
Dermot O'Leary wants Essex party atmosphere at Radio 2 festival
Speaking to BBC Essex, O'Leary said: "There's something in the water in Essex, it's a very special county. "My family are from Ireland, they moved over and my parents didn't really want to live in London and moved out to Colchester. "It was so lucky, my dad was on the train out to Brightlingsea to see family. "He went past Colchester and saw they were building houses that he could afford and that he could still get to London in an hour."It [Colchester] was such a nice place to grow up, it was gorgeous. "I have so much affinity [with the city]. Every time I go back I see a different side to it. "I love how it evolves."O'Leary, who has presented the X Factor and This Morning, started his media career as a runner on BBC Essex's Saturday afternoon sport show.
Hylands Park is no stranger to hosting music events, having hosted the V Festival between 1996 and 2017.Belinda Carlisle, Ronan Keating, Jessie J, Ella Henderson and Stereophonics are also on the bill for the Radio 2 in the Park event.In recent years, the festival has been held in Preston in Lancashire and in Leicester.
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island winners Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan share first look at their stunning £39K Essex wedding with traditional Indian reception - two years after meeting on ITV show
Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan officially tied the knot in a picture-perfect £39K wedding over the weekend. The Love Island winners, both 27, took to Instagram on Saturday to confirm that they are husband and wife as they shared stunning snaps from their special day. Kai and Sanam said 'I do' during a romantic countryside ceremony at the lavish High House in Essex, where weddings can cost from £10,995 up to £38,995. Sanam looked nothing short of sensational in a beautiful off the shoulder wedding dress complete with a floral lace bodice and tulle skirt. The new Mrs Fagan looked gorgeous in the number from Lotte Rose Bridal in Bedford, as she walked down the aisle carrying a bouquet of pink roses and purple flowers. Meanwhile Kai cut a very dapper figure in a black Moss suit which he teamed with a matching bow tie and white shirt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kai Fagan (@kaifagan_) The couple, who won the dating show in 2023, looked more loved-up than ever during their day as Kai picked up Sanam and twirled her around the gardens. The pair celebrated with their closest family and friends, who were seen showering the newlyweds with confetti. Ahead of the day, Sanam filmed a fun TikTok with her four bridesmaids, who were dressed in matching floor-length purple dresses. The couple later enjoyed their traditional Indian reception party as Sanam slipped into a dazzling white dress which she accessorised with chandelier earrings and several bracelets. The newlyweds couldn't contain their smiles as they took to the dancefloor to celebrate their day with friends. They captioned the post: 'Mr and Mrs Fagan forever and always 01/08/2025.' Alongside the video of their wedding, they added: 'Sharing a snippet of our most magical day'. Meanwhile, the newlyweds tucked into a two-tier buttercream cake adorned with white and lilac flowers. The couple looked more loved-up than ever during their day as Kai picked up Sanam and twirled her around the gardens The cake was made by Sanam's Casa Amor pal Cynthia Taiwo, with the professional baker expressing her love for the couple as she shared a snap of the cake on her Instagram. She penned: 'Thank you thank you thank you for trusting me to make this cake for you on such a special day. Myself and Sanam walked into the Love Island villa together, so this was a full circle moment for me. 'Cheers to Mr and Mrs Fagan.' One fan took to the comments to say they 'love how the couple incorporated her ethnicity into the wedding with the Indian style', prompting Sanam to reply: 'Thank you. Waiting for the rest of the photos to come through but you'll see it soon'. While their celebrity pals including Love Island co-stars flooded them with congratulatory messages. Claudia Fogarty wrote: 'Congratulations to you both, you look beautiful xxx.' Ron Hall said: 'A special couple and a special love,' while his ex Lana Jenkins gushed: 'Beautiful photos guys, congratulations.' Lucie Donlan commented: 'Wow, congratulations guys,' and Wes Nelson also penned: 'Congratulations.' With Casey O'Gorman sharing: 'Winners for a reason congrats guys.' One fan took to the comments to say they 'love how the couple incorporated her ethnicity into the wedding with the Indian style', prompting Sanam to reply that they will see more soon The couple's stunning wedding venue allows couples to either say their vows in the Grade II listed Essex Barn, before enjoying their reception in the brand new orangery. Guests can mingle in the lush gardens with it's peaceful water feature and take a stroll through the vineyard entrance before later winding down in the recently renovated onsite accommodation featuring its own pool. Ahead of their big day, Kai told how Sanam had took charge of most of the wedding planning. He told The Sun: She's taking a bit of control of this because I never had a dream wedding. A lot of young girls have a dream wedding and know exactly what they want. 