SIXTYNINE Degrees Summer 2015 Issue 80

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SIXTYNINE degrees

WIN FESTIVAL TICKETS DJANGO DJANGO MEET KISSY SELL OUT TEN STORY SWIMWEAR ESSENTIALS KICK BACK CARIBBEAN STYLE STILL FREE AND EASY

WHICH IS MORE FIERCE: A

B

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BIGGE ST NAT URAL DI S AST E R : A

B

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YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE: A

B

C

FA N AT I C S WA N T ED

NOW RECRUIT ING F O R O U R S T Y L E , B E A U T Y A N D HOSPITALITY DEPARTMENTS IN OUR NEW STORE harveynichols.com/fanatics

The Mailbox, 3 Wharfside Street Birmingham B1 1RE

UPFRONT

22... TOP MIDLANDS CREATIVES

SIXTYNINE

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26... DJANGO DJANGO 30... STYLE LIST

COVR SHOT BY ASOS

NO. 80 32... STREET STYLE 46... CRITICAL LIST 58... WIN FESTIVAL TICKETS 60... MEET KISSY SELL OUT 62... AUDIOPHILE 66... SIXTYNINE SOCIAL 74... LAST WORD MANAGING DI RECTO R Kevin Urquhart Kevin@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07713 740 272 GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Jonathan Fraser Jon@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07725 809 654 ADVERTISING SALES Lilith Hunt-Sheppard Lil@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07975 970 711 PR & MARKETING MANAGER Sarah Potter sarah@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07587 056 969 PR & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Sian O’Leary sian@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk

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DISCLAIMER: NEXT ISSUE OUT SEPT 2015

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No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements.

The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © 69 Magazine Ltd 2015.

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ON YER B IK E As the summer of 2015 fast-approaches, the urge to get outdoors and explore over-comes all of us and what better way to do it than by bike? We love the hippy deluxe, summer stylings of the Electra bike range, designed in California where the sun is always shining.

We love the Amsterdam; a modern take on the Dutch city bike that is designed to make you fall in love with cycling all over again.

Much more upright and way less uptight, the full chainguard and fenders let you ride without fear of messing up your threads.

The 70s influence is clear to see thanks to a bold 70s palette – oranges, pinks and yellows and bursts of flower prints throughout.

It’s a real reflection of the latest catwalk trends and there’s even the option of added tassles for the handlebars – well, fringing is on every fashionista’s hotlist isn’t it?

Some models are dressed up with additional features like a coat/skirt guards, racks, lights and the coveted bell.

Ding, ding.

The bikes may have a retro feel but the technology and design is forward-thinking and modern amking it perfect for everyday transportation, running errands or just rolling around town.

Find out more at www.electrabike.com or visit Evans Cycles, Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5DB Tel: 01216438396 www.69-degrees.co.uk

UPF

FRONT

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MIDLANDS FASHION AWARDS LAUNCH

The Midlands Fashion Awards is back for 2015 with an Independent Designers Catwalk Show on the 7th August at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham ahead of the seventh consecutive Midlands Fashion Awards to be held on the 16th October at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, CBSO Centre, Birmingham.

JennyEason,founderandManagingDirectoroftheMidlands Fashion Awards said: “Previous participants have gained valuable experience and have had considerable success as a result of the MFA, so it’s great that we can extend this opportunity beyond the Midlands, without distracting from the main awards. I’m truly amazed by the creativity and talent of the applicants each year, from the Midlands and beyond, and 2015 is no different.”

As well as an impressive catwalk show and an opportunity to network with the Midlands’ fashion finest, guests will also have the chance to browse a variety of stalls from the region’s best boutiques alongside luxury independent fashion brands: Reece Curtis-Walwyn, Elvira & Lee Couture, Anthi G, SANDRAVIEIRA, Boo-Couture, Viola Poni, and Monday Boutique. Tickets are priced at £25, and include a glass of fizz on arrival as well as a selection of cocktail snacks.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.midlandsfashionawards.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

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WIN A MEAL FOR SIX AT THE BOTANIST The Botanist is fast becoming renowned for its awardwinning mix of cocktails, ales and deli-inspired food in Birmingham and to celebrate the pub’s recent launch, SIXTYNINE DEGREES is giving you the chance to win a meal and drinks for six.

Perfectly located in Cheltenham House on Temple Street, between Birmingham’s business and shopping districts, The Botanist is attracting the Second City’s more discerning drinkers, be they living in, working in or visiting the city.

The Botanist offers a range of botanical cocktails, cask ales and ciders, as well as good, honest food from the deli and rotisserie with seating for 112 diners. Among the drinks offering are four local cask ales and The Botanist’s signature cocktail – also called The Botanist – made up of Green Mark Vodka, Havana 3 Rum and Elderflower Liqueur.

Daily live music is a quality touch and certainly adds to the laid back atmosphere creating the ideal setting for a good time with friends, colleagues or family.

To be in with a chance of scooping this prize, visit the Sixtynine Magazine Facebook page and like and share The Botanist Competition post. Winner will be selected at random.

JIMMY CHOO THE MUST HAVE ACCESSORY

SHOP THE NEW SEASON COLLECTION AT LEICESTER CRUISE 12/14 EAST GATES LEICESTER LE1 4FB

10 SUMMER TIME DINE AT BULLRING, BIRMINGHAM

SPECIAL FEATURE

THIS SUMMER, FOODIES IN THE WEST MIDLANDS WILL BE TREATED TO A SEASON FULL OF TASTY TREATS AND MOUTHWATERING MEALS AT BULLRING, BIRMINGHAM. Kicking off on the 18th July and continuing throughout August, Bullring’s SummerDine event will give shoppers amazing offers and discounts from some of the centre’s 40 restaurants, bars, cafes and food kiosks. Bullring and Spiceal Street offers a choice of stylish places to grab a snack.

With dining options from around the world, including mouthwatering burgers from Handmade Burger Co, thai inspired cuisine from Chaophraya, and Italian delights from everyone’s favourite chef at Jamie’s Italian, there’s something to whet every appetite.

As well as the restaurants, Muffin Break, Mr Pretzel’s and Boost juice bar will also have an offer for everyone this summer whether you’re after a spongy cake, crispy pretzel or healthy juice to keep you going while you shop.

Visitors can enjoy the tasty savings all summer long, by downloading and registering on the new PLUS app, or by collecting an offer booklet from the customer service desk. The free to download app, will notify users of the latest promotions and offers, which can then be redeemed from the selected retailers.

For more information on SummerDine and events, offers and activities at Bullring, Birmingham, visitwww.bullring.co.uk

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I AM SUMMER I AM DINING OUT I AM LOOKING COOL

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D R I N K S

P R I D E

Add a splash of colour to your summer drinks parties with the latest release from Absolut Vodka, launched to celebrate the brand’s support of the LGBT community and in collaboration with Gilbert Baker, the artist behind the iconic Rainbow Pride flag.

Absolute Colours is available from the Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and all good vintners.

NOTTINGHAM JUMPS

Get ready to jump when Planet Bounce opens its very latest branch in Nottingham this summer.

The new indoor trampoline park is set to occupy 18,000 sq ft of floor space at The Glasshouse in Huntingdon Street and will feature 80 interconnected trampolines that encourage you to defy gravity and literally bounce off the walls. Whether you chose to Bounce, Dunk, Dodge or Party you will experience enjoyment that is out of this world.

David Smith, one of the directors at Planet Bounce, said: "As well as stacks of regular trampolines we also have dodge ball trampoline courts, an aeroball court and a massive trampoline airbag feature. Planet Bounce is going to jump-start trampolining in Nottingham and we can’t wait to open this summer.” www.planetbouncetrampolinepark.com

SPECIAL FEATURE

A summer to remember at

the Mailbox

S U M M E R I S S E T T O B E A N E X C I T I N G S E A S O N AT T H E M A I L B O X , W I T H A S P E C I A L LY C U R AT E D P R O G R A M M E O F C U LT UR A L E V E N T S P L A N N E D A L O N G S I D E E X C I T I N G N E W R E TA I L O P E N I N G S .

The new Mailbox era has already begun and there are plenty of reasons to visit this summer.

After captivating Mailbox visitors last year, performers from the CBSO will be returning on selected dates with enchanting performances to entertain Mailbox shoppers and diners.

The Mailbox will also be alive with the sound of jazz and blues this summer, as the Birmingham International Jazz Festival takes place in the city from 3rd – 12th July.

Featuring a range of talented performers from around the world, visitors can enjoy the festival feeling for free with performances each day in the marquee in the canalside area of the Mailbox.

The Mailbox’s canalside location provides an enviable spot to enjoy some al fresco dining, with a range of bars and restaurants to tantalise your taste buds. Large terraces and outdoor seating provide the perfect place to catch some summer sun, whilst enjoying a choice of seasonal menus and refreshing drinks. From popular brands including Côte, Nandos and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, to recent openings Gas Street Social and Aluna, the Mailbox has your summer dining covered.

There’s no better place to watch a summer blockbuster than Everyman Cinema at the Mailbox. The luxurious three-screen venue features its signature sofa seating

and state of the art technology to deliver a fantastic silver screen experience, and with an updated film programme each week, there’s sure to be something to entice you in.

Opening soon, the sleek and stylish new Harvey Nichols store will be home to an exciting mix of designer brands. Having more than doubled in size to include an extended product range and the very best in luxury services, the anchor store lies at the heart of the transformed retail environment at the Mailbox. Combining the very latest in retail technology and an innovative design, the new Harvey Nichols will deliver a premier shopping experience in the city.

The brand new Harvey Nichols will also feature a first-ofits-kind restaurant, curated by local Michelin-starred chef, Glynn Purnell, who will lend his expertise to design a menu of small plates, each delivering an exciting taste explosion.

Featuring a private dining room, an open kitchen, cocktail lounge, food market and wine shop, the new eatery will offer flexible dining to provide the perfect accompaniment to luxury shopping.

For more information about the new Mailbox, visit www.mailboxlife.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

NTU STUDENTS SUCCEED AT GFW2015

images by Simon Armstrong

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Nottingham Trent University triumphed once again at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week with Ella Nisbett, BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles, crowned as winner of both the Stuart Peters Visionary Knitwear Award and the Menswear Award.

Ella told us: "When my name was called for the knitwear award I was so amazed and happy. Then when the menswear award was announced I was absolutely shocked. The menswear standard this year was so incredibly high, so to have won the award is overwhelming and incredible."

Graduate Fashion Week (GFW), in collaboration with George, is the world's leading event for fashion students and provides a platform for more than 1,000 graduates, from forty of the most influential UK and international universities, to showcase their work to industry. It also gives an insight into just what we’ll be wearing in the future as well as who will be designing it!

Also shortlisted for awards at Graduate Fashion Week 2015 from Nottingham Trent University were Natasha Undrell, BA (Hons) Fashion Design, named runner up in the George Childrenswear Competition, Chloe Trimmer and Georgia Benney, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Promotion, both shortlisted in the final ten for the Boohoo Fashion Innovation Award, Shan He, BA (Hons) Fashion Accessory Design, runner up in the Accessories Award and Lauren Mustoe, BA (Hons) Photography, shortlisted for the Fashion Photography Award.

Also shortlisted for the awards show was NTU BA (Hons) Fashion Design student Rachel Siggee, whose bold printed menswear collection A is for Androgyny has received high praise since first appearing on the catwalk at Nottingham Trent University’s own graduate fashion shows. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Find out more about Art and design courses at Nottingham Trent University along with details of their next open day at www.ntu.ac.uk

PIXIE LOTT TO S TA R I N B R E A K FA S T AT TIFFANY’S Pixie Lott will make her acting debut in a theatre play when Curve premièrs a major new production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, before the show plays at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre. An adaptation by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Greenberg, the classic tale written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life by director Nikolai Foster as a stage play with music in a new production with the multi award-winning Pixie Lott as Holly Golightly.

Based on Truman Capote’s beloved masterwork, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is set in New York in 1943.

Fred, a young writer from Louisiana, meets Holly Golightly, a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good-time girl. Everyone falls in love with Holly – including Fred. But Fred is poor, and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil. As war rages on in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred – just as her past catches up with her.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s will run at Curve from the 3rd to 12th March 2016 and 18th to 23rd April 2016 at the New Alex Theatre, Birmingham.

To book tickets visit www.curveonline.co.uk or www.atgtickets.co.uk

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A NEW LEVEL IN LUXURY

Hold on to your handbags and prepare for the future of retail as Harvey Nichols unveils the first images of its new concept store in Birmingham.

Scheduled to open its stylish doors this summer, the showpiece store will feature the very latest technology and ground-breaking design that promises to take shopping to a whole new level.

The 45,000 sq ft innovative space has been designed as the blueprint for future Harvey Nichols stores and will epitomise the future of retail through digital innovation, from the newly launched loyalty app and mobile payments, to a state-of-the-art 360o mirror, digital way finders and a high impact digital screen positioned above its main entrance.

Taking pride of place at the redeveloped Mailbox, customers will discover more than 200 of the world’s most sought-after brands across www.69-degrees.co.uk

womenswear, menswear, beauty, food and wine, many of which will be exclusive.

The exquisite edit of designer labels will be complemented by exceptional services throughout the store, including: a restaurant curated by the city’s Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell; beauty rooms offering the very latest in enhancing and relaxing treatments; and a highly trained Style Concierge team who will be on hand to offer expert advice on seasonal trends and styling tips across fashion and beauty.

