Covid vs. Wartime Experiences

By Jess Macauley On 3rd September 1939, the country listened as Neville Chamberlain went on air to tell the nation, ÔÇÿthis country is at war with GermanyÔÇÖ. The announcement was the start of a six-year global war including most of the world’s countries; changing lives forever, leaving no one unaffected. Seventy-six years after the end of WW2, the nation was once again addressed by the … Continue reading Covid vs. Wartime Experiences

We Make Events: What Is The Future of the Events Industry?

Written by Eva Rodericks In March last year the events industry came to a grinding halt. Arguably, event professionals have been some of the economically hardest hit by the pandemic and also have to deal with the stressful impact of having no confirmed re-start date. As a result, in April 2020 the We Make Events organisation formed, with the Cymru branch forming in June.  I … Continue reading We Make Events: What Is The Future of the Events Industry?

The Fashion of Bridgerton

Words by Suraya Kazzuz Dearest Reader, The time has come to place out bets, for the upcoming social season. Take the young Bridgerton clan, whose outfits have garnered much attention. Consider the household of the Baron Featherington. The three young mistresses of the estate have been unfairly mocked for their vibrant dress. Who could forget, of course, the Queen herself in her elegant, decadent gowns? … Continue reading The Fashion of Bridgerton

Supporting Others in the Pandemic: The Cardiff Students Volunteering Through COVID-19

By Eva Rodericks In a time of extreme difficulty for many, whether that be financially, emotionally or physically, Cardiff students have been doing their bit to support the national effort and fight against the effects of the pandemic.  Essential Goods Collection for The Trussell Trust Following the tireless campaigning by Manchester United and England football star Marcus Rashford, the government has taken a U-turn on … Continue reading Supporting Others in the Pandemic: The Cardiff Students Volunteering Through COVID-19

Reliving Ye Olde Gap Year

Image by Toa Heftiba Words by Kristie O’Connor Due to COVID-19, the only travel dreams living in my head are my memories from the past, my gap year to be exact. August 2018 was when my journey began, a three-month trip visiting Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and a quick layover few days in Los Angeles. ItÔÇÖs hard to pick favourites, but … Continue reading Reliving Ye Olde Gap Year

A heart decorated with rainbow stripes is surrounded by three fists in the air all with different skin tones. This is on a pale pink background.

Queer History in Schools? Why We Still Need LGBTQ+ History Month

By Emily Bryant With LGBTQ+ History Month upon us, myself and my fellow members of the community can take time to commemorate those who helped shape the culture that we know and love today. Since 2003, LGBTQ+ people have been able to use the whole month of February to learn about and honour figures and events of queer history. Such celebrations, however, are not present … Continue reading Queer History in Schools? Why We Still Need LGBTQ+ History Month

Remakes, Remasters and Reboots – Do Gamers Want Innovation Or The Classics?

by Lewis Empson and Marcus Yeatman-Crouch Nostalgia is arguably the strongest influence within the gaming industry. Classics from decades ago are never far from the limelight as remakes and remasters dominate the scene almost every year to the joy and sometimes dismay of gamers. The real question is: do gamers want all of these remakes of the classics or would they prefer new and innovative … Continue reading Remakes, Remasters and Reboots – Do Gamers Want Innovation Or The Classics?

Looking Back to Lockdown One

With people now beginning to miss the first national lockdown, we asked out contributors to reflect on the ‘lockdown one nostalgia’ and tell us what differences they have noted between feelings towards the first lockdown and the situation we now find ourselves in. Rubie Barker: As it approaches a year since the first lockdown began, it does seem inevitable that we are looking back. In … Continue reading Looking Back to Lockdown One

The Asian Silver Screen: LGBTQ+ Dramas

Aligarh┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á by Chahat Awasthi The Indian silver screen landscape is rich with movies centred around the LGBTQ+ topic ÔÇô some are rich, some show the heart in the right place but a mind with gaps in nuanced understanding, and some are downright disappointing. A not-to-be-missed movie here is Aligarh – a movie based on a genuine hero ÔÇô a professor in a renowned university of India, who was hounded for … Continue reading The Asian Silver Screen: LGBTQ+ Dramas

