Marketing Birmingham City News

Record breaking sales for the CBSO

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:08:07 GMT

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has once again brought live classical music into the forefront of Birmingham’s cultural scene by selling more tickets last season than in any previous year.

Old friends, new enthusiasts and people curious about classical music have joined the CBSO throughout the year, resulting in 107,823 tickets being sold for the Orchestra’s concerts at Symphony Hall alone – over 1000 tickets more than the previous year, set just last year. When added to the CBSO’s extensive education programme, last season was the most heard programme in the CBSO’s 88-year history.

Sell out performances of 24 concerts, including such varied music as Holst's The Planets, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, and Music for Champions have ensured a diverse audience, one which the CBSO will cater for in the next season with performances of classical favourites, show stopping tunes and fun-packed family concerts. In fact, the Notelets concerts at CBSO Centre have proven so popular that they have doubled in number for the 2008/2009 season.

The sell out Symphony Ballroom performances, featuring dancers from BBC 1’s Strictly Come Dancing makes a welcome return on 15 and 16 May 2009.

Airport is ‘mission critical’ to success

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:30:37 GMT

Birmingham International Airport today hosted Liam Byrne MP (Minister for the West Midlands) and members of the Advantage West Midlands team, as well as business representatives, for the launch of AWM’s India Co-ordination Group. The clear message from the Airport was “don’t let most of India stay out of reach!”

Recognising the challenges and opportunities that India presents, AWM’s document predicts that India will become the fifth largest economy in the World, within 10 years.

However, AWM’s launch document says that, for some businesses, India falls in to the “too difficult” category. The Airport wants to make sure that it’s not the getting there that will be “too difficult”.

Although there are highly successful routes from Birmingham to Amritsar and Delhi, Birmingham is at a disadvantage to other Airports, in that the runway is too short to permit viable direct flights to most Indian destinations.

There is an added complication in that the Indian Government has not granted rights for competitors (for example, Jet Airways) to operate alongside the State Airline (Air India) through Birmingham.

A 400-metre extension to the southern end of the runway would make the whole of India accessible by direct flights, and place the region on a ‘level playing field’ with other UK regions seeking lucrative partnerships with India.

Business leaders have long supported an extension to the runway, and research in 2004 indicated that Birmingham is only connected with 3 of the ‘top twenty’ fastest growing ‘Global Cities’ – primarily because of runway length.

There are over half a million people (553,000) with Indian interests within a one-hour drive of Birmingham International Airport; yet only 46% use Birmingham – primarily because the short runway does not support the full range of destinations, and there is little choice for direct flights. The Airport is unable to serve the existing market, and needs to gear up for future challenges as interest in India grows.

A successful determination of the planning application (currently with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council), and subsequent Board Approval to proceed, means that it could be possible to complete the work by 2012, bringing the benefits of Global Connectivity to the Midlands in the same year as the UK hosts the Olympic Games.

Birmingham International Airport’s Head of Corporate Affairs, John Morris, said, “Advantage West Midlands and the Minister have hit the right note by announcing this consultation, and the Airport welcomes new and strengthened links. In particular the Minister’s statement that the Airport is ‘mission critical’ was most welcome, as was his undertaking to study the options for encouraging more Indian airlines through Bilateral arrangements.

“Enhanced Connectivity with India is absolutely essential if Advantage West Midlands is to deliver the challenge of successful engagement and enhanced regional prosperity. Less than half of the current Midlands market for India uses Birmingham Airport, as the routes can not yet be provided. Unless greater connectivity is provided, the region will be at a major disadvantage”.

John Morris continued, “Adding around 400 metres to our runway will dramatically increase the capability of Birmingham International Airport and the economic fortunes of the region - by providing the opportunity for direct flights to the whole of India as well as other long-haul destinations”.

The Airport Company continues to progress an extremely challenging investment case for the extension. However, further uncertainty remains as the Government’s controversial ‘Aviation Duty’ proposals could see the region bypassed altogether, and would put further stress on plans.

Summer Fun at Millennium Point

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:34:48 GMT

With the prospect of a damp and drizzly summer holiday ahead of us, Thinktank and IMAX Cinema at Millennium Point is the perfect destination for a full day of fun, and all under one roof!

There is a whole world of fascinating fun to discover at Thinktank, Birmingham science museum. Home to over 200 interactive exhibits and amazing artefacts plus a state-of-the-art digital Planetarium, there’s enough to keep kids of all ages busy. And this summer, visitors can find out the science and technology behind the pursuit of gold medals with the ‘Sporting Science’ season. Every day, visitors can join in the energetic ‘Sports Mad Science Show’ to discover what it takes to be the ultimate athlete and little ones can take part in the ‘Magnificent Marathon’ story telling.

Over at the IMAX Cinema, visitors will go batty for The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience (12A, TBC) which opens Friday 25 July. The follow-up to the action hit Batman Begins, The Dark Knight follows Batman as he sets out to destroy organised crime in Gotham for good, and take down the criminal mastermind known as the Joker (played by the late Heath Ledger). Millennium Point is the only place in the Midlands to see the special IMAX 2D version of the film, featuring six sections filmed with giant IMAX cameras. Throughout the summer break, the IMAX Cinema is also showing the 2D Kung Fu Panda: The IMAX Experience along with a wide range of 3D films including National Geographic’s Sea Monsters 3D and the awesome T Rex 3D.

With so much to do, the only problem will be fitting it all in!
For ticket prices and bookings, call 0121 202 2222 or visit www.thinktank.ac
Thinktank and IMAX Cinema, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG, UK

Family fun beside the seaside at Coventry Transport Museum 21st – 25th July 2008

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:42:39 GMT

Are We Nearly There Yet..? - Coventry Transport Museum’s six weeks of great summer holiday activities kick off next week with the chance for everyone to enjoy a beach-themed holiday in the city this July! Just pop along to the Museum to be beside the seaside for loads of family fun.

Take part in the beach treasure adventure or dance the day away at a beach party in the Museum! There’s a traditional seaside Punch and Judy show to enjoy, followed by the opportunity to create a mini theatre. Visitors can discover the damage being done to our oceans and how we can all help to keep our seas clean. There are also craft activities galore - create your own sun catcher, make a porthole magnet or decorate a beach bag, t-shirt or umbrella with a spectacular seaside theme.

To help celebrate the glorious British seaside in style, on Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd July there will be some very special guests at the Museum – Di’s donkeys will be there from 10am until 4:30pm, providing younger visitors with the chance to ride on a donkey in the middle of the city!

Roll up! Roll up! On Thursday 24th July the Transport Museum will host a traditional English fete – everyone is welcome to come along and support a range of local charities while enjoying side shows, stalls ranging from a surf simulator to paint balling, and the Coventry Corp of Drums marching band.

And that’s not all because, throughout the week and at the weekend, there is also the chance to have a go at Seaside Bingo keeping guests busy exploring the Museum along with hands on activities and interactive exhibits. There’s something to keep everyone entertained all over summer with activities costing from just £1 and Museum entry being absolutely free!
Julia Gandy, Lifelong Learning Officer said: “We’re really looking forward to the events available over the school holidays – there is such a wide variety of activities for our younger visitors to take part in and best of all, we don’t have to rely on the English weather to have a good time at the Museum!”

DON’T FORGET - if you’re off on your holidays, send the Museum a postcard from your travels and it will go on display in the Museum.

Please check the Museum website: www.transport-museum.com for a full timetable of events for the week as there are different activities every day.

Admission to the Museum itself is free; there will be a small charge for activities. Places for the weekday activities are limited and should be booked in by calling 024 7623 4270 during office hours.

JUNE PASSENGER FIGURES

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:44:20 GMT

Birmingham International Airport handled 936,868 passengers during June, including 640,793 scheduled passengers and 296,075 charter passengers spread across the two passenger terminals; an increase of 2.8% over the previous year.

Joe Kelly, Acting Managing Director of Birmingham International Airport, said, “June has seen a healthy increase in the number of passengers passing through the two terminals, compared to the same time last month and this again represents good news for the Airport. During June we have seen nine new routes launched, offering greater choice and variety for passengers travelling from their local airport.”

In June, growth was achieved on Non EU routes of 8.5% and EU of 9.8%. The Irish Republic saw an increase of 13.1%.

Scheduled routes that experienced growth in June include: Billund (+217%), Ercan (+116.3%), Geneva (+100%), Inverness (+78.7%), Marseille (+65.3%), Larnaca (+55.5%), Krakow (+48.9%), Hamburg (+45.7%), Malta (+36.8%), Warsaw (+32.5%), Dusseldorf (+21.9%), Lisbon (+13.1%), Waterford (+12.3%), Alicante (+12.2%), Amsterdam (+11.3%), Faro (+9.5%), Dubai (+9.1%), Stuttgart (+6.7%), Aberdeen (+4.2%), Palma (+2.7%) and Prague (+2.6%).

Charter traffic which experienced growth were Egypt (+87.6%), Madeira (+39.2%), Morocco (+38.5%), Mexico (+8.4%) and Turkey (+7.3%).

Scheduled traffic accounted for 68.4% of the total passenger traffic in June whilst charter passengers made up the remaining 31.6%.

Summer of fun at Drayton Manor Theme Park

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:44:02 GMT

A summer of family fun and adventure begins at Drayton Manor Theme Park on Saturday 19th July.

The award-winning destination, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, will guarantee visitors of all ages a day-out to remember during the school holidays with its fantastic rides, attractions and live events.

Kicking off the summer this Saturday is the theme park’s major new show, Crusade to the Lost Temple, which runs until 6th September.

