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MUSIC ART FASHION TRAVEL www.69-degrees.co.uk
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MUSIC TO YOUR EARS AND A DRINK (OR T WO) IN YOUR HANDS
Celebrate the most stylish night of the week with our mouth-watering menu, delicious drinks and a line-up of live musical talents. Every Saturday night, 9pm – 12 midnight Ground Floor Bar BOOK NOW +44 121 616 6028 reservations.birmingham@harveynichols.com
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WHY HAS IT GOT SO COLD?
NO.93 6...
EDGE Crea
Cover image by Jeff Wan
UPFRONT
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16... STREET STYLE 20... becky hill 24... STYLE LIST 40... TRAVELLER
44... CRITICAL LIST
52... ALL THE NU THINGS 58... SIXTY9 SOCIAL
66... baby squad on STage
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DISCOVER LUXURY LIVING SMITH’S ROW THE JEWELLERY QUARTER, BIRMINGHAM
An exclusive collection of 8 contemporary townhouses located in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, currently under construction and ready for completion in late 2018. These beautiful three storey homes enjoy private gardens and parking.
AVA I L A B L E L AT E 2 0 1 8 PRICE ON APPLICATION
UPFRONT
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MADE
FOR THE WEEKEND Following on from an epic MADE Festival at Perry Park, ‘MADE For The Weekend’ is taking over Birmingham’s Genting Arena with a feast of urban and electronic music guaranteed to make your weekend. It all kicks off on Friday 12th October for two days with a massive line up of hip hop, grime and bass with Giggs, Pusha T, Stefflon Don, Maleek Berry, Preditah, Nasty C, on the Friday with the giants of drum ’n’ bass and house music, including Chase & Status (DJ Set) & Rage, Andy C, My Nu Leng feat. Dread MC, SaSaSaS, Gorgon City present Kingdom, Notion, Bushbaby brb Sammy Virji, Catz ‘N Dogz, Max Chapman, Eli Brown on Saturday. MADE For The Weekend tickets are on sale now from £31.45 via www.theticketfactory.com www.69-degrees.co.uk
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VERY VERSACE If you were left gagging by the last season of American Crime Story, grab a slice of the story and effortless eighties cool with the Versus Mount Pleasant watch. Oozing in urban style, this on trend timepiece is composed of a delicate case with a unique guilloche effect, 3D lion head and raised indices. Even the strap stays true to the Versus Versace identity thanks to the V-shaped link bracelet. Available in rose gold, yellow IP steel, or embossed leather with a chocolate, light blue or black and white dial from www.versace.com priced at £190.
hip hop HOTNESS
Lovers of Stateside streetwear can get their hands on one of the hottest streetwear brands from hiphop trio Migos at Selfridges Birmingham. The premium department store is the exclusive stockist in the city for the collection, which is inspired by the artwork from Migos’ latest album Culture II. The limited edition capsule collection includes a cotton jersey hoody emblazoned with two tigers prowling around a budding rose at the chest, with four renditions of the band name trimming the outside (£95) and a cotton t-shirt stamped with the iconic UFO artwork to the chest. The collection also includes baseball caps (£40). Migos, worn by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, is
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joined by streetwear designer Heron Preston, who has collaborated with NASA to create retro-inspired lines for men and women, including socks (£60) and a high-tech padded shell parka (£1,235). Selfridges Birmingham is also stocking Heron Preston’s СТИЛЬ (Russian for ‘Style’) collection. Milanese label Palm Angels, the luxury relaxed streetwear-inspired label, is also available, with collections for men and women. A relaxed tracksuit jacket has on-trend wide stripes down the sleeves and bears the Palm Angels logo at the chest (£275), while athleisure cool tartan jersey jogging bottoms take their inspiration from Venice Beach (£335). See it instore or visit www.selfridges.com
Umberto Giannini Hair Studio WWW.UMBERTOGIANNINISALONS.COM 50 NEWHALL STREET - BIRMINGHAM - B3 3RJ - 0121 400 0317
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SPYRO RETURNS! With the return of Spyro the dragon to our consoles this Autumn in Spyro, Reignited Trilogy, a whole new range of merchandise is available for fans new and old of the cutest dragon in all of the Dragon Realms. From T shirts, snapbacks wallets and stationery, collectors can get hold of 3d mugs and keyrings but the true star of the show has to be the Spyro the Dragon Incense Burner Figurine! This is the king of all Spyro the Dragon merchandise – place an incense cone in the base, and watch as Spyro exhales smoke from his nostrils in a mesmerising display of incense awesomeness- it’s the ultimate Spyro collectible and yours for £29.99! Available from www.geekstore.com www.69-degrees.co.uk
SEED OF SOBRIETY
We’re weeping into our Woo Woos... The average Millennial consumes just 5 units of alcohol a week – 9 units under the recommended allowance of 14. Once perceived as a rite of passage, getting smashed of a weekend is now considered, much like smoking, ‘uncool’. Even when we are drinking we’re binning the buckets of cocktails and reaching for something heritage; drinkers choosing to sip a craft beer in a microbrewery during a night of beard tweaking and YouTube watching rather than going out and getting mortal with the cast of Geordie Shore. Why Aye Canny Lass! So it should come as little surprise that the world’s first non-alcoholic distilled spirit has been launched. Available in three different botanically based flavours; Spice 94, Garden 108 and Grove 42, Seedlip has been championed by some of the most celebrated bartenders and Michelin starred chefs around the globe so it can’t be all bad. What’s more it’s available locally at Harvey Nichols and The Edgbaston in Birmingham as well as The Gadabout in Leicester so there’s no excuse not to give it a try sometime. Seedlip Spice 94 is a complex blend of aromatic, Jamaican All Spice Berry & Cardamom whilst Garden 108 offers a blend of hand-picked Peas & homegrown Hay and Grove 42 combines a zesty & complex blend of three types of orange & uplifting spice distillates. So maybe it is time to bin the bubbles and say hello to a life of never ending sobriety… sigh. www.seedlipdrinks.com
DITCH THE DRINK!
Whether you’re the one in charge of the car keys or just fancy an abstemious night out, here’s the answer to what to drink when you’re not drinking. KATIE SAYERS, Foodmarket manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, reveals the most palatable tipples guaranteed to leave you hangover free. 1: Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic water, £1.75: Made with a blend of essential oils from a range of flowers, fruits and herbs from around the Mediterranean, with the highest quality quinine from the fever trees of the eastern Congo. 2: Harvey Nichols non-alcoholic sparkling Chardonnay, £10: This refreshing non-alcoholic sparkling wine is made by Maggie Beer from the juice of Chardo-nnay grapes. Best enjoyed chilled and served in a Champagne flute, it also makes a great alcohol-free spritzer with
mineral water and crushed mint. 3: Harvey Nichols raspberry and mint tonic water, £1.50: Created in the tiny Aberdeenshire’s parish of Pitsligo, there are no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives. Tart berry fruit on the nose evokes summer scrumping, before leading to a crisp finish reminiscent of fresh mint tea. 4: Rosemary Water sparkling water, £3.95: With just two ingredients – ethically sourced pure rosemary botanical extract and pure spring water – you’ll find no additives, sugar or artificial sweeteners. The aroma is most certainly fragrant, but the flavour is more subdued, resulting in a refreshing finish.
5: Seedlip Spice 94, £28.95: The world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit; this is an aromatic and earthy blend of copper-pot distillates, including allspice, cardamom and lemon. It is crafted in a similar manner to a gin, just without the alcohol, and has no added sugar or sweeteners. Perfect with tonic and a grapefruit twist. 6: Seedlip Garden 108, £28.95: The second release from Seedlip is a green and floral blend of handpicked peas and hay with spearmint, rosemary and thyme. Mix with bitter lemon or tonic; it’s the refreshing choice for a sin-free sip.
7: The London Essence Company rhubarb and cardamom soda water, £1.95: A precise blend of rhubarb and natural cardamom contributes to the rounded body and subtle vanilla aroma of this tasty soda. Cardamom distillate adds slightly spiced notes as the initial taste of sweet candied berries gives way to a dry finish. 8: Thomas & Evans No1, £3.95: Named after Mr William Thomas and Mr William Evans who produced non-alcoholic drinks during the growing temperance times of the 1880s, this captures the quality of their classic drinks for a new generation.
Drinks are available from the Fooodmarket and Wine Shop at Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox.
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Courageous Art Artist Nina Tara has transferred her design on to a collection of one off bags and pouches influenced by her daily life as a busy mum, part time student, photographer, artist and crazy cat lady! Starting with these cute little calico hand pouches that are the perfect size to hold your phone, money, credit cards or even as a little bag for carrying your make-up or pencils. Pouches are available in a range of sizes so are perfect for finishing off an outfit or as a super individual gift. Hand painted, adorned with Gold acrylic and lined with yellow silk, pouches start at just £23.00 from www.courageousart.co.uk
CURVE AND HIPPORDROME PLE R U P R O L O C THE Leicester’s Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome are joining forces to co-produce Broadway musical The Color Purple, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and showing from 28 Jun – 13 Jul 2019 at Curve and 16 – 20 Jul 2019 at Birmingham Hippodrome. The production, a Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation and the first to be created outside of London in the UK, will be directed by Tinuke Craig, winner of the 2014 Genesis Future Directors Award and comes as both theatres celebrate significant
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milestones, with Curve turning 10 this year while the Hippodrome marking its 120th birthday in 2019. This unforgettable story, told over the course of 40 years, follows courageous heroine Celie, as she journeys through joy, despair, anguish and hope in her own personal awakening to discover her unique voice in the world. With a profoundly evocative
score drawing inspiration from jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this moving family chronicle set in racially divided southern America, celebrates life, love and the strength to stand up for who you are and what you believe in. Tickets for The Color Purple are on sale now at www. curveonline.co.uk or www. birminghamhippodrome.com
IN W O T E T O V r U O CAST Y CE N E I R E P X E G N I N A VIP DI
at the newly crowned Nottinghamshire Restaurant of the Year. Here’s the list of the awards you can sink your teeth into!
