Platform Magazine: Issue 11, The Summer Edition

Nottingham Trent Students’ Union’s Official Magazine

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Issue 11: The Summer Edition

SUMMER IS COMING

That means Varsity season is here See our full guide inside so you don’t miss a match In this issue:

ON CAMPUS

ART & DESIGN

LIFESTYLE

Should you have to pay to leave uni?

The ultimate degree show guide

Why third term is actually the most fun

April 2015 Issue 11: The Summer Edition Cover photo by William Wong

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EDITOR’Slett

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’m currently writing this from the library where I - and a lot of you, I’m sure have spent most of third term so far.

There’s no hiding from the fact that this last term is incredibly tough, especially for us final years, but it’s not all dissertation doom and revision-related gloom! In fact, there’s plenty to look forward to until June, which are all listed in Lifestyle’s article on page 14 proving that third term can actually be the most FUN. Varsity’s an obvious one, and we have the full guide over in Sport on page 17! If you’re going to leave your desk at any point these next few weeks, do so to back Trent’s sports teams so we can beat our rivals over in Beeston!

However you choose to spend your final weeks - enjoy it! For some of us, our time at Trent is coming to an end (sob), so let’s make the most of it while we’re still here. If you’re back next year however, I’ll leave you in the good hands of your new Editor-inChief Ryan Johns who will be taking the reigns. He will be working hard alongside the new elected committee to bring you a bigger and better Platform for next year! If like me you’re leaving, I hope you will continue reading us at platform-online.net.

For now, we’d like to thank the Students’ Union staff for their continued support, especially our hardworking VP Activities Lizzy Kelly and Societies Co-ordinator Anil Parmar who will both be looking after your societies again next year. Thank you to Victoria Halls who have kindly sponsored us all year and also Hickling and Squires for printing every edition so beautifully. And of course, a massive thank you to the current committee listed below who have worked so hard to bring you all the exciting articles seen here in this last edition of the term. So if you’re going to procrastinate - do it with Platform! - Sayuri Standing, Acting Editor

PLATFORM COMMITTEE 2014-15 ACTING EDITOR & HEAD OF DESIGN Sayuri Standing MARKETING MANAGER Lilly Brannan ASSISTANT EDITOR Joe Harby NEWS Editor Ryan Johns Deputy James Bavin & Jacob Van Kelly CULTURE Editor Ellis Whitehouse Deputy Matt Davies LIFESTYLE Editor Kate Parker Deputy Freya Shah GAMING Editor Lauren Greaves Deputy Charlotte Smith FASHION Editor Nikki Brown Deputy Shannon Lawless SPORTS Editor Peter Adams Deputy Alex Clarke MUSIC Editor Harry Hammett Deputy Alex Copley PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN Editor Ellie Craven-Todd Deputy Amy Hamilton GRAPHIC DESIGN Sayuri Standing, Sophie Ward, Leon Jay Dominique, Luke Kolbohm & Sarah Dalley ENQUIRIES PlatformOnlineNotts@gmail.com

CON terTENTS platform-online.net @platformonline

/platformmagazine

5 A Letter from the President

MUSIC

7 Why Voting in Elections is Important 9 Should Students have to Pay to Leave Uni?

CULTURE

NEWS

LIFESTYLE

11 Love is in the Air: Why it’s Perfectly Okay to have a Summer Romance 12 Make your Summer Spectacular 13 Do Something Different 14 Why Third Term Can Actually be the Most Fun

SPORT

17 The Great Escape Part II: Notts County Fight the Drop Again 18 Three Nottinghamshire Cricketers: Looking to Play Their Way into Ashes Contention 19 May Madness: Sporting Highlights 20 Nottingham Varsity Guide 2015

FASHION & BEAUTY

23 Inside the World of McQueen 24 Festival Hair and Beauty Tricks 25 Sunkissed Style

31 Undiscovered Artist? BBC Introducing could Help 32 Ultimate Summer Festival Guide 2015 35 Top Ten Reads for the Summer 36 Will Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ Bring Greatness Back with Originality?

37 Nottingham Playhouse: Round Up 38 Summer 2015: A Pick of Some Alternative Blockbusters to see

GAMING & TECH

41 National Videogame Arcade Opens in City: Gamers of Nottingham Rejoice!

42 Top Picks: Games for Stress Relief 43 New £40m Tech Hub to Open in Nottingham

PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN

45 NTU School of Art and Design’s Ultimate Degree Show Guide

A Letter from thePRESIDENT

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erm 3, already? Last term was the longest of the year, and with so much going on in and around the Union, it certainly felt that way. Your Executive Officers for next year were elected after a 2 week long campaigning effort, which saw more of you vote than ever before: 7000! A few of you got to meet Puppy Trent during RaG Week, 2000 of you applied to become a Fresher’s Crew member and over 3000 of you took part in our Lad Culture survey, so it’s been a varied and engaged few months.

national scene and submitted Trent’s first policy in a number of years to the NUS, as well as working with the University’s Equality and Diversity team on all things related to the perception of Lad Culture.

Paddy has very busy final term, starting with Varsity at the end of April and finishing with the annual Sporting Excellence Awards Ball. Lizzy, having been re-elected for next year, will use this term to improve the policies and procedures to make them more student friendly, and assist Pub Sports with their legendary Darsity Varts event… sorry, I meant the Varsity Darts. Finally, Jeremiah has been wading through the thousands of applications for Fresher’s Crew and holding group interviews for the biggest volunteering opportunity of the year, Freshers Week!

The Brack redevelopment plan is at a more detailed stage; we’ve had surveyors out on site and you’ll start to see things change in both Brack Bar and the Orangery over the next few months. Over at Clifton, the final structural frameworks have been set, and you can already envision just how grand this Heart of the Campus project is going to be once it’s opened for the new academic year. The City campus has played host to over 3000 hours of society activities and entertainments, utilizing the space and creating a great atmosphere around the City SU building.

