“Amuseum Studies” runs from 3-19th February at Pedestrian Arts, LCB Depot, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE. Entry is free and the exhibition is open from 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday. Further information is available by visiting www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Paul Wood’s cartoons give Leicester buildings a quirky twist, giving them a flavour from famous past masters including Monet, Salvador Dali, Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley. Paul left school with no qualifications but after a few years of doing very little he began studies at Walsall Foundation College before working as a fine art painter. This work didn’t provide sufficient income for Paul to survive so he decided to start drawing cartoons and hasn’t looked back since. His work appears regularly in UK magazines and newspapers and he is one of the few UK cartoonists to get work in the New Yorker magazine.

Paul Wood said “as a cartoonist who makes his living drawing for magazines, I’m used to everything being reduced to almost the size of a postage stamp. Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival has enabled me to go large, at last I feel I can shout, “I am big, and I am clever!” My only regret is that none of Damien Hirst’s assistants were available to help with the colouring in.”

Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival Director, Geoff Rowe, said “I’m delighted that we’re able to work with Paul to produce this exhibition of brilliant Leicester landmark buildings. The exhibition presents the city in a new and hilarious way and I hope lots of people will visit it during the 17 day festival.”

Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival 2012 runs from 3-19th February. Full programme information will be available from www.comedy-festival.co.uk

The world-class East Midlands track will host Round Two of the BTCC on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April. The Ninth Round of the BSB comes to Donington Park’s famous 12-turn track for three days of exceptional motorbike racing from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th September.

Tickets are also on sale for the Donington Historic Festival (Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May), and the SBK Superbike FIM World Championship (SBK), which takes place at Donington for the second year running with the circuit hosting the sixth round of the international series on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May.

Plus, visitors to Donington have an exciting opportunity to witness the fastest off-road motorcycle sport in the world as ‘Grasstrack – Donington Demon’ returns to Donington Park after nearly 20 years, taking place on the Saturday over the SBK weekend (Saturday 12th May).

Advanced adult ticket prices for each of these thrilling events start from as little as £10.00, and individual hospitality packages for exclusive viewing are priced from £79.00.

Donington’s new season ticket launch marks the start of a busy 2012 racing calendar at the Park, which will see the world class circuit host more than 30 events including the FIA British Truck Grand Prix, British F3 and GT Championships and the European Le Mans Series.

Donington Park Managing Director, Christopher Tate comments: “The British Touring Car Championship, World Superbike Championship and the British Superbike Championship are three of the most prestigious and exciting events in the UK racing calendar and the tickets are always in strong demand. Donington has an exceptional racing pedigree – the circuit’s famous corners and inclines make it a real favourite with competitors and spectators alike, and have produced some of the most memorable racing moments ever seen on both two and four wheels, so these events are not to be missed. Donington’s race calendar for 2012 is our best yet, with World, European and British racing events right through the season, and we look forward to a great year of exciting racing from the very best drivers and riders in the world.”

All tickets are available to buy online at www.donington-park.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 873 7343.

Dizzee Rascal, the No.1 multi-platinum selling artist will headline this year’s Splendour Festival at Wollaton Park, Nottingham on Saturday 21st July 2012. Nottingham City Council is pleased to be working again with DHP to bring Splendour back for a fifth year. Joining Dizzee Rascal on the mainstage will be BRIT award winners Razorlight and rising dub/pop starlet Katy B. Headlining the second stage at this year’s festival will be alternative favourites The Levellers.

Splendour’s full line up across three live music stages and comedy stage will be announced soon and festival goers can expect another special day for all the family with entertainment for children, fairground rides, food and craft stalls and bars. Once again Splendour is teaming up with NUSIC.org.uk, who helps young Nottinghamshire musicians get exposure and experience within the music industry, with a competition for a local act to take the opening slot on the main stage at Splendour. Details of how to enter will be available shortly.

