BN1 Magazine August 2023

Laugh out loud comedy theatre for families

Meet Hairnry. He’s a follicle, and one in a million. Hairnry has big dreams to be a Head Hair. He’s paid his dues but is he ready for the top job? Luckily his three follicle friends are on hand to put him through his paces and make sure he’s ready to be a Super-Hairo. Join our fearless band of bristly buddies on their hair-raising adventure to defeat Major General Nit and his nitwit army. There will be screams of laughter, slippery shampoo, and some great songs too. One thing is for sure: It’s going to get HAIRY!

Thursday 24th August 4pm Pavilion Theatre

Friday 25th August 11:30 & 2pm* Pavilion Theatre

Saturday 26th August 11:30 & 2pm Pavilion Theatre

Sunday 27th August 11:30 & 2pm Pavilion Theatre

Monday 28th August 11:30 & 2pm Pavilion Theatre

*Relaxed perfomance

Hairy is the first show created especially for young people by Spymonkey, the UK’s most hair-larious comedy theatre company. It’s a show with few words and bold visual comedy, let loose and join in the mayhem.

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CONTRIBUTORS:

STUART ROLT

AMY STANBOROUGH

FREYA O’MALLEY

ROSIE PALDI EDWARDS

SAGAL HASSAN

KITTY HUDSON

EDITOR IN CHIEF:

CHRIS SADLER

CHRIS@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

EDITOR:

STUART ROLT

STUART@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

MAGAZINE DESIGN:

AMELIA HARRIS

NEWSDESK/

GENERAL ENQUIRES: INFO@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

COVER FEATURE:

BRIDGET CHRISTIE

PHOTO CREDIT:

NATASHA PSZENICKI

BN1 MAGAZINE

UNIT 28. FLOOR 6

NEW ENGLAND HOUSE

BRIGHTON

BN1 4GH

01273 022991

CONTENTS

EVENT NEWS

BRIDGET CHRISTIE INTERVIEW

SUPERTINY BAND INTERVIEW LADSCLUB

SUNDAY ASSEMBLY

LONDON BARS TO TRY

HOLIDAYS VS FESTIVALS

EUROPE VS AMERICA

BRIGHTON’S BEST ATTRACTIONS

AYURVEDA RETREAT

SOUTH LODGE SPA

TRAVEL COUNSELLORS

TRAVEL INSPIRED INTERIORS

TIPS FOR STARTING UNI NEWHAVEN VIEWS

HAIRY COMES TO WORTHING

BEACH BOX SPA PORT HOTEL

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL

10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DIVES INTO BRIGHTON THIS AUTUMN

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is taking a new collection of captivating ocean-themed films to venues around the UK this autumn. Now in its 10th year, the festival is a cinematic celebration of the planet’s oceans, starring mind-boggling marine creatures, seafaring voyages, and highlighting the profound impact of a lifestyle connected to the ocean.

“We started the Ocean Film Festival World Tour with big dreams, not only to inspire the world to explore and enjoy our oceans, but also to protect and respect them,” says festival founder, Jemima Robinson. “With a passion for film and all things ocean, I wanted the Ocean Film Festival World Tour to become an avenue for bringing people together to celebrate mother nature. We have done this through sharing unique stories from independent filmmakers from around the globe, and now set our sights towards the next 10 years.”

The Ocean Film Festival originated in Australia, and these first 10 years have seen it visit 14 countries, showcase films from 89 independent filmmakers, and donated over £21,000 to ocean charities. All the inspirational short films are introduced by a special compere, and each screening features a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies.

Film highlights include the acclaimed Broken Breath, which follows Italian free-diving champion Mike Maric, who is at the top of his sport when a tragic accident leaves his world shattered. On a journey to find himself again, he discovers the power and importance of breathing. From swimming with dolphins to self-discovery, this film shares a journey of how the ocean can be an opportunity to find rebirth.

To find out more, watch the trailer and book tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfesIval.co.uk

Photo by Jake Wilton

SEE

THE SEA

BRIGHTON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY UNVEILS EXHIBITION OF LOCAL LANDSCAPES

Artists and writers have been long inspired by the sea at Brighton & Hove since it was a tiny 16th-century fishing village. To explore this allure, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has opened See The Sea, a family-friendly display of paintings from its fine art collection.

Running until Spring 2024, it includes dramatic seascapes, beachside scenes and pictures of the magnificent seafront and its bustling crowds. From quiet shores and seafront working scenes to Regency splendour and parade, sail through romantic sea and skies to views of today’s vibrant seafront. Paintings include works by Spencer Gore, Ruskin Spear and local artist Richard Henry Nibbs who has recently had a blue plaque unveiled in his memory at Buckingham Place, Brighton. There’s also nautical scenes from Wilfred Avery, John Wilson Carmichael and French portrait painter Jacques-Emile Blanche. Hove artist Charles Burleigh also captures the buzz of tourists promenading on the seafront in high summer a century ago.

The exhibition is designed to celebrate the call of the beach and the sea through history with thought-provoking questions accompanying each painting to encourage visitors to reflect on the paintings, life in Brighton in the past and how we view and enjoy the sea now. The simple and friendly interpretation means the exhibition will be accessible to families with children of all ages and visitors who may usually feel intimidated in an art gallery.

It runs in parallel with World Above the Waves, an exhibition celebrating Brighton’s Chain Pier which opened a century ago. For 73 years the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, an innovative feat of engineering, inspired artists, attracted tourists, hosted entertainments and was a landing stage for cargo and passengers. Fashionable society, shop keepers and Royal visitors are all remembered in this display of paintings, prints and ephemera from the museum’s collection.

“We’re looking forward to displaying some of the most beautiful paintings in our Fine Art collection,” said Brighton & Hove Museums CEO, Hedley Swain. “The seaside is an integral part of our city whether you are a resident or a visitor.

“Artists have been inspired by our seascape through history, extremes of weather and at different times of the year and our exhibition is surprising with how varied the seafront can look or be interpreted by different artists.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, part of Brighton & Hove Museums, is one of Britain’s oldest public museums. Located in the Royal Pavilion Estate at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter, the collections showcase arts and crafts from across the world and history from Ancient Egypt to modern Brighton.

www.brightonmuseums.org.uk

OPEN23

WORTHING THEATRES AND MUSEUM TO CELEBRATE ARTISTS FROM ACROSS SUSSEX

Worthing Theatres and Museum have announced that submissions are now open for their biennial WTM OPEN Exhibition, which will run in Worthing Museum this winter.

OPEN23 will offer artists from across Sussex the exciting opportunity to exhibit their work within a distinguished gallery space. Submissions are open now and close on Fri 27 Oct. Submitting work to this exhibition is open to anyone who lives or works in East or West Sussex, and amateur or professional artists of all ages are welcome to submit up to three pieces. The final exhibition will then be formed of work selected by a panel of external guest judges.

“Once again we’re preparing ourselves for a busy OPEN23, and looking forward to the influx of local creativity,” said WTM Fine Art Curator, Emma Walder. “I love working on the open exhibitions - it’s an opportunity to meet local artists and participants, as well connect with artists and communities from neighbouring towns which often means welcoming many new faces. Diversity, creativity and community spirit threads through the whole ‘open’ exhibition process, and the selected exhibition is always an unknown vision until the very last minute. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The OPEN23 comes two years after the huge success of WTM’s OPEN21 which featured over 160 pieces across two galleries and included a huge range of work with diverse and contrasting styles, and a variety of different mediums including 3D sculpture and photography, alongside work in acrylic, oil, pencil and pen.

The OPEN23 Exhibition will run in Worthing Museum’s Main and Norwood Galleries from Sat 2 Dec. To find out more, or to submit work, visit:

www.wtm.uk/open23

The West Pier Brighton Spencer Frederick Gore © Brighton & Hove Museums

DITCHLING MUSEUM PRESENT DOUBLE WEAVE: BOURNE AND ALLEN’S MODERNIST TEXTILES

This Autumn, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft will be marking ten years since its major redevelopment with the opening of an exhibition about the museum’s co-founder Hilary Bourne (1909 – 2004) and Barbara Allen (1903 – 1972), her partner in life and creative practice.

Running Sat 16 Sept – Sun 14 April it explores the work of this duo, who built an internationally successful textile studio, designing and making a variety of fabrics – which including tweed for Fortnum & Mason, furnishing fabric for Heals and scarves for Liberty’s. The turning point in their career came in 1951, when they won the competition to design and make curtains for the newly built Festival Hall. They went on to win commissions to make the costumes for the multi-Oscar winning 1959 film Ben-Hur and the interiors of the UK’s first jet planes.

In short, they were two of the most significant textile designers of the modernist period, yet they remain largely unknown - until now. The exhibition will give space to their story. It will speak to the

invisibility of women as leading modernist designers, as well as how women’s intimacy informs creative pursuits, and it has been brought together by a series of curators.

Curator, cultural producer and academic E-J Scott is spearheading the project, in a style reflective of the vast and vibrant women’s networks of the time. E-J has assembled a collective of the country’s most inspiring fashion and textile historians to co-curate the show: Jane Hattrick (dress historian), Shelley Tobin (textile curator and dress historian), Veronica Issac (course leader MA Fashion Curation at UAL), Jane Trais (women’s historian) and Susanne Rowland (costume historian).

Work by two contemporary artists will complement the exhibition. An immersive installation by textile artist Omeima MudawiRowlings will greet visitors in the Introductory Gallery. The installation will feature textiles coloured with natural dyes using techniques pioneered by Bourne and Allen. It will explore her own experience as a Black Deaf artist

with Sudanese heritage, using layering of text and images in English, BSL and Arabic. The experience of being seen and not seen, and of textiles often being dismissed as ‘domestic’ or ‘women’s work’ is part of this story.

Sussex-based weaver and dyer Poppy Fuller Abbott has created a collection of textile samples in the style of Bourne and Allen’s work which will be used as handling samples in the exhibition. Visitors can also watch a film of Poppy at work on the loom.

“In this 10th year since the creation of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft in its current form, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate Hilary Bourne our co-founder, and showcase the fantastic Modernist textiles she created with her partner Barbara Allen,” said Director, Steph Fuller. “This is a rare chance to see this work and discover their Modernist legacy, alongside a new textile installation by Omeima Mudawi-Rawlings which references their lives and techniques, bringing them into a new contemporary context.”

Ditchling Museum of Art +

Craft is home to a permanent collection that showcases the work of artists and craftspeople living and working in Ditchling –a village which nurtured some of the 20th century’s most innovative and creative ideas in crafts and design. The museum presents two new exhibitions a year alongside the permanent collection.

The museum’s Accredited collection includes the work of internationally renowned craftspeople including Eric Gill, Edward Johnston and Ethel Mairet. The collection tells the story of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, a collective of Catholic craftsmen who formed in Ditchling in 1920, and the other artists and craftspeople from the village. A thriving learning programme accompanies the exhibitions, offering a range of activities for all ages. The museum was also shortlisted for Museum of Year in 2014.

www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft. org.uk

SAT 16 SEPT – SUN 14 APRIL

Photo Credit Tessa Hallmann

Photo Credit Tessa Hallmann

Credit Rosie Powell

Credit Hilary Bourne

COMES TO LEWES

This autumn, Charleston brings a season of exhibitions and a programme of community projects to central Lewes for the first time. Following a period of consultation, Charleston’s educational and cultural activities are being expanded into the former district council offices on Southover Road.

This new space will open in September with Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion, the first major exhibition to explore the influence and legacy of the Bloomsbury group on fashion. It will feature catwalk fashion by the likes of Dior, Fendi and Burberry alongside never-before-seen Bloomsbury portraits and personal items including Virginia Woolf’s handbag, embroidered by Vanessa Bell. A second exhibition will be the first UK survey show on leading British contemporary artist Jonathan Baldock, opening concurrently with an exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Alongside this will be a free programme of co-produced community projects, artist-led workshops and gallery activities, welcoming families, young people and other community groups to Charleston’s new spaces. There will be a learning programme for local state schools, further education and higher education groups; alongside a pop-up café for the town operated by Lewesbased Caccia & Tails and a shop providing retail space for local artists and makers will complete the offerings.

“Since Charleston reopened after the pandemic, we have been working in partnership with the council and community groups to develop a bold and ambitious vision which could transform the cultural life of Lewes,” said Charleston Director, Nathaniel Hepburn. “It’s exciting to be able to announce plans to launch this space in time for a major cultural season happening across Sussex to coincide with the largest contemporary art prize in the world – Turner Prize – being hosted in Eastbourne. It’s a great moment to put Lewes on the map as an important part of the region’s cultural offer.”

The exhibition will also highlight a new generation of designers, such as LVMH Prize winner S.S. Daley, who takes inspiration from the characters created by E.M. Forster; Jawara Alleyne, who will install a new work modelled on Vanessa Bell’s use of safety pins in her dressing; and Ella Boucht, who uses tailoring to reimagine gender. There will also be a focus on the role of fashion in Bloomsbury portraiture, particularly mid-20th century works by Bell and Grant, many previously unseen, and an examination of the queer coding of clothes in Grant’s portraits.

Charleston second exhibition in Lewes, Jonathan Baldock: through the joy of the senses, will be the first UK survey show of leading contemporary artist Jonathan Baldock, coinciding with his exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Baldock works with a variety of materials such as fabric, paint and ceramics to create large-scale sculptural installations that often explore our relationship

to the body and the space it inhabits. The show will bring together a range of these installation pieces in a colourful, rich and immersive exhibition. “Growing up between Kent and East Sussex, I’ve always felt as if Charleston and the Bloomsbury group are part of my DNA,” said Baldock. “I’ve visited Lewes and Charleston so many times, as a child and through to adulthood, and could even see Sissinghurst Castle, the home of Vita Sackville-West, from my bedroom window. So, the opportunity to show my work in connection with a place that has influenced me feels incredibly magical.”

This initial season of programming in Lewes will enable Charleston to continue consultation with the local community to explore the long-term potential for developing a cultural centre in a town that has never had a major civic art museum. Plans for a Bloomsbury gallery bringing 100 of the most important Bloomsbury works back to Sussex, already has the endorsement of the National Portrait Gallery, Tate and the V&A. A community engagement programme would improve Charleston’s ability to engage with local community groups, and the creation of an archive and collection store would better enable researcher and visitor access to this significant cultural asset for Sussex.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, added: “I’m very excited that Charleston, a world-renowned cultural institution, will soon have a presence in the centre of Lewes. Extending the reach of Charleston to people who may not have visited their home in Firle is an ambition shared by many who will warmly welcome this move. I’m also delighted that we will have a new reception area in the town centre where residents can have all their enquiries handled quickly and efficiently, in addition to the systems we now have in place online.”

Charleston has been operating as an independent cultural charity in the Lewes district for over 30 years. Founded in 1980 to safeguard the former home of Virginia Woolf’s sister Vanessa Bell, and her friend and fellow artist, Duncan Grant, it opened to the public in 1986. Today Charleston welcomes visitors from all around the world to its rural site in Firle to experience the extraordinary house and studio, a portfolio of festivals including the renowned annual literary festival, and a critically acclaimed programme of exhibitions.

www.charleston.org.uk

Duncan Grant, Decorated fan, c. 1913-16, 31 x 58 cm, David Herbert Collection

Comme des Garcons_Vienna Orlando (c) Weiner Staatsoper , Michael Poehn

BRUNSWICK FESTIVAL 2023

Once again, Brunswick Festival will be bringing people together for a fabulous and fun weekend of free music and entertainment for the whole community. Heading to the beautiful surroundings of Brunswick Square on Sat 19 – Sun 20 Aug, this vibrant community festival has grown over the years from being a low-key picnic on the green to now encompasses a full weekend of activity.

You can expect a fun filled family weekend with a free programme, including a spectacular children’s parade and the Willowisp family area with circus skills and arts and crafts, for 0-90. Alongside this is a bustling marketplace with a wonderful and eclectic array of stalls selling bric-a-brac, art prints, home made goods, vintage clothes and charity information stands promoting their cause. A world food area with wholesome tasty delights and healthy snacks. A tea tent with the best home made cakes on earth! The ‘Brunswick Tavern’ with real ale, cider, wine, beer and jugs of refreshing Pimms.

There’s a fantastic line up of DJs and bands playing a wide range of music; from blues, jazz and soul, to folk, Latin and ska. Alongside professional acts there’s have a showcase of young talent and emerging bands from Brighton School of Singing and the Cascade Creative Recovery Choir.

“The Festival provides a brilliant opportunity for local communities to connect,” Says Festival Director, Veronica Stephens. “It brings people together for a much-needed moment of joyful celebration – a veritable tonic for the challenging times we currently live in.”

Now celebrating it’s 41st edition, this is one of the longest running community festivals in the city. Since 2022 the festival has been working in partnership with Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission. This is a fantastic new partnership that will help sustain and develop the festival for the future and support us to continue with our mission to offer diverse cultural activity that is free, inclusive and accessible to all.

For more information, to book a stall or volunteer, head to:

www.brunswickfestival.org.uk

ARTIST FELICITY HAMMOND AND ARCHITECTS CAN COLLABORATE ON NEW PUBLIC ARTWORK FOR BRIGHTON

Titled FORECAST, it’s been commissioned by Brighton & Hove Council as the focus of a new civic space between the historically significant Portslade town hall and the newly built Victoria Road Housing Development in Portslade, Hove. For the work, Hammond and CAN have produced a cluster of three organic forms appearing as weathered sections of brickwork, washed up and castaway by the sea.

As visual artist, Hammond works on large-scale installations, both within gallery and public contexts. CAN designs spaces, places, and objects that subvert and amplify their social and cultural contexts. Through their practices, both are interested in re-imagining existing urban character to develop new responses to its setting. They share an interest in creating idiosyncratic and visually striking projects underwritten by rigorous cultural and historical research.

The forms are made from cement mixed with an aggregate of waste bricks leftover from the construction of the new housing. Sited in the central civic space of the development, fragments of brick are revealed on the polished surface of the sculptures, mimicking the way that the tide erodes and smooths industrial materials. The history of the site and its coastal location are embedded in the processes used to make the artwork, which references the local former brickfield and the polishing company that once occupied the adjacent town hall.

Holding the polished brick forms in place are a series of steel hoops, which at once blend into the aesthetic of municipal design yet also stand out, like a warning or a marker. The painted steel mimics the change in texture on the concrete forms, suggesting a rising tidal line; a hint at the challenges faced by coastal towns. Through this gesture, Forecast responds to the very nature of permanence in relation to public art, asking its audience not only to consider the material histories related to the site, but also its future form.

A new permanent public artwork has been revealed in East Sussex by artist Felicity Hammond and architecture and ideas studio CAN.

Photo Credit Richard Chivers

SHARE THE ROADS AND SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY MINDFULNESS FOR ROAD SAFETY

Building Connections with Connected Brighton

Summer can mean very different things, especially in a city like Brighton & Hove. Some of us will be off on our holidays with family, driving to far off places loaded up and excited. Others will be in the tourism industry locally, run of their feet, doing all that has to be done to keep people happy. And the rest of us will be somewhere in between. or going on day trips around the county, seeing friends and going to events.

We’ll be on the move and that means sharing the roads with others. How we do this has a big impact on other people as well as ourselves. Ensuring the seatbelt is correctly used protects you and others in the car. It’s the simplest thing we do on the roads to minimise risk, but sadly around 200 people a year die because a seatbelt wasn’t being worn. Holidays often mean we carry more in our cars. Make sure that loads are safe and won’t come loose in a crash. And be prepared for the holiday traffic with water and an emergency supply of food.

