WELCOME TO VIBE MAGAZINE
elcome back! At the start of the year we decided to release a special print edition of Vibe magazine and you loved it so much (we did too) that we’ve decided to repeat the feat, with a special edition to take you from summer into autumn.
Tramlines. We also spoke to solicitor Kavita Varu who, at the age of 50, decided to become a DJ. After taking herself off to Ibiza, she’s now got regular slots at Day Fever and has also supported Pete Tong on his Ibiza Classics tour. She’s proof that it’s never too late to change.
We also speak to Rachel Hirst and Nic Sowerby who joined forces to set up The In Good, an initiative with the sole aim of better connecting women through immersive events and inspiring community. After four years, they’ve now hosted ten events and connected with over 1,000 women.
Cambridge Street Collective opened to great fanfare in May – and with good reason. We look at why this new food hall has become a focal point for better.
One of the city’s shining lights in recent years is Park Hill, which has been completely transformed by Urban Splash and is now home to luxury apartments and lots of independent businesses. It’s gone back to being a real community and there’s much more to come.
Elsewhere look at some of the best beer gardens and terraces in the city, are part of the Crucible’s new production of Chariots of Fire.
A big thank you, also, to street artist Phlegm who supplied us with this issue’s fabulous cover.
Since we launched in 2016, RMC Media’s digital ‘magazine’ Vibe has been a big hit, attracting over 23,000 monthly followers as well as over 600,000 on our social media channels.
We hope you enjoy reading this magazine but don’t forget to keep up to date with everything as it happens by visiting our website – www. – or by following our social media channels, the details of which are at the bottom of the adjacent page.
Richard Abbey Executive Editor
Do you have something to shout about? Contact our VIBE team on 0114 250 6300 or email
Richard Abbey richard.abbey@rmcmedia.co.uk or Sam Pegg sam.pegg@rmcmedia.co.uk
COVER STAR
He maybe best known for his street art and murals but artist Phlegm made an exception for Vibe.
The Steel City is renowned for its vibrant street art and Phlegm.
Despite being born in Wales and leaving his
Words: Luca Mignanelli Parkin
DYNAMIC DUO
The In Good brings
Alexandra Wallace Photography
he In Good was founded in June
TTell us about The In Good and how it started.
Rachel:
How many women have you reached out to so far?
Nic:
When did you both decide to go freelance?
Rachel:
Nic:
What makes your events stand out?
Rachel:
What’s been the best thing about hosting these events?
Nic:
Do you think being freelance appreciated a need for events like these, for like-minded women to get together?
Rachel:
Alexandra Wallace Photography
Danni Maibaum Photography
What’s coming up next?
Rachel:
Nic:
your work?
Nic:
What has been your biggest so far?
Nic:
How would you like to grow The In Good?
Nic:
How have you developed The In Good community?
Rachel:
Nic:
What do you like to do away from work?
Rachel:
Where do you like to eat out in the city?
Nic:
For more information, visit our website, www.theingood.co.uk, or follow us on Instagram at @theingood.
Danni Maibaum Photography
Danni Maibaum Photography
Danni
Maibaum Photography
INSTITUTION
Hannah Smith revels in this city favourite.
nstitution’ is probably one of those terms which is banded around too liberally. But stay with me, for anyone who’s spent enough time in
star of the show. I ate it alongside patatas creamy burrata y tomate
with a refreshing, zingy lime and coriander mayonnaise.
best music, the night I went for dinner was no exception. As Saturdays at the end of order. Testament to Cubana’s enduring popularity is surely their appetite for
to the menu which we couldn’t resist –we focused on seafood, starting with the pulpo a la gallega buñuelos de bacalao
The octopus, tender and delicious and
pincho de ternera garlic and lime – no regrets. In the spirit of surf and turf, delicious tiger prawns with gambas pil pil and were another of the meal’s highlights.
– the perfect accompaniment to our chuletas de cordero, asado de verduras croquetas de jamon
‘dinner and a show’ right, but Cubana has always nailed it. As the guitarist’s songs relentlessly cheery ship.
a delicious coconut ice cream. Dinner was polished with a perfect espresso martini
restaurant, we descended the stairs into promptly popped.
Cubana Unit 4, Leopold Square, www.cubanatapasbar.co.uk
S WHERE FOOD MEET
Bright SPARK
Chris Wilson visits a shining light on the Asian dining scene.
t’s like stepping into another world. A calmer, brighter and tastier way of living and eating. Climbing the brightly lit, beautifully decorated staircase leading up to the huge, spacious restaurant that is Chinatown is the perfect way of separating yourself from the Road.
Inside it’s not exactly peaceful but the low hum of contented chat and the soft clink of chopsticks against bowls is a comforting reminder that you are in the right place.
Order a drink, read the menu, don’t rush. It’s a huge, hard-bound affair which covers all bases. The trouble is, I like it all. A delicious compromise was reached in the form of a spectacular sharing starter plate politely and you never know your luck. Having established that all seafood
the chef’s ear and what emerged from the kitchen was a visually stunning, circular “full moon” platter showcasing a fabulous selection of king prawn skewers with satay sauce, mussels with black bean sauce, salt and pepper squid and king prawns with thousand island sauce.
It was all sparklingly fresh, and the mussels were a particular highlight of one of the most impressive starters I’ve tasted in a long time. At around £40 it would serve four normal appetites very well, but in the spirit of full disclosure I must confess there were only two of us. Oh well, if you’re going to push the boat out and undo another notch on the belt this is the place to do it.
sauce (£10.50) was as tender as you like and pepped up with just a suggestion of chilli heat. A more gentle warmth was provided by a dish of sizzling lamb with ginger and spring onions (£11).
A side dish of pak chau seasonal greens
(£8) brought freshness and a welcome crunch to the proceedings while bowls of egg fried rice (£2.50) and crispy noodles (£5) were ideal for soaking up every last delicious spoonful of those delicious sauces.
