With inspirations from Tapa cloth paintings of the Pacific Islands, two artistic minds have joined forces to create a new collection of luxury bespoke rugs.

Chichester and Kent collaborated with one taking the artistic lead as a maker of fine furniture, while the other, Kent, lending her knowledge to craft the ideal interior offering.

The idea came from traditional art made from pounded tree bark and decorated with hand painted or stencilled patterns in natural black and rust-brown dyes.

Kent’s longstanding rug makers in India and Nepal brought these creations to life with the expertise and care that they apply to all of her products.

She has worked with her team in Bhadohi, India, since founding her business in 2005, and in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the past decade.

The flatweave design, Tapa, is a flatweave hand woven in Bhadohi on a traditional horizontal loom using 100% wool. Harvest was hand knotted in Kathmandu, also from 100% wool, at 100 knots per square inch on a vertical loom.

These rugs are of exceptional quality that are made to last due to the craftmanship that has gone into these designs.

The launch date of the rugs will be 14 September 2026 and they will be displayed in Julian Chichester’s showroom. Rugs are priced at £845/sqm inc. VAT for ‘Harvest’ and £330/sqm inc. VAT for ‘Tapa’, available at amykent.co.uk, they can be customised to any size and colour.

This summer season in 2026, Ibiza offers past-times for all guests going to immerse themselves in the sun-soaked landscapes of this unmatchable retreat.

Whether it is for the sake of great gastronomy, the wellness of yoga to the pleasant setting of an outdoor cinema, this is the top pick destination for those wanting a choice of experiences.

Aiyanna Ibiza

Begin the day with yoga and breakfast overlooking Cala Nova Bay. Beachfront yoga followed by a Mediterranean breakfast is suitable for all levels and is for those wanting to explore the island’s mindful side along with the tranquil scenery. Tickets are €32 per person, including yoga session, mats and breakfast.

Amante Ibiza 

For cult-classic films by the sea, this openair setting guarantees a unique view of some of the world’s most popular screenings. Watch under the stars, while enjoying moreish cocktails overlooking Sol d’en Serra Bay. Oversized beanbags and blankets keep visitors snuggled under the moonlight. Tickets cost €50 per person.

Ibiza Gran Hotel 

Guests are shown another side of the island through the Ibiza Salt Journey which includes a guided hike through the Ses Salines, followed by a soothing spa experience and a master class on cocktails at Musa. For an offering of the island’s heritage prices are upon request.

ME Ibiza, Meliá Ibiza and INNSiDE Ibiza Beach

These two opulent resorts have launched new day pass experiences, giving visitors access to the hotels’ pools, dining and signature atmospheres for the day. With panoramic views these adults only passes provide some of the best daycation practices on the island.

 ME Ibiza Rooftop Experience — from €200 F&B credit included

ME Ibiza Main Pool Experience — from €250 F&B credit included

Meliá Ibiza Rooftop Day Pass — from €150 F&B credit included

INNSiDE Ibiza Beach Breeza Day Pass — from €100 F&B credit included

While there is a complete diary of events for adults this summer season, Kids Club stays open until 2am at the Lujo Hotel in Bodrum, allowing adults to experience a packed schedule.

Situated along the turquoise coast of Aegean, this five star all inclusive resort kicked off its high events programme in April and runs throughout the summer.

Lujo’s stages will include world-class DJ performances alongside themed parties such as a 1920s Gatsby Party and a 1990s Forever Young event.

Argentine tango shows, run alongside performances from key stars like the voice of American soul, jazz and pop, Della Miles.

The Lujo Symphony Orchestra will take to the stage as one of the programme’s highlights, where they will perform music of different eras with their 30-piece ensemble.

For soothing daytime treats, there is Yoga Week from 23^rd to 29^th June, which includes sunrise practices; immersive sessions in Reiki; chakra meditations; Tibetan singing bowls; sound baths; Yoga Nidra and water-based healing.

If guests would like to stay active there are a variety of events one can choose from such as Combat & Boxing Week (6th – 12th July), Tennis Camp Week (15th – 22nd June), alongside a highly desirable arrangement of different fitness weeks.

Lujo’s Kijo Club concept, a unique kids’ club open until 2am, is ideal for parents looking to take advantage of the hotel’s unmissable events – providing activities and events for younger travellers looking to blend entertainment with meaningful and enriching experiences.

Events and experiences are on offer to guests of Lujo Hotel Bodrum only. Prices available upon request. Tennis Camp Week only requires prior reservation. Full event schedule available here: https://event.lujohotel.com/.

