ESP April 2017

APRIL 2017 Issue 212

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NEW RADIO STATION FOR CITY

There’s a new radio station for the city as the community station launches on FM this month!

From Easter every radio in Peterborough can tune in to a radio station that will broadcast from the city. Peterborough Community Radio – PCRFM – will go live on FM airwaves from Good Friday April 14.

The PCR team, which was created from the merger between online stations Peterborough FM and Radio Peterborough, has been working hard behind the scenes to make the switch from the web and get all the technical specifications and equipment compliant to FM regulations.

“It’s exciting times,” said Acting Station Manager Steve Durham. “The schedule promises to have something for everyone.

We’ve been keeping it under wraps for months but can’t wait to unleash our diverse mix of shows onto the city’s airwaves!

“This will really be the local station Peterborough has been crying out for,” he added. “Great music will sit right next to community news and local interest stories brought to you by great local presenters who’ll showcase everything the city has to offer.”

There will also be promotional events in the lead up to the launch and beyond.

The station will broadcast on 103.2FM from noon on Friday April 14. Test transmissions can currently be heard on this frequency.

STAMFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL The first acts have just been announced for the three-day Stamford Music Festival which returns to the Town Meadows this summer.

Bands and musicians playing the festival include local favourites Groove Cartel (Sunday), The Gangsters (Saturday), Bianca and the Top Cats (Friday), Top Banana Band (Friday), Steve Bean and The Balloons.

This year there will also be an acoustic stage where organisers The Market Square Group are inviting some of the best of the region's singers and bands to take to the spotlight as the volume is turned down a level to focus on emerging talent.

Already announced for this stage are Joey Clarkson, George Linton, Pembroke Tenneson, Eva Rose, Holly Jean, Fyzz Wallis and Oakleas Rise.

The festival is being held on the Meadows from Friday July 14 to Sunday July 16.

Early bird tickets for the event, priced at £3 for Friday, £5 for Saturday, £3 for Sunday and £8 for the full weekend are on sale online now from www.clickit-tickets.co.uk.

Read more on www.espmag.co.uk

CELEB DJ LAUREN HEADING FOR QUEENSGATE

Queensgate shopping centre will be turning ‘nightspot’ this month complete with DJ Lauren Pope playing out on the decks.

Lauren will be there as part of Martinis, Music and Muses, on Thursday April 27 which kicks off at 5pm.

It’ll feature two stunning cocktail bars complete with model waiters, a VIP area and chill out lounge and gaming zone.

Playing two upbeat sets throughout the evening in Central Square, the TV personality, entrepreneur and model, Lauren Pope will take charge of the decks. Having played at some of the biggest clubs across the world, including Dubai, Miami, Shanghai and Chicago, Peterborough is in for a treat.

It’s free to go along and you can relax with a complimentary Martini cocktail and of course shop with some exclusive discounts on the night!

For the latest details visit Queensgate’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ queensgate

CHARTERS ANNUAL EASTER BEER FESTIVAL Don’t miss some great brews and tunes from Thursday April 13 – Monday April 17 at Charters Annual Easter Beer Festival. It starts at 5pm on the Thursday with 20+ real ales including national and local ales and some festival exclusives. For the music line up see our Live Music pages or this month’s Gig Guide.

SKIN SPRING CLEAN SPECIAL OFFER @ MBE There’s a great offer this month at My Body Essentials. MBE have just the treatment for a quick pick-me-up spring clean for your skin. Their Luxury Diamond Peel will remove the build up of winter pollution along with the top layers of hard, dry and dull winter skin.

At just £21 instead of the usual £30, you get a gentle cleanse to soften the top layers of your skin ready for the diamond tipped attachments used to clear away all traces of winter, leaving a brighter, fresher and healthier complexion. Then specialist professional strength products will leave your skin hydrated and feeling softer along with the protection of a quality moisturising SPF all ready for you to face the world with a smile. Book in on 01733 234251 or visit www.mybodyessentials.co.uk.

DEMENTIA RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN DAY The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Resource Centre for Peterborough is opening its doors on Saturday April 22 to give free advice to anyone with questions about dementia.

Staff will be on hand from 10am – 2pm at the centre at 441 Lincoln Road Millfield to offer information, support and advice. The Dementia Resource Centre is a one-stop shop for advice, information and support, ensuring people living with dementia and their carers in Peterborough are able to get the help they need in everyday life.

For more details call the centre on 01733 893853. The charity is also looking for local volunteers.

DEEPINGS LITERARY FESTIVAL

whilst the Vipers have a breather. Tickets are available from the bar on 01733 358500.

CLASSICAL REFLECTION

The first Deepings Literary Festival is being held this month and is looking set to be a huge success with several events already sold out.

The three day event (April 28-30) has attracted some top names including Louise Doughty the author of Apple Tree Yard, (recently turned into a BBC drama) and writer, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth.

One of the final events will see local Afghanistan war veteran and People’s Strictly dance winner Cassidy Little join a very special evening readings session on Sunday April 30.

Cassidy will be including the story of an American B17 Flying Fortress bomber which crashed in 1944, with a letter written by tail gunner and sole survivor Don Holigan to his mother.

The Lincolnshire Letters Aloud readings in Deeping St James Parish Church feature letters, cards and articles penned to and from Lincolnshire Yellowbellies. Popular performers the Intermezzo String Quartet will provide the music.

For information and tickets visit www.deepingsliteraryfestival. co.uk or Stamford Arts Centre box office. Tel 01780 763203.

MCV CHARITY GIG @ THE TAP The Motor City Vipers are doing it again at The Brewery Tap on Saturday April 8!

Once again the gig is under The Randall Rootz Community Music initiative remembering local musician Mark Randall and is raising money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hosipice.

This year the band will bring a new member to the Rootz event. They feature a new female vocalist, Haylie Mason who joined them permanently a few months ago.

The eight piece MCV were formed in the spring of 2009 and have gained themselves a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live soul acts DJs Julz and Uncle Funk will be keeping the music going

The city’s amazing soprano singers, identical twin sisters Naomi and Hannah Moxon, known as Classical Reflection are set to launch their new album, Echo, in Peterborough Cathedral.

They’re staging a special concert on Saturday May 13 with special guest appearances including BBC Radio 3 award winning Huntingdon Male Voice Choir, captivating classical guitarist Chris Sommerfield and beautiful dancers from Saldance Studios.

The album was recorded at the Cathedral with West End musical director Adrian Sutcliffe and Ely Sinfonia Orchestra and is being released in support of the Alzheimer’s Society with 50% of the profits from album sales being donated to the charity. The album will be available during the evening and can be personally signed by the girls if you’d like at a meet and greet session after the concert.

Tickets for the Classical Reflection concert are £15 and £12 concessions and are available from Peterborough Visitor Centre, Bridge Street on 01733 452336, their website www.classicalreflection.co.uk or Oundle Box Office on 01832 274734.

NEW PEFORMING ARTS ACADEMY TO OPEN The Pauline Quirk Academy, PQA, is opening a new Academy in Peterborough offering performing arts classes at The Peterborough School on Thorpe Road.

They’ll be holding a free open day on Saturday April 22 from 9.45am - 1pm when you can find out more about the classes for 4-18 year olds.

The classes are designed to help even the shyest youngsters thrive and gain confidence with various performance opportunities. Children also get to see themselves on the big screen of the local cinema in one of their short film projects. They can take performing arts exams through organisations like Trinity College London, make like-minded new friends, enjoy new experiences and explore everything from clowning and stage combat to street dance, musicals and film-making. www.espmag.co.uk

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LocalEntertainment

Tiffany Wright has the ESP guide to the best shows around…

The Reduced Shakespeare Company (Abridged)

LittleMixExperience Sweeney Entertainments are bringing the Little Mix Experience to The Key Theatre, and at £13.50 a ticket this is one not to miss out on! Paying tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl bands, the Little Mix Experience ties together jaw-dropping dance moves, breathtaking vocals and impressive replica costumes.

Featuring hit songs such as Secret Love Song, DNA and Black Magic, this high-energy show is a must see for anyone who loves a good sing along to Little Mix when they come on the radio. So keep your afternoon free on Saturday April 15 as the show kicks off at 2pm! Book now on 01733 207239.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company are embarking on their debut UK tour for the critically acclaimed Long Lost First Play and will be stopping off at The Key Theatre with the ‘non-stop gag-fest’ (Sonoma Gazette) on Tuesday May 9. The breathtakingly hilarious celebration of our culture promises to be something for everyone, whether you’re a massive fan of Shakespeare or not!

Tickets can be purchased on 01733 207239 at £17.50 full price, £15 students or there’s a buy 10 get 1 free deal if you’d like to go in a bigger group.

Bye Bye Baby Big O & The Wilburys Tribute Show

Cheggers in Beauty and the Beast Come and enjoy the captivating tale of Belle, a young girl living in the quiet – and quite frankly bland – village of Ooh La La, until she’s taken captive by the terrifying Beast. That’s right, the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast is coming to The Key Theatre this April but with a panto twist!

Featuring a full professional cast, including Keith Chegwin as the Jolly King and Basil Brush as the Beast’s hilarious sidekick, this promises to be fun for all the family. Join Jolly King Cheggers, the village idiot Wally, Dame Dolly Doolittle and the mysterious Fairy Tale to save the day and unlock the Beast’s magical secret on Thursday April 20 and Friday April 21 and get lost in the ridiculousness of panto land!

Tickets are available on 01733 207239 and are £17 full price, £15 concessions or £48 for a family ticket.

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Likely to be an instant hit with any audience, The Big O & Wilburys Tribute show is coming to The Key Theatre on Friday May 5. The late 1980’s saw five music icons pull together, become The Travelling Wilburys and create a masterpiece of an album which sold over five million copies worldwide! This energetic show features worldclass tributes to the five unique legends all in one evening and is something that shouldn’t be missed. Tickets are £21 full price or £20 concessions on 01733 207239.

Back by popular demand, Bye Bye Baby are bringing their extraordinary celebration of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons back to The Cresset on Thursday April 20. The critically acclaimed tribute pairs snappy choreography alongside world class vocals and harmonies, to showcase the band’s greatest hits we’ve all fallen in love with; including songs which graced hit cult movies such as Dirty Dancing and Grease!

Tickets are £20, concessions £21 available on 01733 265705.

Arrival – The Story of Abba The high energy, multi-award winning show that celebrates one of the most iconic band’s of the 70s is coming to The Cresset on April 27. ARRIVAL mixes a winning formula of the bands smash hits (expect: Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper), authentic costumes and amazing vocals to recreate the true feel and thrill of a live ABBA show. Pegged as ‘simply the best ABBA show’ by The Stage, this show displaying the magic of the 70s is something that you’re not going to want to miss out on. Tickets start at £20 on 01733 265705.

The Wizard of Oz

All The Little Lights

Trio Entertainment are returning to The Cresset this Easter on April 18 with their production of The Wizard of Oz after a string of sell-out shows back in 2014. Featuring an all-star cast (including Coronation Street star Steven Arnold) and filled to the brim with great songs and brilliant dance routines, this is bound to be an incredible and hilarious show, filled to the brim with laughter. So join Dorothy and her friends on their quest to thwart the evil powers of the Wicked Witch of the West. With ticket prices starting at £14, this won’t make you dig too deep into your pockets either! Book now on 01733 265705.

What happens when your friendship is haunted by ghosts of the past? This play, written with support from charity Safe and Sound, follows the lives of three girls feeling unwanted and trying to find their place in the world and get their lives back on track.

The Stage have pegged All The Little Lights as ‘a brave and timely play laced with humour and full of characters to care about’. This is a

darkly funny and moving story of three girls, slipping through the cracks of society, trying to salvage their crumbling friendship at a birthday party.

See it on Thursday April 13, tickets are £9 or £5 for under 25s and can be purchased from www.fifthworld.co.uk or through the Stamford Arts Centre box office on 01780 763203.

Country Superstars Experience Bringing a little bit of country to the city, Europe’s leading country multi-tribute show is back at The Cresset after its previous success. The show takes us on a journey back through time, to indulge ourselves in some of the most influential icons who’ve shaped the history of country music, including tributes to the likes of Johnny Cash, Billie Jo Spears, Kenny Rogers and new for 2017, Glenn Campbell! Hosted by Sarah Jayne – Europe’s leading tribute to the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton and accompanied on stage by the incredibly authentic Tennessee Allstars band, this is going to be an event full of authenticity and a blast of American culture.

Catch the show on Wednesday April 26. Tickets are £23.50 on 01733 265705.

The King of Pop: The Legend Continues After performing as a Michael Jackson tribute in a whopping 57 different countries, and being given a standing ovation after performing at the late star’s birthday party – it’s safe to say that Navi is the best out there. Gracing the stage with a mix of the magical classics from the Jackson 5 to the megahits of Jackson’s solo career such as Thriller, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal, your chance to see the critically acclaimed number one Michael Jackson tribute has arrived pretty much on your doorstep.

Don’t miss out on the thrilling new show, currently taking the world by storm when he makes his way to The Cresset on Friday April 21.

Tickets are £21 on 01733 265705.

Stamford Poet Laureate Final Pop down to The Cellar Bar in Stamford for a night of poetry and a tipple. The shortlisted poets for this year’s Poet Laureate will be performing their work in the intimate bar, and the winner of the competition will be announced on the night!

