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Sky News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Lewis Capaldi plays emotional not-so-secret comeback set at Glastonbury
Lewis Capaldi has made an emotional comeback with a "secret" performance at Glastonbury - two years after announcing a break from the spotlight, where he struggled on stage at the festival. After revealing his new song Survive earlier in the day, Capaldi took to the Pyramid Stage and surveyed the huge crowd before him, before launching straight into his 2019 hit, Before You Go. Glastonbury, how you doing?" was the simple introduction after the first chorus, and then came his second song, Grace. Before the next one, the Scottish singer took it all in again and told the audience: "Glastonbury, it's so good to be back... I'm not going to say much up here today because if I do, I'll probably start crying." But, he added, he wanted to thank his fans, and "finish what I couldn't the first time round". Along with the headliners and the Sunday afternoon "legends slots", secret sets from the likes of Foo Fighters, The Killers, and Radiohead have become some of the most talked-about performances at Glastonbury in recent years. This time round, there had been much speculation about some of the big unannounced slots on the bill - in particular the TBA act scheduled to appear on the festival's main stage, the Pyramid Stage, just before Alanis Morissette on Friday afternoon. With various clues trailed on social media and in Glasgow, where Capaldi was born, and Castle Cary, near Glastonbury, by the time Capaldi walked on stage, it was in reality no secret to all but a few of the huge crowd that had turned out for the "surprise". The 28-year-old acknowledged the absurdity of his set being "TBA", describing it as the "worst kept secret" and joking: "I don't know who's been f*****g telling people." There were chants of "Oh, Lewis Capaldi!" from the crowd before he began his next songs, including Hold Me While You Wait, Bruises, Forget Me, and Someone You Loved. His performance was more than just a surprise set. A few months before his last appearance at Glastonbury, again on the Pyramid Stage, in 2023, Capaldi had released the all-access documentary, How I'm Feeling Now. It showed his rise from viral hit-maker to a star whose debut album, Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, became the biggest-selling in the UK in its year of release - and the year after, too. No mean feat when you consider his competition - Ed Sheeran was second in 2019 and Harry Styles in 2020. Fans have always loved Capaldi not just for his talent as a singer and songwriter, but for his class-clown humour and his unfiltered, indifferent style. But his sense of humour and anti-celebrity attitude masked struggles with his mental health and Tourette's, which he spoke about candidly in the film. At Glastonbury in 2023, the strain was clear. Prior to the performance, he had cancelled several shows to rest and recover. On stage, he apologised as he prepared to belt out his hit song Someone You Loved. "I'm going to be honest, everybody, but I'm starting to lose my voice up here, but we're going to keep going and we're going to go until the end," he told the crowd. "I just need you all to sing with me as loud as you can, if that's okay?" And of course they did, the voices of tens of thousands of people carrying him through. In a statement afterwards, the star said the sentiment had meant "the world", before announcing a break for "the foreseeable future". "I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this, and I'd hoped three weeks away would sort me out," he said. "But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come." In May, Capaldi performed his first show in two years - a charity gig in Edinburgh to raise funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), a mental health charity he has supported over the years. For most artists, playing the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury is a dream. Now, Capaldi has achieved it once again - this time, fans didn't need to help him with the sing-along, but of course they joined him anyway. The love from the audience was clear. "How far will you go to get back to the place you belong?" is one of the lines from Survive. With this performance, Capaldi showed that this, one of the world's most famous stages, is still that place for him.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mystery as huge billboard goes up outside Glastonbury Festival – and fans think it's a hint at secret set
GLASTONBURY kicks off today with several mystery slots still unannounced - and fans are on high alert for clues about surprise performers. Now, a mysterious billboard has popped up near Castle Cary, the main train station for Glastonbury Festival. 5 5 The large white banner features a cryptic message in red text which says: 'I've had my share of Monday mornings when I can't get up.' It also included a mobile phone number. When one Reddit user contacted the number, they said they got a response to sign up to a "scam" investment scheme. The billboard was spotted by a festival-goer queuing early for the gates, who shared a photo to Reddit with the caption: 'Does anyone know what this is about / who's it for? 