TRAVEL

Colosseum Rome 11 Gladiator Icons Airbnb Credit Christopher Anderson

Face your Gladiator II destiny with strength and honor at the Colosseum

17/11/2024

Step into the annals of history and embrace your inner warrior with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a gladiator at the Roman Colosseum. This unique experience invites you to channel the strength and honour of ancient warriors as you step into the iconic arena known for epic battles and legendary tales. For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum is offering modern-day adventurers the chance to don historically accurate gladiator armour and partake in thrilling challenges that test both skill and courage. As you enter the sacred grounds, you’ll follow in the footsteps of victorious fighters, your destiny shaped by your prowess in battle. The experience begins at sunset, as a patron leads you into the candlelit Colosseum, a sight few have witnessed in modern times. Descend into the hypogeum, the underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for combat. Here, you’ll suit up in armour that reflects your chosen gladiator style—be it murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete. Choose your path wisely, for your fate in battle depends on it. As you traverse the torch-lit passages, imagine the footsteps of Maximus and countless other warriors echoing through history. Witness seasoned gladiators clash in a symphony of swords and shields, and prepare yourself for the challenge that awaits. Fuel your body with a selection of modest victuals—grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts—ensuring you’re battle-ready. Engage in combat training under the watchful eye of a summa rudis, your fate determined by your performance in the arena. Will you rise to the occasion and taste the sweetness… Read More

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Why Egypt should be on top of your travel list

17/11/2024

By James Banham

Embarking on a journey to Egypt is like stepping into a living history book, where ancient wonders and vibrant culture intertwine seamlessly. At the heart of this enchanting destination lies the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a must-visit for any traveller seeking to delve deep into the country’s rich heritage. Situated on the illustrious Giza Plateau, the GEM stands proudly near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, offering breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience. As one of the largest and most modern museums in the world, it promises an immersive exploration of Egypt’s past. Currently in its soft opening phase, visitors have the rare chance to explore its extensive artifact galleries and exhibition halls, with the highly anticipated King Tutankhamun galleries soon to follow. Beyond the museum, the Giza Plateau itself is a treasure trove of history. Be sure to visit the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids, where you can marvel at the engineering feats that have stood the test of time. For a more comprehensive experience, consider a camel ride across the desert sands at sunset, offering an unparalleled vantage point of these ancient structures. No trip to Egypt would be complete without wandering through the bustling streets of Cairo. Dive into the vibrant bazaars of Khan el-Khalili, where the aroma of spices wafts through the air and artisans display their intricate crafts. Explore the historic heart of Islamic Cairo, home to stunning mosques and ancient streets that echo with stories of the past. For a touch of tranquillity, take a day trip to the… Read More

Why Crete is the digital detox destination you need

13/10/2024

By James Banham

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

New study unveils Britain’s 30 most beautiful buildings

05/10/2024

By James Banham

In a nation steeped in history and architectural grandeur, a recent survey has unveiled a definitive list of Britain’s 30 most beautiful buildings, capturing the hearts and imaginations of residents and tourists alike.

10 best pumpkin patches to visit in the UK this October

05/10/2024

By James Banham

As autumn paints the UK countryside in hues of gold and orange, the allure of pumpkin patches becomes irresistible for both families and avid Instagrammers. This October, capture the essence of the season by visiting some of the most photogenic pumpkin patches across the UK. From scenic landscapes to vibrant festivals, these locations not only offer the perfect backdrop for your autumn snaps but also provide a range of activities that ensure a day filled with fun and memorable experiences. 1. Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Leading the list with stunning countryside views, Cotswold Farm Park is a haven for those looking to capture the beauty of autumn. With 51,000 Instagram followers and 11,300 hashtags, its popularity is well-deserved. Beyond pumpkin picking, you can meet rare breed animals and explore interactive exhibits. The tractor rides and locally sourced dishes at the café add layers of charm to your visit, making it a quintessential day out. 2. Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex Tulleys Farm, a favorite with 42,300 Instagram mentions, offers a unique night-time experience with its ‘Pumpkin Nights’. The twinkling lights and live music provide an enchanting setting, perfect for photos. This venue is also famous for its Shocktober Fest, blending pumpkin picking with a thrilling twist, ensuring your Instagram feed will be as exciting as it is beautiful. 3. Garsons Farm, Esher, Surrey With its lush green backdrops and a score of 27,400 Instagram points, Garsons Farm is a dream for nature-filled photography. As a pick-your-own paradise, it allows you to harvest everything from… Read More

Tag: gin

Drink gin at Bombay Sapphire’s ‘House of Bombay’ bar at VIVID Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 21/05/2022

