We're over halfway through Sydney's winter festival of Light, Live (music) and Ideas. Fans of Vivid have been capturing the best of the spectacle, and we're celebrating the best of this year's pics taken from folks like us — appreciators of light art sculptures, awesome projections, and perfect timing. If you haven't made your way down to Circular Quay and its surrounds, hurry. Vivid Light 2012 wraps up next Monday, June 11. Customs House, taken by Alex Wain (via Flickr). What lies beneath... Photo taken by Patrick Shirey (shared via Instagram). Don't feed the piranhas - photo taken by @keithmcinnes (via Instagram). A forest of bubble trees. Taken by iwoolf (via Flikr). A very vivid merry-go-round. Taken by Welsay (via Flickr). Museum of Contemporary Art, taken by @koltonlol (via Instagram). Sunflowers in the Rocks, taken by Real_ARMOTUR (via Flickr). Lighting of the Sails by URBANSCREEN. Taken by Artistiquephotography10 (via Flickr). Main photo courtesy of Destination NSW. Follow the latest fan photos on Vivid Sydney's Facebook page.
Half a century ago, one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time made its cinematic debut. It might hail from a genre filled with plenty of excellent flicks — both then and now — but 2001: A Space Odyssey still remains one of sci-fi's best and most iconic efforts. And, one of the best and most iconic movies ever made, too. With Stanley Kubrick at the helm, adapting Arthur C. Clarke's short story The Sentinel with the author himself, it's easy to see why. Really, this isn't your usual jaunt into space. It was a mindblowing, groundbreaking feat at the time — and come June 7, Melbourne audiences will get the chance to watch the film in all of its original glory. While 2001: A Space Odyssey has remained a favourite pick for retrospective screenings around the city for years, the latest release will feature an 'unrestored' 70mm print of the movie — that is, it'll look just like it did 50 years ago. The version about to do the rounds was created using a true photochemical film recreation from the original camera negative without any digital tricks, remastered effects or new edits. After premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it'll screen at the The Sun Theatre and The Astor Theatre for a limited run, so you'd best open the pod bay doors, HAL, and hurry along.
Just as Hobart's winter arts fest Dark Mofo kicks off its final weekend of this year's iteration, MONA has announced that it will move the festival's summertime counterpart, Mona Foma, to Launceston. MONA shared its plans to move the festival back in July last year, when it announced it will build a huge new five-star hotel alongside the Berriedale gallery. The gallery then called on the Tasmanian Government to help fund the move — and that funding has just come through. It's pledged a hefty $1.75 million for each of the next three years to help MONA hold the festival in Launceston, rather than its usual home of Hobart. The move's been prompted by the success of Mona Foma 2018, which saw part of the program hosted in the Launceston, including a free block party at QVMAG enjoyed by a huge 5000 people. It seems that, having changed the cultural landscape in Hobart, MONA founder David Walsh and Mona Foma curator Brian Ritchie have their sights set on doing the same in the state's second biggest city. This will no doubt bring in lots of tourism dollars for the government and local businesses, too. "We weren't interested in putting together a watered-down Mona Foma," explained MONA co-CEO Mark Wilsdon. "This funding means we'll be able to do it, and do it properly. It will help us create a world-famous cultural event, industry and legacy in northern Tasmania, as Mona Foma did for Hobart when we launched in 2009." From its new home, the January festival will continue its celebration of creativity in all forms, through an eclectic program of art and music that's not afraid to get a little weird. The Mona Foma 2019 dates are set to be announced this August, with the lineup dropping shortly after. We'll keep you posted on that front.
A much-loved Melbourne legend is set to have his legacy memorialised, with a fitting permanent tribute set to be unveiled early next year. The City of Melbourne has today announced that a memorial table and plaque created in honour of the late Pellegrini's co-owner Sisto Malaspina will be installed out the front of his famed Bourke Street Italian restaurant. The news comes one year after the Melbourne hospitality pioneer was killed in the Bourke Street terrorist attack in November, 2018. The table will be engraved with a portrait of Malaspina by acclaimed Melbourne illustrator Oslo Davis and the words "Sisto loved Melbourne – and Melbourne loved him back". It'll be placed streetside, where the Pellegrini's mainstay would often be found sitting, chatting and watching the world go by. [caption id="attachment_749741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Some of the tributes left outside Pellegrini's after Malspina's death in November 2018.[/caption] Malaspina arrived in Melbourne from Italy in the 1960s, purchased Pellegrini's with his business partner Nino Pangrazio in 1974 and operated it together right up until Malaspina passed away last year. He was a familiar face for scores of locals and visitors, renowned for his generous personality and welcoming nature. And for decades, the venue he helped create has been one of the CBD's go-to Italian coffee bars and eateries, famed for its classic pasta and friendly vibe. Malaspina's son David, who's in negotiations to purchase Pangrazio's half of the business, said in a statement that the family is proud of the memorial and he "look[s] forward to looking out of the window of Pellegrini's and watching people learn about Dad while enjoying a coffee at his table". Find Pellegrini's Espresso Bar at 66 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's open from Monday–Saturday 8am–11pm and Sunday 12–8pm.
Every January, ABC radio station Triple J counts down the hottest 100 tunes of the past year, and gives Australians a new go-to playlist for the next few months. Now, fellow station ABC Classic has gifted fans of movie, television and video game music their own version — the Classic 100: Music for the Screen, which just named the best scores and soundtracks that've echoed from screens big and small over the decades. The Classic 100 isn't new. It's been around for two decades, in fact, and threw Beethoven some love back in 2021. For 2022, however, the countdown has solely honed in on music from films and TV, plus the gaming realm. To the surprise of no one, the winner game from a galaxy far, far away. Yes, John Williams' additions to all things Star Wars topped the list, because the force was clearly with this poll — which, like the Triple J Hottest 100, was voted for by listeners. Coming in second was Howard Shore's efforts for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, while iconic Italian composer Ennio Morricone's score for 1986 film The Mission took out third spot. Muggles and wizards alike must've cast their votes for the Harry Potter series in fourth, recognising the work of John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat. And John Williams took fifth spot, too, for Schindler's List. Other highlights include the late Vangelis' Chariots of Fire score, John Williams (again) for Jurassic Park, and Ramin Djawadi's work on Game of Thrones — all in the top ten. And yes, Williams popped up a lot. He was also recognised for the Indiana Jones series (11th), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (42nd), Superman (55th) and Jaws (57th). Among the other standouts, Doctor Who came in 12th, the music for The Legend of Zelda series notched 23rd spot, Blade Runner sat at 36th, The Godfather trilogy at 41st and Back to the Future at 47th. Or, there's the wonderful and strange sounds of Twin Peaks at 50th, the Super Mario series at 52nd, The Princess Bride at 59th, the Final Fantasy games at 64th, The Simpsons at 70th and the James Bond theme at 72nd. Also on the list: Pokémon at 75th, Bluey at 83rd, Bernard Herrmann's stellar Psycho tunes at 84th and Daft Punk's exceptional Tron: Legacy score in 89th place. Studio Ghibli was well-represented, with Howl's Moving Castle at 21st, Spirited Away at 32nd and My Neighbour Totoro at 66th. Hans Zimmer was too, with nine showings — for the Pirates of the Caribbean (6th), Gladiator (19th), Interstellar (27th), both versions of The Lion King (sharing 28th place), Inception (49th), The Crown (65th), 2021's Dune (74th), Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy (75th) and Dunkirk (95th). Yes, you've now got 100 iconic soundtracks to listen to. And if you missed the countdown live, you can still work your way through it via the ABC Classic website. For the full ABC Classic 100 Countdown, head to the ABC Classic website.
Congratulations. Not only have you made it through an entire year, and an entire month of Christmas carols, but you've also reached a neat yearly milestone. Today is the longest day of the year — and not just because you're staring out the window before your office goes on holidays tomorrow. Today — that is Wednesday, December 21 — is the 2017 summer solstice. What does that mean? Well, it means that today has the most daylight hours of any other day this year. That's because the earth's axis at this point in time puts the sun is at the highest point in the southern hemisphere's sky, creating a longer period of sunlight. This happens once a year in each hemisphere. How long the day is exactly will depend on where you live — the further south you are (i.e. closer to the South Pole), the longer the day. According to ABC News, Sydney will get 14 hours, 24 minutes and 43 seconds of sunlight today, while up north Brisbane will get about half an hour less. Hobart gets the longest one of all, with the day stretching for 15 hours and 21 minutes. Interestingly, the summer solstice doesn't coincide with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset, which take place on separate summer days. It might not have the hype of the last month's supermoon, but it's still a great excuse to get do something outdoorsy after work tonight. Via ABC News.
Female-led food collective BABS has already earned plenty of fans in Sydney, thanks to the dining pop-ups the team has hosted at much-loved venues like Valentina's and Either/Or. Now, it's our turn for a slice of the culinary action. BABS (short for BadAssBitcheS) is heading south for its first-ever Melbourne pop-up, teaming up with Cam's Kiosk at the Abbotsford Convent for a four-course lunch on Sunday, April 16. Here, the mission is the same as always: to champion some kick-ass women of the Aussie hospitality scene and celebrate collaboration while serving up a standout feast. [caption id="attachment_876407" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BABS, by Haydon Fanning[/caption] This one will have a Mediterranean lean, running over two sittings (12pm, 2pm) and clocking in at $110 per person. Chefs Ellie Hayes O'Brien (BABS) and Julieanne Blum (Cam's) have dreamed up a seafood-heavy spread featuring plates like clams with fregola, saffron and fennel; scallop tartare paired with tomato oil and fried kipflers; and grilled flank steak served with greens sourced straight from the convent grounds. True to form, the wine situation will be equally impressive — a collaborative effort from BABS's Bec Shave and Anna Clifford and Alessia Augello (Cam's) that'll focus on lesser-known female winemakers from across the world. [caption id="attachment_895877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] Top images: Christopher Pearce
There may or may not be a new mixtape from the Avalanches. This past weekend, the Australian band tweeted this mysterious message to fans, with a link to a mix titled 'A Sleepy Bedtime Mix for Young Ones'. The link is hosted by new mixtape site, Pinchy & Friends, created by Tom Kuntz, who directed the video for the Avalanches' 'Frontier Psychiatrist'. Reps from Modular, the Avalanches' label, claim to have no knowledge of a mixtape. The Avalanches have gonna a little MIA as of late; a "taking a break" message appears on their site, and the band has thanked fans for their patience via Facebook. The mysterious mixtape is posted under the name of Charles Bukowski's character Henry Chinaski, and is currently available for free download here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=eS3AZ12xf6s
Goodbye Henry Cavill, hello Liam Hemsworth: when The Witcher returns for season four, that's the first big talking point. The change is old news, given that it was announced back in 2022, but seeing it in action isn't. And while Netflix hasn't yet revealed when it is bringing its hit fantasy series back, it has just dropped the first teaser for the new episodes — including the first look at Hemsworth (Land of Bad) as Geralt of Rivia. The icy long locks and the firm gaze are all accounted for in the brief debut glimpse at The Witcher season four, in what'll be the first season without Argylle's Cavill. Hemsworth takes over the part for not just season four but also season five, after the show was renewed for a fifth and final season in April 2024 before its fourth even airs. They're both currently being filmed back to back. So, get ready to toss a coin to your new witcher, and then one more time — but that'll be it. "As a Witcher fan I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," Hemsworth said when the casting change was initially announced. "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world," he continued. [caption id="attachment_748890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henry Cavill in The Witcher[/caption] If you haven't watched the first three seasons yet but the name sounds familiar from elsewhere, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Sapkowski's last three Witcher books, aka Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow and Lady of the Lake, will form the basis of the Netflix series' final two seasons. In the Netflix effort, Cavill and now Hemsworth play the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, The Cypher) and young princess Ciri (Freya Allan, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes). Alongside Hemsworth, season four will also welcome Laurence Fishburne (John Wick: Chapter 4), Sharlto Copley (Boy Kills World), James Purefoy (The Veil) and Danny Woodburn (Bookie) to the cast. Check out the first teaser for The Witcher season four below: The Witcher's fourth season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The show's first three seasons are currently available to stream via Netflix.
