Sixty9° Magazine Spring 2019 Issue 95 by Fraser Urquhart Media

9 20

MUSIC ART FASHION TRAVEL www.69-degrees.co.uk

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when can i go back to the beach

NO.95 6...

Cover image by Primark

UPFRONT

9 20

18... MAVERICK SABRE 24... STREETSTYLE 26... STYLE list 42... TRAVELLER

46... CRITICAL LIST

58... ALL THE NU THINGS 62... SIXTY9 SOCIAL 66... JUDGE JULES

MUSIC ART FASHION TRAVEL www.69-degrees.co.uk

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BENJAMIN BRITTEN

MIDSUMMER

NIGHT’S DREAM 12 / 13 / 15 / 16 June 2019

Also at Nevill Holt Opera

Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte

26 / 27 / 29 / 30 June and 2 July 2019 Tickets on sale now, visit nevillholtopera.co.uk

UPFRONT

LET’S DANCE INTERNATIONAL FRONTIERs Let’s Dance International Frontiers – LDIF returns on the 29th April for the ninth year showcasing new work from emerging local talent and internationally acclaimed performers and companies and focusing on diversity in dance. The festival’s theme for 2019 is Black Dance: A Contemporary Voice, and is about recognising and celebrating how dance from the African and African Caribbean diaspora has shaped, influenced and informed contemporary dance practice and what this means to the international dance community. Curated and produced by Serendipity, artists and companies taking part in this year’s festival include Ayikodans, from Haiti; New York-based Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence; the USA’s leading deaf/dance company, Urban Jazz Dance Company; Norwegian dance company Tabanka as well as British artists including the choreographer/creative director Kwesi Johnson, pioneer of Hip Hop Theatre and founder of Kompany Malakhi; British/ Japanese choreographer/dancer Mistato Shimizu and Alesandra Seutin.

‘FALSE COGNATE’ by Diego Vázquez (Mexico) photo by Carlos Quezada

Performances will take place at venues across Leicester including the Queen Victoria Arts Club, Curve, Leicester Cathedral, Phoenix Cinema and De Montfort University. Find out more at www.serendipity-uk.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

The Great British Gin Festival Gin-lovers rejoice as The Great British Gin Festival is returning to Brum on the 17th and 18th May with over 100 different international gins from household names and artisan makers. With a gin glass and gin bible given on arrival to guide guests through their gin tasting experience, guests can sup on a whole manner of gins with some including hints of Parma Violets, chocolate, elderflower, and even rhubarb and custard in 25ml test tubes or full bottles of favourite tipples. There’s entertainment too with cocktail demo’s, interactive games and live music to create a full on festival vibe. Tickets cost from £13.50 at www.thegreatbritishginfest.co.uk

Get Kinky Things are getting Kinky in Birmingham as the award winning musical Kinky Boots, will be strutting its stuff in the city at Birmingham Hippodrome from 11 - 23 Mar 2019. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. Kick off your musical adventure at www.birminghamhippodrome.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

LEONARDO DA VINCI A Life in Drawing

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 1 February – 6 May 2019

birminghammuseums.org.uk Funded by

FREE ENTRY

Image: Leonardo da Vinci, The head of an old bearded man, c.1517-18, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

AWARDS and got THE EVERYMAN BARBERS everyone in the mood

with a hilarious stand up set before the awards presentation. This year’s winners included Store of the Year – Solihull, Barber of the Year – Tiffany Williams (Birmingham), Manager of the Year – Dale Burchett (Nottingham), Retailer of the Year – Emma Biddle (Birmingham), Photo of the Year - Phil Ferne (Derby) and Most Improved Barber of the Year – Matt Rockley (Derby).

It’s fair to say that 2018 was an excellent year for Everyman Barbers. With the addition of another two stores, one in Manchester city centre and another in Cheltenham, they’ve also added fantastic new product ranges including SKNHEAD and SEB MAN.

So what better way to welcome in 2019 than with the first ever Everyman Barbers Awards, celebrating the achievements of the Everyman team. With a guest list including industry leaders from brands such as Wella, Wahl, Alan Howard and Aston & Fincher, comedian Sean Percival compèred the evening

Managing Director, Noel Gilronan said, “To choose winners is extremely tough, In fact, all of our staff are winners! In many of the categories, the winners have changed 4 or 5 times throughout the year. In the end, we had to choose the barbers and managers that have gone above and beyond.” www.everymanbarbers.co.uk

GUCCI ALCHEMY Gucci is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment – just look at our StreetStyle feature on page 24- and now everyone (well almost everyone, who needs food?) can enjoy a piece of this superbrand with the evocatively named Alchemist’s Garden collection; seven singular scents, blended with precious raw materials and flower essences that lets you create your very own individual statement fragrance. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Inspired by the art of alchemy the singular scents in the eau de parfum, acque profumate and perfumed oils can be layered in a multitude of combinations to construct a customizable, special ‘sillage’ (that’s that bit when perfume

lingers in the air when it is worn to you and me). Gucci The Alchemist’s Garden is available at Harvey Nichols and Selfridges with the Eau De Parfum costing £240 each, Acque Profumate, £180 each and Oil, £295 each.

BIRM B IRMINGHAM INGHAM

RESTAURANT & KARAOKE 16 HURST ST, BIRMINGHAM B5 4BN MINGMOON.CO.UK 01216225588

Mon - Thurs & Sun (12pm-10pm) Fri & Sat (12pm-11pm)

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Mon, Tues,Thurs-Sun (5pm till 5am)

Closed on Wednesdays. Booking required.

BRING THE PAINT RETURNS TO LEICESTER Award winning international street art festival Bring The Paint returns to the streets of Leicester this May to host the UK’s graffiti event of the year. Two years ago, Leicester caused a stir in the street art community by bringing a handpicked selection of the world’s top street artists to paint Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter. The city has grown its reputation as a street art hub, with visitors coming to the city to take in the incredible artworks; an impressive piece by SMUG, overlooking the LCB Depot, has become one of Leicester’s most photographed spots. Back for 2019 and promising more walls and more world class artists, Bring the Paint is set to bring Leicester city centre to life with street art once again.

Acclaimed acts include SMUG, INKIE, INSANE 51, HOW & NOSM, DOES, FLYING FORTRESS and WON ABC. The festival hopes to attract 10,000 visitors to the city, who can watch in wonder as artists paint giant murals on buildings, bring to life vacant retail units and create spectacular 3D floor art. There will be opportunities for children and families to get involved with workshops, music, food and drinks. To top it all off, the organisers will host an art fair, giving visitors the chance to purchase unique artwork to take home with them.

Inspired by Leicester’s identity as one of the most diverse cities in Europe, this year’s edition of the festival will be about collaboration, bringing together artists from across the world who would not normally meet, who will re-imagine this vibrant diverse city.

Bring the Paint takes place from 20 – 26 May, with the main event on Saturday 25 May, in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Keep up to date with the 2019 festival at bringthepaint.co.uk, or follow them on social media (@Bring_The_ Paint) for a taste of what’s to come.

The festival will see 50 artists come to Leicester from 20 – 26 May, including internationally acclaimed painters from around the world, all set to transform Leicester city centre with their breath-taking murals.

Bring the Paint is a project devised and developed by Graffwerk and Inspirate, sponsored by BID Leicester, De Montfort University and Leicester City Council.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

THERE’S A SEAT HERE WITH YOUR NAME ON IT.

FIND US IN

BIRMINGHAM SOLIHULL • BRISTOL LEICESTER • DERBY MANCHESTER NOTTINGHAM CHELTENHAM

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21/02/2019 13:49

‘Joyous, playful, effortlessly funny’

‘Virtuoso... Comedy’s Mozart’

TIME OUT

SUNDAY TIMES

UK TOUR 2019

WED 5 JUNE: MORNINGSIDE ARENA CHARTER STREET, LEICESTER LE1 billbailey.co.uk

FIFTY SHADES OF FENTY Cult brand FENTY Beauty by Rihanna has launched a whole new range of makeup bag musthaves – including 50 concealers designed to suit all skin tones. The latest additions feature the impressive selection of Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealers as well as ten new Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Long-wear Foundation shades and eight new Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powders. There’s also a Precision Concealer Brush, Powder Puff Setting Brush and a Lil Precision Makeup Sponge Duo. FENTY Beauty was launched after Rihanna noticed a lack of products that performed across all skin types and tones. She created her makeup line “so that women everywhere would be included.”

The addition of ten new Pro Filt’r Foundation means there are now 50 boundary-breaking shades available.

Available exclusively from Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox, & online at harveynichols.com

LOVE THEATRE? THEN GET INVOLVED! Sir Michael Boyd and theatre critic Michael Billington- it’s not all about what happens centre stage!

