Entertainment News

The music world - and beyond - is still mourning the passing of Mary Wilson, the co-founded The Supremes who remained a member of the group until they split up. The singer's death was announced by her publicist Jay Schwartz but the cause of death was not confirmed, according to news outlets.

The Supremes were known for hits such as Baby Love and You Can't Hurry Love.

The group was founded in Detroit as The Primettes in 1959, when Wilson was 15 years old.

Wilson was an original member of the group alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Barbara Martin - who left the group before they became successful, and The Supremes continued as a trio.

The group disbanded following Wilson's 1977 departure. The founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, said in a statement: "I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes.

"The Supremes opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others... I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed."

A funeral for Wilson will be held privately due to Covid-19 restrictions, her family said.

Wilson became a New York Times bestselling author in 1986 with the release of her autobiography, Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme.

The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 2019, Wilson took part in Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Just two days before her death, Wilson uploaded a video on YouTube announcing that she was working on releasing new solo material.

She was 76.

Zimbabwean business tycoon Kudzai Terrence Mushonga has found love in the arms and heart of South African actress and television host Khanyisile Mbau. Also known as ‘Ndege Boy,’ Mushonga is said to have business interests in gas, petroleum and property. The 28-year-old has spent years away from his homeland, only to now resurface on Khanyi Mbau’s social media accounts as the new bae.

Owning a fleet of top-range cars including; Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls Royce and the latest Range Rovers, Ndege Boy is the name he earned after lavishly spending money buying private planes. He is also rumoured to be the youngest African man to own an airline.

Mushonga is a fugitive in South Africa after he and accomplices were said to have defrauded a Zimbabwean microfinance after borrowing large sums of money using fake company documents, then vanished into thin air. Ms Mbau quietly split from long-time boyfriend Tebogo Lerole months back.

Sources have said that the lovebirds have been casually dating for two months, but things became official when they decided to be exclusive.

The source said: “One source said they have been having a good time including cozy date nights and dining at expensive restaurants. Another source said they started off as friends and their relationship grew from there,”

“Tebogo and Khanyi have been over for a while now and Khanyi has been seeing Mushonga for about two months. The two seem to be madly in love. Khanyi has been telling her friends that Terrence is a sweetheart of a guy.” It was further said that Khanyi’s friends really like him because they did not see a future for her with Tebogo. “He takes good care of her and has been spoiling her with expensive gifts.” According to another source, the couple met through a mutual friend and things became serious quickly.

Mbau, 35, previously married former South African millionaire Mandla Mthembu in 2006. She and Mthembu liked to show off their wealth, which included two Lamborghinis, two Porsches, a R100000-a-month rented apartment and boasted expensive overseas trips. However, the union lasted three years, and she has been on and off the market since, while Mthembu is now reported broke. But it’s Khanyi Mbau’s expensive tastes which have made many to conclude that Mushonga must be loaded.

Mushonga defrauded a Zimbabwean financial institution in 2016 with friends, then dramatically skipped the border into South Africa where he has business interests in gas, petroleum and real estate. And the tycoon would not take kindly the accusations of fraud.

“I was never or have never been arrested for those allegations,” he said. “Please inform me which court date I skipped to label me a fugitive.  All these allegations happened when I had long left Zim. Which court docket shows I defrauded anyone money? You might as well publish it.” 

The upcoming Bollywood film Pune To Goa which marks the debut of the young director Amol Bhagat and produced by Adityaraje Marathe Production and Morya Production House Pune. It is a nice cocktail of several genres like comedy, romantic, action, suspense and thriller.

In it a romantic song has been sung by the popular singer Shahid Mallya. Mai Raat Bhar Tumhe Pyar Du Romantic song Enjoy Shahid Mallya and giving best wishes to the all pune to goa film team .this song music director is given by sanmeet waghmare arrangement by amogh inamdar lyrics write by Santosh khadse (rapper bros). The makers of the film comprise Adityaraje Marathe ,Prahlad Taware and co produce by nava nisarag Production (Kishor Kharat).

The story is based on a trip of struggling artists who embark on a journey from Pune To Goa but story sheds light on the several exciting experiences, mysterious events and dangerous situations that they encounter during the trip.

In the film the audience will get to see a nice mix of suspense and romance .stating further about the film director Amol Bhagat. Shooting for the film will begin soon in Pune and Goa locations.

Rapper, actor and record producer, Percy "Master P" Miller and his son Romeo are partnering with designer Richard Patterson to launch a new automotive brand called Trion SuperCars. Patterson, a former Tesla designer, has already created the Nemesis RR, and is the founder of the first Black-owned supercar manufacturer in the U.S.

