East Festival 2010

The East Festival 2010 begins tomorrow and runs until Tuesday 9 March. It began last year in order to celebrate all that East London has to offer, or something like that. The festival last year was founded on a growing sense of unease over East London’s readiness to host the Olympics in 2012. The Evening Standard’s expose this week on The Dispossessed is another illustration of a growing unease about the real economic and financial state of this area. Despite these reasons and other criticisms of East London not being able to support the Olympics, it’s still the best place in London for anybody with a pulse and warm blood still pumping through their veins. And frankly, who gives a rat’s ass about what’s going to happen with the Olympics in 2012? Hoxton, Shoreditch, Whitechapel and Hackney (and I’m already leaving plenty out) are all filled with the coolest bars, galleries and shops in London. East London has become one of the most contemporay urban environments in Europe and the East Festival 2010 is the perfect way to kickstart your exploration of it.

Firstly I couldn’t resist putting up Boris Johnson’s picture here as it appears on the first page of the programme:

You can download Time Out’s pdf programme here, it has all the details.
Rated has high expectations for the Bishopsgate Institute’s series of walks, talks and debates, and the Tongues of Fire Asian Film Festival on Bethnal Green Road – see daily listings for details on both.
We also like the look of:
4 March
Celeste Boursier-Mougenot at the Barbican. Birds landing on musical instruments and creating music of their own. 11am – 10pm [for whole week].
5 March
Manganiyar Seduction at the Barican Theatre. Muslim musicians from Rajasthan. 8pm.
Old Jewish East End, Museum of London Walk. 11am – 1pm. 020 70019844 for details.
7 March
London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican and then on Monday the post-jazz Portico Quartet are playing, when I’m sure a little boogie woogie will be on the cards
8 March
Debate, Is creativity in architecture dead? Tickets. 615pm – 8pm.

Problem: You’d feel like a right plonker if you missed all this.
Solution: Get a short term flat for it.
n.b. Rated has got some especially cool flats like The Canal, Framery Four and Framery Loft that are bang in the centre of the bits of East London you want to see.

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Wimbledon is the sporting event of the summer in the U.K. It finds its way onto all the televisions in the land, in pubs, in schools, in restaurants and waiting rooms. It is one of the last great institutions of a romanticized old Britain, prim and neat, with mown lawns and infamous statistics that crop up every summer about the tonnage of strawberries and cream consumed during the tennis. It is amazing that the physical exertions, the grunts and the screaming of sweat drenched sportsmen and women, struggling against each other in an agony of competition, can be offset by such an atavistic Britishness.

Wimbledon is the oldest Tennis tournament in the world. Despite a Brit inventing the game, no man from this glorious island has won the Men’s Singles since 1936, when Fred Perry took the title. Besides the 5 main categories, there are four junior events and four invitational competitions. Wimbledon is also the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments to use grass, the original surface of the game. It used to be that the French Open was the only one to differ (with clay), but the Australian and U.S. Opens long ago switched to hard surfaces. The courts are now sown with perennial Rye grass, which is cut to a height of 8mm on each day of the tournament.

The tension will run even higher this year as the nation places its hopes on the shoulders of Andy Murray. London short stay accommodation will be packed out, hotels and serviced apartments across the city likewise. Murray’s victory over Rafel Nadal in the quarter-final of the Australian Open, earlier this year, pushed him up to No. 3 in the world rankings, proving alongside his brief spell in the No.2 spot last summer, he’s got what it takes to be up there with the best of them. However, a crushing defeat in the finals from the man who was won 16 Grand Slam titles to Murray’s 0, kept Federer on top. Now we’re not a betting agency but it’s worth keeping in mind that Murray has won over half the times he and Federer have met. But now I do feel sentimental as I’ve succumbed to the “well you never know…” school of thought. This is the sort of non-committal hope that will be expressing itself in nods, winks and raised eyebrows over many drinks, in many pubs across the land this summer. Poor Andy Murray seems to have had Tim Henman’s mantle thrust upon his shoulders without any say in the matter. But then again, it wouldn’t be Wimbledon without the whole of the United Kingdom projecting their hopes onto one contestant, who has no say in the matter.

