Giant boombox toilet co-designed by Sir Rod Stewart unveiled at Glastonbury
A giant boombox-shaped toilet, co-designed by Sir Rod Stewart, has been unveiled at Glastonbury Festival. WaterAid's Boombox Bog houses a toilet that sits behind the tape deck of a giant blue boombox decorated with leopard print, a pattern often worn by Sir Rod. The veteran rockstar, 80, will perform in front of thousands of music fans on Sunday when he plays the coveted tea-time legends slot on the Pyramid Stage, which sits nearby to the toilet. The Maggie May singer said: 'I've spent my life singing to packed arenas and festival crowds, but nothing hits a high note quite like clean water and a decent loo. 'They might not be sexy, but they're life-changing.
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The Australian
33 minutes ago
- The Australian
Calgary Stampede 2025: Your ultimate guide to the city's biggest festival
The biggest event on Calgary's calendar kicks off on July 4. Here's how to experience the best the town has to offer. The world's most famous rodeo begins on July 4, launching 10 days of boot-scootin', bronco-riding, guitar-twanging good times. This fixture of the Calgary calendar attracts thousands of visitors plus cowboys and cowgals from all over the world to Stampede Park, a huge complex of exhibition halls, arenas and dining and drinking venues beside Elbow River, southeast of Downtown. The rodeo action starts at 1.30pm every day, and there's a packed program of other activities, from walking tours and comedy performances to magic shows and blacksmithing demonstrations. Superstar Shania Twain is the headline act this year and will fill the Saddledome stadium on July 5, while a special Australian icon will also be in the spotlight. Our favourite cattledog, Bluey, will be telling stories and meeting fans throughout the festival. 2 In the red Rouge restaurant is something of an institution, having been pleasing palates since 2001. Located on a half-hectare plot in the hip, historic Inglewood district, it has extensive gardens and two greenhouses that last year helped to put more than 1400 salads on plates. Menu highlights on my visit include pheasant breast served on squash risotto and a herb-crusted pork tenderloin. Food aside, the eatery's claim to fame is the 1891 abode in which it's housed, a heritage-listed gem that was the home of brewing tycoon AE Cross. It's here that Cross and three other business bigwigs cooked up the idea of the Calgary Stampede while sipping contraband whiskey. 3 Tall stories Once the tallest building in Canada, Calgary Tower may be overshadowed these days by its more modern neighbours but it still looms large for proud Calgarians. A brutal winter of minus 30C temperatures and freezing winds didn't hinder the ambitious 16-month building project on the site of the old Canadian Pacific Railway station. Husky Tower, as it was known, opened in mid-1968 and it has since welcomed more than 13m visitors up its 191m shaft. Its place in the city was further cemented by its role as an elevated Olympic torch during the 1988 Winter games. On one of Calgary's many bluebird days, the observation deck at the top affords 360-degree views across the city to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in one direction and rural plains in the other. Brave souls can stand on a glass floor and watch pedestrians and cars far below. 4 Retail therapy Aptly named, the mammoth Core shopping centre forms the epicentre of Calgary's retail scene. Sheltered under the world's largest suspended skylight, the Core is a retail and pedestrian sanctuary at the heart of downtown. It's a giant retail haven spread across four levels that's popular with shoppers, especially during the brutally cold winters. Meander through high-end Canadian retail icons such as Holt Renfew or Harry Rosen, or head to the top floor where sunlight beams through the expansive glass ceiling as children frolic in the Devonian Gardens, an impressive leafy playground with water features and a fishpond. After shopping, use the Core as a launch pad to explore the labyrinthine raised alleys that connect different buildings around the CBD. Named Plus 15s because of their height above the traffic, the skywalks form an network of temperature-controlled links so you can access most corners of the CBD, while oblivious to the plummeting mercury outside. 5 Boulevard of dreams Stately heritage buildings mark Stephen Ave, a cruisy pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Calgary. It's an outdoor shopping and dining strip marked with restaurants and bars behind historic edifices. Showcasing the character-filled Victorian and Art Deco architecture of early frontier Calgary, much of the strip was rebuilt after a fire in 1886. Snap up some cowboy attire at Lammle's Western Wear or head inside for lunch at one of the bars such as the grand Bank and Baron pub, an ornate structure that was once the Bank of Nova Scotia. Sadly, one of Calgary's best-loved buildings has shut up shop. The Hudson Bay Company, billed as one of the oldest commercial corporations in the world, went bankrupt in March. 