GNI MAG ISSUE 58 - FRESHERS

Hi! We’re Concentrix + Webhelp, a leading global provider of customer experience solutions and technology. We support some of the world’s best brands to improve their business performance and provide exceptional experiences to their customers. Our vision is to be the greatest customer engagement company in the world, rich in diversity and talent – powered by creativity and technology!

We love the things that make our people unique. We passionately promote our peopleled Staff Resource Groups which organise events and initiatives, building communities within our business where peers can support one another and grow together. Our support of the LGBT+ community doesn’t just mean Pride Month celebrations. Throughout each year we organise Diversity & Inclusion events and inspirational sessions which cover topics such as how to be confident at work while living authentically, how to support people who may be LGBT+ and supporting people with neurodiverse conditions or disability! We also love to celebrate what makes us all different and encourage our allies to get involved in the conversation.

At Concentrix + Webhelp, we don’t see just see Diversity and Inclusion as optional extras, but as a key element of our business. Doing right by and for our clients, their customers, our people, our community and our planet is in our DNA.

My life in general is always non stop from the last issue I had my friends Caroline’s + Aarons Wedding which was amazing, 2 London Trips, One for a Westend Binge and the other with my friend Claire to see Shania Twain but the cherry on top was the 5 day trip to Magaluf for my pre 40th celebrations, it was mess express though I had a fantastic time - thanks to Laura, Pamela, Claire, Sharon and Tammy for being there and making the trip so memorable.There was a downside a few of us got covid which was grimm though nothing like the prior times, I think i’ve had it now 6 or 7 times, my immune system is SHITE!

All being well come the next issue I will be sharing very different things, if you recall reading my last letter in Issue 57 I shared that I had been going through the motions of starting a family, shortly after this I got the amazing news that I had been approved for the next step, so without giving to much away the next 6-9 months will involve kids being in my care for short & medium term and many more courses to gain as much knowledge and hands on experience as possible before I move to the final step, so I have many fun, haunting and exciting times ahead and i’ll be sure to keep you all in the loop. In preparation for my family I have left my part time Supervisor job in Jollyes which has freed up so much time.

Enough about me - Let’s move on to Issue 58 and what’s filled within these pages.

We feature Jorja Smith whose star is rising at such a rapid pace, her new album is OUT NOW!, We interview the gorgeously talented international singer Stewart Taylor and finally Faye Tozer and Sam Lips who are starring in the upcoming production of 42nd Street that is coming to The Grand October House.

Megane Herrick who previously did work experience

is back, she took on 2 features aimed at all the new students who have come to Belfast, the first is about exploring your Sexuality and the 2nd is her freshers guide to Belfast. Sticking with the student theme Gavyn’s travel is aimed at them and we also have a piece on how to navigate University.

Action For Children discuss Fostering, The Rainbow Project share info about the various classes you can take part in, this issues ‘Real Life’ story is by Anton Douglas who shares his transformation journey to fitness god, our ‘BIG DAY’ couple are Nikki & Jennifer and we have fashion from Connor Mills Designs, Connor has been a columnist for a while and it’s a pleasure to share his work with you all.

Our Try section always has reems of recommendations, Gary shares his Hot Hits & Celeb Bits, The Gourmet Boys chat about 6 places to enjoy brunch, we share a piece on 10 restaurants in the running for a prestigious award, our restaurant review took me to Salt Restaurant in Banbridge, Martin Murray talks about Sport, Ellise shares fitness tips and Marty’s Casting Couch is on the slasher horror franchise Scream - it’s safe to say we have plenty to keep you all entertained.

Thanks as always to our Columnists who share what’s been going on with them, our advertisers for their continued support and most importantly you, our readers.

Enjoy Reading xx

Daniel

May

Editor and Director

JORJA SMITH

RAINBOW PROJECT

CONNOR MILLS

STEWART SMITH

TAYLOR MAID

FAYE TOZER

SAM LIPS

LIFE

FOSTERING - ACTION FOR CHILDREN

XAND - COMING OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET

TRAVEL - GAVYN RECOMMENDS

CHILL @ THE MOVIES - DANIELS SUGGESTIONS

FRESHERS GUIDE TO BELFAST

EXPLORING SEXULITY

HAIR - DANNY MALONE

NAVIGATING UNIVERSITY

YOU

FASHION - CONNOR MILLS DESIGNS

REAL LIFE - ANTON DOUGLAS

BIG DAY - NIKKI & JENNIFER

WEDDING - LA MON

WEDDING - FOUR SEASONS

TRY

HOT HITS & CELEB BITS - GARY CAMPION

BRILLIANT BRUNCH - GOURMET BOYS

TOP TEN RESTAURANTS IN N.I

SALT RESTAURANT - DANIEL REVIEWS

SPORT - MARTIN MURRAY

FITNESS - TIPS FOR PT ELLISE

CASTING COUCH - MARTY KEARNEY

Credits

Daniel May Operations Director daniel@gnimag.com

Pauline Fitzpatrick Sales Executive

Tony Day Design

Thanks to... Jorja Smith / Stewart Taylor / Faye Tozer / Sam Lips / Connor Mills / Tailor Maid / Xand / Gavyn Andrews / Megane Herrick / Danny Malone / Gary Campion / Gourmet Boys / Ellise Richards / Martin Murray / Robin Elliott / Anton Douglas / Nikki & Jennifer / The Rainbow Project / Action For Children / Connor Mills

Designs / La Mon / Four Seasons / Salt Restaurant Banbridge / Media Works / ARTA Press & Media and anyone else who supplied editorial

GNI MAG is published by: Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd. 13 Union Street Belfast, BT1 2JF www.gnimag.com facebook.com/gnimag twitter.com/gnimag instagram @gnimag

Go

Jorja

SMITH

INTERVIEW BY: JULES BOYLE

Second album ‘Falling or Flying’ out NOW!

After spending years living in London, you’ve moved back to Walsall now. How did that come about and how much did making Falling Or Flying there inform that decision?

I started going back down to Walsall before I began working on the album, then when I finished it I realised how much I actually missed being home and how much I needed it. I’m definitely a small-town girl and a Walsall girl in particular. I think I was just too overstimulated and too overwhelmed by London, so it’s nice to be able to just see the sky and some trees now. I feel a lot more like myself and that I have a life here. In London it’s just too much. It was the album that brought me home though, as it was mostly produced by my friends DamDam, who are a duo from back there. I linked up with them originally when they had a studio in Birmingham, then they moved to London so we worked there too, but all roads led back to Walsall!

The album feels like a real progression from your debut, with a tangible confidence coming through, in that you are being very open about yourself, your vulnerability and who you are as a person. Is that a confidence that comes with age?

Yes! Lost And Found was me around 1620, while this new one is me at 24-26, so I’ve stepped into womanhood, I’m a lot more sure of myself and I’ve got more things to say, with less observations and more actual livedin experiences. I’m still in the early stages of womanhood to be fair, but I’m definitely more confident in who I am now. I’ve always loved experimenting with different sounds and ideas, so I’m even more up for doing that kind of thing now, put it that way.

What was the process of making the album like?

It was really sick making it with these women I know and love. We just laugh, eat food, chat shit, laugh some more, sing, jam, talk about what we want to write about and then put it all in the songs. This was the first time I made an album after already making one before, so I had learned so much already, but there’s now so much more I’ve learned that I will definitely be taking on to my third album whenever that is. It was really great though, just being able to be

spontaneous and jamming when it felt right to do so. I already had some songs I’d done with PTJ, so when I played them to DameDame, we kept them aside as we had a tracklist that really stayed the same almost all the way through it. Honestly, it’s not that it made itself, but it really felt that everything was meant to be in how it was put together. Saying that, what I would do differently next time is be even more spontaneous! As when I finished the album, I think I could have done with a bit more time to improvise, experiment and jam, as well as just experience a bit more. Next time, I won’t let deadlines impose themselves as much.

The record feels like a real statement of who you are, was that intentional?

I never have an agenda when I’m making tunes, I just like singing and jamming. There’s no concept or themes, but I guess there’s a lot of self-realisation as every song ends with a full stop, like very abruptly and just like *that*, which wasn’t planned either, so it’s all very definitive and very much where I am right now. So without it being a deliberate statement, it is.

Falling Or Flying is a great title, what does it mean to you? Is it where you were, where you are or both?

That’s how I felt both in my career and in my life, I literally didn’t know if I was falling or flying. They’re both completely the opposite, but also so similar for me, in that I didn’t know if I was doing good or bad. It’s also a reference to me and my personality, as anyone who knows me knows I have no middle ground. No halfmeasures!

You’ve been in the public eye since you were a teenager. What’s it being like having to grow up in public like that?

I’ve realised in recent years that I was so naive and so confident in the beginning. I’m still super-confident on stage now, but when it comes to other things like interviews and photoshoots, I feel a bit less now, which I think comes from always having people’s eyes on me. It’s weird though, as nobody teaches you any of this and there’s no handbook. You Judy have to figure it out yourself as you go along. I’ve been lucky that

I’ve met some good people who’ve been there before and been able to get some good advice, but at the end of the day, you just need to work it all out for yourself. I feel like I’m still not finished growing up, to be honest. I’m only 26!

Lots of young artists have spoken out about the pressure to be constantly posting on social media these days, is that something you’ve experienced?

I’m fortunate as work that I’m not on a major label where there’s a lot of pressure to perform on social media every day, too. I have a funny relationship with social media, actually. Again, it’s all or nothing with me, as sometimes I’m all over it and happy to be posting things, then some days I just cannot be assed with it and won’t go anywhere near it, even if I should be doing something!

You have some launch shows for the album coming up, you must be excited to get back out there in front of people? Speaking of which, are there any plans for a full tour?

I love playing shows the most, because then I can see what my songs are doing, if people are singing along, if they’re smiling or crying and just how they are enjoying themselves. That’s when I know I’m not falling, I’m flying! I absolutely cannot wait to tour. I don’t have dates yet, but they’re coming I promise you. I’ve never been more excited to get onstage and let people hear what I’ve been working so hard on these last few years.

I love being in the studio so much, but I love being on the road and playing in front of people just as much, so I honestly can’t wait to get back out there.

You’ve worked with so many artists, from Drake and Calvin Harris to Stormzy and Loyle Carner. What do you look for in a collaboration?

It’s all about the vibe, really. I like working with people in real life, as you can get the energy and see if we bounce off each other, plus you can tell easier if it’s not going to work. So what I look for is good energy, as if you have that, you know you’re going to get on with someone and get something good out of it. There’s so many people I’d love to work with, I’m always scared to say then out loud in case I jinx it! But Frank

Ocean, 100% Frank Ocean. I absolutely love him.

As to the future, do you think much about it and plan well ahead, or do you take things as they come more?

As much as I like plan things I’m very much never looking too far ahead, like I’m definitely not thinking about five or ten years in the future. I’m very much about being in the moment,

seeing what happens and hoping for the best!

‘Falling or Flying’- released globally on September 29th 2023

‘Falling or Flying’- album launch live shows. Tickets on sale via jorjasmith.com

Monday 9th October - SWX, Bristol (with Rough Trade)

Two Year Anniversary

LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICE

We are almost at the two year mark of the LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Advocacy Service, a wrap around service which supports clients, their family, carers and professionals. One of the aspects of this service has been through peer support and connecting people to their community.

We have set up or partnered with organisations to develop various groups to help support individuals and families, some of these include:

- Menopause + - A support group that is open to all members of the community who are experiencing menopause or menopause symptoms.

-BeU – A social group for Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse people, this event runs once a month and is 18+ at the Belfast Trans Resource Centre.

-Games Night – A group co-hosted with Here NI for all LB women who enjoy board games, puzzles and socialising.

- Drop in days with the Belfast Trans Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 1-6 PM (Saturday is also a drop-in day run by the BTRC) to meet other Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse people, seek support and socialise in a quiet space.

- Family Ties – A peer support group for Parents and Carer’s of LGBTQIA+ people,

this is parent led and will host meetups and offer support and signposting for members. There will also be chances to meet other families throughout the year through workshops and events.

- Rainbow Reels – an LGBTQIA+ Trad Music group who meet and perform at various locations.

Our service also runs workshops, health days and outreach nights to promote good mental and physical health such as seasonal Yoga classes, Arts and Crafts workshops and social events around holidays. Being able to connect to others and feeling safe to be yourself is a key element of these groups and events. We want members of our community to feel supported, validated and confident in their own skin. The groups run regularly and strong friendships have been made through them. participants feel like they have a safe space, can connect with others like themselves and get the support and guidance needed in a non-judgemental and safe

atmosphere. These groups will be running through to the spring of 2024, so keep an eye on The Rainbow Project and Here NI socials, join our mailing lists or if you would like to join any of the groups listed drop us an email at hello@lgbtmh.org .

EXPECTATION VERSUS REALITY Connor Mills

So, remember I had written a column a few months back and mentioned how I would be spending the end of this Summer turning 30 in Barcelona, that was the complete expectation. The reality was during the month of August my partner and I were scammed by a “family friend” resulting in us being unable to afford said trip, an event in our life that we are chalking up to being a little too trusting and have ultimately learned, don’t always take things at face value (also and less commonly so don’t believe everyone when they tell you they’ve come into a life changing sum of money, they would like to share some of this amount with you, and then pay for their meals, drinks, petrol and some general expenses for a month, in recompense of a never appearing amount, also and again less commonly so don’t spend the month then viewing houses and beginning to plan your covid cancelled wedding again)

So in the interest of moving on and not mentioning this again, your dream holiday is cancelled, the one you sat every night for months practicing rolling your r’s and how to order a coffee with the Green Bird language app, also, side note, I thought the joke meme’s about how intense the notifications are was a joke, one night my screen ignited a notification very pointedly telling me about a near streak miss and I felt if I didn’t do it I would have to grab our dog Cooper and my partner and flee the country or feel the wraith of a giant green bird, you know the usual country fleeing excuse.

So, in the interest of stiff upper lipping the absolute life out of the situation we pooled resources and essentially through the magic of sheer luck got tickets to a band I have loved since a teen (if you seen me screaming at the limelight and engaging in what could only loosely be referred to as “dancing”, no you didn’t and mind your business). I mentioned this now meaning we could attend Foyle Pride to my partner who asked our friends along for an impromptu 30th party. Now of course lastminute plans in a group of mostly late 20’s early 30’s was never going to work, everyone already had plans, and we had accepted that we would just go ourselves and

have a great time seeing everyone at a later point.

Plans in place I was actually at this point feeling pretty ok about the Barcelona situation, bank accounts in taters, not so much, I mean it wasn’t what I had expected would happen, and people definitely have it a lot worse of course, but the reality of the situation was a great fix, and I could see people actively trying to make things if not as good, better. So cut to the morning of heading up to Foyle Pride, which is always such a favourite, having had to miss out Belfast pride due to the scamming which must not be named, (last year’s Belfast pride being spent taking a “mouth shot” from the one and only Danielle Walsh, this year’s spent hurrying home from Belfast after curt news and the penny finally dropping) we were all biz heading for what was going to be a great day, with the idea of pre-parade brunching and carb loading, and let me tell you when I say my jaw dropped, like movie moment confetti everywhere, I was too stunned to speak. My partner had pulled a fast one and our friends were gathered in the back of the café with big metallic numbers letting everyone obnoxiously know that today was either a 30th or when the fan blew a

certain way a very over the top 03th. The feeling was immense, being surrounded by loved ones who went out of their way to go over and above just for lil old me was amazing and was the reality of the situation, and at that moment made me know that what I needed was right here. That and also, I will literally throw an umbrella at anything or anyone in order to hug those around me especially when they surprise me like that.

