Marketing Birmingham City News

Spanair chooses Birmingham as first UK scheduled airport

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:11:03 GMT

Spanair has chosen Birmingham Airport to launch its first scheduled operation in the UK with new flights to Barcelona and Madrid starting in May. Barcelona will be served four times per week each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday starting on 20th May and Madrid will operate three times a week each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from the 25th May 2010.

Spanair, a member of the Star Alliance network, will operate an Airbus A320 aircraft with 168 seats, which will be split into Business and Economy cabins on board. Timings have been scheduled to meet business and leisure travellers’ needs and both destinations will be served all year round. Although Madrid previously operated from Birmingham until October 2008 it is currently unavailable from the Midlands region. Moreover, the current Barcelona service offered by bmibaby from Birmingham is planned to cease on the 7th June so travellers will not be left short of flights to this popular destination.

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, said, “From May we will provide the only direct Madrid service south of Liverpool and north of Watford Gap and with the excellent road and rail access to Birmingham it’s a no brainer for people wanting to reach Spain’s capital city from this stretch of the country. We are obviously delighted too with the news that Barcelona will continue to be available for our passengers once the current service stops in June.

“Although it’s not clear if news like this is the early signs of economic recovering, it certainly demonstrates that the industry has confidence in Birmingham so we are delighted to have been chosen as the first airport in the UK where Spanair will start operating scheduled flights. We believe that once people experience the benefits of travelling from central England’s global gateway they with continue to choose Birmingham for a hassle free air travel experience, benefitting from the 140 plus destinations already available worldwide. We welcome the carrier to the Midlands and I encourage the region to support both routes to help show other airlines to show that the Heart of England is a safe bet for expanding their future operations.”

Spanair CEO Mike Szucs commented: “With the introduction of these new routes from Birmingham, Spanair is delighted to create a year-round gateway to Spain from the Heart of England. Via our hubs in Barcelona and Madrid, passengers will enjoy connections to a range of Spanish peninsula cities and Islands, which they could otherwise only reach during the peak season with low cost carriers and charter flights. With competitive fares, a free baggage allowance and allocated seating, Spanair offers tremendous value to leisure travellers, while allowing business travellers to fly direct to Spain’s leading business centres in Barcelona and Madrid without enduring the hassle of London’s airports or connecting flights. We are very much looking forward to filling the gap left by low cost and full service airlines on these important routes for the Midlands region.”

Spanair will also offer onward flights from Barcelona and Madrid across its scheduled network in mainland Spain, the Balearics and Canaries Islands as well as North Africa, increasing the 300 plus one-stop flights currently available from Birmingham. Spanair has currently 16 codeshare agreements with Air Canada, airBaltic, Air Europa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, EgyptAir, EstonianAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and US Airways. The airline has previously operated charter flights from Birmingham.

Lead in fares start from £65 return including taxes and charges (can fluctuate with changing exchange rates) and can be booked via www.spanair.com

St Patrick's Day Event Outcome

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:49:28 GMT

St Patrick's Day Event Outcome

Yesterday O’Neill’s took to the sunny streets of Birmingham giving locals the chance to take learn some Irish dancing raise money for local charity Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The troupe of Irish dancers and musicians were in Victoria Square providing passers-by with the chance to try their feet at a traditional Irish dance - all for a good cause.

Showing everyone how to perfect the Galway Reel were local dancers from Doherty Academy of Irish Dance accompanied by local musicians Mulligan & Mulligan and staff from O’Neill’s Broad Street.

Birmingham was one of four cities that took part in the national ‘Join the Jig’ campaign, with troupes also visiting city centre locations in Liverpool, Cardiff and Glasgow - all in the run up to this year’s St Patrick’s Day tomorrow.

“This was perfect way to start our St Patrick’s Day celebrations,” said Paddy Barton of O’Neill’s Broad Street. “And by working with Acorns Children’s Hospice we ensured that it’s not just the Patron Saint of the Emerald Isle who gets all the attention this March.”

‘Join the Jig’ was one of many fundraising activities occurring across the 62 O’Neill’s locations on and before St Patrick’s Day. For more information visit www.oneills.co.uk and become a fan on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/oneillspubs.

CBSO new Tuned In Concerts offer Midlands public a guided tour through music

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:44:13 GMT

BSO new Tuned In Concerts offer Midlands public a guided tour through music

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its exciting young Music Director Andris Nelsons launch a new concert format in March called Tuned In – an initiative to encourage more of the Midlands public to enjoy classical music.

The new concerts, on 25 March and 29 April in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, will come with a live “user’s guide” to the music being played. The aim is to offer an approachable introduction to live classical concerts for new audiences, as well as enhancing the enjoyment of regular concert-goers.

Andris Nelsons, who was appointed to the revered role of CBSO music director in September 2008, said: “I hope with our new Tuned In concerts we can help even more people than ever to experience the same deep level of satisfaction that I enjoy so much with this wonderful music.”

In these special concerts, Radio 3 presenter Stephen Johnson will take the stage, alongside orchestra and maestro, to share the background stories to the music being performed, and explain how these pieces work. When Stephen wants to demonstrate how the composer creates a particular sound, the audience will hear it happen live, courtesy of Andris and the full CBSO.

“It’ll be incredible to be part of it,” says Stephen. “I’m excited just at the thought of being on the platform with all those musicians. To be able to take a piece apart on stage, and demonstrate how it works, will be wonderful.”

The works involved are Stravinsky’s fairytale ballet The Firebird (25 March) and Shostakovich’s mighty Fourth Symphony (29 April).

Andris explains: “One is a journey into a fairytale world, and the other is the product of Soviet politics and the composer’s personal turmoil.”