There’s a pretty comprehensive wine list but on this occasion, after slaking my initial thirst with a cold Tsing Tao beer (£4.40), a pot of Jasmine tea was all that was required to keep the tastebuds refreshed.
Incidentally, one recent innovation at Chinatown is their new karaoke room, which opened back in November. Perfect kinds, it’s a great way to enjoy a Chinese banquet and sing for your supper. Maybe
Chinatown
EXCITING ADDITION
Something very exciting is happening at the former Pitcher & Piano site on Holly Street,
TRAMLINES FESTIVAL’S ACTION-PACKED KIDS PROGRAMME
little oasis, set apart from the livelier
Specialising in creating cool spaces for
Consistently GOOD
Absence clearly makes the heart - and the stomach - grow fonder, writes Richard Abbey.
t’s been a few years since I visited Butler’s Balti House on Broad Lane and I was surprised by how much the area, which lies just on the fringes of the city centre, has changed. High-rise apartment blocks now dominate the skyline and there’s plenty of work still ongoing.
IBut one constant throughout all this change is Butler’s, which specialises in Indian and Kashmiri cuisine.
Butler’s retains a long-held reputation for on the food and rarely does it disappoint. During the evening of our visit, I managed to overhear a conversation that a gentleman was having with the staff at the restaurant. had googled the best place to go for a curry which led him to Butler’s. He said he was very glad he came and was commending the staff for the fantastic food he had eaten. There’s no better review than that.
After entering the restaurant into the stylish bar area, we were shown to a table in the large canteen-style dining room and allowed the staff to talk us through the extensive menu. As the name suggests, Butler’s specialise in Balti dishes which
are served in cast iron pots to enhance the pan is freshly cooked and aromatically spiced curries. Balti food is very aromatic but not excessively spiced with chillies. Traditionally it is eaten without rice or cutlery. Balti bread is often used to scoop up the food instead.
After starting with obligatory poppadoms (£1) and a pickle tray (£3.50), we allowed Butler’s staff to steer us with our menu choices. To start, it was recommended that we try the Tandoori lamb chops (£9) and Kaleeji (£6.50) - chicken livers with chilli and lime. They didn’t disappoint.
Both arrived at our table on sizzling platters and were served on a bed of sliced onions. The lamb was cooked perfectly, slightly pink inside, and had that lovely smoky, chargrilled taste with a hint of spice. The chicken livers was a new dish for me but very tasty with plenty of heat and a smooth texture.
Whilst Balti dishes are a speciality at Butler’s we were persuaded to ‘handi’ dishes - lamb (£13) for me, chicken (£12) for my wife - which are traditional desiapna Kashmiri-style curries. Like all main
meals at the restaurant these were served in the cast iron dishes to which you can add your rice and accompaniments. We chose some keema rice (£4.50) to soak up some of the sauce and mopped things up with a plain naan (£3), although I did have to rely on cutlery to make sure I got every bit. Both curries were very good, fragrant with
We particularly liked the smoky rice too. Despite enjoying the spicy lamb chops, my son prefers a sweeter-style curry so opted for a ‘golden oldie’, a chicken korma (£12), which he paired with a cheese naan (£4).
Portion-sizes at Butler’s are generous
but good news - you can take any leftovers home with you.
The question is, will it taste just as good the day after.
Butler’s Balti House
A place for
The discovery of an ancient ninthcentury Anglo-Saxon cross, close suggests people have been worshiping here for more than 1,000 years.
Rolling forward a millennium to today, the open 365 days a year and is one of the top 10 visitor attractions in South Yorkshire. There is no charge to enter the cathedral but if you visit, please make a donation if you can, so more people can follow in your footsteps and enjoy this place for years to come.
a multicultural population, welcoming thousands of people every year, many arriving by using the appropriately named
services on a Tuesday and Sunday.
it is a place of history and heritage, of education and learning, of music, fun and celebration. With the cathedral website being
people in the local community.
the cathedral where you can throw on those cowboy hats, two step into your boots and dance the night away to some of the biggest country anthems.
evenings draw in, other musical highlights will include candlelight concerts as well as
orchestra, The Brigantes. There are also the place every Wednesday lunchtime (school term time only) and are free to enjoy, with a retiring collection for the cathedral Schools
out on opportunities to experience the joy of singing and making music, so this pioneering initiative by the cathedral takes music into schools, particularly into schools
to Fleetwood Mac. Featuring all the recognisable hits, including Dreams, Go this concert is also raising funds for supporting homeless and vulnerable
these is Dig Where You Stand, a new and ground-breaking exhibition which sheds history. Fourteen artists of colour, all based in South Yorkshire, have explored local archives and produced dynamic new work to reveal the unknown history of people of colour in the region, as part of a project supported by The National displayed around the city, including in the
Bricktopolis also makes a welcome return in the cathedral Monday to Friday 9am-5pm,
Shop, which supports the working life of the cathedral and has proved a big draw
calm environment away from the hubbub workers.
Finally, if your attention is already
again collaborating with the award-winning Luxmuralis to start the seasonal festivities
et-lumiere. Tickets for this family-friendly event will go on sale in September. For service times, visitor information,
to
* If you are interested in having a tree in the festival please email: cathedral.org.uk
“COME AND TRY NEW THINGS...”
Cambridge Street Collective has brought a new foodie focal point to the city.
ASIA THAI STREET FOOD
A former Thai boxer, Preeda opened a little café in Nether Edge a couple of years ago and has now brought the city centre. He describes his food as fresh and traditional and recommends the pad thai and spring rolls, which are all handmade.
EL CHAPPO
Liam Chappell has been a familiar face on the street food circuit for many and said he had that ‘special feeling’ as Mexican food with an emphasis on sustainability.
