ESP July 2019

JULY 2019

Issue 239

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Beer Festival

INSIDE

The event of the summer and a real favourite of us here annual Peterborou at ESP is the gh Beer Festival.

Held in the lead up to the Editor’s birthday you’re too kind!)

(CAMRA – the 42nd August 20 to Saturda event runs from Tuesday y August 24 with array of ales and an amazing live tunes.

We’ll be helping a panel of ‘experts’ (how did we get invited again…?) to judge the best beer and then help them out further by drinking lots of it throughout the As usual the fantastic week! stage line-up of bands reason this festival is another is the one not to miss. Along with throughout the week acts such as The Ouse Valley Singles Club, Velocity, 23 Reasons more, the main Saturday , Let There B/DC and loads night headliners UK’s top performi are Blurd, the ng Blur tribute act.

Altogeth “all the people, so many people…Parklife!” er now…

If beer’s not your thing, head to the gin or wine bar or sample some cider or perry… all to be done whilst wearing a silly hat from one of the many stalls!

We’ll bring you more on www.espmag.c our next issue, but o.uk and in you can find out more on www.be fest.org.uk. er-

Photos: Tony Mayer

Peterborough Pride is here!

Peterborough Celebrates Reading What’s On Food Films Comedy

Caroline Flack Love Island

Here’s your chance to grab one of five pairs of any-day entry Beer Festival. tickets to this year’sexhibition outdoor Peterborough The grand Burghley House, in Stamford, is holding a new All you have to dosummer, to enter Form which displays a range of new and is email andusFunction, this the answer header and include to following your name The biggest artworks.putting regularquestion of the many the alongside sculptures supersized and contact BEER in the number Q - Where was 18s only bomber and is made dive please).

German replicates a(over ‘Stuka’ piece, thethe very first sculpture Peterborough Beer Entries must be Two. Earth’ ‘Down. sculptureheld The Festival more than five tonnes of metal. from received and in what year? by 5pm on July 31, be aged 18 ordefinitely created been that’s plane a 2019. it’s as suits its name Usual competition to look as if it’s over. There is no cash alternativ apply.

Entrants in must interested you’re House ifrules to Burghley tripWinners Take a e. crashed into the ground. will be notified. seeing these sculptures and many others set in the beautiful gardens. You could also take a wander around the amazing house; enjoy a full Sunday lunch or simply a cup of coffee in the café. The exhibition’s on show every day from 11am to 5pm until November 3. Make sure to visit the website www.burghley.co.uk or call 01780 752451 to view times and prices, starting from £12 per person if you book in advance.

Ellie Greenfield

THIS IS PLANET EARTH

We all marvelled at the Museum of the Moon last year now it’s time to come back down to Earth. nother amazing artwork is set to bring planet Earth inside Peterborough Cathedral this summer from Monday August 19 to Sunday September 15 and we can’t wait!

Gaia, is an artwork by Luke Jerram, who brought the huge moon installation to the city last year as papart of the cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations and it attracted over 40,000 visitors.

It measures seven metres in diameter and features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface (compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA ). It’s an incredible opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three-dimensions suspended under the central tower of the cathedral, and creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987.

The 3D installation will rotate once every four minutes, 360 times faster than our real planet and is internally lit. During evening opening times a specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones will be played, and the lighting of the piece shown to full advantage as dusk falls. By standing 211m away from the artwork, you’lll be able to see the Earth as it appears from the moon.

Luke Jerram said: “I was amazed and delighted that so many people came to see Gaia’s sister artwork Museum of the Moon when it was in Peterborough last year. This time visitors will be able to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place.

An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.

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Luke Jerram “Halfway through the Earth’s sixth mass extinction, we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour. We need to quickly make the changes necessary, to prevent run away Climate Change. There really is no Planet B!”

TAKE A TOUR AND GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY’S PAST Found yourself at a loose end this summer holiday? Why don’t you take a trip down to Peterborough Museum and join one of the guided walks, including the Hidden Heritage Tour, Crime and Punishment Walk, chilling Ghost Walk and many more.

The Hidden Heritage Tour will surprise you with the unknown, intriguing history of our home town. Are you interested in crime cases and notorious criminals? You should definitely go on the Crime and Punishment Walk to find out a bit about Peterborough’s history of crime; if you aren’t so much into true crime, what about learning about the eerie hauntings of Peterborough buildings. This may seem scary but don’t worry your costumed guide will keep you from being too frightened.

Each of the walks are only £5 for an adult and £3 for a child, for many this is a much cheaper day out than a shopping trip… Peterborough Museum holds a wide variety of tours and walks so why not try something dfferent. Visit www.vivacity.org/heritage/walks/ for more details.

Ellie Greenfield

Summer in the City 16 page Events Guide “...we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour.”

There will be a programme of themed events as part of the Gaia exhibition we’ll keep you posted about and Gaia will be open to the public free of charge during normal cathedral visiting times. A series of special evening openings will show the artwork in its full glory with the accompanying soundtrack. The evening entry charge is £2 per person or £6 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/gaia For more information about the artwork, visit http://my-earth.org/ and on social media #EarthArtwork.

er what’s on guide ESP’s essential summ

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Queensgate has come up with a bloomin’ marvelous way to celebrate Indpendent Retailer Month this July.

Westgate Arcade is being transformed into a glorious summer oasis where shoppers can see, smell and even hear the delights of summer, in what will be a real treat for the senses.

The entrance from Queensgate Shopping Centre is being transformed with a stunning floral display so magnificently Insta-worthy that it’s destined to become a hotspot for bloggers, photographers, tourists and flower-lovers alike! The beautiful blossoms will spill into the Arcade, where

shoppers will be able to enjoy a gorgeous flower garden throughout July.

Take a deep breath when you walk through the Arcade and you’ll smell scents of summer like freshly cut grass, delicate cherry blossom and crackling camp fires – evoking memories of summer’s very best days.

To add to the immersive experience, the classic sounds of summer will play softly throughout the Arcade. Listen out for the buzz of bumble bees, birdsong, lawn mowers and children playing happily.

Add this to being able to experience Westgate’s fabulous independent retailers, and you’ve got the perfect day! From The Oculist

and Clues Fashion, to Style, Maysons, P-Kai and Elsa Rose, there’s something for everyone at Westgate Arcade.

Plus, for Independent Retailer Month, many will be offering their own promotions, deals and discounts so be sure to check them out!

To find out more about Westgate Arcade and Queensgate, visit www.queensgateshopping.co.uk/ westgate-arcade.

BOURNE CICLE FESTIVAL

Momentum is building for a new cycling festival in Bourne this August and now you can find out all you need to know on their new website.

As activity builds towards the festival, organised by South Kesteven District Council, www.bournecicle festival.com will be constantly updated.

It carries detail on the four major cycling events taking place over the weekend August 31 – September 1 – men’s and women’s elite races, a time trial and an amateur riders’ sportive.

Cllr Nick Robins, SKDC Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy said: “The momentum for this event is starting to build amongst residents, businesses and the cycling community and now we have the website live to add to that.

“It’s even got suggestions for how people can get involved with what promises to be an amazing event.

“We would love to see communities along the route

arranging events to celebrate what’s happening on their doorstep, perhaps a village BBQ, race bunting, painted or even knitted cycles along the route”.

Most of the UK’s professional teams have indicated an interest in participating, and the sportive, run by Bourne’s cycling club the Bourne Wheelers, takes place over three different distances and can be booked via an online link.

There will also be full details of events in the town, from BMX cycling displays to heritage cycles. www.bournecicle festival.com.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE OPEN DAY

If you’re interested in finding out more about how you could get a craeer in the Health and Social Care sector for free there’s a special open day event coming up where you can find out more.

It’s being held on Saturday July 27 from 10am 3pm at City College Peterborough.

This will be an Open Day fun event for the Health and Care Sector Work Academy and also the City College so there’ll be lots going on that day.

PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL

It’s festival season and this month the Portuguese community are inviting us along to celebrate their culture. The Portuguese

Festival is being held at the PRUFC ground, Second Drove Fengate on the weekend of July 20 and 21.

On Saturday it starts at Noon and continues through until 10pm with live DJs, music and family fun. On Sunday it starts at Noon again but ďŹ nishes at 7pm. There’ll be food stalls of Portuguese dishes, pastry, wines, beers, cheeses and charcuterie as well as crafts.

Tickets are ÂŁ5 on 07766 584535 or you can buy them on the day. Kids under 13 get in free.

Check out www.festival portuguese.co.uk for more details.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE WILL BE GREAT

Always fancied a bit of a retro Grease style movie night down at the drive-in? Well, you can enjoy a night under the stars and throw it straight back to the 50s with a drive-in cinema on the night of Saturday July 6. Motorpoint has teamed up with the Sue Ryder charity to put on a special screening of The Greatest Showman at Serpentine Green shopping centre in Hampton to raise

funds for Thorpe Hall Hospice.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll already love the Golden Globe and Grammy award winning musical, The Greatest Showman and who doesn’t like a bit of a nostalgic vibe to your movie night? Sounds like a great night to us. Gates for the event will open at 7pm and the ďŹ lm is scheduled to start at 9pm – don’t be late if you want a good spot.

Entry’s £10 per car in advance and £15 per car on the night. You can also luxe out with food and drinks, available prior to the screening.

For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.sueryder.org/supportus/fundraise/events.

Real food, Real ales, Real pub Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN Tel: 01733 391111

Amanda and her team would like to welcome old and new guests back to The Peacock Pub Sky Sports and BT Sports showing all games of football

JULY 13th Zeb Roots

The Nene Valley Railway are looking forward to their annual classic vehicle show on July 21 and would like to invite anybody with a pre-1980 classic car or motorcycle to go along and enjoy the experience.

Entry’s free with the gates opening at 9.30 am and there’ll be pride of place parking at the Wansford Station (PE8 6LR) for the ďŹ rst 100 or so vehicles. Pre-entry is not required, just show up on the day. www.nvr.org.uk.

Family friendly pub open at 12 midday everyday apart from Posh match days when we open at 10 am.

28th The Deps Outside on the stage 5.30-7.30pm

Outside on the stage, 5.30-10.00pm

AUGUST 4th Filthy Contact

19th Honeywell

Outside on the stage 5.30-7.30pm

21st Take Cover Outside on the stage, 5.30-7.30pm

10th Soul Disco

27th Slider

Outside on the stage 5.30-7.30pm

11th Mistabeat

26 London Road, Peterborough PE2 8AR

CLASSIC VEHICLES @ NVR

50% OFF Traditional English Pub Open for meals and snacks - 12pm to 9pm daily

PETERBOROUGH

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Blue Bell Inn DOGSTHORPE One of Peterborough oldest Pubs we offer a warm welcome in lovely surroundings.

JULY GIGS 6th 13th 20th 27th

Sunday Lunch from 12-4pm Adults ÂŁ6.95 Children ÂŁ4.95 Desserts from ÂŁ2.95

Glam Slam Glitz True British Mayhem Outlaw Eagles Stealer

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BBQs coming soon!

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND ÂŁ30 OR MORE The ESP reader offer is only valid when you spend ÂŁ30 or more on food.

5IJT DPVQPO JT WBMJE BMM EBZ GSPN UI +VOF UP TU +VMZ BOE BGUFS QN PO 4VOEBZT The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more. To receive your coupon for 0% OFF food purchase, just text us the word RAMBLEWOOD along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log on to wXw.espmag.co.uk/offers and click on the Ramblewood offer and print out your voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07379 697456

Blue Bell Inn, Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough PE1 3SA

Tel 01733 313700

LocalEntertainment

The Simon and Garfunkel Story The fact that this show comes directly from a week-long run in London’s West End at the Vaudeville Theatre, a SOLD OUT worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, speaks volumes!

I’m excited to say that this 50th Anniversary Celebration is now coming to Peterborough’s Key Theatre on Saturday July 13. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the show features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

Tickets are £20.50 on 01733 207239.

Mikey Clarke

The Sound of Springsteen You’ve gotta love the sounds of ‘The Boss’! You can hear Springsteen’s hits brought to life by an 8 piece band, who were each carefully chosen for their unique abilities as a performer and an undeniable love of the music.

The band members as they are now have impressive references, listing previous UK tours alongside recordings with big names in the music industry, and we get to see them right on our doorstep. Catch this great show at the Cresset on Thursday August 22.

Tickets are £26 on 01733 265705.

Mikey Clarke

Danzfusion Legally Blonde the Musical I’ve seen the Legally Blonde movie more times than anyone should admit – and yes, I’ve even seen the live show version. So, let me tell you first-hand that it is not to be missed.

Kindred Drama and the Key Youth Theatre are bringing us their latest hot production to the Key Theatre from Wednesday August 21 to Saturday August 24.

This is a fabulously fun award-winning musical which follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal at a prestigious law school in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this show is so much fun, it should be illegal!

Tickets are £18, £14 concessions from the box office on 01733 207239.

Mikey Clarke 6

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Looking for something for all the family? Having undergone an exciting expansion this year, Danzfusion return for their 13th annual show, Danzfusion Evolution, at the Cresset on Sunday July 7.

With new and old cast members working together, it’s a great showcase of the company's talent in a celebration of dance and music for all ages.

With new classes, evolved competition and performance teams and more open classes than ever, Danzfusion are proud to provide opportunities to bring together the local community of Peterborough and highlight more than ever the positive impact and importance of dance enrichment.

Tickets are £16.50, concessions £13.50 on 01733 265705.

Mikey Clarke

Let's Hang On “Oh what a story…Oh what a show…OH WHAT A NIGHT” Let's Hang On – the World’s first & longest running tribute to the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is celebrating 10 years at the top!

In this show, we’ll discover how four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of the tracks invented their own sound and sold over 175 million records before they turned 30! I’ve seen a West End show that tells this very story (you know the one!) and can’t wait to watch how this version differs.

Things that will certainly remain the same ares the fantastic atmosphere whilst we’re treated to our favourite hits and movie soundtracks from a catalogue spanning over five decades such as, Grease, Stay (Dirty Dancing), December 1963 (Oh What a Night!), Sherry, Beggin’, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back To You, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and many more, finally taking the roof off with a spectacular finale Let’s Hang On! The morning session is autism friendly, with a reduced capacity, no loud music and reduced lighting.

See it at the Cresset on Saturday August 24.

Tickets are £26 on 01733 265705.

Mikey Clarke

Sing For Life Join the Sing for Life women as they perform live on stage with Peterborough Voices in a charity concert supporting Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

It’s the culmination of a ten-week project which has seen many of the women start singing from scratch, the concert will feature a varied programme of choral favourites, ballads and songs from the shows. Don’t miss it at the Cresset on Saturday July 20!

Tickets are £17.50, concessions £16 on 01733 265705.

There’s so much happening in the lead up to the reopening of Peterborough New Theatre on Broadway, ESP popped in for a catch up with the Theatre Director Richie Ross for all the latest news.

That’s all being enhanced by the Aside from all the announcements recruitment of a local team to run the of great new theatre – something Richie believes is shows heading hugely important. our way “It would be easy for me to sit here as including dance someone who’s been in the industry for 20 hit Rip It Up 70s years and just recruit people I know but it’s Theatre Director, Richie Ross (September 20) more important that this is about people starring our very own former Strictly who know the city and the community. champion Louis Smith alongside Blue’s “I’ve moved here and relocated so this is Lee Ryan, Rebecca Stevens and Melody very much going to be my home now. I’m Thornton, Richie told us it’s been non-stop. looking forward to doing that and finding “There’s lots going on in the background out about all the exciting places to visit before our official takeover on 1st around Peterborough as well, but it is all September, we’re really busy building the about the local people and the community team that’s going to be leading the theatre and certainly the team that we’ll be having forward, that’s the senior management here will be delivering that service.” team. It’s the first time in a long time that As excitement builds for all the new it’s had a really professionally led team developments Richie is excited for the behind it. theatre’s future.

