This picture snapped in Cannes in 2009, the 35-year-old actor (then 28) shows how Ben has certainly matured a bit in seven years, but he’s still definitely a hunk and is still the proud owner of his famous thick, tousled dark hair.
The LGBT choir Northern Proud Voices celebrates its 5th birthday.
CREDIT: Northern Proud Voices
Newcastle’s largest and longest running choir, Northern Proud Voices will have its fifth birthday in May and to celebrate will host a series of fundraisers across Newcastle and the North East to raise awareness and collect donations for LGBT causes.
As part of UK-wide Pride events, the choir will perform at Pride Durham (30 May), Newcastle Pride (16 July), Cumbria Pride (17 September) and Sunderland Pride (25 September), showcasing four-part choral arrangements of artists including Radio Head, Annie Lennox, Seal and Train.
Weekly rehearsals have been taking place in Newcastle in preparation for the events, and a social media campaign has been launched to encourage others to show their support and get involved.
Kathleen McDonald, Chair of NPV, is overwhelmed with the popularity of the choir and said,
“It has been wonderful to see the choir grow over the past five years, from a handful of singers to the largest LGBT choir in the North East with almost 100 registered members.
“We are extremely proud of the community we represent and we are always keen to welcome new members. Being able to offer an inclusive and safe social space for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Newcastle is truly rewarding for myself, and very important for some of our members.”
Supporting the choir’s fundraising celebrations, Ouseburn venues The Ship Inn and The Cumberland Arms will welcome NPV supporters with a fifth birthday party and an LGBT themed Lip Sync Battle with songs from queer culture. Local improv-comedy group, Spontaneous Wrecks, will stage a 2-hour improvised show and musical to raise donations.
Choir member, Andrew Layton, said:
“Not only is the choir great fun but it helps change perceptions some people may have of the LGBT community. I’m proud to be part of such a diverse group of people brought together by music.”
Northern Proud Voices is a fully-inclusive, non-audition choir and their rehearsals take place every Thursday 7-9pm at The Mining Institute, Newcastle (excluding August).
Newly out sports star Gus Kenworthy has shown off his best side.
CREDIT: Gus Kenworthy / Instagram
In a recent cheeky post Gus Kenworthy has revealed his best ass…et. The star who is currently taking a vacay in Australia with his boyfriend was keen to show us how perky he is these days.
The English born, American freestyle skier, who came out as gay last year, has been keen to show off his boyfriend whilst on holiday. The pair, it has to be said, are totally adorable together.
Speaking to TheGayUK Cheryl Baker, who was part of the original Bucks Fizz who took the UK to victory in 1981 with their song Making Your Mind Up, has said that a world-wide song contest is well overdue.
” I think it’s long overdue, to be perfectly honest. I mean, it is already the biggest musical event in the world.
“There is nothing bigger. So, yes, America … I should think they’re broadcasting it because they think, “Hang on, I think I see a trick here.”
Having just returned from Stockholm, Cheryl remarked at the true “camaraderie” that happens at the event.
“I’ve just got back from Stockholm. The one thing that really stands out is the camaraderie and the fact that everyone there is rooting for everyone. You see, you know, if Israel is on stage, you still see Greek flags and Spanish flags. They’re all just there because it’s such a joyous occasion. It just unities everybody.
Cheryl Baker will be live Tweeting about the Eurovision Song Content from 8PM tonight. She’ll be performing in London as well – for the Abigail’s Footsteps Charity.
Quick dial the fire service… Ray Quinn is on fire.
CREDIT: Ray Quinn / Instagram
The former X Factor hottie Ray Quinn has published this rather sexy picture, giving us a good view of his… Cuprinol skills – what did you think we were going to say? Dirty, dirty minded reader.
The West End star swapped his favourite Chinese takeaways and cans of lager for healthy eating and regular gym visits, when he got the call to be part of Dancing On Ice. And the results are outstanding.
Cutting out potatoes, pasta and bread for a “Caveman Diet” high in protein and fresh veg the 25-year-old star dropped 28lbs in eight weeks.
The UK’s entrants to Eurovision, Joe And Jake have said that they could snog at the end of their performance.
CREDIT: Anna Velikova
The duo, who insist that they are just friends, haven’t ruled out kissing each other at the end of their performance on Eurovision, with Joe saying, “if needs must. Let’s not take anything off the table here”
Speaking to The Sun Online the cheeky pair said that their fans had asked them to kiss at the end of their song.
Although they called the request from fans “bizarre” they haven’t ruled it out.
Joe added,“I don’t think they realise that we’re just mates, but we’re listening to everything they’re saying.”
The You’re Not Alone singers met originally on The Voice – and are set to sing live in front of an audience of 200 million on Saturday night.
CREDIT: Anna Velikova
So are they boyfriends? Apparently not – and they aren’t looking for a relationship either.
Jake added,
“To be honest we don’t have time for a great deal. We don’t even have time to go home and see our parents, never mind a relationship.”
“We’re too focused on the music, aren’t we Joe? We’re too focused on getting a good result for the UK.”
