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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.

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What started off as a drunken conversation in a questionable bar in Leicester quickly became reality, albeit rough round the edges. We like to think it had charm and personality from the off. It also suited a purpose: connecting you to the very best of the Midlands in terms of fashion, clubbing, socialising, arts and all things in between.

That remit hasn’t changed although how we do it has. The magazine is still super important to us, but we’re massive online and social media publishers these days, too. In fact, we reached over 195,000 people last month alone. If you’re not following or liking our platforms yet, we’d urge you to get on board, as there is so much up to the minute content online that never appears in print – and vice versa.

SIXTYNINE degrees

This 18th anniversary edition is a bit special.

Even more so than usual, we should add. As well as all the content you know and love, we have one of our biggest-ever competitions: 18 days of prizes from 18 of the Midlands’ hottest brands, worth over £2000. It’s another reason to connect to us online and through social, as details of the comp will be posted exclusively online. Do it now.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

This autumn, yours truly finally comes of age as we hit our 18th birthday. To say we’re proud is an understatement. To say we’re surprised is also something of a moot point, too. But, what’s not in question is how glad we are to be here. Celebrating with you.

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about a brilliant concert violinist who is forced to re-evaluate her life when stuck down by an unforeseen tragedy.

The World Premiere of Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production of Nativity! The Musical (20 October – 12 November) features a cast of West End favourites including Daniel Boys (Avenue Q), Sarah Earnshaw (Wicked, Spamalot) and Simon Lipkin (Rock of Ages, Guys and Dolls). This perfect feel-good comedy for all the family has been adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films.

AUTUMN AT THE REP This Autumn The REP offers a rich, varied and entertaining programme to enthral audiences across the city and beyond.

The season contains many great examples of the ground-breaking new work The REP has a reputation for producing, highlights include Douglas Maxwell’s brilliant new play, The Whip Hand, local writer Steven Camden’s second play, I Knew You plus new plays produced by talented local artists from The REP’s Foundry programme.

The excitement starts in September with the National Theatre’s critically-acclaimed production of Jane Eyre (4 – 16 September). Director Sally Cookson’s energetic and imaginative new adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece comes to The REP during the 170th anniversary year of when Jane Eyre was first published.

Two of Britain’s most respected actors, Belinda Lang and Oliver Cotton star in Duet for One by Tom Kempinski (22 September – 7 October), a gripping and deeply moving psychological drama

Debbie Isitt also adapts The REP’s festive spectacular - The Hundred and One Dalmatians (30 November – 13 January).

Featuring wonderful puppets and new music, this joyous stage adaptation is packed with enchantment and humour, and will bring a thrilling new sense of adventure to the story, making it fun for families and kids of all ages.

Box Office: 0121 236 4455 birmingham-rep.co.uk Twitter @BirminghamRep Facebook.com/ Birminghamrep | Instagram @ therepbirmingham

IT ONLY FEELS RIGHT, WHEN IT FITS RIGHT! Are things not measuring up properly in the bedroom? One size most certainly does not fit all – especially when it comes to condoms. In fact a badly fitting condom is responsible for problems such as slippage, breakage, reduced blood circulation and dull sensation to name just a few.

Only a correct fitting condom can do the job it has actually been designed for. The free My. Size measuring app allows users to find the right size condom for the perfect fit and lets them order it immediately online or, if time is of the essence, where their nearest stockist is. www.69-degrees.co.uk

Visit www.mysize-measure.com with a smart phone and start measuring!

the MAKERS MARKET

@ Leicester’s New Market Square

DISCOVER THE FINEST LOCAL FOOD, DRINK, ART AND CRAFT PRODUCERS IN THE HEART OF LEICESTER CITY CENTRE. The New Market Square in Leicester is home to a new monthly Makers Market running the first Sunday of each month from 11am-4pm and will feature makes, bakes and creates from Leicester’s finest creatives.

If you’re a maker who would like to sell their unique and quirky products at the market or if you run craft workshops or are a musician or performer we’d love to hear from you. Contact Carey York at Fraser Urquhart Media on 0116 2533445 or email carey@fu-media.co.uk

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THE RED T U O S L L O R M A H BIRMING LINIC C Y T I R B E L E C R CARPET FO

EF MEDISPA is one of the UK's first medical spas and leading skin clinics – providing cutting edge, innovative face and body treatments to celebrities and royalty alike. Now Birmingham is getting in on the action, with the first Midlands clinic now open in Edgbaston.

Launched back in 2006, EF MEDISPA – which also has clinics in Chelsea, Kensington, St John’s Wood and Bristol – is bringing a host of unique treatments to the region and here’s a taster of our favourites.

BR FACIALS Unique to EF MEDISPA, you won’t find Biologique Recherche (BR) facials anywhere else! Using special techniques to prepare, stimulate and oxygenate the skin, BR’s sculpting movement is a favourite with the likes of Diane Von Furstenberg and Kim Kardashian.

3D Skinlift This high intensity focused ultrasound – ‘HIFU’ to those in the know – is a non-invasive treatment that helps with sagging skin without the need for any nips, tucks or snips.

MICRONEEDLING A treatment loved by Angelina Jolie and Naomi Watts, microneedling delivers a direct hit of intense vitamins and minerals to the lower layers of the skin with tiny needles, helping to reduce acne scars and stretchmarks.

REDUCE Using non-surgical body contouring technology, the ‘Reduce’ treatment breaks down fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue and means that you can tone your stomach, thighs, hips, and bum without having to step foot on a treadmill.

DRIP AND CHILL EF MEDISPA Edgbaston will be home to the city’s first Drip and Chill™ Lounge, prescribing a bespoke IV Drip Infusion that can tackle everything from stress and depleted energy levels to the common cold and hangovers. It’s a big hit with Rita Ora, Cara Delevingne, and Rihanna.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL The Edgbaston clinic has the latest technology that means it’s not just dark hair on light skin that will benefit from the treatment. The clinic’s top quality machines mean that darker skin tones and fairer hair can now reap the benefits.

Want to try it for yourself? Enter our competition to win £500 worth of treatments –just head to www.efmedispa.com/competition. To find out more about EF MEDISPA Edgbaston – which is located at 11 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston. Anyone booking a course of treatments up to the value of £2,000 until the end of October will receive a free weekend break in Europe!

visit www.efmedispa.com/birmingham-edgbaston and book your consultation today! www.69-degrees.co.uk

Award-winning clinic comes to Edgbaston

FAC E

·

SKIN

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BODY

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Drip & Chill Infusions Facial Rejuvenation Anti-Wrinkle Injections Dermal Fillers Inch Loss Body Treatments Laser Hair Reduction

11 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, B15 3AU or visit www.efmedispa.com/edgbaston

Pubs and sport - it’s a match!

We’ve had a great sports season here in Leicester supporting the Leicester Tigers, Riders and the Lions Speedway through their ups and downs and enjoying some fantastic celebrations as many trophies were lifted.

We can’t think of a better place to kick off the new sports seasons than down your local with your mates. Many pubs boast multiple large screens, exclusive match day offers and a great atmosphere! So, don’t sit at home on your own this sports season, get out there and feel like you’re part of something.

Join us for an evening of sport, chat and laughter down your local this September.

Look out for our exclusive sporting evenings in many pubs around the city. These intimate evenings will give you a chance to get up close and personal with Leicester Riders players and coach Rob Paternostro. Ask those burning questions about players, games, decisions, teams, tactics or anything else you want to know about these amazing athletes! ee vv ee rr aa rr dd ss oo ff ll ee ii cc ee ss tt ee rr ss hh ii rr ee

“Last season,Tigers finished one win away from being a part of the Aviva Premiership playoff final, competed in the European Champions Cup and won the only other domestic cup available to clubs in the Anglo-Welsh Trophy.What’s more,Welford Road welcomed over 340,000 fans through the turnstiles to cheer on Leicester Tigers and this season promises to be even better.

“With a number of international signings and a full-strength squad, Matt O’Connor is preparing the team for his first full season since returning to the club in March 2017 in the clubs 125th year of playing at Welford Road.Tigers will be celebrating its anniversary all season long with a number of special events, including its FREE family fun day event ‘Tigers in the Park’ on Sept 3 ahead of the team’s first Aviva premiership fixture against Bath in the afternoon.”

Phil Warrington, PR Officer at Leicester Tigers.

“Leicester Riders had an outstanding 2016/17 season – winning the domestic treble and retaining the British Basketball League Title for the first time in its 50 Year History! During the season, we broke several Club records – winning the first 9 fixtures and going on a 16-fixture winning streak. It was also our first full season in the new £6m Arena where we played to capacity crowds as the season climaxed.The upcoming season will be our 50th Anniversary Season and Head Coach Rob - who was voted BBL Coach of the Year for a 4th time - is very excited to be putting together a challenge for Trophies in 2017 2018.We look forward to seeing you there!”

Ian Davidson, Commercial Manager.

Looking for somewhere that will guarantee a good atmosphere this match day?

Check out these great sporting pubs where you will be welcomed to cheer on your favourite teams: • Fox Inn - Oadby • Barley Mow - Leicester • Crows Nest - Leicester • Queen Victoria - Syston • The Old Horse - Leicester

Official Beer of LEICESTER TIGERS RIDERS ee vv ee rr aa rr dd ss oo ff ll ee ii cc ee ss tt ee rr ss hh ii rr ee

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AYS D S E N D E W ON we wear pink

It may have been released over thirteen years ago but Mean Girls merchandise is like, totally hot right now. Now you can contour and make yourself “like, really pretty” with the Plastics’ tools of choice- the Spectrum X Mean Girls collection.

Each professional and high-quality brush is engraved with favourite quotes from the hit film and the collection can be housed in the ‘On Wednesdays We Wear Pink’ acrylic storage to complete your dressing table, or transport them in the Spectrum Burn Book, the most ‘Fetch’ accessory of the year!

Prices start at £9.99 for the Regina, Karen and Gretchen False Lashes up to £79.99 for the 10 Piece Set & Small Burn Book Bag available from www.spectrumcollections.com

RESTAURANT & BAR AWARDS NOTTINGHAM

Got a taste for getting your opinion heard? Good, so have we and here’s something we can all sink our teeth into!

