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1. Eye Candy Hub Gallan House, 32-34 Hill Street, B5 4AN

2. IMI Studio Hippodrome, Thorp Street entrance, B5 4TB

2. Patrick Centre Hippodrome, Thorp Street entrance, B5 4TB

3. Le Truc Ladywell Walk, The Arcadian, B5 4ST

4. Sidewalk 125 - 127 Hurst Street, B5 6SE

5. Eden 116 Sherlock Street, B5 6NB

6. Radisson Blu 12 Holloway Circus, Queensway, B1 1BT

OFF MAP

6/8 Kafe 6 Temple Row, B2 5HG

Get A Grip The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, B9 4AA

Eye Candy Festival is brought to you by the team at Fused. We gratefully acknowledge the funding and support of our partners:

1 1 -14 O CTO B ERS O UTH S I D E, B I R M I N G H A M

E y E CA N Dy F E S T I VA L . C O . U K | @ E y E CA N Dy F E S T

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Editors: David O’Coy & Kerry Thomasdave@fusedmagazine.com | @davefusedkerry@fusedmagazine.com | @kerryfusedWriters: Alison Dayani, Annelise Francis, Lee Hall, Charlotte WhiteFront Cover: Jenny LloydContent Image: Bo Lundberg

DISCLAIMERReproduction of all editorial/images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission. We cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from any material supplied. While we aim to make sure all listings are correct we can not be held responsible for any incorrect entries. Readers should check venues before arrival. Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily the publishers. This is a Fused Publication © Fused 2012 © Area Culture Guide 2012.

AREA Culture Guidetel: 0121 442 6663www.areacultureguide.co.ukwww.fusedmagazine.com@areaguide / @fusedmagazineFacebook.com/fusedmagThis guide is a Fused production

ADVERTISINGThe Culture Guide is monthly and Adverts cost just £190 for a page (£95 for a half page). To book call 0121 442 6663 today for early bird offers or email kerry@fusedmagazine.com. Full rates can be found at areacultureguide.co.uk. Our next edition is the NOVEMBER issue.

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EYE CANDYSouthside, Birmingham11-14th Octoberwww.eyecandyfestival.co.uk@eyecandyfest

We’re big fans of pretty things and probably stare at beautiful pictures more than we read words (we shouldn’t really admit that right?) which is why we thought it would be a great idea to bring a touch of Eye Candy to the streets of Birmingham.

Over the weekend of the 11-14th October you’ll find random pieces of work around the Southside area (Chinatown, Gay Village) of the city to celebrate the current climate in visual pop culture.

From paintings on walls to prints in frames, and a few surprises inbewteen, we’re dedicating this edition of Area Culture Guide to all that is creative in an effort to brighten up those autumnal days and creeping-in dark nights.

Over the next few pages you’ll see a selection of the great events that have come together under the Eye Candy Umbrella. A Zine Fair, live-art events, pop-up spaces, workshops, talks and screenings will take place over 3 days and all for free. Image: Miles Donovan

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PRO G RA M M E O F EV ENTS FRIDAy 12th October

10am-5pm Pointe Blank @ IMI StudioSee the 26 artists that have taken part in the thrid Pointe Blank Series - more details on page 21.

11am-5PM Eye Candy Pop-up Space open @ Gallan HouseDrop in to pick up your progamme of events, check out some work or watch some art being made live.

12 noon Eye Candy Speaker Programme begins @ IMI Studio We have picked a small selection of industry speakers to offer inspiration and ideas to help up-and-coming designers, artists and illustrators.

3.00pm Meet Mr Bingo @ IMI StudioBook your ticket at eyecandymrbingo.eventbrite.com

4pm Comic Art Exhibition Opening @ 6/8 KafeBZF celebrate their favourite comic artists by showcasing their work on the walls of 6/8.

5pm-7pm Screen Printing Workshop with Get A Grip @ The Custard Factory

6pm EYE CANDY Launch Party @ Gallan House by invitation onlyInvited guests are welcome to join us for our launch event kindly sponsored by Purity.

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PRO G RA M M E O F EV ENTS SATURDAy 13th October10am-5pmPointe Blank @ IMI Studio Join Pointe Blank for an afternoon of free fun workshops.

11amLive draw events start with Brothers of the Stripe @ Gallan House The Brothers invite you to see them create work live in the Eye Candy Hub at Gallan House. They’ll also be launching their new book.

11amOh Hello Collective @ Gallan House The girls from Oh Hello have an afternoon of art planned.

12pm-6pmBirmingham Zine Fest @ Sidewalk See pages 14-17.

12pm-6pmFootprint Zine in a Day Workshop @ Sidewalk

2pm-4pmMake It Then Tell Everybody - Panel talks with Dan Berry @ The Patrick Centre

2pm-4pmScreen Print Workshop with GET A GRIP @ The Custard Factory

3pm-8pmSKETCH with Inkygoodness & Ammo Magazine @ Le TrucSee page 19.

