Winter Wonderland Sign with stalls and lights in the background with a Welsh Dragon teddy in the centre

The Arrival of Winter Wonderland

It is that time of year again when, as the festive season approaches, Cardiff transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland! From the festive markets to the food and drink stalls to the big wheel – there is something for everyone. This article will be discussing the best attractions this seasonal event has to offer! Christmas Markets In the heart of town on St. John’s … Continue reading The Arrival of Winter Wonderland

Review: A Christmas Carol At The Sherman Theatre

Charles Dickens is renowned for shaping our Christmas experience, so when I went to watch A Christmas Carol, I had high expectations. The show appealing to everyone, brings the festive magic to life with it’s charming humour. Debuting back in 2021, it has now returned and become a performance worth watching repeatedly. Staged at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff and adapted by Gary Owen, this … Continue reading Review: A Christmas Carol At The Sherman Theatre

In Conversation With Jasper Wilkins

Jasper Wilkins is a video director, producer and photographer based in London. In his current role as a Senior Producer at the BBC he leads the creation of digital content for flagship shows like Gladiators, The Apprentice, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. His industry accolades include being a Media Week 30 Under 30 Winner, Cardiff 30 Under 30 Winner, and a Promax Gold Winner. He … Continue reading In Conversation With Jasper Wilkins

Mental Illness and the Creative Mind: Is There a Connection?

In an age where journalling has become a means of emotional overflow, creativity is often a form of release for those in search of relief. Looking at the bigger picture, there seems to be a connection between those with personal battles and creative pursuit: specifically in public figures. Conditions, ranging from bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are, more often than not, diagnosed to these individuals. … Continue reading Mental Illness and the Creative Mind: Is There a Connection?

Tradition Goes Up Against The Modern Era: How Binge Culture and Streaming Platforms Have Changed How We Watch Television

Watching TV in the modern era has shifted with the rise of binge culture and streaming platforms, therefore affecting how we consume TV and the traditional values it contributes to British homes. This has contributed to dying cinema and a changing TV landscape as, for most of the younger generations, the idea of bingeing a new series all in one go is far more exciting … Continue reading Tradition Goes Up Against The Modern Era: How Binge Culture and Streaming Platforms Have Changed How We Watch Television

Sunscreen, Selfies, and Sponsorships 

I can’t lie, there have been plenty of times I’ve found myself scrolling through Instagram, envious of all the travel photos I see. I find myself wishing that I could be sponsored by some big shot company and sent abroad to experience new cultures and new places to share with my very small following. That’s the beauty of digital marketing; it sparks emotion in an … Continue reading Sunscreen, Selfies, and Sponsorships 

Credit- Olivia Nilsen

Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Breakthrough ‘brat punk’ sensation Delilah Bon is someone you should keep your eye on – especially if you’re a metal head!  Infusing bratty riot grrrl punk with lyrical hip-hop and hard-hitting nu-metal, Delilah Bon’s distinct musical style generates fierce anthems that will give you the freedom to be angry and loud. Her music explores important political and societal issues, honing in particularly on women’s rights … Continue reading Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

An Image created by Ella Collis on Canva

21 Things I Have Learnt In My 21 Years of Life

October was not just the end of freshers and Halloween for me; it was also my birthday month! This year it was a special one, I turned 21! Do I feel 21? – absolutely not, in my head I’m still a 16-year-old teenager. However, being considered a fully-fledged adult everywhere in the world now, I thought I would pass down all of my wisdom. Both … Continue reading 21 Things I Have Learnt In My 21 Years of Life

Culinary Heritage: Recipes That Have Been Passed Down Through Your Culture.

Food is a central aspect of every culture, yet it remains one of the most underrepresented areas in the culinary world today. Here are a few recipes that celebrate diverse cuisines and will awaken your palate. My Mother’s Lazy Nasi Lemak   I was born in Malaysia and came here to the UK when I was 6 years old. Growing up, I had always wondered what … Continue reading Culinary Heritage: Recipes That Have Been Passed Down Through Your Culture.

