Shubbak Festival brings 'creative and uplifting' encounters to London
Eastern Eye spoke the festival’s joint CEOs, Alia Alzougbi and Taghrid Choucair Vizoso, to find out more about the fabulous event
By Eastern EyeJun 02, 2023
The Shubbak Festival returns for a seventh edition with an action-packed line-up of over 80 events including visual arts, performances, music, comedy, dance, film, literature, debates, and workshops.
The largest contemporary Arab arts festival mixes up exciting newcomers, established names and unique presentations across London. The various platforms bringing Middle Eastern culture to London and celebrating diversity aim to bring different communities together. This year’s festival is spearheaded by joint CEOs Alia Alzougbi and Taghrid Choucair Vizoso.
Eastern Eye caught up with them to find out more about the fabulous festival filled with highlights.
How do you reflect on the journey of this festival?
The festival is now in its seventh edition, having been a trailblazer in providing platforms for Arab, and South West Asian and North African (SWANA) artists at a time when representation was low. Audiences were starved of Arab talent on UK stages, exhibition spaces and concert halls. Although we’re not quite there yet, we’ve come a long way, and this year marks the first co-led by two first generation Arab women migrants.
What can we expect from this year’s Shubbak Festival?
Expect cutting-edge artists to be featured alongside distinguished names in an ambitious programme. From an experimental opera based on a seminal novel at the Royal Opera House to the street corners of Brent and the marshes of Hackney, we are bringing a dazzling array of creative and uplifting encounters to London.
How did you select the various acts?
The programme is a combination of premieres and new commissions. We either saw the works and had to share the brilliance with a UK audience, or were intrigued by practices and responses artists are having to our times, or even stages the artists are finding themselves in.
Is there a particular highlight you are excited about?
We’re really excited about bringing Hamed Sinno in their performance Poems of Consumption, to the Barbican on July 8. Hamed is an internationally renowned music icon and we’re so proud to have supported them in this, their debut solo performance.
How important is it for you to include new talent?
This is at the heart of our work. We believe strongly in providing opportunities for new talent and take pride in being at the beginning of the pipeline for so many Arab and SWANA artists.
Who are you hoping attends the Shubbak festival?
Everyone. Whatever your walk of life, your tribe, creed, belief, we invite you to join us. With over 80 events across 16 days, we proudly have family and children events happening every weekend, concerts into the night, and ground-breaking performances for all ages.
How important is a festival like this to break down barriers and bring people together?
Festivals like ours change the narrative about whose cultures and arts belong in the UK – we proudly say that our events are for everyone, and that we are the place for Arab arts and cultures to connect us all.
Do you think the Arab arts need a bigger platform in UK?
We’ve come a long way since Shubbak first started in 2011. We now exist in a fertile ecosystem with an expansive range of other Arab and SWANA organisations and initiatives that are bringing the best of our cultural production to the UK, both by nurturing homegrown talent and presenting international works. But there is still some way to go. Primarily, this work needs to extend outside London.
What inspires you as organisers?
We are inspired by the possibilities, ideas, and connections of being in the presence of some of the most exciting artists working in the world today. We are particularly inspired by those who are positioning their practice as provocation in the middle of environmental and social chaos.
Also, those who, in encountering the urgent issues of today as well as those that have preoccupied us humans for millennia, refuse to shy away from discomfort.
Why should we attend the festival?
Because you will love it. In our festival you will find joy, love, and connection in a dizzying array of meaningful art. So please, join us. We invite you to gravitate towards the familiar, we will walk with you towards the intrigue, and together we will welcome chance kinship.
Shubbak Festival takes place from June 23-July 9 2023.
A new chocolate cake inspired by the famous scene in Matilda has launched in Tesco stores across the UK, capturing attention from chocolate fans nationwide. Developed by Studio Bakery, the indulgent cake pays tribute to the iconic moment when Bruce Bogtrotter was forced to eat a large chocolate cake by Miss Trunchbull in Roald Dahl’s beloved story.
24-layer chocolate cake now in Tesco
The Studio Bakery Matilda cake, now available in Tesco branches and online, is described as a rich, decadent dessert featuring 24 layers of chocolate sponge and ganache. The cake is made with an all-butter dark chocolate sponge and is finished with a luscious chocolate ganache, offering a fudgy and gooey texture.
