FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
The festive season is fast approaching, and if you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and the sweet sound of carols, there’s no better place to indulge than at a German Christmas market.
As the Australian summer sun blazes down with unrelenting intensity, there’s one accessory that stands out as both a practical necessity and a stylish statement—the woven hat.
Get ready to dive into the festive spirit with the much-anticipated Cambridge Markets’ Christmas Markets for 2024. Spread across various vibrant locations in Sydney, this year’s markets are poised to deliver an enchanting experience for all—from bespoke gifts and gourmet treats to delightful entertainment for the whole family. If you’re on the hunt for unique handmade gifts, sumptuous food, or distinctive homewares, Cambridge Markets promises an exciting array of high-quality offerings from passionate local vendors. Featuring small businesses across food, fashion, gifts, homewares, art, craft, photography, toys, pet supplies, and plants, along with gourmet hot foods, there’s something for everyone. This is your chance to indulge in Sydney’s premier Christmas markets, drawing thousands of eager visitors in search of the perfect festive treasures. CRONULLA CHRISTMAS MARKET Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla Saturday & Sunday, November 16-17 | 10am-4pm Kick off the season at this seaside favourite, bringing together the vibrant Shire community. Both days are mandatory for traders looking to connect with enthusiastic market-goers. RHODES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Rhodes Foreshore Park, Rhodes Saturday, November 23 | 10am-4pm Join us at this festive event in the heart of Rhodes, perfect for businesses aiming to reach a diverse crowd. PARRAMATTA CHRISTMAS MARKET Centenary Square, Parramatta Thursday, November 28 | 3.30pm-7.30pm Enjoy an evening filled with festive gifts, Santa Claus, face painting, and delicious hot food at one of Western Sydney’s bustling markets. RANDWICK RACECOURSE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Royal Randwick Racecourse, Randwick Friday, December 6 | 1.30pm-7.30pm This family-friendly event features free kids’ rides, live entertainment, and festive stalls, making it… Read More
Sydney’s culinary gem, Spice Temple, has reopened its doors, unveiling a stylish new chapter in its illustrious 15-year journey. This beloved establishment, tucked away in a moody underground setting, has been pivotal in redefining modern Chinese cuisine in Australia. With its latest transformation, Spice Temple promises an experience that tantalises the senses while honouring its rich heritage. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Andy Evans, who has been at the helm since the restaurant’s inception, Spice Temple has introduced a series of exciting changes. The revamped menu offers a nostalgic nod to Chinese cuisine of the 1980s, featuring dishes like pork and prawn omelette, Yunnan pineapple fried rice with bacon, and Hong Kong chicken curry. These additions complement the restaurant’s original menu, inviting diners on a culinary journey through time and taste. This evolution isn’t just limited to the plate. Evans has crafted a sensory-led dining experience that goes beyond the conventional. The aroma of Chinese spices fills the air, setting the stage for a theatrical dining experience. Live cooking stations have been introduced, allowing guests to witness the artistry behind each dish, particularly the new array of hot pots crafted in full view of diners. The restaurant’s interiors have also undergone a sophisticated makeover, blending modern elegance with touches of tradition. Elements of burnt wood, distressed metal, brass accents, black exposed brick, and neon red highlights come together to create an energetic and chic atmosphere. The new design offers a refreshed aesthetic that enhances the overall dining experience, making every visit a feast… Read More
Mark your calendars, dance aficionados! The illustrious Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece, “GIGENIS: The generation of the Earth,” from November 20 to 24. In a rare and highly anticipated performance, Khan will not only direct but also grace the stage as a performer, bringing to life a compelling narrative alongside a stellar ensemble of Indian classical dance artists. Akram Khan, a powerhouse in the world of dance, is known for his seamless fusion of Kathak and contemporary styles, creating a unique voice that speaks across cultures and traditions. His works, such as “Jungle Book reimagined,” “Outwitting the Devil,” “XENOS,” and “Giselle,” have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place as one of the most esteemed choreographers and performers of our time. With “GIGENIS,” Khan delves into the collective memories of our civilisation, crafting a performance that is both a tribute to the past and a reflection on the present. The stage will come alive with the presence of renowned artists like Kutiyattam performer Kapila Venu, Bharatanatyam soloists Mavin Khoo and Mythili Prakash, and the duo Vijna Vasudevan and Renjith Babu, alongside Sirikalyani Adkoli. The performance will be enriched by the live collaboration of seven Indian Classical musicians, adding depth and vibrancy to the storytelling. “GIGENIS” is not just a dance performance; it’s a profound statement on the enduring resonance of tradition in our rapidly evolving world. Khan’s return to the London stage after four years is a momentous occasion, offering audiences a rare glimpse of… Read More
As the autumn leaves give way to the crisp, clear days of May, Melbourne will soon play host to a cultural renaissance with the highly anticipated reopening of the Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne. Set to coincide with Reconciliation Week on May 30, 2025, this revitalised flagship museum is ready to welcome visitors once again, unveiling a new era of artistic and cultural discourse. Stepping back into the limelight, the Potter Museum emerges with a grand new entrance designed by the renowned Wood Marsh Architects, showcasing the transformative power of architecture in enhancing cultural experiences. This redevelopment, made possible through the generous support of The Ian Potter Foundation and Lady Primrose Potter AC, promises not just a facelift, but an expansion of space dedicated to the museum’s acclaimed collection-based learning programs. At the heart of the reopening celebrations is the groundbreaking exhibition, “65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art,” a title that nods to the vast and rich tapestry of Indigenous art in Australia. This exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, featuring more than 400 artworks, including significant public and private loans as well as seven major new commissions by leading contemporary First Nations artists. Curated by the esteemed Professor Marcia Langton AO, alongside Ms Judith Ryan AM and Ms Shanysa McConville, this exhibition delves into the seismic shift in the recognition and appreciation of Indigenous art in the Australian and global art scenes. Professor Marcia Langton articulates the exhibition’s provocative title… Read More
The Australian Museum is about to whisk you away on an epic journey to the ancient world of Peru, without you even leaving the city.
