Looking hotter than ever, twerking king Aaron Frew excited his fans on Instagram with a cheeky show of flesh (well actually he was completely starkers!)
He, of course, is not adverse to taking off his clothes as demonstrated here, here and here.
So would you join Aaron for bath time?
When I told people that I was going on a trip to Slovenia, the typical reaction was “Oh cool… what’s there?” To which I shamefully admitted, “No idea!” So I went to find out.
The ex-Yugoslavian country has been independent since 1991 and is just a short 1 hour and 45-minute flight from London. With a small population of about 2 million people, English is widely spoken, otherwise, they’d have very few people to talk to. Probably the greenest country on the planet, Slovenia manages to fit in breathtaking mountain ranges and Mediterranean beaches, all within a few hours drive of the capital city Ljubljana (pronounced lube-ee-aanna… ha ha, lube).
Sounds great right, but how does it stack up as a gay travel destination?
If you don’t know where Slovenia is, then it’s fair to ask whether or not you’ll be safe travelling there. Unlike some of its more Soviet neighbours, Slovenia is a very safe country for LGBT travellers. When the shit hit the fan in the 90s, Slovenia was well-positioned in the region not to get sucked into all kinds of conflict like nearby Serbia. And while there is religion here (I even spotted a couple of nuns floating about), it’s not that in-your-face kind of religion. None of that “here’s another painting of the Virgin Mary” and a Bible in every bedroom kind of thing.
For a former communist country, it’s a big deal that Slovenia has recognised same-sex partnerships since 2006, with same-sex marriage approved last year. When we spoke to guides and locals, they were all proud of the progress they’d made but admitted there was still some way to go, with adoption and parental rights still a bit lagging.
But that being said the city is still very welcoming and friendly. It’s host to Pink Week each year, which focuses on highlighting gay tourism within the country, organised by husbands with matching names Mateo and Matteo of Luxury Slovenia travel agency.
Yes, you can and you totally should. Yet despite what some of the gay guides say, there’s only one real gay club in Ljubljana. Klub Tiffany has been open since 1993, and it looks like they haven’t done much to update it since it opened. However, that’s part of its charm. Tiffany is one of many clubs located in old military barracks, laid out with a communal square that looks straight out of the 90s version of Mad Max, complete with oil drum fire pits.
So if you tire of the Kylie/Eurythmics playlist inside (if that were humanly possible) then you can always wander around outside for a drink, a smoke, and a mingle. Side-note: a round of 5 beers cost us 15 Euros. Bargain.
In the more rural areas, by the lakes and up in the mountains, you may have a hard time (he he) hooking up. However, the capital city offers the usual plethora or perpetual penis pics, the same as any big city.
Granted they’re not all winners; for every stud, you’ll find a dud, just like in most cities. But the nearest gay was always within walking distance (subtracting the 15 or so other gay journalists on this particular trip which were somewhat skewering the curve).
Slovenia feels a little more serious than some of the more Eurovision-y countries, but only slightly. The beautiful mountains, piercing blue lakes, and sun-drenched beaches are all conducive to a fair amount of camping (in both senses of the term).
The coastal town of Piran has a strong Mediterranean feel, having once been a colony of Venice. It’s long stretch of beaches (some of them nude, but not many), which are swathed in speedo-wearing locals and endless places to purchase gelato. Ideal!
When in Slovenia, you have to visit the gorgeous Lake Bled, which is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. And it’s clear to see why. Take a trip across the lake in a traditional Pletna boat and soak up the idyllic atmosphere. If you’re REALLY lucky, you could get a hunky oarsman. I mean we didn’t, but the boat in front of us did. Now that’s a view…
… and I guess so is this!
The mountains are perfect for singing an impromptu Julie Andrews medley, and there are plenty of cute and camp local activities you can experience, from churning your own butter to petting a tiny pony with Bjork-style bangs.
Add to that a bounty of outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, skiing, and swimming (depending on the time of year), and I really can’t recommend Slovenia enough for an excellent gay getaway.
