Halow250 bike ride

Round & About

April 30, 2019October 7, 2019

Halow riders out to shine with 250-mile charity cycle in Guildford

Say halo to the young people from the halow project at the end of the week as they attempt to ride 250 miles in Guildford.

They will be taking to the saddle on static bikes outside Waitrose from Friday, 3rd May to Sunday, 5th May for a 250-mile cycling challenge, partnering with halow’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the halow250 bike ride.

The young people will be attempting to mirror the ride, which takes place on the same days and covers 250 miles from London to France in just 48 hours, led by the charity’s patron, Damon Hill OBE.

The super static bike ride will feature two exercise bikes with halow young people rotating throughout the weekend and giving it everything they have got!

The event is led by the Building Futures Group, who are currently in training for their upcoming cycling challenge and hope to reach their goal of £1,500 for the halow project.

The halow project aims to create opportunities and support young people aged 16-35 with a learning disability enabling them to live independent, meaningful, fulfiled lives and become more involved in their local community.

The charity based in Guildford believes the young people it helps should have the same life experiences and chances as any other young person.
All money raised will support young people with a learning disability by providing a range of services to enable independence including social activities, a 1:1 buddy service and supported living.

Help the young people reach their fundraising by donating to their Justgiving page.

The London to France ride starts in Putney with cyclists going 80 miles through Surrey and Hampshire to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to St Malo. They will then ride towards Mont St Michel on roads used for a Tour de France route before boarding the ferry again and the final leg from Portsmouth to Guildford, having completed the 250 miles.

For more information about the halow project and the halow250, visit www.halowproject.org.uk

Against Breast Cancer

Round & About

April 29, 2019October 7, 2019

Join Against Breast Cancer (ABC) for a full or half marathon or a 10km sponsored walk alongside the beautiful River Thames on Sunday, 5^th May.

Breast Walk Ever Berkshire is suitable for all and dogs are welcome too. So why not sign up and help the ABC team in their mission to prevent secondary spread, the main cause of breast-cancer related deaths.

In joining the team of Breast Walkers you will be provided with a training plan and fundraising support as well as the promise of a free post walk massage! Alison Bone – a volunteer for Against Breast Cancer – is doing just that having helped with marshalling Breast Walk Ever in 2018. Ali, like so many has her personal reason to walk having been affected by breast cancer.

Ali discovered a lump in her left breast in early 2000 and was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer. This came as a complete shock to Ali as there was no history of breast cancer in her family.

Ali has two children who were aged just 11 and nine at the time and she speaks of the heartbreak in telling them and her father. Ali was thankfully able to participate in a trial to see if her cancer had spread instead of removing all her lymph nodes. As a keen tennis player, Ali was very relieved in not having to have her lymph nodes removed. She had already asked her son’s tennis coach to teach her to play right handed which was fortunately now not necessary!

Ali had six rounds of a combination of two chemotherapy drugs three weeks apart and after her fifth round she required a blood transfusion. In July that year Ali had three more weeks of daily radiotherapy and regular checks concluded that Ali was now clear of cancer.

It was however during a routine mammogram 12 years later that a lump was found, this time in Ali’s right breast and the cancer was ER Positive. It was then that Ali decided to seek clarity as to whether there was a genetic link. In August 2012 Ali had another lumpectomy, and a further six rounds of chemotherapy and four weeks of daily radiotherapy. In March 2013 Ali received confirmation that she had the BRCA2 gene mutation.

By 2014, Ali’s daughter was tested. Ali and her daughter were both so very delighted and relieved to find that there was no genetic risk.

After seeking advice from a number of sources, Ali herself had a double mastectomy two years after learning of the BRCA2 gene mutation and is now participating in a study to try and understand why the mutation tends to occur often in those with a family history.

Ali is planning to walk the Breast Walk Ever Berks alongside her team of friends this year. “I have found walking a great way to get my fitness back after surgery. Walking as part of a group is a great way to help motivate each other”.

Why not join Alison with your own team on May 5^th safe in the knowledge that you are helping to bring a vaccine Against Breast Cancer ever closer.

Entry to Breast Walk Ever Berks ranges from £10-£26 depending on distance and Concessions are available for senior citizens and students. We ask all participants to try and raise £50 towards our research.

We look forward to welcoming you to the banks of the Thames this Spring.

