HOPING Rock On

‘Rock On’ marked yet another extraordinary moment in HOPING’s history of unmissable events which saw its founders Bella Freud and Karma Nabulsi, once again assemble a stellar cast at London’s Café de Paris on Thursday 20th June 2013.

The audience, which included Kate Moss and Jamie Hince, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, sisters Mary and Stella McCartney, Hugh Grant, Noel Gallagher, Laura Bailey, Jemima Khan, Trudie Styler, and Jessie Metcalfe, were entertained by performances from Patti Smith, Jamie Hince and Florence Welch, Rizzle Kicks, Seasick Steve and Russell Brand, Jonathan Ross, and Alan Carr, raising £364,032 for Palestinian refugee children.

The first words the iconic Patti Smith uttered as she stepped onto the stage were, ‘I’m not sure I’m worth the money but Palestinian children are’, prompting a standing ovation before she even began to sing. Amongst those who led the bids for her to perform were the brilliant Rizzle Kicks, who had wowed the audience earlier in the evening with ‘Mama do the Hump’. Further highlights included Kate Moss bidding for bluegrass legend Seasick Steve, and Florence Welch’s ‘one night only’ performance of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Heard it Through the Grapevine’ with The Kills’ Jamie Hince.

Guests were treated to a delicious menu from Michelin-starred chef Skye Gyngell;  champagne by Moet, Heineken beers, William Grant and Sons spirits and Ty Nant water generously provided refreshment.  Tracey Emin created a special t-shirt to celebrate the evening and Sisley provided luxurious gift bags.

The night, however, belonged to Patti Smith, who dedicated her anthem ‘Because the Night’ to the audience, Bella Freud, and to the children of Palestine.