How about this for a tasty competition prize? Place your vote for your favourites in this year’s Nottingham Restaurant and Bar Awards at www. nrba.vote and you’ll be entered into the prize draw to WIN 2 tickets to the awards ceremony on the 31st January at Colwick Hall Hotel, hosted by TV personality Mark Durden-Smith AND a meal for 2
Restaurant of the Year 2018/19 Best Special Occasion Experience Best New Restaurant Best Restaurant/Bar Chain Best Service Team Best Outdoor Space Best Independent Neighbourhood Venue Best Sunday Lunch Venue Best New Pub, Bar or Dining Pub Best Bar Best Dining Pub Best Real Ale Pub Special Achievement You’ve got until the 12TH OCTOBER to cast your votes and be in with a chance of winning. Visit WWW.NRBA.VOTE
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THE T A N M U T AU USE O H R E N R O C
The scorching Summer may be a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean the fun should be as well! As the days get shorter and the nights get darker, it’s the perfect time to head down to The Cornerhouse, where everything you want is under one roof! Head to Cineworld and snuggle up with the latest movie release and grab a bite to eat after the film. You can choose from the various cuisines on offer from around the world. Take a trip to the Caribbean at Turtle Bay and try its ‘One Pot Goat Curry’ with coconut rice ‘n’ peas! Fancy a taste of Portugal? Nando’s is perfect for some mouthwateringly good piri-piri chicken. Whether its Japanese at Wagamama or Mexican at Chiquito, The Cornerhouse has something to tickle your taste buds. The latest addition to The Cornerhouse, is new bar Alto, launched by Nottingham’s Carl Froch, it’s great for a few classy drinks with friends. It’s also home to one of Nottingham’s best rooftop bars, so why not plan some bonfire night drinks, wrap up warm and watch the fireworks with a cocktail in hand? Whatever you need for an evening with friends, family or colleagues, The Cornerhouse has it. So don’t leave the fun just for Summer, embrace it all year round! www.69-degrees.co.uk
HOLY MOLY
M AC A R O N I
Manic macaroni cheese crusaders can get a fix of their favourite food at new restaurant Holy Moly Macaroni by pimping their dish to make the ultimate Mac and Cheese. The new restaurant at Grand Central, Birmingham has a Harlem inspired décor and aims to offer diners traditional hearty Harlem fare including classic ‘Chicken and Waffles’ with buttermilk fried chicken, and ‘Hot Yardbird’ with Cajun-rubbed roasted chicken served with rice, beans and greens as well as a fully customisable Mac and Cheese menu. Diners have the freedom to pick and choose the toppings that they want added to the signature four-cheese base such as crispy bacon, smoky chorizo and prawns and wild mushrooms and truffle oil. Get in our bellies now! For more information, visit www.holymolymacaroni.com
TS to E K C I T P I V WIN TWO EAD D E H T F O L FESTIVA
You’re invited to come dressed to eerily impress, and for those not such a dab hand with a makeup brush, professional skull face painting is available on the night.
WIN!
Festival of the Dead returns to Birmingham for a Halloween spectacular at the O2 Academy on Saturday 27th October. Mixing a carnival atmosphere with circus, clubbing and mind-blowing production, Festival of the Dead is an immersive experience like nothing you’ve seen before. You’ll follow one man’s journey into
the underworld; a story featuring giant creatures and creations, a giant vulture and a huge, mechanical skull backdrop full of hidden surprises. Expect acrobats, circus performers and otherworldly characters and processions roaming the crowd, with live DJs spinning a killer club soundtrack.
We’re giving away 2 pairs of VIP tickets to this insane event. You’ll have private VIP queue entry and will receive an official Festival of the Dead t-shirt plus a mask or rosette on entry to really look the part. Entrants must be 18 years or older. For your chance to win visit www.69-degrees.co.uk or search for Festival of the Dead on social media.
We're Huffing & Puffing to blow this city down Opening October @pintshopBRUM
38 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5SN | brum@pintshop.co.uk | www.pintshop.co.uk
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SELFRIDGES LAUNCH LUXURY BIRMINGHAM BOUTIQUES
If you want to take your shopping to the next level, head to Level 4 of Selfridges Birmingham and experience luxury redefined with the launch of Christian Louboutin, Gucci and Burberry boutiques. Shoppers will be red with envy with the opening of the one-of-a-kind Christian Louboutin boutique on Level 4. The timeless shoes, accessories and fashions of the classic brand Burberry will also be on display in their new boutique on Level 4 which are now open. With Louis Vuitton, the premium luggage brand, Tiffany, the iconic American jeweller and Jimmy Choo, the luxury shoes and accessories brand, all opening boutiques earlier this year on the top floor, the department store is the leading destination for deluxe brands that are found nowhere else in the city. The arrival of the brands - plus Fumo restaurant - has boosted the roll-call of exclusive premium brands and lines in-store to over 200, which means there’s plenty of opportunity to choose something fabulous. Fashion fans will also gush over Gucci shoes, accessories and fashions with the launch of the luxury boutique later this month. Sam Watts, Selfridges Birmingham general manager, said: “We’re constantly evolving, finding new and timeless brands for our customers to discover and the exciting changes on Level 4 have added yet another layer of luxury that help us to stand out in the busy retail sector within the city centre.” Find out more at www.selfridges.com www.69-degrees.co.uk
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E L Y T S T E STRE THE SIXTY9° STYLE POLICE HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE STREETS FOR THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST LOOKS.
While on the lookout, they’ve discovered the amazing PLUS app from Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham and Highcross Leicester, that helps you find your perfect outfit essentials or snap up that must have piece you’ve spotted anywhere simply by taking a quick pic! Solving your shopping dilemmas, the Style Seeker function matches your pic to the same or similar item available from the shopping centre meaning you’ll never miss out on the hottest looks – it’s great for those looking to colour match too! Try it for yourself - search for Bullring & Grand Central PLUS or Highcross PLUS in your app store and scan our Street Style pics to steal our style!
Highlight of summer? Being in a beer garden Style icon? Pharrell Williams Last Download? Tribe Called Quest
Highlight of summer? LINFORD: A wedding in Portugal. OLIVIA: Leeds Festival Style icon? LINFORD: Liam Payne OLIVIA: Rihanna
ALEX @ John Lewis
CORY @ G STAR
LINFORD & OLIVIA @ TOPman / Topshop
AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE FROM THE ITUNES APP STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY STORE
Last Download? Kids See Ghosts Style icon? Bridget Bardot Highlight of Summer? Brighton
DOWNLOAD THE BULLRING & GRAND CENTRAL PLUS OR HIGHCROSS PLUS APP www.69-degrees.co.uk
charlene & Abhishek @ All Saints
HENNA @ Karen Millen
SAM @ URBAN outfitters
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Highlight of Summer? My new flat! Last Download? Title Fight
Highlight of Summer? Bali & Portugal
Last Download? ABHISHEK: Eminem CHARLENE:This is Lesta
Style icon? Olivia Palermo
SOPHIE @ TOPSHOP
What was the highlight of your summer? BOTH: Notting Hill Carnival
THOMAS @ luke
Last Download? Interpol Style Icon: Anita Pallenberg
DAISY @ ted baker Highlight of summer? Two weeks in Turkey Last download? George Ezra Style icon? Paloma Faith
d WIgiNftclayr ree
f 0 mp £10 - si the ’ll e d w at loaand one n w e do app som m! do k pic ran
DANNI @ Oasis Last Download? Bugzy Malone
Highlight of Summer? Ibiza!
Style icon? Lewis Hamilton
Style icon? Frankie Bridge
AND SCAN THE PICTURES TO UNLOCK THIS SEASON’S STYLE SECRETS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAULMORGAN.COM
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becky
www.69-degrees.co.uk
y hill 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. Since she was a child, Becky’s innate talent for music has gotten her noticed – from wowing the judges at a youth club talent show when she was 11, to singing to punters at the end of pub shifts (“I was a shit barmaid, but my boss used to get me to sing”). It wasn’t until she was 18, though, that she was noticed outside of her small Worcestershire town of Bewdley – when she took part in BBC talent show The Voice. The show, which saw her sing in front of millions of people each week, was a crash course in performing, confirming that music was her future – but Becky knew the real work would come when she left the show. As soon as that happened, she gathered up the contacts she’d made, set about organising meetings and figured out the kind of solo artist she wanted to become. Her Oliver Heldens collaboration Gecko (Overdrive), reached No.1 in the UK whilst her collaboration with Wilkinson’s Afterglow was a top 10 hit as well as topping the UK dance chart. SIXTY9°’s Jonathan Fraser caught up with Becky ahead of her Midlands gigs this autumn and as she adds the final touches to her debut album.
