Social Scene Costa del Sol 11 – 17 April 2024 Issue 2023

Spring fair

LA GRANJA DE ANTONIO in Alhaurin El Grande is hosting a Spring Fair with art, wine, food and music from 11am on Sunday April 21.

Their first spring fair has amazing participants and their products, live music, food and drinks so go and enjoy an afternoon full of fun for the whole family, including children’s activities plus a daycare service for men (they will be taken care of at the bar/terrace area!). There will be stalls selling: handmade ceramic tableware, wine, jewellery, fashion, drawings, paintings and sculptures. For food you can expect a sourdough bread workshop, home-smoked meat and fish and much more.

La Granja de Antonio is located near the town of Alhaurin el Grande where you will find a large authentic farmhouse surrounded by flowering bougainvillea and tropical plants. Their Spring Fair market will be open until 4pm. Of course you can stay afterwards to enjoy the music from Marcus Myers who will be performing on the terrace.

ARE you a fan of the Bee Gees or Shania Twain? On Saturday April 13, you can’t miss the show at the fantastic Admiral Arena in the San Roque Casino, an exciting concert in tribute to the legendary Gibb Brothers: Bee Gees and Shania Twain.

‘The Bee Gees Experience’ is the name of this tribute show featuring a revival of the classics of Bee Gees, the iconic British group that made history in the world of disco music.

For two hours, the artists will transport you to the legendary concerts of the Gibb Brothers between 1977 and 1980, during the golden age of disco

The Bee Gees Experience

music. Additionally, you will enjoy the unforgettable songs from the 1977 movie ‘Saturday Night Fever’, starring John Travolta.

But that’s not all, the show also celebrates the great hits of the music star, Shania Twain. There is no doubt that it will be a unique night where you won’t be able to stop dancing and you’ll immerse yourself in an unforgettable era of music! Don’t miss it!

The advance ticket price is €20, on the door the price will be €25. Phone for reservations: +34 633 647 260.

Opening time is 8.30pm and the concert will start at 10.30pm.

Ruta de la Tapa

A NEW edition of ‘Estepona Vive sus Calles’ (Estepona lives its streets) with the 13th ‘Ruta de la Tapa’ comes to Estepona from Friday April 12 to Sunday April 14.

The event will feature the National Ham Cutters Competition ‘Trofeo Popi, Ciudad de Estepona’, musical performances and the show ‘La Magia de la Vida’ against childhood cancer.

The Ruta de la Tapa will feature almost 30 establishments, both in the centre of Estepona and in Cancelada, all of which will offer a tapa and drink (beer, soft drink or water) for €3 or tapa and wine for €4. It will take place on Friday, from 8pm to 11pm; on Saturday, from 1pm to 4pm and from 8pm to 11pm; and on Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm.

Those who take this gastronomic tour can collect their passport at the Tourist Office in the Plaza de Las Flores, at the Mayor’s Office in Cancela-

da or at the participating bars and restaurants. In this way, they will be able to receive the five stamps needed to vote for the best tapa in town. A prize of €1,000 will be awarded to the ‘Best Tapa’ and there will be a prize draw among the citizens who participate with their vote.

For the little ones, the ‘Family Day’ party will take place on Saturday from midday to 6pm in the Plaza Augusto Suárez de Figueroa and in the Plaza del Reloj with games and other activities.

On Sunday, from midday to 4pm, Calle Real will be the stage for the National Ham Cutters Competition. The finishing touch to ‘Estepona Vive sus Calles’ will also be on Sunday with the Municipal Music Band concert at 1pm in the Plaza del Reloj.

The complete programme of activities is available at the town hall, the Tourist Office and the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre.

Photo: Flickr CC / Salomé Chaussure

Kevin Fraser Park

Photo: Facebook / Marcus Myers

charity gala

David Hart

ON Tuesday April 30 Torremolinos will host a charity gala ‘The best of our decade’ with performances by Xenon Spain, El Regreso de La Década and DJ Cherry Coke, along with many other artists, who will bringthe best hits from the 80s to the 2000s.

“The proceeds will go to help the associations Fuensocial, TEAcompaño, Asociación CaPAZ and the Club de Deporte Adaptado Al-Andalus Torremolinos, with a common denominator, to help children and adolescents with special needs,” said the mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid.

The gala, which has the support of Torremolinos Town Hall, is organised by La Fábrica del Arte Producciones and will take place at the

Palacio de Congresos from 8.30pm.

“A party of pure nostalgia, which is going to have this magnificent stage as a backdrop. But not only the venue and the artists are an incentive, but also the purpose, as all the proceeds, both from ticket sales and the bar service, will go to support the work of the associations.”

Xenon Spain, one of the most well-known LGTBQ+ characters in Spain said: “Thank you mayor for your support, this charity gala helps the associations of Torremolinos that do wonderful work with children and adolescents with special needs. The way I can help these associations is by creating a great gala that everyone enjoys and whose benefits go to them.”

A total of 1,000 tickets will be on sale at a price of €15.

Traditional music

host the 36th Malaga Tunas Contest in a two-day event that will bring together 12 groups and more than 170 musicians in their ‘tunas’. The event will take place on Friday April 12 and Saturday April 13 and will include parades, performances, a contest and many more surprises.

cen-

tury as a means of students to earn money or food.