In a statement, the entrepreneur and former basketball player said: "Richard Patterson is a genius. He has created the blueprint for the next era of supercars. It's time for us to change the narrative for our culture by offering economic empowerment with this partnership. This is history. We have come a long way to be a part of innovative technology, manufacturing and producing our own automobiles."

Trion SuperCars is being engineered by Patterson, who served as the developer of the Tesla Model S design from scratch. He is also the designer of the landing gear on the Boeing 777 and the folding seat system in the Dodge minivan.

The new auto company is another addition to Miller's long list of businesses including his record label, his apparel lines, his cereal brand, as well as his professional wrestling league. Miller's son, Romeo, and business partner James Lindsay are also joining the company that promises to produce high-end, luxury sports cars.

He commented: "In addition to the high-end line of models, we will be producing a line of affordable luxury vehicles. With the advanced technology that Trion has developed, we are poised to bring this unique product to the mass market."

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust (BHTT) have announced the appointment of Tru Powell to its Board of Directors. Deputy Chair of BHTT and Chair of the BHTT Nominations Committee, Ann Tonks said: “I am delighted that we have appointed such a standout, highly accomplished individual who will strengthen the skills on our board.

“Tru is a successful entrepreneur with great experience in events planning, marketing and communication who will bring further commercial acumen to our business. His work with young people in the arts is exemplary and we are very excited to have him joining our Board. Tru brings with him great energy and enthusiasm.”

Tru is the Founder & Managing Director for The Alternative Events & Wedding Company, an event management company that specialises in coordinating high quality corporate, youth events and weddings.  In addition, Tru is the Director of the UK’s first kids’ salon, Kandy Girl and also the Creative & Events Director for Aston Performing Arts Academy, a community interest organisation that exists to empower young people through performing and creative arts. Since the organisation’s inception in 2004, the company has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Midlands.

Speaking of his appointment he said: “I am really excited to have joined the Hippodrome board. I am even more excited at the prospect of championing the arts and contributing to the mission of making the Hippodrome inclusive and accessible for all. I am hoping to bring my wealth of knowledge in enterprise, the arts and marketing to this role to compliment the board’s existing skills and expertise.”

Over the years Tru has been awarded with numerous accolades for enterprise and his contribution to the arts. In 2014 he was recognised as one of Birmingham’s most inspirational young leaders and in 2018 was crowned Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year – Marketing and Communications. In 2019 Tru was also named the Greater Birmingham Future Face of Entrepreneurship as well as winning the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award from Natwest.  

Chair of BHTT, Glenn Howells, said: “On behalf of the board here at the Hippodrome we are thrilled to announce that Tru Powell is joining us a Trustee. Tru’s experience and track record as a ground-breaking, creative entrepreneur will be a great addition to the Hippodrome in exploring new ways to realise the opportunities that are beginning to emerge as we enter the next stage of our development as a regional cultural hub for performing arts.” 

Tru will be officially joining the BHTT Board of Directors on Tuesday February 23.

Music lovers have the chance to attend a special online concert from the University of Birmingham which will be marking the Chinese New Year with a magical fusion of East and West. World-class pianist Di Xiao will be joined by renowned cellist Jiaxin Cheng and 18-year-old singer-songwriter Tazmin Barnes to  help the University’s China Institute to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Metal Ox with a mix of traditional Chinese and Western pieces.

The event streams on YouTube from today (Monday, February 8). It will also premiere on the University’s Facebook page at 1300 GMT on Wednesday 10 February. Recorded in the University’s Elgar Concert Hall, in a COVID-safe setting, the event highlights the University’s engagement with China, which ranges from research collaborations with the country’s best universities to working alongside the municipal government in Guangzhou.

Professor Jon Frampton, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (China) and Director of the China Institute, said: “Chinese New Year offers the perfect opportunity for the University of Birmingham to reflect upon our proud and longstanding relationship with China, which spans over 100 years.

“We would have loved to continue the China Institute’s tradition of marking Chinese New Year with our concert on campus, but current circumstances mean that we have had to move our musical celebration online. We’re delighted that these exciting musicians have joined us for this outstanding event. Moving the concert online gives more of our friends in Birmingham, China and around the world, the chance to share in a fantastic musical experience that will bring us all a little happiness in these difficult times.”

