Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself? - Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am. So there. At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far? - Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves. I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out? - Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.
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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents? - Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird. As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about? - My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out. How has the response for Hebburn been so far? - Overwhelmingly positive. And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series! You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this? - Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.
Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about? - The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m
We l c o m e N o t e . W h a t a m i x w e h a v e fo r y o u t h i s i s s u e , f r o m f i g h t i n g t o b e a u t y, a n d a l o a d m o r e i n b e t w e e n , t h e r e ’s a l i t t l e s o m e t h i n g fo r e v e r y o n e . We w o u l d l i ke t o g i v e a b i g t h a n k y o u t o o u r 2 new sponsors, Sergeant Clip and Screen-Con, who are both helping to ke e p N E r u n n i n g a s a F R E E n o n - p r o f i t m a g a z i n e fo r a n o t h e r y e a r, s o t h a n k you both. As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n ’ t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o wayne. groves@neonlinemagazine. com P l u s r e m e m b e r t o fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r fo r o u r r e g u l a r updates on events and competitions. Till next time Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e
EDITOR & DESIGNER Wayne Groves wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com
Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk The Theatre Royal Newcastle & Newcastle City Hall www.theatreroyal.co.uk/ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook. com/pages/N-E-Online-Magazine join us on twitter @NEOnlineMag
CONTRIBUTORS Roly Todd - Hero Images Facebook - Hero Images Peter Mann BSc Inside Mann Media & PR petermann78@hotmail.com LeeNemsPhotography www.ne-ms.co.uk SPONSORS Sergeant Clip https://www.sergeantclip.com/ Facebook - Sergeant Clip Screen-Con http://www.screen-con.moonfruit.com/ Facebook - ScreenCon
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P6 The Cakeaway P10 Guardians of the Galaxy @ Cineworld P14 Roman Spring Festival P18 Screen-Con 2017 P22 Shaun Barry P30 Fighting Talk with Charlotte Thompson P38 Karina McGurk Salon 26
P44 Shakin’ Stevens Newcastle City Hall P52 Cineworld Film Round Up P64 Holy Island Development site for sale P68 Beauty Tips with Diane Knott P72 Twister P76 Music Round Up with Peter Mann P80 Red Hot Sunglasses Round Up
This Easter Jo and her team at the award winning Cakeaway are doing something Eggstra special for the children at the Freeman Hospital who are in the Intensive Care and the Children’s Heart Units. They are asking YOU, their
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lovely customers and followers to donate an Easter egg, and however many eggs they get from you, they will DOUBLE! They will then be taking the eggs up to the hospital on Wednesday 12th April along with an Easter Bunny mascot from Mickys Castles. So pop your eggs into the shop anytime or give them to one of the delivery drivers when they deliver your orders between now and April 11th. Help Jo and her team at the Cakeaway put a smile on the face of a poorly child this Easter. The Cakeaway owner, Jo Bell, is doing this with Kerryanne Maxwell, the mother of Sophie who’s life was saved by the Freeman Hospital. Sophie was diagnosed while still in the womb with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Sophie was born on the 20th August 2013 and had her first open heart surgery at 5 days old on the 25th August. HLHS is a severe congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
The hearts left side has a job of pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta, the large artery that carries blood to the body. In a child with HLHS, the mitral valve, which separates the two left chambers of the heart, is too small or completely closed, the left ventricle (the lower pumping chamber) is very small, the aortic valve, which separates the
left ventricle and the aorta, is too small or completely closed. Sophie has recently had a heart transplant at just 3 years old and is making fantastic progress each and every day. The family are hoping to take Sophie on a little vacation to London to visit the Disney Boutique in Harrods. Jo said “We all know how much Sophie would absolutely love this so we are now coming together as a great community and great friends to help raise as much as we can to help this little girls dream come true�. You can help Sophie by making a donation, just click on this link to do so. The Cakeaway are the first and only takeaway service in South Tyneside to deliver cakes,
gateaux, ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, donuts, muffins and hot and cold beverages to your door. You name it, they sell it all. They mix a lot of your favourite sweets and chocolates with your favourite desserts and come up
with a great range of naughty treats for those nights you just need something sweet. They even have some old school classics like Cornflake cake just like how your mother used to make.
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If that wasn’t enough they are always running competitions on their Facebook page, everything from like and share to guess the number of sweets, so it is well worth giving them a like on Facebook here. In fact we actually won one of their competitions a few months back and we were treated to a warm Cookie Dough Pie topped with Ferrero Rocher which was unbelievabley good.
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Jo also looks after her customers when she regularly gives free donuts, cakes and sweets with her orders, though only while stocks last so you have to be quick, for example, on the day I wrote this article Jo had bought 120 Krispy Kreme donuts to give away for free, now ow many
other companies do this much for their customers? It is no wonder that within a year of opening her doors she has went on to be nominated and then voted the Best Takeaway in the North East! Well done to Jo and
the team at The Cakeaway. You can order your treats online via Facebook, just send them an inbox. Or you can call 01913402102 or you can click on this link and order via Just Eat.
