APRIL 2019 s ISSUE 063
Passion for
FASHION Faces of Fashion from the North West
WINDERMERE
GETAWAY Discover pure luxury in the Lake District
Old School Backstage pass with Rewind Festival’s Katt Lingard
Get Festival
READY We pick out our festival favourites
HALE
Headliner The Hale Barns Carnival returns for its third year, surpassing previous events with a musical line-up which much larger festivals may well envy, Natalie Anglesey chats with Martin Kemp about his involvement
D
ue to phenomenal demand, another high-status act has been added to the 80’s line-up with headliner Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp on the DJ turntables. He’ll join Owen Paul, who swapped the football pitch for music and shot to fame with ‘My Favourite Waste of Time’, and Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, with their hit ‘The Harder I Try’, as well as disco and soul legends Odyssey and The Real Thing. Max Eden, from Hale Barns Events, is the enthusiastic person behind the organisation: “This year is most definitely our biggest line-up to date, and I’m excited that we have yet another brilliant performer to add to the programme. I grew up listening to the hits of Spandau Ballet and having seen Martin
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Kemp on the turntables at the Rewind Festival; I was again suitably impressed. I loved his whole set which pulled people together. There was a great community feel about his whole act- so we’re delighted he’s joining us for the Hale Barns Carnival.” Martin will headline the Sunday evening concert with a Back to the 80s DJ set, to entertain the crowd. He admits that his life changed for the better when he joined his big brother Gary’s band, The Gentry, as the bass player, before it being renamed Spandau Ballet. The rest, as they say, is history. “I remember Manchester with great affection,” Martin tells me. “In the early days with the band we played in all sorts of clubs - but don’t ask me to name them because they’re probably all pulled down by now. But when we became more successful, we played the larger venues and had a great reception. Of course, I knew Granada Television Studios better when I was acting in
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
“It’s a great feeling reminding crowds what a great period the eighties were for good music.” In the interim Martin had pursued a successful TV and film career with roles in EastEnders and The Krays, as well as TV appearances on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Island. “I was happiest judging the BBC talent show Let It Shine because I was discovering and mentoring young musical talent.” But I wondered when the DJ act began? “Well, I’ve been doing it for about a year now and absolutely loving it. It’s a great feeling reminding crowds what a great period the eighties were for good music. You can see them singing along, and they know all the words - almost reliving a happy
time in their lives – it’s a kind of role-playing! When I grew up, you had to save your pocket money up to buy your favourite record which you’d play again and again. Now music is much more accessible to people. So there’s the nostalgia value. Although all music is on a computer these days at gigs, I like to mix it up so that it’s familiar, but almost sounds new with just a little different edge to it. Yet still keeps the crowds happy!”
© ANDREA RAFFIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Manchester. But I’ll tell you what I love most about this city. Eventually, they stopped knocking down the lovely old buildings and started renovating them- particularly around the canal. So I’m really looking forward to coming back and seeing if I recognise anywhere now.” Spandau Ballet, with the brothers Kemp and lead vocalist Tony Hadley, achieved musical success with four of their albums reaching the Top Ten in the UK album charts. The song ‘True’ also gave the band their first UK number one album and top-selling single. They also enjoyed worldwide fame with hits like ‘Only When You Leave’, ‘Through the Barricades’, and ‘Gold’. Sadly, because of a dispute over royalties, the band split up in the early 1990s. Although they eventually reformed in 2009, that reunion didn’t last long. Had Martin kept in touch? “Let’s just say I keep in touch with close friends, but of course my brother and I remain really close and talk regularly.”