HOMELAND DELICACY
Ada is proud of her West African roots that food can be a bridge between
The jollof rice is a must. UNIT
of a food hall and one owner and former teacher Ahmed is keen to exploit. The burgers are all halal but there’s much more besides including slow-cooked brisket, mac and cheese and loaded fries.
ZAIKA-E-PAKISTAN
Moor Market, Zaika-E-Pakistan quickly capture the hearts and taste buds of contemporary Pakistani street food. samosas and seekh kebabs to karahi and daal, all packed with spice and GYROS EXPRESS the comforts of home, decided to start their own food business. is now their fourth location. From senses.
BAITY PALESTINIAN
hummus takes 72 hours to make and is the perfect complement to his famed Musakhan chicken, slow-roasted pomegranate lamb or za’atar roasted potatoes.
EGG&CO
Umer Khalid’s goal is to bring the of England, with a focus on quality, combinations like bacon, egg and cheese to their signature creations featuring unique sauces and artisan brioche buns, Egg&Co is not to be missed.
SEND NOODS
Vinny Yu has 25 years of award-winning experience and multiple accolades and and childhood. Hong Kong born, Vinny cooks the food he was brought up on, including homemade dim sum, succulent roast meats and Cantonese classics with a modern twist.
HOUSE OF HABESHA
Eritrean and Ethiopian people and here two eastern African countries. Expect hearty, healthy, tasty food made using traditional methods. Key dishes include the curry platters as well as ‘Habesha twists’ on things like burgers, fries and wraps.
TANG HOTPOT
You then weight them and pick your to mega hot. Motto, the man behind Tang, also has concessions at both VNAM passed down through generations to create traditional Vietnamese dishes
in a hearty broth, which gets simmered
Her fusion of American and Italian – don’t miss the big cheesy crusts. You can get Michies by the slice or by the pie.
TINY
SHOP
as well as fresh blended fruit teas and expanded to the city centre. Fresh, unique and handmade are the three
LITTLE PENANG
Many Mart, an Asian supermarket on Lemak, Ayam Rendang and Maggie
HUNGRY BUDDHA
Market has spread its wings with a shifting focus to southern Indian cuisine. conjures many happy memories for him.
FRÉROT
Road and Kelham Island, bring this
the style of a chef’s table – sit round the kitchen and watch them cook
A fresh concept from the team behind can be enjoyed any time of day.
KYOYU GRILL & SUSHI BAR
MICHIES
Grace is passionate about pizza – you may know her from Neapolitan pizzeria Little Dough in Cutlery Works – and is
art through his sushi rolls. But that’s not you can cook a selection of meats,
GRAB A SLICE OF THE ACTION
Garden, terrace or patio... there’s lots of great places to drink and dine alfresco this summer. Here are some of our favourites.
ne of the biggest joys of summer is being able to eat and drink outside. And we don’t just mean at home. We’re thinking cocktails in a rooftop bar, dinner on an outdoor terrace or Sunday lunch in a beer garden… thankfully
for you to choose from and indulge your alfresco urges.
The city centre has plenty of outdoor spaces where drinkers and diners can
Leopold Square to Devonshire Green and everywhere in between.
Here we look at some city spots with dedicated outdoor areas that are just perfect for watching the sun go down.
KELU
Kelu, which is Sardinian for the word “Sky” is an oasis of warmth, mystery and cocktail mastery, where in the space of an evening visitors can enjoy a sense of disconnection from the outside world. Sited at the top of the shipping containers on Shalesmoor, it’s one of the city’s original rooftop bars.
DOROTHY PAX
Located underneath the arches at Victoria Quays, and next to the canal basin, Dorothy Pax is the perfect spot from which to watch the boats – and the world – go by. Live music features heavily with regular events, making it a place for all occasions.
CHEAP DATES DIVE BAR
Orchard Square has been transformed into a hub of food and drink and from its lofty
Cheap Dates has the perfect view of all the action. Well-priced drinks, live music, bar games and a late licence until 2am on weekends further adds to its appeal.
THE CURZON
A cinema housed in a 19th century bank is drink but their sizeable roof terrace offers peerless views across the city. The cinema has three screens and a menu that includes sharing plates and snacks.
THE HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL
Revamped and reopened in March, the Hallamshire has brought more live music to the city centre, as well as classic cocktails and craft beer. The ‘garden’ is small but perfectly formed but has had a makeover too with heaters and new seating.
FORUM
Forum has one of the biggest beer gardens in the centre, with views over Devonshire Green. The deckchairs have made way for more tables but it’s a real sun trap and the perfect place to while away an afternoon or two.
RIVERSIDE KELHAM
When the sun shines you’ll struggle to despite the garden being huge. It’s the perfect starting point for a Kelham crawl and has a good selection of beers, wines and spirits as well as food. The mezze boards are ideal for sharing.
THE FAT CAT
A Kelham staple, The Fat Cat’s beer garden used to be much bigger – until they built plenty of space from which to enjoy a huge selection of real ales, lager, wines, spirits and more as well as traditional food with lots of vegan options.
THE GARDENERS REST
One of the city’s original real pubs and a favourite with those who like to enjoy their ales alfresco, preferably with a packet of nuts or pork scratchings. Another sun trap, the riverside location takes some beating in the spring and summer months.
THE NURSERY TAVERN
Moving out of the city centre and onto Ecclesall Road, the Nursery, as it’s affectionately known, has a huge beer garden to the rear, complete with plentiful seating and big screen sports. If you don’t want to be stuck inside watching the Olympics, this is the place for you.
THE BROTHERS ARMS
Across in Heeley, the ‘Brothers’ is a real focal point for the Heeley community has two decent-sized gardens from which to soak up the sun along with carefullycurated craft ales (including eight cask ales), gins and more. Live music and quiz nights feature regularly.
THE BROADFIELD
Located on Abbeydale Road, The
is the perfect spot from which to enjoy their famous pies and sausages, huge whisky collection or craft beers from around the world. Be warned, you’ll need a large appetite to tackle one of the pies.