The day was a success, minus there being very clearly no Foyle Taxi’s existing ever and what can only be described as a death march soundtracked by Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb” at 3 in the morning up the notorious walled cities hills, and following that I spent the rest of the week and the Birthday in question with those I love, those that make me laugh, those I care about and it’s in this I realised, maybe the first lesson of my thirties.

Sometimes you can’t control everything, life will throw curveballs and aim for the face, and while expectations can be a great hype train and build excitement, what is ultimately much more healing and beneficial is living in the reality of a situation and letting life play out how it will. Of course, that’s not to say you shouldn’t be placing expectations on your life and what you want to achieve but going out of your way to achieve goals and doing the work and living in the reality of that, will be much more rewarding as opposed to some impossible to attain expectation which might take more than it gives.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

STEWART Taylor

LOVE ME KNOT THE OUT ARTIST SINGS A BALLAD FOR HIS “FAVORITE EX”

BY JAMIE BOOTH

Stewart Taylor has written songs for American Idol’s David Hernandez and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s JuJu Bee, Mo Heart, and Manila Luzon. He has also released several singles of his own, including his funk and R&B inspired debut, “Mess Your Hair Up” and 2022’s “Maybe We Shouldn’t Talk”. His newest single is “Favorite Ex,” a song that merges eighties vibes with today’s pop and R&B. In it, Stewart Taylor sings about a former lover he had in New York that he was forced to leave behind in order to pursue his music dreams in Los Angeles.

“We both knew that our time together was limited but I often look back and wonder what would’ve been had I stayed,” he reflects.

The video for “Favorite Ex” is a captivating reflection of the song. It depicts Taylor walking alone along gorgeous ocean vistas (filmed in Malibu) and sweeping desert scenes (filmed in the Mojave Desert). Taylor says he drew inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and its theme that every party eventually has to end. As they do in the novel, beautiful things fall apart in the video including a chandelier and a bouquet of white roses.

We caught up with Stewart Taylor in Los Angeles to learn more.

Are you an emotional guy when it comes to relationships?

I’m a Cancer, so yes, when I’m dating someone, I really go all in. Being with me can be quite the rollercoaster ride some days!

Do you intend to be raw and honest in your music?

I’ve been processing my feelings through singing and songwriting since I was a little kid, and coming from an honest place is very important to me. Writing music is one hundred percent my Lexapro. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life, and music has saved me so many times.

In “Favorite Ex,” you sing about stealing your ex back from his current bf. Is that something you would really do?

My ex was certainly a keeper and he has given me several albums worth of

material over the years, but he lives over three thousand miles away in New York. Even if he were closer, though, getting in the way of his new relationship is not something I would ever do. It was just something fun to fantasize about! I’ve hung out with my ex and his new beau a couple of times when they have visited LA. It felt weird but I was very respectful and supportive.

What have your learned from him that you are now applying to current relationships?

I’ve been in toxic relationships in the past. He was the closest I’ve ever been to a healthy and loving relationship. These days, I look for people who are kind to me, the way he was, and someone who can keep up with my energy.

Why did you choose an 80s vibe for “Favorite Ex”?

It’s my favoite era. I love eighties music and my eighties icons.

Were you alive in the 80s?

I wasn’t. Total nineties boy right here!

What do the 80s conjure up for you?

I like to say that I lived in the eighties in another life because I’ve always been so drawn to that time in music and pop culture. I watched a lot of VH1 and MTV as a kid, and icons like Janet Jackson, Madonna, Paula Abdul, and Prince are still huge influences for me.

A lot of music artists are diving deep into the 80s these days. Charlie Puth’s latest album is 80s inspired.

Funny you should say that! I used to write and record with Charlie. We attended Berklee College of Music at the same time. He taught me a lot about recording harmonies; skills I still use to this day. Musically speaking, we worked well together. We both have a real love for pop music and R&B.

The music video, on the other hand, is very modern day. It’s not 80s at all. I think it’s important to remain current. I’m definitely not out here billing

myself as a throwback artist. Instead, I started working with an incredible German designer named Joseph Auren to experiment with more futuristic and flamboyant looks. The making of the video took two full days in Malibu and the Mohave Desert. The Malibu shoot was really cold and I spent the entire day getting body slammed by waves. I took a very hot shower when I was done filming! Day two was a three-hour drive to the middle of nowhere. The director dropped me off in the desert, drove away, and then flew a drone around me to film the dance sequences. It was over one hundred degrees and by the seventh or eighth take, I thought I was going to pass out.

The symbolism gets pretty deep with empty desert, hour glasses and crashing chandeliers.

I like to incorporate symbolism in my music videos. For “Favorite Ex,” I imagined I was a prince walking through a desert and stepping into a Malibu paradise with no one to share it with. It can be lonely chasing dreams and giving up on love in order to pursue a calling. That’s the decision that I made. The hourglass was obviously about love running out of time. The chandelier on the desert floor was inspired by The Great Gatsby and it is meant to signify how every party eventually comes to an end.

Speaking of parties, the remixes of “Favorite Ex” are climbing the Billboard club charts.

I love them! Both the Hector Fonseca and Thiago Dukky remix and the DJ Mentol and Scott Storch remix are incredible.

Are you involved with anyone right now, Stewart?

I’m not. I’m very picky with men, and with good reason! I’m a hopeless romantic and I’m waiting for the right guy to come along.

Stewart Taylor’s “Favorite Ex” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Its video is available on YouTube.

Follow on IG @imstewarttaylor and stewarttaylorofficial.com

TIME FLIES

Tailor Maid

Tailor Maid here with my wee home amongst these pages. I can’t believe we are in October already, this year has absolutely flown in. This issue will mark 2 years of me writing this column in GNI and I can’t quite believe it. 10 issues in total. Looking back at previous issues it’s nice to see my journey as a person and as a drag queen written down, life really is a journey full of lessons and it’s good to take some time and reflect on where you’ve come from, to be proud of your achievements and move forward with those lessons in mind. (So, you don’t forget).

Now I find myself here in October 2023, coming into the busiest portion of the year for all my jobs, and this year I am the busiest that I have EVER BEEN, and it’s kind of intimidating me a little.

I probably have 2/3 days off between now and Christmas and the rest of the time is filled with work in varying forms, teaching makeup, hosting events as James, weekly drag brunches and performances as well as my everyday job at BPerfect, I’m even back on QVC in November selling BPerfect for a one-hour live show. So yea the schedule is looking stacked across the board.

So, I thought I’d take this moment to talk about workload, and stress management, and remind myself of some techniques that I can use over the next few months to help keep my ship sailing without burnout.

1. Serve Up Some Self-Love:

Taking on too much work can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. Remember, self-care is key! Take a moment each day to pamper yourself in your favourite way. Have a herbal tea, (I love a good Earl Grey) slip into a luxurious bubble bath, slather on a nice face mask, and let the stress melt away. Don’t forget to remind yourself of your worth, everyone is on a journey, life isn’t a race. Your journey is just as important than anyone else. You got this!!

2. Delegate/ ask for help:

Learn to delegate tasks that are overwhelming you. Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, reach out to your supportive friends, family, or colleagues who can lend a helping hand. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of strength.

3. Recharge:

Learn to set boundaries and say “no” when you feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to decline a gig or take some time off to recharge the awl batteries. Prioritize your mental and physical health, because without them, you can’t do shit. (ha ha)

4. Drink water and sleep:

Our bodies are made up of 80% water, so you need to be drinking at least 8 glasses a day to stay hydrated. Dehydration will not only take its toll on your looks but can affect how clearly you think, and problem solve.

Sleeping is one of my favourite pastimes, it is also one of the best beauty secrets, everyone looks and feels better if they are well rested. If you can get 7/8 hours a night great. This should help your brain organise your thoughts so that you can cope with daily stresses.

5. Laughter.

When I find myself really stressed, I always feel better after a good laugh. Try to find joy in the little things, surround yourself with positive energy, and never underestimate the healing power of a good giggle. Watch your favourite comedy shows, indulge in some hilarious memes, or gather your friends for a movie night. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

6. Drink less Alcohol.

I know this sounds like a very boring way to manage stress, but it’s actually the most important. Drinking a lot of alcohol can exacerbate stress and take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. As glamorous as it may seem, drowning your sorrows in a sea of cocktails won’t help you conquer stress in the long run. I know lol.

I have been trying out a lot of alcohol-free options and I have to say there is some great alcohol-free beers out there. I really like Erdinger, Heineken and Guinness, maybe try them out, Not only will this help you manage stress more effectively, but it’ll also leave you feeling fabulous and hangover-free!

In conclusion, I know I sound a bit preachy, but I have used, or tried to use all of these methods above when I’ve been feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed and they do work. So, I’ve put them all down here not only to share with you all, but to remind myself of them in the upcoming months.

I hope that you have a great lead up to festive season and I’m sure I’ll catch up with you before then.

If you are wanting to catch me at a gig, please check my socials for where I’ll be.

As always, Thanks for reading.

Tailor

You can also find Tailor Maid on Instagram @totally.tailor Bookings on instagram or via email jamesmcguigan@me.com or call/message

07540533943

CELEBRATING 18 YEARS

FAYE TOZER

TREADING THE BOARDS

Faye Tozer first flew into the public consciousness as one fifth of the much-loved band Steps in the late 1990s, but she has also forged an impressive nearly two-decade long career in musical theatre alongside the band’s continuing success. She’s now touring the UK in 42nd Street which comes to The Grand Opera House from 24th October.

We caught up with Faye to hear all about those dancing feet, and what makes 42nd Street so special to her.

Audiences may know you best for your time in Steps, but you’re a hugely experienced musical theatre performer. What was the transition into musical theatre like for you? Are there many similarities?

I was very lucky to get my first musical in 2004 which was Tell Me On A Sunday, but I actually wanted to get into musical theatre from a really young age. It was amazing having Steps come first, and then having a wonderful life in musical theatre as well. The transition for me was quite interesting, mostly because of how people initially perceived me, but it’s been so wonderful to be somebody who surprises audience members who might have a preconceived idea of me. I just absolutely absorb myself in the show and in my love of theatre and I’m so lucky to tread the boards in between the times that I’m with Steps.

Steps are of course hugely well loved by fans for their choreographed routines, and 42nd Street shares a love of dance. What is it about dance that you particularly enjoy, and are there any aspects that you find more challenging?

As Steps we are of course well known for our dance routines, but dance for me has always been such a hugely special thing in my life because I just feel so joyful when I dance. My Mum sent me and my sister to dance school when we were tiny to burn off all our energy but it’s so much more than that. It’s just joyful to watch people dance and do it so brilliantly as well. To be part of 42nd Street which is all to do with dance and tap is like my childhood self’s dream! When I was about

12 years old, we performed some numbers from 42nd Street so the fact that I’m now doing it as a professional is such a wonderful full circle moment. It’s dreamy to watch the ensemble perform all these incredible numbers every night.

Your character of Maggie Jones is the writing partner of Bert Barry, played by entertainment icon, Les Dennis. What’s it been like working with Les?

Oh, wonderful Les! Les and I actually have a little bit of history via Steps because he came and did a sketch for us for Steps Into Summer, a television programme we did. Over the years I’ve bumped into him at game shows and things but what a joy to be sharing the stage with him, and what an absolute pro he is!

You’re experienced at touring life both as a musician and theatre performer, what are some of your must-have items for life on the road, and is there anything you like to do when you arrive in each town or city?

I am an absolute pro when it comes to touring as I’ve been touring since I was 18! I always have a prepped bathroom bag with all my bottles ready to go – when I come home at the weekend I fill the bottles back up and then they go back in the bag. I’ve got different bags for different sizes of cases as well, and I’ve got my magic overnight bag ready to go. In terms of things I like to take with me, I have a tiny speaker which is amazing and I’ve got a plug that has all my leads in it ready to go, so I can just plug it in at the hotel or wherever and I know I can charge my watch, my phone, my iPad. I always take my iPad with me when traveling so it’s loaded with all the programmes I’m watching just in case I get stuck on a journey!

You’re a very busy person, and touring life is busy too. What do you like to do during your downtime or do you have anything planned for when you next have a break?

In my downtime I love to be at home, cuddle my son, my dogs, and my husband, and just enjoy really normal things at home. I’m so

blessed to live 10-minutes from the sea, so going down to the beach and just getting fresh sea air is incredible. If I’m in London or around friends then I love to catch a show, I’m a huge fan of musicals so I see as many as I can and of course I love good food and good company, just catching up with friends is so lovely.

With the wealth of experience you’ve since gained, is there any piece of advice you’d go back and give your younger self at the start of your career in music and theatre?

That’s an interesting question. I think if I could have told myself, my 18-year-old self, anything I’d say to enjoy life a bit more and not take it so seriously, and also not compare myself to other people and find joy in what makes me a bit different. The thing is though, that’s nice advice to give but part of your learning and growing up is going through all those things. All the things we might call mistakes are important life experiences that teach us where we could be going forward to. Overall, I just feel really happy and blessed to be where I am. I’m proud of my career so far, and also incredibly excited by what I’m able to be doing right now!

You can see 42nd Street in the Grand Opera House from 24th October - tickets can be purchased via goh.co.uk

SAM Lips

You’re from the USA and trained in Michigan - how would you describe your upbringing and where did your love of the arts come from?

I grew up in a very rural part of Colorado where there were acres of land. My grandmother was a dancer and a singer when she was younger - she was always singing, so I started singing, because I spent a lot of time with her when I was younger. I was born in Missouri and we moved to Colorado when I was three and stayed with my aunt and uncle for a while. They were season ticket holders to the opera, and my aunt showed me videos of Riverdance and I decided I wanted to start tap dancing, and that is how I got started. I took dance classes and then I went to an Arts high school in Colorado and then onwards to New York City.

Was this something that you were naturally passionate about or was it forced upon you?

No, not at all. I think it is very rare for people who are male to feel that it is forced upon you, that you have to be a performer or a dancer. It is quite the opposite, usually males are put into sports or something like that. However, my family was very, very supportive. It was a conversation that had to be done and I told them I wanted to start taking dance classes and they have supported me ever since.

You’ve more than a dozen shows under your belt , Cats, Wicked, The Cher Show, West Side Story, Chicago while in the USA and Singin’ in the Rain and Strictly Ballroom - IN UK to name a few - such a varied mix, are you drawn towards certain shows/styles?

I have always loved the more classic style of shows - you know like 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain - I really do love that style. I think with younger people these days it’s more about the more contemporary and ‘poppie’ kind of stuff, and I don’t know, what I was raised on and what I am more drawn to is definitely the more classical side.

It’s more romantic isn’t it?

Oh yeah, I just think it is so classy and there is a sophistication about it and kind of a restraint that you don’t often get with shows these days - it is very like “in your face”. I really enjoy the classical style a lot.

Having performed at both ends of the Atlantic I wonder how do audiences differ?

I find that, at least in New York City, people sort of frown upon the feel good, happy shows, or the ones that are filled with songs that people know. They sort of turn their noses up at it, they want more artistic, edgy pieces. Whereas over here I think people go to the

theatre because they want to be there, they want to feel good and enjoy themselves and have a good time. So a show such as 42nd Street and Singin’ in the Rain, where people know the songs, they really do well over here which is good fun.

