A Thatcham teenager is raising money for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands by organising a series of affordable summer holiday activities for local families, including a town trail, craft sessions and a fundraising raffle.
A Thatcham teenager is inviting local families to enjoy a range of affordable summer holiday activities while helping raise money for a life-changing expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
Charlie is aiming to raise £8,000 to take part in a four-week expedition with Kennet School and Camps International in July 2028. During the trip, participants will help build sanitation facilities, plant trees in the Amazon Rainforest, support conservation projects and take part in beach clean-ups in the Galápagos Islands, contributing to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
To help reach the fundraising target, Charlie has organised several family-friendly events throughout the summer holidays.
Throughout August, families can take part in the Thatcham Summer Trail, an interactive adventure around the town where children hunt for QR codes, unlock the next location, collect secret letters and solve a mystery word. Everyone who completes the trail will be entered into a prize draw to win a family ticket to 4 Kingdoms. The trail costs £2, with all proceeds going towards Charlie’s expedition.
Charlie is also hosting Summer Craft Sessions at Thatcham United Reformed Church Hall on 31 July and 28 August, from 10am to 12pm.
Children can enjoy crafts, biscuit decorating, LEGO, Play-Doh, an animal trail, refreshments and a craft stall. Entry is by a minimum donation of £2 per child.
There is also a fundraising raffle, which will be drawn on 1 August. Local businesses have donated a range of prizes, including a £100 Amazon voucher from Premier Home Improvements, Vue Cinema tickets, a Bucklebury Farm Park family pass, two hours of table time at Rocket Propelled Games Board Game Café and several other prizes. Tickets cost £5 for five entries.
Charlie said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to visit Ecuador and the Galápagos and make a positive difference. Every trail completed, every craft session attended and every raffle ticket bought brings me one step closer to making this amazing opportunity possible.”
As well as helping fund the expedition, Charlie hopes the events will provide local families with fun, affordable activities to enjoy during the school holidays.
More information about the Thatcham Summer Trail, Summer Craft Sessions and the fundraising raffle is available at charliesecuadorexpedition.carrd.co.
Explore history in action this July at Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames, as archaeologists excavate the Oval Lawn.
Watch archaeologists uncover the hidden history of Greys Court this July, as a live excavation reveals new clues about the National Trust property’s medieval and Tudor past.
Running from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 July 2026 as part of the Festival of Archaeology, the dig takes place on the historic Oval Lawn between 10.30am and 3pm each day. Visitors can meet archaeologists, watch discoveries unfold in real time and even help clean newly unearthed finds.
Discovering Greys Court’s hidden past
The excavation builds on two years of archaeological investigations exploring how Greys Court evolved from a medieval manor into a grand Tudor residence under Sir Francis Knollys, one of Queen Elizabeth I’s closest advisers.
When Knollys inherited the estate in the 16th century, much of the earlier site was rebuilt. Recent excavations have revealed evidence of its medieval origins, including a 13th or 14th-century curtain wall built to give the appearance of a castle.
Last summer, archaeologists uncovered the foundations of a substantial medieval building beneath the Oval Lawn after parch marks and geophysical surveys suggested a lost structure lay below. Finds including decorative floor tiles, roof tiles and window glass indicate it was a high-status building, possibly a covered passage linking two sides of a courtyard with storage rooms underneath.
This year’s excavation will investigate evidence of what could be a brick-built cellar beside last year’s trench, while a second dig planned for September will explore another structure thought to have been a tower.
Watch archaeology in action
Visitors can speak with the archaeological team throughout the excavation and watch finds being cleaned and processed inside Greys Court’s historic Cromwellian building.
National Trust archaeologist Adrian Cox said: “We hope lots of visitors will come and see us during this summer’s excavation to experience archaeology in action, talk to archaeologists about the finds and even help with cleaning them.
“This exciting work at Greys Court is shedding new light on the history of this very special place. Today, visitors see house interiors and gardens shaped in the 1930s, but we want to take them on a journey back a few hundred years.”
The archaeological dig runs daily from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 July 2026, from 10.30am to 3pm, at Greys Court near Henley-on-Thames.
Normal admission applies, with free entry for National Trust members.
