Street Cred Magazine - May 2022

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2022 - Page 17

MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

MAY 2022

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A NEW SINGLE, NEW ALBUM & TOUR FOR GEORGE EZRA

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Capes At The Ready…

MCM Comic Con Is Back

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he wait is over, MCM Comic Con, the ultimate celebration of pop culture, is back with bang with three hotly anticipated shows rolling into London twice, in May and October, and rounding off with Birmingham in November.

The first MCM, the UK’s most exciting pop culture event, will be soaring into London’s ExCeL as soon as 27th – 29th May, with plenty to explore at this year’s jam-packed programme of celebrity talent, unforgettable panels from the best in the business, exclusive previews, live performances, independent creators and more – with this year’s tickets sponsored by and feature artwork from the award-winning open-world action RPG Genshin Impact.

MCM Comic Con May will see the return of the awesome MCM Fringe Stage, offering a smorgasbord of incredible live music, laugh out loud

comedy and performing arts all in the great outdoors.

Be transported back to the 19th Century with Old Time Sailors singing the very best Sea Shanty’s fit for the seafaring life. Talented MCM fans can showcase the star within by wowing the crowd in MCM’s very own Talent Show.

For K-pop fans, anime enthusiasts and manga masters, delve into the Pop Asia section.

For role-playing fans, OutsideXbox and DM Johnny Chiodini will return with another unforgettable live Oxventure D&D adventure. And, for the budding artists, Artist Alley will have independent talented creators, for tips and some new favourite comics and artwork.

For ultimate alter-ego fantasy at Cosplay Central, the limits of outfit creations knows no bounds. The best of the best can show off their skills and take to the main stage for the Cosplay Central

Crown Championships, or cosplayers of all experiences are welcome to enter the Cosplay Masquerade.

For those still learning, there’ll be unbeatable panels offering the best tips and techniques for kick-ass costumes and the unique Cosplay Hospital to fix any unplanned outfit mishaps. Best of all, MCM Comic Con is full of likeminded fans who are just like you. And there’s time to do it all again with MCM Comic Con hitting London’s ExCeL again on 28th – 30th October and NEC Birmingham on 12th – 13th November.

Jenny Martin, Event Director at MCM Comic Con said: “Welcome home, fans!

We can’t wait to bring MCM Comic Con back to you next month. As our first show draws even closer, we’ll be announcing our line-up of celebrity guests, panels and never before seen surprises to the programme… grab your tickets and watch this space.”

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CORNBURY FESTIVAL 2022 T ANNOUNCE ADDITIONS TO A CLASSIC LINE UP

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o celebrate, the majority of acts on the 2022 bill are returning festival favourites.

Joining the heavy weight line up of headliners Bryan Adams, James Blunt, The Darkness, The Waterboys, Ronan Keating & Jools Holland will be; Mica Paris, The Magic Numbers, Altered Images & The Christians with the usual tasty selection of folk, blues & alternative artists such as Alice Russell, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, William The Conqueror, Ferris & Sylvester, Andy Fairweather Lowe, Amy Montgomery, Beans on Toast & many more.

Loved by locals, Cornbury is one of the longest running festivals in the heart of Oxfordshire, attracting 20,000 people each year for the last 17 years, retaining the friendly community atmosphere of a village fete that just happens to have some of the biggest International names in music performing on the main stage.

Known to be one of the safest festivals in the UK, with entertainment for all the family, its musical heritage is one of all round appeal, suited to all ages and tastes, which is what has

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given the festival its loyal and long standing reputation in its beautiful Cotswolds setting.

Starting in 2004 at Cornbury Park and moving to Great Tew in 2011, Cornbury has produced a host of amazing headliners including; Amy Winehouse, Joe Cocker, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Paul Simon, The Faces, Ray Davies and many, many more.

Hugh Phillimore, the festivals Independent promoter has this to say on the festivals final event: “2017 had been intended as our last festival, but our customers encouraged us to continue, so we did!

“However, having to postpone the festival in both 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic has taken its toll and we have had to move on.

We couldn’t leave without one last farewell, so, there will be fireworks, there will be feasts and there will be tears before bedtime, but we intend to make this year one hell of a party as we plan to go out with a bang!”

Cornbury Music Festival runs from 8-10 July at Great Tew Park, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

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OVER 600 JOBS ON OFFER AT LOCAL EVENT O

by Victoria Sappor

n the 14th of April, The Legacy Center of Excellence in Newtown opened its doors to the youth of Birmingham and surrounding areas within the West Midlands.

The event was sponsored

by Clarion Futures and saw employers from various local business sectors with the likes of the NEC Group, Commonwealth Games team, participate in the Job Fair, recruiting for the most anticipated games of 2022.

Keith Shayaam-Smith, CEO of The Legacy Center of Excellence was proud to see many employers with job vacancies and a large number of people who attended to find out and apply for job opportunities, learn how to write CV’s and to “change their lives”.

Abigail Shervington, the lead community engagement manager of the Commonwealth Games 2022 said “We want to make it easier for people to find out how they can get involved with the Games and to chat with their local Community Engagement Manager about the opportunities available to their communities.”

