Street Cred Magazine - October 2022

Birmingham Comedy Festival

2022 line-up announced

Birmingham Comedy Festival is back this autumn with over 80 performances across 10 days. The long-running multi-award-winning festival runs from Friday 7 to Sunday 16 October 2022 with a mirthfilled line-up that includes stand-up comedy, improv, theatre, podcasts, magic, and more.

Highlights include appearances from Britain's Got Talent 2022 winner Axel Blake (Oct 16, Alexandra Theatre), the West End production of hit musical Sister Act (Oct 4-15, Birmingham Hippodrome), and Austentatious (Oct 8-9, The Old Rep), the improvised play inspired by the works of Jane Austen, and starring some of the UK's best improvisers.

Meanwhile, Troy Hawke (Oct

12), Dan Nightingale (Oct 1315), and Helen Bauer (Oct 12) all head to The Glee Club, and Birmingham Rep host Tartuffe (Oct 14-Nov 5), a contemporary update of Molière's 17th century classic adapted by BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning writers Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (The Office, Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No.42, Citizen Khan), and directed by Iqbal Khan (Artistic Director of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony).

Other highlights include the return of the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award (Oct 7, The Glee Club), the region's most prestigious comedy prize, and 2x Free HalfDayers (Oct 9 and 16) featuring 16 acts over consecutive Sundays at two city-centre venues (Cherry

Reds and The Victoria). Those appearing include rising star Celya AB, duo Good Kids, Andy Robinson, Mary Flanigan and Aaron Twitchen.

Other acts appearing across the festival include 'German comedy ambassador' Henning Wehn (Oct 7-8, Birmingham Town Hall), Brum improv group Jumprov! (Oct 8, Birmingham Hippodrome), podcasters A Gay And A Nongay (Oct 8, Mockingbird Cinema) and GingerBeardMark (Oct 16, Mockingbird Cinema), and Simon Munnery (Oct 13, The Irish Centre), while the Kamikaze Club bring a dozen shows to 1000 Trades, including Danny Clives, Tom Mayhew, Alex Hylton and Eric Rushton. And for fans of classic film comedy, there's a special themed Laurel and Hardy screening at West Midlands

Police Museum (Oct 14) too. A spokesperson for the festival said: "After our hugely successful yet slightly scaled back festival last year, 2022 sees us back to full strength with a fantastic fest' that features loads of great shows.

"There's some big names, but the festival also continues to spotlight some of the very best talent coming out of the city and the West Mids. We're also hosting more free/ pay what you want shows this year than ever before."

Established in 2001, Birmingham Comedy Festival is the UK's second longest-running comedy festival, and is one of the largest independent unfunded arts festivals in the West Midlands. Birmingham Comedy Festival runs from Friday 7 to Sunday 16 October 2022.

Coming This HalloweenHocus Pocus in Concert - Film with Live Orchestra UK Tour

THE ICONIC Disney film “Hocus Pocus” will be presented live in concert for the first time in the UK in October 2022 with a nationwide tour.

The perfect Halloween treat, Hocus Pocus in Concert will feature a screening of the complete film with Emmy-winning composer John Debney’s musical score performed live to the spooky classic film. Kicking off at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 23rd October before hitting Manchester, Birmingham, London and finishing up at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on Friday 28th.

“Hocus Pocus” tells the story of three witches who are

accidentally brough back to life in Salem on Halloween night. Known as the Sanderson sisters, they attempt to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life. They are outwitted by a boy, Max Dennison, his young sister, Dani, and his girlfriend, Allison, and aided by a boy, Thackery Binx, who had been changed into a cat for trying to interfere with the witches centuries earlier.

Released on July 16, 1993 and directed by Kenny Ortega, the film stars Bette Midler (Winifred), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah), Kathy Najimy (Mary), Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), Vinessa Shaw (Allison).

Birmingham Royal Ballet announces season programme

Hot off the heels of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s triple bill On Your Marks! presented as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival and Birmingham 2022 Festival, and the critically acclaimed run of Carlos Acosta’s new production of Don Quixote, which toured the UK earlier this year, the company turns its attention to a busy autumn/ winter schedule that balances a contemporary and classical repertoire to create a season with something for everyone.

Carlos said: “Twenty Twenty two has been such an exciting time for the company. We were delighted to bring our Don Quixote to packed houses at Birmingham Hippodrome and more recently twelve of our dancers performed at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony - after which the company is now taking a wellearned break.

“But everyone will hit the ground running on their return as we look forward to presenting our ambitious triple bill Into

The Music in the city. It’s been my ambition to programme this triple bill ever since I joined the company, and it will showcase some of the most important contemporary and classic choreographers so I’m very excited to share it here in Birmingham. We have a revival of Sir Peter Wright’s sublime Coppélia and although temperatures are rising - we are also turning our attention

to The Nutcracker, which has undergone a major refurbishment to make it even more luxurious for Birmingham.

“We also look forward to some very exciting announcements in this period for the 23/24 season. Watch this space!”

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s autumn triple bill celebrates the marriage of music and movement. UK and World premieres and

rarely seen work in this unmissable mixed programme, with each piece set to a major orchestral score performed live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. The programme, at Birmingham Hippodrome, includes: ‘Into The Music’ (2122 October) ‘Coppélia’ (26-29 October) and ‘The Nutcracker’ (19 November-10 December).

Alice D Shares Her New EP ‘Into The Light’ - Out Now

ALICE D HAS released her brand new EP ‘Into The Light’. The rising London artist’s previous singles, ‘Nervous’ and ‘Passion’, have seen Alice highlighted by Wonderland, The Voice, FAULT, Noctis, the Sunday Mirror and more, while also picking up airplay as a BBC Introducing Spotlight Artist.

Bookended by two mood-setting instrumentals, the EP feels like a journey of discovery in which Alice has learned more about herself every step of the way. The EP’s halfway highlight, ‘Protect My Light’, unifies nostalgic R&B and lilting island rhythms as Alice explores the need to eliminate toxic friendships from her life to keep her own energy pure.

DISNEY’S The Lion King RETURNS TO BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

The Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland and Birmingham Hippodrome have announced that Disney’s The Lion King will return to the Hippodrome next summer.

The internationally acclaimed production will come to Birmingham for 10 weeks from Thursday 6 July to Saturday 16 September 2023. Priority tickets will be available from 11am Tuesday 11 October*. The general sale will begin at 11am on Friday 14 October.

The show returns to Birmingham for the first time since 2013, when it enjoyed a triumphant sell out run.

Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jon Gilchrist said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome The Lion King to Birmingham Hippodrome for an amazing ten week run next Summer.

"It’s such an iconic production and we’re really proud that we can bring this internationally renowned

show to the West Midlands as part of our stellar season next year.”

The story of The Lion King leaps into life using spectacular masks, puppets and costumes to tell the story of Simba's epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese).

The Lion King is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

The previous tour of The Lion King broke attendance records across the nation. Since the UK premiere in 1999, The Lion King London has entertained more than 16 million theatregoers and is the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of

designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time.

Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to The Lion King, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement.

The Lion King was the first musical Taymor directed in the commercial theatre and she made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for Best Director of a Musical.

Scenic design is by British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder.

Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who codirected the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers. As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the awardwinning score of the animated film.

