UCA winter market on 11th November

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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An upcoming highlight at University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham invites you to shop for locally made gifts

Celebrate the handmade when you visit the Students’ Union winter market at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS.

Unearth affordable art and shop for colourful prints, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative jewellery, designed by UCA students, staff, and local craftspeople – the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift. Entry is free.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a creative university defined by adaptability and innovation. We’re excited by change and difference, and the possibilities they open up.

Specialising in creative Arts, Business and Technology, we help students find opportunities that speak to them, and make the future their own.

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Creating community at Bordon Cultural Hub

Karen Neville

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Hampshire

Karen Neville

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Have your say on the proposed new cultural hub for Whitehill & Bordon, a space to celebrate the history of the town and the surrounding area

Phoenix Arts has long been celebrated as a vibrant grassroots organisation, nurturing local talent and fostering a strong sense of community through the performing arts.

Its current 100-seater venue provides a platform for emerging artists and experienced performers alike, covering all disciplines from comedy to dance, music, theatre, musicals, disability arts and much, much more.

In response to the growing demand for diverse and innovative performances, Phoenix Arts wants to establish a larger, more versatile venue in the new town centre.

The proposed Cultural Hub, an initiative from Phoenix Arts, Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company and Prince Phillip Park, will combine arts, entertainment, leisure and workspace. A new 250-seat theatre will be a key part of the plans, with the plot of the former Sergeants Mess acting as the focus for cultural activity in the town centre. The vision is one of bold, engaging design and architecture, while being sensitive to the historic fabric of the Mess Hall.

The new Cultural Hub will feature restaurants, entertainment and leisure spaces, additional retail and workspace studios, all grouped around a communal courtyard featuring a flexible seating area that can be used for outdoor events. This multi-purpose creative space aims to nurture local creatives, entrepreneurs and residents and moves towards completing the vision for Whitehill & Bordon as a desirable and unique destination.

Events at The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre have shown how the arts can bring people together, inspire creativity and enrich the cultural fabric of Whitehill & Bordon. This new space will open up more opportunities to cement arts and culture in East Hampshire’s largest town.

Rob Allertson, CEO of Phoenix Arts said: “From our inception in the 1980s as a community-led arts centre, and the coming together of the army and community of Whitehill & Bordon to provide affordable entertainment locally, through to the securing of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding in 2022, we’ve been on a long-term mission to encourage greater engagement with the arts.

“The next chapter in this story is about to unfold and being central to the success of the new Cultural Hub is exciting and is acknowledged by our trustees, staff and volunteers as a brilliant development of our ethos and vision for creating community.”

Plans are on display in The Cube at The Shed. To give feedback on the proposals, scan the QR code on the display for access to a survey to have your say on the future of the arts, culture and entertainment in Whitehill & Bordon.

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Alison Molan’s Pup Goes The Easel

Karen Neville

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Hampshire

Karen Neville

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Farnham artist Alison Molan of Pup Goes The Easel invites you to paint your pooch at a workshop at Sage & Salt in Petersfield and create the paw-fect paw-trait

Man’s best friend, woman’s best friend, everyone’s best friend – Alison Molan certainly believes so, she’s sharing the joy and love our four-legged friends bring into our lives with her colourful work.

Pup Goes The Easel started with her daughter’s Lurcher, Parker, developed with Frida, the Spanish Podenco and today the tale (tail?) continues with bright and bold pop-art inspired hues and the eclectic style of Frida Kahlo.

Alison’s portraits are not just paintings, their vibrant style reflects our relationships with our pooches and the bond created – one which you can create yourself at one of her workshops.

The next Paint a Pup workshop takes place at Sage & Salt in Petersfield on Friday, 8th November, 10am-4pm. These fun, sociable and informative one day workshops will give you all the materials you need and the hints and tips to create a painting of the pup you love. You will paint a work of art in the Pup Goes The Easel style, but with your own choice of colours and accessories to decorate your pup. At the end of the day, you will have a canvas to take home with you which captures the essence of your own pup.

These pawesome workshops are suitable for adults of all abilities and absolute beginners are warmly welcomed. The group sizes are kept small to enable you to achieve a whole painting in a day. These sessions are intended to be fun, relaxed and informative. It is widely recognised that being creative releases endorphins which enhance your mood and promote mental wellbeing. It is a pawfect excuse for some well-deserved ‘me time’.

