Entertainment News

Willie Jones broke barriers in country music with his song “American Dream” and revolutionary debut album ‘Right Now’ earlier this year. Now he shares “Down by the Riverside,” his first release since signing with Sony Music Nashville in partnership with The Penthouse.

“Down by the Riverside” was written by Jones, Josh Logan, and Jason Afable – who also produced it. It’s an electrifying party anthem that finds Jones embracing his Deep South Louisiana roots and all that he was raised on — from crawfish and cornbread to a two-step shuffle. Jones is notorious for his ability to “slide expertly between traditional country flourishes, R&B inflections and hip-hop patterns in two different octaves” (NPR), and he does just that on “Down by the Riverside,” blending swampy banjo and harmonica sonics of the dirty south with beat-heavy R&B.

“This song is straight Louisiana jambalaya: Swampy, Sexy and drippin’ all over the floor,” says Jones. “Jason, Josh and I have a great chemistry and this one hits hard from that first harmonica lick and keeps you greasy ‘til the end.”

With over 51 million streams across tracks, “Down By The Riverside” is the follow up to Jones’ critically acclaimed debut record ‘Right Now’, which led to his Grand Ole Opry debut this past March and a performance of the poignant “American Dream” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

EBONY recently named him one of the five artists who are the future of country music, calling him a "a renegade who only wants to push the genre to change and move forward,” and he’s been named an artist to watch by Rolling Stone, PEOPLE, ET, Wonderland, Spindle, tmrw, Fabulous, Maverick and more. His “American Dream” music video was nominated for Video of the Year for the 2021 CMT Music Awards.

Jones is expected to release more new music this year. In the meantime, visit williejonesmusic.com

Wolverhampton Art Gallery has been welcome back visitors from yesterday.

Following the Government’s announcement about the easing of lockdown restrictions the team at the Lichfield Street gallery have been preparing new exhibitions as well as putting measures in place to ensure that the building is safe for both staff and visitors.

Measures include track and trace as required by the NHS, a separate entrance and exit and a one-way route around the gallery. Face coverings will need to be worn whilst in the gallery and sanitisation stations will be available. There will be an alternative accessible route available for those who need it.

To celebrate the opening, visitors are now able to see ‘Fantasy Pop,’ a new exhibition of works from the gallery’s renowned collection, which highlights elements of fantasy found in Pop Art. Another new exhibition, ‘Fantasy or Reality?’ draws on the strong collection of artworks and objects from around the world to explore the connections between art and fantasy. Both shows are forerunners for our family summer exhibition ‘BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom,’ which runs from July 3 until September 5, featuring life-sized models of mythical creatures, knights and wizards.

A special feature within the gallery is ‘The Wall of Heroes,’ a mural created by staff from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to celebrate International Year of the Nurse and Midwives 2020.

Visitors will also have another chance to see Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection, on until June 20, The [Spaces] In-between, on until May 23 and ‘Windrush Generation Experiences Online’, on until June 4.

City of Wolverhampton Council Director of Regeneration, Richard Lawrence, said: “The team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery has done a fantastic job in making art accessible to all during lockdown and like them I am delighted we are able to open again.

“There is still a chance to see a number of fantastic exhibitions that unfortunately had to close early, but we also have a number of new and exciting exhibitions that visitors can see. In line with the Government guidance a number of social distancing measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors as residents’ safety is paramount in everything we do.

“I do hope residents will take this opportunity to indulge in art again and explore the collection and touring exhibitions as we look forward to the year ahead.” Throughout 2021 there are a number of exciting developments at Wolverhampton Art Gallery that will improve the visitor experience.

“The Art Gallery Improvement Scheme commences in June where the first-floor café will be relocated to the ground floor as well as further development to the existing galleries, there will be a new ramped entrance/exit into St Peter’s Garden as well as fantastic conference facilities available. In January 2022 the city will be host to the largest touring contemporary art exhibition British Art Show 9 that will be on display at the Art Gallery and the University of Wolverhampton School of Art. There will also be a number of in-house and touring exhibitions at the Lichfield Street gallery.

All exhibitions are free, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery will be open Monday to Saturday (10.30am until 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am until 4pm). Entry to the gallery is free. The first-floor café will also be open, serving a limited menu.

Singer-Songwriter-Producer, Wonho, has released his highly anticipated collaborative music video, “Ain’t About You,” with multi-platinum artist KIIARA. For the first time during his solo career, Wonho has teamed up with an American artist, which NME referred to as “the standout track.” KIIARA’s smooth vocals blend seamlessly with Wonho’s, creating an addictive bittersweet breakup track; “You’re so hard to resist. A love that hurt like this. I wish it wasn’t hell. To love you more than you love yourself.”
  
“Ain’t About You” comes off Wonho’s chart dominating album Love Synonym #2: Right for Us which dropped in February, with Forbes noting this accomplishment; “Wonho debuts five new singles on the World Digital Song Sales chart, meaning he claims 20% of the entire ranking.

