Street Cred Magazine - June 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

JUNE 2021

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TALES FROM THE OCTAGON DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MICHAEL BISPING

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Additional headlining shows announced at Birmingham Hippodrome

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i r m i n g h a m Hippodrome have announced three new productions for this Autumn with the ever-popular drag superstar Ceri Dupree’s A Star Is Torn!!! (11 Sep), family favourite What the Ladybird Heard (16-18 Sep) and the smash-hit West End comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong (26-30 Oct).

Seating for these productions will be based on a sociallydistanced model at this moment in time, subject to change depending on Government guidance closer to the performance date.

Ceri Dupree has performed almost everywhere! Throughout the UK, Europe and overseas and has impersonated almost every female star in the world at one time or another. A Star Is Torn!!! (11 Sep) features all live vocals, impersonations, stand up comedy, specially written sketches and songs… and a clever twist at the end. No two shows are ever the same as Ceri chooses up to 15 of her fabulous impressions of some of the globe’s biggest female icons.

What the Ladybird Heard (1618 Sep), the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks bursts into life

on stage featuring live music, puppetry and a whole farmyard of fun.

This 55-minute family favourite is the perfect treat!

Join the clever Ladybird as she leads the animals on their quest to save the day in this joyous stage adaptation.

The Play That Goes Wrong (26-30 Oct) is the brilliantly funny West End comedy that's guaranteed to leave audiences aching with laughter. The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong... does!

The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences. More exciting productions and events for 2021 will be announced soon – to be amongst the first to find out and benefit from priority booking become a Birmingham Hippodrome Friend today at birminghamhippodrome.com/ friends.

Tickets are on sale now to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members and also general sale at birminghamhippodrome.com.

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ARTIST DOCTOR TROLLER SELLS NFTS WORTH £14,500 IN UNDER 1 MINUTE ON LUNCH

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U.K based digital artist sold an entire collection of digital artworks in under 20 seconds after it went

online.

Doctor Troller, whose real name is Andrew Brown, an artist from south London, launched his digital collection of 40 works for £380 apiece via his website and sold one of each totalling £14,500 in under 1 minute.

Andrew Brown, aka Dr Troller, a UK artist, sells digital works using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT). NFTs are registered tokens on Ethereum’s blockchain and prove ownership of a piece of digital art.

Sales of NFTs have shot up in the past month by a digital artist called Mad Dog Jones’ who sold his Fax Machine NFT for $4.1m in March this year.

He is well known on social media platform Instagram, where his unique artistry has grown his fan base close to

900K, which generates an average of 1.6 million views for his works.

Art produced by Andrew Brown has increased in value since he launched, bringing his NFT collection to just over £228,000 in value.

Artworks, when resold, will earn the current NFTs holders 2% royalties in Ethereum when a resale has commenced. NFT copyrights are tracked mechanically via a commercial rights management company “NFT Intellect”, which monitor royalties owed to current NFT holders.

Doctor Troller, also known as Artist Andrew Brown, says: “The future of art is digital, and the lockdown has certainly sped up the transition away from physical artworks. This has been a great experience for me and should open up new opportunities for artists to be able to monetise their content outside of the traditional gallery model.”

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ENTERTAINMENT Supermodel Naomi Campbell Becomes Mother To Baby Girl

SUPERMODEL Naomi Campbell has become the mother of a baby girl. She announced the news on Instagram as she shared a picture of her hand holding the baby's feet.

She posted on the social media website: "A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother, so honoured to have this gentle soul in my life."

Her mother, Valerie Morris Campbell, also posted on Instagram: "I'm beyond thrilled as I've waited a long time to be a grandmother."

As of late last month she had yet to reveal her baby girl’s name and has not shared a photo of her face.

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“Reclaim These Streets” A song for ‘Women’s Aid’

By Mandip Singh Taunque

A

n epic ensemble of 64 talented female and nonbinary artists demand to ‘Reclaim These streets’ in a post-punk 80s-vibed track which aims to raise awareness of the injustices women face every day on British streets while raising money for the charity ‘Women’s Aid’.

Written by the superbly talented Cassie Fox, musician, and founder of LOUD WOMEN, with a rap written and performed by Brix Smith, the song highlights the stark realities faced by women in today’s society.