A ‘tuna’ is a group of university students in traditional university dress who play musical instruments and sing serenades.

There will be 12 groups from all over the province of Malaga, Granada and even from as far as Mexico.

The tradition originated in Spain in the 13th

On Friday, at 7pm, a parade will start and a competition will take place in Calle Malaga and in the Casa Museo. On Saturday things will start at 4.30pm with the contest of the participating tunas in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

The event is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Tuna de Medicina de Malaga and its leader, Rafael Zuazo, said, “we have chosen Mijas because we have a long tradition of coming to the town throughout the year to play in the bars, on the street, the people know us and, the truth is that we feel very loved here.”

Photo: Mijas Town Hall

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall MIJAS will

Lark In The Park

David Hart

ARE you funny? Do you make people laugh? Can you tell a good joke and not put everyone to sleep? Perhaps you are good at impressions?

Well in that case, you should join the new ITS Comedy Company. They are auditioning for a group of funny folk who want to perform in the summer charity show on Sunday June 2 at ‘Lark In The Park’ in Benahavis.They will be performing the ITS ‘TV Comedy Sketch Show’ featuring all the favourite characters and sketches from the past and present UK TV. Auditions will take place on Saturday April 13 from 12.30pm at Age Concern in San

Pedro, Pasaje Armando No.2, 29670

San Pedro Alcántara.Take with you a short monologue (maximum two minutes), a joke or sketch that best shows off your comedic timing to make everyone laugh in the aisles, and be prepared for anything silly on the day! The performance will take place on Sunday June 2 so you must be available for rehearsals during May.

Its is purely a volunteer organisation who love to perform so there are no fees to be paid or expenses, just lots of laughs.

If you require any further information please contact director Fiona Poole on +34 711 055 153.

Walk for charity

THE 16th Charity Walk, organised by Malaga City Council, will be held on Sunday April 14 from 11am, with a route of around two kilometres starting and finishing at the Eduardo Ocón municipal auditorium on Paseo del Parque and passing through Malaga’s historic centre. This year the proceeds will be donated to the ‘Tierra de Hombres’ foundation, which is dedicated to helping families affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts.

Tickets to support this solidarity initiative cost just €2 and can be purchased in the sports section of El Corte Inglés (both in the Avenida de Andalucía and Bahía Malaga shops), Copyrap (Calle Buenaventura, 6) and in the Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda (formerly Tabacalera). On the day of the walk, tickets will also be available for purchase from 9am in the Eduardo Ocón Auditorium.

For the purchase of each ticket, a t-shirt will be given out, which can be collected on the day of the event before the start of the walk, as well as a return Metro ticket for use on the day of the walk. There is also the possibility of collaborating with the ‘Tierra de Hombres’ foundation by buying tickets, even if you are unable to attend the walk.

Photo: Facebook / Caminata Solidaria de Málaga

Photo: Flickr CC

Patriotic party

ST GEORGE’S DAY is being celebrated in Plaza de la Mezquita, Arroyo de La Miel from 1pm on Tuesday April 23. A day of non-stop entertainment has been planned for all the family featuring some of the Costa del Sol’s top acts in a day of live music, food and drink in Benalmadena.

Hundreds of patriotic English residents, along with locals and visitors, will come together as they did last year, which marked the first time a large-scale event had been organised to mark the feast day of England’s patron saint.

Organised by Benalmadena-based entertainer Cath John, the festivities will be held in Plaza de la Mezquita and will include a variety of live music until late in the evening.

The Costa Soul Singers will perform alongside the Andalucia Performing Arts Society (TAPAS), Wayne Ward, Rock of the Ages, Tony Whitehouse, The Disclaimers, The Rude Boys and many others.

Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas & Benalmadena will conduct this year’s raffle to raise vital funds for the charity. They are looking for prizes so if you have unwanted gifts or bottles, or maybe a business could offer a voucher they would be grateful for your support. You can leave any prizes at the Age Concern Charity Shop or contact Michelle on 619 792 738.

Fancy dress is optional (but encouraged) and the event will also cater for anyone missing a taste of England featuring food and drink with an English flavour provided by local residents.

Resident days

TORREMOLINOS will dedicate three days to the culture and gastronomy of different countries in the ‘Jornadas

that, “this enormous diversity has shaped the character of Torremolinos for many years.” She added that, “our

del Residente’ (Resident Days) from Friday April 12 to Sunday April 14.

The event was launched by the mayor, Margarita del Cid, and the councillor for Events, José Manuel Ruiz Rivas.

The mayor said that Torremolinos has 125 different nationalities and

town is a place of open arms, which enjoys its cultural diversity and origin.”

The ‘Jornadas del Residente’ is an event programmed around a gastronomic fair, crafts and musical performances, which will allow the enjoyment of residents

and visitors during the days of celebration, with numerous nationalities present.

The Plaza del Remo will be divided into two different areas, one for crafts and the other for gastronomy and music. The aim of the stands is to show part of their folklore with performances on stage, tastings of typical products, all promoting the multiculturalism of the town.

A total of 12 organisations will offer more than 30 musical performances over the three days and visitors will be able to enjoy the food from Latin America, Germany, peru, Cuba and many others

The event is is free and will be open on Friday April 12 from midday to 11pm, Saturday 13 from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 14 from 11am to 5pm.