Darling Quarter is about to become the home of gin this VIVID Sydney and if ever there was a time to be curious, it’s now. Head to the House of Bombay. Located in Tumblong Park, Darling Quarter; a new Vivid Sydney location in Darling Harbour, guests of House of Bombay will experience an exhilarating fusion of creativity, innovation, technology and delicious cocktails. With the ability to host over 500 people, this limited-time-only bar is the perfect meeting place along this year’s Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Think views, colours, flavours and a hell of a lot of excitement for 23 nights, from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June, with more than 200+ events celebrating the essence of Sydney’s soul including its diversity, beauty, resilience, First Nations culture, and vibrant creative community. For more of what’s on and how to get involved, head to the House of Bombay website

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bombay, gin, vivid sydney

Tread softly gin: Tread Softly has launched two delicious gins featuring delicate botanicals

by Emi Berry

Updated: 19/11/2022

Progressively eco-conscious brand Tread Softy has launched two new gins – Tread Softy Dry Gin and Tread Softly Pink Gin. Lighter in alcohol (37%) compared to most contemporary gin, this botanical range is loaded with juniper and finger limes, pink peppercorn, hibiscus, cinnamon, lemon myrtle and nutmeg. Tread Softly Dry Gin: A traditional style of gin, infused with juniper, jasmine and native citrus characters, the palate is imbued with notes of angelica, pink rose and chamomile as well as hints of eucalypt and nutmeg. Tread Softly Pink Gin: Featuring a delicate blush colour, Tread Softly Pink Gin is lusciously distilled with juniper and finger limes. Evocative, and aromatically charged on the nose, secondary notes provide a profusion of pink peppercorn and hibiscus, complemented by cinnamon, lemon myrtle and nutmeg. The brand is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by planting an Australian native tree for every 6 bottles sold. Since 2019, they have planted over 500,00 trees in conjunction with Carbon Neutral. “We recently achieved a celebratory milestones of planting 500,000 trees for Carbon Neutral. Now Tread Softly fans and gin lovers can help make a positive contribution to the environment by helping us work towards our goal of planting 1 million trees,” said Ross Marshall, general manager at Fourth Wave Wine. Tread Softy Gin is available from liquor retailers nationally at RRP $59.99 each.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: australian gin, gin, pink gin, Tread Softly has launched two delicious gins featuring delicate botanicals, Tread softy gin

Whitley Neill’s Gin transports you straight to an English country garden

by Emi Berry

Posted: 07/12/2021

With the heightened popularity of gin over the last few years, gin lovers have been spoilt for choice when it comes to quality gins. And Whitley Neill Gin is definitely among the top picks. Distilled in the heart of the City of London – the only distillery located smack, bang, in the City of London – Whitley Neill Gin is lovingly handcrafted and inspired by the very best flavours and ingredients from around the world. With an extensive range that includes Grapefruit Gin, Blood Orange Gin, Raspberry Gin, Blackberry Gin, Original and Quince Gin, there is something for everyone. The Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is said to resemble the taste of an English country garden with a tart crisp edge. The essence of rhubarb adds a tart crispness to the smooth gin base whilst the ginger extract warms the palate for a full-bodied finish. Perfect with a good quality tonic, Whitley Neill’s Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is also an excellent base for some very refreshing, summery cocktails. Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Soda Mix 60ml of Gin into glass, add lots of ice, top with soda water, add a slice of fresh ginger and fresh mint (and a strip of rhubarb if you want to get fancy!). A Taste of Honeycomb 45mL Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin 15mL @monin_australia Honeycomb 15mL Lemon Juice Top with @FentimansLtd Ginger Beer Dash of Islay Malt Preparation: 1. Build all in order over ice 2. Garnish with rhubarb ribbons Rhurbarb and Ginger Ginsecco Ginsecco never tasted quite… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: gin, gin cocktail recipe, rhubarb and ginger gin, whitley neill gin

Exotic Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin lands in Australia

by Emi Berry

Updated: 10/06/2021

Exotic and crisp, Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin is now officially available in Australia. With a fusion of 11 rare botanicals, this award-winning craft gin emerged from Shanghai after five years of masterful experimenting, which resulted in the perfect balance of organic botanicals that include Sichuan Pepper, Buddha’s Hand, Lotus Flower, Chinese Mint, Guangdong Liquorice, and Coriander Seeds. Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin has been awarded Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Gold at the Chine Wine Spirits Award. And it’s proving to be quite a hit in some of the local favourites, making appearances at the more voguish venues across the nation, including the likes of Melbourne’s Kisume, Chin Chin, and Hawker Hall, and Sydney’s PS40, Mr Wong’s and Mrs G’s. For something a little different to its European cousins, gin lovers will fall in love with Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin’s Eastern influence. “A little over five years ago, we embarked on this wild journey to create China’s first craft gin. Since launch, the industry support and public uptake has been phenomenal, and I’m thrilled we can now bring Peddlers Gin to Australia. It’s like nothing you’ve tasted before – powerful and earthy. Perfectly paired with tonic, Peddlers also makes for an exceptional negroni or martini. Ultimately, it’s a gin that’s going to give your drink a real kick”, says founding member of Peddlers, Ryan McLeod. Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin is now available for RRP $88.00 at leading retailers including First Choice Liquor, Vintage Cellars, Dan Murphy’s, and where all good spirits are… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Chinese gin, gin, gin cocktail recipe, gin cocktails, peddlers gin, peddlers rare shanghai gin