Visit the Against Breast Cancer website

Marathon in May

Round & About

April 28, 2019April 18, 2019

Can you take on PACT’s Marathon in May challenge?

If you’re a runner who’s been inspired by today’s London Marathon to give the 26.2miles a go then how about trying PACT’s Marathon in May challenge.

Complete the distance on your own or as a group of friends or colleagues or with your family and support the work of Parents and Children Together.

The charity advertises it as “your challenge, your way” and that’s because it doesn’t have to be done as a run you can choose to walk, cycle or swim the distance if you prefer.

Why not walk a mile every day for 26 days in May – yes it doesn’t have to be all in one day – or how about going out for a six and a half mile bike ride each weekend in the month?

PACT’s Marathon in May costs just £14 to take part in and you’ll get a medal and a colour-in chart to track your progress. Extra medals can be ordered too for any children taking part, for just £2.50 each.

All proceeds from the registration fees will be used to support PACT’s work building and strengthening and families.

The Reading-based charity has been helping families since 1911 and as well as being one of the UK’s leading independent adoption agencies, it offers counselling, therapy and life story work helping children to overcome difficulties in childhood, teenage years and in early adulthood.

PACT also runs community projects helping vulnerable children and adults facing issues such as domestic abuse, homelessness and debt.

For more about PACT and Marathon in May and how to take part please visit www.pactcharity.org

Local giving for local need

Round & About

April 25, 2019October 7, 2019

The Community Foundation for Surrey is making a difference through its family of donors.

Local people who want to give back to their local community and make a difference. That’s the simple premise behind the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is dedicated to enabling local philanthropy across the county, connecting people with charitable projects.

Foundation donors are individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts which support the community by awarding grants to meet identified local needs.

The Community Foundation model was first established in the USA in 1914 and is now a global movement operating in more than 1,800 communities worldwide, with 46 in the UK. Since setting up in the UK, Community Foundations have collectively awarded more than £1billion in grants to support local charities and voluntary organisations in need.

You may be surprised to discover that there is such a need right here in Surrey which is consistently rated as among the best places to live in the UK. However, even here there are pockets of deprivation and people who face multiple challenges, from mental health to domestic abuse.

The foundation’s research, Surrey Uncovered, has exposed the real need that exists in the county, the needs which motivate the foundation to raise awareness of the importance of philanthropy and encourage local people to be part of the solution.

Last year the Community Foundation for Surrey awarded more than £1.4million in grants, the highest amount awarded in a single year since the charity was set up in 2005.

The foundation’s work to inspire philanthropy in Surrey has generated a total of £23million for causes in the community, helping them both on a day-to-day basis and in perpetuity.

Laura Thurlow, chief executive of the foundation, said: “While we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved, there is still much more work to be done. Sadly, last year, we were unable to support over £1.5million of requests from community groups working to make our county a better place.

“Our aim is to encourage and inspire more local people to join our growing family of donors. We offer a range of giving options and enable donors to give to the areas of importance to them and causes close to their heart.

“Whether you’re a local group looking for funding, or someone wanting to support the local community, we would love to hear from you, so please do get in touch!”

Top photo: CFS Staff Team – Rebecca Clay, Nicola Bartlett, Victoria Kear, Joe Crome, Laura Thurlow, Kate Peters, Louise Wickham, Deepa Craig

Did you know...

some 22,640 children live in poverty in Surrey

10,600 of Surrey children aged five to15 have a mental health disorder

24,000 girls and women in Surrey aged between 16 and 59 have been the victim of domestic abuse

30,000 carers are over the age of 65

For more information about the foundation, please visit www.cfsurrey.org.uk

Avenue Q

Round & About

April 24, 2019October 7, 2019

An irresistibly charming tale of the loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues comes to the Reading Hexagon this week.

Avenue Q was created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen. It won the Tony Awards “Triple Crown” for best musical, best score and best book.
Peter Anderson chatted to Lawrence Smith who plays Princeton in Avenue Q. “I came late to acting,” he says, “my first love was singing. As a teenager, I sang with the National Youth Choir of Scotland. I trained as a classical singer with the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Scottish Conservatoire before moving into musical theatre. If the acoustics are right, backstage there is always a chance I may burst into some Purcell!”
Who has been the inspiration for Lawrence as he has widened his skillset from being a classical singer? “Without a doubt, Audra McDonald. Like me, she trained as a classical singer” in her case at the Julliard. She has won six Tony awards across all four acting categories and is equally at home on Broadway or performing with Houston Grand Opera.

