There was an all-star cast of musical talent roped in to last night’s Coronation Concert – but it was 13-year-old blind pianist Lucy Illingworth who provided the most touching moment of the show.
The young musician, who recently won Channel 4’s The Piano and won over the nation with her performance in the middle of Leeds train station, was part of the huge celebrations at the royal event at Windsor Castle.
Also on the billing was Katy Perry, Take That, and Lionel Richie, all singing in front of the newly-crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla, plus an audience of 10.1 million watching on the BBC from home.
William, the Prince of Wales, also took to the stage to pay tribute to his father and his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
For many of us though, Lucy’s stunning piano rendition of Bach’s Prelude in C was a clear highlight of the Coronation Concert.
Someone else said we need to see more diversity like this in performances, saying: “Don’t mind admitting I’m in absolute tears. Bog off Olly Murders and Gary Barlow. I want more sign language choirs, and more Lucy, to define the Carolean Era.”
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Another person echoed that, writing: “Can’t get over Lucy’s talent. Favourite part of the #coronationconcert so far plus the massed voices of the Coronation Choir and Higher Love including the virtual commonwealth choirs. Not interested in the celebrities!!”
Charity The Amber Trust wrote: “We are incredibly proud of Lucy and everything she has achieved!
“Lucy is a phenomenal musician and we are thrilled that she has had this opportunity to share her talent with the nation. Well done Lucy!”
We are incredibly proud of Lucy and everything she has achieved! You can learn more about her and how she learns a new piece by watching her story.
Lucy first shot to fame on Channel 4’s The Piano, where she delivered a spellbinding performance of Debussy’s Arabesque No.1 in the final.
Judge and pop star Mika spoke about her winning performance, “It was about just highlighting if something extraordinary was to happen. Something that no-one could forget… and that happened.”
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Fellow judge and pianist Lang Lang, who was captivated by Lucy described the young pianist as a ‘real genius’.
In a heartfelt twist which further underlined how different the programme was to other reality TV shows, all contestants were gifted a piano to take home.
Eurovision 2025 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.
Following the success of the previous two years, initially starting back when the internationally renowned televised event was held on British soil in Liverpool in 2023, cinemas up and down the UK are, once again, set to come together to celebrate 2025’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.
The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 17 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.
Distributed by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.
The Eurovision 2025 final will be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: CinemaLive | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
You may remember that Switzerland is hosting Eurovision this year, following the nation’s well-deserved victory at the 2024 contest with the song ‘The Code’ performed by Nemo.
But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Basel to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.
Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is ‘heavily encouraged’, as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.
Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the third year in a row.
“There’s simply no better way to enjoy the biggest night in music than in a cinema.”
Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.
Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.
Featured Image – EBU
TV & Showbiz
A charity auction is selling memorabilia from the ACTUAL Peaky Blinders set
Thomas Melia
Peaky Blinders super-fans get ready, because there’s a charity auction is currently open and items worn by the stars of the iconic TV seriesare up for grabs.
This exclusive event gives bidders the chance to own a piece of modern-day TV history in the form of not just merchandise but authentic memorabilia.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all wanted to pull on a flat cap and pretend we were a gangster at one point in our lives, and what better way to do so and relive your Peaky Blinders fantasy than by doing so with one from the show? Especially since you know your money is going towards a good cause.
Whether you want to look as dapper as Tommy Shelby, or you just want to add a culture-soaked collector’s item to your, well, collection, you might want to check this one if you’re a big Peaky fan.
Maybe you could own something from this very picture at the Peaky Blinders charity auction event.Walk away feeling dapper as ever with exclusive merchandise up for grabs at the Peaky Blinders charity auction event.Credit: BBC
Anyone planning on going to the Peaky Blinders charity auction event can bid in person or even register to bid online now if you won’t be free during the proceedings.
As for what is on the table, you could raise your virtual paddle for everything from a full suit worn by Cillian Murphy himself to Sam Claflin’s homburg hat, a pair of Michael Gray (Finn Cole) shiny shoes and much more.
And where else to hold said event and than Manchester’s very own Peaky Blinders bar on Peter Street just off the main Deansgate strip, where the action will culminate in a flamboyant and free-to-all event.
Those attending in person will be greeted with a welcome drink before being encouraged to join in with the final day of the auction – guests are encouraged to turn up in ‘true Shelby style’ of course.
All the funds raised will go towards the much-loved NHS foundation and specialist hospital, The Christie, Europe’s largest cancer centre, right here in Manchester.
Peaky Blinders bar on Peter St in Manchester city centre.Everyone knows the Peaky Blinders like a drink.
Tickets for this event cost nothing, but there is an option to add an additional donation if you wish, and bidding on items taken from the cult favourite TV show is open to everyone.
Daisy Jackson -
8th May 2023 