RG Live is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of the celebrated Varna International Ballet and Orchestra to the UK, following their breathtaking debut tour in 2023. In 2025, the esteemed company will grace 20 venues across the country, showcasing beloved classics including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet is renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, captivating audiences in Bulgaria and beyond with performances of the highest quality. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov, Varna International Ballet promises to enchant both newcomers to ballet and devoted ballet aficionados. The tour kicks off in Manchester on 2 January 2025, with subsequent performances in Buxton, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Basingstoke, Ipswich, Southend, Brighton, Nottingham, Reading, Oxford, Darlington, Wimbledon, Norwich, Hull, Sheffield, Leicester, and Northampton, concluding on 5 March. Artistic Director Daniela Dimova expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.” The timeless magic of The Nutcracker begins on Christmas Eve, whisking audiences away to a fairy-tale realm where toy dolls come to life, the Mouse King battles the Nutcracker Prince, and a journey through the Land of Snow unveils an enchanted experience. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and stunning choreography by Vasily Vainonen, revised by Sergey Bobrov, this… Read More
Ah, summer in Melbourne—the sun is out, the beaches are calling, and the expansive deck at Williamstown’s Sebastian is officially open for the season. If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, this seaside gem is the talk of the town, and with good reason. Nestled on the vibrant Williamstown Beach, Sebastian offers a beachside retreat just a stone’s throw from the city, where the only thing you’re required to do is kick back, sip on a cocktail, and let your worries drift away with the tide. Once upon a time, this spot was the heritage-listed Williamstown Bathing Pavilion, a local treasure dating back to the 1930s. Fast forward to today, and it’s been transformed by co-owners Dave Parker, Alex Brawn, and Kelly Brawn into a lively venue inspired by none other than San Sebastián’s famous culinary scene. Think pintxos bars, delicious Spanish-inspired dishes, and a vibe that’s as relaxed as it is vibrant. It’s like having a bit of the Basque coast right here in Melbourne. To mark their sixth year—and the start of what promises to be a fabulous summer—Sebastian is throwing a deck party on Saturday, 23 November. Expect an evening of live music, a sunset DJ setting the mood, and some delightful specials to keep everyone entertained. We’re talking $6 sangrias, $2 oysters, buckets of beer, and even choc tops for the sweet tooths among us. It’s a day out at the beach, but with flair! As for the menu, prepare to indulge. On the deck, you can savour elevated Spanish classics… Read More
Art lovers, gather ’round! If you’ve ever had a soft spot for our furry companions—or just enjoy the occasional tail wag or purr—then you’re in for a treat. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is set to unveil ‘Cats & Dogs’, an exhibition that’s bound to have you barking mad with excitement or purring in delight. This showcase, opening on 1 November 2024, dives headfirst into the delightful world of our beloved pets through the lens of over 250 artworks. From cattle dogs hard at work to the mysterious allure of black cats, this exhibition is a cross-cultural romp through the ages. Spanning all periods and media, it uncovers our age-old connection with cats and dogs, revealing how these loyal creatures have been a canvas for human expression, from ancient times to the present day. The exhibition boasts an impressive roster of artists, both historical and contemporary. Expect to see the likes of Rembrandt van Rijn and Francisco de Goya rubbing shoulders with modern icons like Atong Atem and Jeff Koons. It’s a star-studded affair, with works from Australian talents such as Claudia Moodoonuthi and Trevor Turbo Brown adding a local flavour. Presented thematically, the exhibition splits our four-legged friends into two camps—dogs on one side and cats on the other. These themes delve into everything from working animals and mythology to the heights of popular culture. It’s a fascinating exploration of how these creatures have been woven into the fabric of our societies, symbolising everything from superstition to spirituality. Among the highlights is the… Read More