Richard Vickery, General Manager of the new store, said “We’re taking the whole retail experience to a whole new level and couldn’t be more excited to be sharing our new store with the city”.

To see more images ahead of the official launch, head over to www.69-degrees.co.uk or visit www.harveynichols.com

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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PICNIC PERFECTION

SPECIAL FEATURE

AH … PICNICS.THE GLORIOUS OUTDOORS, A CHECKED RUG ON THE GRASS AND A WICKER BASKET FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH YUMMY AFTERNOON TREATS. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A SPOT OF AL FRESCO DINING – LAZY, HAZY SUMMER DAYS WITH YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST MUNCHING FRESH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES AND SIPPING CHAMPERS. WE ASKED THE FOODMARKET TEAM AT HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM FOR THEIR TOP TIPS ON GUARANTEEING THE PERFECT PICNIC. Fuss-free foods: Choose simple foods that taste great and are easy to pack.

French bread, cheese, fruit, nuts, olives, pâté and cold meats make for easy picnics, don’t take up too much room in your hamper and you won’t have to lug too much home with you.

Pack It Up: More durable items should always be packed first and then fragile foods, such as soft fruits or pastries can go in plastic containers. Lay bread and crisps on the top so they don’t get squashed. If you have the extra hands, take a few different baskets – unpacking is all part of the fun!

Inject a little luxury: Picnics come in all shapes and sizes, from grassy pastures and urban rooftops to sandy beaches and music festivals. But whatever the location, make the most of the occasion with a little added luxury. From Champagne to truffles, be sure to unwind from life's hectic pace in style.

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Don't forget the little things: Take a few large bin liners to place under your picnic blanket and then, at the end, use them to collect all the rubbish. Resealable bags, extra foil and a spare container are all great for any leftovers.

1: A L'Olivier pimento and herb oil, £15.95. 2: Tails Elderflower Collins single serve cocktail, £4.75. 3: Harvey Nichols Champagne hat box, £45.

4: Harvey Nichols green pitted olives, £4.95. 5: Harvey Nichols mustard with balsamic vinegar, £3.75. 6: Harvey Nichols Say Cheese hamper, £125.

7: Harvey Nichols wicker trunk, £12.50. 8: Paxton & Whitfield shredded pork and accompaniments set, £22. 9: Rivsalt pink Himalayan rock salt with grater and stand, £24.95.

10: Veuve Clicquot rosé Champagne NV flutes set, £62.50.

All items featured are available from the in store Foodmarket and Wineshop at Harvey Nichols Birmingham a n d o n l i n e a t harveynichols.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

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S EE YOU AT S E V E N

SPECIAL FEATURE

Another mad week meant a spot of mid week unwinding was required and, as we’d been hearing lots of good things about Seven Restaurant at Derby’s Pride Park, we thought we’d give it a go. The restaurant scooped the Restaurant of the Year 2014 at the Derby Food & Drink Awards and is open from breakfast right through to dinner, serving, what they call, ‘Fine Gastro’, locally sourced food. It seemed a recipe too good to miss, says Lilith Hunt Sheppard.

I was joined by fellow 69'er Tara who went straight for the cocktail menu- a melon and passion fruit margarita, while I enjoyed an apple and elderflower martini, a perfect way to cool down as we looked over the menu.

The menu, it has to be said, sounded infinitely edible and thankfully the food comes out looking as good as it sounds on the menu: the presentation is stunning.

Tara had plumped for the Potted Chicken Rillette with celeriac & truffle remoulade, crispy skin and onion bread; the crispy chicken skin was almost a naughty treat on an otherwise well behaved platter.

I wanted to start with something light so opted for the Smoked Salmon Plate with confit lemon, baby capers, lemon & dill mayonnaise and brown bread croutons.

The smoked salmon was balanced beautifully with the baby capers and had just the right amount of zest; truly the light delight I wanted to start a lovely summer meal.

Plates cleared and cocktails trefreshed it was time for our mains. Tara had opted for the Cumin Scented Chime End of Lamb with curried squash purée, Bombay bhaji and steamed greens. While I had gone for the Slow

Braised Derbyshire Beef with celeriac mash, confirm carrot and bouguignon sauce. As we both tucked in Tara commented that her lamb was cooked to perfection and was just the right colour. The Bombay bhaji was up there with being one of the best she had ever tasted, apparently. I had to agree (I did steal one to see if it was true). My beef completely was absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of mash to really enjoy the rich sauce.

There is a saying that we were all designed with a separate pudding stomach (we kid ye not), so Tara and I decided to put this to the test and share a Seven Pudding Platter. For two pudding lovers like ourselves, it was a choice well made. In fact, there were nearly spoons at dawn, as we battled over the Cornflake Tart, Chocolate Nemesis and Tart Au Citron: who knew something as simple as a cornflake tart could be so ridiculously tasty.

As we sat there, unable to move after the delicious meal, we both commented on how busy the restaurant was. It wasn't a surprise, really, to see why, with the incredible service, the mouth-watering food that you could enjoy in such a stylish setting, it's easy to see why so many are saying "see you at Seven".

Seven is @ Wheelwright Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8SQ. Tel 01332 332 277 www.sevenrestaurant.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

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BCM ANNOUNCE SUMMER LINE-UP

Continually ranked highly in DJ Mag’s Top Clubs and recognised around the world as one of the most complete nightclub experiences you could imagine, BCM in Mallorca have announced their 2015 schedule…and it’s looking like its biggest yet with “more production, musical madness, bigger headliners, brands, labels and live acts and more colour than ever before”. We don’t disagree.

This is your chance to see the world’s biggest DJs take to the decks. We, officially, can’t wait and will be heading over there in a few weeks.

Here’s just a small selection of what’s getting them and US hot under the collar: 07/07 – Danny Howard (*swoon*) presents Nothing Else Matters with Philip George 25/07 – DJ Sammy presents SupermartX 05/08 – Cream Mallorca presents Steve Aoki 10/09 – BCM presents Chase & Status For more information on BCM, check out cmplanetdance.com As a heads up, Monarch and GermanWings both fly out of Birmingham Airport, direct to Palma, Mallorca.

M AX I MUM IGN I T I O N

PUMA’s new Ignite sneaker maximises energy return to keep you on your feet for longer periods of time. It also looks mighty fine. Designed to appeal to both runners and sneaker aficionados, powering every stride is IGNITE foam, proprietary foam that provides responsive cushioning, optimal rebound and comfort.

Strategically placed in the heel of the shoe is ForEverFoam—a compound used heavily in the automotive industry. This material creates longlasting durability and is entirely new to the market.

The end result is tech with style to spare. The IGNITE is set to expand further this year with various colours. Get yours now at Footpatrol, Hanon, End, Well Gosh and Oki-Ni RRP: £85

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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MOVE SHAKe MAKE THE MIDLAND’S MOST CREATIVE MOVERS AND SHAKERS THIS SUMMER. WORDS AND LAYOUT BY SERENA LEE.

CAT MARIE- Our culture’s demand for beauty affects all women young and old. The Internet & the cult of celebrity have brought about an unattainable idea of beauty. Cat Marie is a refreshing photographer who wants to rail against the negative images, by giving ordinary women their confidence.

Cat Marie is a Birmingham based portrait photographer at the Custard Factory studio. Her intimate portraits combine portrait photography with makeovers, aiming to help women feel and look their best. Cat gets to know the client before the session, which makes them feel at ease. Cat’s vision is to transform and celebrate the women to feel good about themselves.

Cat believes every woman deserves beautiful images of herself and that glamorous portraits are not something reserved for the rich and famous. She says ‘ Every woman can and should exist in beautiful imagery for themselves and those that love them.’ www.catmarie.com

AP SMITH- The artistic world is obsessed with the new and unique something that breaks all the normality rules. Nottingham photographer Andy Smith is looking to convey a unique look through his upcoming work photographing Connor Calder who had a road accident.

Andy Smith won first place at Nottingham Young Creative Awards 2014 in photography (19-24 category) for his unique collage of images taken over a 30-minute time frame in Nottingham’s Old Market Square.

Andy was born in Nottingham and lived in France for 3 years, but spent most of his life in Nottingham. He likes to focus his work on composition to achieve his original style.

He is at NTU doing a degree in Digital Media Design, focusing on photography. Currently he is working on a project photographing the human recovery process with a model that had the moped accident and injured his face. His hope is to get his work shown in a Midlands gallery. www.apsmithpictures.org

www.69-degrees.co.uk

BEN NORRIS- He’s the busiest of the bunch with festivals and gig

bookings right up until 2016, I finally got a few minutes with the talented Mr Norris he is definitely a ‘Mover’.

Ben Norris is a poet, playwright and actor born and bred in Nottingham.

He studied English with Creative Writing,at Birmingham City University and is currently based in Cardiff, finishing his MA in acting.

Ben suggests he doesn’t have a singular field “It’s so nice to be able to present yourself not just as actor or writer or spoken-word artist, but as all 3.”

In 2013 he won UK All-Stars Poetry Slam Championships plus he wrote and performed a new spoken-word piece for the Southbank Centre at the Royal Festival Hall. He also writes his own show’s currently ‘The hitchhikers guide to the Family’, which he will be taking to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.

Whilst rehearsing for a contemporary version of Electra he also has gigs at Cheltenham Poetry Festival and Latitude Festival. This boy is busy! www.bennorrispoet.com

SAM TAYLOR- Some art critics dismiss satirical cartoons and caricatures but it’s always been a British tradition. This form of art continues to hold its place in modern Britain with young illustrators like Sam Taylor taking it to another level.

Leicester born illustrator Sam Taylor is in high demand for his unique work. If you haven’t seen his work around, you will. He has already worked on projects with Vice, FHM, BBC 1Xtra, Nike and iD to name just a few. His illustrations are tongue-andcheek with a deceptive childish style, with a surreal cartoon look at pop culture.

Sam studied at Camberwell and is now based in London. I ask what sets him apart from others in his field? He says ‘I’m best at drawing worms’. Go to his website to see his extensive work, you’ll see anxious worms and a mardy Earth having a fag! www.samtaylorillustrator.com

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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AMBER RUN- Hoping to gain some of same success as other Nottingham based acts like Jake Bugg and London Grammar, Amber Run is certainly going the right way about it.

Amber Run is 5 piece Joe Keogh, Will Jones, Tom Sperring, Felix Archer, and Henry Wyeth. Originally friends from Bukinghamshire they decided to form a band while studying at University of Nottingham.

In 2014 they supported critically acclaimed Irish band Kodaline.

BBC Introducing’s helped them land last year’s Reading & Leeds Festival slot. Then Zane Lowe played their single ‘Noah’ on BBC Radio1 to great reviews. They released their anticipated album in April. They are likened to Mumford and Sons mixed with Cold Play.

“We’re not trying to be cool or edgy. We do what we do and thankfully there are people out there who really respond to that.”

We would also recommend new single ‘Noah’ with beautiful piano rifts, indie pop laced melodies and an anthemic chorus, a sure fire hit. With festival season here get ready to see an awful lot more of Amber Run. http://www.amber-run.com SEAN GOLDTHROPE- The modest photographer says he never gets overly excited with anything he creates, as he wants to stay focused on the next photograph. Sean photographs, beautiful lingering and surreal images. His project ‘Bodies in Space’ explores the movement of the body suspended in time with the backdrop of everyday environments.

Sean is currently doing an MA in Photography at De Montfort University and has worked for Next, Curve Theatre and independent fashion labels. Recently he worked with DMU Contour Fashion students and his shoot was featured in leading lingerie Underlines Magazine. www.sean-goldthorpe.squarespace.com

I WAS TERRIFIED. ALL I HEARD WAS CANCER. BUT THANKS TO TEENAGE CANCER TRUST, I KNEW I WAS GOING TO BE OK. When Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer, we were able to give her expert care and support as she fought for her life. There are other young people, just like Charlotte, who are terrified right now and need our support too. As the only UK charity who does what we do, we need your help to be there for them.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY Text TEENS to 70300 to donate £3 and The Body Shop will match your donation*. You can also make a donation in any of The Body Shop stores or online at teenagecancertrust.org/charlotte

This advert has been donated. *Donation match runs to 31st July and is capped at £20,000.

The donation will cost £3 plus a text message at the standard rate. Teenage Cancer Trust (Registered Charity no: 1062559, SC039757) will receive 100% of every donation. Please ensure you have the bill payer’s permission before making this donation.

Photo by Ashley Jouhar

REMAKE REM

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MODEL

27 DJANGO DJANGO SURPRISED THEMSELVES AND EVERYONE ELSE WHEN THEIR HOME RECORDED, SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM BECAME A MERCURY-NOMINATED HIT IN 2012. NOW THREE YEARS ON, THE LONDON VIA SCOTTISH QUARTET ARE ROCKETING BACK INTO ORBIT WITH THEIR SECOND ALBUM, BORN UNDER SATURN. SIXTYNINE DEGREES’ CAUGHT UP WITH THEM.

MARIE

WOOD

Written for the first time by all four members of the band and recorded in a proper studio, Born Under Saturn is an album that has Django Django taking the lo-fi electro stomp of their debut and propelling it into a bigger, more exciting stratosphere.

We sat down on a bright summer’s morning to talk to super friendly bassist, Jim Dickson about how the album is a rebirth for the band, who they’d love to see headline this summer’s festivals and what it’s like to play near a live volcano.

You released your second album, Born Under Saturn, in May. What’s it been like for you since the album came out?

It’s been great playing festivals and doing these shows again; you kind of forget what it’s like to play live. I’m looking forward to the summer, it’ll be great.