In the city, a lot more people will be moving around. The 20mph limits give drivers more time to react to changing situations on the roads. Braking distance is nearly halved comparing 20mph to 30mph. Junctions are key danger points and it’s often difficult to check for cyclists, riders, pedestrians but vital that we do even if we lose a place in the queue. Keeping a tolerant frame of mind can be difficult at times but means we keep more focus on what we’re doing (see www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/MindInGear)

Summer a great time to cycle. Active travel is wonderful for many reasons, including removing the cost of parking. Bikes also take up much less space on the roads. The council offer subsidised cycle training courses across the summer months and year round, – including for riders wanting their confidence boosted in more complex road situations. When on shared space remember some pedestrians have invisible disabilities. Drop the pace and give them a wide berth, being prepared to brake if needed.

Let’s all Share the Roads, Sharing the Responsibility and enjoy a great summer.

For more information see: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/roadsafety

By Lyndsey Clay Founder, Connected Brighton Happy PRIDE!

Yes, it’s somehow August. Summer is in full swing and the city is covered in rainbow flags, ready for a party. I love this time of year.

Pride just puts everyone in a good mood. The sun is shining, the streets are full of happy visitors, and there is so much love in the air! We truly live in the most amazing city, don’t we?

We interviewed the fabulous The Only Ruffles on our Connected Brighton podcast to talk about Pride - how important it is to be queer all year and NOT gay for a day. Plus, how Pride has changed over the years (it was literally a dildo stall and a bouncy castle in Preston Park in the very beginning). My mum comes on the podcast too as she’s been a huge supporter of Queer rights all her life (she’s a babe) - listen here www.connectedbrighton.com/podcast

Aside from Pride prep it’s been a busy summer so far here at CBHQ. We went to the recent Hospitality Mixer at Soho House to hear from the top bods in the industry. They spoke on the current challenges and opportunities for independents in the city. The big message was to never compromise on quality; to give customers the best experience possible, for the best price possible. We also talked about the important role hospitality plays in supporting loneliness and creating safe social spaces. Check out our charity partner Together Co to learn more about loneliness in the city and how you can become a befriender to give someone support.

I’ll leave you with the big news that we have a NEW Singles Party for over 30s at the Tiki Bar in Steinbeck & Shaw on Fri 18 August. A Friday Night Social to mingle, dance and grab a drink with fellow singles. We will see you on the dance floor!

Get your tickets here - www.thesinglesessions.co.uk and remember to check out www.connectedbrighton.com for all our bespoke events designed to help you expand your social circle in the city.

Keep supporting independent everyone and have the best Pride!

Lyndsey x

This months prize is a meal for two at Pizza Pilgrims! So get your head engine going and enter the prize draw.

WORDUKU

MAGIC EYE

Solve the Magic Eye to see what word is being spelt out.

Fill out the grid using the letters above each Worduku. The letter in the pink boxes will make up a word, when rearranged.

QUIZWORD

The Quizword is like a crossword but a little bit more trivia based. Once completed, the letters in the pink boxes spell out a CODEWORD when rearranged.

When you have figured it out email us at prizes@quizface.co.uk

FOR A CHANCE AT WINNING THIS MONTH’S PRIZE!

ACROSS

4. -... .. -. --. --- spells out what word in morse code?

7. The Heelers are the lovable family of which children’s T.V. show?

10. Which celebrity is a bit WINDY ON REAR(anagram)

11. Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and devastated Pompeii and which other city?

13. What game requires you to Pull It, Twist It and Spin It?

14. Tower, Redemption, Sematary and Sleep are the last words, from different titles, from which author?

15. Molybdenum, Sodium and Cobalt spell out what word when changed into their chemical symbols?

17. Which country is known as the land of the midnight sun?

DOWN

1. “Do you bite your WHAT at us, sir?” what word was missed out from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?

2. Solve all three Wordukus to get the word.

3. Which film would you fire a Noisy Cricket?

5. Which musical features the gangs The Scorpions and the T Birds

6. 261 x 21,217 spells out what word when totalled up correctly and turned upside down?

8. Luton Town FC go by the nickname The WHAT?

9. Which food product is “a bit of an animal”

12. Who was by Lou Bega’s side in the song Mambo Number 5?

MOCKNEY RHYMING SLANG

Question:

19. Figure out the Mockney Rhyming Slang below Try and figure out the cockney rhyming slang word we have made up and CAPITALISED. For example: "On a Sunday roast I always choose the COMMANDER." The answer would be BEEF > COMMANDER and chief = BEEF

When it comes trivia nights, me and my mates are known as the STRAWBERRIES team!

14. Figure out the Magic Eye Word below

16. What instrument did Link have TIME to playing Legend of Zelda?

18. Q,W,E,R,T what are the next five letters in the sequence?

BRIDGET CHRISTIE Creator of Channel 4’s The Change, brings new tour to Brighton Dome

By Stuart Rolt

Last night Bridget Christie was having a viewing party for the premiere of her Channel 4 show, The Change. It’s taken a while, but finally she’s brought a screenplay to broadcast. “It was a lot of fun,” she tells me, clearly still excited from the experience of watching her creation go out to millions. “The guy doing the continuity was really funny. Obviously, I’ve seen it in the edit, but it’s different on the telly.”

Plaudits are now flooding in for the sitcom, which she both wrote and stars in. The Change introduces us to Linda, an underappreciated and unfulfilled woman who has had enough of it all. Her husband (played by a pitch-perfect Omid Djalili) is, for want of a better term, a bit crap. And whilst her friends and kids aren’t necessarily unsympathetic to her woes, they simply don’t recognise what’s going on. The

menopause is kicking in, and she’s beginning to question her role in life. She’s also keeping track of her domestic servitude, and estimates she’s spent 3.5 million thankless minutes on looking after her family. Essentially as a spectator at her own 50th birthday party, Linda decides to make some drastic changes in her life.

“It’s that central story of someone trying to find themselves again. I think that’s universal. It’s not confined to menopausal women.” Jumping (somewhat carefully) aboard her Triumph motorcycle, she heads to the Forest of Dean to rediscover herself. Somewhere amidst the ancient woodland is a time capsule she hid as a youngster. Could this be a way to reclaim all the years and ambition which have long since evaporated?

Christie is very familiar with the area, having grown up in Gloucester. Her family would go into the forest for walks and picnics. She had a very firm idea of how the woodland could play its part in the show. Filming on The Change employed a lot of special lens and distinctive colour palettes, often giving the sumptuous environments a sense of drama. “It was always this magical, timeless place, so I really wanted to get that onto the screen. I wanted it to look like films I’ve watched from that time when I was a child. Like The Deerhunter and Deliverance. They’re really cinematic, with quite serious stories, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. I like that juxtaposition.”

Alongside the magnificent scenery, the characters she finds waiting for her are also very different from her suburban existence.

Photo credit Natasha Pszenicki

The robustly suspicious Eel Sisters (played by Susan Lynch and Monica Dolan) put her up in a grotty old caravan, in which their father recently passed away. Over in the nearby village, things remain just as eccentric. Paul Whitehouse might be enjoying himself a bit too much as pub bore Tony, who automatically assumes he’s irresistible to every woman setting eyes upon him. And then there’s The Verderer, portrayed by Ghosts’ Jim Howick, a perpetually enraged radio DJ who is campaigning to protect the woodlands.

There are still a few links to Linda’s domestic life though. This most regularly comes in the form of enraged voicemail messages from her older sister, Siobhain. Played by the brilliant Lisa Tarbuck, her sibling is enraged that she might even contemplate abandoning home to concentrate on herself for once. “Lisa is

so brilliant in it… I’ve got five older sisters, and they’re so lovely, so Siobhan was just a creation of a certain type of person who likes control. I’ve friends who’ve had that kind of relationship with a friend, parent or colleague. But none of my characters are based on real people. It was always this kind of magical place.” Providing respite from the joyful oddness of forest life are Tanya Moodie’s Joy, a former ‘outsider’ who now calmly embraces the peculiarities of her community, and Jerome Flynn’s Pig-Man; a hermit who lives off-grid in a cave and looks out for the local wildlife.

According to Christie, assembling this sublime cast (something she describes as ‘a roll-call of all the best people’) was one of the easier parts of the whole process. “We literally just sent out the scripts and most said yes. The only follow-up I really had to do was with Jerome Flynn. He had a few questions,” she says with a wry chuckle. From the first draft to broadcast, the process has been both unsettling and nourishing. The show was written over several years, and it constantly evolved. She entered menopause, and lockdown descended. The latter reminded her just how beautiful our nation is. It’s rich in culture and rituals, and there’s plenty which we struggle to celebrate, so addressing that became a big part of The Change.

“Every single part of making this show has been such a rewarding experience. It’s really changed me and my outlook on life. It’s made me less fearful to do things. You’ve just got to go for it in life. I never thought any of those people would say yes. It’s been a real lesson in going for what you want.”

The titular change is not just limited to Linda’s situation, everyone in the tight-knit rural community is having to adjust to something. The modern world beyond the trees, with all its social progress isn’t that far away. There’s also a new road being planned which will destroy a huge swath of the woodland. I had entered into The Change with the expectation I wasn’t honestly its target audience. But its seamless flow between being whimsical, bawdy and poignant does win you over. It touches on some very real issues, particularly around gender imbalance and the tendency to suppress our feelings. This is a prime example of how sit-coms do have the power to be gently subversive and push you in unexpected directions.

Christie suggests that we’re all too busy to put ourselves first. How often do you take ten minutes out of your day to think about yourself? “I think the big theme with this series is self-love. I hope what people take away from this is loving themselves a bit more. We’re so hard on ourselves. We don’t see our strengths that often. We’re not our biggest supporters. I do hope that changes.” Perhaps the big strength of The Change is the time it devotes to each character’s development. It also flows effortlessly through different styles, shifting from robust humour to the whimsical or poignant with a gentle elegance. “I was really lucky because they let me be quite ambitious. There’s a lot of different styles in there.” The fifth episode is mostly comprised of a group of women just chatting about their experiences– something you almost never

Even the male characters are written sympathetically, regardless of how troublesome their foibles are at first glance. “I think, with Tony and The Verderer, they have depth; it’s just that they’re not showing it to the world. Just yet. The Verderer loves birds, and there are things he’s fighting for, but he also has quite problematic political opinions. And with Tony, he’s never been challenged before. He says things, and people have never gone; ‘Sorry, what?’”

Not content with creating a bit of ‘muchwatch’ TV, Christie is also heading out on tour (presumably not on a motorbike) with her new show, Who Am I? In parallel to The Change, while actually being entirely different, it structures itself around her experiences of the menopause. Although that’s clearly just a convenient hook for the marketing blurb. As a newly qualified ‘lady of a certain age’, she’s offering a philosophical and witty examination of how to push new frontiers in being embarrassing, the timeless battlefields of domestic labour and the lingering disparity with which we view men and women. It all begins with a laconic demonstration of double standards.

“I pretend I’ve forgotten why I’ve gone into the room. It’s a little test really. I did that in Bristol, and the audience were going: ‘Oh, we love you, Bridget! You’re in Bristol!’ Because I’m a 50-year-old menopausal woman they just assumed I’d come out not knowing what I was doing! If Bill Bailey did that, they’d all think it was ‘a bit’.” This sort of inequality pervades our culture. Imagine for a moment that Boris Johnson was female, if your constitution can handle it, now think about what headlines would be splashed across the front of all the tabloid newspapers.

“We just don’t trust women. If Boris Johnson was a woman, who’d pathologically lied for their entire lives, had multiple affairs and children she didn’t know about… She wouldn’t be Prime Minister. And she wouldn’t have been loved in the same way. It’s the same with male comedians and celebrities. We just judge men and women very differently.”

“Every single part of making this show has been such a rewarding experience. It’s really changed me and my outlook on life...”

Photo credit Claire Haigh

Regardless of the core theme (British culture is still skittish about discussions of the menopause) Christie has written Who Am I? to be as accessible as possible. “There’s more jokes and gags in there. I’m really enjoying doing it. Since being on Taskmaster, I get younger people in. It’s great that they’re 12 and coming to see me, but now they know all about the menopause!” It shows no break in form for Christie, who came to national attention with her award-winning Edinburgh Festival smash A Bic for Her in 2013 - a disappointed treatise on the trend for ladypens. There was also A Book For Her in 2015, which neatly used a virulent fart released into the wilds of a bookstore’s Women’s Studies section as an allegory for the global feminist struggle. And then there’s all the stuff she’s done for radio, which would probably take a full page to cover. Check out the Radio 4 archives, if you don’t believe me. There’s an impressive amount of contributions.

Unequivocally, she describes stand-up as still being her first love. “I’m never going to stop performing.” She was a typical theatre kid, but after finishing drama school couldn’t find any decent work. Instead, there was stand-up and writing. In a way, she’s glad the roles didn’t come in, because she certainly wouldn’t have written as much. “Every moment of it, from the first script being commissioned, many, many

years ago, to talking to you now, has been like a dream. Even though the writing process was really hard, like a puzzle which needs to be solved, I was really aware that I was living in the moment. Because it may never happen again.”

Her own experience of the menopause was characterised by unpreparedness. This will likely be familiar to a lot of women. “I thought I knew about women and their bodies, but I didn’t know I was going through it. I’ve heard that a lot, even from female GPs. We’re just so busy. I’ve got a headache, or there’s a weird period. Why am I hot? Why am I anxious? Why am I not sleeping? All these things are symptoms.”

A slightly embarrassed silence around the menopause has to be a contributory factor in this. And that’s compounded by the lack of brilliant older women characters in our media and culture. Obviously, there’s a few exceptions, but the menopause is never mentioned around them. “In Happy Valley, we don’t see Sarah Lancashire struggling with a hot flush. I’m not saying it has to be, but just an acknowledgement of it would be good.” For The Change and her new tour, she wanted to present an overdue positive aspect of the menopause, and change preconceptions of older women.

“What do people see when they think about that? When you talk about a character who is menopausal, what does she look like? Is it a woman on a motorbike, or is it an old lady with grey hair who is just sitting around moping? That isn’t my reality, and it’s not the reality of any women I know.” There’s a dishonest narrative about what this time of life brings. It can be very debilitating, but it can be a life changing and positive event. Most older women are brilliant, funny and confident. “They’ve done loads of stuff and know themselves. Why aren’t we seeing them? Why is it always someone’s granny? Why aren’t we writing them as individual human beings, in the same way that we write parts for men?”

She’s reluctant to suggest the imbalance has suddenly been overcome with one show. But there are more women in the wider industry, from the writing rooms to the director’s chair, so the direction of travel is gently encouraging. “I hope I now spawn loads of other TV shows… where a female protagonist goes on an adventure. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there were actually too many ‘older women’ stories?”

Bridget Christie brings Who Am I? to Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall on Sat 9 Sept. Her sitcom, The Change, is available to stream via All4.

www.brightondome.org

Photo credit Claire Haigh

Photo credit Natasha Pszenicki

u pcoming gig S pre S ented by m elting v inyl

Join Melting Vinyl this August for performances featuring a diverse range of artists that explore the grassroots niche and experimental genres to produce inspiring unique, exploratory music. From singersongwriters, to indie music, to psych folk pioneers, and more. Melting Vinyl has something to offer every music lover. Join them this month and beyond to celebrate these talented artists in unique and wonderful spaces. www.meltingvinyl.co.uk

the luxembourg Signal + Jetstream Pony + even as we Speak

Sun 6 of August at 8pm

the luxembourg Signal

With the release of their self-titled debut album on Shelflife Records in 2014, The Luxembourg Signal quickly attracted a loyal following among fans of dream pop/indie pop music, and received enthusiastic reviews for their pop sensibilities, angelic vocals and lush soundscapes.

Jetstream Pony

Jetstream Pony are based in Brighton and Croydon UK, and named after a retired racing greyhound, now called Jenna. The band features Beth Arzy (The Luxembourg Signal, Lightning in a Twilight Hour, Trembling Blue Stars) on vocals, Shaun Charman (The Wedding Present, The Popguns) on guitar, Kerry Boettcher (Turbocat) on bass and Hannes Mueller (The BV's) on drums. With the balance between indie-pop and something darker intact. Beth's wonderful voice and twelve string guitar are underpinned by heavy bass, harmonies sometimes by a two drummer rhythm section.

even as we Speak

Australia's Even As We Speak - are an exploding supernova of contradictions, lighting up the indie pop night sky, whilst raining down destructive particles and distorting space and time with their chaotic and remote brilliance. A beloved Sarah Records band, they carved a sparkling pathway through the twee-scape of the early 90’s with their pop roller-coaster ride Feral Pop Frenzy. Re-released – “Adelphi” – out now

m ega Bog + maija Sofia at the Prince alBert

Tues 15 August 8pm

Mega Bog is the fluid musical moniker of songwriter Erin Elizabeth Birgy, a Pacific Northwestern rodeo child with an unmistakable laugh, who was allegedly cursed upon conception. She has spent the last ten years channeling, capturing, and releasing her unique bouquet of fragrant, sci-fi pop experiments with a handful of bicoastal collaborators. Mega Bog has visited a significant portion of the Western world, frequently looping the USA and Europe to sing in tiny art spaces and haunted historical theatres alike. The live concerts are known for their emotional unpredictability. Onstage, Erin’s current mood is amplified, for better or for worse; she is an honest and unflinching performer.

“After breaking out with a series of idiosyncratic, folky pop records, Birgy modulates her sage observations to a synthpop frequency on [End of Everything]”

— Pitchfork, The Most Anticipated Albums of 2023 + SuPport from maija Sofia

A rare blend of eloquent lyrical craft and explorative, experimental musicianship, the musical world of Maija Sofia spans delicate folk, lustrous experimental pop and a deep devotion to mystery.

Seadog Single launch at the roSsi Bar

Tues 22 of August at 7:30pm

Brighton’s Seadog are thrilled to be releasing their single “Deadweights” on Austerity records, which is taken from their forthcoming album “Internal Noise”. There will be a limited edition clear 7″ lathe cut vinyl available exclusively at the show. Seadog creates dream-pop songs, combining a variety of influences into a myriad sound with anthemic electric and acoustic samples and textures.

“There is this back & forth between intimate and distant that I really like. And when it goes big , it still manages to stay soft and thoughtful”

– Jason Lytle (Grandaddy)

Plus support from Faces on Leaves and Greenness. Faces on Leaves is the songwriting and recording project of James William Murray and Alexander Taplin.

“Electro-acoustic duo Greenness from Brighton are a revelation, with Cess’ awesome voice superbly complemented by Graham’s distinctive guitar work.” – The Morning Star

JoSePhie foSter at komedia Studio

Thurs 24 August 7:30pm

North American artist Josephine Foster: singer, multi-instrumentalist, song composer. Known to breathe new life into archaic forms, embodying the cultural archaeology of Harry Smith’s old weird America, she has lent her warbling mezzo-soprano and interpretive wit to nearly two decades of self-produced recordings. As Jarry said, anachronism, the crossing of different times, produces eternity, and anachronic is an apt arch-adjective to describe Foster’s singular songbook, one that began in the Mountain West (where at age 15 she had her first gig delivering hymns at a log cabin church). Her uncanny timbre imparts a paradoxically rustic glamour, despite a certain stage shyness.

“Colorado psych-folk artist gets synth-heavy on 14th album.. firing her folk songs into another dimension” Uncut

With support from Sylvie Lewis, who sounds like Gene Autry and Henry Mancini had a kid who is Welsh-Italian and to whom words matter.

