Street Cred Magazine - March 2023

Example and more announced for final Back 2 Festival lineup

Back for the 7th year running, the UK’s most nostalgic festival, Back 2 Festival, is proud to announce the final lineup for this year’s throwback extravaganza.

Superstar DJ Example and pop rock band The Hoosiers among others will join headline acts Boyzlife and Basshunter on Thursday 30th June – Sunday 3rd July 2023 for a riotous celebration of 00s finest.

Adding to a weekend of banging head-bobbers, Back 2 Festival’s epic lineup of childhood sweethearts will blast gems across the park from the vibrant 80s, 90s and 00s music scene.

New on the bill, Example is the

multi-talented singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer behind global hits like ‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’ and ‘We’ll Be Coming Back’.

Also familiar with chart-topping success, The Hoosiers inject bright and bold tunes before delivering their fourth studio album, and first in eight years, in 2023.

Joining the lineup for the festival’s largest year yet are Bristol’s Showhawk Duo, Spanish DJ and Record Producer DJ Sammy, the world’s number 1 Whitney Houston tribute Belinda Davis, British radio and TV presenter Pat Sharp, local singer Kelly Llorrena, Italian Eurodance group Livin Joy, TV talent Gareth Gates, impersonators Kevin & Perry, drum and

bass’ Nicky BlackMarket, singer Marcella Woods, the godfather of oldskool Slipmatt and much more alongside forty of Bristol’s elite DJs.

Combined with a lineup that has already won the hearts of a generation, Boyzlife make audiences swoon with their highly-anticipated collaboration: Boyzone and Westlife. Phone torches will be ablaze for their roster of heart-throbbing ballads.

Returning to the stage for another weekend at the park are two of Back 2 Festival’s most-loved artists: dance legend Basshunter and energetic German trio Cascada will deliver an array of much-requested dancefloor anthems.

These musical pioneers joined

the first phase lineup with pop favourites A1 and 911, Welsh comedy rap group Goldie Looking Chain and much more.

With four monumental stages in total, including two brand-new stages for 2023, Back 2 Festival is welcoming its biggest year yet in style.

Whether you are hunting out the hidden entrance to The Secret Rave Arena, falling into a thumping dance tent hosted by Birmingham’s biggest LGBTQ+ night club, or finishing on a high at Saturday’s Passion tent and the longest-running trance brand in the UK, this year is set to smash expectations like never before.

Catton Park, located next to local gem Catton Hall, is in the heart of the National Forest and equidistant from London, Manchester and Norwich, making it the ideal location for festival goers from across the UK.

In The Night Garden Live Arriving At Birmingham Hippodrome

CELEBRATING its 14th Birthday, the smash-hit In the Night Garden Live returns to the stage in 2023 with a fourth major tour of UK theatres, arriving at Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday 8 May –Wednesday 10 May.

As the UK’s favourite family show with all the enchanting characters magically brought to life on stage, In the Night Garden Live is the perfect musical theatre experience for the entire family.

Children’s favourite CBeebies stars – Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends – are all brought beautifully to life in a specially written story - Igglepiggle’s Busy Day - using full-size characters and magical puppets with enchanting music and dancing.

This delightful classic, which premiered in 2010 before becoming a summer entertainment fixture, is a firm favourite with pre-schoolers and their

parents.

Seen by over 1.2 million people, the critically acclaimed production has established itself as a must-see first theatre experience for young children.

The 2023 tour will also feature the amazing flying Pinky Ponk, which soars over the heads of In the Night Garden Live audiences – the first time an effect like this has been used in theatres anywhere in the UK.

The Pinky Ponk uses cutting-edge, patented aerodynamic technology pioneered by the specialist German company, Airstage, who have designed and built similar Air Orbs all over the world, including for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.

Child Sensation, Kairo Mclean, Leads Array Of Superstars For Juno Reggae Award

with Jah Love. Another Clarendon-reared singer is Ammoye, who earned her 6th nomination for the album Water, which was co-produced by Jamaican producers Natural High.

This is the second nomination for producer Finn, while this is the fifth nomination for Kirk Diamond who is originally from Spanish Town. He won the award in 2018 for Greater.

The 52nd annual JUNO Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Grammys, is scheduled to take place on March 23 at Rogers Place, in Edmonton, in Alberta, and will be aired live on the Canadian Broadcasting Commission (CBC).

Bar celebrates after winning three trophies in annual awards

Atop Birmingham bar scooped a hat-trick of coveted trophies in a glitzy, stage show-style awards ceremony in the city.

Velvet Music Rooms won ‘Best Bar’ of the year, its general manager Steve Emmison won ‘Best Bar Manager’ of the year, and stafff member Hili Fletcher won ‘Employee of the Year’ at the Wonders of Westside Awards –otherwise known as the WOWs.

The WOWs are hosted annually by Westside Business Improvement District (BID) to recognise individuals and businesses that go the extra mile for customers.

The awards were made on stage at The Crescent Theatre, in the city centre.

Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “Staff at Velvet have excelled themselves this year, not only emerging healthily from Covid but also successfully adapting themselves to a changing marketplace.

“As well as being a great Irish bar, Velvet has developed itself as a new magnet for culture in the city, holding two successful art exhibitions on their premises to attract a new and diverse audience.

Velvet has also re-established itself as one of the city’s best major live music venues following the pandemic, hosting the popular

Birmingham Rocks session every Sunday and Henry’s Blueshouse every Tuesday.

“The venue truly deserves its ‘Best Bar’ of the year trophy, and Steve Emmison is a very worthy winner of the ‘Best Bar Manager’ award, while we were also pleased

to recognise Hili Flether as ‘Employee of the Year’.” Sisters and co-bar owners Dani Hadley and Eilis Collins enjoyed a night out to celebrate the awards with their staff.