Your self-titled debut album was a surprise hit and Mercury nominated. Did you feel pressure when you went into the studio?

I don’t think as a band we felt that much pressure when we were making the record. We blocked any expectations out and put ourselves under pressure to write as good an album as we could.

How did you feel before it was released?

You spend a year with an album and you think it’s good and then two weeks before it comes out you think, ‘is it absolute total shite?!’ It’s the not knowing and you just have to trust yourself.

This album was recorded in Angelic Studio, Bambury whereas your debut was recorded in a bedroom studio.

How do you think being in a real studio helped you? Was there anything you missed about home recording?

When you go into these huge studios we thought there’s a trick to recording, but we realised going up to Angelic that the process is the same it’s just that the mikes are better. We took a lot of recording back to our own studio in London and almost went back to the same process that we went through on the first album.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

28 Arts Festival at the foot of the island’s volcano.

How did that collaboration come about? What was it like?

The whole point of being in a band is collaborating and sharing ideas, so whenever we get a chance to do that we always do it. Haroon was curating a festival in Stromboli and he just invited us over. It was a pretty amazing place, we were by Mediterranean sea on this island with this impending volcano erupting all the time.

Earlier this year a Smaart car advert featured a song that sounded almost identical to ‘Default’.

What was your reaction at the time? Would you allow your music to be synced on ads?

“THE WHOLE REASON WE MAKE MUSIC IS SO THAT PEOPLE FEEL HAPPY”

A lot of the lyrics on the record reference rebirth and starting again. How are you different now as a band compared to when you released your debut?

This album feels more confident and self-assured. It wasn’t really until we sat down with the lyrics towards the end of the album that we started seeing common threads of starting again or rebirth creeping in and it made sense.

At the start we had ideas kicking around, but we cleared them out and started again as we were really keen to write new music after touring the last album for two years.

You wrote ‘Beginning to Fade’ while contemplating writer’s block. How did it help writing the song? What’s it about?

A lot of the time we start off with a theme or a story from a film or a book and try to base lyrics around a particular narrative. ‘Beginning To Fade’ I demoed at home and I was trying to think of a theme to base the song around and I was getting distracted by the girl who was living above me at the time; she’s a Buddhist and she was doing these chants and it was really distracting. I was just going mad, so I ended up writing about the things that were stopping me from writing lyrics.

Last summer you collaborated with awardwinning sound artist Haroon Mirza at Stromboli www.69-degrees.co.uk

It’s gutting, it’s infuriating and it’s totally horrible.

It’s something that’s happened to us a lot and is happening to a lot of other bands. You have advertising agencies that can try and get songs for a lot of money and potentially get turned down or they can pay someone else to rip if off for a couple of thousand pounds. It’s horrible as you work so hard to realise ideas and then an advert will come along and just take them.

If they’d approached you and asked to use the track, would you have let them?

Probably not. We turn down 90% of the stuff we get sent through. ..it’s a bit of a turn-off seeing a band you’ve discovered plastered over every advert on TV. You’re playing Latitude, End Of the Road and Reading Festival this summer. Who would be your dream festival headliner to see?

We played in this place called Calvi and we saw The Whitest Boy Alive play and they were totally amazing and one of the best bands I’ve seen live. They’ve got this amazing balance between it sounding like a band and sounding like a rave.

You’re back on the road in the UK in December.

What do you want people to get out of seeing you live?

The whole reason we make music is so that people feel happy when they go away from it. You can write about the state of British politics or the state of your town or the state of your country, but everybody knows the state that it’s in. You can either write about that or transcend it. For an hour when people come to see us live they can go away with a smile and forget about the things that keep them down.

Born Under Saturn – out now

FESTIVAL FASHION TO SEASIDE CHIC, WE’VE GOT YOU UNCOVERED.

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WEARING LESS HAS NEVER NEEDED ATTENTION. THE SUMMER HEAT MAY REQUIRE LESS LAYERS, BUT ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS STILL ESSENTIAL.

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jemma Describe your style: Alternative Holiday Essential: Sunglasses Style Icon: Everything and anything Top: Wardrobe Dress: Urban Outfitters

Ellie Matia: Describe your style: Sophisticated Holiday Essential: Sunglasses Style Icon: Rihanna

matia & stacey

StreetStyle

THE SIXTYNINE DEGREES STYLE POLICE, RAE STEPHENSON AND INDIANA. SMITH, WERE ON PATROL ACROSS THE MIDLANDS CHECKING OUT THE LATEST SUMMER LOOKS AND ASKING WHAT’S YOUR ONE HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL?

Dress: H&M, Shoes: River Island, Bag: Louis Vuitton, Hat: H&M Stacie: Describe your style: Sophisticated Holiday Essential: Foundation. Style Icon: TOWIE girls

Describe your style: Old school/ street/ unique Holiday Essential: Music Style Icon: Kanye West Top: Carhartt , Jeans: Levis, Jacket: Dr Denim, Penfield, Bag: Herschel, Shoes: AirForce 1

Top: Zara, Jeans: River Island, Shoes: River Island, Hat: Topshop

luke

jasmine

Describe your style: Luxury Street Holiday Essential: Phone Style Icon: Rihanna Top: Missguided, Skirt: River Island, Shoes: Timbaland,

becca Describe your style: Co-ordinated Mish Mash Holiday Essential: Music/ phone Style Icon: Alexa Chung/ Fearne Cotton Top and Dungarees: Cheap Monday, Shoes: Pharrell Superstars

33 Amrit: Describe your style: Premium Italian Designers Holiday Essential: Phone Style Icon: David Beckham

olivia & amrit

Jacket: All Saints, Top: All Saints, Jeans and Shoes: D&G Olivia: Describe your style: Sophisticated and Elegant Holiday Essential: Tanning Oil Style Icon: Victoria Beckham Top: Asos, Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

rosie

Describe your style: Monochrome with sparkle Holiday Essential: Dry Shampoo Style Icon: Chloe Sevigny

Describe your style: Oversized/ vintage Holiday Essential: Snowboard!

Style Icon: Instagram beard men Jacket and shirt: Urban Renewal @ Urban Outfitters Jeans: H&M Shoes: Vans

matt

Jacket: Vintage, Top: H&M, Belt: Moschino, Shoes: Vagabond @ Tinfish

senika Describe your style: London, Vintage.

Holiday Essential: Nanna’s Headscarf Style Icon: Myself Jacket: Rag Market Top: Vintage Jewellery: Luvinbling” –my own store!

Boots: Thrift

joseph

Describe your style: Old School/ alternative Holiday Essential: Bucket and Spade Style Icon: Pharrel and Kanye West Top: Asos Jeans: Billionaire Boy’s Club Shoes: Size? www.69-degrees.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Jumpsuit ÂŁ59 Miss Selfridge

HER STYLE

New Look Khaki Multi Strap Underwired Bikini Top - £17.99 Bottoms £9.99

Boux Avenue biarritz laser etched frill orange bikini £45

FAKER OR BAKER, IT’S ACH THE BE T I H O T E M TI

Lemon print bikini top £10 Next

Selfridges Moschino flag and stamp printed swimsuit £90

Biba summer tropics bikini top £25 bikini bottoms -£18 at House of Fraser

TAN TIME

JETS BY JESSIKA ALLEN Halterneck bikini £89 Harvey Nichols

Tommy Hilfiger Halter stripe swimsuit -£70 at House of Fraser

Necklace £30 Filthy Rich

Accessorize Miami Plunge Crochet Swimsuit £32

Red Herring Bikini £32

DebenhamsFloozie by Frostfrench £26.50

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CLUB TROPICANA EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH SUMMER’S BRIGHT, MOODBOOSTING COLOURS. STATEMENT SHADES OF RED, ORANGE, YELLOW AND BLUE ADD INSTANT WARMTH TO YOUR HOLIDAY MAKEUP BAG. LISA PIDDINGTON, FROM HARVEY NICHOLS, REVEALS THE PERFECT PALETTE FOR WARMER CLIMES.

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PRODUCTS FEATUREDAREAVAILABLEFROM BEYOND BEAUTY AND SPACE.NK APOTHECARY AT HARVEY NICHOLS. THIS JULY,THE NEW CONCEPT STORE WILL OPEN ITS DOORS AT THE REDEVELOPED MAILBOX AND WILL OFFER CUSTOMERS AN UNRIVALLED EDIT OF THEVERY BEST BEAUTY BRANDS. www.69-degrees.co.uk

1: Laura Mercier bronzing gel, £26. 2: Benefit Majorette booster blush, £23.50. 3: Deborah Lippmann nail lacquer in Red Silk Boxers, £18. 4: Dr Pawpaw tinted ultimate balm, £6.95 5: Lancôme Blush Subtil Crème, £23. 6: NARS single eye shadow in Deep Blue Sea, £18. 7: NARS soft touch pencil, £18.50. 8: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte lipstick, £26. 9: NARS nail lacquer in Thasos, £15. 10.Tom Ford limited edition Mandarino Di Amalfi EDP, £92.

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GET THE KIMMY K LOOK MIRACLE PRODUCT THAT TURNED KIM KARDASHIAN FROM BLACK TO BLONDE HITS UK SHORES AT CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT HAIR America is already agog at Olaplex, a revolutionary new product that is set to take the UK hair market by storm; ever wondered how Kim K got her hair so blonde but kept it healthy?

If you colour or bleach your hair, you need to be all over this. SIXTYNINE DEGREES’ Sarah Potter went to Leicester’s Christopher Wright Hair to find out more…

Nestled in the heart of Stoneygate Leicester is the creative hubbub of Christopher Wright hair and the home to a new product that is nothing short of a miracle. Set to take the beauty industry by storm this summer, Olaplex, is a hair revolution in a bottle that has the ability to protect all types of hair against bleach damage - and Christopher Wright has been carefully handpicked to be one of the first salons in the UK to stock it. Olaplex is a single active ingredient that is mixed with colour, bleach and toners and will reconnect broken disulfide sulfur bonds in the hair, allowing for minimal breakage moving forward. The protection that Olaplex offers is permanent, meaning clients’ hair will retain its strength from the first use. It’s the go-to for anyone hitting the red carpet Stateside, including J-Lo and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Free of silicones, sulfates, phthalates, DEA and aldehydes - which in layman’s terms are all the chemicals that either damage your hair, or mask the damage you’re doing to your hair for a short while Olaplex can be used for full head colour, highlights, glosses, balayage and toning. You can even use colour directly after relaxing or perming the hair, something which is generally a strict no-no, as these processes normally weaken and damage the bonds of the hair. It’s like hair insurance for clients!

Christopher Wright comments; “I’ve been hairdressing for nearly forty years and it’s very rare that a product comes along and you can see that it’s

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going to transform the industry: Olaplex is one such product. It really is a wonder-product and will offer anyone bleaching or colouring their hair the chance of healthy, shiny hair. We are incredibly excited and very honoured to be the first salon in Leicestershire to offer this treatment”.

So, after having dyed my hair multiple colours and numerous shades of blonde throughout the years, I think I’m well equipped to offer up my judgement on Olaplex. My hair was already quite blonde, and the bleach was taking its toll on the ends of my hair, leaving them frayed and fragile. After a consultation with the wonderful hair stylist Mitch, we opted for a lighter, cleaner platinum colour and I am seriously impressed with the results. My hair still felt strong and silky and the most impressive part was that it didn’t have the dreaded ‘candy-floss’ effect when the colour was washed out at the sink! It was true that Olaplex did protect my hair, and the effects have lasted after my departure, with the condition remaining just as strong as that day despite having been washed, blowdried and straightened at home! It’s safe to say I’m a complete Olaplex convert, and I believe that any blonde would be too. The Olaplex treatment starts from BEFORE AFTER just £20.

Christopher Wright Hair is @ 4 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA. 0116 270 5375

S I X T H SENSE:

P I N K P I X I E

the Taking its inspiration from is 1960s, the classic Pixie Cut with brought bang up to date t pretty layers to soften the blun tel edges and a gorgeous pas chy pink colour with subtle pea tones. ed What to ask for? A texturis pink pixie cut with multi-tonal colour Styled by Next

T I T I A N Q U E E N Strong and dynamic, the Titian Queen wears her hair long and straight with blunt lines and a full fringe. A vibrant copper colour with muted caramel highlights finishes off this stunning look.

Who’s rocking a similar look? Carly Rae Jepsen What to ask for? A long blunt cut with full length blunt fringe. Styled by Disorder Boutique

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th ts edgy wi Classic mee isticated ph so he .T a Grey Pride bob is given shoulder-length the addition of th wi ist modern tw lour. a steely grey co a similar look?

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PARIS. MILAN. NEW YORK. L IT TRANSPIRES, AS THIS BIR A REPUTATION AS A HOT BED

BY SIXTH SENSE HAIR & BE EARLIER THIS YEAR IN A BL S T A R , SAMIA GHADIE, ATTEND, IS TH PARTNER, DEAN ROBERTSON. WE CA ABOUT THIS NEW VENTURE AND THE IN TRENDS PH How did you start?

I’d had a fascination with hair from a very early age. I started out as a Saturday boy at my local salon “Blue Rinse” in Castle Bromwich.

Why did you decided to open a salon of your own?

I always planned on opening my own salon by the time I hit thirty, but I knew I needed to learn, make mistakes and gain valuable knowledge working with some of the UK’s leading hair brands (including TONI&GUY, Vidal Sassoon, Regis and Saks) first, before I ventured out on my own to create “my perfect salon”. I was also encouraged by my Nan who always said “Son, I can see your name up in lights”.