Birmingham’s relationship with China dates back to the foundation of the University. The first Chinese student joined the University in 1907 and there are now over 14,000 Chinese alumni. There is also a strong musical connection with China, as the first original Chinese violin composition was Difficult Road (Xinglu Nan), composed in 1919 by Birmingham’s famous geology alumnus Li Siguang.

The University of Birmingham launched its China Institute in 2012 to gather together its wide-ranging research and teaching activities with Chinese partners and to encourage inter-disciplinary research across the University that focuses on collaboration with China.

Academy Award-winning actors Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway and Helen Mirren, Emmy Award-winning actor Uzo Aduba, Nicole Beharie, Anthony Mackie, Dan Stevens and Constance Wu will star in the new Amazon Original dramatic anthology series Solos, from executive producer and showrunner David Weil (Hunters). Solos will launch later in 2021 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.  

"I am beyond thrilled to be bringing Solos to life alongside this group of artists who I so deeply admire. I created this piece with a desire to capture stories about connection, hope and the search for that common hum of humanity that binds us all. I’m immensely grateful to Jennifer Salke and my incredible partners at Amazon for their unwavering support and collaboration on this special project,” said Weil.

Solos is a dramatic and thought-provoking seven-part anthology series that explores the deeper meaning of human connection, as explored through the lens of the individual. Solos will tell unique character-driven stories – each from a different perspective and moment in time – that illuminate that even during our most seemingly isolated moments, in the most disparate of circumstances, we are all connected through the human experience. 

Amazon Studios’ Solos is executive produced by Weil, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Laura Lancaster with Pixie Wespiser serving as a producer. Taylor-Johnson will be directing two episodes and Weil will be making his directorial debut. Additional directors include Zach Braff and Tiffany Johnson.

Birmingham Hippodrome have a new pilot programme especially for young people, to shape the future of the Hippodrome’s work.

The Young Advocates programme will initially run until March 2021, and is open to anyone aged 14-22 from throughout the West Midlands who have an interest in the arts and a passion to make change with the final group being involved in a range of workshops with the opportunity to work with Hippodrome Associate Companies, artists and staff. At the end of the pilot programme they will be asked to share their vision for Birmingham Hippodrome’s future with the organisations senior team and Trustees.

They will also get to present their response at the TedXYouth@Brum digital conference in March. Alongside this, the successful applicants will receive training, mentoring and access to a range of different areas within the arts industry.

Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, Head of Learning and Participation at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “The Young Advocates programme will offer young people a platform to have their voices heard and opinions valued. This programme will help to ensure young people see a career in the arts as a viable option, which in turn will drive change for Birmingham Hippodrome and young people in the West Midlands.

“This programme is part of our mission and pledge as a member of More Than A Moment to ensure that our offer is inclusive, accessible, whilst supporting and developing diverse and talented young people as part of our future workforce.”

The programme is completely free and sessions will run weekly on a Wednesday evening with some weekend sessions. An open online information session to takes place on Wednesday 13 January at 6pm, with the deadline for applications Sunday 17 January 8pm. Applicants will then be invited to attend a workshop session on Wednesday 20 January with the final group members selected on Thursday 21 January.

Star of US sitcom Saved by the Bell Dustin Diamond has died from cancer, his representative has said. He was best known for playing Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers in the popular 1990s show about a group of high school friends and their headmaster.

He had recently completed a first round of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lung cancer last month. His condition had deteriorated fast in the last week, said agent Roger Paul. "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful," he said.

Saved by the Bell ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1993 and was a global hit series. Co-stars have been paying tribute. Mario Lopez, known to fans of the show as AC Slater, said: "Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on."

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris, tweeted that Diamond was "a true comedic genius" and said he "will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce". Diamond reprised his role in follow-up series Saved by the Bell: The New Class, and Saved by the Bell: The College Years. But he did not appear in the recent revival series.

The American was also a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.

Diamond served three months in jail after he stabbed a man during an altercation at a bar in Wisconsin in 2014.

He was 44

Celeste has announced details of her first headline UK tour. The ascending soul star, who released her debut album ‘Not Your Muse’ last week to high acclaim, will perform six headline shows in spring 2022, culminating at London’s Roundhouse on April 21st.

The tour news follows the announcement of Celeste’s first London shows since December 2019. The five dates, which will take place at Union Chapel in July this year, sold out in less than 4 minutes. Despite the ensuing pandemic putting paid to all touring and festival plans, including a sold-out show at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire and a tour with Michael Kiwanuka, Celeste continued her remarkable rise throughout 2020.