The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.

Food & Fine Dining

HOW A BAHAMIAN CHEF IS EMPOWERING OTHERS

Chef Chanté Basden, an alumna of the U.S. State Department’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, rebuilt her bakery and supported her community after Hurricane Dorian in 2019. She serves mouth-watering guava cream cheese Danish pastries at her Bahamas Tastiest Bakery.

But yummy pastries are far from her only passion. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) alumna also uses her cooking and entrepreneurial skills to support her community of Abaco, an island in The Bahamas.

While Basden has fond childhood memories of learning to cook with her grandma, her passion for helping others was born out of crisis. In 2019, as Hurricane Dorian approached, she baked and distributed bread until the storm hit Abaco.

Dorian destroyed much of the island, including her family bakery. Yet she says she resolved to turn the setback into an opportunity. “Instead of allowing that to defeat me,” Basden says, she felt resilient. “I thought, ‘Chanté, you’re bigger than this storm.’”

Seen at her Bahamas Tastiest Bakery, she is one of more than 280 women who have participated in AWE in The Bahamas. Now she uses her cooking skills, as well as the business strategies she learned through the U.S. State Department’s AWE program, to

help those around her.

She started a fund to feed the hungry and teaches simple, cost-effective recipes that help others produce their own bread or other food — important skills when COVID-19 supply chain disruptions mean rising food prices. At her Chef Store, a second business Chanté launched to provide restaurants with ingredients and other supplies, she instructs her female staff on how to run a business.

“If you don’t have a plan, you plan to fail,” she says. Chanté learned to instruct others on entrepreneurship in part through AWE, which gives women the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

More than 16,000 women in 80 countries have participated, including over 280 in The Bahamas. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau also has forged partnerships with local institutions to support long-term female entrepreneurship.

The Small Business Development Centre, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, and the Bahamas Development Bank have all supported the AWE program in The Bahamas. These chocolate cupcakes with blackberry compote helped get Bahamas Tastiest Bakery back on its feet after Hurricane Dorian.

(Courtesy of Chanté Basden)

As she works confidently

toward selling her products internationally, she says her AWE experience and network has prepared her to grow her business

and other passions. “Once you’ve completed the AWE program, it’s like you’re set for life,” Chanté says. “It’s an investment in you.”

Bottega Gold awarded two Gold medals in India

On 16 July at the Spiritz Selection Awards 2002, India's most prestigious competition dedicated to wines and spirits, Bottega Gold was awarded a Gold medal for wine quality and a Grand Gold medal for wine quality and packaging.

The award ceremony was held in New Delhi at The Leela Palace hotel, which belongs to an Indian luxury hotel chain.

from the vinification of Glera grapes from Valdobbiadene. This area is located near the Veneto Pre-Alps and is characterised by a perfect climate for this native grape variety.

Smurfette, Papa Smurf, Blossom and the extended Smurfs family are welcomed into McDonald’s restaurants across the UK and Ireland with the latest Happy Meal promotion.

Launching on 7th September and available until 18th October, the Smurfs Happy Meal experience will give every child the chance to bring out their inner Smurf

and explore their creativity. Each limited-edition Smurf Happy Meal consists of either a Smurfs plush toy or one of two books, ‘The Litterbug Smurf’ and ‘Farmer Smurf and the Weeds’. The books also contain fun activities such as spot the difference, crack the code, crosswords and more.

Each box will also include a life-hack card with fun activity suggestions, from making a

treasure chest using an egg carton to creating a watering can from a milk bottle. All designed to

encourage children to repurpose everyday items and breathe new life into them.

To further bring the Happy Meal world to life, Smurf-style, there will be scannable QR codes on the toy packaging leading to life-hack videos on the McDonald’s Family Hub. Available for £3, a Happy Meal contains a choice of Fish Fingers, Chicken McNuggets or Veggie Dippers with an Apple & Grapefruit Bag, or Carrot Bag side, plus, drink options including water, milk, or Fruit Shoot.

Bottega Gold is a Prosecco DOC wine of great aromatic intensity, characterised by a bottle with an unmistakable golden livery, created with an exclusive metallisation process, thanks to which the gold colour becomes an integral part of the external surface of the glass.

Distinctive and original, it has become an icon of taste appreciated worldwide as an expression of the best Made in Italy.

Various attempts at imitation have not undermined the success of the original, but on the contrary have helped to spread its fame. This wine is distributed in wine shops, lounge bars, hotels and duty free outlets at major airports.

Characteristics: Bottega Gold is a Prosecco Doc Brut, obtained

The vineyards are located in a hilly area, in an area of absolute scenic value and great winegrowing tradition. The grapes are harvested by hand and then gently pressed in the cellar. The must thus obtained is kept in steel containers at a low temperature to preserve its freshness.

This is followed by fermentation in autoclaves for almost 40 days at a controlled temperature of 14-15° C with the addition of selected yeasts (Charmat method).

Bottega Gold is characterised by distinct fruity aromas of apple, pear and exotic fruit and a fresh flavour with a dry, fruity aftertaste. Perfect as an aperitif, it lends itself well to the preparation of tasty cocktails (Bellini, Rossini).

It is also a sparkling wine for the whole meal: from starters to first courses of all types and fish main courses. The packaging is completed by the special label, the shape of which recalls the foam of the newly uncorked wine.

WHAT HAPPENED IN EDGY VEDGE STAYS A VEGAN FOODGASM EXPERIENCE

By Dee Burrowes

Strange though it may seem, in times gone by a catalogue of the finest vegan restaurants in the Cayman Islands would have been agonisingly slender.

In relation to culinary trends, consuming a vegan diet which eliminates meat and animal products have seen an appreciable boom over the past few years.

Talk about the lovely dishes on the menu at the Edgy Vedge has certainly gotten you in the palm of their hands. With its effortless

yet sophisticated ambience this speciality eatery is leaving no stone unturned.

Right at this time, where there has been a great deal of savour experimentation, even the most finicky of customers need ingenious haute cuisine escapades.

It cannot be consumed only on flavour and pleasing to the eyes garnishing skills any longer. In this day and age, it’s of the essence to arouse hearing, mind and sight –the gastronomic adventure to be had.

Veganism and plant based lifestyle

has soared, much to the approval of many athletes, celebrities and a plethora of media influencers are musing compliments of a more holistic perspective. Comparably, needless to say, the trend shares similarities with meditation, yoga and wellbeing habits that have heightened in cyberspace fired up by mavens.

It is of no surprise that veganism has swiftly ballooned through the roof to become more mainstream. What a piece of cake it is, to glide yourself around the world as one continues to keep going

and consuming fully plant-based. No shortage of brilliant vegan restaurants that are resolute to satisfying your vegan taste buds and doing so well.

The Edgy Vedge has just opened its very own vegan restaurant in the heart of George Town, Grand Cayman – Camana Bay to be exact. Us vegans couldn’t be more excited - this place was a beautiful surprise. The location evokes a sense of decorum. Food for every mood exists on the menu. An emotional sensation - a foodgasm resulting five minutes into the meal, somewhat deeply spiritual flaunting how delectable, nutrients-filled, versatile and wholesome vegan food is in actual fact.