Kevin Fraser Park

Photo: Benalmadena Town Hall

Photo: Torremolinos Town Hall

Fundraising on the paseo

ON Sunday April 21 at midday you can take part in a gentle walk while fundraising for Age Concern’s Hardship Fund. The walk starts from Kala Kalua Chiringuito on the paseo at San Pedro. The walk is to Puerto Banus and back, which will take around one hour, but you can do as much or as little as you feel like. Well behaved dogs are welcome (on a lead) and afterwards there will be a lunch at 1.30pm. Book in advance and pay €10 donation on the day.

A pedigree

THE Wasps are back again for their third year at Fuengirola’s famous and massive international fair located in the Recinto Ferial (where the Tuesday market is held). They will be performing in the British Hall, the ‘Cavern Club’ on Saturday May 4 at 1pm.

The International Fair of the Countries of Fuengirola, previously known as the People’s Fair, returns on Wednesday May 1, with the inaugural parade that will tour the streets of Fuengirola and will remain open continuously, from 1pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday, and on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday until 2am.

The Wasps are a Powerpop/Punk band first formed in East London in1976 with original lead singer/songwriter Jesse Lynn-Dean. They were there at the start of the UK Punk rock move-

ment, along with the likes of The Clash, Sex Pistols, The Damned, Buzzcocks, UK Subs, Sham 69, Stiff Little Fingers, Subway Sect and many more.

During the ‘76-’77 period They performed extensively at venues across London and the UK such as The Roxy, The Vortex, The Bridge House, Music Machine, The Marquee among others and performed live twice on BBC Radio 1’s John Peel show. Their singles ‘Teenage Treats’ (a favourite of Peel’s) and ‘Can’t Wait ‘Til ‘78’ consi-

dered Punk classics from that period.

Jumping forward to 2024, Jesse Lynn-Dean has reinvented The Wasps with creative and talented musicians, with a pedigree in Punk and afficionados of UK Punk ‘76-’79 era. They are all currently based on the Costa del Sol and in 2022 released their brand new album, ‘Punk Prayer’ which is available now on Vinyl and CD.

Don’t miss the chance to see them live at the Fuengirola International Fair, admission is free.

Please confirm attendance in advance to: info@ ageconcernmarbella.com. Age Concern Marbella and San Pedro is keen to tackle the loneliness that many suffer in their later years in Spain without their families here to take care of them. The Hardship Fund was set up to help those who are struggling financially and this walk will help those in need as well as being an opportunity to meet other people living in the area.

LA TÉRMICA, the centre of contemporary culture, is going on tour and has organised a free, openair daytime event in Torremolinos with live music, a street market and food under the name ‘La Térmica Village’.

On Saturday April 13, the event will be held in the gardens of the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Centre in Torremolinos, it’s free and will start at midday. President of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, said that the idea is to, “take the spirit of La Térmica to other parts of Malaga, offering a space full of activities, concerts, stalls where you can buy handicrafts and locally produced items, a place for all ages to enjoy.”

A stage will be set up for musical

La Térmica Village

performances, which aim to combine local bands and artists with more established names, mainly from the indie scene. The music will be provided by Nena Daconte and Vera Fauna, along with the band Lord Malvo from Torremolinos and sessions by Nana Pure DJ and Kaya Dj. But La Térmica Village is much more than that, in addition to the stage, there will be a swing dance demonstration and a design market, with around 20 exhibitors, which will feature crafts and products from Malaga, decoration and design, illustration and photography, jewellery and fashion stalls.

In the gastronomic section, several food-trucks and bars will be set up. There will also be a space to rest and connect with nature called the Bosque Sonoro (Sound Forest).

Floral art

THE next meeting of the Estepona Floral Art Society will be on Tuesday April 16 when they will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with cava and tapas at 1.30pm followed by a demonstration from Nigel Whyles.

Nigel is a fully qualified florist with over 25 years’ experience and numerous awards including a silver medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2011. He is a member of the National Association of Flower Arrangers and has been one of their National Demonstrators since 2012.

The event will be held at their usual venue - El Paraiso Golf and will cost €20. All Nigel’s arrangements will be raffled at the end of the meeting. For more information please email esteponafloralartclub@ hotmail.com, view their Facebook page or call 636 349 399.

Michael Carrington

Photo: Facebook / Nena Daconte

Photo: Wikimedia / DCarolina

A night at the opera

Kevin Fraser Park

THERE will be an opera evening on Saturday April 20, at La Trapiche Theatre in San Pedro. Two world class sopranos, Lise Houben and Eilana Lappelainen will sing Italian and German love arias by Puccini, Bellini, Wagner and Strauss, accompanied on piano by Anna Maria Cali.

Lisa Houben is a Dutch-American soprano who began her international career with Puccini’s Tosca. Her warm timbre and passion for drama brought her to prestigious stages worldwide, including the Opera of Tome, Palermo’s Teatro Massimo, La Fenice in Venice and Carnegie Hall. Finnish-Canadian soprano Eilana Lappalainen has become one of the respected interpreters of Strauss’ Salome. Since her 1996 role debut in the acclaimed Felsenstein produc-

tion, which performed for six consecutive years, she has performed the role in Seattle, New York, Nashville, Kentucky, Warsaw, Trieste, Mannheim, Tokyo among others. The Opera News review of the Seattle production states: “Lappalainen’s extraordinary physical lightness and agility, her diverse vocal palette and her grasp of the character’s complexity were deeply moving.”Tickets for this wonderful evening are €30 and can only be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

Seats are based on first come first served, doors open at 7pm. For reservations please email artedecultura marbella@gmail.com , call Shane +34 722 551 987 or contact Valierie Houben by email: vhouben2000@yahoo. com.