Sandham Memorial Chapel offers a wonderful day out where art, history and nature come together in a truly special setting.
Just off the A34, Sandham Memorial Chapel offers far more than its world-famous paintings. While many visitors come to admire Sir Stanley Spencer’s extraordinary murals or explore another National Trust treasure, there’s another reason to visit – the beautiful natural landscape that surrounds this unique place.
From the moment you arrive, it’s easy to appreciate the peaceful beauty of the setting. Beyond the chapel, the view stretches towards Watership Down, a landscape Stanley Spencer loved so much that it features in his painting The Resurrection.
Step through the lychgate and follow the same brick path Spencer once walked, and you’ll find tranquil wildflower meadows, mature trees and a historic orchard, much of which has remained part of the chapel’s setting since it was created in the 1920s.
The orchard is home to a wonderful collection of traditional apple varieties, including Bramley’s Seedling, Prince Albert and Newton Wonder. Native hedgerows planted with hawthorn, dog rose, holly and berberis – originally sourced from the nearby Carnarvon Estate, now better known as Highclere Castle – continue to provide food and shelter for wildlife throughout the year.
Near the entrance stands a magnificent oak tree, planted in 1960 by the West Berkshire Branch of the Salonika Reunion Association in memory of Stanley Spencer. Benches beneath its branches offer the perfect place to pause, enjoy the birdsong and simply take in the surroundings.
This summer marks an exciting milestone for the gardens as the wildflower meadow will be managed using traditional scything. One of Sandham’s garden volunteers has trained with the team at The Vyne to learn this historic skill.
The meadow will only be cut once the wildflowers have set seed, with the cut grass left briefly to allow seeds to fall and wildlife time to move safely before it is removed. This traditional approach helps maintain a rich habitat for insects, birds and small mammals while encouraging an even more diverse display of flowers in years to come.
The work reflects the National Trust’s People and Nature strategy, which aims to restore nature, make it accessible to everyone and inspire more people to care for the natural world.
Whether you come for the art, the history or simply a peaceful walk, Sandham Memorial Chapel offers the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy one of Hampshire’s most tranquil settings.
If you’d like to explore even further, join one of the popular Walking in Stanley’s Footsteps guided walks. Covering around three miles, they explore the landscapes that inspired Spencer and reveal more about the history of Sandham and the surrounding countryside.
The next walks take place on Tuesday 22 July at 10.30am and Friday 19 September at 12.30pm. Booking is essential by calling 01635 278394 or emailing sandhamevents@nationaltrust.org.uk.
The Great Pottery Throw Down judge and ceramicist Rich Miller has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University for the Creative Arts, recognising his contribution to ceramics and his role in championing craft.
The Great Pottery Throw Down judge and ceramicist Rich Miller has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), recognising his contribution to ceramics and his role in championing craft.
The Surrey-based ceramicist, who was born in West Sussex, received an Honorary Doctor of Arts (DArt) during the university’s graduation ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Friday, July 10.
Accepting the award, Rich encouraged graduates to embrace creativity and curiosity.
He said: “I congratulate you for choosing the Arts.
“Creativity has the unique power to communicate complex ideas, to challenge the status quo, and to stand at the forefront of shaping the society we live in. Use that power wisely.”
Rich graduated from UCA in 2003 with a degree in ceramics, where he was taught by internationally renowned ceramicist and UCA Chancellor Dame Magdalene Odundo.
Reflecting on his own journey, he said: “I grew up in an environment in the early eighties where being a minority often meant being made to feel ‘less than.’ Had UCA and teachers such as Chancellor Dame Magdalene Odundo not taught me to question ‘why’, I wouldn’t have had the tools to unpack that. Curiosity gives you perspective, so keep asking questions of everything, stay open and say yes to the things that scare you.”
Rich’s early career saw him establish bespoke stoneware tile company Froyle Tiles, which he ran for 19 years. During that time, he worked on major architectural collaborations including 24 Savile Row and the Tate St Ives Pavilion, as well as projects for clients including the BBC, Nando’s and Marks & Spencer.
He joined The Great Pottery Throw Down as a technician before becoming a judge alongside Keith Brymer Jones when the programme moved from the BBC to Channel 4. The series has since been credited with inspiring a new generation of potters across the UK.
