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Doctor Who lands at Caerphilly Castle

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:36:00 GMT

A Welsh castle is the current home of an unlikely guest during the festive season as the iconic Tardis from celebrated television show Doctor Who sits precariously atop one of its main towers.

The blue police box has landed on Caerphilly Castle, a south Wales castle that has pride of place as Wales' largest moated medieval castle. It will remain at the castle until the New Year and was recently used during filming on location for the upcoming Christmas episode of Doctor Who, called The End of Time.

Visitors arriving at the annual Medieval Christmas Fayre, which takes place at the castle on December 12 and 13 this year, can take in the sight of the Tardis from its lofty height as they peruse a variety of stalls packed with Christmas crafts and snacks, as well as entertainments like stilt walkers, jesters and jugglers.

According to the BBC, John Wallis from Cadw, the organisation responsible for historic monuments around Wales, said: "I'm delighted that the Tardis is in place in time for Caerphilly's Medieval Christmas fayre this weekend.

"As well as enjoying a variety of events and activities here at the Castle, visitors can now also witness this world-famous blue box at the Inner East Gatehouse tower."

The Tardis will be illuminated at night to add an extra dimension for tourists visiting Caerphilly, near Cardiff, who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous police box, which is elevated on a giant platform that was constructed by the show's production team in order to increase visibility.

It will be removed after the New Year to return to its place on television screens.

Durham culture bid boosted by 'Billy Elliot' dancers

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:24:00 GMT

A bid for the 2013 UK City of Culture award has been boosted by Durham as a troupe of aspiring dancers came together to promote the city.

North east England city Durham has long been recognised of one steeped in culture and tradition and it is hoped that these aspects of the city's personality will help it come forward as one of the main contenders for the accolade.

In order to help increase its bid, young dancers from around County Durham were joined by Oldham's Rhys Yeomans, who is pipped to play the eponymous lead in the hit musical Billy Elliot on the London stage, to show off the city's range of talent.

The dancers displayed their skills during an event exemplifying Durham's thirst for cultural activities and the city's bid promised that the city would display the Lindisfarne gospels for three months, as well as a festival of light which would take place after the success of Lumiere, which occurred this year during November - an event that was so successful it will take place every two years.

Baritone Sir Thomas Allen, who has been revealed as the inspiration for Billy Elliot by playwright Lee Hall, was present at the events and told the BBC: "Durham was only 12 miles from where I was born in Seaham.

"The centrepiece of our small city is a cathedral, the most powerful and most beautiful symbol of its kind in the world, in my opinion."

Author Bill Bryson said: "My long standing love affair with Durham is well known as I have, without hesitation, lavished praise on its architecture, heritage, gardens and river."

Oldest book in Scotland goes on display

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:01:00 GMT

Scotland's oldest book is to go on display for the first time, allowing members of the public to take in its 11th Century text.

People can get a rare glimpse of the Celtic Psalter's contents, which include hand-written psalms in Latin as well as Pictish and Celtic illustrations, over the next three months as it goes on public display in the University of Edinburgh's library.

Although the book's exact origin is uncertain, experts believe that it is likely the Psalter was created by monks on Iona, possibly on commission by St Margaret, Queen of Scotland.

Until now, the book has only been available to a few scholars and has been locked away from all other eyes as the university seeks to preserve its 1,000 year old pages. Thanks to this close guard, which has protected the book since it was first donated to the central Scotland university in the 17th Century, the manuscript continues to be in pristine condition and is one of the finest examples of its kind in the world.

According to the BBC, Joseph Marshall, Edinburgh University's rare book librarian, said: "People have been reluctant to show it, but now we have a special display case, and really this is the book's first public outing in 1,000 years."

Despite the original binding of the book being lost, the pages are breathtaking to behold and look as though they could have been written in far more recent times.

Mr Marshall said: "It is a riot of colour. You would think someone had gone over it with a felt-tip pen."

He added: "Someone has gone to town to make it look beautiful and it's as beautiful today as it was when it was first written."

Edinburgh to rival London with big wheel

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:49:00 GMT

Scottish capital Edinburgh could be wowing tourists if plans go ahead for the city to receive its own grand scale Ferris wheel.

Plans to lure yet more tourists to the central Scotland city have been laid out with the intention of constructing a 120 metre tall Ferris wheel that would put Edinburgh on a level with famous London attraction, the London Eye.

If built, the wheel would tower over the city and be twice the height of city icon the Scott Monument, though designers have admitted that the city centre is likely to be not large enough to contain such a large structure.

Instead, proposals for the wheel, which has been dubbed "Scotland's National Wheel", suggest that the attraction be placed in the north of the city at Leith Waterfront, tying in with a new transport station which meant that access would be simple and speedy for tourists eager to enjoy panoramic views of the eye-catching city.

According to the BBC, Edinburgh City Council's economic development leader, Tom Buchanan, considers that the wheel could end up as popular as Edinburgh Zoo, which draws around 650,000 visitors each year.

He said: "This is a hugely important opportunity for Edinburgh.

"People make journeys to London just to go on the London Eye and we would look for people to do that in Edinburgh.

"It would help to bring forward a regeneration opportunity for that part of the city and would be a major tourist attraction attracting thousands of people.

"We would hope that it could attract similar numbers to those who go to Edinburgh Zoo."

Disused Victorian railway station could become museum

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:25:00 GMT

An old railways station that has been closed for over 50 years could be reopened as a museum exhibit.

The single platform Raglan station in Monmouthshire, South Wales, has been targeted by county councillors hoping to make use of its historical meaning as a Victorian station. Originally built in the 1850s, the station opened in 1856 and served on the Pontypool to Coleford line for 99 years.

The Natural History Museum at St Fagans, which is close to Cardiff, is considering using the station as an exhibit.

Councillors are keen to preserve the station as a historical artifact, with Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire council's deputy leader, telling the BBC: "We would like to see the station preserved for future generations.

"This is why we are considering presenting it to the people of Wales. Although it would be uneconomic for us to renovate the station for our own use, this is not a soft option."

If taken on by the Natural History Museum, the station would be moved to St Fagans and could even serve the museum as a working exhibit, though it is more likely that it would be a static monument with a railway line beside it. Mr Greenland said: "We would need to work with St Fagans over a period of several years to make this project a success. And giving the station to St Fagans supports our green agenda.

"It ensures the preservation of an old building and could help reduce the carbon footprint of St Fagans by potentially allowing visitors to reach the museum by train."

Edinburgh Military Tattoo plans replacement grandstand

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:13:00 GMT

Plans have been unveiled suggesting a new £16m replacement grandstand for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The current stands, which are built and taken down every year before and after the famous military event, are being considered too dated and time-consuming during erection to be satisfactory after being in use for 35 years. The replacement stands will be easier to construct and take apart, include modernised seating and will also incorporate improved retail areas and corporate hospitality facilities.

Intended to be ready for 2011's Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the stands and event will continue to be housed in the same location as they currently reside - the esplanade beside iconic city structure, Edinburgh Castle.

According to the BBC, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Edinburgh's spectacular and world-renowned Military Tattoo, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, raises the international profile of Scotland, showcasing our creative talent and bringing significant economic benefits to the capital and Scotland as a whole."

Although only £3m had been set aside for the central Scotland project, funding has been secured from various other organisations, including Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish government.

The Tattoo's chief executive and producer, Major General Euan Loudon, said: "We are delighted that the Scottish government has now confirmed its financial commitment to the new stands project, which I'm happy to report is proceeding apace.

"We would also like to acknowledge the support received from Edinburgh City Council with this imaginative new development, which we aim to deliver for our August 2011 Tattoo production."

Royal Variety Show entertains the queen in Blackpool

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:01:00 GMT

A plethora of performers took to the stage in Blackpool at this year's Royal Variety Show, a charity event that welcomed the queen as its guest of honour.

The event was the first time in over 50 years that the Royal Variety Show took place in Blackpool and the north west England town's many street lights and illuminations lit the path for the royal party as it travelled through Blackpool to the Opera House where the show was to take place.

The show was helmed by comedian Peter Kay, who described Blackpool as the "entertainment capital of the world" during his welcome to the queen and her companions. Various performances by stars from the world over took place, including Bette Midler, Lady Gaga, dance troupe Diversity and Whoopi Goldberg.

Also present were Anastacia, Chaka Khan and Lulu, who performed together.

Comedian Kay, from Farnsworth, Lancashire, joked that the queen and his grandmother, who was sitting near the monarch in the audience, would be "swapping fudge by the interval."

According to the BBC, he added, of the queen: "She might be in her 80s but she still pulls her wheelie bin out every Tuesday night. I just wish my Nanna would."

American actress Whoopi Goldberg introduced the cast from London's West End production of Sister Act, who went on to perform the song Spread the Love Around, and the song was followed by performances from Michael Buble and winner of 2008's X Factor, Alexandra Burke.

The Royal Variety show has been staged annually in various locations across the UK since 1912.

Leopards to join polar bear at Scottish Highlands park

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:36:00 GMT

A wildlife park in the Scottish Highlands is soon to receive further inhabitants with a difference as two Amur leopards are set to join Britain's only polar bear in its extensive grounds.

Recently, the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, near Inverness, brought up newcomers Mercedes the polar bear and two Amur tigers. These additions pushed back the date the leopards were expected to be moved.

According to the BBC, the wildlife park's animal collection manager, Douglas Richardson, said: "We were kind of looking to attempt the move them this winter or early spring but in reality because of the two other big projects with the tigers and the polar bear running back-to-back it is going to be later next year."

The leopards, which will be transported from Edinburgh Zoo, are the rarest big cats in the world, with fewer than 30 estimated to be currently surviving in the wild. The big cats would be the highest profile inhabitants of the Highlands park and would live alongside birds and mammals from polar and tundra regions of the world.

Hopes are high for a successful breeding scheme, particularly following the success with previously introduced Amur tigers - also known as Siberian tigers - which were transported from Edinburgh Zoo in central Scotland in October 2008 and produced three cubs in May this year.

Other polar and tundra animals currently living at the park include reindeer, European bison, arctic foxes, red pandas and the more indigenous Scottish wildcat.

Cumbrian town pieced back together by bridge

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:12:00 GMT

A Cumbrian town that suffered greatly from flooding caused by last weekend's heavy rains has had its two split halves reunited thanks to a new footbridge.

During last week's floods, the River Derwent breached its banks and subjected the north west England town of Workington to severe flooding, splitting the town in half as fast-flowing water caused the previous bridge to crumble.

The new bridge, which was built by the army, has been named after PC Bill Barker, the police officer that tragically lost his life when the original bridge collapsed. It took just one week to build and was first traversed by school children on Monday morning - a welcome change from their previous three hour bus journeys to get to school.

According to the BBC, the Cumbrian bridge was built to withstand a one in a hundred year flood. Major Nigel Hindmarsh, of the Royal Engineers, said: "We can't counter against all eventualities, but what we've tried to do is make sure if there are any more repetitions of the other day then we'll be able to counter for that.

"I'm immensely proud of what my boys have achieved in the last ten days, but also it's just been amazing the community spirit and the support that we've had from the locals in everything that we've been doing."

Inspector Mark Wear, of Workington Police, said: "This footbridge is a tangible symbol of how we are starting to rebuild the area and getting back to normal."

Visitors flock to Somerset's festive cul-de-sac

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A town in Somerset has been attracting visitors with a display with a difference - a cul-de-sac covered with Christmas lights celebrating the festive season.

Burnham-on-Sea, a small town in south west England county Somerset, is home to a street hoping to bring out the charitable side of visitors and passers-by as it illuminates houses, gardens and ornaments in a display of Christmas cheer.

Families living on Trinity Close have spent around £3,000 each over the past ten years to create a stunning annual display of lights that has visitors arriving to view the spectacle during its hours of illumination - between 4pm and 10pm every day.

The collection of lights has amassed to more than 15,000 fairy lights and aims to provide a benefit to good causes as well as pleasure to the eyes as visitors are asked to place donations in dedicated collection boxes. According to the Daily Mail, £6,000 was raised by last year's efforts. Donations go to Petals, a trust that has been set up to benefit local cancer hospices and other charities.

The newspaper reports that Trinity Close resident, Paula Payne, said: "This year is our best ever display with several new quality illuminations on show.

"We hope to see lots of people over the festive period and raise a good sum for charity.

"It's a real community activity and a great way to know your neighbours."

Neighbour Hazel Gardner said: "It's really great getting everyone together to put up the decorations. We all spend so much time sorting it out."

Music Heritage Plaque for Dire Straits

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:49:00 GMT

Eighties band Dire Straits has been honoured with a Music Heritage Plaque at the location where the band first performed in London.

The plaque, which was awarded by the Performing Right Society (PRS) in honour of the band's influential career, has been mounted outside a south London block of flats - the spot the British rock quartet played their first gig.

Its unveiling was attended by three members of the group: founding member Mark Knopfler, his brother David Knopfler and bass guitarist John Illsley. All three expressed gratitude at the honour, recalling the performance which took place 32 years before when they were all living in the south east England city.

Speaking to the BBC, Glasgow-born Mark Knopfler said: "John was the only one of us with a car back then and he would pile everything in and drive to the gig and the rest of us would catch the bus.

"They were great days and we still have great memories."

Dire Straits formed in 1977 and were extremely popular over the next decade, releasing hits like Brothers in Arms, Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing. They sold over 120 million albums and were awarded with many prestigious accolades from various establishments, including four Grammies and three Brit Awards.

Leicester-born John Illsley said: "It's a real privilege to return under such positive circumstances to the place where Dire Straits were conceived and did their first gig."

The band concluded its career in the early 90s.

Fast track rail service for Edinburgh - Glasgow line

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Transport Scotland has announced that a faster rail service between Scottish cities Edinburgh and Glasgow is on its way.

The new winter timetable displays several journeys between the central Scotland cities that show slashed travel times, cutting the duration of the trip from 93 minutes to an hour.

Journey times have managed to be cut because the additional trains will not stop at all of the stations usually positioned on the Edinburgh - Glasgow line, instead opting for a quicker route. The changes will not affect the current Edinburgh - Glasgow trains however, with the longer journey trains still operating as usual.

The speedier trains will run through Lanarkshire, calling at Haymarket, Livingston South, West Calder, Shotts and Bellshill.

As part of a drive by the Scottish government that aims to get more commuters travelling by train than car, it has also been promised that the Edinburgh - Glasgow trains will include extra evening services, quicker journeys and more regular departures.

According to the BBC, Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "We have worked hard to ensure communities across central Scotland can benefit from access to the rail network and these new services deliver a good balance between connectivity and journey times.

"These new services demonstrate we are committed to helping more people make the switch away from the private car to more sustainable modes of transport."

ScotRail's managing director, Steve Montgomery, said: "I welcome these increases to services. The enhancements will bring many benefits to our growing number of customers."

Demand to reduce Oxford Street bus services

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT

A call for the reduction in the number of buses traversing Oxford Street has been made by retailers at the famous London location.

London's Oxford Street is famed for being one of the biggest shopping streets in the south east England city and retailers are now calling for the street to be more pedestrianised.

According to the BBC, shop owners have claimed that the street is riddled with London buses, with over 200 making the journey every hour - something that the retailers have said spoils the experience for shoppers and tourists exploring London's biggest hot spots.

"At the moment with the volume of buses we get it is not a comfortable shopping experience," said Neil Saunders of John Lewis' Oxford Street branch. He also expressed unhappiness with Transport for London's (TfL) current plans to reduce the volume of buses on the street by 20 per cent by the end of 2012, saying that it was not enough.

He said: "Our target is to see a reduction by 2012 of some 40% during shopping hours of 10.30am to 4.30pm."

The broadcaster reports that Westminster Council is behind the call, with Councillor Danny Chalkley stating: "Up to a third of all buses in central London travel through Oxford Street and Regent Street, which is nonsense.

"We need TfL to find a long-term solution which will drastically cut numbers and reduce the choking line of buses which currently blights what is Europe's premier retail destination."

Birmingham bids for high speed railway stations

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:13:00 GMT

Proposals detailing the benefits of a high speed rail service for Birmingham have been submitted and, if given the green light, could see the city beginning work to receive such services in 2015.

The Midlands city is not the first to turn its attention to high speed rail travel, with London receiving its first services earlier this year, and it is hoped that the entire UK will be a part of a high speed rail network at some point in the future, catching it up with European countries already installed with the technology.

The proposal suggested that, with the addition of high speed railway lines between Birmingham and London, journeys from the west Midlands to the south east of England could be slashed to less than 45 minutes in length as trains traversing the country at speeds greater than 200mph carry passengers to their destinations.

In order to succeed with such plans, two new stations would need to be built, as it has been agreed that Birmingham New Street - the current main rail hub for the city - would be unsuitable as it is due for a major overhaul. One station would be placed in the city centre with another closer to the airport, providing access to the motorway network and airport terminals.

Campaigners for the station have said that the two station plan makes "perfect sense", the BBC reports.

Director of campaign group Greengauge 21, Jim Steer, said: "There is a very strong case for a city centre station and equally I think they will find, as our work has found, there is a very good case for a station at perhaps Birmingham International Airport."

New town planned to revitalise Lanarkshire

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Plans to build a new town in Lanarkshire were unveiled by property developers on Tuesday.

The developers, Edinburgh-based company Hazledene Homes, revealed its plans for Torbothie, a new waterside community to be built near Shotts in Lanarkshire, central Scotland, which will be built to be environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

The proposed plan would place the new community around a small loch on former industrial wasteland. The plans stated that this position would allow for the "healing of scars" that rendered the land disordered during its former use. Inspired by "traditional waterside settlements" like Ullapool and Inveraray, the community would maximise its position by a water source and enjoy not just pleasant surroundings but the use of the water for sustainable energy.

According to The Scotsman, Labour councillor Jim Robertson, deputy provost of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "This is just the kind of development we need here. It will undoubtedly help bring more people to the area, and it will provide much-needed local employment."

Malcolm McMillan, a councillor for the SNP, said: "This has the potential to give the Shotts area a wonderful boost. We have been suffering from depopulation, with falling rolls in the primary and secondary schools.

"The new Torbothie could well be the answer to many of these problems and I welcome it wholeheartedly."

The area promises to cater to tourists too, with shops, cafés and a public park under development. Maintaining the eco-friendly theme, the town would be filled with various pedestrianised areas, as well as cycle routes too.

Wales poised for new surfing reef

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:49:00 GMT

A new surfing reef is to be built at Borth, a coastal village in Wales currently at risk from both flooding and coastal erosion. The reef will be part of a project that will provide much-needed coast protection for the village.

Borth is known to be a classic example of a typical beach village, where a six kilometre stretch of the Welsh Ceredigion Coastline fronts the village, which lies just metres away with rows of buildings facing out to sea.

Positioned below Snowdownia, a region further up in the north of Wales, Borth is also reputed for its sanguine surfing opportunities and is recognised as the area where Prince Charles learnt to surf while at university in Aberystwyth. The reef, which provides essential protection from coastal erosion and flooding, will serve another purpose as improving conditions for surfing fans.

The technical director of Royal Haskoning - the engineering company that will be creating the reef - Mick Newman, explained to the BBC what the reef will mean for the village. He wrote: "An important aim was to maintain and, if possible, enhance the beach amenity, as well as the more normal aim of coast protection.

"Our strategy identified a scheme to maintain the direct connection between village and beach, which was identified as being important for tourism by shingle and sand renourishment of the beach together with rock groynes and breakwaters.

"The works further include an innovative multi-purpose reef which will not only provide much needed coast protection, but will improve the surfing amenity value of the Borth coastline."

The work is scheduled for completion by March 2011.

V&A Museum Medieval and Renaissance Galleries to open

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:48:00 GMT

This week sees the opening of two brand new galleries at the esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Medieval and Renaissance Galleries come as part of the result of £30m of spending and the overhaul of an entire wing of the London museum, with a ten-gallery suite being completely renovated to support the projected plans for the museum's future.

On Wednesday, the south east England museum will invite visitors through its doors to enjoy the new galleries and take in the 2,000 objects that are displayed in the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries. These fascinating artefacts possess histories stretching back as far as AD300 to 1600BC.

According to the BBC, curator Peta Motture that the aim of the galleries was to illuminate the Middle Ages, a period in history that often receives less attention than later times. She said: "We're wanting to shed light on the dark Middle Ages as it were."

A particular draw of the new galleries is expected to be the Santa Chiara chapel from Florence, which stood in the city between 1494-1500. It is the first instance of a renaissance chapel inside a museum. The broadcaster reports that Ms Motture said: "It's the only renaissance chapel in a museum in the world - and you can walk into it for the first time.

"It's been seen here before, but it was closed off. What we've done is open it up and give it a terracotta floor similar to what it would have had originally.

"For the first time in living memory, you can walk right through and right up to the altar piece, and get a sense of being in the space."

St Andrews Day highlights Scottish Homecoming

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:24:00 GMT

Scotland's Year of Homecoming has gradually been winding down to a close, with just two months of the celebrations to go. This week, one of the biggest events in the Homecoming year took place, as St Andrew's Day saw hundreds of thousands of people flocking to events around the country.

A five-day long extravaganza that culminated in a firework display above the iconic Edinburgh Castle on Monday night, the St Andrew's Day celebrations included a huge volume of events and activities that were perfect for tourists and visitors to ingratiate themselves with the best of Scottish culture. Saturday and Sunday formed the country's annual open weekend, which involved hundreds of institutions opening their doors to the public for free, allowing locals and tourists alike the chance to visit Scotland's biggest attractions.

All across Scotland, cities, towns and villages held ceilidhs, street parties and various other entertainments to mark St Andrew's Day, Scotland's official national day. The day was also dubbed by organisers the "Homecoming Finale" as it was intended as the last big bash before the year of homecoming ended, as well as "St Andrew's Do".

One intriguing event that took place was at the University of Glasgow, where students took part in singing a rendition of the lyrics by Ayrshire-born poet Robert Burns, one of Scotland's most treasured sons from the past, Auld Lang Syne. The aim of the event was to break a world record by singing the song in as many different languages as possible at the same time.

According to The Scotsman, in reaction to the various events staged all across Scotland, Marie Christie, project director of Homecoming, said: "Every part of Scotland has celebrated Homecoming by creating inspirational events."

Tribute concert for Stephen Gately takes place

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:12:00 GMT

Stars and celebrities from all areas of the arts have paid tribute to recently-deceased singer Stephen Gately in a concert held in his honour.

Gately died last month at the age of 33 while on holiday in Majorca with his partner, an event that shook the UK, with many of the star's famous friends, including his bandmates from 90s pop group Boyzone, expressing their grief and sadness following the event.

The tribute concert, held at the weekend in London, was organised by Gately's partner, Andrew Cowles, and included a variety of performances from Boyzone members and others. The south east England event was hosted by actor and entertainer, Oldham-born Christopher Biggins.

Other famous faces at the concert included Lee Ryan and Duncan James from Blue, Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli and actor Leslie Phillips.

The BBC reports that Tonioli, the Italian judge on the popular television show, said of Gately: "He was a very, very nice guy. He was the kindest, sweetest, most generous kid.

"It's very tragic what happened, but nevertheless we are here to celebrate his achievements because in that short time he managed to achieve a lot."

Gately had also been working during the summer months with Berkshire-born singer Chesney Hawkes, with whom he had spent some time penning new songs and material. The singer told the broadcaster: "I am just still walking around in a daze really - such a shock, so young, so vibrant, such a lovely guy.

"It's just so sad."

Edinburgh Princes Street enjoys Christmas reopening

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Scottish capital Edinburgh's famous Princes Street has been reopened for the Christmas season, allowing people to enjoy travelling along the street by bus for the first time in months.

Due to torrential rain, the planned opening - 0530 GMT on Sunday - was delayed for two and a half hours, but the central Scotland city managed to open the street's doors to bus travel once again. Since February, Princes Street had been closed to all traffic, causing disruption in the city as buses and cars had to be diverted along George Street and to take other routes to arrive at their destinations.

The first vehicle to take to the road was a Lothian bus, which took passengers along the route for the first time in nine months along what was likely to be a novel route for Edinburgh locals. It was followed by more of Lothian Regional Transport's fleet, as well as taxis and the first cyclists.

According to the BBC, a spokesperson for Edinburgh Trams praised organisers and staff for working hard to open the street in spite of abysmal weather conditions. Mandy Haeburn-Little said: "We are very grateful for the hard work of everyone involved in ensuring that Princes Street was ready for opening this morning - it has been a superb team effort.

"We would also like to thank the public, retailers and other stakeholders for their patience over the past months."

Construction on the tram lines has been suspended for the festive period and is due to begin once more in January.

Locals concerned rail plans will leave East Sussex behind

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:48:00 GMT

Plans to change rail services from Network Rail have been contested by locals and councillors as it is claimed they will leave East Sussex as a "forgotten county".

The BBC reports that a conference in Eastbourne today will see the rail operator and passenger focus come together to discuss the proposed changes.

Network rail claims that the plans are part of a larger strategy to result in a bigger and better railway in Kent and East Sussex, but many are unhappy with the news that direct trains from Hastings to Canon Street will be reduced in capacity. The changes are set to come into action by 2015 and the rail operator suggesta that the development of new strategies is an important part of its role.

Also included in the plans, which are set out in Network Rail's Route Utilisation Strategy for Kent, is the fact that there are proposals to reduce the number of carriages from 12 to eight on trains between Hastings and Charing Cross.

According to the BBC, Councillor Matthew Lock explained: "There are a number of key concerns arising from the publication of the draft Route Utilisation Strategies.

"East Sussex seems to have been forgotten in the development of these strategies, and in certain areas of the county we'll potentially have a reduction in rail services.

"Train services are fundamental to the future of our towns and villages, helping with regeneration, community links, journeys to work and accessibility to public services.

"Any reduction in this service would have a serious impact on towns and villages along the route."

Julie Andrews to grace London stage again

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Veteran of the stage and screen Julie Andrews is set to return to the London stage for a one off show in May.

It will mark the first London performance in 30 years for the 74 year old performer. Best known for her performances in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, the Surrey-born star will perform a selection of some of the most popular musical numbers of the last 50 years and will be joined by five other performers.

The Independent reports that the Oscar winner will also narrate Simeon's Gift, a best-selling children's book she wrote with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.

While dame Andrew's voice was damaged following an operation to remove non-cancerous nodules on her vocal chords 12 years ago, the star has managed to regain some of the vocal prowess that made her famous.

Her manager told The Times newspaper: "Julie cannot sing as she once did.

"Fortunately she has subsequently been able to regain some of the notes she was once well known for. The show will be a beautifully woven blend of her singing along with her guest stars."

The show, An Evening With Julie Andrews, will feature music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and takes place at the O2 Arena in London on May 8, 2010.

According to The Independent, Dame Andrews said of the event: "To perform once again in my homeland on the London stage will be a wonderful moment - it is where it all began for me, and I am so excited to be able to share a brand new work with audiences,"

Shopping centre revamp to boost Glasgow

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:12:00 GMT

A £100m revamp of Glasgow's St Enoch shopping centre is set to boost shopping and tourism opportunities in the Scottish city.

The first phase of the makeover is now complete and the shopping complex in the centre of Glasgow boasts the first stand-alone Hamleys store outside London. The toy shop is an iconic brand and it's hoped the opening will boost the popularity of the redevelopment project and further cement Glasgow's reputation as a popular retail destination.

The acquisition of the store is considered a big coup for the central Scotland city and the BBC reports that Alasdair Dunn, Hamleys chief financial officer, claimed Glasgow's reputation as a top UK shopping destination contributed to the decision.

He said: "Expansion plans depend on opportunity and this is a great opportunity for us and is very positive that we're able to open a store and bring over 60 new jobs to Glasgow in the current climate."

St Enoch's upgrade has been funded by the centre's Canadian owners, Ivanhoe Cambridge, and has taken two years so far. The centre has also benefited from new stores from retailers such as Folli Follie, H&M, Costa Coffee and Pulp.

According to the BBC, Susan Nichol, the general manager of the St Enoch centre, expressed her faith in the upgrade. She explained: "St Enoch was 20-years-old and really looked it so what we've done is brought it bang up to date.

"We've built new retail space and we've also upgraded the existing mall."

