine and Thomas were in great spirits.
“They’re really happy with how the ad worked out. It’s going to be one people are talking about for a while.”
If you’ve lived under a rock and have never seen Love Actually, it’s one of Richard Curtis’s best films.
Martine plays hapless PA Natalie, swept off her feet by the Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant.
And Thomas took on the role of sweet, love-stricken Sam, who went all out to impress his teen crush.
Google Pixel isn’t the only brand getting in on the Love Actually nostalgia for their Christmas ad.
Aldi revealed their famous Kevin the Carrot will propose to his sweetheart Katie in their festive offering this year using cue cards — inspired by the scene in the film where Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark professed his love for Juliet, played by Keira Knightley.
Without wanting to be too sentimental, it proves love really is still all around us.
And I’m definitely going to be renting it on Prime Video tonight.
KYLIE MINOGUE used a stocking from the filming of her CBeebies bedtime story last Christmas in the music video for her new festive single Xmas.
The Aussie pop star is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Christmas album with a new version of the record, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), which features four new songs.
Kylie is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Christmas album with a new version of the recordCredit: Alamy
Speaking to Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show about the video, Kylie said: “Because I was on the road we didn’t get to go so Christmassy.
“I think it was from a CBeebies Christmas story | did and they gave me a Christmas stocking.
“I thought, I have got to take something Christmassy and I think that’s it. That’s the one thing that you may see.
“We didn’t get to do fairy lights. We didn’t get to do paper chains. But in spirit we were very Christmassy.”
JOSH’S TOP DAY WITH SPINAL TAP
JOSH GROBAN was one of a few artists asked to perform with Spinal Tap for their next film, Stonehenge: The Final Finale.
I exclusively revealed the parody band had shot a concert alongside Eric Clapton and Shania Twain at the landmark in August, and now US star Josh has told me all about taking part.
Josh Groban was one of a few artists asked to perform with Spinal Tap for their next film, Stonehenge: The Final FinaleCredit: Getty
He said: “Singing with Spinal Tap at Stonehenge – I don’t care how much you’ve done, that’s an experience for anybody. Eric Clapton felt it, Shania Twain felt it.
“Everybody was going, ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this’. I can’t tell you the song but it was ridiculous and amazing.”
Josh is returning to the UK on April 1 next year for a date at London’s O2 Arena, with tickets on sale tomorrow.
And on November 14 he will drop his next record, Hidden Gems.
The album is a collection of fans’ favourite tracks not available on streaming platforms.
Speaking after an intimate show in London at Union Chapel, Josh says: “These are all songs from my past.
“They’re B-sides and special-editions. I’ve also been working on new music.”
MUMMY’S THE WORD, BRENDAN
BRENDAN FRASER and Rachel Weiz are teaming up again for The Mummy 4, 17 years after the last film in the franchise.
They both starred in 1999’s The Mummy and 2001’s The Mummy Returns, below, but Rachel skipped 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weiz are teaming up again for The Mummy 4,Credit: Getty
Plans for a fourth film were ditched in 2012 before Tom Cruise tried to reboot the series in 2017 with another movie called The Mummy, but it lost millions at the box office.
The original followed treasure hunter Rick (Brendan), who wakes up an ancient Egyptian priest with special powers.
The latest news comes three years after Brendan’s career comeback in The Whale, which landed him a much-deserved Oscar for Best Actor.
YUNG HIT IN TRANS PIC SHOW
YUNGBLUD has provided the soundtrack for a new photography exhibition that tells the stories of 13 trans people from across the UK.
His song Hello Heaven, Hello will be used on screens at Outernet, right outside Tottenham Court Road Tube Station in central London, for the free exhibition called Trans Is Human from November 17.
Yungblud has provided the soundtrack for a trans photography exhibitionCredit: Getty
Yungblud said: “I’m honoured that Hello Heaven, Hello will be a part of this exhibition.
“Trans Is Human is all about celebrating truth, identity and the beauty of being yourself.
“That’s something I’ve always tried to celebrate in everything I do.”
BABYSHAMBLES have returned with their first song in 12 years, Dandy Hooligan.
The band, fronted by Pete Doherty, dropped the track yesterday ahead of the launch of their comeback tour.
Pete Doherty’s Babyshambles have dropped their first song in 12 yearsCredit: Getty
Pete said: “It’s a well turned-out, elegantly crafted reggae-ska-pop song . . . with a sweet melody to bowl along to with your sharpened walking cane.”