She emphasized on promoting the ‘ray of drop’ opportunities that have been made available to the community and which sectors are available to the youth from within the organizing committee as well as their various contractors.

The successful event had over 400 people attend and engage in the need to find out about skills, employment advice, and job availability.

Ms Shervington went on to highlight the need to break down barriers of getting people into employment after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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There were several well accomplished medalists supporting the event and also shed light on the benefits of getting involved in National and International events.

Ama Agbeze, who was captain of Team England at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia, Kofi Josephs, a British Basketball player were present and advocating for the Commonwealth Games in its importance.

Birmingham City Council had a stall from which they dispensed some vital information regarding the benefit system, financial aid,

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debt advice, food banks and the likes.

It would seem one of the main focuses of BCC is to mobilize the local community into becoming more engaging before, during and after the Commonwealth Games.

Mrs Blondel Cluff CBE, chair of the National Lottery Community Fund gave a well received discussion on the aid available to the young people through the National Lottery Fund and when the next application process was starting. She went on to advise on the eligibility and the ease of navigating through the application process.

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A Curious Visit To New Street Station

VISITORS TO BIRMINGHAM New Street may have spotted a rather curious sight when Christopher Boone and his pet rat Toby paid a visit to the station. The duo was seen exploring the concourse and checking out the timetable.

Director Marianne Elliott’s ‘extraordinary and unmissable’ (Time) smash hit production brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to thrilling life on stage.

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers.

He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers.

When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

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BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT’S MAGICAL BONES’ BLACK MAGIC NATIONAL TOUR RETURNS IN 2022

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reakdancing magician and finalist of Britain’s Got Talent 2020, Magical Bones is taking his new magic show Black Magic back on the road following an impressive sold-out run at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

This tour encompasses some rescheduled dates from his 2020 tour along with the new shows.

Black Magic challenges the connotations usually associated with this term and the show culminates with a tribute to the Black Magician Henry Box Brown, a 19th century slave from Virginia who escaped to freedom at the age of 33 in 1849 by arranging to have himself shipped inside a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bones is a unique performer, so expect to be taken on an aweinspiring journey that includes the coolest breakdance moves, back-flipping card tricks and of course jaw-dropping street magic.

Magical Bones started his career as a professional hiphop dancer and was given the nickname ‘Bones’ because of his hard-hitting dance style.

He went on to establish himself as one of the most respected figures within the UK hip-hop scene, working with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Madonna, Alicia Keys and PlanB, and is the featured dancer in the music video for Mint Royale’s number 1 smash hit single, Singin’ In the Rain.

Combining his dance skills with his magic talent is now the focus of his time, and he

has since gone on to make it to the finals of 2020’s Britain’s Got Talent, star in the Impossible magic show tour and in London’s West End, feature in Sky’s TV series Around The World in 80 Tricks, appear on the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us in the USA, Crackerjack on CBBC and ITV’s This Morning.

He also closed BBC One’s coverage of the BAFTA Aw a r d s ceremony.

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Food & Fine Dining Midlands tourists can enjoy Tipton-made Mad O’Rourkes pies on the Welsh coast

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hose visiting the Welsh coast from the Midlands this sunny Easter weekend will be able to enjoy a taste of home with pies made in the heart of the Black Country, thanks to a venture by Mad O’Rourkes Pie Factory.

Iconic dishes such as the Posh ‘n’ Becks (steak and stilton); Wham Bam, Thank You Lamb (minted lamb), and the Andy Murray (curry pie) are being sold at a pub on the seafront at Aberdovey - a popular destination for holidaymakers from the Midlands, given it is one of their nearest coastal getaways.

Owner of The Britannia Inn, Dieter Botchett, said he chose to sell the iconic pies as he wanted to offer an ‘instantly recognisable’ much-loved brand to the many tourists from the region - and that the Mad O’Rourkes pies pair especially well with the Midland beer they sell on tap from Marstons.

And he says the response has been overwhelming - with tourists

being delighted and surprised they are able to enjoy a pie made in Tipton on the Welsh coast.

“I was looking for a brand that would sit well with our customers that come from the Midlands,” said Dieter, aged 58.

“Midland pies sit very well with us, as the Mad O’Rourkes brand is instantly recognisable. The pies are selling really well. We rotate the different flavours they offer, but the steak and stilton, the minted lamb and the vegetarian

Eeny Meeny Beeny have been very popular.”

Dieter is no stranger to the West Midlands, having worked as a sales executive for Banks’s Brewery for around eight years, before moving to Aberdovey in 1989.

The Aberdovey business venture is the latest way in which pielovers across the UK are getting their hands on the famous pastry treats from Black Country landmark Mad O’Rourkes, after the firm started up its Pies by Post scheme in lockdown, sending out its renowned pies to Black Country expats and pie aficionados all over Britain.

“We’re delighted to be filling tourists’ tummies with our delicious, handmade pies,” said Mad O’Rourkes owner Peter Towler.