“There are some internal alterations “I’m most looking forward to three going on so for the moment we’re just things – firstly the 1st of September when we getting plans in to build a new bar in the officially take over, the 24th of September foyer a new box office counter and more which is the opening night of our first importantly some technical infrastructure production Avenue Q then the opening that’s going to allow us to bring some of night of panto. I’m really looking forward to these great touring shows to the city.” that because panto is so special for me as a More and more is being added to the theatre manager it’s such a great time of packed programme all the time – even year to get families involved. When the before Selladoor officially take over there house lights go down and the kids start are great shows booked in including Noise screaming – if that’s your first tast of theatre Boys, the brand new tap dancing and you think wow that must be so magical – so beatboxing spectacular show which heads for me this year they’re the three key things here from July 25 - 27.

I’m looking forward to immensely.

The new brochure will be available “We’re going to make it the theatre that from mid July but the programming team everyone wants to come to. Honestly some is already booking into 2020 and promise of the programming that’s coming up in the there are some great touring shows next 18 months is going to be so spectacular coming up, including some that have – we will promise to deliver a great customer never been to the city before. experience when you walk through that After years in the theatre industry front door. Come in have a great night and Richie has now based himself in the city send you home safe and sound and we’ll see and says he’s been focused on rebuilding you next time.” trust in the venue.

“I’ve spent the last few weeks going out www.newtheatre-peterborough.com and putting myself into the community and meeting lots of people that are associated with Peterborough and there definitely seems a big swell of support for the venue reopening again.

There’s a lot of legacy here that goes back many years that puts it in a special place in many people’s hearts, so I think whilst we have to acknowledge what’s happened in the past we need to focus on the future moving forward and focus on those relationships and build the trust back up in local people.”

Rip It Up 70s starring Louis Smith, Rebecca Stevens and Melody Thornton

Photo: Georgia Evans

Exciting Times @ Peterborough New Theatre

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

New Season at the Cresset The new brochure is out now for The Cresset and it’s looking like another busy season for the Bretton venue.

As ever there’s the chance to enjoy the music of some of the biggest artists out there with some new top-quality tributes, including Oye Santana, the UK No. 1 Winner at the 2018 National Tribute Music Awards; Into The Groove, a dazzling production celebrating the best of Madonna; and Thank You For The Music, bringing all of ABBA’s biggest hits to the stage. Some favourites will be back too – Whitney: Queen of the Night, Let’s Hang On, A Vision of Elvis, The Carpenters Story, The Upbeat Beatles and Michael: Starring Ben. It’ll be a wild night with the award-winning Irish band The Wild Murphys capturing the spirit of a crazy night out in the live music pubs of the emerald isle with One Night In Dublin, and you can take a trip through time with The Magic of Motown and Sun Records: The Concert both bringing a distinctive sound and tons of nostalgic hits to Peterborough. You can also try something a little bit different by booking tickets to see The Red Hot Chilli Pipers – the most famous bagpipe band on the planet!

There’s some great comedy lined up we’ll be keeping you posted about in our ESP Comedy pages but they’re guaranteed to sell out fast so be sure to book your tickets! Coming soon are Rhod Gilbert, Kevin Bloody Wilson, Russell Kane, Ben Elton and Jonathan Pie. At the Cresset there’s something for everyone – MineVention is back for its fourth year and with its new retro zone for older gamers, the whole family is sure to enjoy this fun-filled event. Later on in the year there’s also the second ever WizCon, a guaranteed magical day out for any Harry Potter fan.

PODS are also back at the Cresset for their latest production – everyone’s favourite flying car is driving right into Peterborough for a fantasmagorical musical for all the family in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Featuring the unforgettable Sherman Brothers score along with plenty of riproaring dancing and even a magical car that flies before your eyes! Speaking of flying – this October, take a trip into the magical world of In The Night Garden Live, complete with a real Pinky Ponk Air Orb that soars over the heads of audiences. The little ones will love seeing their favourite characters brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music.

Completing the year as always is the Cresset’s annual panto – this year it’s Cinderella. With the sparkliest sets, the funniest jokes, the catchiest songs, and the ugliest sisters, you’re invited to the most magical pantomime of all – book your tickets early!

Check out www.cresset.co.uk for all the details, or contact the box office on 01733 265705. www.espmag.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON @ PRIDE Grab yourself a free programme for the full listings but here are a few highlights…

Saturday June 29

Hip, Hip, I’m Gay! A comedy cabaret that follows reallife stories and experiences of coming out and the mental health struggles people have faced alongside their sexual identity. It’s powerful, funny, moving, heartfelt, uplifting and is delivered by a cast of queer performers who’ve lived similar stories to the ones depicted.

See it at The Undercroft at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre. Tickets are £8 from www.easternangles.co.uk or call 01473 211498.

Sunday June 30

Peterborough Pride Parade

There’s a rainbow over the city as the second Peterborough Pride Festival gets underway with some lively events and a fantastic parade.

R

unning from Friday June 28 to Friday July 5, Peterborough Pride 2019 is packed with even more events and provides a platform for getting together and showing support for our LGBT+ friends and family.

Simon Green Pride co-ordinator Simon Green told ESP – “Peterborough Pride is for everyone regardless of sexuality or gender identity. Let’s bring Peterborough together not just for Pride but into the future and create a city where everyone is respected and feels valued.”

ESP is proud to be supporting Peterborough Pride for the second year running. So grab a free programme available at outlets across the city, buy some of the merch and get out and party – it’s for everyone!

In addition to enjoying all the fantastic events, everyone’s being encouraged to think big and support in whatever way you can. Even if it’s just displaying the rainbow flag you’ll be showing your support.

Once this year’s festival draws to a close Simon and the organsiers are already looking forward to next year’s – “This is year two of a five year plan that will see Peterborough Pride become a regional leader on the national Pride programme. Peterborough Pride is unique and we'll continue to promote the arts and culture by giving a platform to local talent and attracting performers and artists to the city.”

So check out Peterborough Pride on the social channels and www.peterboroughprideuk.com for everything you need to know as well as www.espmag.co.uk.

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Following the success of last year’s Peterborough Pride March – Embrace events are back again helping lead the parade.

The meeting point is the north end of Stanley Rec Park behind the City Market. Meet at 11.30am ready to leave at 12 noon. The parade will move through Peterborough city centre along Broadway and Long Causeway and then on to Cathedral Square heading towards the Town Hall. Dress to impress and bring your flags, banners and whistles. All welcome at this inclusive public celebration and show of solidarity. www.facebook.com/groups/EMBRA CE.Events.

Sunday June 30

Carnival of Love Embrace Events have teamed up with SAMM’s and the Lightbox Café Bar on Bridge Street to bring you the biggest LGBTQIA+ family friendly street party in town. Full of camp fun and games, the afternoon will feature some of the country’s best drag queens, live music including the return of the Fyzz Wallis Band and some of the best DJs the Peterborough scene has to offer. Your host is the one and only Ritzy Crackers and her Disco Dollies. It’s £2 for a wristband to attend from 1pm - 6pm.

Facebook: Embrace.Events Monday July 1

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta Grab your opportunity to hear an extract from Dean Atta’s new book The Black Flamingo.

Fiercely told, this is a timely comingof-age story told in verse and written by the celebrated poet, Dean Atta. A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen – then at University he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness.

Admission’s free and there’ll be an opportunity for a Q & A following the reading.

See it at Metal, St Peters Road, PE1 1YX. www.metalculture.com.

Thursday July 4

A Haunted Existence In the early 1950’s, 17-year-old Geoffrey Patrick Williamson was on the Exeter to Bristol train when he got into a conversation with another man travelling in his compartment. He accused Geoffrey of making 'improper approaches'. The other man was a Railway Officer, in plain clothes.

Geoffrey was arrested at the next stop. When questioned, Williamson revealed the names of men he had had sex with, beginning a domino effect of arrests, prison, aversion therapy and suicide.

Performance artist, Tom Marshman blends creative technology, music and projection as he retraces the forgotten true story of a young man who was arrested for gross indecency.

See it at the Key Theatre. Tickets are £11.50 from www.vivacity.org or call 01733 207239.

Friday July 5

Icons Of Gay Disco: Vol 2 Love is the Message Icons Of Gay Disco returns for a Pride closing party! The evening celebrates the DJ’s and producers from the 1970’s New York club scene who helped lift the underground into the mainstream, and support the civil rights movement for equality.

Spreading love is the message around the world. Glastonbury DJs Eclectic Ballroom and All That’s Jazz will be hosting the night featuring the music and iconography of the time at the new venue, The Dog House Cocktail Bar in Westgate Arcade from 9pm – 3am. Dress bright, loud and colourful.

Admission’s £5 on the door, all proceeds after costs will go to Peterborough Pride.

paparazzi Caught in the act?

21st Dragon Boat Festival We’ve definitely had sunnier ones, but this year’s Dragon Boat Festival at Peterborough Rowing Lake was still a winner.

Once again it was a sell out event and 45 teams braved the rain and still managed to raise a massive £30,000 for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice – and we salute them all.

The champions on the day were TVSG The First, and the top charity fundraisers were TVSG who raised an amazing £6,030 and scooped themselves an experience day at Orton Hall Hotel including the Imagine Spa and a birds of prey experience courtesy of CJ’s Birds of Prey.

The best dressed crew was The Hawaii Five-O’s from Ballast Phoenix.

ESP photographer Mike Harris got his raincoat on and captured the action and the smiles.

You can see all of our Paparazzi photos on our Facebook page.

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www.espmag.co.uk

11

LocalEvents

Gennaro brings us a taste of

La Dolce Vita

"Having a chef of the pedigree of Gennaro Contaldo attending the festival is also a real coup and I am sure visitors will be interested to learn from him and find out new ways to experiment with their home cooking."

This year’s entertainment includes singer Sergio Marinaro, the Principi dance and music group and folk band Laboratorio from Foggia, plus Pip Brown and Luke Carey sing the very best of Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

This year’s celebrity chef, Gennaro Contaldo

Photos: Chris Brudenell and Mike Harris

Photo: www.simonburtphotography.co.uk

If you want to get in the mood for your summer holiday or capture the essence of a trip to Italy, here’s your chance to enjoy a taste of La Dolce Vita right here in Peterborough.

F

rom gelato to pasta, Ferraris to football it’s time to celebrate all things Italian with the help of celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo.

Peterborough enjoys a fabulous series of festivals and when it comes to creating that fantastic summer vibe the Italian Festival has it sorted – so much so it’s been brought forward from its traditional date in September to be held on Saturday July 6 and Sunday July 7 instead.

It’s one of the biggest celebrations of Italian culture in the country and this will be the eleventh annual festival, held in Cathedral Square with a special guest appearance by one of the UK’s best-loved chefs, Gennaro Contaldo, on the Sunday.

Along with all the other stage entertainment Gennaro will be holding a Q&A session and mingling with the crowds.

12 www.espmag.co.uk

The free event is organised by Peterborough's Italian Community Association and supported by Peterborough City Council.

If you love Mediterranean food don’t miss it, but it’s not just about the delicious confectionery, ice-cream and pasta there will be equally delicious classic Italian cars and motorcycles to drool over, as well as scooters, an Italian market, music and much more.

Councillor Marco Cereste, chair of the Italian Community Association, said: "The Peterborough Italian Festival is one of the most popular dates in the city centre calendar as there is always so much to see and do. The city has a rich Italian heritage and it is wonderful to see it celebrated so well each year.

Great tunes, food and gelato – count us in!

If you love Italian cuisine and culture then you’re in for an absolute treat, so head down and enjoy another fantastic free event right in the heart of the city.

The festival runs from 12noon to 5pm on both days.

ManTown about

ano Pep Cipri pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

STILL SIZZLING IN THE SACK

According to research one in ten pensioners have more sex now than when they were younger. Now picture your nan and grandad...

No Fudging the Quality I’m going to dedicate a line to this, as it’s a standalone powerful statement: If you want the best fudge tart in Britain then look no further than Peter’s Traditional Bakery on Fletton High Street.

Tons to Eat at Italian Festival!

It’s Italian Festival time on Cathedral Square (July 6 and 7) and for me it means leaving my belt at home or wearing something with an elasticated waistband.

This year’s festival will be the 11th successive event the Italian Community Association and city council has hosted to celebrate all things Italian.

A bunch of new stall-holders will be bringing some muchneeded variety for visitors to enjoy and this time there’s stuff to do for the kids and a bit more than just delicious food on offer.

Celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo returns following his first special guest appearance at the event in 2013. He’ll be doing a question and answer session on the Sunday and deservedly parading through the festival like Don Fanucci in Godfather II. I’m at a wedding on the Saturday night and will be hungover on Sunday. So, if you fancy joining me for a bit of ‘hair of the dog’ with some Limoncello then I’ll see you there.

CIAOS OUT: 14 www.espmag.co.uk

Plenty of Pride Still The city’s Peterborough Pride programme has been an excellent success and there’s still something for everyone to enjoy before the week-long activities and events come to an end on July 5.

ESP has been proud to back the festival for the second year (see our feature on P.9).

Here are a few events I’ve picked out that are definitely worth going to...

July 2: Rupaul’s Drag Race Quiz at the Queen’s Head. There are prizes for the highest and lowest scoring teams and funds go to Peterborough Pride.

July 3: LGBT + Workplace Awareness. Onehour sessions between 12 and 2pm at Metal, St Peter’s Road. Designed to give employers and employees a better understanding of issues around LGBT + and trans equality.

July 5: LGBTQIA + Youth Cafe - Lipsync Karaoke With The Fabulous Josh (4 - 7pm).

This is also at Metal and Josh Daniel from Queer Disco in Portsmouth will be bringing out your hidden singing talents on stage.

July 5: Icons Of Gay Disco - Vol 2 - Love Is The Message. This is the Pride closing party and celebrates the 1970s New York club scene that helped lift the underground into mainstream. Glastonbury DJs Eclectic Ballroom and All That’s Jazz will be hosting the night at The Dog House Cocktail Bar in Westgate Arcade.

There’s something going on every day, so check out what you fancy at www.peterboroughprideuk.com.

Stu - Rocketman any good…? Jules - it’s still bar week Wonkey crew - when’s part two?

Carmelo - that calamari is to die for! Luke - nice vinyl job again Bex - ‘Lorrygate’ sorted?

SUMMER

MY

WORD

What a cracker we’ve been having so far folks: Rain, drizzle, showers, fine rain, dark, OF THE MONTH heating back on, spiders coming in for cover, mud, cold, winter duvet back on, bingo wings and love handles still covered up, barbecue in the bin, feels like a scene from Seven, events being cancelled and just in case I haven’t said it yet - rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain and more rain.

Was there a better Year?

The year 1984 has been voted the best year for music according to Brits in a Greatest Hits Radio survey and I couldn’t agree more.

I retired my beach body about 15 years ago because my hairy chest scared children and my love handles were mistaken for armbands.

The only time I take my top off is to shower and the light’s usually off when it’s rumpy-pumpy time.

So, you can imagine how pleased I was to read that a statue representing a normal man has been created by Scottish sculptor Michelangelo Onarati. But unlike the classic Michelangelo’s David, this one – named DAVEO – has a plump stomach, love handles, random chest hair and a leaf covering his meat and two veg.

It challenges the ideals of unrealistic male beauty as part of a campaign from Foster’s lager to help re-carve society’s expectations of what us blokes should look like. Ed Sheeran, James Cordon and Danny Dyer are the top male celebrities with the most relatable body types, according to the men surveyed.

The 4m tall statue is looking for a home after being rejected by the Tate Modern and the V&A. So, if you run a gallery, pub, football club or any place where DAVEO can be exhibited, visit via www.fosters.co.uk for more information.

CAUGHT IN

THE ACT! "Can anyone expla in what’s going on in this photo?

I seem to remem ber Pamela Ande rson having slightly bigger bo obs?"

Photos: Chris Porsz

Keeping it a Real Man

G

eorge Michael had five top 10 singles and Frankie Goes to Hollywood spent five weeks at number one with Relax. It was the year of Prince’s Purple Rain album and Band Aid record Do They Know It’s Christmas.

Then there’s this lot. Convince me there was a better year for music and I’ll eat your vinyl collection.