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So what are we interrupting you doing today? Well I’ve just finished writing a top line for a new collaboration on working on and then I’m off to a meeting with my record label to discuss what’s happening over the next few months. So will you be going through things like album launch dates? I think we’ll get on to that – there’s lots to go over and get organised, it’s just a case of kind of like crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s. We’re gonna be looking at beginning of next year hopefully for release I think but I’ve always said that giving people dates on when stuff’s gonna happen never works- sometimes its earlier and sometimes its later, usually it’s later! So at the minute I’m just working as hard as I can to get everything finished and then kind of take it from there really. Are you in full on festival season at the moment? Are you out and about performing? I’ve just done one this weekend just gone, and I’ve got one more this weekend to come. And then unfortunately, the season is over, which is really sad cause I love festival season, it’s my favourite time of the year. Do you ever get the chance to see any other performers while your there or do you get whisked straight off and away?
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This year’s been relatively calm so the one I’ve just been to, I bought all my family down and I bought my boyfriend’s family down and stayed for the entire weekend. So, we got to see all the performers -that’s usually how I spend my festivals now. My boyfriend also puts on festivals, he books talent for festivals, that’s actually where we met, so I can always stay at his festivals with him and follow him about so I think that’s why it’s my favourite time of year; it’s kind of like paid partying which is always fun! You’ve got some live dates in the midlands this autumn, are you looking forward to playing to a home crowd? Yes in October I’ve got Birmingham which I can’t wait to do. I did that last year- it’s always my favourite to play in, I don’t know if half the audience know I’m from the midlands but I always feel super supported by my area which is really, really lovely. I always do a run through of local places, like who’s from where in the audience – you know who’s from Hagley? Who’s from Stourbridge etc. I really want to call the album DY12, it’s my home postcode and kind of represents where I’m from and to show people from my town, I haven’t just moved to London and become a Londoner. Did you start your musical career in the midlands? I wouldn’t call it a career. I started my career on The Voice, that’s when I started getting paid! But I started writing music when I was
23 thirteen and then got in to a little band by accident really. I was going around and singing with this weird looking band, all the guys were older than me, it was a very weird looking band with this sixteen-yearold on guitar and vocals but it was probably one of the most expressive, free times I’ve ever had. Did that live band experience help you when you went on The Voice? I think it was that I was more a fearless seventeen-year-old when I was on the show! I really wanted to do the best I could because I hated sixth form. I was quite miserable at the time, I didn’t really see any way out and into music so when I got accepted on to the show, I was like let’s just run with this as fast as I can. For me it was like six months of university, I’d never met singers before and there were all these singers and I’d never been to London before and suddenly I was in London with my own flat, you know getting paid and once a week to be on live TV and, you know all of a sudden its just started becoming this mad little adventure I was having. I was really inexperienced, I didn’t know what I was doing. I was completely blagging it and really, I still feel like I am now! If you hear yourself on the radio or if you hear one of your songs in the club, do you still get really excited about it or do you just sort of cringe? Oh my god I go mental! I don’t think you’ll ever get used to
sitting in a cab on the way home and you’re just flicking through Facebook on your phone or something and then you’ve got the radio on in the background, and you hear your name being said or your song being played. I’ve always been super grateful for all the radio playing and I’m always super surprised that, you know, people still think about my songs, that they still want to play them and it kind of spurs me on to want to keep making music, so having you know somebody say “Oh up next is Becky Hill” or “Next is a new one from Becky Hill” I think that’s why I wanna make more and release music. Have you ever danced to your own music in a club? Probably when I was really, really drunk! I’ve gone quite mad to Afterglow in a rave. I go raving, I don’t really go clubbing if that makes sense. So, a lot of the music I listen to is quite like left field. I listen to drum and bass and I’ve only ever done one drum and bass song but when I do hear it at a rave I’m a little bit worse for wear and I’ll run over to the DJ box and be like “You’re playing me, you’re playing me!” And then they’ll give me a microphone and I’ll sing terribly! With songs like Afterglow, how involved have you been in the process? Every single collaboration I’ve been involved in I’ve been involved in the writing which is usually being with another person. I don’t think a lot of people either know or necessarily really care about
who’s writing them but I’ve been writing them since I was eighteen, I’ve written about five hundred songs. I see my own writing process as a way for me to remember me. I kind of feel like when I get older I can look back and remember what the song was about and then three years later it could relate to a completely different situation of my life. I try to write quite personally, and I try to write for myself. What I like about this album is that some songs are gonna be written from when I was eighteen, some are gonna be written from when I was twenty-two, some of them are gonna be written from this year. It’ll be like a story of me growing up and moving away from my family and moving away from everything, being in a big city, being lonely, falling in love and falling out of love and then back in again. I’m quite literal in the way I write anyway, so I’m really looking forward to people kind of getting to know me through the music. Is there a song on the album that you’re really excited about people hearing? There’s a song called I Could Get Used To This and I wrote it about my boyfriend after our fourth date. For the last two and a half years I’ve been with him, I’ve been terrified that we’re gonna break up before the song comes out! See Becky Live: Fri 12th Oct, Birmingham 02 Institute, Sat 13th Oct, Nottingham Rescue Rooms. beckyhillofficial.com
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AW 2018 TREND EDIT: It’s time to refresh that wardrobe; here’s our pick of the pieces that should be in it. brrrrr Barbour
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her style: trend edit
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autumn beauty essentials
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his style: trend edit
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grooming greatness
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STYLE LI www.69-degrees.co.uk
IST www.69-degrees.co.uk
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Barbour take Jacket for the range. Quilt inspired design classic.
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inspiration from their iconic Motorcycle Autumn Winter 2018 Barbour International and Shearling details mix with racing details for a look that’s casually
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Tweeds and Checks- ‘cos heritage is always hip
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HER STYLE AW’18 TREND EDIT
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13 1. Coat £110 River Island, 2. Check Twist Dress £25, George, 3. Bother Booty £60, River Island, 4.PeekaBoo Cap £, Topshop, 5. Earrings £, River Island, 6. Check Pencil Skirt £20, Lipsy, 7. Tartan Boot £45, Marks & Spencer, 8. Trouser £40, River Island, 9. Check Puffa £, Topshop, 10. Colour Dogtooth Jacket £70, River Island, 11. Alexander McQueen Check Jacket £690 Harvey Nichols. 12. Houndstooth Wide Leg Trouser, £30, V By Very. 13. Kurt Geiger Mini Kensington Tweed Shoulder Bag £100 Selfridges. www.69-degrees.co.uk
D THIS IS ENGLAN A perennial fashion favourite, English-inspired heritage fabric continued to hold court across the new season catwalks. No surprise though that for AW18 designers gave the country squire classic a thoroughly modern makeover, using traditional tweeds and tartans on cocoon-style blazers and deconstructed separates. At LFW, Christopher Kane showcased floor-length tweed coats; while in New York Alexander Wang teamed checks with metallics. LUISA HACKNEY, Stylist at Harvey Nichols, offers advice on how to get the runway look.
THE TWEED BLAZER Perfect for daytime chic, this Isabel Marant Étoile tweed blazer, £390, boasts a long-line cut that feels as though it could’ve been borrowed from the boys, making it effortlessly cool. Maintain its nonchalant form with a casual tee half-tucked into cuffed denim. Worn with Current Elliott jeans, £200; J Brand T-shirt, £85; Carrie Forbes raffia tote, £265; and Aquazzura sandals, £505.
THE TWEED SKIRT
Rag & bone bring urban renewal to this classically styled multicoloured skirt, £410. Woven from the label’s signature Linton tweed, this frayed mini ensures street-style savvy especially when styled with an oversized knit. Worn with Rag & Bone chunky knit jersey jumper, £575.
THE CHECKED COAT
Androgyny is key at Isabel Marant Étoile and this tomboy tendency is evident in this cocoon silhouette Ebra coat, £450. Throw it over denim and a hooded sweatshirt for a rebellious yet luxurious street-ready look. Worn with Current/Elliott vintage cropped jeans, £245; Isabel Marant Étoile logo sweatshirt, £225; and Chloé ankle boots, £850.
THE CHECKED TROUSERS
Fashion’s love affair with widelegged crops continues – and these Sea NY trousers, £390, are perfect as the temperatures start to dip. Dress up with a black polo neck and heels or go for casual with an up-to-date denim jacket. Worn with Gestuz
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panelled denim jacket, £145; and Frame Denim embroidered cotton T-shirt, £120.
THE PLAID MIDI SKIRT
Add an air of grunge with this plaid skirt from No°21, £350. Crafted from a super soft flannel, this pencil style has a high back split for added sass. Pair with chunky ankle boots and a logo tee to nail the look. Worn with No°21 crepe de chine top, £285; Givenchy Cross3 cross-body bag, £850; and Dior leather ankle boots, £1,150.
THE TWEED SHORTS
Proving shorts aren’t just for the summer months, these M Missoni metallic tweed shorts, £340, are a wardrobe essential for autumn. Easy to wear, team with your favourite flats and a simple top for instant style. Worn with Diane Von Furstenberg stretch-knit jumper, £225; and Jil Sander almond leather shoes, £475.
Items featured are available from Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox, via Style Concierge or online at harveynichols.com.