More recently, Rich held his first solo exhibition, Fired Legacies, at Watts Gallery in Surrey, exploring his heritage and British colonial history through ceramics.
BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins reflects on a lifetime spent discovering new music, the artists he’s backed before they broke big, and why Mucky Weekender remains one of Britain’s most unique festivals.
Q. What’s your first memory of music?
I was obsessed with Radio 1 and Top of the Pops from when I was very young. I had a ghetto blaster and used to tape songs off the radio and made hundreds of mix tapes. I spent my first-ever pocket money on 7” singles and still love going through them now. I can remember where I bought every one of them.
Q. You’ve spent decades introducing listeners to new music. Is there still a thrill in discovering a new artist that nobody else seems to know about yet?
It’s definitely a buzz. I have a new music night called Awesome Friends and it’s fantastic seeing the new bands go on to great things. Lottery Winners did a night of mine a few years ago and now they’re huge. More recently I’ve had The Ks and Tom A Smith play the night and they’re flying.
Q. Who were your musical heroes as a teenager – and who inspires you today?
David Bowie, for sure. First for the intrigue and then the fascination with his music. Everything about him seemed so different. In my teens I was big into The Stone Roses and later, Oasis. I also loved dance music, from the tail end of Acid House through the amazing indie sleaze scene. I love guitar music as much as I love acts like The xx, Disclosure and Peggy Gou.
Q. Why do you love Mucky Weekender and who are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
Mucky’s got the most incredible spirit about it. I think the mixing of artists and festival-goers on site is key to that. The line-up is always brilliant. It might seem obvious, but I absolutely love seeing Dub Pistols on stage. They’re the ultimate festival band.
Q. Mucky has built a reputation for being more than just a festival. What gives it such a unique atmosphere?
It does what it says on the tin! It’s brilliantly eclectic, welcoming and unpretentious. People come for the music, but they stay for the atmosphere – and of course Barry Ashworth and Dub Pistols. There’s a real sense of community, it’s small enough to bump into all your friends and the headliners, and that’s what also makes it so great.
Q. You’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in music. Who has surprised you most over the years?
Maybe Calvin Harris because when I first interviewed him he was very much an artist releasing great pop music. He’s now one of the biggest DJs on the planet, so seeing him make that transition is incredible.
Q. Who is the most underrated artist people should have on their playlists right now?
I think The Guest List have the potential to go huge. They’re a great band from Manchester. Seb Lowe is a big talent. There’s a band from Leeds called The North who have big potential, and also STRATA. I think they could all go very big.
Q. What makes 6 Music such a special home for music lovers?
In short, 6 Music is an amazing home for anyone who loves music beyond the mainstream. We all love the music we play and I think you can sense the passion. It’s also got the best listeners, who are a fundamental part of the station sound.
Q. Did you enjoy school – and why?
I didn’t love school in the UK, but I spent a year at an American high school, which was absolutely incredible. It was in Baton Rouge. I was in class with James Taylor and Carly Simon’s son, Ben Taylor – an artist in his own right. I later went to college in the States and was friends with Bill Withers’ son, Todd. Both of those American experiences were unbelievable. The best.
Q. What’s been your most memorable moment behind the microphone?
Genuinely, I love every moment on the radio. I consider it such a privilege. I loved getting behind Sam Fender early doors. I did exclusive first plays of his first three releases, so seeing him win the Mercury Prize felt very special. Interviewing artists I love is always memorable – people like Calvin Harris, Sam Fender and also Jack White, Dave Grohl, Fatboy Slim, Tim Burgess, Lana Del Rey, Moby, Johnny Marr, Brett Anderson, Shirley Manson, Skin and so many more. All icons and all lovely too!
Q. If you could curate your dream Mucky Weekender line-up – living or dead – who would be on the bill?
Three artists I think would have been great, and that I never got to see: Lee Scratch Perry, Andrew Weatherall and The Specials.
Q. Desert island choices: one album, one song and one luxury item?
Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense, Once in a Lifetime. Suncream.
Q. Best gig you’ve ever been to – and why?
Stone Roses at Heaton Park in Manchester – the comeback show with Primal Scream supporting. A dream night.
