Latest news with #beachparty
CBC
15-07-2025
- General
- CBC
How beach bonfires became a staple of St. John's Pride celebration
St. John's Pride festivities are in full swing across the city, but the annual beach party goes back decades, representing Newfoundland and Labrador's 2SLGBTQ+ history. The beach party will be held on Tuesday at Topsail Beach, but the event is more than a fun party. Beach bonfires started being held by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the 1980s, said Susan Rose, who attended the early gatherings. Rose would go to the bonfires with other friends. She said they would see Pride celebrations in bigger cities like Toronto, and wanted to celebrate too. "So a group of us just got together and said, 'Let's go to Middle Cove Beach and have a bonfire,'" Rose told CBC Radio's Weekend AM. Rose said many people feared they could lose their job if people found out they were 2SLGBTQ+. While homosexuality was decriminalized in Canada in 1969, discrimination based on sexual orientation was outlawed in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1997. "I always remember being on alert until we were protected," said Rose. "I started teaching in 1985 and I had to be more careful then because I would have lost my job." The early bonfires were set up in secluded spots behind rocks, because it allowed the people to be somewhat hidden. Rose said they even had someone on watch. "I remember feeling, 'Wow, I'm in the closet on the beach.' And that really stuck with me.… That puts you on edge," she said. At one point, she said, a group of women held a bonfire alone, but found out the hard way that it wasn't safe. "Of course, we were a bunch of good looking young women and some of the guys there sort of wandered over," said Rose. Eventually, they started inviting gay men as well. "Some of us would be sitting there on the rock, with the fire, and holding hands … but you were always sitting … on a hot rock," said Rose. The beach bonfire became something members of the local 2SLGBTQ+ community began doing every year. Now it is a staple of the Pride celebration. While the event is usually held at Middle Cove Beach, St. John's Pride spokesperson Ellen Davis said this year it will be held on Topsail Beach because it's more accessible. "It's a wonderful celebration down there now and there's no need to worry, and everyone can hold hands and hug each other and not be harassed or targeted," said Rose. And in the event of a fire ban, like the one currently in place provincewide, Davis said an announcement will be made on social media about possibly postponing.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea
SUNBURNT music lovers high on drugs stagger out of the beachfront venue gnawing on bars of soap nicked from loos en route to the snaking taxi queue, which usually descends into a mass brawl. Meanwhile inebriated men and women brazenly relieve themselves in the doorways of multi-million pound homes. 25 25 25 25 This is SandFest, held in the ultra exclusive beach resort of Sandbanks in Dorset, home to the likes of Harry and Jamie Redknapp, where the streets are lined with mega mansions worth up to £30million. Gated driveways boast gleaming Porches, Range Rovers and Bentleys, while superyachts bob on the glistening blue sea. It is famously one of the most expensive and prestigious places to live in Britain, but this weekend frustrated residents say their genteel neighbourhood resembles Magaluf, the notorious Spanish party resort known for its cheap package holidays and shocking drunken chaos. More than 10,000 people are due to descend for a series of rowdy events - first a polo party called SandPolo, followed by SandFest, a music concert described as a "boutique beach festival" where headline acts have included Idris Elba, Rudimental and Tinie Tempah. This Sunday house DJ Sonny Fodera tops the bill, alongside Katy B, Danny Howard and Saffron Stone, along with DJ sets from Elderbrook and Alex Mills. Jennifer Krzyzanowska, 25, runs Shacks By The Shore, a popular snack bar doing a brisk trade on the edge of the sandy beach, but her team are already preparing for the worst. 'It's always horrendous,' she told The Sun when we visited this week. 'People are so out of it, I've seen guys coming out of there eating bars of blue soap. 'Every year when the venue empties, big fights break out because the taxi queue is so long, and people dive into the sea to cool off. 'There's all kinds going on in the water - they're having sex in there and using it as a toilet. 