“All music for me is about everyday life and human beings, or else about taking us to other worlds, and I hope with these pieces we’ve chosen music that demonstrates this perfectly,” he added.

The introductions to the music are very much aimed as a guide rather than gospel. Stephen is adamant that his role in Tuned In is to help listeners find their own way to the heart of the music. And he makes one particular promise: these concerts will be a jargon-free zone.

“A lot of people are put off classical music by the technical language that surrounds it. With a live orchestra there to demonstrate, you don’t need technical language. It’s just about helping people connect with the music.”

The CBSO’s first Tuned In concert introducing Stravinksy’s Firebird is on Thursday 25 March, 7.30pm and the second which looks at Shostakovich’s 4th Symphony is on Thursday 29 April, 7.30pm at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets are £20 in all areas and can be booked by calling Symphony Hall Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or online at www.cbso.co.uk/tunedin.

Birmingham retailers enjoy a strong start to 2010

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:39:29 GMT

Birmingham retailers enjoy a strong start to 2010

Retailers in Birmingham have reported a strong start to trading in 2010, with February sales figures standing at 4.5% above the same period last year, and at twice the national average.

The figures were released this weekend (13 March 2010) by Retail Birmingham, the Business Improvement District for the city’s central retail area. They show a marked increase in consumer confidence compared to like for like figures gathered in February 2009.

Sales figures released by the British Retail Consortium this week show that UK retail sales grew by an average of 2.2% in February compared to 2009.

Alan Chatham, Chair of Retail Birmingham said:
“After a strong Christmas, it’s hugely promising to see good sales figures sustained across the retail sector. Birmingham retailers in particular are benefitting from a marked increase compared to the start of 2009, and we look forward to seeing this trend continue as consumer confidence continues to build.”

The Belfry boots charity appeal with exclusive auction lot

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:57:28 GMT

The Belfry boots charity appeal with exclusive auction lot

Four-time Ryder Cup venue The Belfry is donating a money-can’t-buy round on the famous Brabazon course with two of the region’s top sportsmen to raise money for underprivileged children in a special Heart 100.7 charity auction.

The successful bidder in the ‘Have A Heart’ auction will receive a twoball on the Ryder Cup course with Birmingham City and England footballer Kevin Phillips and top European Tour pro Robert Rock – and have the honour of Heart Breakfast Show presenters Ed James and Rachel New caddying for them. The exclusive prize also includes lunch in the clubhouse and a series of luxurious treatments in Simply The Spa at The Belfry for the golfers’ partners.

The package is one of a number of auction lots available to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which changes the lives of children in hospitals and hospices around the country, including within the West Midlands.

“This is a fantastic prize that should raise a lot of money for an excellent cause,” said Nigel Gray, Operations Manager UK for Quinn Hotels. “Not only can two lucky golfers meet and play with some local sporting heroes, but they’ll do so on one of the most historic golf courses in the world. It’s an experience they will never forget.”

The ‘Have A Heart’ auction for the Belfry prize will take place from 7-8am on Thursday 18 March. Anybody interested in bidding can register pre-bids on the website www.heart.co.uk/westmids.

Wedding Fever Heats up the UK

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:51:44 GMT

Wedding Fever Heats up the UK

The National Wedding Show fever took hold across the country at the Spring shows which once again offered visitors all the ideas and inspiration needed to plan for their big day. Eager, excitable newlyweds-to-be flocked to the Olympia Grand Hall, London and the NEC, Birmingham over the three day events intent on planning their dream wedding. Hundreds of exhibitors were out in force, representing all the key sectors of the wedding industry, ready to offer up gems of advice, elite services, dresses to dazzle, suits to impress - everything to wow brides-to-be and their fellow bridal parties. Once inside, the show certainly didn’t disappoint as Lucy Walsh from London enthused:

‘The show has been excellent! There are a really good mix of suppliers here and I have made some fab contacts for honeymoon, flowers and photography. The catwalk was great and I adored the 50’s style bridesmaid dresses. I’m so pleased I came; I have literally made sure I’ve seen every stand so I don’t miss a thing!’

The National Wedding Show prides itself on being the ‘biggest and best UK wedding show’ and this Spring saw the show raise the standard even higher by introducing the all new VIP experience for those brides looking for the star treatment. Ticket holders were able to whiz past the queue with their fast-track entrance, enjoy a complimentary makeover session courtesy of celebrity make-up artist Ariane Poole’s makeover team and take full advantage of their discount booklet whilst shopping at the show. Ticket holders kicked off their ‘Choos’ and relaxed in style in the exclusive VIP lounge with a complementary glass of chilled bubbly whilst exploring the delights of their goody bags. Rebecca Carter from Woking certainly enjoyed her VIP experience:

‘The VIP tickets are a really nice idea and the lounge is superb – great to rest your feet for a while... and the champers went down a treat too!’

The show’s live features once again wowed the crowds, especially the highly anticipated state of the art catwalk show, sponsored by Wedding magazine, which offered a stunning showcase of the latest in bridal and occasion wear from some of the UK’s top names including Vlasta Collu, Allison Rodger, Midgeley & Sottero, Enzoani and hot young designers Candy Anthony. Models sashayed down the runway in an array of breathtaking gowns from simple white silk dresses through to 50’s inspired tea dresses in colours good enough to eat, from melted butter to shades of delicate rose and fresh lemon sorbet. Brides-to-be then poured into the Designer* and Boutique areas to track down the styles that had caught their imagination. It wasn’t all about the bride though with an array of different grooms’ outfits on offer too – from the traditional morning dress by Hugh Harris to the more contemporary styles by Cad and the Dandy.

