Venue Magazine June 2010 by Runwild Media Group

indig

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN 21-28 NOVEMBER

The O2 LONDON

THIS EVENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Only the world’s top eight players will earn the right to be in London for the 2010 ATP World Tour season finale. Don’t miss your chance to join them.

FOR DETAILS ON TICKETS PLEASE VISIT:

www.TheO2.co.uk

FOR CORPORATE HOSPITALITY, PLEASE CONTACT IMG ON 020 8233 5888 OR ATPTennis@imgworld.com

Follow the stars on their journey to compete at the 2010 ATP World Tour season finale on The players shown are for illustrative purposes only. Qualification and participation subject to ATP rules.

contents :

Brace yourself for an electrifying mix of worldclass entertainment at The O2 this summer. This month we look ahead to the ATP World Tour Finals, when the greatest tennis players on the planet transform The O2 into a gladiatorial grudge match to crown the ATP champion. Last year it broke the world record for indoor tennis attendance and this year sets the bar even higher! Festival season is almost in full swing, so don’t miss our fabulous festival guide to set your summer alight with music and merriment. Also indigO2 hosts its very own Live and Unsigned Festival, crammed with the UK’s most exciting new artists. With such an array of amazing talent, don’t forget to check out our regular features in this action-packed issue. Happy reading, Venue and The O2 team

Contact Numbers for The O2 Book Tickets by Phone: 0844 856 0202 For Customer Service after ticket purchase: 08444 999 999 Pre-book Parking: 020 8463 6718 Customer Services & public enquiries: 020 8463 2000

Simon Owen - Red Photographic

EDITOR’S LETTER:

ONE TRUE VOICE A 5,500-strong youth choir unites for a James Bond musical tribute

RIDING HIGH New, improved and more thrilling than ever, Gaucho Polo rides into The O2

LIVE & UNSIGNED The UK’s biggest competition for unsigned artists reaches a festival finale

SUMMER BEATS Party hard at this summer’s best festivals

STYLE SPY This month we take a look at how to survive festivals in style

RUNWILD M

RETURN OF THE KINGS The phenomenal Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is back! Bigger and better than last year

RIDE THE WAVE Take a breather with the chilled sounds of Jack Johnson at The O2

BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT See your favourite acts from the TV show live

RAVENSBOURNE The O2 welcomes its new neighbour, world-class media centre Ravensbourne

WIN Your chance to watch the World Cup in style at The O2 or rave it up at the SW4 festival

MUSIC ALBUMS A run-down on this month’s best releases

THE O2 LISTINGS Your extensive guide to everything coming soon to The O2

Lost Property: 020 8463 2030

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We want to hear from you! How far have you travelled? Who is your favourite artist of all time? What do you love about The O2? Keep an eye out to see if we mention you... Hi Venue,

Dear The O2,

Help!

Hi Venue,

I’d love to work at The O2. Do you have any jobs going?

There always seems to be a fantastic show on at The O2 but I don’t often find out about them until they are all sold out. How can I keep up to date with what’s going on and make sure I don’t miss any more of your fab events?

My daughters are going to see Leona Lewis in June. I’d like to collect them after the event. Is there somewhere they can wait for me to pick them up? Susan, Essex

I’m coming to see Bon Jovi in June. I’m arriving straight from work and won’t have time to go to a restaurant to eat. What are my options to grab something quick before the gig?

Kind Regards Thomas, Surrey Dear Thomas, You can find out all about careers, work placements and volunteering opportunities at The O2 on our website. Just click on the ‘Working at The O2’ section.

Thanks, Hayley, Kent

Dear Hayley, Always great to help out a fan! To receive the latest news and updates on what’s on at The O2 you can register for our email alert service. Just visit our newsletter page to subscribe. You will be asked to tell us a bit more about you and the kind of bands, artists and events you like. We can make sure that our messages are tailored to you.

nth L e t te r o f t h e m o

fan ive Westlife I’m a mass em at just seen th and have I was fortunately The O2. Un nd had regnant a 2 months p ers. I the upper ti tickets for The O2 the case to explained nd ry helpful a who were ve g, moving me din understan at. nvenient se co re o to a m at to the team Thank you lp e ! all their h The O2 for don Nicole, Lon

Dear Susan, We operate a dedicated dropoff and pick-up point on arena event nights within Car Park 1 accessed from Millennium Way. This is signposted on arrival. The drop-off point is approximately 400m from the main entrance of The O2. This area is lit, covered by CCTV cameras and manned by trained car parking assistants. You can also see a map of it’s location on our Venue Access page.

Thanks, Darren, London Dear Darren, As well as our bars and restaurants in Entertainment Avenue there are a great range of eateries inside the arena itself. You can choose from old favourites like burgers, nachos, fish and chips, pizza and hot dogs as well as a few surprises such as Thai green chicken curry, Chinese stir-fry, carvery options and the truly scrumptious Cumberland Sausage Sandwich. For more information and a map of each eatery inside the arena just check out the Eat and Drink section of our website www.theo2.co.uk

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PLAYER PROFILES Roger Federer Singles Ranking: 1 Age: 28 Birthplace: Basel, Switzerland Height: 6’1” (185 cm) Weight: 187 lbs (85 kg) Plays: Right-handed Grand Slam Titles:

16 Turned Pro: 1998 Coach: None

atp tennis

After the record breaking success of last year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the thrilling tournament returns to The O2 this November to smash last year out of court

he internationally acclaimed London début of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals set an all-time indoor tennis attendance record of 256,000 fans over eight days at The O2. The year-end climax to the men’s professional tennis season features only the world’s best eight singles players and doubles teams to determine the official year-end South African Airways ATP Rankings. Last year, Russian Nikolay Davydenko was the surprise champion, coasting past Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 in the final. Uniting fans from across the world for eight days of eight of the world’s greatest tennis players, it was a tournament of upsets, with both Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal failing to get through the round-robin phase - the latter without even winning a set - and world number one Roger Federer falling in the semis. Unlike other events on the men’s tour, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is not a straightforward knock-out tournament. The electrifying set up sees eight players divided into two groups of four and play three round-robin matches each against the other three players in their group. From there, the two players with the best records in each group progress to the semifinals, with the winners meeting in a sensational final to determine the champion.

PLAYER PROFILES Andy Murray Singles Ranking: 4 Age: 23

CLASH OF THE TITANS Birthplace: Dunblane, Scotland Height: 6’3” (190 cm)

Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg) Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam Titles: 0 Turned Pro: 2005

Coach: Miles Maclagan

atp tennis

PLAYER PROFILES Fernando Verdasco Singles Ranking: 9 Age: 26 Birthplace: Madrid, Spain Height: 6’2” (188 cm) Weight: 179 lbs (81 kg) Plays: Left-handed Grand Slam Titles: 0 Turned Pro: 2001 Coach: Ignacio Truyol

Current 4-time winner of the event Federer will be bidding to qualify for an incredible 9th consecutive year. The Swiss has already set Adam Helfant, ATP Executive Chairman and President his sights on glory at The O 2. “It’s nice to be able to compare yourself against the best at the end of the season. I’ve always had a great time at the World Tour Finals, especially last year in London and this year I’d like to get the win

The feedback from our players about competing in the dramatic setting of The O2 was also terrific”

Simon Owen - Red Photographic

back because I haven’t won it in a few years now. I’m sure it’s going to be a very special event for the players and the fans,” said Federer. British No.1 Andy Murray will also be heavily tipped to qualify for the event and would relish the chance to play against the world’s best players on home soil at the end of the season. “I had a couple good wins at the World Tour Finals [last year] and at Wimbledon my results have been good the last couple of years. Like in football, home support always helps,” he said. The prestigious Barclays ATP World Tour Finals has been contested in major cities around the world including Lisbon, Sydney and Shanghai, dating back

atp tennis Simon Owen - Red Photographic

PLAYER PROFILES Novak Djokovic Singles Ranking: 3 Age: 23 Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia Height: 6’2” (188 cm) Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg) Plays: Right-handed Grand Slam Titles: 1 Turned Pro: 2003 Coach: Marian Vajda

