Tag: north east

North East Says Yes! Campaign Supported By Business Leaders

By on 4th December 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

More than 50 leading figures from the worlds of business, charity and academia have offered their support to North East Says Yes! campaign in the two weeks since its launch…

North East Says Yes!, a campaign to generate ideas for the Northern Powerhouse initiative and the North East Devolution Deal, has been warmly received by leading figures in the region’s business community, third sector and academic institutions.

The group recognises that North East Devolution, together with the Northern Powerhouse, represent a major turning point in the affairs of the region and a major new opportunity which we should seek to exploit to the maximum.

Supporters of North East Says Yes!, including former North East MEP Mo O’Toole, Centre for Life Trust Chairman and former Senior Economic Advisor to the treasury Alastair Balls, Dr Joanna Berry of Durham University’s Business School, and Entrepreneurs’ Forum Chairman Nigel Mills, have lent their public support to the Devolution Deal and have been invited to contribute articles to northeastsaysyes.org, an online platform specially built for the campaign.

The campaign’s co-founder Jeremy Middleton said: “It’s great to see the support North Easy Says Yes! has already attracted, and the diverse range of backgrounds its supporters come from. When the North East gets devolved powers, they can’t just be handed from Westminster politicians to local politicians. Power has to be shared with the people in a way that has the backing of our whole community.”

Co-founder Alastair Balls said: “Devolution is a real opportunity for the North East to reach its full potential. To get the most from the Northern Powerhouse and devolved powers, we need people from every background, every political persuasion, and every sector to contribute good, positive ideas.”

Theatrical Spectacle STOMP Returns To Newcastle

By on 4th December 2015in Entertainment, Music

Fresher, faster and funnier than ever, the multi-award winning theatrical spectacle STOMP is set to make a return to Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time in 15 years, and will be touching down for one week only…

A unique combination of percussion, dance and comedy, Stomp is a stage spectacle in a genre of its own. Everyday objects like dustbin lids, matchboxes, brooms, cigarette lighters are transformed into musical instruments and props, and the cast command the stage with an unprecedented energy and rhythm as they ‘play’ them.

Now entering its 23rd year, this smash hit show has entertained over 15 million people across 50 countries worldwide; featured in a range of commercials, film soundtracks and TV collaborations and won multiple awards including an Obie, a Drama Desk Award and an Olivier.

The show was born in Brighton, UK, in the summer of 1991 as the result of a ten year collaboration between street theatre artists Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.  From acclaimed performances at the Edinburgh Fringe to large outdoor events, the legend of Stomp grew in ambition and scope, gaining legions of fans along the way and becoming the theatrical sensation it is today.

Since their last visit to Newcastle in 2000, the Stomp cast have performed in the closing ceremony at the 2012 Olympics, and have introduced two new pieces to the show: Frogs and Trolleys.

Trolleys taps into the everyday experience of negotiating a busy shopping aisle with a fully laden supermarket trolley, but soon transforms into the closest the show will ever get to drum corps. It is also the first fully fledged Stomp routine to be performed entirely in 5/4 time signature.

Frogs explores the bizarre sonic possibilities of a variety of plumbing fixtures! It has to be heard to be believed, but close your eyes and this piece sounds unlike anything ever heard in the show till now. Organic, quirky and plumbing new heights.

Creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas are both very happy with the way the new pieces have slotted in, each with Stomp‘s trademark exploration of sound, movement and physical humour. There’s more to come, too; they will be working on more new routines later this year.

Still remaining is Stomp’s signature high-octane meeting of slick choreography, tight ensemble work, industrial percussion and a narrative of anarchic clowning, as the irrepressible troupe of eight turn brooms into soft shoe partners, clapping into intricate conversations and water cooler bottles into sophisticated instruments. A row of folding chairs are straddled, slid, slammed and slapped into rhythmic submission. It is at once primal and urbane, leaving no percussive potential – of object, body or action – unexploited. And all underpinned by a childish delight in making serious noise.

The whole show hurtles towards a brilliantly reworked climax – a showstopper in every sense – as a crackling carnival of leaping, spinning, skidding and pounding performers vent their inexhaustible energies on an unsuspecting orchestra of metal dustbins, bin lids, tubs and water butts. Joyous, thumping, exhilarating bliss for all involved… except the bins!

Stomp is produced by Glynis Henderson Productions & Stomp Productions.