Casares fair

THE eighth ‘Degusta Casares Gastronomic and Cultural Fair’ has been announced. The fair will take place on Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21, a weekend to enjoy Casares, taste typical dishes, such as gazpacho casareño or recipes with local products. This year’s event incorporates a ham cutting competition in the extensive programme that also includes: a tapas route, craft market, games for children, competitions and live music. The full programme can be downloaded here - turismocasares.com/ degusta-casares-2024-programa/. The Tapas Competition is open to all catering establishments in Casares and each participating restaurant or bar must prepare a tapa specifically for the competition. The competition

organisers must be informed of the name of the tapa before the start of the Fair.

Natural ingredients and local products must be used in the preparation of the tapa. The jury will be made up of all the people who come to taste the registered tapas, who will be able to cast their vote anonymously by means of a ballot paper in a ballot box located at the information point of the gastronomic fair.As every year, coinciding with the Fair, Casares Town Hall is organising the Façades and Alleys Competition for those people who live in the historic centre of Casares and who have decorated the entrances to their homes with natural seasonal plants in flowerbeds and pots.

Photo: Facebook / Eilana Lappalainen

Photo: Casares Town Hall

10th Anniversary tour

DEEPER PURPLE is a group of seasoned professional musicians from Spain, Germany, UK and Greece who, having given up on the idea of being invited to join the great band, decided to get together and form as authentic a tribute as possible.

After all, it takes some doing to encapsulate the music of a band who have been going for over 50 years and worked through so many different line ups.

Deeper Purple are: singer Luka Ravase, local guitar hero Rob Sas, bass player

Phil Crombie, drummer Thomas Hauser and keyboard player Dave Chapman.

Deeper Purple heavily feature the classic Deep Purple MKII line up, faithfully reproducing the excellent ‘Made in Japan’ album as well as other songs from that lineup. With a blistering set consisting of all the classics and the best reproduction of the Purple live sound you’re ever likely to hear, Deeper Purple will deliver the ultimate rock experience!

In April they start their 10th anniversary tour of the UK which is the biggest they’ve yet undertaken. If you haven’t bought your tickets to one of the shows yet, head over to the website at www. deeperpurple.band and secure yours.

And the best news of all is that the band is bringing the 10th anniversary tour to Spain later this year, headlining Verano Rock at Plaza Vincent in Sabanillas on Saturday June 22. And it’s free admission to see this amazing band.

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Fiesta Marbella

A FRESH wave of music will be washing over the coast this summer so, brace yourselves for Fiesta Marbella, a brand new music festival set to shake up the Spanish coast this summer at Marbella Arena.

As well as chart-toppers past and present, Fiesta Marbella brings you familiar sounds, rising stars, and a unique blend of musical genres that will have you dancing beneath the Andalucian sun and into the early hours.

Fiesta Marbella isn’t just about the music; it’s about the experience. Sway to the vibrant rhythms of an orchestra, lose yourself in the energy of electronic beats, and dance to the bass sounds of your favourite nightclub acts. Each day and night will be a different adventure and it starts with: Centreforce 883 on Wednesday August 7 at 7pm until late.

One of the biggest names in the UK dance music scene

from around the world. Live acts and world-famous DJ’s will bring unique nightclub vibes to Marbella, this is a house party you cannot miss – see you on the dance floor!

Next up is on Thursday August 8 when Arabian Nights brings illustrious artists from the middle east to Marbella Arena. Picture an Arabian evening where the air hums with anticipation and excitement.

The atmosphere crackles with energy as talented dancers sway to the rhythmic beats, their movements telling stories of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

The stage ignites as the soirée becomes a haven of luxury and entertainment, a convergence of art, tradition, and modernity, leaving guests enchanted by an unforgettable evening that echoes the vibrant soul of the Arabia and its history.

For more information and how to book your spot at Marbella’s most anticipated summer event see

Alchemy Project

THE group ‘Alchemy Project’, brings to the stage with exquisite fidelity of sound, instrumentation and scenography, what is considered one of the most relevant live performances in the history of Rock.

‘Alchemy by Dire Straits’, recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in is a favourite of every Dire Straits fan and lovers of rock mugeneral. A concert which was recorded after a tour of 240 concerts all over the world and at the peak of the English

This concert, part of the Alchemy Project’s tour of Spain, is on Saturday June 15 at 10pm in the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI of Estepona. It will be very popular so secure your tickets now from the theatre website: tafestepona.com.

In addition to the full Alchemy concert (which contains great classics such as ‘Sultans of Swing’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’), the tribute band’s repertoire will include emsongs from later eras, such as ‘Brothers In Arms’, ‘Money for Nothing’, ‘Your Latest Trick’, ‘Walk Of Life’ and ‘So Far Away’.

This is an impressive two and a half hour show, which has enjoyed excellent national and international reviews.