Speaking of widening his skillset, is this the first time Lawrence has worked with puppets? “Absolutely, it’s a challenge combining acting and being true to the character and also manipulating the puppets and keeping everything under control.” He may have not worked with puppets, but he has certainly learned how to handle gadgetry on stage, one of his recent roles was the lead in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd!

What can the Hexagon audience look forward to? “An evening of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness! There are loads of funny songs, and everyone knows it has adult content. But I think the thing that the audience can look forward to is being surprised by the story. With people concentrating more on the songs, etc. I think the story and what it says about human relationships is something that almost tends to creep up on people without them realising.

Princeton has recently graduated with a BA in English – useful for – well we’ll see, he thinks he is a “bright young thing”. Heavily influenced by what he has seen on television he moves to New York, the place where all bright young things hang out. He arrives at Avenue Q, a veritable modern day Cheers, the apartment block where everyone knows your name! There he is greeted by a mixture of loveable and unforgettable characters who help not to not only guide him through New York, but also help him to discover who he is.

Well Avenue Q is the apartment block where Princeton ends up, but who would be the neighbours in Lawrence’s dream apartment block? “Dream is probably an interesting thought. It would be a dream for me, but perhaps not others in the area. I think I would love to live in an apartment block with Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. They would be a lovely group to sing with.”

New York is Princeton’s dream place to live, but does Lawrence have some dream places where he would love to perform “I have been lucky enough to perform at The Globe and the Old Vic and being Scottish it is great that the run of Avenue Q is taking me up to some Scottish venues. The one place I haven’t managed to perform at so far is the National Theatre, that would be great.”

Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and all heart.

An evening of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness!

The show runs from today until Saturday, 27th April (advisory age 14+ mature themes). To book your tickets call 01889 9606060 or visit the Hexagon website

Festivals: All together now!

Round & About

April 24, 2019April 24, 2019

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Festival season is upon us – which is great news for us here at Round & About Towers (we’re fans of a bash). Perhaps you are one of the supremely dedicated / lucky few to have bagged yourself a Glastonbury ticket..? Yes the Mother Of All Festivals is back at the end of June but if, like me, you’ll be enjoying it from the comfort of your sofa there are loads more to get fully immersed in…

CHOOSE YOUR AREA:

Surrey: All together now…

Round & About

April 23, 2019April 17, 2019

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Festival season is upon us – which is great news for us here at Round & About (we’re big fans of a bash). Perhaps you are one of the supremely dedicated / lucky few to have bagged yourself a Glastonbury ticket..? Yes the Mother Of All Festivals is back at the end of June but if, like me, you’ll be enjoying it from the comfort of your sofa there are loads more to get fully immersed in…

“I’ve been going to festivals with my wife and festival buddy Josie since the early ’90s and made some halcyon trips to Glastonbury and Reading,” Rob de Bank, Bestival curator tells me. “I’ve slept in a collapsed tent partially underwater, canoed down a Glastonbury thoroughfare, got emotional watching Stevie Wonder and Elton John at Bestival and tried Fuji Rocks in Japan and Coachella in the American desert for a change… but the festival I’ll always come back to is our very own Camp Bestival. We created the show for our kids and their kids and future generations so it’s very close to our heart but it’s also so much fun. And the ultimate way to have some fantastic family time away from screens and technology. I can’t wait to see Chic, Annie Mac and The Human League here this year.” This summer’s dance-deluxe Camp Bestival at Dorset’s Lulworth Castle, 25th to 28th July, has a heroes and superheroes theme and also offers bangers in the form of Jess Glynne, Sister Sledge, Goldie and others including Omid Djalili and Mr Motivator. Visit www.campbestival.net

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Quirky beauty Boomtown returns to Matterley Estate in the South Downs from Wednesday 7th to Monday, 12th August, featuring a stonking line-up including Lauryn Hill, Prophets of Rage, The Streets, Chronixx, Chase & Status, Groove Armada, Slaves and Salt-N-Pepa to name just a few. District AREA 404 is the new home for techno, headlined by Carl Cox, Amelie Lens, Fourtet and more, www.boomtownfair.co.uk

Don’t go thinking it’s all about raving, though…. Guildford International Music Festival, 10th to 25th May, showcases impressive classical recitals, specialist guitar and cello days, experimental electronica and more; www.surrey.ac.uk/arts

Down in Brighton, The Great Escape, 9th to 11th May, is the place to go for fresh new music; www.greatescapefestival.com. Foodies will love family-friendly Althorp Food & Drink Festival on 11th & 12th May in Norfolk, with demos from Jean-Christophe Novelli and Ken Hom OBE. www.spencerofalthorp.com. And raise a glass to the family-friendly Elstead Royal British Legion Beer Festival, 24th to 26th May, with a Surrey Blues Society Summer Bash on the Sunday from 2pm in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell.

Dogstival, hosted by Chris Packham in the New Forest on 18th and 19th May, has fields, woodlands and its own beach for you and your canine pals to enjoy; www.dogstival.co.uk. This is not to be confused, pet-lovers, with local Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick’s DogFest at Knebworth House this month; www.dog-fest.co.uk. Foodies will flock to Alresford Watercress Festival on Sunday, 19th May, and Alresford Music Festival is on Saturday, 8th June. Visit www.alresfordmusicfestival.com while the Southampton Mela Festival returns to Hoglands Park on Saturday, 13th July; visit www.southamptonmela.com

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Family-friendly Winchestival returns on 15th June with The Magic Numbers, Cassia and Lauran Hibberd, comedy from Milton Jones, Zoe Lyons, Jonny Auwsum, street food and more; www.winchestival.co.uk. Half a century on from the Summer Of Love, the Isle Of Wight Festival is still pulsing, 13th to 16th June, with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, George Ezra, Fatboy Slim and more; www.isleofwightfestival.com. Once again, Hampton Court Palace is the stunning backdrop for Jools Holland, The Jacksons, Nile Rogers & Chic, Kylie and Michael Bublé during June; www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.

Enjoy the Windsormania Family Music Festival on Sunday, 30th June and Rita Ora will play at Royal Windsor racecourse on Saturday, 24th August; www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk

Latitude at gorgeous Henham Park near Southwold, 18th to 21st July, offers Primal Scream, EverythingEverything, Underworld, George Ezra, Slaves, Lana Del Rey and more; www.latitudefestival.com. Giddy up for some Jockey Club Live musical highlights at UK racecourses, including Madness (24th July), Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra (31st July) and Jess Glynne (8th August); www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk

Staycation Live returns to Godalming’s Phillips Memorial Park on August 2nd, 3rd & 4th offering a broad range of music, local food and entertainment. www.staycationlivefestival.co.uk. The same weekend, Frimley Lodge Live will dazzle you with some superb cover bands and more; call 01276 707600 for details.

Wild wonderland Wilderness Festival returns to dazzle high society festivalgoers in Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, 1st-4th August. You’ll find banquets and feasting, plenty of celeb-spotting opportunities, lakeside hot tubs, yoga and intellectual and cultural brain food and lectures as well as Robyn, Groove Armada and Freya Ridings. Visit www.wildernessfestival.com

Held in Tilford every August since 2007, Weyfest has built a great festival reputation (think a polite party with posh loos). This year’s shindig at the Rural Life Centre, 16th-18th August, features our cover star Gabrielle, The Lightning Seeds, Reef & The Brand New Heavies. www.weyfest.co.uk

Reading Festival rocks the August bank holiday weekend (23rd to 25th August). This year’s stars are The 1975, Foo Fighters, Blossoms, plus Fredo, Billie Eilish, Stefflon Don and Camelphat; visit www.readingfestival.com. Over the same weekend Victorious returns to Southsea Common starring Rudimental, Plan B, All Saints and more; www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

Love kitesurfing, watersports and live music? Kitesurfing Armada, 21st to 23rd June on Hayling Island is the biggest event of its kind in Europe and is free to attend; www.armadaevents.co.uk/kitesurfing-armada. Supporting children’s charities, Chris Evans’ Car-Fest heads to Hampshire’s Laverstoke Park, RG25 3DR, from 23rd to 25th August; www.carfest.org

The UK’s longest running outdoor arts festival, Winchester Hat Fair, 5th to 7th July has free fun for all ages; www.hatfair.co.uk. And Hampshire Food Festival takes place 1st to 30th July with fun for all tastes; www.hampshirefare.co.uk