Salisbury festival scoops top spot

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Salisbury International Arts festival has been awarded with the title of the South West's Tourism Event of the Year at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The 16 day celebration of traditional and contemporary arts events takes place every summer and the gold award recognises the fact that the festival drew more than 55,000 people to Salisbury to enjoy the events in 2009. The festival attracts visitors from across England and all around the world with its blend of artistic offerings - from theatre to dance, classical music, literature and jazz - and the economic impact of this year's event has been estimated at more than £3m.

According to the BBC, the judges said: "The festival is the winner not just because of its scale but because everything is done so well.

"In tourism terms it not only delivers a fantastic experience to visitors but attracts new ones from across the world. A fantastic event and a worthy winner."

The awards promote and celebrate innovative and successful businesses and individuals within the tourism industry, and the Salisbury festival in south west England will now go on to represent the region at the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in 2010.

Speaking to the BBC, Festival Director Maria Bota said: "We seek to inspire, entertain and create moments for people which will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

"We are honoured to be working in a glorious landscape and we are committed to continuing to position Salisbury."

Welsh nature reserve work started, volunteers invited

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:48:00 GMT

A derelict piece of land in a Denbighshire town is set to be turned into a reserve following a funding boost of £141,500.

Volunteers are invited to help effect the transformation of the waste land situated nearby Rhuddlan Castle in north Wales. According to the BBC, the nature reserve will make use of an area that had previously been ear-marked for a recycling centre. Plans for the centre were withdrawn in May 2008 following local opposition.

The funding for the new nature reserve, which will improve animal habitats, access routes and parking, has been provided by the Welsh Assembly Government under Strategic Regeneration Area funds, as well as by CADWYN Clwyd and local businessman Ray Fagan, who pledged £30,000 to the cause.

Denbighshire's new reserve will also offer a gateway feature with landscaping, tree planting and the creation of viewing platforms, picnic areas and pond dipping platforms.

The Denbighshire Visitor reports that a management advisory group has been created to ensure that the project has adequate guidance and that all voices are heard. There are a number of projects on the site that are open to involvement from volunteers, including hedge-laying from November 24 to 28.

It is hoped that the gateway will prove an attractive proposition for tourists visiting the castle and Twt Hill. The BBC reports that the Denbighshire council said the project's aim was to "transform the site's neglected appearance into an attractive gateway for tourists visiting Rhuddlan and to link the site with other tourist attractions".

Edinburgh to Fife hovercraft plans move forward

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:36:00 GMT

Plans to establish a hovercraft route between Edinburgh and Fife have taken a step forward with the news that Stagecoach and Bland Group are proposing a deal.

The agreement would see the transport group agree to the terms of Bland Group, the family run business that owns Griffon Hoverwork Ltd and Hovertravel, and would provide Stagecoach with access to the world's leading manufacturer of hovercrafts. Hovertravel already successfully provides a hovercraft link between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

The Gibraltar Chronicle reports that the deal would see Perth-based Stagecoach and the Bland Group investing £7m each, as well as constructing and managing two hi-tech hovercraft to provide a permanent service between Kirkcaldy and Portobello.

The journey across the Forth River would be reduced to 20 minutes, and plans include a number of shuttle buses to provide transport links in both destinations. Stagecoach has indicated that it supports a proposed passenger ferry linking Burntisland and Granton too.

A number of meetings with communities on both sides of the Forth are planned for the coming weeks and detailed planning applications are hoped to be submitted to the Fife Council and City of Edinburgh Council before the end of the year.

According to the Gibraltar Chronicle, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, Brian Souter, said: "We believe it is important to maintain the momentum behind the project and we are delighted to have a joint venture partner and significant private sector funding now in place.

"This is a further step forward in our plans. Securing planning permission is a critical element of the project and we will be looking to progress this while continuing our discussions on public sector support."

It is estimated that if the service goes ahead, 870,000 passengers will take the trip each year.

Birmingham plans for 'world-class' library go ahead

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:24:00 GMT

Plans for a £193 million library development in Birmingham's Centenary Square can now go ahead, as the city's outdated Central Library has been refused listed status, with permission granted for the building to be knocked down.

BBC News reports that locals in the Heart of England city were pleased to hear the news, as Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge decided against giving the unpopular 1970s library listed status. The old building in Chamberlain Square - which was once described by Prince Charles as more resembling "a place where books are incinerated, not kept" - will be demolished to make way for new developments of bars, restaurants and shops.

Mrs Hodge's decision disappointed the Friends of the Birmingham Central Library, the campaign group that unsuccessfully attempted to have the original building granted listed status by declaring it "a very good piece of architecture of its time."

The new Library of Birmingham building is scheduled to open in 2013. Mostly made of glass, the structure will include public balconies and elevated gardens, and will be partly integrated with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre to create a new cultural centre in the city.

Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby was enthusiastic about the new development, stating: "We are delighted that government has granted our application for 'immunity from listing' for the Central Library, giving us a major boost in our plans to regenerate the city.

"Now, our vision around a new world-class library and theatre will be enriching transformational change in the heart of the city."

U2 confirmed to headline Glastonbury

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

After 26 year wait, it has been confirmed that U2 will play at the Glastonbury Festival in 2010.

This will be the first time the legendary band has played at Glastonbury, and one of the few festival gigs U2 has ever agreed to, preferring to play to an audience of dedicated fans on their own tours. The Guardian reports that organisers are enthusiastic about the booking, particularly as U2 have been rumoured to headline the festival each year since the mid-1980s.

The festival's founder, Michael Eavis, stated: "The 26-year-old rumour has finally come true. At last, the biggest band in the world are going to play the best festival in the world.

"Nothing could be better for our 40th anniversary party."

The band's manager, Paul McGuiness, confirmed that the band would fly to Somerset for the event on June 25, which takes place during their North American tour. He revealed: "The band has always wanted to do Glastonbury one day. This year everyone was in the right mood."

Discussing why U2 has chosen to avoid festivals in the past, the manager explained: "I think they have stayed clear of them because they tend to do a big, monster product which doesn't necessarily fit into a festival context."

According to Mr McGuiness, the band views the iconic Glastonbury festival as an "English Institution," stating: "It's like Wimbledon or the Cup Final."

Tickets to next year's 40th anniversary Glastonbury festival sold out within 24 hours of going on sale, long before any rumours of a headliner had surfaced.

Floods create travel turmoil in Cumbria

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:49:00 GMT

The extreme flooding that has hit the Cumbrian region is having a major impact on travel in the area.

Flood-hit Cumbria in reportedly facing travel chaos as 16 bridges and 25 roads are out of action due to the adverse weather conditions. According to the BBC, commuters have been suffering from the inconvenience of long detours following the weekend.

The flooding hit north west England on Friday night and structural engineers and military experts have been on hand to assess the safety of routes since.

Major Phillip Curtis of the 42nd Brigade said that Sunday night saw soldiers deployed to secure streets in the town. He added: "We have been bolstering up the police numbers overnight.

"The centre of Cockermouth was dangerous. There is still no electricity, there are contaminated areas and a lot of debris.

"Police needed some extra help to maintain a secure area for the safety of the people of Cockermouth.

"We will be standing down this morning and remain ready to support police and local authorities."

Several major bridges suffered damage, including the collapse of the Northside Bridge in Workington and the closure of the Calva Bridge. The BBC reports that this has been condemned and feared to be near collapse.

The MP for Workington, Tony Cunningham, said that what is normally a short journey into Seaton could now be expected to be a 90 mile trip.

Anne McIntosh, MP Vale of York, is today visiting Cockermouth, Keswick and Workington to witness the damage caused by the flooding.

According to Reuters, the rainfall hit record levels for England, with the Environment Agency reporting that 314 mm of rain had fallen within 24 hours in one area.

New international flights announced for Inverness

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:37:00 GMT

It has been announced that 2010 will see Inverness and Zurich connected by a new charter flight.

The new service will connect Scotland and Switzerland, and funding for the first three years of the enterprise has been provided. The necessary funds to get the project off the ground have been provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), an organisation owned by the Scottish government.

Highland and Island Enterprises reports that Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said: "It is a new and exciting development for the portfolio of routes coming into Inverness during the summer months and we are looking forward to welcoming all our new Swiss customers to the Highlands and Islands."

The service will run once a week between May and September every year and will be facilitated by Falcontravel/MTCH-AG, a holiday company.

Flights will be scheduled on Saturdays and the aircraft employed will be a 100-seater. This will provide the opportunity for up to 2,000 visitors to make use of the new service in a year. The Scottish government has welcomed the new North Scotland service.

First Minister Alex Salmond, speaking at the Tourism Awards, said: "This is great news for the Highlands and Islands which can provide a welcome boost to leisure, tourism, retail and other sectors across the regions.

"The Scottish Highlands and Islands have much to offer the world, and will provide a warm welcome to visitors from Switzerland. Those flying in from Zurich can look forward to fantastic scenery and wildlife, adventure sports, historic buildings and festivals right across the region.

"And above all else, what awaits them is an excellent visitor experience and a warm Scottish welcome from the many dedicated individuals and businesses across the region."

Torre Abbey clinches second round of funding

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:25:00 GMT

A Torquay abbey has secured funding for its second round of restoration work, thus protecting the historical building for future generations.

Torre Abbey, which is comprised of two Grade I listed buildings in the south west of England town Torquay, was originally founded in 1196 and serves as a fascinating look into the past for history fans and casual visitors alike.

The abbey has already undergone intensive refurbishment during its first phase, a project that cost £6.56m and was completed last year. However, this work was only sufficient to finish part of the work that the monument needs in order to transform it into a leading museum, art gallery and tourist attraction.

However, a further £2.9m has been added to the Devon abbey's charity pot thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will allow refurbishment to continue, as well as restoration work to the ruins behind the mansion - the two parts that comprise the entire attraction. The ruins will be repaired and made wheelchair and pushchair friendly, so visitors can enjoy unrestricted access to this historical site.

According to thisissouthdevon.co.uk, the changes being made to the abbey are based on customer feedback. Dave Butt, Torbay Council cabinet member for community services, said: "This was a difficult stage to win funding for and it is an amazing achievement. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved and the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund we can now move forward to the final round."

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery enjoys £4.8m boost

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:13:00 GMT

Funding to the value of £4.8m has been given to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in order for the establishment to improve its current offerings.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery hopes to open up a new gallery that would show visitors the history of the city in which it resides. The money will go towards making the "Birmingham - A City in the Making" exhibition possible. Costing £9.7m, the exhibition will tell the story of Birmingham's beginnings and how it has changed through the years until the present day.

According to the BBC, Mike Whitby, a City Council leader for the Midlands city, called the achievement of the grant "excellent news".

He said: "This exciting project will tell the story of Birmingham's great global story to both local people and visitors, keeping a fascinating period of our history alive for generations to come.

"We're talking about a unique collection of objects dating from 1500 to the present day. The collection represents our manufacturing tradition, the diverse communities found here in Birmingham and the continuing growth of our great city."

This year, a popular exhibition proved to be the Staffordshire Hoard, a collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure that drew 40,000 visitors to the museum. The haul has now been sent to the British Museum in London to be valued by experts.

Work on the new gallery will start early in 2010 and it is expected that it will be completed by autumn 2012.

British 'green' cities revealed

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:01:00 GMT

A list of Britain's greenest cities has been published by Forum for the Future detailing the top municipalities in the UK that have the best green credentials.

Topping the list was Newcastle upon Tyne, which received much praise for its moves to leave behind its industrial roots and improve its ecological qualifications. It was measured on 13 factors, including qualities like plans for the future, air quality, quality of life measures and the "ecological footprint" of people and wildlife - which is the amount of land needed to provide food, housing, transport and goods and services. Forum for the Future also examined how the cities were tackling climate change, as well as the strength of the local economy.

Newcastle performed well on many of the measures, beating 2008 winner Bristol into second place. In third place came Brighton and Hove, which was followed by Leicester and then London.

Leeds scraped into sixth place to take Scottish capital Edinburgh's previous position, with the central Scotland city slipping down to seventh place.

The BBC reports that chief executive of Forum for the Future, Peter Madden, said: "Cities with an industrial heritage face genuine challenges, but Newcastle's success shows that it is possible to overcome the legacy of the past and perform well on many measures of sustainability.

"We hope it will inspire other cities to redouble their efforts."

Nottingham placed eighth and was followed by Sheffield and Cardiff, with the south Wales city falling from fifth place into tenth since last year.

UK flood warnings follow heavy rain

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:49:00 GMT

Heavy rain across the UK has resulted in 28 flood warnings being placed as excess rainwater reaches dangerous levels.

The most affected areas are the north west of England and the south west of Scotland, with some areas having already experienced flooding. Alongside the 28 flood warnings across the central band of the UK, a further 67 flood watches - less serious cautions - have been set in place throughout the country.

The BBC Weather Centre has also warned of powerful winds, which could reach strengths of 70mph in some places, though the wet weather is considered a greater concern. Already, areas in north Wales have experienced flooding, as well as parts of Cumbria, which has caused disruption to train operations on the West Coast Mainline.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "Due to recent heavy rain and the current weather forecast, we are expecting flooding to property in the north west of England, particularly Cumbria, from late tonight and into tomorrow.

"Environment Agency teams are working around the clock, monitoring river levels and are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debris from rivers."

Northwest areas have also been warned about a possible tidal surge in the northern Irish Sea on Thursday, an event that would increase the risk of flooding along the west coast.

Scotland has also been significantly affected by heavy rain, with the tidal river Clyde being scrutinised between Dumbarton and Glasgow. Edinburgh's Water of Leith has also had a warning placed on it.

The Met Office currently predicts that Thursday and Friday will have the most severe weather, with conditions improving on Saturday and Sunday.

Broadway production of Hair set for London stage

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:37:00 GMT

The Broadway production of popular musical Hair is moving to London next year, bringing its New York actors with it to become the first production from the US city to transfer its entire cast to the West End.

London theatre-goers will be able to take in the flower power musical in true Broadway style as the New York show transfers its current actors to the south east England city, where it has not been performed at the West End for several years. The first ever London production was halted due to the collapse of the Shaftsbury Theatre's ceiling in 1973 and the play was briefly revived in 1993 and 2005, but has not seen a significant run for some time.

With an opening date of April 14, the new production is being helmed by Oskar Eustis, the artist director of The New York Public Theatre. Mr Eustis said: "To bring the Public's production of Hair back to London in 2010 means more to me than I can say."

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, a world-renowned theatre producer, spoke to the BBC of his pleasure at returning the musical to the UK stage, saying: "Little did I think when I was the production runner on the original production of Hair that 41 years later I would be bringing the Public Theater's acclaimed new production back to London."

As well as providing opportunities for Broadway actors to consider the UK theatrical scene, the move is expected to allow British performers the chance to tackle New York's esteemed Broadway theatre district.

Birmingham big wheel opening delayed by weather

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:25:00 GMT

The opening of Birmingham's big wheel has been delayed from its November 14 launch date due to poor weather conditions that prevented the attraction from being completed on schedule.

Bad weather forced construction workers to take more time and care in putting the Ferris wheel together in Birmingham's Centenary Square, which meant that the 60m (197ft) tall structure's opening was delayed.

Unfortunately for its operators, the delay in building the wheel has had a domino effect and caused other processes in getting it ready for public use to be put on hold, such as safety checks. The BBC reports that Andy Millichamp, of Great City Attractions, said the setbacks had a "knock-on" effect, noting that "we have to get it certified" following the build.

He expressed hopes that it would be open soon, as the attraction is expected to pull many tourists into the Midlands city to enjoy a ride on what has been dubbed the "Brum Eye", a nod at London's own version of the sightseeing wheel that sees millions of tourists riding it each year.

Birmingham previously had a wheel that afforded tourists views across the city, but it was dismantled in 2006. The broadcaster reports that the event was unexpected to many tourists, with just two hours' notice being given before the attraction's last ride.

This year, however, the Brum Eye will be back in force to allow Christmas tourists the chance to enjoy festive fun in an area of the city that will also be packed with other attractions.

Cornish model boat tradition to resurface

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:24:00 GMT

A nine-decade tradition which was halted this year is set to start up again in 2010.

Generations of families had flocked to Consols Pool in St Ives, near Newquay every Good Friday to sail model boats, but this year's event was prevented by an inordinate amount of weeds overtaking the pool.

However, a conservation group has stepped forward and pledged that it will care for the pool over the next five years, ensuring that its waters remain clear so there will be no risk of cancellation occurring again.

The South West England village's tradition of sailing model boats on Good Friday has been hailed as a community event that serves to draw generations of residents together. It is believed that the event is a tribute to old seafaring communities, which used to launch model boats before summer began in the hopes that the "storm gods" would be appeased and grant them safe journeys on summer voyages.

Now, it is regarded more as a social activity. According to the BBC, Mandy Boyd from the Environment Agency - the group that will help take care of the pool over the next five years - said: "It's not just about sticking a boat in the water on Good Friday. It's about the community's social aspect."

The group has also pledged to set up a new sluice gate that is expected to prevent some of the weed build-up that affected the pond this year, though a date for this addition has currently not yet been set.

Ten England train stations to get £50m revamp

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:01:00 GMT

The 10 railways stations in England that have been deemed the 'worst stations' based on customer satisfaction ratings have been given £50m funding to undergo revamps.

Among the 10 substandard stations are Crewe, in Cheshire, as well as Manchester Victoria and south London's Clapham Junction. Funding will be used towards the improvement of platforms, car parks and station shops.

The news comes after last week's announcement by Network Rail that it would spend £3.25bn improving over 2,000 stations across England and Wales, with work to be completed by 2014. The 10 stations laid out as the worst are those that have now been identified as those needing the most urgent work.

With customer satisfaction levels of less than 50 per cent, a lot of work needs to be done to the stations - which also included Luton, Liverpool Central, Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay, Stockport, Barking and Preston. Many of the stations suffer from overcrowding as a key issue.

Scotland escaped the list as the government's railway champions, comprised of Sir Peter Hall, the Town and Country Planning Association president, and Christ Green, the former Virgin Trains CEO, noted that it had been far more effective in organising its funding for stations. The comments came in a report released by the champions.

According to the BBC, the report said: "Stations cannot be seen in isolation - they are part of the total journey experience.

"Stations are deeply entwined with their local community and effectively act as the gateway to both town and railway. They leave passengers with their lasting impressions of both - a dilapidated station is bad business for both town and railway."

Trafalgar Square haunted by 'ghost trees'

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:49:00 GMT

London's Trafalgar Square has become the poignant setting for a powerful lesson about deforestation.

Ghost Forest, an installation by Oxford artist Angela Palmer, involves the stumps of 10 rainforest trees being placed around the famous Trafalgar Square, in London, complete with their roots, to highlight the problems of deforestation. The trees, which were logged with permission and in accordance with the law, arrived from Ghana to take part in the exhibition - a country which has lost 90 per cent of its rainforest in as brief a period of time as the last 50 years.

Laser beams will be used to mark how tall the trees would have grown to in the wild, had they not been cut down. The beams will be displayed on Nelson's Column so Londoners and visitors can clearly see the majestic heights to which the trees would have grown.

According to the BBC, Ms Palmer, the artist, went on a logging camp to find trees for the installation. She said: "The concept is to present a series of rainforest tree stumps as a 'ghost forest' - using the negative space created by the missing trunks as a metaphor for climate change, the absence representing the removal of the world's 'lungs' through continued deforestation."

Following its stint in London, the exhibition will then be shipped to Copenhagen for the beginning of the UN Climate Change summit next month.

It is comprised of seven different species of tree, including three types of Celtis as well as Mahogany, Denya, Danta, Hyedua, Wawa and Dahuma.

First Dark Sky Park in UK revealed

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:37:00 GMT

The UK has revealed its first ever Dark Sky Park - a location deemed noteworthy for its stargazing opportunities.

Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, in the south of Scotland, won the honour after a lengthy process which involved lighting experts visiting the park to ensure that it was pitch black at night, as well as using a sky quality meter to rate the darkness of the overhead sky.

The park managed a 23 rating, which nearly achieved the top grade on the meter, which goes as high as 24 - the darkness of a photographer's darkroom - allowing it to achieve a gold tier Dark Sky Park award status.

According to the BBC, its sky quality at night far outshone the likes of central Scotland cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, which would be expected to rate only around 15 or 16 on the scale. A UK board member for the International Dark Sky Association, Martin Morgan-Taylor, said: "Galloway Forest Park is a fantastic asset in the now international network of Dark Sky Parks."

He added: "Its location is ideally situated for access from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and northern England meaning that many people, including children, may have access to a quality night sky, both now and in generations to come."

The Forestry Commission Scotland's head of tourism and recreation in Galloway, Keith Muir, said: "We have boldly gone where no-one in the UK has gone before.

"Tourism is the single largest economic development opportunity for south west Scotland.

"Currently, the Galloway Forest Park welcomes around 850,000 visitors each year and we have big plans to double this over time. This award, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, should be seen as a universal achievement."

Robbie and Take That reunite in charity concert

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:24:00 GMT

Ex-Take That singer Robbie Williams joined the band on stage for a charity concert, wowing a 4,500 strong audience with their first appearance together in 15 years.

The concert, which was taking place in aid of Children in Need, also saw Liverpool star Sir Paul McCartney and Cardiff-born diva Dame Shirley Bassey, as well as Newcastle gem Cheryl Cole, who sang alongside Snow Patrol in a surprise performance of the Northern Irish band's hit, Set the Fire to the Third Bar.

However, it was the reunion of Williams and his old band, which was originally formed in Manchester that caught the imaginations of most fans, though they were disappointed as the acts did not perform together. Instead, Take That finished their set and, according to the BBC, singer Gary Barlow told crowds: "What a perfect night for us to introduce an old friend."

Williams then appeared on stage alongside the band he departed in 1995 and was left alone to perform songs from his new solo album.

After the London show, Williams said: "I started tearing up just before I came on, and the lads were singing and knowing it was just about to happen and knowing what the reactions were going to be like, and then all my team were like 'Please don't cry'.

"And I think we should have milked it for a lot longer than we actually did. I think Gaz, in his wisdom, went, 'Right, we should get off now, let the lad do his singing.'

"I was trying to get them back to do a bow and everything. That's the first time in 15 years, we should have at least stayed there for 10 minutes."

The concert will be screened on BBC on Thursday November 1 from 2000 GMT.

Dundee to hold Winter Light Festival

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:12:00 GMT

Scottish city Dundee is aiming to celebrate a festive season with a difference as its winter revelry this time around will include no references to Christianity.

In order to make the festive period more open to those of different cultures and beliefs, Dundee has announced that it will be holding a winter festival aimed at celebrating the city's contemporary culture and welcoming all types of revellers.

Amidst the celebrations in the central Scotland city will be a "Winter Light Night", which invites attendees to enjoy breathtaking displays of illuminations that are projected onto buildings and into the night sky, as well as audiovisual displays, street art performances, music and a children's torchlit procession.

Instead of a traditional Christian nativity scene, Dundee is shifting its focus to be more welcoming to people with different or no religious views and will set up a solar-powered disco, a circus, a continental market and even have a fairy on stilts entertaining crowds.

Although many Dundee citizens will be looking forward to the changed celebrations, there has been some contestation. The Scotsman reports, for example, that members of Dundee's Church of Scotland Presbytery have expressed their concerns that the council's festive season celebrations will no longer be officially known as Christmas, including how the lighting scheme that will brighten the city on dark evenings has been changed from Christmas lights to winter lights.

The newspaper revealed that Rev Allan Webster, vice-convener of the committee and chaplain to both Dundee City Council and the city's Overgate Centre, said: "Christmas is a Christian festival, and the dropping of the term Christmas lights and the telling of the Christmas story is an erosion of the religious festival."

However, it is hoped that the festival will be a success with both Christians and those of differing religions as a celebration of familial bonds and friendship.

Blackpool to receive Vegas-style chapel

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:01:00 GMT

A chapel with a difference is set to be built in famous seaside town Blackpool for couples seeking to tie the knot in Vegas-inspired style.

The addition will be part of the Tower Festival Headland, a Blackpool initiative that will involve the creation of a new performance area capable of holding up to 20,000 people. The project is estimated to cost around £14 million and urban regeneration company, ReBlackpool, is heavily involved in the chapel's creation.

Couples will be able to enjoy a view of Blackpool promenade overlooking the sea as they tie the knot, and the Lancashire resort could see an influx of happy couples hoping to make their vows in a Las Vegas style ceremony.

According to the BBC, the chief executive of ReBlackpool, Doug Garrett, said: "Many marriages will have started with a holiday romance in Blackpool, so we're continuing that tradition in a very modern setting.

"The innovative building design will be a stunning addition to the landscape, and construction has been planned to reduce carbon emissions, so we're bringing more fun to Blackpool responsibly."

As well as the chapel, the Blackpool headland project aims to make space for a £92 million redevelopment of the central seafront, a quintessential part of Blackpool's various attractions. This will include work on the resort's popular promenade, as well as new sea walls.

A tourist information centre is also included in the plans for the north west England seaside town, as well as a beach cafe.

British Museum hopes to keep Anglo-Saxon hoard in Midlands

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:49:00 GMT

A hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure, recently discovered in Staffordshire, is hoped by the British Museum to remain in its West Midlands home.

The collection of 1,600 items such as processional crosses, sword pommels and parts of helmets, much of which was forged in gold and dates back to the 7th Century, was found in a farmer's field by amateur treasure hunter Terry Herbert.

Under the Treasure Act of 1996, Mr Herbert and the landowner will receive cash to the value of the hoard to split between them. Already, the British Museum in London is valuing the collection and some experts have speculated that it is worth a seven figure sum.

The British Museum has stated that it is keen to keep the trove in the West Midlands, where it was found, so people in the region could view it more easily. In order to raise the money needed to keep it in its Staffordshire home, various organisations are collaborating to get the cash together to pay Mr Herbert and the landowner the appropriate sum.

Included in the collaboration are the Heritage Lottery Fund, officials from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, council leaders from across the region and representatives from Advantage West Midlands, a regional development agency.

According to the BBC, the former keeper at the British Museum's Department of Prehistory and Europe, Leslie Webster, said of the haul: "This is going to alter our perceptions of Anglo-Saxon England as radically, if not more so, as the Sutton Hoo discoveries.

"(It is) absolutely the equivalent of finding a new Lindisfarne Gospels or Book of Kells."

Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration defies recession

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:37:00 GMT

Despite troubles arising from the ever-present recession, as well as road works dominating its most famous street, Edinburgh is gearing up for a Hogmanay party that defies such opposition this year.

The central Scotland city has changed its game plan somewhat from previous years, opting for a scaled-down party that will still see in the new year with style, inviting 80,000 revellers to attend events at two stages packed with the best of fresh Scottish talent, including Glasgow band We Were Promised Jetpacks and Codeine Velvet Club.

Waverley Bridge will feature a stage headlining The Enemy, who formed three years ago in Coventry and who supported Manchester band Oasis earlier this year. Also appearing on the Waverley Stage will be Frightened Rabbit and hip hop act Stanley Odd.

On the new look Party Stage at the top of the Mound, The Cuban Brothers will be joined by The Great Calverto and Glitter Banditz, and the party's flagship stage, in the middle of Princes Street Gardens, will entertain crowds with appearances from London ska act Madness and indie rock band The Noisettes, as well as Codeine Velvet Club.

According to The Scotsman, a spokesperson for the events said: "This year's festival is shaping up to have one of the strongest programmes since the millennium, with music, theatre and dance throughout the city centre, indoors and out, with many events free."

Hogmanay in Edinburgh takes place over a five day period of festivities, which will include a torch-lit procession through the city centre, a huge party on New Year's Eve and street theatre taking place in the Old Town.

London’s Olympic swim centre roof complete

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:24:00 GMT

The distinctive roof of the 2010 Olympics Aquatics Centre has been set in place, ready to welcome competitors and spectators to the London Olympic Games.

BBC News reports that the 2,800 tonne roof was designed by architect Zaha Hadid to contract, stretch and twist according to varying weather conditions. The wave-shaped roof is 160 metres long and up to 90 metres wide, with supporting walls at the north and south ends and steel trusses meaning no supporting columns are required. Now complete, the roof will be covered in aluminium in preparation for the 2012 events.