Martin laughed when I asked if his DJ son Roman had given him any tips? “He’s far too busy with his successful Capital FM Radio show,” he laughs. “But I’m not just proud of him because he’s followed me into the music business but because he’s grown into a nice lad. I’m equally proud of my daughter Harley who makes commercials for television and is also into music.” London- born Martin grew up in Islington and attended the Anna Scher Children’s Theatre drama club with his brother Gary. As a child actor, he appeared in many TV shows including Jackanory, The Tomorrow People and Dixon of Dock Green. Little did the two brothers know then they would go on to make a film about the notorious Kray twins, Ronald and Reginald. “Well, you see that project was a subject close to my mum and dad as they had grown up in the same area as the Krays. It was also great filming with my brother because that mutual trust was there which is so important in acting.” Their film performances received a great deal of critical acclaim. So Martin moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s and made appearances in television series such as The Outer Limits and Highlander. He appeared in a couple of Hollywood horror films before returning home to play an
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Magic Touch
Rubies have fuelled Van Cleef & Arpels’ imagination since 1906, inspiring some of its most emblematic creations. In a bid to pay tribute to the gemstone, the Maison has developed a High Jewellery collection like no other. Made up of 60 unique pieces, the creations effortlessly showcase the true beauty and nobility of the rare stone. With each stone selected individually, the collection’s rubies exhibit their magic in pieces expertly designed with the sole purpose of showing off their intense hues. Treasure of Rubies collection, POA, www.vancleefandarples.com
Jewellery&
Watch news
From Rubies red to Topaz blue, you won’t be short of colours this season. Explore the newest additions to beloved collections, the must-have trend this April and very best of Baselworld horology
W O R D S : J O A N N K H AT I B
CHAIN REACTION Paris Couture Week saw the reveal of Jack de Boucheron. The brazen new collection aims to shift perception of how and when fine jewellery can be worn. Inspired by a headphone jack, the jewellery is especially versatile and can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, belt or even a hair piece. The contemporary set boasts bold clasps as its main focal point and the chains can be added to continually, leaving the possibilities of how to style these pieces boundless. Jack by Boucheron collection, from £3,500, www.boucheron.com 36
Crowning Glory
British designer Annoushka has introduced brand new additions to her signature Crown collection. The pieces consist of four new rings and, for the first time, four bangles embracing the same pioneering design. Annoushka’s designs, often worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, are created with effortless style in mind, and the Crown collection follows suit. The collectable series can be endlessly combined to suit each individual, whether worn singly, back-to-back or cleverly interlaced. 18ct Gold Crown Rings, from £595, 18ct Gold & Diamond Crown Bangles, from £11,500, www.annoushka.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Jewellery
Patek Philippe Ref. 5212A Patek Philippe welcomed a brand-new function to its calendar watches with one of its latest reveals. Alongside the weekday and date, the 5212A-001 Calatrava also displays the week number. The new model has a completely new self-winding base calibre and is beautifully encased in stainless steel. Patek Philippe Ref. 5212A-001, £25,610, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
Tudor Black Bay Bronze Tudor first introduced the Heritage Black Bay Bronze in 2016, creating quite a stir. This year, a brand-new version of the beloved model was revealed, this time with a striking grey dial and bezel. The new colour scheme adds some depth and gives the watch a sleek, contemporary look. Tudor Black Bay Bronze, £2,910, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
Rolex Sea-Dweller Rolex introduced a yellow Rolesor to the Sea-Dweller collection for the first time at this year’s Baselworld. The timepiece, originally created for deep-sea diving, stands out in 18ct yellow gold. Corrosion-resistant and virtually scratch-proof, it’s perfect for those looking to make statement. Rolex Sea-Dweller, £12,400, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
Dolce & Gabbana Venezia This year’s Baselworld saw the unveiling of the Venezia. The expertly crafted timepiece embraces Swiss engineering accuracy, while benefitting from stylish Italian design. The solid gold hand-engraved case, dial made up of white opal and black jade and 24-hour clock make the watch a must-have this season.Dolce & Gabbana Venezia, From €45,000 (approx. £38,635), www.dolcegabbana.com
BASELWORLD’S
BEST
With new launches and big reveals galore, Baselworld, is an event that any self-respecting horology lover will know. The biggest names in the industry showcased their latest additions for the very first time and we’ve picked the timepieces that created an indisputable buzz
TREND: Statement Pearls
loves
