Latest news with #MidwinterBall

RNZ News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
You're invited: Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball
Chelsea Lee Nikkel, AKA Princess Chelsea, will host a Midwinter Ball at The Civic's Wintergarden, Auckland. Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball is scheduled for July 18th at Auckland's Civic. Photo: Spiral Wizard The Ball, titled Swords and Sorcery: Fantasy on The Big Screen, will be hosted by comedian Tom Sainsbury. Tāmaki Makaurau-based guests The Circling Sun & The Golden Axe will support Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors. The event follows Nikkel's sold-out Twin Peaks-themed Midwinter Ball of 2024, which saw 650 people in attendance. The Ball will include 'medieval sword fighting', portraits and prizes for the best dressed. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in fantasy attire. Nikkel joins Tony Stamp live on Music 101 to mull it over.

The Age
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
Sayers hangs on to boardroom seat, but loses chairman role at firm he founded
The great Canberra staff shuffle It's been a busy time for those of us who are fans of the behind-the-scenes movements in the hallowed hallways of federal parliament. This column recently reported that Mark Davis (partner of Katharine Murphy, another recently resigned staffer for that matter) was leaving his chief-of-staff position with Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy. Nigel Bruce is set to take his place. But that shake-up is really just the tip of the iceberg. Maggie Lloyd is stepping back from her role as chief of staff for Catherine King, the minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government. Long-time readers will recall that Lloyd was once a press secretary for former PM Kevin Rudd. Joseph Solomon will return to King's office to fill Lloyd's spot – welcome back, Joseph. And that's not all. Penny Wong 's press secretary, Caitlin Raper, is leaving the job after five years. Before her political career, Raper worked as a producer at outlets including Sky News Australia, the Seven Network and Al Jazeera in the UK. Loading The prime minister's office hasn't been safe from this staffing exodus either. Prue Mercer, who has worked in politics for decades and is one of Anthony Albanese 's senior advisers, announced her departure via a gushing memo on LinkedIn (which included a lovely tribute to the PM, whom Mercer will now 'proudly watch from the sidelines'.) Another Albanese staffer, Phoebe Drake, is also set to leave Parliament House this month, after 13 years working for Albo. Phew! It's almost like a game of musical chairs. We're going to need a few moments to catch our breath. Top me up, Starmer! British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proved to be a disappointment. The former public prosecutor was always going to be left in the dust in terms of supplying CBD fodder compared with his predecessors Liz Truss (a 2019 Parliament House Midwinter Ball attendee as UK trade minister) and Boris Johnson (how long have you got?). But we were immensely pleased to note that Starmer was recently revealed to be a fan of one of the highest forms of Aussie produce – and we are not talking Vegemite. This week Sunday Times writer Josh Glancy revealed how he caught up with Starmer on a train in Ukraine after the PM met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Starmer joined the British media carriage and politely refused a small beer. As Glancy recounted: Loading 'Perhaps some Yellow Tail chardonnay?' Peer pressure kicks in. 'Go on then, just a small one,' Starmer says. He takes a few polite sips. Zelensky, he feels, has recovered from his February mauling in the Oval Office and is back on form. 'After about 10 minutes Starmer's hyperactive flacks start looking at their watches. 'I've got to go and see Emmanuel,' he explains. Would he like to take the rest of the Yellow Tail with him, as a gift to Monsieur le President? 'I think that would probably sink Anglo-French relations,' the British PM says with a grin. Well, Sir Keir, you had us and then you lost us. One suspects the Riverina's Casella family won't be rushing to No.10 with a commemorative YT crate. Ever.


Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball Returns!