‘As the name implies this is a feeling of euphoria that occurs when food is consumed that gives pure mental happiness transforming flavoursome and tasteful bites.’

And that’s Foodgasm. Having a dose of foodgasm is the real deal at the Edgy Vedge - insanely delicious admittedly.

Armed with a brilliant idea, from an at home baked banana bread during the pandemic that was deliciously mastered into a mouthwatering quick bread to what is now a vegan inspired restaurant.

The concept came into being with huge admiration in May 2020 as Sian and Christina (now proud owners) started sharing vegan delicacies.

It was the start of what is to come from Christina's amazing vegan banana bread, action was put into motion and The Edgy Vedge was delivered not without the braxton hicks and labour pains that came with starting a new business.

What the restaurant is today is a masterpiece of culinary exposure to creating unforgettable moments in the kitchen right to the table of ravenous diners.

Who doesn't love a great meal? It’s an indispensable bonding

element of celebrating, laughing, working and being able to do many things around the food table. As we all need food to sustain ourselves.

At the Edgy Vedge, you are summoned to go by and explore where great taste meets fantastic vibe. The food is authentic, succulent and made with the highest quality of ingredients.

Once you’ve tried it for yourself, there will be an awakened palate, finger licking and clean your plate deep south choir singing hallelujah moment.

It’s a validation that the satisfying tasty cauliflower wings are a must have ultimate vegan hack that were immensely flavourful, tenderly marinated and you will devour the second they are placed in front of you.

The Mediterranean ‘must have’ pizza had the same yummy effect with a crispy crust topped with freshly baked whole plant ingredients and is super healthy.

Suffice to say, with garden fresh, vibrant flavours at every angle, even the old-school carnivores will have a jolly good time at the Edgy Vedge.

It’s a reality of how the restaurant industry has changed consumer’s behaviour quite often as fads come and go however plant-based options are here to stay and flourish.

We look forward to a full dining experience with the perfect ambience of the restaurant. The vibe of the Edgy Vedge is something

the restaurant industry.

I caught up with the owners for a few moments by sheer chance I was introduced to them who shared their optimism of the restaurant.

It’s very gratifying as this spot strives to be on par with the best kind of vegan cuisine where there is a warm reception to pop in and be cozy.

Very blessed to be having a life on this diverse island then out of blue and bang up on the scene an emerging concept or nouvelle cuisine that in all respects remains unbelievable.

Regardless of economic awkwardness - the surging market price of consumer goods, food, rent, interest rates and with the cost of living increases.

Despite the constraint on us and purse strings - restaurateurs and passionate foodies are regaining their feet to the defiance of opening a new restaurant post pandemic.

As new restaurants open it surely displays the dazzling outlook of a hospitality industry flooded with artistry and dexterity. Restaurateurs are elated to be accepting more and more customers.

It can be a doggy dog world, out there for fresh faced new restaurant however with Internationally award winning Executive Vegan Chef Doug McNish hailing from Toronto on the local dining scene there is no fear whatsoever.

With his skills to work, the act as a result will have on our plates

astounding that cannot be measured – at best felt by its many patrons. All things being equal, a jubilant team sets the tone that customers have noticed the minute they walk into the restaurant.

Courtesy was the order of the day extended with politeness and sound mannerisms that the staff showed towards the incoming guests.

Everyone appreciates a pleasant reception and a generous hospitality upon entrance – that was a prelude dished out (literally). Such a hallmark, first touch point in forming a profound good impression.

The eatery prides themselves on quality of service with a smile that has shaped the perception of whoever enters the establishment.

Still in their early days, with the lifting of travel restrictions for unvaccinated travellers to the Cayman Islands which gives more scope for more bumps on seats for

enticing food with signs that include becoming weak in the knees. It makes you want to talk about pleasurable experience in every scrumptious bite from each dish prepared.

Admittedly, it is the pull of the aroma and the sharpness as a tack of chefmanship with the finest and greatest culinary experience.

Even though life is slowly but surely picking up speed to make a full recovery from the pandemic - it has been a taxing couple of years for many restaurants and foodservice businesses.

Restaurants, similar to the Edgy Vedge concept will have to reevaluate their business module and strategy to make room for customer experiences and innovativeness to keep their head above water.

Fostering the diversity of food comes with cultivating a course of actions that relates to the authentic brand which is fundamental for the restaurant.

To sum it all up the Edgy Vedge business model will need to take full advantage of an omnichannel dipping into multiple revenue streams.

We are bright-eyed and bushytailed to discover what this spot continues to come up with. This vegan restaurant on island should be pencilled on your list of goto restaurants where contriving dining, superb service and a soothing atmosphere are assured is definitely The Edgy Vedge.

Natalyah Brings The Soca-Pop Vibes With New Love Song

THERE NO slowing down for Trinidad-born, Swiss Soca-Pop sensation Natalyah who follows up her 2022 Power Soca track ‘Proper’ (which took her all the way to the finals of the 2022 Europe United Kingdom Soca Monarch competition) with the rhythmic and melodic single ‘By Your Side’.

‘By Your Side’ is a unique love song with singable and relatable lyrics.

Unlike her previous high-energy, up-tempo 2022 release, this new song features a more laid back production style with Tropical, Pop & Dance music influences and a versatility which makes it suitable for both the radio and the dancefloor.

Natalyah who is on a constant mission to break down barriers for Caribbean music within the European market recently represented for the culture as a finalist in the EUKSM competition during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee festivities in England. Although she did not take home the title, she had a fun and fulfilling experiencing networking and supporting her fellow artistes and of course putting Soca music on that major international platform.

Romesh Ranganathan announces ‘Hustle’ tour STARTING IN 2024

Romesh Ranganathan has announced a short UK and Ireland tour for 2024.

The stand-up and sitcom star will embark on his Hustle tour in at the end of April 2024, with dates at major venues in Brighton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, London, Birmingham and Manchester.

A ubiquitous figure for anyone who owns a television, fronting The Weakest Link, Avoidance, Rob & Romesh Vs, The Misadventures Of Romesh Ranganathan, the breakout comedy star is the busiest man in show business and will play a

variety of big venues, so expect these tickets for the UK's favourite curmudgeon to sell out fast.

The comedian and presenter has confirmed 10 dates performing his new show, that runs between April 26 and June 8, and includes gigs at The O2 in London, the International Arena (CIA) in Cardiff, Utilita Arena in Birmingham and AO Arena in Manchester.

The announcement comes after Romesh wrapped up his last tour, The Cynic’s Mixtape, in his hometown of Crawley this August.

MCM Comic Con Announces All-star Guests

THE STAND-OUT new guests appearing at MCM Comic Con this autumn have been revealed, as, brand new for MCM London 2022, the iconic Anthony Daniels, best known for playing the much loved C-3PO in all of the Star Wars episodes will be appearing across all three days at MCM London Comic Con.

Anthony will be meeting and greeting fans for exclusive photograph and autograph opportunities.

The first guests that will be appearing at MCM Birmingham Comic Con have also just been announced…

American actor and Golden Globe winner, the one and only Hellboy Ron Perlman will be appearing at MCM Birmingham on Saturday and Sunday.

Best known for cult classic

film and TV shows including Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy and Pacific Rim, Ron will be chatting to fans, posing for photos and signing autographs too.