No Human Is Illegal performance_Photography be Aenne Pallasca

Are you passionate about theatre? Whether that’s making, watching or just talking about theatre the National Student Drama Festival is something you’ll want to be part of when it comes to Leicester’s Curve theatre this April. www.69-degrees.co.uk

It’s aimed at giving people between the ages of 16 and 25 the opportunity to showcase their work, create, learn and try something new. NSDF counts actors Ruth Wilson, Meera Syal and Pete Postlethwaite amongst its alumni, as well as Director

Throughout the week, young companies and artists from around the UK will present their work and participate in a huge range of masterclasses, workshops, discussions and events. The festival also gives young people the opportunity to take part in Technical Management and write for the NSDF’s Noises Off magazine. Taking place from Sat 13 Apr to Fri 19 Apr, if you love theatre then you’ll love this. Find out more at www.nsdf.org.uk

YOUTUBERS TAKE CONTROL AT INSOMNIA

Calling all gamers! This one’s for you: all your favourite YouTubers, under one roof, playing all the hottest games for four days straight. YouTubers including SeaPeekAY, Syndicate, ImAlexx and Pyrocynical, some of the biggest names in gaming, will be taking control of Insomnia’s mainstage once more as the festival returns to the NEC Birmingham from19 April until 22 April.

Forecasted to be the biggest show yet, Insomnia 2019 is brought to fans by GAME, and will take place from 19-22 April, giving attendees an opportunity to meet likeminded members of the gaming community in real life. During the bumper four-day festival, gamers will be able to test-drive the latest releases, take part in BYOC (also known as Bring Your Own Computer), the UK’s biggest LAN party where over 2,500 attendees can play against each other live as well meet and greet their favourite YouTube gamers. Tickets start at £25 at insomniagamingfestival.com

HOUSE OF HOLES When did the world start going mad for Crazy Golf? We dunno but we’re loving that it has and now Derby is the latest city to score a hole in one with the adult only House of Holes in the historic former Grand Theatre in Derby. Boasting 18 individually themed holes from kitsch to cheesy and from bizarre to the outright risqué, including a school playground, a neon dance floor, a snooker hall and a sex shop, you can practice your swing whilst swigging on a cocktail or chomping on some cutting-edge street food. Relics from the building’s past days as a nightclub including neon lit guitars and nineties murals are set to go up against some mighty fine graffiti art and there’s even a toilet covered in Viz mags. Spot on! A round of golf costs from just £10. Book in at www.houseofholes.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

MAVERICK S

The evolution of Maverick Sabre continues seven years since he first arrived on Irish rapper with a bluesy singing voice and a talent for storytelling. There this, his third long player release, but the need to narrate is still strong o musical upbringing. A fusion of nineties beats, hip hop basslines and classic thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as rich as a pint of the black stuff.

SIXTY9â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jon Fraser caught up with him over the phone in a moment of calm ahe rehearsals and start of a UK tour that takes in Nottingham and Birmingham. www.69-degrees.co.uk

SABRE

n the UK music scene as a fresh-faced may not be much rap remaining with on When I Wake Up as are nods to his rock riffs come together with a voice

ead of the chaos of an album’s release,

19 What am I interrupting you doing today, are you in the studio or you on the phone to journo’s all day? I’m actually doing some very average home cleaning. And by very average I mean very average. I’ve had a couple of other interviews this morning so had to be home so I thought I better catch up on a bit of house work. Keep it rock and roll, you know what I mean. I didn’t realise your Irish accent was so strong, your singing voice is so distinctive, do you think a bit of the Irish brogue comes through from that. Oh, most definitely yeah! As I’ve gone on, I’ve always wanted to keep my influence running through my singing vocal and elements so yeah I think there definitely is, even my speaking accent is a bit all over the place. Like I go back home to New Ross in Wexford and they’re like you sound like you’re a Londoner now and I’m back here and they’re like Geez you’ve never lost your accent. I’m caught in this weird place in between the two, so yeah, London Irish. How did you discover your voice and discover your sound? I started singing quite young, my Dad taught me guitar when I was about 8 or 9. I was always singing and he was always singing around the house but I didn’t really start properly going out and performing until I was about 14/15 and I was MCing. There was a small Irish Hip Hop scene at the time and I was an MC for years. All I used to do was sing my choruses because I had no one else to sing on any of the choruses and as time went on and even writing for my first album, I still was a spitter and I was still writing as an MC mentally but I was just singing things. I think my voice developed over time to be honest and even still, on my first album I was finding myself as a singer and I would say it was only until I was about four, four and a half maybe five years ago that I really felt in myself, I was really learning my craft as a singer and learning where my tone is. It started off early but has taken years to develop. Listening to your work and where you seem to take your cues from it sounds as though you’ve had a really strong musical education growing up, is that from your Dad? Yeah, It’s from my Dad initially. My Dad is a big www.69-degrees.co.ukk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

21 “I go back home to New Ross in Wexford and they’re like you sound like you’re a Londoner now and I’m back here and they’re like Geez you’ve never lost your accent. I’m caught in this weird place in between the two, so yeah, London Irish.” Blues fan so I think the main core of a lot of my influence early on was a lot of Blues, a lot of very raw Blues. A lot of painful Blues – well Blues is painful anyway – but a lot of kind of heartfelt, painful stories I suppose. And then there was a mixture of traditional music that was kind of around us always growing up anyway. I suppose after that then I kind of went into my own musical journey really, like I discovered Hip-Hop and through Hip Hop discovered more Jazz and Blues and Soul and more Disco. I was always a big Reggae fan. I suppose there has always been a lot of great influences around me, I’ve always surrounded myself through friends who’ve brought me in to new musical experiences and bands that I’ve listened to. So yeah it started off with my Dad and then when I got into my teens I went on to my own self-discovery. I just like everything to be honest, I’ve been through phases of listening to only Marilyn Manson, Korn to whatever Heavy Metal or Rock band and then I’ve gone into periods where I just listen to Mavado, Chronixx or God knows what else it might be. I like to listen to a broad spectrum of everything to keep my mind fresh. Tell me about the new album. Where is this one coming from?

A lot of this record is selfproduced, so I started most of it, I’d say maybe about 60% of the songs on it were all started fresh in my flat and just me on guitar. It’s a different approach to what I did last time and I suppose that’s why, for me, this record feels a tiny bit like a debut in a sense because that is what I did on my first record. My first album was a collection of songs, there was some brand-new ones but there were a lot of really old ones that I’d had for years and I’d brought them in and got producers to do them all. That is kind of what this is, this record is like 60%, literally even the final songs were all done in my flat and then it was a collection of friends and producers that I’ve worked with over the years, so like Dan Radcliffe, Eg White, Jimmy Hogarth are on this, they’ve been on the last few albums. There’s new guys like Charlie Perry, there’s been a wide variety. The difference with this album is the majority of this album was started by myself. There is a real narrative to the work, that blues influence maybe, do you start off with that story? Nah, I don’t necessarily start off with a story. I normally have a lot of stories in my head or choruses or even lines or just ideas - I suppose pictures of lyrics if www.69-degrees.co.ukk

that makes sense. Pictures of scenarios and where music takes you, they’re the kind of initial ones and then the story develops from there. You look for music to inspire that and get that story out of you. Sometimes I might have a story for months, a year or two years until you hear something and then suddenly that piece of music matches up to the story and you get the message from that bit of music. Your work is quite visual as well isn’t it. The three videos that you’ve released for the album, they’ve all got a video for them. Are you wanting to carry that on, is there going to be a video for each track on the album? Yeah, I made the decision last week that I want to do a video for everything now. It’s probably not the best thing for my accountant to hear. Being realistic, I’m not going to be able to shoot what I’d want to shoot for every single song but I want a visual representation for as many of the songs, even if its small videos, small ready and rough performance videos or cinematically shot little ideas that www.69-degrees.co.uk

are a visual representation so we’ll see what happens. What track on the album are you most excited about people hearing? I really love the first song on the album, a song called Preach and it kind of fits. It connects to the last song on my last album, a song called Lay your Head which was a really stripped back acoustic song and that’s where the new album picks back up from. It starts stripped back, completely acapella and you just hear my voice and then the piano comes in and it builds up throughout that. There are loads of other songs but I’m just excited for people to sit down and press play. And you’re going out pretty much straight on tour with the new album as soon as it is released It gets released on the 22nd and I go on the road on the 29th. I still have to got a setlist together. We’ve got a rough little setlist but we’re going to rehearse for about two weeks before so it’s not far away now.