That type of domination isn’t unheard of, but it is still relatively uncommon on any Billboard chart.” Within a few hours of its release, the album took over the #1 spot on the iTunes K-Pop Albums Chart, trended all over Twitter Worldwide, and peaked at #3 on the iTunes Pop Albums Charts. It also made quite the impression within the media world all over the globe, with NME referring to it as “...a well-balanced equilibrium in both sound and vibe.” Teen Vogue calling it a “...delightful, concise EP.” and Forbes naming him as one of “The K-Pop Solo Stars Who Could Break In America In 2021.”
 
KIIARA, whose career took off with her triple-platinum breakout single “Gold,” vaulting to the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Pop Songs Chart and the Top 15 of the Hot 100 in addition to generating over 700 million streams, has had an unbelievable five-year trip to self-discovery. In what feels like the blink of an eye, she went from uploading music out of her teenage bedroom in Illinois to multiplatinum pop stardom. In 2015, she quietly enchanted listeners everywhere with an uncompromising and unapologetic deconstruction of pop.

It paved the way for the low kii savage EP as she sold out her first headline tour, graced the stage of Lollapalooza, and made her late-television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Plus, she garnered tastemaker praise from Variety, Rolling Stone, PAPER, and Idolator, to name a few.

In addition to dropping fan favorites such as “Whippin” [feat. Felix Snow], “Messy,” and more, “Feels'' achieved a gold certification. Simultaneously, she became a sought-after collaborator, contributing her instantly recognizable vocals to the Bright soundtrack banger “Darkside” by Ty Dolla $ign and Future, “Complicated” by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and David Guetta, “Be Somebody” by Steve Aoki and Nicky Romero, and the gold-certified smash “Heavy” by Linkin Park.

Representing a full circle moment, she accompanied her “favorite band” on stage multiple times and honored the late frontman Chester Bennington by joining a stacked bill at the Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington concert event. Last fall saw the release of Kiiara’s acclaimed debut album lil kiiwi featuring standout single “So Sick (feat. blackbear).”

London is finally ready to welcome people back to the legendary West End. The arts and culture district has been closed due to government COVID restrictions, but 17th May allows the official reopening of indoor entertainment – including theatres (with social distancing in place) and cinemas - alongside indoor hospitality.

To celebrate the re-openings, the Heart of London Business Alliance staged a reopening photocall with their members to showcase some of the London’s most iconic stars and characters.

Recognisable faces in attendance included: Shane Richie (star of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at The Apollo Theatre), Noah Thomas (star of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at The Apollo Theatre), Holly Stars (writer of Death Drop at Garrick Theatre), Jake Brewer (star of Magic Mike Live London at The Hippodrome), Aaron Witter (star of Magic Mike Live London at The Hippodrome), Sean Kelly (Bars Manager/Mixologist at Brasserie Zédel), Mark Lord (Head Beadle of the Burlington Arcade), Gena Krumova  (cinema usher at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square), Cllr Matthew Green (Cabinet Member for Business, Licensing and Planning) and Ros Morgan (Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance). 

AmPm, the Japanese masked production duo who debuted to global acclaim with their March 2017 single ‘Best Part of Us feat. Michael Kaneko’, have released their latest track: ‘Afterglow (feat. Kimberley Chen).’

‘Afterglow’ is a collaboration with Kimberley Chen, the Taiwan-based star singer who originally hails from Melbourne, Australia. It is a breezy summer tune with a refreshing dance-pop melody, bursting with love for that special someone.

A video was also released today – AmPm’s first ever full-length animated music video. The visuals match the song’s dreamy vibe, a bright and positive video that follows a young woman who enjoys fashion and dating as she spends time with her boo. Look out for hidden illustrations of AmPm that pop up from time to time.

Kimberley said: “This experience has been so special. I feel so honored to be invited to collaborate with AmPm. During tough times supporting each other through music is something that my soul needed. Thanks to everyone that help made this happen! And I’m looking forward to finally meeting in person :)”

AmPm added: “This project came to life after we approached Kimberley to collaborate with us, and it’s a song that truly conveys her personality. We also think this dance is perfect for the coming season, so we hope you’ll put on headphones or earphones and turn up the volume.

“If it wasn’t for the current situation, we would have loved to have gone to Taiwan to work with Kimberley directly, but when life finally returns to normal, we hope to visit Taiwan to hang out and perform live together. This was also our first time to make a full-length animated video, so we hope you’ll check it out! It’s always fun to have the opportunity to work with the most talented artists, and hopefully the video expresses this feeling too.”

A young female motorbike racer from Erdington is setting her sights on competing in the British and World Superbike Championships after agreeing a new sponsorship deal.

Jamie Hanks-Elliott, who already has two race wins to her name, has joined forces with automotive power tool and garage equipment supplier AutoJack as she looks to take the next steps in her career. The 17-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of her Grandparents Roy and Rose and parents Paul and Julie, who have all competed in the sidecar championships, with her nan becoming the first woman to stand on the Isle of Man TT rostrum after finishing 2^nd in 1968.

This season will see her ride her Kawasaki 400cc across eight rounds of the Thundersport Championships and the ambition is to finish top five in as many races as possible that take place at tracks including Anglesey, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Donnington. Backing from Wolverhampton-based AutoJack will help Hanks Racing meet race and travel fees, as well as giving them access to vital equipment and tools that will be used in the maintenance and servicing of the bike.