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1. Outfit by Hugo Boss. 2. Faux Fur Jacket £65, Very. 3. Silver Sequin Dress £39, Miss Selfridge. 4 Giant Sequin Skirt £45, Miss Selfridge. 5. Disco Ball Boot £59, Faith. 6. Faux Sheepskin Coat £89.95. Joe Browns. 7. PU Puffa £35, Pretty Little Thing. 8. Blue Sequin Midi Skirt, £99, Biba. 9. Gold Cap £20, River Island. 10. Alexander MCQueen Glitter Trainer £390 Harvey NIchols.
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VE IT TOP TEN: THE EYES HA
When it comes to perfect peepers, there’s more to getting the look right than meets the eye. Whether you want to add a splash of colour, lengthen your lashes or achieve the perfect brow, HELEN GOUGH, Beauty Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, reveals her ten makeup essentials.
Fenty Beauty Moroccan Spice Eyeshadow Palette, £42: A limited-edition palette of 16 long-wearing, Moroccan-inspired shades. Perfect for spicing up your look in limitless ways. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Defining Eyeshadow, £22: A weightless, ultrafine formula that combines a cream, powder and gel all in one. My favourite shade? Vain Violet.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r amplifying Eye Primer, £18: This weightless, colour-boosting primer smoothes lids for better blending and longer, creaseproof wear.
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara, £25: Pile on the drama with this brand new makeup bag must-have. It delivers dramatic volume, length, lift and definition. NARS Brow Defining Cream, £18.50:
This silky, cream formula blends quickly for the most fashionable brows. It’s longwearing and smudge-resistant too. NARS Dual Intensity Eye Shadow, £21: Luxuriously smooth, the shadow goes on dry for a sheer soft touch of sensual colour or apply wet for high impact. Nudestix Perfect Brow Kit, £24: All you need to take your brow game to a whole new level; there’s a brow pencil, clear gel and a sheer cream-to-powder highlighting pencil.
Products featured are available from the Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox. www.69-degrees.co.uk
Rodial Eye Sculpt, £34: Designed to enhance, define and sculpt the eyes, this versatile formula can be built up to achieve your desired level of sculpting. Yves Saint Laurent Couture Eye Shadow Palette, £44: Boasting five fashionable shades inspired by YSL Couture, the high concentration formula allows for all effects within one palette. Yves Saint Laurent Full Matte Shadow, £23: A liquid-to-powder shadow; use the flat applicator to give the eyelid full matte cover or follow the lash line with the pointed tip for a sharper look.
permanent gloss, mocha’s for the deeper bases and coppers for mid to light browns to add a luminous glow. Think of it as adding lipgloss for your hair, moisture and condition without the damage! With everyone copying celebrity styles its hard to be unique. Braver clients need to think shorter strong lines above shoulder with no angles and geometry. Sassy natural texture is key to most looks this season and by using texture dust (Umberto Giannini Powder Pouf!) and a little heat for a suggestion of a bend, your style will be on point.
AW 2018: HAIR TRENDS Summer has been a long one but autumn is finally upon us. Everyone’s hair has suffered some loss of condition this year with one of the hottest and longest summers we have seen for aeons in the UK. Deciding what to do with your hair next is a hot topic too. Sunlight can do some wonderful natural things to your hair so do you embrace the lighter hues or warm-up your look for the colder months ahead??
How do you tra nslate beachy curls b a ck to office chic, a nd is it time to get some structu re back into your cu t? For those who are choosing to rock the “just off the plane look” through autumn think of adding warmer sun kissed tones to your blonde. Choose a more glowing pallet of colour with soft gold tones even into rose, peach and pink. Team these tones with a clever
placement around the face (lighter to give width and darker to frame)
*Ryans tip:
“If you loved it on holiday but hate it at home don’t be afraid of adding back your natural depth, leave out or add lightness in key areas and bring back the darker roots dragging them down for a really natural ‘Caroline Flack’ look. “ Brunettes really feel the heat in the sun, causing lift in reds and increased brassiness where it’s not wanted, however with some simple colour work you can be cool and shiny again! Condition without compromise (try Umberto Giannini Over Indulge for an intensive treatment) to accentuate the multi tones in your hair which gives the illusion of adding depth and also a subtle lift. Choose a semi-
* Mindy’s Tip Pony tails
are always a style winner, wearing them low and pulling some hair out around the face with some natural texture will be the trend for A/W 2018. Keep Weatherproof Curls in your handbag for touch-up’s and twirls.
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For an in-depth personalised consultation free of charge, don’t hesitate to call the salon and meet with one of our specialists who will be happy to talk you through any colour or style transition. Find out more at Umberto Giannini, 50 Newhall Street, Birmingham. B3 3RJ. Tel. 0121 4000317 www.umbertogiannini.com www.69-degrees.co.uk
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Puff Daddy- Puffa1 jackets be cool.
HIS STYLE AW’18 TREND EDIT
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1. Polar Jacket, £259, Alpha Industries. 2. Coat £120 Luke Sport. 3. Rookie Heavy Weather Parka Jacket £129.99 Superdry. 4. Ice Jacket £110, Sergio Tacchini. 5. Nobble beanie £15, Dune. 6. Mustard beanie, £5 F&F at Tesco. 7. Jeter Backback £45, LukeSport. 8. Montana Backpack £39.99, Superdry. 9. A1rfr - Blue Lace Up Hiking Boot, £120.00. Dune. 10. Cap, £15, River Island. 11. Brown Lace Up Boot £35, F&F at Tesco. 12. Green Check Puffer Jacket, £100, River Island. 13. Quilted Gilet, £69, Marks and Spencer. 14. Lumberjack Shirts, £49.99, Superdry. 15. Bobble Hat, £14, Burton.
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BACK TO THE FUTURE Throwback trends collide with fashionforward accessories for AW18. The statement sneaker – led by the dad trainer – expands its remit to include 80s and 90s inspired sports soles and mesh fabrics, while the bum-bag – once lost in the mists of time – and shell fabrics makes a clear comeback.
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LISA PIDDINGTON, from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM, selects her new season must-haves that have one foot in the past and the other most definitely in the future.
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1: Balenciaga logo-embroidered nylon belt bag, £575. 2: Balenciaga Triple S mesh trainers, £615. 3: Burberry check graffiti belt bag, £620. 4: Christopher Raeburn X Umbro shell backpack, £125. 5: Dior Homme B22 leather and mesh trainers, £720. 6: Gucci GG Supreme black belt bag, £670. 7: Gucci logo-print belt bag, £875. 8: Gucci Rhyton logo-print leather trainers, £675. 9: Valentino blue camouflage-print mesh trainers, £615. 10: Versace Chain Reaction red velvet trainers, £770.
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All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham or online at harveynichols.com www.69-degrees.co.uk
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GROOMING: A FRESH START Over the summer your face accumulates a buildup of grime from suntan oil and sweat, so investing in a great cleanser is a must. LISA PIDDINGTON, from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, reveals her essentials for squeaky clean skin. Elemis deep cleanse facial wash, £22.50: The ultimate daily cleansing solution; this fast-acting gel formula contains spearmint, peppermint and oak bark in a milk protein base. It loosens and removes dirt and grime leaving skin squeaky clean and thoroughly refreshed. FOREO Luna™ 2 For Men, £169: Love your gadgets? Then this beauty’s for you! Utilising an enhanced T-Sonic™ facialcleansing and anti-ageing system it’s designed for an even more effective cleanse that preps your skin for the smoothest shave. Skin Laundry Skin Purifying Cream Cleanser, £20: Containing a whole host of active ingredients – including aloe barbadensis leaf juice, meadowfoam seed oil and panthenol – it cleans and hydrates dry skin as it melts away dirt and impurities. This formula leaves skin clean, fresh and comfortable, but never dry.
House 99 Purefectly Clean Face Wash, £17: This daily face wash cleanses, purifies and helps clear clogged pores. Its ultra-fresh effect leaves you feeling fresh, smooth and revitalised while the charcoal-enriched gel with peppermint extract is your sure-fire route to clearer looking skin. Pestle & Mortar Renew Cleanser, £34: Formulated with superoxide dismutase and papaya and mango enzymes, this lightweight cleansing gel leaves skin bright, hydrated and glowing. The fermented ingredients also ensure that it’s is effective for sensitive and dry skin too.
Estée Lauder Nutritious Micro-Algae Cleansing Bar, £20: Raise the bar on your daily cleansing routine; crafted in Japan with a cold-processed, nutrient-dense algae blend, it helps dissolve impurities and keep pores clear leaving you with a natural, healthy-looking glow.
All products featured are available from the Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, The Mailbox. www.69-degrees.co.uk
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10 1. Outfit vy Roberto Cavalli, 2. Borderland Leather Hat, GBP 11 £36,95 www.Hatshopping.co.uk 3. Sheepskin Flying Jacket, £299.99 hidepark.co.uk, 4.Dsquared2 Cowboy Pants £65 Selfridges 5. River Island Camel Suede Coat £85. 6. Floral Tousers £40 Topman. 7. Metallic Tassel Jumper. £50 www.very.co.uk 8. Red Cowboy Shirt £30 Topman.9. Striped Woollen Overcoat, £150, River Island. 10. Rockmount_Embroidered Western Cowboy Shirt £74.99 www. broncobills.co.uk 11. Stone Suede Boots £65 River Island.