A dazzling black-tie party in a stunning riverside location, Henley Festival, 10th to 14th July, has another great line-up this year including Boy George, Jessie J, Bjorn Again and Jo Wiley with her ’90s anthems as well as comedy from Ed Byrne, Andy Hamilton, Julian Clary and more;
www.henley-festival.co.uk

Curated by the mighty Nile Rogers, Meltdown Festival is a series of gigs at the Southbank Centre, 1st to 13th August; visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

British Summertime brings global superstars to Hyde Park for your aural pleasure. On Friday, 5th July it’s Celine Dion, Saturday is a celebration of Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand is Sunday 7th, Florence + The Machine and The National on Saturday 13th, and Robbie Williams, Texas, Feeder and Black Eyed Peas are on Sunday 14th. There’s also the BST open house with free fun, 8th to 11th July; www.bst-hydepark.com

Groove Armada will headline Greenwich Music Time on Friday, 5th July, against the backdrop of the city at the Old Royal Naval College. This is one of a series of concerts, 1st to 7th July, also including Paul Weller and Cliff Richard. www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk

Further afield, Y Not? festival in Derbyshire will star Elbow, Wolf Alice, Reverend and the Makers and more, 25th to 28th July; visit www.ynotfestival.com

Enjoy your summer!

Dream girl

Round & About

April 23, 2019April 17, 2019

Liz Nicholls asks soul singer Gabrielle (AKA Louisa Gabrielle Bobb) about life and work ahead of her performance at Blenheim Palace on Thursday, 20th June.

Q. Hello! How do you feel about turning 50 this year? “I can’t wait! To reach 50 is exciting, a real celebration. I’m embracing getting older – some people sadly don’t even make it to 50 so I can only be thankful I’m still here, loving life.”

Q. Are you sick of being asked about your ptosis, which is why you cover your eye? “Not really. After 25 years I still get asked about it so I have to accept I always will. I don’t mind explaining why I cover my eye, it’s personal choice and how I feel comfortable. Each to their own I say!”

Q. Are you super-healthy and how do you relax? “I’m so not healthy, which isn’t good. I love Haribo and all things sweet. When I’m relaxing I love a good box set on Netflix or a sci-fi novel.”

Q. What’s the greatest lesson motherhood has taught you? “That you don’t stop being a taxi.”

Q. How do you feel about the critical acclaim Under My Skin has earned? “The way my new album’s been received has been phenomenal. When you write songs and haven’t released new music in a while you don’t know if you still can. I made an album I love and am proud of so people telling me they love it too is an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to perform songs old and new at Nocturne Live.”

Q. What advice would you give to any budding musicians? “Stay true to yourself, do what makes you happy and follow your instincts.”

Q. Are there any rising stars you think deserve to be huge? “I think Lady Leshur is amazing and I’m sure will be a huge star very soon.”

Q. What format do you most like to listen to music on? “I still buy CDs, mainly in the supermarket. I like physical copies, I never stream anything, I’m old-fashioned like that. My daughter has a record player and I actually loved listening to my new album on it as it came out on vinyl. It’s lovely to hold and play, I should get more really.”

Q. What’s your favourite live show so far? “It has to be performing for Nelson Mandela at the Brighton Centre in 2000. He told me afterwards he wanted to get up and dance. I’ll never forget that and will harp on about it forever!”

Q. What’s on your horizon? “I’d love to go to Nashville to write songs, I’ve done elements of country before in my music but to actually go there and be in the history of the place would be amazing, one of my ambitions for sure.”

Q. Who is your dream party guest? “George Michael, I loved him growing up as an artist and think he was amazing. He sent me flowers and champagne when Rise went to number 1 and I never got to say thank you. I’d like to hang out.”

Q. What would you wish for if you had the power? “I know it’s obvious but how can I not say peace?”

Gabrielle will perform at Blenheim Palace’s Nocturne Live series, 20th – 23rd June, alongside Gladys Knight and Disco Classical plus Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge. www.nocturnelive.com

Thames Valley East: All together now…

Round & About

April 23, 2019April 17, 2019

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Small is beautiful with some local gems this year. Cookham Festival, 4th-19th May, stars Apollo Big Band and Will Greenwood with art and photo exhibitions and a community feel; www.cookhamfestival.org.uk. DJ Yoda, The Echo, Flashheart, Ryan Harman, Nearly Unsociable, The Small Strings, The Mysteries, Beatroots and more will star, for a great cause, at Around The Boundary in Gallowstree Common on Sunday, 5th May; www.aroundtheboundary.com