'And that's going to be her special day at the end of the day. So it's got to be perfect for her. But I'd marry her anywhere I'd go to the registry office in Manchester tomorrow.' The couple announced their engagement in April 2024, one a year after meeting and falling in love in the Mallorca villa. In recent days, they kept fans up-to-date with the lead-up to their wedding, giving a glimpse into their preparations on Instagram. Taking to their respective accounts on Thursday, the pair got themselves spruced up for their big day, with Kai seen getting a fresh trim for the occasion. The P.E teacher shared snaps of himself in a barber's chair as his pal gave him a hair cut, writing in his caption: 'Trim completed. Now time to log off for a few days, enjoy life, be present and marry the love of my life.' Meanwhile, social worker Sanam showed off her gorgeous wedding nails on her stories, with her fingernails adorned with pearl and sequin embellishments. She simply wrote alongside her snap: 'Tomorrow', alongside emojis of a bride and groom. Last week, both the bride and groom shared snaps of their hen and stag parties as they let their hair down with pals ahead of tying the knot. Sanam jetted off to Ibiza with her pals and her mother, while Kai and his friends had a grand time on their own sport-themed trip, larking around and drinking. Kai also paid tribute to his future wife ahead of their wedding day as he got her name tattooed on his arm. The couple met on the hit ITV show in March 2023 in the infamous Casa Amor, and came out as the winning couple. The two lovebirds have been going strong ever since, and in April 2024, they announced their engagement as Kai got down on one knee while boating in Cambridge. During the romantic proposal in Cambridge, Sanam was dressed in bridal white while Kai opted for a matching coloured jacket. They passionately kissed one another in another lovely photo before celebrating by popping champagne. They recently revealed why their relationship has lasted longer than other couples' relationships from the programme as they took a swipe at their co-stars. Speaking to OK! magazine, the couple explained the sacrifices they have had to make to maintain their relationship. Kai said: 'The difference between Love Island couples and ordinary couples is that there is a lot of pressure on the relationship when you leave the villa. 'What makes Sanam and I different is that you have to decide what you want more: the fame that comes with the show, or the person you're in a relationship with. 'You get invited to parties but we wanted each other more than that lifestyle. We enjoy every moment together and we do things the other person is interested in, too.' The couple are famously humble, with Sanam going straight back into social work after the show, instead of launching a career as an influencer.


The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Married At First Sight's first groom of new series revealed ahead of show launch
MARRIED At First Sight's first groom of the new series has been revealed, ahead of the show launch. The dating show was shot earlier this year and will air in the autumn, much to the delight of fans. 5 5 5 And names of the brides and grooms are starting to arise, with the first groom of the series now being revealed as Steve Springett. He's a Geordie who lives in Essex, and will make for 'unmissable TV,' according to a source. They told The Sun: 'Steve is a real character and will make unmissable TV - he's really hot, but he's trouble - once he walks up the aisle everyone will be talking about him.' E4 had no comment when approached by The Sun. The handsome chap has a private social media account, but can be seen in an all black outfit on a football pitch in his profile photo. Steve will be joining fellow cast member Leah Tyrer - a super-glam blonde business consultant, for the new series. It's not known who the newbies will walk down the aisle to. A source told The Sun: 'Leah is sure to be one of the most talked about brides this year. "She's a fun party girl and regularly shows off her toned body in bikini snaps from her luxury holidays on social media. Furious MAFS star Lacey hits back at Nathan and accuses him of 'disrespecting' Love Island girlfriend in fresh attack "She's also pals with several ITV soap stars. Former Emmerdale star Charley Webb regularly comments on her snaps and has branded her 'prettiest' on one picture. "She also counts former Corrie stars Helen Flanagan and Kimberly Hart-Simpson amongst her followers, so she's already well-connected before she's even made her TV debut.' The bride-to-be, who turned 30 this year, is based in Edinburgh. Along with Leah, another fellow bride has been revealed as a stunning dental practice manager. Brunette Leisha Lightbody was the first to sign up for the E4 series. Leisha juggles her job as a dental practice manager with marketing and social media roles. 5 5


The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Ultimate guide to Reading and Leeds festivals – from camping to never missing a set