With its first season, Yellowjackets instantly became one of 2021's best new series. Its second season is due in March, which already makes it one of the most-anticipated shows of 2023. Expect that excitement to continue in 2024 or beyond as well, with the hit thriller about the fallout from plane crash just locked in for a third season. While it couldn't be a more perfect theme tune to play over the show's opening credits, Craig Wedren and Anna Waronker's 90s-esque track 'No Return' doesn't apply to Yellowjackets' fate on our screens, clearly. US cable network Showtime has already renewed the series ahead of its season-two premiere — three months ahead, in fact, with the show's second batch of episodes due late March (streaming from Friday, March 24, 2023 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand). The woods have a way of calling you back. #Yellowjackets is renewed for Season 3. pic.twitter.com/7e3LPzlBle — Yellowjackets on SHOWTIME (@yellowjackets96) December 15, 2022 If you're new to Yellowjackets, it's filled with eeriness, chills, 90s threads and survival skills, as a series about a New Jersey high school's girls soccer team after they crash in the forest and possibly turn to cannibalism should be. The show deepens its mysteries across two timelines: that tragedy and its immediate aftermath, and the ripples still being felt 25 years later. Not everyone seen in the former makes it to the latter, as the first season made plain. In their high-school prime, Shauna (Don't Look Up's Melanie Lynskey as an adult, and also The Kid Detective's Sophie Nélisse as a teenager), Natalie (Welcome to Chippendales' Juliette Lewis, plus The Book of Boba Fett's Sophie Thatcher) and Taissa (Billions' Tawny Cypress, and also Scream's Jasmin Savoy Brown) were key players on the titular high-achieving squad, while Misty (Wednesday's Christina Ricci, as well as Shameless' Samantha Hanratty) was the squad's frequently bullied student manager. Then, en route to a big match in Seattle on a private plane in 1996, they entered Lost territory. That accident saw everyone who walked away from the accident stranded in the wilderness — and those who then made it through that ordeal stuck out there for 19 months, living their worst Alive-meets-Lord of the Flies lives. Season two will pick up after plenty of chaos in both timeframes, and with new faces among the cast. Introducing more of the team in their adult guise is very much on the agenda, including Simone Kessell (Muru) playing the older Lottie and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) as the older Van. In their younger years, both characters are played by Australian actors, with Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) as Lottie and and Liv Hewson (Santa Clarita Diet) as Van. Also joining the show: Elijah Wood, who is no stranger to leafy surroundings thanks to his time in the Lord of the Rings franchise. He'll play Walter, a citizen detective who is set to challenge Misty — the adult version, presumably. It's obviously too early for a sneak peek at season three, but you can check out Yellowjackets' first teaser for season two below: Season three of Yellowjackets doesn't yet have a release date. Season two will start streaming from Friday, March 24, 2023 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one.
If you avoid glass observation decks atop high structures like the plague, then you might want to look away. Those cash-grabbing, genius high rise developers have taken our apparent insatiable desire to stand on a floor of reinforced glass at great heights to the next level and turned the standing attraction into a sliding one. Yep, a see-through glass slide has just opened on top of Los Angeles' highest skyscraper. Terrifying. The slide — aptly named Skyslide — is part of the iconic U.S. Bank Tower's new Skyspace development, which opened on Saturday, June 25. Skyspace has turned the tower's 70th floor into an impressive open-air observation deck (the highest of its kind in California), and the slide is just an extra addition for people who feel that merely looking at a view of Downtown LA from 1000 feet is not enough. That said, the slide is relatively short at about 14 metres — it only travels the length of one floor, from the 70th to the 69th. So it's a bit of a short-lived ride. But if you're scared of heights, you can at least take comfort in the fact that it'll be over before you know it. Well, we assume there's nothing quite like moving at high speed in a glass tube on the side of a building to truly appreciate the view. Even if it is only for 3.5 seconds.
Part of the crew that brought you the much talked about Armadale cafe Mammoth have unveiled their latest hospitality venture. Today they open the doors to Gilson, an all-day diner overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens on Domain Road. Just as Mammoth pushed the envelope with edgy café fare (like the doughnut lobster burger), Gilson is going about things a little differently to most, with owners Loren and Jamie McBride eschewing modernity and "of the moment" in favour of something much more timeless. The couple are involved in Mammoth and Northcote's Barry, and have most recently opened pizza place Primo. Open from 6am until midnight daily, Gilson is a riff on those deeply engrained, old-world European cafes; it's been built in the hopes of becoming a neighbourhood stalwart, right from the get-go. And, given it'll be slinging fresh flowers on weekends, offering take away pizzas, and hosting aperitivo sessions in the afternoons, there's little doubt Gilson will be winning over its South Yarra locals pretty darn quickly. A classic bistro menu — put together by chefs Emma Jeffrey and Pippa McLeod — has been crafted around local, seasonal produce, and the star of the show, Gilson's custom-built wood oven. This beaut will be working its own magic on the masses, turning out creations like wood-fire pizzas, and peach tarte Tatin. A brunch menu will be available until 3pm before the evening offering kicks in, which includes the aforementioned pizzas as well as a selection of sandwiches, small plates and dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and lamb osso bucco. Meanwhile, the enduring fit-out comes courtesy of Projects of Imagination, who've previously left their stylish mark on such foodie faves as Chin Chin and Supernormal. With their prime location across from the gardens, it looks set to be a prime posi to sit on the sidewalk with a spritz this summer. Gilson opens today, Tuesday, December 6 at 171 Domain Road, South Yarra. They'll be open from 6am until midnight seven days a week. For more info, visit gilsonrestaurant.com.au. Images: Emily Weaving.
Back in 1981, when Raiders of the Lost Ark made archaeologist Indiana Jones one of the biggest big-screen characters there is, it did so with fantastic casting. Harrison Ford added a new George Lucas-created franchise to his name after Star Wars and a hit was born — one that's still going a whopping 42 years later, including 39 years since Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom gave it a sequel, 34 years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade initially seemed to wrap things up and 15 years after Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull got things going again. The latest Indy entry: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which arrives in cinemas this June. As well as bringing back its legendary star fresh from proving a cantankerous delight in streaming comedy Shrinking — yes, he dons the famous hat once more, in what's been dubbed his final appearance in the role — the new flick also makes a few fresh stellar casting moves. Getting Fleabag favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge onboard is clearly one of them. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny heads back to the 60s, and uses the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union as a backdrop. And, as both the movie's initial teaser back in 2022, its sneak peek during the Super Bowl and now its just-dropped full trailer all show, Indiana Jones has his goddaughter in tow — with Waller-Bridge's Helena enjoying plenty of bantering, naturally, with the saga's namesake. Wondering what else is in store? In addition to Ford, Dr Henry Walton 'Indiana' Jones Jr's famous headwear and that whip — two different looks at Ford, actually, including Indy in the film's present day and Indy in the past, with the movie using digital de-ageing technology — there are Nazis to battle and the famous John Williams-composed theme soundtracking the action as well. Story-wise, the also supremely well-cast Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) leads a group of Nazis trying to use The Dial of Destiny's titular trinket to change the past and claim power — a gadget that Helena has her own plans for in the name of capitalism. The archaeologist's latest outing brings in a few changes to the series, with Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) out of the director's chair for the first time ever, handing over the reins to Logan and Ford v Ferrari's James Mangold. And, Lucas doesn't have a part in the script, either, with Mangold co-scripting with Ford v Ferrari's Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. On-screen, John Rhys-Davies returns as as Sallah, too, while Antonio Banderas (Official Competition), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Toby Jones (The English) and Boyd Holbrook (The Sandman) join the on-screen talent alongside Shaunette Renee Wilson (Black Panther), Oliver Richters (The King's Man) and Ethann Isidore (Mortel). And yes, if it's a big blockbuster franchise, it stars Harrison Ford, and it debuted in the 70s or 80s, then it's always coming back to the screen — as Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and its sequels have, as well as Blade Runner 2049. Check out the full trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny below: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny releases in cinemas Down Under on June 29, 2023. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
With Soohun Jung’s new invention, cyclists can communicate with drivers in ways that were never possible before. The Korean designer has come up with an ‘i Backpack’, which functions as a rear view mirror, as well as providing break signals, turn signals and a message board. A tablet is placed in the backpack, and connected with a smartphone, which rests on the handlebars. The two are integrated through a Bluetooth-enabling app. The smartphone works as a rearview mirror, and at the same time, sends messages to the tablet, which displays them for the benefit of drivers and pedestrians. So, a bright yellow arrow on a blue screen communicates the intention to turn, while block letters reading ‘SLOW DOWN’ indicate the cyclist is hitting the brakes. The app responds to the bicycle’s movements through sensors. Riders can also opt to send friendly messages, such as ‘Have a nice day’, ‘Ride with me’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Sorry’. It’ll be interesting to explore the i Backpack’s potential to improve motorist-cyclist relations, particularly in cities that aren't especially well-designed for the incorporation of two-wheelers. Soohun Jung is currently studying product design at the Samsung Art and Design Institute. He has received a number of awards, including two Red Dot Design Winners in 2012 and a Bronze at the D2B Design Fair 2012. The i Backpack was shortlisted in IF 2013. [via PSFK]
For so many of us, France is the dream. The cheese is so good it's practically an out of body experience, it's acceptable to drink wine at any time of the day, local employers only want you to work 35 hours a week (with no sneaky emails thereafter), and now they're paying people to ride their bikes to work. For realsies. This isn't like when people say an internship is paid, but its actual currency of choice is good vibes and stale lamingtons from the break room. This plan is fuelled by real cash money. This governmental effort to boost bike usage comes as an incentive to improve people's health, reduce air pollution and cut fossil fuel consumption. Though currently in a six-month trial period, the initiative is backed by similar efforts in neighbouring European countries too. The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Britain also have bike-to-work schemes, but this will be the first of its kind to actually offer direct payment to riders. The system as it stands offers 25 euro cents for every kilometre ridden to work. Live 4km away? You just earned half your morning coffee. Twenty companies employing a total of 10,000 people had reportedly signed up to the program as of Monday, and the government believe the initiative will raise the cyclist population by 50 percent. At the moment just 2.4 percent of French people ride to work, as compared to 8 percent in Belgium and a whopping 25 percent in the Netherlands. Our figures in Australia sit just below France, around 1.5 percent. You can't help but imagine what a world of good such policies would do for us too. Despite traffic being at its worst, and the increasing presence of new bike lanes or bike-share programs, the desire to stay plonked sedentary in your car is stronger than ever. We're not saying we need the government to pay us money to get off our butts, but at this point, it sure couldn't hurt. Via Reuters. Photo credits: Simona K and infomatique via photopin cc.
With SPECTRE marking the now twenty-fourth film in the iconic James Bond franchise, it’s remarkable to think that not a single scene has ever been filmed in Australia. Now’s your chance, however, to show Bond’s producers what they’re missing out on by spending an amazing day living out the exhilarating, adventurous and exclusive lifestyle of its hero right here in your own home town. Bond’s long-term partner Heineken has teamed up with the boutique experience cultivators over at MrAristotle for a brand new project, The Catch. Throughout November and December, Heineken will be hosting exclusive SPECTRE 007 events that are so mysterious participants won’t know what’s in store until they’re suddenly whisked away and thrown right into the middle of the action right as it happens — like this one, where you and three friends will go into the running for a day that will earn you eternal bragging rights, give you a taste of the ultra-high life and make after-work drinks never quite feel the same again. Firstly, you’ll be picked up by your own private luxury helicopter and taken for an aerial tour of some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Next, your pilot will shuttle you and your team north along the coastline and over some of our most magnificent beaches until you arrive in a secret destination deep within the gorgeous countryside. Once down, a car will be waiting to ferry you to one of the region’s oldest pubs where you’ll enjoy a gourmet light lunch and a sampling of the local beers (and of course, ol' expat Heineken) while taking in the stunning surroundings. Then, your personal helicopter will be right there to take you and your friends back to town via the Olympic Village and over the glistening Harbour. To be in the running, sign up via the Heineken's The Catch website and have your mates locked, loaded and ready to move at a moment’s notice, because as any spy will tell you — you’ll never know when they’re coming for you, so you just have to be ready.
