Marketing Birmingham City News

Selfridges Birmingham joins the Pride party

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:31:10 GMT

Selfridges Birmingham has partnered with Birmingham’s annual Pride Parade for the very first time, as it prepares to kick-start the UK’s largest two day LGBT festival in the UK.

Selfridges will be launching this year’s celebrations in Birmingham with the Attitude Fashion Show taking place in store at 6.30pm on Thursday 31 May. Attendees will be treated to a preview of this season’s hottest men’s underwear and swimwear collections in this quintessentially British show packed full of summer essentials.

The event offers customers a free spray tan courtesy of Fake Bake and a step-by-step guide to Bare Minerals’ signature ‘Swirl, Tap, Buff’ technique demonstrated by the beauty brand’s experts. Customers spending over £30 will also be gifted with luxury goody bags and the chance to take part in competitions offering fabulous prizes.

Further entertainment comes courtesy of DJ Simon Baker, a favourite of Birmingham’s premier gay nightclub, Nightingale, with drinks provided by the popular Loft Lounge.

As an official partner of Birmingham Pride 2012, Selfridges will be joining the parade on Saturday 2 June, with a float based on the classic British cuppa. The float will be joined by a host of hunky models from renowned underwear designer Calvin Klein, who will accompany the unique tea van as it journeys the parade route through Birmingham’s city centre.

The store itself will be lighting up the city centre, as the iconic building at the Bullring Shopping Centre transforms to a suitably proud pink glow for the celebrations. .

Dee Sarai, General Manager of Selfridges Birmingham says, “We are so excited to be joining Birmingham Pride this year as an official partner of the festival. As Selfridges commemorates the best of Britain in this summer’s Big British Bang, Birmingham Pride is the perfect, fun-filled addition to the bill.”

Lawrence Barton, Festival Director of Birmingham Pride says, “We are thrilled to have Selfridges join us as an official partner this year. The store is iconic to the city, and offers those joining the festival the perfect way to kick off an incredible summer.”

To apply for tickets visit www.selfridges.com/attitude

Levi Roots provides a fishy challenge for local chefs

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:05 GMT

Charismatic Reggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur Levi Roots will sample the culinary delights of local Caribbean Chefs at the world renowned Sea Life Centre, Brindley Place, Birmingham this Thursday 17th May, 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.

The celebrated chef will lead the Judges line-up at the Caribbean Cook Off which will see some of the region’s finest go head to head as each chef prepares a signature Caribbean fish dish.

Each dish will be judged according to flavour, authenticity and originality as the fishy-friendly takes place to announce the first ever Levi Roots Caribbean Food Festival happening on 24th – 26th May, in Birmingham’s busy Victoria Square.

Levi Roots, who will be judging alongside Delores Smith, Soul Singer Beverly Knight's mum and BBC Radio WM Broadcaster, Nikki Tapper says ‘I couldn’t think of a better place than Birmingham to hold the first Levi Roots Food Festival of this kind. There is such a vibrant mix of cultures and a considerable Caribbean Cuisine presence here bursting with fabulous culinary talent’.

The cook-off is a fantastic way to showcase this excellence and it is just a tasty taster as we look forward to 3 days of celebrating the exciting breadth of aromatic Caribbean Foods which will bring sunshine vibes, flavour and music to Victoria Square.

‘Its events like these that bring Caribbean Cookery and culture to the forefront and a great opportunity for like minded Chefs to come together and share their passion for this wonderful and vibrant cuisine’ said award winning Chef, Lorenzo Richards of Wildmore Oak Restaurant in Worcester.

The Levi Roots Caribbean Food Festival which culminates in an American Day to acknowledge the strong Caribbean contingent residing in the US, will feature an array of local Caribbean restaurants, catering companies and businesses providing tropical delights ranging from traditional recipes to arts and crafts and will see Dragonslayer Levi Roots ‘Put Some Music’ in everyone’s food with musical cooking showcases, book signings, samples and dishes from the Levi Roots food and drinks range and much more.

mac birmingham attracts 1.7 million visitors in first two years

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:28:02 GMT

On 1 May 2010, mac birmingham re-opened its doors following a multi-million pound makeover and since then has attracted more than 1.7 million visits for performances, courses, film screenings, exhibitions, festivals and more – firmly securing its place as the most popular arts centre in the Midlands.

Over the last two years, visitors have been able to enjoy a wide range of programmes – some highlights including the highly successful exhibition anticurate in summer 2011 showcasing the work of 350 local and regional artists with the work selected for show by a range of local groups; Made in the Middle, the Midlands’ triennial exhibition of contemporary craft – a collaboration between Craftspace and mac in spring 2012. The Lost Happy Endings, “Once upon a Perfect” (Birmingham Post) a co-production with Red Earth Theatre setting Carol Ann Duffy’s charming book to the stage; the recent sell-out Family Weekend as part of the International Dance Festival Birmingham; sampad’s spectacular Mela in Summer 2010, the Birmingham BE Festival in 2010 and 2011; Jane Packman company’s The Woods - an installation and an immersive performance within the tactile, sensory installation.

mac birmingham closed for two years whilst the £15 million renovation took place allowing additional performance studios, a new gallery, more conference and meeting rooms and increased and enhanced public facilities to be built and for the building to be made fully accessible and much more spacious.

