Remember Monday Q&A ahead of Blenheim

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Not long to go until and another star-spangled Nocturne Live against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace! Remember Monday share their thoughts ahead of supporting The Corrs and Natalie Imbruglia on 21st June

This suitably majestic setting will host a royal flush of musicians from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd of June. The Verve’s frontman Richard Ashcroft as the first act of the Nocturne concert series on Thursday 19th June, followed by headliner Gary Barlow on Friday 20th as part of his UK and Ireland Songbook tour.

Saturday night will see one of Ireland’s most succesful bands The Corrs make their return to Nocturne alongside support act Natalie Imbruglia.

Legendary Nile Rogers & Chic will headline on Sunday night. With countless hits such as Le Freak, Good Times and Everybody Dance this is not one to miss. 

Remember Monday are supporting The Corrs and Natalie Imbruglia at the Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace concert series on Saturday, 21st June. Here’s a Q&A with the Eurovision stars…

Congratulations on representing the UK at Eurovision this year. How has life changed since the news was announced?

“It’s been mental, every single day has taken us by surprise! Every day is a new day of amazing things and we’re so grateful that the day we received that phone call happened! We had a little bucket list that we’ve had for years and ever since we got Eurovision, and especially since Eurovision was announced we’ve been ticking it off, and upgrading the bucket lists.”

How does it feel to go from Eurovision to one of the UK’s most iconic concert settings sharing the bill with The Corrs and Natalie Imbruglia?

“To perform at Blenheim Palace is huge. We’ve grown up listening to The Corrs, we’re huge fans of them and Natalie Imbruglia, it’s wild. We can’t believe we’re on the same line-up as these incredible artists at such an incredible venue it all feels very surreal.”

Will your Eurovision experience influence how you approach live shows now?

“I think the Eurovision experience will definitely kind of set the bar for us now and we’re only aiming for that or higher. You know we want to take that level of performance into every single thing that we do, you know we’ve already making plans for loads of different festival appearances over the summer and even our own live tour, we’ve set the bar there and we just want to keep getting bigger and better.”

What’s next for you?

“We are going on a headline tour in October, we literally cannot wait. It’s our second headline tour and the last time it was just the most fun we’ve ever had, and this next tour is a huge step up. We’re playing some really amazing, huge venues and way more dates around the UK so we honestly can’t wait to do that. There might be an album in the works we couldn’t possibly give away all our secrets but definitely some new music is coming for sure, and we can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Find out more – https://nocturnelive.com/

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Rock Bottom Festival, Marlow, June 21st 2025

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Rock Bottom is the family-friendly music festival held in every June at Marlow Bottom Playing Fields 

Rock Bottom is a popular family-friendly music festival held every June at the beautiful Marlow Bottom Playing Fields. This annual event offers live music, fun activities, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and music lovers in the Marlow area.

Organised by the Marlow Bottom Playing Fields Management Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers, the festival is part of a series of community events that also includes the well-loved Marlow Bottom fireworks display. The committee is a registered charity, with 100% of the profits from Rock Bottom and other events reinvested into the ongoing maintenance and improvement of Marlow Bottom Playing Fields.

Marlow Bottom Playing Fields serves as a vital recreational space for the local community, hosting sports, family activities, and social events throughout the year. By attending Rock Bottom, you support the upkeep of this cherished community resource.

For tickets and more details please visit www.marlowrockbottom.com 

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The enduring charm of Midsomer Murders 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Bucks tour guide Tony Long ponders the enduring appeal of Midsomer Murders 28 years later… 

Midsomer Murders, the long-running ITV drama series, has become a phenomenon. It’s still going strong after 28 years, with 132 episodes – more than Morse, Lewis and Endeavour put together – seen by a billion people in 200 countries worldwide. 

Where is Midsomer?

But where is this fictional county of Midsomer? Overwhelmingly it is in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Beaconsfield, Amersham, Chesham, Marlow, Thame and Henley have all been used frequently. Not to mention the dozens of picturesque villages. Including The Lee (where the opening scene in the very first episode was filmed), Long Crendon, Little Missenden, Haddenham, Turville, Cuddington – the list goes on and on. 