Now here’s where we get to the really important journalism. And like in every country I visit, the answer is “yes and no”. Slovenian men tend to be fairly fair, but not quite blonde and Scandinavian-looking as you might find in nearby Austria or Switzerland.
They’re also quite rogue-ish, but not quite at the same stoic level as the Russians, or the overtly sexual demeanour often found in Italy. So in Slovenia, you’re likely to find a unique mix of both; plenty of blue-eyed boys with beards, often with a friendly but not overly soft demeanour. And if like me, that’s totally your type, then you’re in for a treat.
The flights to Slovenia from London tend to be a tad more expensive than those of nearer European countries, averaging around £150-£200 for a return flight. The upside of this is that it weeds out some of the stag/hen-do types of traveller, leaving their hetero-normative basic behaviours behind.
Slovenia has to be one of my favourite places I’ve visited so far, one that I will look forward to re-visiting as soon as possible. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, or just a lovely and hospitable city to wander around in, I can’t recommend it enough.
Check out the I Feel Slovenia website for more insanely gorgeous photos and information of where to go. And feel free to check out my Instagram for more pictures of me being a dork in foreign countries (plus that infamous unpacking video).
The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, says he is delighted to back the region’s established annual celebration of all things LGBT+, and is looking forward to taking part in this year’s festivities.
Liverpool Pride 2017 takes place on Saturday 29 July and Sunday 30 July, with the spectacular entertainment returning to the stunning St George’s Quarter for a third year.
The festival, in its eighth consecutive year, has an exciting star-studded line-up to make the 2017 free event a colourful celebration of all things LGBT+.
Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets for the colourful annual Liverpool Pride March on Saturday 29 July as it wends its way around the city centre. Bishop Paul will be among those invited to speak at the Muster outside St George’s Hall ahead of the march setting off on its route.
Atomic Kitten are headlining the main Barclays Festival Stage on 29 July, while there is also a packed programme planned for the annual We Are Family day on Sunday 30 July.
And there is a busy line-up of Pride Community events including exhibitions, workshops, music, literature, theatre and Pride at the Pictures.
Meanwhile, a host of Liverpool landmarks will be lit in rainbow colours as part of the Come Out of the Shadows initiative – helping make Liverpool the most visibly LGBT+ city in the UK.
Bishop Paul said,
“Ever since the tragic death of Michael Causer, Liverpool Pride has stood for the struggle for justice as well as the celebration of LGBTI+ life in our city and region. I am privileged to identify with Pride’s contribution to tackling prejudice and promoting awareness of the richness of our LGBTI+ community. As a Christian, I really believe that Jesus wants a community where all are included and free from fear.
“Now we all know that the Christian church in general, and the Church of England as part of that, can get itself into a twist over inclusion and equality issues. I myself have been advocating in the church for LGBTI+ inclusion, and all Christians have to agree that homophobia and hate crime are evil and are to be resisted.
“At the recent meeting of our General Synod the Church of England made some clear and positive statements resisting so-called conversion therapy and exploring services of welcome for trans people who want their true identity to be recognised before God.
“When I came to Liverpool three years ago and met LGBTI+ Christians across Merseyside, and in particular our Open Table LGBTI+ Christian community, I saw again the real joy we can know as a church when we are open and welcoming to all.”
Liverpool Pride’s Lucy Day added,
“We are all delighted that the Bishop is to be a patron of Liverpool Pride, and we welcome him to the Liverpool Pride family. We’re very much looking forward to him joining us at Pride weekend this month.
“Pride respects people of all religious beliefs.”
The theme of this year’s Pride is International Love, complementing the city’s wider 50 Summers of Love festival, which celebrates 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Police are appealing for information after a 37-year-old man was attacked in Vauxhall at 11.00 PM on Saturday night (8th July). The victim was left with a serious eye injury which has resulted in a permanent loss of sight.
During his attack, the unnamed man was left unconscious and his next memory after leaving the club was waking in a central London hospital the next day.
Police do not believe the attack happened at the nightclub and are looking for witnesses to help with their inquiries.
His phone and some personal property were also missing.