Advocating for Literary Freedom: An Interview with Cardiff University Book Club

In the face of growing censorship and threats to literary freedom worldwide, Cardiff University Book Club is leading the charge. By hosting engaging discussions and raising funds for PEN International, the club is committed to championing the right to read, write and share ideas. Krisha (President), Christine (Social Secretary), and Khalid (Reading Group Coordinator) discuss their insights and aspirations. What does the term ‘literary freedom’ … Continue reading Advocating for Literary Freedom: An Interview with Cardiff University Book Club

Act One’s Twelfth Night: An Elaborately Tangled Web of Displaced Desire

The lights dim and the familiar opening twangs of ‘Love Story’ echo out across Cardiff’s Temple ofPeace. It is through this unexpected fusion of the Swiftian and Shakespearean that Act One DramaSociety’s production of Twelfth Night transports us into the mystical realm of Illyria. Directed byAmelia Quarm and produced by Luke Knights, the production premiered in February for a three dayrun; starring students across years, … Continue reading Act One’s Twelfth Night: An Elaborately Tangled Web of Displaced Desire

Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

A night of naughtiness, raucous laughter and pure queer joy, Student-run drag show Sly landed with a bang on the 25th of April in the Student’s Union. The university’s first-ever drag show and held in support of Mind Mental Health Charity, Sly’s triumph represented a landmark feat for Cardiff’s queer communities. Creative polymath Josh Salisbury created, hosted and performed as a part of Sly. Since … Continue reading Student Drag Show Review: Sly’s Self-Conscious Slay Was An Elitely Executed Lesson in Camp

Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

Distinguished magician and producer, Oliver Tabor is celebrated for his captivating performances and innovative contributions to the world of magic. His flagship production, West End Magic, is London’s longest-running magic show. This theatrical spectacle combines mesmerising illusions, comedy and a diverse lineup of talented performers. From being president of the IBM British Ring or FISM Champion, in this interview, he shares insights into his journey … Continue reading Behind the magic: an Interview with Oliver Tabor

Galliano and McGrath: Weird Girl Couture

The 2023 ‘clean girl’ has been pierced. Make-up influencers are putting down their sad beige palettes, and painting themselves in layers of colour and gel face masks. From aloe-vera, honey, vaseline, to even egg-whites, make-up lovers have been experimenting in an attempt to achieve Pat McGrath’s iconic shiny finish. This collection marks a dramatic semantic shift for what we once thought of as ‘glass skin’, … Continue reading Galliano and McGrath: Weird Girl Couture

Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani

Ahead of the release of their fourth studio album Smitten, I had the opportunity to speak to Pale Waves guitarist Hugo Silvani. We spoke about the inspirations of the new album, the writing process, and discussed Silvani’s passion for the sonic side of the musical world. We then delved into details of the upcoming 2024 Smitten tour. Talk me through your writing process as a … Continue reading Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani

That’ll Be The Day: The Review

Words by: Bhamini Khandige & Charlotte Hardie-Watts Following our opportunity to get press tickets to the theatre show That’ll Be The Day, as the editors of the Quench Culture section, we have each provided a run-down of our experiences of the show. As well, we were fortunate enough to have been able to interview the show-runner and performer, Trevor Payne. Happy reading! Bhamini’s Opinion I … Continue reading That’ll Be The Day: The Review

Nepotism Babies in the Fashion World

When I first jumped on this pitch, I actually had to have a serious think about what my opinion on nepotism really was, especially as I work quite a bit in the fashion industry – where the general attitude towards so-called nepo-babies is so negative. The unfairness of individuals succeeding in a highly competitive industry because they are the child or close relative of someone … Continue reading Nepotism Babies in the Fashion World

Festive Fashion: What To Wear This Holiday Season

Festive Fashion: What To Wear This Holiday Season

The holiday season is soon upon us, and with that comes the plethora of events; from Christmas dinners to course balls, there are so many outfits to plan. Any excuse to dress up immediately gets me going through Pinterest for an endless scroll of outfit inspiration. When it comes to holiday parties, there are some classic trends like velvet, emerald green or burgundy, knit dresses … Continue reading Festive Fashion: What To Wear This Holiday Season

Amelia Wollacott – Short Story Collection.

Amelia Wollacott is currently pursuing a master’s in English Literature at Cardiff University. Amelia submitted a portfolio containing a series of short stories and flash fiction pieces. All of these pieces were written during her undergraduate degree. Here are a couple of pieces that we have selected to give you an insight into Amelia’s literary prowess. Sierra Nevada. The car engine sang to the open … Continue reading Amelia Wollacott – Short Story Collection.