Q. What song guarantees a packed dancefloor at your ultimate party?
I play indie bangers when I DJ, so Arctic Monkeys’ I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor is always fantastic. But Gala’s Freed From Desire is always a winner too. I played Dexys’ Come On Eileen at the end of a festival set the other night and it went wild.
Q. What’s the one record everyone should listen to from start to finish at least once in their life?
John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. It’s a masterpiece.
Chris Hawkins will be appearing at Mucky Weekender Festival from 10–12 September at Vicarage Farm, Winchester. The festival line-up includes Goldie Live, David Rodigan, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Roni Size, Pop Will Eat Itself, Goldie Lookin Chain, Children of Zeus, Norman Jay, Darren Emerson, Don Letts, Utah Saints, The Sabres of Paradise, DJ Yoda, X-Press 2, Mr Scruff, Greg Wilson and many more. https://mucky-weekender.co.uk/
Experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy in a bold new way as Moonhawk Theatre brings its immersive, horror-inspired production of Macbeth to Oxford’s Burton Taylor Studio for three performances this July.
Forget everything you think you know about Macbeth. This July, Oxford audiences can experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy reimagined as an immersive, experimental theatrical event packed with psychological horror, haunting soundscapes and striking visual storytelling.
Presented by award-winning company Moonhawk Theatre, the bold new production takes over the Oxford Playhouse Burton Taylor Studio for just three performances on 20 and 21 July 2026, promising a fresh take on one of the Bard’s most iconic plays.
Known for creating theatre that is fearless, thought-provoking and impossible to forget, Moonhawk Theatre has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries. Since launching in 2019, the company has toured original productions across London, Oxfordshire, West Sussex and Scotland, taken two shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and earned five-star reviews for its distinctive style.
Now, artistic director Leon Witcomb turns his attention to Shakespeare’s tale of ambition, power and guilt.
Rather than presenting a traditional interpretation, Moonhawk’s Macbeth draws striking parallels with today’s world while exploring the psychological consequences of unchecked ambition.
“The true horror in Macbeth lies in guilt,” says Leon. “We watch someone unable to reconcile his actions, slowly unravelling from within. As the supernatural closes in around him, the horror becomes deeply human.”
The production combines innovative staging with immersive technical design to create an intense theatrical experience. Audiences can expect claustrophobic atmospheres, cinematic sound design, shocking moments and inventive stagecraft that transforms Shakespeare into something thrillingly contemporary.
Joining Leon’s creative team are co-technical director Mike Ward, assistant director and co-scenographer Ella Wernham-Clark, Chris Bedford in the title role and acclaimed stage performer Laura King as Lady Macbeth.
Whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the theatre, Moonhawk’s latest production offers a bold alternative to the traditional classic.
With only three performances scheduled, tickets are expected to be in demand.
Book online at oxfordplayhouse.com/events/moonhawk-macbeth or call the Oxford Playhouse Box Office on 01865 305305.
Enjoy an afternoon of football history, memorable stories and world-class music while helping Combat2Coffee continue its invaluable work supporting the Armed Forces community across the UK.
Football and music fans are invited to a unique charity event at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield on Sunday 12 July 2026, celebrating one of England’s most memorable World Cup campaigns while raising vital funds for Combat2Coffee.
The special afternoon will feature legendary England captain and centre-half Terry Butcher, patron of Combat2Coffee, who will share personal memories and behind-the-scenes stories from his distinguished playing career, including England’s unforgettable journey to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.
This year marks 36 years since Terry Butcher captained England at Italia ’90, a tournament that captured the nation’s imagination. Supporters will fondly remember the dramatic semi-final against West Germany and the iconic soundtrack of that summer, with Luciano Pavarotti’s stirring performance of “Nessun Dorma” becoming synonymous with England’s World Cup adventure.
Following Terry’s talk, guests will enjoy a screening of the acclaimed concert film The Three Tenors: From Caracalla to the World, recalling the historic performance by Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras on the eve of the 1990 World Cup Final in Rome.
The event is being held in aid of Combat2Coffee, a charity dedicated to supporting Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and their families across the UK. Through its cafés and community initiatives, the charity provides opportunities for connection, wellbeing and practical support for those who have served.