Situated on the Aegean coast of Türkiye, just 18 km from Bodrum Airport, Lujo Hotel Bodrum is a five-star, ultra-all-inclusive resort combining art, luxury, and play. Room rates from €290 (approximately £251) per night for a Superior Room on a bed & breakfast basis. For more information and to book, please visit https://lujohotel.com/ .

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is hosting an exhibition of one of the Twentieth Century’s greatest figurative artists.

Steering away from fiction, Lucian Freud tended to look at subjects to create portraiture in his work, in the world of reality.

“Everything is autobiographical, and everything is a portrait, even if it is a chair,” is how Lucian Freud described his view of art.

A limited amount of props such as a bed, an armchair or even floorboards were used in his studio whilst the intensification of the gaze forced insight into his work.

The vast number of drawings in the exhibition shows how drawing, graphics and painting weave in and out of Freud’s entire artistic thinking about what a portrait can be.

The exhibition features Freud’s creations from the earliest pivotal point in his career to his depictions right before his death.

The exhibition shows the relationship of things closest to himself such as his old mother and himself as an old man, they fall into place as motifs.

The Museum writes “Lucian Freud’s art unfolded in the post-war period, just as geometric abstraction and abstract expressionism were abandoning the figurative. His works do not profess the existentialism that permeated European art until the 1960s, but it is nevertheless impossible to disentangle his art and its unsentimental interest in what the ‘human animal’ contains from that very spirit of the times. For Freud it was about exposing the individual phenomenon – human, animal or plant. A new ‘body’ each time.”

The Everything is a Portrait Exhibition will be displayed 11 June – 27 September 2026. For further information or tickets visit: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

After sourcing artifacts from over 50 British Venues, more than 150 objects are on display at this unique exhibition set in the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington.

An array of items includes gig posters, membership cards, club photography, band merchandise and subculture fashion staples.

Live performance venues in the UK have a history of showcasing the careers of many celebrated bands. The show will feature such memorabilia including handwritten Oasis lyrics from the tour bus and a Blur set list from their performances.

Other pieces in the exhibition include a pager used to measure noise levels at the Hacienda Club and the exterior sign from the Astoria London loaned by Damon Albarn.

Most of the objects come from the V&A’s call to bring together an exhibition of this theme in recognition of a rich culture of community and creativity once brought together by Britian’s lost venues.

Harriet Reed, Curator of Contemporary Performance, said: “Music venues – be they gig spaces or nightclubs – are not only the lifeblood of the music industry but an integral part of the creative sector. As sites of experimentation, entrepreneurship and artistry they nurture talent and provide vital spaces for connection and community. For this reason, I am thrilled to open Lost Music Venues, the first display at the V&A to celebrate UK venues across four decades, from Plastic People in London to the Roadhouse in Manchester. Developed with the support of Music Venue Trust, Lost Music Venues joyfully celebrates this vital sector and raises awareness of the challenges it faces.”

Free to visit, the display runs from 30 May 2026 until 30 October 2027. For more information visit: Lost Music Venues.

As we draw closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, luxury lifestyle resort Quinta do Lago is offering a taster of professional training with a camp led by former Premier League stars.

The ultimate football experience is to be hosted at The Campus which is Quinta do Lago’s elite multi-sports hub.

Football Escapes will be held during the school holidays from 25 May to 21 August 2026, giving children aged 5–15 the chance to train with professional coaches and football legends including Gary Cahill, Steve Sidwell and Teddy Sheringham.

Professional standard pitches will be used, alike the ones used by teams such as Chelsea F.C and the Ireland Rugby Team.

There will also be an opportunity to soak up the World Cup atmosphere as the close by sports bar Dano’s will be screening matches throughout the tournament.

2026 will mark the 23rd FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, as 48 teams compete on football’s biggest stage. Quinta do Lago, in the heart of the Algarve, is giving guests the chance to join the excitement with curated training camps led by ex-professional footballers and dedicated match screening areas.

Beyond football, The Campus offers a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, tennis and padel courts, reformer Pilates, swimming pool with hot and cold plunges, and The Bike Shed for cyclists.

The Magnolia Hotel offers a stylish yet affordable alternative accommodation option, ideal for guests seeking a comfortable place to unwind after an active day. Its cottages are especially well-suited to families with young children, providing a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle while remaining within easy reach of the resort’s outstanding amenities.

The Magnolia Hotel (themagnoliahotelqdl.com ; +351 289 005300) offers a Standard Double Room from €116/£98 on a B&B basis.  Football Camps with Football Escapes start from £4,650 (based on 7 nights’ accommodation, transfers, and camp participation for 1 child, with 2 adults included).

The Victoria and Albert Museum is presenting a new contemporary exhibition on art from the Asia, Australia and the Pacific regions.

