Archive for March, 2007

Creamfields tickets and line-up

Friday, March 30th, 2007

The line-up for Creamfields 2007 has just been announced. Acts initially scheduled to appear include Grove Armada, Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada, Kelis, Carl Cox, Erick Morillo and 2 Many DJ’s. More will be announced at a later date.

The festival will take place on Saturday August 25 at the Daresbury Estate, Warrington. Tickets are available from See.

Blackpool still hoping for super-casino

Thursday, March 29th, 2007

Blackpool could still get the UK’s only super-casino after the House of Lords rejected the plans backing Manchester by a majority of just three, despite the Commons backing the plans by a majority of 24. The plans now lie in tatters with Minister for Gambling Richard Caborn saying ‘We will have to reflect on that now as to whether we go forward or, indeed, how we go forward if we make that decision.’

Snoop Dogg and P Diddy concerts cancelled

Wednesday, March 28th, 2007

Snoop Dogg and P Diddy have been forced to cancel their UK tour after authorities denied Dogg a visa. The tour included an appearance at the Manchester Evening News Arena tomorrow. The refusal is linked to a brawl at Heathrow Airport in April 2006 that started after the rapper’s entourage were refused entry to an executive lounge.

Lancashire Fusiliers’ Museum reach target

Monday, March 26th, 2007

Bury’s Lancashire Fusiliers’ Museum have raised the necessary £1.4 million needed to fund their move to a new home at the Arts and Craft Centre on Broad Street in the town centre. Now that the target has been reached, the Heritage Lottery Fund has released an additional £2 million that should enable the new museum to open in late 2008.

New shopping centre opens in Wigan

Saturday, March 24th, 2007

The Grand Arcade, a new shopping centre in Wigan, opened for business on March 22. The new development is situated on the site of the former Wigan Casino took 2 years to build and cost £120 million. Stores already open include Debenhams, HMV, Waterstones, Marks & Spencer, River Island, TK Maxx, Monsoon, Next, Bhs and Boots.

Creamfields 2007

Friday, March 23rd, 2007

The Creamfields dance festival will return to Warrington for the second year running. It will be held on Saturday August 25 2007 at the Daresbury Estate. Acts rumoured to appear include Underworld and Daft Punk.

Blackpool sculpture scoops award

Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

A sculpture at Blackpool’s Great Promenade Show has won a prestigious award from the Civic Trust. Swivelling Wind Shelters by Ian McChesney was one of 24 recipients of Civic Trust Awards at a ceremony held at Blackpool Winter Gardens on Tuesday. The 8m wind shelter moves with the wind, providing cover whatever the wind direction.

Work to start soon on ambitious Chester regeneration project

Wednesday, March 21st, 2007

Chester City Council has announced that work will soon begin on the Northgate Development regeneration project. Heralded as the most ambitious development in Chester for decades, it aims to regenerate the areas around Northgate and Gorse Stacks.

The £280 scheme involves construction of the following:

- House of Fraser department store
- Performing arts centre
- A new library, double the size of the present one
- New bus station
- A modern market on the main square
- A 652-space multi-storey car park
- 124 apartments

In addition, existing council offices close to the town hall will be demolished and new ones built at Gorse Stacks.

Construction work is expected to start later this year and be complete by 2011.

Grasmere walk just got easier

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

The Lake District National Park Authority has unveiled a £5,000 footbridge at Grasmere. It is part of an easy 4 km circular route that is currently being constructed around the lake that will be wheelchair and pushchair friendly. It is part of the Lake District’s Miles without Stiles programme, which aims to provide 25 accessible trails over the next 5 years.

The LDNPA’s access development adviser Barney Hill said ‘We are committed to improving access throughout the national park, and grants are available for landowners, farmers and land managers who want to help us. We want new rights of way and improved surfaces for family friendly cycling and people with limited mobility. By replacing stiles with gates, widening bridges and adapting gate fastenings we aim to make the countryside more accessible for everyone.’

Girls Aloud confirm Liverpool concert appearance

Monday, March 19th, 2007

Girls Aloud are the latest band to confirm they will be appearing at Liverpool Summer Pops. They join a host of other big names that have confirmed they will be appearing, including Amy Winehouse, James Morrison, Deacon Blue, McFly and OMD. Promoter Chas Cole promises even bigger names will join them over the coming weeks.

The Girls Alound concert will be held on July 3. Tickets are available from See.