Young Generation Art Award 2026 Ceremony

The Young Generation Art Award was initiated by Degussa in cooperation with the art magazine Monopol in 2024 and presented for the first time in 2025. 

The award was presented to the first winner during a solo exhibition at the international art exhibition Frieze 2025 in London.

The prize supports aspiring artists at the beginning of their careers.

In the second year of the award, five artists were selected for the shortlist exhibition from a pool of around 400 candidates. 

Of these five, the panel of experts, comprising Elke Buhr, Yilmaz Dziewior and Maya Heckelmann, chose artist Ken Nwadiogbu to receive this year’s Young Generation Art Award 2026.

The award ceremony was held in the Hotel de Rome in Berlin on 19 February 2026. Christian Rauch, CEO of Degussa, presented the prize to the London-based Nigerian artist Ken Nwadiogbu.

The experts highlight the following in their reasoning: Ken Nwadiogbu’s art is technically virtuositic, exceptionally evocative and multifaceted. 

He masterfully combines elaborate, hyperrealistic figuration with expressive, abstract backgrounds to take his place in artistic modernity in complex style. 

He honours the members of the Black community and lets them shine in his bright yellow portraits based on photographs taken of people around him.

"Ken Nwadiogbu seamlessly blends technical sophistication, emotional depth and social relevance in a way that deeply moves us all," Christian Rauch told That's Books and More.

The winner receives €10,000 in prize money, an individual exhibition at Frieze London 2026 and a one-year travelling exhibition that will be shown at a number of international locations. The other finalists receive an exhibition fee of €3,000.

Judges: Elke Buhr (Editor-in-chief of Monopol), Yilmaz Dziewior (Director of Museum Ludwig in Cologne), Maya Heckelmann (Art and culture sponsoring at Degussa).

degussa.com

That's Food and Drink: The Beefy Boys Fire Up Summer 2026 With New Book '...

That's Food and Drink: The Beefy Boys Fire Up Summer 2026 With New Book '...: The Beefy Boys have announced they are to release their second cookbook this summer. The Beefy Boys' Great British BBQ will be released ...

Legacy Youth Zone, Croydon Appoints DJ Semtex as Music Ambassador

Legacy Youth Zone Croydon is proud to announce the appointment of renowned broadcaster, DJ, and music tastemaker DJ Semtex as its official Music Ambassador, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent in Croydon and beyond.

As Music Ambassador, DJ Semtex will support Legacy Youth Zone’s growing creative and music programmes, helping to inspire young people through mentorship, industry insight, and advocacy. 

His involvement marks a significant milestone for the Youth Zone, which has become a vibrant hub for emerging artists, producers, lyricists, and songwriters.

DJ Semtex brings decades of experience at the forefront of British music culture, having played a pivotal role in championing UK talent on both national and international stages. His passion for youth development and authentic creative expression aligns strongly with Legacy Youth Zone’s mission to provide young people with access to opportunities, resources, and safe spaces to explore their potential.

Legacy Youth Zone has been supported by funding from Sony Music UK’s award-winning Social Justice Fund, an extension of Sony Music Group’s $100m global initiative whose mission is to tackle injustice and racism by empowering organisations that drive social change. DJ Semtex is also a founding member of the UK Social Justice Fund.

Speaking on his new role, DJ Semtex told That's Books and More: "The Legacy Youth Zone is an amazing home to Croydon's emerging artist community. It is truly inspiring to see the next generation of lyricists, songwriters, and producers working together to create genre-defining music.

"It's important we give these young creatives the necessary support, guidance, and direction that they deserve. All of these artists have the potential to be the next Dave, Raye, or Olivia Dean, British artists who have an immense global impact."

Legacy Youth Zone offers state-of-the-art creative facilities, including music studios and performance spaces, designed to empower young people aged 8-19 or up to 25 with additional needs to develop their skills and confidence. The appointment of DJ Semtex further strengthens the Youth Zone’s ambition to bridge the gap between grassroots talent and the creative industries.

Myke Catterall, CEO of Legacy Youth Zone, added: “We are obviously incredibly excited to have someone with such a unique insight into the music industry. 

"Since we first began working with DJ Semtex in November, he has been a passionate champion of our young people, offering mentorship, radio support, and always making himself approachable and available. We’re really looking forward to what this partnership will bring over the coming years.”

This partnership signals an exciting new chapter for Legacy Youth Zone as it continues to champion creativity, inclusion, and opportunity for young people.

https://legacyyouthzone.org

London-based film company MSC has formally labelled its films as “No AI Used” at this year's EFM

Expanding on A24s initiative on Heretic a British Film Company MSC has publicly certified it’s films as “No AI Used,” adds to calls for Global Standard at EFM.

A London-based film company MSC has formally label its films as “No AI Used” at this years EFM, launching a new initiative that challenges the film industry to draw a clear line between human authorship and machine-generated content.

At this year’s European Film Market in Berlin, The Mise En Scene Company (MSC) unveiled the label across its entire market slate marking the first time any sales company, distributor, or studio has publicly certified that AI was not used at any stage of development or production.

The initiative is being launched in one of the most visible locations at the market: two large billboards in Potsdamer Platz advertising MSC’s lead titles, Forelock (starring David Krumholtz) and Billy Knight (starring Al Pacino & Charlie Heaton). Both prominently display the “No AI Used” label.

According to MSC, the goal is not to oppose technology, but to protect human authorship as a cultural and economic category at a moment when AI-generated content is flooding creative industries.

“We’re entering a tectonic shift,” the company’s CEO Paul Yates told That's Books and More. 