Chaka Khan - I Feel For You, Duran Duran - The Reflex, Wham! - Freedom, Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel - White Lines (Don't Do It), Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), Queen Radio Ga Ga, Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It, Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time, U2- Pride (In The Name Of Love), Madonna - Holiday, Rufus & Chaka Khan Ain't Nobody. The list goes on!

And it was a cracking year for films too with the likes of Karate Kid, The Terminator, Police Academy, Once Upon A Time in America, Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom, Gremlins, A Nightmare On Elm Street and Beverly Hills Cop hitting cinema screens.

I was 10-years-old but I remember all those chart hits and films like it was yesterday. In Peterborough I have memories of getting excited for trips to Queensgate, being allowed to play the penny machine in the amusement arcade on Bridge Street and riding my Raleigh Striker all the way from Stanground to Ferry Meadows and back.

Breakdancing was all the rage (it was the year of Breakdance and Beat Street cinema releases) and we were watching Dungeons and Dragons, Inspector Gadget and Fraggle Rock. We played outside until it got dark and our weekly treat was fish ‘n’ chips on a Friday.

Then of course, you grow up. Surely there was no better year to be a kid – and one in Peterborough for that matter. Let’s reminisce. Send me your memories of growing up in the city during the 1980s just because it makes me happy!

Kid around town! Me in the 80’s www.espmag.co.uk

15

Food Glori us Food Thai Tapas @ The Tap

New Tap & Tandoor opens this Month in the City There’s more good news for the dining out scene in Peterborough as the new Tap & Tandoor gastro pub opens in Queensgate shopping centre this month.

Having just celebrated their first successful year in Solihull, the award winning independent Indian gastro pub, is now bringing its new concept to Peterborough with an 80 cover outlet in the city which will be its second in the UK. A representative from Tap & Tandoor said - “We are looking forward to joining an already thriving food scene in Peterborough. The city sees the growing importance and value of independents. We can’t wait to welcome our guests and provide them with a new experience.”

Tap & Tandoor will take over the former Carluccio’s restaurant which is being completely refurbished with the design mixing the comfort and warmth of a traditional British pub with a touch of Indian heritage.

You can expect a casual dining experience and they specialise in craft beer, cocktails and Indian food including small plates, home-style curries such as Butter Chicken and their popular mixed grill which is a selection of prime cut meats cooked over charcoal. A vegetarian and vegan mixed grill platter is also available.

Tap & Tandoor will open mid-end July and will operate from 12pm-12am seven days a week with food being served all day.

Mark Broadhead, Centre Director at Queensgate said: “We are delighted to welcome Tap & Tandoor to Queensgate Shopping Centre and further extend out dining and drinking offer for our shoppers.

Tap & Tandoor have shown they have real passion to make their independent business work in Peterborough and bring something new and exciting to the city centre. The food looks sensational and I’m convinced this will be a great success.”

M E D I A

S E R V I C E S

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DID YOU KNOW WE DID THIS?

The popular Thai Tapas menu is back at The Brewery Tap on Westgate so if you fancy a little variety it’s definitely the spice of life!

Thai Tapas is available Tuesdays to Thursdays for a delicious lunch from 12noon – 2.30pm and then later for an after work nibble from 5.30 - 7pm. You can choose any three dishes from the special tapas menu for £13.50.

There’s a great choice from favourites like Tempura Vegetables and Thai Fries through to Oaka Chicken Wings along with Moo Yang (chargrilled marinated pork, served with a spicy tamarind dip) and Crispy Chicken Wontons, Oriental Duck Rolls and Chicken and Sweetcorn Croquettes deep fried, served with a sweet chilli dip.

Check out the full tasty menu on www.thebrewery-tap.com/thai-tapas/.

It runs through until September 26 so it’s ideal for some summer lunches out of the office or a get together with your mates after work.

New Summer Menu @ Bill's Peterborough Bill’s in Peterborough has just launched a new menu including a range of delicious and seasonal dishes and drinks – perfect for the summer months.

If you’re a regular at this great restaurant in the city centre there are some fresh new dishes to try out including Paprika, Garlic and Chilli Roasted Half Chicken served with fries, pea shoots and spicy mayo, finished with an onion, parsley & lemon dressing, Crab and Courgette Risotto cooked in a smoky tomato stock with chives & plum tomato and Pea and Basil Hummus on Sourdough with Poached Eggs topped with raw rainbow carrots, courgette and fennel, served with purple dressing.

A new vegan dish has also been added,

Kale, Chickpea and Miso Hummus Salad topped with edamame, asparagus, watermelon, pickled red onions, green chilli & toasted pistachios with an onion, parsley & lemon dressing. To polish off the meal diners can enjoy a Mango and Passionfruit Eton Mess – yes please!

It’s not just the food menu that’s been refreshed there are some different tipples to try too. How about a Rhubarb Rossini – strawberry puree & rhubarb liqueur, finished with Prosecco, a Frozen Watermelon Margarita - AquaRiva blanco tequila, watermelon, lime, agave & ginger, blended with ice and pineapple or a Somerset Sour – Somerset apple brandy, pineapple, lemon & Mediterranean rosemary.

Around the World @ Van Hage If you’re not off on your hols for a while you cans tsill dine like your on your travels at the restuarnat at Van Hage in Eye. They’ve introduced a range of themed food days to spice things up a little.

Mondays now see an American flavour to their dishes so you can dine on some USA inspired dishes. Tuesdays is on efor the senior citizens with a pork carvery and a variety of other dishes. It’s Curry Wednesdays for those who like their Indian inspired food and there’s something for everyone on International Thursdays when there’ll be Chinese, Italian and Mexican on the menu.

Of course it has to be Fish Fridays and then at the weekend it’s Pie Saturdays with a variety of yummy homemade pies to sample. Sundays sees a choice of three meats on their regular carvery (£8.95).

Main meals (other than the cravery) are just £5.99 and you can upgrade with a small bottle of wine or beer for £2 extra.

Website Design and Social Media Campaigns – plus a free review of your current digital marketing offering.

CALL: 01733 381266

It’s not too late to train for the Perkins Great Eastern Run, 2019!

With the Perkins Great Eastern Run taking place on October 13, you’re probably thinking it may be too late to start training for it. However, according to the website RunnersWorld, if you can run a 5K now, then you can run a half marathon in just eight weeks. Three months (which is what we have till race day) is more than ideal – even giving us a buffer if we get sick, injured, or slammed at work.

Free parking is available at the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre car park and the Athletics Track has full changing and shower facilities.

R

eading this settled my nerves as just a few days ago (after a few pints) I agreed to run the full 13 miles on behalf of the local charity, Anna’s Hope. Let’s just say that the last time I ran, I was chasing an ice-cream van down the road – and even then, I was exhausted. So, if I can do this… so can you!

If you’re thinking about taking part in the half marathon yourself but feel you need a little extra help to get you prepared for the big race, then why not attend the free training sessions that take place at the Peterborough Embankment Athletics Track? The training sessions are organised with experienced runners and coaches from local running clubs, who’ll lead the runs.

Each training session begins at 7pm with a warm up. Runners will be divided according to level of fitness and aspirations before being taken for a training run. You can take part in a 50-minute run at whatever pace you like (25 minutes out and 25 minutes back) on a picturesque route from the Athletics Track along the River Nene.

On the track there will be two sessions, each led by a coach and an assistant coach. One will be a 'zero to 5k' session, progressing over the seven weeks to enable complete beginners to complete the Anna's Hope Fun Run. The other will be focused on those already able to run 5k or 10k and wishing to develop their speed and fitness for the half marathon.

I attended these classes a few years back with some friends and we all said how we loved the community atmosphere and meeting other runners who were just as unexperienced as us. It’s a great social event as well as getting you ready for race day!

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Training sessions take place on every other Wednesday from July.

The dates are: 10 July 24 July 7 August 21 August 4 September 18 September 2 October For more information email perkinsgreateasternrun@ peterborough.gov.uk.

Having ran this a few times over the years, I assure you it’s a day you will never forget.

The city is full of supporters cheering you on from outside their homes – it really brings out the best in people. And that feeling you get when passing the finish line is truly overwhelming.

I hope to see you there.

Mikey Clarke

“I attended these classes a few years back with some friends and we all said how we loved the community atmosphere...”

300 Free Entries For Children running on behalf of Anna’s Hope Anna’s Hope are offering up to 300 free places into the fun run when children raise £30 or more for the charity.

They are the leading children's brain tumour charity in the East of England – committed to giving hope to children and young people diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The £30 raised in sponsorship money will fund one week’s specialist neurorehabilitation support for one child with a brain tumour and £125 is enough for a month’s care.

Children taking part in the Anna’s Hope Fun Run must be 16 years-old or younger and each child that raises at least £30 will be awarded a certificate in addition to the medal they receive for completing the run.

The 300 free places initiative is only open to children but adults can of course enter the Anna's Hope Fun Run and raise money for the charity or any other charity of their choice. Why not join me in running the half marathon on behalf of this wonderful cause?

For fundraising forms and more information about the free entry initiative, email admin@annashope.co.uk.

To help Anna’s Hope make a difference, they are challenging school children, mums and dads, friends and businesses to run or walk and raise funds for the charity in this year’s Anna’s Hope Fun Run. Every penny will make a difference.

Schools Any school that raises more than £375 for Anna’s Hope (three months support for one child) will receive a ‘Making a Difference’ trophy.

Adults Any adult who raises more than £60 for Anna’s Hope will receive a free Anna’s Hope t-shirt to wear on the day of the run.

Free cake!

All Anna’s Hope runners are invited to the Anna’s Hope marquee after the run to celebrate with cake and a drink.

For further information on running on behalf of Anna’s Hope, email admin@annashope.co.uk or telephone 01780 740492.

To register for the Perkins Great Eastern Run and for more information, visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk.

ESP’s essential summer what’s on guide

NEW ART ON SHOW AT BURGHLEY SCULPTURE GARDEN

THIS IS PLANET EARTH We all marvelled at the Museum of the Moon last year now it’s time to come back down to Earth.

A

nother amazing artwork is set to bring planet Earth inside Peterborough Cathedral this summer from Monday August 19 to Sunday September 15 and we can’t wait!

Gaia, is an artwork by Luke Jerram, who brought the huge moon installation to the city last year as papart of the cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations and it attracted over 40,000 visitors.

It measures seven metres in diameter and features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface (compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA ). It’s an incredible opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three-dimensions suspended under the central tower of the cathedral, and creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987.

The 3D installation will rotate once every four minutes, 360 times faster than our real planet and is internally lit. During evening opening times a specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones will be played, and the lighting of the piece shown to full advantage as dusk falls. By standing 211m away from the artwork, you’lll be able to see the Earth as it appears from the moon.

Luke Jerram said: “I was amazed and delighted that so many people came to see Gaia’s sister artwork Museum of the Moon when it was in Peterborough last year. This time visitors will be able to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place.

An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.

Luke Jerram “Halfway through the Earth’s sixth mass extinction, we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour. We need to quickly make the changes necessary, to prevent run away Climate Change. There really is no Planet B!”

“...we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour.”

There will be a programme of themed events as part of the Gaia exhibition we’ll keep you posted about and Gaia will be open to the public free of charge during normal cathedral visiting times. A series of special evening openings will show the artwork in its full glory with the accompanying soundtrack. The evening entry charge is £2 per person or £6 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/gaia For more information about the artwork, visit http://my-earth.org/ and on social media #EarthArtwork.

The grand Burghley House, in Stamford, is holding a new outdoor exhibition this summer, Form and Function, which displays a range of new and supersized sculptures alongside many of the regular artworks. The biggest piece, the ‘Stuka’ sculpture replicates a German dive bomber and is made from more than five tonnes of metal. The sculpture ‘Down. Two. Earth’ definitely suits its name as it’s a plane that’s been created to look as if it’s crashed into the ground. Take a trip to Burghley House if you’re interested in seeing these sculptures and many others set in the beautiful gardens. You could also take a wander around the amazing house; enjoy a full Sunday lunch or simply a cup of coffee in the café. The exhibition’s on show every day from 11am to 5pm until November 3. Make sure to visit the website www.burghley.co.uk or call 01780 752451 to view times and prices, starting from £12 per person if you book in advance.

Ellie Greenfield

TAKE A TOUR AND GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY’S PAST Found yourself at a loose end this summer holiday? Why don’t you take a trip down to Peterborough Museum and join one of the guided walks, including the Hidden Heritage Tour, Crime and Punishment Walk, chilling Ghost Walk and many more.

The Hidden Heritage Tour will surprise you with the unknown, intriguing history of our home town. Are you interested in crime cases and notorious criminals? You should definitely go on the Crime and Punishment Walk to find out a bit about Peterborough’s history of crime; if you aren’t so much into true crime, what about learning about the eerie hauntings of Peterborough buildings. This may seem scary but don’t worry your costumed guide will keep you from being too frightened.

Each of the walks are only £5 for an adult and £3 for a child, for many this is a much cheaper day out than a shopping trip… Peterborough Museum holds a wide variety of tours and walks so why not try something dfferent. Visit www.vivacity.org/heritage/walks/ for more details.

Ellie Greenfield

www.espmag.co.uk

21

SUMMER MOVIE MAGIC at Burghley House We all love the movies but there’s something extra special about seeing a film under the stars!

W

e can’t wait for the return of one of the UK’s most picturesque outdoor cinemas set in the beautiful gardens of Burghley House in Stamford.

The Burghley Film Festival runs from July 24-28 and boasts a line-up of 20 films across the five days, with the Tudor house and sweeping parkland providing a spectacular backdrop.

And some of this year’s top movies will be music to the ears of fans who

can enjoy their own sing-along under the stars, thanks to mega musical hits The Greatest Showman and Bohemian Rhapsody… not forgetting Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

But if belting out smash hits from Hugh Jackman, Queen and ABBA isn’t quite your thing, how about a spot of romance with Pride and Prejudice, the brilliantly cynical period comedy The Favourite or the sheer spectacle of Oscar-winning blockbuster Black Panther?

The daytime screenings will keep the kids happy with film favourites like The Incredibles 2, The Jungle Book – and another Oscar-winner, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.

So grab your camping chairs and picnic rugs and either take your own goodies along or dine at the various food stalls and enjoy a tipple with real ales, the G & T bar and Pimms on tap.

Tickets are available in advance at £17.50 for adults and £11.50 for children right through until the day before the event. On the day prices will be £18.50 and £12.50. Parking is free. Daytime tickets give access to both screenings during the day, and evening tickets give access to both evening screenings.

For a full list of all the movies and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

BATTLE PROMS @ BURGHLEY The beautiful Burghley House in Stamford is hosting the 15th annual Battle Proms on Saturday July 20. We’re sure you’ll love this summer celebration as it has an extraordinary atmosphere made up of music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry, fireworks and a tonne more surprises. Although we do warn you, your arms may be achy the next day from waving your flag all night!

The night’s focused around the full 2 hour orchestral concert from the 60 piece New English Concert Orchestra, which is led by Douglas Coombes MBE and compered by the BBC presenter Pam Rhodes.

Another key part of this feel good concert is the 193 canons that are used to create a thunderous percussion for Beethoven’s Battle Symphony. If you’re interested in joining the fun make your way to Burghley House, gates open at 4.30pm with music starting at 6.30pm. To purchase tickets or for further information go to www.battleproms.com – don’t forget your picnic blanket and some bubbly!

Ellie Greenfield 22 www.espmag.co.uk

CHEERS! GIN, RUM AND PROSECCO FESTIVALS HEAD TO THE CATHEDRAL Get ready to enjoy some smashing booze in the lovely setting of Peterborough Cathedral at the Peterborough Gin and Rum Festival this July. The festival will run on Friday July 12 and Saturday July 13 from 6.30 to 11pm, inside the beautiful cloisters of the cathedral. With 120 different gins and rums to choose from with free mixers and soft drinks this is basically ensured to be a great, fun time.

There will also be live entertainment and a DJ so make sure to bring your dancing shoes! Tickets are being sold at £12 and £7.50 for students and NHS staff. To book or for more information, visit www.ginandrumfestival.com.