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Guardians Of The Galaxy Double Bill @ Cineworld Boldon Thursday 27th April will see the Marvel Universe descend onto Cineworld Boldon for a night of fun that will be out of this world. A whole host of Marvel characters including some of the Guardians themselves will be there from 8pm to pose for photos before the start of the Guardians of the Galexy Double Bill with Vol 1 starting at 9:15pm and then Vol 2 at Midnight. Join the members of ARC and Screen-Con for 2 great films in one fun filled night. BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
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Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2: Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound
family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favourite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand. Cast: Pom Klementieff, Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan Director: James Gunn CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER AND BOOK TICKETS
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ROMAN SPRING FESTIVAL
The Romans love a good festival and April is a particular month they have loads, Easter is just one of them. So we are going to be celebrating ALL OF THEM!!! We will have our Mercatus - Market with goods to delight!
tions, Easter Egg Hunt, Egg Rolling, and more to be announced Full access to museum, gift shop & Cafe, disabled accessible. For more information check out the Facebook Event Page here.
The Romans invented Street Foods so we will be having them as well as take home foods & Drink. Roma Antiqua will be doing show and tell in the living history area. weapons display including Ballista (weather permitting). Activities,Music and Demonstra-
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It is nearly time for another Screen-Con, the original and biggest North East convention that is ran by fans for the fans, bringing a whole host of guests from your favourite TV shows and Films giving you the chance to meet and chat with them all up close and personal as well lots to see and do both on stage and around the venue.
Screen-Con 2017 will have Hammer Horror and Bond star Martine Beswick and original Star Wars Stormtrooper Laurie Goode taking centre stage appearing, but unfortunately Spencer Wilding is not able to attend the event as he is now going to be filming over in America, but he has posted several messages on the Screen-Con event page apologising to his fans and promising to make it up to them by appearing at a future event. Good luck Spencer and we will see you at the next one. Al and Vicki, the people behind Screen-Con, are busy sorting a replacement as I type this so watch
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this space for a big announcement coming your way soon. NE are always a regular feature at all of the Screen-Con events doing everything from taking photos for the magazine to getting on stage to judge the Cosplay Competitions. This year we will be there but this time we will have our very own stall where we will be holding the NE Charity Tombola. We have
already taken this to a few of the SciFair events last year and it is always a huge success raising money for some great local charities. We have several boxes of great prizes already with more prizes still to come, with everything from Funko Pop Vinyl Figures to comic books and even sweets. So make sure you come pay us a visit. Screen-Con is a fun day out for all of the family, with your host Markus Percy bringing you all manner of fun and games along with all of your favourite characters all wondering about and happy to pose with you for those great facebook profile pictures, so you really do not want to miss out, get your tickets HERE.
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SHAUN BARRY Hi Shaun and welcome to NE, so how about a little introduction? Hi Wayne, thank you for your time. My full name is Shaun Barry, I will be 44 years old come fight night. I work through the day at my tyre garage in Wallsend called Stepney Tyres. Something big is happening on May 6th at the NE6 Suite, you are coming out of retirement and putting the gloves back on at INFORMAL Championships 1, how did this all come about? Yeah it be a pleasure fighting on this show, for starters it will be the start of many. Malcolm Pape as we all know was a keen trainer who did his upmost to help others when he could. Sadly what happened to him has sparked all of this off with his former student Billy “Bang Bang” Hawthorn who he trained, and I’m sure Billy Hawthorn will do a great job in his memory in this and further events. You are fighting Danny Walker, give us your thoughts on the fight and your opponent? Yeah I’m fighting Danny walker. I’ve known Danny for a lot of years and to be honest he’s a canny kid and a friend. Danny is as
game as they come and a forward fighter, I’ve got no real plans as they never work anyway so it’s going to be punch for punch to the bell most probably haha. Unlike other fighters at the show, you are doing this all for charity; can you tell us a bit more about that and your reasons for stepping back in the ring to raise money rather than fundraising in other ways? Yeah my partner Claire Bowman, her sister had a terrible pregnancy with many visits and stays in hospital and with PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membranes) and after giving premature birth sadly Harley passed away after 18 hours. No one should have to go through this and it
was then when I decided to raise money and awareness and I suppose a boxing fight was as good of a challenge as any. I’ve done the Great North Runs, the Stampede’s, Tough Mudders etc etc . You have several sponsors who have all got advertising space on your walkout top and even the soles of your trainers, with the money going to your cause, who are the sponsors and what would you like to say to them? Yeah the soles of my shoes was a good one in case Danny makes me be the horizontal champion hhaa… but all jokes aside I’ve got nine sponsors, all which have been great and given generous amounts. I have also received a cheque from a man who wants to remain anon-
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ymous. I will also be donating my wage and ticket sales money as well. In return I have shared posts, made videos, and will wear t shirts for training and on my walk out into the ring with their names and logos on plus any other thing I can do to help promote their business too. Sponsors are as follows As-New Auto Recyclers P&M Auto Refinishers A.R Whitley Landscapes www.seargentclip.com Alloy Wheel Refurb Centre Premier Car Parts, Heaton Road Gallaghers Removals Trade Cars Newcastle I.B metals
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How have you found the training compared to the training for previous fights? To be honest, it’s still 8 weeks off or something so I’ve not really
trained hard as yet, maybe I’m just too old now and slack off when I can haha. You are training with The Manor Gym, give us your thoughts on the lads you train and spa with? The Manor Gym is the only place in my eyes, I’ve been a part of that gym since day 1 of it forming, I’ve been dragged through hell and back with them. The Manor Gym
is a k1 and Muay Thai gym. All the lads there are very tasty and when I do get to spar I just get bashed so taking a punch is just like another day in the office... after all we are only daft kickboxers haha. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to train and get into combat sports? Training is the best thing I say, especially for the young ones,
ing you name it. If it’s black and round we sell it or fix it. When you are not working or training what do you like to get up to in your free time? Free time. Pffffft,now that is an understatement! With 8 kids it’s a case of share the daddy... I usually go chill out down the stables on a Sunday with my littlest boy Tommy-Jay where we have a fire and do some general repairs and see to horses.