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THE BEST BREAKS THIS If it already seems like your summer holiday was a distant memory, now is the perfect time to start planning your next getaway. Autumn is an ideal time to take yourself off for a mini break or long weekend and make the most of the last few rays of sunshine. European city breaks across Spain and Germany are only a short plane journey from Birmingham, or if you’d rather a break slightly further afield, the Middle East has some great options. If you’d like to stay close to home, Edinburgh and Belfast are worth considering for a UK break. www.69-degrees.co.uk
Sun, sea and sangria in Spain -Madrid The summer heat in Madrid is intense, so a stay in Autumn might be more comfortable. Locals and tourists alike flock to the city’s public parks to enjoy the year-round sunny days. You can’t miss Retiro Park, a massive former royal garden that now has a boating lake and fountains. Foodies will revel in Madrid’s tapas culture. The La Latina neighbourhood is famous for its tapas bars, so plan to sample plates of patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo from as many as you can.
Palma
Mallorca is fondly termed ‘the star of the Mediterranean’. Palma, its capital, with its pavement cafes,
boulevards and grand architecture is the jewel in the crown. Palma is a fabulous place for shopping with its many boutiques and shopping streets of Placa Mayor, Placa Mercat and Placa Cort. Palma also provides a great base for exploring the rest of the island.
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S AUTUMN Culture, arts and beer in GermanyMunich Although best known for Oktoberfest, the Bavarian capital shouldn’t be ruled out as a city break destination worthy of a visit during the rest of the year too. Known as the ‘city of art and beer’, Munich boasts six major breweries meaning you can be sure to enjoy a good tankard at whatever time of day you fancy. For a slice of culture visit Kunstareal, Munich’s art quarter, home to many museums and art galleries.
Hannover
Understated, but just as charming as the other German cities, Hannover offers a laid-back vibe much-loved by ramblers and cyclists who explore the
meadowlands along the River Leine. Popular with culture vultures, the city has an impressive choice of theatres offering opera, musicals, ballets and cabaret shows.
Berlin
Since the fall of the wall, Berlin has fast become a cultural and creative centre of Europe. Autumn is a great time to visit thanks to the city’s many beautiful gardens and parks. With sights including the Reichstag, Alexanderplatz and Checkpoint Charlie, the central Mitte neighbourhood is a must-visit. If you’re visiting closer to Christmas, the Berliner Weihnachtszeit is one of the most famous Christmas markets and well worth a wander around to pick up some local gifts and delicacies.
Scenery, history and whisky in the UK- Edinburgh Edinburgh is a city perched atop Castle Rock and wrapped in rocky hills. The city is brimming with things to do and sights to visit. Head to Holyrood and venture up Arthur’s Seat before enjoying the view from Edinburgh Castle and whetting your whisky whistle on one of the city’s famous distillery tours. If you’re willing to push the boat out, book into the Balmoral for the night, Edinburgh’s luxury railway hotel, and dine in the Michelin-star restaurant.
Belfast
Named the best place to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, Belfast has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years so www.69-degrees.co.uk
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Beaches, reefs and spices in the Middle East- Marsa Alam One of Egypt’s popular Red Sea destinations, offering miles of white sands, shimmering beaches and colour reefs. A perfect destination for divers, Marsa Alam has some of Egypt’s most unspoilt reefs with Elphinstone Reef being the best of the lot. Frequented with reef sharks, giant turtles and spinner dolphins, there’s a good chance you’ll see some of the marine wildlife. is well worth a visit if you haven’t ventured to Northern Ireland’s capital before. Voyage into the past when you visit Titanic Belfast and learn all about one of the world’s most iconic ships. If you want to venture a little out of the city, The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological marvel made up of 40,000 interlocking rock columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption. www.69-degrees.co.uk
Dubai
Old Dubai is charming, especially the preserved narrow streets of Al Bastakiya, now known as the Al Fahidi Historical District. Near here is Dubai Creek, a vibrant area where the city began, full of street art, local cafes and colourful bazaars. Visiting for the first time? Take in the view from the Burj Khalifa’s 124th floor observation deck, or visit Jumeirah, the most beautiful of all the mosques.
Doha
From the sea to the desert and all that lies in between, there are lots of reasons to visit Doha. The largely wave-free coastline is a huge draw for families. Add into the mix its colourful coral reefs, salt pans bustling with wildlife, and postcard perfect islands, it’s easy to see why the Gulf is so tempting.
Getting there All destinations are directly accessible from Birmingham Airport from airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Thomas Cook, Flybe, easyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Jet2. Visit www.birminghamairport. co.uk for more travel inspiration and to see our full range of destinations.
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DINING A T I V E C L LA DO One of the great joys of traveling through Italy is discovering that it is, indeed, an idyllic destination. If you crave La Dolce Vita then the region of Toscana famed for its beauty, history, food and wine, should be on the bucket list of every foodie traveller writes Anita Champaneri. I underestimated its charm and beauty, “it can’t surely be like those photos in the glossy mags?’ But it really is. A destination that should be a romantic backdrop to many a movie love story. After a short flight from Birmingham to Pisa we were taken straight to La Bonnano Hotel, a central destination ideal for a sight-seeing base. Like most Italian provinces the province of Pisa has a strong food and wine heritage and we were on a mission to investigate them all with our first stop: a traditional Tuscan www.69-degrees.co.uk
lunch in the beautiful setting of the olive farm in Calci. We had a traditional peasant meal of bread olive and tomatoes, some anti pasti and a to-die-for pannacotta that made everyone stop dead in their tracks with gasps of awe. After a tour of the olive oil making process and a visit to say hello to some friendly donkeys, we headed to The Charterhouse, a former monastery, which was built in 1366 and is an impressive building with 150 rooms where the monks used to live in quiet solitude. It was also home to the Natural History Museum, which showcased an incredible display of stuffed animals and whale skeletons. Pisa is also known for the beautiful villas along the Silk Road which are nestled in some fantastic scenery. We visited the Villa
Alta, which occupies a wonderful panoramic position that overlooks Miracle Square and the sea. The insides are decorated in warm yellows with frescos adorning the walls. Day two was one of my favourite days. We took a pit stop at Museo Piaggio, a museum created to highlight the legacy of the iconic Vespa scooter. Fans would love this unique collection of colourful and stylish two wheelers. But it wasn’t long before we had to scoot off to explore more breath-taking parts of Tuscan countryside. For great views of Tuscany, you need to head to the historic Castello dei Vicaro in Lari. The architecture has remained largely unchanged over the past 4 centuries and was the residence of the Vicario, the mayor. The views are magnificent, and you can see the entire valley of the River Arno for miles. Built on the
organic vineyard and forest. This was the Italia you dream of … a beautiful sunset, the rolling hills of vineyards, the scent of rosemary, the sound of crickets from the forest… it was all so picture perfect. We learnt about their process of wine making from the resident French sommelier, Julian, and tried several varieties of wine, but it was over far too quickly.
hill of Lari, I’ve never seen anything like it, the scenery is spectacular and so utterly tranquil. Sat at the foot of the castle is the family run Martelli business and if you have ever wondered how real pasta is made, the Martellis has been producing their own special brand since 1926. We were taken through the process from wheat to dough, through a bronze cutter and then drying for 50 hours. Only family members work here and they are passionate about keeping up the tradition of pasta making from spaghetti to maccheroni and everything in between. Like most Italian provinces the province of Pisa has a strong food and wine heritage and the Torre a Cenaia Estate is one of the wine producing farms you can visit to taste some of its fine wines and beers. A picturesque estate covered in beautiful flowers we tried beer and sliced cheese and ham and took a horse carriage tour around the vast estate spotting wildlife along the way. Obviously a trip to Pisa must include the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The iconic building has actually got a bit straighter and is back to the angle it was when Galileo Galilei was dropping objects from the top to test the theory of gravity.
Next to the tower is the domed Baptistry, another grand monument with wonderful acoustics. Then there is the beautiful cathedral, with its impressive hall and 24 carat gold ceiling. After a visit to a working salt mine we ventured to the charming town of Volterra which pre-dates Rome to about 7thcentury BC. It has an extraordinary medieval charm, all cobbled street covered in scented blooms of jasmine. Here too you can enjoy some great views of the countryside. Lunch was at a traditional restaurant called Beppino, on the menu was wild boar tagliatelle, sautéed pork chops with rosemary potatoes finished with a poached pear. Dreamy. Then a stroll in the sunshine to The Fortezza Medicea, built on the highest point of the hill overlooking the town. From the outside it is an imposing structure and is currently a maximum security prison, with some parts open to tourists. We got to visit a small section accompanied by two guides which I didn’t realise until later were two current inmates! Then we took a short drive to the Caia Rossa estate in Riparbella, set in 15 hectares of beautiful
Our final day was as the Natural Park Migliarino San Rossore Massacuccoli which is one of the largest natural coastal parks in Europe. We took a horse drawn carriage taking in the wildlife, the sea and the sunshine. We potentially may have lost the tour guide’s dog but we did get comically chased by a wild boar too! Our terrific trip to Tuscany finished with a gelato in the sunshine by the Leaning Tower amongst the bustling tourists. Bellisimo!
GETTING THERE
Anita Champaneri travelled with Jet2.com which offers flights to Pisa from Birmingham Airport up to two times a week and also flies there from East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle. Fares with Jet2.com start at £49 one way or you can take a city escape with Jet2CityBreaks at the four-star Grand Hotel Bananno starting from £269 per person (based on three nights bed and breakfast, flights departing from Birmingham on July 12, 2018). To book flights visit jet2.com or for city breaks visit Jet2holidays.com/ city- breaks or call free on 0800 408 5599.
