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Monthly Archives: August 2011

Perth Racecourse Charities Race Day crowned by Royal visit

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Posted by admin on August 9, 2011 – 6:02 pm
Filed under Events

Perth Racecourse will play host to Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, on Saturday 20th August 2011 when they will be guests of honour at the Perth Racecourse Charities Race Day supported by Scottish Hydro. The fixture, together with the previous evening’s Stagecoach Gala Dinner at The Perth Concert Hall, will raise funds for The Prince’s Charities in Scotland – a group of not-for-profit organisations of which His Royal Highness is President.

Whilst at the Charities Race Day, The Duke and Duchess will be invited to present The Governors Cup to the winning connections of the fixture’s feature race – namely the £40,000 Scottish Hydro Summer Champion Hurdle.

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Battle Art Fair

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Posted by admin on August 9, 2011 – 5:38 pm
Filed under Events

Following the outstanding success of its inaugural exhibition in 2010, Battle Art Fair is taking place again this year and it promises to be a vintage year, with many well known names contributing, the likes of which are rarely scene outside of the capital.

There are many south-east based artists contributing including Liz Toole, who works out of the Phoenix studios in Brighton, Sharifa Brooks Read and Amy Douglas who both also hail from Brighton. From Worthing, there will be Erica Sturla with her amazing polymer sculpture pictures which sold out last year. There’s also a good number of artists representing Lewes, including Sue Barnes and Mary Beaney, founder of Art on the River and, closer to Battle, Louis Turpin and his brother Jem, to name but a few.

Of international reputation there will be Broomhill Sculpture prize nominated artist Svetlana K Lie, Arts Club award winning artist Helen Masacz and Will Taylor PSGFA, not to mention Guy Portelli, Cheryl Culver PSRBA, Brenda Hartill R E and Stephanie Davies-Arai ARBS.

The receiving charity again this year is MERU and the exhibition will run from 16th to 23rd September 2011 at the Powdermills Hotel in Battle.

The centrepiece of this year’s Art Fair will be a brand new sculpture “Into the Light” by Guy Portelli. On show to the public for the very first time since its unveiling at Canterbury Cathedral on 14th July 2011, it celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela.

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EAT BUTE Festival

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Posted by admin on August 9, 2011 – 5:25 pm
Filed under Eating & Drinking, Events

Following the initiative set by the Mount Stuart Trust in 2008, this year sees the fourth EAT BUTE Festival, a celebration of the best fresh food produce from the Isle of Bute and in the wider Argyll region. Set in the grounds of Mount Stuart, this year’s event promises to be the best yet and will feature a Victorian market setting, live music, traditional hog roasts and activities for all the family.  It takes place on the 10th and 11th September 2011.

The UK’s largest ever street art project

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Posted by admin on August 8, 2011 – 8:06 pm
Filed under Events

This Summer Bristol will play host to the most ambitious permanent street art project ever to take place in the UK. The world’s leading street artists from numerous countries will paint the facades of ten multi-storey Bristol buildings along Nelson Street as part of ‘See No Evil’. The event will result in Nelson Street becoming one of the world’s largest outdoor art exhibitions.

Bristol has long been known for its street art movement in the UK, being the home to a host of famous artists and now ‘See No Evil’. The biggest names in international street art will converge on the city and take up residency on Bristol’s Nelson Street, a city centre area in need of regeneration near Bristol’s main shopping district.  Ten huge buildings will be painted over six days later this month, transforming this area into an inspiring masterpiece and a legacy for the city.

Organisers have already announced New York based muralists, Tats Cru whose aerosol based work is dubbed to have ‘changed the perception of graffiti as art’ and LA artist El Mac whose work is prolific across every continent. These graffiti legends will join artists from Holland, Spain, Brazil and the UK, each bringing their completely unique styles to Bristol.

The event is a collaboration between street artist Inkie, who emerged out of Bristol’s 80’s graffiti scene alongside Banksy and Bristol music promoters Team Love and is in association with Bristol City Council’s place making director, Mike Bennett.

Here’s a quick line-up of what you can expect to happen:

Block Party – 20th August 2011

This extraordinary project will culminate in a free New York style ‘Block Party’ on Saturday 20th August celebrating the best of Bristol’s art and music culture with live street painting and an outdoor stage. Some of the biggest names to have originated in the city will play street sets including DJ Nature (formally DJ Milo of Wild Bunch) and Greg Wilson. The live music will be joined by cartoon drawing, screen printing, tattooing, break dancing and street dressing with mini garden area stretching along the length of Nelson Street.

Hear No Evil – 18th to 20th August 2011

Westgate, a currently disused residential building designed by architect Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed the Battersea Power Station and iconic British red telephone box, will be opening its doors for the first time in two years to host three FREE and ticketed nights of the best of Bristol music and art. Between Thursday 18th and Saturday 20th August, major club promoters, film and music previews, pop-up barber shops, live workshops and cocktail bars will take over this unique space, creating a temporary interactive gallery and entertainment venue.