“Like many Midland folk, we spend a lot of time in Aberdovey, so we’re thrilled to be able to share our high quality food with the tourists and Welsh folk there.”

The pies are being sold at 17thcentury coaching inn The Britannia Inn which is located on the idyllic Sea View Terrace, overlooking the Aberdovey Harbour.

When it comes to great grub, 60-year-old Peter Towler knows his stuff. He has been in the food industry all his life, being the son of a baker - and has spent 30 years managing and owning the Hurst Street-based Pie Factory, so when it comes to the finest pastry and delicious fillings, he’s your man.

UK Theme Park Launches World’s First Edible Ride AWARD-WINNING theme park, Fantasy Island, owned by leading UK entertainment company, Mellors Group, has launched the world’s first edible ride.

The 'Cuthbert the Caterpillar' ride is now covered in deliciously, gooey chocolate, just like it's famous friend Colin.

Guests visiting the park will be the first to experience the swinging adventure of Cuthbert the Caterpillar, whilst also taking a bite, or two.

Fantasy Island also hosts 30+ rides and rollercoasters which aren’t edible yet, including the thrilling Dodgems, and the high-

adrenaline Wild River Rapids.

Paige Harris, Head of Marketing at Fantasy Island, said: “We’re really pleased to be the first theme park around the world to launch an edible ride. Fantasy Island prides itself on offering the ultimate fun for every age.

“Plates and cutlery will be handed out to our guests today too, so they can enjoy our tasty caterpillar with absolute ease.”

And with wristband tickets as low as £20, Fantasy Island theme park is the UK hotspot for family fun during the school holidays.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2022 - Page 23

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Birmingham Powerhouse All-Dayer Reunion Pt.3 adding to growth of nothing but music

by Steve Williams

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he third edition of the Birmingham Powerhouse All-Dayer Reunion gave further proof of its ever-growing popularity as, despite its lastminute travails, they came from near, far and even further afield, to be part of today’s memories of how it was…yesterday!

It was again a packed venue as this time, The Loft Lounge, was the – last-minute – venue for serious party people of yesteryear… and today. With Jazz-Fusion, Broken-Beats and Deep House again the genres of choice, this all-night set was another memorable gig – to add to the previous two incumbencies – pre and post the Covid lockdowns.

With Colin Curtis, Chris Reid,

Kenny B, Andy Ward, Sean McCabe, Lord Byron, Neal Pinnock, Robbie J, The Mexx, Simon ‘Schoolboy’ Phillips and again, the man himself, organiser and promoter of the Reunions, Tony ‘Frenchie’ Quaile, all keeping three packed rooms constantly in a vibe that you would have to go far and wide to equal, this ‘All Dayer Reunion’ all-nighter enhanced its popularity amongst the old and the new.

And, this time around, US soul and funk sensation, Kim Tavares was a very special guest performer as she wowed the already pulsating crowd with a selection of tunes – which included her newly-released tune; ‘Tired (Do You Hear Me)’. She, in her own inimitable style, almost single-handedly took the event to another stratosphere.

Other artists performing that night included Em Cee, Charmaine X and Georgie B And that was despite the aforementioned ‘travails’, which was led by the last-mute change from the original Players Bar venue (it closed down a day before the Reunion was due). For Quaile to keep the Night alive, deserves commendation.

“I was pleased with the turnout at The Loft Lounge,” he said, “and again the feed-back since has been as fantastic as could be.

“The support has been phenomenal. I will always be gratefull for the understanding and support following the closure of The Players Bar and am already looking forward to the next edition.”

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Xhosa Cole returns to iconic Grosvenor Road

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rosvenor Road Studios, formerly the renowned Hollick & Taylor Studios, has been Birmingham’s best keep secret for over sixty years and now music lovers have the chance to step inside to hear live music.

Xhosa Cole, the acclaimed 24 year-old saxophonist who won the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2018, will perform an exclusive gig at Grosvenor Road Studios, featuring saxophonist James Romaine.

Having first played the tenor sax at Ladywood Community School of Music, founded by legendary jazz musician Andy Hamilton, Xhosa has established himself among the long legacy of Birmingham saxophonists including Soweto Kinch and Shabaka Hutchings. In 2021 he completed his inaugural 23 date UK tour.

James Romaine is a 24-yearold Saxophonist, composer and bandleader living in Birmingham.

He graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in

2019 where he studied under the tutelage of highly respected musicians and educators; Mike Williams, John O’Gallagher, Jean Toussaint and Andy Panayi.

Currently, James is coming to the end of a nationwide tour with NYJO, as part of the Celebrating Amy Winehouse project. He also performs regularly around Birmingham leading his own ensembles and as an in-demand sideman in numerous projects.

“We're gassed to have the amazing Saxophonist James Romaine joining us for this gig,”

Xhosa said. “Clear your diaries... this is going to being an epic event!”

