Test Fest in Somerset 'a gathering point for cancer survivors'
Ms Brand said a second stage is being introduced at Test Fest, where ticket holders often don bright orange underpants over their clothes."We turn away probably between 100 and 150 artists every year, so we've got a smaller stage this year for some acoustic bands but also some fantastic bands and artists that are up and coming," she said.Other artists billed to perform at the event include Break Beat Bandits, The Jamestown Brothers, and Whisky Embers.Ms Brand said the festival was a place for people to meet and have a chat with others who have also lived with testicular cancer.
"That's what the whole festival is about," she said."We started Test Fest because one of the guys who'd had testicular cancer said to me: 'Not everyone likes rugby and football... there's a lot of young guys that love music'."It's actually a really family friendly festival because most men who have testicular cancer are in their 30s.""Come and have a chat with us, listen to the music, have a cider - or two - and have a good time."
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Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Masterchef judge attacks local council after he claims it cut the number of supper clubs he can hold at his farmhouse
Controversial Masterchef judge William Sitwell has launched an extraordinary attack on his local council after he says it effectively cut the number of supper clubs he can hold at his rural Somerset farmhouse. Mr Sitwell - who resigned as editor of Waitrose Food magazine in 2018 after joking about killing vegans - blasted council planners after he was forced to apply for permission to continue holding the Sitwell Supper Club events at his £800,000 Rooks Nest Farm near Taunton. The outspoken food critic recently discovered that he was technically in breach of planning rules by holding the evenings in a former cow shed on the farm, because he was feeding humans rather than animals. In response, he had to apply to Somerset Council for a change of use for the building, switching from agricultural use to accommodate dining events. Although the application was granted, it was with the condition that he can only hold 12 events a year. He says he had previously held a premises licence which allowed him two a week, meaning the number he can hold has considerably reduced. 'I had a premises licence granted for events on a Friday and Saturday of every week,' Mr Sitwell explained. As far as I was concerned it was kosher. Several years later this thing then popped up - I was in technical breach because I was feeding humans rather than cows or horses in an agricultural building. 'Now I can only hold 12 a year. What councils should be doing is opening their arms to say how can we help you, not how can we make life hard for you? 'The principle is completely absurd. I hire local people. I entertain local people. I buy products from local people. I buy beer from local people. 'Profit margins are very small and I haven't jacked up my prices. I'm obsessed, passionate and bonkers about these supper clubs. There is this real sense of happiness and fun and that I have created something extraordinary. 'When I'm cleaning loos or scrubbing tables and I'm thinking the local authority isn't helping me it does make me wonder 'Why do I do it? I literally do not understand it.' Foodie Mr Sitwell bought remote Rook's Nest Farm with his wife Emily in October 2020. He began holding supper clubs not long after, bringing in often Michelin-starred chefs to cook a full meal for paying guests. In documents for the planning application, his agent said: 'Mr Sitwell owns Rook's Nest Farm and he is an author, editor, journalist and food critic and is instrumental within the surrounding area for promoting the use of local food produce within public houses and restaurants and recently spearheaded the Dulverton Restaurant Festival which involved not only many of the local eateries and but also local food and drink suppliers. 'The event was extremely well supported and demonstrated that the interest that the owners of such businesses have in such an event but also the great interest from the local community. 'The events that he has held at Rook's Nest Farm have also been very successful and are always sold out in advance. His angry comments come after he was forced to apply for planning permission to continue holding the Sitwell Supper Club events 'Such events provide a highly valuable social and community service whereby local suppliers get the opportunity to highlight their produce and services and local people get the opportunity to attend high quality dining experiences without having to leave the county.' The documents stated that Mr Sitwell is currently running around eight events a year, with around 65 diners and 10 staff. 