PLAYER PROFILES Rafael Nadal Singles Ranking: 2 Age: 24 Birthplace: Manacor, Mallorca, Spain Height: 6’1” (185 cm) Weight: 188 lbs (85 kg) Plays: Left-handed Grand Slam Titles: 6 Turned Pro: 2001 Coach: Toni Nadal

to the birth of The Masters in Tokyo, 1970. Previous champions include some of the greatest tennis players in the world: John McEnroe won the first of his three titles in 1978 and Bjorn Borg won back-to-back titles in 1979-80. Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Boris Becker all captured the title in the 1990s. The tournament moved for five years from Shanghai to London in 2009 and was hailed by both players and spectators as taking indoor tennis to spectacular new heights. Fans raved about The O2’s theatrical spotlight on the court of play, plunging the crowd into darkness with all eyes on the action. This November, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals go above and beyond 2009, introducing key changes: • A new 6,725 square metre “Fan Zone” will be

introduced at The O2, including an interactive kids’ area, shops, bars and two practice courts with seating for 400 people, which will be accessible to non-ticket holders. • Matches will be earlier to accommodate fans using public transport. Sessions will start at 12.15pm in the afternoon and 6.15pm in the evenings, with the final singles match of the day beginning at 8.00pm, 45 minutes

PLAYER PROFILES Nikolay Davydenko Singles Ranking: 6 Age: 29 Birthplace: Severodonezk, Ukraine Height: 5’10” (178 cm) Weight: 154 lbs (70 kg) Plays: Right-handed Grand Slam Titles: 0 Turned Pro: 1999 Coach: Eduard Davydenko

earlier than the 2009 start time. • On the final Sunday of the event, the singles final will be pushed back to 6.00pm, ensuring that the winner of Saturday evening’s semi-final will have sufficient time to recuperate before Sunday’s final. “Last year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals was more successful than anyone could have imagined”, said Adam Helfant, ATP Executive Chairman and President .“Tennis fans came out and supported the event in a big way, showing their passion for the game. The feedback from our players about

atp tennis

PLAYER PROFILES Andy Roddick Singles Ranking: 8 Age: 27 Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Height: 6’2” (188 cm) Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)

lay-offs and face a stiff task to qualify this year. All eight qualification spots are still up for grabs in singles and doubles as the world’s tennis elite bid to qualify for the biggest indoor tournament in the world. It comes as no surprise to learn that over 100,000 tickets for this hotly anticipated event have already been snapped up. With the cheapest entry at £20 and the promise of half-price tickets for under 16s, it is no wonder the public’s desire for more top-class tennis in London is overwhelming.n

Plays: Right-handed Grand Slam Titles: 1 Turned Pro: 2000 Coach: Larry Stefanki

WIN

A pair of VIP tickets for the 2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals visit www.theo2.co.uk/ venuemagazine

Closing date: 30 JUNE 2010. The tickets will go to the first entry drawn. There is no cash alternative. Editor’s decision is final.

competing in the dramatic setting of The O2 was also terrific. With the addition of a new “Fan Zone,” additional practice courts open to the public and earlier start times, we are looking forward to an even better event in 2010.” By the beginning of July, with the French Open and Wimbledon completed, we will have a better idea of those vying for the eight spots up for grabs, but Roger Federer’s victory at the Australian Open, Andy Murray’s runner-up placing there and the three Masters clay-court titles for Rafael Nadal mean they are in pole position. Last year’s finalists - Davydenko and Martín del Potro - are suffering long injury

PLAYER PROFILES Robin Soderling Singles Ranking: 7 Age: 25 Birthplace: Tibro, Sweden Height: 6’4” (193 cm) Weight: 192 lbs (87 kg) Plays: Right-handed Grand Slam Titles: 0 Turned Pro: 2001 Coach: Magnus Norman

The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals run from 21- 28 November Tickets are available via telephone on 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk

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25/5/10 4:59:19 pm

jack johnson

RIDE THE WAVE

He's sold over 14 million records worldwide, but singersongwriter Jack Johnson is still the mellowest man in rock as he prepares to perform at The O2 arena later this month

or Jack Johnson, the fear of entertaining a hundred thousand fans is nothing compared to worries about how his children will view the songs he's written about them when they grow up. “I really hope my kids don't ever feel embarrassed by what I do,” Johnson muses. “But I think I'm going to have to deal with that at some

point. You never know which song the public will remember you by, and maybe in 15 years' time I'll be known as the guy who wrote My Little Girl.” Johnson's two daughters and son are aged one to seven and early on he made the decision only to tour during school holidays, admitting he hates leaving the idyllic beachside home where he lives with them and

jack johnson

wife Kim in Hawaii. “Touring's like the family's annual roadtrip,” beams the 34-year-old. “We visit the world's coolest familyoriented places, like the Natural History Museum in London. When daddy has to go to work in the evening with one of his concerts, the kids are nearly asleep by then anyway.” Spending his childhood surfing on the blissful beaches of the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, has given Johnson a unique perspective and profound commitment to his island home. In 2003, he and his wife started the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. Also since 2003, Johnson has been a part of 1per cent for the Planet, a group of businesses and individuals who contribute at least 1% of revenues to environmental initiatives around the globe.

I guess it’s a reference to a father leading his son to the sea, with the water representing the subconscious. So it’s about trying to go beneath the surface and understand yourself.

Performances will be held at The O2 on 30 June Tickets are available via telephone on 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk

New album To the Sea was recorded at the Mango Tree Studio in Oahu using 100 per cent solar energy and is, in Johnson's opinion, more immediately accessible than 2008's Sleep Through the Static. The first single, You and Your Heart, has sold more than 148,000 digital downloads since it was released on iTunes as a teaser track in early April, while the album is released on 1 June on his own Bushfire Records label. Johnson says he wrote the album in spurts, usually sitting on his couch with a guitar after his

Jack Johnson

rnia, Santa Barbara, Johnson attended the University of Califo film. in e degre a and graduated with  dtrack for Thicker He co-directed and composed the soun sed in 2000. relea film surf ary ment Than Water a docu  dation with wife Since co-founding the Kokua Hawaii Foun c Festivals, Musi a Koku six d hoste Kim in 2003, they have ii. Hawa s acros tives initia ly riend promoting eco-f  Dreams depicts The cover of his third album In Between studio where Tree o Mang the to ring a mango tree, refer Johnson recorded.  ii was his fourth, Johnson’s first album not made in Hawa recorded at L.A.’s was h whic ic, Stat The ugh Sleep Thro Solar Powered Plastic Plant studio.

children went to bed. He was inspired by sources as diverse as his family, Greek mythology, Robert Bly's Iron John and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Of the album's title, Johnson remarks, “I guess it's a reference to a father leading his son to the sea, with the water representing the subconscious. So it's about trying to go beneath the surface and understand yourself”. “There are songs about losing loved ones and there are songs about starting to see the personalities of people who have passed in your own kids,” he says. “It's seeing how life lives on through a family.” All 5 of his prior albums have each sold over 2 million copies, and total over 14 million copies worldwide. Now Johnson is gearing up to play The O2 on 30 June as the only London date of his long-awaited 2010 World Tour, featuring headline dates in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, as well as festival appearances including Glastonbury. While seemingly cool and collected, the ex pro surfer admits he gets a bit freaked out by huge arena gigs, even having nightmares about performing. “I trust my dreams,” he laughs. “I have a recurring dream only on tour that giant eyeballs are staring at me. When I start having that kind of dream, that's when I know it's time to stop touring!” With his chilled music reflecting his relaxed outlook, it's no wonder Jack's also calm in his attitude to fame. “I did a show for Radio 2 recently. I left the building with my friend Matt and, because I was carrying my own guitar case, these five paps thought I was the roadie and Matt was me! I played up to it, saying to Matt: 'Can I get you a coffee, sir?' while Matt posed in the most OTT way possible!” But surely for someone who started surfing professionally and stumbled into recording music, the shift to the music business lifestyle has been challenging? “I don't know if I'd call it difficult, but they are really different. Surfing is really a solitary kind of thing, and doing this, like being on tour and all, you really feel a reduction in personal space. We've been lucky that we've been successful enough to get comfortable, like having my family come out with us is great. I'd hate to have to be away from them for an extended time.” n

