TOPIC HOT

WHAM!

In 1982, the best of friends and still teenagers – George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley as WHAM! set out to conquer the world. By June of 1986 they played their very last gig at Wembley Stadium having done exactly that. Now for the very first time, told in their own words, the amazing story of how in four years they dominated the charts around the world with timeless and classic pop songs. Hit after hit – Club Tropicana, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Freedom, I’m Your Man and of course, Last Christmas.

Their time in the spotlight was white-hot, becoming the very first western pop act to play in China. It was a time that both encapsulated and epitomised not just their youth, but also those of the many millions of fans that adored them. WHAM! is a feature length documentary that captures this magical time, from director Chris Smith (Tiger King, Sr.) and producers John Battsek (The Deepest Breath) and Simon Halfon (Supersonic). With unprecedented access to both George and Andrew’s personal archive including remarkable and never-before-seen footage, alongside rare, candid and previously unheard interviews, WHAM! charts their incredible journey from school friends to superstars.

Out on Netflix on 5th July

Elevated loungewear effortlessly blending comfort and style, Blakely, the renowned fashion brand that has taken the industry by storm, celebrated the grand opening of its debut store in Westfield Stratford, with an unforgettable event. The night was nothing short of spectacular, with an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Celebrity guests and fashion influencers added an extra touch of glamour to the affair. www.blakelyclothing.com

Craze

For a lot of Londoners, Notting Hill Carnival flashes by in a blaze of feathers, Red Stripe and tinnitus. To those who make it happen, it is a year-round operation to create one of the biggest and oldest street parties in the world. More than two million people are expected to flock to west London to watch the iconic parade showcasing the best of mas, soca, calypso, steel bands and sound systems over the bank holiday weekend. Dazzling floats, check. Kaleidoscopically dressed performers, check. Rib-shaking sound systems, check. The sweet, smoky smell of jerk chicken, check. What ’cha waiting for?

Screens Serving

Nothing says summer like the tennis whites, strawberries and cream and Pimms of Wimbledon. Missed out on tickets in the Wimbledon Tennis Championships (July 3-16)? Can’t face camping out on the street for day tickets? No problem. London is a city that gives back and this summer it will be peppered with big screens showing all the Murray Mound (okay, Henman Hill) action in so much blownup high-res glory that you might as well be court-side. There’s a screen for everyone, with some offering special-edition cocktails and finger food and coming with pop-up tennis lessons.