ESP February 2017 by ESP Magazine

FEBRUARY 2017 Issue 210

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Bringing you the best of local Leisure & Lifestyle in Greater Peterborough for 18 years!

Fashion for a romantic mini break

ESP joins the Dragon Boat Race

Dannii Minogue Feature

Let It Shine

What’s On Dining Out Movie Special Health and Beauty Valentine’s Gifts

EVEN MORE NEWS AND EVENTS ON WWW.ESPMaG.cO.uk OR LIKE US ON FacEBOOk OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER TO HEAR FIRST

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SPRINGFIELDS IS GROWING The Springfields Outlet Shopping Centre in Spalding is certainly attracting the shoppers. They tell us theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the 12th consecutive year of growth with figures up, record breaking Boxing Day and Black Friday sales and turnover all increasing. The garden centre and restaurant saw a ÂŁ1m makeover and the arrival of new brands like NEXT, Fat Face, Starbucks and Ernest Jones Outlet have all pulled in the crowds. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in discussions with more big name brands so watch this space.

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T: 01733 381266 E: office@espmag.co.uk

ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any other Peterborough publications. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

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Not long to go until New Look joins the Queensgate centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail mix. The popular fashion brand will be opening soon in the former H&M unit. Over the past year the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen the expansion of Marks and Spencer, the addition of Quiz, Fraser Hart, Hotel Chocolat and MAC Cosmetics as well as several new offerings in Westgate Arcade.

THE EAST OF ENGLAND MODEL SHOW If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a fan of scale models, or fancy dragging the kids away from their computer games to see something different, the East of England Model Show returns to Peterborough this month. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a wide range of scale models on show featuring aircraft, motor vehicles, tanks and ships together with trade stands selling the latest kits and

equipment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all taking place at the Voyager Academy on Mountsteven Avenue in Walton on Sunday March 5 from 10am - 4pm. Admissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just ÂŁ3 and under 15â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get in free.

PHOTO SOCIETY EXHIBITION

The Dementia Resource Centre is a one-stop shop for advice, information and support, ensuring people living with dementia and their carers in Peterborough are able to get the help they need in everyday life. For more details about the centre or the pamper day just call 01733 893853. The charity is also looking for volunteers locally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for more information please call Debbie Holmes on the same number.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH 800TH ANNIVERSARY Talented local photographers will be showing off their images in their annual exhibition this month. The Peterborough Photographic Society is celebrating its 130th anniversary and the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual exhibition is a chance for members to showcase their work. You can see their great images at St Johns Church Cathedral Square on Tuesday February 21 from 7pm before the awards are given out. The prints and slides will then be on show for one week.

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PAMPER DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA Everyone loves to feel pampered once in a while and the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society in Peterborough has come up with a great day for people suffering from dementia and their carers. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve arranged a special pamper day at the Dementia Resource Centre on Lincoln Road with hair styling by Carole, mini makeovers from the ladies at No 7, hand massages and manicures, as well as a variety of stalls selling beauty products and much more! It all takes place on Monday February 13 from 11am to 2pm and is free to attend. Sounds like a perfect pick-me-up!

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be plenty of events centred around All Saints Church in Paston this year as the church celebrates its 800th anniversary. The first of these events is their History Week from February 11-17 featuring exhibitions, artefacts and displays. If you like local history you can view the background of one of the largest roads in Peterborough, Fulbridge Road; the coming of the railways and the ways the community was built up from fields to the present conurbations of Gunthorpe, Paston and Walton. Other highlights will include a wedding themed weekend in April, a rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll night in May and big summer fete in July. For more information contact Rev Mark Bridgen on 01733 579778 or email mark.bridgen@ btinternet.com

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR NCT NCT Peterborough is looking for enthusiastic people to join its team of volunteers. NCT is the UK's largest parent charity and each year it supports millions of new mothers and fathers. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wide range of activities that volunteers can help with from making tea at local Bumps and Babies groups or organising NCT Nearly New

Sales to becoming a treasurer or newsletter editor. Volunteers don’t need to be parents or women. Contact Leanne Fowler on coordinator.peterborough @nct.org.uk or visit their website.

WINNERS OF CATHEDRAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

SHOPPERS GIVE GENEROUSLY What a generous bunch you are – the Gift Tree in Queensgate was the most successful yet. The total number of gifts donated by the public for the Spurgeons Gift Tree saw an incredible 4,047 presents donated in total which meant thousands of youngsters who might not have had any presents at all receive something thanks to you! They were distributed throughout Spurgeons’ network, which includes: Barnados, the Family Nurse Partnership and the East Anglia Children’s Hospice.

GROUP DINING @ THE GREYHOUNDS Peterborough Greyhounds have extended their restaurant with tables that can seat, 6, 7, 8 and 10 gold package customers together on the finishing line! These tables were in great demand over the festive period so they’re now looking at further plans to make even larger tables available. Hannah Thompson, Business Development told ESP – “It’s great being able to offer these to the public so that larger parties can sit together and really get into the racing spirit.” Peterborough Greyhound Stadium race three nights a week, every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and with different areas within the Stadium, you’ll certainly find a package to suit you and your party no matter what the occasion. Check out www.peterboroughgrey hounds.com or call 01733 296939.

So which was your favourite? The Cathedral at Night photographic competition was a big success and now Peterborough Cathedral has announced the winners. They were selected by visitors to the exhibition who voted for their favourite picture. The photograph winning first prize with the highest number of votes was Mirror by Dominik Krolik. In the under 18’s category the first prize went to Olivia Warrington for her picture, Through the Glass Sphere. The runners up were Mark Briggs for Almost Midnight and Katherine Barnes (under 18) for Fan Vaults by Candlelight. Many of the pictures entered in the competition were taken during a special candlelit photography evening at the Cathedral last October. In all nearly 130 images were submitted by over 50 photographers, of which around 20 were shortlisted for exhibition. The competition, and the exhibition in the Cathedral’s new Visitor Centre, proved so popular that it’s hoped they’ll become annual events. The Cathedral expects to announce the theme for the next competition in June, in time for the Peterborough Heritage Festival. www.espmag.co.uk

LocalEntertainment

Military Tunes and Popular Classics

Pods are Working 9 To 5 Following their sensational sell-out production of Hairspray last year, multi-award-winning Musical Theatre company, PODS, return to The Cresset with Dolly Parton's Broadway smash-hit musical comedy, 9 to 5. PODS are presenting the regional premiere of this hilarious musical based on the hit 80’s movie which starred Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. The story centres around Violet, Judy and Doralee, three co-workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical boss and prove that with friendship, girl-power and just a little bit of poison, anything is possible! Of course there are some great tunes from Dolly Parton's Oscar, Tony® and Grammy awardnominated score, including Backwards Barbie, Shine Like The Sun and the original hit song, 9 to 5. Get your tickets early for this great show at the Cresset running from March 21 – 25. Tickets are from only £10 with fantastic group and family discounts available on 01733 265705.

Menopause: The Musical If you’ve reached that age ladies you’ll probably be in need of a laugh. On Sunday March 5 Menopause the Musical at the Cresset should be just what the doctor ordered. This is an allsinging, all-dancing comedy set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common, meet by chance but soon bond over their mood swings! Starring Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Ruth Berkeley (Penny Dreadful) this is a hysterical girlie night-out packed full of one-liners and parody songs about hot flushes and memory loss! Tickets are £26.50 on 01733 265705.

G4: Live in Concert The critically-acclaimed Kings of Popera hit the road again with a brand new tour with special guests and their trademark harmonies that wow audiences wherever they go. Their Cresset debut on Tuesday March 7 will showcase classic releases as well as some new hits from their fifth studio album. Tickets are £29 or there’s a VIP Package available for £76.50 on 01733 265705. 6

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If you like military and popular classics you can catch the 80 musicians of the RAF Wyton area voluntary band, with the Band of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in concert this month. The show at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday February 25 is in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets are £15 in the main nave or £10 in the side aisles (restricetd viewing).

Café Society Swing

Bowie and the Broads If you love David Bowie and great theatre, Adrian Berry’s acclaimed sell-out production From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads about a young David Bowie obsessive comes to two local stages this month. Martin is a boy with problems - an illness no-one understands and a head full of sound and vision. So when an unexpected gift arrives on his birthday, Martin embarks on a thrilling journey in the footsteps of his obsession, leading him to discover some long-hidden truths about himself. What follows will change his life forever. This is a darkly funny and moving tourde-force solo show featuring Alex Walton and the voice of comedian Rob Newman and a blistering Bowie soundtrack. You can see it either at Stamford Arts Centre on Friday February 3 or at the Key Theatre Studio on Wednesday February 22.

Rewind to the 80’s Get your shoulder pads, leg warmers and head bands at the ready as the Cresset takes you back to the 80s. It's party time and fancy dress is a must for this great night out. The DJs will be banging out all your favourite 80's tunes, so be prepared to tear up that dance floor! There’ll be prizes for the best outfit on the night, so big up your hair, get the makeup on and dress to impress. Enjoy games, spot prizes, retro cocktails and an incredible party atmosphere on Saturday March 11. Tickets are £5 on 01733 265705.

There’s a fantastic night of swinging jazz, blues, gospel and bebop from a nine piece live band coming to the South Holland Centre in Spalding. Café Society Swing transports you to the heart of the first racially-desegregated jazz club in New York, which hosted the likes of Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan and Count Basie from 1938 to the late 1940s. This acclaimed show on Saturday February 11 is performed by an exceptional nine piece band so get ready to get your feet tapping. Tickets are £18 (concessions £17) on 01775 764777.

I am Beast What happens when the wildest parts of our imagination take control? After the death of her mother, Ellie escapes to a flickering world of comic book superheroes and bewitching strangers. But as the walls of her new world begin to crumble, Ellie must finally face the truth behind her fantasies. Following on from the acclaimed success of Killing Roger, Sparkle and Dark return with I AM BEAST, an award-winning, visually stunning exploration of the power of grief and childish imagination, using UV landscapes, original live music and unique life-sized puppetry. Catch I Am Beast at Stamford Arts Centre on FridayMarch 3. Tickets are £9 (£7.50) £5 on 01780 763203.

Sinatra, Sequins & Swing There’s the chance to enjoy a taste of ‘50s Hollywood glamour as a new show swings into Stamford on Sunday February 26. The UK’s only touring Sinatra show to be endorsed by the President of Sinatra Music Society visits Stamford Corn Exchange for a special matinee show at 3pm as part of its 2017 concert tour. Previously a sell-out at several UK theatres, the show sees two of the UK’s most talented vintage-style vocalists accompanied by the Capitol Big Swing Band for the fabulous swing concert, Sinatra, Sequins & Swing (The Capitol Years Live!). The show focuses on Sinatra’s golden years at Capitol Records and also recreates famous scenes from his TV and film appearances during that time Including One For My Baby and the Lady Is A Tramp. Tickets are £19 (£10) available now on 01780 766455.

Cilla and the Shades of the 60s The Key Theatre has a great show coming up on Thursday March 2 taking you back to the 60s with the sounds of Cilla Black. Cilla and the Shades of the 60s is a fabulous musical tribute to the songs of Cilla Black and the many artists and songwriters who changed the world of popular entertainment. The show is fronted by the effervescent Liverpudlian singer/actress Victoria Jones who, along with the Shades Trio, will take you on a musical journey through Cilla’s life and some of the biggest chart hits of the era. Classic hit songs such as Alfie, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Step Inside Love and many more will also celebrate the great songwriting partnerships of the time. Tickets are available on 01733 207239.

Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band You can revisit the fantastic sounds of Simon & Garfunkel at the Cresset on Wednesday March 1. The critically-acclaimed Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band celebrates 60 years of the amazing duo. Audiences are always captivated by the emotional performances of all the hits from their heyday. Tickets are £20 on 01733 265705.

UK Pink Floyd Experience If you love Floyd this incredible live show promises quality sound, creative lighting, visual projections and stunning delivery of Pink Floyd’s best loved tracks from their whole catalogue of albums. Audiences are sure to be left on a Pink Floyd high! Catch this great tribute at the Cresset on Friday March 3. Tickets are £23.50 on 01733 265705.

Elton Tribute @ the Cresset If you won’t manage to see the real deal when Elton John plays in concert at Peterborough United this summer, or if you fancy a warm up to get you in the mood, why not catch this tribute to the man himself at the Cresset on Thursday March 2. The ‘Ultimate Elton’ Paul Bacon – voted the UK No.1 Elton John Tribute Act – along with The Rocket Band, delivers a sensational celebration of the music of the one and only Elton John in I’m Still Standing. Tickets are £21, concessions £20 on 01733 265705.

You Win Again: The Story of the Bee Gees Hey, you should be dancing… yeah! Embarking on its first ever nationwide tour, this breathtaking concert spectacular tells the story of the Bee Gees with stunning recreations of all their biggest hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. So whether you’re a Night Fever fan, know the moves to Tragedy or sing along to More Than A Woman you should love this show at the Cresset on Wednesday March 8. This spectacular production tells the incredible story of The Brothers Gibb in an all new musical experience through the eyes of their manager. Follow the band and their lives, through the early charting triumphs and fall from grace onto their meteoric climb back to the top… to become the multimillion selling Super Group we know and love today. Tickets are £23 on 01733 265705.