“This is a very big year for my motorsport career, so it’s great to have additional sponsorship on board,” explained Jamie, who will soon be combining racing with studying Sports Rehabilitation at University of Nottingham. “I’ve been racing since I was 13, preferring to ride solo as I could do that at an earlier age.

“The idea was to go into sidecar racing when I was old enough, but I enjoy competing on my own too much and the plan now is to try to get some podium finishes this season with view to wild card entries in the British Superbike Championship.”

She continued: “At first there was only a few girls taking part, but I think a lot more women have been inspired to compete and we certainly match the men we are racing against. When we jump on the bike, we’re all equal.

“The more we progress, the more support I need and at the moment it is very much a family affair with my pit crew currently made up of my Grandad, my Dad and my Mom. Getting more companies on board was the aim, so we’re delighted that AutoJack has joined the likes of Scott Leathers, Tony Else, 100% Suspensions, 151s and PFM Brakes.”

AutoJack has enjoyed significant growth since it was launched in 2016, with automotive enthusiasts, detailers, fabricators and mechanics all tapping into its 100-strong range of high-quality products. This is the first time that the company has entered into a motorsport partnership, with the relationship coming about after a chance meeting between Jamie’s Dad Paul and Managing Director Fred Evans over a power generator used for tyre warmers.

“We see AutoJack as an up-and-coming challenger brand and this is exactly what we see in Jamie - the opportunity to become one of her main sponsors was perfect timing for us,” explained Fred, who runs the business with his brothers Bill and Dave Evans.

“She aligns perfectly with our brand values of always striving to be better and we’re really excited to see how she progresses this season. The deal will help towards race fees and clothing, whilst we are also giving the team access to any product in our range.”

He went on to add: “It’s great to see more women racing on an equal stage with men and we’re confident Jamie has the potential to live up her family reputation and put the Midlands firmly on the motorbike racing map.” AutoJack offers over 100 different products, ranging from tool storage, generators and compressors to socket sets and trolley jacks.

Sales are through the firm’s recently launched new website, Amazon, eBay and The Range, with the company keen to build an automotive distribution network so customers can buy products from shop shelves across the UK.

Fred concluded: “To mark the new partnership, we’ve launched a special 5% discount on your first order once registered…all you need to do is quote #Hanks16.”

TILT, Birmingham’s only Aerial and Physical Theatre Festival, is back for its 6^th year in the city with an adapted brand-new HYBRID FESTIVAL running live, online and outdoors at a new open space, from Monday 12-Sunday 23 July 2021.

TILT, postponed in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, is one of the largest festivals of its kind outside London and renowned for attracting some of the world’s most talented artistes from the UK as well as internationally. 

The 12-day festival features breath-taking aerial and physical theatre from world class performers, free family outdoor shows and world premieres and discussions. TILT 21 also offers circus sessions for babies and parents and masterclasses and workshops for upcoming artistes, professionals and young people aged 7-14 years.

TILT 21 is produced by RoguePlay, Birmingham’s highly physical theatre company, based at West Midlands Circus and Creation Centre in Digbeth, the city’s historic creative quarter.  RoguePlay, create a unique style of narrative theatre using aerial and ground-based circus, contemporary dance, spoken word and physical theatre.

TILT 21 highlights include a night guaranteed to have audiences on the edge of their seats!  TILTED Circus Night (16 July 7.30pm ticketed) is an absolutely stunning night of live circus and physical theatre from jaw dropping performers from all over the world.  With everything from 5-minute circus acts to new full-length shows TILT 21 features artists such as Mim Wheeler, silk queen from London and Sainbold Janchivdorj, AKA the infamous Boldo (Take That Tour, Cirque Bijou).

On Saturday 17 July members of the public are invited to an afternoon of FREE outdoor shows for all the family.  The afternoon features Around The World In 80 Days, RoguePlay's acclaimed take on Jules Verne’s classic tale.  A colourful acrobatic adventure, with a tactile circus twist which sensitively introduces younger audiences to the issues of climate change.

Following the performance, audience members can give in to their curiosity and join the cast to play on the big-rig Aerial Playground. People of all ages and abilities can try aerial hoop, hammock, and skills on the ladder, with hula hoop, juggling and toys for little ones.

TILT 21 provides fans of physical theatre with the opportunity to see world premieres of brand-new aerial, dance and physical theatre performances by professional young companies. New Work Showcase (17 July ticketed) is an afternoon that will be jam packed with circus awesome-ness from some of the best emerging artists.

Kim Wildborne, Artistic Director of RoguePlay and Producer of TILT Festival said “After a year of uncertainty we can’t express how thrilled we are to return this summer with an even bigger offer!  As well as events taking place indoors TILT 21 audiences will be able to experience a spectacular programme of open-air performances presented at Tea Works, a brand-new cultural open space in Digbeth.”

Kitty Barnes, Creative Director at Tea Works, commented “Everyone at Tea Works is super proud to be hosting this year’s TILT festival.  Not just because we love working with our Digbeth neighbours on projects.  Not just because it’s one of the UK’s biggest festivals of its kind. Mostly it’s because we’re really looking forward to seeing the show!”

