For those who love to travel and enjoy live music, combining a dream holiday with a world-class music festival is the perfect way to experience a destination. From electronic beats to rock anthems, many global festivals offer a unique blend of top-tier performances and the chance to explore a new culture. Here’s a list of the best abroad festivals that provide not only incredible music but also a memorable vacation experience.

Tomorrowland, Belgium

One of the largest and most famous electronic...

My mom is probably the most well-dressed woman I know, and I’m not saying that lightly! It does help that she has a career based in the world of Image Consultancy. My mom has been my inspiration when it comes to dressing well, as she is the reason I am the fashionista I am now! Her fashion sense taught me all about classic silhouettes, fashion do’s and don'ts, and how I can use my style as a personal statement. Her professional look is the reason why I am so fond of vests, blazers, and tailored...

The Newcastle Pies, Newcastle University Ultimate Frisbee Club, has recently made history as all of their teams have qualified for the Ultimate Frisbee Outdoors National Championship being hosted in Nottingham during the first week of April. The Pies are coming into the tournament as the underdogs, but will they be able to bring home a medal?

I had the opportunity to speak to the captains of all of their teams to learn their expectations for the tournament and what it means to them to have thre...

Owners of one of the last remaining family homes on Sunbury Avenue, in West Jesmond, have received approval to convert their property into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) after struggling to sell it.

Of the 51 homes on the street, 48 are now rented out to students, mainly from Newcastle University, and the increasing concentration of student HMOs has led to complaints from some residents.

Planning documents revealed that potential buyers had expressed negative feedback about the number of...

The movie may look like a harmless work of fiction on the surface, but beneath, it fails to capture the rich, nuanced reality of Mexican culture. It offers a simplified and often distorted version of what it means to be Mexican. It is worse than it may seem, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misrepresents the country’s vibrant heritage.

One of the most significant problems with Emilia Perez is its tendency to rely on well-worn stereotypes that have long plagued the portrayal of Mexican...

Over the years, nails have evolved from mere functional tools to canvas-like surfaces, offering limitless possibilities for creativity and individuality. Just as clothing, accessories, and hairstyles can be used to make a statement, so too can nails. Whether it's a classic, minimalist design or an elaborate, bold creation, nail art can play an integral role in how people express their identity and aesthetic preferences.

For centuries, nails have been used as an accessory, though in the past, th...

To help get the party started, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best drinking card games. While you’re likely familiar with some of these, a quick refresher never hurts.

Ring of Fire

Everyone sits in a circle to play Ring of Fire with their drink. Select a "dealer of death," and players must call them by that title—if they don’t, they drink for five seconds. The dealer deals cards face-up, clockwise. If a card matches one adjacent in suit or number, it’s “active.”

Players with active cards drink for...

NASA’s SPHEREx mission is set to launch on March 4, 2025, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is an ambitious $488 million project designed to map the entire sky in 3D using infrared light. Its primary goal is to study over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars within our Milky Way galaxy, providing unprecedented insights into the universe's for...

On February 14, Newcastle University Athletics & Cross-Country Club (NUAXC) participated in the BUCS Indoors championship with high chances of taking home some medals.

Two of their athletes, Joy Eze and Etienne Maughan, came home with two medals, and Joy managed to break the BUCS Indoor record for 60m. I had the chance to sit down with them and ask them a few questions, and we talked about expectations and dealing with university while taking part in a performance sport.

The team returned to S...

When strikes occur, students are often deprived of vital learning opportunities. Lectures, seminars, and other forms of direct teaching are cancelled, leaving students to miss out on essential content that forms part of their course.

This loss of academic time can result in delays to degree progress, potentially affecting graduation timelines. Additionally, students may find themselves facing increased stress and anxiety as they struggle to make up for lost learning.

Some argue that students s...

From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first notes of the opening song echoed through the room, it was clear that Inhaler had come to deliver a performance that would be hard to forget.

The four-piece band, consisting of Elijah Hewson (vocals/guitar), Robert Keating (bass), Josh Jenkinson (guitar), and Ryan McMahon (drums), exuded an infectious energy that instantly captivated the audience. Their blend of soaring guitar riffs, tight rhythms, and catchy melodies provided the perfect soundtra...

When talking about their biggest successes since leaving university, she talked about launching their business: ‘This was created through a module when we both did our degree, BA Contemporary and Popular Music’. She mentioned one lecturer, Jale Nolan, lecturer in Music Enterprise, module which inspired the creation of MARISAM.

After talking about how their business was built, she mentioned the creative scene in the North-East: ‘It's definitely been tricky, especially as young females. I think r...