it gives them a bit of discipline and keeps them off the streets. I personally think that every man should have at least one boxing fight in their life and as the saying in our gym goes, get ya cherries tested. As well as training you also run your own business, Stepney Tyres, how has it been since your move from Stepney Bank to your new premises at Unit 4 in the Maurice road Industrial Estate? Yeah I only get to train twice a week, I should do more but in all fairness my job is so demanding and lifting car wheels and tyres all day long puts a few creeks in ya back and neck. It’s been a good move moving down here; it’s more
professional looking as the old garage was more like a bat cave. With it being such a physical job does that help with your training or does it make training even harder? As I said it’s a demanding job and I have all intentions of putting more hours in, but unfortunately I’m only human and end up falling asleep. In reality it will be the heart that gets me through the night.
What services do you offer at Stepney Tyres? We offer anything tyre related new and part worn punctures balanc-
Tell us a random fact about yourself? I am random lol I just got a good skill of thinking fast on me feet you have to in this game ha. How can people sponsor you or support you for this? I’ve all the sponsors I need to be fair, one sponsor one trade. But anyone else wanting to help then please buy a ticket, as every ticket sold will be £10 donated. Is there anything you would like to add? Just would like to thank everyone who is making this happen, my sponsors, ticket buyers and the promotors. My partner Claire bowman she really does put up with some trauma off me and Micky Terril Baz Jones and Andrew Davison the Manor massives. We wish you all the best for your fight and we look forward to seeing you in the ring. And thank you Wayne once again for your time.
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Fighting talk with
Charlotte Thompson
Hi Charlotte and welcome to NE, our first question is a nice easy warm up, so can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? I’m Charlotte Thompson, 17, from Newcastle upon Tyne and I’m like anyone else really – I love spending time with my family and going out with my friends. I’m also the WTKA British K1 champion at 50kg so that’s not something your average 17 year old can say. You currently train and fight under the KO Kickboxing banner, how long have you been training with them? I’ve trained with Keri since the age of 10 and been with KO kickboxing ever since my first session, I suppose I just got hooked on it straight away. It’s like one big family now.
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What are your aims for the future when it comes to competing?
I have my first pro fight on April 8th 2017 so this is the next step for me at the moment. There’s no limit on what I’ll do in the future, I’m just taking it as it comes. How often do you train in an average week?
During a fight camp I train 6 days a week, with a mixture of sparring, pad work, strength and conditioning and running. It’s a solid 6 weeks of hard preparation, but all worth it in the end. I also coach a junior class every week and take my own personal training sessions
for children on the side. Fighting is seen as a very male dominated sport; give us your thoughts on this? I think more women are making a name for themselves in martial arts recently and the likes of Iman Barlow are absolutely killing it at the minute and inspiring girls of all ages to try out a sport that is not stereotypically for them. And I like to think we’re proving everyone who thinks otherwise wrong.
What is the hardest part of being a female fighter and trying to progress? I’ve never found being a girl in this sport a problem, it’s just trying to break down other people’s perception on how we should look and be. I’m not massive and full of muscle, I’m just a girl who likes doing girl things outside of the ring, and it just so happens I enjoy a good fight every now and then in a ring too! Who is your biggest inspiration in
or out of the ring? I don’t think i have one particular inspiration; I admire any fighter’s courage and dedication because stepping in that ring/cage isn’t easy and takes guts. Keri and I believe in ourselves and that the work we are putting in now will soon pay off. If you could fight anyone past or present, who would it be and why? I wouldn’t mind attempting a round with Conor McGregor just to appreciate his skill haha. His
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movement and precision in the ring and his self-belief is like no one before, so taking a punch off him would be a story to tell. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get involved in combat sports? Go for it! You never know until you try, I can’t thank my mam and dad enough for taking me to my first class because its kept me focused, taught me discipline and gave me memories for life as well as being able to defend myself.
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When you are not training hard what do you like to do with your spare time? After every fight camp relaxing with friends and family is the main priority, they’ve put up with so much especially the mood swings during weight cuts so spending time and enjoying a celebration meal is always nice.
Tell us 3 random facts about yourself? I can ride a unicycle so if fighting doesn’t work out I can always go and join the circus. I recently passed my driving test first time which I’m pretty proud of and
I have a massive sweet tooth so basically anything chocolate I’ll have it. You have just competed on the Machine MMA show against Hadiqa Abdul from Sheffield, how did you train for the fight, do you try
and watch her old fights and make a game plan from those or do you just train as normal? We had no footage or idea of the style of fighter Hadiqa was going to be but that didn’t change a thing in this fight camp really. We worked on me and my own style and technique which is the way it should be, and I think that showed on the night. How do you think the fight went, did it go the way you expected? I knew I needed a clear win for my record and winning my unanimous decision did just that. Everything felt right on the day leading up to the fight, weigh in, warm up, walk out, I was ready and it all paid off in the end. What is next for you? I’m fighting again April 8th so I’ll be straight back in the gym next week getting ready for that. It’ll be my first semi pro (no shin guard) fight, it’s the next step for me at the minute and I’m excited to see
what else the year has to offer. Where can people follow you and keep up to date with your fights? Extreme energy PT KO kickboxing on Facebook as well as my own Charlotte Thompson Is there anything you would like to add? Thank you to everyone back at KO kickboxing and my little gun show army for always being there to support me! No1 team.