Grosvenor Road Studios was acquired by Black Voices in 2003 with the support of Arts Council England. Over the last six decades many firsts have been recorded there including all the original sound effects for Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds Are Go, the fabulous brass band rendition of Brighouse and Ratrick’s Floral Dance and the first Brum Beat album, Jasper Carrott’s Funky Moped.

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RIT Award-winning, multi-platinum selling musician George Ezra has debuted his hugely infectious new single ‘Green Green Grass,’ the second song to be lifted from his forthcoming new album Gold Rush Kid, due for release on 10 June via Columbia Records.

The single arrives alongside the announcement of a huge nationwide UK arena tour, scheduled for September and October, following George’s special show at London’s Finsbury Park in July.

‘Green Green Grass’ is an irresistibly joyful song about making the best of things, even when it might feel like the worst of things are afoot: “Green green grass, blue blue sky, you better throw a party on the day that I

die.”

“I was on holiday in St Lucia with a few friends at Christmas 2018, with two of my closest mates from home,” explains George. “We were in this beach bar, drinking homemade rum punch and Piton, the local lager, flip-flopping between the two, pissing about with three local guys who worked there. And this music started up, three streets back from the sea.

“After about half an hour, I had to go see what it was. And there was a street party going on, with three different sound systems, people cooking in the street.

"I asked a woman what was going on and she told me it was a funeral – for three people. They were celebrating three lives!

I thought: that is not how we do this at home. And it’s really beautiful.”

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magazine.com ‘Green Green Grass’ follows the euphoric first single and album opener ‘Anyone For You,’ which continues to climb the UK Official Singles Chart and is the number one song at UK radio, with A-list rotation across all major stations.

George debuted both songs to a rapturous reception at his recent intimate gigs in London, Manchester and Edinburgh “The Gold Rush Kid? That’s me,” says George, reflecting on the title of his third record – a 12-strong suite of marvellous, transporting, elevational songs, that more than anything “sound like me. That’s what ties them together.”

After two blockbuster albums – Wa n t e d O n

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www.streetcredmagazine.com Voyage (2014) and Staying At Tamara’s (2018), both of which reached number 1 in the UK and sold millions around the world, and the latter of which earned him his first number 1 single in ‘Shotgun’ and won him the 2019 Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist – it was time to return to heart and hearth, with an album written and produced entirely in London with longstanding collaborator Joel Pott.

Following the release of Gold Rush Kid, Ezra will play his biggest headline show to date, a special all day event at London’s Finsbury Park on 17 July 2022.

Joining George at his first live show in almost three years will be special guests Blossoms, Holly Humberstone, Mimi Webb, The Big Moon, Mychelle and the London International Gospel Choir. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

With a full nationwide UK arena tour to follow in September and October, George will be beginning at Liverpool M&S Bank Arena on 13 September and taking in 11 shows, finishing at Sheffield FlyDSA Arena on 2 October.

Alongside the tour announcement, George has partnered with YouTube Music to be their Sustainability Partner for 2022. He says: “I am conscious that creating, touring and promoting a record has an impact on the environment, so I am delighted to announce I will

be working with YouTube Music as their Sustainability Partner for 2022.

They have very generously provided a significant financial contribution to support a cause of my choosing; this is going to be The National Trust, who are working hard to reverse the decline in nature and reduce the impact of climate change by planting trees and restoring landscapes. Together, we’ll directly use this money to plant 17,000 trees across the UK.” The National Trust has committed to planting or establishing 20 million trees covering an area the size of Birmingham as part of their plan to become net zero by 2030. The carbon benefits from the 17,000 trees will go towards the charity’s own net zero ambitions.

National Trust Director General Hilary McGrady said: “We are enormously grateful to George for this donation, and it serves as an important reminder that only by a collective will and everyone playing their part will we help reverse some of the impacts of climate change and help the nation to reach net zero.

“This gift represents an important step as part of our ambition to try and tackle the effects of climate change. We are planting the trees in the right places to maximise the impact they will have in locking in carbon.”

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New Painting Captures Black Sabbath’s Heavy Metal Bench In Birmingham

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new painting that looks down on the canal over the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street has been created by local artist Paula Gabb.

The artwork captures the view from the Barajee Indian restaurant which lies opposite the ‘heavy metal’ bench and features visitors admiring what has become a major landmark for tourists to Birmingham.

Paula, who is also the founder

of Birmingham Art Zone, has even picked out Westside BID’s logo on the right-hand side of the bench. She said: “I am inspired by my passion in my home city of Birmingham, where the beauty of the historic architecture reminds me of the city’s past.

“This inspires me to capture the city streets and I take a particular interest in the history, local landscapes and landmarks. The Black Sabbath bench has always been one of those things that I

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wanted to capture in a painting and I was thrilled when it was in the view from the Barajee.

“The painting just captures everything I wanted – the length of the canal, the edge of Brindleyplace and the lovely bench which is in such a great spot on the canal bridge.” Paula explained that her work is inspired by how the great impressionism painters captured the light of their images without detail but with bold colours.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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The Mighty Diamond Legacy To Live On JUST FOUR DAYS after lead singer, Donald ‘Tabby Diamond’ Shaw, was killed, Reggae group Mighty Diamonds, lost a second member after singer Fitzroy ‘Bunny Diamond’ Simpson passed away at an undisclosed hospital after a long battle with diabetes.

