BN1 Magazine March 2023

CONTENTS 19 24 30

HI CACTI FRAZEY FORD

Photo Credit Bohumil Kostohryz

Photo Credit Kenny McCracken

Spring is finally here. It means different things to everyone. For some it might signal the thrill of walking along the beach without being blown off your feet. Or being greeted by the sun when you awake (sunrise is now firmly before 7am). Whatever your deal is, we’re all starting to spend a o more time outside. Wildlife is beginning to surface; the spring bulbs are coming out and Easter is just around the corner. We made it through another winter, and this is a small victory. To celebrate, we’re using this issue to look at the world around us, and celebrate just a few of the outdoor activities on offer in Sussex.

Photo Credit Daisy Winagate Saul

CONTRIBUTORS

COVER: Frazey Ford

Image by Alana Paterson

EDITOR IN CHIEF: CHRIS SADLER

CHRIS@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

EDITOR:

STUART ROLT

STUART@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

SUB EDITING TEAM: THOM PUNTON

MAGAZINE DESIGN: AMELIA HARRIS

ADVERTISING: CONTACT: JENNY RUSHTONHEAD OF SALES / 07917752133

JENNY.RUSHTON@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

ADAM ROSS

ADAM@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

BN1 IS A CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE WHOLE OF BRIGHTON, SUSSEX AND INTO LONDON ON A MONTHLY BASIS - FOUND IN SHOPS AND VENUES. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REACH A LARGE TARGET AUDIENCE, GET IN CONTACT AND SEE HOW WE CAN HELP!

NEWSDESK/ GENERAL ENQUIRES: INFO@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK

BN1 MAGAZINE

UNIT 28. FLOOR 6 NEW ENGLAND HOUSE NEW ENGLAND STREET BRIGHTON. BN1 4GH 01273 022991

CONTRIBUTORS: STUART ROLT

AMY STANBOROUGH NOOR SHEIKH

ALANA HARRIS

KIM PECI

@bn1magazine

INTERNSHIPS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Want to become a part of the BN1 Magazine team and gain valuable media skills or submit articles, content and images?

Various internships are avaliable for writers, photographers, marketing, sales, creative types and enthusiasts to join Brightons leading culture and lifestyle magazine! just email your CV and a little about yourself to: info@bn1magazine. co.uk

BRIGHTON

ARUNDEL CASTLE ANNOUNCES OUTDOOR EVENTS

Featuring a wide range of exciting and engaging activities for visitors of all ages, Arundel Castle has unveiled its 2023 events programme. From historical reenactments and guided tours to familyfriendly demonstrations and activities, live performances and even jousting, there is something for everyone.

Visitors can step back in time and experience the grandeur and pageantry of medieval England and explore the castle’s beautiful gardens and grounds at a Medieval Festival over the Easter weekend. On Fri 7 – Sun 9 April King John and his loyal followers will put down a rebellion and fend off a potential invasion from France. Set within a large, tented encampment on the lower lawns of the castle, the event offers spectacles like axe throwing, archery, falconry demonstrations and combat re-enactments, period crafts and live music.

During April and May (subject to flowering time) there’ll be a tulip festival like no other. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of the castle’s gardens, a sea of colour awaits with over 100,000 tulip bulbs planted by the castle’s award-winning Head Gardener, Martin Duncan, and his team.

Sun 23 April and Sun 2 July will see Arundel Castle welcomes its popular plant fairs. Organised by a collective of specialist nurseries, these will offer a wide range of locally grown, garden-worthy and often unusual plants. Visitors can also receive free advice from the growers and the event’s resident Plant Doctor.

May is Allium season, and the grounds of Arundel Castle will see the flowering of thousands of vibrant, pom-pom-shaped blooms. Known as the ‘fireworks of gardening’, these towering plants will add a surge of colour to the castle’s gardens. Visitors can admire the long-stemmed plants in the English herbaceous borders and see the white blooms of the Cowanii and Mont Blanc complementing the Fitzalan Chapel’s White Garden. Don’t miss this explosion of colour and beauty at Arundel Castle.

The Castle returns to Medieval times on Sat 27 – Mon 29 May, as we’re plunged into a 15th-century Wars of the Roses family event. King Edward IV, Duke of York, faces rebellion from the supporters of the former King, Henry VI, Duke of Lancaster. For one weekend only, Arundel Castle serves as the backdrop for an imaginary Lancastrian raiding party engaging with Yorkist forces. The event showcases 15th-century crafts, forging, leather work, cooking, weapons, and armour. In addition, visitors can participate in hands-on activities, such as archery, axe throwing, and warrior

training, as well as Arundel Castle’s renowned ‘Kids battles’.

You experience even more bygone days on Sat 8 - Sun 9 July with Arundel Castle’s Medieval Festival. This weekend event will be set in 1474; as the Earl of Arundel celebrates the birth of his first grandson with a knight’s foot tournament and an archery contest featuring teams from England, France, and Poland. Visitors can explore a tented encampment and see demonstrations of historical crafts, including pewter casting, forging, cooking, leather work, as well as combat, falconry and the Knights Tournament. For those looking to get hands-on experience, there will be plenty of activities such as crossbows, archery, medieval music from performers Myal and Peg, and storytelling.

BIRDS AND BEASTS COME TO CHICHESTER’S PALLANT HOUSE GALLERY

the natural world and understanding of our place in it through the Gallery’s ‘Birds and Beasts’ and ‘Sussex Landscape’ exhibitions. Workshops will take place in the studio at the Gallery and on location in the South Downs, delivered in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and Goodwood Education Trust. Creative responses and Climate Protection Pledges made by the children will be unveiled during a weekend of activities for all ages on Earth Day 2023, coinciding with the Gallery’s free Open Weekend on Sat 22 – Sun 23 April.

England, The Wild Escape will empower families and children across the UK to visit and discover our wonderful museums, whilst taking positive action to picture a better future for our wildlife.”

Running until Sun 23 April, a new exhibition celebrating Britain’s wildlife has come to Chichester’s Pallant House Gallery. The free exhibition, Birds and Beasts: The Wild Escape, presents works from the Gallery’s collection. Every piece has been inspired by an array of magnificent creatures, from the humble beetle to imperious falcons, by artists like Pablo Picasso, Elisabeth Frink and Graham Sutherland. The Gallery hopes the exhibition will raise awareness of biodiversity and invites visitors to join them in celebrating the amazing nature on our doorstep.

The exhibition will connect with the Art Fund’s The Wild Escape project, the largest ever collaboration between UK museums with more than 500 taking part. The Wild Escape aims to bring museums, schools, families and communities together to engage young people with the UK’s natural environment, drawing inspiration from the art and objects in our public collections and the creative and learning opportunities they can offer. The exhibition will be accompanied by fun activities for children to help them to engage with the art.

Pallant House Gallery will also be working with around 100 pupils from three local primary schools based in Chichester and Bognor. The children will be exploring our appreciation of

“I’m thrilled that Pallant House Gallery is joining hundreds of organisations from the Outer Hebrides to Folkestone to connect thousands of children with the natural world through the UK’s truly great museums,” Art Fund Director, Jenny Waldman. “Thanks to the invaluable support of Arts Council

Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is a leading UK museum that stimulates new ways of thinking about British art from 1900 to now. As well as an original and criticallyacclaimed exhibition programme and a public programme with inclusion at its heart, the gallery houses one of the best collections of Modern British art in the country - all within the distinctive setting of an 18th century townhouse and a 21st century gallery.

For more details, head to:

www.pallant.org.uk

Brighton International Animation Festival is back for 2023 with a difference – Curator and Founder Kate Jessop has been successful in securing Arts Council funding for the 2023 programme in April.

A two-day annual not-for-profit event run by animators for everyone, the festival embraces international partnerships and encompasses a global perspective, in addition to providing an accessible place for people to learn about the medium.

The 2023 programme is soon to be announced with submissions now closed. There is still an open call for the Augmented Reality exhibition. This will be held for guests to experience between the film screenings. The theme of the exhibition is No Planet B,

and animators are invited to submit work based on this theme utilising any animation technique or style.

In addition to film screenings of both specially curated and in competition programmes, the festival offers hands-on animation workshops and talks from industry speakers. This allows both animators and non-animators alike to come and learn about the medium in both an artistic and commercial context.

As well as hosting an annual live event in Brighton, it offers selected filmmakers the opportunity to screen on community, not-forprofit local TV channel Latest TV in Brighton. The channel serves over 350,000 households, so gives the film an even bigger audience and a broadcast credit. The Latest TV venue

FOR 2023

Founder Kate is incredibly excited to have won funding for the 2023 festival: “I am completely ecstatic to be curating the Brighton International Animation Festival again for its second year. From basically no budget in 2022 to securing Arts Council funding for 2023 means the world to me –it’s so amazing that our hard work has been recognised and that this year will be bigger and better!”

For more details about Brighton International Animation Festival, head to: www. brightoninternationalanimationfestival. com

LOCAL ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL SECURES ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING

in Kemptown is home to the live festival.

Creatures of the Sea by Enid Mar

Common Quaker Moth

By Sarah Gillespie

Photo Credit Chris Jepson

BRIGHTON

A QUIET FIRE COMES TO BRIGHTON CCA

The first major exhibition of works in a UK institution by Malawian artist Billie Zangewa is now running at Brighton CCA until Sun 14 May. A Quiet Fire includes an epic, sitespecific seascape, inspired by Sussex, which has been commissioned by CCA. Zangewa has adopted the format and scale of the classical canon - rom grand tapestries to history painting, to chronicle the experience of the marginalised and under-represented. The show will also tour to John Hansard Gallery, Southampton, and Tramway, Glasgow during the rest of 2023.

The newly commissioned work is the artist’s largest to date and is a response to her visit to Brighton and the location of the gallery. As with all her works there is a balance and tension within them between an empowered sense of independence and the casual bigotry and racism of the everyday experience. The artist talks about this new work as being something of a turning point - a more joyful perspective on life - and the new scale of the piece invokes a grand narrative which places previous troubles in the shade.

Throughout her work Zangewa creates intricate figurative collages from handstitched fragments of raw silk challenging the historical stereotypes of objectification and exploitation of Black women. From her earliest works, embroideries depicting remembered botanical scenes from Botswana, Zangewa has transitioned to cityscapes focusing on her experience as a woman in the city of Johannesburg. These works led her to think more critically about how women view themselves and what the visualization of the female gaze, through self-portraiture, could look like.

“There is inspiration there in that this new large work has been produced in such challenging conditions in South Africa - with power cuts, economic hardship all on top of racial tension,” said Brighton CCA Director, Ben Roberts. “That she is able to produce work of this kind at all says a great deal.”

A retrospective of Zangewa’s work from the

last ten years is also been exhibited as part of A Quiet Fire. These works, reflective of both a domestic life and her determination to be seen on her own terms, speak powerfully to the artists’ ongoing mission to challenge the mainstream cultural, racial and social silos in which Black women are placed. Through the method of their making and narrative content, Zangewa shows gendered labour in a socio-political context, where the domestic sphere becomes a pretext for a deeper understanding of the construction of identity, questions around gender stereotypes, and racial prejudice. Reflecting the artists’ life and experience as a single mother, which she refers to as a ‘daily feminism’, the works define a space for representation of Black female domestic life, ambition, hope and identity.

www.brightoncca.art

All artworks credited to Billie Zangewa

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL 2023

common: they want to assassinate the President of the United States. Some succeed, some fail. But there’s a prize for them all: a place in the history books. John Wilkes Booth. Lee Harvey Oswald. Leon Czolgosz. Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme. John Hinckley. Charles Guiteau. Sara Jane Moore. Giuseppe Zangara. Samuel Byck. Men and women whose fervour took them to the very edge.

Adrienne and Adam P Kennedy’s autobiographical play, Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?, is presented as a one-act, nearmonologue to her son at the Minerva Theatre on Fri 16 June – Sat 8 July. Directed by Diyan Zora (winner of the 2021 Genesis Futures Award), it’s a mesmerising and disquieting tale of a Black woman’s betrayal at the hands of the establishment. A young playwright impulsively leaves New York for London with her young son, intent on adapting John Lennon’s book In His Own Write for the stage. In the heady atmosphere of the Swinging ‘60s, she finds herself rubbing shoulders with a dizzying array of celebrities, including all four Beatles. And when her idols, Laurence Olivier – director of the National Theatre – and his influential literary manager Kenneth Tynan, along with actor Victor Spinetti, promise to produce her play, it seems like a dream come true. But slowly the stars seem to align in a different way.

Bringing together a range of new works, modern classics and plenty of musical delights, Chichester Festival Theatre has just announced their 2023 programme. There’s a handful of world premieres, and renowned plays which have never been performed at CFT before – from Arthur Miller to Rodgers and Hammerstein. There’s a rare outing of a play by US writer Adrienne Kennedy and, 50 years after his death, a new production of Noël Coward’s first big success. Contemporary, 20th century or classical, every piece has something to say about the world around us today.

A company of exceptional actors are heading to Chichester, including Dame Eileen Atkins, Samuel Barnett, Carly Bawden, Gina Beck, Rory Bremner, Sebastian Croft, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Joshua James, Danny Mac, Alexandra Roach, Zizi Strallen, Lia Williams, Greg Wise and Susan Wokoma, while seven directors are make their Festival debuts.

This will be the last festival programmed by outgoing Artistic Director, Daniel Evans, and include some brilliant family friendly activities, live events, exhibitions, workshops and the return of CFT Lates. He said: “I’d like to thank the many thousands of freelance artists, creatives and technical staff who’ve brought them to life; CFT’s indefatigable staff; and of course our audiences, who are among the most supportive and adventurous theatregoers in the country. I know they will welcome my successor, Justin Audibert, with the same warmth that greeted my own arrival in this beautiful and unique theatre.”

Directed by Evening Standard Emerging Talent Award nominee Daniel Raggett, Noël Coward’s The Vortex heads to CFT on Fri 28 April – Sat 20 May. Set amongst the Roaring 20s, it sees the magnetic Florence Lancaster draw people to her like moths to a flame. But when her son Nicky arrives home from Paris with an unexpected fiancée and a secret, it sets off a chain of events which threatens to pull them all into a maelstrom. This brilliantly witty and stinging portrait of the darkness beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age is as vivid today as when it premiered. I caused a sensation and catapulting its young writer to his first great success.

Amy Herzog’s 4000 Miles tuns at the Minerva Theatre on Thurs 4 May – Sat 10 June. Richard Eyre directs this warm, wry and compassionate story about love, loss, memory and moving on. Late one night, 21-yearold Leo arrives without warning at his grandmother’s Manhattan apartment – the furthest point on a momentous bike ride across America. Vera is 91 and lives alone, her independence undimmed by the challenges of modern living. Baffled by each other at first, this odd couple slowly edge across the distance between them.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and story by John Weidman, Assassins lights up the Festival Theatre on Sat 3 – Sat 24 June. This biting, Tony Award-winning, musical comedy takes us on a daring, time-bending journey through American history. Amongst a surreal carnival, a small group of people who have one thing in

The Sound of Music was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s last and perhaps most treasured musical, and is being presented by CFT for the first time on Mon 10 July – Sun 3 Sept.

Directed Adam Penford takes us to 30s Austria, as a free-spirited nun Maria is sent away from her abbey. Becoming a governess to the widowed Captain von Trapp’s seven children, she brings music and laughter back to an unfeeling household - but the future holds more joy and jeopardy than she ever dreamed possible.

Never Have I Ever (Greg Wise, Susan Wokoma, Alexandra Roach)

The Sound of Music (Gina Beck)

Assassins (Danny Mac)

NEWS

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL 2023 CONTINUED

It’s the 1970s and feminism is on the rise, in Rock Follies, a new musical by Chloë Moss. Fed up with the male-dominated entertainment industry, Anna, Dee and Q take the future into their own hands and form a rock band – the ironically named ‘Little Ladies’. And so begins the musical helterskelter ride of a lifetime. Can principles and ambition co-exist? And can their friendship survive in the dog-eat-dog world of rock? With a book by Chloë Moss and original songs from the ground-breaking TV series by Howard Schuman and Andy Mackay, this punchy new musical brings a rousing, riotous rollercoaster of woman power to the Minerva Theatre on Mon 24 July – Sat 26 Aug.

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Chichester’s West Dean Gardens on Fri 4 –Sat 19 Aug. Faced with unwanted marriages and parents who don’t listen, four teenage lovers flee the city. But in the forest things are no better: the Fairy King and Queen are at war and a bunch of wannabe actors struggle to get their show off the ground. In this enchanted, topsy-turvy world, their dream of escape threatens to turn into a nightmare. Friends fall out, transformations abound, and magic piles on mayhem.

Directed by Emma Butler, Deborah FrancesWhite’s Never Have I Ever heads to Minerva Theatre on Fri 1 – Sat 30 Sept. Jacq and Kas’s boutique restaurant has gone bust, and telling their oldest friends Adaego and her rich husband Tobin that his investment is toast is only the start of the evening. Cash, class, identity and infidelity are all on the menu. As the last of the expensive wine flows, a dangerous drinking game reveals longhidden truths and provokes an unspeakable dare. This explosive first play the comedian, screenwriter and host of global hit podcast The Guilty Feminist, brilliantly skewers the contradictions of contemporary society, and the shifting sands of power and sexual politics.

Rory Bremner appears in Quiz on Fri 22 – Sat 30 Sept at the Festival Theatre. This revised version of James Graham’s celebrated comedy is directed by Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen and opens a brand-new UK tour at Chichester. A fictional exploration of deviousness and recriminations based on real events around a certain hit gameshow, it asks the question of what would you try to get away with in the name of money?

Directed by Jaz Woodcock-Stewart, Arthur Miller A View From The Bridge comes to the Festival Theatre on Sun 6 – Sat 28 Oct. Arthur Miller’s visceral and compelling drama is a timeless masterpiece. On the Brooklyn waterfront, where the fierce passions of ancestral Sicily linger, the orphaned Catherine falls for her handsome, newly arrived cousin Rodolfo – an illegal immigrant. Their romance is encouraged by her aunt Beatrice but viewed with revulsion by her uncle, Eddie Carbone, who harbours an unspoken desire. As tensions rise, their story spins inexorably beyond control.

Directed by Joanna Bowman, The Inquiry is

STEVE HILLAGE & GONG

Legendary sonic wizard Steve Hillage comes to Brighton’s Concorde 2 on Sun 2 April From acid rock to acid house, musician this virtuoso guitarist, techno futurist and prog visionary, has been on an incredible, transcendent journey for the past 50 years. In the 80s and 90s he worked as a producer for a number of diverse artists, including Simple Minds, It Bites, Real Life, Cock Robin, Tony Banks, Robyn Hitchcock and The Charlatans.

The list of major artists he’s performed and recorded with is just as extensive, working in various experimental domains since the late 60s - including collaborations with his long-term partner Miquette Giraudy on the ambient outfit System 7 and his solo studio albums. Hillage will be joined on stage by his iconic progg outfit Gong, alongside support from Utopia Strong playing cuts from his cherished solo albums Fish Rising, L, Green and Motivation Radio – plus a few surprises and never before played live tracks taken from Steve’s illustrious catalogue.

a new play by Harry Davies at the Minerva Theatre on Fri 13 Oct – Sun 4 Nov. MP Arthur Gill is one of Westminster’s rising stars. Still in his 30s, he’s just become the Secretary of State for Justice, assuming the role of Lord Chancellor too; and with a leadership race on the horizon, he’s a favourite to be the next Prime Minister. But there’s a problem. An inquiry is on the brink of publishing its findings about a public health disaster: a scandal that happened on Gill’s watch when he was environment minister. As leaks multiply and the waters grow murkier, how far will he go to hide his past and protect his future?

For details on all these productions, along with the rich array of satellite events, workshops, talks, and family activities, head to: www.cft.org.uk

Quiz (Rory Bremner)

The Vortex (Joshua James and Lia Williams)

One of the South’s freshest and most empowering arts festivals is back on Mon 6 – Sun 12 March. FemFest also has a new home at The Actors on Brighton’s Princes St. Taking place during the week of International Women’s Day, FemFest will showcase work from women, nonbinary and trans people.

FemFest is striving to be a more economically accessible festival this year, so is offering a free ticket fund for people who cannot afford to attend and maintaining a no-questions-asked approach to concessions. FemFest hopes to lead the way for other arts institutions to take note so that more people can access culture in the city.