Ms Hadley said: “We’re thrilled to have won these three top tro-

phies and feel chuffed to have been recognised once again at the WOWs.” Ms Collins added: “Out staff not only deserved these awards but they also very much earned their very own night out and we were delighted to party and celebrate with them.”

The awards were even more special this year with top singer-songwriter Andy Bennett, once part of Ocean Colour Scene, treating the audience to a dazzling musical performance along with local singer Lorraine Olley.

Scott Confirmed To Join Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 Weekend Line-Up

THE SAUDI Motorsport Company (SMC) – Promoter of the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 – is thrilled to confirm that multiple Grammy nominated US rapper, Travis Scott, will perform at this year’s event taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 17th-19th March 2023. The concert will take place on the Main Stage of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, F1’s longest and fastest street circuit. With over 40 billion total streams, dozens of gold, platinum, and multiplatinum certifications and eight GRAMMY award nominations to his name, Travis Scott is deserved of the title ‘global phenomenon’.

Last year’s edition of the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix proved to be one of the races of the season while the post-race entertainment on the Main Stage ensured the adrenaline kept flowing long after the last car returned to the pits. With Travis Scott now confirmed as the first major headliner of the weekend, it is clear that the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 will guarantee three days of non-stop thrills and excitement. It is definitely not to be missed!

l Velvet Music Rooms winning ‘Best Bar’ - Photo by Jas Sansi

Travis

Food & Fine Dining

Orchards shows support with launch of 2023 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards

Sandford Orchards is delighted to launch the 2023 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards.

Now in its third year, these unique awards are free to enter and offer aspiring cider makers advice, guidance and guaranteed listings with the on and off trade. This year, the competition is open to cider makers making up to 50,000 litres a year. The closing date for applications is 28th February 2023.

Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards explains: “We created the Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards three years ago to support the future of our precious UK cider industry.

We aim to seek out Britain's most talented cider makers and provide them with invaluable exposure, mentoring, advice and technical help as well as guaranteed listings in both the on and off trade.

Winning this award provides small scale cider makers with the help and opportunities that they need to progress their business to the next level!”

The 2023 prize includes: business strategy mentoring with Barny Butterfied, founder of Sandford Orchards, a retail listing at Darts Farm, Devon, on-trade listing with one of The Stable restaurants and The London Cider House, £500 to spend with equipment and consumables supplier, Vigo limited, mentoring from Sandford Orchards' cider makers, and a Sandford Orchards winner limited edition cider. Two silver winners will receive a £200 voucher to spend with The Bag in Box Shop. Moreover, everybody who enters will receive thorough,

detailed, actionable feedback on their entry.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of expert judges. Tom Oliver, owner of Oliver's Cider and Perry and one of last year's judges commented: “It was a real honour to be able to taste some of the more forward thinking and progressive cider makers at last year's Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards. The amount of discussion that ensued between the judges was a great indication of

the quality of the cider but also of the many aspects that cider makers need to cover. They must want to grow, whether it is in size or quality, must give great attention to labels, both legally and design wise. They must leave the judges feeling that they really do want to “make a go of things”. If you think as a maker this is you, then this is the award to go for."

Barny adds: “I am so proud that Sandford Orchards has been able to make these awards a reality.

It feels great to be able to give something back to the industry that has given me so much. Bringing cider makers together is always brilliant for sharing ideas and dreaming up plans which we all hope will bring the joy of cider to more and more people. By supporting the energetic future of cider across the country we hope to reach out to curious wine, beer and spirit drinkers and grow the love for this marvellous drink.”

The Breakthrough Cider Mak-

Extra Funding To Support Food Provision Projects

ALMOST A quarter of a million pounds in grant funding is being made available to organisations that help provide struggling families with food. Birmingham City Council is offering grants of up to £3,000 each via the Affordable Food Infrastructure Fund for 75 projects across the city, with £225,000 available in total. This follows the Emergency Food Aid scheme which gave grants to food banks and other providers to buy food and other essential supplies.

er Awards were launched by Sandford Orchards at the end of 2019 and aim to recognise and celebrate excellent quality whole juice ciders from around the UK. They are free to enter and open to cider makers producing between 3,000 and 50,000 litres of cider per year who can enter now at www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/cider-awards/.

Damascene Rose Bubbly is Luscombe's 'Drink of Choice' for Mother's Day

CELEBRATE Mother's Day this Spring with Luscombe Damascene Rose Bubbly.

The jewel in Luscombe's crown, organic Damascene Rose Bubbly combines Damascene Rose, Muscat grape juice and Sicilian lemons with sparkling Dartmoor spring water to create a delicious Champagne alternative, perfect for a springtime family gathering to celebrate Mother's Day with loved ones.

Damascene Rose Bubbly is a

delicately fragranced drink to be enjoyed on its own in a flute and garnished with a single strawberry but also pairs perfectly with a variety of canapés or light seafood dishes such as scallops and white fish.

Luscombe is proud to be the first drinks brand to have gained organic accreditation from the Soil Association and like all of the drinks in Luscombe's range, Damascene Rose Bubbly contains no artificial additives,

sweeteners or concentrates. It is available in a box of 12 x 27cl bottles, £26.50 from luscombe. co.uk with free UK delivery on all orders over £60.

Awarded a Royal Warrant, Luscombe has been producing beautifully crafted drinks on a farm in Devon since 1975. The range now includes organic fruit juices, crushes, bubblies, tonic waters and mixers plus a traditional organic Devon cider.

The infrastructure fund is aimed at increasing the capacity of the city’s food projects so they can provide more food that is nutritious, hot where appropriate, safe and culturally appropriate to more people in ways that enable dignity and choice and could allow for more socialisation. The money can be used for infrastructure and equipment, such as fridges, freezers, thermal boxes, shelving, other food storage solutions and smaller equipment such as chopping boards.

