TWIST OF FETE
FLEUR EAST TELLS US HOW MANCHESTER TURNED A STADIUM INTO A STREET PARTY AS SHE HOSTS THIS JUBILEE WEEKEND JAMBOREE…
Manchester’s AO Arena recently played host to The National Lottery’s Big Jubilee Street Party – fronted by Fleur East and Jason Manford – which boasted a stellar line-up of performers to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. And as the event airs this weekend, Inside TV had a natter with Fleur to find out what’s in store…
Hi, Fleur! So what did the arena look like?
It was really cool! They had picnic benches with tablecloths on and AstroTurf laid out. And they had a road right down the centre leading up to the stage, with a zebra crossing on it. And there was bunting everywhere. It looked amazing!
So did the acts walk down the street onto the stage?
Yeah, the entrance is epic. Becky Hill opens the show, and she’s in a Union Jack Mini!
And there were appearances from Ella Henderson, Kaiser Chiefs,
Tom Grennan and Mark Owen…
Yes, Mark has this amazing suit. Here’s a backstage story for you: he had to borrow my dressing room to get into his trousers halfway through the event! I was the biggest Take That fan growing up, so that was the cherry on the cake for me!
Were there any other acts that were a highlight for you?
I was so excited to see Steps do a medley of their biggest hits. And I was surprised by Lady Blackbird – she performed Life On Mars by David Bowie. Her voice is incredible.
You also chatted with celebs who were dotted amongst the audience, too?
Yes, I spoke to singer Rachel Stevens and footballing legend Michael Owen. And we spoke to lots of veterans and people from the community – that was quite emotional.
Even though you were there, will you still be watching the show on TV?
Yeah, definitely. We’ll get the family round, have some treats, hang up some bunting. The family WhatsApp group has been popping off ever since they found out I was hosting – they’re very excited!