Stomp comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal Monday 15th – Saturday 20th February 2016 to celebrate over 20 astonishing years of foot stamping, finger drumming, and adrenalin rushing joy across the globe. It plays evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.00. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

Ramside Hall Unveil Final Stages Of Spa Development

By on 3rd December 2015in Local Biz

The North East’s newest and most luxurious spa has now unveiled the final stages of the development…

 

The £8m Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham opened in August, but has this week launched two further features.

An outdoor Spa Garden and vitality pool, along with a first floor infinity pool, are now being used by guests, extending the wide range of facilities already available at the spa.

The vitality pool can be enjoyed by guests on spa day and spa stay experiences and by members, with the infinity pool available at an additional cost for special occasions or for small groups.

The new additions complement the existing spa facilities, which include a 25m long swimming pool, one of the country’s largest hydrotherapy pools, a thermal suite, sleep sanctuary, 14 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art gym, hairdressers and Asian Fusion restaurant.

The opening of the new pools comes shortly after the spa was awarded a five bubble rating by the Good Spa Guide, winning the top accolade despite only being open for a short period of time.

Since its launch, the spa has become a major attraction and has exceeded its initial expectations for membership, with the hope that the festive season and the additional attractions will see a further boost.

 

“We’re very excited that we are now able to offer our visitors and members even more facilities,” said Jill Russell, Spa Director.

“We’ve also devised some very special packages for the festive season and into the New Year which we hope will appeal to both men and women of all ages.”

Further information about membership, special spa days or general bookings can be found by calling 0191 375 3088, by emailing enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk, or by visiting www.ramsidespa.co.uk

Gift vouchers are available directly from the spa or through Spafinders.

Brothers Seek Planning Permission For County Durham Wind Farm

By on 3rd December 2015in In & Around

A North East community is hoping permission will be granted for a small-scale wind farm to be built in their area, which would see them benefit from in excess of £1million it will generate…

Church parishes, Scout groups and the Girl Guides will be among those to profit from a share of the proceeds which could be generated by the County Durham based Ponder Gill wind turbine project.

Brothers, Andrew and Mark Thompson have applied to Durham County Council for planning permission to build two discreet turbines on their family farm, located next to the A66 near Barnard Castle.

Scout and Guide groups and communities from Bowes and Boldron have been identified as initial beneficiaries, but it is intended to roll-out the project into surrounding communities once planning permission has been granted, and as soon as new opportunities to expand the project are brought forward.

The brothers – who inherited the land at Ponder Gill following the death of their father – estimate the wind farm could be worth up to £2m to the local community over the next 20 years, so are urging people and groups to step forward to suggest how best to spend the proceeds.

Andrew said: “My brother and I were born and raised in this area, so being able to support our community is something we feel strongly about.

“The wind farm will be our full responsibility, not that of a venture capitalist, therefore we can guarantee the entire proceeds generated from the 3rd turbine will be donated through a community benefit scheme to local organisations, including the parishes of Bowes and Boldron.

“We appreciate wind farms can be a contentious issue but we can assure people in the surrounding area, our turbines will be well designed and amongst the quietest turbines on the market, as well as playing a hugely significant role in providing funds for the important work of local organisations.”

Although planning has initially been sought for three wind turbines to be constructed at Ponder Gill, Andrew is keen for the local community to be made aware that the scheme will still work, even if the third turbine is located elsewhere.

A decision on the planning application at Ponder Gill is expected to be reached in early December.

For more information about Ponder Gill Wind Turbine Project, or to voice your support for the community benefit scheme, visit www.pondergill.co.uk.

Win! Tickets To See T.Rextasy’s 40th Anniversary Tour

By on 3rd December 2015in Competitions, Entertainment, Events, Music, What's New?, What's On?

The definitive glam rockers are back on tour, and they’re coming this way…

Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the 1970s. With Bolan’s special mix of Rock-a-Boogie and Rock ‘n’ Roll songs, including classics such as Telegram Sam, Get It On and Jeepster, the band defined what would be known as the original glam rock era.

And now, they’re heading to the North East… sort of.

T.Rextasy is the world’s only official T.Rex tribute band, an accolade endorsed by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, catalogue management, and members of the original band. T.Rextasy have been performing around the world for over twenty years – a career that ironically outlives Marc’s own – and have been described as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.