The Festival boasts a host of inspiring events throughout the week. Including Dry Season from Bristol’s City Poet (2022-23) Kat Lyons, Blood, Sweat And Vaginas from Paula David (who had a run at London’s SoHo Theatre last month), Madonna/Whore from Musical Comedy Awards 2021 Finalist, Selena Mersey and much more.

“I am so excited to be heading into our fourth year at FemFest,” said Artistic Director, Maddie Ross. “This year is looking bigger and better than ever, we have seventeen fantastic events made by women, nonbinary and trans people. I’m over the moon to be starting our Early Career Artist mentorship this year with three amazing acts. We are very excited to help them to make creative and innovative work at the festival without having to shoulder the financial burden expected at many other festivals across the UK.

For more details, visit: www.femfestbrighton.co.uk

UKRAINIAN NATIONAL OPERA TO COME TO THE HAWTH

For the first time ever the Ukrainian National Opera is touring the UK, which includes a visit to Crawley’s The Hawth with Aida on Mon 27 March. Coming all the way from Dnipro, Ukraine, this opera company, features an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live orchestra of over thirty musicians.

This staging of Verdi’s classic features brand new settings and fantastic costumes, along with exquisite singing and wonderful tunes that you will be humming to yourself all the way home.

A powerful opera with breath-taking melodies, Aida brings ancient Egypt to the stage with an evolving love story set against the backdrop of war. The Princess of Ethiopia and an Egyptian General fall in love, just before he is chosen by the king to lead the war with Ethiopiaforcing Aida to choose between her lover or her father and her country.

For more information, go to: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth

Show: Unisex performedd by Leonarda Sep

Show: Madonna Whore starring Selena Mersey

Show: Dry Season by Kat Lyons

Show: Blood, Sweat Vaginas - Paula David

Show: Moon Face - Meg Hodgson

BRIGHTON

SUPERWORM COMES TO WAKEHURST

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s renowned tale Superworm arrives at Wakehurst on Thurs 30 March – Sun 23 April, bringing families together for an Easter treat of interactive activities in a stunning spring landscape.

This brand-new trail follows the inspiring feats of the incredible invertebrate Superworm, whilst exploring different botanical blooms and their superpowers. The springtime adventure will also include a microbe-hunting mission, pre-bookable wormery workshops and daily storytelling in the gardens.

Tasked with helping Superworm find the evil Wizard Lizard’s magic flower, children will embark on an exciting adventure through Wakehurst’s biodiverse landscape with interactive activities and sculptures helping to bring the tale to life. From giant skipping ropes to optical illusions, there will be plenty to keep energetic explorers active over the holidays. The path winds through stunning landscapes, over the six-acre American Prairie and through the dramatic heights of the Pinetum.

Alongside the main trail, there will be an addon microbes mission and bookable wormery workshops, an opportunity for visitors to get stuck in and gain practical skills for protecting worms, learning how to encourage a natural environment for marvellous minibeasts at home.

The add-on Mighty Microbes Mission forms part of Wakehurst’s new family programme, Nature Heroes, where young adventurers can conquer a themed mission each school holiday and half-term, collecting a new badge for their very own superhero cape. Following the February half-term Bird Buddy trail, a second badge is up for collection this Easter. Children can gain a special Superworm badge for their Nature Heroes cape, as they help Superworm assemble a team of mighty microbes to keep the soil healthy.

Head of Public Programmes, Lorraine Lecourtois commented:

“The Superworm trail is set to be a very special event at Wakehurst, as we bring this charming tale to life. The role of worms in the ecosystem is vital, so it’s a privilege to be able to bring wildlife science to the forefront of our family programme, through a range of activities for all ages. Combined with our exciting orkshops and practical events, we’re hoping to really immerse visitors in the tale of Superworm.”

Alex Sanson, Senior Brand Manager of Magic Light, said: “Kew and Wakehurst have done a fantastic job of bringing the story of Superworm to life in a completely new and really fun way. The activities are interactive and original – it’s great that they’ve been able to use the story to highlight the importance of biodiversity and what an important role minibeasts play in our ecosystem.”

Magic Light Pictures is an award-winning brand-building company with a strong background in production, creating rich and imaginative experiences for families worldwide. The company, founded in 2003, directly manages production, licensing, global distribution and marketing. The company balances its brand-building work with film making of the highest quality –including Oscar- nominated animated feature Chico & Rita, comedy thriller Wild Target and natural history documentary One Life. Magic Light’s key brand is The Gruffalo, from the best-selling picture books by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Magic Light produced the Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning half-hour animated films, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

Beyond the Superworm trail, visitors can also discover the wider stretches of Wakehurst’s wild landscape bursting into life with Spring colours. Bethlehem Wood comes alive with a carpet of bluebells and the stunning Water Gardens are home to beautiful pastels of magnolias.

For more details and tickets, visit: www.kew.org/wakehurst/superworm

Photo Credit Jim Holden

Photo Credit Jeff Eden

© 2012 J Donaldson A Scheffler

Wakehurst Nature Heroes, Visual Air © RBG Kew

Sussex Showcase 2023 is set to offer unforgettable culinary experience Presented by Table Talk Foundation, this week-long series of collaboration dinners will see seven of Sussex’s finest chefs joining forces with seven world-class chefs at some of the most exciting restaurants in Sussex.

With 11 Michelin stars, a Great British Menu winner, one MasterChef: The Professionals winner, and one MasterChef judge, the Sussex Showcase promises an unforgettable culinary experience. And, each ticket includes a donation to Table Talk Foundation, raising funds to provide food education to children in Sussex and support the hospitality industry.

Events include chef Matt Abe (Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Three Michelin Stars), alongside resident Executive Chef George Blogg (One Michelin Star), serving a sixcourse tasting menu with paired wines on Mon 6 March East Grinstead’s Gravetye Manor. Interlude at Leonardslee Gardens will welcome guest chef Nick Bril (The Jane, Two Michelin Stars) will team up with resident chef Jean Delport (One Michelin Star), to treat guests to a one-of-a-kind menu on Tues 7 March.

On Weds 8 March, Haywards Heath’s Heritage will offer a one-off 6-course tasting

menu with paired wines created by guest chef Tom Shepherd (Upstairs, One Michelin Star *) and resident chef Matt Gillan (GBM winner). Steven Edwards’ etch in Hove welcomes guest chef Nick Beardshaw (Kerridge’s Bar & Grill) on Thurs 9 March, who’ll join resident chef Steven Edwards (MasterChef winner) at etch. to create a stunning 7-course tasting menu which will be served with matching wines from etch’s in-house sommelier Sam Weatherill.

Tickets to the Sussex Showcase events start from £170 and are available from www. tabletalk-foundation.com. Proceeds will go towards the Table Talk Foundation. For those unable to attend the Sussex Showcase events, there is also an online auction at: www. uk.givergy.com/TableTalkFoundation Prizes vary from dining experiences in Michelin Star restaurants to bottles of wine from top Sussex vineyards. Bids can start from as little as £25, and all money raised will go to Table’s work.

By working with Adopt a School Trust, Table Talk Foundation brings professional chefs into primary schools to educate children on healthy eating habits and provide insights into the hospitality industry. By addressing these critical issues, the foundation aims to combat health inequalities and make a positive impact on the nation’s health crisis.

The Foundation also provides physical and mental support services to the local hospitality industry. In conjunction with other charities such as Hospitality Action, the foundation’s efforts have helped thousands of families during the pandemic, and it has protected the mental and emotional well-being of those most vulnerable across UK hospitality.

There are local elections taking place across Sussex on Thurs 4 May, but there’s been a few changes in the process. Voters now need to present a valid form of photo identification at polling stations, which include: UK passports, driving licences, EEA identity cards, Biometric residence permits, PASS cards, older person’s bus passes or disabled person’s bus passes.

Your name on the electoral register should match the name on your ID. Expired ID will still be accepted if the photograph remains a good

likeness of the voter. If you vote by post, you do not need to provide ID, unless you have lost or spoilt your postal vote and need to be issued with a new one.

If your name on the electoral register does not match the name on your ID, or you don’t possess an accepted form of ID, you’ll be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. More details can be found at:

www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/voting

Matt Abe

64 Degrees

Jean Delport

Nick Bril

George Blog

etch.

Food crafted by etch.

Food crafted by 64 Degrees.

Traumfrau and FilmPride are celebrating International Women’s Day with a special event on Sat 11 March at Brighton’s Ironworks Studios. Wanna celebrate women, the days getting longer, the clothes getting smaller, the energy returning to our bodies, nature blossoming, and being queer?

Brighton’s iconic Traumfrau are celebrating International Women’s Day with combined film event and party. The evening will begin with a screening of short films featuring female-identifying filmmakers and stories, alongside a selection of International films curated by FilmPride.

This will be followed by one of their legendary parties across three rooms, filled with DJs, live performances, art and play. Wildblood and Queenie, Brighton’s queerest disco dears, deliver exactly what it says on their glittering tin. All things disco and divine with an eye on their queer house music heritage. Never guilty treasures, always blissful baselines and hands in the air anthems. Just how we like it. BBG, a Brighton-based collective of non-binary, trans, women, queer and gender non-conforming DJs will be taking revellers on a bassy and breaksy electronic music journey. There are more musical delights from PrincessPersia’s Party Poppers, DJ Stockport and I Am Fya.

There’s also a neurodivergent friendly and sober art room, for resting, screen-printing, making and recuperating, for those who don’t really like loud music, need plenty of breaks, or prefer softer lighting. Room Three enables you to drink and lounge, have your portrait take in their ‘vulva boot’, encounter some creatures or even drag up.

As always, it starts early and sells out fast, so get yourself set up by visiting: www.traumfrau.co.uk

Accredited Counselling and Psychotherapy Courses in Sussex and Online

We can help you achieve your personal and professional goals, whether you’re just starting out or already on your journey to becoming a Counsellor or Psychotherapist.

Our long-standing centre has an excellent reputation nationally and internationally. We pride ourselves on offering stimulating, supportive training with a talented, highly-qualified team.

THE OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION TO TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS (TA101)

l 25th and 26th March (Online)

New to counselling/psychotherapy? The best place to start is our TA101. Our most popular course is great for anyone interested in psychology, relationships, communication, mental health and boosting self-awareness and self-esteem. Former students describe it as “life-changing”.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COURSES WE OFFER?

Come to our Online Open Evening on Thursday 30th March 2023 (6.30pm-8.00pm) or join our free How to Become a Counsellor Workshop on Thursday 23rd February 2023 (6.30pm-7.30pm).

The Link Centre is based at Plumpton College, East Sussex. www.thelinkcentre.co.uk email us on info@thelinkcentre.co.uk or call us on 01892 652487

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A COUNSELLOR OR PSYCHOTHERAPIST?

We are interviewing for our October 2023 intake NOW. Email info@thelinkcentre.co.uk for more info and to apply.

DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING (LEVEL 6)

Want to qualify with an accredited Diploma in Counselling? We offer a comprehensive, supported learning experience which results in competent, ethical practitioners with qualifications that hold weight in the field.

l Starting October 2023.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY (LEVEL 7)

If you would like to qualify as a registered psychotherapist we have various options depending on whether you have a counselling qualification or you’re starting from scratch.

l Starting October 2023.

Silent Pride

I Am Fya PrincessPersia

BRING THE WARMTH OF DESERT SUNSHINE INTO YOUR HOME WITH HI CACTI

The store that celebrates independent creatives and plants for mental health

By Amy Stanborough

Has someone told you “you need to touch some grass” lately? Perhaps you have felt it yourself. Getting outdoors and seeing the colour green is good for our bodies and our mind, especially when we spend so much of our time behind screens. Consumed by technology in our day to day life, sometimes you just need to go outside and breathe in the fresh air or feel leaves beneath the balls of your feet.

Hi Cacti are all about championing plant care as a form of self care. They allow customers to bring the outdoors inside homes by selling botanical plants, plant pots, and nature themed homeware too. Owner Sabina Palermo says “houseplants are a healthy reminder for us to slow down and smell the roses; to also look after ourselves and the planet all at the same time”.

Hi Cacti is a vibrant cactus concept shop, exploding with the colours inspired by Sabina’s ‘Tex-mex’ hometown roots in Austin, Texas. The shop also pays homage to her travels around Mexico and Southwest America, now importing around 25% of Hi Cacti products from this corner of the globe. The store is its own mini fiesta of nature, local artists and bringing desert sunshine to Brighton.

This desert sunshine is represented by the sunny painted facade above the shop by local artist Hello Marine. Designed four years ago when the store opened in Seven Dials, it was intended to brighten even the greyest days in the neighbourhood as Sabina warmed to her new home. Hi Cacti actually started on Etsy in 2015, but the store opening was just the beginning of a real community of creators and plant-lovers blossoming.

Some plant pots you see in the store are handmade by Hi Cacti, but around 50% of products they showcase are made by small, creative businesses all over the UK. It is so important to Sabina to provide a platform for other independent businesses and that is why all of the shop's products are carefully selected.

Maya Doyle is an example of a local creator that works collaboratively with Hi Cacti. Some of her ceramics and pottery are sold in the store, and she also creates visuals for the business. Three local artists paint the plant pots, and naturally, with it being a female founded business, most of the artistry is being created by women.

For me personally, shopping locally from independent creators makes me feel like the product I have acquired attains so much more character and sentiment than high street shopping. Sabina says it is all about balance and where people can shop independently, they should.

Brighton is so saturated with creative businesses that the plethora of shopping choices can be overwhelming. While it is a privilege to

have so many buying options, it is important we continue building shopping communities by constantly supporting the businesses we love. Unfortunately, since the magic of shopping independently during COVID has started to fade, these businesses are facing a mini recession. With more freedom, shoppers seem to be returning to the high street. Let’s go back to commemorating the locality and maintain good buying habits moving forward.

Last year was the next exciting big step for Hi Cacti as Sabina published a book of the same title as her store. Approached three years ago by publishers Leaping Hare, the book was released last year. Sabina found that most plant books in bookshops were more scientific. She wanted to create something more approachable for the new-comers of the houseplant keeping world. She produced a book which is readable and interactive, reflecting the Hi Cacti vibe in its own unique and funky way. The book is even available to buy in Kew Gardens, an incredible platform for Hi Cacti’s ethos.

Inside the book you can read why it is beneficial to keep plants, including tips and hacks, and also ‘how to care for’ twenty of Sabina’s easy to love houseplants. If you have never taken care of a plant before, this is the all in one guide and place to go. Composed of Sabina’s knowledge and research, it is modest and entertaining as well as informative. Learn how to style your houseplants, or take on one of the botanical projects in the book.

My favourite idea though - botanic recipes! Did you know some cacti are safe to eat and cook with? Well, Sabina will tell you how with five healthy, plant-based tex-mex recipes and three botanical drinks to wash dinner down with. The book's aim is to replicate the ‘plant care as self care’ ethos she opened the store with, and to reattach ourselves to ways we can connect with nature.

Hi Cacti have also hosted workshops including succulent wreath making for all year function - not just the holiday period - something you can also find in the book. Keep your ears and eyes peeled for future workshopping and creative opportunities over at Hi Cacti. Or just pop into the store to say hello! Hi Cacti are more than just retail, willing to chat to people about plants, give tips and just interact with the space. “We really want you and your plants to grow happily and healthy together”.

Photo Credit Kenny McCracken

Photo Credit Kenny McCracken

THE FEMINIST BOOKSHOP RECOMMENDS THE BEST AUTHOR’S TO READ AND CELEBRATE THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

BY HOLLIE JUNIPER & RUTH WAINWRIGHT OF THE FEMINIST BOOKSHOP

With International Women's day on the horizon and fast approaching (March 8th), what better excuse to collaborate with the Feminist Bookshop once more? Avid reader, writer, staff member and lovely Hollie has composed a list of five women and one non-gender conforming author that everyone should read. Whether you are new to reading and think prize-winner Evaristo is a good place to start, or you are after something weird and wonderful via Award, then look no further. The Feminist Bookshop is located on Upper North Street and has a passionate and helpful team which you can go to for more book recommendations. Or, simply browse their beautifully colourful shelves, and make yourself comfortable with a coffee in their downstairs library.

1. BERNARDINE EVARISTO

Now a household name in the literary world, since becoming the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize in 2019 with her fantastic novel Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo is an expert in her craft, exploring the African and Caribbean diaspora with such nuance and charisma, you can’t help but fall in love with her characters and work. Staff favorites include Mr Loverman, whose closeted protagonist is so well fleshed out that, despite his flaws, you can’t help but fall for his wit and charm; and Blonde Roots, a satirical novel which reverses the roles of the transatlantic slave trade, entertaining, gorgeously written and thought provoking in equal measures. Aside from her fiction writing, Evaristo is also a poet, an essayist, an academic, and an advocate for diversity in literature. A mustread author for all.

2. JUNO DAWSON

We love Juno Dawson here at The Feminist Bookshop. We were first introduced to her through her incredible young adult fiction, such as the simultaneously glamorous and gritty Clean, and festive favourite Stay Another Day. We were immediately drawn to her non-fiction works exploring queerness and gender, including the incredible What’s the T?, a comforting guide to all things trans for teenagers and young people. Juno’s bibliography is impressively broad, and she manages to excel at every genre she dips her toes into. We couldn’t get enough of her recent debut adult novel, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, the first book of a trilogy following a coven of witches which is queer, trans inclusive, and ultimately a breath of fresh air. The release of the second installment, The Shadow Cabinet, is still a few months away, so until then we’ll be waiting on the edge of our seats!

3. DOROTHY KOOMSON

Aptly crowned ‘Queen of the Big Reveal’, local author Dorothy Koomson is the crime-thriller writer. She’s been a published author for over 20 years, and many of her recent works are set in Brighton, including thrilling mystery The Brighton Mermaid, and All My Lies are True. Aside from being a bestselling and multi-award winning author, Dorothy is consistently vocal about the hostility of the UK publishing industry towards Black, particularly women, authors, and calling for change in the way the industry currently operates. In 2020 she started a podcast, The Happy Author, to help aspiring, particularly marginalized, writers to get their works published and navigate the oftentimes unwelcoming industry. In 2022, Dorothy was the Author-InResidence of the first ever Brighton Book Festival, a festival celebrating diverse voices in literature, run by Afrori Books and ourselves at The Feminist Bookshop, hosting writing workshops, and in-conversation events, and being an all around incredible advocate for promoting marginalized voices in literature. We can’t get enough of everything Dorothy does and writes!

4.MONA AWAD

Mona Awad writes weird fiction. Despite her significantly smaller catalogue, Mona Awad has already become a must-buy author for our staff. We were first introduced to her work through the popularity of her novel Bunny, a culty, satirical, fairytale-esque horror, exploring class, female friendship and art history in a fresh, exhilarating and undeniably unique way. 2022’s All’s Well is equally wacky, following the breakdown of a drama teacher obsessed with putting on a production of Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well and ultimately falls down a rabbit hole of madness, and her debut 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl, follows the life of a girl and her relationship with body image through 13 interconnected short stories. Reading Awad’s novels feels like you’re in the midst of an acid trip; you will either love or hate her work, but if you love it, you will really love it. We can’t wait to see what’s next in store for her.

5. LEAH LAKSHMI PIEPZNASAMARASINHA

Leah is our go-to for books prioritising disabled voices and concerns. Their work, primarily non-fiction, focuses on the experiences of queer and trans people of colour, the intersections between colonialism and violence, and disability rights. Some staff favourites include 2018’s Care Work, a series of essays exploring the politics and realities of disability justice, whilst also putting forward the tools needed to imaging a more accessible, compassionate future; and 2023’s The Future Is Disabled, a provocative look into the status of disability rights in the wake of Covid-19, Trump and the rise of fascism. A poet, a performance artist, an activist, and a healer, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha’s work manages to simultaneously critique and tackle the harsh, and often deadly, realities of queer disabled folks of colour, whilst also offering hope and tools for a better future for all.

6.

MICHELLE TEA

We’re all huge fans of Michelle Tea here at the shop. We had the pleasure of hosting a book launch event for last year’s release of Knocking Myself Up, a memoir about her journey towards motherhood as a 40-year old, uninsured queer woman, and absolutely loved her wit, honesty and spirit. Tea’s work has a clear, signature style; punky, chaotic, and witty, blurring the lines between memoir and fiction, which has solidified her status as a modern literary icon. Black Wave is a perfect example of Tea’s gritty brand of autofiction, following a fictionalised Michelle through her sexual conquests, drug abuse, the hedonistic queer subcultures of 1990s San Francisco and LA, and, ultimately, the end of the world. Michelle has also released a guide to tarot, Modern Tarot, and hosts a podcast called Your Magic, which invites celebrity guests and listeners along for spiritual discussions, tarot readings, and more.