Best of British

Following last year’s sellout shows, Britain’s Got Talent Live returns to The O2 this summer for its third action-packed, awe-inspiring national tour

xpect another incredible mix of raw talent from the massively popular ITV1 show, with top live acts including musicians, acrobats, dance troupes, magicians and comedians set to take part in the Britain’s Got Talent The Live Tour 2010. More than 200,000 fans have watched the UK’s top rising stars perform live in previous tours and last year’s totalled 26 dazzling arena performances across the country. Arguably the biggest entertainment phenomenon of last summer, Britain’s Got Talent captured the nation’s hearts and stunned TV viewers around the world as it catapulted Diversity, Susan Boyle and Shaheen Jafargholi to global stardom. Over 20 million people tuned in to see Diversity scoop the £100,000 prize money in the series finale and win the headline slot on the 2009 Live Tour. The group amazed audiences at UK arenas with their slick street dance moves and innovative choreography. They were joined by Susan Boyle, who wowed the crowds with her unique voice and sensational stage presence. Susan’s solo album was the fastest selling

debut in UK chart history and her Britain’s Got Talent audition is still one of the most watched YouTube videos ever, with 300 million views to date. Another massive star from last year’s show was baby-faced soul singer, Shaheen Jafargholi. Following his outstanding live performances, Shaheen went on to perform at Michael Jackson’s memorial concert, where he sang to a global audience of more than 1 billion people. Not to be outdone, angelic young singer Hollie Steel and Brummie breakdancer Aidan Davis also showed that Britain’s kids really do have talent too! People’s favourite Stavros Flatley added Cypriot charm and a party atmosphere to arenas across the UK. As Britain's Got Talent producer, Andrew Llinares said, “This is a show about real people, who have got huge, huge dreams. They come on this show for lots of reasons, but ultimately it is because they want to change their lives.” The Live tour brings the magic and excitement of the TV show to two hotly anticipated live performances at The O2, giving you the chance to watch the best of British talent in one incredible spectacle.n

Performance will be held at The O2 on 11 JULY Tickets are available via telephone on 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk

ONE TRUE VOICE

One True Voice The sensational Voices For A Better World returns to The O2 in July with a staggering 5,500-strong choir of children performing a unique and inspiring concert for charity

fter their huge success with The Long and Winding Road last year, Voices for a Better World arrives at The O2 this summer with License to Thrill, a musical homage to James Bond, with pop classics such as Michael Jackson’s Bad and Take That’s The Greatest Day thrown in for funky measure. All proceeds go to international children’s charity Arts by Children (ABC), who work with young people and orphans in countries devastated by natural catastrophe or war. Voices for a Better World gives children and young adults an incredible opportunity to channel their creative energy into one stunning show at the iconic venue. The concert is the brainchild of Kevin Dowsett, Artistic Director of Theatretrain, (the acclaimed theatre company for young people aged 6 to 18) and unites 5,500 schoolchildren aged 10 to 14 years from London and the South East into one,

powerfully synchronised choir with a full orchestra and choreography. Dowsett has 18 years’ experience of producing large-scale shows by young people around the UK, and is deeply passionate about the importance of creativity for young people. “Today's news continually covers the sad and drastic state that our world is in from third world poverty, environmental issues to crime on the streets of Britain. Voices for a Better World is a stunning showcase, which aims to give children an outlet and a chance to express themselves. Thousands of young children singing in one voice – what better and more powerful way is there to communicate the need for change?” Follow 007's mission to foil a criminal mastermind who plans to destroy the world economy, in a concert that promises to be a magical evening out for families, James Bond fans, theatre-goers and other children aspiring to perform on a stage of such magnitude.

PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD AT The O2 ON 6 JULY Tickets are available via telephone on 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk

GAUCHO POLO

One of the fastest growing sports in the country, Arena Polo, takes another historic step into the sporting mainstream with Gaucho International Polo, a unique indoor event at The O2

F THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD AT The O2 ON 24 FEB 2011 Tickets are available via telephone on 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk

or the first time ever, International Arena Polo hits London at The O2 arena on 24 February 2011. More than 12,500 spectators will attend this evening of high-octane entertainment with incredible corporate hospitality throughout the day provided by Gaucho, live music, fashion shows and an amazing retail village. Arena Polo is a truly exciting form of polo played on a reduced-size pitch and with only three people per side rather than the usual four. The result is a fast and exciting game that is extremely spectator-friendly, played in an intimate and electric atmosphere where the crowd can see, hear and even smell all the action this highly physical sport provides! Gaucho International Polo really will be an historic showcase of all the best things that polo has to offer. A Thursday evening has been chosen for the event, making it the perfect place for corporate hospitality at The O2’s Gaucho Grill and backstage bar, as well as providing a special evening out for people after work.

The range and quality of the entertainment in a festival atmosphere also make this a fantastic afterschool event for families. The first match will be at 5.00pm – a world class exhibition match. Following that is a thrilling international game between Scotland and South Africa (6.15pm). A short, but highly entertaining celebrity polo match then kicks off at 7.30pm. This all culminates in the coveted Churchill Cup game between EFG’s England and their old adversary, Camino Real’s Argentina, in what looks to be an unmissable grudge match. Gaucho Polo Tournament and Ralph Lauren Ambassador Nacho Figueras comments on his recent trip to London, “Polo is growing so quickly now, and the introduction of such a great tournament to the UK during the winter off-season is a welcome addition. Arena Polo is such an exciting form of the game and it will be truly special to play it at such an iconic venue in front of so many supporters.” 

Enjoy the THRILL of HORSERACING And meet some of the stars of the turf at an exclusive vip event EXCLUSIVE EVENT: 28 JULY, 2010 To give readers the chance to experience the thrill of horseracing, Racing for Change, Sandown Park and Champagne Lanson, have teamed up to offer a VIP experience on Wednesday, 28 July, 2010. Held in one of Sandown Park’s finest hospitality suites, you’ll be close to the action and all the amenities; with truly spectacular views of the racing whether it’s on the plasma screens or from a private balcony.

Imagine the roar of the crowd as your horse turns into the straight; the jockey jostles into position and wills the horse to push through to the finish with its head in front.

f you’ve been fortunate enough to experience the thrill of horseracing and, better still, backed a winner then you’ll know the adrenaline rush it gives you. Well, imagine the thrill of knowing that you own the winning horse. Racehorse ownership is no longer just reserved for the elite. Many partnerships and syndicates are available to help spread the costs but still enable you to enjoy the full involvement of owning a racehorse. As an owner, there’s the fun of buying your horse, picking a name, choosing your colours, watching your horse train and the thrill of being in the paddock before and after a race, listening in as your trainer discusses tactics with your jockey. Watching your horse run is exhilarating from the moment the stalls open. Win or lose, the experience is electrifying and as an owner, you’re in the thick of it.

For just £25, the usual price of entry only to the racecourse, you’ll be treated as a VIP with a champagne reception, canapés, and an evening of high-quality horseracing. Channel 4 Racing’s Emma Spencer will be your glamorous host and you’ll be in the company of owners, jockeys and trainers, with first-hand experience of racehorse ownership. Sandown Park is the nearest racecourse to the centre of London and takes 25 minutes from Waterloo. So join us for an evening’s racing, some fantastic hospitality and find out more about racehorse ownership. Places are strictly limited, so to guarantee your ticket to this exclusive event, go to: www.sandown.co.uk/cityoffer and type in the following code: SPCITY10. Offer closes at 4pm, Monday, 26 July, 2010

The Live and Unsigned Festival

unsigned The UK's biggest competition for ax at the Live artists reaches its electrifying clim igO2 this July and Unsigned Festival at the ind

THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD AT indigO2 ON 10 JULY Tickets are available via telephone on 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk

or a Festival this summer that doesn't involve camping in the rain, mud baths or a brutal lack of showers, then look no further than Live and Unsigned. This all-day festival at indigO2 offers music lovers the cream of the crop in unsigned UK talent. After months of regional finals, an eclectic mix including rock, indie, pop and urban artists will battle it out in front of over 2,500 people and a celebrity judging panel to be crowned the winner of Live and Unsigned 2010. Joining the competition finalists on the stages at the Live and Unsigned Festival is a fantastic array of headline acts, celebrity presenters and guest DJs playing some of the freshest UK music. A celebrity judging panel including the legendary Slade frontman Noddy Holder, Radio 1’s prime time presenter Greg James, Urban DJ and Radio 1’s Ras Kwame, and ‘RnB’ mega star Shola Ama, will also be on hand to cast their eye over the bands. “I’ll be looking for something that’s not been done before”, says Noddy, “and I’ll also be looking closely at image. I think image is so important – all the big bands like The Beatles and The Who all had big images to go

with their music. And when I was in Slade we placed huge importance on our image. I think it’s great if artists are influenced by what’s gone before, but I don’t want to see any copies.” Radio 1's golden boy DJ Greg James says it's crucial that the competing artists really go for it on stage. “I think when a band is performing live, the one thing that makes a difference is seeing that they are having a good time. If I go to watch a gig, and I don’t know any of the songs, it won’t matter as long as the band are really going for it and enjoying themselves! That’s really important.” “I’ll be looking for energy. A really good pop song with a catchy hook will also grab my attention and I think you always think ‘will this song sound good on the radio?’ There isn’t really a formula to that.” With something to satisfy every musical taste, Live and Unsigned is your chance to spot the future gems of UK music before they completely conquer the world. With a recording contract and the chance to be thrust into the media spotlight up for grabs, it promises to be an unmissable showcase of the very best new music. The Live and Unsigned Festival takes place on 10 July at indigO2. Early bird tickets including an all-day pass are £16, premium tickets including all-day reserved seating are £20. www.liveandunsigned.uk.com 