Staged in the park’s Big Top Theatre, the show will tell the story of the mystical hidden tomb of the lost pharaoh, ancient secrets and a battle against evil. The 45-minute production will be an explosive extravaganza featuring music, comedy, stunt and speciality acts from around the world. Park visitors can see this show for free.

Meanwhile, three music concerts in August will help raise vital funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital:

8th August: ‘Abba Mania’. The number one Abba tribute band will perform some of the most memorable songs in music history. The show has toured the world since 1999 and is now heading to Drayton Manor Theme Park for a spectacular evening performance.

9th August: ‘Viva Las Vegas’. The King is coming to Drayton Manor Theme Park. Heath Ashton, winner of GMTV’s Best Elvis competition, will perform some of the legendary rock n roll star’s best hits. So bring a picnic and enjoy this rockin’ show to remember.

The above concerts begin at 7pm giving people the opportunity to enjoy a day-out in the theme park beforehand. Both concerts will be followed by a fireworks display. Entry costs for these shows are £15 Adults (aged 12+) and £13 Children (aged 4-11). Entry to the theme park on these dates does not include entry to the concerts.

10th August: ‘Kylie Mania’. Kylie Minogue tribute artist, Adele Rankin, from Channel 4 television show, Musicality, will entertain the masses with hits including Spinning Around and Can’t Get You Out of My Head. There will also be performances by an international cast of singers and dancers. The concert starts at 1pm.

Entry to the concert will cost £10 Adults (aged 12+) £8 Children (aged 4-11). People who have already paid for entry into the theme park will receive a discounted entry of £5 to see this concert.

But lets not forget what Drayton Manor Theme Park is famed for – its amazing rides and attractions, including the brand new Thomas Land, which opened earlier this year and has become a huge success. It features 12 themed rides including a special Thomas the Tank Engine Train ride.

The park is also home to some of the biggest, wettest and scariest rides around, such as The Bounty, G-Force, Maelstrom, Shockwave and Apocalypse. Meanwhile, Drayton Manor Zoo is a favorite with all ages with its collection of big cats, monkeys and primates, reptiles and birds of prey.

For more information about the park, log on to www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call the 24hr information line on 0844 472 1950. Also, visit www.draytonmanorlive.co.uk for full details about the concerts and Crusade to the Lost Temple.

Leading Adventure Company to open new course at Cannock Forest, Staffordshire

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:07:41 GMT

The award-winning Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure is set to open a new course at Cannock Forest, Staffordshire on Friday 23 May. Based on a similar design to the sixteen UK-wide courses, Go Ape at Cannock Forest will offer people of all ages the opportunity to live life more adventurously and experience the Go Ape wow factor.

Join the tribe

Be part of a growing tribe of over 850,000 adventure seekers and experience the thrills of trekking from tree-to-tree, some 40ft above the forest floor. Go Ape is a totally new type of mental and physical challenge, which is acclaimed for its confidence building and risk management skills. The seventeen UK-wide courses are accessible to anyone who can climb a rope ladder, not just the super fit.

Hit the zone

The proposed course will be split into 5 separate sections, linked together by natural footpaths. Each section begins with a rope ladder climb into the treetops, where an assortment of spectacular obstacles and Tarzan swings lead to an exhilarating zip slide, bringing you down to the forest floor. Go Ape at Cannock Forest will have 2 fantastic zip slides, each reaching a length of over 250m. The first at section 3 flies over a valley into another separate forest area where visitors will complete section 4. The second long zip will bring you back to the original location to complete the rest of the course. Set within the stunning forest surroundings, this unique outdoor activity provides approximately three hours of adrenalin-fuelled fun and adventure for everyone from families to corporate.

Go Ape background

Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure was established in 2002 by husband and wife team Tristram and Rebecca Mayhew. Six years on, Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure courses are now located in seventeen forests across the UK, stretching from the south coast to Scottish highlands. The young company has plans to open 40 courses by 2012. The inspiration for creating Go Ape came from a family holiday to France when Tristram and Rebecca came across a similar high wire adventure course deep in the Auvergne National Forest. They watched a family swinging through the tree canopy. Sure the teenage kids were having a grand time of it, but it was the look of ‘we haven’t had this much fun in years’ on their parents’ faces that convinced them instantly that they should be doing this in the UK.

Winning a stream of tourism awards over the past 2 years, Tristram Mayhew, co-founder and Chief Gorilla, nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year at The National Business Awards, 2006, says. “Creating adventures and encouraging others to live life more adventurously is the ethos behind Go Ape. It’s very much about introducing people, young and old, to the forest and being able to explore the forest from a different perspective.”
Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure

Minimum age 10 years, minimum height 1.4m (4ft 7in) and maximum weight of 20.5 stone. Under 18 year olds must be accompanied by a participating adult. One adult can supervise either up to two children (where one or both is under 16) or up to five 16-17 year olds. Prices: Gorillas (18yrs+) £25.00, Baboons (10-17yrs) £20.00.

CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy to showcase talent at Town Hall, Birmingham

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:05:59 GMT

The members of the CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy will be showcasing their talent at Town Hall, Birmingham on 10 August 2008 in an exhilarating programme including music by Beethoven, Rodrigo, Pärt and Ligeti.

The CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy is a new sister-group of the acclaimed CBSO Youth Orchestra – a 50-piece chamber orchestra hand-picked from the Youth Orchestra’s 110 members. The Academy gave a small-scale inaugural concert last September at CBSO Centre, Birmingham, and received an enthusiastic response, with The Birmingham Post describing its playing as “jaw-droppingly brilliant”. This year’s performance, under the baton of CBSO Assistant Conductor Michael Seal, sees it step onto the larger Birmingham stage with its first ever performance in Birmingham’s newly-renovated Town Hall.

The programme is specially designed to showcase the qualities of the Academy’s young players, including Beethoven’s ebullient Seventh Symphony and György Ligeti’s flamboyant but rarely-heard Concert Romanesc.

Joining the CBSO Youth Orchestra on stage will be the acclaimed young Mexican guitarist Morgan Szymanski, as soloist in Rodrigo’s hugely popular Concierto de Aranjuez (best known from its use in the film Brassed Off).

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children and are available from Symphony Hall Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or visit www.cbso.co.uk.

Anthony Mundy has swapped a flagship project in Birmingham for a complex of an identical standing in Coventry.

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:37:47 GMT

Anthony Mundy has swapped a flagship project in Birmingham for a complex of an identical standing in Coventry.

The 38-year-old has joined the Ricoh Arena as facilities director from Millennium Point in Birmingham where he was property director for four years.

Anthony now has responsibility for the property owned by the Ricoh and Coventry City as well as using his technical expertise to look after a myriad of areas from pitch maintenance and event management to tenancies and leases.

He had a busy introduction to life at the £113 million venue when he oversaw last month’s Bon Jovi concert and he is relishing the task ahead.

“I have been brought in to manage and oversee the operations for the Ricoh Arena and Coventry City which have been brought together following the takeover at the football club,” Anthony said.

“We want to ensure that everyone who visits the Ricoh whether it is for an exhibition, conference, football match, concert, dinner or an overnight stay at the hotel has an enjoyable visit and wants to return.

“I will be in charge of the team who carry out a whole host of tasks behind the scenes to ensure the Ricoh remains one of Coventry’s landmark buildings.”

The father-of-two, who lives with his wife, Emma, and children Edward, aged six, and Beatrice, aged two, in Redditch is no stranger to Coventry because he was maintenance manager at Marconi, now telent, in Allard Way.

He added: “This is an extremely busy venue which is just what I’m used to and I’m looking forward to working with the team here to ensure the Ricoh continues to be one of the leading businesses in the region.”

Carl Davies to conduct classics for a summer evening at the CBSO Benevolent Fund Concert

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:23:04 GMT

The iconic conductor and composer Carl Davies will conduct his favourite selection of popular classics, at the CBSO Benevolent Fund’s annual fundraising event at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Friday 18 July 2008.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform much-loved music including Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture, Debussy’s Claire de Lune, Walton’s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, and Grainger’s arrangement of Danny Boy. The audience will also enjoy the world premiere of the suite from BBC’s hugely successful period drama Cranford, which was composed by Carl Davies. The proceeds of the concert will go to help CBSO musicians, past and present, through the CBSO Benevolent Fund.

The CBSO Benevolent Fund exists to help players of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in times of bereavement or ill health. The Orchestra is in constant demand, performing and rehearsing on a daily basis, recording and travelling as cultural representatives of Birmingham all over the world.

Having a long established Benevolent Fund enables the Orchestra to fulfil its obligations to an ever more challenging schedule of performing to the public, secure in the knowledge that individual health problems will keep a member off work for the shortest time possible. All performers are donating their services to this concert.

Taking centre stage as soloist in Beethoven’s Romance in F for violin and orchestra will be CBSO’s acclaimed leader, Laurence Jackson

Tickets are available from the Symphony Hall Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or online at www.cbso.co.uk

bmibaby announce more winter routes from Birmingham International Airport

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:09:10 GMT

New winter flights to Krakow, Milan Bergamo and Warsaw 20 European destinations now on sale

bmibaby has today (Tuesday 8th July, 2008) launched phase two of it’s winter programme from Birmingham International Airport. The airline has introduced three new routes from the airport for the winter season to Krakow, Milan Bergamo and Warsaw. Flights are available for travel from 26th October 2008 until 28th March 2009.

In total bmibaby will fly to 20 European destinations for winter: Aberdeen, Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast International, Cork, Edinburgh, Faro, Geneva, Glasgow International, Ireland West Knock, Jersey, Krakow, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Murcia, Nice, Palma, Prague and Warsaw.