Back on the runways and popping up in collections, pearls are the gemstones that just keep on giving. While many have attributed the resurgence to Oscar-winning film The Favourite, this season’s pearls are nothing like those of centuries past. Think delicate hoops and quirky ear cuffs, bold bracelets and minimalist headbands. The classic gem has been given a modern, reimagined update and we’ve picked our favourites. 14ct gold pearl earrings, £715, Mizuki at Net-a-Porter; Marie 18ct gold pearl ear cuff, £2,850, Ana Khouri at Net-a-Porter; Juliet silver pearl hoop earrings, £269, Meadowlark at Net-a-Porter, www.net-a-porter.com
Chanel J12 Chanel’s signature J12 model is back, revamped and reinvented. While its look remains the same, iconic in itself, up to 70 per cent of its components have changed. In addition to a brand-new typeface, it boasts a thinner bezel and a refined ceramic cabochon embellishment.statement. Chanel J12, £4,675, www.chanel.com
The Naked Truth
Italian fine jeweller, Pomellato, welcomed a selection of new additions to its NUDO collection. The pieces allow the sparkling gems to do all the talking. Prong-free, the naked magnificence of the gems are on full display. An awe-inspiring amount of work goes into creating each piece, with artisans cutting 57 facets on both the top and bottom of the gemstone by hand, to intensify its lightcapturing ability. Alongside necklaces, the collection features drop earrings and feminine rings. NUDO Collection, From £2,250, www.pomellato.com 37
Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Cheshire Oaks Complete £ 40 Million Expansion Craig Hough sits down with Centre Manager Kenny Murray to discuss the new changes at the designer outlet Cheshire Oaks was launched in 1995 and is a shopping favourite for the region. What have been its key success and why do customers keep coming back? McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks was Europe’s first designer outlet and is still the largest in the UK. Over the years, we have built strong and trusting partnerships with the world’s most prestigious designer, premium and high street brands with over 170 of them able to call Cheshire Oaks their home, including Coach, Mulberry and Ted Baker. Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, and we know that a trip to Cheshire Oaks is a day out; our visitors stay an average of three hours and return on average seven times a year. So, we ensure that Cheshire Oaks is always engaging, memorable and captivating; whether this is through our expansive brand offering or the opportunity to enjoy our programme of entertainment such as concerts, children’s workshops and cultural events. In doing so, we ensure that our more than 8 million shoppers always have an unforgettable and enjoyable visit.
In a nutshell, what changes can customers expect from the new expansion? Our £40 million expansion has created space for 25 new retail and food and beverage brands, and our guests love the greater mix of fashion, lifestyle and restaurant brands on offer. We have welcomed exciting new brands such as Kate Spade, Pandora, Thomas Sabo, Police, Mint Velvet and Dune and Leon. We have introduced new facilities and attractions too, including 300 additional parking spaces plus we will also be opening a new Changing Places facility,
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guest welcome centre and exciting children’s playground later in the year.
Will there be more on offer for children to keep them entertained while parents shop? We know that a visit to Cheshire Oaks is a day out for the whole family; therefore, we have plenty to keep parents and their little ones entertained. The centre is home to over 170 brands and has a great offering for children which includes Build a Bear, Clarks, Joules and Haribo. Also, dining is made easy with a range of family-friendly restaurants including Giraffe, Pizza Express and Comptoir Libanais; with a number of our restaurants also offering kids eat free initiatives throughout the year. On top of this, as part of the £40m expansion, we will be installing a brand-new playground set to open later this year.
Are there any other added extras customers can expect from the expansion? Building on the huge success of the Summer Social and the successful Christmas lights switch on; the Cheshire Oaks Piazza has had a full revamp, increasing in size to deliver an exceptional events programme to give our guests a reason to return again and again. www.mcarthurglen.com
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
Faces of Fashion The North West is brimming with creative talent so we profile some of the region’s top fashionistas and their work
Philip Armstrong & Tony Burke Owners of Fashion Label Philip Armstrong Philip and Tony are the creative force behind fashion label Philip Armstrong. The two met at university in Liverpool and went on to become partners in both business and in life What inspired you to get into fashion?
Tony: As a kid my Mum used to bring a copy of Vogue home, and I’d run upstairs and flick through the pages in my room and my passion just grew from that. Philip: My Mum and Grandma always wore stunning tailored clothes which ignited my interest at an early age.
Which designers do you admire? The 1920s was a fascinating era for fashion and we love the work of Charles Worth and Erte, in terms of modern fashion we admire John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.