The Nottingham Restaurant & Bar Awards want to hear what you have to say about Nottingham’s best bars, pubs, restaurants and gastro pubs.

All you need to do is log onto www.nrba.vote and have your say. Those with the most votes go to industry judging panels for a final decision and the winners are celebrated at the Awards night at Colwick Hall next January.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

MUSIC MATTERS AT SELFRIDGES Selfridges Birmingham is opening its doors to a wide range of musicians, DJs, solo artists, bands and even a classical orchestra until 1st October.

With live music venues across the UK under threat, Selfridges is collaborating with local artists, both famous and up-and-coming, to stage diverse and transformative musical happenings. Saturday and Sunday afternoons will feature DJ sets from outstanding unsigned local artists to showcase the rising talent in Birmingham. In-store music playlists will also celebrate some of Birmingham’s amazing musical heritage, so expect to hear artists such as ELO, Duran Duran, Black Sabbath, The Streets, Spencer Davis Group, and UB40 throughout the store.

Find out more at www.selfridges.com

REAKFASTS!

AN B C I R E M A L A RE

We all love Annie’s Burger Shack in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market – the well-known Burger Shack & Freehouse that combines the best of both worlds: delicious handcrafted burgers and a fantastic range of individually selected Real Ales that are chosen by them, not a brewery!

What you may not know that Annie also offers 16 scrumptious American Breakfast dishes.

Inspired by the four corners of the United States, every single dish is available as vegan, veggie or meaty! Served daily from 8am -10.30am, no booking is required; just show up although if you did want to book, you can do so up until 9.30am.

your surroundings. So, the next time you’re planning a day out in Nottingham – perhaps you’re on a shopping mission, having a fun day with friends or a weekend away with loved ones – then start your day right with an amazing breakfast at Annie’s Burger Shack, y’all!

Annie firmly believes that a visit to Annie’s is not about fast food, but the experience and that is reflected in the menu offered and the relaxed atmosphere of

5 Broadway, Nottingham NG1 1PR Phone: 0115 684 9920 FB @anniesburgershack Insta @anniesburgershack Twitter @original_annies

SHAKKA AT SOUTHBANK CITY NOTTINGHAM Nottingham’s 15Smokescreen & Soulistic Live presents MOBO award-winning singer, Shakka at the Southbank City Bar Nottingham this October 26th.

You could never accuse Shakka, now with two consecutive Best R&B/Soul Act MOBO Awards under his belt, of lacking ambition: Following various collaborations, a support slot for Rudimental and a feature on Wretch 32’s hit song, ‘Blackout’, the alt-pop singer is set for a big year and is still overflowing with creativity when it comes to his music, bringing futuristic concepts together with timely social commentary and presenting them with the irresistible panache of a natural pop star.

Garnering critical acclaim and building his fan base though underground platforms, rising artist One Acen Joins Shakka as support act on the night. Releasing eye raising eclectic music and is easily one of the most overlooked rappers in the scene. He’s created a distinctive sound, with

melodic instrumentals and a flow full of swagger, as evidenced on the collaboration track with Hardy Caprio “Unsigned” which meteorically rose through the official charts.

Tickets: Southbank City Nottingham NG1 6DQ: 01159506149 Online: www.15Smokescreen.com / www. seetickets.com £16 / Doors 6:30pm / Curfew 11pm / 18+ FB @15smokescreenevents / Insta @15smokescreen / Info 07853925801 www.officialshakka.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

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G R E A T E X P E CTAT IO N S

GAME CHANGER

INSIDE OUT AT CURVE Curve’s celebration of leading and emerging East Midlands artists, Inside Out Festival, returns for a fourth time and at a new time -18 to 28 October.

The festival will showcase a whole host of exciting productions, art installations, music sessions and events, supported and developed through Curve’s

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Artist Development programmes and staged in unusual spaces in and around the theatre. One of this year’s highlights is the premiere of The Leftovers, an original musical commissioned by Curve and created

by Nottingham’s Sheep Soup Productions. This blackly comic, high-energy production looks at how a group of young people deal with the sudden death of a loved one.

ALEXANDER artist RHYS Abstract Alexander Rhys

takes Inspiration from the ‘everyday’ material and discarded objects that he collects from the surroundings of his studio in Digbeth.

He prefers not to use a brush; instead he uses the found objects to apply the pigment to the surface of the canvas, as he prefers to work in a spontaneous and experimental process. The thick layers of paint create a landscape containing a network of intermixing gestures. His unique works manipulate acrylics with the aim to take the viewer on a journey of finding the ordinary, extraordinary.

Supported by the Prince’s Trust, his work has been sold and published in New York, London, Los Angeles,Chicago and Amsterdam with diverse clients including advertising giants Clear Channel and leading Kenyan hip-hop artist Octopizzio. www.AlexanderRhys.com POET IN DA CORNER

The festival will also host Curve Breakthrough artist Jess Green’s Burning Books, a searing look at the state of the education sector told from within a staff room .The production is Jess’s debut as a playwright, adapted from her critically-acclaimed spoken word anthology of the same name.

Further stand-out performances in the 10-day programme include:

Debris Stevenson’s Poet in da Corner, a fusion of movement, grime and poetry inspired by Dizzee Rascal’s album Boy in da Corner developed with the Royal Court Theatre and The Roundhouse; Ink, a dance world premiere by Wayward Thread about the clash between state and citizen and Curve Young Company’s staging of classic musical Oklahoma!, a tale of love and friendship set in 1906 cowboy country and performed by a 40 strong cast of talented local actors.

Festival Curator and Curve Associate Director Suba Das said this year’s festival is shaping up to be the biggest yet: “Inside Out Festival is always one of the highlights of our year here at Curve and we’re thrilled that this year’s line-up is our strongest yet.

“What matters to us most with the

festival and our year-round artist development initiatives is that artists are enabled to tell the stories that are important to them, however they want to tell them, to audiences from all walks of life. Inside Out is all about making everyone feel at home here, whether they are enjoying a performance or taking in an art installation over a drink with friends.”

Inside Out Festival 2017 also includes performances from: 2Magpies Theatre; BHM Live; House of Verse; Laurielorry Theatre Company; Major Labia; Metro-Boulot-Dodo; Morph Dance Company; Rachael Young and Shruti Chauhan.

Tickets for this year’s Inside Out Festival are now on-sale and the full programme of performances is available at curveonline.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

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NOTTINGHAM TRENT U

IMPRESSES ON THE C

GRADUATE FASHION W NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY DESIGNERS WOWED INDUSTRY JUDGES AND VISITORS ALIKE AT GRADUATE FASHION WEEK 2017 IN LONDON THIS JUNE. Now in its 26th year, the event is an unrivalled platform for the promotion of new fashion talent, giving students the chance to have the their work seen by fashion industry experts, the media, retail giants, design brands and fashion celebrities at the Old Truman Brewery in London’s creative East End.

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK SUCCESS BA (Hons) Fashion Design student Sarah Rafferty was shortlisted in the final top 25 ‘Best of Graduate Fashion Week’ show, for her striking tailored menswear collection inspired by her work placement year in Manhattan, New York.

BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design student Abigail Coop was also shortlisted and came overall second in the highly coveted Christopher Bailey Gold Award, which recognises exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. She was also the runner-up of the Visionary Knitwear Award.

Congratulations also went to BA (Hons) Fashion Design student Amy Vanderwal, who collected the TU Menswear Scholarship Award, recognising her as the most creative and inspiring student judged by TU and getting her a year-long placement with the brand. www.69-degrees.co.uk

All students of BA (Hons) Fashion Design and BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design at NTU get directly involved with industry briefs and competitions during their course – this ensures that they gain valuable experience and an understanding of how the global fashion industry works.

“We’re really proud of our presence at the show and the quality of the work that came through. We were up there with the very best of them and our feedback from industry visitors was amazing. This event is really important for us; it leads many of our graduates into great careers in the industry” Gilly Staples, Course Leader Fashion Design at the School of Art & Design

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Bethan Jacka Anna Gray Chloe Myrants-Wilson

Holly Sondhi

Sarah Rafferty Abigial Coop

Leanne Westbury Amy Carter Shauna Mills

Iona Buddle Beth Greene Amy Vanderwal

SHOWCASE: NTU DESIGN DIRECTIONS 2017

WEEK 2017

Eriko Yamamoto

CATWALK AT

Rachel Currah

UNIVERSITY

To find out more about these fashion courses, and the amazing industry projects, competitions and briefs that our students get involved with, visit an NTU open day on 7 October, 4 November or 2 December 2017. www.ntu.ac.uk/creativecareer www.69-degrees.co.uk

20 AMY POUNTNEY Amy Pountney, is a creative web development student who, like many, imagine their future plans.

“I feel like creativity travels through me, however making something aesthetically pleasing isn’t always the answer. It’s about how things feel as equal to how things look.

I like to make sure the design works as a whole, and that is the real challenge in design.”

Amy continues, “I discovered my creative flare and passion when I studied Media at Halesowen College. It was at that point I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the graphic design industry.”

Amy will continue her journey at University by studying a BA Hons in Digital Media Design as she has now completed a one-year placement with graphic design company, Squibble Ltd based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Amy is a member of TAG NETWORK MIDLANDS;

a networking community that supports and celebrates the development of Trainees, Apprentices, Graduates, Students, Professionals & Entrepreneurs across various

industry sectors within the Midlands.

Find out more at tagnetworkmidlands.com

and seeing for themselves the damaging effects plastic has on the ocean.

The aluminium cans have the highest recycling rate of any drink on the market; recycle your can and it could be back on the shelf in as little as 6 weeks and the smart resealable lid doesn't affect the recyclability of the packaging. What’s more the aluminium can is effective at keeping your water chilled for longer than your typical plastic bottle.

CanO Water With the UK consuming around 3bn litres of bottled water a year, that’s about 35.8million bottles a day, the environmental impact of these single use bottles is devastating - 8 million tonnes of plastic ending up in the www.69-degrees.co.uk

ocean each year. Millennials Josh, Ariel and Perry have responded with CanO Water; still or sparkling spring water sold in a resealable, recyclable aluminium cans meaning no more harmful plastics. The idea was inspired after the trio came back from travelling Asia

The business is constantly growing and CanO Water has already found its supporters amongst celebrities; Ellie Goulding has credited CanO Water as an ‘AMAZING idea.

