ALL

Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton On Thursday 19th March 2026, I attended my first ever opera, which was ‘Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro’ performed by Opera North. And, if I’m honest, I did not think that I would enjoy it, having opera never been an interest of mine, do I have a great appreciation for the talent of opera singers of coarse, but I never thought I would be the type of person who would sit and enjoy an opera but this one I enjoyed a whole lot. Now, the only opera t

While Lancaster’s skyline is dominated by the stony austerity of its medieval castle, the city’s heart beats most vibrantly down on St George’s Quay. Here, housed within a 250-year-old former Customs House, lies a hospitality experience that transcends the standard "restaurant with rooms" concept. Quite Simply French isn't just a place to rest your head; it is a meticulously curated sanctuary that balances the rugged industrial heritage of the River Lune with a sophisticated,

Lancaster is a city that refuses to be pigeonholed. It is ancient yet academic, industrial yet artisanal, and while its history is etched into every blackened gritstone block, its energy is undeniably fresh. To spend 24 hours here is to navigate a labyrinth of Georgian terraces and secret alleyways, discovering a place that feels like a well-kept secret the rest of the UK hasn't quite stumbled upon yet. Afternoon: The High Ground The best way to understand Lancaster is to loo

One in three Gen Z say the best DJ sets happen at house parties New research* exploring house party culture across the UK and Europe found that more than a third of Gen Z (35%) and Millennials (34%) believe the best DJ sets happen at house parties - proof that UK nightlife isn’t dead, but thriving underground in more intimate DIY spaces. The survey of over 2,500 respondents, conducted by leading DJ brand AlphaTheta , revealed that more than a quarter of Millennials (28%)

Words by Adam Kennedy Photo: Parker J Pfister Adam Kennedy speaks with US-based singer/songwriter and guitarist Tyler Ramsey ahead of his upcoming show on Tyneside. Tyler Ramsey is a singer-songwriter and unique fingerstyle guitarist who has built a rich catalogue rooted in modern folk and indie rock. He refined his sound while living in the western mountainous region of North Carolina, where he studied local styles of folk and drew inspiration from country blues musicians

HARD-FI, THE MOLOTOVS, PIT PONY AND THE GUEST LIST LEAD STOCKTON CALLING 2026 AS STAGE TIMES ARE REVEALED With just days to go, organisers of Stockton Calling 2026 have revealed Manchester’s The Guest List will join the festival line-up as well as the full stage times and final plans for the North East’s biggest Easter weekend music event. Now in its 15th year, the much-loved festival returns with its trademark mix of national names, breakthrough acts and the very best of

The vampire aesthetic synonymous with Haiden Henderson, sharp lyricism, leather jackets, and an intentional, moody gloom is evolving. While his previous project, the Tension EP, served as a raw, documentary-style autopsy of a fractured relationship, Haiden is now stepping out of the shadows of the past and into the blinding spotlights of the UK’s biggest arenas. Opening for 5 Seconds of Summer isn't just a career milestone for Haiden; it’s a full-circle moment for a self-proc

On the path to his third full-length offering, The Weight of the Woods, 21st-century troubadour Dermot Kennedy emerges enlightened and empowered by his whirlwind journey. This latest body of work draws deep inspiration, energy, and strength from his native Ireland, grounding his global success in the soil that raised him. Kennedy found a kindred spirit in producer Gabe Simon (known for his work with Noah Kahan and Lana Del Rey), sparking an uncanny collaborative energy that s

There are perfume launches, and then there are moments . Subversive Scents, the fragrance collection born from a collaboration between Universal Music Group's Bravado and master perfumers Nirvana Brands, falls firmly into the second category. Five unisex Eau de Parfums, each rooted in the sonic legacy of The Rolling Stones, each crafted in France and priced at a very accessible £99 for 100ml. The whole collection feels like it was made for people who find mainstream fragrance

The long-awaited adaptation of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary has finally hit theaters, and it is a rare case where the film not only lives up to the beloved source material but expands on it in ways only cinema can. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film follows Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a middle-school science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there: only to realize he is humanity's last hope for survival. Why Yo

