Category: LONDON

Book of Man Festival London: What it is and what you need to see

Posted: 11/03/2020

Without men, we’d be nowhere. Primarily without penises we’d be nowhere. So, the Book of Man Festival exists in a way, to showcase man and engage them in a changing world. It’s about opening eyes, learning skills, understanding things and communicating about vulnerabilities and fears with friends, family and each other. Topic of one of the festival’s most outstanding events? Dicks, of course. Scroll down for more. For the festival; a series of events in London this March will be providing a chance to develop and enjoy new perspectives. 10TH MARCH – THE PENIS GALLERY X VAGINA MUSEUM Location: The Book Club, 7-9pm The Penis Gallery is returning after a highly successful night last year which showed penises in their (strictly flaccid) glory and featured a panel discussion about taboos and anxieties around the fellas. This will be with panelist Dr Chris Morriss-Roberts, who has studied and written about the role of penises in the locker room, and male body perceptions in general. We also have a further coup in welcoming artist Jamie McCartney, the man behind The Great Wall of Vagina, as well as his Penis Flags, is a man very much au fait with all genitalia matters. Buy tickets 16TH MARCH – HOW TO HAVE MORE AND BETTER SEX! Location: Rotate, 7-9pm In this interactive session we will tackle the new world of sex and dating. With the format of audience Q&A a top panel will discuss people’s bedroom issues, dating worries and generally give advice for better sex and happier relationships. For couples, singles,… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Book of Man, Book of Man Festival London what it is and what you need to see, Book of Man London, Cockart, london, Penises London

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with whisky in London

by James Banham

Posted: 10/03/2020

The Sun Tavern is the small corner bar in Bethnal Green you need to know. If relaxed aesthetics and comfy interiors aren’t reason enough to call this East London hang out your local, then perhaps what they can do in the form of a cocktail, is? This Saint Pat’s Day they’re turning it on to the tune of a special cocktail menu this 17 March. From 6pm-9pm Three Sheets’ Noel and Max Venning will be taking over the bar, alongside The Sun Tavern bartenders, to offer guests an exclusive St Paddy?s day cocktail menu featuring a White Russian with Coffee, Milk Washed Slane Irish Whiskey and Miso, The Shamrock Gimlet with Slane Irish Whiskey, Wood Sorrel and White Wine and a twist on The Sun Tavern’s own Irish Coffee with Slane Irish Whiskey, Salted Coffee and Baileys Cream. Sort yourself out: Doors will be open from 12pm – 1am offering a whole day of shenanigans and ample time to enjoy the frivolities. St Patrick’s Day at The Sun TavernDate: Tuesday 17th March 2020Time: 12pm – 1am The Sun Tavern441 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0ANWebsite: www.thesuntavern.co.uk

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Haircut and a cocktail: Why Sharps barber is doing Metaxa cocktails

by James Banham

Posted: 18/02/2020

Everybody loves a drink. Everybody needs a haircut. Combine the two and you’ve got a great after-work activity, delivering you a new look and slightly cloudier judgement, making for an even better time. Sharps is serving Metaxa. A Greek spirit from 1888, it’s known as the original Greek spirit and is all about its vibrant yet smooth, Metaxa’s unique taste takes you on a voyage that piques your curiosity and encourages a sense of exploration. They celebrated the whole collaboration at the end of 2019, by teaming up with travellers who’d share stories and anecdotes from their travels, overcoming adversity and challenges, the world’s first expedition to officially reach the furthest source of the Essequibo river in Guyana and complete its descent by kayak, last year. In any case, seize the spirit of exploration, try a new do and head to Sharps for more. They’re serving up Metaxa 12 Stars and ginger rock cocktails, too. Find out more and make a booking at the Sharps website.

Category: CITIES, GROOMING, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Haircut and a cocktail Why Sharps barber is doing Metaxa cocktails, Sharps, Sharps barber

London: Where to celebrate Holi Festival

by James Banham

Posted: 18/02/2020

So, there’s two things to know about Holi Festival, the Indian fest of colour and it’s heaps of fun. Also, food. A vital part of Indian culture and a quality element of the festival, all of which can now be attained at Bang Bang Oriental, the largest food hall of Asian cuisine in London. To celebrate, the Bang Bang Oriental space will be celebrating the Holi Festival with an exclusive performance from the award-winning Bollywood dance group Bollywood Belles on Friday 6 March 2020 from 7pm. Three types of Indian dances will be performed on the night and guests will have a chance to demonstrate their skills with a 15-minute dance class led by the experts. For those looking for a taste of India, Patiala Xpress specialises in authentic Indian cuisine and diners are welcome to try a tasty selection of Indian dishes including Chicken Biryani, Prawn Malabar and Paneer Tika. So bring your jingly bits, appetite and cultural awareness for a night to be savoured. Find out more at the Bang Bang website, link above!