The 2012 Olympics Aquatics Centre is located at the southern end of the London Olympics site, and has been described as the Gateway to the Games. The centre will be the principal venue for the diving, swimming, synchronised swimming and water polo finals held in the south east England city, and contains two 50 metre swimming pools, a 25 metre diving pool and a tower.

Although the centre will feature 17,500 seats for spectators during the Olympic events, its capacity will subsequently be reduced to 2,500. On completing construction of the Aquatics Centre, an Olympic Delivery Authority spokesperson stated: "We have completed one of the most complex engineering challenges on the Olympic Park."

Organisers have confirmed that construction of London's Olympics venues is proceeding on schedule and according to budget. This is despite criticism that the Aquatics Centre ended up costing £300 million - three times the predicted £75 million quoted in London's winning bid.

Robert Carlyle calls for British screenings at Baftas

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Scottish star Robert Carlyle has appealed to the UK film industry to showcase British films as an alternative to Hollywood imports.

Picking up a Bafta Scotland award at the central Scotland event on Sunday, Carlyle stated: "I look at these multiplex cinemas, 15 and 20 screens. They are basically wall-to-wall American product. You will be lucky if you find any British subjects in there at all.

"I don't see why there's anything wrong in giving our industry a wee lift-up, a wee leg-up, and reserving one of these screens, just one of these screens, for a British product.

"We make stuff and we bury it. You don't get to see it and what's the point in that? Reserve something so people will then vote with their feet."

The Scotsman reports that Carlyle - best known for his roles in British films such as Trainspotting and The Full Monty - was awarded the Bafta Scotland for the best acting performance in television for a male, at the high profile event held in his native Glasgow. He beat fellow Scot, Bathgate-born David Tennant, who was nominated for his starring role in Doctor Who.

The best feature film was awarded to Crying with Laughter. The film's producer Claire Mundell supported Carlyle's criticism, stating: "I completely agree with him. The film industry is not a level playing field, and we are never going to be a position where we can redress the balance between British or Scottish indie cinema and the American studios.

"We don't lack talent; what we lack is a platform to show the audience what we can do. If we want to have a proper Scottish film industry, we have to have the confidence to support our own product."

First high-speed ferry line connects Devon to Swansea

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:25:00 GMT

The first high-speed ferry linking Devon to Swansea will be launched early next year.

The service will shorten journey times between South Wales and the south-west of England to just 30 minutes.

Wales Online reports that the ferry line is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and improve tourism to South Wales, with tourist attractions on each side of the Severn generating millions of pounds for the local economy. If it proves successful, the initial service from Ilfracombe to Swansea is expected to be joined by further crossings from South Wales to Somerset.

Severn Link chairman Chris Marrow first proposed the ferry line after observing a sizeable gap in the market. Mr Marrow explained: "To my knowledge, there is no other comparable stretch of water in the world, linking similarly populated areas, which doesn't have a heavily utilised ferry service.

"And market research has shown there is a huge demand for this ferry route within South Wales."

The ferry service is scheduled to operate at least two return trips per day, carrying up to 350 passengers at a top speed of 39 mph. Bosses are currently exploring the notion of whether to introduce the option of transporting cars across the channel.

Mr Marrow stated: "This is a bold new step to reconnect the communities, heritage and history of two areas which, despite lying within sight of each other, have never before had the opportunity within modern times to take advantage of their neighbouring status - whether practically, economically or socially."

London's National Gallery gets a taste of Amsterdam

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:24:00 GMT

The work of Nancy and Ed Kienholz, including their biggest environmental sculpture depicting Amsterdam's red light district, is set to enjoy its first London exhibition in almost four decades.

Ed Kienholz, a hugely influential American sculptor, died of a heart attack 14 years ago, but his wife has continued to curate and create work in the tradition of the "funk" art movement Ed pioneered in the 50s and 60s.

According to Kate Connolly of The Guardian, Ed Kienholz was a major influence for contemporary British artists such as Damien Hirst, Paul McCarthy and Mike Nelson. The last show of Kienholz art was in 2005, at the Baltic in Gateshead.

The new show at the National Gallery will include The Hoerengracht, a life-sized representation of Amsterdam's red light district in the 80s. The work will be compared and contrasted to the work of old Dutch masters such as Vermeer, Steen and De Hooch.

Speaking to The Guardian, Nancy said: "I was incredulous.

"Such a thing was beyond my imagination and then I had to laugh when they said they were interested in drawing this comparison. I thought it must be Ed up where he is, thinking, 'Nancy's getting complacent, she needs something else to do.'"

The curators hope that the new exhibition will introduce the work of the influential sculptors to the younger generations. Colin Wiggan, a curator of the gallery, told the newspaper: "I believe it's the piece with which I can subvert the whole National Gallery collection."

Glasgow train services to remain says Network rail

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:12:00 GMT

Network Rail has dismissed claims that train services to Glasgow are set to be axed.

The rail services provider revealed that there were no plans to cut train journeys to and from Glasgow on the East Coast main line.

The Scotsman reports that proposed changes would see trains serving Glasgow currently run by the National Express East Coast replaced by those run by CrossCountry. The changes are set to come into play December of next year, and National Express East Coast is due to lose the route franchise on Friday.

At present, the firm serves stations on the East Coast main line between Edinburgh and Doncaster, and this route covers the destinations of the majority of Glasgow's passengers. It is believed that the changes could see Glasgow losing direct connections to stations between Doncaster and London.

According to The Scotsman, a Network Rail spokesman said: "There is absolutely no suggestion of any cuts to any services."

Virgin Trains currently operates a fast and frequent Glasgow-London service, however it is via the west coast main line.

Network Rail is also set to cut around 1,500 maintenance jobs in an attempt to cut costs, with the rail company currently employing around 16,000 people in its maintenance workforce. According to Reuters, Network Rail provided the news service with a statement that said: "We are continuing with our discussions on our plans with our people and their union representatives, and no final decisions have been made."

Renovated Ashmolean museum reopens

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:01:00 GMT

On Saturday, the newly-renovated Ashmolean Museum of Art will open its doors once more to the public.

The building, which is the UK's oldest public museum, has had a complete renovation, where all but the Grade I listed Cockerell building has been replaced by new designs created by award-winning architect, London-based Rick Mather.

Existing gallery space in the museum has been doubled and the redevelopment cost £61m, but the Oxford museum is sure to please the many visitors who are expected to walk through its doors this weekend.

According to the BBC, the project curator of the Ashmolean offered some information about the museum's history. "The museum opened to the public officially in 1683 but its history is traced further back.

"The collection that was its core was compiled by two John Tradescants, father and son. They were gardeners to Charles I, and in the late 1620s John Sr took out a lease on a house in South Lambeth.

"1634 is the first recorded instance of a visitor having seen that material.

"It was really the first instance where a collection of that sort - what would be referred to as a Cabinet of Curiosities - was made accessible to the general public regardless of age, gender or status.

"That is unique to them and one of the things that Ashmole inherited. It became a key foundational element of the Ashmolean when it opened here in Oxford."

The museum is known for its stunning Egypt collections, as well as archaeological materials from around the British Isles.

Scottish artwork goes on show in Glasgow

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Over 300 works of art have been selected to go on show at the 148th exhibition of the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts in Glasgow's Mitchell Library.

Chosen from submissions by over 200 Scottish artists, the exhibition seeks to showcase the width and breadth of Scottish talent and collects the work of artists from all over the country, from the south of Scotland to the very tip of the Highlands.

This year's exhibition has a particularly retro feel to it, RGI convener and artist Simon Laurie told The Scotsman. The artists involved clamoured to explore past decades and much of their work echoes art from the past, particularly the 1950s and '60s.

The newspaper reports that Mr Laurie said: "Every so often people go back to value things in the past, and there's a lot of good paintings in the 1960s that have been overlooked."

The Glasgow exhibition invites art lovers to visit and purchase any pieces they feel particular affinity with, and Mr Laurie revealed that the recession doesn't seem to have had an effect on the price artists place on their work. He said: "I don't think anybody has reduced prices. We have just kept our heads down and kept working. It's not been a great year but you have to keep going."

Mr Laurie also commented on artist David Smith, who has two pieces on sale at the event. "He has a good sense of shape, and form and colour," Laurie said. "He's doing well, he's won awards, he's doing something right."

The exhibition opened on November 5.

Bristol City to build new £65m stadium

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:49:00 GMT

Plans for a new stadium for Bristol City costing £65m have been given the go-ahead by planners.

The proposal, which details the football club's wish to move from Ashton Gate to a new, larger stadium, won the support of planners during a meeting on the subject that lasted for an extensive five hours.

However, Bristol City may still have a fight on its hands as its intentions collide with existing plans to build residential homes on the site. The club stated that, despite this conflict, the "biggest hurdle" had been negotiated, and that it remained hopeful that the new stadium would be approved.

According to the BBC, chief executive Colin Sextone said: "The biggest hurdle was they [councillors] are minded to approve a stadium in the green belt and we have got through that.

"We have a lot of work to do - but positive."

If successful, the new stadium will be built on green belt land, and will seat as many as 30,000 people with the ability to expand to hold 40,000. It will also include a hotel and conference facilities, bringing more business tourism to the area, as well as offering convenience for football fans wishing to stay in a nearby hotel.

The south west England city's football team currently plays at Ashton Gate stadium, which has a capacity of 21,500. If the proposal to build the new stadium is approved, Sainsbury's has already expressed interest in purchasing the vacated ground.

Lewes bonfire parades expects 50,000 attendees

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:36:00 GMT

The Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations are expected to kick off in front of at least 50,000 people later today.

Safety warnings have been placed and efforts are being made to ensure that the thousands of spectators attend in safety to enjoy views of parades, fire and fireworks. Lewes Bonfire is considered to be one of the most famous Guy Fawkes Night celebrations in the country, and it is certainly the largest.

During the event, a collection of effigies will be paraded through the Sussex town streets, honouring Gunpowder Plot mastermind Guy Fawkes and, in a commemoration indigenous to Lewes, the memory of the 17 Protestant martyrs.

There will also be fancy dress costume competitions, with separate categories for boys and girls, as well as for age groups of under fives, five to nine and 10-15s. There are also competitions for adult fancy dress outfits, including extra recognition for couples that come in complementary dress.

Vendors will provide audiences with refreshments and visitors are advised to dress in warm clothing as the revelry can continue until midnight.

In addition to the two regular effigies that will be burnt at the bonfire's location in the south east England town, each of Lewes' five main local societies have put together topical effigies that reflect on current affairs, and the Cliffe society humorously places effigies of the heads of "Enemies of the Bonfire" - figures who have attempted to restrict the event - on pikes.

The events will begin in Lewes at 17.30, and commence with torch lit processions through the town.

Forth Road Bridge tours bring over 1000 visitors

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:24:00 GMT

The first ever open week for the Forth Road Bridge saw over 1000 visitors attending the iconic bridge to partake in a guided tour at the weekend.

The central Scotland bridge drew a plethora of tourists who wanted to view the interior of the main passageway between Edinburgh and Fife, as well as access to the north of Scotland. Anchorage chambers, which hold the main cables that are attached to the ground, were opened up to members of the public to take part in an unusual tour of the bridge's unseen areas.

The open week included an exhibition, which showcased the bridge's history, as well as the work of Feta, the bridge authority. According to the BBC, a spokesperson from Feta revealed that happy tourists have suggested the tours be repeated more frequently in the future.

The chief engineer of the Forth Road Bridge, Barry Colford, said: "The open week has been a fantastic opportunity to share some of the passion we have for this great engineering structure, and to explain to the people who live locally and rely on the bridge just how much work goes into keeping the bridge safe and open to traffic."

Stewart Stevenson, Scottish Transport Minister, commented: "The Forth Road Bridge is an iconic structure, providing a vital link between Edinburgh, Fife and the North East, and it's great to see the public given the opportunity to take a closer look and see for themselves the real expertise that goes into its operation."

New Bath shopping centre opens doors

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:12:00 GMT

A new shopping centre in Bath has started to open some doors as a few of its gleaming new stores open for business.

Fourteen shops invited consumers through their doors on Wednesday as part of the SouthGate centre's first phase - a section of the project that aims to transform Bath's south side.

The shopping centre has had £360m of funding pumped into it and could see the south west England city enjoy offering new opportunities to residents and tourists alike, the former benefitting from 99 new flats that are set to be built at the end of September next year. That is part of the project's third phase, the second being due for completion by May.

Having taken two years of work so far, the SouthGate shopping centre will coax visitors into its nine acre area and provide underground parking, with space for over 800 cars available. And, despite opening during the recession, hopes are high that the centre will prove popular amongst locals and visitors.

According to the BBC, centre manager Simon Pullen said: "If you were anywhere else other than Bath then it would be a difficult time. We've seen retailers that have got a lot of confidence in the city and they're opening stores that are not looking to expand their business anywhere else in the UK."

Dave Harvey, BBC West business correspondent, said: "This is going to bring many high street names to the city which have never been seen before in Bath.

"The city's beautiful architecture throws up odd-shaped buildings which don't suit national chains and SouthGate is an answer to that."

Scots dance extravaganza for Hogmanay

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

A new celebration of Scottish culture is set to wow crowds in the capital over the Hogmanay festival.

The esteemed artists and playwright, John Byrne - who famously created the Slab Boys and Tutti Frutti - has been brought in to help drum up ideas for the dance extravaganza, at which he will act as a visual effects and design consultant. The inclusion of the Renfrewshire playwright is expected to see an enormous boost to ticket sales.

The show will include a plethora of traditional dancing from across the world, including Highland dancing, traditional Indian techniques, hip hop and ballet, all of which are ever present in Scotland's thriving dance scene.

There will be a wealth of exciting and innovative performances, including brand new pieces set to Beethoven choreographed by New Yorker Mark Morris, as well as pieces inspired by classic television shows like The White Heather Club and Thungummyjig.

Off Kilter will also include a new piece by Scottish Ballet's Ashley Page, set to the work of the late poet and songwriter, Glasgow-born Ivor Cutler.

During September, it was revealed that the show had been awarded one of the biggest grants to date from the EXPO fund by the Scottish Government. £343,000 has gone towards supporting the new work at the Edinburgh festival.

According to the Scotsman, the show's artistic director, Morag Deyes, said: "The whole show is really a joyful celebration of Scotland. We want to leave the audiences grinning from ear to ear."

East Midlands Airport runway expansion considered

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:25:00 GMT

An expansion to the runway at East Midlands Airport is expected to receive approval later, having initially been submitted for consideration nine years ago.

The airport, which is near Castle Donington in the North West of Leicestershire, serves the East Midlands regions, which is comprised of towns and cities including Derby, Nottingham and Rutland and is expected to receive the upgrade to make it more attractive to long-haul flights and cargo carriers.

In spite of some opposition from local residents who fear noise pollution, as well as environmentalists concerned about the excess of carbon emissions the airport would then achieve, the £4m plans are expected to go ahead.

However, some conditions have been added to an approval, including a limit on night time flying between 2300 and 0700 GMT.

According to the BBC, the head of external affairs at East Midlands Airport, Brian Conway, dismissed anxiety about additional noise and pollution, stating: "A runway can only hold one plane at a time, so there will be no increase in the number of aircraft as a result of the extension.

He added: "In many respects, nothing is going to change because the noise increases, as the council's own noise experts agree, will be imperceptible."

The scheme was boosted earlier this year when Leicester County Council discovered that, given the limited growth in flights predicted for the airport in the future, the impact on the environment would be marginal.

Trains cancelled due to Scottish flooding

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:13:00 GMT

Some trains in Scotland have had services suspended as heavy rainfall flooded various parts of the country.

The north of Scotland has been particularly badly affected, with Aberdeenshire town Stonehaven experiencing torrential rainfall, the same weather that swept most of the UK during Sunday, that brought on several feet of water winding through some streets and parks.

Weather was so bad that trains were cancelled, including the popular line between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and Angus town Arbroath was cut off from the rest of the country, with all main routes going in and out of the area rendered impassable.

According to the BBC, Stonehaven's misfortune of receiving the worst of the weather saw many people being evacuated from their homes, with more having to move to the upper levels of their houses to escape infiltrating floodwater.

A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: "Our crews have been working throughout the night providing support to the emergency services, keeping roads clear as best they can and helping with the evacuation of residents.

"The torrential rainfall across a large part of Aberdeenshire has meant that our crews have been stretched very thinly but they have been committed to helping wherever possible.

"Our resources were stretched to the limit. We'd already given out most of our sandbags. Anyone experiencing flood-related difficulties can phone 01224 665400 and we will offer advice, support and assistance."

Rail lines currently closed due to flooding are Forres to Aberdeen, though trains between Inverness and Forres are still in operation, as are services between Aberdeen and Dundee.

Oxford Circus opens 'X-crossing'

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Oxford Circus is set to help shoppers enjoy a less crowded experience whilst perusing the shops and stores at the central London location.

Known for its merits as a consumerism hub, London's Oxford Circus has taken crossings in Tokyo as its inspiration, which ease overcrowding by halting traffic from all directions of X-junctions to allow pedestrians to cross diagonally, as well as straight ahead.

Costing £5m, the junction can process twice as many people as before and will prevent pavements from becoming dangerously overcrowded as shoppers seek to get to their destinations quickly and efficiently.

Oxford Circus is recognised as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and receives over 200 million visitors per year, a volume that saw the area struggling to cope with processing both traffic and pedestrians safely and economically.

Mayor of the south east England city, Boris Johnson, unveiled the crossing and, according to the BBC, called it: "a triumph for British engineering, Japanese innovation and good old fashioned common sense".

He added: "The head scratching frustration caused by the previous design is over and we've brought one of the world's greatest crossroads into the twenty-first century."

Part of the project also includes pavement widening for both Regent Street and Oxford Street, as well as the creation of more space around the entrances and exits of Oxford Circus Tube station.

The work is expected to aid residents of the capital as well, with London's Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy remarking: "Easier access to Oxford Circus Tube station will benefit many thousands of passengers who use the station each day."

20 years of all-weather racing celebrated in Surrey

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:49:00 GMT

Lingfield Park racecourse in Surrey recently played host to celebrations marking 20 years of all-weather racing.

A special race meeting attracted thousands of attendees, where race goers were charged a special entry fee appropriate for 1989, with free admission being granted to anyone who was still in procession of a racecard from the first ever all-weather meeting back on October 30 1989.

Racecourse spokeswoman Kate Hill revealed that many of the people who have been involved in all-weather racing since the early days were invited to the racecourse to mark its anniversary. She also told the BBC that the last 20 years had been revolutionary for the sport. She said: "We've seen a lot of changes and a lot of improvements."

"It's significant of how far all-weather racing has come from a fairly lowly product in the early days to now, when you get highly-rated horses running all the time."

According to the BBC, trainer Jim Boyle explained that, despite the common assumption that racing necessitated lush, green grass, he thought that sandy tracks were better for racing. He said: "To be able to keep going all year round is fantastic.

"You can plan for your races that much better.

"With turf racing, you never quite know what you're going to get ground-wise, and you're at the mercy of the weather.

"With all-weather racing, you know exactly what you're going to get on a given day."

Lingfield Park in South East England offers a comprehensive selection of events, including its own golf club as well as a full selection of races.

Scottish National Gallery to reveal biggest re-hanging in 25 years

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:37:00 GMT

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh is set to open its doors to reveal the biggest overhaul of its paintings, sculptures and installations in 25 years.

The changeover will be revealed to the public in November, and hundreds of workers are busy effecting the switch-around. The Scotsman reports that the £30,000 cost is covered by the donor's legacy.

Three rooms with the themes of still life, collage and Pop Art will showcase the work of Scottish and international artists, including Scottish Colourist SJ Peploe and Edinburgh sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.

New collections on show at the central Scotland gallery will include a new installation from Martin Boyce, a Glasgow-born artist who was showcased at this year's Venice Biennale, titled Electric Trees and Telephone Booth Conversations.

The overhaul will also show works from the gallery's 5,000 piece strong collection, some of which have not been seen for many years.

The unveiling of the dramatic change will coincide with the gallery's 50th anniversary and will mark the final celebrations of Homecoming Scotland.

According to The Scotsman, Simon Groom, director of modern and contemporary art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: "It is radical. The whole gallery is being re-hung all at once. It will be familiar works, in different company, with one room after another of surprise."

The new exhibitions are not expected to remain static throughout the year. Mr Groom added: "Rooms will change frequently as a way of getting as much of the collection on show as possible."

Q Awards bring the stars to London

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:36:00 GMT

British music award ceremony the Q Awards brought the stars out in style when the event took place at the beginning of the week.

The red carpet was rolled out as stars strolled into London to attend the awards, which threw up some exciting nominations and winners, as well as the usual poor celebrity behaviour that the Q Awards are often known best for.

Scooping up the prize for best track of the year, Lily Allen beat the likes of Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys with her single The Fear. Surprise winner Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the 1980s dance-pop band from Liverpool, also scored the prize for classic song, which went to 25 year old tune Relax.

According to the BBC, the group's frontman, Holly Johnson, said: "25 years ago I came here to the Grosvenor House Hotel to accept the BBC Radio listeners' award for Relax, even though they couldn't actually listen to the record."

The track had been banned by BBC Radio 1 when it was first released.

Johnson added: "So I think it's quite interesting that the song has stood the test of time and is being honoured here today."

The Q Idol award went to Spandau Ballet and the classic album award was given to U2 for The Unforgettable, released in 1984.

Beating last year's winners Coldplay to the post for best act in the world was Devon band Muse, whose frontman Matt Bellamy commented: "We'll do our best to live up to this lofty title, but I'm not sure we're up to it."

Wrexham reveals largest Mona Lisa

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:24:00 GMT

The world's largest version of iconic painting Mona Lisa has been unveiled at a Wrexham shopping centre.

The Eagles Meadow shopping centre has revealed the painting, which encompasses a space that is the equivalent of 22 London buses. It is an impressive 50 times the size of the original, which was painted by Leonardo da Vinci during the 16th century. The painting beats the previous record of world's largest version, which was held by Rolf Harris following his tribute in Edinburgh in 2005.

Visitors to the Wrexham shopping centre can walk over the painting, which is set into the floor of the building, as well as enjoy views from upper floors that allow them to see it in its entirety from above.

According to the Times, the north Wales project took 245 people 987 hours to complete, and used 86 litres of paint. The artist in charge, Katy Webster, said: "It's mind-blowing, but the smile is still as enigmatic as ever. It took over a week to do her face - everybody knows what it looks like so we had to make sure it was exactly right.

"Our version has a different style to the original because the paint is acrylic but I think it works well. This has been the best bit today - putting her together so we can see the Mona Lisa in all her glory. Because there's a balcony overlooking our Mona Lisa people will have a spectacular view of her."

Morrissey tour back on track

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:13:00 GMT

Esteemed singer Morrissey has returned to the stage following health problems which saw the artist being carried off stage during one concert and having to postpone another.

However, the Lancashire vocalist is reported to be back to peak health and even joked about his collapse at a London show on Saturday. Launching Tuesday night's show in Swindon, the BBC reports that Morrissey told the sold-out audience to "[f]asten your seatbelts it's going to be a bumpy night" before kicking off with Smiths song This Charming Man - which was the last song on the disrupted concert he played before his collapse.

Morrissey appeared back on form, though, as he joked with crowds and even pretended to faint once more towards the end of the show. He added briefly of his collapse, which had been caused by breathing difficulties: "The doctor said I shouldn't smile. I told him, 'I don't'."

On Saturday night, The Royal Albert Hall gig - which had already been rescheduled from May due to Morrissey's recurring health problems - seemed doomed to fail after the 50 year old was carried off stage by two of his band members.

Monday's show in Bournemouth was postponed, but Morrissey's spokesperson assured fans that he was now "rested and absolutely fine".

Following the UK stint, Morrissey's tour is set to head out to Europe and the star will perform in front of fans from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France.

He will then move to tour the US towards the end of the year.

Michael Jackson film premieres in London

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Michael Jackson fans flocked to London in the early hours of Wednesday to be the first to see the singer's posthumous documentary, This Is It.

The film was cut together from 120 hours of unseen Jackson footage, filmed during rehearsals for the tour the singer was due to commence during the summer of 2009. However, Jackson collapsed and died just before the tour was due to start.

The London premiere of This Is It took place at 4am, having been timed to coincide with a simultaneous beginning in Los Angeles, where Jackson's family attended the 6pm premiere. 19 other international cities also timed their screenings so they would occur at the same time across the globe.

Attending the south east England show were various famous faces, including ex-Spice girl, Leeds-born Mel B, who spoke to The Guardian about the brief time she met Jackson in Germany. She said: "He was very humble, down to earth, sensitive. He was very, very sweet."

Jackson's death brought much controversy among fans and organisers, with claims that the singer's health should have been given more consideration, and organisers of the 50 shows being blamed for the singer's poor health. The newspaper reports that the film's director, who was also in charge of the O2 shows, Kenny Ortega, said: "Was he slight? Yes. Was he frail? At times. But we had a very strong and excited, happy and determined Michael."

However, protest campaigner Mimi Flynne said that she had been close to the star and that his health should have been attended to. She told the paper: "He was human, he had weaknesses. He had huge problems with insomnia exacerbated by the anxiety and pressure of the shows."

This Is It is expected to pull crowds to view the King of Pop's final weeks and is on general release now.

Historic Durham church bells reinstalled

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Following a £90,000 refit, church bells that were cast over three centuries ago have been reinstalled at a Durham City church.

The bells of St Nicholas Church have tolled across Durham for more than 320 years and are said to be some of the oldest bells in the north east of England. Cast in 1687, during the reign of King James II, the six bells have long been a part of Durham's daily life.

However, signs of age were found on the bells in May this year and they were removed from the historic church in order to be restored to prevent any further damage from occurring. The bells were refitted back to their original home on Monday, and the bell fittings alongside the wheels, pulleys and frames have been renewed.

The bells themselves, of which the largest weighs half a tonne, were thoroughly cleaned. They were returned to the church through the use of a transporter, which raised them to the top of scaffolding that was placed beside the church. They were then placed into the bell tower and reinstalled in their original position, ready for use once more.

According to the BBC, around 50 per cent of the funding needed to get the project going was raised by bell ringers, much of which was raised at the Whitechapel foundry - where the six bells were originally cast.

The renewed bells of St Nicholas Church are due to be rung for the first time on Wednesday.

Swansea Dylan Thomas Festival gets underway

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:36:00 GMT

A festival celebrating Welsh icon Dylan Thomas has started in Swansea.

The south Wales city festival was kicked off on October 26 with the launch of a new mural by local spray paint artist Mark Hughes. The festivities will run for two weeks, involving poetry, plays, music and street entertainment in honour of Swansea's most celebrated son.

This year's event is dedicated to Thomas' daughter, Aeronwy Thomas Ellis, who died in July at the age of 66.

Focussing on both Thomas' work and that of his friends and contemporaries who were inspired by his art, the event includes a Fringe Festival at the city's Metropolitan University where entertainment abounds, as well as more events taking place at the poet's restored family home.

Anticipated events include the annual lecture by Thomas expert John Goodby, which this year will discuss the poem In Country Sleep, as well as a play by Gwynne Edwards about the life of a man who asked to be buried with a copy of Thomas' poetry - which gained admirable reviews at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

Cardiff singer Cerys Matthews, of esteemed band Catatonia, and Dannie Abse, a fellow poet, were amongst those who contributed towards this year's festival, which will also be used to showcase some of Wales' freshest new talent in the performing arts.

There will also be the posthumous launch of Aeronwy Thomas Ellis' memoir, entitled My Father's Places.

A street party will be taking place on Tuesday, among many other events set to enlighten and entertain visitors with regards to Thomas' work.

Olympic monument planned for London

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:24:00 GMT

New plans have been presented for a permanent monument, which is being proposed to reside in Olympic Park in honour of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Various philanthropists and arts organisations are being consulted by the monument's planning conglomerate, to find out how they would feel about having a long term reminder of the Olympic Games in the park, which have so far caused a great stir in the south east of England and across the entirety of the UK.

According to the BBC, London mayor Boris Johnson is behind the plan, with a spokesperson from his office stating: "The mayor is keen to see stunning, ambitious, world-class art in the park.

"He has been working with the Olympic Delivery Authority to explore a series of commissioning projects."

