Haydn’s The Creation Set to Shine at Sheffield’s Victoria Hall

Music lovers and fans of classical storytelling are in for a remarkable treat this summer. On Saturday, 13 June 2026, Sheffield’s historic Victoria Hall will host a powerful performance of one of classical music’s most celebrated works: Joseph Haydn’s monumental oratorio, The Creation.

In an exciting collaboration, the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra will join forces with the Steel City Choristers and three acclaimed soloists from Opera North, all conducted by John Lyon. 

Bringing together around 70 musicians, the performance promises a sweeping musical retelling of the world’s beginning, drawing inspiration from the Book of Genesis and John Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Haydn’s The Creation is widely regarded as one of the crowning achievements of the classical repertoire. According to Denis McCaldin, Director of the Haydn Society of Great Britain, the composer was inspired to write the piece after attending the grand Handel festivals in London. The result is a magnificent fusion of orchestral brilliance, operatic storytelling, and the rich tradition of English choral music.

One of the most famous moments arrives early in the work with the dramatic orchestral introduction known as “The Representation of Chaos.” This striking musical passage resolves suddenly into a radiant C-major chord as the choir proclaims the words “And there was LIGHT.” Even today, the moment still sends shivers through audiences.

A special highlight of the concert is the participation of the Steel City Choristers, an independent choir that brings children and adults together to perform to cathedral-level standards. Under the direction of Eleanor Jarvis, the choir provides both musical excellence and an inspiring educational experience. Jarvis emphasises the profound sense of achievement young singers feel when mastering a complex work like this, particularly in beloved choruses such as “The Heavens are Telling.”

The production also features three exceptional soloists from Opera North:

Claire Lees (Soprano) performs the roles of the archangel Gabriel and Eve, delivering the lyrical aria “With Verdure Clad,” a celebration of nature’s beauty.

Tom Smith (Tenor) appears as the archangel Uriel, guiding the audience through the unfolding story with both grandeur and reflective warmth.

Andrew Randall (Bass) portrays Raphael and Adam, bringing vivid character to Haydn’s playful musical depictions of animals and creation itself.

Beyond its artistic ambition, the concert also reflects Sheffield Chamber Orchestra’s mission to bring outstanding classical music to the heart of the city. The organisation is currently seeking a Programme Sponsor, offering local businesses an opportunity to support the arts while connecting with Sheffield’s vibrant cultural community.

With its blend of drama, beauty and joyful celebration, this performance promises to be a standout event in Sheffield’s 2026 cultural calendar.

Performance Details

Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026

Time: 2:00 PM

Venue: Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield

Tickets: £12 in advance / £6 for under-18s

Booking: www.scorchestra.uk

For anyone who loves music, literature, or the timeless power of great storytelling, this promises to be an unforgettable afternoon.

Tricycle Film Festival Expands Globally Through Partnership with Pure Land Foundation

Pure Land Foundation, a UK-based philanthropic organisation focused on social, spiritual and emotional well-being, announces a new collaboration with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, North America’s leading Buddhist publication, to co-present the 2026 Buddhist Film Festival.

Returning in June 2026, the festival marks its most expansive and internationally oriented edition to date. A carefully curated programme of five short films and five feature-length works will explore themes rooted in Buddhist philosophy and practice. Screenings will be available online across a two-week period, extending access to a global audience.

For the first time, the festival will introduce a flagship physical activation in London. Hosted at OXO Gallery on the South Bank, Pure Land Foundation will present a five-day public Sand Mandala installation, created live by senior visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks. 

Unfolding in real time within one of the city’s most active cultural spaces, the installation offers a rare encounter with a centuries-old sacred art form. A series of accompanying sound bath sessions will further open the space for reflection and engagement.

Alongside the festival, Pure Land Foundation will launch a new digital submission platform, inviting filmmakers worldwide to contribute work for consideration. Selected films will be presented across five categories: Documentary Short, Animated Short, Narrative Short, LGBTQ+ Short, and Vertical Short.

Held ahead of the autumn festival circuit, the Buddhist Film Festival occupies a distinct place within the international calendar, foregrounding ethical inquiry, philosophical depth and accessibility over premieres and market dynamics.

Bruno Wang, founder of the Pure Land Foundation, will serve as chairman of the 2026 festival, which has been programmed by Tricycle’s curator and acclaimed producer Shrihari Sathe since the festival’s inception in 2024.

