Latest news with #Saxon
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
A small Serbian town is home to Robin Hood – in a new TV series
SIMANOVCI, Serbia (AP) — Villages and castles from 12th-century England came to life in a small town in Serbia for the filming of a new series about Robin Hood that has just wrapped in the landlocked country in southeast Europe. The 10-episode take on England's beloved medieval outlaw who, in lore, stole from the rich to give to the poor, comes from Lionsgate Television, and is expected to premiere on MGM+ in the U.S. and parts of Europe later this year. The Associated Press recently visited the set in Simanovci, the village which is home to a film studio and not far from the capital of Belgrade. Thorough research for the series was visible in the scenography and costumes, taking the cast — and the studio — back in time to the stony interiors of a candlelit castle, complete with stained-glass lancet windows. The 'sweeping, romantic adventure' offers a historically grounded look into how Robin Hood grew up to become an outlaw-turned-hero in the wake of the Norman conquest of England, the producers say. 'We actually show the beginning of Robin Hood,' producer, director and writer Jonathan English, who was a main driving force behind the project, said in an interview. 'We start the story with him as a child.' Self-described as a 'huge fan of all things medieval,' English marveled at Robin Hood's persistent global appeal. 'You can stop a pensioner on the streets of Belgrade and he knows who Robin Hood is. You can stop a teenager on the streets of Beijing, and they know who Robin Hood is,' he said. Asked whether the story is still relevant, following countless cinematic and small-screen adaptations, English insisted that 'it is incredibly relevant, probably more today than … 50 years ago or 100 years ago, even.' 'It's a story about class and the absolute tyranny of class, people who believe that they can have everything and control everything and can own everything and everybody else could just, you know, get lost,' he said. 'There's always been wealthy people, but now you have uber-rich people. And the divide between the uber-rich and the rest of the world is extraordinary now.' The show's plot centers strongly on the romance between Robin and Marian. He is a Saxon forester's son and Marian is the daughter of a Norman lord but they overcome the divide to jointly fight for freedom and against injustice. Australian actor Jack Patten plays Robin, joined by Lauren McQueen as Marian. The two appear alongside Sean Bean as the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham, and Connie Nielsen, who plays Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen of England and wife of Henry II. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Patten admitted he was nervous ahead of his 'third gig since getting out of drama school.' His Robin is 'any young 24-year-old … trying to find his place in the world' and who 'gets dealt some pretty tricky cards.' McQueen said Marian's character will be 'quite empowering' for young women watching the series. Filmed in multiple locations in Serbia and with hundreds of staff and crew, the series is 'huge' even by Hollywood standards, showrunner and writer John Glenn said. He described the new show as 'much more Peaky Blinders in tone' than previous incarnations, referring to the hit U.K. TV series about gangsters in 1920s Birmingham. Both Glenn and English said they chose Serbia because of high-standard facilities and crews but also because of the natural scenery that could mimic a medieval English landscape. 'It's hard to find ancient forests now in England,' English said. 'There's not a lot of undeveloped wilderness.'
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Robyn Lynch returns to Brown Thomas for collection launch
Irish designer Robyn Lynch has just launched her latest collection exclusively at Brown Thomas, marking a return to the Dublin high-end department store where she last showcased work before the pandemic. The launch is accompanied by a new in-store installation that 'extends her raw, process-led approach to design and presentation'. This season, Lynch 'revisits and reimagines foundational pieces through her distinctly Irish lens' with garments 'build on familiar forms, but reworked through Lynch's process-driven approach'. The palette moves between muted blacks and browns, punctuated by pops of Dublin blue and vivid flashes of red, colours that 'reflect both her city's subcultural codes and her signature approach to tone and contrast'. A central motif in the collection comes from a graphic adaptation of an 18th-century Saxon alphabet, discovered in a manuscript from the Abbey of Saint-Ouen in Rouen. Lynch says the intricate, serpentine letterforms were originally used in ecclesiastical texts and appear reinterpreted throughout the collection and 'they nod to Ireland's calligraphic heritage and explore the crossover between language, symbolism, and textile'. The collection also builds on visual research first developed in collaboration with fashion laboratory Synflux in 2020. Using scans of vintage GAA jerseys, 'archival graphics have been digitally manipulated, layered, and recontextualised' and it's a process that 'continues a broader conversation within Lynch's work around transformation, national identity, and cyclical design'. The in-store installation also continues Lynch's use of scaffolding-like structures, a 'visual language' she has developed over multiple seasons. This open framework 'reflects her belief in embracing the unfinished' where garments are 'suspended mid-air, as if caught between stages'. 