8pm-lateBZF party with Mistys Big Adventure @ EdenAll welcome, £2.50 entry fee.

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PRO G RA M M E O F EV ENTS SUNDAy 14th October10am-5pmPointe Blank @ IMI Studio

11am-4pmBrothers of the Stripe @ Gallan House Drop-in workshop session for public with illustration, drawing, tea & cake.

12pm onwardsDraw Serge Day with Jonathan Edwards @ Le TrucIf you’ve ever wondered about the techniques that illustrators use then now is your chance to see first hand when Jonathan Edwards invites 9 of his illustrator freinds to draw Serge.

Time TBCFilm Screenings with Kino 10 @ Venue TBCFilms to be announced

Image: Bo Lundberg

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SKEtCHLe Truc, Ladywell Walk, The Arcadian, Southside, B5 4ST13 October, 3pm-8pm

Inkygoodness presents ‘SKETCH’ a drop-in sketching session for illustrators, artists & drawing enthusiasts where you can join them to spend an afternoon of drawing, networking and beer drinking with local creatives. All you need is your sketchbook!

The concept is simple; artists, illustrators and designers come together in a public place and draw whatever they choose. The work that is created during a SKETCH event can be displayed for the public at the end of the event and sold. For the launch of SKETCH BRUM Inkygoodness has chosen LeTruc the newly opened French Brasserie at the heart of Southside.

From 6pm Brothers of the Stripe will be taking to the walls of Le Truc to collaborate on a large scale artwork in front of a live audience. A collective of nine UK based image makers, who collaborate on projects across the UK combining art, illustration & graphic design, B.O.T.S members include Kris Jones, Mr the Beef and Mister Millerchip.

Also joining the SKETCH event is Ammo Magazine who are launching an exciting new illustration project on the day.

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PoiNtE BLANKIMI Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thorp Street, B5 4TB12-14 October, 10am-5pmwww.pointeblank.co.uk

Back for its third incarnation Pointe Blank is a collection of original images inspired by the plots of major narrative works in the repertory of Birmingham Royal Ballet, and created by professional designers in and around the UK.

For October the most famous ballet of all, Swan Lake, is the theme. The contributors have been approached by curator Claire Hartley to produce an A3-sized piece with the only stipulation being that it includes the Company name or logo. Designers are left to create an image in response to the story of ballet, rather than the production itself, which will be unveiled in October.

26 artists will be taking part in the event which will have its first unveiling at the Cardiff Design Festival.

Images: Left- Hannah Davies, Top Left - Pete Fowler, Top Right - Dan Berry

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CoMMUNitY SERViCE ANNoUNCEMENtS Throughout Southside 13 & 14 October, 11am-5pm

Prolific doodler, maker of fine toys, product designer and all-round good bloke Jeremyville works out of his NYC studio sketching and sending his doodles across the globe.

He’s been a firm favourite of ours for years now and so we are super-excited that Birmingham’s Eye Candy will be the first outing from the US of a fine selection of his Community Service Announcements.

Sometimes sad, funny, happy, inspiring or uplifting the project started when Jeremyville started to draw the announcements as a notes to self about navigating day-to-day life. Succinct and to the point the simple slogans are illustrated in Jeremyville’s unique way.

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MEEt MR BiNGo IMI Studio, The Hippodrome, Thorp Street, B5 12 October, 3pm-4pm

Some say he’s the ‘Master of pens’. Some call him the ‘Justin Bieber of drawing’. Some say he f*cks about for a living. Whatever they say we’re big fans and very much looking forward to hearing him talk at this year’s first ever Eye Candy Festival.

His new book HATE MAIL comes out on the 11th October and is a “collection of darkly funny, hilariously inappropriate postcards”... sounds great right?

Mr Bingo loves post. In April 2011 he launched a service on his website, where, for a small payment, he would send his customer a vintage postcard with one of his iconic sketches and an offensive message on the back. So the purchaser gets a much sought-after original signed drawing, the postman gets a laugh and the world gets a little bit happier. Six days after launch, it had become so popular that he had to temporarily close the service.

The postcards have been compiled in to a book which you’ll be able to buy for £9.99 at the talk. And we’re sure if you ask nicely Mr Bingo might even sign it for you too.

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REVEALED: Government Art CollectionGas Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH16 November - 24 February, 2013www.bmag.org.ukFree Entry

For the first time outside of London, 200 works from the prolific Government Art collection will be removed from their usual dwellings in government buildings across the world, and united under the roof of Birmingham’s Gas Hall, in their up-and-coming fascinating exhibition, Revealed.

