Tag: christmas

6 Top DJs To Headline Hardwick Hall Boxing Day Club Night

By on 26th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Music

Six of the world’s top DJs are bringing the beats to the North East for a special Boxing Day event…

 

Popular club night, To The Manor Born, will return to Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Saturday December 26th.

Leading this year’s line-up is internationally renowned artist, Graeme Park, who recently marked 30 years on the decks and 20 years on the radio airwaves, with shows on stations including Galaxy and Kiss.

Graeme, who now has his own app, started his career in Nottingham in the 1980s, before moving on to an eight year residency at the high profile Hacienda club in Manchester.

He was one of the first British DJs to play places like Australia, South America, Asia and America and has remixed tracks by artists such as The Brand New Heavies and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Graeme will be joined at To The Manor Born by fellow Hacienda favourite, Allister Whitehead, who sold more than a million DJ mix albums with Fantazia and has headlined all the major clubs, including Cream and Ministry of Sound during an illustrious 25 year career.

Both Graeme and Allister were among the first guest DJs when To The Manor Born launched in the 1990s, and are returning to the event by popular demand.

Performing alongside them in the Main Room will be North East DJ, Michael Johnson.

A Residents Room will also be open throughout To The Manor Born, welcoming performances by another top trio. This includes Groovebox club night regulars Pete Wharrier and Rob Oxley, as well as event organiser Johnathan Woodliffe.

Jonathan said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming back two of our most popular DJ’s, Graeme Park and Allister Whitehead, who I’m sure will raise the roof alongside Michael, Pete, Rob and myself. It’s going to be an amazing night.”

To The Manor Born 2015 will run at Hardwick Hall Hotel from 8pm until 2.30am. Tickets, priced at £20, must be purchased in advance, and no entry will be permitted after 10.30pm.

For further information about this and other Christmas events taking place at Hardwick Hall, call 01740 620253, email info@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk, or visit www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.

[cwa id=’test’]

Drop And Wrap Service Running For Sunderland Christmas Shoppers

By on 24th November 2015in In & Around

Shoppers in Sunderland can get Christmas all wrapped up thanks to a new initiative…

From November 26th, Sunderland’s Business Improvement District company, Experience It Here! will be running a special Drop and Wrap service in partnership with National Skills Shop for Retail.

Shoppers will be able to unload their gifts at the new Elephant Tea Room, High Street West, and leave them there to be wrapped while they enjoy the packed programme of seasonal events running in the city.

This includes an ice rink, Christmas market and funfair.

“Christmas shopping can be hectic,” said Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Ken Dunbar.  “We’re hoping that the Drop and Wrap service will help reduce stress and give visitors a chance to enjoy our events, without having to lug their gifts around.”

The Drop and Wrap service will be run by staff and apprentices from National Skills Shop for Retail, as well as several volunteers.

“There’s so much going on in Sunderland this Christmas, so it’s great to be able to provide a service that will make it easier for people to take advantage of that,” said Chris Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at National Skills Shop for Retail.

“We expect the service to be very popular and are appealing for volunteers to get into the festive spirit and give us a hand.”

Shoppers can have their presents wrapped from £2 per item, with 50% of proceeds going to charities run by Sunderland Minster.

“Not only will this service help Sunderland’s visitors to enjoy the festive season, but it will also raise money for some really great causes,” said Sheila Bamber, Canon Provost at Sunderland Minster.

“We’re very grateful to Sunderland BID and National Skills Shop for Retail for choosing our charities to be the recipients of the money that’s raised.”

For more information about the Drop and Wrap service, or to volunteer, please call 0191 649 8686.

[cwa id=’test’]

North East Youngsters Name Winter Characters

By on 23rd November 2015in In & Around

A magical duo, designed to spread seasonal sparkle across Sunderland, are being brought to life with help from two North East youngsters…

The Frostlings, who are spearheading a programme of festive entertainment in the city’s Frost Village, had, until now, been without first names.

But following an appeal by their creators, Sunderland Business Improvement District, the brother and sister duo have been officially crowned Frostina and Spike.

Both names were among suggestions submitted by youngsters from across the North East, with Mia McCormick and Rebecca McKitterick finally chosen as the winning entrants.

Mia, 10, from Plains Farm, Sunderland, was inspired by a fellow Barnes School student for Frostina, while six year old Rebecca, from Newbottle, plumped for Spike thanks to the male character’s spikey hair.

The pair will now each receive a free family pass to the Frost Village, where visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including an outdoor ice rink offering daily skating sessions and classes for everyone from children to adults.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “This year’s seasonal schedule is one of the busiest and most exciting Sunderland has ever seen. Frostina and Spike Frostling will play a key part in that and we’re delighted that they have now finally been named.

“I would like to congratulate Mia and Rebecca on their winning entries and thank everyone who took part, we received some amazing suggestions.”

The Frostlings are part of a number of illustrated characters which have been created by the BID to add some unique magic to Christmas in Sunderland.