Dire Straits No.1 Tribute Show Money for Nothing is Europe’s premier tribute to Dire Straits. They’ve performed all over the world and studied Dire Straits in great depth in order to be as close as possible to the real thing. Fronting the band is the brilliant guitarist and Mark Knopfler sound-alike, Aled Williams, and behind him, the line-up features top-class and experienced musicians. Featuring all the hits from their first ever single, Sultans of Swing through to Brothers in Arms, catch this great tribute show at the Stamford Corn Exchange on Saturday February 11. Tickets are £17.50 on 01780 766455.

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LocalEvents

Movie Night @ Arena Drive-In

Modern Twist On Shakespeare @ The Cathedral One of the stars of radio drama The Archers is returning to live theatre in an acclaimed new production of Shakepeare’s Henry V coming to Peterborough Cathedral. After a highly acclaimed tour in 2016, Antic Disposition’s production is being staged in the New Building at Peterborough Cathedral on Wednesday February 15 at 7.30pm as part of a UK cathedral tour. The actor Rhys Bevan, who plays the King, has numerous theatre and film credits to his name, and can be heard daily on BBC Radio 4 as regular character Toby Fairbrother in The Archers. Marking the ongoing centenary of the First World War, Antic Disposition’s reimagining is set in a French military hospital in 1915 – 500 years after the Battle of Agincourt – where two groups of wounded soldiers, one French and one British, decide to raise their spirits by staging a production of Henry V. Moving between 1415 and 1915, Antic Disposition’s Henry V combines Shakespeare’s epic history play with original songs and live music inspired by the poetry of A E Housman, in a powerful tribute to the young soldiers caught up in conflicts five centuries apart. Tickets are £20 and £15 via www.ticketsource.co.uk/ad1 or 0333 666 3366. www.anticdisposition.co.uk

New Youth Music Showcase

Are you a budding Adele, Ed Sheeran or Sam Smith? Does your band or ensemble write its own material? Could you be the nation’s next Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Britten or Lloyd Webber? Once again Peterborough Music Hub and the Peterborough Music Festival have joined forces to present a fabulous opportunity for local composers to compete in a Youth Music Showcase of original new music and compositions as part of 2017’s Peterborough Music Festival. This is the second year of the New Youth Music Showcase competition and it’s taking place at the Key Theatre on Friday March 17 at 7.30pm. Last year’s winner was Thomas Dunleavy – a ten year old singer and guitarist who wowed the audience with a standout performance and excellent original songs. The competition’s a great opportunity to appear on the Key Theatre stage, receive professional feedback and potentially win significant prizes. Winning entrants will also have the opportunity to have their music profiled at civic events throughout the year, reaching audiences across the city and beyond. There are three showcase classes and the entry deadline is February 28. Further details, entry fee information and online applications can be made at www.peterboroughmusicfestival.org.uk. If you’d like to go along and watch tickets are £4 (£2 concessions) from the Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239 or via www.vivacitypeterborough.com. 8

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For the first time Peterborough Arena is to host a drive-in style cinema experience for one day and night only. Local production company Keystone Event Productions are bringing their new pop up cinema brand Rollin’ Cinema to the city on Saturday February 11. The movies will be shown on a super high definition LED screen which can be viewed from the cosy comfort of your car and heard through the car stereo. Family favourite and tearjerker Up (U) will be shown at 1pm, followed by romantic classic The Notebook (12A) at 5pm, then the finale will be the action packed Mr and Mrs Smith (15) at 9pm. The price of each showing is £25 per car, you can take as many people as you like and food and drinks will be available. Tickets are on sale at www.rollincinema.co.uk.

NVR Turns 40 Peterborough’s Nene Valley Railway celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and is lining up some very special events. First up the freshly rebuilt Locomotive 92 Squadron will make its official debut over the weekend of February 25 - 26 joined by the similar Loco Sir Keith Park. To mark the start of the 40th anniversary celebrations the fares for this event will be available to all at standard prices rather than the usual higher gala price. Just before that though, everyone’s favourite, Thomas, will be back on track for the popular Half Term Specials on Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12. www.nvr.org.uk

Wedding Planning Events If you’re planning your big day there are two local events this month to help you get everything you dream of. The Cupids Wedding Show at Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground on Sunday February 19 will feature over 80 exhibitors. It’s on from 10.30am – 3pm and there are a limited number of goodie bags for early arrivals. Throughout the day there’ll be catwalk fashion shows, a free prize draw and of course it’s free parking. It’s just £4 admission and you’ll receive a free bridal directory. Secondly there’s the Cresset’s Wedding Open Evening on Thursday February 16 when they’ll be showcasing everything they have to offer future brides and grooms. Pop down between 5pm and 8pm to view their fully-set function suites and chat to their wedding coordinators and meet their recommended suppliers on all aspectes of your wedding. Just head along or if you’d like to book an exclusive 30minute appointment call 01733 842513 or email functions@cresset.co.uk.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Saturday June 10 Peterborough Rowing Lake, Thorpe Meadows

Photos: Vanessa Barton Photography

It’s going to be a summer of fun as ESP joins the Dragon Boat Festival and we can’t wait for you to join us!

It’s a great day out and an ideal team building event for you and your staﬀ so make sure join us and sign up your crew – we’ve raced before and promise it’s dead easy! Teams are being asked to raise money for Thorpe Hall Hospice before and on the day of the race. It costs £2.8 million a year to provide incredible care at the Sue Ryder hospice – £1.5 million of that has to come from fundraising.

“”

SP is supporting the 19th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival this summer as the new print media partner for this top city event. It’s a great start to 2017 as we plan a year of activities celebrating 18 years in print. Editor Sharon McAllister said: “We have always promoted all the great stuﬀ happening locally every month so it’s fantastic to now be involved in one of the most popular Peterborough events. We are also keen supporters of charities like Sue Ryder and are looking forward to helping fundraise for such a good cause.” Organised by Gable Events this exciting day is not only great fun for the teams taking to the water but also raises vital funds for charity partner Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. This year’s Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival will take place on Saturday June 10 at Peterborough Rowing Lake. Up to 50 teams will battle it out over the 200 metre course, cheered on by their supporters who’ll be able to enjoy lots of bankside fun and fundraising activities between races. The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided, no previous experience is required and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. ESP magazine will be there along with the team from Connect FM radio enjoying the fun and awarding the prizes.

10 www.espmag.co.uk

The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided, no previous experience is required...

Thorpe Hall fundraiser Nilesh Patel said: “We’re so pleased to be the charity partner of the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival for the third year running. Judging by past performances we’re never going to win any awards on the water but we’re great at

cheering on other teams and supporting those who choose to use the event to fundraise for us! “At the moment we’re asking people to pledge to do #JustOneThing to support Thorpe Hall – signing up a workplace team for the Festival is just one of the ways of doing this.” We’ll be keeping you posted in the magazine, online (www.espmag.co.uk) and on our social media but for more information and to sign up please visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/peterborough. www.facebook.com/PeterboroughDragonBoat Festival

LocalEvents

Spencer’s Butterfly Ball It’ll soon be time to get your glad rags on as one of the most popular nights out returns if you like a little glitz and glam. Spencer’s Ball is a regular on the social calendar and has raised £80,000 for Phoenix School in Peterborough over the years. This year’s ball is coming up on Saturday March 25 at Peterborough Arena and once again all proceeds go to the school for severe and profoundly disabled pupils. There’ll be a drinks reception, live music from Uncle Funk and the Boogie Wonderband, a three course meal, casino and charity auction. Tickets are £70 from Lisa on 01733 324568. If you can help with auction items or prizes please get in touch.

Enjoy movies by Moonlight at Drive-in Cinema It’s time to pull in at the drive-in once again this month as Moonlight Cinema makes a return to Hampton after their popular nights in December. You’ll get the chance to watch some fantastic movies on the big screen in this American style experience at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre. The screenings will begin on Friday February 10 with the classic films Grease and Dirty Dancing being shown to mark the start of the week-long run. The drive-in movie cinema provides a quality cinema experience you can enjoy from the comfort of your own car. The film’s sound is transmitted directly into your car's in-car audio system. Moonlight Drive-in Cinema was founded by entrepreneur Benjamin Stonehouse who said: “We are delighted to be working with Serpentine Green again and bringing Moonlight Drive-in Cinema back to the Peterborough area. We’ve got a great range of movies – for children and adults – including some special films for Valentine’s Day.” Tickets are available online and they’ll be showing the following films at Serpentine Green: 6.30pm 9.30pm 10 February Grease Dirty Dancing 11 February Finding Dory Pretty Woman 12 February Jurassic World Interview with the Vampire 13 February Mamma Mia Mad Max Fury Road 14 February The Notebook Fifty Shades of Grey 15 February The Jungle Book Suicide Squad 16 February Inside Out Deadpool Tickets are available at £25 per car by visiting www.moonlightcinema.com/Peterborough

12 www.espmag.co.uk

The Mayor’s Charity Valentine's Ball Get your posh rags on and get in the mood for romance at the Mayor’s Valentine’s Ball, all in aid of the local charities he’s supporting this year. Dance the night away at the Town Hall on Saturday February 11 from 7pm – midnight. There’ll be a hot buffet and bar with music from Joshua Lee Rose. Tickets are £17.50 and are available by calling 01733 388718 or on mayorscharities@civicpeterborough.co.uk.

Cathedral Pancake Race We shouldn’t forget it’s not all about Valentine’s this month, it’s also about… pancakes! For a bit of good old traditional fun join in or watch the Pancake Race in the Cathedral Precincts on Tuesday February 28 at 1pm. Everyone’s welcome and it’s just £3 per person (£1 for children) for entry. You can book via the Cathedral website . So what do you need to be a winner? Flat shoes, comfy clothing, your own frying pan and plenty of competitive spirit! Pancakes will be provided by The Fenland Roaster. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

February 14 Trumped?

Pep Cipriano

Donald Trump’s wig-like hairstyle has inspired Americans this Valentine’s. A tip that landed in my junk mail: ‘If you’ve been with your man for a while or lack confidence in bed, get yourself a wig this Valentine’s. Taking on a new identity can make sex more exciting.’ God bless (help) America.

In A Relationship? Valentine’s Gifts To Help Her Lads, I feel your pain. You’ve been with your significant other for a few years and buying her a gift at Christmas challenges your creativity with each passing year. In the end, you pull it off – you buy her perfume (again) and she loves you for it blah, blah, blah. Then, as if that stressful gift-buying experience wasn’t enough for you to endure, fast forward a few weeks and it’s that blasted Valentine’s Day again. To some women this commercial goldmine of a day aimed at pleasing them and ruining us – and how you respond to it – is more important than pulling out the stops on her birthday. This is because you’re being tested on Valentine’s. You have to demonstrate to her how much she means to you – it’s about love and all that jazz. Yes, getting a lovely gift for her birthday is important but her priority on that day is prosecco with the girls in Argo Lounge. So, you’ve tried chocolates. She scoffs them within a day (you’re lucky if you’re offered one) then she complains to you that she’s getting fat. Don’t go there with roses either. All her girlfriends’ fellas bought roses for them too, so she doesn’t feel special. Then she pops them into a vase, places it on the coffee table, which obscures your view of the TV. In a couple of days, they’re dead and like the chocolate, Valentine’s is all over in a flash. You’ve failed to leave a 12-month legacy. What you need are gifts that are useful, that subtly point out her cute and perfect imperfections, which help her to help you love her even more. You’ve been together for so long that you’ve forgotten how to be her knight in shining armour – her hero – a man with solutions to her everyday challenges. My carefully researched gift ideas will catapult her love for you to another level, I promise. There are 14 because February 14 will be a day you’ll never forget if you follow my gift recommendations. Here they are:

CIAOS OUT 14 www.espmag.co.uk

A prescription to Specsavers. She might then notice dropping hair clips on the carpet and I won’t have to go to A&E anymore after standing on one

2. An energy saving home visit from PECT (01733 646272). They'll tell her (because when you do it's nagging) that leaving lights on all over the house increases your electricity bill 3. A yoga mat. Not because she needs to tone up, far from it. She’ll kneel on the mat when applying her make-up, which has over the years gradually ruined the bedroom carpet 4. The manual to her car (used to be in the glovebox, which is now rammed with R&B CDs). Wrapped up in a bow of course. Because there’s really no need to call the AA when the oil needs topping up 5.

A pink lawnmower with diamante-studded wheels. Who said mowing the lawn was a blue job?