An Interview with Sudders

Words by Sophie RevellImage courtesy of Blatantly Blunt The first thing I noticed about Jack Suddaby, or Sudders as heÔÇÖs known in the music world, is that heÔÇÖs clearly a strongly creative person. HeÔÇÖs filmed music videos for some UK hip hop greats like Rag N Bone Man and Fliptrix, produces his own music videos and has a podcast series called ÔÇ£Beautiful StrangersÔÇØon Apple Podcasts. … Continue reading An Interview with Sudders

GET THE LOOK SERIES: Nostalgia Edition

Words by Clara Boon We donÔÇÖt blame Charli XCX who wants to just ÔÇ£go back to 1999ÔÇØ. Take a look at some of the iconic looks that defined the ÔÇÿ90s fashion trends that we know and love today. Wanna be next Jenny from the Block? Jennifer Lopez has been a fashion icon ever since the nineties. A fan of hitting the clubs in a crop … Continue reading GET THE LOOK SERIES: Nostalgia Edition

How Media Did BDSM Dirty

Image by Anna Kerslake- @starryeyeddoodles By Maja Metera Th issue of misrepresentation has been studied by researchers for probably just as long as the area of media studies exist. It has covered various types of sexual and racial minoritiesÔÇÖ portrayal in media. This text ÔÇô in a less scholarly but not less educational way ÔÇô will try to explain how film and TV mistreats BDSM … Continue reading How Media Did BDSM Dirty

How the Internet Shaped Music

Words by Georgina HookwayArt courtesy of Pomona Pr Before the 21st century, music was consumed via records and cassettes, and through live concerts and videos. It was harder for artists to interact with their fans and buying your favourite artistÔÇÖs merch was something you could only do in-person. Whilst the World Wide Web has been around since 1989, it wasn’t until the 2000s, when sites … Continue reading How the Internet Shaped Music

Delve into Valentine’s Day

Image by Jamie Street Words by Lydia Tomkinson ValentineÔÇÖs Day is just about as divisive as marmite. For those in relationships the idea of a day dedicated to all things love and romance is something to look forward to every year, whilst for others seeing Valentine cards and chocolates in shops as February comes around becomes just another reminder of how single they are. Love … Continue reading Delve into Valentine’s Day

Valentines x Dinner Date Disasters

Image by Anna Kerslake With Valentine’s Day just behind us, we thought it would be fun to look back on some of our contributor’s worst date experiences, where food has been the main source of embarrassment. So, let the shocking see the cringe: awkward dates, reveal yourselves. Sad steak – Megan Evans Being an incredibly clumsy person, it really doesnÔÇÖt help in my favour when … Continue reading Valentines x Dinner Date Disasters

A couple wearing masks are in tehe centre of the pages with flowers between them. They are surrounded by images of a girl in a bathrobe reading, a pink dildo, a heart shaped box of chocolates, roses, a cocktail and a gay couple on a video call

How to Look After Your Mental Health This Valentine’s Day

Illustrations by Rahima Bhatti, @rahima.creative on Instagram Valentine’s Day is a difficult day for a lot of people. The pressure to be happy and in love can really take a toll on your mental health. Today we wanted to give you some advice for ways to look after yourself, and put you first this Valentine’s Day. Catarina Vicente’s Advice As everything else this year, ValentineÔÇÖs … Continue reading How to Look After Your Mental Health This Valentine’s Day

Quench’s Essential British TV Watchlist

Many international students come to Cardiff every year – and many may want to immerse themselves in the culture here. What is the one local TV show that youÔÇÖd recommend them to watch, and why? Fleabag by Georgina Hookway Fleabag is a comedy show set in London that covers topics of love, grief, anger, and family issues in a witty and poignant way. Starring Phoebe … Continue reading Quench’s Essential British TV Watchlist