Image credit Alana Paterson

Canadian singersongwriter Frazey Ford brings her delicate, soulful sound to Brighton as part of TOM’s Reigning Women Campaign

By Amy Stanborough

Speaking softly, in that same gentle tone she sings with, Canadian singer and songwriter Frazey Ford says her love of music was established in the family home. Her mum and dad “had a huge collection of records” she tells me, “constantly blasting music”. Fond, early memories include singing along to Emily Harris songs, or listening to albums by Linda Ronstadt.

As a solo super star, she has released three well-acclaimed albums, and will be setting off on another tour this March. The Old Market will welcome Frazey Ford on Friday the 17th of March as part of their Reigning Women Campaign. I had the opportunity to speak with her all about her musical journey including where it all began, her influences and writing processes.

To go back to the genesis of her music passion, she gives insight to a small segment of her family history. Her mum is French Canadian, and she moved from the states to Canada with Frazey’s father in the 60s to avoid the Vietnam War. Frazey grew up in a household where her mum was always playing the accordion and piano. She was taught to sing by her mother when she was three or four so that the two of them could harmonise together. “I think that is where my love of music originated”, she states reflectively.

Growing up around so much music, what Frazey has developed in her own songs is something sweetly original. When I asked her to describe her sound, Frazey said she “does not like to describe my music. The only way to describe music is by comparison of styles.” The two styles she locates herself, however, are “somewhere between Otis Redding and Joni Mitchell”. Shifting her ‘sound’ to genre, she relates it to a melding of folk, soul and country influence. In terms of her originality and experimentation, she describes rhythm as the layer of music she is excited by the most. Rhythm is what makes music so interesting.

In 2020, Frazey released her third and latest album U Kin B The Sun which elevates every beat and groove with the subtle magnetism of her mesmerising voice. Going back to the time of writing, I am curious to know what initially inspired this project. “It is always hard to think specifically about what inspired a particular project because I am always writing music,” she responds. “Or not always writing” she continues, “but when I am in a writing mode, I am writing for years and I can’t say what specifically inspires anything”.

The lyric ‘U Kin B The Sun’, too, is hard to describe. She explains that it was something that just came to her spiritually and her interpretation of it changes all the time. Frazey compares that song to a form of meditation: “it can mean your soul, your light, your experiences”. “It just means something to me and that changes”. “A powerful song will morph to the needs of the listener”.

Writing the album, however, she was going through a lot emotionally at the time, and “an album is always inspired by things I am going through”, she reflects. One of these emotional experiences was that she unfortunately had a lot of the death of the family, and she openly reveals “I had gone through many years of healing myself from the trauma that I had experienced as a child”. Frazey tells me her albums always tend to be a reflection of self growth and development because it is a journey she has known for a long time.

Her music is arguably a product of her healing. While U Kin B The Sun invites self-reflection for the listener too, it also encourages wildly joyful movement. It ultimately sparks a quiet transcendence. Another inspiration was the chemistry she had with her band while performing her second album Indian Ocean on tour. She said this chemistry sparks from the fact that it was a “technically difficult album to play”. Her band are evidently a large part of her musical creations as “in fact a lot of [U Kin B The Sun] was co-written with my band and also improvised in the studio”. What you can expect when listening to this album is therefore raw love and emotion, but also raw talent as it is extemporised at the musicians’ very fingertips.

Frazey explains that this unconcealed nature of the album is one way her writing style has potentially changed since producing Obadiah, released in 2010. Both albums “come from a different place and different avenues”. She says, “In Obadiah I wrote a lot more about family story and the mythology of my life and maybe now it’s more the raw experience of it’.

Indian Ocean, her second album, was recorded with the help of members of legendary Memphis soul band The Hi Rhythm Section. One thing Frazey and her band learnt from these siblings was just observing the way they move together. Frazey speaks in awe, even now, of the “joyous expression they have” when they perform music and allows this “long term musical connection” to influence her own band. Exploring their sound collectively, this is how the chemistry amongst Frazey and her band was enhanced.

Writing this third album still did not come naturally for Frazey Ford, describing herself as feeling like a beginner everytime she wants to write. The creative process always varies; “I just try to get into a rhythm”. She makes a space for “ideas to come and shape and craft”, also using other creative modes to let her imagination run wild. Ceramics, sculpture and drawing are listed amongst the other hobbies she enjoys to “explore my creative mind in different ways”. Dipping her toes into these other outlets “always allows something new in the writing process”.

U Kin B The Sun was recorded at Raham’s Afterlife Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, and features Craig McCaulon guitar and Phil Cook on keys. Another inspiration for the album was accidentally seeing American musician D’Angelo performing live one night in Holland. “I play that a lot in the back of my mind,” she explains.

Before delving into her solo career, she performed with The Be Good Tanyas and I ask how her career compares now. “I am still part of a band, it is just my own band” she explains. Collaboration evidently seems to be the key when it comes to her album making, emphasising again that “[the band and I] arrange songs and work together”. The difference between her music now and her music then is that Frazey wanted to independently explore more soul. “Be Good Tanyas was all under the genre which was closer to what I grew up singing, in the alt-country umbrella”. Thinking back, she decides, “I miss that music” and hints that she may return someway to that form.

Frazey Ford will be performing live at The Old Market in Brighton on Friday 17th of March as part of the Reigning Women campaign. This campaign is a celebration of kick-ass women across the creative scene. Amongst some female artists that Frazey is currently listening to she mentions SZA without hesitation and The Weather Station. “Oh and Cleo Sol, I love her!”

Kickstarting her tour in March in Stockholm, Frazey is very excited to go to many of her favourite cities. She then proceeds to tell me that “Brighton has a great vibe” and the story continues, “I met someone recently in Canada who was at my show in Brighton when I was heavily pregnant”. She remembers that show being full of baby hormones, and is looking forward to making more memories in our town. “I am expecting to enjoy myself as much as I always do”.

The females of the Reigning Women campaign span a range of genres, but it is no surprise Frazey has been included in the line-up. Her music is delicately uplifting, fully embracing her soulful musicality. Her amicable spirit transcends into her songs in ways that are deeply purifying. On this tour, you can expect to hear a brand new track and even Frazey on the electric guitar. The tour will be a chance to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of U Kin B The Sun while anticipating that “a new album is percolating”, Frazey beams on thinking about what is next.

Book your tickets to see Frazey Ford live at The Old Theatre at www.theoldmarket

Image credit Alana Paterson

Image credit Alana Paterson

CHANGING THE FACE OF THE FRONTLINE:

LISA BASKOTT TELLS US THAT MORE WOMEN ARE NEEDED IN SECURITY INDUSTRIES

Brighton & Hove Resident Lisa Baskott is the founder and CEO of 2nd Line of Defence; the UK’s first female-focused security recruitment agency. Lisa became a qualified Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed door supervisor in September 2021 and has worked as part of the security teams at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, The Grand Brighton hotel, Rockwater and Chalk.

Here Lisa explains why she believes women are key to the future of the front-line security industry in the UK.

The front-line sector of the private security industry needs more women. Despite being regulated for over 20 years, women still only represent 10% of the 400k front-line licences issued in the UK. Security is seen as a male dominated industry; sectors and professions are still unnecessarily gendered in the public consciousness and are often seen as ‘man’s work’. There is no doubt in my mind that overcoming these stereotypes is the biggest problem women face when trying to enter the industry.

This outdated view fundamentally misunderstands the complex role of a modern security operative. The industry has evolved beyond brute strength, and qualities such as communication, empathy and industry knowledge are critical to modern-day security sectors, and highly valued by employers.

Whilst female officers are qualified to the same standards as male security staff, there are certain unique advantages to hiring and deploying them. Women make up 51% of the UK population and have their own unique security needs and spaces that require female security e.g. bathrooms, dressing rooms and changing rooms in public places. For areas such as this, and for procedures like pat downs and body searches, women security officers aren’t just preferred but are required by law. A female security presence can help women feel considerably more comfortable with female security officers seen as less intimidating and more approachable to women, young people, and children.

Women are often better at defusing aggressive situations and stopping them from escalating into violence. Women tend to reach for problem solving and diplomacy to tackle conflict, which can result in a much less aggressive and confrontational outcome. This is not to say that women in security roles cannot be as equally tough as their male peers, but it’s exactly this perception of women that makes them able to defuse potentially violent situations without resorting to physical measures, especially with male customers, who are much less likely to get confrontational with female security staff.

“I’m advocating for a new approach to recruitment within the security industry; one which highlights what women can specifically bring to the role. The industry needs to think about the “customer experience” and ensure that the people that it engages with on a daily basis feel valued and listened to, because surely, respecting and reflecting the community in which it serves should be the ultimate goal.”

Diversity is the key to success. If the front-line security sector doesn’t start making changes and moving forward in this area, it’s going to fail to be relevant within many of the environments in which it operates.

Of course, employing more women doesn’t just promote diversity and inclusion, women can bring a breadth of different skills, energy levels and dynamics to a team. More needs to be done to raise the bar. We need to break down the barriers for women in security and address this imbalance quickly.

All employers engaged in front-line security need recruitment and retention models based on agility: flexible shifts for childcare and lone worker protection processes provide a reassuring safety-net for any women working on their own, as well as solutions around transporting staff to/from work shifts (where possible). Professionally, my work skills were gained outside of the security industry, and I see this as a valuable asset which enables me to bring a broader skill set to my organisation and the people working within it.

We also need to consider the next generation of security leaders and create enticing pathways for younger people to envisage the sector as a reputable career path, with progression and opportunity, not a stopgap to a “proper job”.

“As the founder of 2nd Line of Defence, my aim is to prioritise the safety of women and vulnerable groups within the night-time cultural economy, by addressing the massive under-representation of women in the front-line security sector.

I find myself on a journey that starts with invoking trust. I’m on a mission to bring about systemic change to make night-time life safer for all girls, women and vulnerable groups living in the UK. I want to show them that my business goals encompass their concerns, fears and hopes around the issues concerning their safety, but more importantly, to convince them that they are key to the overall solution.”

For more information on Lisa and 2nd Line of Defence visit www.2ndlineofdefence.com

4 F EMALE LEADERS ON THEIR BIGGEST BUSINESS LESSONS IWD

For the team at Projects, a creative office hub in the center of Brighton, International Women’s Day is about more than creating conversation on how we can make gender equality a reality. Their goal is to amplify the incredible achievements made by women across the world, so many of whom have had to overcome bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

In order to move towards this, they are currently curating an updated schedule of events for both members and the public. A diverse, equitable and inclusive programme of speakers will be launched this month and as part of that, Projects will celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity.

All of us are surrounded by inspirational women who are making serious moves within their industry. We sat down with a handful of Projects' members to chat about their work, the biggest lessons they’ve learnt as leaders, and what change they’d like to see for women in their world of work.

April Baker - CEO of Together Co

What change would you like to see for women in your industry?

I have reflected lots on the challenges I have faced as a young, female leader over the last ten years. This has included being spoken over, being paid lower than male colleagues at the same level and my opinions being disregarded in meetings. However, I am grateful to those who pulled up a chair for me, believed in what I could do and mentored me. This led to me becoming Chair of the Board at JustLife, an amazing homelessness organisation in Brighton and Hove at aged 33, and a CEO at 35.

Equally, I am doing a lot of learning and am aware of my privilege as white, cisgender and non-disabled. There is still a lot of work to do when it comes to workplace culture, and it is essential we have more discussions around this to intensify the energy on diversifying leadership and changing the cultural landscape. We must ensure that awareness and structures are in place to make this process meaningful and accessible, comfortable, and fair for everyone.

For example, I would like to see a day when we do not need to report on gender pay gaps, and that companies ‘are working on this’, but we just see people paid for their talents no matter who they are!

Both Together Co and Sussex Nightstop are Projects’ charity partners. Projects proudly support both organisations with the work they do to support people of all genders in having somewhere welcoming to go during the day and somewhere safe to sleep at night.

Describe

your business and the difference it aims to create

Together Co is a loneliness charity in Brighton and Hove that creates connections to change lives. Within a world of hyper-individualisation, we work to establish social ties to rebuild a community of hyperconnectedness.

We believe that in a city of nearly 300,000, no one should be lonely or socially isolated. Together, we can make sure no one is.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a business leader?

Being a leader does not mean you have all the answers all the time. By moving away from a top-down, hierarchical approach and instead listening deeply, asking powerful questions, and working with people creatively, you will generate more informed and innovative ways to develop organisations together.

I have also learnt to have boundaries and that this is a vital form of selfcare and critical for ensuring you both feel and perform well in any role.

Describe your business and the difference it aims to create

I'm Co-Founder of ERIC, a free-to-use app that connects young people to initiatives, programmes, events and other helpful things to get career experience in the creative industries. Our aim is to democratise support and access to careers in the creative industries, so that every young person has equal opportunity.

What's the biggest lesson you've learnt from being a business leader?

The biggest lesson I've learnt is that knowing as many people as you can (and being nice to everyone!) will give you a real headstart with any business. Networking is so important, and those that aren't afraid to make the first move to connect will often make the biggest impact - if you don't put yourself out there, no one will know about you and what your mission is!

I used to be terrified to cold email people or add people I didn't know on LinkedIn, but now I know that's how you get ahead and make connections. That's the easiest way to build a network, increase awareness for your business and make sales!

Sam Hornsby - Co-Founder of ERIC (pictured right)

What change would you like to see for women in your industry?

I would like to see less pressure on women to do it all. Although we've made leaps and bounds in terms of women being able to invest their time and energy into having a career without judgement, the previous pressures haven't gone away.

The pressure on women to look after children, do housework, make all the social plans for a partner, to look polished all the time... all these things haven't relaxed to be in equilibrium with career pressures. So now women just have the pressure of everything. I would like to see less expectation of women to have careers and be able to do everything else on top of a full-time job, it's not fair!

Kristina Pereckaite - Managing Director at South East Angels

Abigail Rebecca (The Visibility Goddess) - Human Design Visibility Coach

Describe your business and the difference it aims to create

I’m a Visibility and Human Design Business Mentor. I run global retreats and workshops to help visionary entrepreneurial women activate their unique Human Design, be more authentically visible and grow their conscious business empires without the hustle.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a business leader?

Early on in my business, I was feeling so frustrated that I wasn't attracting the number of soul clients and business opportunities that I truly desired. I really wanted to transform lives but I was so worried about being judged or criticised by others that I remained low key and practically invisible. To be honest I thought that people wouldn’t like ‘the real me’. And I was comparing myself to others and beating myself up because I wasn’t as successful as they were.

My biggest breakthrough came when I learnt to embrace and love the real me. I accepted my imperfections and quirks and realised they were the things that would differentiate me and leverage my brand and business to create success.

I learnt how to overcome the blocks that were holding me back from being visible and started focussing on the difference I wanted to make in the world.

What change would you like to see for women in your industry?

As women, we are the creators and the manifestors. We are nurturing, intuitive, collaborative and multi-faceted. So I would like to see more visible, confidently expressed, wealthy women in the world. Women who are not afraid to stand up and speak their truth. Women who don’t feel they have to hustle to prove themselves and be successful. And women who support one another and celebrate each other's success.

Women are incredible leaders when we are our most abundant, empowered, aligned and blissful selves.

Describe your business and the difference it aims to create South East Angels was founded with the objective of increasing investment activity in the region. Today, the community is made up of 20+ investors who have made 10 investments to date, making the group the most active business angel investors in Brighton. We like to challenge the status quo of the traditional angel network by delivering a social investing experience for our members.

What's the biggest lesson you've learnt from being a business leader?

A lot of people have succeeded simply because they kept going. In every founder journey there are moments where it feels like it isn't going to work, like you want to give up, like it's just too hard. But it is exactly in those moments that you need to push forward. You just have to keep going, that's how you succeed.

What change would you like to see for women in your industry?

Currently, only 15-18% of all angel investors are women and there is a general lack of diversity of thought and experience to appropriately represent the need for capital and innovation. We are passionate about encouraging more diversity in the angel investment world and recently launched an initiative called Future Angels to help more women become angel investors.

There are so many incredible women all over the world who are forging change both within and outside of their industries. To find out more about IWD, how others are raising awareness, celebrating success, and showing support, head to www.internationalwomensday.com

To stay up to date with news of the soon-to-launch updated Projects events program, you can sign up for our mailing list by visiting our website www.projectsclub.co.uk

LÉA TIRABASSO - STARVING DINGOES

Photo Credit Bohumil Kostohryz Photo Credit Bohumil Kostohryz

Photo Credit Bohumil Kostohryz

ACCLAIMED CHOREOGRAPHER TALKS ABOUT CELLS, SOCIETY AND SACRIFICE

BY STUART ROLT

“I guess it started with my fear of death.” Most of Léa Tirabasso’s work has been a way of dealing with mortality’s sombre inevitability. And for her new show, Starving Dingoes, she’s begun a philosophical exploration of the strong links between madness and death. “We’re conscious beings who know that we’re going to die. Isn’t that the beginning of madness. But ‘mad’ has the wrong connotation… Or if we want to talk about madness, we want to go to that romantic definition of that person who sees life truly transparently.” She and her creative team have examined what madness could really mean, and who we are without the comforting order of ‘civilisation’. What is our role in life, and what is bubbling beneath the veneer of politeness?

Viewing ‘madness’ as dysfunction dovetails neatly into Tirabasso’s fascination with cancer cells. Her own prognosis compelled this awardwinning choreographer to make work (including her celebrated The Ephemeral Life Of An Octopus) which draws from the accompanying physical, spiritual and mental experience. “It led to me collaborating with scientists. I didn’t just want to make a piece about something I felt. I want to really understand what cancer was, and how a cell becomes unhealthy.” The experts described the disease as being chaotic, the cells spiralling out of control and affecting all those around them.

The concept of Apoptosis has stayed with her since the original research. A healthy cell has a predetermined death, and the average adult discards around 60 billion cells every day. When a cell swerves destiny by mutating it’s believed to be an important mechanism in tumour generation. This miniscule fight for life inspires much of Starving Dingoes. “The cells grow and colonise your whole body. I wanted to imagine what the other cells do around it. Do they realise something is going wrong, and this other cell is about to kill the whole thing? Of course, I wanted the other cells to kill the unhealthy one, so notions of sacrifice started to be added on to our conceptual research. What do we do when something dysfunctions. Do we kill it to save the whole?”

The concept of a rogue element starting to destroy those around it is almost infinitely scalable. From the atomic to the cosmological, balance is easily upset by the most innocent of actions. As a dance piece, Starving Dingoes became about people abandoned on a desert island and forced to eat on of their party in a bid for survival. It’s a simple analogous storyline, but is layered with observations on ritual, togetherness and group mentality. Should the sacrificed group member surrender or fight to stay alive?

Another inspiration for Tirabasso was the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault, who himself questioned if the distinction between madness and sanity wasn’t real but a social construct. Our notion of humanity is formed by a docile acceptance of certain conventions. Often these are just expressions of our society’s ethical and political commitments rather than incontrovertible facts.

“It’s really interesting when you look at the friction created between our corporeal needs and our spiritual life. We keep hiding the fact that our bodies are labelled as disgusting. The matter that comes out of our bodies… You hide yourself. There’s all these things which shouldn’t be seen. Life is actually gross. And that’s beautiful.” The notion of dysfunction is something which repeatedly creeps into Tirabasso’s impressive portfolio of work. We might believe malignant elements are destructive, but they’re often doing quite well from their own perspective. “You do question what we do with all these horrible factories which pollute so much. Do you close them? You still need your phones and computers. So, do you just close your eyes?”

Presented at Brighton’s Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts on Thurs 9– Fri 10 March, as part of South East Dance’s undisciplined festival, Starving Dingoes is an uncompromising work which draws from many disciplines. Tirabasso has collaborated with leading-edge set production designers, electronic music artists, animal-transformation specialists and clowning coaches. “I love chatting with people. I think it’s important to learn from others. I’ve been working with a philosopher for the past seven years. I’ll go to him with a certain notion and ask for his thoughts. Then that goes into the studio, and we talk about it to the dancers. As a team, we really ‘feel’ the subjects.” A heady blend of science and movement, this evocative spectacle sees five dancers engage in a savage fight for survival, lost amongst an ever-changing landscape. Accompanied by a hypnotic, bass-driven score, we see instinct battle logic as group dynamics respond to different threats.

