Social Scene Costa del Sol 17 - 23 July 2025 Issue 2089
THE SCRIPT perform at Marbella’s Starlite Occident Festival on Saturday, July 19, at 9pm, making their first appearance at the glamorous event.
Best known for hits like ‘Hall of Fame’, ‘Superheroes’, and ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’, the Irish band has amassed more than 10 billion streams and sold 12 million albums globally. After something of a hiatus, The Script returns with a new album, Satellites, and a heartfelt tribute to their late founder, Mark Sheehan, who passed away suddenly in April 2023.
Just recently, the band wowed 28,000 fans at a sold-out Thomond Park in Limerick, where Danny O’Donoghue dedicated ‘If You Could See Me Now’
to all those who’ve lost loved ones. At Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival, they moved thousands with high-energy performances of ‘Breakeven’, ‘Rain’, and a phenomenal performance of David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’.
The current lineup of O’Donoghue, Glen Power, Benjamin Seargent, and Ben Weaver, brings back the boundless energy to classics like ‘Six Degrees
of Separation’ and ‘For the First Time’.
This Starlite performance will mix powerful vocals, emotional storytelling, and dance-worthy energy, making a night to remember under the Marbella stars. The Script’s only appearance at the festival will be hard to beat. Tickets start at €52 from the official Starlite website. The Starlight Festival is at Calle Albinoni, Marbella.
THE Mijas Pueblo Tourism Office is hosting an exhibition featuring the artisanal work of local creators Azahara Rodríguez and Cécile Brillet throughout July.
The show presents unique pieces of ceramics, embroidery, and textile design with a mix of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity. The exhibition aims to integrate local art into the municipality’s tourism spaces.
Momentous comeback Local artisan exhibition Sun, thunder & sand
IF you were thinking of having a tranquil siesta on the beach at Playa del Castillo in Fuengirola, think again, as the Sun & Thunder Festival 2025 is set to give a rude awakening at the Marenostrum venue in Fuengirola on July 17, 18, and 19 with a rocking three days of metal music.
The Sun Stage, seaside at Marenostrum, hosts headliners Kreator, W.A.S.P., Opeth, Accept, Paradise Lost, Uriah Heep, Eluveitie, Sonata Arctica, Omnium Gatherum, Shakra, and Spanish acts Leo Jiménez, Saurom, and Käbrones.
The Thunder Stage at Castillo Sohail features epic and extreme metal with Myrkur, Samael, Primordial, Tyr, Ensiferum, Heidevolk, Batushka, Vita Imana, Eihwar, Dry River, and Vhäldemar.
The festival kicks off Thursday, July 17, with doors open at 2.30pm and the first show at 3.30pm. On July 18 and 19, gates open at 1.30pm. Attendees can leave and re-enter the venue for beach breaks, as part of the festival’s ‘metal with sand between your toes’ feel.
Pre-festival events include the
Azahara Rodríguez, a crochet expert and founder of La Cangrejita Tejedora, presents custom-made garments tailored to individual measurements. “My brand focuses on measurements rather than standard sizes, creating pieces that fit like a second skin,” Rodríguez explained. A member of the Mijas Artisan Association for three years, she considers exhibiting in this tourist-focused venue ‘a privilege’.
Ceramist Cécile Brillet also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. “Mijas is a bustling tourist town year-round, and July is an ideal month to showcase our work. It’s going to be fantastic,” she said.
The Tourism Department invites residents and visitors to explore this free exhibition which is open to the public at the Mijas Pueblo Tourism Office, offering a unique opportunity to experience the town’s artistic spirit.
Marenostrum main stage.
Mijas artisans show their creations off.
