Latest news with #artsandculture
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Henley Literary Festival announces partnership with The Independent for third year running
Henley Literary Festival is partnering with The Independent for the third year running, to create one of the most spectacular events in the arts and culture calendar this autumn. Some of the nation's biggest authors and national treasures will feature at the nine-day-long festival, with guest speakers including Fawlty Towers star John Cleese, Sir Michael Palin, celebrity baker Dame Mary Berry, broadcaster Graham Norton and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse. The festival runs more than 120 events at venues across Henley-on-Thames from 3 to 12 October, with already announced speakers such as acclaimed children's author Michael Morpurgo, chef Raymond Blanc, Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley and poet Simon Armitage. The partnership will feature exclusive news and interviews running in The Independent, alongside special programming at the festival itself, with a series of on-stage discussions between The Independent's journalists and Jeremy Hunt, Simon Armitage, Judy Murray and Michael Heseltine. Hunt will be in conversation with The Independent's Consultant Editor Simon Walters, while Armitage will speak with The Independent Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig, both on 9 October. Judy Murray will talk with The Independent's TV Editor Ellie Harrison on 12 October. Events for children will include Paddington star Hugh Bonneville, poet Donna Ashworth, Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper and award-winning author-illustrator Emily Gravett. Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page will discuss her autobiography Lush!, while her sitcom co-star Larry Lamb will join Carol Drinkwater, the actor turned author of All Creatures Great and Small. For those interested in the thriller genre, the festival will feature an evening hosted by crime fiction aficionado and Olympic icon Dame Katherine Grainger, as well as Death in Paradise and Marlow Murder Club creator Robert Thorogood, who will speak to broadcaster Jeremy Vine about his first crime novel Murder on Line One. As for sport, highlights will include England men's most-capped rugby player Ben Youngs with his much-anticipated memoir and Test Match Special favourite Phil Tufnell, who will deliver an overview of the Ashes. Henley Literary Festival director Harriet Reed said: 'From the menopause, farming and the impact of Empire to much-loved sitcoms, record-breaking sports stars and wonderful children's authors and illustrators we are so excited to share our most eclectic line-up and yet – with some lovely surprises to come when the full programme arrives next month!' Greig said: 'Henley Literary Festival is a fantastic event and it's our great pleasure to partner with it for the third year running. We look forward to bringing fascinating conversation to Independent readers and festival attendees.' Tickets for the festival, which is suitable for both adults and children, can be booked here.
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Star-studded line-up of performers for Durban July Ballito Experience 2025
The department of sport, arts and culture (DSAC) together with Enterprise iLembe are setting the stage for one of the most exciting cultural and tourism events in KwaZulu-Natal's iLembe district. Durban July Ballito Experience 2025 will kick off on July 4 at Umhlali Country Club with the Presidential Golf Day and business networking. This will be followed by a networking marquee at the Durban July in Greyville on Saturday July 5 and an invitation-only concert on July 6 featuring artists such as Nomfundo Moh, Msizi Shembe, Tbose, Ismail Abrahams, DJ Young, and DJ Muntu. Nkosenhle Mngadi, chair of Enterprise iLembe KZN, emphasised the strategic importance of extending the economic and cultural benefits of the renowned Durban July to the iLembe district through this event. 'This is more than a celebration — it is an investment programme, an economic networking platform, a branding opportunity for our district and a movement to unlock inclusive participation for creatives, transport operators, tourism businesses and SMMEs,' said Mngadi. 'Let this be the beginning of a powerful movement — one that brings pride, prosperity and sustainable opportunity to the people of iLembe.'