“Human artistry is about to become more valuable and more vulnerable than ever. If we don’t define it, label it, and protect it, it will simply disappear into the noise.”

The company says the initiative was inspired by UK filmmaker and digital rights advocate Baroness Beeban Kidron, as well as the Human Artistry ‘Stealing Isn’t Innovation’ campaign, both of which have criticised government approaches to copyright and AI training.

MSC is now calling on all film companies, festivals, and governments to work toward a centralised, internationally recognised certification system for human-made cultural works, similar to organic food or fair-trade labelling, so audiences can know when what they are watching was made without generative AI.

“The dominant AI narrative is about speed and cost, half the time, half the price,” the CEO said. “That logic turns art into churn. Film has to define itself as the opposite of that, or it loses its soul and its economic power.”

However, the company makes it clear that it is not anti-AI.

“We support AI as a tool,” the CEO added. “But we believe it’s essential to clearly distinguish AI-generated material from human expression. 

"Without clear labelling and standards, we risk being overwhelmed by a flood of synthetic culture. A24 was right to add it into the credits but we believe we need to take this idea further.”

Dr Alessandro Spano, Legal Expert in Ciber Law, AI and Innovation, King’s College London & CityUHK commented on the move stating: “The relationship between human intelligence and artifical intelligence in the creative industries reminds me of the Schrödinger's cat story. It really is a paradox. Is the cat dead or alive? It is both. It is a measurement problem.

Is human intelligence in the creative sector dead or alive? It is both. It is another paradox. It is another measurement problem. With the 'No AI Used' initiative, Paul Yates’ The Mise en Scène Company is pioneering this debate.”

MSC has begun discussions with other international partners about expanding the label beyond film into publishing, music, and visual art.

www.miseenscenecompany.com

Want to Know How? Ask Karen!

World-renowned spiritual teacher and healer Karen Ruimy offers a soulful guide to romantic love, healing, and inner transformation

Internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher, healer and performer Karen Ruimy announces the release of her new book, Ask Karen the Series, a powerful companion for anyone navigating the mysteries of romantic love, soulmates, twin flames, and spiritual partnership.

Drawing on years of deep spiritual work and thousands of heartfelt questions from her weekly Instagram Lives, spiritual guide Karen Ruimy reframes romantic love not as a distraction or indulgence, but as one of the most sacred and transformational experiences available to us in this lifetime.

“Romantic love can elevate us, crack us open, and mirror our deepest wounds,” says Karen. “It is here to awaken us. Love is a sacred mirror, revealing not only our current energetic vibration but the deeper desires of our own soul path.”

Love as a Sacred Mirror

Ask Karen - the Series invites readers to see romantic love as a soul call - a profound yearning not simply for “the other,” but for a return to wholeness within themselves.

Within the book Karen explores how love exposes our ego patterns, fears, and standards, illuminates where we still seek external validation or rescue and encourages us to reclaim our power through self-love and inner healing.

While many of us pour our longing into the search for a partner, Karen offers a radical reframe: true fulfilment does not come from being chosen, but from choosing yourself - again and again.

“Love is sacred, union is a mirror, and being seen in your wholeness by another is one of the most beautiful, brave human experiences we will ever know,” Karen writes. “But it must begin within.”

Redesigning the Matrix of Love

The book gently guides readers to “rewire the matrix” of their romantic life through deep, reflective inquiry. Karen invites readers to ask:

- Who am I when I’m not trying to be loved?

- What is my soul guiding me towards?

- What does my inner child still long to hear?

- Where do I ache for my own tenderness?

- What am I still waiting for someone else to fix or fill?

These questions, she explains, are not quick fixes, but lifelong gateways into authentic self-connection. When we commit to our own healing and say yes to self-love, life begins to meet us with partners, mirrors, and soul companions who honour who we truly are.

A Soul Space, Not Just a Book

Born from countless real-life questions - “How do I find love? How do I trust it? How do I heal when it ends? How do I know if someone is “the one”?” Ask Karen: The Series is both a response and a refuge.

Karen describes the book as “a conversation with you - a safe space, a soul space.”

She speaks not as a distant guru, but as a teacher and friend who has walked the path of love, loss, and transformation herself.Within its pages, readers will explore heartbreak and soulmates, twin flames and divine timing, energetic communication, karmic ties, what it means to be in a true spiritual partnership and the deeper purpose of romantic love.

At its core, the book carries one central message: Love is not a distraction from your spiritual path - love is the spiritual path.

To receive your copy of Ask Karen you can purchase now for £8.99.

https://karenruimy.com

Finding Good Independent Bookshops: Why They Matter and How to Discover Them

There’s something quietly magical about stepping into an independent bookshop. The scent of paper and ink. The handwritten recommendation cards. 

The sense that every title has been chosen with care, not just shipped in bulk.

For That’s Books and More, let’s explore why independent bookshops deserve our support – and how to find the very best ones.

Why Independent Bookshops Still Matter

In an age of algorithms and one-click ordering, independent bookshops offer something refreshingly human.

1. Curated, Not Calculated

Unlike large online retailers, indie bookshops are built around taste, knowledge and passion. Staff recommendations aren’t based on browsing history – they’re based on genuine enthusiasm and years of reading.

2. Community Hubs

Many independents host author events, reading groups, children’s story sessions and local launches. From talks at Daunt Books to community evenings at Mr B’s Emporium, these spaces foster real connections between readers and writers.

https://dauntbooks.co.uk

https://mrbsemporium.com

3. Championing New and Local Voices

Independent bookshops are far more likely to spotlight small presses, debut authors and regional writers. If you want to discover something beyond the bestseller charts, this is where to look.