What happens when a sandwich diner levels up in a big way, becoming a fine-diner that's angling for a spot among Chicago's very best restaurants? Fans of The Bear will soon find out. The show's third season is about to be served, arriving at the end of June — and in the latest trailer, culinary chaos remains on the menu. "This is a dysfunctional kitchen," says Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, Bottoms) in the new sneak peek. "Show me a functional one," pipes back Carmy (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, No Hard Feelings) in unison. The rest of the trailer is teeming with the hustle and bustle of the trio, and their colleagues, friends and family, working through the reality of having made their hospitality dreams come true. [caption id="attachment_954671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chuck Hodes/FX[/caption] As the first glimpse at season three also showed, The Bear's namesake restaurant is now open, after Carmy, Sydney, Richie and the team transformed their beef-slinging eatery (where season one's action took place) into an upscale restaurant (with that process fuelling season two). But staying operational is still a struggle, with the new batch of episodes set to chart Carmy's quest for culinary perfection, plus the stresses that both it and being in the restaurant trade in general bring. How that pans out will be revealed on Thursday, June 27 both in the US and Down Under. In the past, there's always been a wait for Aussie and NZ viewers — season one hit in June in America, then in August in Australia; with season two, US viewers still had a June date, while Aussies and New Zealanders had to wait till July — but thankfully that isn't the case this time. Comfort food and winter do go hand in hand, after all — and since 2022, so have chaotic culinary dramedies and the frostiest time of the year Down Under. It was two years back that The Bear debuted to become one of the best new shows on television. In 2023, it then became one of the best returning shows on TV that year. The Bear was renewed for season three in November 2023 to the surprise of no one, but to the joyous shouts of "yes chef!" from everyone. Also, even though that third season hasn't yet dropped, it looks as if the show has been renewed for its fourth season already as well. If you've missed The Bear so far, its first season jumped into the mayhem when Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, Origin) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Then, in season two, Carmy worked towards turning the space into an upscale addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty team — including a roster of talent also spans Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar, plus Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment), Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) and IRL chef Matty Matheson among the other staff. Check out the latest trailer for The Bear season three below: The Bear streams via Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand, with season three arriving on Thursday, June 27. Read our review of season one and review of season two.
Talk about stating the obvious: "this is a multi-year journey you're about to embark on," Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo, Dark Waters) tells Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black) in the new She-Hulk: Attorney at Law trailer. He's teaching her the ways of being green and huge, and possessing super strength — and, in the kind of winking, nudging tone that the new Disney+ series looks set to revel in, he's clearly not only talking about the on-screen journey, but the experience of keeping up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe for those watching along. This far in — 14 years since the first Iron Man reached screens, with 28 other movies releasing since, and the slate of streaming series only growing — being a fan of the MCU is a big commitment. After a few gaps during the first year of the pandemic, there's always something new Marvel-related to watch on screens big and small, or so it seems. In 2022 so far, Moon Knight, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Ms Marvel and Thor: Love and Thunder have all already arrived, for instance. Hitting Disney+ from Wednesday, August 17, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is the next title on the way — and, yes, the idea is all there in its name. Walters is a lawyer newly specialising in superhuman law. After an experiment by Banner, she's soon turning green when she's scared and angry. And as both the initial and the new trailers for the about-to-release MCU show point out, with the latest dropping during this year's San Diego Comic-Con, things get chaotic from there. If your memory of TV extends back to the late 90s and early 00s, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law should give you big Ally McBeal vibes — but with superheroes instead of Calista Flockhart and dancing babies. Walters' work life, her efforts to balance being an attorney and being She-Hulk, her dating experiences: they're all covered, as is sitting around chatting about everything with her best pal (Ginger Gonzaga, Kidding) over drinks. The latest trailer also takes a few cues from The Boys, diving headfirst into the fallout when "more and more eccentric superhumans are coming out of the woodwork", as Walters is told. That's why she's enlisted to head up the legal division — her boss wants the She-Hulk to be the face of it, he explains. As it explores what it's like to be a single thirtysomething attorney who is also a green six-foot-seven-inch hulk — you know, that old chestnut — the show's nine-episode first season will also feature familiar MCU faces in the form of Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) as Wong and Tim Roth (Sundown) as Emil Blonsky/the Abomination. Rounding out the cast is a heap of recent sitcom standouts: Josh Segarra (The Other Two), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), Jon Bass (Miracle Workers) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Girls5eva). And, behind the lens, Kat Coiro (Marry Me) and Anu Valia (And Just Like That...) share directing duties across the season, with Jessica Gao (Rick and Morty) as head writer. Check out the latest She-Hulk: Attorney at Law trailer below: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will start streaming via Disney+ from Wednesday, August 17. Images: courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
In June 2024, The Boys will return for its fourth season. For a sneak peek, the chaotic caped-crusader series has already dropped not one but two trailers. But fans don't just have those eight new episodes to look forward to — you can also start getting excited about season five, too, because Prime Video has already renewed the show. "The Boys could be the best job I'll ever have. What other show allows me to write about politics, capitalism, family and exploding genitalia, though not in that order," said Eric Kripke, the series' showrunner. "My only problem is that since this year promises to be free of any conflict or misinformation, we're not sure what to write about." Since first making the jump from the page to the screen in 2019, The Boys has never been afraid to splash OTT violence — gory carnage, too — across its frames, or to parody reality within its superhero tale. The same proved true in 2020's second season and 2022's third, and also in college-set spinoff Gen V, which arrived in 2023 and has been renewed for a second season as well. Season four will start streaming Down Under from Thursday, June 13, while season five doesn't yet have a release date. But both will keep telling a tale of a version of earth where caped crusaders are real, as are superpowers, and a group called The Seven are placed above all superheroes — but, digging into the dark side of the scenario, not everyone thinks that should be the status quo. The Boys has always stood out as an antidote to narratives about powerful folks who are supposedly better than most, by both satirising and questioning that very idea. Here, superheroes work for Vought. They're still the main form of entertainment, but they're real, the most famous celebrities there are and inescapable in daily life. While The Seven are the absolute top talent, most are hardly role models when the public isn't looking. That has made quite the change from the usual cinematic universes as the Prime Video show has kept notching up the seasons, all coming to the small screen from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comics series of the same name. In the cast: Karl Urban (Thor: Ragnarok), Jack Quaid (Oppenheimer), Antony Starr (Guy Ritchie's The Covenant), Erin Moriarty (Captain Fantastic), Claudia Doumit (Where'd You Go, Bernadette), Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl), Jessie T Usher (Smile), Laz Alonso (Wrath of Man), Tomer Capone (One on One), Karen Fukuhara (Bullet Train), Colby Minifie (I'm Thinking of Ending Things) and Cameron Crovetti (Boy Kills World) — with Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead), Susan Heyward (Hello Tomorrow!) and Valorie Curry (The Lost Symbol) joining for season four. There's obviously no trailer for season five yet, but check out the full trailer for The Boys season four below: The fourth season of The Boys will start streaming via Prime Video from Thursday, June 13, 2024. Read our reviews of The Boys season three and Gen V. Season five doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced.
In the kind of punishment Cersei Lannister might dream up, the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones isn't due until mid-2018 at the earliest — and sometime in 2019 at the latest. However, one London cinema is offering fans an immersive way to pass at least some of that period. Taking the movie marathon idea to the extreme, they're showing the entire series' seven-season run to date in one massive sitting. Fans of Westerosi dramas, resilient Stark siblings, formidable dragons and more can expect to get comfy in The Prince Charles Cinema for four days, as they screen all 67 episodes between November 27 and 30. It all kicks off at 7pm on Monday and runs until just after 6pm on Thursday. And while that might seem like quite the commitment — in hours, in the willingness to sit in cinema seats for that long, and in sacrificing your normal life for your favourite show — if there's one thing that GoT fans love more than shipping Jon Snow and Daenerys, it's spending as much time in the Seven Kingdoms as possible. The event is designed to promote the DVD release of the seventh season, which just finished airing in August. For anyone who happens to have a spare week, it's free to attend. There'll also be a pop-up pizza bar onsite for sustenance. If you're in London, the Game of Thrones Marathon Screening runs from November 27 to 30. Visit the event Facebook page for further details, or to register for tickets.
Travelling around the world might be easier than ever, but struggling to jump online can still turn a dream holiday into a technological nightmare. Unless you're visiting, Italy, that is. The country's Ministries for Economic Development and Culture have done travellers and its population a solid, and launched nationwide free wifi. Called Wifi Italia, now available via iTunes and Google Play, and released in both English and Italian, the app allows both tourists and residents to connect to a network of hotspots across the country, with the rollout beginning in favoured visitor haunts such as Rome, Bari, Milan, Trento, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Over the coming months, more cities and towns will be added — and users only need sign in once, with the system remembering their authentication details. So far, The Local reports that the app has been getting mixed reviews — as anyone who has tried to connect to free wifi knows, not all connections are made equal. Still, it's a step in the right direction given how essential internet access has become to our daily lives, and one less thing for visitors to Italy to worry about. Via The Local / Travel + Leisure. Image: Dennis Jarvis.
Mondays are the blurst, we know. But that's not to say that they can't be improved with some yummy food, good wine and interesting conversation — at least, that's what two young Melbourne chefs are out to prove. Jordon Garcia and Daniel Sullivan are out to make Monday nights a thing with their pop-up dining series, The Assembly. Held on the first Monday of August, September and October, The Assembly will takeover the kitchens of Mister Jennings, Hobba and The Boatbuilders Yard to serve a six-course degustation matched with local Victorian wines. Cutting their teeth in the kitchens of Mister Jennings, Red Spice Road and Susie Wong, the guys have taken on an ambitious menu that's set to change each month with the produce available. And at $94 for six dishes and matched wines, it's one of the more affordable degustations out there. But it's not just Monday's potential that they're out to prove — both Jordon and Daniel are only in their early 20s, and as emerging chefs, they're here to prove you don't have to be established to show people a good food, and a good time.
Make the most of the summery Melbourne weather with a twilight visit to the Heide Museum of Modern Art. Giving you an after-hours to explore Jenny Watson's The Fabric of Fantasy exhibition, the gallery is extending its opening hours until 8pm and hosting a laidback shindig as the sun goes down. From 5pm, visitors will be able to scope out the exhibition, wander through Heide's beloved sculpture park, and enjoy music from gypsy jazz ensemble South of Samois. There'll also be food and wine available to purchase, because no jaunt through a gallery is truly complete with a glass of bubbly in hand. That's just a straight-up fact — and, if you're organised, you can also bring your own picnic. Entry in Art by Twilight starts at $10 for Heide members, $14 for concession holders and $18 for adults. Image: Jeremy Weihrauch.
Born between May 21 and June 21? Then you're a Gemini — aka a social butterfly who loves people and good conversation, at least according to the usual astrological traits. That description feels pretty appropriate for Coburg's Gemini Wine Bar, a welcoming neighbourhood hub where thoughtfully curated wine, snacks and coffee keep locals and newcomers returning again and again. Founded by Tresna Lee and Shane Farrell, you won't be surprised to learn they named the venue after their shared star sign. For the second year running, the duo is hosting Gemini Season from Wednesday, May 21–Saturday, June 21: a series of dinners, tastings, collaborations and parties that lean a little into the mystic. And if you happen to be a different star sign, you're welcome to get involved all the same. "Gemini has always felt like the platform for us to explore our creative ideas for building community. The season is a great excuse to lean into our big concepts while celebrating our own birthdays," says Lee. So, what can you expect from this month-long shindig? On Wednesday, May 22, local artist and maker Nic McGuffog will present the astrologically-inspired Weave and Wine event, where you'll pair your creative skills with top-notch wine and snacks. Then, the main event — the Gemini Party — takes place on Friday, May 30, with every ticket including a cocktail on arrival, cheap drinks, boundless snacks and tarot card readings, with plenty more surprises to be revealed closer to the date. On Monday, June 2, it's time to get self-reflective, as Tarot Reading Night sees local mystic Aud Pitch take guests on a two-hour journey combining conversation, drinks and snacks. Looking ahead, Liam O'Brien from Athletes of Wine gets down to host a free wine tasting on Saturday, June 14, before Sabi Wabi drops in for another free wine tasting on Wednesday, June 18. Then, the next night, Mitchum's Dutch Rules Distillery presents an intimate dinner for ten guests, pairing the chef's selection with cocktails. Also running throughout Gemini Season are several promotions set to inspire your visit. For instance, Maidenii and Gelato Papa will collaborate to launch the Gemini Amaro Choc Top on Friday, May 30, while the venue's happy hour extends to include bougie additions like champagne, truffles and oysters from 5–6pm every Wednesday–Saturday. Then, Shaun Byrne from Maidenii returns to launch the Gemini Flawless Martini, and a $55 set menu transforms Sunday lunch. Finally, if you're a Gemini looking to celebrate your birthday, order a chef's selection with four or more friends to receive a free bottle of Gemini Pinot to take home. "Geminis are typically great communicators and socialites, so this is the season to gather and celebrate with our community. We love conjuring new ideas for events, and it's the perfect time to experiment as we celebrate our birthday season," says Lee. Gemini Wine Bar's Gemini Season runs from Wednesday, May 21–Saturday, June 21 at 158 Sydney Road, Coburg. Head to the website for more information.