Cheap Dates Dive Bar
Nursery Tavern
Dorothy Pax
Riverside Kelham
VIBE MAGAZINE / WATCH, LISTEN, DO
MUSIC ROCK ’N’ ROLL CIRCUS
30 August-1 September / Don Valley Bowl www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk
After last year’s success, the Rock ’n’ Roll Circus returns to Don Valley Bowl this summer with more headline music, food, drink and circus entertainment.
Headlining on the Friday will be Richard Hawley, supported by The Divine Comedy and The Coral. Becky Hill will be bringing the energy on Saturday with support from Cian Ducrot and Joel Corry, and local lads Milburn will be bringing the weekend to a close. They will be supported by Jake Bugg and The Selecter.
CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL HOUSE PARTY
foundrysu.com
A celebration of funk classics, soul essentials and undeniable with the BBC 6Music DJ.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
THEATRE COME FROM AWAY
9-20 July / Lyceum Theatre
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
Experience this joyous story and soaring music as spirited locals and global passengers come together to forge friendships that will stay with
Airlines captain, the quick-thinking town mayor, the mother of a New news reporter are among the many real characters caught at the start of the moment that changed the course of history and whose stories became a true celebration of hope, humanity and unity.
SIX: THE MUSICAL
23 July-10 August / Lyceum Theatre
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, double winner of the Whatsonstage Award for Best West End Show and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off is “pure entertainment” (New York Times).
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the
hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.
DIZZY
25 September-12 October / Playhouse
A fantastical odyssey of grief, love, unexpected heroes and painting the town red (literally).
When 15-year-old Qamar’s brother dies in a tragic accident, nothing in her world makes sense. Then she meets her brother’s friend and mentor, Stax.
Stax introduces Qamar to the clandestine world of street art and ‘the axis’ - a mystical underground realm.
loss, art, and the unbreakable bonds that defy mortality.
LES MISERABLES
Cameron’s Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will be performing in over 15 countries and regions worldwide and initial casting has now
Boe and Killian Donnelly will share the role of Jean Valjean and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the role of Javert, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65.
Victor Hugo’s classic tale is an enthralling story of broken dreams and
redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. With
including “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and more, this epic and uplifting story is undisputedly one of the world’s favourite musicals.
HAIRSPRAY
14-19 October / Lyceum Theatre
Starring Strictly’s Joanne Clifton (Shrek the Musical, The Addams Family) as the
Making her directorial debut is Hairspray royalty Brenda Edwards(Hairspray, We Will Rock You) who will bring new energy from behind the scenes.
Hairspray took Broadway by storm, winning eight Tony awards. The production went on to win 4 Olivier awards in the West End, and multiple awards worldwide.
Join big hearted Tracy Turnblad, the spirited Seaweed and his sister Little
Inez, heartthrob Link Larkin and the resolute Motormouth Maybelle as they strive to change the world.
SNOW WHITE
6 December 2024-5 January 2025
Lyceum Theatre
2024’s spectacular, fun-packed, family pantomime is… Snow White! Starring Williams, with further casting to be announced. Once again, the show will be written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, the same team that brought you last year’s smash-hit show.
As always, the #LyceumPanto promises to be top-quality family entertainment packed with laugh-out-loud thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets, fabulous music and all your favourite jokes.
It’s never too early… book now to secure your seats for the funniest, fairest and most magical pantomime of them all!
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
7 December 2024-18 January 2025
The Crucible
assistant Seymour acquires a mysterious new plant, he names it ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker.
As the succulent grows and grows, it offers Seymour the kind of success he could only ever dream of… as long as he keeps feeding it. And this plant’s out for blood.
Blooming with favourites including Little Shop of Horrors, Suddenly Seymour and Skid Row (Downtown), this killer rock musical is out of this world.
SIX: The Musical
COMEDY
MAISIE ADAM
9 October
Fresh from Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own and Have I Got News For You, Maisie Adam is heading back out on tour with a brand new show.
comedian now, so she’s due an appraisal. Join her for the ultimate performance review, where you’ll either see just why she was awarded Best New Act and nominated Best Newcomer…or, you’ll see someone who’s ready for “organisational restructure”.
See you at the appraisal, she looks forward to seeing you, kindest regards!!!
RHOD GILBERT
19-20 October
When life gives Rhod lemons… In his last show ‘The Book of John’, Rhod was dealing with some pretty pungent life citrus, and an idiot called John. Little did he know that things were about to turn even more sour…
But Rhod’s not bitter; he’s bouncing back and feeling remarkably zesty.
Hilariously dark, passionate and way too personal, this is classic Gilbert, squeezing every last drop out of life’s latest curveballs...with a little help from an old adversary.
THE HORNE SECTION
13 November
Unruly, ridiculous, and surprisingly satisfying, the six-headed comedy band
one non-musical stand-up. There’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about. A brand-new show from the hugely talented band and Alex Horne, the creator and co-host of the BAFTA and National Comedy Award winning Taskmaster.
MO GILLIGAN
22 November
As one of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, he’s achieved phenomenal success in just a few short years with two sold out national tours including London’s O2 Arena, three Stand Up Specials and numerous smash hit TV credits to his name with highlights including The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan (C4), That’s My Jam (BBC One), The Brit Awards(ITV1) and The Masked Singer (ITV1).
LUCY BEAUMONT
11 December
Award winning stand-up comedian BEFORE she met Jon Richardson, Live at the Apollo & Taskmaster star and BAFTA nominee, Lucy Beaumont is going to let loose and let slip on her roller coaster world. Life through the Beaumont lens is more surreal than you could ever imagine.
EVENTS ART IN THE GARDENS
7-8 September
The Botanical Gardens becomes an outdoor art gallery for two days as artists, craft makers and visitors descend for what is arguably the largest outdoor art market in the north. Thousands of pieces of art and craft will be on show and for sale.