These days, screen tourism is remarkably popular. Thame Midsomer Tours have been offering Midsomer walking tours. Visiting no fewer than 23 filming locations in Thame’s town centre. The group also hosts coach parties touring many of the nearby villages used in the series. Visitors come from all over the world to see the many locations. From Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, and most of Europe. Indeed, part of the 100th episode was filmed in Copenhagen, partly because the show is so popular in Denmark and many other parts of the continent. 

The Town Hall, Thame, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Why is Midsomer Murders still so popular?

But why has Midsomer Murders lasted so long and remained so popular? In 2022 ITV produced a documentary celebrating the first 25 years of the show and many of the stars pondered this question. Including John Nettles, Jane Wymark, Neil Dudgeon and Jason Hughes, to mention just a few. The answer seemed to revolve around the bizarre ways in which people are murdered and the fact that the show never takes itself too seriously. As well as, of course, the beautiful and quintessentially English villages used as the backdrop. 

The Kings Arms Hotel in Old Amersham which has featured in Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders is based on the Inspector Barnaby series of novels by Caroline Graham. The first of these – The Killings at Badger’s Drift – was adapted as the inaugural episode to be filmed in 1997. It was a huge success, the most popular crime drama of that year. But curiously, Caroline Graham never used the name Midsomer in any of her books. Apparently, Anthony Horowitz, the scriptwriter for that first episode, was looking at a map of Somerset and noticed the small town of Midsomer Norton. The alliteration of Midsomer and murders was impossible to resist, and Midsomer Murders was born. 

Rumour has it filming for series 25 will begin soon. So, with more than 400 murders so far, we can be sure more dastardly ways of killing people will be dreamed up. The show’s millions of fans worldwide will again be enthralled as John Barnaby solves yet more cases in the idyllic setting of Midsomer County. 

Book a Midsomer Murders tour

For more info and to book a walking tour of Thame, visit thamemidsomertours.co.uk 

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Astrology & Tarot for June

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

What’s in store for you this month? Melanie Harding, founder of Soul Healing Guidance, offers her new monthly guides for all signs… 

Aries (21 March–20 April)

Choose your battles carefully on the 15th. Start new health habits from the 17th. Finances begin to look up after Venus enters Taurus on the 6th, but avoid blowing it all too soon—set a smart budget. From the 9th, Mercury and Jupiter highlight your home zone, boosting chances for buying, selling, renovating, or hosting. Jupiter here for a year means property luck is on your side. The Full Moon on the 11th encourages long-distance travel plans. Around the 15th, watch boundaries as Jupiter’s angles to Saturn and Neptune test your resolve. Mars enters Virgo on the 17th, powering your fitness goals through August. From the 20th, family matters take focus. The 24th is a stellar day to move or list a property; the New Moon on the 25th backs this up. Mercury brings a playful note on the 26th so celebrate!

Tarot Insight: Page of Pentacles
This is a time of new beginnings, especially around work, study, or personal growth. You’re being encouraged to stay grounded and open to learning. A small step taken now could lead to something long-lasting and worthwhile.

Taurus (21 April–20 May)

Set goals early in the month. Sort your finances on the 11th. With Venus in your sign from the 6th, your charm’s magnetic so use it! Mercury and Jupiter stir up wanderlust on the 8th and 9th, so expect travel urges and spontaneous trips. The Full Moon on the 11th shines a light on money; time to organise it. Love heats up when Mars enters your romance zone on the 17th so be bold! Your calendar fills quickly after the 20th, so pace yourself. Take advantage of lucky travel vibes on the 24th and again on the New Moon of the 25th. Mercury brings lively energy to your home from the 26th, so think about BBQs and summer gatherings.

Tarot Insight: Nine of Cups
There’s a sense of emotional satisfaction surrounding you this month. A wish may be fulfilled, or you may simply feel more at peace with where you are. Savour these moments, they’re well deserved.