The extensive refurbishment has allowed the centre to provide more support for regional and local artists. Over 1000 artists and companies have spent time at mac making new work in new and refreshed studio spaces with the support of mac’s dedicated team of creative professionals – truly a “hothouse for creativity”. An example includes the current ALLOTMENT project in the centre’s Arena Gallery, providing a platform for emerging curatorial talent and for hundreds of artists to display their work, and facilitating significant opportunities for their professional development.

The rejuvenated mac birmingham has attracted critical acclaim over the last two years, achieving recognition by industry professionals. Last year, the arts centre won two awards from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for ‘Project of the Year’ for the building project and outstanding ‘Community Benefit’, and was a runner up in the National Lottery Awards, again for the building project. Long-serving members of mac birmingham’s Board of Trustees have also been recognised for their visionary and sustained contributions, with Anita Bhalla OBE (Chair of mac) and Viv Astling OBE (Vice Chair) being named Cultural Champions by Arts & Business, and Greg Lowson and John Smith winning Arts & Business “Board member of the Year” awards.

As well as celebrating the second anniversary of the new building, mac birmingham is also preparing to mark 50 years of providing arts for all. This summer, a special interactive installation will launch the anniversary celebrations. Japanese artists KOSUGE1-16 will present THE PLAYMAKERS (Sat 7 Jul – Sun 9 Sep), a playful exhibition which will draw inspiration from mac birmingham’s history – including large-scale marionettes of the centre’s founding Director and Secretary, John English and Alicia (Mollie) Randle providing a link to the centre’s past and a continuing venue for the very best in puppetry.

mac birmingham is planning to attract brand new audiences this summer by playing a role in the London 2012 Festival, hosting the UK premiere of internationally renowned composer Heiner Goebbels’ Walden (Sat 23 Jun). A one day music festival with One Beat Sunday (Sun 22 Jul), celebrates Birmingham’s musical talent, bringing together hotly tipped bands from across the city in the outdoor Arena.

Dorothy Wilson MBE, Chief Executive and Artistic Director commented, “We are delighted that so many people from the local area and far beyond are visiting mac birmingham. We like to think that our offer is unique – genuinely open to all and providing access to high quality arts experiences which are reasonably priced. Our attendance figures, which are growing year on year, are a fantastic endorsement and show that the public clearly support and enjoy what we’re doing. The building project has helped us to reach out to more visitors than ever before and the last two years have played an exciting part in mac birmingham’s 50 year legacy.”

Shark with a preference for greens

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Florence the six-foot tropical nurse shark has confounded her keepers by spurning all offers of tasty fish in favour of lettuce!

The first shark anywhere in the world to survive a surgical procedure ‘out of water’ Florence may now lay claim to the title ‘world’s first vegetarian shark.’

The displays team at Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre is resorting to devious tactics to make sure she gets the protein she needs.

“We’re having to hide pieces of fish inside celery sticks, hollowed out cucumbers and between the leaves of lettuces to get her to eat them,” said curator Graham Burrows.

“And it has to be well hidden, because if she realises it’s there she’ll ignore the offering and wait for the strictly vegetarian option.”

Florence’s mouth is filled with razor-sharp, serrated teeth designed for demolishing fish and crustaceans.

Instead she uses them for pulping broccoli and cabbage and any other greens she can steal from fellow ocean tank resident Molokai the green turtle.

It is not the first time Florence has caused her guardians some concern.

“She was off her food for a good while when she first arrived from Florida with three other nurse sharks at our main collection centre in Dorset,” said Graham.

“She was given an ultrasound scan which revealed a fishing hook buried deep inside her mouth.”

That is how Florence came to be operated on by specialist vet Nick Masters from the International Zoo Veterinary Group in Bristol.

The groundbreaking procedure saw Florence sedated, then lifted onto a makeshift operating table where Nick successfully removed the hook while tubes pumped saltwater through her gills.

“The hook had obviously been there for years and was badly rusted which is what had made her so ill,” said Graham. “She was put on anti-biotics and made a swift recovery.”

Graham and his team are determined that their history-making shark is not going to fall ill again through lack of proper nourishment, and use every trick they can devise to make sure she has a proper diet.

“Nurse sharks do occasionally graze on algae in the wild, and we weren’t surprised when Florence first stole some of Molokai’s greens,” said Graham.

“We just weren’t expecting her to go completely veggie. We wouldn’t want her to be an embarrassment to the other flesh-eating hammerheads and black-tipped reef sharks in the ocean tank.”

Loves Restaurant champions great British tomatoes for British Tomato Week

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It’s British Tomato Week from 21st to the 27th May and some of the city’s top chefs are using this as an inspiration for new summer menus.

Steve Love of Loves Restaurant says, “I love the smell of tomatoes, as it brings back childhood memories of going into my father’s greenhouse, and getting a massive hit of fresh tomatoes. Over the past few years that smell and taste has come back to tomatoes on vine which you can buy in the supermarkets. I still prefer to buy tomatoes from my local farm shop as they are not mass produced, they’re not all perfect to look at but taste amazing. I think the best tomatoes are those that have a balance of sweet and tartness to the tomatoes.”

Steve has come up with a new menu that features tomatoes in every course. His menu has a starter of aromatic cherry tomatoes, tomato jelly, feta cheese, Bloody Mary sorbet, basil puree with a tomato and ginger espuma. The main course is a Cornish plaice fillets with plum tomato gnocchi, tomato fondue, broccoli lemongrass and kaffir lime sauce. Dessert is a Brookhall Farm goats curd cheesecake with honey roasted heritage tomatoes, orange and thyme sorbet.

Steve has had a tough challenge to come up with three great tomato dishes but it’s been a satisfying one.

Steve Love is supporting The Tomato Growers' Association, who represents British commercial tomato growers. British tomato crops are grown in glasshouses, protected from the cold but able to soak up the sunshine of the past few weeks. The problem is that four out of five tomatoes now eaten in the UK are imported. Is it a coincidence that people complain that tomatoes don't taste like they used to? They don't think so. British fruit has never tasted better, with a fantastic range now available, from super sweet cherries and baby plums to buxom beefsteaks, both on and off the vine.

Steve says, “my favourite way to use tomatoes is to not cook them too much before adding flavours to them that intensify the natural flavours of the tomatoes keeping the result as fresh tasting as possible. Great flavours which go well with tomatoes are thyme, ginger, orange, lemon, rosemary and garlic.”

It's not often that something which tastes good is also good for you. Tomatoes contain lots of health protecting nutrients - vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and natural pigments, not least lycopene, the stuff that makes ripe tomatoes red.

So go ripe red this May! You can enjoy Steve Love’s new Tomato menu at Loves Restaurant.
To book call 0121 454 5151.

Help Drayton Manor morph into the record books

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Enjoy dressing up in skin tight, all-in-one outfits? Then get to Drayton Manor Theme Park, in Staffordshire, and help them set a world record.

This Saturday 19th May at 12pm, Drayton Manor aims to set a Guinness World Record for the most number of people wearing morphsuits gathered in any one place at the same time.

Made from stretchy spandex, morphsuits cover the entire body from head to toe and are specially designed to allow the wearer to see out, but people can’t see in.

As part of Drayton Manor’s Morphsuit Mayhem, the park is offering free entry to anyone who wears red, blue or yellow suits, the colours of the park’s logo. People who wear different coloured costumes will receive discount entry, paying just £5.

At least 250 people will be needed to don the all-in-one outfits in order to set new a record. This will be the second year that Drayton Manor has held the event. Last year’s effort was thwarted by heavy rain, but 114 morphs still braved the elements and turned out providing some excellent entertainment for park visitors.

Colin Bryan, the park’s managing director, said: “People wear these morphsuits for all sorts of occasions, from sporting events and music festivals to nights out, so the sight of a theme park full of people wearing these suits will be a real spectacle. We hope people will back our attempt and come out in force for what should be a memorable and record breaking day.”

To receive free entry, or £5 discount, participants must wear their suits on arrival at the park, though their faces must not be covered. Following the record attempt, the morphs will be able to spend the rest of the day in the park.

Visit http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/park-guide.php?sub=world-record-attempts for further details about the event or register your attendance on the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/draytonmanorpark.

Drayton Manor would love to hear from any members of the public who would like to use the park as a venue for their own world record attempt. Please email sundeep@gough.co.uk with your proposal.

£10 entry on Manic Mondays at Drayton Manor Theme Park

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:10:49 GMT

It used to be the day we all love to hate, but the next three Mondays will be about fun, laughter and excitement if you visit Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, wearing one of its logo colours.

Drayton Manor Theme Park will launch Manic Monday Mayhem on 14th May, where members of the public will receive £10 entry into the park. In order to get the reduced rate, people simply have to arrive at the park wearing a red coloured item of clothing, along with a voucher downloaded from http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/page.php?page=manic-mondays.

The discount will also apply to 21st May, where visitors have to wear an item of blue clothing, and 28th May, which will be a yellow item of clothing. These colours have been chosen as they are the colours of Drayton Manor Theme Park’s logo.

As an extra perk, Manic Monday visitors are also encouraged to take photographs of their trip and upload to Drayton Manor’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/DraytonManorPark. Every week the picture judged to be the best will win four tickets to the theme park, so the more elaborate the outfit, the better the chance of winning!

For more information about the park, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1960.
Drayton Manor Theme Park is also on Twitter www.twitter.com/Draytonmanor for regular news and updates.

Jamaica Reggae Film Festival: World Tour 2012

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:04:19 GMT

The Drum in partnership with Reggae Films UK and the Jamaica Film Academy presents
Jamaica Reggae Film Festival: World Tour 2012 (Fri 18- Sun 20 May)

The Drum is delighted to welcome back the Jamaica Reggae Film Festival in 2012, showcasing the best of new releases along with some classics from the archives. Interspersed with live music, poetry, and opportunities to sample Jamaican street food, discuss and ask questions about Jamaican arts and culture.

The first of the seven instalments is directed by Christopher Byfield. His film ‘Red Amber Green’ features three teenage boys struggling to make ends meet by washing cars on the mean streets of Kingston - the ‘yielding forces’ of traffic lights provide an unlikely lesson in how to survive against the odds.

Secondly ‘Fire Burn Babylon’, directed by Sarita Siegel tells a story of a crew of Rastafarians evacuated to London following a devastating volcanic eruption in their native Montserrat. Living in exile in the East End, the friends must reinvent themselves as ‘rude-boy’ rappers and small time hustlers on the nightclub circuit– testing their Rasta ideals to the limit.

The third film, Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy’s, ‘Marley: Making of a Legend’ is a kaleidoscopic portrait, constructed from intimate scenes shot on a Sony video camera in 1970s Jamaica. Esther Anderson artfully sheds new light on the union between Reggae and Rasta that launched the international career of Marley, Tosh and Wailer. The film was nominated for an ‘UNESCO Award’ at the Reggae Film Festival in 2011.

Award winning film ‘Fire In babylon’ directed by Stevan Riley, tells the story of how the West Indian cricket team brought the World to Its Knees and a Nation to Its Feet! Celebrating the sporting prowess and cultural importance of the West Indies cricket team –independence heroes who beat the Empire at its own game. Narrated by legendary players such as Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd and Michael Holding, archive footage and a classic reggae soundtrack recall the fast bowling and anti-colonial fury in all its glory. ‘Fire In Babylon’ has been widely acknowledged by claiming the prestigious ‘UNESCO Award’ at the Jamaica Reggae Film Festival 2011.

Emmy Award-winning director Mustapha Khan’s film ‘Rocksteady’ is a coming of age drama set in New York, against a heavy reggae soundtrack. Once a talented go-kart racer, BC now spends his time carelessly tending to his late father’s garage while engaging in street races and other reckless activities. Busted by the cops one too many times, he is given a last chance to make amends – but will the world of racing teach BC how to become a responsible young adult? With musical and acting performances by Steel Pulse this movie is filled with humour, poignancy, subtle racial tension, intrigue and plenty of racing action.
‘We the Ragamuffin’, is a evocative short feature which takes us back to the heady days of Saxon Sound and UK Ragamuffin culture in the tough world of Peckham’s no-go council estates. Directed by Julian Henriques.

The festival concludes with a provocative new documentary, ‘Bad Friday’, directed by Deborah Thomas and Junior Wedderburnwhich, which is about the notorious Coral Gardens Incident of 1963, which resulted in the Jamaican government rounding up, jailing and torturing hundreds of Rastafarians. Made in the USA from first hand footage and eyewitness accounts, the screening will be followed by a debate and a reasoning session led by dub poet, Moqapi Selassie.

Celebrations fit for The Queen

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The British tradition of Afternoon Tea will be the centrepiece of celebrations at The Belfry to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Afternoon Tea is being refreshed at the resort in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, to mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign during a week of celebrations, from Saturday, June 2 to Saturday, June 9.

The Belfry’s pastry chef Dean Cole is creating a special strawberry cheesecake as the icing on the cake of the tiered stands of mini patisseries and finger sandwiches synonymous with Afternoon Tea.

Dean said: “Afternoon Tea is a wonderful British tradition and is such a fitting tribute to the Queen’s 60 years as monarch.

“We are looking forward to welcoming local people to join in the celebrations for what will arguably be the nation’s biggest anniversary party of the year by taking tea with us.”

The bunting will be flying high as Afternoon Tea will be served with champagne or tea in The Belfry Bar and on the terrace overlooking the resort’s world-famous golf courses.

A Cream Tea of crumpets, teacakes and scones with cream and jam will also be available throughout the week.

Youngsters will also be able to learn the art of making scones as well as having fun decorating cupcakes in the Union flag colours of red, white and blue during daily classes at 3pm.

Afternoon Tea will be available daily from 2pm at £11.95 per person.

To book a child for an hour-long class, priced at £6.50, and to find out more about The Belfry’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, telephone 01675 477087 or visit www.TheBelfry.co.uk

HMC to host popular Gaydon Spring Classic!

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Heritage Motor Centre will host the annual Gaydon Spring Classic, a gathering for all vehicles over 20 years old on Sunday 13 May. Hundreds of Vintage, Veteran and Classic cars will converge at this popular and nostalgic event. Entry into the grounds is free and those arriving in a qualifying vehicle can visit the Museum on the day for just £5 per person. As an extra bonus Rover P4 Club and Mercedes Club will be holding their rallies on the same day which will add to the spectacle of the Classic Car display.

In addition drivers and passengers can join in with the Spring Cream Tea Run for a scenic drive, taking in some stunning South Warwickshire countryside and landmarks including Chesterton Windmill and Edgehill. The drive culminates in a delicious cream tea at the HMC ‘Junction 12′ Café. The cost is £20 per car (driver & passenger) which includes the Rally Plaque for the car, entry to the Museum and a cream tea for two people. Additional passengers cost £10 per person. Vehicles can arrive from 9:00am onwards with the Run starting at 10:30am. The Cream Tea will be served from 3pm - 4:30pm.

