News

Durham restaurant Faru receives Michelin recognition
Faru, a fine dining restaurant located on Durham’s Silver Street, has been named a Michelin favourite after only eight months of business.

City of Durham MP raises concerns over disrupted education of students at “RAAC-infested” school
Mary Kelly Foy, MP for the City of Durham, has presented the financial and practical problems faced by staff and students at St Leonard’s Catholic School to the Minister for Schools, Damian Hinds, following the discovery of RAAC in several of their buildings earlier this year.

Durham University Solar Car team finish 11th place in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
After participating in the gruelling 3000km Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, Durham University Solar Car team has finished 11th place.

Durham Lumiere chose to exhibit Ai Weiwei’s ‘Illuminated Bottle Rack’ despite Israel-Palestine comment controversy
Despite several galleries cancelling Ai Weiwei’s exhibitions following his comments referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Lumiere 2023 chose to continue to display his ‘Illuminated Bottle Rack’ (2018) over the four nights of the festival.

County Durham MP resigns from Labour frontbench after voting for ceasefire
Mary Foy, MP from County Durham, resigned after voting in favour of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.

BrewDog CEO claims delays to Durham retail development costing “hundreds of jobs”
Will Dixon reports on the blame game surrounding delays to the opening of the Milburngate development in Durham.

Palatinate’s 2023 Christmas Survey: the results
Palatinate reveal how Durham students spend their Christmas, from their favourite Christmas songs and movies, to their memories of the holiday season.
Comment

The unaddressed truth of online exams
Charlie Townsend discusses the pitfalls of online exams and argues that in-person exams are ultimately more rewarding to students.

Sobriety, sports and socials- is teetotalism possible at Durham?
Sanjay Suri writes on his experience with teetotalism this term, and its impact on social life in Durham.

Backchat: Social Class
Climbing up the stairs but for what? Readers take their pick of the newsstand.

A year abroad: staring change right in the eye
Mia Tillyard gives her advice on surviving the year abroad and embracing change head-on.

Backchat: Environmental Politics
Are voters willing to pay the climate’s toll? Readers take their pick of the newsstand.

The era of “zombie” entertainment
Josh Lynch discusses the Beatles’ new single ‘Now and Then’ and argues that AI is not good news for the arts.

Iceland: is it really a ‘feminist utopia’?
In her recent visit to Iceland, Lizzie Kennedy talks about her participation in the Kvennaverkfall, or ‘Women’s Strike’, and what it says about the position of women in Icelandic society.
Politics

AI regulation downloading: the scope and limitations of the Bletchley Declaration
Alexandra Thurston looks at the UK Government’s AI Summit and efforts to regulate the growing industry.

Costa’s corruption scandal: a set back for Europe’s Green Deal
Scarlett Clarke examines how Portugal’s corruption scandal will impact the EU’s Green Deal.

Reshuffle: making the Conservative Party electable?
Joss Greenfield looks at the recent Cabinet reshuffle: does it look like a government fit for an election?

Ohio waves goodbye to ban on abortion
Fleur Pallister examines the impact of Ohio’s pro-choice amendment to the state constitution.

Biden’s uphill battle: one year out from the US election
Alex Jennings examines recent polling results ahead of the 2024 US election.

Is Suella Braverman’s departure a cry for unity?
Anoushka Mundey examines why Suella Braverman was sacked as Home Secretary, and what it could mean for the future of the Conservative Party.

New King Coal: Sunak Lays Out Plans for New Oil Drilling Licences in King’s Speech
Nathalie Rengger discusses the Government’s plan to extend fossil fuel licencing, announced in the King’s Speech.
Sport

The highs and lows of the 2023 Formula One season
Joe Bamber takes a look at what has been a statistically exceptional season.

The F1 awards for 2023
With the 2023 season in the books, Rishi Tanna hands out his end of season awards.

Is it time to say goodbye to the Pan-American Games?
Charlotte Baxter questions the future of the western hemisphere’s sporting competition.

Football and television – an increasingly economic affair
Ben Marsden gives an insight into the intrinsic link between football, television, and finance.

Sandro Tonali’s gambling did not pay dividends
A few weeks after Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali’s betting ban was implemented, Ben Pawlowski highlights the paradoxical nature of gambling in football.