Being on the road and performing songs is an interesting place to be because certain songs that you might never have even, not connected with but there are certain songs that you think ‘they’re not going to go down too well on the road’ or ‘these ones definitely will’ and then when you go on the road certain things can chop and change. I remember we were doing one song for a couple of years that wasn’t even on any album and it started off as a jam. It is a jam because we never recorded it, it started off as a jam on the tour and then three years later me and my band are still performing it every show and people loved it. Songs definitely do take on their own life form when you bring them on the road. The new album When I Wake Up is available to download from 22nd March. Catch Maverick Sabre live: 1st April at Rescue Rooms, Nottingham and 10th April O2 Institute Birmingham. www.mavericksabre.com

KT TUNSTALL

GABRIELLE

Friday 22 March

Monday 25 March

THE KINGDOM CHOIR

NEWTON FAULKNER

Saturday 4 May

Sunday 5 May

THE VAMPS

HOZIER

Monday 20 May

Monday 16 September

0116 233 3111 @demontforthall

demontforthall.co.uk demontforthall www.69-degrees.co.ukk

E L Y T S T E STRE SIXTY9°’s style surfer Sallyanne Kirk has had enough of Winter so we sent her out for a Spring fashion fix! I went on the hunt for some likeminded fashionista’s and boy did they deliver! I saw beautiful tailoring paired with new season trainers, essential for style and comfort. Dreamy neutrals complemented by light wash denims, sophisticated silk neck scarfs added a touch of luxury to any look, and there were some brilliant pops of primary colour to brighten up even the dullest spring days. Spring, we’re coming for ya!

ESSENTIAL ITEM Hi Rise Jeans ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Anouska NETFLIX OR CHILL Netflix www.69-degrees.co.uk

sara- nottingham

AISHA - LEICESTER

charlie - birmingham

paige - nottingham

Visit www.69-degrees.co.uk to see the full StreetStyle interviews

ESSENTIAL ITEM Leather Jacket ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Gucci NETFLIX OR CHILL Chill

ESSENTIAL ITEM Leather Jacket ESSENTIAL DESIGNER All Saints NETFLIX OR CHILL Netflix

ESSENTIAL ITEM Scarves ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Gucci NETFLIX OR CHILL Netflix

POONAM- BIRMINGHAM

Terry - NOTTINGHAM

molly - leicester

ESSENTIAL ITEM Barrel Leg Jeans ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Yves Saint Laurent NETFLIX OR CHILL Netflix

ESSENTIAL ITEM Jacket and Jeans ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Diesel NETFLIX OR CHILL Chill

YASIN- LEICESTER

ESSENTIAL ITEM Definitely my Creepers ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Thierry Mugler NETFLIX OR CHILL Netflix

SAMUAL - NOTTINGHAM

SOPHIE LEICESTER

ESSENTIAL ITEM Pair of AirMax 90s ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Hugo Boss NETFLIX OR CHILL Chill

SAlly- birmingham ESSENTIAL ITEM Black Overcoat ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Yves Saint Laurent or Celine NETFLIX OR CHILL Chill

ESSENTIAL ITEM Whistles Hooker Coat ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Tom Ford NETFLIX OR CHILL Chill

ESSENTIAL ITEM This coat! ESSENTIAL DESIGNER Celine NETFLIX OR CHILL Both! www.69-degrees.co.uk

IMAGE BY PRIMARK

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HER STYLE

SPRING EDIT www.69-degrees.co.uk

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1: Acid Yellow Bumbag £6 Primark 2: Lime Bodysuit Primark 3: Pink Chain Necklace, £19.99, TK Maxx 4: Megastar Sandals, £69, Office 5: Sunglasses, £10, River Island 6: Acid Zebre Belt £14 Asos 7: Trousers, £36, River Island 8: Round Bag in Yellow Snake, £255, Rebecca Minkoff 9: Trainers, £38, River Island 10: Earrings £3 Primark 11: Color Quake 2 Sunglasses , £280, Dior 12: Backpack, £29.99, TK Maxx. 13: Dress, £36 River Island. 14: Maison Margiela Neon yellow ruffle-trimmed mesh dress £715 Harvey Nichols 15: Cat Eye Sunglasses, £7.99, New Look 16: Neon Drop Earrings £3 Primark 17: Dorothea Bag, £65, Dune London 18: Rolltop rucksack, orange, £99. Hoos 19: Fishet dress £8 Primark 20: Yellow Belt, £205, Attico 21: Pink Clutch Bag £285 Marc Jacobs 22: Orange clasp bag £35 Accesorise 23: Blue Horn Buckle Paperbag Trousers, Miss Selfridge, £35 24: Emblem leather wallet-on-chain, £855 Givenchy

www.69-degrees.co.uk

COMPLEXION PERFECTION From the perfect primer to Insta-ready foundation, raise your game with these makeup bag must-haves from Harvey Nichols Birmingham. LISA PIDDINGTON reveals her beauty essentials for a flawless finish. It’s designed to deliver light-asair, medium to full coverage in a ground-breaking range of 50 matte shades.

THE SKIN TINT:

Hourglass’ superior Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, £51, uses advanced technology to promote the appearance of a smoother, firmer and more youthful complexion. Fortified with Hyaluronan Complex, it plumps fine lines and wrinkles, tightens sagging skin and delivers a luminous glow.

THE BASE:

Heaven Skincare’s Orange Flower Hydrogel, £19, not only works as a great primer but it also gives your complexion an instant hydration boost. The added benefits of organic neroli and vitamin C promote skin rejuvenation while maintaining oil levels.

THE CONCEALER:

Newly launched Instant Retouch Concealer from Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r, £19, is creamy, long-wear and crease-proof. www.69-degrees.co.uk

finish that sets makeup for all-day wear without adding any colour to the skin or overpowering the finish of your foundation. Light-diffusing particles blur and smooth for a skin-perfecting airbrushed effect that doesn’t look chalky or dry.

THE FOUNDATION:

For coverage that lasts for up to 24-hours, Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate, £37, blends instantly to cover pores and blemishes. It also boasts patented golden mica pigments for a radiant, naturallooking glow.

THE POWDER:

This Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder, £29, is formulated without talc for a translucent

THE HIGHLIGHTER:

Stila’s Heaven’s Hue Highlighter, £29, has a gossamer-light, radiance-enhancing formula with a buttery texture that melts into skin for a barely-there feel. Ultra fine, light-diffusing particles help skin look perfectly lit with a soft, luminous, natural-looking glow.

All products featured are available from the Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols Birmingham or online at harveynichols.com.

EGAN V O G N A C R I A NOW YOUR H TOO An environmentally-aware hair salon in Leicestershire has seen sales of their in-house produced vegan friendly hair range soar as more people turn to plant-based diets full time after taking part in Veganuary.

Gavin Taylor Salons, based in Rothley, have noticed a 25% increase in their natural and plant-based product market in the last year, with 2019 marking an even bigger spike in business. The No Ordinary cruelty free products were developed by the Gavin Taylor Hair team after they struggled to find exactly what they wanted through other suppliers – making them the first salon, they believe, in Leicestershire to provide their clients with vegan friendly products that have been created in-house. Salon director Gavin Taylor said: “The No Ordinary brand was born through the frustration of not finding a professional product on the market that fulfilled all the criteria they felt it should, such as it being plant based, give your hair a natural shine and great results, and also using 99% naturally derived ingredients. “So we created the professional shampoo and conditioner range, alongside a hand wash and lotion

as part of the experience – and our customers just can’t get enough of them. None of our products are mass produced and our manufacturers work with small producers and farming co-operatives who can ensure all their raw ingredients are of the highest standards.”

The salon also goes one-step further in making their customers more environmentally aware as the bottles they sell can be refilled if posted back to the salon (with a discount given each time this happens), making far less impact on the environment. Gavin and some of his team have also vowed to work towards a more plant-based diet. “Our aim is to start a brand that steers the future of not only cosmetics but for all consumables that you repeat buy. We are changing the way we think about washing our hair in a totally new way, as every aspect of the brand, including our business cards which are made out of recycled t-shirts. We plan on being sustainable and thought provoking to help change the way people go about their daily lives,” he added. You can order from the range of vegan approved products at www.no-ordinary.co.uk or by calling into the salon at Fowke Street, Rothley. www.69-degrees.co.uk

ALL THINGS BRIGHT

Ensure the future is bright with spring’s boldest with a veritable rainbow of colour. From vibrant o yellow, LISA PIDDINGTON, from Harvey Nichols Birmi statement pieces. If there’s one SS19 trend guaran from the crowd, then it’s new season brights. Punc red, blue and pink certainly prove to be fashion’s and proud colour combinations strike a confident t from the catwalks at Prabal Gurung, Erdem, Givench

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1: American Vintage Damsville yellow knitted jum bag, £1,290. 3: Gestuz plunge bodysuit, £120. 4: Gestuz mohair-blend jumper, £140. 6: Gucci Brixt pleated chiffon midi skirt, £310. 8: Keepsake Nigh wide-leg cady trousers, £820. 10: Loewe mini leat Rosalind satin sandals, £395. 12: Free People To

T & BEAUTIFUL Valentino Garavani Grande Plage large cream canvas tote, £810.

trend and fall in love orange to out-there ingham, picks her favourite nteed to make you stand out chy shades of vivid yellow, s wake-up call; these loud tone, taking inspiration hy and Off-White.

Readily roomy with a luxury edge, the classic tote is your go-to arm candy for SS19. From Marc Jacob’s boxy bags to Stella McCartney’s relaxed Falabella these open top, oversized must-haves are designed to fit everything you need for the day. Pair this convenient carry-all with jeans, a T-shirt and low-top trainers for easy, instant chic. Here’s our new season essentials from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM.