INTRODUCING SUPERtiny Band

By Amy Stanborough

They are self-professed as “the best band you’ve never seen” except more and more people are getting to know SUPERtiny. They have recently taken on gigs at The Hope and Ruin, Brighton, and The Hope and Anchor in Islington. Their new song ‘Borderline’ has a foot tapping, funky groove which is infectious. Following these performances and single release, we asked the quartet to tell us a little bit more about themselves and their music.

Firstly, can you tell me a bit about who you are. Who are the members of the band and how did you come together?

We are a band of four chaps: Tiago (loud vocals and bass), Taegan (lead, rhythm and only guitarist), Jake (drums and assorted cowbells) and James (keyboards and ‘other’). A good place to start is Tiago: he’s trained in musical theatre, has powerful vocals and he’s not half bad at mario kart. He models the basis of his performance on one of his biggest heroes - Freddie Mercury. Currently in a lead supporting role on the West End straight out of university, he alone is worth listening to if the rest of us don’t sound as interesting. Taegan is a pancake chef and latte artist by day and a producer and guitarist by slightly later in the day after a quick nap. As well as playing guitar he also produces and mixes SUPERtiny material for release to the discerning public. Jake is the machine behind the rhythm. He’s a drummer of rare ability but is employed equally for his light-hearted quips and witty observational comedy. James holds the traditional position of being the least interesting in the band - he is a pianist. However he also has a day job in an office, so all things considered he balances things quite well.

We’ve been playing together for about 6 years and playing well for about 4 of them (unfortunately non-consecutive). By happy coincidence we all went to school together, making the logistics behind starting the band much more feasible. A misty eyed discussion about jazz between James and Tiago on a school trip approximately halfway up a waterslide in Italy led to the creation of SUPERtiny, which was at the time yet to be named. Jake came a tad later. When discovered in a practice room jamming far beyond his years to a particularly impressed crowd of girls from his class, it was a done deal - he was in the band. Lastly came Taegan. About a year after a disastrous school concert when it became extremely apparent that there’s a reason most bands have a guitarist, the four of us sat in a room and jammed for a few hours in what will go down in the school’s history as the worst disruption to a violin lesson they’ve ever encountered.

What would you call your music style?

Our style has changed a fair amount over the years, as have we. It started out as very jazz

focussed in the initial ‘Arendonk Demos’. We have always been a predominantly live band, favouring the 8 hour rehearsals in James’ longsuffering mother’s garage over recording in a bedroom, so the style has changed as our playing has changed. We have settled very nicely into a genre we have affectionately (and possibly quite insufferably) named ‘Neopop’. It is essentially a heavy funk sound with elements of pop and a hint of new age jazz. Just enough to get people to sing along but not so much that we don’t enjoy playing the music. Our main focus is writing infectious grooves and playing them tight on stage.

How did you come up with the name SUPERtiny?

SUPERtiny is a fairly new name. We decided to change the name of the band about a year ago now, along with a bit of a rebrand. Most of our first proper gigs were in Belgium, the first of which being in a pub called ‘de Mengelmoes’, so after a very creative few hours we came up with the name ‘Mengelmoes’. However, this began to pose a fair few orthoepic and orthographic hurdles. The name had worked very well on the continent whilst surrounded by very enthusiastic Dutch and Flemish fans, especially after a few strong beers at the namesake pub. However, it was less effective on British soil - we concluded that the beer was clearly weaker. After about the twentieth variation of ‘Mengelmoes’ was announced on stage in England, we decided a name change should be on the cards or we may be forever stuck with the name ‘Megalamoo’.

We spent a good while deliberating names that fit our sound and general energy, none of which stuck for longer than a day. Some notably bad ones were: ‘Nokia 3310’ (for an unbreakable groove), ‘F*** Thunder’, ‘Mademoiselle Sugarlump’, ‘Sister’s Pickle’, ‘Corporate Feedback’, ‘Utgång Hiss’, ‘Duck Duck Moose’, and ‘Strongylodon Macrobotrys’. The last one was as a result of a pretty enlightening trip to the Oxford Botanic Garden. It’s strange how every day of your life you seem to be able to come up with at least ten brilliant band names, but when tasked with it on the spot your head fills with confused tumbleweed. After many iterations, we started revolving around something like ‘Superfly’ (after the Curtis Mayfield track), but knew we needed a variant of it. In a shocking change from our usual antics, we found ourselves in a pub enjoying the hoppy delights of a craft lager called ‘Tiny Rebel’. For legal reasons we couldn’t go with ‘Tiny Rebel’, despite it being an excellent name for a beer and an even better name for a band, so we merged ‘Superfly’ and ‘Tiny Rebel’ to get ‘SUPERtiny’. ‘Super Rebel’, ‘Fly Rebel’ and ‘Rebel Fly’ are too punk and ‘Tiny Fly’ is really just a description. The uppercase SUPER is really just for the attention grabbing logo, plus, having ‘tiny’ in smaller lettering could be perceived as a vague attempt at humour.

Can you tell us a bit about your latest song “Borderline”.

As discussed on our social media in a zoom podcast with Taegan and Jake, Borderline was originally written as a philosophical song called ‘Love’ which was an introspective examination of what it really means to love someone or

something. Having appropriately razed this to the cutting room floor, Tiago overheard a group of friends discussing having never been high in London - hence the first lyric ‘I’ve never been high in the city’. From there, the song was written as a reflection of living, working and existing in such a huge and bustling place. This was the point at which we began to dabble a bit more in R&B grooves, with quite a lot of our live set and previous recordings being fairly quick and heavy. We settled on something that ‘wouldn’t be out of place on a dinner party playlist’, as described by James’ mother. Our drummer, Jake, studies at a prestigious conservatoire and in his various musical ramblings encountered the brilliant Nyah Grace, whose soft and articulate vocals feature on the track.

Do you have a specific approach to writing music?

As a general rule of thumb, we only write music that we would want to listen to. When this doesn’t work, we settle for something that we enjoy playing. Historically we only ever wrote music for live performance, so it was always rehearsed live before seeing the inside of a studio. Often the seed of an idea comes from a song written by one person which is then taken and morphed into a SUPERtiny song by the rest of us. A few times we have written songs from scratch as a band - a particularly notable example being ‘Purple Lady’, which was one of our first professionally produced tracks, recorded and mixed by the great Tom Joy. Due to the nature of our style, new songs tend to start with a groove, then a hook, and then they are fleshed out from there. We learned that James Brown would make his band play a groove over and over until it really sat in the pocket, so we decided to do this and it’s a great way to develop ideas because melodies and licks start appearing after a few repetitions.

And how was your gig at the Hope and Anchor in Islington? (9 July)

The Hope & Anchor in Islington is a favourite venue of SUPERtiny. It’s notable for being the birthplace of Dire Strait’s live sets so a lot of the evening is spent trying not to mess up that legacy. On 9th July we were supported there by the incredible Ghetto Orange, an old friend of ours from our Norwich days, who suffered the journey all the way from Falmouth to play with us. What a guy. What more is there to say? A fantastic opener and some excited fans who’ve had a few drinks - it’s a recipe for a great evening. It’s not a huge venue so this always helps a lot with the energy. People in the front row could really experience Tiago wearing no trousers at a perhaps too intimate level. There are very few gigs you can go to these days where the lead singer will come and dance in the crowd during a drum solo, so it’s not to be missed.

Do you have any pre or post gig rituals?

Well, Tiago’s pre gig ritual is taking his trousers off. He claims it’s because it makes it easier to dance, but we’ve seen him in Moulin Rouge in a corset and heels so how much more difficult can it get?

Jake often has a long drive from Manchester so his ritual is complaining. That being said, you’ll find him warming up on a practice pad for a few hours before the gig, away from any noise to really get his head in the game. As a band we often go out to get something to eat after soundcheck and sit for about an hour talking over the evening’s ablutions. Mr J.D. Wetherspoon has served us well in the past for these moments. Other than that, it’s a quick beer or two to give the performance a slight edge and then on stage to have some fun. Afterwards, the ritual is to sell a few t-shirts and have a chat with everyone who’s come out to the gig. Safe to say we wouldn’t have been able to do this for so long if the people in the room didn’t make an effort to see us live so we absolutely want to say hi afterwards.

What do you have coming up that you are looking forward to, either in your career as a band, or in your personal lives?

There are few irons in the fire at the moment. We’re at an interesting point of inflection where we want to start growing our audience even more and supporting some bigger bands. A lot of our focus will be on releasing more studio tracks, many of which are being written and recorded as we speak.

Taegan has a few projects ongoing with music production and writing and Jake is throwing himself into some pretty serious session gigs. James is moving flat, which is only worth noting because it’ll be a good place in London for the band to stay during gigging and recording weekends. Tiago continues to rise through the West End, so we’re just about set for something pretty special.

Listen to SUPERtiny’s new track ‘Borderline’ and more of their tunes on Spotify and YouTube. Follow @ supertinyband on socials.

Meet Brighton-based husband duo, Greg & Ed, who make up the pop act LADSCLUB. Their new single FINEWINE was originally released at the end of May. However, DJ DirtyHands got a hold of the tune, created a remix, and this part 2 to FINEWINE will be released on the eve of Brighton Pride.

Despite knowing each other for over seventeen years, the duo only began making music at the start of this year. They now have three singles under their belt, and are all geared up to release their first EP. New remixed by DJ/Remixer DirtyHands will also appear on this EP.

We asked LADSCLUB to tell us a little bit more…

What made you decide to start making music together?

Greg: We’ve always loved music, and Ed has actually released stuff before. I always dreamed of making music but just didn’t know where to start as I don’t play any instruments. I came up with the concept and lyrics and we just co-produced it together on a MacBook. That’s how we have continued to work. It’s very organic!

Ed: Greg had a concept and we just sat down together to see what would happen . I wasn’t totally sure if it would work or not but it came together quite naturally and DISCOPRANCING was born from our first session.

How did you come up with the name LADSCLUB?

GREG: We wanted something cheeky, memorable and ironic - and also, all of the others we wanted were taken!

ED: We had a few good contenders but we both adore the name now and the music just fits it perfectly!

How would you describe the genre of your music?

GREG: Er…Dirty DIY electro pop. Is that a genre?

ED: Dancepopdisco!

Who are your musical influences?

GREG: I’d say Peaches, Pet Shop Boys and Madonna. 90’s dance has always been a favourite genre of ours so we are undoubtedly influenced by that!

ED: so many !! I’d say Dance music has always been a huge passion of mine , but huge pop fan too obsessed with Tia Kofi and Bright Light Bright Light

What has working with DirtyHands been like, and do you hope to have future musical collaborations with other DJs and artists?

GREG: That was an absolute DREAM! Honestly, he has done such a good job extending the track, 80’s style, and we definitely want to work with him again. Also, it would be a dream to work with a producer called Frankmusik who we both love - and, of course, Peaches! She’s pure filth.

ED: I have always wanted someone to remix my own material so having an extended and a dub of a track we wrote is just absolutely amazing and DirtyHands has been such a joy to work with.

Why did August 4th feel like the ideal date to release your EP?

GREG: We wanted to drop something special for Pride and this remix was ready on time so it was a no-brainer really! We love Brighton Pride and wanted to release something that people could play at the street parties, loud and proud!

What do you love most about Brighton Pride?

GREG: The way it brings the entire city together is just magnificent to see. We love watching the parade - in fact we

are marching on it this year! Look out for us.

ED: I love the pride looks , so many different and fabulous styles ! I can’t wait to show off what I’m wearing !

What does the future hold for LADSCLUB?

GREG: Well we are halfway through recording an album and really happy with the results so far. So hopefully we can get that out soon but we don’t want to rush it. If there’s a demand for it then maybe some live PA’s, let’s wait and see!

ED: The album is going to keep us busy now , but we would also love to make some videos for our singles and I would also love to get some more remixes out there too . The dream would be to get our album out physically too!

GREG: if there are any aspiring music video makers reading this, please get in touch!

SUNDAY ASSEMBLY BRIGHTON

It’s a Tuesday evening when I call the founder of Sunday Assembly Brighton, Joanna McQueen. She works in a hospital and has just finished a day of work, yet she has an invincible passion and energy in her voice when she begins her story. Jo tells me all about community, feeling inspired, being brave, learning, and celebrating being human; everything which Sunday Assembly represents.

Sunday Assembly began a decade ago when two comedians - Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans - decided that they wanted to create a space dedicated to the feelings of connection and belonging that Church offered, without the religious content. It was February 2013 when McQueen found herself listening to Jones speak about this ambition. As someone who liked going to Church for the sense of communal gathering, but was not necessarily a believer of the faith, she resonated immediately. Jones was asking people nationwide to set up a Sunday Assembly group as a pilot scheme and Brighton seemed like the perfect place, thought McQueen.

After hearing this on the radio, McQueen considered putting her name forward to help out, not initially intending to lead the group. It was only when she discovered she was the only one to come forward that McQueen stepped out of her comfort zone and agreed to meet Jones to discuss the first meeting. The Brighton group became two of Jones’ friends - Stuart and Anita - plus one of McQueen’s friends, and it was May/June time when they began to establish how to format the meetings.

The premise of Sunday Assembly is to bring people together for a shared activity, by hearing insightful talks, and by supporting local charities to overall improve wellbeing. It is about connection and community, and how reducing social isolation and loneliness improves health and life-expectancy. The London groups would have a guest speaker lead a talk, sing two or three uplifting pop songs, and finish with tea, cake and general chat. Brighton followed suit.

Then, in September 2013, Sunday Assembly Brighton had their first ever service with Mark Stevenson as the guest speaker. Stevenson is an advisor, an entrepreneur, a writer and a futurenaut. He is interested in questions about the future and “ways to make the world more equitable, sustainable and just."

The theme for the introductory week was aptbeginnings. They were located at St Andrews Church in Hove (which was no longer being used as a Church) and pre-empted that a few people would turn up feeling curious. They did not know what sort of audience they

would attract, and exactly what to expect, but what they certainly hadn’t imagined was over 200 people gathering. Imagine the surge of reassurance that washed over McQueen when she realised that this was something the community and individuals evidently needed.

Now, Sunday Assembly Brighton meets on the second Sunday each month at 11am, at Middle Street School. It is a place to meet people and relate to the sense of being human without division. Belief does not matter and financial position is not a barrier because attendance is free. It is purely an opportunity to be connected to others without judgement and no skills required.

One of the main aims of Sunday Assembly is to reduce social isolation, so the services understandably became more important than ever during the global pandemic. They therefore continued to run online, still learning, inspiring and comforting each other. Since the pandemic, sharing experiences and ideas remains important as people continue to work from home or choose to remain isolated. McQueen uses the analogy that children are forced to step outside of their comfort zones because they have to attend school even if they are anxious about going. Children are often encouraged to go to extra-curricular activities by their parents; to do new things and socialise. In comparison, adults have the choice, and often, it is easier for us to opt out of situations that are unfamiliar to avoid feeling uncomfortable. However there can be benefits from persevering, being brave and 'rumbling with vulnerability, as Brene Brown calls it.

However, the benefits of choosing discomfort is ultimately enlightening. Topics of discussion at the services include loss, mental health, journeys, differences, solidarity, conflict, money, and a whole decade of other themes. They are all themes centred around acknowledging that one is not alone, and sharing the positive experiences relating to these topics. Services are about accepting that it is okay to have fears, worries, and insecurities. The very discomfort you feel about stepping into the unknown and turning up is the thing that unites attendees, like a first day at work or first time in the gym.

Generally, the theme for each month is chosen by hearing somebody speak at a local event, and then building the theme around that individual. It is asked that speakers are never critical or divisive, but passionate and positive. Their purpose is to be relatable and make people feel welcome, accepted, or included.

Then, during our phone call, the word ritual pops up. How much can ritual be applied to the ideas and service of Sunday Assembly? At first thought, McQueen considers that there is no lighting of a candle or strict regime - ritual in this sense. Instead, she pulls up a quote from wonderful member of the Sunday Assembly team and Humanist Celebrant, Charlotte Williams,

“Although the majority of us have moved away from religion as scaffolding for our lives and societies, the need for togetherness and ritual is paramount, and the lack of it, if you ask me, is why we are in an epidemic of loneliness. In my work, and at Sunday Assembly I am to create spaces where we create our own rituals that work for us.”

The rituals Sunday Assembly create consist of “singing together, breathing together and repeating activities” to develop “feelings of safety and help with emotional regulation.” Williams says that ritual is essential for humans to survive. Sunday Assembly uses the same structure: “we create a space where people know who we are, know each other and can gather and do what we have done for millennia but in a modern way that feels right for us as a community.” Repetition, therefore, is something to be considered a familiarity and comfort, rather than something mundane or even obligatory.

Sunday Assembly Brighton is run by a group of volunteers, like Williams, who have turned up to offer whatever skills they can, mostly just armed with a sense of willingness to help. McQueen says, “we are always looking for people to get involved, whether that is to say hello to new people when they arrive, to bring a cake to share, to find speakers for an interesting talk, to help set out chairs, or to play in the band....please let us know at one of our events if you would like to know more.”

While attendance is free, there is always a chance to pop any change into the collection. Raised money goes towards equipment (like a projector for the group) and, in recent years, has been donated to a charity based on the monthly theme.

For the perfect way to find out more about Sunday Assembly Brighton, attend yourself on Sun 10 September and celebrate their ten year birthday. Starting at 11am. The party will not be held at their usual venue, but rather, at Platf9rm in Hove Town Hall. The team at PLATF9RM are very excited to support the ethos of connection and community, and to host this special anniversary edition. Guests can expect an inspiring talk, lively songs with the house band, science, quiet reflection, and tea and cake. The highlight of the day will be the return of their first guest speaker, Mark Stevenson. As a taster, you can listen to him with Jon Richardson and Ed Gillespie on their podcast: 'Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts: how to survive the future'.

Get free tickets to their birthday celebration at SAB10.eventbrite.co.uk

There are now eight Sunday Assembly Groups in the UK, twelve in the US, and two in Australasia with locations including Sydney, San Diego, Los Angeles, Nashville. To see a map, and a complete list of groups that have existed over the decade, go to

www.sundayassembly.org/map

Why Connection and Community is important to Human Wellbeing

Human connection can be physical whether that is a gentle touch of the hand, a warm embrace, or the slight ruffle of a child’s hair, but connection can also be as slight as relating to the punch line of a joke or having the same favourite film as your neighbour. Connection is dancing in a crowd or feeling shards of grass beneath bare feet. When people or things are connected, community forms. Communities are groups of people that share something in common with one another, whether that is an interest, area you live in, belief, or another lifestyle choice. As humans, these words constantly intersect our everyday life, perhaps even on an hourly basis. They are two very important terms, but why, and how have they become so vital to our survival?

After our fascinating phone call, Joanna McQueen shared some links with me from the charity Health in Mind, organisation Action for Happiness, and a government report. She provided this evidence to help me understand the benefits of connection and community.

The Office for National Statistics revealed that younger adults aged 16 to 24 years reported feeling lonely more often than those in older age groups (2016-2017). This can tell us two key things: young people are more socially isolated, and so we need to reduce the risk of becoming lonely earlier in life. Encouraging teenagers to be more social by talking to strangers and networking, and joining new communities like Sunday Assembly can minimise this statistic.

People most at risk of loneliness include older

widowed homeowners, unmarried middleagers, and young renters who have little sense of belonging to their area. These, especially if they have long-term health conditions, are the people that we should be looking out for most.

But all people can get lonely, even if that is only temporarily. Annie Macmanus, DJ, podcaster, broadcaster and author, recently published a The Observer article about how her feelings of loneliness shocked her. The irony is, it is a human emotion that connects us, and being able to admit to this feeling is the first step to overcoming it. Hopefully the significance of community and connection is becoming more evident.