Innovative and smart. Watch this space.’ Find out more or order yours at CanOWater.com

22 MARTINMARK DESIGN Based in Nottingham, a lifelong passion and flair for design, with a natural ability and love of styling culminated in Martin appearing and winning popular BBC2 series, The Great Interior Design Challenge in 2015. Propelling the pair to create, MartinMark Design.

Headed up by Martin, who originally trained in Design, Development and Regeneration and with creative input from Mark, a professional and highly regarded set and costume designer with positions including Head of Design at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch and Resident Designer at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool.

Together, the combination of

creativity and skills from the design and real-life partner duo, has seen the pair work on a string of successful projects and events.

Offering a range of services and bespoke creative options from one off designs, through to end-to-end managed projects of

size and scale. The pair’s real passion can be found creating the unexpected in the homes for everyday living. A firm belief at MartinMark Design, is good design should be for everyone to live in and enjoy. www.martinmarkdesign.com Based in Birmingham and third generation Greek Cypriot, Tim became fascinated with hearty Cypriot village recipes as he watched his mother preparing lunch every Sunday before the family came round. This fascination grew throughout his childhood and his mother has been a real inspiration behind FeedTim: it is Tim’s way of keeping her recipes alive.

As a language grad (Spanish & Portuguese), Tim spent 3 months working at a Spanish cookery school in Andalucía (Spain) and this is where he realised his passion for home cooked Mediterranean food. Tim thrives on camera and wants his blog to be predominantly video based.

FEED TIM FeedTim was born

out of Tim Phedon’s greatest passions: cooking and speaking languages. His blog and YouTube channel allow Tim to achieve his mission of cooking with

www.69-degrees.co.uk

locals, in their kitchens, around the Mediterranean. FeedTim goes against the clean/raw/ vegan themed blogs forever growing these days and instead champions authentic food that is innate to cultures around the Med.

His dream is to cook on TV and he continues to say that he wants to be the new generation of Rick Stein, Yotam Ottolenghi and Gennaro Contaldo, his three favourite chefs to watch on TV. www.feedtim.com

Music for the Jilted Generation Expect Musical Success not 9 to 5 Regrets.

in the attic – along with the “what ifs” and “maybes.”

Imagine, after many years of 9 to 5 drudgery, you recollect a time when a musical career was your dream. Wistfully, you muse that if you’d really put your mind to it, you could have been a rising star not clocking up miles in your company car.

If you have a burning ambition to be a successful performer or music business professional, it’s never too late to make it happen. Whether you’re a school leaver or fancy a career change, don’t leave it until you’re wondering what might have been.

Many work anniversaries go by and, gazing at your longservice carriage clock, you fondle your moth-eaten t-shirt emblazoned with the peeling logo from your old band. You think back to the days when you could play guitar behind your head à la Hendrix. Now you’d need a warm bath and a vat of Deep Heat if you even thought about “moving like Jagger.”

Perhaps you’re still harbouring a badly produced EP from “when I could have made it big” or stroking a natty poster from one of your few gigs at a local working men’s club. With a sigh of regret, you bundle it all back

Echo Factory in Leicester is still accepting last-minute applications for bespoke music career training.

The specialist music school actively supports students of all ages to prepare for a future in the industry. Courses boast 1:1 tuition, vocational training geared to individual students’ ambitions and the development of all-round skills essential for a successful career.

Director of Studies, Piers Nicholls, said: “Our students come from all backgrounds and experiences. We make sure every chance and opportunity is taken, every

endeavour is spotted and our creative projects provide a solid foundation from which to flourish. While we can’t make luck, we can maximise potential.”

Of course, it’s always best to start maximising that potential as soon as possible. But, if studying this year isn’t an option, Echo Factory’s industry professional tutors are on hand to prepare potential students for future intakes through 1:1 instrumental tuition, short courses and masterclasses.

Echo Factory offers professional degrees covering music performance, business and production. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, vocalist, producer or business entrepreneur, you can launch your new career now.

Contact Echo Factory today to kickstart your musical future: info@echofactory. co.uk 0116 253 5657 Follow @echofactoryuk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

JINKXED If you haven’t seen Rupaul’s Drag Race then go out and get yourself a netflix subscription immediately.

The smash hit reality show and its competitors have gone from cult phenomenon to mainstream mega stardom. Ahead of her uk tour of The Vaudevillains, calling in at Leicester and Nottingham this autumn, Sixty9°’s Jonathan Fraser interrupted season five winner Jinkx Monsoon’s 4th of July celebrations to find out more about the tour and the wonders of Rupaul.

Happy 4th of July! What am I interrupting you doing? Any plans for the holiday? I have rehearsals later today, we’re just working through the holiday. I have a show that opens tomorrow and another show that opens on Saturday so they’ll be running simultaneously for the next two months. There’s no rest for the wicked, I’m afraid. www.69-degrees.co.uk

So where did the Jinkx Monsoon story begin, how was she created and how did you first get started in drag?

Well I was about fourteen years old, just about to turn fifteen, and that was when I started seeing drag shows. I used to go to this queer youth resource centre in my hometown of Portland, Oregon and occasionally they would have

Drag Queens from the local bars, come and put on shows for the teenagers, teach us a little bit about drag and then we would put on our own drag shows. The first time I ever considered that I was doing drag I was dressed up as the Queen of Hearts for a fairy-tale themed drag show. I didn’t really look like the Queen of Hearts; I was more kind of like an early

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Bette Midler but I just remember all the attention I got that night. It was really hard to say, ‘ok this is the one and only time I’m ever doing drag’ because after the response that I was given for my first time it was pretty much a done deal from there. From then on, I did drag every weekend for the next 3 or 4 years and then continued doing drag in my off time from college.

As soon as I graduated I decided to go back to it and supplement my day job by doing drag work wherever it sprung up. It’s been a big part of me for half my life now and I’m pretty sure it’s a permanent fixture.

You were already an established actor and performer before the Drag Race, what made you decide to do the show? There was a time where I really wouldn’t have volunteered myself to go into such a competitive arena as a drag queen. I really love drag and it’s my preferred medium for performance art plus I work as an actor, so I play female roles and drag roles and male roles, anything that strikes my fancies I guess. I just really love performing and drag race seemed to me as a showcase for talented drag performers and it was giving drag performers this opportunity to take their career to a global audience and show off their skill set in a much larger way than they could locally. I kinda consider it a shortcut towards what I’ve always wanted to do as a drag performer. I went on drag race kind of thinking of it as the world’s best audition reel for a drag queen and since Drag Race I’ve been able to do a wide variety of things that have really fulfilled me as an artist and a performer, like take shows that I’ve written off Broadway and I’ve gotten to produce my own album and I’ve gotten to do TV and movie work. I’ve just had all the opportunities open up for me because I was willing to share my personality and passion on national and international television.

Is this sudden worldwide fame a little crazy? Do you arrive for a show in say, Australia, and see these crowds going wild for you and think Oh My God, I’m in Australia and they know me?

Absolutely. I was raised with very humble beginnings. When I flew to LA to film Drag Race that was only the second time ever in my adult life I’d been on an airplane. I grew up in Portland Oregon and then moved to Seattle, which is only 3 hours away, so that was pretty much it for me. And even though I really loved everything

I was doing as a local artist and actor and performer in Seattle, I’ve always had lofty aspirations, only because I’ve always felt like I could handle it. I don’t get too consumed by the celebrity aspect of it or the fame aspect of it but the more notoriety I get because of Drag Race or other appearances I get just equates to more work for me as an entertainer and as an artist. Drag Race gave me a huge audience and a celebrity following within the queer community and all that means I get to take my shows to new places and I get to perform and do arenas, that’s what is the most exciting thing for me about it. Especially going to foreign countries, it’s still very surreal to me and it’s very exciting.

One of the things that your work demonstrates quite clearly is that you’re not populist.

You’re not mainstream and you don’t take the obvious route. Whether its playing Little Edie to a new generation of fans or coming out on stage dressed as Queen Elizabeth I, there’s an intellectuality and historical aspect to your work.

Is that an intentional stream?

I just do what comes naturally to me. What has always been aesthetically pleasing to me is the old Hollywood, the old ideals of glamour and I just felt like there is more versatility. Trends get watered down and homogenised, so when you pick something with a more timeless aesthetic there is so much more versatility with it. I like to do things that are a combination of modern and classic; I draw inspiration from a lot of old Hollywood icons like Bette Davis, Madeleine Kahn, Lucille Ball and Carole Benette but then I also draw inspiration from modern day female comediennes like Maria Danford, Margaret Cho and Sarah Silverman. I like to combine the old Hollywood silhouette with a very modern brassy, lude and irreverent modern ideal of femininity. www.69-degrees.co.uk

26 That juxtaposition is what the Vaudevillians is about isn’t it? How would you describe the show and the concept behind it? I always describe it as more of a one act musical than a drag show. The premise is two Vaudeville stars get frozen alive in the 1920s and then, thanks to global warming, they’re thawed out and returned to civilisation hoping to carry on with their tour where they left off. The problem is they are shocked to find that all of their music from the 1920s has since been ripped off by pop icons throughout the last century who have taken their music completely out of context. The show is about them setting the record straight and playing you the music as it was originally intended with its original integrity. What that boils down to is that we do 1920s ragtime covers of pop songs and put into some idiotic historical context.

It’s a very, very funny show, very clever. We saw it in London and absolutely loved it.

You’ve got another project with Major Scales; the new album The Ginger Snapped, can you tells us a bit more about that?

With this we’re doing a kind of 90s garage band throwback album. It’s heavily inspired by ska music of the late 90s and early 2000s and some punk and grunge influences and whilst our first album was around 50% covers, this is almost entirely original music by us. It draws a lot of inspiration from No Doubt, Portishead and Garbage, you know all those strong female fronted bands from that era.

You’ve got a duet on there with Amanda Palmer, is that right?