“This partnership is about more than cinema, it’s about cultural dialogue,” Bruno Wang told That's Books and More.

“In a fragmented world, film offers a powerful way to surface timeless values such as compassion and mindfulness and make them relevant to contemporary audiences across cultures.”

Sam Mowe, Tricycle’s publisher, told us: “We are happy to partner with the Pure Land Foundation, whose mission aligns with our commitment to disseminate Buddhist teachings.” 

He added that “proceeds from the festival will be used to expand our free offerings, such as Buddhism for Beginners, our Daily Dharma email and app, and our online-learning scholarship program.”

The Tricycle Film Festival continues its tradition of presenting innovative storytelling, showcasing films that highlight diverse perspectives and narratives rooted in Buddhist thought. With the new partnership, the festival expands its international reach and deepens its cultural impact.

Pure Land Foundation supports initiatives that promote social, spiritual and emotional wellness through the arts. Founded by philanthropist Bruno Wang, the foundation champions projects that inspire compassion, foster cultural exchange, and cultivate deeper awareness of humanity’s shared values.

Founded in 1991, Tricycle is a leading independent Buddhist publication and foundation dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available. Through its quarterly magazine, online platform, and events, Tricycle fosters dialogue across Buddhist traditions and engages contemporary issues through a Buddhist lens.

https://purelandfoundation.com

https://tricycle.org

A Steam Train Video, this one in Shropshire

Just sharing another steam train video. However this steam train video was filmed in Shropshire, rather than at Chester station as the previous steam train videos were recorded.

I hope you enjoy it.

Slough Comes Alive: Hundreds Join High-Energy Flash Mob Showcasing Town’s Cultural Power

Slough’s High Street and Salt Hill Park became stages for an extraordinary show of unity, creativity and pride this Saturday, 28th of March, as more than 300 residents gathered to witness a large-scale flash mob in support of the town’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.

The event brought together over 100 dancers across three distinct performances, each led by different choreographers and representing different age groups and communities, a powerful reflection of Slough’s cultural richness in action.

The flash mob was conceived and coordinated by Sreya Biswas of Sanchari Dance Company, a community organisation that uses dance to promote health, wellbeing and social connection across the borough.

The event opened with an energetic, youth-led performance from Creative Academy and Prodigy Dance Studio, led by Gracie, featuring around 40 dancers aged 6 to 22. Performing on the High Street, they drew crowds and stopped passers-by in their tracks, with many of the young performers holding handmade placards reading “We Love Slough” and “We Support Town of Culture 2028.”

This was followed by a dynamic Afro-Caribbean dance performance from a local church group, Mustard Seed Chapel International, with around 15 dancers, led by Veronica from Dancing Stars and Fiona from Fusion. The group spanned a wide range of ages, bringing rhythm, expression and cultural pride into the town centre.

The finale featured around 40 dancers performing a Bollywood fusion routine led by Sanchari Dance Company, with participants from Sai Seva, Apna Virsa, Indian Diaspora UK (IDUK), Slough Mitra Mandal and many other local community groups. The performance became a shared moment, with members of the public joining in.

The dance routines were later repeated in Salt Hill Park, attracting an even wider audience enjoying the rare sunshine that Saturday.

65 dancers had signed up through the open call, demonstrating the strong appetite across Slough’s communities to take part.

Alongside the performances, members of the Slough Sisterhood community led a walk through Salt Hill Park, adding to the sense of visibility, movement and shared purpose.

Throughout the event, participants carried bold placards reading “Slough is Ready,” “Slough: You Didn’t Expect That,” and “Slough – More Than a Punchline,” signalling a town confidently reclaiming its narrative.

The event was widely captured by attendees, with footage filmed both on the ground and by drone, and is already circulating across social media, generating strong engagement and positive reactions.

Vineet Vijh, Director of Viva Slough, told That's Books and More: “This was Slough telling its story in the most powerful way possible, through its people. Different cultures, different generations, all coming together in one shared moment. You could feel the pride, the energy, and the belief that Slough’s time has come.”

Sreya Biswas, Sanchari Dance Company, said: “Seeing so many people step forward and perform with confidence was incredible. This was about more than dance; it was about showing what Slough is capable of.”