Visitors can also enjoy wandering around the ‘CarBoot 4 BEN’ & Auto-jumble, a charity car boot sale with a difference. BEN is the UK’s only charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants. Visitors can rummage in the hope of taking home hidden treasure or for the fun of making a profit out of unwanted possessions. The boot sale is free of charge for visitors however car-booters' charges apply in advance or on the day. The HMC is an all-weather venue with plenty of tarmac parking.

For more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk. For the Spring Classic please contact John Bishop, Car Clubs & Groups Co-ordinator on 01926 645032 or groups@heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or to book the Auto Jumble & CarBoot 4 Ben please call 01926 645029.

Popular UK Slot Car Festival returns to the HMC!

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The popular and exciting ‘UK Slot Car Festival’ returns for a second year at the Heritage Motor Centre on Sunday 20 May from 10am – 5pm. The event promises to be yet another fantastic family day out featuring major Slot Car manufacturers such as Scalextric, Carrera, SCX, Slot.it, NSR & many more.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of activities taking place including Manufacturers Road Shows, a Drag Strip, Scenery Display, Trade Stalls, Track to Try, Club Competition, Brand Challenge, Quiz and preparation advice. Visitors can also meet the manufacturers, attend tune up workshops and even bring their own cars to race on up to 20 different race tracks!
Visitors will also have the opportunity of swapping, buying and selling cars as well as meeting other like-minded enthusiasts. Two special limited edition slot cars from Scalextric and Slot.it will also be available to purchase at the Festival.

Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated, “We’re delighted to be hosting the UK Car Slot Festival for a second year which is a fantastic hands-on family event. As well as appealing to slot racers collectors and car fanatics, the Festival is also a great way for those new to the hobby to find out what is out there”.

For more information please visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 645031. Discounted advance tickets are available online. The UK Slot Car Festival is just one of a whole host of family events taking place at the Heritage Motor Centre during 2012.

Abram Wilson becomes first Jazzlines associate artist

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:34:55 GMT

The New Orleans-born trumpeter, educator and composer, Abram Wilson has been announced as an Associate Artist of Jazzlines, Town Hall and Symphony Hall’s dynamic new strand of jazz concert programming and inspirational education work. Abram Wilson is one of today’s leading musicians on the UK and European jazz scenes receiving widespread critical acclaim as a solo artist, band leader and composer.

In his first major project as Jazzlines Associate Artist, Abram Wilson has led over 200 local school children in a series of rehearsals where they have learnt a specially commissioned piece composed by him. This exciting project will culminate in a public performance at Symphony Hall on 28 May 2012 as part of the annual Ladywood Showcase.

The Jazzlines programme, which was launched in April, is produced by Tony Dudley-Evans and Mary Wakelam, building on their hugely successful work as the creative forces behind Birmingham Jazz. It is supported by a three-year funding grant from Arts Council England under the National Portfolio Organisation scheme. Tony Dudley-Evans, Jazzlines Artistic Adviser said,

“Birmingham’s jazz scene has a worldwide reputation, both for the variety of programmes and the quality of presentation and Jazzlines will continue this by nurturing young players, commissioning new work and running national tours. Our intention is also to present some more high profile jazz groups within both Town Hall and Symphony Hall.”

Jazzlines encompasses concert performances in a wide variety of venues across the city – from Town Hall and Symphony Hall, to the CBSO Centre, mac Birmingham, The Jam House and The Hare & Hounds – and features some of the best emerging talent to the greatest names in jazz music today. Forthcoming performances include Andy Sheppard’s Trio Libero (11 May) at CBSO Centre, top UK/Scandinavian piano trio Phronesis (15 May) at mac Birmingham and a full line-up at Symphony Hall’s popular, free, weekly Rush Hour Blues. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis give a Symphony Hall concert timed to celebrate the stay in Birmingham by the US Olympic track and field team and, perhaps most exciting of all, the Wayne Shorter Quartet is booked to appear at Town Hall on 1 November 2012 in an exclusive UK date, supported by the Abram Wilson Quartet as part of Abram’s new role as Jazzlines Associate Artist.

Central to Jazzlines is an innovative participation and learning programme, connecting young people to jazz music, for which Abram Wilson has been invited to become Associate Artist. He has already played a major role in developing a range of jazz education programmes with Town Hall & Symphony Hall over a number of years and will continue to work with the education team and perform regularly as part of the Jazzlines programme.

Abram Wilson said, “I am thrilled at the opportunity of becoming an Associate Artist of Town Hall and Symphony Hall, working in association with Jazzlines. It’s a relationship I believe has been nurtured over the years and our vision has always remained the same: to bring jazz music to as many young people as possible and to uplift the community through jazz music.”

Andrew Jowett, Director, Town Hall & Symphony Hall said, “We are delighted to become one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations from April and to set up this exciting new programme of concert and education work under the creative guidance of Tony Dudley-Evans and Mary Wakelam. Learning and participation is integral to the programme, and we are delighted also to have the inspirational input of Abram Wilson to connect young people to jazz.”

New general manager appointed for Hotel Indigo Birmingham

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Hotel management and development company, Sanguine Hospitality, has appointed Mark Davies as its new general manager for Hotel Indigo Birmingham.

Davies (40) will lead the 52-bedroom upscale hotel and its skyline Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant at The Cube.