Limited edition Hendrick’s Lunar is delectably cosmic

by Emi Berry

Updated: 03/06/2021

Just like the total lunar eclipse that had us all gazing at the heavens a few weeks ago, another celestial event has occurred with the recent launch of Hedrick’s Gin new small-batch, limited edition – Hendrick’s Lunar, the second innovation from the Cabinet of Curiosities. A delightfully warm concoction, this limited-edition gin was conceived beneath the celestial light of the moon and yields an alluring complexity – best suited to refreshing sundowners, night-sipping, moon gazing and other sensible modes of contemplation. Luke Sanderson, brand ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin in Australia and New Zealand offered advice on the best time to enjoy this new, refreshing offering from Hendrick’s. “The best time to savour Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is during unusual moments of quiet contemplation. Hendrick’s lovers are familiar with our favourite signature cucumber garnish, and Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is no different, but adding a twist of black pepper will accentuate the top notes of this specially designed gin,” said Sanderson. This is the second release from Hendrick’s esteemed Master Distiller, Ms Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities and showcases how Ms Gracie’s curious mind is in part inspired by the spectacular surroundings in her playground at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace. The Hendrick’s Gin Palace is a most extraordinary place, hidden away in the remote Scottish Ayrshire coast. Here, away from the city lights and the hustle and bustle, the stars shine bright and the moon makes its magical presence felt. Ms Gracie is known for a spot of midnight gardening and regularly tends to her blossoming collection of… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: gin, Hendrick's Lunar Gin, hendricks, hendricks cocktail, hendricks gin

Gordon’s Gin launches a new zesty flavour – Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/03/2021

So it appears we won’t be heading to the Mediterranean any time soon, so good thing Gordon’s Gin is bringing the Med to us! Adding to their list of diverse and vibrant flavours – think, Gordon’s Pink, Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon, and now Mediterranean Orange – there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and great for any occasion. It’s available now in liquor stores across the country and online for $49.99. Here’s how to serve the perfect Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange and Tonic: What you need: 30 ml Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin 120 ml Tonic Water Orange Wheel (to garnish) How to do it: Fill a chilled glass with ice cubes, pour 30ml of Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange over the ice and top up with 120ml chilled tonic water. Garnish with a wheel of orange, then give it a final stir. Enjoy! For those who prefer a ready-to-drink option, there is also a 330ml Orange Gin and Soda now available in liquor stores across the country for $21.99 (4-pack).

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Best Gordon's Gin, distilled gin, gin, gordon's, gordon's gin, Gordon's Gin cocktails, Gordons Gin, Gordon’s Gin launches a new zesty flavour - Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin, How to make an orange cocktail, orange gin

The West Winds Wild Plum Gin 2020 early release has us drooling with excitement

by Emi Berry

Updated: 26/09/2020

With the West Winds Wild Plum Gin 2019 vintage a sell-out, it’s clear Australia’s love affair with gin is far from over. In fact, the award-winning distillery has brought forward the date for its 2020 release. Hallelujah! Located in the gorgeous Margaret River region in Western Australia, the distillery uses native Davidson plums and Tasmanian sloe berries to create this very popular drop. This particular gin scooped five gold medals at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition; the World Gin Masters 2020; the World Gin Awards 2020; the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020 as well as the Australian Gin Awards in November 2019, making it unequivocally Australia’s most awarded flavoured gin. If you love a gin with tart plum, zesty citrus and warm sweetness, then this is definitely the gin for you. In addition to the tart finish from the Davidson plums, you’ll discover a cosy sweetness thanks to banksia honey and the sloe berries, all perfectly balanced out with robust citrus notes. Established in 2010, The West Winds gin distillery is a true pioneer in Australian craft spirit production. Always pushing the boundaries, the distillery places an emphasis on product development and innovation. But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s a delicious cocktail recipe to get you started. Wild Plum Fizz – 50ml The West Winds Wild Plum Gin – 20ml fresh lemon – 20ml sugar syrup – White of one egg – Soda Step 1: Add all but soda to cocktail tin with one cube of ice and shake. … Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, RECIPES