Action for Happiness says, “feeling connected to other people is at the heart of happinesstheirs and ours” suggesting that relating to, loving and caring for others is beneficial to the other person’s wellbeing as well as our own. It is not only important to maintain relationships you already have, but to build new ones too. Smiling at a stranger in the street, or becoming a regular in the local coffee shop, or inviting your neighbour round for dinner are all small but generous gestures.

Knowing that you have close and loving relationships with individual people increases our feeling of self worth, while being connected to a community can make us feel like we belong. We can all help others increase these feelings of validation and connection by being good listeners and by giving people your full attention.

Finally, in considering the importance of connection and community, I want to return to the key root of Sunday Assembly: what it means to be human and share experiences. What is the meaning of life is the biggest debate in the history of philosophy, but Action for Happiness simplifies it by suggesting that from meaning stems happiness. Once we start realising that we, and everything we do has purpose, we start to feel stronger bonds to the people and world around us. Together we

should celebrate the small things, like making a cup of tea on a rainy day for the purpose of giving us warmth and comfort. Or, taking part in the parents race in order to teach the young audience how to be a good team player. My mum used to tell me that a problem shared is a problem halved and I suppose the same applies to joy too. Celebration shared is happiness multiplied.

In order to reflect on your feelings, whether that is loneliness, insecurity, anxiety, belonging or achievement, journalling is a lovely way to allow you to reconnect with yourself. Below are some writing prompts to help you consider where you could be making improvements in your own life to prevent loneliness.

What communities are you a part of, and how do you feel included in these groups?

What does ‘belonging’ mean to you?

How do you connect with your body, and how do you connect to your mind?

How can you make someone feel included, loved or happy today?

Who are you grateful for in your life? Reach out to them and tell them how you feel.

Helpful links:

health-in-mind.org.uk/ resources/5-ways-to-wellbeing

actionforhappiness.org/10-keys/ relating

actionforhappiness.org/10-keys/ meaning

THESE ARE THE TRENDING BARS IN LONDON THAT ARE WORTH TRAVELLING TO

BY AMY STANBOROUGH

#londonbars #londonhotspots

#londoncocktails

Type these hashtags into TikTok and a plethora of recommendations for ‘London’s Coolest Bars’ and ‘Bars you Must Visit in London’ appear. Social media seems to be our new go-to for finding hotspots instead of reading a travel guide. The perk of these recommendation videos is you get a short glimpse into the whole vibe of a bar. This may be a quick pan of the interior inside, or a snippet of a Margarita over dry ice. But then, you face that disappointment of googling the ‘trendy bar’ which appeals most TikTok didn’t quite inform you of what you really should know. So, allow me to present you with the thorough details.

Most of these bars/restaurants are on the pricier side, more suited to celebrations rather than a random weekend out. Guaranteed though is insane entertainment or rooftop views. For somewhere special worth travelling into the city for, these are some of the most popular bars in London.

THE PIANO WORKSFARRINGDON

WHERE?

113-117 Farringdon Road, Corner of Ray Street, EC1R 3BX

INSTAGRAM

@thepianoworks, 16k followers

HOURS

Tues – Thurs: 5pm - 1am, Fri: 5pm - 2am, Sat: 11:30am - 2am

This is a sassy basement spot where you can immerse in a non-stop live music experience. The Farringdon venue is located in a Victorian listed warehouse for a complete escape to good vibes. There is another venue at London’s West End should you find yourself in that area. How it works at The Piano Works is you fill out a song request slip, hand that request to a team member or musician, then the live band will play the songs that the guests want to hear. Pop down your drink, and head to the dance floor. It’s dark, jazzy, and a whole lot of fun for anyone and everyone who loves to boogie to funky versions of favourite tunes. See the virtual tour of The Piano Works on their website for a brief look inside before you arrive.

COCKTAILS

They have an extensive cocktail list with six

Photo Credit Madison

different types of Mojitos alone to choose from. Cocktails are separated by the headings Sour, Fruity, Floral, Creamy, and Tried and True, so there is truly something for all palettes. Every week there is a cocktail special for £10.5 - just ask your server which is the choice of the week. Otherwise, drinks average at around £11/£12.

FOOD

Menus at The Piano Works include A La Carte, Bar Food or Brunch. From the A La Carte indulge in Chicken Supreme (£19.5), Beef Burger (£17.5) and Fish and Chips (£22) amongst options. Fancy something smaller? Truffle fries (£6), Pineapple Squid (£9), Tuna Tartar Tortilla Bites (£12.5) or eight Burger Sliders (£24) caught our attention from the Bar Food menu. Food limited to availability on weekends.

Laki KaneIslington

WHERE?

144-145 Upper St, N1 1QY

INSTAGRAM

@lakikane, 23.2k followers

HOURS

Tues-Weds: 5.00pm – 12.30am, Thurs: 5.00pm – 1.30am, Fri: 5.00pm – 2.30amSat: 12.00pm – 2.30am, Sun: 2.00pm – 1.30am

Discover a tropical escape in the heart of Islington at Laki Kane. They are London’s premier Cocktail Bar, Thai restaurant & Entertainment venue. Tuck into authentic Thai cuisine while being entertained by our talented fire and burlesque dancers, magicians, captivating Tiki drumming, and electrifying DJ beats. Sundays offer Bottomless cocktails and Thai sharing boards 2pm-4pm, or from 4pm - late also on Sundays, enjoy sharing boards, a free cocktail, and DJ P Montana’s live sets for just £35pp. It is food, drinks and a club night all in one. Check their website to see what other fun they have throughout the week, with special parties every day.

COCKTAILS

The Laki Kane signature cocktails are awardwinning masterpieces. They are theatrical as well as delicious. They are made using unique exotic ingredients, natural, unrefined sugars and selection of the world’s finest rums; perfectly complimenting the Thai cuisine. There are sharing cocktails which serve 2-8 people available to buy (£36-£140) while all your classic cocktails average at £14. Again, with the price, you get great presentation making the perfect prop for pictures. Celebrating with a big group? Take a look at their drinks packages where you can pre-book your shots, cocktails and bottle(s) of bubbly!

FOOD

Menus at The Piano Works include A La Carte, Bar Food or Brunch. From the A La Carte indulge in Chicken Supreme (£19.5), Beef Burger (£17.5) and Fish and Chips (£22) amongst options. Fancy something smaller? Truffle fries (£6), Pineapple Squid (£9), Tuna Tartar Tortilla Bites (£12.5) or eight Burger Sliders (£24) caught our attention from the Bar Food menu. Food limited to availability on weekends.

The Little Scarlet Door - Soho

WHERE?

12-13 Greek St, W1D 4DL

INSTAGRAM

@thelittlescarletdoor, 10k followers

HOURS

Mon - Tues: 4pm-1am, Weds: 12pm-1am, Thurs: 12pm-2am, Fri - Sat: 12pm-3am, Sun: 12pm-11pm

Welcome to the ultimate Soho House Party. Introducing, The Little Scarlet Door which is part of the Little Door & Co group. They create venues which are styled around a fictional flat with other homes in Fulham, Clapham and Notting Hill. The vibe is sharing cocktails in a disco ball, neon signs, and lots of disposable photos to be taken. Mingle

on the sofas once your heels start to kill, and hang out at the bar to fall in love with strangers. This Soho party feels straight out of a film set and it’s giving 2000s chick flick. Note that this is a 23+ venue

COCKTAILS

The Little Scarlet Door’s House Punch (£9.5) is a blend of Bacardi Coconut, Toti White Rum, Wray & Nephew Rum, Le Tuffeau Rosé, Guava and Pomegranate San Pellegrino Served with Cucumber. Other cocktails are thematically named Sex and The City, Mad Men, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Last Days of Disco after our cultural faves. Average price is £12, but the presentation alone is worth a whole lot more. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (£13.75) is served in a scarlet glass with lips candy while Crimes of Passion (£11.25) is served in a goblet with a toasted marshmallow. It is fun, flirty and thriving.

FOOD

Bar food includes snacks like Truffle and Parmesan popcorn (£4.5), Sticky Jumbo Wings (£9) or whole Charcuterie/Mezze/ Salmon boards (£16-£17.5). The perfect little bites to share while you spend the night being social as you sip. There is also a small menu of toasties, puddings, and canapes too, because it wouldn’t be a house party without a few nibbles, or a drunk Truffle Cheese Steak toastie (£9.5).

Night JarShoreditch/Carnaby

WHERE?

129 City Rd, EC1V 1JB / Kingly Court, 49-51 Carnaby Street, W1F 9PY

INSTAGRAM

@nightjar, 117k followers

HOURS

Sun-Tues: 7pm - 12:30am, Weds-Thurs: 7pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 7pm-2am

Bringing old school glamour to Shoreditch for over 10 years, Nightjar is a romantic spot for live jazz soundtracking your evening of

Photo Credit Madison w/ @mooncakepictures

cocktails. They are bringing artistry back to the world of hospitality with every drink made and served. There is a strict no standing policy to support the speakeasy vibe, encouraging a more relaxed sip and talk environment. The long cocktail menu can be overwhelming, but behind the bar you will find passionate experts to help you select the perfect tipple. The space epitomises charm, if you fancy somewhere to tap your toes

COCKTAILS

Separated by the chronological subheadings Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, Post War, Signature, Sharing and Non-Alcoholic, this menu is saturated with choice. It is a long list taking you through the ages of the earliest cocktail recipes, to some original creations made exclusively by the Nightjar team. Average prices are £12-£16.

FOOD

The food is simple but tasty, with few small plate and snack options. The focus at Nightjar is definitely on serving fine beverages. Cheese or Charcuterie boards are £12. Olives and almonds served all night.

The nestMarleybone

WHERE?

In The Treehouse Hotel, 14-15 Langham Pl, W1B 2QS

INSTAGRAM

@thenestintreehouse, 39.6k followers

HOURS

Mon - Sat: 12pm - 1am, Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Opening times are subject to change. Guests of 21 years and above from 5pm.

On the top floor of The Treehouse, you can nestle with 360 views of London as you sip your cocktails. The Nest seemed to be the most popular recommendation on TikTok. The decor has an outdoor lounge vibe to match the treehouse aesthetic. Sofas to relax on, hanging foliage and books for decoration

are bound to make you feel at home. By night, the lighting becomes dark and romantic to let the city views take charge. It is evident why this choice is a popular one. Around the bar there is a constant buzz as DJs spin records in the background of your evening. Escape the party and head to the balcony area with outdoor heating for colder evenings. Plus there are blankets and cushions to keep guests cosy while the views are fully absorbed.

COCKTAILS

Throughout August, The Nest will partner with Moët & Chandon, bringing together the best in sound and taste. Join them for some very special evenings filled with refreshingly sustainable cocktails. An ode to the freshest and best of British produce, their cocktail list celebrates six seasonal flavour profiles (cherries, plums, pine, carrots, cucumber, gooseberry). All the Summer Sensations and Classic cocktails are priced at £16.

FOOD

Enjoy a delicious selection of sharing plates ranging from Plant, Land, Dairy, Sea, and a little something Sweet. Average price £16 a plate.

Seabird LondonSouthwark

WHERE?

14th Floor of The Hoxton, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, SE1 8NY

INSTAGRAM

@seabirdlondon, 77.6k followers

HOURS

12pm - midnight, Fri-Sat: 12pm - 1am

This rooftop spot has panoramic views of Southwark. Seabird’s mission is to bring coastal dining to the heart of the city. They boast London’s longest oyster list with an exclusive happy hour. They serve up the freshest oysters from 3-7pm for just £2 alongside martinis for £7 Mon-Weds. Aesthetically, you are able to enjoy beach

club vibes via marble tables and blankets thrown over the wicker chairs. There are plenty of large plants and stone walls for a Mediterranean feel to compliment the coastal cocktails and dishes.

COCKTAILS

With Seabird being more of a restaurant than a bar per say, their wine list is much larger than the cocktail menu. However, there are still twelve original and well presented cocktails to choose from at an average price of £17. For a special occasion, why not dive into the huge £200 fishbowl to share.

FOOD

Renowned for their oysters, try one to pair with your margarita. To snack on, there are small plates including wood-fired scallops (£22), dressed crab on toast (£18), padron peppers (£8) and grilled chorizo (£10) to name a few options. There is also Charcuterie, and larger seafood dishes for a stealthier price. Menu is subject to change depending on availability.

Lost in brixtonBrixton

WHERE?

Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8PS

INSTAGRAM

@lostbrixton, 18k followers

HOURS

Weds – Fri: 5pm – 11:30pm, Sat: 12pm –11:30pm, Sun: 12pm – 8pm

Set on a once forgotten rooftop, Lost In Brixton is home to two bars, a stunning terrace and a one of a kind party atmosphere. Taking its design cues from the city of Santiago de Cuba on the vibrant island of Cuba, expect beautiful murals and exposed original brickwork arches. Lost has an inclusive atmosphere which is perfect for large groups, and getting up to dance around your table. Make the most of the photobooth which is designed to look like an abandoned train, and fun themed toilets!

Photo Credit The Little Scarlet Door

For resident DJs, Cuban cocktails, and street food from the finest restaurants in Brixton delivered straight to your table, Lost is a true hot spot. If you’re coming here, you’re coming here to dance

COCKTAILS

Happy hour is Weds - Fri where you can get £7 cocktails 5pm-7pm. Outside of those hours, their list of Cuban rum cocktails average at £12.5. Choose from Strawberry Mojito, Pineapple Daiquiri, or Jungle Bird Spritz for a taste of tropics. Classic cocktails and spritzers, wines and beer are also listed.

FOOD

Order direct to your table from a roster of Brixton market’s finest food traders. Restaurants include La Nonna - an independent neighbourhood Italian restaurant, award winning BBQ restaurant The Joint, high quality English meat at Black Bear Burger, and Jalisco serving Venezuelan and Central American classics. There are six more restaurants too if none of these are what you fancy. (Prices vary)

MadisonSt pauls

WHERE?

Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, EC4M 9AF

INSTAGRAM

@madisonlondon1, 49.8k followers

HOURS

Mon - Sat: 12pm-1am, Sun: 12pm-10pm

Summer terrace, Ibiza Orchestra, rooftop brunch, what more could you want? This rooftop is best known for its incredible location next to St Paul’s cathedral providing a very pleasant view. It is a gorgeous hang out for colleagues, romantic dates or celebrations with friends. Have some classy drinks in the modern interior, or why not dine from their delightful menu too? Out on the terrace there are bohemian hanging lanterns and fairy lights. Pair this with the DJs that come to play and you will witness the definition of chic clubbing in the city.

COCKTAILS

For drinks, Madison does not take bookings and an entrance fee may apply at peak times. A classic Pornstar Martini is £15, though you could try the deluxe Pornstar Martini for £24 with 24k edible gold! Other cocktails include Rooftop Sunset (£15) and Garden Sunrise (£16).

FOOD

The restaurant takes inspiration from the lively and eclectic New York dining scene, with a focus on the grill and the best steaks from around the world. Enjoy two courses for £45, or three courses for £49. Out on the terrace, there is a small plate menu for snacking including chicken, falafel, beef dripping chips and more (average £12 per plate.)

Seasonal junctions are an opportunity to pause and let go of one season to prepare for another. Explore Ayurvedic wisdom behind seasonal change and discover practical tools to support your health as we slide into Autumn

[ritu

Ritu Sandhi

A Seasonal Ayurvedic Immersion

Sunday 24th September 2023 ~ 10am - 4pm The Yoga Garden, Horsham

Learn about the power of food, herbs, massage and daily rituals and gain empowering knowledge to navigate the seasons confidently using ingredients from your own kitchen

Seasonal practices workshop

Individual pulse reading Ayurvedic lunch

Self massage workshop

Gentle Yoga and Pranayama

Gift bag with Ayurvedic products

Hosted by Indie and Gemma - two Brighton based Ayurveda consultants and therapists on a mission to make Ayurveda accessible to all in practical and sustainable ways.

Tickets available at www ritusandhi co uk

Photo Credit The Little Scarlet Door

- sun - dhee]

UOK will help you find the right support for your mental health

Written by the UOK Team

You can contact UOK by phone, email or online and our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you find local support available. We are a group of organisations who work together to promote good mental health throughout Brighton and Hove and offer a helping hand to those experiencing distress and mental health difficulties.

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to go when we are experiencing mental health challenges, we will use our extensive knowledge of what’s going on in Brighton and Hove to help you find free support in the community. We are all individuals and we are committed to understanding your unique situation.

When you contact us, you will be greeted by one of our friendly, experienced team who will ask you about your situation and what preferences you have. We will ask you some questions to understand what type of support you are looking for and talk through what might be the next steps. We can share information of local groups or services or if it would be helpful for you, we can make a referral to one of our partner organisations.

When *Petey phoned us, he was overwhelmed and unsure who could help. Having recently lost both his parents, he was grieving and scared about what the future would bring. Petey had struggled with severe anxiety for many years but this had increased since the death of his parents and a recent break up with his partner.

Petey struggled to speak on the phone for long so the UOK team spoke to him for short periods over a number of days to build up a picture of what support he needed. We started each conversation by checking

in with Petey and tailoring the phone call to suit him depending on how he was feeling.

Petey identified that he wanted to speak to someone about the bereavements and agreed for the team to send his details to Cruse in order to access support from them. Petey also decided that he would like to speak to someone regularly on the telephone who he could get to know and who might understand his feelings. The UOK team shared details of MindOut who offer a telephone befriending service to LGBTQ people experiencing loneliness and isolation. The service offers ongoing reassurance, listening and emotional support which aims to reduce the stress of loneliness and isolation and increase confidence through social contact.

Petey was able to access MindOut’s befriending service and bereavement support from Cruse. If you need some help to find out what support is available, we are here for all adults across Brighton and Hove from Monday to Friday 9-5pm (except bank holidays)phone us on 0808 196 1768 or find out more at uok.org.uk. *

Would you rather have a holiday over a festival?

Why not have both!

BY ROSIE PALDI EDWARDS

The Balkans have been a hotspot for holidaymakers this year

Outlook Festival in Croatia celebrated their 25 year anniversary on the 27 July - 1 Aug at the Garden Resort in Tisno. This small intimate event is tucked away next to their own private beach, with sound systems hidden in every corner playing Hip Hop and Garage to Dubstep and Grime. Imagine dipping in and out of the sea, whilst dub and reggae is spilling out of the speaker from the stage next to you. Just to set the tone.

Not only is it guaranteed sun, but the festival for about the last 20 years has been nestled in between Roman ruins. Picture raving in castles, sneaking through drawbridges and boogying in giant moats or out at sea on boat parties. After announcing the move of Outlook Festival to Tisno Garden Resort for 2023, festival goers are excited to explore another beautiful corner of Croatia right on the beach.

The ticket price for Outlook starts from £140 for the festival and includes a pitch for your tent. This is good value considering a Glastonbury ticket is £340. The flights to the Balkans start at around £300 from Gatwick to Zadar (60 km from the festival site.) Unfortunately, airlines know when festivals are on and can/normally do put their prices up around those dates.

Outlook has gone cashless, this is not ideal. because if the wifi goes down, then the tills won't work and therefore no one can buy or sell anything. I have experienced this first hand! However, it’s not such a big deal that it should stop anyone from going to this super-chilled, sunsoaked, festival on the beach.

Another Balkan festival worth visiting is Meadows in the Mountains. Running for eleven years, I have not personally been to this festival but by god have people recommended it to me.

Meadows in the Mountains is set in the Rhodope mountain range in Bulgaria on the 6-10 June. This electronic music festival is intimate and has spectacular 360-degree views, spanning over the whole mountain range, with bears, wolves and fireflies calling it its home. This festival supports smaller musicians, poets, performers as well as connecting people with nature.