Good look in your upcoming exams, and thank you so much for another great year at Trent.

Marcus “Patches” Boswell NTSU President

What about your other Elected Officers?

Matthew has started to plan the first annual Course Rep Conference to be held at the beginning of next year, in addition to preparing for the traditional Outstanding Teaching Awards where you have your say on who has been a great help during your time at Trent. Josh has worked on utilizing our strength as a student body on the

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NEWS Why Voting in Elections is Important// Should Students Pay to Leave Uni?

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NEWS

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NEWS

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LIFESTYLE Love is in the Air//Make your Summer Spectacular//Do Something Different

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LIFESTYLE

LOVE IS IN THE AIR Why it's perfectly okay to have a summer romance

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very summer has a story and there's absolutely no reason why this year's story can't involve a little summer romance somewhere along the line. Whether you're not too keen on commitment when the new academic year rolls around, jetting off on a crazy three month adventure around the world or perfectly happy being single and carefree, there's always room for a little romance.

When someone new is potentially in the pipeline, you'll more than likely swear yourself off summer flings because of the feelings, attachment and confusion involved. But, it's time to face facts and realise that there will never be a right time. Things don't happen when you want them or need them to, they happen when you least expect it. They unexpectedly come and sweep you off your feet in a hazy summer bubble. But, that's the fun of it.

What's the point in putting things off and making excuses for why you shouldn't pursue

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someone? If it's worth having it'll work effortlessly and if it's not meant to be, it'll naturally fizzle out leaving you with a fuzzy memory of what once was. Summer is the perfect time to embrace the warmer days, lighter nights and just live in the moment without looking too far ahead. Ditch the practicality and over thinking and do what makes you happy there and then.

You have absolutely no idea what will come from a summer romance so just let it unfold, enjoy the ride and see where it takes you. It doesn't mean you'll fall hopelessly in love and find your fairytale ending, but it's guaranteed to be an experience which will teach you something and allow you to grow as a person. Regardless of what you are or aren't looking for, don't intentionally rule it out just because you think you shouldn't be embarking upon something new. Although the tans will fade, the memories will last forever.

Nicole Cottrell

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Make your summer SPECTACULAR

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starting a blog is so easy and you can also choose how full on you want to be with it. You could either post everyday, once a week or every two weeks.

hile it's easy to get wrapped around a new series on Netflix, and do nothing for the first two weeks of summer, there is always something little more fulfilling to do‌

4) Festivals - Stuck in a field with no showers, poor toilet facilities and being sweaty, what more could you want? There is always a music festival going about during the summer. Although bigger festivals sell out early, smaller local ones have a great atmosphere and are the perfect way to discover new, up and coming bands.

1)Travel - Leave behind the gloomy skies of England and enter a city of different culture, experience and beautiful landmarks. You can pick up cheap city break deals with a bit of internet searching, and if you are flexible within a week you can swap the dreary English towns for exciting cities like Barcelona, or Rome.

5) Volunteering - Whether it be abroad or in the UK volunteering is an easy way to explore your interests, meeting new people whilst enhancing your CV and doing something positive for a community. To find out more about volunteering head over to our article on page 17.

2) Work experience - As tedious as it may seem, work experience can actually be a lot of fun. The key is to go to smaller companies and email them directly; they love people who are willing to work for free. As they have little staff with a big work load, you may actually be doing something other than making 29 cups of tea a day.

However you choose to spend your summer, learn something new, make memories and have an unforgettable time because you’ll be back slaving away in Boots library before you know it!

3) Start a blog - Blogs are a win win solution. Not only are they a perfect way to fill up spare time as well as being creative, but they are look a-maz-ing on your CV. Thanks to Blogspot and Wordpress

Freya Shah

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LIFESTYLE

Do Something Different

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t’s only natural to catch the travelling bug whilst at Uni. Every man and his dog seems to being doing it, whether it’s backpacking round Asia, Interrailing around Europe or coaching at a Camp in America. But, travelling doesn’t have to be limited to getting drunk in as many different places around the Globe. It can be educational, eye-opening and look amazing on your CV. Volunteering abroad is the perfect way to see different cultures in their rarest form, and meet a whole range of people from various backgrounds – not just alternative backpackers who think they are extra edgy with dreadlocks and a hair braid.

Of course ‘volunteering’ doesn’t scream relaxing trip, and it definitely won’t be easy. What it will be is rewarding. There are so many companies who offer so many different kinds of volunteering; you can do anything from working with Elephants to going into English teaching in schools.

It isn’t a one destination kind of trip either, there are so many different places you can choose to go, from Bolivia to Botswana, or if you want to stay a little closer to home, Greece or Italy. Once you get to your country of choice, you won’t be working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there will be opportunities to go and explore the area, and travel further afield.

Ultimately what you get when you choose Volunteering is variety. You can go or 2 weeks, or 12, you can find programmes in pretty much anything and everything, and you can visit unconventional and exciting places. There is always the added bonus that employers are always really impressed with people who give up their summer for an amazing cause.

Type ‘Volunteer aboard’ into Google and you’ll be amazed by the opportunities and who knows, by the end of the summer, you could be amazed by what you’ve achieved.

If you want more information on volunteering, I-to- I, a leading travel brand have launched various Google hangouts where you can discuss volunteering abroad with experts and gain a real insight into what you are letting yourself in for: http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteertravel-talk-volunteer-and-youth-travel-trends Kate Parker

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Why third term can actually be the most FUN ...

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Events to watch out for: Sports Ball – The one night of the year where members of NTU’s sport clubs get suited and booted, become classy and recognise their achievements over the past year.

NTSU Awards – Similar to sports ball but for the NTSU societies to recognise their achievements. Awards include best volunteer, best fresher rep and society of the year.

