HOPING's Greatest Hits
Van Morrison, Chrissie Hynde, Kate Moss, Noel Gallagher, Jools Holland, Shane MacGowan and Rob Brydon performed at ‘HOPING’s Greatest Hits’ at London’s Ronnie Scott’s to mark 10 years of the HOPING Foundation’s benefit events for Palestinian refugee children. Bella Freud and Karma Nabulsi, founders of the HOPING Foundation, reunited an all-star cast for ‘HOPING’s Greatest Hits’ to celebrate 10 years of the charity’s benefit. Shane MacGowan was first up with his iconic Pogues hit 'Streams of Whiskey'. Noel Gallagher’s moving performances of 'Half the World Away' and epic Oasis anthem 'Wonderwall' raised more than £30,000 pounds for the charity, while the emotion in the room was palpable as rock legend Chrissie Hynde hypnotised the audience with her distinctive ballad 'I’ll Stand by You'. Host extraordinaire of the evening, Rob Brydon, wouldn’t allow Chrissie to leave the stage and invited Kate Moss to join her for a duet. Kate rose to the challenge and delivered a rendition of 'Stand by Your Man' that would have given Tammy Wynette a run for her money.
In an historic moment, the legendary Van Morrison took to HOPING’s stage for the first time where he was joined by the amazing Jools Holland to perform 'Good Mornin’ Blues'. The first chord of 'Brown Eyed Girl' brought the entire room to its feet and the evening ended in euphoria of 'Gloria'. The audience, which included Naomi Campbell, Bill Nighy, Jemima Khan, Gillian Anderson, Laura Bailey, Gary Hume, Eva Herzigova, Poppy Delevingne and Christian Louboutin were treated to a delicious supper of Swiss soufflé and madeleines by the marvellous Sally Clarke of Clarke’s restaurant in Kensington. They drank champagne from Laurent Perrier, Estrella Galicia beers and Hendricks gin, Reyka Vodka and Glenfiddich whisky all donated by William Grant & Sons spirits.
It was Sotheby’s own charismatic Oliver Barker who auctioned off the live performances of greatest hits with his usual dedication to HOPING. If that wasn’t enough, the silent auction offered guests the opportunity to bid on a range of priceless lots including a bespoke Bella Freud signature jumper designed in collaboration with the winner, the opportunity to have a portrait taken by renowned photographer Mary McCartney, or dinner cooked at home by Skye Gyngell, celebrated head chef of Spring. Charlotte Tilbury, who donated a make-up tutorial and personally selected make-up kit, bid on a trip to Christian Louboutin’s atelier in Paris for a bespoke pair of shoes designed by Christian himself.
The evening carried on into the wee small hours as revellers danced to the sounds of DJ Fat Tony & Josh of Disco Smack. As a lasting memento, Céline’s Phoebe Philo designed a special HOPING for Palestine bag for each guest packed with beauty products by Sisley and unique Bella Freud HOPING for Palestine t-shirt and box of matches. The evening marked yet another momentous occasion in the charity’s extraordinary history, raising almost £300,000 for Palestinian refugee children.