Councillor Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said: “Far too many people suffer from a lack of access to nutritious food due to a lack of money and other resources.

“This creates poor diets, low vitamin and mineral intakes which has a negative impact on adults' and children’s health. There can also be knock-on effect on mental health and can lead to poor educational attainment in children.

“While this type of project should be unnecessary in one of the richest countries in the world, it is vital to continue to support food providers who are doing amazing work to help communities. We hope that this funding will help build capacity of food projects to further support Birmingham’s citizens.

“I would therefore urge organisations supporting our vulnerable citizens to consider applying for this fund if they meet the criteria.” Details of how to apply can be found on the dedicated web page.

KING CHARLES'S CORONATION CONCERT OFFERING 10,000 FREE TICKETS IN BALLOT

A BALLOT has opened for 10,000 free tickets for a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle to mark the King's coronation.

The televised show will be on 7 May, the day after King Charles is crowned at Westminster Abbey. The BBC has promised the lineup will feature "musical icons and contemporary stars".

There are 5,000 pairs of tickets in the ballot, which opened at 07:00 GMT on Friday and will close on 28 February. Each applicant in the ballot will be able to nominate a guest.

People must be 18 or over to apply for a ticket, with the guests required to be over 11. The tickets would be allocated based on the geographical spread of the UK population, the BBC said, with those successful notified by late April.

The castle's east lawn would see "a world-class orchestra play in-

Due to phenomenal demand Babatunde Aléshé adds a 3rd autumn

terpretations of musical favourites fronted by fantastic entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance and the arts", the BBC said. It "will also feature a selection of spoken-word sequences delivered by stars of stage and screen", a statement added.

The evening event will last for two to three hours, with the full line-up to be confirmed later. More tickets will be made available to a range of charities and the event will be broadcast on BBC TV, radio and online.

BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore said: "The coronation concert on the BBC will bring the nation together to mark this momentous occasion and we are thrilled to be able to offer the public the opportunity to be part of the event at Windsor Castle through a national ballot, as well as providing audiences with exclusive coverage across TV and radio."

leg to his UK headline tour

Babatunde Aléshé is one of the fastest rising stars in British Comedy.

After recently warming the hearts of the nation with his incredible stint in the jungle as part of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, he today announces an third Autumn leg of his massive Babatunde Aléshé: Babahood debut UK headline tour due to phenomenal demand. The tour kicked off last night in Brighton.

Cementing his phenomenal rise, September and October’s dates will see Babatunde perform his biggest headline show to date, at London’s Hackney Empire on September 22nd.

A powerhouse performer, his

stand up presents a hilariously fresh perspective, oozing charisma whilst showcasing impeccable stagecraft and comic timing.

A firm TV favourite, the hugely popular award winning comedian, actor and podcaster has appeared in shows including Guessable (Comedy Central), House of Games (BBC), Sorry I Didn’t Know (ITV), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains (Comedy Central), Comedians Giving Lectures (Dave) as well as a cast regular in the BAFTA nominated Celebrity Gogglebox (C4).

In 2022 Babatunde’s Mission Imagination podcast series won a prestigious ARIAS Award.

Lizzo Gets Her First Wax Figure At Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Lizzo has become the latest star to be immortalised as a wax figure in Madame Tussauds.

The American singer, rapper and flutist revealed on her social media that she had got her first wax figure in the famed waxwork museum’s Las Vegas branch, alongside a video of her going in for a kiss with the wax replica of herself.

Following her instalment, she wrote on social media; “Single handedly one of the most terrifyingly meta moments of my life.

“Thank you @MadameTussauds – now I know what a twosome with Lizzo is like.”

The figure is wearing a replica of the white Atelier Versace dress Lizzo wore to the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Lizzo also shared a photo of herself posing with the figure, as well as other videos. “Introducing WAXXO,” she captioned one of the videos.

In a separate TikTok, she cheekily asked a user, “What would

What A Spectacular

you do with 2 Lizzos?” Madame Tussauds Las Vegas also recently added figures of Missy Elliott, Beyonce and RuPaul.

Lizzo also recently secured a trademark for the phrase “100 per cent that bitch”, which was first made iconic in her 2017 single ‘Truth Hurts’. The song became a sleeper hit in 2019 and she had been trying to make the phrase a trademark ever since but was rou-

tinely turned away by the US Patent and Trademark Office. She emerged victorious this week, however, when the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled that “100 per cent that bitch” is, as a phrase, inexpli cably linked to Lizzo. The artist just performed at both the Gram my and BRIT Awards.

Scene production was on point, as the beautiful swans were gliding gracefully across it, with Miki Mizutani (Odette), and César Morales (Siegfried) especially exciting to watch, with their exquisite talent clearly on show.

During the interval we met with two delightful lovers of the theatre and the arts, none other than Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree and his wife. They enjoyed every mo-

It prepared us for what was an evening of love, death and total drama, however the death of both lovers had me

Spectacular Night!

My guest, a kidney transplant recipient, absolutely loved the production.

This was The Phoenix's way of saying 'keep strong' and allowing her time out to enjoy the delightful experience of ballet, the unspoken words of storytelling in action.

Swan Lake is often touted as ballet's greatest love story, Princess Odette, transformed into a swan along with her ladies in waiting by the evil villain Baron von Rothbart, is allowed to return to a human form at midnight.

When Prince Siegfried, who is in the process of being forced to pick a partner by his mother, falls in love with her, the evil Baron schemes to thwart their romance.

For those of you who have never experienced the ambiance of the ballet, it’s time to get those slippers off and pirouette your way to the next production by the Birmingham Royal Ballet!

World's Richest Man Promotes Daughter To Head Dior

THE WORLD'S RICHEST man, Bernard Arnault, has appointed his daughter to head up fashion house Dior.

