Carlisle city centre will host a 9-day Christmas market starting Saturday December 1 2007. Capitalising on the success of last year’s market, it will feature over 80 stalls offering food, gifts, and more.
Plans to revamp Blackpool Tower have been unveiled by owners Leisure Parcs. The £3 million project will see Level 5 of the Tower completely redeveloped. Jungle Jim’s will be replaced by Jungle Jim’s Towering Adventureland, described by Leisure Parcs as ‘the most innovative and interactive play scheme of its kind in the UK’.
Based around a ‘Lost City’, the 2,500 square metre attraction will set youngsters upon a quest, taking them through a series of exciting adventures in their search to find the hidden treasure.
The glass-roofed area will include the installation of three huge ships each with separate theming, their own characters and the capacity to host dedicated children’s parties.
A number of the Tower’s architectural features, not seen by the public for over twenty five years and including several areas currently used as storage units, will be restored to their former glory, underlining the architectural significance of the 113 year old building.
Australian singer Kylie Minogue has announced a European tour next summer that will include two dates at the MEN Arena (July 14 and 15). She will perform past hits and songs from her new album X. Tickets go on sale December 3 2007.
American actor and film-maker Dennis Hopper will present this year’s Turner Prize at Tate Liverpool on December 3. It is the first time the prestigious award ceremony and exhibition has been held outside London. The short-listed artists are Zarina Bhimji, Nathan Coley, Mike Nelson and Mark Wallinger. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Channel 4 News.
Following the success of the first four Stockport Producers’ Markets, Stockport Council has given the event a regular slot on the third Friday of every month.
The original idea for the Producers’ Market came from Emma Boronat, owner of a childrenswear boutique called Bubsquash on Stockport Marketplace. The dramatic decline in the number of visitors and traders to the marketplace in recent years spurred Emma to action. She was faced with the decision of either relocating her own business or somehow generating new interest in the once-busy historic market place. Inspired by news of the market’s million pound National Lottery grant for regeneration, she approached the Market Office with a proposal to establish a regular producers’ market that would feature fresh, local produce from around the region.
Emma found enthusiastic support from many of the region’s top producers. Traders quickly signed up for the initial allocation of stalls and a waiting list was soon established. With support from Stockport Council’s Regeneration Team and the Market Office, the original idea of a small producers’ market evolved to become a showcase for the North West’s finest fresh food and produce.
The market features free samples and tastings, hot food takeaway stalls, beer tents and special limited edition souvenirs and goodies. Shoppers can look forward to a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, gourmet pies, local cheeses, breads, cakes, beers, fresh meat, chutneys, pickles, jams, preserves, fruit juices, sausages, cooked meat, fresh herbs, all produced in the North West.
Amongst the regular Producers’ Market traders are Clippys Apples, Leagram Organic Dairy, Holly Cottage Preserves, Katjas Kupcakes, HS Bourne Cheshire Cheese, Eddisbury Fruit Farm, 3 Rivers Brewery, Northern Tarts, RS Ireland, Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, Katie Cooks Pates, Jo’s Cheshire Kitchen and many more. For the December Festive Market there will also be cookery demonstrations from Phillipa James, Mulled Wine, and Robinsons Brewery.
Gregg Wallace, BBC’s Masterchef judge and ingredients expert, and author of Veg: The Greengrocers Cookbook said: ‘I am firm believer that every town deserves a local market where you can buy top quality, locally sourced, fresh produce at decent prices. I am delighted to hear that the historic market in Stockport has been given a new lease of life and is launching it’s very first small producers market. From my experience to get the very best from your cooking you need seasonally grown veg and high quality ingredients - it’s fantastic that Stockport Market is offering just this and more. Please give your support to your regional producers and visit this great new venture!’
The next market will take place between 10am and 3pm on Friday 21st December 2007 at Stockport Market and then on the 3rd Friday of every month. For further information, pick up a leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre at 30 Marketplace, or call 0161 480 7659.
Two restaurants in North West England have walked away with awards from the Restaurant Magazine’s 2007 Best Dishes competition, held in London on Sunday. The Three Fishes in the Ribble Valley scooped the award for best burger while Simply Heathcotes in Wigan won the trophy for best fish and chips.
The continental street market scheduled to be held in Lancaster this weekend has been postponed and will now take place from November 30 to December 2 2007. This weekend’s Charter Market will still go ahead.
Due to overwhelming demand Boyzone have added an extra date to the Manchester leg of their UK tour. In addition to the concert on June 13, they will also appear at the MEN Arena on June 14.
Bolton born comedian Peter Kay has been chosen to appear on Michael Parkinson’s last ever chat show. Kay will join an impressive line-up that includes Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, David Beckham, and Billy Connolly. The two-hour show will be broadcast on ITV1 on December 15.
Preston North End FC has appointed Everton assistant coach Alan Irvine as their new manager after a compensation deal was agreed by the two clubs. Irvine replaces Paul Simpson, sacked last week after a poor run of results in the Championship. Candidates rumoured to be lined up for the vacant position at Everton include Newcastle coach Steve Round and Brian Kidd, currently assistant manager at Sheffield United.