Many events are currently taking place all over the UK, including various art projects that are aimed at illuminating the nation's diverse and fascinating cultural scene. The addition of a monument at the site where the games will be held in 2012 would further this display.

The spokesperson added: "The mayor is also in touch with prominent figures in the art establishment and philanthropists about taking these forward and getting private backing.

"This work is at an early stage and details will be announced when the projects are confirmed."

Announced last year, London's Olympic event is set to bring the UK to the fore, following a bid to gain the hosting rights that first began in 2003. After several years of battling with other cities, London finally beat Paris to the post in 2005.

Sex and the City star returns to West End

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:01:00 GMT

Following the filming of the second Sex and the City film in New York, star of the long-running series and first movie, Kim Cattrall, is set to return to the West End to take the stage in a comedy role.

Known for playing Samantha Jones, an outspoken fortysomething in the hit show, Cattrall will appear at London's West End for the second time, having previously wowed audiences in her 2005 performance in Whose Life is it Anyway - a play that won the actress much critical acclaim.

This time, Cattrall, who was born in Liverpool but moved to Canada at three months old, will be starring alongside Norfolk-born Spooks actor Matthew MacFadyen in Private Lives, a comedy by Noel Coward.

The play follows a divorced couple who remarry but end up being drawn back together into a passionate affair while honeymooning with their respective new partners in France. It originally premiered in the UK in August 1830, where it opened at Edinburgh's King's Theatre and toured Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Southsea before receiving somewhat mixed reviews in London.

Now critically acclaimed, however, the play will have a two week preview run at the Theatre Royal in Bath before moving to London's West End stage.

Private Lives will be directed by Devon-born Richard Eyre, an award winning director known for his revival of Guys and Dolls, as well as his Shakespeare productions.

It will open on March 3 at London's Vaudeville Theatre.

British cultural art commissioned for 2012 Olympics

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:49:00 GMT

What has been dubbed "the most ambitious and wide-ranging art prize in the UK" by organising body the Arts Council, has come to an end as 12 designs have been chosen to represent British culture at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Over 2,000 entries were submitted to the Arts Council. These were then painstakingly narrowed down to just 12 that will showcase the UK's cultural scene when the London Games roll around.

According to the BBC, the executive director of Arts Council England, Moira Sinclair, said that the works would "redefine what public art will mean in 2012."

The commissions come from all across the UK and range widely in shape, size and concept. Inspired by their locations, the designs span a broad spectrum of ideas, including an environmentally-sustainable watermill and a full size football pitch crafted into woodland in the Scottish borders.

East Anglia plans to create a feature film starring members of the local community and the disused Morpeth dock, opposite Liverpool, will awe viewers with a spinning column of light and cloud rising from its depths. Yorkshire plans to use the city of Leeds for a month long arts project incorporating the buildings, streets and people, whereas Coventry symbol Lady Godiva will be created as a giant human puppet that will lead thousands in a processional performance, then continue towards London.

Ms Sinclair added: "From spectacular events and monumental installations to very personal explorations of a region's culture in perhaps more unexpected places, the active involvement of individuals and communities will be key to their success and encourage new audiences to enjoy the arts."

Only polar bear in UK gets Highland home

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:48:00 GMT

The only polar bear in the UK has moved home to a wildlife part in Scotland's Highlands.

Mercedes, a 27 year old polar bear, has been re-homed in the north of Scotland after a three day military-style operation that was the result of four months of preparation. Shrouded mostly in secret, the move was unmarked by any journalist in order to allow keepers and staff from Edinburgh Zoo to safely transport the polar bear to the Kingussie wildlife park, which is near Inverness, without any distractions.

Named after the car company that paid for her passage to Scotland from her native Canada, Mercedes was calm and relaxed during the three and a half hour journey and is said to be happy in her new home following 25 years in a small Edinburgh enclosure.

The Scotsman reports that Mercedes' keeper, Alison Maclean, said: "The journey to the Highland Park went without a hitch. We stopped off to allow a vet to check her on the way and she was completely calm, lying down in the crate.

"Since she arrived she has explored every corner of her new home and investigated a whole range of new smells. I'm sad to see her go but I'll be by her side for a week and I'll visit often."

Mercedes came to the central Scotland zoo in 1984. She was rescued and re-homed as she was at risk of being shot in her native home of Canada due to her habit of roaming into towns while searching for food.

The new enclosure, at Highland Wildlife Park, is the same size as four football pitches and is expected to let Mercedes enjoy the chance to roam around her territory as is natural for her species.

Birmingham shows off champion cuisine

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:36:00 GMT

Birmingham is emerging as a key city in the UK's fine cuisine scene, as the city's three Michelin-starred restaurants begin shifting its reputation from a pub grub and curry house city to a culinary capital.

Slowly gaining on London's status as a hub for fine dining, Birmingham beats fellow cities Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool with its Michelin status, the other three possessing no ranking in the prestigious rating system.

Known as the home of the balti curry, Birmingham is now seeking to expand its culinary offerings to entice visitors from all over to sample its fine dining, as well as to stop residents of the west midlands city feeling as though they must travel to London in the hopes of truly spectacular cuisine.

According to the BBC, the creator of restaurant review site Birminghamplus, Tim White said: "Sometimes, when there is the occasional national review of a Birmingham restaurant, there is almost a kind of condescension, an air of surprise: 'I went to Birmingham and I had something nice to eat'.

"Hopefully we're starting to break this down and now it's not considered unusual that you may come to Birmingham and have something which would stand comparison with restaurants in other parts of the country."

It appears that the way Birmingham's gastronomic scene is perceived is changing not only in the city's high end restaurants, but in more humble locations as well.

Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Awards 2009-winning chip shop owner Conrad Brunton said: "Without a shadow of a doubt," he says, "people are starting to see Birmingham much more as a destination for dining out. I know quite well the guys in the Michelin-starred restaurants and they do a fantastic job."

McCall Smith's Shakespeare baboon opera to hit UK

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:24:00 GMT

A bizarre opera by Alexander McCall Smith which re-cast characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth is set to take the international stage following a successful two week run in Africa.

The Okavanga Macbeth, written by Edinburgh resident McCall Smith and composer Tom Cunningham, transposes the famous Shakespeare tragedy onto a troupe of baboons as three primatologists observe the baboon Lady Macbeth persuading a rival male to kill her mate to become the troupe's leader.

The opera has just completed its run in Gaborone, Botswana's capital, and spent the fortnight being performed in converted garages to audiences packed into the corners of the room. According to The Independent, composer Cunningham said: "News spread and it was completely sold out.

"There were only 56 chairs but some days there were nearly 70 people in the garage, sitting on steps, hanging off the rafters. A total of 740 people saw the show in a country which has never had an opera performed in the European tradition."

Even before it was premiered, Glasgow-based arts organisation Scottish Opera approached the author and offered to bring it to the UK.

McCall Smith said he conceived the idea: "during a wildlife safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta. I had been reading Baboon Metaphysics [by Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth] and I was struck by two odd things - that baboons are matrilineal and they're the only animals we know where status is conferred from one generation to the next."

The author has ventured into music before, with the Really Terrible Orchestra, which had an unrepentant "commitment to lower standards" played in London and New York, developing a cult following.

Glasgow Celtic Connections promises big stars

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:13:00 GMT

January's Celtic Connections festival is promising to bring swarms of stars to Glasgow.

The central Scotland city will open its doors to the festival next year for the 17th year running and is expected to welcome over 1,500 artists from around the world to perform in 300 venues over the 18 day event.

The next Celtic Connections has the theme of "all things America" and will showcase a wealth of talent from the USA, including legendary country singer Hank Williams' granddaughter Holly, folk musicians Laura Veirs and Natalie Merchant, as well as former The Mavericks front man, Raul Malo.

Held in Glasgow, the event is currently worth some £6.6 million towards Scotland's economy and is set to draw thousands of tourists from across the UK and beyond.

It will also include a staple selection of Scottish artists, including folkie Dick Gaughan, who will be putting on a reggae night to add to the theme of cross-cultural entertainment. Salsa Celtica, a band drawing from a spectrum of Scottish musical talent to play salsa tunes using Scottish folk instruments, will join up with Buena Vista Social Club at a gala event to entertain crowds as two more gala concerts take place showcasing Scottish songwriting skills.

One concert will include the music of St Andrews singer KT Tunstall, Franz Ferdinand, Aberdeen artist Annie Lennox and Fife singer Barbara Dickson.

The Scotsman reports that Donald Shaw, artistic director of the event, said: "This year, we're looking closely at the influence of Celtic music on cultures around the world, and celebrating the connections between Celtic and world music on a major scale by bringing in acts from South America, North America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

"It's astonishing how the world on a musical scale continues to embrace all roots music in such exciting and diverse ways."

Robbie takes London stage after three year hiatus

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:01:00 GMT

UK favourite Robbie Williams wowed crowds at his first full length concert in three years last night in London.

The Staffordshire-born singer entertained a 3,000 strong audience with 15 songs, of which several were old favourites that the crowd could sing along with - an event more than welcomed by Williams.

According to the BBC, he told the London audience: "It's a bit nerve-wracking - first gig for three years.

"Thank you for making me feel comfortable."

Williams kicked off the concert with new track Bodies, the song that garnered many mixed reviews when he performed on ITV show The X Factor. However, it seemed that the star had gained his confidence back and, by the third song, Williams was back to his usual self.

After the show, fan reviews of the performance appeared positive. Hayley Willerton from Peterborough said: "The venue was great and his performance was amazing after mixed reviews from X Factor.

"We were really impressed with how he came across. He looked like he was really enjoying it - I don't think there was any sign of nerves. He looked really confident and back to what he used to be."

Kirsty Stirling from Hampshire told the broadcaster: "A long time waited and he didn't disappoint.

"He looked like he absolutely loved it, so if he was nervous he hid it really well."

Various celebrity fans, including Sir Ian McKellan, also turned up at the Roundhouse show, which was broadcast live to 250 cinemas in 23 counties.

Edinburgh proving strong as conference city

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:49:00 GMT

Business tourism in Edinburgh has increased since 2008, as the Scottish capital continues to buck tourism trends in the recession.

The Edinburgh Convention Bureau (ECB) has revealed that conferences booked in the first half of the 2009-10 financial year generated £42.6 million for the Edinburgh economy, an increase of £1.4 million compared to the same period in 2008-09. The Scotsman reports that ECB members are confident of reaching their £73.9 million target by the end of the financial year, which makes the Central Scotland city the second most significant conference venue in the UK outside of London.

The city is attracting a number of conferences from the fields of science and medicine, including the Quadrennial Congress of European Society of Plastic Constructive Aesthetic Surgeons, which will bring 900 delegates to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in 2014, the £1.7 million Eurotox 2014 conference and the £1.5 million International Conference on Neutron Scattering in 2013.

ECB chief executive Sue Stuart states: "These results show that business tourism is holding up in a very difficult and increasingly competitive environment.

"The nature of the new events demonstrates the importance of Edinburgh and Scotland's reputation as a centre of excellence in science and medicine.

"Overall we are delighted to be in a position that places us in line to achieve our business target for the year, which was set higher than the £73.5m we delivered last year.

"However, with increasing competition at home and abroad we can't be complacent and will have to continue to work hard to emulate our success of last year."

Birmingham Airport proposed as alternative to Heathrow third runway

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:36:00 GMT

Birmingham Airport executives are making a case for expansion of the city's airport as a greener and more viable alternative to the planned third runway at Heathrow.

BBC News reports that Birmingham Airport chiefs are proposing that their airport could be expanded to accommodate a further 9 million passengers, without having to make changes to its current infrastructure. Claiming to be the only UK airport with significant planning consent for runway extensions, Birmingham Airport is presenting itself as an alternative to the planned third runway at London's Heathrow Airport, which has attracted much controversy.

This follows a statement made by shadow secretary of state for transport, Teresa Villiers, that Birmingham would be a more environmentally conscious choice for the new runway. The location also makes practical sense, as approximately 50 per cent of the UK population is already located less than a two hour drive from Birmingham, while the proposed high speed rail lines will connect Birmingham to London in just 45 minutes.

Birmingham Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe explained: "We have plenty of capacity and, linked to high-speed rail, we are uniquely positioned to not only claw back people from our own region, who make the long journey to Heathrow, but to attract passengers from the overheated South-east.

"We will not just be London's third runway as we have our own traffic but by attracting those who waver towards Heathrow to use Birmingham instead, will create jobs and help to rebuild the local economy.

"Birmingham's reputation continues to rise and is truly a destination which provides the perfect base for foreign visitors."

Rotherham castle begins renovation

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:24:00 GMT

An 18th century castle in Rotherham has begun renovation work to restore it to its former glory.

A lottery grant to the value of £1.7 million has been awarded to the project following a successful bid that will see the south Yorkshire castle undergo a rejuvenation programme to restore its status as a popular Rotherham tourist attraction.

Boston Castle stands in the grounds of Boston Park, which is half a mile from the town centre and is popular with locals and tourists alike, who can enjoy the park for walking opportunities across its 23 acres as well as spectacular views.

The castle was constructed in 1775 and used as a hunting lodge by the Earl of Effingham. The Earl was a nobleman who had liberal ideals and decided to name the building after the American colonists' achievement of their independence, so named it Boston Castle. As the deputy Earl Marshall of England, Effingham was expected to join the war against the colonists in order to subdue them, but he refused and resigned his position instead.

Following this, the building was the home to many shooting and hunting parties, where many revellers enjoyed the use of the castle and the land surrounding it. It has since come to symbolise the ideals of freedom and justice to those who are familiar with it.

The renovation is hoped to restore the castle to the glory it once knew and to open up its history more to tourists and locals.

Wolves debate converted into play

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:01:00 GMT

A play with a difference is set to take to the stage on Friday as The Last Wolf in Scotland presents audiences with a current hot debate in play form.

The argument on whether wolves should be reintroduced to Scotland is a current topic of consternation amongst wilderness workers, as such plans could have a significant impact on Scotland's wildlife.

London playwright Samantha Ellis penned the play, which handles the subject in a dramatic format and aims to lay out the arguments for both sides at a meeting on wilderness areas. The meeting will also include talks by Highlands wildlife expert Roy Dennis, and is hosted by the Wildland Research Institute at the University of Leeds.

Wolves would have been a common sight in the Scottish Highlands several hundred years ago, but were hunted to extinction during the 18th century. Recently, the remains of a wolf trap discovered near Inverness were added to a database of sites of historical interest. The trap lured the wolf into its clutches by being baited and carefully set up with a plank suspended over a deep hole, which was covered with brush wood.

According to the BBC, the last wolf in Scotland was supposedly killed in Sutherland, where a carved stone beside the A9 road claims that the killer was a man called Polson who did the deed in 1700.

Then considered a pest, wolves are the subject of much discussion with regards to their reintroduction to the country. Last year, however, Richard Morley of the Wolves and Humans Foundation predicted that the next 15 years would see a growth in public support for the move.

Pamela Anderson to star in London panto

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:49:00 GMT

Pamela Anderson is to take to the stage as the Genie in popular pantomime Aladdin this Christmas.

The former Baywatch star was signed to play the dynamic character for two weeks, following which Cheshire-born chat show host Paul O'Grady will take over the role for its final week at the New Wimbledon Theatre in London.

The south east England theatre is no stranger to seeing the stars in its pantomimes, having presented Henry Winkler as Captain Hook in Peter Pan during the 2006 panto season.

Kevin Wood, who coaxed Anderson into joining this year's line-up, revealed that the star didn't take too much convincing. According to the BBC, Mr Wood said: "Oddly enough, the Americans actually get the notion of panto quite easily.

"Panto is one of those situations where people who are used to it don't give it the respect that it really deserves.

"When you introduce it to new people, and they come and experience it, and they see the audiences, and see how loved as an artform it is, they get it straight away."

Different actors will play the part of the Genie during the first and fourth weeks of the show's run, with Anderson assuming the role in the middle weeks.

The broadcaster reports that O'Grady remarked: "I am really excited to be back in panto this year having not done one for some time.

"This is also the first time I'll be playing a goodie as I've been the villain in most of my other stage roles.

"Having made a living frightening children it's probably time I aired my softer side. If I can find one in time."

Aladdin will be staged at London's New Wimbledon Theatre from December 4 until January 10.

Scottish forest chases 'dark sky park' status

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:37:00 GMT

A forest in the south of Scotland could be recognised as a "dark sky park", an accolade acknowledging the area as idea for stargazers hoping to catch spectacular views of the night sky.

Currently, such parks only exist in the USA, but Forestry Commission Scotland (FDS), based in Scottish capital Edinburgh, has submitted a bid to change the status of the south Scotland forest.

According to the BBC, the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) has six weeks in which it will decide whether Galloway Forest Park meets the standards necessary in order to become an official destination for star fans.

If successful, the bid would make the Dumfries and Galloway woodland the fourth park of its kind, with the remaining three being located around America.

The broadcaster reports that Keith Galloway, the FCS head of tourism and the environment for Galloway, said: "We had light readings taken last winter with great results so we are hoping to match or improve on this.

"If we get dark sky status I'm sure it will be a great boost for the area and a real draw for stargazers wanting to experience some of the clearest skies in Britain."

He admitted that achieving the status is not a simple task, however, and told the BBC: "It isn't all plain sailing from here.

"The criteria to make dark sky status is really tough so it will be a nervous time for all involved until the decision is made."

The IDSA will make the decision about the park's status after a meeting on November 14 and 15.

Short gypsy heritage film premieres in Pembrokeshire

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:25:00 GMT

A short film about the gypsy heritage in Wales has been premiered at a theatre in Pembrokeshire.

The film, which was made by youngsters in two of the travelling communities, is entitled The Travelling Harpists and is about the Wood family, a family that brought the joy of Romany music to Wales in the past.

According to Cinetig - the production company that helped create the film - the director of The Travelling Harpists, Gerald Conn, said that the project's aim "is to celebrate Romany culture in Wales, and by involving modern day travellers we will add an extra dimension and help to create a positive image."

Speaking about the film's story, he said: "It's an extensive story so I researched particular colourful characters who would lend themselves to animation such as Harry Turpin Wood, who was a well known fisherman and musician and had a fascination with the story of Dick Turpin. He even had a horse called Black Bess! I wanted to focus on the contribution to Welsh music in the 19th Century and highlight its importance to Welsh Culture, for example John Roberts' family often won prizes at the Eisteddfod, and he was called the Harpist of Wales, even playing for the Empress of Austria who was notoriously hard to please."

Cinetag, which is based in Cardiff, worked closely with the children in order to produce the animated film. After the film was completed, pupils got to enjoy red carpet treatment when the film was premiered in Pembrokeshire. Each child received their own copy of the film on DVD, as well as a booklet describing Romany culture.

Gormley's Fourth Plinth art project ends

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:13:00 GMT

The much-publicised Fourth Plinth art project by Antony Gormley has come to an end after 100 days.

The project, which involved one person standing on the unadorned fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square, involved 2,400 participants taking to the platform over the 100 days.

Many of the volunteers used their hour on the plinth to pass on social and political messages and, according to the BBC, Gormley commented that he felt "huge pride" for the project, though he was "incredibly sad" that it is now over.

Monday July 6 was the day the first "living statue" stepped onto the London plinth. The volunteer, Rachel Wardell from Lincolnshire, used her hour to raise awareness of the NSPCC. Now, Darlington medical photographer Emma Burns has stepped down from the plinth to conclude the project, which was entitled One & Other.

The project was intended to challenge people's perceptions of what exactly constitutes art and Gormley believes his attempt was a success. The broadcaster reports that he said: "I've got very mixed emotions - huge pride that we've actually succeeded.

"We made this monument out of 2,400 abstracted hours from real lives.

"Another part of me feels incredibly sad because this has become part of London life and I've never been able to cross the city without making a detour and see who's on it. It's become compulsive viewing."

The BBC spoke to Londoner Jay, who remarked: "I've seen about 200 different people on the plinth.

"It's brought loads of people together and everybody's got to know one other and everybody's had a good time"

Scottish castle receives 17th century restoration

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT

A restoration on a 17th century castle to return it to its original look has been completed after two years.

The £500,000 facelift has brought Craigievar Castle, in the north of Scotland, back to its previous appearance and has left the castle with a distinctive new colour - pink. Experts on the castle's history believe that the unique colour is the one that most resembles how the castle used to look hundreds of years ago.

According to the BBC, project manager Ian Davidson said: "It would be fair to say that visitors to the castle will notice a change."

The castle, which resides in Aberdeenshire, will reopen its gates to the public in spring next year. Currently, the garden and grounds remain open but tourism is expected to improve further once the castle is available to visit. It is expected that many visitors may be somewhat bemused by its new colour.

Mr Davidson added: "While the previous harl gave the building a reddish-orange appearance, the new lime coat means the castle is now noticeably pinker than before.

"We believe this is a close copy of the colour used on the castle in the past.

"Another benefit of the new lime mortar, as well as protecting the castle for many years to come, is that it will enable the castle to breathe."

As well as the new mortar, the castle's stonework was refreshed and repairs were made to its roof and windows.

The project manager said: "I am tremendously proud of what the team has accomplished."

Tate Modern opens black hole installation

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:48:00 GMT

The Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern has a new addition to its Unilever Series.

How It Is, the latest artistic commission by Polish artist Miroslaw Balka, has opened its doors at the Tate Modern gallery in London. The steel sculpture aims to create the experience of walking into a black hole as members of the public climb the ramp and enter the enclosed space within.

Exploring its completely dark interior, visitors experience sensory deprivation and, as a result, many will experience heightened senses in compensation for the loss of sight. According to the BBC, the artist described the pitch dark chamber as: "everything and nothing in a way."

The installation is the 10th entry in the south east England gallery's Unilever Series, which is an annual commission by the associated body and provides, according to curators, "both a personal and collective" experience.

Reviews have been very positive, with The Times' Rachel Campbell-Johnston rating it with five stars out of five and commenting: "The experience is sombre, discombobulating and perhaps a bit sinister. But it is beautiful too - and not least when, as your eyes slowly adjust, you begin to discern the infinite subtle shades of grey or turn back to face the entrance and see other visitors vacillating nervously on the brink before, stepping into the engulfing shadows, they are transformed into stalking silhouettes."

The Guardian's Adrian Searle said: "How It Is joins Juan Munoz's 2001 Double Bind, Doris Salcedo's Shibboleth and Bruce Nauman's sea of voices, Raw Materials, as the most successful of the Turbine Hall commissions. They are the best because they return you to your own resources as a spectator: they seek less to entertain than to give you pause. All are invitations to the imagination, returning us to our own thoughts."

Keira Knightley to appear at the West End

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:37:00 GMT

A-list actress Keira Knightley is gearing up to make her debut at the West End in December.

Knightley will star alongside Band of Brothers star Damian Lewis and Sussex-born Tara Fitzgerald in Moliere's The Misanthrope. The play will open at London's Comedy Theatre in mid-December and run for four months.

The updated production has been adapted to suit the modern day, leaving behind its 17th century Paris in favour of a more up to date setting of contemporary London. It stars Lewis in the main role, playing a disenchanted playwright who detests society but ends up falling for the woman that represents everything he despises.

The south east England theatre district is known for drawing the biggest stars to its stages, with Knightley being the latest in a long list of big names to walk the West End boards.

The Misanthrope will be directed by award-winning Thea Sharrock, who has worked with many celebrities during her tenure as a director, including Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and Yorkshire-born award-winner Richard Griffiths.

According to the Daily Mail, Sharrock said of Knightley: "It's not a whim on her part.

"She's absolutely ready to come into this vulnerable position - and I'm interested in working with her, to push her in a way that I don't think she has been pushed before because although she has worked with amazing directors, film doesn't work like that."

She added: "I love the fact that she's attracted to the role and that she gets the humour of it. She gets that she's a massive star about to play a massive star, and that's ironic, that's hilarious and she's big enough to rise above that."

New Stonehenge centre plans revealed

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:13:00 GMT

A new visitor centre valued at £25 million has been proposed by English Heritage to be located at the archaeological gem, Stonehenge.

Stonehenge, one of the most iconic attractions in the south west of England, draws a vast amount of visitors to the area each year. The addition of a visitor centre, which would be placed at Airman's Corner to the west of the famous stones, could improve tourism further still.

According to proposals from English Heritage, the new centre would not be visible from the stones and would link to the site via a transit system, thus not spoiling the view from the area. The public body also revealed that it plans to close the A344 road, which comes within yards of the landmark and, for many, spoils the experience and contributes to the degrading of the environment surrounding the ancient stones.

The BBC reports that English Heritage said the plans are "sensitive to its surroundings and to the significance of the monument."

If the plans are given the go ahead, work on the centre could begin in 2011 and the building would include exhibitions relating to Stonehenge and its history, a cafe, a shop and toilet facilities.

English Heritage's Loraine Knowles said: "The new centre is designed to blend into the World Heritage landscape which visitors will pass through on their way to the stones."

The charity hopes to receive National Lottery funding to help with the improvement of the attraction.

Carry On star receives blue plaque

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:01:00 GMT

A commemorative blue plaque has been installed in central London to honour Kenneth Williams, a recognised star of the Carry On film series.

The actor and comedian died in 1988 aged 62 and was a frequent face in many British television shows as well as the films. He also appeared on many radio shows, with his casting in BBC series Hancock's Half Hour aiding his journey into television and film.

The plaque has been installed at the site of Williams' father's central London barber shop, a Marchmont Street address where the actor lived between the years of 1935 and 1956. It is the latest to join a series of more than 800 blue plaques in the south east England city, all of which commemorate locations where celebrated names spent a substantial period of their life.

The plaque was unveiled by radio presenter Nicholas Parsons, as well as actors Leslie Phillips and Buckinghamshire-born Bill Pertwee, both of whom were fellow Carry On actors and appeared in several of the iconic British comedies alongside Williams.

The late actor and comedian lived in a flat above the barber shop with his mother and father, Louisa and Charles Williams. He went in to star in 26 Carry On films, as well as appearing on stage in several theatre productions. Following his career in Carry On, Williams frequently contributed to radio programmes and television panel shows until his death in 1988.

Edinburgh marks suffragette march centenary

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:49:00 GMT

The capital of Scotland played host to a commemorative march honouring the 100 year centenary of a significant demonstration by the suffragettes that took place in the city.

Around 2,500 people took part in the march, many of whom wore period costumes in order to re-enact the century-old event with more authenticity. Many participants in the central Scotland march carried banners both depicting phrases used during the 1909 demonstration and some in support of organisations and charities.

The march served as the culmination of months of activities in Edinburgh dedicated to honouring the suffragists and suffragettes, who are credited with gaining women the right to vote, as well as other measures of equality in a world that was strictly dominated by men.

According to the BBC, Fiona Hyslop, Education Secretary, said: "Without the suffragists and suffragettes we would still be stuck in an age when women couldn't own property, they couldn't hold public positions and they couldn't vote.

"The suffrage movement made a lasting contribution to Scottish democracy and society. They led the way for women to have their voice heard and towards an end to discrimination and prejudice."

Stirling's Labour MP, Anne McGuire, was also present. She told the broadcaster: "I wouldn't be allowed to be a politician today without the struggle of the suffragettes.

"These women changed political life forever in the UK, allowing women to enter what was at one stage a male-only arena."

Other events taking place over the summer included exhibitions at several Edinburgh museums.

Lincoln revamps Christmas Market for 2009

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:37:00 GMT

Lincoln's annual Christmas Market is set to get a revamp this year as organisers adapt to new budgets.

In spite of having less cash to spend on events this year, the market promises to be as enchanting as ever and will include even more activities to keep children entertained, making it an ideal family outing for Lincolnshire locals and tourists.

The Lincoln Christmas Market has been running for over 20 years and features over 300 stalls, making it one of the biggest in the UK. Now, the market has grown in popularity so much that it draws over 150,000 visitors to the city from all parts of Britain and Europe.

As always, Father Christmas will be present at the market. Families can visit him at the Judges Lodgings in Castle Square, where youngsters can tell him what they'd like for Christmas. There will also be a "winter wonderland" at the Lawn, where a plethora of rides will be available for under 12s.

