Look To The Stars News: Beverley Knight

Stars Choose Sad Songs For Blue Mood Month

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

British mental health charity SANE has teamed up with Feeling Gloomy & Spotify to harness the power of music to lift everyone’s spirits and encourage people to connect more with friends and family.

Blue Mood Month launches January 16th and will run throughout 2012 as part of SANE’s 25th Anniversary Black Dog Campaign.

January can be a difficult time for many people. Cold, post Christmas bills, no holidays in sight and, with the economy as it is, worries for the year stretching ahead. It is no coincidence that the month contains ‘Blue Monday’, the third Monday of January, reckoned to be the gloomiest day of the year! The combined effect of all these pressures and stresses can have a damaging effect on mental health and wellbeing.

Stars To Come Out For Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carols

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Now in its 15th year, the annual Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carol Service is one of the most popular events on the fundraising calendar, bringing together family, friends and supporters in a celebration of music at a special time of year.

This year’s event, which is generously sponsored by Coutts, will take place in the beautiful St Luke’s Church in London on Wednesday 14th December and will be dedicated to Willie Robertson, founding supporter of Nordoff Robbins.

Madness Singer To Host Charity Big Christmas Sing

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Madness frontman Suggs will follow in Olly Murs and Beverley Knight’s footsteps by launching this year’s Christian Aid Big Christmas Sing.

Kicking off the nationwide fundraiser, Suggs is hosting and performing at a free concert where he will be joined by other high profile artists. He’s encouraging others to warm up their vocal chords and join in this year’s Big Christmas Sing, taking place on 9-11 December.

Annie Lennox, Liza Minnelli, Paul McCartney Honored At Charity Awards

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The 36th annual Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards took place on Friday 1st July at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Tinie Tempah, photo: John Marshall via Nordoff Robbins

Annie Lennox Performs At Celebrity Charity Shop Launch

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox helped launch the Oxfam Celebrity Charity Curiosity Shop at Selfridges in London on Thursday, performing 4 songs and raising over £31,000 by allowing the audience to bid for each performance.

The launch event raised a grand total of £208,985 for Oxfam circle projects around the world that empower women and really make a difference.

For ten days only, The Oxfam Curiosity Shop will sell celebrity fashion donations, sought-after samples and vintage clothing hand-picked from Oxfam’s 700 shops. There will also be celebrity styling sessions, plus special VIP appearances.

Annie Lennox's Celebrity Charity Shop Returns

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Following last year’s incredible success, Britain’s biggest celebrity charity pop-up shop is back – and it’s better than ever.

The shop has once again been created and stocked by a team of high profile personalities led by Annie Lennox and Whistles CEO Jane Shepherdson – and all the money raised will fund Oxfam projects around the world that support and empower vulnerable women.

Celebrate International Women's Day With Annie Lennox

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

During the week of 8 March 2011, join Oxfam to celebrate women’s achievements for International Women’s Day.

Do dinner, do drinks, do dancing, do something – however you decide to celebrate, you’ll be helping women in poverty. In return for a fantastic event, just ask your guests for a donation to help give more inspiring women the opportunity to have something to celebrate.

Annie Lennox inspired the idea when she brought together a group of women in 2008 to celebrate the achievements of women around the globe. Seeing the hardships that millions of women still faced, Annie Lennox and her friends chose to carry out fundraising, campaigning, advocacy and awareness raising work on behalf of women around the world. This group, called The Circle, now help Oxfam fight poverty and inequality, as well as providing a united voice for many women who would otherwise go unheard.

Celebrity 21st Century Leaders Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Samuel L. Jackson, Kanye West, Claudia Schiffer, Sugababes, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beverley Knight and Sophie Ellis Bextor are all 21st Century Leaders. To become so, their first level of engagement and commitment has been to donate their original artworks to the 21st Century Leaders’ Whatever It Takes Campaign.

Whatever It Takes is an ethical and charitable lifestyle product campaign, which involves more than 600 celebrity leaders in all fields including; Royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates and well-known leaders in the fields of film, music, fashion, art, sport and literature.

