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COSTA DEL SOL is set for an uplifting evening as the renowned Mississippi Gospel Choir performs at Malaga’s FYCMA - Palacio de Ferias y Congresos on Saturday, January 10, at 5.30pm. The dynamic ensemble of around 20 singers hails from the heart of American gospel tradition. Their high-energy show traces the genre’s history, from 19th-century spirituals to powerful civil rights-era protest songs and freedom marches. Audiences will enjoy timeless classics such as the iconic ‘Oh Happy Day’, infused with infectious funk and blues rhythms. This touring group, separate from the larger Mississippi Mass Choir, has built a devoted Spanish following through annual Christmas-season tours, delivering joy, spirituality and foot-stomping energy. The concert takes place at the modern FYCMA venue on Avenida José Ortega y Gasset, 201, in the Cruz de Humilladero district, west of Malaga City centre. Its excellent acoustics and

Mississippi Gospel Choir.

state-of-the-art facilities suit the choir’s powerful vocals and audience participation perfectly. Tickets start from around €48.40 and are available online via El Corte Inglés (elcorteingles.es/entradas) or Tomaticket (tomaticket.es). Early booking is advised, as these popular gospel performances sell out quickly. The venue is easily accessible by EMT bus lines 4, 19, 20 or 22, commuter trains to Victoria Kent station (10-15 minute walk), or car with on-site parking for 1,200 vehicles via the MA-20 or A-7 motorways. This soulful celebration offers an inspiring start to the new year. Credit: Maciej Rogowski - Shutterstock

Packed schedule MALAGA Province and the Costa del Sol are set for a vibrant 2026, blending tradition, music, and pop culture in a series of major events. Holy Week (Semana Santa) launches the highlights, running from Sunday, March 29 to Sunday, April 5. Elaborate processions feature massive religious icons carried through streets amid incense, flamenco-style saetas, and huge crowds. Malaga City’s celebrations rank among Spain’s most renowned, with a dramatic highlight on Holy Thursday when the Spanish Legion lands on the beach. Summer brings top music festivals. Marenostrum Fuengirola, held at historic Sohail Castle, has confirmed Sting among its international acts, alongside popular Spanish performers already selling out. In Marbella, the Starlite Occident Festival returns from June to August at the Nagüeles quarry. This boutique event offers intimate concerts, gourmet di-

Nutcracker Suite

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Lenny Kravitz live on the Costa del Sol.

ning, and DJ sessions. Confirmed artists include Lenny Kravitz on Monday June 29 and Deep Purple on Thursday July 9. UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is expected soon. Pop culture enthusiasts await the second Comic Con Malaga in September. Building on last year’s success, it promises expanded space for celebrity guests, cosplay, panels, and exhibits on comics, film, and gaming. The Malaga August Fair closes the summer from Saturday, August 15 to Saturday, August 22. Daytime festivities fill the historic centre with flamenco dresses, horse parades, and folk music, while nights shift to the fairgrounds for rides, casetas, concerts, and fireworks.

CULTURE and compassion will unite on Saturday 24 January at 6pm, when the prestigious School of Russian Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s enchanting Nutcracker Suite at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. This special one-off performance, organised in collaboration with Marbella Council, is dedicated to raising funds for FUNDATUL, a vital local foundation supporting people with disabilities. Led by distinguished director Regina Zarhina, the School of Russian Ballet in San Pedro de Alcantara follows the renowned Vaganova method. It has earned acclaim on the Costa del Sol for its technical precision, vibrant costumes and professional choreography. Many of its

dancers secure scholarships at elite institutions, including the Royal Ballet School. Established in 1997, FUNDATUL promotes social and workplace inclusion for people with disabilities. Through its job placement agency and ‘Employment with Support’ programmes, the non-profit helps individuals gain financial independence and integrate fully into the community. The production features over 40 dancers and spec-

tacular scenery, offering a rare chance to experience high-calibre Russian classical tradition in an intimate setting. Described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it showcases elite young talent for a singular charitable cause. The modern 480-seat Teatro Ciudad de Marbella, at Plaza Ramón Martínez, 3, near the Old Town, provides excellent sightlines. Tickets cost €25 and are available online at mientrada.net. Early booking is advised.