The hockey world is shocked after Brad Marchand, a 2010 third-round pick, was traded to the Florida Panthers before the NHL trade deadline.

The Boston Bruins have received a conditional second-round pick for 2027, which can turn into a first-round pick for 2028 if they win two rounds of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marchand, who was on his second season of being captain for the Bruins, had trading rumours around him, but it was expected that the Boston team would come to an agreement with th...

Air pollution is responsible for over 1,100 cases of lung cancer each year in the UK, particularly the most common form of the disease, adenocarcinoma. New findings from the World Health Organization’s cancer agency highlight that exposure to toxic air was linked to 515 men and 590 women developing adenocarcinoma in 2022.

This research reveals alarming figures, with the UK showing higher rates of lung cancer linked to air pollution compared to the US and Canada, and rates four times higher than...

The Lumineers' fifth album, Automatic, released on February 14, 2025, marks a significant evolution in the band's sound and thematic exploration. Known for their folk-rock roots, the Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites duo crafted a collection that delves into the complexities of modern life, relationships, and personal introspection.

Automatic showcases a raw and spontaneous approach to music-making, inspired by The Beatles' ‘Get Back’ documentary and Bruce Springsteen's ‘Nebraska’. The album...

With this album, we delve into his experiences and offer us his most personal and introspective side.

The album opens with ‘Cry at the Moon’, released in March 2024. This song offers an emotional exploration of a broken relationship. Simpson's emotive vocals and vivid storytelling set the tone for the album's themes.

‘Not Us Anymore’ continues this narrative of heartbreak and is arguably the best track on the album. Its introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation highlight his growth from...

Part of his 'The Epilogue World Tour', the concert was a testament to the Australian singer-songwriter's ability to turn intimate, personal stories into universal anthems. With a blend of heart-wrenching ballads and anthemic pop tracks, Dean Lewis managed to strike a delicate balance between vulnerability and energy, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in the room.

The night began with a performance by Sofia Camara, an up-and-coming artist whose soulful sound resonated well with the crowd. He...

Newcastle Knights celebrated a commanding 3-0 win in their latest match against Durham Palatinates, securing a comprehensive victory over their opponents with three straight-set wins.

The team’s performance was a testament to their strength, teamwork, and consistency, with each set showing a clear progression of dominance. The match ended with score lines of 26-24, 25-19, and 25-15, showcasing Newcastle’s superior skills and determination.

The first set kicked off with both teams showing stron...

When it comes to selecting the perfect lip shade, it’s not just about choosing a colour that complements your complexion—it’s also about harmonising with your outfit.

The first step in choosing the right lip shade is to consider the overall vibe or theme of your outfit. Are you going for a casual, laid-back look, or is it more formal and polished? If you're wearing a bright, casual outfit, like a t-shirt and jeans, a soft nude or light pink can keep things relaxed and natural.

However, if you’...

Love is supposed to be a beautiful thing, right? We’re told that finding it will make everything in life seem more fulfilling, that it’s the key to happiness, and that it’s the ultimate goal. But as a single girl, I can’t help but feel like love is both a blessing and a curse, a source of joy and frustration all rolled into one.

In fact, I’ve come to realize that I love to hate love. It’s a complicated relationship, but one that feels all too familiar.

For one, love is often portrayed as somet...

The 2016 film La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle, captured audiences' hearts with its vibrant story of love and dreams in Los Angeles and made a lasting impression with its impeccable fashion.

The film’s costumes, designed by Mary Zophres, play an integral role in setting the tone of the story, blending classic Hollywood glamour with contemporary sensibilities. Through its colourful wardrobe choices, La La Land is a celebration of both vintage style and modern chic.

From the very first sc...

In Ontario, Canada, sled dogs encounter a unique challenge when the clocks change twice a year. Researchers have found that this shift in time can be disruptive for working dogs, whose routines are highly structured and governed by specific schedules.

In a fascinating study by scientists from the University of Toronto, sled dogs were equipped with movement sensors to track their activity before and after the time change. The results were eye-opening: after the clocks fell back in the fall, the...

Whilst everyone in the UK has been paying attention to Love Island, the world has been focused on the Spanish TV show ‘La Isla de las Tentaciones’ (Temptation Island). But what makes this show special?

The show's premise is simple but compelling: a group of couples is separated and sent to a tropical paradise, where they are introduced to a group of singles who will try to tempt them away from their partners.

The couples are each given a chance to test the strength of their relationships, with...

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or family, here are some creative and heartfelt Valentine’s Day treat ideas that are sure to make their day extra special.