Crawford Rix, managing director, bmibaby, said:

““I am pleased to announce phase two of bmibaby’s winter programme from Birmingham International Airport. We have 20 great European destinations to choose from this winter including new flights to Krakow, Milan Bergamo and Warsaw. Bookings to these cities have been extremely strong, so we will continue operating the routes during the winter months. We advise people to book now to secure a great deal. Flights start from just £18.99 one way including taxes”.

Winter schedule:

Winter flights from Birmingham to: Frequency:

Malaga                                                            Up to 4 flights per week
Belfast                                                                  Up to 18 flights per week
Aberdeen                                                            Up to 11 flights per week
Milan Bergamo                                                  Up to 2 flights per week
Prague                                                               Up to 6 flights per week
Jersey                                                              Up to 2 flights per week
Amsterdam                                                   Up to 13 flights per week

Barcelona (Travel from February 2009)               Up to 4 flights per week
Alicante                                                          Up to 4 flights per week
Warsaw                                                          Up to 2 flights per week
Cork                                                               Up to 6 flights per week
Krakow                                                             Up to 2 flights per week

Ireland West Knock                                       Up to 6 flights per week
Faro                                                               Up to 2 flights per week
Murcia                                                            Up to 2 flights per week

Nice (Travel from February 2009) Up to 2 flights per week

Palma                                                         Up to 2 flights per week
Glasgow                                                        Up to 16 flights per week
Edinburgh                                                    Up to 18 flights per week

Geneva (Travel from December 2008) Up to 8 flights per week

SEA LIFE CENTRE GOES ON OCTOPUS WATCH

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:59:00 GMT

Birmingham’s National SEA LIFE Centre has gone on ‘octopus watch’ in a bid to solve one of the many mysteries about these notoriously intelligent sea creatures.

Staff and visitors will both take part in a month-long study to determine whether or not octopuses favour a specific arm or arms for the tasks of feeding and investigating.

The results could shed light on the evolution of ‘handedness’ in animals.

“There have been several investigations into arm usage by octopuses,” said displays supervisor Carey Duckhouse, “but they have involved small numbers of octopuses and the results have been conflicting.”

The Birmingham research is being duplicated simultaneously at 23 other SEA LIFE attractions across Europe and aims to provide conclusive answers.

“Many animals have been shown to favour a certain arm,” said Carey, “but studies have tended to focus on vertebrates rather than creatures without skeletons like octopuses.

“This study is interesting because octopuses have been evolving separately to vertebrates for 500 million years.

“Uniquely, they have more than half their nerves in their arms, and have even been shown to partially think with their arms.

“A severed octopus arm will still pick up food and push it towards where the mouth used to be.”

The majority of studies concluded that octopuses simply used the nearest arm with which to grab food or investigate an object.

Then in 2004 a team at the University of Vienna reported very different findings.

In studies of eight octopuses the University team recorded the same arm, or same combination of arms being employed 339 times out of a total of 448.

The Austrian scientists speculated that octopuses have a preferred ‘eye’ and that arm choice was determined by this.

The Vienna experiment involved offering the octopuses a T-shaped cavity to explore, but the SEA LIFE survey will go further.

“We will be feeding our octopus from different directions and recording which arm it uses to grab its food on each occasion,” said Carey.

“Our visitors will be helping us by using specially devised survey forms to record which arm or arms the octopus uses to investigate a variety of toys and other objects we will introduce to its tank.”

The results will be analysed by SEA LIFE biologists and the results announced in the autumn.

COVENTRY FESTIVAL OF MOTORING RETURNS

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:30:17 GMT

The city has a long history of hosting spectacular motoring events and the Festival of Motoring has consistently proved to be a huge success, attracting over 500 entrants and thousands of spectators along a stunning route through the beautiful countryside in Coventry and Warwickshire. We are delighted to confirm that the event will take place again this year on 6th and 7th September 2008 – the fourth year in which Coventry Transport Museum and partners CVOne have staged the event in its new weekend format.

Entries are expected from hundreds of owners of veteran, vintage or classic cars and motorcycles entries, from all over the UK and beyond so it promises to be yet another memorable weekend. The deadline for entries is 25th July and you can book online via the Festival website at www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk or booking forms are available from the Museum.

The Festival will kick off on Saturday 6th September with live entertainment, family fun activities and a display of entrants’ cars staged in Millennium Place, outside the impressive frontage of Coventry Transport Museum. During the afternoon spectators will have the opportunity to vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ prize for the car they would most like to take home. Coventry Transport Museum will also be open to visitors throughout the weekend so everyone has an opportunity to see the world’s largest collection of British road transport and it’s completely free admission!

On Saturday evening the Lord Mayor of Coventry will host a Reception Dinner at the Museum with motoring commentator Graham Robson having a round-table discussion with Andrew Cowan on the 40th anniversary of his victory in the London-Sydney marathon, driving a Hillman Hunter. Tickets cost £20 per person and include a reception drink and buffet. Tickets must be booked in advance and are available from the Museum or by calling 024 7623 4270.

