Archive for October, 2007

Liverpool has been chosen to host the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards. The event will take place at the new Liverpool Echo Arena, due to open in January 2008. It will be the third time that the awards have been held in the UK.

Richard Godfrey, Senior Vice President Content & Music, MTV, said, ‘It is fantastic to be back in the UK and it is only natural that Liverpool should host the fifteenth annual Europe Music Awards. Not only is it the European Capital of Culture next year but the influence of its rich music heritage is still felt today. The state-of-the-art Echo Arena Liverpool is the perfect venue for such a large-scale multi-platform event as the Europe Music Awards and will give us the opportunity to bring newer and more exciting elements to next year’s show.’

Other events and concerts confirmed at the new venue include Westlife, the Liberal Democrats Spring Conference, Dancing on Ice, and CBeebies Live.

Phoenix Nights star Ted Robbins (Den Perry) will switch on Bolton’s Christmas Lights on November 18. Co-star Justin Moorhouse (Young Kenny) will compere the event which starts at 6 pm on the town’s Victoria Square. Also appearing on stage will be Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion and the cast of the Albert Halls Christmas pantomime, Red Riding Hood.

Wigan businessman Dave Whelan has sold his stake in rugby league team Wigan Warriors to Harlequins chairman Ian Lenagan. The deal, which becomes effective on December 1, will see Joe Lydon appointed as chief executive with Brian Noble remaining as head coach. Millionaire Lenagan was born in Wigan and made his fortune in computer software.

A 20 metre section of Chester’s famous city walls has been closed after a brick wall running alongside it was deemed unsafe. The walkway, next to the Grosvenor Hotel, will be temporarily closed until safety work has been completed. A diversionary route has been set up for residents and visitors. Chester City Council has stressed that access to the Eastgate Arch and Clock will not be affected.

The Spice Girls have added two concerts in Manchester to their world tour. The reunited group will perform at the Manchester Evening News Arena on January 23 and 24 2008. Tickets go on sale Friday October 26 at 10 am and are available from See.

Bolton Wanderers and manager Sammy Lee parted company yesterday by ‘mutual consent’ just 14 games after the former Liverpool and England midfielder took over from ‘Big’ Sam Allardyce. Lee failed to maintain the success achieved by his predecessor, winning just three of his 14 matches in charge; two of those in cup competitions and only one in the Premiership. Former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell, Chris Coleman, and Wanderers legend Phil ‘Suntan’ Brown are amongst the favourites to succeed him.

Budget airline jet2.com has announced a new route from Blackpool International Airport to Ibiza. Flights to Europe’s party capital will start from July 3 2008 and will cost from £48.99 one-way.

The annual Northwest Tourism Awards were held at Manchester Central last night. The winners included:

Large Hotel of the Year - Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester
Small Hotel of the Year – Hillbark Hotel, Wirral
Bed and Breakfast of the Year – Boltongate Old Rectory, Cumbria
Large Attraction of the Year - Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle
Small Attraction of the Year – Ordsall Hall Museum, Salford
Taste of England’s Northwest – The London Carriage Works, Liverpool
Public Space Award – Keswick Market Place, Cumbria

Felicity Goodey, Chair of Tourism England’s Northwest said, ‘More than 29 million visitors stay with us each year now. Tourism contributes £10billion to the Northwest economy. This year we swept the board in the national awards for every type of accommodation. England’s best large and small hotels are in the Northwest, so is the best bed and breakfast and the best caravan park.’

A Halloween Spooktacular will be held at Morecambe’s Happy Mount Park on October 27. The event, organised by Lancaster City Council, will feature a fancy dress competition, circus, live band, magician, and guided haunted walks. Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance from the Visitor Information Centre on Morecambe Promenade.

A huge Ferris wheel is to be installed on Preston’s Flag Market as part of the city’s Christmas celebrations. The wheel will be open from November 16 and will offer riders an unrivalled view of the city centre. Other attractions planned for the festive period include an ice rink and Christmas farmers’ market.