Varsity – This year’s varsity series kicks off on April 27th with Basketball. With events then taking place all throughout third term with sports such as Ice Hockey, Rugby League, Swimming and Cricket to go and watch.

The biggest and best last day of term and the final ocean bar crawl aren’t to be missed, and of course grad ball is hosted at the capital FM arena a week after the end of term – you don’t have to be a final year, any NTU student is allowed to attend.

Abby McHale

eadlines, revision and exams aka third term: something which fill most students with dread. But it doesn’t have to be like that. The final eight weeks are underrated.

First term is often pitched as the best: it’s the time you have the least amount of work and most time to socialise. Second term is where the hard work really begins but deadlines haven’t quite kicked in and pressure is (relatively) low.

But third term means the weather gets nicer, the nights get lighter and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel when you finish for summer, or forever if it’s your final year…

It’s the perfect time to make the most of your freedom before you head back to your family home and family rules.

So don’t dread final term, embrace it because it can be more fun than you might anticipate.

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LIFESTYLE

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SPORT

The Great Escape Part II: Notts County Fight the Drop Again//Three Nottinghamshire Cricketers//May Madness: Sporting Highlights//Varsity Guide 2015 16

SPORT

THE GREAT ESCAPE PART II:

NOTTS COUNTY

FIGHT THE DROP AGAIN

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Notts are dangerously close to falling out of the third tier of English football and beginning the 2015/16 season as a League Two side but there is still hope.

When Derry took over Notts County last season were a side that had been 10 points adrift from safety in League One and looked destined for relegation.

Nevertheless, the new manager effect took full charge and Notts managed to string a run of results together which gave them a real shot at staying up come the final day of the season.

Despite this results were not too kind to the Magpies on the final day, with Tranmere winning at Bradford and Notts losing at Oldham, Derry’s men had one foot in League two and were in serious jeopardy of undoing all of their miraculous work.

Much to the fans’ amazement Bradford fought back and then went ahead against Tranmere and Notts grabbed themselves an equaliser and the ‘great escape’ was truly complete.

Notts County under Ricardo Moniz will be looking to draw on the spirit last season to replicate the survival; however, they may want to do it with a little more time to spare.

Nathan Parker

otts County fans will be hoping that new boss Ricardo Moniz can emulate the initial success of his predecessor Shaun Derry as the Magpies enter the dying embers of the 2014/15 campaign.

It has been a season of ups and downs for Notts who began the season with such promise and found themselves dreaming of promotion early doors.

However, perhaps expectations were raised too high and Derry’s men were soon hit with a startling reality check as dreadful form saw them tumble down the table.

Struggling to pick up an elusive three points and dipping in and out of the relegation zone spelled the end for Derry and at the end of March he was relieved of his duties in charge at Meadow Lane.

Step forward Ricardo Moniz.

The ‘will he won’t he’ nature of his appointment brought a touch of optimism back to Notts fans’ lives and his eventual hiring was greeted with wide acclaim from all of those involved with the club.

Despite this newfound excitement, the Magpies still find themselves flirting with relegation from League one with just a few games left to play.

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LOOKING TO PLAY THEIR WAY INTO ASHES CONTENTION

THREE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CRICKETERS

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s the County Championship season started this month England were still reeling from a shambolic World Cup, and with an Ashes Series on the horizon there are spaces up for grabs.

Rob Conlon takes a look at which Nottinghamshire players will be hoping to force their way into contention.

JAMES TAYLOR

As the Kevin Pietersen saga drags on, making Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear exit look amicable, England continue to search for an explosive batsman who can grab an innings by the scruff of the neck. Taylor has shown this ability in flashes, including an unbeaten 98 against Australia in the World Cup as well as a shed-load of runs in county cricket, and could be the man to fill that Pieterson-shaped hole in the batting line-up. KP himself jibed that 5ft 6” Taylor might be more suited as a jockey but don’t let his pint-size stature fool you, the 25-yearold packs a punch.

HARRY GURNEY

With James Anderson not getting any younger, Steven Finn enduring a torrid time at the World Cup and the likes of Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and Liam Plunkett failing to cement their place in the side, Gurney could be the man to partner Stuart Broad in England’s bowling attack. The former-Leicestershire player has been in-and-around the England squad over the last few years, playing 10 ODIs, but was left out of the touring party for the World Cup. His left-arm seam bowling, which the Australians use to devastating effect with Mitchell Johnson, would give England some variety and a different option to what they currently have.

SAMIT PATEL

Having recently signed a three-year contract extension with the county, all-rounder Patel will be looking to continue on from his impressive form last season. Despite questions regarding his fitness still surrounding him, the 30-year-old hit more than 1,100 runs in 2014. Already capped five times at Test level, his batting talent cannot be questioned, and should he improve on his spin bowling he could force himself into the reckoning for England as a replacement for a former-Trent Bridge favourite, Graeme Swann.

Rob Conlon

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SPORT

MAY MADNESS:

SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS T

The world will be watching, as five division world champions Mayweather hopes to extend his undefeated record against the formidable Pacquiao.

he month of May is filled with exam and dissertation tension, but you can be forgiven for taking a break to sink your teeth into a jam-packed few weeks of tasty sporting action. Peter Adams talks you through the calendar.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL (JUNE 6) They will be no British representatives gracing the Olympiastadion turf in Berlin this June, however the showpiece still promises to be a spectacle, with holders Real Madrid, Juventus, Monaco, Porto, Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and last seasons finalists Atletico Madrid all still in the running.

PREMIER LEAGUE FINALE (MAY 24)

As May rolls back around, the climax of both the Premier and Football League seasons are sure to excite. With Chelsea looking all but certain to reclaim the Premier League crown, all eyes have switched to the bottom of the barrel, where Leicester City, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, Hull City, Sunderland and Aston Villa are all contenders for the drop. Epic finales to the past few campaigns include Wigan Athletics’ skin-of-the-teeth survival story in 2012, Martin Tyler’s voice shattering beneath the Etihad crowd as Sergio Aguero stole Manchester City’s first title in 44 years (also in 2012), not to mention Liverpool and Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip up last season.