Lyrics highlight the advice we give to mothers, daughters, sisters and friends: “Text me you when get home. Keys between your fingers. Staying close to streetlights. Fear of shadows lingers” But WHY do we have to give this advice to our friends and loved ones in this day and age? The song is a statement which simply says enough is enough. In the wake of the recent deaths of Blessing Olusegun and Sarah Everard, the song aims to raise of women’s safety and as the song says, “until every woman is safe to walk on every street”.

Brix Smith said of the project: “When I was asked to take part I said ‘absolutely!’, because when I thought

l Cassie Fox, musician and founder of LOUD WOMEN about it, not a day has gone by when I’ve not felt scared to walk down the street. And that needs to change, for all of us.”

Cassie Fox said: “I wrote this song out of rage and frustration.

Two women a week are killed by men. Refuge services are having to turn away one in two survivors of violence. And yet refuge funding has been cut by one quarter since 2010.

This is a song of feminist solidarity and hope – all women and gender non-conforming people have a right to walk safely on every street, and be

safe in their own home.”

Supporters are urged to visit www. loudwomen.org/reclaimthesestreets to buy/stream the song and donate to the Women’s Aid appeal. A live performance of the song is planned at LOUD WOMEN Fest, on 18 Sept 2021 at London’s 229 Portland Street venue. Full info and tickets at www. loudwomen.org/fest If you have a story you think our readers would be interested in please contact Mandip Taunque at mandip. taunque@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

BILLIE EILISH ANNOUNCES HAPPIER THAN EVER, THE WORLD TOUR

F

ollowing the release of her latest single ‘Your Power,’ and ahead of the July 30 release of her forthcoming album ‘Happier Than Ever,’ Billie Eilish has announced the first leg of her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour, set to commence in February 2022.

Starting February 3 in New Orleans, the 32-date North American arena run will be making stops across North America, before heading across the Atlantic for an 18-date arena tour across Europe and the United Kingdom, starting June 3.

To ensure tickets get in to the hands of fans, the tour has partnered with Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform in North

America.

The seven-time GRAMMY Award winning artist and songwriter has also confirmed she will be continuing her work with sustainability partner REVERB for her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour, with the fan-facing Billie Eilish Action Village at each show which will focus on climate action and climate justice, hosting and supporting BIPOC and womenled environmental organizations as well as a comprehensive program via REVERB’s forthcoming Music Climate Revolution campaign.

In addition to reducing the tour’s environmental footprint, the initiative will support projects that directly and measurably eliminate

greenhouse gases.

These collective efforts will make the tour Climate Positive; eliminating significantly more emissions than the tour creates.

2021 has already been quite the year for 19-year-old Eilish whose latest single ‘Your Power’ debuted at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, logging more than 150 Million streams in the first two weeks of release.

Earlier this year, she took home two additional GRAMMY Awards; Record of the Year for “everything i wanted,” and Best Song Written For Visual Media for her James Bond song “No Time To Die.”

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Kimberley Chen Joins AmPm For Collaboration Single AMPM, the Japanese masked production duo who debuted to global acclaim with their March 2017 single ‘Best Part of Us feat.

Michael Kaneko’, have released their latest track: ‘Afterglow (feat.

Kimberley Chen).’

‘Afterglow’ is a collaboration with Kimberley Chen, the Taiwanbased star singer who originally hails from Melbourne, Australia.

It is a breezy summer tune with a refreshing dance-pop melody, bursting with love for that special someone.

A video was also released today – AmPm’s first ever fulllength animated music video. The visuals match the song’s dreamy vibe, a bright and positive video that follows a young woman who enjoys fashion and dating as she

spends time with her boo. Look out for hidden illustrations of AmPm that pop up from time to time.

Kimberley said: “This experience has been so special. I feel so honored to be invited to collaborate with AmPm. During tough times supporting each other through music is something that my soul needed. Thanks to everyone that help made this happen! And I’m looking forward to finally meeting in person :)” AmPm added: “This project came to life after we approached Kimberley to collaborate with us, and it’s a song that truly conveys her personality. We also think this dance is perfect for the coming season, so we hope you’ll put on headphones or earphones and turn up the volume.”