Mr Arnault promoted Delphine Arnault, 47, as part of a reshuffle at LVMH, Europe's most valuable company. It owns a portfolio of high-end brands including Fendi and Louis Vuitton and is worth about £336bn.

The outgoing head of Dior, Pietro Beccari, will move to replace longtime Louis Vuitton chief executive Michael Burke. “Ms Arnault and Mr Beccari are well respected", said Credit Suisse analyst Natasha Brilliant. “So these are logical promotions within the group."

All five of Mr Arnault's children hold management positions at brands in the group. The changes, which come into effect in February, follow the recent appointment of Antoine Arnault, Bernard Arnault's

eldest son, to head the family's holding company.

Alexandre Arnault, 30, is in charge of products and communication at Tiffany, while Frederic Arnault, 28, is chief executive of another group brand, Tag Heuer.

The youngest child, Jean Arnault, 24, heads marketing and product development for Louis Vuitton's watches division.

Mr Arnault's companies sell goods including luxury suitcases by Louis Vuitton and Moet and Chandon champagne. "Succession planning in strategic roles has been instrumental to the success of LVMH's key brands over the past 20 years, hence today's moves are significant," said Thomas Chauvet, an analyst at Citi.

Christian Dior's catwalk presentations in Paris are attended by global celebrities including K-pop

star Jisoo and singer Rihanna, drawing enthusiastic crowds of fans. Delphine Arnault will leave her position as LVMH's executive vice president for Louis Vuitton, which she has held since 2013. Louis Vuitton set new sales records under Ms Arnault's leadership, LVMH said. Similar succession plans have happened at other major fashion companies in recent years. High Street fashion giant Inditex, which owns brands including Zara and Massimo Dutti, appointed the founder's daughter as its new chairwoman in 2021. Marta Ortega was 37 at the time.

Close up Photos by Emma Kauldhar, Swans photo by Bill Cooper

Spanning classic jazz to world beats, the 2023

Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will again attract visitors from around the world as the lineup includes international, local and Caribbean music.

Genres include Afro beats, jazz, gospel, Soca, reggae, Zouk, pop and an array of cultural beats and exciting rhythms. The iconic and historic Pigeon Island National Park is the waterside backdrop for the open air performances.

“The 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival promises to be the best yet, as we continue our tradition of hosting the Caribbean's premier jazz and arts event,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire. “The Festival will showcase music, the performing arts, fine arts, creole cuisine and the effervescence of Saint Lucia's creative industries.”

As of January 25, 2023, the musical lineup is as follows, with more details to be announced:

• Friday, May 5 - Kick-Off: Caribbean genres with some of the biggest names from the region headlined by reggae superstar Shenseea and Kes the Band

• May 6-9 - Entertainment & Community Jazz: Explore authentic Saint Lucian culture and people through an eclectic mix of local events

• Wednesday, May 10 - Kingdom Gospel Night: A riveting, inspiring showcase of praise and worship with some of the best names in Gospel, to be announced at a later date

• Thursday, May 11 - Pure Jazz:

2023 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival announces headliners

Sting, Shaggy and more

Grammy winner, pianist, and composer Gustavo Casenave and special tribute to Saint Lucia's Luther François, the godfather of Saint Lucia jazz

• Friday, May 12 - Caribbean

Fusion: Featuring Buju Banton, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons

• Saturday, May 13 - World

Beats: Journey the globe with the best of Afro beats with Rema, Ayra Starr, CKay and Kizz Daniel

• Sunday, May 14 - The Ultimate Celebration and Culmi-

nation on Mother's Day: The most distinctive and influential musician of the century, 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting will headline the evening with Shaggy

The arts scene in Saint Lucia is also celebrated at the Festival. Beginning May 5, there will be community-based events across the island, emphasizing the jazz and arts scenes throughout key communities.

The Arts component of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will be

Corey Kent Releases Mov-

ing, Autobiographical Track

For ‘Man Of The House’

RCA Nashville/Sony Music

Nashville signee, Corey Kent, releases his deeply personal, heartfelt and autobiographical track, “Man Of The House”.

The track was produced by Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Cage The Elephant) and written by Kent, Austin Goodloe, Joybeth Taylor and Lydia Vaughan.

about his real life and other people saying, “that’s how I feel, too.” That’s the power of music.”

The track comes on the heels of Kent’s debut at the Grand Ole Opry earlier in January. Kent performed his explosive single RIAA certified platinum single, “Wild As Her.”

held under the theme “Art and the City” from May 7-11. The Arts will include visual art, literary art, theater, fashion, an Icon Series, craft and souvenir markets, and a variety of events at the Derek Walcott Square, William Peter Boulevard, Constitution Park, Pointe Seraphine, and Serenity Park. From the visual arts to the theatre, visitors will be immersed in the creativity and vibrancy of Saint Lucia.

Earlier this month, Kent released a special acoustic performance video of the track after receiving love from his fans when he teased the track across his social media platforms.

“’Man of the House’ is the most therapeutic & heartfelt song of my career,” says Kent. “I had no idea that people would connect with it the way they have already.

"The thousands of people sharing their stories in the comment section of the teasers have blown my mind. It’s just a kid talking

The free-spirited and high-energy track has garnered over 190 million on-demand streams, landed Kent his first-ever entry onto the Billboard Hot 100, reached #15 on the Hot Country Songs Chart and is currently inside the Top 20 at Country Radio. Watch the “Wild As Her” music video. He also released two additional tracks in 2022, “Hood of That Car” and “How You Know You Made It” as well as his ’22 Tapes EP which was a collection of 4 songs that Kent wanted to share with his fans

Behind The Make Up: Meet Lujane Oud –an inspiring next geN drag queen

By Mandip Singh Taunque

Back in January, London’s Excel played host to one of the world’s largest international drag conventions featuring iconic international drag queens across the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise as well as upcoming rising stars hoping to make it big in the world of drag.