MONACO GRAND PRIX (MAY 24)

Monte Carlo plays host to the most exquisite grand prix in the world in May, as the race for the coveted Formula 1 Championship really hots up. Household names Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg will all fancy their chances in the tiny principality, but who will cross the line first?

RUBGY UNION PREMIERSHIP FINAL (MAY 30)

FLOYD MAYWEATHER TAKES ON PAQUIOUO (MAY 2)

The world’s biggest rugby union domestic club final takes place at Twickenham at the back end of May. The top four club Premiership sides at the end of the season enter the playoffs, with the aim of being crowned Premiership champions in London.

Billed as ‘the Fight of the Century’, Floyd Mayweather Jr. takes on Manny Pacquiao at the MGM in Las Vegas. The arena has hosted a number of great fights including both Tyson vs. Holyfield contests, as well as Oscar De La Hoya’s individual bouts with both these boxers.

Peter Adams

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NOTTINGHAM platform-online.net

t may have been staged at the worst Ipreparing possible time for nervous students for exams and putting the

Ice Hockey (April 29) Capital FM Arena

Falling fortuitously on a Wednesday night for all you Ocean lovers, the Ice Hockey has been the event synonymous with the Nottingham Varsity series. Always a sell-out, thousands of students will descend upon the FM Arena for an action-packed night on the ice. Last season’s match was a thriller, with Trent flying into a 3-0 lead, only to be pegged back by UoN, ultimately losing 4-3. A frantic night of swearing, booze and Mexican waves awaits the lucky thousands who managed to snatch a ticket. Well done, you’re in for a treat.

finishing touches to their dissertations, but the Varsity 2015 series between Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham will be sure to prise thousands of students away from the library come April 27.

Last year’s series went right down to the wire, with UoN clinching the title in the final event to win 8-7, making it the closest running series in the Varsity’s history.

With all but one of the events taking place over a two week period, the intensity of the series has just been upped a notch.

Platform’s sporting editor Alex Clarke talks you through the events bound to set your pulse racing.

Football (May 1) Meadow Lane

Every year the home of Notts County plays host to yet another of Varsity’s most anticipated events. Last year the football saw NTU stage an incredible comeback, with both the men’s and women’s teams triumphing over their redbrick neighbours to level the series at 7-7. Historically the football is always a tight affair, with extratime and penalties often needed to separate the two sides. As usual the football promises to be one of the stand-out events of the series.

Basketball (April 27) Capital FM Arena

Kicking off this year’s Varsity is one of the most frenetic events in the series; Basketball.

Last year UoN dominated both the men’s and women’s teams. This promises to make Trent even more hungry for revenge over their Beeston rivals. With slam dunks and ally oops galore, this is not one to miss.

Alex Clarke

Photo by James Connelly

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VARSITY 2015 SPORT

MONDAY APRIL 27 BASKETBALL Capital FM Arena Ladies’ 5.30pm, Wheelchair 7.20pm, Men’s 8.15pm TUESDAY APRIL 28 LACROSSE NTU Clifton Campus 5.45pm DODGEBALL NTU Clifton Campus 5.45pm FUTSAL NTU Clifton Campus Ladies’ 7.20pm, Men’s 8.30pm WEDNESDAY APRIL 29 ICE HOCKEY Capital FM Arena 7.15pm

THURSDAY APRIL 30 VOLLEYBALL NTU Clifton Campus 7.30pm NETBALL NTU Clifton Campus 6pm FRIDAY MAY 1 FOOTBALL Meadow Lane Ladies’ 5.30pm, Men’s 7.30pm SATURDAY MAY 2 RUGBY UNION Lady Bay Sports Ground Ladies’ 5.30pm, Men’s 7.30pm SUNDAY MAY 3 RUGBY LEAGUE Lady Bay sports ground 7pm

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MONDAY MAY 4 AMERICAN FOOTBALL Lady Bay sports ground 6pm TUESDAY MAY 5 HOCKEY Beeston Hockey Club Men’s 1pm, Ladies’ 3pm TABLE TENNIS Venue and time to be confirmed WEDNESDAY MAY 6 SWIMMING University Park Campus 12pm FRIDAY JUNE 5 CRICKET NTU Clifton Campus Time to be confirmed

Photo by Ellie Craven-Todd

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FASHION &BEAUTY

Inside the World of McQueen//Festival Hair and Beauty Tricks//Sunkissed Style

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FASHION & BEAUTY

INSIDE THE WORLD OF MCQUEEN

By Sophie Matthews

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pon entering the exhibition, Savage Beauty, located in London at the world famous Victoria & Albert Museum, I was completely unaware of the interior. Walking through the large double doors you are welcomed by the fierce, domination of mannequins.

A chronological order presents McQueen’s seasonal showcases over the last twenty years of his career.

This exhibition develops a relationship with the viewer in the understanding of his life. McQueen committed suicide 7 days after his mother’s death in 2010; when walking around the exhibition a deep sense of emotion hits. Being aware of this incident makes the exhibition fascinatingly graphic. ‘My work is autobiographical, so anything I experience, I digest and then vomit back into society’. Deep modes and emotions are projected during different times of his life and this is really emphasized in his work. Empowering women was his main objective when wearing his clothes.

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Andrew Bolton, the curator for the exhibition took ten months to produce a short story for viewers all over the world. A powerful and visceral visit for all audiences to make them feel as if they were watching the McQueen’s catwalk shows.

The appearance of the displayed fashion ‘was an unabashed and an unapologetic love poem to Alexander McQueen’.