THE GIRLS BATHROOM PLANET TOUR
19 September
Voices of their generation, Sophia and Cinzia, are the internet’s favourite best friends. Their chart-topping podcast, The Girls Bathroom, catapulted the duo to trailblazer status in the podcasting industry and has since taken them on two nationwide tours including sell-out shows at The Savoy Theatre and London Palladium.
FESTIVAL OF THE MIND
19-29 September
Festival of the Mind is a biennial celebration of the University of showcasing collaborative projects produced by academics, along with artistic talent from
SENSORIA
3-6 October
Sensoria is a unique mix of live installations, and exhibitions plus
Since it began in 2008, the festival has welcomed the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Bill Drummond, Richard Hawley, Forgemasters, Chris and Cosey, Laurie Anderson, Nitin Sawhney, Christopher Eccleston, Jlin, DJ Stingray, and many more.
Metal frames our world. From technology and transport to jewellery, art and architecture, its applications are countless and varied. Coinciding with the 400th anniversary of The Company of Cutler’s in Hallamshire, Show Your Metal, a
Millennium Gallery, celebrates the marvel of the material in all its forms and its longstanding connection with the city.
Show Your Metal will showcase over Designated Metalwork Collection, recognising the pioneering advances that earned the city a global reputation. These collection highlights will go on display alongside a number of Cornelia Parker’s spectacular large-scale installation, Rorschach (Endless Column III) and a striking replica of a stainless steel dress made by British Steel in the 1960s.
back to the 12th century. In the years that followed, the city has been home to developments and innovation.
Benjamin Huntsman’s invention of crucible steel in 1742 greatly increased the quality of
EXHIBITION SHOW YOUR METAL
Until 29 September Millennium Gallery
Rachael Colley, Basket brooch, 2024. Image © Rachael Colley Jules Lister
production within Britain, contributing to the Industrial Revolution, and in 1858
inexpensive means of mass production. The emergence of Stainless Steel in 1913 changed the world, impacting industry, construction, transportation and domestic products.
Show Your Metal will consider the environmental implications of how we extract metals from the earth, offering
production may be made more sustainable for future generations.
The exhibition also celebrates the spectacle of metal in the hands of artists through dazzling displays of creativity, craft and skill, considering the cultural and economic value we attach to this endlessly adaptable material. The displays feature further works by Cornelia Parker, as well as work by contemporary artists Joseph Cutts, Mark Firth, Otobong Nkanga and Bridget Smith. The skills of makers and craftspeople working in the city today shine, with showcased pieces by Stephen Cocker, Maria Hanson, Grace Horne, Shinta Nakajima, Brett Payne and more.
KEEP ON RUNNING
Does the famous Vangelis theme tune appear?
Eddie:
What’s your background?
Eddie:
an actor since!
Lois:
And it’s perfect timing with the Olympics returning to Paris this year, 100 years after the games in which Chariots of Fire is set?
Eddie:
What’s it like performing in your hometown? Does that add extra pressure?
Lois:
Lois:
Tell us about Chariots of Fire.
Lois:
What are the underlying themes of the play?
Lois:
Tell us about the characters you play.
Lois:
Eddie:
Eddie:
What characterises this adaptation?
Lois:
Finally, why should audiences come and see Chariots of Fire?
Lois:
Eddie:
Chariots of Fire is at the Crucible from 0114 249 6000 or visit
Images courtesy Johan Persson
The cast in rehearsals
Lois Pearson
down the days COUNTING
The countdown to this year’s Tramlines Festival is well and truly on. So grab your
t seems an age since the headliners of January but now with the that this year’s Tramlines is in touching distance.
Hillsborough Park from 26-28 July. Each goers are in for a real treat with the array of night headliner and he will take to Sarah Stellar.
Sunday sees a homecoming for The just before headliners Snow Patrol take the at the Leadmill Stage you can see Magic
Jamie T and Snow Patrol is a fantastic - and the hard work of our booking team to Hillsborough Park to ensure it remains
© Tramlines 2023 + C Faruolo
Stage on Saturday to check out this year’s including what’s in store for the familythe country.
Friday tickets for Tramlines have sold out so the only way to catch Paolo Nutini, Bombay Bicycle Club and Sophie Ellis Bextor is to bag yourself a weekend ticket for £130+booking fee with monthly payment options available. A very limited number of Weekend Tier 3 tickets remain so the advice is to be quick to get the best possible price. Saturday and Sunday tickets are also selling fast but remain on sale from £45 and £55+booking fee respectively. All tickets can be purchased from www. tramlines.org.uk/tickets
Snow Patrol
Willie J Healey
Charlatans
Sophie Ellis Bextor
Annie Mac Coco 86TVs
DUAL IDENTITY
Solicitor, DJ, mum... where does Kavita
t’s never too late for change. Just ask Kavita Varu who, at the age of 50, decided to completely turn her life around and become a professional DJ –all whilst maintaining a career as a solicitor and being a single parent to two children.
The metamorphosis came in what was was recently divorced after a long marriage, the world had just gone into lockdown as a result of the Covid pandemic and all her plans for a garden party for her birthday were in ruins.
“The divorce basically ruined me, everything,” she recalled. “It was a horrible phase to go through and then I was cut off from my family who were a massive support to me.”
As an essential worker, Kavita continued to work through the initial lockdown all whilst managing a home, children, homeschooling and everything else the pandemic threw at her. She’d invited 100 people to a 50th birthday celebration in April, booked a DJ, organised a marquee and food, all of which had to be cancelled.
Disappointed but undeterred, Kavita decided to host a virtual party and having bought some small mini decks online, set up a live stream on Facebook for friends
“I went live at 8pm and played some Ibiza classics,” Kavita beamed. “My family had tuned in but then the audience started growing. It went from 12 people to 20, to 50, to 100 and then it went viral. At the end everyone was so happy and they asked if I would do it again the following week. I thought why not.”