In the second part of our ‘Behind The Make Up’ series The Phoenix Newspaper is excited to talk to newcomer to the scene ‘Lujane Oud’ about her cultural heritage, hardships, inspirations and dreams for the future.

You have exotic roots as your drag name suggests, what is your cultural background?

My father is from Kuwait and my mum is Moroccan - Amazigh, who are indigenous to north Africa, so my roots are mixed Arabian and African.

My parents live in Kuwait though my mum's side of family lives in Morocco. Some of my siblings were raised in Morocco. However, I was raised in Kuwait.

I live and work in the UK and my day-to-day job is regulatory affairs specialist which is basically a fancy way of saying liability specialist for pharmaceutical industries. During the weekends, I am a drag performer.

Who inspired you to do drag?

I have been doing drag since November 2021 however I didn't start performing until 2022. Some of the drag queens who inspire me include Jaida Essence Hall, Pangina Heals, Symone and Valentina.

Something about them using their ethnicity and race as the main theme of their drag got me so inspired to utilize Arabian and North African fashion and drag it up. Being so niche maybe be unique in the drag community.

Watching Jaida Essence Hall on RuPaul’s Drag Race during lockdown got me motivated to start experimenting with make-up and then I started doing drag.

Thinking about your ethnic, religious and cultural background, is there a conflict with doing drag?

A lot, obviously culture and religion have been very cherry picked and people who follow it can make contradicting life choices such as drinking alcohol and committing dreadful crimes that doesn't represent the religion and culture.

This clouded my relationship to my religion and culture. Since I come from two ethnic backgrounds, it was interesting to see how both backgrounds stereotype

each other.

There were times when I was younger where I felt forced not to feel proud of myself, which to some extent even made me wish I was white and this narrative was enforced with beauty standards in social media.

That's when drag and said drag queens (above) came into my life and helped me improve myself and my image not only as a queer but as an Arab and as North African. I perform once or twice a month.

My drag seems to appeal mostly to cis women or people of colour/ BAME which is so beautiful to see. Most of my fans are people of colour and they keep pushing me to put my name out there as they always feel represented even though they aren't Arabs.

What is the meaning behind your drag queen name

‘Lujane Oud’?

Because I tend to focus a lot on folklore fashion, I wanted an archaic Arabic word; so ‘Lujane’ is an old classic Arabic word meaning molten silver. ‘Oud’ means agarwood, the same wood that luxury brands use to create Arabian fragrances.

Usually, Arabian fragrances are associated with luxury and opulence, so I wanted to use the word ‘Oud’. Which gives the name ‘Silver Agarwood’ or ‘Luxury Folklore’.

Tell us about your stunning picture

This was a photoshoot that I did in December last year. I was going through all my custom-made Arabic outfits, and this is my favourite and the classic Lujane Oud, very Bedouin, very unfiltered when it comes to her identity and tradition and very niche. This picture was taken by a good friend of mine name Stuart.

When we met at DragCon you were filming a documentary, what can you tell us about it?

I sought political asylum in UK. My father comes from an established background and being his first child, I had a lot of expectation to live up to his name and his father's name.

I became a best-selling author at age 15 in Kuwait where I wrote an abstract book about modern slavery. This started the path of being in the media's spotlight for a while.

My homosexuality and "lifestyle" were found out when I was studying in Ireland. This made my parents do damage control including therapy and keeping me away from media.

It was not until 2019 where I made the headlines for one of my

books and again, I had reporters digging into my life.

I decided to take the step and seek asylum in UK and avoid any contact from family and Kuwait and live my life without fear and dropping all that I had to oblivion. This is what the documentary wanted to explore. Thank you for being so open. You have overcome so much in your life. What are your dreams for the future?

Living my life in it's ultimate form. I really want to be first person of colour winner of Drag Race UK. And I really want to advocate on social political platforms for migrant workers in the Middle East and promote access to health care in low-income countries, as this is my job.

I want to incorporate my drag into a world where I create a bridge of communication between the queer community and aiding people through poverty and access to health.

It's always interesting to me that queer community solely like to talk about LGBTQ issues but ignore greater issues such as topics like young girls been taken out of education because of lack of funding and access to resources; access to sanitary water supplies in rural regions of low-income countries, malaria vaccine accessibility and child labour.

What would you say to people from similar backgrounds who are battling with their identities and would like to do drag but may be afraid to?

Excellent question. Do it for yourself first, honestly exploring your identity isn't a sin nor a race so don't rush it. Take your time.

Be safe even within our community, start by going on the drag scene ‘privilege to guide them through resources to help them explore their identity.

I will also repeat, be safe above all else.

Thank you so much Lujane Oud, we wish you the very best for the future!

To follow Lujane Oud on Instagram, use the handle ‘lujane_oud’. Look out for more chats with iconic queens in future editions of The Phoenix Newspaper Tickets are on sale now for RUPAUL’S DRAGCON LA on 12th and 13th May 2023.

Season 15 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is currently available exclusively in the UK via the streamer of all things drag, WOW Presents Plus, with new episodes dropping on Saturdays at 2AM GMT.

Aston Martin opens its doors to ambitious women and girls on International Women’s Day

Aston Martin is to cast open its doors to women and girls as part of an event to inspire the next generation of talent and highlight employment opportunities in the automotive sector on International Women’s Day.

Celebrating International

Women’s Day on Wednesday 8

March, Aston Martin will invite ambitious women and girls from across the country to visit Aston Martin Works, its iconic heritage site in Newport Pagnell, and experience a day in the life of an Aston Martin employee.

