Monthly Archives: August 2024

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

Outdoor cinema at the Barbican: Relive the summer !

Leave a comment

If you’re back from your summer holidays and already missing the warm atmosphere of southern Europe, the Barbican has the perfect remedy. Until September 1st, the Barbican is hosting a week of outdoor cinema on its stunning Sculpture Court terrace. By Vivian Tsitampani

Atmosphere and delights

Each evening, the terrace transforms into a cinematic haven, welcoming movie lovers to enjoy great films under the open sky. Starting at 6:30 PM, you can savor the last rays of summer sun while enjoying a variety of treats, from classic hot dogs and popcorn to more adventurous options like matcha and black sesame ice cream.

Photos : London/Barbican/DR

Screenings and perks

Films begin at 8:30 PM, but it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a prime spot, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Mastercard cardholders enjoy additional perks such as food and drink vouchers and reserved seating.

A beautiful selection of films

The program includes a mix of independent and international films, such as the 1950s classic An American In Paris, Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, and Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Location

The Sculpture Court is an outdoor space within the Barbican Estate, accessible from level 3 inside the Barbican, or via the walkways and Frobisher Crescent from outside.

Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to extend your summer memories in the heart of London !

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS

Photos : London/Barbican/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

Notting Hill Carnival 2024 : Everything you need to know

Leave a comment

The Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street party, returns this weekend with a burst of color, dance, and music. Here’s a preview of what to expect for this 57th edition.

An unforgettable spectacle

Since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival has celebrated British Caribbean culture and diversity. Expect dazzling parades, colorful floats, glittering performers, and booming sound systems throughout the streets of West London. Over two million people, including many tourists, gather each year to enjoy this unique event.

Unity and solidarity

The carnival has always been a force for unity, especially during times of racial tension. In 2024, this solidarity is as relevant as ever. The Trinidadian-style festival continues to promote unity and pride, attracting participants from all walks of life.

Weekend Highlights

Saturday : The UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition takes place at 4 PM in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park. Enjoy the music of steel bands while savoring Caribbean street food.
Sunday : Expect an explosion of colors with paint, powder, and even melted chocolate. Sound systems and live stages, like Red Bull Selector at Pleasance Park, will play music until 7 PM.
Monday : The main event starts at 10:30 AM with a spectacular procession. Participants, adorned in glittering costumes, will dance until 7 PM. Don’t miss stages like King Tubby’s and Abi Shanti I.

Photos : London/Notting Hill Carnival/DR

After the Carnival

After the festivities, various unofficial after-parties take place around the city. Carnival days start around 10 AM and end at 7 PM, with all parades and sound systems wrapping up by 8 PM. Entry is free and does not require a ticket.

Transport for Notting Hill Carnival

During the carnival weekend, much of the W10 area will be closed, and traffic will be heavier than usual. Here are some tips for getting around:

Cycle Stations : All Santander cycle stations will be closed from Saturday to Tuesday.
Buses : Many buses will be rerouted or will stop short of their usual destinations. Check tfl.gov.uk for the full list of disruptions.
Tube : The best option is to use the Tube. Paddington (20 minutes’ walk from the carnival) and Shepherd’s Bush (40 minutes’ walk) stations will be open all day.
Station Closures :
Ladbroke Grove: Closed all day Sunday and Monday.
Holland Park: Closed from 3 PM (entry only from 11 AM).
Royal Oak: Closed from 6 PM (entry only from 11 AM).
Notting Hill: Exit only from 11 AM to 6 PM (only Central line trains will stop).

Getting home

Latimer Road :Closes at 11:30 PM.
Night Tube and Night Overground : Will not operate on Sunday or Monday nights.
Tip : To avoid long queues, walk a bit further to find a less crowded station.


Photos : London/Notting Hill Carnival/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS, SPORT

The Formula 1 exhibition in London: A journey through the history of Grand Prix

Leave a comment

The highly anticipated Formula 1 exhibition opened its doors at the ExCeL Centre in London this Friday. Fans can discover a true treasure trove of Grand Prix-related riches, from world champion cars to interviews and historical footage.

Photos : Formule 1/ExCeL Centre/DR

Impressive collection

The exhibition features seven world champion F1 cars, over 100 interviews, and three hours of video footage. Visitors can also admire a multitude of helmets, racing suits, trophies, and other iconic accessories. Racing simulators and interactive displays allow visitors to dive into the history of the world championship, from 1950 to today.