The event takes place at the National Film and Television School, 141 Station Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1LG.
Doors open at 3.30pm, with the event beginning at 4.30pm on Sunday 12 July 2026.
Tickets are £25, which includes a welcome drink, and are available via TicketSource through the Beaconsfield Film Society website at beaconsfieldfilmsociety.com.
From crisp whites and refreshing rosés to barbecue-friendly reds, convenient canned wines and a standout alcohol-free option, here are wine columnist Giles’ top picks for the perfect picnic drinks this summer.
Hello! With the weather heating up, I’ve had a lot of people asking for recommendations for picnic wines. I say a lot; there have been three, but that’s three more than I normally get, so statistically that’s a spike.
Anyway, it got me thinking about the picnic drinks, and there’s more to it than meets the gingham blanket. You want something easy to open, wines that will go well with picnic foods (sandwiches can be tricky to pair), and something alcohol-free for any drivers/non-drinkers. So, after much thinking and quite a bit of sipping, here are my perfect picnic drinks.
First up, something everyone can enjoy, and I do mean everyone, the Disfrutand 0,0 (E W Wines, £9.95). I’ve tasted a lot of alcohol-free wines and almost always concluded that they are either too sweet or have all the character of a pedal bin. This is excellent. I saw it being made on a visit to the winery and was struck by its completeness and delicious drinkability. A year on, I feel the same way. Verdejo is a vibrant grape that gives zesty, juicy wines with plenty of jasmine and white flower aromas. The Disfrutand 0,0 delivers these alongside citrus, pears and a touch of peach stone bitterness to the dry finish. Serve this convincing wine with chicken drumsticks or cream cheeses and breadsticks.
I’ll stay in Spain for my next recommendation, the Cune Monopole Rioja (N D John, £10.50). I’m a huge fan of white Rioja, but for a picnic, you don’t want anything too oaky. The Monopole is unoaked, which allows the glory of the Viura grape free rein. Pale gold with intense aromas of white currant, apple, kiwi, pineapple and banana, in the mouth it’s just as fruit-driven, but a savoury salinity adds complexity. Sip on its own or with pasta salad or savoury nibbles.
When it comes to convenience, you can’t beat cans. Canned wines have been around for a while now, and while the early ones were so sulphurous you’d expect the region of production to read “Hell”, they are now as good as their bottled counterparts. Take the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc (Tesco £3.65 per 200ml). Classic Kiwi Sauvignon, with lashings of gooseberry, rhubarb, and grapefruit, alongside limes, grass and green peppers, these are ideal for picnic foods like quiche, couscous, and roast salmon.
Summer calls for rose and I have two crackers to recommend. The first is a new wine from a long-time favourite, the Marques De Caceres Excellens Rose 2024 (Fine Wines Direct, £13.99). Pale of colour, deep of flavour, this beguiling wine marries red and black berries with a refreshing burst of lemon and nectarines before apricot and orange zest come in at the finish. Just the thing to partner with a hummus and roasted vegetable wrap.
For an ultra-modern take on Rioja rose, try the Beronia Rose (Ocado, £11.50). Mid-pink, the nose offers red cherries, loganberries, grapefruit, and blossom, while in the mouth, there’s a delicious interplay between strawberries, raspberries and lemon, with minerals and gentle tannins adding texture. The screwcap makes life so much easier, and this easy-going gem is lovely on its own or with sausage rolls.
Sauvignon and Semillon are a wine marriage made in heaven. From the Grand Crus of Bordeaux to the breathtaking blends of California, the complementary combination of freshness and richness is hard to beat. One of the best I’ve tasted in some time is Strandveld Vineyards’ Adamastor 2022 (Perfect Cellar, £23.95). Golden with an abundance of peaches, pears, melon and rhubarb on the nose, on the palate it’s richer and gentler than you might expect. Age has mellowed it and brought forth hints of almonds and honey that sit well with orchard fruits and creamy oak. I happily drank this on its own; my own lament was it wasn’t a magnum, but I can see it being lovely with a mixed bean salad.