Let’s be honest: March is moving fast. Whether Mother’s Day (March 15th) caught you by surprise or you simply want to extend the celebration into the warmer months, the "official" date is just the beginning. We’re officially entering the season of golden-hour gatherings, garden parties, and long-overdue catch-ups with the people who matter most. It’s never too late to show appreciation, and this year, the best gifts are the ones that double as summer essentials. We’ve curated

In a city where sourdough "pizzas" often feel more like inflated bread than authentic Italian fare, finding a spot that prioritizes the perfect char and premium toppings without the pretension is a rarity. Enter Pizza Pārā, a vibrant Italian enclave on Kingsland Road that is quietly redefining the East London pizza scene. The Vibe Located at 323 Kingsland Road, Pizza Pārā strikes that elusive balance between a trendy neighborhood hangout and a romantic date-spot. The atmosphe

A Full Review of Geek & Gorgeous: The Science-Led Indie Brand You Need to Know About There's a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from a perfectly streamlined skincare routine - every product chosen with intention, every step serving a purpose. I've been on a bit of a quest to find a brand that could do it all without making me feel like I need a chemistry degree and a trust fund. Enter Geek & Gorgeous (G&G), the indie brand founded by Judit Rácz, a computer scienti

Ahead of this Friday's release, we sat down to chat to Hansol Seung of Shoreline to chat all about upcoming album ‘Is This The Low Point Or The Moment After?’, his unique recording process, future plans and more! So, of course, the main reason that I am here chatting to you is because you have your latest album ‘Is This The Low Point Or The Moment After?’ coming out next month, how are you feeling? Great, actually! I mean, this is not the first record we're putting out, but

Photo By Sam Wall It’s been an extremely successful 14 years for James Arthur since winning The X Factor back in 2012. He’s proven himself to be somewhat of an anomaly as the TV show was simply just the start for him, not a career peak as it has been for many others. So much so in fact that until he mentioned it himself on stage, I almost forgot he was on the show! His Co Op Live show comes in the midst of a huge arena tour, with stops across the whole of the UK. His show at

The landscape of interior design is shifting. No longer content with mass-produced, "fast-furniture" solutions, homeowners are increasingly seeking pieces that tell a story: and Ripple Co. is answering that call with a resounding splash. Since its inception, the home brand has moved from a niche favorite to a central player in the sustainable living space. Unlike competitors who hide behind complex supply chains, Ripple Co. prides itself on knowing exactly where every thread

Hey Darkus Community, We’re excited to share some news that speaks directly to the heart of who we are. Darkus Magazine is officially partnering with Call of the Wild Festival 2026—an alliance built on independence, authenticity, and a shared commitment to elevating grassroots music. For years, we’ve championed rising talent from every corner of the world, giving emerging artists the same respect and platform as established names. Call of the Wild has been doing the same on t

There's a particular kind of pressure that comes with gifting the woman who raised you. She says she doesn't need anything. She means it. And yet — you want to get it right. You want to hand her something that makes her genuinely light up, not something she'll politely thank you for before quietly re-gifting it. So here's what I'd actually recommend. Products I'd put in my own basket, or have already given to someone I love. For the Bath That Feels Like a Spa Day Laura Mercie

Barcelona rarely needs introduction. Gaudí’s spires, nights at the Camp Nou, the slow theatre of life on shaded plazas, it sells itself. But Catalonia as a region rewards those who step half a street, or one train stop, beyond the obvious. This is a three-day weekender for travellers who like their cities with a bit more variety: less queueing, more wandering. Spend your first day in alternative Barcelona (not the one everyone sees) and then, using the city as a base, let

Photo by Manuel Harlan The shadows of 1940s Los Angeles have descended upon the Richmond Theatre, and they are as sharp, dangerous, and intoxicating as ever. In this touring adaptation of James M. Cain’s classic crime novel, famously immortalized by Billy Wilder’s 1944 film: director Oscar Toeman delivers a sleek, atmospheric production that proves the allure of film noir is truly timeless. For those who have not yet surrendered to the seduction of this story, Double Indemni