Photo:Shutterstock/Malimbo

Stray cat tapas

FOR all cat lovers, there is a super charity event in favour of the Mijas Felina association, a market where you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of homemade tapas: sweet, savoury and vegetarian. It’s on Sunday April 21, from midday to 4pm at the restaurant Koco Bistro located in Mijas Pueblo (Avenida Virgen de la Peña n3) in front of the town hall.

The ‘Asociación Para La Defena Del Gato Asilvestrado En Mijas’, better known as ‘Mijas Felina’, was created to neuter cats from stray colonies and reduce the overpopulation. The volunteers cover different areas of Mijas: Sitio de Calahonda, Riviera del Sol, Las Lagunas and Fuengirola among others. In Riviera del Sol for example, the cat population has been substantially reduced thanks to the efforts of the volunteers.

The event will feature an artisan market with homemade products, jewellery and much more. There will also be a stand with some of the association’s volunteers and above all the event will help all the stray cats out there.

Londonbeat in Marbella

Kevin Fraser Park

GET ready for a night full of rhythm and energy with Londonbeat in concert in Marbella. The iconic British group that blends R&B and dance, arrives in Marbella to make you groove to their unforgettable hits. From their debut in 1988 until today, they continue to light up the stage with their infectious music. Londonbeat are a British dancepop band who scored a number of pop and dance hits in the early 1990s. They currently consist of vocalists Jimmy Helms, Jimmy Chambers, and the band has released six studio albums and numerous compilations. In April the band will give several concerts in Spain for the first time including

Marbella on Friday April 26.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy classics like ‘I’ve Been Thinking About You’, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1991. The song was released during the gulf war and fans with loved ones in war zones connected with the words and the feelings of their song. The song went to number one in the charts in 27 countries and more than five million copies were sold making Londonbeat global popsuperstars. Join the party on April 26 at Villa Padierna Golf Resort, Marbella, for a unique musical experience. Get your tickets now at https://2together.live/Londonbeatmarbella/ and secure your spot at this unmissable event.

Photo: Facebook / Londonbeat

La Sala Puerto Banus: The Ideal Venue for Every Celebration

LA SALA Puerto Banus

proudly announces itself as the quintessential venue for all your celebratory needs, regardless of the occasion. Nestled in the heart of luxury and excitement, the venue promises an unrivalled setting to elevate any event.

From birthday parties to anniversary soirees, corporate gatherings, and baby showers, La Sala Puerto Banus stands as the go-to destination for unforgettable experiences. Boasting their newly refurbished Live Lounge, which saw an investment of €250,000, with seating for approximately 70 guests and standing room for up to 120, creating the perfect exclusive setting for any celebration.

The stunning interior at La

Sala Puerto Banus and versatile spaces make it the perfect choice for a sophisticated and stylish celebration. Guests can embark on a culinary journey, where the talented kitchen team curate exquisite menus showcasing a delightful selection of international cuisines and signature cocktails. With options ranging from A La Carte, Bottomless Brunch, Set Menus, to Canapes, there’s something to satisfy every palate and occasion.

Entertainment takes centre stage at La Sala, with access to the finest musicians, DJs, and live acts along the coast. Whether guests seek a relaxed atmosphere or a lively celebration, La Sala Puerto Banus ensures an unforgettable

experience.The dedicated events team ensures that every detail of each event is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, allowing guests to relax and enjoy every moment. Conveniently located in the heart of Puerto Banus, the venue offers easy access to the marina, beaches, and various attractions, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.

Capture timeless memories at La Sala Puerto Banus against the backdrop of breathtaking views and Instagram-worthy settings, Contact La Sala Puerto Banus today to start planning your next unforgettable event experience contact at reservations@ LaSalaBanuscom or call 952 814 145.

Circus market

Kevin Fraser Park

FROM Friday April 19

to Sunday April 21, the Candelaria Park in Las Lagunas will be transformed into a large circus market set in the 1920s, with a host of activities and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

There will be more than 50 stalls, live music, as well as a dance and fire show with juggling and acrobatic characteristic of the circus world.

“This is a very attractive event to enjoy with the family in Mijas where there is a large number of people eager for activities of this kind,” said councillor, María Francisca Alarcón.

The councillor added

that this thematic market is a very new activity and Mijas is one of the few municipalities that has promoted it.

Throughout the weekend, the Candelaria Park will be the setting for circus performances, balancing acts, circus masks, face painting, balloon twisting, jugglers, puppets and soap bubbles, as well as almost 50 stalls run by merchants where you can buy handicrafts, food and jewellery products .

Queen of Magic

A TRIBUTE to one of the greatest rock bands of all time is returning by popular demand to the Salón Varietés Theatre in Fuengirola on Friday April 19 for one night only.

The acclaimed four-piece live Queen tribute band, Queen of Magic, perform the iconic British band’s songs completely live, including the real sounds of each song so that the audience feels like they are listening to Queen. They have a wide repertoire including all the group’s hits played in a very faithful way, emulating the concert and the sounds that made Queen famous.

Their set includes songs played exactly as on the original albums and other songs recreating the sound and magic of the legendary 1986 Wembley show. The band consists of: vocalist Denyse Sanchez, Jose Maria Gago on bass guitar, David Bermudez on lead guitar and Kini Santos on drums.

The show starts at 7.30pm and you can get your tickets in advance from the Salón Varietés website or from the box office. Ticket price is €20.