The duo will appear in and around the Frost Village, which is at the centre of the city’s seasonal activities programme, with a traditional Christmas market and fun fair also running nearby.

Christmas in Sunderland city centre officially gets underway on November 26th, with a Gala Ice Extravaganza featuring stars from TV show, Dancing On Ice.

The Frost Village will then be open Sundays to Wednesdays from 10am to 8pm and Thursdays to Saturdays from 10am until 10pm, with a Christmas fun fair on the former Vaux site opening daily from noon.

The real open air ice rink at Keel Square will offer a range of activities for all abilities including skating lessons, ice discos and skating with princesses and super heroes.

The Frost Village will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and skating sessions for that date must be booked in advance.

For further information about the Frost Village or group bookings visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.  You can also keep up with Frostina and Spike on Facebook and Twitter.

[cwa id=’test’]

Darlington Retailers Enticing Black Friday Shoppers

By on 23rd November 2015in Local Biz

Retailers in a North East town centre are tempting Black Friday bargain hunters with in-store, as well as on-line, offers…

Originally an American tradition, Black Friday, held on the first Friday following Thanksgiving, has become an international event, kick-starting present buying with huge savings and discounts.

And as businesses across the globe prepare for this year’s event, on Friday 27th November, one town hopes to boost business even further.

Retailers in Darlington town centre are hoping to persuade shoppers to turn up to the stores in person – rather than shop solely on line – and have lined up plenty of bargains to persuade them to do just that.

Throughout the course of the day, high street giants, such as BHS, along with smaller independent stores such as Chestnut Clothing at Grange Road, and Footprints at Skinnergate, will be slashing prices on everything from homeware to clothing and electrical goods.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, which was set up to promote business in the town centre, said: “Nationally it is expected that Black Friday sales could hit the £1billion figure and Darlington’s shops are naturally keen to attract a slice of that.

“Many have been increasing their stock considerably in order to meet projected demand and a great deal of thought has gone into the offers and discounts they will be offering.

“They are also keen to attract people into the stores and have come up with some great bargains which won’t be available on-line.

Last year Black Friday resulted in a national online spend of £810m with discounts averaging 37 per cent.

To help shoppers identify bargains and track down discounts, Distinct Darlington will be highlighting special offers on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DistinctDarlington.

For further information about Distinct Darlington visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.

[cwa id=’test’]

Wynyward Hall Offer Exclusive Spa Experience For Christmas Shoppers

By on 23rd November 2015in Local Biz

Christmas shoppers looking for pampering present ideas are invited to a special event at a top hotel and spa…

 

The lakeside Spa, at Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees Valley, is holding a shopping evening on Tuesday 1st December.

Not only will visitors be able to snap up an extensive selection of products from the exclusive Temple Spa range, but they will be given a voucher for a free file and polish by the Spa’s trained team of manicurists.

They will also be able to find out more about the treatments and products available at the Spa and view its wide range of facilities, which include a salt inhalation room, outdoor vitality spa, ice fountain and herbal sauna.

Complimentary mulled wine and canapés will be served throughout the evening, which is by appointment only and free to attend. Places can be reserved by calling 01740 644811.

[cwa id=’test’]

Thousands Flock To Metrocentre For Star-Studded Christmas Lights Switch-On

By on 20th November 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Thousands gathered to watch some of TV’s top stars light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres…

Families from across the North East headed to Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre at the weekend to watch X Factor favourite Lola Saunders, and Gogglebox family the Moffatts press the button which signals the start of the festive season at the centre.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014 and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

She was joined underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square, by Metro Radio’s breakfast team, Steve and Karen, as well as Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

The celebrities were joined by intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, the centre’s Metrognomes, and Santa himself.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola and the Moffatts attracted possibly our biggest Christmas crowd ever, and the atmosphere in the centre was absolutely amazing.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime, and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

For more information visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Whats-on/Christmas.

[cwa id=’test’]

Miller Homes Holding Children’s Christmas Card Competition

By on 19th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

North East youngsters are being given the opportunity to help Miller Homes celebrate the holiday season, and wish homebuyers a Merry Christmas with a festive children’s drawing competition…

Children in the region are being asked to design a colourful picture for the front of a Christmas card, portraying what Christmas means to them and what they love about the festive season, whether it’s a wintery snow scene, jazzy Christmas tree or Santa and his elves.

The winning design will be made into a Christmas card which will be given to friends of the leading housebuilder, and homeowners moving into their new Miller home this December in the North East, as well as being displayed in the sales centre of the winner’s local development. The winner will also receive their very own pack of the designed Christmas cards to hand out to their friends and family.

Andrew Somerville, Miller Homes North East’s regional sales manager, said: “We want to give the region’s youngsters the chance to be part of Miller Homes’ festive celebrations this year, showcasing the fantastic artistic talent of one lucky winner and adding that personal touch to our Christmas well wishes.