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15th-17th November @ Belgrade Theatre Presented by Told by an Idiot in partnership with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, this exhilarating comedy playfully dissects the UK’s ongoing drugs debate, exploring questions around personal freedom, and weighing up claims about both the risks and benefits of “recreational” drugs.
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AUTUMN's UPDATE WHAT A SUMMER! AUTUMN MAY BRING WITH IT RAIN AND COLD BUT TO CHEER YOU UP THERE’S SOME AMAZING THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, CONCERTS AND EVENTS TO ENJOY. HERE’S OUR PICK.
Chris Ramsey
8th September @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester 10th September @ Birmingham Rep Critically acclaimed and award winning stand up comedian, host of his own TV entertainment show and stand up show on Comedy Central, Celebrity Juice regular and the only person to ever put Katie Hopkins in her place; Chris Ramsey brings his brand new 2018 live tour to venues this autumn following a sell-out spring run.
Arctic Monkeys
15th-16th September @ Arena Birmingham Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band formed in 2002 and have released five studio albums. The band have won seven Brit Awards — winning both Best British Group and Best British Album three times, and have been nominated for three Grammy Awards. They also won the Mercury Prize in 2006 for their debut album.
Derby Feste
27th – 29th September This year Derby Festé celebrates 250 years of Circus and kicks off on Thursday night as Bass’ Recreation ground is opened up as the venue for a fantastic, exciting and exhilarating circus ‘Now or Never’ by Circa Tsuica.
Marley Reprised
15th & 16th September @ New Alex, Birmingham Mitchell Brunings, lead of the sell out musical One Love and previous Marley Reprised shows, returns to Birmingham with his full live band to perform Marley Reprised once more. A unique opportunity for a full evening of Bob Marley’s greatest hits, bringing the reggae star back to life with Mitchell’s authentic, soulful, almost identical voice.
50 Cent
18th September @ Arena Birmingham We gon’ party like it’s yo birthday! Huge news... www.69-degrees.co.uk
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Hip Hop Superstar 50 Cent will be hitting Arena Birmingham this September, to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of his debut album Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.
Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure, is back on the road with a brand new live show, With Great PowerPoint Comes Great ResponsibilityPoint.
Kylie
Rosie Kay - MK Ultra
20th September @ Motorpoint Arena Nottingham 21st September @ Genting Arena, Birmingham Kylie, who always raises the bar with her live performances, promises a brand-new extravaganza for this production which will be centred around her new album ‘Golden’, although of course her amazing back catalogue will be embraced.
20th & 21st September @ Birmingham Hippodrome MK ULTRA explores the the rise of a strange, dark myth of our time. How, as millions of young people turn away from the established political systems, they are embracing bizarre conspiracies that they see hidden like a secret code in the culture and music that surrounds them.
19th & 20th September @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester 5th October @ Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Dave Gorman, the man behind Dave TV’s hit show Modern Life Is Goodish as well as www.69-degrees.co.uk
Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre recently announced plans for the theatre’s 2018 Autumn and Winter season. Speaking of the forthcoming programme, Roxana said: “New work is the life blood of theatre and The REP is honoured to be working with the best writers of their generation with 11 new plays across our three stages of which six will be premièred at The REP”. The first world première of the season is Rebus: Long Shadows, the latest story in Ian Rankin’s legendary detective series which will be told exclusively on stage. A brand new staging of The Messiah starring Hugh Dennis, Lesley Garrett and John Marquez will be produced and opened by The REP, ahead of a UK tour and West End run.
Xenos Dave Gorman
on AT s a e s N M U T U A THE REP
21st – 22nd September @ Curve, Leicester Following the huge success of Until the Lions, award-winning choreographer, dancer and Curve Associate Artist Akram Khan returns with his brand new production, XENOS. Marking his final performances
Other highlights include, Pop Music, a euphoric, nostalgic theatre party for anyone who has ever been a d*ck on the dance floor; All You Need Is LSD, an exhilarating and original comedy by one of the UK’s finest playwrights, Leo Butler. Find yourself trapped amongst objects and clutter in the world premiere of Stuff, a play created through interviews with self-identified hoarders.e Elsewhere in the season are the previously announced smash-and-grab hit The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones and the festive spectacular The Wizard of Oz for the festive season!
Unforgettable performance, powered by you 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 6% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person, postage from £1.50.
Tue 11 Sat 15 Sep From £12
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Wed 10 Oct - Sat 3 Nov From £29.50
Wed 26 Sat 29 Sep From £16
Barbara Nice’s Raffle
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Sat 13 Oct £15
Mon 5 Sat 10 Nov From £18
Fri 23 Nov Thu 13 Dec From £20
Mon 17 Dec - Sun 6 Jan £12.50
Wed 19 Dec - Sun 27 Jan From £16
Mon 11 Sat 23 Mar From £26
Tue 2 Apr Sat 11 May From £31
Tue 28 May Sat 8 Jun From £25
War & Peace Prokofiev
Sat 17 Nov From £20
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as a dancer in a full-length piece, Akram Khan takes to the stage alongside five world-class musicians.
Dylan Moran
22nd September @ New Alex, Birmingham 23rd September @ Curve, Leicester 7th October @ Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham BAFTA and Perrier award-winning comedian Dylan Moran embarks on his brand new tour – Dr Cosmos. Moran will offer his unique take on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life, all served with poetical panache from one of the finest comedians of his generation.
Pale Waves
Jamali Maddix: Vape Lord
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
25th – 29th September @ Theatre Royal Nottingham Following the phenomenal sell-out success of their multi award-winning comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre return with their latest West End smash hit, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.
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13th September @ Glee Club, Nottingham 25th September @ The Cookie, Leicester 26th September @ Glee Club, Birmingham 20th October @ Derby Theatre Critically acclaimed comedian and host of Viceland’s Hate Thy Neighbour, Jamali Maddix is embarking on his first World Tour. He’ll be bringing brutally honest and unflinching material on the state of society along with personal tales from his travels around the world of hate and moral confrontation.
25th September @ O2 Institute Birmingham 1st October @ Rock City, Nottingham After a series of acclaimed single releases, including ‘Kiss’ and ‘The Tide’, goth-pop quartet, Pale Waves will play their biggest headline shows to date this autumn and prove why they’ve become the hottest band of 2018.
Memoirs of An Asian Football Casual
26th September – 6th October @ Curve, Leicester Away from the racial tensions of 1980s British society and the pressure to stay true to his cultural roots at home, Rushey Mead teenager Riaz Khan, finds his place with Leicester
City‘s infamous football hooligans, the Baby Squad.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
2nd-6th October @ Curve, Leicester Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotive, this Swan Lake is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm.
Out-Spoken
4th October @ Nottingham Playhouse One of London’s premier nights for poetry and live
WHITE CHRISTMAS MADE AT CURVE IN ASSOCIATION WITH JAMIE WILSON
IRVING BERLINʼS
BASED UPON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM
WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY NORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY WALTER BOBBIE PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH R&H THEATRICALS EUROPE DIRECTED BY SCENIC DESIGN BY
NIKOLAI FOSTER CHOREOGRAPHEDBY STEPHEN MEAR
VOCAL AND DANCE ORIGINAL RE-ORCHESTRATIONS BY LARRY BLANK ARRANGEMENTS BY BRUCE POMAHAC BY JASON CARR MICHAEL TAYLOR LIGHTING DESIGNBY MARK HENDERSON SOUND DESIGNBY TOM MARSHALL ORCHESTRATIONS
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plead Insanity as his defence, awardwinning writer Camilla Whitehill and Strictly Arts examine the unspoken link between mental health and systemic racism.
War Horse
Harry & Chris Save the World
5th October @ The Y Theatre, Leicester Harry and Chris are the hottest comedy-rap-jazz duo out there. They might also be the only one. Their songs range from panda repopulation to coming of age to Robot Wars, and they bring love and laughter to a world that needs both more than ever.
Freeman
13th & 14th September @ Nottingham Playhouse 8th & 9th October @ Curve Leicester Inspired by the first man in America to www.69-degrees.co.uk
10th October – 3rd Nov @ Bham Hippodrome Following eight record-breaking years in London’s West End and having played in 11 countries around the world to over seven million people, the National Theatre’s acclaimed play War Horse returns to Birmingham Hippodrome this October.
Is there anything Phill Jupitus hasn’t done? DJ, TV panellist, poet and actor, he’s coming to Loughborough with a new standup show on 19 October.
JUPLICITY
music is coming to Nottingham Playhouse for a special National Poetry Day performance.
“I have a lot of material to choose from for this tour,” says Phill about his pun-loving stand-up, poetry and music show, Juplicity. “The thing that really works for me is that I support myself as Porky The Poet, so he goes out and does 40 minutes to start the evening. With Porky’s poetry supporting the straight stand-up, he’s also got a proven track record of live music behind him from his time with the all-star Idiot Bastard Band. “The songs for this tour are now solid; all that comes from the time I was in the band with Neil Innes and Ade Edmondson. Because I’ve spent time away from touring stand-up, you get better at doing it by building the source material. For the autumn tour I’ll do two hours a night: 40 minutes poetry, quarter of an hour of songs, and the rest is stand-up.” In terms of the stand-up element, Juplicity will draw on his own life, one that Phill describes merrily as both ‘chaotic’ and ‘flaky’. “Sean Lock has a phrase, which was both inspiring and worrying, about comedians mining our own personalities for material and then in your head negotiating how much you keep back”
One Man Stranger Things: A Parody
7th October @ Derby Theatre 12th & 13th October at Curve, Leicester
It’s hard to know exactly what’s down the next road for the ever-adaptable Mr Jupitus, but for now he’s enjoying the cut, thrust and edgeof-the-seat jeopardy that only live comedy can truly provide. “I think I’ve found a way of monetising a social dysfunction!” www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk
The home of compelling drama this autumn 23 AUG – 8 SEP
THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY
The dynamite new comedy from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong
18 – 27 OCT
THE MESSIAH
Hugh Dennis, John Marquez and Lesley Garrett star in a comedy of biblical proportions!