According to the BBC, organisers were dismayed by the budget cuts but determined to make this year's event as successful as any other. City of Lincoln Council member Amanda Batham said: "We have to pay for the lighting, we have to pay for the AV, we have to pay for the staging cost.

"But if there are local groups that want to do a set performance, we have got one area available."

With a host of attractions and events, including various food and drink offerings, the East Midlands market is expected to bring just as many tourists this year as any other. It will begin on December 3.

London to present Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera Sequel

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:25:00 GMT

The much anticipated sequel to world famous musical, Phantom of the Opera, is set to hit British shores in March next year.

The musical is set 10 years after the original and takes place on New York's Coney Island, the Phantom's new home following his flight from Paris. It was co-written between Lord Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton.

According to the BBC, Ramin Karimloo, who is currently playing the Phantom in the original show in London's West End, will return to the role in the sequel and will star alongside Broadway actress Sierra Boggess.

Boggess, who is the leading lady in the Broadway run of the original production, said of Lloyd Webber: "Every fibre of passion that that man has in his body, I believe, is in this score."

It is expected to open in London on March 9 at the Adelphi Theatre, with the New York opening taking place in November 2010.

The newspaper reports that southeast England-born Lloyd Webber said: "I don't regard this as a sequel - it's a stand-alone piece.

"For me, a great story is the catalyst - that's why I have taken so long to come up with this."

When questioned about how musical sequels tend to have a less enthusiastic reception, he added: "I'm very happy with it as a piece - and that's enough for me."

Show director Jack O'Brien, who is known best for his hit West End production of Hairspray, commented: "It's not unlike being handed a Mozart, Puccini or Verdi.

"It's not necessarily the story you think you might hear, but I am confident the story we are telling is the right one."

Angels of Anarchy exhibition opens in Manchester

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:13:00 GMT

The Angels of Anarchy exhibition is now underway in Manchester Art Gallery and invites visitors to explore the Surrealist movement as seen through the eyes of the many women artists that contributed but were overlooked in favour of their male counterparts.

A tribute to feminism, Angels of Anarchy explores the sheer breadth of Surrealist art that was created by women during a movement where they were considered to play a minor role. The exhibition, however, goes a long way towards proving that the opposite is true and Manchester Art Gallery is keen to invite visitors to take in a Surrealism exhibition unlike no other.

Many Surrealism exhibitions tend to display the movement in a very narrow manner, whereas Manchester's efforts lean more towards letting the art speak for itself. Including pieces by esteemed artists like French photographer, Dora Maar - famous for being the lover and muse of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso - and American photographer Lee Miller, the exhibition examines how women's contributions to the movement easily match those of their male counterparts in terms of revolution and mastery.

Famous works by Frida Kahlo are also present at the north west England city exhibition, showcasing some of the Mexican painter's lesser known works - though her paintings are regarded as fairly dominating throughout the exhibition.

Angels of Anarchy: Women Artists and Surrealism will be on exhibition at the Manchester Art Gallery throughout the remainder of 2009 and until Sunday January 10 next year.

Edinburgh graveyards on world heritage risk list

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Edinburgh's city graveyards, long regarded as one of the city's most poignant attractions, have experienced severe deterioration due to continued lack of upkeep, as well as tourist visitation and some vandalism.

The central Scotland city's cemeteries have been added to a list of world locations that are considered to be "at risk" by the World Monuments Fund. The list also includes Sagrada Familia, a Barcelona cathedral, and the renowned Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Peru.

These five graveyards are located around central Edinburgh and offer a powerful insight into the city's history, as well as that of Scotland as a whole. They were added to the register following an appeal from Edinburgh City Council, which expressed concern that ownership problems obstructed proper care. It is the responsibility of the council to maintain the green spaces, but the graves and tombs themselves are the obligation of the family.

However, as some of the monuments are 400 years old, this poses a problem. It is not only poor maintenance that is causing the graveyard's deterioration however, as vandalism has seen headstones being overturned at two of the cemeteries, while others must contend with long term neglect and air pollution from busy Edinburgh streets.

Edinburgh's graveyards are integral to its past, possessing history and even taking centre stage in some of the city's most notorious events. A section of Greyfriars Kirkyard, for example, was cordoned off in 1679 and used as a concentration camp that held members of a mainly Scottish-led religious and political movement. The Covenanters opposed the religion held by the English crown, instead claiming loyalty to the rapidly developing Presbyterian strain of Christianity, and many lost their lives during this period, when the English attempted to overtake Scotland and claim it for their own.

Sutton residents vote to keep Banksy mural

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new Banksy mural has been put to the vote by a London council, which aims to determine whether residents would prefer the work to remain where it is or to be painted over.

Banksy artwork has frequently come up as a cause of controversy due to the anonymous artist's penchant for spray painting murals on public and private property - graffiti, in other words. His work is usually carried out under the cloak of night, using stencils which help to create the work swiftly.

However, despite the London borough work being graffiti, it was created by what is considered to be one of Britain's best contemporary artists, so has caused some debate as to its fate. A photograph on Banksy's official website confirms that the work is genuine.

According to the Guardian, an executive member for environment on Sutton council, Colin Hall, described the piece as having "caught the imagination" and suggested the decision whether to keep it or remove it should be made by members of the public.

He said: "We don't tolerate graffiti in Sutton, and have a pair of dedicated teams who go out daily to remove it.

"But we're well aware that many people see a difference between mindless tagging and work such as this."

This is not the first time that a Banksy piece has come under debate, as Bristol council - which operates the city Banksy is believed to live in - has previously asked the public to vote on a Banksy piece that had appeared on a council building. 93 per cent voted that it should remain.

High speed rail service extended

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:48:00 GMT

The 'preview' services of the new high speed trains serving the London area have been extended to include weekends.

Train operator Southeastern said that hourly return services between Ashford and London St Pancras will begin at the weekend and continue throughout the remainder of the trial period so more and more travellers in the south east of England have a chance to experience the innovative service.

Connecting London and Kent, the bullet trains are currently operating a limited service, though the full service will begin in December. A half hourly weekend shuttle train is also to be introduced this weekend, traversing between London and Ebbsfleet.

Services were also extended to include Dover last month, and once full services begin it is hoped that many more cities and towns across the UK will be able to benefit from the 140mph train service, which could cut journey times significantly.

According to the BBC, Southeastern's managing director, Charles Horton, said: "The introduction of the weekend trains is another vital part of extending our preview services.

"Many, who work during the week and have not used the service already, will now be just 37 minutes from central London where they can go shopping, take the family to a West End matinee or go to sporting events and still make the last train back to Ashford International."

Other cities hoping to enter the high speed train ranks once the full service is up and running include major destinations like Manchester, Birmingham, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

European artists stream work to Welsh town

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:37:00 GMT

An arts festival with a difference is taking place in a north Wales town, where artists from across Europe are using the internet to display their pieces at the festival from their locations.

The Harlech Biennale focuses on international crosscurrents and has thus far featured 20 artists exhibiting their work, which was created over a 12 day period.

The event includes works being exhibited by Welsh artists as well as people from European countries, including Romania, Austria, Hungary, Italy, England and Spain. However, the artists have been exhibiting their works with a twist: instead of physically bringing their art to the north Wales town, they have been streaming their pieces live from galleries in their home countries.

Performances and artworks are being streamed using internet service Skype, which offers free video calls, and each gallery is displaying the videos so that all participating organisations can offer members of the public the chance to view various far-off artworks simultaneously. Included in the scheme is a gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, in Staffordshire.

The BBC reports that one of the artists behind Harlech's event, which was named after the Venice Biennale, John Brown, said: "Our aim is, through a European ideal, that we experience other people's cultures and enjoy them.

"Over the past week the artists have been hard at work, particularly a Spanish artist who was up all night, to produce their work based on a brief that they submitted to us way back in March."

He added: "Last night we had a connection with a gallery in Italy. We saw a performance by an artist there and they saw a performance done by us in Wales."

The public can enjoy the event at Neaudd Goffa Harlech until Thursday.

Pilgrims head to Nottingham in advance of relic arrival

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:12:00 GMT

Pilgrims are heading to Nottingham's St Barnabas Cathedral in anticipation of the arrival of some relics that are currently on tour across the globe.

The remains of St Therese of Lisieux will be on display at the Nottingham cathedral until 1200 BST on Tuesday, as part of a nationwide tour that will involve the relics stopping at 28 locations across the UK until October 16.

So far, up to 8,000 people have queued to see the relics, which are those of a 19th Century French saint.

Hundreds have been queuing since Tuesday morning in order to catch a glimpse of the remains, which have been to 42 countries in the last 15 years.

According to the BBC, Bishop Malcolm McMahon invited people of all religious beliefs to visit the relics. He said: "As patroness of the missions, St Therese of Lisieux reminds us that it is up to all of us to go and teach the Gospel.

"Her life and writings emphasise that whatever our state in life, even if we're unable to make big gestures, we can be bearers of God's love and mercy.

"If you are not a Catholic, come and see. A warm welcome awaits you."

There will be all night vigils and special services tonight to honour the occasion.

The tour includes stops in various UK locations, including Plymouth, Salford, Lancaster, Cardiff, Leeds, London and Liverpool. Also on the list is York Minster and Wormwood Scrubs - a London prison.

WWII secret agents memorial unveiled

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:48:00 GMT

A memorial dedicated to secret agents that risked their lives for the Allies during World Word II has been unveiled in London.

The new sculpture features the image of Parisian agent, Violette Szabo, who grew up in the south east of England and became a secret agent for the Allies when she was just 20 years old.

The memorial recognises the work of the Special Operations Executives (SOE), a wartime unit that was created by Prime Minister Winston Churchill with the aim of working undercover in European counties in a manner that, as Churchill said at the time, would "set Europe ablaze".

Code-named 'Louise', Szabo volunteered for the job following the death of her husband and first child. She underwent strict training in armed and unarmed combat, demolitions and explosives, escape and evasion, night and daylight navigation, cryptography, communications and how to use both Allied and German weapons. Her first mission was successful, involving the reorganisation of a French resistance association that the Germans had destroyed. Her work during this mission was crucial to the Allies in establishing bombing targets.

Her second mission, however, resulted in capture. She was tortured and killed at the age of 23, having spent mere months on the field since deployment following training.

According to the BBC, at the ceremony to unveil the London memorial, Lord Selborne said: "She was young and absolutely fearless."

The ceremony's guest of honour, Joachim Ronneberg, was the man that led the raid by the SOE in the famous WWII raid on Telemark. He said: "I am privileged to be here.

"We had lots of friends who never knew that we won the war, because they were killed along the way.

"It's with great respect that you stand at a memorial like this."

Central Scotland forest regeneration announced

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:37:00 GMT

An ancient native woodland that once covered central Scotland thousands of years ago is to be recreated once more.

A new project to rejuvenate the central Scotland belt has been announced in the hopes that the Great Trossachs Forest will bring new life to the area and provide a showcase for much of Scotland's wildlife.

Already, tree planting across the area has begun to link woodlands between Loch Lomond and Callander, making the new forest span an area of 166 sq km, creating 4400 hectares of new woodland.

According to the BBC, the Scottish Forest Alliance is behind the project and Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "The Great Trossachs Forest is a remarkable achievement - a stunning resource that offers a host of opportunities and a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits.

"It is also a model for the future and one that I hope will be adopted elsewhere, hopefully with equally successful results."

The project will include the building of very specific habitat types in the area to cater to all wildlife and offer visitors exploring the region the chance to enjoy many of Scotland's natural sights. As well as the large volume of trees, the area will include grassland, wetland and moorland, all of which are indigenous to the Scottish landscape.

In a bid to make the area loyal to its Scottish heritage, over 1,250 hectares of non-native pine will also be removed and replaced with indigenous plant life.

Edinburgh prepares for two week Hispanic festival

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:25:00 GMT

Edinburgh will soon be home to two weeks of celebrations commemorating the city's 33,000-strong Spanish and Latin American population.

Five years ago, the festival began as a humble three day celebration, but has since expanded to include two weeks of cultural exploration. The central Scotland city expects to present a plethora of Hispanic delights, including flamenco performances, food and drinking opportunities and dance workshops inviting members of the public to learn a new type of dance.

Originally created to highlight Edinburgh's Hispanic community and promote understanding between cultures in the Scottish capital, the festival has experienced much popularity amongst residents and tourists.

According to the Scotsman, the festival's artistic director, Maria Conte, said: "This has grown a lot in four years. We've now got international flamenco companies interested in coming to Scotland. There's a big Spanish and Latin American community here, but we don't often have a very high profile. The aim of the festival is to help people integrate better, and celebrate our culture."

"We're definitely aiming to get a bigger audience this year. It's a chance for people to enjoy a flavour of a different culture."

With musicians, poets and entertainers preparing to wow Edinburgh audiences in October, the festival is expected to continue its journey to becoming an established part of the city. Events will kick off on Thursday October 8 at the Jazz Bar on Chambers Street, where a fundraising event will present poetry and music from Chilean, Spanish and Scottish artists.

Other highlights include the world-famous Leonor Leal Flamenco Dance Company, which will appear at the Queen's Hall on October 17 and various dance workshops on the following day at Dance Base in the Grassmarket.

Manchester gets set for Literature Festival

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 GMT

This year's Manchester Literature Festival is set to kick off once more as an exciting line up is revealed for the festival's fourth year.

Taking place from October 15 to 25, the Manchester Literature Festival aims to open up literature to a wide range of audiences and offers a wealth of events and activities for the public to enjoy.

Among the authors announced so far are Fife-born crime writer Val McDermid, York-born author Kate Atkinson, Oxford-born Booker nominee Martin Amis and Worcestershire-born author and creative writing professor Fay Weldon.

The festival will take place throughout the north west England city at a variety of venues, including the newly renovated Band on the Wall venue, which has just opened its doors after a four year hiatus. The Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Buddhist Centre, Manchester Comedy Store and Imperial War Museum North will also host various events for the festival.

According to thebookseller.com. the festival's director, Cathy Bolton, said: "Every year MLF sets itself the challenge to get the best, most interesting and diverse writers and literary events for the festival - and this year we've really done ourselves proud! If you love live literature, but haven't got the time or money to go to Edinburgh or Cheltenham, don't worry because we're bringing top quality culture with our own Manchester stamp right to your doorstep."

The programme for the festival includes signings, readings, talks and workshops so budding authors can go and learn the writing craft for themselves. The full programme is available at the festival's official website.

MOBO awards enjoy Glasgow success

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:37:00 GMT

Celebrating its 14th year, the MOBO awards took place on Wednesday night in Glasgow.

The SECC stadium was packed as the prestigious event, which awards urban music artists for their contributions to the UK music scene, kicked off with a variety of performances from the country's top artists. Included in the line up was La Toya Jackson, who introduced her brother Jermaine before he performed a tribute in memory to deceased pop star Michael Jackson.

According to the BBC, Jermaine said: "My brother was everything to me. He was a wonderful artist and a wonderful human being.

"I'm here to do what I can, it is part of our responsibility as a family to continue his legacy and keep it alive."

Much of the evening included various dedications to the King of Pop, but the attention was still very much on the awards. UK artists travelled from all over to attend the central Scotland ceremony and there were some surprises in store for urban music fans.

Many were disappointed that London rap stars Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder received no awards, with member of best UK act and best album winner N-Dubz, Dappy, stating: "There's no-one like Tinchy, nobody's doing what he's doing, nobody's got his swagger.

"I'm really upset. He should have won something."

Other winners at the Glasgow award ceremony included X-Factor runners up JLS, Keri Wilson, Chipmunk, jazz singer Yolanda Brown, gospel performer Victizzle and DJ Trevor Nelson.

While picking up the best song award for single Beat Again, Marvin Humes of JLS said: "I just want to say thank you to all our supporters who are here tonight.

"I never thought we would be here. I never thought we'd get nominated, and I never thought we would win two awards."

Iconic Manchester music venue reopens

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:12:00 GMT

An iconic Manchester music venue is reopening its doors following a four year hiatus.

Band on the Wall is an historical venue that helped many bands launch their careers since it was originally established in the 1930s. Since then, the Swan Street site has helped kick off the livelihoods of many Manchester bands like The Fall, Buzzcocks and Joy Division.

Falling into disrepair in 2005, the not-for-profit venue closed its doors and underwent a large scale refurbishment that has added a cafe, meeting spaces and a recording studio to the location's offerings.

According to the BBC, Band on the Wall's marketing manager, Malcolm Duffin, commented that the venue's list of bands that had gigged there "ran into the thousands".

He added: "One of the great names that really began their careers here are Joy Division.

"Basically, this is where the contract was signed for Unknown Pleasures, the first album, [when] they decided to stay in Manchester with Factory Records.

"Bjork began here. Simply Red - they were known as the Frantic Elevators in those days. The Buzzcocks began here. The Fall. Even great jazz artists like Art Blakey have played here in the past.

"So Manchester has really seen the great, the good, the new and the old all coming through the doors."

The North West England music venue was originally founded as a pub and brewery in 1865, but switched to become a music venue in 1937. It then underwent periods of being a jazz venue and an outlet for the punk era.

Band on the Wall is run as a registered charity and is supported by various funding committees.

Historic Powys building wins £250,000 facelift

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

A historic town hall in Powys has won a quarter of a million pounds so it can undergo rejuvenation after falling into disrepair.

The building, which is 100 years old, needs serious attention if it is to resume being used to host various events and activities for locals and tourists visiting the South Wales town of Builth Wells. Work is expected to begin in October to restore the building and bring it into the 21st century.

Funding of £250,000 was awarded to the appeal by an assembly government fund that was set up to aid communities affected by quarrying. Geoff York, town councillor, helped to apply for the funding and explained that Builth Wells council bought the building from Powys council as the previous owner deemed the upkeep of the historic building to be too expensive.

According to the BBC, Mr York stated that the building would "continue to provide a focal point for everyone in the community," but added that "more money is still needed".

Builth Wells is home to a variety of historic buildings, including Builth Castle which was built under the reign of King Edward I in the 1270s. It also includes a rather unique attraction - a rare post box that is one of the few in the entirety of the UK that bears the cipher of King Edward VIII.

The town is served by Builth Road railway station, which provides links to the south and north of Wales.

News becomes art at latest London exhibition

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:49:00 GMT

A major London exhibition has opened its doors to the public in the hopes that a brand new form of art will be formed through their participation.

Visitors to the Gustav Metzger exhibition at London's Serpentine Gallery are invited to view selected images cut from newspapers based on various topics that the Jewish-Polish artist has personally collected since 1995. The selections will then be made into a new work of art by the artist, whose exhibition focuses to a large extent on wartime themes.

The BBC reports that exhibition co-curator, Sophie O'Brien, noted the newspapers are emblematic as they form a part of everyday convenience, saying: "They hold all the information on our lives from everything to human interest news stories to politics. So it is very symbolic as well as practical."

In part of the exhibition, visitors can crawl beneath a sheet in order to view an enlarged image of Jews being forced to get onto their knees to scrub the streets of a Nazi-dominated Vienna. The work is intended to help visitors understand how events depicted in such images and their implications in greater depth.

It also includes a picture of Jews at the moment of discovery by Nazis in their Warsaw hiding place, the cellar in a ghetto house. Complete with rubble to represent the cellar's brickwork, the image has been described as "disturbing."

Opening on Tuesday, the Gustav Metzger exhibition is comprised of six decades of the artist's work and is available for visitors at the south east England museum, which is located in London's Kensington Gardens, next to Hyde Park.

Roman 'postcards' to be displayed

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:25:00 GMT

Letters, described as 'postcards' written by Roman soldiers who were posted in Northumberland are to be displayed in their home county.

The tablets, which are among some of the earliest examples of the written word to be found in Britain, have been housed at The British Museum in London so far, but are set to be returned to the north east of England to be displayed at their original home.

Named after the Roman camp at Hadrian's Wall, the Vindolanda Tablets will be placed in a new Heritage Lottery Fund supported gallery on temporary loan to celebrate its opening. According to the BBC, some of the translated tablets include information and invitations such as details on how the soldiers kept warm during winter, while one particular tablet features an invitation to a birthday party from a commander's wife.

The new gallery will mean that the Roman Army Museum in Vindolanda can be linked with the new building, and the £4m grant from the lottery fund will mean that a new education centre can also be built at the Northumberland attraction.

The BBC reports that the chief executive of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, Linda Tuttiett, said: "The contribution that this award will make to the interpretation of Roman communication and the multi-cultural nature of the Romans in Britain cannot be understated.

"The trust will finally be able to display the Vindolanda Tablets, this country's most significant historical find, and share their importance with a much wider audience."

Thousands attend Glasgow Merchant City Festival parade

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:13:00 GMT

The annual Merchant City Festival in Glasgow is well underway and on Sunday its official parade enticed thousands to join the celebrations.

The central Scotland city has been running the festival for eight years and aims to highlight Glasgow's cultural capacity. Over 200 performances in a spectrum of styles are taking place, including stand up acts, fashion shows, music, theatre and visual arts performances.

This year's parade, which started at Nelson Mandela Place, traversed George Street and ended on King Street, appears to have topped last year's record of 50,000 by an estimated additional 15,000-20,000 people.

The festival's artistic director, Neil Butler, told the BBC: "We have yet to collate the final figures but we reckon they will be in the region of 65-70,000, which is the largest audience to date.

"Certainly all indications on Saturday were that the audience was 30% up on last year, something that we are immensely proud of.

"The attraction of record crowds was made possible by the partnerships we have forged over the years with organisations like the BBC, Scottish Opera and street performers and artists from the UK, France, Spain, Brazil and US."

Many of the performances are free of charge and take place in Glasgow's "cultural quarter", Merchant City. The full programme of the festival is available to view on the official Merchant City Festival website.

The festival is running from September 25 until 28 and highlights include the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

An Inspector Calls returns to London West End

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:01:00 GMT

The acclaimed and groundbreaking production of An Inspector Calls by director Stephen Daldry is set to return to the West End.

First staged in York 20 years ago, then again in 1992 at London's National Theatre, the play won many awards for its radical treatment of the text, surprising theatregoers familiar with the traditional drawing room setting by changing the design to present the action in a house on stilts.

J.B. Priestly's 1945 classic, set in 1912, tells of the investigation conducted by a mysterious Inspector Goole regarding the death of a young woman. Interrupting a jovial dinner party being held by a prosperous family, the inspector reveals each family member had connections with the deceased and unravels the story of her death.

Dorset-born director Daldry spoke to the BBC about the production. He said: "It's interesting and odd to go back to a piece of work you created 20 years ago, look at it and analyse all the decisions you made.

"I think most of the time I'm amazed at my audacity. I'm not sure I'd have created the same piece of work now."

He added: "it's impossible not to read the current political context into the production.

"What is amazing is the call to arms that the play is - that if we live purely as individuals, we will end up in fire and blood and anguish - seems to be very pertinent.

"I'm fascinated to see how audiences will take to that message right now."

An Inspector Calls is running at London's Novello Theatre until November 14.

The Faces to play London gig without Rod Stewart

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The Faces, a 70s band formed by members of the Small Faces, are planning to make an appearance at a one-off charity show in London next month.

However, lead singer Rod Stewart will not be present at the gig - though he will be replaced by a variety of guest singers. Other band members Ronnie Wood, Kenny Jones and Ian McLagan will take to the stage accompanied by Bill Wyman, a former Rolling Stones member, who will fill in for the late Ronnie Lane.

The charity to benefit from the concert is the Performing Right Society for Music Members' Benevolent Fun. According to the BBC, Ronnie Lane's widow Katy received aid from the charity following his death. The purpose of the organisation is to assist songwriters, musicians and their families during times of financial difficulty.

Taking Rod Stewart's place in front of the microphone is a range of singing talent, including Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, former Spice Girl Melanie C, Greater Manchester-born jazz artist Georgie Fame and Yorkshire singer-songwriter Kiki Dee.

Ronnie Wood said of the event: "This will be so special for us, staging a reunion for such a wonderful and prestigious event.

"Sadly Ronnie Lane can't be with us, but I'm sure he will be there in spirit, God bless him."

The concert will take place at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall on October 25. The band is expected to perform many of its best known hits, including Cindy Incidentally and Stay With Me.

Central Perk cafe replica opens for London Friends fans

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:37:00 GMT

Fans of the 90s sitcom Friends are queuing around the block for the chance to step into a replica of the coffee shop that was so iconic to the series.

As the location where the first ever scene of the television show took place, Central Perk has been with Friends for many of its best moments. Now, 15 years after that first episode was screened, UK Friends fans are being given the chance to tour the set and could even bump into coffee shop character Gunther, played by James Michael Tyler.

Located on Broadwick Street, central London, the replica Central Perk has been carefully laid out so that it reproduces the original set to the last detail, and even has a few extras added in. Memorabilia from the show has been installed in glass cases around the shop, so fans can see recognisable props - such as Rachel's wedding dress from episode one and the list Ross created to help him decide between Rachel and love rival Julie - up close.

The south east England coffee shop expects to invite nearly 1000 people through its doors each day, though limits are set to 50 at any one time due to space constrictions. Most fans will be eager to sit on the iconic orange sofa to enjoy their free cup of coffee, which can be gotten by handing over a printed out e-ticket.

Friends came to a close after a decade of shows in 2004 and London's homage to symbolic set Central Perk is open for two weeks to celebrate one of the most influential television shows of the 90s.

West End to welcome financial scandal play Enron

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:13:00 GMT

London's West End is set to welcome Lucy Prebble's financial scandal play Enron in the new year.

The play, which premiered at the Chichester Festival Theatre in July, is receiving renewed public interest due to the comparisons that can be drawn between its tale of financial greed and collapse with today's economic crisis.

Before its move to the West End, the play enjoyed a sell out run at London's Royal Court and will open its doors to West End audiences on January 16. It stars Samuel West as the eponymous enterprise's former president and Tim Pigott-Smith as the original founder.

Directed by Rupert Goold, the production includes video, dance and music to explore the events leading up to the collapse of the American energy company in 2001 using tragic elements as well as sharp comedy to bring audiences into the story.

Based on one of the largest financial scandals in history, Enron is expected to cast a reflection on today's recession. According to the BBC, it is the second commission by Headlong Theatre to transfer to the south east England city's West End within recent months, coming after Six Characters in Search of an Author.

Playwright Lucy Prebble was educated in English at Sheffield University, throughout which she wrote a short play that won the PMA Most Promising Playwright Award. She is also the author of hit play The Sugar Syndrome and television series Secret Diary of a Call Girl, which stars Billie Piper and has been met with much acclaim.

London National Theatre pulls huge crowds

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:12:00 GMT

In its annual report, the National Theatre has revealed that the last year has been its most profitable in the last seven years, with 817,000 visitors in attendance over the recorded period.

The London theatre's box office recorded admirable sales, achieving 93 per cent capacity since April 2008. The increased attendance was undoubtedly helped by the theatre's productions of popular shows like War Horse and the addition of Sunday matinees.

Sunday matinees were introduced on trial but are now a fixture at the theatre and many performances are recorded and shown live on cinema screens across the UK. Coming up on the theatre's cinematic agenda are the screenings of Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well, which will be shown live on October 1, as well as next year's production of Nation by Sir Terry Pratchett, which will have its January 30 matinee performance screened live in UK cinemas.

The south east England city began screening performances in selected cinemas in June, where Phedre, starring Dame Helen Mirren, was viewed by nearly 50,000 people in 19 countries.

Similarly successful, the Sunday matinees attracted around a third of first time bookers, the BBC reports.

Staging 17 new productions this year, the National Theatre managed to net considerable sales, including over £2m at the box office for War Horse.

It plans to invest £465,000 of its profits into the refurbishment and modernising of its building, which is located on London's South Bank.

Shirley Bassey joins Electric Proms line up

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The BBC Electric Proms has announced that Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey is the latest addition to the line up of the annual show.

Joining other stars like Robbie Williams, who was announced to perform yesterday, Dizzee Rascal and Doves, the Cardiff-born singer will make the appearance her only live performance of the year.

The singer has said that she is looking forward to the evening, where she will perform much-loved old favourites as well as tracks from her new album. She told the BBC: "What I'm most looking forward to at the BBC Electric Proms is performing songs from my new album The Performance for the first time - it really will be a special moment for me."

Taking place at the Roundhouse in London, the BBC Electric Proms will let audiences enjoy listening to big stars and newcomers an intimate concert setting. The event lasts for four days and will take place in the south east England city from October 20 to 24.

