Festivals - House Of Coco Magazine

Celebrity October 5, 2023

#CocoLive: Muse, O2 Arena, London

It was all about the show-stopping theatrics at the O2 Arena in London thanks to a stupendous performance from Muse. In a year of standout live shows, Muse put on a thrill-a-minute set that reiterated why they are such an incredible live act.

With an intriguing and visceral theme that fused elements from futuristic sci-fi artwork, dystopian visuals reminiscent of Mad Max, flames that were furiously shot out from canons on the side of the stage, fake snow, streamers, confetti and of course, rock star lasers (rock lasers!)

Muse performing in masks at the O2 Arena in London

Whilst Muse have been no strangers to a grandiose and extravagant display, their ‘Will Of The People’ tour has infinitely taken things to a new level.

Even if you look beyond the pyrotechnics and the intriguing robot masks, Muse meant business with their high octane show which was filled with anthemic crowd-pleasers as well as a few deep cuts which coupled with a viscerally rich stage production delivered a stirring and theatrical display.

The energetic and exhilarating night of music was expertly started by the brilliant Nova Twins who were Muse’s fantastic support act. The dynamic duo are a formidable tour de force and they delivered a slam dunk set welding their guitars as if their life depended on it.

The Nova Twins have such a distinctive sound and whilst they take influences from rock, rap, grime, punk and more, they are essentially almost genre-less in their approach. What is evident is the duo’s evident chemistry, driving bass lines and crystalline vocals and stage presence where they effortlessly executed tracks like ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Choose Your Fighter’ and ‘Taxi’.

The energy from The Nova twins set the standard for the night and this led to one of the best gigs from the powerhouse trio that they have ever performed. The set was chock-full of Muse hits from their career-spanning three decades in the music industry, but in typical Muse style albeit with a few surprises into the bargain.

Taking to the expansive stage with mask and leather hoodie to ‘Will of the People’, the trio quickly segued into the barnstorming ‘Hysteria’ and ‘Will of the People’, the set was a stylistic masterclass in lyricism and performance which demonstrated the bands prowess in delivering driving rock anthems and why they are such a tour de force in musicality and are such consummate musicians.

With standout performances such as an explosive ‘Knights Of Cydonia’, ‘Supermassive Black Hole’, ‘Compliance’ and a mesmerising rendition of ‘The Dark Side’, Muse delivered a sucker punch of a scintillating set which also included ‘Plug In Baby’, ‘Kill Or Be Killed’ and a soaring version of ‘Starlight’.

It was great to see several tracks from 2003’s ‘Absolution’ which included an emotionally-charged ‘Time is Running Out’, a rousing edition of ‘Apocalypse Please’.

It’s staggering to believe that just three individuals plus one other can make such an unbelievably supercharged set that really showcases the band’s undeniable musicianship and star power.

They had the crowd in the palm of their hand and the energy shared between them and the sold out crowd was palpable and even exceeded the electrifying pyrotechnics that were on display.

The rock band closed their show with Knights of Cydonia from their fourth studio album ‘Black Holes and Revelations’

This was an absolutely extraordinary performance which took fans on a totally immersive and electrifying journey that was absolutely first-class.

Celebrity September 11, 2023

#CocoLive – Victorious Festival, Southsea

With three days filled with stellar performances from world-class acts like Kasabian, Jamiroquai, Ellie Goulding, Johnny Marr, a UK exclusive set from Mumford & Sons on Sunday and more, you would be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded music festival than Victorious in Southsea.

A perennial favourite in the festival calendar, Victorious provides something for everyone whether you favour indie classics from the likes of The Charlatans, no-wave post-punk from Billy Nomates, electropop from Sigrid to name but a few.

Victorious made one hell of a statement on day one with indie rockers Blossoms who, despite being early on in the day, the Stockport quintet got the party started with tracks like ‘Your Girlfriend’, ‘My Swimming Brain’ and ‘Honey Sweet’.

We then saw Billy Nomates take to the Common stage who showed her professionalism when despite experiencing technical issues, she valiantly carried on and gave a sublime performance.