“They’re the closest you’re ever going to get to the real thing” – Bill Legend, (original T.Rex drummer)

“Danielz is more than a career lookalike. Here we have a serious guitarist with the animal grace of early Bolan and the clear unequivocal love of the music” – The Stage

 

On Friday 22nd January 2016, T.Rextasy will be performing at the Forum Theatre in Billingham. The concert is a part of their ‘I Love To Boogie’ anniversary tour, and if you’d like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like forty years ago, we recommend you enter our competition below.

We’re giving away two tickets to their Billingham concert, and all you need to do is the question below…

What is Marc Bolan’s real name?

Competition closed. Congratulations to Rebecca Kamsika from Middlesbrough!

Sunderland Catering Company Serve A Sneak Peek Of 2016

By on 3rd December 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

A North East catering and events company has been serving up a sneak peek of 2016…

1879 Events Management, which manages functions and food at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, Sunderland, hosted a special showcase evening to preview its plans for the coming year.

Guests at the event, including members of SAFC’s first team and business leaders from across the region, were given the chance to meet with many of the company’s top suppliers, including Bidvest Foodservice and Molson Coors, while also sampling dishes from its new set menus.

This included canapes, curries, shin of beef and spicy chicken wings, which will all be available for private and corporate events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, as well as via 1879’s external catering operations.

The showcase evening, held in a marquee at SAFC’s Academy of Light, also offered guests an early opportunity to learn more about the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, opening adjacent to the Stadium of Light in April 2016.

The site, which is currently under construction, will boast 141 bedrooms, a destination grill restaurant, private dining areas, meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre.

It is expected to offer a number of packages for businesses delegates, as well as football fans and those attending events at the Stadium of Light, including a performance by music superstar, Rihanna, who returns to the venue as part of her Anti World Tour in June.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management, said: “2016 looks set to be an amazing year for 1879 Events Management, particularly with the launch of the new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and high profile events like the return of Rihanna.

“The VIP showcase evening was an ideal opportunity for us to give new and existing clients an opportunity to learn more about these exciting developments and to see how working with companies such as Bidvest and Molson Coors has contributed to our ongoing success.”

Since launching in 2012, 1879 Events Management has been awarded several major contracts, including taking over the catering and event operations at National Glass Centre and the Stadium of Light.

The company, a specialist subsidiary of SAFC, has also launched its own beachside bistro, The Beach House at Roker, and worked on a number of high profile events across the North East, including multiple business awards and festivals such as Newcastle Pride.

For more information about 1879 Events Management visit www.1879events.com, call 0871 911 1269, email info@1879events.com or follow @1879Events on Twitter.

Additional details can also be found by visiting www.thestadiumoflight.com and www.nationalglasscentre.com/hire/.

Film ReVue: The Good Dinosaur

By on 2nd December 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Vue Cinema’s Ivan Davison shares his thoughts on Pixar’s pre-historic family offering…

With its latest animated film, Pixar has continued their winning format. It’s one that combines staggeringly impressive CGI visuals, family friendly humour, and a heartfelt coming-of-age story for all ages to enjoy.

Following on the heels of one of this summer’s biggest blockbusters, Jurassic World, Pixar has dipped its toes into the world of prehistoric creatures. After setting the bar (extremely) high with July’s Inside Out, the team behind The Good Dinosaur have crafted a story that’s simpler than its predecessor, but no less enjoyable.

The film is set in an alternate timeline, in which the fateful meteor has missed earth completely, leaving the dinosaurs to roam free. Skip ahead a few million years, and we meet Arlo, an Apatosaur, who lives with his family on a mountain range farm.

Arlo, the smallest of his three siblings, struggles to find his place in the family’s dynamic, but finds an unlikely friendship with a young caveboy. What follows is a fast paced, but heartwarming tale of mutual dependance, complimented by vast and stunning landscapes.

 

A cast of loveable and memorable characters is brought to life by some terrific voice performances, the highlight being Sam Elliot’s role as father to a group of Tyrannosaurus Rex’s. His grizzled cowboy twang lends itself perfectly to the role, and one of the film’s most heart-wrenching moments comes as he shares his own sombre tale.

But The Good Dinosaur’s greatest strength comes from its stunning visuals. The world on screen is rendered in such a photo-realistic way that it becomes hard to comprehend just how far Pixar’s technologies have come since they first captured our imaginations with Toy Story. The landscape is enormous, and even a host of dinosaurs appear small and out of their element in such fully-formed openness.