They were back on stage in Hastings last night for a warm-up gig ahead of their tour later this month.
ED’S PERFECT PITCH MEANS ALL KIDS CAN LEARN MUSIC
ED SHEERAN has once again proved he is a voice for good after a successful campaign to give all kids access to creative subjects at school.
Back in March, the Shape Of You singer wrote to No10 urging the government to look at the critical state of music education – and, incredibly, they’ve listened.
Ed Sheeran wrote to Keir Starmer about the critical state of music educationCredit: Splash
Keir Starmer yesterday heralded Ed’s letter, which was backed by stars including Harry Styles, Stormzy and Annie Lennox, as “powerful”, and told him: “I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard.”
In a letter to Ed which has been shared with me, the PM said: “The review places creative subjects firmly at the centre.
“We are revitalising arts education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National Centre for Arts And Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.
“We will make sure every child has access to those experiences – from arts and culture to nature and civic engagement – so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
It is a huge victory for Ed and the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which has campaigned for accessible, meaningful education for all young people.
In a statement, Ed said: “I set up the Ed Sheeran Foundation because every child deserves to have access to a meaningful music education, and the chance to experience the joy and confidence that musical expression can bring.
“Shortly after setting up my foundation, I wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister about the critical state of music education in the UK and the fact it was slipping through the cracks.
“With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m happy to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognised by the government, marking the first change to the music curriculum in over ten years.”
All power to you, Ed. This is brilliant news.
COAT AND TAYLS
TAYLOR SWIFT has gone quiet since dropping her album The Life Of A Showgirl last month, but she re-emerged in New York for a night out with Gigi Hadid on Monday.
The singer wrapped up in a coat and knee-high boots alongside the model who is a long-time friend.
Taylor Swift had a night out with Gigi Hadid in New York on MondayCredit: GettyGigi and Taylor Swift are long-time friendsCredit: Getty
I’m sure they had plenty to catch up on, with a wedding to plan for Taylor, while Gigi’s romance with Bradley Cooper seems to be going from strength to strength after two years together.
Perhaps wedding bells will be ringing for her, too, before long.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE has let slip that she’s co-producing a movie with Emma Stone based on Miss Piggy, being written by US comedian Cole Escola.
Asked on the Las Culturistas podcast whether the actresses will also star in the film, she said: “I think so, we have to.”
On working with Emma for the first time, she added: “It’s f***ed up. It’s dark that we haven’t done a movie together.”
CYNTHIA’S IN GOOD MOOD FOR PREMIERE
CYNTHIA ERIVO was grinning from ear to ear at the premiere of Wicked: For Good, despite the fact her co-star Ariana Grande missed the big launch.
The British actress, who returns as Elphaba in the second flick, wore this quirky, tummy-baring outfit and was joined at the event in Sao Paulo by co-star Jonathan Bailey ahead of the London premiere on Monday.
Cynthia Erivo was all smiles at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Sao Paulo, BrazilCredit: GettyCynthia posed with co-star Jonathan BaileyCredit: Getty
Hopefully, Ariana will make it over here after a fault with a plane meant she couldn’t get to Brazil in time for Tuesday’s event.
She apologised on Instagram, but was then subjected to vile abuse.
HER sixth album Brat topped the charts and won her five Brit Awards, but Charli XCX feared her label was going to drop her over it because it is so out there.
In a new interview, she explained: “I think when I was making it, I wasn’t thinking about the response at all.
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Charli XCX feared her label was going to drop her over her Brat recordCredit: GettyCharli was speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her podcastCredit: Getty
“I actually made this record being like, ‘OK, I’m just going to do this one for me.
“And maybe I’m going to get dropped by my label and that’s fine’.
“That was kind of the headspace that I was in.
“There’s a lot of luck with timing and the way that culture is moving.
“I think when I released this record, it’s like people were wanting something that felt very real and messy.
“And I think that’s just the way that culture was swinging.”
Charli previously suggested she was going to have a lengthy break from music following the success of the record, released in June last year, but she has now teased that she’s working on “inherently different” tracks.
The Guess singer continued: “I’m really interested to see what comes next in pop culture, especially in the music space, what people are craving.
“I really like to work in contrast. I think whatever I do next will just inherently be different to Brat because that’s what feels natural.