How to Find a Great Independent Bookshop

Use National Directories

In the UK, The Booksellers Association runs the Bookshop.org platform, which helps readers support independent shops with online purchases. Meanwhile, Independent Bookshop Week celebrates and promotes indie bookshops nationwide each year.

Explore Your Local High Street

Some of the best bookshops aren’t flashy – they’re tucked between a bakery and a charity shop. Look for:

Staff recommendation shelves

Well-organised but personality-filled displays

Local interest sections

Noticeboards packed with community events

Follow Bookshops on Social Media

Many independents are brilliant at sharing reading lists, event announcements and staff picks online. It’s an easy way to see whether their style suits yours before visiting.

Travel for the Experience

If you’re visiting another town or city, seek out its best indie bookshop. Shops such as The Grove Bookshop in Devon or Barter Books in Northumberland are destinations in their own right.

What Makes an Independent Bookshop “Good”?

A truly good independent bookshop often has:

Knowledgeable, approachable staff

Carefully chosen stock rather than overwhelming quantity

Comfortable browsing space

Events and reader engagement

A sense of identity

Some specialise in crime fiction. Others focus on travel, art, children’s literature or second-hand treasures. The key is authenticity.

The Joy of the Unexpected Find

Online shopping is efficient. Independent bookshops are serendipitous.

You might walk in looking for one title and leave with three you never knew you needed. That unexpected discovery – a novel you’ve never heard of, a forgotten classic, a local history gem – is part of the experience.

And when a bookseller presses a title into your hands and says, “Trust me,” you often end up discovering your next favourite author.

Why Supporting Independent Bookshops Matters

Buying from an independent shop keeps money circulating locally. It supports high streets. It helps preserve cultural spaces in our towns and cities.

In a world that often feels increasingly digital and distant, independent bookshops remind us that reading is still a shared, human experience.

So next time you’re looking for your next read, skip the algorithm. Step inside an independent bookshop instead.

You might just find more than a book.

More Steam Trains at Chester Station

This time it is the preserved steam hauled train The Irish Mail.

Again I recorded the video whilst waiting for a connecting Transport For Wales Train from Chester to the West Midlands, having just alighted from a Merseyrail metro train on platform 7, which is the only platform at Chester with an electric line, being a third rail powered line. 

A Steam Train in Chester

During my commutes to and from Liverpool to the West Midlands I use a slightly convoluted, but shorter, train journey which involves travelling via Chester and then using the Metro to Liverpool which is Liverpool's very own underground railway service which goes under the River Mersey and direct in the heart of Liverpool's iconic city centre.

There's often a fairly lengthy wait at Chester for a connecting service to the West Midlands. However, there's often a good deal of steam trains passing through Chester station and I have made videos of those steam trains.

I was watching a steam train video on YouTube the other day when I thought: "Wait a minute! I have a number of steam train videos that I recorded at Chester station. And as I also have a YouTube channel, why not upload those videos to my channel?"

And this is what I have started to do from today onward. I hope you enjoy this short example of British steam train nostalgia. 

Not Quite Done with Dating: Latest book from Bella Osborne

The protagonist of Not Quite Done With Dating is Nora. To be honest, Nora's dating life, of late, has been hit and miss. But more miss than anything else.

Nora realises that leaving her dating life up to chance or fate, as she has done so ar, simply hasn't been working out for her.

However, Nora has one more trick up her sleeve that most of us don't have. Because Nora is a statistician. 

Her gut feelings might have let her down but have numbers ever let her down? No! You always know where you are with numbers.

So Nora designs a unique mathematical formula to help her play the dating game. But this time she intends to use math and numbers to conquer the quest to find romantic love in her life!

Putting her love theory to the test takes Nora to some decidedly odd places that are populated with some decidedly odd men.

But she's not going to accept defeat. After all, she knows that her one, special man must be out there, somewhere. But maybe that one, special man is closer to her than she realises?

What do readers say?

"I love Bella Osborne’s books and this one is no exception! Not Quite Done With Dating is a smart, funny rom-com that kept me turning the pages. I loved the mix of humour and heart — especially the idea of trying to logic your way to finding love. The characters are delightful, the writing is beautiful, and the humour genuinely made me smile. 5 sparkling stars for this gorgeous read!"

"So many laugh out loud moments, along with adorable characters and a story that keeps you on the toes as Nora backtracks through her catalogue of boyfriends. The sort of book where you want to be friends with many of the characters and others give them a good shake. The perfect heartwarming read you didn't know you needed."

It's available in paperback at £9.49 or Kindle at £3.99 on Amazon and you can order it here:- 

https://amzn.to/3OtMmqH

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon -Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo- Performance Details Announced & Ticket Sales Now Open!

Cast, and Ticket Information Revealed for New Immersive Sailor Moon Theater Opening in Tokyo in April 2026.

The cast lineup and ticket details have been officially announced for the highly anticipated new Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon theater production, “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon – Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo, japan” set to open in April 2026 at Club eX, Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo.

This new theater experience continues the legacy of the beloved theater restaurant “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon – SHINING MOON TOKYO,” which operated in Azabu-Juban in 2019 and attracted significant attention from fans. 

Reimagined as a next-generation entertainment space, the Shinagawa theater offers audiences a deeper and more immersive encounter with the world of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon through original stories and stage direction created exclusively for this venue.

The show and greeting performances will feature a double-cast system divided into Team Gold Moon and Team Silver Moon.