Thursday 18th August: Resident Advisor’s Real Scenes film screening and after party:

Resident Advisor has created three short films in association with the clothing brand Bench about the cities they consider to be the most exciting and important music cities in the world right now –Bristol, Detroit and Berlin. Bristol’s film will be screened, followed by a party with several of the artists from the film, including Futureboogie, Julio Bashmore and Peverelist.

Friday 19th August: Westgate hosts Crazylegs

Voted best club night in Bristol 2010, Crazylegs will be hosting See No Evil’s Friday night with a top line up of cutting edge artists including the soon to blow up Mosca and Melee.

Saturday 20th August: Westgate Block Party After Party

The after party will host a mixture of the great unsung heroes of Bristol’s nightlife scene, not just the big names but all the local residents who play around the city, week in week out, along with some of the best DJ’s that are part of the thriving musical community that is Bristol.

Recognised pop-up urban art gallery, Weapon of Choice will also be taking up residency in Nelson Street, creating the official See No Evil gallery. The exhibition will open on Thursday 18th August and run for three weeks showcasing original artwork, limited edition prints and clothing from a wide range of the artists taking part in the event, along with official ‘See No Evil’ merchandise.

Bristol is spearheading the UK’s urban art movement and the city’s Place Making Director, Mike Bennett is using Bristol’s unique and recognisable personality to strengthen it as an area for tourism, economic growth and culture.

For more information about the event, log on to the Visit Brisol website.

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THIRTY SIX By Nigel Mendham

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Posted by admin on August 8, 2011 – 6:04 pm
Filed under Accommodation, Eating & Drinking

THIRTY SIX By Nigel Mendham will open its doors to the public and officially launch onto London’s restaurant scene. Located at No. 36 Little St James Street and replacing the former ‘Dining Room’ at Dukes London, this new restaurant is in a prime West End location serving ‘modern British food with a classical twist.’

Nigel, famous for his creative presentation and contemporary style, will create Michelin star quality food for both hotel guests and locals alike. After 5 years as Head Chef at The Samling in the Lake District, Nigel is preparing to take on the challenge of a city.

He has announced that example dishes at THIRTY SIX will include:
● Goosenargh duck, savoury granola, black cherry and almond milk.
● Roast Quail, Terrine Forstiere, braised leg and quail jus
● Taste of Rhubarb crumble, ginger custard and ice cream.

Appropriately seating thirty six diners, the interiors of the restaurant will reflect the modern, traditional theme of Nigel’s food and the general ethos of the hotel with classic tones of black, gold and orange. Responsible for this is the highly acclaimed designer Shaun Clarkson, who has also recently refurbished the exquisite new suites and provided the chic interiors for the stunning Perrier-Jouët Lounge that opened in April 2011.

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Somerset Art Weeks 2011

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Posted by admin on August 8, 2011 – 5:55 pm
Filed under Attractions, Events

Somerset Art Weeks 2011, which runs from Saturday 17th September to Sunday 2nd October 2011, is the largest art event in Somerset with around 400 artists and makers showcasing their work to the public in over 100 venues county-wide. The initiative brings contemporary visual art to everyone with a variety of free group exhibitions and events for all ages including talks, art trails, workshops and mystery tours.

Artworks are presented in a diverse range of media from ceramics, watercolour, textiles and wood to stone, glass and metal as well as digital technology, photography, installations and live arts.

Amongst those taking part are nationally renowned artists Simon Hitchens, Lisa Robertson, Toni Davey, Sonja Klingler, Candace Bahouth, Ian Edwards and John Candler. Several important emerging artists will also be showcasing their work including Lucy Lean, Andrea Rowbotham, Jon England and Megan Calver.

The event provides an opportunity for artists and makers to promote their work beyond the ‘Open Studio’ format. Venues range from Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton and historic heritage sites such as Muchelney Abbey and the Tithe Barn at Cotley to public locations throughout the county including village halls, hotels, cafés, and the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

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The best way to buy tickets for Bestival

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Posted by admin on August 5, 2011 – 2:46 pm
Filed under Events

How about dancing away in fancy dress on the Isle of Wight as a great way to end the Summer? Bestival is a music event where each year there’s a new fancy dress theme chosen and everyone gets into the spirit of things.

This year it will run from 8th-11th September 2011. There will be 18 stages offering live music as well as DJs, pop stars, rock stars and – new for 2011 – even a roller disco ballroom field and swamp shack!

A word of advice, though… buying a Bestival travel and ticket package is far easier than booking a separate ferry crossing to the island.  See the Bestival website for more information.

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An extra 4 million to holiday in Britain to avoid airports

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Posted by trev on August 5, 2011 – 1:56 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

According to a survey by “life assistance company” CPP around an extra 4 million Brits who would have travelled abroad this year won’t be doing so due to the stress of British airports.

It seems the great British fly-away to the Costa-del-Sunshine might be a little smaller than before as people are discovering airports with all their extra security checks and addon prices for luggage etc., are simply too stressful for what is meant to be the one really relaxing part of the year – the annual Summer holiday.

Of course if you’re anything like me, you’ll already know that it’s so much simpler to stay in the UK for your holidays as we have pretty much everything here you’ll ever need, but without worrying about the Euro’s.