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Holi London, London Indian food, London Where to celebrate Holi Festival

Where to drink pink: The Lanique pop-up bar in London

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Lanique, Spirit of Rose has teamed up with VAULT Festival 2020 (28th January – 22nd March), to bring bespoke rose tinted cocktails to London’s boldest arts and theatre celebration. At The Vaults on Waterloo’s Leake Street, The Rose Bar is an immersive cocktail experience from Lanique, taking you on a journey through the drinks’ rich history. You’ll start in 18th century Prussia, through to modern day London. All in drink form. All delicious. All pink. And the best bit? It’s free to visit. For more and to plan your visit, head to the website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Lanique, London festivals, London gin, pink gin, Vault festival London

London: Freddie Mercury's kimono is coming to the V&A

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2020

It was 2018 that saw the release of Bohemian Rhapsody, the movie of band Queen and its larger-than-life lead man, Freddie Mercury. And now in 2020, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is bringing him back again by putting his famed kimono on display as part of a larger exhibition. The major fashion exhibition, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk will open this month on 29 February and bring to the public an array of kimonos, the ultimate symbol of Japan. Why Freddie’s, though? In the mid-1970s he sometimes wore boldly patterned kimono onstage, challenging the norms of gender and sexuality. This personal kimono however is more delicate in its design and overtly feminine, revealing that gender fluidity extended to his private life. For more about the exhibition and to score your tickets, head to the V&A website.

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

Tags: freddie mercury, Freddie Mercury kimono, Kimono exhibition, V&A

There's a new way to drink: the Leakproof water bottle

by James Banham

Posted: 10/02/2020

Summer in the UK might be over, but just because the sun’s hidden for the next bit, doesn’t mean the need to keep on top of your outdoor health has gone away, right? Running around a city like London takes a lot out of you. So hydration’s key. Which is why the likes of Leakproof is a must. Their latest drop, the ION8 Leakproof Water Bottle helps to keep just so, with up to 500ml capacity. It makes for a gym, fitness and outdoor water buddy, and just life in general. Also, with a soft touch frosted exterior, its scratch resistance makes it super practical for exploring and those busy working dads on the go. Open at just the touch of a button, the flip top effortlessly springs open with a single push, meanwhile the added lid lock follows clicking reassuringly into place – 100% leak proof, 100% of the time! Check it – and the whole range – out at the Leakproof website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Leakproof ION8 water bottle, Leakproof water bottle, water bottle

Australia Day in London: What the Sun Tavern's got going on

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The Sun Tavern will, this Australia Day on Sunday 26th January, team up with Aussie brewers Stone & Wood and Antipodean Gin Masters, Four Pillars for a party the Australian way. They’ll even donate £1 per drink sold to the Australian bushfire appeals. Stone & Wood, will be on the taps to give everyone who shows their Aussie passport a FREE beer. For something a little more shaken and stirred, Melbourne based Four Pillars gin have put together a special cocktail menu; which is nice. Think Irwin’s Remedy, with Four Pillars Navy Strenght Gin, Wattleseed Syrup, Sweet Vermouth and Citrus, a Knifey Spoon, with Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Lemon Myrtle, Citrus and Umbrella Brewing Cider and a Night Shazza, with Four Pillars Shiraz Gin, Ruby Port, Rose Vermouth and Amaro. Keeping the party going will be Australian Psych-Folk-Pop artists Tempesst, taking to the decks for the evening and bringing those Aussie tunes to east London. Why not go along? Australia Day at The Sun Tavern Date: Sunday 26th January Time: 12pm – 12am Address: 441 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN Here’s the Sun Tavern website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

London: Artemisia Gentileschi is coming to the National Gallery this April

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The art of Artemisia is coming to London.

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

Tags: Art blog, Artemisia, London art, National Gallery London

The best French music festival, So Frenchy So Chic, coming to London

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Australia’s home-grown French pop festival So Frenchy So Chic will travel to London for the first time next year, bringing the best of French vocals to France’s neighbour. The inaugural So Frenchy So Chic London will take place on 5 September 2020 in the exquisite grounds of the World Heritage-listed Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. So Frenchy So Chic is the only festival dedicated to French music outside French-speaking countries. It started in Melbourne Australia, moved to Sydney and the festival that has hosted such vocal stunners as Camille – who headlined January’s all-female line-up – Émilie Simon, Moriarty, Lou Doillon, Féfé, The Dø, and Yelle, the festival’s heading home. For more and to get your tickets, go to the website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, MUSIC

Tags: French music, French music festival London, So Frenchy So Chic, So Frenchy So Chic Melbourne

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.