On a rainy grey evening, the talent troupe that is Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox put on a colourful and spectacular display at the genteel Pavillion theatre in Bournemouth.
The good people of the seaside town came out in their droves resplendent in vintage and retro style clothing. There’s always been a strong vintage scene in Bournemouth, but when Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox are in town, it becomes even more apparent.
Despite the main man himself not being part of the UK tour (the USA tour is also running concurrently) there was a real sense of anticipation which saw some new faces to the UK tour including the supremely talented Effie Passero who is an exceptional vocalist who sings with the utmost emotion.
It was a very welcome return for the exquisitely dapper and charismatic LaVance Colley who as well as absolutely slaying every vocal stepped into Scott’s shoes as band compere.
Postmodern Jukebox are just like a musical box of chocolates, there is a song/styling and vocalist for everyone, but the beauty of it all is that they are all magnificent.
There are no weak links in either their recorded material or their live performances. The cast for the UK’s of Life In The Past Lane’s tour was chock-full of exciting vocalists, talented instrumentalists, and a superb tap dancer.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to listen to Postmodern Jukebox (or PMJ as they are fondly known) then you should definitely do so. In a nutshell, they recreate/twist up both historic and contemporary hits in jazz, swing and doo-wop styles.
From magnificent vocal harmonising on a powerful rendition of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Burn’ by the PMJ ladies where tremendous trio really brought the fire to LaVance’s thrill-a-minute cover of ‘Forget You’ by CeeLo Green, the audience were entranced by the musical masterclass from the PMJ crew.
He also delivered a wondrous version of ‘Halo’ by Beyonce too.Another highlight was ‘Lovefool’, ‘Seven Nation Army’ which was one of the most sultry and emphatic version sung by the fantastic Tia Simone.
A cutesy Andrew Sisters’ styled version of the Spice Girls seminal track ‘Wannabe’ was another standout. This was an uplifting and glitzy rendition of an iconic song.
There was a sonic shift with the aforementioned Effie Passero and a heartfelt, goosebump-inducing rendition of Jeff Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’ which actually rendered me to tears.
This was THE performance of the night and Effie Passero had the audience spellbound. You could literally hear a pin drop – it was an unforgettable performance.
For a fun-filled and joyous night of live music, you can’t fail to be entertained or indeed enchanted by the stellar line up that is Postmodern Jukebox.
If you are looking for a masterclass in performance that is both euphoric and mesmerising, the PMJ crew delivers in spades and does so impeccably and of course – always in style!
Here are some things you can do, most of them quite inexpensive, to get the very best from your guitar.
Change the strings:
Over time, guitar strings can become worn and lose their brightness. Changing your strings regularly can help improve the sound of your guitar.
If you are very short of money, you can boil your strings in water which will get rid of some of the muck that collects from your hands, especially on the wound bass strings. It is quite surprising how much this brightens up a tired old set of strings.
If you’re replacing your strings, don’t be tempted, especially on an electric guitar, to buy the very lightest super-duper extra skinny strings.
The action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard.
If the action is too high the guitar becomes almost impossible to play and the strings slice up your fingers, too low and the strings foul the frets causing buzzing and dead spots i.e. where a note won’t ring out) when you’re playing.
Check the neck alignment:
Check this out by pressing down the bass E string on the first fret and on the fret nearest to the bridge and you should see that the neck of the guitar mimics the straight line of the string.
If it is excessively bowed, then before you look at the string height checkout the Truss rod adjustment which will bring the neck bend back into true. trust word adjustment it’s really outside of the scope of this article, but majority of guitars have means to adjust the neck profile using an Allen wrench which tightens or loosens the metal trust rod that runs through the length of the neck. Here is a video that explain this better.
Adjust the string length:
String length is also key as this will affect the intonation of the guitar. If the intonation is out then as you play notes up the fret board, for example, you will not get an exact octave at the 12th fret, and the guitar will sound progressively out of tune the further up the neck you play.
Guitar bridges have adjustments using other small screw or in some cases a wheel to adjust string height either on a string-by-string braces or to generically raise and lower the bridge from either end.
Clean your guitar:
Overtime dirt can build up on the frets which should be cleaned off to enable a good contact between strings and the fret board. This helps make note ring out strong and loud.