“I’m exploring a lot of stuff with strings at the moment, which I’m really enjoying and I haven’t really worked in that space before.”
And with a series of movies on the way — including Faces Of Death and I Want Your Sex, Charli said she is committed to becoming an actress.
Speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast, she said: “I’ve been making music since I was 14.
“And don’t get me wrong, I love making music, but I think there was just a point where I was kind of like, OK, I really need to exercise my creativity in a different way.
“I don’t actually really listen to that much music ever. I never really have.
“But what I am doing is I’m always watching films.”
And Charli also reflected on the prospect of starting a family, having mused on her indecision about becoming a mother on her song I Think About It All The Time, which was on the Brat album.
The Brit, who wed The 1975 drummer George Daniel in July, said: “There is, I think, still a bit of stigma perhaps around women who don’t really want to have children, you know, and I think for me it’s like I’m always swinging between the two.
“Right now, I’m on the side of, like, actually I’m not sure that that is for me, but that could go back.”
BENSON BACK
Benson Boone performs at London’s O2 ArenaCredit: Getty
BENSON BOONE shook off illness and returned to the stage for a killer sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena.
The American singer had to cancel his gig in Birmingham on Saturday after struggling with his voice but he was on song on Monday when he sailed through tracks including Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else, Young American Heart and Mr Electric Blue along with a cover of Coldplay‘s Sparks.
Welcoming out his friend and photographer McLean Long to the stage armed with a T-shirt cannon, Benson said: “Every night I sing one song that is a cover song.
“I love this song very much, so we’re going to have a friend come out and help us figure out which song we’re singing.”
Another poignant moment in the evening came when Benson performed In The Stars, which he wrote as a tribute to his great-grandmother who died aged 96.
Benson said: “I think the loveliest thing about this song is this is a song about me, about my life.
“My experiences, somebody that I know, something I felt, something I went through, but when you listen to it it’s no longer about me, it’s about you.”
RITA’S A PINK LADY
THERE was no missing Rita Ora in this pink dress at the Music Industry Trusts Awards, but it was Jessie J who stole the show with an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston‘s I Have Nothing.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday night, Jessie referenced her breast cancer diagnosis and said: “This is one of my favourite songs to sing. There is no hiding in this song. It’s very exposing.
Rita Ora dazzled in this pink dress at the Music Industry Trusts AwardsCredit: PAJessie J stole the show with an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Have NothingCredit: GettySinger Olly Murs also performedCredit: Getty
“This year has changed my whole world – my perspective, what battles I’m going to pick.
“You know, death comes knocking at your door and you kind of dance and f***ing kick it away.
“It just changes everything.
““I will say this, I don’t care how old you are or how long you have been doing this, enjoy your f***ing life.
“Be kind to each other.”
Ashley Tabor-King, founder of Global Media, whose radio stations include Heart and Capital, was honoured on the night, with video messages from Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
Rita flew in especially from Los Angeles to perform, and Olly Murs was there for a night out after becoming a dad for a second time.
“Albert is nine weeks old now,” Olly said.
“Another one next year? We are happy with two at the moment.
“Who knows, in a few years’ time we will see.
“I have got time next year to spend a bit more time with the family.
“It has been a busy few years.”
KATY HAS A POP AT BLOOM
Katy Perry is returning with a new singleCredit: Getty
KATY PERRY is returning with a new single tomorrow and it sounds as though it will hint heavily at her split from Orlando Bloom.
The Roar singer announced the track Bandaids last night, following a tricky year which saw her break-up with the English actor after almost a decade, and start dating ex-Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
Insiders have claimed she worked on it with top writer and producer Cirkut, who worked on her No1s Part Of Me and Roar, as well as Greg Kurstin, who co-wrote Adele’s heartbreak singles Hello and Easy On Me.
Last night, Katy played the latest show on her Lifetimes tour in Paris, ahead of the end of the 91-show jaunt next month.
Liam Gallagher, pictured, and brother Noel got one over on touts in AustraliaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
OASIS have scored another victory over the vile ticket touts – this time in Australia.
Thanks to the Major Events law in Victoria, scalpers were shut out of their three sold-out shows there.
The rules in the Australian state means that anyone flogging tickets for more than ten per cent above face value at an event protected by the Major Events Act faces a fine of up to £270,000.
In a statement, Noel and Liam Gallagher‘s management team told me: “It’s great to see Victoria’s Major Events declaration doing exactly what it’s meant to – Viagogo can’t list our Melbourne shows – and that’s a huge win for real fans.