Yeah, we have features on the album by Amanda Palmer, which was a huge win for us. She’s been my rock goddess since my teenage years and a huge influence on me as an artist and a musician. I sent her a message on Twitter, just taking a shot in www.69-degrees.co.uk

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the dark and later on that night she wrote back to me and said she was totally down for it. The song is absolutely wonderful and she sounds amazing on it. The album comes out this Fall and I’m just awestruck that we were able to achieve so much with limited resources. We are all independent artists, I’m funding the album 50% out of my own pocket and 50% from crowdsourcing. I couldn’t be happier with the way it is turning out and the sound of this album.

We’re hoping to release it around my Birthday which is September 18th and it will be out on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. We’re working on music videos too so hopefully there’ll be a couple of music videos out and previews of the album out soon.

Season 9 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race has just finished, did you enjoy it? I really loved season 9.

It was amazing for the diversity of the cast. As a gender non-binary person myself, I find it really awesome any time a drag queen on Drag Race has come out as trans on the show or as a result

of the show. I think part of it is that Drag Race gives you the ability to be self-sufficient and not have to fit into the real world anymore.

This season we had Peppermint, who was the first transbodied person on the show and I thought it was really empowering for Peppermint to be so outspoken both on and now since the show.

It’s a sign that drag race is going to keep progressing and evolving and the cast are going to become more diverse going forward. The whole queer community is taking a huge step forward in terms of mainstream entertainment thanks to Drag Race. It’s showing the world that queer artists are valid and important and have a unique voice that needs to be heard.

So is your Drag Race journey over now or is that a chance of an appearance on an All Winners All Stars sometime in the future? There was a time when I said I would never go back to the competitive arena and that kinda changed after I watched All Stars 2. So many of the cast were friends of mine who I work with

constantly and who I really love and appreciate and so when I saw how much fun they had on that show it made me think I could do it again. Even though there is no projected All Winners All Stars yet I do think it must be an idea in the minds of the producers right now and I would totally go for it.

I’m not saying I would go on and win but I would definitely give all those other winners a run for their money. I don’t think I’d be an easy contestant to take on...

Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales star in The Vaudevillians at Leicester Y Theatre on the 25th November. leicesterymca.co.uk/theatre.

Tel 0116 2557066 Nottingham Glee Club on the 5th December. glee. co.uk Tel. 0871 472 0400

www.69-degrees.co.uk

THE AUTUMN EDIT:

STY

AFFORDABLE FASHION AND INVESTMENT STYLE SUCCESS AT HARVEY NICHOLS; EXECUTIVE REALNESS; LAYERING FOR DAYS; NATURE BOY AND VEGAN FASHION. ON TREND AND ON POINT.

fast fashion @ HN

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her style

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stylist’s choice

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his style

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grooming goals

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www.69-degrees.co.uk

YLE LIST

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P28/29 She wears Gestuz Leopard print blouse- £130, Gestuz black leather trousers- £500, Christian Louboutin black suede pump- £455, Gucci teal velvet GG marmont bag- £1050, Saint Laurent Paris clip on tassel earrings- £425. He wears Kenzo Denim shirt- £135. Paige Black jeans- £200. Paul Smith dark brow boots- £345. Larsson and Jennings brown suede wrist watch- £215. P30. He wears Stone Island red jacket- £295. Blood Brother white t shirt- £45. Nudie Denim jeans- £95.00, Valentino Runner trainers in Camo- £500. She wears Samsoe & Samsoe blue bomber jacket- £160.

Samsoe & Samsoe cream lace slip top- £65. Free People ripped blue jeans- £110. Gucci Bow trainers- £725. She wears Free People vegan studded jacket- £170. Gestuz lightning bolt t shirt- £50. Replay cropped grey skinny jeans- £150. Balenciaga black biker boots- £695. Christian Louboutin black studded cross body bag- £795. P31 He wears McQ white swallow repeat shirt- £260. Paige black jeans- £200. She wears Finders Keepers Curtis burgundy dress- £120. She wears Free People black frill mini dress- £60. CREDITS. Photography Steve Smith @SteveDotPhoto. Art Direction Jonathan Fraser. Styling Harvey Nichols. Models Amy and George at Boss Model Management. Make Up Dior at Harvey Nichols. Hair James Bushell Hair at Harvey Nichols.

ALL ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE INSTORE AT HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM www.69-degrees.co.uk

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executive realness IT’S TIME TO TAKE EIGHTIES ELEGANZA INTO THE OFFICE. BOX SHAPES, SHOULDER PADS AND WIDE TROUSERS FOR THE WORKPLACE. THAT’S ALL.

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1: Outfit By River Island. 2: Vinyl Coat £35, Primark At The Fort Shopping Park. 3: Double Breasted Jacket, Topshop. 4: Principles By Ben De Lisi Bag £39, Debenhams, 5: Linea Yana Tie Neck Sleeveless Blouse £39 House Of Fraser. 6: Stripey Jacket Topshop. 7: Red Wide Leg Trousers£19.99, New Look At The Fort Shopping Park. 8: Erin Trench £90.00, River Island. 9: Hoop Bag £20.00, Next. 10: Cropped Check Jacket With Star Print £28 Miss Selfridge. 11: Topshop Trouser. 12: Francesco Russo Pump £680 Harvey Nichols. 13: Stella Mccartney Dahlia Wool Jacket11. £850. Harvey Nichols. 14: Dark Red Patent Midi Skirt £24.99, New Look At The Fort Shopping Park.

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TRENDING NOW: INVESTMENT FAST FASHION

While we all dream of the perfect Carrie Bradshaw walk-in-wardrobe, stuffed with sought-after designer labels, most of us don’t have a never-ending budget when it comes to our new season buys. Realistically, if we want to splash the cash on a few key must-haves then we need to rein in the pennies with those wardrobe basics. MELANIE PRYOR, Womenswear Manager at HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM, picks her favourite AW17 pieces to splurge and save.

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Cut back your spending when it comes to the basics like jeans and tops because these can be easily dressed up with a couple of well chosen investment pieces:

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3 1: Givenchy embroidered shoulder bag, £1550. 2: Givenchy studded leather boots, £965. 3: Alice + Olivia cropped embellished bomber jacket, £755.

4: Stella McCartney cropped faux leather, £1095. 5: Valentino Rockstud trainers, £515.

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Opt for a few must-have pieces each season that really are worth spending your hard earned pennies on. Even in years to come, you’ll still be getting admiring looks from the fashion pack.

5 1: American Vintage cotton top, £45. 2: Free People blouse, £90. 3: Free People lace blouse, £90.4: Kenzo eye-print T-shirt, £75. 5: Wildfox sweatshirt, 5 £120.

A WORTHY <INVESTMENT

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

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STYLIST’S CHOICE

You can

ve gan!

So you’ve watched the documentaries and you’ve seen the delicious vegan friendly food all over your Instagram feed. Perhaps you’ve been caught up in the recent scandal that was trending on Twitter all about Cult cosmetics brand Nars announcing that it will be going back on its crueltyfree stance in order to enter the Chinese market and have began researching into vegan cosmetics?

Whatever your decision to delve into the world of vegan may be, you’re not alone. According to stats, in 2016 there were three and half times as many vegans as there were in 2006, making it the fastest growing lifestyle movement, and we can imagine that number is growing in 2017, as veganism and vegan friendly products are becoming one of the most searched for terms within the food, beauty and fashion industries.

One thing that people are still relatively uneducated on however, is vegan fashion. When you used to think of vegan clothing, imagery of patch work tunics and rope sole shoes conjured. Now, however, there’s so much more choice, from High Street to Designer, and everything in between. Big High Street giants like John Lewis stock vegan friendly brands and cosmetics, and ASOS even have

a non-leather filter within their options when shopping with them.

If you’re a fan of designer brands then Stella McCartney, NAK and Shrimps will be your go-to places to buy clothing, shoes and accessories, guilt free!

Where do you start though, and what is or isn’t vegan? Generally, by-products of animals and insects that are put through unnecessary pain or discomfort aren’t deemed vegan friendly, of course, although there are some grey areas when it comes to animal byproducts.

Wool for example divides opinion in those choosing vegan. Shearers can be paid by volume rather than for their time, and so sheep can get hurt. Silk is made from fibre secreted by silkworms, and can be taken from them by force rather than recouped for their pods, hence why vegans would steer clear. Unless you do extensive research on brands, the backgrounds and their suppliers, it’s best to steer clear until you get into the swing of things.

PETA, the Bible when it comes to vegan brands, also have a few top tips for making sure your latest purchase is 100% vegan; 1. Some knits have 8% of wool in them.

2. Shirts and blouses can have a percentage of silk.

ALICE VANDY- Vegan Approved.

3. Some faux-leather shoes might have a leather insole, so check the symbols that can usually be found either on a sticker underneath the shoe or on a label inside the shoe.

If all the symbols are a diamond shape, you’re good to go. If one or more of them looks like a cowhide, they contain leather.

If you want to learn more about vegan fashion, there is a comprehensive list of brands in a multitude of industries over at the PETA website.

Sarah Jayne Potter www.sarahjaynepotter.com Twitter @sarahhhhrah Instagram @sarah_jayne_ potter

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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BEAUTY EDIT: PRETTY IN PINK One of the key AW17 makeup trends saw roseflushed cheeks, lips and eyes dominating the catwalks.

From statement fuchsia liner at Oscar de la Renta to soft petal pouts at Temperley London and Altuzarra, it seems the prettiest of pinks are a must for the new season. For a softer look opt for blush and coral, or make a statement with out-there magenta and bubblegum shades.

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HELEN GOUGH, from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, shares her runway-ready must-haves.

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1: Lancôme Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick, £19.50. 2: NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss, £19.50. 3: Stila Custom Blush, £13.4: NARS Dual Intensity Blush, £30. 5: Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush, £32. 6: Stila Kitten All Over Shimmer Powder, £15. 7: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, £27. 8: Estée Lauder’s Genuine Glow Blushing Crème For Lips And Cheeks, £19. 9: Lancôme Ombre Hypnôse Eye Shadow, £21. 10: Sisley Palette Orchidée Highlighter Blush, £67.