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Michael

New Pop Art Exhibition Celebrates The Reopening Of Wolverhampton Art Gallery

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o celebrate the reopening of the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, visitors are now able to see ‘Fantasy Pop,’ a new exhibition of works from the gallery’s renowned collection, which highlights elements of fantasy found in Pop Art. Another new exhibition, ‘Fantasy or Reality?’ draws on the strong collection of artworks and objects from around the world to explore the connections between art and fantasy.

Both shows are forerunners for our family summer exhibition ‘BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom,’ which runs from July 3 until September 5, featuring life-sized models of mythical creatures, knights and

wizards.

A special feature within the gallery is ‘The Wall of Heroes,’ a mural created by staff from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to celebrate International Year of the Nurse and Midwives 2020. Visitors also have another chance to see Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection, on until June 20, The [Spaces] In-between, on until May 23 and ‘Windrush Generation Experiences Online’, on until June 4.

City of Wolverhampton Council Director of Regeneration, Richard Lawrence, said: “The team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery has done a fantastic job in making art accessible to all during lockdown and like them I am delighted we are able to open

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again.

“There is still a chance to see a number of fantastic exhibitions that unfortunately had to close early, but we also have a number of new and exciting exhibitions that visitors can see. In line with the Government guidance a number of social distancing measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors as residents’ safety is paramount in everything we do.

“I do hope residents will take this opportunity to indulge in art again and explore the collection and touring exhibitions as we look forward to the year ahead.”

Throughout 2021 there are a number of exciting developments at Wolverhampton Art Gallery that will improve the visitor experience.

T

he reaction to the recent announcement for ‘An Evening With Michael Bisping: Tales From The Octagon’ has been huge, with supporters of the UFC Hall of Fame fighter and former Middleweight Champion eager to hear his incredible story in his own words.

Such is the demand, Michael Bisping has now added another city to his UK tour, with a show at the

Hear More Fr British UFC

Birmingham O2 Academy on the 7th October.

His journey has taken him from England’s North West through to the top of the MMA world, becoming the only British champion in UFC history.

Alongside a burgeoning Hollywood movie career, the latest chapter in his life sees Michael host a hugely successful podcast, as well as a commentating for ESPN, BT Sports and formerly Fox Sports.

From fighting stories to life outside the ring, his unwavering drive and determination will make for an inspirational and entertaining evening for all UFC and sport fans alike.

Opening for the night will be comedian and Believe You Me cohost, Luis J Gomez.

“After the success of my first one man show in Toronto in 2019, I am coming home to England,” said Michael.

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l Bisping

rom The Only C Champion “So join me as I take you through the highs and lows of my fight career, sharing many unheard stories and insight into the fascinating sport of Mixed Martial Arts, which I expect will leave you laughing your head off while also being inspired to conceive, believe and achieve.

“From my early days of working in a slaughterhouse, living in my car and all the way up to winning the middleweight world title in the UFC to retiring nearly blind, I have quite the story to tell.”

When working numerous dead-end jobs to make ends meet whilst all the time training in boxing, kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu, Michael realised he had the potential to be a worldclass fighter and doing so would be his best opportunity to provide for his family.

He rededicated himself to this craft. Michael eventually went on to win The Ultimate Fighter 3 in 2006, kick-starting his professional career, and ten years later in 2016 at UFC 199, he became the first British fighter to become a UFC Champion.

After an incredible 13 year career, which included the loss of his right eye, Michael became a UFC analyst with BT Sport and ESPN, named FanSided MMA’s 2019 Analyst of the Year and

authored Sunday Times Best Seller Quitter’s Never Win. He’s the host of the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast and has launched a successful acting career, having been featured in xXx Return of Xander Cage, Den of Thieves and announcing his latest roles in Den of Thieves 2 and the lead in the upcoming film titled The Journeyman.

His documentary titled ‘Bisping’ is also coming out in 2021.

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ENTERTAINMENT

A Unique Touch Provided

By Amy’s Elegant Nails

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ne of best nail salons in Birmingham, Amy’s Elegant Nails creates a veritably relaxing, laid-back atmosphere - because people who visit there go because of Amy. Originally one of two (there was an Amy’s Elegant Nails in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, but now she (Amy) concentrates all of her efforts on her one salon, Perry Barr, in Birmingham.