TOTES ADORABLE 9

mper, £95. 2: Fendi Monosori leather bucket Stand Camille faux shearling coat, £260. 5: xton horsebit leather loafers, £540. 7: Pinko ht Fall plissé dress, £160. 9: Rosetta Getty ather saddle bag, £850. 11: Sophia Webster oo Good cotton-blend jumper, £70.

Burberry embossed crest leather tote, £650.

Gucci Ophidia GG tote, £1,070.

Fendi X Fila tote, £1,350.

Fendi white leather tote, £980.

Saint Laurent North South leather tote, £730.

Marc Jacobs The Box Marc Jacobs The Tag Stella McCartney green leather tote, £375. Falabella reversible faux leather tote, £470. suede tote, £720.

Products featured are available from Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox and online at harveynichols.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

HIS STYLE SPRING EDIT

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IMAGE BY BARBOUR

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90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BAB IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BAB IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S THE 90S BABY IT’S

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1: Bucket Hat £8 Primark 2: Monkey Coat £259.95 K-Way 3: Medium vintage check and tartan bum bag, £470 Burberry 4: Logo-Embroidered Cotton Bucket Hat, £20, Adidas Originals. 5: ATM Leap Chunky Trainer, £89.99, Office 6: Runner camouflage-print suede trainers, £550, Valentino Garavani. 7: Helmut Lang Tie Dye Jumper £240 Harvey Nichols 8: Cool Guy distressed skinny jeans, £400, Dsquared 9: Kagoul £70 K-Way 10: Messenger Bag £18 Debenhams 11: Roadie AAA Card Holder, £12, River Island 12: Parka £175 G Star 13: B22 leather and mesh trainers, £750, Dior Homme. 14: VLTN camouflage-print shorts, £350, Valentino. 15: Tai Trainer £60 Dune London 16: Clear Round Glasses £14 River Island 17: Cordura And Mesh Belt Bag, £100, Stussy. 18: Visetos Bucket Hat,£250 MCM www.69-degrees.co.uk

TREND EDIT: THE DAD TRAINER Balenciaga Track leather and mesh trainers, £575.

They were the surprise fashion hit of last year and love them or loathe them, “dad” trainers aren’t going anywhere fast. Thanks to the likes of Balenciaga, Valentino and Gucci these chunky, clunky sneakers have made their way from the catwalk to the street. With their exaggerated sole, mesh panelling and textured detail these statement kicks fly in the face of sleek running shoes, instead giving one big nod to geek chic. Still not convinced? We’re sure this line-up of sartorial must-haves from HARVEY NICHOLS will win you over.

Balenciaga Triple S mesh and nubuck trainers £645.

Gucci Rhyton printed leather trainers, £705.

Valentino Garavani VLTN Bounce leather trainers, £685.

Buschemi Veloce panelled trainers, £565.

Givenchy Jaw neoprene and leather trainers, £595.

Valentino Garavani Bounce £775.

Versace Chain Reaction neoprene trainers, £740.

Fendi panelled leather and mesh trainers, £750.

Trainers featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, The Mailbox, or online at harveynichols.com. www.69-degrees.co.uk

GET ON THE CASE CASETiFY, the world’s fastest growing global tech accessories brand, has worked with Parisian design collective - Vetements, to create its first range of iPhone cases and we LOVE it! Since 2014, Vetements has turned fashion on its head with a pragmatic approach to street style and unconventional take on logomania. Now, for the first time ever, Vetements introduces iPhone Cases to its offering. Available for iPhone XS Max, XS, X, 8 Plus and 8, the protective vegan 'leather' cases feature a collaged sticker effect, in keeping with the 90s teenager references behind the SS19 runway collection. With 'stickers' depicting flowers, dogs, dragons, strawberries and more, the case has an eye-catching glossy finish with an embossed ‘Vetements’ logo. The limited edition iphone cases are available online at ssense.com andmatchesfashion.co.uk priced at around £170.

HOUSE OF ROLLS ROYCE Looking for the ultimate custom motor? Well if you really wanna splash the cash on something unique then the House of Rolls bespoke factory creations might be the tick in the options box for you. Near-limitless opportunities to bring your dream delight or your nightmare vision to life starting with the online configurator. Take a look at Google’s Vice President of Engineering, Benjamin Treynor Sloss’, Dawn Black for example finished in a unique yellow-and-blue colour scheme that’s continued throughout the interior including Double-R headrest logos. You can even spec a twinkling night sky sewn into your headining. Tasty. Dream a few hours away at www.rollsroycemotorcars.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

GOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LO

OGOMANIA! LOGOMANIA! LOGOM

IA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMANIA LOGOMAN Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve; for SS19 it’s all about wearing your logos on your back, chest, arms and legs! Shout your allegiances loud and proud with logo-laden must-haves from some of the most sought-after fashion brands. LISA PIDDINGTON, from Harvey Nichols, reveals the statement streetwear pieces you need to be wearing this season.

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1: Balenciaga logo sweatshirt, £635. 2: Balmain logo cotton sweatpants, £475. 3: Dolce & Gabbana Sorrento stretch-knit high-top trainers, £575. 4: Fendi logo-print quilted shell jacket, £1,450. 5: Givenchy logo-print nylon backpack, £890. 6: Gucci logo-print hooded cotton sweatshirt, £870. 7: Kenzo logo-embroidered neoprene backpack, £225. 8: Kenzo logojacquard jumper, £230. 9: Valentino camouflage logo-print sweatshirt, £950. 10: Balenciaga printed leather tote, £1055. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, The Mailbox, or online at harveynichols.com

OGO

at different speeds depending on the person. Washing your hair with each product on a daily basis should be sufficient. You don’t want greasy hair on your wedding day, do you?

NIA

Book yourself in for a wet shave

Head down to your barbershop with your groomsmen for a traditional wet shave before your wedding day: the hot towels will help your complexion, while a traditional cut-throat razor promises to offer a close shave that’s very hard to achieve with cartridge razors at home. Make sure your barber uses a post-shave balm to soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation too.

Deal with excess hairs

No, not down there – although that might need a little manscaping as well! Go the extra mile and ask your barber to trim your nose hair, pluck or thread your eyebrows, and sort out your sprouting ears. These grooming procedures are common practice for barbers now, so there’s no shame in asking.

GROOMS GET GROOMED Eight hair, beard and skin grooming tips for men on their wedding day Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, or it is to your partner at least! Either way, you have a responsibility to make sure you look your best. It’s only for a day, so make the effort. Then you can slide back into your comfy jeans and hide under your favourite cap. It doesn’t have to be a drag, either. Below, experts at men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge have put together some simple – but effective – styling tips to get you through the big day.

don’t leave your haircut too late

It doesn’t matter if you’re drastically changing your style (not recommended!) or just keeping things tidy; make sure you book in to see your barber a week before your wedding. Giving yourself a solid seven days means your new haircut can settle in, making it look more natural. Go for a timeless style as well – that way your wedding photos will never look too dated.

Wash your hair properly

Men often neglect shampoo and conditioner, but they are essential grooming products for balancing the production of sebum oil, which causes greasy hair. Every man needs a bespoke regime when it comes to shampoos and conditioners, as sebum oil is produced

Show your beard some love

If you’re a man with a beard, make sure you trim the unruly fuzz before the big day. Beards can get messy quickly, so do this right up until the big day. Use a beard oil and comb as well to soften your facial hair and leave it smelling irresistible.

Pay attention to your skin

Your skin is your largest organ and deserves to be pampered. Drink plenty of water in the build up to your wedding to keep your skin hydrated. It’s also worth using a face scrub to remove dirt and oil from deep inside the skin’s pores for a complexion that glows with confidence. Finish with a moisturiser to lock in all that goodness.

Clean and clip your nails

Lots of men get so caught up thinking about their suit, shoes and tie that they forget to sort the simple things. It takes no time at all to cut and clean your nails, but it’ll make all the difference.

Apply cologne properly

Whether it’s sweet or musky, make sure you wear cologne on your wedding day. Applying your favourite fragrance is an art: regulate the number of spritzes to just one or two and dip your finger into the cologne to evenly distribute the scent. Consider the wrists, neck, chest and underarms as grooming hotspots.

For more tips, tricks, and wedding day essentials, visit www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk.

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AMAZING MALAYSIA A melting pot of religions, cultures and communities, Malaysia’s rich heritage, cosmopolitan and contemporary nightlife, stunning national parks and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest make it the perfect destination for those looking for exploration and entertainment writes Jon Fraser.

work further up river. In the late 1700’s Malaysia was colonized by the British and the winding alley ways of wooden shacks that made up the town were replaced with brick buildings and wide walkways in the style of the Empire much of which, as in other parts of Malaysia particularly Penang, is in evidence today despite the country being under Japanese control during the second world war.