Should Tottenham be praised for the way they defended against Chelsea, or should Ange Postecoglou have changed his tactics?
In his Palatinate debut, Ben Riedel gives his take on the eventful Tottenham versus Chelsea match that took place a few weeks ago.

DWFC: spectacular Sheffield shootout
Durham’s FA Women’s League Cup tie against Sheffield United went the whole mile to a penalty shootout, in what was a nail-biting affair.
Profile

Michael Crick: A career in keeping the powerful in check
William Milne speaks with veteran political journalist Michael Crick about why he loves journalism and thinks it is so important.

Profile meets Fiona Hill, Durham University’s newly appointed Chancellor
Profile Editor William Rome speaks to Durham University’s newly appointed Chancellor Fiona Hill.

Jim Chapman: “The best I can do is create content that is at least positive and makes people happy”
Profile Editor William Milne talks to YouTuber and model Jim Chapman about his nostalgia for the past, his creative instincts and drive, and how he remains humble.

Pierre Cannet: “A strong civil society is critical to make sure that we can enable and adopt change”
Profile’s Emily Worlock speaks to the French environmentalist Pierre Cannet about his work to combat climate change through legal and political activism.

Peter Bleksley: “He stuck a double-barrelled sawn-off shotgun under my nose, and I legged it…”
Profile Editor William Rome speaks to former Met undercover detective Peter Bleksley.

Tony Palmer: “What interests me is people, and making films about people”
William Rome speaks to film director Tony Palmer.

Cllr Heather Woodbridge on Orkney Independence: “How are we going to solve the lack of engagement, lack of support, lack of anything coming forward”
Profile speaks to the Deputy Leader of Orkney Council about their internationally reported effort to secede from the UK – or perhaps merely to get a fairer deal for the Orcadians it represents.
SciTech

Earthshot: charting a course for a sustainable future
The Earthshot Prize has a royally star-studded ceremony and aims to save the world. How?

BMI: body-mass index or body-mass inaccuracy?
BMI is meant to help keep us healthy. But could it be doing more harm than good?

Durham Physics helps Euclid telescope see the invisible
The telescope is making an extensive 3D map of the universe, which may help us to learn about dark matter.

LGBTQ+ STEM Day 2023: Durham researchers’ LGBTQ+ STEM Heroes, part 3
In this final instalment of this series we interview researchers from physics, biosciences, and engineering about their LGBTQ+ STEM heroes.

LGBTQ+ STEM Day 2023: Durham researchers’ LGBTQ+ STEM Heroes, part 2
In the second instalment of this series we interview researchers from biology, maths, and chemistry about their LGBTQ+ STEM heroes.

LGBTQ+ STEM Day 2023: Durham researchers’ LGBTQ+ STEM Heroes, part 1
To mark LGBTQ+ STEM Day we have teamed up with Durham researchers to talk to them about their chosen LGBTQ+ STEM heroes.

Tackling solar e-waste in the renewable energy era
Madeleine Perry discusses how the world should deal with e-waste created by the solar energy industry.
Features

One month in Durham: transitions and new beginnings
“One month later, it’s insane that I have already experienced so much, however, I know that this
is just the tip of the iceberg.” Misky Chebaliat explores the highs and lows of her first month in Durham.

From formatives to formals
Features Editors Emily Parsons and Lily Gershon explore the best things to do in Durham during the Christmas period.

6000 Miles Away: Honouring My Thai-Chinese Heritage
Tonmai Cheewasutthanon describes how he keeps his Thai-Chinese heritage and traditions alive whilst studying in Durham.

Mid-Michaelmas blues
“Although naming it the ‘mid-michaelmas blues’ can feel reductive, as if you’re putting on a wet paper towel to heal a bullet wound, it is comforting to know this is a universal experience.” Lily Gershon explores how she navigates mid-term burnout.

From Vietnam to Durham: how I keep to my roots
“Vietnamese culture is a rich tapestry of traditions, history, and values that has endured the test of time and continues to flourish in the modern world.” Esmee Pham explores her Vietnamese identity whilst at Durham.

Echoes of Home
Alysa Pitchamani explores keeping to her faith in both Singapore and Durham.