Over the years, I’ve said some horrible things about Vinho Verde, calling it a “green wine” as that’s the colour you’ll go when you drink it. Recently, I’ve grown to love it, finding it often offers cracking wines for little money. The best I think I’ve ever tasted is the Barao do Hospital (Perfect Cellar, £24.95). While Vinho Verde can be made from a wide variety of vines, this is pure Alvarinho that’s benefited from cooling ocean breezes. The pretty nose is populated by floral and citrus aromas, with added interest imparted by yeast and saline. Bone dry, but with a creamy, honeyed edge, melon, pear and lemon take centre stage, with support added by crushed nuts and a prickle of white pepper to the end. Enjoy this with quail’s eggs, fish dips and crackers, or mushroom pâte.
“Iconic” is a term that gets bandied around in wine circles with the regularity of a “vintage of the century” declaration in Bordeaux. FYI, there have so far been 10. When it comes to Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (Majestic £31/£25.50 on a mixed six) it’s an accolade that’s well-deserved. I first encountered it in 1993 at a Christmas tasting at Harrods, and it blew us all away. Tasting it again last week, I was struck by how it manages to be so intense and yet so approachable. Aromas of gooseberry, lemon and lime, green peppers and cut grass leap from the glass. These are all on show on the powerful palate, but delve deeper, and you’ll find tropical fruit and leafy blackcurrants too. Serve this classic with seafood, white cheeses or rocket salad.
And now for something completely different. A beer that’s aimed squarely at wine lovers. Chorus (Chorus, £19.95 per 75cl) is a fine English sparkling beer with a distinctive wine character. I was a little perturbed when I saw it weighs in at 12% as memories of memory-robbing Trappist beers from my youth rang monastic bells, but like a fine sparkling wine, the alcohol is barely noticeable. Pale gold, the nose is full of orchard fruits and yeast. On the palate its full flavoured with mealy apple and bramble, finished off with a creamy, biscuity tone. Try this with a cheese pasty or a slice of game pie.
Mobile barbecues have allowed the hardcore picnicker to cook up a storm. If you’re looking to do so, here are a couple of red wines to partner a steak, roasted veg or grilled haloumi.
First up, the Errazuriz Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Majestic, £15/£12.50 on mixed six). This is the best Pinot Noir you can buy for under £20. Silken and seductive, it’s loaded with juicy red and black berries, all of which are underlain by tangy cranberries, hints of orange zest and mint, and served with cream. Medium-bodied but with good intensity, it’s a lovely summer sipper.
The Wirra Wirra Church Block Shiraz (Waitrose, £16) offers power and complexity. Inky blue/black, the nose is a brooding blend of crushed currants, green peppers, charcoal and cedar, with mood-lightening floral touches at the edges. In the mouth, it’s powerful but gentle, the mass of spiced blackcurrant and raspberry fruits, softened by vanilla, mint chocolate, coffee, and savoury earth.
Katy Perry lights up Blenheim Palace with a spectacular festival show, as shown by Nige Brown’s photos.
Pop superstar Katy Perry delivered an unforgettable night at Blenheim Palace as she headlined the inaugural Blenheim Palace Festival on Wednesday evening.
Thousands of fans packed into the Great Court to watch the global chart-topper perform a hit-filled set against the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the opening notes of California Gurls and Teenage Dream to crowd favourites including Roar, Dark Horse and the show-stopping finale of Firework, the singer kept the audience on its feet throughout the evening.
The spectacular production combined dazzling visuals, energetic choreography and plenty of Perry’s trademark humour, with the singer joking that it had been “a long time since I played in someone’s backyard – especially Winston Churchill’s.”
One of the night’s standout moments saw Perry climb inside a giant inflatable water bottle and surf across the crowd, delighting fans as she sang and waved to the audience below.
Katy Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige BrownKaty Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige Brown
British singer-songwriter Mimi Webb opened the evening with a well-received support set before Perry took to the stage for more than two hours of pop anthems.
Photographer Nige Brown was there to capture all the colour, energy and spectacle from an unforgettable night at Blenheim Palace.
Take a look through our gallery to relive the biggest moments from Wednesday’s show.
Katy Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige BrownKaty Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige Brown
A hidden gem on the edge of Newbury, Treetops has been helping people reconnect with nature and themselves for more than 20 years.