A notE froM tHE

British Music Experience

Paul Lilley, curator of the British Music Experience, keeps us up to date with this month’s events at the exhibition

ell June is here and the world seems to be full of life; and not to be left out, the British Music Experience is brimming with activity. I’m sure many of you have been down and seen the superb exhibition, but how many of you have dropped by for one of our special events? Some of you came by for our Great Debate on the future of music consumption and its impacts. Despite it happening as Brown, Clegg and Cameron took to the stage in Birmingham, for what someone suggested was like the worst Kraftwork gig ever, attendance was fantastic, with over 300 people coming to see a heavy weight panel from the music industry conjure up a vision of the future. Admittedly, many came to see Geoff Taylor, from the BPI, take on Peter Sunde, formerly of Pirate Bay, lock horns. But many more came because they’re passionate about music and realise that something’s got to give – that artists should get paid, and illegal downloading is theft. This was just one of the many events we’ve held recently, and over the next month we’ve got some great nights coming up with some of the most influential producers in the business, including John Leckie, Steve Lyon and Greg Haver. If you’re interested in how music is actually made, how sounds are created, these are must see events – and they’re all free! Also free,

and something I’m really looking forward to is an ‘In Conversation’ session with the legendary Soloman Burke – one of popular music’s true pioneers and someone who feels as strongly about what they do now as they ever have. Also this month, don’t miss acclaimed international hip hop artist TY for an exclusive evening to mark the release of his forthcoming single Heart is Breaking featuring Sway from the highly anticipated album Special Kind of Fool. This will be an opportunity to take part in a Q&A with TY and hear tracks from the new album performed with long time DJ partner Big Ted. If you’re into your rock more than your hip-hop then When We We’re Beautiful – The Exhibition, is worth popping by to see throughout June. It’s a complete one-off photographic exhibition chronicling life on the road for one of the best bands in the world: Bon Jovi. What’s great about it is that it shows not only the Bon Jovi we know, the stadium giants, but also gives us glimpses of those backstage and personal moments with images personally curated by the band. If you’re coming to see Bon Jovi play in The O2 arena, then make sure you set some time beforehand and come on over. If you’re not, then drop in any time, it’s always good to see you. n For more information, visit www.britishmusicexperience.com

t’s safe to say music festivals have become an established part of the British summer time, with 450 in the UK alone this year, creating more festival fanatics than ever before. But with such an extraordinary wealth of festivals over the coming months, it’s tough deciding on the right one. Here’s our eclectic pick of six choices to help you catch the summer’s festival fever. Expect all-star line-ups, electric atmospheres and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re raving it up on Clapham Common at the South West Four or hearing poetry at The Secret Garden Party, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s musical taste buds here. Which wristband will you be flashing at your friends this summer?

HEINEKEN OPEN’ER FESTIVAL Poland’s largest music festival gets bigger and better every year Thanks to low-cost air travel, this is an excellent alternative if you’ve missed out on a UK festival ticket. Renowned for its incredible atmosphere in the massive GdyniaKosakowo Airfield, Open’er began as a oneHeineken Open’er Fest day event that has since ival ballooned to become winner of Best Major Festival at the 2009 European Festival Awards. Unlike many British festivals where the music dies after the headline act, Open’er doesn’t get going until 3pm with the last performances around 5am. Take advantage of the later timings to catch the free bus into local seaside town Gdynia and stock up on supplies or chill out on the beach. The campsite holds 200,000 pitches, so you’ll probably find a space!

LINE-UP: Kasabian, Klaxons, Hot Chip, Empire of The Sun, Gorillaz Sound System, Grace Jones, Pavement, The Hives, Pearl Jam, Regina Spektor, Skunk Anansie, Nas and Damian Marley Four-day ticket approx £88 (PLN 390)

Summer Festival Fun

1- 4 July, Gdynia, Poland www.opener.pl/en

SOUTH WEST FOUR The ultimate inner-city festival offers a weekend of the world’s biggest DJs 2010 marks a new chapter in the history of the UK’s premier inner-city dance festival. Having brought alive London’s favourite field, Clapham Common, for six consecutive years, this year will be the first ever South West Four weekender. Featuring the world’s biggest DJs, live acts, club nights and dance music labels, this summer’s festival is on course to be bigger, better and stronger than ever before! With a world-class line up and spectacular production, South West Four offers the luxury of partying in an amazing open-air green space whilst being able to catch the last tube home. Featuring four music arenas, plenty of bars, freshly made food from an array of different stalls and fairground rides, this is one party not to be missed.

LINE-UP Fatboy Slim, Zane Lowe, Steve Aoki, Sasha, Armin Van Buuren, Pete LINE-UP: Tong, Kissy Sell Out, Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules, Boys Noize, Dirty South, Dave Spoon, Mary Ann Hobbs Weekend Ticket: £75, single day £40

South West Four

Bank Holiday 28 & 29 August, Clapham Common, London www.southwestfour.com

SUNSHINE BEATS 2

L.E.D Brand spanking new festival boasts all star electro line-up Three giants of live music, Cream, Goldenvoice and Loudsound, have joined forces to create the first London Electronic Dance (L.E.D) Festival, destined to become one of the capital’s most exciting outdoor festivals. Pooling their collective resources, the organisers have secured exclusive performances from the mighty David Guetta (his only London performance this summer), and legendary pioneers of electronica, Leftfield, as well as special guest appearances from a phenomenally diverse range of dance music’s most exciting acts.

LINE-UP: David Guetta, Soulwax, Calvin Harris, Audio Bullys, Tiga, Bloody Beetroots, Zombie Nation, Death Crew 77, Leftfield, Goldfrapp, Friendly Fires, Aphex Twin, Annie Mac Weekend ticket: £70, V.I.P ticket £150 Bank Holiday 28 & 29 August, Victoria Park, London

L.E.D.

www.ledfestival.co.uk

SECRET GARDEN PARTY The countryside wonderland offers an idyllic escape The Secret Garden party takes place every year on the grounds of a Georgian farm house, with its own lake, river and landscaped gardens. Attracting some of the best emerging artists as well as some bona fide legends, fans can expect an eclectic line-up. But it’s away from the music that the four-day soiree really comes to life. Festival-goers can do anything from rolling down hills in tractor tyres and having a custard pie fight,to performing Shakespeare around camp fires, because the festival is built on an ethos of participation rather than being a spectator. The non-stop array of activities for kids and adults alike makes The Secret Garden Party buzz with a unique and inspiring atmosphere.

LINE-UP: Gorillaz Sound System, Mercury Rev, Marina & The Diamonds, Example, Horace Andy And Dub Asante, Cloud Control, The Loose Cannons, High Rankin, Burn The Negative, Tommy Sparks, Goldierocks Weekend ticket: adult (18+) £142, teen £115 22-25 July, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire uk.secretgardenparty.com/2010

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Secret Garden Party

UNDERAGE FESTIVAL Teens give the adults a run for their money The acclaimed festival strictly for 14-18 year olds is back for its fourth year. The enviable line-up is headlined by maverick star M.I.A and features a broad mix of styles and sounds, including a showcase some of this year’s most exciting new talent for the rapturous young audience. With no alcohol allowed, teens can rock out safely in Victoria Park. Underage ticket holders will need photo ID to gain admission to the event and must write a contact telephone number for a parent or guardian on their ticket prior to entry.