If you’re looking for something to celebrate in August how about the Prosecco and Gin Festival which is also coming to Peterborough? Once again the festival will take place in the beautiful cloisters of the cathedral on Friday August 9 and Saturday August 10.

Get ready to enjoy 60 specially chosen gins and a large range of sparkling wines, as well as trying a variety of samples.

Ticket prices range from £16.05 to £30.97 – there are many bundles and deals available so make sure to check out their website at www.proseccoandginfestival.co.uk/ peterborough for further information.

Head down and grab a glass of fizz, and some gin on a warm summer’s night.

Ellie Greenfield

Beer Festival Held in the lead up to the Editor’s birthday (CAMRA – you’re too kind!) the 42nd event runs from Tuesday August 20 to Saturday August 24 with an amazing array of ales and live tunes.

We’ll be helping a panel of ‘experts’ (how did we get invited again…?) to judge the best beer and then help them out further by drinking lots of it throughout the week!

As usual the fantastic stage line-up of bands is another reason this festival is the one not to miss. Along with acts throughout the week such as The Ouse Valley Singles Club, Velocity, 23 Reasons, Let There B/DC and loads more, the main Saturday night headliners are Blurd, the UK’s top performing Blur tribute act. Altogether now… “all the people, so many people…Parklife!”

If beer’s not your thing, head to the gin or wine bar or sample some cider or perry… all to be done whilst wearing a silly hat from one of the many stalls!

We’ll bring you more on www.espmag.co.uk and in our next issue, but you can find out more on www.beerfest.org.uk.

Photos: Tony Mayer

The event of the summer and a real favourite of us here at ESP is the annual Peterborough Beer Festival.

ESP COMPETITION

FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO PBF UP FOR GRABS Here’s your chance to grab one of five pairs of any-day entry tickets to this year’s Peterborough Beer Festival.

All you have to do to enter is email us at competitions@espmag.co.uk with the answer to the following question putting BEER in the header and include your name and contact number (over 18s only please).

Q - Where was the very first Peterborough Beer Festival held and in what year?

Entries must be received by 5pm on July 31, 2019. Usual competition rules apply. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. There is no cash alternative. Winners will be notified.

Photo: Lily Hill Photography

Photo: DG Music Ltd. Nick Caro

WATER NEWTON MUSIC FEST

Castor Festival Weekend Here’s to a night to remember. The St Kyneburgha Festival in Castor is celebrating its 22nd year in action! Make your way over to this beautiful village for the Festival weekend from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 7. This event is packed with loads of exciting things to do.

On the Friday night, the brilliant Motor City Vipers will have you up on the dance floor all night with their Motown and Northern Soul hits from the 60s and 70s.

Who doesn’t love a bit of soul music?

Gates open at 7pm and tickets for the Friday night are £15 each and include: a two course meal provided by Willowbrook Farm, bubbles bar, silent auction and raffle.

The Saturday sees the Festival Fete and Family Feast from 2-6pm. The day will be full of stalls, tea & cake, a barbecue, stone baked pizzas, live music, traditional swing boats, a children's entertainer. All of this topped off with the popular village Tugo-War and happy hour at the bar (5-6pm)make sure you don’t miss that one! All money raised will go to the historic St Kyneburgha Church, the Village Hall and CASPRA. For more information go to www.castorfestival.co.uk or phone 01733 380900. See you all there.!

Ellie Greenfield

Oundle International Festival The Oundle International Festival kicks off, for its 35th year running from July 4 to July 13 this summer. This festival is perfect for anyone and everyone – simply because it has so many different events and activities, you’re bound to find something you’ll really enjoy. The events run throughout the town at various times each day with a week of art exhibitions, live musical performances, sports events or even afternoon tea hosted at the school.

The celebrations are all topped off with Oundle’s party of the year which takes place at Oundle Wharf, headlined by ABBAMANIA and supported by many other brilliant acts. Don’t miss out on the fun this summer, whether you’re interested in attending events for a week straight or chilling out on a picnic blanket and enjoying some nice food and drinks from the stalls, or a bit of both.

Tickets are available for the different shows, to check out the times of events and prices go to www.oundlefestival.org.uk/oundle-international-festival.

The Oundle Fringe Festival will also be running in Oundle at the same time as the International Festival, from July 4 to July 13. As the Fringe Festival covers a wide range of styles: from jazz to folk, from classical to rock, comedy to theatrical and poetry, we’re sure you’ll enjoy it no matter what. Read more on our Live Music pages.

Ellie Greenfield 24 www.espmag.co.uk

This popular music festival returns on Bank Holiday Sunday August 25 with another great line-up of live acts.

ESP favourites the Houndogs will be joined by Nick Corney and the Buzz Rats and Pennyless with more yet to be announced.

This great open air one day event starts at 12 noon and is held on the village green with continuous music through to 7.30pm.

This year there will be delicious street food, together with locally made hamburgers and a beer tent serving real ales supplied by Castor Ales together with a gin bar.

So get your mates together and get ready to settle back in your camping chair and chill out to some great live music. Tickets are on sale now on www.waternewtonvillage.co.uk.

Thorney Live Charity Music Festival The twenty-fourth annual Thorney Live Music Festival returns with another great day of live tunes on Bank Holiday Sunday August 25.

Set in the grounds of the Bedford Hall at Thorney this year is another strong line-up with Andy Hughes, The Deps, Irene's Secret, The Agents, The Broadcasters, The Expletives and Flashback Photograph. Amongst these bands there will be something for everyone, so make sure you head down, let your hair down and enjoy the day.

It’s always a great event and there’s plenty for all the family with children's inflatables and stalls as well as a licensed bar and hot food and drink.

The gates open at 11.30am with the first band on at 12.30pm and the entertainment continues right through to dusk. Admission is just £10 with free entry for accompanied under 16s.

This year the event will be raising cash for Leukemia UK, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association & The Duke of Bedford School. www.thorneylive.co.uk

Nene Valley Festival Nene Valley Festival 2019 promises to be yet another exciting year packed full of events taking place over 9 days from September 14 - 22.

It celebrates the natural and historic assets of this beautiful landscape, and includes events taking place at a variety of venues from Northampton to Peterborough. The aim is to inspire more of us to connect with the wildlife and heritage of the beautiful Nene Valley.

The programme’s been designed so there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re interested in cultural heritage, local history, archaeology, food and drink, the arts or leisure activities.

Visit www.nenevalley.net to find out what’s on.

Vivacity holiday activities Never fear, the kids might be off but Vivacity has got your back this summer with six weeks of activities and events across the city guaranteed to bring an end to cries of – “I’m bored!” you for a minute. They’ll be too busy with sports activities, creative sessions and special event days. Plus, brand new escape room experiences. The clubs are bookable right through until April 2020 if you really want to get your plans sussed!

Swimming Courses

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ou name it, from fun holiday clubs to heritage events, themed activities to family days out, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the school holidays with Vivacity.

Holiday Clubs Breathe a sigh of relief and breeze into stress free summer days keeping the kids busy with Vivacity’s holiday clubs running between Monday July 22 and Friday August 30 at four venues. They’re for kids aged from 413 and are open between 8.30am and 5.30pm each day. There’s so much to get stuck into they won’t miss

Vivacity’s intensive swimming courses are back again for the summer holidays at Jack Hunt pool and gym.

The fully trained swim instructors teach additional skills and techniques to give your kids confidence in the water, help them reach their full potential and give them a sense of accomplishment. They’ll receive a swimming cap on the first day and a certificate at the end of the week. The intensive swimming courses take place every school holiday and are bookable directly at Jack Hunt.

Arts and Crafts If your kids are more creative they can

get arty at the Central Library with drop in crafts sessions on various days over the summer holidays and enjoy a trio of ‘Out Of This World’ stories, performed by storyteller John Kirk on Friday August 9 at the John Clare Theatre also at the Central Library.

Get the kids involved in the ‘Space Chase’ summer reading challenge that’s taking place. Sign up for free at your local library and all they have to do is read six books throughout the summer, collect Space Chase stickers for every book they read and they’ll receive a Space Chase certificate.

Plus, at Peterborough Archives at the Central Library they can create a fairground ride with ‘The fun of the fair’ activities on Thursday August 8 between 11am and 1pm.

Knights, Archaeology and Roaring Romans There’s plenty of adventure to be had at Vivacity’s heritage sites too. Visit

Longthorpe Tower on August 10 and 11 for fun medieval activities at the Knights & Princesses event. At Flag Fen on August 27 and 28 the Festival of Archaeology will help to spark adventurous young minds and from August 24 - 26 meet soldiers when the ‘Roaring Romans’ make an appearance. Plus, don’t miss a live pirate adventure, Treasure Island, at Flag Fen’s open air theatre on Saturday August 17.

Theatre and Films Visit the Key Theatre and treat the family to a show. Kindred drama and the Key Youth Theatre bring Legally Blonde the Musical to the stage from Wednesday August 21 - Saturday August 24. Plus, don’t miss Vivacity’s big blockbuster movies, including Spiderman Homecoming and the Secret Life of Pets 2.

And, the fun doesn’t stop there.

Vivacity have your whole six weeks covered with a range of activities and days out including: Peterborough Lido, Bretton Water Park, Rollers and Inclusive Sports.

Visit www.vivacity.org/ holidayactivities for dates, times and booking where applicable.

SUMMER @ NENE VALLEY RAILWAY There’s plenty of fun on the line at Nene Valley Railway this summer so it might be worth investing in the Summer Pass to get the best value.

On July 20 and 21 you can experience the thrill of The Night Mail, pulled by both steam and diesel power as they exchange mailbags on the move.

Then on August 10 and 11 it’s time to pack your sunglasses, bucket and spade and join Thomas for his summer holiday! You can ride behind the star of the show who’ll be pulling his very own special holiday train through his own ‘Channel Tunnel’. But there’s so much more included in your ticket, with activities and Thomas’ other friends throughout the weekend.

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It’s all aboard the steam hauled Teddy Express with fun for all the family and Teddies of course, on August 21 and 22. All children who are accompanied by a Teddy Bear travel for half price (aged 10 and under), accompanied by a full fare paying adult and you’ll travel in special Teddy decorated carriages. There’ll be plenty of activities, games and quizzes at the station.

The NVR Bank Holiday Branch Line Weekend is on August 24 – 26 when you can take a steam hauled trip along the tracks.

Take a look at www.nvr.org.uk to make sure you jump aboard for fun at NVR this summer!

Summer of Stories at Queensgate Everyone loves a good story and as part of the Year of Reading events in Peterborough, Queensgate Shopping Centre will be bringing some great tales to life from July 29 – August 9.

Get your little ones’ literary juices flowing at Queensgate Shopping Centre this summer, with this free event filled with book characters, family story time and crafts!

From the giant inflatable Boris the Bookworm to Story Soup adventures with Wendy Wordsworth, and Humpty Dumpty’s storytelling and parading Egg Soldiers, there’s something for everyone happening at Queensgate.

There’ll be a Giant Book Nook library area with cushions and beanbags, plus a magical forest of woodland characters from modern and classic fairy-tales, not to mention bookmark-making, cartoon-character designing and story-writing.

The event’s taking place to support the Vivacity Summer Reading Challenge 2019 event which aims to get the people of Peterborough reading more.

To find out more visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk or to discover more about the Challenge visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

DEEPING RAFT RACE WILL MAKE A SPLASH

The Deepings Raft Race is one not to be missed this summer on Thursday August 4. Over 40 rafts all created and decorated to 2019’s theme of Mardi Gras/Carnival, will be taking to the river at this great fun day out. The various races will run from Bridge Street, Deeping St James up the River Welland to the town centre of Market Deeping, if they make it that far...

ESP has taken part before and as past attendees of this unique, but very typically British event, we know it’s filled with fun and entertainment to the brim, packed with stalls selling food, drinks, a few sunken rafts and a whole load of fancy dress.

Entry’s free for spectators, however all money that’s raised is given away to charity – this year the three main charities are Linc’s & Nott’s Air Ambulance, Peterborough Air Cadets and Deeping United Football Club. For more information check out their website www.deepingsraftrace.co.uk.

Don’t miss out on the fun – get your carnival costume ready!

Ellie Greenfield www.espmag.co.uk

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Fight in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.freefirezone.co.uk email: games@freefirezone.co.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

Stamford Shakespeare Summer means it’s time for a little theatre alfresco – well for the Stamford Shakespeare actors at least as you’ll be watching them under cover!

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nother brilliant season of theatre has just got underway at the beautiful Rutland Open Air Theatre at Tolethorpe and if you’ve never given this a try we can really recommend it.

The season runs until August 31 with two Shakespeare plays – Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar – and Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit to choose from across various weeks.

It’s been described as ‘One of the finest things to do this summer’ by The Sunday Times and with good reason. Last summer over 33,000

people experienced the magic of a visit to this unique venue where the auditorium faces an open air stage set within an idyllic woodland glade. You get to enjoy the outdoor performance safely protected from what the British summer comes up with seated under a permanent canopy.

Their production of Twelfth Night has already opened but also runs during July and August.

Set in Albania in the early 19th century, Shakespeare’s greatest comedy contains some of his finest comic characters and is a fun tale of

unrequited love, shipwrecked twins, cross dressing, mistaken identity and drunken revels.

Julius Caesar is the second Shakespeare production by the company and this epic tale runs in July and August. Political and military rivalries spiral out of control in one of his most gripping plays and features some of his greatest characters.

On July 9 Blithe Spirit opens for its July and August run. This supernatural comedy set in the late 1930s, portrays the trials and tribulations of novelist Charles Condomine, who foolishly holds a séance to research his latest book.

When the eccentric medium Madame Arcati accidently summons the spirit

Twelfth Night

of his first wife, Elvira, his life descends into chaos. How will Charles cope caught between two wives, one dead, the other very much alive?

You can enjoy a picnic in the glorious gardens before the show but if you’d like something more formal, you can dine in the restaurant and there’s a theatre bar for enjoying preperformance and interval drinks as well as a spacious orangery where interval coffee is served.

Tickets range for £11 - £19 from the box office: 01780 756133.

Further information and online booking: www.stamford shakespeare.co.uk.

Blithe Spirit

Julius Caesar

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

Treasure Island

Are you familiar with the classic Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility?

Heroes, heartbreak and debonair villains, all topped off with a dashing duel. Well whether you are or not, we’re sure you couldn’t turn down the opportunity to see a modern day adaptation taking place in the beautiful, open air cloisters of Peterborough Cathedral. We think the stunning setting will really bring the production to life, not to mention the classic comedic style of DOT productions.

This comedy of manners is on Friday August 30 and doors open on the night at 6pm and the production starts at 7pm, don’t be late if you want a good view. Tickets are £12 - if you’re interested then take a look on www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk for the link to the ticket site.

Ellie Greenfield

Fancy going to see a great theatre production but don’t want to be crammed into a dark, stuffy theatre on a beautiful summer’s day? A modern day adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate adventure Treasure Island will be performed in the open air, at Flag Fen Archeology Park this summer. It’ll be performed by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company who are celebrating their 20th anniversary of producing great outdoor theatre.

If you have a taste for adventure, no matter how old you ‘ARGH’, we’re sure this performance will really float your boat. See Treasure Island on Saturday August 17 at 6.30pm (with doors opening at 5.30pm). Ticket prices vary from £16 for adults, £11 for children and £46 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children).

Bookings are via Peterborough Museum on 01733 864663, or email museum@vivacity.org for more details.

Ellie Greenfield

28 www.espmag.co.uk

Take a walk on the wild side at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park When it comes to the summer we all love a trip to a wildlife park and this one is the winner of the ELBA Attraction of the Year 2017/18. Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is just 15 minutes south of Skegness, and is quickly becoming a premier attraction for all ages.

It’s all set within 20 acres of landscaped gardens and natural woodland, you can explore the many wild and endangered species of animal including Lemurs, Meerkats, Puma, Panther, Tapir, Emu’s and many more! The park is also home to 11 Bengal Tigers, the largest collection in Europe and The Parrot Zoo Trust, one of the largest Parrot rescue centres in the world.

You can interact with the animals by feeding 100’s of parrots as they land on your shoulder within the amazing Walkthrough Experience or purchase treats for the cheeky Meerkat family in their Western Town.