Also taking place on the main catwalk stage - The How to Look Good Show, hosted by TV’s style guru Caryn Franklin (The Clothes Show, GMTV and This Morning) together with her expert team of celebrity style experts. Performing live make-overs and working their magic on eager brides, grooms and mothers of the bride who were selected at random from the audience. Brides with burning questions were invited to make an appointment with the How to Look Good team at the How to Look Good Advice Clinic. Brides-to-be were given a unique opportunity to have a personal consultation with a beauty and style expert – from Ariane Poole on beauty to Errol Douglas and Lisa Shepherd on hair to Jane Galpin and Caryn Franklin on styling. No matter the style dilemma, from traumas with tresses to dramas with dresses, expert help was sure to be close at hand.

A stunning addition to the Olympia show this year; visitors had the rare opportunity to meet the Condé Nast Brides Magazine Team and Hair & Beauty Experts in the beautiful Brides Raj tent. Bountiful brides-to-be could discuss the latest bridal trends with those in the know and find hair and beauty looks to suit their big day. Luscious lashes were applied to make eyes picture-perfect by the Shu Uemera team and hair was coiffeured to perfection by Michael John.
Kate Summer from London commented:

‘I was really impressed with the Bride’s tent and my consultation with Michael John was brilliant – he knew exactly what I wanted. Shu Uemera were equally as fab. This is the best show in town by far!’

Resident wedding guru, Kate Smallwood hosted the inspiration sessions, joined by a variety of wedding experts who gave their insider knowledge on a variety of topics including ‘Choosing your perfect wedding cake’ with famed celebrity cake maker, Eric Savoir of Savoir Designs and ‘Finding the perfect reception flowers’ with florist master Mathew Dickinson. Floral fantasies continued in the Designer Flower Zone (London show only) in association with New Covent Garden Flower Market. Homegrown talent from the nation’s leading lights in designer floristry came together to display their creative talents and share their floristry secrets. Sensational displays captivated visitors, with talent showcased from the likes of McQueens, Mary Jane Vaughan, Matthew Dickinson, Jens Jakobsen and William Clarke to name but a few.

This Spring the National Wedding Show enticed the attendance of over 150 key members of the press, from core bridal press and regional magazines to hot websites OTM and TV productions, all of which consolidate the show’s premium position in the wedding market. Welcoming a multitude of TV filming from BBC’s much-loved Dragon’s Den, Channel 4, ITV Central and Sarah Beeny herself chose the show as her first port of call to film scenes for her latest project. To add to the glitz of the occasion, newly engaged soap star heartthrobs Jennifer Biddall (Jess from Hollyoaks) and Ben Freeman (of Emmerdale fame), spent a day at the show sourcing all the essentials for their forthcoming wedding. The National Wedding Show proves once more it has star-quality and undoubtedly deserves it’s title as the nation’s biggest and best wedding extravaganza.

Drayton Manor all set for its 60th year

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:44:47 GMT

Drayton Manor all set for its 60th year

Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, will launch its 60th Anniversary year on Saturday 20th March, with the premier of a brand new film for its 4D Cinema, the Oscar-winning animation, Happy Feet.

The specially adapted 12-minute film tells the tale of penguin Mumble, who bravely tries to save his friends from starvation after humans steal their supply of fish. Visitors will watch the film in 3D whilst seated in specially designed chairs, which react to scenes in the film by moving up and down, releasing sprays of water, bursts of air, bubbles and various smells, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all.

The award-winning family attraction will also unveil the new Dino Trail, located in Farmer McColl’s Farm, which has been created to intrigue and educate visitors about dinosaurs.

This year is a momentous occasion for Drayton Manor as it is the park’s Diamond Jubilee Year. It was 60 years ago in April 1950 when Mr & Mrs George Bryan first opened Drayton Manor to the public. Today, it remains a family owned attraction, which is run by three generations of the Bryan family.

Managing Director Colin Bryan, who is the son of Mr & Mrs George Bryan, said: “When my parents opened the park in 1950, there was one restaurant, a tea room, three hand operated rides, six rowing boats, some pedal cars and a set of second hand dodgem cars.

“Today, we have some biggest, wettest and scariest rides around, including Maelstrom, Apocalypse and G-Force. There’s also Europe’s first and only Thomas Land™, and a 15-acre zoo, which is now home to some new residents – a pair of baby meerkats, who I’m confident will be a popular addition to our zoo given the recent meerkat revival. But over the years, one thing has always remained the same, our passion and core belief of providing an amazing day out for all the family.

“Everyone at Drayton Manor is very excited about the Diamond Jubilee Year and there will be various events taking place throughout the season, which runs until Sunday 31st October.”

For full details about opening times, or more information about the park, including prices, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call the 24-hour information line on 0844 472 1950. Tickets can also be bought by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 472 1960.

'Join the Jig' in Birmingham with O'Neill's and Acorns

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:26:28 GMT

'Join the Jig' in Birmingham with O'Neill's and Acorns

Get your dancing shoes at the ready next Monday, March 15 2010, as O’Neill’s takes to the streets of Birmingham to give locals the chance to take part in its ‘Join the Jig’ campaign and raise money for local charity Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Taking place in Victoria Square, between 11am and 3pm, a troupe of Irish dancers and musicians will be providing passers-by with the chance to try their hand, and most importantly their feet, at a traditional Irish dance - all for a good cause.

Showing everyone how to perfect the Galway Reel will be dancers from Doherty Academy of Irish Dance accompanied by local musicians Mulligan & Mulligan and staff from O’Neill’s Broad Street.