Also new to this year is TILT ONLINE which sees some of the in-person classes delivered online.  Participants can join classes from wherever they are in the world, with some teachers teaching via Zoom from their home country, exclusively for the TILT Online programme.

Further festival highlights include SCRATCH THAT! (18 July ticketed) a series of 360-degree online performances showcasing young people's work, community work and a plethora of aerial acts from RoguePlay’s regularly training students.

The festival also offers participatory circus sessions for babies as young as 3 weeks and their parents/carers. RISKY PLAY (18 July ticketed) has endless benefits for children and parents alike, challenging young ones to push their limits, explore their bodies and take risks in a safe environment. TRAINING AND PREGNANCY (14 July FREE time to be confirmed) discusses the difficulties of training when pregnant, safety issues and provides a chance for attendees to share their experiences.

From its base at the West Midlands Circus and Creation Centre in Digbeth, TILT 2021 will also feature masterclasses and workshops, face to face and online, for those wishing to pursue a career in the industry or improve their skills. Drop-In Massage slots are available every day and evening during the festival. And professional photographer; Richard Battye of River Studio, will also be on hand to help workshop participants create their own stunning Aerial Portfolio.

Cadbury World has announced that it is set to reopen from Monday 17 May for heaps of family-fun, with an exciting brand-new stage show, character story time sessions, and new customisable chocolatey gifts.

Following months of closure, the attraction, in Bournville, in Birmingham, is excited to welcome guests through the doors once more and has a new stage show for visitors to enjoy. Freddo’s Circus show will run every weekend and throughout school holidays, from Saturday 22 May until Sunday 10 October. Visitors will be able to laugh along with ‘Freddo the Clown’, have their mind’s read by ‘The Great Fredeedo’ and be amazed by the juggling skills of ‘Spin Master Freddo’.

Perfect for the little ones, the chocolatey attraction will also be offering an all-new parent and toddler pass, so one adult and child aged four and under can enjoy discounted entry Monday to Friday during term time, with combined tickets priced at just £16. Toddlers will also get the chance to sit down for a special story time with Freddo every Thursday, from 20 May – 1 July, excluding 3 June. Visitors can hear the tale of Freddo’s adventure at the circus, featuring marvellous magic, cool dance moves and even some circus tricks. There will be five sessions available throughout the day, at no additional cost.

The attraction has also released new customisable handmade treats, including personalised plaques, hand-decorated slabs and even footballs, all made from delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate – the perfect gifts for chocoholics. Guests can pre-order their personalised treats online and collect their items from The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop whilst at the attraction, or have them delivered directly to their door. 

Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy a day choc-full of fun with an assortment of chocolatey zones to explore. From catching the talented chocolatiers in action in the Chocolate Making zone to experiencing the sensation of diving into a pot of liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk in the 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, Cadbury World offers a memorable and fun-filled day out for all the family.

The outdoor African Adventure Play Area is also open and offers the perfect place for younger visitors to make the most of the sunshine, filled with tube slides, climbing zones and rope bridges. With a separate under 5s zone for mini-explorers to enjoy, it’s also the perfect place for adults to relax with a drink or snack from the outdoor refreshments takeaway kiosk.

Gerrard Baldwin, general manager at Cadbury World, said: “We’re delighted to welcome guests back to enjoy everything Cadbury World has to offer, our team will be on hand throughout the attraction to ensure that all of our visitors have a fun, safe and memorable day out. We’ve got so many things for people to enjoy this summer, from Freddo’s brand-new Circus stage show to our Circus-themed story time sessions.

“We’re also excited to launch our new parent and toddler pass, so families with pre-school age kids can experience all our chocolatey wonders at a discounted price.”

In line with government guidelines, Cadbury World has introduced a number of additional hygiene and safety measures in all areas. These include reducing the numbers of guests admitted, social distancing measures, enhanced cleaning regimes, plus hand sanitising stations available throughout.

Jurassic Encounter - an unmissable, family-friendly event - makes its UK debut, touring London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds from 24 July until 7 November.

Each of the cities will play host to prehistoric playgrounds, featuring more than 50 animatronic dinosaur scenes, including a fearsome, 18m tall T-Rex that breathes and sways its tail as it hunts for prey; an Iguanodon’s furious battle against a Deinonychus; Pterosaurs that screech as they soar through the trees; a 15m tall Brachiosaurus, guarding her eggs and a 16m long Diplodocus, who cries out to passers-by.

And for those who want to relax after walking the perilous path through the dinosaurs’ domain, a refreshment area will offer street food.

Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Dinosaurs have always captured the imagination of children and adults alike, and Jurassic Encounter will be a fantastic, interactive way to learn more about these fascinating creatures. We can’t wait to welcome our guests - and our Prehistoric visitors - to parks up and down the UK this year.”

The tour begins at Grovelands Park in London at the start of the summer holidays (every day from 24 July - 10 Aug) before moving to Birmingham Botanical Gardens (21 Aug - 5 Sep), Glasgow Cuningar Loop (2-17 Oct) and Leeds Roundhay Park (23 Oct - 7 Nov).

Ticket prices start at £11.50 and advanced booking is advised, although walk-ups will be admitted, subject to availability.