The day will include a tour of the Newport Pagnell facility and heritage dealership, as well as a conversation and panel event in partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula OneTM team. Guests will also have the chance to hear from female leaders across Aston Martin’s business, before enjoying a meeting with Aston Martin Formula OneTM team Chief Information Officer, Clare Lansley. The event is aligned to Aston Martin’s Racing.Green sustainability strategy announced in 2022, with the British ultra-luxury brand setting bold targets across all aspects of the business, from tackling climate change,

creating a better environment and building a stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive company. A key component of the strategy is a goal for 25% of all leadership roles at Aston Martin filled by women within the next five years. The company continues to work towards its women in leadership target, while also supporting ongoing efforts to create equitable spaces for all.

Aston Martin Chief People Officer, Simon Smith, said: “Aston Martin is passionate about increasing female leadership at the company as well as inspiring girls to consider the huge career opportunities within the automotive sector. Through initiatives like this event on International Women’s Day and our successful Graduate/Apprenticeship programmes, we are confident that

we can find the right talent for the future of Aston Martin.”

Clare Lansley, Chief Information Officer of Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula OneTM team said: “This year the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1TM team joins forces with Aston Martin in a bid to Embrace Equity and offer opportunities to ambitious women and girls. We are excited to host the event at Aston

Dacia Celebrates A Decade Of Redefining The Essentials In The UK

Dacia is popping good value, but excellent quality, champagne as it begins celebrations for its 10year anniversary since its official launch in the UK in 2013.

The brand is marking a decade of redefining the essentials and providing the nation’s drivers with an unprecedented blend of value and quality.

When Dacia launched, David Cameron was the UK’s Prime Minister and the last word in tech was the release of the Apple iPhone 5S and 5C.

2013 would also be memorable for the birth of Prince George of Wales and Sir Alex Ferguson retiring as Manager of Manchester United.

Martin’s heritage site Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell and look forward to the future generations of women and girls joining our organisations – as we continue to drive an inclusive workplace for all.”

Open to women and girls, the day is aimed at those wanting to find out more about career opportunities within the ultra-luxury automotive sector.

To tease its arrival in the UK, Dacia used the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed to unveil the now iconic Duster ahead of official arrivals the following year. Soon after the event, Dacia opened online pre-orders which saw 2,000 consumers invest in a brand that was new on the scene. Later the same year, ahead of January 2013 registrations, pre-orders also opened for the Dacia Sandero.

A trailblazer at the time, and now a mainstream volume brand, Dacia launched at a perfect time.

VISIT LYNK & CO’S OUT OF THIS WORLD HEADQUARTERS

As the rude rebel of the automotive industry, Lynk & Co sets out to do things…differently. The head office in Gothenburg, Sweden, is no exception.

When entering the brutalist headquarters, you’re immediately struck by the out-of-this-world aesthetics.

The crude concrete floor, the dotted centerpiece sofa, the giant smiley face that bursts through the wall. And in the far back – the 01 car. It’s a creative mix of the raw and the elaborate, with a constant element of surprise.

“Lynk & Co is here to disrupt the automotive industry, not to align with it. Having a boring office is out of the question. It needs to be wow! If we don’t live and work in a non-conformist fashion, then we’re not truthful to the brand.

"It’s all about honesty and authenticity. We must stay true to the vision, and it must permeate everything from the offer to the office. I think our design team has outdone themselves,” said Alain Visser, CEO at Lynk & Co.

Wrong in just the right way

“Urban traces” has been a mantra for Lynk & Co’s design team and the local, Gothenburg based, New Order Arkitektur firm when choosing sustainable materials, picking out the re-used office furniture and creating the interior. The spaces were designed to feel lived-in. As if they already had a history. And in a sense, they do. When putting up the concrete walls the team told the craftsmen

to leave their measurements and scribbles on the walls and stop before they were done. Looking at the walls now, they still bare traces of the design process. And that’s the point. Doing things differently to inspire the creative minds that work there.

“When picking out the floor for the building, we really got on the contractor's nerves. Whichever floor they showed us, it was too neat. Too nice-looking. We wanted raw. And when they took us to a warehouse to show what a botched concrete floor looked like, we fell in love. For them it was wrong. For us, it was wrong in just the right way,” said Alain Visser.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Replaces Entire Rapid Response Fleet

Rolls-Royce Spectre: Hot Weather Testing

SPECTRE, ROLLS-

ROYCE’S genre-defining all-electric super coupé, has now covered almost two million kilometres as it completes the third phase of the most rigorous testing programme ever devised in the marque’s 118year history.

This has already surpassed every Rolls-Royce testing programme before it – and it is still far from over.

Spectre is currently undergoing extreme hot weather tests in two locations in South Africa: Augrabies in the Northern Cape; and Franschhoek, the ‘French Corner’ in the Western Cape winelands.

The stable yet contrasting climates provide some of the finest summer-weather driving in the world, with dry and extremely hot conditions in the north and more humid, Mediterrane-

an-style, conditions in the south. At its hottest, temperatures can exceed 50°C, while the southern region hosts a great variety of surfaces and terrains, including twisting country roads replete with gravel, dust and dirt. Truly testing conditions, by any measure.

During this stage, engineers are observing and refining every system, hardware item and software protocol that has been developed over the course of almost two million kilometres of continuous testing.

Only through such painstaking assessments can Rolls-Royce’s technical experts achieve the exacting levels of ride refinement that are so central to the experience beloved by clients, and successfully translate the marque’s defining ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to the new all-electric paradigm.

Škoda’s flagship Kodiaq SUV is continuing to prove its worth on the frontline, with Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust set to add 106 specially modified vehicles to its Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) fleet.

The 106 Kodiaqs will take over from the much-loved cohort of Octavia Scouts that have been run as rapid response vehicles for six years. The Octavia Scouts clocked-up 90,000 miles of service on average, with some being used for up to 130,000 miles due to location.

Taking on emergency response duties, the Kodiaqs have been

converted by Pressfab EVO Limited to carry a comprehensive range of medical equipment and supplies to support frontline operations. As well as 360-degree lighting, bespoke storage, livery, all the vehicles are equipped with emergency services’ communication equipment.

