Tag: sunderland

Sunderland Hilton Hotel Nears Completion

By on 24th March 2016in Local Biz

The North East’s newest hotel is nearing completion, marking a Northern landmark for one of hospitality’s biggest brands…

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland will open adjacent to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light later this spring.

It will be the first Hilton Garden Inn property to launch in Northern England and the only one to date between Birmingham and Glasgow.

“It is a real coup for us to be bringing the Hilton Garden Inn brand to such an exciting location just opposite the Stadium of Light,” said Kim Kelso, Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland’s General Manager.

“The new hotel will help to fill a gap in the market catering for the growing number of people coming to work and play in Sunderland.”

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, created by Gateshead-based architects, Redbox Design Group, will offer high quality, good value accommodation, with two wings housing 141 en-suite guest rooms.

Each room will boast the brand’s signature bedding with fresh, white duvets and crisp linens, as well as a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair, in-room mini fridge, individually controlled air conditioning, flat screen TV and access to complimentary WiFi.

Construction on the H-shaped property, which began in summer 2015, is being managed by professional service provider, Turner & Townsend and led by Tolent Construction Ltd.

Key contractors include Opus Building Services, based in Sunderland, Walker Modular, based in Yorkshire and Swandene Specialist Contract Interiors, based at Washington, Tyne and Wear.

“We are delighted to have been involved in this project and have worked hard to reinvest in the local economy by utilising our own locally-based workforce and regional subcontractors as much as possible,” said John Wood, Tolent Chairman.

The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, which is expected to launch in early May, is already accepting bookings and looking ahead to a busy first quarter.

“Once completed, we’re confident that the Hilton Garden Inn will make an ideal base for tourists exploring the sites of Sunderland and the surrounding area,” said Kim Kelso.

“It will also offer an accommodation option for those attending events at the Stadium of Light, including football, weddings, corporate events and the performance by Beyonce in June.”

For more information about the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland please visit  www.hgisunderland.hgi.com or www.safc.com/hotel  or email enquiries@hgisunderland.com.

Classical Violinists To Join Katherine Jenkins In Sunderland Performance

By on 23rd March 2016in Entertainment

A classical music concert in the North East is adding two new strings to its bow, with the inclusion of a violin playing double act…

Vladimir and Anton Jablokov, originally from Slovakia, have been announced as special guest performers for Katherine Jenkins’ highly anticipated appearance at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland on Friday May 6.

The brothers, who now live in Ireland, hail from four generations of professional musicians and have been playing together for more their 20 years, as well as pursuing successful solo careers.

In 2014 they joined forces for Two Brothers, a hugely successful stage show highlighting their individual talents as dazzling violinists and improvisers, as well as their almost telepathic skills as sibling musicians.

An album of the same name was released in 2015, with the duo paying tribute to the great composers of the past, as well as more modern favourites from the stage and screen.

Vladimir and Anton will now join Katherine and The National Symphony Orchestra for the first in a series of summer concerts being staged in Sunderland by The Northern Sessions, with more big names still to be announced.

“During the past decade Vladimir Jablokov has established himself as one of the leading lights in Ireland’s classical music scene,” said a Northern Sessions spokesperson.

“Since joining forces with his younger brother Anton their career has gone from strength to strength and we’re absolutely delighted that they will be crossing the sea to perform in Sunderland alongside Katherine and the National Symphony Orchestra.”

Tickets for Katherine Jenkins supported by National Symphony Orchestra and Vladimir and Anton are priced at £33 each and available from www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk.

For more information please visit the website, follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

Easter Bunny Set To Attend Sunderland Sunday Lunch

By on 21st March 2016in Lifestyle

The Easter Bunny is hopping to Sunderland for a very special Sunday Lunch…

On March 27 the Stadium of Light will be donning its best Easter bonnet and serving up a three course feast for families from across the North East.

Featured in the menu, devised by chefs from 1879 Events Management, are a host of traditional British dishes, including creamed potato soup with shredded leeks, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and a farmhouse cheese selection.

Stadium tours will be available throughout the afternoon, with all young visitors also receiving a free gift from the Easter Bunny.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “Easter Sunday is a great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy a little quality time, without the pressures of work or education.

“This year we’ve invited the Easter Bunny along to deliver a few extra gifts alongside our three course lunch and stadium tours.”

Easter Sunday at the Stadium of Light is priced at £19.95 per adult.  Children eat for half price and a 10 per cent discount is available for SAFC season card holders.

To book call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com.  More information can also be found at www.safc.com/whatson or www.facebook.com/stadiumoflight.