• Designing a piece for Lady GaGa which was used for a magazine cover image • Dressing Gwen Stefani for The Voice • Creating two specialist pieces for Amanda Holden for the Britains Got Talent Live Finals • Opening our new store in Knutsford • Our biggest highlight is seeing the reaction of our clients once they see how stunning they look after we have dressed them
What does the future have in store for you? Having recently opened our store in Knutsford we will be concentrating on that and of course, our next collection. www.philiparmstrong.com
What are your top career highlights so far? 43
Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
TOP LEFT: Catalina Navy Jumpsuit £1,135
BOTTOM LEFT: Paloma Bicolour Leaf Sequin Jacket £1,395 Adrianna Chartreuse Trousers £325
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
LEFT: The Kooples Suit, £355 (RRP £620) Reiss Shirt, £53( RRP £80 Armani Tie, £39 (RRP £59) Moss Bros Shoes, £80 (RRP £100) Armani at Watch Station, £161 (RRP £249)
RIGHT:
Colette Black and Ivory Top £850 Coast Dress, (RRP £450 £159) Halluana Ivory£69 trousers Coast Fascinator, £29 (RRP £79) Kurt Geiger Shoes, £59 (RRP £89) Furla Bag, £125 (RRP £193) 51
Ruth’s RACE for
Life
Cheshire Mum calls on people to sign up for Race For Life
A
Mum-of-two, who has overcome an aggressive form of cancer, is calling on people in Cheshire to sign up to one of this year’s Cancer Research UK Race for Life events taking place across the county. Business woman Ruth Naylor, 34, of Hale, who has been successfully treated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a form of blood cancer – will be lacing up her trainers to take part in Race for Life 10k at Tatton Park on 23 June this year. She wants as many people as possible to join her and raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. This year, for the first time, the charity is inviting everyone in Cheshire – women, men and children - to join the Race for Life. Ruth knows only how important Cancer Research UK’s work is after her own cancer diagnosis in August 2017 and after losing her mother Louise, aged just 47, to liver cancer 12 years ago. Ruth was in the throes of setting up her new marketing business when she found out she had cancer in August 2017. She had initially put her exhaustion down to her busy life-style as mum to Eva, now 4, and Oscar, now 2. But after feeling exhausted for several weeks she went to the GP and further tests revealed she had a large tumour intertwined between her lung and her heart. A biopsy showed it was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Ruth said: “Hearing the words ‘it’s cancer’ was the worst shock of my life. I just couldn’t believe it was happening to me. I kept thinking of my children.
RACE FOR LIFE PARTICIPANTS WITH RUTH NAYLOR
You are faced with losing everything and your perspective of everything changes. “It was a very scary time, but I was convinced that I’d try and make some good come out of my cancer diagnosis by sharing my experience and supporting the work of Cancer Research UK. “My second phone call after telling my Dad I had cancer was to Cancer Research UK to ask how I could work with them to raise awareness of this awful disease.” Ruth began eight months of chemotherapy treatment followed by radiotherapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. She said: “Chemotherapy for me was brutal. It took me away from my home, my children and my life for months on end. I’ve had four significant scans and biopsies along the way and the anxiety related to waiting for results is pretty crippling. I lost weight due to being unable to combat the sickness side-effects from chemo. I lost my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes about six weeks into treatment so have found this very difficult to deal with. “Building my confidence to get out and about whilst going through significant physical changes has been a challenge but I’ve pushed myself every step of the way to continue living my life as best as I can.”
“This year, for the first time, the charity is inviting everyone in 62
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During her treatments Ruth set up a highly successful Instagram account documenting her treatment which now has thousands of followers and has spoken at various Cancer Research UK events as well as meeting scientists from the charity. Former corporate banker Ruth finally found out her treatment had been successful in May last year and signed up to take part in Race for Life to celebrate being cancer free. She said: “It was such a shock to hear the words that I was all clear. I never allowed myself to imagine it could happen at that point so when my consultant opened the conversation with the words “this is the best part of my job….” I quite literally couldn’t believe him. It was completely magical! “What got me through those 10 months of treatment and beyond was been being open about my disease. Talking honesty to my friends, family and, through social media, complete strangers. I posted regular updates on Instagram and wrote about my experiences, good and the pretty bad along the way and tried to put a relatable face to the disease.