That was the start of Kavita’s ‘Funky Fridays’ which she carried on for two years, turning her house into a disco in the process.
But the decision to take this new experience out of her comfort zone and to new audiences came after what she describes as a ‘game-changing’ visit to the island of Ibiza. Mentally and physically exhausted after lockdown, Kavita persuaded her parents to look after her children and bought a one-way ticket to the white isle.
“It was on my bucket list of things to do when I was 50,” said Kavita. “I stayed at Ibiza Rocks, on my own, and there was only about 50 people there. I watched the sunset outside Café Mambo on my own and then hired a car and travelled the island.”
It was on these travels that Kavita started talking to different people in different places, building up a network of contacts and then returned later that year to play some gigs. She worked with the likes of
Kavita performs in front of 8,000 people at Scarborough Open Air Theatre as part of Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics tour
Paradiso Art Hotel and the Zoo Project, warming up for the likes of Alfredo and Paco Fernandez, both Balearic legends.
At home, Kavita continued her networking and formed a strong bond with
created by DJ Martin Wright, the resident DJ at city clubs Pulse and Kingdom from 1997 to 2006. Martin had also been streaming live during lockdown – regularly attracting 5,000 visitors – and was asked
took place in August 2021 at The Leadmill where Kavita played in front of 1,000 people.
“Obviously in lockdown I was just looking at a laptop screen so going out and playing live was a totally different experience, which I completely enjoyed,” said Kavita. “You always get apprehensive
Reunion opened more doors for Kavita, including regular gigs with the Dayfever
one particular gig that has been the highlight of her career so far.
“I was part of a massive line-up for Pete Tong at Scarborough Open Air Theatre in August 2023,” added Kavita. “It was in front of 8,000 people – not bad for my third
year of DJing! Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me and given me opportunities.”
Kavita’s transformation is perhaps all the more surprising given that she grew up in quite a traditional Indian household where the only music she heard was of the Indian classical variety. Her father was an Indian classically-trained musician and Kavita followed in his footsteps performing hymns, prayers and religious songs at home and at temple.
Attending university in Nottingham introduced Kavita to more western music –“it was the nineties, the rave scene, house music was in, this is when I came across some of the best dance tracks. Since her divorce, Kavita became reacquainted with these much-loved tunes.
Kavita has faced a fair amount of challenges in the industry but feels she’s all the better for it, even saying that it’s driven her ambition to succeed.
“I’ve had a lot of aversion against me, I think that’s how it is,” she said. “they said you’ve not done the mileage, you too old, thrown at me. But thank you, that’s fuelled my progression.”
Kavita’s career change has not gone unnoticed and she’s been invited to speak
at a number of corporate events.
“People were fascinated that I was able profession at the age of 50,” commented Kavita. “I think they found my story inspirational and moving and it gave everyone a chance to think it’s never too late.”
This summer she’s got more dates with Clubbers Reunion and will be heading to Ibiza once again as well as Amsterdam. And amongst all that she still works as a commercial contracts law solicitor for the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in the week, looks after her two children –although they’re now 19 and 22 – and still
“I don’t watch television, that’s gone, but I’m quite a sporty, healthy-living person,” Kavita laughed. “I love running, swimming, yoga, squash, cycling when I
I never let that slip because that keeps me in check.”
Kavita clearly revels in being a busy woman but is loving this new dual-identity.
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HIT THE ROAD...
unning is one of the most easily accessible pastimes; you can do it anytime, anywhere and either on your own or in a group. You don’t need to splash out on expensive monthly gym subscription fees or even any specialist kit. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and clothing and plenty of motivation.
Many of you will turn to the brilliant NHS app ‘Couch to 5k’, which is a great training tool and good for encouragement too. But what happens when you hit that milestone?
Some of you will be happy to have reached that goal, after all, it’s a fantastic achievement, but what if you want to push on, to go further, faster and better?
This is a place where lots of runners come unstuck and without the support of the app, which had pushed you on to that 5k goal, or friends, it’s easy to lapse back into old ways, undoing all that hard work you may have done over a period of weeks or months.
One person who knows plenty about general, is Matt Rimmer. Matt will be a familiar face to many runners in the city; if you’ve not seen him pounding the streets or trails, or taking part in events, he’s the manager at specialist running shop, MyRaceKit North, on Sharrow Vale Road. The shop has become a destination for runners of all abilities over the years who head there for the latest kit or for general advice.
Matt grew up in Gleadless and although
he ran a little at school and college he only got into running more seriously in 2012.
“I played football mainly and went into coaching which I did for 25 years at various clubs, mainly in a community capacity,” he
Wednesday for their community programme when some of the lads suggested doing the
“So we started running round the football pitches, it took us about 1hr 20mins to do 10k and we were quite chuffed. When it got
from me so I did it on my own. I carried on from there.”
Matt was well and truly bitten by the running bug and from there started running more regularly, mainly on roads because he wasn’t too sure what he should be doing.
“I did what everyone else does and go on Google and search for things but found myself confused, there was lots
“Eventually I joined a running club, Steel City Striders, and found lots of people run for different reasons, it doesn’t matter size, shape, ability, age, it’s very inclusive.”
Joining a club – of which there are many
great motivator, especially if you don’t
shared goal. It proved to be a catalyst for Matt to push on and eventually he started leading some of their sessions, which in turn
Leadership in Running Fitness and Coaching in Running Fitness.
understanding what I should and shouldn’t be doing,” Matt added. “It comes back to motivation, some people need that group to stuck with them.”
for their hills so does this make it easier or harder for those looking to take up running
good for your strength, and if you’re running views as well.
“In a way it’s cheating,” he laughed. “If you train on the hills and get good on the
it and more experienced, you start to realise you can use hills as a rest.
