Category: FEATURES

Get your photo with Santa – on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

santa Santa Sydney Harbour photo 2

by

Updated: 08/11/2022

This is the month it almost begins to feel like Christmas! Even Santa’s feeling the merriment and has landed on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where he’s cleared his schedule every Sunday morning from 6 November to 18 December 2022 for the ultimate Christmas photo: 134 metres above sea level and with the iconic Sydney Opera House as the backdrop. The man-in-red will be spreading his cheer for the Christmas must-do for all ages with one of the most breath-taking views in Australia – and the best thing is, with a sunny Christmas a sure thing every year, you know it’ll make for a great picture! As well as experiencing the best views of Sydney whilst scaling the iconic arches, Christmas cheer add-ons include a complimentary printed Santa photo with every purchased photo package, optional festive photo border on all photos, Santa hat to take home, and the chance to sing-along to your favourite Christmas carols on a stage like no other. For more info and to book – be quick! – head to the BridgeClimb website

Category: AUSTRALIA, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: , , ,

London’s V&A hosting never-before-seen Renaissance master Donatello works

Donatello Florence southwest painting

by

Updated: 08/11/2022

Early in 2023, the UK will play host to a very distinguished guest: Renaissance master Donatello. In the first major UK exhibition to explore the exceptional talents of the Renaissance master, Donatello. It will offer a fresh vision of the artist and his impact on both the cultural and artistic development of this crucial time in the history of art. On show at London’s Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, the exhibition Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance will take you on a journey of works that have never been on display in the UK. The exhibition will explore Donatello’s innovations, collaborations and inspirations within the vibrant artistic and cultural context of fifteenth-century Italy, and his influence on subsequent generations of artists.  The exhibition will showcase works never seen before in the UK including Donatello’s early marble David and bronze Attis-Amorino from the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, as well as the spectacular reliquary bust of San Rossore from the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, Pisa, and bronzes from the High Altar of the Basilica of St Anthony in Padua.  Comprising around 130 objects, the exhibition will also incorporate a significant number of objects from the V&A’s own collections – including the most extensive holdings of Italian Renaissance sculpture outside Italy – notably from the Medieval & Renaissance Galleries. Tickets $20 The exhibition runs 11 February – 11 June 2023 For more and to book a ticket to visit, head to the V&A website Who was Donatello? Arguably the greatest sculptor of all time, Donatello (c.1386-1466) was in the vanguard of a revolution… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: , , , ,

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra announces 2023 season 

Brandenberg Orchestra

by

Updated: 08/11/2022

In 2023, the famed Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, a baroque orchestra that tours Australia, will put on six live concert series performed at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Melbourne Recital Centre. The ambitious season reimagines diverse musical and cultural traditions and will see the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Brandenburg Choir perform alongside celebrated Australian and international guest artists including Canadian-American cellist Elinor Frey, French Baroque violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and Swiss-Iranian Baroque violinist Leila Schayegh who will all make their Australian debut.  Expect a truly global repertoire that will transport and transfix you. The production will open with Spanish Steps featuring leading Canadian-American cellist Elinor Freyin her Australian debut. Transporting audiences to the Spanish Steps in Rome, the concert’s rich program explores Italian composers and their affinity with Spain in an era of cultural enlightenment. Alongside the full orchestra led by Paul Dyer on the harpsichord, guest performer Frey will reveal her astounding artistry in seldom performed works by Boccherini and Sammartini.  Following that, Vivaldi will be given new life in Vivaldi Unplugged, promising to be one of next year’s most evocative experiences, the concert series will highlight Brandenburg’s celebrated concertmaster Shaun Lee-Chen’s consummate command of the violin and feature stage direction by Yaron Lifschitz, the Artistic Director of leading Australian performance company Circa.  And yes, there’s so much more. Download the brochure now. Book tickets here.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, MUSIC, SYDNEY

Tags: , ,

Stay in the Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters house in Salem this Halloween with AirBnB