Was it theatre that brought you to the U.K and where is home while here?

I am in south-east London, near the Kent border, that is where home is for me. I was brought over here around seven years ago to do the musical ‘Strictly Ballroom’ up in Leeds. They cast me in New York and took me here to play the role of Scott, and there was something I thought about the way the business is over here that I really liked. I felt like I could explore a different side of who I am as a performer over here that I wasn’t really going to be able to make happen in New York for some reason. I was sort of getting pigeon-holed in a different niche over there and it was very hard to break out of that in New York. I think coming here was a fresh start for me and I have loved it and haven’t looked back.

Do you stay here most of the year round even if you are not working?

Oh yeah, I am here full-time now.

To date what has been your favourite role or show to work with and is there one specific role on your bucket list?

Do you know what? I know it is back on in the West End now, but it has to be Bobby Child and Crazy For You. I played that role in New York at the Merry-GoRound Theatre. I don’t know if my agents wanted me to do it at the time because it didn’t really make very much money, but I really wanted to play the role. To this day it is the most fun I have ever had on a show, that role is so iconic and great. I saw Charlie Stubbs do it on the West End and he is brilliant at it. It is just for someone who comes from this song and dance upbringing, it is the ultimate. Don Lockwood and Singin’ in the Rain is a close second to that I think. Those two were probably my two most favourite roles I have ever played.

As far as a role that I would love to play now - I have always had, it seems a bit far-fetched based on what I have just said, but I would love to play Emcee in Cabaret - that’s back in the West End as well. I think it would be great to take a step back from the classic, buttoned-up personality that I am doing a lot of the time and do something really out-there and edgy. That is something I would really like to try.

42nd Street is such an iconic show, for those not familiar can you give us a brief overview of the story and your character Billy?

In one sentence, ‘It’s a musical about putting on a musical’. It takes place in the 1930’s, it’s right in the heart of the Great Depression, so a lot of actors, well, everyone is out of work and people are trying to figure out how they are going to make ends meet. Then, all of a sudden, this Broadway Director Julia Marsh decides to put on a musical and everyone gets very excited about it. They get this diva, Dorothy Brock, who is romantically involved with the gentleman who is providing the money for the show to play the star and at the end of Act One she gets injured and cannot do the show. So who is going to step into the role... no other than the doey eyed Peggy Sawyer from Pennsylvania who is full of dreams, and all of a sudden she finds herself in a starring role. It’s a love letter to theatre, it’s all about following your dreams and having a good heart. It really is fantastic, spectacular and heartwarming.

Do you have a favourite number in the show?

The big number for me is ‘Lullaby of Broadway’. It’s at the beginning of Act Two and I think that the lyrics just speak to anyone who is in this business and the love we have for this business and the magic that we can create on a stage. It just captures that so beautifully. That number is just iconic.

You previously worked with - Adam Garcia, Ruthie Henshall - now Les Dennis, Samantha Womack and Faye Tozer are in the cast , you’ve worked with Faye before, what a lineup ! How is it working with everyone? They are absolutely wonderful. I actually did Singin’ in the Rain with Faye as well, she is an absolute professional.

Who is the biggest Diva, lol

Oh gosh! They are all wonderful and so professional. They are always on time and they are just lovely to work with. They are just a wonderful, wonderful group of people. You always run into a bunch of hurdles on tour and the fact that this company has really come together has made it really lovely. I don’t think we have any divas!

The run is about 6 months in total and Belfast is the final stop. Have you been here before and will you get some time after to take in the sights and do tourist things?

I just want to listen to everyone talk! Actually, coming from America, there is a girl on our sound team who is Irish, from Dublin, and I was actually having this conversation with her, that is actually easier for Americans to understand people from Ireland because of the hard R, so I find it easier to understand people from Ireland than I do in the UK. I love the accent and everyone I have spoken to has said it is just such a great city and I am really excited to go over and see what it is like.

There are already plans for 42nd Street in Spring 2024,

are you on board or have you other plans?

It is all kind of up in the air at the moment and nothing has been finalised yet, but I am sure many of us will be there.

Have you any Christmas projects or pantomimes planned?

I have a concert just before Christmas, it is going to be all over the country leading up to Christmas. The show is also going to Canada, so I will be jumping in for that, and hopefully we will continue on in the New Year.

I read in your credits that you worked on the new Wonka Movie - I am so envious right now, I love Timothee Chamlmet, did you get to meet him?

Yes, we called him Timmy on set. It was really cool, that was the first time I have done a big proper feature film like that. It was interesting as well because it was right in the middle of Covid and the restrictions were pretty intense. We filmed it in winter 2021 and just the scale of the Warner Bros budget and the fact that they built that entire set in an open piece of land was pretty mind blowing. Timmy and everyone were really nice on the film. It was just a cool experience and very eye opening. I really, really hope that I get to do another one because I just loved it.

Do you know how much of it you are in or does it all depend on an editor’s cut?

I am in the trailer. There is this bit where they are in a streetcar and there are people going back and forth and I am in there in a green coat. There is another bit where everyone is doing a tick line and I am in that. I think I am only in two of the big numbers in the film, it will probably be one of those ‘blink and you will miss me’ but... it was really cool.

Enjoy the rest of the tour, we look forward to seeing you in Belfast from 24th October, before you go, give us a one liner of why people should come see the show?

I think after the pandemic, after what this country has gone through over the past couple of years, you just need a night where everything is happy, joyful and wonderful and that is what this show is.

Interview was with Daniel May

You can see 42nd Street in the Grand Opera House from 24th October - tickets can be purchased via goh. co.uk

Life

LIFECHANGING

The Role of Men in Fostering

Fostering, and caring for children and young people, can wrongly be perceived as solely a woman’s role. Not only can men be foster carers, but their role in a fostering household can be an extremely important one.

MEN WHO FOSTER

One myth that we hear time and again is that to create a family, foster carers need to be a heterosexual married couple. And that the man’s role is one on the periphery, offering support, only when needed.

This is false.

Every family is different. Families come in all different shapes and sizes. It can consist of one person, or a houseful of people. To foster, and to create a family for a vulnerable young person, men can play varying roles. Men may foster as a single carer, or jointly in a same-sex couple, part of a civil partnership, married or living with a partner.

WHY MEN ARE IMPORTANT IN FOSTERING

Male foster carers are often a young person in care’s

first positive male role model. The impact of this cannot be underestimated. A male foster carer, who is a loving and stable presence, can give a child the chance to build trusting relationships with men. This early experience can be vital in shaping that young person’s future interactions - with men, or as men - as they grow older and ultimately make their own way into the world.

Mark, a single male foster carer, said: “Many of the boys in my care have missed out on having a male figure present throughout their lives. But they value that commitment so much.

“I would say to any guy, give it a try. Set aside all the perceptions and preconceived ideas that you have and just give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose by trying, but you’ve everything to gain.”

MEN FOSTERING WITH ACTION FOR CHILDREN

At Action for Children, we support all types of foster carers, such as single male foster carers, as well as men who are the primary carer in their fostering household. Time and again we have had the oppor-

tunity to witness that men and women can embody the core skills of a foster carer, such as an ability to love, to show empathy and compassion, resilience and stickability.

There is no one-size-fits-all foster carer. Each of our children are unique and have a different set of needs. And so, we need carers from all walks of life, men as well as women, of all ages and from different back grounds.

When you apply to foster with Action for Children, we assess the individual. We look at you as a person and explore the skills and experience that you have to support a child or young person.

Every family is different. But the one thing they should have in common is love. If you have space in your life – and your heart – to offer a child or young person a safe and loving home, we would love to hear from you.

COMING OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET Xand

“I talk to dead people”, is not necessarily the sexiest chat-up line is it? Not really. But these days when social media is filled with scammers and charlatans asking £30 for three cards, most of whom can barely construct a f*ckin’ sentence; let alone spell ‘metaphysics’, I felt the need for a strap-line with a little more kick to it to attempt to separate myself from the Tiktok / Instagram bottom feeders.

It still makes me laugh when I get the same old messages each day on Instagram such as the following:

“Hello, I saw a sign in you and connected to it and your heart was open to love and light, not everyone is blessed with this connection so I’m drawn to you from the universe, can I consider you for a Reading love !?

… to which I reply “Sure!”, So long as it’s free, you can read a grand tableau and tarot card reversals, you’ve read the work of Barbara Moore, Mary K. Greer, Camila Elias, and you know who Éliphas Lévi is then by all means fill yer boots flower! Yeah, that usually does the trick and they fuck off and leave me alone.

Incidentally, for those of you who are interested Éliphas Lévi Zahed, born Alphonse Louis Constant (8 February 1810 – 31 May 1875), was a French esotericist, poet, and writer who initially wanted to become a priest in the Catholic Church, but who abandoned the priesthood in his mid-twenties and became a ceremonial magician. At the age of 40, much like yours truly, he began studying the occult. He wrote over 20 books on magick, Kabbalah, alchemical studies, and occultism. The word ‘occult’ just means hidden by the by!

Alas, there is most definitely a stigma attached to doing witchy shit innit my lovelies but not quite in the same way it used to be. No longer are we tied to a wooden stake and bar-b-cued to the delight of Christian onlookers proud to have done ‘God’s work’ having cleansed in fire another disgusting witchy wretch who, like yours truly, was probably just a bit of an artsy type with two black cats who enjoyed a game of hide the sausage and who not only came up with their own opinions but, shock horror, dared to open their mouths to express said opinions freely in public!

Nowadays, it’s the association not so much with the Devil (probably one of the most misunderstood and bastardised concepts ever to be dreamed up in the minds of ruthless, money-hungry, rich, white, men) but with fraudsters and scam artists that give genuine psychics a rather bad reputation meaning many of us feel the same sense of dread at the thought of coming out of the broom closet, in some cases more so, as we had at the thought of just coming out as queer teenagers.

In my case, I felt more shame and guilt coming out as a psychic because it happened much later in life. At the age of 14 when I first decided I wanted to

become a Cockologist I was so camp and such a huge fan of Kylie Minogue that my homosexuality was clear for all to see. You’d have to have been living under a rock not to realise I wanted to get fucked by the football team rather than play on the fuckin’ football team. And so my only option was to explain to my devastated half Irish full-on conservative God-fearing Catholic parents that I had a major crush on Richard Drummie from Go West (and still do actually to this very day... No it’s true, he’s gorgeous) and that they’d never get a grandchild from me which is just as well considering the kind of parent I’d make as surely my son or daughter would end up being just as rebellious and free-thinking as their rather fabulous dad.

Coming out as a queer psychic medium who practices witchcraft and magick over the age of 40 (by which time one is expected to have a stable job, a boring haircut, a three-bed semi, and a Volkswagen Golf with extra legroom) is not such an unexacting task and in my opinion requires far more bravery and so, unsurprisingly, most gay witches keep their tarot cards and ouija boards hidden away in a drawer next to their 11” dildos, jock straps, and marijuana. No amount of sequels to Hocus Pocus it seems will enable us to freely express ourselves as out and proud gay witches so long as this world falls under the spell of Ron De Santis and his cronies but perhaps, in a strange way, this is a very good thing.

You see my darlings one must never forget that to practise magick, real magick, is to study, to learn, to become what used to be known as ‘an adept’. In days gone by we were called the ‘wise’ men and women of the village, the ones who knew things others didn’t, and the ones with special powers of intuition who could lift the veil that separates our two worlds. Should you consider yourself a bit of a witchy-poo then consider yourself welcomed into a long line of esteemed, free-thinking, and very wise people who could see beyond the constraints of our physical world, who knew things others dared not know, and whose secrecy oftentimes saved their lives. Welcome to the family. Like, Subscribe, Hit the bell and I’ll see you on our livestreams for a free psychic reading along with tutorials on tarot, lenormand, runes, and of course… magick. www.youtube.com/@thesexytarotteacher

OUR DANIEL IS GETTING READY TO TAKE ON GIANTS!

This is my first Panto from 2019/2020 when all starting kicking off with Covid, historically I always done an xmas Panto though from my last show Aladdin i haven't done one and i've missed it terribly, i've done plenty of shows, plays and musicals over the past couple of years though Panto is a different ball game.

This is also a double first for me, I have never worked with the team from Mr Hullabaloo productions and I've never done Jack and The Beanstalk before. Ian and Noleen are both so lovely and the script is so funny, I can’t wait to get stuck into the songs and rehearsals and look forward to seeing you all on the run up to Christmas.

Ian Kells and Noleen Esler from Mr Hullabaloo productions said. “We are delighted to be producing and directing our 14th Consecutive pantomime for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough council. Having written a brand new script and an original musical score for this year’s show, our pantomime productions just seem to get bigger and better every year! Jack and the Beanstalk promises young and old a Giant of a tale with spectacular scenery, costumes, puppetry and a fabulously talented cast of all singing, all dancing performers! We can’t wait to

bring the magic of another fun filled family panto to the Borough this Christmas.”

Performances will take place from Saturday 2 December to Sunday 17 December, 2023. Tickets are now on sale at thecourtyardtheatre.com at £12 each which includes a meet and greet with the wonderful characters after the show. Make sure to get yours quickly before they sell out! You can also find info about private school performances on the website.

TRAVEL Student

By Gavyn Andrews

Thinking of Traveling as a STUDENT?

Travelling as a student can be one of the best educational experiences you can ever have and I personally think its the perfect time to take the opportunity to take a risk and try something different and explore further a field or the country you live in. You might even have considered taking a Gap year meaning you could take this year to work, or even train overseas.

When I left High school back in 1997 (Yes Old I know) I didn’t have many options open to me but one thing I loved was travel, all aspects of it from the the airport buzz, airlines, flying experiences to the overseas holiday resort atmosphere where I seen Young UK Holiday Reps being treated like rock stars looking after daily arrivals of tourists wanting to get away from the daily grind of life in UK & Ireland. So as you can imagine it inspired me to want to become a Holiday Rep so much so that it was these very experiences that lead me to take a leap of faith and apply for my first Summer Season job as a Travel Rep in Turkey. A risk at the very start of my career which I never thought would lead me to a career spanning over 20 years now in tourism.

So if your struggling to find your place in the world since getting your GCSE, A Level or degree results then I want you to really think about travel either as a vacation or potential career opportunity, should it be to simply get away from the stress of your exams and subsequent results and embrace the world which is open to you NOW.

Travel is very much an individual experience and this can be very much seen on social media and TV programs such as Club Reps, or even Ibiza weekender. These shows tracked holiday reps working often busy seasons on some of the most popular sunshines destinations for the youth markets mixing jobs and true party lifestyles and all the ups and downs that go with such a job. The main thing to take from these types of shows is that all of these individuals come from very different backgrounds but have one thing in common and that is the passion they have for travel.

Often you may think Travel is out of reach due to prices of flights hotels etc but it doesn’t have to be expensive and like I said before you could even try and get a job for 3 months or more as a rep or Club PR for example overseas meeting and greeting guests at airports providing airport transfers or even as an entertainment rep in hotels, camp sites, bars. Popular Rep job positions for 18-24 year olds are advertised annually in Marbella ,Magaluf, Malia, Mykonos, Kavos, Barcelona and Dubai.

I guess it all comes down to the person you are and your motivation for traveling ie Adventurous, Sporty even extroverted . In 2023 many people make a living from simply traveling and reviewing destinations products and services from flights , hotels, hostels to actual events or attractions which could be something to think about. (Social Media wasn’t a thing 20 odd years ago but Social

Media Influencer’s can now make a fortune).