Incredible additions to the hotly anticipated line-up are none other than WWE champions and formidable female fighters, Mickie James and Trish Stratus.

Both Mickie and Trish will be appearing all weekend at MCM Birmingham demonstrating their unbeatable knock out ringside moves and revealing tips and tricks on the world of WWE.

For the Anime fans, look no further…incredible actors Sonny Strait and Luci Christian best known for hugely popular series including ultimate superhero anime My Hero Academia, the fantastic One Piece and arguably Sonny’s most prolific role to

date, Dragon Ball Z, will be entertaining the Birmingham con and meeting fans across the full weekend.

MCM London Comic Con will be taking place at ExCeL London on 28th - 30th October. MCM

Birmingham Comic Con will be taking place at NEC Birmingham on 11th - 13th November.

VX Duse Shares His New Single ‘Spinnin’

BEING BORN and raised in south London to a family with Colombian heritage provides the basis for VX Duse’s genre-dabbling music.

On one hand, Duse was inspired by the varied sounds of London: UK drill from his near neighbours 67 and the buzzing new crop of trap and R&B artists.

But on the other he has been embedded in Latin American sounds since birth, with Panamanian legend Rubén Blades and salsa trailblazers Fania All-Stars booming from the family stereo. That rich, cultural mix of influences is infused in VX Duse’s new single ‘Spinnin’.

‘Spinnin’ opens with VX Duse’s vocal drifting atmospherically over a beefy bassline and brusque alt-R&B beats, creating a laidback after party vibe. He then hits harder with the hook, layering his falsetto with a pitch-shifted vocal harmony as MG’sproduction swells in intensity. "

The Bros Landreth Announce UK Tour

ALTERNATIVE CANADIAN

duo The Bros. Landreth will be touring their acclaimed new album ‘Come Morning’ around the UK in September 2022.

The tour will kick off on 1st September with the band’s biggest UK show to date at the legendary Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Other venues around the country include the likes of the iconic Thekla in Bristol, Derby’s The Venue and the Academy 3 in Manchester. Scotland and Wales will also see shows in Glasgow and Narberth, respectively.

The most immersive, emotive record of the Landreths' career, ‘Come Morning’ finds brothers

Joey and Dave lacing their melody-driven songs with layers of atmospheric synth, organ, and textured guitar.

The group's previous albums shone a light on their strength as a live act, capturing the spontaneity and sonic stomp of a band of hardtouring road warriors, while ‘Come Morning’ sketches a markedly different picture, showcasing the introspection and clarity that comes with a long period of rest.

The album has been winning acclaim from the likes of MOJO Magazine, Guitarist, Maverick Magazine, Americana UK and many more, plus radio support from BBC Radio 2.

EGX RETURNS WITH A

Thousands of gamers descended onto London's ExCel on the last weekend of September, as the industry came together for one of, if not the biggest gaming shows in the country, EGX.

Returning to close to full strength following a lackluster first outing since the pandemic, the halls were heaving on the Saturday, however with a lack of big AAA titles to draw the masses, it felt rather empty.

Gone were the massive areas for Playstation, XBox and Nintendo

of yesteryear, replaced with a few bigger titles, House Flipper 2, Sonic Frontiers and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Beta, taking up the largest amount of floorspace.

A welcome expansion was to the indie game area, along with a large selection of VR titles, were some fantastic standout games including Wired Productions' Gori, Cuddly Carnage, a wonderfully bright and smooth 'skate-and-slash' playing as a murder-kitty on a death-dealing hoverboard.

Along with the usual roster

FROM JUST A THOUGHT TO A PHENOMENON

Millions of people now celebrate Black History

Month during the month of October in the UK, looking both back at the past, celebrating those who have come before us, and also looking to the future, at the next generation and the inspirational people leading the way forward.

None of this would be possible every year however, had it not been for the work of a dedicated team,

working towards a common goal initiated by one young gentleman by the name of Akyaaba AddaiSebo.

Born on October 10th 1950 in the capital of the Ashanti region, Kumasi, in the centre of Ghana, Akyaaba grew up and went to school in Kumasi, before attending Adisadel College, an Anglican Mission Secondary Boarding School.

“I didn’t have anything really in mind as to what I wanted to be back then,” explained Addai-Sebo. “It was more I wanted to do something in relation to Humanitarian work, settling conflicts, something like that. I was always very interested in peaceful coexistence and equal opportunities for all.

“I’ve always been against any form of discrimination, as I saw the energy and significance of people living multiculturally, we had people from all across Ghana and Africa living around us.

“That has shaped my thinking and understanding of the world we live in. I grew up during the Young Pioneer Movement, started by Kwame Nkrumah to imbue the youth and children with a sense of patriotism, love of country, and protection of public property, being the guardians of the society.”

When the military overthrew the Nkrumah regime in February 1966, Akyaaba mobilised the Young

Pioneers in his school to resist. And when the military took over again in January 1972 he attempted to rally resistance by broadcasting a message from a national radio relay station in Kumasi. “It got to a point that was uncomfortable and I had to leave the country.”

“I went to the US and got involved in Politics in Washington DC, and fell into the hands of CLR James, who took me in, brought me up, and educated me.”

Akyaaba studied at the feet of Chancellor Williams, Yosef BenJochannan, John Henrik Clarke, Kwame Ture, and Jewell Mazique among others while in the US, and saw the annual observance of ‘Negro History Week’ become ‘Black History Month’, and the renewed sense of pride in AfricanAmerican children that occurred as a result.

Many years later, after seeking refuge in the UK from political persecution in his home country of Ghana once again, this time during the regime of Jerry John Rawlings in 1984, Akyaaba settled in London with his wife, Nana Akua Owusu.

Once again CLR James looked after the young refugee, who absorbed everything about Community Activism.

Having taken a position as coordinator of special projects at the Greater London Council, and Chairman of the African

Refugees Housing Action Group, Akyaaba was at the forefront of the campaigns against institutional racism in the UK and the apartheid regimes in Southern Africa.

“A colleague of mine, Elizabeth, came to work one morning in early 1986, and was downcast and almost crying, she revealed to me that as she was putting her seven year old son to bed, he had asked her: “Mom, why can’t I be white?”. That really debilitated her, as she had purposefully named him Marcus, after Marcus Mosiah Garvey, and she felt she had failed him.

“I told her that that wasn’t true, and it was the institutions that had failed her son. That sent me thinking, and I observed children and schoolchildren and noticed a very serious identify crisis where people didn’t want to associate themselves with Africa, to the point of even trying to act like their AfroCaribbean colleagues.”

“Something had to be done to let the young ones know of the contributions of Africans and those of African descent to the UK and Europe from antiquity to the present was very very important.

“This wasn’t just for the black children either, it was to inform everyone of the truth of the history that curriculum wasn’t teaching to them, and that our presence shouldn’t be a nuisance to them as we are and have been contributing

l L - R: Glynis Kinnock, Sally Mugabe, Mayor of London Borough of Ealing, Keith Vas (Newly elected MP), Dr. Herbert Murerwa (Zimbabwe High Commissioner)

l The launch of books published published to mark African Jubilee Year. L - R: Ansel Wong (GLC Principal Race Advisor), Addai-Sebo, Vitus Evans (Race Advisor Association of London Authorities) and Drew Stevenson (Deputy Chief Executive, London Strategic Policy Unit, the successor body to the GLC)

l From Far Left: Paul Boateng, Ken Livingstone, Jesse Jackson and Addai-Sebo

to the economy.”