Gemini (21 May–20 June)

Money improves on the 8th. Book a trip around the 26th. It’s your season, so expect plenty of attention. Keep love life private when Venus moves into your hidden zone on the 6th. Financially, things pick up when Mercury and Jupiter light up your income sector on the 8th and 9th. A new income stream or raise could be on the way. The Full Moon on the 11th brings closure in a relationship. From the 15th, steer clear of risky spending as Jupiter clashes with Saturn and Neptune. Tackle home tasks after Mars enters Virgo on the 17th. The Sun entering your money house on the 20th fuels ambition – hustle pays off. The 24th and 25th are ideal for wealth-building moves. Mercury in Leo on the 26th sparks wanderlust.

Tarot Insight: Wheel of Fortune
Life is shifting gears. Changes, both unexpected and fortuitous, may appear to steer you in a new direction. Trust the cycles, what’s leaving is making space for something more aligned.

Cancer (21 June–22 July)

Big luck arrives on the 9th. Reinvent yourself on the 25th. Venus keeps things light and social, but there’s also time for reflection this month. Mercury enters your sign on the 8th, followed by Jupiter on the 9th, kicking off a year of expansion. Expect fresh opportunities and more good luck than usual. The Full Moon on the 11th wraps up a work chapter. A wobble around the 15th could bring doubt, but things shift once the Sun moves into Cancer on the 20th. Mars in Virgo from the 17th helps with clarity. The 24th is your lucky day so wish big! Update your look on the 25th under a sparkling New Moon. Mercury sharpens focus on your finances from the 26th.

Tarot Insight: The Chariot
You’re being called to step into your power with determination and focus. Challenges can be overcome now with clarity and commitment. Your inner strength will lead the way.

Leo (23 July–22 August)

Romance peaks on the 11th. Spiritual growth deepens on the 24th. Mars gives you extra firepower early in the month, fuelling fun and social events. Venus in your career zone draws the right kind of attention so use your charm. From the 8th, Mercury, and then Jupiter, move into your spiritual zone so it is time to look inward. The Full Moon on the 11th highlights a romantic development. Avoid travel around the 15th as planetary tensions could create snags. Mars shifts to your money zone on the 17th when hard work pays off. The Sun in Cancer from the 20th supports rest and inner peace. A major insight or turning point comes on the 24th. The 25th is perfect for retreating and recharging. Speak your truth when Mercury enters Leo on the 26th.

Tarot Insight: Queen of Cups
A time to listen to your intuition and lead from the heart. Compassion, creativity, and emotional depth are your strengths now. Nurture yourself as much as you nurture others.

Virgo (23 August–22 September)

Career and social boosts are on offer this month. Venus in your travel sector from the 6th could open the door to a much-needed getaway. Mercury and Jupiter activate your friendship zone from the 8th and 9th your social life grows. Tidy up the house before the Full Moon on the 11th. Avoid lending money mid-months Jupiter’s tense angles suggest caution. Mars powers into Virgo on the 17th, boosting drive and stamina. Summer nights get lively once the Sun enters your networking zone on the 20th. Host an event or join one on the 24th, it could be a highlight. A new ally may enter your circle on the 25th. Secrets could surface on the 26th. on the 29th when Mercury opposes Pluto.

Tarot Insight: Ace of Cups
New emotional beginnings are possible whether in love, friendships, or through creative self-expression. Let your heart open gently. This could be the start of something truly meaningful.

Libra (23 September–22 October)

Early June is ideal for spontaneous trips a with the Sun in your wanderlust sector. Venus brings financial support from the 6th, making adventures more affordable. Mercury and Jupiter enter your career zone on the 8th and 9th, kicking off a year of professional growth. A sibling could share big news under the Full Moon on the 11th. Relationships may get tricky around the 15th, your calm nature helps. Mars enters your private sector on the 17th so keep plans quiet for now. From the 20th, the spotlight’s on your leadership skills. Shine bright on the 24th, recognition is due. The 25th’s New Moon is great for aiming higher in your career. Mercury adds sparkle to your social life from the 26th.