Over 40 artists from 25 countries will be celebrated in this unique show that partners with Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane.

Many of the works have never been displayed out of their area and more than 70 pieces will be displayed including sculpture, photography, painting, ceramics, weaving and body adornment.

With 60 percent of the global population, Australia, Asia and the Pacific, Rising Voices is arranged across three thematic sections: Re-Visioning History demonstrates the response by artists to political decisions. Enduring Knowledge touches on artistic heritage of making with local materials, including traditions and ceremonial customs. Evolving Faith explores spirituality and systems of faith produced in contemporary practices.

Daniel Slater, Director of Exhibitions at the V&A, said: “Rising Voices brings together an extraordinary group of artists whose works reveal stories that are at once deeply rooted in place and urgently resonant on a global stage. These works have never been seen in the UK before, yet they speak to histories and perspectives that are essential to a fuller understanding of our shared contemporary world. From the enduring strength of ancestral knowledge and faith to powerful reflections on colonial legacies and conflict, the exhibition unfolds narratives that deserve far greater visibility here. It is a privilege to present such varied and compelling practices at the V&A, and to offer UK audiences the opportunity to encounter the depth, vitality, and creative force of the Asia Pacific region.”

Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific is a Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art exhibition presented in partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific runs from 16 May 2026 – 10 January 2027. Tickets for the exhibition are on sale at vam.ac.uk.

From May 2026 the iconic galleries of The Titanic Museum in Belfast will be showcasing Northern Ireland’s fashion and textile industries in one unique exhibition.

Bringing together the greatest selection of talent within the industry, the show explores the history of fashion in the region.

Displayed until September 2026, this is the first exhibition of its kind with both established and emerging designers who are pushing the boundaries in their profession.

The designers showcasing their work are Éadach by Sara O’Neill, Kindred of Ireland by Amy Anderson, Gráinne Maher, and Hope MacAulay.

Northern Ireland’s textile industries will be featured in the galleries with materials including linen, wool, silk and leather highlighted for the role they have played in the region’s past, present and future.

Judith Owens MBE, CEO of Titanic Belfast commented: “We are immensely proud to unveil our first exhibition under the Titanic Belfast Curates banner – an initiative shaped and delivered by our own team, whose passion and expertise bring a distinctive perspective to the storytelling. Northern Threads invites visitors to engage with the creativity emerging from Northern Ireland today, highlighting how a deep-rooted sense of place continues to inform and inspire contemporary design.”

This year, Titanic Belfast will host Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art Graduate Fashion Show on Thursday 28^th May as well as Titanic Pre-Loved x Cathy Martin on 7^th June and a Fashion Tea hosted by Eddie Shanahan, Council of Irish Fashion Designers, during the run of the exhibition.

Titanic Belfast Curates… Northern Threads will be open to the public daily between 1^st May – 30^th September 2026. For more information go to www.titanicbelfast.com

Following the recent World Penguin Day in April, there is a chance to appreciate the wild variety of these birds in their natural habitats.

AE Expeditions have an offer that will save up to £6,799 for participants of their voyages.

There has long been a desire to maintain sustainable travel, along with an urgent need to protect this species.

AE Expeditions is committed to offer guests a unique experience while preserving the pristine Antarctic ecosystem that the penguins call home.

With expert-led excursions, intimate small-ship experiences, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, there’s never been a better time to witness penguins in their natural environment.

Top travel picks include:

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula
(24 Oct – 14 Nov 2026 | 22 Days) – From £20,808 £26,097 pp twin share

In Shackleton’s Footsteps
(8 Nov – 27 Nov 2026 | 20 Days) – From £18,829 £25,105 pp twin share

Spirit of Antarctica: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours
(7 Dec – 18 Dec 2026 | 12 Days) – From £12,647 £14,879 pp twin share

Antarctic Explorer Express
(7 Jan – 15 Jan 2027 | 9 Days) – From £11,220 £13,200 pp twin share

For more information or to book visit: AE Expeditions | Small Ship Expedition Cruises – Aurora Expeditions

Louisiana Literature presents the names of nine international authors in the 15^th edition of the festival which will take place from Thursday 20^th August until Sunday 23^rd August 2026.

According to the museum: Over the past few weeks, Louisiana Literature has announced the names of a number of authors who have confirmed their visit to the festival in Humlebæk in August. In addition to the winner of the Booker Prize 2025, David Szalay, the list also includes previous years’ prize winners, a new star and, as always, authors who are current with new publications in Danish. Here is a presentation of the nine names:

David Szalay

The Hungarian-British writer is acclaimed for his minimalist and captivating realism and has received several awards for his books. His novel Flesh, an exploration of masculinity, sex and money, won last year’s prestigious Booker Prize.