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur after a comfortable 13-hour flight from London’s Heathrow with British Airways you’re immediately hit by the vibrancy and chaos of the city. Cars and scooters intertwine on the city streets as traffic police in traditional uniform attempt to conduct the dance. Neon signs blink, billboards rotate and what look like the ruins of Victorian architecture snuggle up against

Must visit remnants of the city’s past include Merdeka Square home to the stunning neo Nughal and Moorish Revival designed Sultan Abdul Samad Building where Malaya declared itself independent from colonial forces in 1957, becoming Malaysia. Shoppers will delight at the Central Market, remodelled in Art Deco style but home to shopping in Kuala Lumpur since 1888 and packed with over 300 shops that

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structures of steel and glass that announce that this is a city of history and of progression. Kuala Lumpur – or KL as you’ll see on every baseball cap and bumper sticker- is Malaysia’s capital and its largest city. Named after the point where two rivers join together, Kuala Lumpur means muddy confluence, the city originated as a trading and provision point for Chinese tin miners who would

up above the waterside along with restaurant, reception building, spa, shop and activity building the accommodation is functional but supremely well located for the sights and sounds of jungle life.

enigmatic entrance will be revealed where some seriously good cocktails await– perfect!

WE STAYED AT... Centrally located and excellent value, the Hotel Istana offered us a huge room with an amazing view of the city and an excellent breakfast to start us on our day.

celebrate Malaysian arts and crafts. The nearby Petaling Market in the city’s China Town is and a counterfeiter’s delight. A must see as is the imposing Petronas Twin Towers with connecting Sky Bridge, one of the world’s top 20 tallest skyscrapers. Available to visit, make sure you book ahead for some unforgettable views. At night Kuala Lumpur offers a mix of western style tourist pubs, swanky rooftop hotel cocktail bars and restaurants and nightclubs where the DJ keeps the decks spinning until the early hours of the morning. By far our favourite aspect of afterhours Kuala Lumpur are the huge array of Speakeasy or Hidden Bars around the city. Opium Den styled destinations await behind fake shop frontages and hidden doorways – tip a top hat to the right and a door will open, press a panel on the left and an

Much more than just a stopover hotel, Sama Sama is conveniently located at the airport and offers guests multiple restaurants and lounges, a fabulous outdoor pool to relax in and well equipped gym. Leaving Kuala Lumpur behind us we set off by boat along the Tembeling river to Tamar Negara national park, the world’s oldest Rainforest and Jungle. The magical journey passing Water Buffalo, Kingfishers, Macaque monkeys and Hornbills, takes around two hours and is incredibly comfortable sat two abreast in a low-slung river boat with tin top to keep off the sun and let the breeze in. Cruising through the rainforest is an incredibly emotional experience, sometimes overwhelming as you realise the epic scale of what surrounds you. We were lucky enough to be staying in the heart of the jungle itself in the only rainforest resort in Malaysia – the Muriata resort. Made up around 100 wood and bamboo air-conditioned huts high

Walk out of your hut, past the Macaque monkeys laying on your lawn and the jungle is literally all around you. The resort employs a large number of excellent guides who took us through readymade rainforest paths both in the black of night – this is one place where there really is no such thing as light pollution- and in the midday sun. The jungle at night sings with unknown life and although, thanks to an earlier rainstorm, much of its residents kept well out of our way, we still got to meet speckled huntsman spiders, giant stick insects and centipedes as well as the odd snake or five. Daylight allows for a closer study of the exotic flora and fauna of the region as well as a walk across the treetop canopies – an amazing adrenalin fuelled treat and another great way to experience and enjoy this amazing location. If you’re hankering for some more time on the river then why not take an open boat to Lata Berkoh for a spot of river swimming? Call in on Malaysia’s tallest tree on the way and switch the engines off for a relaxed drift back to camp listening to the jungle life around you. Keep your eyes peeled as Tigers, elephants, deer and macaques all still live within the jungle. Two nights at the Mutiara Tamar Negara resort including some meals and guided activities cost from around £148 per person. Visit mutiaratamannegara.com to find out more. www.tourism.gov.my, www.hotelistana.com.my, www.samasamahotels.com www. mutiaratamannegara.com, www.britishairways.com

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do g a t S & n e H Best d a o r b a s n o i t Destina What’s the krak with Kraków?

A less expected destination on the list is Poland’s second city and former capital Kraków. In Kraków, you can explore a harmonious blend of old and new, going from fascinating history to pumping nightlife in a matter of footsteps. Spend some time admiring the architecture and history of this cultural city and then get the party started! A small and compact city, Kraków has one of the world’s highest density of pubs, bars and clubs, and it’s one of the cheapest cities in Europe.

So, you’re planning a hen or stag weekend abroad? It’s an exciting yet daunting task we know. Whether you’re the maid of honour or the best man, we’ve picked out the best hen & stag do destinations around the world to give you a helping hand!

The beauty of Barcelona

Sun, sand and sangria… what more could you want for your last hurrah! The home of Catalan culture, months of endless sunshine, a lively nightlife and incredible gastronomy – this Spanish city has it all. Whether you want to spend days lounging on the beach, get involved in some pulse racing activities, explore the local culture and attractions or dance the night away with the locals, Barcelona is the destination for your stag or hen do. www.69-degrees.co.uk

TOPACTIVITIES IN BARCELONA: • Visit Barcelona’s iconic attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s Park Güell and Mercado de la Boqueria • Go on a tapas crawl of the bars of the Gothic Quarter • Relax on Barceloneta beach • Hit the world-famous nightclubs on the seafront Spending money: ££ Approximate Flight Time: 2h5m Fly direct with: Ryanair and Vueling

TOP ACTIVITIES IN KRAKOW: • Mooch around the main market square, Rynek Główny • Take a walking tour around the Old Town and visit Wawel Castle • Crawl the bars of the historic Jewish district, Kazimierz • Try pierogi (Polish dumplings) Spending Money: £ Approximate Flight Time: 2h25m Fly direct with: Ryanair

Browse the culture of Belfast Who says you need to leave the UK for a fun stag or hen do away? Belfast is Northern Ireland’s vibrant, fun and friendly capital, ready to welcome you with open arms. As well as a great nightlife scene, Belfast is home to many galleries, opera houses, museums

and movie theatres, making it a wonderfully cultural place to explore. Why not book a group activity like a cocktail masterclass, a brewery bike and beer tour, or the Belfast pub experience? TOP ACTIVITIES IN BELFAST: • Visit the Titanic Belfast Exhibition • Browse Ireland’s oldest continually operating market, St. George’s Market • Enjoy an Irish Dancing show or have a go yourselves • Crawl the city’s oldest pubs Spending Money: ££ Approximate Flight Time: 1h0m Fly direct with: Flybe and easyJet

From tiny basement clubs to industrial techno temples, from picturesque beer gardens to fancy cocktail dens, there’s something for everyone 24/7. If you can pull your group away from the parties, Berlin is a city full of vibrant culture, cuttingedge architecture, fabulous food and tangible history. A captivating combo of glamour and grit, this edgy city is a great hen and stag do destination. TOP ACTIVITIES IN BERLIN: • Walk along remnants of the Berlin Wall • Stand in the very room where the Holocaust was planned • Pedal through Berlin’s streets on a famous party bike • Stay up all night at one of the city’s famous clubs Spending Money: ££ Approximate Flight Time: 1h45m Fly direct with: Flybe

Dubai is glittering luxury Berlin’s best for bars If the bride or groom is the type who will enjoy clubbing until the early hours, the cool German capital is the best city to visit. With no official closing hours throughout Berlin, the nightlife on offer is legendary.

You don’t have to stick to Europe for a stag do or hen weekend. If you’re out for one big bang, ultra-modern, urban and glamorous, Dubai is a destination like no other. A city set in the middle of a desert, you won’t see any rain here. Relax beside infinity pools and beautiful golden

sandy beaches or head into the desert on an exquisite safari. The city boasts world-class shopping, dining and entertainment attractions too, meaning your stag or hen party won’t be stuck for things to do. After dark, Dubai really comes alive. From flashy dance temples, shiny rooftop terraces and funky beach clubs to fancy cocktail caverns, shisha lounges and concerts under the stars – Dubai is a fantastic choice for your hen or stag do abroad. TOP ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI: • Explore the attractions in Dubai • Spend an afternoon at the uber hip The Beach JBR • Sandboard or quad bike along the desert sand dunes • Treat your taste buds in the souks Spending Money: ££££ Approximate Flight Time: 7h0m Fly direct with: Emirates Fly direct to these hen and stag do destinations, including many more, from Birmingham Airport. Make your getaway more special by booking your party into one of our airport lounges before you fly.

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Deaf Havana 19th March @ Rock City Nottingham 28th March @ o2 Academy Birmingham

As only one of a handful of British guitar bands to achieve a top 10 album in 2018 with their fifth studio album Rituals, UK 5-piece Deaf Havana are emabrking on a full European headline tour calling in to two midlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venues. .