With impressive local talent, this will be a relaxed evening and something different to do on a Wednesday evening. So head over to Stamford Arts Centre on Wednesday April 26 at 8pm to see what our poetry scene has to offer.

www.espmag.co.uk

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LocalEvents

Easter Fun at Springfields

Charity Fun Day @ Serpentine Green

May the Fourth be With You There’s plenty of Easter fun at Springfields Outlet Shopping in Spalding over the holidays so you can enjoy some family entertainment while you bag a bargain in the shops.

Take the kids on an Easter egg hunt around the gardens from April 1 until April 17 for £5 per child. Once they’ve completed it they’ll receive a personalised egg from Thorntons with their name on it and the chance to enter a prize draw to win the new Nintendo Switch Console with extras run in conjunction with Game. Each child will also receive an activity pack including recipes, word searches and colouring sheets, which can be entered into a competition to win a giant chocolate egg from Thorntons.

Look out for the Easter Bunny, Minions and characters from Paw Patrol around the centre from April 1 - 17 with appearances from 12 – 3pm.

There’ll be lambs and sheep to see from April 3 - 7 and a selection of animals including Pygmy goats an Alpaca and a donkey from April 10 - 14 which the kids will love.

There’s free face painting April 3 - 7, April 10 - 14 and on April 17 the Jurassic Crazy Golf will be open and the Land Train and the small miniature railway will also be running.

Celebrate ‘May the fourth’ with the most recent entry in the main Star Wars saga on the big screen in a very different location.

Movie nights in the Cathedral Nave are back with Star Wars VII, The Force Awakens (Cert 12A) showing on Thursday May 4 at 7.30pm.

After the success of their Christmas Movie Nights, there’s another chance to watch a film in the spectacular surroundings of the Cathedral Nave and catch up with the adventures of Rey, Finn and BB-8.

There’ll be refreshments on sale and tickets are £6 adults, £4 children, £18 families and it’s unreserved seating.

Book online via the Cathedral page at Oundle Box Office or on 01832 274734 or Peterborough Information Centre on 01733 452336.

You're More Than Just a Body Festival There’s a new Mind, Body & Spirit festival coming to Peterborough’s Bull Hotel on Saturday May 27 which aims to bring like minded people together for self discovery.

There’ll be 30 exhibitors from all over the country showcasing their work ranging from Reiki and Angelic Reiki to reflexology and crystal healing. There will also be massage, tarot, angel, soul and psychic readings, mediumship, soul and past life healing. The aim is to offer the chance to experience all kinds of healing methods as well as spiritual guidance and you’ll be able to purchase spiritual items of all kinds. There’ll be mini talks and workshops to inspire and educate you if you’re looking to learn more about yourself.

Organiser Charlene Armitage will be signing her new book You're More Than Just A Body. It’s on from 10am - 5pm and admission’s free.

Music and Celebrations @ Light Cinema Get ready for a night of great music and giggles as The Light Cinema in Wisbech welcomes back The Ouse Valley Singles Club.

The comedy skiffle band has a huge local following and packed out The Green Room at the cinema two years ago and is

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Don’t miss this great charity fun day at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre on Monday May 1.

It’s all in aid of The Village Play Group in Werrington and The Amazon Children's Ward and there’s loads lined up to keep the family happy.

There’ll be inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts, character appearances and a magician to keep the children entertained. There will also be workshops from Yoga Bellies, Music Bugs, Darling Dancers, MPSK Martial Arts and Escape (game challenge). There’s also a big raffle and the prizes include a £200 holiday voucher, a VW Camper for the weekend and a Microlight Flight! All the fun runs from 11am - 3pm.

making a return on Saturday May 20 to help celebrate The Light’s third birthday.

There’s no charge to attend the gig, which starts at 9pm, but you’re advised to turn up in good time to get a seat.

For more information visit www.lightcinemas.co.uk

LocalEvents

If you want to make this summer one to remember why not kick start it in style by entering the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday June 10? take to the water under the team name ‘Fabulous Fifty’.

Jill told ESP – “We’ve lived in Peterborough for 15 years and always meant to go and watch but are usually on holiday, so our first experience… we will be in it!”

I

t’s not just an event for corporate teams so gather together your mates, a pub team or sports club and join us on the water. ESP is proud to be the print media partner for the event this year and we’ll be racing on the day.

Although several companies have already signed up for the event at Peterborough Rowing Lake, any team of enthusiastic crew members can give it a go.

Jill Naylor’s celebrating her 50th birthday this year and her hubby entered her as a birthday gift to mark the occasion. Jill tell us she’s pulled together her friends and family, anyone “daft enough to agree” to

The Dragon Boat Festival is raising money for Sue Ryder and community fundraiser Nilesh Patel old ESP – "We're delighted to see it's not only businesses signing up to take part in this but groups of friends who are using it as an occasion to celebrate a special birthday. The more teams there are the more fun there is to be had and of course the more money that can be raised for Thorpe Hall Hospice."

So do Fabulous Fifty fancy their chances for a win?

“Nope! We will be lucky to firstly stay in the boat and then perhaps do circles…”

Everything’s provided by organisers Gable Events and you don’t need any experience to take part, you’ll be given full instruction – just prepare to have a good laugh!

Jill says she can’t wait – “I’m really looking forward to the chance to have a great time with some lovely friends and family as well as raise some money for a deserving charity, Sue Ryder.

“We’re all getting older and as you do, your priorities shift and you become more aware of the sadder aspects of life which can’t be ignored. We lost my father

Enter now on www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/peterborough or call 01780 470718.

Find the Easter Bunny at Sacrewell Club Viva Easter Fun with Vivacity If you’re looking to keep the kids amused over the holidays Vivacity’s Club Viva has plenty of fun lined up.

It runs during the school holidays for children aged 4+ and is a great opportunity to get involved in fun activities, make new friends and try something new.

From April 10 - 21, activities will take place at Longthorpe Tower, Peterborough Museum and selected Vivacity Libraries as well as selected Vivacity sports facilities. Head to their website for all the details.

One of the events gives you the chance to find out more about life back in 1371 at Longthorpe Tower on the weekend of April 8 - 9 from 10am - 5pm. Be transported back in time and join Sir Robert Thorpe and his family and discover what life was like in the 14th century. Families can also 10 www.espmag.co.uk

get involved with a soldier’s weapons drill and perfect their curtseys. It’s a drop in event and admission’s £3 children, £4 adults and £12 for families.

There’s a great Time Travellers event at Peterborough Museum on selected days between Tuesday April 11 and Thursday April 20. It’s your chance to discover what the Jurassic period was really like and use their fascinating fossils to find out about the beasts which roamed Peterborough.

It’s £5 per child and adults go free but you need to book early for this one on 01733 864663. www.vivacitypeterborough.com/vivacity/ club-viva-at-vivacity

This year’s Easter Trail at Sacrewell will send you on an egg hunt around the whole farm from April 2 - 17. When you’ve completed it, you’ll find the Easter bunny and receive your chocolate prize. You can buy your trail booklet on the day at reception. As well as the Easter Trail you can meet the Cade lambs at the daily lamb shows, see the Lincoln Longwool, Suffolk Texel Cross and Jacobs lambs in the fields with their mums and stroke some of the rabbits in the Animal Yard and explore the outdoor play area There will also be the usual offering of tractor rides, a working watermill and the indoor Playbarn.

Get out this Easter at Ferry Meadows Easter’s a great time to get out an about in the fresh air at last and Ferry Meadows is the ideal place to head.

There’s an Easter Trail sheet available from the Visitor Centre from April 7 - 22 which will set you off hunting for clues as you walk around the country park with a prize at the end of it.

There’s also an Easter Egg Hunt, April 20 - 21 from 10.30am 12 noon and 1.30pm - 3pm. You’ll need to book for this one and it’s £4 per child. Just visit www.neneparktrust.org.uk or call 01733 234193 for more info.

Photo: Vanessa Barton

Photo: Andrew James Photography

It’s great fun to take part in with plenty of bankside fun while the racing’s underway. Connect FM will be commentating on the races and there’s plenty of family entertainment.

to cancer at a young age, he was lucky in that he didn’t suffer for long in the end but for some this is not an option. I would like to think that the efforts we make on the day helps make a difference to someone and their family.”

Freedom of the City

Olympic and Paralympic heroes from Peterborough Mikey Clarke were recently presented with the Freedom of the City and ESP’s Mikey Clarke was there to congratulate them...

At a special reception held at the Town Hall, gymnast Louis Smith MBE and gold medal winning Paralympic rower James Fox MBE received the honour. I was there to get their thoughts on the big moment, whilst also finding out how James managed to make the Queen laugh and what it’s like for Louis being out in town since becoming a celebrity.

James Fox completed a golden Paralympiad with the GB Rowing Team at Rio 2016. Before the interview, he was kind enough to let me hold the gold medal, which was surprisingly heavy – leading me to believe it was, in fact, not filled with chocolate. I kept this observation to myself. Instead, I got straight down to business and said to the rower, “It’s a big day!”

“Yes, a massive day,” he said. “I’m so happy to be here. My life has changed completely since Rio. Never did I ever imagine that I’d be getting opportunities such as this. Today means a lot because I love this city. I enjoy watching it develop and love the direction that the city is going in.”

I asked when he knew he was going to be presented with Freedom of the City. “There were rumours soon after Rio but I tried to not look into them too much as they may have been

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nothing more than talk. I found out it was officially happening just before Christmas.”

It seemed James is still buzzing from Rio – and rightfully so. He enthusiastically told me, “Everyone knows of Olympic Rowing, but not Paralympic Rowing, so it feels great being part of a team that’s helped put it on the map. It’s a great sport to watch – especially as we now go full Olympic distance.”

Rowing is obviously a sport close to James’s heart. He’s spoken to many local schools about the subject and I wondered if young locals shared his passion.

“It used to be that many people would think rowing was just for posh people to do at Oxford and Cambridge. It’s great to see that this doesn’t seem to be the case anymore,” he told me.

“Everyone knows of Olympic Rowing, but not Paralympic Rowing, so it feels great being part of a team that’s helped put it on the map.”

“A few of the local schools I’ve visited include Jack Hunt (where I was a student myself), Marshfield’s and Thorpe Primary School. The students there have been genuinely interested with many already doing it and others strongly considering giving it a go. We’re lucky to have so many local places that will give those students – and anyone interested – an opportunity to give it a try.

“There’s Hereward Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough Rowing Club – which is actually where I first started rowing. It’s one of the only 1k lakes in the country so it’s a great

place. Also, my dad has just set up a rowing club at Teardrop Lake in Hampton. It’s called Thorpe Ventures and he does taster sessions so check it out.”

Being a regular at my local chippy (with a gut to prove it), it depresses me to hear how much training these athletes go through… but I asked nonetheless. “We aim to do 1000 minutes of rowing per week,” he explained. Yep, I shouldn’t have asked. He continued, “I’m usually out of the house from 7am till 3.30pm so the rowing alone is a full time job. I couldn’t do something else alongside it. It’s tough and it can take over your life but I wouldn’t change a thing.

I love it.”

Before James was given this honour by the City of Peterborough, he was honoured with

an MBE from the Queen.

Describing the experience, he said – “I first met the Queen in October, fresh off the Paralympics. She was very clued up and knew who everybody was and she is so witty. She knew that I was a rower and after finding out the person next to me was a swimmer she joked how he was there in case the rowing all went wrong. I saw her again the other week and she asked me if our crew was all still together and I mentioned how two had retired.

She said how it was an awfully long time until the next one and I asked if she could push it forward to next year, which made her laugh.�

Next to arrive at the event was Louis Smith who shared James’ enthusiasm and couldn’t be more grateful. “I received the news that this was happening whilst staying at a hotel, as I had an appearance on Good Morning Britain the next day. I was sent a video giving the announcement.

It was a proud moment.�

We’ve been seeing Louis appear on the TV more and more these days. I wondered if going out in town was any different since he became a celebrity. He explained, “I’m out less than I used to be due to training and the fact that I’m not getting any younger. But when I am in town, it’s not much different at all to be honest. I remember when I first started going to clubs and I saw Louisa from Eastenders and everyone was saying oh my god, it’s a celebrity. People wouldn’t leave her alone and she left five minutes later. It’s not like that now. With so many people branching out and doing their own thing, people are now much more used to seeing public figures out and about. It’s much more normal these days.�

I’ve spoken to Louis a few times on behalf of ESP. Since we last spoke, he’s appeared on TV show The Jump, skilfully taking on some truly scary snow sports

and just missed out on winning to Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews. “I didn’t go into that show with much experience,� Louis told me. “I’d been skiing twice and during one of those times I broke my thumb. But I figured I’d give it a go as since I was a kid, I’ve always been able to pick up various sports really quickly.

That’s what I did with this show – I observed the techniques and before long I was able to do them myself. So many people were nervous, apprehensive and scared but I was in my element. I loved it – it was so much fun.�

Taking on shows such as The Jump, you’d assume Louis was an adrenaline junkie? “Kind of,� he said. “I’m a controlled adrenaline junkie. I love the speed but I have to be in control of that speed.�

As we know from him being in the public eye, Louis keeps himself busy. I wondered if when returning to gymnastics or the dancefloor (for example whilst doing the Strictly touring show) whether it all came back to him naturally, like riding a bike. “Pretty much,� he said. “It certainly helps that the projects I’ve taken on are physically demanding and have kept me in shape.�

And what’s next for the Olympian? “I’m working on something big, but I really can’t say any more on the matter.�

What followed was a handshake promising that he’ll tell us more about it the moment he’s allowed to. We’re holding you to that, Louis!

Local Paralympic basketball star Lee Manning was also awarded the Freedom of the City but unfortunately couldn’t attend on the night.