8. A smaller mirror. She’ll never complain that her ‘bum looks big in this’ again 9. The encyclopaedia of ducks. I think she likes ducks. She mimics them on every Facebook selfie instead of smiling like girls used to do 10. The homeowners guide to preventing domestic fires. The electric light was invented in the 1870s. We don’t need a thousand scented candles in every room 11. A rescue pit bull terrier. She likes dogs 12. Nesquik chocolate milkshake powder and a pint of milk. The ideal replacement for Baileys, which necked copiously as if it were milkshake invariably makes her throw-up

6. A book about fractions. Sharing a bed means I’m supposed to get half of it and the covers, not one eighth

13. An appointment with her bank manager. A credit card isn’t the answer to everything

14. Harmonising her wardrobe space with feng shui. I have clothes that need folding and hanging someplace too

A course on time management. Cutting down three-hour getting ready time in the mornings means more time spent having breakfast with your boyfriend

To anyone I know proposing on February 14 Daisy: happy 100th! Darren: need me to review the new Street? Davide B: let’s get you elected… Meg: cookie or Chromebook? Middletons Steakhouse & Grill: hurry and open!

Mexican Boxing Legends at Radius Marco Antonio Barrera and Érik Isaac Morales will come face-toface on March 24 for the first time since they retired from the ring and there could be fireworks. They fought each other three times and between them held multiple world championships in different weight classes and defeated defending world champions like a walk in the park. There’s something unique about Mexican fighters that’s hard to put your finger on. They’re explosive, brutal and fiercely competitive and most of all they have a presence like no other boxing nationality. Barrera and Morales have never been on the boxing afterdinner circuit together before. This will be the first time and thanks to promoter Kevin Sanders, it’s happening in Peterborough for us to see. For tickets call: 07872 601467.

Wheeler Nice Trainers! City boxer Karl Wheeler has a spring in his step as he prepares to contest the vacant Southern Area Cruiserweight Title on March 18 and it’s thanks to the generosity of one of his biggest fans. Friend and trainer Andy Willox has bought Karl a new pair of running shoes to ensure he’s wearing the best there is when it comes to pounding the pavements. Financing a fight career is often a challenge for our city boxers and they rely on sponsorship and acts of kindness just like this to help them chase their dream. Andy told me: “I'm just a humble guy that likes to help. I know of the struggles fighters face, so to help someone like Karl, who is a genuine nice guy, is my pleasure.” Karl said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. Andy took me to Advance Performance and told me I was having some running shoes! I’ve trained with Andy loads and he knows I'm not the biggest fan of running, in fact it's the worst part of my training, but now I have no excuses. People say small things matter and they do, but for me this was a massive gesture that’s going to have a huge and positive impact on my training. I can’t thank him enough.” I can vouch for Andy’s kindness too. I often go to his boxing circuit class at Vic’s Gym on a Saturday morning and he makes us run up and down two flights of stairs a million times. But on one occasion, his empathetic and humanitarian side shone through when he told us to run just one flight of stairs, but two million times. Thanks Andy, I’m still walking like John Wayne.

OF THE MONTH

Word is Charters are planning a bit of a refurbishment and by the time it’s done we’ll hardly recognise the place. They’re going for a contemporary look with changes to pretty much all of the décor. I’m all for change as long as we don’t end up paying for it over the bar! There’s no word if the new look Charters are going for will continue into the beer garden though, so watch this space for an update.

WORD

Charters Refurb on its Way

ROSES Should we really bother buying them for our loved ones? Prickly, dead after three days, bank loan to buy a bunch, cheesy, unimaginative, predictable, vase knocked over by the cat, florists making a killing, she’d rather have Cadbury Roses and tradition is dead.

Confessions of a Press Photographer He’s covered everything from explosions and plane crashes to celebrity events and royal visits. He’s seen 45 mayors, five bishops, five MP's and at least 20 Posh managers come and go. Local photographer David Lowndes has captured it all through his lens and he’s decided to tell the stories of some of his most memorable work at an event to raise money for the mayor’s charities. An Evening with David Lowndes takes place at the Peterborough Salvation Army in New England on March 15. Tickets are just a tenner and anyone who knows ‘Lowndesy’ like I do will know they’re in for a treat, as he plans to share some of his best and most important photographs (some of me I dare say) that all have a story to tell. He began his career as a trainee photographer at Peterborough Evening Telegraph in 1973 and spent 41 years taking photos that have helped capture some of our city’s most defining moments. David started his own freelance photography business nearly three years ago, but during his time at the newspaper he took an estimated 1.1 million photographs! Today the Peterborough Telegraph is one of his biggest clients and his images continue to complement the stories that make up our local news. For more information email mayorscharities@civicpeterborough.co.uk

Finally Pieced The Puzzles Together

CAUGHT IN TH

E ACT! Looks like Valentin e's Day in the Cla rk household will be interesting this ye e ar...

Bottoms up to business partners Matt and Simon who flung open the doors to Puzzles on Bridge Street last month. I celebrated with the lads by trying their version of an amaretto sour – one of my favourite cocktails. I’ve since been in for a salted caramel espresso martini and that was yum too. Puzzles aim to please their customers whatever

their preferred tipple. There’s a range of draught beers, bottles, wines, spirits and soft drinks on offer and you can even have yourself a coffee or cuppa. It’s early days but already punters are making repeat visits and that’s good news. Check out www.puzzles lounge.co.uk for details of their music nights and other news. www.espmag.co.uk

Louis Honoured ahead of Big Jump The city council has recommended Louis Smith MBE and two other local Olympic and Paralympic heroes to receive The Freedom of the City.

t means gymnast Louis, gold medal winning Paralympic rower James Fox and wheelchair basketball star Lee Manning who’s a bronze winner, will be granted with the highest honour the council can award – and so they should. It’s fitting recognition following the achievements of our local sporting heroes and will serve as inspiration to others who have sporting dreams.

“

I’m just so humbled and honoured to be awarded Freedom of the City.

”

Photo: Emma Bothamley

Louis told ESP – “I’m just so humbled and honoured to be awarded Freedom of the City. To know that the council see me and my achievements as deserving of the award is really special and something I’m so grateful for, so a big thank you to them for this amazing honour.” Risky TV show The Jump returns this month and will air over six weeks on Channel 4

with Davina McCall at the helm. Louis is one of the brave contestants and is being joined by a host of sports stars and celebs including fellow Olympian, and eight times Olympic medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, two time Olympic Taekwondo champion Jade Jones and four time Paralympic medallist Kadeena Cox – so no pressure Louis! “I’m so excited to be on the show,” Louis told us sounding pretty confident. “I’ve said from the first series how much I wanted to do it but never had the opportunity around training and competition so was always hopeful that I’d get to do it after Rio. “I love skiing and obviously the competition nature of it so it’s right up my street. I’m looking forward to bringing some flips and tricks to proceedings so watch this space!” Louis of course was our local Strictly Come Dancing champ and while he’s been filming and limbering up in Austria, I’ve had word of plans for a Strictly-themed event to take place in our city this summer where Louis will take a leading role. I’ll keep you posted… Pep Cipriano

Locals reveal big talent with their short film

t turns out there are lots of short films out there made by locals. Yep, our city is oozing with creative individuals. The latest movie Mikey Clarke to be released online was put together by Peterborough Films – a local (the clue’s in the title) video production company. Afire Mind is a hard hitting short that looks to shine a light on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. It follows former firefighter Tom Harris as he tries to come to terms with the death of a young girl he failed to save at a house fire. Having suffered in silence and suppressing his emotions through drink and drugs, he feels he only has one option left to defeat his inner demons. The film was the idea of Lincolnshire based actor Callum Forman who wanted to raise awareness of an illness that can often go unrecognised and have devastating effects on individuals. His idea was brought to life by up 16 www.espmag.co.uk

and coming director Alex Beehoo who, having graduated from Peterborough Regional College last year, has created a very emotive piece with the skill of a seasoned professional. Callum explained, "I really wanted to write something that was going to be hard hitting and make people pay attention.” He continued, “Thanks to Alex, Peterborough Films and everyone involved in the project, I think we have achieved just that. After suffering from a form of depression myself for years I wanted Afire Mind to highlight that anyone could be suffering in silence, but all is not lost. We should never give up no matter how bad things get. We always have opportunities and people around us to help against our demons." Having made short films I can appreciate first-hand just how difficult it is cramming so much information into a limited amount of time. Afire Mind is just over five minutes long, and yet it really gets the message across perfectly. The team did a great job with placing carefully chosen props around the

Photo: Peterborough Films

As a man who’s made a couple of short films myself (Kelly Chambers and Dead Famous – both found on YouTube, thanks for asking!) I’m always on the lookout for people from Peterborough that have done something similar. I find it fascinating watching someone’s idea come to life in various forms – whether it’s poetry, music or film. set. So, even when nothing is being said, we (the audience) are still being given important plot details to process. Callum has incredible writing and acting talent – expressing genuine pain in his eyes, body posture and tone of voice. Local lad, Alex, did a fab job of directing too, making every shot count. Everyone involved should be proud of what they’ve created. Simply type the words ‘Afire Mind Short Film’ into YouTube to watch it yourself. Have you ever wanted to make a short film yourself? Peterborough Films is an experienced team of multi-talented individuals that will work with you all the way, to take that idea of yours and help visualise it. If you're not sure how it can be done, they’ll find a way for you. For more information on Peterborough Films, visit www.peterboroughfilms.com, Facebook (@peterboroughfilms) or Twitter (@PboroFilms).

Food Glori us Food It’s the month of love and whether you’re hoping to impress your other half on Valentine’s Day by booking them a delicious meal or you just love your food there’s plenty to tantalise your taste buds. We have more dining out choices than ever before so whether you’re heading to a great gastro pub, visiting one of the well known names that have opened in the city centre or are supporting some of our independents – dig in and enjoy!

Italian Romance at Mattoni The owner of Mattoni in Hampton, Goretti Lobato, has made such a success of the restaurant she’s now taking over another well known Italian Peterborough restaurant to make her mark. The former Riva restaurant premises in Eye will be reopening soon as Mattoni with Goretti intending to make tables at this venue equally as sought after as they are at the Hampton venue. Before the launch of the new project though, they’ll be celebrating Valentine’s at Mattoni with a gorgeous special menu for £24.95. You can enjoy fresh raw oysters served in their shells with lemon juice here as well as a variety of delicious Italian starters to get you in the romantic mood.

Oysters @ Loch Fyne Oysters are well known for their aphrodisiac properties but at Loch Fyne in Elton most of the delicious dishes on their Valentine’s menu are likely to get any food fan’s pulse racing! It runs from February 10 – 14 and has everything your heart desires when it comes to beautifully prepared fish dishes and other delights including plenty for vegetarians too. You can swoon over four courses for £39.95 and add a little fizz to your evening with a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne for £3. Starters of course include a trio of Loch Fyne oysters served on ice, pan-fried tandoori scottish scallops and pulled pork tostada to name just some. Tempting mains include dishes such as a shellfish platter with lobster, oysters, king prawns, and crevettes, grilled 28-day aged rib-eye steak and walnut and dolce latte gnocchi. It’s a night to indulge yourself and your dining partner and the desserts won’t disappoint. They include delights such as pear and frangipane toffee tartlet and passion fruit ganache, plus there’s coffee and chocolate truffles. Book now on: 01832 280298. 18 www.espmag.co.uk

They have some real treats lined up for the main courses to make your meal extra special including Pineapple Chilli Wild Boar, British 28 day aged Sirloin steak, Salmon al Forno, monkfish and of course pizza. There are a variety of indulgent desserts to try, they’re so tempting they’re even offering you the chance to have smaller portions of three of them as part of their Dessert Trio if you just can’t decide! There’s plenty for chocolate lovers but also a refreshing fruit sorbet to round off the perfect night out. Book now on: 01733 241246.

The Brewery Tap The Brewery Tap on Westgate will be offering a complimentary dessert with every set menu on Tuesday February 14 only so booking is advisable on 01733 358500.

East East restaurant above Charters the boat on the river, will be serving their delicious a la carte menu for Valentine’s, so for a taste of the Orient booking is advisable on 01733 315702.

The Crab & Winkle The Crab & Winkle in Werrington has your dining out covered between February 10 – 23 offering two tasty steaks and a bottle of wine for just £25. Book early to avoid disappointment on 01733 322377.

Valentine’s @ The Ramblewood Inn

The Ramblewood Inn nestled in the beautiful setting of Orton Hall Hotel is surrounded by trees providing a lovely setting for an out of town place to dine. Their Valentine’s menu will be available on Tuesday February 14 between 6pm and 10pm for £25 per head including a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy a tasty starter such as Brie coated in a crispy crumb or honey barbecue chicken wings. Main courses on offer include chicken breast in a white wine, bacon and mushroom sauce, pork steaks in a caramelized onion and apple cream sauce, sea bass in prawn butter and ribeye steak, then for dessert complete your meal with something naughty but nice like strawberry Eton Mess. Book now on 01733 391111. (Please note: Discount vouchers cannot be used for this offer).

The Wicked Witch If you like fine dining why not whisk your loved one off to The Wicked Witch at Ryhall? Their set menu includes king crab terrine and wild mushroom risotto for starters, roast Skrei cod and confit kid goat leg among their mains with raspberry soufflé or double chocolate ice cream for dessert for £29.95. Book now on 01780 763649.