2024 marks four years since Sydney and Melbourne welcomed a new film festival devoted to the weirder side of cinema. That event: Fantastic Film Festival Australia, which pops up in the first half of each year to showcase boundary-pushing flicks both new and old. It also features an annual nude screening, challenging what hitting the pictures means not just on the screen, but as an audience experience. For its fourth season, FFFA is going with an "if it ain't broke" approach. The festival's setup has worked a treat in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and this is the type of event where a new batch of movies should always be the star of the show. In 2024, then, get ready for a Ryan Corr-starring monster movie, a 4K restoration of The Raid and a 15th-anniversary session of Enter the Void for starters. Sting, which is helmed by Australian director Kiah Roache-Turner (Wyrmwood: Apocalypse), and sees Corr (In Limbo) joined by Alyla Browne (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), Noni Hazelhurst (One Night), Penelope Mitchell (What You Wish For) and Silvia Colloca (Wellmania) — plus some eight-legged creatures — is opening Fantastic Film Festival Australia 2024 in both cities. The fest will run in Sydney from Wednesday, April 17–Friday, May 10 at the Ritz Cinemas in Randwick. In Melbourne, it'll span Thursday, April 18–Thursday, May 9 at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, plus from Thursday, April 25–Tuesday, April 30 at Thornbury Picture House. Fans of Gareth Evans' (Gangs of London) epic Indonesian action effort The Raid will scope out the shiny restoration for the first time in Australia during the festival. Also in the throwback category throughout the event: Australia's own Melbourne-set thriller Metal Skin from 1994. And Gaspar Noé's (Vortex) Enter the Void has the closing-night slot, with Sydney-based electronic artist Corin providing a new original live score. If catching a movie in the buff has been one of your big FFFA highlights previously, you'll be able to strip off again this year. If you haven't made it along in the past, you're getting another chance to redress that while undressing. The film you'll be watching: comedy classic The Naked Gun. Clearly it has the right title for it. From there, there's no shortage of other must-sees on a program that covers 24 features alongside 14 shorts. Luc Besson's (Anna) DogMan stars Caleb Landry Jones (Nitram), Steven Soderbergh (Full Circle)-produced thriller Divinity gets another Down Under run after playing SXSW Sydney 2023, and Cannibal Mukbang from first-time director Aimee Kuge combines romance and gore. Or, there's Krazy House with Shaun of the Dead favourite Nick Frost and Clueless great Alicia Silverstone — and also gothic horror The Vourdalak, which hails from the pages of AK Tolstoy's novel. From South Korea, The Childe follows an amateur boxer and an assassin. France's The Deep Dark gets trapped with cave miners a thousand metres below the earth's surface — and, also representing Gallic cinema, Hood Witch stars Golshifteh Farahani (Invasion) and Denis Lavant (Holy Motors), Mars Express heads into the future and off the planet in animation, Vincent Must Die sees random strangers attack its namesake and Pandemonium follows folks who suddenly find themselves on a remote mountain road. Or, there's Japan's One Percenter, which is a love letter to action cinema; a travelling knife salesman crossing paths with robbers in The Last Stop to Yuma County; and Mami Wata, which was Nigeria's Oscar entry — the nation's third ever. For those keen on shorts, some will play before the features, while Melbourne will also get a session focused on locally made efforts. 2024 Fantastic Film Festival Australia Dates: Melbourne: Thursday, April 18–Thursday, May 9 — Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn Thursday, April 25–Tuesday, April 30 — Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury Sydney: Wednesday, April 17–Friday, May 10 — Ritz Cinemas, Randwick Fantastic Film Festival Australia runs in April and May at Ritz Cinema, Randwick in Sydney, plus Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn and Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury in Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the FFFA website.
What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring and congratulate yourself on surviving another winter than a free eight-day music festival. Stow your tents and thermals away, though, because Live N Local is providing the goods just a stone's throw away in the City of Port Phillip. It's close, a lot of it is free, and it's got some veritable bangers on the way to you via the just-released lineup. Beat At The Bowlo will unite Hexdebt, Househats, Psychobabel, Alice Skye and Kill The Darling for a Saturday arvo sesh complete with featuring lawn bowls, taking place at the Middle Park Bowls Club. Alternatively, you can follow along on a rock crawl through classic St Kilda music institutions to hear Fuck The Fitzroy Doom Scene, Bloody Rascals, The Dead Amigos, Batz and The Tarantinos as they noisily help you say "cya" to winter. There's a hip-hop/neo-soul/funk night with Chicken Wishbone and Moses Carr at the Lyrebird Lounge in Ripponlea, and an all-ages concert played by Woodes, Eilish Gilligan and Poppy Rose. And, staying true to Live N Local's focus of featuring emerging artists and fostering new talent, there'll also be an emerging artist program happening at Pontoon to shine a light on the up-and-comers making their way across the Australian music scene. And, maybe the most unique event on the program's lineup, UnderSCORE — an orchestral concert showcasing music from video games. Full details, locations and line-up here.
Aussie summers are practically made for adventures. We soak up rays at the beach, chase waterfalls in national parks and road trip with mates in search of new experiences. We get outdoors to make the most of the warm weather and eschew any work woes from the year with a big ol' dose of nature. But if you've ever been camping, hiking or even picnicking, you'll know that your fun in the sun can depend on the gear you've got. No one wants to roast themselves in the harsh sun, or forego a cold one due to a forgotten bottle opener. To help get you ready for all the summer adventures you've got planned, we've teamed up with Kathmandu in celebration of its new collaboration with Aussie artist Mulga (AKA Joel Moore) to give away one epic prize pack. Yep, you could be living your best outdoorsy life this summer — without having to fork out for the gear. The much-loved Sydney-based illustrator is known for his intricate line work and colourful, quirky characters — think koalas holding surfboards, sunglasses-clad chickens and cockatoos eating ice cream — that radiate Aussie summer vibes. So, it's only fitting that the Kathmandu x Mulga prize combines bright, quirky prints and patterns with functional designs. Should you win this prize, you'll score seven items to add to your summer essentials. The prize consists of two t-shirts for when you're not in your togs; a water bottle to keep you hydrated; a sand-proof towel; a sun shelter and a beach umbrella so you can stay cool and sun safe; and a handy chair for all the hanging out you'll be doing. It's got everything you need to help you get out there this summer. Keen to get a jump on summer with this epic prize? Enter your details below to go in the running. [competition]829441[/competition]
In previous years yelling and gesticulating at your television meant that you probably just had a really short attention span rather than a really awesome television. That's about to change with the revolutionary Smart TV from Samsung. Don't mention the term 'idiot box' around these sleek machines, which let you command your entertainment from the comfort of your couch with Smart Interaction including Voice and Motion control. Not only does this save you from having to dig around for the right remote control before even switching the thing on, but it also enriches your viewing experience through Smart Content. Apps cater to every taste, from movies-on-demand and sports channels to Skype, social networking and fitness workouts, putting all your favourite entertainment content at your fingertips — figuratively, of course, since you can do it all without actually touching anything. If you own an iPad or other other compatible device, the Smart TV can also stream content between that and your television by taking advantage of your home broadband network. Experience your iPhone snaps and home movies on a full HD 1080p screen without the hassle of connecting cables, and see the magic in reverse when you're outside of the home. Speaking of HD, it's also a pretty cool way to experience social media — as is logging in smoothly (and safely, if you've ever been a victim of Frape) using the facial recognition feature. Check out the Smart TV's advert below. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Dt3SWp9IjkA
If your ideal holiday involves hitting the sea, sailing to a heap of countries and exploring some of the most famous sites in popular culture over the past decade, then come September 2021, you'll be in luck. With Game of Thrones turning Iceland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Malta and Croatia into must-visit tourist destinations, a new cruise is launching to take fans to all of the above places. Naturally, it's called Cruise of Thrones. While it isn't officially affiliated with Game of Thrones, HBO, author George RR Martin or any of the enormous page-to-screen hit's powers-that-be, Cruise of Thrones will let fans live out their love for their series on a prolonged boat trip through Europe. Two eight-day options will be available, so you can pick one or the other — or sail them back to back. If you choose the northern cruise, you'll head to Iceland and Northern Ireland, where the Fist of the First Men, the Bloody Gate, Jon and Ygritte's cave, The Wall, Castle Black, Hardhome, Winterfell, Pyke and the King's Road all await. Folks on the southern cruise will journey through Spain, Malta, and Croatia, visiting Sunspear and the Water Gardens, the Tower of Joy, the Citadel, the Long Bridge of Volantis, King's Landing and the Red Keep. https://www.facebook.com/CruiseofThrones/posts/2368376046808980?__xts__[0]=68.ARDKtajQ6dIZzuH_8UMZveijqPbNWJ88xfHW_GQ6UnaQKDIySSo9wuynxBaGqzaE5RMgt1kvfbiPP72SkIxqYTDdqXHeRnGBbDFK-S1ZNx11lNElAkoMAz5BV-jxuAQP9mHcE0XZZDPoam__mGLvNX6HDpDg8q9Yfl7Gcry4wRIkfhAie_ASB0hdAcp2jqDh_Cjst8zO-V4-mLh6B1crmVCQWS2-ersCur9OLezRpRJhekaONPIVxPti0say29XxAi5MN150hD4GC29nvksfKnoO8gDgkoO9qS6q_YzRnKTmZhRjx1etMSh__oC9OKhEc04moCBZYECoat6Q2twFitPl4s3w&__tn__=-R Apparently the luxury ship will be fitted out to suit the theme, too; think dining rooms that resemble Winterfell's feasting halls, other decorative touches that recall various places from the show, and plenty of encouragement to dress up and play along. Everything from panels, discussions and lectures to wine tasting, storytelling, a scavenger hunt and game shows is also listed on the cruise's website, should you be in need of some onboard entertainment. A reference to celebrity guests is also made — presumably meaning GoT stars — but no specifics have been provided. If you're keen, you'll need to have a hefty Iron Bank account, with prices starting at US$5130 per person for eight nights. Of course, if you're not overly fond of organised cruises, plenty of fans have been making similar treks themselves — and, from sometime in 2020, you'll also be able to visit a huge new (and official) GoT tour through sets, costumes and props in Northern Ireland. For more information about Cruise of Thrones, which is due to set sail in September 2021, visit its website.