Splendour saw its most successful turnout last year with capacity topping the 20,000 mark. The festival has sold out for the past three years so those wanting to get their hands on tickets are advised to buy sooner rather than later! Tickets go on sale next week – from 1st February (Wednesday) from 9am with discounts for city residents with a valid Citycard.

 Set in the stunning grounds of Wollaton Hall, the festival has grown to become one of the region’s biggest music events, attracting over 20,000 people of all ages. Previous headliners to grace the stage include the Scissor Sisters, Blondie, Pet Shop Boys, Madness, Calvin Harris, The Pogues, The Charlatans, Paolo Nutini and Ash.

Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council said: ‘Being able to bring Splendour back for a 5th year is great news for the City Council and great news for the City. It’s become one of the region’s most popular and high profile music events and attracting such a world class headline act shows that Splendour is making waves nationally and internationally. It’s a great event, in a great location, with great music, a great family feel and at a really great price. We’re really pleased to be able to work with our partners DHP to put on such a good show for Nottingham.’

George Akins Chairman of DHP said: “We are really excited about this year and feel that this is the strongest line up we’ve put together to date with even more diversity for the whole family. We expect this year to sell out in record time.”

To keep up to date with all the latest Splendour head to their website or like Nottingham Splendour Festival on Facebook.

Licensees from across Nottingham city centre have joined forces to launch a festival of live music and entertainment as part of this year’s Light Night.

More than 23 venues will be hosting events on Friday 10 February, which will also feature light installations and projections across the city.

The venue entertainment has been organised and co-funded by We Are Nottingham, the business improvement district for licensed premises in the city centre. Some of the highlights of the evening will include a special light show and DJs at Saltwater and a UV extravaganza at Walkabout, featuring UV cannons and bubbles. There will also be an evening of art projections in conjunction with Nottingham Trent University, blended with an eclectic mix of folk, soul and rock acts at The Bodega Social Club.

Commenting on the line-up, Sylvia Oates, chief executive of We Are Nottingham, said:

“The live music and entertainment programme adds a new, dynamic aspect to Light Night. The response level from licensed venues has been overwhelming and it’s great to see so many people joining together to show that Nottingham is a welcoming and vibrant city at night.

“The licensees have worked hard to create a really varied set of events that cater for all tastes and ages and it goes to show that the city centre really does offer something for everyone. We’re going all out to make it a night to remember.”

Now in its fifth year, Light Night is organised by Nottingham City Council and supported by We Are Nottingham.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are delighted that We Are Nottingham are bringing this new twist to Light Night.

“The programme of live music they have organised will bring a great mix of variety to the night.

“Our programme of activities for Light Night is already taking shape and is bursting with many free, unique activities and events to suit everyone.”

Light Night 2012 will feature a varied programme of events, including illuminated characters on the city streets, an exciting dream walking event where people can follow a map to find hidden, glowing dream images, a selection of family activities including sword fencing and crafts, and much more.

We Are Nottingham is committed to working alongside licensed venues to make the city a vibrant and safe place to visit. Aside from Light Night, We Are Nottingham is responsible for a large number of initiatives, including the Nottingham Food and Drink Festival, the Taxi Marshal and Street Ambassador projects, and changes to city centre CCTV and lighting.

To view the full Light Night programme for 2012, visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/lightnight

To create Elektro Kif French-based Spaniard Blanca Li has drawn together eight award-winning dancers to conceive the first ever theatrical presentation of the uniquely Parisian streetdance style Electro – a dazzling blend of breaking, disco, vogue, popping and locking – mixing it up with some theatre and contemporary dance. Accompanied by a commissioned score by Tao Gutierrez that mixes techno with electro house, afrobeat, sampling, and classical music Elektro Kif is a show about the hopes and fears, friendships, fights and rivalries of the all male cast, following them through a typical day at college.

Barely a decade old, Electro is an urban streetdance style that was born in the nightclubs of the south-eastern Paris suburb of Val-de-Marne, and is, it is claimed, the first new dance to come out of France since the Can-Can. Characterised by free-flowing steps with fast arm and hand movements, Electro remains anchored in the Greater Paris region and is rarely performed outside of France.