One of Friday’s standout acts was The Charlatans who treated the audience to a fantastic set of deep cuts and fan favourites like ‘North Country Boy’ and ‘The Only One I Know’. Tim Burgess looked as cool as ever, resplendent in a jazzy-looking shacket rocked the stage and had the crowd in the palm of his hand.

Amping up their indie-disco energies, Friendly Fires got the crowd dancing and brought on those Friday night vibes, setting the tone for the first night of festivities.

Raye demonstrated her musical chops with a splendid set that effortlessly blended blues, pop, soul and dance delivering passionate renditions of tracks from both her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ as well as some of her earlier collaborations.

Closing out Friday night was the one and only Jamiroquai who got the crowd dancing with a fantastic collection of seminal tracks in a career-spanning and nostalgic set which included ‘‘Seven Days In Sunny June’, ‘Virtual Insanity’, ‘Little L’ and ‘Cosmic Girl’.

Saturday started with the brilliant Natalie Imbruglia who captivated the audience in the coveted lunchtime slot with a heartfelt and impassioned set.

Pale Waves lit up the stage with a superb set filled with attitude delivering powerful renditions of tracks from their three albums.

We then hotfooted it over to the Acoustic stage which is one of the most underrated stages in the entire festival to see the wonderful James Walsh who is always a festival highlight.

His songwriting, vocals and performance skills are second to none and he effortlessly commanded an audience of several thousands delivering beautiful versions of songs from his solo career including tracks from his latest solo album ‘Coming Good’ as well as tracks from the Starsailor back catalogue such as ‘Alcoholic’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Good Souls’.

He also showcased his new song the reflective and hanting ‘The Ghost In Me’ and an intelligent and sophisticated reimagining of ‘The Universal’ by indie stalwarts blur.

Another Saturday highlight came in the shape of Scottish rock band Belle & Sebastian who gave a mesmerising and commanding performance with a deep dive into their back catalogue which included an extended rendition ‘The Boy With the Arab Strap’ where the ever-charming Stuart Murdoch encouraged members of the audience to join him and the rest of the band on stage.

If a riot was to be predicted, it would always start with Ricky Wilson and the gang who started Saturday night with a bang. Drawing in one of the largest crowds of the day, the band delivered a blistering set filled with some of their most-loved tracks such as ‘Oh My God’ ‘Never Miss a Beat’ ‘Ruby’ and of course ‘I Predict A Riot’.

Closing the Common Stage on Saturday night was Kasabian who brought the rock ‘n roll with a high-energy set and thunderous set which included tracks like ‘Vlad the Impaler’, ‘CHEMICALS’, ‘Club Foot’ and culminating with the electrifying ‘Fire’.

Sunday could have been renamed ‘Super Sunday’ with back-to-back sublime sets from the likes of Hard-Fi who were performing their first UK festival in over ten years.

The band were in excellent form and showcased their impressive back catalogue with tracks like ‘Good For Nothing’, ‘Hard To Beat’, ‘Cash Machine’ and a high-octane ‘Living For The Weekend’. They were one of my favourites not just from Sunday, but from the entire festival.

Dylan delivered an energetic indie pop set which included samples of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Paradise City’ as well as Harry Styles’s ‘Kiwi’ which made for an intriguing combination.

The fantastic Sigrid was on top form and showed what a great performer she is. Not only has she got a beautiful and powerful voice, she also is incredibly enigmatic and charming. From ‘Strangers’ to ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’, her talent and charisma show why she is a fantastic addition to any festival line up.

Ellie Goulding provided the enraptured crowd with a jam-packed set full of her most loved tracks on the Common stage which included ‘Burn’, ‘Miracle’ and ‘Love Me Like You Do’, whilst over on the Castle Stage.

The energy levels were beyond elevated thanks to a standout set from The Vaccines who seemed to enjoy their set as much as the delighted crowd. From the lively ‘Jump Off The Top’ to ‘Headphone Baby’ and ‘Post Break-Up Sex’, Justin and the gang had everyone singing along and provided a real feel-good vibe as the festival drew to a close.