The singer songwriter achieved the double win of BBC Sound of 2020 and the BRITS Rising Star award…. Celeste’s spell-binding performance of ‘Strange’ at The BRITS in February placed her firmly in the global spotlight, winning her a legion of new fans blown away by its raw intimacy.

She released a string of captivating songs - the sentiments of which resonate in these uncertain times - including ‘Hear My Voice’ which was co-written with Golden Globe-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton and is the focus track of the Netflix film The Trial of the Chicago 7, written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Aaron Sorkin. ‘Hear My Voice’ is tipped as an Oscars contender for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards this year.

‘A Little Love’, which was written and recorded for the John Lewis and Waitrose Christmas advertising campaign, has been widely praised as a Christmas classic in the making and marks the first time an artist has been commissioned to write and perform an original song for the ad, marking another milestone.

Following this, Celeste closed out the year with the live debut of her uplifting new single ‘Love Is Back’ on Jools’ Annual Hootenanny. With the release of her phenomenal debut album ‘Not Your Muse’ and eagerly awaited live shows back on the map, this year looks set to belong to Celeste too.

The bestselling children’s author David Walliams, the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company and Coalition Agency have teamed up for a brand-new COVID-safe Car Park Party production of Billionaire Boy, coming to a site this Easter!
  
Billionaire Boy started life as a David Walliams novel for children in 2010, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. In 2016 it was adapted into a BBC production and has since become a firm Christmas television favourite. It tells the story of Joe Spud, who is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country.

He has his own sports car, £100k a week pocket money and two crocodiles as pets. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comprehensive. But things don't go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find the one thing money can't buy.
 
David Walliams said: “I am delighted that families will have the opportunity to see some live theatre again. The show is hilarious and I hope spreads some happiness in these difficult times.”

Car Park Party was launched summer 2020 and quickly became the nation’s favourite family drive in with Horrible Histories ‘Barmy Britain’. It then helped to save Christmas with the hugely successful Car Park Panto, performing ‘Horrible Christmas’ to forty thousand family members in their cars across 16 wintery towns and cities. Whilst the UK continues its fight back against the pandemic, children continue to miss out on live arts and so Easter presents the perfect time to bring live theatre to families across the country.
  
Adapter and director of Billionaire Boy, Neal Foster, said: “It was wonderful to be part of a magical enterprise in 2020 bringing live theatre to families desperate for the joy and connection theatre provides, so we are delighted to be presenting our production of one of David Walliams’ most popular stories which began its national tour in 2019 and was abruptly halted by Covid-19. The show’s actors are thrilled with the opportunity to return to a new stage with a story that demonstrates the importance of friends and family at this critical time for the world.”

Performance times for Billionaire Boy are 2pm and 5pm.

York’s alt-rock songsmiths, Bull have today announced their debut album ‘Discover Effortless Living’ which will be released by EMI Records, in conjunction with Young Thugs. To celebrate, the band have today released ‘Eugene’, a mini-symphony of self-flagellation which trips through the various stages of feeling down on yourself (lethargy, frustration, anger etc) using tempo changes to paint an audio picture. It manages to be both melancholy and spritely at the same time, another example of the band’s idiosyncratic song writing.   

“I wrote the song Eugene when I was feeling dissatisfied with what I was doing” Tom (guitar/vocals) explains. “It's kind of a self-hate song, you know when people talk about self-love? It's not that. I'm slating myself; it moves through the key changes and different moods, and ends in a way that mocks the sadness, another form of self-deprecation!"

The video for the track is again a collaboration with artist friends of the band that reflects the different moods of the song. Dan and Kai from the band kick things off with some DIY Claymation before handing over to artists Jack Iredale, Rory Welbrock, Roxy Linklater and Holly Beer who each tackled a different animation style.

The band’s debut album, ‘Discover Effortless Living’ is a cornucopia of alt rocks sounds, the band having refined their song writing style into 13 indie bangers. The album includes previous singles such as ‘Disco Living’ (actually an abbreviation of the album title) ‘Green’, ‘Bonzo Please’ and ‘Love Goo’.

“Its songs written and rocked on between the years 2012 and 2020” Tom elaborates. “The title is taken from the opening lyric to the final track 'Disco Living'. We wanted to use a lyric from the album and felt like this was a good one. I first saw the words in London written on the side of a mansion being built and thought it was funny, it also ties in with ideas around class, new beginnings, a golden era of prosperity, and hoping to have life 'in the bag'.”