'This application is for the change of use to allow this building and yard areas to be used for social functions that the applicant provides and manages himself, and this for the most part is creating a dining experience in a rural setting, where Mr Sitwell engages exceptional chefs and catering staff to create a high quality dining experience utilising where possible locally sourced produce,' it went on. Tobias Palmer, senior ecologist at Somerset County Council, warned of lighting affecting bats while transport bosses told Mr Sitwell to install some electric vehicle charging points to encourage the use of EVs. A planning officer's report recommended approval, adding: 'The conversion of the barn supports the rural tourism economy providing both employment and social benefits to the community. 'The development would have no adverse impact on ecology, subject to conditions, or highway safety. 'The consent is limited to 12 (supper club) functions a year to manage impacts on nearby residents, with the sale of alcohol controlled through a separate licensing process.' Mr Sitwell said he felt the 12-a-year limitation was effectively 'limiting my ability to trade' and said council departments needed to communicate more effectively. The Australian-born chef has insisted 'he had absolutely no recollection' of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago A spokesperson for Somerset Council said they were under the assumption that Mr Sitwell had agreed to 12 events a year via his agent. More events could be held in future, but it would need a revised application, they added. They said: 'The decision on the number of events was taken based on the information the applicant provided.' It comes after huge controversy surrounding the BBC show with the sacking of both presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Torode was dramatically axed from MasterChef - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language. The corporation said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. The complaint against Torode was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour. Wallace, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld. It comes as reports suggest the Australian chef could take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. Sources suggest the chef is 'preparing to launch a lawsuit against the BBC' and wants to pursue bosses for unfair dismissal. New reports have claimed the BBC sacked John Torode after he allegedly 'used the N-word twice while singing along to a Kanye West song'. The MasterChef host, 59, was reportedly singing the rapper's hit Gold Digger when he was allegedly 'caught using the racist term during after work drinks six or seven years ago'. The Sun claims Torode used the word again whilst chatting to a friend on the MasterChef's production team, who didn't take offence. The Australian-born chef has insisted 'he had absolutely no recollection' of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago. The person who raised the complaint is understood to have 'overheard the conversation'. The production pal allegedly backed Torode and said he only used the racial slur as an 'example' and 'apologised afterwards'. A witness told investigators he had apologised immediately, 'was mortified' and 'didn't use the term as a slur' in 2018. The BBC said on Tuesday that Torode's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during an evening out after filming the show. The corporation has refused to say what the racist term was - as has Torode, who has claimed he did 'not believe that it happened'. MasterChef bosses are reportedly pushing to air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series 'when the dust settles' after they were both sacked from the cooking show. The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Wallace to co-host with Torode. The Sun reports that The BBC and production company Banijay plan to air both the amateur and celebrity editions. However, MailOnline understands BBC director general Tim Davie, who has the final say, has not yet made his decision on whether MasterChef will or will not be aired.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- BBC News
Hereford's military history festival announce first line-up
The UK's first military history festival has announced the full line-up for its debut event including actor Larry festival, in Hereford, will feature talks and panel discussions about conflict and the lessons history provides in a time of global instability. Events announced include EastEnders star Lamb sharing a selection of his favourite war poems, authors Anne Sebba and Wendy Holden discussing their books on Auschwitz and podcaster Mark Lynas talking about his new book Six Minutes to event will be held across three venues in the city - Hereford Cathedral, The Green Dragon Hotel and the Castle Green Pavilion - and run from 26-28 September. Other highlights, organisers say, include ex-Army officer Chris Hunter giving a first-hand insight into working for a bomb disposal festival will also feature discussions with Kate Adie, Philippe Sands, Claire Mulley and Conn Iggulden, as well as exploring global military history through a variety of themes.A schools programme aimed at helping young people get a better understanding of the role of military history in world events will also be offered, organisers and chief executive Christian Dangerfield said it was exciting to see the festival take shape and receive a positive response."Audiences from near and far will be able to plan three days of fascinating and enriching military history - from ancient Rome to today's Ukraine - in one of Britain's most historic cities," he full 2025 programme can be viewed on the Hereford Military History Festival website. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- The Sun