Treating all people; from 4–97, people travel from far and wide, from Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull and everywhere in between and, of course, because of where it is situated - in the Market Village, in Perry Barr’s 1-Stop shopping centre.

Whilst other nail bars and salons would be identified by an often generic identity, people go there, to Amy’s Elegant Nails, because they want to see her… they want to see Amy Vo, and be pampered by Amy Vo. “Male and female dancers, security guards and sports people come here for treatment,” she says, “because, due to their jobs, they regularly look after their feet - as they are, quite regularly,

on them for long periods.

“They know that coming here they get that ‘unique touch’ that is unparalleled by other nail salon, anywhere else.”

Doing nails, and a wider array of treatments, which include; acrylic or gel nails, extension glitter or in-fill glitter tips, shellac full sets with colour, classic full French manicure, spa pedicures, nail removals, cutdowns and shapes, eyelashes, smiling diamonds, as well as providing that ‘personal touch’ - by offering each of her clients a cup of tea, coffee, soft drinks or water.

Because of the all-round service always on offer, repeat appointments of children, women and men sees them going back regularly - and they feel they don’t have to visit any other salon because Amy’s’ is their ‘home’.

With a range which has been developed to deliver healthy manicures and pedicures, with no compromise on colour, Amy’s Elegant Nails provides a unique touch – at each and every visit.

Make-sure you treat yourself to a tip-top manicure and pedicure by Amy herself.

l Amy Vo hard at work

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

New All-Electric Fiat 500 Picks Up Duo Of Trophies THE FULLY-ELECTRIC New Fiat 500 continues to grow from strength to strength, picking up another duo of awards.

This time, the all-new city car is celebrating being named Best Small Car and overall Car of The Year in the inaugural Electrifying awards.

Judges praised the car for its unrivalled range and affordability, while the retro chic design also helped the New 500 secure its silverware.

Made up of multiple trim levels – La Prima, Action, Passion and Icon – the New 500 range was also recognised as having a model to suit most budgets in Electfying. com’s review of the New 500.

The New 500 is the first fullyelectric vehicle from Fiat and provides a raft of best-in-class features such as Autonomous Driving (ADAS) technologies, a variety of battery options and a substantial driving range of up to 199 miles – the longest range of any electric city car on the market today.

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GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED TO CELEBRATE LOTUS

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oodwood has announced that the Central Feature at the 2021 Festival of Speed presented

by Mastercard will celebrate Lotus.

The iconic Norfolk brand is best known for its pioneering road and race cars, including the spectacular all-electric Evija hypercar.

From the first sculpture in 1997 to the present day, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has become known for its creative and daring Central Features, which celebrate the greatest achievements of a different manufacturer or

milestone each year through art.

Lotus was last selected as the Central Feature marque in 2012, with a 3D infinity loop sculpture that celebrated the singularity of purpose of a Lotus race car.

However, this year’s sculpture will take an exciting new and immersive direction.

It is being created using an entirely new design philosophy; while the sculpture itself is guaranteed to be just as visually stunning as previous years, it is also set to be more interactive and accessible for those joining from home.

This new approach aligns perfectly with Lotus’ development of innovative

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technology and its engineeringled approach to design and manufacturing, as well as complementing the long and often intertwined histories of Goodwood and Lotus.

Among the many records broken by Lotus, the Type 25 still holds Goodwood Motor Circuit’s period lap record.

In the course of winning the last ever Formula 1 race at Goodwood, on Easter Monday 1965, Jim Clark in a Lotus 25 tied for fastest lap with Jackie Stewart, in a time of 1m 20.4.

The record stands as a tribute to the skill and bravery of the drivers and to the passion for lightweight engineering and

innovation that thrives at Lotus to this day.

At this year’s event, Lotus will give a public dynamic debut to the Emira, its all-new and eagerly anticipated sports car.

Developed as part of the ongoing transformation of Lotus which has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, the Emira will set new standards of technology, comfort, functionality and everyday useability for Lotus.

It goes into production later this year at an all-new manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk – the home of Lotus since 1966.

Ducati Confirms Its Commitment To Promoting Diversity And Inclusivity IN MAY, the European Union celebrates the Diversity Month with the aim of raising community awareness on the importance of diversity and inclusion.