“When government and the live industry work together, we can stop large-scale scalping in its tracks.
“We’d love to see other states follow Victoria’s lead so fans everywhere get a fair go.”
The success of the law means that the 180,000 tickets sold for the shows in Victoria went to genuine fans for the right price.
The brothers will play two more shows in Australia this week, with back-to-back sold-out gigs in Sydney on Friday and Saturday, before they take their Oasis Live 25 tour to South America.
COLDPLAY OFF TO CHURCH
Chris Martin is playing a one-off intimate show for charityCredit: EPA
IF you missed out on Coldplay tickets earlier this summer then fear not.
The band’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland have announced a one-off, intimate show on Wednesday, December 3, in aid of War Child and Crisis.
But it will be even harder to get in than catching one of their ten nights at Wembley, as it will take place at Hackney Church in East London, with a public ballot for 150 pairs of tickets is now open online.
Last year Chris and Jonny’s Hackney Church performance raised £350,000 for charity.
I’m sure kind-hearted fans will dig deep again this year.
ED-ING WHERE IT BEGAN
Ed Sheeran performs his Billions Club Live setCredit: Supplied
ED SHEERAN headed back to Dublin for a special concert to celebrate his songs which had clocked up more than one billion streams.
And he had plenty to pick from, with the star performing hits including Thinking Out Loud, Castle On The Hill, I See Fire and Galway Girl.
The gig saw the 2,000 fans packed into Industries Hall at the Royal Society Dublin going wild – and I got to join them after my lovely friends at Spotify flew me out on Monday.
Speaking at his Billions Club Live set, Ed said: “The reason I wanted to do it in Dublin is this is the place where I decided I wanted to be a singer- songwriter when I was a kid.
“It’s a special place for me with my family but it’s also a special place for me musically.
“I feel like this is where it all began.”
Ed also used his time on stage to remind the crowd that he last headlined Glastonbury back in 2017, which makes me think he’s a sure-fire bet to return to Worthy Farm in 2027 to mark ten years.
ARIANA GRANDE was forced to miss the world premiere of Wicked: For Good in Brazil last night after a safety issue with her private jet.
She was on board her plane to fly to Sao Paulo yesterday but had to get off when a fault was found, leaving her “beyond devastated” because there was no other way to make the journey in time.
In the video, Tate could be seen dancing a high octane routine.
Flipping her hair backwards and forwards, the superstar rocked out on stage in some very tiny shorts.
Dancing around, Tate then moved her microphone up to her mouth.
Holding the microphone the wrong way up, Tate crooned into the bottom of the handle of the mic.
Tate quickly realised as her backing track played, and turned the mic so it was the right way up.
Ever the professional, the hitmaker then continued with her performance.
Fans have since reacted to the awkward on-stage blunder.
One person penned: “I don’t listen to Tate McRae but she literally started singing when she flipped the mic around, she’s singing over a track.”
Another said: “When she flips the mic around, you can hear her voice. It’s just that a backing track is there. Not lipsyncing.”
A third person added: “As someone who saw her recently in concert, she lip syncs like 80% of the concert because she’s more focused on dancing and theatrics and doesn’t try to hide it.
“The only time she actually sings is when she’s stationary for small periods but there’s always a backtrack no matter.”
While a fourth wrote: “I went to a show. There IS a lot of backing tracks since she dances so much, but she definitely sings live a ton as well. And you can tell when she does.”
And a fifth said: “That’s called a backing track you can clearly hear her singing.”
Tate is known for her hits such a Greedy, You Broke Me First, Sports Car and Revolving Door.
DOWNLOAD festival has landed a Hollywood A-lister to perform at the rock and metal event next summer.
The 2026 line-up was announced this evening and features the surprising actor, as well as three American bands topping the bill.
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Keanu Reeves will play Download festival next summer as bassist for band DogstarCredit: GettyGuns N’ Roses will also hit the stage on the SaturdayCredit: Getty
Download will return to Leicestershire’s Donington Park from June 10 to 14, with The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves set to play.
The band Dogstar, for which he plays bass, are among a series of acts which have been officially unveiled.
Linkin Park will close the festival on the Sunday night, marking their first performance at the festival since frontwoman Emily Armstrong was brought in.
They previously headlined four times between 2004 and 2014 with their original line-up.