Press Release – Banished Music This winter, the Civic Wintergarden (ALL AGES) and Meow Nui (18+) Wellington will be transformed into a world of fantasy!Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball returns, this year with a new theme: SWORDS AND SORCERY – Fantasy on The Big Screen. With your esteemed host comedian Tom Sainsbury, and live performances from Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors in both centres, with Auckland guests The Circling Sun & Golden Axe, while Wellington will be treated to sets from Grecco Romank & Luke Buda. In the shimmering and VHS-heavy age of the early 1980s, a treasure trove of cinematic fantasy was thrust upon us. Gleaming swords and potent spells in Excalibur, the ethereal beauty and terror of Legend, valiant quests of The Sword and The Sorcerer, Ladyhawke, The Beastmaster, Willow, Dragonslayer, and the mighty & muscular quests of Conan The Barbarian. And let us not forget the timeless enchantments of pure fantasy with The Neverending Story, the delightful Princess Bride, the poignant Last Unicorn, and the unforgettable shape of Labyrinth. So, brave adventurers, will you join us to celebrate this golden age? How will you dress to impress as visions of enchanted lands and heroic feats conjure a costume fit for fantasy? Called by many as 'the show of 2024', last year's Twin Peaks themed Midwinter Ball was a revelation, and a dress up party for the ages. A sold out Wintergarden heaved with 650 guests dressed as Log Ladies, Agent Dale Coopers, and even a giant slice of cherry pie… and oh, so much more. Princess Chelsea and her band The Dream Warriors delighted the audience with a blazing set of originals alongside covers of Julee Cruise, Angelo Badalamenti and In Heaven from Lynch's Eraserhead. This wild and unforgettable night has been lovingly captured and presented as a four song tribute to David Lynch, due for imminent release. For 2024's Twin Peaks-themed ball, no expenses were spared on transforming the venue into the quaint town of Twin Peaks. Decoration which featured lasers, an indoor pine forest, a shrine to Laura Palmer and a replica of the infamous Red Room, we can only expect magic and mystery from 2025's fantasy- themed ball. ' I'm not giving too much away but obviously we will need a medieval sword fight ' – Princess Chelsea If last year's ball was anything to go by, I don't think she is joking – and further shenanigans will undoubtedly ensue. Expect the Civic and Meow Nui to be transformed into a world of fantasy. Earlybird tickets are on sale Friday at 10am. Book your evening, and swan down the red carpet dressed in your favourite fantasy-inspired outfits. Portraits will be taken on the night, and prizes for best dressed. ARTIST BIOS: Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors Cult producer Princess Chelsea has released five albums and developed a dedicated international following after her songs 'I Love My Boyfriend' and 'Cigarette Duet' exploded on YouTube and Tik Tok. Her most recent album 'Everything is Going To Be Alright' saw her win best alternative artist at the AMAs and the Taite Music Prize for outstanding creativity. Chelsea and her band the Dream Warriors have been described as one of the best live bands in the country and always give surprisingly dynamic and intense performances that surpass preconceived ideas how 'feminine' pop is presented. Tom Sainsbury Tom Sainsbury became a social media star with his irreverent comedy sketches amassing hundreds of thousands of views. You may know him from his characters Gingerbread, Fiona the wine reviewer or Boomer Dad, or you may have seen him on TV shows Wellington Paranormal, The Educators and the recent Spinal Destination. The Circling Sun Formed in the mid 2000's The Circling Sun is a sonic collective from Tamaki Makaurau focused on progressive Afrocentric inspired Jazz music. Featuring some of the finest talents in music from Aotearoa, members include : Ben Turua, Julien Dyne, J.Y Lee, Joe Kaptein, Ruby Walsh, Cameron Allen, Finn Scholes and Matt Hunter aka Kenny Sterling. Their critically acclaimed debut album 'Spirits ' was released on prestigious London label Soundway Records in 2023. Expect new music very soon! Golden Axe The pioneering synth-punk supreme team of Chris Cudby (Power Nap) & Daif King (Stälker), GOLDEN AXE are back for one show only — by special request from Princess Chelsea! Emerging from the apocalyptic city streets of Tāmaki Makaurau in the early '00s, their maximum energy live shows are straight up legendary + their hits such as 'Free Time', 'Dognapped', 'Catmaster', and 'Hot In The City' remain insanely catchy. Game-changers on a number of levels, you would be crazy to miss Golden Axe's first and ONLY live show in a decade wow. Grecco Romank Hailing from the dank corners of New Zealand's music scene, Grecco Romank is not your average band. This trio emerged from the most unexpected of beginnings: a bus driver, an opera singer, and a Greek filmmaker converging in a haunted primary school to record their debut album. Known for their ruthless and unforgiving live show, these AMA best alternative artist finalists latest album spawned student Radio hit 'DON'T GET CAUGHT' among other remarkable earworms. Luke Buda Luke Buda is a founding member of the The Phoenix Foundation, and also acclaimed and Taite Prize shortlisted solo artist in his own right. One of only a handful of New Zealand musicians to have made an appearance on BBC's Later… with Jools Holland, and recently made Morrissey quite angry when he contributed guitar to Everyone Is Horrid Except Me (And Possibly You) by Quilloughby feat. Lisa Simpson from the recent episode of The Simpson's 'Panic on the Streets of Springfield.'


Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball Returns!