COME rain or shine, nothing beats a British music festival – and in August, Reading and Leeds are the places to be. The twin festivals, held over the same weekend, are back for 2025 with an epic lineup. 7 From August 21 to 24, the two sites will welcome Chappell Roan, for her exclusive UK headline festival appearance, and a huge list of big names including Travis Scott, Bring Me the Horizon and Hozier. Whether you're a festival veteran or newbie, planning and preparation are key when it comes to making the most of your weekend. From securing a good camping spot to keeping your phone charged, these are the tricks and tips you need to know. 7 Leader of the pack Camping is a big part of the Reading and Leeds experience so investing in a decent tent makes a big difference. As tempting as pop-up tents are, they tend to be flimsy, leaky and a nightmare to get back into their bag. Go for something more solid and always choose a tent size that's a little bigger than you think you need – if there are two of you, a three-person tent will be more comfortable. Complete the kit with an inflatable mat, sleeping bag and pillowcase you can stuff with a few jumpers. Showering options are few and far between, so bring biodegradable wipes and dry shampoo to help you feel a little fresher. Barbecues aren't allowed at Reading and Leeds but you can take flat-based cooking stoves into the camping area for your morning brew or some beans on toast. And there are plenty of food stalls from burgers to burritos. 7 Pitch perfect Arrive early on Thursday to get a good spot and try to camp near enough to a path for easy access, but not so close that fellow festival-goers stumble over your tent. Finding your bed in a sea of tents can be tricky so hang a unique flag, fairy lights or ribbon on yours to find it easily. At Reading and Leeds there are also some specialist camping areas you might want to consider. The Garden, where no noise is allowed after 1am, is great if you know you'll need your shuteye. The Valley is aimed at those travelling solo or in pairs and looking to make friends. At The Meadow, there's an eco theme and lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people via talks, workshops and yoga classes. Size matters At both festivals, only bags A4 sized or smaller are allowed in the arena, so bring a roomy bumbag for festival must-haves. Don't forget a reusable water bottle – this can be filled up at stations across the arena and campsites throughout Reading and Leeds. To avoid being caught out when the heavens open, attach a packable rain jacket or poncho to the bumbag. A vape-free alternative with Nordic Spirit WITH the disposable vape ban now in force, Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches could offer a vape-free alternative at Reading and Leeds festivals this summer. These smoke-free pouches, which are placed between the gum and upper or lower lip, can provide a discreet alternative to smoking or vaping and are 100% tobacco-free. Each can of Nordic Spirit contains 20 individual pouches and has a useful compartment where used pouches can be stored before disposal in a bin. Available in a range of nicotine strengths, the new Nordic Spirit range features a higher moisture content and offers a refreshing flavour release that lasts up to 30 minutes. Plus, this summer sees the launch of three new fruit flavours: Melon Fresh, Tropical Mix and Forest Berries. For more information, visit or claim your free sample here. Only available to ages 18+, and for existing adult nicotine users only. 18+ only. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance. 7 Check your tech Throughout the arenas and campsites, portable chargers will be provided by 3Charging, but it's advisable to bring a trusty power bank. Putting your phone on airplane mode when you don't need it is also a great way to extend battery life. Come night-time, a head torch is a game-changer for trips to the loo or sorting things out in the tent hands free. Mind the app The official Reading and Leeds app has all the lineup information you need plus a geo-targeted map that tracks where you are – a godsend for finding friends and stages. In case you lose signal, it's always a wise move to screenshot important details like band times and key meeting points. The app can also direct you to the Sensory Calm Space, a place to be if you ever feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by the festivities. 7 Style it out It's hard to strike the right balance between fun and practicality. So get the sensible basics right and add festival flair with accessories such as biodegradable glitter, bucket hat or flower crown. Hitting 20,000 steps a day is on the cards with all the walking and dancing, so think about footwear carefully. Trainers are the best bet – unless it's really wet, when those wellies definitely come in handy. Even if the daytime is balmy, the nights are chilly so ensure you have a few layers for hot-footing it back to your tent for bed. Only available to ages 18+, and for existing adult nicotine users only. 18+ only. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance.