Review: Y Not 2014

Original Post can be found here: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Y-Festival/story-22075601-detail/story.html

Returning for its 10th year, the ever-growing festival Y Not did not fail to amaze a growing crowd.

With the headliners consisting of White Lies, Dizzee Rascal & the returning Frank Turner, Y Notters were in for an explosive weekend with a diverse collection of music.

Due to its success over the years, the festival was once again sold out and Friday saw a continuous stream of people entering the site at Pikehall in Derbyshire, a site that was once again expanded to cope with demand.

As well as a ferris wheel, there was a secret rave tent and a range of different food tents so even the fussiest of eaters could enjoy something.

Indie band Circa Waves were one of the first to rock The Quarry stage, with the tent coming to life during Young Chasers.

Popular back in 2006, Razorlight wowed the crowd on the main stage with their number one singles Before I Fall to Pieces, In The Morning and, rounding the night off, America. The band had great energy on stage.

Finishing the night off was White Lies, a personal highlight of the weekend.

Saturday had a host of bassy and fast-paced artists such as headliner Dizzee Rascal and The Fratellis. Local fella Saint Raymond wowed an over captive audience at The Quarry, with the crowd joining in with his single Young Blood.

Finishing off their festival tour, The Fratellis warmed up the crowd ready for Dizzee Rascal with hits such as Whistle for the Choir, Henrietta and the explosive Chelsea Dagger, which sent people into a frenzy.

The band took to twitter to say they thoroughly enjoyed playing and it was a perfect end to their year.

Dizzee Rascal had the crowd jumping around and singing along religiously, as he delivered his biggest tunes, among them Dirtee Disco, Holiday, Dance Wiv Me and the incredible Bonkers, which wrapped up the show.

Sunday was more chilled, although headliners Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls were charged, bringing an immense Y Not to a close.

Until next year?

McBusted: review

Hello Beautiful!

Ten years ago, when IPhones didn't dominate people's lives and tweeting was just something bird's did, pop rock band Busted were reigning high in the charts and had won the heart of every teenage girl in Britain (including mine).

They were living the dream, a career they worked so hard to achieve.

However, in 2005 the band shockingly broke up after band member Charlie Simpson decided to move onto a new band. I won't lie - my little pre-teen heart broke into a million pieces.

So when I heard the the remaining two members, Matt Willis and James Bourne, were teaming up with identical band McFly to create a superband - you can imagine my excitement.

I have been to see McFly when they performed their 'Radioactive' tour in Nottingham when I was younger, and continued to look forward to seeing the band newly named 'McBusted'.

The support bands, Young Brando, EofE and the 3 dudes did well to warm the huge crowd. Their catchy rock songs caused the audience to get up out of their seats and dance.

Starting just before nine o'clock, the stadium went dark and a video lit up on the two screens at each side of the stage. The video featured the same concept as those portrayed in the film 'Back to the Future'. Moments later, a DeLorean landed on the stage containing the two remaining Busted members. They were then shortly followed by McFly members Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry.

Opening hit 'Air Hostess' sent the crowd into a frenzy - even young teenagers who would have been children at the time sang along with the band.

Throughout their performances, McBusted made good use of their stage and the ringed catwalk which extended from it.

Their interaction was flawless - especially from Matt and Dougie who were constantly circled the crowd and asking the audience if they were having a good time or if they were ready to do so.

The set list was evenly distributed amongst the two bands - with the set opening with three Busted and followed by three McFly tracks.

Half an hour in, and the band disappeared off the stage to reappear on a UFO at the back of the arena. Whilst on here, the band played 3 songs including the popular 'Star Girl'.

The boy's energy bounced off one and other. Their laddish charm made the crowd laugh as they performed hilarious jokes and poked fun at one and other. One stunt involved Matt wearing a wedding dress whilst performing 'Crashed the Wedding'.

After an hour and a half, the show came to a sad end - but all the band members vowed to make a return to Nottingham.

Could this be a hint of a second tour? I hope so.

Furthermore, this is definitely in my top 3 for concerts I've ever seen. For anyone attending a McBusted gig, it will truly be a memorable experience and a blast from the past.

Rating: 9/10

Review - Union J Hits Nottingham

Photo by Kevin Cooper (more at facebook.com/EGNottingham)

AS one might expect from fans of an X Factor boy band with over a million Twitter followers, it was teenage screams throughout Union J’s set at the Royal Concert Hall on Sunday night, part of their first headline tour, Magazines and TV Screens.

The quartet – consisting of George Shelley, Josh Cuthbert, JJ Hamblett and Jaymi Hensley - have gone a long way since getting together on last year’s ITV talent machine, with three hit singles, a No. 6 album, two books and this 20-date headline tour that runs in to the New Year.

Turning out to see them in Nottingham was this year’s X Factor winner Sam Bailey, who had a busy time on the balcony having photos taken with fans.

Before the main event at 9pm, there were four support acts; Eylar Fox, Ollie Marland, Room 94 and Five Angels, who all had the crowd on their feet dancing along.