This winter, the Civic Wintergarden (ALL AGES) and Meow Nui (18+) Wellington will be transformed into a world of fantasy! Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball returns, this year with a new theme: SWORDS AND SORCERY - Fantasy on The Big Screen. With your esteemed host comedian Tom Sainsbury, and live performances from Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors in both centres, with Auckland guests The Circling Sun & Golden Axe, while Wellington will be treated to sets from Grecco Romank & Luke Buda. In the shimmering and VHS-heavy age of the early 1980s, a treasure trove of cinematic fantasy was thrust upon us. Gleaming swords and potent spells in Excalibur, the ethereal beauty and terror of Legend, valiant quests of The Sword and The Sorcerer, Ladyhawke, The Beastmaster, Willow, Dragonslayer, and the mighty & muscular quests of Conan The Barbarian. And let us not forget the timeless enchantments of pure fantasy with The Neverending Story, the delightful Princess Bride, the poignant Last Unicorn, and the unforgettable shape of Labyrinth. So, brave adventurers, will you join us to celebrate this golden age? How will you dress to impress as visions of enchanted lands and heroic feats conjure a costume fit for fantasy? Called by many as 'the show of 2024', last year's Twin Peaks themed Midwinter Ball was a revelation, and a dress up party for the ages. A sold out Wintergarden heaved with 650 guests dressed as Log Ladies, Agent Dale Coopers, and even a giant slice of cherry pie… and oh, so much more. Princess Chelsea and her band The Dream Warriors delighted the audience with a blazing set of originals alongside covers of Julee Cruise, Angelo Badalamenti and In Heaven from Lynch's Eraserhead. This wild and unforgettable night has been lovingly captured and presented as a four song tribute to David Lynch, due for imminent release. For 2024's Twin Peaks-themed ball, no expenses were spared on transforming the venue into the quaint town of Twin Peaks. Decoration which featured lasers, an indoor pine forest, a shrine to Laura Palmer and a replica of the infamous Red Room, we can only expect magic and mystery from 2025's fantasy- themed ball. ' I'm not giving too much away but obviously we will need a medieval sword fight ' - Princess Chelsea If last year's ball was anything to go by, I don't think she is joking - and further shenanigans will undoubtedly ensue. Expect the Civic and Meow Nui to be transformed into a world of fantasy. Earlybird tickets are on sale Friday at 10am. Book your evening, and swan down the red carpet dressed in your favourite fantasy-inspired outfits. Portraits will be taken on the night, and prizes for best dressed. ARTIST BIOS: Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors Cult producer Princess Chelsea has released five albums and developed a dedicated international following after her songs 'I Love My Boyfriend' and 'Cigarette Duet' exploded on YouTube and Tik Tok. Her most recent album 'Everything is Going To Be Alright' saw her win best alternative artist at the AMAs and the Taite Music Prize for outstanding creativity. Chelsea and her band the Dream Warriors have been described as one of the best live bands in the country and always give surprisingly dynamic and intense performances that surpass preconceived ideas how 'feminine' pop is presented. Tom Sainsbury Tom Sainsbury became a social media star with his irreverent comedy sketches amassing hundreds of thousands of views. You may know him from his characters Gingerbread, Fiona the wine reviewer or Boomer Dad, or you may have seen him on TV shows Wellington Paranormal, The Educators and the recent Spinal Destination. The Circling Sun Formed in the mid 2000's The Circling Sun is a sonic collective from Tamaki Makaurau focused on progressive Afrocentric inspired Jazz music. Featuring some of the finest talents in music from Aotearoa, members include : Ben Turua, Julien Dyne, J.Y Lee, Joe Kaptein, Ruby Walsh, Cameron Allen, Finn Scholes and Matt Hunter aka Kenny Sterling. Their critically acclaimed debut album 'Spirits ' was released on prestigious London label Soundway Records in 2023. Expect new music very soon! Golden Axe The pioneering synth-punk supreme team of Chris Cudby (Power Nap) & Daif King (Stälker), GOLDEN AXE are back for one show only — by special request from Princess Chelsea! Emerging from the apocalyptic city streets of Tāmaki Makaurau in the early '00s, their maximum energy live shows are straight up legendary + their hits such as 'Free Time', 'Dognapped', 'Catmaster', and 'Hot In The City' remain insanely catchy. Game-changers on a number of levels, you would be crazy to miss Golden Axe's first and ONLY live show in a decade wow. Grecco Romank Hailing from the dank corners of New Zealand's music scene, Grecco Romank is not your average band. This trio emerged from the most unexpected of beginnings: a bus driver, an opera singer, and a Greek filmmaker converging in a haunted primary school to record their debut album. Known for their ruthless and unforgiving live show, these AMA best alternative artist finalists latest album spawned student Radio hit 'DON'T GET CAUGHT' among other remarkable earworms. Luke Buda Luke Buda is a founding member of the The Phoenix Foundation, and also acclaimed and Taite Prize shortlisted solo artist in his own right. One of only a handful of New Zealand musicians to have made an appearance on BBC's Later... with Jools Holland, and recently made Morrissey quite angry when he contributed guitar to Everyone Is Horrid Except Me (And Possibly You) by Quilloughby feat. Lisa Simpson from the recent episode of The Simpson's "Panic on the Streets of Springfield."