He joins from Restaurant Associates, the executive dining arm of Compass Group, where he was general services manager. He previously spent four years as general manager at Hotel du Vin Birmingham. Before that he was general manager at Malmaison Belfast and deputy general manager at Malmaison Manchester.

Davies said: “I’m delighted to be working with Sanguine Hospitality and to be leading two fantastic brands in Hotel Indigo and Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill.

“With the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill we have a destination restaurant within a destination hotel, which is a fantastic position to be in and certainly helps to drive business.
“I’m really excited to be taking the helm and to be working with Sanguine Hospitality which is a fantastically progressive and ambitious company.”

Robin Wicks, CEO of Sanguine Hospitality, said: “Mark’s ambition, drive and enthusiasm for the brand along with his experience and local knowledge made him the ideal choice. He is a great addition to the team and will help us establish Hotel Indigo Birmingham as the leading boutique hotel in the city.”

Hotel Indigo is the boutique hotel brand from InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s largest hotel company. It offers guests the best of both worlds - the individuality of a boutique hotel with the reassurance and benefits of a large hotel group.

For further information please visit www.hotelindigobirmingham.co.uk.

Bhangra legend Malkit Singh to receive Birmingham star

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:24:54 GMT

Malkit Singh MBE is to become the first Asian artist to be awarded a star on the Birmingham Broad Street Walk of Stars.

Malkit, also known as the King of Bhangra, will be presented with the special honour in recognition of his global contribution to Bhangra music. This event will be taking place at Gatecrasher, one of Birmingham's most popular music venues.

The internationally renowned singer has lived in the city since 1984 when he first moved to the UK and began work in a denim factory. He has always had a passion for music and his talent to write and perform was soon recognised. It was not long before Malkit began a new career as the front man of the world’ longest running Bhangra group, Golden Star.

His trademark anthem, 'Tutak Tutak Toothiyan,' is the most successful and fastest selling Bhangra song of all time and the album ‘Up Front’ won Malkit a platinum disc. Some of his other hit songs have been featured in mainstream films including ‘Jind Mahi’ in Bend It Like Beckham and ‘Gur Nalon Ishq Mitha’ in the film Monsoon Wedding.

In 2008, Malkit received an MBE from the Queen for his Services to Punjabi music. He has also been recognised in the Millennium edition of the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling Bhangra solo artist in the world.

Malkit welcomed the news saying, “I am extremely delighted to receive this honour by the City of Birmingham. Although Bhangra music originated in Punjab (India), it was in Birmingham that it was recognised and has since become popular amongst all communities throughout the UK.”

Broad Street Events Manager, Nichole Samuels, added, “Malkit Singh is a global sensation. His music has transcended to people of all ages and cultures. I am proud that his contribution to Bhangra music will be officially acknowledged on our golden mile. He will join the likes of Tony Iommi, Julie Walters, Lenny Henry and Beverley Knight.”

Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Anita Ward, will present the star to Malkit on Thursday 10th May at 6pm at Gatecrasher. At the event, Malkit will perform a selection of his biggest hits. Entry to the event is by ticket only which can be obtained via the Gatecrasher website at www.gatecrasher.com.

Bank holiday fun at Birmingham Museums

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:16:50 GMT

This bank holiday weekend, visitors to Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall and Sarehole Mill can enjoy a wide range of fascinating events and activities for all the family, including the ever-popular Big Brum History Buz.

On Saturday 5 May, Blakesley Hall in Yardley will be hosting a Vintage and Craft Fayre (12noon – 4.00pm). From vintage clothing and jewellery to handmade soaps and cards, there will be a wide range of stalls for visitors to peruse in the surroundings of a wonderful Tudor house. Plus, there will be traditional textile-making demonstrated by the Birmingham Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. Blakesley Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the Fayre, housing fascinating collections of carved wooden items, pewter ware, and small domestic hand made items.

On Sunday 6 May, (12 noon - 4.00pm) visitors can enjoy free admission to Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall and Sarehole Mill. Visitors to Sarehole Mill can enjoy the new ‘Signposts to Middle-earth’ exhibition, exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s connections to the mill and how the surrounding area inspired his writing. And throughout the day, visitors to the Mill will also get a chance to meet Mick the Miller to discover all about this age-old craft.

Also on Sunday 6 May, the Big Brum History Buz will be running its ‘Tolkien and Tudors’ open-top guided bus service to Sarehole Mill and Blakesley Hall. The first bus is 11.30am from Victoria Square.

On Saturday 5 May, entrance to the Blakesley Hall Vintage and Craft Fayre is free of charge. Normal ticket price for the hall applies. Tickets for the Big Brum History Buz cost £3 adults, children free. No pre-booking available. The Big Brum History Buz is operated by Birmingham Tours (www.birmingham-tours.co.uk)

For more information on all Birmingham Museums and the events and activities at all venues, visit www.bmag.org.uk

The iconic Bull gets a Bostin make-over

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:33:57 GMT

The iconic Bullring Bull has been given a Bostin new look for the summer with his own Royal Britannia-inspired outfit.

His new look was unveiled today as Bullring revealed their plans for a Bostin British Summer, which include a Jubilee picnic and tea party in association with St Martin’s Church, a Bostin artwork masterpiece and weekends of live music in Spiceal Street.