A special, early-bird discount is available by entering the code EARLYBIRD20 at the checkout before the end of May.

Green Live, the brand-new live event launching in October 2021 for sustainable, green, eco-friendly consumers are proud to announce Citroën as headline sponsor.

In today’s world, the way we live and make purchase choices is having a decisive impact on the planet. So Green Live is hosting a two-venue event at Westfield London W12 and centre:mk, Milton Keynes to put the spotlight on eco-friendly brands, products and services to inspire sustainable living.

The United Kingdom remains one of Citroën’s largest markets globally, with 80,000 vehicles sold in the UK alone during 2019. As part of Citroën’s electrification strategy that will see an electrified variant of each model in its line-up by 2025, the brand has already launched a number of 100% electric models. Last year saw the launch of new ë-Dispatch medium van and new ë-SpaceTourer MPV whilst new ë-C4 small family car joined the range earlier this year offering a range of up to 217 miles from a single charge (WLTP). Later this year sees the launch of compact new ë-Berlingo Van, new ë -Relay Large Van and new ë-Berlingo MPV.

Eurig Druce, Citroën UK's Managing Director, commented: “Since 1919, Citroën has created automobiles, technologies and mobility solutions to respond to evolutions in society. Being an audacious and innovative brand, Citroën places serenity, wellbeing and economy benefits front and centre. 

“Here at Citroën we believe in ‘Electrification for All’, whether that be the form of our compact new ë-Berlingo Van, new ë-C4 or our ë-SpaceTourer MPV offering seating for up to nine, there really is something for everyone. Whichever electrified Citroën model you choose, on top of the significant running cost savings, consumers can also enjoy the serenity on-board our vehicles, being free of noise, vibration and our innovation suspension system on selected models.

“To be the headline sponsor for Green Live is an extremely important ethos of ours, as we want to continue to showcase passion for the environment, sustainability and reducing carbon emissions for a better, greener future.” 

“We are extremely proud to announce Citroën as headline sponsor for Green Live” says Exhibition Organiser, Mike Bickerdike. 

“The electric vehicles (EVs) transition is huge globally, and the next couple of years will see the biggest shift in how our vehicles are powered in more than 100 years. A world with no petrol and diesel vehicles will be a much more sustainable and green world, and it’s one that Citroën are proud to support consumers with moving forward.

“We look forward to working with the Citroën team at Green Live, and helping people make the transition to Citroën’s electric vehicles.” Green Live are also proud to announce partnership with Treepoints and MoreTrees.

A staggering 25,000 carbon absorbing trees have been agreed to be planted on behalf of the first 25,000 people to register for the two upcoming events to leave a living legacy for the event. Treepoints will plant a total of 12,500 for the first 12,500 people to attend Green Live London. And MoreTrees will plant a total of 12,500 for the first 12,500 people to attend Green Live Milton Keynes. 

Niki Tibble, Co-Founder, MoreTrees commented: “We’re super excited to be sponsoring Green Live and helping ethical consumers discover ethical brands - in our home town.

“Milton Keynes is known as the City of Trees, so naturally we wanted to plant a tree for everyone who pre-registers for the event. By working together, we can make a huge impact in the fight against climate change, deforestation and extreme poverty. We can’t wait to meet everyone at the event, discover new ethical brands ourselves, and plant 12,500 trees to ensure Green Lives makes a Green impact.” 

Green Live will take place in Westfield, in London and centre:mk for three days per venue and will showcase over 80 sustainable brands and speakers.

This summer, Selfridges is launching a one-of-a-kind wedding experience for couples looking for a non-traditional ceremony in an iconic location.

Selfridges is a social space, a place for friends, where everyone is welcome. ​In 2021 more than ever, Selfridges is committed to making the world brighter.​With this sense of optimism, Selfridges teams have been thinking about how to bring friends together again, offering new ways to celebrate the special experiences everyone has been missing. This summer, Selfridges will offer a wedding experience for couples looking for a non-traditional ceremony in a venue like no other.

Over the last year, restrictions around ceremonies and receptions have halted or postponed over 150,000 couples’ plans – that's over 60% of the number of weddings scheduled to happen in 2020. Newly engaged couples are struggling to find wedding venues, booked up far in advance. ​Emerging from this is a trend for alternative, more intimate celebrations. Not only will Selfridges offer a solution that responds to an unprecedented demand for wedding venues, it will also consider alternatives for couples seeking non-traditional ways to celebrate their love.​

A newly acquired wedding licence will allow ceremonies to be hosted in the grade II listed building on Oxford Street for a limited time this year, with three curated micro-wedding packages available: Just-The-Two-Of-Us, Earth Lovers and All-Out Extraordinary. All packages will be centred around extraordinary Selfridges experiences that are special and inspiring, such as a wedding breakfast in Brasserie of Light, a private screening of a favourite film in The Selfridges Cinema or DJ set with Sink The Pink, and can be tailored to meet individual couples’ needs. The ceremonies will take place in a dedicated Wedding Suite on the fourth floor of Selfridges London, which will be made over for each wedding depending on the chosen package.