'The Company', as it's known, was founded on the fur trade in 1670 and it was said that the retailer, and indeed the country, was built on beavers. 6 Island life Formerly home to a timber mill, Prince's Island was where felled trees could be sent from the wilds to be processed in the heart of what is now modern-day Calgary. Even in subzero winter the 20ha site on the Bow River seems to be a magnet for joggers and dog-walkers, but in summer the sun sets late in these parts and the pedestrian island springs to life to host musical festivals and other events, as well as becoming a picnic and outdoors hotspot. For a special treat book ahead for a seat at the River Cafe for lunch or dinner, consistently rated a highlight of the city's dining scene. Voted the most eco-friendly eatery in the nation due to its local suppliers and energy-efficient farming practices, the River Cafe prides itself on a seasonal, sustainable menu stemming from indigenous and foraged Canadian ingredients. Dine in with a view of the Bow River or in summer order a luxury pop-up picnic to enjoy under the open sky. 7 Hip district On Ninth Avenue, just east of the CBD is Inglewood, a hip haven of record shops, cafes, barbers and clothing shops with a trendy but slightly grungy vibe. The original high street of old Calgary, there's a whiff of wild west history behind the character facades. Spend an afternoon wandering along the street looking at vintage clothes, cafes, organic restaurants, and get lost in Canada's largest vinyl collection at Recordland. Don't miss Kent of Inglewood, a barber shop where the massive head of Blueberry the Bison is mounted on the wall. The store stocks every lotion and potion a man might need for his old-style shave, and hirsute types can step into the chair for a slice of classic cutthroat pampering with the local barber. If facial hair doesn't do it for you, they have an impressive array of axes, hatchets and hunting blades for sale. 8 Where to buy cowboy boots The aroma of leather, the din of hammers and hum of light machinery greets you as you step into the Alberta Boot Company workshop. It's the engine room of an iconic Canadian firm established in the 1970s that is now the Canadian equivalent of RM Williams. It takes about four weeks to make a pair of the handcrafted clodhoppers, and if straight cowhide isn't your style try ostrich leather, python or alligator with the different materials coming in myriad colours. Computer-aided embroidery adds artistry to the traditional craftsmanship. This small factory on the edge of the city brings together traditional Mexican and Canadian skills to produce footwear for anything from farm work, to a rodeo or night-time line-dancing. 9 Must-see museum Ageing hippies, metal heads, prog-rock fans and jazz aficionados can all find their perfect pitch at Studio Bell, a museum devoted to all things music. Even the extraordinary building, which is shaped like a guitar, is noteworthy. Exhibits include an early synthesiser used by Stevie Wonder, one of Elton John's pianos, a virginal dating from 1560 and the extraordinary Kimball Theatre Organ from the 1920s, a giant contraption with a bizarre array of bells, whistles and xylophones. Visitors can try their hand at some of the musical items that are on display – theremin, anyone? Take the Behind the Glass tour, $C11.50 ($12.90) on top of the $C24.50 general admission ticket, to see some of the rarer instruments in action. A must-see is the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio, used by the legendary rock band. And a word of warning: if you come for an hour, be prepared to stay for the whole day. 10 Where to stay British royalty may favour the Fairmont Palisades, but for a less traditional option consider The Westley, a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel conjured four years ago from a former oil and gas office block. Interiors have a Mexican-chic aesthetic, enhanced by pale adobe-esque arched walls, succulents and abundant tequilas and mezcals at the bar, and modern Mex meals at restaurant Fonda Fora. The suites are spacious, with king beds, generous storage, separate living area with desk, sofa and smart TV plus a small kitchenette with Smeg kettle (but no coffee machine). But it's the bathrooms that are the standouts, featuring geometric-patterned tiles giving off a 1970s vibe, double vanity, bathtub and capacious shower cubicle plus high quality brushed gold tapware. Smart and snazzy. Rooms from $C312 a night. Damian Haarsma was a guest of Tourism Calgary and Air New Zealand. If you love to travel, sign up to our free weekly Travel + Luxury newsletter here.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Belfast trio Kneecap play Glastonbury despite criticism