This extraordinary exhibition is recommended to all students, at discounted entry at £10 until 2nd August. For fashion and non- fashion lovers, it’s a must see! P

platform-online.net

FESTIVAL W HAIR AND BEAUTY TRICKS

By Ella Walker

ith festival season on the horizon we’re all on the lookout for inspirations and looks to go for regarding our hair, makeup and outfits. It’s a hard business choosing how to style your hair, you don’t want to be stuck with the same style and same makeup encrusted face for 3 days straight.

So, the number one rule of festivals is wipes. Makeup wipes, deodorant wipes, baby wipes and Femfresh wipes. Showers at festivals are always temperamental, the queues are never ending, the water freezing and basin is dirtier than your slick and mud covered body. You never know when you’ll next get the chance to shower so take every single form of wipe you can think of.

Next step, hair. You don’t have to have greasy, wet hair plastered to your scalp like every body else there. Try some of these styles:

Braids & Plaits

The Two Buns

Crimp

Plaits and braids are the ‘it’ hairdo for festival season. It’s a must have essential. There are so many plaited hairstyles to trial and experiment with, be it the easy, simple and ever so stylish two French plaits. The messy bohemian side plait.

Stick a couple of plaits into your natural hair will do the trick. If you’re brave enough, the most stylish and easiest plait to manage at a festival, the box braids.

In other words the Miley Cyrus. Either pull all your hair into two high buns or have just the front half up and have the rest hanging loose and flowing free.

Crimp your hair for a bouncy, voluminous look that, secured with hairspray will last for a good 2/3 days, ensuring that you will not have to worry about tomorrows look.

You can also use accessories to cover up that greasy hair. Use a bandanna, headscarf or oversized flower headband.

Last but not least, your makeup. It’s always easier to go for minimalistic makeup, natural browns, beiges and pastel summer colours on your eyes and nude or red lips to draw attention away from your tired eyes. Go for minimal makeup on your skin the last thing you need is a spot breakout. P

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// Gingham Co-ord by Moonwaves // Converse All Star // Socks from Topshop

SUNKISSED STYLE FASHION & BEAUTY

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// Flamingo Co-ord by Moonwaves Clothing 26

FASHION & BEAUTY

// Black Crop Top from Boohoo // Floral Trousers from Pop at Wild Clothing // Hat from Missguided 27

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// Blue Floral Co-ord by Moonwaves Clothing

// Denim Shirt from Braderie // Floral Pink Skirt from Wild Clothing // Sunglasses from Topshop 28

FASHION & BEAUTY

// Floral Blouse and White Dungarees from Braderie // Sunglasses from Topshop Photographer // Nikki Brown Art Direction and Styling // Shannon Lawless Makeup // Lucy Clare Model // Maria Stoianov 29

platform-online.net

MUSIC Undiscovered Artist? BBC Introducing could help//Ultimate Summer Festival Guide 2015 Original photo by Sayuri Standing

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MUSIC

UNDISCOVERED

ARTIST? BBC Introducing could help

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n an increasingly competitive industry, musicians may find themselves doubting their worth. Getting that break may seem like winning the lottery. Over the past seven years however BBC Introducing have been supporting undiscovered and unsigned acts, and now a new compilation CD shows some of those success stories and future promises, in partnership with Island records. Platform’s Anna Butler catches up with Dean Jackson, presenter of BBC Nottingham’s The Beat, to see what he thinks of the industry today.

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For every illusive step forward in the music industry there are likely several slaps in the face!

We have Jake Bugg, Indiana and Saint Raymond all featuring on the compilation - do you see Nottingham now as having a stronger relationship with music?

Nottingham’s reputation has grown as a city for producing excellent music, in no small part due to the artists you mention. And there are many more.

It’s good to see the city so bold in its musical aspirations and there is a sense of pride in its music scene for the first the time in a generation.

It’s fantastic to see artists supporting each other across the genres.

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“

On the first CD of the compilation we see a number of artists tipped for success. Who are you personally excited about (on or off the album)?

From the CD, Låpsley is an undoubted talent with a huge future ahead of her. Locally, a young artist called Tyler Nugent has impressed me with writing and some accomplished performances. And from down the road in Leicester, Martin Luke Brown is writing spine-tingling material.

What matters more to success: determination or talent?

Talent. You can be as persistent as you like but if you don’t have the raw ability you can generate as much hype as you like but it will come to nothing in the end. That said, “talent” covers a range of attributes and isn’t always instantly appreciated so a degree of perseverance and resilience is also an asset. For every illusive step forward in the music industry there are likely several slaps in the face!

See the full interview at platform-online.net BBC Introducing presents… Volume 1 is also out now for the price of £7.99 on iTunes, Amazon and other music stores.

The Ultimat

FESTIVAL G Platform are heading on tour again this summer! With so many festivals to choose from, Sayuri Standing has done the hard work for you and breaks down the who, what, where and when of the UK festival scene this summer and, ultimately, the WHY these festivals might just be perfect for you. Follow us on our adventures at platform-online.net where you can read about more festivals, alongside reviews, news and artist interviews!

Nottingham Everywhere When: 3 May / Where: City centre Who: Big Narstie, Cyril Hahn, Hannah Wants Why? It’s the cult festival brought to you by cult clubnight brand Dollop. Perfect if you love house, techno, bass and everything in between www.facebook.com/everywherefestival Dot to Dot When: 24 May / Where: City centre Who: Saint Raymond, Rae Morris, Hudson Taylor Why? D2D has established a reputation for showcasing artists on the cusp of commercial success, catch them now before they blow up! www.dottodotfestival.co.uk