Products featured are available from the Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols Birmingham or online at harveynichols.com

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUTUMN IN THE SEASON’S BIGGEST COLOURS: CAMEL, MOSS AND UMBER.

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1: Outfit by ASOS. 2: Alpha Industries fishtail parka, £315. Harvey Nichols. 3: Buscemi hi-top trainers, £680. Harvey Nichols. 4: Boots £34.99, H&M at The Fort Shopping Park. 5: Short Sleeve Sweater £20.00, Next. 6: Harrington Jacket £60.00, Next.7: Rucksack £30 Next. 8:J Lindeberg twill bomber jacket, £250.Harvey Nichols. 9: Stone Cropped Chinos £19.99, New Look at The Fort Shopping Park. 10: Barbour Keelson Quilt £89.95 11: Khaki Bomber Jacket £24.99, New Look. 12: Jasper Conran £75, Debenhams. 13: Nstone Pumps £12, Primark. 14: Khaki Zipped Shacket £16, Primark. 15: Ripped Crew £10, Primark. 16: Trousers £35.00, Next k. 17: Yeezy Season 4 Camouflage Patterned Stretch Cotton Jacket £635 Selfridges. www.69-degrees.co.uk

40 As the days get longer, darker and colder your outfit needs to not only be super stylish, it needs to be adaptable too. Layering is not only an incredibly practical solution for this, but with careful consideration as to colour combinations, textures and cuts you can add an edge of individuality to your look whilst making sure you’re prepared for whatever your day throws at you.

LAyered

Even though, at its most basic level, Layering is just putting different items of clothes over other items, nailing it can be ticky. Here are our rules to getting it right.

1. TEAM PLAYER

WHITE STUFF

With constant shifts in temperature you’ll often find you shed layers as you go along. As a result make sure that each layer can work on its own or as part of a smaller outfit group – you need to make sure everything looks great together or as a standalone to stay in style.

2. THIN FIRST

Generally, your under layer should be your thinnest and your outer your thickest so that you can easily manage your temperature.

It also gives your outfit a sense of depth without it becoming bulky.

Four is the optimum number of layers- why not try a t shirt, jumper or hoody, denim jacket and then outer jacket- keep an eye on the length of each item – your outer layer should also be your longest.

RIVER ISLAND NEW LOOK

3. STAY TONAL

Wearing lots of colours can mean clashing. Where this can work for some, in general it’s better to choose colours that complement each other to make an outfit feel complete. Try to add in a contrasting colour to add balance and add a sense of style to your outfit.

TOPMAN

4. PATTERN PITFALL

If you’re choosing a complex pattern then make sure it’s on your top layer – adding too much pattern can clutter an outfit if you don’t plan it. Try mixing stripes www.69-degrees.co.uk

with checks for example rather than stripes with stripes or checks with checks. Alternating can add an eclectic feel to an outfit.

5. DOUBLE UP

Remember more layers means more warmth so forget about buying that insulated jacket and just double up. Demin jackets teamed with a leather bomber adds a rocky edge whilst teaming one with a tweed jacket for a vintage feel. Don’t forget to add a hat – knitted skullcaps or sloth beanies work equally well with both looks.

HOUSE OF FRASER

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We know you want to stay at the front of the queue when it comes to new season must-haves so we’ve selected the best of the AW17 drop at HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM. From embellished hi-tops and trainers to bomber jackets and embroidered sweatshirts, get your hands on the most coveted AW17 pieces.

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cool PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS AT THE MAILBOX, BIRMINGHAM, OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM.

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1: Jimmy Choo star embellished hi-top trainers, £555. 2: Kenzo embroidered sweatshirt, £180.3: McQ Alexander McQueen patchwork jeans, £260. 4: Alpha Industries MA1-TT shell bomber jacket, £115. 5: 2: Alpha Industries embroidered bomber jacket, £130. 6: Stone Island hooded jacket, £335. 7: Yeezy Season 4 hooded shell jacket, £450. 8:Dsquared2 distressed denim shirt, £355. 9: Valentino leather and canvas trainers, £500. 10. Stone Island nylon backpack, £275. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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YOU'RE GETTING VERY SLEEPY Guys, forget the saying “you snooze you lose” ... beauty sleep isn’t just for the fairer sex. When it comes to your daily grooming regime getting enough shut-eye should be a priority to help keep your skin in tip top condition. While you’re in the land of the nod your body is busy repairing and recovering, so aim for between seven to nine hours a night as studies reveal any less can lead to wrinkles and drier skin.

LISA PIDDINGTON from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM reveals the best products to ensure you get a very beautiful night’s sleep.

Holistic Silk eye mask, £57: Not only does this lavender silk mask add a little style to your 40 winks, the supersize design ensures you are as comfortable as can be.

Skin Laundry SleepCycle clean sleep pillowcase, £26: Our pillowcases absorbs oil, germs and dead cells from your face only to transfer them back to your skin each night. This pillowcase is treated with charged silver ion technology that reduces the presence of harmful bacteria by 99.9%.

This Works Sleep Plus Trouble Shooter, £36: The motion-activated fragrance soothes and calms, while the hard-working multifruit acids, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid help to tackle sleep head on.

Anatomicals Cruisin’ For A Snoozin’ Sleep Balm, £4: An anxious mind can throw your slumber into despair. Massage the beeswax and lavender concoction on to your temples just before going to bed. One, two, three ... sleep.

Kiki Health Magnesium Oil Spray, £13: Ever suffer from restless leg syndrome? Magnesium deficiency can be a key cause of insomnia.

Spray directly onto skin to relax and calm agitated muscles.

Spacemasks, £15 for five: These selfheating masks block out the light while the warm jasmine scent helps you drift off into the dreamland.

All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, either in store or via the Style Concierge service. www.69-degrees.co.uk

WHITNEY QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

GOLDFRAPP Saturday 4 November

Friday 29 September

JAKE BUGG

JOEL DOMMETT

SOLO ACOUSTIC TOUR Monday 6 November

Friday 17 November

RUSSELL BRAND

FLASHDANCE

PAUL CHOWDHRY

JASON MANFORD

Monday 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 31 March

RE:BIRTH Wednesday 6 December

MUDDLE CLASS Thursday 15 March

LIVE INNIT Friday 16 February

0116 233 3111

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demontforthall.co.uk

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@demontforthall

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demontforthall

KATHERINE RYAN

GLITTER ROOM – 12 OCTOBER @ NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL Host of Comedy Central’s Your Face Or Mine with Jimmy Carr, performs her follow up tour to Kathbum, available to view on Netflix - the second Britishbased comic to have a special on the on-demand service, after Alan Carr.

CRITICAL www.69-degrees.co.uk

45 PAUL CHOWDHRYLIVE INNIT

ELVANA – THE WORLD’S FINEST ELVIS FRONTED TRIBUTE TO NIRVANa

15 SEPT @ RESCUE ROOMS, NOTTINGHAM 20 OCT @ THE SCHOLAR, LEICESTER. Rock & Roll meets Grunge as Elvis fronts Nirvana and gives the band the front man it’s been missing since ’94.

BEYOND THE TRACKS FESTIVAL

LIST

15 SEPT – 17 SEPT @ EASTSIDE CITY PARK, DIGBETH Beyond The Tracks is a brand new, three day, green field festival taking place at Birmingham’s Eastside City Park in September, featuring some big names and bright new stars.

THE AUDIO & AV SHOW 16-17 SEPTEMBER @ BIRMINGHAM ICC/ HYATT HOTEL your chance to hear the world’s finest Audio, Visual and Home Cinema products in one place.

17 SEPT – 19 SEPT @ BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL Paul Chowdhry brings his highly anticipated new stand-up show to Symphony Hall.

SUNSET BOULEVARD

16- 30 SEPT @ CURVE 13 – 18 NOV @ BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME One of the all-time great musicals, Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s wonderful book and lyrics.

RICKY GERVAIS HUMANITY WORLD TOUR

20 SEPTEMBER @ MOTORPOINT ARENA Ricky Gervais is returning to stage with his first standup tour in seven years: Humanity

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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ART RAVE

22 SEP 17 @ BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Top regional artist Leon Trimble will be live in this friendly techno rave exploring electronic music and VJ’ing.

million YouTube views and a rapidly growing online following, this guitar playing, Oxford-born singer-songwriter has captured the imagination of audiences with his open and relaxed personality, touching voice, and confident performance style.

BIRMINGHAM WEEKENDER 2017

22 – 24 SEPT @ BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME This free weekend festival sees Birmingham citycentre filled with performances from world-class musicians, dancers and artists. This is the chance to see Birmingham’s major arts organisations alongside shining lights from the city’s independent scene, plus invited international artists.

Lewis Watson

www.69-degrees.co.uk

29 SEP @ MAC BIRMINGHAM All your favourite characters reimagined for the episode they never made. A night of debauchery, fashion and celebrity created by you, the audience. Grab your Harvey Nics avocado caviar wrap, pour the Bolly, throw off your Lacroix heels and prepare for raucous fun, sweetie darling.

DERBY FESTE

JON RICHARDSON

27 SEPTEMBER @ DE MONTFORT HALL The British Comedy Award nominee and star of Live At The Apollo and 8 Out Of 10 Cats is embarking on a nationwide tour to complain about the state of the world and offer no solutions.

Pink Sari Revolution

TUESDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER @ THE VENUE, DERBY With over three

FOGHORN: ABSURDLY FABULOUS: THE IMPROVISED EPISODE

27 Sept – 7 October @ Curve, Leicester.

Fusing together drama, music and movement, Pink Sari Revolution is a true story based on the book by internationally renowned journalist Amana FontanellaKhan and meetings with Sampat Pal.

29-30 SEPT Derby Festé kicks off on Friday night as Bass’ Recreation ground is transformed into a World of Circus with a twist of Festé and a sprinkling of magic.

THE HOOSIERS

29 SEPTEMBER @ THE BODEGA, NOTTINGHAM 11 OCTOBER @ O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER It’s been a decade since the release of The Hoosiers’ breakthrough debut album, The Trick To Life, and the indie pop rock outfit are set to commemorate the milestone by playing the entire album - including classics ‘Worried About Ray’

LORDE

01 OCTOBER @ O2 ACADEMY BIRMINGHAM Lorde returns with her sophomore album, Melodrama plays the O2 Academy in Birmingham

SPAMALOT

03-07 OCTOBER @ NEW ALEX THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen.