Ladies Do Lunch for Anna’s Hope Calling all ladies for this one – it’s time to don your fancy hats and join the Mad Hatter’s Ladies Lunch Party in support of local charity Anna’s Hope. It’s all taking place on Friday March 3 from 11.30am to 3pm at the Haycock Hotel in Wansford and there’ll be entertainment from the Four Femmes on the Thames. Guest speaker is none other than ESP’s resident action man Darren Grigas who’s raised thousands for this Stamford based charity with many of his challenges and fundraising events.

If you have a hat this is the event to wear it at but if not you can borrow one from the IPIC’s photo booth for a souvenir photograph. There’ll be pop up shopping boutiques and prizes to be won so don’t be late for this very important date! Tickets are £45 which includes a 2 course lunch and drinks reception. To book please contact Carole Hughes on email, admin@annashope.co.uk or call 01780 740492.

French Fancy @ Côte Brasserie The French are equally renowned for their romantic traits as the Italians so why not make the most of it and wow your Valentine at Côte Brasserie on Church Street in Peterborough? This relatively new restaurant has certainly made its mark on the city’s dining out scene with its ambient surroundings and commitment to producing authentic French classics, freshly cooked to order from high quality ingredients. Their enticing Valentine’s Menu includes three courses and a glass of Kir Royale for just £27.50 per person. Starters to warm your heart include warm tiger prawn salad, baked crottin and moules au cidre. There’s plenty to get your tastebuds tingling from the main course menu too with pan roasted cod, duck confit à l’Orange, wild mushroom risotto or delicious fillet steak. End your meal on a high with their tempting desserts – you’re spoilt for choice and if your date isn’t falling for you surely crème caramel, indulgent chocolate fondant, tarte au citron or pain perdu (brioche bread and butter pudding with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce) will finally melt their heart?! Book now on 01733 306352.

www.espmag.co.uk

£9.99 New Look Black Mesh Floral Embroidered Strappy Bralet

£5.50 Hotel Chocolat Melting Hearts Strawberry & White

£7 Paperchase Valentine's Good Morning Handsome Mug

£84 The Fragrance Shop Hugo Boss - The Scent for her

£30 Boots/The Perfume Shop Ferrari Fragrance iPhone Case

Valentine’s

Gift Guide

£20 M&S Star Wars Darth Vader Bath Tin Gift Set

£3.50 M&S Fizz and Bubbles Lip Gloss

£15 £39 Hotel Chocolat Straight From The Heart box of chocolates

M&S Rosie for Autograph Candle Trio

£73 The Fragrance Shop Paco Rabanne – 1 Million

£7 Wilko Wooden Rose Heart Plum

£14 Matalan Julien Macdonald Balcony Bra and briefs

£7 £25 River Island red playsuit

20 www.espmag.co.uk

R mantic

If you’re planning a mini break or are lucky enough to be whisked away on a romantic Valentine’s long weekend you’ll want to look on trend. But what to wear and how to travel light and keep to the luggage limits?

Model: Kerry Whelpdale Outfits: John Lewis, Queensgate Photos: Andy Vernum @ Studio One

22 www.espmag.co.uk

The team at John Lewis in Queensgate gave us their expert tips on how to make the most of a cabin sized suitcase and how to pack a surprising number of outfit combinations so your trip is a breeze.

• When travelling wear as many layers as possible so as to leave more room in your case and take a large handbag • Choose a colour theme and stick to it • Roll clothes rather than folding them – it saves room and they’ll be less creased • Place shoes, hair straighteners etc around the edges of the case and underwear at the bottom • Decant toiletries into small empty bottles • Take a small flat bag for evening use in a neutral colour So, follow this advice and you’ll be looking great with a variety of looks ready to make the most of your travels wherever they may take you!

get away Travelling outfit

Hobbs London Saskia Trench, Navy (£189) Mint Velvet Ottoman Stitch Draped Cardigan, Blue (£109) Phase Eight Aida Jeans, Indigo (£69) Phase Eight Judith Blouson Striped Top, Navy/White (£49) Phase Eight Pleated Ombre Scarf, Navy (£35) White Stuff Annabel Tote, Ink Pot Blue (£79.95) John Lewis X’ Air 3 Cabin Case, Black (£109) All available at John Lewis, Queensgate

www.espmag.co.uk

Days out Mint Velvet Peony Tie Cuff V Neck Knit (£69) Joules Wensley Floral Print Scarf, Navy/Multi (£19.95)

Days out French Connection Sudan Marl Rib Oversized Top, Summer White (£55)

Days out Jigsaw Double Front Scoop Tee, White (£37) Jigsaw Cornflower Pencil Skirt, Blue Smoke (£98) White Stuff Annabel Tote, Ink Pot Blue (£79.95)

Shoes model’s own All outfits available at John Lewis, Queensgate

24 www.espmag.co.uk

Evenings out

Jigsaw Crocus Drape Shirt, Glacier Blue (£89)

Phase Eight Vinny Colour Block Tunic Top, Navy (£69)

Phase Eight Alice Trouser, Multi-coloured (£75)

Phase Eight Aida Jeans, Indigo (£69)

John Lewis Helena Contrast Pouch Clutch Bag, Silver (£29)

Shoes model’s own All outfits available at John Lewis, Queensgate

www.espmag.co.uk

paparazzi Caught in the act? Bars, Festivals and Minecraftâ&#x20AC;Ś

New independent bar Puzzles? has opened on Bridge Street recently so of course our Man About Town, Pep Cipriano was among the first to pop in for a cocktail and to grab some Paparazzi pics. Next up it was the huge winter social that is the Straw Bear Festival in Whittlesey and several of you sent us your own photos from the day along with our photographer Chris Brudenell. Finally it was time for our photographer Andrew James to capture the fun for us at the gaming event, MineVention at the Cresset. You can view all our Paparazzi pics on Facebook.

26 www.espmag.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

TV may have stolen The Voice but the BBC has hit back in spectacular style with its new Saturday night Sarah Tempest talent show ratings grabber Let it Shine. Named after one of Take That’s hits, it’s no surprise to find that the man behind the show is none other than Gary Barlow who put the show together to find five performers for a new boyband who’ll win a year’s contract to appear in a new stage show; the details of which are a closely guarded secret! The format of the show is simple enough; at the start the boys each took to the stage to perform and, at the end of their song, the four judges, individually and secretly, scored them out of five stars. The boys needed a collective total of 15 or more to make it through to the next round and it was a tense, bated breath wait as they stood watching the stars on the floor light up one by one to see if the magic 15th star would light up to send them through. In the following round they’ve now been split into groups to perform as bands and, as the weeks go on after public votes and subsequent eliminations, the last five men, I mean boys, standing will be the winners. Got it? Good.

And whilst the new ITV version of The Voice has questionably added to their judging panel with Daisy Lowe’s dad and Gwen Stefani’s ex husband, Gavin Rossdale (who should be subtitled ‘the coach no-one wants to turn round’) there’s no denying the calibre of the Let it Shine judges. Joining Gary on the panel are actor and Spandau Ballet (who Gary admiringly refers to as ‘the original boyband’) member Martin Kemp along with first guest judge American musical 28 www.espmag.co.uk

theatre performer and Glee star Amber Riley who then vacated her seat to make way for Lulu. The fourth and full-time judge is singer, presenter and seasoned talent show judge, Dannii Minogue who’s clearly finding it a challenge to work alongside Gary! “He’s distractingly good looking!” she jokingly complains. “That’s not fair, it’s a very difficult part of my job! And then I have Martin on the other side of me, so I’m wedged between two guys who couldn’t be more charming or more beautiful. Really it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!” But it’s not just her fellow judges that have exceeded her expectations; Dannii has been super impressed by the contestants too. “They are incredible and there’s so much you can latch on to: the singing, dancing, the charisma. Then when you get them together in a band, it brings out the personalities even more.” Which is very important as Gary is quick to point out that he’s not looking for a Take That tribute act. He remains tight lipped on the eventual project but is quick to put distance between Let it Shine and his previous foray into TV talent shows, the X Factor. “As a judge, to be sat there promising these young kids they’re going to be a star or whatever, I don’t even know what that means anymore. So to give them a job is something everyone can understand. The contract is for 12 months, eight shows a week.” And Dannii agrees, “It’s a job and a set of skills that they can use forever. That’s incredible. With the level of talent we have got, when we do get our final five, they won’t just be winners of this show – I think they have a huge chance of going on

to be superstars. That’s how high the standard is.” We can only hope she’s right and that winning Let it Shine does indeed lead to a long illustrious career because, let’s face it, winning a prime time talent show is no guarantee of fame and fortune. After all, how many of the last five winners of The Voice can you name? Nope, us neither. Catch Let It Shine on BBC One, Saturdays at 7pm.

Photos: BBC/Matt Holyoak

Dannii Minogue is back in a judge’s chair on the latest talent show, but will Gary Barlow’s latest venture find some genuine stars? ESP’s Sarah Tempest casts her vote…

For even more news and events, check out our website

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Gavin Miller’s

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Released

Movie Previews

FEB

LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Voice cast: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Dee Williams Director: Chris McKay After having a starring role in 2014’s mega successful and critically-acclaimed Lego Movie, Batman and a whole host of DC super heroes get a brick-based arena to spread their proverbial wings. Expect the clever – more adult-orientated – humour from the first film, with Robot Chicken helmer Chris McKay taking over

the directorial reigns, as Bruce Wayne/Dark Knight (Will Arnett) goes on a personal journey to find himself. He must learn the importance of teamwork – predominantly with young Robin (Michael Cera) – in the hopes of saving Gotham City from The Joker’s (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover.

An all-star cast includes the voicing talents of Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson, Mariah Carey, Jenny Slate and also Billy Dee ‘Lando Calrissian’ Williams, who was meant to potentially go on to play Two-Face after Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film – and now belatedly gets the chance to fulfil his ambition in Lego form.

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER Released

Released

FEB

All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

RINGS This third film in the horror series – in which the excellent original film was sanitised by the awful sequel – brings the freakish Samara back from the dead after a 12-year hiatus. Julia (Matilda Lutz) becomes worried about her boyfriend (Alex Roe) when he explores the dark urban legend of a mysterious video that is said to kill the watcher seven days after viewing it. She then sacrifices herself to save her boyfriend, but in doing so makes a horrifying discovery that there’s actually a ‘movie within a movie’ that no-one has ever seen. Vincent D’Onofrio (Jurassic World) and Big Bang Theory’s Johnny Galecki co-star.

30 www.espmag.co.uk

10 FIFTY SHADES DARKER Christian and Anastasia are back in this sequel to the hugely-successful – if somewhat critically-maligned – erotic romantic drama based on EL James’ popular novels. Following the events of Fifty Shades of Grey, Dakota Johnson's Ana Steele tries to move on from her relationship with Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), before a wounded Christian convinces her to resume the romance under her terms. But as they start a normal courtship, Christian’s past threatens to tear them apart, as the envy of the woman that introduced him to the world of BDSM – Kim Basinger’s Elena Lincoln – re-enters his life.

17 THE GREAT WALL There’s a lot riding on the first really big budget film of the year, with producers being accused of potentially ‘whitewashing’ the lead character – using Matt Damon instead of a potentially Asian actor in this ancient fantasyadventure which pays homage to Chinese-inspired martial arts films. Damon stars as a mercenary warrior imprisoned within the Great Wall, and discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of the world – as wave after wave of massive marauding beasts besiege the huge structure. Willem Dafoe co-stars in this movie from the director of Hero and House of Flying Daggers.

Released There’s no doubting this FEB action-horror movie series based on the hit video game has done tidy box-office business – despite its many critical short comings – and now (after six films) it’s allegedly coming to an end. Picking up immediately after the events of 2012’s Retribution, Milla Jovovich’s Alice must return to where it all began, as the Umbrella Corporation gathers its forces for a final strike against the remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

HIDDEN FIGURES Octavia Spencer (Oscar winner for The Help), Taraji P Henson Released (Oscar nominee for FEB The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Janelle Monae (The Equalizer) headline this incredible true story, as a team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program’s first successful space missions. Kevin Costner and Kirsten Dunst co-star in the US number one box-office smash.

Movie Special Released

FEB

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose Director: Chad Stahelski

Keanu Reeves re-teams with his Matrix costar Laurence Fishburne in this highly-anticipated sequel to the original sleeper hit which surprised us all a couple of years back. Reeves returns as legendary hitman John Wick, who is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of

a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath, he travels to Rome where he must square off against some of the world’s deadliest killers – but this time has even Wick bitten off more than he can chew? Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, Lance Reddick and Bridget Moynahan all return, with the familiar faces of Peter Stormare

(Armageddon), Common (Wanted), Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and relative newcomer Ruby Rose (xXx: Return of Xander Cage) joining the ride. With director Stahelski – who will soon be rebooting Highlander – back at the helm, let’s hope this is as gun-tottingly impressive as the first film.