Born in Granada Spain, Blanca Li studied dance in New York and then relocated to France where she founded her own company in 1993. Since then she has created and produced a wide range of dance and non-dance projects featuring flamenco, feature films, classical ballet, multi-media exhibitions and hip hop. In 1999 she created the award-winning Macadam Macadam featuring 11 hip hop dancers, roller skaters and a BMX biker.

Outside of her own company Blanca has choreographed and directed for many international arts organisations including Opéra de Paris, the New York Met and the Biennale de Lyon. She was also ballet-directrice at Komische Oper Berlin and for three years the artistic director of the Andalusia Dance Centre in Seville.

In recognition of her innovative contributions to contemporary dance, Blanca Li is a recipient of the Manuel de Falla Award, the Globe de Christal and the Premio Max and was named Chevalier de l´Ordre du Mérite and Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.

“I love to be a witness to a new style… and that’s how I gathered eight electro dancers, most of them coming from Val-de-Marne where the first signs of electro style were born”. Blanca Li

Check it out here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM3Fo7761tE

Dates: Monday 13 & Tuesday 14 February, 8pm

Tickets: £8.50 – £18.00, Family ticket (max 2 adults) £50

Box Office: 0115 941 9419 | www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

SoulDeep Sessions is an evening with a laid back vibe from talented local artists. The SoulDeep Band will provide backing for some of the finest musicians from Derby for a smooth end to the working week. 

The evening includes R&B classics, contemporary soul, song-book standards, easy listening, spoken word and beautiful poetry. Performers include brilliantly talented 13 year old Zaneni Thomas, who has recently qualified for the UK Open Mic Final at the O2 Arena. Also performing are Jazz and Folk guitarist Emma Reading, vocalists Julia Dilena-Sharpe, and Donna Briscoe-Greene. Special guests Corey Mwamba, Odell Millen, Andy McLean and Tanisha Vincent will perform alongside SoulDeep.

The CUBE will be serving a delicious range of classic food and a selection of quality wines, bottled beers and spirits so you can relax and unwind while listening to the best of the local soul scene.

Tickets are £10 (£8 concession) and can be purchased from the Déda Box Office on 01332 370911 or online at www.deda.uk.com

 We had a sneaky peak at the press call, check out the photo’s below. Glitter bomb.

Fancy going to see the show? Try here.

“The songs just feel like something that needs to come out,” explains Hannah, the quieter of the pair. “It’s something I actually feel – I know when it’s coming.”

“It’s like chasing a huge high,” Colette continues, a skull tattoo poking out of her coat sleeve as she repeatedly reties and loosens her messy top-knot.

The musical drug took hold when the Thurlows were teenagers living in Bristol, having moved there from their native Ireland when they were three and one, respectively. Uncharacteristically for siblings, they shared the same music taste and always had a creative relationship. As a teenager, Colette, the oldest by two years, discovered Queens Of The Stone Age’s self-titled debut, an influence the pair still hold dear 13 years later. “Each of their records is a constant innovation, but keeps its heart in the same place,” enthuses Hannah. “From Kyuss onward they’re constantly evolving.” However, it’s Josh Homme’s looser, more feral work for his Desert Sessions project that shows the clearest imprint upon 2:54 – widescreen and landscape-conjuring, their mysterious origins unfettered by needless bluster.

At 16, Hannah taught herself guitar, and then her sister. “A big turning point was discovering punk music in our teens,” recalls Colette. “Seeing bands like The Distillers play – Brody Dalle being such a powerful woman, incredible, scary and brilliant – made it seem accessible. Others had come before, but it was the first time we had seen that in our lifetimes. Then there was Bad Brains’ ‘Banned In DC’, which blew my mind. It’s everything I imagined a solo could be, especially in a two-minute song – it’s so moving, it takes you somewhere and drops you. Those things showed us all that matters is soul.”

