Tag: whats on

Ramside Spa Offer Healthy (And Luxurious) Start To 2016

By on 6th January 2016in Local Biz

The North East’s most luxurious spa has seen 2016 get off to a healthy start – with a huge boost to memberships…

The Spa at Ramside, which opened last summer, has seen a rush of people signing up to use the facilities, which include five pools, a state-of-the-art gym, thermal suite and sleep sanctuary.

A new studio timetable offering around 40 classes, which include aerial yoga, Salsa, Clubbercise, pilates and spin, has also enticed people from around the region to take advantage of membership offers, which give unlimited access to the facilities at Ramside Hall Hotel near Durham.

“At this time of year, when people are getting over the excesses of the festive season, you would expect to see membership numbers rise,” said Anthony Woodhouse, General Manager of Spa and Leisure at Ramside.

“But we have been overwhelmed by the interest in what Ramside has to offer, with people loving not only the facilities, but the huge programme of classes we are offering.”

To celebrate 2016, the spa has also put together ‘Rock That Resolution’, to help people keep their promises of making time to train, finding time to spend with loved ones, or time for themselves.

Three resolution choices have been created with personal training sessions, shared spa experiences, or a day spa for one.

Information on all the spa days and memberships is available at www.ramsidespa.co.uk or calling the Spa at Ramside on 0191 375 3088.

Major Durham City Roadworks Begin January 2016

By on 5th January 2016in In & Around

Major works, which will mean easier journeys for everyone on the main route through Durham City, will start at the end of January…

 

Following consultation in 2015, Durham County Council’s £2.5m SCOOT system will see traffic lights installed on the Gilesgate and Leazes Bowl roundabouts during 2016.

The installation of the traffic lights will also see improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities on both roundabouts. Although measures will be taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that some disruption is likely while the work is carried out.

Work is expected to start at Gilesgate roundabout on Sunday 24th January and last until May 2016. The work will be carried out in seven phases and has been planned to reduce disruption to a minimum. Unfortunately various phases will still require traffic restrictions and some overnight road closures.

Further details of the work on Gilesgate roundabout are available at www.durham.gov.uk/gilesgate, and information about the Leazes Bowl work will be publicised closer to the starting date. Motorists are advised to keep up to date on the current traffic measures by using the website, and via social media using the hashtag #Gilesgate.

Towards the end of the improvements to Gilesgate roundabout, there will be an overlap with work commencing on Leazes Bowl roundabout to minimise the duration of delays. The project is expected to be finished by autumn 2016.

Once installed, the new traffic lights will be coordinated with those already in place on the Milburngate roundabout to better manage the flow of vehicles through the city. This will mean much more predictable travel through Durham City at peak times, making journeys easier for motorists and helping bus operators to plan services. It will also enable the council to more effectively deal with the impacts of incidents and planned events on the road network. The council hopes to start using the SCOOT system in 2017.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Once installed, the SCOOT system should make journeys easier for everyone travelling to or via Durham City, improve the reliability of public transport services, and have a positive impact on air quality for local residents. Although we’re working hard to minimise the impact on motorists, we’d like to thank everyone for their patience for any disruption while this is carried out.”

Bishop Auckland Town Hall Reveals Spring 2016 Lineup

By on 2nd January 2016in Entertainment

Swashbuckling pirates, the ugly duckling, and a month-long festival of arts and music are all set for a date with a County Durham theatre…

Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s spring season kicks off with its second pantomime of the year, before welcoming family favourites, side splitting comedy, theatre hooligans, and the popular febfest.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “It’s an exciting time for residents of Bishop Auckland and neighbouring communities, with large-scale events such as Bishop Auckland Food Festival and Kynren coming up in 2016.

“We’re therefore delighted to be able to present such a cultural programme of events at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, bringing theatre productions such as Stowaway, as well as diverse music and comedy shows.”

The season starts with the Bishop Auckland Theatre Society’s pantomime, Robinson Crusoe’s Pirate Adventure, which runs from Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th January.

There’s more for families on Wednesday 27th January too, as Northumberland Theatre Company presents the funny and heart-warming story of The Ugly Duckling, by Neil Duffield, which is packed with song and dance.

The New Year also brings new laughs courtesy of the Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, with headliner Eddy Brimson sure to have audiences in stitches on Friday 22nd January.

The monthly comedy club then returns on Friday 19th February with headliner Raymond Mearns, and again on Friday 18th March with former winner of the TimeOut Comedian Of The Year award, Richard Morton.

 

Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a production of The Pitheaps.

The show, which follows the journey of twelve young people through a fateful summer, runs from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th February.

The Town Hall is also joining forces with febfest, a three-week programme of arts events, to present a number of shows.

The festival begins with UK jazz ensemble Swing Manouche featuring Daniel John Martin on Wednesday 10th February, and continues with an evening of exquisite vocals from singer-songwriter Paul Armfield on Monday 15th February.

There’s more music on Saturday 20th February courtesy of The Baghdaddies who, fresh from a nineteen year world tour and fifteen appearances at Glastonbury, will take to the stage alongside performers from the North East.