While not as complex a concept as Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur sees Pixar still on fine form, and uses its simplicity to tell a story of friendship, family, adventure and loss that we can all relate to.

As is common with Pixar’s releases, a short animated film plays before the main feature, and this time we’re treated to Sanjay’s Super Team. I recommend heading to the cinema early to catch it. Although very different from Pixar’s usual output, it’s perhaps one of the most personal and original Pixar shorts we’ve ever seen.

Our The Good Dinosaur review was written by Vue Cinema’s Ivan Davison. For more information on the latest cinema releases, or to book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.

Click here to book tickets for The Good Dinosaur.

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Lumley Castle Invites Wild Food Foragers To Their Grounds

By on 2nd December 2015in In & Around

A North East castle, famous for its restaurant, is giving foodies the chance to forage for ingredients in its historic grounds…

The ancient woodland surrounding 600-year-old Lumley Castle hotel is home to a wide variety of wild ingredients, from garlic and herbs to edible roots and berries.

The four star hotel, at Chester-le-Street, has joined forces with foraging experts to give nature lovers and foodies the chance to learn more about ‘wild food’, at a series of special events in 2016.

On selected dates throughout the year, it will be giving groups of around twenty visitors the chance to explore its nine acres of woodland in the company of bush craft and survival expert Bruce Ferguson, of Wild North Discovery.

Not only will he teach them to seek out and identify wild ingredients during a one and a half hour walk, but chefs from the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant will then serve lunch, incorporating the foraged food.

Between courses, Bruce, who has been foraging for wild food for more than thirty years and recently took actor and presenter Robson Green seashore foraging for an upcoming episode of hit TV show, Tales from Northumberland, will give a talk about safe, legal and sustainable foraging.

He will also be talking about food to look out for later in the year that may not yet be in season and the various types of location at which wild food can be found.

Brice said: “The fascinating thing about Lumley Castle is that parts of its grounds have lain relatively undisturbed and uncultivated for a very long time, which makes them a treasure trove for foragers.

“There is huge interest in wild food at present, however not all berries, roots and leaves are safe to eat, which is why courses such as these are so important.”

Along with the public courses, Lumley Castle is giving corporate clients the chance to find out more about foraging by offering them the option to build a short course with Bruce into their team-building or conference and event packages.

“While corporate and leisure visitors are always impressed by the castle itself, its grounds have gone largely unexplored,” said Director of Sales and Marketing, Nola Collinson, “which is why they provide such an abundant harvest of wild ingredients.

“With Bruce’s expertise, we hope to help visitors find out a little more about foraged food and introduce them to our lovely grounds at the same time.”

The Foraging at Lumley days are scheduled for Sunday 22nd May and 2nd October, with more dates to follow. Places, which are limited, cost £29.50, and include lunch.

For further information call 0191 389 5857 or email info@lumleycastle.com.

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Northern Students To Showcase Work In Support Of Refugees

By on 2nd December 2015in In & Around

Students from across Northern England are being given the chance to showcase their work before two leading figures in international media, as part of a unique fundraising event…

On January 29th, the University of York’s Central Hall will be hosting a charity fashion show featuring the designs of young people from a number of regional colleges and universities.

The Northern Youth Fashion Show, in aid of two refugee charities, will be attended by Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue and Artistic Director of Condé Nast.

The event has been organised by HARD Magazine, a fashion publication at the University of York, and will not only showcase the designs of students from universities across the region, but will also raise vital funds to support refugees.

Students from the University of York, the University of Sunderland, Leeds College of Art, Newcastle College, Hull College, the University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University, and Leeds Beckett University will all be taking part.

It will also include a talk with Ms. Wintour, followed by a question and answer session led by Ms. Viner.

Proceeds from The Northern Youth Fashion Show will be split between the Xavier Project, which runs schools, creates jobs, and offers mentoring schemes to some of the biggest refugee communities in the world and Refugee Action York, which plays a pivotal role in integrating refugees in the local area.

“We wanted to host an event that would highlight the creative talent of students and support the community by fundraising for local charities,” said Ellie Wintour, one of the event organisers.

“It’s fantastic to have Anna and Katharine on board to help make it a success. We are pleased with the positive response we’ve had so far. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

The event is being sponsored by train company Grand Central, and a spokesman said they were delighted to be on board.

“At Grand Central, we take pride in supporting young people – whether that is through hosting art competitions for emerging talent or by making student travel experience more enjoyable through our free Wi-Fi offer, and affordable with our unique discount,” he said.

