There’s plenty to smile about this week. Amid the doom and gloom of the news, there were several uplifting stories that deserve a second mention.
From a major singer’s concert announcement to a cheeky monkey being safely recaptured, lots of things went right for London and the UK.
Take a minute away from doomscrolling to read all the uplifting stories from the last seven days.
Adele to perform series of summer gigs
Adele will perform a series of summer concerts at a pop-up venue in Munich, marking her first shows in Europe since 2016.
The Rolling in the Deep singer will perform at the 80,000-capacity venue for eight nights in August.
Announcing the shows on Instagram, Adele said “she “couldn’t think of a more wonderful way to spend my summer”.
Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin win Gershwin Prize
Sir Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin have been honoured with the Gershwin Prize for their contribution to music.
The songwriting duo, who are behind hits such as Rocket Man to Tiny Dancer, will receive the award at an all-star tribute concert in Washington DC on March 20.
Sir Elton said: “It's an incredible honour for two British guys to be recognised like this. I'm so honoured."
Sadiq Khan launches small business support scheme
The Mayor of London has launched a new £8.7m scheme aimed at helping London’s small businesses.
The scheme aims to help 12,000 small businesses between now and March 2025.â¯
Sadiq Khan told the Standard: “We want to support small businesses to grow, develop and thrive.”
Regent Street’s European makeover
Regent Street is to undergo a European city-inspired makeover that will involve prioritising cyclists and pedestrians by reducing traffic.
The makeover has been inspired by famous streets in European cities like Champs-Élysées in Paris, La Rambla in Barcelona and Mariahilfer Strasse in Vienna.
The council said the "ultimate ambition" is to create a "new green link through the heart of the West End" that connects St James’s Park to Regent’s Park.
Alison Hammond to present Battersea show
Alison Hammond will present the next series of For The Love Of Dogs, following the passing of its former host, Paul O’Grady last year.
The TV series aims to help Battersea Dogs & Cats Home find forever homes for the animals in their care.
Speaking of her new role, Hammond said she could "never replace" O'Grady but hopes to "shine a light" on the "brilliant work" done at the London-based animal shelter.
Kingussie Kong captured
A monkey - nicknamed Kingussie Kong - escaped from Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, Scotland, but was found and safely recaptured.
The Japanese macaque named Honshu was discovered feasting on a bird feeder in a garden after being missing for four days.
The monkey had been returned to the park, where he was cared for by a vet before being reintroduced to his group.
Ed Sheeran donates funds £1 million art course
Ed Sheeran has donated £1 million to his old school in Suffolk to fund an art course, through The Framlingham Foundation Trust.
The Shape of You singer established a new grant at Thomas Mills High School to provide students with fresh learning resources.
EU agrees to 50 billion euro aid for Ukraine
The EU has agreed to send 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine as the war with Russia approaches its third year.
European Council President Charles Michel said: “This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine."
The “EU is taking leadership and responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake”.
Oxfam seeking festival volunteers
Good news for music fans: Oxfam is seeing volunteers to work at music festivals in the UK this summer.
People have the opportunity to volunteer at 15 festivals this summer, to enjoy music while helping a good cause.
Michael Lever, head of Festivals and Events, said: "We’ve built a friendly and passionate community of volunteers and many of them have been coming back year after year, with some attending over 100 festivals with Oxfam.”
