What's On 15 June

Ellie Smith
June 15, 2025

Dear Reader,

Storytelling is at the heart of what it is to be human. It is our key to understanding our world. This week at Inhabit Hotel (the UK’s first B Corp hotel group), I attended an Asylum Speakers event and had the privilege of listening – firsthand – to Giel’s story. Giel is a remarkable 20-year-old South Sudanese man, who left his home aged 13 when civil war broke out. It took him four years – including being imprisoned, enslaved and attempting four boat crossing attempts – before making it to UK shores. He is famous in the refugee community after saving the lives of hundreds of imprisoned refugees in Libya. He is now modelling, studying, has met the love of his life and has a young baby. His grin can light up a room. Asylum seekers and refugees have become so politicised and there isn't a day when the media and politicians aren't blaming all our ills on this 'othered group', but each refugee is a person, just the same as us, whose dice were loaded from the day they were born. If only we could hear their stories more (and book them for speaker events), maybe we’d be inspired to help from a place of empathy rather than fear and hatred.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

I’m Picking Up… Good Vibrations

I love the Beach Boys and was sad to hear about Brian Wilson’s death last week. But I’m going to channel my inner surfer girl at a new festival launching this August. Good Vibrations Society is a weekender centred around music, wellness and environmental action. Brian Wilson won’t be there, but I will.

It's The Summer For Women In Sport

Finally we can be glued to our sets for a sporting summer, featuring women. And what a roster of events is on the schedule. Find out everything you need to know here.

Gearing Up For Groundswell

Continuing the festival vibe, I’ll also be heading to the ‘Glastonbury for farmers’ festival, Groundswell on 2 July, tuning into talks on milk (its pros and cons) and Ozempic vs organic in the face of our obesity epidemic. Can’t wait. All the cool farm folk will be there.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Burberry has given Somerset hotel The Newt a makeover – think golf buggy tours and hot air balloons drenched in the brand’s custom check.

Prepare for Royal Ascot with our handy guide – plus here’s where to eat and drink at the event.

Anya Hindmarch’s ice cream pop-up is back for the summer, with suitably unusual flavours including gravy, sriracha and custard. Until 16 August

Need a break from your phone? Do it in style at Unplugged’s first ever retreat, taking place at Cabilla Cornwall this summer. 14 – 17 July and 17 – 20 July

A free, immersive eco-exhibition has arrived in King’s Cross, inviting visitors to interact with living plants – part of the three-month Super Nature initiative. Until 29 June

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

6 members’ club restaurants you can visit without membership

Le Grand Mazarin: is this Paris’s most beautiful hotel?

Clarkson’s Farm season 5: what we know so far

Could this Swiss health resort change your life?

The Countdown To Wimbledon Is On

Missed out on the ballot for Wimbledon? The handy side entrance to the tennis Championships is the hospitality tickets, which are still available through Aceify. Not only do these tickets grant access onto Wimbledon’s courts (specifically Centre Court and Court 1), but you’ll have the best seats in the house – plus you’ll have the added opportunity of rallying with a tennis professional on an authentic grass court.

Win Your Dream Summer Wardrobe from Hobbs London

Want to give your wardrobe a summer refresh? You’ve come to the right place: Hobbs is offering you the chance to win a £500 gift card and an exclusive personal styling experience.