CRITICAL L www.69-degrees.co.uk

LIST

SPRING

sCHEDULE

American Idiot

26th February – 2nd March @ Haymarket Theatre, Leicester 9th – 13th April @ Alexandra Theatre Birmingham Selladoor Productions presents Green Day’s explosive rock musical, American Idiot. Returning to mark the show’s 10th anniversary and 15th anniversary of the Grammy Award winning original album. Starring singer-songwriter Luke Friend (X Factor), Tom Milner (The Voice, Waterloo Road) and introducing Sam Lavery as Whatsername.

Fredo

28th February @ Rock City Nottingham 8th March @ o2 academy Leicester Grime MC, Fredo, has announced the details of his highly anticipated debut album Third Avenue, and to celebrate he’s headed out on a full UK tour.

Rambert: Life is a Dream

28th February – 2nd March @ Curve Theatre, Leicester www.69-degrees.co.uk

48 Life is a Dream is a spectacular new dance show from Olivier Award-winner Kim Brandstrup, the choreographer behind Rambert‘s Transfigured Night. Dramatic, lyrical dancing from Rambert’s world-class ensemble, dreamlike imagery from legendary filmmakers the Quay Brothers and a live orchestra playing the rich music of Witold Lutosławski combine to transport you into an otherwordly atmosphere.

new pop star, Billie Eilish returns to the UK for her biggest headline shows to date. The madly talented teen is set to treat fans to songs from her don’t smile at me EP, alongside more recent singles such as ‘you should see me in a crown’.

NDER BON JOVI, GE G OH MY! N I G N I L S N U G & There’s some unmissable new theatre at Birmingham Repertory Theatre this Spring.

Fatboy Slim

22nd February @ Arena Birmingham 1st March @ Motorpoint Arena Nottingham Fatboy Slim is aiming to create the UK’s biggest dance floors turning our favourite arenas into unique night club experiences. Imagine something unusual and completely different. Expect a big production, a revolving stage, rave ushers and a live smiley face experience.

Rachel Parris

3rd March @ Nottingham Playhouse Viral sensation Rachel Parris, star of BBC’s The Mash Report, presents a comedy show packed with stand-up, song, sketch, and inevitably a sideways swipe at society. In this tour show she showcases some of her best bits, from her trademark comic anthems, to her all-too relatable, bittersweet stand-up, alongside brand new material looking at the insane events of this year.

The Girl on the Train

Billie Eilish

2nd March @ O2 Institute Birmingham The world’s favourite www.69-degrees.co.uk

4th – 9th March @ Curve Theatre, Leicester 13th – 18th May @ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 20th – 25th May @ Theatre Royal

With the modern jukebox musical comes a multitalented cast, orchestra, opulent sets, decadent costumes, extravagant routines, dramatic key changes and the odd hydraulic life or two. We’ve Got Each Other (23-27 April) has none of these things (they cost a lot of money) but Paul O’Donnell tries to create an all-singing, all dancing Bon Jovi spectacle using the powers of your imagination in his small but hugely entertaining one-man show. Slowly but surely transgender characters and stories are appearing more regularly on stage. And Jon Brittain’s superb, Olivier award-winning, bittersweet comedy, Rotterdam (20 – 22 May), is one that’s leading the way. On New Year’s Eve in Rotterdam, Alice is about to come out as gay via email to her parents. But as her finger hovers over ‘send’, her long-term girlfriend Fiona reveals that she is transgender and wants to transition and live as Adrian. The story that follows is one of gender identity and expression, sexuality and self-acceptance. But perhaps most of all, it is a story about love. For the first time in the UK, the sons of Oscar-winning Milos Forman bring a spectacular cast to perform a breathtaking Wild West tale, Deadtown (27 – 29 June) using an extraordinary mixture of film, live action and magic. Expect exhilarating entertainment. Tickets and info: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Unforgettable performance, powered by you 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge.

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Until Sat 2 Mar

The Magic Flute Mozart

Thu 7 & Sat 9 Mar

Mon 11 Sat 23 Mar

Foil, Arms and Hog: Craicling

Tue 26 & Wed 27 Mar

Sat 18 May

TEDxYouth@Brum2019

Wed 27 Mar

Thu 28 Mar

Tue 21 May

Tue 28 May - Sat 8 Jun

Josh Widdicombe Bit Much...

Tue 2 Sat 13 Jul

Tue 23 Jul Sun 11 Aug

Sun 13 Oct

Nottingham Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

Ward Thomas

5th March @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester Rising UK stars Ward Thomas (24 year old twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy), release their jubilant new single Never Know on all platforms from today, taken from their eagerly anticipated forthcoming album Restless Minds out now.

LANY

6th March @ Rock City Nottingham Indie pop outfit Lany head to Rock City as part of their Malibu State World Tour!

Fun Lovin’ Criminals

8th March @ Rock City Nottingham The eternally awesome Fun Lovin’ Criminals head to Rock City to celebrate their new album ‘Another Mimosa’! www.69-degrees.co.uk

George Ezra

Jack & jack

8th March @ o2 Institute Birmingham The meteoric rise of pop phenomenon Jack & Jack hinges on the lifelong friendship of Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, a friendship that translates to the undeniable chemistry at the heart of their music. Goldcertified singles, sold out tours and a global smash with Jonas Blue have launched the duo into a world where 25 million people follow them on social media and they’ve become one of the biggest mainstream breakouts of the decade. Now, they’re heading for the UK as part of their A Good Friend Is Nice Tour, and you’re all invited.

Jessie Cave

9th March @ Birmingham Hippodrome Cave takes her critically acclaimed blend of confessional comedy and DIY performance art out on tour.

12th March @ Motorpoint Arena Nottingham 17th March @ Resorts World Arena Birmingham Brit winner George Ezra today continues his phenomenal ascent with the announcement of his first ever headline arena tour.

Kinky Boots

11th March – 23rd March @ Birmingham Hippodrome 27th May – 8th June @ Theatre Royal Nottingham With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.

Cirque Berserk

13th March – 17th March @ @ Curve Theatre, Leicester The spectacular Cirque Berserk returns with all your favourite acts and now includes some thrilling new ones, all created especially for the theatre.

52 No Such Thing As A Fish

AJ Tracey

21st March @ O2 Institute Birmingham 22nd March @ Rock City Nottingham MOBO-nominated street star, AJ Tracey will cement his place as one of the UK’s premiere grime exports with his biggest headline tour to date.

KT Tunstall

Becky Hill

14th March at o2 Institute Birmingham 20th March at Rescue Rooms Becky Hill is finally ready to step into her own spotlight. After a handful of hugely successful collaborations – with the likes of Wilkinson, Rudimental, Matoma and MK – she now finds herself a bona fide solo artist, front and centre of her own music. But it’s been a “long old slog” to get here.

Dodie

14th March @ o2 Academy Birmingham 20th March @ Rock City Nottingham The 23 year old singer songwriter from Epping, Essex, is arguably the most successful DIY www.69-degrees.co.uk

artist of recent times, having built herself a considerable fanbase since she began uploading music from her bedroom aged just 16. dodie has now had almost 350 million streams across YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Edmond De Bergerac

15th – 30th March @ Birmingham Repertory Theatre Meet the man behind the nose! Inspired by the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond De Bergerac took France by storm and now makes its English-language premiere at The REP.

20th March @ Town Hall, Birmingham 22nd March @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester Brit and Ivor Novello Award winning singer and songwriter KT Tunstall is touring for the first time with an all-female band.

NAO

22nd March @ O2 Institute Birmingham Soul-pop singer, Nao is back with her refreshing, bold and experimental new album, Saturn, and she’ll be taking it on the road to showcase its power and positivity.

23rd March @ Town Hall Birmingham The team behind multiple awardwinning podcast No Such Thing As A Fish are hitting the road again in Spring 2019, with their brand new show, ‘In No Particular Order’.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

5th March – 9th March @ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 26th – 30th March @ Curve Theatre, Leicester Following the phenomenal sell-out success of their multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre return with their latest fast and fabulous comedy caper, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.

Noughts & Crosses

26th – 30th March @ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry This gripping Romeo and Juliet story by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman is a captivating story of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.

15–30 MARCH

EDMOND DE BERGERAC

The hilarious romantic comedy featuring Freddie Fox, Henry Goodman, Josie Lawrence and Chizzy Akudulo

13–20 APRIL

THE HALF GOD OF RAINFALL

Inua Ellams’ contemporary saga weaving poetry with storytellingoin a majestic, chaotic journey across mythologies

2–18 MAY

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The European stage première of Khaled Hosseini’s powerful story

29 MAY–15 JUNE

CAPTAIN CORELLI’S MANDOLIN Based on the best-selling novel, this unforgettable love story comes to the stage for the very first time

27–29 JUNE

DEADTOWN The sons of Oscar-winning Milos Forman bring together a spectacular cast of 20 acrobats, dancers, singers and musicians in this extraordinary Wild West tale

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54 Adore Delano

Shut Down

26th March @ Curve Theatre, Leicester SHUT DOWN explores the spectrum of modern day masculinity and investigates the pressures, contradictions and confusions of being a man. Vincent Dance Theatre’s first ever all male production is timely, humorous and highly charged ‘political and poetic dance theatre’ (London Dance), from Charlotte Vincent, one of the UK’s most risk-taking and rigorous choreographers.

