Tag: whats on

Classical Music Fans Have Another Reason To ‘Celebrate’

By on 22nd April 2016in Entertainment

Classical music star Katherine Jenkins releases her new album today (April 22) – and fans now have their own reason to celebrate…

To mark the launch of Katherine’s latest CD, Celebration, the organisers of her forthcoming concert at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, have created a special hospitality package for the event.

This includes complimentary on-site car parking, red carpet entry to a designated structure with captivating exteriors on lavish grounds, a welcome drink on arrival, a luxury picnic hamper and access to an outdoor seating area and separate toilets throughout the outdoor performance on Friday May 6.

Katherine’s concert, which also features appearances by the National Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed violinists Vladimir and Anton, is the first to be organised by Northern Sessions, a new business area for Sunderland Live.

Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live, said: “Katherine Jenkins is one of the most popular stars in classical music and I’m sure her new album will only serve to strengthen this success even further.

“We hope that fans of all ages will join us on May 6 to celebrate Katherine and her music and are confident that the new hospitality package will allow them to do so in even greater style.”

The hospitality package for Katherine Jenkins at Herrington Country Park is priced at £100 per person and available in limited numbers.  Standard tickets are also available priced at £33 each.  Both can be purchased at www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk.

For more information follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

Finishing Touches Added To Durham Northumbria In Bloom Displays

By on 21st April 2016in In & Around

They’ve all been found to be ‘blooming great’ in the past and now they’re gearing up to welcome the judges once again…

Teams at Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley are all putting the final touches to efforts to spruce up their communities ahead of the visit of judges from Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom in the coming days.

Durham City is among the contenders in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category having won double gold and overall category winner in 2014 and 2015.

Impressively, Durham will also be in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category in the national Britain in Bloom competition this year, having also struck gold in that competition in 2014 and 2015.

Chester-le-Street is competing in the large town category, having scooped a Silver Gilt last year.

Stanley is among the runners in the town category in just its second year in the competition, with the community having secured a Silver in its first in 2015.

The communities’ entries have been led by their respective ‘In Bloom’ groups and submitted with support from Durham County Council.

Judges will assess horticultural developments and will make a second visit in the summer.

Various projects and locations will be assessed and judges will meet some of the local volunteers, community groups and organisations which support and take part in schemes throughout the year.

Results will be announced in the autumn.

Alan Patrickson, the county council’s head of direct services, said: “We are extremely pleased to be welcoming the Northumbria in Bloom judges to Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley.

“This will provide a platform to showcase how well partners and organisations make a difference to where they live, work or visit.

“Volunteers and groups work exceptionally well in maintaining and transforming open spaces. Their commitment inspires others to have pride and enthusiasm for other horticultural schemes that add value and will benefit others well into the future.

“We wish all entries well, across the county and North East region as a whole, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome once again for County Durham.”

Judges will be in Durham City on Friday 15 April, Chester-le-Street on Tuesday 19 April and Stanley on Monday 25 April.

To find out more visit www.durham.gov.uk/inbloom or phone 03000 261 000. To keep up to date with Durham City’s Champion of Champions bid on Facebook log on to: www.facebook.com/durhambloom

1916: No Turning Back Simulates Sights, Sounds & Smells Of The Somme

By on 20th April 2016in In & Around

Accompany a new recruit as he volunteers to fight for his country, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the trenches and experience one of the bloodiest battles in human history…

1916: No Turning Back promises to be an exhilarating experience for audiences who will feel the fear of the front line first hand, gain insight into the camaraderie of the battalion and rush for cover in the bunker before making the push ‘over the top’, witnessing the imagery of the brave men who took part in the Somme Offensive.

The experience continues in a field hospital as audiences learn that for some the war is over, but for most they are patched up and sent back out or to return home as changed people.

Starting on Thursday, July 21 and running until Sunday, August 28, 1916: No Turning Back is unlike anything previously staged at Durham County Council’s Gala Theatre and tickets are on sale now.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for culture and economic regeneration, said: “The Pals battalions of World War 1 were specially constituted battalions of the British Army comprising of men who had enlisted together in local recruiting drives, with the promise that they would be able to serve alongside their friends, neighbours and colleagues, rather than being arbitrarily allocated.

“1916: No Turning Back will take audiences on a walkthrough experience like no other seen here before and ensure the bravery and sacrifice of the Durham Pals is remembered in this special year of commemorations.”

Robin Byers, service manager for place experience said: “The centenary of the Battle of the Somme is a poignant anniversary and a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of Durham men and women.

“The experience is going to be something that is completely new for our audiences and we’re excited to be developing plans for the transformation of our auditorium.”