Akyaaba got a lot of support from the GLC, ILEA and the Association of London Authorities (ALA) and from Mr. Ansel Wong, Head of the Ethnic Minorities Unit and the leader of GLC, Mr. Ken Livingstone.

They took over the Royal Albert Hall for about a week, and invited community personalities including Sally Mugabe, Graca Machel, Winnie Mandela, Nina Simone, Angela Davis, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Max Roach, Hugh Masakela, John Henrik Clarke, and many more to inspire and educate an Albert Hall full of schoolchildren.

“I drafted a declaration which got assent from the GLC, as well as cross-party support, stating that there should be a legacy heritage project as part of the African Jubilee Year that the month of October should be declared as Black History Month.”

Addai-Sebo has noted previously: "Although I initiated the idea, making Black History Month was a collective effort, and it could not have been achieved

without the London Strategic Policy Unit, an organisation established after the Thatcher government abolished the GLC in 1986.

“There were many people involved, and it is difficult to mention everyone, but I can mention Ansel Wong, Linda Bellos, Ken Livingstone, Paul Boateng, Margaret Hodge, Anne Matthews, Narendra Makenji, Peter Brayshaw, Drew Stevenson, Bernard Wiltshire, Herman Ouseley, Ken Martindale, Vitus Evans, Chris Boothman, Lord Gifford, Bernie Grant, Shirley Andrews and Edward Oteng among the many. We managed to make this an all party affair.”

On June 30th, this was declared at the Westminster Central Hall, at which the Guest of Honour was to be President Mugabe, who was unfortunately unable to attend, but he sent his wife, Sally Mugabe to represent him.

“It was a magnificent occasion,” he remembered fondly, “the spirit there was incredible.

That October, in 1987, they

brought over Dr Maulana Karenga from the US, the founder of Kwanzaa to launch Black History Month in the UK.

“We chose October specifically because of the significance of the Autumn Equinox to Africans, it’s a time of introspection, self examination of the state and kingdom, all the quarrels are sorted to produce a stronger and united kingdom.”

Since then, Black History Month has grown and grown. For a while Akyaaba thought that there should be a governing body to lead Black History Month, but while putting a proposal through, something came to him telling him that it would destroy the concept, conflict and ego would cause issues and it would end up destroying everything.

“So I decided to let the community take the idea and run with it, and now we have what we have today. The Army, the Navy, the RAF, the schools, hospitals, all institutions of state now celebrate it.

“I am very very happy and proud

to see how it has evolved. It’s only recently that I’ve even granted interviews about my involvement in its creation.”

“Black History Month matters like Black Lives Matter, simply because Black History is the history of humanity, so it should concern everybody, particularly the younger ones. We have a saying that no one teaches a child about God, so the sense of right and good in a child.

“The youth are tomorrow, and it’s your consciousness about our one humanity that is critical to the future safety and security of the nation that you live in.”

“If you look at Autumn, and you go into the countryside, you see the enchantment of the trees in the canopy, multicolour enchantment , the beautiful array of diversity. That is who we are as people.

“It was a certain generation that divided the world based on colour. You cannot crush a caterpillar, yet be astounded by the beauty of a butterfly. We must become one together.”

l Mrs. Mugabe with the leadership of the GLC. Ken Livingstone, the leader, at the head of the table.

l Kofi Ghanaba, the Divine Drummer performed with the Max Roach Quartet at the Royal Albert Hall in 1986

l Marybelle and her 150 piece choir and Max Roach Quartet performed Kofi Ghanaba's version of the Alleluia Chorus at the Royal Albert Hall, during GLC's HISTORICAL LECTURES AND CONCERTS in celebration of the contributions of Africans and people of African descent to the growth of world civilisation and the development of the United Kingdom and Europe from antiquity to the present.

l African Jubilee Year Declaration plaque presented to Dr. Mawulana Karenga (left) who launched Black History Month on October 1, 1987 at the Chamber of the Greater London Council.

CHILDREN TO RECEIVE THE GIFT OF READING

The Theme For BHM UK 2022 Is 'Sharing Journeys'

BLACK HISTORY MONTH (BHM) UK is a time to celebrate and remember African and Caribbean heritage peoples' achievements and contributions to the British economy, culture, and history.

It's a chance to tell the stories of those less well-known Black Britons who we will forget if we don't showcase them.

Since the 1990s, the significance of Black History Month has gradually increased throughout Europe and it is now observed in Ireland the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Italy in February.

When Black History Month UK started in the UK, there was a big emphasis on African American history. Over time the

focus has moved to celebrating and recognising Black British history and key Black figures in the UK.

Some individuals with a lineage beginning long before the Windrush generation and others with distinct and very different cultures rooted in the African and Caribbean continents.

Change is happening but there is still a long way to go.

As stories enter the mainstream and UK Black history, is rightly seen as just British history. It must be ensure that the stories of lesser-known Black Britons are not forgotten and that the authenticity of those stories is not lost, and are told in their own words.

“UK Black history is a series

of missing chapters from British history”, said David Olusoga, historian, and we must be involved in the telling of these stories. Black History Month exists to tell these stories.

It’s a chance to shine a light on individuals who are not featured in the mainstream and whose contributions would be forgotten.

It's a time to celebrate those who are making history now and recognise the achievements of African and Caribbean heritage people's role in helping to shape UK culture, history, and economic development.

Continued from Front Page

The National Literacy Trust has produced video resources and lesson plans featuring CBeebies star Joanna Adeyinka-Burton and Matilda The Musical actress Sienna Clarke to enable schools to delve deeper into the themes of diversity and inclusion that feature in the book.

The resources will be available to participating schools for one week and will be accessible to all schools and parents from 10th October at http://literacytrust.org.uk/ boy-with-wings.

have great adventures.

Research by the National Literacy Trust found that 40% of children and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds say that they don’t see themselves in what they read.

"I want to make sure as many kids as possible have access to books and this project brilliantly targets those kids who don’t have books at home,” said Sir Lenny.

EGX RETURNS WITH A

The Boy With Wings, illustrated by Keenon Ferrell and published by Macmillan Children’s books, was chosen because it portrays important messages about race, inclusion and diversity wrapped up in an exciting and fun adventure.

The book also includes an exclusive comic book created by Marvel artist, Mark Buckingham.

Sir Lenny Henry said he wrote The Boy With Wings because he didn’t see Black heroes in the books he read growing up, and wants all children to see themselves appear centre stage in exciting, inspiring stories where they

“Reading – with lots of trips to my local library in Dudley –was such an important part of my childhood, it took me on so many different adventures and to so many different worlds.

"Here’s to The Boy With Wings flying into homes across the UK thanks to the National Literacy Trust and Enterprise!"

The towns and cities receiving books from the partnership are: Liverpool, Manchester (City), Nottingham, Rochdale, Salford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bradford, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Newport, Swindon, Belfast and Lisburn, and the London boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth, Hackney, Enfield, & Islington.