'This set-up offers a glimpse into the mechanics behind the collection and invites the viewer into the space between construction and completion', we're also told. The collection is also available at Brown Thomas Cork and online at the department store's and the designer's webstores.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Robyn Lynch returns to Brown Thomas for collection launch
Irish designer Robyn Lynch has just launched her latest collection exclusively at Brown Thomas, marking a return to the Dublin high-end department store where she last showcased work before the pandemic. The launch is accompanied by a new in-store installation that 'extends her raw, process-led approach to design and presentation'. This season, Lynch 'revisits and reimagines foundational pieces through her distinctly Irish lens' with garments 'build on familiar forms, but reworked through Lynch's process-driven approach'. The palette moves between muted blacks and browns, punctuated by pops of Dublin blue and vivid flashes of red, colours that 'reflect both her city's subcultural codes and her signature approach to tone and contrast'. A central motif in the collection comes from a graphic adaptation of an 18th-century Saxon alphabet, discovered in a manuscript from the Abbey of Saint-Ouen in Rouen. Lynch says the intricate, serpentine letterforms were originally used in ecclesiastical texts and appear reinterpreted throughout the collection and 'they nod to Ireland's calligraphic heritage and explore the crossover between language, symbolism, and textile'. The collection also builds on visual research first developed in collaboration with fashion laboratory Synflux in 2020. Using scans of vintage GAA jerseys, 'archival graphics have been digitally manipulated, layered, and recontextualised' and it's a process that 'continues a broader conversation within Lynch's work around transformation, national identity, and cyclical design'. The in-store installation also continues Lynch's use of scaffolding-like structures, a 'visual language' she has developed over multiple seasons. This open framework 'reflects her belief in embracing the unfinished' where garments are 'suspended mid-air, as if caught between stages'. 'This set-up offers a glimpse into the mechanics behind the collection and invites the viewer into the space between construction and completion', we're also told. The collection is also available at Brown Thomas Cork and online at the department store's and the designer's webstores.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Robyn Lynch returns to Brown Thomas for collection launch
Irish designer Robyn Lynch has just launched her latest collection exclusively at Brown Thomas, marking a return to the Dublin high-end department store where she last showcased work before the pandemic. The launch is accompanied by a new in-store installation that 'extends her raw, process-led approach to design and presentation'. This season, Lynch 'revisits and reimagines foundational pieces through her distinctly Irish lens' with garments 'build on familiar forms, but reworked through Lynch's process-driven approach'. The palette moves between muted blacks and browns, punctuated by pops of Dublin blue and vivid flashes of red, colours that 'reflect both her city's subcultural codes and her signature approach to tone and contrast'. A central motif in the collection comes from a graphic adaptation of an 18th-century Saxon alphabet, discovered in a manuscript from the Abbey of Saint-Ouen in Rouen. Lynch says the intricate, serpentine letterforms were originally used in ecclesiastical texts and appear reinterpreted throughout the collection and 'they nod to Ireland's calligraphic heritage and explore the crossover between language, symbolism, and textile'. The collection also builds on visual research first developed in collaboration with fashion laboratory Synflux in 2020. Using scans of vintage GAA jerseys, 'archival graphics have been digitally manipulated, layered, and recontextualised' and it's a process that 'continues a broader conversation within Lynch's work around transformation, national identity, and cyclical design'. The in-store installation also continues Lynch's use of scaffolding-like structures, a 'visual language' she has developed over multiple seasons. This open framework 'reflects her belief in embracing the unfinished' where garments are 'suspended mid-air, as if caught between stages'. 'This set-up offers a glimpse into the mechanics behind the collection and invites the viewer into the space between construction and completion', we're also told. The collection is also available at Brown Thomas Cork and online at the department store's and the designer's webstores.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Bloodstock: When did the metal festival first start and who are the big names who've played?