Photos by Roly Todd - Hero Images You can also watch Charlotte’s last fight against Hadiqa Abdul on the Machine MMA show, courtesy of HitManHey, subscribe to his channel to see more action.. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us and we look forward to seeing you back in the ring soon. Charlotte’s next fight is on Victory Promotions – Battle of the North II which will be taking place at the Scotswood Sports Centre on 8th April, where she faces Scotland’s Jennifer Gallagher in an England V Scotland bout,. You can check out the full card and buy tickets by clicking here.
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Hi Karina, welcome to NE, how about introducing yourself to our readers? Hi I’m Karina McGurk from South Shields. I’m a wife and mother to 2 girls. You are the owner of Salon 26, can you tell us a little more about what Salon 26 is? Salon 26 is my beautiful hair and beauty salon. We are based in Wharton Street South Shields. Our beauty treatments start from £4 and hair treatments start from £9.50. Opening times are 10-2 Monday and Tuesday 9-5 wed-Friday 9-4 Saturday We advertise our special offers on our Facebook page.
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So what made you want to be your
own boss in an industry that is so competitive? Too be honest I never wanted to have my own place, I only decided to give it a go when the salon I worked for decided to close leaving me with no job. I took over the
salon with a 6 month lease, just to test out whether I could run a salon or even if it was something I wanted to do. When my lease was coming to an end I decided yes I can do this! But decided to look for a new salon as the one I was renting was in need of desperate repair. It was a chat with a customer who told me about a salon that was for sale in Wharton Street. After a call to the estate agent, I went to view the salon. I fell in love with it straight away... it was an old lady’s kind of salon, with rollers and hood dryers. But I could visualise what I could do with it...I’ve now been here for 4 months and it’s getting busier. A lot of my old customers came back and I’ve had loads of new customers... I love to see a new face.
There are quite a few hair salons around this area which could make it quiet competitive but our excellent service and prices bring people in. We get a lot of customers through word of mouth and Facebook. I love seeing people tagging salon 26 when people are after recommendations. What makes you stand out over the rest? Whenever I do a new hair colour
or set of nails I post the pictures on Facebook, the photos get shared. People like to see before and after pictures. It shows that our salon is up to date with fashion colours and styles. How hard has it been for you to set up your own business in a time where lots of people struggle? I’m not going to lie, it is very hard! I was just an averaged working woman with the normal wage coming in, I saved and loaned money from my fantastic family and friends. It is a struggle but if you want something you’ve got to go for it!
it’s tuff and sometimes you can think is it worth it?! But hard work and determination is the key! I left school with rubbish grades; I had dead end jobs till I was 19 then went to college to learn hairdressing. Going from nothing to now getting a mortgage for the salon makes me proud! If I can do it anyone can! There are some crazy beauty treatments out there, what has been your most unusual or weirdest request? Wow... there has been a lot of
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business? Ooh, I would say ask as many people as you can for advice, I was lucky enough to have a good friend who has businesses. I must of asked Kerrie Katopodis a million questions. You have to be committed 100%
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I married my best friend. We’ve been together now 23 years (7 married). I am one of 8 children. Where can people follow you and the salon? Check my salon out on Facebook... salon 26. One day I will learn how to use twitter and Instagram. What is the best way to book with you? The best way is by phone. 0191 4556234,you can book via Facebook message but it is quicker by phone.
crazy things asked for from false toe nails to colours, lately I’ve been doing lots of the silver hair colours. If you could have any famous client in the salon who would it be and why? Ooh that’s a tricky one, there’s so many too chose from! I would possibly have Keith Lemon…I have a soft spot for gingers or Moroccan sunset as we like to call it. It would be hilarious watching him get his eyebrows threaded.
time? Free time, what’s that? Lol. I do like to hang out with the girls, I’ve got a cracking set of mates. We’ve even got a special group name but I don’t think I can say it in here haha. My friend owns a night club in South Shields called Club Del Mar, I’m there most Saturdays helping out selling shots. I’m possibly the best shot girl ever! What can people expect from Salon 26 during the rest of 2017? I love learning new things; my most recent is eyelash extensions. I might think about ear piercing next.
When you are not working what do you like to do in your free
Tell us 3 random facts about yourself? I’ve always wanted twins and 3 year ago I bought twin sausage dogs. I love them, they’re called Slinky and Bella.