At Ducati, the work environment is increasingly enriched by women and men of different generations, each with their own background, talent, origin, sexual and religious orientation, who all together contribute to creating an innovative, dynamic and productive context.

As a result the "Diversity & Inclusion" path has been defined which, by placing people at the centre, values gender parity and equal treatment, emphasizes language and inclusive actions and enhances diversity as a strategic lever and a real opportunity.

Confirming its commitment to promoting diversity and heterogeneity and creating an inclusive professional environment, Ducati began by involving all members of the Board of Management and company executives with a course entitled "Unconscious bias training", and then extend it to all employees.

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DEBUT FOR MAYA WEUG AT PAUL RICARD

Rolls-Royce To Support Local Young People Who Dare To Dream

ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars is supporting Dare to Dream, an inspirational programme that gives young people workplace experiences and opportunities to help them fulfil their potential.

Students from local schools and colleges will spend time working alongside colleagues from the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, who will act as mentors.

Dare to Dream has been created by the LoveLocalJobs Foundation, a community interest company (CIC) that brings together schools and leading local employers.

Based around themes of selfawareness, mindset, gratitude, resilience, teamwork and employability, the programme aims to motivate young people and give them vital life skills to prepare them for their future careers.

The Programme Lead is Jack ‘The Lad’ Hayes, a familiar name to many people locally as the host of the Heart Sussex breakfast show for over 15 years.

Hayes brings his experience of struggling at school and finding his own direction in life to his new role.

Rolls-Royce has taken part in other LoveLocalJobs initiatives,

including Be The Change, as part of its long-term commitment to creating opportunities and developing talent among local young people. In 2020, despite the pandemic, the company accepted 18 new entrants onto its award-winning Apprenticeship Programme, including a record number of Degree Apprenticeship candidates.

The company also offers work placements for over 100 university students annually and runs a highly-regarded graduate programme.

“We are delighted to support Dare to Dream, a fantastic initiative that aims to transform how young people perceive themselves and give them the mindset, techniques and resilience to thrive in the world of work,” explained Mark Adams, Director of Human Resources, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“As a company, we have always recognised the fundamental importance of supporting, encouraging and nurturing young people: their skills, talents and personal qualities will shape organisations and the wider economy in the years ahead.

“We see it as a great privilege to have this opportunity to inspire greatness in them as they set out on their life’s journey.”

MOTORS

I

talian racing team Iron Lynx will propel a young racer on her first step towards single-seater glory this weekend, as she competes in her first ever car race.

Dutch-Spanish driver Maya Weug is 16 years old and having triumphed in last year’s “FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars”

programme, has become the first girl to join the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy.

Having previously raced in karts, Maya joins the Iron Lynx squad in Italian Formula 4 with teammates Leonardo Fornaroli, who has been setting fastest times in pre-season testing, and Pietro Armanni, another promising Iron Lynx debutant. The opening three

races take place at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France across Saturday and Sunday.

Maya also joins the Iron Dames, an initiative led by Deborah Mayer, which supports women in motorsport, and is the perfect environment to nurture new talents. As well as Formula 4, the Iron Dames race Ferrari GT cars in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), European Le Mans Series (ELMS), 24 Hours of Le Mans, Michelin Le Mans Cup and Ferrari Challenge Europe.

Also this weekend, Iron Dames Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Manuela Gostner are competing a Ferrari 488 GTE Evo in the four-hour second round of the ELMS at Red Bull Ring in Austria, where team-mates Claudio Schiavoni, Giorgio Sernagiotto, Paolo Ruberti, Miguel Molina, Matteo Cressoni and Rino Mastronardi will also be hoping to build on Iron Lynx’s impressive showing last time out

in Barcelona, where the #80 car took the LMGTE class win.

Speaking about the weekend ahead, Iron Dames founder and accomplished racer Deborah Mayer said, “Maya’s first race this weekend is a very significant step for the Iron Dames, for the Ferrari Driver Academy and for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.

“We welcome her to the team and wish her every success, meanwhile we thank all our followers for their support as we take six Iron Lynx racing cars into the weekend”.