Nothing says love like something made with your own hands. Baking heart-shaped cookies is a timeless Valentine’s tradition, and it’s an easy way to show someone you’ve put time and effort into their treat. You can customize them with your loved one’s favourite flavours, and decorate them with colourful icing, sprinkles, o...

The competition, held at Durham University’s Sports Centre, featured a series of individual and team performances across various trampoline events. Athletes from both universities showcased their incredible skills, including flips, twists, and high-flying routines that left the audience in awe. The level of talent on display was truly remarkable, with competitors pushing themselves to new heights to secure victory for their respective schools.

Athletes like Laura Scott (Level 1) and Purdie Clif...

On January 31, 2025, the British indie-pop band KAWALA released their highly anticipated album KAWALA Collection, making this their last release as a group.

With their signature blend of infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and soulful instrumentation, KAWALA delivers an album that both honours their roots and pushes their sound to exciting new heights.

KAWALA Collection is a testament to the band's ability to create emotionally resonant tracks while maintaining their unique indie pop es...

In the digital age, technology has transformed how we engage with books — not only in how we read, but also in how we track and manage our reading habits.

Book tracking apps, a relatively new but rapidly growing phenomenon, have revolutionized the reading experience. These apps allow readers to track the books they’ve read, manage their to-read lists, set reading goals, and engage with fellow book lovers. But how have these tools impacted the reading world?

One of the most immediate benefits o...

The film’s premise offers an intriguing hook: Kraven, Sergei Kravinoff, is a wealthy Russian aristocrat who becomes obsessed with proving his superiority over other hunters and the "wild beasts" of the world (especially his father). After a violent encounter that sets the tone for the film, Kraven finds himself on a path of redemption, seeking to protect the weak and confront his monstrous nature.

This more nuanced portrayal of Kraven, who is often portrayed as a villain in Spider-Man comics, i...

This decision was released to the public after different briefings with academic departments stipulating that some subjects, such as nursing, music and modern languages could be merged.

Professor Wendy Larner, the University’s Vice-Chancellor said, "It is no longer an option to continue as they are".

She previously stated that the University would develop new ways of producing income and look at international partnerships like the one recently announced in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The Cardiff Univ...

León, a historic city nestled in the northwest of Spain, has recently earned the title of "the city with the most pubs in Spain," a distinction that highlights its vibrant tavern culture. Known for its Roman architecture, stunning cathedrals, and rich history, León is now also making a name for itself as a hotspot for nightlife, particularly when it comes to its abundance of pubs, bars, and taverns.

According to recent studies and local government reports, León boasts a staggering number of pub...

Romance books have long been a popular genre in literature, providing readers with a compelling portrayal of love in all its complexities, capturing the emotional highs and lows of romantic relationships. But what makes the depiction of love in romance books so powerful and relatable?

At the core of most romance novels is the notion of love as a transformative force. Whether it's the slow-burn chemistry between two characters or the intensity of a passionate encounter, the love story involving...

One of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral has long stood as a symbol of French history, art, and resilience. After a devastating fire in April 2019 caused severe damage to the centuries-old structure, the question on everyone’s lips was: What will Notre Dame's future look like?

For many, the restoration of this iconic landmark was a moment of national pride and an opportunity to preserve a masterpiece that had withstood centuries of change. But after seeing the final produ...

Newcastle University Gymnastics Club attended the UGC North Manchester tournament on 24 November. This marked the season's first competition, and all 11 participants have been looking forward to this date since the start of the academic year.

The team's first competition was quite successful, as they came home with seven medals. Even though a few gymnasts fell off the beam, Ellie Prentice managed to steal first place in the Balance Beam category and crown herself as the winner of this edition....

Varsity Volleyball never fails to deliver excitement, and the most recent showdown on November 27th was no exception. With both teams showing fierce determination and skill, the matches prove the level of competition and athleticism that defines varsity sports.

The first match between the two female teams was thrilling, with Newcastle coming out on top after a tightly contested series. Set 1 was an intense battle, with both teams going back and forth. Newcastle edged out Northumbria in a nail-b...

While it doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of its predecessor, it offers a heartfelt and visually stunning exploration of Mufasa’s origins that will resonate with fans of all ages.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its rich world-building and lush animation. Set in the vast, vibrant savannas of Africa, Mufasa introduces audiences to a new cast of characters, as well as the journey that shaped Mufasa from an ambitious young cub into the regal king we all remember.

The animation here is b...

This study, led by the University of Pittsburgh, showed the participants poems written by ten famous English-language poets—Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Samuel Butler, Lord Byron, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, TS Eliot, Allen Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, and Dorothea Lasky—as well as poems generated by ChatGPT in a similar style.

