NEWS Nearlywed

All the latest from the three regions

On The Mount Set To Take Place At Wasing

A unique new concert series staged on the incredible natural amphitheatre The Mount in the grounds of Wasing in Berkshire, has been announced for summer 2023. On The Mount will take place across midsummer, nestled amongst the magical woodland at Wasing, one of the most diverse rural estates in England.

The inaugural line-up for the series will feature headline sets from Gabriels on 22nd June, Jack Johnson on 25th June, Primal Scream on 30th June, Ben Howard on 1st July, and Sigur Ros on 2nd July. Support artists and further shows will be announced in due course.

Soulful British-American trio Gabriels are nominated for this year’s BRIT Awards International Group of the Year, following the release of the first half of their debut album Angels and Queens, released last year. Already touring worldwide and garnering fans such as Elton John, the band will release the hugely anticipated second half of the album later this year. Gabriels will be supported at this show by Olivia Dean, one of the UK’s hottest rising stars, and Rachel Chinouriri, one of The Guardian’s Ones to Watch for 2023.

Hawaiian-born, California-raised Jack Johnson is a Grammynominated, BRIT award-winning singer-songwriter who released his 8th studio album Meet The Moonlight last year to critical acclaim. Fronted by founding member Bobby Gillespie, Primal Scream has a back-catalogue spanning more than three and a half decades, embracing everything from psychedelic pop to degenerate rock’n’roll; euphoric rave to industrial gloom.

BRIT award-winning singer-songwriter Ben Howard released his double platinum-selling debut album Every Kingdom in 2011, followed by a Pyramid Stage Glastonbury appearance.

Icelandic post-rock icons Sigur Ros will perform a UK Festival Exclusive set at Wasing, having last year celebrated 20 years since their iconic third album, Untitled. Famed for their incredible live performances, and the ubiquity of their song Hoppipolla, the band have now released seven studio albums, two films, solo albums, side projects, orchestral and choral works, tech start-up collaborations, music for dance companies and leading visual artists, as well as several film scores.

No longer a traditional estate, Wasing is breaking the mould and offering a different narrative to the connection between people and the planet. The spectacular woodland venue hosts healing retreats enriched with nature, well-being festivals, and restorative events. Wasing previously hosted the Glade dance music festival in the mid-late 2000s and currently hosts the Medicine Festival, a unique remedial festival experience which invites people to come together and envision a more enlightened, peaceful and sustainable world.

On The Mount curators, John Empson and Ollie Rosenblatt of Senbla said: “We’re delighted to bring such a diverse and wonderful line-up to the inaugural year of On The Mount, with artists that match the beauty and spectacular nature of The Mount at Wasing. We can’t wait for audiences to experience something different on these summer evenings beneath the stars and surrounded by the woodland.”

Andrew Perkins, CEO of Wasing Estate, said: “Nature is the cornerstone for everything and as a linchpin between people and planet, Wasing connects heart and soul with the extraordinary ecological world around us. We are exceptionally excited to launch The Mount, bringing audiences and artists together to harmonise in nature and community through restorative musical experiences. We are equally thrilled to announce our partnership with Senbla to deliver an unforgettable line-up of outstanding artists and trailblazing creative entertainment, alongside Wasing’s very own unique & culturally diverse launch event; a cutting-edge curation celebrating revitalising indigenous, world and contemporary music.”

The On The Mount events will be preceded by an intimate Summer Solstice opening event on 21st June, to welcome this new chapter in the story of Wasing, set to feature a diverse and captivating lineup of artists, Wasing Estate, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4LY

To book, visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk/on-the-mount-at-wasing

Macdonald Hotels Partner With Evc

EVC has entered into an initial two-year exclusive partnership agreement with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts on a mission to make the EV switch simple. A mixture of fast and rapid chargers will be installed across the group’s portfolio, providing guests and other customers with convenient charging facilities for their electric vehicles throughout their stay.