What was the best bit of advice you received when growing up?

My parents always believed in me and really pushed me to achieve my goals. The best advice was to ‘always be yourself, but always remain professional’.

SIXTH SENSE HAIR & BEAUTY, 5 H B72 1XH. TEL 0121 448 0760. W

MAKES S E N S E E

LONDON. AND, ER, SUTTON COLDFIELD, RMINGHAM SUBURB IS CARVING OUT D OF HAIR CREATIVITY, SPEARHEADED EAUTY. THE SALON, WHICH LAUNCHED LAZE OF PUBLICITY AND SAW CORRIE HE BRAINCHILD OF DEAN VINNING AND ATCH UP WITH DEAN VINNING TO CHAT NSPIRATION BEHIND HIS STUNNING NEW HOTOSHOOT… Talk to us about your new #one photoshoot…

We – the 6S Art Team and I - wanted to create a leading edge shoot that could be translated into the everyday. We wanted to showcase some of this season’s hottest trends in cut and colour, but wanted to do this on real people rather than professional models as we wanted to reinforce the point that these styles can look great on anyone and everyone. We’ve seen men and women transform before our very eyes with the right haircut and an incredible hair colour, so we hope your readers will find our collection inspirational.

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ith a ys harder. W g on rks hard but pla sides and lon the Urban Male wo at ed av sh t’s d versatile too. texturised cut tha manageable an top, this style is Ricky Martin a similar look?

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BALAYAGE BEAUTY

The Balayag perfect blend e Beauty is a of golds, blo of rich shades caramels dres ndes and soft curls and wavesed up with sexy s.

Who’s rocking a similar look?

Lily Aldridge

What to ask for What are your aspirations for the brand? caramel and blo? Balayage with nde To be recognised and respected for not only the casu ally with gentle tones, styled fantastic work that we do with hair; but also the Styled wa

by Disorder Bo ves. utique salon. I want Sixth Sense to be known as “a salon for everyone where every customer is 100% happy with their service”.

#one Photography: Dart Media Makeup: Kari Roberts

HIGH STREET, SUTTON COLDFIELD, WWW.SIXTHSENSESALON.CO.UK

fashion SPECIAL FEATURE

THE NEW HARVEY NICHOLS OPENS ITS DOORS AT THE MAILBOX THIS JULY AND WE CA MANAGER MELANIE PRYOR AND MENSWEAR MANAGER JAMES BURKE REVEAL JUST

Hailed as one of Britain’s greatest avant-garde designers, Lee Alexander McQueen combined flawless tailoring with a seductive and often sinister edge. Under the guidance of Sarah Burton, his eponymous line continues to deliver exquisite collections.

MARKUS LUPFER:

The reigning king of witty knitwear returns to Birmingham for AW15. Make a statement with sequinembellished motifs, cheeky slogan T-shirts, cutesy dresses and signature sequins sprinkled on dazzling shoes and boots.

Jacquard mini dress, £395.

ALEXANDER McQUEEN:

Sequinned jumper, £270.

Jacquard mini dress, £1,445.

Parrot T £235.

VICTORIA, VICTORIA BECKHAM:

Victoria, Victoria Beckham crepe dress, £495

Victoria, Victoria Beckham printed shift dress, £625.

Printed T-shirt, £295.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Victoria, Victoria Beckham printed mini dress, £680.

Launched in spring 2012, this most stylish of sister labels showcases VB’s skill at on-trend colour blocking. Doll-like tailoring on shift dresses and smocks ensures Victoria, Victoria Beckham strikes a note with followers of this iconic brand who are after chic clothes that are still young and feminine..

Pleated mini dress, £1,695.

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THE NEW HARVEY NICHOLS CONCEPT STORE OPENS UNRIVALLED EDIT OF THE VERY LATEST W

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AN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S BEHIND THAT INTRIGUING LED ENTRANCE! WOMENSWEAR T A FEW OF THE EXCITING BRANDS WE CAN EXPECT TO SEE THIS COMING SEASON.

Cropped neoprene trousers, £350.

Romaflague neoprene sweatshirt, £455.

GIVENCHY: Designer Riccardo Tisci is currently at the helm of the illustrious fashion house, so expect to see dark romanticism and modern sensuality amidst all that aristocratic elegance.

Plaid & paisley shirt, £315.

NEIL BARRETT: Born into a family of master tailors, Barrett made his eponymous debut in 1999.

An A-list favourite, he is renowned for bringing an element of grit to handsome collections that remain true to his signature pared-back style.

Quilted leather backpack, £815.

Floral print shorts, £400.

DIESEL: The Italian label was founded in 1978 and has since become famed for its greatlooking denim, as well as signature hues of red and black that are prominent in each collection.

Straight leg jeans, £175.

Slogan T-shirt, £45.

ITS DOORS IN JULY AND WILL OFFER CUSTOMERS AN WOMENS AND MENSWEAR COLLECTIONS.

Printed jersey top, £435.

Skull print T-shirt, £115.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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his STYLE www.69-degrees.co.uk

Outfit by River Island

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HOLiday essentials WHEREVER YOU’RE HEADING FOR YOUR SUMMER SOJOURN MAKE SURE YOU’VE ROOM IN YOUR SUITCASE FOR THE THESE LUXURIOUS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS. JOHN PAUL MCGUIRK FROM HARVEY NICHOLS REVEALS THE PRODUCTS HE WOULDN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT. 1: Supercharge your skincare with multivitamins and a shot of natural colour with This Works Energy Bank Sun Flash, £28.

Sun Lotion SPF30, £65, offers extensive anti-ageing benefits, infuses skin with moisture and helps shield it from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Up there with remembering to pack your passport!

8: The sun certainly feels wonderful, but the after-

2: Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Face Mist, £23.50, is a comforting toner with a gentle formulation. After application, skin immediately feels awakened and oxygenated with this carefully blended mixture of fruit and plant extracts.

effects may require replenishment and rehydration.

La Prairie's Soothing After Sun Mist, £64, naturally calms, soothes and moisturises sun-parched skin.

3: Clinically proven to leave your scalp feeling healthier and less itchy, Aveda’s Pureformance Shampoo, £42, certainly deserves its place in your suitcase.

4: Make a fashion statement on the with Moschino’s beach towel, £85, featuring the brand’s signature stripes and brights.

5: Even if

beach

you’re not heading off to warmer climes you can still picture holidays in Havana with this Paul Smith wash bag, £125.

6: Perfectly capturing the cool breezes, sparkling clear water and lush foliage of the Italian Rivera, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP, £142 (50ml), features citrus oils, floral notes and amber undertones.

9: Designer engraved tips. Gold metallic finish. Green tint lenses ... what more can you ask for from your sunglasses!

Cut a dash on the Costas with these super stylish ill.i Optic s by will.i.am, £190.

10: For impeccable sound quality on-the-go, look no further than Bang & Olufsen's BeoPlay H3 headphones, £169. The slick design comes in high on substance, too – they are drilled with 26 ear vents for the most authentic audio.

All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, either in store or via the new Style Concierge service.

7: Crème de la Mer’s Reparative www.69-degrees.co.uk

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SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND? The barber’s shop has always played an important part in the fabric of British culture. The Barber’s Lounge at Barrie Stephen’s King Street salon embodies the traditional barbershop atmosphere and gives men that classic space to visit, make themselves at home in and leave with a great professional, ontrend haircut or a luxurious wet shave.

Master barber, Michael Palmer, heads up the team, representing Leicester’s very own little piece of retro barbershop glamour and talks us through the all-important Barber’s Lounge experience at King Street….

How did you get into the barbering industry?

Men’s hairdressing has always been my thing. I was drawn by the fast pace and how I could really express myself. I began to train in a classic style of men’s hairdressing and took courses whilst working in a barbershop in Nuneaton. I loved it and knew it was the right path for me to take and in June 2014 I moved to work at Barrie Stephen Hair.

Why do you think the idea of the ‘traditional barber’ is back?

Men can’t get enough of that traditional experience. A space that is just for them – we make it easy but classy – walk in appointments but luxury touches of posh coffee and cold beers in the fridge. ‘Traditional barbering’ is all about spending that little bit of quality time to give the client some care and a good experience.

Are there any big trends you’re seeing in men’s hairdressing coming through this year?

We’re seeing a move away from strong razor work and heavily gelled looks with a push towards a natural, more textured look with a little more length. Think 90’s-chic and the return of curtains! With the more natural trends appearing, we’re enjoying using lightweight products at the moment such as moulding pastes and blow dry creams to keep some movement and body.

modern and edgy twist, which people love. It started out as a walk-in only service but due to its popularity and loyal following, the option to book 30 minute appointment slots was soon introduced. It’s quick enough to be an efficient service but it’s long enough to be able to spend quality time making the client feel good. We offer beard trims, wet shaves and a deluxe wash and cut service. Our £350 Tell us a bit about the concept of the Barber Lounge- where a year for unlimited access to Barber’s Lounge services it came from, how it works, services offered has also gone down a storm for those who want to be The Barber’s Lounge is very much about bringing back the impeccably groomed 365! rich and traditional history of the great British barbershop.

The private club feel is luxe, red snakeskin leather chairs, The Barbers Lounge is at Barrie Stephen Hair, King rustic looking wooden shelving and a fully stocked fridge Street, Leicester. Tel 0844 445 2888 or visit www. with chilled beer. It has that old school barbers feel with a barriestephenhair.co.uk

MICHEAL's KEY TREND FOR SUMMER More natural and relaxed, this curtained look is a prime example of what’s coming next in terms of men’s hair trends. We’ve seen the huge return of beards and facial hair and now men seem to be letting their hair grow out a little more too. The emphasis will be on a little more length and fuss-free flicks.

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1. Hugo Boss Swimshorts £55 Hugo Boss. 2. Blue Harbour Contrast Trim Baseball Cap £15 Marks and Spencers, 3. Yellow Medium Case £69, Debenhams, 4. T Shirt £40, Luke 1977, 5. Swim Shorts £75, Pilot, 6. DSQUARED² printed cotton T-shirt £110 Harvey Nichols, 7. Y3 Yohji Flip Flops, £65, Cruise 8. North Coast Sunglasses £15 Marks and Spencers, 9 Ted Baker Straw Trilby £37, 10. Chino shorts £26 Next, 11. SWIMS Navy rubber loafers £115 Harvey Nichols, 12. Buff Stripe Polo £35 White Stuff, 13. Azure leather bomber £725 Alexander Mcqueen, Harvey Nichols, 14. Premium Water Polo Short Superdry 15.Ralph Lauren Almer Flip Flops, £40 Cruise.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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T in the Park - 10-12th July www.tinthepark.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

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FROM THE SMALL SCREEN TO THE BIG STAGE, CONSOLE TO CLUB, IF IT’S WORTH SEEING,HEARING OR DOING, THEN IT’S HERE...

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PARADISE IT’S NOT OFTEN THAT WE FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMEWHERE SO MUCH THAT WE’LL WRITE ABOUT IT TWICE, THE ISLAND OF TOBAGO HOWEVER IS THE EXCEPTION WRITES SIXTYNINE DEGREES’ JONATHAN FRASER

I A M , I N G E N E R A L , S P O I LT. I T ’ S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU WORK FOR A MAGAZINE; THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO SEE, SOMEWHERE N E W T O E AT A N D S O M E P L A C E AMAZING TO EXPERIENCE. ACCESS TO THE ASTOUNDING ON A DAILY BASIS CAN, AND DOES, CREATE A CYNIC. It’s the same when i’m travelling, perhaps even worse in fact. Visiting foreign climes, notebook in hand and at the bequest of the local tourist board means you are treated incredibly well and are escorted to see the very best your destination has to offer. It’s an amazing experience but, it often means you don’t get the chance to experience what the island is really like a normal punter.

Tobago was different though. A place away from the corporate hotels that have invaded much of the Caribbean, visitors get a rare opportunity to experience real local life on a beautiful tropical island.

Surrounded by the Caribbean and Atlantic www.69-degrees.co.uk

Seas, twenty seven miles long and home to just 60 thousand people, all of whom seem to know each other well, Tobago is a destination that embraces tourism and tourists without being exploited by it. This became clear upon meeting our guide Kathleen and driver Hans who had planned an itinerary which would allow us to explore the island as an insider; eating, drinking, liming ( the Caribbean term for socialising, generally with a drink in hand in the sun) locally.

This local focus meant our days were filled exploring the islands rainforests, watching armies of tiny ants marching across our path loaded up with leaves as hummingbirds flitted amongst us. Swinging from vine ropes we keep a look out for Manicou and Agoutis whilst picking breadfruit to roast on an open fire. Our guides lead us to a hidden waterfall where we leap from the top into a crystal clear, wonderfully cool swimming pond before arriving at the beautiful Castera beach to help the local fishermen pull in the nets as the sun dips down behind the water; our hard work rewarded with bottles of cold Carib beer and warm Coconut Rolls cooked in the village dust oven.

49 Another day sees us set off by boat from the mangroves to explore the coral reef at Bucco. Travelling by glass bottomed boat, we stop and snorkel for a clearer view before arriving at the Nylon Pool, a sandbank in the middle of the sea so called because of the crystal blue colour of the water. We walk out of the boat into two feet of water and lie amazed by the experience and the beauty of our location. Apparently bathing in the Nylon Pool is supposed to make you ten years younger; I can think of no more relaxing anti-ageing treatment; nor could Princess Margaret, a regular visitor to Tobago, who would visit the pool daily. Our day ends paddle boarding around Pigeon Point; a picture of which could define the term paradise in any dictionary.