LINE-UP: M.I.A, Tinchy Stryder, Ellie Goulding, New Young Pony Club, Hadouken!, Tinie Tempah, Crystal Castles, The Courteeners, Twizzle, Lightspeed Champion, Los Campesinos Ticket: £29.50 1 August, Victoria Park, London

Underage Festival

www.underagefestivals.com

Lovebox

Underage Festival

LOVEBOX City extravaganza extends to three full days Created by Tom and Andy from Groove Armada, Lovebox always secures stellar headliners as well as attracting some of the capital’s most cutting edge dance music promoters to host areas. Applauded for its carnival atmosphere and eclectic programming, Lovebox has picked up a wealth of awards from the UK Festival Awards, including the Best Medium Sized Festival in 2009. Expect performers from Europe’s best performing arts festivals, street art exhibition, dedicated family area, the Sourced Farmer’s Market, and a whole host of other fabulous food and drinks stalls.

LINE-UP: Dizzee Rascal, Roxy Music, Noisettes, Empire Of The Sun, Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding, The Maccabees, Mystery Jets, Grace Jones, Hot Chip, Tim Westwood, Peaches, Chromeo, New Young Pony Club Three day ticket is £99, tickets are priced at £80 for both Friday and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday. Day tickets are £45. Under 12s go free (ID required to gain entry). 16 -18 July, Victoria Park, London

Lovebox

www.lovebox.net

fashion

Style Spy

Come rain or shine, festival time is upon us again! Celebrity stylist Clare Watson offers tips on surviving a long weekend in the fields in style

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Team miniature hot pants with a slightly bohemian vintage look tunic top for true earth mother – meets – rock chick festival style.

Tunic, £19.99, by Internacionale

Take some inspiration from old Farmer Giles who owns the field you are camping on and pair your jeans with a shrunken fit plaid shirt.

Shirt, £20, by Jacamo

The chances of it raining in good old Blighty during a festival are pretty much guaranteed so play it safe by taking a waterproof.

Keep the sun (or possibly the rain) off your face with a classic straw trilby worn high and back on the head.

Cagoule, £49.95, by White Stuff

Straw trilby, £35, by French Connection

No festival-goer would be complete without their uniform wellies. Make a statement in this bold rock chick design and splash about in style.

Follow in the footsteps of serial festival-ites Kate Moss and Alexa Chung by baring your legs in micro denim shorts regardless of whether the temperature is 2 or 20 degrees!

Patchwork shorts, £29.99, by River Island

Studded Wellies, £25, by Next.

You know you’re going to be wearing practically the same clothes for the duration of your stay so you might as well start off looking dishevelled to help disguise it when you really are feeling worse for wear!

Ripped jeans, £35, by Burton

Forget about soggy socks, plimsolls are an indie band favourite so put your best dancing foot forward and ignore the muddy puddles.

Plimsolls, £18, by Next

If you would like to find out more styling tips and advice from Clare, visit www.miss-dress.com

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Festival Beauty SOS Surviving this summer’s festivals has never been easier with our handy hints. We have put together our favourite cosmetic bag wonders to help you stay glam and stylish all weekend long

Fuss-free Shampoo

Dry shampoo is an absolute must for festival beauties, and our must-have’s are from the range by Batiste. Including wonderful fragrances and now special editions for coloured hair, this essential will keep your hair clean and smelling great.

£2.09 www.boots.com

Nifty nails

Ensure that nails don’t look grimy and dirty by putting a touch of ice cream cool on your fingertips. We love the range of sorbet-inspired colours from Barry M – the blueberry shade is bang on trend for summer 2010.

£2.95 www.superdrug.com

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Summer Shimmer

One product for both cheek and eyes will ensure that you can be a bronzed beauty by day and a sparkling queen by night. The new, limited edition Beach Shimmer Brick from Bobbi Brown is easy to apply, and has a great array of shades for both singular use on eyes and an all-over sweep across cheeks.

£29.50 www.bobbibrown.com

Safe Sun

Facial sunscreen is a must, and the new Bronze Goddess Sun Indulgence from Estée Lauder is the best around – a super-luxurious sunscreen with SPF 15, it goes on silky smooth and protects skin all day long.

£20.50 www.esteelauder.co.uk

Smells like Heaven

Everyone knows that perfume evaporates in the sun, so leave the spray at home and grab a solid perfume to stay smelling good enough to eat. Juicy Couture do a great one, attached to this funky bracelet which will keep you looking stylish at the same time.

£45 www.asos.com

Kissable Lips

The Korres Lip Butter melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish. A combination of shea butter and rice wax offers deep hydration and softness; ideal for chapped and dry lips. Available in seven delicious flavours to keep lips kissably soft all weekend long.

£5.87 www.boots.com

Sheer Tint

If you can’t leave the foundation at home, opt for a tinted moisturizer with added SPF for festivals. Laura Merciers Tinted Moisturizer adds colour to your complexion, whilst protecting, from harmful UV rays, and is suitable for all skin types.

£32.00 www.spacenk.co.uk

Luscious Lashes

A coat of volumising waterproof mascara will ensure that those Bambi-esque lashes last all day and night. Our favourite is Bourjois’s Volume Clubbing Waterproof mascara. Enriched with vinyl, it ensures that even the craziest of nights won’t budge it. Extreme Volume makes sure you give the perfect first impression!

£7.99 www.asos.com

Festival essentials

festival

For those pitching a tent in the countryside or the city, we’ve rounded up a festival survival kit to make sure you have an unforgettable experience this summer!

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Festival Footwear

The ultimate festival welly, this limited edition Hunter Boot was specially designed for festival-goers wanting a bold, powerful style and orthopaedic fit for all round comfort.

Festival Tall Boot, £145, www.hunter-boot.com

Get Plugged In

Protect your ear drums or just get some sleep at night with these high performance ear plugs. With one of the highest noise blocking ratings in Europe, the cord means you can take them out and hang around your neck.

Snug as a Bug

Musuc Bag, £89 www.musucbag.co.uk

This sleeping bag with arms and legs is a protective shell with zips on the hands to hold items, ventilation zips on the legs to cool you down and durable canvas on the feet to let you walk from camp site to stage.

Ear Plugs, £17.75 www.protecdirect.co.uk

Wild Style

Easy to pitch with preattached guylines, this funky zebra print tent can go from rucksack to standing in seconds, giving you more time for great music and less spent hoofing around.

Shower Power

This solar shower is a warm and welcome relief at the end of a muddy festival day. Simply fill the bag with water, leave it in the sun and you’ll soon have enough warm water to shower in.

Pitch and Go SS - 2 Berth Tent (Zebra Print), £45, www.higear.uk.com

Solar Shower, £5.99, www.gelert.com

Lighten Up

An eco-friendly wind-up torch means you’ll never be wandering the site in darkness. Shed light on any emergency and it needs no replacement batteries or bulbs.

Wind Up Torch, £7.39, www.cluson.co.uk

The Heavens Open

To avoid the festival “drowned rat” look, this reusable poncho is 100% waterproof and allows you to party whatever the weather.

Emergency Poncho, £0.95 www.tresspass.co.uk

Signature Style For the perfect post-rave relaxation, this bright, fun and practical Zandra Rhodes chair is the ideal festival companion.

Zandra Rhodes Chair, £24.99, www.millets.co.uk

Squeaky Clean

Keep those pearly whites clean with this super compact toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, both stored in a durable plastic box.

Travel Toothbrush and Paste, £2.25, www.icklebockles.co.uk

fashion

STEAL THEIR Bon Jovi

The Gods of hard rock Bon Jovi have taken residency at The O2 this month, so what better time to pull out your favourite old band tee and leathers and head bang on in style!

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Leather Jacket:

The leather trousers may have disappeared but the obligatory leather jacket still heralds as the core to any Rock King’s wardrobe. Keep it short, structured and subtle to avoid looking like a Hell’s Angel.

Leather Jack, £120, by Burton

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Distressed Jeans:

Bon Jovi have been wearing distressed skinny jeans long before they became as fashionable as they are today. Make like a true Rock God and wear yours with pride!

Skinny jeans, £100, by French Connection

Waistcoat:

Jon Bon Jovi, the original ‘King of Cool’ is well known for his strong tailored waistcoats teamed with his worn out tees and trousers. Copy his signature style for some heavy metal attitude.