This smaller festival is also the cheapest, ticket prices start at £115. It does not, however, include a pitch for your tent. That will be an extra added cost as well as transfer to and from the airport to the festival. The flights start at £185 so, even with the extra added costs, it would level out to the same as a Glastonbury ticket. For this price you can have a holiday and festival for the same cost as one festival in England. Seems like a no brainer to me.

The festival has also gone cashless like Outlook. This can have the same problems as mentioned earlier. Cash can stand the test of time as it has no need for wifi to work, therefore I don't see why not have both, cash can be the backup.

Glastonbury is an experience worth saving up for

Glastonbury Festival is one of the most popular music events in the world and it makes you feel like you have just set foot in a futuristic city. This closer to home festival can make you feel like you’re on another planet. It’s a music staycation well worth saving up for if you don’t want to go abroad.

The immense variety of the different fields, stages, artists, circus performers and musicians will not only amaze you but surprise and shock you as well. It is a treat for the senses. Glastonbury caters to all genres of music and it’s all in one place for you to experience.

British weather is always unpredictable and this can seriously affect your time there, so make sure to pack accordingly. The festival is usually on the last weekend of June, this year the dates were 2125 June. You can purchase a Glastonbury Festival ticket starting at £340. Unfortunately, the festival isn't the cheapest to attend and the food and drink is, maybe expectedly, just as expensive. Pack food and a camping stove to avoid breaking the bank for this long weekender.

Other UK festivals to put in your diary…

There are a plethora of festivals appearing each year, celebrating everything from food, culture, theatre, literature, dancing, drinks and more. So, here's a selection for all those people looking for something a different type of holiday:

Starting close to home with Pub in the Park, a travelling food and music festival which has been coming to Preston Park around mid July. If you're more interested in alcohol, then coming to Arundel this summer is Maypole Gin Festival on Saturday 26 Aug.

Equally close but centred around the arts, literature and theatre is Brighton Fringe Festival every May. Its twin up north Edinburgh Fringe is on later in the year, between Fri 4 - Mon 28 Aug. Wales also hosts a similar event called the The Hay Festival from the 25th May to the 4th June. The event has been described as the “Woodstock of the mind.”

Russell Brand has his own wellness and spiritual festival on the 14th - 17th July called Community. Another wellness retreat connecting people with nature through hypnotic beats, cosmic frequencies and community building is Omnia Therapia Festival. The festival is on the 20-25th of Sep in Tunisia.

Whatever you are into there is a festival out there for you, so why not incorporate one of these amazing experiences into your next travel itinerary.

Some stories from Europe and America’s tourist hotspots - where to go on your next trip abroad

By Amy Stanborough

Standing with Starbucks in hand, intoxicated by the perfumes in Duty Free; double checking your hand luggage to make sure you haven’t suddenly lost your passport. There is no better feeling than the excitement and apprehension that comes with getting ready to board a plane. Whether it is your first city break with your girlfriends, that once in a lifetime couples holiday, or a family tour you have been saving for, sometimes the most popular locations just have to be ticked off the bucket list. ‘Must see cities’ are desirable for a reason. Here is our flash guide to just a few of them to see if it is the right place for you.

EUROPE

Amsterdam - canal boats and coffee

Bikes, mopeds, trams, trains, and canal boats. This city is not shy of transport to guide you through your sight-seeing. A canal boat ride will put you in a race against the bicycles up on the pavement, and drift you past the meaty smells from riverside restaurants. Duck under leaves from the trees and bridges as you cruise along. Cafes are squashed between and underneath the terrace homes and are lovely to sit at no matter the weather. Sit out in the sun, or cosy up with a cappuccino as Autumn leaves tumble later in the year. For the museums and galleries, such as Anne Frank Haus, there are extortionate queues. The markets however are free to roam and will serve local cheese, tulip bulbs, books, vintage clothes, and homemade cooked food to try.

Sit amongst women staining their mugs with lipstick as the smell of smoke tangled in the air. Be sure to pick up ‘Stroopwafel’ (crispy caramel waffle) or ‘Ontbijtkoek’ (stodgy ginger cake) from one of the many stores. Stumble down The Red Light District and find yourself in awe at the sexual freedom Amsterdam expresses. Whether you choose to party in one of the many queer bars, or have a wholesome trip dipping in and out of bakeries, Amsterdam is undeniably self aware of its unique European culture. Leather jackets, art classes, floating flower stalls, there is nowhere else quite like Amsterdam.

This town is popular with artists as people sell their paintings around the harbour, evidently inspired by the architecture’s aesthetic. Meanwhile on the cobbled streets, women strut in pristine designer outfits, shopping bags in hand and sun hat on head. There are many restaurants all lined up with dishes like caviar and moules. La Sardine is a restaurant on the corner of the harbour serving fish, pasta, steak and salad as well as views of boats on the sea and tree-topped mountains. Saint Tropez epitomises the luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle which the South of France proudly boasts. Just a drive or boat trip away are cities such as Cannes, Saint-Raphaël and Nice. For a cheaper, family-friendly place to stay, reside temporarily at Agay which allows you to travel between these spots along the French Riviera and experience it all.

Ibiza - pints, parties, paella

Despite how Ibiza can be painted to be on social media, this island is a place for everyone; it is so much more than a party paradise. San Antonio, while it is home to the likes of Ocean Beach and Cafe Mambo, can be done at a reasonable price. Grab a pint at one of the Irish bars, and have a delicious dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Watch fountains dance under palm trees in the sunset golden hour. There are some cute bohemian spots to hang out at by day including The Orange Corner which emulates the beach club spirit of Savannah Bar but for a much lower price.

If you’d rather go big or go home on your trip to Ibiza, you will find clubs Eden, Es Paradis, Ibiza Rocks also in San Antonio while Hï Ibiza, Pacha, Amnesia and DC10 are on the other half of the island, near the airport. These parties are worth researching before your trip so that you can know the line up or event taking place, plus whether there are any terms for entry, and pre-book your tickets. A must-do in Ibiza is a visit to the Sunset Strip to watch the sun kiss the shimmering sea as it falls. The atmosphere is unreal at this hour. Cafe Mambo, having rehearsed this routine daily, time their playlist perfectly, so that watching the final disappearing inches of the sun feels like being in the end credits of a cinematic masterpiece.

Even if cocktails, beach club parties and midnight raves are not your thing, Ibiza Old Town is well worth a visit for a gorgeous authentic Spanish culture. Ibiza Town provides a quirky maze of hippie stalls and tapas restaurants in the cosiest corners of the cobble streets, appropriate for families. You will find locals at fresh fruit and market stalls and can see laundry delicately dancing in the breeze as it hangs from the ancient window shutters of a rickety house above the hustle and bustle. Splashes of olive green and flowers of orange and pink pave the ways as you shop handmade crochet tops or friendship bracelets. Plaza del Sol is a Bohemian Mediterranean restaurant tucked under trees and lanterns which overlooks the town and sea. Come here for an essential sangria and paella.

Saint-Tropez - boutiques and beautiful buildings

Hop off a boat at the port of Saint Tropez and you will be greeted by vintage French buildings – all different shades of beige and salmon pink with sash windows. The colours are unreal against a blue summer sky.

Rome - attractions and affogato

Experiencing Rome is like sitting amongst the photographs of a history book. The Colosseum, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountains - the city is oozing with culture. With so many attractions however comes busy crowds congregating around these spaces. Expect queues and slow moving walkways everywhere you go. Is it worth it? Definitely. Rather than squeezing amongst the other tourists around the Trevi, slip down a nearby alley to share pizza and affogato. While you may not avoid the street performers or cheap Italian merchandise, you can watch this all pass by with a Limoncello Spritz in hand.

For the best views of the city, climb up to Faro al Gianicolo. Here you overlook the cathedrals, museums, galleries and apartments dotted around Rome, and is a lovely brief escape from the chaos. Half an hour of walking from this point along the river will take you to the Spanish Steps. By evening, go to Piazza Navona which is a romantic square of fountains and restaurants. In the middle, Fontana de Quattro Fiumi is majestically lit under the Italian evening sky.

AMERICA

If you like the sound of candy floss on the pier, bike rides through the city, and dinner with a sunset over the Golden Gate, then you will love…

San Francisco

The first thing I noticed about San Francisco was the hills. The rollercoaster roads mock the bobbing of water under the Golden Gate Bridge. Pier 39 carried a funfair with a carousel, candy floss and corndogs. San Francisco is a city of curves and circles. The fluidity of the water around Alcatraz island mirrors the movement of people on shore. The only thing static and structured is the bridges connecting San Fran to surrounding areas.

Fisherman’s Wharf is an area bursting with life and paint splashes of colour. Expect street dancers and saxophone players performing on the curbs. Getting a cable car into Union Square is the perfect way to get a taste of the streets: immerse in a touristic itinerary of visiting Market Street and ChinaTown. Back at Fisherman’s Wharf, hire a bike from Blazing Saddles and succumb to the emancipation you feel cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and into the town of Sausalito. Feel the breeze in your hair and burn in your glutes, and try your best to soak it all in.

If you like the sound of grabbing a coffee and bagel as you shop by day, and pizza and cocktails by night before watching a Broadway show, then you will love…

New York

“As soon as you get out of this subway, look up.” It’s practically impossible to walk along the avenues without feeling like you’re in slow motion amongst the rush of taxis and the vibration of trains rumbling beneath your feet.

Times Square allows visitors to become a part of the New York atmosphere rather than watch it. The bright lights of billboards reflect off people’s skin; the smell of hotdogs and sewage provides a unique but distinct aroma; sirens, cameras, music – it really is a city that never sleeps. A nearby sports bar Tonic is the perfect stop for chicken wings.

Views from the Rockafeller Tower means you can get The Empire State Building in your photos, while the rest of the city looks like Lego blocks below. Central Park calls for hours of mindless wandering. From the zoo, Shakespeare gardens, many lakes, baseball pitches, Strawberry Fields, and plenty of areas to run freely. There is so much entertaining the incredible space. A ferry ride across the Hudson, in Manhattan, there is a much more relaxed atmosphere to the streets with Battery Park being the ideal spot to rest your legs and absorb views of Lady Liberty.

Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner combines the sense of performance you would get in a Broadway show, with authentic New York style dining. Don’t be alarmed when your waiter jumps on a table behind you, launching confetti. Or, maybe a game of baseball or basketball is more your calling. Bottom line is, New York could never be boring.

If you like the sound of combining art on the beach with designer brands in the city, plus dining or sleeping in what feels like a film set, then you will love…

Los Angeles

Frank Lloyd Wright said “tip the world over on it’s side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles” and there is no better way to depict it. Men on skateboards rushing past; audition posters hanging on tight to lampposts; tattoo parlours on every street and cars hosting their own portable parties – the buzz of Hollywood boulevard mimicked that seen in the movies.

It is a fun city of chaos, full of life and character, home to the famous and homeless. Hollywood, while it is the abode to people wanting to live the American Dream, is also a beautiful spot to hike to the observatory and grab a coffee with a view. Down at Santa Monica, it is a different vibe entirely. Venice beach seemed to be the magnet for L.A’s hippie scene as individuals set up stalls to sell and exhibit creations of every medium. However, you also can explore the land of materialism and finesse – Beverly Hills. Pass Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and other designer stores. Even the architecture is delicately carved to look like a painting only the rich could afford.

‘The Grove’ in Hollywood is a gorgeous spot, suitable for families. It is a complex with restaurants, retail stores, a cinema and entertainment which allows you to combine the hippie spirit of Santa Monica with the shopping experience of Beverly Hills. The lit up fountain in the centre, and trees carrying fairy lights and lanterns provides a relaxing backdrop to an evening meal. There is plenty of Al Fresco seating and

bars, beckoning you to come in. The drinks are not cheap, but let me tell you, they are big. Some of the cocktails I saw in their frozen and artificial shades of orange or blue may as well have been served in a bucket. While there were birthday bashes and stag dos parading the streets, there were also lots of families out to enjoy the fun. I saw grandmas on dance floors, and little girls getting up on stage to join in with the rhythm of a salsa dancer (Kanoli restaurant).

Beside the wild lifestyle of the city, Miami also boasts nine miles of the prettiest beach I have ever seen. Walking on the sand is like walking on a mattress, so soft and white. Lincoln Road in South Beach is a must visit. With countless restaurants and all your favourite high street stores to choose from, it is a town hot-spot for keeping busy in the morning or afternoon. There are often also events, festivals, performances or markets in the centre of the road too. Located in the Art Deco area, you could even just take in the beautiful pastel, rounded architecture and the snippets of wall art painted across walls.

live acoustic music on the central backdrop. If you like the sound of Cuban cocktails, sports cars zooming underneath palm trees, and art deco architecture, then you will love…

Miami

South Beach Miami has the sweet smell of money and marjuana. Arriving at Ocean Drive, I think the lights hit you first. Twinkling or flashing colours on restaurant walls come face to face with palm trees on the opposite side of the road. Songs that make you want to dance are unavoidable. Hearing the rev of an engine on a sports car as they too blare music from speakers with their convertible roof down, is also unavoidable. There is an atmosphere of nonchalance and everyone just wanting to have a good evening. Pretty hostesses stand outside

Share the Roads, Brighton & Hove

LOOK LISTEN focus

42% of collisions in Brighton & Hove occurred because people were not looking properly

Tourist Attractions in our very own city...

A guide to Brighton’s Best

By Kitty Hudson and Sagal Hassan

Brighton - the city that caters to all tastes whether you're interested in history, fashion, art, or simply enjoying the seaside charm. This guide offers the very best things to enjoy, if you haven’t already explored one of these famous attractions. Pack your bag, and become a tourist at-home because we truly have some gems right here on the stunning English coast.

One Garden at Stanmer Park

The revitalised historical gardens at Stanmer park really are a hidden haven. They host a range of summery events for local businesses, including regular farmers markets, an open air film festival, as well as workshops in yoga, mindfulness and the arts. The gardens themselves are diversely inhabited, and act as inspiration for the seasonally high quality lunch and brunch menus. A lovely summer spot to head to! Or take away a coffee and a hot snack from the markets where you will also find fresh bread and meat daily in the bakery and butchers.

Watersports at Hove Lagoon

Come on, you’ve got to do water sports when you’re in a seaside city. Get the whole family involved in the action at Hove Lagoon’s enclosed waters, where you can windsurf, wakeboard, sail and kayak. Professional teaching can be done in groups, 1:1, or you can simply hire a paddleboard on a sunny day. They have 15 years of experience with a range of age groups. Or alternatively, learn right out in the open ocean waters! Founded in 2003, Brighton Watersports have developed the best facilities in the South east to teach you paddleboarding, ringo riding, wakeboarding and more! Wetsuits and changing facilities are provided at both.

Brighton Dome

Currently occupied by the award winning Van Gogh Alive exhibition, which allows you to experience every sense of Gogh, the Dome is definitely a Brighton favourite. The concert hall is still welcoming a host of famous names this summer - Frankie Boyle and Grayson Perry to name a few. It's also a venue with over 200 years of history. Once a Victorian skating rink, then WW1 hospital, and now a major performing arts venue.

The Lanes

Immerse yourself in the quaint and narrow alleys of The Lanes, a charming maze of independent shops, cafes, and boutiques. Here, you'll discover unique treasures, antique stores, and handmade crafts. Take your time to explore the vibrant atmosphere and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Take a look into Art5 gallery and Kellie Miller arts to enjoy the contemporary arts. You should visit the Trading Post Coffee roasters in the lanes for the best coffee and danish pastries. In North Laines, browse plenty of jewellery displays and vintage clothing shops to dig through.

Brighton Marina

For maritime enthusiasts and anyone seeking a bustling waterfront experience, Brighton Marina is a must-visit destination. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, watch the boats sail in and out, and treat yourself

to fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. There's also another arcade with bowling and an american diner you can enjoy with friends and family.

Brighton i360

Built in 2016 with an aim to offer one of a kind experiences, you just can’t miss the i360 out. Where else can you get a 360 degree view of the city, in a 138 metre high glass pod? You can also try out a whole spectacle of activities such as sky yoga, roller skating, disco, dining and sunset journeys. Or if you don’t want to go inside it, you can climb up it, round it, or abseil off of it! And maybe most importantly for some, it houses the South Coast’s highest bar. There’s a gift shop and terraced cafe at the bottom to reward your bravery with too.

Devil’s Dyke

Wanting to escape bustling Brighton? Devil’s dyke is about the most scenic and tranquil local experience you can find with its unbeatable views and top trails. It’s the biggest ‘dry valley’ in England, and the perfect place to get a taste of nature whether you wish to walk, run or cycle. Follow the butterfly trail walk, histories and mysteries walk, or the Fulking pub walk. Or just do your own thing! It’s also a prime spot for paragliding and kite flying, and its chalk grassland areas are packed with rare birds, creatures and flowers. Make sure to pack some sandwiches to enjoy with a view!

AMEX Stadium

Home of Brighton and Hove Albion FC since 2011, a trip to the AMEX is a must for football enjoyers. Join one of the 32,000 in watching the Seagulls play, and experience an atmosphere like no other. Or if you don’t fancy a match, take part in a non match day activity such as a full stadium tour or a visit to the merch filled superstore. Transport is easy peasy with train and bus stations at the stadiums doorsteps, and travel guides all over their website.

Brighton Palace Pier

No visit to Brighton is complete without strolling along the historic Brighton Palace Pier. Built-in 1899, this iconic landmark offers an array of amusements, traditional arcade games, and thrilling rides. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, treat yourself to some fish and chips, or indulge in candyfloss while experiencing the classic British seaside charm. I recommend standing on the pier at sunset to see the most captivating views.

Royal Pavilion

Step into the opulent world of the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence and architectural gem. Built for King George IV in the 18th century, the palace showcases a striking mix of Indian and Chinese-inspired architecture. Wander through the splendidly decorated rooms and beautiful gardens to experience a taste of regal grandeur. Explore everything from the basement and tunnel tours, to the upper chambers and extensive collections. Then relax with a cream tea from the cafe, or catch some sun in the wildlife-haven gardens.

Make Your Mark

Painters, poets, weavers, welders, gardeners, gilders, calligraphers, conservators…

Whatever your craft, whatever your level, there is a short course for you at West Dean.

Learn from expert tutors in inspirational surroundings, or study in your own time with distance learning.

Make time for creativity at westdean.ac.uk

Image by Ashleigh Cosham

AYURVEDA RETREAT

When the evenings get darker and the weather gets colder, waving the last of summer goodbye, a feeling of dread washes over a great majority of us. However, transitioning between the seasons does not have to be so difficult. With the help of practices from Ayurveda, we can become more in control of our physical and mental health through these periods of change. You could simply glide out of one season and into the next. Ritu Sandhi, literally meaning the junction between two seasons, will immerse visitors into these exercises, therapies and lessons over a whole day on Sun 24 September. In return, you will have the tools and knowledge to improve your overall health and wellbeing for a flourishing lifestyle.

Ayurveda is the lesser known sibling science to yoga. It is an ancient science relying on natural and holistic methods to strengthen your mind and body throughout all seasons in your life. The retreat is the perfect environment to learn about this approach to living because you will be truly immersed in the ideologies of the practice. For starters, it is set in the beautiful location of Knepp Estate, which is one of the UK’s biggest rewilding projects. Surrounded by wildflowers and endless meadows, you will witness first hand how humans are both a part of, and directly affected by nature. What you can see around you, we are made up of those things. When nature changes, so do we. These are the types of lessons you can only fully grasp by stepping away from the daily hustle, and into this unique experience.