Should you reinvent yourself?
Features Editor Lily Gershon shares a guide to reinventing yourself at university.
Books

Why I wouldn’t recommend ‘A Little Life’ to everyone
Verity Newbery explores why “TikTok’s book of the summer” may not be for every reader.

The twelve books of Christmas
Books Editor Louisa Wagstaff gives her literary take on the classic Christmas carol.

In Defence of Colleen Hoover: Dissecting Abusive Behaviour in Fiction
Milly Sutcliffe explores criticism of Colleen Hoover’s work, and how it portrays abuse.

Kit Fan: award-winning poet speaks on language, migration and writing
Audrey Wong’s interviews award winning poet Kit Fan during the Durham Book Festival 2023.

Durham book festival
Audrey Wong, Marie Greindl and Louisa Wagstaff discuss events at Durham’s Book Festival.

Fine-Tuning Your Shelf: Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’
To get you in the Halloween spirit, Mia Nuttall has curated the perfect soundtrack to the spooky nights approaching, inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel.

Has The Booker Prize changed ‘Literature’?
Louisa Wagstaff explore the extent to which The Booker Prize celebrates diversity, uncovering its problematic past and the systemic issues in the publishing industry which feed into this.
Food & Drink

All I want for Christmas is bread sauce…
Charlie Burnet-Harris makes the case for bread sauce as the best part of Christmas dinner.

Palatinate, pizza and punk: a review of Pizza Punks
‘The menu itself is unlike any other pizza place I’ve visited.’ Food & Drink Editor, Elliot Gosnold reviews his experience at Durham’s Pizza Punks venue.

Too good, or not too good, that is the question
‘Too good to go seems too good to be true’. Eleanor Strain reviews Durham’s Too Good To Go scene.

The rise and fall of the TikTok viral food spot
“Controversy breeds engagement, and engagement means money” Eleanor Strain discusses the polarised world of TikTok food reviews.

Spooky season snacks: where to find the best Halloween foods in Durham
Margot McDonald reviews the best of the Halloween foods to be found in Durham this year.

A tour of traditional Indonesian cuisine
Alvianni Nur Mahmudah walks you through some traditional Indonesian dishes.

Hatfield and Hild Bede: an ode to canteens
“If it wasn’t for Hild Bede’s perfect catering services, life at university would not be the same.” Eleanor Strain and Elliot Gosnold reflect on their experiences of college canteens.
Film & TV

‘Planet Earth III’: majestic footage underscored by environmental shame
A movement away from pure admiration towards action in ‘Planet Earth III’

Review: ‘Saltburn’
“Emerald Fennell’s gothic psychological thriller is certainly not one for the faint-hearted”: Alexandra Murphy-O’Connor discusses ‘Saltburn’.

Reality TV fatigue – are we getting sick of reality TV?
“It’s difficult to recall the anticipation for reality TV after nearly two decades of petty arguments, collective hatred, and scandal”: Lucy Atkinson discusses the controversial return of ‘Big Brother’ to ITV.

A homage to ‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’
Film & TV Editor Eve Mustin discusses her favourite Christmas film

The one where we lost Matthew Perry too soon
“Best known for his sensational delivery, quick-wit, and sarcasm”: Erin Donnelly pays tribute to beloved ‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry.

Will new HBO series ruin the magic of ‘Harry Potter’?
Ben Marsden brings us to speed on the concerns around HBO Max’s upcoming TV-remake of the ‘Harry Potter’ movie series

‘Everything Now’ – finally, a funny, responsible show about eating disorders
Madeleine Ballay runs through Netflix’s teen drama ‘Everything Now’, a turning point in depictions of eating disorders
Stage

Review: DUCT’s The Rivals
“We enter a melodious world of the ranting, rambling eccentrics of this play.” Stage-editor Alfred Diemer is amused by the DUCT performance of the ‘The Rivals.’

Review: Into the Woods
“A determined and imaginative production that TDTC should feel proud of” Niamh Williams is in awe of TDTC’s ‘Into the Woods’.

The stories we tell ourselves: TDTC’s ‘Into the Woods’
“We are the stories we tell ourselves”. Stage Editor Dan Bavister goes behind the scenes at TDTC’s upcoming production of ‘Into the Woods’, featuring exclusive interviews with the cast and crew.

