Rising UK pop star Lola Young has shared her first public statement since cancelling the remainder of her tour and stepping away from the spotlight.
Lola Young, 24, took a break from her still-burgeoning career after numerous concerning incidents on stage, including throwing up and even passing out in the middle of a performance.
The BRIT School graduate announced the unfortunate cancellation of her upcoming shows "for the foreseeable future" at the end of September. Prior to that, she also pulled out of this year's Reading and Leeds Festival due to a 'scheduling conflict'.
Breaking her silence after the best part of three months, the London-born singer-songwriter took to social media in a fairly brief but heartwarming statement.
As you can see, the time away from the public eye certainly seems to have been beneficial, telling her followers that "it has helped more than you will ever know".
In addition to embracing ADHD - even labelling her hit song 'Messy' as an "ADHD anthem" in multiple anthems - she was also diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at just 17.
The latter can include symptoms such as psychosis, hallucinations, intense mood swings, bipolar mania, depression and more.
All that being said, we're glad to hear that she's on the mend; we saw her back in March, and you could tell from the crowd that she's already got a very passionate cult following.
Both conditions and their associated obstacles have obviously affected her, but have definitely helped influence her music and lyrical material on the other hand.
Responding in the comments, fellow artist SZA wrote: "Love you, starfire angel. Your music is FULL of longevity and substance! Weβre so grateful for you".
Joining in support, 'dark pop' musician Carter James added, "Your well-being comes before anything. So excited for your next chapter whenever it arrives!"
We hope she'll be doing better enough soon to get back on stage when she's ready.
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Art & Culture
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefieldβ¦ and weβre not just referring to that one thatβs popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
Weβre taking about Helios, the amazing art installation thatβs about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
HeliosΒ builds on the success of Luke Jerramβs previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popularΒ Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,Β the artwork provides a safe andΒ captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surroundβsound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present aΒ full programme of free, familyβfriendly, spaceβthemed activitiesΒ throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy handsβon workshops, creative crafts, dressingβup sessions and playful dropβin experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Danny Jones -
22nd December 2025 