Rob Deeks MBE, Chair of the Slough Town of Culture Steering Group, said: “What we witnessed today is exactly why this bid matters. This is real participation, real pride, and real community leadership. Slough isn’t waiting for recognition, it is already showing the country what it can do.”

Rajesh, a passing resident, commented: “It was amazing to see the energy from the dancers, the town centre really did come alive.”

The atmosphere across both locations was overwhelmingly positive, with hundreds of residents watching, joining in and sharing the moment. The event demonstrates the growing momentum behind Slough’s Town of Culture bid, not just as a vision, but as something already being brought to life by its communities.

https://vivaslough.org

Photographer Jack Eames documents the ground-breaking work done by Haircuts4Homeless over 56 locations in the UK

(c)Jack Eames

“The SEEN art exhibition is a very special project for me and represents a powerful collaboration between myself, as founder of Haircuts4Homeless, and the incredibly talented photographer Jack Eames. 

"The relationship that has developed between Jack, the guests of Haircuts4Homeless and I, is something very special.

"This exhibition really celebrates trust and human connections. These portraits show the real people behind the statistics and remind us that everyone has a story worth telling. 

"For me, SEEN is more than an art exhibition, it’s a celebration of dignity, humanity and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen," Stewart Roberts MBE - Founder Haircuts4Homeless told That's Books and More.

For the past seven years, award-winning fashion led hair and beauty photographer, and director Jack Eames has been documenting the ground-breaking work done by Haircuts4Homeless. Affiliated to key industry sponsors including The British Beauty Council, the charity organises volunteer hairdressers to provide free haircuts to those experiencing homelessness across the UK.

Founded by Stewart Roberts MBE in 2014, Haircuts4Homeless has grown significantly since its launch, now providing over 12,000 free haircuts a year across 56 projects in the UK. 

The charity runs teams of exceptional volunteer hairdressers and is made possible by financial donations. Jack Eames first started visiting the Haircuts4Homeless projects seven years ago, to document this work and raise awareness of the charity with sensitive, beautiful photographs. 

Realising that his project deserved a wider platform to illustrate fully the empowering results, Haircuts4Homeless published Hear me See Me, a coffee-table book of incredible imagery.

Adding to the archive of stories and moments from this publication, Jack is invited to curate SEEN by Jack Eames, an exhibition giving visibility for all people suffering homelessness from rough sleeping to sofa surfing.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be involved with Haircuts4Homeless and Stewart Roberts MBE, joining them at their sessions and documenting the work they do. Being in those spaces only highlights the importance of their mission, and the value that a haircut can bring to an individual who is homeless or struggling with housing stability. It’s far more than just a haircut – it’s about creating safe spaces for vulnerability, touch and listening, while helping people to feel good about themselves. My hope is that this exhibition will shed a light on the incredible impact of the charity’s work, and that together we can support them to continue helping our homeless communities”Photographer Jack Eames told us.

From Monday 13th until Thursday 16th April 2026, SEEN by Jack Eames is available to view at the Coningsby Gallery. The exhibition proceeds and partner contributions will go directly towards funding the charity’s ongoing outreach efforts, existing not just as a cultural moment, but as a practical way to generate tangible support for unhoused individuals.

(c) Jack Eames

This collection of impactful, candid photographs, taken during the many sessions Jack attended with Haircuts4Homeless across the country and is supported by his long-term professional photo software brand partner Capture One. Stewart and Jack are incredibly grateful to Capture One, the premier photography software company, for sponsoring the exhibition and helping bring this important body of work to a wider audience.

An ongoing project, Jack continues to document his work with the charity, working to humanise the face of homelessness, capturing the real people behind this issue with respect and dignity. This exhibition highlights the human stories behind the project and the impact of the charity’s work, reflecting Jack Eames and Capture One’s shared belief in photography’s ability to humanize, connect, and bring light to those overlooked by their plight. SEEN by Jack Eames directly supports Haircuts4Homeless and its mission to provide free haircuts for homeless people.

“Photography has the power to shift perception. With SEEN, we’re proud to support a project that restores visibility and dignity to people too often overlooked. Through exhibitions, partnerships, education programs, and direct collaboration with working photographers like Jack, Capture One actively invests in strengthening the creative ecosystem. Building projects like SEEN is part of a broader commitment to champion photographers who use their craft to create meaningful social impact,” Taus Andreas, Creative Lead, Capture One told us.