Credit: TS FB
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mijas
Glen Power, and Danny O’Donoghue of The Script.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Fuengirola.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Hook’s wings a slam dunk for Fuengirola dining
ON Torreblanca’s sparkling seafront in Fuengirola, Hook has rapidly become a much-loved spot in Costa del Sol’s casual dining scene since its January 2025 debut. This lively sports bar mixes the highest quality, bold American-style cuisine with an infectious atmosphere, attracting locals, tourists, and sports celebrities with its irresistible menu and authentic American charm.
At the heart of Hook’s appeal are its legendary chicken wings, a true sensation. Perfectly crispy, generously coated with sauce, and served with homemade fries and crunchy crudités, the wings deliver amazing flavours that keep guests coming back for more. Choose from classic buffalo, tangy barbecue, or the fiery house blend sauces, with each bite demonstrating Hook’s dedication to raising the bar on fastfood classics. Fresh, high-quality ingredients and meticulous
setup has made Hook a favourite for sports enthusiasts, uniting locals, expats, and visitors in a shared celebration over plates of wings and other delicious fare.
preparation transform simple dishes into culinary masterpieces, earning the menu a growing reputation as some of the most
irresistible on the Costa del Sol.
Complementing the wings is the new José Calderón Truffle Smash Burger, a recent menu star named after the celebra-
ted basketball star. This indulgent creation features two juicy, grilled patties smashed to perfection, topped with rich truffle-infused mayonnaise, melted cheddar, marinated red onions, and arugula, and served with crispy parmesan fries.
Beyond its outstanding choice, Hook’s 10 big screens broadcast every major sports event, from Premier League football to international basketball and ice hockey. Strategically placed throughout the bold red-walled venue, these screens create an immersive experience where the crowd’s energy rivals the on-field action. This dynamic
Hook also excels as a versatile event venue, offering adaptable VIP spaces perfect for birthdays, work meetings, or workshops. The well-stocked bar features an array of wines, draught beers, handcrafted cocktails, and soft drinks which extend the fun time and laidback atmosphere.
Attentive, friendly staff are the icing on the cake of this experience, making Hook a top contender for your regular haunt.
Open Monday to Wednesday from 3pm to 11pm, Thursday 3pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 1am to 1am, and Sunday from 1pm to 12pm, Hook is perfect, especially after a day at the beach still tingling from the sun.
Beer and Reggae royalty returns
BIRRA & ART Festival is set to return the Recinto Ferial de Los Nadales in Benalmadena Pueblo from July 17 to 20, with four days of craft beer, live music, and delicious food.
Running from 7pm to 1am each evening, and until 2am on Saturday, the festival offers over 35 styles of cooling local and international artisanal beers for enthusiasts and curious sippers. The music lineup is exceptional this year, starting with the Killer Rockets on Thursday, July 17, whose raw energy and classic rock vibes, always bring the house down.
On Friday, July 18, Dejavu takes the stage with a nostalgic mix of pop and rock covers, delivering a sing-along ni-
ght of timeless hits. Saturday, July 19, features Benalrock, a Costa del Sol favourite known for their powerful blend of modern and classic rock. The festival closes on Sunday, July 20, with the Tribute to Buddy Holly, described as a pitch-perfect celebration of the rock ‘n’ roll legend’s timeless hits.
Foodies can indulge in barbecues, international cuisine, and food truck choices, that cover every craving that is met. With free entry and a lively artisan atmosphere, Birra & Art is the perfect spot to enjoy craft beer, music, and summer vibes with friends.
Join the fun at Recinto Ferial de Los Nadales, Carretera Costa del Sol, Benalmadena.
THE legendary British band UB40 will ignite the Starlite stage on Tuesday, July 22, at Cantera de Nagüeles, Marbella, for a night filled with nostalgia, rhythm, and timeless reggae-pop.
With over 70 million albums sold in their four-decade career, UB40’s unique blend of reggae, pop, and soul continues to captivate fans worldwide. Their iconic hits, including Red Red Wine, Kingston Town, (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, Food for Thought, Rat in Mi Kitchen, and Here I Am (Come and Take Me), remain as fresh and powerful as ever, uniting generations with their unforgettable sound.