The study's results showed that when it came to identifying whether a human or an AI wrote a poem, participants were more likely to misattribute an AI-generated...

Whilst English people have a Christmas dinner with roasted turkey, gravy and stuffing, Spanish people have roasted lamb with different side dishes often containing a mix of Spanish ham, cheese and roasted shrimp.

Realistically, my favourite part about Spanish Christmas food is the different sweets we have. Fudge and nougat are the most popular sweet treat: you can find so many flavours that you won’t have enough time to try them all. My favourite one is ‘Suchard’, a chocolate nougat with cereal...

Seeing pop stars star in films is not a surprise anymore. Eminem's performance in ‘8 Mile’ and Dolly Parton's in ‘9 to 5’ are probably some of the most recognisable performances. Still, in my generation, Disney Channel was the OG of recruiting and shaping pop stars for their films. When I watched Camp Rock for the first time and saw both Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers star in the film, I thought I was dreaming. Ever since the film's release, their fame has skyrocketed, and they have gone on...

If you’re starting to see someone, here is a ranking of the worst Horoscopes that are most likely to break your heart:

TAURUS

Tauruses are loyal, stable, and affectionate partners but can be stubborn, possessive, and insecure without reassurance. While they crave physical affection and devotion, their guarded nature can make them hard to get close to. Patience and trust are key in a relationship with a Taurus.

CAPRICORN

Capricorns are driven, goal-oriented, and loyal, but they are also serio...

I have always liked volleyball. It is a sport that brings me joy (except when I play it; that’s when things start to get tense in this relationship), and it was also a great way to make friends during my first year.

When I tell my friends I play volleyball in my free time, they always say that I’m insane. I will not blame them for this because every time I play, I tell them I’ve managed to add three more bruises to the many more I have accumulated.

Whether or not you have played before, this i...

With her Aussie humour, Adelaide Kane is one of the most renowned Australian actresses. Gaining a leading role in Grey’s Anatomy, let’s look back at some of her most iconic roles.

Teen Wolf (2013)

Teen Wolf is a show known to many teenagers, and it’s where I first saw Kane’s acting skills. She played Cora Hale, sister of Derek Hale, who ran away when she was only 11, thinking that she was an orphan when, in reality, she was lied to. The rage and power she transmitted playing this character dre...

Olivia Rodrigo endorsed Kamala Harris for the whole campaign, so when Trump used her sound on his 'victory video' the singer took down the sound from TikTok, stating:

This comment has been deleted, but the video still has no sound, per the singer's request.

To be honest, I don't know what the marketing team from Trump's office was thinking when they did this. Rodrigo has publicly supported the Democrats since Joe Biden was elected president. She was one of the public figures who encouraged you...

Christmas is the time of year when all the couples decide to hard launch their relationships and make us, single and lonely people, regret opening social media every time we do it.

After being single for a long time now, seeing couples having their romantic moment under the Christmas lights or holding hands while they’re walking through the market makes me wonder if I’ll ever find my ‘other half’.  Or even when my grandma asks if I’ve got ‘a special friend’, that’s the funniest bit about going...

From fine lines to colourful pieces of art, tattoos are the most popular form of self-expression. What first started as marks of tribal affiliation or religious beliefs have become personalised art reflecting individual stories and emotions.

In my case, I got my first tattoo done at 16, and I didn't know I was embracing the beautiful world of expressing myself through drawings on my body. That first tattoo is probably the most important one I will ever get. Losing a parent is challenging as it...

Both universities formalised this agreement in July 2021. Since then, they have worked together to support the local economy and build a sustainable and inclusive future for the city and its surroundings.

Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Day, stated that ‘both universities play important roles in our city and it’s right that we look for innovative ways to work together’.

On the other hand, Northumbria University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Long, said that ‘The Coll...

Pokémon Black & White follows the life of a young Pokémon trainer in the Unova region. Through the game you discover what this region hides as well as getting to fight against Pokémon Masters in their gyms all whilst trying to run from the antagonist force, Team Plasma.

When you start to play, you have the chance to pick your first Pokémon before you start exploring. For some reason, I always chose Oshawott, and my favourite part was when he evolved into Samurott.

The exciting thing about this...

He competed in his last professional race on November 10, winning said race. He shared the podium with Jasper Philipsen and Arnaud de Lie, who are said to be his successors in the racing world.

The ‘Manx Missile’ kicked off his career in 2005, although he started to gain people’s curiosity in 2007 after he got called up for his first Tour de France.