As an LGBTQ person it is a perfect opportunity to get out into the world and experience the global community and to see how different and diverse it is compared to maybe your home environment for instance via attending Global Prides, Circuit Parties. Frankly its an opportunity for you to both let loose and also learn more about the community and the options which could be open to you now and in the future. Its important for me to also point out that you will have some negative experiences during overseas travel or working overseas but its good to learn and build your knowledge and experience.

When I was younger there was very few LGBTQ travel brands or even hotels and any that did exist where not mainstream and almost always seemed to operate only from the back page adverts in LGBTQ magazines such as gay times for example. I am remembering a brand called Throb Holidays who offered privately owned Self catering accommodation in Ibiza and Gran Canaria. I am delighted to say that in 2023 and beyond things are much more open and we have many LGBTQ friendly tour operators and even hotel Chains such as Axel Hotels aimed solely at our community.

Gay Travellers can still come up against prejudice in many forms from being refused accommodation, entry into venues or even jailed in some countries simply being yourself. Some countries around the world are still not welcoming and find homosexuality illegal and can imprison due to religious beliefs and laws. Due to this I always stress for people to do research chat to others who have visited countries you might wish to visit but who don’t seem to be as welcoming or as open as they should be. Your safety matters and not feeling safe should not be an option for me or you. I was thinking back to the Football World Cup held in Qatar recently and was highly disturbed with the unwelcoming scenes that came out from the tournament especially considering the country was hosting a global event.

At this point I would like to recommend some key places that I think as a student you could visit both short haul and long haul.

Each year Northern Irelands International flight program gets larger and larger but I think some of the most common Sun spots offer you the cheapest and also the most flexible duration options so the Spanish Costas are a great place to start so yes resorts like Benidorm, Sitges and Barcelona are fantastic options for gay students for friendliness and price.

Greece is another firm favourite with Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, & Mykonos all offering some excellent accommodations , resorts and cities to explore including the country’s capital city Athens which has a very exciting and rich history with excellent LGBTQ nightlife experiences to be had.

I personally have a passion for Malta which has an amazing welcome for LGBTQ travellers and has some fantastic annual events all set within some of the most historical sites in the Med and I feel hosts one of the best annual Gay Pride events on the Global Pride calendar.

Long Haul Destinations such as , Vietnam, Laos , Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada all spring to mind as top student travel destinations for both experiences and price. Committing to long haul travel means a very different type of travel experience due to language differences , distance, food, hygiene and cultures. It also usually means longer trips and therefore more and more money will be needed to fund the trip and any planned activities. One way to do this type of trip is by teaching English especially if you already hold some kind of a degree for a UK college or University as TEFEL is widely accepted for teaching and earning potential. Its also noteworthy that if you travel as a group prices can be lower as your spreading the costs between you and you could also therefore afford better accommodations than when travelling alone.

International airlines offer round the world tickets with multiple stops and changes allowed and I love the freedom this gives any traveller because depending on your budget and overall pre planned durations you could really go anywhere. If this is something you had been thinking of then its really worthwhile planning it out for example maybe thinking of key cities you want to visit or key historical sites that you want to incorporate. When thinking of a round the world ticket you will need to factor in Passport entry requirements so Visas often pay a part in peoples decision making. Many countries will offer you 90 days free tourist visas but if you wish to stay longer its important to know your individual rights as you may be better applying for longer type visas before travel ie like maybe when thinking about Australia or USA you can apply online.

When travelling as a student its important to know that International Hostels are a fantastic base in many countries because they are often cheap and have dedicated teams to both help you during your visits when it comes to what to see and do and how to do it on a smaller budget. Also depending on your background some of these types of accommodation offer jobs also like sports coaching, or scuba teachers or even bar/entertainment work.

Once you are in destination getting around will be a cost factor so its worthwhile investigating discounted rail, coach and even cycling because you want to be able to get around as cheap as possible. If you don’t have a International Student card it might be worthwhile getting one for discount reasons.

Knowing the countries tech capabilities is also important because things like phone call, texts and data roaming can be pricy for UK phone contract holders so its worthwhile getting local Sim only deals and also downloading

destination Food delivery Apps or promotional visitor attraction apps and even language translation apps.

My advice for anyone thinking about taking a long student travel trip is to pack light because you can often buy anything you need when overseas. One massive thing not to scrimp on though is your Travel Insurance Policy. This is something many students overlook but its often something which is required due to people falling ill or having accidents when abroad. If your planning a long trip or a round the world trip my advice is to purchase an annual multi trip policy with a high medical coverage and if possible buy the best level the policy offers you on everything and always read the small print.

Travel in any form is supposed to be fun and the experience memorable so plan to do things outside of your comfort zone. Think Sky Dive, Diving with Sharks etc but of course it depends on where your visiting and a short stay means you won’t get to see everything in any destination but a visitors experience should be enough time for you to judge If you would want to come back and explore a place or country more.

Charity Travel is also an option and one which I was lucky enough to take part in for a global Home building charity called Habitat for Humanity. I signed up to an Global Charity event to build houses for the poor overseas and the charity I chose did this amazing thing in over 30 different countries so the opportunities of places to visit where endless. You will have to either pay to go or fundraise to pay to go but its a fantastic thing to do both as a volunteer or on an individual basis because you get to travel as part of a small or large group, learn new skills , visit a country you may not have thought about before and have the opportunity to live with locals and immerse yourself in that country’s culture.

I understand any travel might seem daunting but life itself is daunting at least this plan is on your terms so no matter if its a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland or a Global event like World Pride in Sydney 2023. Or a year long travel adventure you know its been a choice you made and you decide what to do and what not to do.

I cannot stress enough that travel is an education in itself and you will 100% at least know yourself better when you come back and reflect on what you did what you achieved often not even realising your achievements until you return.

Not taking the risk to travel is in itself not taking the opportunity to get to know yourself better and find a path for your future short term or even longterm.

Good luck to you all wherever your individual itinerary takes you.

& CHILL

Saw X Out Now

John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game. Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer -- only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.

The Exorcist: Believer Out Now

Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding (Tony winner and Oscar® nominee Leslie Odom, Jr.; One Night in Miami, Hamilton) has raised their daughter, Angela (Lidya Jewett, Good Girls) on his own. But when Angela and her friend Katherine (newcomer Olivia Marcum), disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and, in his terror and desperation, seek out the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before: Chris MacNeil.

Trolls Band Together

20th October

After two films of true friendship and relentless flirting, Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) are now officially, finally, a couple (#broppy)! As they grow closer, Poppy discovers that Branch has a secret past. He was once part of her favorite boyband phenomenon, BroZone, with his four brothers: Floyd (Golden Globe nominated electropop sensation Troye Sivan), John Dory (Eric André; Sing 2), Spruce (Grammy winner Daveed Diggs; Hamilton) and Clay (Grammy winner Kid Cudi; Don’t Look Up). BroZone disbanded when Branch was still a baby, as did the family, and Branch hasn’t seen his brothers since. Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop-culture obscurity.

Killers of the Flower Moon

20th October

Enormous in runtime, theme, and achievement, Killers of the Flower Moon is a sobering appraisal of America’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and yet another artistic zenith for Martin Scorsese and his collaborators. Based on David Grann’s broadly lauded best-selling book, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set in 1920s Oklahoma and depicts the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation, a string of brutal crimes that came to be known as the Reign of Terror.

Five Nights at Freddy’s

27th October

Production by Blumhouse Productions and Striker Entertainment. This Horror, Mystery & thriller follows a troubled security guard as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realizes the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through.

Dune Part Two

3rd November

“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

The Marvels

10th November

Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team-up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as “The Marvels.”

Napoleon

22nd November

“Napoleon” is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

Wish

24th November

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force--a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe--the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico--to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

FRESHERS GUIDE TO BELFAST

With a whole city centre, hundreds of pubs and thousands of things to do it can be tricky navigating the beautiful Belfast. Lucky for you though, we have made a little guide to help figure out where to go, on what night whether you’re a big drinker, or fancy a bit of sober socialising.

On Monday nights you have a fair few picks for drinking venues. A fantastic place for students on a Monday night is Fourteen Tomb Street with its six6six promotion –and there is a reason they’ve named it after the devil – with 60p spirits, 60p bottle and 60p shots alongside some of the best trance northern Ireland has to offer it is truly sinful how cheap it is, and you will definitely feel like your in hell on Tuesday morning. If you don’t want to be THAT drunk, but still fancy a boogie you could head to Warehouse – it offers a little bit ravey vibes and has a bus that picks you up from various locations in the City Centre to take you to the venue that is just a little bit outside the centre. If you are new here, or have made new friends here or are just a bit unsure of what vibe you fancy head over to Scratch Mondays at Limelight. With a lovely blend of rave and cheesy music it is perfect for groups that have a varied music taste – or just like a bit of both. For Tuesday night, you have Karaoke night at Cuckoo, a bar that also hosts a variety of quiz nights, pool and has an arcade, with so much to do, you can’t possibly get bored. ‘Oh but what if I’m not much of a singer’, that’s kind of the point. Karaoke nights at Cuckoo are so shameless that it is more about the craic than the harmonies. Speaking of Craic though, Tuesday nights are also the night for Craic’s 90 at Filthy McNasties with lots of drinks promos. It also boasts beer pong tables outside so you can show off your skills or laugh with your new mates at the lack thereof – plus a bit of healthy competition can help break the ice.

Filthy McNasties (lovingly dubbed ‘Filthies’) is also open on a Wednesday night for Remedy Wednesdays, so if you love it on

Tuesday, you’ll love it even more on a Wednesday. However, if you are fancying a change, new night new place, you can head over to UFO Wednesdays at Limelight, UFO is perfect for the ravers among us but both venues do super deals for students, so either is a solid choice. There’s a reason Filthies and Limelight are a favourite of students, cause they both have another event on Thursday Nights! Filthies hosts DSQO and Limelight hosts Babba – both have excellent tunes and excellent drink deals – maybe just pick the one you’ve been to least this week?

Friday, the weekend is starting, you’re done with lectures for the week and you are ready to party. But where? The Queens SU club is the place to be for Students on a Friday night with £5 cocktails and tasty food this night out gives you a fairly decent bang for your buck – but then again it is a student union, cheap and cheerful kind of comes with the territory.

Saturday night you may feel like venturing a bit further into the city to Revolution at the Kremlin – this is also a gay bar, so you never know you might find the love of your life – or just of the night. It is a bit of a hike for most students but it is insanely worth it and plus, once you’ve got your alcohol jacket on you won’t feel the cold that Belfast is famous for. If you aren’t feeling the dander however, you can always head to Cuckoo where you can take advantage of the amazing drink deals – or potentially rock, paper, scissors your way into a free one – and yes that is actually a thing.

Sunday funday as they say! For those of you that can’t go out on a Saturday Night due to part-time jobs or sports or whatnot don’t worry! Sunday is every hospitality worker’s night out –ask your co-workers. (and the people going out aren’t mainly students so you’ve a better chance at scoring free drinks ). The Hatfield is always a good shout for a Sunday night party, hosted weekly by Micky Quinn and showcasing some of the best live music.

For those of us that are not big drinkers or just fancy a night or two to recover – don’t worry there is still so much Belfast has to offer!

For starters, Belfast has an amazing comedy scene! Monday nights you can take your pick of the bunch with shows being hosted at the Pavilion, Laverys or the Monday Night Comedy club on the Ormeau Road, among others. If you’re busy Monday, don’t worry because on Tuesday you can head to the Comedy circuit at The Empire. It has great drink deals on as well so it’s perfect if you aren’t a drinker, but your friends are or visaversa.

For the rest of the week, feel free to mix and match as many of the activities that tickle your fancy. If you’re a fan of ice hockey (or watching fit men slam each other into walls and wishing it was you)

the infamous Belfast giants do cheap ticket deals from time to time during the season. I can’t tell you when because it is never preannounced but if you can snag one it’s definitely worth going – even if you aren’t a big sports or hockey fan. The atmosphere is electric, you get to have a fun little sing song and as sports go it is really easy to follow even if you don’t really know the rules.

Uni stressful? People pissing you off on the daily? That one flatmate that just will not do their flipping dishes? Go throw some axes at Black Axe throwing co or Axe Yard and get the anger out – or just do it for fun, or picture your ex, you do you it’s your life.

Not a fan of violence? How about some wholesome mini-golfing? There are multiple places that offer both indoor Mini-golf at the Lost city and or head outdoors at Dundonald’s Pirates Adventure. A healthy bit of competition is always a great way to bond with newfound friends – or old friends for that matter. If you’re in Dundonald anyway you could always nab an activity package and go for a round of Bowling or Ice-skating too and

make a day of it. When you have finally finished your day of fun you can simply dander across the road where you’ll find a whole host of delicious restaurants where you can refuel before heading home.

Escape rooms are also a fantastic activity, and they are also littered in and around the city centre. As we all know it’s better (and cheaper) with a bigger group so round up your flatmates or course mates and head off to stop the titanic sinking or save Hogwarts or stop a deadly virus taking over the world – whatever tickles your fancy. It’s also a great icebreaker if you struggle to start conversations, and often ends up with a fair few funny stories or inside jokes.

For a wholesome Sunday activity why not grab some of your mates, hike up Cavehill and take in the beautiful landscape of our wee city – bonus points if you bring a picnic –extra bonus points if everyone makes it up and back down not caked in mud.

Finally, I cannot write a guide to Belfast without telling you to visit the Titanic museum and the docks, so go visit the titanic museum and the docks – it has the iconic movie staircase and who doesn’t want to see that.

Feature by Megane Herrick

DISCOVERING YOUR SEXUALITY WHILE STUDYING

Whether you’re an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+, or in it but not out, or not sure if you’re in it or not, going to University can be terrifying, exciting or even both. How do you come out to your flatmates? What about homophobes? What do I do if I just don’t know, how do I figure it out? These are all really serious concerns, but hopefully we can help to alleviate some of them and get you hyped about beginning the next big chapter of your life.

For those of us that are out and proud, no matter how proud you are there is always the worry that your flatmate could be homophobic. Although the chances are smaller now, it’s 2023, it is still 100% a very real concern that is not silly to have. However, most universities have a zero tolerance policy for discrimination or bullying, so if you feel unsafe, or are being treated badly by silly little bigots, report them. I know there will be that worry of ‘but wont that make it worse not better?’, of course there is a chance that will happen. However, the chances of them acting right for fear of getting expelled, or you being moved to a safer place to live are much likelier. You have to do what feels right for you in the situation, but it’s better to speak up, if not for yourself, for the next LGBTQIA+ person that they meet.