This rare opportunity will see some of the most famed artworks from the collection brought together, giving you the chance to see works from the likes of Edward Lear, L.S Lowry, John Piper, Vanessa Bell, Callum Innes and Tracey Emin on your doorstep.

Revealed is not only a rare chance to see the works of such prolific names in the art world under one roof, but also traces the fascinating story behind the Government’s collection, each piece having its own significant place in British history.

The exhibition covers five key themes of the Government collection, and each of these sections have been carefully curated by various significant sectors, from the 19th Century salon recreated by artist Cornelia Parker in ‘Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain’, to the choices of works by British ministers and political figures, such as Nick Clegg, in ‘At Work’, and the 12 paintings chosen from display at 10 Downing Street by its staff, giving a greater insight into the collection, and casting new light and meaning onto some of the world’s most esteemed pieces.

Revealed is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain an insight into the Government’s collection of highly-regarded artists. This is a must see for not only art lovers, but those who are interested in British history, with the collection tracing significant events through the medium of art. CW

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AREFiN & AREFiNthe graphic design of tony Arefin Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, B1 2HSwww.ikon-gallery.co.ukUntil 4 November

Emerging during the late 1980s as one of the most important figures in the British art world Tony Arefin’s numerous catalogues for institutions such as Serpentine Gallery, the ICA and Ikon itself gave design critic Rick Poynor reason to describe him as ‘single-handedly processing the print needs of the entire British art scene.’

A prolific career saw Arefin work as creative director for influential fashion magazine I.D. and as the curator at The Photographers’ Gallery where he organised an exhibition of Neville Brody’s influential graphic design for The Face magazine.

Moving firmly away from the conservative application of graphic design in art publishing, and instead borrowing from the contemporary trends in magazine design, Arefin produced work for a variety of institutions and seminal YBA exhibitions such as Freeze (1988) and Modern Medicine (1990), both organised by Damien Hirst. He later designed catalogues for artists such as Douglas Gordon, Graham Gussin, Cornelia Parker, Jasper Morrison and Adrian Piper.

His unique approach to bold visual language, combining acerbic colours, irreverent use of photography and striking typography was helped by the possibilities presented by the Apple Macintosh computer and the advent of desktop publishing that gave rise to Arefin’s reputation as an established and important designer.

The exhibition has been curated by designer James Langdon who has also produced the catalogue.

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AUtUMN ALMANACIkon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, B1 2HSwww.ikon-gallery.co.uk8 – 11 November

Ikon’s annual weekend Autumn Almanac returns with an exhibition and sequence of events exploring and celebrating the human voice, encapsulated by the title, ‘The Voice and the Lens’.

Guest curated by Sam Belinfante and Third Ear, The Voice and the Lens features representations of the human voice through film and performance by artists including Turner prize-nominated Elizabeth Price, Venice Biennale Golden Lion winner Christian Marclay and Yoko Ono, exploring the voice through innovative ways of colour and focus, as well as sound.

Throughout the weekend, Ikon’s first floor gallery will be taken over by five new film commissions by both established and emerging film-makers collaborating with leading vocal performers, all wrestling with the intricate relationship between voice and camera, creating works that shed new enlightenment upon the human voice.

The second floor makes way for the iconic explorations of voice by over 20 artists, composers and directors, both recent and historic, including Robert Altman and Jean-Luc Godard, along with contributions from Birmingham Opera, Ex Cathedra, Art Projx and the giant screen at Millennium Point, and depicts our long-held fascination with the human voice and its intricacies. CW

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oPEN WESt MiDLANDS Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Steet13 October - 5 January, 2013www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

It is the turn of Wolverhampton to host this year’s biannual West Midlands Open exhibition and having received works from over 150 artists across a range of mediums it’s set to be a great one.

Running since 2008 this year promises a showcase of vibrant work chosen by a panel of selectors including Caroline Douglas, Head of the Arts Council Collection, Prof. Dew Harrison, Associate Dean, Wolverhampton School of Art and Design and Prof. David Rayson, artist, curator and tutor at the Royal College of Art.

Painting, film & photography, sculpture and works on paper are all represented with several of the pieces chosen to receive a cash prize at a special event on the 19 October.

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tHE DiNoSAURS ARE HERE!The Herbert Art Gallery & MuseumJordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QPwww.theherbert.orgUntil 6th January, 2013Tickets £5.95 for adults, £4.95 for children/ concessions or £18.00 for a family

Travel back 250 million years and discover some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring creatures ever to walk the Earth. Come face-to-face with the skull of the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex, witness the strength of the Stegosaurus’ armour plating and be astonished by the Triceratops’ three horned might.

Featuring amazing life-size dinosaurs, real and replica fossils and holographic video presentations by wildlife expert Chris Packham, this thrilling exhibition will help you uncover the truths about dinosaurs and the world they dominated. Packed with exciting interactives and touch screen technology, visitors can design their very own dinosaur skin, piece together dinosaur skeletons and test their knowledge of these astonishing creatures.