The Trust covers an area of nearly 6,000 square miles, and in 2021-22 it responded to nearly 850,000 incidents, making its rapid response vehicles a vital resource when responding to the needs of patients in an emergency.

The interior space was designed by Lynk & Co’s own design team and New Order Arkitektur, and the art is made by the Swedish artist

EKTA. It was recently awarded Gold for Best Interior Design at the Architecture Collection awards.

WEDNESDAY MIC FEVER CELEBRATING THE SCOPE OF RHYTHMIC WORDSMITH MISS CULTURE JAM

It’s the perfect midweek evening out, where creative wordsmiths, from across a wide metropolis, gather to delight in the arts of poetry, singing, comedy, African drumming, drama and all-round edu-tainment.

‘Wednesday Mic Fever’ has been delighting audiences from near and far afield, for seven years now, as

a cross-section, cross-generational wide communities delight in the art of the spoken word, as poets, rappers and, well, just great speakers are afforded the perfect platform so that they can accentuate the skills and talents they have within, but has never before had the opportunity to express openly.

Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, marking its 7th anniversary this year, the non-funded community event, held at the Legacy Centre of Excellence, in Birmingham, is giving people far more than what they bargained for in an evening out, as the added mixture of music, dance and first-class company makes this show hard to miss.

Created by the incredibly stoic, incredibly successful poet and performer, who was also one of the 12 designated 2012 London Olympics Games Poets, and performed for the Jamaican Olympics team at Symphony Hall.

Ita Gooden, aka ‘Miss Culture Jam’ took the concept of the spoken word as an entertainment art form, before adding the extra ingredient of inviting some of the region’s most established jazz artists, drummers and singers, to give all ‘a little bit of this, and ‘a little bit of that’, plus extra for all to want far, far more.

Herself a celebrated poet, she has always yearned for the perfect avenue to share her love of the spoken word, having started the concept in 2016. “Having performed with my poetry for so long in many venues, in many cities” Ita says, “Wednesday Mic Fever came about when I was approached by the then Mango Lounge proprietors, Justin and Juliet, who were looking for a midweek

poetry session.

“I agreed to create a platform for established and up-and-coming artists of varying genres, and I suggested that I would start off with poetry, jazz singing, African drumming – with more to come. The irony being that Justin at the time, said he did not like jazz! He’d soon change his views there.”

“I spoke to international jazz singer, Judith Rowe a.k.a ‘Miss Emeline’, Chester Morrison and Michael George, who were poets and African drummers and asked them if they would be part of this team – They all gave a resounding “YES!!!”

We were originally looking for a Thursday event, however that was already taken. The next slot available was a Wednesday. The question was; ‘what was I going to call the event?’ I agonised over the title for days until my daughter Michelle came up with ‘Wednesday Mic Fever’.

She created a simple flyer, which was in use until March 2022, when MRC Media got involved and created the current design.

During the Mango Lounge period, other artists came onboard the team, such as fellow-poet, Sue Brown, who was also a figurehead to a writing group, called Writers Without Borders’ and now serves as Artist coordinator at Wednesday Mic Fever. Other artists was then co-opted, such as poet Predencia Dixon, musician/drummer Asher Barnes, drummers John Bailey and Spicy Fingers. There was also videographer David Rollerson. The audience numbers were about thirty to forty to start, by 2020 it grew to standing room only.

With regular filming and sound

recording of all shows, prominent DJ Chicken George, followed by Fitz and a brief stint by Rass Man and current resident DJ Gee Tee would get on board and become very much integral to the growth of Wednesday Mic Fever - there was even the added bonus of Miss Culture Jam giving away free mangos to raffle winners whilst at the Mango Lounge.

“The last performance there”, Ita remembers, “was January 8, 2020. The then-coming 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games meant that the Mango Lounge had to be knocked down” and a new venue was needed. Having been based at the Mango Lounge since 2016, the vast attention on the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and the Covid lockdown, saw change for Ita and her growing band of poets, which then relocated to the Legacy Centre of Excellence. The first show at Legacy was in March 2020.

“We then missed out on a couple of years,” Ita said, “because of the pandemic, so, the next show wasn’t until April 2022.

Judith, since, got married and moved to US before touted jazz performer, Mabowunje took her pace. A regular running-order in place, and open mic slots provided opportunities for all generations of artists, and the chance for the audience to have a great and unique experience.

But, despite this, for a poet, writer and recording artist and author, Miss Culture Jam: “The team has grown since relocating - with a core membership of 13 individuals with various skill sets. As the only club of its sort in Birmingham, people are said to travel from as

far as Manchester and London to be part of it. Now you can see and hear singers, dancers, and comedians added to what is a very special night, with the likes of established saxophonist Millicent Stephenson and up-and-coming, Tiny Sax, Dub poet, More Culture, has performed there before, and supports the gig with his presence on a regular basis.

“I don’t do boring,” Ita says. Furthermore: “Now I’m on a mission for more young performers, it’s about seeing people excel.”

With regular artists, the likes of singer, D’Aggro, Jacqui & Clifford, JudiBlu, Miss P, Vivian Yates, Kokumo, saxophonist Janice Pryce (a.k.a. A# Sharp), Nubian Salsa Kings & Queens, plus WMF drummers – Chester as lead drummer and John and Michael – who were the main attractions for the February showcase.

Also playing integral parts were the photographer and videographer, the Carty brothers, Dorell and Mark respectively. Mark is also a stagehand. Other team members include admin volunteer Michelle Gooden, steward, Glen Mc-Ewan, frontof-house pair, Sylvia Gooden and Patricia Minott, plus the addition of volunteer, Jackie, who stands in when required.