GUTS

4TH OCTOBER @ NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE Moving drama, GUTS, follows the hopes and dreams of a boy who died on the pavement outside the Victoria Centre.

48 Spanning from segregated 1846 America right up to the death of Sarah Reed in the UK in 2016, Freeman features a mix of high-energy physical theatre, acapella singing, humour and powerful drama to create an extraordinarily moving and affecting experience.

HAIRSPRAY SLOTFACE

5 OCTOBER @ THE VENUE, DERBY A four piece indie rock band from Stavanger, Norway, their music is coated with a sheen of pop sensibilities, delivered with the snarl of a punk band and 90’s indie-rock influences.

LUCY SPRAGGAN

7TH OCTOBER @ THE VENUE, DERBY For Lucy Spraggan, 2017 has already been a year to remember. The singer-songwriter has already netted her fourth top 40 album and followed that success with a huge tour across the UK and Eu-rope.

9-14 OCTOBER @ BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 16-21 OCTOBER @ CURVE LEICESTER The international smash hit musical comedy Hairspray the Musical returns to Birmingham Hippodrome & Curve this Autumn.

DRU HILL

I LOVE THE 90’S

7 OCTOBER @ THE ARENA, BIRMINGHAM I Love The 90’s invites you to reminisce about the trend-setting decade with some of the most iconic, indelible names in rap, hip hop and R&B. With live sets from Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Coolio, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc, and Young MC. www.69-degrees.co.uk

08 OCT @ O2 ACADEMY BIRMINGHAM Baltimore fourpiece, Dru Hill, have been marrying RnB, rock, hip hop and romance for over 20 years. Experience them live as they tour the UK.

FREEMAN

9 OCTOBER – 10 OCTOBER @ THE REP, BIRMINGHAM

DUA LIPA – THE SELFTITLED TOUR 14 OCT @ O2 ACADEMY BIRMINGHAM Dua Lipa embarks on her biggest tour to date and fans can expect to hear hits like ‘Be The One’, ‘Blow Your Mind (Mwah)’ and ‘Hotter Than Hell’.

BLOOD BROTHERS

16-21 OCTOBER @ DE MONTFORT HALL The legendary Blood

Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

AVENUE Q

17-21 OCTOBER @ GUILDHALL THEATRE, DERBY The laugh-out-loud puppet musical Avenue Q is the story of a group of twenty-somethings seeking their purpose in big-city life.

INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL

18-28 OCTOBER @ CURVE, LEICESTER Celebrating the work of leading and emerging East Midlands’ artists this October for the fourth annual Inside Out Festival.

See our feature about what to expect from the Inside Out Festival on P16.

NOTORIOUS

20 – 21 OCTOBER @ THE REP, BIRMINGHAM The Famous Lauren Barri Holstein explores representations of women, looking at ways in which social media and consumerism have redefined how we relate to the female body, one’s ‘true self’ and public shaming.

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge.

Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky

Tue 3 Sat 7 Oct From £16

Wed 18 Sat 21 Oct From £12

Tue 24 Sat 28 Oct From £17

Fri 3 Nov From £18

Fri 24 Nov Wed 13 Dec From £19

Tue 19 Dec Sun 28 Jan From £15.50

And in our Patrick Centre studio...

Wed 4 Sat 29 Apr From £28

Seeta Patel: Something Then, Something Now

Sun 24 Sep £12

Wed 27 Fri 29 Sep £12

Daniel Groove onBye: Down the Instructions Road for Border Crossing

Fri 13 Oct £10

50 edge of a volcano, REP Foundry graduate Susie Sillett has written a highlycharged trilogy of monologues exploring the experiences of young people in the 21st century.

NELLY CUNCRETE

21 OCTOBER @ THE STUDIO, DERBY THEATRE A drag king punk gig about architecture and idealism!

DELIGHTFUL

26 – 28 OCTOBER @ THE REP, BIRMINGHAM Delightful is a frank exploration of love grief and how the state of our minds can affect how we remember our past.

GHOSTPOET

6 NOVEMBER @ THE SCHOLAR, LEICESTER Vocalist and musician, Ghostpoet, returns with the first new material since his praised 2015 release, Shedding Skin.

To coincide with the release of his latest track, ‘Immigrant Boogie’, he’ll take to the road for a string of UK dates.

15 NOVEMBER @ O2 ACADEMY BIRMINGHAM 3 DECEMBER @ ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM With a number of UK Top 10’s under his belt and his debut album, Country Grammar, receiving diamond status, you wouldn’t want to miss this superstar on tour in November.

THE KILLERS

6-7 NOVEMBER @ GENTING ARENA, BIRMINGHAM The Killers kick off their November UK and Ireland tour right here at the Genting Arena!

TLC

www.69-degrees.co.uk

25 NOVEMBER @ THE Y THEATRE RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon presents The Vaudevillians, a bawdy, rowdy musical comedy costarring composer and musician Major Scales. See our interview with Jinkxy on page 24.

16 NOVEMBER @ BARCLAYCARD ARENA< BIRMINGHAM The iconic girlgroup TLC have announced their first ever UK tour for this Autumn!

GOLDFRAPP

4TH NOVEMBER @ DE MONTFORT HALL After a brilliant run of festival performances including Glastonbury, Bluedot and Latitude and a spectacular headline show at Somerset House, Goldfrapp have announced the UK leg of their Silver Eye World Tour.

VAUDEVILLIANS: JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES

SCROOGE THE MUSICAL

(SORRY)

9 NOVEMBER – 11 NOVEMBER @ THE REP, BIRMINGHAM Taking you on a journey from the aisle of a supermarket to the

IMELDA MAY

20TH NOVEMBER @ DE MONTFORT HALL Irish superstar singer and songwriter Imelda May performs the album of her life.

28 NOV – 7 JAN @ CURVE, LEICESTER Based on Charles Dickens’ muchloved A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is the perfect festive family treat, taking you and Ebenezer Scrooge on a spellbinding journey through Christmas past, present and yet-to-come…

WELCOME TO THE HOME OF COMPELLING STORIES! 55 –– 16 16 SEP SEP

Birmingham Birmingham Repertory Repertory Theatre Theatre and and Traverse Traverse Theatre Theatre Company, Company, in in association association with with National Theatre of Scotland, present National Theatre of Scotland, present

THE WHIP HAND

By Douglas Maxwell

By Douglas Maxwell

An An explosive explosive new new play play about about power, power, privilege privilege and and our our blood blood ties ties

21 21 –– 23 23 SEP SEP

Birmingham Birmingham Repertory Repertory Theatre, Theatre, Soho Soho Theatre, Theatre, Arcola Arcola Theatre Theatre and and Quarterhouse Quarterhouse Theatre Theatre present present

A DANGEROUS WOMAN

By Manjeet Mann

By Manjeet Mann

AA bold bold story story of of one one woman’s woman’s decision decision to to challenge challenge conformity conformity and and to to learn learn what what itit means means to to be be strong strong and and dangerous dangerous

22 22 SEP SEP –– 77 OCT OCT

Birmingham Birmingham Repertory Repertory Theatre, Theatre, in in association association with Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann, with Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann, presents presents

DUET FOR ONE

By Tom Kempinski

By Tom Kempinski

AA moving moving new new version version of of the the award-winning award-winning play, play, starring Oliver Cotton starring Jemma BelindaRedgrave Lang and and Oliver Cotton

29 29 SEP SEP –– 77 OCT OCT

Birmingham Birmingham Repertory Repertory Theatre Theatre presents presents

I KNEW YOU

By Steven Camden aka Polarbear

By Steven Camden aka Polarbear

AA powerful powerful new new play play about about family family dynamics dynamics –– can we ever really escape can we ever really escape our our past? past?

Box Office 0121 236 4455 BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK Registered RegisteredininEngland England295910 295910 Charity CharityNo.223660 No.223660

52

NU:MUSIC TEN ESSENTIAL DOWNLOADS FOR AUTUMN

HURTS – DESIRE Synth pop perfectionists Hurts have announced their fourth album ‘Desire’ Described by the band as “An album full of passion, pain and lust… and some of the best music we’ve ever made”, the release of Desire coincides with a huge tour with early access tickets available for fans who pre order the album.

NICK MULVEY- WAKE UP NOW It’s the second LP for multiinstrumentalist Nick Mulvey. First single release “Myela”, written with bandmate Federico Bruno, looks into the ongoing refugee crisis and Mulvey is set to a set as part of the Give a Home For Human Rights Campaign on the 20 September.

TRICKYUNUNIFORM Trip Hop Master and iconic British producer Tricky has announced his 13th album release. An exploration of his own legacy, the album features a return to collaboration with singer Martina TopleyBird who he first worked with on the classic album Maxinquaye. Other collaborators include Scriptonite, Asia Argento, Mina Rose, and Avalon Lurks who features on a cover of Hole’s 1994 classic “Doll Parts”.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

NOTHING BUT THIEVES - BROKEN MACHINE Originally from Essex yet making big waves in America, Nothing But Thieves return with an eleven track sophomore album, produced by Mike Crossey. Said the band, “This album is a snapshot of where and who you are as a band over a small period of time. It was about experimenting with sounds and song structures and expanding what we could do musically.”

FOO FIGHTERS – CONCRETE AND GOLD After an epic Glastonbury, the 9th album is described by Grohl as “the record that I’ve been more excited for people to hear than any other record we’ve ever made,” before drummer Taylor Hawkins adds: “Every time we start a record, Dave goes ‘we need to get weird on this record’.

Then we always kinda pull back a little and go ‘let’s just make a good rock n’ roll record. This is the weird record.”

53 JP COOPER – RAISED UNDER GREY SKY After making 2017 his own by notching up an extraordinary 1 billion streams and incredible 10 million worldwide downloads with two UK Top Ten singles, the Jonas Blue smash ‘Perfect Strangers’ which he co-wrote and the inescapable radio hit ‘September Song’. Catch him live at on 7 October at the O2 Institute, Birmingham and at Rock City Nottingham on the 14 October.