Another advantage to this holistic learning environment is the fact that the lessons can be personalised to you and your needs. Ayurveda can often seem complicated, but the day will be completely accessible, making the practices and therapies easy to understand so that you can apply them to your everyday life.

Led by Indie (of Indie Wellness) and Gemma (of Root Ayurveda), these two lovely practitioners and consultants have all the knowledge to ensure you reap the skills and tools you need. You will take part in Pranayama - controlled breathing and energy practice from yoga - as well as self-massage. At the root of the day retreat is insight and guidance to knowing yourself and your body better. Ayurveda allows you to be in control of how you choose to live well and joyfully. The sense of individuality is continued through the personal pulse readings. They will give you better comprehension of your specific needs and changes you could introduce to your lifestyle.

Food and nutrition is also a key part of the day as you will also discover the power of food, herbs and rituals. You have the ingredients you need in your very own kitchen for navigating the seasons confidently. Allow Indie and Gemma to show you the recipes! A nutritious Ayurvedic lunch, that will be season specific and cover all aspects of a balanced

meal, will be made available alongside lots of herbal tea.

Ayurveda is a wisdom that will make you feel empowered and connected to yourself, each other and nature. Celebrate your open mindedness to new knowledge with other curious and amiable individuals within the tranquil setting. The day runs from 10am - 4pm and everything will be provided, but you are invited to bring anything that would add comfort (a notebook, for example). Plus, you get to take home a gift bag full of treats and special offers from some awesome small businesses.

General tickets are £125, but there are also two community spaces priced at £95 for those that would face difficulty in accessing this offering. This includes but is not limited to those that are experiencing financial barriers, those that identify as black, brown or are part of a racialised community, the LGBTQIA+ community, those that live with a disability. Book tickets at www.ritusandhi.co.uk/#tickets

Gemma also offers consultations, therapies and treatment plans more generally with Root Ayurveda…

“I was experiencing chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, repeating colds, IBS, food intolerances, bad skin, high stress and no emotional balance. From personally using and subsequently Ayurveda for the last ten years, I now know the root cause of the problems and how I can prevent them arising again. I’ve also become a mum in the last three years and have enjoyed using these practices to foster a healthy family life. My ambition is to show you that by integrating ayurveda into your daily routine you can take control of your health.”

www.rootayurveda.com

Indie similarly teaches yoga, ayurveda and provides treatments such as facials, and hosts events and workshops through Indie Wellness…

“I support people in reconnecting to themselves and their bodies through all the wisdom found in these practices, some of which are ancestral for me. On my journey of reclamation it led me back to my spiritual roots of Sikhism and ancestral roots in Panjab, India. I found my place and life’s work in Yoga and Ayurveda, without the influence of ego and society and instead leading with curiosity and need for community.”

www.indiewellness.co.uk

Immerse yourself in Ritu Sandhi, a seasonal Ayurveda retreat for improving your health and wellbeing

ESCAPE INTO SERENITY AT SOUTH LODGE SPA

SOUTH LODGE LAUNCH GRAPEVINE FACE AND BODY

GLOW TREATMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH PELEGRIMS

BY AMY STANBOROUGH

Pulling up to South Lodge in a taxi, there was an instant sense of escape. Perhaps because the location is a short ten minute drive away from the bustle of Horsham town centre, and into the tranquillity of the Downs. Perhaps the sense of retreat was amplified by the fact that it was one of our very few sunny days in July this year. The hotel, once a private home amongst the 92 acres of countryside, stands proud in its romantic beauty. The spa is just a short stroll beside it and holds its very own sense of getaway; while the hotel embodies charm, the spa embodies calm. Everything from the ambient music to the gym facilities is catered towards wellness. They have all you could need to ensure you feel good, putting your mind and body at the forefront of your stay, whether that's over a weekend or just one day.

When I arrived I was greeted at the front desk and asked to fill out a short health consultation form. The staff were immediately friendly and welcoming, keen to answer any questions and happily showed me around the space which is spread across two floors: the gym, pool and changing rooms were downstairs, while the treatment rooms, relaxation lounge and Botanica restaurant were upstairs with the reception area. I was

warmly informed that my Grapevine Face and Body Glow treatment was at 11:10, and my lunch reservation was at 12:30, giving me about an hour to settle into the spa and make the most of their offering. This was all included as part of the Di-Vine Spa Day.

Stepping into the changing rooms, there was an immediate aura of luxury. Imagine marble print walls, massive well lit mirrors, plus a very stylish lounge area in the centre with leather sofas and decor on the bookshelves. Around the circumference of the room were vanity mirrors complete with plenty of amenities to ensure self-care comes first including hairdryers, cotton buds, straighteners. In every locker hangs a soft, fresh robe and towel waiting for you to slip into.

Next door is the first room of complete zen where you’ll find the sauna, salt room, and herbal steam rooms. Step inside the aromas and immediately feel the pores on your skin and sinuses thank you. Once you’ve done a few rounds of warming up your body, brave the cold drench bucket. Then, step into the indoor pool area which has regular water classes and more loungers scattered around the edge.

South Lodge’s number one inspiration is the incredible green surroundings in which the pool and gym both look out to. With the unobstructed views South Lodge have, it would be difficult to not want to boast and allow guests to truly immerse in the landscape. The outdoor area is where nature is fully taken advantage of with a vitality pool, wild swimming pool, sun loungers, egg chairs and cushioned seating to lay back and soak in the sights of meadows. Resting with the sun on my skin, and the sound of fountains dancing in the vitality pool, it does not get much better. Well, maybe apart from doing breaststroke in the gorgeous blue wild pool, becoming one with the grass and the flowers and trees that surround.

Then it came time to head back upstairs for my Grapevine Face and Body Glow, which was brand new to the spa for July. This revitalising treatment consists of a “facial for the back” - a part of our body and skin which can so easily get dismissed. During the sixty minutes expect a cleanse, detox, and overall hydration for the back, neck and shoulders via a massage. Rosie took me into the dark, peaceful room and introduced what to expect before stepping outside as I lay down and got comfortable. A brand new product

range was used showcasing a South Lodge partnership with Pelegrims. Each cream, serum and mask uses grape leaf extract from South Lodge's very own vineyard. The extract contains natural antioxidant properties with anti-ageing benefits, which softens and rejuvenates the skin while lightening scars, and smoothing uneven skin tone.

My skin was pressed and muscles kneaded like bread in a wonderfully soul-soothing procedure. While my back absorbed all the earthy smelling products, I received a scalp massage. Then, my feet too were rubbed with balms as the mask set on my face. When I slowly rose from the bed feeling half asleep, I was offered herbal tea and a lie down in the relaxation lounge to maintain the peace. My skin felt like it was glistening, still thick with the moisturiser slowly seeping into my pores. Being reintroduced to the views of nature with my chamomile tea, complimentary grapes and sunlight was the perfect transition out of the treatment.

Then, I made my way to Botanica restaurant which is open for the public to use and dine in, alongside spa and hotel guests. The Di-

Vine Spa Day includes £40 allowance to spend on a tasty and nutritious lunch, while you can also purchase wines, cocktails or hot drinks. The atmosphere maintains the calmness of the spa, allowing you to sit in the restaurant in your robe until 5:45, while the attentive staff work hard to ensure you receive star treatment.

Recommended was the chicken caesar salad, popular with regulars, though there were brunch options, and small plates as well as other larger lunch dishes to choose from. Botanica are dairy free and sustainable; head chef Jonathon Spiers draws on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients. Although not totally vegetarian, the menu features a plethora of plant-based plates. I opted for the smoked salmon crumpet with a caviar and dill dressing, and just a touch of lemon and pea shoots to garnish. It was fresh, well flavoured, and to have the crumpet made in-house was a fine benefit to the plate.

After my lunch I chose to dawdle around the grounds, marvelling at the wonderful architecture of the hotel and breathing in the

fresh air. I stumbled across the tennis courts, and glorious vineyard. I spotted bunnies, birds and bees hiding in the bushes around the paths. South Lodge is the perfect place to run away to for a staycation or celebration. Should you want to return again and again, you could become an Exclusive Collection member and make the most of their facilities whenever you like.

The Di-Vine Spa day includes full day access to all spa facilities including gym and pool from 8am (classes should be booked in advance). Plus, Grapevine Face and Body Glow, £40 allowance on food at Botanica and a glass of Ridgeview English sparkling wine.

Book your spa day at www.exclusive.co.uk/ the-spa-at-south-lodge/spa-days/

Find out more about Pelegrims who are working in collaboration with South Lodge at pelegrims.com/

Image © Amy Murrell

Image © Amy Murrell

Image © Amy Murrell

Image © Amy Murrell

Travel is life!

It inspires, ignites, restores and excites!

I am a travel designer with my own local business based in Hove. I collaborate with the multi-award winning and 5-star Trust Pilot rated Travel Counsellors.

My expertise creates bespoke, unforgettable adventures all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a package holiday to unwind from your daily life, a villa holiday with friends and family, honeymoon, luxury stays at unique locations, expeditions, safaris, road trips. I can do it all!

I do this by offering a completely personalised service; from our very first consultation and by getting to know you, what you love (and what you don’t!) so I can find exactly what you’re looking for on your special escape.

I’ll design your trip by prioritising what I think will give you the best experience. Being an independent company, I’m not tied to using any particular suppliers; it’s all about giving YOU the most extraordinary experience.

Being a nurse in my former life, I deeply care about my clients and making sure they are looked after and safe. I am always at

the end of the phone whilst we’re planning your trip, when you’re travelling and when you come home. This way, if anything goes wrong (and we’ve unfortunately seen some terrible events across Europe these past couple of weeks) I will always be there for you; you never have to be on hold for hours with call centres.

I have 24/7 duty office support should anything need to be done urgently whilst you’re away. Hopefully not, but if anything goes wrong on your holiday, you’ll always have the dream team available at only a phone call away ( = Me + the awesome duty office team).

I also offer 100% full financial protection with both ATOL and the Travel Counsellors Financial Trust.

So in a nutshell - I’ll do all the hard work, research and design the perfect and most spectacular getaway for you and/or your loved ones and I will look after you every step of the way.

24/7 support no matter where you are, or what time you need me. At travel counsellors we’re all about you. Your needs wants and aspirations for far-flung

celebrations - coupled with personal service beyond compare - you can always rely on me.

Get in touch for a consultation and bespoke quote!

TRAVEL COUNSELLORS

www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/celine. hollinshead

Part-time courses for adults

Starting from September

gbmc.ac.uk/courses-for-adults

TRAVEL-INSPIRED INTERIORS

By Freya O’Malley

The world has become increasingly interconnected, and travel has become more accessible than ever before. The thrill of exploring new cultures, vibrant landscapes, and captivating architecture stays with us. However, not everyone can embark on endless journeys, and with work and family commitments and the rising cost of living we’re lucky if we get to board a flight once a year.

When I do get away, except for sipping a pina colada on a sun lounger, there is nothing I love more than finding local markets and stores selling goods made by artisans from the area or unique vintage pieces. The variety of materials, techniques and colours are usually a million miles from what we find at home.

Pre-empting holiday purchases is not normally top of the agenda when packing to go, and squeezing items into already jam-packed hand luggage is not the best way to end a trip. If you remember to take spare bag, that’s great but also bigger items can usually be shipped home by the seller, or you can simply take home the inspiration and sites like Etsy are a great recourse to purchase items from across the globe from people who have set up reliable shipping routes straight to your door.

By infusing our homes with elements inspired by our travels, we can create a space that encapsulates the spirit of adventure and provides a daily escape. Just be careful to not over to it, our homes should make us happy and memories of these moments are wonderful but you don’t want to find yourself in an homage to your gap year from 15 years ago!

There are many ways to inject inspiration from past travels into your home, displaying pieces you’ve collected is an obvious one, but you can also bring in colour inspired by the places you’ve visited or textures, fabrics and materials you discovered on trips. Pickleson Paint Co. offer a huge rage of travel inspired colours. Cheeky Tan (pictured below) is a direct colour match to the colourings on Patchos their Greek rescue dogs fur. ‘The colour has all the warmth of a Cretan sunset and immediately makes us crave a slab of Moussaka and an ice-cold Mythos.’ With every order of Cheeky Tan, Pickleson Paint Co. will donate £10 to the The Souda Shelter Project, helping find safe and loving homes for rescue dogs.

Some other subtle ways to incorporate your travels, could be printing and framing photographs from trips, buying a bed spread, cushion covers or other accessories that bring pattern and texture to your home. Small additions like this bring a unique style to your home making it more individual and personal to you.

Be careful not to get carried away though and ensure you love what you’re bringing into your home and will compliment your lifestyle when you’re not globe-trotting. For example, sitting on cushions around a low table sipping fresh mint tea in Morocco won’t necessarily translate to a city centre flat. Be selective, imagine how these purchases will fit into your life back home and then sit back and enjoy.

Freya O’Malley Studio FLO Interior Design

www.studioflo.co.uk

07904608358

1. Casa Cubista Plates Lamp Ldn From £20

2. Pickleson Paint - Cheeky Tan

3. Beni Ourain Rug - Houdal through Etsy - From £180

4. Glass Tumbler Late Afternoon Lamp_Ldn £26.00

5. Swedish VERA Blanket by Pappelina £149

6. Kiln Set Of 2 Mugs by Denby £38

Photo Credit Jack Ward

Photo Credit Filip Gielda

STARTING UNIVERSITY THIS ACADEMIC YEAR?

HERE ARE SOME TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WHAT YOU COULD EXPECT…

BY SAGAL HASSAN

Many of you reading this could be studying in Brighton once the new academic year starts, preparing to embark on your adventure. Perhaps you have already arrived and started your studies. Or maybe you are moving away and eager to explore your new home. Either way, congratulations on starting university!

As you prepare for this new chapter in your life, there are numerous exciting things to anticipate. This guide highlights some of the most thrilling aspects that await, as well as a helpful list of things you could need for the years ahead.

NEW FRIENDSHIPS AND DIVERSE CONNECTIONS

University is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and personalities. Anticipate forming lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. Whether you're bonding with your flatmates, joining clubs, or collaborating with classmates on projects, the diversity of the university community will enrich your social circle. Be confident and friendly, you are all in the same boat when it comes to getting to know each other and don’t be afraid to stay true to your character.

ACADEMIC EXPLORATION AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH

University offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into subjects you are passionate about. Anticipate expanding your knowledge, critical thinking skills, and academic horizons. You will be engaging with professors, attending lectures, and participating in stimulating discussions that will contribute to your intellectual growth. Own your passions and don’t be afraid to raise your hand - as soon as you overcome this fear, the better for your wellbeing! Challenge yourself, and take some risks in your academic journey. Who knows if you could be the next Freud or bell hooks?

ENGAGING CAMPUS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Universities are renowned for their vibrant campus life. Throw yourself into the atmosphere and make sure you take advantage of any markets, live music, theatre, sports events, and cultural festivals which could be hosted by your surrounding students or in the wider community. These experiences will create cherished memories and enhance your university experience. Make sure you explore which extra curricular societies you could join, as well as volunteering opportunities within your campus. Whether you enjoy sports, art, volunteering, or entrepreneurship, there will be a place for you to thrive.

INDEPENDENCE AND PERSONAL GROWTH

Moving away from home and living independently at university allows you to discover your individuality and build life skills. Anticipate personal growth as you learn to manage your time, budget, and responsibilities, ultimately fostering self-reliance and confidence. Feeling homesick? Remember your family and friends are constantly a phone call away. Mental health services should be available at your student union should you find adapting to this independent life more challenging than anticipated. Or, you may thrive in this new found freedom and learn to become your own best friend.

MEMORIES AND LIFE-LONG BONDS

University is a time of personal growth, learning, connections and ultimately, enjoying fun experiences. You will create treasured memories and forge life-long bonds with friends, mentors, and fellow students who will remain a part of your life even after graduation. Moving to university certainly is overwhelming, but try to allow yourself to feel every emotion. Whilst moving to a new place is daunting, being able to have all your essential needs will help you have a smooth transition into your new lifestyle.

WHAT TO TAKE TO UNIVERSITY:

Academic Supplies:

• Notebooks, binders, and folders for organizing coursework.

• Pens, pencils, highlighters, and erasers.

• A reliable laptop or computer and necessary accessories.

• USB flash drives or external hard drives for data backup.

Bedding and Linens:

• Bed sheets, pillowcases, and a cozy duvet.

• Pillows (consider bringing one or two for extra comfort).

• Towels (bath and hand towels).

• Mattress protector for added hygiene.

Kitchen Essentials:

• Plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs.

• Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons).

• Basic cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, etc.).

• Pots and pans suitable for apartment cooking.

• You might need to bring your own kettle or toaster (check accommodation amenities)

• Microwave-safe containers for meal prep!

Personal Hygiene and Health Items:

• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.).

• Prescription medications and any necessary medical supplies.

• First aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic cream, etc.

• Hand sanitizer

• Cleaning products for kitchen and bathroom

Clothing and Laundry Supplies:

• Clothing suitable for various weather conditions.

• Hangers for organizing your wardrobe.

• Laundry detergent and laundry bag or basket.

• Iron and ironing board (if needed).

• A washing airer (to save money on tumble driers)

Electronics and Gadgets:

• Phone and charger.

• Power strips and extension cords for charging multiple devices.

• Headphones for studying or personal enjoyment.

• Portable Bluetooth speaker for gatherings or relaxation.

Room Decor and Personalization:

• Photos, posters, or wall art to personalize your living space. (most accommodation has a pinboard to stick things to)

• Comfortable seating options like a bean bag or floor cushions.

• Desk lamp or fairy lights for a cozy ambiance.

• Plants or succulents to bring life to your room.

Identification and Important Documents:

• ID card, passport, driver's license, and any required university ID.

• University acceptance letter and related paperwork.

• Accommodation contract and other essential documents.

• Bank cards and important contact information.

• You could bring a safe for your bedroom, though university accommodation is generally very secure

Recreational and Hobby Items:

• Books or other hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.

• Card games (especially drinking games!)

• Sports equipment or exercise gear if you enjoy staying active.

• Musical instruments (if you play) to entertain and unwind.

As you prepare to embark on this incredible adventure, keep these exciting anticipations in mind. University is a transformative journey that offers endless opportunities for personal and academic growth. Embrace every moment, be open to new experiences, and make the most of this enriching chapter in your life. Here's to a fulfilling and unforgettable university experience ahead!

1 Apr to 3 Sep 2023

Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Closed Mon (except Bank Holidays 10am-5pm)

Free with museum admission

brightonmuseums.org.uk

Punch Line © Roger Bamber / TopFoto

FOLLOWING RAVILIOUS - NEWHAVEN VIEWS

Public art project brings iconic landscape painter out into the streets

By Stuart Rolt

“My own take is that he found something a little bit different…” Nick Stockman, Towner Eastbourne’s Newhaven Creative Producer, is musing on what makes the landscapes of artist Eric Ravilious so striking. “That combination of manmade objects and industry, with this beautiful appreciation of the countryside. You can’t really look at his work and say he was a luddite or old-fashioned. He had an eye for the future and realised that things were changing.”

Ravilious grew up in Sussex, becoming best-known for his glorious and often unconventional watercolours of the English countryside. He’d often stay at the home of his friend, fellow artist Peggy Angus, which sat close to Newhaven harbour. The bustle of the port fascinated him, feeding his passion for setting natural beauty against manmade objects. Between the wars, he’d capture romantic views of the Brighton Queen crosschannel ferry, dredgers and local lighthouses.

