Latest news with #LovingCup
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Mark Lamarr defines band's sound of 'Southern Boogie Rock'
With the Leader's Next Big Thing feature, we hope to showcase some of the talent in Wrexham and Flintshire. If you are a group of musicians or solo singer that would love a boost towards your big break, the Leader wants to hear from you. We are looking to put the Next Big Thing on music fans' radar, just remember us when you get to the top! Read more: Crimson Katana slice into the Wrexham music scene To be in with the chance to feature, email a few details and contact number to In the spotlight this week is The Loving Cup, a rising country rock band, with members from Wrexham and Flintshire, "spilling soul, heartbreak, and big hooks across the UK - one hard goodbye at a time". The line-up features: Jaz Livesey - lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Andrew Vickers - lead guitar, backing vocals; Giz Catterall - lead guitar, backing vocals; Andy Whitfield - bass; and Nick Lauro - drums. North Wales country rock band The Loving Cup. Is there a story behind the band name The Loving Cup? It was a nod to The Rolling Stones - like they took their name from an old Muddy Waters song, we did the same to them. Loving Cup is a tune from the Stones' Exile on Main St. 1972 LP - a key influence for us when we first started out. And the connotations are positive, we're all drinking from the same well, love and music all mixed together but it works on a few different levels metaphorically, it's all good. Your musical influences? Too many to single out, we have this shared love of classic 60s/70s melody and harmony, drawing influences from country, blues, rock, and soul which feeds into the way each of us write. It's hard to pin it down to one style but we did a session for Mark Lamarr on BBC Radio 2 and he described our sound as "Southern Boogie Rock". We like that. Who do you admire in the industry? Kudos to any bands out there independently writing, performing, recording and promoting their own stuff. Fewer people than ever seem to want to go out and watch a band at a grass roots venue now, and yet they'd pay hundreds to go and watch a stadium gig or a tribute act. It's really sad to be honest. There's something special and intimate about discovering a new band for yourself and getting to see them up close in a small venue - that's when you feel the energy and become part of it. Read more: Wrexham band members grew up with parents' love of music What do you enjoy about performing? We've been playing so long together now that there's this kind of telepathic understanding, even when we've planned and rehearsed something a certain way, sometimes there might be a spontaneous shift in gear, maybe it's the way the guitars sound together or the reaction from the audience, whatever, you get carried away and it lifts the whole performance to another level - that's when the goosebumps hit. There's also something very gratifying about seeing people in the crowd singing your words back at you, something you created that's now become theirs. Is performing a full-time job? No but it's a full-time obsession. Where can people catch you live in the coming months? Locally, at Dee Fest, Saturday August 23; The Swinging Arm (Birkenhead), September 14, and Stanley's Cask (Wallasey), September 26. We're taking a short break after that to focus on recording - we have a huge backlog of songs and we hope to release a new album in 2026. Favourite song of yours? Maybe Hard Goodbye from our second album. It's an emotionally charged heartbreak song with a bit of everything - hooky chorus, harmonies, soaring guitars, epic crescendo - but we are all really pleased with our recent release, It's About Time, which has this Byrds/Big Star shimmer with a kind of Stone Roses 1989 filter. We're made up as well as we've just heard it's on the Wrexham AFC STōK Racecourse playlist, so it will be belting out there in the coming season! Read more: Did you rock out at the Racecourse with Motorhead? Thoughts on the Wrexham/North Wales music scene? It's tougher than ever for bands. You have to be passionate about what you're doing for no other reason than you love it. Smaller venues are struggling to support independent writers and performers these days, and particularly bands. If you love the sound and feel of a great rock and roll band, come and see us. And if you can't come and see us, follow us on social media. Anything else we should know? Our latest single, Don't Put It Off, is out now on all digital platforms - it's been described as a sort of hidden gem vibe from The Last Waltz, kinda like if Dylan or Johnny Cash had stepped up to the mic backed up by Little Feat or The James Gang. We tried to keep it as authentic as possible with all the old vintage gear, and it has this narrative of a fleeting connection, seizing the moment, following your instincts and refusing to live with regrets. It's been going down well at our recent shows. • You can hear Don't Put It Off and more music from The Loving Cup on Spotify: For more information, follow the band on Facebook or Instagram.