Jackass Youth Theatre present their latest show What Are They Like – a play written as part of the National Theatre’s Connections 500 Project – on Monday 22nd February.

And BATH’s involvement in febfest concludes on Wednesday 24th February with Stowaway, Hannah Barker and Lewis Hetherington’s story of a frozen body that falls out of a plane and crash-lands in a B&Q car park.

The spring season ends with music from Mersey beat band The Fabs on Friday 11th March and Lindisfarne frontman Marty Craggs’ The Happy Cats on Saturday March 12th.

To book tickets for any of these upcoming events, please contact the Town Hall box office on 03000 269 524 or visit the venue in person. For more information and to see the full season of events, visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk.

Killhope Mining Museum To Run Blacksmith Workshops In 2016

By on 30th December 2015in Local Biz

A County Durham museum may have the answer to a belated Christmas present…

 

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, will be running blacksmith workshops throughout 2016, and places are now available.

Saturday 23rd April kickstarts the one-day workshops, where people will learn the trades of a blacksmith and make their own fire poker.

Other dates include Saturday 14th May, Sunday 17th July, Saturday 27th August and Saturday 22nd October.

The sessions start at 10.30am until 3.30pm, and cost £50 per person. The price also includes lunch and refreshments.

For more information or to book a place, call 01388 537 505.

International Magic Festival Returns To Tyneside

By on 28th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

One of the North East’s most magical events is making a welcome return for 2016…

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival will celebrate its 13th year with a trio of spellbinding shows at the Customs House, South Shields.

This includes a Family Magic Extravaganza, sponsored and produced by Magicbox Newcastle on Wednesday 9th March and two International Gala Shows, featuring leading magicians from around the world, on Friday and Saturday (March 11th and 12th).

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2016, organised by South Tyneside Council and magician John Archer, will also feature a three day convention designed specifically to help professional performers share best practice and hone their skills.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring events on the North East calendar.

“Over the years, we’ve attracted visitors from as far afield as Hong Kong, and we hope that 2016 will be just as successful, making it our lucky 13th year.

“Tickets for the festival are already on sale, offering the perfect gift idea for anyone who could use a little magic in their lives this Christmas.”

A full line up for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2016 will be announced next year, but tickets are already on sale starting at £7 each.

For more information, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival and to buy tickets, visit www.customshouse.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0191 4541234.

Tickets for the festival’s three-day convention, running from Friday March 11th, are also available and have been frozen at the 2015 rate of £65 each. For more information, or to book your place, contact South Tyneside Council Events Officer Karri Prinn on 0191 4554031 or karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Christmas Coming Twice For Seasonal Workers

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Winter workers from across the North East are being given a second chance to celebrate the festive season…

On Saturday January 9th, 1879 Events Management will host a Post-Christmas Party at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The event, starting at 7pm, is designed specifically for those who were too busy working or had other commitments in the run up to Christmas, offering them a second chance to celebrate with family, colleagues or friends.

Guests will enjoy a live performance by The Wolcott Band, covering hits by artists such as David Bowie, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson and Take That, as well as a mouthwatering four course meal.

This includes traditional Northumberland broth, roasted turkey paupiette with all the trimmings, cranberry and white chocolate cheesecake and coffee with sweet mince pies.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “There are so many people who are unable to celebrate Christmas during December, from care workers and the emergency services, to those who are based away from home.

“This year we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to mark the season in style, and hope that our event on January 9th will offer those missing out this month a much-needed opportunity to get together with their loved ones.”

The Post-Christmas Party night at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will run until 1am, with every guest receiving a complimentary half bottle of wine.  Places, priced at £24.95 each, can be booked by calling 0871 9111555.

Lumley Castle Offer Perfect Post-Christmas Break

By on 22nd December 2015in Lifestyle

One of the North East’s best loved hotels is coming to the rescue of couples, friends and families in need of a post-Christmas mini break…

Six-hundred-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is offering a two night Twixmas stay, between Christmas and New Year, with one condition… that guests allow staff to wait on them hand and foot.

Not only will guests spend two nights in a sumptuously furnished courtyard bedroom, formerly the stable block of the 14th century castle, but they will also be served dinner in the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant and a full English breakfast on both mornings.

They will also be able to enjoy long walks in the nine acres of historic woodland surrounding the four star hotel, overlooking both the Emirates Cricket Ground and the River Wear.

“Then, when they return, they can curl up in front of a roaring log fire with a mug of chocolate or afternoon tea, or explore the ancient corridors of the castle and find out a little more about its fascinating history,” said director of sales and marketing, Nola Collinson.

“However they choose to spend their time, we can assure our Twixmas guests that they won’t have to lift a finger; their stay with us really will be the perfect, post-Christmas treat.”

The two night Twixmas break is available from 27th to 30th December, and costs from £60 per person per night.

The offer includes accommodation, based on two people sharing a room, a £30 per person allowance towards dinner in the Black Knight Restaurant on one evening, and full English Breakfast both mornings.