Click here for a great Wimbledon countdown. Because it’s simply not enough to just know the dates.

Buy Tickets here.

For guided tours and the museum click here.

To read more about Wimbledon, you’ll have to wait for our up and coming magazine.

If you’re really lucky you’ll see one of these















, but as for now – Get a short term flat for it here.

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The Commonwealth Games first appeared in 1891 in The Times as an idea of the Reverend Astley Cooper, a “Pan-Britannic-Pan-Anglican Contest and Festival every four years as a means of increasing the goodwill and good understanding of the British Empire.” The Games then appeared in their first form as a Festival of the Empire in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of George V, where teams from countries including Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom competed. In 1930 they began in earnest in Hamilton, Ontario, where they were called the British Empire Games





. In 1954 the Games returned to Canada, held in Vancouver but as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Then in 1970 the name changed again to the British Commonwealth Games, held in Edinburgh (UK) before finally becoming the Commonwealth Games in 1978 in Edmonton, Canada This year in Delhi approximately 5000 athletes, comprising 71 teams, will compete, quite a step up from 1930 when 11 countries sent 400 athletes to all sleep in dormitories in the Prince of Wales School next to the Civic Stadium in Hamilton.

The Commonwealth of Nations, which the Games celebrate, is widely seen as the successor to the British Empire on the international stage, although we might more accurately call it the remnants of the British Empire. It is an inter-governmental organization of 54 independent states, of which only 2 were not part of the original Empire. Indeed, Anthony Eden turned down an application from France in the 1950s to join the Commonwealth, which resulted in its creating the EU with other Western European countries; a cruel twist of fate, one might say. All member states are equal in the Commonwealth although all agree to recognize the Queen (of England) as its head. . The management however is headed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the head of which serves for a maximum of two 4 year terms and is an observer at the United Nations General Assembly. As a result of the 1971 Singapore Declaration the organization is devoted to the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, individual liberty, egalitarianism, free trade, multilateralism and world peace.

Click here for a countdown and the Delhi 2010 homepage, where you can also find out about the mascot and the chakra.

Finally, you’ll be able to read more about Delhi 2010 in our up and coming magazine, but for now you’d better make the most of 2010 as the Commonwealth Games are scheduled to land in Glasgow in 2014, the heroin capital of the United Kingdom! I hope they know how to test the athletes for other drugs than steroids, or maybe this is all just part of the plan to introduce a new track event; most chilled out 100metres? Who knows what lay behind this decision, but whereas the motto of the 2010 games

When it comes to Delhi, there’s only one thing you need to do – Get a short term flat for it here.

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Impossibly waif-like, ephemeral beauty is about to descend on London this month. London Fashion Week is here and so therefore is the time when we remember why we read about Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, et al., every day in our newspapers; it is the time when they actually get to do their job. I’m not criticizing, I’m not judging, but come on, they don’t seem to do a vast amount apart from get dressed up in their posh frocks and and appear in the central pages of your London freesheet stumbling out of some club in Mayfair. But now all this comes to an end for a few days, as it does each year in England, when the industry goes on show.

You can read a letter from London (London Fashion Week’s introduction to itself via cartoon graphics and photography) here and check out the the artwork of the company involved here.

You can get a short term flat from RatedApartments close to London Fashion Week here.

London Fashion Week runs from 19th to 23rd of February in Somerset House (London Bridge is only a short drive away). Over 200 designers will be on show at the exhibition there, as well as the British Fashion Council’s show and presentation. In addition to the catwalk designers, there is also a presentation by NEWGEN (New Generation), which was created by the British Fashion Council in 1993 in order to showcase emerging talent. Alexander McQueen and Matthew Williamson are among its alumni.

But you might want to have a look at Fashematics for a different take on the proceedings:

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Before the Portuguese conquered it in 1510, Old Goa (Velha Goa) was established as a port town by the Bijapur sultanate under the rule of Adil Shah. When the Portuguese arrived, Christianity usurped Hinduism and Islam. All that remains of the Adil Shah dynasty is the gateway to his palace.