Be careful with using any domestic cleaning products.
There are specialised products for cleaning guitar frets and fret boards which are great and not too expensive. It makes a huge difference to how the neck of the guitar feels and, I think improves speed at which you can navigate the neck.
Tune your guitar:
Now we can get to tuning!
Make sure your guitar is properly tuned. Use an electronic tuner or a tuning app to help you get the correct pitch.
Excessively worn strings do not stay in tune readily. It is very easy to blame the guitar for not staying in tune when it’s purely worn-out strings to blame.
Also, the way the strings are threaded through the machine heads must be correct in order that they do not slip and again cause tuning problems.
Your technique:
it might sound obvious but listen to how you sound!
Do you inadvertently deaden notes and not let them ring out? Should you be experimenting with playing with a pick if you use your fingers or vice versa and experiment with different pick weights and materials.
Of course, practising is important getting strong fingers that press the strings hard against the fret board for a nice clean sound is important and a bit of a struggle sometimes, but this is what sets the good and the great apart.
Use pedals:
Depending upon your influences and what you want to sound like, then guitar effects pedals can help enormously.
They can:
Create ambiance.
Make the guitar sound like it’s being played through a really loud amplifier.
Make a guitar send like there are several guitars being played at once – typically chorus and echo type of effects.
These are just a couple of examples of what pedals might do to help improve guitar sound.
There are, of course multitude of pedals on the market which do all sorts of things from basic effects as outlined above to more outlandish and experimental effects.
So, in conclusion, most people don’t need to spend a fortune to get their guitar sounding that little bit better and playing a little bit easier and faster.
When it comes to festivals, it’s all about the music, closely followed by the outfits and the best way to document this is on social media and in particular, it’s all about getting it on the ‘gram!
But, when push comes to shove, which of the many UK music festivals are garnering the most instagram stories and posts? Think you could hazard a guess?
The experts at Boohoo have taken one for the team and taken a deep dive into Instagram stats and analysed the number of Instagram hashtags for the most popular UK festivals to see which ones are the most favourable on social media.
Hurtling straight into number one is…. (and you can insert your own dramatic drumroll in right here!) Creamfields!
This dance music extravaganza is the UK’s most Instagrammable festival, with over 487,750 hashtags on Instagram, but is closely followed by Glastonbury which has received 181,410 Instagram posts in total using a Glastonbury hashtag.
Boardmasters is the third most Instagrammable UK festival and has accrued a total of 117,948 hashtags which is pretty impressive stuff.
Other music festivals that also proved to be oh so popular include Wireless Festival who had received 99,789 mentions, the Isle of Wight festival who have 59,651 hashtags used in posts, BST Hyde Park which has an impressive 59,389 posts, Wilderness Festival which has 45,865 posts, and Dorset-based family friendly festival Camp Bestival which has accrued 45,865 posts.
“UK festivalgoers have made quite an impact on Instagram over the years, sharing their festival snaps and videos from some of the most anticipated and famous UK festivals during the summer.
Alongside sharing photos of the artists that may have headlined, there has been a rise in interest in sharing ‘festival fashion’ snaps, with influencers and celebrities showing fans their thoughtfully pieced-together outfits in the hopes of gaining likes and attraction towards their pages.”
We can’t wait to start planning our festival outfits for a fun summer filled with music!
A live show by the dance music stalwart Fatboy Slim is always a mesmerising, dynamic and joyous affair and his gig at the sold-out Bournemouth International Centre in Dorset was no exception.
If you have ever been fortunate to go and see Fatboy Slim live, you will know that the set is not just a unique and fulfilling sonic experience, but a striking visual spectacle too.
The staging was incredibly atmospheric from start to finish. Norman (AKA Fatboy Slim) came on stage to a remix of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen with the crowd’s anticipation reaching heady levels of fever pitch after two fantastic sets by the support acts Syreeta and Sasha Gigi which added a real sense of anticipation to proceedings.
If the burning question of the day was ‘what do the faces of Rita Ora, David Bowie, Gary Lineker, Iggy Pop and a rotating procession of other famous faces have in common?’
Then the answer surely has to be that they appear as part of the visceral visual display at this mind-blowing gig on a rainy Saturday night in Bournemouth.
