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Jody White spills the beans on this year’s Bestival in Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, Friday 5th – Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th September

Did Rob Da Bank unwittingly curse this year’s event with his undersea theme? It’s really wild conjecture, but a wet-suit would have been entirely appropriate attire for what has become a popular annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Wight.

As the decidedly drab summer was chased off into the distance by horrendous downpours, the usually lush Robin Hill site was rapidly transformed into shin-deep filth, and the glutinous squelch of the main thoroughfares quickly began to test the party spirit. Leaking tents and sodden clothes meant the atmosphere was not quite the carefree hedonistic experience many were expecting, although in true British spirit most got stuck in and attempted to make the best of a sticky situation.

The trademark Bestival frivolity wasn’t entirely dampened though. Given momentum by the rather fantastic musical line up, a heady cocktail of inebriants seemed to ease the crowds into the fun-zone without too much difficulty.

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Brighton Art Fair is back for another stunning show

Claire Fearon – ‘Brighter than bright’

Brighton Art Fair is held ever autumn in the beautiful Corn Exchange in the heart of the city. Showcasing over 120 contemporary artists and attracting a capacity audience of over 5000 visitors, the fair has built a strong reputation for exhibiting exceptional quality artwork in a welcoming, friendly environment.

Brighton Art Fair is the largest single visual art exhibition on the South Coast. Year on year sales growth have exceeded expectations with over half a million pounds worth of art being sold in 2007, not including the commissioning work, which inevitably arises from such events.

Angela Charles – ‘It Isn’t Always Like This’

Painters, printmakers, photographers and sculptors are chosen in a rigorous – and competitive – selection process to represent the highest standard and most exciting work across a wide variety of techniques and subject matter. This art fair is unusual in that the artists themselves sell their work, direct to the public, bringing a personal feel to the viewing and buying process. Visitors get to enjoy meeting the artists to learn about their creative inspirations, techniques and future projects.

Organised by Jon Tutton and local artist Sarah Young the Brighton Art Fair is set once again to be a roaring success.

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Find unique styles at new optical boutique Frames In The Lanes

Stroll through the Lanes and you can’t miss Frames in the Lanes in place of a former deli in Meeting House Lane. An eye-catching window display of unique frames makes it appear more boutique-chic than your standard optician. Spectacles have, in recent years, become more of a fashion accessory designed to make a statement. All glasses and sunglasses individually selected for Frames in the Lanes do just that.

Bernadette Fitzsimons and Freya Huntley joined forces to open the shop over August bank holiday; Freya’s previous optical knowledge and experience and Bernadette’s corporate background make for a strong successful partnership.

Alexander McQueen £229 (inc single vision lens)

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Andrew Kay kicks back at the stunning new myhotel

For a lover of camping holidays I have taken to smart hotels rather easily
and my introduction to myhotel started at the very lovely Chelsea branch where the look is soft and genteel. Standards there were so high, that I did wonder if their new branch here in Brighton could even match it, let alone top it.

Serious research needed to be done so along with a friend we checked in to check it out.

I had already fully acquainted myself with both Zilli Café and Zilli restaurant. I am a regular at the café, love the salads, love the specials and would almost kill for the banana ice cream. Top dish there so far was a special, a salad of new potatoes and mussels. Sensational and with more mussel than potato.

“myhotel Brighton is cool, chic, a bit rock ’n’ roll, very cosmopolitan and a touch Graham Greene”

In the restaurant I have eaten stunning steak, delicious scallops and amazing antipasti. We checked in mid-afternoon, found a platter of chocolate brownies, strawberries and a chocolate dip waiting for us.

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