He had reportedly been battling diabetes for several years.

St. Andrew South Police investigated whether a gang conflict led to the shooting of Shaw, which left two people

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dead including Tabby Diamond, the lead singer of the legendary trio. The 67-year-old, and another man identified as Owen Beckford, were killed when a gunman opened fire on a group outside a shop.

“I can’t deal with this… it’s tough,” said the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA) chair, Frankie Campbell. “Two of the Mighty Diamonds has passed away in four days.

“To lose Tabby and Bunny so close together was a hard thing to deal with.”

ollowing its successful launch last summer, McDonald’s have announced the longawaited return of McSpicy to restaurants across the UK and Ireland from April.

This fans’ favourite features a spicy chicken breast fillet topped with crunchy cool lettuce and mayo between toasted sesame seed buns – it’s a sure-fire hit which will be music to the ears of fans across the nation who have been demanding its return to the menu.

McDonald’s knows that spice is subjective. There are those with mouths of steel who can devour the spiciest of chillies without breaking a sweat – and others who are clamouring for the nearest glass of milk.

To celebrate the iconic burger’s return and encourage people to get involved in the #McSpicyDebate, McDonald’s polled the nation to examine the relationship between these spice lovers and haters and their lifestyle choices revealing thrill-seeking spice

MCSPICY IS BACK AT MCDONALD’S

lovers are more likely to go to bed late, have been fired from a job and travelled to more than 10 countries.

The spice detractors on the other hand are more likely to be

described as the ‘sensible one’ by friends, prefer nights in over a night out and like to go to bed early.

Almost one in three spice lovers were found to brag about how much spice they can tolerate – with Londoners being the worst offenders and the South West the most humble. Spice love also appears to run in your genes with those who like spice being significantly more likely to have spice loving parents. The study of 1,000 British adults also found those who always order the hottest dish are ‘lovers’ in all aspects of life – being significantly more likely to vote Romance films are their favourite.

McSpicy will be joined on the menu by returning favourites including the Grand Big Mac, Grand Big Mac with Bacon, Cheesy Garlic Bites and Flake Raspberry & Flake Chocolate McFlurry for the limited six-week window.

Meet First Guests For London MCM Comic Con

MCM COMIC CON has announced the first guests that will be hitting the London show this Month.

They have reveal that anime royalty and cast of My Hero Academia, actors Justin Briner, Clifford Chapin, Aaron Roberts, Trina Nishamura, Kirsten McGuire and Kyle Phillips will all be meeting and greeting fans for photograph and autograph opportunities.

Ultimate British Pro wrestling champions and stars Bullit, Alexander Roth, Simon Millar, Claudia Bradstone, Charlie Biggs

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and Clive Jackson will be letting guests in on all the top tips and tricks for becoming a wrestling superstar at their exciting panel.

For all the bookworms, literary legends Laura Sebastian, Lucy Holland, Rym Kechacha, T.L. Huchu, Will Carver, Eve Smith, Matt Wesolowski, J.M. Miro and Samantha Shannon will be gracing the MCM floor with exclusive panels and book signings.

And YouTube sensation TomSka will also be joining the star studded line-up, ready to meet and greet fans at his very own booth.

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Girl Power Arrives At Curve Theatre With ‘Aidy The Awesome’ AIDY IS A NORMAL 8-yearold girl… or so she thinks! One day she discovers a family secret that changes everything.

Aidy and her granny embark on an adventure that turns their world upside down at Curve, Leicester from on the weekend of the 30th April. They even begin to question what normal is.

After all, who wants to be normal when you can be SUPER! Aidy the Awesome is a stunning aerial theatre show for all the family to enjoy. Watch the performers literally fly, zoom and spin through the air. Aimed at 3-8 year olds and their families, the show intends to highlight to young women that they too can be strong, resilient and empowered and the superheroes in their own

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing for the City: Join the University Commonwealth Choir

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ocal residents are invited to join students and staff of the University of Birmingham to share and perform music by popular and rock artists connected to the region.

You don’t need to read music, just be ready to sing your heart out and enjoy performing the music of our city.

Choir leader Mariana Rosas will teach you the music from artists including ELO, Black Sabbath, Duran Duran, Laura Mvula, Fine Young Cannibals, and UB40. The choir will perform as part of the annual University Summer Festival of Music in June and will be popping up across the city as the Commonwealth Games approach.

The University of Birmingham Music and Concerts Sing for the City is on now until 14 June, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Elgar Concert Hall, Birmingham.

stories!

Hannah, Director and Creative Producer of Aidy the Awesome said: “We are really excited to be taking Aidy out on tour across the UK after the show was made during the pandemic but is yet to be performed live."

Hannah continued; “According to the Guardian- children’s media and books are packed with gender stereotypes: princesses waiting for Prince Charming, fairies dressed in pink, and heroic characters that are almost invariably male.