1916: No Turning Back is part of Durham Remembers, a wide range of events, exhibitions and experiences commemorating the centenary of The Battle of the Somme and remembering the bravery of the Durham Pals. More info www.durham.gov.uk/DurhamRemembers

Tickets are now on sale for the experience priced £7.50 (£6.50 concession) and can be purchased at www.galadurham.co.uk or by calling the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600.

Lumley Castle To Host Swinging Afternoon Tea This May

By on 19th April 2016in Entertainment

Enjoy afternoon tea with a difference at a special event at Lumley Castle Hotel this May…

On Sunday 22nd May, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street are hosting a swing afternoon tea in their breath-taking surroundings with live music by singer Alexander Lomas.

Starting at 2.30pm visitors will enjoy the ambience of the castle in their Garter room which oozes elegance and luxury. Combining historic architecture with views from the County Durham landscape the setting is truly a dream come true.

Alexander Lomas has 15 years of experience within the industry and has won many awards including North of England Wedding Awards for entertainment. He encapsulates his audience with classics from greats such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett.

Not only will guests revel in fabulous music, they will relish in Afternoon Tea designed by our top class restaurant team. Including a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and delicious cakes your taste buds will be tantalised.

“This event has always been a hit at Lumley Castle and we are very excited to be running it again,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes, “Alexander Lomas is a great entertainer and makes the experience of our fabulous afternoon tea even more enjoyable.”

“We guarantee that anyone attending will have a fantastic afternoon in one of the castle’s most beautiful rooms, and we already planning more events like this for the future.”

Places for Swing Afternoon Tea at Lumley day cost £20 and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

www.lumleycastle.com

Katherine Jenkins Performance Introduces Exclusive Event Marquees

By on 18th April 2016in Entertainment

Two relative newcomers are bringing a breath of fresh air to the festival circuit ahead of a landmark North East event…

Northern Sessions and Contemporary Event Structures are joining forces to cater for classical music fans at a special outdoor performance by songbird Katherine Jenkins in Sunderland next month.

The concert, on Friday May 6, is the first to be organised by Northern Sessions, a division of events company Sunderland Live, which plans to bring more big names to the city in the coming months.

It is also one of the first North East contracts for Birmingham-based Contemporary Event Structures, which will be supplying four inflatable marquees for the concert in Herrington Country Park.

These cube-shaped structures, measuring up to 15m by 30m, will each house a separate pop-up bar provided by specialist subsidiary Contemporary Event Bars, including a Pimms bar, Prosecco bar and main bar for all attendees, as well as a separate bar for hospitality guests.

“Herrington Country Park is an amazing space but there is little on site to cater for visitors in large numbers,” said Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live.

“The inflatable marquees offered by Contemporary Event Structures represent the perfect solution and their pop up bars will allow all our concert goers to enjoy Pimms, Prosecco and other drinks throughout the evening.”

Contemporary Event Structures, which launched its specialist bars arm in 2012, offers a wide range of inflatable and temporary event structures, all of which are relatively simple to install and secured for safety.

The company’s existing clients include Bentley Lamborghini, BBC and the University of Bath.

“We have already worked with several prestigious companies and are delighted to be bringing our innovative solutions to Northern Sessions, Sunderland and indeed the North East,” said Ryan Miller, Director at Contemporary Event Structures.

Tickets for Katherine Jenkins at Herrington Country Park, supported by the National Symphony Orchestra and violinists 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.

Further details about the services offered by Contemporary Event Structures can also be found by visiting www.contemporaryeventstructures.co.uk or calling 0121 7483377

The Voice Contestant Joins Newcastle LGBT Event

By on 16th April 2016in Entertainment

Shane Richie Jnr and The Voice favourite, Jordan Gray, are among the stars adding a touch of extra ‘Sparkle’ to one of the UK’s leading LGBT events…

Newcastle Pride, which returns for its 9th year in June and July, has joined forces with national transgender charity, Sparkle, to help make this year’s event more inclusive than ever.

As part of the landmark partnership Sparkle, based in Manchester, will be programming some of Pride’s Main Stage weekend, which runs at Newcastle Town Moor on July 16 and 17.

This includes performances by Shane Richie Jr, Jordan Gray and a host of other acts that have previously proven popular at Sparkle’s own weekend festival, which is already the largest free trans event in the world.

Debbie Roberts, Interm Chair of Sparkle, said: “The Sparkle mission is to promote a positive public image of the trans community within society, to challenge stigma and to build confidence.

“Our involvement in Newcastle Pride highlights trans as part of the wider LGBT family and we are delighted to be bringing this positive message to the North East.”

Transgender singer Jordan Gray, aka Tall Dark Friend, made it to the semi-finals of BBC singing contest, The Voice, earlier this year and has since toured across the UK and Scandinavia.

She will be joined for the Sparkle slot at Newcastle Pride by Shane Richie Jnr, the eldest son of entertainers Coleen Nolan and Shane Richie, who has carved out a successful career as a solo singer, band frontman and musical theatre star.