The performance will mark a triumphant return after the band
INTERNATIONAL
Starlite show due to lead singer Ali Campbell’s health issues. Now fully recovered, Campbell is ready to deliver the soulful vocals that have defined UB40’s legacy, promising a vibrant celebration of their greatest hits. This special concert is a must-see for reggae fans eager to experience the band’s enduring energy and
era-defining songs. Gates open at 8pm, with UB40 taking the stage at 10pm. Tickets, starting at €35, are available through the Starlite Festival website. Don’t miss this chance to see UB40 back in top form, bringing their infectious grooves to Marbella for an unforgettable night of music and memories.
Perfekt Crime
sharp comic ti-
THEATRE STUDIO is excited to announce auditions for its upcoming production of Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime, a fast-paced comedy by David Tristram, packed with slapstick humour and sharp comic timing. Directed by Martin Curd, the play is set to run from October 17 to 19, at the El Paraiso Hotel, with performances starting at 7.30pm each evening.
is set to run from October 17 to 19, at the El Paraiso starting at 7.30pm each evening. day, July 20, at 12.30pm at the Age
Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime.
a shrewd and eccentric sleuth, as he investigates whether Doctor Short murdered his fourth wife, or if she got to him first. With quirky characters like the hapless PC Plod, the dry-witted Dr Short, and the enigmatic Sabrina, the play poses questions like: Why did Sabrina’s marriage to Mervin the Mountie fail in Canada? And was Dr Short’s wife a warthog?
Interested actors unable to attend the audition can contact the International Theatre Studio to express interest. Don’t miss this chance to join a lively production filled with laughter and intrigue!
offers roles for three men and three
Auditions will be held on Sunday, July 20, at 12.30pm at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro. The production, produced by Sue Hall with Sue Moreton as stage manager, offers roles for three men and three women, promising a riotous exploration of a peculiar murder mystery.
The story follows Inspector Drake,
For more details, reach out to the International Theatre Studio via the website at internationaltheatrestudio.org.
cancelled their 2024
Ali Campbell back on stage and delighting audiences.
Credit: Birra y Art FB
Dreamlike worlds Dreamlike worlds
CASA DE CULTURA in Fuengirola presents ‘A Brush to Fix the World’, an exhibition of paintings by French-American artist Carina Barone. Born in Austria and splitting her time between Paris and Marbella, Barone brings a joyful, unique perspective to her naïve art. With a career lasting over 30 years, she transitioned from supermodel, trapeze artist, and Hollywood actress - working with filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard and Carlos Saura - to focusing on painting. Her colourful, emotive style, inspired by Flemish and Italian primitives and artists like Monet and Matisse, blends innocence and sophistication, creating dreamlike worlds.
The exhibition showcases 26 works that radiate joy, tenderness, and hope, in-
viting viewers to rediscover beauty through Barone’s optimistic lens. Her career highlights include the Audience Award at Barcelona’s BCM Gallery and participation in prestigious art salons like Salon Comparaisons and Salon d’Automne in Paris. Her works feature in private collections worldwide and institutions like the International Museum of Naïve Art in Vicq, France, and the Magog Museum of Naïve Art in Quebec, Canada.
This exhibition is a highlight of Fuengirola’s summer cultural calendar, celebrating Barone’s singular vision.
Visit Casa de Cultura at Avenida Juan Gómez Juanito, 12, Fuengirola. Open 11am to 2pm and 5pm to11pm. Entry is free and the exhibition continues until August 29.
Claptone at Nikki Beach
NIKKI BEACH Marbella is to host ‘Sol & Sound’ on July 25 from 1pm to 9pm, headlined by shamanic house music DJ Claptone. Recognisable for his golden mask and a sound mixing deep house with melodic elements, Claptone will transform the beachfront venue into a hot dance haven under the Mediterranean sun. Having previously performed at Nikki Beach Saint Barth for New Year’s Eve, he now brings his captivating set to Marbella’s shores for a rare daytime event. Claptone, a global house music phenomena since the early 2010s, has performed at festivals like Tomorrowland and Coachella, and remixed for artists like Depeche Mode and Dua Lipa.
