Dayton Grey Music is a national finalist at The Wedding Industry Awards
Dayton Grey Music first started in 2013 when Dayton was 32. "I was very shy, hence the late starts," says Dayton. "I initially performed as part of a duo named Domino with my close friend Helen Hale. Considering my shy nature, I was surprised to find myself so at home on stage, and I soon gained confidence! It wasn’t long before I added new solo shows A Tribute To The Legends of Soul & Motown, For The Love of Luther (Luther Vandross Tribute) and Old Skool Flava (classic R&B). This month, I debut Ocean Devotion (Billy Ocean Tribute).
"In 2014, I performed my first wedding as a soloist. The feeling was like no other! Eager to explore my place in the industry, I took part in several wedding fairs. Things took off quickly and all subsequent bookings came from recommendations, guests from previous weddings, social media, or TV shows.
"Then the pandemic hit. The impact on our amazing industry was devastating. It didn't just affect suppliers financially. Weddings planned by couples for years were suddenly, and heartbreakingly, cancelled and rescheduled only to be cancelled again. My wife and I spent countless hours consoling devastated couples, rearranging their original suppliers and being a soundboard during difficult times. One of my couples originally from the UK (now living in Dubai) came back to stay with their family. The groom contacted me, and we planned for me to do a surprise doorstep performance for his bride-to-be on the date I was supposed to sing at their wedding! Her reaction was priceless, and it was a moment I'll never forget!
"As a supplier, my wife and I become emotionally invested in each couple's special day. Being chosen is such an honour, one we never take for granted. Throughout the process, we create great relationships with the couples, so they feel like they are speaking to a trusted friend, rather than a service provider. I’m often rebooked to sing & DJ at their future events, christenings, birthdays, anniversaries. That's such a magical feeling!
"In 2021, I was awarded Wedding Musical Act of the Year in the West Midlands by The Wedding Industry Awards. Being my first time nominated, winning was a huge surprise! I was delighted to win the title again last month, for the second consecutive year! I'm now a national finalist, and the winner will be announced on February 23rd, 2022.
"In addition to performing covers, I write and record original music. Two recent collaborations with writer/producer Alex Lloyd went straight to number one in the Amazon Music charts! During the lockdown, I was approached to be the male lead of a new national theatre show, Endless Love. Phenomenal vocalist, Leanne Sandy, will perform Diana Ross' songs while I present Lionel Richie's hits. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and cannot wait to premiere the show at the Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, on 26th February, 2022.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to share the stage on several occasions with Ray Lewis, former lead singer of The Drifters, invited to be an industry expert judge on BBC1’s All Together Now, and performed as a mystery singer on BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice. This month, I will be appearing on ITV's new primetime show, Starstruck. It has a real nostalgic Stars In Their Eyes feel! Olly Murs hosts and the panel features Jason Manford, Beverley Knight, Sheridan Smith, and Adam Lambert."
Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon shortlisted twice in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2027!
The hotel and its restaurant and coffee lounge have been recognised in two regional awards programmes, with winners announced in October and the New Year. Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon is celebrating after receiving four award nominations, with its restaurant, coffee lounge and wider hotel team all recognised across two regional awards programmes. The Falcon Coffee Lounge has been shortlisted in the Café/Coffee Shop category of the 2027 West Midlands Tourism Awards, while The Woodsman is a finalist in the Restaurant category. Now in their seventh year, the awards celebrate the region's leading accommodation providers, food and drink venues, visitor attractions and cultural and sporting experiences. A total of 35 businesses and attractions are competing across 17 categories, with winners due to be announced at a ceremony early in 2027. Gold and silver recipients will also progress to VisitEngland's National Awards for Excellence.
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Wowcher’s spa expert Cheryl Corns shares five ways to enjoy a little luxury for less
A relaxing spa visit doesn't have to involve an overnight stay or a three-figure budget. From choosing a shorter treatment with facilities access to comparing afternoon packages, there are ways to enjoy a little luxury while keeping spending down. Cheryl Corns, Wowcher's spa expert, shares five practical tips to help people find a spa experience that suits their budget. "Start with what you'd most enjoy from your visit," says Cheryl. "A massage, a swim and some time in the sauna might be exactly what you're looking for. You don't necessarily need a long treatment or an overnight stay to make it feel like a treat. "The key is to compare the whole experience—what treatment you get, which facilities you can use and how much time you have there—so you choose something that works for you."
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Keepsakes to Treasure with House of Janneke
Lifestyle brand House of Janneke is expanding its collection of meaningful keepsakes with two new titles: The Book of Special Guests and The Book of Special Recipes, designed to preserve the people, stories and traditions that matter most. Following the success of The Book of Special Days, founder Janneke Simpson has created two beautifully presented books that encourage owners to capture memories by hand, creating personal mementoes to revisit and pass down through generations.
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The A/W 2026 wedding trends: softer tailoring, richer tones and seasonal florals
From chocolate and camel tailoring to dahlias and trailing amaranthus, autumn/winter weddings are embracing richer colours and softer styling. As the autumn/winter wedding season gets underway, couples are moving away from rigid, perfectly matched styling in favour of looks that feel more relaxed, personal and connected to the season. Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, shares the key tailoring and styling trends shaping A/W 2026 occasionwear, alongside Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, who reveals the flowers, colours and textures set to be popular for bouquets and displays this season.