This parade of famous faces sat alongside alongside powerful messages such as ‘I just came for the music’. Throw in some acid house smiley faces, striking lasers and dancing boys with disco balls on their heads, and the seaside town of Bournemouth was certainly ready to party!
As well as a stunning showcase of some of Fatboy Slim’s most loved hits including ‘Right Here, Right Now’, ‘The Rockafeller Skank’, ‘Eat Sleep Rave Repeat’, ‘Renegade Master’ and a euphoric reworked version of his seminal 1999 track ‘Praise You’ with vocals from the sublime Rita Ora.
The new version entitled ‘Praising You’ features new verses which effortlessly sits alongside the original track’s famous anthemic chorus.
Norman’s energetic set included remixes of uplifting tracks from the Bee Gees, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Cornershop, Underworld and a rogue rendition of Los Del Rio’s ‘Macarena’, with the superstar DJ was relentless in his pursuit of delivering banger after banger and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
Fatboy Slim’s euphoric gig in Bournemouth was an unmissable, immersive and electrifying experience which not only showcased his impressive back catalogue but also his charismatic stage presence and outstanding showmanship.
Introducing you to the Aria Hotel in Budapest, Hungary
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxurious, boutique hotel on a picturesque street next to the majestic Saint Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest‘s city centre.
Not only is it one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the Hungarian capital, but it’s also one of the most interesting in terms of its unique concept.
This luxury five star boutique hotel is housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century former bank in an elegant street just a hop and a skip away from the main shopping and dining areas.
Designer Zoltan Varro’s vision for the hotel was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence whilst complimenting the musical theme of the hotel.
The theme of music is front and centre throughout the Aria hotel. Not only are each of the dedicated four wings in the neoclassical building dedicated to a different musical genre which encompasses jazz, classical, opera and contemporary, each of the individual suites and rooms are named after individual artists and composers.
Illustrious age-old composers sit alongside esteemed contemporary songwriters like Bob Dylan and James Brown.
The theme of music is carried out throughout the public areas of the hotel. A black-and-white keyboard floor unfolds from the hotel lobby entrance through to the expansive and resplendent atrium where you will find a grand Bogányi piano that sits under the opulent atrium with an extravagant glass roof.
It is here every day, hotel guests and visitors can enjoy live music from a range of local artists. On our day of arrival, we saw a fantastic duo of Hajdu Klára and Milan Szakonyi who performed a standout and emotive set of reimagined covers.
Guests are also invited to partake in free wine and cheese whilst enjoying the musical performances which take place between 4-6pm which is a lovely touch.
The hotel also has a highly-knowledgeable music concierge/director too who is on hand with any musical questions you may have about the hotel or musical hot spots in Budapest. The attention to detail is carried out through the entire hotel staff who offer exquisite service.
With each of the hotels having four dedicated wings, we were excited to find out which one we were staying in and were thrilled with being allocated a room in the ‘classical’ tower.
Spacious, vibrant and playful adorned in hues of cream and blue, the decor is contemporary and elegant with neo-baroque furniture and Murano glass chandeliers. There’s also some thoughtful music touches which includes books and artwork pertaining to the genre in question.
Almost all rooms come with a balcony and have automatic window shutters which makes for a great night sleep. The bed is capacious and the room also has a handy area for working, a sofa and coffee table and ample storage space.
The marble bathrooms have a bath and a huge walk-in shower where you can indulge in the Molton Brown products which includes face wash as well as your standard toiletries. You can even choose to have music piped in from the main bedroom/living area into the bathroom.
One of the huge selling points of this stunning hotel is the subterranean award-winning Harmony spa which is a beautiful space that includes a fantastic swimming pool complete with four poster cabanas and loungers.
There’s also a spa pool/jacuzzi, steam room and sauna which are all much-needed after a busy day’s sightseeing. You can take your pick from all manners of spa treatments and return to your room relaxed and revitalised.
From the bottom to the top, and in this case – one of the hotel highlights is the spectacular High Note Skybar which affords the most stunning views from the roof terrace over the Basilica which is one of the best rooftop bars in the city.
Whilst we didn’t eat dinner in the hotel, we did partake in the breakfast which was held in the courtyard atrium – the Music Garden. All dietary requirements are catered for and you can enjoy either a cooked breakfast, cheeses and charcuterie, fresh fruit, pastries and more.