“So, we are keen to explore stories in which girls are protagonists in alternative feisty, funny and strong roles. We want to break down the princess archetype and offer young girls different role models to aspire to.”

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

A Year Of Excellence At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London ONE YEAR HAS passed since Rolls-Royce Motor Cars opened the doors to its flagship residence in Mayfair and in that time Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London has offered media, patrons and friends of RollsRoyce truly unforgettable experiences both at the residence and at a number of noteworthy locations across the UK. From exclusive parties and events, to showcasing the pinnacle of contemporary craft for London Craft Week, RollsRoyce Motor Cars London has enjoyed a remarkable first year in its new location, in Berkeley Street, W1.

Part of the ongoing success of Rolls-Royce is its in depth understanding the unique world in which its clients live.

Rolls-Royce clientele are part of an illustrious community that only expects the best of the best from the brands they interact with, and Rolls-Royce takes great pride in knowing all their clients personally.

The company’s relationship with clients goes above and beyond a mere transaction, gradually becoming, a hyperpersonalised, close relationship characterised by high-touch encounters and memorable experiences, during which clients are invited to draw closer to the brand.

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V12 Vantage Returns

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or fifteen years the V12 Vantage has boldly represented Aston Martin’s passion for performance. Fast and fierce in equal measure, successive iterations of these great cars have formed an iconic bloodline.

One built around the premise of fitting the most compact and driver-focussed model with the largest and most potent series production engine. With

this unique lineage nearing its end, Aston Martin is proud to introduce the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically accomplished of them all; the new V12 Vantage.

With production of the V12 Vantage strictly limited to 333 examples globally, this final edition celebrates the end of an epic era in fitting style. The ultimate expression of extreme performance and driver-focussed thrills, this remarkable machine

mixes blistering straightline speed and scintillating handling with spectacular looks and enviable exclusivity: An extremely enticing proposition.

So enticing, that since V12 Vantage was confirmed in December last year, Aston Martin have seen unprecedented demand for this future icon with all examples sold ahead of release and an oversubscribed register of interest eagerly waiting in the wings.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers, said of the V12 Vantage: “Every great sportscar brand has a hero car.

For Aston Martin in more recent years that car has been the V12 Vantage. Right from the moment the first V12 Vantage RS Concept was shown back in 2007 our customers and fans around the world fell in love with the idea of fitting our biggest engine into our smallest and most sporting model. The recipe has

been refined over the years with great success, but the essence has remained the same. Now it is time to bring this bloodline to a close, fittingly with the most spectacular example yet – the fastest, most powerful and most dynamically capable V12 Vantage ever. A celebration of its forebears and an embodiment of Aston Martin’s intensifying focus on driving dynamics, it ensures the V12 Vantage goes out on the highest of highs”.

UK’s First Full-Sized Autonomous Bus Takes To The Roads

THE UK’S first full-sized autonomous bus will take to the roads of Scotland for the first time this week as live testing begins for project CAVForth.

Stagecoach, in partnership with Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis and Transport Scotland, will be carrying out on-road testing* of the autonomous bus over the next two weeks in preparation for the launch of the CAVForth pilot service in late summer.

The Project CAVForth pilot, which is jointly funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) will see five single-deck autonomous buses operating at SAE Level 4 over the Forth Road Bridge between

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Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Fife and the Edinburgh Park Train and Tram interchange.

The buses are fitted with Fusion Processing’s ground-breaking sensor and control technology, CAVstar, that enables them to run on pre-selected roads without the safety driver having to intervene or take control.

The buses will provide a service capable of carrying up to 36 passengers over the 14 miles across the bridge, with capacity for over 10,000 passengers a week.

The on-road testing in Scotland follows successful depot-based trials, track testing and virtual simulation where the buses have been put through their paces to fine tune the autonomous drive systems.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2022 - Page 29

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COVENTRY PETROL HEADS JOIN SCRAP HEAP FUNDRAISER TO MONTE CARLO

A

pair of driving enthusiasts from Coventry are again joining real life Wacky Racers from across the UK on this summer's Monte Carlo or Bust Rally and are encouraging like-minded thrill seekers to join them at the start line.

Mark Clements and Georgina Peters will be burning rubber in a car worth less than £500 for over 1000 miles to Monte Carlo via France, Switzerland and Italy in a Top Gear-style challenge.

The world famous rally challenges car enthusiasts to source a banger car for less than £500 and take part in a variety of hilarious challenges along the way competing for points and prizes.

Teams are encouraged to raise money for a local charity of their choice and can share their progress with supporters back home via live GPS tracking.

Inspired by the classic Paramount film, the 3-day crusade will see over 100 of the finest British bangers celebrate the end of travel restrictions related to the pandemic by visiting some of Europe's most exciting locations and experience spectacular roads with backdrops of sun, sea, sand and snow. Participants in the last event in 2019 event raised over £150,000 for UK charities.

Mark comments: “We first took part in the event in 2019, racing our beautiful banger all

CAR COLOUR names are becoming so ridiculous, that Brits can’t tell the difference between their Norfolk Mustards and their Elephant Breaths.

