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The Guardian
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Add to playlist: Sarah Meth's resplendent, intimate songwriting and the week's best new tracks
From North LondonRecommended if you like Helena Deland, Billie Eilish, Okay Kaya Up next Headlining Bermondsey Social Club, 30 July; playing Green Man festival, Brecon Beacons, August London-based singer-songwriter Sarah Meth makes eerie, skeletal dream-pop cut through with a self-deprecating, very online sense of humour. A scan of her artist page on any streaming service offers a gratifying biography of an artist slowly but surely chipping away at her style in search of a distinct point of view: the lounge jazz stylings of 2020's Dead End World give way to piquant, post-King Krule bedroom pop on 2022's Leak Your Own Blues and Billie Eilish-ish pathos on 2023's Steps EP. What could feel like a dog's dinner of genres is held together by Meth's warm, laconic voice and knack for resplendent but pathologically small-scale production. Winnies, a song from last year's NY ILY single, is built atop a delirious, translucent organ line. Unlike many of her songs, which deal in winking self-subjugation, Winnies is about a blooming sense of self-determination, and Meth smartly plays it as something that could disappear at any moment. At a recent show at London's Theatreship, a cabaret theatre on a boat in Canary Wharf, Meth previewed new songs that alternated between amenable folk music in the style of Julia Jacklin and Angel Olsen, and shimmery, skew whiff pop songs that she sang over a prerecorded track. The modes proved surprisingly complementary – indie music ego and id, maybe, or a real-time battle between extroversion and introversion. The new songs were indelible and exciting: memorable odes to growing up, and falling in and out of love, that stand out in a crowded field of indie-pop newcomers. Shaad D'Souza Debby Friday – Bet on Me'Scared of what just might happen / If I go ahead and bet on me,' the Canadian pop star exhales over anxious breakbeats, building to a cheerleader chant riotous with self-belief. LS Galya Bisengalieva – Alash-kala (The Bug Reflection) From a new EP also featuring an ambient reinterpretation by KMRU, this remix of Alash-kala sees Kevin 'The Bug' Martin blow the Kazakh-British composer's lonely, glacial crackle up to an end-of-days cataclysm. LS Danny L Harle & PinkPantheress – StarlightHarle is a hard dance revivalist and a pop producer for Caroline Polachek and Dua Lipa, and both impulses cohere on this soft-donk stomper with Grimes-ish vocals from PinkPantheress. BBT Agriculture – BodhidharmaAnyone lamenting the loss of Black Sabbath this week should turn to this crushing post-metal anthem, with a splendid sky-scorching riff as well as eerie sound design and quiet-loud thrills. BBT Geese – TaxesAfter frontman Cameron Winter became an indie darling thanks to his classic solo debut Heavy Metal, Geese return with a winner: a rumpled slacker tune that straightens up and sticks out its chest for a joyful chorus. BBT SJ – OzilWith cool, softly swinging jazz obliterated by the arrival of a hard-headed drill beat, the Tottenham MC sprinkles references to his footballing past with the nimbleness of a boy-wonder midfielder. [Not on Spotify] BBT Fever Ray – Now's the Only Time I Know (Therapy Session) Karin Dreijer is releasing an album of studio mixes of live versions of old songs: this spooked song about domesticity from their 2009 debut becomes a savage, ravey exorcism. LS Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify.