World tour

After successful stops in Madrid, Vienna, and Toronto, the exhibition arrives in London, its fourth stop. Tim Harvey, the curator, describes this version as the “full-throttle version” of the event, with a planned duration of at least six months in London.

Photos : Formule 1/ExCeL Centre/DR

Legendary cars

Among the cars on display are iconic models like the Ferrari 156 and Max Verstappen’s 2021 championship-winning Red Bull. Legendary cars from drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna are also present, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of racing cars.

Immersive experience

The exhibition is organized into six specially constructed rooms, telling the story of 75 seasons of Formula 1 across 34 countries. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, racing simulators, and captivating video footage. A room dedicated to the evolution of safety measures features images of Romain Grosjean’s spectacular crash at the 2020 Bahrain GP.

Diverse audience

The growing popularity of Formula 1, notably thanks to the Netflix series “Drive to Survive”, has attracted a diverse audience, including many young women. The exhibition also highlights F1 engineering contributions to global well-being, such as road safety initiatives and medical innovations. Whether you are a Formula 1 enthusiast or simply curious, the exhibition at the ExCeL Centre in London offers a unique and immersive experience. With its legendary cars, captivating stories, and interactive exhibits, it is a must-visit for all motorsport fans.

Location : ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL

Photos : Formule 1/ExCeL Centre/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

Oscar’s Café : A home away from home

Leave a comment

Undeniably one of the best cafés you will find in London, this little café never disappoints! This charming spot south of the river is a hidden gem that never fails to delight. By Vivian Tsitampani

Warm and intimate atmosphere

Step inside, and you will be greeted by a warm and intimate atmosphere. Walk through the front room and you will find yourself in an enchanting garden, perfect in any weather. They have blankets you can use when it gets chilly. But since the sun always shines in London (we can always hope out loud), this little garden is the ideal destination to enjoy one of the best coffees and brunches in London.

Photos : Oscar’s Café/London/DR

Quality and ethics

Opened in 2019 by the wonderful Alina and Joel, who also run a restaurant and grocery store just down the street, Oscar’s Café has quickly become synonymous with quality and care. Their commitment to ethically sourced coffee and local ingredients is evident in every sip and bite. The food is as delicious as the atmosphere, with freshly prepared sourdough toasts that are an absolute must and brownies so decadently chocolatey they are a dream come true for chocolate lovers.

Tasty local collaborations

One of the standout features of Oscar’s Café is their collaboration with “Meat Jon,” a beloved local butcher. This partnership has given rise to mouthwatering creations like the house-made bacon burrito with homemade chipotle sauce, a true treat for the taste buds.

Photos : Oscar’s Café/London/DR

A united community

Alina and Joel’s passion for their community shines through in everything they do. Their love for the neighborhood is contagious, reflected in the vibrant spaces they have created and the fantastic team they have built. Oscar’s Café is much more than just a place to eat; it is a hub that has helped transform the area into a very close-knit community. Don’t miss the chance to visit this charming spot the next time you are in the area!

Photos : Oscar’s Café/London/DR

ART & CULTURE, NEWS

BFI SOUTHBANK: The magic of Stop Motion returns with “Coraline”

Leave a comment

BFI Southbank has opened its doors for a special season dedicated to stop motion animation, in collaboration with the renowned studio LAIKA. This season highlights iconic films such as “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, “Anomalisa”, and the much-loved “Coraline”. By Vivian Tsitampani

An Unforgettable Evening with “Coraline”

Last night, the lucky attendees were able to watch the restored 3D screening of “Coraline”, the masterpiece by Neil Gaiman, directed by Henry Selick. The evening began with an introduction by Selick himself, accompanied by Teri Hatcher, the voice of the Mother in the film. They shared anecdotes and memories from the creation of the film, reminding the audience of the enormous effort and artistic talent required to bring this project to life. The production of “Coraline” took six years, with 18 months of principal photography and the participation of 450 people at different times.

Photos: BFI Southbank/London/DR

The Art of Stop Motion

Henry Selick highlighted the challenges of making stop motion films, especially in an era dominated by AI and CGI technologies. He reminded that stop motion remains a unique art form, championed by directors like Tim Burton, Guillermo del Toro, and Wes Anderson. According to Selick, “Stop motion presents real objects that come to life as if by magic, with the artist’s imprint visible in every frame.”

