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Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I lived the A-list celebrity life at the F1 – here's the Silverstone secrets'
Mirror audience editor Harry Rutter enjoyed a lavish, star-studded VIP experience at the British Grand Prix as Lando Norris scooped his first Silverstone win for McLaren, watching Glastonbury-like performances from Sam Fender and Raye Lando Norris won his first British Grand Prix in front of thousands of soaked fans at Silverstone on Sunday – but the F1 isn't all about the racing this year. Behind-the-scenes there's a lot more going on, and that's exactly what Mirror man Harry Rutter found out during a days-long, celebrity-packed VIP experience at the famous racetrack nestled near its tiny Northamptonshire village. With performances from Seventeen Going Under hitmaker Sam Fender, rockers Blossoms, Little Mix sensation Jade Thirlwall and recent Glastonbury sensation Raye, there's clearly something for everyone over the Formula 1 weekend. Our jam-packed schedule started on the Thursday, with a warm welcome at the official backstage provider for this year's grand prix, Bluebird. With instant behind-the-scenes privileges came an exciting moment for our group as Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc casually cycled past as he prepared for Friday's round of free practice events. Leclerc, who was runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2022, acknowledged us and was shortly followed by Red Bull's Liam Lawson, who now races for the Christian Horner-fronted team's second unit, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Also dropping by Bluebird was F1 commentator and Sky Sports star David Croft, known to TV viewers as Crofty. Speaking to the Mirror he explained how nice it was to relax before being thrown into work over the weekend. He too was gearing up for a night of music before needing to jump on the microphone ahead of Sunday's big race. "It's lights out... and away we Land-ooo," he says in a personal video filmed for me, pre-emptively hinting at a big year for Norris, or maybe even predicting his win. Love Island's season five-star Michael Griffiths was also spotted enjoying Bluebird's amenities, getting an oiled hand massage from one of the staff before hitting the free bar. All-inclusive offerings included pricey bottles of Moey and Chandon champagne, giving the exclusive guests the full Formula 1 experience. Unlimited free Red Bull was also on the cards, with Heineken beers available as well across the extensive menu. Shuttle buses and black London taxis took us across the mammoth Silverstone site, taking us to Escapade for dinner. The lavish location boasts homes costing over £2million for the uberwealthy to enjoy the calendar of races from a private balcony. With a £150 special F1 menu on offer from their main guest 'club house', we were treated to the ultimate meal that the stars tuck into before watching the cars go by. We were transported to the paddock next where we experienced everything the rich and famous can, right behind the pit wall. But it wasn't just celebrities walking around, it was the drivers too – shockingly. We bumped right into Lewis Hamilton, sporting his Ferrari race suit following his transition from Mercedes. Moments later we saw Lando Norris doing some press interviews through the glass at McLaren's hospitality. Sky Sports were live on-air as we watched TV crews scramble to keep the programme running, along with dozens of international outlets reporting from the garages. Normal folk like me would never normally see this kind of behind-the-scenes action, without shelling out thousands on paddock passes of course. Blossoms kicked off Thursday night's entertainment with guitar-driven melodic hits, including Charlemagne, Your Girlfriend, and recent fan-favourite Gary. Sam Fender took to the stage and cranked things up a notch for the roaring crowd, performing a set of classic hits such as Seventeen Going Under, People Watching and Hypersonic Missiles to close out night one at Silverstone in style. It was the next day's tour of the paddock where we bumped into more famous faces, including Williams driver Carlos Sainz, followed by RB's Liam Lawson – again. Also wondering around was Maura Higgins, as well as Gordon Ramsay. Joined by his wife and daughter, the TV chef was hosting his own VIP restaurant for paddock passers. Friday night saw Raye take to the stage as the Mirror saw Hamilton once again appear – but this time he was side of stage, cheering on the singer amid swirling romance rumours. He watched her entire set, clapping from the sidelines and soaking up the atmosphere following the hitmaker's impressive set at Glastonbury Festival. She closed the show with an unforgettable performance, playing a catalogue of hits such as Prada and Escapism – finishing off two days of wild entertainment even before the racing had begun in a festival-like extravaganza for ticker holders. Commenting on the action away from the track Silverstone's chief commercial officer Nick Read told the Mirror: "This year, Silverstone is proud to showcase the best of British talent, bringing together iconic artists as we celebrate Formula 1's 75th anniversary as we continue to up our game. "Our all-British music lineup reflects our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment that resonates with fans both on and off the track. We are delighted to welcome JADE, Mabel, Blossoms Idris, Mike Skinner, Sub Focus, Eats Everything and DJ Luck & MC Neat to this year's lineup. "It's a testament to the rich heritage of British motorsport and music that Silverstone has developed since hosting its first Formula 1 British Grand Prix 75 years ago, and we're super excited to honour this milestone with an unforgettable festival experience."