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has played to a huge crowd at Glastonbury Festival despite criticism by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and pressure from some in the music industry to pull the gig. Frontman Liam Og O hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". He denied the charge. Starmer told the Sun newspaper this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English, to appear at Glastonbury. With the outdoor arena at full capacity and scores of Palestinian flags waving in the blazing sun, the Northern Irish trio took to the West Holts stage at the festival in southwest England on Saturday. "Glastonbury, I'm a free man," O hAnnaidh, wearing a keffiyeh, told the crowd. Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, said: "The prime minister of your country - not mine - said he didn't want us to play so f*** Keir Starmer." Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was closed about 45 minutes before their performance after groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags. Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF". Speaking before the performance, festival-goer Greg Robertson, 30, said: "I don't think politicians should really have too much of an impact on a weekend where everyone's trying to have fun and trying to maybe create a more optimistic future." Sara Majid, 29, said she liked what Kneecap stood for. "I'm intrigued by them," she said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch had said the BBC public broadcaster, which is showing the festival, should not feature Kneecap, and 30 music industry bosses asked organisers to pull the band from the line-up, according to a letter leaked by DJ Toddla T, cited by the Guardian newspaper. In response, more than 100 musicians have signed a public letter in support of the group. Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert said the group had expected calls for the performance to be cancelled. "We knew that the biggest pressure would come on Glastonbury because Glastonbury's an institution," he told Reuters, adding that it had not been an issue for organisers. "We didn't bring it up and they didn't bring it up," he said. "They treated us professionally." Organiser Emily Eavis said on Wednesday the festival was a platform for artists from all over the world, adding that "everyone is welcome here". The BBC said on Saturday it would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. The footage of O'Hanna displaying the flag came to light after the trio projected pro-Palestinian messages on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, ending with: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." Kneecap, which also includes DJ Próvaí, have said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah. O hAnnaidh said on Friday the group were "playing characters" on stage, and it was up to the audience to interpret their messages. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Sir Elton John earlier in the year. with PA
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
Holly Valance splits from husband after 13 years
Former Neighbours star Holly Valance and UK billionaire Nick Candy are divorcing after 13 years of marriage. Friends told The Sun that the Australian actress and singer had split from her property tycoon husband in recent weeks. Right-wing glamour couple Holly, 42, and Nick, 52, were last photographed together in March, heading out for lunch in London. A family friend said: 'This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family. 'The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority. They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance. 'This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully. Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family.' Nick, who is the treasurer of Nigel Farage's Reform, met Holly in 2009 and proposed two years later. They married in 2012 in a £3million California ceremony in front of 300 guests, including Simon Cowell. Holly found fame on Neighbours as Felicity 'Flick' Scully before launching a career as a pop star. Her 2002 debut album Footprints spawned three hits, including Kiss Kiss, which went to No 1. Nick started his property business with brother Christian in the early 1990s while working in advertising. The pair now have a vast portfolio, including One Hyde Park — made up of 86 luxury apartments in central London — worth just over £1billion. Last year, Nick announced he had shunned his Conservative Party membership in favour of Reform. He was appointed as the party's treasurer in December and pledged to raise tens of millions for Mr Farage, including giving a seven-figure sum himself. Holly has become a high-profile figure in right-wing politics. She visited US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in 2022 with her husband and Mr Farage. She also attended former Tory PM Boris Johnson's wedding in 2021. And she is credited with encouraging Mr Farage to run for Parliament. On her political views, she said last year: 'Everyone starts off as a leftie and then wakes up at some point after making money, working, trying to run a business, trying to buy a home, then realises what crap ideas they all are.' A spokesman for the couple said: 'This is a private matter and we will not be making any further comment.'