Paddy Barton, manager of O’Neill’s on Broad Street said: “What better way to raise money, and a smile, on an otherwise ordinary Monday? Come along and Join the Jig next week – the more the merrier!”

Birmingham is one of four cities taking part in the national ‘Join the Jig’ campaign with troupes also visiting city centre locations in Liverpool, Cardiff and Glasgow - all in the run up to this year’s St Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 17.

“This is the perfect way to start our St Patrick’s Day celebrations,” continued Paddy. “And by working with Acorns Children’s Hospice we ensure that it’s not just the Patron Saint of the Emerald Isle who gets all the attention this March.”

‘Join the Jig’ is one of many fundraising activities occurring across the 62 O’Neill’s locations on and before St Patrick’s Day. For more information visit www.oneills.co.uk and become a fan on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/oneillspubs.

Join in Birmingham’s Twestival revolution

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:43:32 GMT

Join in Birmingham’s Twestival revolution

Tickets have gone on sale for this year’s Brum Twestival - a festival for people who are on Twitter - and its organisers are asking as many people as possible to come along and join in the fun.

Jashpal Mall, twestival organiser, said: “This year’s Brum Twestival is on Thursday, 25th March in Poppy Red in The Arcadian and is part of a global twitter festival that is supporting Concern Worldwide, the international humanitarian organisation. All the money we raise through ticket sales will go towards helping to give street children an education and lift some of our planet’s poorest children out of extreme and devastating poverty.

“Twestival is also a chance to showcase the great opportunities that Twitter presents. It is a fantastic social networking tool that can connect people in a really positive way.

"We’ve done some research which shows that close to two thirds (62 per cent) of Twitter users in Birmingham have met new friends through the site and four in ten (39 per cent) have won business. We also found that 40 per cent have learned new skills through using Twitter including blogging, new marketing techniques and general business management advice.

“We’re encouraging as many people as possible to come along to Brum Twestival and learn about Twitter for themselves. The event is for a good cause and promises to be a night of fun, food and drink, with great raffle prizes on offer.”

The tickets are for sale online now and cost just £5. Anyone who wishes to buy tickets for the Brum Twestival should visit www.birmingham.twestival.com. You can also keep up to date on all the latest news by following @brumtwestival on Twitter.

Tudor Mongrel Steals the Show at DFS Crufts 2010

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:10:43 GMT

DFS Crufts Hosts Mary Rose Dog Before She Returns Home After Nearly
500 Years

A 16th century sea dog, the only female crew member aboard Henry VIII’s flagship the Mary Rose, is set to take pride of place at DFS Crufts this year as special guest of the Kennel Club.

Visitors to the world’s largest and greatest dog show, can meet ‘Hatch’, a two-year old mongrel lost aboard the ill-fated Tudor warship 465 years ago, and find out more about the fundraising appeal to provide her with a permanent home at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The painstakingly preserved and reconstructed skeleton of the Mary Rose’s dog will be on display at DFS Crufts, Birmingham NEC, from March 11th (stand 56, hall 3) along with a selection of amazing Tudor artefacts, including an original stone cannon ball and piece of ship’s rope as well as an array of replicas, including some of the carpenter’s tools.

The old sea dog acquired the nickname ‘Hatch’ after divers discovered her remains near the sliding hatch door of the Mary Rose’s carpenter’s cabin, where she had lain since the ship sank in mysterious circumstances in 1545.

Hatch almost certainly earned her keep as the ship’s ratter – superstitious Tudor seafarers did not have cats on board ship as they were thought to bring bad luck. And she was probably very good at her job – only the partial remains of rats’ skeletons have been found on board the Mary Rose.

John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust and Hatch’s guardian, said: “We are delighted to bring Hatch, the world’s oldest lost sea dog, to the world’s premier dog show, so that visitors can meet an ancestor of their much loved pets.

“Expert analysis of Hatch’s bones suggests that she spent most of her short life within the close confines of the ship. It is likely that the longest walks she took were along the quayside at Portsmouth, her home town.

“Hatch is just one of 19,000 extraordinary Tudor treasures recovered with the wreck of the Mary Rose, but she has never been on display in Portsmouth simply because we have not had the room.

“All that is set to change with the building of a new permanent Mary Rose museum, bringing together the remains of the ship itself with the pick of her artefacts, displayed at last in their historic context.

“But to make that a reality and to ensure Hatch is not homeless for another 500 years, we must complete our final push to secure the funds needed to complete the new Mary Rose Museum by 2012.”

Caroline Kisko, Communications Director of the Kennel Club, which organises the show, added: “It is fantastic to host Hatch before she finally returns home. She is undoubtedly the oldest, most unusual and most historically important exhibit that we have ever had at DFS Crufts and her tragic story is bound to fascinate visitors. We are delighted to have her with us - after nearly 500 years of loyal service she is due a little ‘shore leave’!”

Hatch is the mascot of the Mary Rose 500 Public Appeal which is seeking 500 individuals, schools, businesses and organisations to come on board and symbolically become the ‘new crew’ of the Tudor warship, by each pledging to raise £500 towards the Public Appeal.

After her visit to DFS Crufts, Hatch will finally return home to Portsmouth on Friday 26th March to take pride of place in the current Mary Rose Museum, after 465 years away, while she waits for the new Mary Rose Museum - her final permanent home, to be completed.

Visitors to DFS Crufts should visit hall 3 stand 56 to join the Mary Rose 500 appeal new crew, discover the history of Henry VIII's famous warship, hear what life was like for a Tudor ship’s crew and their dog, and uncover the truth about what happened on the Mary Rose’s final voyage.