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Five of the top UK food festivals this summer from Glastonbury-like music line ups to garlic cocktails
For a long weekend in August, one scenic festival hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs FESTIVAL SEASON Five of the top UK food festivals this summer from Glastonbury-like music line ups to garlic cocktails FESTIVAL season is in full swing, but it's not all muddy mosh pits, trampled tents and loo queues. We're taking a look at the kind of festivals we can all get behind – serving up the very best in food and drink. Jenna Stevens picks five of her favourites. GARLIC FESTIVAL, ISLE OF WIGHT 5 Garlic Festival on the Isle of Wight has entertainment in abundance Credit: Supplied Bring the family, your appetite, and be ready to 'eat, drink and stink' at this unique food festival. Held annually since 1983, the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is the island's biggest summer show. Step into the garlic marquee to taste Britain's most potent garlic in all its glory, from classic garlic bread to black garlic Bloody Marys. Entertainment is in abundance — think live music, arts and crafts, dog shows, falconry and BMX stunts to keep the entire family happy. READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS SUMMER TIME I'm a TUI travel agent - the cheaper country that you should visit over Spain Take the kids to Camp Garlic for parachutes and Punch and Judy, or watch this year's Garlic Queen crowned with a tiara made from, you guessed it, garlic! GO: The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, August 16-17. Adult day ticket: £14.50. Children: £7.50. See SMOKE AND FIRE FESTIVAL, ASCOT/MALDON 5 Smoke and Fire Festival promises to be the ultimate BBQ party Credit: Supplied This promises the ultimate BBQ party. If you're into all things grilled and smoked, you'll be spoilt for choice at this festival firing up in Ascot, Berkshire, and Maldon, Essex. Entertainment ranges from hot wings-eating contests to the World Butcher Wars — the ultimate high-steaks showdown where chefs and butchers chop their way to the championship. There are plenty of vendors offering succulent smoked meats or choose to chill out in the taco and tequila zone. With kids zones, family entertainment, and music from chart-toppers Toploader, Brit pop band Dodgy and tributes Blurd and Shoasis, it's a sizzling summer day out for the whole family. GO: Ascot, July 5-6; Maldon, August 16-17. Adults from £47.12. Kids £7.86. Under-fives go free. See BRISTOL CIDER WEEK 5 Join the King Street takeover for a Bristolian block party, or stroll through the bustling Cider Maker's Market Credit: Supplied The cider capital of the UK, Bristol will be celebrating with a week of toasts, trails and tastings across the city. The festival kicks off aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain with a grand opening party featuring eight top-ups for your cup, and the celebrations continue all week long. Join the King Street takeover for a Bristolian block party, or stroll through the bustling Cider Maker's Market. Learn about the fermentation of fizz at the Cider Salon, and discover its range of 90 perry and cider concoctions alongside charcuterie. Follow the city's cider trail, tasting local creations in a city-wide celebration dubbed 'the Oktoberfest of cider'. GO: Bristol, July 25-August 3. Tickets for each event sold separately. See THE GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL, BIRMINGHAM 5 After 34 years in London, the 2025 Great British Beer Festival is moving to Birmingham Credit: Supplied Hosted annually by the Campaign for Real Ale, the countdown is on for the 2025 Great British Beer Festival. After a 34-year stint in London, the legendary event will be serving up pints at Birmingham's NEC this August. Offering the best in cask ales and craft beers, it boasts more than 900 beverages to tempt the taste buds. Celebrating the very best in both British and international beer, this festival will also host the crowning of the Champion Beer of Britain. Get stuck into interactive tastings with a packed sampling schedule, then test your aim with shuffleboard and golf simulators between sips. As the sun sets, the festival turns up the volume with live music, with performances from the likes of Bootleg Blondie. GO: Birmingham NEC, August 5-9. General admission from £9.50 to £16. Deals on group tickets: five for four. For more details see THE BIG FEASTIVAL, COTSWOLDS 5 The Big Festival hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs Credit: Supplied This food and music festival has people waiting for the line-up to drop like it's Glastonbury. Previous years have seen the likes of Fatboy Slim and Lewis Capaldi take the main stage at the mega event held on the farm of former Blur bassist, Alex James. For a long weekend in August, this scenic Cotswolds farm hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs. This year Nelly Furtado, Faithless and Raymond Blanc make headline appearances. Expect the very best in street food — everything from cookie dough buckets to Naanstop chicken curries. Drop into live kitchen demos and cookery classes, in among celeb DJ sets and dance classes with Oti Mabuse. The Big Feastival truly takes the food festival to another level with camping and glamping options, and a glamorous woodland spa. GO: Cotswolds, August 22-24. Adult day tickets from £93.50. Under-fives go free. For more details see