“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts to install EV charging facilities across their portfolio. This collaboration not only signifies their commitment to a sustainable future but also enables Macdonald Hotels’ guests to conveniently charge their electric vehicles while enjoying their stay. With this partnership, we aim to create a seamless experience for EV drivers, knowing that reliable and accessible charging facilities are readily available, giving them peace of mind when travelling,” says Nick Ballamy, CEO of EVC.

Hugh Cooper, development director at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with EVC to provide our guests with fantastic new charging facilities. It will greatly enhance the offering at our 30 hotels, reassuring guests that they can charge their EVs seamlessly, as they enjoy their time at our hotels, spas, golf courses, restaurants and other great amenities.”

EVC will be installing the charge points on a fullyfunded basis, covering the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance of the chargers. This will be achieved by utilising spare capacity from the building supplies, as well as establishing new points of connection where necessary. Each site has different requirements and capabilities, which EVC have determined through their grid studies and site surveys throughout the UK. This ensures that each location will have the appropriate number and type of chargers installed.

Demand for EV chargers is already growing exponentially as electric vehicle sales rise year on year. EVC will be installing charging facilities to meet the current demand as well as ensuring infrastructure is in place for additional chargers to be installed, future-proofing the sites.

The partnership will see a large number of reliable EV charging facilities added to the network over the next two years to help meet the growing need for more EV chargers.

To find out more about weddings at Macdonald Hotels which includes The Berystede in Ascot and Macdonald Windsor Hotel, visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Holy Grail Tapestries Loaned To Kelmscott Manor In Rural Oxfordshire

Kelmscott Manor in rural Oxfordshire is famed as the country retreat of Victorian polymath William Morris who was one of the great re-inventors of ancient and disregarded crafts, rejuvenating amongst other things historic embroidery, early printing techniques, vegetable dyeing, calligraphy and tapestry weaving. Visitors to Kelmscott Manor this season can see stunning examples of his enthusiasm for this technically challenging craft.

Visitors will encounter the drama of two tapestries from Morris & Co.’s breathtaking Holy Grail series, designed in 1890 and regarded as one of the greatest achievements of the Arts and Crafts movement. By that date Morris & Co. had raised the art of tapestry weaving to new heights, producing exquisite examples on looms set up at the company’s Merton Abbey works.

The series was designed by Morris and his close friend and associate PreRaphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones to illustrate the quest for the Holy Grail by the Knights of the Round Table. The tapestries have been loaned to the Manor for the 2023 Open Season thanks to the generosity of one of its long-term supporters, Lord Lloyd-Webber.

Kelmscott Manor is open to the public until the 28th October 2023. To find out more, visit www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor

DON’T MISS THE HENLEY FESTIVAL FROM THE 5TH TO THE 9TH OF JULY

The Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast has revealed this year’s sensational line-up, featuring five unmissable summer nights packed full of world-class music, comedy, dining, dancing and magical moments. Westcoast is excited to continue its long association with Henley Festival in 2023 and is delighted to be supporting RISE. From Wednesday 5 July to Sunday 9 July, the UK’s only boutique blacktie festival will present an unforgettable experience on the stunning riverside in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Henley Festival is truly like no other, with a vibrant line-up of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz music sitting alongside award-winning comedy, visual art and sculpture installations on the green banks of the Thames, and first-class gastronomy. Festival goers will be enchanted late into the night by this captivating programme of music and arts – with each evening coming to an epic close with a jaw-dropping firework spectacular. As par t of Henley Festival’s new charitable programme nurturing the next generation of talent - RISE - this year’s festival will give a platform for young musicians, comedians and visual artists taking their first steps on stage, as well as offering opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes. Opening this year ’s Henley Festival on the iconic Floating Stage is Rag’n’Bone Man, with his characteristic blend of traditional blues and hip hop, and powerfully deep baritone voice. Henley Festival’s first night will be brought to an energetic ending by Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis, and his jaw-dropping tribute to The King of Rock and Roll, invoking the Henley Festival Club with the spirit of Elvis. On Thursday, the Floating Stage will host Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily, aka the most successful Irish boyband of all time: Westlife. With 36 number-one albums worldwide, Westlife is the UK’s top-selling group of the 21st century. Westlife will thrill the Henley crowd with their chart-topping hits including Flying Without Wings, World of Our Own and Uptown Girl. For a full line-up and to book, visit https://henley-festival.co.uk