The Victorious audience were in endless deliberations with regards who to see as the final acts took to the stage. Would it be the magnificent ‘Mumford & Sons’ in their only UK festival performance this year or would it be rock ‘n’ roll royalty in the shape of Johnny ‘Fucking’ Marr?

Both acts promised a stupendous performance, but having seen Mumford at MadCool only a month prior, it had to be Johnny all the way who provided a crowd-pleasing set filled with seminal tracks from The Smiths such as ‘Panic’, ‘This Charming Man’, ‘There’s a Light’ and ‘Bigmouth’ as well as songs from his illustrious solo career such as ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Spirit, Power and Soul’.

Whichever act you opted for, Victorious ended on an absolute high and we can’t wait to see what next year’s lineup brings.

Celebrity August 6, 2023

#CocoLive – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, 02 Academy, Bournemouth

Fresh from a stint touring the USA, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have made a triumphant return to the UK where they are undertaking a series of gigs which includes a brief pit stop at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth.

This intimate gig for a venue that holds fewer than 1500 was a somewhat surprising addition to the rocker’s tour and was recorded in its entirety by Absolute Radio.

Despite production wise being a slightly scaled down version from the Brighton gig the night before, it still visually had all the hallmarks of being a classic Noel Gallagher gig.

The stage was still adorned with colourful flowers and potted plants as well as a lifesize cardboard cutout of legendary football manager Pep Guardiola proudly wrapped in a Manchester City Football Club scarf.

Noel’s latest album, the brilliant ‘Council Skies’ has been one of my favourite albums of the year so I was more chuffed than Thomas the Tank Engine to see him perform tracks from this live.

Noel kicked off proceedings with the hypnotic ‘Pretty Boy’ with its menacing glittering neo-psych guitars and post-punk energy. There was no doubt that Noel meant business.

Noel gave a spellbinding performance on the beautiful ‘Open the Door, See What You Find’ which gave the sold out crowd ample opportunities to sing along. This was preceded by Noel’s quip that the next track ‘was not Supersonic!’.

Ably supported by backing vocalist – the fantastic Jessica Greenfield, this was a real standout and effortlessly showcased his spectacular performance skills.

There’s no doubt that Noel Gallagher is an extraordinary performer in his own right, but the other members of the band Gem Archer, Mike Rowe, Russell Pritchard and Chris Sharrock also get a chance to shine. On ‘Pretty Boy’, Russell’s driving bass lines are particularly exceptional as well as on ‘Council Skies’.

A consummate musician, Gem Archer is a guitaring heavyweight champion of the world once again proving why he is one the best guitarists in music which included an incredible heart-pumping guitar solo on ‘Easy Now’.

From the kaleidoscopic ‘We’re Going To Get There In The End’ to ‘AKA…What A Life’, Noel delivered a sublime stroll through Noel’s ever-evolving career post Oasis which included a stunning rendition of ‘We’re on Our Way Now’.

Whilst there was an emphasis on NGHFB’s material, the delighted audience were treated to a smorgasbord of both Oasis classics and deep cuts which included one of the best renditions of ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ that I have ever heard.

Noel’s vocals were phenomenal and the passion, prowess and power were palpable in both his performance and delivery on tracks like ‘The Masterplan’, ‘Half The World Away’ as well as on a stripped back and highly emotive version of ‘Live Forever’.

Closing with the aforementioned monumental masterpiece, a sensational reimagining of Bob Dylan’s ‘Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)’ and of course the obligatory powerhouse that is ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, this was a standup masterclass in performance and showmanship and once again cements Noel as one of the best songwriters and storytellers that the UK has ever produced.

Photo Credits: Joe Flanagan & Emma Harrison

Festivals August 3, 2023

#CocoLive – blur, Lucca Summer Festival, Italy

One of the most anticipated gigs of the European festival calendar, the Lucca Summer Festival has a pedigree in attracting international talent to perform at this critically-acclaimed music event in the pretty city of Lucca.