And it comes after Linkin Park played a sold out concert at Wembley Stadium in June.
Tickets are already on sale for the 23rd annual festival, which will also feature performances from Pendulum, Trivium, The All-American Rejects, Mastodon and Bush.
Other acts on the line-up include Feeder, Ash, Tom Morello, The Pretty Reckless and Those Damn Crows.
Limp Bizkit’s booking comes just a fortnight after it was revealed that bassist and founding member Sam Rivers had died aged 48.
They paid tribute to him last month when they described him as not “just our bass player” but “the soul in the sound.”
The band said: “From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced.
“His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.”
The full rundown of artists was revealed at a launch event at the Barbican in central London, where guests were entertained by fortune tellers and a string quartet.
“At the same time, I’ve used shared experiences as the basis for songs which try to delve into why we humans behave as we do, so the record is a mixture of fact and fiction.”
The tour –Lily AllenPerforms West End Girl – will see the singer perform the album in its entirety in the order the songs feature on her record.
When is Lily Allen’s 2026 tour?
Lily Allen’s 2026 West End Girl tour is scheduled to take place throughout March 2026.
The British singer is set to perform her acclaimed fifth studio album at venues, theatres and concert halls across the UK.
This tour marks her first headline shows since her No Shame Tour in 2018-19.
The tour dates and venues for Lily Allen Performs West End Girl UK in March 2026 are:
March 2: Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
March 3: Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
March 5: Birmingham, Symphony Hall
March 7: Sheffield, City Hall
March 8: Newcastle, City Hall
March 10: Manchester, Aviva Studios (The Hall)
March 11: Manchester, Aviva Studios (The Hall)
March 14: Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
March 15: Cambridge, Corn Exchange
March 17: Bristol, Beacon
March 18: Cardiff, New Theatre
March 20: London, Palladium
March 21: London, Palladium
How can I get tickets for Lily Allen’s 2026 tour?
Tickets go on general sale from 10am GMT Friday, November 7, 2025, via Ticketmaster and LiveNation.
For fans who want to secure tickets before the general release, thankfully there is a presale, taking place from 10am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
But to access this presale, you will need to register with co:brand before midnight on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Selected venues have already confirmed ticket prices for Lily Allen’s UK tour.
The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall said they start at roughly £40 and go up to around £85.
THE UK’s biggest one-day Christmas market is to return in just a few weeks after it was abruptly cancelled last year.
Thousands are expected to attend the event in a historic market town.
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Stalls in Beverley will once again be brimming with seasonal gifts and local treats
Shoppers will be able to choose from 120 stalls set up in the centre of Beverley in Yorkshire next month after council officials confirmed the event would be back in place this year.
Stalls at the Beverley Festival of Christmas will once again be brimming with seasonal gifts and local treats.
There will also be live entertainment, music and dancing – and, of course, an appearance from Santa and his reindeers – as well as birds of prey on display, and traditional brass bands.
The event had to be cancelled at the last-minute in 2024 after Storm Darragh caused chaos across the UK last year.
Locals and visitors were left disappointed after council officials took the decision to cancel the market in the run up to the event after 34 flood warnings were issued across the country and a cold weather health alert was put in place.
At the time, a spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the event, which was established in 1995 by local shop owner John Bird, had involved six months of planning and the decision to cancel “had not been taken lightly”.
Announcing its return for 2025, councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure at the council, said the event is “the flagship tourism event for our region and is an important date in the calendar for businesses and traders”.
‘Hugely popular’
He added: “It is always a hugely popular event, with visitors from all over the UK coming to enjoy the festive stalls and entertainment.
“The event will also provide a welcome boost to the local visitor economy at such a wonderful time of the year.”
The council said that Beverley’s historic centre will be “transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s wonderland” for the event.
News of its return has prompted an outpouring of support and excitement with hundreds of locals and visitors commenting on Facebook.
One person posted: “I cannot wait to stand in this market. So excited.”
Another person wrote: “We will be there.”
A third person said: “Can’t wait. This is one of our fave Christmas markets.”
A fourth person was equally excited at the news the market is to return, posting: “Love Beverley. Nice place.”
A fifth said: “Will defo have to go!”
The festival will again be sponsored by The Beverley Arms, part of hospitality company Thwaites.