'The whole thing is a health hazard, but no-one is thinking about their health when they've been drinking in the baking hot sun all day. We live in UK's 'Monte Carlo', it used to be millionaire's playground but now it's ruined by 80mph boy racers 'Another problem on a warm weekend is the beach will be absolutely rammed because the site takes up so much space. "I know some local businesses have to bring in extra security.' Jennifer's colleague Sophia Harwood, 20, added: 'It's basically just a massive all-day drinking session, it gets ugly. A lot of people don't like it.' The tiny town is often referred to as Britain's answer to Monte Carlo - with property prices soaring three times higher than the national average. But many locals feel shut out of the events, where VIP tickets go for £1,200. Charlyn Dean, 41, has a stunning four bedroom property in a prime location which rents out at £10,000 a week during the peak summer months. But leading us through to her immaculate back garden, she points to her blighted view. 'As you can see, our garden is right behind the main stage and it gets unbelievably loud," she said. 'The whole place is packed out, heavily intoxicated people are falling into hedges, and it can take over an hour to get out of the house. 'It's frustrating to say the least.' 'It doesn't feel safe' 25 25 25 25 Equally frustrated by the chaos are retired couple Margaret and Bill Sharp, both 80. They are the proud owners of a charming beachfront apartment with sweeping views of Poole Harbour and the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, but have resorted to extreme measures to protect their home this year. They have invested in their own bright yellow police cones to cordon off their driveway. Margaret explained: 'If we don't put the cones out people use our driveway for a party - they hang around drinking and dancing on their way out of the festival. 'They double park and it doesn't feel safe for us - there is no way an ambulance or fire engine could get down here if there was an emergency. It's dangerous.' When we visited Sandbanks a vast swathe of the beach was cordoned off by high metal fences in preparation for the three days of festivities, squashing frustrated holiday makers closer together in the remaining space. Meanwhile the rows of highly-prized beach huts on the idyllic peninsula have their coveted sea views obliterated for two weeks by enormous marquees and rows of portaloos, which locals say can cause quite the stench. Another issue is traffic. With only one narrow road leading on to the luxury peninsula from nearby Poole, the festivals create tailbacks for miles, and the only car park is rammed by 8am. With traffic at a standstill, ticket holders have been known to simply abandon their cars across residents' driveways and even in the middle of the roundabout. Kite surfer Chris Weedon, who lives with his wife Angela in a towering four storey house overlooking the beach, said of the event: 'It's so depressing. 'When the festival is on we're just resigned to not going out, because if we do we can't get home again. 'Late at night when the road is clear they roar down here on motorbikes, doing wheelies at 60mph. Someone is going to die.' He added: 'The litter is just dire, people dump their bottles and cans and I usually spend an hour in the morning filling three sacks of rubbish from outside my house." 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Local resident Dave Watts, 55, told us: "The parking is total chaos. "There's only one car park here but it's completely full by seven or eight in the morning when there's an event on, which means locals can't just come and enjoy the beach on one of the nicest weekends of the year.' He said anti-social behaviour is also rife, adding: "I've caught women squatting in my doorway - it's not just the men who feel they can urinate wherever they please." In previous years it was reported that some horrified parents felt forced to leave the beach after a DJ unleashed a torrent of foul language. Families were bombarded with swear words from the rowdy festival as they tried to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the sand. Mum-of-two Katie Fowler, 39, told us: 'It gets rowdy. We certainly won't be coming down here with the kids. 'Because the event takes up a big chunk of the beach, everyone else gets squeezed together.' 'It's like Magaluf' 25 25 25 Peter and Nina Martin, both 72, spend £3,000 a year renting a picture-perfect blue and white beach hut at Sandbanks, and usually visit every day throughout the summer. But Peter sighed: 'We won't come near the place when these events are happening, we can't. 'These kids behave like they're in Magaluf or somewhere like that. 'There's too much fighting going on, and they pitch tents to sleep on the beach after the festival, even though camping is not allowed, and just dump their tents in the morning. 'It's annoying. This is a beautiful sandy beach and some days it can feel like the Caribbean here, but right now it looks like an ugly industrial estate. 