Our time on the island is punctuated with visits to some amazing restaurants; some offering a local menu of fresh fish, curried crab and hot jerk chicken with pigeon peas, plantain, callaloo, macaroni pie and provisions. Other eateries offer anything from American grill house to Thai and Italian style menus although the pepper sauce is never too far away- read our reviews on the new look www.69-degrees.co.uk website.

At night we return to Pigeon Point for the Tobago Jazz Experience, a music festival that sees international artists perform on the island each April. Unlike a UK festival you won’t find a crush of people at the front of the stage or any crowd surfing. Instead festival goers are seated on rows of immaculate white folding chairs for fear of blocking anyone’s view. We were amazed to be right at the front of the stage to see the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Miguel and Busy Signal perform in the evening heat and surrounded by palm trees.

It’s only for the big name stars that the few will get up and dance; stars such as Machel Montano, Soca music star from Trinidad whose brand of high energy, dance hall style calypso has since become my own guilty pleasure.

Tobago is a place that stays with you long after you have returned home.

A trip to the island strips away the cynicism of the everyday and reopens a world where you can truly relax. It is a place where dreams are made and paradise is truly found. www.gotrinidadandtobago.com

GETTING THERE BACOLET BEACH CLUB A contemporary boutique style hotel that offers 35 rooms across two wings. The hotel has its own private beach, two swimming pools and stunning views. We stayed in the newly finished west wing although all rooms feature king size beds, luxury bathroom, aire conditioning and a private terrace balcony. A great location for those wanting to be nearer the thick of things. www.bacoletbeachclub.com THE BLUE WATERS INN The Blue Waters Inn is a tranquil retreat positioned directly on its own beach at Speyside.

Overlooking the deserted Goat Island and derelict home of Ian Fleming, the views from the hotel’s infinity pool are simply amazing. Accommodation is well-appointed and made up of traditional bungalow style rooms, all with balcony or terrace. The perfect place to unwind, the hotel also features a dedicated diving school. www.bluewatersinn.com BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS OFFER: 7 nights at the 4* Blue Waters Inn from £859 per person or £829 per person at the 4* Bacolet Beach Club for selected departures in September.

Includes return flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast

www.tobagojazzexperience.com www.gotrinidadandtobago.com www.hanstourstobago.com With thanks to Kathleen from Visit Tobago, Hans from Hans Tours and Darrin from AMG . www.69-degrees.co.uk

50

MUST SEE MADRID

MADRID IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED FOR THE TOP SPOT IN PEOPLE’S MUST-SEE MAINLAND SPAIN ESCAPES, BEATEN OUT

BY THE TOURIST MECCAS OF BARCELONA AND MARBELLA. BUT IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AT A DIFFERENT PACE AND ESCAPE THE TOURIST CLICHÉS IN FAVOUR OF A PERFECT BLEND OF LOCAL HOSPITALITY AND UPMARKET SOPHISTICATION, THEN MADRID MIGHT JUST BE PROVE TO BE THE PERFECT CITY BREAK FOR YOU. KEVIN URQUHART EXPLORED THE CITY AND EXPLAINS WHY MADRID REALLY IS THE ULTIMATE SPANISH SURPRISE. Boasting quaint cultural corners, bustling bars, an unrivalled artistic pedigree and incredible cuisine, Madrid is fast establishing itself as the perfect destination for a well needed weekend getaway.

And with Norwegian Airlines now flying to Madrid direct from Birmingham Airport, there really is no excuse not to get on-board.

Arriving in the city the feeling within the streets and among the local people (of which there are around

www.69-degrees.co.uk

3.5 million) is delightfully understated. With a blend of cosmopolitan cafe culture and rustic Spanish authenticity it’s the perfect place to sit and let life pass stylishly by. The problem is there is just so much to see! So relaxed is the city that it can be an effort to put down your coffee, open your guide book and start exploring the rich culture and amazing sights this historic city has to offer – believe me the architecture is stunning – even the city’s post office rivals Buckingham Palace in the stateliness stakes.

We suggest emplying the services of a guided tour company for a personal walking tour so that you can get to know the city like a local.

The Plaza de Villa, the oldest square in Madrid, (15th Century) is the perfect beauty spot to take some truly stunning photographs and the stylish designer haven of Salamanca, just north of the city, is well worth a visit as is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, home to works by Rembrandt and Dali.

The piste de resistencia though has to be the Royal Palace of Madrid. Whilst the Spanish Monarchy no longer resides here, you are sure to feel like a king or queen yourself as you explore the breath taking gardens and exquisite décor of some 3,418 rooms.

Yes, 3,418 rooms. Whether you want to take in the luxurious surroundings at your own leisurely pace

51 or with the help of a tour guide, the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest palace in Europe, should definitely be made a priority for your trip.

All of that exploring should have built up your appetite and luckily on almost every corner in Madrid you’ll find a quirky bar serving Tapas alongside their drinks, anything from crisps and olives to chorizo and manchego cheese, eating and drinking really do go hand in hand in this city.

One way to enjoy true Tapas in the city, and a must on every travellers list, is to visit the bustling indoor market.

Crammed with artisan stalls all offering dishes from 1 or 2 euros the trick is to explore each stall’s offerings with a glass of chilled cava in hand. It makes for a truly magical dining experience which is as entertaining as it is filling. Visdit ove rthe summer months and you can enjoy their program of opera in the gardens too.

For those who prefer their dining a little more formal, restaurants such as Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant built in 1725 offers a menu to match its rich culinary heritage. This famed restaurant has had only two family owners throughout its 300 year history and was a meeting place for rebels during the civil war. Since then, it has welcomed the great and good, including Royalty and movie stars.

Inside, much of its traditional charm is retained and its speciality dish of slow roasted suckling pig is certainly evocative but not recommended for more squeamish visitors. For a more bohemian vibe, the Central Café offers an affordable alternative.

Perfect for a laid back lunch; a three course pre siesta feast costs as little as 12 euros. Loved by the locals, it’s also the place to catch some late

night jazz in the city.

If jazz is not your thing Madrid offers a multitude of options for a top notch night out. Madrid’s infamous cocktail bar and cosmopolitan club culture is the ideal backdrop to a night of drinks and dancing.

For a more authentic Spanish take on a night out on the tiles though, the Tablao Flamenco club is a hive of dancing, singing and clapping, all backed by classic Spanish guitar. If you’re more into people watching than toe tapping then Madrid has more bars per capita than any other city on Earth, so we can guarantee you will find one (or one hundred and one) which are more to your taste.

A must visit location for drinks day or night is the roof top bar at ME hotel on the Plaza Santa Ana in the centre of Madrid. Offering stunning views and a great gin and tonic (served in a huge balloon glass) the rooftop bar is stunningly stylish and very much the place where pretty people go so make sure you prepare by ditching the flip flops and sport something more moda.

It’s no surprise then that we’ve fallen head over heels for Madrid; it’s the perfect destination for couples and lone adventurers alike. With its safe streets, easy navigation, sophisticated bar scene and authentic local charm, you may arrive as a tourist, but you will definitely leave feeling like one of the locals. We can’t wait to get back.

Norwegian operates flights to Madrid from Birmingham on Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays Fares start from £29.90 from norwegian.co.uk We stayed at Radisson Blu Hotel Madrid Prado, Calle Moratin, 52, Plaza de Platerias Martinez, 28014 Madrid, Spain www.radissonblu.com

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52

THE A LIST What’s on, when, where and why aren’t you already going?

Dreams: Hurt, Hope & Happiness

A thought provoking new art exhibition at Nottingham’s Institute of Mental Health is exploring the relationship between dreams and mental illness. The exhibition, titled ‘Dreams: Hurt, Hope & Happiness’, runs until the 25 September 2015 and is the seventh open exhibition that arts charity City Arts Nottingham has run in partnership with Institute of Mental Health.

Dreams, mental health and art have long been intertwined. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that dreams were crucial to understanding the unconscious mind. Freudian ideas had a strong influence on the work of Surrealist artists including Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte.

Artists with work on display include: Nottingham’s Bea Roberts, who recently discovered her artwork would appear in upcoming Hollywood film The Ninth Life of Louis Drax; Paulo Tercio, an international exhibited artist who, in 2013, won a commission for a permanent alter piece at St. Andrew’s Church in Fulham; and Mike Hughes, whose submission to the exhibition depicts a dream about time spent working in Nottingham’s BOC factory over 40 years ago.

‘Dreams: Hurt, Hope & Happiness’ is open for viewings on weekdays from 10am to 4pm. The Institute of Mental Health is on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus. www.69-degrees.co.uk

53 NT LIVE : ENCORE SCREENING MAN & SUPERMAN

18th June - 5th July @ Mac Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk

flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues. Following in hot pursuit, Ann is there when Tanner awakes, as fierce in her certainty as he is in his.

DERREN BROWN

29th June - 4th July @ De Montfort Hall Leicester /www.demontforthall.co.uk/

A romantic comedy, an epic fairy-tale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live. Jack Tanner, celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann. But she takes it in her assured stride and, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary. Tanner, appalled by the whiff of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and

The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back on tour in 2015 with a brand new one-man show. Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is once again looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control.

I NEVER TOLD A JOKE IN MY LIFE - CHRIS WILLIAMS

5th July @ Derby Theatre https://www.derbytheatre.co.uk/

Solo performer Chris Williams recites an endless list of all the things that could happen in a live comedy act - from fights with the audience, to sing-a-longs, walk-outs and on stage deaths - as part of the Derby Comedy Festival.

ME AT THE ZOO

7th - 8th July @ Birmingham Rep www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

DEAD SIMPLE

29th June - 4th July @ The New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/ One man’s nightmare… is another man’s fortune. Following the nationwide critically acclaimed hit premiere stage production of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder earlier this year, the best-selling work of the No.1 novelist returns to the stage in 2015 with the adaptation of his most famous and popular book to date and the first book that featured James’ now famous character of Detective Roy Grace - Dead Simple. Michael Harrison thinks he has it all; great career, good friends and a beautiful fiancée. But when his stag night prank goes horribly wrong, Michael finds himself alone, buried alive and staring death in the face. As time runs out and the terror grows, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace tries to solve his mysterious disappearance, but begins to fear that Michael will never be found in time.

17 year old Charlie Bottle knows he’s doing the right thing. Social media is changing people for the worse, even his best friend Amy. He’s going to show her just how wrong she is. He’s a video camera, a fake competition and a brilliant plan. What could possibly go wrong?

Me At The Zoo is the first fulllength play by Young REP graduate Grace Barrington. It’s a hilarious, fast-paced and thrilling exploration into the light and dark sides of social media.

AD ASTRA

9th July @ Curve Leicester www.curveonline.co.uk A host of fresh new talent and inspiration will create imaginative www.69-degrees.co.uk

54 and exciting performances which emphasize the journey that the students are taking and the uniting of their commitment. The show will include a kaleidoscope of dance styles including ballet, tap, contemporary, commercial, cabaret and musical theatre amongst others.

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Adapted

by Nicholas Briggs Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that there are two distinct sides to men one good, one evil. Intent on separating the two, he succeeds in his experiments. However, in doing so he unleashes ‘Hyde’, a monstrous and uncontrollable alter ego.

THE BODYGUARD

5th - 29th August @ Hippodrome Birmingham www.birminghamhippodrome.com/

SIMON SAYS…

LEICESTER PRIDE

25th - 26th July @ De Monfort Hall Leicester www.demontforthall.co.uk

Simon Says… be part of the fun! A weekend of Leicester’s finest musical talent and more, held in De Monfort Hall’s historic auditorium and beautiful gardens. This year the event will be headlined by indie rockers British Sea Power and electronic/ rock crossover legends Alabama 3. Showcasing some of the best music Leicester city has to offer, this is a weekend not to be missed.

JEKYLL AND HYDE

3rd - 8th August @ Nottingham Royal Concert Hall www.trch.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

The Bodyguard, the awardwinning musical based on the blockbuster film, is heading to Birmingham in 2015 starring three-time Brit nominee and X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron. Direct from its smash-hit West End run, the show is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome for 4 weeks only! Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

5th September @ Leicester City Centre www.leicesterpride.com/ The 5th of September sees the annual Leicester Pride festival

ALAN CARR: YAP, YAP, YAP! 2nd August De Montfort Hall www.demontforthall.co.uk 4th - 5th September Nottingham Royal Concert Hall www.trch.co.uk 10th - 12th September 2015 Hippodrome Birmingham www.birminghamhippodrome.com/ No stranger to yap Alan Carr will be yapping his way around the UK & Ireland with his brand new stand up show ‘Yap, Yap, Yap!’ The BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life. Yap it up!

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56 Jonathan Larson’s exuberant East Village rock version of Puccini’s opera La Bohème won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Larson’s stirring and life-affirming score captures the heart and spirit of a generation of struggling artists, addicts and impoverished young people living in the shadow of AIDS, battling the coming wave of gentrification. return to the city. The city is sure to become a brighter place, full of rainbow colours, as the city celebrates and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

MICHEAL MCINTYRE LIVE

10th - 12th September @ Capital Arena Nottingham capitalfmarena.com

DARCY OAKE THE EDGE OF REALITY

21st September @ Nottingham Royal Concert Hall www.trch.co.uk/ Canadian magician Darcy Oake will be heading out on his first ever Nationwide UK tour with a series of thrilling live shows. Emerging in the world

of illusion as a new generation of contemporary mysticism he has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting performers in magic right now.