COMPETITIONWe have 5 family tickets yo giveaway. To get your hands on a set just email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@fusedmagazine.com putting ‘Dinosaurs’ in the subject box. Deadline for entry is 22.10.12.

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oXJAMBRUM tAKEoVER FEStiVALVenues: Frederick, Symphony Hall Café Bar, The Yardbird, Café Blend, The Victoria, Island Bar, The Sunflower Lounge plus secret gigsWristbands: £10 advance13 October, 2pm-2amwww.oxjambrum.org.uk@oxjambrum

Live music fans are in for a treat with 12 hours of music happening all over Birmingham City Centre as part of this year’s OxjamBrum Takeover Festival.

Ivor Novello award-winning singer-songwriter Scott Matthews, acclaimed spoken word artist Polarbear and legendary folk performer Paul Murphy will be playing alongside a huge list of bands, artist and DJ’s to help raise money for Oxfam.

Along with gigs there will be panel discussions, spoken word events and comedy and all for the £10 price of a wristband that gets you in to all of the events.

Oxjam is part of a month-long series of live events that take place across the UK every October with all money raised being donated directly towards the charity’s life saving work to eradicate global poverty.

12x12 AuctionTo help the Brum team on their way we are raising money by asking artists to ‘re-imagine’ an album cover of their favourite Midlands band. We’ll be auctioning off the 12x12” covers that have been produced by the artists. You’ll be able to see the covers on display beforehand at French restaurant Le Truc. For more details on the auction check for details on www.eyecandyfestival.co.uk.

PEtER HooKInside Joy Division - SigningWH Smiths, 29 Union Street, Birmingham4 October, 12.30pm

Hooky brings his frank and indelibly personal memoir of his first band and how they came to define an era, inspire the post punk generation and produces seminal and lasting music still considered both classic and relevant today.

“It’s very strange. Over the years Joy Division has become a huge part of music culture. A lot of people think they know what happened. But they don’t. Anyone who’s ever written a book or made a film about Joy Division, unless they were sat in that van or car with us, they don’t know anything about it. Me, Barney, Steve, Ian, Rob, Twinny, Terry and Dave. Only us lot know what really happened...”

As part of the promotional tour for his second book, “Unknown Pleasures - Inside Joy Division”, Peter Hook will come to Birmingham on Thursday 4th October, where he will be meeting and greeting fans and signing copies at a lunchtime session at 12.30pm.

We have 3 signed copies of “Unknown Pleasures – Inside Joy Division” to give away. Just tell us who was Joy Division’s lead singer?

Send your answer along with your name, address, telephone number and date of birth to competitions@fusedmagazine.com putting “Hooky” in the subject box.

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AUtUMN SEASoN oF MUSiC Warwick Arts CentreUniversity of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7ALwww.warwickartscentre.co.uk

A new season of music has been unveiled at Warwick Arts Centre for the autumn with an eclectic mix from Jazz Fusion and alt-rock to Bollywood Brass (yes new to us too). Whatever your tastes it seems covered with a quality line up.

Amongst the highlights of the season is Grammy-nominated pianist Chilly Gonzales who’ll be bringing his new show Solo Piano II to the intimate confines of the Studio on the 3rd December.

A virtuoso on the keys, with an inimitable talent for foot-tapping rhythms, he’s a musical maestro and a joy to see live. Past Gonzales incarnations have seen him as a producer, hip-hopper and the go-to guy for piano compositions (he’s worked with Daft Punk, Drake and Feist in the past). Classical this is not - Chilly has a habit of combining all-his incarnations in to a live performance.

Meanwhile Spiritualised take to the stage for their only midlands performance on the 4th November with cosmic, gospel-tinged psychedelic tunes of love, heartache and pain from frontman Jason Pierce.

If you’re looking for something upbeat then be prepared to dance into the night thanks to a setlist of jazz, hip-hop, funk and disco from DJ supremo Mr Scruff, who will be at the controls in the Butterworth Hall on the 24th November.

Our pick of music 11 Oct - Seth Lakeman14 Oct - Bollywood Brass Band and Rafaqat Ali Khan20 Oct - Field Music21 Oct - Grizzly Bear27 Oct - Efterklang & Northern Sinfonia04 Nov - Spiritualized24 Nov - Patrick Wolf (acoustic)24 Nov - Mr Scruff: Keep It Unreal03 Dec - Chilly Gonzales: Solo Piano II

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BiRMiNGHAM CoMEDY FEStiVALVenues throughout Birmingham5-14 Octoberwww.bhamcomfest.co.uk | @BhamComFest

The highly anticipated comedy festival returns to Birmingham on October 5th for 10 days of belly laughs reverberating across the city. The festival sees another killer line up of top comedy acts and burgeoning local talent coming to several venues across Birmingham, with a show guaranteed to appeal to every sense of humour.

