Galeria Arte Algarve, Lagoa - did it again! Very possibly even more people came to OPEN IX than have ever come to an OPEN before… we didn’t have time to count - but there was a steady stream of visitors from the minute the doors opened at 3pm until well over two hours later. As the sun travelled lazily into the west, people were still chatting contentedly on the terrace, drinking wine and delighting in yet another fantastically upbeat day for art and culture in the Algarve.

New statistics show peer pressure and cheap drinks can lead to more than a holiday hangover. In a new campaign under the banner “On holiday, don’t let drink do your talking”, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is encouraging young holidaymakers to think before and while they drink to avoid putting themselves at risk of serious harm.

Expats are being asked to share this important message with visiting friends and family to help ensure they spend their time enjoying their holidays, not in hospital, jail or worse.

Wonderful silversmith Something Xtra Special  has this week launched a brand new range of affordable and exquisite costume jewellery using beautiful art by talented artists. Algarve resident, A3art's Alyson Sheldrake, is delighted to have her art work included in the range, which is available exclusively at Etsy SxtraS online shop.