In addition, the production introduces an original enemy character, Queen Valsia, created specifically for this theatre. With bespoke stage direction, music, and costumes, the cast will bring to life an entirely new musical experience unique to this production.

Original Drinks & Sweets

Guests can enhance their theater experience with exclusive menu items available for pre-purchase through the official online ticketing system. These include the “Crystal Bottle Drink,” designed to be enjoyed while watching the performance, and the “Luna Cut-Out Baumkuchen (Plain),” featuring original artwork of Luna.

The Crystal Bottle Drink lineup includes flavors and colors inspired by the ten Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask. Limited-edition drinks themed after the Sailor Starlights will also be available during each character’s birthday period.

Inside the theater, guests may order alcoholic beverages such as the “Shining Cocktail,” inspired by Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

Please check the official website for important notes and details.

Ticket Information

Tickets will be sold through the official online platform, where both domestic and international audiences can select seats.

General On-sale: February 8, 2026

All ticket sales operate on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once inventory is sold out.

Ticket sales will be released in phases, each covering four months of performances. Phase 1 includes shows from April through July 2026. Details for later phases will be announced via official websites.

Performance Details

Title:　Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon -Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo-

Opening:　April 4, 2026

Venue:　Club eX, Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Tokyo, Japan)

Original Work:　Naoko Takeuchi (Published by Kodansha)

Composition & Direction:　Go Ueki

Script:　Shinjiro Kameda

Visual Art & Theatre Design:　Wataru Linda Igarashi

Ticket Prices (tax included):

Premium Seat / Premium Seat (Sofa): ¥18,000

Class S Seat: ¥13,000

Class A Seat: ¥8,000

Class A Seat (Ages 4–12): ¥4,000

BOX Room: ¥32,000

Cast details are available on the official website.

Official Channels:

Website　https://prettyguardiansailormoon-stst.com

X　https://x.com/sailormoon_STST

Instagram　https://www.instagram.com/sailormoon_stst/

Official Hashtags:

#prettyguardiansailormoonshiningtheater #shiningtheater

#美少女戦士セーラームーン #シャイニングシアター

© Naoko Takeuchi

© Naoko Takeuchi,PNP/“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo” project

Celebrating International Book Giving Day

Because stories and ideas are meant to be shared.

International Book Giving Day, marked each year on 14 February, is a gentle reminder that books are one of the most meaningful gifts we can give. 

Whether it’s a brand-new picture book, a much-loved paperback, or a surprise novel slipped onto a friend’s doorstep, the day is all about spreading the joy of reading – without pressure, price tags, or pretence.

Why book giving matters

A book can educate, comfort, distract, inspire, or simply offer a few quiet minutes away from the world. For children especially, receiving a book can spark a lifelong love of reading. For adults, it can feel like being truly seen – “I thought you’d like this.”

International Book Giving Day encourages us to think beyond ourselves and remember that not everyone has easy access to books at home.

Simple ways to take part

You don’t need to do anything elaborate. Small gestures are very much the point:

Gift a book to a child – a new title or a gently used favourite

Donate books to schools, libraries, food banks, or charities such as Book Aid International https://bookaid.org

Leave a book somewhere public with a note inviting someone to enjoy it

Post a book to a friend “just because”

Share a recommendation on social media and encourage others to do the same

Even one book can make a difference.

A lovely excuse to talk about reading

For book lovers, the day is also a chance to celebrate stories and ideas themselves. It’s a great prompt to revisit childhood favourites, support local bookshops, or finally pass on that novel you couldn’t stop talking about.

At That’s Books and More, we love anything that puts books into more hands and more homes. International Book Giving Day isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about kindness, connection, and the quiet magic of a good read finding the right reader.

So if you’re looking for a thoughtful way to mark the day, skip the chocolates and share a story instead. 

New Book, Leading in Chaos, Calls for a Fundamental Revisioning of Leadership

LID Publishing has announced the publication of Leading in Chaos: A Clarion Call to a New Future From Two Pioneers in Leadership Development and Transformational Change – award-winning author Nicholas Janni and leadership development expert Amy Elizabeth Fox. The book will be published on 19 February 2026 (UK) and 7 April 2026 (US).

As leaders face an era defined by polycrisis, institutional fragility, and sustained uncertainty, Leading in Chaos argues today’s conditions demand not better tools or frameworks, not best practice, but next practice - a fundamentally different inner operating system for leadership, grounded in deeper forms of human intelligence. 

Rather than offering another methodology to master, Leading in Chaos reframes leadership itself as an embodied, developmental practice.

The book invites leaders, consultants, and changemakers to cultivate inner capacities that cannot be faked - such as receptivity, humility, and the ability to navigate paradox - so they can act with clarity and integrity amid ongoing disruption. Because, in their words, “chaos is the new black” – not a temporary situation.

Michael Watkins, Professor of Leadership and Organisational Change at IMD Business School, told That's Books and More: says: “In Leading in Chaos, ancient wisdom traditions speak to quarterly earnings. Trauma healing becomes organisational strategy. The body’s intelligence supersedes the mind’s calculations. Prayer and spreadsheets coexist. This isn’t New Age wishful thinking but a rigorous argument that unless we reunite body and mind, heart and strategy, sacred and secular, we will continue to create the conditions that threaten our species’ survival.”

Nicholas Janni and Amy Elizabeth Fox, said: “We wrote this book for leaders who find themselves operating without stable points of reference, in conditions that are increasingly volatile and destabilising. Leading in Chaos asks leaders to shift from driving harder to listening more deeply, from control to coherence, and from speed to presence—so that more profound forms of knowing can come online.”