Today, Old Goa is still a place of Christian pilgrimage, 10km outside Panaji on the road to Ponda. There is no accommodation in the town, which has prevented it from becoming overpopulated with tourism and the amenities thereof, and there is no charge to see any of the churches, convents or the gateway to Adil Shah’s palace, of whose temples and mosques not one stood after the arrival of the Portuguese and Catholicism. All of these sites open at sunrise and close at sunset, but there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying sundown and early evening at the foot of the gateway to the palace or on the Holy Hill.

Cholera and Malaria nearly destroyed Old Goa in the 17th Century, reducing its population, which by 1543 had already equalled that of Paris and London, to 1500. In 1835, Panaji became the capital and Old Goa became almost completely deserted. It is for this reason that the churches and chapels have acquired a Neapolitan splendour, ironically faded by time and weather but not by people, and not subjected to constant redevelopment or reclamation by Hinduism and Islam. Below is a picture of the Church of St Francis of Assisi.

The building also houses the Archaeological Museum, which contains Hindu sculptures from the 12th and 13th centuries when Old Goa was under the control of the Kadamba kings. The Chapel of St Catherine:

Built by Albuquerque in 1510, the original building was the first church to be constructed in the town.

This picture was taken in 2008

The ruins of Old Goa are something to behold. Just like some of the places I have visited in Turkey, they are there for you to explore in their natural state, unspoiled by excessive restoration and surrounded by the jungle.

Get a short stay apartment to explore them from here.

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New York, London, Paris – these capital cities are often depicted in television and films as beacons to shopping lovers everywhere. Come Christmas time, men and women alike grab their credit cards and head thousands of miles to their shopping destination of choice and stock up on gifts for loved ones (and themselves), only to fly all the way home again with an extra suitcase full of goods. Of course, you could save yourself

the plane fare and shop at your local department store, but the magic of spending a day in the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus, Fifth Avenue or the Champs-Elysées transforms what would ordinarily seem like a chore into much more fun experience.

Despite these cities being heralded as havens for those who love to raid the rails, Dubai has long been referred to as the shopping capital of the Middle East and thanks to its tax free status, it is fast becoming the most popular holiday destination for shopaholics.

If you have yet to sample the hundreds of stores, malls and markets Dubai has to offer, this winter is the perfect time to book yourself a ticket. Between January 28th and February 28th, the city really pushes the boat out and is host to a huge month long shopping festival, full of bargains and entertainment. The festival is incredibly popular, usually attracting well over 2 million visitors, many of those from abroad.

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With the winter months setting in and Christmas approaching fast, there will be many of you looking for top London vacation rental properties. RatedApartments.com is specialist holiday and service marketplace. As part of our commitment to provide quality offerings, we are also committed to providing you with the information you need to enrich your stay whilst you are on vacation in London.

The www.RatedApartments.com team have once again set out to bring you a guide to the best London shows this winter. In part four of our theatre guide we showcase four of the best pantomimes across the capital to keep you entertained over the festive period.

London’s theatreland reviews : Part 4 – Jack and the Beanstalk

Where: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Nearest Tube: Hammersmith
Until: 3rd January, 2010

During your stay at a RatedApartments.com London rental property, why not pay a visit to the West of London. Whilst there, make a point of visiting the Lyric Theatre and enjoy the delights of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack and the Beanstalk is a great pantomime for the children to practice there booing and hissing skills. They can cheer for hero Jack, sing along to great songs and enjoy a barrel of laughs with the pantomime dame. This show is full of top jokes.

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RatedApartments.com specialise in short stay properties in London. Theatreland is the perfect destination for a night of evening entertainment. The RatedApartments.com team have once again been out and about across the capital to bring you more must see theatre shows to make your stay however long or short more enjoyable.

This week we bring you reviews on not one, not two, but three huge productions. Classic movies The Shawshank Redemption and Breakfast at Tiffany’s take to the stage, while comedian Lenny Henry continues to perform strong in Othello.

RatedApartments.com Theatre Guide is the only comprehensives source for the best theatre shows to see in the capital. Each week will bring you reviews, performance times and ticket information for all the latest shows. Watch this Space!

