Latest news with #HomegrownFestival
Metro
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The UK's most 'walkable' city is a vibrant coastal spot just an hour from London
Whether you don't like flying or Europe's sweeping anti-tourism measures have put you off, there are plenty of reasons to holiday closer to home. For one, Britain is bursting with quality staycations, from off-the-beaten-path gems, to destination dupes to vibrant cities. You don't need a car to explore the country either; simply don your trainers and head to the UK's most walkable city. This prestigious title goes to Brighton, the beloved seaside spot on the East Sussex coast, renowned for its creative heart and diverse culture. Earlier this month, it placed third in the world and first in the UK in Time Out's survey of 18,500 people, searching for the world's most walkable cities. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. As a former Brighton resident myself, I can confirm this to be true. Despite being incredibly hilly in places (damn you, Elm Grove), the city's 82.88 km² size means that everything is within walking distance. From shops to pubs to restaurants, and of course, the beach, nothing is too far away. Brighton's music and arts scene is legendary. Over the years, the city has been home to plenty of famous faces from Pink Floyd's David Gilmour to Fat Boy Slim. As for its musical history, Brighton has seen many memorable moments, perhaps most famously Abba's 1974 Eurovision win. Today, the focus on grassroots music is more obvious than ever. Venues like Green Door Store and The Rossi Bar champion emerging artists and nurture homegrown talent, putting on affordable events every night of the week. Bands like Lambrini Girls and Lime Garden are recent successful products of the city; both constantly praise their hometown for its commitment to the local music community. 234 Fest and Homegrown Festival are non-negotiable grassroots events in Brighton's musical calendar, while the annual Great Escape showcases local artists and those from further afield. A four-day saver ticket for the latter is £108. If you're looking for a cheap way to spend your day, Brighton Beach is a classic landmark. During the long summer days, residents and holidaymakers grab their crochet blankets, speakers, and set up camp on the pebbly stretch of coastline. The Brighton Palace Pier is close in proximity if you fancy a sugary doughnut or a few games in the arcade. Brighton Beach can get incredibly overcrowded in the summer months. For a more relaxing beach day, walk further down the coast towards Hove. Here, you're guaranteed more space to spread your belongings, and it's often a little quieter. There's still a vibe, though, as Rockwater Hove, the loungey beachfront destination, is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail. Brighton Pride is arguably the main event of the year. Taking place on the first weekend in August, it's been firmly established as the UK's most popular Pride Festival. The city is widely considered to be the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain, thanks to its vibrant queer culture. The parade through the city centre is an electric celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, while the event as a whole is a time for remembrance and advocacy. This year, major artists like Mariah Carey, Sugababes and Confidence Man will take to the stage in Preston Park. Weekend tickets start from £103. Inn on the Square – A city centre pub with heaps of outdoor seating. The bar staff are fun and friendly, and put on regular gigs. Their Greek-inspired kitchen does some of the best side dishes ever. The famous meatballs, at £9.50, are a standout. The Exchange – A 'hidden gem' pub nestled in the heart of Hove, head here to check out incredible artwork created by the general manager, and try delicious local beers. Hope & Ruin – Described as a 'music-led watering hole,' the reclaimed, neon interior is just as impressive as the events they put on. Fancy a bit of history? The Royal Pavilion Garden allows you to 'bask in regency splendour', inside and out. The palace is literally fit for a king – the Pavilion was constructed as the seaside pleasure palace of King George IV. Complete with Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture, plus a preserved interior dating back 150 years, entry is £17.00. And finally, when in Brighton, be sure to check out the North Laines. An iconic landmark within the city, the area is home to a slew of independent boutiques, vintage shops and antique stores. Whether you grab a bite to eat from one of the vegetarian cafes (Iydea is a personal favourite), or sip on a cold pint in one of the many pubs (the White Rabbit opposite can provide your after-dinner beverage), it's the ideal spot to soak up the bohemian vibe synonymous with Brighton. The Lanes (also referred to as the South Lanes) offer narrow, labyrinth-like walkways and are nestled between the North Laines and the seafront. Head here to find homeware shops and high-end brands, plus other popular pubs like The Black Lion and East Street Tap, which sits on the edges of The Lanes. From London, Brighton is super easy to reach. A train from London Victoria or Blackfriars takes just over an hour, and one-way tickets start at £23. Like we said earlier, as sustainable travel continues to rise in popularity, many people are searching for destinations where they'll make a positive environmental impact. Walkable cities receive fewer cars; when needed, people take public transport. This helps to improve air quality. More Trending Additionally, studies have shown that people who live in walkable cities are healthier and happier. It's just as easy to get your 10,000 steps in a day as it is to make friends and forge a community with your neighbours. This article was first published on April 23, 2025. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: TUI launches new flights to 'laid-back' beach city just in time for summer MORE: The buzzy European city crowned the world's most walkable — with £4 beers MORE: 'Don't tell everyone': Your favourite lesser-known European cities that aren't Paris or Berlin