Gastronomic landmark

Kevin Fraser Park

THE mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, attended the official reopening of the town’s old Mercado de Abastos, which is positioned as the new gastronomic and social landmark of the Costa del Sol. With five distinctive restaurants, take-away services and six shops to purchase selected products, diners can enjoy a culinary experience in a vibrant and welcoming space. “The rebirth of the Mercado de Abastos is a testament to the innovative spirit of Estepona, offering residents and visitors alike an incomparable culinary experience.

“The reopening is the beginning of a new era for Estepona, where tradition and modernity intertwine to create something truly special for our town,” said García Urbano.

After a long-awaited renovation, the Estepona Market, built in 1949 and functioned as a traditional market until 2018, underwent a complete refurbishment and has now been transformed and reopened.

The 950 square metre centre now offers cuisine that fuses the charm of local gastronomy with a selection of international flavours.

After two years of closure, the market has reopened under the management of Nation Food, run by Hazel Gormley-Leahy with Robin Hall, a Michelin-starred chef, heading up the market’s five restaurants as executive chef. “Opening this market again is a source of great satisfaction for me. My passion for gastronomy, as well as my unbeatable entrepreneurial spirit, have merged in this project to give Estepona back the place it deserves in the culinary scene of the Costa del Sol,” said Gormley-Leahy.

Located on Calle Villa, the market is open from midday to midnight, catering for both locals and tourists. With a capacity for 140 diners inside and another 140 on the terrace. For more information about the Mercado de Abastos de Estepona, please visit their website at www.mercadoestepona.com.

Photo: Facebook / Queen of Magic

Photo´s: Estepona Town Hall

Spring by Candle light

CANDLELIGHT concerts will light up Malaga this Spring with musical experiences scheduled at unique venues with programmes ranging from classical music to tributes to some of the world’s greatest pop groups. But be quick as tickets are very limited.

On Saturday April 13, the stage that will be extinguished and lit only by candles will be that of the Museo Carmen Thyssen in Málaga. On this occasion, the string quartet Origen will perform some of the greatest soundtracks

of recent decades, including the most iconic songs from films such as Up, Frozen, Pocahontas, Mulan, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, The Avengers, The Mandalorian and Pirates of the Caribbean, among others. Tickets for the 8.30pm show are already sold out, and for the 10.15pm show, tickets start at €32.50.

On Sunday April 21, in the Salón Real of the Gran Hotel Miramar, there will be a tribute to Hans Zimmer and his great repertoire of soundtracks that have marked great films such

as Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Dune, Top Gun, Batman and Inception, among others. It will be performed by the string quartet Résonance, at two times, 7pm and 9pm. Tickets start at €30.50.

Finally, a tribute to Queen by the string quartet Résonance is scheduled for Friday April 26, at 5.45pm and 7.45pm. It will take place in the Sala Unicaja de Conciertos María Cristina and will feature classics by the band such as Somebody To Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want To Break Free, We Are The Champions and Under Pressure. Tickets from €18.50.

All tickets are available from the website: fe verup.com.

Marina market

A CHARITY market has been organised together with the Platform for the Promotion of Volunteering in Estepona which will take place on Saturday April 13 from 10am to 3pm on the esplanade of the marina, next to the control tower.

The associations and organisations that will be present are AECC Estepona, Red Cross, Entre Gatos, ASDIES, Manos Unidas, Pax Cultural, Asociación Canina de Estepona, ADFIA Respira, Niños Grandes con Autismo or Luisana, among others.

At their stalls you will be able to buy various products and craft items. This charitable initiative has a double objective: to help the associations present, through the purchase of articles and also, to publicise the work that each group carries out. Manuel Raigón, managing director of the Estepona Marina has invited everyone who wants to participate in this market, in order to do their bit for a good cause. The Platform for the Promotion of Volunteering in Estepona is a non-profit organisation created in 2007 and is made up of a wide range of associations and groups thawork in the field of volunteering.

Spring Fiesta

THE Fuengirola neighbourhood of El Boquetillo will welcome spring on Saturday April 13 with a big fiesta. The Benito Pérez Galdós street area will be the setting for this celebration from 2pm and the event includes free paella tasting and drinks, as well as musical performances.

“With the arrival of spring every year we organise a great dynamic, fun and above all, a meeting point for the people who live in the neighbourhood, those who once lived there and are returning for this celebration and also for all the people from Fuengirola”, said coun-

A REPRESENTATION of the Manilva Town Council (Mayor José Manuel Fernández and councillors Fina Gómez, Juan Carlos Morejón, Noelia Muñoz and Dean Shelton) lent their support for the opening of the exhibition of the local artist María José Gil in Gibraltar.

The event took place at the Xapo Bank Gallery, located in the central Casemates Square of the Rock.

cillor for Festivities, Isabel Moreno.

In addition, the councillor said that, “in this way we will celebrate the arrival of spring, which is the season of light and colour and is the ideal time to celebrate a day of neighbourly coexistence with all the residents of the neighbourhood and with all those who wish to come along.”

To conclude, Isabel Moreno has encouraged all residents of the area to attend this party, “to enjoy with family and friends the various activities, as well as the paella and refreshments that we can all try.”

With this support, the town hall has helped promote the work of the mural artist from Manilva in this international leap in her artistic production.

Fernández said that, “we always accompany our artists and neighbours in the events and projects they undertake. For us it is a source of pride and a way to expand and promote the name of Manilva everywhere. The talent of our people is infinite.”