Edinburgh Reporter
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Ali Bowden to receive The Edinburgh Award
The first director of the City of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature will receive the Edinburgh Award 2025. Ali Bowden took on the role in 2006 and has only stepped down in September. After Edinburgh became the first City of Literature in 2004, Ms Bowden then helped to welcome other Cities of Literature as they joined the network. There are now 53 cities of literature and more than 350 creative cities in seven artforms. Ali's work to promote and enhance Edinburgh as a literary city includes community-based writers' residencies, the first citywide reading campaign, and the award-winning Great Scott! installation in Waverley railway station honouring Sir Walter Scott. She was also behind the Stars & Stories trail of illuminated quotations celebrating 500 years of Edinburgh's publishing heritage, and an initiative with ETAG to promote literary tourism. Ali will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have her handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year. The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Civic Award Committee, Robert Aldridge said: 'Ali Bowden is a most deserved recipient of the Edinburgh Award, and I'm really pleased that she has accepted the Civic Awards Committee decision to present it to her. 'Edinburgh blazed a trail when it became the first UNESCO Creative City in 2004 and with Ali at the helm for almost 20 years it has continued to flourish in this position. 'Not only has Ali gone above and beyond to create a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance the literary city, she has played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world. 'I'd like to congratulate Ali on behalf of the city – we will all benefit from her legacy, which builds on the Capital's rich literary heritage while also bringing reading and literature to new and varied audiences.' Ali Bowden said: 'There's no doubt that Edinburgh has stolen my heart, and I've happily spent the last few decades banging the drum for this impressive, bookish, story-filled and ever-changing city. 'I am humbled, honoured and delighted – in equal measure – to be receiving the Edinburgh Award. I know it's only possible because of all the kind souls I've worked with over the years, on projects big and small, locally and internationally. All of them equally inspired by Edinburgh, this amazing, and first, City of Literature. Thank you all for doing a bit of hard work when I asked!' Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Woman who helped Edinburgh 'blaze a trail' to become world's first city of literature to receive award
Ali Bowden is to receive the Edinburgh Award Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A woman who helped to 'blaze a trail' for Edinburgh as it became the world's first UNESCO City of Literature has been selected to receive the Edinburgh Award - following in the footsteps of musician Nicola Benedetti, rugby player Doddie Weir and businessman Sir Tom Farmer. Ali Bowden was director of the organisation from 2006 until last year, following a ten year career in publishing, Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Edinburgh Award was established in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh. Nominations are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople. Over her time in the role, she helped to welcome new Cities of Literature as they joined, recruiting others from around the world in a bid to diversify the network. There are now 53 literary cities and more than 350 creative cities in seven artforms. Ali will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have her handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year. The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Civic Award Committee, Robert Aldridge said: 'Ali Bowden is a most deserved recipient of the Edinburgh Award, and I'm really pleased that she has accepted the Civic Awards Committee decision to present it to her. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Edinburgh blazed a trail when it became the first UNESCO Creative City in 2004 and with Ali at the helm for almost 20 years it has continued to flourish in this position.' Ali Bowden is to receive the Edinburgh Award. | Scotsman He added: 'Not only has Ali gone above and beyond to create a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance the literary city, she has played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world. 'I'd like to congratulate Ali on behalf of the city - we will all benefit from her legacy, which builds on the Capital's rich literary heritage while also bringing reading and literature to new and varied audiences.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Bowden's work to promote and enhance Edinburgh as a literary city includes community-based writers' residencies, the first citywide reading campaign, and the award-winning Great Scott! installation in Waverley railway station honouring Sir Walter Scott. She was also behind the Stars & Stories trail of illuminated quotations celebrating 500 years of Edinburgh's publishing heritage, and an initiative with ETAG to promote literary tourism. After 18 years in the role, Ms Bowden stood down in September 2024 and has been replaced by Dr Harriet McMillan. Ms Bowden said: 'There's no doubt that Edinburgh has stolen my heart, and I've happily spent the last few decades banging the drum for this impressive, bookish, story-filled and ever-changing city. I am humbled, honoured and delighted - in equal measure - to be receiving the Edinburgh Award.