After their sole year spent living in different cities, as Colette returned to Bristol for 12 months after studying English Literature at Kings College and Hannah left for the big smoke to study Fine Art Photography, they reunited in London and formed Vulgarians, a bile-laden punk band that ran roughshod over any concept of rules.

“We didn’t have guitar tuners, we didn’t have our own amps, and we definitely had no idea of what to do on stage,” laughs Colette. “It was complete naivety, this idea that we could just turn up and do it. It was brazen in that sense; it just didn’t matter.”

Their emergence in summer 2010 was far more refined, almost bashful, sneaking the Garageband demo of ‘Creeping’ onto a MySpace page with no fanfare. The plaudits, however, were instant. First US blog-bibles like Gorilla vs Bear and Fader caught on, along with the style-conscious NYLON, and before long NME wrote that its “stinging, spite-laden guitar and mesmerisingly chilly tones recall Slint if they’d been signed to Creation and fronted by stony hearted she-demons”. “File between The xx and The Big Pink”, The Independent noted knowingly, with 2:54 clearly forging a unique new transatlantic axis, where the spacial, atmospheric experiments of Now meet the indie drones and brimstone heavy hearts of yore – with their first US dates planned this November. The origin of the band’s name adds further clues as to the root of their sound, a precise moment from a Melvins song.

“I love the Melvins,” states Colette. “They have an incredible canon of work, but the song that inspired the name is from a fairly recent album, ‘(A) Senile Animal’. It’s that point on ‘History Of Bad Men’ where the bass line turns doomy, and dreamy… You can just fade into it.”

Having brought onboard the formidable rhythm section of Joel Porter (bass) and Alex Robins (drums) last September for their first few live stints, after being personally invited on the road with musical siblings, Warpaint and Melissa Auf der Maur before last Christmas. The addition of the boys completed the official line-up. “They’re not brothers, but they have a sibling quality, which feels like the perfect dynamic,” says Colette of the pair who’ve helped shaped the molten live show that’s positioned them as one of the UK’s most talked-about breaking names. “We had one rehearsal with them and thought, ‘yep, this is it!’” grins Hannah.

The past twelve months have been spent on tour across Europe, taking in treks with Yuck and Wild Beasts, whose frontman Hayden Thorpe recently gushed in NME, “They’re really quite special. They’re effortless, and that can’t be faked. There’s a grace and elegance alongside their brutality, like striking a knife at something and revealing a flower”. They’ve also astonished in equal measure on their own stages, whether their first sell-out headline show at London’s Lexington, or must-see moments throughout this summer’s debut festival run at Green Man, Field Day or Summer Sundae.

Back in April they released the super limited edition, seven inch-only single ‘On A Wire’ through criminally hip label House Anxiety (The Big Pink, Zoo Kid), which was chosen by Radio 1’s Zane Lowe as his ‘Next Hype’ record of the week, beloved by indie champion Huw Stephens and even received breakthrough daytime plays by Fearne Cotton, as well as a session with XFM’s John Kennedy. Now signed to Fiction (The Cure, Crystal Castles, TV On The Radio), the band release their debut EP ‘Scarlet’ on November 14th, with the A-side of the same name making a giant leap forward in both their songwriting and defining their sound; the first taste of the upcoming album, it marries their distinct web of influences in a way that feels as fresh and vital as it does anthemic. The single is joined by three B-sides, recorded in three days -’Wait/Awake’, ‘Got A Hold’ and ‘Dawn’- chronicling the highlights of their early pre-album writing.

Having cherry-picked their behind-the-boards album combination from those they worked with on the EP, they’re tying up a few loose writing ends before going into the studio with Mercury-winning producer Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Nick Cave) and the mixing force that is Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins etc) to nail their debut long-player. However, the band are firm that they won’t be defined by their collaborators.