Metro
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
UK's most 'walkable' city is a creative seaside hub one hour from London
As many European hotspots continue to battle overtourism — from Venice doubling its controversial tourist tax to Barcelona announcing a new tourist zone — there's never been a better time to plan holidays closer to home. Thankfully, the UK is bursting with quality staycations, whether it's off-the-beaten-path gems, destination dupes, or vibrant cities. And now, your spring and summer weekend plans are sorted, as the UK's most walkable city has recently been revealed. The title goes to Brighton, the beloved seaside city on the East Sussex coast, renowned for its creative heart and diverse culture. But let's backtrack a bit. Earlier this month, Time Out launched a survey searching for the world's most walkable cities. After asking over 18,500 people to rate how easy their city is to get around on foot, Brighton was crowned the third overall, and number one in the UK. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. As a former Brighton resident, I can confirm this to be true. Despite being incredibly hilly in places (damn you, Elm Grove), the city's 82.88 km² size means that everything is within walking distance. From shops to pubs to restaurants, and of course, the beach, nothing is too far away. Brighton's music and arts scene is legendary. Over the years, the city has been home to plenty of famous faces from Pink Floyd's David Gilmour to Fat Boy Slim. As for its musical history, Brighton has seen many memorable moments, perhaps most famously Abba's 1974 Eurovision win. Today, the focus on grassroots music is more obvious than ever. Venues like Green Door Store and The Rossi Bar champion emerging artists and nurture homegrown talent, putting on affordable events every night of the week. Bands like Lambrini Girls and Lime Garden are recent successful products of the city; both constantly praise their hometown for its commitment to the local music community. 234 Fest and Homegrown Festival are non-negotiable grassroots events in Brighton's musical calendar, while the annual Great Escape showcases local artists and those from further afield. A four-day saver ticket for the latter is £108. If you're looking for a cheap way to spend your day, Brighton Beach is a classic landmark. During the long summer days, residents and holidaymakers grab their crochet blankets, speakers, and set up camp on the pebbly stretch of coastline. The Brighton Palace Pier is close in proximity if you fancy a sugary doughnut or a few games in the arcade. Brighton Beach can get incredibly overcrowded in the summer months. For a more relaxing beach day, walk further down the coast towards Hove. Here, you're guaranteed more space to spread your belongings, and it's often a little quieter. There's still a vibe, though, as Rockwater Hove, the loungey beachfront destination, is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail. Brighton Pride is arguably the main event of the year. Taking place on the first weekend in August, it's been firmly established as the UK's most popular Pride Festival. The city is widely considered to be the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain, thanks to its vibrant queer culture. The parade through the city centre is an electric celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, while the event as a whole is a time for remembrance and advocacy. This year, major artists like Mariah Carey, Sugababes and Confidence Man will take to the stage in Preston Park. Weekend tickets start from £103. Inn on the Square – A city centre pub with heaps of outdoor seating. The bar staff are fun and friendly, and put on regular gigs. Their Greek-inspired kitchen does some of the best side dishes ever. The famous meatballs, at £9.50, are a standout. The Exchange – A 'hidden gem' pub nestled in the heart of Hove, head here to check out incredible artwork created by the general manager, and try delicious local beers. Hope & Ruin – Described as a 'music-led watering hole,' the reclaimed, neon interior is just as impressive as the events they put on. Fancy a bit of history? The Royal Pavilion Garden allows you to 'bask in regency splendour', inside and out. The palace is literally fit for a king – the Pavilion was constructed as the seaside pleasure palace of King George IV. Complete with Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture, plus a preserved interior dating back 150 years, entry is £17.00. And finally, when in Brighton, be sure to check out the North Laines. An iconic landmark within the city, the area is home to a slew of independent boutiques, vintage shops and antique stores. More Trending Whether you grab a bite to eat from one of the vegetarian cafes (Iydea is a personal favourite), or sip on a cold pint in one of the many pubs (the White Rabbit opposite can provide your after-dinner beverage), it's the ideal spot to soak up the bohemian vibe synonymous with Brighton. The Lanes (also referred to as the South Lanes) offer narrow, labyrinth-like walkways and are nestled between the North Laines and the seafront. Head here to find homeware shops and high-end brands, plus other popular pubs like The Black Lion and East Street Tap, which sits on the edges of The Lanes. From London, Brighton is super easy to reach. A train from London Victoria or Blackfriars takes just over an hour, and one-way tickets start at £23. Like we said earlier, as sustainable travel continues to rise in popularity, many people are searching for destinations where they'll make a positive environmental impact. Walkable cities receive fewer cars; when needed, people take public transport. This helps to improve air quality. Additionally, studies have shown that people who live in walkable cities are healthier and happier. It's just as easy to get your 10,000 steps in a day as it is to make friends and forge a community with your neighbours. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Blackpool is a 'kiss me quick' dump, but I'll defend it to the end MORE: Jet2 is launching a UK flight to 'paradise on earth' next summer MORE: Bukayo Saka injury fear and PSG plans will not stop Arsenal delaying Liverpool's Premier League title party