I earned £20k a month on OnlyFans & bought my council house for £101k – then claimed £1.5k on UC while living rent-free
CHECKING her bank balance Emily Cutter couldn't help but smile. Her first Universal Credit payment of almost £1500 had landed in her account and she was off to buy a celebratory bottle of bubbles. 7 7 But despite her delight, the payment was just a drop in the ocean compared to what the mum-of-three was used to. Just a few months earlier Emily was making around £20k a month on OnlyFans, enjoying luxury holidays most months and never having to think about budgeting. But she traded it all in for life on the dole, and she says she doesn't regret a thing. 'People thought I was bonkers to give up that kind of cash, and fans begged me to stay but I was burnt out and mentally shattered,' Emily admits. 'My only option was to sign on to Universal Credit and get my life back in order . "I'd earnt a fortune, had bought a house but blew the rest on designer clothes, holidays and treating my kids.' Former model Emily, 37, lives in Taunton, Somerset with her three children aged 18, 14 and seven, turned to OnlyFans as a way of making money during lockdown. 'It was a great way to pay the bills while I was trapped in the house of homeschooling,' she says. 'It certainly wasn't something I'd ever planned on doing but I know loads of mums who ended up doing the same.' When Emily left school, she planned a career in the health sector and started studying to be a nurse at Plymouth University in 2007. Moment sacked OnlyFans teacher insists 'I never thought they'd catch me' in GMB interview 'I fell pregnant and in March 2008 at 18 I became a teen mum when my eldest was born,' she says. 'I was juggling paying the bills and trying to study and then the following year his dad and I broke up. 'A friend of mine was doing modelling and suggested I give it a go to help pay the bills.' Emily put together a portfolio and soon began modelling for underwear, lingerie, and swimwear shoots in London. In March 2011 Emily welcomed her daughter, now aged 14 and qualified for a two-bedroom semi-detached council house at the time paying just £120 a month rent and said her job was perfect for a working mum. Emily explains: 'The jobs always fit around the school run. 'I never missed a school play, I was involved with the school and there to cheer my kids on at sports days. 'Like most girls in the glamour industry I did topless shots and implied nude pictures and had a friend doing the same, we joked that we had double lives. 7 7 'It never crossed my mind to claim benefits, I worked hard for my money.' In December 2017 Emily welcomed her third child by a third father. With three mouths to feed Emily then started working for an adult TV channel based in Bristol. 'I was a cam girl, I could earn £300 on an overnight shift and loved the thrill of live TV,' she says. 'I'd finish a shift, come home, get the kids to school, sleep for a few hours, do the afternoon school run, and then head off to work again.' By now Emily was paying £350 a month rent for her council home and managing to make enough money to pay the bills. 'My kids always had nice clothes, we never went without, but I wasn't the best at budgeting,' she admits. In March 2020 when lockdown hit Emily faced a financial crisis. 'I didn't have any savings; I had credit card bills which needed paying and children to feed,' she says. That's when enterprising Emily decided to become her own boss and sign up to OnlyFans. 'I loved the fact I could take my own photos, create my own videos, and just sit in my bedroom when the kids were sleeping messaging fans to make money,' she says. I'd spend £400 a week on groceries and I'd treat the kids to gourmet takeaways Emily Cutter In January 2020 OnlyFans globally had 350,000 creators but the end of 2020 covid sign ups took that number to 1 million. In Britain, the number of UK-based OnlyFans creators jumped by almost a half or 42% between March–July 2020, reaching around 95,000 creators in that period. Emily would get up each morning, make the kids their breakfast, get them started on their homeschooling and then race upstairs and do a naughty set of photos in her bedroom. 'I didn't do live videos, but I was great at sexting and my fans loved that.,' she says. Initially Emily charged £14.99 a month for membership giving fans access to basic photo sets and videos. 'I already had a fan-base from my time on TV so I got plenty of sign-ups and within the first month I was making £1000,' she says. 