Not that there’s much danger of 2:54 sounding like anyone but themselves. Even after just a couple of singles their identity as a band is stronger than most who have years on them. Even if they can’t put it into words themselves. “As much as we can get away with not having to explain the songs,” laughs Hannah, “that’s how it should be. They should speak for themselves.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o7XZdAp9QE

Upcoming tour dates: February (with The Big Pink)

8 – Bristol Thekla

9 – Portsmouth Wedegwood Rooms

10 – Nottingham Rescue Rooms

12 – Liverpool O2 Academy

14 – Glasgow King Tuts

15 – Manchester Academy

16 – Birmingham HMV Library

18 – Brighton HMV Library

BBC Sound Of 2012 tip Dot Rotten is breaking out from the grime scene, producing himself entirely and opting against featuring other artists. Whilst his set up single Keep It On A Low was added to Radio 1′s In New Music We Trust playlist, his new single ‘Are You Not Entertained’ (out 5th March, Mercury Records) looks set to announce the savvy 22 year-old to the wider listening audience. It is  Zane’s ‘Hottest Record In The World’ last week and is receiving great support from Nick Grimshaw at Radio 1.

Landing a job at Saxon studios gave Dot Rotten an opportunity to master his skills as a producer engineer, and has cuts already with Spark, Griminal, Ghetts, Maxsta, P Money, Tinie Tempah and Wiley. He’s picking up broad press support with features in NME, Dazed & Confused, ID, RWD and The Guardian online.

Get yourselves down to the Birmingham HMV Institute!

Curve are also running a CurveBall ‘Comedy Talent Nights’ competition during the festival, giving aspiring stand ups an opportunity to perform in front of an audience with a prize of £150 and a slot at the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year show.

A Curve Collaboration – HOTEL PARADISO (16 – 18 Feb)

The Studio Performances at 7.45pm Tickets £10.50 – £18.50

In their only UK date on a European tour, Curve is extremely proud to present the awe-inspiring Familie Flöz in their joyfully dark character comedy.

Ceri Dupree in THE LADIES I LOVE (31 Jan – 4 Feb)

The Studio Performances at 7.45pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £15

Leicester favourite Ceri Dupree pays homage to everyone from Jordan to Joan Collins, Lady Gaga to Cher, Camilla Parker Bowles to Shirley Bassey. All combined with jaw dropping costumes, stand-up comedy, impersonations, songs, outrageous send-ups and heart felt tributes, to the showbiz ladies. Ceri’s show last year sold out, so early booking is advised for this sumptuous visual spectacle.

Andi Osho in ALL THE SINGLE LADIES (6 Feb)

The Studio Performances at 7.45pm Tickets £15

Andi Osho stand up show is a brutally honest dissection of the perils and pitfalls of dating. Andi is a regular on BBC2′s Mock The Week and featured in Channel 4′s Stand Up For The Week.

LipService in WITHERING LOOKS (7 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

Winner of a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award and the Critics Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival, this cult Brontë spoof takes an “authentic” look at the lives and works of the literary sisters.

New Art Club in QUIET ACT OF DESTRUCTION (8 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

Following a successful run at Edinburgh, dance-comedy double act New Art Club will cast their audience in an energetic and hilarious rampage through a quaint Cambridgeshire village.

IDIOTS OF ANTS (9 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

2010 Chortle Award Winners and 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominees, present their brand-new show, performed entirely at gunpoint.

New Perspectives Theatre – HOW STEEPLE SINDERBY WON THE FA CUP (7 Feb)

Rehearsal Room 2 Performance at 8pm Tickets £12

This joyous tale of the unstoppable rise of the ultimate underdog is rivetingly retold in a funny and touching new one-man show – audiences laugh, audiences cry, and above all prepare audiences believe every word!

LIVESTAND (8 Feb)

The Theatre Performance at 7.30pm Tickets £16.50

An evening of hilarious comedy from some of Britain’s award winning comedians bringing it to you RAW.

Featuring: Eddie Kadi, Kojo, Ava Vidal, Jamie Howard and Travis Jay.