The exhibition will be open for one month in this internationally renowned gallery.

Kevin Fraser Park

Photo: Fuengirola Town Hall

Photo: Wikimedia CC

Photo: Candlelight by Feverup

Photo: Manilva Town Hall

MALAGA Provincial Council, through its promotional brand ‘Sabor a Malaga’, will host a new edition of the Spanish Good Bread Route, a competition which highlights the qualities of artisan bread and which will be used to select the 50 best master bakers in the country.

This Panatics project was born in 2012 to find and promote the best artisan bakers in Spain. It began with local routes in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid, and in 2018 the First Spanish Good Bread Route took place. Since 2018, several bakeries from Malaga have stood out in the competition, and in 2022 La Térmica hosted the award ceremony of the Golden Crumb of Andalucia, the final

Good Bread Route National Ballet of Cuba

of the Andalucian phase of the Spanish Route of Good Bread.

For 2024, the competition has a new format and will hold four major meetings that will serve to select the best master bakers at national level. Thus, the bakeries from the southern part of the country will compete on Wednesday May 8 at La Térmica, where the tasting and the jury’s decision will take place.

During the tasting, the jury will evaluate the breads submitted to the competition for their shape and appearance, crumb and crust, weight, aroma, flavour and structure.

The bakeries with the highest scores will be visited anonymously to assess the presentation of the product in the shop and the customer service, and those finally selected will travel to Madrid to receive the award certifying them as the 50 best artisan bread bakeries in Spain.

Michael Carrington

GISELLE comes to Estepona at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI on Friday April 19 at 8pm.

The plot of the ballet revolves around the story of Giselle, a beautiful, innocent peasant girl whose greatest desire is to dance, but because she has a weak heart, her mother stops her for fear that she will die before she marries. It is a romantic tale of innocent love and betrayal; of philandering Count Albrecht and a trusting peasant maid, Giselle.

Within the repertoire of the National Ballet of Cuba, Giselle has a significant importance, not only in terms of its own history, but also because with this work and with Alicia Alonso, its exceptional performer, Cuba, for the first time, takes part in the international field of dance.

Prima Ballerina Assoluta Choreographer and teacher, founder and director of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Alicia Alonso is an important figure in the history of stage dance, a leading

figure in classical ballet at the international level and a distinguished personality in Cuban national culture.

Alicia Alonso’s choreographic version and personal interpretation of the ballet Giselle received the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris in 1966, and in 1972, the same version was incorporated into the Paris Opera.

And now the National Ballet of Cuba is bringing it to Estepona. Tickets are available from the theatre website: ta festepona.com.

Photo: Facebook / National Ballet of Cuba

Photo: Flickr CC / City Foodsters

Spring in Bioparc

WITH the arrival of spring, the most exciting time in nature’s calendar, winter comes to an end and all the wildlife begins to awaken from its long slumber and Bioparc Fuengirola is offering its visitors a wide range of free activities for the months of April and May.

On April 27, the team will travel to the Parque de las Presas de Fuengirola. This natural area of the town will host this family activity to learn about the fascinating world of insects and participate in creating safe and cosy shelters for these little creatures.

The spring programme continues on May 11 and 12 with guided tours in order to get to know the park and the magic of its route in depth, observing and learning about dozens of species. At the end of the month, on May 25 and 26, there will be ‘The Magic of Biodiversity’, a fun workshop in which you can discover the secrets of the different habitats of the planet.

Activities that take place inside Bioparc are free of charge and included in the daily entrance fee, except for the camps which have an additional cost.

Moving more

WE all know moving more is good for us. But knowing the level of activity that’s right for you, especially if you’ve just had a fall, an operation, or are living with a long-term health condition, can be difficult. Being more active isn’t about working up a sweat. It’s just about moving more each day in whatever way works for you.

Age Concern Fuengirola Mijas & Benalmadena organise chair-based Seated Vitality at St Andrews Church on Wednesdays from 2pm to 3pm with Ruth Massey, a qualified physiotherapist.

Seated Vitality is an excellent form of physical activity for anyone who has difficulties in exercising whilst standing. It can be adapted and enjoyed to suit the needs of your specific requirements. It will help you to improve your

posture, mobility, flexibility, balance and build strength.

There is also a Pilates class at the same venue, again on Wednesdays from 3pm to 4pm with qualified instructor Karen Holmquist. Pilates is an excellent way to reduce your risk of falling. Its slow, measured movements, strengthening poses and focused breathing help you improve your balance, flexibility, stability and strength as well as giving you a sense of well-being and enhanced quality of life.

Regular physical activity in later life is important for so many reasons, not only will your health improve, but you’ll also meet new people. Join one of the exercise sessions, they are free of charge for All Age Concern Clients and Volunteers. Contact your local drop in club or call Michelle on +34 619 792 738 to reserve your place.

Harley Davidson weekend

BENALMADENA’S Recinto Ferial del Parque de La Paloma will welcome a rally organised by the Harley Davidson Club Andalucia that will take place from Friday April 12 to Sunday April 14. The event will also include a motorbike tourism route, scheduled for Saturday April 13, and live concerts on each day.