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Is there anything you would like to add? I will be advertising cheaper days soon for my apprentice, keep watching my fb page. Emma’s due back soon after having 9 month off on maternity leave. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us and we wish you luck for the future
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Shakin’ Stevens Newcastle City Hall Wed 24th May
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Shakin’ Stevens is about to embark on his biggest ever UK tour visiting 33 towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Echoes Of Our Times Tour will see one of the UK’s biggest-selling artists of alltime hit the road from Easter with the opening night on Saturday April 15 in Carlisle. Shaky will then travel the length and breadth of the country, including London’s Shepherds Bush Empire on May 2 before ending the tour on May 28. Tickets for the Echoes Of Our Times Tour are priced from £24 and are on sale now from www.ticketmaster. co.uk The tour will see Shaky unveil another side to his talents, as an artist, songwriter and storyteller. Echoes Of Our Times blends blues, roots, Americana and classic rock. Detailing stories from his intriguing family history, Shakin’ Stevens has created a remarkable musical tribute to his once mysterious past. Uncovering his family’s history back hundreds of years in the Cornish mining
village of Gwennap, once the richest copper mining district in the world, the album is a remarkably frank and honest piece of work that has been widely acclaimed. Here Shaky talks about his journey of discovery and change from his heyday back in the 80s to the now……. So, you’re going out on tour with the album and it’s a huge tour. What can people expect? I am looking forward to getting out on tour, we’re going to do all the tracks
on the album. There will be the old hits too but it isn’t possible to do them all. In the early days I did practically all the hits but I couldn’t actually do full songs from start to finish, I had to cut them down to get them in. But there will be some album tracks, songs that people haven’t heard me sing before and the hits I do will be slightly different. You will know the songs, but it will be with new arrangements, or a new way of performing them. Can we expect double denim and white dancing shoes? I wouldn’t want to do that, ‘cos that was a long time ago. Every artist needs to be allowed to move on, and develop in their own way, and at their own pace. My stage performance has changed over the years, and it would be boring if artists didn’t move on in their careers. A few years ago, I asked one of the fans if they liked a new arrangement of one of the hits that I had performed. The answer was that he liked the original
when it first came out, but he had moved on with his taste in music since then, and he preferred the new arrangement. It’s good for artists and their fan base to keep pace with each other and I think that’s why they have reacted so well to the new album. Hopefully there will be a lot of familiar faces with the fans who have been there since the early days but I’m also looking forward to seeing people who have never been to one of my concerts before. How have you put the band together? There’s nine in the band – two female singers, a guitarist, a drummer, piano player, trumpet, tenor sax, bass guitar and keyboards but we’ve also got harmonica, mandolin, banjo, slide guitar. They are
all very talented so it’s a great live band. I’ve worked with most of them over quite a long time and we all get on really well together so I know we’re all going to get out on that stage every night and have a great time. You’ve been on an almost “Who Do You Think You Are?” journey to write Echoes of our Times. Is that what you planned or were you inspired to write the album after you made the discoveries about your family’s history? You get to a stage in your life and you don’t know what went on with your family. We started researching before we started recording the album and that just led us to go down a rootsy feel. The stories were just so strong so we started writing songs.
There were a lot of sad stories, hence the darkness of the album but it has been such a fantastic experience. Nobody used to talk, that’s what I’ve really discovered. I’ve found out so much about my family history, things that I never would have known. There are such amazing stories about people going down the mines, women and children, and it is just times that are very hard to imagine now. I didn’t even know my grandmother was in the Salvation Army until I started this search and I’ve discovered I’ve still got family members in it now. Money raised through Echoes Of Merry Christmas Everyone and three charity gigs that I recently performed in, have been for the Salvation Army and I’m very glad we did that. It’s a charity that does such a fantastic job. It’s taken years and years to build this information and to be able to translate it into an album has been great. The album has certainly enjoyed tremendous success and a lot of primetime radio air play. Did you expect this? I enjoyed great success in the 80’s, but I had such a strong image from this time that it has been difficult to break through and present my music in its current form. Surprisingly, the album that has seemed to have been the easiest to put together has been the best tool to break that cycle: perhaps because it is so personal. This is very much my ‘move on’ album. As you grow up and grow older you change and want something different. In the very early days I was naïve, I knew I had to change but it was difficult. I did bring an album out Now Listen in 2007, I would say that was my ‘bridge’ album but unfortunately the guy who signed me, the guy who wanted to put the album out, went to America and
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What do you think of music today? There is a lot of choice out there today and so much variety to listen to so it’s really hard to pinpoint particular artists because I really do like listening to pretty much anything and if I like the lyrics I’ll keep listening. It’s such a hard market to get noticed in today and that’s why the artists we’ve selected to be guest support on the tour are people who are trying to make it in the business. We want to give them a chance to get noticed.
nothing happened with it in the UK, although it was a top 10 album in Scandinavia. Now with this album I’ve come back with something very different. When it was first revealed to the media our publicist made a point of not saying who it was as we wanted to get the reaction first without anyone having any preconceived perceptions. The reaction was, and still is, fantastic because people just didn’t expect this sound to come from the Shakin’ Stevens they remember and I can honestly say I haven’t heard one negative about it. It has also kick-started a lot more ideas so we will be working on them in the near future. Do you have favourite track on the album? I don’t have a particular favourite track on the album, as I really like them all for different reasons.
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What’s your favourite track from your early days? Turning Away (a single from the 1986 album Lipstick, Powder and Paint) and Radio (a single from the
1992 album The Epic Years), featuring Roger Taylor, from Queen, on drums and Rod Argent on keyboards.
If Shaky was bursting onto the scene for the first time in 2017 who would he be? I would definitely be more rootsy like this. If you look at Johnny Cash, in the early days he had this really strong beat but he moved on and moved on and his music was much darker towards the end but that suited him. It’s all about growing up and the fact that I absolutely love the music I’m doing now. I liked it back in the early days but I feel that this is well and truly the real me with the new album and the music I’m working on now.