Sunderland Live Appoint New Chief Executive

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Sunderland Live Limited is excited to announce that Alison McDonough has recently been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Sunderland Live…

Andrea Winders, Executive Director of Sunderland City Council, said: “Alison has a great track record of events management, and has experience being involved with some very high profile events. This, combined with her deep industry knowledge and exceptional management skills, makes Alison uniquely qualified to lead Sunderland Live successfully into the future.”

Alison has already had a great impact on the team, which currently delivers the citywide programme of award-winning events that are helping to establish Sunderland regionally, nationally and internationally as a leading destination for events.

Alison said: “I am delighted to be part of a dynamic team of event entrepreneurs, delivering live events like Sunderland International Airshow, Sunderland Illuminations, community engagement programmes and – in 2018 – the launch of the Tall Ships event.

“Having a platform as fantastic as Sunderland is a dream come true. I am very proud to say that Sunderland is live!”

Alison brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously worked for local and international companies specialising in marketing and communications, events management and company development. She has also worked on transformational change programmes in industry, managed high profile accounts in FMCG, and has recently worked within a leisure business, investing in luxury properties for exclusive event hires.

Her rich personality is a clear indicator as to why she is a mentor for small businesses, an active volunteer for Cancer Research UK and a representative for constituents as a Governor of local Hospital Trust.

Sunderland Live formed in April 2013, and the team have been collectively delivering events for over 25 years. With their experience and expertise, they will be working collaboratively with strategic partners to strengthen Sunderland as a Destination City.

The event team has delivered spectacles including the Sunderland International Air Show, which last year attracted more than 1 million people to the city, and the ever-popular Sunderland Illuminations, which welcomed over 285,000 visitors in Roker Park alone.

Sunderland Live also brings military events, including the Freedom of the City and Remembrance Parade, to the city centre. Attracting thousands of spectators, these remain popular and poignant events.

Alison adds: “I’d like to offer my thanks to everyone who has been so supportive to the Sunderland Live team. Our annual events programme is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this growing cultural scene, and am very excited about the new opportunities that are ahead.”

For more information, visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk, or follow Sunderland Live on Facebook.

SOL Announce Series Of Spring Offers

By on 8th March 2016in Local Biz

One of the North East’s leading venues is springing into action with a seasonal offer for corporate events…

SOL, the brand behind conferences and celebrations at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, has announced a limited availability day delegate rate for bookings made before the end of March.

The offer, valid for events involving more than 40 people, includes full day hire of any of the stadium’s purpose built function rooms, including the signature Montgomery Suite, capable of seating up to 1000 people.

It also incorporates food for a working lunch, use of a flipchart, LCD projector, conference stationery, welcome signage and three servings of tea and coffee throughout the day.

As with all SOL events at the Stadium of Light, those booking the special spring conference package will also benefit from a dedicated duty manager, housekeeping staff, ample free parking and complimentary WiFi access.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC, said: “The Stadium of Light has played host to a wide range of events over the past 20 years, including product launches, exhibitions and conferences for large multi-nationals.

“This spring offer is designed to reward our loyal customers and open our doors to companies who may not have used our facilities before.”

SOL’s spring conference offer at the Stadium of Light is priced at £20.16 per person and subject to availability.

It is one of a number of tailored packages being introduced by SOL to cater for specific sectors, including charity events and personal celebrations.

For more information, or to book, call 0871 911 1555, email conf&banq@safc.com or visit www.safc.com.

Further details about SoL, which also incorporates catering and events at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland and specialist subsidiary 1879 Events Management, can also be found by visiting www.1879events, calling 0871 911 1269, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.

Award-Winning North East Bar And Distiller Join Forces

By on 29th February 2016in Lifestyle

Two of the biggest names in North East gin are joining forces to offer discerning drinkers even more choice…

Newcastle bar City Tavern, which currently stocks more than 80 gins from around the world, will now be serving spirits from Sunderland-based Poetic License.

The independent small batch distiller, established by entrepreneur Mark Hird, currently crafts two award-winning gins and a vodka using its own still at the Roker Hotel.

From this week, City Tavern, based at Northumberland Road, will be stocking the brand’s Northern Dry Gin and Old Tom Gin, which are both carefully crafted to be enjoyed as a stand-alone drink or as part of a cocktail.

David King, Owner of City Tavern said: “We pride ourselves on offering visitors a wide range of popular and unfamiliar drinks, including several that are brewed exclusively for City Tavern.

“Poetic License’s artisanal processes and unique flavours fit well with this philosophy, and I’m sure they will make an excellent addition to our collection.”

City Tavern, which benefitted from a £450k investment by Mr King in 2015, is the latest high profile venue to begin stocking products from Poetic License, which has only been operating for around four months.