'We've paid a lot of money for a sea view but all you can see from here is fences, tents and toilets.' Christine Jeandren, 62, is also furious that her sea view is entirely obliterated for two whole weeks while organisers prepare for and dismantle the events. She explained: 'The whole thing is ridiculous and locals don't want it, it's hell. 'All I can see is portaloos and there is no getting away from the smell of those toilets in this heat. 'There are masses of youngsters everywhere and their behaviour is awful. I've caught teenagers smoking weed in the bushes, that stinks too. 'If I want to go in the sea we have to walk all the way around the fenced-off area, and you can hear the music blaring half an hour away. 'Sandbanks is just not set up for events this big. I don't understand why they don't move it further away to Bournemouth. 'We've been trying to get rid of it for 18 years. 'It usually takes us 15 minutes to get here on the bus from Poole but when this event is on it can take a couple of hours, the whole thing is gridlocked. 'Basically it's carnage.' 25 25 25 25 25
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Yahoo
Knife-wielding teen arrested after police break up large party at Woodlawn Beach
BLASDELL, NY (WIVB) — An unauthorized beach party at Woodlawn Beach on Monday night drew a massive crowd and forced the shutdown of the popular state park. Officials said the gathering quickly became dangerous, prompting a large police response and one arrest. Officials said around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, an estimated 1,500 people took to the sand for an unpermitted event that was reportedly promoted on social media. 'I was there for like 30 minutes and then my friend goes, 'I see someone getting punched,' so I'm like, 'Oh.' That's when I ran it with my phone. I started recording everything,' said Mel Taylor, a 19-year-old from Buffalo who was at the beach during the fights. Taylor said his friend contacted him and said there was a party at Woodlawn Beach. New York State Park Police said they were monitoring online activity ahead of the event and interviewed potential organizers in an attempt to prevent the efforts, the beach quickly filled with crowds. It escalated into a disorderly scene around 8:30 p.m. and involved multiple fights breaking out, alcohol and participants refusing to follow police orders. 'I don't know what started it, but it was out of control,' Taylor said. A New York State Park Police report obtained by WIVB News 4 said a female witness stated she was punched, kicked and threatened with a knife. The alleged perpetrator, 18-year-old Jaiden Page of Buffalo, was the only person taken into custody. Page was charged with assault and menacing with a weapon. 'I came to the beach to have a relaxing day, you know, I did not know this was going to happen,' Taylor said. 'It's really upsetting that this happened. It makes our city look really disgusting to be honest.' Escalating safety concerns resulted in eight separate law enforcement agencies to respond to the beach. 'They rushed the beach with mace and started spraying everybody,' Taylor said. 'My friend's sister got sprayed with mace. It was just crazy.' Officials made the decision to close the beach. It was opened on Tuesday. Officials said they do not believe the incident is connected to the Canalside shooting that also occurred on Monday night. 'It is all just crazy. We just need to stop the violence,' Taylor said. 'Everybody needs to find something to do. Fighting is not the option. Shooting like this is just ridiculous. We are only hurting each other in the end.' An investigation into the organizers of the event remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the New York State Park Police at (716) 278-1777. Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Christian Wilkins steals the spotlight in VERY daring swimwear as he soaks up the sun in Malta during Delta Goodrem's wedding recovery party
Christian Wilkins turned heads on Tuesday in Malta as he confidently rocked a pair of very risqué black Speedos while celebrating Delta Goodrem 's wedding to Matthew Copley. The 30-year-old influencer and fashion risk-taker soaked up the Mediterranean sun during a glamorous beachside recovery party. He joined his father, entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, and other celebrity guests following Delta's romantic nuptials the day before. Christian flaunted his chiseled six-pack and sculpted physique as he strutted along the sand, commanding attention in his barely-there swimmers. He completed the eye-catching look with a charcoal cap, dark designer sunglasses, a chunky shell necklace and his trademark flowing blonde locks. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, . Never one to shy away from pushing fashion boundaries, the style-savvy socialite proved once again why he's considered one of Australia's boldest dressers. His cheeky beach ensemble stood out among the star-studded guest list, which included Today host Renee Bargh, former Nine journalist Airlie Walsh and Delta's immediate family. At one point, Christian was seen cooling off in the ocean and enjoying the laid-back coastal vibes alongside his famous father and his dad's girlfriend Mia Hawkswell. The beach bash followed Delta and Matthew's luxurious wedding ceremony the previous day, which took place in the same country where the couple got engaged in 2023. The multi-day celebration has been two years in the making, with guests reportedly receiving detailed schedules well in advance. While Delta dazzled in a cobalt blue swimsuit and a sheer white sarong during the recovery festivities, it was Christian who stole the show in his daring swimwear - solidifying his status as a red carpet rebel even while off-duty. Delta, who has remained private about her personal life, got engaged to Matthew, her guitarist and musical collaborator, in September 2023. 'My best friend asked me to marry him,' she giddily captioned an image shared to Instagram, alongside a ring emoji. The Australian pop princess married her longtime love and guitarist in the same country where the couple got engaged last year. Malta holds a particularly special place in her heart - not only was it the setting for her romantic engagement to Matthew, but it also boasts deep personal and professional ties for the singer. In a video shared on YouTube in 2023, Delta opened up about her bond with the southern European nation. 'My partner's family are all from Malta,' she said, before adding that many of her longtime band members and backup singers also share Maltese heritage. The star-studded nuptials had reportedly been two years in the making, with guests receiving detailed schedules ahead of the big day. The Innocent Eyes hitmaker enjoyed her hen's party in Sydney back on April 26, surrounded by close friends before jetting overseas for the lavish affair.
Condé Nast Traveler
18-06-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
How to Throw a Perfect Bachelorette Party in Cabo
At the southernmost tip of Baja California Sur is Los Cabos, one of the most legendary beach destinations in Mexico—and maybe even the world. Though just a nonstop flight away from major US cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, and even New York, Los Cabos feels like a world away. Comprised of two main towns, the party-heavy Cabo San Lucas and the more refined San José del Cabo, its vast desert landscape is framed by the towering Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and studded with massive cacti and palms that lead to rolling dunes lining the Pacific Ocean. While the area has long been an oasis for adventure travelers seeking outdoor thrills (like ATV tours, water sports, and parasailing), the area is equally as beloved as a reveler's paradise. For all of these reasons combined, there's possibly no better destination for a bachelorette party, as Los Cabos offers a rare blend of barefoot luxury and after-dark excess. Here, bachelorette festivities can begin with poolside green juice at luxury hotels like One&Only Palmilla or The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, and end with mezcal cocktails and dancing beneath the stars at desert nightlife venues like Crania. Getty Images Whether your crew is craving pure relaxation or a dance-until-you-forget-your-name kind of weekend (or both—we don't judge!), this corner of Baja delivers. And if you're looking to scope out everything from the best design-forward hotels and day spas with cold plunge rituals to private yacht rentals that'll take you whale watching near the iconic Los Arcos rock formations, welcome. This is your definitive guide to planning a bachelorette in Cabo that's anything but cliché. FAQ: How should my group plan to get around in Cabo? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron The most convenient option for bachelorette groups is to book private transportation or a ride-sharing service. Most hotels can arrange private cars for groups, and numerous car rental companies and ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are readily available. How many days should I stay in Cabo for a bachelorette trip? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron A four-day trip is ideal for most bachelorette groups, providing enough time to enjoy beach activities, nightlife, and relaxation without feeling rushed. This length also keeps costs manageable while allowing for a mix of planned activities and spontaneous fun. What is the best time of year to go to Cabo for a bachelorette trip? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron November through April is typically the best time of year to visit Cabo. This is when you'll find the best weather conditions, with warm, dry days and brisk nights—perfect for groups who want to enjoy the beach and nightlife. I'd also try to avoid hurricane season from June through October, and spring break crowds from March through April. Courtesy Pujol Where to eat Cabo has cemented itself as one of Mexico's most dynamic culinary destinations—and for good reason. The restaurants here are as aesthetically pleasing as they are inventive with dishes. Each outpost is designed to immerse you fully, whether you're sipping cocktails in a palm grove or hand-pressing tortillas on a farm. I recommend beginning at Flora Farms, an open-air restaurant set on 25 lush acres of sprawling desert. The grounds include a working organic farm with a restaurant at its heart, where mango trees frame your table, live music is always drifting through the air, and dishes are plated with herbs freshly snipped from the garden. Brunch here is practically a rite of passage. Nearby is Tamarindos, an outdoor restaurant set within a historic estate outside San José del Cabo. Here, you can harvest ingredients from the fields, then head into an open-air kitchen to learn how to prepare Baja specialties like spicy chile rellenos, citrusy ceviche, and handmade tortillas. For the top fine dining in the area, head to Manta. The flagship restaurant of The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, is helmed by Enrique Olvera, the chef behind Mexico City's top restaurant, Pujol. With stunning sunset views of Los Arcos, you can enjoy a menu that blends Japanese precision with bold Mexican flavors, with dishes including smoked kampachi sashimi and miso-glazed black cod. To recover after a night of imbibing, head to Pez Gallo, a minimalist café in San José's art district where the coffee is strong and the vibe is easy, or post up at Lab Coffee for rooftop cold brew and avocado toast with a Baja twist. And if you happen to sleep through breakfast, grab tacos at La Lupita. They're by far the best in the area. Where to stay In Cabo, where you stay shapes the entire rhythm of your trip. While Airbnbs and private villas (like this seaside respite in San José del Cabo or this luxurious home in Cabo San Lucas) are a popular option for those looking for privacy, full kitchens, and plenty of space, several boutique hotels are also worth looking into for their elevated services and amenities. For an immersive getaway within a lush desert environment, Acre, with its treehouse-style villas, is the perfect respite if your ideal stay includes nesting within a 25-acre palm oasis just outside San José del Cabo. Each stilted suite is crafted from reclaimed wood and surrounded by jungle, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. With a convivial outdoor pool, an award-winning restaurant, and an on-site cocktail bar, you never have to leave the property—but if you do, you'll want to return by sunset for margaritas and live music. Courtesy The Cape/Photo by Thomas Hart Shelby If ocean views and sophisticated suites are what you're after, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, hits the mark. Every room faces the sea, and some come replete with private terraces and outdoor soaking tubs. The hotel's rooftop offers fabulous pre-dinner cocktails, best enjoyed before a meal at Manta by Chef Enrique Olvera. For peak luxury, One&Only Palmilla offers an exceptional resort experience, with butler service and whitewashed casitas that open to a private beach cove. The hotel spa, one of the largest in Baja Sur, is also well-suited for bachelorettes, hosting typical wellness classes like yoga and Pilates, as well as a curated list of treatments inspired by the ancient healing rituals of Mexico. For groups who want to be in the heart of the action in downtown San José del Cabo, a stay at Drift San José delivers with minimalist design. It's located steps from the area's top galleries, bars, and restaurants, and even has a central courtyard and pool that turns into a relaxing lounge space by evening. Gypsy Soul House Courtesy Gypsy Soul House Where to play There's no better way to explore Los Cabos than by boat. Most private charters leave from the Los Cabos Marina and come equipped with a crew who serve snacks and drinks while you navigate towards the iconic Los Arcos rock formation. Whale watching is almost guaranteed along the way, as is a stop to swim at Lover's Beach, an ideal spot for a champagne toast. Back on land, a cooking class at Tamarindos is ideal for large groups and will allow you to get acquainted with local ingredients. Guided by their team of chefs, you can pick your own herbs and vegetables to make regional dishes like stuffed corn tamales and fish tacos topped with a variety of homemade salsas.