8 – 13 OCT
THE WIPERS TIMES
Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s extraordinary true story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme
24 NOV – 13 JAN
THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow brick road for the ultimate family adventure this Christmas
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ALL THE NU THI It’s the big season for new releases and with so much to see, hear, play and read. Here’s our pick.
PLAY: RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 Released Oct 26 Expected to be the best selling game of 2018 even before it’s release, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers players another chance to visit the old west as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and a member of the Van der Linde gang in 1899, the age of outlaws and gunslingers. www.69-degrees.co.uk
An open world environment, the second version of Red Dead Redemption will again use the Honor system to help shape the story meaning the way the player interacts with non playable characters affects how other groups, towns and settlements react to the players. So you gonna’ be a goody or baddy? How about a lil’ bit of both just to keep things interesting?
READ: TRANSCRIPTION In 1940, eighteen-year old Juliet Armstrong is reluctantly recruited into the world of espionage. Sent to an obscure department of MI5 tasked with monitoring the comings and goings of British Fascist sympathizers. Ten years
later, now a producer at the BBC, a different war is being fought on a different battleground, but Juliet finds herself once more under threat. A bill of reckoning is due, and she finally begins to realize that there is no action without consequence.
55 LIVE: ITHE LOVELY BONES 30th October – 10th November @ Birmingham Repertory Theatre The world première of The Lovely Bones, one of the bestselling novels of the 21st century and now adapted for the stage by Bryony Lavery and directed by Melly Still, will open Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 30 October and run until 10 November.
INGS
Alice Sebold’s unique coming-of-age tale captured the hearts of readers throughout the world when it was first published in 2002. An uplifting story about life after loss, The Lovely Bones, achieved critical acclaim and became an instant bestseller across the world. It won the Indies Choice Book Award for Adult Fiction 2003. Susie Salmon is just like any other young girl. She wants to be beautiful, adores her charm bracelet and has a crush on a boy from school. There’s one big difference though – Susie is dead.
LISTEN: ROBYN With the release of mini movie and accompanying single Missing U it seems that the 8 year wait for a new Robyn album is almost over – she has confirmed a release date for the final quarter of 2018 – SQUEEEEEEAAAAALLLL! With the single Missing U and sneak peek listen of track Honey on the final season of Girls we’re pretty sure that the soaring electro princess will be ruling the world again ultra soon!
TV: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before So whilst we wait for season 3 of Thirteen Reasons Why, get ready to be transported back to high school (again via Netflix) in this quirky coming of age comedy (phew, I’m not sure we WATCH: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald can take any more high school experiences like Liberty High’s). We cannot wait for another slice Grindelwald,(Johnny Depp) while Based on the novel by Jenny of wizarding wonder and magical facing new threats in a more Han, follow Lara Jean as her mayhem. Eddie Redmayne divided wizarding world. Lines quiet high school life gets turned returns as Newt Scamander are drawn as love and loyalty are upside down when every teenage and is joined by a young Albus tested, even among the truest girl’s nightmare comes true and Dumbledore as they attempt to friends and family. her secret love letters are made take down the dark wizard Gellert public. www.69-degrees.co.uk
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READ: Becoming MichellE Obama WE MISS THE OBAMAS! There we said it. Whilst we can’t help enjoy trying to decode hidden messages from Melania, Michelle is still our First Lady and has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era.
LIVE: Raye 29th October @ Rescue Rooms, Nottingham 1st November @ O2 Academy Birmingham The future of pop has one new superstar-in-waiting. Raye is a 19-year-old South Londoner who has released two stellar EP’s, a monstrous single in the shape of I,U, Us’ co-written with Charli XCX, a writing credit on Charli’s ‘After The Afterparty’, a collaboration with Nas on the soundtrack ‘The Birth Of A Nation’, and a collaboration with Stefflon Don.
The memoir of the first AfricanAmerican to serve in that role, with unerring honesty and lively wit Michelle invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her-from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing WATCH: Venom the demands of motherhood and Tom Hardy in a superhero suit? work, to her time spent at the We’re sold! Venom is the latest world’s most famous address. big screen interpretation of a Marvel Comic’s character and is a spin off from the Spiderman franchise inhabiting the same world. Following a scandal, journalist Eddie Brock (Hardy) attempts to revive his career by investigating the Life Foundation, but comes into contact with an alien symbiote that bonds with him, giving him superpowers as long as they share the same body… www.69-degrees.co.uk
PLAY: Marvel’s Spider Man Released September 7th Most Superhero games are disappointing – anyone who’s played Batman Arkham Knight in VR can testify to that- but there are high hopes that Marvel’s Spider Man will break the comic book curse. Unlike most games Spider Man has played a part in, Marvel’s Spider Man is set in an all new, standalone universe with a more mature and experienced Peter Parker as the central character battling familiar foes such as Vulture, Shocker, Electro, Rhino and Scorpion with much greater confidence. Released on PS4, there’s even a limited edition all red PS4 and controller bundle, available exclusively at GAME, that looks ridiculously cool. We want.
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27th October @ Town Hall, Birmingham Talented Canadian actor Charles Ross single-handedly recreates season one of the Netflix sensation; all the characters, dialogue, special effects, music & eggos in one superb, upside-down show.
exuberant, witty, funny, and a beautiful homage to love, art, and theatre itself.
audience interaction and razor-sharp improvisation, Rob will take you on a magical journey, transforming the audience’s likes, loathes and daydreams into hit songs and captivating tales.
Jorja Smith
Becky Hill
12th October @ O2 Institute Birmingham 13th October @ Rescue Rooms Nottingham After a handful of hugely successful collaborations with the likes of Wilkinson and Rudimental, Becky Hill is finally ready to step into her own spotlight and is doing so with a headline show.
13th October @ O2 Academy Birmingham 14th October @ Rock City, Nottingham The BRITS Critics Choice winner, Jorja Smith is heading out on her biggest UK tour to date this October. Following the huge success of single, ‘Let Me Down’ with Stormzy and with glowing live reviews across the board, it looks like 2018 is going to be an almighty year for the songstress.
albums to their name and recent single ‘These Days’ going platinum, the group continue to prove why they’re one of the UK’s greatest exports.
Tom Grennan Editors
9th October @ Rock City Nottingham 19th October @ O2 Academy Birmingham English rock outfit, Editors, are returning live to showcase their powerfully honest new album, Violence. Band frontman Tom Smith uses the word “brutal” to describe the album accidentally, but organically created for a people seeking an escape from modern world issues.
19th October @ O2 Academy Leicester 23rd October @ O2 Academy Birmingham After a hugely successful sold out tour earlier this year, indiesoul newcomer Tom Grennan will be on the road in support of his debut album, Lighting Matches
Felicity Ward
Abandoman: Pirate Radio Shakespeare in Love
16th – 20th October @ Theatre Royal, Nottingham Adapted by Lee Hall for a triumphant West End run, this epic Elizabethan extravaganza is www.69-degrees.co.uk
16th October at The Cookie, Leicester 17th October at Glee, Birmingham Ireland’s finest hiphop musical comedian is back on tour with his biggest show to date. Using his trademark blend of
Rudimental
17th October @ Rock City, Nottingham 22nd October @ O2 Academy Birmingham BRIT-Award winning collective, Rudimental will be embarking on their first headline tour in two years this October. With two genre-defying
3rd October @ Derby Theatre 19th October @ Glee, Birmingham. Now with her very her own Netflix special and Radio 4 series, Appisodes, the regular co-host of the popular The Guilty Feminist Podcast brings a good old-fashioned, straight up night of stand-up to the nation… with enough weirdness to keep it interesting.
THE PATRICK STUDIO Rosie Kay, who shot to international acclaim earlier this year after choreographing the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Handover celebrations.
SEETA PATEL’S NOT TODAY’S YESTERDAY (TUE 23 OCT) Seeta Patel combines Indian classical dance, contemporary dance and theatre in this explosive one-women show. This fantastic production has received five-star reviews and the Best Dance Award at Adelaide Fringe Festival. If you’ve not been to the Hippodrome to see a dance performance yet I would highly recommend this as your first one!
UNSPOKEN (MON 8 & TUE 9 OCT)
The Patrick Studio at Birmingham Hippodrome is a thriving hub for festivals, performances, professional development, rehearsals, workshops, conferences, parties and launches. From cutting edge comedy to contemporary dance, intimate drama to family-friendly shows and beyond, the 200-seat Patrick Studio is rapidly becoming THE space to experience edgy and alternative live performance in the heart of the 2ND city. Associate Director of Birmingham Hippodrome – Chris Sudworth - gives us a run-down of his top picks from the new Patrick Studio season.