As the blazing hot sun set over the famed city walls, blur emerged to a rapturous crowd and kicked off their vibrant and expansive set with a blistering rendition of the utterly sublime ‘St Charles Square’ taken from their new number one album ‘The Ballad Of Darren’.

Despite it being a relatively new track, thousands of the enthralled fans sung along to those now immortal lines ‘I fucked up / I’m not the first to do it’.

This then segued into the shimmering grooves of ‘There’s No Other Way’, their breakthrough hit from 1991’s ‘Leisure’ which was a kaleidoscopic swirl of youthful exuberance which still resonates with the same vivacity over 31 years later.

This was swiftly followed by a frenetic ‘Popscene’, the punchy ‘Tracy Jacks’ and ‘Beetlebum’ with its iconic metronomic riffs executed perfectly from the masterful Graham Coxon.

His kaleidoscopic guitars have always elevated blur’s sound alongside impeccable bass playing from the ever-jovial Alex James and the thunderous drums from Dave Rowntree.

Ever a charismatic frontman and fantastic songwriter, Damon Albarn’s passion and energy was evident and he played a huge part in whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

This was undoubtedly a nostalgic look back at their illustrious back catalogue, which was an impeccable highlight reel of their illustrious career from the transcendental ‘This is A Low’ to the luscious art-pop magic of ‘The Universal’.

But, it was also an opportunity for the four-piece to effortlessly showcase tracks from their new album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.

Despite being new material, the songs from ‘Darren’ are set to be deft masterpieces with standout tracks like ‘The Narcissist’ and ‘Barbaric’ thrilling the crowd.

This was an electrifying and assured performance from the quartet and their enduring and endearing friendship was evident.

In ‘Tender’, Damon showed pure emotion and gave a vital and hypnotic performance, whilst in ‘Parklife’ and ‘Girls & Boys’, Damon in the former channelled the iconic Phil Daniels’ and delivered his iconic monologue with his own charm and swagger whilst donning his original Fila tracksuit from the Girls and Boys music video for the latter.

After a triumphant and transcendent set, blur closed with a spine tingling and captivating rendition of the beautiful and elegiac ‘The Universal’ which is one of blur’s finest tracks. Passionate, powerful and assured, this was blur at their very best.

Yes – it really, really, really did happen and blur’s performance at Lucca was an absolute masterclass and celebration of the band’s legacy.

Photo Credit: Frances Coprandoni

Festivals July 19, 2023

6 Tips To Celebrate Christmas With Personalised Christmas Cards

As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the holiday season becomes even more meaningful. It’s a time when we can express our love and appreciation for our loved ones in unique and heartfelt ways. One beautiful way to do this is by sending personalised Christmas cards that capture the season’s essence and make our loved ones feel special. For example, imagine creating a Christmas card adorned with a family photo and a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for the blessings of togetherness. This blog post will explore tips and ideas for creating personalised Christmas cards that evoke warmth, joy, and love.

1. Choose an Appropriate Card

When choosing a card for someone special, take their interests and hobbies into consideration. Consider the recipient’s age group too. For children, opt for cheerful and colourful designs, while for adults, choose something more sophisticated and elegant. You can also choose from various card sizes to accommodate your message or design preference, allowing you to create a personalised and thoughtful greeting.

2. Personalise Your Message

Once you have chosen an appropriate card, it’s time to think about what message you want to convey in your personalised Christmas card. Whether it’s funny, sentimental or severe – the choice is yours. Ensure that your message reflects the person receiving the card so that they feel appreciated and understood when they open it up on Christmas Day. You could also include inside jokes between close friends or family members, which will help bring back fond memories of past times shared.

3. Add Photos & Graphics

If you want to take things further than words, why not add photos or graphics to your custom-made card? This way, you can show off those cherished family moments captured throughout the years and any meaningful images from recent events like weddings or graduations that may have taken place over the past year. You could even draw a picture if art is one of your talents. Whatever design element you choose to include in your personalised card will leave its receiver feeling extra particular this festive season.