Studio Bakery, based in Lancashire, described the creation as “a 24-layer love letter to chocolate in all its fudgy, gooey glory”. They added, “Every slice is hand-cut, hand-finished, and properly decadent, making it perfect for parties, birthdays, or a solo moment of glory with a spoon and zero regrets.”
According to Tesco’s listing, the cake is suitable for up to 10 servings and can be enjoyed either cold or warmed in the microwave for 30–40 seconds for a more intense flavour.
Chocolate fans raise concern over price
Despite the excitement, some shoppers have expressed concerns about the cake’s retail price of £16. Food reviewer @johns_snackreviews shared a post on Instagram highlighting the launch, writing: “NEW Matilda Cake by the Studio Bakery! Out now at Tesco for £16!”
Several users responded with mixed reactions. One wrote, “16 quid for cake! No ta,” while another asked, “£16. Is it worth that price?” A third added: “Omg need, but £16?”
However, others responded more positively. One user joked, “Bruce Bogtrotter is on his way to Tesco,” referencing the character from Matilda, while another said the cake looked “unreal”.
Popularity of Matilda-inspired treats
The Matilda chocolate cake has gained popularity over the years, inspiring home bakers and commercial producers alike. Earlier this year, Leeds-based bakery Baked launched a 24-inch version of the cake called Bertha, sold through luxury retailer Fortnum & Mason in London.
Some shoppers have expressed concerns about the cake’s retail price of £16.Studio Bakery
The Tesco version, produced by Studio Bakery, is a more accessible option for shoppers who want to enjoy a slice of the iconic dessert without baking it themselves or spending a premium.
Product availability and Tesco's response
The Studio Bakery Matilda cake is currently available in Tesco stores and online. While the retailer has not yet responded to questions about pricing or promotional plans, the product has already generated considerable attention on social media.
The combination of nostalgia, indulgence, and social media buzz may help maintain the cake’s popularity despite the pricing concerns.
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The proposed reorganisation could save £43m a year, say council leaders, but critics question the figure
RESIDENTS can now have their say on a plan which would see the number of local councils in Leicestershire drop from eight to two.
The proposal is one of three put forward for the political re-organisation of Leicestershire after the government told local leaders it wanted areas with two tiers of councils – such as the county – to reduce it to a single-tier set up.
That does not mean just one authority for Leicestershire, however, with the eight district and borough councils, along with Rutland County Council, believing residents would be better served if Leicestershire was split in two. They are proposing one new council for the north of Leicestershire and Rutland, and a second covering the south and the city to remain separate.
Their proposal is at odds with the options put forward by Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council, both of which believe one ‘doughnut’ authority, taking in all of the county but leaving Rutland and the city separate, is a better approach.
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby also believes that city borders should expand to take in parts of Leicestershire, something the remaining council leaders and many county residents all say they oppose.
Now, the district and borough councils are seeking residents’ opinions on their “North, City, South” proposal.
Under the plan, the areas currently served by Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council, would be served by one authority, called the “North Leicestershire and Rutland” council.
Those under the control of Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and Oadby and Wigston district and borough councils would be served by the second authority, called “South Leicestershire” council. District and borough leaders believe this would allow councils to stay “connected and accountable” to the communities they serve, while still simplifying services and saving money, as the government has demanded.
The leaders said this approach could save nearly £43 million a year. However, this figure was disputed by the previous leaders of the county council who put the figure closer to £17 million.
Speaking on behalf of the eight authorities, leader of Melton Borough Council Pip Allnatt said: “Councils in the area are facing the biggest change in over 50 years and it is vital our communities are involved in helping to shape the future of local government. We encourage people, businesses and organisations to take part in the survey and tell us their views on our plans.
“This is the second time we have asked for views, and earlier this year more than 4,600 people and organisations responded to our original survey to help inform our interim plan… we will continue to make strenuous efforts to gather views from our communities and partners. Please have your say.”
The survey asks residents whether they agree with the principle of replacing the two-tier system with a single council structure, if they agree with the North, City, South approach put forward by the districts and boroughs, and if they agree with the areas proposed to be joined together under that plan.