As part of resale initiative Resellfridges and Selfridges’ Project Earth commitment to explore circular retail models, ‘The Corner Shop’ will see a wedding takeover this August, with a specially curated collection of vintage and pre-loved womenswear, menswear and accessories for the wedding party and guests as well as those getting married. ‘The Wedding Shop’ will offer bespoke gift lists and through dedicated services, customers will be able to make appointments for everything from wedding day makeovers and styling appointments to custom-made floral arrangements and canapé consultations.

Rebecca Warburton, Selfridges Director of Events & Customer Experiences, says: “We’re driven by making our customers’ worlds brighter through unforgettable experiences. For those looking for a truly unique way to get married this summer, we’re excited to launch weddings at Selfridges. Bringing together some of our amazing experiences, we can’t wait to create custom packages in celebration of people's love for each other.”

Enquiries and bookings for Weddings at Selfridges can now be made.

Wolverhampton Grand has today announced that the world premiere tour of Michael Harrison and Disney’s Bedknobs ad Broomsticks musical will fly into the theatre from Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 April 2022 with tickets on sale this week!

Bedknobs and Broomsticks will be sale to Friends of the Grand and members from 8am on Wednesday 12 May with public booking opening at 8am on Friday 14 May online only at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Producer Michael Harrison said: “As theatres across the UK & Ireland prepare to reopen, I’m thrilled that so many want to host our exciting new production of Bedknobs and Broomsticks; so we are extending this world premiere tour. Bedknobs and Broomsticks will be one of the biggest shows on the road this year with a cast and crew of over 70 people to bring this classic story to magical life on stage.”

Enter a world of magic and fantasy with Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks. With the original songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny and new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, Bedknobs and Broomsticks will be brought to life by award-winning theatre-makers Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison.

When the three orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from wartime London to live with the mysterious Eglantine Price, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead. Upon discovering Eglantine to be a trainee witch, they join forces to search for a secret spell that will defeat the enemy once and for all. Armed with an enchanted bedknob, a bewitched broomstick and a magical flying bed, they encounter surprising new friendships on their journey from Portobello Road to the depths of the beautiful briny sea.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is produced by Michael Harrison by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions.

Also going on sale is:

Rush – A Joyous Jamaican Journey on Tuesday 16 November tells the story of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation and how their music took the world by storm. Narrated by comedian John Simmit and featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band. Get ready to dance to the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Lord Kitchener, Millie Small and many more.

Bring It On the hit Broadway musical starring Amber Davies and Louis Smith back-flips into the UK, landing in Wolverhampton from Wednesday 26 January – Saturday 29 January 2022.

Cheer-royalty and newly crowned Squad Captain, Campbell, should be embarking on her most cheertastic senior year at Truman High School. But when she’s forced to move to the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High, Campbell fears her life is over. But an unlikely friendship catapults Campbell back into contention with a powerhouse squad and the fire to achieve the impossible.

Footloose is back and better than ever from Monday 4 – Saturday 9 July 2022 following two critically acclaimed tours and a West End run.

City boy Ren thinks life is bad enough when he’s forced to move to a rural backwater in America. But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet. Based on the 1980s screen sensation which took the world by storm, Footloose sizzles with spirit, fun and the best in UK musical talent. With cutting edge modern choreography, you’ll enjoy classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose.

All new shows will be sale to Friends of the Grand and members from 8am on Wednesday 12 May with public booking opening at 8am on Friday 14 May online only at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Mr Jukes & Barney Artist are excited to share details of their collaborative album, ‘The Locket’ to be released on July 2. The album is preceded by the single “Vibrate” which is out now.

‘Vibrate’ is a playful introduction to the world Jukes (Jack Steadman) and Barney have created, built on a mutual love of A Tribe Called Quest and J Dilla, alongside contemporary heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Kano and Ghostpoet. Its breezy, laid back energy is purpose-built for summer listening and soundtracking moments as the world reopens. Its accompanying video sees Mr Jukes and Barney take a trip to an empty Alton Towers, breathing life back into a space that’s been deserted for too long.

The pair initially asked permission to film on a rollercoaster as part of a different idea for the video but when Alton Towers instead offered them private access to the whole theme park, they knew they had to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Speaking about the track, Barney explains: “Vibrate was the very last song we made for the album. It really summarises mine and Jack’s relationship which is great vibes with a meaningful message.”

The Locket features ten tracks cut from sessions that span over eighteen months. It’s sunshine-dappled, psych-tinged, hip-hop flavoured, leftfield pop. Beats, bars and a unique sort of retro futurism that zips from sepia-tinged to full technicolour almost as fast as Barney’s flow. Its title track refers to memories of happier times: “we fill a locket with memories we protect, and don’t forget to keep it round your neck.” It’s a reminder to focus on positivity in the face of adversity. A collaborative project designed to be enjoyed together. A celebration of music, unity and looking ahead. “The aim is to bring hope to people after the maddest year,” Barney says. It couldn’t have come at a better time.

During a period of prolonged inactivity, Jack Steadman scratched an itch to do something new. He went by the moniker of Mr Jukes and released an album, ‘God First,’ in 2017. Although it was done ‘by himself’, it was very much an open-door policy, resulting in a collaborative record that brought contributions by legends such as Charles Bradley, De La Soul, Horace Andy, Lianne La Havas, BJ The Chicago Kid and Lalah Hathaway. The project also features a contribution from Barney Artist, who Jack had quite simply stumbled upon on a Spotify playlist and never forgotten.