4. Include Special Extras

For those looking for more creative ideas when making their personalised cards at home, why not add extras such as glitter glue pens? These can be used inside and outside the card itself and are available in various colours too. Another great way of making someone feel extra special is by including an envelope explicitly addressed with their name written out in beautiful calligraphy – perfect for giving that added luxury touch before sliding it through their letterbox on Christmas morning. You could even think about putting in a gift card for a place they love to shop at as a bonus. If you cannot find the right gift card for them in-store, you may want to buy gift cards online so you can view a whole range to pick and choose from.

5. Tie It All Together with Ribbon & Bows

Finally – remember to tie everything together with pretty ribbons and bows once all elements have been added to each custom-made card. This will give them an extra charm whilst protecting them during transit (if sent via post). Choose from different styles, such as velvet ribbon, which come in many vibrant colours – perfect for adding that final festive flourish before popping them into envelopes ready for delivery.

6. Handwrite Your Message

In the age of digital communication, there’s something exceptional about receiving a handwritten message. Take the time to write a personal note inside each personalised Christmas card. Your handwriting adds a personal touch and shows the recipient that you took the time and effort to create a heartfelt message for them. It’s a small gesture that can significantly impact and enhance the sentiment behind your personalised card.

Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, finding joy in celebrating Christmas can be as simple as creating beautiful personalised cards. By following a few easy steps, you can embark on a journey of crafting unique and heartfelt greetings that perfectly reflect each recipient’s personality. From selecting suitable designs to adding thoughtful extras like ribbons and bows, these tips serve as a springboard to unleash your creativity and infuse your cards with love and cheer. Crafting personalised cards is a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas – the gift of sharing heartfelt sentiments with those we hold dear.

Festivals July 14, 2023

#CocoLive – The Who, 02 Arena, London

After six decades together, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend still have that indomitable spirit and compelling chemistry that has been a huge part of their appeal and enduring legacy.

‘The Who Hits Back’, has the band complete with Zak Starkey on drums navigate their way through a crowd-pleasing compilation of hits some of which have been reimagined with the help of a very talented Heart of London Philharmonic Orchestra whose orchestral performance including some exquisite strings which helps elevate the iconic tunes from classic rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia even further.

Of course Pete Townshend’s trademark cascading windmills make an appearance much to the delight of the enraptured audience who had previously been told to ‘Wake the fuck up, come on!’ by the animated 78 year old. He had a point – if you are at a rock ‘n’ roll gig, especially when it’s the legendary Who, wake the hell up!

Kicking their vibrant and expansive set off with a great selection of tracks from ‘Tommy’ which included ‘The Acid Queen’, ‘Amazing Journey’ and of course ‘Pinball Wizard’, the rationale behind using an orchestra was crystal clear and it was a refreshing reimagining of what was already superb songs from such a groundbreaking film.

Pete spoke to the sold-out audience about his love for performing and his gratitude for the love and appreciation from the audience. Cynics might profess that The Who were just on a money making mission to ease them into (eventual) retirement, but it’s clear that the passion and love for live performances is still there which is to be admired.

With the orchestra taking a breather for the second part of the set, the band took us on a stellar sonic journey right back to where it first started with some of the band’s earlier material.

From the visceral ‘I Can’t Explain’ which was a real rip roaring affair to a crowd pleasing ‘The Kids Are Alright’, this effortlessly showcased why The Who were such an integral part of the music landscape in the ‘60’s and beyond. The former was the first time they had played this track since 2017 as was ‘Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere’ which was the first time it was performed since 2014.

This retrospective set prompted Pete to declare that ‘You have to be pretty old to remember this stuff’ with Roger Daltrey responding with the retort ‘Don’t look at me. I don’t bloody know!’, this charming banter then segued on to one of the bands most ferocious hits, a rousing rendition of ‘My Generation’ which always gets the crowd going.

Ever consummate professionals, the last track of the second part of the set ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ was started over due to Roger struggling with his ear piece and having missed the sound check due to the traffic around the arena. It turns out that the second time was a charm and it was beautifully executed and was chock-full of emotion.