With shifting rhythms and movements, the quintet initially trying to work together, until their interactions origin to lose synchronisation.

“I’m really interested by instincts,” says Tirabasso, while talking about how her projects evolve in the workshop process. “The thinking brain and how we react. We can’t forget that we’re on stage, but how can we surrender to something more primal? What arrives isn’t movement, but new textures. I love that.” The title draws from the Australian wild dogs, who wander untamed around beaches hunting for scraps. In a sense her performers approached the work as a search for intellectual and spiritual sustenance.

She describes the pulsating score which backs the piece as coming from a “happy accident”. Composed by Brighton-based duo Johanna Bramli and Ed Chivers, it fizzes with contemporary electronica. The score’s liberal repetition invokes both ritual and wearying routine. Lightening the mood is an inclusion of arias from La Traviata. “It’s so grandiose and big that it’s almost artificial. It’s so far away from the animal that we’re talking about. It’s the story of Violetta, who knows she’s going to die. Which is perfect because it’s a woman making her own choices.” The parts from this Verdi classic are an airy counterpoint to the ground-shaking heavy beats, offering a fitting metaphor for the interaction between flighty instinct and dogged logic.

Starving Dingoes has inarguably generated a lot of conversation, with almost everyone having their own opinion on what it represents. “It’s very interesting to realise that this piece is very divisive. It brings you to an uncomfortable place, as it looks at things which are a bit destructive. But that’s what art is here for – to get you to look at things which you never look at.” Her own interpretations of the work have gently shifted and developed with every performance. She’s become very interested in the representation of the artists and their own relinquish of control. In a way, every artist has to surrender some part of themselves, whether spiritually, physically or artistically. And the question remains what is this really for?

“I feel as artists we are sacrificed a bit. Institutions support us and our work, but in the end do they really care for us a human beings? As an artist, it’s hard, and we do sacrifice things.” Perhaps there’s greater pressures in contemporary dance to conform to the expectations of an audience. The form is often underrepresented when we think about culture and the arts.

“Maybe it’s because it started off so codified; and maybe less accessible because of that. It seems a little more out of reach. I really believe that dance can be extremely intransigent… very contemporary and edgy, yet completely accessible.” Starving Dingoes is forming part of Brighton’s undisciplined festival. This an annual event, run by South East Dance, which draws together various disciplines and makes them open to everyone. It’s part of their mission to support both audiences and artists and bring a greater appreciation for movement.

The theme for this year’s festival is new rituals and states of being, and considering that art can be kind as well as radical, bringing together cutting-edge artists and new ways of performing. “I think some institutions are really struggling to take risks, for whatever reason. There’s something about pushing the artform and daring to do it. But sometimes you might sacrifice some artistic ideas because you know if you don’t the piece will tour less.”

But contemporary dance is still relatively new, when compared to many other performing arts, which belies just how accessible it can be. After all, you just need a body and some space to perform, and some eyes to watch. By its very nature this is and accessible artform. So, iss it being cloistered by those artificial social and cultural conventions?

“I think watching the body is something we need to learn to do. We’re not taught to look at people. As a kid you’re told: ‘Don’t look at them.’ Maybe we need to relearn how to look at each other...”

Léa Tirabasso’s Starving Dingoes comes to Brighton’s Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts on Thurs 9 – Fri 10 March, as part of South East Dance’s undisciplined festival.

www.leatirabasso.com

www.attenboroughcentre.com

E S T I V A L

Photo Credit Paul Husband

Photo Credit Frederic Aranda

Image Credit Creative Power

Photo Credit Laura Lewis

Photo Credit Jay Brooks

Photo Credit Laura Lewis

Photo Credit Neil Harrison

WORLD-BEATING ARTS FESTIVAL UNVEILS A POWERFUL PROGRAMME FOR 2023

Celebrating community and collaboration, Brighton Festival is returning to venues across the city and beyond on Sat 6 – Sun 28 May. The largest annual curated multi-arts festival in England welcomes the critically acclaimed musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal as Guest Director, in an ambitious celebration of shared experiences.

From reworkings of an Elizabethan stage play to evoking a rainforest in the middle of the city, Brighton Festival brings together a diverse and captivating range of productions from almost every artform imaginable. This year will also see something of a celebration, as the historic Corn Exchange finally reopens after its loving restoration – bringing with it a brand-new look to the Brighton Dome complex.

“Collaboration is an essential part of Brighton Festival,” Andrew Comben, Brighton Dome’s Chief Executive, tells me. “The Festival often involves working with a really wide range of partners, from artists and performers - around the country and internationally - to community organisations, venues, and local businesses. These partnerships allow the Festival to showcase a diverse range of work and events, engage with different audiences and communities, and create a truly unique festival experience.” Nabihah Iqbal’s instinctive and collaborative approach to her tenure as the festival’s Guest Director is symbolised by the theme of ‘Gather Round’ - bringing artists and communities together and making space for an eclectic mix of ideas.

Since 2009, Brighton Festival has attracted inspiring and internationally significant Guest Directors who bring cohesion to the artistic programme. The inaugural appointment was Anish Kapoor and has subsequently included prominent cultural figures such as Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson, Kae Tempest, David Shrigley, Rokia Traoré, Lemn Sissay OBE and Marwa Al-Sabouni & Tristan Sharps. And now Nabihah Iqbal joins this illustrious list.

She’ll be presenting her latest experimental musical project SUROOR, with artists Raheel Khan, Paul Purgas and Imran Peretta; and champions UK bass culture with performances from DJs Aba Shanti-I and Dennis Bovell. She will also be in conversation with inspiring artists and thinkers across the programme, including exploring Brighton and East Sussex with historian David Olusoga, and a joyful evening of music and discussion with BBC broadcaster Anita Rani.

“In addition to her fantastic curation of the music programme, Nabihah has worked with us to commission several innovative productions for the festival,” adds Comben. “These include the world premiere of a new genre-defying production of John Lyly’s Galatea, an inclusive tale of love, joy and the importance of welcoming outsiders. She is also collaborating with award-winning interactive arts collective Invisible Flock on the world premiere of The Sleeping Tree, which uses an immersive soundscape to

transport audiences to the distant and fragile ecosystem of the Sumatran rainforest.”

Iqbal’s debut album, Weighing of the Heart, was released via Ninja Tune in 2017 to huge critical acclaim. The London-based artist also hosts a bi-weekly show on NTS Radio, exploring musical traditions and cultures without boundaries, and frequently appears on BBC networks, presenting shows on BBC Radio 1, Radio 4, 1Xtra, Asian Network, World Service and 6Music.

Touring extensively, both as a live act and as a DJ, her performance highlights have included the Tate Modern and Tate Britain, as well as the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Barbican and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, K11 Art Institute in Shanghai and MoMA PS1 in New York.

A vigorous celebration of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and community events, this year’s festival will see an incredible 120 performances, exhibitions and installations taking place. Among these are eight Brighton Festival commissions, plus six world premieres, three UK premieres and nine Brighton Festival exclusives.

Highlights include the UK premiere of Groundswell - a large-scale immersive installation for all ages by award-winning Australian artist Matthias Schack-Arnott, who fuses sound and movement into evocative, atmospheric experiences. Groundswell explores the ground beneath our feet and is presented in partnership with Brighton Fringe. This free event is made possible by principal supporter, The Pebble Trust, whose annual support of Brighton Festival’s major productions and installations offers audiences innovative and unique ways of seeing and experiencing our wonderful city.

Actor Russell Tovey, writer and performance artist Travis Alabanza and poet Joelle Taylor appear in Blue Now, a special mixed-media performance of Derek Jarman’s last film, Blue. Directed by Neil Bartlett, following his recent critically acclaimed adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, the screening will also feature a new live score from original composer Simon Fisher Turner.

This year’s Festival includes 123 free performances, while 87 performances are offering tickets for £10 or less - including £10 Festival Standbys for concession groups available on most events. The Pay It Forward scheme is also supporting free ticket vouchers for community organisations.

“We’ve worked hard to keep prices low and accessible and to offer a huge range of free experiences in the Festival. So, if it’s your first time, the best way to start is to pick up a copy of the brochure and browse with an open mind. You can come along to some of the festival’s free events, such as the Children’s Parade, A Weekend Without Walls, Groundswell or visual art, and it’s a great way to get a taste of the festival’s atmosphere and

By William Clay

to see some of the work on offer. If that whets your appetite, dive into some of the music, dance, circus and theatre.” He says the key to experiencing the Brighton Festival is keeping an open mind, being adventurous, and trying to catch as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new artistic styles or shows.

Brighton Festival’s economic impact and ambitious scale remain intact, thanks to the steadfast support of Brighton & Hove City Council and Arts Council England, along with The Pebble Trust; major sponsors Moda Living; and Mayo Wynne Baxter, Higher Education Partner University of Sussex; and wider supporters, donors, patrons and members. Brighton Festival is also made possible with support from international partners and governments, including Culture Ireland and the Australian Council for the Arts.

Following a major refurbishment, Brighton Dome’s historic Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre will reopen with Van Gogh Alive –a innovative, immersive exploration of the life and works of the seminal Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. Following sell-out runs in Edinburgh, Manchester and London, Brighton audiences will be the first to experience its brand-new Starry Night installation.

This year’s music programme spans a huge range of artists equally at home in classical repertoire and experimental performance. The Festival welcomes sitar legend Anoushka Shankar; Mercury-Prize winning percussionist Talvin Singh; hosts a celebration of timeless breakbeat with Goldie; and a Brighton Festival exclusive performance from vocalist and composer Bishi and the Trans Voices choir.

A weekend exploring folk music in all its forms, Different Folks, will be led by the legendary Shirley Collins and Martin and Eliza Carthy, alongside contemporary psych-folk duo Stick in the Wheel and multi-instrumentalists Laura Groves and Angeline Morrison.

Elsewhere Public Image Ltd’s Jah Wobble reimagines their classic album Metal Box in dub; UK jazz auteur and Mercury Prizenominee Shabaka Hutchings swaps his saxophone for a Japanese shakuhachi flute; and musician and actor Nadine Shah collaborates with writer Jackie Thompson on a theatrical story of chaos and recovery, To Be A Young Man

Classical highlights for 2023 include François-Xavier Roth conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in Lindberg and Beethoven, with the ‘dazzling virtuoso’ Yuja Wang at the piano; actors Rory Kinnear and Pandora Colin join singers Mark Padmore and Roderick Williams and pianist Julius Drake for a programme of words and music inspired by Shakespeare’s Seven Ages of Man; and the Takács Quartet make a welcome return to the Festival, performing Arvo Pärt and Schubert at Glyndebourne.

Brighton & East Sussex Youth Orchestra will perform pieces with a distinctly folk feel by Aaron Copland, Edward Elgar and Doreen Carwithen. The orchestra’s young musicians will also benefit from mentoring by members of the LSO, marking the growing ambition of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival’s music education hub, Create Music.

Theatre highlights include the National Theatre of Scotland’s swashbuckling rom-com Kidnapped, from Olivier award-winning Isobel McArthur and Michael John McCarthy, based on the Robert Louis-Stevenson classic. The Festival also hosts the UK Premiere of French-Norwegian puppetry masters Plexus Polaire’s Moby Dick; Irish theatre-maker Brokentalker’s hilarious smash-hit Masterclass; and Conor Mitchell and the Belfast Ensemble’s critically acclaimed formbending production of Abomination: A DUP Opera.

Dance and circus performances include the world premiere of Kizlar from Brighton-based choreographer Ceyda Tanc; Australia’s contemporary circus troupe Gravity & Other Myths bringing Out of Chaos, an explosive acrobatic performance referencing birth, death, and primordial physics, alongside a free night-time outdoor performance Playbook; and Aakash Odedra’s moving and humorous dance portrait of dyslexia, Little Murmur. An exciting partnership with South East Dance at Brighton’s own The Dance Space includes new commission, Queer Collision by dance-maker Stewart Waters; a short season of contemporary Korean dance, Kontemporary Korea; and Second Hand Dance welcome babies and young children.

The visual arts programme features two world premieres: Brighton Festival Exclusive, Parachute, is the first solo exhibition from photographer Reuben Bastienne-Lewis and an intimate portrait of friendship, family and community, documenting the journey from adolescence into adulthood; and painter Mohammed Adel offers a window into British-Bengali identity, exploring the personal and the universal via the family album format.

In an echo of the call to Gather Round, the Festival maintains its strong connections with communities across the region. A Weekend Without Walls - the free programme of outdoor performances - continues to push the boundaries of dynamic, thought-provoking work in public spaces both in Brighton & Hove and in Crawley. In a Brighton Festival Commission, Ceyda Tanc will also collaborate with Third Space on a bold new reimagining of the ancient Greek tragedy, Bhakkhai, performed against the backdrop of the South Downs with a cast aged 8-60.

Comben says the Festival remains committed to bring events out into the community and make them accessible for as many as possible. “It is incredibly important to overcome barriers to entry in the arts. Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and uplift us, and it should be accessible to everyone regardless of their background, income, or location.”

From enabling communities through the Our Place projects in the city’s outlying neighbourhoods, the Pay it Forward Scheme and their Audience Club, there’s many ways that Brighton Festival is removing the obstacles to participation. “We want to make the arts more inclusive and diverse and help to build stronger and more connected communities. When we are all able to engage with the arts, it can also have a positive impact on our wellbeing, mental health, and sense of belonging. By creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together and experience the power of the arts we help to create a more vibrant, healthy, and connected society.”

For fans of comedy, Nish Kumar leads the big-name line-up in Live at Brighton Festival, alongside award-winner Thanyia Moore and Chloe Petts; and triple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long presents a brand-new show, Re-Enchantment, musing on how to love the world under ‘difficult circumstances’.

In the Books & Debates series poet and recording artist Linton Kwesi Johnson will enjoy an evening of music and words with Nabihah Iqbal, to mark his new prose selection, Time Come; journalist Polly Toynbee examines class in modern Britain; and model and activist Munroe Bergdorf will explore what binds us, not what separates us. Young

Photo Credit Ste Murray

Photo Credit Doug Peters

Photo Credit Rosie Powell

Photo Credit Lauren Luxenberg

Photo Credit Roarke Pearce

Photo Credit Danny Da Costa

Photo Credit Keith Tucker

readers are encouraged to Gather Round to hear an irresistible new story from former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson; join illustrator Martin Brown to celebrate 30 years of Horrible Histories; and celebrate ‘hair-as-superpower’ with author Tolá Okogwu and her epic adventure Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.

In respect of the upcoming coronation, the annual Children’s Parade moves to Sun 7 May, and interprets the Gather Round theme with One World, learning and growing from each other. With 5000 children moving through the streets of Brighton, this colourful celebration will reflect the importance of collaboration in Inventions; Culture, Cooking & Fashion; and Our Environment.

Brighton Festival represents the spirit of its place, one of openness and enquiry. “It is a crucible of ideas: artistic, political, philosophical, ethical and we encourage our audiences to approach with an open mind and try something new. It can be a difficult balancing act but we’re always looking for ways to entice Festival goers to see something they know they’ll love, and to try something they’re less sure about in

the hope they love that too.” Comben says he’s thrilled to be bringing international work back to the Festival for the first time since Covid and offer a whole range of performances which audiences are not likely to have seen. “…and the really exciting thing about this year’s festival is how involved Nabihah has been in helping to curate it. She has connected artists with each other and across artforms in a way that encourages people to really dig into the programme and discover those connections for themselves.”

Brighton Festival comes to venues across Brighton & Hove, and Sussex, on Sat 6 – Sun 28 May. For tickets and details of the entire schedule, visit:

www.brightonfestival.org

Photo Credit Carnival Cinema

Photo Credit Mariano Vivanco

Photo Credit Ådne M Gulbrandsen

Music without boundaries at Brighton Festival

Curated by Nabihah Iqbal

A Certain Ratio + Holy Tongue

Sat 6 May | Chalk

Metal Box: Rebuilt in Dub - Jah Wobble and The Invaders of the Heart + Blurt

Sun 7 May | Chalk

All Sounds at All Saints with Shabaka Hutchings, Lucinda Chua & more

Tue 9–Fri 12 May | All Saints Church

Anoushka Shankar + Petit Oiseau

Sun 14 May | Brighton Dome Concert Hall

Nabihah Iqbal presents SUROOR

Mon 15 May | ACCA

Sarathy Korwar + Karma Sheen

Tue 16 May | Concorde 2

Different Folks

with Eliza & Martin Carthy, Shirley Collins & more

Sat 20 & Sun 21 May | Brighton Dome Concert Hall

Findom + Lunch Money Life + Handle

Sat 20 May | The Old Market

Talvin Singh + Kapil Seshasayee

Tue 23 May | Concorde 2

brightonfestival.org

01273 709709

LOOKING FOR THE

PERFECT SPOT

TO START YOUR SUMMER? HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE TOP 10 BEER GARDENS IN BRIGHTON & HOVE.

HOBGOBLIN - LONDON ROAD

Starting off with a tried-and-true frontrunner, Hobgoblin boasts a bright and lively beer garden, confirmed by none other than the Brighton Bartenders Association, who named it ‘Brighton’s Best Beer Garden’ in 2017, and with good reason. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, look no further, because there’s a pretty extensive pizza menu on offer, the perfect accompaniment for your pint. And don’t worry about getting bored, there’s even an escape room, should you find yourself looking for a new activity. You’ll find it full most evenings; it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon or begin a night on the town. With plenty of space, whether it’s just a few of you or many more, Hobgoblin is a very ‘Brighton’ spot to grab a drink or two.

SIDEWINDER- KEMPTOWN

Sidewinder comes in strong with two beer gardens alongside its funky interior, making it a great location both in the daytime and evenings. With a vast and constantly changing selection of craft beers as well as a whole host of interesting spirits to try, Sidewinder makes for another perfect night out setting. If you’re in Kemptown and looking for a somewhere comfortable to spend an afternoon, this is the place to be. Another fantastic representation of the eclectic energy Brighton has to offer.

THE LION & LOBSTER - CITY CENTRE

A cosy, and some may even say challenging pub to navigate, the beer garden and terrace at The Lion & Lobster is a snug space in the centre of town where you’ll find craft beers, cocktails and shots we bet you’ve never heard of. As you make your way through the maze, you’ll find the multiple-storied building includes a pub, restaurant and the terrace, so you won’t be at a loss when choosing where to sit. Although it is small, the two floors of the terrace will keep you comfortable, with plenty of seating for you and your group. If you’re on the hunt for some traditional pub grub or a modern rendition of the classics, The Lion & Lobster has you covered.

By Noor Sheikh

THE OCULIST - THE LANES

A more recent addition to the Brighton bar scene, The Oculist is located in The Lanes, and is a modern yet casual bar with a beautifully lit roof garden. The menu features all your favourite cocktails, as well as some bespoke Brighton specials, along with the extensive selection of spirits, wines and beer. You’re spoilt for choices when you enter The Oculist, whether it’s for food or drinks; their Sunday roast options cover all bases, with the daily menu taking inspiration from East Asia. Take a seat on the top floor of the garden for an airy, sun-filled experience, or sit one floor below and for an intimate drink or two. The Oculist is also a popular host for many DJs, so keep an eye out for new music events every month.

THE GRAND CENTRAL - NEAR BRIGHTON STATION

The Grand Central sits in an ideal spot directly next to Brighton railway station, so whether you’re just visiting for the day or you’re a local looking to venture out of the city centre, this may be the right place for you. The inside shows off a traditional pub atmosphere with hints of modern design thrown in, and the roof garden is the perfect complement. An open and colourful space in what may seem like a cramped area of town, the garden at The Grand Central makes for a quaint escape from the hustle and bustle of the train station. If you prefer to people watch, take a seat on the tables on the pavement outside the pub, and get a pint in while you take in the buzzing atmosphere. During the summer months, The Grand Central hosts a number of events, including dance classes and live music, so don’t pass up the opportunity to learn something new, and reward yourself with a drink while you cool off on the terrace.

LE PUB (THE PARIS HOUSE) - HOVE

Less of a garden and more of an outdoor space, Le Pub, also known as The Paris House, offers live music nearly every day of the week, from open mic nights to jazz quartets. Here, you’ll find patrons drinking and

Images by Block Bar Staff and Howie McConell

dancing on the streetcorner, and you’ll feel transported to summer, no matter what time of the year it is. Le Pub sticks to adored classics when it comes to drinks, so you’ll have no trouble finding something you know and love. Take a glance at the fully French menu, grab a drink and sit outside in Le Pub’s charming adaptation of a beer garden.