Detonate When: 30 May / Where: Colwick Country Park Who: Nas, Sub Focus, Sigma, Wilkinson Live Why? If you love bass, you’ll LOVE Detonate! www.detonate1.co.uk/detonate-festival No Tomorrow When: 6-7 June / Where: Wollaton Park Who: John Newman, Jessie Ware, James Bay Why? Extend LDOT celebrations by catching today’s most critically-acclaimed artists in a beautiful setting by Batman’s home www.notomorrowfestival.co.uk Splendour When: 18 July / Where: Wollaton Park Who: The Specials, Bananarama, Jess Glynne Why? Catch classic bands and current hitmakers at Notts’ most family-friendly festival www.splendourfestival.com 32

te Summer

MUSIC

GUIDE 2015 Rest of the UK

We Are FSTVL When: 30-31 May / Where: Damyn’s Hall Aerodrome, Upminster, Essex Who: Carl Cox, Seth Troxler, Steve Angello, MK Why? This award-winning festival looks to be bigger and better in 2015 with 120 world-class dance artists across a mammoth 12 stages! www.wearefstvl.com

Electric Daisy Carnival When: 11 July / Where: Milton Keynes Bowl Who: Hardwell, Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Jamie Jones Why? If you want hi-tech stage set-ups, theatrical performers and fireworks alongside a stellar dance line-up, EDC is your calling! uk.electricdaisycarnival.com Truck When: 17-18 July / Where: Hill Farm, Oxford Who: The Charlatans, Darwin Deez, Augustines Why? It’s 17 years old, so it knows how to do small festivals right. Plus you can bring your own food and drink, perfect for that student budget! www.truckfestival.com

Parklife When: 6-7 June / Where: Heaton Park, Manchester Who: Disclosure, Rudimental, Wu Tang Clan Why? For the all-star line-up mixing classic acts such as Grace Jones to rising stars like Brits’ Critics Choice Winner James Bay www.parklife.uk.com

Y Not Festival When: 31 July - 2 Aug / Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire Who: Snoop Dogg, Primal Scream, Johnny Marr Why? The divergent headliners alone give it away.

Enjoy the most genre-hopping line-up in the beautiful setting of the Peak District www.ynotfestivals.co.uk

Brownstock When: 10-12 July / Where: Morris Farm, Essex Who: Basement Jaxx, The Darkness, Lethal Bizzle Why? Catch the chart-toppers up close in this charming and family-run, boutique festival www.brownstock.co.uk

London Found Festival When: 13 June / Where: Brockwell Park Who: Guy Gerber, Alan Fitzpatrick, George Fitzgerald, Ellen Allien, Ryan Crosson Why? Catch the most cutting-edge names in dance music here for those with niche tastes foundfestival.com

United When: 13 September / Where: Finsbury Park Who: DJ Hype, 808 State (DJ Set), Lisa Lashes Why? If you prefer your house hardcore. This ‘festival’ is more a rave of epic proportions www.unitedfestival.co.uk 51st State When: 8 August / Where: Trent Park Who: Masters at Work, Dennis Ferrer, Monki Why? It’s the inaugural event celebrating transatlantic sounds between the US, UK and the Caribbean. and dancehall inspired by the movements started in Chicago and New York www.51ststatefestival.com

Born & Bred When: 6 June / Where: Haggerston Park Who: Wiley, Benton, Paleman, Artful Dodger Why? To celebrate the game changers of underground music who, as the name suggests, were born and bred in London Town www.bornandbredfestival.com 33

Words and photography by Sayuri Standing

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CULTURE

Top Ten Reads for the Summer//Will Pixar’s Inside Out Bring the Studio Back to Greatness with Originality?//Nottingham Playhouse Round Up//Alternative Blockbusters: Summer 2015 34

CULTURE

Top Ten Reads for the Summer D

are I say it - Uni for this academic year is almost over. However, in amongst all this dissertation madness and being up to my eyeballs in academic texts, I am actually excited to sit in the sun in the summer, a glass of Pimms’ by my side, and read for pleasure: oh, the luxury! Maybe that’s just me. But whether you’re off on holiday or plan to take ample time for yourself, you simply must slip in a book or two!

So here are your top, fresh off the press, reads for summer 2015.

1. God Help the Child – Toni Morrison A rather touching story, examining child trauma from an adult’s perspective. A view of just how damning the colour of skin can be.

6. A History of Loneliness – John Boyne A once respected Catholic priest has to adapt to a new époque, and face his demons and his family.

7. The First Bad Man – Miranda July A lighter romance for the summer.

When her boss’s daughter moves in with her, Cheryl sees the light of reality and of love.

2. Go Set a Watchman – Harper Lee The follow up to the classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Will you revisit those GCSE Literature days with this as your summer read?

3. Get in Trouble - Kelly Link A series of short stories for adults. Something easy yet ever interesting to dip into!

8. The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins (opposite page) Reminiscent of Gone Girl, this thriller weaves alcohol into the story, making it toxic.

4. The Buried Giant – Kazuo Ishiguro A couple embark on a journey, seeking their son who they have not seen in years.

9. Sweetland – Michael Crummey A story of struggle: a small island community fighting against elimination from the mainland government.

5. The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty – Amanda Filipacchi This covers social prescriptions and what it is to be pretty. Two girls looking for love, with a chilling twist.

10. The Harder They Come – T. C. Boyle A novel exploring volatile relationships between an aging veteran father, an unstable son, and his much-older lover.

Grace Nelder

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Will Pixar’s Inside Out bring the studio back to greatness with originality?

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ixar have become world renowned for their contribution to animated cinema. Since the dawn of Toy Story they have produced works of pure beauty, both visually and emotionally. In recent years however, the studio took a knock back to borderline mediocrity, producing several sequels and tie-ins which were not up to their usual strength. This summer though they’re bringing a brand new original idea to the table, but will it be enough to boost them back to the top of the animated pack?

It was all going wonderful for Pixar up until 2011 – they had produced genuinely heartfelt films that worked emotionally with audiences of all ages with their wit, messages and colour, even the gamble of Toy Story 3, which cast any worries aside with an astonishingly touching third entry. But then along came Cars 2, which was a major miss-step. Sure it was full of the same usual visual panache, but there was a rusty story under the hood – throwing in spy missions, fuel-efficiency, deceit, corruption and murder missions, all threads fighting for screen time, with no heart or simplicity to its message.