Now Towner Eastbourne is staging a reassessment of his works on the streets of Newhaven. Drawing from their extensive Ravilious collection, they’ve invited some of the country’s most exciting contemporary artists to provide their own response to a selection of his iconic works. Following Ravilious - Newhaven Views will be pairing these together on a series of large billboards around the area. Some are even situated on the same vantage points where the acclaimed artist would have worked 90 years ago. The project stems from a belief that residents hold a similar affection for their town.

“He was really drawn to the place… and was of the first artists to recognise that connection between the rural, the marine and industrial. We wanted to bring those pictures of Newhaven out of the collection at Townerr and show everyone that he was one of their own.” The responding artists are divided between established local talent and those making waves on the national scene. Emily Alchurch is based in Hastings and recreates Old Masters artworks with a range of digital processes. She’s taken on Ravilious’ Channel Steamer Leaving Harbour (1935), offering an interpretation of a similar modern scene. Jo Lamb is another local artist, who similarly finds herself inspired by the industrial and marine landscape of Newhaven. Once living on nearby Fort Road, her paintings are personal and intimate, but take on a universal quality through bold use of composition and colour.

“We were looking for something which combined Ravilious’s view with a more contemporary perspective and give people a feeling of what Newhaven is about at the moment,” says Stockman. “We invited artists from all around. There are very hyper-local people, who ‘live and breathe’ the area, to those who has more of a generalist eye for landscape and textures. The aim was to show that in contemporary art, there’s still a relevance in what was drawn back in the 30s.”

Also taking part is Mark Titchner, who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2006 with work exploring words and language. Recently, much of his output has been based in the public realm, with works often

created from group activities with young people and in mental health settings. Also contributing is Charlie Prodger, whose practice encompasses moving image, writing, sculpture and printmaking. She was the winner of the 2018 Turner Prize and represented Scotland at the 2019 Venice Biennale, as well as receiving 2017‘s Paul Hamlyn Award and 2014’s Margaret Tait Award. “It’s great that they’re very different artists. They work in different mediums and have different world views. This demonstrates how Ravilious can be a catalyst for very different reactions and responses.”

As Britain has evolved over the years, Newhaven’s fortunes have also changed. “In the time that Ravilious was painting, there were grand hotels and luxurious accommodation on the boats. Many of the artists around the area came to Newhaven a lot, not just to travel to France but to enjoy the town.” Much of the glamour and manufacturing industry has since moved elsewhere, leaving behind scrap metal merchants, aggregate suppliers and a futuristic recycling plant. Slowly, it’s figuring out its new identity. If Sussex was a boy-band, the town would likely be the Gary Barlow of the whole set-up. Other members get more appreciation because they’re more attractive or outrageous. But try getting anything done without Gary and everything starts to fall apart very quickly. Stockman tells me the community are increasingly speaking with one voice. “At Towner, we’ve been supporting creatives in Newhaven for a few years now. There is that perception of it being left behind, but things are changing. And they will change even more over the next few years.”

This speaks directly to the power of public art. It can help develop pride in a place and sense of ownership in the space around us. Focussing on this potential, Following Ravilious - Newhaven Views platforms an artist who loved the town. There’s certainly more to the area than a harbour, a fort, a stature of Ho Chi Minh and a memorial bench dedicated to notorious 90s gangster rapper, Eazy-E (I swear I’m not making that one up). Nestled between the South Downs National Park and a UNESCO world biosphere coastline, there’s a rugged dichotomy between the remains of industry and the natural world. There’s also a thriving creative scene, which has wholeheartedly embraced the project.

“There are some creative and community groups who we work with quite closely, like Hospitable Environment and Newhaven Festival, and the reaction has been incredibly positive.” There’s now a whole range of fringe events running alongside everything, including a showing of the Ravilious film which debuted last year and walks around the trails, where local artists will be giving us their unique perspective on his work. There’s also a talk at the hotel where he boarded when painting many of his works.

The exhibition forms the centrepiece of a regeneration programme, which features events and arts activities funded by the Newhaven Enterprise Zone and delivered by Towner Eastbourne, in collaboration with Creative Newhaven. The Enterprise Zone is aiming to create a new era for the town through quality, inclusive and sustainable growth. There’s a vision to recreate the area as a thriving business destination and a major contributor to the regional economy by 2030.

The project has been a genuine local undertaking, with businesses like the Newhaven-based modular housing company Boutique Modern, printers Prismaflex UK and scaffolders Austins Cradles all helping bring the plans to fruition. “So much of the expertise and effort has come from companies in Newhaven, which is indicative of the spirit here and how people are working to develop the town. It’s been a way of showing what we can do.”

Stockman is really keen that this large-scale exhibition brings pride to the area. The threemoth run coincides with the Turner Prize coming to Towner Eastbourne only a few miles away, and hopefully many its visitors can be encouraged to come and see work by one of Britain’s most inventive landscape artists in the very place where they were created. And this is only the beginning for exciting arts events in Newhaven. “There’s a real commitment to support and develop the creatives in the area. None of what we’re doing is flying in stuff from further afield. We’re working with and for the community. This is a milestone, but it’s certainly not the end…”

The Following Ravilious - Newhaven Views art trail is open now until the end of October, across Newhaven.

www.newhavenenterprisezone.com

HAIRY COMES TO WORTHING

Ground-braking comedy show for children to light up summer holidays

A hilarious new show for 6 - 12-year-olds is heading to Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre on Thurs 24 – Mon 28 Aug. Hairy is a playful and frankly laughable exploration of that most versatile and significant feature of human anatomy – HAIR. With a smart mix of comedy, punk rock and clown mayhem, it’s brimming with great generous dollops of bold visual comedy, Hairy is the first show created especially for young people by Spymonkey, the UK’s longest-running comedy theatre company, together with London’s Polka Theatre and Worthing Theatres and Museum.

Hair is amazing. It can be styled, waxed, fashioned, jheri-curled, dreadlocked and shorn! Hair can be striking, funny, scary, surprising, gorgeous and greasy! Long, short, curly, straight, thick, thin - it’s everywhere.

Hairnry is a follicle, and he’s one in a million. He arrives at Hairy Mission Control with big dreams of being Head Hair. He’s done his time being a toe hair, a knee hair, even a solitary mole hair… But is he ready to move to the top job? His three follicle friends are on hand to put him through his paces and make sure he’s ready to be a Super-Hairo. But, will they survive a shaving by the demon Barbers of De-Ville? Will they be able to defeat Major General Nit and his nitwit army from taking over the world? Perhaps… with the help of their slippery new invention, the Large Hedrin Collider?

Spymonkey is the UK’s foremost comedy theatre company, creating and performing theatre, variety, site-specific and cabaret work. Touring the UK and internationally, their roots are in physical theatre, circus, street theatre and site-specific work.

“We’ve been making funny theatre for adults for 25 years now,” said Spymonkey’s Joint Artistic Director, and Hairy co-director Toby Park. “We thought, why should grown-ups get all the fun? Also, grown-ups are easy to make laugh. Making a bunch of under-12s roll around in the aisles clutching their sides, to make something that will create a tidal wave of laughter for that most hardcore, demanding and discerning of comedy audiences, that’s way more challenging!

Spymonkey collaborate as ensemble together with core and associate creatives and we have been making sublimely hilarious and deeply

ridiculous theatre since 1998. They now use their Theatre of the Funny manifesto as the basis of productions and an expanding education and training programme. “Polka approached us a while ago to create something for their main theatre space,” added Park. ”It’s been great seeing how the ideas for this have evolved with their experience of making work for young people. We are delighted to be continuing our creative relationship with Worthing Theatres.”

Polka Theatre is one of just a few dedicated children’s venues in the UK. It presents a year-round programme of shows and creative learning activities for ages 0 – 12. “I am so delighted that Polka get this opportunity to create with the UK’s leading physical comedy company,” said Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director, Helen Matravers. “Spymonkey’s incredible reputation for making inventive and playful work makes them the perfect team to create a truly brilliant and bonkers new piece for young audiences. Hairy will combine clowning, comedy, music, song and all-things hair – it’s a match made in heaven and will provide a summer of laughter on Polka and Worthing Theatre’s stages, without doubt.”

Worthing Theatres & Museum is a unique arts and heritage charity with a large portfolio of distinct historic venues in the heart of Worthing. It presents a vibrant, diverse and entertaining programme of performances, events, film, exhibitions and workshops. As a place-based cultural centre, it drives social, cultural & economic transformation across our communities, bringing people together, building civic pride, and inspiring creativity.

We’re thrilled that Hairy is our first co-production; an entirely original piece of family theatre by the world-class Spymonkey,” said CEO and Creative Director, Amanda O’Reilly Following the London premiere at Polka Theatre, Spymonkey are returning home to the south coast with this anarchic, joyful and silly celebration of hair in all its guises. We can’t wait for the show to hit our Pavilion Theatre stage this summer.”

For tickets and more information, head to: www.wtm.uk/events/spymonkeys-hairy

Photo Credit: Steve Gregson

Photo Credit: Steve Gregson

Caring for local families for generations.

When a loved one passes away, end-of-life care needs to be dependable, compassionate and ethical. With decades of experience, our trusted funeral services are available whenever you need us on 0800 008 6878. Local to you in:

Enjoy wood-fired saunas beside the sea with Beach Box Spa

By Amy Stanborough and Liz Watson

Whether you live in, or are visiting Brighton, one thing that draws us to this colourful city is the fact that it also has a beach. Every summer, hundreds of people of all ages congregate on the pebbles with speakers and cans, getting sunburnt and swarmed by seagulls. It is sometimes just a bit too crowded, or sometimes it’s raining! Sometimes you just want to enjoy the heat and the sound of the waves in your own bubble of serenity. That is what Beach Box Spa is for.

Located behind Volks Railway, near the new Sea Lanes swimming pool, you will find a retreat for spa therapies and relaxation on Brighton beach. They use horse-box converted outdoor saunas with classic European treatments to provide visitors with the ultimate wellness experience. Guests can enjoy the Sussex sea air, while being pampered.

Beach Box Spa was co-founded in 2018 by two women who met at their childrens’ school gates. Liz Watson had a long background as a naturopathic health practitioner, and Katie Bracher had been learning about Saunas in London. They were both intrigued by the idea of having a spa by the sea. The sauna in a horsebox idea stemmed from someone they knew turning a horsebox into a sauna for their architectural degree. Then, when Brighton Fringe 2018 came around, they borrowed the sauna and tested the idea as an experiment. The seaside sauna was so popular that the council gave Beach Box a location so that it could stay in place. And that was the birth of Beach Box Spa.

Now the spa is open six days a week 8am9pm, all year round. It is the perfect spot to visit if you want to elongate a visit to Brighton, encouraging you to switch off and relax in balance with busy explorations of the lanes. But what does a visit to Beach Box Spa actually entail?

Experience a two hour slot in an authentic European sauna. There are two horse-box saunas, and most recently is a huge ten seater sauna with a window looking out to the sea. This latest addition to the site named Lotta - designed in the shape of an enlarged shepherd’s hut - is crafted and sponsored by Brighton based luxury sauna builders, Wildhut. Experience four rounds of heating up and cooling down for benefits to your blood circulation, muscles and overall mood. Also, salt scrubs, leaves and clay masks can be added to the adventure, all therapies popular in countries such as Germany, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Lithuania.

Be exclusively looked after by hiring your own sauna master who ensures you maximise your time for the most benefits including the use of essential oils and leaves. Leaf whisking is one therapy where the warm skin gets hit with leaves for a lovely sensation and encourages blood to come to the surface, opening capillaries and inducing sweat. Your sauna master will also guide you when to get in and out of the sauna to leave you feeling especially replenished.

Finish your stay with a plunge in the ice bath and let the chill of the refrigerated system rush over your body. It will instantly ease aches and pains and leave your body and mind on an adrenaline high.

As if the experience at Beach Box Spa is not relaxing enough, there are also plenty of collaborations with local businesses for further wellness events and activities. Look out for full moon parties, yoga classes, paddleboarding, sea swimming with instructors, and Wellness Wednesdays where @to.be.well visits the site to offer massages. This, alongside the comforting smell of embers on the campfire, is the perfect combination. Stay up to date with all events by following Beach Box Spa on socials @beachboxspa

When you realise how much you love Beach Box Spa, you will want to bring your friends. The good news is the whole site or individual saunas are available for hire for your events and celebrations. The team asks that you not bring alcohol, but picnics by the fire and soft drinks in the stones are very welcome. They are also inviting you to have your corporate days at Beach Box Spa to raise funds for sauna spaces for charities. Any extra donations or funds given to the company will go towards providing sauna sessions for those who may not be able to afford it, including NHS Staff, certain local charities and to raise funds for the homeless charity Nightstop. If you would like to host your corporate wellbeing day at Beach box or for any other “burning” questions email hello@beachboxspa.co.uk

45 minute express sessions are available for a steal of £12.50, or enjoy the full 90 minutes recommended sessions from just £25.

Book online at beachboxspa.co.uk or follow them on @beachboxbtn

Photo Credit Jo Thorne

Photo Credit Jo Thorne

Photo Credit Jo Thorne

Photo Credit Jo Thorne

Photo Credit Jo Thorne

Photo Credit Jo Thorne

A stylish stay embracing the Eastbourne coastline at Port Hotel

By Amy Stanborough

I grew up near Heathrow airport and used to go on family holidays to seaside towns when I was younger. My parents loved the nostalgia of their own childhood holidays - Bournemouth for my mum, and Selsey for my dad - and wanted my brother and I to experience the ‘sea air’ for ourselves. What drew us to these towns was simply the idea of escape and rest with a change of scenery.

What seems to be trending now however in places like Brighton, Cornwall, and even off-grid rural areas, is accommodation which supports visitors’ needs for a place to escape and rest. Boutique hotels are replacing bed and breakfasts, and eco friendly glamping sites are replacing caravan parks. My first impression when I walked into Port hotel in Eastbourne was “I don’t need to go anywhere; I have everything I want and need to enjoy my time right here in this very room.”

There is a joke in Fawlty Towers that goes, “this is the worst-run hotel in Western Europe” and the responding punchline is, “there’s a place in Eastbourne.” Port hotel is the complete opposite to the butt of a joke. It’s stylish and comfortable, and it’s not often a hotel inspires the design details to add to your own home.

The black paint on the exterior of the hotel establishes the chic modernism that this seafront townhouse has come to represent. There are outdoor bistro sets laid out on the terrace to enjoy a coffee or cocktail. As I walked in, there was no grand reception entrance but rather, I was confronted by the dining area. On one side of the open plan room was the bar stocked with local spirits and wines, on the other, a cozy seating corner with a fireplace and shelves stacked with coffee table books and quirky decor. The cork flooring with sand and blush coloured furniture compliments the outside beach location beautifully. It successfully represents its surroundings, which was the initial inspiration for the interior design carried out by Imraan Ismail.

Founded by Peter Cadwallader, and Ian and Clive Douglas, this team joined forces alongside Isamail to open the hotel’s door in 2021. Across the hotel is 19 rooms in total including two family rooms on the ground floor. It should be noted that this is not an accessible hotel, with no lift for wheelchair users. I was blessed with one of the six bedrooms with a sea view which continue the pebble-like palette. Meanwhile, the back rooms which overlook the town and South Downs, have a sage and moss green scheme to reflect their view.

As soon as the door to my room was opened, I was impressed by the natural light flowing through the floor to ceiling windows. There was a table and chair setup by the large windows making the perfect spot to look out to the waves. Binoculars poised on the welcome letter was just one of the delightful details. Port truly encourages a tranquil connection to the coast.

Also in the room was a record player and records to spin beside the huge king size bed. Books on interior design, fashion photography, and the Sussex landscape added to the home away from home vibe. The fridge was stocked with complimentary water and there is a WhatsApp number for the hotel reception to ensure guests get everything they need at the tap of a text.

In the bathroom half of the room was the finest touch - a freestanding egg bath beside a window to ensure you bathe with a view. The toilet and shower were separated by their own cubicles to ensure privacy with plenty of towels, flannels and a hairdryer too.

After a great night sleep in the cozy bed, I helped myself to a coffee from the Nespresso machine (make sure you ask reception for some milk!) and watched the morning dog walkers from my window seat. The only hindrance to my sleep was the slight hum of traffic along Royal Parade. Breakfast is served 7:30-12 Mon-Thurs and has longer hours on weekends. There were lighter options of granola, porridge and toast available, or the usual brunch suspects. Including, a full breakfast - meat, veggie and vegan options - scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast, bacon with homemade waffles, seasonal hash, and I went for the avocado toast.

By evening, this dining space offers a delightful dinner service with head chef Alex Burtenshaw. All the food is proudly sourced in Sussex with all ingredients coming from within 30 miles of the property. Behind the bar you will also find local artisanal brands.

My breakfast was ordered alongside a small pot of tea and a bottle of orange juice. The avocado was piled high in a generous layer on top of my soft granary toast. It was well salted with sweet tomatoes bound through. I ordered it to come with smoked salmon which was served generously too. Port hotel is well worth the visit simply for the food alone.

Overall, there was not much to fault Port Hotel on, apart from the accessibility issues, and it is clear to see why it has gathered so much positive press attention. It exemplifies how seaside towns are becoming more stylish and boutique by showcasing stunning design and embracing nature on its doorstep.

PRICES

£90 for Cabin Rooms

£120 for Town Rooms

£140 Dog Friendly Rooms

£180 Sea View Rooms

£230 for The Studio Apartment

www.porthotel.co.uk @stayatport

11-12 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AR

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

Photo Credit Emma Croman

IMPROVE YOUR HOME DON’T MOVE:

By Freya O’Malley

The decision to sell a home and move to a new one is often driven by the need for more space, improved functionality, or a change in lifestyle. However, an increasingly popular alternative to this is renovating and in some cases extending your existing home. By investing in home improvements, homeowners can enhance their living space, increase property value, and avoid the hassle and expenses associated with selling and moving. The benefits of renovating and extending your home is a cost-effective and practical solution rather than forking out thousands on fees and taxes.

One of the main advantages of renovating and extending your home is being able to stay in your desired location. There are many reasons you may want to stay in your current area, proximity to schools, staying close to friends and neighbours or even being within the delivery area of your favourite Indian take away. By choosing to renovate, you can preserve your existing relationships, amenities, and lifestyle, without the need to uproot your family and start again.

Refurbishing your home can be a more cost-effective option compared to selling and moving. Selling a property involves so many expenses such as estate agent fees, legal costs, moving expenses, and stamp duty. Additionally, the process of finding a new home and negotiating a purchase can be time-consuming and stressful. By renovating, you can allocate a portion of these costs towards improving your existing property, ensuring that you get the most value out of your investment.

Strategic home upgrades and extensions have the potential to increase the value of your property if done right. Enhancing key areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, or adding extra rooms, can significantly improve the marketability and appeal of your home. By investing in these upgrades, you can potentially enjoy a higher selling price if you decide to sell in the future. In the meantime, you also get to enjoy the benefits of the improvements you have made.

Updating your home allows you to create a space that perfectly matches your needs and tastes. Whether it’s a larger kitchen, an additional bedroom, or a home office, you have the freedom to customize your living space to suit your lifestyle. By working with architects, designers, and contractors, you can transform your house into your dream home, instead of moving into someone else’s.

If you are thinking of starting a renovation project, get in touch for a free consultation:

Freya O’Malley

Studio FLO Interior Design

www.studioflo.co.uk

07904608358

Photo Credit R Architecture

Photo Credit R Architecture

Photo Credit Josh Hemsley

Photo Credit R Architecture

If I ever saw a lion, cheetah or an elephant in my front room I’d be understandably concerned. But WildEarth has offered a unique and accessible solution for those who still want to connect with nature in all its esteemed glory, from wherever they may be based.