On behalf of everyone at ESP Magazine, we would once again like to give our congratulations to them all and look forward to seeing who, in this city full of talented individuals, will be next to receive the honour.

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Pep Cipriano

Women Baking Off? I’ve just finished reading The Sun and discovered that 42% of married men bake once a week and 31% of married women have affairs. Is there a correlation? Just saying…

King David of Photos

Photo: Emma Bothamley

City’s Highest Honour Deserved

Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews may have pipped Louis Smith to winning The Jump but our four-time Olympic medal winning gymnast got the recognition he deserved when he returned from playing around in the snow.

Louis, gold medal winning Paralympic rower James Fox and Paralympic basketball star Lee Manning were bestowed with the Freedom of the City honour at a special Town Hall presentation event.

Our Olympians were in good company (I was there of course), as former city councillors Charles Swift OBE, Shelia Scott OBE and Adrian Miners were also awarded with the status of Honorary Alderman.

Councillor Peter Hiller, chair of the council’s honours selection panel, told me: "They are three of the most successful athletes Peterborough has produced and are deserving of the city’s highest honour. We are

CIAOS OUT 14 www.espmag.co.uk

extremely proud of their achievements and long may they continue to bring home medals.”

Louis, who’ll be appearing with fellow Strictly winner Cassidy Little at Strictly (Peterborough) Cathedral in May, told me: “This is one of those pinch yourself moments. I have been in Peterborough all my life. I train here. This is home. The city has always been behind me with my career and yet I never imagined an opportunity like this. I’m extremely grateful.”

Well done guys and a special mention to Charles Swift who I credit all those years ago, for encouraging me to seek employment at the city council!

I’d be lying if I said local photographer David Lowndes hasn’t influenced how I take photographs. He’s followed me and my career for more than 20 years and I’ve seen him take a lot of photos during that time!

David took centre stage and talked us through 100 of his most memorable photos at a special event to raise money for the Mayor’s charities. He and his excellent work – which has spanned over four decades – was met with a mixture of sighs, laughter, sadness and applause by the 100-strong audience that came out to show their appreciation for his craft.

Mayor of Peterborough, councillor David Sanders, told me: “I’m so pleased David agreed to have an evening dedicated to his work. I put the idea to him a few months ago, when he was telling me a story about a photo he recently took. I realised that every photo he’s ever taken has a tale behind it, particularly when you consider he’s covered everything in our city from royal visits to major incidents and celebrations.

“Once he gets started there’s no stopping him and it was a real treat for all of us to hear the fascinating insight behind his best photos taken both for the newspaper and as a hobby.”

David is one of the most well-known faces in our city because of the sheer number of people and events he’s photographed across his career. I think he’s got the best job in the world and he agrees! See you at CAUGHT IN THE the next photo-call mate.

ACT! If there was ever a reminder I need to buy a couple of Easter eggs, well here it is.

Nicorette: nice catch-up Dave: time for another house price coffee? Pietro: thanks for those odds Meg: warm sfogliatella or baba? Darren: new Street in yet? Lettuce: need some dates

Breakfast Challenge is Calling Me...

Free Creme Eggs at Easter Quiz!

How does the ESP crew eat theirs? You can find out by pitting yourselves against us at the Big Quiz Eggstravaganza on Wednesday April 19 at the Town Hall.

It’s a tenner to enter and everyone gets a Cadbury’s Creme Egg, a jacket potato and nibbles, plus there’s a bar.

There’s a raffle and a special Easter egg prize too – and all proceeds go the Mayor’s charities and Anna’s Hope.

The eggcitement starts at 7pm and teams need to be a minimum of six players, maximum of 10.

To enter, email mayorscharities@civicpeterborough.co.uk or call Helen on: 07506 388718 by April 7.

OF THE MONTH

WORD

Charters are enjoying a good crowd at their monthly Vinyl Night (every third Friday) and it’s no surprise that two local independent record shops are expecting a big turnout on Record Store Day on Saturday April 22.

Marrs Plectrum Records on Fulbridge Road and West Town Records on Mayor's Walk are representing our city on the most exciting day in the calendar for record buyers. This year more than 700 artists will be releasing records that will only be available in independent record shops.

The list of records is embargoed until the day but previously the likes of David Bowie, White Stripes, Foo Fighters, Primal Scream and Madonna have taken part. Hip-hop, dance, soul, funk, jazz and soundtracks will also have releases on Record Store Day.

I visited Marrs Plectrum Records a couple of years ago and really liked the set-up. All titles are limited and each shop only gets a small number, so you need to get there early to avoid disappointment. Last year owner Matt reported people queuing from 2.30am! And by the time he opened there were around 100 enthusiastic buyers waiting to delve between the sleeves.

Hundreds of independent record shops have succumbed to supermarkets and online purchasing but Record Store Day is a great reminder that the feeling of going out to buy vinyl still gives you a buzz.

For more information on how both shops are celebrating Record Store Day, visit www.marrsplectrum.co.uk and search West Town Records on Facebook.

Established truckers’ stop Kate’s Cabin in Chesterton is laying down a challenge inspired by TV show Man v Food – and I’m tempted.

The Belly Busting Breakfast Challenge is made up of six sausages, six rashers of bacon, six hash browns, six eggs, four slices of bread and butter, four slices of fried bread, four pieces of black pudding, a portion of mushrooms, a portion of baked beans, a portion of tomatoes and to top it all off, a portion of chips.

It costs £20 and if you can finish it within 30 minutes you get your £20 back and another £20, plus a photo of you and your achievement is hung on the Cabin wall of fame.

New manager Liam Levett has put his money where his mouth is and was the first to take the challenge. But despite a valiant effort he failed to eat everything and in an icebucket style challenge request, Liam has nominated three of his friends via Facebook to take up the challenge.

I’m giving it serious consideration but think the bread, fried bread and chips will slow me down and be the end of me. Not literally that is, because Kate’s Cabin only use locally sourced produce and meats in this monster fry-up including the sausages, bacon and free range eggs. This must be healthy then, right?

If you’re up for the challenge, call 01733 394670 and tell them you’re on your way. One for you Wayne Daly?

MY

Photos: Emma Bothamley

Early Bird Catches the Vinyl

BREXIT Nearly 10 months on and the scaremongering didn’t work because: I can still buy Nutella from the corner shop, the guy who owns the corner shop won’t be deported, house prices are at a ridiculous all-time high, my Italian passport won’t be confiscated, my Polish neighbour is as British as the rest of us, my European Health Insurance Card continues to work and I can still buy lettuce. www.espmag.co.uk

15

The Night Chuck Berry Rocked Peterborough!

Last month fans and musicians from across the world paid tribute to Chuck Berry, who passed away at his home in St Louis, Missouri at the age of 90. The legendary guitarist changed the course of rock ‘n’ roll in the 50’s and early 60’s with a string of hit songs but did you know he once made a triumphant appearance live on stage in Peterborough?

Originally he should’ve been playing in a marquee on the Embankment but high winds damaged the tent and a last minute venue had to be found with the team at the Wirrina stepping in to help.

Back in the 80s as part of a 60’s music festival organised by Jed Ford, Chuck Berry was the headline act appearing on Saturday September 3, 1983 at The Wirrina in Peterborough. Over 1300 people crammed into the venue to see the rock ‘n’ roll legend, and incredibly the concert was eventually released on CD in 1995 entitled ‘Live on Stage’ by an American record

Andrew Giles, the manager of the Wirrina at the time, still lives in Peterborough and told us – “I got a phone call early Saturday morning asking if we could put it on instead, so within a matter of hours we had it moved, all the equipment, lighting and stage so that Chuck Berry could play inside at the Wirrina!

something to get everything moved in such a short space of time.”

Stewart Francis was the Hereward Radio DJ at the time who compered the show and told ESP – “He really was the business and it must rank as one of the most memorable gigs to take place in Peterborough. The Wirrina absolutely rocked that night. He did an hour, I walked back on but by the time I’d got the crowd cheering for an encore, he was back in his limo and gone!”

To read more about this story, and the full interviews with two people who saw Chuck Berry at the Wirrina visit www.espmag.co.uk

“We’d had a lot of bands play there over the years so we were used to having concerts, but it was quite

Use ‘Our Parks’ to get fitter!

We all make our excuses about finding time to take care of ourselves and get fitter but a new idea coming to Peterborough this month could solve the problem.

It’s an initiative called Our Parks which aims to support inactive people to get out and be more active in open spaces. They do it by providing free fitness activities with trained coaches in local outdoor spaces and Central Park is to be one of them.

Our Parks grew from a desire to help local communities get healthy and active and was set up by Born Barikor in 2014.

Through Born’s work in sports development, he identified three key barriers that 16 www.espmag.co.uk

Photos: Peterborough Evening Telegraph

company. Now out of print, an MP3 download of the album and individual tracks is still available from Amazon UK and makes for interesting listening. The quality isn’t as crystal clear as it would be of a 2017 live recording, but it’s incredible that a recording was ever made and is still available.

communities face when looking to participate in exercise – finding a class, convenience and cost.

Our Parks was developed to overcome these barriers, using local parks and open spaces to run a variety of group exercise classes, and smart phone apps to allow users to book classes.

Working with Peterborough City Council, Our Parks will be starting a new programme delivering two classes a week in Central Park, starting this month.

The classes will include a Box Fit session on Tuesdays at 6.45pm (starting April 4) and Bootcamp sessions are on Thursdays at 6pm, both in Central Park.

All classes are free, inclusive for all levels of fitness and are open to people aged 16 and over. So if you’re looking for a new way to get some exercise this spring just turn up, tone up and get fit for free!

To find out more visit www.ourparks.org.uk

Bounce Your Way to Fitness Did you know that Bounce Trampoline Park isn’t just for the kids and is a great way to get fit too?

Bounce is the 1st and original Indoor Trampoline Park in the UK and its new centre in Bretton holds regular Teen Night Fridays, Adult Night Saturdays and annual Dodgeball Tournaments!

If you’re looking to get fit, why not join their Reboot Fitness programme? Or you could stage a team building day there with your workmates.

There are over 100 interconnected state of the art trampolines in over 20,000 sqft of entertainment space featuring differing courts; Main Arena, Dodgeball Court, Slam Dunk Area, Foam Pit, Airbag Jump, Touch Walls, Gladiator Pits and Tumble Tracks, as well as an arcade and party rooms!

Of course it is ideal for the family too for just a bit of fun or if a birthday’s coming up it’s the ideal place for children’s parties!

Bounce has many offers on at the moment including loyalty cards, early bird discounts, group discounts and more, see our website for more details at www.bouncegb.com

Food Glori us Food ‘Walk With A Fork’ Foodie Extravaganza Here’s a chance to indulge yourself and not feel too guilty at this year’s Walk with a Fork event, sampling delicious treats whilst stretching your legs at the same time!

For the fifth year, the popular foodie extravaganza ‘Walk with a Fork’ is making a return to Cambridgeshire on Sunday May 7.

How do you fancy a lovely walk around the beautiful private estate at Abbots Ripton Hall, just outside Huntingdon, while sampling fresh and tasty treats from local food and drink producers at stops along the eight mile route?

To make you feel even better, this is the flagship event for Ormiston Families, the East of England’s leading family charity so you’ll be doing a good deed by taking part too!

There are some great suppliers lined up for this year’s event, including: Aspalls, The Village Deli, the Allotment café, The Abbot’s Elm, Johnsons of Oldhurst and many more.

Gavin Lamb, relationship and events manager at Ormiston

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TURTLE BAY ON ITS WAY As the dining out scene in Peterborough continues to grow we’re set to get a Caribbean flavour as the arrival of a new Turtle Bay draws nearer with the restaurant set to open next month.

It’ll be situated in part of the former H&M store in Queensgate looking out on to St John’s Square.

Families said: “We always look forward to ‘Walk with a Fork’ and enjoying the great local food and drink from East Anglia and the beautiful scenery of the countryside, all while raising vital funds which allow us to continue our work with children, young people and families throughout the region.”

Proceeds from Walk with a Fork will be used to support Ormiston Families’ work providing services to support children and young people across East Anglia, helping to improve their life chances.

Tickets are £23 per person and children under 5 go free. Dogs are welcome. To book tickets please visit www.ormistonfamilies.eventbrite.com.

cs Cooking Up Success @ Par

Congrats go out to Parcs Restaurant at Peterborough Regional College where the team have gained three more great awards to add to their collection this year.

The College’s training restaurant was assessed by the AA and after a superb evaluation, were given the highest College AA award, the Highly Commended Rosette. In partnership with People 1st, as a result of this success they’ve also received a Gold accreditation which is only awarded to colleges that take an above average and proactive approach to the professional development of staff and have effective and collaborative working

Food News

partnerships with industry.

That accreditation then allowed them to apply for the Centre of Excellence status which they successfully achieved.

Their delicious lunchtime menu is available Monday to Friday during term times with a special offer of three courses for just £8.50 per person! You can also expect to receive a fine dining experience at their specially themed evenings which take place every Thursday throughout the year.

What better reason do you need to try out the restaurant for yourself? Take a look at their opening times and menus www.peterborough.ac.uk/public /parcs-restaurant call 01733 762189, or email parcs@peterborough.ac.uk.

FINE FOODS @ BURGHLEY

Burghley Fine Food Market returns to the historic estate in Stamford this month and is sure to keep foodies happy.

Visit on the weekend of April 8 and 9 and meet around 30 local suppliers in a celebration of local produce with handmade cheeses, artisan breads, organic vegetables, luxury sweet treats and rare breed meats.