The park is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with low viewing points and plenty of picnic areas to stop and refuel. You can also get freshly cooked meals, drinks and snacks from The Rainforest Diner while the children play happily on the adventure playground.

A day out at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is a unique and memorable experience, plus there are several events throughout the year to enjoy. Check their website for this year’s events www.lincswildlife.com/events.

SUMMER PARTY AND MINI FARM @ VAN HAGE There’s a new free attraction at Van Hage Garden Centre in Eye with their new Mini Farm expanding all the time – plus some great summer events coming up.

Head outside through the plant displays and you’ll find a range of animals and birds to view and watch being fed in the Mini Farm enclosure. There are now pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs and a peacock as well as an aviary and much more.

Van Hage stages regular events and this month it’s the store’s big Summer Party Event on Saturday July 13 with music, games, cooking demonstrations from Weber BBQ’s, Trager, and food suppliers giving away samples and tastings – yum!

Then later in the month don’t miss the Children's Animal Farm Pizza Parties on July 22, 24 and 26. It’s £5.95 per child and they’ll get to create a pizza in the shape of an animal, play games and enjoy the fun Next month it’s the Children's Beach Party events on August 5, 7 and 9 which includes a buffet.

Follow them on Facebook for all the details @VanHageGardenCentrePeterborough.

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NEW PLAY AREA Crocs and AT SACREWELL cake at Johnsons of Oldhurst

Sacrewell near Wansford has always been a fun day out with the family, and it’s just got even better. You and the family should head along to the opening of the new natural play area that opens at Sacrewell on Tuesday July 2 at 1pm. The aim of the new development is to create a space that children can engage with the outdoors in an adventurous way by using features of the natural landscape, including the stream and woodland. Don’t worry, of course there’ll be refreshments following the opening. You could also take a stroll around the farm, visit the 18th century watermill or enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake.

Sacrewell is open seven days a week from 9.30am – 5pm during the summer so there’ll be plenty of chances to try out the play area over the holidays if you can’t make the opening event.

There are a range of special events at the centre over the summer too, so for more information visit www.sacrewell.org.uk.

Ellie Greenfield

Bet this will surprise you… we’ve found a place where you can enjoy a nice chat over a cup of tea, with a crocodile!

Johnsons of Oldhurst is a family run, thriving attraction, located near Huntingdon and established in 1899. We think this must be the perfect day out. With free entry and access to the animals and play area, this will keep your kids occupied for hours.

Ever fancied seeing a real life crocodile?

Ever thought you would in the midst of the English countryside? Well think again, Johnsons is not only the home to many farm animals but they even have three Nile crocodiles. Feeding takes place every Saturday at 2pm - where you are more than welcome to go and watch, don’t worry they won’t bite!

Not only is this a farm but they also have a steak house, tea room, farm shop and butchers. So whether you just fancy a nice coffee and cake, a grand afternoon tea or a whole carvery dinner and a glass of wine - this is the place for you. Look forward to the new developing tropical house, which will bring even more exotic animals to Johnsons. Make sure to head down down and visit the crocs!

For more information, and opening times, visit www.johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk.

Ellie Greenfield

Green Meadows Festival You can’t beat a summer festival so it’s great news there’s a fantastic one right on our doorstep!

The Green Meadows Festival is held on the Elton Hall Estate on the weekend of August 9 - 11 and this year sees legendary 90’s band The Farm and indie reggae band Dreadzone play at the event.

The Farm has several smash hits, most notably All Together Now, and Dreadzone are known for their festival anthem Little Britain and have been appearing at events up and down the country.

This great family festival has four music areas with a range of music styles guaranteed to bring you the feelgood vibes of letting your hair down and dancing in a field!

Other acts on this year’s line-up include Dub Pistols, 90’s dance acts and local legends Shades of Rhythm and Utah Saints as well as a special DJ set from The Charlatans’ front man Tim Burgess. Darren Emerson – known for being part of stadium dance act Underworld will also play. Another highlight will be Australian band Germein who have supported Little Mix on their last stadium tour.

The event features a range of local and national acts as well as a range of free family activities and won an award for Best Small Festival by the Festival Kidz website in 2017.

Organiser Ollie Sharp said: “We can’t wait for this year. We have a really strong line-up and we have a few surprises to come. We have lots for young children to do as well so kids can play in the day and adults at night!”

The three day event supports the Teenage Cancer Trust Addenbrookes Ward and has donated thousands of pounds since its inception in 2012. Day tickets start at £30 for adults and £10 for children, with weekend tickets starting at £90 for adults and £20 for children.

For more information and tickets please visit www.greenmeadowsfestival.org.

Dreadzone 32 www.espmag.co.uk

Party in the Park in Spalding Bakkavor is once again hosting its outdoor Party In The Park at Springfields Event Centre, Spalding on Saturday July 20.

The gates open at 6pm with a full music line-up starting at 7pm, featuring South Yorkshire band The Score and three tribute acts: Rhianna, U2 and Abba.

The evening will finish at 11pm with a grand firework finale.

There’ll be a bar and food stalls, or you can take your own picnic.

Proceeds raised will go towards Bakkavor's group charity FareShare and local charities.

Admission’s £7 for adults, £3 for children aged 2 to 15 – visit www.southhollandcentre.co.uk.

SUMMER ARTS WORKSHOPS @ TOLETHORPE Many of us will be enjoying the fantastic series of performances by Stamford Shakespeare Company at the open air theatre at Tolethorpe this summer – but here’s a chance for budding young theatre fans to learn the craft.

Tolethorpe Youth Drama are bringing in a host of professionals from the industry to lead a series of amazing week-long holiday workshops for children and young people from July 29 – August 9.

It’s a unique chance to take part in workshops with an unbelievable line-up of visiting professionals from The Royal Ballet, the National Theatre, the BBC and London’s West End specialising in stage combat, film, TV, musical theatre, costume design and characterisation.

There’s even the chance to perform on the stage at the Rutland Open Air Theatre.

Book a place and you’ll receive a Tolethorpe theatre ticket, T-shirt and free backstage tour.

Email tyd@stamfordshakespeare.co.uk and visit www.tolethorpeyouthdrama.co.uk/summer19 for all the details.

More than just a garden centre

Featured dates...

13th July SUMMER PARTY EVENT Music, Games, BBQ Cooking demonstrations from Weber BBQ’s, Trager, we have food suppliers giving away samples and tastings.

22nd, 24th & 26th July

24th July

5th, 7th & 9th August

CHILDREN'S ANIMAL FARM PIZZA PARTY

WEBER BBQ EVENT

CHILDREN'S BEACH PARTY

£5.95 per child create a pizza shaped Animal, play Games and more.

Cooking Demo

includes Buffet

Join us in Café VH on Tuesdays for OAP day and every Friday for Fish ‘n’ Chip Friday!

Featured departments...

LOCAL ARTIST

FOOD

Djibo Art

New menu for VH Café

FAMILY FUN

Mini Farm There’s something for everyone at...

Van Hage Garden Centre PE1 Retail Park, Eye Road, Eye, Peterborough PE1 4YZ t: 01733 221400 e: peterborough@vanhage.co.uk

Summer at home

THE FLACK IS BACK!

Photos: ITV Plc

The bikinis are skimpier, the six packs are out and the catchphrases are trending. Love it or hate it Love Island is here and that means host Caroline Flack is back! Ellie Greenfield pulls up her sun lounger and gives us the gossip...

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s Love Island returned for its 5th series so did our (my) favourite TV presenter, Caroline Flack – not forgetting her slightly sarcastic sidekick Iain Stirling, who’s back with his take on all the goings on in the villa. With Caroline presenting all five series’, and hopefully many more future ones, she really is the Love Island expert. Caroline has been in the TV presenting industry for almost 20 years now, with stints presenting on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, the Xtra Factor and the X Factor. She even won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

I’m unsure about whether or not I’m proud to admit I’ve watched (and very much enjoyed) every single episode of the world renowned show since it returned in

2015. Hence why I’ve been nominated to write all about it; not like I’ve been doing anything other than enthusing about it since the new series started in June. Don’t worry, we’re all in the same boat, Caroline admitted that, “All of my friends add me to Whatsapp groups” in order to find out the latest Love Island goss; although she doesn’t let anything slide, not even telling her mum what’s going on.

Whether you’re obsessed or you despise Love Island (or maybe even both) I’m sure you will have spent the last five summers being bombarded by all the drama, new phrases and shakings up in the villa; you really can’t get away from it anymore. But you know what they say – if you can’t beat them, join them. Caroline believes – “The secret behind Love Island’s success is that it’s a really simple show about a really complicated subject.” All they do is stick a load of young, sexy singles in a luxury Mallorcan villa, add a few bombshells throughout the series and then see what happens. Sounds like paradise to me.

I think the reason we’re all so drawn to the show is because all the drama is so relatable and real – the difference is, for them it’s so magnified. We all really feel for the contestants when they’re hurt and heartbroken. Caroline explained how into the show she really gets, she feels – “like a viewer that’s getting to go in the villa” – even crying over the Camilla and Johnny situation in Series 3 as she explains that she – “just felt for her, when she went and hid in the larder and she just cried and I’ve been there, when you can’t hold back the tears.”

Something about Love Island just hits your emotions; it will have you on the edge of

your seat over a tiny bit of spilt wine, a surprise return of an ex-girlfriend or a kissing conspiracy…

After the success of Love Island in recent years I think the new contestants must feel as if they’re under a whole load of pressure when they go in and don’t really know what to do or how to act. If you’re thinking you might apply in future, here’s some advice from the expert herself, Caroline, on how to survive in the villa – “Make friendships because a lot of those friendship couples end up staying until the end and then someone comes in for them.” If you remember in Series 2, Olivia Buckland couldn’t find her Prince Charming, despite coupling up with quite a few at first. After a while, Alex Bowen came strolling in… The pair may have got off to a rocky start, but they’re now blissfully married, showing happy ever afters can come from reality TV after all. Although it doesn’t always work out quite like this, mind you Caroline is first to admit that she – “can’t even matchmake myself! So no, no one should rely on me to matchmake them.” Most of the time the couples leave the show happy but in the outside world things might start to go wrong. Don’t worry we have some more advice from Caroline on this as she says – “Don’t put too much pressure on your relationship, don’t worry about being one step ahead of all of the other couples, don’t jump into moving in together too quickly.”

With a cash prize of £50,000 for the nation’s favourite couple that may be the reason they’re so good in the villa simply to get the money… Here’s me waiting for the day when the winners choose to steal rather than split, now that would have to go down in the history books.

From lie detector tests, to looking after ‘babies’, meeting the parents or a surprise trip to Casa Amor, I for one can’t get enough of this show. Let’s look forward to loads more crackin’ on, muggin’ off and coupling up!

www.espmag.co.uk

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Gavin Miller’s

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Movie Review

THE LION KING Voice cast: Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyonce & James Earl Jones Director: Jon Favreau A quarter of a century after Disney’s beloved animation wowed a generation – a new era for the legendary tale has roared onto the big screen.

Just like with The Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book – the latter also helmed by director Jon Favreau – a new circle of life will see in a breathtaking computergenerated live-action format, and if there’s one thing that Disney can’t mess up, it has surely got to be this.

You know the story. After his father King Mufasa (James Earl Jones reprising his

legendary voiced role) gets killed, young lion Prince Simba (Donald Glover) flees his Pride Lands kingdom.

But when he bumps into the lovable duo of warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner), he learns the meaning of responsibility and bravery – and gets involved in a bit of ‘Hakuna Matata’ in the process.

Then when Simba inadvertently comes across his childhood best friend Nala (Beyonce), and he learns his Uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is plotting to rule his homeland, well, the rest is history…

Movie Review

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME Cast: Tom Holland, Samuel L Jackson, Zendaya & Jake Gyllenhaal Director: Jon Watts Looking to websling on the back of the goodwill generated by the sensational Avengers series finisher Endgame – Tom Holland’s Spidey closes out Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Three.

The world has changed forever since the events of the Infinity Saga, and Peter Parker (Holland) – still mourning the death of his mentor Tony Stark – goes on a school trip with his classmates to Europe to help take his mind off recent events.

But while abroad, he’s recruited by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) to team up with Quentin ‘Mysterio’ Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) – a master of trickery and illusion – to battle new world threats in the form of the Elementals.

Now Spider-Man must come of age and use those Spidey senses to their fullest potential, particularly when some of his

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classmates – including Zendaya’s (The Greatest Showman) MJ – end up in the crossfire.

Happy Hogan (The Lion King director Jon Favreau), Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) and Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May all feature to keep the MCU continuity intact with Phase Four biting in the near future…

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ANNA

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MIDSOMMAR

Photos: Nick Wall

A heavily British-influenced cast – including Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (The Queen), Fast & Furious 6’s Luke Evans and Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy – join legendary French director Luc Beeson’s (Lucy) latest assassin thrill ride. Beneath Anna Poliatova’s (Russian actress/supermodel Sasha Luss) striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her hidden strength and skill to become one of the world’s most-feared government killers.

KATHERINE’S A REVOLTING (ROMAN) MUM!

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Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans is being released in cinemas on Friday July 26. It looks set to be one of the biggest British films of the year and it includes an appearance by a former Oundle schoolgirl!

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This intriguing-looking horror-drama sees a young couple – Fighting With My Family starlet Florence Pugh and Transformers: Age of Extinction’s Jack Reynor – vacationing in rural Sweden, where they visit a small village that is hosting a festival held once every 90 years. But unbeknown to them the festivities are made up of disturbingly violent pagan rituals – and the locals insist they join in. Will Poulter (We’re the Millers) co-stars.

STUBER

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This comedy-driven (literally) buddy-actioner sees mildmannered Uber driver Stu (The Big Sick’s Kumail Nanjiani) pick up Dave Bautista’s (The Guardians of the Galaxy’s Drax) grizzled detective Vic – who is hot on the trail of a sadistically bloodthirsty terrorist.

Stu then finds himself thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he has to avoid danger and work with his passenger – while maintaining his high customer service rating.

THE CURRENT WAR

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This industrial age-set biographical drama chronicles the cut-throat ‘war of the currents’ race between American invention titans Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Man of Steel’s Michael Shannon) – to determine whose electric system will power the modern world. Tom ‘SpiderMan’ Holland, Nicholas ‘Beast’ Hoult and Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts) all join the ride as part of a stellar cast.

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When a fledgling married couple, Scott (Think Like a Man’s Michael Ealy) and Annie Howard (Shazam! star Meagan Good), buy a beautiful house on several acres of land in California’s wine region of Napa Valley, a psychological thriller kicks in when the man they bought it off – Dennis Quaid’s (The Day After Tomorrow) previous owner Charlie Peck – refuses to let go of the property, after his wife died of cancer two years earlier.

Release dates are subject to change

THE INTRUDER

The film follows the phenomenal success of the Horrible Histories books, theatre shows and TV series with the movie press release saying, “It will transport audiences back to Roman Britain and embrace the timeless madcap humour and tone of Monty Python with the classic cult adventure of Princess Bride."

The lead role of Atti is played by 16 year-old Sebastian Croft (Young Ned Stark in Game Of Thrones); whilst 16 year-old Emilia Jones is his Celtic rival Orla with Nick Frost as her father Arghus. The film also has an impressive all-star comedy cast featuring the likes of Alexander Armstrong, Lee Mack, Lucy Montgomery, Samantha Spiro, Kevin Bishop and Peterborough’s own Warwick Davis. Another familiar face to look out for is musician Kate Nash who plays the legendary Briton, Iceni tribal leader Boudicca.

Also amongst the actors are many who appeared in the Horrible Histories TV series, including another with a local connection to Peterborough.

Katherine Jakeways, a former pupil at Prince William School, Oundle, who plays the part of Atti’s Mum. Speaking to ESP Katherine told us – “We filmed last year, half was in England and half in Sofia (Bulgaria). They built these amazing Roman sets out there including a massive amphitheatre, and I was fortunate enough to film some scenes there.