The survey can be found on the North City South website with residents able to respond until Sunday, July 20. An explainer of all of the proposed changes and their impact on residents is also available there.
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)
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Angelina Censori joins Kanye West and Bianca on luxury trips as family bond grows stronger
Angelina Censori, the younger sister of Bianca Censori, is now firmly in the spotlight after being spotted alongside Kanye West and Bianca on back-to-back trips across Europe and Asia. From Spain to Japan, the 20-year-old has been photographed vacationing, dining and shopping with the controversial rapper and her famous sister.
From sun-soaked Spain to neon lit Tokyo
Last month, Angelina shared photos from a Spanish getaway where she joined Kanye and Bianca at a luxurious waterfront location in Mallorca. Fans quickly took notice, especially after snaps with West’s business associate Sneako sparked dating rumours. She shut the speculation down fast, posting online: “We are not dating.” During the same trip, Bianca caused a stir by strolling through a local market in a sheer outfit that revealed everything. Witnesses described shocked reactions from locals, but no legal action was taken. Spain’s topless laws protect such public displays, at least in certain areas.
The trio’s next stop was Japan, where Angelina posted pictures from an upscale dinner at Tokyo’s WAGYUMAFIA restaurant and a high-end vintage shopping spree. One snap showed graffiti reading “Ye is god”, and another highlighted a store label featuring North West’s name. Meanwhile, Kanye remained true to his incognito style, wearing an oversized black hoodie pulled low over his face.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori file lawsuit against celebrity dentist Dr. Thomas Connelly, alleging reckless drug administration and exploitation Youtube Screengrab
Spotlight grows on Angelina as Bianca’s fashion continues
Angelina’s public appearances haven’t been limited to casual outings. She also accompanied Bianca and another sister, Alyssia, to Kanye’s Vultures 2 listening party in Salt Lake City. Seated in the front row, the Censori sisters were photographed wearing sleek, skin-baring outfits, with Angelina opting for a nude-toned two-piece set. Their mother, Alexandra, was also spotted at the event, adding to the whole family affair vibe.
Back in Spain, Bianca once again turned heads in a jaw-dropping leather thong bodysuit during a photoshoot where Kanye appeared relaxed and affectionate, placing a hand on her behind. Angelina was also part of the shoot, wearing similarly revealing clothes that further fuelled comparisons between the sisters.
Bianca Censori turns heads in a sheer fishnet top and tights during latest outing Instagram/biancacensori
Adding to the buzz, Kanye has reportedly changed his name again. After legally becoming “Ye” in 2021, recent filings list him as “Ye Ye” in connection to his ventures like Yeezy Apparel and Getting Out Our Dreams Inc. As his personal life and career continue making headlines, it seems Angelina is quickly becoming a familiar face in Ye’s world.
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The Farmer’s Dog, located in the Oxfordshire countryside, opened in late August 2024
The Farmer’s Dog, the Cotswolds pub owned by television presenter Jeremy Clarkson, has been added to a list of over 600 UK businesses deemed undesirable by an animal rights group. The former Top Gear host, who also stars in Amazon’s Clarkson’s Farm, has faced criticism from campaigners for his alleged support of fox hunting and opposition to badgers.
Pub featured in Clarkson’s Farm finale
The Farmer’s Dog, located in the Oxfordshire countryside, opened in late August 2024. Its launch was documented in the final episode of Clarkson’s Farm Season 4, which aired recently. The pub is housed in a 15th-century vaulted barn with panoramic views of the Cotswolds and was previously known as The Windmill.
Despite the scenic location and fan interest, the pub’s early days were marked by controversy. Two hospitality consultants hired to assist with the launch reportedly resigned after a few days, citing problems including a leaking roof, under-resourced staff, and a lack of toilet facilities. They claimed the venue was not fit for business.
Animal rights group lists Clarkson’s pub
The pub has now been added to a list compiled by Blood Businesses, a campaign group that tracks venues linked to hunting and animal cruelty. The group describes The Farmer’s Dog as owned by “pro-hunt and anti-badger celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson,” and includes it on its public database of UK businesses it views as promoting or enabling animal harm.