Let’s Rock The Moor stars all your ’80s favourites including Marc Almond, Go West, Jason Donovan, Erasure’s Andy Bell and many more on Saturday, 18th May; www.letsrockthemoor.com

Community fun aplenty will be on offer between 1st & 16th June thanks to Love Marlow Festival. Enjoy music, sport and family fun at this celebration of local kindness; www.lovemarlow.co.uk

Love your swing music? Thames Valley Balboa Festival, 31st May-2nd June, in Henley is for you!. Watlington’s Beacon Festival, 21st & 22nd is a highlight raising spirits and funds for great causes. Four stages will offer musical magic and there’s a great feelgood area and kids’ zone, all powered by volunteers; www.beaconfestival.net

Enjoy the Windsormania Family Music Festival on Sunday, 30th June at Royal Windsor racecourse with Rita Ora playing there on Saturday, 24th August; www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk

Readipop will rock Caversham’s Christchurch Meadows, 12th-14th July, with a fantastic line-up including Sleeper, The Brand New Heavies, a greatest hits set from The Orb, Cassetteboy vs DJ Rubbish, Musical Youth, Audio Bullys and local bands for local causes; www.readipop.co.uk

A dazzling black-tie party in a stunning riverside location, Henley Festival, 10th to 14th July, has another great line-up including Boy George, Jessie J, Bjorn Again and Jo Wiley with her ’90s anthems as well as comedy from Ed Byrne, Andy Hamilton, Julian Clary and more; www.henley-festival.co.uk

My pals and I have already booked babysitters so we can fully enjoy Pennfest in our native Bucks on 19th & 20th July (woop!) Goldie, Suede, Peter Doherty, Fabio, Craig David and more make this a bobby-dazzler! www.pennfest.net

Indie royalty will reign at the biggest Truck Festival yet in Steventon, 25th-28th July, with Wolf Alice, Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, Slaves, Nothing But Thieves, You Me At Six, Don Broco, Johnny Marr, Public Service Broadcasting and more; www.truckfestival.com

Have a great time for great causes at this year’s BrightFest in Brightwell, OX10 0SQ, on Saturday, 8th June. The family-friendly gem will feature lots of live bands, a football competition and bar (well stocked by The Red Lion team) and food; www.brightfest.org.uk. Towersey near Thame will honour the late folk singer and activist Roy Bailey with the help of Tom Robinson, 23rd-26th August. Newton Faulkner, Bruce Foxton’s From The Jam, The Selecter, Hothouse Flowers, Seth Lakeman, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Fisherman’s Friends and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain are also on the bill, along with many more highlights;
www.towerseyfestival.com

Busted, The Feeling, Dodgy, Toploader and Judge Jules will bring the 90s vibe to Chilterns Live near Tring, HP23 5QY; www.chilterns-live.co.uk

Half a century on from the Summer Of Love, the Isle Of Wight Festival is still pulsing, 13th to 16th June, with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, George Ezra, Fatboy Slim and more; www.isleofwightfestival.com. Once again, Hampton Court Palace is the stunning backdrop for Jools Holland, The Jacksons, Nile Rogers & Chic, Kylie and Michael Bublé during June; www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.

Latitude at gorgeous Henham Park near Southwold, 18th to 21st July, offers Primal Scream, EverythingEverything, Underworld, George Ezra, Slaves, Lana Del Rey and lots of theatre, comedy and family fun; www.latitudefestival.com. Giddy up for Jockey Club Live musical highlights at UK racecourses, including Madness (24th July), Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra (31st July) and Jess Glynne (8th August); www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk

Musicians, family fun and more will entertain you on 8th & 9th June at South Hill Park’s Festival of Food and Music and entry is free; www.southhillpark.org.uk/foodmusicfestival

Wild wonderland Wilderness Festival returns to dazzle high society festivalgoers in Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, 1st-4th August. You’ll find banquets and feasting, plenty of celeb-spotting opportunities, lakeside hot tubs, yoga and intellectual and cultural brain food as well as Robyn, Groove Armada and Freya Ridings;
www.wildernessfestival.com

