Events
The Essentials: June
Splash into summer with our top highlights for June, from a feel-good musical to a highly anticipated comic book and an LGBTQ+ love story – just in time for Pride Month
THE PHRASE: All Of Us
If we have learned anything over the past 18 months, it is that “all of us” can be affected by the problems of the world – irrespective of location, age, gender, religion, sexuality, affluence and so on. We all share a common risk of being exposed to the world’s greatest problems, from pandemics to climate change, and we all share an equal responsibility to contribute to progress.
Perfect If: You recognise that we can all make a difference. Yes, all of us…
THE TV SHOW: Loki
On 9 June, Marvel comes out with its third television show, this time shining the spotlight on the Asgardian god of mischief – and many fans’ favourite villain-hero. What we know so far is that it reveals what happened after Loki stole the Tesseract in Avengers: End Game and escaped to a different timeline. What we don’t know is how it’ll all unexpectedly and impressively connect to the rest of the Marvel Universe narrative. Stream on Disney+.
Perfect If: Having Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson together in the same show is your idea of good, irreverent humour.
THE COLOUR TREND: Sorbet Pastels
So you’ve already exhausted every single earth tone or neutral hue available out there. Trust us, so have we. And while a casual brown or a classy white are a definite must for any well-curated wardrobe, it’s about time to switch them up in time for summer! Cheerful, lively and eye-catching, sorbet pastels are all the rage in 2021. And no need to sweat when searching for that perfect matching set or accessory you’ve been dying for: from haute couture to indie brands and big retail stores, they’re everywhere this season.
Perfect If: Your closet needs an urgent revival. Pro tip: Try digging around vintage stores for the coolest, most unique finds.
THE CAUSE: World Oceans Day
On World Oceans Day (8 June), the UN hosts their second fully virtual annual event in partnership with non-profit Oceanic Global. Titled ‘The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods’, the event features more than 40 thought-leaders, from ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau to oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle. Care to join the cause? The all-day live-stream is free to watch with a quick email RSVP. Alternatively, worldoceanday.org lists many other online events across the globe to mark the day. Other things on your to-do list for June 8: take our ocean plastic awareness quiz and sign the petition We Are One Ocean, started by the World Surf League (WSL).
Perfect If: You want to help turn the tide.
THE EVENT: Beardy Folk Festival & Secret Sunrise World Music Day Global Groove
Kick-start your summer the old-fashioned way, aka with a load of good old live music – yes live! – and certain measures in place… for good measure. Held in the beautiful grounds of Hopton Court amidst the idyllic landscape of England’s West Midlands region, the Beardy Folk Festival (17- 20 June) promises to amaze attendees with acoustic gigs on stages set in a secret 19th-century walled garden, as well as with children’s activities, workshops, artisanal food and drink, and camping/glamping under the stars. Google says your current position is too far away? Don’t lose heart – get it pumping instead by celebrating World Music Day (5 June) with virtual live music event Secret Sunrise. Book your online ticket, wear something funky, and join a global community for some powerful, musical fun!
Perfect If: You look forward to naturally increasing your dopamine levels with a pint of ale sipped amidst a fairy-tale woodland, or simply with irresistible rhythms right from home.
THE COMIC BOOK: Spawn’s Universe #1
Earlier this year, Canadian comic book creator Todd McFarlane announced the June release of his new horror-fantasy comic book series Spawn’s Universe #1. You may know McFarlane as the maker of the original Spawn, published by Image Comics nearly 30 years ago, or as the co-creator of villain Venom in Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise of the ‘80s and ‘90s, or perhaps as the artist behind The Amazing Spider-Man series. Now, McFarlane is back in the game, publishing a special one-shot issue that will consist of four chapters (Spawn, She-Spawn, Medieval Spawn and Gunslinger Spawn) across 52 pages, highlighting different Spawn characters from the past and present, all sketched by four acclaimed artists – Jim Cheung, Brett Booth, Stephen Jorge Segovia and Marcio Takara.
Perfect If: You don’t mind spending summer in the eighth circle of hell (it feels like that in your living room anyway!).
THE SHOW: After Life
For many, being able to approach a real box office and hold a paper ticket to physically enter London’s National Theatre is pure joy itself – even if pure joy won’t exactly be the main feeling evoked by this emotional piece written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and adapted from Hirokazu Kore-eda’s award-winning film about a group of strangers who, in the waiting room between life and death, are asked to pick one precious memory to spend eternity with.
Perfect If: You are ready for some screen-free catharsis.
THE MUSICAL: In the Heights
Looking for something a bit lighter? In the Heights is bound to give us all the happy feels we need right now, as the film adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical hits theatres and HBO Max on 11 June. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Quiara Alegría Hudes (Water by the Spoonful), and directed by John M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), In the Heights tells the story of bodega owner Usnavi, who lives in the barrio of New York’s Washington Heights and dreams of a better life.
Perfect If: You crave sunshine, singing and dancing – synchronised swimmers and all.
THE BOOK: One Last Stop
Arriving on 1 June – just in time for Pride Month – One Last Stop is the much-anticipated Queer romcom by Casey McQuiston, author of the bestseller Red, White & Royal Blue. McQuiston lives, as she puts it on her website, “at the intersection of fun, escapist romantic adventure and smart-mouthed characters with bad manners and big hearts.” One Last Stop tells the story of August, a cynical 23-year-old student in New York City. August doesn’t believe in cinematic love stories, until one day on the subway, she sets eyes on the most gorgeous girl she’s ever seen. The two hit it off, but there’s one snag: the girl has been stuck on the train since the 1970s.
Perfect If: You want to add a smart romance story to your vacation reading list this summer.
THE DRINK: Bandung
If pastel pink’s your shade (see: THE COLOUR TREND), try a refreshing glass of bandung this month. A popular drink in many parts of Southeast Asia, bandung sees evaporated or condensed milk mixed with rose syrup and served over ice, making for a sweet but refreshing drink to beat the tropical heat. Colour-coordinate your outfit, and pour yourself a tall glass to sip during sultry summer afternoons on the balcony – don’t forget to snap a selfie first.
Perfect For: Pairing with our Tastemaker recipe this month, a staple of Singapore’s iconic hawker centres – just like bandung.
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