What do you listen to when you want to relax? I like radio, we listen to quite a mixture of stations. Radio 2, Radio 4, 6 Music but then I love to listen to my records too. I like listening to songs and albums I haven’t heard before, basically anything that takes my fancy. I like a Steven’s plays story and a lyric together. Shakin Mostly rootsy type of stuff. Newcastle City Hall on Wed 24 May ‘17 Tickets are from Who were your main £26.50 at www.theatreroyal. influences when you were co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box office on 08448 starting out? People say to me you’re 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm rock and roll, but that’s an plus your phone company’s umbrella with many styles access charge). of music resting under it. Growing up with my family, there was music from the back end of the 30s, the 40s, 50s and 60s as there were so many of us and the age range was so big so everyone wanted to listen to something different. There were all types of music being played and listened to and always with a bit of skiffle thrown in.
NEXT NEXT STEP STEP TEEN TEEN DREAMS DREAMS RETURN RETURN TO TO UK UK WITH WITH ELECTRIFYING ELECTRIFYING STAGE STAGE SHOW SHOW
Stars of hit Canadian teen drama series The Next Step are hot-footing it back to the UK this Spring with a brand new live dance stage show ‘The Next Step - Live on Stage’, and will be visiting Newcastle City Hall for one night only on Wednesday 31 May 2017. After performing the ‘Wild Rhythm’ tour in eight countries to over 200,000 fans in 2016, including a sell-out visit to City Hall in April, The Next Step team is back due to overwhelming popular demand with a sensational new show choreographed by cast members Jordan Clark and Trevor Tordjman. The Next Step TV show, which follows the lives of a group of award winning dancers at the Next Step dance studios in Toronto, hit TV screens back in 2013 and has since become a global phenom-
enon, taking the teen market by storm.
just be a few special guest appearances too!
The new stage show will again feature the most popular and talented cast members of the TV show. Joining Jordan and Trevor are Brittany Raymond (Riley), Isaiah Peck (Henry), Briar Nolet (Richelle), Myles Erlick (Noah), Victoria Baldesarra (Michelle) along with season 4 newcomers Shelby Bain (Amy) and Alexandra Chaves (Piper).
The show will play Newcastle City Hall for one night only as part of a strictly limited nine date tour.
Celebrating dance in a concertlike setting, the show features high-energy group numbers that showcase the group’s flawless timing, eye-popping acrobatics and overall mastery of dance. New to the ‘Live on Stage’ show are dance routines connected to the plotlines of the TV show, new duet and trio combinations and, thanks to modern technology, there might
The Next Step ‘Live on Stage’ plays at Newcastle City Hall on Wednesday 31 May 2017. Tickets are on-sale from 9am on Friday 3 March priced from £35 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal. co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).
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When you think of Bare Knuckle Boxing I’m sure most people will think of travellers fighting in car parks or some of the call out videos, both of which you often see popping up on youtube and facebook. What people don’t realise is that over the last few years a company called UBBAD have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring BKB out of the shadows and into the mainstream.
fight defeating Cowboys Michael who was undefeated in 200 BKB fights. There have been a few occasions where Terrill was due to face current UBBAD Champion Michael “The Real Deal” Ferry on other promotions but it has yet to happen, hopefully now that they are both signed to UBBAD there’s nowhere to hide and this eagerly awaited fight won’t be far away. It will be a fan favourite fight when it happens seeing as Ferry’s fans think there is no competition left for him to face, whilst Terril’s fans think Ferry is ducking Terril because he knows that he will lose his title and has been avoiding the hard fights to keep it. With this kind of talk there can only be one outcome and that is for the fight to take place, which will be great news for neutral BKB fans.
They already have some top level fighters on their books, but in recent months they really have pulled out all of the stops with signings like North East fighter Michael Terrill, who is a Champion Kickboxer and who this year won his first ever Bare Knuckle
Another of the big name signing is former UFC fighter Melvin Guillard who is a well-known striker and a massive household name to be added to the UBBAD roster. He will be taking on the winner of the upcoming Jimmy Sweeney and Dann Henry-Welsh fight. Sweeney
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We have double the fun now as we have teamed up with Cineworld Boldon and the new Cineworld Dalton Park to give you a quick run down on a few films that are coming soon and really have got us excited. Plus make sure you check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with their daily competitions and updates. Boldon and Dalton Park
Alien: Covenant Release date: 12 May 2017 Running time: 120 minutes Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with ALIEN: COVENANT, a new chapter in his ground breaking ALIEN franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.
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Cast: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demiรกn Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollet, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England,
Benjamin Rigby Director: Ridley Scott CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER
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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Release date: 26 May 2017 Running time: 130 minutes
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Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and
Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe
he has ever faced. Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem Director: Joachim Rřnning, Espen Sandbergi CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER
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Wonder Woman Release date: 2 June 2017 Running time: 120 minutes
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‘Wonder Woman’ hits movie theaters around the world next summer when Gal Gadot returns as the title character in the epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins. Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside
man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.