Written as a collection of interlinked essays, Leading in Chaos draws on the authors’ combined decades of work with CEOs and senior leadership teams in global organisations. The book explores themes including sense-making in complex systems, embodied leadership, trauma-informed development, and helping leaders to become more effective through prolonged uncertainty.

Nicholas Janni has spent over 25 years advising CEOs and senior leadership teams worldwide and teaching at leading business schools. Leading in Chaos follows Janni’s previous book, Leader as Healer, which won UK Business Book of the Year in 2023.

Amy Elizabeth Fox, MA, has spent over two decades facilitating transformational leadership programmes in Fortune 500 companies and professional service firms. She is Co-founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership.

www.leadinginchaosbook.com

That's Business: Why Calm, Consistent Leadership Matters More Than ...

That's Business: Why Calm, Consistent Leadership Matters More Than ...: In a world where leadership is often loud, performative, and driven by constant urgency, particularly in the wake of burnout , disengagement...

Why Phone-Free Events Are Set to Shape the Future of Nightlife in 2026

As organisers rethink how to bring people back to nightlife and live events, phone-free formats are increasingly being introduced into regular events scheduling. 

While still relatively new in the UK, early adopters are already reporting clearer benefits around atmosphere, audience behaviour and social connection.

Drawing on established practices in cities such as Berlin, UK organisers are now looking ahead to 2026 as the point where phone-free environments become a more familiar and intentional part of event design. Lockabl, a UK specialist in phone-free event solutions, explains why interest is growing, what organisers are already seeing in practice and how the right tools are helping phone-free nights run smoothly without confrontation or added liability.

A spokesperson told That's Books and More: “What we’re seeing now is organisers moving from testing phone-free nights to programming them with intent. Once venues introduce these formats regularly, the benefits become very clear very quickly.

“In Berlin, this approach has been embedded for years. According to Clubcommission Berlin, around 90% of venues operate a no-phones-on-the-dancefloor code. That kind of cultural shift doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of design, expectation and consistency.

“UK organisers aren’t trying to replicate Berlin wholesale, but they are recognising the same outcomes: stronger atmosphere, fewer distractions and audiences that are more engaged with the music and each other.”

“Importantly, successful phone-free events aren’t about enforcement. Organisers want structure, not conflict – a way to support their policy without staff having to confiscate phones or manage storage.”

“Lockable phone pouches work because the phone stays with the guest at all times. Patrons can dance the night away knowing their device is still in their possession, just secured, which removes tension and significantly limits liability for venues.”

“Based on the organisers we work with, 2026 is likely to be the year phone-free formats shift from being interesting to being expected – particularly for clubs, residencies and immersive events that want to stand out.”

Lockabl supplies rental lockable phone pouches for live events, performances, TV productions and nightlife experiences across the UK. The company provides the equipment that allows organisers to give structure to phone-free events, while ensuring guests retain possession of their devices throughout the night.

Recent successful phone-free nightlife events have included “Off-Grid”, hosted by Stormzy’s Soho concept bar venue and “Lost”, a hybrid nightclub; cinema and performance space located in the Saville Theatre.

Lockabl does not set event policies or operate venues but supports organisers in implementing their chosen approach in a clear, consistent and guest-friendly way.

https://lockabl.uk/

Yamaha Music London Opens Applications for 2026 Ambassador Competition

Yamaha Music London has announced the return of its flagship Yamaha Music London Ambassador Competition, now in its fourth year, offering unsigned solo artists and duos a powerful platform to accelerate their careers.

Open to UK-based artists within easy reach of London, the programme will select three Yamaha Music London Ambassadors for 2026, providing them with industry mentorship, professional recording opportunities, marketing and PR support, and the chance to represent the iconic music store for twelve months.

“This could be the moment that changes everything.”

The competition has already proven itself as a launchpad for breakthrough talent. Previous Ambassadors—including Cian Downing, Codyy, Kevin Davy White, Matt Kent, and Liv Lester—have gone on to perform at major venues across London and Europe, release critically praised music, and collaborate with Yamaha Music London on professional video content.

“Winning the Yamaha Music London Ambassadorship has been a huge step forward for my career.”

— Cian Downing, Yamaha Music London Ambassador

Winners will receive a comprehensive prize package, including an official 12-month ambassadorship, a Yamaha instrument, one-to-one industry mentorship, professional studio recording time, a high-quality showcase video, and inclusion in Yamaha Music London’s 2026 digital marketing campaigns.

Shortlisted artists will compete in live showcases in London, with semi-finals taking place between 18–20 March 2026 and the grand final held on 26 March 2026 at Yamaha Music London.

HOW TO ENTER

Artists must submit a 1–3 minute video showcasing their musical ability while performing original music.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 1st March at 23:59

Enter here: https://bit.ly/4r5upNs

Terms & Conditions: https://bit.ly/49sQI7X

Applicants must be aged 18+, UK-based, unsigned, and able to perform live. Full eligibility details are available in the Terms & Conditions.

Libraries are asking young people how to make them feel more welcome

Libraries are changing - and a new national initiative is helping ensure children and young people are at the heart of that shift.

National charity Libraries Rising, previously known as ASCEL, has launched SparkSpace, a first-of-its-kind free training platform co-created with children and young people to support library professionals and volunteers to work more confidently and inclusively with younger generations.

The training supports library teams to meaningfully engage children and young people as active partners in shaping library spaces and services, moving beyond assumptions about what young people need, towards services designed with them, flipping the usual model of adults deciding what is best for children and young people.