“My Mum introduced me to Sparkle a few years ago,” said Shane, “and I’ve since had the opportunity perform at a number of associated events, including The National Transgender Awards.

“The right to be who you are is fundamental and it’s a real honour to be able to celebrate that fact at Newcastle Pride 2016.”

Sparkle’s Main Stage slot will form part of three days of live music and entertainment for Newcastle Pride 2016, including headline appearances by boyband 5ive and songbird Heather Small.

Other acts set to appear at the Town Moor include reality TV favourite Jake Quickenden, 90s icon Sonia, actress and singer Heather Peace, clubland star Tina Cousins, former Brother Beyond star, Nathan Moore and Lorraine Crosby, a former contestant on BBC show, The Voice, who is perhaps best known as the female vocalist on Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything For Love.

A number of themed entertainment zones and activities will also be open throughout the weekend, including the regular Steve Paske Health Zone (SPHZ), which has a key focus on the health and wellbeing of gender diverse communities.

Mark Nichols, Chair of charity Northern Pride, which organises the Newcastle Pride festival, “Newcastle Pride is all about encouraging inclusivity, opening up communication and promoting greater understanding of all aspects of gender diversity and the LGBT community.”

“The theme for this year’s event is be yourself, change the world, #be proud and it’s highly fitting that Sparkle is going to be a key part of that.”

A full line up for Newcastle Pride 2016 can be found online at www.northern-pride.com or by searching northernprideuk on Facebook and Twitter.

The festival’s Main Stage weekend is free to attend, however a number of Gold Circle and VIP tickets are available for those who want to guarantee prime viewing spots for the main weekend.

These are priced from £12 per person and are on sale now at www.northern-pride.com/shop/tickets.

City Tavern Invites Couples To Tie The Knot

By on 9th April 2016in Lifestyle

A stylish city centre bar is providing a quirky alternative venue for weddings with three unique packages…

The award-winning City Tavern at Northumberland Road, Newcastle, is opening its doors to couples who want to tie the knot in a stylish city centre location.

Offering a range of wedding options is the latest initiative from the bar’s entrepreneurial owner, Dave King, who has put the historic pub back on the map since taking it over two years ago.

The weddings are aimed at smaller, more intimate ceremonies suitable for parties of between 10 and 50 guests.

Couples can choose to say “I do” in the bar’s library or even marry on the City Tavern’s terrace, followed by a reception on the mezzanine level.

And chefs at the venue have also created an imaginative range of menu options including dishes such as canapés of seared tuna and caviar tartlets and tempura king prawns, with main courses of Northumbrian beef, steamed mussels, ‘gold leaf’ flatbread and vegetable and apricot tagines.

“The City Tavern is unique as it’s a venue with a really historic feel and a sense of tradition,” said Mr King.

“It’s perfect for more intimate weddings for people who like somewhere truly original and for couples who find a city centre venue really appealing.”

The packages on offer include a range of extras for the couples, including candle-lit candelabra in the library windows, PA system for the speeches and a variety of drinks options.

The bar is also able to provide everything from personalised wedding crackers to individual cupcakes, to add a real “wow” factor to the day.

“We are an unconventional venue but we find that more and more couples like that,” said Mr King.

“And we promise anyone who does choose to get married here a really memorable day.”

City Tavern, widely recognised for its Tudor style façade, was taken over by Mr King early in 2014 and then enjoyed a £450k refurbishment to create a state-of-the-art bar while still retaining the venue’s historic features.

City Tavern’s wedding packages include a range of options. Details and prices can be found at http://www.citytavern.co.uk/weddings/

Truly Tempting To Hold Budding Chocolatier Masterclass

By on 8th April 2016in In & Around

Budding chocolatier’s, both young and young at heart, can enjoy a taste bud-tingling masterclass at one of the region’s biggest food festivals this month…

Bishop Auckland Food Festival (BAFF), which boasts 150 producers and traders, returns for a weekend of foodie fun April 23 and 24, with a range of fantastic masterclasses at its heart. BAFF is a Durham County Council event and is partnered by The Auckland Castle Trust and Bishop Auckland Town Council.

Amongst those set to provide mouth-watering entertainment will be Truly Tempting Chocolate. Their indulgent classes will offer would-be chocolatiers a flavour of what it’s like to work with one of the world’s most loved ingredients. There are separate sessions for adults and children for just £5 per person.

They’ll be run by David and Wendy Sanderson from Darlington who pride themselves on using only quality Belgian chocolate for all of their products, sourcing as many natural ingredients as possible and making many of the added flavours themselves like peanut butter and crystallised ginger.

Looking ahead to another fabulous festival Wendy said: “Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a great event as it’s local to us and we have family that live nearby. Also the quality and variety of food produce is excellent and as most of the stall holders are the producers of the food that is great.