In June 2014 over 200 million viewers tuned in to Britain’s Got Talent to witness the birth of a phenomenon: the unveiling of an electrifying new illusionist, Darcy Oake.

The past few years have been exceptional for Michael. In 2013 he performed internationally; playing to sold out arenas i

RENT

16th - 19th September @ Guidhall Theatre Derby www.derbylive.co.uk

HAIRSPRAY

9th – 19th September Curve Leicester www.curveonline.co.uk You can’t stop the beat of the smash hit musical comedy, Hairspray, as it returns to Curve in September 2015 to launch a brand new UK Tour.

It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!

www.69-degrees.co.uk

16 OCT – 7 NOV A CURVE PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR NIKOLAI FOSTER

“One of the greatest American plays” The Observer

58

WIN 4X FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES WITH SIXTYNINE DEGREES STRAWBERRY FIELDS: 7/8 AUGUST

Tucked away in the gorgeous Leicestershire countryside, Strawberry Fields is one of a number of rapidly growing independent musical (and comedy) festivals taking place across the UK this summer.

Keeping with the authentic festival experience, Strawberry Fields gives you the classic ingredients for a messy musical event: mud, fresh air, a wide range of music, and plenty of alcohol! The festival has four different stage areas that cater for Drum & Bass, Funk, and a whole host of indie music that’s guaranteed to get anyone nodding their heads and pulling some shapes!

Headliners include, Bombay Bicycle Club (DJ Set), Mistajam, Jaguar Skills, Mark Knight and Kissy Sell Out.

And if all that music isn’t enough, or you’re in need of a place to sit down and stop the walls from moving, Strawberry Fields has an array of local comedians that are sure to have you in stitches. Head over to the official Strawberry Fields website or Twitter page for ticket info and to see what’s in store. www.eventbrite.co.uk

WIN!

We caught up with the inimitable, Kissy Sell Out, ahead of his appearance at Strawberry Fields and have not only wangled an exclusive interview as well as a chance to meet and chill with him before his set! Trust us; he’s a legend, so you’ll have a blast. This VIP weekend prize comes with access to the exclusive VIP area, VIP toilets and VIP camping facilities. Two runners up will scoop a pair of weekend tix to the festival, too. Head over to our Facebook page – SIXTYNINE Magazine and like the page& share the post. A winner will be picked at random

SPLENDOUR: 18 JULY Two-tone legends The Specials and indie rockers James headline the Splendour festival in the beautiful setting of Wollaton Park in Nottingham on July 18 and we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away! Chart-topper Jess Glynne, pop queens Bananarama, Lawson, Roots Manuva, To Kill a King, The Twang, Ferocious Dog, Iris Gold, and upcoming Nottingham band, Amber Run are just some of the great names also on this year’s bill as Splendour delivers the perfect mix of much loved heritage acts and contemporary pop artists playing across three stages.

With children 10 and under getting in free, it’s a great family summer day out with plenty to enjoy including the free kids’ area hosted by Big Top Mania, featuring circus skills workshops and shows, crazy inflatables, giant bubbles, and Big Bear’s Big Balloon Disco. Elsewhere, the bigger and better fringe entertainment and a full line up on the comedy stage add to the festival vibe.

WIN! For a chance to win a pair of tickets head over to our Facebook page – SIXTYNINE Magazine and like the page& share the post. A winner will be picked at random. www.splendourfestival.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

59

MADE FESTIVAL 25-26 JULY Made debuted last year to huge success, being nominated for Best Metropolitan Festival in the UK Festival Awards. With an already stellar programme of both live music and DJ performances confirmed for Saturday 25th July – headline sets from MK and Wilkinson and performances from the likes of Claude VonStroke, Heidi, Julio Bashmore, Beardyman, David Rodigan and Norman Jay the festival is proud to reveal that a second day (Sunday 26th July) will be added with food host, the multi award-winning, Digbeth Dining Club, as well as further additions to the line-up including local hero, Low Steppa, and rising house duo 99 Souls.

Low Steppa needs little introduction.

A heavyweight in the bass music scene, he has been producing a host of celebrated tunes under several aliases and collaborative projects (e.g.

Twocker, Rudi Stakker, Bass Weazal, Dreadstemz) not to mention his

Simma Black imprint which is going from strength to strength. He will play the closing set to the 2015 festival.

Afurther addition to the already heaving line-up, BBC’s Essential Mix and Rinse FM guest slot regular, and the youngest DJ ever to play Glasgow’s legendary Sub Club, Jasper James, will be making his mark on the Digbeth Triangle, too. He is joined by the UK’s number one Bashment sound, bringing high energy and quickfire mixing, The Heatwave, a Rainbow Venue’s favourite.

With these new additions and more to be revealed over the coming month, there is no doubt that MADE Birmingham will showcase an diverse and high quality selection of local and international music, art and culinary talent in 2015 re-enforcing the second city’s reputation as a ground-breaking, innovative and diverse creative hub.

The event, which was first staged in 2013 as part of the Hall’s centenary celebrations, transforms the hall and its picturesque grounds into a perfect

tickets head over to our Facebook page – SIXTYNINE Magazine and like the page& share the post. A winner will be picked at random

www.madebirmingham.com

SIMON SAYS: 25/26 JULY

More than 100 bands combining the very best local acts and national talent will be taking to the stage this summer at the third Simon Says… festival, De Montfort Hall & Gardens’ home-grown music festival.

a chnace WIN! to win a pair of WIN! For

place to relax with friends and family listen to the sounds of good music, and enjoy great food and drink.

This year’s Simon Says… line-up will also include the summery 70s sounds of Hyde & Beast, bourbon-soaked growl of The Urban Voodoo Machine, and mod / ska anthems from The Moderators. Local Jamaican ska and reggae merchants El Pussycat

will also take to the stage, as well as new Leicester band Ex Comets, roots/ reggae from Tann-I Browne and the Ankh Band, and a crowd-pleasing blend of gypsy rhythms and folk storytelling from The Brandy Thieves.

Headliners will include indie rockers British Sea Power and electronic/ rock crossover legends Alabama 3 (unplugged).

As well as promising music for every taste, Simon Says… features a selection of thirst-quenching bars selling everything from cocktails to real ales and ciders, varied craft and food stalls, and a children’s activity area for younger visitors. www.demontforthall.co.uk

WIN! WIN! to win a pair of For

a

chance

tickets head over to our Facebook page – SIXTYNINE Magazine and like the page& share the post.

A winner will be picked at random www.69-degrees.co.uk

60

KISSY SELL OUT

THOMAS BRISDEE AKA KISSY SELL OUT HAS TAKEN THE ELECTRO WORLD BY STORM BUT HE’S FAR FROM AN OVERNIGHT SUCCESS, HAVING JUST NOTCHED UP TEN YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY. FROM PRODUCING MUSIC TO TAKING AN INTEREST IN ASTROPHYSICS, THE LONDON BORN DJ IS RENOWNED FOR HIS WIDE RANGE OF TALENTS AND ISN’T ONE TO SHY AWAY FROM USING THEM TO MAKE HIS IMPACT WITHIN THE SPEED GARAGE SCENE. SIXTYNINE DEGREES’ LILITH HUNT SHEPPARD CAUGHT UP WITH THE MAN HIMSELF TO DISCUSS HIS NEW SINGLE, WHAT HE’S BEEN UP TO AND HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO THE STAGE AT STRAWBERRY FIELDS FESTIVAL IN LEICESTERSHIRE… www.69-degrees.co.uk

61 We know that you’re crazy busy right now: tell us a little bit more about what you’re up to at the moment…

Well I just started a new radio show (on soundcloud).

I’ve also just released my new single, ‘Give Me Your Hand,’ which is really exciting and we’re doing a deep 4 exclusive remix compilation, which is quite cool. Being a producer and stuff, you can’t make a good tune when you’re feeling a bit down, a bit sad.

You have to be in the right state of mind and I just feel like I’ve found a good groove. Do you remember that track Tears by Frankie Knuckles?

Yeah, of course!

Well you know the singer? He had a beautiful voice; he’s called Robert Owen. I’ve just done a single with him and that will come out in a couple of months, so I’m excited about that, too.

Lots of exciting new things then! So you’re a graphic designer, you produce, you’re a DJ, record label owner, journalist plus you enjoy the astrophysicist side of things. There are a million strings to your bow, quite literally, but do you have a favourite part of what you do?

I’m very hyperactive; I’ve got a very short attention span: I’m only 75% funny, I think. I’m gullible you see. I’ve got a good sense of humour, but I’m just a bit too gullible. But music I can do, DJing I can do and when I was younger I was really good at maths as well, oddly.

For people who haven’t been introduced to Kissy Sell Out yet, how would you best describe your sound?

You know it’s changed a bit over the years. I think, in a funny sort of way, I’m a bit more refined than I used to be. But hyper, I’d say. Hyper, but passionate. What I’m trying to level with you here is the difference between me and a lot of other DJ’s is that being a DJ, for me, wasn’t a lifestyle choice. You won’t be able to pick out many things that I’ve done that I did purely because I thought it would be cool. I think I’ve always stuck to doing things that I actually believed in and that I was really happy with and that I wanted to share with people. If you’re going to spend every week doing two or three gigs or tours, you’ve got to like what you do. I will say my music isn’t for everyone, but it’s funny really, when you get to a certain age and you realise that a lot of my idols were never millionaire DJ’s in the first place. It was just people who took a chance and represented a sound and a scene. So it’s lovely to just be part of that really. I love it!

How did you start out?

I was a bit of a misfit at school and cars would drive past with really loud speed garage playing. I just thought this is the coolest fucking music, like ever.

Dance music has made me feel included and part of something, which is a big thing for a former misfit, and that’s the thing I’ve got a great respect for. That’s why I have a radio show because finding new music by new producers is wonderful; it’s a wonderful feeling and it’s what I love doing best really.

So, where’s your favourite place to gig?

I tell you what; my favourite place to gig has to be at the festivals! In fact, I’ve got a good one coming up soon called Strawberry Fields and that should be amazing!

That’s the one! We’re excited to be having you coming to that. So what can people expect from you at Strawberry Fields this year then?

They can expect a hyper, but none the less, bundle of fun who’s as pleased to be turning up there as everyone else is!

We can’t wait. Kissy Sell Out will be joined on the main stage on 8th July with the likes of Mark Knight, Jaguar Skills and Higher Self at this year’s Strawberry Fields Festival.

Strawberry Fields takes place at Cattow’s Farm, Leicestershire.

WIN!

Tickets are available at: www.eventbrite.co.uk

HOW DO YOU FANCY NOT ONLY TAKING A MATE TO STRAWBERRY FIELDS, VIP STYLE, BUT ALSO SHARING A BEVVY WITH KISSY BEFORE HE TAKES TO THE STAGE? THOUGHT SO. TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS MONEY-CAN’T-BUY PRIZE, HEAD OVER TO FACEBOOK. LIKE OUR PAGE, FIRSTLY, THEN LIKE/SHARE THE KISSY STORY. A WINNER WILL BE PICKED AT RANDOM. A FURTHER WINNER WILL WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS BUT NO SCHMOOZING. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW AT WWW.69-DEGREES.CO.UK

www.69-degrees.co.uk

by MARIE WOOD

AUDIOPHILE

62

E S S E N T I A L D O W N LO A D S MACCABEES – MARKS TO PROVE IT

Three years on from their Mercury-nominated, Given To The Wild, Maccabees are back with a fourth album that promises to revisit the intoxicating excitement of their debut. The jittery determination of single ‘Marks To Prove It’ and the sweeping lament of ‘Kamakura’ recall the emotional intensity of Colour It In, but overall the record has a much more mature passion. ‘Spit It Out’ is a touchingly explosive choral hymn and ‘Pioneering Systems’ has a understated melancholic richness reminiscent of Leonard Cohen. Marks To Prove it is still the Maccabees just all grown up.

GENGAHR – A DREAM OUTSIDE Gengahr have coyly described their career so far as a series of “happy accidents”, but the pure psych-pop perfection of A Dream Outside is no mistake. The North London quartet’s debut is a fairy tale trance of wistful falsetto melodies, trippy beats and catchy choruses all lovingly drunk on moonshine.

A short but delightfully sweet 36 minutes, it’s an effortless listen as the band transverse from woozy wonderings on tracks like ‘Bathed In Light’ to suddenly propelling head first into sonic eruptions like debut single, ‘Powder’.

TITUS ANDRONICUS – THE MOST LAMENTABLE TRAGEDY A 29 track rock opera about an unnamed protagonist deep in despair following an encounter with his doppelgänger told over www.69-degrees.co.uk

five acts. For any other band this would be a disastrous premise for an album, but for Titus Andronicus’ 4th record it’s a mindbending 93 minute exhilarating epic. The record showcases Titus’ full arsenal as they battle larynx swelling hardcore (‘Stranded (On My Own)’) swaggering bar brawl rock (‘Lonely Boy’), Springsteen gypsy punk (‘Fatal Flaw’) and somber minimalism (‘Stable Boy’).

Strap in, it’s a helluva ride.

GIORGIO MORODER – DÉJÀ VU At the grand age of 75, disco pioneer Giorgio Moroder is back with his first solo album in over 30 years featuring a superstar heavy line-up (Britney, Sia, Charli XCX, Kylie). Sadly the album does not induce déjà vu as it rarely reaches Moroder’s former glories as his distinctive disco is ironically drowned out by cheap

overpowering EDM. There are glimpses of pop perfection on the beat heavy ‘Diamonds’ featuring Charli XCX, but Britney’s over auto-tuned cover of Suzanne Vega’s ‘Tom’s Diner’ is enough to bring up anyone’s burger and fries.