Tarot Insight: Nine of Pentacles
Your efforts are bearing fruit. Independence, self-worth, and a sense of achievement come into focus. Take time to appreciate all you’ve built and the beauty that surrounds you.

Scorpio (October 23–November 22)

Financial gains come your way this month, a reward for your hard work. Venus in the area of your relationships on the 6th sets the stage for summer romance, possibly far from home. Mercury and Jupiter’s moves early in the month invite travel and exciting new experiences. The Full Moon on the 11th signals a financial closure, perhaps a debt paid or a bill settled, bringing relief. Travel cautiously the week of the 15th as tricky planetary aspects could disrupt plans.

Mars energises your social life from the 17th, keeping you busy and out late. The Sun’s entry into your travel sector on the 20th, plus its conjunction with Jupiter on the 24th, marks a lucky time to book a trip or embrace new horizons. The New Moon on the 25th reinforces this – pack your passport! Mercury’s shift into Leo on the 26th might turn your focus towards career, but your adventures remain a priority.

Tarot Insight: Ace of Swords
Clarity is cutting through confusion. This is a moment of truth, whether it’s a conversation, a realisation, or a decision. Speak honestly and trust your insight.

Sagittarius (November 23–December 21)

June spotlights relationships with the Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter energising your partnership sector early on. Venus entering your work zone on the 6th boosts teamwork and cooperation. Mercury and Jupiter’s moves into Cancer the week of the 8th deepen emotional bonds and intimacy, with plenty of time ahead for growth. The Full Moon on the 11th is ideal for setting boundaries. Be cautious with spending and investments the week of the 15th, as Jupiter’s tough angles warn against impulsiveness. Mars stokes your professional drive from the 17th – focus here and you could earn a promotion. Financial luck shines on the 24th with a possible windfall, followed by the New Moon on the 25th bringing fresh money opportunities. By the 26th, Mercury encourages you to take on new learning or travel plans.

Tarot Insight: The Lovers
Themes of union, choice, and alignment come to the surface. Whether in relationships or values, you’re being asked to honour what feels truly right for you. Follow what resonates with your heart.

Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

June encourages balance between work and rest. Venus in your career zone on the 6th shines a flattering light on your ambitions. Mercury and Jupiter enter your friendship sector early in the month, expanding your network and bringing support. The Full Moon on the 11th highlights your need to rest so don’t overwork. Watch your health and finances the week of the 15th, when challenging aspects ask for discipline. Mars charges your home and family life from the 17th, driving you to change up your space or care for loved ones. The Sun’s move into Cancer on the 20th brings a focus on self-care. The 24th’s Sun Jupiter conjunction sparks celebration, rewarding your efforts. The New Moon on the 25th is perfect for setting fresh intentions. Mercury’s move into Leo on the 26th brings clarity to communication.

Tarot Insight: Death
Transformation is unfolding. Something may be ending, but it’s making way for deep renewal. Letting go can be difficult, but trust that this clearing is necessary for growth.

Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

Venus in your social sector from the 6th invites enjoyable connections and perhaps new romance. Mercury and Jupiter’s entry into your career sector around the 8th opens doors for professional growth over the year ahead. The Full Moon on the 11th encourages you to speak your truth and seek clarity in work matters. Be mindful of financial risks the week of the 15th with Jupiter’s tense angles. Mars energises your communication zone from the 17th, perfect for networking or finishing projects. The Sun’s journey into Cancer on the 20th boosts your creativity. The 24th brings an opportunity to advance professionally. The New Moon on the 25th introduces new alliances or friendships. Mercury’s move into Leo on the 26th encourages you to express your unique voice.

Tarot Insight: Page of Cups
A fresh emotional energy is arriving – curious, creative, and heartfelt. You may receive a message of affection or find inspiration in unexpected places. Stay open to wonder.