Arab News
01-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Jeddah's Homegrown Festival highlights diverse local talent
Jeddah: The Homegrown Festival, recently held at Hayy Jameel, celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Homegrown Market, a platform supporting creative talent in Jeddah. The three-day event highlighted Arab creativity and culture, featuring emerging brands in fashion, jewelry and beauty. In addition to the marketplace, the festival included wellness and fitness activities by Lululemon, live DJ performances by MDLBEAST Radio, and a selection of local food and beverages. Tamara Abu Khadra, CEO and founder of Homegrown Market, told Arab News: 'We wanted to create an event that showcases local talent and brings the community together.' Homegrown Market has supported Middle Eastern talent for more than a decade, growing from 15 brands to more than 250 across three branches and an online presence. Abu Khadra said: 'Homegrown is a space for creatives, from fashion designers to beauty brands. Our goal is to help those who started on platforms like Instagram connect with a broader audience.' The festival also reflected Homegrown's growing inclusivity, with Abu Khadra adding: 'We have always supported women, but now we are expanding into menswear and male designers.' The event attracted a diverse crowd, offering a range of abayas, dresses, artworks and gifts, providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with new customers. It also featured activities like a fitness session focused on health. Abeer Sinder, founder of SNDR Hair Care, said: 'I want kids to love their natural hair. The Homegrown Market has always been one of my favorite concepts, and I am excited to be part of it.' She added: 'My advice to entrepreneurs is to stay focused on your goals — you can achieve anything. I started with nothing, and now we have a thriving team. If I can do it, so can you.' Traveling from Jordan to attend the festival, Basma Abdul Hadi, creative director and co-founder of Basma Collection, said: 'We use recycled materials that are hand-woven on wooden looms. It is our first time in Jeddah, and we are excited to be here. This festival provides a great platform, and we look forward to connecting with new customers.' Saudi designer Nasiba Hafiz said: 'With this collection, I wanted to create versatile pieces suitable for Ramadan and beyond. We pride ourselves on being a sustainable brand, and I enjoy designing items that can be worn more than once. 'Our pieces are made to be worn year-round and mixed and matched to create various outfits. The Homegrown Festival is vibrant and full of new brands. The most important thing is to support each other and local businesses. It is wonderful to see everyone come together.' Joana Hakki, a Saudi-Syrian designer, shared her connection to both her heritage and the festival: 'My designs are influenced by both Jeddah and Syria. For example, I use saya fabric, typical of Syria, and shemagh fabric, a traditional Saudi material. I blend both heritages to create contemporary designs. I also work with high-end fabrics like brocade, finishing my pieces with feathers and embroidery. 'These kaftans are not just for everyday wear, but perfect for weddings and ceremonies. They are timeless pieces, built to last for generations. I carefully select fabrics of the highest quality, ensuring they are pieces you will cherish forever.' Anoud Mirdan, founder of Bare and Buff, a body care brand, shared the story behind her venture: 'We are based in Riyadh, and it is a mom-and-daughter duo — my mom and I. We both have a passion for fragrances and body care. We wanted to create an affordable, accessible product that's perfect for everyday use. Our scents are powdery and versatile, so they can be layered with anything. We are part of the Homegrown Festival because we love the vibe here and feel our brand connects well with this audience.' Sakina Rehman, founder of Serene Art, known for her hand-painted floral and Islamic art, shared her creative passion: 'I have always loved art, especially combining flowers and calligraphy. I work with watercolors and acrylics to create unique frames and Qur'ans, with laminated designs and matching bookmarks. Since it is Ramadan, people are looking for special gifts, and I specialize in creating customized, meaningful items tailored to individual preferences. It is a beautiful way to blend art with spirituality, and I am happy to bring this to the festival.' The festival highlighted the rich variety of local craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere of support for the community and showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kingdom. Ahmed Khaberi, founder of Khaberi Leather Goods, spoke about the craftsmanship behind his products: 'All of our items are handmade by me using saddle stitching, a technique that can't be replicated by machines, ensuring durability. We import the finest leathers from Italy, France and the US, using full-grain leather, the highest quality available. It doesn't peel because it's not coated with paint. 'We also use vegetable-tanned leather, which takes up to six months to process, ensuring excellent quality for years to come. This is our first bazaar participation, and we are a young brand, having started just four months ago. We are excited to be here and introduce our products to the market.'