Barney’s music takes the vibrance of jazz infused hip-hop but with a London feel. Growing up in Forest Gate, East London, Barney touches on conscious themes by way of lively, dynamic delivery to create something instantly likeable, like the artist. He’s a larger than life presence, fun to be around and a searing, peerless talent too. A collaborator by nature, Barney grew up around Tiana Major9 and Jay Prince and has made music with Tom Misch, Alfa Mist and Jordan Rakei.

Barney’s contribution to God First, “From Golden Stars Comes Silver Dew” (also featuring Lalah Hathaway) proved to be a standout. Bonded by a mutual love of the ever-changing landscape of modern hip-hop, the two artists instantly fell into step with one another. There was no clear plan or brief to fulfil for a full-length Jukes X Barney project, but both artists instinctively knew that it would be a waste not to explore the potential they’d uncovered. They were right, clearly.

US cable network NBC is the latest media giant to boycott the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) over a lack of diversity.

NBC, which has aired the Golden Globes awards ceremony since 1996, said it would not broadcast the show in 2022 and wants to see meaningful reform. WarnerMedia, Netflix and Amazon Studios have already refused to participate in HFPA-related events.

The Golden Globes are second only to the Oscars in terms of profile. The HFPA, whose members vote on the awards presented at the Golden Globes, has faced months of criticism stemming from a Los Angeles Times report back in February that revealed it had not had a single Black member for 20 years.

The non-profit put forward a plan for inclusion and reform. Time's Up, a leading advocate for industry reform, slammed the proposal as window-dressing platitudes with its president, Tina Tchen, saying: "Any organization or sponsors that set themselves up to pass judgment on our vibrant community of creators and talent must do better." Joining the chorus of outrage was actor Tom Cruise, who returned to the HFPA three Golden Globes he has won over the years, including two Best Actor statuettes for Jerry Maguire and Born on the Fourth of July.

Actor Scarlett Johansson has also joined criticism of the body behind the Golden Globe Awards over how it plans to tackle discrimination. "Unless there is necessary fundamental reform within the organisation,” she says, “I believe it is time that we take a step back from the HFPA and focus on the importance and strength of unity within our unions and the industry as a whole."

A nominee of five Golden Globes, she has also urged others in the film industry to boycott the organisation unless it makes significant internal changes.

This year, BBM/BMC (BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress) offers fewer, but targeted events to mark British Black Music Month (BBMM), the annual June-July window it has been using to highlight domestic Black music, create networking spaces and provide music industry education since 2006. It also revives the original Black Music Congress, which is a discussion forum started with monthly sessions at City, University of London in 2003.

BBM/BMC, which is the UK co-ordinator of International Reggae Day (IRD), has expanded on what was offered at last year's Zoom meeting. His Excellency Mr. Seth George Ramocan, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who participated in last year's event, is expected to open this year's International Reggae Day London UK event on July 1 with a video address.

The event will explore how Britain and Jamaica have influenced each other's music industry and musical style. The conference's UK theme: 'New Cross Fire/Black People's Day of Action @ 40'/'BRAFA (British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal) @ 36' sub-theme will highlight reggae's engagement with historical moments both in the UK and abroad.

"BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress and its partners, including Reggae Fraternity UK, Shining Stars and Chaaawaaa Radio, are focused on delivering the London hub event, which once again, will be delivered via Zoom. This year's IRD 'One Love' theme will run through our programme, especially within the extended DJ and live sets," says IRD UK co-ordinator Kwaku.

“In addition, our conferences will highlight the influence of Britain on reggae music, and Jamaica's bass culture influence on British popular music. We'll also highlight the role reggae music played in social movements, such as the New Cross Fire and the resultant British African-led mobilisation of Black People's Day of Action in 1981, and the BRAFA (British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal) efforts in the Ethiopian famine relief campaign of 1985.”

IRD London UK aims to become the networking forum for Britain's reggae community. It is expected to return in a non-pandemic 2022 to Goldsmiths, University of London in south London, where it was last held in 2019 in association with Sound System Outernational. Additional information and updates will be posted at IRDUK.co.uk.

BBMM2021 ends on July 31 with 'British History, Black Music, Racism & The Music Industry 1507-2020', a video screening and discussion on Black music history and racism. The forum aims to have an update on the music industry's race-focused activity one year on from the Afriphobic murder of George Floyd last May. As a response to the various #BlackLivesMatter/#AfricanLivesMatter activities, several music industry organisations supported the #BlackOutTuesday campaign. The outcomes included pledging to diversity senior management representation, better engagement with minority communities, anti-racism and unconscious bias training, African history and culture programmes, and funding for African musicians and black music.

BBM/BMC through its RE:IMI (Race Equality: In Music Industry) race/ethnicity-focused advocacy strand interrogated key music industry organisations on their race-specific diversity plans. This resulted in the publication of the 'RE:IMI Black Out Tuesday UK Music Industry Race Diversity Report', the RE:IMI Music, Racism And The UK Music Industry Forum, and the launch of the BARRERegister online repository.