Since that monumental blow, it’s taken a while for Pixar to stand up straight again.

After Brave a year later, which was an improvement, it’s taken a sweet but only

‘good’ Monsters University, and a long line of sequels announced – Toy Story 4, Finding Dory, a second Incredibles and a third Cars, to get back to an original idea. It’s relieving to see then that Inside Out this year may bring that spark back – going inside the head of a young girl, who, like everyone else, is guided by five living emotions. The trailer puts forward some genuine moments of irreverence, wit and awareness to everyday life, a throwback to how things used to be. Only two minutes long, yet those 120 seconds felt staggeringly reassuring that Pixar has found its footing again, and will bring families a film worthy of the legacy that it studio carries.

Elis Whitehouse

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NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE

CULTURE

Round-up

T

he exciting Spring Season at Nottingham Playhouse saw 5 diverse, stunning plays hit its stage. The auditorium was ever full and the cocktails were of course, ever flowing.

To begin, Laura Wade’s Posh opened in February, a play of satire based on the infamous Bullingdon Club of Oxford University. A group of poor-little-rich-boys and likely future politicians, in a ritual celebration dinner asserted their right to act as they pleased, but justified it by paying their way. The play was ‘razorsharp’, full of dark humour and sickening reality.

Secondly, in the Neville Studio, How to Breathe was an intimate insight into the thoughts and confessions of a Zimbabwean national, hours before he was deployed on his first tour with the British Army. The play was written by Nottingham based Mufaro Makubika, and performed by undergrad at East 15 Acting School, Trevor Mugarisanwa. The short, original piece was profound and captivating.

The Neville Studio also hosted Tony’s Last Tape, which focused on the interesting, outspoken life of Tony Benn, the late Labour politician. It was terribly witty, and also rather sad to see through the eyes of a glory figure, his days of stardom behind him. The play had a fabulous set and was directed by Playhouse’s own, Giles Croft.

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Penultimately, in March, the Playhouse joined forced with Shared Experience to present the physical theatre play, Mermaid. Written and directed by Polly Teale, and based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy-tale, the play was a story of coming-of-age, love, and self-consciousness. The set for Mermaid was designed by Tom Piper, famous for his ceramic poppies at London Tower last autumn.

Finally, to conclude, Jonathon Harvey’s Beautiful Thing staring Charlie Brooks was a heart-warming, urban love story that combined comedy with drama, and captured what it is to be a teenager and to fall in love.

All in all, the season was wonderful and refreshing.

Each play brought a new perspective and inspired new discussions and thoughts: as any good piece of theatre should! Nothing less could have been expected from Nottingham Playhouse and let’s hope their subsequent seasons of 2015 do not disappoint.

Grace Nelder

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Summer 2015: A pick The summer season of global cinema this year is another sack stuffed full of big stars, explosions and sweeping visual effects.

We’ve already been treated to entries from juggernaut franchises like Furious 7 and Avengers: Age of Ultron, and there’s plenty more to come from the likes of Ted 2, Jurassic World, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Minions and Terminator: Genisys.

But let’s take a look at something different – a selection of Hollywood blockbusters that promise to thrill, but sprout from outside the field of sequels and reboots.

Southpaw – released July 24th This gruelling looking sports drama from director Antoine Fuqua features Jake Gyllenhaal as boxer Billy Hope, whose life is thrown into disarray after his wife is murdered and his daughter taken in by social services. From the trailer the film doesn’t look like one for the faint of heart, but it also shows Mr Gyllenhaal’s incredible physical transformation, proving he’s one committed performer. Gyllenhaal, in last year’s Nightcrawler, made a sociopathic, morally challenged cameraman the most charming anti-hero seen in years – if he can work that character, he can deliver as a boxer, and film around him looks like a pitch black, powerful sports drama.

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CULTURE

of some alternative blockbusters to see Tomorrowland – released May 22nd Directed by Brad Bird, who brought us The Incredibles and the slick and sharp Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Tomorrowland sees George Clooney and Britt Robertson rocketing off to the self-titled realm, where they affect the life process of the world along with their own fates. The story arc sounds like it treads a similar path to generic blockbusters, yet the visual look extravagant, and Brad Bird has shown before he knows how to handle action sequences and comic relief. It’s also a completely original story with no franchise connections, and it’s going to give veteran actor Hugh Laurie some welldeserved screen time in the Hollywood field.

Pixels – released July 24th Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Peter Dinklage battling a gigantic Pac-man. Naturally, it sounds like trash. But by Donkey Kong, what trash it would make to see! Pure brain-numbing escapism.

Ellis Whitehouse 39

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GAMING &TECH

National Videogame Arcade Opens in City// Top Picks: Games for Stress Relief//New ÂŁ40m Tech Hub to Open in Nottingham 40

GAMING & TECH

NATIONAL VIDEOGAME ARCADE OPENS IN CITY Gamers of Nottingham rejoice!

A

fter six months of planning and development, the host building of Gamecity in Hockley’s Creative Quarter has finally opened its doors as a gaming arcade; the first of its kind. Coined the National Videogame Arcade, the building boasts three floors of playable exhibits, as well as a workshop and gaming library on the top floor for events.

For those of you that just want to play games, there are opportunities to play classics like Space Invaders or join in on a multiplayer game of Smash Bros.

There are social events every Saturday afternoon, which is a great opportunity to bring some friends or make some new ones. There are also opportunities to participate in gaming tournaments as well as daily gaming events, with high scores garnering awards. There is also plenty of chance for learning the history of the hobby, as well as events being hosted by industry professionals on how to design your own games. Current events are ‘Jump’ – an interactive activity which explores how characters have changed throughout the years, in particular their movements.