Laurence Clark in HEALTH HAZARD (8 Feb)

Rehearsal Room 2 Performance at 8pm Tickets £12

Laurence Clark embarks on a one-man mission to help Obama sell the benefits of free healthcare to the American people. With personal tales, political exposés and an educational journey punctuated with bizarre incidences and amazing characters along the way.

Citizen598 in MAN (9 Feb)

Rehearsal Room 2 Performance at 8pm Tickets £8

Citizen598 bring their comedic storytelling style of performance, exploring man’s journey from parental conception to inevitable demise.

LaurieLorry Theatre and makin projects in association with Leicester Comedy Festival and Cheltenham Comedy Festival present:

ROLL OUT THE BERYL (10 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

A rich menu of theatre, pleasantry and humour are brought to the table that celebrates the late great Comedy Actress Beryl Reid. Chaos, comedy, clowning and shoes are the order of the day as she cooks and prepares a meal live on stage; a starter, main course and for afters something naughty but nice!

BRIDGET CHRISTIE (10 Feb)

Rehearsal Room 2 Performance at 8pm Tickets £12

Join ‘Housewife Surrealist’ Bridget Christie as she hands out communion wafers, eats a banana, explains religion, suggests how Ken Clarke should eat a toad in the hole, and re-enacts The Ascension of Christ using a fishing rod.

James Campbell’s COMEDY 4 KIDS (11 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 2.30pm Tickets £6

A stand-up comedian for children over 6, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. James’ show may cover ways to make parsnips interesting, how to look a chicken in both eyes at the same time and why owls don’t like Easter.

Henning Wehn in NO SURRENDER (11 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

A touch of the continent is on offer with the self-appointed German Comedy Ambassador to the UK. Henning has appeared on BBC Radio’s Unbelievable Truth, News Quiz, Now Show, Fighting Talk or BBC’s QI. Now he comes to Leicester with his sell-out Edinburgh show, NO SURRENDER.

SIMON MUNNERY (12 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

British Comedy Award Nominee and Sony Radio Award Winner, Simon Munnery presents a brand new show. It’s an extravagant mess of foaming bubble hats, superlative jokes, bad guitar riffs, delightful monologues, hand-made engineering feats and an overly ambitious one-man punk musical.

Shappi Khorsandi in ME AND MY BROTHER IN OUR PANTS, HOLDING HANDS (14 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

Star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Have I Got News for You, Shappi’s new show is about a brother and sister who were best friends but also beat each other up. She’s feisty, flirty and effortlessly funny she handles every subject with a razor sharp wit, softened by her dizzy delivery and charm.

SING-ALONG-A GREASE (14 Feb)

The Theatre Performance at 7.30pm Tickets £15

A sing-along version of the classic musical film for Valentine’s Day.

RICHARD HERRING in WHAT IS LOVE, ANYWAY? (15 Feb)

The Studio Performance at 7.45pm Tickets £15

Having sorted out religion (Christ on a Bike), politics (Hitler Moustache) and penises (Talking Cock), Richard Herring seeks to define and destroy love. Before love destroys him.

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES (17 Feb)

The Theatre Performance at 7.30pm Tickets £18.50

Eve Ensler’s hilarious Broadway and West End smash hit, featuring actresses Anne Charleston, Mel Giedroyc and Hayley Tamaddon. A witty and moving collection of tales give voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories. An unmissable show for every generation.

AN AUDIENCE WITH PAM AYRES (18 Feb)

Pam Ayres brings her latest show to Curve, following the recent publication of her autobiography, The Necessary Aptitude. Pam’s show includes a selection of new poems and stories, as well as some audience favourites.

COMEDY HEAVEN – Charity Show (19 Feb)

The Theatre performance at 7.30pm Tickets £15

The spectacular finale show for Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival starring Arthur Smith, in aid of charity. Other acts to be announced soon.

To make the most of the variety on offer, you can buy a Curve festival pass for 5 gigs in The Studio or Rehearsal Room 2 for £50*.

Head to the Curve website or Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival website for more information!