For further information visit www.maryrose500.org

Hatch and John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust and Hatch's guardian

Mint Restaurant partners up with Birmingham City Council to promote sustainable practice in Birmingham’s restaurants

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:14:44 GMT

The Mint Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and environmental charity Urban Mines to ensure that the city’s restaurant industry places sustainability at the core of their business practice.

A seminar with Urban Mines has been planned for the 24th March at 12.00pm at the Mint, which will discuss best practice within the sector and examine practical measures available to reduce waste, energy and save cost.

Mint was selected for the event following successful implementation of its own green strategy which has halved its non-recyclable waste and will save an estimated £2,500 over the next five years.

Measures taken by the Mint team include:
•   Partnership with another business to share the cost of glass collection and cardboard
     waste
•   Oil tins are taken to a local scrap yard
•   Glass bottles are recycled and the use of plastic bottles has been minimised as a drinks
     dispenser has been installed.

Aftab Rahman the Marketing Manager for the Mint Cuisine, is also exploring how food waste can be collected and turned into energy.

“It is crucial for us as a key restaurant within community to become as sustainable as possible. If climate change continues, Bangladesh will be one of the first countries to disappear. We are keen to share our ‘good practice’ with fellow restaurateurs so that they can take simple measures to reduce waste, save cost and do their bit in saving the planet”.

Coventry Transport Museum

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:23:42 GMT

PARA-OLYMPIAN DAME TANNI GREY-THOMPSON WILL OPEN 'TRANSPORT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE'

New exhibition at Coventry Transport Museum opening on Friday 2nd April

Coventry Transport Museum is all set to offer another unique and innovative experience for its visitors with its new exhibition 'Transport for Disabled People: Past - Present - Future', which will tell the story of vehicles designed for people with disabilities through the ages and also into the future. This exhibition will be opened by Para-Olympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE on Thursday 1st April when Tanni will officially open the exhibition.

Born with spina bifida and a wheelchair user, Tanni is considered to be one of the most successful disabled athletes in the UK. Starting her career with the Junior National Games for Wales in 1984, she has won a total of 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 golds, held over 30 world records, and won the London Marathon six times between 1992 and 2002. Her latest achievement was in 2004 at Athens Paralympic Games where she won two gold medals in wheelchair racing.

Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Coventry Transport Museum, said:

"This exhibition will stage a rare display of vehicles some of which have been in museum stores for several years and will come out of their hiding places for the first time to tell the story of the how transport for disabled people has developed over the last century. With Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson in attendance, the launch will be befitting the uniqueness of this exhibition. We urge people not to miss this rare opportunity to see these special vehicles displayed together for the first time under one roof."

The exhibition will be open to public from Friday 2nd April and will run until Sunday 4th July.
For further information about the exhibition, visit our website www.transport-museum.com or call 024 7623 4270.

Anglo-Saxon treasures spark nine year-old’s imagination

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:46:01 GMT

The Art Fund today announces that the Staffordshire Hoard has captured the imagination of a nine-year-old girl, who was taken on a special visit to the treasure displays in Stoke-on-Trent after having pledged £10 from her own piggy bank in support of the campaign.

Emily Bairstow, currently in Prep 5 class at school, paid a visit to the Potteries Museum & Art Galley last Sunday, after sending a hand-written letter to The Art Fund last month in support of the campaign.

Deb Klemperer, Principal Collections Officer at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, took Emily around the displays on Sunday – the last day of the hugely successful exhibition – and told her some of the stories behind the Hoard.

Emily commented: "I wanted to give a donation after I had seen the lovely pictures of the treasure. I think it is really important to keep the treasure in Britain and not to let it be sold abroad because it belongs to us. I was really excited to see the treasure, especially the horse and the crosses. Also we learned about the Anglo Saxons in Prep 3 so it was really great to see things I have learned about at school."

Deb Klemperer said: 'It was lovely to meet Emily, and a real pleasure to show her the Hoard, seeing it afresh through her eyes. She is exactly the age I was when I decided that I wanted to be an archaeologist. Perhaps seeing the marvels of the Staffordshire Hoard will set her off along a similar path.”

Emily had addressed her letter to broadcaster Tony Robinson, who is one of the public figures of the campaign, and sent it to The Art Fund’s London headquarters last month. In it she had written “I have given my dad £10 from my money box to save the treasure for England… I hope to see the treasure some day.”

The Art Fund organised the trip in response to her wish, and also forwarded a copy of the note to Tony Robinson, who wrote her a personal reply.

Independent charity The Art Fund is spearheading the campaign to save the Staffordshire Hoard for the West Midlands, so that other children like Emily can also be inspired by its beauty and fascinating history.

Since it opened on 12 February, the exhibition in Stoke has exceeded all expectations. A total of 52,385 people came to see the displays, many queuing for hours to catch a glimpse at the ancient artefacts unearthed from West Midlands soil last summer.

On 13 March, many of the objects will transfer to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, offering locals who missed the displays in November another opportunity to see the Hoard.

So far, donations have reached £1.5m – of which £145,000 was raised from visitors to the Potteries exhibition. In total, the campaign has raised £600,000 from public donations. But there is still just under £2m left to raise by 17 April to save the Hoard for the West Midlands. The Art Fund urges people to donate at www.artfund.org/hoard or by calling
0844 415 4004.

Moms get a 'Beautiful Day' from Stylebirmingham.com

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:02:12 GMT

Moms get a 'Beautiful Day' from Stylebirmingham.com

This year, Stylebirmingham.com is making Mother’s Day easy with the launch of ‘Beautiful Day’, a bespoke pampering day at some of the city’s leading beauty outlets.