Pisces (February 19–March 20)

Venus in your career zone from the 6th blesses you with charm and success at work. Mercury and Jupiter entering your home sector early in June suggest a year of growth in your domestic life, whether renovating, moving, or expanding family. The Full Moon on the 11th supports closure on emotional or family matters. The week of the 15th requires caution around finances and self-doubt, as tricky planetary aspects might shake your confidence. Mars’s move into Virgo on the 17th fuels your daily routines and health goals. The Sun’s entry into Cancer on the 20th brings focus on communication. The 24th is a day to celebrate personal breakthroughs. The New Moon on the 25th encourages fresh starts in your daily habits or health. Mercury’s shift into Leo on the 26th sparks creativity and bold communication.

Tarot Insight: Knight of Pentacles
Steady progress is your ally now. Commitment and consistency will help you build something lasting. Take things one step at a time – there’s no rush, only rhythm.

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Eclectic, eccentric Elizabeth Jennings jam sessions  

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

During spring & summer you can join this friendly group of music-lovers on the banks of the Oxford canal for a wholesome Sunday session

Looking for a wonderful soundtrack on a Lazy Sunday afternoon? Head along to the Elizabeth Jennings Jam session in north Oxford, 2-4pm on Sundays throughout summer. 

Enjoy music of the last six decades, from folk, country, blues, ragtime, early European and Latin American music. As Boima Rogers tells us, the genres and ambience can sometimes be a far cry from the tranquil Oxford city canal atmosphere, “notably bawdy English ballads going back a few centuries and haunting blues renditions harking back to the Mississippi delta at the beginning of the 20th century.  

“An eclectic group combining professional and amateur musicians play a variety of contemporary and intriguing traditional musical instruments, such as Bowed Psaltery, accordions, musical saws, lutes, keyboards, string and percussion.” 

While the Sunday afternoon sessions have yet to be “discovered” or placed on the regular tourist To-Do lists, visitors looking for a part of Oxford away from the maddening crowds of regular tours are enthusiastically welcomed and invited to join in; a hidden gem and refreshing experience. 

The event is a child of Covid19 when the lead musician, Frank Underwood decided to go on the green looking for somewhere safe to play. Other musicians followed, leading to regular jam sessions and appreciative audiences – in keeping with the advice to avoid close contacts, spread out on the green. Frank, a classically trained musician, sings and plays lute, guitar, harmonica, piano and more. Originally from Banbury, brought up in Oxford, he has been making music for over half a century. He embodies that unique characteristic of Oxford life, namely ordinary people who turn out to have led extraordinary and well- known lives. The unassuming Frank led a band, Windsong, that featured Annie Lennox prior to her role in Eurythmics. He has also worked with and/or had links with Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and James Blunt. He was commissioned to write and perform music to honour Bishop Desmond Tutu of 

South Africa, featuring “Child of Soweto”. A Jane Austen buff, he has also established a group- Austentation- devoted to the author. He has released three CDs, featuring medieval material, folk and blues. Like his diverse musical genres, his musical journey started from busking in Greenpark tube station, London, to performances all over the UK and worldwide, including stints in France, India, Norway, Italy, Switzerland and America. His focus now is Oxfordshire and nearby counties. 

Angela Mayorga who sings and plays guitar and percussion, also a key member of Austentation, has collaborated with Frank for thirteen years on various musical projects.   

A regular “visitor” is Emma Welsh, Sally’s daughter, based in Brighton who sings and plays the guitar, backing her mother. Emma works in community music to assist mental health, disable and dementia patients and refugees and performs in Rainbow Chorus, an LGTB group.  

The Elizabeth Jennings session is indeed a beautiful quirky part of Oxford but one that gives a lot of fun to session musicians, locals peering from their balconies, in whoever is lucky enough to escape from the hordes of tourists in Oxford city centre. Bystanders have also been known to occasionally introduce 

a tune, a dance or unusual musical instrument. The group welcomes all people to join in and before you know it there is a tambourine or set of bells in your hand and you find yourself singing, humming or tapping your feet, “there is always a song or beat inside of you and you just have to let it out!” 