Hocus Pocus AirBnB

by

Posted: 26/10/2022

As if the remake of everyone’s 90s favourite Halloween movie Hocus Pocus isn’t enough to get you excited, then brace yourself, because the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage is available for stays! It’s all a bunch of Hocus Pocus at the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage, where, for the first time ever, you can run amok this Halloween season when the soul-stealing, spellbinding trio invites visitors to get into the Halloween ‘spirit’ with an overnight stay at the scene of their scheming.  Nestled in the remote woods of Salem, Massachusetts, the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage has been recreated as though it’s been frozen in time for 300 years – just in time for the siblings’ highly anticipated return in Hocus Pocus 2, streaming on Disney+ beginning Sept. 30 (rated PG, Disney+ subscription required, must be 18+ to subscribe).  Get a special AirBnB spooky Halloween deal The Sanderson Sisters will host the timeworn cottage for an exclusive stay on Oct. 20 for two guests, at only $31* USD a night in celebration of All Hallows’ Eve. Wooden boards that groan under the weight of curious cats and cupboards filled with blood of owl and herb that’s red (and even a hair from Winifred’s head) await those who dare to explore the cottage’s dark corners. Prior to slumbering in the sisters’ humble abode, guests can: Try their hand at enchantments enshrined in the ancient spellbook that guided the sisters in all their mischief. (Maybe just don’t expect to turn anyone into cats as a result.) Explore the dark, rich history of Salem… Read More

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: , ,

The new Ford Mustang: 4 top things to get excited about

Ford Mustang red side

by

Posted: 16/10/2022

Have you ever seen a sexier Ford? I’m waiting. The seventh generation Ford Mustang is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet still timeless exterior design. That’s what they say and the proof’s in the end result. Just look at it! The new Mustang by Ford has added another chapter to the icon that has delivered the looks, sound and appeal of the archetypal sports coupe. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, the car speaks to as many people as the original, who are after something with personality, guts and a whole lot of an air of cool. Here are the 4 top things to look out from the new ride: A completely rethought interior Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customised to show the information the driver wants or needs to see. Edgier design with timeless Mustang cues, plus more customisation The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out toappeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet. Mustang’s most advanced and athletic engines ever The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes drivers want to getin the driver’s seat and hit the road. The all-new Mustang delivers an even more… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Your next holiday to Europe: stay in the palace from Netflix’s ‘The Empress’

Weissenstein Schloss Bavaria Airbnb castle palace 1

by

Updated: 16/10/2022

You don’t have to speak German to know how much of a legend Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the show Netflix made about her was. So when the chance to stay in the palace they created the latest show drop comes up on Airbnb, as if you wouldn’t consider a stay, right? Regardless of if you’re a monarchist, or not, into war history (WWII) or just love a beautiful ceiling, the opportunity to bathe in splendour at Weissenstein Palace is never one to overlook. Weissenstein palace is the remarkable palace and is now ready to welcome guests to a sumptuous suite, which has been given an imperial makeover that will transport guests back in time to the late 19th century when Empress Elizabeth was at the height of her fame. Located in Pommersfelden, Bavaria, Weissenstein Palace is steeped in a rich heritage and is widely considered to be one of Germany’s greatest Baroque buildings. The historical palace features prominently in Netflix’s The Empress, where it serves as Sisi’s principal royal residence. Beginning on Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT, guests can request to book the exclusive stay, which is just one of many historical homes on Airbnb. So now, in honour of the show and the fact that Sisi would have celebrated her 185th birthday this year, aspiring emperors and empresses can request to book this exclusive stay for €185 ($287 AUD) beginning Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT at airbnb.com/theempress

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: , , , , ,

New pub alert: Wooly Bay Hotel, Woolloomooloo Sydney

Wooly Bay Hotel Sydney 1

by

Updated: 16/10/2022

Completely refurbed with a new Mediterranean restaurant and swanky new rooftop, the Wooly’s back – and just in time for summer. Situated opposite the famed Woolloomooloo Wharf and enjoying gun-barrel views of Andrew Boy Charlton Pool and Sydney Harbour, the three-storied 1800’s landmark has undergone a dramatic $14 million dollar transformation that all-the-while paid homage to the property’s celebrated history, tranquil surrounds and beloved neighbourhood community.  A little bit cosy, a little bit to-be-seen and the rest a little bit ‘the Med’, the new pub’s the perfect combination of all the things you want from a new space to eat and drink the afternoon-away in. Unsurprising when you consider the pub’s been nominated for the 2022 Eat Drink Design Awards. The Woolly Bay Hotel’s food and beverage options are sequenced over three levels beginning with the ground floor public bar, which resembles a cosy at-home lounge atmosphere and boasts floor-to-ceiling French doors opening onto Cowper Wharf Roadway and overlooking the waterfront.  For more and to book, head to the Wooly Bay Hotel’s website

