Preston’s Museum of Lancashire has been designated a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction by Visit Britain, the official British Tourist Authority. Charlotte Steels, Assistant Keeper said, ‘We are all delighted by this award. The staff work hard to make the museum a welcoming place for visitors and it’s fantastic that we have been given this acknowledgement.’
The chairman of Blackpool’s regeneration company is leaving his post to lead a bid for European funds to build an extension of Blackpool’s tram system to Preston. Professor Sir Peter Hall of ReBlackpool said, ‘After nearly four years in the chair at ReBlackpool, helping to develop the casino bid and then the post-casino regeneration strategy to rebuild the town’s economy, published in our Blackpool Task Force report to government last summer, I think it is time to move on. As ReBlackpool shifts from strategic thinking to delivery my successor will lead on this delivery. Meanwhile, provided our bid is successful, and I am confident that, fully supported by NWDA and other partners, it is more than good enough – I will focus on delivering the next stage of development of the Blackpool Tramway as part of the regeneration of the town.’
The proposed system will utilise a new type of tram developed in Germany that uses a hybrid power system capable of switching from electric to diesel power to run on non-electrified tracks.
Preston will host the national Dragon Boat Championships at the city’s Riversway Festival this summer. Dragon Boat Racing originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Each boat measures around 40 feet and carries a team of 20 paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 helmsman. The Riversway Festival will be held at Preston Docklands from July 4 to 6 2008.
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.
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.
Cre8 Theatre will be performing their brand new show ‘Pop Around The Clock’ at the Pickerings Hotel in Garstang on the 11th August. The show will feature songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, including ‘I Want You Back’ by the Jackson Five, ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay and an a cappella version of ‘Stand By Me’ by Ben E King.
Tickets are priced at £10 including a buffet, and can be bought from their website (www.cre8theatre.com) or by contacting the Pickerings Hotel on 01995 600 999.
The Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board held its annual awards ceremony at the De Vere Heron’s Reach hotel in Blackpool last week. The winners were:
Bed and Breakfast of the Year: Riverside Barn, Ribchester
Small Hotel of the Year: The Millstone at Mellor, Mellor
Large Hotel of the Year: Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: ILPH Penny Farm, Blackpool
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Blackpool Zoo
Caravan Holiday Park of the Year: Sunset Park, Hambleton
Self Catering Holiday of the Year: Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Bashall Eves
Taste of Lancashire and Blackpool Award: Kwizeen Restaurant, Blackpool
Business Tourism Award of the Year: Bartle Hall Country Hotel, near Preston
Best Tourism Experience of the Year: Keeper for the Day, Blackpool Zoo
Best Tourism Business Newcomer: The Fat Giraffe, Padiham
Cre8 Theatre will be premiering their new show ‘Pop Around the Clock’ at the Pickerings Hotel in Garstang on June 23. The show features songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, including ‘I Want You Back’ by the Jackson Five, ‘The
Scientist’ by Coldplay, and a cappella version of ‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E King.
To book call the Pickerings Hotel on 01995 600 999.
Chorley’s Camelot theme park will unveil their new rollercoaster on June 23. The £3 million Knightmare ride will subject riders to a g-force of 5, more than any other ride in the UK. The ride measures over 1½ miles, reaching a height of 87 feet and speeds of over 40 miles per hour.
Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown has announced a 22-date UK tour that includes appearances at several North West Venues; Warrington Parr Hall (Oct 6), Preston Guildhall (Oct 13), and Liverpool University (Oct 26). Appearances in Manchester are expected to be confirmed shortly.