Reading Festival rocks the August bank holiday weekend (23rd to 25th). This year’s stars are The 1975, Foo Fighters, Blossoms, plus Fredo, Billie Eilish, Stefflon Don and Camelphat; visit www.readingfestival.com. The same weekend, The Big Feastival returns to rock Alex James’ Cotswolds farm, 23rd-25th August. This year’s foodie/fun line-up includes Jess Glynne, Rudimental, Elbow, Jo Wiley, Prue Leith, Raymond Blanc and perennial star Justin Fletcher (AKA Mr Tumble); www.thebigfeastival.com

Curated by the mighty Nile Rogers, Meltdown Festival is a series of gigs at the Southbank Centre, 1st to 13th August; visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

British Summertime brings global superstars to Hyde Park for your aural pleasure. On Friday, 5th July it’s Celine Dion, Saturday is a celebration of Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand is Sunday 7th, Florence + The Machine and The National on Saturday 13th, and Robbie Williams, Texas, Feeder and Black Eyed Peas are on Sunday 14th. There’s also the BST open house with free fun, 8th to 11th July; www.bst-hydepark.com

Enjoy your summer!

London: All together now…

Round & About

April 23, 2019April 17, 2019

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

estival season is upon us – which is great news for us here at Round & About (we’re big fans of a bash). Perhaps you are one of the supremely dedicated / lucky few to have bagged yourself a Glastonbury ticket..? Yes the Mother Of All Festivals is back at the end of June but if, like me, you’ll be enjoying it from the comfort of your sofa there are loads more to get fully immersed in…

“I’ve been going to festivals with my wife and festival buddy Josie since the early ’90s and made some halcyon trips to Glastonbury and Reading,” Rob de Bank, Bestival curator tells me. “I’ve slept in a collapsed tent partially underwater, canoed down a Glastonbury thoroughfare, got emotional watching Stevie Wonder and Elton John at Bestival and tried Fuji Rocks in Japan and Coachella in the American desert for a change… but the festival I’ll always come back to is our very own Camp Bestival. We created the show for our kids and their kids and future generations so it’s very close to our heart but it’s also so much fun and the ultimate way to have some fantastic family time away from screens and technology. I can’t wait to see Chic, Annie Mac and The Human League here this year.” This summer’s dance-deluxe Camp Bestival at Dorset’s Lulworth Castle, 25th to 28th July, has a heroes and superheroes theme and also offers bangers in the form of Jess Glynne, Sister Sledge, Goldie and others including Omid Djalili and Mr Motivator. Visit www.campbestival.net

Pyrotechnic wonderland Arcadia will sadly not be dropping beats under the giant spider in London this spring, but the team will be at Glasto and there are more events in the pipeline – keep an eye on www.arcadiaspectacular.com

Looking for fun? Look no further than We Are FSTVL in Upminster, 24th to 26th May, featuring a great dance line-up including Andy C, Adana Twins, Purple Disco Machine and Armand Van Helden as well as DJ sets from Basement Jaxx, Mike Skinner, Groove Armada and Chase & Status plus tons & tons more; www.wearefstvl.com

Independent music, food and drink festival This Is Gala returns to Peckham Rye on Sunday, 26th May. www.thisisgala.co.uk. And Victoria Park in E3 will host The Chemical Brothers, Hot Chip, Christine and the Queens, Bring Me The Horizon, Run The Jewels, Idles, Bon Hiver, First Aid Kit and many more for All Points Point East, 24th to 26th May, with In The NBHD weekday funfest 27th to 30th May; www.www.allpointseastfestival.com

Jorja Smith, Skepta, Diplo, Jungle and Tiga are among the stars at Field Day in Meridian Water, Enfield, on 7th & 8th June; www.fielddayfestivals.com

The Kooks, Don Bronco, The Hunna, Kate Nash, Apre and The Amazons are on the bill for Community Festival in Finsbury Park on 30th June; visit www.communityfestival.london

Curated by the mighty Nile Rogers, Meltdown Festival is a series of gigs at the Southbank Centre 1st to 13th August. For this and more cultural highlights visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

British Summertime brings global superstars to Hyde Park for your aural pleasure. On Friday, 5th July it’s Celine Dion, Saturday is a celebration of Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand is Sunday 7th, Florence + The Machine and The National play Saturday 13th, and Robbie Williams, Texas, Feeder and Black Eyed Peas are on Sunday 14th. There’s also the BST open house with free fun, 8th to 11th July; www.bst-hydepark.com

Moreish, messy marvel Eastern Electrics lands in Morden Park on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August. Eight stages are ready for your raving – full line-up TBC at the time of going to press but keep an eye on www.easternelectrics.com