“The Northern Youth Show is an opportunity for us to once again demonstrate our commitment to young people, as well as their colleges and universities that are based along our routes.”

Tickets for the event cost £30 (or £15 for students) and are available at http://www.yusu.org/tickets. A champagne reception and live music performances are included in the evening’s programme.

A “Ticket And A Tin” option is also available, with tickets priced at £10, but purchasers must include the donation of a tin of food to go to a York foodbank.

The evening will also include a champagne reception and live music performances.

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Rihanna Tickets On Sale From Thursday

By on 1st December 2015in Entertainment, Events, Music

Thursday 3rd December will see fans of global superstar Rihanna given the chance to secure tickets to see her live on Wearside…

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is set to host the Bajan star on the UK leg of her ANTI World Tour on Saturday 18th June 2016, and is the only stadium venue between Coventry and Edinburgh on the hotly anticipated tour.

Supporting Rihanna on the tour will be The Weeknd, whose album Beauty Behind The Madness reached number 1 in the UK charts, and American rapper Big Sean.

Fans can buy tickets in person from the Stadium of Light box office from 9am on Thursday morning. A limited allocation of General Admission (GA) tickets, affording pitch standing/unreserved Tier 1 seating is available.

Reserved seating tickets can only be purchased through approved ticket agents (listed below). Fans are advised that tickets cannot be purchased from SAFC’s telephone hotline or club website.

Fans who wish to queue to ensure they get their tickets can do so from 6am on Thursday, with the ticket office opening at 9am. No overnight queuing will be permitted. Fans who do not wish to purchase their tickets in person can do so via the official ticket websites and phone lines listed below.

SAFC’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “Rihanna has created a real buzz surrounding this world tour and her new album as part of her online ANTI DiaRy campaign and we are thrilled to be a part of it. There has been unprecedented interested since the announcement, and we fully expect this concert to match Rihanna’s last visit to Sunderland and sell-out, so we urge fans to secure their tickets as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.”

HOW TO BUY

Tickets go on sale Thursday 3rd December from 9am at the Stadium of Light ticket office and from approved ticket agents.

A pre-sale will be available for SAFC season card holders and official members on Wednesday 2nd December from 9am.

Stadium of Light sales information:

The Stadium of Light will offer General Admission (standing/Tier 1 unreserved seating) tickets only, priced at £55, and a limited number of Gold Circle tickets at £75. All sales are subject to a £4 booking fee per ticket (unless payment is made in cash). Tickets cannot be purchased from SAFC by telephone or online, tickets are available from the stadium’s box office to in-person purchasers only.

Please note £1 per ticket will be added onto the booking fee, and this fee will be donated to the Clara Lionel Foundation.

Ticket agents:

Golden Circle £75, general admission tickets (standing/Tier 1 unreserved seating) £55. Tier 2 reserved seats £60 and Tier 3 reserved seats £50/£60. All tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Please note that £1 per ticket will be added onto the booking fee, this fee will be donated to the Clara Lionel Foundation.

Online at www.livenation.com.

Online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 8440444.

Wheelchair and special needs patrons:

Tickets for wheelchair and special needs patrons are available by telephone from SAFC, tel. 0191 551 5004 or ticket.office@safc.com.

Important information:

Young people aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18, and no unaccompanied youngsters aged 14 or under will be permitted entry to the venue.

There is a limit of six tickets per purchaser in place.

Show Times:

External courtyards: 2pm
Doors: 4pm
Showtime: 6pm
Show ends: 11pm

Hospitality:

Demand for this show is expected to be exceptionally high. Visit www.safcconcerts.com, call 0871 911 1555, or email rihannahosp@safc.com to find out more information, or to make an expression of interest for our exciting new concert hospitality concept. Existing SAFC hospitality customers should contact the club immediately to reserve their package.

Hilton Garden Inn:

A new 141 bedroom Hilton Garden Inn will open adjacent to the Stadium of Light in April 2016. For more information, or to make a room reservation, call 0191 5515110 or email catherine.graham@hilton.com. Prompt booking advised.

All the latest news about Rihanna at the Stadium of Light will be available at the following locations:

www.safcconcerts.com
https://twitter.com/StadiumOfLight
https://www.facebook.com/stadiumoflight
http://instagram.com/sunderlandafcofficial
www.youtube.com/user/sunderlandafc

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