MAJOR LAZER – MUSIC IS THE WEAPON Prolific producer and remixers Major Lazer release their third album this autumn with the appropriately titled Music is the Weapon. The EDM trio composed of record producer Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire fuse elements of reggae with Dancehall, Reggaeton, Soca, house, and Moombahton alongside some crazy collaborations such as Pharrell Williams, Sean Paul, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott.

GALANTIS- THE AVERY What is about Sweden that makes it produce some of the biggest hits and hooks in the history of music?

EDM duo Galantis, founded by Christian Karlsson of Bloodshy and Miike Snow and Linus Eklöw, are the feel-good music machine behind such earworms as No Money, Hunter, True Feeling and Pillow Fight. Expect them all and more.

LIAM GALLAGHER – AS YOU WERE It’s hard to believe that this will be the former Oasis front man’s debut solo album. Asked by Q about the closeness of the release to brother Noel’s new LP Liam replied: “I’m sure it’ll (Noel’s album) be fucking amazing. But it just won’t be more amazing than mine.”

Camila Cabello – The Hurting, The Healing, The Loving Making a break from Fifth Harmony with the release of her debut album. With producers including Pharrell Williams, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco and Stargate attached to the album this is sure to be a power pop. www.69-degrees.co.uk

54

HQ FAMILIA

Located in what is fast becoming the heart of Live Music in Leicester, The Cultural Quarter, professional recording studio HQ recording launched their new in-house record label HQ Familia on with a private party at The Shed that showcased some of Leicester’s best new musical talents including two artists that are now signed to the label.

Performing on the night at the recently rejuvenated venue on Yeoman Street were Asher X, Harri Georgio, Starboy SunSun, Charlie Georgio, Josh Notta, Jafo and Twisted Pennys, DJ’s Scrivs & Dubdeep with Comedian Jason Patterson taking the reigns as host and compere.

The first compilation to be released is HQ Familia Presents…

HQF001 showcasing 12 of the best up and coming urban artists across the East Midlands. The 5-track compilation offers genres of UK hip hop, UK grime, future bass, and alt-R&B, all of which have been rising in the industry over recent years. www.69-degrees.co.uk

The compilation starts strong with rapper Charlie Georgio‘s ‘You’ - a future bass sound layered with rhythmic story telling lyrics. Asher X a rapper/poet follows with a brash, no nonsense delivery and up and coming rapper SunSun, pairs with Harri Georgio to present trrack ‘Waste My Time’. Leicester born producers Maniscooler and Dubdeep’s track offers a lighter alt R&B sound and hip-hop/ rap collective BLG finish the compilation with their track ‘Which Way To Go’, a haunting and hypnotic ode to friendship and brotherhood.

HQ Familia Presents… HQF001 is the first release of many to come from HQ Familia and is available

on Apple Music , iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer and Google Play Music.

HQ Recording provide a relaxed, creative studio environment suitable for both up and coming, and established artists alike. The team consists of several producers and sound engineers specialising in a range of genres, rather than one single engineer stretching his or her knowledge trying to cover unfamiliar territories.

Yasin El Ashrafi, Studio & Label owner said, “This event was one of the highlights of my career, it was amazing to see everyone enjoying the vibe and the artists all smash it, for some of them it was their first time performing live too; not that you’d have known” The HQ team are also in talks with BBC Radio’s Dean Jackson to put on a regular HQ / BBC Introducing night in the city; a great addition to the local live music scene and a real development for the city’s aspiring urban artists. Keep up to date with the latest news and get involved in upcoming projects by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @hqrecording

get in the shed. day or night. coffee or cocktaILS. 5 YEOMAN STREET, LEICESTER

www.getintheshed.co.uk

GETINTHESHED94

AUTUMN CITY SLICKERS A LAST E BUT IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO BOOK SUMMER MIGHT BE DRAWING TO A CLOS IONS S TO FANTASTIC EUROPEAN DESTINAT MINUTE GETAWAY WITH AMAZING DEAL ORT. FLYING DIRECT FROM BIRMINGHAM AIRP

Berlin

Berlin is one of the coolest and most exciting cities in Europe, renowned for its edgy street art and diverse history. The best way to see the city is by joining a guided walking tour from the iconic Brandenburg Gate to discover sites such as the Berlin Wall with vibrant graffiti demonstrating messages of peace and freedom. Take in other historic sites such as the imposing Reichstag and the Berliner Dom. Visit Check-Point Charlie, the spot that once divided the East from the West side of the city during the Cold War, then pay your respects at the sobering Jewish Memorial in memory to the victims of

www.69-degrees.co.uk

the Holocaust. Enjoy a river cruise to Museum Island and pass beautiful architectural buildings such as Charlottenburg Palace. For lunch stop by the local farmer’s market in Boxhagener Platz for a German brätwurst. Spend an evening at the atmospheric Das Hotel basement restaurant playing live music. Experience thrilling nightlife in Berlin’s central Mitte district. Autumn in Berlin hosts a number of festivals including the famous Bavarian Ockoberfest.

The Festival of Lights is another spectacular free event where the city’s famous landmarks are illuminated in colour taking place from 7 to 16 October.

Paris is always a good idea but autumn really is one of the best seasons to visit. With the locals returning to work the city feels less crowded and queues for top attractions are shorter than in the summer months. The cooler temperatures are a perfect excuse to browse one of the city’s museums and art galleries. Entry is often free to people aged under 26 or

Paris

57 With balmy temperatures still reaching into the late twenties, autumn is an excellent time to visit Barcelona. Bask in the remains of the summer sun by heading to the beach or sit back and relax with cocktails and tapas overlooking the picturesque harbour. Join a free walking tour from Plaça Reial and walk down the famous Las Ramblas where the air is filled with the sweet wafts of warm roasting chestnuts.

Barcelona

discounted for those with a Paris City Pass. The Musee du Louvre is a must for art lovers, hosting an expansive collection of sculptures and famous paintings. For modern and contemporary works of art the colourful Pompidou Centre is also worth a visit.

The parks look lovelier than ever, decorated with a backdrop of rich autumnal reds and oranges.

Spend a leisurely morning at the Jardin des Tuileries filled with fountains and sculptures; bring a picnic for lunch or sit back and relax with a good book. Walk down quaint cobbled streets then stop by a local patisserie for a warm almond croissant. Then burn off the calories by climbing the 387 steps of Notre Dame; see Quasimodo’s bell tower and meet the Gargoyles who keep watch over the city. In the afternoon, take a trip back in time by walking through the once bohemian district of Montmartre with its magnificent white Basilica The Sacré-Cœur which sits at the top of the hill and overlooks the city below.

Visit the Eiffel Tower at sunset or late evening when the city of lights really comes to life. In the evening dine at the Latin Quarter in St Germain serving traditional French three course meals for as little as 20 euros. The city hosts a number of popular free outdoor events in autumn like the annual Festival d’Automne à Paris, celebrating the contemporary arts at various venues across the city between September to December.

Marvel at the distinctive architecture by Goya or visit Gaudi’s iconic gothic cathedral, La Segrada Familia. Unwind in one of the city’s many open green spaces like the Parc de la Ciutadella with its stunning boating lake and zoological gardens. In the evening, head to the Old Town and find restaurants serving delicious paella and calabaza pumpkin soup. For dessert sample crispy churros dipped in warm melted chocolate. The Festes de la Mercè takes place in September in honour of the patron saint of Barcelona and finishes with a spectacular fireworks display. If you visit in November get your spooky costume ready for the La Castanyada, the Spanish version of Halloween.

For a city break with a difference visit Stockholm; an idyllic city built on water that stretches across fourteen individual islands. The best way to see the city is by ferry with regular shuffles departing from the picturesque waterfront.

Another way to get around the city is by using the Stockholm metro; famous for its impressive underground art gallery. Start your day with a warm latte and a cinnamon bun at the Cosy Café

Stockholm

then stroll around Djurgården Park known for its amusement attractions and natural beauty.

The National Library of Sweden is a must for book lovers with its curved gallery and decadent ceilings. Browse around one of the city’s top museums such as the Moderna Museet or Vasa Museum.

Spend an afternoon sipping gin tea at the very cool Tipsy Tea located in At Six Hotel. In the evening visit the Norrmalm district, a popular spot amongst university students and young professionals, teeming with excellent shopping and active nightlife full of chic new bars. There are a number of events taking place in Stockholm during autumn. Don’t miss the Stockholm International Film Festival or the Stockholm Jazz Festival.

Fly direct from Birmingham Airport to these European destinations with a variety of airlines including Vueling, Monarch and Flybe. These destinations are perfect for a last minute, mini getaway with flight durations from as short as 1 hour and 25 minutes from Birmingham.

Getting there

www.69-degrees.co.uk

SIXTY9 SOCIAL www.69-degrees.co.uk

59 YO U C A N ’ T S TO P T H E

B E AT !

ELITE DESIGNER With 12 emerging and established designers, performances by X-Factors Relley C, the Voice’s Harry Fisher and international dancer Shelley Anderson, the Elite Fashion Show in association with Global Connect Wi-Fi brought diverse and innovative creatives to Birmingham to promote the city’s fashion and cultural scene including designers Donna Marina, House of Dz and Rosie Billington who debuted their collections on the runway to a sold-out audience.

The event played host to several special guests including international DJ Damon Hess, celebrity blogger and model So Cal Valerie, Bradley Hunt from X-Factors Bratavio , celebrity hairdresser Jamie Birmingham and AMCK Model Tyler Wright and international Armani and Dolce and Gabbana model Vince Azzopardi; with X Factor and the Face star Chloe Jasmine walking on the runway.

Founder, Joshua Williams stated, “It is incredible to see Elite become established as a premier fashion event. We aim to bring talent back to Birmingham which is often overlooked as a city despite having so much creative talent here. We are more than just a fashion show. We are a platform to celebrate diverse talent whilst raising funds for selected causes each year. So far, this amount has reached £4671.45”.