Quirky beauty Boomtown returns to Matterley Estate in the South Downs from Wednesday 7th to Monday, 12th August, featuring a stonking line-up including Lauryn Hill, Prophets of Rage, The Streets, Chronixx, Chase & Status, Groove Armada, Slaves and Salt-N-Pepa to name just a few. AREA 404 is the new home for techno and is headlined by Carl Cox, Amelie Lens and Four Tet, among others; www.boomtownfair.co.uk

Beat-lovers, head to Lovebox in Gunnersbury Park for another almighty party created by Groove Armada on 12th & 13th July. You’ll find a colourful mix of dance, rock, vintage markets, bespoke bars and more, this year’s line-up includes Cypress HIll, Chance the Rapper, Solange, Four Tet, Loyle Carner and many more. Visit www.loveboxfestival.com

Once again, Hampton Court Palace will be the stunning backdrop for musical stars including Jools Holland, The Jacksons, Nile Rogers & Chic, Kylie and Michael Bublé during June; www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

Bushstock is an all-dayer in Shepherds Bush on Saturday, 15th June. Apre, Novor Amor, Gang of Youths and more will perform; www.bushstock.co.uk. Half a century on from the Summer Of Love, the Isle Of Wight Festival is still pulsing, with this year’s funfest from 13th to 16th June. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, George Ezra, Fatboy Slim and more www.isleofwightfestival.com

Reading Festival rocks the August bank holiday weekend (23rd to 25th August) once again. This year’s stars The 1975, Foo Fighters, Blossoms, plus Fredo, Billie Eilish, Stefflon Don and Camelphat. www.readingfestival.com

Love your drum & bass? Get your dancing shoes on for another belting South West Four on Clapham Common, 24th & 25th August. Andy C, Wiley, Ms Banks, Mabel, Chase & Status and more will get you moving; www.southwestfour.com

Groove Armada will headline Greenwich Music Time on Friday 5th July, for a stunning live show set against the backdrop of the city at the Old Royal Naval College. This is one of a series of concerts, 1st to 7th July, also including Paul Weller and Cliff Richard. Visit www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk

Looking to head further out of the capital? Gorgeously stimulating Latitude will welcome you to Henham Park near Southwold 18th to 21st July. Music this year includes Primal Scream, EverythingEverything, Underworld, George Ezra, Slaves and Lana Del Rey and there’s more theatre, comedy and family fun than you can shake a stick at; www.latitudefestival.com

Celebrating 50 years since the moon landings, Bluedot in Cheshire is the UK’s most intergalactic festival that fuses music, science, arts and culture, 18th to 21st July. Music includes Kraftwerk, New Order, Hot Chip, Jon Hopkins, Kate Tempest and 808 State; visit www.discoverthebluedot.com

Giddy up for some Jockey Club Live musical highlights at UK racecourses this summer, including Madness (24th July), Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra (31st July) and Jess Glynne (8th August); www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk

Down in Brighton, The Great Escape, 9th to 11th May, is the place to go for fresh new music; www.greatescapefestival.com. Wild wonderland Wilderness Festival returns to dazzle festival-going high society in Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, 1st to 4th August, with banquets, celeb-spotting, lakeside hot tubs, yoga and intellectual and cultural brain food. Music includes Robyn, Groove Armada and Freya Ridings; www.wildernessfestival.com

Supporting children’s charities, Chris Evans’ Car-Fest heads to Hampshire’s Laverstoke Park, RG25 3DR, the same weekend; www.carfest.org. Dogstival in the New Forest on 18th and 19th May, has fields, woodlands and its own beach for you and your canine pals to enjoy; www.dogstival.co.uk, not to be confused, pet-lovers, with Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick’s DogFest; www.dog-fest.co.uk. Finally, Henley Festival, 10th-14th July, will dazzle with Boy George, Bjorn Again and Jo Wiley’s ’90s anthems as well as comedy from Ed Byrne, Andy Hamilton, Julian Clary and more; www.henley-festival.co.uk

Enjoy your summer!

Monday 29 Apr 2024

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Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

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Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

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Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

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Join Against Breast Cancer (ABC) for a full or half marathon or a 10km sponsored walk alongside the beautiful River Thames on Sunday, 5^th May.

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls

Whatever your age, taste or background there are a whole
host of festivals to get your musical juices flowing, writes Liz Nicholls