BLOCK - KEMPTOWN

With its bright pink walls and artistic vibe, Block in Kemptown is a contemporary bar with an easy-going outdoor area. Totally open-air and with zero obstruction, the garden at Block is the ideal spot to bask in the sun or enjoy a cocktail in the colder months. With a focus on natural wood and vibrant colours, you’ll feel at ease in their so-called ‘sanctuary’. Browse their meticulously devised wine list, or menu of carefully crafted cocktails, and even grab something to eat after being drawn in by their charcoal oven. Don’t be fooled by its small facade, because the experience you’re in for is one to be excited about.

THE OPEN HOUSE - ROUND HILL

For a little trip slightly out of town, hop on the train to London Road railway station and visit The Open House, a lively pub with a warm atmosphere which is sure to have you wanting to stay for ‘just one more’. A great place to grab a cocktail or one of Brighton’s favourite beers, and relax on a cool summer evening. The huge beer garden is made for comfort, with heating and covers for the colder months, but don’t worry, it’s in the perfect position to make the most of the sun whenever it can.

THE PARK VIEW - PRESTON PARK

Image by Park View Staff via Instagram

The Park View, as the name suggests, is in the picturesque Preston Park area, and boasts a beer garden with not one, not two, not even three, but four levels. Enjoy a pint during the week or if you’re lucky with the weather, try one of their Sunday roasts in the sunshine. The garden is a huge space, welcoming families and large groups, and is perfect if you’re looking for a drink or two away from the city centre. Pop in for a meal or the Park View pub quiz, and celebrate your win in the comfort of one of the many seats in the beer garden.

THE MESMERIST - THE LANES

Last, but not least, The Mesmerist, located just a few minutes from the Brighton seafront. Open for bottomless brunch and evening drinks, The Mesmerist has everything in one place, including two outdoor areas: the roof terrace and the makeshift beer garden on the ground floor, which is ideal if you want to be in the midst of the Brighton nightlife. The variation of live music events adds perfectly to the ambience of the bar, which has become a key spot for partygoers on the weekends. There is always something going on at The Mesmerist, and if the weather allows, sit on the terrace for a break from the commotion of The Lanes and take a few minutes to enjoy the sea breeze.

Image by Grand Central team

Image by Park View Staff via Instagram

GET A

BITE

OF BOTANIC BEAUTY AT BRIGHTON’S GARDEN CAFÉ IN NORTH LAINE

Garden Cafe would be the product of the Mad Hatters favourite spot, and Wednesday Addams’ worst nightmare. It is the pleasure product of afternoon tea and cake combined with an indoor picnic.

From the outside, you immediately know Garden Cafe is a botanical wonderland. The exterior is painted green, and there are plants surrounding the circumference: hanging plants, small trees, potted window plants, a floral frame around the door. Outdoor bistro tables and chairs are the only clue that this is a cafe not a garden centre. I quite like it that way though; you step inside the shop and feel at one of the flora and plants.

From the main entrance you are confronted with the till and counter. Presented are show stopping cakes. Options include a white chocolate baked cheesecake topped with fresh berries, or individual rich mini biscoff cakes (which aren’t that mini, and vegan too). There was also a three tier pistachio cake, banoffee pie with an incredible cross section of whole banana layers; biscoff cheesecake, vegan peanut butter cake, raspberry coffee walnut cake, thick salted caramel brownies, and the list goes on.

In another fridge counter was also an impressive selection of quiche and salads. These were not any old salads either, but a Mediterranean salad packed with peppers, olives, sundried tomatoes, or a kale and butternut squash salad. There were more too, all packed with colour, and wouldn’t look out of place if put in a plant pot up on the shelf with the other arrangements.

A white painted corridor led us into an indoor space where people were working

on laptops, sipping coffees. There were plenty of mirrored walls, making the space look larger and reflecting the plants so that greenery truly was everywhere you looked. Even looking up, there are plants arranged above your head complete with fairy lights. It is not overwhelming though. Instead, it truly emulates a forestry secret-garden vibe.

We continued making our way through, and sat out in the conservatory area beside the large electric fireplace. While the outdoors is brought inside, it is pleasant that Garden Cafe maintains home-comfort. The glass roof was damp with raindrops, as we were lunching on a drizzly day, but this reinforced the peaceful ambience. Exposed hanging light bulbs amongst the overhead leaves provided little pockets of brightness in the foliage.

For my drink I ordered the biscoff latte, which was smooth and sweet, topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon. A generous size mug, too! My dining partner sipped on a refreshing sparkling passion fruit drink from the fridge. While she ordered the salmon quiche, I went for avocado toast. The quiches and salad, all homemade, are on a rotational selection. This particular salmon quiche was stuffed with large chunks of fish, and layered up with a soft texture of potato and egg on the crumbly pastry base.

I decided to go for the avocado toast because it is a pretty standard breakfast/brunch staple and I was curious to know how Garden Cafe would make it unique. Well, they managed to do that. Both dishes came out looking like a fairy had thrown up petals on our lunch. Presented with edible flowers, pea shoots, a scatter of chilli powder, it was delicate and picture perfect. To taste too, the avocado itself was creamy and full of lemon and black

pepper flavours. Sure it was simplistic, but those micro herbs and what I think could have also been a sprinkling of nuts, were wonderfully fresh and filling. You can also order a wide range of toppings including salmon, egg, halloumi or mushrooms if you do go all-out with avo, but I don’t think it needed anything more. Our Mediterranean side salad to share, while it was slightly swimming in vinaigrette, proved that salads don’t have to be boring.

Personally, I think going out for lunch can be over complicated these days. A modest selection of quiches, salads, sandwiches, soup and toast varieties is arguably all you need. The only meat across the whole menu too, is salmon. It is the perfect spot for vegetarians. The largest item on their menu was the Gardener Salad which was £12.90 for two poached eggs, mixed salad, tomato, quinoa, olives, avocado and dressing. She sounds as if you’d get your moneys worth. The Garden Breakfast, which was £11.90, included poached eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, garlic, avo and sourdough. Other menu items included a granola bowl (£7.5) or American style fruit, compot and syrup pancakes (£9.90).

After we had filled our camera roll with images of yummy food and flowers, we made our way out, winding back through the jungle. We noticed the door on the way out said “Plants make you Happy” and you know, it’s true. For food which embraces its simplicity through fine ingredients and delicate decoration, or somewhere tranquil to dine on coffee and cake, Garden Cafe is the place to go. It is like a slice of the National Trust in the heart of the lanes - a fairy tale escape for the greyest afternoons.

29 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YB

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

NEW RESTAURANTS IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE

By Kim Peci

We all know there’s never a shortage of enjoyable restaurants to visit in Brighton. If you’re an avid foodie and you’re looking to expand your palate this Spring, here are a few new restaurants opening up in Brighton and Hove.

POPEYES

Starting off strong with Popeyes, a burgeoning American fried chicken chain which opened up in Brighton in December. The restaurant is located on North Street, not far from the Clocktower. It claims to own the “chicken sandwich that broke the internet” following its breakthrough and widespread attention in the US. The spicy chicken sandwich and chicken tenders on the New Orleans-style menu are based on the restaurant’s Louisiana background. The restaurant achieves its famous ‘shatter crunch’ by marinating their chicken for 12 hours and hand battered with buttermilk. The restaurant is open from 11am to 10pm on Mondays, and 10:30am to 10pm the rest of the week.

SHARED

Next up we have Shared, a new restaurant opened by Duncan Ray in Curds and Cases on Western Road in late January. It is a dining establishment that serves shared meals, and Ray, the creator of The Little Fish Market, crafted the menu. Shared adopts a more fun approach to dining rather than haute cuisine. The incorporation of modern flavours into traditional comfort foods is complemented by Ray’s exquisite meticulousness and culinary expertise. He intends for Sharing to make it possible for you to have a taste of Duncan Ray’s cuisine whilst maintaining the cost per head low. The restaurant is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, and bookings are only done by phone.

MOWGLI

Following on from that Mowgli Street Food is an Indian cuisine restaurant that was first established in Liverpool, and has recently expanded to Brighton on Duke Street and opened on the 24th of February. Mowgli serves to create a working environment for customers that nourishes and fulfils them. The founder of Mowgli, Nisha Katona says “Mowgli is not about the intimate, hushed dining experience”, but the way Indians dine in their own homes and street food stalls. You can pick from the delectable mains or small plates of healthy and fresh food. The tiffin boxes for one are a wonderful way of playing food roulette: explore more flavours with an element surprise.

CARNE

In the midst of Hove, Carne has recently opened, presenting a cuisine centred around meat dishes prepared from ingredients gathered locally and ethically. The menu

includes simplistic platters with beef as the star element. Phil Bartley, the founder of Great British Charcuterie, created Carne. Predinner refreshments made by Steve Pineau of L’Atelier du Vin are available at the cocktail bar. The wine selection includes British wines with expert guidance. During the day, you can stop for a quick coffee and even relax on the comfy couches and armchairs in the lounge. And at night, the soothing cocktail lounge is the ideal spot to enjoy your favourite drink. The restaurant is open every Wednesday to Sunday.

IVAN MAZEMEN

In the lively Shelter Hall on Brighton’s seafront, a new pop-up shop has debuted. For the first time in the UK, Ivan Orkin, a ramen master and specialist in Japanese cuisine, will debut his new ramen concept, Ivan Mazemen. Starting in February, Orkin began a twelveweek residency in Brighton. He has formed a menu featuring his signature dishes from his widely respected ramen restaurants in Japan and New York, as well as dishes from his starring role in the 2017 Netflix Chef’s Table series. The menu includes dishes such as Triple Chicken Triple Garlic Mazemen, Katsu Curry Mazemen and Cold Sesame Noodles. Make sure you visit the shop whilst you can, as there is limited availability.

EMBERS

This April, Brighton chefs Dave Marrow and Isaac Bartlett-Copeland (Chef Patron, Isaac At) will combine to launch Embers in Brighton’s historic lanes. A new restaurant featuring Sussex produce cooked over a wood-fire, with unique cocktails. Embers, which opens on April the 3rd, is the first collaboration between long-term friends Marrow and Bartlett-Copeland. The concise menu will emphasise robust flavours made from locally grown foods and will have parts of each dish cooked exclusively over local, kiln-dried ash and birch wood, avoiding the use of gas and electricity entirely. A broad drinks menu with a selection of well-made, classic cocktails makes Embers a popular late-night drinking and dining spot.

DILSK

Moving on we have Dilsk, a restaurant located at Drakes Hotel that centres around sustainability while serving flavourful food inspired by the South Coast with a tantalising menu. After working together at 64 Degrees, Tom Stephens and Madeline Riches are now launching Dilsk. A dining room with 28 seats will initially be available, and a private dining room with 12 seats will open later. Located in East Sussex, Dilsk is a classy and laidback fine dining establishment that strives to provide a masterfully designed gourmet journey from start to finish through the menu. The restaurant’s opening day will be on April the 12th.

MORLEY’S

YORI

Carrying on in the same vein, Yori has officially entered the Brighton culinary community, bringing its Korean cuisine and culture. Located in the centre of the Lanes, the restaurant is now open for lunch and dinner. The menu includes Korean appetisers, soups, noodles, pancakes, fried chicken and the classic barbecue meat that you prepare at the table. Drinks include sumptuous cocktails, soft drinks, beer, wine, and flavoured Soju. Experience delicious Korean BBQ on Brighton’s lively seaside. Being Yori’s biggest branch, the restaurant offers a lot of seats and gorgeous décor. So, head on down and enjoy your Korean BBQ with a wonderful view of the seaside as it’s an absolute must.

To complete this list, Morley’s makes its way to Brighton. This fast-food eatery initially began operating in London in 1985, specialising in fried chicken, wings, barbecue ribs, and burgers. Opening up on St. James Street in Kemptown, fans of the chain will be able to share the experience of their fellow Southerners from London. The restaurant is popular for hosting the comedic YouTube series, Chicken Shop Date, by Amelia Dimoldenberg. In a survey done by the company, Brighton was the most requested city to strategically expand their business. CEO Shan Selvendran called Brighton “another place to call home” and a “place we wanted to call home” as they bring their London influence to the lovely seaside.

Don’t hesitate to visit these funky new restaurants in Brighton and broaden your taste.

Spicy Fried Chicken- Tommy Chatt

Ivan Mazemen Group- Tommy Chatt

Sticky Aubergine, Red Pepper Ketchup, Caponata Dressing, Tahini Cream- Gill Copeland

Photo: Andrew Batty

A taste of the Med

Restaurant Review -

EThirty-Nine

the slight crunch of the pistachio, were a combination I had not experienced on a pizza before. Honestly, all other pizza will pale in comparison for me now.

The risotto I had to accompany, again, was faultless. Although by now I was struggling to find room for it all with dessert still to come. Not one to let good food go to waste, I asked if I could have the pizza boxed up and the remaining risotto too. I was already looking forward to eating it all again the following day, it was that good.

The recently opened (as of only last month) E Thirty-Nine on Western Road is the closest thing I have tasted to real Mediterranean food on British soil. And as you would expect from any Mediterranean restaurant worth its salt, the waiters and waitresses are very friendly, attentive and know everything about every dish and glass of wine on the menu. Which was very helpful for someone who regrettably isn’t that great at navigating his way through a menu that isn’t in English.

As you approach the building (the former Purezza site) you can’t help but notice the large glass window front of the building, which is gilded in a classic Art Deco style, giving a feel of elegance as you enter.

There has clearly been great due care and attention given for the interior design of the restaurant as it oozes rustic Mediterranean.

The hanging fishing ropes and boating ores are a subtle nod to the seafood specialities the restaurant offers, all of which are locally sourced.

I opted for The Black Tiger King Prawns and Trio of Bruschetta (Meat, Fish and Veggie) to start and they were so ornately presented you are almost reluctant to dig in, although that didn’t stop me. And the prawns in particular were amazing, so much so that I wanted to order more. But I had to exercise some restraint knowing there was an extensive menu to work my way through.

Moving onto the mains, I was told that the pizza chef hailed from Napoli - the birthplace of pizza. This came as no surprise after gorging on a Le Du Sicillie Pizza, which came with a sprinkling of pistachio. I opted for a charcoal base, which is one of three bases you can choose from, the other two being Napoletano Contemporanea or Tumeric. The darker colour, the fluffiness of the dough and

Finally, with what little room I had left, I moved onto the dessert. Much like the starters they came out looking almost too good to eat. I could not decide between Tiramisu or Cannoli, so I chose both. And although I let my gluttony get the better of me, I am glad I did. They were both so rich and flavoursome, it would have been a crime if I had had one and not the other. Although, I did have to pause halfway through, firstly to wait for the food to go down so I had more room; secondly to contemplate how I was going to get up from my seat and make it home having indulged in so much food.

That said, I will be coming back as soon as I can to sample more of the fish and meat options, such as the Chef’s Speciality Seafood (for two) and prime fillet steak. There is only so much one man can eat in one go. E

They say ‘You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy Pizza and it is basically the same thing.’ Although I have never doubted that motto, I had not tasted pizza that would elicit such happiness until now.

The Real Junk Food Project reside at refurbished Fitzherbert

Community Hub,

Kemptown

The charity cafe tackling food waste using surplus food

By Amy Stanborough

The Real Junk Food Project is taking one communal leap towards a more sustainable future. Their mission is to tackle food waste by serving surplus food from supermarkets to those who have the option to pay what they can afford. In doing so, they are feeding bellies, not bins (as the motto demands) also contributing to solving the issue of hunger in the midst of this economic crisis. A pioneering charity in the world of food and hospitality which many other businesses should be aspiring to replicate.

I first noticed the Real Junk Food Project in the lanes which reside at The Gardener Cafe on Gardner Street. It turns out, if you keep walking down St James Street (and then walk some more) until you reach Kemptown, The Real Junk Food project has also taken over the parish hall of St John the Baptist Church - now known as the Fitzherbert Community Hub.

Here is where I met one of the project directors, Paul, on a busy Thursday lunch time. The canteen was packed with people dining on donated surplus food which is served on a pay as you feel basis. The motivation for the project is to rescue and cook food which would otherwise be chucked away as waste.

The £1.45 million renovation to build Fitzherbert Community Hub officially opened its doors in November 2022. Since, the community spirit has been bouncing off the walls and transpiring out onto the streets. Alongside The Real Junk Food Project are Brighton Table Tennis Club (BTTC), Voices in Exile, and the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Chichester, and together they have partnered up to establish and develop charity, character and community at ‘The Fiz’.

The Real Junk Food Project is a network of cafes, pop-ups and projects founded by Adam Smith, all with the key motive to intercept food destined for landfill. A quarter to a third of food produced globally is wasted. And yet, there’s estimated to be 795 million people who do not get enough to eat. The Real Junk Food Project is working to find a solution to these two major issues.

They receive their surplus food in bulk from supermarkets, which is then delivered to their hub in Bevendean. The produce then gets transferred to the cafes or is open to ‘shoppers’ weekdays in Bevendean (Leybourne Parade).

Speaking further to Paul about The Fitzherberts Hub specifically, I ask him to explain the ‘pay as you feel basis’. Seems too good to be true, right? But what this means is that it allows consumers to pay what they can afford so that no one has to go hungry. In the cafe space, the chatter amongst those dining was infectiously warming. The room was beaming with young and old faces; supporters, the homeless, carers, and volunteers. In between talk was the clatter of knives and forks on china. The benefit of this space is evident if you just look around.

The money that you spend on the food goes towards sustaining the costs of collecting food, and also donations. While the chefs are busy cooking up a storm in a kitchen, the catering staff are smiling, willing volunteers who gleefully chat to anyone who comes through the door.

Paul tells me how the space is not just about saving food waste, curing

hunger, and eating for less, it is a space to meet people and get active too. There is always something going on when you are not stopping to eat or grab a coffee. The cafe is “a platform for other social platforms” where after-school kids cookery takes place, or the ‘Food for Sport’ collaboration with The Tennis Club allows people to do a spot of table tennis. Paraolympian Will Bayley often makes appearances at Fitzherberts hub and supports their events, proving that it really is a space for making opportunities for all.

While the Fitzherbert Hub hit the ground running, the focus now is all about getting the word out. They are expanding their opportunities by teaming up with local GPs and welcoming them to support any customers with dementia, and to battle the issue of loneliness. They also have brand new compost at the back of the hall to encourage some growing. Educational classes on fermenting and learning skills such as bulk cooking are also occurring at the Hub in order to teach the community about ways they can preserve their food themselves at home.

I suggest that the demand to open more cafes around the city must be high, to which Paul responds that he would love to open more pop-ups, but the food supplies have reduced. There is less produce on supermarket shelves and (thankfully) supermarkets themselves are slowly starting to plan and develop ways of being less wasteful. However, the Real Junk Food Project is hoping to build further links with local residents growing food on allotments so that there is more produce available.

While the Real Junk Food Project ask that you not give them food donations (they prefer the bulk from supermarkets!), you can give a financial donation online, or volunteer at one of their cafes. They also have a few catering events on the way including a lunch for fifty diners, and an upcoming wedding. Catering is a perfect opportunity to spread the message of fighting food waste to your friends and family, so next time you have your own event, consider reaching out to The Real Junk Food Project.

If you are looking for ways to reduce your own food waste from the comfort of your own abode, Paul is extremely excited to announce that two volunteers are soon publishing their own recipe book, Rescue Recipes, so that you too can cook with surplus food, just like The Real Junk Food Project.

TV GUIDE

GRACE

TBA

ITV1

Based on the bestselling novels of Peter James, and filmed in Brighton and Burgess Hill, this hit crime drama is back for some more troublesome cases. The books have been adapted in order, so expect John Simm as Roy Grace and Richie Campbell as DS Glenn Branson. to offer versions of Dead Like You, Dead Man’s Grip and Not Dead Yet this season

Last season ended with Grace seemingly getting his love life sorted, only to receive a call saying his missing wife might still be alive. Elsewhere, Branson’s battles with trauma after being shot during the second season. There’s also the prospect of a new boss to win over.

THE MANDALORIAN

WEDS 1 MARCH

DISNEY+

The thrilling adventures of the Mandalorian continue across the galaxy. Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito gather once more for this hotly anticipated new instillment in the iconic Star Wars franchise.

Don’t the space wizards want the Darksaber back? Will the tribes of Mandalore be reunited? Will Bo-Katan reclaim his citizenship? Once a lone bounty hunter, legendary warrior Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu, while the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from a dark history. The mighty Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies, as he and his powerful little friend continue their epic journey together.