Those wanting to indulge further can also partake in a cheeky glass of prosecco if they so desire!
Without doubt, the Aria hotel is one of the best hotels in Budapest. Not only does it have a fantastic location, it’s also super-stylish with great amenities and is an ideal choice for any music lover!
The Aria hotel which is part of the Library Hotel Collection offers rooms starting from €408 per night, based on two adults sharing and including breakfast. For information and bookings visit: https://ariahotelbudapest.com/
Worshipping at the altar of Father John Misty is always a rewarding experience, and this return gig in Germany proved to be no different.
Having seen the US folk rocker play with just a piano for accompaniment last year in Brighton, this gig in Berlin proved to be yet another spectacular performance from the former Fleet Foxes drummer.
With a stellar collection of beguiling tracks from some of his most-lived albums to include Pure Comedy, Chloë and the Next 20th Century and God’s Favorite Customer, this was a bewitching and spectacular display from the US rocker who with his stellar band breathed new life into tracks, particularly those from Pure Comedy.
The enigmatic crooner kicked off proceedings with ‘We Could Be Strangers’ from ‘Chloë and the Next 20th Century’, followed by the brilliant ‘Mr Tillman’ and fan-favourite ‘Just Dumb Enough To Try’ from ‘God’s Favorite Customer to ‘Chloe’ throwback ‘Funny Girl, the crowd were captivated by the set which was hypnotic and absorbing in equal measure.
Largely the set was constructed of tracks from ‘Chloe’ which is a sublime and compelling collection of short story third person character sketches with a particular focus on heartbreak and broken people.
Father John Misty AKA Josh Tillman is a charismatic, humorous and compelling performer clad in a black blazer effortlessly engages the audience with satirical and sardonic anecdotes about deceased pets asking the audience about their animal losses.
This was slightly more humerous than perhaps the subject matter might suggest and also revealed a plethora of deceased pets in the Berlin music venue.
Tillman commanded the stage with his candidly confessional quips and lyrics and the audience were treated to a masterclass in exceptional songwriting and melodicism. ‘I Love You, Honeybear’ was a triumph as was ‘Everyman Needs a Companion’., this was a first-class and hypnotic performance from the enigmatic musical shapeshifter that is Father John Misty.
Festival : “An event ordinarily celebrated by a community and centring on some characteristic aspect of that community and its religion or cultures.”
Twenty years ago, I went to my first music festival and was so blown away by what I saw I didn’t just vow to remain an avid festival goer for the rest of my life, I went one step further and decided that I would make a career of it. And that’s what I did. I forged a fifteen-year career in creative festival production and one question I seem to get asked time and time again is “what made you get into that job”. My answer is always the same – I want to be part of the creation of something that people talk about for the rest of their lives, to create memories of experiences that last a lifetime.
Music festivals don’t always get the best rap, especially the newer additions to the roster. Assumed by many that they are just an excuse for people to get f**ked up, listen to loud music and generally do things society doesn’t approve of. A place reserved for hippies and anarchists, unless you go to Latitude or Wilderness and then you’re just a bit posh and uninspired (these are things I have heard, rather than my first-hand opinion, FYI). These assumptions are symptomatic of the fact that we have lost sight of why festivals came to be and what they should stand for – and that is celebration and congregation.
In a world before sponsors and bottom lines these gatherings were just that, a gathering for people to come together in community and celebrate life and all it has to offer through music and song and feasting and love and respect for each other. A melting pot of everything that makes us human.
I once had a discussion with my therapist where I asked “is there something wrong with my relationship when my partner and I have our best nights in a field, listening to music and getting high?” His response? “Yes, if you listen to society’s rules, or perhaps if this was a daily occurrence but the fact that this happens a couple of times a year, where you two end up celebrating love with music and good people and heightening that experience in a way that has been done since the age of time, it actually sounds near perfect to me”. I should state my therapist is a very liberal kind of guy, but having this perspective made me realise how conditioned I had become to thinking there must be something wrong in doing the very thing that humankind has been doing for centuries.
Given my chosen career path I have been to A LOT of festivals, varying sizes, types of music, geographic locations but of course it comes back to one, the mecca, Glastonbury and so after five long years (thanks to fallow years and pandemics) I made the pilgrimage back to Worthy Farm with the intention to really drill in to what it is that makes this place so special and if we can get back to what that’s all about.