“It’s quite unbelievable to go from what was a fairly low budget

TV show on CBBC to be making a proper film, but it was really exciting to be involved. I’ve only got a small part in the film, towards the beginning and end. I play Atti’s Mum alongside Tony Gardner (Last Tango in Paris, Fresh Meat) who’s his Dad. I haven’t seen the final version, but we had a lot of fun filming it.”

Katherine has previously appeared on screen as a regular in The Armstrong & Miller Show, and in one- off episodes of Extras, Miranda, Sherlock and also playing Alan Partridge’s radio producer in Mid-morning Matters. Away from acting she’s also an accomplished writer of radio comedies and drama series including North by Northamptonshire – set in the ficticious town of Wadenbrook (based on an amalgamation of Oundle, Wadenhoe and Polebrook) which regularly featured characters visiting or discussing Peterborough, and Katherine has just co-written the Radio 4 series Ability with Lost Voice Guy, the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent winner.

Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans is in cinemas July 26.

Marc Hernandez

www.espmag.co.uk

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healTh

and beauty

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

5 nexT-gen body ProdUcTs To sTarT Using in Time for sUmmer Everyone’s beauty routine needs a makeover in time for summer. So rather than just your bog-standard beauty products that everyone has in their collection, here are a few ideas for what we should all be using to stay up with the most recent trends! Some of them might even make your daily beauty routine even more effective. And, all available locally, of course.

Lavender and Aloe Vera Deodorant Get it from: Neal's Yard Remedies, Stamford £8.50 A treat for the armpits! This natural deodorant could be the way forward, as it uses extract of alpine moss to fight the bacteria that cause odour. It also contains essential oils of Lavender, Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang which are teamed with Aloe Vera, which is renowned for its cooling and soothing properties. So why not try it over the usual harsher deodorants and see if it suits you.

Neom Organics Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter Get it from: John Lewis, Queensgate £36 Any way to get a better night sleep is good with me – and magnesium is the special magic ingredient in this body butter which helps to regulate your melatonin levels (the hormone that governs your sleep/wake cycle), we think that’s a good enough reason to give Neom’s clever new magnesium-charged body butter a go.

38 www.espmag.co.uk

MAC Strobe Cream Get it from: MAC, Queensgate £25 When this illuminating moisturiser first arrived nine years ago it caused a storm and it’s still one of MACs best sellers. It's a perfectly balanced blend of vitamins and finely milled, light-reflective particles that give a soft glow when smoothed over the skin. A flat, dull complexion is instantly illuminated. It’s basically 21year-old skin in a bottle.

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

The samariTans: Talk To Us annUal awarenessraising camPaign Every July, Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland hold local events to talk about the services they offer in their communities. This year, the Samaritans are challenging the UK to become better listeners by sharing expert tips.

Throughout July, Samaritans branches are also holding events throughout the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of the services they offer in their local communities.

The Peterborough branch is always on the lookout for volunteers, so why not take time this July to have a look at their ‘talk to us’ campaign, and see how you might be able to help.

Visit www.samaritans.org and keep an eye on social media #TalkToUs.

Table Tennis in The Park – a greaT way To sTay acTive for The family

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eye Liner, Black Ink Get it from: John Lewis, Queensgate £19.50 This is a multi award-winning eyeliner that promises to be super long lasting and waterproof when applied with a brush.

It’s easy to apply, and guess what, it actually does what it says on the tin! No more smudged eyes or half worn makeup after a long night out.

Decléor Aroma Epil Expert Post-Wax Cream Get it from: Various local beauty salons and Alwalton Hall spa From £26 This post-hair removal cream is enriched with essential oil of Clove to promote less visible hair regrowth, and with Shea Butter to reduce sensations of discomfort after hair removal.

Its rich texture moisturises and soothes the skin. So smoother, lovelier legs that don’t need shaving quite as often. Yes please!

I was really excited to hear that Peterborough City Council has teamed up with Viridor, Table Tennis England and Living Sport to install eight new table tennis tables across the city this summer.

The tables have been installed in Central Park (two), Itter Park (two), Nene Valley Community Centre (one), Connect Park (two) and Braybrook (one). They are free to use, with bats and balls available to borrow.

Meanwhile, the council will be working with table tennis clubs from the Peterborough area as part of a new scheme to offer people the chance to learn skills from local coaches and find out about community table tennis.

A great idea for a sunny weekend to stay fit. Beginners burn on average 350 calories per hour of play!

Visit www.pingengland.co.uk for more info.

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Visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk/nearest-group-search to find the one for you And don’t forget to check out our Slimming World in Peterborough Facebook page for the latest updates

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Well Being Karen Devine’s

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Guys, have you lost your mojo? the kidneys and much more. Keep it balanced with oily fish, lean meat such as chicken but have a few days where you’re enjoying a more plant based diet. Nuts, seeds, quinoa, buckwheat, vegetables, fruits and a whole host of other foods deliver the nutrients that provide the raw material for hormone production.

DITCH THE JUNK – goes without saying, if you are existing on takeaway foods or poor quality foods then you won’t be giving your body any nutrients to make healthy hormones. Instead you’ll be creating inflammation, mucous, low mood, poor digestion and much more. etting motivated and staying on top of health and fitness seems much easier in our younger years. When we’ve gone around the sun a few more times getting up into our 50s and beyond, youthful optimism can start to wane in both men and women. Men’s hormones don’t vary as much as women’s each month, but they do have a gradual decline which can go unnoticed for a time.

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Guys, you can find it very hard to find your mojo once your testosterone starts to drop which can be as early as your mid 30s. It should be a natural slow decline over the years, however modern stressful living can make that shot of manliness decline more rapidly as you might find your testosterone falling too early or more dramatically which can lead to: 1.

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Fatigue Low mood Lowered sex drive Weight gain Decreased motivation, self esteem Apathy Hair loss Changes in sleep – for some it’s excess sleep needed, for others it can be difficult to get a good sleep Muscle loss and much more

When the levels start to drop naturally, Mother Nature is not so cruel to take the hormonal rug from under you, instead small amounts of 40 www.espmag.co.uk

testosterone are produced in the adrenal glands. However, with modern living our adrenal glands can be fatigued/sluggish and their hormone production limited. The symptoms of burn out or adrenal fatigue can also look and feel the same as low testosterone issues.

Some men in their late 30s and early 40s who’ve had a colourful party life, burning the candle at both ends with late nights/early mornings, alcohol, recreational drugs, poor diet, or those who’ve exercised excessively or taken muscle enhancing substances may experience this much sooner. The past does catch up with you!

Other factors that can lead to burn out or an early drop in testosterone can be emotional traumas, working long hours, nightshifts, an unsatisfying job, coping with other health issues, long term medical drugs, toxins and much more. This can affect a guy’s hormone levels and overall wellbeing. Men often have a silent battle going on – unlike women they’ll keep these feelings and symptoms covered up as much as possible and try to hold up as normal a life as they can.

Both stress reduction and testosterone balance need similar lifestyle changes: SMOKING – nothing robs your body more than smoking; it depletes key nutrients that are needed for testosterone and other hormone

production such as zinc. It constricts blood flow therefore can affect all areas including sexual performance.

ALCOHOL – being one of the drinking lads has its drawbacks as years of binge drinking catches up with you. Even if you just like a few too many drinks at home it’s time to recognise your alcohol intake and reduce it. Alcohol affects male hormone production as well as muscle atrophy and bone loss.

TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS – some men admit to taking this hormone (or others) without medical supervision. Hormones are like a beautifully played orchestra with one note affecting the whole. Hormones are in a cascade, from various glands around the body. Once you start pumping in testosterone or other steroid drugs for an enhanced physical appearance you’re on a slippery slope. If you have low testosterone properly diagnosed then follow the advice by your consultant or GP but avoid any dodgy geezer outside of the medical profession supplying you with hormones for that pumped up look.

Your health is priceless, don’t cheapen it – oh and do check out the long term side effects – not good at all!

PLANT BASED DIETS – lessen those from animal protein if you’re a big meat eater. Excess animal protein can create digestive issues, links to certain cancers, over burden

SLEEP – we need 8-9 hours, switch off ALL electronics including WiFi if you can. So many people think nothing of sleeping around a sea of WiFi frequencies, just because you can’t see them, they are there and can interfere with circadian rhythms which affects hormone production.

EXERCISE – work to your body’s needs, if you’re exhausted all the time then too much exercise will only deplete you further, however, if you’ve been much more inactive then you need to start. Lifting weights as well as cardio can boost your testosterone levels. Getting outdoor exercise brings a double whammy of benefits, nature and fresh air is known to elevate mood and reduce stress levels.

REALISTIC GOALS – make small changes that stick rather than too much too soon. If you smoke, drink too much, are sedentary and eat too much junk food, then take advice and go more slowly.

MEDITATION – one of the best ways to reduce stress levels which may then help support production of testosterone is to find quiet times in your life to connect to yourself.

OPEN UP – talk to your partner, friend, GP or someone you trust if you’ve noticed key changes in your physical, emotional or mental health.

In health, Karen www.karendevine.co.uk

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Time to celebrate the Year of Reading Peterborough's year of reading has just been launched in the city marking the start of a new exciting series of events.

It continues the Peterborough Celebrates campaign which was started to mark the 900th anniversary of the cathedral last year and is now continued by Vivacity and the National Literacy Trust.

ESP is supporting the latest campaign which will see a year-long programme of events to help improve the city’s poor literacy levels. These will include The Space Chase summer reading challenge, Roald Dahl Day in September, writing competitions, story trails, a poetry festival and much more.

The year will culminate with a striking trail of book-shaped

benches across Peterborough created by schools, community groups and businesses in association with creative producers Wild in Art. It’s not just a campaign for kids. Schools, businesses and other organisations are being encouraged to prioritise reading by signing up to the Peterborough Reading Pledge.

You can find out more at www.peterboroughcelebrates.org.uk.

Updates will also be posted on the Peterborough Celebrates Facebook page and on Twitter @pborocelebrates.

Perfect Holiday reads

by Local Authors!

If you’re heading off on your hols and like a good book, why not pick one by a local author as we have so much local writing talent. So pull up your sun lounger and check out Mikey Clarke’s ESP guide to great local reads...

A

merican novelist, Louis L’Amour, once said – “Start writing, no matter what.

The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

Mikey Clarke I love nothing more than seeing people getting their creative juices flowing. They say that everyone has a story inside of them, and many local authors have proven that to be true.

42 www.espmag.co.uk

In support of Vivacity’s Peterborough Celebrates Year of Reading campaign, we’ve been on the lookout for writers from Peterborough and the surrounding areas. It turns out there are quite a few! With so much choice out there, we’d be very surprised if you can’t find a book that you’ll want to take on your summer holidays. After all, who doesn’t like lying in the sun whilst flicking through some engaging literature?!

Our first recommended holiday read comes from 18-year-old Daniel Evans. The young local author was thrilled to hold a book signing for his first ever novel recently at Peterborough’s WHSmith. The Survivors, tells the story of sixteen-yearold Xander. He lives in a crumbling building in an Estate with a small group of others. As far as they know, they’re the only survivors. Xander and his best friend Vicky are Scavengers – they must do this simply to stay alive in the unforgiving heat and the bleak landscape.

Xander has an urgent desire to explore the endless desert Wastelands in the distance. He manages to persuade Kyle, their leader, to mount an expedition into the unknown territory. What have they got to lose?

What follows will severely test the bonds of friendship between Xander and Vicky, but this is not the greatest challenge they will face. Their new home in the Wastelands is not all that it seems, and a far more lethal danger lurks outside.

Do you like gripping crime thrillers? Then discover the explosive, unmissable and best-selling DI Bliss series – with the first three books available for just £3.99.

Written by Tony J Forder, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt and If Fear Wins is based around Peterborough based detectives Jimmy Bliss and Penny Chandler. Expect plenty of familiar locations to pop up.

The series also includes The Reach of Shadows and from September 9, The Death of Justice – which focuses on the work of the Major Crimes unit based at Thorpe Wood police station here in the city.

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing local author Darren O'Sullivan a few times on behalf of ESP Magazine. The writer now has three books out. Our Little Secret, Close Your Eyes and Closer Than You Think – with all of them becoming bestsellers both here, in Canada and the US. Darren has also signed for three more thrillers with Harper Collins, the first in the new contract, The Village, will be published in the UK next April.

He recommended Closer Than You Think as the perfect holiday read. It centres around Claire Moore who’s

struggled to rebuild her life having barely escaped the clutches of a serial killer.

After her terrifying encounter with the man the media has dubbed The Black-Out Killer, she became an overnight celebrity: a symbol of hope and survival in the face of pure evil.

Ten years have passed since the killings stopped, and Claire remains traumatised by her brush with death. Just when things are starting to improve, there’s a power cut; a house fire; another victim found killed in the same way as before. The Black-Out Killer is back and he’s coming for Claire.

ESP has also featured Dick Cartmel (a former Peterborough GP turned author) in the magazine a few times. There were many of his stories that we could have recommended as a great holiday read – but after heavy debate in the office, we agreed on The Richebourg Affair.

Commandant Truchaud of the Paris police is used to dealing with villainy and violence in the French capital, but when he’s summoned home to Burgundy on the death of his brother, he finds a seething vat of theft, fraud, and coldblooded murder fermenting beneath the serene surface of the little village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. As Truchaud digs deeper and deeper into the mystery, he discovers that, for some people, Richebourg is quite literally a wine to die for.

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The inspiration comes from the people there I know, and the wine they make.

”

This is the first of a trilogy following Truchaud through three different winerelated scandals over the course of a year in the Burgundy vineyards. During a past interview with Dick Cartmel, he told us “I wanted to read a detective story set in Burgundy about the Vignerons and I couldn't find one… so I wrote it. The inspiration comes from the people there I know, and the wine they make.”

Rosanna Moss is also helping to put our great city on the map by basing yet another book in and around Peterborough. In fact, the titular character ‘Perkins’ takes his name from the Frank Perkins Parkway.

This is the perfect holiday read for a younger audience (10 to 15 years-old), and tells the story of an ancient stone, an epic journey, some well-known historical figures and a small stuffed dog. Driven to steal something he finds irresistible, the orphaned Mr Nichols then loses his prize, and spends many years tracking it down and trying to get it back. On this quest, he discovers that perhaps other things are more precious, such as becoming part of a family for the first time. The mysterious opal has an agenda and history of its own.

Choosing its guardians carefully, it is sometimes held in the right hands and sometimes not. As it journeys through the ages, it passes through the hands of many familiar names and places, working its magic. Meanwhile, in the present day, a stuffed toy dog surprises and delights its new owner by showing rather more signs of life than is usual.

Finally, a quick mention for one for the little ones – The Adventures of Dolly the Dolphin by Sawtry based author Jacqueline Hedington.

Do our toys really come to life when we're not looking? Hannah thinks her toy dolphin, Dolly, might.

Follow Dolly on her adventures one night when she slips out of Hannah's bed and finds herself in the one place a toy dolphin never expected to be: the sea!

Why not show your support for these local authors by tweeting us pics of your chosen book? Happy reading!

www.espmag.co.uk

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The ESP Comedy Guide

sarah.slack@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Slack brings us the ESP guide to where the laughs are at this month…

Top 5 Shows to see at the Edinburgh Fringe

David Baddiel Tours brand new show Next year stand-up comedian and writer David Baddiel will be performing at the Cresset on Thursday April 20. Best known for his partnership with Frank Skinner, Baddiel’s brand new tour Trolls: Not the Dolls focuses on those who behave antisocially online, and acts as a welcome return to the stage after his criticallyacclaimed tour My Family: Not the Sitcom came to Peterborough in May last year.

For more information and to book tickets, call 01733 265705.

Tape Face tickets still available!

Fresh from a Vegas residency and after going viral due to his appearance on America’s Got Talent, Tape Face (or originally known amongst true comedy nerds as The Boy with the Tape on his Face) will be on stage at the Stamford Corn Exchange this September.

Performing on Thursday September 26 with a brand new show, this is a great chance to see a true master of physical comedy as Tape Face is best known for his joyous antics on stage and is considered to be an Edinburgh Fringe legend. Tape Face won’t be able to pull off these stunts without a little bit of audience participation however, so you have been warned!