The market is held in the Courtyard from 10am to 4pm and admission’s free.

FOOD DEALS @ THE DOGS If you fancy a night out but also want to keep the kids amused, Peterborough Greyhound Stadium could be the answer.

Throughout April kids can eat for half price in both restaurants on Wednesdays and Fridays. There’ll be fun with Stripey Wipey on Wednesday April 6, 13 and 20 as well.

Looks like you can enjoy a bet or two on the dogs while the kids have fun too.

EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH AND EGG HUNT The Haycock hotel in Wansford has lined up a perfect Easter treat for all the family.

They’re staging an Easter egg hunt in the beautiful gardens along with a special 3 course lunch on Sunday April 16 from 12 noon - 2pm. It’s £22.95 per person and £10.95 for children.

Cassidy Takes to the Screen

Photos: Lars Thornhill

Photo: Jaryl Lim

sober as the night goes on. It was really good fun to play.

“They’re all best friends but when you introduce alcohol, secrets come out that cause conflict and carnage. It’s a very fun story until it starts to get very dark and very ugly.”

Previously Cassidy had made a name for himself in the stage play The Two Worlds of Charlie F, a touring play featuring injured servicemen. He’s since gone on to present The Little Film Show on Forces TV. “I do acting for fun. I don’t think I’m particularly good at it but I enjoy it and so I don’t take it too seriously.

“The Little Film Show is very important to me, that’s my bread and butter and I take great pride in it. I guess the acting is more of a jolly.

“I love what I do. I never say no I always make time for it. I don’t have much

Our local hero, Cassidy Little remains the only People’s Strictly dance champion but since winning that accolade the Afghanistan war veteran has proved his acting skills making appearances in Doctors and Holby.

Now the Canadian-born Royal Marine medic is set to appear in a new short film, Centurion, which will be submitted to London and the international film festivals.

Centurion is a drinking game (100 double shots of beer in 100 minutes) which a bunch of guys are playing at a stag do. It’s a dark comedy that deals with issues like sexuality, disability and the troubles of ‘growing up’. All this and more is woven into a story that goes from banter and beer, to secrets and skeletons.

Cassidy plays Sean, a guy who’s been to Afghanistan and lost a leg, so much of it was easy for him to relate to as a veteran who’s suffered the same injuries, but he had to play it ‘drunk’!

“The most challenging thing about playing someone who’s drunk is not to overplay it...”

“The most challenging thing about playing someone who’s drunk is not to overplay it,” explains Cassidy, “otherwise it can come across really false. My character starts off pretty drunk and actually gets more

20 www.espmag.co.uk

confidence in what I can achieve with acting but it’s fun.”

He’s clearly enjoyed the experience of making a film and has great respect for the team from Millicent Productions and Playhouse Pictures.

“They’re very professional. Nobody was stressed out. They’re long, full on days, but I never got the impression it was a ‘job’ for anyone. It was awesome to be part of that.”

Aside from his on screen work you’ll be seeing a lot of Cassidy locally in the next few weeks with a couple of special appearances. As he lives in Market Deeping he’ll be taking part in the first Deeping Literary Festival. He’ll be wrapping up the event with a special evening readings session on Sunday April 30.

Then he revisits his dancing success at a special charity event, Strictly Cathedral, on Friday May 19 alongside former Strictly winner Louis Smith for a Q&A in Peterborough Cathedral. Although the guys won’t be taking to the floor there’ll be the chance to learn some dance steps and watch a display.

When he won the first ever People’s Strictly with dance partner Natalie Lowe (who he remains in touch with) with their spectacular Paso Doble, he became a hero of a different kind to many people aside from

his military role and it was also something that meant a lot to him personally.

“It wasn’t so much about the Strictly side of it – more about the fact a one legged guy went on and won the hearts of the public. The real validation was that the nation got behind me.”

However he’s told ESP before that his ultimate ambition is to become a chat show host and that hasn’t changed – “Yep, I want couches and cocktails and to chat to Anne Hathaway about being Catwoman!”

Read more on this story and our interview with the film’s directors on www.espmag.co.uk. Find out more about Millicent Productions and Centurion on facebook.com/millicentprod and @millicentprod on Twitter.

Miss Selfridge White Embroidered Asymmetric Top (£28)

Topshop Black Skinny Highwaisted Ankle Grazer Ripped Jeans (£45)

Tophsop Black and White Gingham Top

Dorothy Perkins Blue Mules (£25)

(£29)

Topshop Embroidered High Waisted Jeans (£59)

Dorothy Perkins Orange Sandals (£29)

A new season means time to splash out on some fresh new looks.

There are some key trends coming through with embroidery on everything from tops and jeans through to bags and shoes.

Gingham is heading back onto the rails and denim in all shades is as strong as ever with ripped and 22 www.espmag.co.uk

frayed edges one of the latest ways to wear them.

If you don’t want to rock the trainer trend, mules are a big new look with loafers a smart casual option.

Cotton shirts and blouses are everywhere and the bell sleeve is

the new shape to look for.

Floral prints aren’t going anywhere but stripes are making a big comeback and there’ll be plenty of flesh on show with the new off the shoulder and super feminine Bardot style tops.

Topshop White Embroided Blouse (£36)

Dorothy Perkins Khaki Green Tapered Trousers (£22)

Topshop Black Loafers (£32)

Miss Selfridge Red Floral Dress (£28)

Warehouse Denim Jacket (£45)

Topshop White Trainers (£24)

Topshop Blue Shoulder Bag (£25)

Dorothy Perkins Blue Pinstripe Bardot Top (£24) Dorothy Perkins Grey Skinny Ankle Grazer Jeans (£24) Dorothy Perkins Rose Gold Bangle (£10)

Model: Photos: Outfits:

Nicole Saunders Andy Vernum, Studio One Outfit, Serpentine Green

www.espmag.co.uk

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paparazzi Mini

Anna’s Hope Ladies Lunch Stamford based charity Anna’s Hope staged a fantastic Mad Hatter’s Ladies Lunch recently and we had a great time at the event at The Haycock hotel.

We weren’t the only ones as dozens of ladies attended in their fancy hats and helped raise £5,000.

ESP’s very own action man Darren Grigas, who’s an ambassador for the charity and completed the Marathon des Sables to raise funds, gave an inspiring talk.

The founder of Anna’s Hope, Carole Hughes, told ESP – "I’d like to thank all the ladies who attended. The event was in support of Wear a Hat Day to raise funds and awareness of brain tumours. There were some wonderful hats worn.

“It raised over £5,000 which will help six children in the region with brain tumours receive six months specialist neuro rehabilitation from the Anna’s Hope Therapy Team. I also want to thank all the volunteers, stall holders, entertainers and sponsors who supported the lunch."

The event had a fantastic Alice in Wonderland theme and was such a success Carole’s already planning another!

FASHION AND FIZZ If you want to get your wardrobe updated for the new season this informal fashion workshop at John Lewis is just what you need.

It’s all in aid of Sue Ryder too so you’ll feel doubly good. Enjoy a glass of fizz while you hear from the store’s Personal Stylists talking about new looks for summer and packing the perfect suitcase for a weekend away.

The event starts at 6pm at John Lewis in Queensgate on Thursday May 11 and tickets are available from their reception at £5 each including a glass of fizz on arrival.

24 www.espmag.co.uk

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY CHARITY BALL There’s a new charity event coming up early next month and a chance to get your glad rags on.

The newly formed Alzheimer’s Society Volunteer Fundraising Group are holding their first event, a Masquerade Ball, taking place on Saturday May 6.

It’s being held at the function suite at Peterborough Rugby Club with the Saturday Night Divas set to belt out all the tunes to get you dancing along with a DJ and photographers booked to capture the action.

Tickets are on sale for £25 each and are available by calling the Dementia Resource Centre, 441 Lincoln Road, Peterborough on 01733 893853, or by emailing Graziella.Ciniero@alzheimers.org.uk.

Our aim is to provide our customers with the ultimate enjoyment from their music or film collections, because music is our passion. Whether you're buying your first system or just looking to improve your listening experience with better equipment, we can help.

With the recent resurgence of vinyl in the past 20 years, with it being more popular than ever recently, we stock some of the finest turntables , whether your budget is small or large we can get you enjoying your vinyl records again.

We also stock the finest Amplifiers, AV Processors, CD Players, DAC's, Headphones, Network Streamers and Loudspeakers. New vinyl records are also stocked.

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Our showroom premises are a beautiful 15th century manor house, located in the historic market town of Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire (5 miles east of Peterborough) where we offer our customers a friendly, relaxed personal service, with the finest demonstration facilities.

Free car parking, refreshments and a relaxed atmosphere are provided to make your visit enjoyable and satisfying.

Demonstrations by appointment. Home demonstrations also available.

The Manor House, Manor View, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1TF. Tel 01733 350878 Website: info@analogueseduction.net • Email : sales@analogueseduction.net

paparazzi Caught in the act?

Comic Relief in the City

There was a fantastic level of support for Comic Relief in the city on Red Nose Day this year.

The team at RSA Insurance played a very special part in the event though, taking donations over the phone. Dozens of staff from the Lynchwood office gave up their time to support the huge fundraising event.

They’d lined up plenty of fun activities to create a fantastic atmosphere and keep the call centre buzzing throughout the night and ESP photographer Emma Bothamley dropped by to capture the action.

Well done to everyone who donated and to everyone at RSA for helping take that all important cash!

You can view all our Paparazzi pics on Facebook.

26 www.espmag.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

27

The stars are lining up to make this a long hot summer when it comes to live outdoor music and Little Mix are out in front!

Olly Murs

N

ewmarket Racecourse is set to see ESP cover stars Little Mix as well as hugely popular singers Jess Glynne and Olly Murs all take to the stage over the coming months.

The latest addition to the summer concert series is legendary group The Jacksons who celebrate their 50th anniversary this year plus Chase & Status will be staging a huge outdoor session too.

Newmarket Racecourses and The Jockey Club Live are bringing Little Mix to the racecourse on Friday June 23.

Having sold-out their appearance at 2016’s Summer Saturday Live months ahead of the event, you’d best get in quick to secure one of the hottest tickets of the summer.

Little Mix have had incredible success since winning the X Factor and will perform their signature hits, including Shout Out to My Ex, Black Magic, Hair and Wings,

28 www.espmag.co.uk

alongside tracks from their enormously successful album Glory Days.

The girls recently celebrated winning their first ever Brit Award for Best British Single for their Number 1 hit Shout Out To My Ex, and opened the 2017 Brit Awards in style.

Amy Starkey, Regional Director East of Jockey Club Racecourses, says she can’t wait to have them perform live at Newmarket once again – “After a fantastic show last August, when performing to a sold out crowd, I have no doubt we will be in store for another brilliant performance!”

The summer series of gigs consists of Newmarket Nights and Summer Saturdays brought to us by The Jockey Club Live, leading promoters on the UK live scene. Not only do you get some great talent performing live, there’s the additional fun of placing a few bets on the racing during the day.

The line up is stronger than ever this year with Olly Murs headlining Newmarket Nights on Friday August 18 and Jess Glynne appearing on Saturday August 26, returning after her sell out show last year.

Jess Glynne says – “It’s going to be great fun playing Newmarket Racecourse after the races. My show there in the summer was one of my highlights as the fans were so amazing; I can’t wait to come back!”

Olly Murs last performed at Newmarket as part of an X Factor line up but says he’s delighted to be headlining his own show there in August – “I'm really looking forward to playing Newmarket Racecourse, it'll be one of the first chances I'll get to play tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans. I love a day out at the races too so can't wait to get in the crowd during the day to place a cheeky bet...”

Jess Glynne The next two artists announced to join the Newmarket Nights season which runs on Friday nights over the summer are

The Jacksons Mowtown legends The Jacksons on Friday June 30, and electronic duo Chase & Status on Friday August 11.

The Jacksons, originally formed as The Jackson 5, will be visiting Newmarket as they celebrate an incredible 50 years in music with hits including ABC, I Want You Back and I’ll Be There.

Carrying on from the success of last year’s DJ night, which saw an explosive headline set from Mark Ronson, this summer Chase & Status will be bringing us their unique brand of Drum N Bass.

Having sold over 3.5million records and with an unrivalled live show, the duo have toured and performed at arenas and festivals across the globe including headlining festival stages at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Global Gathering.

There are even more names to be announced so we’ll keep you posted – visit www.espmag.co.uk and keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook.

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• Keep Dry – Aircon systems condition the air and remove the moisture. The air conditioning button will control the humidity and the heater, if needed, will control the temperature leaving you free to enjoy the warmth without it being stuffy.

• Keep Clear – Moisture on the glass will be evaporated rapidly giving better all round visibility much quicker than by using the heating system.

• Keep Awake – The cleaner, fresher air with low relative humidity helps to reduce drowsiness on long journeys.

• Keep Fresh – Air entering the aircon heat exchanger contains dust and pollen which is filtered out before reaching the cabin – great for everyone but especially those suffering from asthma or hay fever.

• Keep Motoring – Fuel consumption is improved by allowing all car windows to remain closed even on the hottest days so the aerodynamics of the car remain at an optimum.