For more information call 0191 389 1111, email reservations@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Sunderland Ice Rink To Remain In Place Until New Year’s Eve

By on 22nd December 2015in In & Around

Christmas fun in Sunderland is set to continue, with plans for the city’s Frost Village to remain open…

The ice rink at Keel Square was due to close on Christmas Eve, but the attraction has been such a success that it will now stay in place until New Year’s Eve.

The rink will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve, as originally planned, but will reopen until 8pm each day from December 27th to December 30th, and until 10pm on December 31st.

This means visitors attending the city’s firework display on New Year’s Eve will also be able to enjoy early evening entertainment.

More than 5000 people have already visited the ice rink, which has also brought a huge economic boost to the city, with traders reporting an increase in sales.

“We’re delighted to be able to keep the ice rink open until New Year’s Eve,” said Ken Dunbar of Sunderland BID, which organised the Frost Village.

“The ice rink has been particularly successful, and even the bad weather didn’t put people off from coming along and enjoying the city’s first ever Frost Village.

“Our special characters, The Frostlings, have also proven really popular with families, and have brought their own special magic to the attractions.

“We’ve also had some very positive feedback from retailers in the city who have seen a real upsurge in trade.”

The BID’s social media campaign around the Frost Village has raised awareness to around 400,000 people across Facebook and Twitter.

“The Christmas programme has been a great success, and we’re thrilled that the fun is able to continue for another week,” said Ken.

Stadium Of Light Announce New Year’s Eve Gala Ball Entertainment

By on 19th December 2015in Entertainment, Events

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are cueing the fireworks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve…

Renowned tribute artist Jamie Tinkler, who became a fan favourite on ITV talent shows Pop Idol and X Factor, will be performing as both Michael Buble and Olly Murs at the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on December 31st.

The event, organised by 1879 Events Management, will also feature a Scottish piper and a fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, which can be viewed either from inside the function suite or the stadium outside.

Along with all the live entertainment, guests at the event will enjoy a fabulous five course feast created by 1879’s expert chefs.

This includes roasted parsnip and apple soup, warm goats’ cheese, herb roasted fillet of beef, white and dark chocolate minted marbled torte, and a selection of farmhouse cheeses served with assorted biscuits.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Events Management and SAFC, said: “New Year’s Eve is one of the most highly anticipated nights of the year and we’re going all out to make it as memorable as possible.

“Jamie and our Scottish piper will both be on hand to help guests bid farewell to 2015 and look forward to all of the fun and promise that a New Year can bring. It’s going to be a spectacular night at the Stadium of Light.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light are priced at £52.95 per person, including a Bucks Fizz reception, bacon rolls at midnight, and coffee and mince pies.

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

Further details about 1879 Events Management can also be found by visiting www.1879events, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.

Simply Red To Perform At Durham County Cricket Club

By on 18th December 2015in Entertainment, Music

Simply Red are back, and celebrating over 30 years in the music industry with a spectacular anniversary tour…

One of the biggest and most iconic bands in the world are set to perform at Emirates Durham ICG, home of Durham County Cricket Club, on Friday 3rd June 2016, as one of only a handful of Simply Red 2016 live shows.

Mick Hucknall’s spectacular voice was the defining sound of British R‘n’B in the eighties and nineties, and one in five British households has a Simply Red album. Culminating in over 60 million worldwide sales, the band’s landmark albums include ‘Picture Book’, ‘Men and Women’, ‘A New Flame’, ‘Stars’, ‘Life’ and ‘Blue.’

Mick Hucknall said, “We are delighted to be performing in the open at the Durham County Cricket Club. It’s a superb ground in a great location, and we have many fans in the area. We will ensure that this night is really something special, and hope you can join us in celebrating over 30 years in the music business.”

David Harker, Group Chief Executive of Durham County Cricket Club said, “We love bringing music to Durham, and after the success of the Madness Concert in the summer in partnership with LHG Live, we needed to ensure that the next show we put on was of the highest calibre. We are delighted to be working with LHG again in bringing Simply Red to Durham County Cricket Club.”

Thirty years after introducing a generation to the joys of soul music through their irrepressible, irresistible rendition of the Valentine Brothers’ recession-themed classic ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’, Simply Red are still releasing huge albums and delighting crowds all over the world. As the band enters its fourth decade, buoyed by their excellent latest album ‘Big Love’, their reputation as one of the great British groups is set for some timely enhancement as they perform their greatest hits such as ‘Holding Back The Years’, ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’, ‘Something Got Me Started’, ‘The Right Thing’, ‘Stars’, ‘Fairground’, ‘Angel’ and ‘Sunrise’.

“We’re called Simply Red for a reason,” says the man with one of the greatest voices in soul music. “I want to keep it simple. Our fans know who we are. They have been loyal to us. Now I’m ready to go out there and give them what they want.”

For further information and tickets, visit www.durhamccc.co.uk. Tickets will be on sale now. General Admission £45 + booking fee and Premier View £60 + booking fee. Tickets are all standing.

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