For just £49, you can choose three indulgences to create a special pampering day for your mom, including an appointment at a top city centre hair salon, professional make-up session, and manicure. There are also options for a champagne indulgence at House of Fraser, or Afternoon Tea or Personal Shopping at Harvey Nichols.

Each hairdressing session includes an hour-long wash, cut and blow dry, followed by an appointment at a leading make-up brand, including a special £10 offer redeemable against a make-up purchase on the day. The final treat of the day will be an express manicure or special experience from House of Fraser or Harvey Nichols.

The retailers taking part in Beautiful Day include:
Hair:            Toni & Guy, Benjamin Ryan, Bad Apple Hair, Hush Hair and Saks
Make-up:     Clarins, Clinique, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Trish McEvoy,
                   Nars and Space NK
Nails:           Nails Inc and Marco Benito
Extras:       Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser

Jacqui Rochefort, Senior Sales Manager at House of Fraser, said:
“As a beauty retailer we were delighted to get involved with the stylebirmingham.com Beautiful day. What a fantastic way to pamper your Mum, and it is so easy to create a package. I hope that we get the opportunity to spoil lots of Mums, lets face it they deserve it”

Once the package is created, moms will enjoy a day of ‘me time’ on Friday 19 March when each of the participating stores will have a dedicated ‘Beautiful Day’ chair. They will be given the ultimate VIP treatment, whilst enjoying some of the best retailers the city has to offer. Each appointment is scheduled to be less than one hour with time in between for that all-important retail therapy.

Kevin Breese, Marketing Champion for Style Birmingham said:
“Deciding what to buy for Mother’s Day is always a challenge; what do you buy the woman that has everything?! The idea behind Beautiful Day is to give your mom the chance to take some time out of her maternal duties and let others look after her. We have some fantastic beauty retailers and it’s great that so many of them have come on board to help us look after Birmingham moms.”

For more information about Beautiful Day and to create a bespoke package, visit www.stylebirmingham.com.

Tasty Mother’s Day treat at Drayton Manor

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:56:26 GMT

Tasty Mother’s Day treat at Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor Theme Park will treat mums to a special day out this Mother’s Day (Sunday 14th March).

The award-winning venue, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, will host a Mother’s Day Luncheon, following which families will be able to explore the park’s 15-acre zoo, which is home to many different animal species, including tigers, leopards, snakes, exotic birds, meerkats and penguins.

The delicious two-course luncheon, which includes either a roast carvery or a vegetarian dish, will be served to families from 12.30pm. A children’s menu is also available. Prices cost £12 for adults and £6 for children aged under 12 years. Entry into the zoo is included in this price.

Drayton Manor Theme Park will reopen to the public for the 2010 season on Saturday 20th March for what promises to be a momentous year, its Diamond Jubilee. It was 60 years ago in April 1950 when Mr & Mrs George Bryan first opened Drayton Manor to the public. At the time it had just one restaurant, a tea room, three hand operated rides, six rowing boats, some pedal cars and a set of second hand dodgem cars.

Today, the park boasts some of the biggest, wettest and scariest rides around, including G-Force, Apocalypse and Maelstrom, a spectacular 4D Cinema, and Europe’s first and only Thomas Land™, featuring 12 rides based on popular Thomas & Friends™ characters, such as Cranky’s Drop Tower, the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster and a special Thomas the Tank Engine train ride.

To reserve a table, or for further information, call the park’s hospitality team on 01827 252408.

£250m investment from Chiltern Railways to create new main line for West Midlands

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:07:26 GMT

£250m investment from Chiltern Railways to create
new main line for West Midlands

A £250m investment to create a new main line from the West Midlands to London Marylebone was today announced at Birmingham Moor Street station by the Chairman of Chiltern Railways, Adrian Shooter at an event attended by the Secretary of State for Transport Andrew Adonis.

In an ambitious drive to get motorists onto trains, the Chiltern Railways route will be upgraded - resulting in faster trains and reduced journey times. Average journey times will fall by 20%, including the M40 park and ride hub at Warwick Parkway (J15).

The West Midlands will get a new main line connection to London to rival the West Coast route to Euston, with the average trains from Birmingham Moor Street to London Marylebone taking just 100 minutes against the current 128.

This will be supported by a £13.5m project to open additional platforms at Birmingham Moor Street station, also announced today. This builds on the transformation of Moor Street station undertaken by Chiltern Railways since taking ownership of the station in 2003. The platform capacity of the station will be doubled by the move, which will create a new Birmingham hub for trains to London.

Adrian Shooter, Chairman of Chiltern Railways, said: “Evergreen 3 is the biggest passenger rail project for several generations not to call on the taxpayer for support. Working closely with Network Rail, we are going to create a new main line railway for the people of Oxfordshire and the Midlands. This deal demonstrates that real improvements to rail services can be paid for without public subsidy by attracting people out of their cars and onto trains.”

Robin Gisby, Network Rail's Director of Operations and Customer Service, said: “This is a great scheme that will deliver huge benefits to hundreds of thousands of passengers. It clearly demonstrates how Network Rail is working in partnership with train operators to continue to fund and attract big improvement schemes for the benefit of everyone who uses the rail network.”

Evergreen 3 is the largest domestic passenger infrastructure project to be funded without recourse to taxpayer funding since before World War II.

The infrastructure upgrade will be carried out by main contractor BAM Nuttall, together with partners Jarvis and Atkins, who will deliver the project under contract to Chiltern Railways. It will be paid for by Network Rail in the first instance, who will be reimbursed by Chiltern Railways over 30 years through payment of a facility charge. The Department for Transport has agreed that any future franchisee will retain this liability.