Tags: gin, gin cocktail recipe, gin cocktails, plum gin, west winds gin

Flavoured gin liqueurs are tipped to be the next big gin lover’s obsession

by Emi Berry

Posted: 23/06/2020

Once upon a time, G&Ts were the drink of choice for older members of the family (think, Grandma) but over the last few years, we’ve watched the world reignite its explosive love affair with gin and now Grandma is looking pretty cool and way ahead of her time. And there’s no sign of the gin revolution slowing down with one of Britain’s’ oldest distillers, Greenall’s, introducing two fruity flavored gin liqueurs that are guaranteed to entice established and new to gin drinkers to try something a little different. Greenall’s Green Apple and Hibiscus Gin Liqueur: A modern flavour profile, this liqueur perfectly balances the crisp green apple, which is synonymous with English summers, with the sweet-sour tanginess of hibiscus. Greenall’s Blood Orange, Fig and Ginger Gin Liqueur: Balancing the intense blood orange with the luscious sweetness of fig and the zest spiciness of ginger, this liqueur offers new gin consumers a taste of gin with modern and appealing, complementary flavours. The new liqueur-style gins are designed to be served with soda water; on the rocks; or with sparkling wine, adding a fruity twist to champagne cocktails. The liqueurs are only 20% alcohol as opposed to the Original London Dry Gin which is 37.50% alcohol. The Blood Orange liqueur is available for your drinking pleasure at Dan Murphy’s ($33.99) and select BWS stores ($35). At this stage, the Green Apple liqueur is only available at Dan Murphy’s. Greenall’s Green Apple Collins 50ml Greenall’s Green Apple and Hibiscus Liqueur 25ml fresh lemon juice Soda water Mint garnish… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, RECIPES

Tags: best gin cocktails, gin, gin cocktail recipe, gin cocktails, Greenalls

Raise your glass on World Gin Day with Bass & Flinders Distillery’s latest gin releases

by Emi Berry

Posted: 12/06/2020

Tomorrow is World Gin Day (13 June), so you may want to raise your glass to this very important day for gin lovers with a splash of Bass & Flinders Distillery’s newest offerings – their Orient Gin and Maritime Gin. Located in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, this Victorian distillery was born in 2009. Taking inspiration from their surroundings, Bass & Flinders products embody the true holiday nature of the peninsula. The Maritime Gin is a nod to the local area, inspired by the Mornington Peninsula itself where crisp, salty air meets the eucalypt and wine-grown hinterland. A lovely mix of locally foraged kelp, samphire and locally harvested vine leaves have been incorporated into the Maritime Gin, creating a profile that compliments the dry juniper. It also pairs seamlessly with the coastal saltbush, lemon myrtle and currant bush to provide a depth of flavour reminiscent of the Australian coastline bush. For something a little more racy, you may prefer the flavours of the Orient Gin. This tangy little number draws inspiration from the heritage of the family-owned distillery and highlights Australia’s love affair with Eastern flavours. With every sip, you’ll enjoy flavours of sweet mandarin, native strawberry gum and kaffir lime leaf, balancing the dry juniper notes. Both gins retail for $78 (700ml bottles) and can be purchased directly from the website. Don’t forget to pair it with a top-notch tonic!

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Bass & Flinders, gin, gin cocktails, world gin day

Forget Friday, I’ve got Monday Distillery on my mind…

by Emi Berry

Posted: 27/05/2020

With Monday Distillery launching their sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverage range in time for Dry July, there’s no need to feel guilty any longer about enjoying a refreshing G&T on a school night. Gone are the days when you have to wait for Friday (virtual) drinks to quench your thirst with your favourite G&T bursting with refreshing botanicals. With many discovering healthy alternatives during iso and turning to non-alcohol alternatives, Monday Distillery’s offerings have come at a very good time. With fun choices such as the G&T Classic mix with rosemary, seasalt and other botanicals and the G&T Exotic Spice mix with selected spice and botanicals, what’s not to love! There are no artificial additives or flavours in the G&T range, and it’s also sugar and gluten-free. Refreshingly carbonated, Monday Distillery is naturally sweetened with stevia and has subtle hints of natural bitters such as quinine and cinchona bark. Beautifully presented, the four-pack gift box also makes a great gift idea for your health conscious friends and family members. When organising a gathering at yours, it’s also a nice offering for the designated drivers who are yearning for a chilled, G&T in an old fashioned crystal glass with a sprig of rosemary. How very civilised! If you’re more of a whiskey or vodka type looking for an alcohol-free alternative, the good news, it’s in the pipeline, with ‘whiskey without the wobbles’ and ‘vodka without the vengeance’ coming soon. Watch this space! A full list of Monday Distillery stockists can be found here. Cheers!

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, HEALTH & FITNESS

Tags: alcohol free, dry july, gin, Health wellbeing, non alcoholic

ARTS & CULTURE

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Why rush to National Art School postgrad show

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More

Christmas music treat in Sydney: Handel’s Messiah returns

11/11/2024

By James Banham

This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.