In 2007, Dame Shirley appeared at esteemed music festival Glastonbury and scored a wealth of new fans from younger audiences. It is hoped that her upcoming performance at the Electric Proms will bring her yet more new fans from younger generations.

The 72 year old singer will also be using the performance to celebrate half a century in the limelight.

The four day BBC Electric Proms will be broadcast on BBC Radio Two for listeners around the country to tune in to.

26ft blue puppet strides across Scotland

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:48:00 GMT

A 26ft tall blue puppet is making its way across Scotland as part of an arts project aimed to help communities focus on the good parts of their towns.

The Big Man recently made his debut at Edinburgh's Portobello beach, where his appearance caused a stir amongst locals as the 1.5 tonne artwork strode across the sand while being watched by over 100 children.

Part of a £600,000 project funded by the Arts Council, the Big Man will make his way from the central Scotland city to communities all over Scotland, including towns from the south of Scotland and villages in the Highlands.

The BBC reports that Simon McIntyre, the artistic director, said: "The idea is that the giant has been asleep for thousands of years, and now that he's awoken he's being invited into these communities where they will welcome him and show him the best things about their town.

"That's quite important in many towns, where they're not often asked about the good things and we've had some great responses.

"The thing about the Big Man is that he simply walks and looks and watches and then leaves again. He doesn't make any comment on what he sees."

The Big Man, which needs 12 puppeteers to enable it to walk, turn its head and blink its eyes, also has remote-controlled cameras installed that will enable it to record what it is being shown in each community. These will be streamed onto the internet as the puppet makes its way through various communities.

Robbie Williams to play London gig

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:37:00 GMT

Ex-Take That star Robbie Williams is set to take to the stage during the BBC's Electric Proms in London.

The singer will appear alongside other bands and performers during the event, which will take place at London's Roundhouse on October 20.

The set will be Staffordshire-born Williams' first full-length performance for three years and will include accompaniment from a full band, as well as additional string and horn sections for the performances of songs from new album Reality Killed the Video Star, as well as old favourites.

According to the BBC, Williams stated: "I'm looking forward to playing my new songs, working with Trevor Horn again and seeing how people react to what I've been doing."

Trevor Horn, a Durham-born songwriter and record producer, will be directing the show, which also includes appearances from a variety of other bands and musicians. So far, performances by Dizzee Rascal, Florence & The Machine, Doves, Smokey Robinson, Magazine and Metronomy have also been announced for the event, which last year was headlined by Manchester band Oasis.

Williams returned to the UK earlier this year following a two year sabbatical in America, where he spent months pursuing his interest in paranormal phenomena, namely UFOs and contacting life from other planets. He claims to have seen a UFO on several occasions, with the first being when he was a child growing up in Staffordshire.

Since January, the singer has been living in Wiltshire and working on his new album, which is due to be released on November 9.

High speed trains named after British athletes

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:24:00 GMT

Following a public vote, 12 British athletes have been chosen to be honoured with new high speed trains being named after them.

The service, which is a highly anticipated part of the scheme to get Britain running on high speed rail services in order to catch up to European technologies, currently runs between Kent and London, a limited service expected to begin fully on December 13.

The 12 trains, which are Japanese-built and capable of speeds of up to 140mph, have been named after publically-selected athletes deemed to be the best in Britain. Ashford-born Jamie Staff on Monday unveiled a plaque on a train that began services immediately, bearing his name on its side.

According to the BBC, Southeastern trains managing director, Charles Horton, said: "Our high speed trains are the fastest in the country so it seems only appropriate that we name the first 12 after Britain's fastest."

The current service, which is a preview of the fuller version coming in December, has been so successful thus far that it has been extended to Dover and increased from six carriages to 12. It is hoped that over coming years the services will be extended across the entirety of the UK.

Other athletes selected through public vote include Kent's Kelly Holmes, Edinburgh's Chris Hoy, Loughborough's Steve Backley, Nottinghamshire's Rebecca Adlington, Aberdeen's Katherine Grainger, Somerset's Duncan Goodhew, Cardiff's Tanni Grey-Thompson, Cornwall's Ben Ainslie, London-born Sebastian Coe, Buckinghamshire's Steve Redgrave and London's Daley Thompson.

Blue plaque for Victorian ventriloquist

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Thomas Frederick Parnell, known as the father of modern ventriloquism, has been given a tribute of a blue plaque.

Going by the stage name Fred Russell, Parnell popularised the use of a single dummy as a ventriloquist act and toured the world with his show, which included favourite dummy, Cockney 'Coster Joe'.

The Victorian-era entertainer is also recognised as being the ventriloquist who introduced the quick verbal snap between the performer and dummy where the mannequin makes most of the jokes.

The blue plaque has been installed at his south east England home, where he lived for 12 years. Now adorning the wall of the London home, the plaque can be seen on Lower Richmond Road in Putney.

Croydon-born music hall singer, Roy Hudd, was present at the plaque's unveiling and told the BBC: "He was a great man in so many ways - the Victorian man who was good at everything he did.

"He was a huge top-of-the-bill star and that rare thing, an entertainer who was interested in politics.

"It's very exciting for all of us - we've been trying to get a blue plaque for him for 25 years."

Russell helped create the Variety Artistes Federation trade union in 1906, an event that meant many entertainers enjoyed improved terms and conditions throughout their careers. The ventriloquist toured the globe, visiting America, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka and had a television show that aired until 1952.

Cyclists take to London's car-free centre

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

London's city centre was closed to traffic for six hours on Sunday as cyclists took to the streets to enjoy the chance to cycle through the area with the road to themselves.

The Mayor of London's Skyride was kicked off at 10am by Boris Johnson and actress Kelly Brook, who took part in the 15km journey from Buckingham Palace, through Victoria Embankment and up to Tower Hill.

The event was also attended by Olympic gold winner Sir Chris Hoy and television presenter Gethin Jones. Started in 2007, the Skyride aims to give cyclists the chance to enjoy the South East England city's best sights without the anxiety of other traffic.

According to the BBC, London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "The single biggest deterrent to people getting on their bikes is that they feel nervous."

He spoke about upcoming proposals that would see motorists taking legal responsibility for accidents where cyclists are involved, stating: "We need to make sure that cyclists are treated with respect and that they treat other road users with respect as well."

Other events similar to Sunday's have taken place in Glasgow, Leicester, Manchester and west London.

The BBC reports that Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy said: "Cycling has something for everybody.

"It's not just going round the velodrome at break-neck speed."

The Mayor of London's Skyride enjoyed tens of thousands of participants this year, many of whom spoke about their experiences on video blogs that were displayed on a specially-built video wall during the course of the day.

Gauguin exhibition to arrive at Tate Modern

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:37:00 GMT

An upcoming major exhibition has been announced by the Tate Modern.

The London gallery will invite visitors to take in over 100 works by the post-Impressionist French artist Paul Gauguin in an exhibition entitled Gauguin: Maker of Myth. Taking place next year, the gallery expects to attract a great deal of art fans to view exceptional works.

Famous Gauguin pieces like Teha'amana Has Many Parents and Visions of the Sermon will make appearances, as well as the renowned Self-Portrait as Christ in the Garden of Olives.

The artist was recently brought into light as potentially having been the person to cut off contemporary Vincent Van Gogh's ear, an event that was claimed to have occurred during a fight between the two artists. One of the acts Van Gogh is best known for was his reputed amputation of his own ear.

According to the BBC, the announcement of the exhibition coupled the Tate Modern's unveiling of its annual report, with the gallery's director Nicholas Serota saying: "Tate has been extremely fortunate to benefit from many exceptional gifts over the past year.

"We must make sure that our current visitors and future generations gain from the richness of the legacy that this generosity provides."

Gauguin's most famous works were created when he abandoned a modern lifestyle in favour of a more primitive one and a variety of extraordinary artworks were produced during this period of his life.

The exhibition will also mark over 50 years since the last Gauguin display of its type.

Welsh railway extension plans on display

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Plans to extend a Welsh railway service have gone on display for members of the public to view and launch objections if they wish.

It is hoped that no issues will arise concerning the Llangollen Railway Trust's plans to extend a railway line to better serve the north Wales area of Denbighshire. The applications detail a scheme that will see just over two miles being added to the current line, which runs from Llangollen to Carrog, so that it includes Corwen. A new station will be built at Corwen that would be planned to open in 2013.

According to the BBC, the vice president of the Llangollen Railway Trust, Gordon Heddon, said: "We believe that delivery of this project to bring the railway to Corwen will be a central part of the regeneration of the town.

"The provision of the new car park, in anticipation of the coming of the railway, provides for an interchange with bus services and opens up a new marketing sector for the railway in terms of easing access to the west and north of the Dee Valley."

Fellow vice president William Shakespeare added: "The achievement of the extension will be the culmination of a 35-year ambition to rebuild the railway from Llangollen to Corwen, a project which started back in 1975, when we took over a derelict station at Llangollen."

If plans go ahead, locals and tourists around the north Wales area will find more convenient transport between small towns and villages and cities like Wrexham, as well as Cardiff and Swansea in the south of Wales.

Stage version of Ben Hur begins London run

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:24:00 GMT

The world premiere of the stage version of Charlton Heston cinema extravaganza Ben Hur is set to take place at London's O2 arena tonight.

The south east England venue will play host to the famous tale of revenge and redemption in a large scale re-enactment of the 1959 adaptation of a lesser known 1880 novel by Lewis Wallace.

According to the BBC, tonight's performance in London was 15 years in the making for creator Franz Abraham, who has expressed his hopes that the show - which encompasses 70 dancers and acrobats, 100 doves, 32 horses, two donkeys, three falcons, two vultures and two eagles, as well as over 1,000 costumes - while endure a greater longevity than his dreams.

He said: "We count on this show running 50 years.

"The show will have the speed of a musical, the depth of great theatre, the power of a rock concert and the visual opulence of a Hollywood blockbuster."

The 32 thoroughbred horses underwent a year of intensive training prior to the opening, much of which has been in preparation for the famous chariot race - the first time a high-speed event of its kind has ever been performed indoors.

Stewart Copeland, the drummer with band the Police, will narrate the extravaganza, which involves actors speaking only in Latin and Aramaic. He also penned the score for the show, and told the BBC that it was a constant affair for him, saying: "It's not a matter of discipline, it's a matter of obsession. I wake up in the morning, I can't breathe until I'm there and I'm already at it before I've finished my coffee."

Yorkshire Museum shows of Viking hoard

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:01:00 GMT

The Yorkshire Museum is giving visitors the opportunity to view an incredible collection of Viking treasures discovered in 2007.

The Vale of York Hoard was dug out in Harrogate two years ago and was brought to the British Museum in London. Hailed as one of the finest discoveries of Viking silver since 1840, the haul contained 617 coins - of which just one coin held crucial evidence as to when the hoard was buried.

According to the BBC, the coin, minted in the name of Athelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great and for some the first King of all England, gives a specific period to when the hoard was concealed - soon after 927 AD. The fact that just one of these coins was included in the haul indicates that it was newly issued, therefore specifying the date further still.

The broadcaster reports that the curator of archaeology at the York Museums Trust, Andrew Morrison, said: "He minted that after a council of northern Kings that he held in 927.

"There's only one - it's fresh - so the likelihood is that it was put in the ground when that coin was first issued. In a couple more years, because those coins were in general circulation, you'd expect more of them to be in the mix."

The date was around the time that Athelstan added Northumbria to his dominion of Wessex and Mercia, expelling Viking rulers.

The hoard, which includes fine samples of Viking treasure from across the world, will be available to view at the Yorkshire Museum from September 17 to November 1.

South Yorkshire trams a 'valuable addition'

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:49:00 GMT

A new plan to install Continental-style tram-trains in South Yorkshire has been announced by the Department for Transport.

The concept was inspired from European versions and would be provided as an addition to the Sheffield Supertram network currently installed in the area.

If the plans are successful, the project will take three years to complete and cost around £24 million, though they have been touted as a 'valuable addition' to the rail system in the UK.

The new trams are expected to be trialled over a link between Rotherham and Sheffield and, following success, are aimed to be used to better connect South Yorkshire.

The BBC reports that Rail Minister Christ Mole said: "Tram-train is a new concept for Britain, but it has already proved a valuable addition to rail fleets on the continent.

"Adapting tram-train to the UK requires some testing, but while that is under way, people in South Yorkshire will have the chance to experience this new type of vehicle for themselves, and I hope they will tell us what they think of it."

The director general of the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, David Brown, added: "If we can overcome the technical challenges then tram-trains would bring huge benefits to the travelling public in South Yorkshire.

"They would widen the options available to those people travelling between Rotherham and Sheffield and the technology could eventually be used elsewhere in the UK too."

The new vehicles will be purchased by Northern Rail and Network Rail is exploring how best to accommodate the trams on the rail network currently in use across the country.

Blackpool cycling scheme aims to boost tourism

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:37:00 GMT

A new hiring scheme for bicycles has had its official launch in seaside resort Blackpool and is hoped to prove a boon for the town's tourist industry.

Believed to be the largest bicycle scheme in the UK, the £1 million needed for the initiative was funded by the council, Blackpool NHS and Cycling England and is modelled on the same type of scheme currently in place in Paris.

The north west England town now features a series of bicycle stands placed around Blackpool Pleasure Beach, on the promenade and in parks around the area making up 100 stands all together. At these hubs, a growing number of bikes will be available for locals and tourists to use by either purchasing a day card or through a pay as you go card.

According to the BBC, Blackpool's cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, Councillor Maxine Callow, said: "Our dedication to cycling initiatives is a massive step forward in Blackpool's efforts to boost tourism in the town and enhance our reputation as a family friendly holiday destination.

"I hope people will take the opportunity to make use of this clean, easy and affordable method of transport.

"They will be able to jump on a bike wherever they are and use it to get all over the town."

Such schemes already exist in the UK, with Reading and Bristol being two cities that offer cycling initiatives, albeit on a smaller scale than the new Blackpool scheme.

The chairman of Cycling England, Phillip Darnton, told the broadcaster: "We've got this amazing promenade, all the attractions, all the excitement of it and then backing it you've got 150,000 people who are definitely going to use these bikes, day by day."

Prince William opens new Darwin Centre

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:25:00 GMT

Prince William has officially opened the new £78m Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum.

The Prince visited central London in order to make a speech regarding the significance of the opening and was accompanied by Sir David Attenborough.

The cocoon-shaped centre is home to 17 million insect specimens and three million plant types, which are located throughout its eight storeys alongside a new science laboratory where visitors can view researchers at work.

According to the BBC, Prince William said: "As the superb new facilities of the Darwin Centre show, the Natural History Museum and the dedicated people who work here are at the very forefront of research, seeking out through study of the natural world the answers to the great questions of our age."

The centre aims to allow members of the public to learn more about natural history, with the opportunity to come face to face with some of the rarer species of insects and plants that they may not have a chance to encounter otherwise.

The south east England attraction also offers enlightenment on climate change via a 30 square metre wall collage of interactive screens where members of the public can learn about global warming through interactive learning.

At any one time, the newest addition to the Natural History Museum can be used by more than 200 scientists, who will work in the new laboratory named the Attenborough Studio after the famous television nature presenter.

The Darwin Centre is open as part of the Natural History Museum and entry is free.

Chaka Khan, Lulu and Anastacia announce tour

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:01:00 GMT

Chaka Khan, Lulu and Anastacia have announced a collaborative tour of the UK, which they have titled Here Come The Girls.

Following their appearances at the Abba tribute concert on Sunday, which took place in front of thousands of spectators in Hyde Park in London, the trio have announced their intention to play a 20 date tour which will begin in central Scotland, with the first date occurring in Edinburgh on November 21.

According to ents24.com, Lulu said: "I am so proud of our Here Come the Girls Tour. Putting it together has been exciting and I am thrilled that these great voices, and now my great friends, Chaka Khan and Anastacia, are sharing the experience with me. The show is a celebration of us women - a little mischief and a lot of fun, set to real get-up-and-dance music. Talk about woman power!"

The trio will move on to Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, Swindon, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Brighton, Oxford, Nottingham, Glasgow, Bournemouth, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Manchester, Birmingham, Hull and Blackpool before concluding in Belfast on December 21.

The planned venues for the concerts are theatres rather than stadiums to allow for a more 'intimate' relationship between audience and the performers, who have expressed much enthusiasm for the tour.

The Daily Mail reports that the three divas plan to combine their own songs with the works of great women through the ages like Aretha Franklin and The Weather Girls to create a show that is a celebration of women.

Judi Dench to rival London Globe with Yorkshire Rose theatre

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:49:00 GMT

Dame Judi Dench has revealed plans to turn a building seen in 1998 film Shakespeare in Love into an actual theatre to serve the north of England.

According to the Guardian, Dench hopes to turn the full-size replica of a theatre which once stood near London's Globe Theatre into a working theatre, which would be placed in the north east of England.

The disassembled Rose theatre was given as a gift to Dench following her appearance in the film and she has revealed that she is determined to ensure it does not go to waste. She went on to donate it to the British Shakespeare Company which will install the open-air theatre in the northeast.

The company is currently in talks with councils in Manchester, York and Sheffield over the placement of the theatre, with other locations possibly joining the discussions.

The Guardian reports that Robert Williamson, founder of the BSC, said: "The north is the place to have the Rose. London has got the Globe, it's got Regent's Park, it's got the wonderful season by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

"In the Midlands they have got a fantastic series of theatres with the RSC doing some incredible work. But in the north of England there isn't anything serving as a centre for Shakespeare, or even a constant series of his plays taking place."

The placement of the Rose theatre could prove somewhat controversial, with the new theatre possibly affecting current theatres in the area. For example, Leeds turned the building down over fears for its impact on current establishments.

However, many other northern cities are expected to campaign to win the theatre.

Kylie Minogue wows crowds at Abba tribute

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:37:00 GMT

An Abba tribute concert has taken place in London in celebration of the Swedish group's long and successful career.

One of the highlights of the three hour event, which took place on Sunday in London's Hyde Park, was the appearance of Australian sensation Kylie Minogue as she took to the stage to impress audiences with a rendition of Super Trouper, which was originally released nearly 30 years ago.

According to the BBC, Kylie said that it was "a dream come true" while remarking about her later appearance with Abba member Benny Andersson to perform When All Is Said And Done.

The concert, which was announced earlier this year, was held in celebration of Abba's contribution to the musical world and included appearances from Andersson's fellow band member, Bjorn Ulvaeus.

Other stars present at the London show, which was attended by some 36,000 people, included Jason Donovan, Lulu and Chaka Khan, who all took their turns singing songs from the quartet's dynamic back catalogue.

The cast of the current stage production of Abba musical Mamma Mia, a London West End instalment, also appeared, as did central Scotland-based band Wet Wet Wet star Marti Pellow.

At the end of the evening, Ulvaeus told the crowd: "I'm not a nostalgic person but tonight took me back.

"Life can be pretty wonderful.

"Thank you for giving us this unforgettable experience."

Although Abba officially disbanded in 1982, writers Andersson and Ulvaeus have collaborated on several projects, including several musicals such as Chess and Kristina from Duvemala.

Spice Girl Mel C to take to West End stage

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:36:00 GMT

Ex Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm is set to take to the stage in London's illustrious West End theatre district in a leading role in tragic musical Blood Brothers.

The singer, who recently gave birth to her first child earlier this year, will step into the role of Mrs Johnstone. The announcement of her starring role has already resulted in a jump in bookings for the show, which begins its season on the stage at the end of October.

The Merseyside-born star will replace former contestant from The X Factor, Staffordshire singer Niki Evans and play at the Phoenix Theatre in London's famous West End.

Chisholm will take on the role following its portrayal by other actresses such as Barbara Dickson, Carole King and Kiki Dee, and is the first member of the 90s pop sensation the Spice Girls to step onto a West End stage. Former bandmate Melanie Brown, however, has appeared on stage in Broadway - New York's eminent theatre street - in a production of Rent.

Blood Brothers is one of the longest running productions in the history of musical theatre and has been present in the south east England city's West End district for over two decades. Both the book and musical version were written by Willy Russell, who was born in Liverpool and also penned such works as Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.

Melanie Chisholm will debut in Blood Brothers on Monday October 26 at London's Phoenix Theatre.

First ever UK City of Culture list revealed

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:13:00 GMT

A new initiative will see the announcement of the UK's first ever City of Culture. A list of 29 locations has been drawn up as the top competitors for the illustrious title.

According to the BBC, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw announced the list of contenders and those being considered for the position include Aberdeen, Barnsley, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton & Hove, Carlisle, Chester, Chichester, Chorley Council, City of Bath, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Derry City, Gloucester & Cheltenham, Hull, Ipswich & Haven Gateway, Leicester City, Manchester, Norwich, Oxford, Pennine Lancashire, Reading, Sheffield, 'The Countryside', Urban South Hampshire and Wakefield.

Mr Bradshaw also said that Liverpool's success in clinching the position of European City of Culture in 2008 "proves that cultural life most definitely does not begin and end within the M25".

London and its boroughs were not eligible to enter the running and another location has been put forward with a plea to remain un-named for the time being. Additional nominations are welcomed up until the end of the year.

The BBC reports that the judging panel will be chaired by Phil Redmond, the TV writer who spearheaded Liverpool's year as the European City of Culture. He said: "To be offered the job of chairing the judging panel is another great privilege for me personally."

The writer, who created classic British TV shows such as Grange Hill and Brookside added that the event was "another testimony to everyone who made Liverpool 2008 the most successful Capital of Culture to date".

Glasgow warehouse transforms into arts hub

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:01:00 GMT

A new arts attraction has been created out of a Glasgow warehouse which will accommodate various galleries, studios, workshops and production spaces.

The six-story Edwardian warehouse is located on Glasgow's Argyle Street and aims to offer members of the public the chance to learn about the production of various types of art, as well as to view existing pieces and create their own.

The central Scotland attraction is due to open its doors on Saturday and positions itself as a unique opportunity for tourists and locals alike to get a more in depth understanding of how art works. Funded by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, the National Lottery and The Merchant City Townscape Heritage Initiative, Trongate 103 will reveal the processes behind painting, printmaking, kinetic sculpture, photograph, ceramics, video and many other art forms.

The BBC reports that the executive member for business at Glasgow City Council, Councillor George Ryan, said: "The long-awaited opening of Trongate 103 will see a fantastic artistic facility being added to the city's long list of cultural centres, a feature of Glasgow that increasingly attracts visitors.

"This unique building will not only offer a huge range of opportunities to people interested in art - of every age and ability - it will support our globally-renowned contemporary artists and marks another stage in the Merchant City's regeneration."

The centre will house various Glasgow-based creative organisations, such as Glasgow Print Studio, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, Glasgow Media Access Centre and Street Level Photoworks.

Girls Aloud singer grabs £20 Popjustice award

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:49:00 GMT

A tongue-in-cheek substitute for the Mercury Prize awarded chart-topping pop group Girls Aloud with its grand prize this week.

The Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize was created as an alternative to the prestigious Mercury Prize, an event that awards winners with a prize of £20,000, and involves a panel of judges eliminating songs from a set of 12 in the search for the year's best single.

For the third year in a row, Girls Aloud topped the charts - and the prize of a twenty pound note encased in glass was picked up by band member Nicola Roberts on Tuesday night.

As she posed for members of the press at the central London pub, the BBC reports that Roberts jokingly said: "How do I feel? I feel so liberated."

She also expressed dismay that the money was sealed off "in a little plastic container".

The Popjustice award offers a light-hearted take on the more serious music event where this year's worst single of the year was awarded to the Sugababes for their release Girls. The trio will receive an invoice for £20 as punishment for the single.

According to the BBC, the editor of the Popjustice website, Peter Robinson, said: "The voting process is sort of a shambles.

"I draw up a shortlist of 12 songs and then, over the course of the evening in a pub with a lot of alcohol, a group of judges who have applied through the website eliminate one song at a time."

Liverpool-born Roberts admitted that it was daunting to be present during the moments of criticism, but interesting nonetheless.

"[T]he best song won in the end," she said.

Remaining Bee Gees members to return for live shows

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:48:00 GMT

The Bee Gees are planning a series of live shows, announced by band member Robin Gibb on BBC Radio's Test Match Special cricket programme.

Six years following the death of brother and bandmate Maurice Gibb, the surviving members of the Manchester-raised group are planning a comeback to play some live shows including the biggest hits of their career, which took place largely in the 1970s.

According to the BBC, Robin Gibb said: "The two of us are getting back together again as we speak."

Maurice Gibb died in 2003 and both Robin and third brother Barry said that they would no longer release music or perform under the Bee Gees name, which stood for a shortened version of Brothers Gibb.

However, Robin told the broadcaster than he and Barry had "got through the breakwater of emotions".

He described twin brother Maurice as "not just a brother but a comrade in arms really".

"It's an emotional thing when you lose someone that close."

The news follows a statement made by Robin last year that he and Barry would consider performing again "when the time is right". The surviving members of the band are now due to plan a series of live dates, although whether or not a tour will be involved is not clear. Past tours have been immensely successful, with the band playing some of the world's biggest stadiums including London's Wembley Arena.

During the 1970s, the Bee Gees were one of the biggest parts of the disco movement and awarded with several inestimable accolades during their career, including multiple Grammy awards.

More UK cities push for high speed rail services

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:25:00 GMT

The development of a high speed rail service linking London to nearby areas has sparked demands from other cities to join the planned network.

According to the Guardian, 11 cities across the UK will begin campaigning for inclusion within a proposed country-wide high speed network that will see the London high speed line expand to reach other cities, including areas in Wales and Scotland.

The campaign will be a call for new high speed rail lines to be created servicing the UK's major cities with the new, efficient transport system.

Once instated, the high speed rail service connecting the south east of England to central Scotland will mean that travel time from London to Glasgow will be slashed from nearly five hours to below three.

Backed by all three major political parties, as well as having governmental support, the campaign to include extra cities could see the UK catching up with European countries that already enjoy superior rail services.

According to the Guardian, the campaign statement says: "The campaign is deliberately focused on the importance of building a whole network to link all our major economic centres together, not simply a sterile debate about where a first route should go."

The 11 cities that are pushing to receive high speed services are Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff and Bristol.

High speed rail links are expected to fully hit the UK in 2012.

London's Hyde Park receives new sculpture

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:13:00 GMT

A new statue has arrived in Hyde Park and is the first new public sculpture to be placed in the park for almost 50 years.

Created by Simon Gudgeon, who grew up studying animals on his family farm in Yorkshire, the new statue depicts an ibis bird, which stands at three metres high. The piece is named Isis and is dedicated to the goddess of nature, and forms part of a campaign to raise money for the creation of an eco-friendly wildlife education centre in Hyde Park.

In order to encourage donors, one thousand plaques were laid into the base of the sculpture and benefactors who contribute £1,000 or more to the drive will get their name engraved onto one of the plaques.

So far, rock star Sting and wife Trudie Styler have both made significant contributions to the appeal and have been awarded plaques. Zac Goldsmith, an English environmentalist, also donated and received a plaque in his honour.

He told The Times: "The Royal Parks provide some of the most important ecological centres in our country and Hyde Park is one of the least polluted spots in Central London. The new Look Out centre will be the perfect place for young people to learn more about the natural world."

The current Look Out centre has already seen some success, with around 1000 school pupils attending each year, but it has been recognised that a severe revamp is required in order to bring the centre up to a higher standard.

Good Food Guide reveals top UK restaurants

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010 edition of the Good Food Guide has revealed the top restaurants in the UK based on in depth reviews by anonymous diners in order to compile as independent and honest a guide as possible.

Containing over 1000 restaurants in its pages, the guide is expected to continue holding its position as Britain's 'foodie bible' due to its avoidance of advertising and intent on ensuring its reviewers are always reliable.

Placing top on the list was the esteemed restaurant Fat Duck, owned by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal. The Berkshire restaurant scored number one for the third time in a row and is the only restaurant to have received 10 out of 10 on the list.

According to the BBC, other restaurants receiving high scores on the list included Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall, which came in 10th place, Jersey-based Bohemia at 17th and Michael Caines' Gidleigh Park in Devon in 22nd place.