Rick Bailey, chairman at Thwaites, said: “We’re so proud that The Beverley Arms is once again part of The Beverley Festival of Christmas, it’s such a special celebration that brings the whole town together, showcases the very best of Beverley, and captures the true spirit of the season.”
This year’s event will run from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, 14 December.
Also making a return to Beverly this year is the Reindeer Rampage Christmas Trail, which is running from 1 November to December 31.
This is a popular event in the town with locals and visitors asked to find Santa‘s reindeer, which are “hiding” in shop windows in Beverley.
You can pick up a free map and reindeer mask from the Tourist Information Centre on Cross Street and find out more detailshere.
The market itself will take place over several areas in the town, including Saturday Market, and will also feature a parade to mark the start of the festival.
The parade will leave from Wednesday Market when the event opens at 10am and it will move down Toll Gavel to Saturday Market.
Taking part in the parade will be feature Santa Claus, Rudolph and the rest of his reindeer, live music, comedy acts, steam punks, Bernese mountain dogs and much more.
This year’s event will take place on 14 December in Beverley
Damon Albarn has opened up about his emotional journey while recording Gorillaz’ upcoming album.
The singer and his bandmate Jamie Hewlett poured the grief of losing their dads into their ninth record, The Mountain, and Damon revealed he scattered his father’s ashes in India while making the collection.
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Damon Albarn says he and bandmate Jamie Hewlett channelled the pain of losing their fathers into Gorillaz’ new albumCredit: AFPThe band’s new album, The Mountain, is their ninth recordCredit: check copyright
“Both Jamie and I lost our fathers,” Damon said.
“We did two quite amazing, magical trips to India.
“India is a very interesting place to carry grief, because they have a very positive outlook on death.
“England is just really bad at dealing with death.
“In a way, I think this record is in that tradition of celebrating their lives.
“I did things I’d never done before. I swam in the Ganges in Varanasi.
“I watched the bodies being burnt on the banks of the Ganges.
“In England when we cremate a body we don’t even look at the bodies, it’s covered up immediately and then it’s put in the fire, the little curtains close and that’s it.
“On the banks of the Ganges, every family is there with the body wrapped in a shroud and they’re burnt, and it’s going on everywhere. It goes on 24 hours a day and it’s been going on for thousands of years.
“I took my dad’s ashes there and I cast them in the river. It was very beautiful.”
Indian culture helped shape the record — which will be released in March — with the album’s cover art featuring the title in Devanagari, a script used to write the Indian Sanskrit language.
And this time around the pair will not make their famous, animated music videos and instead are creating a one-off production.
Damon visited the River Ganges in India during the making of the new recordCredit: Getty
Damon added: “We’re making a full eight-minute thing.
“This is why there are no videos at the moment, because it’s serious stuff. It’s really great that Jamie is concentrating on doing one animated thing.
“It’s a big amount of work, any animation. It’s kind of our Achilles’ heel because no other band has to spend that kind of time just to produce one small thing.
“So let’s make it a piece of art in itself and not really rely on it for the promotional aspect of things and let it breathe in its own way.
“I think fans are going to love every aspect of this record.”
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson at the New York premiere of Die My LoveCredit: GettyJ-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her palsCredit: Getty
Jennifer Lawrence put on her poshest frock to party in the Big Apple after promoting her new film, Die My Love.
The Hunger Games star appears alongside Robert Pattinson in the black comedy, out this Friday.
And the pair coordinated their outfits for the New York premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.
J-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her pals.
The actress has a busy few months coming up. She is starring in and producing upcoming murder-mystery movie The Wives, before kicking off a new project with legendary director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Jen and Leo are set to play the leads in a terrifying film adaptation of Peter Cameron’s ghost story, What Happens at Night.
Olivia Dean has a lot of goals in the future, though – including headlining Glastonbury and releasing an album of standardsCredit: Getty
She did the chart double last month but Olivia Dean is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.
The singer scored No1s with her album The Art of Loving and single Man I Need, becoming the first British solo female artist to top both charts simultaneously since Adele in 2021.
Asked whether she’s let her success go to her head, she said: “I don’t think so. I feel like I try really hard and think all the time about not becoming a p***k. That would just be horrible.
“I’ve met some and it’s just like, ‘Oh no, it got to you’.”
On how success depends on the people around you, Olivia continued: “A lot of people work really, really hard. It’s really important to recognise that yes, you’ve worked on your skill or your craft, but all the people around you had to believe in it and be there to make it happen as well.