Huston, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner, Saďd Taghmaoui
Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Danny
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER
Director:
Patty Jenkins
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Baywatch Release date: 2 June 2017 Running time: 100 minutes BAYWATCH follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay. Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario Director:
Seth Gordon
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER
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Unlimited Card Love Cinema. Join the club - £16.90 a month. You will receive... Preferential Discounts Unlimited members get 10% off all food and drink bought in-cinema at any time of day, every day!* Plus, you’ll also receive discounts for all nonfilm screenings such as Live Opera in HD, Live National Theatre, Live sport in 3D and live gigs etc. (All discounts subject to terms)
Shopping Unlimited members benefit from exclusive deals set up by their local cinema*. These offers vary from cinema to cinema, but are a great way to save pennies. (All deals are subject to terms) *Until further notice Watch as many films as you like Are you mad about movies?
Feed your fascination by watching as many films as you like at Cineworld every month from just £16.90. There’s literally no limit to the number of times you can visit! Apply for your card now at www.unlimitedcineworld. com/uk/pages/apply. aspx?step=1 using promo code RAF-63KG-29XM-00SB31WU.
Get access to Exclusive advance screenings As an Unlimited member, you can be among the first to see great movies at our special screenings. Just keep an eye on our Unlimited newsletter for your invitation. Discounted Meals &
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new premises Unit 4, maurice road ind est Newcastle upon Tyne, Ne28 6by
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HOLY ISLAND DEVELOPMENT SITE FOR SALE
A rare opportunity has arisen to develop a site on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne – one of the UK’s most iconic and historic tidal islands. Chartered surveyor Bradley Hall is marketing a 0.74-acre site on this famous island off the Northumberland coast. The site, currently used as a car park, benefits from a spectacular vista and enjoys unencumbered views of Lindisfarne Castle to the east – one of the most attractive views in Northumberland. Located on Green Lane, the stone
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wall bordered site is located on the edge of the village. Tim Aisbitt, associate director at Bradley Hall, said: “Holy Island is a small, discreet and unique community. This development site, located on the edge of the village, offers a genuinely rare development opportunity on one of the UK’s most spectacular islands. “With stunning views and all the local amenities on your doorstep, this site is suitable for a variety of uses within this hugely popular tourist destination. A full development brief is available to interested
parties.” Offers are invited for the freehold interest. Visit www.bradleyhall. co.uk Holy Island has a recorded history going back to the 6th century AD. It was an important centre of Celtic History under Saints Aidan of Lindisfarne, Cuthbert, and Eadfrith of Lindisfarne. Following the Viking invasions and the Norman Conquest of England, a prior was re-established. A castle was built on the island in 1550.
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Beauty Tips With Diane Knott Have you always walked past this store and never actually been in? Maybe you have spotted the skeleton in the window and always wondered what the store is really about? Well, next time you pass the store why don’t you pop in and receive a specialist consultation with a member of staff, where they can offer you advice as well as show you the best lines of skincare appropriate for your skin. Kiehls started life in New York as a pharmaceutical brand in 1851 –
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an Old world Apothecary, It has now become a worldwide brand and promotes a huge range of skincare, with men’s products and body care within its brand.
products are the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Crème De Corps Body Lotions; these have to be my favourite products so far!!
One of the newest lines to show up has been the Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream, which consists of Manuka Honey and Red Ginseng Root. This has quite a thick texture and is great for all skin types. You only need a small amount and it is warmed in the hands to slightly melt before application. This cream will visibly renew the skin for a smoother texture and a nice healthy radiance.
Kiehls newest product on the shelves is the Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil which is a great lightweight oil cleanser that will remove make-up and impurities without over-drying your skin.
Some
of
the
best-selling
Soon to arrive is a new Men’s styling range, some new Butter Sticks and so much more, visit the website to see more or pop in and speak to a member of the team who are more than happy to help.
CLICK HERE WEBSITE
TO
VISIT
THE
For more info on some of the products you can check out my blog posts including all latest ones here – CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY BLOG Would you like your own specialised consultation? Maybe even some courtesy samples to try? If the answer is yes then pop in and see the staff at Kiehls! You will even find me in there as part of the team, so you know you are in safe hands, you will find us at Kiehls Boutique, Blackett Street, Newcastle.
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Twister boys to headline O2 Academy Regional rockers, Twister, are setting themselves up for a summer to remember this year capping it with a headline outing on the main stage at Newcastle’s O2 Academy on May 21. Fronted by the enigmatic main man, Stevie ‘Twister’ Stoker, the quartet, who were formed back in Stevie’s days of school some thirteen plus years ago, have an impressive catalogue of names in which they’ve shared the stage with. Status Quo, Bumblefoot, Simple Minds, Texas and many others have borne witness to the youthful exuberance the Durham lads have emitted. Francis Rossi of the Quo even publicly stating: “I Love all of your original material and that Floyd cover was outstanding.” In finishing second overall (of over 12,000 entrants) at the Surface Unsigned Festival, the organisers said afterwards that: “A skill for writing witty, memorable Indie pop tracks. “Excellent anthems; very strong,
with just the right mixture of rawness, showmanship and technical precision ensuring they had the crowd clapping and singing along, leaving a lasting impression.” During this time, more so over the past five years or so, Stevie and company are set to release their third album, ‘The Combined State of Mind Collection’ being a combination of two EP’s in ‘Designed State of Mind,’ released last year, and ‘Refined
State of Mind’ to be released as a part of the upcoming album launch. Those first two albums, Someone’s Gotta Lie and This Isn’t Wonderland ensuring the band’s name will forever be known in regional, and national music. Last year, at the O2 Academy, the band, ably supported by Craig Roddam, Singapore Safehouse and Catalyse, sold out Academy Two, an occasion which led to
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them pushing for what could be the biggest year of their careers to date. “We were absolutely over the moon to be able to sell-out Academy Two,” began Stevie. “The response to the atmosphere and music on the night was great and then, to get the call from the Academy the following day asking if we’d fancy headlining the main hall, words can’t describe that.
