Latest news with #OliviaWarburton
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Artist begins transforming town centre buildings into musical murals
IT WAS after several conversations with members of some of Stourbridge's iconic musical exports that one artist birthed a creative idea to put the town back at the forefront of the country's artistic scene. Cal, a Stourbridge-based artist who has been active for over two decades, has begun a project painting murals of the logos of several bands born out of the town on buildings for all to see. The first completed work, an ode to rockers Pop Will Eat Itself, now adorns the side of the Direct2Print building on Foster Street, with the second mural of alt-rock band, The Wonder Stuff, almost ready to be unveiled just off the ring road on the side of The Bridge House. 'The Poppies' painting can be enjoyed by more than just Stourbridge locals, with an image of the mural already hanging in the prestigious V&A museum in London. An image of the Poppies mural is hanging in the V&A in London (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) Cal said it is important the town celebrates its rich musical heritage and it was about time Stourbridge 'made some noise' about itself. He said: 'We're known all over the UK for our music – I went to Tenby not that long ago and spoke to a woman who instantly knew Stourbridge for its bands. 'We're bigger than we think we are, and I don't want Stourbridge to be just another clone town with no identity. 'We should be celebrating our music and the arts and trying to promote creativity more.' Five bands will be featured in Cal's project: Pop Will Eat Itself, The Wonder Stuff, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Diamond Head and, hopefully, an ode to a certain local, Robert Plant. The artist, who goes only by his first name, said the next mural on his to-do list is for Ned's Atomic Dustbin, with the band encouraging him to 'go big or go home' with the design. Cal, who is doing the work voluntarily, thanked the local businesses who have made his project possible, and the people of Stourbridge for their warm reception to his work. He said: 'Without Archava Scaffolding, I would not have been able to get up the buildings, and none of this would be possible. The Wonder Stuff mural is almost complete (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) 'Also the businesses, so far Dirct2Print and Bridge House, who have been up for me using their walls, and Brierley Printers and the John Porter Community Fund, who have been a massive help. 'It's been a community effort, and so far, everyone has been brilliant about the work. 'Of course, it's thanks to the bands as well – these guys are still selling out tours and bringing out new music and deserve to be celebrated.' Timed rather perfectly, the Poppies mural in particular coincides with the band's 40th anniversary and marks the release of their new single, 'Bruiser', which was released yesterday (May 27).
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Summer gets off to a delicious start at Waterfront street food festival
IF you asked me to describe my perfect summer evening, it would involve some sort of combination of good food, a good pint and good company – and Digbeth Dining Club's first instalment of its 2025 summer tour ticked all of those boxes. The sun was shining as I wandered down to the Waterfront, delighted to have dusted off my sunglasses in April, excited to see what the array of vendors had to offer at the Waterfront Dining Club. As my plus ones were fashionably late, I was able to enjoy a pint overlooking the glistening canal, fully taking in the summery vibes. I tried a Strawberry beer courtesy of Bayleys of Bromsgrove and was pleasantly surprised – the fruity notes made for a unique taste that I would definitely get again. I tried a delicious strawberry beer (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) After enjoying my drink, the music and all-round buzzing atmosphere, it was time to move on to the main event – the food! I will admit, some food vendors had longer wait times than others, however, the Waterfront was packed (which in itself was a nice sight), with every dish made to order, so it was without doubt worth the wait. We first tucked into some masala fries from Mrs Patel's, which packed the perfect amount of punch. They were a firm favourite, along with the Louisiana Po Boy sub from Street Chef that was doused in the most delicious hot source. Another standout dish curtesy of Street Chef were the vegetable gyozas that were packed with flavour and were unexpectedly complemented by the fiery American-style hot sauce. The food was all 10/10 (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) However, perhaps my party's most talked-about dish of the evening was the firecracker honey fried chicken from Chatty Patty – simply a 10/10. I only wish I had the time (and stomach) to try more of the vendors – there was everything from Mexican food and Asian cuisine to gyros and loaded fries. Overall, the Waterfront Dining Club made for a deliciously wonderful evening, that was made all the more better thanks to the glorious sunshine. I am already looking forward to the next event! Olivia was invited down to try the Waterfront Dining Club and was kindly gifted her food and drinks free of charge.
