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Juan Mata Receives An Honorary MBE

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The Spanish professional footballer and founder of the network Common Goal, Juan Mata received an Honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) June 27th at the Madrid Residence of the British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis. Mr Mata was included in His Majesty King Charles III’s 2023 list of Honorary Awards to foreign nationals for his services to sport and charity. 

Having played the majority of his career in the UK, Juan Mata has become one of the world’s most successful professional footballers. During his club career, he won the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League twice, with both Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012. He has also enjoyed great success with the Spanish national team, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship in 2012.

Mr Mata’s success has reached far beyond the football pitch. In 2017, he co-founded Common Goal to form a lasting connection between football as a business and football as a tool for social change. Common Goal asks its members to pledge 1% of their earnings to charity.

Today, over 250 footballers and coaches are part of the movement, contributing to dozens of projects around the world.

Presenting the honour, British Ambassador Sir Alex Ellis said:

“Through his leadership and vision with Common Goal, Juan has shown how football can be a force for good. His commitment to support communities and make lives better is inspiring and it is my privilege to recognise his outstanding work with this Honorary MBE.”

Juan Mata said:

“I’m deeply grateful for this recognition. I’m fortunate to be able to dedicate myself professionally to what I’m most passionate about—football—and even more so that it’s something with such global significance. Sport in general, and football in particular, have a unique ability to unite and connect people, and to drive positive change. This honour strengthens our commitment to continue supporting those who strive to improve lives through our beloved game.”

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Claptone’s Daytime Dance Fever At Nikki Beach

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Claptone & Mood Sax at Nikki Beach. Credit NB

Nikki Beach Marbella has a very special daytime event coming up – “Sol & Sound”, headlined by the internationally celebrated house music artist Claptone. 

On Friday, July 25, from 1pm to 9pm, the beachfront venue will transform into a hot dance haven under the Mediterranean sun, offering a unique experience with pulsating beats.

Recognisable by his trademark golden mask and a sound that fuses deep house with melodic and atmospheric elements, Claptone will take the decks. The enigmatic DJ, who previously performed at Nikki Beach Saint Barth for a New Year’s Eve celebration, is no stranger to captivating audiences worldwide. This time, he trades the dim lights of nightclubs for Marbella’s sunlit shores for a magical daytime set that’s a rare treat for fans.

Behind the golden mask lies an artist who has masterfully balanced mystery with a shining career. Claptone burst onto the house music scene in the early 2010s, and has become a global force in clubland ever since. His discography includes several studio albums and remixes for artists like Depeche Mode, Elton John, and Dua Lipa. As a festival favourite, he has performed at events like Tomorrowland and Coachella. His “The Masquerade” events, which have become known for their theatrical twist, have gained him a reputation as a leading figure in contemporary house music.

“Sol & Sound” will feature a dynamic lineup besides Claptone, with a back-to-back set by Dann Martin and Frank Osorio, as well as Stan Courtois. To add a touch of sophistication, Mood Sax will deliver a live saxophone performance, giving the day a fresh, elegant feel. It’s said the the beach club will be adorned with golden decoration and shimmering spheres, reflecting the warm tones of the sunset.

Nikki Beach Marbella remains a top destination for those seeking the best in house music, an exclusive atmosphere, and a prime location by the Mediterranean. The venue’s summer lineup is impressive, with upcoming performances by artists like Milk & Sugar on August 1 and David Penn on August 8, and with weekly events such as Catch Us Dancing! and Sun to Sea.

On July 25, “Sol & Sound” invites everyone to dance, relax, and soak up the unique energy of Claptone under the sun. Beds and tables can be booked at nikkibeach.com/marbella for this unmissable daytime party.

Nikki Beach is at Carretera de Cádiz, km 192, Marbella.

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Lithuania’s Justina Kripaityte – Speaking European

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Justina Kripaityte and her art. Credit: JK

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.

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The Script’s Momentous Return At Starlite

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Glen Power, and Danny O’Donoghue of The Script. Credit: TS FB

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.

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