Festival2Funky, a 3-day celebration of Black music and arts, will return for its 10-year anniversary from the 26-28th May, featuring artists from across the globe. The stellar line-up includes Grammy Award nominated artist and US billboard charts favourite, AZ, Drum N Bass pioneer, MC Shabba D, Jamaican dance hall star, Lisa Mercedes, and UK Garage favourites, Sweet Female Attitude, amongst others. Khali-Ackford-Eva-Lazarus-4-960×700.jpg Hosted in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant and multicultural West End at the acclaimed 2Funky Complex, this year’s festival will follow the theme of PEACE. Festival2Funky will embrace a diverse range of black music genres with exhilarating live performances including hip-hop, dub, UKG, amapiano, dancehall, jungle, afrobeat, jazz, soul, R&B, grime, trap and drum & bass. What’s more, those attending can take part in a graffiti workshop, family rave, and not one but two competitions. Dance battle ‘For the Funk of It’ will include jaw-dropping hip hop dance moves, while Lyrical Slam will present clever wordsmiths (poetry, rap), with artists performing for industry judges. Vijay Mistry, Managing Director of 2Funky Arts, said, “We are delighted to be bringing Festival2Funky back for its tenth anniversary year. This year’s festival will be the most diverse and inclusive festival yet, with cross-genre collaborations, experimental fusions, a vibrant network of artists, and a new dedicated LGBTQIA+ event. “There are events for all ages and interests, from those who are familiar with the music scene to those who want to learn and discover something new. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and support emerging artists in the area.” As well as welcoming talent from across the world, Festival2Funky will continue to encourage and inspire Leicester’s new and emerging artists with performance opportunities and workshops available, as well as volunteer opportunities designed to get people involved and engaged with live music in their area. FESTIVAL2FUNKY will take place from 26-28 May 2023 at The 2Funky Complex, New Park St, Leicester, LE3 SNH

Outdoor retailer, GO Outdoors, is supporting Shakespeare Fishing Tackle and the Angling Trust’s Get Out, Get Fishing campaign.

Launched this month, the campaign aims to encourage the next generation of anglers by breaking down the barriers that prevent people from trying fishing for the first time.

At the centre of this initiative is a brand-new range of beginner fishing tackle kits, developed by Shakespeare and sold exclusively by GO Outdoors and Fishing Republic.

The kits, which cover coarse, predator, and sea fishing, will be accompanied by instructional videos and other useful resources that will help newcomers learn how to use the tackle properly, where to go fishing, and how to create lifelong fishing memories.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of GO Outdoors, said: “We are really excited to be partnering with Shakespeare and the Angling Trust to provide a range of fishing kits, helping beginners to learn how to fish and overcome any obstacles.

“We’re incredibly passionate about fishing and want everyone to enjoy this pastime, whether they’re an angling expert or a beginner. We’re committed to making this accessible and fun for all ages, and we believe that the partnership with Shakespeare and the Angling Trust will help to introduce a new generation to fishing.

“The new fishing equipment is now available exclusively in GO Outdoors and Fishing Republic stores.”

Dave McCartney, EMEA Senior Marketing Manager for Shakespeare’s parent company Pure Fishing, said: “The two biggest barriers for those wanting to get into fishing are not knowing where to go and not knowing what to use. Together with the Angling Trust and GO Outdoors, we’re aiming to help people overcome those barriers.

“The Shakespeare kits have been designed to make it simple, easy, and affordable for people to catch their first fish. The packaging features QR codes directing people to excellent resources such as a map of where to fish and find angling coaches around the country, guides to setting up their tackle, and fantastic instructional video content created exclusively for this campaign. We want to give people the knowledge, the confidence, and the right equipment to head out and give fishing a go.”