As ambassadors and 21st Century Leaders in the fields of film, fashion, and music, Samuel L Jackson, Kanye West, Claudia Schiffer, Sugababes, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beverley Knight and Sophie Ellis Bextor each created an original piece of art with a strong message of hope. This artwork has been designed into a variety of environmentally sustainable lifestyle products, created by producers who are working towards the Whatever It Takes ethical policy. The products are sold to raise funds for education, health and environmental programmes, through the Whatever It Takes Web Shop, as well as through 4500 prestigious retail partners globally, including Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford, David Jones and Harvey Nichols amongst others, and will soon be available for the first time in Abu Dhabi.

Colin Firth Attends Charity Event For Bottletop

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:30:00 +0000

British charity Bottletop held its second annual fundraiser in London last week, attracting stars such as Colin Firth, Mariella Frostrup and Tim Vincent.

Featuring a performance by Beverley Knight, the event included a massive auction of contemporary art and raised over £125,000 for the charity.

Bottletop is a UK charity which funds projects that empower young people to make informed choices and protect themselves form sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies. It raises funds and awareness through its own fashion and music range and trains poor communities to make products which are sold across the world generating employment and raising funds for their education programs. One of these fundraising initiatives is a beautiful ring pull bag crafted by 24 people in Salvador. Each bag is handmade by linking hundreds of recycled ring pulls together in a crochet formation.

Stars Spend Their Last Cash For Charity

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0000

From lottery tickets to underwear, bubbly to dog food, celebrities have been revealing how they would spend their last £20 as part of a campaign launched by international development charity Sightsavers to highlight how less that £20 can restore the sight of someone in the developing world.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, singer Beverley Knight, M&S model Twiggy, TV actors Sunetra Sarker and Martin Clunes, singer Eliza Doolittle and presenter Kate Thornton are all behind the charity campaign which launches this week ahead of World Sight Day on 14th October.

Charity iPhone Application To Be Launched At Bee Gee Home

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Against Breast Cancer is launching its own iPhone App, the first of its kind to be created for a charity fundraising event. The App will showcase the ‘Splash of Pink Fashion Show and Couture Tea’ taking place at The Prebendal, the home of Bee Gee Robin Gibb and his wife Dwina Murphy-Gibb in Thame, Oxfordshire on 25th September. Dwina is a patron of the charity.

Andy McDonald, Managing Director of Lifelyte iPhone and Android applications has developed the new App for the charity following his successful launch of the iThame App for the town of Thame.

Gordon Vallance, Director of Against Breast Cancer said, ‘This is a ground-breaking achievement for the charity and just one of the many ways we are using social media to share information about our valuable research. Better understanding the secondary spread of breast cancer will be the key to helping us develop a vaccine against the disease. We are extremely grateful to Dwina and Robin for allowing us to use their home for our fundraising event as we need £1m a year to continue our research work at University College and Westminster London.’

Online Auction Celebrates Celebrity Oxfam Charity Shop

Fri, 14 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

The Celebrity Oxfam Curiosity Shop opens today, May 14, in London – and a special online auction has been launched to celebrate.

From Friday 14 May to Thursday 20 May Selfridges’ Ultralounge, the London store’s permanent arts and exhibition space, will be transformed into The Oxfam Curiosity Shop – staffed by celebrities from Annie Lennox to Beverley Knight with all proceeds going to Oxfam.

Shoppers will be able to browse fantastic one-offs; from a special collection of Livia Firth’s red carpet dresses, to items from icons including Alexa Chung, Annie Lennox, Helen Mirren, Natalie Imbruglia and Corinne Bailey Rae and designer donations from Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Roger Vivier and more. 

British Celebrity Portraits To Be Auctioned For Charity

Thu, 13 May 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year, LookToTheStars.org reported on a story featuring a group of British celebrities whose portraits will go under the hammer for Oxfam. We can now reveal that the artworks will be auctioned on May 18.

