Justina Kripaityte, a Lithuanian photographer, felt an unexplainable pull to Spain’s Costa del Sol, where she now pursues her passion. 

Growing up amid forests and fields, she recalls, “I was one of those kids who could sit in the grass for hours just watching how the light shifts through the trees.” This connection to nature sparked her love for photography, initially a “side hustle” while working in finance.

An impulsive move brought her to Spain. “I felt a strange pull that I didn’t know how to explain,” she says, describing her 4,000km solo drive from Lithuania. “I just felt that something bigger was waiting for me here.” In Spain, she found both purpose as a professional photographer and love, meeting her partner.

Now, Justina captures authentic moments, like lovers, weddings, families, focusing on genuine emotions. “Photography isn’t just a job for me – it is my passion,” she explains. “I capture what’s important.” Spain’s amazing light and nature inspire her, as “the light here just hits different.”

She loves Spain’s golden hour and spontaneity, saying, “People value connection over productivity. Life is slower here.” However, she finds inefficiencies frustrating: “The slower life can feel romantic until you’re chasing a missing order for the third week.” Despite bureaucratic challenges, Justina embraces Spain’s unique beauty, saying, “You learn to trust the process even when it’s wildly imperfect.” Justina’s dazzling photography can be seen at justinakrisphotography on Instagram.

The Script perform at Marbella’s Starlite Occident Festival on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 9pm, making their first appearance at the glamorous event. 

Best known for hits like “Hall of Fame”, “Superheroes”, and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, the Irish band has amassed over 10 billion streams and sold 12 million albums globally. After something of a hiatus, The Script returns with a new album, Satellites, and a heartfelt tribute to their late founder, Mark Sheehan, who passed away suddenly in April 2023.

Just recently, the band wowed 28,000 fans at a sold-out Thomond Park in Limerick, where Danny O’Donoghue dedicated “If You Could See Me Now” to all those who’ve lost loved ones. At Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival, they moved thousands with high-energy performances of “Breakeven”, “Rain”, and a phenomenal performance of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”.

The current lineup of O’Donoghue, Glen Power, Benjamin Seargent, and Ben Weaver, brings back the boundless energy to classics like “Six Degrees of Separation” and “For the First Time”.

This Starlite performance will mix powerful vocals, emotional storytelling, and dance-worthy energy, making a night to remember under the Marbella stars. The Script’s only appearance at the festival will be hard to beat. Tickets start at €52 from the official Starlite website. The Starlight Festival is at Calle Albinoni, Marbella.

The Manilva Beach Rugby Costa Barbarians tournament is planned to take place on Saturday, July 19, at La Noria beach for a day of dynamic rugby action on the shores of Sabinillas. 

Organised by the Costa Barbarians in partnership with Manilva council’s sports department, the event is part of the Spanish Beach Rugby 5 Series and will feature competitions in U12, U14, U16, and veterans’ categories.

Starting at 11am, teams from across the region will compete in fast-paced matches displaying strength, strategy, and speed. Spectators can enjoy the games from the shoreline, with beach bars and refreshments available throughout the day. The tournament will conclude with its traditional “third half”, a relaxed barbecue and prize-giving ceremony starting at 8pm, where players and attendees will celebrate the day’s events.

In rugby, the “third half” is a colloquial term referring to the post-match social gathering where players, officials, and sometimes spectators come together to relax, socialise, and celebrate. It typically involves food, drinks, and camaraderie, encouraging a sense of community and sportsmanship. They say, “Rugby is a game for hooligans played by gentlemen, while football is a game for gentlemen played by hooligans,” and never is this more apparent than at a “third half”.

Open to rugby fans and those seeking a lively day out by the sea, the Costa Barbarians’ beach rugby tournament offers a mix of sport, sun, and the best of community spirit on the Costa del Sol.