“If you’re competing, it’s not always best to run up a hill. Sometimes you run up a hill and get to the top and you’re too tired to push on. I’ve seen runners overtaken by people walking.”
As well as working at MyRaceKit North, Matt also offers online coaching offering advice on anything from Couch to 5k to ultra running.
His advice to novice runners is aim to
things a week over a consistent period can with doing straight running he recommends incorporating other activities such as cycling and swimming.
“My biggest advice is to think why you’re doing it. If you can’t answer that you might not have the motivation to carry on,” said Matt. “For a lot of people it’s a personal
routine and stick to it. Otherwise it’s easy to think ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’.
“Find what you enjoy. If you enjoy going out to the Peaks and through the woods, do that, if you enjoy going on the roads, prefer.”
email matt@mattrunning.co.uk or visit www. mattrunning.co.uk
Matt competiting in last year’s Leeds 10k
PAINTING PLACES
Rebecca Elizabeth’s work captures the world around her, including some very familiar landmarks.
rtist and illustrator Rebecca Elizabeth loved creating and colouring from a very young age and now illustrates the world around her – new places she’s been and old places she’s loved. You’ll recognise many familiar places in her work.
Primarily she works in gouache or digitally (or both) and focuses on bringing vibrancy and fun into people’s lives, playing with lots of patterns and different
Tell us about ‘Rebecca Elizabeth Draws’. I’ve always been creative; I remember being a kid and listening to Famous Five on tape and sewing sequins onto my mums old cushions. Not much has changed except now I’m listening to audiobooks on my
sharing my art online I created my account under my full name in what I thought was a way of staying more anonymous to people developed I stopped caring but the name kind of stuck.
Did you study illustration formally?
I studied art and art textiles at school, went on to do art foundation and then to
studying, I was all arted out. I needed a break because I think I lost my love for it a little. But years later when I moved to Japan, I was gifted a travel watercolour set and I haven’t looked back since.
How would you describe your work?
It’s very colourful!
Thank you! I like to create happy, colourful art that hopefully brings a little sunshine and joy to people’s day. When creating art I always try to capture a feeling or emotion, whether this is from a book (The Secret Garden was my favourite to illustrate) or from a place, a holiday or a memory and share this feeling with people.
How do you form your illustrations?
Usually once I have an idea, I’m too impatient to plan it out, so I just start drawing right away (and then panic later when it doesn’t work). Some of my work is formed from gouache paintings that I edit digitally and some I’ll create on my iPad. I love the freedom and ability to pick it up and do it anywhere when I’m working on my iPad.
Has your style developed over the years?
I think so, it’s funny because for the longest time I didn’t like how colourful my art was, I thought I needed to draw in a restricted
colour palette. Once I started worrying less about what colours I thought I should use and instead what colours I liked, it kind of developed naturally from there. I like my work to be somewhat realistic but I also like to add a little bit of a whimsical and fantasy element, and I’ve realised that adding a touch of pink always makes it better.
surroundings?
in an old building, I’m always taking photos to reference later. Sometimes it can just be the colour of the sky and how the clouds form and I want to go home and draw it.
A lot of my art recently has been inspired by local places so I’m always absorbing whatever I see when I’m out and about.
Where would we have seen your work?
My work is available in a few local
my art through my social media (@rebeccaelizabethdraws). My Instagram is usually where I share a little more behind the scenes of the process too.
Do you prefer painting animals, nature or travel destinations?
going between all of these often. When I get bored or run out of inspiration I usually can just move on to another theme and it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for me. I’m really loving drawing travel and local art at the moment though.
For the travel-themed illustrations, are these drawn from memory or have you visited lots of these places?
So far, I would say 99 per cent of my travel prints have been inspired by real places I’ve been to. I think exploring somewhere
it and how I want to translate that place into my art. Plus, any excuse to go travelling sounds good to me!
What are your favourite places to travel to?
I love travelling and exploring new countries, I actually spent some time living in Japan which I absolutely loved. I can’t wait to get some free time and create a collection of illustrations inspired from all the amazing places I saw. Other than this I’d say to take me anywhere with some sunshine and I’m instantly happier and feeling more inspired.
Is it mainly art prints you produce?
Yes, it’s mainly art prints but I have been working on a few other fun projects recently. One of these is getting some of my popular illustrations printed on fabric and making scrunchies, but I’m hoping to branch out further in the future with projects like these. I usually have a collection of other products such as greeting cards and bookmarks available on my website, but I would really love to work on a puzzle at some point.
Where can we buy these?
All my stuff is available on my website www.rebeccaelizabethdraws.co.uk or over on my etsy.
What are your future plans?
Hopefully I can just keep creating art, it’s my happiest place. And I would love to see my work on more products and in more shops because that’s a feeling that I imagine never gets old. I still have to pinch myself that people like my art enough to want it in their homes, and I’m so grateful for every person that supports me being able to create.
To see more of Rebecca Elizabeth’s work at rebeccaelizabethdraws.co.uk or follow her on Facebook: RebeccaElizabethDraws Instagram: @RebeccaElizabethDraws or TikTok: @rebeccaelizabethdraws
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The original scheme consisted newsagent etc) as well as a nursery, primary school, community centre, garages, doctor’s surgery, pharmacy and dentist. To maintain a strong sense of community, neighbours were re-homed next door to each other and old street names from the area were re-used.
The scheme was hugely popular at
heating, but problems soon began had become dilapidated and was no noise insulation, badly lit walkways and plenty of passages and alleys made perfect getaways for muggers.
on their children in the playgrounds
lifts were out of order it meant many stairs to climb, and even when they were working, lifts could be unpleasant due to being used as ‘toilets’ especially at weekends, requiring a caretaker to swill them with strong smelling disinfectant. Unsurprisingly, for many years,
when it was given Grade II* listed building status and shortly after, in 2004, developers Urban Splash were appointed to redevelop and breathe new life into the development. This transformation is still ongoing.