Clarkson has previously stated that the pub loses £10 for every customerInstagram/ Farmersdog
Blood Businesses said Clarkson’s association with fox hunting and comments about badgers contributed to the pub’s inclusion. They also highlighted the presenter’s previous links to the controversial Heythrop Hunt, which has faced criticism for animal cruelty.
Ongoing criticism from campaigners
Clarkson’s Hawkstone Brewery has previously been targeted by animal rights activists after allowing a hunt onto his land, some of whose members had reportedly been fined for related offences. The presenter has also made headlines for statements criticising badger protection policies, which some farming groups blame for the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
The addition of The Farmer’s Dog to the Blood Businesses list adds further scrutiny to the public figure’s farming and hospitality ventures. The list includes over 600 venues across the UK, spanning landowners, retailers, pubs, and online platforms.
Pub remains popular despite controversy
Despite criticism and its inclusion on the undesirable list, The Farmer’s Dog continues to attract visitors. Since opening, fans of Clarkson’s Farm have travelled to the pub, even amid reports of high prices. A viral photo of a receipt for a Sunday roast recently reignited debate about affordability and value for money.
Clarkson has previously stated that the pub loses £10 for every customer, though no detailed financial figures have been released. The recent developments may further discourage animal welfare supporters, but the venue remains a point of interest for the presenter’s followers.
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Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.
INDIAN and US negotiators reported progress after four days of closed-door meetings in New Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on market access for industrial and some agricultural goods, tariff cuts and non-tariff barriers, according to Indian government sources.
"The negotiations held with the US side were productive and helped in making progress towards crafting a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement including through achievement of early wins," one of the sources said to Reuters.
The US delegation, led by senior officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative, met Indian trade ministry officials headed by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal.
Both sides also considered ways to expand bilateral digital trade through improved customs and trade-facilitation measures, the sources added, noting that “negotiations will continue” with an eye on a quick conclusion of the initial tranche.
Interim pact expected soon
president Donald Trump and prime minister Narendra Modi agreed in February to finalise a bilateral trade agreement by autumn 2025 and to more than double two-way trade to $500 billion by 2030. Officials now expect to seal an interim deal by the end of this month, before Trump’s 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs expires, including a possible 26 per cent levy on Indian goods.
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal, who is in Switzerland for talks with European counterparts, said India is ready to settle “simpler issues” first. Subsequent rounds could handle more complex matters, with the goal of signing the first tranche by September or October, the officials said.
India turned down US requests for wider access to wheat, dairy and corn while offering lower tariffs on US almonds, pistachios and walnuts. New Delhi also asked Washington to remove its 10 per cent baseline tariff, a step the US side opposed, pointing out that Britain accepted the same duty in its recent deal. India further sought relief from a 50 per cent duty on steel exports.
A 26 per cent tariff on Indian rice, shrimp, textiles and footwear—about one-fifth of India’s merchandise exports—could dent shipments and weigh on foreign investment, the sources warned. India has pledged to increase purchases of American liquefied natural gas, crude oil, coal and defence equipment.
India’s exports to the US climbed 28 per cent to $37.7 billion in the first four months of 2025, while imports rose to $14.4 billion, widening India’s surplus, US data showed.
US voices backing on terrorism fight
Separately, the State Department said the US “reaffirmed its strong support” for India’s fight against terrorism during last week’s visit to Washington by an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
Deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau met the group as part of New Delhi’s outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched after the 22 April Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters that a Pakistani parliamentary team headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also met officials, including under secretary for political affairs Allison Hooker. “So that meeting occurred,” Bruce said.
Hooker reiterated US support for the current “– as you might imagine, thank God – between India and Pakistan,” Bruce added, referring to the cessation of on-ground hostilities.
Asked about possible Pakistani assurances on action against militants, Bruce declined to share details. On whether Trump might “mediate” on Kashmir, she said: “Well, I – obviously, I can't speak to what's on the mind or the plans of the President. What I do know is that I think we all recognise that President Trump in each step that he takes, it's made to solve generational differences between countries, generational war."
“So, while I can't speak to his plans, the world knows his nature, and I can't speak to any details of what he might have in that regard… But it is an exciting time that if we can get to a point in that particular conflict..,” Bruce said, adding that it is a “very interesting time.”
India has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an “integral” part of the country and has rejected any outside mediation.