Tickets are available on 01780 766455.

44 www.espmag.co.uk

So here we are again, another year and another list of show recommendations as I set off to the Fringe next month for what will be my eighth (!) year scouting for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. I have to be honest, July is definitely my favourite month to write for ESP as it reminds me of all the great shows I’ll be able to see during the festival, so if you’re also planning a trip to Scotland’s capital next month, here are my top picks from this year’s line-up:

Josie Long: Tender Returning to the festival after a five year hiatus, this show is Josie’s return to comedy after becoming a mother for the first time. For those of you who may be thinking all she’ll talk about is the bloody baby however, think again because after seeing her perform at the 2018 Machynlleth Comedy Festival, it’s undeniable that Josie is still one of the best comedians the UK circuit has to offer.

Foxdog Studios: Tomorrow’s Office Last year I got scouted to see this comedy double act in the basement of a Mexican restaurant, but despite the bizarre location, it was by far the best fun I’ve had during a comedy show in a long time.

Describing themselves as ‘IT rock’n’roll superstars’, make sure your phone is fully charged as this interactive comedy show uses technology to engage the audience like you’ve never seen before.

Sara Barron: Enemies Closer I’m particularly proud of this recommendation as I was one of the first scouts to see Sara perform her debut

hour last year in the basement of the Tron, so when she got nominated for Best Newcomer I obviously felt proper smug!

Her material about relationships and social media may be common ground, but her delivery and stage presence is outstanding and makes her a true comedy star in the making.

Basil Brush: Unleashed I can’t honestly write a list of Edinburgh show recommendations without including the fact that national treasure Basil Brush is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the first time ever! Whilst Basil is also performing a children’s show, it’s his other 16+ show for grown-ups that I’m more interested in, and I can’t wait to appreciate the general chaos associated with this legendary fox himself.

Suzi Ruffell: Dance Like Everyone’s Watching Seen by many as wearing the ‘working class comedy crown’ of her generation, Suzi’s one of those comedians who’s been constantly touring and gathering critical acclaim for her shows but she is yet to have her breakthrough moment. I can’t wait to see what she brings to the Fringe this year but for those who love to discover the next big thing, this is a definite must-see.

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Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Preview – Sunday 14th July Five shows in one day in the Broadway Suite, doors open 2.30pm, last show 8.00pm. www.ticketsource.co.uk

Peterborough Fringe tickets now on sale This month sees the city’s first ever mini-Fringe festival head to the Peterborough New Theatre, where there will be five back to back comedy shows performing in one day.

Comedy

Gig Guide JUL

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Performing on Sunday July 14, the theatre’s former Broadway Suite being renamed the Boizot Lounge, will be hosting five full length Edinburgh preview shows from a host of local comedians, including Jenny Collier, Chris Norton Parker and Alex Hylton.

Tickets can be purchased online for all five shows, with doors opening at 2.30pm and the last show finishing at 9pm, you can pick and mix and pay £5 per show or pay £20 to see all five comedians. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk.

JUL

A quick guide to who’s on when:

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3pm Mark Cram – Centaur Being dumped is hard. Being dumped the day after you've purchased a two-person horse costume is harder. Bedford Comedian of the Year 2013. Last Minute Comedian of the Year 2013 finalist.

4.15pm Alex Hylton – Get Rich or Die Cryin’ A brand new hour of material from one of the fastest-rising acts in the UK. Leicester Comedy Festival Liberty Award Winner 2017.

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5.30pm Chris Norton Walker – Unexpected Item in the Gagging Area Super-Marketable Chris Norton Walker presents another fun packed one liner show. There's loads of puns, jokes, fun and surprises in Store. 2018 Leicester Comedy Festival Best Joke nominee.

6.45pm Tom Taylor - Is the Indie FeelGood Hit of the Summer From the maker of sell-out Fringe hit: The Charlie Montague Mysteries; tour support for Ed Sheeran's tour support, Tom Taylor, stars in his debut stand-up show packed full of jokes, songs and silliness. As heard on BBC Radio 4.

8pm Jenny Collier – The Jen Commandments Multi award-winning Collier is back with her brand new stand-up show.

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A PINT OF COMEDY Hosted every month at the Stamford Arts Centre, this month’s comedy club features local comic Jack Campbell, musical comedian Lukas Kirkby, plus up-and-coming ‘comedienne française’ Celya Ab. Be sure to visit the bar to receive £1 off your drinks bill with every ticket purchased. For tickets call 01780 763203.

NICK HELM AND PAUL F TAYLOR The first of the theatre’s Fringe preview shows, there’s still a few tickets to see this fantastic line-up at the Key Theatre. Helm is probably best known for his musical comedy and his stand-out role in BBC Three sitcom Uncle, whilst Paul F Taylor is a physical comedy mastermind whose surreal antics have helped him bag several nominations for awards at the Leicester Comedy Festival.

For tickets call 01733 207239.

LIGHTBOX COMEDY CLUB On the bill this month at the Lightbox Café will be local comic Andrew Bird, who’s previously been a support act for Rhod Gilbert whilst on tour. There’ll also be some finely crafted comedy from intellectual comedian Peter Brush, plus BBC New Comedy Award finalist Aaron Simmonds and compere Stevie Grey. Tickets are available by visiting www.funhousecomedy.co.uk.

IVO GRAHAM AND GLENN MOORE This is the second of the Key Theatre’s Edinburgh preview nights, which features 2018 Best Show nominee Glenn Moore as he debuts a brand new work in progress show before returning to the Fringe.

Joining him will be Ivo Graham, who’s previously appeared on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, making this gig a great chance to experience a show at the Fringe but without getting on a train to Edinburgh!

For tickets call 01733 207239.

NIGHTlife

Your guide to the nighttime scene NIGHTS OUT @ CHARTERS

ECLECTIC BALLROOM On Saturday July 13 the Green Meadows Festival takes over the Eclectic Ballroom @ The Dog House Cocktail Bar in Westgate Arcade.

Green Meadows Festival is held on the Elton Hall Estate on the weekend of August 9 - 11 and this year's stellar headline acts feature Darren Emerson of Underworld (Born Slippy, Trainspotting), Dread Zone, Dub Pistols & The Farm.

Local acts Eclectic Ballroom, Periodic and Shades Of Rhythm will all be playing this year.

On July 13 the guest DJs joining the Eclectic Ballroom crew will be Steve Pimpsoul & Jester Gorgeous, entry’s free from 9pm.

SAMM’S BAR

FORTY TWO OPENS THIS MONTH The much anticipated luxury food, drink and shisha bar on Broadway – Forty Two – officially opens on Friday July 12 from 3pm!

Taking over what used to be Café En Seine back in the day, the venue’s been transformed into a stylish lounge bar and tapas restaurant with private function suites to hire and an outdoor shisha bar.

You can now hire the Lux Lounge and The Sky Bar which sound ideal if you’re looking for that something special for a night out.

The Lux Lounge has capacity for 25 people to be seated in this snug room located within the venue. It also has its own sound system and TV's allowing you to kick back and enjoy your private party in style with waitress service to the room throughout the hire.

They’ll also be taking bookings from August for Cocktail Masterclass Courses – private party events for of 6 to 12, a perfect idea for Hen Parties, Birthday Parties or just something special to kick off a night with!

ESP will be heading down to check out the city’s newest venue so keep an eye on our social channels and www.espmag.co.uk for the latest but check out www.fortytwo.bar for more.

M E D I A

S E R V I C E S

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Independent bar and venue SAMM’s on Bridge Street continues to bring us a lively mix of music and entertainment.

On Friday July 5 it’s Cellar Full o’ Soul a DJ night held on the first Friday of each month.

Making use of the cellar, they bring in DJs Malcolm James and Skip Stuart to provide a night of the very best Soul, Funk, Motown and Disco from 9pm onwards.

And from this month there’s a fully functioning bar downstairs so why would you need to be anywhere else?!

Then on Wednesday July 10 it’s SAMM’s Cinema Night, a semi-regular event they’re hosting in collaboration with Asahi UK. Each time they turn their basement floor into a cinema and show a classic film on the big screen, with a professional sound system at 7.30pm. It’s £5 per person and that includes a raffle entry and a pint of Asahi.

On Sunday July 14 it’s the ACT Peterborough Kids Open Mic session and on Wednesday July 24 it’s Once Upon a Time in Peterborough, a monthly dramatic showcase, put on by ACT Peterborough. It gives performers the chance to get up and show off their dramatic skills. Whether it’s a famous monologue, a scene they’ve written or a musical theatre piece; it’s a dedicated night for theatre and film lovers by theatre and film lovers and starts at 8pm.

Plus of course there are the regular live music nights – see our Gig Guide for details.

DID YOU KNOW WE DID THIS?

There’s plenty to keep your nightlife lively at Charters on Town Bridge again this month along with their regular live music sessions.

Friday July 5 is Indie Night with DJ Anthony Thornhill from 9pm, and on Sunday July 14 it’s the Monthly Themed Quiz. Test your grey matter from 6.30pm – free entry.

Take along your LPs and 45s to Vinyl Night with Resident DJ Derek Gibson on Friday July 19 from 8pm – free entry.

THE BREWERY TAP As well as great Thai food and real ales The Brewery Tap on Westgate also plays some great tunes to get you up and dancing.

Get your weekend started on Friday July 5 with Thank Funk it’s Friday, with resident DJ Mr Nash from 9pm with free entry. Then get your groove on Saturday July 6 with Saturday Night Groove with resident DJ Rick Allen from 9pm – late, free entry.

Resident DJ Mr Nash returns to round off the month on Saturday July 27 with The Get Down from 9pm – late, free entry.

NIGHTS OUT @ THE SOLSTICE Starting on Sunday June 30 the Northminster venue presents Solstice’s Got Talent a new weekly event where you can show off your skills and potentially win £500 in the final.

On Saturday July 13 it’s Residents Night with Alessandro Vacca and guests in the SolGarden from 9pm with free entry before 10.30pm.

Friday July 19 it’s Urban Classics with resident DJ’s Mr Lion, T-Rex and Supa T playing all the very best in R&B, Hip-Hop, Grime, Bashment & Afro Beats from 9pm with free entry before 10.30pm.

Platinum Radio Live are back in the house on Saturday July 20 with Alessandro Vacca who’ll be joined by two guest DJ’s from Platinum Radio London from 9pm again with free entry before 10.30pm.

LOADED WITH 90s TUNES If you like a mix of 90’s indie dance head to the Loaded session at The Dog House Cocktail Bar in Westgate.

DJs Martin & Nathan return with more hand clapping party tunes to remind you of the time it all went Pete Tong!

The next one is on Saturday July 20 with free entry from 10pm-2am.

MIXOLOGY AND VANITY NIGHTS On Friday July 5 Vanity bring us a special live performance at Red Room on Broadway by Vianni plus the resident DJ’s are joined by Seani B from Radio 1Xtra.

Seani B, BBC Radio 1Xtra's Dancehall, Reggae and Bashment king means you’re set for another night of the finest urban music Peterborough has to offer.

Then Mixology welcome Berlin native Santé for his debut appearance at on Friday August 2 at Red Room.

Having teamed up previously with former Mixo headliners Sidney Charles and Darius Syrossian they took Ibiza by storm in 2016 with their impressive underground jaunt ‘Do Not Sleep’.

Joining Santé on the night will be Mixo residents Tom Skinner and Dan Clare (Maur) as well as Roobinz bringing his high-energy sets to the manic Red Room floor!

Leaflet Distribution – through our unique magazine distribution network or hand outs at events.

CALL: 01733 381266

Real ales • Live music Function/meeting room hire • Open to all

ENTERTAINMENT Fri 5th July Outlaw Eagles

Sat 13th July Cubans & Cognac

Sat 27th July Jessie’s Ghost

Sat 6th July The Contacts (Downstairs)

Fri 19th July Children of the Revolution

House of Soul Disco (Upstairs)

Sat 20th July The Gangsters

Fri 2nd August Another Girl Another Planet

Fri 12th July Disco

Fri 26th July Betty Swallocks

Sat 3rd August One Eyed Cats (All bands start at 9pm)

Sunday Carvery – All welcome, Sundays 12-4pm.

Adults

£7.95

Children

£4.95

Senior

£5.95

Selection of meats and local veg

We are now able to offer an Outside Bar & Event Catering Service. Please call for more details.

Last Tuesday of every month for senior citizens we offer a 3 course lunch for just £5.00

7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA Tel: 01733 896989 | www.theburghleyclub.co.uk

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...

The Crown Hosts Charity Day

I visited The Peterborough New Theatre to see the Motown show How Sweet It Is and what a great show it was. A live band accompanying five really talented singers and they covered the span of magical Motown hits with a performance of real quality. I also enjoyed the after show disco which I thought was a great touch to round the evening off instead of wading into the city centre for an after show drink. This is probably our last chance to encourage big shows into the city at this venue and it’s important that all of us support the events otherwise one day, it may be gone for good. The theatre plays host to Motown royalty, The Four Tops in August amongst many other forthcoming events so I do hope the people of Peterborough get behind this latest attempt at making the New Theatre a success.

The Crown family pub and live music venue in New England is holding its annual charity event on Sunday July 28, from 1pm to 11.30pm.

During the last 4 years The Crown has been very successful raising money for Sue Ryder and Youth Homelessness and this year the organisers have chosen Great Ormond Street Hospital as the charity to benefit from funds raised on the day. The reason is that the hospital is very close to the family run pub’s heart as they’ve had occasion to be grateful for its outstanding work.

Helping The Crown to raise funds are five bands playing live for free from 4pm. They are in no particular order: Glam Slam Glitz, The Expletives, Another Girl Another Planet, Third Stone From The Sun and Rocket'57. The day is compered by The Crown’s music promoter, Terry Naraine.

That is a very strong line-up and the charity event will include a raffle, an auction for a signed football shirt, boxing memorabilia and a night out including a meal for two at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium.

Throughout the day food will be available from a BBQ, and the pub’s celebrating by offering special prices on selected drinks.

July features festivals from two of our strongest purveyors of live music, The Ploughman and The Crown. They are at the beginning and the end of the month so you can visit both. The details are covered in the following two pages.

Fri 5th Children of the Revolution Sat 6th @ 3pm 23 Reasons Sat 6th evening Revolver Sun 7th @ 3pm The Nuggets Sat 13th TBC Sat 20th Tiger Club Fri 26th Dirty Rumour Sat 27th The Mighty & the High

Staniland Way Werrington 01733 327696 48 www.espmag.co.uk

Charity Live Weekend @ The Ploughman Our good friends ‘Simmospoons’ are holding their annual Charity Live Weekend at The Ploughman in Werrington on the weekend of July 5 - 7.

As always the line-up of bands is strong and Children of the Revolution kick it all off playing the Friday night. Saturday features a double header with 23 Reasons featured from 3pm and the evening slot sees Revolver rocking through the night.

It all comes to a big climax on Sunday afternoon with the ever popular Nuggets appearing from 3pm.

Food and drink is on the menu throughout the whole weekend. Hot food will be available and there will be 40+ beers and ciders together with The Ploughman’s speciality gins on offer.

The money raised from the weekend will go to The Kelly Simmonds Fund supporting Heltwate School.

Oundle Fringe Showcases Local Music The town of Oundle has so much character and is an ideal home for a Festival. This year music is a major feature in the annual Oundle International Festival which runs throughout July. From blues to rock, storytelling to dance, the Oundle Fringe promises to be a fantastic week of entertainment between July 4 - 13, and nearly all events are free.

The Fringe features a showcase for local performers. Some of the highlights include awardwinning Stamford singer/songwriter Irene Rae on the day her album The Light Game is released. Irene is playing at the Stahl Theatre on July 9 as part of The Down County Boys Show which features the UK’s longest established authentic bluegrass band. The bill includes local newcomers Roisin and Eva Rose.

Other events include a ceilidh with Five String Thing at the Victoria Hall on July 4, and most of the local hostelries are joining in the fun for the week.