LOVING

GOLD

Lead stars Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby) and Ruth Negga (World War Z) Released both notched Golden FEB Globes acting nods for their performances in this biographical drama-romance which proves all love is created equal. It chronicles the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple, who challenged their anti-miscegenation arrest for their marriage in Virginia – which led to a legal battle that ended up in the US Supreme Court.

Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) and Jurassic World’s Bryce Released Dallas Howard FEB headline this adventure directed by the Academy Awardwinning writer of Traffic and director of Syriana, Stephen Gaghan. It’s based on the true story of the 1993 Bre-X mining scandal, when a massive gold deposit was discovered in the jungles of Indonesia by McConaughey’s previously unlucky businessman and Edgar Ramirez’s geologist.

FEB Denzel Washington’s first directing gig in ten years sees him helm this drama based on the Pulitzer Prizewinning play. He also stars as lead character (and also notched a Golden Globe nod to boot) Troy Maxson, a working-class African-American father trying to raise a family in 50s Pittsburgh, while coming to terms with the events of his life. Suicide Squad’s Viola Davis – who won a Globe for Best Supporting Actress – co-stars as his wife.

MOONLIGHT

THE FOUNDER

PATRIOTS DAY

A CURE FOR WELLNESS

Oscar nominee Michael Keaton (Birdman and the Released forthcoming SpiderFEB Man: Homecoming) stars in this origin story – from the director of The Blind Side – of one of the world’s most iconic food chains, McDonald’s. He portrays the man who convinced the two brothers of the first ever uniquely-devised fast food restaurant to franchise the business – which started the ball rolling in making the ‘golden arches’ famous across the globe.

A-list star Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg team up for Released a third time – after FEB Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon – in this biographical story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing (which killed several civilians) and the aftermath, which included the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorist Tsarnaev brothers responsible. John Goodman, Kevin Bacon and J K Simmons (Oscar winner for Whiplash) help complete an all-star cast.

An ambitious young executive (Chronicle’s Dane DeHaan) is sent Released to retrieve his FEB company’s chief executive from a mysterious ‘wellness centre’ at a remote location in the Swiss Alps – but soon suspects the spa’s miraculous treatments are not what they seem and tries to unravel the mystery behind it. The Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and The Ring helmer Gore Verbinski directs this mysterythriller which co-stars Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter series).

This Golden Globe award winner for Best Dramatic Film (alongside a whole Released host of nominations) FEB has received immense critical acclaim as it chronicles the life of a young black man (Straight Outta Compton’s Ashton Sanders) growing up in a rough, crime-riddled, Miami neighbourhood. This timeless story of self-discovery includes impressive performances from the likes of Predators’ Mahershala Ali and British actress Naomie Harris (Skyfall).

FENCES

Released

THE SPACE BETWEEN US The first human born on Mars (Asa Butterfield) – his Released astronaut mum was FEB revealed to be pregnant after taking-off on the first mission to the Red Planet – travels to Earth for the first time and experiences the wonders of the planet through fresh eyes, with the help of Britt Robertson’s (Tomorrowland) street smart girl. But when scientists (including Gary Oldman) discover his organs can’t withstand the Earth’s atmosphere he must seek his unknown father for help.

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Local Radio Presenter Turns Local Author ESP’s Mikey Clarke catches up with a broadcaster who’s swapped the mic for the PC…

I had the pleasure of working with Sayeh Stone at a local radio station called Lite FM. If you remember the Peterborough station, you’ll know this was a fair few years back. Despite being so long ago, I vividly remember her shows. They were creative and she had a knack of bringing a story to life. Therefore, it came as no surprise when she told me she’d recently become a children’s author. Her book is called Shaped Animals. It’s designed to be a great way for children to enjoy learning and remembering maths and shapes through storytelling. It tells the story of Triangle Tiger, who goes on the search to find other shaped animal friends to join his party. On this adventure, you learn about the four main basic shapes through the animals, who explain and introduce themselves throughout.

With beautiful and bright coloured illustrations from Sonia Nicholas Fox and Simon Stone, this is a must-have for youngsters. During my chat with the local author, she told me, “The birth of my daughter paved the way for this adventure. I couldn’t go far whilst she slept, so I decided to work on the halffinished stories I had filed away in my cabinet and even created some new ones. “In regards to this particular idea, I’d looked up a lot of other similar books. Many would simply say things such as, ‘This is a square’ or ‘find the triangle in this picture’ but there were none that went into detail about the actual shapes. That’s what makes my book different.” The journey between writing her story and seeing it in print wasn’t smooth sailing. “Despite their positive feedback, I had twenty-two publishers turn me down – mainly because I was a new writer,” she said. “But I was confident in the book I had created and refused to give up. Eventually a couple of publishers showed an interest before Austin Macauley Publishers gave me the shot I’d been looking for.”

Sayeh has a busy few months ahead of her whilst she takes her book on tour. She explained, “I have readings booked in at Phoenix School and The Learning Tree Kindergarten & Nursery School, with many more being arranged in and around Peterborough.” What advice does she have for other aspiring writers out there? “Put in the hours and don’t give up. If you truly believe in your work then you’ll find others who believe in it also. And don’t say you’ll do it later… start now.” Looking ahead, Sayeh wants to continue writing for children. She’d eventually love to have her own publishing company – Stones Publishing. The team at ESP wish her all the best! Shaped Animals is available to order online now from sites such as Amazon and Waterstones.

Even energy suppliers can be romantic! Peterborough City Council’s energy tariff - Peterborough Energy - has saved residents £223 on average on their energy bills. This means those of us who’ve switched have more money to spend on our loved ones this Valentine’s Day. The tariff, in partnership with supplier OVO Energy, has numerous perks that are enjoyed by more than 6,000 local people. Here are just a few examples of how your local energy company can help you to impress this February 14: • If you think petrol station flowers are a great hassle-free gift, think again. Simply by referring a friend to Peterborough Energy both you and your newly-referred friend will receive a £20 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card, which is sent via email upon sign up. Selflessly forward the email to your loved one for the ultimate act of courtship

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•

Perhaps you’re the kind who is in dire need of romantic redemption and you’re looking to pull out all stops to surprise your partner with the city break they’ve always wanted, if only financing it was easier. Peterborough Energy’s 3% interest reward is your knight in shining armour, giving back to all those whose accounts are in credit. Stop trying to flog your old toaster on Facebook pages and simply earn money for being in credit, allowing that next Valentine’s to become extra special If your partner enjoys massages, ask them to call OVO Energy’s award winning customer service team next time you have a question. Recently crowned uSwitch Supplier of the Year for the third year running, OVO Energy’s

excellent customer handling skills will leave them feeling problem-free and at one with the world. A true massage for both the ears and their general wellbeing Switching to Peterborough Energy is a simple and straightforward process. Simply visit peterboroughenergy.co.uk or call 0800 408 6706 for Pay Monthly or 0800 408 6710 for Pay As You Go. Alternatively book a Home Visit by calling 01733 646272 to switch with the assistance of an Energy Advisor from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you. Their Energy Advisors have a rose for every homeowner they visit on Valentine’s Day. Book now, so they can share their energy love.

Is your car ready for winter?

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Be prepared for winter and book in for a FREE basic winter health check on your vehicle. More detailed check available for £20 – includes tyre pressure and tread depth check, coolant check, battery check and a winter driving pack including anti freeze, ice scraper and screen wash. Be winter wise and make sure your car is fit and healthy to take on the worst of the weather…

GET A CLEAR VIEW...

BRAKES...

GET A GRIP…

You can't avoid danger if you don't see it coming. Play it safe. Be ready for any weather, any time with proper wiper blade maintenance.

Wet roads increase braking distance, giving you less time to react to danger on the road. Make sure yours don’t let you down.

Check your tyres to make sure you have the correct tread for the weather conditions and plenty of grip. The legal requirement for minimum tread depth on your tyres is 1.6milimetres, across the central 3/4 of the tyre around the complete circumference of the tyre. For safety – replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached.

• Chattering or streaking wipers indicate that replacement is necessary • Always replace wipers in pairs

• Replace wipers at least every six months or as needed

Don't forget the rear wiper! Rear wipers can deteriorate just as quickly and are just as important.

The components of hydraulic braking systems are subject to considerable stress and as a result require frequent inspection and routine maintenance. It’s recommended to have your brake fluid changed every 2 years regardless of the vehicle age.

POWER ON... The cold and wet can play havoc with your battery so make sure it won’t let you down. FRM will check your current car battery for FREE and recycle your old one. We have a large range, type, voltage and guarantees on car batteries.

AIR CONDITIONING... Aircon isn’t just for the summer and FRM are air conditioning specialists, installing, repairing and re-charging.

Aircon systems will control the humidity and the heater if needed will control the temperature leaving you free to enjoy the warmth without being stuffy.

Moisture on the glass will be evaporated very rapidly so you can see through the windscreen and all the other glass clearly without a film of mist. Aircon systems will work long before a screen-heater has had a chance to warm up so is effective for rapid de-misting and good all round visibility. Call Customer Services on 01733 333 838

Peterborough Body Shop Special Offer 4 alloy wheel refurb, any size (not diamond cut) £200 + VAT

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DRIVING UP STANDARDS

by Pep Cipriano

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DRIVING UP STANDARDS

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Land Rover in sickness and in health…

Tiffany Bryant and her husband Ben are legends in my book. They pulled off what I can only dream of (I’d never get away with it) and invited their car to play a starring role in their wedding photos!

Photos: Chris Brudenell

34 www.espmag.co.uk

ut there’s a legitimate and heartfelt reason for why they did it and that’s what makes these photos all the more special. They were married in November 2015 but had a wedding blessing at Hinchingbrooke House almost a year later. The photos of their awesome Land Rover Defender were taken at the blessing to pay tribute to Ben’s dad John, who bought the Defender for him as a gift before passing away after their wedding. Tiffany told me: “John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer following a car crash in June 2015. His chemotherapy wasn’t working and we were told he only had weeks to live. Ben and I brought our wedding forward and married in a registry office, which meant that John could be there. But he wanted us to keep our original plans, so we arranged for a blessing in October 2016. “John wanted to buy all of his children something to remember him by. Ben already had a Suzuki off-roader and his dad decided he wanted to buy him a Land Rover, which we could make memories in

as a couple. When Ben was younger his dad owned an off-roading company and he got into Land Rovers, building them and going out with his dad. Ben had always wanted a Land Rover but they were always out of our price range.” Tiffany and Ben both love cars and it’s no surprise that the Land Rover had its part to play at the blessing. The Defender was their transport for the day but more importantly it symbolised John who was there in spirit with the couple. “I wanted the Defender to be there with Ben and I, so it felt like John was with us. It was his gift to Ben and we will treasure it forever. On the day, we released balloons from it in memory of John. He passed away in August and our wedding blessing was a few weeks later.” I would like to have met John because the man clearly had some style. This is no ordinary Defender! Its 2.5L turbo diesel engine has a stage 1 remap, so it pulls like a train. It absolutely looks the business too. Ben and Tiffany’s beauty is fitted with a safari snorkel, raised air intake and uprated suspension that sits on 15"x10" silver modular wheels.

The arches have been extended to cover its wheels and other exterior accessories include a roof light bar with four LED spotlights and upgraded headlights, sidelights, indicator and brake lights. Inside it’s decked out with Corbeau elite RRS retrimmed heated front seats in black leather with white

stitching. There’s also a Momo millennium steering wheel fitted to give it even more purpose. The list of customised parts goes on! Put simply, this is the meanest Defender I’ve ever seen. It’s Ben and Tiffany’s pride and joy – a four-wheeled legacy made in heaven.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

Pep Cipriano

Ferrari love for Morris and Kia I’m still reading the email back and I think I’ve got it, so here goes… Claire Ferrari (yes that’s her real name) met David Ferrari when she was eight. But at 20 she married Simon Morris and drove a Morris Mini. She then divorced the Morris (the man, not the Mini) in 1981, married the Ferrari she first met aged eight and worked for Ford Motor Credit. Now as a Ferrari, Claire and Dave both drive a Kia (shame, it was going so well, I think). So, let me explain. Since it’s Valentine’s month, we thought we’d put out a message on social media asking for any love / car related stories you’d like us to share. Claire responded and as far as I can work out, she drives a Kia. Well, car love does work in mysterious ways. But Claire and Dave’s love for one another is now into its 35th year of marriage and contemplating retirement, they’re selling their Ferrari-themed café in Mayors Walk, Peterborough. Claire clarified a few things for me…

New Triumph is Right Up my Street

all decked out with ribbons but nothing very special. It was the early 1980s and weddings were more of a budget affair and it was my second marriage too.”