Both racing series offer viewers the opportunity to watch live online, while both Iron Lynx and Iron Dames can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Racing with Ferrari at iconic circuits all around Europe, Iron Lynx’s season continues to inspire and engage as the team looks ahead to further success in the weeks and months ahead.

Staycation Nation: Two Thirds Of Brits Plan To Take UK Break This Year WITH RULES around international travel still uncertain but hospitality opening up even further from today, Brits are seeking out new ways to get their holiday fix as they plan ‘staycations’ around the UK. Research by Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, has revealed that almost two thirds (62%) of people

are planning to holiday in the UK this year, bringing a much-welcomed boost to the British hospitality sector. Country escapes have proved most popular, being the choice of two fifths (42%) of holidaymakers, followed by a third (33%) hoping for a beach getaway.

Since lockdown, Auto Trader has seen accelerated growth in page visits for

wheeled accommodation, with visits up 148% YoY for motorhomes and 117% for caravans – making staycations the likely choice for many. However, this has prompted fears of major traffic jams and queues on the roads during peak holiday season as the nation’s staycationers disperse across the UK in droves.

Over half (53%) of people said they’ll be holidaying with their family this year, seeing staycations as a chance to reconnect with loved ones after long periods apart. Motorhomes and caravans safely offer the chance to reunite, as separate households can park over two metres apart and enjoy time outside together.

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Lightpost Theatre ‘Construct’ brand new production

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ightpost Theatre Company, formed to address the effects of racism, discrimination, negative self image, invisibility and mental health of young black men through theatre, brought their newest production to the REP, as the UK opens back up for such performances to be enjoyed by larger groups.

Exploring the culture of working class black men in Britain, Constructed unpicks the challenges that face manual workers, both on site and at home, and asks if anything can be built properly when

the foundations are faulty.

The cast performed incredibly well, with James Nicholson as site owner Marlon, and Jerome Scott as Rodney delivering memorable performances, and Orion Martin as Bill alongside Cory McClane as Davies giving the lighter notes to the performance, which were gratefully received.

The depiction of Rodney’s current mental health with the overlapping voices, questions and lights, while he desperately tried to respond to all of it while getting more and more distressed was both difficult to watch and also incredibly powerful, props

to Jerome for this performance.

The story flows well, giving you enough time to get to know and feel for the different characters, and they all feel well rounded, a tribute to CJ Webley’s writing and co-direction.

There was an interesting movement piece that showed the idea of working on the building site through dance, but it felt a little shoehorned into the play, adding nothing to the overall story.

Overall Constructed was a great performance from a very talented cast, and spells great things for the future of Lightpost Theatre.

Media Star Adil Ray OBE Announced As Patron Of New Film School ACTOR, COMEDIAN, radio and television presenter Adil Ray OBE has become the first Patron of Screen and Film School Birmingham.

It's due to open in September and said he was being recognised for his contributions to film, television, the arts and his passion for diversity.

Best known for starring in the BBC hit comedy Citizen Khan, which he created and co-wrote, the Birmingham-born star will be introducing the Adil Ray OBE Scholarship worth £30,000 and implementing a Fair Access Fund to ensure students are supported during their studies to create a level playing field of equality of opportunity.

He said: "I want families to know that things are changing in the industry and that a career in film and television is possible; even if you haven't been reflected on-screen while growing up, it is achievable."

With his other notable roles include the hit Channel 4 drama series Ackley Bridge, Blithe Spirit with Judi Dench, as well as hosting Have I Got News for You, starring in hit Channel 4 drama series Ackley Bridge, Blithe Spirit with Judi Dench, and more recently being a guest presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, as a Patron, Adil is recognised for his contributions to film, television, the arts and his passion for diversity.

He added: “I am incredibly proud to be a Patron of the Screen and Film School Birmingham.

“This school is an incredible asset to the Midlands. I want to

help students find their voices and instil in them the self-belief and motivation needed for a successful career.

“We share a passion for helping shape a new generation of filmmakers, enabling diverse young creative minds to flourish.

“I want families to know that things are changing in the industry and that a career in film and television is possible; even if you haven’t been reflected on-screen while growing up, it is achievable.

“Screen and Film School Birmingham is on my doorstep, so I’m expecting to be involved as much as I can.” Screen and Film School Birmingham are hosting a number of Open Days before September.