Before then, on June 10, Black music stakeholders, from fans, musicians to industry practitioners, get to have their say about what the issues are within the domestic black music sector and the ways forward, at Black Music Congress 2021: 'Sounding Off: What's The Way Forward For British Black Music?'. A week later, on June 17, Dr Enrico Bonadio, Reader in Intellectual Property Law at The City Law School, joins us again for another Talking Copyright session entitled 'Copyright And Producers In/Of Black Music'. It's an opportunity for Dr Bonadio, Kwaku and special guests to lead a seminar on intellectual property rights of record producers and musicians, and how reggae and other Black music genres engage with copyright.

The opportunity to learn more about the music industry continues on July 6 with 'Musicians: Understanding Your Rights, Income Streams And Music Industry Alphabet Soup'. "We're grateful to the Musicians' Union for reaching out to co-organise this free event with us," says Kwaku. "It's open to anyone with an interest in developing a career in the music industry. It's aimed particularly at the unsigned or do-it-yourself artist, musicpreneur, or those who provide artists, songwriters and producers with specialist support."

There are two more opportunities to engage with the subject of reggae. On July 22, there's an exclusive and rare screening of Sandra Krampelhuber's feature length documentary 'Queens Of Sound', which is followed by a forum that allows female voices to express themselves across various topics within reggae and dancehall music. It will be led by special guests drawn from Jamaica and Britain.

BBM/BMC is also supporting the Summerstown182's Tooting Magical Musical History Tour! walk around south London on June 13. It also highlights a crowd-funding campaign in order to erect a plaque to the memory of the reggae music recorded at the old Mitcham Road, Tooting site of the defunct TMC Studio.

Steam engines, interactive technology displays, spectacular Planetarium shows and the child-sized world of MiniBrum will all spring back to life as Thinktank, Birmingham’s award-winning science museum, reopens to visitors from Saturday May 29 - just in time for the half-term holiday.

With tickets now on sale, the opening marks the first chance for visitors to explore a world of wonder at the museum since closing in March 2020, and to celebrate the occasion a brand-new gallery, Our Changing Planet, will open to the public for the first time.

Our Changing Planet is a fascinating, new addition to Thinktank and at a time when climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity the exhibition will explore how humans have changed the world and how these changes are affecting the wildlife around us.

Featuring over 150 fascinating items from pre-historic tools to the first plastic invented in Birmingham, and from the first prototype vehicle to travel under its own power on Britain’s roads to part of the first computer used at the Longbridge motor factory, Our Changing Planet is perfect for older children and adults to learn and think how human invention and behaviour has impacted the world around us.

As a stark contrast to the man-made inventions, Our Changing Planet investigates how pollution, habitat destruction, species extinction and climate change are radically altering landscapes and lives all over the world. A green sea turtle, corals, platypus and other vulnerable species will illustrate how humanity’s impact on the natural world has intensified through time.

Laurence Butler, Museum Manager at Thinktank Science Museum said: “We’re over the moon to be able to welcome visitors back to Thinktank. Our steam engines will be pumping, the city of MiniBrum will be open for play and the brand new Our Changing Planet gallery will be ready to explore.

“We’ve got four floors, ten galleries, a science garden, a planetarium – there’s a lot to see and we’ve created a safe, fun and inspiring experience for as many people as we can. We’ll be limiting capacity and admission will be by pre-booking only, to ensure our visitors have a safe and fun-packed day out.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic forced Thinktank to close its doors the museum had one of its most successful years on record with more than 243,000 people and 45,500 school children visiting.

The opening of MiniBrum in 2019 proved a huge hit with visitors and this fantastic gallery that allows families to learn together will be ready to welcome younger visitors once again. The exciting child-sized world of MiniBrum features some of Birmingham’s iconic landmarks such as the canals, Selfridges and the University of Birmingham’s Old Joe Clock Tower. It also features different play zones including a home area where children can build their own dens, a burrow where children can find the hidden animals, a race-track inspired by Birmingham’s upcoming Commonwealth Games, a construction zone with a climbing tower and slide, a Post Office, and a salon.

Thinktank has over 200 hands-on displays and showcases many amazing items from the city’s science and engineering collection, including the Smethwick Engine which is the world’s oldest working steam engine. Other things to see at Thinktank include a Planetarium where visitors can journey to the stars and learn about the wonders of the night sky, and an outdoor Science Garden that invites visitors to explore the science behind energy, mechanics and mobility.

Visitors will also get a chance to take home a bit of Thinktank Science Museum with a brand-new shop. From space to science, animals to Birmingham inspired gifts, the new Thinktank shop offers a range of products chosen to reflect the museum’s collections and the fun, family-friendly museum that it is.

Safety will be the museum’s top priority and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the guidelines before arrival. There will be new measures in place, including limiting capacity through online advance booking and one-way routes around the galleries with visitors welcomed via a new entrance on Level 0. Visitors can still enjoy a variety of hot and cold lunches at Signal Box Cafe, including the signature Signal Box Burger! New for 2021 is Platform 2, an outside kiosk serving up tasty treats for those who may prefer to eat outside.