As one of the UK’s most photographed landmarks, visitors to the centre will be encouraged to share their pictures of the Bull with Bullring on Facebook (BullringBirmingham) and Twitter (@bullring) as well as their thoughts about his new outfit.

The Bull, who donned a knitted jumper last Christmas, will keep his diamante Union Jack-inspired outfit on throughout the next few months as Bullring celebrates this year’s Bostin British Summer. In July, Bullring will also launch the search for the city’s most Bostin Postcode as shoppers are encouraged to hop on a treadmill in the centre to raise money for charity.

Louise Hamer-Brown, Head of Marketing at Bullring, commented: “This summer we’re putting the spotlight back on Birmingham and inviting our shoppers and the local community to get involved by contributing to our Bostin art masterpiece, raising money for charity with our Bostin Postcode Challenge or by simply telling us what they’ve got planned for the summer on Facebook or Twitter.

“This summer we want to really showcase exactly why Birmingham is Bostin and we’ve decided to get the city’s favourite landmark, the Bull, involved too. After all as they say, diamonds are a bull’s best friend.”

For more information about Bullring’s Bostin British Summer please visit www.browsebullring.co.uk/bostin.

BASS Festival celebrates Jamaica

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The BASS Festival – British Arts and Street Sounds – is the UK’s only month-long celebration of Black music and arts. For our seventh year, BASS is launching a programme of music, arts and cultural events across Birmingham to explore the unstoppable influence of Jamaica on British creative talent.

BASS has always been about the impact of Black culture on the UK; and nowhere is this more apparent today than in the powerful contribution of our Jamaican community.
Ammo Talwar, founder of festival organiser, Punch, says, “It may be the impact of Dub on our club scene or the way that Dancehall is transforming Street fashion, but Brand Jamaica is touching everyone’s life in Britain today.”

The BASS 2012 Festival delves into all aspects of Jamaican culture in the UK. The launch night features the opening of an exhibition by Birmingham painter Mark Anthony Carrol, and premieres new Jazz work from Black British musician, David Grey.

Musical highlights include Junior Murvin, whose massive hit “Police and Thieves” became the sound track for the Dread beat and Punk era. London’s hottest soundsystem, The Heatwave present “Showtime” featuring Durty Goodz, Rodney P, Lady Leshur and much more, The legends of the Dub scene Channel One play an intimate set for the lovers of Roots Reggae, whilst members of Musical youth and Steel Pulse debate reggae and its impact on the city of Birmingham from the 70’s onwards.

BASS is very proud to honour Birmingham stalwart photographer Vanley Burke with a special commission, “Respek Vanley”. Working with the local community and schools, musician Bobbie Gardner will produce new work which reflects his images.

Other festival highlights include "Same Difference" – a new spoken word theatre piece, and a celebration of Rasta culture with a Marcus Garvey Day of youth workshops and good vibes - Because Jamaican culture stays close to its roots there will be a whole series of pop-up exhibitions, concerts and dance performances around the city – watch this space!

For more information on BASS Festival and line-up announcements visit www.punch-records.co.uk

For artists and festival interviews contact Ammo from punch on 0121 2247444 or ammo@punch-records.co.uk

Blue Mountain Coffee is now under starter's orders at Harvey Nichols

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:21:37 GMT

As the UK ratchets up for this summer's sporting and cultural extravaganza – infrastructure ready, expectation palpable; a lesser known ‘star’ contender is in the line-up. Last minute preparations are in play and all competitors are seeking a decisive edge as Harvey Nichols is first out of the blocks with coffee's best kept secret – a true Olympian – 100% unblended Blue Mountain Coffee.

Pure authentic and 100% unblended Jablum coffee, imported and packaged by House of Blue Mountain, is now for sale in stores and online at www.harveynichols.com.

“Paw-paw with a slice of green lime, a dish piled with red bananas, purple star-apples and tangerines, scrambled eggs and bacon, Blue Mountain coffee -- the most delicious in the world -- Jamaican marmalade, almost black, and guava jelly."
James Bond's breakfast in Ian Fleming's novel, "Live and Let Die", (1954)

Over the past 15 years, coffee shops on the UK high street have become as ubiquitous as large-scale grocers. But as we literally wake up and smell the coffee, our palate has definitely become more discerning. Expresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Filter, Frappuccino even caffeine-free Babyccino have become part of our daily vocabulary.

Now a group of coffee lovers have come together as The House of Blue Mountain (HoBM) to market Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee (JABLUM), which many experts believe to be the best in the world. HoBM director Ammo Talwar, MBE says;

“If you don’t know that the coffee you’re drinking is giving you more creativity, more passion and more satisfaction, then you’re not drinking Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee!”

HoBM trades exclusively in coffee from Jamaica’s quality-certified Blue Mountain area, and is now offering British coffee lovers their first chance to buy the world’s most sought-after Jamaican coffee, JABLUM, over the counter in the UK. 100% pure and unblended, JABLUM is the only packaged coffee produced at the historic Mavis Bank estate. JABLUM beans are sourced from 6,000 smallholders and family-run farms, and are still collected and worked mostly by hand. JABLUM offers coffee drinkers a uniquely deep, rich and authentically Jamaican taste.