participants off. She said: “Taking part in Race for Life was very emotional but also such a positive experience. I’d been to look round a Cancer Research UK-funded laboratory the week before and met some of the scientists in Manchester to hear about the work they were doing so it was even more poignant to be helping to raise funds on a field in Cheshire after that! “As you are going around the course you get to read the signs on people’s backs saying who they are taking part for. So many people take part in memory of a loved one they have lost to cancer or a friend or family member who is going through cancer treatment. There are also people, like me, who have survived cancer taking part. “It makes you realise that cancer touches so many people, but it’s also quite empowering
RACE FOR LIFE PARTICIPANTS
“The response has been mind-blowing. Knowing that I’m helping others has given me the boost to fight hard, through some really, dark days. My fight hasn’t just been about me but about the thousands of people who have been following me and I was absolutely determined to give them some good news and give hope to many, many others that this disease can be beaten.” Ruth was so determined to make a difference that she ended up completing both the 5k and the 10k Race for Life at Tatton Park. She also spoke on stage and sounded the starter hooter to set the
seeing so many people joining together to do something really positive. Together we can support important cancer research to help improve treatments for the next generations and make sure more mums, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents and children can survive cancer.” Ruth is now preparing to take part in Race for Life once again at Tatton Park in June 2019 with her friends who have supported her during her cancer treatment at Tatton Park in June. She has also been getting used to life after cancer treatment which has included regular scans to check she remains cancer free and rebuilding her fitness. Ruth is also an ambassador for Cancer Research UK and is setting up Manchester Beats Cancer a fundraising committee made up of businesses to help raise funds for vital research in the North West. She said: “Going on this rollercoaster of a cancer journey has changed my life in so many ways. I’ve met some amazing people going through cancer who have helped to support me during the last year and a half. Sadly, not all of them are still here. That’s why I’m determined to try and improve things. Cancer survival rates have increased but there is still more work to be done. By taking part in Race for Life and walking,
Cheshire – women, men and children - to join the Race for Life” 63
STRAIGHT UP
WITH A TWISTED Deep in North Yorkshire, a small company is building the ultimate version of the nation’s favourite 4x4. James Fossdyke went north to find out what’s what
T
he word ‘iconic’ is so tired and overused that it’s now almost entirely devoid of meaning. The first PlayStation is iconic. So too are the Omega Seamaster and the George Foreman grille. Next thing you know, the first-generation iPhone will have joined the party. Using the ‘i’ word to describe something as enduring and well-loved as the Land Rover Defender, then, would be to damn it with faint praise. Despite changing very little in more than 25 years of production, it became the nation’s
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workhorse and a calling card of the British farming community. If you visited the countryside, you’d find a Defender. But now the Defender is gone, consigned to the scrapheap in the sky by emissions legislation, production issues and the cruelty of market forces. Your local Land Rover dealer simply won’t sell you one. But a Yorkshireman called Charles Fawcett thinks you can buy something even better. In a nondescript industrial unit on the outskirts of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, Fawcett and his team take the unassuming Landie and evolve it, adding
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
a range of upgrades to create what he believes is the ultimate Defender. It might sound like a bold claim, but the truth is that improving the Defender shouldn’t be difficult. If truth be told, the Defender was rubbish. Of course, it was peerless off-road, but it was no use on it. The steering was woeful, the seats didn’t adjust properly and changing gear was like trying to dig out a rockery with a knitting needle. The engine was pretty lethargic, too, having been pinched from a van, and there was nowhere for your right arm. I could go on, but we’d be here all week. Weirdly, though, Twisted makes no real effort to address many of these problems. The Defender’s basic shape remains unchanged, so the cabin is still best suited to those with only one arm and the handbrake is still somewhere by your left ankle. In short, Twisteds still have all the quirks and foibles of the car that Land Rover fans fell in love with - they’re just a bit more refined. The ‘basic’ Twisted, the now-sold-out Series I, upgraded the standard car’s diesel engine to churn out a bit more power, fitted new suspension to make it ride more comfortable and added a handful of reasonably restrained visual upgrades. If you’d never heard of Twisted, you wouldn’t have guessed it wasn’t a standard Defender. But if you want to, you can do far more. If Fawcett and his team think it fits, they’ll do pretty much anything - including fitting the 520bhp, 6.2-litre V8 engine from a Chevrolet Corvette. You