The Talbot on July 5 plays host to covers band The Weekenders from Woodnewton, acoustic blues and spirituals from Peterborough’s Steel Union and Oundle band TCDC are at the Rose and Crown on July 8. On the 10th, there’s a night of folk, country and rock and roll from The Kobras and Oundle’s Matt Carter at The George Inn . This is followed on July 12

by The Steradents from Kings Cliffe playing rock and punk at The Ship. Musicians will also be randomly popping up in cafés and on street corners round the town including talented guitarist Steve Bean.

You can get more details from www.oundlefringe.org.

Proudly sponsored by

Closed Circuit are Back on the Music Circuit Good to see Closed Circuit are back on the music scene and they announced their return in style at Mama Liz’s on June 28.

I

t’s been 2 years since they split up but they’re back with a new line-up. Original members, Kirsty on vocals and Lee on guitar have been joined by Jennie on bass and Toby on drums.

So the question is why did the band have a break and why come back now? Lead singer Kirsty told me – “We ended up having a break due to the pressure of the modern age band environment and the balance of our personal lives at the time. It was all non-music related and a difficult decision for us all to make. Myself and Lee (guitarist) were discussing the prospect of starting a new band and soon came to the realisation that we couldn’t face letting go of the songs we created and the popularity we experienced as Closed Circuit. Our comeback is due to timing. It felt right!”

New line-ups are always a challenge so how did this one come about and what about the future?

“We set out looking for some new blood when it became clear that our old bandmates and friends, Ant and Dave, would not be able to join in. We found Jennie (bass) on Bandmix and we already knew Toby (drums) from previous bands. Hey

presto – a nearly full band! We are still currently looking for a rhythm guitarist to fill out the sound but we started as a four-piece, so this is a new development for us.”

The comeback gig was organised to be at the band’s favourite local venue, Mama Liz’s in Stamford, and they were joined by some of the best original artists on the local scene, Nova Status, Tom Wright and also Kings Lynn based band Dead Reynolds. I asked Kirsty where else can they be seen during the summer? She explained – “We are in talks to appear at numerous gigs including some festivals and venues out of town including one of our old favourite haunts, The Castle in Luton. There will definitely be some more local gigs in the pipeline too.”

Closed Circuit plan recording new material and putting together a new album, together with an extensive UK tour. Kirsty told me that they’re big fans of the Peterborough music scene. She said – “The talent in this area is so underrated. There are many fantastic bands and artists in this city; the amount of untapped talent is incredible. We would love to see more local venues opening up their doors to original music and supporting the local music scene a little bit more.”

You won’t get an argument from me about the musical talent in this area, and it’s great to see Closed Circuit back again.

You can get the latest on the band on www.facebook.com/ closedcircuituk and ESP will keep you up to date on their forthcoming gigs.

Bands line up for Langtoft Fest It’s festival season and there are loads of great local ones this summer including Langtoft Festival.

There’s all sorts lined up but of course the live music has caught my eye, and it’s looking good.

On Saturday July 13 we have W45, ZEN, Crowbone, Porky Pig, Pennyless, March to the Grave, Filthy Contact, Black Hawk Down, Cubans & Cognac, Peterborough Highland Pipe Band, The Deps, The

The Four Tops only UK Theatre Gig is in the City ‘There are ‘soul legends’ and there is ‘soul royalty’ and The Four Tops fall into the latter category’. This claim arrived in my inbox recently and it is difficult to dismiss that statement as hype.

And now The Four Tops are performing at The Peterborough New Theatre on Thursday August 15 in their only concert theatre appearance in the UK. It is quite an achievement for Peterborough and the concert is taking place just 2 days before The Tops’ headline appearance at this year’s Rewind Festival in Henley on the Saturday in front of 40,000 people.

Show promoter Steve Jason told ESP – ‘‘Never has such a legendary Motown band ever come to Peterborough before. The last time The Four Tops came over they were playing the big arenas with The Temptations. We were doing a bit of Googling and we think the show here in Peterborough will be the smallest theatre show the band have done in the UK in 25 years – it is that much of a coup! Without doubt they will be the biggest name to appear at the venue this year.”

The Four Tops were at the forefront of the Tamla Motown revolution and were the most played artists at discos around the world. When you look at the back catalogue of hits that the band released it is astounding.

Their commercial peak was Reach Out I’ll Be There, Standing In The Shadows Of Love and Bernadette but don’t forget I Can’t Help Myself, It’s the Same Old Song and Walk Away Renee. I could go on.

It is truly a unique opportunity for us to see this band in or own city and after my visit to The Peterborough New Theatre to see another live music show of Motown hits, I know The Four Tops will revel in the atmosphere of the venue. So take the oath ‘I’LL BE THERE’ and get your tickets from www.newtheatre-peterborough.com or in person from the Visitors Centre in Bridge Street on 01733 452336.

ROSE Haunts, Millennium Gospel Choir, Rock of Ages, Taiko Drummers & Ministry of Dance to name just a few.

There will also be chill-out zones, arts and crafts, interactive art, nature zones, family entertainment, an abundance of food and much more, making it a completely immersive experience.

To open the festival on Friday July 12, poet, broadcaster & comedian Ian McMillan and Olympic composer Luke Carver Goss present a hilarious night of words, music and comedy, featuring songs, stories and a musical created out of thin air!

For tickets visit www.langtoftfestival.co.uk. www.espmag.co.uk

49

GIGGUIDE WED JUN 26 BACKROOM ACOUSTIC The Angel, Ramsey

COUNTRY MIX The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

THU JUN 27 OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER The Blue Boar, Eye

STAR LIZZY The Crown, Lincoln Road

FRI JUN 28 ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH THE BOATMEN

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

WED JUL 3

JUNK PUPPETS

DIRTY RUMOUR

The Crown, Lincoln Road

South Witham Festival, South Witham

THE CONTACTS The Burghley, Burghley Road

LIVE BAND The Ploughman, Werrington

THU JUL 4

PARK ROYLE

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH DAVE B

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

SHADOW ON THE SUN

OPEN MIC NIGHT

SUN JUL 7

SAMM's, Bridge Street

SAMM's, Bridge Street

CUBANS & COGNAC (2PM)

SKATE AID 6 VARIOUS LIVE BANDS

PETERBOROUGH BIG BAND (TICKETED)

Langtoft Festival, Langtoft

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Blue Bell, Werrington

Baston Car and Bike Show, Baston

FRI JUL 5

DIZZY MISS LIZZYS (3PM)

SUBWAY 77 The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

CLOSED CIRCUIT

Talbot Inn, Stilton

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Ploughman, Werrington

THE MONEY SHOT

GO WITH THE FLOW

The Crown, Lincoln Road

MOTOR CITY VIPERS The Solstice, Northminster

PCRFM OPEN MIC NIGHT The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

SIMIAN The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

TALLAWAH

VARIOUS ARTISTS Chatteris Summer Music Festival, Chatteris

VELOCITY The Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

SUN JUN 30 ANNA & JIMMY The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION (3PM)

THE GANGSTERS

Charters, Town Bridge

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

CUBANS & COGNAC + CAITLYN P + ANDY HUGHES + TIESHA MARIA

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Glasshouse, Key Theatre

SAT JUN 29

HUSH

AFTERSHOCK

The Nelsons Head, St Ives

The Ostrich, North Street

CAUSTIC LIGHTS Fletton Club, High Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The London Inn, Stamford

DIRTY RUMOUR The Golden Fleece, Stamford

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

The Burghley, Burghley Road

SLIDER The Solstice, Northminster

MON JUL 1 HAYLEY DI RITO The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

DIVISION

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM

The George Inn, Oundle

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

THU JUL 11

VELOCITY SAMM’s, Bridge Street

FRI JUL 12 DAN KNIGHT & THE STARK CONSPIRACY The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

LEFTOVAS The Mason's Arms, Bourne

ONE EYED CATS The Crown, Lincoln Road

Langtoft Festival, Langtoft

OAKHAM MIC NIGHT

RONNY

ZEB ROOTS

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

RESONATE

The Queen's Head, Queen Street

THE STERADENTS The Ship, Oundle

SUN JUL 14

THE ZEPHYRS

ADAM TRENDALL

THE NUGGETS (3PM)

The Solstice, Northminster

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

SAT JUL 13

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN (3PM)

CUBANS & COGNAC

MATTHEW BANKHURST

The Burghley, Burghley Road

THE WEEKENDERS

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

DALE DIAMOND

The Talbot Inn, Oundle

OPEN MIC NIGHT

SAT JUL 6

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

Charters, Town Bridge

MON JUL 15 BON ROGERS WHITE The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

Talbot Inn, Stilton

DEAN & CO (2PM)

STEEL UNION + TCDC

Morton Street Fair, Morton

TUE JUL 16

The Rose & Cown, Oundle

DIVISION

OPEN MIC

The Windmill, Orton Waterville

23 REASONS (3PM) + REVOLVER (EVENING)

TUE JUL 9

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Bull, Newborough

The Crown, Lincoln Road

IRENE RAE

HUSH

DIVISION

Stahl Theatre, Oundle

Cock Inn, Werrington

The George & Dragon, Raunds

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA

LIVE BAND

Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Ploughman, Werrington

GLAM SLAM GLITZ

SONGWRITERS EVENING WITH STEVE GIBBS

OPEN MIC

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

The Peacock, London Road

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

MON JUL 8

The Punchbowl, Spalding

W45 + ZEN, CROWBONE + PORKY PIG + PENNYLESS + MARCH TO THE GRAVE + FILTHY CONTACT + BLACK HAWK DOWN + CUBANS & COGNAC + THE DEPS + THE ROSE HAUNTS

Charters, Town Bridge

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

VELOCITY

The Fort, Ramsey

The Queen's Head, Queen Street

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Crown, Lincoln Road

VARIOUS ARTISTS

OPEN MIC JAMS

THE DREAMERS

EYES WIDE OPEN

GRAHAM CLEAVER

DIZZY MISS LIZZYS

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

WED JUL 17 PAGAN The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

THU JUL 18

PENNYLESS (1PM)

HIGH ROLLERS

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

GRAHAM CLEAVER

Fletton Club, High Street

WED JUL 10

The Millstone, Barnack

HOLLY-JEAN

PENNYLESS (6PM TICKETED)

OPEN MIC NIGHT

LAZY OYSTER JAZZ BAND

SAMM’s, Bridge Street

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC

St Botolph's Church, Helpston

SAMM’s, Bridge Street

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

HUSH

TUE JUL 2

HOOKER

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA

The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

50 www.espmag.co.uk

OUTLAW EAGLES

THE GUARDS

The Blue Bell, Werrington

THE OVERDUBS

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Ploughman, Werrington

THE PHOENIX SHOWBAND

THE KOBRAS + MATT CARTER

The Crown, Littleport

I GOT SPIDERS & CZAPA Charters, Town Bridge

The Angel Inn, Ramsey

DIVISION

Langtoft Festival, Langtoft

RADIUS 45

OPEN MIC JAMS The Queen's Head, Queen Street

FRI JUL 19

Mattoni, Eye

Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

LATIN JAZZ DUO

STEALER

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

The Burghley, Burghley Road

If you want to get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

GIGS@ESPMAG.CO.UK FRANKLY MY DEAR West Runton Social Club, Norfolk

HONEYWELL The Peacock, London Road

JUNK PUPPETS The Blue Bell, Werrington

PENTAGON

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN SAMM’s, Bridge Street

TIGER CLUB

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

VELOCITY

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Blue Bell, Werrington

DIRTY RUMOUR

SAT JUL 27

Charters, Town Bridge

The Ploughman, Werrington

AMERICANA

OPEN MIC JAMS

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Queen's Head, Queen Street

DEAN & CO

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

TALLAWAH

ANNA & JIMMY

VELOCITY

STACEY

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Angel Inn, Ramsey

SUN JUL 28

The Crown, Lincoln Road

THU JUL 25

SUN JUL 21

SWEET REVENGE

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC

THE SIDEKICKS

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue The Queen's Head, Queen Street

WED JUL 24

CHRIS POWELL

DIVISION The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

GRAHAM CLEAVER The Square, Market Deeping

OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER

Masons Arms, Bourne

GLAM SLAM GLITZ

The Blue Boar, Eye

Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

FRI JUL 26

HUSH

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH

The Centurions Club, Somersham

GLAM SLAM GLITZ + THE EXPLETIVES + ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET + THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN + ROCKET'57 The Crown, Lincoln Road

IRENE RAE + NICK CORNEY & THE BUZZ RATS + WYNDHAM BOXALL + BARE BONES ACOUSTIC The Glasshouse, Key Theatre

RICHARD KEELING

SAT JUL 20 CUBANS & COGNAC (3PM)

TO ENHANCE YOUR GIGS PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01733 381266 FOR MORE DETAILS

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

CUBANS & COGNAC The Crown, Lincoln Road

FILTHY CONTACT The Bell, Sawtry

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Blue Bell, Werrington

HUSH The British Arms, Irthlingborough

STEVE YOUNG The Queen's Head, Queen Street

SAT AUG 3 23 REASONS

THE CONTACTS (3PM)

Fletton Club, High Street

Charters, Town Bridge

JUNK PUPPETS

DIRTY RUMOUR

THE DEPS

Ebeneezers, Woodston

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Peacock, London Road

KICKBACK

MON JUL 29

ONE EYED CATS

THE RAINMEN

The Burghley, Burghley Road

Parson Drove Festival, Wisbech

FILTHY CONTACT Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

FRANKLY MY DEAR The White Horse, Cromer

HIGH ROLLERS (2-6PM) Market Square, Whittlesey

TAKE COVER The Peacock, London Road

ONE EYED CATS

THE BALLOONS (3PM)

Ebeneezers, Woodston

Charters, Town Bridge

OUTLAW EAGLES

THE SHARPEEZ

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

SAMM’s, Bridge Street

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE

MON JUL 22

The Coalheavers, Woodston

SUGAR & SPICE

THE FALLEN IDOLS The Crown, Lincoln Road

THE GANGSTERS The Burghley, Burghley Road

THE GUARDS

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE JUL 23 OPEN MIC WITH ANNA The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

Talbot Inn, Stilton

THE BOATMEN

JESSIE'S GHOST

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Burghley, Burghley Road

BETTY SWALLOCKS

KRUSTY WHISKAS

The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

CUTTIN LOOSE

REVOLVER

The Cock Inn, Werrington

Nags Head, Bourne

SHAYNE WARD

TUE JUL 30

The Crown, Lincoln Road

DIRTY RUMOUR

Buzz Bingo, Lime Kiln Close

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA

SUN AUG 4

SLIDER

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

CAUSTIC LIGHTS

The Ploughman, Werrington

DUSK TIL DAWN The Solstice, Northminster

The Peacock, London Road

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

THE SMARTIES

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

STEALER

THU AUG 1

MOTOR CITY VIPERS

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

OPEN MIC JAMS

CUBANS & COGNAC (11AM)

The Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH

The Queen's Head, Queen Street

Itter Park Summer Fun Day, Walton

ONE EYED CATS

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

RICK YOUNG The Queen's Head, Queen Street

THE MONEY SHOT SAMM’s, Bridge Street

FILTHY CONTACT

FRI AUG 2 ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Peacock, London Road

PENNYLESS Grimsthorpe Castle Open Day, Bourne

SUNDAY JULY 28

ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT AND MUSIC DAY

GIG of the MONTH

The Crown, Lincoln Road, Peterborough.

The Crown family pub and live music venue is holding its free Annual Charity Event from 1pm to 11.30pm with 5 bands performing live from 4pm.

It’s raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the bands are Glam Slam Glitz, The Expletives, Another Girl Another Planet, Third Stone From The Sun and Rocket'57. There will also be a raffle, auction, special prices on selected drinks and a BBQ all day.

www.espmag.co.uk

51

Book your seat at one of the nation’s favourite musicals – it’s electrifying!

ON SALE NOW! 17th – 19th October 2019 7pm (Thursday – Saturday) 2.30pm (Saturday Matinee)

Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF Box office 01733 207239

www.greasepeterborough.co.uk Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey This amateur production of GREASE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 122-124 Regent Street, 3rd floor, London W1B 5SA. www.theatricalrights.co.uk