While the brand’s handmade approach limits production to around 400 bottles per week, all three of its core products can already be found in a wide range of bars, restaurants and hotels around the region, as well as leading stores Fenwick, Newcastle and Lewis and Cooper Ltd, Northallerton.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with how well Poetic License has been received and what we have been able to achieve in a relatively short space of time,” said Poetic License’s owner Mark Hird.

“The staff and customers at City Tavern really know their gin, and we’re delighted that both our Northern Dry Gin and Old Tom Gin meet their strict selection standards.

“Our focus now is on targeting more state-of-the-art bars like this and extending our distribution on a national scale.”

For more information about City Tavern, visit www.citytavern.co.uk and for Poetic License log on to www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk. All trade sales enquiries for the distillery should be directed to Luke Smith on 0191 5103564 or luke@poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk.

Lawson To Perform At Sunderland Style Awards

By on 27th February 2016in Entertainment

One of the UK’s most exciting pop rock bands will be heading to Sunderland to appear at a major awards event…

Lawson, whose hits include Taking Over Me, Juliet and When She Was Mine, are to headline at the city’s Retail and Style Awards, which will take place at the Bridges shopping centre on April 23rd.

The event, organised by Sun FM and the Bridges, and supported by Sunderland BID, will celebrate the city’s top businesses and individuals across sixteen categories. The appearance by the band is part of a full evening of entertainment, which includes a three course dinner, fashion show and the awards ceremonies.

Plus, there is still time for nominations for the awards to be made before the closing date on February 29th.

“It’s a massive coup for us to get a band with the status of Lawson at our awards, and shows what progress the city is making,” said Julian Carter, MD of Sun FM.

“It will make what already promises to be a fantastic night even more spectacular.”

Other acts are already lined up to appear at the event, with further announcements to be made in the near future. Tickets are on sale for the night at £39, and are available from customer service at the Bridges, from the reception at Sun FM and via Eventbrite.

Andy Brown, lead singer of Lawson, said: “When we played the Stadium of Light a couple of summers ago, it was one of those gigs you never forget, and we can’t wait to come back to Sunderland to perform at the Retail and Style Awards.”

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID and the main sponsors for the awards, said attracting a top band to appear showed the calibre of these awards.

He said: “The appearance by Lawson won’t just add another dimension to the night, but it will also turn the spotlight on Sunderland to a national audience, and showcase what an exciting and dynamic city it is.”

This the first year that the city’s Retail and Style Awards have joined forces, with businesses and individuals able to enter in a range of categories. Nominations are still being accepted via the Sun FM website at www.sun-fm.com/rsawards2016.

Categories in the retail section include awards for large, medium and small retailers, best customer service, employee of the year, manager of the year, up and coming business, and the Experience It Here award for the best city centre experience.

In the style section, nominations are being sought for the Most Stylish Mackem, along with sections for top bars, restaurants, salons and individual awards for top bloggers and the city’s most glamorous mam.

“We’ve already seen a fantastic number of entries for the awards, which is what we would expect given the excellent year 2015 was for the retail sector,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.

“And now, with an amazing band providing the entertainment on the night, it will be a memorable evening for a whole host of reasons.”

Stadium Of Light Hold 3 Course Meal For Mums

By on 26th February 2016in Lifestyle

Families from across the North East are being invited to toast to their mothers in a special celebration at the Stadium of Light…

This Mothering Sunday (March 6th), the Sunderland venue will be hosting a Champagne reception, followed by a three course meal in its Riverview Brasserie.

The menu for the event, planned under the new SOL brand, will include a choice of four starters, main courses and desserts, ranging from homemade salmon and dill fishcakes to roast loin of pork and strawberry shortcake.

Other options include country style terrine, lemon and thyme buttered chicken, passion fruit and mango tart and a traditional cheese board.

All mothers attending the event, run by 1879 Events Management, will receive a complimentary gift to take away, while children can dine for half price to ensure it is a real family affair.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “Mother’s Day is the ideal time for families to show their mum, grandmother or female head of the household how much they care.

“This year we’ve worked hard to ensure the afternoon will not only be sparkling and extra special but also affordable for everyone too.”

Mother’s Day at the Stadium of Light is priced at £26.95 per adult or £19.95 excluding the Champagne reception, and a 10 per cent discount is available for SAFC season card holders.

To book call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com. More information can be found at www.safc.com/whatson or www.facebook.com/stadiumoflight.