How does it feel to watch Timothée Chalamet play Bob Dylan belting out 'Like a Rolling Stone'? The second trailer for A Complete Unknown — a title that also stems from the same song featured in the new sneak peek — is here to help you find out. Set to hit cinemas Down Under in January 2025, the new biopic steps through the early days of the music icon's career, focusing on how Dylan became a sensation. A Complete Unknown's subject has been no stranger to the screen for decades. Martin Scorsese has made not one but two documentaries about him. I'm Not There had six actors, including Cate Blanchett (The New Boy), play him. The Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis couldn't take a fictional tour of the 60s folk scene without getting its protagonist watching him onstage. And docos about him date back to 1967's Don't Look Back and Festival. Only A Complete Unknown has Chalamet (Dune: Part Two) picking up a guitar, however, now that Dylan is getting the music biopic treatment again. With the curls and the gaze — and the early 60s-era wardrobe, too — the film's star looks the part in both the initial trailer (which dropped 59 years to the day that the 1965 Newport Folk Festival took place, where Dylan performed acoustic songs one day and went electric the next) and the just-released latest sneak peek. Chalamet also sings the part as the Wonka and Bones and All star transforms into the music icon at the start of his career, another reason for the movie's title. In a picture directed by Walk the Line helmer James Mangold — swapping Johnny Cash for another legend, clearly — A Complete Unknown charts Dylan's rise to stardom. The folk singer's early gigs, filling concert halls, going electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival: they're all set to be covered, including his famous performance at the latter. "They just want me to be singing 'Blowin' in the Wind' for the rest of my goddamn life," notes Chalamet in the new look at the flick, as it digs into the impact of his fame and the expectations that it brings. As well as Chalamet as Dylan, Mangold (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) has enlisted Edward Norton (Asteroid City) as Pete Seegar, Monica Barbaro (Fubar) as Joan Baez and Scoot McNairy (Speak No Evil) as Woody Guthrie — and, because he isn't done with Cash yet, Boyd Holbrook (The Bikeriders) to step into Johnny's shoes. Elle Fanning (The Great), Dan Fogler (Eric) and Norbert Leo Butz (The Exorcist: Believer) also feature. Check out the full trailer for A Complete Unknown below: A Complete Unknown releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Images: courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
Check out the full photo gallery It’s one-seventh the travel time to Woodford, one-fifth the number of Southern Cross tats at Field Day, as picturesque as Falls, and the local line up is without parallel. Yep, if you were among those who chose to bring in the New Year at Peats Ridge, I don’t have to tell you that you made a wise decision. For those of you who didn’t, here’s why you shouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Day One With open-air yoga classes, healing sessions and kids running amok, Peats Ridge feels more like a gypsy community than a music festival. The sheer number of workshops and craft stalls means you could spend a whole day without your children (win) and without seeing any music. Having said that, come mid-afternoon you would have been hard-pressed to go past Canadian rockers Yukon Blonde, who played like they were aiming to blow a speaker. For other reasons, it was difficult to overlook the Dum Dum Girls, whose indie-pop tunes came second fiddle to their strategic dress sense and homogenous hairdos. In the Chai temple, barefooted folk sprawled over colourful carpet and couches were treated to an electrifying Steve Smyth, who mesmerised his audience with a spine-tingling rendition of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Sylvie.’ If you missed him, you missed one of the best acts of the festival. Later back at main stage, golden boy Xavier Rudd and his hypnotic five-piece, one-man band sung songs about Mother Earth and the evils of mankind to an adoring crowd. A fitting reception for a man who plays the didge like nobody’s business. Day Two The morning after saw more than a few dusty revellers slumped over chai lattés and gözleme. However Friday’s bill didn’t pander to anyone’s hangover. Compounding a throbbing headache were Melbourne’s Graveyard Train, who proved that all you need is a few swashbuckling dudes, a guitar, and some basic hardware tools to rock out. San Fransisco’s Hanni El Khatib took a less humble approach, describing his music as being ‘for anyone who’s ever been shot or hit by a train.’ Right. Well that may have explained the small turn out. Nevertheless, Khatib’s punchy guitar riffs soon had the space packed. A solid blues rock act like that is hard to follow, particularly when you’re armed with a bunch of classical string instruments, but the Crooked Fiddle Band dished out their special brand of high-energy ‘chainsaw folk’ to a wildly appreciative crowd. As the night drew on, dorky-cool Japanese instrumental jazz group Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro had frenzied revellers chanting ‘baggy pants’ as if they were hip-hop heavy weights at an Up in Smoke Tour. Local boys Hermitude did a better job than the much-hyped Canyons at carrying the party vibe with their electronic hip-hop set and slow hip-swinging cover of MJ’s ‘Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.’ Day Three Dress up day. Luckily the music line-up today was a real slow-burner, which allowed campers ample time to adorn themselves in body paint or to join the queue at Fancy Schmancy costume hire. The Paper Scissors got into the masquerade theme early (on ‘em) and delivered a strong live performance largely thanks to Ivan Lisyak’s incredible drumming. At main stage, the Gold Coast’s Tijuana Cartel mixed breakbeat with some mean Afro-Cuban percussion and flamenco guitar solos. By the time they dropped ‘Letting it go’ the crowd was putty in their hands. In fact Tijuana would have been a far better way to end 2011 than the much-anticipated Gotye. The festival’s main event was a total fizzler. In the absence of any crowd banter and special guests, it boiled down to a lacklustre performer churning out his better-known hits. At the very least he could have done the whole thing painted in the nuddy. Thankfully the en masse midnight merry-making and after-party that carried on at the psychedelic Pirates’ Lair were more than enough to make up for it. At a time when Aussie music festivals are increasingly overshadowed by drug and alcohol-fuelled idiots, it’s great to see that Peats Ridge has managed to maintain a feel good eco- and family-friendly vibe. With a dome dedicated to artistic performances, a plethora of stalls selling local organic produce and crafts, art installations and a staggering variety of fresh food and high-quality drinks (fresh lime and ice with your vodka? Shut. Up.), it’s clear that a lot of love and attention has been put into the running of this event. And the results speak for themselves.
The team behind the geekiest burger joint on the westside, 8bit, are levelling up. Beloved for their hugely popular video game-themed burger bar, the team are about to embark on not one, but two new projects: opening an 8bit in the Melbourne CBD and a brand new American-style barbecue joint in Footscray. These guys sure eat their power-up flowers for breakfast. First up, the CBD 8bit instalment. Opening on Friday, December 11 at 231 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 8bit's city eatery will see an ex-convenience store space turned into a 20-seater burger bar, according to Good Food. Menu-wise, it'll see the same celebrated nosh as the Footscray restaurant — think salted caramel milkshakes, insane hot dogs, loaded fries, potato gems, soft serve ice cream and their beloved themed burgers including the the 1up mushroom burger, Double Dragon, Golden Axe, and the 8bit with cheese. But cooking up their famously nerdy burgers isn't the only thing on the burner for 8bit. They'll also be opening a full-on American-style barbecue joint in January, dubbed Up in Smoke. It's all about meat and beer in this place, which plans to serve up slow-cooked meats, smoked oysters, smoked jalapenos and smoked mushrooms from a $20,000 Yoder Frontiersman offset smoker. Up in Smoke will also see a huge beer garden, where you can pair your smoked meats with local craft beer. 8bit's CBD eatery will open at 11am on Friday, December 11 at 231 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Up in Smoke will open early next year at 28 Hopkins Street, Footscray. Via Good Food. Images: Renee Stamatis, Courtney King.
As the old proverb goes, "One can't be fully cool unless one's beers are cool, too." This never applies more than in summer, on a scorcher in the Australian sun (hey pool party season, nice to see you again). Now that it's the southern hemisphere's turn to hang out with old mate humidity, it's imperative you seize the hot season well-prepared. Nothing is more important in summer than protecting your health and comfort (tube of SPF 50+, blow-up paddling pool with built-in drink holders) and we believe the right esky is part and parcel to enjoying your holidays. We've compiled a couple of our favourites to make sure your hallowed bevvies stay cooler than being cool (ice cold). [caption id="attachment_650565" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Kmart[/caption] BASIC In our experience, a basic model esky can come from a scour of your local hard rubbish or your parents' garage. But if your street community fails you, you don't have to shell out a lot to make sure your drinks get to be treated real nice. KMART COOLER For a no-frills model with a chill price, head over to everyone's fave bargain hoedown showdown: Kmart. For quick beach trips, try this little eight-litre gem — it's tough, and if you're wanting a bigger buddy, it comes in a variety of sizes (up to 45-litres). This is as basic as it gets, can hold up to 12 cans and is factory-made — let's not pretend. Pros: Cheap! And its size won't take an arm and a leg to haul across the sand. Cons: Considering their base model electric fans sell out on the first hot day of the year, be prepared to fight with other bargain-hungry beery folks. Price: $19 for the eight-litre. WILLOW 35-LITRE WHEELIE COOLER Or, there's Willow's 35-litre Wheelie Cooler. Made by a company Australian-owned since 1887, you can buy local as well as landing an aesthetically pleasing esky (just check out the blue-green gradient on this baby). There are cup holders on the lid and a handle to pull it so you'll be cruising over most terrain with ease. Pros: Australian-made in sweet beachy colours. Cons: A little light on features. Price: $75 TECHNI ICE CLASSIC ICE BOX Techni Ice also has a good basic option, though the price point is higher — at $238, their swish, all-white Classic Ice Box will match any colour of beverage you might like to insert in its pristine interior. Pros: Dual seal so no leakage so colder drinks. Its drain plug can be made into a water dispenser. Cons: No wheels — at 80 litres it might be a tough slog to haul around. Price: $238 [caption id="attachment_607797" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Williams-Sonoma.[/caption] DESIGNER If you just want a pretty-lookin' box of coldness and aren't too worried about the ins and outs (or the ability to carry an esky long distances with ease), pick one of these aesthetically pleasing, highly impractical options. WILLIAMS-SONOMA RED VINTAGE COOLER Williams-Sonoma has a lovely option with their red vintage cooler. It's a super bright cherry red so you can't lose track of where your drinks are, and it'll feel like you're in a Coke ad from the '60s. Pros: It looks reeeeaaal nice, and it has a built in bottle opener. Cons: A lack of tech aspect might mean it's less effective in doing its job. Also heavy when full. Price: $75 KINCROME RETRO DRINKS COOLER Or, head over to Kincrome: their smallish, pink, retro-themed esky will become the envy of everyone at Golden Plains. Kind of resembling one of those fancy Smeg fridges, this guy pulls an A+ in the looks category. Pros: Bumpers on the corners for when you inevitably hit your shin on them on your beer run. Pink and cute and novelty like a Katy Perry song (prime pool party equipment). Cons: Only has a 17-litre capacity and a fairly thin handle for carrying which may be uncomfortable. Price: $120 [caption id="attachment_607800" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Super Esky, Kelly's.[/caption] DELUXE Well, you're in this for the long game — you don't mess around with keeping your drinks cold and your party guests happy. Check out some deluxe options for those taking this seriously. How about Tropical Ice Boxes 62-litre blitzer? TROPICAL ICE BOX This big guy is legit — he'll hold your ice in its original form for four to ten days before the slush starts to kick in. Also, there are rubber grips on the bottom to prevent slippage. Pros: Perfect for multiple-day festivals or camping trips, and they mostly come in very tropical orange. Cons: It is really very orange. Price: Around the $230 mark. COLEMAN 58-LITRE XTREME COOLER The Coleman 58-litre Xtreme Cooler does, hopefully, what it says on the label and cools your drinks extremely well. It can keep ice for up to 5 days at 32 degrees and has pretty comfortable handles (just as well, as it's a big one). Pros: Huge mountain bike-like wheels for all terrain. Cons: The colours aren't too exciting — esky confusion in a crowd may occur. Price: $210 SUPER ESKY If you're willing to spend the big bucks and want something that won't blend into all the other eskies at the barbecue, splash out on the Super Esky 52-litre. It's suave, white, and has built-in storage and cutting board facilities, as well as dual drains. Pros: It has all the trimmings and is super high-tech. Cons: Pretty pricey. Price: $450 [caption id="attachment_607776" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Cricket Cooler.[/caption] NOVELTY To wind up our list, we present to you the category of, "Good lord, would you just look at what these people with lots of time on their hands have created." Creativity! Resourcefulness! Probable sub-par working value! Worth a gander anyway. THE 'CRICKET COOLER' Bunnings stock this marvel of Australian design, made in our cricket team colours and sporting a bottle opener, utility holder... and, built-in wicket. Pros: It's an Australian-made, hilariously great idea. Cons: Its cooling powers as an esky are perhaps not as effective when used as cricket stumps; it's not terribly well insulated. Price: $100 Need a hang to go with that esky? Check out our Summer Guide.
Winemakers of Rutherglen have been doing good things with grapes for a while now out in northeast Victoria. But, luckily for us, they've decided to come city-side this August for a three-day, one-off wine event, Rutherglen in the City. The pop-up bar will situate itself in Driver Lane, which is just off Little Bourke Street behind Emporium in Melbourne's CBD. Winemakers will take over the whole laneway, transforming it into a 'winter winery' — you can expect fairy lights, free wine tastings and live music. So you can forget you're sandwiched in between shopping centres and dream of open plains and vineyards. You'll be able to sample the wine varieties of the region (Muscat and Durif), meet the winemakers themselves, and maybe even order a few bottles from the cellar door. The best thing about it is you won't even have to drive home — thanks to trams and trains, you can have as many wines as you like. The pop-up cellar door will be open Friday from 5–10pm, Saturday from 12–11pm, and Sunday from 12–6pm.