Headline acts include John Bishop’s un-missable show at the NIA from the 11th, for 3 nights of hilarious unique gags, foodie favourites The Hairy Bikers entertaining crowds at the New Alexander Theatre on the 5th and 6th, witty punk poet John Cooper Clarke making his anticipated return to the Town Hall on the 11th, and musical trio The Midnight Beast bringing their popular musical brand of comedy to the masses at the O2 Academy on the 14th.

Adding to the top talent, the festival is the perfect showcase for local comedians, and a chance to experience the great wit Birmingham has to offer. Catch local Joe Lycett, arguably Birmingham’s next comedic success, at the Blue Orange Theatre on the 9th, and Kings Heath housewife, Mrs Barbara Nice, at the mac on the 7th.

Fancy yourself as a budding comedian too? The festival is also offering comedy workshops on the 13th and 14th, giving budding Brummie comedians a chance to learn the tricks of the trade from comedy stars Box of Frogs and James Cook.

With over 60 shows across the city, displaying not only comedic talents, but a variety of events from artist Steve Lilly’s exhibition of classic comedic figures, to performances of Shakespeare’s famed comedy ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and the ‘comference,’ examining the links between art and comedy, the festival guarantees a laugh-a- minute and some much needed light relief. CW

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BiRMiNGHAM BooK FEStiVALVenues throughout Birmingham4-13 Octoberwww.birminghambookfestival.org | @BhamBookFest

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Now in its 14th year, and with a packed programme of acclaimed writers and poets, literature fans are in for a treat as the Birmingham Book Festival promises 10 days of exceptional performance, digital innovation, one-off development workshops, musical delights and a vintage ambulance.

Birmingham’s new poet laureate will be launched on National Poetry day (and the festival’s official launch) on the 4th October alongside an appearance by former World Slam Champion Elvis McGonagall; standup poet, armchair revolutionary and recumbent rocker. However if your stanza’s need some attention then the Emergency Poet is on hand with her vintage ambulance to administer some poetic medicine.

For budding writers there’s a set of workshops taking place at South Birmingham College on the 13th October to help develop your skills whatever your area of interest but if you prefer to sit and listen then there are plenty of great authors to choose from.

Cultural commentator Simon Armitage will be regaling stories of his 256-mile tour of the Pennine Way. Travelling as a modern-day troubadour without a penny in his pocket Simon stopped to give poetry readings in village halls, churches, pubs and living rooms.

Feminist, Times columnist and all-round funny lady Caitlin Moran is joined on stage at the CBSO Centre by buddy and broadcaster Stuart Maconie on the 9th October. They’ll be busy putting the world to rights over a beer while on the 11th novelist and poet Jackie Kay will be reading exerts from her new collection of stories, Reality, Reality in the beautiful surroundings of Birmingham Cathedral.

For the Twitter and Facebook fans special commission, Reliable Witness, has been unfolding as a new transmedia project telling the story of Darren and Amy; a couple whose very-public split has been playing out all over the internet. Fans of the story can get involved and help as the storyline develops. During the festival a pop-up installation space will open at The Pavilions Shopping Centre that will give people the chance to actively effect the outcome of the entire story.

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GOTHIC GHOST WALK26 October, 2pmMuseum of the Jewellery Quarter75-80 Vyse Street, B18 6HA0121 554 3598,www.bmag.org.uk£5, Booking essentialA spooky walk of the Jewellery Quarter’s Gothic buildings and graveyards to celebrate Halloween and the Pugin Bicentenary, with local historian Chris Upton.

CAuLDRONS, CATS & COBWEBS: HALLOWEEN ExTRAVAGANZA!26 October, 6.00 - 9.00pmMuseum Collections Centre25 Dollman Street, B7 4RQ0121 303 0190www.bmag.org.uk£1 entryDress up in your scariest costumes and go along to a special evening of Halloween fun for all the family. Follow a spine tingling path through the atmospheric stores to see some of the scariest museum objects not usually on display – who knows what, or who, you might encounter along the way.

TALES OF TORMENT27 October, 12.00 - 4.00pmAston Hall, Trinity Road, B6 6JD0121 675 4722www.bmag.org.ukA weekend of Halloween stories and activities with stories for children of different ages groups.

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A FRIGHT TO REMEMBER27 October, 7.30pm – 7.30amThe Public, New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG0121 533 7161www.thepublic.com£17.50, £20 with pizza (on advance bookings only) Sleeping bags at the ready for a 12 hour all-nighter of Halloween Horror as The Public’s movie marathon returns giving scary film aficionados the chance to take part in the ultimate horror movie endurance test.Sleep deprived guests will be treated to 12 hours of ghoulish entertainment throughout the night, with feature films including cult classic, Demons, Italian horror, The Beyond, a film festival favourite, Grave Encounters, and, most terrifying of all, Deadtime, a locally produced slasher movie set in Wednesbury!

