Category: FEATURES

What to expect this Sydney Mardi Gras 2024

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Get ready to paint the town rainbow as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns with all its fabulous flair from 14 February to 2 March 2025. With its theme “FREE TO BE,” the festival is set to illuminate the city with a dazzling display of pride, culture, and community spirit, celebrating decades of progress while championing the individuality and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Gil Beckwith, CEO of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, captures the essence of this year’s celebration: “Each year, Mardi Gras brings together people from across the globe for a vibrant celebration of community, visibility, and progress. The 2025 festival embodies this spirit, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and unity of our LGBTQIA+ communities. We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this year’s festivities.” Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO echoes the excitement, noting, “Mardi Gras is one of my favourite times of the year. Sydney truly sparkles with diversity, inclusion, and love proudly on show. We’re delighted to welcome people from around the world to our wonderful city – a place that embraces and celebrates everyone, where you are truly Free to Be.” With over 80 events on the agenda, this year’s festival promises a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the grand parade to intimate theatre performances. Signature events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade remain at the heart of the festival, with the newly revamped Taylor Square Takeover offering a fresh block party vibe for parade-goers. After a brief hiatus, Fair Day returns to… Read More

New film festival in London this November: One Fluid Night (OFN)

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The vibrant and diverse world of international LGBTQIA+ cinema is set to take centre stage as One Fluid Night (OFN) evolves into a full weekend film festival, celebrating its 5th edition with expanded offerings and a new home in the heart of queer London. What began in September 2023 at Genesis Cinema in east London as a bi-monthly event showcasing short films has now blossomed into the OFN LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, a grand celebration of queer storytelling and creativity. Scheduled for 15th to 17th November, this year’s festival will be hosted throughout Soho, with film screenings at the prestigious Curzon Soho and Courthouse Hotel Cinema. Film enthusiasts and festival-goers can look forward to after-parties at iconic venues such as Louche Soho, The Yard, and Soho Theatre. The festival’s expansion allows for the inclusion of feature-length films and documentaries alongside its already robust selection of short films, making it a comprehensive celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema. The 5th edition of OFN is set to screen an impressive 12 feature films and a staggering 113 short films, representing stories from 34 countries. This diverse programme underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing high-quality content from around the world, giving international queer filmmakers a vital platform to share their work. Central to the festival is its renowned awards system, which this year will honour filmmakers with the highest number of awards for LGBTQIA+ stories in Europe, across 18 categories. Judging these entries is an esteemed international panel, including industry luminaries such as Anca Vaida, Branko Tomovic, Chance Sion-Raize Calloway, Daisy… Read More

What to see at National Theatre London this season

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As the festive season approaches, theatre lovers can rejoice as National Theatre at Home unveils a captivating lineup of productions set to grace screens this winter. With an array of exhilarating dramas and heartwarming comedies, the platform promises to illuminate chilly evenings with world-class performances, all from the comfort of home. Kicking off the seasonal offerings is a fresh take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring Ralph Fiennes, known for his roles in The Menu and Straight Line Crazy, alongside Indira Varma of Game of Thrones fame. Released on 31 October, this cinematic rendition, filmed live at Dock X in London and directed by Simon Godwin, offers a spellbinding experience just in time for Halloween. November brings an opportunity for audiences worldwide to enjoy Nye for free, as part of the ‘Take Your Seats’ initiative. This epic Welsh fantasia, featuring Michael Sheen as Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, delves into the life of the man who founded the National Health Service (NHS). Available on the National Theatre YouTube channel from 7pm GMT on 7 November until 11 November, it’s a must-watch for fans of stirring historical narratives. The festive cheer continues in December with Noël Coward’s Present Laughter. Directed by Matthew Warchus and filmed during its sold-out run at The Old Vic in 2019, this comedy is available from 6 December. Audiences can revel in Andrew Scott’s Olivier award-winning portrayal of Gary Essendine, a flamboyant actor on the brink of a tour, joined by the equally celebrated Indira Varma and Sophie Thompson. Also joining the platform on 6 December… Read More

Why Crete is the digital detox destination you need

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As summer’s vibrant energy gracefully transitions into the calm embrace of Autumn, Seaside A Lifestyle Resort in Crete extends an invitation to travellers seeking the serenity of quiet travel and a much-needed digital detox. Nestled amidst the tranquil and unspoiled beauty of Crete, this resort promises an all-inclusive oasis of calm, ideal for those looking to reconnect with themselves amidst eye-catching landscapes. Autumn heralds a season of new beginnings and resets. The fast pace of daily life often leaves little room for the self-care we truly require. At Seaside A Lifestyle Resort, guests are welcomed to cocoon in comfort, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity. This sanctuary is perfect for experiencing the growing trend of wellness travel, particularly among those enamoured with the ‘wellness retreat aesthetic’, which has seen a significant rise in popularity. Here are a few compelling reasons to visit this luxurious resort in Crete, where you can create lifelong memories, experience heartfelt hospitality, and immerse yourself in relaxation and wellbeing, all while enjoying the resort’s dramatic views: Quiet Experiences From sunrise to sunset, Seaside A Lifestyle Resort offers visitors a serene escape where life slows down to a peaceful rhythm. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual connection, a path to self-love, or simply a break from the stresses of daily life, the resort provides a space that fosters peace and tranquillity. Begin your day with a journey to oneness at the resort’s Yoga Shala, a place designed to deepen the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Here, silence is cherished, allowing you to… Read More