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I love these new treats in trunks from Bumbles & Boo which make a thoughtful gift for any occasion. The brand is extending its hamper offering to those designed for marvellous mums and great grandmas with the You’re One in a Melon hamper, £27.95 that can be personalised - what a great way of thanking them for all their help with the wedding planning, and on the big day itself!

For brilliant besties who acted as bridesmaids, there’s the Special Friend – Stay Wild! Trunk, £26.95 which includes a journal, a Soap and Glory body lotion, and some organic Neals’ Yard relaxation tea. There’s

CULDEN FAW’S STUNNING NEW HENLEY PARK LOCATION OPENS

Located in the Chiltern Hills, only a few minutes from the River Thames and with panoramic views over the Henley Valley is a new luxury marquee wedding venue on the Culden Faw Estate. Located on the edge of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire county boundaries, the estate comprises 3,500 acres of mature beech woods, rolling pastures, parkland and unspoilt chalk valleys. It’s proud to host weddings, along with other outdoor events and diverse activities including glamping and dragon boat racing on the river.

Outdoor wedding receptions and private marquee-based parties will enjoy the stunning location on the banks of the River Thames. The Woodland Lodge is a beautiful venue and is a licensed wedding venue.

To find out more and to book, visit https://culdenfawestate.com even a self-care pamper hamper, and a be proud of yourself one (both pictured above) that are perfect for brides-to-be.

Show how much you care with a selection of hand-picked gifts including luxury chocolates and relaxing pillow sprays to deliciously decadent teas and sweet-smelling candles all beautifully presented in a keepsake luggage trunk.

Prefer to design your own hamper? Bumbles and Boo also stock individual products to create a unique combination of gifts in a hamper or separately on their own.

To shop, visit www.bumblesandboo.com

Woven By Adam Smith Achieves One Michelin Star Within Six Months

Woven by Adam Smith has achieved one Michelin star, presented to executive chef Adam Smith by The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland. This comes within six months of the restaurant’s launch in September 2022 at Coworth Park hotel in Berkshire.

Woven by Adam Smith offers diners an unforgettable culinary experience in a stunning space overlooking 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland. Adam’s menu offers a tapestry of familiar flavours reimagined in unexpected ways, combining the classics with modern touches and layers of personal experience. The finest produce from Britain’s famed larder acts as inspiration for the seasonally changing menus.

Following the announcement, Adam commented: “I am so happy to have reached this milestone with my driven and dedicated team, who have worked so hard and with such passion since we launched the restaurant late last year. For me, any accolade is so brilliant to receive but this really is a special time for us at Woven. Recognition from the Michelin Guide is a great honour.”

General manager at Coworth Park, Zoe Jenkins commented: “Adam’s culinary skill is at the heart of Coworth Park and the launch of Woven has anchored our reputation as a dining destination in the English countryside. This accolade by Michelin marks the continued evolution of our gastronomic credentials across all of our restaurants and bars within the hotel. We are so proud of Adam and the team.”

With surprising twists and turns, Adam’s food challenges expectations of the classics, with recipes, ingredients and dishes reinterpreted through the lens of personal experience. For more information and to book, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park/restaurants-bars/woven-by-adam-smith

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Our stylish gin school can be privately hired to host events for up to 12 guests, each working with their own mini still. This can be used as a fun pre-wedding event or with a view to designing your very own wedding gin. We work with the wedding party to develop a recipe and produce a totally one-off spirit especially for your unique celebration.

Our award-winning white label and Henley Gin gin can be completely personalised (range of bottle sizes available including miniatures), perfect for wedding favours and gifts - these also look fabulous on the wedding bar.

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