The car we drove - a long-wheelbase five-door ‘110’ model with air suspension - was by far the best Defender I’ve ever driven. can have your own interior trim colours, a choice of seats and even fit super-wafty air suspension that makes the car ride more like a Range Rover. The options list, then, is incredibly complex, and Fawcett says customers spend months deliberating over which extras they want. Get it right, though, and the effects are simply staggering. The car we drove - a long-wheelbase five-door ‘110’ model with air suspension - was by far the best Defender I’ve ever driven. The external upgrades were relatively minor, but the mechanical improvements made a world of
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Travel news
WORDS: FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS
Mauritius Masterpiece
LUX* Grand Gaube on the north coast of Mauritius has been reimagined by interior designer Kelly Hoppen. The $32 million renovation project has seen the resort scaled down to offer guests a more boutique, personalised experience. It includes a brand-new spa, restaurant and bar, and beach club, while the accommodation offers residential comfort and an immediate sense of staying in your very own beach house. www.luxresorts.com
Play With Legends Summerscape
Are you still considering where to go for your summer break? How about Madeira? Named The Best European Island at the World Travel Awards for five years running, it has plenty to offer holidaymakers; and with the Savoy Palace opening in June, it’s one to pop on the must-visit list. The 352-room hotel with ocean-facing balconies has been designed by awardwinning RH+ and interior designer Nini Andrade Silva – Madeira’s most famous designer. It features a destination spa, rooftop lounge with panoramic views, terraced gardens, multiple pools – including a spectacular infinity pool and one dedicated to kids – as well as an array of stylish restaurants and bars. From €195 per night, www.madeiraroyalsavoy.com 76
Luxury tour operator, Carrier, has reopened its travel boutique in Alderley Edge, following a threemonth refurbishment. Chalk Architecture was the company behind the renovation, which includes mocha-stained floorboards and a Farrow & Ball colour palette, offset against detailed wallpapers from Cole & Son and reupholstered furniture. Clients can discuss their holiday requirements in the boutique where a team of experts who, having extensively travelled themselves, are well versed in understanding the desires, requirements and lifestyle of their discerning clientele. 31 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7JT, www.carrier.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
A Bohemian Hideaway
Launched at the beginning of this year, The Nautilus is a privately-owned island in The Maldives, and is a little bit different from other island escapes, encouraging guests to feel at home in its 26 beach and ocean houses. The philosophy of freedom is at the heart of the offering and there’s no dress code; in fact, barefoot is encouraged – even in its restaurants. There’s no set times to eat and no regimented timetables; bespoke activities are crafted to tailor each individuals, from diving on iridescent coral reefs to exploring remote sandbanks. The idea behind a break such as this is to simply be – which for many is the ultimate luxury. From US$2,466 for two sharing a Beach House with pool, on a bed and breakfast basis, www.thenautilusmaldives.com
POSTCARD FROM Positano, Italy Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy is a beautiful cliff side village with sun bleached peach, pink & terracotta houses tumbling down to the sea. Equally as photo-worthy are its steep streets and steps, full of wisteria-covered hotels, lovely restaurants and boutiques. It is rustic, untouched and delightful. Positano is a perfect couples get-away as it feels a very romantic and special place. I married here in 2015 and have since travelled back to take our little boy. - Heather
Durose Clarke, Global Media
Fun for all the Family
Villa specialist Oliver’s Travels has recently expanded its portfolio and launched in seven new destinations. Brand new for 2019, the company has expanded into Croatia, Portugal, Bali, Sardinia, Turkey, Mykonos and Florida. With properties of varying sizes, there’s something for everyone. Villa Enaena is an example and sleeps up to nine people in five bedrooms. Set in a serene spot in the Agia Sofia area on the Greek island of Mykonos, it looks out towards the coast and boasts breathtaking views of the island and the Aegean Sea. Guests can stay at Villa Enaena with Oliver’s Travels from £8,647 per week, www.oliverstravels.com
Create Your Own Safari
loves