Another big thing is coming out. Whether that be to your flatmates, your course mates or your new budding friendships. Listen, there’s a million ways to do this, but again, you are uniquely you, do what feels right to you, what matches your personality or what matches the version of you that you want to be. Coming out when you first move in does not have to be a whole big song and dance, unless of course you want it to be. Some of you may be sitting thinking, I wish I didn’t have to tell them, I wish they just knew, and there are ways and means around that, that can also be quite fun. You could wear a t-shirt moving in, or on your first few days around them, that says ‘Sounds gay I’m in’ or ‘GAY AF’ or any other combination of words that gets the point across in a totally nonchalant, I’m out and I’m proud kind of way – Esty is great for this type of thing. Another great no-big-deal-

way is a classic game for new students – Never Have I Ever. Listen, by the end of your years in Uni the questions will get a bit wild and insanely specific but at the start, when you’re all getting to know each other someone will say ‘Never have I ever kissed someone of the same sex’ or something along those lines. That’s then your que to take a drink, as the game goes, and just say ‘well I’m gay so duh’. Easy peasy, no dramas, next question. In the first couple days there can be a lot of chatter to get to know each other, where is everyone from, what is everyone studying, and you can just ask ‘what is everyone’s pronouns?’ ‘What is everyone’s sexuality?’. I get that coming out can seem scary but at the end of the day, who you sleep with is as important and unimportant as what music you like, there is no need to make a scene if it’s not your vibe, or if you’ve been out for years and just don’t feel like its that big a deal anymore.

If you want to have a deep and meaningful conversation about it, that’s okay too, you can do that. Everyone talks for the first few weeks of university and trust me when I say that everyone is as desperate to make friends as everyone else. You can always wait a few days, see who you vibe with and come out to them one on one during a late night or early morning chat. You can ask your flat or friends to gather and do a monologue that you have pre-rehearsed in the mirror or the shower. It might even be your first time coming out to someone – and that can definitely be a scary thing so don’t feel that you need to tell everyone straight away – or at all. We are all running our own race, so run at your own pace – and jog or walk or pause when you feel like you need to.

Another big thing is ‘giving it the old college try’ – meaning exploring your sexuality during your time at University. You might not know if you are gay yet, you might be thinking ‘hmm maybe I’m not too sure’, or you may be feeling a little bit mixed and know that you aren’t really straight, but you aren’t quite sure where you fit on the spectrum yet. That is not only perfectly okay – that is not only normal – that is so exciting for you. University opens up a realm that you

haven’t explored yet, people you haven’t met yet, opportunities that you didn’t even know existed. So, you can – and should if you want to – explore. Explore new things, places and even people while exploring your sexuality and identity. Don’t get me wrong, this too has some scary bits. What if you’re out, exploring with your lips and then the point of the night comes where there’s even more exploring, and you aren’t ready. Listen, Rome wasn’t built in a day, your identity doesn’t need to be either. It’s perfectly okay to panic and run away, it’s okay to let your partner (or person you met in the bar) know that you are new to this and feeling a little overwhelmed, any half decent person will understand this, and many will have been through it themselves. It’s like losing your virginity all over again, don’t do it till you are ready.

That being said, you never know till you try. Step out of your comfort zone a little bit. The best part of university, especially when you live away from home whether that is 2 hours or 2000 miles away, is that you get to pick who you are, you are not confined by the rules or expectations or your parents, or the people in school that think wearing leather is ‘out there’. You get to be the version of you that you were maybe too afraid to show, or you showed and were put down for. Wear whatever you want! Seriously, nobody really cares that much, you will realise that everyone around you is too busy trying to figure out who they are and trying to be an adult to give a damn about what you are wearing, how you present yourself or where you like to put your genitals (unless of course they are hot in which case show us pictures please!). You get to be the authentic version of you now, the new version of you if you want to reinvent yourself. You get to pick your identity and your sexuality. Scary? Obviously. But also, how fl ipping exciting!

Feature by Megane Herrick

HAIR

Danny Malone

What an extraordinary year it has been, embarking on my journey as a Revlon Professional Visionaire. This incredible opportunity has unlocked a world of possibilities for me propelling me towards new heights in my career. Imagine my elation when I discovered that I had become a finalist for Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year at the prestigious British Hairdressing Awards. This accomplishment has been a lifelong aspiration ever since I first set foot in the world of hairdressing a decade ago. To have the chance to showcase my boundless creativity on such a grand stage is nothing short of a dream come true.

But that’s not all! I have been granted the extraordinary opportunity to display my talents at Salon International in London alongside my fellow Visionaries. On stage, I will captivate the audience with my live demonstration on models at the esteemed Hairdressing Journal Pod Stage. I want to thank Jayne Lewis-

Orr for this opportunity.

To be entrusted with such a privilege is truly humbling and I am grateful beyond words. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my salon Macc Hair and my incredible friends and family who have stood by my side throughout this remarkable journey.

I would be remiss if I didn’t express my heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed, award-winning hairdresser, Mark Leeson, his partner Richard Darby and the entire Revlon team. Their guidance and mentorship have been invaluable in shaping me into the professional I am today. I owe them a debt of gratitude for believing in my potential and pushing me to surpass my own expectations. This extraordinary chapter in my career is just the beginning, and I am excited to continue growing, learning and making waves in the world of hairdressing.

NAVIGATING UNI: A GUIDE TO GETTING A GOOD START BEFORE THE SEMINARS

It’s been a long hot summer, but the party is far from over. Freshers/students everywhere will be planning nights of fun before the studying starts.

With over 160 Universities across Britain, there is no doubt there will be parties, pop-ups, and even some study prep starting in September. And as a right of passage into higher education, you’ll be engaged in social events throughout the days and nights.

Preparing to make a first impression is key. Whether this is packing your favourite crop top or red mini dress to give you a boost of confidence, or researching clubs that speak to you, there’s plenty of prep you can do before heading off for your freshers’ week fun.

Getting thrown into the world of higher education can be intimidating, and with so many choices within the first week, making sure you’re well-prepared for the transition is crucial.

Whether you’re staying in your home city or moving somewhere else, researching your university’s schedules and freshers’ events can help you plan out your first-week itinerary, so you don’t miss out on the events you really want to attend. You don’t want to be double booking yourself and finding you’ve missed out on lifelong friendships by going to that coffee morning rather than the local club!

This welcome period is incredibly busy, and for many, it might be well away from the family home. Making sure you’ve packed all your essentials and necessities ahead of time is essential as it can give you less to worry about when you get there and a chance to settle in properly. You don’t want to be worrying you’ve forgotten your favourite shoes the second before you run out the door!

Making the most of social events

Socialising is a huge part of freshers’ week, and making the most out of it can help you find lifelong friends and settle in that bit easier. Whether you’re learning about your new flatmates or finding people on your course!

Things can be expensive and with the student budget being tight, you need to find ways of enjoying yourself without breaking the bank. In 2021, students spent up to £421 a week, more than the previous two years. It can be easy to splash the cash when contactless is involved –but managing your finances can mean you don’t miss out on more events further down the line.

Resisting the urge to spend those extra pounds on an iced coffee or that extra shot can make the difference between eating plain pasta or eating out. Thankfully, bars and clubs are known for putting special deals on for new students, but spreading out your social events can help your money last longer, if you don’t mind missing out every now and then!

And some events don’t have to cost you anything. In fact, there are some events (like freshers’ fairs) where you can get free merchandise, vouchers, and more.

Look out for orientation sessions, campus tours, fairs, student clubs, and societies. Now is the perfect time to settle yourself in environments that will help grow your passions and hobbies away from your degree.

Here are the types of societies you can expect to come across:

Sporting societies – sports societies can be a great place to meet lifelong friends (or even rivals!) and we’ve all heard one rumour or another about their initiations. During freshers’ week, you’ll notice various sporting societies available, including football, rugby, and netball. By joining, you’ll have the opportunity to play your favourite sport, compete in tournaments, and of course, make new friends!

Cultural societies – socialise your way through various cultural societies, including music, dance, theatre, and literature. Learn a new skill or develop one you already have, all while building connections with like-minded students.

Political societies – political societies within universities are often a great way to get involved in debates, campaigns, and even more social events with the aim of changing things around campus. This way you can find friends who share the same passions as you!

University is your opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. So, if you’ve always wanted to learn that extra language, find out how good you are with a football, or take part in something that makes a change for good on your campus, this is the time to do it.

Exploring the area

If you’ve just moved to a brand-new city, you’ll have a lot of exploring to do. Whether this is finding the local student pub or fighting your way through the crowds to the nearest hotspot,

finding your feet in a new location involves a bit of adventure.

It is okay to be a tourist in your new home! You might even find that visiting the big attractions might lead you to some of the hidden treasures. So, the next time your flatmate is heading out for their next food shop, or someone on your course wants a field trip, there is nothing to lose in exploring with them.

Looking after yourself

There’s a lot to get your head around, and this is only intensified if you’ve just moved from your home city to a brand-new part of the country. And by meeting so many new faces, freshers’ flu is just around the corner. Avoid missing out on social events, or even your first lectures, because of a sore throat, pounding headache, and high temperature. Instead, make sure you’re looking after your well-being as much as possible.

Get plenty of rest, eat well, and drink alcohol responsibly. If you do feel a tickle coming on, reaching out to a pharmacist can get you the best medicine to fight off the first-week sickness.

Having a few self-care nights and pampering sessions can be a great break away from all the chaos and a time to really get to know your new friends without having to yell over loud music. Watch your favourite film on Netflix, grab some face masks, and spend the night in instead of out.

The early weeks can set the tone for your entire university experience, so make sure you are spending the time doing what you love. Haven’t managed to tick every single box that you want to tick? Don’t worry, there is plenty of time to discover, or rediscover, yourself over again!

Sources

https://www.thefreshersguide.com/events https://www. thefreshersguide.com/events

https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/ news/freshers-week-spending-recor d-high-uk

https://www.savethestudent.org/save-money/health/freshers-flu. html

https://www.studyin-uk.com/uk-study-info/universityrankings/#:~:text=How%20many%20univers ities%20are%20 there,for%20a%20variety%20of%20reasons.

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REAL LIFEAnton

I am a 31 year old gay/queer man. On Sunday September 17th I competed in my first Men’s Physique bodybuilding show in the Millennium Forum, Derry. I was never into fitness or exercise even at school, where I preferred subjects like art and music so as you can imagine prepping for such a comp has been a journey.

I wanted to share my story in the hope that it may make the gym/ bodybuilding scene less intimidating and more accessible to other queer people.

I am a 31 year old gay/queer man. On Sunday September 17th I competed in my first Men’s Physique bodybuilding show in the Millennium Forum, Derry. I was never into fitness or exercise even at school, where I preferred subjects like art and music so as you can imagine prepping for such a comp has been a journey.

I wanted to share my story in the hope that it may make the gym/bodybuilding scene less intimidating and more accessible to other queer people.

I left home at 18 to study fashion and textiles and later, music production in London. Having gone to school at Inst in Belfast and being wrapped in cotton wool, the move was not easy. I became very immersed in queer culture and nightlife. I DJ’d and hosted many club nights, including Jodie Harsh’s iconic Room Service. At the height of it, I was DJing at one of London’s super dance clubs, EGG at Kings Cross, for Jim Warboy’s night HEROES. Aesthetically, I dressed very androgynously - 8” platform heels, wigs, makeup etc but never considered myself a drag queen - I kept my own name. There were times I doubted my gender and in hindsight, I suffered gender dysphoria. I lived a very intense and hectic lifestyle, Djing, studying and working a part time job. Drugs were part and parcel of that lifestyle. There was a period where I would have left the house on a Thursday night, packed a bag, and not returned home until Sunday or Monday morning, going from a club to after

party back to a club on repeat for those days without having eaten or slept. The drugs had started to affect my physical and mental health severely. Physically, I was down to just over 50kg as a 5ft 10” man. Mentally, I suffered from acute paranoid delusions. It got to the point that the delusions were happening even when I was not using drugs. On the positive side, it was a lot of fun.I attended some iconic events, like Boy George’s 50th at FIRE, Vauxhall and a benefit for the Isabella Blow Foundation hosted by Daphne Guinness and members of the Blow family. I had been featured in a nude photoshoot alongside, to name a few, Munroe Bergdorf and Jonbenet Blonde (Jonbers Blonde as she is now known by) shot by David Bailey for Ponystep magazine. The general consensus was that none of us liked the pictures and most of us didn’t keep a copy of them. However, now, I wish I had to reminisce

I met very unique people who I will remember forever. My best friend and flatmate at the time was a Portuguese guy who I often DJ’d with. He came from the Portuguese aristocracy and his family are well known in Portugal and in Lisbon. During our time together, he was penniless, his family money was blocked for various reasons and he was very much working through this in his own head. It was very much a riches to rags situation. We often joked that we lived just like in Grey Gardens - no food in the fridge but Chanel jackets and Burkin bags laying on the floor in our

Whitechapel flat. He could never part with his clothes as it was the only connection he had left with his old or “real” life. To this day, he was the most intelligent person I have ever met, and I definitely grew as a person being around him. He was a very transformative person by nature, working as a freelance stylist where he could get work. He had a very unique aesthetic and artistic outlook and definitely influenced my outlook artistically and in life in general.

I realised I had to leave London and start to recover after having had a massive bust up with him after a party one night. He had moved out a week after that episode and I had moved home another week after that. The next 5 or more years were very much like rehab for me. I took a job with a camping tour operator working in campsite receptions in South of France, Lake Garda and Spain. It was very therapeutic being in the sun, sea and nature and was definitely what I needed at the time although I didn’t look how I wanted to look.

Looking good and feeling good is a big driving force in my life. Even as a child, I was always into aesthetics and favoured things that were a little more out there as a boy - not being allowed a pair of jelly shoe sandals springs but to mind here. I never felt average as a person and never wanted to look average. This was all part and parcel of how I presented myself in the London years. As I became more comfortable and secure identifying as a man, I wanted to express this

aesthetically in my own Anton way.

I always knew that I needed an outlet for my intensity and obsessive compulsive nature. I started to go to the gym inconsistently during the end of my time working abroad, but after Covid my training was consistent although inefficient and had no knowledge on diet either. I had a niggling feeling in the back of my mind that I wanted to show and compete, but I knew the PT I was with at the time didn’t have the knowledge to take me there.

At this point, I was very aware that there are not very many people in this country who have proper knowledge when it comes to bodybuilding and doing things the “new way” rather than how they used to bodybuild in the 80’s. I had been following Josh Coyle for a year or so on instagram and saw the results he was getting. He started to coach out of the gym I was training in at the time, Lisburn. I had a conversation with him and decided to make the switch over.

I think it is fair to say that Josh hadn’t had a client like me before and was doubtful of my want for it, considering the work , effort, pain and sacrifice it takes. However, I knew

how bad I wanted it, I knew how much work it would take and I knew he would be able to take me there. I definitely had to “earn my stripes” with Josh and now we have a great and effective working relationship.

Aside from Josh, Beverley, my best friend, training partner and personal therapist has been my biggest support. We met each other

error of judgment or mistake is something I never take for granted.

In terms of my bodybuilding progression, men are definitely a distraction. The anxiety it can give me makes me miss a meal which all adds up when bulking, not to mention increase cortisol levels. During the 15 week show prep, I have been much better at cutting that out. Show prep has taught me to bring the energy back to self and focus on methere is definitely an element of self-love in this. The hunger and tiredness is a killer on show prep, but the changes you see week on week, day on day make it addictive and worth the suffering.

through the gym in Lisburn and instantly had a connection with each other. She also bodybuilds and being able to bounce ideas and experiences off each other is invaluable. Not to mention the therapy and support we can give each other when it comes to men and other distractions. Being able to put each other back on track and support each other even if we feel the other is making an

There will always be a drive within me to seek out extremities in life. I feel that I am able to channel that energy into bodybuilding and so, the energy is more controlled. Without bodybuilding, I believe it would run rampant again, become destructive and I would be drawn into a lifestyle similar to how I was living in London. This considered, alongside my drive for aesthetics, looking good and feeling good, it makes a good marriage between myself and bodybuilding.