Easy Life

27th March @ Rescue Rooms Nottingham 30th March @ o2 academy Leicester 4th March @ o2

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Institute Birmingham Hotly-tipped Leicester fivepiece Easy Life have announced details of a new headline tour having recently capped a breakthrough twelve months with their TV debut on ‘Later…with Jools Holland’

Rhod Gilbert

7th March & 28th June @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham 28th March @ De Montfort Hall, Leics 4th April @ Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham 19th May @ Derby Arena It has been a while, but the multiaward-winning Welsh comedian is back, with a brand new live show. In a six-year break from stand-up, a lot has happened to Rhod. Almost all of it s**t.

1st April @ Glee Club Nottingham 2nd April @ Glee Club Birmingham Rupaul’s Drag Race and American Idol Alumni is coming to the UK! Adore Delano competed in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race making it into the final three and she released her debut studio album Till Death Do Us Party in 2014. and released her second studio album After Party in 2016.

Rock of Ages

11th March – 16th March @ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 2nd April – 6th April @ Theatre Royal Nottingham 11th June – 15th June @ Haymarket Theatre, Leicester Rock of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true! This hilarious musical comedy will have you singing and laughing along with its epic songs played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

Victoria

2nd April – 6th April @ Curve

Theatre, Leicester Northern Ballet‘s new biopic brings the sensational story of Victoria to life in dance.

Barber Shop Chronicles

3rd April – 6th April @ Curve Theatre, Leicester Fuel has produced Inua Ellams’ work for theatre since his debut play nine years ago. Barber Shop Chronicles is a heart-warming, hilarious and insightful play, set in Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos, Accra and London.

Nina Nesbitt

9th April @ Rescue Rooms Nottingham 16th April @ O2 Institute Birmingham Nina Nesbitt will be dropping her eagerly awaited album, The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change, early next year and you can experience it live in the spring.

pé p a r f r u o y g n Turni ! into a fiesta

Saturday afternoon and the coffeeshop is bustling, the hum of music is playing in the background, customers are chatting, the feeling is relaxed and friendly, warm and welcoming.

could create a space which is as much known for its great atmosphere as it is for its excellent services and products. It’s all about the experience. Music can change that experience from good to outstanding!

Now, imagine it without that music. Not quite the same environment is it? A business without music can fall flat, seem lifeless and cold.

And don’t just take our word for it.

Music creates a mood. Maybe you want your clients to feel chilled out and taken away from the hustle and bustle of weekend shoppers, or perhaps some uplifting feelgood music as they make plans for the weekend ahead? Playing music in your establishment encourages conversations, that vital connection between your staff and customers. Create a reflective playlist Your clientele is diverse, and your playlist can reflect that. Know your customers, involve your employees, learn which style of music heightens that ‘feelgood’ factor at differing times, and you

Pablo Ettinger, Co-founder of Caffè Nero says: ‘We use music to change the atmosphere so, like all good retailers we split our day into parts… and you can actually feel the atmosphere change, more and more up-tempo as we go through the day so it has a huge influence.’ We believe that music can be as much a part of your brand image as the company name or décor. The right playlist in your store can help add to your customer experience, staff productivity and moral, as well as encourage loyalty and brand recognition. TheMusicLicence Previously businesses needed to buy two separate licences to

play music, one from PPL and one from PRS for Music. These two bodies have listened to their customers and formed a joint venture – PPL PRS Ltd - and created TheMusicLicence. What this means for you is that you can now buy and renew your music licence in one place, with one invoice and one contact. Simple! What should I do now? If you already have a licence, absolutely nothing! We will manage the whole transition for all licence holders to make this process as straightforward and seamless as possible. Once it’s due for renewal we will be in touch with details of your new TheMusicLicence. If you don’t currently have a licence and you want to start playing music in your business, simply contact PPL PRS and leave the rest to us, we’ll have you licensed and listening in no time.

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A CURVE AND BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME CO-PRODUCTION PROJECTS

BASED UPON THE NOVEL WRITTEN BY ALICE WALKER AND THE WARNER BROS./AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT MOTION PICTURE BOOK BY MARSHA NORMAN MUSIC & LYRICS BY BRENDA RUSSELL, ALLEE WILLIS & STEPHEN BRAY THE COLOR PURPLE was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia.

DIRECTOR TINUKE CRAIG DESIGNER ALEX LOWDE MUSICAL SUPERVISOR & MUSICAL DIRECTOR ALEX PARKER ORCHESTRATOR MARTIN HIGGINS

CHOREOGRAPHER MARK SMITH LIGHTING DESIGNER JOSHUA PHARO SOUND DESIGNER TOM MARSHALL CASTING DIRECTOR KAY MAGSON CDG

Join ’s Membership Scheme and become part of our family of supporters who make a real difference.

16–26 Are you aged between 16–26, enjoy theatre and live, learn or work in our City? Join our FREE 16–26 Membership Scheme Enjoy exclusive discounts and offers plus a range of other benefits.

Member See more theatre for less! For just £40 per year, Curve Members enjoy 2-for-1 and 15% discounts, priority booking, invitations to exclusive members events and much more!

Supporter Support our charitable work with schools, young people and diverse communities across Leicester & Leicestershire for only £10 per month or £120 per year.

Friend Get closer to Curve and sustain our ambition to increase access, learning and participation with award-winning world-class theatre across Leicester & Leicestershire for less than £10 per week or £500 a year.

To purchase your Membership today, please call our Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit our website www.curveonline.co.uk/membership Curve is run by Leicester Theatre Trust Limited, a registered charity (no. 230708).

58 WATCH: PET SEMATARY It has to be said that we’re getting a bit sick of all the remakes in Hollywood right now – where is the original storytelling guys??? But anyway, if there’s one horror film to remake then Stephen King’s Pet Sematary is it. Timelessly chilling, King’s novel tells the story about a family who move to a remote area and following the death of the family cat, bury it in the Pet Sematary there’d heard talked about by neighbours. When the cat returns from the dead the trouble begin, after all, sometimes dead is better…

ALL THE NU THING A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW THINGS AND there’s so much to see, hear, play and read. Here’s our pick. singer and rapper and she breaks through with her new album Cuz I Love You trailed with the fabulously funky piece of pop perfection that is lead single Juice.

READ: EL JAMES THE MISTER

LISTEN: LIZZO CUZ I LOVE YOU Lizzo has been on our playlists for some time now thanks to the ultimate sass track Good as Hell being on repeat whenever we’re getting ready to go out out. Now the whole world has woken up to the delights of this Minneapolis www.69-degrees.co.uk

EL James The Mister Following on from the huge success of her notorious novels, the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, EL James is back with a new romance set in present day London and tells of playboy Maxim Trevelyan who after he inherits his family’s noble title, wealth, and estates, as well as all of the responsibility that entails falls for an enigmatic

young woman, recently arrived in England and who possesses little more than a dangerous and troublesome past… Expect a roller-coaster ride of danger and desire to leave you panting over your paperback.

59 PLAY: LAST OF US 2

Perhaps our favourite end of the world Zombie game, if all of the rumours are to be believed the follow up to Naughty Dog’s smash hit game looks set to drop on the 29th March with Joel and Ellie continuing their journey through a wasteland hit by a killer virus. Is Ellie the key to the survival of the human race? I guess we’ll find out as this game is set five years later and things don’t look good as the game’s writer has stated that whereas the first game centered on love, Part II centers on hate.

WATCH: Gentleman Jack Anything written by Sally Wainwright has us pressing the series link button so when we heard about her new series Gentleman Jack starring Doctor Foster’s Suranne Jones then we were already cancelling our plans and reserving the best spot on the sofa. Gentleman Jack tells the story of Anne Lister, one of the most formidable women of the 19th century who charmed her way into high society and planned – much to the horror of her neighbours – to marry a woman.

SEE: GET ON YOUR FEET 3rd – 8th June @ Curve On Your Feet! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom and features some of the most iconic pops songs of the era, including ‘Rhythm is Gonna Get You’, ‘Conga’, ‘Get On Your Feet’, ‘Don’t Want To Lose You Now’ and ‘1-2-3’.

WATCH: The Handmaid’s Tale

READ: Margaret Atwood The Testaments

The third and final instalment of June’s journey is expected to land on Hulu in America in April with Channel 4 expected to begin broadcasting a few weeks later. Season two saw the cracks in Gilead begin to show and rebellion building against authority. Season 3 is expected to start just minutes after season 2 ended with June handing her baby Nicole to Emily to smuggle back to Canada and a life of freedom. But what will happen to June as a result and will Serena and Gilead rest as what they consider as they’re child is taken to another country and culture? Will June survive and be reunited with her first child? Agh! So many questions!