Review: The Folly of Man
“Lulled into Grey’s Fountain’s Hall by sounds of Joep Beving, and a suspiciously Downton-abbey adjacent background tune, the stage for a group of young aristocrats is set before an intimately placed audience.” Zara Stokes Neustadt is entertained by Phoenix Theatre Company’s ‘The Folly of Man’.

Review: Heaven and Hell
“Only taking to the stage for one night, the performance of Heaven and Hell, the first intercollegiate showcase created by Foot of the Hill Theatre Company is a triumph!” Amelie Lambie-Proctors loves Foot of the Hill Theatre Company’s ‘Heaven and Hell’.

Back-stage with the cast & crew of DUCT’s ‘The Rivals’
“Step into a farcical and ostentatious world of entirely silly people in ridiculous situations – nothing short of a pomp affair.” Stage Editor Alfred Diemer interviews the cast & crew of DUCT’s upcoming performance of ‘The Rivals’.

Review: Simon Reeve – To The Ends Of The Earth
“This live show will certainly inspire you to get out and explore the world.” Stage Editor Dan Bavister is mesmerised by No Third Entertainments’ latest theatre tour, ‘Simon Reeve – To The Ends of The Earth’.
Fashion

Gifts wrapped up in style
“These are all of the stylish gifts we will be filling our stockings with this winter!” Style editors Freya Rogers and Martha deliver the ultimate Christmas gift guide.

So much more than a star: Marilyn Monroe’s enduring impact on society and culture
For the first edition of the new series: Style Pantheon, Style Editor Freya Rogers, explores how Marilyn Monroe transcends her iconic image.

The black suit epidemic: why is men’s red carpet fashion so boring?
‘Why is it that men continue to opt for safe options on the red carpet?’: Style editors Martha Powell and Freya Rogers discuss the lack of originality in men’s red carpet fashion.

A dive into Singaporean style
“Amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and lush greenery of this remarkable city, fashion is not merely an endeavour but a national hobby.” Marie Greindl examines Singaporean style in the 21st century.

A delicate balancing act: the return of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show
“The purpose of this rebranding is so much of a Secret that even Victoria seems unaware of what the brand now represents.” Marie Greindl explores the new Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2023.

Paris fashion week SS24: the highlights
“Paris is always a good idea”. Helena Macaulay discusses the highlights from Paris Fashion Week SS24.

An interview with Kohinoor Fashion Show
Style Editor, Caitlin Ball, chats to Desi Soc about Durham’s first South Asian fashion show.
Visual Arts

Review: Lumiere 2023
Margot McDonald shares her thoughts on this year’s light art festival.

Spatial Objects in Durham Castle
Visual Arts Editors, James Macfarlane & Lizzie Follows, talk to artist Dan Holdsworth about his current exhibition in Durham Castle.

Unity in diversity: Indonesian batik art
”Unity in Diversity”. Lizzie Follows explores how the Indonesian national motto is reflected through the art medium of batik.

Showcasing unsung contemporary voices
”Art isn’t restricted to Europe and North America, it is global” Grace Nicholson talks to the curator of the Oriental Museum’s current exhibition.

Reframing narratives at the National Portrait Gallery
Saskia Hayes talks about the National Portrait Gallery’s current efforts to diversify the London art scene.

The treasures of Milan
Visual Arts Editor, James Macfarlane, recounts his recent Milanese jaunt.

Illuminating the sea with memories: Joaquín Sorolla through light and colour
Leo Li delves into the life and work of Spanish Luminist painter, Joaquín Sorolla.
Music

Harmonising excellence: Pitch Durfect (winter edition) unites Durham’s acapella groups
“In the spirit of Pitch Perfect, The Durham Dynamics and Northern Lights came together in a stunning display of vocal talent and collaborative spirit.” Anna Jennison reviews Pitch Durfect (winter edition).

Review: Full Score and Durham University Jazz Orchestra’s ‘Singing With A Swing’
Isobel Radford reviews Full Score and Durham University Jazz Orchestra’s ‘Singing With A Swing’ – “a brilliant performance for a great cause!”