It’s been 10 years since the launch of the original Street Triple and I’ve been grinning like a Cheshire cat ever since. I’m a Street Triple owner and tell my motorcycling friends it’s the best naked middleweight money can buy, which it is – until now. That’s because Triumph have launched a trio of new middleweight street fighters, the Street Triple S, Street Triple R and Street Triple RS. I want one so bad. Engine size has increased from 675cc to 765cc and there are more than 80 new parts resulting in what’s claimed to be a significant jump in performance. Low-down and mid-range is where we want more gains and this is exactly where Triumph have delivered. Better still, the new bikes are 2kg lighter than the current models. The new line-up all feature riding modes and just when I thought the distinctive exhaust sound couldn’t get any better, there’s a richer soundtrack from a lighter and free flowing exhaust. First and second gearing has been shortened too, which promotes slicker changing and acceleration. But what I love the most is how Triumph have made the bike more accessible to younger and more inexperienced riders who don’t hold a full licence by building an A2 licence version for the ‘S’ with a 660cc engine. Genius. For a test ride you’ll never want to return from, pop into the Webbs Triumph dealership on Flaxley Road or give them a call on: 01733 223444.

So, you’ve got the name but haven’t got the car?! “I know and it's a question we're often asked and I'm sure we give people a good laugh when we admit we both drive very practical modest Kia cars! But we’ve both had a Ferrari driving experience or at least sat behind the wheel of one.”

Ferraris are a sporty number and all about passion, which means you must be a romantic couple? “Dave is very thoughtful and kind and never forgets an anniversary and I value that immensely, so yes I would say we're a romantic couple but not the slushy kind. “We're not very sporty but we both tend to do things at speed when the need arises. Any of Dave's customers in the café will bear witness to the fact he is known to move like grease lightning when he’s busy.” Did you go for a Ferrari wedding car? “Unfortunately, not. It was a limousine

Your café is adorned with Ferrari memorabilia, where’s it all come from? “We've owned the café for 29 years and when we moved up from London to start the business we bought a couple of Ferrari posters to set the scene. We have some really great regular customers and they started bringing in Ferrari memorabilia including die cast cars, mugs, key rings and pictures and there is quite a collection on display now. Our son Nic donated a Ferrari Avenue street sign and some artwork that has special meaning to us.” www.espmag.co.uk

ESPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rachael Church has all the latest health and beauty newsâ&#x20AC;Ś

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you just love February â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the days are feeling longer, and spring is nearly in sight. Plus, you can treat yourself or a loved one to a gift for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day mid-way through the month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something totally self-indulgent hopefully! Here are a few ideas of some totally fabulous treats you can pick up locally, whatever your Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day budget, for the guy or the girl in your life. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still on the hunt for the perfect partner, treat yourself anyway, you deserve it.

A Little Something:

A Little Something: Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Love the Sweetest Thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bath bombs and shower creams: ÂŁ13.50

Bacon Soap: ÂŁ7.50 Available from www.Notonthe highstreet.com

Found in Lush in Queensgate. Show your partner some love with this super-sweet trio of comforting pink and purple products, made with candyshop, blackcurrant and bubblegum scents. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give your loved one soft, saccharine skin and a lovely warm fuzzy pink feeling. Give them the gift of a relaxing bath whilst you do the washing up!

We all know a man who has a love affair with baconâ&#x20AC;Ś So what better gift for a meat lover than this quirky bacon soap. Made from a 100% vegan combination of oils that are both delightfully sudsy in the shower and leave your skin silky smooth, each bar looks like a slab of streaky bacon but leaves your man smelling fresh and lovely.

A Special Thought:

Origins Limited Edition Feel Good Face Pillow: In Peppermint & Eucalyptus: ÂŁ20 Found in John Lewis, Queensgate. Help your partner to relieve tension and pressure around the head and nose with hot or cool therapy. The soothing aroma of fresh peppermint and eucalyptus helps ease away unwelcome stress after a long day at work or looking after the kids. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suitable for all skin types and the fragrance makes the house smell gorgeous too.

6 Scents Fragrance Wardrobe Gift: ÂŁ20 Available from Next in Queensgate, Serpentine Green or Brotherhoods Perhaps your chap needs a new scent, so why not give him six to choose from. This gift set includes 10ml of each of these six sprays: Signature, Carbon Silver, Code Red, Ice White, Edition and No 85. Nearly one for every day of the week!

A Statement Piece:

A Statement Piece

A Spa Day at the Imagine Spa, Orton Hall Hotel: ÂŁ50

Seven Hair and Body - Turkish Shave and Haircut: ÂŁ35

Want to show your lady how much you really love her? Look no further - The Discover Experience at Orton Hall Hotel includes a half day of relaxation in the spa area, plus a 30 minute treatment - ÂŁ50 (weekday). Orton Hall say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the first time spa guest who may be unsure about having treatments and therapies, or for those who prefer to have more time in the luxurious spa, the Discover Experience offers a great way for you to uncover the delights of the spa.â&#x20AC;?

Located on Storrington Way, Peterborough.

36 www.espmag.co.uk

With beards being the new fashion accessory for men, perhaps your man would appreciate this Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift! Seven offers a range of classic and contemporary gentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s haircuts, plus a wide range of male shaving and grooming services. Their master barbers have over 30 years of experience between them. So why not give them a call and book a slot for the ultimate experience for your guy this Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

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Laser Tattoo Removal

Exciting news in the beauty world! Bobbi Brown has launched a Limited Edition Red Hot Collection this month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we love it here at ESP HQ. Just in time for your night out on Feb 14, this collection lets your lips do the talking, pairing your perfect red lip with a shimmering nude eye. With a selection of very bold, vibrant luxe lip colours, these are certain to add a swipe of drama to any lip wardrobe. The Red Hot Collection is available online at www.bobbibrown.co.uk.

If you struggle doing your makeup or want to get creative thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great new tutorial starting to show you how to get it right. Experienced local makeup artist Andrea Connor, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often on location with ESP, is now sharing her expertise running one day courses where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be taught all you need to know. If you say yes to these five questions then this course is for you! â&#x20AC;˘ If you only knew the correct way to apply makeup would you wear it? â&#x20AC;˘ Would you be happy to look and feel more confident? â&#x20AC;˘ Would you like to be more knowledgeable about your hair, makeup and fashion? â&#x20AC;˘ If you knew how to change your look would you? â&#x20AC;˘ Do you wish you knew what colours suit you? Andrea told ESP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;This experience is fun, and promises to deliver lots of hints and tips for all your beauty needs. How to accentuate you features, with matching up the right colours for your skin tone to how to enhance your natural beauty, So whether you want a new everyday look for the office, or want your friends and family to notice you looking more radiant and younger, this package is for you.â&#x20AC;? During the lesson youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn insider tricks and tips about applying makeup to accentuate your features, skincare preparation, the right products to use and how to apply them. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be demonstrations, visuals and a lecture plus youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive booklets to take home with you as a reference. It sounds like this would make a fantastic gift idea for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, birthdays, weddings or a mother and daughter experience. To find out more and to book visit www.andreaconnor.co.uk or call 07801 987905.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Karen Devine’s

Well

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Being

ebruary is symbolic of the heart. It’s the month of love as we approach Valentine’s Day, and all the (in my opinion) commercial nonsense begins. The organ associated with love is of course the heart. What we know of the heart is that it is an amazing organ that pumps oxygenated blood and nutrients around to our cells, tissues and other organs.

They’ve discovered that the heart (like the brain), generates a powerful electromagnetic field which is the largest field in the body and is thought to be about 60x greater than the amplitude of the brain waves. It is also suggested that our heart and our brain are in constant dialogue sending emotion based signals to each other, known as the ‘heartbrain connection’.

So with this new emerging field of the heart-brain connection it makes healing /dealing with our emotional pain extremely important for health. Up until now we’ve focused more on improving our diet and lifestyle, especially the benefits of less animal produce and more plant based foods for a healthy heart but now we see that our mind, body and emotions are all equally important.

Our emotions, negative or positive, will trigger chemicals that can either cause harmony or disharmony in the body. Negative emotions such as anger, hate, fear etc create erratic chemicals resulting with what we understand as stress. The emotions of love, appreciation and compassion trigger different chemicals that balance the nervous system and produce what’s known as coherent heart rhythms. The result of this is not only reduced stress, but an enhanced ability to think more clearly and self-regulate our emotions as the heart and brain are harmonised.

‘Follow your heart’ is a term we often say to ourselves or others when making important life decisions. We place our hand over our heart centre when we are emotive about speaking our truth. Without doubt the heart is our guidance if we enter the silence to listen to its language.

“They’ve discovered that

Whilst that’s impressive enough, a new and emerging field of science is that the heart, shows an electromagnetic field. Researchers are learning that our heart which is the size of a fist and weighing on average less than 10oz also possesses a level of intelligence they’re only beginning to understand. Evidence shows the heart also plays a greater role in our mental, emotional and physical processes than previously thought which they now refer to as the ‘energetic heart’.

the heart (like the brain), generates a powerful electromagnetic field which is the largest field in the body...”

38 www.espmag.co.uk

Heartfelt… are your head and your heart more connected than you thought?

‘The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt in the heart’ – (Helen Keller). Love your heart every day. In health, Karen https://www.heartmath.org/articles-of-theheart/science-of-the-heart/the-energetic-heartis-unfolding/

Time to RISE 4 Disability It’s time to rise to the challenge to find the right products to help people with disabilities make the most of life. Now they’ve gone one step further with this new event RISE, to Resource and Identify Suitable Equipment for people with disabilities, whether this be the health care adviser, the carer, family member or the person directly themselves.

f you want to get out there and live life to the fullest or want to help someone else to do so, an exciting new event called RISE 4 Disability is heading to Peterborough packed with products, help and advice. The event’s being brought to us by a company called Made 2Aid which was established in 2014. Their online search engine (www.made2aid.co.uk) was specially built to help health professionals and users with disabilities source the right equipment, advice and services for their needs.

On Wednesday February 22, the RISE event will bring around 90 disability companies, services and charities together under one roof at the Peterborough Arena at the East England of Showground. There’ll be a huge selection of innovative, new and existing products to see and try so anybody with an interest in disability should attend this free event to make the most of the huge range of knowledge, advice and experience. There are great advantages for health professionals, such as OT’s, physios, case managers, moving and handling advisers, SALT’s and carers: • • • •

Over 12hrs CPD A full conference schedule Speed Sourcing hourly product workshops Networking with other health professionals and companies

Advantages for the person with a disability, their carers, family members and extended support network: • Over 90 exhibition areas to explore • The Market Place, where visitors have the opportunity to purchase daily living aids. • Engage in relevant talks and motivational speeches including the fantastic Lucy Watts (MBE) and her assistive dog Mollie • Inspirational Skills Showcase, such as wheelchair skills and dancing, along with Inspire Peterborough and some of their ambassadors • FREE to attend and park • Fully accessible • The reassurance of after advice and continued support from Made 2 Aid following the event RISE 4 Disability will be open 9am – 5pm, and is fully accessible with FREE entry, FREE parking, changing facilities, disabled toilets, food and beverage facilities, information desk and the ongoing support network from www.Made2Aid.co.uk Visit www.rise4disability.com to register for free.

darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk

Photos: Emma Bothamley

Skiing

The nights are finally getting lighter and plans for spring escapes and summer holidays are underway and there are currently some amazing online bargains available too. Whilst many will head for sunny beaches to lay around and pack on a few pounds, in recent years increasingly more people are heading to snowy mountains for an active skiing holiday instead. And hey, you can still get a tan!

or anyone getting ready for the big slopes or just wanting to learn the basics, then some practice runs at Tallington Lakes are just the ticket! My brother and a gang recently escaped to some incredible Italian slopes and they made a lot of use of the slopes and instructors at Tallington Lakes beforehand to get to a competent level ready for those beautiful powdery mountains.

40 www.espmag.co.uk

Tallington’s 100 metre floodlit slope is open all year round until late with a second smaller training slope nestled alongside for beginners and little ones. As a wobbly novice, I’m a long way off the graceful pro-skier I’d aspire to be, so I had a refresher lesson with one of Tallington’s extremely capable instructors to help refine my form and hopefully not laugh too much if I tumbled. Lotti is one of several qualified

instructors at Tallington, she’s able to teach anywhere in the UK and soon to be reaching the next level qualification enabling her to instruct all over the world and we’re lucky enough to have her here on our local slope so get in quick before we lose her to the Alps! We talked over everything from the fitting of the boots, shape and function of the skis themselves, to my stance, posture and relaxing my shoulders, “RELAX” she says. I’m getting there, slowly… Lotti monitored my form and gave helpful feedback on each run down, so I could improve a little more each time, and within the hour I’d made great progress and even started to look a bit like I knew what I was doing, thank you coach! The cost of a visit here is far less than I’d expected and a lot less than other slopes across the country. You can pay-asyou-go for a recreational visit and just nip up and down at your leisure, or take private lessons, join classes, or simply grab a season pass and come and go as you please. The hire kit is great quality and is included in the cost of a visit but once you’ve got the bug and

fancy getting your own kit then the huge pro-shop at Tallington is amazing, the words ‘kid in a sweet shop’ come to mind. The range in the shop is massive with so many top brands for everything skirelated and once you find those boots you love they can even be heat moulded to fit your trotters perfectly. Here in sunny England the country goes a little crazy if a handful of snowflakes fall for a few hours and social media is full of snowy photos, traffic mayhem and how daft it is that the slightest hint of snow can grind the UK to a halt. I think it’s time to find one of those bargain holiday deals, book a ski trip and get your training runs in at Tallington Lakes. See you on the slopes!