So, take a picnic and a tune and join the fun on the Green at Elizabeth Jennings Way and look out for notices for performances at NOA in the off- season. There is no charge for the event.

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Bite of Metropolitan Med at Bibi’s 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Nestled on Rose Street, next to a Swedish bakery and a stone’s throw from Covent Garden station. Bibi’s is the perfect place to break up the city rush with fresh and flavourful food, says Millie Deere

Open between 10am and 3pm on weekdays only, Bibi’s has become a hotspot café for the local workforce to grab a hearty lunch that doesn’t compromise on the speed of service. Or, for a quieter day, two window seats offer the perfect spot for some midday people-watching before moseying around Covent Garden Market or heading to a matinee in Soho. 

Stepping through the door, customers are greeted by attentive staff and plates of fresh pastries on the counter. There’s banana bread, feta and parsley pastries with honey drizzle and a buffet of colourful, flavour-packed hot foods and salads. 

Bibi’s offers “Turkish heritage and Mediterranean flavours, reimagined for the fast-paced London lifestyle.” The menu is simple: hot lunches, wraps, and salads—no coffee, no crisps. Keep it simple. Do it well. And it works; you can feel the goodness boosting your system. 

The flaky roasted salmon and soft, family-recipe hummus, and rich chickpeas are stand-out, followed by the Cajun chicken and pickled chilis—if you’re not afraid of some serious heat. Salads rotate every couple of days, offering customers a variety of flavours throughout the work week, from apple and celery to peas and sweetcorn, beetroot, and black-eyed beans. 

The interior strikes a balance between stylish and playful. Slate-tiled floors, brass plant pots, and black-blue walls with exposed brickwork radiate industrial chic, while customers sit on hairpin stools, enjoying colourful salad bowls at marble-effect tables. Meanwhile, it’s not just the food that flirts with the senses. Victorian-style portraits cheekily blowing bubble gum opposite a neon “Sex, Salads, and Rock & Roll” sign add a touch of satisfaction to the otherwise polished aesthetic. 

Bibi’s is a top choice from Round & About for a London lunch that offers spice, style, and satisfaction. 

Locations: Soho, Covent Garden, Mayfair, Liverpool Street, Bankside, Fenchurch. 

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Summer charity fashion & lifestyle celebration 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

On Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June The Meetings Farm in Little Tew plays host to Summer Fair in the Cotswolds – a two-day celebration of fashion and lifestyle in support of Dravet Syndrome UK, the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this rare and life-limiting neurological disorder 

This June, The Meetings Farm in Little Tew plays host to Summer Fair in the Cotswolds - a two-day celebration of fashion and lifestyle in support of Dravet Syndrome UK, the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this rare and life-limiting neurological disorder. 

Taking place on Thursday 5th & Friday 6th June, the event blends curated experiences across two days, bringing together fashion, independent shopping and summer socials in the Oxfordshire countryside, all with the goal of raising funds and awareness for an under-recognised condition. 

Thursday 5th June | VIP Fashion Show | 6.30pm – 9.30pm 
A ticketed evening for fashion lovers and supporters alike, Thursday night features a live runway show with looks from local boutiques and designers, plus pop-up shopping from handpicked lifestyle brands. Guests arrive to a welcome cocktail or chilled rosé, with a live DJ on the lawn and a raffle featuring brilliant prizes. 
Tickets: £25 (includes welcome drink). 

Friday 6th June | Open-Air Shopping Event | 9am – 3pm 
Friday is a more relaxed daytime affair, ideal for browsing with friends and refreshing your summer wardrobe. With a lineup of independent fashion, accessories and lifestyle stalls, it’s a chance to support local brands and discover new favourites. 
Tickets: £12 in advance / £15 on the day.