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Add to playlist: Sarah Meth's resplendent, intimate songwriting and the week's best new tracks
From North LondonRecommended if you like Helena Deland, Billie Eilish, Okay Kaya Up next Headlining Bermondsey Social Club, 30 July; playing Green Man festival, Brecon Beacons, August London-based singer-songwriter Sarah Meth makes eerie, skeletal dream-pop cut through with a self-deprecating, very online sense of humour. A scan of her artist page on any streaming service offers a gratifying biography of an artist slowly but surely chipping away at her style in search of a distinct point of view: the lounge jazz stylings of 2020's Dead End World give way to piquant, post-King Krule bedroom pop on 2022's Leak Your Own Blues and Billie Eilish-ish pathos on 2023's Steps EP. What could feel like a dog's dinner of genres is held together by Meth's warm, laconic voice and knack for resplendent but pathologically small-scale production. Winnies, a song from last year's NY ILY single, is built atop a delirious, translucent organ line. Unlike many of her songs, which deal in winking self-subjugation, Winnies is about a blooming sense of self-determination, and Meth smartly plays it as something that could disappear at any moment. At a recent show at London's Theatreship, a cabaret theatre on a boat in Canary Wharf, Meth previewed new songs that alternated between amenable folk music in the style of Julia Jacklin and Angel Olsen, and shimmery, skew whiff pop songs that she sang over a prerecorded track. The modes proved surprisingly complementary – indie music ego and id, maybe, or a real-time battle between extroversion and introversion. The new songs were indelible and exciting: memorable odes to growing up, and falling in and out of love, that stand out in a crowded field of indie-pop newcomers. Shaad D'Souza Debby Friday – Bet on Me'Scared of what just might happen / If I go ahead and bet on me,' the Canadian pop star exhales over anxious breakbeats, building to a cheerleader chant riotous with self-belief. LS Galya Bisengalieva – Alash-kala (The Bug Reflection) From a new EP also featuring an ambient reinterpretation by KMRU, this remix of Alash-kala sees Kevin 'The Bug' Martin blow the Kazakh-British composer's lonely, glacial crackle up to an end-of-days cataclysm. LS Danny L Harle & PinkPantheress – StarlightHarle is a hard dance revivalist and a pop producer for Caroline Polachek and Dua Lipa, and both impulses cohere on this soft-donk stomper with Grimes-ish vocals from PinkPantheress. BBT Agriculture – BodhidharmaAnyone lamenting the loss of Black Sabbath this week should turn to this crushing post-metal anthem, with a splendid sky-scorching riff as well as eerie sound design and quiet-loud thrills. BBT Geese – TaxesAfter frontman Cameron Winter became an indie darling thanks to his classic solo debut Heavy Metal, Geese return with a winner: a rumpled slacker tune that straightens up and sticks out its chest for a joyful chorus. BBT SJ – OzilWith cool, softly swinging jazz obliterated by the arrival of a hard-headed drill beat, the Tottenham MC sprinkles references to his footballing past with the nimbleness of a boy-wonder midfielder. [Not on Spotify] BBT Fever Ray – Now's the Only Time I Know (Therapy Session) Karin Dreijer is releasing an album of studio mixes of live versions of old songs: this spooked song about domesticity from their 2009 debut becomes a savage, ravey exorcism. LS Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- The Sun
The 7 cheapest caravan sites for a week's family holiday – including gorgeous beach stay from £11 a night
SUMMER is now in full swing, and there are plenty of budget friendly ways to enjoy holidays in the sun. Camping and caravaning may not sound as glamorous as jetting off on a long haul flight, but its a great way to see the beautiful British countryside, at a purse friendly price. 8 And with the Met Office predicting that this summer is set to be a scorcher, there's no need to leave to the British Isles to get your fix of Vitamin D. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has provided a list of their seven best campsites, where members can stay for £16.50 or less per night. Aberbran Club Campsite Aberbran Club Campsite is the perfect retreat for nature lovers, and is ideally location in the Brecon Beacons national park in Wales. The dog friendly site is a renovated old railway station and promises a "no nonsense, simple and relaxing holiday". 