'Just got here to queue for gates opening and haven't seen anyone mention it. Give me ya theories!!!!' One fan was quick to point out that the same sign appeared in Glasgow recently, fuelling rumours that Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi - who made a surprise return to the stage in May after a hiatus - may be planning a surprise return on one of Glastonbury's stages. The Someone You Loved star, who has been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, was forced to take a break from music after struggling to finish his set at Glastonbury in June 2023. The legendary festival officially opens today at Worthy Farm in Somerset, with headline performances scheduled from June 27 to June 29. This year's headliners include The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo. Elsewhere on the bill are major acts like Charli XCX, Loyle Carner, Rod Stewart, The Prodigy, Doechii, and Raye. Earlier this month, the full festival schedule was released — but fans noticed several TBA slots still in place. Now they have a new theory about who else could make a surprise appearance at the legendary festival. On the 2025 Glastonbury schedule, the Saturday 6.15pm slot has a mysterious act called "Patchwork" pencilled in, and fans have been trying to work out what it means. It follows a similar mystery in 2023 when Churn Ups were revealed to be the Foo Fighters. Fans are convinced that Chappell Roan is "Patchwork" after she posted a telling clue on Instagram. It came after the Pink Pony Club star shared a picture of herself holding a patchwork quilt, and wrote next to it: "Insane vibe." Dave Grohl also sparked a flurry of excitement after he jetted to the UK earlier this week. Grohl, 56, sent fans into a spin after posing for a photo with US singer Amanda Palmer at London 's Royal Albert Hall. After grabbing the Foo Fighters legend for a photo, she shared it on social media and told her followers: "Well I'll be damned. Not who I expected to run into backstage at the Yeah Yeah Yeah's show in London tonight, but look, it's Dave Grohl." The rest of the bill features big-name acts such as Charli XCX, Doechii, Rod Stewart, Loyle Carner, The Prodigy and Raye. 5
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Forbes
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025: Best English And Scottish Escapes
When Mother's Day calls for something beyond the usual flowers and chocolates, nothing beats a trip away to the enchanting British countryside. Think cozy manor houses, thermal spas and farm-to-table restaurants — all against a backdrop perfectly designed for quality bonding time. Part working farm and part luxury hotel and spa, the Newt transforms a historic Georgian estate into a contemporary countryside escape that combines classic flair with modern amenities. Tucked between the market towns of Bruton and Castle Cary, the country estate offers just 23 uniquely styled suites across the main house and converted stable yard, and centers around its spectacular gardens, including a walled parabola with apple trees that supply the estate's own cider press. Pro tip: Book your stay and plan your activities in advance. There is so much to explore and experience at the Newt — the exquisite spa (housed in a converted cow barn) offers indulgent treatments inspired by the surrounding landscape, the garden-to-table restaurants never disappoint with menus that change every season, and activities like beekeeping and woodland walks allow guests to enjoy every aspect of Somerset's agricultural heritage with a touch of well-manicured sophistication. Courtesy of the Newt Renowned for its glamorous gatherings and high profile occasions, Gleneagles also drew the fashion crowd last summer, housing the guests of Dior when the maison held their Cruise 2025 show in Scotland (first show in Scotland since 1995). Quite the hotel, spa and golfing destination, the landmark estate is synonymous to heritage, luxury and grandeur — and top of the must-visit destinations when it comes to Scotland. Pro tip: although the hotel promotes a comfortable and informal atmosphere in general, make sure to pack a dress or two if you plan to sample the gorgeous afternoon tea, where a smart casual dress code is advised. The Royal Lochnagar Suite at the Gleneagles Courtesy of Gleneagles Saltmoore, Whitby, England Stylishly perched between the wild North York Moors and the salty sea breeze, Saltmore is the perfect countryside destination you've been dreaming about — but probably couldn't quite picture until now. Encompassing two brand new hotels and 72 bedrooms in total, the sanctuary that is Saltmoor comes with a heated indoor poor (what British weather?), a state-of-the-art spa with treatment journeys by Wildsmith Skin, a gym complete with biohacking options, and an array of dining offering that spans two bars and four venues. Pro tip: for those looking to treat their mother, book The Nest Suite, a tranquil hideaway complete with reading nook in the original 19th century hall overlooking the orchard from its top-floor vantage point. The rooms at Saltmoore features classic designs in soft hues Courtesy of Saltmoore Cowley Manor Experimental, The Cotswolds, England Charming with lush fields and unique architectural features, Cowley Manor Experinmental pretty much sums up the perfect English countryside destination in the Cotswolds. Spread across 55 acres of stunning grounds (think natural lakes, Victorian cascades and woodlands that have long rumored to have inspired Alice in Wonderland), guests can expect a harmonious blend of historic charm and playful sophistication in all of the estate's 36 rooms. Pro tip: for a countryside Mother's Day escape with style and soul, bond over craft cocktails at the Experimental Cocktail Club, sample Jackson Boxer's locally-sourced gastronomy offerings with a French twist, or simply relax in the award-winning C-Side Spa — complete with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and fitness center. Room at Cowley Manor Experimental, The Cotswolds, England Courtesy of Cowley Manor Experimental Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso, Scotland For a proper Scottish getaway, look no further than Schloss Roxburghe. Once the Duke of Roxburghe's private residence, the hotel is close to the Scottish Borders and just a quick hop from both Edinburgh and Newcastle (about an hour's drive). An expansion completed in November 2022 saw the opening of the new Estate House, extensive spa facilities as well as a number of self-catering cottages across the grounds. Pro tip: the estate — with over 300 acres of land and 2.5 miles of the River Teviot — is perfect for those who don't like to sit still: fill your day with a round of golf on the Championship Course, fly fishing on the river or Trout Loch, or clay pigeon shooting at the newly refurbished Shooting Center. The exterior of Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso, Scotland Courtesy of SCHLOSS Roxburghe