Four restaurants in Scotland also made it into the top 50, with Edinburgh's Restaurant Martin Wishart achieving 14th position. Other Scottish restaurants making the list were Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles at 27, The Creel in St Margaret's Hope at 38 and another Edinburgh restaurant, The Kitchin, squeezing in at 44th place.

Editor of The Good Food Guide, Elizabeth Carter, said: "Scotland has a wealth of top restaurants."

Speaking in representation of Nathan Outlaw, spokesman James Coggan told the BBC: "Obviously I'm very proud of Nathan and the team and, although it may sound blase, it's what we've come to expect."

Edinburgh Festival goes out with a bang

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Figures in the realm of 220,000 people are estimated to have crowded to Edinburgh's best viewing spots in order to watch an extravagant firework display signalling the close of the city's celebrated international festival.

The display was coupled with music by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, which wowed crowds with performances of some of the most popular works by 18th century composer Handel and provided an exciting addition to the dramatic pyrotechnic presentation.

Around 220,000 people are believed to have gathered in some of the central Scotland city's top viewing locations, including Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, Inverleith Park and on Waverley Bridge to watch fireworks bursting in the air and falling around Edinburgh Castle. Spectators in Inverleith Park were also treated to a live video feed of the orchestra being played on a large screen installed in the park.

The BBC reports that John Mills, the festival's director, said: "What better way could there be to celebrate the festival?

"The Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert was a masterful mix of choreographed fireworks and uplifting music performed with consummate skill by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus.

"I would like to thank all our artists and audiences for a wonderful 2009 Edinburgh International Festival."

This year's festival season brought thousands of visitors to Edinburgh to take in a variety of arts and performance. Despite the economic recession, the box offices for the arts festival, the Fringe and the Edinburgh Book Festival all reported an increase of ticket sales from 2008.

Oyster cards could see cheaper fares after upgrade

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:24:00 GMT

Travellers in London could enjoy cheaper fares on the Underground from January 2010 following a £40 million upgrade to the Oyster card system.

Part of the upgrade has involved pink card readers being placed at nine of London's interchange stations, which will recognise when passengers have avoided Zone 1 during their travels. As a result of this, cheaper fares will be offered and passengers using pay as you go Oyster cards - the type of Oyster card many tourists buy - could enjoy significant savings.

According to the BBC, Transport for London's Director of Fares and Ticketing, Shashi Verma, said: "By touching the pink reader en route - in addition to touching in and out at either end of your journey - you will be charged the appropriate Oyster single fare for your journey based on the route you take.

"In doing so, some passengers may actually get cheaper fares."

Readers have been installed so far at nine stations, which include: West Brompton, Blackhorse Road, Rayners Lane, Gunnersbury, Gospel Oak, Highbury & Islington, Kensington Olympia, Willesden Junction and Stratford.

Oyster cards are commonly used by both tourists and residents of the south east England city as an easier way to travel around the city. The card is placed onto an electronic reader, which deducts the appropriate fare from credit that is pre-paid for when the card is bought or topped up. They offer savings on bus and tube travel, as well as being a way by which passengers can avoid lengthy ticket queues prior to travel.

Designs for controversial Titanic museum revealed

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:48:00 GMT

Designs have been unveiled for Southampton's Titanic museum project, which will be opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ocean liner's tragic maiden voyage.

The Titanic launched from the port of Southampton in 1912 and has become one of the world's most iconic sea disaster stories. BBC News reports that the Titanic museum aims to celebrate the stories of the crew and passengers of the ill fated vessel and to provide insights into its intimate history with exhibitions including a climb-aboard reconstruction of part of the ship.

The museum's first phase is set to open to the public in 2012. A spokesperson from Southampton city council revealed: "The phase will include exhibition galleries centring on the city's history as a major port.

"The displays will tell the hidden story of the Southampton crew onboard the Titanic, allowing visitors to explore what it was like to be in the merchant navy at the turn of the 20th Century."

The exhibitions gallery will be a shared venture between the museum and the City Art Gallery, which provided funding for the project through the sale of art works.

The ambitious £28 million museum project has also received £499,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a figure that has been matched by the council, and a spokesperson suggested that a further £4.5 million could be secured once more detailed plans have been completed.

Approximately 4,000 artefacts from the original ship will be displayed in galleries, making for the most comprehensive Titanic museum project ever undertaken.

Movie fans drawn to Indie London film festival

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:12:00 GMT

Film fans are eagerly awaiting the 17th annual Raindance film festival in London, which features a programme of 75 feature films and 150 shorts.

The Guardian reports that highlights of this year's festival include My Suicide, which won the prize for best youth feature film at this year's Berlin International Film Festival and features the final cinematic performance of David Carradine, who was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room earlier this year. Another notable inclusion is Colin, a British horror film which takes a 'zombie's-eye' view of an undead London.

The festival's programme begins and ends with low-key features in the form of Lynn Shelton's Humpday and Steven Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience. The former chronicles a plan by two straight men to have gay sex on camera, while the latter focuses on a Manhattan call girl who offers unexpected service to her clients, starring real life pornographic actress Sasha Grey.

The festival's varied schedule aims to satisfy film enthusiasts of all persuasions, with recordings of the recent tour of the Mighty Boosh to please comedy fans and a documentary on black metal music titled Until the Light Takes Us. A documentary titled They Call it Acid charts the rise of acid house culture, featuring interviews with big name DJs and archive footage of the first illegal acid house parties.

The Raindance film festival takes place in London from 30 September to 11 October and has a strong international focus. The judging panel spans the arts and includes such luminaries as Cardiff born journalist Jon Ronson, Scottish born television producer Armando Iannucci and New Zealand actress Kerry Fox.

New Scottish dance show to premier at Hogmanay

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:36:00 GMT

A new showcase of culture is set to premier at Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations this year.

Following the performance, the music and dance show will tour the country, letting Scottish locals and visitors alike take in an evening of cultural treats.

The show, called Off Kilter, is comprised of a host of music performances that show off the diversity of traditional music in Scotland, with the aim of revealing just how varied the cultural identity of Scottish citizens ranges. It also includes myriad dancing performances, including routines demonstrating traditional Scottish Highland dance and Indian contemporary performance.

Some of the dance has been designed by esteemed choreographers Ashley Page and Mark Morris, while music created by top artists like Calvin Harris and Martyn Bennett will also feature strongly in the show.

Culture Minister Michael Russell told the BBC: "Dance is an intrinsic part of Scotland's cultural identity. Off Kilter combines traditional Highland, ballet, hip-hop, Indian classical and contemporary dance - creating a spectacular showcase of styles that are alive and kicking in Scotland today."

The show costs £343,000 to stage at Hogmanay, one of Edinburgh 's busiest nights. The city is renowned for its New Year celebrations and every year sees thousands of tourists descend upon the city in order to take part in the festivities.

Following the Hogmanay event, Off Kilter will tour the country to allow others the opportunity to take in the cultural feast. Edinburghguide.com reports that Dance Base Artistic Director, Morag Deyes, said: "Off Kilter is a riotous assembly of the great talent inspired by, and living in Scotland. This great show reflects the energy and originality in music and dance which is experiencing a genuine renaissance right now."

Wales A470 road to close following landslip

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:24:00 GMT

A stretch of a major road in Wales is to be closed for some days following a landslip that rendered some parts unsafe to drive on.

Currently closed in both directions, the A470, which connects the north of Wales to the south of Wales, is expected to be closed for the rest of the week until it has been cleared and safety ensured.

A diversion is in place which leads drivers along the A489 and A487 instead and the North Wales Trunk Road Agency warns that even once the road is reopened, there may be delays as a speed limit and traffic lights could be placed.

The landslip occurred on Tuesday night on a stretch of road between Welsh towns Mallwyd and Tabor in Gwynedd.

According to the BBC, the North Wales Trunk Road Agency's network area manager, Emlyn Walliams, said: "There is a strong possibility there will be some traffic restrictions such as a speed limit because the safety fence has been totally destroyed.

"This could also mean traffic lights - but that could cause problems to heavy vehicles as they have to restart on a hill.

"The restrictions could be in place for several weeks, or even months, until permanent repairs can be put in place.

"There is no weakness in the road, it is simply that it is on the side of a mountain on a steep slope and the nature of the area is that the land above is higher."

The landslip took place only a few hundred metres from another that occurred in 2005 and also entailed the road being closed for some days.

Upgraded Manchester trams re-open

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:13:00 GMT

Manchester's Metrolink services are set to re-open on Wednesday following a delay of the event on Tuesday.

Services running between Manchester's Old Trafford and Altrincham were stopped due to an electrical fault making the line dangerous to use. Efforts to fix the lines by yesterday morning were unsuccessful, however, but now an upgraded service is in place that is expected to provide improved travel for passengers on the north west England tramline.

According to the BBC, the Metrolink director, Peter Purdy, said: "I am pleased we can completely re-open the Altrincham line."

He added: "I completely understand the frustrations of passengers who were affected by events yesterday and am grateful for their patience while we worked solidly to address the issues.

"Our engineers have been working flat out through the night to that end and also to complete the necessary testing and commissioning work in order for a full service to run, so it's been a huge effort.

"I am sure passengers will now find that the changes and improvements we've made to the line will greatly enhance their experiences of travelling by tram in the future."

The service has undergone several areas of improvement in order to ensure a smoother, more efficient service. Renovations have been made to several major stops and junctions along the Eccles and Altrincham Metrolink links, both of which have been out of service since the beginning of August.

However, all services of the Manchester Metrolink are expected to return to normal as of today.

London Routemaster buses to arrive in 2011

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The anticipated arrival of the new London Routemaster buses is expected to take place around the end of 2011, it has emerged.

London mayor Boris Johnson expressed dismay that the buses would not arrive sooner but told the BBC he was pleased to finally be getting rid of the current bendy buses roaming the south east England city's streets.

"We are slowly starting to get rid now of the bendy buses," he said.

The single decker bendy buses are considered nuisances by the mayor and many London locals, as well as having the added issues of emitting large quantities of carbon monoxide.

Mr Johnson told the BBC: "We are going to bring in a new generation buses which is cleaner and greener.

"The current buses just emit so much fumes and London has a real problem with air quality.

"By the back end of 2011 we will see the first new Routemaster purring through the streets of London."

One of Mr Johnson's main election pledges, the revival of the original double decker bus in London is something that the mayor considers to be a long time coming. Not only are the bendy buses - which were introduced by the previous mayor, Ken Livingston - damaging to the environment but they are also seen to be a fire hazard and dangerous to the city's many cyclists.

He remarked that he was "champing at the bit" to get rid of the older model and replace it with the new Aston Martin double decker buses.

Scarborough sees leap in tourism

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:49:00 GMT

The Bank Holiday weekend saw a boost in tourism for seaside town Scarborough as a wealth of families and couples made their way to the Yorkshire town.

Currently holding the accolade of being the third most popular holiday destination in England, Scarborough has plenty to offer holidaymakers and has a reputation for being a sunny, welcoming town filled with attractions and beach opportunities.

Along the Yorkshire resort's stretching beaches, cafes, restaurants, candy floss and ice cream sellers enjoyed a boost in sales and hotel occupancy rates soared. According to the BBC, the manager of popular attraction the Sealife Centre, Tamsin Mutton-McKnight, said: "We are seeing an increase in visitor numbers this year compared with 2008.

"We are finding that more people are holidaying in the resort this summer and looking out for visitor attractions that will cater for the whole family."

The trend for holidaying at home has continued to grow as the recession remains tightly gripping the global economy, forcing millions of people across the world to find alternative ways to enjoy holidaying without spending too much.

Visitor Derek Evens, from Doncaster, spoke to the BBC about what British holiday resorts had to offer. He told the broadcaster: "We do like European holidays but we think British resorts can offer just as much, and Scarborough is perfect for families and children."

Visit England's chief executive, James Berresford, added: "All of our research so far this year, and anecdotal evidence from the industry, confirms that Britons are indeed rediscovering the joys of holidaying at home in 2009."

Banksy exhibition draws crowds to Bristol

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:25:00 GMT

An exhibition displaying the various works of unidentified artist Banksy has pulled thousands of people to Bristol Museum to take in over 100 items created by one of the most notorious contemporary artists in the UK.

With crowds soaring to previously unheard of heights for the museum, around 4,000 people per day visited the exhibition, making way for a total of around 300,000 visitors over the 12 week period the exhibition ran for. This figure is equal to the volume of guests Bristol Museum usually sees in the average year.

The south west England city saw a huge boost in tourism over the 12 weeks, with arrivals from all over the world coming to see the artwork and injecting new life into Bristol's economy, including over £45,000 in voluntary donations making its way into the museum's pocket.

According to thisisbristol.co.uk, Banksy told the media via text message: "It's nice to see it's been so popular but it makes me a bit suspicious.

"Throughout history all the great artists have been overlooked in their own lifetime and only appreciated once they've gone. I'm starting to worry I'm not one of the good guys."

Others remained more optimistic however, with Bristol's services director for economic and cultural development, Kate Davenport, stating: "Words fail me. We have just run out of superlatives to describe how great this has been for the cultural life of the city and in terms of economic impact. The stories just keep coming about what a difference it has made."

She revealed that local shops and restaurants had seen huge boosts to their takings, as well as hotels thanks to day-trippers elongating their stays.

Viking hoard display reveals British history

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:13:00 GMT

The largest Viking hoard discovered in Britain for more than 150 years will shortly be displayed to the public.

The Times reports the Vale of York hoard to be over 1,000 years old. The hoard includes 617 coins, a silver vessel, a gold armring, ingots and fragments of hack silver, and will be displayed in the Yorkshire Museum on 17 September before relocating to the British Museum in London.

The hoard was discovered in 2007 by metal detecting enthusiast David Whelan and his son Andrew, while investigating the Harrogate area. They were careful to leave the find untouched to aid the analysis of experts, and swiftly reported its discovery to their finds liaison officer in Leeds.

Andrew Whalen recalls: "My father got a strong signal and a cup tumbled out after a couple of scoops of earth. There was a coin sat on the top of this bundle. We knew then it was something big and we were shaking with excitement as we lifted it out.

"Being keen metal detectorists we always dreamt of finding a hoard but to find one from such a fantastic period of history is just unbelievable.

"The contents of the hoard we found went far beyond our wildest dreams and hopefully people will love seeing the objects on display in York and London for many, many years to come."

The treasure has been valued at £1,082,000, a sum the father and son team will share with the owner of the land from which it was unearthed. Buried in a lead container, the artefacts were remarkably well preserved, and are being celebrated by museum curators for providing further insight into British history.

Number of visitors to England on the rise

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:01:00 GMT

An annual survey released by tourism body Visit England has revealed that more British and international tourists are visiting England's tourist attractions.

BBC News reports that visitor numbers to England rose by 2 per cent in the year from 2007 to 2008, with Liverpool attracting the most significant increase of 13 per cent due to its recognition as the 2008 European Capital of Culture.

Acting director of tourism at Merseyside Partnership, Pam Wilsher emphasised the critical benefits of being named a Capital of Culture, stating: "It was a phenomenal year for us and made a huge difference.

"There is evidence that we are still attracting visitors in large numbers.

"It enhanced our profile and we are now on the radar for people looking for a weekend break."

Visitor numbers at The Tate Liverpool increased by 68 per cent in 2008, with many international visitors being drawn to the Gustav Klimt exhibition. The Mersey ferries, museums and attractions dedicated to the Beatles also experienced great success.

Liverpool's popularity ensured that North West England experienced the largest regional growth in visitors, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber with 7 per cent and London and the West Midlands at 3 per cent growth.

Visitors are still being drawn to London in droves, with Westminster Abbey being England's most popular paid-for tourist attraction in 2008 and the British Museum proving to be the most popular free destination, followed by the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

Scotland welcomes high speed rail plan inclusion

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The new high speed railway line connecting London and Scotland is expected to significantly increase Scotland's competitiveness.

The proposal for a high speed railway line has been embraced by industry leaders and politicians, the BBC reports. Scotland's transport minister Stewart Stevenson has stated his intention to work closely with his Westminster counterparts to fund the £34 billion line.

Mr. Stevenson states: "The Scottish Government has an ambitious vision for Scottish transport and we have long advocated the need for high-speed links from Europe and London not to stop at Leeds but to continue north to Scotland.

"I have discussed this at length with UK ministers and there is no doubt that such links would bring significant economic and environmental benefits."

The rail link will reduce the time taken to travel between London and Glasgow from four hours and 10 minutes to two hours and 16 minutes. The journey from London to Edinburgh will be reduced from four hours and 23 minutes to two hours and nine minutes.

By significantly reducing journey time to London, the line will benefit the Scottish economy by providing more convenient access for tourists and business travellers, and for delivery of products. By encouraging less short haul flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow to London, the high speed line may also help more Scottish businesses reach the 42 per cent cut in emissions contained in the Scottish Climate Change Act.

Network Rail has been praised for recognising the importance of Scotland to the UK economy.

Artist Rooms provide UK with contemporary art tour

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:36:00 GMT

A large public collection of contemporary art is currently touring the British Isles in order to expose the works to as many people as possible.

The Guardian reports that art dealer Anthony d'Offay "gifted" 725 art works to Tate Modern and National Gallery of Scotland last year at low cost, and this year sees the pieces being displayed in towns and cities across the nation, from Cardiff to Inverness.

Mr d'Offay intends the Artist Rooms installations to provide access to and raise awareness of contemporary art, by presenting each artist's works together in a personalised Artist Room rather than spreading them across various thematic displays.

The exhibition of pop art pioneer Andy Warhol at Wolverhampton's municipal art gallery features less well known portraits alongside the artist's more iconic works. Warhol's Artist Room is enhanced by a Velvet Underground soundtrack and an interactive display allowing visitors to create their own self portrait in Warhol's distinctive style.

In South East England, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea plays host to the brooding sculptures of Joseph Beuys, while Woking features a display of American conceptual artist Jenny Holzer.

The Artist Rooms tour seeks to raise public awareness of contemporary art by bringing works to the masses, extending to areas as remote as Stromness in North Scotland. Following their exhibition this year, the works are expected to be displayed in London's Tate Modern and National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh, where they will still be accessible to the public.

Oxford could have its own big wheel

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:24:00 GMT

Oxford may be host to a big wheel to attract visitors and boost the city's tourism, pending approval by Oxford City Council.

BBC News reports that the proposed 40 metre big wheel will be a smaller version of the London Eye, and is planned to reside in Oxford's Worcester Street Car Park for three months. A planning application has been submitted by Great City Attractions, a company that has developed similar projects in Glasgow, Manchester and York.

Oxford City Council has confirmed that, if approved, this would only be a temporary structure, similar to the short-term erection of St Giles Fair in the city for two days each September. If the application is successful, the big wheel will reside in Oxford from November 2009 to January 2010, but if the attraction is a financial success, it has been speculated that this could lead to a permanent residence.

Although opinions are mixed on the temporary addition, Great City Attractions are confident that the big wheel will attract tourism to the area and benefit the local economy, based on the success of the London Eye which has become the UK's number one paid for tourist attraction.

A spokesperson of Great City Attractions stated: "Subject to planning and main board approval, we are looking forward to delivering a world-class attraction to the city of Oxford.

"We are confident that, if approved, the wheel will add to the city's tourism offering and become a welcome addition to the local skyline."

UK railway plans announcement expected

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:01:00 GMT

A new high speed railway connecting London to North West England and possibly Scotland is expected to be announced today by Network Rail.

BBC News reports that the proposed route is likely to be constructed along England's west coast, and will be the UK's second high speed railway line after the line that connects London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel. The new line could see rail journeys from London to Glasgow taking as little as two and a half hours, travelling at speeds in excess of 180 miles per hour.

The new line is being constructed to ease the pressure on Britain's railways, which are becoming increasingly crowded. Network Rail has recorded a 40 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the last ten years, and anticipates that existing lines will reach full capacity by 2024.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis states: "Virtually every other major developed country in the world has now built high-speed lines. And all those that started building them between their major cities have extended them now to cover large parts of their country.

"There's a general acceptance that if we're going to meet additional transport demand over the next 40 or 50 years, then that can't be by building more motorways or having a lot more short-haul aviation."

If the rail line is constructed along North West England, that means missing out important destinations such as Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle in favour of Birmingham and Manchester. The decision is expected to be announced today, pending government approval.

Fine art collection could fund ‘Titanic’ museum

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Southampton City Council is planning to sell off part of its fine art collection to help fund a museum dedicated to the Titanic, the doomed passenger liner that set off on its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

The Titanic memorial museum is expected to draw great international crowds to Southampton, and is set to open in 2012 to mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster.

The £15 million project has received £5 million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and further revenue is being generated from the sale of valuable works from the City Art Gallery. These include Sir Alfred Munning's 1937 painting After the Race, valued at around £4 million, and Auguste Rodin's Eve sculpture, valued at £1.5 million.

The proposed sales have caused an outcry among locals in the South-East, who have started a campaign to dissuade the Council from selling off its valuable collection, which is widely regarded to be one of the finest British art collections outside of London.

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has also reacted negatively to the council's decision to sell off its heritage in order to fund a tourist attraction, but Southampton's leisure chief, Councillor John Hannides states: "Building the museum will effectively provide a new wing for the gallery.

"I have made a presentation to the MLA's board, which is chaired by Andrew Motion. At the moment we can only display 250 of our 3,500 works at any one time. The new wing will allow us to display a further 100 works. The Sea City Museum will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Southampton."

Regeneration plans for Welsh seaside town revealed

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Coastal towns in Wales are undergoing regeneration to improve the area and boost the local economy.

BBC News reports that the Welsh Assembly Government has initiated a £20m development plan for areas including Rhyl and Colwyn Bay in Conwy.

The Bay Life programme - spearheaded by Conwy Council - includes plans for coastal defences, the strategic relocation of council offices and the opening of a new centre of sporting excellence. The council hopes that the success of these measures will attract further investment and improvement for the popular coastal town.

Deputy chief executive of the programme, Bethan Jones states: "It's vital that Colwyn Bay gets the maximum benefit from having strategic regeneration status.

"The Delivering Bay Life document sets out our priorities and will help guide us."

The move of council offices to the town centre is expected to generate new jobs and to boost the economy by relocating hundreds of staff to a "landmark" central building. Meanwhile, the current council offices may be turned into a hotel.

The new centre of sporting excellence will also boost the town's economy, and will be built at Parc Eirias, pending approval by North Wales rugby team Gogledd Cymru.

Tourists are still drawn to Colwyn Bay for its attractions such as the Welsh Mountain Zoo and historic Victoria Pier, which was the subject of a controversial bankruptcy order last year but is still open to visitors.

Conwy locals and other members of the public are invited to discuss and comment on the regeneration plans, which are displayed in Colwyn Bay Library.

Silk Road Project brings Yo-Yo Ma to UK

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:12:00 GMT

World famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma is to perform in the UK at the BBC proms as part of his multicultural Silk Road Project.

The project is collaboration between around 60 talented individuals ranging from musicians and singers to storytellers and visual artists from all around the world. The name refers to the infamous Silk Road trading route that ran from China through India to the Middle East and the Mediterranean and a large number of the artists hail from these countries and from regions along the route.

According to the Times, the Silk Road ensemble has played in more than 25 countries over the last decade and now will be playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London as a highlight of the BBC Proms.

Yo-Yo ma created the project as a way of rejuvenating his own creative process as well as a way to break down barriers between musical genres as well as cultures. With roots in three different cultures himself, the cellist - who studied anthropology at Harvard - claims that creativity has always been strongest in societies that are open to outside influences, therefore he wants the collaboration to add to the cross-fertilisation and broadening of cultures across the world.

The Prom performance in expected to feature the interplay of flutes from many cultures and a commission from Sicilian cellist Giovanni Sollima as well as a traditional Chinese piece called Ambush from Ten Sides. Yo-Yo Ma said: "It's traditionally performed on the pipa, the Chinese lute."

"But we use all the instruments, plus percussion — partly because we are in the Albert Hall, and partly because, as the title suggests, there's an awful lot of ambush to portray!"

The Proms take place over a variety of London venues while the Proms in the Park sessions bring music to outdoor venues in County Down, Glasgow, Salford and Swansea as well as London.

History of Cumbrian Abbey to be uncovered

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The roots of an historic Cumbrian abbey are set to be revealed as archaeologists are awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery.

The £48,000 in funding will allow for an extensive dig investigating the past of the Holm Cultram Abbey in Abbeytown. According to the BBC, the abbey was the largest monastic house in Cumbria in the north west of England and was built by monks in 1150.

These days the parish church is the only remaining building in the original complex, and members of West Cumbria Archaeological Society plan to use the grant to excavate nearby fields and hopefully uncover the foundations of the famous abbey.

The BBC reports that in 2006 a geophysical survey by the society found that the remains were suspected to be in a field to the south of the church. It is hoped that by investigating this and the surrounding areas the team will be able to produce a plan detailing the entire monastic complex.

Not only will the dig be of historical significance, but it will also produce a new historic attraction for tourists to the area as well as locals. Already famous for the Lake District national Park, Cumbria will welcome additional guests, especially as news last week revealed that holidays in the Lake District are rising in popularity.

The head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, Sara Hilton, said:
"Through this project, the society is giving the local community a wonderful opportunity to get involved in investigating the Holm Cultrum Abbey site.

"Volunteers will work alongside professional archaeologists on every aspect of the excavation, including taking guided tours and producing an exhibition about the site."

Top cities to see before you die list published

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:48:00 GMT

British citizens have chosen the list of top cities 'to see before you die.' Leading the way are Edinburgh, Bath and Liverpool.

Scotland's capital Edinburgh topped the list, popular for its cultural history and eclectic mix of architecture as well as for its international festivals that draw thousands of visitors to the city each summer.

Sinead Falcoe, regional director of VisitScotland, stated: "This is excellent news for Edinburgh and highlights the wow factor the city has generated and I would urge anyone thinking of coming to do so sooner rather than later.

"Tourism has an integral role to play for both Edinburgh and Scotland's economy.

"Polls like this continue to help highlight Edinburgh as a top tourism destination and ultimately contribute to creating a legacy for attracting visitors back to the city."

Edinburgh's tourism industry has been faring well despite the recession, with more people attending the festival this year than ever before. The Edinburgh accent, made famous by Sean Connery, was also voted the "sexiest accent" in Britain.

The Central Scotland city came ahead of popular South West England city Bath, renowned for its namesake Roman baths and magnificent abbey, the last Gothic church in England. Liverpool came in third, the city that was honoured as the European City of Culture for 2008 for its historic architecture and famous artistic and musical history.

Belfast, Glasgow and Oxford came next in the survey of 5,500 adults, followed by London, Cardiff, York and Cambridge.

Bournemouth receives first artificial surf reef in Europe

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:36:00 GMT

Bournemouth will next month open the first artificial surf reef to appear in Europe.

According to the NY Daily News, the reef is constructed from geo-textile bags of sand, each weighing up to 2,500 tonnes. The man-made reef has been in construction since July last year, and is only the fourth artificial surf reef in the world.

The reef will increase the size and consistency of waves in the region and is expected to draw greater crowds of surfers, increasing the popularity of South West England as a top surfing destination.

Bournemouth.Council has advised that many surfing activities will not be suitable for beginners due to the prominence of waves far offshore, but the $2.3 million (£1.4 million) investment is nonetheless expected to draw 10,000 surfers each year who are eager to test their abilities on the high quality waves.

It isn't all about surfing however, as the flat 'lagoon' effect created nearer to the shore by the reef is anticipated to attract an even greater number of families to beaches in July and August. The reef itself will also provide a new home to local marine life.

The reef is expected to greatly improve Bournemouth's economy, which is already on the rise thanks to investments in tourism and a greater number of British holidaymakers taking domestic holidays in the recession. International surfers are also predicted to be drawn to the seaside town to prove their skills on the new waves.

Lake District holidays rise in popularity with Brits

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:24:00 GMT

The Lake District is the second most visited holiday destination this summer, according to a survey conducted by satellite navigation company Garvin.

The North West England region comes second only to capital London, two very different destinations showing a clear divide in the interests of British holidaymakers.

PR Fire reports that 11 per cent of Brits will be heading to the Lake District this summer, which is great news for the British tourism industry. Lake towns such as Windermere will be reaping the benefits as more British 'staycationers' opt for a domestic holiday to beat the recession.