His ‘The Masquerade’ events are celebrated for their theatrical
styling. Joining him are DJs Dann Martin, Frank Osorio, and Stan Courtois, with a live saxophone performance by Mood Sax adding elegance. The venue will glitter with golden decorations and spheres, echoing the sunset’s glow.
Nikki Beach Marbella, a premier destination for house music and luxury, boasts a summer lineup featuring Milk & Sugar on August 1 and David Penn on August 8. ‘Sol & Sound’ promises an
THE Casa de las Tejerinas, in Plaza de las Flores, Estepona is hosting a watercolour exhibition by Algeciras-born artist Rafael Ochando until July 30.
The exhibition, featuring 38 medium and large-format works, primarily landscapes, will be open to the public free of charge and can be visited from Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm.
Rafael Ochando, aged 73, is a self-taught artist with a lifelong passion for drawing and painting. Born in Algeciras, he recalls sketching from the moment he could hold a pencil. Although he dreamed of studying Fine Art, life led him to a career in clinical analysis, where he still works. Over the years, Ochando explored various techniques, including comics, illustrations, oils, and acrylics, before dedicating himself fully to watercolours, inspired by an exhibition at the Gaudí Awards.
unforgettable day of music and relaxation.
Book beds and tables at nikkibeach.com/mar bella for this exclusive event at Carretera de Cadiz, km 192, Marbella.
General entry booking starts at €42.
Watercolour wonders
“I’m completely self-taught,” Ochando shares. “No one corrected my mistakes, and I’m still grappling with them, especially mastering water, which is no easy task. With daily practice, I’ve made gradual progress.”
The exhibition is at Casa de las Tejerinas in Estepona all July. It is free to enter in the Plaza de las Flores until July 30.
Carina Barone with her creations.
Marbella’s rooftop luxury
MARBELLA’S Golden Mile welcomes its first rooftop venue, Cielo by Florentine, atop the cherished Florentine restaurant at the Forum shopping centre, between Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Beach Resort. Cielo redefines luxury dining with a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean flavours, bold design, and an electrifying open-sky atmosphere.
Guests ascend a mirrored staircase to a unique rooftop oasis featuring a circular cocktail bar with 360º views of La Concha mountain, surrounded by bespoke furnishings and twinkling lights. While Florentine channels the charm of a 1970s Italian trattoria, Cielo offers a dynamic, independent concept with a fresh menu crafted for sunset soirées and lively evenings. Its Mediterranean-inspired dishes,
from classic antipasti to reimagined pasta, incorporate seasonal ingredients with a modern twist, designed for sharing. A carefully curated wine list and artisanal cocktails enhance the starlit experience.
As Marbella’s Golden Mile solidifies its status as a top European destination, Cielo provides a fresh lens on luxury dining. Whether starting with cocktails under the stars or transitioning from Florentine’s romantic ambiance below, Cielo delivers an unforgettable celebration of Mediterranean living, vibrant and shared.
Visit Cielo by Florentine at Príncipe Alfonso Hohenlohe 7, Marbella. Reserve by calling 622 740 171 or emailing cielo@florentineres taurants.com.
Fair comes to La Cala
LA CALA DE MIJAS is gearing up for its big summer fair, planned for July 22–27, featuring a varied programmeme for all ages.
The fair begins Tuesday, July 22, at 10.30pm with Mayor Ana Mata switching on the lights, following a proclamation by local figure Paco Lozano. The programme features live performances by Nacha Pop, a tribute to Alejandro Sanz, competitions, children’s activities, and the traditional Day Fair.