At radio the band are already being championed by the likes of Chris Hawkins and Steve Lamacq at 6Music, Huw Stephens at BBC Introducing Clara Amfo, as well as being acclaimed by fellow musicians like Elton John on his Beats 1 show and Declan McKenna.

Formed in 2011 by vocalist and songwriter Tom Beer and guitarist Dan Lucas, Bull’s mission is simply to make the music they wanted to listen to, inspired by their 90’s heroes such Pavement, Yo La Tengo and the Pixies. The rest of the band came together through a mix of friendships and happenstance. Drummer Tom Gabbatiss joined after he and Tom jammed together in bars while they were back-packing round Thailand, and Kai West had previously used to jump up on stage with the band and “Bez” (verb meaning to dance badly while intoxicated) before they eventually let him play bass.

They’ve played support shows for the likes of Squid, The Orielles, Pip Blom and even one of their long-time heroes in the form of Spiral Stairs (AKA Scott Kannberg of Pavement), and their constant gigging has seen them build up a dedicated local following. Not to be restricted to God’s own county, the band have plied their wares in mainland Europe, playing a series of unforgettable shows in Germany and the Netherlands.

The band hope that 2021 will see them returning to the stage alongside the release of their debut album.

Album release date – March 26.

The pioneering Hollywood actress Cicely Tyson – a former fashion model who was known for portraying strong African-American characters – had a career that spanned seven decades.

She won two Emmys for her performance in the 1974 civil rights-era film The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman an also became the first Black woman to take on a main role in the TV drama East Side/West Side in the 1960s. She was also noted for her significant contributions to the cause of African-American actresses.

Born in New York, after her parents moved there from Nevis in the Caribbean, she turned down stereotypical roles for Black women, agreeing only to play characters that were strong, positive and realistic. She was also lauded for her role, in the award-winning 1977 origiinal mini-movie TV series Roots, as Binta, the mother of Kunta Kinte who was sold into the slave trade after being abducted from his African village and moved to America. 

In 2016, former US President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He said that apart from her achievements as an actress, she also inspired many people - including me - to walk a little taller, speak a little more freely, and live a little bit more like God intended."

US broadcaster and actress Oprah Winfrey said: "She used her career to illuminate the humanity of Black people. The roles she played reflected her values; she never compromised." Singer Rihanna called Tyson "a true legend"

She was nominated for a best actress Oscar and Golden Globe in 1973 for Sounder, about a family of poor Black sharecroppers during the Great Depression in 1933 Louisiana.

"I had no idea I would touch anybody," she said in a recent interview.

Some of her star roles were in films including: Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, The Help and How to Get Away with Murder.

She died aged 96 - No cause of death was given.

British actors Riz Ahmed, Michaela Coel and Carey Mulligan were among the nominees for this year's Independent Spirit Awards. The awards honour the best in independent film; and often indicate who could win an Oscar.

Ahmed was nominated in the male lead category for his portrayal of a heavy metal drummer struggling with losing his hearing in Sound Of Metal. He is nominated in the same category as the late Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. The drama, about a blues singer, is up against First Cow and Minari for the best feature gong, as well as Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Nomadland.

One of the awards that has already been decided on is Best Ensemble Cast in a new scripted TV series, which went to Coel and her co-stars in I May Destroy You. The drama series finds protagonist Arabella trying to piece her life back together after being sexually assaulted on a night out.

Mulligan was recognised for her role as Cassie in the film Promising Young Woman - the directorial debut by star of The Crown and best director/best screenplay nominee Emerald Fennell – which sees her character seeking to avenge her best friend's rape.

The nominees were announced in a video shared online on Tuesday evening; hosted by directors Olivia Wilde and Barry Jenkins, and actress Laverne Cox.

The Independent Spirit Awards ceremony usually takes place on the beach in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, on the eve of the Academy Awards. But this year, due to the Covid-19 disruption, they will take place on April 22 - the Thursday before the big Sunday night.

The show is also up for best new scripted series, in a field which includes Sir Steve McQueen's Small Axe anthology series, chronicling the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Both Small Axe and I May Destroy You could go on to be recognised at the Golden Globe nominations next week, which cover both film and TV.

The Independent Spirit Awards ceremony usually takes place on the beach in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, on the eve of the Academy Awards.

But this year, due to the disruption caused by Covid-19, they will take place on 22 April - the Thursday before the big Sunday night.

There is often some overlap between the winners at the Independent Spirit Awards and the winners at the Academy Awards.

For example, Renée Zellweger was named best actress at both ceremonies for her portrayal of Judy Garland last year.