And even as BMW unveiled its colour changing concept at CES in Las Vegas, consumers still can’t distinguish between a car colour and a decorative paint.

A survey by Leasing. com research found that the descriptions provided by automotive manufacturers have become so ethereal as to become baffling.

Almost two thirds (61%) think Norfolk Mustard is a wall paint, when in fact it’s a colour developed by Lotus for its sports cars.

More than half (54%) believe the same for Mystic Olive Green, one of Hyundai’s palettes. Other examples include BMW’s Thunder Night (67% guessed incorrectly that it was a wall paint) and Lexus’ Truffle Mica

MOTORS

Colossal 6x6 Hennessey Mammoth Thunders Off Production Line HENNESSEY, THE Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and highperformance vehicle creator, has started building its biggest ever truck, the 1,012 bhp, 283-inch (719 cm) long Hennessey Mammoth 1000 6x6 TRX. At almost seven feet high and 88 inches wide, the enormous 6x6 pickup truck dwarfs ordinary cars and trucks.

It has the power to match its presence, with Hennessey’s engineers boosting performance of the stock Dodge Ram TRX engine by more than 300 horsepower to 1,012 bhp. The torque needed to propel the monster truck is enhanced similarly, totaling 969 lb-ft (1,314 Nm) after a 319 lb-ft (433 Nm) uplift by Hennessey.

Alongside performance upgrades, the new truck features a mountain of off-road kit from locking rear axles and Bilstein suspension, to 20-inch wheels clad in 37-inch off-road tires.

The 6x6 Mammoth builds on the base Ram TRX adding a third axle, extending the truck’s length by more than four feet and creating a cavernous load-space.

the way to Monte Carlo and she didn't miss a beat.

"We're back this year and laying down the challenge to the good people of Coventry to join us on another amazing adventure.

“This is a brilliant opportunity

to get your team into gear and experience some of the greatest roads in Europe in some of worst cars from the UK!" The Monte Carlo or Bust Rally takes place in June 2022 and more information can be found on the event website.

A Shade Too Far?

also saw 46% baffled and bemused.

BMW recently announced its new concept car, the iX Flow, which has the ability to literally change colours.

The ‘E ink’ technology is specially designed within a body wrap of the car allowing for seamless colour changes.

Katherine Templar Lewis, Creative Neurologists, says that however fancy some of the colours become, everyday drivers choose vehicle colours based on how they as individuals want to be perceived by society.

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Rosalía announces her Motomami World Tour GRAMMY AND EIGHTTIME Latin Grammy-award winning artist Rosalía has announced her first ever global outing – Motomami World Tour – a massive 46 show run across 15 countries this year.

Produced by Live Nation, the Motomami World Tour kicks off in July in Almería, Spain at Recinto Ferial de Almeria making stops in Barcelona, Madrid, Mexico City, São Paulo, Santiago, New York, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, Amsterdam, London and more before wrapping in Paris, France at Accor Arena on December 18th.

The tour will celebrate her highly acclaimed new album Motomami and, along with many of her already well-known groundbreaking hits, bring its vision to life, for fans around the world. After an intensive threeyear creative process filled with incredible attention to artistic

detail, and wide global media picks that already established it as “One of the Most Anticipated Albums of 2022,” it delivered an expansive, out of the box album that looks to erase previous conventional lines defining different cultures, genres, gender roles and more – providing a deeply personal modern musical duality self portrait of a strong, innovative, and proudly feminine young woman taking us on a seductive and multifaceted musical journey.

The album’s March 18th release was met with an immense ‘Five Star” critical response; “A Masterpiece… One of the most ambitious albums of the decade — regardless of genre… The most thrilling, forward-thinking music we’re likely to hear all year”… representing what is new and exciting about pop music.”

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The West Midlands revealed as a region of crime and police TV show lovers

W

hether it’s Line of Duty or Luther, residents in the West Midlands have confessed that crime and police dramas are their number one pick when streaming TV shows.

The findings, as revealed

by TalkTalk, showed that the region might be lacking a touch of romance, as only a fifth (19 per cent) admitted to watching romantic comedies with their partner. However, despite their lacking desire to watch rom coms, more than half (57 per cent) of people surveyed said they enjoy watching TV with their partners every day.

TV streaming fans in Solihull will be pleased to know that TalkTalk’s ultrafast, ultra-reliable Future Fibre packages are now available in the local area from only £32 a month - saving £431 vs BT, Virgin Media, and EE over 18 months. This is a real gamechanger for busy households, as Future Fibre users can stream all their favourite shows in ultra-HD without the hassle of the picture quality dropping or loading wheel appearing - even with multiple

people online, as 75 devices can be connected at once.

Becki Smith, General Manager of Future Fibre at TalkTalk, said: “Modern households are now full of tech that requires ultrafast and ultra-reliable connectivity, so we’re delighted to bring the UK’s latest full fibre and Wi-Fi 6 technology to residents in Solihull with our new Future Fibre and Amazon eero packages.”