The importance of the charity has been recognised by the UK’s leading voice in the beauty Industry the British Beauty Council. Its CEO, Millie Kendall OBE is also one of the trustees of the charity. She has first-hand experience of seeing the transformative results.

"I’d always realised the importance of hairdressing in communities, but when I met Stewart Roberts back in 2019, I truly realised the impact it had on people living rough in our towns and villages. 

"We walk past people every day who might benefit from a haircut, from the care given when getting a haircut, from the emotional connection with another human being, and the touch of someone given in kindness. 

"I have seen men and women go from being hunched over and ashamed of their appearance to standing up straight and proud after a haircut by the Haircuts4Homeless team. It is a special experience both for them and to witness. I urge anyone and everyone to get involved and support this charity, especially if you work in hair and beauty!” - Millie Kendall OBE, told us.

SEEN by Jack Eames

13th – 16th April 2026

(Private viewing and presentations 6 – 9pm, Monday 13th April 2026)

Coningsby Gallery,

30 Tottenham St,

London W1T 4RJ

Sir Walter Scott is Back! Full Steam Ahead for Historic Steamship on Loch Katrine - Nature's Wonderland

The 126-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott has returned to service for the season on Loch Katrine following a major annual winter overhaul, sailing daily until late October alongside MV Lady of the Lake or MV Rob Roy 111.

The much-loved steamer, named after Scotland’s most celebrated literary figure, offers visitors the chance to experience classic steamship cruises in the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve.

Until work is completed next week on the storm damaged pier at Stronachlachar, there will be daily circular Steamship cruises. 

When the pier is reopened this will give passengers the option to enjoy a full return cruise or combine their sailing with a cycle or walk on the scenic road that winds its way along the shoreline of Loch Katrine. 

For cyclists of all abilities, this is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest outdoor experiences, with a peaceful, traffic-free route set against a stunning landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural history.

Originally built on the River Clyde in 1899, Steamship Sir Walter Scott has a remarkable story. After construction, she was transported in sections by barge along the River Leven and up Loch Lomond, before being hauled the final five miles overland by horses to reach Loch Katrine, where she was re-assembled and launched in 1900.

Visitors can explore this unique history further at a dedicated multi-sensory exhibition at Trossachs Pier, where the story of steamships on Loch Katrine and the loch's role as the main source of Glasgow's water supply is brought to life.

Scenic Beauty & Romance

Above the pier and overlooking the loch is the award-winning scenic tower and viewpoint that inspired Sir Walter Scott to write The Lady of the Lake, his internationally celebrated poem published in 1810. The work tells the story of Ellen Douglas, who lived in exile on a Loch Katrine island, and her encounters with a disguised King James V, blending romance, clan conflict and Highland landscapes into a narrative that captured the magic of this special place.

Scott’s vivid descriptions of the dramatic Trossachs landscapes and romantic stories helped establish Loch Katrine as a must-visit destination, earning it recognition as the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism and today, visitors can experience this same view from the scenic tower and lookouts above Trossachs Pier. Now in its second full year, the tower has already welcomed more than 50,000 people, bringing many new visitors to the popular Trossachs attraction.

James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, told That's Books and More: “It's remarkable the historic Steamship has been offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy scenic cruises on Loch Katrine since 1900 and is still powered by the original engine built in 1899.

"The Steamship is being lovingly preserved under the umbrella of a charitable trust with dedicated trustees and skilled staff for the benefit of the nation and public enjoyment.

"It’s strong connection with the public and the pure waters of the loch, which are the main source of Glasgow's water supply, has allowed her to endure, and we hope that this will be another busy season following a bumper 2025 when the steamship celebrated a milestone 125th anniversary.

"Her accessibility enables everyone, including those with restricted mobility to enjoy these classic cruises, and we are always delighted to see the joy she brings to visitors from home and abroad.”

Loch Katrine offers up to 10 cruises of varying duration from 45 minutes to 2 hours each day, with an option of a Freedom Ticket to enable visitors to stay and explore the lochside for longer. At Trossachs Pier there are 10 eco lodges, cycle hire, a gift shop and the scenic tower. There are cafés and motorhome and campervan hook-up pitches at both Trossachs and Stronachlachar Piers.

https://www.lochkatrine.com

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