MY KIND OF COUNTRY

FRI 24 MARCH

APPLE TV+

Offering both styles of music - Country AND Western – this show breathes new life into the music competition format breaks down barriers in country music and provides an extraordinary opportunity to diverse and innovative artists from around the world.

Scouts Allen, Guyton and Peck (all three having carved a unique space within country music by mixing traditional styles with contemporary, cross-genre interpretations) hand-pick a roster of exceptional up-and-coming artists. These are invited to the home of country music in Nashville, Tennessee, to showcase their distinctive sound. The competition winner will receive a life-changing prize from Apple Music, receiving unprecedented support and exposure on the platform.

YELLOWJACKETS

FRI 24 MARCH PARAMOUNT+

After setting social ablaze last season, this original and audacious show returns to obsess us once more. In 1996, a New Jersey high school soccer squad travelled to Seattle for a tournament. Their plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness and the survivors are left stranded for nineteen months. We get to see the group’s, often brutal, attempts to stay alive - while also tracking their lives in the modern day.

There are many mysteries to be resolved. Who did the team eat in the first episode? Why was a super-creepy cabin built in the middle of nowhere? How did one of the team end up as a cult leader? We’ll hopefully find out.

DAISY JONES & THE SIX

THURS 2 MARCH

PRIME VIDEO

Based on the book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, this compelling miniseries is presented in a documentary style, including background interviews with the band. This fictional (but utterly believable) story captures the essence of creativity in the erratic, wild world of 70s music.

Daisy sneaks into Sunset Strip clubs, sleeps with rock stars, and dreams of singing at the Whisky a Go-Go. The sex and drugs are alluring, but it’s the rock’n’roll she loves most. From their roots in the LA music scene to becoming one of the most legendary bands in the world, soon everybody has heard of Daisy Jones & The Six, but few know why they imploded.

EXTRAPOLATIONS

FRI 17 MARCH

APPLE TV+

A bracing drama from writer, director and executive producer Scott Z. Burns, Extrapolations introduces a near future where the chaotic effects of climate change have become embedded into our everyday lives. It offers eight interwoven stories about love, work, faith and family from across the globe, exploring the intimate, life-altering choices which must be made when the planet is changing faster than the population.

Every story is different, but the fight for our future is universal. When the fate of humanity is up against a ticking clock, the battle between courage and complacency has never been more urgent. Are we brave enough to become the solution to our own undoing?

RABBIT HOLE

MON 27 MARCH PARAMOUNT+

After playing a beleaguered President in Designated Survivor and urgently screaming: “WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE?!” at terrorist suspects in 24, the brilliant Kiefer Sutherland delves into the world of world of corporate espionage. He plays John Weir, a master of deception who is framed for murder by powerful forces. Somebody wants him out of the picture, but he won’t be going easily.

With his enemies able to influence and control society, this all turns into a battle to preserve democracy in an ever-changing world. Expect lots of themes around population control, fake news and government surveillance, as this thriller ramps up both the intricate conspiracies and paranoia to dizzying effect.

SUCCESSION

MON 27 MARCH

SKY ATLANTIC

TV’s most morally-repugnant family return, in all their misanthropic, gold-plated glory. Multi-billionaire Logan Roy and his charm-free children once again dip their fetid fingers into the world of business. It’s still undecided as to who will be in control of their empire, as makeshift alliances are formed, betrayed and lamented.

There’s a big offer on the table for entertainment corporation, Waystar Royco. Will Kendall, Shiv and Roman be able to overcome their own personality defects and relieve their father of control? While the characters are fundamentally revolting, the majesty of this show lies with its exceptional performances and tightly-woven script. If we learn anything, it’s that cash won’t buy you class.

If a seed falls from a vine in the tropics, travels across the ocean and arrives intact on the shores of the north-east Atlantic, it is known as a sea bean. They have been used as a magical charm for more than a thousand years.

Sally Huband’s search for a sea bean begins not long after she moves to the windswept archipelago of Shetland with her husband and young son. Struggling with the island’s remoteness and severe weather, together with unemployment and a chronic illness which challenges her own sense of identity – and gets worse with a second pregnancy – Sally is forced to slow down.

Feeling isolated by pain and parenthood, she gently explores the windswept beaches. Slowly she discovers not just a community of other beachcombers and the thrill of finding forgotten treasure and natural curiosities but a link to the rest of the world. For washed up on Shetland’s strandlines are lobster pot tags from Maine, cigarette lighters from Greenland and Iceland and goods from passing container ships. Pecking among these treasures are migrating birds on their journeys across the world.

Beachcombing opens Sally’s mind up to a world of ancient myths, the area’s fragile ecology and deep human history which takes her on a journey to the Orkney Islands, the Faroes, the Dutch island of Texel and, most importantly, back to herself.

Huband’s writing is at its most powerful when she’s describing Shetland’s natural world. Her descriptions of the ice, the sea and the birds are exquisite. Shaetlan – a language in its own right – is peppered throughout the book, with a handy glossary at the end, lending a real feel of immediacy. The weather reflects her own mental and physical state – she considers at one point that she is waiting to snorkel again

Sea Bean: A powerful journey of sea and self, trial and hope on Shetland

By Cathy Hayward at Kemptown Bookshop

Sea Bean – a beachcomber’s search for a magical charm by Sally Huband is published on 6 April 2023 and will be available at Kemptown Bookshop and all major bookshops. Please shop local and support independent bookshops where you can.

until ‘a lull in the wind coincides with a lull in the stormy weather within my body.’

Over the course of the book, Sally casts numerous messages in bottles into the sea as she searches for answers. But by the end, she recognises that her compulsion to beachcomb is less about what she might find but the success of venturing out in all weathers – and in all physical states – to walk. In the end the journey is more important than the destination.

Sea Bean is a love letter to island life, a lament to the dwindling numbers of birds, fish and insects in the environment and a reflection of the interconnection between the oceans, communities and ourselves. Part memoir, part nature journal, this book is a message in a bottle to the future. Even if you’ve never read nature writing, then give this is go. It’s a delight from start to finish.

LEONARDSLEE LAKES & GARDENS

SUSSEX TREASURE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

BY STUART ROLT

Set amongst one of the High Weald’s ancient forests, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens masterfully combines one of the finest examples of an English country garden and the soaring beauty of the Sussex landscape. Only ten years ago, this magnificent treasure was close to being gone forever. But now it’s reopened - preserved by the herculean effort of England’s largest garden restoration.

“Having been shut for nearly a decade, Leonardslee became almost as famous for being a ‘lost garden’ as it has been for its historic plant collection,” says its Head Gardener, Jamie Harris. “Certainly, when I was studying horticulture during that period of closure, it was spoken of in the past tense because nobody was sure whether it would reopen again.”

Arranged with a structured informality, Leonardslee presents an extensive plant collection and landscape features which appear entirely natural. With Grade I Listed gardens, parkland, lawns and ‘The Finest Woodland Gardens in England’, the grounds offer an extensive range of flora and fauna. Stylistically, Leonardslee swerves the solemn rigidity of the formal garden or the bombast of classists like Capability Brown, instead presenting a rustic simplicity which works closer to nature.

Spring is very much their feature season, as you might expect from a woodland garden. “The Rhododendrons, Camellias and Magnolias are the stars of the show, and are in such number and variety that they really need to be seen to be believed. There are also carpets of bulbs in Spring such as Bluebells, Snowdrops and Daffodils and we add thousands more to the collection each year. The historic Rock garden is in full swing in Spring, the baby wallabies are emerging from their mothers’ pouches and the whole garden feels alive.”

Although Autumn almost rivals Spring in terms of colour displays at Leonardslee. “The stunning firework foliage show on Acer and Oak

Walk and beyond is a big hit with photographers and this display is complimented by the myriad of beautiful bark and berries on the likes of the Sorbus and Betula trees. As these colours and forms reflect in the lakes, Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year.”

Summer is a very peaceful season at the gardens. Walking around the lakes with insects, birds and other wildlife going about their business amongst the acres of wildflowers is a true joy. Harris and his team are currently doing plenty of work around improving and adding to the floral interest in Summer, including a major planting scheme around the lakes; with Hydrangeas and flowering dogwood trees.

The next phase of the Leonardslee enhancement works is to develop Winter offerings for visitors. The frosty views, coloured stems and Winter scents will hopefully soon be joined by two Winter Gardensone down in the valley at the north end of the lakes and another up in the top garden below the mansion.

“We need to conserve the biodiversity here and reduce the impact of any developments that we undertake,” adds Harris. “We also have around 80 or so Champion Trees [each officially recorded as the tallest or widest of its type in either the county, the country or, in one case, the world] and a Plant Heritage National Plant Collection for our Leonardslee and Loder-related Rhododendrons. We are therefore very protective of the garden and the plants therein. This is always taken into consideration when laying paths or siting sculptures for instance. However, we also want to make sure that our visitors have as much access to this beautiful and historic landscape, but obviously without negatively impacting upon it in any way.”

The estate is also home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, including Foxes, Rabbits, Grey Squirrels, Badgers, Weasels, Stoats, Shrews and Voles. You can often see (or hear) Green Woodpeckers, while Herons thrive on the shallow lakeside water where Carp feed on the surface.

It’s also a fine place to spot Wild Mandarin Ducks, Nuthatches, and Treecreepers. There’s also extensive parkland which offers over 100 free-roaming deer. “Wildlife is abundant in a woodland setting such as ours. I love walking around the lakes and seeing Cormorants and Kingfishers swooping and diving for instance. We’ve recently been designated as a site of particular interest for Dragonflies after over 30 different species were recorded here last year. And we’re almost as famous for our wallabies as we are our plant collection sometimes! A real hit with families, our mob of wallabies are looked after by the garden team and are great fun to work with.” These characterful marsupials are quite tame, although you cannot pet them, and are fascinating to observe - particularly when the joeys are active. “When I first started here, I was asked to do an RHS podcast on looking after the wallabies and had to do some quick swotting up on wallaby husbandry as funnily enough that wasn’t covered in my horticultural training!”

Located near Horsham, the site of Leonardslee (the name referring to the valley of St Leonard’s Forest) was left alone for centuries. The region’s soil was deemed too acidic for most crops in the Middle Ages, so it was mostly used for the hunting of animals. When the Weald became a centre for England’s iron production in the 16th and 17th centuries, local sandstone was dug out in the search for vital ores and trees felled to manufacture charcoal. The valleys at Leonardslee were dammed, and several ponds dug to ensure constant flow for a waterwheel; which in turn powered bellows at a forge.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, iron production no longer needed to be near its raw materials, and operations like Leonardslee began to fall behind the brutal efficiency and technological advances of larger facilities. After the forge and activity had left, nature began to reclaim the landscape. Ownership of the site changed hands several times, before the Beauclerk family created the first ornamental plantings at Leonardslee – bringing together imports from the New World like conifers, palms and giant sequoia, along with rhododendrons and magnolias.

The estate was later sold to the Hubbard family, who built the stunning Italianate-style mansion overlooking the valley today. The next major change came in 1889, when renowned Victorian plant collector, Sir Edmund Loder, purchased the estate. He began extensive planting of exotic plants and trees, even developing new Rhododendron varieties for the gardens. At this time species like Gazelle, Beavers, Kangaroos and Wallabies were introduced. A rock garden was constructed from Pulhamite (a newly developed artificial rock), which included artificial caves for wild sheep. There is also a Pulhamite cave for mountain goats to explore, separate from the Rock garden but constructed at the same time.

The following years would see Leonardslee become a popular tourist destination, visitors wowed by an ever-shifting array of views and imaginative displays. But, after the Loder family sold the estate, all was closed to the public in 2010. The house and gardens were then acquired in 2017 by The Benguela Collection Hospitality Group (owners of the acclaimed Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wine Estate nearby) who developed a plan to restore the site. In 2019, visitors were again allowed to lose themselves in this romantic wilderness.

Preserving a Grade I listed garden while meeting the evolving needs of a modern audience is always going to be a big task, but the team at Leonardslee are tackling this head on. “I wonder if the Loder family were finding that difficult towards the end of their tenure here,” ponders Harris. “These days, a garden alone is never going to ‘wash its own face’ as it were. Just look at the likes of Wisley and Kew for instance and see how diverse they need to be with their visitor offerings to keep the gardens viable. Here at Leonardslee we’re no different. The Grade I listing brings no additional statutory controls in itself, but English local authorities are required by the government to take the protection of the historic environment into account in their policies and resource allocations. The register is also used in influencing management decisions, to improve public awareness of important parks and elements within them and to encourage their owners to preserve and maintain them.” He says they’d never do anything to damage the historic plant collection or subvert Leonardslee’s original spirit. Newer additions, like a vineyard, sculptures and big Winter light shows have all been done with consideration to the garden and plants. And these drive visitor football, helping to pay for the important restoration work.

Today, Leonardslee is returning to its past splendour. There’s also a range of food and drink offerings, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Interlude. The beautiful woodland gardens now host Anton Smit’s Sculptures’ The Walk of Life exhibition. This compelling trail includes a range of contemporary works and several monumental pieces, all presented in beautiful surroundings. “I was involved with the siting of the sculptures when I first started here at Leonardslee and made sure that their positioning didn’t impact upon the plants or block any views; while ensuring they provided interesting focal points to lead visitors around the garden. If you walk around an old country estate you’ll find that the statues and urns there were the taste of the owner at the time and these are no different here at Leonardslee today.” Much to the delight of those with fond memories of the gardens, Leonardslee has reopened its famous magical world in miniature at the Beyond The Dolls’ House exhibition.

“For the garden itself, I manage a team of 11 gardeners, two rolling apprentices, plus a handful of willing volunteers to manage the 240 acres here,” Harris tells me. “Elsewhere on the property we have a whole range of staff and volunteers to manage the running of the property, in various roles from a buildings team to buggy drivers to café staff, events managers, finance teams, tour guides and many more besides. It’s a great group of people here and everyone is committed to making Leonardslee the best it can be for our visitors.” In line with Sussex’s wider changing agricultural fortunes, the gardens also host a beautiful vineyard across four acres, which produces Pinot Noir and Pinotage grapes - with the first release of wine set for this year.

From a garden perspective, there might be a misconception that Leonardslee is ‘just Rhododendrons’. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” says Harris. “Although the likes of Rhodies, Camellias and Magnolias are perhaps our feature plants during Spring, there is so much more to see here. Horticulturally there’s the carpets of bulbs, the historic Rock Garden, the Autumn colour, the Champion Trees and so much more. And with the lakes buzzing with wildlife in the Summer, the deer park and hidden woodland paths to explore, the wallaby collection, the sculpture park, the vineyard, the Michelin Star restaurant, the plant sales nursery and the many varied events that take place, there really is something for everyone.”

Leonardslee Gardens is on Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PP. For more details on flowerings, their extensive range of special events and tickets, head to: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

OUTDOORS

HS BOTANICS

www.handspunbotanics.co.uk

Inspired by the Japanese kokedama, Hand Spun Botanics established in 2016 by researching and learning the art of the suspended pot-less plant in a moss ball, spun by hand. Open every day, Hand Spun Botanics is nestled inside the Old Needlemakers in Lewes. Explore their jungle and discover a selection of popular and rarer plants to take home with you. Amongst their shop, you can also buy a curated selection of pots and botanical giftware. From a plant cafe jigsaw, to a ‘house of plants’ card game, their items are unique and wonderful. The botanical accessories you can buy are also gorgeous. Think botanic leaf earrings or cozy plant socks. If you fancy growing your own plants, you can also choose from a plethora of seeds to sprout in a brand new plant plot. Or, expand your plant knowledge and learn something new by attending an inspiring workshop at hand spun botanics.

ONE GARDEN

www.onegardenbrighton.com

At the far end of Stanmer Park and adjacent to Stanmer Village is One Garden. Also composed of One Market and One Kitchen, this spot is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle of the city. There is a farmer’s market of fresh, locally sourced produce and a gorgeous restaurant to dine in. The space was recently rediscovered and reinvented in Spring 2021 as an urban garden, expertly designed by modern-day landscape architect Dominic Cole. It is intended to inspire visitors as well as including productive traditional fruit and vegetable crops. As Plumpton College’s centre of horticultural excellence, One Garden offers a variety of educational courses covering floristry, horticulture and dog grooming. Find out more about the courses and workshops by going to the ‘Education’ section of their website. Or, take part in an art or food and drink workshop courtesy of One Events

BOAT

www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk

Brighton Open Air Theatre opens its gates for the summer once more on Friday 21st April, with a bumper 9th season. For a unique outdoors experience, BOAT hosts theatre, comedy, music and dance for the whole family. A full programme of events will be announced on March the 15th at 10am, alongside ticket sales. BOAT exists to provide our community with outstanding entertainment, and to provide a platform for artists from all backgrounds to express themselves. It is located in Dyke Road Park, nestled in the beautiful greenery to become of the UK’s premiere outdoor performances space. The perfect opportunity to pack a picnic, and a bottle of fizz, settle down beneath the sunshine for some first-rate entertainment.

MARMALADE MTB

www.marmalademtb.com

Perhaps you prefer the thrill and adrenaline of being outdoors, instead of the peace that gardens and plants surmise. Marmalade MTB offers guided mountain biking across the South Downs so that you get the tranquility of incredible views, while practicing your fitness. Based in Lancing, they offer a year-round range of group rides and custom one-to-one sessions in the South Downs National Park and the stunning Surrey Hills. There is also the option for multi-day trips to areas such as South Wales or the Lake District if a biking holiday appeals to you. They are renowned for being a fun and friendly team of coaches with expertise to help you progress, as well as enjoying yourself. Laugh as you cycle up and over hills, and embrace the wind in your hair no matter whether you are new to mountain biking, or advanced. There is plenty to discover for all at Marmalade MTB.

BRIGHTON OPEN AIR THEATRE

Nymans is a convincing creation of a medieval manor house remodelled in the 1920s and now a partial ruin. Located in Haywards Heath, it is the ultimate romantic spot to discover. You may also stumble across some rare and beautiful plants in the Grade II listed garden, or become one with the birds as you get lost roaming the dirt tracks of endless woods. Speak to one of the incredibly knowledgeable members of staff about gardening tips and tricks. Or, build a den with your children as spring fast approaches and you are looking for fun family activities to delve into outdoors. There are plenty of other facilities too including an art gallery and cafe which hosts afternoon tea. Go to their website to find out more and book tickets to Nymans today.

HEVER CASTLE

In the stunning historic town of Arundel you have Arundel Castle, the perfect spot to learn and discover Medieval history. The grounds reopen in April where you can spot one of the largest displays of tulips in the country. A beautiful setting for a picnic. Our Plant Fairs in the spring and summer have specialist nurseries with an array of plant and expert advice. You can be thrilled by combat, entertained by musicians, amazed by skilled crafts people, as well as enjoy some cooking and crafts. There really is something for the whole family. The next upcoming event will be the Medieval Festival on Easter weekend (Good Friday 7thEaster Sunday 9th April 2023) which will creep up on us with the swoop of a sword so book your tickets now!

PETWORTH GARDENS

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, otherwise known as Hever Castle and Gardens in Kent is the perfect day out. It is open for you to discover the lake walk, miniature model houses, maze, and of course history which dates back to the 14th Century. Its panelled rooms are regarded by some as ‘one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery’. Explore the fine furniture, tapestries, and antiques. Today, much of what you see is the incredible restoration efforts from the early 20th century of William Waldorf Astor. The gardens are award-winning, set in 125 acres of marvellous nature and classical statues. The Loggia, overlooking the 38-acre lake, is the perfect spot to relax before exploring the many cascades, grottoes and fountains too. There are also three areas for the kids to run around in and explore, including Tudor Towers. An overnight stay at Medley Court or The Bed and Breakfast are options for something different to this Easter.

Petworth Park is a 700-acre deer park with a 17th-century house which is home to one of the finest National Trust art collections, including works by Van Dyck, Turner and Gainsborough. The gardens include serpentine paths and woodland walks with so much to take in during a peaceful spring stroll. Designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, he introduced colourful informal planting and impressive monuments with views over the surrounding South Downs landscape. For families, make the most of the space to run, skip and jump. Spy daffodils and spot deers. Culture and history lovers, make sure you leave plenty of time to step inside the breathtaking state rooms and art galleries.