The launch comes at a time when free community spaces for children and young people are shrinking across the UK. As a result, libraries are some of the last accessible, safe public spaces where young people can spend time, connect and feel part of their community.

This is reflected in recent findings from The Children’s Society Good Childhood Report, which highlights that children and young people want more opportunities to be involved in their communities and to have a say in the decisions that affect them.

As the UK looks ahead to the National Year of Reading 2026, Libraries Rising highlights a vital point: for young people to experience the joy and value of libraries, they need to feel they matter and that they belong.

Libraries are widely recognised as inclusive community spaces, particularly for children and families. However, SparkSpace recognises that welcome cannot be assumed, it needs to be actively built, through listening, trust and shared ownership. With this in mind, SparkSpace supports library teams to create environments where young people feel valued and heard - places they are part of, not just visitors to.

The platform includes short learning modules, videos and practical activities that support library staff and volunteers to better understand the needs of children and young people and why it matters. The training also looks at how to create more inclusive spaces including for children and young people with SEND, communicate more confidently with young people and encourage their involvement and use outreach and social media in relevant and creative ways that directly engage children and young people.

Rather than being designed without young people’s input, SparkSpace has been shaped directly by children and young people themselves. Young contributors shared honest experiences and shared what they need to feel they belong.

Developed in collaboration with youth engagement specialists Participation People, SparkSpace has been led by children and young people from the very beginning.

They were involved at every stage - identifying what library staff need to understand, shaping content, providing feedback and ensuring the training feels relevant, authentic and grounded in lived experience.

One young person who participated was fifteen-year-old Will, who found the experience empowering. He said:  “I’ve never done something like this before, but it was amazing,” he said. “As a young person, it’s great to be involved in these changes.”

The result is a practical, confidence-building platform that equips library teams with the tools, skills and understanding to engage young people in meaningful ways and embed participation into everyday practice.

Tabitha Witherick Macaulay, Chief Executive of Libraries Rising, said: "Co-creating this training with children and young people has been absolutely key. If we want young people to engage with libraries, they need to feel they are spaces where they truly belong.

“By embedding participation into everyday practice, SparkSpace will help libraries strengthen their role at the heart of communities and create environments where young people feel genuinely included. For public spaces to work for young people, we have to work with them, not just develop spaces for them.”

SparkSpace is free to use, thanks to funding from The Foyle Foundation, ensuring cost is not a barrier for libraries at a time when budgets remain under pressure.

SparkSpace reflects a wider shift in how libraries are evolving - positioning them as collaborative, youth-inclusive spaces that respond to the realities young people face today.

https://librariesrising.org.uk

The Best Information Books for Children: 2026 Information Book Award shortlist announced with a new publisher sponsor

The School Library Association (SLA) has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Information Book Award (IBA), celebrating inspiring UK-published information books for young people, up to age 16. 

Children across the country can now read the shortlisted titles and cast their votes in the Award’s Children’s Choice categories.

All schools signing up to take part in the Book Club receive free resources, and those who do so before Friday 13th February will have the opportunity to receive a free pack of shortlisted books in one age category, thanks to generous support from the Authors Licensing and Collection Society (ALCS).

The voting period will run until May 2026, giving schools the chance to hold meaningful book club sessions across several weeks. 

Taking part in the IBA Book Club will help children develop critical thinking skills, develop confidence in communicating their opinions, find new interests and fire up their love of reading.

The SLA has also announced new sponsorship for the IBA, with DK, the UK’s number one children’s non-fiction publisher, joining the Award as sponsor. This is an exciting new development, which reflects the IBA’s growing focus on pupil voice and school engagement.

Sarah Later, Managing Director of DK Children’s told That's Books and More: "At DK, we champion the transformative power of books.

"In the National Year of Reading, school libraries matter more than ever. As many young readers gravitate toward non-fiction, the Information Book Award is essential, celebrating the remarkable talent that makes our world come alive."

The 12 books on the IBA shortlist range from picture books to choose your own adventures and encyclopaedias, covering everything from why we sleep, to where we came from:

Under 7 age category shortlist:

A Billion Ways to Be, Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo, Franklin Watts, Hachette Children’s Group

Frog: A Story of Life on Earth, Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus, Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Recycling Day: What Happens to the Thing We Throw Away, Poly Faber, illustrated by Klas Fahlén, Nosy Crow

Where Did She Go?, Cariad Lloyd, illustrated by Tom Percival, Hodder, Hachette Children’s Group

8 – 12 age category shortlist:

About Time, Rebecca Struthers and Alom Shaha, illustrated by Lucy Rose, DK

Choose Your Own Evolution, Jules Howard, illustrated by Gordy Wright, Nosy Crow

Science Detective Agency, Steve Derrick, illustrated by Miriam Serafin, Wayland, Hachette Children’s Group

Why Do We Sleep?, Cathy Evans, illustrated by Polya Plavinskaia, Cicada Books

13– 16 age category shortlist:

Explodapedia: The Brain, Ben Martynoga, illustrated by Moose Allain, David Fickling Books

It’s a Brave Young World, Anu Adebogun, illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz, Little Tiger

Normal Women, Philippa Gregory, illustrated by Alexis Snell, Red Shed, Farshore

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Sophie Kamlish, Faber and Faber

The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges made up of SLA member librarians, industry representatives and authors, including SLA Patron Smriti Halls.