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DRIVING UP STANDARDS

Gavin Miller’s

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

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Movie Previews

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GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: VOLUME 2 Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Kurt Russell Director: James Gunn The early screen test results for this sequel to Marvel’s surprise 2014 smash hit superhero ensemble were glowing – which bodes well for director James Gunn’s Volume Two. Set to the backdrop of StarLord’s (Chris Pratt) Awesome Mixtape 2, the follow-up continues the new team’s adventures – which includes Drax (Dave Bautista),

Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and (now Baby) Groot (Vin Diesel) – as they look to unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage, which involves Kurt Russell’s ancient and mysterious cosmic being called Ego. Along the way old foes – reportedly Yondu (Michael Rooker) and Karen Gillan’s Nebula – become

new allies, and fan-favourite comicbook characters, such as Mantis (Pom Klementieff), are introduced.

One thing’s for sure, Marvel’s cinematic universe continues to impressively evolve, and this exciting stepping stone will ultimately lead to the Guardians battling alongside the Avengers in next year’s Infinity War – which is a truly mouth-watering prospect.

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14 All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS Cast: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron Director: F Gary Gray Straight Outta Compton director F Gary Gray is the man to continue the blockbuster juggernaut that is Fast and Furious – and this time there’s a curveball twist.

With Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) on

30 www.espmag.co.uk

their honeymoon, Brian (the late Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) retired from the game, and the rest of the crew exonerated, the high-octane team has found a semblance of normal life.

That is until a mysterious

woman (Charlize Theron) seduces Dom into a world of crime he can’t seem to escape – and he betrays his ‘family’ to cement this new-found status.

This will then send the crew – including Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs, Tyrese Gibson’s Roman and Ludacris’ Tej – globetrotting around the world to face the most intense trials imaginable, as they try and get answers to Dom’s perplexing change of heart – while the franchise will undoubtedly continue being a license to print money.

FREE FIRE British director Ben Wheatley (Sightseers and High-Rise) has finally got the attention of Hollywood’s elite with Martin Scorsese on executive producer duties for this 1978 Boston-set crime-action-comedy. Wheatley assembles an impressive cast – including Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins), Armie Hammer (The Lone Ranger), Sharlto Copley (District 9) and Oscar-winner Brie Larson (Room) – as a meeting between two gangs goes south, turning into a shoot-out and game for survival.

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THE BOSS BABY A fast-talking, suit-wearing, baby (Alec Baldwin) has to team up with his sevenyear-old older brother (Miles Christopher Bakshi) after he discovers his secret double life – and sees him involved in a dastardly plot by the CEO of Puppy Co (Steve Buscemi) to destabilise the balance of love in the world. So the brothers unite to restore order – and save their parents (Jimmy Kimmel and Lisa Kudrow) in the process – in this Dreamworks animation narrated by Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man).

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THEIR FINEST The early reviews have been impressive for this World War II-themed comedydrama with a heavily British feel. Set in 1940, with the nation in the midst of the war, the British ministry turns to propaganda films to boost morale at home – and try to add a ‘woman’s touch’ via Gemma Arterton’s snappy scriptwriter Catrin Cole. She joins forces with fellow scribe Buckley (Me Without You’s Sam Claflin) as they set out to make an epic film based on the Dunkirk rescue – and win the hearts of the nation. Billy Nighy co-stars.

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UNFORGETTABLE This Fatal Attraction-esque thriller sees Katherine Heigl’s (Knocked Up) recently divorced mum making life hell for her ex-husband’s new wife. With Tessa (Heigl) barely coping with the end of her marriage to her ex David (Geoff Stults) – who have a young daughter Lily together – he becomes quickly engaged to Rosario Dawson’s (Sin City) Julia who takes on the mantle of stepmom. But Tessa’s jealousy takes a pathological turn and soon Julia’s dream becomes a living nightmare.

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The POsh Page

Photos: theposh.com

esP’s columnist Phil adlam brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

I find it absolutely incredible that we are already into the final month of the campaign but after around 15 years in the job, nothing should surprise me about how seasons fly by anymore.

Of course, we wanted to have the campaign extended into May with the play-offs, but at the time of writing, it doesn’t look like that will be on the cards this time around.

We’ve already had a number of ‘Theme Days’ with various activities taking place both outside and inside the stadium and at our recent fixture with Oxford United, we held our ‘Level Playing Field’ day, which was all about inclusion and promoting that sport is for all.

I’m sure you’re all aware that when there isn’t football on the ABAX Stadium pitch, there’s still plenty going on. However, as a football club, we have been working hard to maximise the match day experience during the season – so it’s not just the 90 minutes of action that’s on the agenda.

As backroom and administrative staff, what goes on from 3pm until 4.45pm is ultimately out of our control. Once the players cross that white line, it’s down to them as individuals and as a team to get the right result. Ultimately, that has an effect on whether or not supporters come back the following week, however, we can make a difference to what people remember.

32 www.espmag.co.uk

As part of our community programme, which is sponsored by BGL, we have a deaf football team and they put on a training session, which was fully signed, during the half-time interval. They also produced a video explaining some of the key words in the sport and how it’s signed so that everybody can understand the language.

I’ve spoken in this column before about our amputee football side and they actually couldn’t attend that particular fixture because a large majority of the squad were away at a Team GB Training Camp.

We also welcomed several students from the Phoenix School in Peterborough with a number of them taking a penalty at Peeby, the Princebuild mascot. Taking part in the ground collection was Little People UK who were joined by friend of ESP Magazine, actor Warwick Davis. Warwick spoke on the tannoy system about the importance of Level Playing Field.

“It is great that Peterborough United Football Club support Level Playing Field Day and I was delighted to be able to attend alongside LPUK and the wonderful work that they do. We are always made very welcome by the football club, it is just a shame that the team lost on the day.”

Outside the ground we’ve had the Mick George inflatable shoot-out, the Motorpoint Foot Pool and Foot Darts, which has been incredibly popular. It’s about building on the fan park area and trying to attract more supporters to the stadium a little bit earlier and give them plenty to do prior to the turnstiles opening at 1.30pm.

Football is not just 3pm until 4.45pm and we are working hard to get that message across.

Phil

by Pep Cipriano

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pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

“I’m Dom and I’m an Alfaholic.”

D

ominic McMullan was a year above me when I was at school and I remember him being different. He was pretty confident and liked cricket, but what really set him apart from everyone else is that he owned a Fiat Strada.

This was during a period in the early 1990s when lads passed their tests and bought Escorts and Astras. Italian cars of that era had a reputation for unreliability but Dom was making a statement. He wasn’t afraid of being different and wasn’t afraid of choosing a car with his heart instead of his head.

By the time he was 18 he’d purchased his first Alfa Romeo. He’d sold his Strada to yours truly for £30 and it was the second car I learned to ‘drive’ in (if you call doing handbrake turns around the brick pits at the age of 16 actually driving).

34 www.espmag.co.uk

Today, Dom is the owner of two gorgeous Alfa Romeos. He runs a cricket marketing company but has recently turned his passion into a second income stream. “I'd always wanted to work with cars, but I played cricket and football at weekends, so it was never possible, as the car business wants your weekends.

“I’ve stopped playing now and decided to start ‘The Alfa Showroom’, which I hope in time will become one of the leading suppliers of top quality Alfa Romeo cars in the country. But it’s early days and for now it takes back seat to the day job.”

Something tells me I might end up being one of his first customers. I’ve always been a massive fan of Alfa Romeo cars but never managed to own one. I went down the slightly more sensible route of buying Fiats and still have one parked on my driveway. But when it comes to kerb appeal Dom’s gorgeous series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider hits the spot.

He’s owned her for six years and she’s an absolute unmolested beauty. Originally registered in Germany, she was imported to the UK 15 years ago and had two previous owners before Dom acquired her. The Spider isn’t Dom’s daily driver (he runs around in an equally impressive GTV), it comes out in summer and he’s added on average 1,000 miles every year to a motor that’s only covered 65k.

DRIVING UP STANDARDS

Italian cars are all about how they make you feel when you look at them and drive them.

Most of us would admit glancing back over our shoulders when we’ve parked them up.

They have soul and character but can be challenging to live with – it’s a proper love affair with a hunk of metal and Dom agrees.

“One of the best things about the Spider is how it makes me feel when I’m driving her.

She’s a great looker and gets comments everywhere I go. Alfa’s have a sporting heritage and even their modern-day cars carry the DNA of performance from the very early days. The older cars did rust and the electrics were bad and this is why some of the best cars Alfa Romeo made are very rare, for example how many Alfa Suds do you see about?

“Depreciation is a hangover of the old quality and reliability of the cars. If Alfa Romeo had been invented yesterday they wouldn't depreciate as much, since the quality is significantly better. I’ve been lucky with this one, she’s been mainly trouble free, so I guess the worst thing is not being able to drive her as much as I’d like to.

“But when I do get the chance to enjoy the Spider, everyone else does too. I remember waiting at the traffic lights on Trafalgar Square when an Italian tourist came up to me and started taking photos then gestured with his hands and yelled “Che bella!” (what a beauty!).

“Then there was the time when I drove her to Le Mans with a party of car enthusiasts. Among their cars were Aston Martins, Porsches, BMWs and Subarus. The Spider was tiny in comparison but one of the car owners’ daughters was asked which car she liked the best and she pointed to mine!”

But Dom’s love for his Spider is only half the story. His 2.0TS GTV is another belter of an Alfa Romeo in red, with tan leather to match the Spider. He’s also bought a 156 Selespeed, again red with tan leather, which he’s in the process of bringing back to its former glory before selling it via his Alfa business. Enthusiasts will also appreciate Dom’s on the lookout for a GTV6, which would complete his perfect Alfa line-up.

The Ploughman • CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 • CAMRA pub of the year 2014 * • Sky Sports showing all major premiership/championship games • Live entertainment – see ESP Gig Guide • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev • Join our Facebook group The Ploughman

Pep Cipriano

And if he had to own just one Alfa Romeo? “It’d be a 33 Stradale. I'd never drive it though.

It’d be parked in my front room, so I could look at it all the time.”

We all know life’s too short and it’s important to drive cars that make us feel alive. That’s why you should own at least one Alfa in your lifetime. You’re not a true petrol head until you’ve experienced the desire and passion they release in you. Like the quintessential Italian woman, they’ll seduce you with their exquisite good looks but throw plates at you when they’re not happy.

So, what advice does Dom have for anyone considering Alfa ownership? “It’s worth going to the invaluable expense

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Sunday carvery – all welcome of getting it checked over by an independent Alfa Romeo specialist before you buy. Once you get the green light then you can say to people you drive an Alfa Romeo. Owning one sets you apart from the rest and you become part of a special club.”

Beef, pork, turkey and local veg

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Fancy an Italian Job? Classic vehicle owners across the UK are sought to take part in a 1,500-mile driving holiday to raise money to buy Variety’s Sunshine Coaches to improve the lives of sick, disabled or disadvantaged children.

T

his touring holiday is open to all drivers of any vehicle featured in the 1969 Italian Job film, including modern versions of the original vehicles. It starts in the Italian motoring town of Imola on October 27 and returns to the UK on November 4 for a closing dinner at the Ashford International Hotel.

Past participants have included owners of Minis and Fiat 500’s (old and new) a 1960 Mini Van, a restored replica Lamborghini Miura P400, a Jaguar E-type, Aston Martin DB4, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Land Rover and even a Black London Cab. The tour includes a routemap, games and special stages, dinners and hotel accommodation. In 28 years, it’s raised more than £2.5 million for children’s charities.

Included is a visit to Imola’s F1 circuit, Ferrari’s Maranello Museum, a guided tour of the Ferrari factory and the opportunity to admire the latest models of the unique Pagani, as well as a policeescorted parade through Turin

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and an opportunity to drive the Lingotto Fiat roof-top test track featured in the original film.

Cost for this week-long driving treat is only £995 per person, based on two sharing a hotel room and includes Channel crossing, hotel accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. You also get support from a service van and mechanics.

Fancy it? Email gsg@italianjob.com or call 01273 418100. www.espmag.co.uk

35

HEALTH and beauty

ESP’s Rachael Church has all the latest health and beauty news…

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

Get Glamorous for Martinis, Music and Muses at Queensgate

Queensgate is going all out to bring a taste of Marbella to Peterborough. It’s free for everyone to attend, and you can relax with a complimentary

“Queensgate is going

Once I had a foundation match to compliment my skin tones, the foundation was applied – and the tip is ‘little is more’ with No.7. It was sealed with a loose fine powder. Then it was time for a bronzer match. Your skin colours can make a real difference to this apparently – then you should apply from the neck upwards to get maximum effect. The lip colour match was the final piece of the jigsaw. Because I opted for a heavy eye makeup for an evening out, we chose a light lip colour. This was my favourite No.7 product. I bought my own lipstick in ‘Daydreamer’, costing just £9, and it’s now a must have in my makeup bag.

No.7 always has loads of special offers when you spend money at Boots, so why not pop to the counter next time you’re there for your colour matches.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

all out to bring a taste of Marbella to Peterborough...”

Want a great evening out on your doorstep? Why not dig out your stilettos, put on your best makeup, and grab a mate for Queensgate Shopping Centre’s sensational evening of Martinis, Music and Muses.

It’s taking place on Thursday April 27 from 5pm.

36 www.espmag.co.uk

Martini cocktail, hit the dance floor and, of course, shop, shop, shop!

I decided to prepare for the ‘event of the year’ by going to Boots No.7 makeup counter in Queensgate, to decide exactly how I would get glammed up for the big evening. I knew No.7 had a good colour match system, but didn’t realise how indepth it was. I was offered not only a foundation colour match, but also one for blusher, bronzers and lip colour!

In the meantime, you can see me all glammed up at Queensgate on April 27 for a great night out of beauty and glamour. Make sure you join the ESP crew down there.