LAIKA Exhibition: Frame x Frame

Alongside the screenings, the LAIKA: Frame x Frame exhibition offers an immersive dive into the world of LAIKA films. Visitors can discover more than 700 artifacts, including puppets, sets, and props from the films “Coraline“, “ParaNorman“, “The Boxtrolls“, “Kubo“ and the Two Strings“, as well as Missing Link. The exhibition, running from August 12 to October 1, 2024, also features exclusive elements from LAIKA’s upcoming film, “Wildwood”, scheduled for 2025.

Photos: BFI Southbank/London/DR

A Season Not to Be Missed

The Stop Motion: Celebrating Hand-Crafted Animation on the Big Screen season runs from August 1 to October 9, with free screenings for children under 16. Tickets for the screenings and the exhibition have been available to the public since July 4. If you are a fan of stop motion, or if it’s a genre you would like to explore, don’t miss the Stop Motion season at BFI Southbank, a unique opportunity to rediscover the magic of stop motion and dive into the fascinating world of LAIKA.

Photos: BFI Southbank/London/DR

ART & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, NEWS

London Zoo removes Banksy artwork for preservation

Leave a comment

London Zoo has removed a Banksy artwork depicting a gorilla for conservation reasons. The mural, part of an animal-themed series, has been replaced with a reproduction and a sign reading “Banksy woz ere“

A valuable artwork

London Zoo recently removed a Banksy mural featuring a gorilla holding a rolling shutter, allowing birds and a sea lion to escape. This piece was the ninth and final artwork in an animal-themed series that appeared across the capital over nine consecutive days.

Photos : Zoo of London/LondonCity/KBSPNews/DR

Preservation and security

Kathryn England, the zoo’s Chief Operating Officer, explained that the artwork was removed to preserve it and to allow the zoo to resume normal operations after a surge of visitors came to see the mural. “We are delighted with the joy this artwork has already brought to so many people, but most importantly, we are incredibly grateful to Banksy for putting wildlife in the spotlight,” she said.

Reactions and interpretations

The mural has sparked various reactions and interpretations. Some view it as an anti-zoo message, while others see it as a tribute to London Zoo. Jasper Tordoff, a Banksy expert at MyArtBroker, suggested that the mural might reveal that all the animals seen in the other artworks in the series came from the zoo.The zoo artwork is at least the fifth in the series to be stolen, defaced, or moved for security reasons. Other Banksy animal-themed artworks include depictions of goats, elephants, monkeys, wolves, pelicans, cats, piranhas, and rhinos. Some of these works have been removed by masked men or relocated by authorities for protection.

Photos : Zoo of London/LondonCity/KBSPNews/DR

Banksy’s Impact which frees the animals

Banksy’s series has not only drawn attention to animals but also sparked stimulating conversations about the role of zoos and guerrilla art. London Zoo has not yet announced what it will do with the original artwork, but it is clear that this mural has marked an important moment in its history. The removal of Banksy’s artwork by London Zoo highlights the importance of conservation and protection of artworks while continuing to inspire and provoke discussions on significant topics

Photos : Zoo of London/LondonCity/KBSPNews/DR

MUSIQUE, NEWS

Ed Sheeran joins Taylor Swift for the return of the Eras Tour

Leave a comment

Taylor Swift was joined by her “best friend” Ed Sheeran for the kickoff of the final leg of the European stage of the Eras Tour, delivering a memorable performance in front of a sold-out crowd of 92,000 fans.

An emotional return

This concert marked Taylor Swift’s return to the stage after canceling her shows in Vienna the previous week due to a terrorist threat. It was also her first performance in the UK since the tragic attack in Southport, where three children lost their lives during a Swift-themed dance class. The singer had privately reached out to the families affected by this tragedy.

Photos : Wembley Stadium/Ed Sheeran/Getty Images/DR

A surprising duo

On Thursday night, Taylor Swift began the final leg of the European stage of her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London. For this special occasion, she was joined by her longtime friend Ed Sheeran. Together, they performed a mix of their songs “Everything Has Changed” and “End Game,” delighting the 92,000 fans in attendance. Ed Sheeran’s appearance during the surprise acoustic section of the evening prompted a huge ovation from the audience. The songs in this section are kept secret until their performance, adding to the excitement of the evening. After their mash-up of “Everything Has Changed,” the duo continued with “End Game” and concluded with Ed Sheeran’s ballad “Thinking Out Loud.”