THE POSH PAGE ESP’s columnist Phil Adlam brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

Photos: theposh.com

This month it is Valentine’s Day and I, like many across the city, will be spending the special occasion at the ABAX Stadium. Don’t panic, I’ve not gone bonkers, we have a Sky Bet League One fixture on that particular evening and it got me thinking, there are quite a lot of sacrifices that need to be made on notable dates in the calendar when you support a football club or work within that type of organisation.

hether it be Valentine’s Day or the Christmas period, sometimes sacrifices (don’t forget Elton John at the ABAX in June – bit of a song title plug there) have to be made. Unfortunately, we don’t get much say when matches occur – I know this because I spoke to the football club’s chief executive Bob Symns. “We have zero say in fixture compilation,” Bob told ESP Magazine. “We just deal with what is served to us whenever that will be. Valentine’s Day is this month and we all get into trouble, whoever your partner is, I am sure they will be wanting to do something on that particular night and we have to try and be a bit creative with how we market the game that we have on that night. “I think the trick is to share the fixture list with your partner at the start of the season so there are no surprises! I like to do it early doors, get it out of the way as early as I possibly can. Take the pain, there is no gain! But in all seriousness, we like to think there are a lot of supporters in the city whose first love is Peterborough United so I expect there to be a decent crowd that night,” Symns said. We have created a Love Lounge in one of our function rooms for the night with a single red rose on each table, so if you are looking for a bit of romance in your life, or like many others, you want to watch the football but keep the other half onside too, give us a shout at the football club and let us see what we can do for you.

“I think the trick is to

share the fixture list with your partner at the start of the season so there are no surprises! ”

42 www.espmag.co.uk

“We understand it is difficult for supporters, both financially and in terms of when the games fall, but we really do appreciate the backing that we get. I am sure that everybody in the city is hoping the team can maintain their decent form and have a good second half to the season,” Symns added. And without giving a plug too obviously, we do have one or two items that might make ideal Valentine’s Day gifts in the Club Shop – check out www.theposhonlinestore.com for some ideas! In next month’s issue we will have an interview with former Posh midfielder and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here contestant Jimmy Bullard. It will be the most random interview you will ever read. And finally, I should end on a poem as it is the month of love. Posh play in blue and roses can be white, Come to the ABAX and have a wonderful night. Thankfully, I am good at things other than poetry… Phil

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Your guide to the night time scene

NIGHTlife

GREAT SOUL NIGHT OUT

Photo: Shaun Bloodworth

Following the huge success of October’s Halloween events, and due to popular demand the Great Nights team return to the Ivy Leaf Club on Saturday February 11 with a 60's / 70's Motown themed night. So dig out the mini skirts and flares and get set to hit the dancefloor to some classic tunes. Dressing for the occasion is completely optional, but prizes on the night will be given for the best dressed male and female.

GROOVES @ THE BREWERY TAP

44 www.espmag.co.uk

Photo: Marc Wheatley

WORLD FAMOUS DJ RIVA STARR @ MIXOLOGY The Mixology crew have pulled out all the stops and aim to get next month off to a great start with a world famous name on the decks. The amazing DJ Riva Starr will be DJing in Red Room on Broadway on Friday March 3. Riva Starr, aka East-London based Stefano Miele, is not simply a widely respected DJ, producer and the owner of Snatch! Records, he’s made a career from shrugging off genre constraints and expectations. Riva Starr has been invited onto the biggest stages, from Glastonbury to Fuji Rock to Tommorrowland. Snatch! has hosted its own tent at Creamfields, while the Riva Starr touch has been sought to open for Jamiroquai in Ibiza and to work with artists as diverse as Horace Andy, Fatboy Slim or Arthur Baker – or to remix Wiley or London Grammar. Far from cashing in his chips for mainstream glory, however, he still beats to the pulse of the underground, throwing down back to back sets with DJ Pierre and Technasia and rocking clubs like Warehouse Project (Manchester), El Row (Barcelona and Ibiza) and Cocoon, or heading his own label showcase at off Sonar. His track releases and remixes have been chart smashes with long term praise and support from the likes of BBC Radio One’s Annie Mac and he’s won a who's who of supporters, from Giles Peterson to David Squillace, Adam Beyer to Pete Tong.

The music policy remains the same, soul, Motown and disco from the 60's, 70's and the 80's featuring well known local DJs Ian Gray, John Bradley and Andy Coulson. Food, real ale and cocktails will be available via the Ivy Leaf throughout the evening. Tickets are £6 in advance or £8 on the door. Tickets are available from Larry’s Heel Bar on Broad St and the Ivy Leaf Club in Whittlesey on 01733 202579 and from Andy on 07941 629660.

If you’ve been waiting for payday it’s time to get out and party again at last! Get your groove on down at The Brewery Tap this month with Saturday Night Groove Resident DJ Rick Allen. He plays out the tunes to get you on the dancefloor every Saturday night excluding the last Saturday of the month from 9pm – late and it’s free entry so no excuses needed! Then on Saturday February 25 Rick takes a rest as local, legend and Resident DJ Eddie Nash presents The Get Down from 9pm – late with free entry.

WHAT THE FUNK! Charters are launching a new DJ night this month which should get you funking! What the Funk! will start on Saturday February 11 at 9pm and it’ll be free entry. Well known local DJ Jo G will be spinning the funkiest beats such as Cheryl Lynn, Got to be Real and Breakestra, Family Rap. After the launch it’ll be a monthly night on the second Saturday of the month so get your funk on and head to the boat!

100% PRESENTS R&B 90s If you like your R&B tunes from the 90’s the 100% crew are back presenting another great night at Radius above The Solstice on Saturday March 4. Expect music from Mary J Blige, R Kelly, Faith Evans, Zhane, Maxwell and beyond. DJs on the night are Eddie Nash, T Rex, Otis plus guests. It’s on from 9pm til 2.30am and admission’s just £3 before 10pm, £5 after.

FRIDAY IS NOW VINYL NIGHT Another new night has proved such a success that it’s being moved to a prime Friday night slot at Charters. Our Man About Town Pep Cipriano told you all about the new Vinyl Night at the bar on the boat last month and it’s proved a real hit. With the revival of vinyl and many artists choosing to opt for the original authentic vinyl sound, Warren Allet at Charters came up with the idea for a session dedicated to vinyl tunes. You just take along your records and he’ll aim to play them out for the crowd. DJ Warren will be spinning all your vinyl tracks from 8pm onwards on Friday February 17 and it’s free entry.

Our aim is to provide our customers with the ultimate enjoyment from their music or film collections, because music is our passion. Whether you're buying your first system or just looking to improve your listening experience with better equipment, we can help. With the recent resurgence of vinyl in the past 20 years, with it being more popular than ever recently, we stock some of the finest turntables , whether your budget is small or large we can get you enjoying your vinyl records again. We also stock the finest Amplifiers, AV Processors, CD Players, DAC's, Headphones, Network Streamers and Loudspeakers. New vinyl records are also stocked. Portfolio includes Arcam, Anthem, Avid, Clearaudio, Cyrus, Dynaudio, Dali, Naim, Pro-Ject, Quad, Rega, Roksan, Spendor and many more.

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Mostly Funny Funny Mostly

CONFUSED CORDEN’S BROSNAN BRUSH OFF steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

My favourite piece of celebrity news of the last month involves TV funny man/chatshow host/car insurance salesman James Corden claiming former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan was the rudest person he's ever met.

uring a conversation with Khloe Kardashian on his chatshow recently, Corden said: “I went to see U2 and I was there with my friend Louis, and his wife and my wife; and Pierce Brosnan was with some friends and they left halfway through the gig to go off and we left the space for them. “And then they had been gone quite a long time and Bono was right there on this big runway in the middle of the show. So me and my wife moved into this area and literally, I’ve never felt anything like it, this arm went on here and just pushed me out the way and I looked at him and he didn’t even glance at me and he just moved back into his area.” “Maybe he was drunk,” said Kardsashian “Maybe he’s just a bit f***ing rude!” replied Corden. Now, here’s the thing. Given that Corden has a popular feature on his show called ‘Carpool Karaoke’ that’s kind of getting a bit

stale, I can’t help thinking it’s Corden being a bit rude by denying us seeing one of the best carpool karaokes of all time! Corden pulls up to the traffic lights on his way to meeting up with Bono. The car door opens, and Pierce Brosnan puts his hand on his shoulder and pushes him out the car and drives off. The screen fades out, and then back in with Bono who’s sitting in the passenger seat next to Pierce as they both start singing Abba songs from Mamma Mia (you know because Brosnan sang in the film version) and then Pierce looks at the camera and says…. “Hey James Corden, what can I say, that time at the U2 gig? I just wanted to enjoy the show ‘with or without you’ standing in my way!” and then Bono and Brosnan start singing the rest of the chorus. (If this sketch turns up on next month’s Comic Relief, remember where you heard it first!)

A ROGUE CINEMA SEAT

Good to see that the Showcase Cinema has turned into a ‘De Lux’ cinema. Being able to sit in the new individually controlled reclining seats was an enjoyable experience for the latest Star Wars film: Rogue One last month. However, once I'd found the most comfortable position it was at the precise moment in the film Darth Vader used 'the force' to cause a character on screen discomfort. Suddenly, without warning my seat began to move all on its own as the footrest went down and the chair lifted back! Had Darth Vader used the power of the force on my seat? Well, yes and no. On closer inspection the plastic popcorn bucket (in the shape of Vader’s mask) that I’d taken with me to the cinema to add some fresh contents into had become wedged up to the seat’s control panel. 46 www.espmag.co.uk

KEY COMEDY FESTIVAL RETURNS It’s great to see The Key Comedy Festival return bringing us another great line up of top comedy next month. If you love live stand up both The Key Theatre Studio and main stage will see some top names on the circuit bring the laughs to the Boro. James Acaster gives us his three comedy shows, Recognise on March 9, Represent on March 10 and Reset on March 11. Jamali Maddix takes to the Studio stage on March 11 and Gary Delaney takes the late slot after James Acaster on the main stage. On March 12 it’s Nish Kumar in the Studio and the ever popular Rob Beckett is already sold out for the main stage. You can find out more on www.vivacitypeterborough.com and I’d advise you get your tickets quick on 01733 207239.

COMEDY GIGS

3 FEB

ADAM KAY

Adam Kay sits at a grand piano and sings 'bracingly intelligent, enormously funny songs' (Times) in the key of A minor. He’s sold out seven years at Edinburgh and is a regular voice on Radio 4’s Now Show. Support comes from Phil Jerrod (fresh from supporting Romesh Ranganathan on tour), Sunil Patel (Time Out One to Watch), your MC for the evening is Ian Smith. Tickets are £10 full price and £12 on the door for this Key Comedy Night. Box office: 01733 207239.

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Headlining is Steve Royle – an incredible all-round entertainer who appeared in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights. Also on the bill is Bryan Lacey, a genuinely funny man and a potential comedy star of the future according to BBC6 Music; genius deadpan funnyman Patrick Draper; and keeping everything flowing is compere Scott Bennett. Advance tickets £10, on the door £12.50. South Holland Centre box office: 01775 764777.

Enjoy the laughs in the Cellar Bar at Stamford Arts Centre bar with Jo D'arcy and clever wordplay from Tom Christian. Tickets are £5 on 01780 763203 and receive a £1 off voucher to be used in the Cellar Bar with every ticket bought. Box office: 01780 763203.

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Political comedy at its best comes to The Key Studio with Andy Zaltman as seen on Matt Forde’s Unspun (Dave) and half of global hit satirical podcast The Bugle. Tickets for this performance are £13 full price on 01733 207239.

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keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

Keith Dalton has the ESP guide to the best news and views from the local live music scene…

Keith says...

It’s the lull after Christmas and I thought it would be a good idea to warm ourselves up and look forward to a summer of live music. I’ve received information about festivals in Stamford and Buckden, and they are in their planning stages, so there is plenty of time for artists who are interested in appearing to contact the organisers. Of course one of the highlights of the year will be Elton John appearing at the ABAX Stadium. Elton has again been musing about stopping touring in the near future and as there are still tickets available for June 11, it may be a unique opportunity to see his live show. I’ll have more soon on the return of the Sausage & Cider Festival at Elton in July but for now I have the latest information on the summer nights at Newmarket…

LITTLE MIX TO PLAY NEWMARKET Newmarket Racecourses and The Jockey Club Live have announced that Little Mix will be returning to the July Course on Friday June 23. And my advice is act quickly if you want to see the girls. Having sold-out their appearance at 2016’s Summer Saturday Live months ahead of the event, it’s likely that they will sell out again. Little Mix are bound to perform their signature hits, including Shout Out to My Ex, Black Magic, Hair and Wings, alongside tracks from their new album Glory Days. Little Mix are the latest act to be announced for the extremely popular Newmarket Nights which run after the summer evening race meetings at

FAIRPORT CONVENTION @ THE CRESSET Credited with originating British folk-rock, Fairport Convention first took to the stage in 1967’s summer of love. Throughout the intervening five decades (and numerous changes of line-up) the band’s passion for live performance has never diminished. The band are playing the Cresset in Bretton on Sunday February 26. Despite those many personnel changes, Fairport’s line-up still includes originals Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals and Dave Pegg on bass guitar. They’re joined by Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. Electric folk rock was regarded by some folk purists as a sell-out but 48 www.espmag.co.uk

Fairport Convention fought hard for recognition of their unique brand of music. Their seminal album Liege & Lief is considered to have launched the electric folk or English folk rock movement, which provided a distinctively English identity to rock music and helped awaken much wider interest in traditional music in general. To mark their fiftieth year, the band has released a brand new CD titled 50:50@50, and they will play a selection of tracks from the album as well as the long-established favourites from their extensive repertoire. For tickets contact The Cresset Box Office on 01733 265705.