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There is a hall of gaming in 1000 objects, encouraging you to interact with items from the past right up until the yet-to-be-released Oculus Rift. There is also a hall currently dedicated to how we control our games - not always with joysticks or our hands, after all. After all that fun and creativity, don’t forget to wind down in the toastie bar and café.

Entry to the National Videogame Arcade does cost, with a student concessions ticket priced at £6.50 per day and tickets have to be booked online (http://gamecity.org/product/book-day-tickets) and are only valid for the day of booking (with refunds offered 24 hours in advance). Alternatively you can get a further reduced ticket (£5.20) if you take out a membership (priced at £25) which also grants priority entry and bookings to events, as well as member exclusive events. The NVA is open between 10am and 6pm Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays Mondays.

Happy gaming!

Charlotte Smith

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GAMING & TECH

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PHOTOGRAPHY ART&DESIGN School of Art & Design: Ultimate Degree Show Guide Original photo by Ellie Craven-Todd

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PHOTOGRAPHY ART & DESIGN

Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art & Design

ULTIMATE DEGREE SHOW GUIDE Design 59 Design 59 is the exhibition showcasing the diverse work of the final year Textile Design students at NTU. Every student has something different to offer with their designs and final pieces, all of which are a true testament to all the hours of hard work that has gone into making them. The show covers a range of mediums and is definitely worth a visit. The exhibition will be opening to the public on the 29th May. More information about the exhibit can be found here: http://ntu.ac.uk/art-and-design-degree-show/

Graphic Design The graphic design exhibition, also opening to the public on the 29th May is a show for all!

NTU’s incredibly talented graphics students prove their talent through a range of high quality work exploring all aspects of design from photography to advertising and product meaning. The level of work produced by students is industry ready and will be well worth as visit to the exhibit.

More info online at http://ntu.ac.uk/art-and-designdegree-show/

Fifth Wall Nottingham Trent’s photography degree show spreads across the city in a variety of venues that the students have organised themselves. Every venue showcases a range of work and talent that the third years have to offer and explores the way that their work fits into the photographic community. The work represents their three years at Trent and gives the photographers a chance to express their individual vision through the visual arts.

Follow Fifth Wall on Instagram and Twitter with @fifthwallphoto and visit their website here: http://www.fifthwallphoto.com/new-page-1/ Continued overleaf 45

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Hip To Be Square Fashion Communication and Promotion’s show will be running from Thursday the 28th May until Friday the 5th June in NTU’s Waverley building.

Their show covers a range of creative mixed media including photography, graphics, print, digital design, film and interactive 3D and retail design all associated with fashion promotion and advertising. Over their three years of studying at NTU the students have worked on live projects and have developed relationships with high profile clients in the fashion industry, these links will be clear to see in their show.

Follow Hip to be Square on Instagram and Twitter with @htbs_fcp. They will also be exhibiting their work at the Graduate Fashion Week event http:// www.gfw.org.uk

Fashion Design NTU’s fashion graduates have always outdone themselves with many of the post grads landing jobs and experience in the fashion industry.

Their professional runway show is the perfect opportunities to see their innovative collection of garments as well as the chance see the products of months of hard work up close at the exhibition, which will be held in Newton building.

To book tickets to any of the catwalk shows then visit the following link: http://ntu.ac.uk/art-anddesign-degree-show/

Bricking It NTU’s Interior Architecture and Design degree show promises to be a memorable exhibit showing the conceptual design and spatial awareness through a range of mediums including sketching, model making, technical drawing and visualization of their designs functioning in society through a year of studying professional practice.

The exhibition will be taking place at Free Range Festival from the 9th to the 13th of July.

Follow their progress on twitter with @ntu_brickingit and their facebook https://www.facebook.com/ ntubrickingit

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PHOTOGRAPHY ART & DESIGN

Dates to get in your calendar this Summer, you don’t want to miss out on any of the amazing talent our NTU Art & Design students have to offer!

List of 2015 Degree Shows across the School of Art & Design held in Nottingham: Wednesday 20th May, 6pm and 8pm (Newton building, NTU City site- ticketed event) • Fashion Knitwear catwalk shows Thursday 21st May 6pm and 8pm (Newton Building, NTU City Site- ticketed event) • Fashion Design Catwalk Shows and Exhibition Tuesday the 26th May until the 6th June (Venues across the city, open to the public) • Fifth Wall- NTU’s 19th Photography Festival

Nottingham Trent Art & Design goes to London!

Graduate Fashion Week at the Old Truman Brewery London from the 30th May until the 2nd June and will be showcasing the work produced by: • Fashion Design • Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles • Fashion Communication and Promotion • Fashion Marketing and Branding The NTU Graduate Week Fashion Show will be taking place on Monday the 1st June also at the Old Truman Brewery London with work produced by students from: • Fashion Design • Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles Tickets events-get tickets here: http://gfw.org.uk/ tickets/buy-catwalk-and-exhibition-tickets/

Thursday 28th May 5-9pm (booking required) • Art and Design Degree show Industry preview Friday 29th May until 6th June (open to the public) • Art and Design Degree show Public preview Buy and book tickets here: http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/events/5/home.aspx/ event/170549/default/Fashion_Knitwear_Catwalk_ Shows_2015

Free Range Festival at the Old Truman Brewery London • Fifth Wall, Photography show (18th -22 June) • Bricking it, Interior Architecture and Design (7th-14July) Open to the Public D&AD New Blood, Old Spitalfields Market, London 30th until the 2nd July • Graphic Design Open to the Public New Designers (part 1) Business Design Centre, London 24th until the 27th June • Costume Design and Making • Decorative Arts • Textile Design New Designers (part 1) Business Design Centre, London 1st until the 4th July • Furniture and Product Design • Product Design • Graphic Design • Design for Film and Television Ticketed event, get tickets here- http://www. newdesigners.com/visiting

Words and photo by Ellie Craven-Todd

Student Accommodation

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