Sunderland Distillery Tastes Success With Artisanal Spirits

By on 17th February 2016in Lifestyle

A new ‘wild spirit’ is making its way into bars and retailers across the North East, following the launch of an independent small batch distillery…

Poetic License, based in Sunderland, currently crafts two gins and a vodka, which are all individually bottled, wrapped and labelled by hand.

The business, which produces around 400 bottles per week, is the brainchild of North East entrepreneur Mark Hird, who has more than 25 years experience in leisure and hospitality, including a stand-alone microbrewery, which he launched in 2012.

Mark said: “The recent revival in gin has been astounding. I noticed demand climbing and spotted a gap in the market for high quality, artisanal spirits that mixed traditional techniques with modern flavours, and set about bringing my vision to life.”

After attending a comprehensive course in distilling, Mark invested in a 500L pot still and recruited a passionate, full-time distiller to help create the perfect blends.

Months of experimentation followed, with various flavour combinations and processes being discounted, before the duo were finally able to settle on three core products – and Poetic License Independent Small Batch Distillery was born.

Four months on, and the distillery’s Northern Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin and Graceful Vodka, are already being stocked in bars, hotels and restaurants across the North East, including popular cocktail bars As You Like It and Floritas in Newcastle, as well as the four star Wynyard Hall Hotel, County Durham.

All three products are also available to buy in high-end, regional department stores, including Fenwick and Lewis and Cooper Ltd, with moves now being made to find stockists and distributors nationwide.

“The name Poetic License symbolises our desire to break away from the norm. To create a drink for the wild spirits out there, which blurs the traditional with the unconventional and appeals to those imperfect perfectionists who want to enjoy a tipple that has been carefully crafted and packed with character.

“We’re delighted that so many leisure operators and retailers have already been able to embrace this philosophy and appreciate the unique style of our spirits, and hope that more across the UK will soon follow suit.”

After mastering gin and vodka, Mark and his distiller Luke Smith are now planning to develop limited edition flavours and extend their range with the addition of a dark and white rum and an absinthe.

More information about Poetic License and their products can be found at www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk.

Sunderland Events Company Consolidate Brands

By on 17th February 2016in Local Biz

A leading North East events company is consolidating its various elements under one umbrella brand…

SoL, which is being rolled out from this month, brings together the Stadium of Light, National Glass Centre, 1879 Events Management and the new Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland.

It has been specifically created to showcase how these key players in the region’s catering and hospitality sector combine to create a complete event solution.

The Stadium of Light, which was named the North of England’s finest commercial tourism venue at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, is one of the largest conference, banqueting and events venues in the region, with the flexibility to cater for everything from large-scale presentations to graduation ceremonies and concerts.

Its sister site, National Glass Centre, is equally flexible, with purpose built, interconnecting exhibition spaces and contemporary suites offering views across the River Wear.

SoL will be used to highlight the partnership between the two venues and to showcase how they can cater for up to 1000 guests.  It will also serve to symbolise how the same high standards of service and first-class food options can be expected at both sites.

The new SoL brand, which will feature on all marketing materials, will also encompass the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland hotel, which is expected to open in spring 2016.

Currently under construction next to the Stadium of Light, the property will feature 141 stylish en-suite bedrooms, as well as a destination bar, grill restaurant and private dining areas.

It has been specifically designed to support functions at the stadium and National Glass Centre by offering high quality accommodation, but will also boast its own dedicated conference and event facilities, including a 24-hour business centre and three meeting rooms with space for up to 50 delegates.

1879 Events Management, which currently manages all catering and events at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, will now also be recognised as a SoL subsidiary.

The company, which was awarded silver in the Operations Team of the Year category at the Stadium Events and Hospitality Awards, has a proven track record of working with regional, national and international event organisers at both venues, as well as offering all-inclusive event management services at external sites across the North East.

In recent months this has included catering for the annual clay pigeon shooting event for national law firm, Bond Dickinson, the Teesside Business Awards and leading LGBT festival Newcastle Pride, attended by 71,000 visitors.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC, said: “The sheer scale of services being offered by National Glass Centre, the Stadium of Light and 1879 Events Management has grown at a remarkable rate in the past few years and, with the addition of the Hilton Garden Inn, looks set to expand even further.

“SoL has been created to bring together all the elements of our portfolio and to highlight how we can offer a complete solution for all manner of corporate and private events.

“The new brand will be utilised widely from this month, and we hope it will become a shining symbol for Sunderland’s hospitality and events sector.”

For more information about the venues, event management services, hotel and packages being offered under SoL, call 0871 911 1555 or email conf&banq@safc.com.

Any enquiries relating solely to the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland should be directed to Catherine Graham on 0191 551 5110 or catherine.graham@hilton.com.

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