GHOSTLY GASLIGHT HALLOWEEN27 October, 6pmBlists Hill, Ironbridge01952 433424www.ironbridge.org.uk£9.50 adults and £6.25 children aged 3-16 years and £29 for a family of two adults and two children. Tickets must be purchased in advance.Creepy crawlies, ghosts, ghouls and a spooky atmosphere will await you at the Ghostly Gaslight Halloween event at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Go dressed in your most frightening costume to ward off the mischievous sprits, which will play havoc in the dark and watch out for things that go bump in the night. As dusk falls spooky antics are expected to replace the normal everyday activities that take place at the open-air museum. The street lamps will cast eerie shadows at every corner and weird apparitions will replace the friendly Victorians who are usually seen in the town’s shops, cottages and work places. Watch out for the village carpenter who will be nailing victims in his coffin. 31 OCTOBERHaunted HallAston Hall, Trinity Road, B6 6JD0121 675 4722www.bmag.org.ukDare to discover the dark secrets within Aston Hall. So scary it is not suitable for children! Time and entry to be confirmed.

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tiREE WAVE CLASSiC13-19 Octoberwww.tireewaveclassic.co.uk

Rolling waves, remote white sand beaches and striking turquoise waters. It’s a surfer’s paradise, but in the most unlikely of places.

Tottering on the edge of the Scottish Inner Hebrides, these are the islands of Tiree and its close neighbour Coll. Reachable only by ferry, they boast the most sunshine in all the UK but are still one of the country’s best kept secrets.

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While the Gulf Stream maintains Tiree’s mild climate, the prevailing south-westerly winds from the Atlantic bring the waves and it is these two factors that have made Tiree the centerpiece for an annual windsurfing championship.

When the Tiree Wave Classic takes place from 13-19 October this year it will be the 25th anniversary of the competition that attracts Britain’s best riders in Pro, Amateur, Masters and Women’s fleets. When heading up to the islands, it is worth breaking up the journey in Glasgow, to savour the bustling art, shopping and cosmopolitan restaurant scene before a stay on the far quieter Inner Hebrides, where the number of stores can be counted on two hands.

Grand Central Hotel is a luxurious stop-off, from £79 a night, right at the heart of Glasgow Train Station and within walking distance of the city’s attractions.

By day, check out the Charles Rennie Mackintosh art nouveau architecture around most corners in this revamped city. The designer is Glasgow’s equivalent to Gaudi in Barcelona and given a free hand to leave his stylish mark on the city’s landscape. Building tours of Glasgow School of Art show off the greatest amount of Mackintosh’s work but you can also see fine examples of his vintage designs in Queen’s Cross Church at Garscube Road or at the Willow Tearoom in Sauchiehall Street.

Make sure you also head to Merchant City, a renovated quarter now filled with restaurants, bars and a lively atmosphere that comes with a recommendation from the locals. It is also awash with independent art, beauty and vintage stores, such as Barnados Boutique, and has gone some way in helping transform the once heavily industrial city into a more vibrant, attractive weekend break. Trains leave Glasgow regularly for the coastal town of Oban and its ferry terminal, or if driving, it is a two hour journey along the scenic A82 and A85 roads. From Oban, you will need to take a Calmac ferry to Coll and Tiree with the price for a return passage for two adults and a car around £130.

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While Tiree is the more adventurous younger brother of the two, attracting sports enthusiasts and windsurfers; Coll is the more demure, quieter sister. Both have an irresistible natural charm and untouched beauty and it is worth experiencing them both by carefully arranging the ferry journey to island hop between the two.

Amid the thatched cottages on Tiree are B&Bs, campsites and Millhouse Hostel, which it is advisable to book in advance due to the limited number of rooms across the small island.

There are only a few shops and restaurants, but they do have fresh food and warm hospitality, while the Wild Diamond surf shop offers equipment for hire and lessons for windsurfing, kitesurfing and other water sports.

You’ll find yourself settling into the bay that best suits your activity as the shorelines vary in current and winds. The horseshoe shape of Gott Bay leads to cross shore winds perfect for kitesurfers, while the Atlantic swell hits beaches on the west coast of Tiree, such as Ballevulin Beach and The Maze, making them a surfer’s haven.

The beaches and scenery are naturally stunning – but they can be eclipsed and just a few miles away.

Neighbouring Coll offers fewer waves for surfers but more remote and idyllic beaches to explore.