8 Reviewers have flooded the site with positive reviews, with one person calling it an "oasis of peace", and another commenting that they enjoyed it so much they stayed for an extra week. A caravan or motorhome pitch costs from £15.50 per night for one adult or £21 per night for two adults, for caravan club members. For non-members, one adult costs £29.80 per night and two adults cost £35.30. Children under five are free, whilst kids from five to 17 costs just £1, regardless of whether their parents are members. For a family of four (two adults and two children over five) seven days at the site will cost you from £161. Altnaharra Club Campsite Altnaharra Club Campsite, located in the Scottish Highlands is a haven for birdwatchers, anglers and walkers, keen to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature. 8 The 24 caravan site is 20 miles away from the nearest shop so its perfect for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Scots holiday park named one of best in world One caravan lover said that the staff treated them "as friends", whilst another commented that on a clear day, the night sky is "amazing". The price for a touring pitch for one adult is just £13.80 a night, and £19.30 for two adults. Non-members can enjoy the campsite for £28.80 for one adult, or £34.30 for two adults. Like the other sites listed, children under five are free, whilst kids from five to 17 costs just £1, regardless of whether their parents are members. The annual fee for a family to join the Caravan and Motorhome Club is typically £66. This covers two adults, and any children under 18. Unless you pay by direct debit there is an additional £10 joining fee and additional family members over 18 years old cost an extra £10. Members get access to over 2,700 campsites in the UK and Europe, as well as discounts at club campsites A family of four can spend a week at the site for just £149. Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite is nestled within the gorgeous Cotswolds, graded as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's just five miles from the quaint village of Bourton-on-the-water, which is filled with chocolate box cottages and idyllic cafes. 8 One member said that the site is perfect for dog walks, whilst another was delighted by its proximity to many Cotswolds villages. Member prices start from £15.50 for one adult and £22 for two adults. Non-members can pitch up for £30.50 for one adult and £37 for two adults. As with the other sites, under fives are free, and five to 17 year olds stay for £1. For a family of four to spend a week on the campsite, it will cost as little as £161. Clachan Club Campsite Clachan Club Campsite, situated in Stirling, Scotland, is tucked away in a glorious woodland, filled with wildlife and stunning wildflowers. The site is made for hiking fans, as it a located amongst the glens, mountains and lochs of the central highlands. 8 One reviewer raved about the efficiency of the site's efficient automated check in, whilst another was extremely impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities. Prices start from just £11 for one adult and £22 for two adults for members, whilst non-members can pitch up for £26 for one adult and £37 for two adults. As with the above sites, kids under five are free and five to 17 year olds cost £1. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Ilminster Club Campsite Ilminster Club Campsite in Chard, Somerset is a great base to explore the natural beauty of Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Lyme Regis is just a stone's throw away from the site, and bird watchers will love the nature reserve at Chard Resevoir. 8 One caravan user loved the site so much she stayed there for three months, whilst another remarked that the park is perfectly situated off the A303. Pitches start from £15.50 for members and £30.50 for non members, with the same prices applying for children as with the other sites. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Plymouth Sound Club Campsite Plymouth Sound Club Campsite in Devon offers stunning sea views, and is perfectly located close to an abundance of stunning beaches. Situated near to the bustling city of Plymouth, caravan lovers can enjoy a visit to The National Marine Aquarium and the historic dockyard. 8 One customer was delighted by the caravan site's proximity to pubs, shops and public transport, whilst another marvelled that the site is extremely spacious, and packed with wildflowers. Pitches start from £11 for members and £26 for for non-members, and the same prices apply to kids as with the other site mentioned above. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Slinfold Club Campsite Slinfold Club Campsite, in Horsham, West Sussex is a hidden gem nestled at the end of a country lane. The nearby village of Slinfold hosts fete and flower festivals, with visitors treated to warm welcomes from locals. 8 One caravan owner marvelled at the campsites easy access to the Downs Link Pathway, which is perfect for cycling and dog walking, whilst another said that staff were eager to help them set up. This campsite is only open to members and is priced at £15.50 per night for one adult, or £21 per night for two adults. A family of four can enjoy a week's stay from just £161.