A strong friendship

Taylor Swift expressed her gratitude to Ed Sheeran for taking a break from his own tour to join her. “He’s one of my best friends in the world,” she told the audience. “He works so hard, he’s on tour right now and he’s probably very tired but he wanted to come and play for you.”The collaboration between Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran provided an unforgettable moment for fans, marking a triumphant return for the Eras Tour in London this month for five dates.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_9304.jpeg

Photos : Wembley Stadium/Ed Sheeran/Getty Images/DR

MUSIQUE, NEWS

Taylor Swift reignites the flame in London

Leave a comment

American superstar Taylor Swift is back in London for a series of five concerts starting Thursday, attracting over 450,000 fans and boosting the British entertainment industry.

A highly anticipated return

Starting Thursday, Taylor Swift, the famous American singer, will give five concerts at Wembley Stadium. These performances mark the end of her European tour, with over 450,000 fans ready to groove to her greatest hits. The “Swift effect” is being felt across the UK. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour is expected to boost consumer spending by £1 billion this year, propelling the UK entertainment and media market beyond £100 billion.

Photos : Wembley Stadium/Eras Tour/London/DR

A night of gratitude

Before taking the stage, Taylor Swift hosted a thank-you party for her 200-person tour team at the private club Annabel’s in Mayfair. She was seen in an elegant Vivienne Westwood outfit, leaving the venue at 3 a.m. on Tuesday.

Security XXL

To ensure the safety of the concerts, Wembley has implemented additional measures, including enhanced ticket checks and a crackdown on “Tay-gating.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that the city is working closely with the police to ensure safe events. Taylor Swift’s concerts at Wembley in June were hailed as one of the most memorable experiences, with crowds of 90,000 fans each night. The Prince of Wales and his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, even had the chance to pose for a selfie with the star.

Photos : Wembley Stadium/Eras Tour/London/DR

NEWS, SPORT

Keely Hodgkinson, two rounds for Olympic gold in the 800m

Leave a comment

Keely Hodgkinson has secured Great Britain’s first athletics gold medal at the Paris Olympics by winning the women’s 800m. At 22 years old, Hodgkinson finished the race in 1:56.72, ahead of Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma (1:57.15) and Kenya’s Mary Moraa (1:57.42). She led the race with calm and control, maintaining her lead through the final stretch.

Photos : Olympics/Paris 2024/BritishAthletics/DR

A historic moment

After finishing second in Tokyo, Keely Hodgkinson achieved her Olympic dream. She celebrated by grabbing a Union Jack flag and greeting fans during her victory lap. “I’m super happy, i’m now the Olympic champion for the next four years,” she said. Her success comes 20 years after Kelly Holmes’ victory in Athens and marks the first Olympic athletics gold for a British woman since Jessica Ennis-Hill’s triumph in the heptathlon at London 2012. Keely Hodgkinson, from Atherton near Wigan, has written a new chapter in British sports history.

Photos : Olympics/Paris 2024/BritishAthletics/DR

NEWS, SPORT

Bryony Page, à historic gold medal for Great Britain

Leave a comment

Bryony Page has made history by winning Great Britain’s first Olympic gold medal in trampoline, completing her set of Olympic medals.

At 33, after securing silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, Bryony Page reached the pinnacle in Paris with a score of 56,480 points. A two-time world individual champion, Bryony Page was overwhelmed with emotion at the Bercy Arena when she realized she had outscored Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya, who took silver, and Canadian Sophiane Methot, who won bronze. She admitted to briefly forgetting that one gymnast was still to compete, but her victory was confirmed when China’s Hu Yicheng faltered early in her routine.

Overcoming obstacles

Page overcame an ankle injury and a neck strain during training to achieve this victory. She captivated the audience with a high-difficulty routine, performed with style and precision, staying close to the center of the trampoline throughout.

An olympic dream realized

“It feels amazing,” Bryony Page said about completing her set of Olympic medals. She expressed her gratitude and relief after a long period of preparation and physical challenges. Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya’s silver marked the first medal at the Paris Games for a member of the Athletes’ Individual Neutral team, established for Russian and Belarusian athletes following their countries’ bans due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A promising future

Page, who dreams of joining the circus after her sports career, has once again demonstrated her talent and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Olympic trampoline.

Photos : Olympics/FIG/DR