Fairground rides at the ‘feria’.
The opening day starts at 9pm with a dinner honouring the elderly, attended by about 300 guests, where the Fair’s Grandfather and Grandmother are chosen. Manuel Orta’s concert energises the evening. July 22 is also Children’s Day, offering discounted ride prices. For inclusivity, sound levels are lowered
daily from 7pm to 9pm for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
On Wednesday, July 23, the Fair’s King and Queen are elected, with live music by El Tren de los Sueños. Thursday, July 24, includes the Alejandro Sanz tribute and Nacha Pop’s headline performance. The Day Fair starts Friday, July 25, at 2pm in the Torreón area, followed by eve-
ning shows from María Ruiz and Javi Medina. Saturday, July 26, features Rasel’s La Loka on Tour. The fair wraps up on Sunday, July 27, with Paco Candela’s performance.
Mayor Mata celebrated the fair’s diverse, inclusive programme, thanking municipal workers for their efforts in creating an engaging experience for all.
Decor of the new Cielo by Florentine.
Credit: Freepik: EWN
Sami James’ goes big Crazy
SUMMER 2025, the Auditorio Municipal de Benalmadena becomes a cultural haven, hosting the unmissable Maestrissimo as part of its vibrant 2025 summer season.
Produced by the acclaimed Yllana company, this unique show blends laughter, music, and theatrical brilliance.
Described as ‘allegro e molto vivace’, Maestrissimo fuses chamber concert, satirical comedy, and period drama, transporting audiences to the Baroque-Neoclassical era. It follows a talented but underappreciated musician, a ‘segundón’ without noble lineage, striving to become a maestrissimo. The narrative explores whether his genius can overcome societal hierarchies, delivering a thought-provoking yet entertaining experience.
In Yllana’s signature style, seen in Pagagnini, Maestrissimo combines
classics
flawless musical performances with sharp wit, tackling themes like ethics, creativity, and art’s societal role. Iconic classical music moments, uproarious characters, and a dynamic interplay of music and comedy leave audiences moved and amused. Opera Benalmadena’s 2025 summer season, from July to September, offers over 30 diverse performances, including theatre,
concerts, comedy, and family-friendly shows, set in the stunning openair auditorium in Arroyo de la Miel. Maestrissimo stands out as a highlight. The show begins at 10pm on Wednesday July 23, with doors opening at 9pm, promising an evening of music, laughter, and joy. Tickets are €25, or €20 for Benalmadena residents, available at operabenalmadena. com.
JAMES is gaining attention in the Costa del Sol music scene. Born to an English mother and Argentinian father, he reflects a rich blend of cultures and languages. Bilingual and bicultural, his music captures the diverse influences of his upbringing. Performing solo or with his bands, The Rabbit Holes and Blue Sky Duo, he engages audiences at festivals and intimate gigs with his natural songwriting and captivating stage presence. At 16, Sami taught himself guitar and started writing songs, inspired by Fleetwood Mac, The Police, and 90s Britpop like Blur and Oasis. “Anything with heart,” he says of his varied taste. His nearly two-decade career faced challenges, in-
cluding the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on live music and his choice to stop drinking 18 months ago. Yet, his resilience and talent have built up his reputation. This summer, Sami has balanced original songs with popular covers, adapting to venue owners’ preference for familiar tunes. “In a place like Brighton, they’d question covers,” he says, confident in his skills. Renowned producer Eliot Kennedy, known for work with Take That, is set to collaborate with Sami after the summer, potentially advancing his career above and beyond any that’s come before. With a new EP released, Sami’s perseverance and cultural mix make him a rising star on the Costa del Sol.
Credit: yllana
Crazy about classical music from Maestrissimo.
SAMI
Sami James’ growing success.