The Newmarket July Course. Already announced are Olly Murs and Jess Glynne. There are plenty more artists to be revealed and we will keep you up to date in ESP and on www.espmag.co.uk and our social media. If you want tickets for any of the shows then the website is www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk

STAMFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS

Great news for Stamford in the summer. Both the Stamford Food and Drink Festival and Stamford Music Festival will return to the Town Meadows for a second year, following their successful debuts in 2016. Paul Kennedy, Director of Market Square Group who organise the events, is delighted to be back in Stamford for 2017 and told ESP – “I am really excited about this year’s events. We want to build on the success of 2016 and deliver two high quality events for the town that celebrate the area, showcasing local produce and musical talent.” The Stamford Music Festival is scheduled to take place Friday July 14 to Sunday July 16. It was headlined last year by the Tin Pigeons and One Eyed

Cats, and will again be a ticketed event and these will go on sale in early spring. Paul told us – “For the Stamford Music Festival, we intend to expand and have a second stage this year, catering for many genres. Any bands and singers who want to be part of this event in July should get in touch with our team as we are now starting to plan the three day music schedule.” Bands, singers and musicians who are interested in performing at the Stamford Music Festival can get in touch with the event booker by email on pembroke@ pembroketenneson.com. The organisers are also looking to involve as many local food and drink producers and retailers as possible for the Stamford Food and Drink Festival on the weekend of June 9 – 11 and applications for a stall for that event are now open on: www.marketsquaregroup.co.uk/core /register or by emailing info@marketsquaregroup.com. Two really great events to look forward to and nice to see The Meadows being the venue once again.

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BUCKFEST

Buckfest returns for 2017 on Saturday July 15. Following the success of this fundraising event just down the A1, the organisers are intending to run three stages this year with around 20 acts/bands playing on the day. It’s aimed at providing a fun family and live music day in the village of Buckden, and there’ll be the usual quality food on sale plus real ales and ciders, so again it’s an opportunity for local bands/artists to show their talent to a large audience (tickets sold out last year). If you’d like to get involved as an artist or advertiser/sponsor, then call Rick Holden on 07808 185576. You can keep up to date on www.buckfest.org for more details.

GERRY AND ‘MACCA’ @ THE KEY

The City of Liverpool features heavily at Peterborough’s Key Theatre this month.

Firstly, a really exciting show is scheduled for two nights on February 24 and 25. It’s called MACCA ; The Paul McCartney Story. Starring West End leading man Emanuele Angeletti (from Let It Be) as Paul McCartney and featuring acclaimed West End performers, it’s the first concert of its kind to tour the UK and Europe. The show’s a celebration of the life and music of a true legend and uses state of the art visual media projection and lighting throughout. The show covers McCartney’s entire solo career from 1970 to 2016 including all his best loved hits, features songs from the acclaimed Wings Over The World 1975 - 76 concert tour along with a selection of Beatles favourites. When you think of the depth of music covered in Macca’s career from the drama of Live and Let Die, to the nostalgia of Band on the Run it’s a show worth seeing.

Earlier in the month (February 4) the Key brings us Gerry Across the Mersey. Gerry Marsden was the first artist to achieve number one in the UK charts with his first three releases. Like The Beatles, Gerry and The Pacemakers were managed by Brian Epstein and toured the UK in the legendary pop package tours. Their third number one, You’ll Never Walk Alone is a show tune written by Rogers and Hammerstein for their hit musical Carousel, but ever since Gerry’s version it is synonymous with his home town and the Liverpool FC anthem. He wouldn’t be allowed to leave Peterborough without singing that and his other hits, along with some great stories about his home town and those heady days of the sixties era. For Macca and Gerry the Box Office of The Key Theatre is 01733 207239.

IDOLISING NOVA ON UK TOUR I’m always keen to see new talent emerging from in and around the city and one of the hottest new acts is a band I mentioned a few months back – Idolising Nova. These three lads from Peterborough had a great 2016 and have already attracted the attention of both local and national BBC radio, released four singles and now tell me they’re about to go on a national tour kicking off in Stamford at the Voodoo Lounge on February 24. Made up of Jack Smith (vocals/bass) Kris Lee (lead guitar) and Kyle O’Sullivan (drums) the band made a real impact last year so I caught up with Jack to get up to speed… You seem to be creating quite a buzz already - what's been the best part since you launched? “Being played on BBC Radio 2 by Janice Long was amazing, so that is definitely up there! Being played on such a big station and hearing such a well-known, respected DJ talk so highly about a song that we wrote and recorded in Kris’ bedroom was just such a crazy, surreal feeling.” Are you excited about a UK tour and where will you be performing? “We’re really looking forward to getting out on the road, which is pretty ironic considering the reason we had to pull out of some gigs last year was because two of us were involved in car crashes. We are rehearsing a lot at the moment to make our live set as big and great as possible, so we can’t wait to show everyone what we have been working on. “The tour will be in March and we currently have dates confirmed in Stamford, Sheffield, Manchester, Bedford, Birmingham and Leicester, but it’s looking likely that there will be a few more cities that will be confirmed before we officially announce it all very soon.”

What can we expect from a live performance? “We always aim to have people leaving feeling like they have watched a show, rather than we simply played our songs, so that’s reflected in our interaction with the crowd and big intros to our songs. You can expect to have a good time if you come to one of our gigs!” How do you like to describe your sound? “We’ve released four singles now and we believe that we have found our sound and that’s reflected in what we have released so far. I guess we would describe it as catchy, British pop with an indie edge? It’s hard to describe, but we’ll go with that!” What's your objective for the band? “We just love writing and performing music and generally spending time together – we’re always having a laugh and having fun, so if we can get to a position that we can do this as a full time thing, that would be amazing. Short term objective is to get more new music written and released and to perform it to as many people as possible!” We’ll keep you up to date on their progress but for more follow them on Facebook and Twitter @IdolisingNova www.espmag.co.uk

The Peacock Peterborough

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gigs@espmag.co.uk WED JAN 25

WED FEB 1

THE ROCKET DOGS

THE EXPLETIVES

STEALER

The Granary, Long Sutton

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Men of March, March

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

PETE COE

SUN FEB 5

THE VELTONES

THE ENDEAVOR

South Holland Centre, Spalding

The Railway, Ramsey

FRI JAN 27 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

CUTTIN LOOSE The Jubilee Garage, Bourne

EASIER SAID Charters, Town Bridge

HAYZ The Golden Fleece, Stamford

JINX'D The Crown, Lincoln Road

OUTLAW EAGLES The Dragon, Werrington

THE DEPS The Fayre Spot, Bretton

THE OVERDUBS The Ploughman, Werrington

WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

SAT JAN 28 3RD STONE FROM THE SUN The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

ABBALARF ABBA TRIBUTE The Crown, Lincoln Road

BLACKJACK Charters, Town Bridge

DEVILS MOJO The Heron, Stanground

JUNK PUPPETS Ebeneezers, Oundle Road

MISTABEAT

THU FEB 2 VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE AND STEVE Mama Liz's, Stamford

FRI FEB 3 ALABAMA 3 ACOUSTIC THE MALINGERERS & PATCH BLACK (TICKETED) Mama Liz's, Stamford

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

MEENA LEE DUO Mama Liz's, Stamford

OAKHAM MIC NIGHT

London Inn, St Johns Street

UNTAMED The Peacock, London Road

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

SUN FEB 12

SUNDAY SESSIONS WITH BON & JUSTIN

CJ HATT

Charters, Town Bridge

THE COLLABORATORS JOHN AND PETE 4-7PM The Pizza and Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE FEB 7

Charters, Town Bridge

PENNYLESS (4PM - 6PM) Mama Liz's, Stamford

THU FEB 16 DANGEROUS LIASION & DOUBLE D

Fletton, Stanground and Woodston Ex service and Working Mens Club, High Street

SUN FEB 19 HELEN SMITH POP/ROCK COVERS Mama Liz's, Stamford

KEITH LUCKEY + IRENE RAE + THE FOLLOWING

CIRCA 73

ALL SHOOK UP

Charters, Town Bridge

HALO The Golden Fleece, Stamford

LOOSE ROCKET The Mason's Arms, Bourne

PEMBROKE TENNESON The Fayre Spot, Bretton

RETROLUX The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

THE ONE EYED CATS

WED FEB 8

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Rogue Saint, Lincoln

Charters, Town Bridge

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

JUNK PUPPETS

WHISKEY MOON FACE

MEG MCPARTLIN

Northwick Arms, Ketton

THE EXPLETIVES

SAT FEB 4

THE GUARDS

The Crown, Lincoln Road The Peacock, London Road The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

Jubilee Garage, North Street

WED FEB 22

HUNTER & THE BEAR

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

Mama Liz's, Stamford

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

THE TOTAL STONE ROSES The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

THE VELTONES

Ebeneezers, Oundle Road

The Ploughman, Werrington

OUTLAW EAGLES

The Railway, Ramsey

THE HUT PEOPLE Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford

FRI FEB 24

The Golden Fleece, Stamford The Ostrich Inn, North Street

THE MOTIVATORS ANNUAL GIG The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

THE OVERDUBS London Inn, St Johns Street

SUN FEB 26 FRUMENTY

SAT FEB 11

SAT FEB 18

CUTTIN LOOSE

SUNDAY SESSIONS WITH LEXI GREEN

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

Charters, Town Bridge

BETTY SWALLOCKS

FIRED UP

WED MAR 1

The Granary, Long Sutton

The Dragon, Werrington

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

FALLEN IDOLS

The Ostrich Inn, North Street

FLASHBACK PHOTOGRAPH

HOUNDOGS

CUTTIN LOOSE

SUN JAN 29

JOSH NEWMAN The Peacock, London Road

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

FRUMENTY 4PM

STEALER

LOS TOMBSTONES

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Vine, Coates

GLASSHOUSE ACOUSTIC WITH STEVE GIBBS

THE 707

The Ostrich Inn, North Street

The Crown, Lincoln Road

RIFF RAFF

The Key Theatre, Embankment

THE FEDZ London Inn, Stamford

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

THE GUARDS

SOUL FX

The Bluebell Inn, Dogsthorpe

LOS TOMBSTONES

The London Inn, Stamford

Thorney Ex Service Mens Club, Thorney

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

ARC NATION

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

HUSH

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Iron Horse Ranch, High Street

Charters, Town Bridge

THE GUARDS

The Railway, Ramsey

CUTTIN LOOSE

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

HIGH ROLLERS

REVOLVER

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH BEN ROGERS-WHITE

FRI FEB 10

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Iron Horse Ranch, Deeping

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

HALO

FALLEN IDOLS

MON FEB 20

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

BLUES ON THE BOAT - DERRIN NAUENDORF

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

50 www.espmag.co.uk

3D TRIO PENTAGON

The Peacock, London Road

The Millstone, Barnack

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

Charters, Town Bridge

VELOCITY

SUNDAY SESSION WITH PAUL LAKE

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS

JIMMY DOHERTY

SAT FEB 25

FRI FEB 17

STEALER

VELOCITY

The Crown, Lincoln Road

MILLSTONE ACOUSTIC WITH CLAUDE DOMINO

AIRWAYS

The Bluebell Inn, Dogsthorpe

UNLIMITED

Glasshouse Acoustic, Key Theatre

Charters, Town Bridge

THE HIGH ROLLERS

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

Rose and Crown, Oundle

The Peacock, London Road The Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

The Ploughman, Werrington The Crown, Lincoln Road

WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Peacock, London Road

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

HALO The London Inn, St Johns Street

Mama Liz's, Stamford

THE SHERLOCKS The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

LIVE MUSIC

FRI MAR 3

Charters, Town Bridge

Cellar Bar, Stamford Arts Centre

CUTTIN LOOSE

GO WITH THE FLOW

PHOENIX

Ebeneezers, Oundle Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road

HIGH ROLLERS

THE EXPLETIVES

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

Charters, Town Bridge

REVOLVER

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Mason's Arms, Bourne

ROCKET DOGS The Bluebell Inn, Dogsthorpe

THE FEDZ

THE GUARDS The Ploughman, Werrington

The Mason Arms, Bourne

THE DEPS The Fayre Spot, Bretton