Chair of judges, Helen Cleaves said: “From automata to autism, this shortlist is nothing if not diverse, offering a wealth of information adventures for children from toddler to teen. What's more, these books have the whole package: stunning artwork and meticulous design combine with engaging text for maximum impact.”

Judges’ comments about each individual title on the shortlist are available ​​​​​​here.​​​​:- https://slassoc.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/IQCsXiNfZBMeQK4mdIqbxLseARAHB9Ls98mT07vCHFxvn6s?e=IGuseS

The winners of the IBA and the Children’s Choice accolades will be announced in the summer. Four awards will be given by both the judges and the school children shadowing the Award, with each group choosing a winner in each age category and an overall winner. Last year’s overall IBA winner was Black History for Every Day of the Year by David, Yinka and Kemi Olusoga, while the overall Children’s Choice went to Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon.

Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA said: “For librarians, teachers, parents and children, information books can offer a new route into reading, which encourages curiosity about the world around us, and creates an ideal opportunity for a shared experience: whether that’s sharing newfound facts, looking at engaging illustrations together, or exploring a freshly discovered interest. 

"This year’s IBA shortlist showcases a diverse collection of books that cover a vast range of subjects. I can’t wait to hear from all the librarians and pupils who will be exploring these books through the IBA Book Club.”

Book packs of the shortlisted titles will be available to buy from Peters Books at a discount of 20%.

https://www.sla.org.uk

Thugs v Dinosaurs: When Low-Budget Cinema Roars Loudest

Low-budget films have a long tradition of doing the impossible with very little, and Thugs vs Dinosaurs is a perfect example of that glorious, chaotic spirit. 

Released in 2015, with a reported budget of $3,000, this indie oddity answers a question nobody knew they needed asking: what happens when modern-day criminals, paleontologists, a group of friends and a military veteran suffering from PTSD who is searching for a missing girl, come face to face with prehistoric predators accidentally created by a former Nazi scientist?

The answer, unsurprisingly, is utter madness, and that’s exactly the point.

A Plot That Knows Exactly What It Is

The premise of Thugs v Dinosaurs is refreshingly unapologetic. A group of hardened criminals find themselves battling dinosaurs after a mysterious experiment goes very wrong. 

There’s no attempt to over-explain the science or ground it in realism. Instead, the film leans hard into its B-movie roots, delivering a storyline that exists purely to string together gunfights, roaring reptiles, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek mayhem.

This is not a film trying to be clever or prestige-driven. It knows its audience and plays directly to them.

Budget Constraints, Big Ambition

What really stands out is how much ambition is packed into such a small budget. The special effects are rough around the edges, with CGI dinosaurs that clearly won’t trouble Hollywood studios, but that’s part of the charm. Much like classic creature features and cult sci-fi from decades past, the enjoyment comes from seeing filmmakers push their resources as far as they possibly can.

The action scenes are surprisingly energetic, the pacing is brisk, and the film never lingers long enough for its limitations to become tiresome.

Performances and Tone

The cast fully commits to the absurdity of the concept. Performances are knowingly exaggerated, fitting perfectly with the over-the-top tone. Tough-guy dialogue sits comfortably alongside moments of deliberate silliness, creating a film that feels more like a late-night cult watch than a serious cinematic endeavour.

Crucially, Thugs v Dinosaurs doesn’t mock its own audience. It invites viewers in on the joke while still treating its story seriously enough to keep things moving.

Why Films Like This Matter

In an era dominated by massive franchises and endless sequels, films like Thugs v Dinosaurs remind us why independent cinema matters. They’re experimental, fearless, and unconcerned with mainstream approval. These are the films that thrive at midnight screenings, cult festivals, and streaming platforms where adventurous viewers are looking for something a bit different.

You don’t watch this film expecting polish — you watch it for fun, nostalgia, and the sheer audacity of its concept.

Final Thoughts

Thugs v Dinosaurs won’t be for everyone, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. But for fans of low-budget action, creature features, and cult cinema, it delivers exactly what it promises. It’s loud, scrappy, ridiculous, and oddly endearing — proof that sometimes all you really need is a wild idea and the confidence to run with it.

If you enjoy films that celebrate excess over elegance, this one is well worth seeking out, preferably with friends, snacks, and a healthy appreciation for cinematic chaos. 

And you'll probably be charmed by the rather special introduction music.

You can watch the full movie here at That's Books and More:-

Looking Back on World Braille Day: Why It Still Matters

Each year on 4 January, World Braille Day invites us to pause and reflect on something many sighted people rarely think about: how access to information shapes independence, dignity, and opportunity. 

As we look back on this year’s World Braille Day, it feels especially important to restate why Braille remains as relevant now as it was nearly two centuries ago.

The Legacy Behind the Dots

World Braille Day is marked on the birthday of Louis Braille, the French innovator who lost his sight as a child and went on to create the tactile writing system that bears his name. His invention was not merely a new alphabet; it was a gateway to literacy, education, and self-determination for blind and partially sighted people around the world.

Braille enabled readers to learn spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mathematics through touch — something audio alone cannot fully replace. That distinction remains crucial today.

Braille in a Digital World

One of the recurring themes of this year’s World Braille Day was the misconception that Braille is becoming obsolete. With screen readers, audiobooks, and voice assistants now commonplace, some assume tactile reading is no longer necessary.

In reality, the opposite is true.

Refreshable Braille displays, Braille note-takers, and tactile labelling systems have evolved alongside digital technology. Braille continues to support:

True literacy, rather than passive listening

Privacy, especially when reading sensitive information

Employment, where accuracy and discretion matter

Education, particularly in STEM subjects

Organisations such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People continue to champion Braille education and access across the UK, ensuring it remains embedded in modern life rather than sidelined by technology.