Timbuktu, the travel tech company that empowers travellers to create their own safari, has announced the launch of their newest product; The Safari Wizard. In a bid to simplify the process of finding the ideal wildlife expedition in Africa, the company’s revolutionary new safari planning tool allows travellers to tailor their trip according to a unique set of travel preferences in a matter of minutes from a list of short and easy questions. The answers create a unique algorithm with thousands of data points including weather, wildlife, travel dates, safari experience, travel intentions and style and then creates a bespoke itinerary, which can be customised with add-ons such as beach breaks or gorilla trekking. www.timbuktutravel.com 77
WEST STOW PODS A UNI QUE EXPERIENCE
A Unique Woodland Experience
T 01284 728136 E info@weststowpods.co.uk
W www.weststowpods.co.uk
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature
Fes tival Guide 2019
With the festival season looming Craig Hough runs down the festivals that are set for 2019 in the North West, the UK and beyond
Sound City
Baltic Triangle, Liverpool 3 - 5 M AY
Liverpool is renowned for its musical heritage and kicks off the festival season in May. Sound City captures the vibrancy of the city with an impressive 3 day festival that sees established names perform alongside a constant stream of local, national and international emerging talent. After hosting the electrifying event for 11 years, and in 3 different continents, this year’s festival will, again, be returning to its roots, packing in the eclectic concoction of music into a range of venues in Liverpool’s creative hub, The Baltic Triangle. Sound City 2019 will feature its most diverse line-up yet, including Mabel, Loyle Carner, Louis Berry, The Magic Gang with many more to be announced. www.soundcity.uk.com
The Great Escape Brighton 8 - 1 1 M AY
The Great Escape is the festival for new music, and will be playing host to over 450 up and coming artists and a music-led conference across 35 walkable venues in Brighton. This year’s Great Escape conference’s key themes are Music Education, Digital Dollars and Music Marketing and will bring together top industry professionals, inspirational figures and the best creative minds. The Great Escape conference provides a platform for delegates to learn about the latest trends, developments and opportunities in the music industry. Lewis Capaldi has been announced for a Spotlight show and Australia is 2019’s lead country partner pulling in a host of new acts from the other side of the world. Other artists announced so far include Anna Calvi, Conan Gray, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Little Simz, The Amazons, Lady Bird and Black Peaks. www.greatescapefestival.com 109
Home & Garden News FINISHING TOUCHES
latest news, and trends from the world interior AD EXCESTISThe MAIOvery BERIBUSCIM VOLUMadvice ACCABOR MOD ET ACCULLUPTUS ET UTof QUAS UNTIOdesign EXCERERFERUM VELECTIOS MOLORE CORUM VOLUPTI AUT INVEL IUS APELIGNITIIS INIS NON CONEM IL IPSAM, CUPTATE MPELLOREMPOS WORDS: FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS EST UT ET RE RE, SAM LAUT QUUNTIOS MOD MAIO. ITAE QUISTOT ATEMPOR EHENDIT EIUNT
STYLE
For All Ages
B
arker and Stonehouse – the independent luxury furniture maker – has unveiled five new styles to its spring/summer 2019 collection, which have been inspired by iconic eras. The Hipster Hotel is a metropolitan look that embraces sumptuous textures and rich hues; Hidden Treasure features rustic woods, intricate metalwork and distressed detailing; Graphic Form captures the essence of mid-century style; Outland Dwelling gives a nod to far-flung corners of the world, while Urban Jungle fuses industrial chic with jungle-inspired design. www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
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Homes and Interiors
BRINGING BACK THE 70s Building on the trend for pared-back interiors, Swoon has introduced contemporary timber and rattan designs to its offering. From layered tones of walnut and teak, to expert parquetry and the revival of rattan, the design team has turned this simple raw material into unique pieces. Standout furniture includes the Weaving Sideboard with distinctive slatted front doors made from a light mango wood. Retro in feel, it highlights the natural beauty of the wooden grain with a graphic, linear look. From £149, www.swooneditions.com
loves
Rainbow Refrigerators
Smeg, the luxury Italian appliances brand, has unveiled a series of new colours to its award-winning Fab28 fridge in three striking new finishes: Ruby Red, Emerald Green and Taupe. The new shades join its range of 10 colourways, allowing you to create a kitchen aesthetic to reflect your personality, whether it’s to add a simple but effective pop of colour to a neutral space or an extra design element to a contemporary set-up. £1,849, www.smeguk.com
Taking a Leaf Out of the Book Houseplants are more popular than ever before – especially those who are setting up their homes for the first time and discovering that they add energy, style, and that essential little bit of green. Whether it’s a statement-making fiddle-leaf fig or a tiny table top succulent, a houseplant instantly elevates the look and feel of your home. But where to begin? Decorating with Plants by Baylor Chapman is out this month and showcases 28 of the best and easiest-to-care-for houseplants, and shows readers through 225 photographs how to decorate with plants in every room of the house. £18.99, www.artisanbooks.com
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