The highlight of the Festival will be on Sunday 7th September when 500 vehicles will take part in a 60-mile route around the region, flagged off by the Lord Mayor of Coventry. In previous years participants have received a rousing reception from spectators along the route who held their own street parties so the Festival organisers are encouraging local residents to recreate that fantastic Festival atmosphere and give the cars and motorcycles a warm greeting as they drive past. The cars will then return to Coventry’s War Memorial Park where a packed programme of entertainment is planned to run throughout the day, including a breathtaking performance from Motostunts International.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Chairman Malcolm Oliver said:
"Last year’s Festival of Motoring was a brilliant weekend for all concerned. The support received from entrants and spectators alike was phenomenal. Coventry Transport Museum, and our partners in the organisation of the event, are proud to be involved again this year and look forward to hosting another memorable Festival in 2008”
For further information please visit the Festival website: www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk or email: info@festival-of-motoring.co.uk or contact Coventry Transport Museum on 024 7623 4270

MIDLANDS’ PREMIER AIRPORT APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Kehoe has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham International Airport.

Paul Kehoe was previously Managing Director at London Luton and Belfast International Airports during his eight years with the Airport Group, TBI. He is currently Chief Executive at Bristol Airport.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul Kehoe said:

“This is a tremendously exciting time to lead the team at Birmingham Airport.

“The developments that are either planned or under way are ambitious and will enable the Airport to continue to make a significant contribution to the success of the region”.

John Hudson, Chairman of BirminghamInternationalAirport commented:

“We are delighted to have attracted Paul to Birmingham Airport following a very competitive selection process. He brings with him a wealth of airport operating experience and the board looks forward to Paul’s leadership during the challenging times ahead”.

Profile - Paul Kehoe

2007 to-date – Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Airport

2005-2006 – Chief Executive Officer, DX Services PLC

1997-2005 – Managing Director of Luton and Belfast Airports and Executive Director of TBI European Airports, TBI PLC Airports

1993-1997 – Senior Executive, Serco Group, including Managing Director of Serco Aviation Services (Australia) and Executive Chairman of Serco Aviation Services (North America)

1990-1993 – BAe Systems PLC, managed the Group’s Airport portfolio including Liverpool Airport

1987-1989 – Management Consultant

1981-1987 – Royal Air Force - Air Traffic Control Officer

MBA (Warwick), B.Sc. (Hons) Geography, Diploma Marketing

Married to Lesley and has two children

Life's Good at The NEC Arena

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:38:00 GMT

Birmingham's iconic NEC Arena is to have a new look and name through a £28 million funding package that includes a major sponsorship deal with global electronic giants LG.
The concert and event venue, which welcomes one million visitors every year, will be officially renamed the LG Arena this Autumn and work will start in September on creating brand new seating, hospitality, bars, restaurants and other essential customer facilities as well as improved backstage areas.

The sponsorship deal with the world-wide technology manufacturer and innovator in electronics, famed for its motto 'Life's Good', will help support repayment of the £28 million redevelopment of The NEC Arena into a must visit, world class venue.

Birmingham City Council will provide funding through a £25 million loan which will be serviced and repaid by improved financial performance from The NEC Arena. An application for a grant of the £3 million balance is currently being considered by development agency Advantage West Midlands.

The redevelopment of the venue, which has helped boost the reputation and the economy of the region since it opened its doors 28 years ago, will ensure that Birmingham stays firmly on the map as a must stop city on major UK and international tours during a buoyant live touring market, and will provide visitors with a 21st century total entertainment experience.
The multi-million pound improvement works are essential to improve ageing facilities and infrastructure and help the venue compete in a global marketplace with a host of newer venues.

Paul Thandi, Chief Executive, The NEC Group, said:
"LG Electronics is a fitting sponsor for The NEC Arena, with our unique synergy around enjoying life and discovering the future through live events or high specification technology.
"We are proud to have a new world class partner investing in our business and in the West Midlands as a whole and helping us to create a legacy for future generations."

Phil Mead, Managing Director, The NEC Group Arenas, said:
"This exciting redevelopment means we will be able to offer our visitors an outstanding entertainment experience from start to finish at a world class venue.

"Our capacity will be increased by around 2,000 for the benefit of promoters and major selling acts but also the flexible seating and draping systems will provide more intimate theatre style configurations."

Andrew Warner, marketing director of LG UK comments:
"This partnership mirrors LG's brand values as a leading lifestyle company which puts its customers at the heart of everything it does. The LG Arena will provide entertainment that is high quality, distinctive and engaging to all visitors – we're very excited to be creating a world class experience."

Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Mike Whitby, said:
"The NEC Arena is already one of the region's biggest attractions, welcoming one million visitors each year. Today's announcement underpins the achievements of The NEC Group to date and demonstrates the confidence that global partner LG has in its business. These are exciting times, as these two world-class organisations come together in order to drive forward and build on current successes, to position the arena as a truly world-class venue."
Mark Pearce, Corporate Director Economic Regeneration, at Advantage West Midlands, added:

"Conference and event tourism is a competitive strength for the West Midlands region.
"The redevelopment programme will deliver an Arena that raises the profile of Birmingham in target markets, underpins event-related economic impact, protects and grows the region's major events programme, and provides an enhanced entertainment experience for visitors.

"A world class venue such as that now planned for The NEC Arena will play a part in helping the region achieve its vision to be a global centre where people and businesses choose to connect."

French connection brings a taste of Lyon to Birmingham

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The third annual Taste of Birmingham festival will have a distinctly French flavour this year, as four top chefs from Birmingham’s twin city of Lyon descend to play a starring role.
The award-winning French Chefs, are Joseph Viola from the restaurant Daniel et Denise, Laurent Bouvier of Le Puy D'or, Frédéric Berthod from Le 33 Cité and Olivier Paget of Le Fleurie. Together, they are members of the Lyon branch of Les Toques Blanches, a worldwide network of chefs formed in 1906 to share a passion for food, transfer knowledge, and promote quality regional produce and cuisine.

Visitors to this year’s Taste of Birmingham, taking place at Cannon Hill Park between 10-13 July 2008, will have a unique opportunity to experience the culinary skill of Les Toques Blanches Lynonnaises, by tasting a special three course menu prepared by the four chefs.
The dishes include crosmequis of foie gras, tomato confit, mango petals and herb salad, dumplings of pike with crayfish tails and red fruit craquant with cristallised mint.
Birmingham and Lyon have forged a strong culinary link following Birmingham’s entry to the Delice network earlier this year. Chefs from Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises visited the city in March to cook alongside Andreas Antona of Simpsons Restaurant and David Colcombe of Opus at two celebratory dinners.

Commenting on the return of the Lyon chefs to Taste of Birmingham, David Colcombe said:
“What a great honour to have these four chefs from the culinary capital of Europe coming to Taste of Birmingham. It will be great fun to see Joseph and Frédéric again and a marvelous opportunity for the people of the Midlands to taste a sample of Lyonnaise food. This is what Birmingham’s membership of Delice is all about – the building of strong relationships and sharing city cuisines.”

Les Toques Blanques Lyonnaises will join top restaurants from the West Midlands at Taste of Birmingham this year, including Simpsons, Opus, Lasan, Filini Restaurant at Radisson SAS Hotel, La Becasse, Aria at The Hyatt, Hotel Du Vin, The Oriental, Itihaas, Malmaison and Thai Edge.

Visitors will also enjoy demonstrations from celebrity chefs Antony Worrall Thompson and Aldo Zilli, along with sampling opportunities at the special Taste Kitchen with Sainsbury’s, meeting local producers at the delicious.magazine Producers’ Market and experiencing the Lavazza Aroma Zone, including the Barista-led Aroma Theatre.

Tickets start from £12 and can be bought from the box office 0871 230 5581 or through the website www.channel4.com/taste

MILE SENSATION

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

MILE SENSATION Andy Baddeley says he can take nothing for granted at next month’s Aviva National Championships in Birmingham, despite his early season form.

The 26-year-old has been one of a number of plus points for British athletics this summer, with a memorable victory in Oslo’s Dream Mile followed up by gold over 3000m in last weekend’s European Cup.

His next major challenge will come at the Aviva National Championships in Birmingham from July 11 to 13 where he believes the strength in depth of British male distance running will be illustrated.

Baddeley said: “The Aviva National Championships are one of the most important events of a very important year for me. I will be looking to really test myself in what will be a vital stepping stone towards Beijing.

"The trials will be a great occasion, the competition should be tight providing a good rehearsal for Beijing. Birmingham is a notoriously quick track and famous for a great atmosphere so I can't wait to compete there in front of a big crowd.”

Meanwhile Baddeley has also been confirmed for the historic Emsley Carr Mile at the Aviva London Grand Prix on July 25 and 26.

The Crystal Palace meet will see him face reigning world champion Bernard Lagat of the USA, and world and Commonwealth medallist Craig Mottram of Australia.

He said: "I am looking forward to competing against Bernard and Craig at the Emsley Carr Mile next month, they are my main rivals and it will be great to gauge how my preparation is going before we all head to Beijing.

"Having recently won the Dream Mile in Oslo I am full of confidence ahead of Birmingham and London and would love to add the Emsley Carr Mile to my name which would give me a unique double in an Olympic year."

The Aviva National Championships is supported by Birmingham City Council and Marketing Birmingham.

Tickets for the Aviva National Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on 11,12 & 13 July 2008 are available by phone on 08000 556 056 or online at www.ukathletics.net

Museum is the jewel in Birmingham’s tourism crown

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:59:11 GMT

Birmingham’s Museum of the Jewellery Quarter has rated above Note Dame Cathedral in a Europe-wide survey of free tourist attractions.