The orchestra rejoined the band for the third part of the gig which included ‘The Rock’ complete with compelling and thought provoking visuals, ‘The Real Me’, and ‘Love, Reign O’er Me’, concluding with the incredible ‘Baba O’Riley’ and and intimate version of ‘Tea & Theatre’ which had just Roger and Pete performing together, before they shared a hug and a reflective moment.

The lyrics from the set finale speak a thousand words and say it all ‘We did it all, didn’t we’. And for Roger and Pete this certainly rings true. Did The Who absolutely smash it for this fantastic gig in London – You Better – You Bet!

Photo Credit: Joe Flanagan & Emma Harrison

Festivals July 2, 2023

#CocoLive – Pulp and Wet Leg, Finsbury Park, London

Vibrant orange confetti shooting across the audience, an orchestra wearing bucket hats and some customary handography moves from Pulp’s iconic frontman Jarvis Cocker, Pulp’s triumphant return to Finsbury Park was so much more than just a sensational live music performance.

It was a superb showcase of a much-loved band’s enduring legacy and one of the most celebrated bands of the Britpop era. Pulp served up an energetic and sparkling set chock-full of fan favourites and deep cuts like ‘Pink Glove’.

Ably supported by Exotic Gardens, Baxter Dury and THE band of the moment, the super-talented Wet Leg who showcased why they are one of the best British bands in the scene right now. Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers are captivating performers each in their own way.

Hester (lead guitar and backing vocals) is a prodigious guitarist and has a sweet tone to her vocals reminiscent of Nina Persson from The Cardigans, whilst Rhian (main vocals and rhythm guitar) delivers her silky vocals confidently with vigour and humour and has a real swagger to her performance.

Performing tracks from their stunning eponymous debut like ‘Ur Mum’, ‘Wet Dream’, ‘Piece of Shit’ and of course ‘Chaise Longue’, this was a first-class performance from the indie-rockers.

The sold-out crowd at Finsbury Park were in the mood to celebrate and Pulp didn’t disappoint and their jam packed set was an entirely celebratory affair.

There was a reflective moment before a heartfelt performance of ‘‘Something Changed’ from 1995’s ‘Different Class’ where frontman Jarvis Cocker paid tribute to the late bassist Steve Mackey.

Jarvis commented that the band wanted ‘to do something that is a tribute to Steve Mackey’s memory’ and how ‘Something Changed’ is about how ‘somebody can enter your life and really change it all’.

It was a beautiful and touching moment and you could really feel the emotion and energy throughout the 45,000 crowd.

Pulp kicked off proceedings with ‘I Spy’ (a masterclass in storytelling) closely followed by a jubilant rendition of ‘Disco 2000’, the year might have changed, but the feeling and joy from this track is as omnipresent as ever.

The band paid tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community with ‘Mis-Shapes’ and had the crowd singing along with ‘Sorted for E’s & Wizz’, where the entire string section donned bucket hats reminiscent of the rave era which was an hilarious interlude and showed why Pulp have always been about the humour and celebrating the extraordinary.

The thrillingly-tight band showed what consummate musicians they all are with the charismatic Jarvis Cocker front and centre. HIs showmanship and dance moves (which includes his renowned hand-ography) was met with appreciation and cheers from the enraptured crowd,

‘Do You Remember The First Time?’, ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Babies’ were enthralling and almost otherworldly whereas ‘Common People’ was electrifying, flamboyant and anthemic.

Pulp proved once again not only why they were and still are one of the most quintessentially British bands of all times, but why their songwriting and performance style is simply unforgettable.

The vibrant graphics flashed the momentous words that this would be a ‘night you will remember for the rest of your lives’ and this certainly cannot be denied. If their mission was to put on an unforgettable show, then they surpassed all expectations and more. Mission accomplished!

Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett

Accessories June 28, 2023

Taste London – showcasing the best gastronomy the capital has to offer.

Taste London returned to Regent’s Park this June for it’s ninth year and whilst this food festival is well established and firmly marked in the calendar of London and out of towner foodies alike, attendees can always guarantee each edition will feel new and exciting with the promise of some of the best chefs, culinary people of note and producers alike.