There is a card in the tarot - The Devil, It

symbolises a negative force that cannot be overcome, only worked around. There are connections with addiction and destruction to this card and this is the best way I can describe the energy within and how I have tried to manage it.

There are other aspects to my ongoing transformation too. I always wanted tattoos and piercings. I never got them for fear of offending my family. Doing show prep has given me the confidence to go ahead with this despite what others may think, to look and live the way I want to rather than living my life for the approval of others. Seeking approval of others was something I searched for even outside my family unit. There are plenty of people who don’t get it, don’t get bodybuilding and try to put it down by saying it is unhealthy (which it is) but again, I think about what I would be doing if it wasn’t in my life. It is an extreme sport and isn’t for everyone and the mindset counts for a lot. But I have learnt not to take on others’ projection of it onto myself. This mindset has transferred to other areas of my life and so, has boosted my self esteem and self confidence.

I believe that intense and transformative energy is prevalent within the queer community. I would like to see more openly queer, camp, effeminate men exist within the bodybuilding community in this country, as there are really only a handful. I appreciate that for these types of people, it can seem an intimidating world, and at first it certainly was for me. Even small things were hard, that most hetronormative folk take for granted; like getting changed in the changing rooms. This would trigger locker room anxiety, rooted back to getting changed for PE in school and being paranoid that others in the changing rooms were uncomfortable, simply by the fact that I am an outwardly gay/queer man. And let’s be honest, that isn’t paranoia, that’s what’s going on, but I learnt not to give it much thought. That is their own issue, prejudice

and negativity and is important to actively not take that on board. There were men I overheard having conversations in the gym that I wasn’t going to progress simply by the fact that I was too effeminate or not “hard enough” for it. It is important to acknowledge that we all have and have had our own journey and some of us have had our “dark knight of the soul” experience which has prepared us for the next chapter in our life.

It is now peek week, the week leading up to the show. I am both excited and nervous for the day. Whatever happens, the competition has always been against myself, and considering my past, I have already won making it to stage. After the show I will continue my own transformation and aim to compete in the classic division in 2025. I hope that sharing my story will encourage other men like me to start the gym and bodybuilding, especially if they have already been thinking about it.

are looking for. He argued that you should compete out of love and passion for the sport and if you get rewarded for it, then that is a bonus. This resonated with me and was very much the attitude I went into the show with. It felt so good to be back on stage. As there were so many of us, we were on stage for a long time and it was hard to hold the mandatory poses and contract the muscles for so long. I placed 2nd and came home with a silver medal and trophy. I was over the moon to have come second. The whole thing was an experience over the course of the two days, from getting the tan, meeting others who are as passionate about the sport as I am, being on stage and of course the feeling of accomplishment after placing second. Since the show, I have felt that my life has more direction and focus. I will carry on doing my thing and will aim to compete in classic physique in 2025, first i’ll spend 2024 adding more muscle mass especially around my arms and legs.

It’s now two weeks after show day in Derry. The line up was stacked - 9 competitors in total in my class. I didn’t know there were so many until I was backstage. There were definitely competitors that had more muscle mass than me and at first I was intimidated by that. But something clicked within, and I can remember saying to myself - “I’ve come this far I’m just gonna have to bring it now.” Bodybuilding is such a subjective sport and is judged much like how an art teacher marks their class’s work. It is judged on size (muscle mass), conditioning, balance, symmetry, posing and stage presence. One judge may place more importance on one of these facets than the other. I had watched a video by an IFBB pro who argued that it is not a good mindset to show up to a show with the belief that you are going to win or place. Considering how subjective the sport is, it is so dependent on who shows up to compete on the day and what the judges

In many ways, I felt that this was a full circle moment from my time spent in London, and can put a lot of those issues and insecurities to bed that have stayed with me from my time in London. But on the other hand, in terms of my bodybuilding, this is only the end of chapter one and I am looking forward to what I can achieve with Josh next.

A Humanist Ceremonies wedding gives you the chance to celebrate your marriage with a memorable and meaningful ceremony, totally and authentically personal to the two of you. Warm and welcoming to all, it allows you to mark your special day wherever and whenever you want - the choice is entirely yours.

Our trusted network of Humanist Ceremonies celebrants are experienced in working with couples to create special and significant non-religious marriage ceremonies, capturing your unique and individual stories. Trained to a gold standard by an organisation with more than 125 years’ history, they are all annually accredited, insured and DBS checked so that you can be sure of a professional and reliable service on this most important of occasions.

We have campaigned for marriage equality for decades, and were instrumental in making humanist marriages in Northern Ireland legally recognised. To find out more, and to meet our Humanist Ceremonies Northern Ireland celebrants, visit humanists.uk/northern-ireland/ceremonies/

Big Day

CONTINUE YOUR LOVE STORY AT LA MON HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

Celebrate your special day immersed in natural beauty, rustic charm, with enchanting gardens. Nestled in the heart of the countryside and only 15 minutes from Belfast, La Mon Hotel offers a picturesque setting that will captivate you and your guests from the moment you arrive.

Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our La Mon Hotel offers versatile spaces that can accommodate weddings of various sizes. From small, intimate ceremonies to large, festive affairs, we have the flexibility to make your dream wedding a reality.

Begin your wedding journey with a dedicated wedding co-ordinator who will create a bespoke plan for your special day.

Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our La Mon Hotel offers versatile spaces that can accommodate weddings of various sizes. From small, intimate ceremonies to large, festive affairs, we have the flexibility to make your dream wedding a reality.

On the day let your celebrations be guided by your personal master of ceremonies and experienced banqueting team, ensuring your celebrations and wedding banquet will be a day to remember.

La Mon Hotel & Country Club offers a choice of unique Ceremony Suites allowing you to customize your wedding to suit your personal

style and guest numbers. Our gardens also offer a variety of charming spaces for your ceremony, from intimate alcoves to open lawns weather depending of course.

After your heartfelt exchange of vows, continue the celebration in our rustic yet elegant Foyer with roaring fires and welcoming refreshments. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, it sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing.

Our experienced staff will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring that every detail is carefully attended to.

As a hotel wedding venue, we also provide the added convenience of accommodation for you and your guests. Our well-appointed guest rooms and suites offer a luxurious retreat, allowing you and your loved ones to relax and unwind after a day of celebration with preferential rates for family and friends.

La Mon offers 120 luxury bedrooms and guests can enjoy the Country Club, complete with 15M Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Sauna, & two gymnasiums. In addition, relax and be pampered in Odessi Health & Beauty or La Mon Hair Studio.

Whatever your requirements, our team of Events Professionals will be delighted to assist with your enquiry. Call: +44 (0) 28 9044 8631 or Email: info@lamon.co.uk

OUR BIG DAY Nikki & Jennifer

So tell us how you met, were you single for a long time before you started dating?

Both Jen and I were single for a year and half to 2 years before we met each other.

How long after you started dating did it take to pop the question, was it an immediate yes?

And who and who It took 18 months of dating before I asked the big question, I decorated the garage with 200 plus red and silver balloons, had a soccer ball made with “Jen will you marry me?” printed on it and an Irish engagement ring attached to it. Once I asked her there was a brief pause and Jen said yes!!

Tell us about your big day, location, amount of guests etc. Was it planned pre Covid, had you to alter many things?

As we live in Australia and I don’t have an EU passport we had to have a small wedding in Australia, we originally only wanted to get married in Ireland but unfortunately the consulate said this would not be possible. Even with this hiccup we kept with the plan of having a ceremony at the Lord Bagenal 2 months later with Jens family and friends, 7 Australians joined us as well as 3 members of my Italian family which was amazing. In total we had nearly 100 guests, Sue from the Lord Bagenal organised everything for us, we had a video chat so I could see the room and there were numerous email conversations

over the months leading up to the wedding making all the necessary menu selections, updating guest numbers and seating plans. Any changes or questions we had was never a problem and to be perfectly honest it is so stressful organising one let alone two weddings, a wedding in another country can be daunting when you can’t physically be there but Sue was amazing she made sure we were happy and everything was organised perfectly.

What about the food and drink?

OMG all I can say is 100/100 is was amazing food, all our guests are still commenting on our wedding, the food, drinks and service was perfect. The staff were all amazing, every detail was planned and went off without a hitch for example; Niall had the foresight

having Italian red wine placed at every table as he knew there would be some Italians attending the wedding. I didn’t request this it was just done and it’s all those small things that really make your day amazing. So a massive shout out to Sue ,Niall and their team thank you for an amazing day.

Were there any hiccups or did all go to plan?

The only hiccup was that not realising Jen and I forgot a few guests off the seating plan, eventhough we had gone over it all a thousand times we made a stuff up. We were not told about this until later in the evening as the staff took it in their stride, set the table for the guests and everything went along as if nothing had happened. Absolutely amazing if I knew we had forgotten someone I would have just panicked and been so

stressed but that was all taken care of without us realising.

Have you or are you going on honeymoon?

After the wedding we spent 2 weeks in Ireland and Scotland then we went to Europe for 3 weeks, visiting Copenhagen, Brugge, Ypres, Amsterdam, Paris, Venice, Turin and Balangero and finally Barcelona.

In your day to day lives are you into the same things?

What interests do you have that are different

? In our day to day lives Jen is a fitter and works with trains and I’m a Personal Trainer/ Fitness Instructor so we are from quite different work backgrounds. I love fitness and exercise and Jen loves her soccer which

THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE

WINNER OF COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR

WHY SHOULD WE BE YOUR DREAM WEDDING VENUE?

• Intimate and larger weddings catered

• Award-winning Executive Chef Jonathan Keane

• Indoor & outdoor civil ceremonies

• Picturesque lakeside setting

• Splendid gardens with breathtaking views

• Award-winning personal wedding planner

For further details contact Cora Duggan at the Lodge at Ashford on +353 (0) 94 954 5400 or email cduggan@thelodgeac.com

The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo

she is very passionate about. We have very different tastes in music though, I like hard rock and heavy metal and Jen likes more alternative music.

Do you do everything together or do you like to keep independent?

We usually do everything together but if one of us wants to do something on their own that is totally cool as well.

Have you a family, is this something on the plan for you?

Jen has a 12yr old son named Thomas and I have a 25yr old daughter named Latiya and 2 grand kids – Kayden and Stevie, so no we have no more family planned.

Tell us who made your day possible in terms of rings, flowers, photographer, cars etc

Jen’s sisters, Louise and Kathleen helped us with everything ie: the cake, DJ, sending out wedding invitations, and were just amazing. The rings were ordered from My Irish Jeweller, we brought the flowers, cake toppers and wishing well over with us from Australia and John the photographer/friend travelled over from Australia with us for the wedding.

Has anything changed since you said “I Do”?

No everything is the same it’s now official we are married!!! We’ve been together over 3 years now and still have not had one argument.

Anything else we may have missed that you may want to add/mention?

Jen organised a surprise wedding gift for me in the evening and I would like to thank the “Celtic Dance Company” we were their first wedding they performed at and they were absolutely amazing!!!

LOVE IN EVERY SEASON...

Established in 1970, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club in Monaghan is a prestigious four-star haven that is perfect for hosting your dream wedding day. This family-run establishment is dedicated to providing you and your guests with an unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the charm of Monaghan Town in Ireland’s Ancient East.

At the hotel, you have the option to move in the night before your celebration with your wedding party, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. Our exquisite Sakura Suite serves as the ideal backdrop for your ceremony, boasting romantic pastel tones and opulent wall panelling. This elegant seeing allows you to infuse your own unique touches, making your special day truly personal and memorable.

To ensure a warm Irish welcome for you and your guests, they will be greeted in our private prereception Limewood Suite with refreshing drinks and delectable snacks. They can then relax on our plush crushed velvet sofas, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

When it’s time for your wedding feast, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and accompanied by fine wine, your party will be escorted to the beautifully refurbished Seasons Suite. This versatile space can accommodate parties of all sizes, ranging from intimate gatherings of 25 to grand celebrations of up to 350 guests.

The grounds feature mature and intimate gardens, providing picturesque locations for capturing your precious wedding moments. In addition, they offer the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun’s rays, should the weather be on your side.

To help prolong the party, wedding couples will receive a discounted rate for a selection of comfortable guest rooms. Furthermore, they will have complimentary access to the Superior Suite and two additional guest rooms. All guest rooms include full access to our award-winning Leisure Club and a wholesome full Irish breakfast. With a rich history spanning over half a century in the hospitality industry, the esteemed team takes great pride in providing a truly personalised and customisable service. The team are committed

to ensuring that each wedding hosted receives undivided attention, which is why a strict one wedding per day policy is adhered to. This guarantees that every couple can bask in the lavish experience available, tailored to their unique vision and desires.

Contact a member of the wedding team today on weddings@4seasonshotel.ie or +353 (0)47 81 888 to arrange your private or virtual viewing.

Visit the website today www.4seasonshotel.ie

AZLANS VIRTUAL CYCLE FUNDRAISER

Azlans Virtual Cycle Fundraiser to Support Rugby, Inclusivity, and Diversity

The Azlans, an inclusive rugby club based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is excited to announce a virtual cycle fundraiser in partnership with Ulster University. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in the foyer of the main Ulster University building, where players will pedal 520 miles in one day, equivalent to the distance from Belfast to Stade de France, the venue of this year’s Rugby World Cup final.

The Azlans believe in the transformative power of rugby and teamwork. Their mission is to unite communities, create sporting equality by breaking down barriers, and provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, sexual orientation or experience.

The fundraiser is being held to raise money to support the Azlans’ running costs, including facility rentals, equipment, and travel expenses. Every donation, big or small, will make a meaningful impact.

“We are excited to partner with Ulster University for this virtual cycle fundraiser,” said Gareth Anderson, Head Coach at the Azlans. “Rugby is more than just a sport to us; it’s a force for inclusivity, diversity, and community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in sports and experience the benefits of teamwork and camaraderie.”

To participate in the fundraiser, simply visit the Azlans’ JustGiving page and make a donation. You can also help spread the word by sharing the event with your friends and networks.

“Your support goes beyond our team; it reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the sport and the broader LGBTQ+ community,” said Gareth. “Help us secure the resources needed to ensure the continued growth and success of the Azlans. Together, we can provide top-notch training facilities, opportunities, and a safe, welcoming environment for all.”

The Azlans are a proud part of Ophir RFC. For more information, visit ophirrugby.com or find them on Facebook. This fundraiser is run in association with Ulster University.

HOT HITS AND CELEB BITS!

Gary Campion

With Summer festivals coming to a close, bipolar weather and the start of the educational year, I give you my 4th column….happy listening!

My top 5 hits on repeat What I am listening to!

The latest releases turned earwigs from my onrepeat list:

KylieMinogue-TensionHer second offering from her latest same-titled album following the success of Padam Padam. This screams pure club classic,I predict major play/remixes in clubs worldwide.

Fred Again - Adore you - This song has broken into the mainstream following his take over of “The Other Stage” at Glasto this year and rightfully so….this tune is a total summer feel-good electronic vibe! #WeadoreyouFred

Leigh Anne ft Ayra Starr- My Love - Her 2nd solo single showing there is more to her than bubble-gum pop with an Afro-pop beat and sound, this is one to shake what you’ve got to!!

LostFrequencies-The Feeling - A mesmerising electronic meets countryinfused track set to ignite the airwaves,Get those cowboy hats at the ready #yeeehaw!

New Album releases I’ve previewed to get excited about!!!