Rebecca Mendoza walked straight out of drama school and straight into playing her dream role as leading lady Tracy Turnblad in the new UK tour of Hairspray, coming to Birmingham’s Hippodrome from 9-14 October and Leicester’s Curve from 16- 21 October. We caught up with Rebecca to find out more about her and the show.

How did it feel finding out that you’ve landed your dream part?

Hairspray was the first musical score that I brought, the first thing I ever started to sing when I was getting into musicals. It’s funny because on our first opening night, I looked on my Facebook timehop and it told me that 7 years ago on that exact day, I had gone to see Hairspray in Liverpool with my sister and my friends, and actually put a status on Facebook saying “This show is incredible, I hope to be part of it one day.”

Hairspray started as a cult film, then became a Broadway and West End hit, now the musical is touring the UK – what do you think is its enduring appeal? It is such a feel-good show, it tells the story through such fun and the music and lyrics are incredible. But of course every scene in the show is still so relevant to society right now. The core message is that it’s OK to be different, whether it’s race, sexuality or anything. In today’s world I think this message rings so loud and true to everybody.

Tracy is such an iconic character, how did you approach the role and make it your own? Thankfully because I was a mega-fan, I already knew all the songs, but the script was a bit scary for me because I basically don’t leave the stage in act one, and I only have a five/ten minute break in Act Two. I took inspiration from Ricky Lake and Shoshana Bean, but I didn’t want to just regurgitate the Tracys that have already been before, I just wanted to put a bit of Rebecca into it.

I have been in a position that Tracey has been in when I was auditioning for theatre schools, I auditioned for three years. A lot of the schools told me “you’re too big” and “you’re not the right size” and I had those knockbacks again and again and again, and I didn’t give up, I feel like I can use that when playing Tracy.

This years official after party was hosted at Birmingham’s newest exclusive club Etiquette and was hosted by international DJ Damon Hess.

Do you have a favourite musical number in the show? There are so many incredible numbers but I think I Can Hear The Bells because there is a lot of comedy in it and I can play around a lot and the audience react differently every night. Of course You Can’t Stop The Beat at the end just sends shivers down my whole spine, the buzz of that song is absolutely incredible.

@EliteBham

www.hairsprayuktour.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

60

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

BY THE SHED LOAD The Shed: it’s a place we all know and sometimes have loved, or least stepped foot in at some point over the past 20 or so years. On occasion, said foot may have stuck to the floor a little longer than wanted, but sticky carpets used to be the first sign of a good music venue.

Now all that has changed, boundaries have been broken and industry standards reinvented with the rejuvenated and regenerated The Shed which reopened its infamous doors on the 1st of April after a full-on facelift. We’re not talking a squirt of botox and a facial here, this was fully invasive surgery which saw Leicester’s favourite Live Music venue given a whole new lease of life as a state of the art performance venue, late night bar and day time coffee house, right in the heart of the Cultural Quarter. If you haven’t already heard or seen, the venue now boasts two bars, barista style coffee machine, a huge multi-purpose EasyFlex LED screen, fast WIFI and a double height street facing window.

Within a few short months of being open, the venue has been nominated for ‘Best Venue’ at the East Midlands Business Awards and the new owner, Elisabeth Barker-Carley, has also been nominated for Indie Promoter of the Year at the prestigious Live UK awards. Not bad eh?

“The new environment is all about community, honesty, and great live music” says Elisabeth, “Almost every day you can expect to be entertained in some way, and welcomed warmly if you’re flying solo.” www.69-degrees.co.uk

Although The Shed doesn’t yet serve food, you can order from Deliveroo straight to the door and they’ll even supply the cutlery and plates. Long gone are the days of squabbling over Italian vs Indian - ordering in doesn’t have to mean staying in you know!

It’s a bar, it’s a coffee shop, and it’s most certainly still a music venue at it’s very core. Shake off your inhibitions and your previous perceptions - after all it’s always healthy to ‘shed’ yourself of bad habits.

The Shed is now open Monday - Saturday, and the occasional Sunday with special events.

Happy Hour is from 5 - 7pm, with a pre-gig lounge available for every show. To find out more, visit them in person or online at www.getintheshed.co.uk

62

CHEERS TO THE MOST STYLISH

NIGHT OUT IN THE CITY With one of the most Instagram -worthy entrances in Birmingham, the sweeping spiral staircase at the Harvey Nichols Bar certainly guarantees you arrive in style.

The glamorous bar is the destination of choice for discerning drinkers; its relaxed

style provides the perfect spot for cocktail lovers and wine enthusiasts. Sit back in one of the stylish velvet chairs or relax in the leather banquettes and enjoy an elegant evening away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The window-style display cabinets

behind the bar house a whole host of interesting ingredients to create a range of luxurious tipples, from classics to the most contemporary. Partner your drinks with a range of brunch dishes (paired with the perfect coffee, of course), salads and sandwiches, small plates and sharing antipasti.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH:

ITALICUS SPRITZ Harvey Nichols Bar Manager Max Williams shares the recipe for his favourite cocktail. “Italicus is a delicious Italian Aperitivo liqueur made from bergamot, citrus and botanicals to create a very rich and refreshing spirit. For the Italicus Spritz, we’ve paired it with a rose liqueur to add an unusual sweetness.”

Ingredients: 25ml Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto

25ml Miclo Rose liqueur 15ml lavender syrup 2 dashes of lemon bitters

Top with Harvey Nichols Processco, orange peel and a fresh sprig of mint to garnish. Build in wine glass filled with cubed ice and gently stir.

Bar opening hours: Mon 10am7pm; Tues-Thurs 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-12.30am; Sun 11am-11pm.

Have a go at creating your own

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASSES creative concoctions at a Harvey

Nichols Cocktail Masterclass. You’ll learn all about the best base ingredients, have a go at shaking and making three signature drinks before trying your hand at mixing up your own. Sessions are held every Friday and Saturday at 1pm and cost £30 per person or £45 including a three course meal from a set menu in the Restaurant.

For more information call 0121 616 6028 or email reservations.birmingham@harveynichols.com. www.69-degrees.co.uk

63

BONEYARD

15 Granby Street, Leicester, Le1 6EJ MEAT # SPIKE # LIQUOR Food as gutsy as our attitude 2-4-1 cocktails and live DJ sets playing deep into the night.

Be sure to book a table day & night 0116 2555991 www.boneyardrestaurant.co.uk

64 Chase & Status brought MADE Festival to an epic end in a colossal drum and bass celebration. The duo took the energetic crowd on a nostalgic journey with tracks from their groundbreaking album ‘More Than Alot’

MADE FESTIVAL

At its new home in The Arena, Hospitality curated an army of drum and bass legends overlooked

by Goldie’s freshly painted Wall Of Fame mural.

Highlights included Sub Focus, High Contrast, Danny Byrd topped off by a closing set from Hype B2B Hazard. Gorgon City’s Kingdom stage housed an expertly curated selection of acts including Shadow Child, Klose One and Deetron while Charlie Sloth blasted smoke bubbles for Oasis’ anthemic ‘Wonderwall’ and LEVELZ showered the audience with inflatables and crowd surfed in rubber dinghies for a high energy set.

The party continued with the renowned official after party, MADE My Night, hosted across neighbouring venues Boxxed and 119. Festivalgoers had a second chance to catch Goldie, enjoy garage flavours from West London’s favourite fictional pirate radio station Kurupt FM, and catch a set from the city’s very own bass queen: Hannah Wants.

MADE Festival returns for 2018 on the 28 July. www.made-festival.co.uk

SPLENDOUR FESTIVAL

Nottingham’s Splendour Festival was another sell out success with an incredible line up that drew the over 25,000 festival goers despite the rain.

The day started with beautiful sunshine when Georgie took to the Main stage. Gabrielle Aplin sounded amazing before Tony Hadley got the crowds going with Spandau Ballet’s hits. Over on the Confetti stage The Buzzcocks started the rock vibe which continued with Black Grape.

When the rain started to pour, Busted on the Main stage lifted everyone into singalong and were real crowd pleasers. A swift move over to the Confetti stage where Billy Ocean was simply amazing and had everyone dancing in their raincoats before headliners, The Kaiser Chiefs, finished the day off perfectly and on a huge high. www.splendourfestival.com

www.69-degrees.co.uk

HAVING JUST SMASHED THEIR SUMMER summer schedule with a massive bank holiday party headlined by Twisted Fusion’s boss ‘Apollo 84’ and with Previous guests this year including Carlo Gambino, Al Bradley & Kydus, nowhere are proud to present their autumn line up Saturday 7th October

Saturday 28th October

Saturday 9th December

Streetlife, Leicester

Sub8ten

Streetlife, Leicester

Nowhere x DBE BONTAN / CAMELPHAT Support from…

Jonna & Dan Jones DBE Residents Nowhere Residents

Nowhere Presents: Residents & Friends Halloween Special Lineup TBA

Nowhere x DBE LATMUN / JACKY Support from…

DBE Residents Nowhere Residents

www.fatsoma.com/nowhereevents

66

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EA NEW PARK ST,LEICESTER, LEE NH

KURTIS BLOW LIVE

LOWKEY LIVE THURSDAY

ST SEPTEMBER

YEARLY WARRIORS GATHERING SATURDAY

FRIDAY

TH SEPTEMBER

SOUL PEOPLE PRESENTS

HENRY WU & RED RACK'EM

MEETS

CHANNEL ONE SATURDAY TH OCTOBER

MYKAL ROSE LIVE

ND SEPTEMBER

OMAR LIVE

RD SEPTEMBER

ABA SHANTI-I

FRIDAY

FRIDAY

TH OCTOBER

DUB CUB SESSION FRIDAY

TH OCTOBERÂ

ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA PERFORMING MADVILLAINY FRIDAY

MACKA B LIVE

TH NOVEMBER

EMPERORFARI SOLO GATHERING SATURDAY

SATURDAY TH NOVEMBER

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FRDIAY

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BHX Birmingham

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Connect to 440 worldwide destinations from Birmingham Airport Whether it’s a city break in Europe, exploring the outback in Australia, experiencing the sights of Asia or travelling to America – we can get you there. With over 50 airlines to choose from, it’s time to start your adventure at Birmingham Airport.

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