Baggy Trousers, not just a fashion trend: Madness in concert
“The 70s ska band certainly haven’t lost their spark.” Julia Miller reviews Madness in concert.

Noah Kahan: music, mental health, and making change
“I danced, sang at the top of my lungs, and let myself feel all the emotions that Kahan’s music evoked.” Margaux Burdess discusses the impact that Noah Kahan’s music has had on her life.

Review: Durham University Choral Society’s ‘Rejoice’
“The concert is mesmerising . . . It is alive with transcendent power, purpose and beauty.” Dan Bavister is enchanted by Durham University Choral Society’s ‘Rejoice’.

Connecting Communities: changing lives
Music Editor, Hannah Foster, reflects on two transformative weeks filled with music and laughter, that have made such a positive impact on her.

Music festivals: do’s and don’ts
“The expectation of a crazy weekend is definitely fulfilled.” Isabel McDermott discusses the do’s and don’ts of music festivals.
Creative Writing

Winter Blues
Creative Writing Editor Myra Kapur Dutta reflects on the many moods of Durham weather.

My Limited Sight
In this poem Zara Dewing both obscures and enlightens, leaving readers to decide what lies behind the door.

Lumiere Reverie
In this short vignette, Thomas Bainbridge illuminates the rainy streets of Durham’s Lumiere festival.

The Flare
“Eels of light swim around me cast down from the flare, as I kneel contorted in some interpretation of a prayer.” Rory McAlpine paints sparks across our vision in this environmental requiem.

The Well
V.J. Holbrook weaves a gripping web in this flash fiction horror piece.

The Flood
Amidst heavy rainfall, Creative Writing Editor Muna Mir, muses on new beginnings in this short story.

Night Terrors
In this take on the Haunted House story, Esme Bell promises to transform readers into children: once more afraid of the dark.
Travel

Schupfnudeln in Reit im Winkl
“That is the power of good food”. Lauren James describes how the German dish Schupfnudeln not only takes her back to a holiday, but also inspired her to live in Bavaria.

Kingston, Ontario: the chill is worth it
“A true representation of the friendly Canadian community.” Verity Newbery describes why the alternative Kingston should be your next skiing holiday destination.

Germany’s Riviera: a travel guide to Lake Constance
“Lake Constance is an underrated, non-touristic gem in Europe.” Lottie Gibson describes why the lake is an unmissable stop in any European holiday.

Christmas in Three Different Cities
Travel Editors Alice Reynolds and Eliza Logan and Indigo Editor Camille Hine describe the Christmas festivities in Mainz, Edinburgh and Madrid.

Il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing
“They live, slowly and with intention.” Olivia Smith describes how she embraced the Italian way of enjoying life: la vita lenta.

Day Trips from Durham: Berwick upon Tweed, Holy Island and Seahouses
Travel Editor Alice Reynolds spotlights some hidden gems in the North East

The Marrakesh Earthquake: Western Privilege in a Natural Disaster
“A month on and the privilege we experienced as Westerners has stuck with me.” Annabel Hoskings describes her experience in the Marrakesh Earthquake as a tourist.
Interview

Breaking norms and creating community through fashion
Lotte Micklethwaite talks to Expression, Durham’s LGBTQIA+ Fashion Show, about the work they are doing in Durham and beyond.

The conversations we need to have: an interview with DUASA
Interview editor, Lotte Micklethwaite, sits down with Verity Newbery, president of DU Against Sexual Assault, to talk about the conversations we need to be having.

Kit Fan: award-winning poet speaks on language, migration and writing
Audrey Wong’s interviews award winning poet Kit Fan during the Durham Book Festival 2023.

Cultural exchange in South East Asia
Head of Arts for the British Council in Indonesia, Camelia Harahap, discusses her expertise on areas of the Southeast Asian region, illuminating the importance of a mutual relationship between the UK and other countries in the name of internationalisation.

Culture is all around us
For the Southeast Asia edition of Indigo, Interview spoke to Malaysoc, Durham’s Malaysian Society, to talk to them about what they do and the experience of being a Malaysian student in Durham.

We’re still here
Hear about a new space in Durham being opened up for black women to share their voice

Life at Durham: becoming The Durham Student
Charlotte Rodney reveals how The Durham Student is a quick guide to all things aesthetically Durham.