In 2009, he reached the Champs-Elysees, having tasted victory ten times, arguably reaching the peak of his career. In 2011, he crowned himself Wor...

Rafael Nadal made his retirement announcement public on October 10, shocking tennis and sports fans.

He will hang his racket after the Davis Cup, scheduled for mid-November in Malaga, after representing Spain for the last time in almost 20 years of his professional career. Nadal, known for having 22 Grand Slam titles and for being one of the most successful tennis players of the decade, made this decision after several injuries put him out of the court and made this past two years more difficul...

The main factor that led to this decision was mainly economic, but is money more important than the loss of lives? Nobody wanted to play these matches, yet Tebas said in his most recent Twitter post, “the best message to the affected people is to stay on the front line in our jobs, giving visibility to the problem.” The post came alongside a series of pictures and videos from the flooding, and minutes after received an array of critiques in the comments and beyond.

La Liga's decision to only po...

Since last academic year, Newcastle University Sports Centre’s membership prices have increased by 10% across all subscriptions. This has caught the eye of many students, who now look for opportunities to play sports outside of the university community.

The change could mean an increase in mental health problems for University students, as many use sports as a way of releasing the stress accumulated from their studies.

The Sport and Fitness membership saw the highest price increase of almost o...

Before Millie took the stage at the Cluny, the supporting artists for this tour, Ramona’s Tea Party, set the vibes for the rest of the afternoon. With their incredible stage presence and interactions with the crowd, the Norwegian band conquered the public's hearts. Ramona Lundberg, lead singer of the band, stated, “The crowd were really cool, and they answered all my questions, which doesn’t normally happen, so I’m thrilled.”

When Millie Manders and the rest of her band took the stage, the publ...

Over the last few months, players have been complaining about the significant number of matches and the little rest they have between them. How well does FIFA implement the new format? Is it worth it?

After Rodri’s ACL injury, fans and players have debated this new format that has shaped football differently these past two years. With more matches and less time to rest, the football world has seen players getting more severe injuries like ACL tears, Achilles Tendon ruptures and hamstring strain...

The newly rebranded Newcastle Knights kicked off the season on October 12 in the National Volleyball Centre, located in Kettering. What was set to be an easy match turned into a breath-taking 5-set game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

During the NVL Opening Weekend, we saw great volleyball. Freshly promoted London Giants took last year’s champions, Durham Palatinates, and even though they took the first set home, they got beaten 3-1 by Durham University’s team. Chey Coop, a playe...

I had the privilege of sharing this experience with one of my uni best friends, and I’m so grateful we got to have such a great time together. Before The Driver Era took the stage, we heard two great bands, Your Favourite Color and Almost Monday. They hooked everyone from the beginning, interacting with the audience and setting the vibes for the concert. I have to highlight the performance of Your Favourite Color. They had me hooked since the beginning, and their songs, especially ‘Medicine’, ca...

On the 6th of October, 18-year-old Moto3 driver David Alonso was crowned champion after an outstanding rookie campaign. With more than 100 points separating him and Daniel Holgado, second in the standings, the Colombian rider made history as he was the first from his nation to win a World Championship.

After impressing everyone during his rookie years, nobody was surprised to see him make his Moto3 debut before his 18th birthday. From the first moment we saw him riding, we knew he would be a st...

After securing the pole in F2, Ferrari called the English driver to take up the spot of Carlos Sainz, who had been recently diagnosed with appendicitis.

The F1 world woke up on Saturday 9th to the news that Carlos Sainz had been diagnosed with appendicitis on Thursday afternoon. Fans were speculating about who would be his substitute, as Antonio Giovinazzi, former F1 driver, and Robert Schwartzman, F2 runner-up in 2021, were the favourites to take the seat. Still, they were never considering 18...

In his post-race interviews, Sainz’s statements were positive. He was surprised at how well the car performed during the race, as he could battle with two of the fastest cars on the grid, Sergio Perez's Red Bull and George Russell's Mercedes.

The Spaniard didn’t have the perfect start to the season, qualifying 4th on Friday, but he battled his way through to earn the last spot on the podium. This has caused fans to reconsider whether Ferrari has made a good decision in not offering Sainz anothe...

She not only equalled Take That's record of most nights played at a single venue, but as a solo artist, she broke the record set by Michael Jackson during his Bad Tour in 1988 for most sold-out nights played at Wembley Stadium.

Before Taylor took the stage for her 131st show, Paramore, who was touring with her this summer, thanked all of the "swifties" for making them part of one of the tours that would go down in history. Hayley Williams, lead singer for Paramore, was "incredibly proud of havi...