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Changing Faces
A leading Black British actor has revealed he believes the UK is ‘no better’ when it comes to racism than it was in the 1970s. We take an in-depth look at the changing face of the issue amid DEI controversy and the rise of the far right and ask are things really any different?
Team Picks
Review: Paul Young: Songs and Stories, Bilston Town Hall
A blues soaked Love of the Common People and a gravelly, stripped back Every Time You Go Away set the tone for an intimate evening with Paul Young. Yet despite these highlights, the show never settled into a rousing, nostalgic rhythm I’d hoped for. The audience was…
Review: The Vine, West Bromwich: does this original Black Country Desi pub still deliver?
I’ve been going to The Vine for more than two decades. I fondly remember countless work dos, friends’ get togethers and warming, freshly prepared dishes that have kept us all coming back for more. A lovely venue for home and away fans before and after a Baggies game,…
Children’s home survivor publishes powerful memoir of love and resilience
A grandfather who spent his first three years hidden in an attic before growing up in a notorious home for Birmingham boys has revealed his extraordinary story of survival in a new memoir. Patrick “Paddy” Fox, 75, tells his life story in Six Hail Marys and a Bag of…
After the Louvre: What Came Next for Artist Sam McCracken?
In 2024, artist Sam McCracken achieved what many only dream of: his work was shown at the Louvre and Times Square. For a Wolverhampton student, recognition felt life‑changing. The story behind it was messier. His project GLORYBOX XL, showcased by external gallery The…
A life made of books: Kim Nash on living her dream and the graft that made it possible
A life made of books: Kim Nash on living her dream and the graft that made it possible A catch‑up with an old friend left Cheryl Turner feeling newly inspired. Here’s how it happened. What does it take to turn a love of books into a whole new life? This was the…
Hustle star Adrian brings Lottery Boy home to champion Midlands creatives
Award-winning Birmingham actor Adrian Lester is bringing his first film as director home, creating opportunities for creatives across the West Midlands. Funding for Lottery Boy is nearing completion, with Adrian revealing that his team is “pulling the last of the…
From Dalí to Gaudí: Spain’s Mediterranean art coast is closer than you think
In the time it can take to crawl along the M6, you could already be touching down on Spain’s vibrant shores. From Palma’s galleries to the Costa Brava’s surreal coastline, the Mediterranean is just a few hours away. Direct flights from Birmingham make the…
Changing Faces
A leading Black British actor has revealed he believes the UK is ‘no better’ when it comes to racism than it was in the 1970s. We take an in-depth look at the changing face of the issue amid DEI controversy and the rise of the far right and ask are things really any…
It ay! What does or doesn’t count as the Black Country
Forget Marmite and whether milk goes in a cuppa ‘tay’ before or after the teabag comes out, there’s no almighty row quite like that of where exactly is the Black Country? As someone rearing from the heart of the holy land, in Tipton, there was never any doubt my home…
UK soul legends unite for launch of life-changing foundation for aspiring musicians
Soul icon Beverley Knight, already a vocal advocate for greater opportunities in music, has a new role as ambassador to a foundation set up in memory of her musical director and guitarist Paul ‘Reidy’ Reid. She was joined by trailblazers Don-E and Junior Giscombe in a…
Why I Love: The Devil Wears Prada
Former executive assistant Skevi Constantinou has watched the original The Devil Wears Prada film more than 50 times. After relating to the main character and sharing similar experiences with her own ‘Miranda Priestly’ she’s sharing her love for the iconic tale. Skevi…
Spectral Intercourse in Wolverhampton: Clinton Baptiste proves he’s still comedy’s favourite medium
Spectral Intercourse in Wolverhampton: Clinton Baptiste proves he’s still comedy’s favourite medium I’m getting the word… side‑splitting. I laughed uncontrollably at Clinton Baptiste and his support act Barry from Watford. I never saw that coming. As a Phoenix Nights…
I stayed on a Shropshire country farm and began to feel like me again
Review: Morrell’s Wood Farm, Leighton, Shropshire A restful break on the edge of Shrewsbury promised peace. It brought something deeper. Morrells Wood Farm helped quieten my anxious brain, writes editor, Linda Aitchison. I didn’t go looking for happiness. I went…
Q&A with Alison Brinkworth
Q&A with our writer Alison Brinkworth. As a journalist from the Black Country, I know only too well how enriched this region is with fascinating, creative people and talent. I’ve spent 30 years writing professionally but it’s always been the interviews and reviews…