Ita was recently absent from the scene, due to bereavement, during which Mabowunje and Chester jointly hosted the event and the entire team kept the show running. The numbers were down, but, since her return, is back up to capacity.

Wednesday Mic Fever provides a platform for established and upand-coming artists and is a place for people to socialise and make new friends. And, there are several stallholders are in situ, selling the very

best of their fineries, tempting the audience with their wares

An ideal place to tackle mental health issues, at a time when there is so much pressure, there’s something for anyone aged 16 years and over who enjoys an affordable and welcoming environment with a variety of entertainment. It’s a place to entertain and be entertained!

Sir Tom Jones announces Cardiff Castle headline show

It has been 21 years since he last headlined in the Welsh capital, but legendary icon

Sir Tom Jones has confirmed a date at Cardiff Castle this summer, as part of his ‘Ages and Stages’ tour.

The star will perform live in the castle grounds on Friday 21st July 2023. The announcement follows on from his appearance alongside the Stereophonics at two sell-out dates at the Principality Stadium last year. Organisers DEPOT Live are encouraging people to register early for ticket updates.

Sir Tom’s remarkable music career spans more than six decades in the business, and at the age of 82, he is without a doubt one of the most famous singers on the planet. He has sold over 100 million records, with thirty-six Top 40 hits in the United Kingdom and nineteen in the United States, including It’s Not Unusual, Kiss, Delilah, What’s New Pussycat, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again and If I Only Knew. The highest-selling album of

Jones' career, Reload, reached number one in the UK Albums Chart in 1999 and again in 2000, and spawned the huge anthems

Mama Told Me Not to Come, Sex Bomb and Burning Down the House. But he has received the best reviews of his career for his more recent albums, including Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame.

His 41st studio album Surrounded By Time was released in April 2021 to wide critical acclaim, cementing him as “an ongoing triumph of hope and experience.”

- The Independent. The album made him the oldest male to claim a Number 1 spot on the UK Official Album Chart with an album of new material, overtaking Bob Dylan.

Nick Saunders, founder of DEPOT Live said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the Voice from Pontypridd back to the Welsh capital this summer; we know it’s something that people have waited a long time for."

MARCH Gig Listings

BIRMINGHAM O2

08

(SH)

09 Beth Hart (SH)

10 BBC Radio 2 Sounds of the 80s: The Live Tour (SH)

11 Lost In Music: One Night at the Disco (SH)

11 Dick And Dom In Da Bungalow Live (TH)

12 CBSO Family Concert: Film Favourites (SH)

13 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter: The Pride of Birmingham - A History of Town Hall (TH)

13 Sound and Vision From StratfordUpon-Avon College: Bond Rocks (TH)

15 CBSO plays Romeo and Juliet (SH)

16 Neighbours: The Celebration Tour (SH)

17 Josh Pugh (TH)

17 Nathan Carter and his band (SH)

18 BANFF Mountain Film Festival

World Tour 2023: Blue Film Programme (TH)

18 BANFF Mountain Film Festival

World Tour 2023: Red Film Programme (TH)

20 Magdalen College School Presents an Orchestral and Choral Concert (SH)

21 Suede (SH)

21 Choir!Choir!Choir! The Epic 80’s Singalong! (TH)

25 Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers with Live Brass Band (TH)

26 Darren Hayes: Do You Remember Tour (SH)

27 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Daniel Moult (TH)

27 140 Years of KEHS: An Evening Celebration (TH)

28 Gordon Buchanan: 30 Years In The Wild Tour (TH)

31 Firedance: Gorka Marquez & Karen Hauer (SH)

l Resorts World Arena welcomes Peter Kay on the 23rd!

Leave PC At The Door For Spitting Image At The REP

Spitting Image 'Live On Stage' brings the TV show you remember from its hey day and puts it on stage, in a show that brings you tiny Tom Cruise, Queen on Queen, and an array of male genitals leading to an explosive end to the first half!

Featuring musical interludes and parodies that will have you humming them on the way out, an irreverence that will leave some people upset, and the most fantastical puppeteer

group that brings everything to life, Spitting Image is truly a wonder to behold.

With up to the minute information being portrayed in the show each night, including on the night we saw it, references to Nicola Sturgeon's resignation and becoming "truly independent", you can honestly say that no two shows will truly be the same.

Technically, the show is brilliant, with an impressive cast of celebrities, an interesting

storyline of Tom Cruise recruiting a crack team to save the fabric of the UK (a pair of disintegrating bloomers), to be thwarted by the "baddies"a number of current and ex world leaders and a Tory cabinet-cum-halloween that terrorises the group.

Sean Foley, Matt Forde and Al Murray have done a fantstic job of bringing this to the stage, with highly accurate impressions, top

quality writing (and re-writing) and a great all round package.

Spitting Image: Idiots Assemble is at Birmingham REP until the 11th March.

The Way Old Friends Do

Funny, touching and full of surprising twists and turns, The Way Old Friends Do follows Peter and Edward, old school friends who reconnect through Grindr of all things, who end up putting together a drag ABBA tribute act, 'Head

Over Heels'.

Written by Ian Hallard who plays Peter, and directed by Mark Gatiss (Mycroft from BBC's Sherlock), the show is funny from start to finish, with big laughs from the quick one liners and and quips.

The Brummie charm and Birmingham references were great touches, and the amazing set design and use of space was im-

pressive.

James Bradshaw as Edward opposide Hallard is fantastic, allowing the flow of conversation to bounce delightfully, with Donna Berlin as the stage manager you don't want to mess with, Andrew Horton as an ABBA fan to keep your eyes on, and Rose Shalloo as the nervous Jodie.

Tariye Peterside stood in for Sara Crowe as Mrs Campbell, and gave such an amazing performance, the audience were hanging off her every word, waiting for the next perfectly delivered one liner.

It's a great laugh and certainly one to catch before it finishes its run at the Birmingham Rep on March 4.