WildEarth, is a pioneering TV channel just launched in the UK on Freeview Channel 91. With twice daily, live-streamed safaris, viewers can now enjoy the captivating landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and stunning wildlife of South Africa from the comfort of their own homes, completely free of charge.

BN1 had the pleasure of speaking to Emily Wallington, Co-Founder of WildEarth, to discuss how the company is bringing nature to its viewers, and providing accessibility and intimacy directly to nature lovers.

What makes WildEarth differ from other nature channels?

WildEarth is almost entirely LIVE which stands us apart from all other nature channels out there. We do not make documentaries like all other channels, we offer experiences. We take our viewers on virtual safaris across a number of different wilderness hotspots in Africa. Viewers feel like they are guests on the back of a safari vehicle and together with the expert host go looking for Africa’s iconic wild animals. Our LIVE safaris are broadcast every single day which means WildEarth has 10 hours of fresh content daily unlike all other channels. As a result of it being LIVE it is also completely interactive. Viewers can ask questions of the expert guide and have the answer in real time.

Does the company cover a specific nature reserve or does WildEarth cover a variety of regions?

WildEarth’s main base is Djuma Private Game Reserve in the world renowned Sabi Sands in South Africa. It is here that they have broadcast for the last 16 years and as a result know many of the wild animals by name and personality. It is particularly well known for its leopards. WildEarth has been filming the

The beauty of nature at your fingertips

By Matt Russell

same family of leopards through generations and has seen numerous litters being born, fights, illness and death. WildEarth also broadcasts at three other locations in South Africa. Pridelands Game Reserve, which is also in the Greater Kruger, Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa bordering Botswana, and also Amakhala Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. In addition to these four main locations WildEarth broadcasts LIVE from web cameras across South Africa, Namibia and Kenya.

you cover?

WildEarth has been broadcasting from Djuma Orivate Game Reserve for 16 years and as a result has seen many anomalies in the weather from year to year. In 2017 they had one of the worst droughts in living history. The lion population was struck with a disease called white muscle disease which they caught from the prey animals that they were eating. As a result of dehydration and lack of food the prey animals were malnourished and when eaten by the predator created a terrible disease. The lions became paralysed, unable to use their muscles before succumbing to death.

For many years there was definitely a lot less rain than average and the temperatures were hotter. The water holes were not filling up and the animals were desperate. However, in recent years the rainfall is back to normal and at times surpassed the average.

On a more personal level, what are your favourite animals?

My favourite animal is the cheetah. You don't see many of them in the Sabi Sands as there are too many trees. However, in Amakhala on the Eastern Cape there are two cheetah brothers who we see regularly. The cheetah is not only extremely beautiful with its distinct teardrops on the face but is also the fastest

land mammal. Watching a cheetah run for its prey across the open plains is an aweinspiring experience.

Considering the great amount of coverage

WildEarth has, in your opinion, which do you think people will find the most fascinating?

To begin when people start to watch they will find the fact that it is LIVE fascinating. LIVE creates a sense of telepresence exactly like being on a zoom call. You really feel like you are there with the other people. The fact that both the guide and the viewer have no idea what they are going to see creates a sense of connection to the experience. Once people have been watching WildEarth for a while they will become invested in the characters. Because WildEarth is out filming for so many hours every day they see the same animals who end up being the stars of the show. Many of our viewers have set up facebook pages for each of our leopard, lion and hyena characters and tune in daily to catch up with them. Currently we think that the Queen of Djuma,Thlamaba the leopard, is pregnant and we think she will give birth in August.

And on the contrary, which animals are the most misunderstood that people might find the most interesting to learn more about?

Hyenas are notoriously underestimated and vilified. The Lion King created a belief that hyenas are dirty mangy creatures that are quite evil, which could not be further from the truth. We have a Clan called The Djuma Clan who we follow daily and know the various members by name. Their den is in the centre of Djuma and there are often new babies being nurtured by mothers and aunts. They are incredibly caring and a very tight knit community. The babies are very cute, they look like small black bears.

What gave you the impetus to start the

Being people who can see things from the ground up, have you noticed any elements of climate change affecting the areas

project?

I founded the company in 2007 with my husband. I came from a traditional wildlife television background having worked for the BBC Natural History Unit and National Geographic. My husband grew up in South Africa and had spent his youth visiting the Kruger Park and then founded a tech company when the internet started in 1998. We decided to pool our skills to start WildEarth. The internet obviously changed the world and helping a world to connect with nature will also be a critical need. By streaming LIVE wildlife over the internet we could help a wide and growing audience connect with the natural world.

Does WildEarth incorporate VR?

WildEarth dabbled in VR back in 2018. We had a special VR camera setup attached to the front of one of the safari vehicles At Djuma. We would drive into sightings and switch the camera on. The best sightings were when animals such as lions walked past the vehicle. When animals are surrounding the vehicle like that the viewer can move the screen around and find animals in different places. We had a contract with National Geographic to create a number of VR sequences for them, the most popular one being a piece called “The Naughty Elephant”. The guide was parked on the side of the road and the elephant came extremely close to the point where she put her trunk into the vehicle. Since then VR seemed to become less popular and we stopped creating videos.

Could you let us know a little more about the Explorer membership club?

The “Explorers'' is our direct to consumer membership club. WildEarth has many viewers who are literally addicted to tuning in daily. The main reason for this is that we have created a community of people who are passionate about nature and enjoy each other's company. They bond over watching WildEarth and checking in with their favourite animal characters. However, there are people who find watching WildEarth helps them both mentally andn physically. Over the years we have had numerous messages from our viewers about how we have saved them due to various reasons such as being housebound due to illness or depressed as a result of grief.

As a result, WildEarth set up the Explorer Club which offers people who are fans of WildEarth a chance to watch advert free and also have access to lots of extra content along with being a part of prize draws. For a small amount of money each month they receive numerous perks. It’s also a way of allowing WildEarth to remain free on our app to those who cannot afford to pay.

The project seems like a fascinating concept for both individuals and families to come together and immerse themselves in naturedo you have any live projects that cater for schools?

WildEarth schools is a project that we created many years ago. We recognised that the children of today are the future

conservationists of our planet and that helping them to understand our natural world at a young age will hopefully encourage them to save it in the future. Every Wednesday we broadcast the first hour of our SafariLIVE sunset show into various school classrooms across the world. It is still available to everyone but we only answer questions from those children during that hour. We allow for six schools per one hour slot and they book in through our schools web page. The guide welcomes each school individually and then only answers questions from the children at those schools. It is a completely free service at this point but we are looking for a sponsor to help us fund this amazingly worthwhile cause. Children watch in disbelief when they hear their schools name and then their own name on television. It creates engagement and a long lasting memory which changes lives.

Where do you hope to see the company in the future?

We want to get 24 hours a day LIVE so that anyone, anywhere in the world, can switch on and connect with a wild animal in real time somewhere in the world. At the moment we are only LIVE from Africa which means that when someone who lives in the United States, or the UK switches on in their prime time we cannot be LIVE as it is dark in Africa. The plan is to launch with Tiger LIVE from India in the next few months followed closely by Jungle Watch which will be LIVE from the Pantanal in Brazil looking at Jaguars and many other exotic wild animals.

FILM TMNT: MUTANT MAYHEM

WEDS 2 AUG // CINEMA

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend, April O’Neil, helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Starring Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Maya Rudolph, this is going to be THE holiday film of 2023. Cowabunga dude!

DREAMIN’ WILD

FRI 4 AUG // CINEMA

Bill Pohlad directs this true story of love and redemption, which looks at what happened to singer/songwriter Donnie Emerson and his family. The album he and his brother recorded as teenagers was rediscovered after thirty years of obscurity, and suddenly hailed by music critics as a lost masterpiece.

While the album’s re-evaluation brings hopes of second chances, it also exposes long-buried emotions. It stars Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel, Noah Jupe, Jack Dylan Grazer, Beau Bridges, Walton Goggins, Chris Messina, as Donnie, his wife Nancy, brother Joe and father Don Sr. come to terms with both the past and their newly found fame.

MEG 2: THE TRENCH

FRI 4 AUG // CINEMA

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER

FRI 11 AUG // CINEMA

Starting with a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, director André Øvreda unveils the terrifying voyage of the merchant ship Demeter. Travelling from Carpathia to London, it’s been charged with carrying a mysterious cargo of 50 unmarked wooden crates.

Starring Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, and David Dastmalchian, this horror story details a series of strange events befalling the doomed crew. As they attempt to survive the ocean crossing, each is stalked at night by a merciless presence. When the Demeter finally arrives off the shores of England, it is a charred, derelict wreck. What has happened to the crew?

How can an action film starring Jason Statham be any better?

If we see him (potentially) punch a prehistoric shark in the face. Strap in, as The Stath returns as the world’s best and objectively sexiest deep sea rescue diver, Jonas Taylor. This time around he’s been recruited by a visionary Chinese oceanographer to save the world from an unstoppable threat.

Directed By Ben Wheatley, this larger-than-life thrill ride promises to dwarf the enormously successful original film. The Stath and global action icon Wu Jing are pitted against relentless environmental plunderers and the terrors of the deep, having to outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.

Did you know that the Meg 2: The Trench was directed by Ben Wheatley! Wheatley, took over directorial duties from Jon Turteltaub who directed the first film.

LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND

FRI 18 AUG // CINEMA

An occupying alien species’ bureaucratic rule and advanced technology has left most of Earth impoverished and unemployed. No, it’s not a brutal election pledge, but the thrilling story of two teenagers and a risky plan to provide for their families.

Written and directed by Cory Finley (Thoroughbreds, Bad Education), it’s based on the book by M.T. Anderson and stars

Asante Blackk (This Is Us), Kylie Rogers (Yellowstone), Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip, The Afterparty) and Joshua Hamilton (Eighth Grade). An aspiring artist and his girlfriend make money by broadcasting their dating life to the fascinated invaders. But the pair slowly come to hate each other and can’t break up without bankrupting their families.

BLUE BEETLE

FRI 18 AUG // CINEMA

Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, this latest instalment for the DC Universe stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role. A recent college graduate heads home full of aspirations for his future, only to realise home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to establish a purpose in the world, he unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology.

When this curious item suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armour capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero, Blue Beetle.

RETRIBUTION

FRI 25 AUG // CINEMA

The ever-dependable Liam Neeson stars in this immersive ticking clock of a thriller, so get ready for a high-octane ride of redemption and revenge. When a mysterious caller puts a bomb under his car seat, Matt Turner (Neeson) heads out on a high-speed journey across the city to complete a specific series of tasks.

With his kids trapped in the back seat and a promise the car will explode if they get out, a normal commute becomes a twisted game of life or death. Turner must follow the stranger’s increasingly dangerous and irrational instructions in a race against time to save his family.

FRI 25 AUG // CINEMA

This refreshingly unique and raunchy comedy focuses on two girls, PJ and Josie, who start a fight club as a way to lose their virginities to the school’s cheerleaders. Written by and starring Rachel Sennott, along with Emma Seligman (who also directs), this is a refreshing spin on the teen high-school caper genre.

The bizarre plan somehow works, and the fight club gains traction. Soon the most popular girls in school are beating each other up in the name of self-defence. But the hapless pair quickly find themselves in over their heads and in need of a way out before their scheme is exposed.

FILM TRIVIA DID YOU KNOW:

Sharon Stone was originally set to play Victoria Kord in the new DC movie Blue Beetle, but she dropped out and was replaced with Susan Sarandon. Sarandon was previously considered to play Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992), and Stone played the villain in Catwoman (2004).

TV GUIDE

PHYSICAL

WEDS 2 AUG

APPLE TV+

Rose Byrne did some tidy business in the brilliant Platonic earlier this year, and now she box-steps back onto our screens for a third and final season of Physical. This savage black comedy sees her play Sheila Rubin, an internally-screaming keep-fit guru. While her business is starting to flourish, her personal life is crumbling.

Set in a brutally facile 1980s San Diego, it’s as much about the wild hairstyles and achingly cool retro soundtrack as it is the merciless and misanthropic humour. Sheila chases her dreams and finds empowerment, all while fighting inner demons amidst the golden age of home video.

HEARTSTOPPER

THURS 3 AUG

NETFLIX

It’s a n age-old story of two teenagers meeting up and falling in love. We’ve been introduced to the gentle Charlie and rugby-loving Nick, then seen them quickly release their unlikely friendship is blossoming into something more. They’ve been on a journey of self discovery ever since. With a close group of mates, they’ve also found acceptance, support and authenticity.

Season 2 finds the pair still establishing what their relationship means. There are also exams on the horizon, a school trip to Paris and a prom to plan. Unsurprisingly, there’s quite a lot to juggle as the gang venture into the next stages of life, love and friendship.

CHOSEN

WEDS 16 AUG

NETFLIX

Three young doctors head to a remote village intending to vaccinate residents against a new mutation of the Zika virus. But their efforts to administer medical aid are refused, and the trio suddenly find themselves trapped. This isolated community is shrouded in secrets, and devoted to an enigmatic leader who forces them to confront the power of faith over science.

You could draw some comparisons with themes covered in Lost, as this Brazilian thriller returns for a second season - logic and dogma clash head-on in a strange and nightmarish battle for supremacy. It’s a test of beliefs, as our protagonists start to wonder if the jungle may offer some kind of salvation.

SHELTER

FRI 18 AUG

PRIME VIDEO

Harlan Coben’s Shelter follows the story of Mickey Bolitar, after the sudden death of his father leads him to restart life in Kasselton, New Jersey. He quickly finds himself unwittingly tangled in the mysterious disappearance of a new student at the school where he works. This snowballs into the uncovering of some unimaginable secrets within their quiet suburban community.

With the help of his friends, the inventive Spoon, and secretive Ema, Mickey pulls back the sleepy facade of Kasselton to reveal a dark underground. This may hold the answers to decades of disappearances, deaths, and legends - and perhaps even untangle Mickey’s own complex family history

SANDITON

THURS 3 AUG

ITVX

A British Regency-era drama, adapted by Andrew Davies from an unfinished manuscript by Jane Austen, this hit show has made the jump over from Britibox in its entirety. Rose Williams, Crystal Clarke, Theo James and Ben Lloyd-Hughes recount the story of a young and naive heroine trying to navigate Sanditon.

A chance accident brings Charlotte Heywood to this sleepy seaside town on the cusp of dramatic change. Spirited and unconventional, she’s initially keen to experience everything it has to offer - but is shocked by the scheming of the ambitious inhabitants and intrigued by the secrets they share. Then comes a pair of rival suitors…

BILLIONS

PARAMOUNT+

SAT 12 AUGUST

From what started as a simple story of a District Attorney trying to take down an unscrupulous billionaire hedge-fund manager has spiralled into a fascinating examination of America’s finance and legal systems. Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers, Homeland, Wolf Hall) plays the extraordinarily-wealthy Bobby Axelrod, while Paul Giamatti (American Splendor, Sideways) is his nemesis, Chuck Rhoades - but nothing is as clear-cut as it appears.

As we enter season 7, we find the stakes are even higher in this pair’s cat and mouse game. Rhoades seems increasingly compromised, and Axelrod’s biggest rival has set his sights on the White House. But, is a there going to be a surprise return for a major character?

INVASION

WEDS 23 AUG

APPLE TV+

Created by Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Awardnominated producer Simon Kinberg (The Martian, Dark Phoenix) and David Weil (Hunters, Citadel), this is an expansive, character-driven science fiction drama.

We follow the unfolding of a pernicious alien invasion, as seen from a broad range of different perspectives around the world. Starring Shamier Anderson, Golshifteh Farahani, Sam Neill, Firas Nassar and Shioli Kutsuna, the show has been something of a slow burn. That did mean we got to spend more time exploring how different people try to deal with some extraordinary circumstances - and now season 2 implies it’ll cast more light upon the dastardly alien insurgents.

ONE PIECE

THURS 31 AUG NETFLIX

Based on Eiichiro Oda best-selling manga series (and still the biggest in Japanese history), One Piece is the perfect swashbuckling historical epic. Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. So he sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find a legendary fabled treasure and become King of the Pirates.

But to uncover the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted, before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast rolling oceans, outpacing the Marines and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn. Better get crack on then. Tick tock.

Sussex charity launches public appeal to help working donkeys in Egypt

Based in Haywards Heath, Safe Haven for Donkeys is a charity that cares for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Since their establishment in 2000, they have contributed to helping an estimated 10,000 animals a year, and this year they have launched an appeal to provide veterinary care for donkeys and mules working in the brick kilns in Egypt. This new project will see their support extend to thousands more animals that work tirelessly in desert heat.

The team’s volunteers regularly visit towns and villages to offer animal care which can include advice on tooth and hoof care, harnessing and nutrition alongside education and support for the owners where there is a region-wide lack of available expertise. The charity has a permanent clinic in the Palestinian city of Nablus, and two mobile clinics in Hebron and the Jordan Valley treating up to 200 working donkeys, mules and horses every week. They are now raising £60,000 for their new mobile veterinary clinic in Egypt.

The Safe Haven for Donkeys veterinary care would also cover common injuries and infections; medicine and equipment necessary to treat sick and injured donkeys. The team would also train and advise locals to ensure this aid is sustainable for the donkey’s future.

In collaboration with local Egyptian community development charity, the Bridge Foundation (El Gesr), Safe Haven for Donkeys are working in the area of El Saf, 100 km south of Cairo in the Al Giza desert. The project is focusing its support on 120-180 tightly grouped brick kilns where around 3,000 working donkeys and mules work tirelessly to produce millions of bricks all year round. The initial year-long

project includes a mobile veterinary clinic made up of a highly experienced equine vet, as well as two farriers – one of which was a brick kiln owner himself.

A £20 donation could fix long-standing health issues and make the overall life of a donkey better.

Safe Haven for Donkeys CEO, Andy Foxcroft, explains: “Through our work in Israel and the West Bank we came to know of millions of working animals in neighbouring Egypt without critical veterinary care, suffering a host of preventable and treatable painful conditions. Currently no other animal welfare charity provides veterinary interventions in these particular kilns, hence the need for Safe Haven’s expertise, on the ground, treating sick and injured animals and providing training for owners and local professionals (vets and farriers). This first year is vital as we hope to make a lasting impact by reducing the unnecessary suffering of working animals, which sadly, is all too common a feature in the brick kilns.

Andy continues: “The estimated annual cost of the project will be £60,000 in the first year or £192 to fund the mobile veterinary team for a day, to provide treatment to hundreds of donkeys in the brick kilns. Just £20 can help turn the life around for a distressed donkey and ensure instant pain relief through vital veterinary care. Your contribution will also support its owner to help that donkey to live a longer, healthier life. With your support, Safe Haven can provide instant pain relief for thousands of vulnerable working donkeys. Making a huge impact – one animal at a time”.

The project is being backed by several VIPs including the actor and animal activist Peter

Egan, who has been a patron of the charity since 2020. Peter comments: “Having been an animal activist for many years, I have seen working animals being mistreated across the world. I congratulate Safe Haven for Donkeys for expanding their compassionate work in Israel and the West Bank into Egypt to help even more donkeys, mules and horses.”

The key aims of Safe Haven’s initial 12-month project are to significantly reduce injuries, lameness and the number of beatings that commonly occur. The team’s work will impact on injury prevention through better harnessing and cart design as well as providing the right nutrition to keep the donkeys and mules healthy and strong. Training is also an essential element of the work and will focus on upskilling government vets, veterinary students, lay professionals (farriers etc), owners and handlers.

For more information and to support Safe Haven for Donkeys project in Egypt visit www.safehaven4donkeys.org/.