Booking available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-summer-fair-in-the-cotswolds-tickets-1323429787119. Early booking recommended due to limited capacity. Both events will take place at The Meetings Farm, OX7 4JN – a private venue just outside Chipping Norton. 

All proceeds from ticket sales, the bar and the raffle will go directly to Dravet Syndrome UK, supporting their work with families living with the challenges of Dravet Syndrome. 

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Flight Club’s full-bloom summer vibes 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

What’s on in the Westgate Oxford this summer? We popped into Flight Club to check out Oxford’s mini botanical haven

Spring has sprung and the longer evenings are a blessing! Flight Club Oxford’s terraces are blossoming with gorgeous flowers including foxgloves and peonies, creating the perfect backdrop for sun-drenched socials. And there’s more flower power on offer, too!  

Garden in Flight Club Oxfordshire Westgate

A trip to Flight Club Oxford is sure to impress, offering a wide variety of food and drink options along with a fun game of darts. This venue is perfect for gathering and enjoying an afternoon or evening together. The staff are highly attentive and dedicated to serving groups. The ambiance is fantastic, complemented by an outdoor heated seating area with breathtaking views across the dreaming spires, making it an ideal location for capturing memorable photos with friends and family. 

Flight Club Oxfordshire Westgate

And when cocktails continue into drawn-out evenings, festoon lighting sets off the ultimate cosy vibe. Cocktails on the limited-edition Flight Club in Bloom summer menu include: Mango No. 5, Amalfi Nights, Just Peachy and the green dream Love Wins: a vibrant and refreshing blend of Stonewall Dry Gin, juicy orange, exotic passion fruit, brightened with a touch of lemon and a hint of sweet gomme plus a delicate swirl of grenadine. 

For every purchase of the Love Wins cocktail, Flight Club will donate £1 to MindOut, a charity run by LGBTQ folks providing mental health support and advice to LGBTQ+ communities.

The summer tipples are available from 1st June until September. Tickets for a two-hour bottomless brunch session cost from £38pp and include 60 minutes of gameplay at the oche, a bottle of prosecco per person and unlimited sourdough pizza. Party vibes are guaranteed as the resident DJ blasts the tunes throughout! 

Book a terrace space at Flight Club Oxford here: https://flightclubdarts.com/location-oxford   

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West Berkshire Comedy Festival: Laughter Is The Best Medicine!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Need a boost? A new comedy festival will raise lots of laughs at venues in Thatcham, Newbury and Hungerford between 17th & 26th July 

Laughter is the best medicine… so make sure to book in for a booster courtesy of West Berkshire Comedy Festival! 

Who will be there?

Acts coming to the area include Paul Kerensa, talented writer for the likes of Not Going Out & Miranda. Joining him are Samantha Day (Leicester Comedy Festival award-winner) and Nik Hill (Leicester Comedy Festival award-winner). Appearances also include US actor/comedian Mike Capozzola, Aussie comic Michael Shafar and the President of Lafta Republic, President Obonjo…. 

Where does the West Berkshire Comedy Festival take place?

Venues will include Ace Space in Newbury, Thatcham Rugby Club, Hungerford Football Club, St Nicolas Church and Falkland Cricket Club. Several local and national charities will be the main beneficiaries of any profits from ticket sales on selected events. 

Graeme Coulam, who heads up Thatcham Comedy Club and Hungerford Comedy Club organises this highlight. “The regular comedy nights in Thatcham and Hungerford are very popular and the aim of the festival is to bring more joy to more people, in more venues,” Graeme tells us.  

“We are bringing over a few acts who have already been a huge hit with our Thatcham and Hungerford audiences. As well as some you may not have seen before, but I know that you will enjoy. Of course, this event isn’t only for those who know us already. There is enough variety in these shows for there to be something for everyone. 

West Berkshire Comedy Festival
Van der Laugh Generator – Ben Van der Velde
West Berkshire Comedy Festival Charmarama - Charmian Hughes
Charmarama – Charmian Hughes

“The festival aims to bring affordable events to venues across the region, with many of the shows offering a “pay what you want” ticket price, and most shows under £10pp (although though some shows can be bought together on the same night). Many of the acts are bringing shows that are already on tour or in preparation for the Edinburgh Fringe in August. 