“The best thing about working with chocolate is being creative and coming up with new products and flavours as well as the tasting, it’s also great when customers try our products and the lovely reactions and feedback we get from them.”

With his masterclass planning complete David can reveal exactly what participants can expect: “We run two different chocolate workshops, one for adults and one for children.

The adults get to make two different kinds of chocolate truffles and the children make a chocolate lolly and a chocolate caterpillar.

“We have a lot of fun doing the workshops and really like educating people about good quality chocolate and how it’s made from the cocoa beans, and just having fun and getting messy with our groups as everyone loves chocolate.”

Cabinet member for culture and regeneration, Cllr Neil Foster, said: “The festival masterclasses have proven to be a real hit with foodies and this year we won’t disappoint.

“We are offering 13 different workshops across 26 sessions, ranging from chocolate and charcuterie to cheese and craft beers, but don’t forget to book your place because tickets are selling like hot cakes!”

Details on the full range of classes can be found at http://www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

Tickets for workshops can be purchased in person from Gala Theatre and Cinema box office in Millennium Place in Durham or by calling 03000 266600.

Further Durham City Roadworks Begin 11th April

By on 6th April 2016in In & Around

Major works on the main route through Durham City will start on Leazes Bowl roundabout in April which will result in easier journeys in the future…

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.

With work progressing well on Gilesgate roundabout, work on Leazes Bowl roundabout will get underway on Monday, 11 April. Although all measures are being taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that disruption is likely while the work on Leazes Bowl is carried out.

As well as the installation of traffic lights, the improvements will also see the configuration of the roundabout changed with the number of lanes being increased. Paths will be widened with dropped kerbs installed to improve accessibility and two new eastbound bus stops will be installed, set back from the carriageway.

The work will be carried out in a number of phases over the next 25 weeks to help reduce the impact on people travelling through the city.

From 11 April, the first phase of work will see the eastbound approach to Leazes Bowl roundabout reduced to one lane from just past Milburngate Bridge on the A690 for the first part of the week. However the restriction will be removed during the evening rush hour – between 3.30pm and 7.00pm.

Heading westbound on the A690, there will only be one lane open on the approach to Leazes Bowl roundabout, through the works and over the roundabout for the duration of the week. However the restrictions will be removed during the morning rush hour – 7.00am to 9.30am. All lanes over Milburngate Bridge will remain open and the approach to Leazes Bowl roundabout from New Elvet will also be reduced to one lane at the junction with the roundabout throughout the week. The subway under the bridge will be closed with pedestrians diverted over Claypath.

Future phases of the work will be publicised closer to the time.

People can see full details at either www.durham.gov.uk/LeazesBowl or www.durham.gov.uk/Gilesgate which also includes changes to bus services, links to traffic cameras that people can check before setting off and tips to avoid delays. Motorists are also advised to keep up to date with the latest on social media using #LeazesBowl and #Gilesgate.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “Once installed the SCOOT system promises to improve journeys for everyone travelling through the city in addition to improving the roundabouts to make life easier for pedestrians.

“While we’ve taken all measures to minimise disruption, we are working on the major route through Durham City so people should be aware there may be delays. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these important improvements.”

The work at Gilesgate roundabout is expected to last until May with the work at Leazes Bowl 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.

Olympian And Author Join Runners In Upcoming Sunderland Marathon

By on 5th April 2016in In & Around

Former Olympian Steve Cram and author Terry Deary joined runners gearing up for the Sunderland City 10k and Half Marathon…

Steve’s company, Events of the North, is organising the races on May 1, which are both sponsored by development company Siglion.

A 5K run was held on the beach at Seaburn, led by Steve and Terry, the author of the Horrible Histories books, with running clubs and members of the public training for the Sunderland races. It was one of a number of Start Me Up for Sunderland training sessions being organised around the city, in the lead up to the events.

Steve said: “The seafront section in both the half marathon and 10K routes is always very popular with runners and spectators alike, and we love being able to showcase that Sunderland is a city by the sea. “This year’s Start Me Up For Sunderland sessions have all been really successful and this was no exception, thanks in no small part to the contributions of Siglion and Terry.”

John Seager, chief executive of Siglion, said: “The training session was really well attended.

“It was a great opportunity for people who have perhaps never run at Seaburn to take advantage of the wonderful stretch of beach and seafront location.

“There was the added bonus of training with Steve Cram and Terry Deary, who is from Seaburn, and is supporting our plans to put the area back on the map as a major leisure destination for the North East.

“Sunderland is a fantastic city by the sea and we’re lucky to have a location like Seaburn, which can attract people into Sunderland.

“Our proposals for Seaburn are very much geared towards turning the area back into a great destination for local people and visitors alike.”

To find out more about the two runs visit www.sunderlandcity10k.com.

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