This year was no different as crowds gathered under blue skies to witness the likes of Big Zuu and Ben Tish demo BBQ skills, sample goods from two Michelin starred chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, enjoy offerings from some of the capitals best restaurants including STK, Hoppers and Macceleio plus masterclasses and workshops.

Taste is a one stop shop for both experienced food lovers and those just starting out in their ‘holy moly I think I’m a foodie’ journey to come together and experience the best the capital has to offer. London is known for its culinary innovation and creativity and Taste manages to break down barriers and ensure some of the best chefs are accessible to everyone. Restaurants with long wait lists and high price tags allow everyone to sample their wares.

I have always championed the notion that food is more about than what is put on the table, it is about bringing people together, sharing plates, grunting at each other in sheer joy as morsel after morsel is consumed, discussing favourite bites and personal preferences and nothing showcases this better than Taste London – sitting and watching the crowd gently sway from one vendor to the next, trying samples, sipping drinks, taking a pew on an inflatable avocado whist pondering the next restaurant to hit. Everyone is there for the same reason, to rejoice in some of the best gastronomy our fair city has to offer.

The diversity on display at Taste is part of what makes the festival so magic – this year’s highlights included Visit Portugal showcasing some of the countries best chefs along with live fire masterclasses at Flames of Portugal Churrasco Cook School, Korean American Iron chef Judy Joo, vegan Caribbean specialists Likkie Dutch Pot plus and the OG Ramen slingers, Bone Daddies to name but a few.

Winning the title of best plate for me personally was the Hoppers Goat Taco which two weeks later, I am still thinking about – pulled goat shoulder sitting on top of a roti ‘taco’, garnished with gram crisps, herbs and pickled onions – it was a sensation!

After an amble around the park and a lap to pin point all the places we wanted to try, we walked to the VIP garden, arms laden with plates of the aforementioned taco, pork ribs, Korean wings and cocktails of Kulfi Colada slushis and Punjabi punch and here we sat, sated and watching the sunset over one of London’s best events, safe in the knowledge that London still remains king pin when it comes to food.

Visit Taste London for upcoming news and tickets releases.

Celebrity June 28, 2023

#CocoLive – Lionel Richie, Broadlands, Hampshire

Vital, captivating and celebratory, Lionel Richie requires no introduction and countless superlatives – none of which are sufficient to describe the soulful superstar who has entertained generation upon generation of fans the world over.

Fans at his sold out gig at Broadlands in the heart of the leafy Hampshire countryside were treated to a jam-packed set of career-spanning hits from the consummate professional who treated the crowd to a spellbinding display.

Was there dancing all night long?! You bet there was! How could you not when dancing to some of Lionel’s most-loved and cherished hits which the crowd-pleasing crooner delivered splendidly.

Mr Richie, who last year was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where he performed his iconic track ‘Easy’ with the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl was performing back in the UK for the first time since 2019.

Triumphant and captivating, Lionel treated his fans to energetic renditions of hits from his impressive solo career as well as from his time with the Commodores.

Arriving in true rock ‘n’ roll style in a helicopter that flew over the enthralled audience, Lionel reiterated that this was a rock ‘n’ roll show and showed his endearing personality throughout.

As well as being a supremely talented performer and showman, Lionel is also incredibly quick-witted and made humorous references throughout including articulating his initial bewilderment and disdain for a somewhat suspicious-tasting purple drink that he eventually grew to love.

Resplendent in a series of sparkly jackets (one with the immortal words ‘All Night Long’ adorned on the back) Lionel delivered a sucker punch of hits which included ‘Easy’, ‘Se La’, ‘My Destiny’ which effortlessly sat alongside fan favourite ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, ‘Say You, Say Me’, ‘All Night Long’ and the emotive ‘Hello’.