“Tickets are available from the festival website and unlike most ticketing options, there is no booking fee charge with any ticket.”

When is the festival?

The festival will begin at 7.30pm on Thursday 17th July, at Thatcham Rugby Club with Ian Crawford’s Accident Avoidance Training for Cutlery Users: Advanced & Improvers (£8pp). Followed, at 8.30pm, by Dinner with the President – President Obonjo (£8pp.) For the finale of the festival, enjoy Graeme Coulam’s Bedtime Stories for Children Over 18 at 9.30pm on Saturday 26th July – Croft Hall, Hungerford (£4pp).

Visit the website to check out & book in for all the other highlights too! 

Find more events in Berkshire on out Berkshire activities and events page.

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Marlborough Open Studios – weekends of treats  

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Lesley Andrews invites us to plan weekends enjoying work by talented local artists with Marlborough Open Studios, between 5th & 27th July 

Imagine admiring work by more than 60 artists in studios located in and around Marlborough, across the Pewsey Vale reaching Devizes and its catchment… Marlborough Open Studios (MOS), offers just that. You can meet artists working in amazing ways, using old and new techniques, and making everything from sculpture to prints, for the home and items for everyday use. 

One of these artists is Robin Gregory, a retired bricklayer with a lifelong interest in photography and digital cameras, giving him a whole new accessible world of creative photography. Spiderman, this month’s cover image, is a wonderful example of Robin’s work. It was created by combining three separate images; the rocks are from a photo taken in Devon, the sky was taken over Roundway and Spiderman was at a gathering of people who share a love of dressing as comic figures. This particular Spiderman was happy to pose sitting on some steps. It might sound simple but the marvellous result required something like eight hours of clever reworking. 

This year’s bursary artist Nathan Hamblin, a young early-career artist, uses cutting-edge techniques, literally! One of Nathan’s works (pictured immediately above) which will go on sale at a shared studio in Potterne, involved specifying an area of approximately four square kilometres around Clifton Bridge in Bristol, downloading a satellite image and with clever computing refining it to reveal accurate area contours. Fed into a laser-cutting machine, each contour is cut on to mountboard then meticulously glued to get this striking and accurate 3D topographical sculpture. Nathan’s clever programming also creates striking ultra-modern vases and lamps. 

Both of these artists will share their studio opening with others, in Robin’s case with landscape painter Cathy and her husband Nick Pearce a potter and Nathan is showing with metal sculptor Roy Evans. 

It wasn’t always like this. In 1995 a small group of Marlborough artists got together and launched Marlborough Open Studios (MOS) as part of what was then the Marlborough Festival of Music and Arts. It was launched with a few sheets of an A4 photocopied catalogue featuring 15 artists, all in the town or nearby surrounding villages. The next year the group stretched to a printed poster then to printed catalogues in colour similar to the highly professional publication distributed today. 

Somewhat remarkably, two of those artists, Susan Kirkman and Arran Miles have taken part in every one of the events and will again share Susan’s studio and be joined by a third artist, Amanda Ralfe. The offer here is more traditional and covers painting, printmaking and drawing.  

Visitors on the look-out for a special gift, something beautiful for their home or maybe for reproductions as greeting cards will find something that appeals. Everyone is welcome to visit to meet the artists to learn about their work. If you’d like to try something yourself some artists run workshops. Moreover, as Arran said to me: “Artists love talking about their work” and even after 30 years of exhibiting,  
she remains inspirational when describing her own beautiful range. 

Look out for the 2025 thirty-year anniversary MOS catalogue. It will be widely available across the area this month and online at marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk. Plan your visits over a number of July weekends. And then you can stop at a local café or pub for the perfect summer outing – one that is sure to leave you feeling inspired by the richness of creativity that MOS brings to our area. 

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