‘Dispensary’ is your local, fashionable charity shop destination for vintage homewares, garden furnishing and pre-loved clothes. Our stores in Brighton and Worthing stock an eclectic mix of both new and pre-loved items for you to buy. Plus, not only are you shopping sustainably by making purchases with us, you are also donating to charity. You will help ensure St Peter & St James Hospice are able to help those living with life-limiting illness and their families get the care and support they need. Our Brighton store is located at 138 Preston Drove, and is open Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00. Or, visit dispensary in Worthing at 1 Stanford Square, Mon-Sat 09.3017.00 and Sun 10.30-16.30.

Fiona Howard Wallpaper designs are created in Sussex using the traditional technique of hand carving and printing lino. It’s a slow and meticulous process that celebrates the beautiful textures and imperfections of a craft which is used less and less in today’s computer driven world. Fiona Howard wallpapers celebrate the British coast and countryside and are printed in the UK using environmentally-friendly inks on FSC papers. The floral, naturistic designs are bound to make a statement in your home and there is also a wide range of colours to choose from. From pretty blue illustrations of harbour boats’, to soft shades of yellow honeysuckle, there is something for every taste.

We do the lot!

Gardening & Plants

Furniture & Outdoor

Living

Farm Shop

Pets & Equestrian

Bakehouse Kitchen Cafe

Regular Social Events

This Spring

Top quality plants

Enjoy out unique garden shopping experience

We provide everything you need to build your dream garden, along with a fun day out for all. Enjoy breakfasts and lunches served daily at our cafes, along with delicious local produce on offer at our farm shops

Our pet stores also supply you with everything you need to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

Fresh, local produce

Pop along to one of our events!

Wine tasing, food festivals, quiz nights & more!

We hold regular fun events at UpCountry Check out to our upcoming ones by heading to:

www upcountrystorehouse com/events

Delicious brunches daily

Treats for your furry friends

By Amy Stanborough

Imagine an opportunity where you can go on a peaceful foraging walk through the woods, soaking in the calming atmosphere as you learn all about the habitat surrounding you. You can watch the squirrels collect nuts in the trees above your head; step over wild mushrooms and herbs sprouting out of the soil. As you turn the corner, wood is burning and the smell of smoked fish fills your nostrils to make your tummy rumble. Then, you take your seat in the open air restaurant to dine on fine food, completely succumbing to the environment that it came from.

Fire + Wild is an outdoor dining and foraging experience, where they cook hyper-seasonal dishes using wild food, fish and game over fire. I had the privilege of talking to the chef and founder Mark all about his nomadic history and love of nature which inspired him to create such a unique food adventure experience.

Mark’s story all began when he grew up on a farm in Lancashire, immersed in the countryside from a young age, shooting air rifles with his brother or watching David Attenborough documentaries. He was always drawn to ancient tribal culture, natural history, and anything that involved the idea of living off-grid or off-land. It is this that he defines as his spiritual home.

While his teenage years and young adult years were absorbed with music - playing in bands before running a club in Camden - he returned to his country ways in tranquil Lancashire. He tells me he wanted a change in lifestyle; to dismantle his diet and reconstruct it by eating organic meat and veg. His love of hunting for organically sourced food became something of functionality rather than hobby. The romantic imagery of returning to farm land, eating clean, and improving his lifestyle does not end there. Mark met a girl who had family in France, and he went mushroom picking with her dad. From there, he was hooked. Food became an educational resource.

Back in England, Mark was keen to develop his skills in the foraging department, reaching out to people to teach him more. With a ‘teach yourself’ mentality, he met a micro-ologist who taught a couple of courses to Mark before they became mates. All the questions were

asked, and books read. Two years of travelling in a converted camper van were spent learning about foods, hunting, and connecting with experts in their field to build Mark’s knowledge. It became an obsessional passion. A passion which is transpired through Fire + Wild.

Wild food consists of anything that is not farmed, growing and living naturally. This can consist of game animals - deer, rabbits, squirrels, boar - but also wild herbs, mushrooms, nuts and berries. These are the sort of ingredients you can expect to tuck into at Fire + Wild’s experiences. The ‘fire’ element refers to their kitchen which uses no gas or electricity. It is an off-grid restaurant where everything is cooked over fire. This primal method of cooking and eating food relates back to Mark’s curiosities into ancient tribes. It is a low impact way of connecting food with the land and using the resources around us. In turn, we too as consumers and diners, are reconnected to nature.

There are two ways to experience Fire + Wild. The first is the dining experience, the second is a learning experience. While the motivation of the food and cooking is nomadic, primal and tribal, the dining itself is high-end, creating a juxtaposition between luxury and the surreal. “The concept that intrigued me”, Mark tells, “is that I have seen other people cooking over fire: well known fire cooking chefs like Francis Mallman in Argentina, making more rustic, not so refined stuff in terms of presentation”. However, “fine dining has always captured my attention so it is a tasting menu - small plates - usually 5-7 dishes with a focus on artistic presentation and a wow factor.”

Perhaps, you are keen to learn more about foraging and wood-fire cooking. Fire + Wild also offers the opportunity for customers to learn some key skills and become even more immersed in the experience. This option involves a walk through the forest, some game prep (learning how to prepare a wild bird for cooking or fish for over fire), the basic techniques of using fire, plus composing two or three dishes you then get to eat. You go through the journey from scratch. You cook the sauce, cook the meat, plate it up, and tuck into your very own creation. Alongside the food, there are wine pairings, mostly local. After all that adventuring, what is better than a Sussex merlot under the trees and the stars?

Offered is also the choice to do an offsite experience, especially locally in Sussex. You can book Mark and his team to come to you and deliver an experience at your chosen location. The perfect treat for a back garden wedding, or to complete a campfire with mates.

When I ask Mark how difficult it is to create the menu, he says this is the easy part. “The dishes are a storytelling of season and habitats' ' he states. “I love putting ingredients together that make sense”. The squirrel croquettes with hazelnut aioli are a perfect example of ‘what grows together, goes together’, or vice versa. Everything is a story of time, place and location.

A favourite ingredient however is mushrooms, linking back to the initial fascination. Mark defines them as “bizarre, other worldly life forms on the floor that taste incredible”. I too, even knowing nothing about wildfire cooking, can understand his fascination with something like truffle for instance, which is the “most highly priced, most expensive and delicious food on the planet, and it is dug out of the ground.” It goes to prove that some of the most beautiful things are literally right there beneath our feet, part of the Earth we inhabit.

FIRE + WILD - the nomadic dining and cooking experience to get you outdoors

Photo Credit

Photo Credit Daisy Winagate Saul

Photo Credit

Fire + Wild has been Mark's blood, sweat and sacrifices for nearly five years now. He is clearly just as passionate about this unique wonderland as ever, but there are plenty more exciting things coming his way. As I am speaking to Mark, he is in Mexico, travelling and enhancing his knowledge on food and landscape even more. His days are currently consumed by fishing for mahi mahi and cooking with ingredients he has never worked with before. “I am keen to start putting what I do on an international level” he tells me, off to Greece in March too to put Fire + Wild on a mountain. There are lots of exciting projects occurring in the pipeline as Fire + Wild, really, has only just begun.

Even without packing a bag and sailing overseas, Fire + Wild is still reaching international audiences via the world of Instagram. It is here where Mark gets to capture and share the essence of his experiences through photos and film. Photography, Mark explains, allows the reality of things to be snapped up in the moment. During COVID, all he could do was be on the road and capturing things. Their visual branding is strong - rustic, Autumnal tones - and encapsulates the wild as home.

This is what Fire + Wild is all about: “taking the people into the heart of where the food is coming from”. It is an experience designed to create a connection between people, food, and nature.

Find out more or book your experience at www.fireandwild.co.uk Or follow @fireandwild

Photo Credit Daisy Winagate Saul

Daisy Winagate Saul

Photo Credit Daisy Winagate Saul

Credit Daisy Winagate Saul

A Wellness Morning at Brighton Beach House (Soho House) Featuring Rox Studios and Beach

Box Spa By Amy Stanborough

For a lifestyle of luxury where you can work and play all in the same space, members clubs seem to be sprouting all over the country. Soho House is the ultimate home which allows you to indulge in good food, relax on the terrace, or even try out one of their fitness classes in new partnership with Rox Studios. Why not host your teams meeting in the comfort of a lounge that you can also party in by evening at a Soho House event?

Brighton Beach House opened its doors at the end of March 2022, coming up to a year's birthday for the third Soho House outside of London. Located on Madeira Drive, Brighton offers the treat of pier views from the dining areas, and simulates vacation as you can watch the waves from the banana pool. That is not something you can find from London clubs. In 2022, DJ sets and cocktails made up the launch party which started at 12pm and headed deep into the night. A year later, Brighton Beach House has some new exciting opportunities for members making it the perfect time to sign up to this lifestyle.

Our wellness morning began at 9am. I walked to Brighton Beach House, and once I found my way into the discrete entry, I instantly felt comfortable. The large wooden doors, the coffee table books and the plush sofas, staff willing to take your jacket to the cloakroom and look after you all total the privilege of using 5* hotel facilities for the day. It is an elevated place to call home.

It all began with a yoga class in the bar area of the ground floor of the house. We were in Rock Room, a curved glass space with six double doors lead out onto the terrace with modular lowlevel seating areas. The timber clad bar has three inset arches taking reference from art deco finishes and form. Mats were spread out on the floor of this impressive room and we took off our shoes, preparing to find our inner zen.

The lovely Maddy from Rox Life led the class. This new partnership between Soho House and Rox allows a collaboration with the local community whilst delivering additional value for members with a diverse programme of fitness and wellbeing classes and events. There are 17 classes in total available at Brighton Beach House, also including strength and HIIT if something more intense is preferable.

Flowing between downward dog to warrior pose was far much more amicable with the addition of sea views. We were moving with the waves under Maddy’s command. Soho House members can sign

up for the classes for free via the Soho House app, just one of the incredible perks of memberships here.

Once yoga had stretched ourselves into a calm and sleepy state, it was time to refuel our energy with some brunch. Alex led us up the stairs to the first floor with a respectable gallery of art on the curved wall around the staircase. The ambitious art collection across the House, overseen by Kate Bryan Global Director of Art, is formed of two permanent collections: The Brighton Beacon Collection guest curated by Queer art specialist Gemma Rolls-Bentley and the Local Collection comprised of artists born, based or trained in Brighton and its surroundings. The Beacon Collection comprises work from an international line up of LGBT+ artists and is a love letter to Brighton as a historical beacon city for the queer community.

Brunch was served in the West Pavilion parallel to the main club space in East Pavilion. The two areas are divided by a terrace. We dined in Club Cecconi and were presented with a vibrant banquet of breakfast favourites, a spread of pastries and fruit which would not have looked out of place on BBC’s The Traitors. The room has a mixture of lounge style seating and dining. On a usual Soho House evening, Club Cecconi’s will serve authentic Italian dishes using the finest ingredients, fresh hand-made pasta, and a regularly rotating menu along with favourites including spaghetti lobster, chicken Milanese, rigatoni bolognaise and tuna tartare.

However, our wellness morning menu consisted of overnight oats, caramelised grapefruit, croissants and pain au raisins, avocado benedict and eggs florentine. The creamiest coffees were served as well as loose leaf tea and fresh juices.

While we were dining on our glamorous buffet breakfast, Nathan introduced us to some gorgeous new skincare products from Soho Skin and Cowshed. Curated by Soho House, Soho Skin was formulated as a solution to the constantly travelling, always working lifestyle of House members. The range is gender-less and is grounded in efficacy and efficiency making sure the products are extremely approachable and simple to use. The core formulation at the heart of the line is the Soho Skin Concentrate –uniquely designed to restore energy, regenerate skin structure, and protect the microbiome.

Two of the products out of the eleven in the new collection that Nathan highlighted included the 24/7 treatment and the renewal serum. Both products are formulated to brighten and smoothen the skin to keep

even the busiest members glowing. Soho Skin is currently available in Soho House bedrooms around the world as they engage with members for further feedback. The collection will be available to purchase by Soho House members online at sohoskin.com and select retail sites in June, followed by a global public launch this October.

Cowshed is a spa located at Babington House in Somerset, but you will also find their skincare products in bathrooms at Soho Houses. Each of the fragrances, or ‘Moods’, are named for the benefits their ingredients provide and how they make you feel. Their expert formulation, use of natural wild-crafted ingredients and therapeutic values have made Cowshed products, spas and therapies famous worldwide for their originality, character and uncompromising quality.

Once our food had settled, we walked from Brighton Beach House to Beach Box Spa, ten minutes along the beach. An experience in wood fired saunas for ultimate relaxing treatments was nothing quite like I had ever tried before. The first thing that strikes is that warm, cosy smell of campfire in the centre of the site. Surrounding the firepit are three saunas made from converted horse trailers, plus a cold plunge pool and freshwater showers.

Stripping down to a bikini in the chilly February air felt bizarre but extremely liberating as we were about to indulge in rounds of hot and cold stimulation. Faye ushered us in the hot boxes and made us comfortable on the wooden benches. She wafted the warm air around the sauna with fans and dripped water on our skin which transformed into steam. Our bodies climaxed to ultimate heat, before the door was let open and cold air replenished us. Then the cycle began again. Faye also used birch trees to circulate the heat and to press the warm nature into our body. Hugging the leaves was a source of comfort; their texture a sensory pleasure for the skin.

Feeling brave, I sunk my body into the plunge pool and let adrenaline take over my body. Warming up was not the hard part as even a winter in Brighton is of course warmer than the most freezing water. To restrain the buzz of cold shock over my body and stabilise myself back to relaxation, I poured myself a berry tea from the urn and hydrated

with cucumber water. Alongside the ambience of spa sounds and the recurring smell of smoke drifting off the burning wood, I felt not just at peace with myself, but with nature too. Perhaps it was the sharp pebbles underneath my soles, or the splash of salt getting on my tongue when I also had the courage to ease myself into the sea, but I felt so grounded.

I went home with campfire in my hair (I honestly would wear that smell as perfume if I could) and my feet had regained their feeling after being numbed by ebbs. The Beach Box Spa is something I would recommend to anyone in Brighton. Members of Soho House however have the advantage of getting a complimentary monthly member’s event (also booked via the SH.APP) which includes a two-hour session with 90 minutes sauna time. On all other days, members can visit the sauna themselves and bring one guest along free of charge to any paid session. Prices start at £12.50 (usually £25). A range of natural spa treatments and guided sauna rituals are available at an additional cost.

Overall, the morning was honestly an experience I will remember forever. The wellness event motivated me to look after my skin and my body more, prioritising self care. While this was a key message for the day, at Soho House, you have incredible staff there to look after you too. Memberships can be explored at www.sohohouse.com/ membership and you have the choice of access to your local Soho House (Brighton Beach House) or a membership which allows access to all houses. Today, there are members and Houses around the world, initially founded by Nick Jones in 1995, as well as restaurants, spas, workspaces, and cinemas. Find out more at www.sohohouse.com/ houses/brighton-beach-house.

@sohohouseuk

@sohoskin

@cowshed @roxlife_uk @beachboxbtn

HANNINGTONS BRIGHTON REVITALISING CITY CENTRES FOR THE

We’re often told that traditional city centres, along with the sense of identity and community which come with them, are slowly dying out. While it’s true that many high streets across the nation are shadows of their former selves, some of Britain’s towns and cities are adapting to changing consumer habits and providing something which is both authentic and accessible.

One such success story is Hanningtons Brighton, a new shopping and leisure district connecting North Road with the historic The Lanes. It’s thrived by providing a more interesting selection than anodyne out-oftown retail parks, and a level of personal service which you will never get online.

The area takes its name from a landmark department store which drew millions of customers to the corner of East Street and North Street for almost two centuries. Large shops like this evolved across Europe to fulfil the demands of a newly affluent middle-class, who were thrilled at finding everything from a fur hat to a teak sideboard under a single roof.

Renowned for innovative window displays and enabled by a sudden rise in international trade during the industrial revolution, these glamorous emporiums gave customers a chance to buy items from all around the world. The promise of choice saw them become a commercial and cultural phenomenon.

At one time, Hanningtons department store was selling everything from fashion and beauty products to clocks and homeware, as well as operating an extensive limousine fleet, funeral parlour, carpet cleaning service, restaurant and even a hairdressers.

But consumer tastes evolve, and shoppers began to be lured away from Britain’s high streets by the ‘convenience’ of outlying shopping centres. After going into decline since the 70s, Hanningtons the department store closed in 2001.

After some extensive and considerate refurbishment of the original building, it started to welcome iconic brands like Kurt Geiger - carrying on the tradition of the space offering leading edge fashion. With the area renamed as Hanningtons Brighton, plans were drawn up to reinvigorate a tired and overlooked corner of The Lanes.

Behind the old department store site was a disused service yard and an abandoned cottage of considerable architectural significance. A £150 million scheme created Hanningtons Lane, revealing extra space and establishing a link between the lower end of North Street and a

21ST CENTURY

once-secluded corner of Brighton’s most famous shopping district. Designed by renowned local architect Morgan Carn, Hanningtons Lane has become a prime destination for shoppers looking for something a bit individual.

The developers, Redevco, are a guiding light in the transformation of urban areas. Across Europe they’re ensuring city centres can become sustainable and liveable, while still maintaining a link with their heritage.

Redevco Asset Manager, Chris Baker, is unequivocal about his company’s mission to create better places to live, work, shop or play.

“The Hanningtons Estate has a rich history and some parts of our ownership date back hundreds of years. That is a great indication of the ability for buildings to adapt to how people need and want to use them. Redevco’s development is the latest in a long history of the estate’s ability to adapt to new habits and trends. Now more than ever it is important that any development considers its contribution, sustainability and future impact. That is something that really drives Redevco and is forefront in everything we do.”

A once forgotten space is now a bustling retail and cultural quarter, lined by shops, eateries, boutiques, art galleries and coffee shops. The project has been accompanied by the regeneration of shops and offices on both North Street and East Street, along with new residential spaces, bringing a bright new attitude to the entire area.

While the North Street side of the area hosts internationally-renowned

brands like Oliver Bonas, Lush, Lulu Lemon, Sandro and Maje, The White Company, Habitat, Flying Tiger, Watches of Switzerland and Hotel Chocolat, the stroll down Hanningtons Lane greets visitors with imaginative and inspiring independents like &halt, Pod, Phohm, Sorriso, Bousham, Paxton+Glew, Cult Hero, Abi-K, Stanley Road Store, Frames in the Lanes and Finisterre.

This calm and welcoming area also hosts Brighton & Hove’s newest foodie hub, where gastronomes of all persuasions can find the freshest seafood at Riddle & Finns’ champagne and oysters bar, unsurpassed small plates at Flint House, uncompromising vegan burgers from Vurger, Brass Monkey’s handmade ice cream and 17_Grams’ coffee.

The new buildings on the site have all been sympathetically designed. Clever use of colour and local materials means that each new shop or restaurant effortlessly blends in with the rich historic nature of the area. It was vital for Hanningtons Brighton to preserve the character of The Lanes, a neighbourhood containing some of Brighton’s oldest buildings, while also providing a retail experience suitable for a 21st century city. “We’ve worked very hard to deliver a development and a regeneration at Hanningtons that works with the existing identity of Brighton & Hove; with the surrounding built environment and looks to contribute to the future of this wonderful city,” Baker tells me.

While people are shopping online more, projects like Hanningtons Brighton invigorate town centres by creating mixed-use spacesoffering a broad variety of unique experiences. “People live with us, shop and eat with us, work in our offices and generally spend time with us. Places which consider the people that use them will invariably contribute to the vibrancy and relevance of where they are.” Cities are evolving all the time, but rather than being a sterile and uninspiring they can play a major role in contributing to well-being – for both community and planet.

The project has also rebuilt an authentic sense of ‘belonging’ in the area, with many business owners living and working in Hanningtons Lane. “Creating community is incredibly important and is something we want to continue to deliver and improve,” says Baker. “Over the last couple of years in particular, we have started to develop a really strong sense of identity here. Retailers are excited to be part of it and to contribute. Brands are generally more active than ever on social media and generate genuine engagement with consumers. This is about creating true and fair partnerships for brands, consumers and our tenants. Finding the best way to be relevant and create value for each other is the way forward.”

Hanningtons Brighton and Hanningtons Lane are open every day. For more information, including details of their exciting events and special pop-up shops, please visit: www.hanningtonsbrighton.com

EXCLUSIVELY FOR THIN, CIS MEN?