Detective Constable Julies Lyons, of Lambeth CID, said,
“We are desperate to find out how this man received this terrible injury. We have made enquiries at the nightclub and we believe the injuries did not happen there.
“The victim has suffered a terrible trauma to one of his eyes and and I would appeal to anyone who who might be able assist to call police. At this time we have not be able to find out how and where he was hurt, or even how he got to hospital, and your call may be vital in helping us understand what happened.”
Officers would like to speak with anyone who saw the victim.
To assist, he is described as black with light skin, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing black jeans, a black T-shirt with flowers on the sleeve and a black hat. He was carrying a navy blue bowling-style bag.
The spectacular rise of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers of all time.
Cilla – The Musical is the new spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed hit ITV television series by Bafta Award winner, Jeff Pope. It tells the extraordinary story of the teenage girl from Liverpool whose teenage dreams of stardom lead to her becoming one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers of all time.
It’s an introduction by a young John Lennon to music mogul Brian Epstein that changes Pricilla White’s life forever. By the age of just 25 she would be known as singer and TV Star Cilla Black, Number One selling artist and at the forefront of the Brit-Pop music scene.
The musical score is the ultimate soundtrack to the 60’s including Cilla’s greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, Twist and Shout by the Beatles, California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas’ and many more.
Directed b Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson
Executive Producer – Robert Willis
We’ve not reviewed this musical yet
TBC
14.30PM and 7:30PM
As soon as this goes live we’ll update
Liverpool Empire Theatre
We use ATG tickets as our official ticketing agent.
The spectacular rise of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers of all time.
Cilla – The Musical is the new spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed hit ITV television series by Bafta Award winner, Jeff Pope. It tells the extraordinary story of the teenage girl from Liverpool whose teenage dreams of stardom lead to her becoming one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers of all time.
It’s an introduction by a young John Lennon to music mogul Brian Epstein that changes Pricilla White’s life forever. By the age of just 25 she would be known as singer and TV Star Cilla Black, Number One selling artist and at the forefront of the Brit-Pop music scene.
The musical score is the ultimate soundtrack to the 60’s including Cilla’s greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, Twist and Shout by the Beatles, California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas’ and many more.
Directed b Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson
Executive Producer – Robert Willis
We’ve not reviewed this musical yet
TBC
As soon as this goes live we’ll update
This show is on tour
SEPT 07 – 16th Liverpool Empire
SEPT 19 – 23rd Edinburgh Playhouse
SEPT 26 – 30th Milton Keynes Theatre
OCT 10 – 14th New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham
NOV 07 – 11th New Wimbledon Theatre
NOV 14 – 18th Regent Theatre
NOV 21 – 25th Palace Theatre Manchester
JAN 23 – 27th Grand Opera House York
JAN 30 -3rd King’s Theatre Glasgow
FEB 13 – 17th New Theatre Oxford
MAR 13- 17th Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
MAR 20- 24th New Victoria Theatre Woking
We use Ticketmaster as our official ticketing agent.
Currently on its first ever UK tour, Mamma Mia is a show which needs little introduction. Based around the hit songs of Abba, the show has been a phenomenon for many years and continues to pack out theatres with its sunny setting, perfect pop and feel-good factor.
The show feels as warm as the weather in the Greek setting to the story, with a set made up of a backdrop of brilliant blues and two moveable parts to the set which transforms the locations of the story very well. The lighting design is well conceived, the costumes include some spandex and stomping platform boots, and the whole thing is fairly seamless in its presentation.
Sadly, for such a slick and polished production, the lead cast was disappointing; with both the acting and singing not being of a standard one would expect from such a huge show. Someone in the foyer joked “at least we won’t have to listen to Pierce Bronson sing tonight” (referring to his much-maligned performance in the film version of the show); but at times, his dulcet tones may have been a blessing. It is the ensemble cast who really shone in terms of their enthusiasm, singing and dancing; with more gorgeous gals and hunks in trunks than you can shake a stick at; and an abundance of muscular and ridiculously attractive young men in the ensemble with vast amounts of six packs, biceps and perfect pecs on display.