The portraits were created by fashion designer Alice Temperley and photographer Adam Whitehead, and feature stars such as Annie Lennox, Lily Cole, Liberty Ross, Rosamund Pike, Sophie Dahl, Yasmin Le Bon, Laura Bailey and Jacquetta Wheeler. The life-size, hand-embroidered portraits will be auctioned in London to benefit The Circle – a group of high-profile women, such as Vanessa Branson, Beverley Knight and Zoe Ball, who come together to support the world’s poorest women. The Circle will then distribute the money to Oxfam projects.

“Alice is super gifted… unique!” said Annie Lennox. “She makes extraordinary things happen. Her creations are out of this world… and when she says something, she absolutely means it. Something about the idea of The Circle resonated with her. She didn’t waste time talking about it, she just got on and did something.”

Stars Urge For Maternal Health In Amnesty Film

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Celebrities including Keira Knightley, Annie Lennox, James Purefoy and Beverley Knight have called on the UK Government to make maternal and newborn health a priority in its international development assistance in a new short film released by Amnesty International yesterday (12 March).

The film, which premiered in the Houses of Parliament, is part of Amnesty’s campaign to ensure the UK government prioritizes maternal and newborn health care globally to enable all women access their basic right to health care. Entitled ‘Every day should be Mother’s Day’, the three-minute, star-studded film also features Dervla Kirwan, Colin Salmon and Jonathan Pryce.

“We’re delighted that so many celebrated artists are willing to stand with us on this very important matter,” said Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen. "We want the government to maintain a strong political will to improve maternal health around the world.

Dave Stewart Donates Suit To Charity Auction

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Musician Dave Stewart has donated the suit he wore when he accepted the Awards for Outstanding Contribution to British Music for Eurythmics (Silver Clefs Award by the Nordoff Robbins Foundation) in 2000 to the world’s leading Eurythmics fan site for a charity competition.

Ethrill.net has been collecting rare items like lithographs and deluxe books, limited vinyl and much more from fans of the band to give away as part of the anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign to help prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, where 1,000 people die from AIDS-related causes every day. Since 2007, SING has raised over $2 million, and helped over 100,000 people affected by HIV in the Eastern Cape of South Africa – but there is much more work to be done.

All you have to do to win is make a donation to the SING Campaign through the Ethrill.net website before December 24.

Beverley Knight To Perform At The Big Christmas Sing

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Hundreds of ice skaters will join three-time MOBO award-winner Beverley Knight in a free charity Christmas performance at 5.30pm on Thursday 3rd December, at the Natural History Museum ice rink in South Kensington, London.

Beverley will be performing songs from her new album, along with Christmas favourites for a sing-a-long with skaters and fans. The event is to launch The Big Christmas Sing, a fundraising initiative from charity Christian Aid encouraging people across the country to get together and sing to raise money for some of the world’s poorest people this Christmas.

Katherine Jenkins Busy With Charity Projects

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Welsh singing sensation Katherine Jenkins has been busy with charity projects lately.

Last week she was spotted at the Macmillan Cancer Support De’Longhi Art Auction, following the announcement that the charity is hoping to name her as an ambassador.

“Macmillan looked after us when my father was ill, so I always sing or do something special for their events,” she said. “I bought the first painting at the auction for £1,800 because the charity is so special to me.”

British Stars Donate Dresses Fit For A Princess

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

In collaboration with the Princess Alice Hospice charity in the UK, The Bentall Centre in Kingston is hosting a star-studded fashion exhibition from 26th September 2009 until 19th October showcasing celebrity party attire in store windows, which will then be online at www.ebya.co.uk/charity from 19th October, to raise money for the Hospice.

Over forty personalities and luminaries, including; Dame Helen Mirren, Lynda Bellingham, Samantha Cameron, Beth Ditto, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Helena Bonham Carter, Geri Halliwell, Paloma Faith, Joanna Lumley, Trinny Woodhall, Fearne Cotton, Twiggy and The Saturdays have all kindly donated dresses to the Fit For a Princess event.