Lux Mundi January events THE Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre in Fuengirola, located on Calle Nueva No 3, reopened on Tuesday January 7. The Centre operates on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 10.00 to 13.00, though it is recommended to phone ahead to arrange an appointment. For more information, contact the Centre on 0034 606 568 145 or via email at luxmun dif@gmail.com. Support meetings are held regularly. Visitors can browse the Centre’s boutique at Calle Nueva No 7. Items available include au- day sessions are at 12.00 and 19.00, and tumn and winter clothing, shoes, jewellery, Sunday at 12.00. The AA helpline is 600 379 110. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Engliand household products. Donations of clothing and household sh meetings are held on Tuesday at 19.30 goods are welcomed, preferably in bags and Friday at 20.00 (Help Line 711 010 401). Families of AA meet every Friday at 20.00. that are not required. From Sunday January 18 to 25, the Week Support meetings are held regularly at the Centre. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) of Prayer for Christian Unity will be obserEnglish meetings take place on Monday, ved, with services hosted across various Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 12.00, Costa del Sol churches. Full details are with additional sessions on Wednesday available via the Centre or online at www. for women at 12.00, and at 19.00. Satur- Lux-mundi.org. Credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Gospel joy

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Dry January socials

ITS play reading night.

The Sober Socials gang.

Christmas and New Year frenzy,” say the founders. “Our drop-in is about community, not perfection. You don’t have to be doing anything perfectly just show up as you are, with a drink you enjoy.” Sober Socials challenges the idea that socialising requires alcohol. Their inclusive events welcome sober individuals, the sober-curious, those reducing intake, and women seeking alternative connections.

The community hosts both online and in-person gatherings centred on fun, judgement-free interaction. Reflecting broader trends toward healthier post-holiday lifestyles, this event offers an accessible entry point for newcomers. To register for the free session, email hello@so bersocials.es or messa ge@sobersocials.es on social media. A link will be sent upon sign-up.

THE INTERNATIONAL THEATRE STUDIO (ITS), the Costa del Sol’s longest-established English-speaking amateur dramatic group, launches 2026 with two entertaining events in Marbella. First, a rehearsed reading of the classic political satire Yes, Prime Minister takes place on Wednesday, January 21 at the Centro Polivalente in Nueva Andalucía. Directed by Miles Rendle and produced by Sheila Mellor, the performance begins at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm. The sharp-witted adaptation by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn plunges audiences into a fictional UK government crisis. Prime Minister Jim Hacker, cunning civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleby, and principled Bernard Woolley navigate soaring debt, unemployment, and a dubious oil pipeline deal with Kumranistan. Expect hilarious ma-

chinations, media manipulation, and biting commentary on bureaucracy. The cast includes Russell Hood, Andrew Gommersall, Bernie Murray, Martin Curd, Sheila Mellor, and Samantha Weaver. Performers will use scripts but add costumes and props for an engaging one-night show. Tickets cost €10 available at internatio naltheatrestudio.org. Free parking is plentiful, and a pop-up bar will offer drinks for donations. Next, on Wednesday, February 18 at Atalaya Golf and Country Club between Marbella and Estepona, ITS hosts the lighter interactive evening A Barnyard Tail, led by Martin Curd. Performance starts at 6.30pm. Aspiring actors can read parts, while others enjoy the fun. Tickets, including pizza and one drink, are €14 for members and €17 for non-members.

Tom Houghton comedy Credit TH

AS millions participate in Dry January 2026, Sober Socials, a community based in Spain with reach across the UK and beyond, offers a supportive, pressure-free way to connect without alcohol. Founded by Louise Hazleden and Emma Thorne Lees, the group is hosting a free online Drop-In session on Sunday, January 11, at 7pm Spain time. The 60-minute virtual event is open to anyone exploring alcohol-free living: those committing to the full month, cutting back, or simply trying one evening without drinks. Participants join from home, with cameras optional, enjoying their favourite non-alcoholic beverage. The session includes gentle inspiration, practical tips, drink suggestions, relaxed conversations, and shared reflections. “Dry January can feel surprisingly lonely and uninspiring after the

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Credit: ITS FB

24 EWN 8 - 14 January 2026

Tom Houghton will delight audiences.