Prospective students will get to attend workshops with lecturers and graduates, learn more about the courses and ask the career teams about how studying at Screen and Film School can help them forge a career in the film, television and screen industry.

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ENTERTAINMENT

ASSEMBLY FESTIVAL GARDEN TO BE CREATED DURING CITY OF CULTURE CELEBRATIONS

A

new 1,000-seat venue will be created on a derelict plot in Coventry for music, comedy and arts performances.

The Assembly Festival Garden, near the council house in the city centre, will also include a smaller 180-seat tent and an outdoor venue, said organisers. Event group Assembly Festival, involved with Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 40 years, will run the Coventry hub.

The space will be the centrepiece for events from July 1 to mid-October, said Coventry City of Culture Trust. Coventry's year as UK City of Culture officially launched with thousands of people tuning

David Clarke DL in to watch a short film posted on the festival website.

Its signature event Coventry Moves was originally due to coincide with the launch, but was moved to June 5 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Performances at the Assembly Festival Garden, on the site of the demolished former Civic Centre buildings, will take place in the Queen of Flanders double-decker Spiegeltent. Local food outlets and a box office will also be there.

Cabaret, circus events, comedy and children's shows will form part of the programme. The old buildings were demolished and the site cleared by owner

Coventry University for development. It has handed over the space for free during the festival.

The culture trust said that trees and lighting will transform the space into one with a family-friendly festival vibe.

Tickets are set to go on sale for the first major event at the end of May. The site will eventually be home to Coventry University's new hub for academic and research facilities as well as public spaces for the wider community.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Willow Smith Opens Up About Being Polyamorous

WILLOW SMITH has revealed she is polyamorous.

The 20-year-old confirmed her relationship status on American talk show Red Table Talk which she hosts alongside her mum Jada Pinkett-Smith

and grandmother Adrienne BanfieldNorrison. Polyamory is where those involved agree it is fine for everyone to be open to or have more than one romantic partner.

Willow said she couldn't see herself wanting to go past two partners.

"With polyamory, I feel like the main foundation is the freedom to be able to create a relationship style that works for you and not just stepping into monogamy because that's what everyone around you says is the right thing to do," she said.

"Also, doing research into polyamory," she added, "the main reason why divorces happen is infidelity." In the TV interview, Willow's grandma says it feels like it's 'really all just about sex' which Willow denies saying: "In my friend group, I'm the only polyamorous person, and I have the least sex out of all of my friends." Willow's mum, Jada, told her daughter she was happy with whatever choices she wants to make.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

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Mini Medics and Midlands Air Ambulance Fly To Birmingham City Centre

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Paz Heer

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

mergency resources, including a team of mini medics and a LEGO Midlands Air Ambulance, flew into the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in Birmingham, but it was a mission like no other...

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which celebrates 30 years of operating its lifesaving service, made a rare landing on the top of Grand Central – not the actual building, but the Birmingham Legoland Discovery Centre’s Miniland version to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary. Miniland is an impressive interactive city built from over 1.5 million bricks which showcases many of the notable landmarks of the Midlands including The Bullring, Grand Central, Spaghetti Junction, Warwick Castle and now one of the charity’s lifesaving helicopters.

The branded LEGO helicopter was added as a result of a new corporate partnership between the lifesaving charity and Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd, parent company of the LegolandDiscovery Centres.

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Now that the centre is open to the public again guests are being encouraged to visit the centre and see the helicopter, complete with moving rotors, in the impressive

LEGO Miniland.

Pam Hodgetts, corporate partnerships manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Having our very

own branded LEGO helicopter added to the Discovery Centre’s cityscape of Birmingham is an honour.

“Being supported by Merlin

0208 865 1922 (London)

Entertainments in this fun way will mean we can expand on the engagement work we have already been doing to raise awareness of our lifesaving work to local children and young people.”

Hannah Carr, Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham’s guest experience manager for Merlin Entertainments Group added: “It is an absolute privilege to work alongside and support a fantastic charity which does such amazing work within the Midlands. The LEGO Midlands Air Ambulance makes a great addition to Miniland and we hope that it will help the charity in their mission to raise awareness of their lifesaving work.”