So, that 'New Year, New You' resolve has started to fade and the end of summer's left you a little lacking in the motivation department. Well, online fashion retailer The Iconic reckons it has exactly what it takes to inspire us all to jump back into the fitness game — a sweet $135,000 worth of vouchers. The vouchers are up for grabs as part of The Iconic's 2019 Sport Challenge, which kicks off today, Tuesday, February 26. Now in its third year, the eight-week digital fitness competition sees Aussie and New Zealand participants of all skill levels winning vouchers for workout threads, shoes and accessories, by simply exercising and completing fitness challenges. It's free to enter, though you'll need to connect your go-to fitness tracking app or device (there are 13 different compatible apps, including Nike Run Club and Polar Flow) to access the 17 different challenges, divided into easy, medium and hard. Expect things like the beginner-friendly Champion Challenge — where you'll need to tick off three 20-minute workouts for the chance to score a $50 Champion voucher — through to the slightly sweatier Skins Challenge, offering a shot at claiming $50 worth of Skins gear, whenever you clock a non-stop 15km run. Rack up 2km of activity in one go and there could be a $100 Fitbit voucher with your name on it. The vouchers are redeemable online at The Iconic for a bunch of big-name sportswear brands, including Mizuno, Reebok, Nike, Adidas and Running Bare. Participants have eight weeks to smash as many challenges as they can, before the competition wraps up at midnight on Tuesday, April 23. The more times you conquer one, the more chances you'll have to score a prize. Sign up over at The Iconic Sport Challenge website and start moving.
Now before you say anything, this isn’t another fold-up bike. Let’s be honest, fold-up bikes can often be kind of awkward — even if they're as small as your umbrella. Indian company Lucid Design have created a conceptual 'Bike in a Bag' that would quickly disassemble into separate parts so you could fit it into your bag. The Kit Bike would be made up of 21 parts and assembled by twisting joints together using a rotating mechanism and secured with an Allen key. The diamond-shaped frame would be made up of hollow aluminium tubes and powder-coated white for a minimal, classic look. The bike would even come with its own circular leather bag designed specifically to carry the parts — wheels go on the sides and the extras in the middle compartment. "Conventional bikes are awkward in every way except when you ride them," says creative director of Lucid Design, Amit Mirchandani. "The Kit Bike was designed to make problems of shipping, traveling with and commuting with a bike, a thing of the past." Yes, there would be some challenges if you left home without your Allen key, and we have to admit we’d be a little worried about a detachable bike coming undone on our way to work, but there’s also great benefits to consider if you're travelling and you want to take in the sights on your own two wheels. Think about it. Just to clarify, this bike is not yet in production. It did receive a Red Dot 2014 Design Award earlier this year for the concept, but the comments left on the original Dezeen post show not everyone's as impressed: "Nice looking but I don't see it being sturdy enough." "It's awful, any design student can make a CAD model of a bike. No thought has gone into this design at all. Look how flimsy it is — does the designer even know what a bike is? Do they understand stress and material properties?" "Just look at that ridiculous gear ratio. Good luck pedalling over 10 mph on this thing... although I probably wouldn't feel safe riding it much faster." "People complain if they have to assemble an Ikea chair made of six pieces. Have fun assembling and disassembling your 20 piece bike every day, when commuting to work." "Never seen such bullsh*t." Watch this space, maybe Lucid Design can prove the haters wrong. Via Dezeen.
Stuck indoors and feeling blue? We don't blame you. So let us remind you of one of the best shortcuts to lifting your mood: music. Sure, it's not a particularly groundbreaking cure, but in these strange times, we've gotta grasp onto whatever small things will bring us joy (if only temporarily). We could launch into a lofty explanation as to why music is so important to us, relationships and culture, but that's probably not what you're here for. You're here because you're stuck at home and missing live music — the excitement when you find out a new artist you just discovered is playing at a local bar or the giddy anticipation as you walk into a huge concert arena or festival. Those times will come again. In the meantime, we're making do with gigs that are a bit more casual — so low-key in fact that you don't even need to wear shoes. Or even pants (just remember to shut the blinds). This year, we've teamed up with Miller Design Lab to showcase visionary musicians, designers and artists and celebrate our nightlife and its impact on culture to provide a safe space for creativity and self-expression. Grab a beer or make yourself a quarantini and get ready to boogie to some quarantunes (sorry). ARTISTS SUPPORTING ARTISTS Musician Milan Ring is one of the innovative artists to collaborate with Miller Design Lab this year. She's been making waves in the Aussie music industry for some time, having performed alongside names like Sampa the Great, Hermitude and The Rubens, and is currently working on her debut album. As a rapper, lyricist, guitarist and mastering engineer, her dynamic sound is best described as multifaceted — think elements of R&B, soul, electro and even reggae. So, it's safe to say that Milan's influences are pretty varied — and she certainly has her finger on the pulse when it comes to fresh sounds. Giving us a taste of what she's into right now, Milan recently created an extensive playlist that is jam-packed with the musical talent you should be listening to (if you don't already). Simply titled Friends, the playlist swings from the soulful sounds of Ngaiire and Silentjay to Arnhem Land rapper (and former Young Australian of the Year) Baker Boy, and is ideal for one of those lazy afternoons that ramp up to full-blown house party mode. CHALLENGE YOUR MATES TO A DANCE-OFF ON HOUSEPARTY Just because nights out are off the cards for a while doesn't mean your social life needs to go on hold, too. Hopefully, by now, you and your mates have video conference hangouts down pat and you've probably had some surprisingly fun nights indoors shooting the breeze and playing trivia. Next time, kick that competitive spirit up a notch with a good ol' fashioned dance-off. Turn your respective living rooms into your very own dance floors, stream the same playlist and show off your best moves — you'll think you're all at your favourite inner city bar together in no time. When it comes to picking the beats, everyone knows the best dance battle beats are those from your youth. This playlist, curated by British author, journalist and co-host of the pop culture podcast The High Low Dolly Alderton, delivers the goods. Aptly dubbed Pandemic at the Disco, it features a bunch of mostly 90s and 00s bangers, including 'Jump Around', 'No Diggity' and 'Work It'. Alternatively, check out Miller Genuine Draft's playlist, It's Miller Time, which features tunes from Mark Ronson, Lizzo and Bastille. LISTEN TO WHAT WE'RE LOVING Our mission at Concrete Playground is to guide you through the best cultural happenings across Australia. Usually, that includes outdoor adventures, electrifying gigs, epic art exhibitions and the latest restaurant and bar openings. Right now, we're focused on finding ways to bring those experiences to you, so your nights (and days) spent at home are anything but dull. And that includes new music. We can't point you in the direction of a local gig to check out, so we've created a playlist of what we're listening to during lockdown instead. This carefully curated list features some of our favourite Aussie musicians and it includes plenty of up-and-coming artists to fall in lyrical love with. Support them now by giving them a listen and perhaps donating to Spotify's COVID-19 Music Relief Project. Then, when lockdown's over you can get out and support them in person. PRETEND YOU'RE IN A EUROPEAN NIGHTCLUB Whether you've had to cancel a big trip to Europe this year or you're reminiscing a past vacation, a night spent imagining that you're tearing up a dance floor in a dark and sweaty European club will help you momentarily forget that it may be a while till you're actually able to travel again. To help create the vibes, crack out your disco ball or strobe machine, pop on the boating hat from that time you sailed around Croatia and head over to Boiler Room's Youtube channel. The platform has launched the Streaming From Isolation series, featuring sets from the likes of Berlin-based house and techno DJ Dixon and English electronic duo Disclosure. Most of the sets go for around an hour, but if you're in it for the long haul, check out DJ EZ's epic set that went for a whopping 24 hours. This is the second time the UK garage legend has done a marathon set (the first was back in 2016 for Cancer Research UK). He also recently pledged his fees for the festival gigs he did in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland earlier this year to bushfire relief — what a guy. IMAGINE YOU'RE AT A REAL-LIFE GIG We get it. Going to a gig is about much more than just the very good music. The lights, the graphics, the on-stage dancers and the crowds of people singing and dancing alongside you are all part of what makes a concert such an amazing (and addictive) experience. And, by the sounds of things, large-scale concerts are likely to be one of the last things to return as we transition out of lockdown life. While you wait, you can stream some epic productions online — and they don't get much more epic than the shows at the Sydney Opera House. While the institution is closed to the public, it's continuing to deliver its stable of quality cultural content via a free digital program, which includes full-length performances, talks, podcasts and behind-the-scenes content. You can witness (or relive) the magic of The Flaming Lips' technicolour Concert Hall performance for the 20th anniversary of The Soft Bulletin, Solange's 2018 Vivid Live gig, Bon Iver's 2016 Vivid Live gig or Missy Higgin's full 2019 Live from the Forecourt concert. For something a little different, there is also Sydney Symphony Orchestra's performance of Mahler's Das klagende Lied and the Sydney International Orchestra's stellar collaboration concert with singer Sarah Blasko. For more ways to celebrate your city's nightlife and recreate its energy in your own space, head this way.
How much better will you feel after spending a few days — or weeks, if you can — somewhere far away from your normal routine? How much happier will you be with a getaway to look forward to? Flight sales tick both boxes, sending you on a vacation and letting you revel in anticipation first. So if you were contemplating a holiday sometime between now and the middle of 2025, you might want to make the most of Virgin Australia's latest batch of discounted flights. Get your suitcases ready and book that annual leave: the Aussie carrier has dropped a week-long sale on international and domestic fares with prices starting at $49. There's over one million cheap flights on offer, covering trips to and from Tokyo, Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Queenstown among the overseas destinations — and also The Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, Byron Bay, Cairns, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and more locally. As always, the Sydney–Byron Bay route has the lowest cost, which is $49 one-way this time around. From there, other discounts include Melbourne–Launceston from $59, Sydney to the Sunshine Coast from $69, Brisbane–Proserpine (aka The Whitsundays) from $79, Melbourne–Gold Coast from $89, Sydney–Hamilton Island from $119, Adelaide–Alice Springs from $165 and Sydney–Perth from $219. For those excited about travelling further afield, cheap international flights span a heap of return legs, such as Melbourne–Queenstown from $405, Gold Coast–Bali from $499, Brisbane–Port Vila from $499, Sydney–Nadi from $529 and Cairns–Haneda from $609. This sale kicks off on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, running until midnight AEST on Monday, October 28 unless sold out earlier. And the cheap fares, which cover both directions between each point in the discounted route, start with Virgin's Economy Lite option. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, these deals cover periods between Monday, November 25, 2024–Monday, June 30, 2025, with all dates varying per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's 'let's get the plans out of our group chat' sale runs until midnight AEST on Monday, October 28, 2024 — unless sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Not content with doing big business in cinemas over the past decade, Marvel is bringing its superhero tales to the small screen, as part of Disney's already-announced plans to broaden out the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That was always going to be the case once the Mouse House moved into the streaming realm. In fact, producing a slew of high-profile titles for Disney+ was on its agenda right from the beginning. But, while Star Wars fans have already been able to enjoy The Mandalorian — which aired one season in 2019, and launched its second season this year — Marvel aficionados have had to hold out a little longer to get their episodic caped crusader fix. With 2021 almost upon us, that wait is almost over. Come Friday, January 15, the six-episode series WandaVision will become Disney+'s first MCU show — focusing on Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany), as the title suggests. But it'll have company within months, with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier due to hit on Friday, March 19 and Loki dropping sometime in May. And, if you've been feeling the lack of Marvel action this year due to worldwide cinema shutdowns, the latter two shows now have their first trailers. Clearly, no one at Marvel and Disney+ has been taxing themselves while naming these series. So, you instantly know who they're about. In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise the eponymous characters and head off on a global adventure. Their exploits will span six episodes, too, and will co-star Daniel Brühl as Baron Zemo, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter,and Wyatt Russell as John Walker. In Loki, Tom Hiddleston is obviously back as the God of Mischief — and enjoying stepping into the trickster's shoes again, if the trailer is anything to go by. Viewers will watch his antics post-Avengers: Endgame, with Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant rounding out the cast. Yes, there are more shows in the works, too, with Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye due to hit sometime later in 2021, and She-Hulk, Moon Knight, Secret Invasion (about Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury), Iron Heart, Armour Wars, I Am Groot and a Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special all slated as well. But, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki are the only ones to drop their first sneak peek as part of Disney's big 2020 Investor Day on Friday, December 11 Australian/New Zealand time — while a new trailer for WandaVision also hit. Check out the first trailers for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki, and the new WandaVision trailer, all below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkBfGvb7NzM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4JuopziR3Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBhlqe2OTt4 WandaVision will hit Disney+ on Friday, January 15, 2021. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will hit the service on Friday, March 19, while Loki is due on a yet-to-be-announced date in May.