Mae Muller - Sorry I’m Late - 29th Sept

After exploding onto the music scene with her 2023 Eurovision entry “I Wrote a Song,” charting at no.9 and becoming a no.1 trending track in the UK, Muller is back with a whooping 17-track debut album….yes you did read that correctly 17 tracks! ‘Sorry I’m Late’ is a love letter to the multiplicity of women, a message to her fans who have stuck by her during a period of growth and self-discovery. A bold voice for a frustrated generation, Mae makes pop music that packs a real punch, and her debut album is no exception. Being lucky enough to have a preview copy of the album, it is safe for me to say that all 17 tracks are deeply personal yet demonstrate her deft ability to celebrate the female experience at large, capturing the mood of her generation with playful precision. She explores love and loss, dating and relationships with fearless honesty, confronting her own experiences whilst also capturing the broader frustrations of young women today. Whilst a fierce feminism often informs her songwriting, her new music exposes a much more vulnerable side. Stand-out tracks for me are “Me, Myself and I” with its disco vibe and dissing lyrics about various men that I assume are from her own romantic experiences. The US chart-topping collaboration with NEIKED and Polo G “Better Days” and “Somebody New,” a pure pop bop about seeing your ex with somebody new and

the heartbreak that you can feel. Mae, there is no need to apologise for being late, this album is pure perfection!

Jorja Smith - Falling or Flying - 29th Sept

Delta Goodrem - Back to Your Heart - Fresh from seeing her Dublin gig this has not been out of my ears! Her 1st release on her own record label, I just ADORE it,even more so having seen her perform it with such passion and phenomenal live Vocals.

Fresh from climbing the charts with her huge summer single ‘Little Things’, Jorja returned last month with ‘Falling or Flying’; a sleek and soulful offering taken from her highly anticipated 2nd album of the same name. In addition to releasing the new single, Jorja

also unveiled the tracklist for the record which will include features from British rapper J Hus and Jamaican singer Lila Iké, alongside 12 brand-new, unreleased tracks. Of the many British voices in music today, Jorja is among the most commanding, writing at a pitch of intensity and urgency that few can match. Like some of the legendary musicians that came before her, Jorja is looking at the chaos and disorder in the world right now with resourceful, refined eyes, and she sees the glorious opportunity and enormous responsibility that she has since the release of her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Lost & Found.’ She has been celebrated unanimously across the world for her evocative songwriting, powerful delivery, pure emotion and unbridled talent as a young woman navigating her way through life…personally, I cannot wait to hear this next chapter.

Vinyls of the Moment - The way all the greats should be played!

Cian Ducrot

- Victory

Fast cementing his name as an Irish singer-songwriter this album is a testament to how he has turned his personal trauma into musical gold wearing his heart very much on his sleeve. I cannot wait to see him perform the album live at one of his 2 sold-out Ulster Hall gigs this December having seen him support The Killers at Vital this year.

My Top 5 Rediscovered Tunes - The Freshers Version

My Top 5 Rediscovered Tunes - The Festival Version!

With the festival season coming to a close, I figured I would bring samples of the best from this year’s Belsonic, CHSQ and Vital gigs!

The Killers - Mr. Brightside - This brings back memories of being a student in the Limelight a dancing sticky sweat-longhairedbeer/mess, not a care in the world and no f*cks given!

.

Florence & the Machine - You’ve Got the Love - A simply ICONIC offering from the eccentric red-headed one, How was this released 13 years ago!

Tom Jones ft The Cardigans - Burning Down the House - Put a Welsh singing legend and a Swedish rock group together and this is what you get….pure festival material….IMHP!

Nora Jones - Come Away with Me

Released way back in 2002 this album still hits the spot every time my needle touches the vinyl. This debut has remained her biggest seller and her calling card. She is set to play the Waterfront Hall 13th Nov, you bet that I will be there front and centre!

And that’s not all for this column this issue... keep an eye on our socials to read all about Baby Queens debut album release. Happy listening until next time. G x

Paolo Nutini - Jenny Don’t be Hasty - He didn’t play this Belsonic earlier this year so I figured I’d give this absolute BOP a mention. Wonder what ever happened to Jenny?

N-Dubz - Playing with Fire - They’re making a comeback, they sold out their CHSQ gig and Dappy even performed from a balcony after climbing up mid-gig

SIX BRILLIANT BRUNCH VENUES The Gourmet Boys

In this issue, we would like to share some of our favourite cafés and restaurants serving great brunch and breakfast dishes.

The Deer’s Head

The Deer’s Head, Belfast’s first fully operational on-site craft brewery, serving an exclusive range of small batch beers, house specials, and rotating guest draughts, has now introduced a new pub menu in collaboration with Urban Scullery.

We called in to try the brunch menu; Arabian Eggs with creamy garlic and herb labneh, cashew dukka, hot honey, and smoked butter, topped with poached eggs and served with sourdough, and Shrooms on Toast with miso butter, chilli rayu, and an egg on toasted focaccia. Both dishes were comforting, flavourful and excellent vegetarian choices. And although it was brunch time, a portion of Jonny’s phenomenal Battered Pickled Onions had to be ordered!

To accompany the food, the Tasting Flight is an absolute must; “Black Bull Stout” with notes of coffee and chocolate, a well rounded “Red Cow Red Ale” with malt biscuit flavours, and a medium bitter IPA with a big hop aroma joyfully named “Monkey Shaving The Goat”. Irresistible!

Halt.

Halt, a brand new café from chef Stephen Johnston, has recently opened on the Beersbridge Road, offering high quality coffee and a unique interpretation of classic brunch dishes.

We dropped in for a bite to eat, and we were immediately struck by the tasteful minimalist vibe, and the tempting menu choices with a modern spin, such as the Halt Bap with Salmon; a breakfast bap made using croissant pastry stuffed with smoked salmon, spinach, lemon mayo and topped with a fried egg.

The Scrambled Free Range eggs were also a winner; fluffy and creamy on Icelandic potato bread, sprinkled with scallions, and served with a delicious peanut rayu with a side of mushrooms, hash browns and incredible homemade ketchup. And there are always freshly baked pastries if you’re in the mood for something sweet; the apple and custard puff pastry slice is highly recommended!

Halt: a very welcome addition to East Belfast’s rapidly growing culinary scene.

Cul-Erg.

Cul-Erg House & Kitchen, a 4* B&B offering unique & stylish accommodation in Portstewart, also provides a wonderful breakfast, with snacks, a selection of scones & patisserie, & lunches available until 4pm.

All produce is locally sourced, with a selection of hot dishes made to order, and there’s a pretty courtyard, fragrant with herbs & the salt air from the Atlantic making it the perfect

location for a post breakfast coffee.

All dietary requirements are well catered for; we had a delicious vegetarian breakfast with herby homemade meat-free sausages, fluffy omelettes with savoury fillings, a mini fry with local bacon and sausages, and a breakfast special of smashed avocado & tomato salsa on sundried tomato & feta bread with poached eggs.

Cul-Erg House prides itself in its Irish hospitality and customer service which are second to none, serving up delicious homemade food demonstrating simplicity & quality.

The Linenhall.

If you are searching for a perfect little oasis of calm in Belfast’s bustling city centre, then look no further than the Linen Hall Cafe. On the second floor of the Linen Hall Library, this nod to yesteryear is a sanctuary of relaxation serving a variety of delicious dishes throughout the day.

We went for brunch and decided to try their plantbased menu which was an absolute revelation.

The plant-based Linen Hall Breakfast includes sausages, bacon, black pudding, wild mushrooms on sourdough with flavoursome confit tomatoes. The vegan version of the Spanish omelette with avocado, toasted walnuts, vegan cheese, basil oil, and chilli flakes is served on warm sourdough bread.

All accompanied with a glass of our favourite Porta 6, we could have sat all afternoon.

FUEL Belfast.

Influenced by his experiences at some of New York’s legendary eateries, FUEL Belfast’s owner David Beggs has brought a love of healthy, tasty, and vibrant food to the Lisburn Road.

FUEL is a cool, contemporary café with community at its heart, and manager Thom ensures that these core values of a healthy, satisfying menu, and excellent customer service are to the fore.

Breakfast dishes include a protein pancake stack, chorizo eggs, smashed avocado, and our choice of “Eggs Benny”: poached eggs with smoked salmon and hash browns on a toasted muffin, smothered with a creamy hollandaise.

The lunch menu features dishes such as smash burgers, nduja chicken toasties, and falafel wraps. We plumped for the Sweet Potato Fritter; a fantastic vegan option of spiced fritters with panko avocado, houmous, pickled onion, salsa, dukkah, and tahini on

flatbread. Delicious!

With a wide range of gluten free and meat free options, great tea & coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and tempting sweet treats, FUEL Belfast delivers high quality food that is good for body and soul.

Lynchpin.

Lynchpin, a pretty little café in Holywood, serves a completely plantbased menu, and we were very impressed with the tasty food, great drinks and quirky vibe.

Coffees had been ordered, and while we chose from the menu, we were offered a sample of one of the healthy smoothies, which was delicious.

One of the most popular dishes is The Hash, and when we tried it, it’s not hard to see why; satisfying crunchy balls of fried hash, served on a bed of creamy hummus, with onion jam, spiced roast tomatoes, chia seeds and a vegan aioli. Scrumptious! But the Jerk Oyster Mushroom is also a fantastic brunch dish; huge slices of mushroom, lightly battered, and smothered in a sweet, sticky, spicy sauce, served on rice & beans with a wedge of lime to cut through the richness.

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@thegourmetboys on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok & LinkedIn

Email – hello@thegourmetboys.com

If you have any requests for restaurant recommendations send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.

The Deers Head

Halt

Restaurants TOP TEN

TEN NI RESTAURANTS are in the running for a top prize at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2023.

The restaurants that have been shortlisted for the Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious food awards are:

1. Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge - Belfast

The coveted awards are in recognition of the UK’s best South Asian cuisine across a series of prestigious regional and national categories.

From the National Champion of the Champions, Regional Restaurant of the Year, National & Regional Chefs of the Year, to National Newcomer of The Year, ARTA will spotlight the pinnacle of over 1,190 restaurants and takeaways across the UK that were nominated by the restaurant goers and enthusiastic food lovers from all over the country.

Last year The Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge was crowned NI Restaurant Of The Year by an esteemed panel of ambassadors and judges comprising of Chand Rahman, Executive Chef and Multi Award Winning Celebrity Chef Mohammed Mujibur Rahman.

The UK’s Curry industry contributes £4.2 billion annually, which as of 2015, has accounted for a fifth of the restaurants in the UK dating back to the 1800s. The ARTA celebrates and recognises Britain’s vibrant Asian restaurants and takeaways and offers solidarity and morale for the industry currently facing high energy costs, inflation, skilled staff shortage, and the rising price of raw materials.

Speaking about the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2023, Mohammed Munim, Founder Member and CEO of ARTA, said: “Asian restaurants have made a significant contribution to the UK economy, both historically and in recent times. They deserve recognition and rewards for their efforts. These restaurants have not only created thousands of jobs but have also boosted local economies through their presence, especially post-BREXIT.

The winners will be announced at a red-carpet event being held in London’s Hilton Park Lane on October 8th, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, magician and member of the world-famous Magic Circle.

Speaking about this year’s nomination Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge Owner Naz Din said, “Myself and the team are honoured to have been nominated for the second year for such a prestigious award in the Indian Cuisine Industry. Just to be recognised is an achievement”.

To provide staunch support to the thriving Asian restaurants in Britain, ARTA acknowledges and highlights their importance in the culinary landscape. Each nominee is a worthy winner, and we look forward to celebrating with them all at the award ceremony on the 8th of October.”

2. India Gate - Belfast

3. The Jharna - Belfast

4. Panjab Indian Restaurant - Belfast

5. Bangla - Bangor

6. Yaks - Bangor

7. Star of India - Craigavon

8. Green Chilli - Bangor

9. Bengal Brasserie - Belfast

10.Bokhara – Bangor

LETS GET VISIBLE Martin Murray

Sporting Pride is delighted to be nominated for

The GALAS were created in 2009 in a collaboration between GCN and The National LGBT Federation to honour those who work towards a better future for the LGBTQ+ community across Ireland. The awards honour the innovative culture of Ireland celebrating entertainers, artists, writers and events that make Ireland a welcoming and diverse country.

We at Sporting Pride are shortlisted for the LGBTQ+ Sports Award alongside Giulia Valentino (Na Gaeil Aeracha) who I had the pleasure of collaborating on a Guardian story with last year and who ran a trans inclusive GAA day during the year supported by Sporting pride. Others shortlisted from many nominees include Pink Ladies Hockey Team, and Sarsfield Rugby Team.

Sporting Pride are delighted to be shortlisted and would be just as happy for the Pink Ladies, Sarsfields or Guilia to win as we continue to work together to make Sports more inclusive and highlight the talent of our LGBTQ community.

The awards take place on Saturday the 7th October and all the organisations would appreciate your shares and positive messages as we work tirelessly in some of the most difficult areas to discuss inclusivity as the rise in anti-trans rhetoric continues around Trans athletes.

Queer We Go Again!!!

Last year I joined Quire, Ulster’s only LGBTQ choir and have had some incredible memories from sea swimming and jogging in Ballylinney with Maeve and Stephen to Carolyn and Jen joining me for the LGBTQ Women’s Sports Day and weekly tennis with my fellow tenor Chris.

This week on October 4th we are looking to welcome some new recruits and would be very keen to have more Sopranos getting involved. The Quire was founded in 2005 under The Rainbow Project to have a singing group perform at Belfast Pride. We had 15 members in the original group and currently stand strong with 45 members of various ages, genders, sexualities, religions and nationalities.

I was delighted by the diversity of the group and how much I could learn from the group to incorporate into my own sports organisations. The music matches the diversity with everything from Christmas Carols to Contemporary Pop and Musical Theatre. This is why I have decided to take the role of Secretary this year alongside my co-secretary Sasha.

If you love to belt out your favourite tunes and socialise with a welcoming and supportive group then contact Quire and join us on October 4th.

Sport Ireland

As many of you may be aware I have been working hard to develop a national LGBTQ Sports Day. I have now organised 2 LGBTQ Sports days in Ulster plus an LGBTQ Women’s Sports Day in Ulster and my colleagues have ran two LGBTQ Women’s sports days in Dublin. This October will be the first time Sport Ireland have collaborated with Sporting Pride for a national LGBTQ Sports event welcoming LGBTQ athletes from across the 32 counties. Sport Ireland are the statutory authority that oversees and partly funds the development of all sport in Ireland.

The event which will be held on the weekend of the 29th and 21st October will take place at the National Sports Campus in the townland of Sheephill near Abbotstown House in Dublin. Day 1 will be a number of talks hosted by leaders in the sports industry and in the LGBTQ community. Day 2 will be a sports day and an opportunity for people from across the country to come together and network and celebrate how far we have come.

Finally I want to give a huge shout out to Misty Falls and Electra La Cnt for making our 2nd Ulster LGBTQ Sports Day so memorable and for UU and QUB for their continued support of sports inclusivity and the LGBTQ Community in general and of course The Maverick bar Belfast for Sponsoring both Belfast Frontrunners and Belfast Blaze FC this year.

The Galas this year. This will be the first ceremony since the pandemic and is hosted by Panti Bliss, national treasure and owner of the renowned Panti Bar and Lisa Connell who you may know as previous Editor for GCN from 2019 to 2022 and as one of the founders of ‘MOTHER’, a queer club night for gays and their friends founded in 2010.