BRITISH stand-up star Tom Houghton is set to delight audiences on the Costa del Sol with two exclusive back-to-back performances of his acclaimed new show ‘Deep’. Presented by Amans World Comedy, the charismatic comedian will appear in Gibraltar on Friday, January 9, followed by Malaga on Saturday, January 10. Houghton has won a huge following with his sharp wit and self-deprecating humour, drawing on his unusually privileged upbringing. As son of former Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Houghton, he spent five years living in the Tower of London, surrounded by ravens, Beefeaters and tourists - material he turns into relatable tales about class, identity and modern life. His viral social media clips attract millions of views, while appearances on Netflix’s

The Circle and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle have cemented his status as one of Britain’s most engaging rising talents. ‘Deep’ combines observational comedy, personal stories and musical touches for a bolder, introspective evening full of warmth and laughter. The weekend opens on Friday, January 9 at O’Reilly’s Marina Bar in Gibraltar’s Ocean Village. Doors open early; the show starts at 8pm. On Saturday, January 10, Houghton performs at Sala The Hall in central Malaga. The performance begins at 7.30pm. These rare consecutive English-language shows offer a perfect chance to start 2026 with laughter. Pre-booking is recommended. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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Credit: The street sweeper, Calahonda

La Cala Lions at Snack Attack.

Sami James on stage.

an intimate and tender evening showcasing his unique sound, perfect for the sophisticated setting of the H10 Estepona Palace in cold, blue midJanuary. Recently, Sami has been making waves with recording sessions working with Grammy-winning producer Eliot Kennedy - known for hits with Take That, Spice Girls, and Bryan Adams. Don’t miss this oppor-

tunity to experience one of the coast’s most talented rising stars in a relaxed acoustic format. The event takes place at the H10 Estepona Palace, Avenida del Carmen, 99. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Sami’s magnetic live presence for the first time, this promises to be a highlight of the winter music scene on the Costa del Sol.

CALAHONDA’S Save a Life campaign, launched in summer 2025 to install defibrillators across the urbanisation and protect thousands of residents, has gained rapid momentum. Led by the Hannam Family, the initiative won’t stop until Calahonda is fully covered. Each defibrillator costs around €2,000, making fundraising events like this essential. The next major one is the Business 1st Charity Golf Day on Saturday, January 31, at Santa Clara Golf Club. The event uses an individual Stableford format with a 9.30am shotgun start. For €145 per person, players get green fee, shared buggy, drinks on the course, a post-round drink, and a healthy two-course

lunch. The fee includes prizes, raffles, auctions, and an automatic donation to Save a Life. To enter, visit www.justmarbellagolf. com or call +34 711 052 483. The campaign continues to inspire the Costa del Sol community, transforming personal gratitude into collective action that could save lives. Community involvement is growing: La Cala Lions recently funded a defibrillator outside Snack Attack in La Cala de Mijas, while another was installed outside La Siesta in Calahonda. Now, the question is: who will be next to launch a Save a Life initiative in their area? This heartfelt, heart-saving cause is uniting and moving everyone across the Costa del Sol.

Skafeinados at Groove FUENGIROLA’s nightlife will peak on Saturday, January 10, when local ska heroes Skafeinados perform at Groove Bar in Puerto Deportivo. The six-piece tribute band kicks off at 10pm, delivering a high-energy mix of British 2 Tone ska, reggae, and rocksteady classics. Expect irresistible covers of anthems from The Specials, Madness, Bad Manners, UB40, and The Beat, alongside nods to Bob Marley, The Kinks, and The Who. Famous for their infectious dance vibes and ‘Mentally Ska’d’ party atmosphere, Skafeinados have been a Costa del Sol staple for years, drawing a multinational crowd to packed venues. The band began long ago with an English singer who formed the group and shaped its repertoire around classic British 2 Tone, Jamaican influences, and mod-era tracks. When he returned to the UK, the remaining

Credit: Skafeinados

COSTA DEL SOL’S homegrown talent Sami James returns to the stage with a captivating live acoustic session of indie rock and pop at the elegant H10 Estepona Palace hotel on Tuesday, January 13, starting at 8.30pm. Born and bred on the Costa del Sol with Argentinian and English roots, Sami James has built a loyal following through his raw, evocative performances and urban poetry-style songwriting. The born-and-bred bilingual singer-guitarist combines indie rock energy with soulful storytelling, drawing influences from artists like Oasis, David Grey, and U2, while infusing Latino and Spanish flavours into his originals and covers, all inspired by his surroundings. For this gig, far from his performances leading the Rabbit Holes or fronting Blue Sky Duo, expect

Credit: SJ

Homegrown blues Charity golf tournament

Skafeinados play Groove.

local musicians - united by their love of ska, reggae, and Jamaican sounds - continued with the same style and setlist, building a loyal following across Fuengirola and Mijas. Their return is expected to be the coast’s biggest event of the week. With free entry and the band’s reputation for getting everyone dancing, Groove Bar will quickly fill up and spill onto the terrace. Arrive early, dust off your dancing shoes, and head to Puerto Deportivo this Saturday.