I struggle to imagine anyone who hasn’t heard of Glastonbury, but appreciate there may be a fair few who haven’t experienced it – to summarise within this wordcount what it is like is ambitious. But I’ll try my best.
A temporary city that for one-week hosts artists from every walk of life and from all over the world. A place where people come together to share elation and wonder at installations and curations. A cross section of societal subdivisions converging for the same reason, an act that in our ever-polarising society seems to be coming less and less common. And for me, that is the magic of Glastonbury, especially after the last few years. For five days you are held (and I mean held in a comforting, supportive sense, not an against your will sense) in a space where you can shut off the news, you can shut off the outside world, you can be whatever you want to be, do whatever you want to do and share it with people who are there for the same reason.
I approached my Glastonbury experience slightly differently this year, knowing this article was to come out of it, to gain an understanding of what it was that forged this sense of community with everyone there. I remained sober (for at least a day) so I could be sure that what I was witnessing was accurate and not a drug-induced state of blissful loving. Standing at the Truth stage, flanked by billboards and posters stating things such as “You can silence people but their hearts will always be free” and “hate has no home here” watching folk singer Beans on Toast it all became clear. Glastonbury is a celebration of love and a place of hope.
In between songs of political states of affairs and current climates, Jay McAllister stopped to address the crowd “the thing about Glastonbury is it is a beautiful place, a hopeful place, a friendly place, a brilliant place”. He wasn’t wrong. With Greta Thunberg giving a speech on the iconic Pyramid stage, Greenpeace having a huge on-site presence, activists informing and educating at every turn, plant doctors and spiritualists demonstrating alternative healing methods and people from every walk of life uniting, Glastonbury is so much more than a music festival, it is a place where people can believe in a better world, they can get a snapshot of what life could be like if we were all to come together and in this togetherness an energy is shared. A huge collective emotion wanting change and a better world and a better life for future generations, if that isn’t a celebration of life, I don’t know what is.
How to do Glastonbury (the right way)
I totally appreciate that general camping at Glastonbury (or any festival) is not for the faint hearted. Even for a seasoned festival goer like myself, trekking wheelbarrows of stuff through hilly fields, queuing for hours for toilets that could cause another pandemic and playing the game of temperature regulation in a tent that either becomes a sweat box in the sun or an ice box in a cool breeze with no in-between is not fun so this year I took one for the team and after some extensive research as to the best boutique camping provider at Glastonbury, I landed on the wonderful Hotel Ziggu and I am here to tell you my research paid off.
As we crossed the border into Somerset I waited for my Google maps to turn red and another day be added on to our journey as we joined the throngs of cars but to my surprise, it never came. Using some very accurate directions we seemed to bypass the quarter of a million people and slipped around the back into our paradise without so much as going into first gear. This was a GREAT start.
Into the private car park and met instantly by a golf buggy to lug our kit to our tent with not so much as an eye of judgement at my numerous outfit choices and full-length mirror.
On arrival at our bell tent we were greeted by two ice cold champagne cocktails for us to sip as we did the obligatory mattress check on our REAL double bed – I can confirm the mattress was deliciously comfortable and any worries of not sleeping were instantly removed.
After a long drive we decided to hole up at the campsite so we could hit the festival fresh in the morning and dine at the onsite restaurant before whiling the night away with more cocktails in a chill out area complete with hammocks and sofas.
The next day, with slightly more sore heads than intended (those pesky cocktails were just too damn good) we made the most of the breakfast spread and a Bloody Mary in the wood-fired hot tub, which I can now confirm is the absolute only way to start the day. Once refuelled and refreshed we hopped on the shuttle bus to the festival that took a mere five minutes and were ready to go.
I didn’t think Glastonbury could get much better but the team at Hotel Ziggu and the offering they provide really does take this from a ten to an eleven and I could not recommend them enough. I will most certainly be back next year. And every year after that.
Need to know
A bell tent for two people starts at £3,000 for the festival period
The other players – I get it, Glastonbury isn’t for everyone. I will silently judge you but I get it – the crowds, the price, the commitment, it is a lot. If you want to ease yourself into the world of festivals gently or are looking for something smaller but a similar vibe below are my recommendations.