But the real star of the show is the music, and with a soundtrack which plays out like your ABBA Gold CD, there are more than a few songs here that you will know every word to. There are some storming numbers, which work really well; “Money. Money, Money”, “Mamma Mia” and “Does Your Mother Know” are good ensemble pieces, and the collision of the stag and hen do’s to “Voulez Vous” was an enjoyable highlight; with this show reminding you of just how good ABBA really were.
Love Island‘s Kem and Chris have taken their bromance to new levels after deciding to shave each other’s initials into each other’s pubic hair. As you do.
Is it us, or is that just weird? I mean, no judgement, obvs. If you want to get into each other’s pants just say it.
If this is what the kids are into these days, sign us up…
Who would have thought it, the Fiat 500 turned 60. The little city friend of the Italians that kick started Italy’s motoring for many has become a pensioner. OK, a little time lapsing magic has happened in that time of Dr Who proportions in Time And Relative Dimension In Space.
From 1957 to 1975 you could purchase a new 500. It was replaced by the square Fiat 126 that just never quite did it. Like most second comings it is never as good as the first and thus the 500 was born an icon like the Citroen 2CV and Volkswagen Beetle. Both cars that have never been replaced with a car as affectionately loved the world over.
Almost four million 500’s were built in those short 18 years and while many rusted away, many have been survived due to an ever increasing number of fans willing to take on the challenge of restoring or keeping on top of the problems you once got with an Italian car.
The cheeky chap of Turin also sported a roofless version and even an estate called the Giardiniera. The magic of making this an estate was to lay the engine on its side. I often wonder if they had done this to the normal saloon, they could have created a hatchback version too.
And so 32 years later we get the 500 with a hatchback when it was suddenly brought back to life with a design by Roberto Giolito that didn’t alter that much from his concept to reality.
Sales of the 500 took off almost instantly and now you can’t see a street that hasn’t got a 500 on it. Admittedly it is miles away from the original. The engine now sits at the front but like the original, you can now get it with 2 cylinders. In keeping with the philosophy of the 500, Abarth has also been responsible for breathing angry fire onto the current 500 too.
It’s not hard to see the appeal of the current 500. They are cute and retain the fun and essence of 500. It grew in age but not as much as the new Beetle or new Mini. In keeping it on a small platform Fiat was able to make it fall into the cheaper end of the car market where retro is still big bucks. With this in mind the options are now endless and 10 years on, new and inventive models are being created to keep 500 fresh. Look out for some swanky new models coming out soon.
Like a lot of cars, at some point, you need to have owned an iconic car. We owned one from 2010 to 2015. A 1400cc 100bhp Pop auto. And in those 5 years, nothing went wrong. It really was a gem.
So happy birthday Fiat 500 you cheeky little devil.
It appears that Transport for London (TfL) is to stop using the term “ladies and gentlemen” to replace with a simple “everyone” on its public announcements. Campaigners have stressed that the gendered term belongs in the past.
Employees have been told to stop using the term in announcements to passengers and instead use a more inclusive “everyone”.
The change is happening after campaigners appealed to Sadiq Khan, London’s Mayor, to update the policy on announcements.
Mark Evers, TfL’s boss of customer strategy, said the corporation wanted,
“everyone to feel welcome on our transport network”.
“We have reviewed the language that we use in announcements and elsewhere and will make sure that it is fully inclusive, reflecting the great diversity of London.”
Stonewall, the LGBT charity backed the changes saying,
“Language is extremely important to the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community, and the way we use it can help ensure all people feel included.
“We welcome gender neutral announcements to be rolled out across TfL, as it will ensure that everyone – no matter who they identify as – feels accounted for.”
Speaking at the Mayor’s Question Time last month, Sadiq explained,
“Transport for London serves a vibrant, diverse and multicultural city, and provision of an inclusive transport service is at the heart of TfL’s purpose,” he said.
“I am aware however, that some customers may not relate to or feel comfortable with the way that certain station announcements are made.
“I am keen that TfL addresses these concerns by speaking in a more neutral way when referring to gender.”