Splash’s scheme included 260 fully occupied, mixed tenures homes; these brilliantly-designed, awardwinning duplexes stand above ten contemporary workspaces on the Grace
Owen Nursery and popular café South Street Kitchen tasty and popular addition to the neighbourhood.
In 2022, Urban Splash completed their latest fully sold-out phase of
homes. A ‘muted’ approach saw softer colours used on the building’s façade, again allowing for this
winning architects Mikhail Riches. It comprises 195 homes and 20,000 sq ft of mixed-use workspace.
Jumping ahead and the developer is once again working with Mikhail Riches who is overseeing the see the creation of another 124 homes including 24 affordable homes and 4,800 sq ft of commercial space.
And work doesn’t stop there as Urban Splash are also working on
Other business either relocating or
Eyewitness Works
HEART OF THE ACTION
f you really want to be in the heart of the action, then city living is the only way to go. Having shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas and more on your doorstep can be a big draw for many people and has attracted more and more into the centre in recent years.
The ongoing Heart of the City are changing and are becoming much more about leisure and living than shopping and
place where you can do everything in the centre and is attractive not just to students and young professionals but to families too who are being enticed by larger, luxury townhouses and the growing number of green spaces, such as Pounds Park.
To meet this growing demand for city living, more and more developments have been springing up around the city – you only have to see the cranes on the skyline to see how much work is going on. We take a look at some of these new developments.
Eyewitness Works
Capital&Centric’s Eyewitness Works made an immediate impression with the
In total there 97 design-led apartments, duplexes and townhouses across three incredible buildings: Eyewitness Works and Ceylon Works, both Grade II listed former cutlery works, and Brunswick, an industrial-style new build.
Eyewitness is not your average rental
neighbourhood, these are proper homes with stunning interiors, Scandi-designed HAY furniture and huge dual-aspect
Residents are well catered for with three courtyards, a residents’ lounge, a private dining room and co-working space.
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “This is the culmination of years of painstaking work to turn Eyewitness Works from an industrial relic into what is now, hands down, one of the city’s best addresses.”
Tilt Works
Dominating the Netherthorpe skyline, Tilt Works is home to 284 studios, one and twobedroom apartments to rent.
In celebration of the city’s rich history with steel production, named after an early process of steelmaking - ‘tilting’, The Tilt Works takes design inspiration from the steel industry with metal detailing across seating and lighting accents with copper and brown tones weaved in throughout.
The development, brought to the city courtesy of Grainger Plc, also features an indoor social hub with plenty of seating and sofas, a shared TV lounge, plus a connecting private dining area and kitchen – bookable for residents for private use.
The Tilt Works also offers a dedicated on-site Resident Services team that will be
regular events in the amenity spaces for residents to enjoy including summer socials and coffee mornings.
The Tilt Works’ stylish, highly energy fantastic storage, modern integrated
Monthly rent prices start from £700 for a studio apartment.
Cannon Brewery
Still very much in the planning stage, Capital&Centric are also looking to develop the former Stones Brewery in Kelham Island/Neepsend.
There’s a vision to create a buzzing, diverse neighbourhood of new homes, lush green community spaces, bars, cafes and workspace. The former Stones Brewery has sat empty since shutting its doors in 1999, but now the 4.2-acre site is set to be a major catalyst for regeneration in the area.
Sheffield Central
restaurants, and well-served by city centre shops, theatres and transport hubs. It is home to 169 luxury one and two bed apartments
and with a fastidious attention to detail. A dedicated concierge, on-site gym, residents-only cinema and games room with pool table will appeal to even the most discerning tenants. Planning permission for granted in principle.
Sky-House Devonshire Quarter
Sky-House, Devonshire Quarter is set to be a vibrant new residential community in the
This urban development will consist of 28 two-bed duplex Sky-Houses alongside a mini-tower of 32 apartments and supporting business space. This is for the urbanite!
Works have commenced on site and the
later 2024. Join our mailing list to be the
The former Viners Warehouse on Egerton Street will be replaced with three urban blocks complete with bike storage, a private communal garden oasis and a carsharing club.
A new playful PoMo Architectural style heritage of the area but with an added contemporary twist. Complete with private amenity space, large windows and natural, durable materials.
“Based on the back-to-back housing concept, our aim is to create sensitively compact and blended communities that are naturally sustainable, durable and awardwinning by design,” said David Cross, CEO.
Sky-House ‘Little Chicago’ Contracts have been exchanged for a second planned Sky-House Co residential
Sky-House Devonshire Quarter
The development at Trinity Street/Copper Street in Shalesmoor, close to Kelham Island, will see the construction of 34 one and two-bed apartments across two blocks, along with 12 two and three-bed family homes and two commercial spaces, all centred around communal gardens.
“Our project will knit the development into the narrow and steep streets of Shalesmoor, forming a new characterful and contextual neighbourhood that will expand on the great work built in neighbouring Kelham Island,” said David Cross, CEO.
Sky-House ‘Little Chicago’
Tilt Works
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SHOUTING ABOUT SHEFFIELD
VIBE Sheffield is a website dedicated to Sheffield’s dynamic social scene. With popular features and articles split up into the sections below:
FOOD & DRINK WATCH, LISTEN, DO MOVERS & MAKERS
At VIBE, our main focus is to shout about Sheffield and we make sure to surround that with as much positivity as possible. After all, if you’re from Sheffield, you’re proud to live in such a great city!
VIBE DIRECTORY
Have you checked out our brand new Sheffield based directory that is now live on our website with the likes of Heritage Lifestyle Store, Chakra Lounge, Boom Battle Bar, Glass Onion and many more? We're still in the building process so if you are interested in your business being displayed proudly on there, email sam.pegg@rmcmedia.co.uk to find out more.
Scan the QR code below with your smartphone to access the directory
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