The project will be delivered in stages, with the main line journey time improvements being delivered from 2011. The new line to Oxford, including Water Eaton Parkway, is expected to open by 2013, subject to Transport and Works Act approval.

The upgrade to Moor Street station will be undertaken by Carillion, and will be completed in December 2010.

Heritage Motor Centre wins prestigious industry award

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:04:47 GMT

Heritage Motor Centre wins prestigious industry award

The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, has won a prestigious award at the Renaissance West Midlands Best of the West Awards 2010. The results were announced at a ceremony on Friday 26 February at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham. The Centre scooped the ‘Best Temporary Exhibition Award’ for the Mini 50th Anniversary Exhibition which took place in 2009. The annual awards programme aims to reward excellence and highlight best practice in museums and galleries in the West Midlands.

Tens of thousands of visitors travelled to the Heritage Motor Centre to visit the major exhibition which celebrated the life and times of Britain's favourite little car. ‘50 Years of the Mini’ opened on 10 May 2009 and ran until 23 December charting the history of this great British car. The exhibition featured iconic cars from the museum's collection; including the first Morris Mini produced at Cowley in 1959 and told the story of the design, production and development of the car that became a symbol for the "Swinging Sixties". Due to its success and popularity visitors are still able to access the exhibition until after Easter 2010.

Tim Bryan, Head of Collections at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted and honoured to have won such a prestigious Best of the West industry award. It is a fantastic achievement for everyone concerned to be recognised and rewarded for our Mini Exhibition which attracted visitors from all over the world. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work, commitment and dedication in ensuring the exhibition was an outstanding success”.

To find out more about the Heritage Motor Centre please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk. For more information about the Mini Exhibition please visit www.minifestival.co.uk/pages/50yearsexhibition/50_about.html.

Miss Bollywood UK 2010

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:57:24 GMT

Miss Bollywood UK 2010

Celebrating & Empowering the Modern Woman
FINALS TAKING PLACE OCTOBER 2010

Birmingham will host Miss Bollywood UK 2010 beauty contest onece again promising to be a very high profile event with many A-list artists and VIP's attending.
Miss Bollywood UK is recognised as the premier talent, style, fashion and beauty event of 2010, empowering young women from all backgrounds. As such Miss Bollywood UK will be a vehicle for contestant’s personal development within the Film, Fashion and Beauty industry also in return giving something to the much needed and unfortunate individuals of this world.

With the success of Miss Bollywood UK 2009 having a massive impact within the industry along with intensive media attention in 140 countries with 984 contestants from diverse communities taking part, Miss Bollywood UK 2010 will be held in superb surroundings of Birmingham in October 2010 attracting up to 2,000 influential guests, from all sectors, ages and backgrounds.

The evening will run from 18.00 to around 23.00 with a host of performances on stage along with raising money for NSPCC, followed by an after show party where event partners, sponsors, celebrity’s and VIP guests will be invited, this will also be a photo shoot opportunity with the panel of high profiles judges and the winner for all partners and sponsors along with exclusive press pictures.

Once again Miss Bollywood UK 2010 will see a huge number of applications from across the country coming from diverse backgrounds aged from 18 to 27 year old and being a major success with support and backing from various institutes and organisations, along with backing from leading film producers and directors In the UK, Indian and Hollywood Film Industry.

The Miss Bollywood UK is the concept of Zia Choudhury, MD of Exclusively Bollywood in partnership with Kully Kaur, CEO of Premier Consulting and was founded with the ideals of encouraging young women to build self confidence and esteem and polishing one’s personal appearance and presentation skills. All these skills and qualities are requisite for success in any lifetime endeavour. Miss Bollywood UK was developed to help women achieve these goals, which will in turn help launch their other dreams.

Zia Choudhury says, “2010, once again will be a diverse competition as applications will be accepted from all backgrounds providing you meet the set criteria. We will have a panel of judges from the film, fashion, beauty, business and media industry along with celebrities for both the semi finals in June and the grand final in October. The contestants will be judged in a number of categories which will showcase one’s Looks, Personality, Talent, Elegance, Drive and Determination. Miss Bollywood UK 2010 will be about being an all rounder and making one’s dream come true by being crowned as Miss Bollywood UK 2010 and having the opportunity to appear in a Bollywood Film”.

Kully Kaur says, “With the success of Miss Bollywood 2009, the contestants for 2010 will show by example that anyone can achieve anything that they set out to do with the right attitude. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning communication skills, setting and achieving personal goals. Miss Bollywood UK is about promoting diversity and is a forum for these women to celebrate beauty, elegance and style.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND PRESS INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT:
UK PREMIER PR & MARKETING ON 0845 450 7104 OR EVENTS@UKPREMIERCONSULTING.COM

Maple House in Birmingham keep on winning!

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:49:50 GMT

Not only has etc.venues won 2 awards from the BDRC and a place in the prestigious Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 league table, but Maple House in Birmingham has also clinched “IT Training Venue of the Year” from the IITT - the second year in a row one of etc.venues has won it.

The Institute of IT Training’s Training Awards were announced on 4th February at a glittering awards ceremony at The Dorchester in London, and continue a great run of success for our Birmingham venue – Maple House.

Our first venue outside the capital, Maple House keeps going from strength to strength. After announcing their expansion at the beginning of the year, they swiftly followed this with the BDRC’s “No 1 Conference venue for Service Award”, and now the triple – Training Venue of the Year from the IIT.

Maple House's General Manager, Guy Booth commented:

“Its fantastic that our commitment to client service combined with a bespoke training environment has been recognised by the IIT. It’s a great achievement considering that Maple House has only been open for 18 months, however, we’re looking forward to even more award winning space when we expand into our ‘Expand’ suite”.