When it comes to gastronomic experiences in regional Victoria, Heathcote is hard to top. And at just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, it's also one of the easiest to reach. Heathcote really comes to life for its annual food, wine and entertainment festival, Heathcote on Show, held across the Queen's Birthday long weekend, Saturday, June 8–Monday, June 10. Across 30 locations, the region's leading winemakers, chefs, brewers and musicians come together to offer locals and out-of-towners alike a vibrant selection of community activities and epicurean festivities. Celebrated as one of Australia's top winemaking destinations, Heathcote has more than 25 wineries and 70 vineyards dotted throughout its picturesque hillsides. During the festival, they'll be giving you the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at their world-class productions through masterclasses and tastings. On top of that, other creative events in the schedule mix viticulture with barbecue, burlesque or Spanish paella. Below, we've picked out seven experiences that make Heathcote on Show one of the best ways to spend the upcoming long weekend. BEER & BEAST CRAFT BEER DINNER Winter in central Victoria might be a chilly affair, but there's no better way to overcome this than by indulging in the hearty feast called Beer & Beast. It's hosted by boutique family-run winery The Shiraz Republic and its microbrewery Cornella. Acclaimed chef Justin McPhail of Flight Bar in Bendigo will serve hungry attendees an extravagant dinner, where each course is paired with one of Cornella Brewery's beers. Shuttle buses running between the winery and Heathcote or Bendigo will be available for $20. Beer & Beast will take place at 6.30pm on Saturday, June 8, at The Shiraz Republic. Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased here. BURLESQUE DE VINE DINNER AND SHOW Wine appreciation doesn't always have to be so serious. The producers of Burlesque de Vine know this well — their event brings comedy, audience interaction and some of the best burlesque performers on the planet to the grounds of the Silver Spoon Estate. Headlined by Zelia Rose — who was voted the most influential burlesque performer worldwide in a recent poll run by industry mag 21st Century — this lively party is hosted by the ever-popular Poppy Cherry, who will be joined by fellow performers Iva Grande and duo Greene Megs & Ham. And, you get to enjoy a French-inspired three-course meal alongside, all in the surrounds of a 250-acre off-grid winery and cellar door. A shuttle bus service will run between the Heathcote Information Centre and the Silver Spoon Estate, located 15 minutes from Heathcote town. Burlesque de Vine will take place at 6.30pm on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 at Silver Spoon Estate. Tickets cost $110 and can be purchased here. WEEKEND OF MASTERCLASSES AT SANGUINE ESTATE The Sanguine Estate has developed some masterful wines since starting production in 1997. For Heathcote on Show, it'll be showing off its knowhow with series of masterclasses. Sanguine Estate winemaker Mark Hunter leads a guided tasting on Saturday, June 8 ($55), where attendees can sample and compare a distinctive selection of back vintages. On Sunday, Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese's Nardia Keene will join Mark for a journey through the pairing of wine and cheese ($49, including four cheeses to take home). Finally, join Nardia once more on Monday for a cheese making class ($145), where you'll produce three types of cheese, then enjoy lunch and wine. All in all, three lessons that will undoubtedly take your next picnic up a notch. Sanguine Estate's masterclasses will take place across Saturday, June 8–Monday, June 10. To make a booking, head over here. [caption id="attachment_721964" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bendigo Tourism[/caption] DAN KELLY, SPANISH WINE LAUNCH & PAELLA PARTY Spain's wine regions are some of the best in Europe, but you won't have to travel that far to see what makes them so special. The Shiraz Republic planted its own Spanish-style tempranillo and grenache grapes in 2018 — and now they're ready to enjoy, with this event marking the official launch of the small batch. To help the winery celebrate, South Melbourne Market's Simply Spanish will be on hand to plate up its deliriously good take on paella. That's not hyperbole — it's twice won best paella outside of Spain at the International Paella Competition. Meanwhile, musician and frequent ARIA nominee Dan Kelly will perform a solo set promising drum machines, sound effects and stories. Sangria on tap completes this rousing launch party. This party will take place from 6.30pm on Sunday, June 9 at The Shiraz Republic. Tickets cost $60 and can be purchased here. TASTINGS FROM PEREGRINE RIDGE AT THE MECHANICS INSTITUTE Situated high on the eastern side of Mount Camel, Peregrine Ridge might appear to be a relatively low-key production, but it has made some spectacular bottles of vino in the past. Founded in 2001, the family business has built a reputation for its shiraz and sparkling shiraz, which have taken home a number of gold trophies over the years. Throughout the festival, Peregrine Ridge will be heading to Mechanics' Institute to host a series of feature tastings and lessons. Head along on Saturday to get a taste of the 2009 Limited Release 'French Oak' Heathcote Shiraz, plus take part in a lesson on the intricacies of how maturation and oxidation differ between screw caps and corks. Then, on Sunday, it's extending the tasting to six vintages from the range, starting at 2005. Across both days, drop in to find out the differences between winemaking with French and American oak — and hear why the brains behind Peregrine Ridge eventually decided to use both. Free tastings will be available at Mechanics' Institute between 10am–5pm across June 8–10. HEATHCOTE TOWN FESTIVAL Head into the serene Barrack Reserve for a true celebration of the long weekend at the Wine Food and Fun town festival on Saturday`. With live music, local cuisine, farmyard animals and artisanal market stalls, this community event is a great way to introduce yourself to the flavours and culture of Heathcote. If you're looking to sample the work of many of the best local winemakers all in one spot, the 'Taste of the Cellar Doors' showcase runs from 10am–1pm and features a variety of wonderful corks being popped. Heathcote Town Festival will run from 10am–3pm on Saturday, June 8. Entry is free. HEATHCOTE WINE HUB There's no better place to taste the local vino than at the Heathcote Wine Hub, the region's year-round tasting centre. Each day there are 24 different wines to sample, so you can compare and contrast a host of quaffable bottles. It'll also be serving up live music every Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm, and the courtyard is a great spot to rest and enjoy a glass of wine with a pizza or a steaming hot toastie. If things get a little cold, there's an open fireplace with more than enough space for everyone to gather around. Heathcote Wine Hub is open 9am–5.30pm every day. Head to the Heathcote on Show website for full event and program details.
Nine months after the original controversy, the Chaser team will watch the ABC apologise to conservative commentator Chris Kenny, after the political satirists suggested he had sex with a dog. We realise that's a ridiculous sentence for a number of reasons, nonetheless today it's where we find ourselves. As part of the settlement proceedings for Kenny's defamation suit, an apology will be aired on ABC1 at 9pm tonight. However, the Chaser team will not apologise to Kenny whatsoever, instead sticking to their guns. This is understandably a bitter pill to swallow for the much-loved comedians who have railed against both the lawsuit and the resulting decision. After refusing to apologise and instead launching an internal review into the skit, the members of the Chaser were actually cleared of fault according to ABC editorial policies. Of course, this did little to resolve the issue. In an act of appeasement, ABC managing director Mark Scott issued a personal apology earlier this year. But the Chaser team were quick to offer their opinion. Re ABC statement today: http://t.co/uKfKMggo76 pic.twitter.com/L5mAFEtlbP — Jules Morrow (@julesmorrow) April 14, 2014 As part of the settlement proceedings for Kenny's defamation suit, the ABC's apology tonight is to be free of outside commentary and the Chaser team are explicitly prohibited from making public statements that detract from its sentiment, or republishing the sketch. The settlement also comes with substantial compensation for Kenny. The ABC are paying all of his resultant legal costs as well as an undisclosed amount in damages. As the Chaser crew continue to claim the original skit meets the editorial standards for satire, I wouldn't expect to see any remorse from the controversial comedians. Via The Daily Telegraph. UPDATE: In our first version of this article, we incorrectly stated the Chaser would be forced to apologise to Chris Kenny. It is the ABC, in fact, who will be apologising to Kenny and paying the settlement — The Chaser team have no intention of doing any such thing. We sincerely make apologies of our own to The Chaser, we should have know you wouldn't cave.
Fret no more about a frigid office or a sweltering apartment building. CrowdComfort, a new Boston-based startup, has come up with a web-based application that lets users input how they feel about the temperature of the area they are located, working out the hopefully happy medium. CrowdComfort bills itself as the first crowd-sourced thermostat. The app is installed on users' smartphones, where they can choose from five options (very hot, hot, just right, cold, freezing) about the temperature level in the particular space they are occupying. The responses are culled together and analysed, and a temperature recommended for each floor. The app's purpose is not solely to make building occupants more comfortable, though. The developers' larger goal is to reduce energy wastefulness through user feedback. Building maintenance can reduce costs and wastefulness while also providing more comfort to those in the building. CrowdComfort follows in the trend of recent cleanweb applications. Cleanweb refers to web applications and technology startups with the goal of improving productivity and efficiency while reducing energy consumption and waste. "Think of it as a gateway drug used to hook people on energy consumption awareness," said project leader Galen Nelson in a pitch meeting at VERGE Boston. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bk7QafAg7HM Story via Fast Company. Image via garrettc via photopin cc.
Time doesn't quite fly when you're setting up Australia's newest airline, with low-cost carrier Bonza first announced in 2021 but only securing regulatory approval to hit the skies at the beginning of 2023. Still, just weeks after receiving its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aka the official go-ahead, Bonza has just put its first-ever fares on sale — and will take to the sky from Tuesday, January 31. Yes, your 2023 getaways just got cheaper — and you now have a new way to fly off on holidays, too. The soon-to-launch carrier's aim: opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering low-cost fares in the process. In its first batch of flights, one-way fares start at $49, with tickets available to 12 destinations on 15 routes. In this initial batch of fares, most routes leave from the airline's Sunshine Coast base, with the $49 options getting passengers to Coff's Harbour, Port Macquarie and Rockhampton. Legs to the Whitsunday Coast, Mackay and Newcastle come in at $59 from the Sunny Coast, while the $69 fares include trips to Albury and Townsville. The most expensive? $79 to get to Victoria's Avalon airport, Mildura and Cairns. Departures from Cairns to Mackay cost $49, and to Rockhampton costs $59. Bonza's just-dropped first fares also include Rockhampton to Townsville for $49 and Newcastle to the Whitsunday Coast for $79. The number of flights per route varies, ranging from two to five — with the Sunshine Coast to Cairns getting the most each week. When its full range of flights hits the air, the airline will also service locations such as Bundaberg, Gladstone and Toowoomba, in Queensland — plus Tamworth in New South Wales — as part of its big focus on regional destinations. Bonza's second batch of fares is expected to drop in a few weeks, covering flights from its second base in Melbourne To book, you'll need to download the airline's app. For travellers who have already done so, the carrier advises that you will need to delete it and then reinstall the latest version to get access to reserve flights. App-only reservations are one of Bonza's points of difference, unless you're booking via a registered local travel agent. Another: a previously announced all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer. Passengers will get soaring in planes given names as Aussie as the carrier's itself: Bazza, Shazza and Sheila. The trio will take passengers to places they mightn't otherwise been able to fly to, too, with Bonza noting that 93 percent of its routes aren't currently served by any other airline — and 96 percent of them don't presently have a low-cost carrier. The airline is launching with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance. Bonza's fares don't include baggage and seat selection, which you need to pay extra for — and it is cheapest to do so when you make your booking, rather than afterwards. Bonza is set to start flying from Tuesday, January 31 , with flights on sale now. For more information, and to buy fares, head to the airline's website, or download its app for Android and iOS.