Tailored waistcoat, £140, by Crombie

Crucifix Necklace: Whether it’s the sweet sound of salvation or just Living on

a Prayer, no discerning rock star is ever seen without their rosary beads hanging proudly from their neck.

Necklace, £8, asos.com

T-Shirt:

Pay tribute to your favourite band of all time and wear an old tour t-shirt with pride. If you haven’t got one, find a vintage looking one, rub some sandpaper over it and cut some holes to give it that well loved, well worn, many gigs enjoyed look.

Skull T-Shirt, £18, by Next

Studded Belt:

The most synonymous piece of kit in the Rock Star’s wardrobe and the easiest for anybody to pull off has to be the studded belt. Go for wide styles or even double layer a couple of slim ones for showing off those snake hips.

Studded belt, £15, by Burton

Cowboy Boots:

That wholesome American look is never far away from this band’s signature dressage. Stamp your feet to the rhythm in your own pair of beaten, dusty cowboy boots.

Buckle boots, £45, by Jacamo

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&Inspire This September, worldclass digital destination Ravensbourne arrives on the Greenwich Peninsula, next door to The O2

avensbourne develops talented individuals and leading businesses through learning, skills, applied research, enterprise and innovation. The university sector college has a vocationally focused portfolio of courses, spanning fashion, television and broadcasting, interactive product design, architecture and environment design, graphic design, animation, moving image, music production for media and sound design. Renowned as a centre of excellence, the college is industry-accredited and is also a Skillset Media Academy. As the traditional disciplines of design, media, innovation and communications merge, with opensource, digitally driven methods steering design and digital media, Ravensbourne explores this new technology from a human perspective, shaping it to the real needs of real people. The college attracts some of the most innovative and diverse minds in design, media and technology. Many of these come from across the world, but they’re just as keen to find the creators of the future right on our doorstep, within their local community. Through industry links and a dedicated research and enterprise centre, young professionals emerge equipped with the skills and commercial acumen to launch successful careers and businesses of their own. They also foster new collaborations, and help organisations develop their digital skills. Many prestigious industry awards are won by Ravensbourne young professionals – from organisations including the Royal Society of Arts, D&AD (Design and Art Direction), Promax, Graduate

Fashion Week, New Designers, the Audi Design Foundation and Brantano. They have global aspirations and connections as part of a national and international network of innovators, partnering with major multinational brands like Samsung, Microsoft and MTV, with an alumni that includes many industry world names. The new campus at Greenwich Peninsula is easy to get to by Tube, river and road. Committed to reducing their carbon footprint, green technologies have been built into the fabric of Ravensbourne’s new building to prove that sustainability is no barrier to world-class design. The form of the building has been kept as compact as possible, to combine a highly flexible design with maximum environmental performance. Designed by Foreign Office Architects, the building simulates the environment and working practices of creative professionals. The interior space has been designed to encourage interaction between disciplines. There are open spaces and quiet corners, social spaces, technology hubs, design studios and production suites; all linked through virtual environments and world-class digital technologies to connect the college to the rest of the world. At every level, Ravensbourne learners are required to collaborate and innovate; to think beyond the conventions of their specialisms, and be genuinely creative in the pursuit of design and communications solutions. They’re so closely integrated with industry that enterprise and entrepreneurship are hardwired in. Your professional career starts on your first day at Ravensbourne, not your last. Find out more at www.rave.ac.uk n

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music zone We take a look at this month’s album releases

Christina Aguilera Bionic The time has come ladies and gents! The stunning superstar diva Christina Aguilera is back and better than ever with her new album Bionic. Even when you thought it was near to impossible for the Queen of Pop to be even edgier, you’d be mistaken, seeing as Miss Aguilera has done it once again with Bionic hosting a range of smoking hot songs with a more contemporary, electronic and urban feel than her previous hits. Released: 7 JUNE

Jont Set It Free The hugely talented Jont releases his second album, Set it Free, and we gave our ears a treat with a sneak preview. With laid back vibes and an almost haunting quality to his voice, Set it Free captures Jont’s unique emotional sensitivity in 12 tracks of uplifting beats and thought provoking lyrics. More than just a singer, Jont is also a songwriter with profound stories to tell. After travelling across America on a Greyhound bus interviewing some of the country’s most renowned poets, he has turned his inspiring journey into poetry merged with music. Incredibly, the first 250 fans to purchase a copy of the album will have it personally delivered to their home by Jont himself, as well as an intimate performance just for them. Each CD even comes with its very own visitor’s book to send to your friends to collate all their feelings and thoughts; ours is already winging its way around the office. The melodic sound of Jont is set to be the sound track of the summer and with radio DJ’s such as Dermot O’Leary jumping on the band wagon, you’ll be in good company. Released: 31 May

Jack Johnson To the Sea With Jack Johnson’s hot new album leading the hit single You and Your Heart after Johnson’s world dominating tour, the 18 million album-selling artist has rounded up some more tropical, cocktail feel-good songs perfect for this summer. Even when the weather’s looking grey, just switch on Johnson’s To the Sea and you’ll begin to feel like you’re lying on a lilo slurping a cocktail in Hawaii. Released: 31 May

Scissor Sisters Night Work It’s been four years since their last outing, but Scissor Sisters are back! After working for 18 months on their previous draft album, the band decided to scrap it and start again with the purpose to create a more edgy and dark album than their past albums. Also set for Glastonbury this year, the Scissor Sisters are up and ready to get the nation to feel like dancing once again! Released: 28 June

The Drums The Drums

Brooklyn Indie rockers The Drums have had one hell of a year. After playing at numerous venues around the UK on the NME Shockwaves tour, and due to be supporting Florence and the Machine in her upcoming Cosmic Love Tour, things really couldn’t look any better. Also voted ‘Best Hope for 2010’ in Pitchfork’s 2009 readers Poll, The Drums will be rocking this summer like never before. Released: 7 JUNE

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game zone This month we review Alan Wake

Bringing a new style of storytelling to Xbox 360, psychological action thriller Alan Wake was well worth the wait, as Ryan Cope discovers Alan Wake is a best-selling writer with a bad case of insomnia and some serious writer’s block. So he’s come to the small mountain town of Bright Falls with his wife Alice in order to get away from his busy life. Little does he know that a dark force lurks there, waiting to be unleashed. When Alice goes missing, Alan will do whatever it takes to find his wife again. Struck with amnesia that stops him from remembering the past week of his life, he begins to find pages of a book he doesn’t remember writing. To make things worse, a dark presence is swiftly taking over the residents of Bright Falls. Alan Wake is a psychological thriller that is planned out like a television programme. Each level is presented as an episode, ending with a cliffhanger and beginning with a “previously on Alan Wake…” This effect makes it feel like you’re watching and interacting in a popular dramatic television series. The story follows the same structure as a TV series but the ending is a little incomplete, which might leave some players feeling cheated. However, Xbox Live owners will be happy to know that there will be future downloadable content episodes that

will act as the “second series”. Lighting in the game is crucial; not only does it use sophisticated mechanics, making the light and shadow effects impressively realistic, but it is also vital to your survival. Throughout the game you will be attacked by possessed locals known as “The Taken”, protected by a shield of dark energy. Before you can hurt them, you must first destroy the darkness that protects them by using light. A flashlight will be your main source of defence during the adventure; shining it on a ‘Taken’ will slowly deplete their shields, allowing you to then finish them off with more conventional weapons, (i.e. a revolver, shotgun etc.). Aside from the flashlight you will have access to other light inflicting weapons including flares and flash bang grenades. Alan Wake has been in development for over five years, undergoing constant scrutininy and amendments. Despite this, it has been able to keep up with the times and the final result is an outstanding game filled with action, suspense, horror, drama and mystery. If you love a good thriller story and some fresh but enjoyable gameplay, then Alan Wake is for you. . 10/10 available on xbox 360

Make your music work

BA (Hons) Music Production for Media £8,000 Scholarships available At Ravensbourne, right on the doorstep of The O2, you will learn to write music for a range of media, how to make the most of new and emerging technologies, and how to understand the music needs of various industries including television, radio, gaming and web-based technologies. You will also learn how to protect your music across all media. You’ll leave the course with the skills to become a creative entrepreneur prepared to make your music work for you. Validated by City University, London

“

Ravensbourne... is supporting young and emerging artists when they need it most - at the start of their music careers.