It is yet another example of how etc.venues is continuing to grow through its fit-for-purpose venues and award winning client service.

For more information visit:
www.etcvenues.co.uk
http://www.iitt.org.uk

Music on Screen 2010

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:32:24 GMT

Music on Screen 2010

Light House presents another Music on Screen season of opera, ballet and music from April to September 2010. New this season are live transmissions via satellite link of opera from La Scala, Milan, the first staring Plácido Domingo in the title role of Simon Boccanegra with Daniel Barenboim conducting. These take their place alongside three outstanding films featuring music and ballet and an exclusive presentation of Swan Lake from St Petersburg. So book your tickets now for ‘the best seats in the house.’

Various ticket prices apply. Receive a 10% discount for group bookings of 10 or more. Pre-order your interval drinks before the screening (where applicable) so that you can beat the rush at the bar and enjoy your interval. To book tickets contact Light House Box Office on 01902 716055 or visit www.light-house.co.uk

Simon Boccanegra
Thu 29 Apr, 7pm
Plácido Domingo plays the lead in this live satellite transmission of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra direct from Teatro alla Scala, Milan. Domingo, a star tenor for 50 years, transforms himself into a baritone for this role, and is conducted by Daniel Barenboim in a moving story of love and politics. Also starring Ferruccio Furlanetto as Fiesco, the plot of Simon Boccanegra weaves a thread of inconsolable sadness through a disloyal world of self-interest, conflict and ambition. An opera noted for its tender duets, especially between Boccanegra and his long-lost daughter, Amelia.

A co-production with Staatsoper unter den Linden, Berlin.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
The audience is requested to be seated by 6.45pm. 2 hrs20 plus intermissions.
Tickets cost: £14 full / £11.50 conc. / £7 under 15s

Das Rheingold
Wed 26 May 7pm
Live from La Scala, conducted by Daniel Barenboim.
Das Rheingold is the first of four operas that comprise Richard Wagner’s epic Der Ring des Nibelungen, the largest musico-dramatic work ever written. Through a complex tale inspired by Teutonic and Norse folklore, Wagner explored key issues central to civilised life, starting in Das Rheingold with the primal relationship between Love and Power. Conducted by Daniel Barenboim with staging and sets by Guy Cassiers, and starring René Pape as Wotan, this new production of Das Rheingold comes direct from the Teatro alla Scala, Milan in a co-production with Staatsoper unter den Linden, Berlin.

Sung in German with English subtitles.
The audience is requested to be seated by 6.45pm. 2 hrs10 (no intermission).
Tickets cost: £14 full / £11.50 conc. / £7 under 15s

The Red Shoes (U)
Thurs 24 Jun, 7pm
Neatly restored in HD digital, this Powell and Pressburger classic is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and is winner of two Oscars. It focuses on Vicky, a young ballerina starring in a ballet The Red Shoes. Like her character in the ballet, she is irresistibly drawn to dancing. Her life becomes split between her simple human passion and artistic devotion to her profession. The film contains ballet sequences of stylistic mastery, and is visually one of the most innovative and beautiful works of cinema ever created. Starring Moira Shearer, Marius Goring, Anton Walbrook and Royal Ballet star Robert Helpmann, who also choreographed The Ballet of The Red Shoes, the music for which was conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham.

Dir: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger UK, 1948, 1hr33
Cast: Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, Marius Goring
Tickets cost: £5.50 full / £4.20 conc.

Swan Lake
Thu 22 July 7pm
Swan Lake is considered to be one of the greatest classical ballets of all time and remains a popular feature of ballet company repertoires worldwide. Its romance and beauty has entranced audiences for more than 100 years, offering the magical combination of Tchaikovsky’s score, a compelling love story and choreography that demonstrates the superb technical skills of the dancers. This production comes from the stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg, in a HD Digital presentation and stars Ulyana Lopatkina as Odette-Odile and Danila Korsuntsev as Prince Siegfried. Tchaikovsky’s music is conducted by Valery Gergiev.

Choreography and direction by Konstantin Sergeyev.
2hrs9 plus intermission.
Tickets cost: £14 full / £11.50 conc. / £7 under 15s

Calamity Jane (U)
Thurs 19 Aug, 7pm
The Deadwood Stage is coming to town, bringing Doris Day and Howard Keel to fuss, feud and fall in love as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok in this classic from the golden age of movie musicals. There are wide-open Technicolor Western spaces, lots of high-stepping terpsichory and a hummable humdinger of a score by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster, who won an Oscar for the classic ballad 'Secret Love'.
Dir: David Butler USA, 1953, 1hr 51mins
Cast: Doris Day, Howard Keel
Tickets cost: £5.50 full / £4.20 conc.

The Threepenny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper) (PG)
Thurs 23 Sept, 7pm
Set in a shadowy, stylised and dreamlike Victorian London, the story of Mackie 'The Knife' Messer and Polly Peachum is timeless, and the combination of playwright Bertolt Brecht's biting social satire and composer Kurt Weill's compelling music is as fresh as ever. In contrast to Brecht and Weill's musical play - an entertainment 'for beggars, by beggars', with minimal staging and props - Pabst and his designer created the biggest and most elaborate studio set that had ever been built in Germany. Brecht and Weill jointly sued Pabst’s production company for his treatment of their opera – an entertainment ‘for beggars, by beggars’ rather than a lavish and lyrical movie – but the play’s satirical bite is intact.

Dir: G.W. Pabst, Germany-USA, 1931, 1hr 53mins
Cast: Lotte Lenya, Rudolf Forster
Tickets cost: £5.50 full / £4.20 conc.