Cultural culinary celebration
VILLA PADIERNA Palace Benahavis, the By The Sea Club hosted a remarkable cultural and gastronomic evening celebrating the bluefin tuna and its traditional ‘ronqueo’ fish-cutting ceremony. Set against the breathtaking Mediterranean, this exclusive event blended culinary artistry and cultural immersion, captivating more than 100 discerning guests with an unforgettable sensory experience.
As dusk settled, the luxurious seafront venue came alive with the rhythmic ‘snore’ of the ronqueo, named for the sound of a master fish cutter’s knife gliding through a nearly 300kg Balfegó bluefin tuna, renowned as the world’s finest and most expensive variety. Guests, drawn from near and far, mingled in the elegant surroundings, enjoying meticulously created tuna-themed canapés served by impeccably trained staff, and offering a tantalising preview of the evening’s culinary delights.
The centrepiece was a colossal bluefin tuna requiring six men to unload, rested under a pergola, and drawing society’s most discerning to witness the master ronqueador’s precise and graceful artistry. The cutter expertly separated the fish into distinct cuts for optimal culinary
kept alive in a calming pool aboard the fishing vessel, then transferred to a stressfree netted farm off Barcelona’s coast, enhancing its flavour and achieving the ideal meat-fat balance that elevates Balfegó tuna to legendary status.
Chief Executive Chef Manuel Navarro Mena explained that the tuna was harvested on the Monday for the Friday event, a carefully timed process allowing flavours to mature, akin to ageing fine beef, and ensuring a rich, distinctive tas-
use, while two Balfegó representatives shared its fascinating journey. A seasoned tuna fisherman described the sustainable practices ensuring the tuna’s
Elviria coffee mornings
AGE CONCERN
Marbella - San Pedro have just announced the launch of their new coffee morning at El Barracon, located in the Elviria shopping centre.
Well-known for its excellent service and reasonably priced food and drink, El Barracon offers a welcoming setting with plenty of free parking.
The coffee mornings, starting Monday, July 28 at 11.30am, are built on a foundation of fun and friendship, building new connections and nurturing existing ones. Age Concern’s events aim to combat loneliness and social isolation, creating a relaxed ‘home from home’ atmosphere that is drawing more and more friendly people.
“It’s the atmosphere that makes our coffee mornings so popular and
you are invited to come along and see why more and more people are coming to enjoy our relaxed ‘home from home’ environment,” says Steve Marshall of Age Concern. “There is no such thing as loneliness and social isolation when you have Age Concern in your corner.”
Volunteer host Lynda will be on hand to offer a warm welcome and provide information on
welfare advice, support, and volunteering opportunities.
For more details, contact Age Concern’s Helpline on 689 355 198 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) or email info@age concernmarbella.com
Join the Age Concern family at El Barracon and discover the joy of community. Ask for Lynda - you’ll be glad you came!
quality, detailing its migration across the Atlantic to spawn near Mallorca, where it loses and regains fat in the nutrient-rich Balearic waters. After capture, the tuna is
The evening culminated in a sophisticated cocktail-tasting experience, set against the shimmering Mediterranean and accompanied by a passionate flamenco performance. The menu showcased the tuna’s versatility with dishes like succulent grilled tuna steak, creamy Antequerana porra with salted ijada, delicate croquettes, and flavourful meatballs in rich tomato sauce, each surprising and delighting guests.
The event celebrated the ronqueo’s artistry and Villa Padierna’s dedication to sustainable gastronomy. Until July 27, By The Sea Club’s menu will feature exceptional bluefin tuna creations, inviting diners to savour this delicacy.
Big band in the park
SUMMER Jazz Torremolinos festival returns, bringing world-class jazz to the scenic Parque de la Batería with four free, open-air concerts.
Organised in collaboration with the Clarence Jazz Club, Summer Jazz Torremolinos has emerged as a major cultural event in Torremolinos since its debut in 2022. Designed to make jazz accessible to all, it now draws music enthusiasts from across the province and thousands of summer visitors, establishing itself as a summer must.