In 2018, the two ceremonies agreed on three of the four acting category winners - Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney and Frances McDormand.

However, that is not always the case.

Because the Oscars consider all films, and not just those made independently, many movies which do well at the Independent Spirit Awards may not necessarily break through to the the more crowded Academy field.

Last year's main Spirit winners The Farewell, Uncut Gems and Booksmart were all snubbed at the Oscars.

The Academy has said it is exploring how to hold an in-person ceremony, two months later than normal.

Director Steven Soderbergh has been asked to "re-envision" this year's event in the wake of the pandemic.

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here finalist and popular Radio 1 DJ Jordan North has teamed up with McDonald’s to show his fans how he has been spending his lockdown days since the castle.

He posted a hilarious video on his Instagram, known for his love of food hot off the press from his ‘Date Night’, North is seen preparing for his perfect night in with a face mask, slippers and is seen settling down to watch his beloved football team Burnley FC at his ‘Happy Place’ Turf Moor with the new McDonald’s Katsu Curry Chicken McNuggets.

This is the second video from Jordan showcasing how he has been filling the lonely nights during lockdown, two weeks ago he posted on his Instagram showing himself nervously preparing for a dinner date… Only to find out his date is McDonald’s new Katsu Curry Chicken McNuggets.

Taking social media by storm, both videos combined have already received close to half a million (460k) views and over 750 comments with a range of hilarious replies underneath.

ACE (Arts Council England) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund have awarded £3million each to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as major funding partners of the cultural festival. This timely and much needed investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England gives a huge boost to the Games cultural festival that will run for six months from March – September 2022.  The festival will reach 2.5million people through a range of high-profile events and participatory projects which will take place in the heart of West Midlands communities.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games cultural festival will include:

·         29 headline artistic commissions showcasing the region’s distinct creativity across arts and heritage.  Commissioned projects will range from the intimate to the spectacular, and will also explore the rich diversity of communities from across the region

·         Six themed ‘Open Calls’ seeking ideas from local artists and organisations, leading to a further 28 commissioned projects

·         Funding 200+ cultural and creative commissions and projects

·         Investment in 450 artists and creatives with 90% of commissioned work from people based in or originally from the West Midlands

Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: "This investment will help showcase the fantastic art, history and culture of the West Midlands to the world. 2022 will be a year of national celebration for the UK and the Commonwealth Games' cultural programme will allow the region’s diversity and creativity to play a key role in our recovery from the pandemic - driving tourism, investment and cultural renewal."

The Chief Executive, Arts Council England, Darren Henley,  said: “The Commonwealth Games promises to be a huge moment in the cultural calendar of 2022, and we’re delighted to offer this funding for what looks set to be a fantastic festival of arts and culture. Our £3 million investment from the National Lottery means that the Birmingham Commonwealth Culture team can continue their ambitious plans for a truly spectacular six-month programme.

“The eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands in 2022. Thanks to National Lottery players, our investment will bring to life six months of truly spectacular artistic and cultural events showcasing the creativity, innovation and flair for which Birmingham is rightly famous around the globe.”

Ros Kerslake CBE, Chief Executive, the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “The Cultural Festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase to the world the rich and important stories and heritage that give Birmingham and the West Midlands it’s unique character. This national celebration will explore a diverse range of cultural heritage including music, nature, migration, food, and industrial heritage through a wide range of activities including dance, music, theatre, film, oral histories and visual art. 

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Cultural Festival brings a new dimension to the Commonwealth Games.  The celebrations will engage 2.5m people from Birmingham’s diverse communities, creating 400 volunteering opportunities and bringing people together in a shared moment of pride and celebration that is set to create a lasting cultural legacy.”

The Chief Creative Officer, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Martin Green CBE, added: “This timely investment and partnership, underlines a significant moment of genuine confidence in the West Midlands’ arts and heritage sectors. Through the cultural festival, we will support and commission some incredible creative projects that connect communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands. 

“What we love about the arts and heritage sectors is their uniquely transformative power, and there has never been a greater need for this hope and optimism than right now, as we all stare down the impact that the pandemic has had on the creative industries. This funding announcement marks a welcome milestone as it takes us just over halfway to our income target for the festival.  Whilst there is plenty more work to do, we are optimistic that we can now welcome more funders to the region, who share our ambitious aims.”

The £6million investment joins Birmingham City Council’s £2million support to move the festival closer to its baseline fundraising target. As a direct result of the awards, the culture team will begin to commission projects, launch Open Calls and support artists and heritage-makers to develop their ideas for 2022.