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Relax at Alwalton Hall A few months ago here at ESP, we gave you a heads up that an amazing new health spa venue would be launching right here in Peterborough. We can now confirm that Alwalton Hall opened its doors on March 28. We have our appointments booked, so look out for our review in next month’s issue.

Here’s a sneak preview of a few things that are really exciting us: • An express file and paint nail treatment – a bargain at just £15 • For the gents, express energising facial, £25 • The bright eyes package, including eyebrows and eyelash tint for £30 • Also look out for their great range of CACI anti-aging treatments starting at just £35 Visit www.alwaltonhall.com or call 01733 391166 for more details.

Vitalise Your Life Here at ESP Magazine, we like to get out and about. Back in March, a few team members went along to a tea party at the Haycock Hotel to support local charity Anna’s Hope. Whilst we were there, we met Jane and Lesley from vitalise4life. They talked to us about ways to help relax through prioritising your time, looking after your diet, and learning to embrace relaxation and tranquillity. Free 1-2-1 consultations are available. Visit www.vitalise4life.com to read Jane and Lesley’s blog and find out more. I’ll be going along on my day off to find out more.

Health Volunteering The East of England Ambulance Service is looking for volunteers as community first responders in Peterborough. First responders are trained by the service to respond to medical emergencies where they live or work, meaning they can often reach a patient before an ambulance does. Their work can be vital in the minutes before an ambulance arrives.

It could be a great thing to do to support the health service where you live. Have a look at the website www.eastamb.nhs.uk to find out more. www.espmag.co.uk

37

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Karen Devine’s

Well

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Being

Inflammation Friend or Foe?

Readers of my column will know I’m keen to promote healthy eating in a manageable way to keep you all in the best of health.

So it comes back to what I highly promote which is a diet rich in a variety of plant foods particularly flavonoid rich – blueberries, almonds, cherries, raspberries, romaine lettuce, celery, peppers, chickpeas, strawberries, watermelon, broccoli – just a few that may help reduce inflammation, deliver cardiovascular and cancer protection as well as helping to prevent or slow down some neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimers.

Other plant foods that are trendy right now (and rightly so) are the spice turmeric (the active component of curcumin is anti-inflammatory), ginger, quinoa, cold pressed olive oils, coconut oil, chia and flax seeds as well as the old favourites of pineapple, walnuts, other green leafy vegetables, and beetroot that have antiinflammatory properties. Oily fish can also be considered. Plant foods contain high fibre residues that also feed our microbes which plays a huge role in regulating inflammation.

A few tweaks to your diet can have dramatic health benefits and one of the areas we can now see this is with inflammation in the gut and problems that can arise from that.

When we think of inflammation we generally think of something that’s hot, painful, swollen, red with a loss of function in the affected area.

Whilst it doesn’t feel like it at the time, inflammation is acting as a friend as it’s the body’s attempt to heal itself after an invader such as bacteria or a virus attacks us, or when we’ve had an injury, and it’s calling upon the immune system to get active and bring help.

Acute inflammation is what we experience if we have a tear, a break, a sprain, stub our toe (ouch), a bout of tonsillitis but there are also Chronic Inflammatory conditions, (meaning long standing or recurring) such as osteoarthritis or arthritis for example.

What may not be so widely known is that some health conditions such as migraines, cancers, heart disease, strokes, Alzheimers, diabetes and others may have a common link, which is ‘chronic low-grade inflammation’.

This association between inflammation and chronic conditions is widely recognised but the cause and the degree to which the inflammation contributes as a ‘risk’ factor for the development 38 www.espmag.co.uk

of disease still remains largely unresolved.

However, evidence relates to our current diet and our early-life nutritional status (no surprise there then!) and obesity may also contribute to inflammation.

The association between the gut and inflammation is becoming more evident as our gut flora/bacteria play a role in regulating inflammation and immunity. It’s also obvious that we’ve seen a decline in healthy microbes in our

“Not only does our diet play a key role in regulating (balancing) inflammation so too does our lifestyle...” gut due to our lifestyle, western style diet and increase in medications. Emerging evidence is suggesting that this could influence the risk of other chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease as well as some neurological disease.

Not only does our diet play a key role in regulating (balancing) inflammation so too does our lifestyle and that includes moderate exercise, stress reduction, adequate rest/sleep, good hydration, mindfulness practices, fresh air etc. As well as a reduction in sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, hydrogenated fats, fizzy drinks, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine as well as red and processed meats.

Common sense doesn’t need to wait for data to confirm that a healthy diet and lifestyle, leaning more towards a higher intake of plant foods plays a significant role in the prevention of the numerous chronic diseases that chronic lowgrade and high-grade inflammation is associated with. Making small changes to your diet rather than a complete overhaul may be your way to success, gradually find ways to include more plant based foods is the way forward as it’ll keep you fuller longer and more satisfied.

Why wait… get planting!

You could consider one of my health workshops that give you a better understanding of the role diet plays in health along with plant food recipes, raw foods, detox foods and cleansing tools which will be starting this month – numbers are very limited so get in touch soon.

In health Karen www.karendevine.co.uk https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC4579563/

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w e n e h t e r a s Staycation

s n o i t a Vac This article is usually about me taking on some kind of local adventure in a ‘Have-a-goGrigas’ type feature and I’m expected to do something extreme and daring to showcase local activities, which is brilliant as I do love a challenge. However, it doesn’t always have to be about going at 100mph hanging from a rope with rockets on my back. It’s nice to chill out with the family now and then too, my knees could do with the break to be honest!

I

t’s natural to assume we must ‘go away’ to have a break, but what do we usually do when we go away?

It’s basically a combination of relaxing, sightseeing, fun activities and being served food as we sip another cocktail except we’ve paid a fortune to do this far away. So, why not save a few hundred or even a few thousand pounds, and do it locally with no airport queues, jet lag, 10 hour drives or massive costs – just great days out to our local attractions one after the other. There’s more to our local area than most people give it credit for. I’m lucky enough to have travelled quite a bit of the world and it’s amazing out there, but I’ve also had some brilliant staycations too and I certainly recommend it.

We’re lucky in Peterborough to have The Green Wheel which is a fantastic way to cycle and walk around pretty much all of Peterborough whilst avoiding main roads and seeing the city’s hidden gems.

The Green Wheel is around 50 40 www.espmag.co.uk

miles of linked cycleways, footpaths and bridleways, named as a wheel due to its shape circling most of the city with several ‘spokes’ leading to the centre. This allows for a great day out reaching parts of the city you may usually miss, following the lakes, rivers, living landmarks and sculpture trails. Following this route reaches fantastic places like Flag Fen, our very own Bronze Age site around 3,500 years old! Along the River Nene Embankment along to Ferry Meadows which has way more to it than many people realise. We recently spent a day here ‘Geocaching’ (Google it) which is a live treasure hunt which involves using your phones to track actual hidden treasures across the world! This is a great thing to do if you’re out on a walk.

Whether you cycle, walk or drive, there are so many great opportunities to make a fantastic staycation. You can stop off for an hour of trampolining, get locked in a puzzle room to solve your way out, enjoy lunch on the edge of a lake then set off again as the

sun starts to set… On one of our rides we even saw some emus (true story!).

If you want to stretch a little further, then a short drive will get you to Stanwick Lakes, Sandringham Castle, Burghley House and Gardens, Rutland Water and more. We venture around places like this having a photo contest which makes us pay close attention and notice things you’d usually miss. My children get some really great shots!

So, get out, pick one or two places to visit per day, walk, ride, drive and have a great holiday getaway that’s just outside your door.

Here are just a few ideas to research and plan into your days but once you start looking you’ll realise I’d need a few more pages to include them all: • Ferry Meadows – (look closer, there’s more here than most people realise) • Bounce – trampolining fun • Flag Fen – 3,500 year old Bronze Age discoveries • The Rowing Lake Sculpture Trail – Thorpe Meadows • Rollers – Roller Skating in Werrington • The Climbing Wall – Bretton • Escape Rooms – Orton • The Green Wheel – All of Peterborough • Burghley House and Gardens – Stamford • Rutland Water – This is a feature in itself!

• Showcase Cinema De Lux. • Exotic Pet Refuge – Deeping St James • Geocaching – everywhere!

Funny Mostly

I’M LOVING BAGELS INSTEAD

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from writing for ESP over the years it’s that whenever Peterborough attracts national news headlines it’s sadly not always for the best reasons.

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ecently the city was inexplicably (although entirely predictable) linked to ‘Bagelgate’ when a bizarre video went viral showing footage of an incident on a late night train from Kings Cross to Peterborough. The footage soon attracted national media attention after it showed a rowdy carriage going from a high spirited food fight involving bagels to jeering, swearing, misunderstandings and confrontations. Two women nearly had a

fight, a brawl that spilled onto Potters Bar station from another carriage, a man threw bagels out the window after having them repeatedly placed on his head, and singing went from good natured to bullying as the Police intervened to try and sort out the four or five separate incidents.

Thankfully it didn’t appear that anyone from Peterborough was involved, but the national press went into a free-for-all, falling over themselves to both damn the

‘Bagel Brawl’ as another example of broken Britain while others celebrated the complete Britishness of it all, the ironic humour, someone taking offence at a joke taken too far.

On C4’s The Last Leg they spent virtually the entire show talking about it, and we also got for the first time since I can remember in my lifetime the joy of hearing an American (comedian Rob Delaney) say the word Peterborough on TV. He kept pronouncing it as Peter-burrow, in a similar way we’ve become used to hearing Buckingham Palace announced as ‘Bucking-ham Palace’ like it’s hyphenated.

Anyway, stay safe out their people and if you are travelling on ‘The Flying Bagel' train back to Peterborough after a night out, can I request you bring me one back from the Leon coffee shop at King’s Cross and guard it with your life.

THE HUNTER OF INVISIBLE JOKES

I’m delighted to hear that one of my favourite comedians Reg D Hunter is back in Peterborough soon – Sunday May 21 at 8pm (Box Office: 01733 265705). Well done to all at The Cresset for making this happen as he’s arguably one of the best American comedians of all time.

Fearless, opinionated, challenging but yet so down to earth. If his latest tour, Reginald D Hunter V Some of the People, is as exhilarating as his previous few we’re in for a treat. I once saw him quieten down the most raucous and drunken audience at Edinburgh’s notorious Late ‘n’ Live by ad-libbing a whole routine that involved him ordering a whisky and Coke from one of the bar staff on duty and holding off the baying mob with his wit and charm until it arrived on stage. It was simultaneously one of the coolest, bravest and funniest things I’ve ever seen a comedian do. Cheers Reg! 42 www.espmag.co.uk

COMEDY GIGS

7 APR

A PINT OF COMEDY

Try out the regular comedy evenings at Stamford Arts Centre and receive a £1 off your first drink voucher to be used in the Cellar Bar during the night with every ticket bought – make sure you pick yours up from the box office with your tickets! Expect great material and killer punchlines from Patrick Draper, gags aplenty from Rob Coleman and regular compere Alan Seaman.

Box office: 01780 763203.

VOODOO STANDS UP

13 APR

The regular comedy sessions at Mama Liz’s in Stamford features brilliant headliner Andrew Bird, razor sharp one liners from Gary Delaney, observational humour from Jim Bayes and a first time appearance by Jack Shanik.

28

Tickets are £8 in advance on 07595 412056 or £10 on the door.

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB

APR

The second Funhouse Comedy Club date of the season at the South Holland Centre in Spalding sees comedian Dan Nightingale mixing fiendishly accurate observations with killer punchlines. He’s joined on the bill by the awkward, geeky but very funny Peter Brush and Doug Segal, ‘imagine if Derren Brown was funny’, with compere Barry Dodds.

Admisson’s £12.50 on the door, £10 in advance. Box office: 01775 764777.

KEY COMEDY NIGHT

5 MAY

Join the star of Stand Up For The Week, Mock The Week and Radio 4's The News Quiz, the brilliantly funny Angela Barnes, as she heads up the regular night of great stand up in the Key Studio.

Host for the night is Stephen Bailey (Amused Moose Comedy Award Best Show Nominee, the hilarious and bizarre Tom Ward and BBC New Comedy Award finalist Lauren Pattinson.

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Tickets are £10 in advance on 01733 207239 or £12 on the door.

Photo: Kash Yusuf

REGINALD D HUNTER

MAY

Reginald D Hunter returns with his highly anticipated brand new show following a hugely successful year performing across Europe.

Reginald’s searingly honest material has garnered him a popular fan base and he’s become one of the UK comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on subjects including race and sexuality. Book now to catch him live at The Cresset.

Box office: 01733 265705.

www.espmag.co.uk

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NIGHTlife PRINCE NITE… ONE YEAR ON! Who could ever believe that nearly a whole year has shot by since Prince passed away so unexpectedly? The shock news affected so many people, but the only ‘official’ tribute we’ve heard about is the one organised by Paisley Park back in October.

Local promoter, musician and massive Prince fan, Andy Whittaker, has put paid to that and has organised Peterborough’s very own Prince Tribute Night on the first anniversary of his passing, planned for Friday April 21 at The Brewery Tap in Peterborough. “Up until a few weeks ago, I assumed that somebody else would organise a tribute night to commemorate a year since Prince’s passing,” said Andy.

“What I’ve got in mind is a late night mix of Prince’s chart hits, album tracks and funky B-sides, plus some of the more obscure tunes that only Prince fans will recognise. The reaction to the ‘Prince Nite’ event on Facebook has been huge and we’re taking requests for people’s best loved Prince tracks to make sure they’re included on the night – so expect a few x-rated lyrics later in the evening!”