Don’t get us wrong, we love the TV adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale but it was Margaret Atwood’s book which originally had us gripped and chilled to the core. And so that’s why we’re so excited that she has chosen to finally follow up on her Dystopian Drama and officially answer the question “What happens to Offred after she escapes Gilead?” The original book ended with a jump 200 years into the future and looked at what had happened in the intervening years but never dealt with the individuals. Here Atwood gets to tell their story her way.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

PLAY: DEVIL MAY CRY 5

WATCH: DUMBO Following on from the success of Disney’s revisiting of Mary Poppins, Tim Burton has tackled the childhood classic Disney fantasy Dumbo. Swapping animation for live action and CGI starring Colin Farrell and Eva Green , Burton’s remake promises a riot of big top treats in the same vein of the Greatest Showman along with a whole lot of heart as he tells the tale of the baby elephant born with ears too big and endlessly mocked by his peers until they experience the magical powers behind the ears and he begins to fly...

After years of waiting, fans are finally getting their hands on a brand new Devil May Cry game. The story takes place several years after the events of Devil May Cry 2. when a man known as “V” comes to the Devil May Cry office to hire Dante to solve a series of demon attacks occurring across the world. Meanwhile, Nero now equpiped with a robotic prosthetic arm called the “Devil Breaker” after his original Devil Bringer arm was taken by a mysterious hooded individual. Nero’s hunt for the hooded figure brings him to the city that Dante deduced as the epicenter of the demon attacks.

SEE: Rupaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World 3rd May @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham

LISTEN: Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Quietly taking over the world, its airwaves and pretty much every Netflix soundtrack over the last year (that song that always makes you cry on 13 Reasons Why? Yep that’s Billie) With her very own brand of beautiful electro gloom, the 17 year old US singersongwriter, has carved out a new niche introspective niche on YouTube and this , her first album, look set to bring together the best of her back catalogue along with a whole host of self-penned new material. www.69-degrees.co.uk

The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race World Tour returns with an all new production for 2019! Mission leader Michelle Visage takes voyagers on a journey to save the universe with the help of her intergalactic queens including Aquaria, Kameron Michaels, Asia O’Hara, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Monét X Change and Violet Chachki!

WHEN SWEET GETS SINISTER Artist and filmmaker Rachel Maclean is transforming Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery as she curates a major exhibition that showcases the multiple manifestations of sinister cuteness using works taken from Birmingham’s collection and the Arts Council Collection. From adult onesies to bunny ear photofilters, there is an overwhelming presence of cuteness in contemporary society. Through the exhibition Maclean will ask why we feel the need to share and reproduce cute things, as well as question the fine line between cuteness and creepiness. The artist known for her distinctive satirical films has also created an opening film to introduce the themes of the exhibition featuring ‘Dr Cute’ - a grotesque bear-like creature played by Maclean. Other artists’ work featured includes John Isaacs, Gillian Wearing, Ana Maria Pacheco, Helen Chadwick, Paula Rego, Peter Blake and Hermann Sondermann. Rachel Maclean said: “I’ve had a fantastic time exploring the Birmingham collection and the Arts

Council Collection and it’s been an honour to be able to bring together a show that includes so many artists that I admire. I have been fascinated by cuteness for a long time and think that despite it being an area that so many artists investigate, it can often be overlooked as being too silly, shallow or feminine a subject for debate. “I think cuteness is fundamental to our experience of consumer capitalism and it’s important that we take it seriously in order to understand what we use cute objects for and the effect they have on us. Something which has come to the fore in curating the show has been the number of artists that toe the line between cuteness and creepiness. There is something fascinatingly complex about this and for me it is the fundamental mystery of the cute object, how can things that look sweet be simultaneously sinister?” Too Cute! Sweet is about to get Sinister is at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until the 12th May. To find out more visit birminghammuseums.org.uk/ bmag/whats-on/too-cute www.69-degrees.co.uk

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MIDLANDS FESTIVAL LINE UPS ANNOUNCED Two Midlands festivals have announced their initial line ups ahead of the summer.

MADE Festival announced 11 artists and performers when the festival returns to Perry Park for its 6th year on 27th July. Kicking off the MADE 2019 line up are Andy C (pictured), Hardy Caprio, Holy Goof, Lethal Bizzle, Mall Grab, My Nu Leng, Solardo, Sonny Fodera, Sub Focus B2B Dimension (UK Festival Exclusive), TQD (Royal-T x DJ Q x Flava D); a bill sure to cause excitement among MADE Festival regulars, and with more massive names still yet to be announced. Tickets start from £35 with VIP starting from £65.

Family. This will be the band’s first Nottingham appearance since their 2007 Rock City show. They’ll be joined by Ska legends The Specials, cited as one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time.

www.made-festival.co.uk Nottingham’s Splendour festival have gone old school with fan favourites The Manic Street Preachers headlining this year’s event at Woollaton Park on the 20th July. The Manics were in high demand by Splendour fans, bagging the top spot of who they’d like to see at the festival in a survey conducted by the organisers, DHP

The bands are the first of over 40 acts announced to perform at Nottinghamshire’s biggest outdoor music event, with many more artists, comedians and entertainers to be revealed in the coming months. Tickets for Nottingham City residents aged 11-17 are just £22. www.splendourfestival.com

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Amazing new Chinese f and decor i

In the heart of Birmingham’s bustling Chinatown stands Ming Moon, the biggest and most glamorous of the area’s Chinese restaurants. With space for over 450 guests, it’s a venue that’s ideal for a quiet meal with family, friends or colleagues or for a far bigger celebration such as a birthday or anniversary. The large brightly-decorated dining room, which opens on to busy Hurst Street, is adaptable to cope with groups of all sizes. But whatever the occasion, guests can rest assured that the huge variety of freshlyprepared dishes served at Birmingham city centre’s only Chinese buffet restaurant are delicious. And there are plenty of options for customers who want to make their visit something out of the ordinary. For Ming Moon has an array of ten private dining and karaoke rooms that they can make their own for the night… or early morning. The decor and theme in each is unique ranging from the Buddha Bar and Gangham room to the apres-ski room and the Guns & Rose room. Each is of a different size to make www.69-degrees.co.uk

them suitable for all sorts of events. There are specially-assigned waiters standing by to bring guests mouthwatering dishes from the extensive food menu and drinks from the stylish bar. The rooms are also equipped with karaoke equipment, including surround-sound speakers and big TV screens, so that revellers can unleash their secret Dolly Partons or Frank Sinatras. Party packages are also available for kids. The restaurant has a live open kitvhen over 10 meter long so guests can watch the busy hers at work creating fabulous dishes. Ming Moon - going strong since 2010 - is located in the same spacious building as its sister restaurant Wing Wah, which specialises in high-class dim sum and a la carte. There’s no room hire charge for the karaoke rooms. There’s a Chinatown Car Park discount scheme when you dine at Ming Moon - £5 for 12 hours of parking. T & C’s apply MIng Moon is at 16 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4BN. To book your table visit mingmoon.co.uk or call 0121 622 5588

food in BIRMINGHAM

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a club night with an orchestra playing - how do you think clubbers will respond to that concept? Although in theory this show is “sit down”, the reality is that it will be more “stand up and jump around”. The Annual albums changed the compilation world and indeed the dance market - is it nice looking back to have been involved in such a gamechanger?

S: JUdGE JULE ministry of sound THE aNNUAL CLAssical Original Annual mastermind Judge Jules on the albums, curating the music for the orchestral tour and why he loves Ministry Of Sound so very much...

it, “brand-name”, and the Ministry made this something I did indeed jump at.

How did you get involved with the Ministry orchestral tour?

Was it something you jumped at?

I have been involved as curator, both in respect of the tracklist and the way that the songs are presented. Having played these records over many years, I’ve got a deep insight into how they move people and my association with other orchestra shows has given me a deep understanding of the interplay with a live multi piece orchestra.

The synergy between me, as a long standing DJ and, dare I say

The shows are sit-down concerts rather than basically

They brought me on board because of my association with the MoS over many years, including mixing many of the biggest selling Annual compilations.

www.69-degrees.co.uka

What was your role in song selection and the process of making them work with an orchestra?

The Annual series, especially during the period of my involvement, remains the biggest selling dance music compilation of all time by some distance. It was a huge calling card for me personally. The Ministry was set up in part by very close personal friends and influenced by the Paradise Garage in New York, a place I visited when I was super young with the guys who set up the Ministry. So, I saw the MoS happening from inception right through to the present day and therefore feel very personally associated. What are your five favourite Ministry memories? The best thing about the Ministry, and this applies to every set I’ve played there, is that the DJ booth is its own mini club. You literally “feel” music in the way that few other clubs in the world allow the DJ to. Tickets for The Annual Classical are available from Ministry Of Sound also via SeeTickets, Ticketmaster and start at £22.50 18th May Symphony Hall Birmingham 6th June Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

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