Outstanding Americans Educated At Historically Black Colleges And Unis

U.S. HIGHER education institutions offer students strong academics and graduates valuable degrees. And historically Black colleges and universities are among the high-quality options potential applicants do well to consider.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes 101 schools as historically Black colleges and universities. They were all founded before 1964, when the Civil Rights Act made

discrimination illegal, primarily in order to educate African American students, who were often not welcome at white universities.

These schools, also known as HBCUs, constitute only 3% of higher-education institutions in the United States, yet they educate 10% of all Black college students. (Students of all races can attend HBCUs.)

Over recent decades, HBCU grads have made lasting marks on every aspect of society. Katherine

Chart Show Presenter Hailing Influential Year For Afrobeats

Once upon a time, it might have been surprising to see the West African genre's breakout star chatting to British pop royalty.

But Eddie Kadi, who's been hosting the UK's first Official Afrobeats Chart Show for the past 12 months, isn't so shocked.

"It's a year that's been really significant for Afrobeats," he says. "The growth and sound that's penetrated around the world." The genre - a mix of African and Western influences - has seen a

massive rise in popularity over recent years, with songs regularly crossing over into the mainstream. Burna Boy and Wizkid, two of Nigeria's biggest stars, have headlined some of the world's major music festivals and both took home Grammys in 2021. And some of the premier names in music, like Beyonce and Drake, have also featured Afrobeats artists on their albums.

Burna Boy, who has dominated the Afrobeats chart since it launched, has been its poster child. His recent hit Last Last

spent a whopping 13 consecutive weeks at number one - the longest time permitted before a track is retired from the top spot. He's also worked with top names including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Jorja Smith and rapper Dave.

Eddie says: "Everyone has seen Burna's rise transcend the West African Nigerian sound into the UK sound. And more importantly he's been able to just go around the world waving the flag of Afrobeats."

Last Last is among 11 tracks to have crossed over into the UK's

Johnson, the late groundbreaking NASA mathematician immortalized in the blockbuster film Hidden Figures, graduated from West Virginia State University. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (“North Carolina A&T”).

In entertainment, R&B music hit-maker and American Idol judge Lionel Richie graduated from Tuskegee University.

Spike Lee, a prolific, Oscarnominated film director whose films primarily centre on the Black American experience, graduated from Morehouse College.

Martin Luther King Jr., the Nobel Prize–winning civil rights leader, graduated from Morehouse College.

Before her eponymous talk show, Oprah Winfrey earned a degree from Tennessee State University.

Her 25-year run as talk show host cemented her reputation as tastemaker, literary critic and gifted interviewer.

Official Singles Chart Top 100 and Top 40, both peaking in the top 5. It was pipped to the overall top slot by Fireboy DML's Peru featuring Ed Sheeran, the bestperforming track based on streams and sales in the UK.

"Whether it's new or established artists breaking new barriers around the world, selling out venues, stadiums, collaborating with other artists, it's just been beautiful to see the growth," says Eddie. "Especially here in the UK where we have at least four Afrobeats songs in the official charts as well."

Eddie is preparing to celebrate the Official Afrobeats Chart Show's one-year anniversary later on BBC Radio 1Xtra. And he's hoping year two is going to be even more exciting.

RETURNS A BANG

of video games old and new, was an expansive section for tabletop and RPG games.

With both a section to play a selection of amazing tabletop games, including a few short D&D campaigns, and a shopping area with some of the most fantastical items for sale for all your tabletop needs.

For a lot of people however, EGX is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with their gaming friends from around the country, and indeed the world, as a number of

people made their way to London for the show itself.

One thing was evident at EGX though, the massive contingent of Universities showing off their numerous gaming-related courses, looks to ensure that the British Gaming Industry will be ably supported for many years to come.

EGX 2023 is from the 1215th October 2023, so make sure that you don't miss out on what will be sure to be another fantastic event.

Subaig

Singh’s

‘Find My Way’ Ft. Surinder Rattan Hits The Air Waves

PRODUCED BY Kulbir Kandola, with lyrics by Johnny Depth and music by award winning producer Surinder Rattan ‘Find My Way’ sees Subaig Singh hitting the mainstream music industry.

The singer, actor and performer leans into a totally different sound for his new song ‘Find My Way’ keeping it all in English but with a Caribbean flavour. The video was shot in the UK in Camden Market by the young, talented and creative team Drop Monster.

‘Find My Way’ is an upbeat song with a melodious reggae style hook, the mastering is excellent, blending the one drop reggae

baseline with a dash of modern trap in the beat of the song. The song sounds fresh to the ear with a positive and soulful vibe.

Subaig revealed that the project was very personal, and attention was paid to every detail to ensure that the material was properly recorded.

‘Find My Way’ reveals yet another different side to Subaig. This is real rich-quality music.

Commenting on the track, Subaig said: “This is something you want to have in your music collection. I hope DJs appreciate the song and it hits the clubs worldwide”.

Christmas isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast!

All of which can be found at this much loved Christmas Shopping Fair returning to the NEC, 17-20 November for its 26th year!

Often the most time-consuming part is finding unique presents but there’s no need to be stuck for ideas this year!

Get your Christmas off to a cracking start at The Festive Gift Fair and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 300 stalls (over 100 NEW stalls this year!) overflowing with thousands upon thousands of clever gift ideas and decorations at affordable prices. The variety is huge, with something for everyone.

To get you into the Christmas spirit, while you’re shopping at the fair, you can enjoy a whole line-up of fantastic musical entertainment to get your toes tapping!

Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK, The Grinch, The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more! And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous sleigh…plenty

FESTIVE GIFT FAIR

of photo opportunities!!

It’s no wonder The Festive Gift Fair is the most popular Christmas shopping event in the heart of the country… here’s a little sneak preview of some of the goodies you’ll see …

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY!

Christmas is the one time of year when everyone can over indulge a little. At The Festive Gift Fair you’ll find a whole array of delicious artisan food and drink

to sample, before you buy.

NEW! The Panettone Store will be selling mouthwatering panettone in beautiful Dolce & Gabbana designed tins. A perfect dinner party gift.

NEW! Add a little heat to your cooking with Leithal Hot Sauces …hot, tangy and fruity sauces and even a mojo rub!

NEW! Beautiful gift sets from The Cherry Tree – pick your own chutneys, jams and curds from a

huge selection of flavours ranging from Christmas pickle with mead to Cherry curd, plum and mulled wine jam to bloody mary chutney.

NEW! Not just for your table but great present idea from Drury & Alldis…build your own gift of bottle stacked oils and vinegars… black garlic vinegar, oak smoked oil and mango vinegar are many more!

NEW! Put your feet up at the end of the day and enjoy a glass

of Moonshine…you’ve earned it! O’Donnell Moonshine, as seen on BBC Dragons’ Den, will tempt your taste buds with roasted apple moonshine, wild berry, tough nut and blood orange …wow!

GIFTS FOR THE KIDS

You’ll find loads of clever stocking fillers, toys and games to keep tots, school children and teenagers amused for hours!

For over 15 years now the ever popular Lanke Kade are back with their fair trade wooden toys and gifts. Their distinctive range offers bright, bold colours and natural wood finishes from Noah’s Ark to Nativity sets - a great heirloom for any family.