Green Man
Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, this family-friendly independent festival is a very close second to Glasto in my ‘top festivals of all time’ poll. It is fantastic for music (big acts and upcoming) comedy and talks as well as the most beautiful art installations you have ever seen. I would go as far as to say it is the most polite and friendly festival I have been to and perfect for those wanting the full experience without a crowded, oversubscribed vibe.
Where to stay
Hotel Bell Tent are the OGs when it comes to boutique camping and their offering at Green Man is quite honestly stunning. Set on the banks of the River Usk – you are a less than a five minute walk from the main festival but distanced enough away that it is blissfully peaceful.
The camp includes a pamper tent, phone charging station, high end toilets and showers.
I stumbled up on this festival by accident and whilst the music offering may not be for everyone (Country, Blues and Americana) it is great for people looking for a smaller show where the kids can run around without fear of getting lost (it’s that small) whilst the adults can just have a jolly good time kicking around in cowboy boots. I dragged my partner, who has been to more shows than I and categorically hates Country, and he is still claiming it is one of the best he’s been to. Where else can you eat Brisket, drink whiskey, throw axes and watch wannabe cowboys?
Where to stay
General camping
Ok I know this goes against everything I have written BUT Red Rooster is one of the few shows where the general campsite is actually nicer than a lot of the boutique camp sites I have been in. Because of the small numbers there is oodles of space, it is flat, you can drive your car very close to your tent and you are a stone’s throw from the arena. What’s not to love?
The vibrant city of Dublin has always been synonymous with music and the arts and there’s no doubt that its rich musical heritage is a real point of pride for the people that live there.
The city’s love of music is also evident throughout the city, from walking down the infamous Grafton Street where you can find local singers performing to visiting Windmill Recording Studios where the likes of U2, Hozier, Kate Bush, the Rolling Stones, Kylie Minogue and The Script have all recorded their music.
Whilst there’s certainly more to this fair city than just its musical heritage, we think it’s a pretty good place to start. So, if you are looking to walk in the shoes of legends like U2, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy and more, then you’d better pack up your guitar and follow our Music Editor Emma Harrison’s guide to the music lovers guide to Dublin.
The city is a fantastic destination for music lovers at any time of the year, but especially New Year. For the first time since Covid, the annual New Year’s Festival returned with a bang at the North Wall Quay.
There were three acts that performed to the sold-out crowd which included singer-songwriter Lyra who dazzled the audience with not just her powerful voice, but her spectacular outfit which included some seriously stylish silver boots. Gavin James was next to perform with his guitar who performed an uplifting and passionate set which showcased his stunning vocals exquisitely.
Dublin’s New Year’s festival was headlined by no other than one of the most famous boy bands in the world – Westlife. Despite one member Mark Feehily not performing due to battling pneumonia, the remaining three members Shane, Kian and Nicky magnificently displayed how the show must go on with an energetic and sensational set.
As well as performing some of their most-loved hits which includes tracks like ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘World of Our Own’, ‘Swear it Again’, as well as their covers of ‘Uptown Girl’ and ‘What About Now’.
Fans were also treated to a fun and effervescent ABBA megamix which included snippets of the Swedish supergroups most iconic hits such as ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’, ‘Mamma Mia’, and of course the track that got everyone moving ‘Dancing Queen’.
Dublin’s always been a great place to visit at New Year and the New Year’s festival was no exception and was a fantastic way to bring in 2023.
If you can’t visit at New Year and are a huge music fan, here’s our pick of Dublin haunts that no music lover can’t fail to miss.
The Phil Lynott Statue
For those who love to rock, Thin Lizzy will always be on your playlist. Dublin was the home of the charismatic and flamboyant frontman – Phil Lynott. His bronze statue is a life-long tribute to his musical legacy and can be found on Harry Street outside his favourite pub – Bruxelles, which remains a firm favourite with rock music fans.
Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum
Talking of Thin Lizzy, the Irish band are a huge focus of the Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum which can be found only steps away from the renowned Temple Bar area. Here you’ll find a large Thin Lizzy exhibit which includes Phil Lynott’s bass guitar and some of the tee shirts he used to wear.