London’s theatreland reviews – Part 3: The Shawshank Redemption

Where: Wyndams Theatre
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
Until: Unlimited
Running Time: 130 minutes

One of the biggest draws and must see shows this autumn, is undoubtedly the stage adaptation of the much-loved classic film, The Shawshank Redemption.

The 1994 Frank Darabont film, adapted from the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, regularly polls in the top five of nearly every list of best films of all time.

The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne, who is sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison after being convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Stripped of his freedom, Andy is forced to endure a spirit-crushing routine, but with his quiet strength and inner courage, Andy never loses hope.

During his time in prison, he befriends prison fixer Red, in a story of friendship, corruption and emotional struggle.

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Fresh from last weeks showcases, RatedApartments.com has once been out and about across the capital to bring you more fantastic theatre shows that you must see during your stay at one of our luxury holiday apartments in London.

This week we review X Factor finalist Diana Vickers’ performance in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and give you our verdict on the latest adaptation of Samuel Beckett’s unsettling and intense Endgame.
RatedApartments.com Theatre Guide is the only comprehensives source for the best theatre shows to see in the capital. Each week will bring you reviews, performance times and ticket information for all the latest shows. Watch this Space!

London’s theatreland reviews – Part 2: Endgame

Where: Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Until: 5th December
Running Time: 120 minutes

At the Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street is Samuel Beckett’s one act play Endgame. Directed by Simon McBurney with Mark Rylance until the 5th December, Endgame is a four-hander devoid of any action, typical of Beckett’s absurdist style.

The play follows the story of the aged and blind Hamm who is unable to stand up, and his servant Clov who cannot sit down. They co-exist in a mutually dependent and fractious relationship, living in a small house by the sea. Through the dialogue we discover that there is nothing left outside. They live with Hamm’s legless parents, Nell and Nagg, who live in rubbish bins and are condemned to a daily routine sealed off from the void outside.

Set in an isolated setting, focusing on diseased characters discussing various aspects of civilization that no longer exist, this play is both bleak and dark but incredibly compelling. If you are a fan or the absurd and great works of literature, you should make sure you get your tickets now.

Shows run Monday through to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinee performances at 3pm. Ticket prices range from £25 to £51, although groups of eight people or more can purchase reduced tickets at £33.50 Monday to Friday.

Below is the map to locate Duchess Theatre.

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The London West End is no stranger to an array of showmanship, sparkle and spectacular entertainment.

This year’s autumn/winter season is set to be no exception with movie adaptations, X Factor starlets and classic works of literature featuring among the options on offer for art and entertain lovers across the capital.

Over the coming weeks RatedApartments.com will be reviewing the latest offerings to grace the glittering West End. Our comprehensive guide will be your definitive source to what is hot and what is not, so that you can make the most of your stay in one of our luxury apartments across the capital.

The London West End known as Theatreland, much like New York’s Broadway is one of London’s biggest tourist attractions and an absolute must for RatedApartments.com customers.

In 2008 theatre attendance surpassed 13 million attendees setting a new record for the West End proving it is as popular as ever.

London’s first public playhouse, known simply as The Theatre, was constructed in 1576 in the area now known as Shoreditch. The first West End theatre, known as Theatre Royal in Bridges Street, built on the site of the present Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, opened on May 7 1663 but was destroyed by a fire nine years later.

Today London’s main theatre district, Theatreland, contains approximately forty venues, located in the heart of the West End in the heart of Central London.

Most of the theatres in England are of late Victorian or Edwardian construction and are privately owned. The majority of them have great character, and feature grand neo-classical, romanesque, or Victorian facades and luxurious, detailed interior design and decoration.

Visiting the theatre is equally part of the experience of any visit to a West End show, as the ambience becomes part of the performance.

RatedApartments.com Theatre Guide is the only comprehensives source for the best theatre shows to see in the capital. Each week will bring you reviews, performance times and ticket information for all the latest shows. Watch this Space!

In Part One – Last few weeks to catch Stephen Daldry’s thrilling An Inspector Calls and Strindberg’s scandalous masterpiece Miss Julie.

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