The second concert of the series, set for Monday July 21, will present jazz and funk by the Jove Big Band from Sedajazz. The dynamic 23-member ensemble of young musicians, led by Francisco Blanco Latino, captivates with remarkable skill, creativity, and infectious energy that gets audiences moving. Their repertoire blends jazz standards with innovative arrangements of iconic soundtracks, funk, rock, and Latin jazz. The band has graced major stages, including the Valencia Jazz Festival, Barcelona’s Jazzing Festival, Cadiz Jazz Festival, and Girona’s Porta Ferrada Festival, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Joe Magnarelli, Perico Sambeat, Chris Cheek, Rex Richardson, Sole Jiménez, Andrea Motis, Rita Payés, and Pedro Iturralde.
This and all other concerts begin at 9.30pm with free admission, promising an unforgettable summer of live jazz under the stars in Torremolinos.
Credit: MandH-eurotrippers
Credit: JBB FB
Fresh catch charm Manilva & Belgium party
BELGIAN WEEKEND FESTIVAL returns to Castillo de la Duquesa, celebrating Belgium’s national festival with three nights of music, food, and fun on July 18, 19, and 20. This free-entry event, running from 8pm until late, features live music, DJ sets, delicious cuisine, and refreshing drinks, including iconic Belgian beer.
Organised by the Foreign Residents Department with QG Belgian Beers, Roy22, Coca-Cola, and Rives, the festival showcases Belgian culture against the historic castle’s stunning backdrop, drawing locals and visitors alike.
On Friday, July 18, from 8pm to 3am, DJ Loco from Belgium kicks off with high-energy Electro Dance, followed by The Major Scales with Afro,
Tribal, and Melodic House. Stephane C from France closes with Latin and Tech House beats.
Saturday, July 19, from 8pm to 3am, features Ana Guerrero’s mesmerising flamenco, a Gipsy Kings Tribute, DJ Loco’s 80s/90s Pop, Rock, and Funk-Dance, Stephane C’s Funky and Latin House, and The Major Scales’ Nu Disco.
Sunday, July 20, from 8pm to 1am, ends with Kathy & Eddy’s soulful performance and DJ Loco with The Major Scales mixing 80s/90s Disco Pop and EDM.
Join the celebration at Carretera el Castillo, Castillo de la Duquesa, Manilva, for an unforgettable weekend of culture and entertainment.
CHAMBAO Marbella, an intimate beach and pool club on the Golden Mile, has launched its 2025 summer season, embodying Andalucian coastal charm. This chic seaside retreat blends traditional Spanish summer recipes with global culinary influences in a vibrant, sea-inspired setting.
Chef Sergio Zubiaudut, with expertise from La Coruña and Ibiza, leads the gastronomic experience, offering a menu that balances Spanish seafood traditions with creative flair.
The daily catch, presented in a fisherman’s basket, nods to Marbella’s fishing heritage, letting diners select the freshest fish or shellfish.
Classic Costa del Sol dishes like tortillitas de camarones, puntillitas, and chanquetes with fried egg evoke local roots, while gazpacho captures Andalucian
summers. Modern dishes, including steak tartare, orzo with scarlet prawns, sushi, Italian pastas, and wagyu sirloin, showcase premium ingredients and global flavours.
The revamped cocktail menu reimagines classics with an Andalucian twist, like the SeaSide, a watermelon-infused Cosmopolitan, and the Sherry Mary, blending Jerez’s fino sherry into a Bloody Mary. The Strawberry Passion cocktail, with Champagne, strawberries, and passion fruit, reflects Chambao’s
vibrant spirit. Set under wooden pergolas with herb-adorned tables, Chambao invites diners to personalise their dishes. Named after traditional beach shelters, it fosters a lively atmosphere, transitioning from family lunches to sunset cocktails with live music and starlit dinners. Open daily from noon to midnight, with dinner from 7pm, Chambao at Puente Romano Beach Resort offers an authentic Andalucian experience. For reservations, call (+34) 682 112 233.