Tucked away at the end of Garden Close Lane, it’s hard to believe Treetops is just minutes from the bustle of Newbury. Surrounded by three acres of private gardens and woodland, the tranquil retreat has spent more than two decades helping people slow down, reconnect with nature and prioritise their wellbeing.
Despite feeling wonderfully secluded, Treetops is remarkably easy to reach, sitting just nine minutes from Junction 13 of the M4 and moments from the A34, with ample parking for visitors travelling from across Berkshire and beyond.
Over the past 22 years, founder Emily Storey has built Treetops largely through personal recommendation rather than traditional advertising.
“We’ve tried different marketing over the years,” says Emily. “But word of mouth has always been the best way of letting people know we’re here. Community connections have been so important.”
Those connections continue to flourish through collaborations with local organisations, including affordable Sound Bath evenings at St George’s Church in Wash Common, alongside charity tea afternoons and the popular “Fiver Friday” garden yoga sessions each summer. These £5 outdoor classes offer an accessible introduction to yoga while giving newcomers the chance to experience the unique setting.
Nature is at the heart of everything Treetops offers. Rather than following a rigid schedule, workshops and retreat days are shaped by the changing seasons and even the weather.
“If it’s a beautiful day, we’ll take yoga outside or head into the woods for forest bathing or mindful walking,” Emily explains. “Recently, we held a journalling workshop in the garden while the wisteria was in full bloom. We really embrace what each season offers.”
The woodland provides a peaceful backdrop for forest bathing experiences throughout the year, whether that’s soaking up fresh summer greenery or gathering around a fire pit during autumn. Even Treetops’ online yoga workshops have made full use of the stunning gardens as a natural setting.
As interest in health and wellbeing continues to grow, Emily believes people are increasingly seeking experiences rather than simply classes.
That distinctive atmosphere is what keeps visitors returning year after year. Some guests have been attending for more than two decades, travelling from Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Marlborough, Winchester and Abingdon.
Asked what makes Treetops so special, Emily said: “Some people tell me it’s the food! I think it’s also the warm, friendly tutors we’ve built around us.”
Listening to visitors has always shaped the programme, with Emily and fellow tutor Rachel continually expanding their expertise to meet changing needs. Emily has recently added meditation to her qualifications alongside forest bathing and sound therapy, while Rachel has trained in Menopause Yoga.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, Emily recommends starting gently.
“We’ve supported many people experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout and chronic illness. Restorative Yoga is a lovely place to begin because it’s so gentle. Forest Bathing is another wonderful introduction — just two peaceful hours in nature. Once people feel ready, our monthly retreat days offer the chance to spend longer focusing on themselves.”
The journey of Treetops itself mirrors Emily’s own wellbeing story. When she launched the business in 2004, yoga wasn’t even on her radar.
“I had two young boys and wanted to create affordable creative workshops because so many courses were either too expensive or too far away. We offered everything from watercolours and flower arranging to photography, collage and cookery.”
As the years passed and Emily sought ways to support her own mental health, yoga and breathwork transformed her outlook.
“I realised it was time for Treetops to slow down too.”
Rachel joined the business eight years ago after the pair met through yoga, and together they’ve expanded the offering to include sound baths, forest therapy, retreat days, evening classes and one-to-one sessions.
“It’s still hard work,” Emily says, “but taking part in what we offer benefits our own wellbeing as much as our guests’. We’ve found a lovely balance.”
Looking ahead, Emily hopes to continue evolving alongside the community’s needs while developing new partnerships. Current plans include working with local football teams and introducing crystal bowl sound healing at the Newbury Friends Together group at St Nicholas Church.
For anyone seeking a little calm without travelling far from home, Treetops offers exactly that: a peaceful haven where nature, mindfulness and community come together.
Supporting the local wellbeing community
Beyond Treetops, Emily is also keen to champion other local initiatives making a difference, from the Renartgades Market and Rebel Art Club at Delphic Brewery to Hayley Collis’ Grief Circles and the mental health charity Sport in Mind. Founded in Reading, the charity has supported more than 60,000 people over the past 15 years through sport and physical activity, with sessions running across Newbury, Thatcham and Reading.