Alison will provide a canvas, paper, pencils, acrylic paints and brushes which you will use, on the day, to create your unique painting. You will need to bring an A4 sized photograph or print of your own pup to copy (head and shoulders) as well as an apron to protect your clothes. In addition, she also asks you bring a light lunch and a water bottle. To book visit Workshops | Sage And Salt Studio

If you don’t think your artistic skills are up to scratch, commission Alison to em-bark on a custom pet portrait for you and let her capture the quirks and charm of your four-legged friend. Find out more about her work and enquire about a commission at Pup Goes The Easel where you can also see a range of cards and gifts for sale.

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Can we afford net zero?

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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Join Professor Dave Waltham for an eco-friendly Busting the Myths highlight at 7pm for 7.30pm on Thursday, 14th November, at Marlborough Town Hall

Your local Citizens’ Climate Lobby was formed in 1981 and has 59 members, men and women, Do we really need drastic action to curb fossil fuel emissions? If so, how can it be done – what will it cost – and which of us will bear those costs? Will business be badly damaged? Will the poorest (as so often) suffer most?

The local branch of Citizens’ Climate Lobby UK urges you to join us to address and debate the key existential question of our time, headed by a speaker long acquainted with the fossil fuel industry, and its place in the energy economy.

We’ve been assailed with conflicting and disturbing accounts of the climate/ecological crisis. On May 1st, this year the Telegraph (in line with the government of the day) claimed that The Net Zero Leviathan is Crushing the Economy.

Days later, the Guardian urged new efforts to meet climate targets to avoid a ‘semi-dystopian future’ of heat-waves, wildfires, floods and famine’, quoting hundreds of the world’s leading scientists from the authoritative IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

How can we know what to think? And how can we believe that we individuals have any real role to play?

Last May over 100 people joined the Lobby at the Town Hall for a showing of the film 2040 – a heartening, fact-based vision of the astonishing and under-appreciated possibilities for climate safety, human wellbeing, and environmental regeneration in a post-carbon world.

Professor Dave Waltham, now writing the Carbon Literacy Curriculum for Royal Holloway University, is passionately concerned to convey a clarifying and heartening account of the policies needed, and how we can support them.

Free entry, tea and cake available – donations welcome

For more info please email [email protected]

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Get set glow!

Karen Neville

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Hampshire

Karen Neville

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As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead

Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. Follow a sparkling mile of ‘yellow brick road’ through the illuminated garden at West Green House, near Hartley Wintney RG27 8JB, passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies. Adventure past a glowing poppy field, an evil witch, even a Barbie pink good witch, to find The Tin Man, The Scarecrow, The Lion and Dorothy looking for The Wizard! Food stalls, hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas treats for supper and a glittering Christmas shop all add to the fun from November 23rd to December 29th. Details & booking at The Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure – West Green House Gardens

Discover a brand-new magical experience this winter, with White’s Eco Light Festival. Starting on 21st November and running every Thursday to Saturday till the 21st December. This is a Light Festival with a difference at Gilbert White’s House which will be using renewable energy sources, solar power and low-level lighting with environmental consciousness at its core, remembering Gilbert White and his internationally important legacy to ecology. Fun for all the family, this is a chance to make new memories and discover how you can make changes to help wildlife and the environment around you. Pre-booking is essential Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World

Watercress Line illuminations, from November 29th to January 4th, are an incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train. Thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, create a kaleidoscope of colours and flashing patterns. New for this year is the Snowlight Cascade, an enchanting display of falling lights at the summit of your magical journey. For more and to book visit Watercress Line Event – Steam Illuminations

Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell’s magical light experience returns brighter than ever! November 29th-December 30th on selected dates. Awaken your senses and experience the natural wonders of fire, earth, air and water at the one-of-a-kind winter lights experience. Dive under the sea with jellyfish in a new ocean display, drift amongst neon clouds in the new SkyZone, stroll in the snow beside the glowing ancient woodland and tuck into toasted marshmallows at the popular firepits. Find out more & book at Glow Marwell – A Winter Light Trail | Marwell Zoo

Experience magic like never before at Light Up Hillier Gardens near Romsey SO51 0QA. Brace yourself for an enchanting spectacle of new and breathtaking light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route that promises to captivate your senses at every turn. Each corner holds a new treasure, igniting joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And there’s a freeze on last year’s prices too! Expect mesmerising fire jugglers, breathtaking aerial artists, and larger-than-life characters, and fabulous good, all ensuring an unforgettable journey. November 28th-January 1st. Full details & booking at Light Up Hillier Gardens | Light Up Trails

As darkness falls at Wakehurst in West Sussex, the garden becomes an illuminated wonderland. Discover the iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, fiery hidden dragon and a thousand lanterns on the award-winning trail at Glow Wild 2024, selected dates from November 28th to January 1st. More at Glow Wild | Wakehurst