Future Fibre uses the UK’s

fastest, most reliable technology.

With speeds right up to 900Mb/s, it’s up to 23x faster than standard fibre.

Standard fibre runs partially through old copper cables via a roadside green cabinet, whereas full fibre broadband connects directly to the home, meaning it isn’t affected by factors such as the weather. All Future Fibre plans include at least one award-winning Amazon eero 6 series mesh Wi-Fi

device to support superior speeds, boost efficiency and tackle WiFi blank spots so users can enjoy streaming from anywhere in the house.

The full fibre expansion across Solihull is being undertaken in conjunction with CityFibre and Openreach to deliver the latest broadband technology to customers.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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WELcoming the return of insomnia!

I nsomnia Gaming Festival roared back to Birmingham’s NEC last month, providing a one-stop shop for gaming, merchandise, tech, cosplay and community.

Unfortunately with the covid pandemic still a very fresh memory, Insomnia 68 couldn’t hold a candle to it’s last outing, Insomnia 65. While there was still a lot to do and see over the 4 days it took over the NEC, everything was scaled down, and felt less grand than the last outing.

That being said, #i68 was still a great festival, with some killer indie titles on show including

CrossPlanet, and a number of newer games including Lego Star Was: The Skywalker Saga and Mario Party Superstars.

Virtual Reality made a splash at i68, with even the British Army and Navy having a presence once again this year, the former coming equipped with a full size actual tank! Usage of Oculus Quest headsets for the Army, and an Oculus Rift S for the Navy gave access to a number of great VR titles, including the Navy’s flight simulator.

Beyond the show floor, Insomnia is a giant LAN party where you can bring your own computer and play, including a number of multiplayer games as

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2022 - Page 31

ENTERTAINMENT

groups available, and a handful of tournaments.

It’s not just for digital gamers either, Tabletop gaming had a large presence with spaces for playing as well as purchasing a wide range of games.

One of the great aspects of Gaming Festivals like Insomnia is the chance to meet up with friends, clans, guilds and content creators, from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and more, and there were a number of great meet and greets with some of the hottest talent.

Insomnia 69 (nice) will be from the 26-28th August 2022, and tickets are available now for the ‘SUMMER OF #i69!’

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2022

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Fantastic Negrito Delivers An Urgent Message On American Identity And Perseverance FANTASTIC NEGRITO (neé Xavier Dphrepaulezz) reveals “Trudoo,” the “chase scene” in the movie that is his forthcoming visual album White Jesus Black Problems, out June 3 via Storefront Records.

On the third single from his multi-media project, the threetime Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and activist finds himself reflecting on the part of the human mind and spirit that wants to survive in spite of everything.

White Jesus Black Problems is based on the true story of Negrito’s seventh-generation white Scottish grandmother (Grandma Gallamore), an indentured servant, living in a common-law marriage with his seventh-generation African American enslaved grandfather (Grandfather Courage); in open defiance of the racist, separatist, laws of 1750s colonial Virginia.

‘Trudoo’' is a song of celebration.

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It’s about being cheered on by the voices of your ancestors and loved ones in your mind. Negrito is deeply linked to his seventh-gen grandparents, despite the apparent distance and time that separates them; their voices still aid him from succumbing to the negative forces in this world telling him to give up or let himself down.

T

he Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling bands of all time, have today announced UK and European Autumn dates for their DNA World Tour.

The announcement includes a huge run of shows across Germany and a very special UK exclusive date at The O2, London. The group last performed for audiences across Europe in 2019, selling over 350K tickets. Produced by Live Nation, the DNA World Tour will kick off on the Las Vegas Strip this weekend with four shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on April 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th.

To help people forced to flee their homes in Ukraine and supporting the extraordinary examples of solidarity shown across the world, Backstreet Boys will contribute a portion of ticket sales from their DNA World Tour 2022 to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This contribution will protect and assist refugees and displaced people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

The band also released the first episode of their new docu-series Making Of The DNA Tour, giving fans an inside look of

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Backstreet Boys announce UK & European dates for DNA World Tour 2022

the preparation for their highlyanticipated world tour.

DNA World Tour 2022 (Europe + UK) 03/10 - Lisbon, Portugal – Altice Arena 04/10 - Madrid, Spain - WiZink Center 06/10 - Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jori 09/10 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome 12/10 - Berlin, Germany -

Mercedes-Benz Arena 15/10 - Hannover, Germany ZAG Arena 18/10 - Mannheim, Germany SAP Arena 20/10 - Munich, Germany Olympiahalle 22/10 - Bologna, Italy - Unipol Arena 25/10 - Hamburg, Germany Barclays 27/10 - Zurich, Switzerland Hallenstadion

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29/10 - Krakow, Poland Tauron Arena 30/10 - Leipzig, Germany QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA 31/10 - Cologne, Germany Lanxess Arena 02/11 - Budapest, Hungary Budapest Sports Arena 04/11 - Dortmund, Germany Westfalenhallen 06/11 – London, UK - The O2