Costa-del-Sol alternative – why not head either for the English Riviera which seems to stretch from Cornwall to Weymouth in Dorset. Or if you really want the sunshine, how about Pembrokeshire in west Wales which some has more sunny days than Devon!

Cultural alternatives – forget Venice and head for Birmingham if you want canals as our second city actually has more miles of canals than the famous Italian destination and if you’re selective, some of the best architecture in Europe. Plus there are few places on the planet with a wider range of foods to sample alongside the famous curry of course.

Remote locations – need I say more than the Highlands of Scotland which must qualify as one of the greatest wildlife and get-away-from-it destinations in the world, and certainly in Europe. If you need the company of people, perhaps to show your photos of Red Deer to, then there’s always the towns of Inverness, Fort William and Oban which are all highly recommended.

Having covered only a tiny fraction of Britain, perhaps its time for more people to abandon the stresses of the airport, jump in the car or on the train and explore this fantastic location we’re lucky enough to call “home”.

If we’ve inspired you to head for the highlands, please don’t all go to Fort William as I’ll need to be able to find a parking space when on holiday there next week…

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Wilderness festival

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Posted by admin on August 3, 2011 – 3:08 pm
Filed under Events

There’s a pioneering new festival on the scene this year that goes by the name of Wilderness. Running from the 12th to 14th August 2011, it’s not only a festival of music, but also one of food, learning, literature and rejuvenation. If it takes off, then maybe it could help to redefine the traditional festival experience. Set among the lakes, forests and parkland of Oxfordshire’s exquisite Cornbury Estate, Wilderness is sure to be an inspirational weekend for all who attend.  Watch the video below to learn more.

What’s new in Durham this Summer

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Posted by admin on August 3, 2011 – 2:27 pm
Filed under Attractions, Events

With new attractions and returning festivals, Durham has something for everyone – check out the This is Durham site for more information, or simply read on…

Beamish has opened the coal fired, Davy’s Fried Fish Shop to serve a real taste of the past to the thousands of people who visit every year. In Edwardian times fish and chip shops thrived in working class areas, drawing in people with a sociable atmosphere full of gossip, popular with women, children and young lads. With evening opening and eat-in areas they were particularly attractive to courting couples in the days before pubs and cinemas welcomed women!

Hall Hill Farm is a working farm celebrating 30 years as a farm attraction. This year’s Farm Attraction of the Year is located near Lanchester in County Durham, and has opened a new indoor Playbarn with softplay, toy tractors and refreshments – helping visitors to shade from the sun as well as keep out of the rain!

A new £1.25m Visitor Centre has opened enhancing the experience of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. Based in the former Durham University Almshouse on Owengate, Durham City, the Centre will provide visitors with an overview of what a World Heritage Site is, what makes Durham significant, and what else there is to see and do.

Beamish Wild has opened a new family friendly Adventure Woodland centre in the picturesque 25 acre grounds of Beamish Hall Country House Hotel. New activities on offer include the Tip Top, a 20 foot pole climb; Topple Tower, where daredevils can climb and stack a tower of crates as high as they can before it topples them off; Zipping, a run of exhilarating zip wires; Monkey Trouble tree ropes; and the giant Climbing Tree, with grips to help people squirrel their way to the top. For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, other activities including archery, tractor rides, den building and a mysterious woodland maze, have all been designed to provide hours of entertainment for the family.

Also… don’t miss…

The ‘Streets of… Summer Festival’ – 26th and 27th August 2011

The free festival where you don’t need wellies or a tent is back. Once again set to take over Durham’s streets and filling them with some of the best in contemporary folk and world music to the breath-taking, dare-devil skills of the foremost international street performers. This year also spilling over into some interesting and intimate venues with the Gala Theatre playing host to Sing-A-Long-A Rocky Horror Picture Show; and Crook Hall & Gardens offering ‘Folk in the Garden’, an intimate evening of music.

Amazing Egyptians – Until 31st August 2011

There could be a few cries of ‘I Want My Mummy’ at The Bowes Museum this summer, as visitors are taken on an exciting and absorbing trip through Ancient Egypt, in a super new exhibition aimed at families. Amazing Egyptians explores the customs and traditions surrounding life and death in the land of the Pharaohs, through the use of key objects showing the processes involved in preparing a body for the afterlife.

Weardale Agricultural Show, St John’s Chapel, Co Durham – 27th August 2011

A traditional Agricultural Show offering something for everyone. Agricultural programme including sheep, cattle, produce & industry, horticulture and floral art, photography, craft tent, dog show, horse and pony, trade stands, cross country run. Main ring attractions for 2011 are a Beagle parade, chainsaw carver, ridgeside lurcher display, falconry display, flyball display, wildlife display, scottish dancing and a bale stacking competition.

Power from the Past, Beamish Museum – 1st to 4th September 2011

From horse power to steam power and everything in between! Horse drawn vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, stationary engines, steam rollers, tractors, railway locomotives, traction engines and a host of fascinating machinery on display and in action.

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