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“We’re aware as to how big a step up this is and the challenge that it presents but it’s a dream stage to play on and we’ve only been there once and that was a few years ago now (as support to Alarm). Granted we are there for the upcoming UBeat Awards but this is us, it’s something really, really special and we’ll certainly throw everything at it.” Immediately after their last Academy gig they supported
Tygers of Pan Tang at the Cluny and played at Trillians Rock Bar in the city centre and for Jake and Joe, the pair are living the dream. “Playing the O2 is just surreal anyway and was packed out from start to finish, staying like that until the last song,” added Jake. “So, already being on cloud nine with that, we get this as well. It brings back great memories for me going to gigs there as kids and the Ubeat Awards is just the perfect warm-up for that. Knowing its Academy One from the off, we hope to sell it out, and although it could be seen as a bit of a risk, it’s now or never really. It’s the first step in the next big thing for us.” Several times the band have played Academy Two, each as good as the last with the band getting better as time moves on. It could add extra pressure, but it’s their living, and for drummer Joe there’s nothing better saying: “We will certainly push to get the place as full as it can be and make it as comparable to the big touring bands the Academy gets as we can. “It’s not just a one-off though
that’s for sure. So long as we put the work in as individuals then the band is certainly capable, relieving that pressure so we can concentrate on the putting down tracks, writing that new material and showing that we can, in essence, do whatever we like.” It’s certainly a long way from the band’s first ever gig at a bar called Breathless in Blackhall all those years ago; playing the main stage at the O2 Academy could well be that first stepping stone on the road to greatness. “Everything that we have done though has continued to build up to where we want to be and we know that we can give a lot to both the music industry, and to the people. That’s how we want to be and will always look to connect with them,” finished Stevie in acknowledgment to the fact that fans love them, and they love their fans. Next stop – May 21 2017 at the O2 Academy, Newcastle for ‘The State of Mind Collection’ launch party supported by Sam Gibson, A New Nowhere and OffPeak. Tickets For the event, priced VIP £11 and standard entry £7; VIP doors opening at 545pm and are available from www. officialtwister.co.uk. Follow Twister now on Facebook @TwisterUK and on Twitter @ wearetwister.
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AROUND THE MUSIC SCENE APRIL 2017 April’s focus will be firmly fixed on Teesside and the annual Stockton Calling music festival that comprises of a number of up-and-coming, and established acts, from around the region playing across nine different venues. The occasion sees the last appearance of Kingsley Chapman and The Murder at The Georgian Theatre alongside Cattle & Cane and Mouses; The Music Lounge sees Scream of Sirens and Catalyse; The Green Room have Samantha Durnan (making an early appearance ahead of her June album launch); whilst The Edge have James Gray Robson & The Lovely Burn among others. Miss Durnan said: “Stockton Calling will be the first time myself and the band will be performing the new material from my up and coming album. It will be exciting to share that live with an audience,” whilst Cattle & Cane added: “”We love playing on Teesside. We’re so lucky to have such an amazing fan-base and being able to headline a local festival like Stockton Calling means a lot to us and we can’t wait for people to hear our new album. We’re really excited about getting out there and playing songs from it live.”
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Venues holding court at Stockton Calling on April 15 (Easter
Saturday) are ARC, KU Bar, The Storytellers, The Vault, The Georgian Theatre, The Sun Inn, The Green Room, Music Lounge and The Edge. Sunderland’s indie rockers, Social Room, see themselves on a double on a double outing on Tyne and Tees with a trip to Jumpin Jacks in Newcastle on April 7 with Fosseway followed by a main support for Sheffield visitors, Sabella, on the 22nd at the Music Lounge in Stockton. The month finishes with an album
launch for Teesside powerhouse, Cattle & Cane. Mirrors is a culmination of international flavour for the sibling band and will be released on April 29th ahead of their trip to The Sage, Gateshead early next month.
insidemann.co.uk/about-us/ petermann.contently.com/
If anybody wants their show promoted in one of several columns, email music journalist, Peter Mann via petermann78@ hotmail.com and follow him on Twitter @petermannwriter. See more articles by Peter Mann at the following websites...
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With summer on it’s way and the sun coming out to play a little more often, now is the time to make sure your eyes are protected, but that doesn’t meen you cant look good whilst you do. Here are a few of the new stlyles from the latest collections that are available now from redhotsunglasses.co.uk Check out the website for even more new sunglasses including Ray-Ban, Levis, French Connection, Tom Ford and more.
Valentino Keyhole Double Lens Sunglasses in Transparent & Green CLICK HERE TO BUY THESE
MCM Metal Bridge Round Sunglasses in Black CLICK HERE TO BUY THESE
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Stella McCartney Falabella Square Sunglasses in Nude Pink CLICK HERE TO BUY THESE
Moncler Full Rim Round Sunglasses in Shiny Gunmetal CLICK HERE TO BUY THESE
Fendi Be You Square Sunglasses in Pink CLICK HERE TO BUY THESE
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