While the former two suited the Union J sound, Room 94 had an edgier rock sound, closer to that of Lawson and lyrics about teen romance sat well with the audience.

But they saved the hysteria for the Union J, who opened with Where Are You Now, the quartet making full use of the stage, bouncing around it and encouraging their fans to join in.

Any group with just one album to their name, needs a few extras to fill a set and in Union J’s case they were covers of Katy Perry’s Roar and One Republic’s Counting Stars.

Debut single, Carry You, the video for which was filmed in Nottingham earlier this year, sent the crowd into overdrive and even the parents were out of their seats, dancing along.

The light from a thousand phones lit up the venue as they ran through their second hit single, It’s A Beautiful Life, while latest single, Loving You Is Easy, closed the set.

The fans clearly enjoyed it but what of the group? Yesterday, Josh described it as “my favourite show of the tour so far!” on Twitter, adding: “NOTTINGHAM......you were insaneeeeeeeeeeeee.”

Union J have slipped right in to those pop shoes left behind by JLS and are racing after One Direction for the title of Britain’s biggest boy band.

The Big Reunion - My Biggest Challenge Yet ...

Why, Hello There!

Oh-em-gee, I have had the most stressful time at the moment! Right now, I should be revising for my Law exam ... But, I think you all deserve an update.

At this moment in time, I have finished my first year at uni (yay!) and now have to focus on lovely Politics and Law exams (not so yay).

HOWEVER, I have had the most amazing time last week when me and my two other got to meet the cast of 'The Big Reunion' - which included all of my favourite music when I was a child!

I have got to say, I was a complete nervous wreck before I met 911, Blue, Atomic Kitten, B*Witched and Liberty X but, lucky for me, they were the most loveliest people I have met

After interviewing each band, we all attended The Big Reunion show, and I absolutely loved it! dancing to all the songs of my childhood making me feel like a giggling 10-year-old again. Those were the days!

And Today, the article was FINALLY published! So, If you can go and buy a copy of The Nottingham Post and you will see a photo of me with Liberty X (I know right!) and the article, which I shall link here

I will be posting some more stuff on here tonight and throughout the weekend :)

How are my readers doing? Let me know!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Original-Blonde-Journalist/355544201228541

My Geordie review!

Geordie Shore – Season 5

Where: MTV ​ ​ Time: 10 o’clock Length: 1 hour​​ Date: 19/02/2013

Geordie shore is back for its fifth season running – and this time, they’re hitting Europe.
If you are a fan of reality show TOWIE or good old Made in Chelsea, then you will love MTVs vodka-drinking, sex-driven young adults who love nothing more than getting ‘mortal’.
MTV’s cheesy-yet-addictive Geordies are back to the house after the crazy last series which introduced Dan and Scott into the crazy and dysfunctional family.
The first episode of the series opens with a big bang as the crew is reunited, getting mortal and creating absolute chaos. The usual then?
However, the Geordies are hit with some news that which shakes up the household. Anna drops the bomb that she has changed her business provocative & reveals that they will be helping entertain stags & hens at their do’s – all around Europe!
The hilarious relationship between dumb but loveable Charlotte and the ladies’ man Gary has always been a focus point on Geordie Shore, with the question of ‘Will they, Won’t they?’ being asked after Gary reveals he may actually settle down with Charlotte!
Tension is caused in the house after James starts to ignore his former ‘friends with benefits’ Holly after he fears she’ll start getting feelings for him again. Will they be able to put aside their differences for their housemate’s sake?
If you are lover are the show, then this is not one to be missed – why eye!

Old Uni Work - Derek

Providing an insight to the lifestyle of a care home, Ricky Gervais’ new show Derek is far from brilliant, and this can be justified even in the third episode.

Using the Same mocumentary style that has featured in his hit show The Office, the production of the show seems unthought-of  as the use of awkward silences seems too much like an actor who has forgot his lines & is trying to improvise.  The use of monologues from the characters doesn’t gel with the scene and seems to have been thrown in rather than produced. Is this really an award winning way of writing a hit programme?

The storyline is bland but hard-hitting at times – the main character of Derek (Gervais) seems to have learning difficulties and volunteers at the care home, although this is not clear. His friend Dougie, who is played by Idiot Abroad star Carl Pilkington, Is the care home handy man. Again, his character seems awkward, but his performance in the later scene in which he tells Marge’s daughter that she is a magpie is down-to-earth, and reveals the disheartening truth about realities of care homes & how the relationship of children and parents can change with age.

Overall, I believe that the program is a dismal and not a true reflection into Gervais’ work, mixing hard-hitting issues & using comedy to try (and fail) to soften the blow. His style of writing is not for me but may be a hit with his fans as it can be compared to The Office. 

Quick update!

Hello Again my sweets!

Well it's pretty late here in Ye Olde Derbyshire but I thought it would only be fair to justify my recent absence, which I apologise for.