MUSE – DRONES Drones is the sound of Muse disappearing further up their collective nuprog bum holes.

A concept album about a protagonist’s indoctrination as a “human drone” and then their defection, it’s a confused record laced in overblown operatics, cliché lyrics (“Love, it will get you nowhere” – ‘Psycho’) and bombastic riffs that’s all been done before (see Marilyn Manson, Queen).

There are brief glimmers of the band Muse once were when they occasionally take their foot off the deafening pomp, on the emotive ‘Mercy’ and the heavenly harmonies of title track ‘Drones’.

63 AUDIOPHILE

by KISS FM’s CHARLIE HEDGES

CHARLIE'S ANGELS DISCLOSURE- BANG THAT

Bang That’ is certainly a summer anthem in the making. Disclosure have been playing this track in their DJ sets for a while now but that’s not to say they haven’t been busy behind the scenes, touring the world, churning out remixes of Pharrell and Usher and a collab with Mary J Blige. Bang That’ will be the first single from their upcoming album and with its catchy, bouncy, basey vibes it reminds us why we fell in love with the brothers work in the first place.

DAVID ZOWIE – EVERY WEEKEND

HOUSE

This is a seriously strong contender for this year’s summer anthem.

With its infectious and repetitive lyrics it really does make you want to be out listening to house every weekend. It’s been making waves behind the scenes for a little while but it’s now being played all over the world and has racked up over 2 million listens on Soundcloud!

It’s reached the point where it’s crossing over into the commercial world of radio, and with backing from some of the biggest stations in the UK it’s set to be a massive hit.

SAM FELDT FT. KIMBERLY ANNE – SHOW ME LOVE Robin S – Show Me Love has got to be one of the most popular bootlegged and remixed tracks in the world and just when you think we’ve had enough

of the track, Sam Feldt drops this beauty making us fall in love with it all over again. Signed to Spinnin’ and already hitting more than 6 million streams online, the Dutch deep house prodigy releases this as his first UK single. It features the voice of Kimberly Anne, whose vocals cut through the deep rework of the 90s original. Sam has been named the artist to watch in 2015 by Spotify and with his full house, progression and saxophone riffs we can definitely see why.

TWOLOUD–MOVE(SHOWTEKEDIT) Showtek add their edge to Twoloud’s ‘Move’, their edit of which offers nothing but raw electro with bass chords and big beats with a ragga breakdown building tension for the drop. This track just makes you want to jump.

Strong enough to be a festival and club game changer this summer, the Dutch brothers Sjoerd and Wouter Janssen give us hope that there’ll be more productions like this coming before the end of the year.

ISHI – PUSH IT (CAZZETTE VS. ISHI REMIX) This time S w e d i s h Producer iSHi has teamed up with label buddies Cazzette for a remix of ‘Push It’, which was premiered during their main stage set at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in March. Going off the incredible crowd reaction this is guaranteed to be a house hit this year. You may be familiar with iSHi whose production work includes the likes of Rihanna, Emeli Sande and Tinie Tempah and now it’s time he stole the limelight himself. There are also rumours of a forthcoming album and with the contacts he has we can only assume a star studded A-class line-up which I can’t wait to hear if this track is anything to go by.

Tune in to the Charlie Hedges presents podcast every friday on soundcloud and itunes.

For more charlie hedges facebook.Com/ charliehedgesfriends twitter. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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T e n st o ry MADE, the massive metropolitan, arts and dance event in Birmingham returns to the city in July. SIXTYNINE DEGREES’ Rae Stephenson caught up with main stage players DJ duo ‘ten story’ to find out why this unique urban celebration of electronic musicians, street art and design is the place to party this summer.

With stints DJing in Barcelona, Ibiza and Croatia lined up this summer, you might be surprised to learn that the lads from Ten Story are just as excited to get back to Birmingham to perform.

Ten Story will be playing to a huge home crowd when they take to the stage, and it’s an emotional and exciting appearance for Dan and Ste, whose huge international success all started here in Birmingham.

“It’s always great to play in Brum, but to get a chance to play to a crowd as big as the arena in our home town is a first for us really. We have been playing mainly in London, the south coast and Ibiza due to our residencies so to play in Birmingham is always a huge thing for us.”

Their fondness and nostalgia is unsurprising. The music scene, cultural diversity and huge underground talent of the city provided the perfect springboard for Ten Story’s ever-increasing success, and this artistic and creative influence is what makes MADE so special. And being local lads, Dan and Ste have the inside track when it comes to which musicians you should be making time to see from midday to midnight at MADE.

“We are both really into Dirtybird as a label so seeing Claude Vonstroke is always on the to-do list. Add that to Adam Shelton, Subb-an, Nightmares on Wax and Doorly.

We can never resist getting out of the booth and onto the dance floor after a show.

Generally at events like MADE it’s good to just have a wonder around from stage to stage and see what’s happening. When a line-up has as many styles on it as this year’s event you never know what you may stumble into!”

It sounds like the DJ industry definitely seems to be one where everyone supports and encourages each other and now Ten Story find themselves in a position to help and nurture upcoming talent too.

“We are big supporters of new DJ’s and talent that are coming through, it’s amazing to be able to have a listen to the stuff we are sent and try and help in any way we can for new DJs just starting out. It’s an unwritten rule of Djing for us, the whole thing can be a cruel twitter fuelled argument at times but in the main part it’s a great community of like-minded people that will always try and help each other out.”

65 Other than helping new talent and spending sun soaked days at their Rocks residences around the world, we asked the lads what their favourite part of their job is: “Filling up a dance floor is always such a great feeling. We have been warm up DJs for years for both Rocks and We Are Your Friends, to hand the decks and a full dance floor over to a guest DJ always feels like a huge achievement. Add to that the chance to go to places you have never been before (and probably never expected to go to) and meeting some brilliant/ crazy people along the way...”

I think at the end of each track we still get the feeling that we have learned something else and we are getting closer to our own sound. The music we like to make seems to be simple tech house grooves with an element of fun, we don’t like to make things too serious.

“WHEN A LINE-UP HAS AS MANY STYLES ON IT AS THIS YEAR’S MADE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MAY STUMBLE INTO!”

Another highlight of theirs is constantly improving their skills and learning more about the industry. Not only are they taking the DJ world by storm, they are now producing their own tracks in the studio. An impressive feat when you consider their humble beginnings as DJs at local Student’s Unions. “We try to sit down in the studio a couple of times a week at least and as time goes on the whole process seemsSFF_69_Advert.pdf to get faster and more streamlined.

1 18/06/2015 12:38

“We feel like we are still just getting started with it all and have so many ideas for how things could progress. We think it’s important to keep your options open, move with the times and have a good time in the process!”

While the lads might be keeping their options open, one thing that is for certain is that Ten Story are well on their way to big things, so catch them while you still can killing it on the main stage at MADE this July.

Ten Story will play Made Birmingham 25th July at Digbeth Triangle and have releases upcoming on Toolroom and Madtech.

www.madebirmingham.com LASS CARDS_x2:Layout 1 26/10/2012 16:08 Page 1

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Book a test today - Call 0116 255 9995 Or visit www.lass.org.uk Come in any weekday 9.30 – 4.30, Fridays until 11.30 The Michael Wood Centre 53 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 6YF. Charity Number: 1023914

SIXTYNINE SOCIAL

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www.69-degrees.co.uk

CRAFTY BURGERS COME TO ST MARTINS

Following its hugely successful pop up last winter, Crafty Burger has taken up permanent residency at St Martin’s Coffee, with the Crafty menu launching recently – and it’s a belter.

The owners of St Martin’s Coffee, Andy and Ellie Hall, have now gone into partnership with the couple behind Crafty, Chris and Andrea Elliman and, in pooling their knowledge and love of good food, they hope Crafty will bring a ‘fantastic new aspect to the successful coffee shop’. It will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings only with a focus on locally sourced produce.

Whilst we can confidently decree their burgers to be The Best In Leicester, they also offer a range of sides including the tasty sounding Pigcorn

Poppers (Crisp pork belly bites, spiced pineapple, honey and chilli) and a range of Pimped Fries, such as Cuban Fries with pulled mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard or Green Nacho Fries with avocado, spring onions, cheese, sour cream, French’s and jalapenos.

If you’ve still got space after your meal there’ll be gelato from St Martin Square’s very own Gelato Village, including a signature Crafty gelato flavour and customers can wash it all down with a range of great craft ales from Purity Brewers.

Crafty Burgers is at St Martin’s Coffee, St Martin’s Square, Leicester. You can also keep up to date on Twitter @craftystmartins www.stmartinscoffee.co.uk.

SPECIAL FEATURE

DERBY WELCOMES LONDON’S JOE’S KITCHEN

Joe’s Kitchen is fun, welcoming, casual, down to earth and wonderfully simple.

Taking inspiration from Borough Market, London, Joe’s offers great tasting fresh food, cooked by people who care, and served just how you like it.

There are a host of classics to kick start your day, from freshly made pancakes to Joe’s Café Breakfast, and eggs cooked just how you like them. And what’s breakfast without a hot cup of coffee? At Joe’s they love fresh coffee, so much so they’ve developed their very own Joe’s blend, which we are sure you’re going to enjoy.

For lunch, they’re serving up a great mix of sandwiches & melts, pastas, salads, some bigger bites, or, for the late risers, there are still a whole bunch of breakfast dishes available!

Join them for dinner and tuck into some real classics, and some with their own twist. The Chicken Katsu burger is a great example, where they bring a Japanese twist to a hearty dish. Or how about the Freshly Battered Fish, good old Bangers & Mash and a smashed Pea and Shropshire Blue Risotto to name but a few!

The guys at Joe’s love fresh produce and getting creative, so on top of the breakfast, lunch and evening menus, you’ll always find a few daily specials on offer. These are created by their talented chefs and are inspired by great, fresh ingredients.

If your diet is more liquid, their drinks are just as fresh and tasty as the food. Top up on your five a day with one of their Homemade Fresh Fruit Blends or try a Handcrafted Soft Drink. From Mango & Ginger to Homemade Iced Tea, we reckon you might just find a new favourite. For when a soft drink just won’t do (we all have them days), they’ve got a great selection of beers, wines, spirits (the G&T is our favourite) as well as freshly made cocktails, or Joe’s Jars, as we like to call them!

All told, the atmosphere at Joe’s is relaxed and inviting with a playlist of great British classics, both old and new. Serving food to make you feel good all day long, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends, grab a quick bit to eat or to relax and enjoy a great family meal. Welcome to Derby, guys.

Joe’s Kitchen is @ INTU DERBY, DERBY DE1 2P www.joeskitchen.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

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PEARL PARTY 48 HOURS OF FASHION CELEBRATIONS AT HENRY WONG

Nottingham is renowned for being sartorially splendid, but it became even more so, recently, when the annual 48 Hours of Fashion event took place at the historic Old Market Square.

The purpose-built marquee saw models strut their stuff in the hourly catwalk shows, in a range of outfits available from the city’s diverse shops. Shoppers watched free of charge as the choreographed shows took the themes of popular Nottingham events and destinations including Game City, Nottingham Riviera, Splendour Festival and Light Night. It was proof, if ever it was needed, that you cannot live in Nottingham and legitimately be badly styled.

Masterclasses from retailers including Boots and make-up brand Smashbox also took place

Few businesses are lucky or talented enough to reach the thirty year milestone, but Henry Wong of Harborne, Birmingham proved that lady luck is firmly on their side as they celebrated their 30th Anniversary recently.

With one year anniversaries, you celebrate with Paper; with thirty it’s Pearl, which seems appropriate as, like the pearl itself, the Henry Wong dining experience is opulent, exquisite and a thing of rare beauty.

Henry Wong of Harborne was launched in 1985 at a time when Chinese fine-dining was in its infancy in Birmingham – and you and I were not even twinkles in our parents’ eyes. Over the ensuing three decades, the restaurant and menu have adapted with the times and as tastes have changed.

Owner Parm Rai commented; “I’m incredibly proud that Henry Wong of Harborne continues to stand the test of time and is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. We wanted to host this celebration, which is inspired by the pearl, so that we could say a huge thank you to customers and friends past, present and future for their unwavering loyalty in Henry Wong of Harborne”.

Henry Wong is @ 283 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9QH.Tel 0121 427 7666 www.henrywongharborne.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

CHEZ MAL @ MALMAISON SPECIAL FEATURE

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Fresh flavours, seasonal produce and fruity cocktails are the order of the day with the new summer a la carte menu from Malmaison. And with a new-look, fully-refurbished bar and restaurant, there’s no better time to soak up the sumptuous surroundings, sip on something sparkling and indulge in a feast for the senses.

Before you order, make sure you take in the laid back vibes of CHEZ MAL Bar with its retro-inspired decor and lighting, including a cinema-style board, exposed brickwork and its chilled out music soundtrack, but not forgetting the classic Malmaison touch of luxury such as the leather stools. By day it’s the perfect place for a shopping pit-stop with a coffee and croissant, and by night, as the lights are dimmed, it’s ideal for after-work drinks and a great meal.