Belgian festival at Castillo de la Duquesa.
Chambao beach restaurant, Puente Romano.
Turkish breakfast triumph
BAZLAMA opened its doors in Estepona on Tuesday July 15, drawing a large crowd, including Mayor José María Garcia Urbano, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Co-Founder Sarah Moravvej shared, “We discovered Bazlama in Istanbul and loved its food and concept, which we felt was missing on the Costa del Sol. Turkish cuisine and hospitality are exceptional, offering a true cultural experience.”
Run by a mother-and-daughter team, Bazlama is a family business rooted in generational recipes, ensuring every guest feels welcomed into a traditional Turkish home. Located in El Paraíso, Calle Isla Verde, Benamara, near the Senator Banus Hotel, this is Bazlama’s first European venture.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, it introduces an all-youcan-eat Turkish break-
Rocío on the Riviera
ROCÍO STARRY, one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular and talented singers is performing her Jazz, Blues, Funk and Soul at the Riviera, Mijas, Saturday August 2.
fast featuring breads, cheeses, jams, menemen scrambled eggs, and signature bazlama flatbread, along with gozleme and mezze menus, coupled with Turkish tea and cocktails. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including organic produce from an Estepona family farm, Bazlama delivers healthy, authentic flavours.
The opening created 19 jobs, with plans for more as hours expand.
Committed to sustainability, Bazlama aims for a waste-free model by teaming up with local charities. Since starting in Cesme, Turkey, in 1992, the brand has grown to six Turkish locations and one in Dubai, with a London branch planned.
This Costa del Sol outpost marks a key step in its global expansion. Reserve a table on 951 830 136 or follow @bazlamakahvalti on Instagram and Facebook.
From 9.30pm, catch Rocío as she opens with some cool Jazz, moves into more floor-filling Latin sounds, and gets her set culminating in irresistible dance classics such as I wanna be like you, Hit the Road Jack, It Don’t Mean a Thing, Valerie and Freed from Desire. It’s a family-friendly concert so bring the children too.
Rocío, plays solo at the Riviera, but you may have caught her previously singing from her huge repertoire along the Costa de Sol in groups - Amy Amy Amy Tribute Band, B4 Midnight, or Starry Jazz.
And last September, the gig of the year in Fuengirola, Rocío’s ‘Remembering Amy’ show at the Salón Varietés theatre.
See Rocío Starry at The Beer Garden, Parque Princesa Diana, Riviera del Sol, Mijas, from 10pm every Sunday from July 20, throughout July and August.
Belge Fête at Brass
JOIN the Belge Fête at Brass Marbella on Monday, July 21, at 8pm to celebrate Belgium’s national day with an unforgettable evening of exquisite Belgian cuisine and vibrant live music. Hosted by Brass Marbella in Elviria, this event honours Belgium’s rich cultural he-
ritage through food and music, bringing people together in a joyful atmosphere.
Savour a specially crafted menu by Belgian master chef Alexandre Lambert, featuring authentic Belgian flavours, from traditional dishes to innovative creations, perfect for food enthu-
siasts. The evening is elevated by the Soulbrothers, whose dynamic live performance of soulful tunes and high-energy rhythms will have guests dancing and singing along, creating a memorable night.
Brass Marbella, known for its warm and welcoming ambiance, is the ideal venue for this cultural festivity. The Belge Fête is open to all, inviting both Belgians and others to join the celebration. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy gourmet Belgian cuisine, lively music, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Secure your spot by booking a table on (+34) 711 013 048 or emailing reservations@brass marbella.com. Brass Marbella is located at Calle Andrés Segovia, Elviria, Marbella. Come immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Belgium for an evening filled with culinary delights and soulful entertainment.
Mayor of Estepona José María Garcia Urbano cuts the red tape again at Bazlama.