”

- Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin

F i n d o u t m o r e a t w w w. r a v e . a c . u k / v e n u e

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dvd zone This month’s blockbusters available on the small screen

Surviving Summer

Greta is certainly not your average teenager. Despite being typically bratty, over-emotional and stroppy, this 17-yearold girl has a deeper sorrow inside her. Fearing she may break down from the frustration of not being able to express herself, she takes it out on everyone she meets. She is sent to live with her grandparents for the summer, whilst her mother Karen focuses on the stability of her third marriage. Reluctantly, Greta stays in their beautiful seaside house. In her depressive state, she alarms her grandparents when she reveals that she has written a list of different ways to attempt suicide, and all the things she wants to do before doing so. Greta manages to find herself a job as a waitress by a local beach, where she meets a young chef called Julie. Soon she begins to confide in Julie, and feels spending the summer at her grandparents house was worth the trouble after all. As she continues her disruptive ways, she is caught in a near-death experience that changes her outlook on everything. She begins to realise the devastating effects her actions have on everyone around her, and starts to reconsider her behaviour. This is a truly heartwarming film, with Hilary Duff giving an outstanding and captivating performance as Greta.

Alice in Wonderland

It’s been years and Alice has finally returned to Wonderland. However, things have changed for the worse, and the world of wonder is now ruled by the wicked Queen of Hearts. At first, Alice believes she is still held captive in her dreams. However, she soon realises she is there for a reason – to kill the terrifying Jabberwocky! Johnny Depp gives a delightful performance in this modern twist on a classic tale by fantasist director Tim Burton. RELEASED: 4 June

The Wolfman Briging back the myth and legend of a favourite classical horror character is The Wolfman, the chilling thriller that launched the legacy of horror movies. After his brother mysteriously vanishes, a haunted nobleman returns to his family estate, only to find that the town has been caught in the midst of horrific killings. As Talbot begins to piece together the clues, he learns that this small village has acquired some furry company. RELEASED: 7 June

RELEASED: 21 June

A Single Man

The lovely Bones

A charming independent masterpiece directed by top fashion designer Tom Ford. A Single Man is the essence of the best contemporary yet artistic films of today. BAFTA awardwinning Colin Firth takes on the role of George Falconer, an English professor at a Los Angeles area college. Mourning the loss of his long-term partner, Jim, George plans a suicide attempt. On the day he plans to commit suicide George is taken on a journey of rediscovery. He comes across a diverse range of intriguing people, who influence his thoughts on the act he is about to commit, and the beautiful world he is preparing to leave.

This beautiful adaption of the critically acclaimed novel by Alice Sebold tells the story of a young girl named Susie Salmon who is caught in the midst of a horrific and tragic incident, where she is raped and murdered by a stalking neighbour. However, before she is sent to heaven, she lies between the mortal worlds of reality and beyond. Still haunted by her killer, she must watch her family piece together the fragments that will identify her murderer. In this fantasy thriller, BAFTA nominated Saoirse Ronan gives an outstanding performance.

RELEASED: 7 June

RELEASED: 28 June

film

We take a look at the latest film releases

Letters to Juliet A heartwarming tale of a beautiful American girl named Sophie, who finds herself in the gorgeous city of Verona in Italy, the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Exploring the city, Sophie discovers thousands of unread letters addressed to Juliet in the fictional lover’s Verona courtyard. Inspired by the messages in one of these letters, she endeavours to help its author Claire to search for her long-lost love. The quest to find this mysterious lover sets off a chain of events that will bring love into both their lives. released: June 9

Toy Story 3 Buzz, Woody and the rest of our favourite toy characters return to the big screen this June in Toy Story 3! As Andy prepares for his departure to college, the gang begin to worry about what lies ahead of them. Andy plans to take the toys with him, but by accident, his mum puts them in a box and dumps them into Sunny Day Care, where a whole bunch of new toys and kids await. With Woody determined to find his owner, new adventures await our favourite animated toy characters! released: June 23

Get Him to the Greek

Aaron Green (played by Jonah Hill) is an idealistic young college graduate, working as an intern at Capitol Records. Green’s boss (P. Diddy) charges him with the task of escorting drunken one-hit wonder rock star, Aldous Snow (played by Russell Brand), from London to L.A. to the Greek Theatre for the first stop on a huge comeback tour. What could possibly go wrong? Hilarity ensues as Aaron embarks on his career-making assignment and Aldous discovers his true love is in L.A. If you loved hilarious hit comedy The Hangover, you’ll love this! released: June 25

Killers Spencer Aimes is just your average undercover government-hired super assassin, living the life of flashy cars, beautiful women and endless luxuries. Suddenly Spencer’s life is turned upside down when he meets Jen, a beautiful technician recovering from a broken relationship. Three years later, they are living the suburban dream as newlyweds, and everything looks rosy until the morning after Spencer’s 30th birthday. Suddenly the couple find themselves in the middle of an assassination plot and must fight for survival! released: June 16

film information is correct at the time of going to press

BRITAIN’S INTERACTIVE MUSEUM OF POPULAR MUSIC At The O2

Mon–Sun 11.00 to 19.30* Book tickets now at www.britishmusicexperience.com 0844 847 1761 Ticketmaster 0870 264 3333 SEE Or just rock up! * Please note: Last entry to the exhibition is at 18.30

The British Music Experience is a registered charity. Registered Charity No. 1125752

In the heart of Greenwich, the Forum is a prime purpose built venue uniquely adapted for conterences, meetings, weddings, receptions and parties, to suit the needs of individuals, families, community groups and local businesses, at affordable prices.

or a single room our flexibility means we can customise our facilities to match your requirements. The food is provided by our in-house chef who is able to offer an outstanding service tailored to fulfil your requirements.

Specialising in events for up to 150 people, the Forum offers good facilities to meeting planners. Whether you use the whole centre

The Forum@Greenwich Trafalgar Road Greenwich S.E.10 9EQ tel: 020 8853 5212 www.forumatgreenwich.org office@forumgreenwich.org registered charity no: 294589

section head

IN W

GET THE VIP TREATMENT AT THE SOUTH WEST FOUR FESTIVAL We’ve got two exclusive artist lounge passes up for grabs, giving you and a friend the chance to mingle with superstar DJs and see some of the world’s hottest acts while enjoying the free food and drink with fellow VIPs.

his August Bank Holiday weekend, London’s No.1 dance festival South West Four returns to Clapham Common. Set to light up the world’s clubbing capital once more, SW4 will create history this year by expanding to two explosive days for the very first time. Headlining this year’s festival is the world’s undisputed No.1 DJ Armin van Buuren and the legendary Fatboy Slim, both playing their only London shows of 2010 at SW4. The biggest selling female rap group of all time Salt ‘N’ Pepa play their first London show in fifteen years in addition to a whole host of phenomenal acts.

To be in with a chance of winning visit www.theo2.co.uk/venuemagazine

Closing date: 30 JUNE 2010. The tickets will go to the first entry drawn. There is no cash alternative. Editor’s decision is final.

WIN AN EXCLUSIVE WORLD CUP PARTY AT The O2 Inc Club is offering one lucky winner and nine friends an exclusive VIP party at the Sports Bar & Grill on Thursday 8 July. As the World Cup reaches its nail-biting climax, you’ll get £500 worth of delicious finger food including mini burgers, chicken wings and onion rings, with pitchers of ice cold Stella and Becks beer.

The 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa on 11 June, and to celebrate Inc Group is launching a mouth-watering food and drinks package at the newly refurbished American Sports Bar & Grill at The O2. No less than 60 40-inch plasma TV screens will be capturing every second of the footy drama, and bigger groups can take the party upstairs to The Loft, a fabulous purpose-built events space that is exclusively for private hire.