Today's Blue Mountain coffee is all descended from an Arabica coffee plant gifted by the Governor of Martinique. Less than 10 years later, coffee began to be exported and the Jamaican coffee industry was born. The coffee thrives in the Blue Mountain's fertile, volcanic soil, regular rainfall and under the island’s misty cloud cover, to shade it from the burning sun.

All these factors combine to develop coffee with an exceptional sweetness and aroma, with rich flavour, full body and mild acidity. The result is the “Champagne of Coffees”. And just as France’s ‘Appellation D’Origine Contrôlée Champagne’ rigorously controls where authentic Champagne grapes may be grown, the area where Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee plants can be cultivated is clearly defined.

To be called Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, it must be grown at altitudes of up to 1,800 metres in the Parishes of Portland, St Andrew, St. Mary or St Thomas. This is about 6,000 hectares – the size of just one large estate in a high-volume coffee-growing country. Coffee farming in the Blue Mountains is mostly done at smallholdings of up to four hectares but there are larger estates of up to 70 hectares in size. There are around 25,000 small holders and estates in total.

While JABLUM not currently certified "Fair Trade", the independent farmers and smallholders are almost entirely family and neighbour based, with a pricing regime and pre-funding payment mechanism which favours the smallholder farmer. JABLUM processors directly support the farmers with fertilisers, spraying when necessary, and other cost intensive processes.

True Blue Mountain coffee has a small exportable annual production of under 1,350 metric tonnes. This is tiny by world standards, equivalent to 3 hours of annual Colombian production! So scarce and exclusive is it that Jamaica Blue Mountain is virtually the only coffee in the world to be packed in iconic wooden barrels, instead of bags.

Director Joan Blaney, CBE says, “The House of Blue Mountain isn’t a place, it’s a state of mind, it’s the spot where coffee drinkers feel they’ve reached when they’re savouring that wonderful, inspiring, energising first sip."

The HOBM website www.houseofbluemountain.com is live now.

Step back into 'Downton Abbey' with a unique tour

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Heritage Motor Centre (HMC) has teamed up with ‘Parrys International Tours’ to offer visitors a unique ‘Downton Abbey’ tour. The highly acclaimed period drama may have ended on TV but visitors can still see some of its locations including Highclere Castle plus the chance to view some of the superb motor vehicles dating back to the Downton period of 1912 - 1922 at the HMC.

The special three day/two night tour includes a tour of the Cotswolds on day one with stops at Cirencester and Marlborough. Day two includes a tour of Highclere Castle where visitors can view the interiors used in the filming of the scenes and the extensive Gardens along with a visit to Winchester. Day three includes a visit to the village of 'Downton' where the outdoor views of the Church and Hospital were recorded followed by a stop in Oxford before continuing to the HMC at Gaydon in Warwickshire. Once at the HMC visitors can view a collection of vehicles from this period including a 1912 & 1922 Rover, a 1913 & 1921 Morris, a 1913 Standard, a 1911 & 1915 Rover Imperial Motorcycle, a 1919 Wolesley, a 1922 Austin Twenty and a 1922 Ford Model T.

These unique tours will take place on the 16 & 23 July and 19 August. Ticket prices cost £199.50 and include coach travel, two nights at the Hilton in Newbury, dinner on both evenings, English breakfasts, visits as on the itinerary, entry to Highclere Castle and the Heritage Motor Centre.

For more information on the vehicles of this period please visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 641188. To book a tour please call Parrys International on 01922 414576 or visit the website at www.parrys-international.co.uk

Turtle Fest celebrates launch of rescue centre

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham is to host a month of turtle activities to celebrate the imminent launch of a new sea turtle rescue centre in the Mediterranean.

Donations from Sea Life visitors have raised around £200,000 (€240,000) to build the centre on the Greek island of Zakynthos.

Its completion will mean injured loggerhead turtles found around the island’s shores can receive speedy treatment and care, rather than face an eight-hour journey to the next nearest facility in Athens.

“The Rescue Centre will be able to take in casualties by early June at the latest,” said Amy Langham, General Manager

“The island is the most important loggerhead nesting site in the Mediterranean, but numbers are in decline due to the impact of the tourist industry.

“Every adult turtle saved by the new Centre and free to continue breeding could be vital to their future survival.”

Sea Life is the world’s first aquarium chain to establish a working marine life rescue-station, and does not intend its support to end there.

“We will send our own staff to help run the facility and to join volunteers working for Zakynthos-based NGO Earth, Sea & Sky in monitoring and protecting turtle nests”

“And we are continuing to raise funds to help off-set operating costs such as veterinary bills.”

Fundraising during the Centre’s special ‘Turtle Festival’ will be run alongside a host more turtle-themed activities, including….

Sea turtle quiz trail
Badge making
Art and crafts
Make a turtle face competition
Talks and films

“Our visitors are going to have great fun and learn all about sea turtles and their conservation needs in the process” said Amy

The Sea Life Centre also boasts a great many other attractions of course, with dozens of spectacular display housing more than a hundred different species of sea creatures.