Most of its 23 beaches are reached by following short trails, but once there, you will nearly always have it to yourself to relax, play or picnic while starring out at the crystal clear turquoise waters. Sometimes a seal, basking shark or whale is even seen passing by.

It is best to base yourself near the main village of Arinagour, close to the ferry terminal, as this is the only site with a general store and post office, along with The Island Café and the island’s only pub and restaurant at The Coll Hotel.

Opposite the pub is the new Coll Bunkhouse which opened during the summer and is a hostel with all the latest facilities, sleeping up to 16 people from £19 to £23 per person a night.

The pace of life on Coll is slightly slower than Tiree, but the tranquil atmosphere is just as free and inhibitive across this 13-mile-long island.

So take your surf board, bikes, books and, most importantly, spirit of adventure to explore and recharge those batteries as these islands have to be the most hidden and exhilarating beauty spots in the British Isles. AD

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tRAVEL

MAJoRCA

The island of Majorca is a modern day tale of two halves, effortlessly catering for a variety of audiences. But it’s these differences that gives the island an unparalleled diversity making Majorca such an appealing destination. The size of the island means by morning you can hike the Serra Du Tramuntana mountains and by night, sample the delights of Palma.

Flying into Palma, the airport has a Spanish feel to it but is typically modern. Yet a mere 45 minutes away amidst a sea of almond trees and orange groves, you are in the winding hills of the North West region, filled with the rustic charm of a time long ago.

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Staying for three nights at the Hotel Mar-I-Vent in Banyalbufar the views of the journey pale in comparison to that of the terrace of the Mar-I-Vent. Perched on a hillside, the hotel enjoys panoramic views of the hills, sea and homes of Banyalbufar. Spending a morning watching the sunrise or an evening watching it descend into the sea, you cannot help but be in awe of this stunning country.

Each of the rooms enjoys the spectacular view with rates including a continental breakfast, while evening meals consist of a set menu of local delicacies and at 25 euros for four courses, is excellent value.

However, you would be remiss not to make your way up the quaint high street and sample the tapas delights of the Cas Batle Negro, whilst enjoying the array of local and international gins that perch on the bar.

Banyalbufar has long enjoyed a reputation as a premier walking venue, drawing in people of all nationalities with a history of popularity with American tourists, including some famous faces such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.

If you haven’t quite got your fill of tapas, a route to the East towards es Port des Canonge is a great option as it winds through the hills and into a cove, ending in the little village Canonge that has a wonderful tapas bar called Can Toni Moreno.

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After three nights at the Mar-I-Vent enjoying the stunning walks and food, we travelled with our host Francesc to Valldermossa, a town besieged with hundreds of cyclists.

A must visit in the town is the old monastery called Real Cartuja, which delivers a fascinating insight into the lives of the monks that inhabited this place for centuries and now stands as a homage to their memory. There is also a grand house attached to the monastery where its extravagant European décor juxtapsoses the basic existence of the monk’s.

At the top of the Real Cartuja there is something very special to enjoy - an art gallery with stunning works celebrating renowned artists who have some connection to Majorca. This includes work from Mira who spent much of his adult life in Palma.

After an afternoon exploring Valldermossa it’s on to the Bon Sol just west of the capital Palma, one of the best-known hotels on the island to rest and enjoy a bit of pampering!

Decorated to resemble a 16th century gothic castle; including suits of armour and crossed axes, the Bon Sol oozes charm and whilst over manufactured in places - it works adding to your experience.

The theme sadly does not translate to the rooms (mores is a pity as I was looking forward to sleeping in a four-post bed). Whilst not able to match the

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views and charm of the Mar-I-Vent, the rooms are elegant and modern making for a comfortable resting place.

Where the Bon Sol comes into its own is its excellent range of facilities including three pools, a beautiful private cove and the pièce de résistance the Nirvana spa.

After all the walking in Banyalbufar, the spa was a welcome retreat to recuperate with the facilities including a Jacuzzi, multiple saunas and steam rooms along with private deck area that bathes in the sun. I would certainly suggest a full body massage also to complete the recuperation.

Evening dining in the Bon Sol is a must with smart casual attire required. Whilst in the day there is a separate buffet restaurant, by night you have an expansive menu to choose from that includes a mixture of local delicacies and international cuisine.

At dinner Martin, the proprieter, works the room speaking with each of the guests to ensure there stay is a perfect as can be, something that is rare nowadays but appreciated by the diners.

The Bon Sol is well known for its variety of evening entertainment but if that does not appeal, the bright lights of Palma are only a short taxi ride away.

A city worlds apart from the tranquility of Banyalbufar, the varied nightlife consists of quaint wine bars to

discotheques and everything in-between - one night is simply not enough time to explore everything on offer.

After five days, (which was much too short) Majorca has left an indelible mark and is somewhere I plan to visit again, spending more time getting better acquainted with its culture, people and landscape - a truly breathtaking place.