Step into the beautiful house of Hinton Ampner near Alresford, enchanted by the magic of Christmas. There’s something to surprise and delight around every corner. With thousands of sparkling lights and presents stacked high. From the world of the Ice Queen to a Woodland Ball, Gingerbread Village and the North Pole Workshop. Christmas elves are busy making toys & games – and getting in a muddle! The garden will be the backdrop for beautifully decorated trees with twinkling lights and classic Christmas Colours. November 16th-January 5th. Booking essential at An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner | National Trust

With sparkling trees and quirky displays, in The Vyne’s house and gardens, lose yourself in Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike children’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Look out for the Queen of Hearts’ army on the north lawn and a giant chess board in the house. There’s even an ‘illogical’ room where glittering upside-down Christmas trees point disconcertingly to the floor. Collect your trail sheet and enjoy nonsensical Alice-themed challenges. November 20th-January 5th. Booking not needed.

Enjoy a Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont. Wander through rooms filled with sparkling trees and decorations, music and light effects. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince into a frosty wonderland with swirling snowflakes. Sugarplum fairies twirl among candy canes in the Land of Sweets, and there’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on a Nutcracker-themed family activity trail. November 23rd-January 5th. No need to book.

Soak up the magic of Christmas this winter with a visit to a National Trust place near you. Immerse yourself in the glamour of an extravagant masquerade ball at Polesden Lacey, step into the beautifully decorated rooms of a traditional country house Christmas at Hatchlands park, discover the wonderfully mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ trail at Winkworth Arboretum or just enjoy frosty walks and winter warmers and glorious views at Box Hill.

Head to The Shed, Whitehill & Bordon on December 8th from midday for a festive Christmas Market! Enjoy over 30 unique stalls, delicious food, treats, music and a special visit from Santa and his mischievous elf. Don’t miss out on national brand, O’Donnell’s Moonshine for extra holiday cheer! Fun for all ages – bring your holiday spirit!

This year’s Petersfield Christmas Festival is bigger and better, in fact so much so that they’ve added events on Saturday evening. Festive entertainments, Christmas shopping, treats and mulled wine await in the square on December 7th & 8th.

The lights are going on in Alton on November 22nd, shop at the Christmas market, meet the man in the red suit and an Ice Queen and tuck into some festive fare while you get the celebrations started.

Fleet Christmas Festival with market, lights switch on, gifts to shop for, entertainment, food and more is on November 27th which is also when Santa is making his first appearance in his grotto at the Harlington. Step into his workshops and join a heart-warming journey with the fun time elves and take part in various activities. Also on Dec 14th & 21st. Book for the grotto at Santa’s Grotto | FleetChristmasFest

One of the best Christmas markets in the area can be found and shopped in Winchester, November 22nd-December 22nd. Renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and high quality exhibitors, the pretty wooden chalets attract visitors by the sleigh load to shop in the historic surroundings immersed in carols, festive lights and the heady aroma of mulled wine.

Visit the Culinary Concepts Christmas Launch Event on Saturday 9th and Sunday, 10th November, 10am-4pm. Explore new Christmas Collections, enjoy 20% off full-priced items, and take advantage of exclusive event offers with up to 80% off. Complimentary mulled wine and festive treats will be served to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Visit Designer Homeware, Unique Gifts & Home Decor | Culinary Concepts for more details.

Shop at more than 150 stalls in Castle Street, The Borough, The Ivy Lane Clun and Bush Hotel Courtyard selling gifts that are a little different, crafts, accessories, Christmas items, food, drink and more in Farnham. Shoppers can expect an emphasis on local, quality products on December 8th.

The stately splendour of West Horsley Place invites you to meet Santa, enjoy Christmas crafts, decorate a festive biscuit and more on December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd. The manor house has a Christmas open day on December 1st where you can explore and discover a Tudor Christmas and as it’s time to get some shopping done, the arts and artisan fair November 22nd-24th features all manner of food and drink, skincare, jewellery, art, crafts and fashion gifts. Details about all these and more seasonal events at West Horsley Place Trust

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Rolling with Newbury’s Gourmet Pasta Co

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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Tibi Magda, head chef at Gourmet Pasta Co in Newbury, shares his thoughts about food & local life as he prepares another batch of fresh pasta workshops for fellow foodies!

Newbury’s freshest new indie business on the block, Gourmet Pasta Co, offers both classic Italian and Italian-South American recipes, inspired by the waves of Italians who immigrated to South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Dishes to make your mouth water include green ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta with a sage butter sauce and pink sorrentinos (South American circular shaped pasta) filled with roasted butternut squash and almonds and an orange butter sauce.