Still undecided whether to head to Bloodstock Open Air this year? Perhaps a history lesson about the festival might aid your decision. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Bloodstock 2025 is only a few short weeks away - the second metal and rock festival taking place in Derbyshire this year. But for those unfamiliar with the festival, what are its roots, and does it predate Download Festival? Here's a brief history of the metal festival - from when it became Bloodstock Open Air through to some of the headline acts throughout the years. Start your festival packing once again, metal fans - it's no more than two weeks until Bloodstock Open Air takes place at Catton Hall in Derbyshire! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Bloodstock isn't just about the current line-up; it boasts a fascinating journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the UK's premier independent metal gatherings. So before you (stage) dive into this year's action, let's explore the rich history that makes Bloodstock truly special - and maybe convince those sitting on the fence to come on over. When did Bloodstock first begin? A brief history of Bloodstock Festival, ahead of 2025's event taking place from August 7 2025 in Catton Park, Derbyshire. | Getty Images Bloodstock Open Air, often just called Bloodstock, officially began in 2001. However, it's important to note its evolution. Between 2001 and 2004, it started as an indoor festival known as "Bloodstock UK Metalfest" held at the Derby Assembly Rooms. The very first event in 2001 was a one-day affair. But from 2005 onwards, the festival transitioned to an outdoor event, moving to its current home at Catton Hall in Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire. This is when it became "Bloodstock Open Air" and really began to grow into the large-scale festival it is today. So, while the "Open Air" format started in 2005, the Bloodstock name and concept date back to 2001. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Why did Bloodstock begin? Bloodstock was founded by Paul Raymond Gregory and his family (later joined by his daughters Vicky Hungerford and Rachael Greenfield, and son Adam Gregory as directors). Paul Gregory is an acclaimed fantasy artist, known for his album artwork for heavy metal bands, including Saxon's 1984 album Crusader. The festival originated from a passion for heavy metal music and a desire to create an event that truly catered to the metal community. It was conceived by fans, for fans. The initial indoor events were a way to bring this vision to life, and as demand grew, it naturally transitioned to the outdoor format to accommodate more attendees and bands. It aimed to provide an immersive and authentic experience for metal fans, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the community. Is Bloodstock older than the Download Festival? Yes, Bloodstock is indeed older than the Download Festival, having started as an indoor event in 2001 before moving to its current outdoor home at Catton Hall in 2005, whereas Download Festival officially began in 2003. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, it's important to note that Download is the direct successor to the legendary Monsters of Rock festivals, which were held annually at Donington Park (Download's current location) from 1980 to 1996. This means while Bloodstock as a distinct festival brand predates Download by two years, Donington Park has a much deeper, longer-standing history as the UK's premier site for major rock and metal gatherings. What big names have performed at Bloodstock previously? If they're one of your favourite metal acts, chances are they've performed at Bloodstock previously. While we could spend all day listing every line-up, let's focus on those bands who have headlined the festival during its outdoor iteration – starting in 2005. A history of Bloodstock headliners - 2005 - 2025 2005: HammerFall, Within Temptation 2006: Stratovarius, Edguy 2007: Lacuna Coil, In Flames, Testament 2008: Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Iced Earth 2009: Arch Enemy, Blind Guardian, Saxon 2010: Opeth, Twisted Sister, Children of Bodom 2011: W.A.S.P., Immortal, Motörhead 2012: Iced Earth, Machine Head, Alice Cooper 2013: Slayer, Lamb of God, King Diamond 2014: Emperor, Down, Megadeth 2015: Trivium, Within Temptation, Rob Zombie 2016: Slayer, Mastodon, Anthrax 2017: Amon Amarth, Ghost, Megadeth 2018: Judas Priest, Gojira, Nightwish 2019: Sabaton, Parkway Drive, Scorpions 2021: (Rescheduled after 2020 cancellation) Devin Townsend, Kreator, Judas Priest 2022: Behemoth, Mercyful Fate, Bloodbath (originally planned for 2020/2021) 2023: Killswitch Engage, Meshuggah, Megadeth 2024: Architects, Amon Amarth, Opeth 2025: Gojira, Trivium, Machine Head What differences are there between Bloodstock and Download - if any? While both Bloodstock and Download Festival are premier UK events for rock and metal fans, they offer distinctly different experiences rooted in their scale and philosophy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Download, typically hosting around 80,000 attendees at the vast Donington Park, caters to a broader rock and metal audience, often including more mainstream acts, and its sheer size can lead to longer walks and a more spread-out atmosphere. In contrast, Bloodstock, with a more intimate capacity of 20,000–25,000 at Catton Park, maintains a strong focus on pure heavy metal subgenres, fostering a close-knit, community-driven "Bloodstock family" vibe. Its smaller, more compact site means shorter distances between stages and amenities, often leading to quicker access to bars, food, and even allowing attendees to bring their own alcohol into the arena, contributing to a more relaxed and less corporate feel than its larger counterpart. Are there tickets left to attend Bloodstock 2025? If your interest has been piqued, there are still tickets left to attend Bloodstock 2025 when it arrives in August. Visit the official Bloodstock website for tickets, accommodation options and those all-important car parking passes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Have you been to Bloodstock and Download Festival and have a preference, or do you think they both offer something different for fans of metal and alternative music? Let us know your experiences at BOA by leaving a comment down below.