“It takes a village of people to make an album or do a campaign. There’s a lot that people don’t see.”
It sounds like Olivia has a lot of goals in the future, though – including headlining Glastonbury and releasing an album of standards.
On theAnd The Writer Is… with Ross Golan podcast, Olivia was also asked if she had written a musical yet.
She said: “No, but I would like to in the future. It’s definitely on the bucket list for me.”
Time to say ’ello to Eli
Rising star Eli has dropped debut album Stage Girl – and it looks like her label, RCA Records – also home to Britney Spears, P!nk and Shakira – has unearthed another gemCredit: Press Handout
Hot prospect Eli released debut album Stage Girl at the weekend, jam-packed with infectious melodies.
It looks like her label, RCA Records – also home to Britney Spears, P!nk and Shakira – has unearthed another gem.
But her collection of tunes also features references to a battle with her identity, which the American singer has now overcome.
In an exclusive interview, Eli, who is a trans woman, said of her album: “It was made in a flow state.
“But that was after a year or two of complete wits’ end, last straw, end of the rope, repressing everything under the sun as a human being for 20 years of my life.
“I was just like, ‘I need this joy and I need this super-extravagant pop’.”
Part of her journey of discovery is related to listeners in album highlights Girl of Your Dreams and Falsetto, and Eli now hopes that her music will help people to accept those in the queer community.
She explained: “I like the idea that this is going to play in Walmart in Kansas, for the lady who thinks I’m the spawn of Satan.
“And she’s going to be like, ‘Wow, this song is so good’.
“I feel like there is a sort of trickle-down effect of awareness of my humanity and trans humanity in general.”
Eli is already feeling the love following her album release – Mark Ronson, Demi Lovato and Zara Larsson have all voiced their support and her fan base is growing and growing.
Eli added: “I feel so excited by the community I’m existing in in LA right now.
“I feel like everyone is so supportive of each other.
“And it’s so refreshing and so cool.”
THE WEEK IN BIZ
Today: Jack Whitehall and David Duchovny will be at the BFI on London’s South Bank for the world premiere of their new psychological thriller Malice,ahead of its launch on Prime Video next Friday.
Wednesday: Bastille launch their From All Sides tour in Plymouth, celebrating 15 years of the band.
Thursday: Bums on sofas for the finale of The Celebrity Traitors on BBC One at 9pm.
Friday: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter are all expected to receive nods as the nominations are announced for the Grammy Awards ahead of the ceremony in February.
Dazzled by Doja
Doja Cat joined A-listers for a night outCredit: GettyDoja attended the fundraising bash alongside a host of stars, including actresses Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Cynthia Erivo all of whom dazzled in their oufitsCredit: Getty
Doja Cat looked a true member of the glitterati as she joined A-listers for a night out.
The rapper sported a sparkly orange dress at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles and completed the ensemble with a curly blonde wig in a nod to Marilyn Monroe.
This is not the first time she has gained inspiration from the Hollywood legend. At the 2022 Grammys, she wore a custom-made crystal Versace gown – which took 475 hours to make.
Doja attended the fundraising bash alongside a host of stars, including actresses Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Cynthia Erivo all of whom dazzled in their ’fits.
Keep sparkling, ladies.
Robyn’s returnso sexi
Robyn is set to release a new single and tease her ninth album Sexistential after a seven-year breakCredit: Getty – Contributor
Singer Robyn is planning to drop a new single in the next few weeks, then her ninth album in 2026.
It is seven years since the Swedish-born star put out her last collection, Honey, and an industry insider tells me the new one, with alluring title Sexistential, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
They said: “Robyn has spent years working on this music and has been really inspired by loads of up-and-coming artists.
“She has worked with some very cool people and all the stops are being pulled out for this to be her biggest record in decades.”
Robyn has joined Gracie Abrams and Charli XCX on stage for surprise performances over the past year.
But by the sounds of it, next year she will likely be performing plenty of big gigs of her own.
Cat Burns opens up about losing her grandad and breaking up with a long-time girlfriend on her new album How to Be Human.
The singer and Celebrity Traitors star told The Sunday Times’ Style mag: “While grieving, a quote that stood out to me was: ‘Grief is just love with no place to go’. That helped guide the message of the album.”