“We make all our fresh pasta in-house, and we also sell our gourmet pasta frozen so you can cook it at home,” says Tibi. “We run regular midweek events including pasta-making classes, cocktail nights, ladies socials, and a monthly live jazz night.”

Originally from Romania, where he says it was amazing to watch the transition from communism to democracy growing up, Tibi has lived in Newbury for nine years, working in a number of local restaurants. His passion for Italian food was also forged while living and working in Caravaggio, Italy for 10 years.

Tibi adds:”Newbury is a lovely historic market town, and it’s a great size – big enough to have lots going on, but small enough so you can walk everywhere, and you bump into friends. Newbury and its surrounding villages offer great off-the-beaten-track culinary hotspots, with independents, Michelin stars, and a very foodie Saturday market right outside Gourmet Pasta Co. I might be biased, but if you like fresh pasta, Gourmet Pasta Co is the best quality and value restaurant in Newbury. We’ve had Italian visitors rave about it, which is a true compliment! There are several other good independent restaurants too.

“It’s nearly the end of the year, but we run a really interesting series of events. It’s great to see the restaurant full and buzzing during these, even if we’re rushed off our feet in the kitchen! Personally, it’s exciting building the perfect team in the restaurant and exploring and innovating creating new fresh pasta dishes.

“As a chef, it’s hard to have a pet, as I work evenings and long days. If I did, I’d have a dog, partly because there are amazing walks in and around Newbury. A great starting place is following the Kennet and Avon Canal towpaths, which run for miles in both directions.”

“If I could make one Christmas wish for the world, it would be a world without borders, so everyone can travel anywhere.”

Gourmet Pasta is at 34 Market Place, RG14 5AG. To find out more please call 01635 635603& visit gourmetpasta.co.uk 

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Soprano Carly Paoli’s Christmas Collection

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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British/Italian soprano Carly Paoli is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated Christmas album, Carly Paoli The Christmas Collection, on 8th November.

Available on CD and digital formats this album, released on the Abiah label, is a heartfelt celebration of Christmas, featuring 15 festive tracks that promise to bring holiday cheer to listeners around the world.

A true star of the classical and crossover genres, Carly has earned international acclaim with performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, sharing the spotlight with luminaries such as Andrea Bocelli, Elaine Paige, David Foster, Aled Jones and Alfie Boe.

Most recently Carly performed at the Rockefeller Center’s iconic Rainbow Room in New York with Sir Rod Stewart in aid of The Kings Foundation. Her impressive resume also includes performances for various members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle and St James’ Palace, and she was famously praised by Pope Francis, who when he heard her rendition of Ave Maria described her as having ‘the voice of an angel.’

Carly Paoli The Christmas Collection marks Carly’s first Christmas album, and it includes a delightful mix of Christmas classics and medleys, each infused with Carly’s signature elegance and emotive artistry. Highlights from the album include a duet with renowned American singer David Phelps on Hark The Herald Angels Sing, as well as cherished favourites such as O Holy Night, Bless Us All from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Somewhere in my Memory, the theme from Home Alone, Irving Berlin’s Let It Snow, Silent Night, Grown-Up Christmas List by David Foster, Believe from The Polar Express and My Christmas Dream which sees Carly duet with musical theatre star Rachel John. The album also features two special medleys, Carol of the Christmas Bells and Christmas Medley, re-imagined with Paoli’s unique style.

“I’ve always been captivated by the magic and warmth of the Christmas season,” says Carly who is an ambassador for CPRE Wilts. “This album is a celebration of that magic and a tribute to the joy and togetherness that define this time of year. I hope it brings as much joy to my listeners as it has brought to me in creating it.”

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Teeing up change at Petersfield GC

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Heidi Oliver is the driving force in the women’s game at Petersfield Golf Club. She’s aiming to put women (not ladies) on a par with the men

Heidi has been the Ladies’ Captain at the club since March and six months into her tenure she has been working to fulfil her vision ‘to ensure all lady members feel welcome and are accepted no matter what age or handicap, and to inject some fun into the game for everyone’s entertainment’.

Putting skills developed through a lengthy career in the police force to good use, has, she believes, helped her to achieve this. The former Detective Inspector who ended her time with Hampshire Constabulary working on Major Crime says: “As a police officer developed many skills including managing people, leading criminal investigations communicating to all people at different levels and leading from the front.”

Leading from the front is what she is now doing Petersfield GC after slowly falling in love with the game after accompanying her husband Terry, a keen golfer, out on the course. Although initially sceptical, asking him: ” ‘How can you go and play the same course every week and not be bored?’ Obviously, I had no idea what the real game entailed”, she was soon hooked and went from hacking the ball around to hitting a decent shot. She started playing more, introduced some ex-colleagues to the game and found it could be very socialable too, playing a round before a trip to the local pub.