A Human Rights Perspective

World Braille Day is also recognised by the United Nations as part of its wider commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Access to information is a human right — and Braille is a vital tool in upholding that right for millions of people worldwide.

From medication packaging and public signage to banking, transport, and voting materials, Braille plays a quiet but powerful role in everyday autonomy.

Why Awareness Still Matters

For many people without sight loss, Braille is invisible — present but unnoticed. World Braille Day challenges that invisibility. It encourages:

Designers to think about inclusive packaging

Employers to consider accessible workplaces

Educators to support Braille literacy

Communities to value accessibility as standard, not optional

Even small steps, such as including Braille on signs or learning the basics of the Braille alphabet, contribute to a more inclusive society.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward from this year’s World Braille Day, the message is clear: progress does not mean replacement. Braille is not a relic of the past; it is a living, evolving system that continues to empower people every day.

Remembering World Braille Day is not just about honouring history, it is about recommitting to accessibility, equality, and the belief that everyone deserves full access to the written word.

https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/ways-of-communicating/braille/

Book Review: Lies by T. M. Logan

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that hook you early and refuse to let go, Lies by T. M. Logan is a gripping read that more than earns its place on your bookshelf.

A Simple Lie That Unravels Everything

The premise is deceptively straightforward: Joe Lynch receives a text from his wife saying she’s stuck in traffic. Only she’s sitting right next to him, in her own car, in a place where she shouldn't be.

Moments later, she disappears. What follows is a tense descent into doubt, secrets, and long-buried truths, where every answer only seems to generate even more questions.

Logan excels at taking an everyday situation and twisting it into something profoundly unsettling. The fear feels plausible, grounded, and all the more disturbing because it could happen to anyone.

Pacing That Demands “Just One More Chapter”

One of Lies’ greatest strengths is its pacing. Chapters are short and sharp, often ending on revelations that make it genuinely difficult to put the book down. Logan has a talent for drip-feeding information at just the right moments, ensuring the tension never dissipates.

This is very much a book that encourages late nights and missed bedtimes.

Characters You Can Believe In

Joe is an effective protagonist: flawed, emotional, and increasingly desperate as his certainties collapse. The supporting cast is equally well drawn, with relationships that feel authentic rather than convenient. As the story progresses, the question isn’t just what happened, but who can be trusted — including the narrator himself.

Themes of Trust and Deception

Beyond the central mystery, Lies explores the fragility of trust in modern relationships. The novel raises uncomfortable questions about how well we really know the people closest to us, and how easily truth can be obscured by omission, self-protection, or fear. And can you trust social media? 

It’s this emotional undercurrent that elevates the book above a standard thriller.

Verdict: A Standout Psychological Thriller

Lies is tense, smart, and relentlessly engaging. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy domestic noir, twist-heavy plots, and stories that play with perception and reality.

Highly recommended for fans of fast-paced psychological thrillers — and a strong introduction to T. M. Logan’s wider body of work.

Have you read Lies yet? Or do you have a favourite T. M. Logan novel you’d recommend?

An Open Invitation to Authors and Publishers. Free Publicity on That's Books and More

Yes. Free Publicity on That’s Books and More.

At That’s Books and More, we believe passionately in the power of books — not just the big-name bestsellers, but the debut novels, the quietly brilliant non-fiction, the poetry collections, the niche histories, and the lovingly self-published works that deserve to be discovered.

That’s why we’re extending an open invitation to authors, self-publishers, independent presses, and established publishing houses alike to use That’s Books and More as a platform for free publicity.

Why We’re Doing This

The publishing world is more crowded than ever. Getting noticed can be difficult, expensive, and frustrating, especially for new authors and smaller publishers without large marketing budgets. 

At the same time, readers are hungry for fresh voices, untold stories, and books that don’t always get front-page treatment elsewhere.

That’s Books and More exists to bridge that gap.

Our aim is simple:

to connect books with readers who genuinely love discovering them.

What We Can Offer

We’re happy to feature your work in a variety of ways, including:

Book spotlights – introductions to new or recent releases

Author features – background, inspiration, and writing journeys

Extracts – short samples to entice readers

Interviews and Q&As – ideal for blog tours and launches

Publisher showcases – highlighting catalogues, imprints, or themed releases

There is no charge for inclusion. No hidden fees. No obligation.

Who This Is For

We welcome submissions from:

First-time and debut authors

Self-published and indie authors

Small and independent publishing houses

Larger publishers seeking broader organic exposure

Writers across all genres — fiction and non-fiction alike

If it’s a book you’re proud of, we’re interested in hearing about it.

Why Feature on That’s Books and More?

A book-focused readership actively looking for recommendations

Evergreen blog content that continues to attract readers over time

SEO-friendly posts designed for discoverability

A genuine enthusiasm for books, not pay-to-play promotion

We see this as a collaboration, not an advertisement.

How to Get Involved

If you’d like your book or catalogue featured, simply get in touch with:

A brief description of the book or project

Publication details (release date, format, ISBN if available)

Any press material you already have (optional)

We’ll take it from there and work with you to create something that does your work justice.

Let’s Celebrate Books Together

Great books deserve to be talked about — and not just the ones with the biggest marketing budgets.

If you’re an author or publisher looking for honest, enthusiastic, free exposure, That’s Books and More would be delighted to work with you.

Let’s help readers find their next favourite book.

Please email afj_uk@yahoo.com.

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