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Science
- Glasgow Times
Sir Jim McDonald awarded Glasgow's prestigious Loving Cup
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, was awarded the city's prestigious Loving Cup. The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, presented the award to Sir Jim for his "extraordinary contributions to education and learning, engineering and civic leadership," both in Glasgow and beyond. Read more: New speed camera to become operational on busy road next week Man brought Poundland knife to Glasgow court Scots are being offered physical 'rain cheques' to help keep their spirits up The Loving Cup is one of the highest accolades given by the city, bestowed upon individuals or organisations who have brought distinction and honour to Glasgow. Sir Jim joins other celebrated recipients, including the Princess Royal, the Lisbon Lions, the Archbishop of Glasgow, and Francie and Josie. He said: "I am very touched and deeply honoured to receive the Loving Cup and to be recognised by the city that has shaped so much of my life and career. "Glasgow has always been at the heart of my personal and professional journey, and to have played a role in its educational, engineering and civic landscape has been a profound privilege." The ceremony was held at the City Chambers on June 5 with civic leaders, academic colleagues, community representatives, and his family. The Lord Provost said: "Sir Jim is a true son of Glasgow whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our city. "His commitment to education, engineering excellence, and civic engagement makes him a most deserving recipient of the Loving Cup. 'His legacy, following his imminent retirement in August, is to leave the University of Strathclyde in a stellar position both here and abroad, with an excellent reputation for technology and innovation.' A proud Glaswegian and three-time graduate of Strathclyde, Sir Jim began his career in the UK electricity supply industry before returning to the university in 1984. Under his leadership from 2009, Strathclyde grew into a global leader in technological education and innovation. He was knighted in 2012 for services to education, engineering, and the economy, and was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2024.
Edinburgh Reporter
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Nominations remain open for The Edinburgh Award
Nominations are open until 16 May for members of the public to suggest people who they consider to be worthy of winning The Edinburgh Award. This is a prestigious honour given to people who have achieved outstanding success in their lives, whether it is as an unsung charity hero or a renowned artist or athlete. Previous winners include Mel Young, MBE, founder of The Homeless World Cup, who was presented with the Loving Cup last year. His handprints are cast in stone in the Quad at the City Chambers and his name on the honours roll inside, along with others who have made their mark on the city including Professor Peter Higgs, Nicola Benedetti, CBE, Ken Buchanan, MBE, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer and Sir Tom Farmer. The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, has asked for inominations. He said: 'Edinburgh's global influence over the last two centuries is thanks to the exceptional character, achievements, and excellence of our citizens. The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individual whose work continues to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love. I am continually inspired by the way Edinburgh's people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit. 'We are now in the 19th edition of The Edinburgh Award, and I invite everyone to nominate someone who has truly made a difference to our city. Now is your chance to help identify the next individual to be celebrated with The Edinburgh Award 2025.' You can nominate someone for the Edinburgh Award if they were born in Edinburgh, have lived in the city for the past 12 months or has a substantial association with Edinburgh have not previously been awarded The Freedom of the City are not a previous winner of The Edinburgh Award are not a serving politician. The winner of the award will be chosen by the Civic Awards Committee after nominations close at noon on 16 May. Read more here before making a nomination. Sir Geoff Palmer who received the Edinburgh Award in 2022 © 2024 Martin McAdam Mel Young, MBE, and his wife Rona at the ceremony for The Edinburgh Award © 2024 Martin McAdam L-R Lady Anne Farmer, Sir Tom Farmer and the Rt Hon Lord Provost Donald Wilson at The Edinburgh Award 5 March 2016 PHOTO Martin McAdam Like this: Like Related