The event’s free before 9pm and £5 after and The Brewery Tap are offering a free shot for anyone wearing purple. Plus, to celebrate Prince’s style and panache, there’s a meal-for-two prize for the best dressed person.

Your guide to the night time scene

SOLSTICE CELEBRATES 20th WITH DANNY HOWARD The Solstice is celebrating its 20th Birthday in style with a special guest appearance by Radio One DJ Danny Howard. He makes his debut appearance in the city on Saturday April 1 for what’s bound to be an unforgettable night!

There’ll be 3 rooms for music with loads going on throughout the night with confetti bombs, CO2 cannons, extra sound and light and loads of prizes and giveaways all night long.

In The Solstice main room it’ll be commercial chart, dance, R&B and party with the return of DJs Budsy & Soape.

In the SolGarden it’s house, EDM & dance anthems from Danny Howard (Radio One), Steve Andrews and Darren James. There’ll be alternative grooves in Eden hosted by Electric Ballroom.

It’ll be a huge night kicking off at 9pm and running through until 4am so get ready for a big one!

MIXOLOGY 5th BIRTHDAY EASTER ALL NIGHTER

FUNK @ CHARTERS Jo Gee keeps the funky tunes flowing with her What the Funk sessions from 9.30pm on the boat.

This month’s DJ sessions are on Saturday April 1, Saturday April 8 and Saturday April 22 and Jo rounds off the month of funky tunes on Saturday April 29.

GROOVES @ THE BREWERY TAP The Brewery Tap keeps on groovin’ with their Saturday night DJ sessions.

On Saturday April 15 it’s Saturday Night Groove with resident DJ Rick Allen 9pm – late.

Catch him again on Saturday April 22. The last Saturday night of the month on April 29 it switches to The Get Down with DJ Eddie Nash from 9pm – late in the main venue while Rick moves into The Tap Room.

44 www.espmag.co.uk

Tickets are available from Resident Advisor https://www.residentadvisor .net/event.aspx?942749

SOUL SPECIAL Tabernacle are back with a celebration of classic soul at Radius above The Solstice on Friday April 14 from 8pm – 1.30am.

There’ll be tunes from Staxx, Motown, Decca, Atlantic and more with DJs Ady Bull, Paul Davis and Joolz plus there’ll be live music from the Soul Runners.

Tickets are available from the venue in advance for £5 or are £7 on the door.

It seems to be a month of celebrations on the city’s club scene with Mixology at Edwards also recognising its fifth anniversary.

The guys have had us hitting the dancefloor to some of the world’s best acts over the last five years and this Easter is no exception.

They aim to celebrate their 5th birthday in style on Friday April 14 by bringing us a huge name to Peterborough! Get ready to welcome Viva Warriors’ head honcho, Steve Lawler who’ll be headlining this all nighter!

Make sure you’re at the front at Edwards from 9pm – 7am.

That’s not the only big night at the venue though, on Friday April 7 they have So Dope and they round off the month with some retro classics at their Throwback session on Friday April 28. Check their facebook for more.

HOUSE PROUD CELEBRATES 10 YEARS It’s time to celebrate a decade of dance on Sunday April 16 as House Proud celebrates its 10th anniversary in Peterborough.

Stand by for more great tunes from 5pm - 4am on the SolGarden terrace with DJs Alex Arnout, Citizenn, Russell James, Drew Tilney, Martin Smith and Luke Wheeler.

ESP caught up with House Proud creator and DJ Russell James…

Photos: Stuart Deadman Photography

a community where people can be themselves and get lost in the music.”

What have been your highlights?

What's been the music criteria and has that changed over the last 10 years?

“The music criteria’s always been fairly open which has allowed us to be flexible with DJ bookings, this has really been demonstrated over the past few years on the SolGarden terrace with our marathon 14 hour events. You'll find a common theme of house and techno but we tend not to pigeonhole the event with any sub genres, for us it's all about creating

“Securing a new venue with a week to go for our launch party has to be up there as who knows what would’ve happened if we didn't manage that? Taking over Sankeys in Manchester the year they won Club of the Year was a great achievement as it's one of those iconic clubs that you dream of being associated with. Another massive highlight for us was moving to the terrace as it allowed us to add another 7 hours to our event and include so many more talented artists, we were able to dance in the sun and under the stars all at the same event.

“Other highlights include bringing

DC10 resident Clive Henry to the terrace, having house music legend Harry Romero headline for us, working with Decoded Magazine, hosting events in various cities across the UK, having people who were at the first event still involved at the events.”

forwards. The team at Mixology are celebrating their 5th birthday this year, the lineups they’ve produced including a warehouse event have been world class and they should be applauded for their efforts and the contribution they have made to the music scene here.”

How do you plan to celebrate the anniversary?

What does the future hold for House Proud?

“We're going to be joined by Alex Arnout, Citizenn, Drew Tilney, Martin Smith, Luke Wheeler and a crowd of 800 party goers on the SolGarden terrace which will be streamed live across the Decoded Magazine network.”

“We don't want to give too much away at this stage as we're in talks with the venue about some great projects but we will continue to give people a place where they can come together whilst supporting local artists.”

How is nightlife evolving in the city?

So go celebrate with House Proud at the big party and then make a return visit for their second event on Sunday April 30 which will see a very special guest joining the residents. Advanced tickets are available on Resident Advisor.

“More acts are being introduced to Peterborough with The Solstice now offering an 800 capacity terrace space, the artists they have lined up are excellent and the plans they have will keep driving the scene

Read more on www.espmag.co.uk

Photos: Nic Caro

A meeting with his musical hero Brian Setzer has inspired a local musician and his brothers to launch their first album…

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obert Wilson and his two brothers David and Ian are well known locally as fantastic rockabilly band The Houndogs. They’re a trio who definitely know how to rock the house leaping around on stage, balancing on their instruments and even setting fire to them – well the cymbals at least! They’re seasoned performers who started out in 1995 and have built up a loyal following all over the country – now they’re hoping their album Blood Sweat & Passion could take them to the next level.

The guys have always been huge fans of Brian Setzer and his former band The Stray Cats – “He’s the reason I play the guitar they way I do” Robert tells ESP. A trip to Chicago to see him play live with the Brian Setzer Orchestra led to a meeting at the gig that gave Robert the nudge he needed to take The Houndogs further.

“I was really honoured that he actually came over to us. He saw my hair and the gear 46 www.espmag.co.uk

we were wearing and came straight over for a chat. He’s a really nice guy and I was totally blown away. You could tell he was really passionate about the scene and is into what we’re into – it was a really big deal to meet him “We were talking about our music and he asked about the scene over here and said ‘why don’t you guys go for it and try and bring it back?’. We’ve always wanted to do an album and I just thought, why not?”

Robert’s written five of the 12 tracks on the album, one with the help of brother Ian, and the rest is a mix of tracks like Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash through to a rare Buddy Holly track and Billy Fury’s Wondrous Place.

The guys have been steadily extending their live set including some unexpected numbers turned out in a fresh way including a unique take on Gnarls Barcley’s hit, Crazy.

The brothers hail from Holbeach and still live locally but since turning professional around 12 years ago they’ve performed all over the country and abroad.

“We love playing festivals – there’s no bigger buzz. Playing live is what it’s all about for us but we have always wanted to do a studio album,” Robert added.

“A couple of the tracks were actually written 10 years ago but we’ve done everything ourselves and have been so busy playing gigs it’s taken a while to really pull it all together.

“Now we feel we’ve got as far as we can so it seemed this would be the next step to get us

that extra recognition. We’re hoping this will get us in the charts.”

The guys have the rockabilly style and look sewn up, even down to a fantastic old American car. A few years ago the guys even turned model for ESP appearing in a 50s themed fashion shoot for the magazine with the 1958 Buick centre stage.

If you see The Houndogs live, whether you’re into rock ‘n’ roll or not, you’ll still have a fantastic night out. They provide lively entertainment in style and are a talented bunch of musicians. Their local public gigs can be rare these days as they’re in demand for events and private functions so we’re pleased to see they’re launching the album at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on Saturday May 6 and will also be appearing at Party in the Wharf, part of the Oundle Festival, on Saturday July 15. You can also catch the guys on Saturday June 3 at The Grainstore in Oakham and Sunday August 6 at Holbeach Beer and Music Festival Their album Blood, Sweat & Passion is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, CD and vinyl and will be available at the Stamford launch.

Tickets for the Stamford gig are £12.50 on 01780 766455. www.thehoundogs.co.uk www.facebook.com/thehoundogs

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

Keith Dalton has the ESP guide to the best news and views from the local live music scene…

Keith says...

I’m hearing strong rumours that the tenth Randall Rootz Festival is coming back and has been scheduled for the weekend of August 18 to 20. It remembers local musician Mark Randall who was a member of The Dead Rabbits and also Angryman. It’s exciting news then that both bands are reforming especially for this year’s event.

I'll keep you up to date with further news of the Festival here in ESP as it’s announced.

EASTER BREWS AND TUNES @ CHARTERS Easter Bank Holiday is on the weekend of April 14 – 17, and Charters on the Town Bridge, have announced an Easter Beer Festival which spans the whole of the Bank Holiday.

Very excitingly, Good Friday sees the return of the Dizzy Miss Lizzys. I thought that the band had stopped performing when

one of the members emigrated to Australia, but Gizz Butt tells us they’re taking up a few special gigs like this one at their favourite venues for now, and may have some news in future.

It’s certainly pleasing to see the reappearance of the band featuring a whole list of Beatles and rock and roll classics, and

SHALAMAR SET TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD!

HUGE 80’S FESTIVAL HEADS TO PETERBOROUGH I went to Peterborough Arena a few weeks ago to see comedian Jack Whitehall and it’s really good to see the venue starting to be used to its full potential for big events (although I wish the organisers would sort out the traffic flow problems before and after the show).

The Arena is to be used for a large Summer 80’s Music Festival on the weekend of June 10 and 11.

The weekend is packed with great artists from the eighties all performing live: Bananarama, Limahl, Five Star and The Real Thing are the headline acts but they’re joined by Aswad, Modern Romance, and many more as well as tribute acts for a weekend that promises so much quality music and memories from the eighties.

48 www.espmag.co.uk

The bonus of the Arena is that it’s situated on The East of England Showground at Alwalton so there’ll be excellent camping facilities for weekend trippers. Indeed there’s a weekend ticket offer for those who want to make a real session of it.

The organisers are expecting a busy weekend and with more acts to be announced it’s looking very special.

Ticket information can be obtained on www.the80smusicfestival.com.

With all the 80s live music events coming up in June, we’re getting a real taster to warm us up on May 2 at The Cresset. One of the most successful soul groups of all time selling 25 million albums worldwide, Shalamar, will be appearing live.

Shalamar are best known for a string of worldwide hits such as The Second Time Around, Make That Move, I Owe You One, I Can Make You Feel Good, There It Is, Friends and of course their often copied anthem A Night To Remember.

The trio consisting of Howard Hewett as lead vocalist together with Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley became known as the ‘classic’ line up of the group. From late 1979 to mid 1983 they racked up more than a dozen hits all over the world including North America, Europe, Africa and Japan. In the UK, Shalamar are also remembered for Jeffrey Daniel’s famous appearances on Top of the Pops where he introduced body popping and moonwalking to UK audiences. Indeed, Jeffrey’s well known for teaching the moonwalk to Michael Jackson as well as co-choreographing some of Jackson’s videos and for being his dance mentor.

In 1999, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel reformed the group and began touring again, and added a female presence by introducing Carolyn Griffey as their third member, giving the group an even wider repertoire.

The band’s live show was voted 2nd only to Stevie Wonder’s Hyde Park show in the 2016 Soul Survivor Awards. Peterborough’s always had an 'underground' soul family that comes out for the special soul occasions and there’s no doubt that this could be potentially the biggest one ever!

Tickets are on sale now from The Cresset on 01733 265706, online at www.cresset.co.uk or online at See Tickets.

Proudly sponsored by

www.charters-bar.com 01733 315700

Gizz is excellent on guitar.

Saturday evening the festival features Groove Cartell. A big contrast from Friday with the style of music, but Groove Cartell are an extremely popular Peterborough band and their brand of laid back funk and soul will create a great atmosphere.

On Easter Sunday afternoon a band who are fast gaining in popularity, appear at 3pm, The Palmy Uke Band. They boast 19 band members in total and put their own spin on popular sing along, foot stomping tunes from

www.thebrewery-tap.com 01733 358500

artists like Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Tom Jones, The Kinks, Neil Diamond and The Undertones. It’s always a fun time when the Palmys take the stage.

Easter Monday the Beer Festival closes with an Open Mic Night and host Bon Rogers is giving away complimentary drinks vouchers to each performer. The session starts at 8pm.

As I mentioned, it’s an Easter Beer Festival, so you can expect some great liquid treats over the whole weekend at Charters.

GO WEST FOR 80s TUNES @ BURGHLEY The demand for 80s acts continues with a whole other line up for a one off concert at Burghley Park.

If the acts at Peterborough Arena don’t tick your box the line up at this one night only Stamford concert the same weekend has some different well known names from the decade.

Go West (We Close Our Eyes) T’Pau (China in My Hand) and Nik Kershaw (Wouldn’t it be Good) will take to the outdoor stage on Saturday June 10. For this one you can take along your picnic and chairs and enjoy some real classics from the eighties era.

For tickets go to www.livepromotions.co.uk.