Lady Punk, BenalRock, Reverend Seven, Daniel Song, Solzimer, Stereo 80, Mystery Machine and Rock Paradise, feature in this musical line-up with competitions and all kinds of fun to stay in the heart of Arroyo de la Miel and enjoy the exciting world of two wheels and everything that surrounds

it. “Those who attend this event will not only enjoy live music, food and good atmosphere, but also the exhibitions of Harley Davidson motorbikes that will be at the fairgrounds, as well as other vehicles to have a good time with family and friends throughout the weekend”, said the Benalmadena councillor for Commerce, Raúl Campos.

“I invite residents and visitors to make time in their agenda to enjoy the good atmosphere that Harley Davidson will bring to the city this weekend,” said the president of the Harley Davidson Club Andalucía, Juanjo Pérez.

Brian Bamford

Photo: Age Concern

Photo Bioparc

Photo: Facebook / HDC

Geek Pride

THE Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos will host an event that will take place on Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26 and which last year brought together more than 45,000 people.

It’s the eighth edition of FreakCon, the largest geek culture festival in Spain. The event will take place in more than 70,000 square metres of exhibition space that will bring together the entire geek community during the weekend of ‘Orgullo Friki’ or ‘Geek Pride’: an initiative to promote geek culture, celebrated annually on May 25 which originated in Spain in 2006 and has now spread around the world.

The change of venue, previously held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos

de Malaga, will allow the organisers, Kaiju Group, to expand the repertoire of activities by using outdoor spaces where the different performances, food trucks, experiences, concerts and competitions will form part of the 2024 programme.

The essence of FreakCon remains intact: Cosplay, Kpop, presentations, meet and greet, artist’s alley, screenings, workshops, parades, exhibitions, video games and everything that makes this event unique will be present.

The 2024 edition has the support of Torremolinos Council, OXO Museo del Videojuego Malaga, Costa del Sol and Diputación de Malaga, as well as the backing of other collaborators.

Tickets are on sale for €10 each day or €18 for the whole festival on the organisation’s website www.freakcon.es.

Coin Spring Fair

IN the cloister of the Convent of Santa María, Mayor Francisco Santos presented the programme for the Coin Spring Fiestas 2024, which will take place from May 1 to 5.

More than 15 live artists, three large marquees and an extensive programme make up the line-up for the Coin Spring Fiestas 2024. Francisco Santos said, “I encourage all our neighbours and visitors to take advantage of these days to enjoy the extensive programme, there is no shortage of fun for our young and not so young people.”

The Fair will run from May 1 and includes the traditional Day of the Cross, which takes place on May 3. Also, on Sunday May 5, the Fiesta de la Naranja (Orange Festival) will take place, which joins the programme of the fair together with the Horticultural Competition, both of which will be held in the Guadalhorce Agri-food Market.

“Coin is the real larder of Malaga for the high quality of our farm products and they will always have a place in our fair because it is the best showcase of support for our farmers,” said the mayor.

The fair will begin its programme on Wednesday May 1 with a live flamenco performance at midday and in the afternoon there will be an ascent to the hermitage of the Patron Saint of Coin.

Photo: Facebook / Coin Town Hall

Photo: Malaga Provincial Council

Flamenco fashion Coin culture

ON Sunday May 5 at 6pm at the Peña Flamenca ‘Los Amigos del Arte’ in Torremolinos, the flamenco fashion show ‘Abanico de colores’ will take place featuring fabulous clothes and costumes by Modas Florido.

Admission is free and after the fashion show there will be a magnificent raffle of gifts donated by different businesses with all proceeds going to the Association of Relatives of Alzheimer’s patients and other dementias of Benalmadena and Torremolinos (AFAB), to continue offering help and support to both patients and relatives.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias are illnesses that not only affect the person who suffers from them, but also their family members, mainly the main carers. At AFAB they offer family members all the support they need, from emotional to legal. Welcoming and supporting those people who, after diagnosis, need advice and help.

The venue, Los Amigos del Arte, is a place where gastronomy and art combine to offer a unique experience in Torremolinos.

A club by and for those who know how to enjoy themselves. The best gastronomy, concerts and shows on the Costa del Sol.

COIN has a full cultural programme for 2024. In a presentation, the town council presented the dates of the upcoming events. “Every year we have a varied and intense programme of acts, activities and events of all kinds that we wanted to bring together in this presentation so that both residents and visitors already have the main dates to mark in their the calendars,” said councillor for Festivities, Juan Antonio Bernal.

The calendar begins with the start of the Spring Fiestas, which is the Feria de Mayo de Coin, which this year will take place from May 1 to 5.

“This will be one of the most important weeks of the year for our municipality because we celebrate the fair, the ascent to the hermitage of our patron

saint, the Virgen de la Fuensanta, the Day of the Cross and the Fiesta de la Naranja,” explained Bernal.

One of the new events for 2024 is Noches con Encanto, which will be held in the auditorium of the Parque Leonor Princesa de Asturias on the weekends of June 28 and 29 and July 4,

5 and 6. “These are concerts and shows for all audiences, entertaining and fun for the whole family to enjoy in an idyllic setting of our Princess of Asturias Park at night,” said Bernal.

Another major event, the Feria de Agosto, will take place between August 8 and 15,

including as always, the fair, a procession through the streets of Coin, as well as two of the most important traditional events of the municipality: the Hortofrutícola Competition and the Auction for the best batch of Huevo de Toro Tomatoes, both on August 15.