Again, University has took it's toll on my life & i've had 3 piece of work to complete in under 2 weeks (deamn journos and their deadlines) & on top of that, I've been writing an article which will soon be published for the Nottingham Trent University Paper. This will be my official first piece of published work & I am extremely excited about this!

I also have been trying to spend alot of time with my long-term boyfriend Ryan because he's been going through a rought time & thats how I am when it comes to him! He is my absolute world!

However, I have had a few products sent to me which I am currently reviewing - including hair and body items so stay tuned lovelies!

Lauren

xoxo

Review: My favourite perfumes

Hello my darlings!

I'm extremely sorry for the lack of posts, I have been overwhelmed with work at university & it has finally took it's toll. But, I thought I'd share with you my 3 all time favourite perfumes and why I adore them so much!

1. Kim Kardashian By Kim Kardashian

I went perfume shopping with one of my girl friends in Westfield & I came across this little gem! at first, I was abit hesitate to try it as I had heard quite a few bad reviews. However, the fragrance has totally won me over! it's floral, sweet scent really gives me a feeling of feminism and makes me feel good about myself! and it lasts all day long :) I believe I got it off an eBay site & it can be purchased here (cheapest I've seen it so far!)



2. Touch of Pink by Lacoste

I received this lovely gift for Christmas and, although I am more of a floral/sweet scented lover - I really like the scent. The freshness and fruitiness of the fragrance is quite refreshing, with hints of jasmine & orange giving it a modern and quite unique edge. The perfume can be brought from Fragrance Direct for a discounted price!



3. Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna

I was shopping a few months back, when the fragrance was first released and I instantaniously fell in love with it. It's floral, exotic scent really - well, I'd like to think - smells like how we would imagine Rihanna to smell. I felt sexy & sophisticated, and very glamorous! The gift set can be purchased here and is an actual steal!



I will be writing another review later! so let me know how you find the post!

What's your favourite perfume? Let me know!

Lauren

xoxo

Shoe Review: Jeffrey Campbell style Boots

Since I first came across the popular boots, I knew I had to have a pair. I never really was a shoe person but something drew me to these shoes - the fact that I never saw anything like them before? the gorgeous studded heel? whatever it was, I was determined to have them. However, with me being a student I could hardly fork out much for a pair (my heart did sink a little when I saw the price tag) so I returned to my best friend - eBay - and came across this:

I

With alot of 'ooohing' and 'arrrrring' I decided to buy them, and I have never looked back! as soon as they got delivered in the post, I had to wear them. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk in them, but the concealed heel gave me the comfort and support I needed. J'adore!



Now, for the best bit: the price tag. I was willing to spend a good amount on these pair of beauties and I was pleasantly suprised at the price tag. £18.95!! yes, you read that correctly! and £4.95 P&P, how could you go wrong?!

go shop my darlings: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251210516597

truly recommended!

So tell me, what are your favourite pair of shoes/heels/boots? and why?

Until tomorrow,

Lauren

xoxo

Review: Soap & Glory Motherpucker in Punchbowl

Since I met the brand 3 years ago, I have been a HUGE fan of Soap & Glory. The smell of absolute luxury, the comical names & the 50s theme. So girly!

The controversially named lip-glosses 'Motherpuckers' have always been a favourite of mine - although I know people are not keen on its sticky texture and the tingling sensation it causes your lips. Personally, I love these qualities - it what makes these lip-glosses so unique. I was very lucky this year & got given the big gift set which contained the 'punchbowl' lipgloss. This is a swatch and the actual lipgloss:



If any of you lovelies have followed the development of the brand, you'll know how this lipgloss has developed. Compared to the original 'candyfloss' gloss, the gloss is more pigmented & very fashionable with it's baby pink colour & also now has a longer staying time. 10 points S&G!

The Soap & Glory brand have knocked down their prices at the moment at boots so go and grab a bargain!

Lauren

xx

Clothes review: Dorothy Perkins and New Look

I love the festive season: the food, the family time where no arguments will take place, the joy across people's faces when they open their presents ... Always a feel-good factor. With all this being said, there's nothing better than the Boxing Day sales/ January sales. This year, most of my Christmas money went on my favourite bath range Soap & Glory (which I will be reviewing soon) and my new addiction Lush (again, I shall be review a few of the products soon).

I struggled however to find any clothes or shoes I desired, which is odd for me seeing as I would consider myself a shopaholic. Everywhere I looked I couldn't find anything I wanted. So I turned to the Internet and managed to find some gorgeous items at Dorothy Perkins (with an extra 15% off every sale Item, how could i resist!):



Both of the tops were £10, knock down from £26(ish) and the dress was £12 instea of £45. Total bargains if you ask me!

They arrived promptly in the post and I can happily say that I am happy with my purchases! I shall be hopefully wearing all my clothes this week :)

I also managed to pick up some GORGEOUS leopard print ankle boots from New Look for just £12! (bargain!)



Usually heels give me terrible footache (damn size 4 feet) but I can safely say these did not give me any such ache! a total pleasure to be in :)

Stay tuned darlings!

Lauren

Xx