With the Pantheon in Rome being voted the top attraction, the National Galley in London was second and the Birmingham museum was third in the table compiled by travel website company TripAdvisor.

The UK has more entries in a top 10 table of most-popular free European tourist attractions than any other country, it has been revealed.

There were two more UK entries in the top 10, with Westminster Abbey in eighth place and the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, 10th.

The list was published as TripAdvisor also released details of a survey of more than 4,000 travellers worldwide.

The poll found:

Only 21 per cent of Britons said high fuel prices would affect their travel plans this summer, compared with 41 per cent of travellers worldwide;

30 per cent of Britons said the fall of the pound against the euro would affect summer travel plans, with 38 per cent going to a destination with a more favourable exchange rate and 26% staying in less-expensive accommodation;

62per cent of Britons plan to take half or more of their annual holiday entitlement this summer, with 19 per cent taking all of it;

32 per cent of Britons will take a break of two to three weeks this summer, while 10 per cent will have three to four weeks off;

A quarter of travellers will spend more money on summer holidays this year than last, with restaurants likely to be the biggest expense for Britons;

Seaside holidays are the most popular breaks with worldwide travellers, with 6m per intending to visit a beach destination this summer;

19 per cent intend to go hiking, 14 per cent camping and nine per cent biking but the most popular summer vacation activity is relaxing.

TripAdvisor European communications manager Ian Rumgay said: “A summer holiday is a must-have for the British public.”

European Cup winners to compete at the Aviva National Championships

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK Athletics have today confirmed that all eight individual winners from this weekend's Spar European Cup will be competing at the Aviva National Championships, Incorporating the Team GB Selection Trials which take place between 11-13th July.

In what was a great weekend for Great Britain's athletes, the men achieved their 5th European Cup win, meaning the Bruno Zauli trophy was back in British hands for the first time since their victory in 2000 at Gateshead.

And Britain's eight winners from the weekend - among them Phillips Idowu, Marlon Devonish and Nicola Sanders will now set their sights on Birmingham in three weeks time and qualification for this year's Olympic Games.

Dave Collins UKA Performance Director said, "I am delighted to confirm that after a great weekend for British athletes in the Spar European Cup, all eight winners from Annecy will be competing at the Aviva National Championships in three weeks time. We are all now looking forward to the Aviva National Championships. With these athletes confirmed to compete we can expect three days of high quality competition and nervous tension as they and other Great Britain athletes battle it out to secure their place on the plane to Beijing."

In what was the last ever Spar European Cup, the GB and NI women's team claimed a well deserved third place thanks to victory in the 400m and 800m through Nicola Sanders and Jenny Meadows respectively.

The GB and NI winners from the weekend were:

Men
Tyrone Edgar: 100m
Marlon Devonish: 200m
Martyn Rooney: 400m
Andy Baddeley: 3000m
Mo Farah: 5000m
Phillips Idowu: triple jump

Women
Jenny Meadows: 800m
Nicola Sanders: 400m

To book tickets for the Aviva National Championships visit www.ukathletics.net<http://www.ukathletics.net> or call 08000 556 056

To celebrate the eight individual wins from the weekend and the combined team points total of 201, UKA are offering the first 201 callers to buy tickets an adult ticket for £8.

Please quote EC848 when booking

The Aviva National Championships is supported by Birmingham City Council and Marketing Birmingham.

Northern Ireland’s alternative rock band Ash is to perform at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

city_news@marketingbirmingham.com — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:40:41 GMT

Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray, who have released six albums since forming in 1992, will be performing in August.

They will be supported by Sheffield’s new and increasingly popular indie band, The Gentlemen, on Friday, August 1.

Fans will be in for a triple treat as top Radio 1 DJ Colin Murray is lined-up to host the gig which will be presented by Jammin Productions in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday (June 23) at 9am.

Booming bass lines, gripping guitar riffs and vivacious vocals will be filling the arena as Ash perform old favourites and new tracks.

Fans will be able to see the successful band, who are now based in New York, perform songs from the latest album, Twilight of the Innocents.

Tracks from various albums, including Trailer – their first ever album which was released in 1995 – will also be played.

Liz Cooper, marketing director at the Ricoh Arena, said it was fantastic to announce the next gig at the venue ahead of Tuesday’s concert by Bon Jovi.

She said: “We had fantastic feed-back from the Radio 1 Extra gig because the Jaguar Exhibition Hall is a great venue for concerts.

“After hosting Bryan Adams, Beverley Knight and The Enemy, we are looking forward to welcoming Ash.

“It is fantastic news that such a well-known band as Ash will be performing at the Ricoh Arena and we are also delighted that DJ Colin Murray will be hosting the show.

“It will be a great evening for music fans from throughout the UK and we are proud that Coventry has such a fantastic venue for bands to perform in.”

Doors will open at 7.30pm on August 1.

Tickets, priced at £20, are available from www.ricoharena.com or 08444 121 747.