GET READY TO ROCK IN STAMFORD I have been lucky enough to see AC/DC quite a few times at venues including Leicester De Montfort Hall and Milton Keynes Bowl.

Regrettably, it’s unlikely that the band will perform again due to various misfortunes occurring to band members. They were formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, and they’ve achieved huge popularity with their hard driven rock and roll. To date they’re one of the highest grossing bands of all time.

Their Live at River Plate DVD is the best live DVD

I’ve ever seen.

Now fans will have to satisfy their needs by watching a tribute band and Stamford Corn Exchange plays host to AC/DC UK on Saturday April 8.

AC/DC UK claim to capture all the on-stage magic of AC/DC and they generate the rock and roll atmosphere of AC/DC live in concert with tracks like Back in Black, Dirty Deeds, Thunderstruck, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway To Hell – the list goes on and on.

For tickets call 01780 766455.

DIRTY RUMOUR

Do you remember the popular Stamford band Twenty4? A new band has arrived in the Stamford area, Dirty Rumour, who are a 5 piece pop/rock covers band formed in late 2016, made up of local friends some of whom were the nucleus of Twenty4.

The full line up of Dirty Rumour are Kelly Ireland on lead vocals, Simon French and Nick Peers on lead/rhythm guitar, Keith Herbert on bass and Matt Ireland on drums.

I went to see Twenty4 perform a few times and it was a surprise when they folded. However after a year Kelly, Matt and Kev decided to go back on the circuit and got together with the young and talented Nick Peers and long serving ‘Lizzy on the Loose’ guitarist Simon French, to form Dirty Rumour.

The band already have a number of bookings in a very short time from formation and feature a diverse playlist of songs, with rock, groove and funky rhythms, fronted

by Kelly’s powerful vocals.

This month sees them perform at the London Inn in Stamford on April 14 and the Kings Cliffe Club on April 29.

For all the latest information and to contact the band go to www.dirtyrumour.com

THE JACKSONS AND CHASE & STATUS TO PLAY NEWMARKET RACECOURSE Great news that none other than music legends The Jacksons are coming to play at nearby Newmarket Racecourse this summer as part of their 50th anniversary!

The Jockey Club Live have announced Mowtown legends The Jacksons will appear on June 30 and electronic duo Chase & Status on August 11.

The Jacksons, originally formed as The Jackson 5, are of course well known for dozens of great hits including ABC, The Love You Save, I Want You Back and I’ll Be There so this really is set to be a fantastic open air gig right on our doorstep!

Tito Jackson commented – “We had the privilege of performing for Her Majesty The Queen when we first came to the UK in 1972 and we’re always excited to return.

The British audiences love their music and we can’t wait to share ours with them when we bring our show to Newmarket Racecourse this summer!”

For those who like the more electronic style, Chase & Status will follow on from the success of last year’s DJ night, which saw an explosive headline set from Mark Ronson, with their unique brand of Drum N Bass.

Amy Starkey, Regional Director East of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “We can't wait to welcome both Chase & Status and The Jacksons to Newmarket Nights for the first time this summer. With The Jacksons' celebrating their 50th anniversary year, we're delighted to be sharing their celebrations with them and am sure they'll be performing a set to remember, packed full of some of their biggest hits.”

Tickets are priced starting at £25 adult /£13 child (under 18) for Chase & Status, and £26 adult / £13 child (under 18) for The Jacksons and are available via www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk. www.espmag.co.uk

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GUIDE gigs@espmag.co.uk If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

FRI MAR 31

MON APR 3

PENNYLESS (4PM - 6PM)

KIRSTY JO

3 PARTS DIRT

DANNY SHACKELL FROM 7PM

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Peacock, London Road

AMY AND BENN The Cavern at Mill Street Pub and Kitchen, Oakham

BLACKSTAR BOWIE The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

CUTTIN LOOSE The Mason's Arms, Bourne

HOOKER The Ploughman, Werrington

JUST FOR KICKS The Golden Fleece, Stamford

LOS COJONES Lakeside Bar & Restaurant, Tallington Lakes

LOS TOMBSTONES The Ostrich Inn, North Street

MUSIC V'S THE WORLD - TV SMITH Mama Liz's, Stamford

SCARLET The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

THE HIGH ROLLERS The Brewery Tap, Westgate

THE ROCKET DOGS The Crown, Lincoln Road

UP THE FUNCTION

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE APR 4 MILLSTONE ACOUSTIC WITH CLAUDE DOMINO The Millstone, Barnack

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH ANNA RADFORD 7PM The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

THU APR 6 VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE AND STEVE Mama Liz's, Stamford

MON APR 10 BLUE GRASS SESSIONS The Ship Inn, Oundle

MATTY HAYNES The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE APR 11 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH ANNA RADFORD 7PM

SAT APR 22

MISTREATED

OUTLAW EAGLES AND MAXIMUM JAM

AGI JAROCKA

ON THE CEILING

The Grainstore, Oakham

BEACHY HEAD DIVING CLUB

Puzzles, Bridge Street

REVOLVER The Granary, Long Sutton

STEALER The Palmerston Arms, Oundle Road

THE GUARDS The London Inn, Stamford

The Crown, Lincoln Road

PEMBROKE TENNESON

WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

JUNK PUPPETS

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Ploughman, Werrington

SUN APR 16

Angel Inn, Yarwell

AUSTIN GOLD The Bell Inn, Market Deeping

TOMMY LOOSE The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

THU APR 13 AUSTIN GOLD

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston The Jubilee Garage, Bourne

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

JIMMY CHASE Puzzles, Bridge Street

OUTLAW EAGLES

The Crown, Lincoln Road

AUDIO

THE OVERDUBS

FRI APR 14

Charters Beer Festival, Town Bridge

TOMMY LOOSE

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Puzzles, Bridge Street

THE ANEXE, Spalding

BARE BONES WHISKEY

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS

ROCKET SURGEON, FAMILY OF NOISE AND FRIGID

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

Prince of Wales, Castor

The Rose and Crown, March

The Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

DIRTY RUMOUR

Mama Liz's, Stamford

Georges Bar, March

SAT APR 8

DIRTY RUMOURS

DIVERGENT Mama Liz's, Stamford

CAUSTIC LIGHTS

DIZZY MISS LIZZY'S

The Ploughman, Werrington

HOOKER London Inn, Stamford

KICKBACK The Deeping Stage, Deeping

LEXI GREEN The Angel Inn, Yarwell

MIND THE GAP The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

MISTREATED

CJ HATT Puzzles, Bridge Street

ELECTRIC WARRIORS The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

FIRED UP The Heron, Stanground

GO WITH THE FLOW

The Prince Of Wales, Castor

The Three Horseshoes, Werrington

PARK LANE

GRUMPY OLD MEN

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

RAMBLING ROOSTER - A NIGHT OF ORIGINAL BANDS

JUNK PUPPETS

Sir Henry Royce, Broadway

ROCKET DOGS The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

STEREO QUEEN The Grainstore, Oakham

THE LAZOONS The Royal Oak, Castor

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

MISTABEAT The Peacock, London Road

MOLLY'S CHAMBER The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

PAUL MCCLURE The Grainstore, Oakham

PENNYLESS Langham Church, Nr Oakham

The Three Horseshoes, Werrington

ST GEORGES CHARITY DAY WITH THE JUNK PUPPETS

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Braza Club, March

TALLAWAH

THE GUARDS

The Heron, Stanground

Ebeneezers, Woodston

THE HOUNDOGS

TOMMY LOOSE

Peterborough Rugby Club, Fengate

VELOCITY WHISKEY TWIST Georges Bar, March

SUN APR 23

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

TUE APR 18

LOOSE ROCKET

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Red Lion Hotel, Spalding

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

RETROLUX

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH ANNA RADFORD 7PM

The Hand and Heart, Highbury Street

JAZZANOVA The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

MOLL GRIPS

MON APR 24

STICKY FINGERS

RESPONSE

KENNY LEE & HUSTLER

The Grainstore, Oakham

The Braza Club, March

The Braza Club, March

The Ploughman, Werrington

REVOLVER

MOTOR CITY VIPERS

ZAKK ZOOT

Castle Sports Complex, Spalding

Brewery Tap, Westgate

Puzzles, Bridge Street

The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick

STEALER

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Black Bull, Whittlesey

REVOLVER

SAT APR 15

FRI APR 21

THE EXPLETIVES

Boston Bowl, Boston

ANYONES

BOOTLEG BOSS

Fletton Club, Fletton

STEALER

The Braza Club, March

Mama Liz's, Stamford

THE HELIX

The Fox, Thrapston

AUDIO

CAUSTIC LIGHTS

Kings Cliffe Club, Kings Cliffe

THE RETURNS

The Deeping Stage, Deeping

The Crown, Lincoln Road

THE INTRUDERS

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

COURTYARD DUKEBOX

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

UNLIMITED

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

DIRTY RUMOUR

The Lime Tree, Walton

THE NUGGETS

FLASHBACK PHOTOGRAPH AND OLDBOY

The Ploughman, Werrington

CUTTIN LOOSE

GET BACK

The Lakes, Tallington

Fletton, Stanground and Woodston Ex service and Working Mens Club, High Street

GO WITH THE FLOW

GROOVE CARTELL

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

Charters Beer Festival, Town Bridge

KINGS OV LEON The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

GRUMPY OLD MEN

LIVE MUSIC

CHUCK NORRIS

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

Cellar Bar, Stamford Arts Centre

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

CUTTIN LOOSE

RETROLUX

The Mason's Arms, Bourne

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

FRANKLY MY DEAR

The Ploughman, Werrington

THE THREE DEGREES SUPPORTED BY HOLLY AND THE BOATMEN The Key Theatre, The Embankment

SUN APR 2 CHARTERS SUNDAY SESSION PRESENTS GEORGE LINTON 3PM Charters, Town Bridge

50 www.espmag.co.uk

OUTLAW EAGLES

The Elm Tree, Dogsthorpe

Mama Liz's, Stamford

SUN APR 9 THE ACOUSTICATS 3PM Charters, Town Bridge

MICK SHAW FROM 3PM The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

HOOKER Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

BLUE GRASS SESSIONS

The Ploughman, Werrington

HARK BACK

DIRTY RUMOUR

STINGRAY

HOOKER

TIGER CLUB

The Royal Duke, Oakham

THE FEDZ

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

THU APR 20

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS

The Railway, Ramsey

ELENI FROM 7PM

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Grainstore, Oakham

The Ploughman, Werrington

Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Avenue

The Crown, Lincoln Road

BLACK ELVIS

STINGRAY

ELVIS ROCK AND ROLL EASTER SPECIAL

SOUND INJECTORS

The Braza Club, March

Kings Cliffe Club, Kings Cliffe

Charters Beer Festival, Town Bridge

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

BACK BEATS

Fayrespot Bar & Restaurant, Bretton

The Ostrich Inn, North Street

MOD STORY

Puzzles, Bridge Street

CANDY SLAM

SON OF A GUN

BLOOD RED THRONE, SUBLIME EYES AND WRETCHED SOUL

The Mason's Arms, Bourne

ACOUSTIC SUPPER CLUB

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

MON APR 17

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

SAT APR 29

The Deeping Stage, Deeping

The Angles Theatre, Wisbech

London Inn, Stamford

Peterborough Rugby Club, Fengate

REVOLVER

The Deeping Stage, Deeping

The Heron, Stanground

TIGER CLUB

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

PORKY PIG

CALUMN STEWART

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

INDIGO

SAT APR 1

The Ploughman, Werrington

THE GANGSTERS

The Peacock, London Road

PALMERSTON UKELELE BAND

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

Charters, Town Bridge

VELOCITY

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

THE BALLOONS

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAVE

Fayrespot Bar & Restaurant, Bretton

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Stanwick Club, Stanwick

JIMMY & RUSS FROM 3PM

The Solstice, Northminster

SUBWAY 77

HUSH

The Railway, Ramsey

WHISKEY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN

The Deeping School, Deeping

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

HUSH

NOASIS

PENNYLESS AT THE DEEPINGS SCHOOL LITERARY FESTIVAL

TIGER CLUB

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

CJ HATT

The Crown, Lincoln Road

CIRCA 73 FORTY FIVER

WED APR 12

HOLLY AND THE BOATMEN

The Heron, Stanground

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

BETTY SWALLOCKS Charters, Town Bridge

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS The Granary, Long Sutton

FRI APR 7 BLACKOUT UK

The Burghley Club, Burghley Road

THE HELIX

RAZZAMAJAZZ

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

Puzzles, Bridge Street

The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

SALMON DAVE The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE APR 25 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH ANNA RADFORD 7PM The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

WED APR 26 ACCORD3 Harry's Bar -The Solstice, Northminster

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC The Railway, Ramsey

FRI APR 28 ANDY WARRINGTON EXPERIENCE The Crab & Winkle, Werrington

The Ostrich Inn, North Street

HUSH

SUN APR 30 C J HATT + TARA PASVEER + OH BROTHER (2.30-5.30PM) The Glasshouse, Key Theatre

DUNMORE & HAMMOND 3PM Charters, Town Bridge

FRUMENTY Mama Liz's, Stamford

PENNYLESS UNPLUGGED Clare Cottage, Helpston

THE RAINMEN The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

WANSFORD UKULELE BAND Peterborough Rugby Club, Fengate

FRI MAY 5 AUSTIN GOLD Mama Liz's, Stamford

BLACKOUT UK The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

LEE JOSHUA ROSE The Fayre Spot, Bretton

NEW GENERATION CRASH AND BURN The Ploughman, Werrington

REVOLVER The White Hart, Sibsey