NEW! Head to the TwirlySkirts stall for a special party dress for your little Princess!

Cuddly and fun plush toys and inflatables for boys and girls available on The Little Shop stand.

NEW! 1000’s of books for kids from fiction to fantasy available from Books 2 Doors.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! and get ready for a brilliant, fun day Christmas Shopping.

The Fair is open daily 9.30am5pm daily from Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th November at National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Adult tickets from just £6

For much more information, list of exhibitors, video, show highlights and the musical entertainment programme, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

The glitzy and not so glitzy nightlife of Westside and Birmingham’s wider city centre in the 1970s has been unveiled in a new book by rock impresario Jim Simpson. The decade is chronicled as never before in Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Birmingham, researched and written by Jim and his brother Ron Simpson. The brothers have been at the very heart of the city’s music scene since the late 1960s, with Jim helping to create success for

Black Sabbath, one of the city’s biggest cultural exports of the era.

Jim was Black Sabbath’s first manager and took them to the top of the charts, going on to manage other successful bands. He now runs Henry's Blueshouse music club and the Big Bear record label, as well as organising the annual Birmingham, Sandwell and Westside Jazz Festival.

The book tells the stories behind former Westside clubs like the Rum Runner, which sat on Broad Street from 1964 to

1987, before closing to make way for the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Also featured is the Opposite Lock nightclub, which became Bobby Brown’s, and Barberella’s - once located at 41 Cumberland Street, off Broad Street.

The clubs were the breeding ground for many of the then emerging city bands and, as well as Black Sabbath, the book reveals early stories about Duran Duran, UB40, Dexys Midnight Runners and many others.

The electrifying Lil Nas X kicks off global touring debut in Detroit on Long Live Montero Tour.

Produced by Live Nation, the 21date North America run continues with stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up on October 23rd at San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

The tour will proceed with the European and Australian legs on November 8th in Amsterdam and concludes on January 4th in Sydney.

For his very first tour, Lil Nas X and his team set out to create a theatrical show unlike any other –a real modern pop musical.

The three-act set (Rebirth, Transformation and Becoming) represents the different stages throughout Lil Nas X’s journey from his childhood, to releasing his very first song, and all the way through reaching his current status as a creative and fearless cultural icon – narrated by a figure dubbed

The Wizard of Naz. Fans were captivated watching the story unfold in front of gorgeous, whimsical visuals and

alongside stunning dance numbers choreographed by Sean Bankhead. Creative direction for the tour is by Hodo Musa and Saul Levitz.

Minneapolisbased producer and songwriter

Nathan Stocker

is Brotherkenzie - today, he releases LP Nathan via Thirty Tigers, a catharsis in the form of 12 tracks about fighting your demons, leaning into heathen ideals and self-loathing.

Nathan’s guiding light lies in Stocker’s viciously honest narrative told through audacious confessional lyrics backed by fuzzed-out guitars, feathery piano chords, making him the new face of melancholic indie-pop.

"Clash called the album a “sprawling manifestation of self, putting into disheveled words all the destructive, cyclic, shameful and selfish fragments of his behaviour [with] twangling guitars, grand production."

The album release follows singles ‘Get On It,’ ‘Die Broke,’ ‘Bike No More and ‘Overgiver’ and was written between March and November 2020. It was recorded and produced with friend and Baby Boys collaborator Caleb Hinz in Minneapolis, MN.

This marks Stocker’s third full length release as Brotherkenzie and follows 2020’s ‘Big What.’

This autumn, Stocker will embark on a string of dates in the midwest in September as Brotherkenzie with more to be announced.

BROTHERKENZIE RELEASES NEW ALBUM NATHAN, VIA THIRTY TIGERS

OCTOBER Gig Listings

Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

October 01 Boyzlife: 2022 (TH) 01 Ricky Ross: Short Stories Vol.2 (TH) 04 Calum Scott with Special Guest Mitch James (TH) 05 George Clarke’s Life in Amazing Architecture

06 Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the CBSO play Haydn

06 B:Classical 2022/23: Paul LewisSchubert Piano Sonatas: 1 (TH)

07-08 Henning Wehn: It'll All Come Out In The Wash (TH)

09 Ex Cathedra 2022/23 King for a Day: Music for Royal Occasions (TH)

09 Sir Bryn Terfel: Songs and Arias

10 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter 'Celebrating Black History Month' (TH)

10 An Evening with Uriah Heep

11 Essential 80s featuring Paul Young

11 Jongleurs Legends (TH)

15 One Last Dance: Celebrating Bhangra / Bollywood Music (TH)

15 Will Young

16 Brno Philharmonic Orchestra

17 The Proclaimers: Special Guest John Bramwell

18 Al Stewart with his band The Empty Pockets (TH)

19 Milton Jones: Milton Impossible (TH)

20 Howard Jones (TH)

Beth Nielsen Chapman: Crazytown Tour 2022 (TH)

21 Tom Chaplin

22 Amazing Bubble Man (TH)

22 Last Podcast on the Left (TH)

23 Tony Hadley: Live with an Orchestra

23 Soweto Gospel Choir present Freedom (TH)

24 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter (TH)

24 Sixties Gold 2022: The All Hits Show!

25 Organ Family Concert with Mie Berg (TH)

25 Disney's Hocus Pocus: Film plus Orchestra

25 Dr Richard Shepherd: 'Unnatural Causes' (TH)

26 Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes (TH)

26 Marc Almond

Coming This Halloween - Hocus Pocus With Live Orchestra UK Tour

The iconic Disney film “Hocus Pocus” will be presented live in concert for the first time in the UK in October 2022 with a nationwide tour.

The perfect Halloween treat, Hocus Pocus in Concert will feature a screening of the complete film with Emmy-winning composer John Debney’s musical score performed live to the spooky classic film. Kicking off at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 23rd October before hitting Manchester, Birmingham, London and finishing up at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on Friday 28th.

“Hocus Pocus” tells the story of three witches who are accidentally

brough back to life in Salem on Halloween night. Known as the Sanderson sisters, they attempt to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life. They are outwitted by a boy, Max Dennison, his young sister, Dani, and his girlfriend, Allison, and aided by a boy, Thackery Binx, who had been changed into a cat for trying to interfere with the witches centuries earlier.

Released on July 16, 1993 and directed by Kenny Ortega, the film stars Bette Midler (Winifred), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah), Kathy Najimy (Mary), Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), Vinessa Shaw (Allison).

Aston Martin DBR22 named Best of Show Concours d’ElegancE

ASTON MARTIN is celebrating a winning weekend as the exceptional new Aston Martin DBR22 design concept has been declared Best of Show at the respected Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille –claiming the coveted Concours d’Élégance Award.

Barely a month after its global debut at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the spectacular DBR22 – a V12engined two-seater coachbuilt design concept created to celebrate the marque’s extraordinary bloodline of opencockpit sports racers – is already demonstrating its importance with the headline-grabbing win

in France.

Awarded by jury members Anne Asensio, Design Experience Vice President at Dassault Systems; Cyril Duval, Le Point Group Counsellor; and Michael Bock, Former Head of Mercedes-BenzClassic, the blue riband Best of Show Concours d’Élégance title reflects the Aston Martin design concept’s immediate and significant impact on the luxury car world.