Unique pieces include an Alberta Ferretti sequin skirt and top which was worn at The Planet of the Apes premiere by Helena Bonham Carter, Paloma Faith’s gorgeous green silk and lace prom dress, which she wore in her latest ‘New York’ music video and a Herve Leger gown from Beverley Knight. There is a wonderful two piece worn by Joanna Lumley at a James Bond gala, which in her letter given with the dress boasts that they have been ‘shaken and stirred’ by two 007 agents – Daniel Craig and Roger Moore!

Annie Lennox To Play Unplugged In South Africa

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox will play a special unplugged concert in South Africa next month for charity.

The singer will perform at the Teatro theatre in Montecasino on July 8 to raise funds and awareness for her SING Foundation.

“Audiences will see the star up close and personal, accompanied by nothing other than her piano and her stories,” said Penny Stein, spokeswoman for the event.

Annie Lennox SINGS In Norway

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Singer Annie Lennox was in Norway last week to host a special event that aimed to raise money and awareness for the SING Campaign against AIDS.

The singer performed in Oslo on May 15 at an event in which guests were required to make a minimum donation of NOK 1,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite.

SING was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Annie Lennox Raises Awareness Of SING Campaign

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Singer Annie Lennox has just released her new Greatest Hits collection in the US and has used the occasion to raise awareness of a new campaign being run by SING, an initiative she established to bring attention to AIDS/HIV in Africa.

Over the next few weeks and months, SING will be telling the stories of four women in Africa who are currently living their lives and raising their families whilst dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

After personally witnessing Nelson Mandela describe the African HIV pandemic as a genocide, with women and children becoming the frontline victims, Annie Lennox set out to try and do something about it.

Visit Abbey Road Studios To Benefit Cancer Research

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Cancer Research UK has announced February 26 as the date of their annual Sound & Vision event at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Although full details have yet to be released, the event will feature champagne and canapés, access to the recording studios where The Beatles recorded, a stunning exhibition and auction of images featuring iconic musicians by famous photographers, the opportunity to purchase a piece of music history in a live auction, live performances, and the chance to rub shoulders with celebrity guests.

Patrons of the event include legendary Beatles producer George Martin and Whispering Bob Harris. Last year’s event raised over £160,000 for vital cancer research with live performances by Beverley Knight, 10cc and The Brand New Heavies and auction items such as a one-off Rickenbacker guitar designed and signed by R.E.M’s Peter Buck and handwritten lyrics from Bryan Ferry. Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Robin Gibb To Headline Charity Concert

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Former Bee Gee Robin Gibb will headline a special charity concert and gala in January.

The Sunseeker International Charitable Ball will feature a performance from the music legend, as well as from the Spice Girls’ Melanie C, Lulu, Beverley Knight, Georgie Fame, Mark King from Level 42, drummer Kenney Jones from The Who and The Small Faces, Paolo Nutini, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton and Russia’s number one pop superstar Valeriya. The house band for the night will be Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Outward Bound Trust, a British charity that uses outdoor experiences and challenges to help and develop young people. It is the second year the event has benefited the charity, with last year’s gala raising over US$700,000.

Stars Sing Praises For Annie Lennox

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 +0000

December 1 marked the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and some of the stars involved have paid tribute to her work.

“Congratulations for all the hard work that Sing has done in the last year, good luck and much love for the next year to come,” said Anastacia. "Happy First birthday Sing! "

“Congratulations on all the success of the foundation,” added Gladys Knight. “We all must do our part to make a difference. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate.”

Annie Lennox Sings For World AIDS Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day – and also the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and the star has launched a host of new additions to the SING website to celebrate.

Among the additions are a new Timeline that plots the progress of the campaign since its launch, and an Advent calendar which will unlock a new window every day through December that features either SING video’s, SING Image’s or a special video message from Lennox. There is also a new Widget that can be downloaded for Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and other sites, as well as a special SING Campaign YouTube site. Lennox is also writing a column in today’s issue of Britain’s The Sun newspaper about her work with SING.