“Christmas is such a wonderful time of year, especially for little ones who look forward to the festive season all year round, so we’re really excited about seeing all of the entries.”

Entry forms are available to collect now from the sales centres at any of Miller Homes’ North East developments, which are open Mondays from 12:30pm to 5:30pm and Thursdays to Sundays from 10:30am to 5:30pm.

Completed entry forms must be returned to the sales centres by 5:30pm on Monday 30th November 2015. Entries will be judged by a panel of judges from Miller Homes, with the lucky winner being notified by Friday 4th December 2015.

Committed to creating sustainable communities that cater for a wide range of buyers, Miller Homes has developments located across the North East. With prices starting from £129,950, homebuyers can choose from Bishops Park in Gateshead, Park View in Low Fell, The Acres in Bedlington, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, Portland Wynd in Blyth, The Meadows in Framwellgate Moor, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar, Acklam Woods in Acklam and Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough.

For more information on Miller Homes in the North East call 0808 250 6426 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/locations/north-east-of-england.

[cwa id=’test’]

Sign Language Santa On His Way To Metrocentre

By on 18th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Intu Metrocentre is set to spread some festive cheer with a special event for hearing-impaired children…

As part of its Christmas festivities, intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, will be running two special sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus for children who communicate via sign language.

The sessions, which will run on Sunday November 22nd and Sunday November 29th from 10am – 11am, will give the children the chance to visit Santa’s grotto and tell him what they want for Christmas.

The idea for a signing Santa came after members of the intu Metrocentre Customer Services teams received sign language training.

“We wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy our Christmas programme, and these sessions will mean that children with hearing problems will be able to join in the fun too,” said Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre.

“There’s so much going on in the centre throughout the festive season, including our seasonal pantomime, Santa’s grotto, our extended opening hours and raising funds for Text Santa. We’re really proud of this part of our Christmas programme.”

The sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus will take place between 10am and 11am. Members of the centre’s Customer Services team who have been trained to use sign language will also be on hand on the day.

Shoppers must book in advance for this free activity, and can do so here. Spaces are limited, so shoppers are advised to book early.

For more information about the centre’s Christmas programme, including Santa’s Grotto, visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Whats-on/Christmas.

[cwa id=’test’]

North East Ice Skater Joins Dancing On Ice Star In Sunderland Frost Village

By on 17th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

A rising North East skater will be getting the chance to showcase her skills alongside a Dancing on Ice star this Christmas…

As part of the activities taking place in Sunderland this festive season, aspiring ice skater Anna Waters will be performing with her coach Andrei Lipanov – one of the professional skaters from ITV’s Dancing on Ice – at the opening gala of the Sunderland Frost Village on November 26th.

An exciting programme has been put together by Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, which includes the creation of an ice rink at Keel Square, which will operate right up until Christmas Eve.

Andrei, who taught celebrities including Clare Buckfield, Heidi Range and Bonnie Langford for the TV show, currently coaches Anna, who is originally from Wallsend.

The pair specialise in Adagio pair skating, a highly skilled and acrobatic style of ice performing.

The skaters will launch the ice rink at a gala performance, alongside young ice skating duo, Josh and Ellie, from the hit CBBC documentary series Ice Stars.

Following the opening, the ice rink will run daily skating sessions and is available for private hire, along with a programme of activities including the chance to be coached by Andrei on various dates throughout the festive season.

“We’re so pleased to be able to give someone from the region the chance to perform with Andrei,” said Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID.

“It brings another dimension to our fabulous Frost Village and another reason for people to come and see what we have on offer in the run up to Christmas.”

Along with the open air ice rink, Sunderland Frost Village will offer a traditional Christmas market with more than 25 stalls selling food, drink, gifts and crafts and a traditional fun fair with a waltzer, ferris wheel and bumper cars on the former Vaux Brewery site.

Anna replaces Andrei’s regular skating partner, Susie Lipanova, who is unable to take part due to family commitments.

Sunderland’s Frost Village will be open daily between 10am and 10pm (8pm close Monday to Wednesday), and until 4pm on Christmas Eve – though skating on this day must be booked in advance.

Prices for skating starts from £6.50 per child and £7.50 per adult.

Full activity listings and opening times are available at www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.

[cwa id=’test’]

Gogglebox and X Factor Stars Heading To Metrocentre For Christmas

By on 12th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Top TV stars are set to light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres in their native North East…

X Factor favourite Lola Saunders will be joined by Gogglebox family the Moffatts to switch on the Christmas lights at intu Metrocentre on Sunday November 15th.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014, and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

Sitting on their sofa alongside Lola underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square will be Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

Intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, and his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, will also be in attendance, with entertainment starting at 2pm and the official light switch on at 4pm.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola Saunders and the Moffatt family are some of the North East’s most recent and most popular famous faces, and we’re absolutely delighted to have them joining us for the Christmas light switch on.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

Click here for more information.

ADVERTISERS