MK ULTRA – ROSIE KAY DANCE COMPANY (20 & 21 SEP) Dazzling and disturbing in equal parts, MK Ultra explores the rise of a strange, dark myth of our time. How, as millions of young people turn away from established political systems, they are embracing bizarre conspiracies that they see hidden like a secret code in the culture and music that surrounds them. With costumes from Lady Gaga’s designer Gary Card, a gold mirrored stage, hypnotic triangular projections by Louis Price, a pulsing soundtrack of American trap music and a mesmerising score by electro-acoustic composer Annie Mahtani, this utterly captivating show comes direct from Birmingham-based choreographer
This moving performance by serving forces personnel and recent veterans, tells the story of lives forever changed by war. This ties in nicely with a VR experience we have in the foyer from Mon 29 Oct to Sat 3 Nov, called Empire Solider. This emperive experience puts you right in the centre of WW1 from the perspective of Caribbean and South Asian soldiers.
JINKX MONSOON - THE GINGER SNAPPED (SAT 10 NOV) Following last year’s total sellout tour RuPaul’s Drag Race favourite Jinkx Monsoon and lyrical genius Major Scales return. Music and mental health collide in this witty, biting look at the dark side of Drag fame. And, don’t forget the recently announced meet and greet with Jinkx following the performance.
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME & AD INFINITUM PRESENT - NO KIDS (SAT 10 NOV) How open is our society to the idea of two dads? No Kids tackles this question head on in this musical cabaret. We have worked with Ad Infinitum before and it’s an amazing company and I can’t wait to see how they tell this story on the stage, all I know is there won’t be another show like it!
To find out more and see what’s coming up visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com
SIXTY9 SOCIAL
60 @Aces
@Aces
@Alto Launch
@Peaky Blinder Takeover
@Rum & Reggae @Aces
@PeakyBlinderTakeover @Rum & Reggae
@Made Festival
www.69-degrees.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: Peaky Blinder - Grace Elkin Photography, Aces- Blackscarlet Pix,
Alto Launch Tom P Morley from Emotions from Photons. Made - Made. Rum & Reggae - Rum & Reggae.
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@Rum & Reggae
pint shop comes to birmingham
@Aces
Pint Shop will open its doors this October on Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham bringing fresh, seasonal British produce along with a fantastic selection of local and national ales to the Midlands. The listed building will be transformed into a bar area on the Ground Floor and 50+ cover First Floor dining room as well as an outdoor terrace to while away the last of the autumn sun.
@Aces
Diners can expect delicious dishes such as ‘Dry hopped’ fish pakoras, onion & cucumber salad, coriander & peanut chutney, Coal-baked flatbread kebabs of Devilled lamb shoulder kebab, crispy red onions and the amazing Charcoal Grill Dirty Burger with Rum Pineapple, Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Avocado and Chorizo Mayo.
@ Made Festival
Pint Shop takes the spirit of original beer houses – namely craft beer, intimacy and fun – and throws in over 100 different types of gin and some killer food cooked on the coals, just as it was in 1830 and has it all delivered in the heart of the city by amazing people.
@Alto Launch
Follow The Pint Shop story at pintshop.co.uk or on social:pintshopbrum www.69-degrees.co.uk
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er v o e k a T s r e Peaky Blind am. h g n i t t o N o Returns T Peaky blinder takeover returns to Nottingham after the last sell out show and is set to be bigger than ever so don those flat caps and get that flapper dress ready!
Held at Saltbox on Saturday 13th October, there’ll be two full floors of Midland gangland tomfoolery to explore, two bars and a sneaky, peaky upstairs gambling den with black jack table and roulette to play in, party goers are gonna party like it’s 1922 all over again. Downstairs in the main room will be a class burlesque show, 1920s show girls, live swing band The Kingbrasstards plus the peaky blinder solo singer and top resident DJ The Shelby Sound System. Tickets are priced at just £20 each and are available at www.2funkytickets.co.uk
! WIN
s iend e fr hance e r c th ith and ith a You be in w table w ind F P d I . l y V cou win a bubbl rs on de ow to tle of t Blin h a bo Peaky to see th i e k w h o T e in ebo Fac u can b nce. yo a cha www.69-degrees.co.uk
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SPECIAL FEATURE
And now on centre stage… The Music Licence
You may have seen in the local and music press that PPL and PRS for Music have launched a joint venture in Leicester, PPL PRS Ltd. The introduction of TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS enables a business or organisation to play music in public and hopes to make music licensing more straightforward and accessible. PPL PRS are committed to standing up for musicians’ rights and have a strong belief that everyone involved in the music industry is entitled to be fairly rewarded and recognised for their hard work. Aside from operating costs, the revenue generated from TheMusicLicence goes to the music creators, paid as royalties. Renowned music producer Steve Levine said of the launch: ‘The importance of this venture cannot be understated. So many songwriters, artists and music producers rely on this important www.69-degrees.co.uk
income stream. With so many new businesses making music an important a part of their customer experience the fact that PPL PRS can now offer easy one stop music license solutions is the way forward.’ Are you a music maker? We would love to hear how important royalty payments are to you, how it has enabled you to buy much needed equipment or helps pay the bills. We want to show businesses where their money goes, how without it many artists would simply not be able to survive. Email press@ pplprs.co.uk and tell us your story. Our business brand says we are #unitedformusic, and we really are. We understand the value of music and the people who make it. pplprs.co.uk
QUEEN VICTORIA ARTS CLUB TO OPEN IN CULTURAL QUARTER
An iconic building within the heart of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter has had new life breathed into it following a £650,000 restoration and renovation project. The Queen Victoria Arts Club is currently having its finishing touches before it opens its doors to diners in October. Business Owner Cassie Soulsby, who has won multiple high profile awards with her other venues and restaurants, said she had wanted to convert the Grade 2 listed Victorian Baroque property for some time, “Work started on converting the building and the flats above the restaurant 18 months ago, but the idea for the Queen Victoria Arts Club has been in the making for three years. The building itself had been derelict for many years, and was in much need of real attention, especially since the
Curve Theatre opened and the whole area had started being redeveloped.“The building had been a complete eye-sore, and everyone had been campaigning for it to become something better, so it was important for me to help with that,” she added. The site itself, which was built for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, has seen quite a dramatic transformation, having been derelict for many years, and Cassie and her team worked hard on the design of the restaurant which is on the ground and lower floors, to help it stay in keeping with the style and décor of the period. “One of the main things we wanted to do was add some light into the rooms, and so large arch windows were created, and this has made an incredible difference,” she added.
Guests to the restaurant will all be welcomed by a maître d and the food served will be of a modern European style. “Our emphasis will be on exceptional service and high-quality food. This is going to be a really accessible restaurant. I have a background in working in Michelin star and rosette establishments, so it’s bringing all of that experience to the front of house service, while also making it more comfortable for diners,” added Cassie. The main ground floor restaurant and bar area can accommodate 80 covers, while downstairs there is room for 50 alongside private meeting spaces and dining rooms whilst an exclusive members club is set to follow. The venue is set to open to the public on the 18th October. Find out more at www.queenvicleicester.com www.69-degrees.co.uk
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The play explores the development of the hybrid youth culture of the time, which developed within a shocking culture of violence. Nikolai, do you think gang culture and youth culture have always gone hand in hand?
Cause we’re Leicester. We’re all Leicester! The story behind Leicester’s infamous Baby Squad is being brought to life in Curve’s latest new production; Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual, coming to Leicester from 26th September – 6th October 2018. We caught up with director Nikolai Foster and writer Riaz Khan to find out more. So Nikolai what was Leicester’s Baby Squad? The Baby Squad were a gang of football hooligans who were allied to and supported Leicester City. When Leicester would play another team, the Baby Squad would work very hard to make sure the opposing team’s equivalent of the Baby Squad would feel very unwelcome in Leicester, which is the polite way of saying they would kick the shit out of each other. It was gang warfare built around your affiliation with a football club. The www.69-degrees.co.uk
Baby Squad were not only known for their violence but also for their fashion sense and the clothes they wore. They took a real interest in style and the clothes they wore defined them as a gang. They had real pride in their appearance, in how they looked and how those clothes made them feel. Riaz, the play is your account of growing up in the ‘80s in a strict Pakistani home in multi-cultural Leicester. What was it that drew you to be part of the casual gang cuture? “For me and the other guys involved in the casual scene in Leicester, being part of a firm was always about escapism from the pressures of family, society and teenage life – you put on the clothes and became part of something but it obviously created a lot of trouble and people did get hurt.”
I suppose generally speaking, yes they have. We recently presented GREASE, which is all about gang culture in America in the 1950s and that really was the beginning of youth culture. Suddenly teenagers had a bit of spare cash in their pockets, the country was becoming more affluent and young people had more freedom. In the case of GREASE, they started to define who they were, and they would move in packs with others who had similar taste in music and clothes. Nikolai, what do you think audiences will take away with them from seeing the play? Riaz’s story is not only fascinating and makes for great theatre, but is also profoundly moving. Riaz is the first generation of his family to be born here in Leicester and the story is about the racism and horrendous abuse he suffered on a daily basis. Through the gang, he finds an identity but he also recognises that violence and life in the gang isn’t going to lead to a positive life. Through all of this journey and learning, he emerges transformed into a young Muslim and community leader, able to shape the future narrative and combat extremism. With the rise of nationalism and a general shift towards the right here in the West, his story and his past is so vitally important. Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual, is at Curve from 26th September – 6th October 2018 tickets are available now at www.curveonloine.co.uk