Latest news with #culturalhub
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Finding story and soul at the Kingsmead Book Fair
One for the books: On her first visit to the Kingsmead Book Fair, held every May in Johannesburg, the writer was surprised by the massive turnout at the event. I underestimated the extent to which Johannesburg's Kingsmead Book Fair is revered. Honestly, I did. I thought I'd arrive, park with ease, grab a quick coffee and stroll into a modest school event. Instead, I circled like an anxious Uber driver, finally parking a few streets down and weaving my way towards the gates, grumbling. There was a steady, almost ritual-like, stream of people making their way to the school — young, old, families, friends, lovers of words. And I had to remind myself — this is my first time. I must keep an open mind. Kingsmead College, nestled quietly in Rosebank, didn't look like the kind of place that could transform into a buzzing cultural hub. But that Saturday, it did. And not just any buzz — it was electric, inviting and joyful. People came in numbers. More than I expected. And I was genuinely surprised, perhaps even moved, by how many still enjoy good old literature in a world of reels, swipes and 10-second dopamine hits. As I made my way through the entrance, dodging enthusiastic children and chatty clusters of adults, I tried not to be distracted by the enticing aromas coming from the food court. The food trucks and stalls were so perfectly placed you'd swear it was a festival more than a book fair. I considered giving in to the aroma of sizzling boerie rolls but instead made it my mission to walk around, to understand what it is that pulls people here. Why would anyone willingly choose to spend their Saturday at a school? And then, as if on cue, I saw it. Children — wide-eyed and vocal — dragging their parents by the hand, eager to attend storytime or rush into Exclusive Books with the title of a new book already in mind. Young readers, unapologetically loud in their excitement. Parents, some tired, some amused, but all present. No kidding: The annual Kingsmead Book Fair, held at Kingsmead College, in the Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, attracts lovers of stories, both young and old. It was a moment of clarity for me — this wasn't just a book fair. It was a time for families and friends to gather, to celebrate something deeper. It was about passing the baton of imagination and thought to the next generation. There were sessions spread across the day, diving into various themes — politics, identity, children's literature, the writing craft and more. But I knew myself. Escapism is my soft place to land. I read the news daily, soak in its heaviness, and often find myself longing for softness, for sweetness, for something that affirms joy. So, I headed for the panel hosted by the Romance Writers Organisation of South Africa. I didn't raise my hand or pose a question. I simply sat and soaked it all in, basking in the energy of young people discussing love, dreams and writing as if it were sacred — and it is. I even picked up a few things I know will sharpen my writing skills. Observing how people speak about what they love teaches you about how to write about what matters to you. At some point, after too much walking, listening and light eavesdropping, I found a quiet bench tucked away under a tree. I had just collected a hotdog and needed to rest both my legs and my thoughts. Turns out, I wasn't the only one eyeing that bench. A young woman approached, smiling kindly before asking if she could join me. 'Of course,' I nodded. 'I matriculated in 2012 from Kingsmead College,' she said, unwrapping her sandwich. 'And I've never missed a fair.' She shared, between bites, how this place — the book fair, the school, the tradition — was more than just an annual event to her. 'It's part of my fabric,' she said, 'part of who I am. I love seeing some of my old classmates come here with their kids or partners. It feels like a reunion. 'A little overwhelming sometimes … which is why I'm hiding here with you,' she chuckled. We both laughed. In that moment, it didn't matter that I was a first-timer and she was a regular. We were simply two women, enjoying the comfort of stories and sunshine and sausage rolls. Her words stayed with me long after she left. 'Part of who we are.' Isn't that what literature is? A thread in our fabric? A familiar scent on a rainy day? A compass when the world feels confusing? The Kingsmead Book Fair, for me, was an unexpected awakening. A reminder that not everything good is loud or trending. That quiet love —for books, for community, for shared experiences still thrives in this city. Joburg is often painted with a hard edge: traffic, load-shedding, crime, concrete. But here, in the heart of Rosebank, under trees and the soft hum of conversation, was something tender. Something beautiful. A place where stories, fictional and lived, collided. Where readers and writers looked each other in the eye and said, 'I see you.' Yes, I was overwhelmed. But in the best way. Overwhelmed by humanity, the joy, the shared curiosity. I walked away with a few books for my nieces, but more importantly, I walked away with a renewed sense of hope. That in this often chaotic world, there are still places like the Kingsmead Book Fair. Places that remind us to imagine, to dream, to explore … and, ultimately, to reveal something new within ourselves. If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg in May, do yourself a favour. Walk a few extra blocks, follow the smell of cinnamon and coffee and allow yourself to get lost among the stories.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
First shop opens in old Debenhams store building in Bedford