This iconic attraction is a must-visit for music lovers. The tour includes a look around recording spaces, studios and performance areas where some of Ireland’s best music artists have rehearsed and recorded.
Music fans will love seeing standout sights such as the largest sound desk in the country, platinum discs and music memorabilia from world-renowned artists like The Edge (U2) Michael Jackson and Phil Lynott.
See some live music
Were you even in Dublin if you didn’t catch some live music? Whether it’s seeing the aforementioned buskers and street performers, one way to fully immerse yourself into the music scene of Dublin is to see them perform in one of Dublin’s many pubs. From Johnnie Fox’s pub in the mountains to the bars and pubs in the city itself.
From The Cobblestone to the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn, you won’t be short of locations to see fantastic live music. U2 fans simply must pay a visit to the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge which was one of the locations for many U2 photoshoots back in the day.
Have a drink at the Clarence Hotel
The U2 connection continues! Even if you are not staying at this upscale hotel in Temple Bar that is owned by The Edge and Bono, it’s certainly worthy of a visit to enjoy a cheeky tipple. Head on down to the Octagon bar, an intimate and plush venue that also offers dinner and afternoon tea, so there’s really something for everyone.
Channel your inner rockstar at the Windmill Lane Studios
An absolute must for music lovers is a guided tour around the iconic Windmill Lane Studios where you can learn about the creation and production of albums and songs by some of the world’s most successful recording artists.
The original studio buildings opened in 1978 in Windmill Lane but were demolished in 2016, and this was put up in its place. There’s a juxtaposition between the old and the new, where platinum discs adorn the walls from the musical masterpieces that were recorded over the last 40 years and fans can also see the studio space where the bands of today including The Script who were recording there at the time we visited.
The guided tour effortlessly fuses technology, audio-visual media and intuitive storytelling from our informative guide to allow visitors to explore the studios, discover their history and see how a recording session works where you can even have a go at trying out the mixing desk.
Other highlights of Dublin to add to your hit list
For the history lovers
Ireland has a rich history and there are many standout attractions to visit that showcase the country and especially Dublin’s storied past. Take a step back in time to the Jeannie Johnston Famine Ship Museum where 2,500 took a gruelling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston during the Irish famine.
It serves as a compelling and visual reminder of the arduous journey that those fleeing Ireland took. You can get a real insight into life on board a famine ship and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage which was located a short walk away from where we were staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre.
Another historical highlight is the EPIC museum which tells the story of not only Irish immigration, but the momentous impact that the Irish have had all over the world. The exhibition is fully immersive, high tech and visual and tells hundreds of different stories in a thought-provoking and informative way.
For fans of the arts
From literature to the arts, the Irish have always made their mark. If culture is a priority when visiting a new city, then make sure that you add both the Museum of Literature Island (MOLI) to your list and the National Gallery of Ireland too. At both you can explore the rich literary and artistic heritage, either by perusing the exhibitions independently or by taking a guided tour.
Book lovers will adore seeing fantastic exhibits from literature stalwarts from the old to the modern day which includes the acclaimed Seamus Heaney, James Joyce and more.
Definitely carve out a few hours to see the impressive display at the National Gallery which includes an extensive collection of artists from 1300 to the present day.
This year will see new exhibitions focusing on Irish artists like Lavinia Fontana and Sarah Purcer amongst others.
For foodies
It goes without saying that Dublin is synonymous with Guinness and whilst it’s a bit of a trek to get to, no visit to the Irish capital is complete without taking a tour around the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn about the history and culture of the black stuff.
There’s even ample chances to try some different variants and enjoy a drink in the Gravity Bar which has far-reaching panoramic views of the city.If a ‘wee dram’ is more your ‘cup of tea’, then you can enjoy a similar experience at the super cool Old Jameson Distillery where you will be taken through the history of the drink as well as trying a few different flavours – it would be rude not to!
For eating out, Dublin offers something for everyone from gluten-free pizza to inventive fine dining.
Culinary highlights include the Harbour Master restaurant, the brilliant Elephant & Castle where you can chow down on the most delicious chicken wings and for traditional Irish cuisine Gallagher’s Boxty restaurant in Temple Bar which was one of my personal favourites along with the Woollen Mills which had a great menu and excellent service.