A Brum deal for Benson
Benson Boone is due to return to the stage at London’s O2 tonight after cancelling his Birmingham show due to voice problems.Credit: Getty
The Beautiful Things singer, who is on his American Heart World Tour, told fans he wouldn’t have been able to put on the show at the Utilita Arena due to problems with his voice.
In a statement, he told fans: “Birmingham I am so so sorry but I will not be able to perform. I have tried everything I can to revive my voice, but I cannot give you the show I’d like to be able to give you with the condition of my throat right now.
“I’m working with my team to find a date to reschedule as soon as possible. I promise I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. I love you guys so much.”
We’re sending you our best, Benson, and we hope you can make the show tonight.
YOU’RE in the Alps for a ski holiday – you’ve got your gear, your lift pass and the optimism that you won’t wipe out on a blue run as kids whizz past you.
But what if skiing on a skiing holiday is optional?
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Alpine Glasto gets in the swingCredit: GettyDJs get the crowd goingCredit: Gwilym Thomas
What if there’s an Alpine world that doesn’t require you to throw yourself downhill at speed?
The wild and wonderful phenomenon of après-ski only gears up after the lifts stop — and the party gets going.
Après-ski is no small affair — this is not just drinks before dinner.
In the Three Valleys area of the French Alps, après is a daily festival and feels like a way of life.
Picture this: a live band steps on stage ahead of a DJ surrounded by strobe lights, crowds are dancing on the tables (in ski boots) and bobble hats are thrown in the air.
This melee of strangers is swaying together, drinks in hand, as revellers sing at the top of their lungs.
This is a kind of Alpine Glastonbury, where people swap flower crowns and flags for puffer jackets and goggles.
And the best part? You don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy it.
The Three Valleys is known for some of the best slopes in the world, with almost 600km of pistes, as high as 3,000 metres, to pick from.
But interconnected Valleys resorts Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens also showcase thousands of music gigs.
The magic is thanks to London and Méribel-based agency Après Ski Bands, which books more than 3,500 such events per season across 130 venues.
These aren’t bog-standard cover bands — they’re high-energy pros, picked in X Factor-style auditions in the UK, who turn ski resorts into concert venues during winter.
In five days in the Alps, I saw nine superb acts without even trying — starting with party band Magnolia, ending with DJ and MC duo Rio & Rhymes and acts in between including emerging alt-rock talent Pattern Pusher and diverse après heroes The Wingmen.
For folk fans, there’s guitarist Chris Quinn, who opened for the Jools Holland Orchestra, and singer-songwriter Albert Jones, who appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
Performing in the Alps is hard graft, as musicians play up to 140 dates in a single season.
At Lodge Du Village in Méribel alone, there are 900 live gigs each winter — with Mondays to Wednesdays often wilder than Saturday nights (free shots for those who arrive early).
Le Rond Point — or Ronnie — in Méribel is one of those places where you show up for one drink and suddenly it’s four hours later, and you’re leading a conga line and wearing someone else’s unicorn onesie.
And let’s not forget ultra-Insta La Folie Douce, a venue likened to Ibiza in the snow. If it sounds like an attack on the senses, that’s because it is.
But if partying isn’t really your thing, there are other things on offer in the Valleys.
For a touch of luxury, hit a hotel spa or soak in your chalet’s outdoor hot tub with a glass of fizz, watching skiers from a distance.
If you want to be on the white stuff minus the face-planting, then snowshoeing or sled-dog walking are great for exploring at a gentle pace.
Then, of course, there is the ultimate Alpine sport — eating.
Revellers get ready for the apres-ski bashCredit: Supplied
Food here is an attraction in itself, with Méribel’s Le Cro Magnon and La Terrasse du Village delivering everything from hearty Savoyard to refined French-British fusion.
If you come to the Alps and don’t eat fondue, tartiflette or raclette, did you even visit the Alps?
And now it’s not just a winter thing, with resorts shifting towards year-round tourism, meaning the party doesn’t stop when the snow starts to melt in April.
Whether you’re dancing on tables, belting out rock anthems with a crowd of strangers, exploring snowy forests, or eating your bodyweight in cheese, you’ve made it down a black run to holiday heaven.
GO: THREE VALLEYS
GETTING THERE: Private transfers from Geneva Airport to Meribel cost from £59.50pp for a group of four people.
STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ self-catering at the Chalet Rosa Apartment in Meribel Village, just a couple of minutes from the piste and La Terrace du Village, costs from £258.34pp, based on six sharing in low season.