A former Debenham's store has been given a new lease of life as a cultural ground floor of the store in Bedford, which closed in May 2021, is now is visitor information centre, gift shop and box office for the town's Corn Exchange, marking the first phase of the site's Borough Council bought the space last year and Conservative mayor Tom Wootton said it was "vital that Bedford had something at the heart of it" after it had "sat empty for so long".He added that he hoped that the authority would have a developer on board for the rest of the site by the autumn, and that plans for it would be seen by the New Year. The authority was the preferred bidder for the site - known as Mayes Yard - spending about £1.8m to purchase it in said the move marked "another positive step in Bedford's town centre renewal, following the recent openings of other new stores, restaurants, and community spaces".The venue also provides an opportunity for people to buy Bedford gifts previously available in the Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, and displays from the Bedfordshire Art Loan Collection can be viewed in its ground floor windows along Silver Street and the High Street. In terms of the rest of the building, Wootton told the BBC the "eventual plan was to have shops on the ground floor and flats and houses and actually have people living in the town centre".He added that "timescales for things are always problematic for councils and things always slip" - but he hoped that "over the next couple of years you will see plans coming forward and things developing".Wootton pointed to the future arrival of Universal studios in the town as one of the motivations for developing the said: "We want to be ready in four or five years' time when millions of people start coming here, so they have got somewhere to go."The town is changing and we are doing all this cleaning and litter picking which is endless, but we are determined that Bedford is gonna be the place to be and I am really excited about that." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
London's newest tourist town in ‘forgotten' district is £1.3bn attraction with hotels, theatre and rooftop bar
A MAJOR UK attraction has revealed plans to start reopening later this year after a £1.3billion upgrade. Olympia London has undergone the huge renovation to turn it into a new "cultural hub". 7 7 7 Known for being the home of global events including BBC Good Food Show and Comic Con as well as live music and fashion shows, the major upgrade started back in 2019. Spread across 14 acres it will be a new "arts, entertainment and exhibition district". Two new hotels will open on-site, including the 204-room Hyatt Regency and 146-room citizenM design hotel. A new Music Hall with a 4,000-capacity arena will be run by AEG Presents, the second biggest live music promoter in the world behind Live Nation. Olympia Theatre, run by Trafalgar Entertainment, is the biggest new purpose-built theatre in 50 years, with space for 1,575 people. Another 30 restaurants and bars will open including street halls and rooftop venues, alongside a boutique gym. And a new office space, performing arts school and pedestrianised streets are also part of the plans. The project is being backed by Deutsche Finance International and Yoo Capital, who are funding the full £1.3billion. The website states: "We're now looking forward to our next chapter, as we bring new life to one of the UK's most iconic heritage sites and become part of something much bigger." Yoo Capital added: "The £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia will create London's newest creative district: a destination for culture, education, entertainment, exhibitions, incredible offices, eateries and over two acres of public realm." I tried the London tour that lets you make the viral TikTok doughnuts - and you can book for Easter 7 7 Parts of the renovation are opening this year, although others such as the new ICC conference space will open next year. Olympia London first opened in 1886, following the success of Crystal Palace 's Great Exhibition in 1851. Upcoming events include London Tech Week, London Film and Comic Con and Hyper Japan Festival. The venue also has its own train station with Kensington (Olympia) having both overground and underground services. 7 Already open is a huge new glass canopy which launched at the end of last year and was inspired by the original exhibition halls. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, founder Thomas Heatherwick, said: 'Olympia was once a people's palace – a place to come together and experience unusual things. "Having lost its way over the years, we're now working to bring back its original spirit and make Olympia open and available to everyone." In the mean time, a new "first of its kind" Titanic attraction is set to open in London. The UK's only Guinness attraction is opening in London later this year as well. And we've rounded up 15 attractions across the UK where you can find £1 entry tickets. 7
Emirates 24/7
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
World Silk Road Forum names Mohammed bin Rashid as Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road International Poets
World Silk Road Forum names Mohammed bin Rashid as Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road International Poets The World Silk Road Forum has announced the selection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was chosen in recognition of his exceptional vision that transformed Dubai into a cultural hub and a bridge between East and West, drawing from the ancient concept of the Silk Road in a modern form and with an Emirati spirit. The Forum also announced that Dubai will host the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival from 23rd to 29th May, becoming the first Arab city to host this prestigious event. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library will host the festival's award ceremony on 27th May. Around 50 poets, artists, and painters will take part, visiting cultural and tourist landmarks in Dubai and the UAE. Media coverage will be provided by 20 Chinese press agencies, including the People's Daily, one of China's largest media outlets. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's selection as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets is a testament to his significant contributions to literature. A renowned figure in Nabati poetry, his works resonate with captivating eloquence, offering insightful reflections on life and inspiring generations with their profound creativity. His Highness has enriched the literary world with numerous collections exploring profound human, national, and intellectual themes. Among his most notable works is Zayed (2018), a collection of 87 poems commemorating the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his enduring legacy in establishing the UAE. Flashes of Verse (2014) features 52 excerpts from his poetic works in both Arabic and English, delving into themes of life's challenges, love, victory, and the human experience. 40 Poems from the Desert (2011), also in Arabic and English, showcases His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's love for his homeland and its symbols, characterized by refined creativity and a distinct national sentiment. His Highness's passion for horses is evident in For the Love of Horses, a collection celebrating the nobility and competitive spirit they embody. These are just a few examples of his diverse and impactful contributions to the world of poetry. Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Poetry Committee at the World Silk Road Forum, stated, 'We chose the UAE as the venue for this event because it represents a symbol of coexistence and peace among peoples under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The decision to select Dubai was not merely technical or organizational. It carries profound symbolic and cultural dimensions. Today, Dubai exemplifies the modern city that revives the spirit of the Silk Road not only through its dynamic economy but also through its leading role in cultural exchange and its ambitious vision under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has made culture a foundational pillar of his civilizational project. This makes His Highness Sheikh Mohammed an inspirational figure for all members of the Silk Road Forum.' Wang Fangwen, who is also Editor-in-Chief of World Poets magazine, issued by the forum, added, 'The Silk Road Global Forum aspires to be a platform that brings together culture, art, economy, and technology to revive the values of the Silk Road in a modern spirit that promotes understanding and peace among nations. We have drawn inspiration from the vision and values of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and selected him to appear on the cover of World Poets magazine. The issue includes an in-depth study of his contributions to poetry and literature, along with a selection of his poems translated into Chinese.' The editorial of the magazine presents a comprehensive analysis of the artistic features of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's poetry and a general overview of his poetic and literary journey. It highlights poems filled with love and pride, written in praise of his brother and companion, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The magazine describes His Highness Sheikh Mohammed as an exceptional leader who transformed Dubai into a global platform that embodies the values and meanings of the Silk Road through a modern Emirati spirit. It further notes that his poetic style is characterized by powerful diction, eloquent language, profound meanings, and sincere emotion. His imagery is drawn from the desert, sea, and Bedouin heritage, intertwined with wisdom and deep human experience. Poet Cao Shui, Vice Chair of the Forum's International Poetry Committee and CEO of the Silk Road Poets Union, stated, 'The festival includes a range of cultural and artistic activities, including an award ceremony, poetry readings, critical discussions, and open art exhibitions held in several cultural venues in Dubai and across the UAE. Participants will visit key cultural landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and several art museums. Cao Shui also announced the selection of Emirati poet Adel Khozam as co-chair of the festival's fifth edition. He was chosen as one of the leading poetic figures in the UAE and the Gulf region. Khozam previously won the Great Poetry Medal in China and played a pivotal role in promoting Chinese poetry during Expo 2020. His initiatives in service of poetry include the Tree of World Poetry project, as well as his renowned epic poem Manseerah, co-authored with poets from China. A large number of poets from China and around the world are competing for the festival's prestigious awards, which include the Golden Camel, Silver Camel, Poetry and Film Awards, Best Poetry Collection, Best International Poet, Best European Poet, Best Asian Poet, Best African Poet, Best American Poet, and Best Oceanian Poet. Several Emirati poets have been nominated for these awards, and World Poets magazine has compiled a special section featuring selected poems by the nominated Emirati poets. Commenting on this, Cao Shui said, 'All the selected works reflect the high cultural and creative level of the Emirati people. What exceptional poems they are. We believe this event will pave the way for greater cultural cooperation between China and the UAE." The World Silk Road Forum is an independent, non-governmental organisation legally registered in the state of Delaware, United States. It is also recognized by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York. The forum organizes international events and conferences that promote global cooperation and works in partnership with major international organisations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the World Internet Conference (WIC), and UNESCO. Its members include global leaders in the fields of law, culture, and international development. The forum also hosts seasonal poetry events under the theme Silk Road Spring Poetry, featuring poets from all five continents. The first edition of the festival was held in Madrid, Spain, in April 2018. The second was held in Moscow, Russia, in 2019. China hosted the third and fourth editions, and this year Dubai has been selected to host the fifth. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sunderland former hotel linked to SAFC to undergo repairs
A former hotel which played a central role in the formation of Sunderland AFC is to be city council has given the go-ahead for improvements to the former Norfolk Hotel, in the Sunniside Conservation Area, which include structural red brick building is part of the local authority's plans to "regenerate" the city and is earmarked to be a cultural and community hub.A blue plaque recognises it as the former home of the British Day School, where a meeting of local teachers in 1879 formed Sunderland and District Teachers' Association Football Club, which took on its more familiar name a year later. Plans for the building include space for artists and craft workshops, as well as offices for voluntary and community sector organisations. Sunderland-based developer Marengo Estates took over the 16,000 sq ft, 45-bed hotel in 2022. It said it hoped the building - which is not listed - would be ready for occupants next year and that structural repair work would "ensure that the building will remain safe for use", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Planners said the work would "considerably improve the existing poor state of the frontage" and enhance its appearance in keeping with a conservation area. Plans will also see window shutters fitted to improve security. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