The win is the first for Aston Martin since the inception of this Concours d’Élégance in 2014, and represents a major achievement for the historic British marque.

The Ferrari Testa Rossa J Is Now On Sale In Selfridges, Redefining Luxury Shopping

The Little Car Company is excited to announce that the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is on permanent display at Selfridges’ flagship department store, in London. In partnership with the luxury Oxford Street store, The Little Car Company’s limitededition vehicle is on show for all shoppers to see up close.

Presented on its own unique display installation in the Technology department on the lower ground floor, the Testa Rossa J is exhibited in a beautiful historic paint scheme incorporating an Argento Nurburgring (Silver) body, with a Rosso Mugello (Red) livery, which takes up to 160 hours to complete by hand.

Inside, the car is exquisitely trimmed in Bordeaux leather, from the same tanneries that supply Ferrari for their current road cars, featuring black piping and tone on tone stitching.

Strictly limited to 299 vehicles, Ferrari has led every aspect of the project, in collaboration with The Little Car Company, a UK-based firm specialising in the production of electric scaled cars.

Developed and handcrafted from the original drawings held by Ferrari Classiche, with design oversight from Ferrari's Centro Stile, the intricate chassis of the

250 Testa Rossa was scanned and digitally recreated before being scaled down 25%.

Visitors to Selfridges can view the 75% scale vehicle up close and use the material sample pod to view a selection of the many vehicles’ leather and paint samples. Ferrari’s Classiche

department carried out extensive research into all the liveries that have adorned the 250 Testa Rossa throughout its racing career, allowing prospective clients to choose from 14 historical liveries, 53 bodywork colours and additional personalised racing liveries, all authentically in

keeping with Ferrari style. Shoppers can enquire with one of the store’s friendly sales team about reserving an exclusive build slot on the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, as well as any of The Little Car Company’s other products.

ŠKODA Design has reinterpreted the concept of the ŠKODA 1100 OHC from 1957 and is presenting the computer-animated design model VISION GT, a study of an all-electric racing car made in Mladá Boleslav.

Alongside its forebear, the design concept is currently on show in the ‘Design and Transformation’ exhibition.

Hosted in Brussels, the display is part of the supporting programme of the Czech Republic’s EU Presidency.

The computer-animated design model ŠKODA VISION GT is among the highlights of the ‘Design and Transformation’ exhibition in Brussels.

To mark the Czech Republic’s EU presidency, a number of Czech companies are presenting products and designs from 1990 to 2020 at this event.

In creating the VISION GT model, the ŠKODA Design team found inspiration in the

ŠKODA 1100 OHC from 1957.

The automaker is using the concept to send a clear signal for sustainable sportiness and emotion in the digital age.

The digital VISION GT ties in with the tradition of the ‘Icons Get a Makeover’ series, which includes iconic models from the company’s history, such as the 130 RS, FELICIA and RAPID MONTE CARLO.

Just like the 1100 OHC, the VISION GT is a red, opentop racing car. However, it is designed as a single-seater, with the driver sitting in the centre of the vehicle.

Above the futuristic carbon steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom, there is a flat on-screen bar that doubles as a windshield. Important information is projected directly onto the driver’s helmet visor, similar to a head-up display.

An active cockpit with a flexibly suspended seat is designed to optimally compensate for g-forces.

Parents Urged To Help Clean Up The School Run

ŠKODA VISION GT: a digital design model of an emotive, all-electric racing car

AS CHILDREN returned to school, The Electric Car Scheme has been urging parents to help clean up the school run.

Research shows children are some of the worst-hit by the exhaust fumes of idling and mobile cars, as they are closer to the ground.

Air pollution is the number one environmental health risk in the UK, increasing rates of asthma and other health problems.

Emerging evidence suggests it can also harm the developing brains of children, hindering their academic progress. Luckily the UK is seeing some improvement in this space, but it could still go further and faster

Unfortunately, buying a clean emissions-free electric car is still too expensive for many families. But a littleknown government subsidy could see them lease one through their employer for as little as £250 a month, with savings of 30-60% compared to a personal lease.

This works through a “salary sacrifice” scheme, similar to the popular cycle-to-work programme, at zero cost to the employer. Employees of a business who signs up can spend a portion of their pretax income on the lease of

an electric car, netting them savings of between 30 and 60 per cent, while The Electric Car Scheme handles all the fiddly bits for the business itself.

Co-Founder and CEO of the Scheme, Thom Groot, says: “We know that parents want to do the right thing for their children, the environment, and the quest to Net Zero. Research suggests harmful air pollution does not just hurt the environment, but also our children.

“Too much of this pollution is coming from fossil-fuel powered cars, which we would like to help change. For many parents picking up or dropping off their child at school in a car is the only realistic option, particularly if they are juggling after-school activities, other childcare, or work commitments.”

“At The Electric Car Scheme, we are dedicated to making it a ‘no brainer’ decision for everyone to switch to driving clean emissions-free electric cars, at an affordable cost. We hope that parents and local businesses – particularly those around schools –consider looking into whether they might be able to switch to an electric car through salary sacrifice.”

Birmingham Rep on the search for tail-wagging talent

Royal Shakespeare Company Marks The Death Of Her Majesty The Queen

Only the most obedient, easygoing and, most importantly, cute and cuddly of dogs may apply – and a love of working with children is essential. Star dogs must be within easy commuting distance of the city-centre based theatre and not be afraid of stepping into the spotlight, onstage ‘accidents’ are preferably avoidable.

The paw-fect pup will be required to take to the stage for 2-3 performances per week and paid £30 per show plus travel expenses. Plenty of pre-show fuss is guaranteed with inevitable treats thrown in. The role of Cracker the dog in Nativity!

The Musical requires a smallmedium sized dog who can easily be handled and picked up by children.

Catherine Mallyon (RSC Executive Director) and Erica Whyman (RSC Acting Artistic Director) said: “We are deeply saddened at the news of the Queen’s death, and our thoughts are with her family, and particularly our President, HRH The Prince of Wales.

"Her Majesty the Queen has been Patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company since 1961, when the Company was created.

“Her Majesty last visited us in Stratford-upon-Avon on 4 March 2011 to open formally the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This was a memorable day in the history of the RSC where she met and talked with members of the Company and those involved in the redevelopment and transformation of the theatre.

“It was a great pleasure for us to rehearse with HRH The Prince of Wales in preparation for his poetic tribute to his mother on

her 90th birthday in 2016. We were honoured to be part of such a special moment.

“Shakespeare’s Henry VIII contains a prophecy by Archbishop Cranmer about the baby princess Elizabeth I: She shall be, to the happiness of England,

An aged princess; many days shall see her, And yet no day without a deed to crown it.

“Translated to our times, Elizabeth II sought the happiness of England with her steadfast service, certainly lived many days, and did a great deed on every one.”

This evening’s (8 September) RSC performances of Richard III in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, London are going ahead. Ticket holders will be contacted via email in the case of changes or cancellations for future performances, and updates will appear on the RSC website, rsc.org.uk.

l Her Majesty the Queen opens the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 2011

BIRMINGHAM REP is on the search for tail-wagging talent to star in the theatre’s festive production of the hit stage production, Nativity! The Musical.