She was playing at South Petersfield course but a welcome afternoon at the main Petersfield GC was where the ‘penny finally dropped’.

“I found it difficult to embrace the traditional stuffiness surrounding the game and felt I had to supress the real me. Slowly over the passage of time and with my golf improving I started to win a few competitions, and I finally felt more at home in the Ladies’ section.”

After becoming Vice Captain in 2023, she took the helm this year and has to date arranged a ladies’ two-day trip to East Dorset Golf Club, a spring meeting with a Mediterranean twist, the Captain’s Charity Day with a cops and robbers theme which included her patrolling the course in a ‘police’ buggy, making arrests and issuing fines for charity. With half her year to go there are more away days and fun planned to support her chosen charity Sands (still born and neo natal death in babies), a cause close to her heart.

Heidi says: “I believe I am slowly making a difference to the ladies’ section and moving away from some of the golf traditions that really aren’t as important as they used to be, reflecting the changes in society and modern-day thinking.”

She would like to see the game open up more to younger women, the average age of a female golfer is 64, adding: “One day, we’ll be ‘women’ golfers perhaps and not ‘lady’ golfers in line with other sports, and on a level par with the men.”

For more information about the club, course and membership visit Home (petersfieldgolfclub.co.uk)

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Paddington Visits comes to town

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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A statue of everyone’s favourite marmalade loving bear will appear in Reading & Newbury this week, as part of Paddington Visits with more than 20 Paddington statues being installed on benches stretching from John o’Groats to Land End

Red hat? Check! Blue duffle coat? Check! Emergency marmalade sandwich? Triple check! STUDIOCANAL has announced production for Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8th.

From Liverpool to Land’s End to Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds, and of course, London Paddington, bear-y special statues are coming to cities, towns, and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland in early October. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, comments: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear. Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington… coming to a bench near you!”

Paddington In Peru will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Watch this space for updates!

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Mad for it at Mucky Weekender

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Image: Ant Penny Photography

Liz Nicholls

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The crowning glory of a soggy summer, this year’s Mucky Weekender wonderland was a Mad Hatter’s brimful of treats, and we can’t wait for next year!

You know good times are afoot when the ground is pulsating with bass as you arrive. And, after squelching on to a very soggy Vicarage Farm and ditching my car to dive into the fun, that’s exactly the omen Mucky Weekender 2024 delivered…

Image: Ant Penny Photography

Image: Ant Penny Photography

“WOMP! WOMP! WOMP!” said the mud. And no wonder, with a line-up like this year’s Mucky. Even the wompy swamp was ready to go, after biblical storms all week threatened everyone’s hopes.

For those who aren’t familiar with this small but perfectly formed ravers’ paradise near Micheldever, it’s the brainchild of the Dub Pistols’ Barry Ashworth. Thanks to the friends, fans & fellow musicians he’s gathered over a decades-long musical career rolling into dub, reggae, ska, drum & bass and jungle and much more besides, this end-of-summer shindig has become the highlight of many a summer. As well as spirits, the festival raises funds for mental health charities, something Barry is very passionate about. And, by that logic… the bonkers Alice in Wonderland theme was the perfect way to let loose and go mad. 

Another humdinger of a line-up beckoned us all to tumble down the rabbithole into 2024’s Mucky last month, among them Congo Natty (AKA Michael Alec Anthony West/ Rebel MC) who arrived on Friday night to greet the parting of the clouds in godlike style. Other legends who delighted the crowds, from front to back, day & night, include LTJ Bukem, Micky Finn, London Elektricity, Woody Cook, The Prodigy star Leeroy Thornhill, Beans on Toast, Bez & Rowetta, Utah Saints, Krafty Kuts, Freestylers, Aries, Don Letts and Nicky Blackmarket. 

All the big tents throbbed with amazing vibes and music (top marks to the sound system which never gave up) but my favourite stomping ground, once again, was the spaceship on higher ground, overlooking the whole wonderland, where Plump DJs & many more kept everyone moving. But, (cliche trigger warning) what makes this festival so great is that it’s really not just about the music but the people. This year’s Alice theme inspired a party of incredible outfits, from a stiff skirt that offered a whole tea party to Tweedledee & Tweedledums galore (special mention, also, to the bizarre pram of trippy treats, The Unlucky Dip). No wonder everyone was grinning like Cheshire Cats, and that the first tier of tickets has already sold out to next year’s Mucky, 11th to 13th September. See you there! 

Home – Mucky Weekender Festival (mucky-weekender.co.uk)

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