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: , , , ,

Going away for Halloween? 10 spooky stays for your weekend road trip

Road trip car

by

Updated: 16/10/2022

Halloween is at the end of October (31st), so now is the time – if you get to it fast! – to get booking and organising what you’re doing for it. Staying in, going out, or going away are all valid ideas, but if you’re a little less face make-up and more have someone make the bed, then getting out of town might be the ticket. We spoke to Toyota to get some of their top ideas for the spookiest weekend of the year… 1.      Monte Cristo Homestead, Junee NSW Dubbed “Australia’s most haunted homestead”, Monte Cristo – only two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Canberra – is said to be haunted by at least ten ghosts, most significantly its original owners Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley. Christopher still haunts the room in which he passed, as kind a spirit as he was in life – Elizabeth, however, is not so nice; if she doesn’t like you, she’ll cause a chill across your skin to scare you off. Don’t believe us? For the thrill seekers and sceptics out there, Monte Cristo offers accommodation for you to sleep – or stare at the ceiling wide awake in terror all night. 2.      George IV Inn, Picton NSW If you’re game, how about a night or two at the century-old George IV hotel in Picton? The eerily stripped-back interior couldn’t be more fitting for accommodation located in what is considered Australia’s most haunted town. Picton in NSW – an hour’s drive from Sydney – is host to a variety of ghostly locations. If… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: , , ,

It’s official! Kylie Minogue to open Live and Proud Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert

Kylie x Sydney WorldPride 2023

by

Updated: 26/09/2022

See Kylie Minogue do her thing at WorldPride 2023 in Sydney Australia, The Domain on Friday 24 February 2023! In her only Sydney WorldPride performance, Kylie’s set is being created especially for the evening, celebrating the first time WorldPride has been hosted in the Southern Hemisphere and 45 years of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Hosted by Casey Donovan and drag queen Courtney Act the best of Australia’s singers and musicians will get the WorldPride party started at Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, presented by American Express. Further Live and Proud acts will be announced later this year. For more info, stay tuned to THE F.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: , , , ,

Best food festivals around Italy: where to go

Pizza

by

Posted: 17/09/2022

Italy is the home of pasta. The birthplace of pizza. The refuge of cannoli and the haven of tiramisu. And that’s just covering a few regions! As the world gets increasingly food focused, Italy’s reputation has just taken over, giving us not just the image of Italy as a foodie’s paradise, but direct-from-the-source-type places where we can get all the produce we’d ever need. Think Eataly! To honour the beautiful country that is Italy and to get excited for the full calendar year of food events and things to do around the country, we’re taking a look at the best and biggest food festivals around the country to add to your diary. And why. JANUARY, gennaio Sagra della Sfincia di Priescia, Montelepre, SICILY All about the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, sfincia di priescia, this annual festival takes place on 6th January in the Piazza Principe di Piemonte. FEBRUARY, febbraio Battle of Oranges, Ivrea, PIEDMONT Get your cameras ready because the Battle of Oranges must be seen to be believed. An epic three-day food fight which runs from Sunday until Shrove Tuesday every year, this festival is all about flying fruit in a re-enactment of a skirmish dating back to the 12th century. MARCH, marzo Feast of San Giuseppe, CAMPANIA, SICILY, LAZIO Across southern Italy on March 19th, Italians celebrate San Giuseppe with myriad versions of zeppole, the more-ish crispy fried dough balls which are a popular street food throughout the south. Ask for the melt-in-your-mouth Zeppole di San Giuseppe – and don’t even try stopping at just one…. Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: , , , , , ,

Copyright © 2024 · All Rights Reserved · THE F

About · Terms of Use · Cookies · Privacy · Instagram · Facebook ·