To be in with a chance of winning visit www.theo2.co.uk/venuemagazine Closing date: 30 april 2010. The tickets will go to the first entry drawn. There is no cash alternative. Editor’s decision is final.

bar & restaurant listings Why not stay late after the show and visit any one of the late night bars around The O2

Unit No. 2 www.incgroup.co.uk Unit No. 13 www.thaisilkrestaurant.co.uk

Unit No. 23 www.watermargin.co.uk

Units No. 3 and 29 www.starbucks.co.uk

Unit No. 14 www.slugandlettuce.co.uk

Unit No. 24 www.zizzi.co.uk Unit No. 5 www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Unit No. 15 www.rodiziorico.com

Unit No. 25 www.nandos.co.uk

Unit No. 8 www.pizzaexpress.com

Unit No. 16 www.wasabi.uk.com Unit No. 26 www.ukspur.co.uk

Unit No. 9 www.sandmcafe.co.uk

Unit No. 11 www.union-square.uk.com

Tel: 020 8858 0196 Unit No. 17 www.frankieandbennys.com

Unit No. 27 Unit No. 20 www.incgroup.co.uk

www.iguanas.co.uk

Unit No. 30

Unit No. 12 www.garfunkels.co.uk

Unit No. 21 www.incbrasserie.co.uk

Unit No. 31 & 32 Unit No. 22 www.incgroup.co.uk

www.hahaonline.co.uk Â

london’s music half marathon

DOn’T DiLLy DaLLy,

DO iT!

London’s music half marathon which provides live and recorded music around the course to inspire you as you run. The event starts and finishes at The O2, Greenwich.

26 SepTember 2010

For more information and to enter go to

www.runtothebeat.co.uk

The fastest and most frequent fleet on the river

The O2 Express - Taking you home in style Travel from the London Eye to The O2 in just 30 minutes The O2 Express single £6/ return £12 Champagne Ticket single £13.50/ return £19.50 For information on booking tickets, season tickets and timetables visit

www.thamesclippers.com

The O2 indigO2

June

Friday 11th

Thursday 17th

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena

Saturday 12th

Friday 18th

Leona Lewis supported by Gabriella Cilmi The O2 arena World Cup Screening indigO2

Sunday 13th

Saturday 19th

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena

Monday 14th

Sunday 20th

Leona Lewis supported by Gabriella Cilmi The O2 arena

Wednesday 9th

Tuesday 15th

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena

Billy Ocean indigO2

Aerosmith The O2 arena

Thursday 10th

Wednesday 16th

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena Amateur Transplants indigO2

Leona Lewis supported by Gabriella Cilmi The O2 arena

Wednesday 23rd

Wednesday 2nd

George Benson & Marti Pellow The O2 arena

Thursday 3rd Rod Stewart The O2 arena

Monday 7th

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena

Tuesday 8th

Tuesday 22nd

Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena World Cup Screening indigO2

listings

whats on at

listings

whats on at

The O2 indigO2

Continued

Friday 25th Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena

Saturday 26th Bon Jovi supported by One Republic & Kid Rock The O2 arena Pride of the Motherland indigO2

Sunday 27th Al Green & Michael McDonald The O2 arena

Wednesday 30th

Thursday 15th

Thursday 19th

Brit Writer’s Awards Unpublished 2010 indigO2

Giants of Rare Groove featuring Leroy Hutson indigO2

Friday 16th Queens of American Soul indigO2

Saturday 17th

Sunday 22nd An Evening with Joe Longthorne indigO2

A:3k Footfall The O2 arena

September

Sunday 18th

Saturday 4th

Dance for Life indigO2

Eddie Kadi The O2 arena An Audience with Eddie Kadi Aftershow Party indigO2

Thursday 22nd Earth, Wind & Fire The O2 arena The Dualers - Summer of Ska indigO2

Friday 10th

Saturday 24th

Ultimate Boogie Night: Chic featuring Nile Rodgers indigO2

Jai Ho: A R Rahman The O2 arena

Saturday 11th

Saturday 25th

The Royal Horse Gala The O2 arena

The Year of the Dream Love Tour Artist King Solomon Burke and The Soul’s Alive Orchestra indigO2

Sunday 12th The Royal Horse Gala The O2 arena

Jack Johnson The O2 arena Blondie indigO2

Saturday 28th

Tuesday 14th

Rod Stewart The O2 arena

Gorillaz The O2 arena

Sunday 29th

Wednesday 15th

July

Mario indigO2

Gorillaz The O2 arena

Thursday 1st Chipmunk- Shine Shine Tour indigO2

Tuesday 6th Voices for a Better World – Licence to Thrill The O2 Arena

Friday 9th Britain’s Got Talent Live The O2 arena Aswad indigO2

Saturday 10th Live and Unsigned Festival 2010 indigO2

August Friday 6th Glow indigO2

Friday 13th Guvna B, Faithchild & Victizzle - The 3 Musketeers Tour indigO2

Wednesday 18th Little Feat - Join The Band Tour 2010 indigO2

Wednesday 22nd Andrew Rieu The O2 arena

Thursday 23rd Russell Peters The O2 arena

Friday 24th Russell Peters The O2 arena Thank You For The Music 2010 indigO2

Saturday 25th The Moody Blues The O2 arena

3 peaks 24 hours

3 Peaks Challenge 4-5 September 2010

redcross.org.uk/3Peaks

big red ride Get on your bike and make a difference

25 July 2010 LONDON to EASTBOURNE or TUNBRIDGE WELLS to EASTBOURNE

redcross.org.uk/BigRedRide

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve raised the challenge. Can your team raise the cash? Ben nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon are ready for the taking

LONDON to E Contact: Lucy Tambyraja

Tel: 0844 412 2877

Email: challenges@redcross.org.uk

Registered charity number. The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1980, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738) Registered charity number: The British Red Cross Society All photographs ÂŠF rantzesco Kangaris.

listings

whats on at

Sunday 24th

Sunday 7th

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Peter Kay The O2 arena

Tuesday 26th

Monday 8th

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Peter Kay The O2 arena

Wednesday 27th

Tuesday 9th

The O2 indigO2 Continued

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Thursday 28th

Thursday 30th

Disney On Ice The O2 arena The Magic Of Motown indigO2

Lisa Williams - Messages From Beyond indigO2

Friday 29th

October Friday 1st Santana The O2 arena

Monday 4th NBA Europe Live London: The O2 arena

Wednesday 6th Supertramp The O2 arena

Wednesday 20th Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Thursday 21st

Monday 15th

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

The Anderson and Wakeman Project indigO2

Sunday 31st

Sunday 21st

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals The O2 arena

November

Thursday 4th

Disney On Ice The O2 arena Level 42 - The 30th Anniversary Tour indigO2

Saturday 23rd Disney On Ice The O2 arena Level 42 - The 30th Anniversary Tour indigO2

Friday 26th A Nightmare Before Christmas indigO2

December Friday 3rd Brand New Heavies

Peter Kay The O2 arena

indigO2

Friday 5th

Suede

Saturday 6th

Friday 22nd

Saturday 13th

Saturday 30th

Peter Kay The O2 arena

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Andrea Bocelli The O2 arena

Paramore The O2 arena

Lord Of The Dance The O2 arena

Jean Michel Jarre The O2 arena

Friday 12th

Disney On Ice The O2 arena

Wednesday 3rd

Sunday 10th

WWE Raw World Tour The O2 arena The Stylistics 2010 indigO2

Peter Kay The O2 arena Howard Jones- Humans Lib and Dreams Into Action- The first 2 albums live indigO2

Tuesday 7th The O2 arena

Wednesday 8th Simply Red The O2 arena Christmas Live at indigO2 indigO2

Thursday 9th JLS The O2 arena Squeeze indigO2

indigo VUE page 12.5.10_Layout 1 14/05/2010 17:14 Page 1

The entertainment venue at

01 JUNE

10 JULY

TREY SONGZ

LIVE AND UNSIGNED FESTIVAL

03 JUNE

18 JULY

A NIGHT WITH MIKE HOUGH

DANCE FOR LIFE

09 JUNE

22 JULY

BILLY OCEAN

THE DUALERS

10 JUNE

25 JULY

AMATEUR TRANSPLANTS

KING SOLOMON BURKE AND THE SOUL ALIVE ORCHESTRA

30 JUNE

29 JULY

BLONDIE

MARIO

01 JULY

06 AUGUST

CHIPMUNK SHINE SHINE TOUR

GLOW

9 JULY

13 AUGUST

ASWAD

GUVNA B, FAITHCHILD & VICTIZZLE THE 3 MUSKETEERS TOUR

www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2 | ticketmaster.co.uk 0844 844 0002 | seetickets.com 0871 230 1097 | ticketline.co.uk 0870 444 5556 indigO2's preferred taxi service: Arena Cars - pre-book on 0208 858 8070 / www.arenaminicabs.co.uk or on event night at indigO2 main entrance Tube: North Greenwich, Jubilee Line, Zone 2.

The O2 Peninsula Square London SE10