'When so many people started setting up accounts, I dropped the monthly rate to £9.99.' Emily watched her earnings grow from £1k to £5k then £10k and at her peak £20k a month. 'I was thrilled with my success but I'm the first to admit I was still awful at budgeting,' she says. 'I'd spend £400 a week on groceries and I'd treat the kids to gourmet takeaways. 'We went on posh holidays and I paid off £20k in credit card debt but then I bought a Range Rover car on finance.' Emily was still living in her £395 a month council house and despite making up to £20k a month refused to give it up. 'You can earn a million quid and still live in a council home,' she says. What is OnlyFans? OnlyFans is a subscription content service based in London. As of 2023, it is thought to have more than 220million registered users and over three million content creators. Sex workers charge monthly fees for access to pictures, videos and more. While popular for porn, the site isn't exclusively designed with that in mind - anyone who wants to build up a fan base and charge them for it can set one up. Celebs like Katie Price and Kerry Katona are popular personalities on the platform. "Whether you're uploading tutorials, tips, behind-the-scenes footage or just endless selfies, a lot of your followers would be willing to pay for them," the company states. For every subscription that's sold to a viewer, performers get 80 per cent of the cash while OnlyFans gets the rest. It isn't limited to adult content, as it has become popular with physical fitness experts and musicians. Instead, Emily applied to buy her council house taking advantage of the fact that as a council tenant for over a decade she would get a huge discount off the asking price. 'OnlyFans helped me buy my council house for £101k and I paid a £50k extension making it into a four -bedroom home,' she says. "As council tenant I got a discount of £59k off the valuation of the house of £160k. I thought that's a bonus for me and the kids. However, Emily admits that despite her success, the job was taking its toll. 'The job was isolating and I felt really lonely,' she admits. 'Each day was the same and it could be really depressing and sometimes I would find myself grossed out by the men I was dealing with. 'I knew I had to stop for the sake of my mental health.' In the middle of 2023 Emily closed down her OF page and deleted it determined to have a fresh start. 'I felt I'd have enough savings to survive on until I decided what I'd do next,' she says. However, the mum of three admits her lack of budgeting skills meant she was almost penniless within a month. 'In July 2023 I applied for Universal Credit and it took six weeks to be approved,' Emily explains. 'If I hadn't gone on benefits I could have ended up homeless. 'I got my first payment in September 2023.' "I learnt to budget better on benefits. 'I did miss my income but I refused to stop spoiling my kids by buying them designer clothes and using Universal Credit cash to pay for a big new TV, Ipads and expensive phones. "I'd go without so the kids and flog old clothes on Vinted so that I could fork out for designer bits and nice takeaways for the kids. "I kept my Range Rover and refused to give it up. "I took advantage of the extra freebies offered to mums on benefits like free NHS dentistry, free glasses prescriptions, even help with job interview clothes and travel costs to get to those appointments. "Plus we got leisure centers and gyms concessionary memberships, at discounted rates because I was on benefits.' But after half a year on the dole, Emily found a new career that involved keeping all of her clothes on. 'I'm now an independent travel consultant. I have a lovely boyfriend and the kids are thriving.' she says. 'I started by doing a course and booking bespoke holidays for people on all different budgets.' The mum has been so successful she now runs courses to train and mentor other people to be travel advisors. "I earn around £5k a month and projections show by 2028 my earnings could reach upwards of £15k a month due to my mentoring other travel consultants,' she says. 'My mind is the best it's ever been and I have proven I am more than just a pretty face, I have brains too.' Emily does worry for men and women who take adult content making to extremes. "I worry people like Bonnie Blue fall in love with the money and the fame and convince themselves they're making huge strides for women,' she says. "They forget you need to plan for the future, families, children, and different career streams. "They ignore the mental impact and in the cases of porn actors and actresses the physical impact of what they do has on their bodies. "I was just taking naughty pictures and sending risque texts but it almost broke me. "Girls like Bonnie on the extreme side must realise they're not immune either.' While Emily says she will never be tempted back to OnlyFans, she says she would have no problem claiming benefits again if she needed to. She adds: "I will never go back to making adult content, I much preferred being on taxpayer handouts. "I'd rather turn to benefits than take off my clothes.' 7 7