On the Summer of Mal a la carte menu, you can find a host of light, seasonal dishes, which are available to diners midweek until 7pm and sees two courses for £19.95 or three for £24.95. Starters include the summer minestrone soup with pesto and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and chicory tacos with pink grapefruit, coriander, fresh lime and red chilli. Mains are predominantly seafood-oriented with poached salmon, tuna sashimi niçoise and grilled tiger prawn linguine all in the offering, as well as a vegetarian risotto primavera loaded with the freshest courgette, carrots, tomato, peas and broad beans.

We tried the grilled NY strip steak flatbread with a salad of sliced beef tomato, avocado, red onion, gem lettuce and French dressing and the grilled tiger prawn linguini. The perfectly medium pink steak was served generously sliced and its juices had soaked into the flatbread meaning all of the meaty flavour stayed on the dish. Large chunks of tomato and avocado gave the dish a light, fresh feel - the perfect summer dish.

The tiger prawn linguine came full of flavour, seasoned

with garlic, and with cherry tomatoes and fresh peas running through it. The pasta was cooked well, on the softer side of tender, but in a good way. Sides of Parmesan pommes frites - crunchy fries with the slightest bit of skin left on and a smattering of Parmesan - were wolfed down and thoroughly enjoyed.

With stomachs fit to burst we almost passed on desserts, but the options proved too tempting to turn down. Continuing the summer theme, the Pina Colada sundae of coconut sorbet, Malibu cream, fresh pineapple and whipped cream sounded a delight, but we went for the more classic summer berry pavlova and strawberry cheesecake.

The Pavlova can only be described as a delightful parcel of the most divine meringue, topped with cream and fresh berries. The crispy outer shell revealed an outstanding soft and chewy inside - like a big fluffy pillow - with more cream and fruit. Simply spectacular.

The cheesecake arrived in a martini glass and did not disappoint on taste. The cheesecake mixture was creamy and soft, with an almost mousse-like texture, with thinly sliced fresh strawberries topping it off.

Friendly and helpful staff and a relaxed atmosphere added to a wonderful evening of fine food and drink and a promise to return soon.

Chez Mal is @ Malmaison, Wharfside Street, Mailbox, Birmingham. Tel 0844 693 0651 www.69-degrees.co.uk

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HOLA AMIGOS Y S T U D E N T S B I E N V E N I D O S CLEAN UP AT A AMANTIA

HIGHCROSS S T U D E N T SESSIONS

Senoritas and Senors are bid a friendly hello and welcome to Amantia, Birmingham’s hottest new contemporary Spanish & Mediterranean bar and restaurant. Featuring the finest and most authentic cuisine from the continent, SIXTYNINE DEGREES were lucky enough to road-test the accomplished menu recently and we can genuinely state that their steak could be The Best in Birmingham. A bold statement, we know, but it really was spectacular, as was the rest of the fare, which is skilfully created by their acclaimed Chefs, led by Andrea Tragaj (formerly of San Carlo Group).

As is typical on the city streets of Madrid, which is where much of the restaurant’s inspiration derives, courtesy of Marta Retenega (owner), Amantia serves us pintxo (pinchos) with every drink. These are bitesized versions of some of the signature dishes on the Amantia tapas menu designed to tempt and tantalise your tastebuds – and they certainly do. Their attention to detail even sees Amantia importing truly authentic Valencian Almonds and Spanish cheeses, so that the flavours really are direct from the continent.

This contemporary-styled restaurant opened its doors in March and has been quietly perfecting their menu and drinks offering in readiness for its official launch on July 2nd. Given its supreme food offering, coupled with the fact that they are smack bang in the city’s hottest new dining district – Bennett’s Hill/ Colmore Row – it’s a recipe for success, Spanish style. We defy you to find better Spanish food anywhere in Birmingham. Highly recommended.

Amantia is @ Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS. www.amantiarestaurant.co.uk Tel 0121 643 3647 www.69-degrees.co.uk

If you were curious why there were queues snaking around Leicester’s Highcross Shopping Centre recently, it was down to one of their (in)famous Student Lock In events. Twice yearly students are invited down for an exclusive late night event that combines fashion, beauty and mega discounts.

To help get students in the shopping mood there was a competition running across twitter encouraging students to share the hashtag #HighcrossSessions with amazing prizes on offer including; a year’s supply of Krispy Kreme Donuts and also Burgers from Handmade Burger, gift cards for Urban Outfitters, Costa Coffee & Burtons.

One very lucky student won a two minute supermarket sweep around Topshop, Sammi Glover, who’s a student at Queen Elizabeth’s College earned herself £442.80 worth of tops, jeans, shoes, sunglasses and more - a perfect summer wardrobe.

SPECIAL FEATURE

BIRMINGHAM GETS COSY ON BENNETTS HILL

Say goodbye to overdrafts, stuffy banking and scary bank managers.

Behind the doors of the historic Bennett’s Hill Building, the site of the original Midland Bank, the Cosy Club is already having quite an impact on Birmingham’s foodie scene.

Quirky, eccentric and playful , Cosy Club offers informal casual dining, drinking and lounging in a homely and family friendly environment.

‘Think gents club meets village hall meets cricket pavilion.’ Cosy Club’s menu majors on comfort food classics, as well as offering an extensive brunch menu, a decent variety of sandwiches, and a great selection of tapas.

The walls are adorned with enormous rousing Soviet-era masterpieces, family portraits, flags, banners and iconic 50’s artwork peppered with the odd piece of taxidermy thrown in for good measure!

Vast chandeliers (commissioned to replicate the original lighting) hang dramatically next to industrial steel lamps and chintzy shades throwing light that is soft, sumptuous and elegant.

The venue consists of a bar and restaurant area, which seats more than 200 people on the ground floor and mezzanine level. There are also two private dining rooms, one with its very own bar, available for private hire.

Whatever your tipple, Cosy Club aims to please. You can expect excellent coffee and cake, an imaginative choice of soft drinks, a great selection of draught beers, cider and ale, an enviable wine list and, to top it off, a nicely proportioned list of classic cocktails.

Cosy Club, 33 Bennetts Birmingham, B2 5SN.

Hill,

For reservations, menus and further details log on to www.cosyclub.co.uk Images by Antony Potts. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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72 NIGHT OWLS AT NOCTURNAL

Friday 5th June. For 6 consecutive weeks prior to this date the Nocturnal team teased, created anticipation and excited their followers for a night they claimed “Will Be a Movie”. The Nocturnal guys are known for only knowing how to have a good time, and partying ‘til the lights turn on. 5th June was no different.

at Players Bar on Broad Street, alongside support DJ’s Fleurescence, Anton Stranger and DJ Joey B. The way these guys promoted thei event on 5th June, we’re nm not surprised there was a queue down to the Jury’s Inn by 11:30pm. Hats off to the whole of the team at Nocturnal Birmingham.

For their first weekend appearance, Nocturnal wanted to make a statement, hosting one of the most talked about DJ’s right now: DJ RUSSKE,

We,like many of you, can’t wait to see what they have planned next. Find them on Facebook as NocturnalBirmingham

BARCELONA

COMES

TO

BYARD

LANE

A brand new Spanish-influenced eaterie has opened its doors in Nottingham. Baresca, a 150-cover market café & tapas bar , takes inspiration from the hustle and bustle of Old Town Barcelona, boasts a cellar bar (Cellar9) and offers a tapas menu ‘reflecting and revolving around the flavours of Spain and her near neighbours’.

Led by Bar Manager Will Haley, who has returned from six week’s training at a top Barcelona drinks and cocktail school, highlights on baresca’s drinks list include their gin botanica range, their own organic beers, Spanish craft beers, cocktails and cavas, jerez and sherries as well as a fleet of hand-picked wines.

Baresca 9, Byard Lane, Nottingham NG1 2GJ 0115 948 3030 www.baresca.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

FULL ENGLISH BANQUET, ANYONE?

G A S S T R E E T S O C I A L L A U N C H I N N OVAT I V E B R U N C H M E N U Birmingham diners are pretty much spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a great spot for weekend brunch. The midmorning meal has become a real social occasion, a popular time to meet with friends and catch up on the gossip. Newcomer, Gas Street Social in The Mailbox, is bringing something new to the (dining) table with their exciting new brunch menu, which we think you’ll love…

The new brunch menu, available from 9am, is all about sharing and enjoying a relaxed social experience. The star of the show promises to be the enormous Full English Breakfast platters, delivered to your table with plates and serving spoons for you to dive in and help yourself. Add to that the unlimited toast offer featuring Artisan fresh bread from a local bakery and that’s your perfect morning-after-the-night-before breakfast right there!

If you can’t face food and consider a hair of the dog to be the remedy of the day, the GSS Bloody Mary comes highly recommended and

features a homemade spice mix with over 20 herbs and spices, which they marinade for 14 days, and will revive you like nothing else! There’s also an incredible Full English Breakfast Martini that needs to be tasted to be believed –we kid you not. Or why not raise a pinkie and opt for the ‘Bottomless Bellini’: – unlimited glasses of fizz that can be mixed to your preference with a lush range of seasonal syrups and purees at the Bellini bar. Form an orderly queue!

Since its launch in March, this independent bar and kitchen has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place as a favourite destination for those looking for a cool, city centre venue with a fantastic all day dining and drinking offer. Its sunny canalside location is hard to beat, too.

The Gas Street Social brunch menu runs every Saturday & Sunday and is served from 9am until 1pm.

Visit w w w. g a s s t r e e t s o c i a l . c o . u k to book online or call 0121 643 0362 group dining enquiries. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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LAST WORD “In the dark I can sense The Zoo. I can’t see it, but I know it’s there.” Leicester’s freshest author and Amazon Rising Star Jamie Mollart takes us into the dark and incessant world of The Zoo, a constant, looming figment of protagonist James Marlowe’s subconscious. The Zoo is the heart of darkness. The Zoo doesn’t blink. Jamie’s critically acclaimed book follows Marlowe’s descent from infamous corporate debauchery into desperate insanity and his fight to regain the family, and sanity he has lost. As an advertising Executive himself though, is it more than just a name Jamie shares with the tainted and notorious James Marlowe? Rae Stephenson caught up with the Author to find out.

As soon as I ask, I can tell this is not the first time he has had to address the question of authorial surrogacy. He humours me though.

“No, he’s almost like my worst nightmare! The whole J M thing started as a bit of a post-modern joke. There are certain books that are famous for having main characters related to you, Hitchcock always has a walk on part. I just thought it would be a bit clever... and then I realised that in every interview I ever have, this question would come up! So I changed it slightly. The ‘J’ and ‘M’ is just a bit of a joke. Thankfully, he isn’t me. I wouldn’t wish what happens to him on anybody.”

With writing a book about an *almost* name sake, who also happens to work in the same profession, it’s no surprise that since the book’s publication, friends and clients have been desperate to find out if they made the cut for a cameo.

“Everyone’s so worried about it. That’s the first thing that everyone at work said. Even clients were asking if they would be in it somewhere! But because of what it is about I had to be really careful not to do that. There are only three characters that are actually based on people I know but they are really minor parts. And they did know about it before!”

The meticulous attention to detail didn’t start and end with the names though. In reading the book, there is instantly a richness, a palpable realism to the story which seems to have resonated so well due to Jamie’s real-world experiences. www.69-degrees.co.uk

“I actually spent a lot of time visiting mental health wards for research. I was particularly interested in the really fine balance between ‘sane’ and ‘unable to cope’ and how it is to live on that line between the two. I wanted to capture that. With Marlowe, he is living on the edge anyway and it just takes one more little thing, and it all comes crashing down.”

He also stresses the importance of the banking crisis and consumerism as influences – heavy topics for any author to tackle, let alone one striving for his first published title.

This dedication to his work is not set to slow any time soon, nor is Jamie taking any time to step back and admire his own success. Jamie admits he’s a perfectionist, and is still developing that thick skin needed to overcome knockbacks along the way, but encourages prospective writers to not give up. He says receiving the first copy of your own book makes it totally worthwhile. “The day my book arrived, I opened the package, pulled out the book and to see it all finished with your name on, to see your words on the page, it’s incredible. I walk into Waterstones and see it on the shelves and it’s amazing.”

He catches himself, and humbly adds: “Some say you have to write a million words before you can begin to call yourself a writer though!” Well we think he’s more than earned the title.

See what all the fuss is about yourself, we have 5 copies up for grabs. For your chance to win a copy of The Zoo, visit www.69-degrees,co.uk and click on competitions.

The Zoo is published by Sandstone Press Ltd

OPEN STUDIO

AN EXHIBITION OF MA ART AND DESIGN PROJECTS 2014 –2015 OPEN STUDIO

Open Studio is an exhibition of new work from our graduating MA Art and Design students, giving fresh insights into the process of research, experimentation and decision-making behind the postgraduate learning journey.

Work on show spans the areas of visual arts, visual communication, fashion, textiles and knitwear design.

PUBLIC OPENING (free admission): SATURDAY 25 – THURSDAY 30 JULY

Opening times: Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm (closed Sunday); Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Venue: Bonington building, Dryden Street, Nottingham, NG1 4GG All exhibition info: www.ntu.ac.uk/openstudio

IMAGE: Lewis Gowler, MA Fashion Design 2015

ART AND DESIGN POSTGRADUATE OPEN EVENT

Visit us on the day of the exhibition preview to find out more about studying a creative subject at MA level.

You’ll be able to chat with academic staff and current students, and look around the facilities and studio space.

Open event date: Friday 24 July 2015, 5 pm – 6 pm As part of the open event, you are also invited to join the Open Studio exhibition preview which follows directly afterwards, from 6 pm – 9 pm.

Open event info and bookings: www.ntu.ac.uk/art-pgevents