Nelio Biedermann

Louisiana Literature also welcomes the 23-year-old Swiss writer. His second novel Lázár is currently being published in 25 countries and has received international praise from critics, readers and fellow writers.

Kae Tempest

Poet, spoken word artist and musician is also coming to Humlebæk. He is known for his great linguistic sensibility and powerful stage presence – a “truth teller,” according to fellow author Max Porter. In 2014, he was the youngest recipient of the Ted Hughes Award for the long poem “Brand New Ancients”.

Leila Slimani

Won the Goncourt Prize in 2016 for Lullaby , which became an international bestseller. The French-Moroccan author, journalist and women’s rights advocate has been called a “master stylist” and “exquisite storyteller”.

Georgi Gospodinov

“My father was a gardener. Now he is a garden.” This is how The Gardener and Death by the Bulgarian author begins. It is his loving farewell novel to his father, who is suffering from cancer. As in Gospodinov’s other novels, including the Booker Prize-winning Time Hideout, the book deals with themes such as grief, empathy and memory, while the recent history of Eastern Europe and today’s political anxieties form the backdrop for the personal narrative.

Dag Johan Haugerud

Norwegian author and award-winning filmmaker will present his fifth novel, Sjælesorg , which has been nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize and has just been published in Danish.

Kiran Desai

Born in India and came to the United States as a young woman, moves effortlessly between philosophy, comedy, sensitivity and horror in her books, including The Lost Country, which won the Booker Prize in 2006.

Antonio Scurati

From Italy comes author and literature professor whose international bestseller M , about Benito Mussolini’s rise to power, will be published in Danish translation in August. In his homeland, the novel, which is the first in a planned series about Italian fascism, initiated a public debate about the fascist legacy and was honoured with the Strega Prize, the most prestigious literary honour in Italy.

Katie Kitamura

The American author will present her latest novel Audition, a drama about a successful actress and a much younger man who turns her life upside down. The novel, which was shortlisted for last year’s Booker Prize, is an exploration of role-playing and deception in human relationships. Kitamura herself has called the novel a Rorschach test, where the reader is challenged in their expectations of what they want to be true and what they want to remain in the world of fantasy.

Opening on 16 May 2026, this multi-channel film and sound installation has been created by Sir John Akomfrah RA.

Originally commissioned by the British Council for the British Pavillion at the 60^th Venice Biennale in 2024, this exhibition will come to Liverpool as part of a tour funded by Art Fund.

The work Listening all Night to the Rain has been inspired by the poetry of the Chinese writer Su Dongpo (1037–1101), then arranged into a canto, with the Walker Gallery displaying three out of the eight cantos that were shown in Venice.

Transforming the gallery’s exterior, Canto I will contain imagery and voices that project the original appearance on the façade of the British Pavillion in Venice. Cantos IV and V will be inside and will be showing a layering of soundscapes and recently formed footage from around the world.

The gallery writes that Akomfrah addresses memory, migration, racial injustice and climate change. His signature cinematic style creates critical and poetic connections across different places and times to encourage acts of listening and looking again, as forms of activism.

Sir John Akomfrah said: “I’ve had a long personal and professional relationship with the city of Liverpool, returning many times over the last four decades. It’s always felt to me, like an ever-unfolding conversation between myself, the city, and its communities.

Many of the themes, stories, people and ideas within my practice draw inspiration from, or find deep resonances with, cities like Liverpool. It is a place shaped by movement, by departures and arrivals, and by stories carried across water.

To bring Listening all Night to the Rain here, feels less like an arrival and more like a continuation of that conversation - one that Liverpool feels uniquely equipped to host.”  

Admission is free, with all donations welcome. For more information, visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/johnakomfrah

Set in the landscape of where this mighty ship was not only designed but it was built, this landmark attraction guarantees to fascinate.

Visitors of this Belfast attraction are taken through its conception in the early 1900s right through her construction and launch before the fateful maiden voyage took place in 1912.

Being transported back to follow the journey of Titanic, guests are shown state of the art projections, along with a 7.6 m long scale fully rotational model of RMS Titanic which is suspended from the ceiling. This was part of a £4.5 million refresh in 2023.

Followers of The Titanic are left with mesmerizing memories of a story of this great ship that now lives at the bottom of the ocean.

The Titanic experience is unforgettable and a must-see attraction for those visiting the Northern Irish capital of Belfast.

Tickets are available from £24.95 for adults and £11 for children and Anytime Ticket from £34.95 for adults and £21 for children with an average duration of 1.5-2.5 hours for the experience.

For more information, please visit https://www.titanicbelfast.com/experiences/the-titanic-experience/