SALT Kitchen

Salt Kitchen is a modern Irish restaurant at The Boulevard, Banbridge. Open 7 days a week

BRUNCH - LUNCH - DINNER - DRINKS

www.saltkitchenbanbridge.co.uk

We use fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from some of the finest local and artisan producers in the country “keeping it local” serving brunch, lunch and dinner with a fully licensed bar.

You might have a Traditional Ulster Fry or a Maple & Walnut Granola jar, lunch might be a Clubhouse Sandwich, choice from the burger list, Italian Job pizza or a Superfood Salad

Food & drink events - see our Facebook Events page

Last Seafood Supper Club of the year Fri 6 Oct from 5pm

Lobster, lobster burgers, surf & turf and a few more delicious seafood dishes will be available to order from the special board.

*Pair your wine and cocktails and have a great night

Thur 26 Oct - 6.30pm

Autumn Pumpkin Theme Floral Workshop with Pizza & Prosecco

Mon 4 & Wed 6 Dec

Christmas Wreath Making with wine & cheese & Christmas bites 6.30pm FULLY BOOKED with a waiting list

Local suppliers include Draynes Farm Dairy, Hannan Meats, Carnbrooke Meats, Irwins Butchers, Grange Farm, Keenan Seafoods, SD

Bells, Whitewater Brewery, Armagh Cider Company and Troughton’s Mixers.

Private Parties and Outside Catering/To Go also available.

Free Wi-Fi, free parking, child friendly and a coach drop – off point.

Salt Kitchen Banbridge Review time

When working in Banbridge I regularly frequented the then ‘OUTLET’ though from moving house and jobs I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been back to shop or dine but after such a wonderful afternoon in ‘The Boulevard’ I honestly ask myself why!

Getting there is so easy, free parking galore and with ample shops and restaurants there is more

than enough to keep you pleased and intrigued. This visit we were invited to review Salt Kitchen - I’m going to kick this off with a belly busting WOW! I’m just out of the restaurant and could be doing with a nap - the joys of having dinner sized meals/portions for lunch lol - right let’s delve in.

Salt Kitchen is positioned in one of the end units so it’s super easy to see and access on arrival. I’m unsure of when they opened though this award winning establishment is modern, fresh, light and inviting. The first thing evident to me were the smiles on the faces of the staff, everyone was so pleasant, we really felt so welcome.

Being lunchtime on a Tuesday I was surprised at how busy the place was, there was barely an empty seat and a nice steady flow of custom coming and going, it had a lovely buzz and atmosphere . Once greeted and pre being seated we were made aware of the daily specials board, this was a great idea rather than waiting until the menu had been examined.

We were served drinks, had a gander at the menu and decided rather than being complete gorb’s we would split a starter & dessert and have a main + side each.

Now the challenge commences - I am such a foodie and really struggle at times with decisions, to start their were 8 unique options, we opted for the Balsamic Onion & Goats Cheese Tart, OMG this was so so good, the tart pastry was so thin and light, just the right amount of cheese, dressed with mixed leaves, a sprinkling of parmesan and rich sundried tomatoes, I could have easily eaten this alone lol. Other options I could have been swayed towards included the Thai Fishcakes, Pulled Pork Nachos and Buffalo Wings - I know what i’ll be trying now when I return, though I’m super happy with our choice.

I am quite an adventurous eater though always have to have a pre look at Menus as many people like my sister have a planer pallet, in this instance Salt Kitchen has all bases covered, there was honestly something for everyone, Sharing Platters, Sandwiches, Pizza’s, Burgers, Salads, Tacos and a selection of other main dishes.

In my head I was planning to try one of the many

burgers - the Buffalo Blue really took my fancy, it came with Cashel Blue Mayo, salad and hot sauce though I made a complete U-Turn after reading the daily specials board , when the waiter announced that fresh mussels had come in that morning I was sold lol.

Picture this a 1⁄2 kg mountain of Strangford mussels with a white white veloute, my eyes were definitely bigger than my belly lol - I did give them a good go and left maybe 6 - they were so fresh, cooked perfectly with roasted red peppers and

Scampi - if you can’t tell already I love fish lol and it isn’t often you hear of a Monkfish Scampi so it has me intrigued.

Belly’s practically bursting at the seems it’s on to dessert, there is always room for a little more and I for one think it is a must to finish a meal with something sweet to tickle the taste buds. Pamela and I were almost fighting at this point as both of our favourite desserts were on offer, she is a chocolate fudge cake fiend while I am always compelled to order Sticky Toffee pudding if it is an option - on this occasion big brother won lol. The cake was lovely, the sauce was so moorish and the ice cream was great, for me I could have had a double or triple helping of the sauce, it was delicious .

Other options included a Lemon Meringue, Raspberry & White Chocolate Roulade and Banoffee Cheesecake - all of which I could have easily eaten.

I genuinely am struggling to find any negatives or give critique, everything we had was flawless. We had a lovely afternoon, thanks to thanks to the owner, management, cher and staff

One side note...

chives through the rich yet light Veloute. Our server suggested I get a side to accompany this, I went for the Truffle and Parmesan fries which were a perfect match though I did leave 1⁄2 of them as room is needed for the all important pudding lol.

My aforementioned plain eating sister ordered the Homemade Southern Fried Goujons, of course I had to pitch one for journalistic purposes lol - I must say they were incredible, the coating was so light, crispy and had a welcome little kick and the chicken was so juicy, I’m going to make a big statement here, probably the best chicken goujon i’ve eaten - Pamela was in complete agreement, not a scrap was left, this came with a side salad, garlic mayo dip and choice of side.

When I return I think I’ll get the sharing seafood board - I spied other diners eating this and it looked and smelt incredible or maybe the Monkfish

My sister Pamela, who joined me today, has 3 kids all in school. It’s not often she gets to do things like this so she was super keen though I was conscious we had 90ish minutes as she had to be home for the all important school run. In many places this would be hard pressed though due to the attentive servers and swift chefs we had ample time to chill, chat and I had her home will 15 mins to spare - I just wanted to throw it out there that even with limited time you can still have a wonderful time

Review by Daniel May

Salt Kitchen is situated at: Unit 1, The Boulevard 1 Cascum Avenue, The Boulevard Outlet Park Banbridge, BT32 4GJ

T. 028 4062 6957

You can see their menu and book at table at saltkitchenbanbridge.co.uk

FITNESS

Hey, it’s your local LGBTQ+ health and fitness coach Ellise.

I’m back to bring you a bit of guidance to keep yourself on track with your health and fitness and just in the nick of time. It won’t be long before the clocks go back, and the months of cold, dark evenings are upon us. But rest assured this does not mean your health and fitness efforts have to go into hibernation until spring!

Those post-workout endorphins are going to be even more appreciated than normal, this time of year. Before I even begin, I get it. Everywhere we look on social media these days, we see an array of contradictory advice on ways to get stronger, to drop the lbs, what we should and shouldn’t eat, the crazy trending workouts we should be trying etc etc. It can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are only starting out on your journey.

Yes, while there is some great advice backed up with evidence; there is also a lot of not-so-great noise. So here is a few ‘cut the bulls**t’ tips for you to stay accountable during this time of year.

Get a coach to hold you accountable

While this one might be the most obvious, having a coach to hold you accountable both with your training and mindset is a great way to stay on track. It is no surprise that having a clear gym programme will help you stick to your training sessions. The right coach will create a realistic plan for you in line with your goals. Having a plan in place removes anxiety around what you should or shouldn’t be doing, meaning you don’t have to worry, and can focus on executing the movements. Therefore, less time spent wandering around the gym, wasting time, deciding what you should do next. It always helps to have someone who has got your back and can give you the right tools and information to get the results you want. For some, this time of the year calls for an extra little pep talk from your coach. Nobody wants extra cardio punishment for not showing up. Well...unless you’re a masochist.

Give yourself a short-term incentive

So, it’s warm and snuggly on the sofa, you’ve lit your favourite autumnal candle. Poured a hot cuppa and your favourite binge worthy Netflix series is calling you. Let’s be real though, the snacks in the cupboard are more than likely going to follow. We’ve all had this battle with ourselves at some stage – and I know the last thing you fancy doing when it’s cold and wet outside is getting outside to hit your step target, going for 5k run or walking to the gym and training like you said you would before or after work.

The trick could be to offer yourself a little postworkout treat, such as a trip to your favourite coffee

shop or brunch spot with a friend/partner or an indulgent hour on the sofa watching your fav Netflix show (AFTER you’ve done the non-negotiables. You’ll enjoy the reward so much more.)

You’ll be less likely to reach for the high calorie snacks if you’ve put the effort into getting your steps and workout done.

Yes, keeping healthy should be incentive enough – but we’re only human, after all, and research has shown we’re more likely to adopt good habits when a tangible reward is dangled in front of us.

Set yourself a goal

Another big incentive, of course, is to give yourself something to aim for. Every person’s goal will be different. What matters most here is the WHYS behind your goal.

For example, instead of saying ‘I want to lose weight’ . Consider why you want to lose weight in the first place.

What was the breaking point? Is it to gain your confidence back? Do you want to look better naked? Is it to stop avoiding social events because you can’t fit into your favourite clothes? Is it to improve your mental health?

Have you had a health scare that has led you to have no choice in the matter?

Whatever you choose, it’s important that your WHY is meaningful to you. It must be a powerful enough reminder, giving you no choice but to show up for yourself and do the work even on the difficult days.

Invest in weather appropriate activewear

Come on! We all know what the weather is like here, we are not shy to a bit of rain. You know the old saying: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

Just 25 minutes of brisk walking each day can add up to seven years to your life – and half the risk of dying from a heart attack, according to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology!

So, if a good pair of comfy walking boots and a cosy waterproof jacket are all that stand between you and a longer life, throw them on. Although, there is something very liberating about a run or even a walk in the rain! Honestly, Try it.

over the next few months. However, that doesn’t mean your activity levels outside of your planned workouts stops. You should still be increasing your NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), in short this is the term used to describe all the activity in a day aside from your workout.

Want a few cost-free and simple tips to increase your NEAT?

1. Leave your phone in another room so you have to hurry to answer it when it rings, it will also prevent you from pointlessly scrolling on socials.

2. Put your favourite music on and DANCE. Who cares if you’ve two left feet at home. Getting your steps and improving your mood all at the same time (thank me later!)

3. Clean the house (tidy space, tidy mind) trust me hauling the hoover up and down the stairs counts as a workout. Especially when it’s a Henry.

4. JUST MOVE MORE.

Head for cover

If you really can’t face going for a walk in the pouring rain? That’s easily solved: go for a walk indoors instead. Try some wholesome cultural activities: you can cover a lot of ground while taking a tour around a gallery or museum. Scratch the online shopping! A brisk walk around your local shopping centre is a good way to rack up the steps. Find the indoor activities YOU enjoy that encourage you to keep active in the colder weather. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Strength in Numbers - If you want to go far, go together.

Having someone to meet at the gym at a certain time can keep you accountable to show up. When you and your buddy encourage each other, you’ll work harder (and get better results!). And there’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.

Sometimes it takes a team to achieve greatness and that’s especially true when it comes to my PRIDE2POWER group coaching. We take pride in providing you with a good support system which encourages you to overcome SO MUCH MORE!

Do you find yourself in a bit of a rut with your health efforts when it comes to cosy and cold season?

If it has you feeling in need of some stress-free accountability or you’re ready to join a friendly motivating team to get amazing results all year round. Reach out to me on Instagram @EFR_coaching.

Increase your NEAT levels at home

Let’s be realistic: despite your good intentions, chances are you may be spending more time indoors

CASTING COUCH Martin Kearney

As I write this article, it has hit headline news that the WAG strike will soon conclude following a “tentative agreement”, meaning our favourite TV shows and films can resume production. Whilst the strike persisted, there hadn’t been much new content to report on, save for the exciting news that “Scream 7” was greenlit. This time, the reins have been handed to a new director, Christopher Landon, recognised for writing and directing horror comedies like “Happy Death Day”, “Happy Death Day 2U”, and “Freaky”. He also co-wrote several “Paranormal Activity” movies. If rumours hold water, Kevin Williamson, who penned the first two films and the fourth of the franchise, will assist with the screenplay.

“Scream” scarcely needs an introduction. It’s one of the horror genre’s crown jewels and has immortalised its final girl, Sidney Prescott, portrayed by the incomparable Neve Campbell. Despite Ms Campbell’s absence from the last instalment due to a pay dispute, the film remained a massive hit both critically and financially. However, I contend that her absence was more of a marketing boon, with fans eager to see the film’s direction without her. The thrilling second trailer, featuring Gail Weathers (Courtney Cox) receiving her first Ghostface call and the re-emergence of Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed after a significant break, certainly didn’t hurt its appeal. Yet, I doubt fans will be duped again. Neve recently hinted in an interview about her possible return, suggesting she might finally get her deserved paycheque.

There are countless theories and rumours swirling, and I’ll venture one of my own. In my envisioned plot, Ghostface begins targeting the parents of the Woodsboro survivors, coercing them back to their hometown. This comprises the “core4” siblings Sam and Tara Carpenter (Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega), twins Mindy (TV’s “Yellowjackets” Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad Meeks Martin (Mason Gooding), The Niece and Nephew Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy) who survived the first scream but met his demise in scream 2. Sidney’s father last seen visiting his reclusive daughter in “Scream 3”, and of course Kirby’s parents. Casting offers an opportunity for homage. Sidney’s father could be re cast and played by horror icon Freddy Kruger himself Robert Englund, and whilst Mason Gooding’s real-life father, Cuba Gooding Jr, might initially seem a fit for Chad’s father, recent allegations against him make this a risky choice. Alternatives might include Donald Faison or simply leaving their mother single Played by indie queen Heather Matarazzo. Has for kirby Reeds parents I’d personally love to see Jack Coleman who played her dad in her breakthrough role as Claire Bennett in Heroes and the iconic Calista Flockhart who also played her mom in the last season of Ally McBeal or Connie Britton who co-starred alongside her in her other hit tv show Nashville. Many fans hope for Salma Hayek or Penelope Cruz as Sam and Tara’s mother, but I’d favour a lesser-known yet cult-favourite actress like Eva Longoria, Rosie Perez, or Justina Machado would be better cast. And me being me for added LGBTQ+ representation, I’d like to consider non-binary actor Sara Ramirez. Though their role as Che Diaz in the sex and the city sequel series “...And Just Like That” was polarising, their portrayal of Callie Torres in “Grey’s Anatomy” was adored. They could potentially play an over-the-top, alcoholic parent, perhaps even the mastermind behind the

original Ghostface killings. As for additional casting dreams, why not Madeline Stowe and Rita Moreno as the Carpenter family matriarchs? And it’s confirmed that Sidney married Patrick Dempsey’s character from the Scream universe so it could be a mini–Greys Anatomy reunion Still, the most anticipated return would undoubtedly be Neve Campbell.

In conclusion, I hope this trilogy wraps up the franchise for now. Oversaturating it might lead to unintentional absurdity. I suspect that in future, the series might follow the “Halloween” and “Exorcist” path, disregarding intermediate sequels for a direct follow-up decades later. If Jamie Lee Curtis and Ellen Burstyn can reprise roles in their later years, surely Neve and Courtney can too.

Until next time, readers xx Marty Kearney