The FactsMonarch – www.monarch.co.ukMonarch operates year round flights to Majorca from London Gatwick and Manchester and from Birmingham and Luton in the summer. Fares include taxes and start from £36.99 one way (£59.50 return).

Mar-I-Vent - www.hotelmarivent.comRooms start at 79 Euros per night including a continental breakfast. Dine in the hotel for its authentic Majorcan food but be adventurous and go to the tapas bars in and around the town.

Valldemossa – Real CartujaThe monastery visit at 7 Euros is great value. The area is great for cyclists with a number of reasonably priced hotels if you want to turn your day visit into a nights stay.

Bon Sol – www.hotelbonsol.esWith rooms starting at 112 Euros per night the Bon Sol prices are relative to the city positioning. There are a number of options regarding half board and breakfast and room rates include use of the facilities (excluding the Spa treatments). LH

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FASHioN&SHoPPiNG

A YEAR oF StREEt FASHioN iN BiRMiNGHAMLou Jones is a fashion junkie whose iPhone snap-shot documentary of Birmingham street style is regularly posted on her blog thestylekaleidoscope.com.

We asked her to give us a rundown of her favourite images from the year and why. Here is her month-by-month account of her favourite people in Brum.

JULY 2011 I was once a slave to the straighteners but much prefer my hair in the style of Keith Richards these days, hence my love for natural curls. And I had Slush Puppies every week when I was growing up.

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A YEAR oF StREEt FASHioN iN BiRMiNGHAMLou Jones is a fashion junkie whose iPhone snap-shot documentary of Birmingham street style is regularly posted on her blog thestylekaleidoscope.com.

We asked her to give us a rundown of her favourite images from the year and why. Here is her month-by-month account of her favourite people in Brum.

JULY 2011 I was once a slave to the straighteners but much prefer my hair in the style of Keith Richards these days, hence my love for natural curls. And I had Slush Puppies every week when I was growing up.

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FASHioN&SHoPPiNG

AUGUST 2011 The rawest ‘street’ look I’ve seen in 12 months, hands down.

SEPTEMBER 2011 It’s not very often that you bump into a model, especially one that looks this effortless off-duty.

OCTOBER 2011 She was wearing one of her dad’s shirts, so kudos for thinking outside of the box.

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AUGUST 2011 The rawest ‘street’ look I’ve seen in 12 months, hands down.

SEPTEMBER 2011 It’s not very often that you bump into a model, especially one that looks this effortless off-duty.

OCTOBER 2011 She was wearing one of her dad’s shirts, so kudos for thinking outside of the box.

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FASHioN&SHoPPiNG

NOVEMBER 2011 When you’re young you can get away with anything in fashion, and this girl isn’t scared of having a good time with it.

DECEMBER 2011 I’ve taken her shots a couple of times now. She has piercing eyes that remind me of Elizabeth Taylor’s.

JANUARY 2012 She was a few months ahead of everyone else flying the flag for the USA in this outfit, and she outdid them all.

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NOVEMBER 2011 When you’re young you can get away with anything in fashion, and this girl isn’t scared of having a good time with it.

DECEMBER 2011 I’ve taken her shots a couple of times now. She has piercing eyes that remind me of Elizabeth Taylor’s.

JANUARY 2012 She was a few months ahead of everyone else flying the flag for the USA in this outfit, and she outdid them all.

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FASHioN&SHoPPiNG

FEBRUARY 2012 The mix of white, black and blue patterns is genius.

MARCH 2012 The green Doc Martens. I envy anyone who can pull Doc Martens off as they look ridiculous on me and I love them.

APRIL 2012 I’m a little obsessed with tattoos. The t-shirt and existing tats here are a killer combo.

MAY 2012 Studs, polka dots and spikes – an aggressive but playful combination.

JUNE 2012 The two of them together are so ‘street’, that it’s enough to make the street they’re standing on give up and go home.

JULY 2012 No words can sum up how amazing it feels to have the Queen on the blog; this was taken outside Snow Hill station during her Jubilee tour in July.

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FEBRUARY 2012 The mix of white, black and blue patterns is genius.

MARCH 2012 The green Doc Martens. I envy anyone who can pull Doc Martens off as they look ridiculous on me and I love them.

APRIL 2012 I’m a little obsessed with tattoos. The t-shirt and existing tats here are a killer combo.

MAY 2012 Studs, polka dots and spikes – an aggressive but playful combination.

JUNE 2012 The two of them together are so ‘street’, that it’s enough to make the street they’re standing on give up and go home.

JULY 2012 No words can sum up how amazing it feels to have the Queen on the blog; this was taken outside Snow Hill station during her Jubilee tour in July.

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WiN £100 oF SEVENtYSEVEN CLotHiNG

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