By Kim Peci

In response to Sam’s music video, social media influencers, conservative pundits, and even newspapers have argued that by identifying as non-binary, they are attentionseeking, and they must cover up their body because it sets a bad example for children. Some have even gone to the extent of calling them “perverted” and “disgusting”. This is a blatant indicator of the transphobic prejudice that non-binary people frequently face, in which any divergence from the gender binary is depicted as ignorant and distorted.

There has been a mixture of responses from Twitter users to Sam Smith’s ambisexual fashion. One tweeted: “Sam Smith, this is not art. This is not trendy. This is not empowering. This is monstrous!”. Another user’s fatphobia was clear when they tweeted: “Sam Smith looks fat. At least Harry looks thin”. Thankfully, there were people who were defending Sam online. A Twitter user said: “[Harry Styles and Sam Smith are] both similar in what they do but one is revered, and the other is hated and mocked.

At their recent performance at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball, non-binary pop artist Sam Smith stunned in a glittery jumpsuit which caused a widespread controversy across social media. Much discourse has happened over Sam’s body size, and whether or not wearing the jumpsuit was merely a poor fashion choice.

It’s strange to see how much hate Sam is getting for embracing their feminine side when their pop counterpart Harry Styles wore a similar jumpsuit. Harry was praised, loved by many, and even called an “icon”.

Why is it that social media can pick and choose when they want to appreciate male or non-binary artists in the music industry embracing their femininity with the clothes they wear? The way these two artists are treated differently reflects not only their distinct body types, but also how society views and treats those who identify as queer. It seems unfair that Harry is appreciated for the same things Sam has been criticised for. These criticisms not only stem from society’s conservative views but also deep rooted fatphobia and queerphobia.

Both singers are incredibly popular and recognised in the music industry, and both take fashion risks, so why is Sam the only one who receives criticism?

Why is Sam’s partially bare chest such a source of controversy when people are in support of Harry dancing around semishirtless on stage? Why is Sam flaunting their body considered to be disgusting? Especially when Harry’s physique was never addressed negatively, well, at least on a large scale it hasn’t.

Harry Styles’ unconventional fashion choices have enabled him to escape from his boy band reputation and establish himself as a truly fantastic solo star. His tendency of wearing traditionally feminine attire and makeup, alongside his androgynous appearance, frequently draws attention and has provoked some “queerbaiting” claims over the years. However, the artist is alternatively recognised as a “queer” icon by music lovers all across the globe, and his clothing choices are applauded for defying heteronormative conventions.

Yes, Harry has previously been criticised for wearing skirts and dresses, but it does not compare to the amount of hatred towards Sam. It seems to be more acceptable when artists who are widely seen as straight challenge gender conventions.

Sam Smith has previously been very open about their difficulties with body image and told Sportskeeda that they “tried to control the way the camera moved and got a bit obsessive about it. Smith was constantly looking in the mirror, pinching their waist, and weighing themselves every day”. Comparing this mentality early in their career, to their confidence now, Sam is finally at ease with themself and their body image.

In 2019, the artist said in an Instagram post that they wanted to “reclaim” their physique by sharing pictures of their chest online. Sam felt like they were reclaiming themselves when they made the change to wear more feminine clothing in their most recent “Unholy” music video. Watching the singer clearly content dancing in their curvy body is truly inspiring and there’s no disputing that representation is vital.

The only difference between them? One is queer and the other is not. Your homophobia is showing”.

Whilst walking in Central Park in New York, and clearly unconcerned with anyone around them, Sam was verbally harassed. A video of the singer being recorded in Central Park, seemingly appears to be a group of people shouting at them was shared on Twitter. A woman in the video was seen shouting the words “groomer” and “paedophile”, and continues to yell, “You demonic, twisted sick bastard. Leave the kids alone!”, but Sam remained unbothered as they walked away. In recent years, the word “groomer” has become a popular term used by the rightwing for practically all LGBTQIA+ folk. This is a frequent occurrence which resulted with the passing of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which brought the notion that queer people “groom” children into “gender ideology” merely by being openly out.

In an interview with Zane Lowe, the singer stated that they endure harassment whilst on the streets in the UK. They went on to say: “I’m being abused in the street verbally more than I ever have” and “That was the hardest part, I think, was being at home in the UK and having people shouting at me in the street. Someone spat at me in the street. It’s crazy”.

Sam does not have the stereotypical figure that is frequently accepted within the music industry. They have suffered substantial fatphobia as a result of pressures to cover up and be modest. Sam has steadily transitioned from wearing suits to corsets and dresses over their career. Queerphobia and fatphobia heavily influence responses to their physique, gender portrayal, and inclination to consider Sam Smith as an artist.

“Sam Smith Lollapalooza 2015-1 (cropped 3)” © pitpony.photography is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Social media movements for body positivity have made some headway in broadening the range of body types we see, as shown on social media posts with the tag “#bodypositivity”, depicting a variety of body types. However, the acceptance of larger bodies in print has been sluggish and sparser in television media.

The widespread rejections of femme, queer, and bodily joy shown in the reaction to Sam Smith’s clothing choices and music videos affect more than just the artist. There are repercussions for everybody who recognises a part of themselves in Sam’s work. Conservative criticisms of Sam Smith enable hatred towards trans, non-binary, and full-figured people.

Having seen Smith embracing their body and feminine side evolve into some sort of joke on the Internet is an unpleasant scene. What sort of statement does that give to someone with Sam Smith’s body and wants to embrace their feminine side?

CONNECTED BRIGHTON

Lyndsey Clay, founder of Connected Brighton, is getting ready for an action-packed month of new networking events

“We are springing into Spring here at Connected Brighton HQ. I love this time of year when everything starts to feel brighter as Brighton starts to come alive again post Winter. The daffs are out and the seagulls get noisier as the mornings get lighter. Ah, the relaxing squawks of seagulls. Who doesn’t love that sound? (Nobody - nobody loves that sound).

There’s plenty happening in March to tickle your taste buds with new restaurants opening, new offers, and new shows in the city. Check out the Secret Comedy Club in their latest Dolphin Square location with special tickets on Tuesdays. Or, try the recentlyopened restaurant Carne in Hove. After your meal, why not try a cocktail at the freshest bar in Seven Dials, The Brighton Cocktail Club.

We’ve got Singles Nights planned with The Single Sessions at The Southern Belle, and so many other cool events with Connected Brighton. We start with Beer Tasting at Bedlam Brewery, and will try the new Peaky Blinders experience. What about dinner and music at our favourite Greek restaurant, Nostos in Hove? Download the Connected Brighton app or see our website for a full calendar, and sign up to meet new people. You will be supporting independent businesses all at the same time, because we love keeping Brighton unique and boutique!

I’ll be walking the i360 this month to try out their extreme activities which also includes abseiling. If you can hear screaming on the 18th March, it’s me. I half can’t wait to see the city from that view, but am also half petrified. I’ll let you know how I got on next month (#prayforclay).

In other exciting news, Brighton Fringe tickets are now available so we are getting our diaries aligned to max out as many shows as we can. This year there will be a new festival site to explore - Caravanserai - with performances, hang out spots, bars and pop ups. I can’t get enough of the Brighton Festival, AND the Great Escape is back too. It’s all go people. Block out your diary and let’s hang out.

Have a fab March!”

“Harry Styles Wembley June 2022” by Lily Redman is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

WILD SWIMMING

By Noor Sheikh

With everyone still being on the ‘new year, new me’ kick, we thought it might be handy to add a couple of wild swimming spots to your list of new activities. Cold-water swimming being beneficial for the body is no secret, and we’ve all seen our fair share of people going for their midwinter swim, but there’s more to it than just the sea. We’ve compiled a list of peaceful places you can go for a quick dip as the weather warms up.

Starting off with a Sussex favourite, Barcombe Mills is a great area for anyone who is starting to take an interest in wild swimming. Surrounded by fields and meadows, it is thought of as somewhat of a sanctuary by its frequent visitors. The water is some of the best quality for outdoor swimming in Sussex, and the area is completely accessible with a car park nearby, which makes it ideal for a family day out.

Another spot for beginners in wild swimming, Cuckmere Meanders are a surprisingly warm cluster of lakes and streams just off the main River Cuck. Cuckmere Meanders also has quite clear waters, meaning the wildlife in the lakes is visible to swimmers. Going towards the sea, you’ll approach Cuckmere Haven, where the water becomes chalkier, but not to worry, as Cuckmere Haven is a superb spot for a quiet beach swim, especially if you’re missing the open water but can’t stand the busyness of Brighton Beach. For the more adventurous swimmer, the River Cuck and its slightly stronger currents are sure to give you a bit of a challenge.

At Houghton Bridge, you’ll find swimmers in the idyllic rivers that run through the vast meadows, and the area itself is filled with other activities. Another family friendly day out, Houghton Bridge has multiple streams to explore and a huge amount of space, so no one is at risk

of getting bored. If you want to make the most of your trip, visit the tea rooms which make the perfect addition to the quaint wildlife scene.

Going up to 15 feet deep, the edges of Waller’s Haven are surrounded by reeds and marshy ground, so this might be better reserved for the more experienced swimmers. The river is notoriously awkward to get in and out of, but don’t let that stop you from attempting it. It is recommended that swimmers go in groups, just to stay on the safe side, but once you arrive, the tranquillity of the area is sure to put you at ease. The high quality of water at Waller’s Haven will make for a very easy swim once you’ve made your way in.

For those who want to be in the environment for a wild swim but aren’t quite sure they’re ready to swim in natural waters, Pells Pool in Lewes might be worth a visit. It may not be wild swimming, per se, but it is the oldest freshwater pool in the United Kingdom. Located in a lawn lined with trees, you’ll feel close to nature, a close second to real wild swimming. The spring-fed pool is only heated by the sun, so if you’re looking to feel the sensation of swimming in open water, this is a noteworthy option.

If you’re even opposed to a freshwater swimming pool and want to stay close to the city centre, a brand-new pool development is coming to the Brighton Seafront. Due to open this Spring, Sea Lanes will be home to a heated outdoor pool, gym and indoor studios, as well as an indoor pool.

Sussex is full of serene areas that are absolutely perfect for wild swimming, so if the chaos of Brighton Beach is daunting to you, think about making a short trip to any of these spots.

NO PAIN, MORE GAIN

As kids, we ran for fun. Natural Fit is the Gym that makes you want to workout

AGILITY & STRENGTH

Your workout at your intensity, your way, or let us guide you with a tailored exercise programme

Learn key techniques, improve posture and strength, activate your core every step of the way

WEIGHT LOSS & NUTRITION

Unique video-led Personal Training Studios or guided one-toone Personal Training sessions

Metabolic & Performance Screenings: discover foods and exercise most suited to you

REAWAKEN YOUR BODY

Yoga, Pilates to strength-cardio, latin dance or boxing circuits, choose your coach-led classes

Combine Mobility and Stability to build a programme of movement: move how you were born to

Discover memberships and book your tour:

SPRING IS IN SIGHT AT UPCOUNTRY GARDEN & COUNTRY STORE

Nestled within the Sussex countryside, you’ll find UpCountry, a familyrun garden and country store, with branches based in Stone Cross & Scaynes Hill.

UpCountry prides itself on providing customers with a unique garden shopping experience along with a fun day out for all, with something special on offer for everyone. Available to buy is a beautifully colourful selection of shrubs and bedding plants; ferns, houseplants and so much more. Why not buy some vegetable or fruit plants, or seeds to teach the little ones a spot of gardening too? We also have a huge selection of gardening tools and outdoor living furnishings to get your outdoor space spring ready for morning tea and evening BBQs.

Not only is it horticultural heaven, it is also home to UpCountry Fresh. We take great pride in our delightful farm shop offering delicious local produce such as local wines & beers, dairy and meat products, pantry items along with fresh fruit and vegetables from in and around Sussex. Make it your goal to shop fresh all summer long, and once you see our array of picturesque fruit and veg, it will be hard to resist. The smell of fresh pastries could be the highlight of your visit to us. Or, pick up a cake or biscuit to take home with you. Not ready to go home even after you have discovered our incredible flora and fresh produce? The Bakehouse Cafe claims some of the best breakfast and sandwiches in Sussex. It is the perfect spot to catch up with old friends or family, and Afternoon Tea complete with finger sandwiches and scones is priced at just £19.99.

Bakehouse Cafe menu:

www.upcountrystorehouse.com/bakehouse-kitchen

At UpCountry we know your pets love your garden just as much as you do. On site you’ll find ‘UpCountry Animals’ the pet and equestrian hub offering a whole host of animal feed, pet and equestrian supplies. A wide range of treats, toys and feed are also available to buy online or click and collect. As if that is not enough to see and do, keep your eyes peeled on the recently launched events schedule. We host a wide range of different seasonal events such as wine tasting and easter sticker trails.

It is clear to see that spring is in sight at the garden centre as the air gets warmer and the evenings are finally getting lighter. We are fully stocked to help the people of Sussex build their dream gardens this summer. To get you just a bit more inspired, we suggest you create some show stopping containers in your garden! Spring is a fantastic time of the year for creating them, but here are four things to consider.

Show Stopping Garden Containers

1. Size Matters

Ensure you have the right size pot for your plant (or vice versa). Keep in mind that the larger the size, the less you’ll need to water but don’t go too big as the excess potting mix can go sour and impact the health of your plant. Also consider the style of your container, do the aesthetics suit the design of your garden? Whether you go for metal, terracotta, wooden, concrete or repurposed, make sure it fits your theme!

2. Don’t overcrowd

Don’t overfill a container garden. If the plants are overcrowded, it can stunt plant growth. To lessen the chances of overfilling a container, you will generally want to follow these plant to pot size ratios:

10” to 12” pot can hold 3-4 plants

14” to 16” pot can hold 5-7 plants

16” to 20” pot can hold 6-9 plants

3. Choose the right compost

Fill your container two-thirds full with an all-purpose potting mix. Most container plants will also benefit from a slow-release fertiliser that gradually releases nutrients.

4. Go for bold combinations!

Don’t be afraid to mix up different types of plants, such as annuals, perennials, vegetables, and even small shrubs. The important thing is to choose plants that require similar growing conditions. Try mixing foliage with bold colours to create a wonderful texture and beautiful colour contrast.

Across Beautiful (8)

Moves through water (5)

Unconventional (7)

Pollen gatherers (4)

When the living is easy (10)

Otherwise (4)

Yorkshireman (4)

Preceding wedlock (10)

Precious stones (4)

Hollowed inward (7)

Bovine mammary gland (5)

Austrian Alpine resident (8)

Down Farewell (7)

Plunder (5)

Paradise (4)

Lie (7)

Restaurant worker (8)

Marriage (9)

Opera by Bizet (6)

Pendent (9)

Computer information store (8) 18

Thin and translucent (6) 19

Expels (6) 20

Disorder (7) 21

Oriental (7)

Fill with high spirits (5)

Untie (4)

Across

5 Aspiring (8)

8 Earp (4)

9 Pasta (5)

10 Itches (6)

12 Betting (3,4)

13 Mete (4)

16 Et al (4)

18 Bipolar (7)

20 Statin (6)

22 Preys (5)

24 Go up (1,1,1,1)

25 Brigades (8)

Down

1 Roasting (8)

2 I S P (3)

3 Hailed (6)

4 Best (4)

6 Paint (5)

7 Tug (3)

11 Den (3)

14 Merriest (8)

15 Tar (3)

17 Dial-up (4,2)

19 Beady (5)

20 Gust (4)

21 Bat (1,1,1)

23 Run (3)

Rewilding: How the Brighton initiatives are giving back

By Louis Raphael Michael

For a long time now, humans have been fed fear. Fear of an ecologically unstable future, fear of technological developments spiralling out of control, fear of ourselves and how our consumerism has polluted the earth. We spend our days herded from one artificially lit box room to another, always being continuously pumped full of normalised horror about our warring species and our dying planet. Some studies even show that “the average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s.” This fear is making us sick.

And yet despite this, or rather precisely because of it, many humans remain optimistic, and their faith has allowed a new and powerful seed of hope to emerge. As an antidote to dystopian fear, a utopian movement has been growing. Known by different names – solarpunk, rewilding, ecocities, noospheric consciousness, permaculture – this movement is unified by a philosophy of coexisting in harmony with the rest of nature. It paints a picture of the future where rooftop gardens and streetside wildflowers and vertical farms and renewable energy and efficient public transport turn cities into clean, self-sufficient futuristic paradises, all possible because humans have culturally shifted to identifying as a heart-centred unified collective rather than disparate mind-centred individuals.

We have been told by the news and media that we are a plague on the planet, but in fact we have it in us to be the planet’s saviours. This utopian solarpunk mindset asks us to humble ourselves and recognise our place within a planetary ecosystem rather than arrogantly assuming we own the planet and can do whatever we want with it as we mercilessly, ignorantly ravage it for resources. As members of the Earthling family the unique gift we contribute is our superior intellect, and so for the good of all it is humanity’s duty and our privilege to be guardians of our beloved life-giving planet. Through creative, artistic, technological innovation led by biomimicry – copying nature’s ingenious designs – we can construct systems that capture earth and the sun’s massive abundant energy and create unlimited clean fuel to build this new Earth.

But how do we get from where we are now - loud, dirty, chaotic citiesto this idealised ecotopian future? In part by recognising how unnatural our world has become and making decisions that lead us back to a more nature-friendly life. The city has domesticated us by cutting us off from nature. Today many people are too hooked on the conveniences and lifestyle of the city to ever give it up for the countryside and the benefits of being close to nature. But with innovative ecocity designs

we can bring nature into our inner cities so we no longer have to choose. Here is where rewilding comes in. Defined as “conservation efforts aimed at restoring and protecting natural processes and wilderness areas” rewilding in the city can be as humble as letting the grass grow and allowing wildflowers and pollinators a place in the city, to major redevelopment projects redesigning entire parts of the city to prioritise natural space, as has been seen in our very own Brighton.

For the last few years Brightonians have watched construction workers redevelop the heart of Brighton from The Level to the Palace Pier, as part of the Valley Gardens project, which transformed the entire city central area from a labyrinth of crisscrossing pavements and busy roads into a beautiful 1.5km public park that acts as a green garden corridor connecting the length of the city. Where before pedestrians had to tiptoe along narrow pavements next to relentlessly busy traffic, now wildflower meadows, new grass lawns, perennial gardens and generous tree planting have transformed the area into a spacious, pleasurable, peaceful place to walk through. As well as being functional and attractive, the space is now home to over 37,000 new plants, 135 new trees, and countless vital pollinator insects and other animals. The Valley Gardens represents a human-focused approach to city planning, where corporate interest is not prioritised as usual. This massive and ambitious rewilding project has not only beautified the city and streamlined travel, more than that it now acts as a symbol of how possible it is for humans to peacefully coexist with nature. Rather than uprooting it and building something unnatural we can make space for nature, learn from it, grow with it and benefit from it, living happily in harmony. Eating fresh food, breathing clean air, meeting in beautiful public spaces, thriving alongside a living, loving city instead of surviving in a city that doesn’t care about you.

Brighton is known for its open-minded, forward-thinking culture, and it is no surprise how quickly and successfully our city council has implemented a very futuristic and innovative take on city planning. As Valley Gardens enters its third and final phase this year, we can be grateful to live in a city that is leading the way towards an intentional, natural, holistic future. When we as humans accept that we are one part of a larger whole we submit our ego to something greater than us, we connect to a web of meaning that stretches beyond our individual self to the infinite cosmos, and we become harmonised with the rhythms of the natural world: cooperation, tranquillity, truth. It may start with rewilding our cities, but the ultimate goal is the rewilding of our hearts. A seed of hope planted in a rewilded heart is an unstoppable force of change.

By Marius Comanescu

View from Rock Gardens towards Preston Park on a sunny day

STEP INTO SPRING AT HANNINGTONS

Brighton’s hidden gem

Explore our vibrant retail, culture and foodie hotspot in the heart of the Lanes. Our pedestrian Lane adorned with iconic art murals and green wall is home to makers, designers, food artisans and pioneers. Breathe in some fresh air and step into Spring at Hanningtons Brighton.

SPRING IS COMING

DANCE

THURSDAY 9 MARCH

LÉA TIRABASSO STARVING DINGOES

PART

MUSIC

FRIDAY 10 MARCH

WILLIAM BASINSKI

SUPPORT: PENELOPE TRAPPES

PERFORMANCE

TUESDAY 14 MARCH

ACTION HERO & DEBORAH PEARSON

THE TALENT

MUSIC

SATURDAY 29 APRIL

COLIN STETSON

SUPPORT: FATEN KANAAN

Image: The Talent by Ana Viotti