Whether you are thinking of a last minute break for Valentine’s Day, a sojourn over to the Irish capital to celebrate St Patrick’s Day or just want to explore the Emerald Isle for an enjoyable city break, you can fly from most UK airports via Ryan Air and be in the heart of the city within 25 minutes.
Huge thanks to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland and our helpful and informative guide Katie Murray-Haydon for such a wonderful trip.
The Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall has always attracted incredible musicians and bands who want to pledge their support to the fantastic charity – the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The series of concerts that take place in London at the Royal Albert Hall has been a mainstay in the live music calendar effortlessly combining both an amazing night of entertainment with raising money for a fantastic cause.`
Historically, there’s been turns from Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, The Vaccines, and more as well as performances from acclaimed comedians too.
For two decades, the iconic concert series has featured the best in music and comedy, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust and driven by Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron and The Who icon, Roger Daltrey.
This year, music lovers can expect to see incredible sets from the likes of Kasabian, Wet Leg, The Courteeners, and rave dynamos Underworld amongst others.
Roger Daltrey CBE, Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron, comments:
“The generosity of the people who work in the music and comedy industries never ceases to amaze me. In this, our 21st year, after two years of artists having no shows at all, at a time where the only certain paydays are from live performances, artists are willing to give up their earnings from a London show.”
“It shows us that miracles are everywhere, but if you cough or sneeze you’d miss them! I’m happy to announce the Royal Albert Hall week for Teenage Cancer Trust!”
Centrally-located and super stylish, the Gallery Hotel Art is Florence’s first design hotel and boy does it pack a punch!
Part of the esteemed Lungarno Collection, the Gallery Hotel Art is nestled away on a quiet quaint little piazzetta with oodles of historic charm, just off the north bank of the Arno, and is only a hop, skip and jump away from the renowned Ponte Vecchio.
If stylish abodes are pivotal when it comes to your hotel, then the Gallery Hotel Art is absolute design goals. It’s an ideal place for art lovers as the hotel doubles as a contemporary art space.
The decor is the brainchild of interior designer Michele Bönan who has effortlessly fused Asian elegance with a minimalist yet contemporary Tuscan aesthetic.
Think neutral easy colours, modern lines, materials in a luxuriant fabric like leather, cashmere and linen in a neutral palette (many of which have been hand-crafted in Florence itself) and an abundance of art in the shared areas.
There are ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary photographers (both Italian and beyond) and this 4 star design and boutique hotel is a favourite meeting place in the heart of Florence amongst fashion, art, and stylish people.
It’s a truly relaxing but inspiring environment, each of the 74 rooms are decorated in cream, tranquil hues that offer a peaceful and calming haven.
Think crisp white bed linen, buttersoft cashmere throws, gingham curtains, polished wood floors, pale walls with black and white prints of beloved Florence architecture adorning the walls.
The minimalist vibe can also be found in the contemporary bathrooms which are composed of soft honey-coloured travertine marble with a sunken bath and are equipped with robes, slippers and luxury toiletries.
Our room was high up with an enclosed balcony and we were afforded incredible far-reaching views of the city and awe-inspiring buildings like the Palazzo Vecchio.
One of the best places to retreat to is the calming library where you can submerge in one of the squishy deep sofas with a coffee and read one of the arty tomes.
There’s also a lively bar and the Fusion Bar & Restaurant which offers some of the best Japanese cuisine (and indeed some pretty amazing cocktails) you will find in the country.
Of course, what’s one of the key considerations when booking a hotel? The obligatory hotel breakfast of course and at the Gallery Hotel Art, it’s a good one! Primarily it’s a continental affair, but you can upgrade to a cooked breakfast.
All diets are catered for and the hotel serves some pretty amazing fresh juices and coffee as well as some delectable pastries.
Whilst the hotel doesn’t have an abundance of facilities, guests can take advantage of the facilities on offer at its sister hotel including the luxury spa at The Continentale which is located near by.
Best of all, the hotel is totally pet-friendly so if you are travelling with your four-legged favourite furry friend, you don’t have to worry. They can stay for just €50 for the entirety of their stay where they can enjoy their own comfy bed, bowl and treats.
Sleek, sophisticated and serene, we can’t help thinking that the Gallery Hotel Art is an exceptional hotel with a centralissima location and a discreetly luxurious atmosphere that we adore.