An exemplary example of soulful pop song craft and showmanship, Lionel Richie once again proved what an absolute powerhouse he is with a euphoric and electrifying set that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Photo Credit: Alan Silfen

Festivals June 26, 2023

#CocoLive – Pink and Gwen Stefani, Hyde Park, London

The sky’s the limit when it comes to putting on a phenomenal show in London’s Hyde Park, especially when you are two of the most successful solo female artists in the world

Case in point – Gwen Stefani and Pink who put on two incredible sets at BST Hyde Park on Sunday evening.

As the sun set over the iconic cityscape, the sold out crowd were captivated by two stellar performances after being treated to a series of fantastic performances from artists like Lyra, Tinashe and Valencia Grace.

Gwen Stefani has always been an exceptional performer and her joyful set which included her sharing the stage with some inflatable bananas was no exception.

This was Gwen’s first UK gig in over 16 years and both her vocals and performance were faultless.

Her energy and stage presence was mesmerising and her set proved not only what a powerhouse she is, but also what a great songwriter she is with tracks like ‘Cool’, ‘Underneath It All’ and the 90’s track that still is as relevant today as it ever was – ‘Just a Girl’.

As a teenager of the 90’s, No Doubt’s ‘Tragic Kingdom’ was one of my most-listened to CD’s (yep – CD’s kids!) and hearing Gwen sing tracks like ‘Sunday Morning’, ‘Hella Good’ and ‘Spiderwebs’ which effortlessly sat alongside No Doubt’s cover of Talk Talk’s ‘It’s My Life’ and Gwen’s brand new track ‘True Babe’.

It’s clear that London holds a special place in Gwen’s heart. The music of No Doubt was highly influenced by British bands and as she told the crowd she used to live in the UK, so it was evident it meant a lot to the Californian native to be here.

From one magical set to another, Pink left the 70,000 strong crowd absolutely speechless several times over throughout her standout set. It’s infeasible to think of another singer who remains pitch-perfect throughout whilst at the same time performing gravity-defying acrobatic stunts.

Kicking off proceedings with a mash up of ‘Get the Party Started’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, Pink elegantly launched herself via a bungee onto the colourful stage, resplendent in a glittery pink leotard.

If getting the party started in the most unforgettable style was high on the agenda, then Pink unequivocally smashed the agenda into smithereens with a dynamic and mind blowing display. Now, that’s how you make an awe-inspiring entrance!

This crowd pleasing action was not a standalone piece of performance art throughout the set at BST Hyde Park. I felt bloody tired just watching her and despite the jaw-dropping acrobatics, Pink’s vocals were not compromised one iota.

The visuals weren’t exclusive to Pink’s epic stunts as fans were treated to striking visual displays of whimsical palm trees, giant ice creams and yet even more inflatable bananas (most likely donated by the lovely Gwen)

Emotive and vulnerable, whilst at the same time powerful and commanding, Pink’s vocals were first class and beautiful. ‘Trustfall’ and ‘Just Like A Pill’ were exquisitely done and showcased her prowess as an aficionado of pure pop perfection.

The beauty of Pink is that her slower-paced songs have as much impact as her more dance-worthy numbers. ‘Cover Me In Sunshine’ was stunning and Pink was joined on stage by her daughter Willow which made for a touching moment.

The gorgeous and melancholy ‘Kids In Love’ which was written by a Swedish folk duo, First Aid Kit was another outstanding moment.

Pink took a well-deserved breather from all the circus-centric antics to play piano on a beautifully-reimagined version of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Bob Dylan which led to an unexpected marriage proposal for one unassuming audience member.

Pink’s love and appreciation for her fans is unparalleled and she regularly interacted with members of the crowd – wishing people happy birthday to sharing helpful tips as to what makes a happy marriage (authentic apologies for those wanting to keep that on the back burner as and when this is required)

From the visceral ‘Turbulence’ (complete with yet even more aerial antics) and the dance remix of ‘What About Us’ to an acoustic version of ‘Please Don’t Leave Me’ and an unforgettable finale of fan favourite ‘So What’, Pink gave everything she had and left that (and more) on the stage.

An absolutely electrifying show from start to end, this was a high-energy, creative masterclass in showmanship and why Pink is one of the most spectacular performers of her generation.

Photo Credits: Dave Hogan / Hogan Media