Plans to build a £1 billion business park in Warrington look set to get the go ahead after the government said it would leave the planning decision in the hands of local councillors. The Omega development will be built on the site of the former Burtonwood airbase and will include office space, hotels, shops and houses. It will be one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe.
Top interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will help design the 2007 Blackpool Illuminations. It will be the first time anybody outside Blackpool Council’s in-house team will be involved in the creation of the annual display.
Liverpool has announced the programme of events to celebrate its status as European Capital of Culture 2008. Over 70 events are already planned. Highlights include:
2007 Turner Prize – The prestigious art competition will be held at Tate Liverpool. This will be the first time it has been held outside London since its launch in 1984 (19/10/07 – 31/1/08).
Liverpool Nativity – The story of Christmas performed live on the streets of Liverpool and broadcast on BBC3 (1/12/2007 - 31/12/2007).
Liverpool Sound – A concert featuring music from Liverpool performed by internationally renowned artists (Date TBC).
Gustav Klimt – The artist’s first UK exhibition will be shown at the Tate Liverpool (30/5/2008 - 31/8/2008).
Preston’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30 pm November 23 by Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson. The event, at Preston Flag Market, will be hosted by Century 105.4FM and feature special guests including the cast from the Guild Hall Pantomime.
Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson will headline at Liverpool’s Christmas Lights Switch-on Celebrations this Sunday. He will ‘entertain’ the crowds with a performance of his new single ‘Christmas My A*se’. The show begins at 5 pm outside St George’s Hall.
Manchester’s famous Christmas markets will run from November 16 to December 20. The markets will be set up at various locations around the city and will include a European market in Albert Square and a German market in St Ann’s Square.
Chester’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.30 pm November 16 in the Town Hall Square. The evening’s entertainment includes a Santa’s Parade, with live reindeer and sleigh, and a fireworks display.
A baby elephant was born at Chester Zoo yesterday. The mother, Thi aged 24, gave birth in the zoo’s elephant house after a 23 month pregnancy. The new arrival has not yet been named.
After losing Pleasureland, one of its major attractions, Southport’s tourist industry could be set to take another blow. Tonge International, organisers of the Southport Air Show, has announced it has gone into administration. Administrators, Parkin S Booth & Co, are searching for another event organiser to take over the running of the famous show.
A temporary ice rink will be set up in Manchester between November 17 and January 7. It will be situated in Piccadilly Gardens and be part of the city’s festive celebrations. An hour’s skating will cost £7.50 for adults and £5 for kids.