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Riverside Theatre: Pressure grows on Ulster University over closure
Ulster University is coming under increasing pressure over its decision to close the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine, County Londonderry. The university, which owns and operates the theatre, has said it will close the building at the end of July due to financial pressures. University officials will meet councillors on Tuesday to look at options. In a statement, Ulster University said it "remains open to working with local partners and stakeholders to explore new ways to support arts and culture in the region, even as we navigate these constrained times". Steven Millar, from the Save Riverside campaign, told BBC News NI: "This isn't just a local theatre story, this is a warning to every community in Northern Ireland."He added: "If Ulster University can shut down our only theatre, despite community protest and widespread support, what's to stop them or other institutions from closing more public spaces anywhere?"Mr Millar said the university has not given the community enough time to make proposals for other ways the theatre could be funded, such as a charitable trust or community asset transfer."This isn't just about Coleraine," he said."It's about every town and every family that values public spaces, local arts, and the right to be heard." Actor James Nesbitt was Ulster University's chancellor for more than a decade."It's so disappointing that the university of which I was chancellor for 10 years finds itself in the position that it feels it necessary to close this iconic arts venue which was the launch pad of my career," he said."However, I'm also disappointed in the long-term reduction in investment in the arts by the Arts Council, the NI Executive and the local authority in performing arts in the north west."I think the agencies involved need to get together to invest in the future of the arts in this community. It will be sorely missed." Can Ulster University afford to keep the theatre running? By Robbie Meredith, BBC News NI Education & Arts CorrespondentUlster University's most recent accounts for 2023/24 do not paint a picture of a university facing significant financial the documents themselves say the university's financial results are "positive".However, like other universities, UU is facing challenges due to government funding falling below inflation and what the university says is a "significant downturn" in international student in Northern Ireland recently made a failed bid for tuition fees to rise, arguing they had not kept pace with to its accounts, UU received basic funding of about £84m from Stormont in 2023/24 and about £131m in student fees of various kinds as well as other self-generated three big campuses to run and staff though, the university also has significant the costs of running the Riverside Theatre, although not insignificant, are a very small part of the university's overall budget. The Department for the Economy has said that during the 2024/25 academic year, Ulster University received £88m of core grant funding for teaching and research from the department, along with funding of £7.6m for other specific research programmes. In addition, the department provided the university £13.8m in funding during financial year 2024-25 to support capital projects. 'Oldest professional theatre outside of Belfast' A spokesperson for the Department said the minister "recognises the cultural and historical significance of the Riverside Theatre as the oldest professional theatre outside of Belfast". But they added the decision to close it was taken by the university, adding that support for the arts does not come under the department's remit. "The minister and officials remain open to discussing any issues affecting the institution and its campuses," they said. In a statement, Ulster University said unprecedented financial challenges means it has to focus resources on "core academic activities"."Having supported and delivered this civic asset for 50 years, the building itself has now come to the end of its life and requires significant capital investment to remain in use."The university estimates this to be £745,000 in the immediate term, and is in addition to the annual running costs of £495, added they "appreciate that this news will come as a disappointment to many" and they remain open to exploring "new ways to support arts and culture in the region". A spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said taking on the extensive repair bill and ongoing running costs of the theatre would impact on the council's ability to invest in other projects such as play parks or health and wellbeing facilities."Council currently operates two vibrant arts and culture centres at a significant cost of almost £900k p.a. to the local ratepayer; one of these facilities is just two miles from the Riverside Theatre (Flowerfield Arts Centre)."A council spokesperson added that a community delegation will be offered the chance to present to the council at the end of June.
Trade Arabia
05-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Somerset House announce landmark collaboration for summer 2026
Globally acclaimed arts destination Somerset House and event brand Moving Venue have joined forces to offer a never-before-seen event experience in one of London's most prestigious cultural venues in summer next year. For a limited season, London's iconic courtyard, The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, will be transformed with elegant, purpose-built structures to create a breathtaking architectural canvas for corporate events, brand activations and summer parties. With exquisite catering, expert production, and creative freedom at its heart, the collaboration is a rare opportunity to host unforgettable events in one of the city's most prestigious cultural venues. It offers scalable flexibility across open-air and covered spaces accommodating up to 2,500 guests (including seated dining for up to 500 and standing receptions for 2,500). Luci Sorrell, Head of Sales, Commercial Events at Somerset House, said: "We're bringing a bold new vision to one of London's most recognisable spaces and we're excited to be working with Moving Venue to deliver this. The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court has been reimagined like never before, offering a rare opportunity to host outdoor events with the assurance of refined cover, premium production and an unforgettable setting." "Additionally as a registered charity, Somerset House is proud to offer businesses the opportunity to support our mission of facilitating and increasing access to arts and culture for all, inviting hosts to align their summer events with creativity, culture and meaningful social impact," stated Sorrell. The styling complements the Grade-I listed architecture with understated luxury: olive tree planters, sculptural furniture, and refined bar installations, while remaining highly adaptable to empower brands to layer their own vision, bespoke decoration and curated entertainment. The reimagined outdoor setting makes it easy for event planners to deliver seamless and memorable events.
CBS News
26-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Colorado partners plan about $34 million worth of contributions to Boulder Sundance Film Festival
As the Sundance Film Festival prepares to move to Colorado, the City of Boulder and other local partners are planning to provide around $34 million worth of contributions to the festival. Visit Boulder pledged to provide in-kind destination and marketing support valued at around $250,000. They also plan to provide $400,000 in cash each year to help the festival get established in its new location. These contributions include many other services. The City of Boulder said it will include incentives and in-kind donations that could cover rebates for reimbursements and direct services. Some services offered include traffic planning, parking coordination and public safety. The city's contributions have an estimated value of $2.1 million. Visit Boulder said the festival will bring a significant economic impact to the city. In 2024, the Sundance Film Festival generated $132 million in economic activity. "The Sundance Film Festival represents a unique opportunity to enhance the community's commitment to arts and culture with an organization that shares Boulder's core values of equity, sustainability, resilience and inclusion. It is also an investment in Boulder's local economy and vibrancy. Even without the festival, arts and culture events are key economic drivers in Boulder, with substantial and positive impact on our local vitality," said Karleen Lewis with Visit Boulder. The contributions to the festival will be spread over a 10-year period. Officials said the final amounts will not be determined until the festival planning is underway and contracts have been signed.
