The Diary: The bling in ballet

Guests who were handed a goodie bag as they left the English National Ballet's Christmas party last week at the St Martin's Lane Hotel, to call in on a festive performance of 'The Sleeping Beauty' (right) might have been forgiven for thinking they were receiving the usual bag of tat including advertising brochures, cheap chocolates bearing sponsorship logos and a dodgy key-ring. But what lay inside was a treasure trove of Christmas goodies including a Swarovski crystal necklace, dipped in gold glitter, said to be worth around £200, which has apparently emerged as a hot seller on eBay over the past few days. As well as the sparkler, there were vouchers for a mini facial by Agua, a Laura Kuy potted plant and Lindor chocolates. Even the "second tier" goodie bag (for when the Swarovski ran out) included a generous stock of Elemis skin treatments. A source said the goodie bag was designed to reflect how ballet was getting "bigger and better". And blingier, evidently.

Musicians' song and dance over 696

Last month, Fergal Sharkey, former singer with the punk Undertones, now chief executive of the music industry representative body UK Music, apparently wrote to the Metropolitian Police Commissioner to express concerns about the personal details being demanded as part of a high-risk assessment procedure for live events in London (he was unhappy that the police had got a number of councils to sign up to the risk assessment form 696). Now it has emerged that Jon McClure (left), from Reverend and the Makers, has set up a petition against the registration of bands that is taking the Downing Street online campaigns site by storm. It is demanding that the Government "scrap the unnecessary and draconian use of the 696 Form for London music events" and it has already attracted nearly 4,000 signatories including the likes of Nick Cave.

Cheered by Titian

Damien Hirst has discovered the perfect antidote to the recession blues. Lost your job, your home? Need a pick-me-up? Why not find solace from a £50m Titian. The artist, who has put him name to a campaign supported by 37 peers to save for the nation 'Diana and Actaeon' by the Italian master, said it was important to fight for its future, especially when free entry to museums in Britain can provide some cultural respite from our economic woes. "Art is always important in times of crisis... If you have lost your job, your house, you have nothing to do and it's raining outside, maybe going into a museum and seeing something like the Titian, you'll think the world is a better place for it," he said.

Kate's naked truth

Amid Hollywood's uptight world of A-list actresses who insist on no-nudity clauses, Kate Winslet's attitude offers a breath of fresh air, and ample flesh. Speaking in 'Total Film' magazine, out today, Winslet (above, with Patrick Wilson in a scene from 'Little Children') says: "I have absolutely gained from playing characters who take their clothes off... I've been able to understand them in a much more profound way. Some people say it's unnecessary but of course it's necessary. It adds layers to who those people are as human beings."