Telegraph
03-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Blow to plans to transform King's former holiday home
Plans to convert the King's former Welsh holiday home into a wellness centre have been thrown into chaos after the new tenant went into liquidation. The Telegraph revealed in January that the monarch's beloved cottage, called Llwynywermod, on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons National Park, had been leased to the Arusha Gallery, which planned to host plant healing workshops and retreats on the site. The official launch was due to coincide with the summer solstice on June 21, but it has now been put on hold, The Telegraph understands. The gallery has been beset with financial problems, with 10 artists alleging that they are owed almost £500,000 between them in missing payments. It was plunged into crisis in January following the sudden death of co-director Guy Bargery. Bargery, 60, the husband of co-director Bella Arusha Collins King, was found dead in the River Tay in Perthshire. He is understood to have killed himself for reasons unrelated to the art business. Until recently, the gallery was said to be pressing ahead with its plans to open Arusha at Llwynywermod and said it was working 'exceptionally hard' to turn things around. However, the gallery confirmed to The Art Newspaper on Tuesday that it was now in the process of liquidation. Its latest accounts are more than two months overdue, according to Companies House. Social media posts relating to the launch of its venture at the King's former home, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, have been deleted and its two gallery spaces, in Edinburgh and London's Fitzrovia, are said to have been temporarily closed. A spokesperson for the Duchy declined to comment. The gallery did not respond to requests for comment. The King purchased Llwynywermod for £1.2 million via the Duchy of Cornwall in 2007 after searching for 40 years for the perfect Welsh holiday home. The estate, nestled in 192 acres of rolling countryside, comprises the main house, a Grade-II listed barn and two separate properties, North Range and West Rage, which were previously rented out as holiday lets. The King spent years having it restored, with the help of architect Craig Hamilton and interior designer Annabel Elliot, the Queen's sister. He stayed there for a week or two every year. It was there that he chose to retreat following the death of his father, Prince Philip, in 2021. In 2022, following the death of Elizabeth II, it was inherited by the Prince of Wales as part of the wider Duchy estate and the monarch voluntarily gave up the lease. Two years later, the Arusha Gallery was due to have been the first tenant. It hailed the 'remarkable' estate, which it said was 'steeped in quiet beauty, surrounded by a rich legacy of Welsh legend and history'. The main space was due to become an art gallery with additional areas for performance, retreats and workshops. The gallery said in January that it had taken its inspiration from the legacy of 'the legendary Physicians of Myddfai' - 12th century pioneers of modern medicine through herbalism. Its inaugural event was due to include an exhibition, lectures and workshops 'designed to inspire our spiritual relationship with plants as healers and teachers'. The King, who has been a lifelong supporter of alternative medicine and therapies, was not involved in discussions about the new tenancy.
Telegraph
02-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Villagers win battle against 200m ‘Great Wall' at Welsh beauty spot
Villagers have won a fight to tear down a giant fence that was blocking views of a national park. The 200m-long, 6ft-high steel fence was dubbed the 'Great Wall of Clydach' after it was built by a Labour-led council without notice at a cost of £40,000. But weeks later, officials have agreed to tear it down – and will spend £20,000 on its removal. The roadside structure blocks views of the mountains and valleys within Wales's Brecon Beacons National Park (now known as Bannau Brycheiniog) and close to the Unesco World Heritage site of Blaenavon. Locals described the fence, made of galvanised steel with sharp spikes on top, as 'disgusting' and criticised the council for a lack of consultation. Officials said it was erected along Pwll Du Road, which has been closed to traffic for five years, over fears it could collapse. Resident Clive Thomas said: 'It's just an eyesore. When the sun is on it and everything, it just looks out of place.' Simon Elliott added: 'There was no consultation with anyone. The fence has been put up with no understanding at all of what the area is. 'All it needed was a low-level fencing to stop any cattle or people going over the edge into the quarry.' Monmouthshire County Council has agreed to remove the fence and replace it with a shorter structure that will 'blend in' with the surroundings. Independent councillor Simon Howarth said he was pleased with the council's decision, but added: 'We shouldn't have got here' and claimed huge bills could have been avoided. He said: 'Overall, we are where we should have started, but around £50,000 to £70,000 worse off.' A council spokesman said: 'Following a positive meeting, the local community and the council agreed with the proposal to reduce the height of the back line of the palisade fencing, replacing it with stock proof fencing and painting the reveals and pillars with a suitable colour to blend in with the landscape.'