Yes, it was Agatha All Along — the title for Marvel and Disney+'s WandaVision spinoff about Agatha Harkness, that is. Since the show was announced back in 2021, it has been given plenty of names, but House of Harkness, Coven of Chaos and Darkhold Diaries aren't sticking around as the miniseries' moniker. Instead, it's going with the tune that everyone who saw the character's first on-screen appearance now has stuck in their heads. Also new: a release date for the show. Agatha All Along will hit streaming queues from Wednesday, September 18, 2024. If nothing else joins the Marvel slate between now and then, that'll make it just the second Marvel Cinematic Universe TV series of the year, after Echo (by design, with the Mouse House noting several times that it wants to better space out its releases). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios) When the MCU made the leap to Disney+ back in 2021, WandaVision was the first program to arrive. It also finally made everyone take notice of the always-great Kathryn Hahn (Tiny Beautiful Things), who stole every scene she was in each and every time that she popped up — hence Agatha All Along getting the green light. Obviously, WandaVision was about Wanda and Vision, with Avengers: Endgame's Elizabeth Olsen (Love & Death) and Paul Bettany (A Very British Scandal) reprising their roles. But Hahn played a significant part as neighbour-slash-witch Agatha, even nabbing an Emmy nomination for her efforts. So, because she was such a fan favourite, Disney magicked her up her own show. Hahn returns, of course, to play a character that has a considerable history — only some of which WandaVision dived into. In comic books, she's been around since the 70s. Story-wise, her tale dates back to the Salem witch trials. Agatha All Along also stars Joe Locke (Heartstopper), Patti LuPone (Beau Is Afraid), Aubrey Plaza (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), Sasheer Zamata (Unfrosted), Emma Caulfield Ford (a Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum) and Debra Jo Rupp (That '90s Show). There's no trailer for Agatha All Along yet, but you can get the Emmy-winning tune of the same name stuck in your head below: Agatha All Along will be available to stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Read our review of WandaVision. Images: Marvel Studios, Disney.
If you've ever dreamed of whiling away your days in an ultra-luxurious pad, then prepare to come down with a huge case of house envy. The winners of the 2018 Houses Awards have been announced and they're seriously impressive, as they are every year. Taking out the prize for House of the Year is the Cabbage Tree House in Sydney's Bayview. A win for the team at Peter Stutchbury Architecture, it's set into the hillside in the city's northern beaches, and was described by the jury as "authentically and poetically embracing its landscape setting." The dwelling also picked up a second award, for best new house over 200m². Spreading the architectural love around, abodes in Brisbane and Melbourne picked up various gongs as well, alongside other Sydney spots. Brunswick's Nightingale, by Breathe Architecture, emerged victorious in the sustainability category; Highgate Hill's Terrarium House by John Ellway was a joint winner in the house alteration and addition under 200m² field, with Bronte's Hole in the Roof House by Rachel Neeson and Stephen Neille; and Bolt Hole by Panov Scott Architects was anointed the best house in a heritage context. Check out the full list of House Award winners, below.AUSTRALIAN HOUSE OF THE YEAR – Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (Bayview, NSW) NEW HOUSE UNDER 200m² – Springhill House by Lovell Burton Architecture (Springhill, VIC) NEW HOUSE OVER 200m² – Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (Bayview, NSW) HOUSE ALTERATION AND ADDITION UNDER 200m² – Hole in the Roof House by Rachel Neeson and Stephen Neille (Bronte, NSW) and Terrarium House by John Ellway (Highgate Hill, QLD) HOUSE ALTERATION AND ADDITION OVER 200m² – Morningside Residence by Kieron Gait Architects (Morningside, QLD) APARTMENT OR UNIT – Boneca Apartment by Brad Swartz Architects (Rushcutters Bay, NSW) GARDEN OR LANDSCAPE – Coastal Garden House by Neeson Murcut Architects with 360 Degrees (Bronte, NSW) SUSTAINABILITY – Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture (Brunswick, VIC) HOUSE IN A HERITAGE CONTEXT – Bolt Hole by Panov Scott Architects (Woollahra, NSW) EMERGING ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE – Brad Swartz Architects and Zuzana & Nicholas
Fans of huge pop-culture behemoths, we hope you have a comfortable couch, because you're going to be spending a lot of time sitting on it over the next month or so. Not one, not two, but four massive franchises are dropping new streaming series between now and mid-September — and with everyone's queues set to be so busy, one is now arriving a little later than initially planned. That show: Andor, the second Star Wars Disney+ spinoff for 2022, following Obi-Wan Kenobi. Originally set to debut at the end of August, it has just pushed its premiere date out to Wednesday, September 21, arriving after Marvel's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and the Middle-earth-set The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power — so you'll be waiting a bit longer to dive into its tale of espionage and rebellion. The rest of the series' details remain the same, though — including providing a prequel to 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and bringing some spy thrills to a galaxy far, far away. And yes, like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor takes a favourite big-screen character and steps back into their story before the events that viewers have already seen. As its title makes plain, Andor focuses on its namesake — Cassian Andor, again played by Diego Luna (If Beale Street Could Talk). Star Wars fans have already seen him as a Rebel captain and intelligence agent, and also watched how his story ends, hence the show's need to jump backwards. The focus: following Andor as he discovers how he can play a part in fighting the Empire. Indeed, charting the rebellion, and how people and planets joined in, is the series' whole remit. Alongside Luna, Andor sees filmmaker Tony Gilroy (The Bourne Legacy) — who co-wrote the screenplay for Rogue One — return to the Star Wars franchise as the series' creator and showrunner. And, on-screen, Luna is joined by the Genevieve O'Reilly (The Dry) — who is also back as Mon Mothma — as well as Stellan Skarsgård (Dune), Adria Arjona (Morbius), Denise Gough (Monday) and Kyle Soller (Poldark). Oh, and a cute-looking new robot that was first scurrying around in the show's initial trailer, although how big a part it'll play is yet to be revealed. Andor also just dropped its full trailer, which teases the titular figure's quest to make a difference against the Empire — with a big push at first, and with help where he can get it afterwards. Unsurprisingly, the mood is grim and weighty. "The Empire is choking us all slowly. We're starting not to notice," Andor is told by Luthen Rael (Skarsgård). "What I'm asking is this: wouldn't you give it all to something real?" Andor is set to span two seasons, both running for 12 episodes each and adding to Disney+'s ever-expanding array of Star Wars programming. Also on its way: the third season of The Mandalorian, which'll arrive in February 2023; and the recently announced Skeleton Crew, which'll star Jude Law and hit streaming queues sometime next year as well. Check out the full trailer for Andor below: Andor will now start streaming via Disney+ from Wednesday, September 21. Images: ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Peter Jo, better known in the industry as 'Kimchi Pete', boasts a resume from the likes of Sydney's Berta, Momofuku Seiobo and the now-closed 121BC and Melbourne's Belles Hot Chicken. While working as a sommelier at the aforementioned venues, the self-taught chef has also been in the kitchen for a host of pop-ups. Luckily, his latest venture is more permanent. This month, Jo opened the doors to his first solo venue Restaurant Shik. The new Korean diner along Niagara Lane is combining a family-style, ethically sourced menu with an expertly curated wine list. The restaurant is inspired by the food Jo grew up with, having started out at his parent's popular Korean barbecue joints, Madang and Danjee in Sydney's CBD. He has continued to expand his knowledge and love of the cuisine, with a keen interested in how it fits into the Australian dining culture. The restaurant offers casual dining for 65 guests — bar seating included. The concise menu uses traditional recipes and techniques like lacto-fermentation, salt-preservation, curing, pickling and drying. Jo has also worked closely with farmers, foragers, producers and suppliers to source ethical, sustainable and fresh Aussie ingredients. He aims to demonstrate the scope of Korean cuisine, splitting the family-style menu into four sections: entrée, grilled, braised and banchan (traditional side dishes). Think pig skin terrine with garlic chive dressing, kimchi-marinated grilled pork neck and braised blue mackerel with Korean radish and chrysanthemum leaf. The banchan includes seasonal kimchi along with jangajji (pickled veg) in perilla leaf, green tomato and Korean cucumber varieties. The wine list is an epic sommelier's collaboration between Jo, Liz Carey (ex-somm at Semi Permanent) and Josh Begbie (ex-Embla), who will act as the restaurant's sommelier going forward. Like the menu, the wines are similarly concise but diverse, focusing on eco-conscious vineyards. It is sure to have some extra special drops on there – as to be expected from this caliber of wine minds. Restaurant Shik is now open at 30 Niagara Lane, Melbourne. Opening hours are Monday through Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.
This month, we've partnered with Miller Genuine Draft to celebrate Melbourne's thriving art and design scene with a series of events dubbed the Miller Design Lab. Across six nights, we'll be showcasing a bunch of emerging creatives doing exceptional things in their respective areas of expertise. The parties are an opportunity for you to discover and experience upcoming trends and mingle with like-minded culture vultures, plus enjoy complimentary food, beer and live music. Chances are you'll be having such a good time, you'll want to kick on once the gallery shuts. So we've taken care of that, too. Across four of the six nights, when the main event wraps up at 10pm, the revelry will move to the rooftop bar at The Emerson — the official after-party venue — for more music, dancing and beers. And if you buy four bottles of Miller Genuine Draft, you'll score a piece of exclusive merchandise designed by Melbourne label Nana Judy. We've got CASSETTE playing on Thursday, March 28 after the Christie Morgan (Pitch Studios) showcase. And Meagan Streader's night on Friday, March 29 will be followed by DJ Sezzo. Everyone who attends one of the Miller Design Lab events is invited. Entry is free, but there are limited spots available so enter your details below to ensure you're on the guest list. And to check out the full program of Miller Design Lab events, head this way. [competition]712151[/competition] Follow @millergenuinedraftaus for more details.
Heading on holiday and finding somewhere to stay isn't just about camping, glamping or checking into a fancy hotel. Sometimes it's about completely escaping into your passions. Love Marvel? You'll soon be able to stay in a superhero-themed establishment. Obsessed with Star Wars? Yep, you'll be able to sleep like you're in a galaxy far, far away as well. Have a soft spot for Toy Story? You guessed it — you can also slumber in spaces inspired by Andy's bedroom. Continuing Disney's love of immersing fans in their favourite movies, you'll soon be able to indulge your affection for Toy Story in Japan. In 2021, Tokyo Disney Resort is set to open a Toy Story-themed hotel. When you're done exploring the broader park, around 600 rooms will await, all nodding to Pixar's first and most beloved franchise. And it won't just be the hotel's interior that brings Toy Story out of the screen and into your waking — and sleeping — life. The building's exterior and its gardens will also look like they're made of toys. Inside, expect brightly coloured furniture and plenty of appearances by Woody, Buzz Lightyear and company. There'll also be themed dining options, as well as that theme park staple: a gift shop. If this is the news you need to lock in that 2021 Tokyo trip — to Japan and beyond! — that's understandable. If you can't wait, this isn't the first Toy Story hotel at a Disney theme park. In 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort took those honours — and, yes, everything from the sheets to the wallpaper to the complimentary slippers references the animated films. The Shanghai park also boasts a dedicated Toy Story Land as well. Via Disney Parks Blog.
Summer music festivals are all about embracing the best things in life — good vibes, great friends, and epic tunes. But Secret Garden Festival is about to turn the happiness factor up to out of control joy, announcing it'll host an actual wedding ceremony when it returns to Brownlow Hill Farm next February. Held from February 24-26, the annual festival is a 48-hour celebration of music, creativity, and disco-infused fun, held against a lush forest backdrop, just one-and-a-half hours outside of Sydney. It's renowned for its stellar lineup, with Gang of Youths, Montaigne, and Parquet Courts just some of the acts to have graced its stages in the past. But at 4pm on Saturday, February 25, the main stage will host a very different kind of celebration — the nuptials between Sydneysiders Alexis and Jimmy. Festival director Clare Downes says her crew is pretty stoked to be taking on wedding planner duties, promising one hell of a party for the lucky lovebirds, their friends and family, and all other festivalgoers who'll be getting in on the loved-up fun. "Alexis and Jimmy sent us an email a couple of months ago and I had to rewrite my response about nine times because I was way too overexcited," she told Concrete Playground. "They had already locked in the February 25 for their wedding, but they were just really struggling to find a venue and a celebrant etc — so it was a no brainer. I'm just so stoked they are letting us organise their wedding." While past years have seen Secret Garden host kissing booths, faux weddings, and plenty of dance floor pashes, Alexis and Jimmy's February knot-tying will mark its first official wedding ceremony. We just hope you've got your invite — tickets to the festival is already sold out. ❤️ Secret Garden's first ever REAL wedding... and they have asked us to plan it 😏💥🎉 A video posted by Secret Garden (@secretgardenfestival) on Dec 12, 2016 at 1:25pm PST Secret Garden Festival will take place on February 24-26, 2017 with Alexis and Jimmy's wedding taking place at 4pm on the Saturday on main stage. For more info on the festival, visit secretgarden.com.au.