Recent renovations have served to make the Lakes even more appealing to visitors, such as the replacement of the Chinese Bridge near Grange with a more modern version designed to be accessible to prams and wheelchair users. The bridge that crosses the River Derwent is vital for travellers completing the route around Derwent Water, and features in the Lake District's Miles Without Stiles network.

From sheepdog trials to music festivals, events being held in the Lakes this summer are attracting a wide range of visitors. The Earth First! eco-action camp being held at Seathwaite near Borrowdale aims to instruct eco-warriors on skills such as raft building and understanding police tactics, while a group of UFO believers are making a pilgrimage to a mountain that it believes to be significant to extraterrestrials.

Although primarily renowned for its natural beauty and scenery, it seems that the Lake District has much to offer tourists from all walks of life.

Dragons' Den star sets sights on Newquay attraction

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne has spent several weeks working with the owners of Newquay's popular Tunnels Through Time, to transform the previously struggling tourist attraction into a profitable enterprise that will draw more visitors to the area.

The Scottish entrepreneur is visiting the South West England town as part of a new TV series for digital channel Virgin 1. Great British Holiday Show will involve Mr. Bannatyne visiting six dated tourist attractions around the UK coastline and applying his famed entrepreneurial skills to revamp them for a modern audience.

Mr. Bannatyne told the Newquay Guardian on Saturday that Tunnels Through Time was looking "dated," and stated: "I think it also needs a lot more interactivity.

"I went there, paid my money and had a look around.

"I think it is a bit dated and so we are going for a revamp of the place. I am confident it will work."

This £30,000 revamp will see the attraction renamed Buccaneer Bay and rebranded with a pirate theme to add interactivity. Auditions were held on Saturday to find an actor to play the role of pirate Calico Jack.

Mr. Bannatyne also sought to improve the "dwell time" of the attraction, in order to keep people entertained on the premises for as long as possible.

Tunnels Through Time will officially relaunch as Buccaneer Bay on Sunday 23 August, and is expected to attract many more visitors. Great British Holiday Show will feature five other tourist attractions that have seen better days in other towns around the British coast, including Felixstowe in Suffolk.

Staycation trend benefits UK economy

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

For the first time in decades, more British holidaymakers are choosing a two week 'staycation' in the UK rather than trips abroad, something that is helping the economy fight the recession.

The Daily Mail reports that only 4.87 million holidaymakers travelled abroad in June 2009 compared to 5.98 million in June 2008, and 5.7 per cent more visitors arrived from overseas to take advantage of the cheaper pound.

This trend of domestic holidays is leaving a positive impact on British industries, particularly the tourism industry which is currently the UK's fifth largest sector, generating in excess of £86 billion for the economy and directly employing 1.4 million people with a further 1.3 million being employed indirectly.

Hospitality is the most obvious tourism sector reaping the benefits, with hotels on the coast and in Somserset, Devon and Cheltenham proving particularly popular.

Train and coach firms are also recording greater profits. An additional 1.3 million Brits took trips across the nation in the first four months of the year, with a record number travelling on the TransPennine Express to Windermere in July and an 11 per cent increase in passengers to Scarborough.

Tourist attractions are also reporting greater profits as more Brits stay at home. Merlin Entertainments has experienced a boost for its attractions including Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and popular theme park Alton Towers, however analysts report that the major winners are the supermarket chains and bookmakers, as more people are placing bets on summer sporting events.

London tourism unveils Olympic action plan

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:48:00 GMT

London Mayor Boris Johnson has revealed plans to maximise the capital's tourism opportunities during the surge of interest generated by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in the city.

Caterersearch reports that the London Tourism Action Plan 2009-13, a four-year programme developed by the London Development Agency, will be aimed at reinforcing the capital's status as the world's most popular tourist destination.

The plan was drawn up by more than 100 industry experts, ensuring that the LDA's objectives supported and coincided with the existing tourism initiatives in the 'Only in London' international marketing campaign.

The £2 million campaign began in 2006 and is operating according to a ten-year vision of boosting London's success. To coincide with the concurrent campaign, the LTA's 2009-13 plan will endeavour to support jobs in the tourism industry by increasing trade, therefore being able to present a welcoming front to international visitors. The project will also capitalise on the high profile 2012 games by focusing on London's reputation for leisure, business and sporting tourism.

Visit London's interim chief executive, Sally Chatterjee explains: "London is the world's most visited city and it is important that we maintain this position in the run up to and after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"The LDA's Tourism Action Plan is an important part of the successful promotion of London and will continue to add value to the tourism industry across the capital."

London's tourism industry is a vital component of its economy. The capital received nearly 15 million international visitors and more than 11 million domestic visitors in 2008, which resulted in £22 billion expenditure in the city. The tourism industry also supports 253,000 jobs in South East England.

Disability arts and culture festival to get underway

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:36:00 GMT

Lancashire's first disability arts festival is taking place in Preston and Lancaster this month.

The Lancashire Evening Post reports that the D. Vercity European Disability Arts and Culture Festival runs from 24 August to 6 September in the county, celebrating disabled performers from dancers to comedians, actors, artists and musicians.

Rachel Freeman's dance event Blue Eyed Soul is among the most prominent inclusions of the schedule, featuring three dancers spinning inside a giant aluminium dome as a tribute to two centuries of outdoor performance. This event takes place from midday to 2pm over the bank holiday weekend in Preston's Avenham Park on Sunday 30 August and Lancaster's Williamson Park on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August, and offers free try out sessions.

Festival organiser Judith Stephenson states: "We have tried to showcase the work of the most prestigious figures in the world of disability arts whilst also engaging local people.

"We have combined events from serious academic seminars to dance in the park, appealing to families and children, to stand up comedy at the Dukes."

Ms. Stephenson hopes "that people enjoy it and learn from it."

Disability arts and culture festivals have previously taken place in London, Birmingham and Liverpool, and now people in Lancashire have the opportunity to witness the remarkable event at various venues throughout both cities.

The programme also features performances from popular stand-up comedian Laurence Clark at UCLAN and Lancaster's Dukes Theatre, and screenings of independent films as part of the D. Vercity Film Festival.

London Eye moves into the fourth dimension

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:12:00 GMT

The London Eye is still the UK's most popular paid-for tourist attraction, but owners Merlin Entertainment are still working hard to retain that honour.

Their latest innovation is the '4D Experience,' a theatrical show which combines 3D aerial photography of London with tangible physical effects replicating snow, wind, and rain. The show also features bubbles and smells to create an entirely immersive experience that is unique in the country.

The film features a soundtrack by Coldplay and Goldfrapp and follows various events including a bird flying over the Thames and Chinese New Year celebrations. The presentation concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, in which the floor moves in time to the explosions and white flakes fall onto the audience to complete the immersive '4D' experience.

A television marketing campaign has been launched by Cheshire-based advertising firm Frank to promote the attraction. This is the first television commercial that has been produced for the London Eye.

Frank account director Tristan Morris states: "This incredible experience will further enhance the London Eye's position as an iconic attraction and a pioneer in consumer entertainment.

"It was the perfect opportunity for us to launch the experience with the London Eye's first ever TV commercial which aims to demonstrate how unique and immersive the 4D experience is. It is also extremely exciting that the London Eye recognises the power of multi-sensory experiences and the positive effect that this can have with their customers."

The £5 million attraction opened last week and is already proving incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike.

Edinburgh Book Festival gets underway

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT

One of numerous festivals simultaneously taking place in Edinburgh this month, the Book Festival is performing stronger than ever in its 26th year.

BBC News reports that more than a third of the 700 events comprising the literary festival have already sold out, including the shows of Richard Dawkins, Margaret Atwood, Cherie Blair and Fife-based crime writer Ian Rankin. But the festival is also a perfect opportunity to discover the work of new or lesser known writers, an activity encouraged by guest director Richard Holloway, a former Episcopal bishop of the city.

The director's personal recommendation is Canadian author Alistair MacLeod, who he feels "represents a type of Scottish culture in many ways that we lost hundreds of years ago.

Mr. Holloway explains: "There was a particular group that went to Cape Breton in Canada and they preserved a complete version of Scottish Gaelic Culture.

"The songs, the folklore and it still has a kind of intactness about it and it is represented by this writer Alistair MacLeod."

The festival began in earnest this weekend, with a celebration of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns by expert Fred Freeman. The festival largely takes place in a makeshift village of canopies set up in Charlotte Square at the west end of George Street, but Canadian author Margaret Atwood has expanded beyond the marquees to stage a musical book launch event in nearby St. John's Church on Princes Street, in aid of her new novel, The Year of the Flood.

The Edinburgh Book Festival takes place from 15 to 31 August and features events for readers of all ages, retaining its traditionally strong focus on children's literature. This year sees more than 300 children's authors participating in events, with a particular focus on themes of adventure and discovery.

Liverpool Grade I town hall starts tours

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:48:00 GMT

Liverpool's eighteenth century town hall has been opened to the public for the first time.

BBC News reports that visitors are invited to tour the state rooms and expansive ballroom free of charge.

The Grade I listed building began construction in 1749 and was completed in 1820. Designed by John Wood the Elder of Bath, the hall is the official residence of Liverpool's Lord Mayor.

Notable guests across its history include the Beatles, Elizabeth II and the Dalai Lama. Edward VII described the state rooms as "the best proportioned in Europe," and compared the building to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

Lord Mayor Mike Storey says: "The town hall is so popular for everything from weddings to conferences that normally there's too much going on for people to be able to take a really good look around.

"But I'm delighted that we're now able to throw open its doors so local people can view a part of our wonderful heritage.

"It's an amazing building, from the council chamber to the ballrooms, Hall of Remembrance and the incredible blue and gold dome."

The town hall is the third such building to be constructed on or near the current site and was restored following a fire in 1794. The restoration incorporated judicial offices for Liverpool's police, a suite of public assembly rooms and offices for corporate business, and all rooms were arched with brick to prevent against future fires.

Admission is free for public tours of the town hall, which begin today and last until 28 August.

2012 art projects proposed for London Olympics

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:37:00 GMT

Artists across Britain have proposed ambitious ideas for works celebrating British culture in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.

BBC News reports that the Artists Taking the Lead competition will see 12 winning artists receive commissions of up to £500,000 to produce their works, which will be displayed in nine English regions as well as in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of the four-year Cultural Olympiad showcasing British art and culture.

59 artists have been shortlisted, proposing works inspired by the spirit of the Olympics and by the part of the UK in which they are located. Shortlisted artists in various mediums include poet Simon Armitage, who will inscribe a poem into the rocks on Illkley Moor in Yorkshire, and Glasgow-based visual artist Kate V. Robertson, who plans to create 'lone clouds' by using a smoke generator to breathe new life into disused industrial chimneys across Scotland.

Executive director of Arts Council England, Moira Sinclair admits that the judging panel is facing a "really tough job" in selecting the 12 winners, who will be announced in the autumn. Ms. Sinclair states: "I'm wowed by the shortlist we've arrived at - it offers an exciting overview of our nation's creativity, and is bringing great art to some very unexpected places.

"What's clear is that artists really want to engage with the public, whether leading creative events to celebrate London.
2012, or debating key issues such as climate change or the decline of the honeybee.

"I hope people will get involved with the projects, and tell us what they think of them."

The Cultural Olympiad project was a deciding factor in London winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics, and comprises 500 non-sport events. London 2012 organisers have called the Artists Taking the Lead competition "the most ambitious and wide-ranging art prize in the UK."

Unseen Lennon lyrics on show at Beatles exhibition

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:25:00 GMT

An exhibition of Beatles memorabilia set up by John Lennon's first wife Cynthia and son Julian features previously unseen lyrics penned by the legendary songwriter over 40 years ago.

The Merseyside-based 'White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon' features artefacts of Beatles memorabilia, as well as interviews with Julian and Cynthia Lennon about John Lennon and his work. The lyrics, written on a postcard in Lennon's own hand, come from his eldest son Julian's personal collection.

BBC News reports that the lyrics will now go on public display at the Liverpool exhibition for the first time, and have already caused widespread debate among Beatles experts and fans.

Curator of the Beatles Story museum, Ann Darby states: "When the lyrics came up for auction over ten years ago, the auctioneers Sotheby's estimated they were written in 1966.

"This seems to be based on the fact that some of the lyrics are written on a note sent to George Harrison by some Japanese fans.

"The Beatles played in Japan that year but this could of course be a coincidence."

Many other lyrical fragments of 'lost' Beatles songs penned by Lennon have been uncovered over the decades. The songwriter's home studio in Weybridge, South East England, often saw Lennon write and record incomplete songs.

Julian has suggested that, to honour his father's iconic status, he may set music to the lyrics which, if they were penned in 1966, have been speculated to be about Lennon's future wife Yoko Ono.

High speed rail services to extend further

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:49:00 GMT

High speed rail services that have been operating in the south east are to be extended to stations in east Kent from September.

The 140mph trains have been running since June 2009 on a route that takes passengers between London and Kent and it has now been reported that services are expected to extend to east Kent next month.

According to the BBC, from September 7, Southeastern trains will include Dover Priory, Canterbury West, Ramsgate, Folkestone Central and Folkestone West, cutting the commuter journey from London to Ramsgate by 49 minutes.

Already, the high speed rail services provided limited services between the south east of England and stations in Ashford and Ebbsfleet as the UK began the switch to better trains. The weekday only services that will start next month are being considered a 'preview' of the upcoming suburban rail services due to hit Britain in December.

The preview will allow passengers to test and comment on the services, as well as for the training of employees, utilising any feedback for improvement.

The BBC reports that Chris Horton, the service's managing director, said: "We want as many people as possible to be able to experience the service before the full timetable is introduced in December.

"The high speed service means passengers from Dover will be able to reach London in just over an hour where it now takes nearly two hours - making it a town where you can now easily commute from."

Firework Championships wow crowds in Plymouth

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:25:00 GMT

A breathtaking display of pyrotechnic prowess wowed crowds in Plymouth as the British Fireworks Championships got underway last night.

The opening night of the South West England event treated thousands of spectators to an awe-inspiring demonstration of professional artistry, with colourful displays arranged and run by a selection of the country's top fireworks teams.

In the first heat, three teams competed against one another. Phoenix Fireworks, Skyburst and Dragon Dynasty all thrilled spectators with their skilled and impressive shows, which will be compared with the second heat, taking place tonight before the overall winner is announced. Wednesday's contestants include Highlight Pyrotechnics, Celebration Fireworks and Vulcan (Fireking).

Now in its 13th year, the British Fireworks Championships has grown to such an extent that the fireworks displays are now supplemented by Plymouth Council support, which has allowed the competition to enjoy the addition of a funfair, refreshment stalls and live entertainment to keep crowds happy between fireworks displays.

Bringing around £4 million into Devon's local economy, the event is one of the most popular to take place in the region's calendar.

The championships attracts fireworks companies from across the country, with groups from Bristol, Kent and Bedfordshire having battled it out on Tuesday. Tonight's groups hail from Cheshire, Kent and Surrey.

According to the BBC, the event is expected to attract over 100,000 people in total this year, as eager fireworks fans flock to the competition to enjoy the show, which will kick off at 2130 BST.

Passengers warned as third rail strike expected to proceed

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:13:00 GMT

Rail passengers have been warned to expect more disruption to trail services this weekend as another two day strike is set to proceed, beginning at midnight on Thursday.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and Aslef, the train drivers' union, have already enforced two strikes that left thousands of National Express East Anglia passengers struggling to find alternative routes.

Areas that will be affected by the strike include Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and London Liverpool Street. The Stansted Express that connects London to Essex Airport will also see some disruption.

Now heading into their third strike, which is again taking place over disputes around pay, the unions could be joined by further support if their demands are not met. According to the BBC, Bob Crow, the RMT general secretary said: "All the pressure is now on National Express East Anglia to face up to the reality of the rock solid support for the strike action amongst their work force."

Members of all involved parties will be meeting on Wednesday to attempt to come to a resolution, but if talks fail then a fourth strike is planned for the weekend of August 20 and 21, which will result in yet more disruptions for passengers and poor reflection on the rail operator.

Mr Crow added that South East England operator National Express East Anglia must "come forward with an offer that tackles the pay and conditions issues at the heart of this dispute."

Replacement bus services are expected to be on hand for travellers to complete journeys on, although it is advised that passengers ensure alternative routes are in place or plan new ones before leaving.

Big Chill draws festival crowds to 'UK Woodstock'

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:12:00 GMT

This weekend saw the four-day Big Chill festival entertain thousands of music lovers in the pastoral countryside of Herefordshire.

With a reputation as one of the calmer festivals of the summer, the Big Chill nevertheless attracted thousands of music lovers to its 40,000 capacity venue, and major names from the London reggae and DJ scenes, including DJ Norman Jay and Don Letts along with popular acts such as David Byrne and Friendly Fires.

Guardian music critic Dave Simpson described the countryside frolics and hot summer weather as reminiscent of a UK version of Woodstock, the legendary festival that celebrates its 40th anniversary this summer. The entertainment continued outside of the musical acts, with hare krishnas banging drums, visitors banding together to attempt a world record breaking 'zombie walk,' and a giant wicker man burning as a main attraction in the grounds of Eastnor Castle, which spends the rest of the year as a deer reserve.

Reggae dominated this year's proceedings, with the likes of Max Romeo on the main stage and DJ Derek and Don Letts providing entertainment in the bars. A more classical touch was provided by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra and To Rococo Rot's White Tree Project, before Kent based electronica giants Orbital transformed the night into a giant rave.

David Byrne was Sunday's headliner and delivered a crowd-pleasing audio-visual spectacle, performing a mix of Talking Heads classics alongside his more recent collaborations with Brian Eno. Byrne was accompanied on stage by dancers and at one point donned a tutu, providing festival-goers with a weekend to remember.

Times publishes 50 best UK beaches

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:37:00 GMT

The Times Online has published a list of 'the 50 best beaches in the UK,' for British holidaymakers looking to explore the nation's magnificent coastline this summer.

The results are arranged by category to suit the various needs of holidaymakers, from dramatic beaches providing breathtaking views of the coastal landscape to surfer beaches for sporty visitors.

Topping the list are the remarkable beaches of South West England in Cornwall and Dorset. Bedruthan Steps, just a few miles out of Newquay, features volcanic rock, fine white sand and a rugged coastline for adventurous tourists, though swimming is prohibited due to the fierce undercurrent.

Durdle Door in Dorset is second, famous for its giant limestone archway, a key feature of the Jurassic coast. The nearby beach at Man O'War Bay hosts a sheltered cove with shallow pools, cited as an essential day out for holidaymakers in Bournemouth and Weymouth.

Thrilling attractions and a famous seaside atmosphere place Blackpool top of the traditional beaches, still a favourite destination in the North West for the whole family. On the opposite coast, Yorkshire holiday town Scarborough continues to provide tough competition with its range of attractions, theatres, museums and traditional restaurants, with a bustling South Beach and a quieter North Beach offering a more relaxed experience.

Fistral Beach in Newquay is the UK's top surfing destination, home of the British Surfing Association and host to Britain's largest surfing event, the Rip Curl Boardmasters, every August, proving that UK beaches have a lot of offer domestic holidaymakers from all walks of life.

Hampshire club named Britain's most important jazz venue

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:13:00 GMT

The Concorde Club in Eastleigh has been voted the UK's most important live jazz venue in a poll conducted by the Brecon Jazz Festival.

The venue in the small South East England town has been an important site of jazz performances since 1957, and was nominated in first place by UK jazz lovers. The Band on the Wall in Manchester came in second place, while Ronnie Scott's in London placed third.

Cole Mathieson has operated the Concorde Club for 53 years, and says he is delighted to have been awarded the '(Kind Of) Blue Plaque' for the occasion, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis' seminal jazz album 'Some Kind of Blue.'

Mr. Mathieson says of his venue: "For over half a century we have kept the jazz flame burning brightly and would like to thank fans, jazz lovers from across the UK and, of course, the Brecon Jazz Festival, for granting us this honour." Over the years, the Southampton club has hosted performances from jazz luminaries including Tubby Hayes, Coleman Hawkins, Humphrey Lyttleton, Acker Bilk and Ben Webster.

Brecon Jazz Festival organisers say they are "astounded" by the level of interest their search for significant British jazz venues has generated, in a genre more associated with its US and African origins, and that they are already looking forward to next year's poll.

Last week it was revealed that the shortlist of important venues included Buckingham Palace, which played host to royal command performances in honour of George V by Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet, between 1919 and 1932.

Warhol's Michael Jackson portrait exhibited in London

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An iconic portrait of late singer Michael Jackson is being exhibited in London for three days, prior to its auction in New York.

The portrait by Pop Art's leading figure Andy Warhol was produced in 1984 to celebrate the world record breaking sales of Jackson's 'Thriller' album and captures the late singer at the height of his popularity. It is currently the major feature of the British Music Experience exhibition at London's O2 Arena, the stadium where Jackson was scheduled to play his sold-out comeback tour.

The auction will take place in New York on 18 August with a starting price of $800,000 (£476,000), and the piece is being sold by a private collector. Art dealer Janet Lehrer advised the portrait's owner to part with it due to the increased interest in the singer following his death, stating:

"After Michael's death I went to the client and said this is the moment.

"There is no question that as with the death of some other very famous artists, performing artists, painters, their value catapulted in great excess of previous numbers."

The portrait will be on display from Monday until Wednesday, before being sent to the United States.

Michael Jackson suffered a surprise heart attack in his Los Angeles home on 25 June. He was scheduled to perform 50 sell-out concerts at the O2 Arena to more than a million people from July 2009 to March 2010. The singer's death has led to a resurgence of interest in the performer and his work.

Audiences flout recession at West End theatres

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:13:00 GMT

In spite of a dwindling economy, it appears that some areas of the arts and entertainments sectors remain unmissable - such as the biggest theatrical productions in the country.

London's West End has been reported to be thriving during the recession, even though many Britons and tourists travelling to the south east England city are attempting to tighten their belts and spend less in a difficult economy.

According to the BBC, the last year has seen audience numbers rise 2.5 per cent, making way for a 3.5 per cent increase in box office takings. 7 million audience members attended shows in the first half of the year, with the Society of London Theatre attributing the achievement to the quality of shows running at the West End.

Musicals were prevalent in the popularity stakes, with 61 per cent of audiences choosing to enjoy shows like Oliver!, Blood Brothers and Billy Elliot on the West End stages.

The BBC reports that dramas are also seeing good numbers, the first half of 2009 displaying a growth of 19 per cent in audience numbers year on year.

The president of the theatre society, Laura Burns, told the broadcaster: "I'm particularly thrilled that plays are thriving, as their demise has been regularly reported in the past.

"Today, the play is alive and well and living in the West End alongside our brilliant musicals and our world-class dance and opera.

"There's nowhere in the world that matches London for the breadth and quality of its theatre.

"We've got some great shows at the moment - it's as simple as that."

Scottish regeneration funds sites revealed

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:49:00 GMT

A set of sites across Scotland have been named as the areas that will receive cash from a regeneration fund in order to spruce up city centres.

Earlier this year, the scheme was unveiled by the Scottish Government and aims to help out "hard-pressed" high streets, the BBC reports. The £60m project will be split between several Scotland towns and cities from the south of Scotland to the Highlands and it is hoped that the regenerations will boost tourism in those areas.

Included in the list of successful applicants are Stonehaven and Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Fife, Stirling, Perth and Lanarkshire.

According to the BBC, Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "Our aim is to turn round the fortunes of town centres - help them reach their full potential and support local economies."

So far, £40m of the scheme has been allocated and the remaining £20m is due to be allocated amongst cities and towns later on this year.

With cross-party support, the fund was offered by the Conservative Party in order to support the Scottish budget.

Scottish Labour spokesperson Mary Mulligan told the broadcaster: "I am delighted that 48 Scottish towns will benefit from additional investment as a result of Labour's budget negotiations with the SNP. This will make a real difference to communities throughout Scotland."

The scheme will mean that many Scottish towns and cities will be able to spruce up their town centres in order to make way for better tourist and local experiences.

Warmer weather due over coming weeks

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:48:00 GMT

Forecasters have predicted warmer weather to hit the UK over coming weeks, following a month of soggy weeks and wet weekends.

The north east of England, as well as the south east, are the regions most expected to enjoy more clement days as the weather takes a turn for the better, but forecasters are saying that the downpours that plagued July are expected to let up countrywide.

Saturday has been forecast to see above average temperatures, with a toasty weekend hitting the mid- to high- 20s celcius, with warm nights following the days. The heat is expected to continue into next week and, according to the BBC, possibly beyond.

The broadcaster reports that it is uncertain how much of a presence the sun will have, despite hotter weather. Helen Chivers of the Exeter-based Met Office said: "Sunshine is difficult to work out at the moment because the high pressure is not quite strong enough to keep out moisture from the Atlantic, which means there will be clouds, with the chance of a few isolated showers and drizzle at times."

The south west England Met Office recently came under fire when predictions for July went awry and sudden storms and downpours of rain meant that England and Wales endured more than double the average volume of rain, with some areas undergoing the wettest July in a century.

The Devon-based meteorological institute predicted a cooler summer than it had previously forecast, though it now looks as though these predictions will change.

Edinburgh Art Festival gets off to cracking start

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:37:00 GMT

This year's Edinburgh Art Festival has gotten off to a good start, including works on display at more than 50 of the city's public spaces and galleries.

August is always a busy period for the central Scotland city, with the International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, beginning on Friday, both running alongside the Edinburgh Arts Festival for several weeks.

The launch of the arts festival took place with internationally-acclaimed sculptors carving new projects out of stone and an event in Princes Street Gardens involved the use of a four foot wide pan being used in an attempt to make a giant omelette.

During the festival, a particularly anticipated event allows members of the public to watch famous sculptors create new work at the city's art college, where 10 artists will work with one or two tonne blocks of stone.

Also taking place is an exhibition by Kent-born Peter Blake, known as "the father of British pop art", who is most famous for creating the album cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles. Blake's exhibition will include pieces inspired by his visit to the Biennale in Venice, which took place in 2007.

In the National Gallery of Scotland, an exhibition centring around all things Spanish will take place. The Discovery of Spain features masterpieces by some of the greatest Spanish artists including Goya, El Greco and Picasso.

The exhibition will also include works by British artists like Arthur Melville and Fife-born Sir David Wilkie, who created works inspired by Spain and Spanish life.

Repairs for historic Stirling bridge near completion

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:24:00 GMT

A historic bridge in Stirling has nearly completed its first stage of major repair work and will be fully reopened to traffic around 10 days before it is scheduled to.

Repair workers have diligently brought the first stage of refurbishment to an end ahead of schedule to allow the bridge to open early on Thursday instead of over a week later, allowing traffic to make its way to and from Stirling without disruption once more.

The Causewayhead Bridge, a B-listed structure in Stirling, was built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson, a civil engineer originally from Glasgow. Part of the A9, the bridge spans the Forth and was only expected to last 100 years following its creation. However, the structure has since surpassed postulations and is hoped to reach its second centenary in 22 years.

Carrying over 16,500 vehicles a day, the central Scotland bridge is a popular travel route - but also serves as a historical attraction thanks to its famed designer and age.

Previously, concerns over the impact that closure of the bridge would have on tourism were raised as officials worried the absence of convenient routes would have an diverse effect on the industry. However, future work is not expected for some time now as the full refurbishment - including improving lighting and footways, waterproofing, fixing the parapets and resurfacing - will take place in stages over the next few years.

Other structures built by the esteemed Robert Stevenson include the Melville Column in Edinburgh and several lighthouses posted around the coast.

Film project hopes to draw crowds to North Sea countries

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

A new film project launched in Dundee aims to draw the attention of tourists, film companies and TV producers.

The £5m initiative hopes to highlight the benefits of the countries around the North Sea and promote them as desirable locations for media firms. Scotland, England, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have banded together to create North Sea Films.

The group will work in tandem to push the geographic diversity of the area as well as highlight the transport, communication links and the skilled workforce.

According to the BBC, the partnership includes members from councils, universities, colleges and national film development agencies, and the group plans to make a splash on the film scene. Funding was acquired from the European Union and the model is based on a successful, similar scheme pioneered in Australia and New Zealand.

Julie Craik, from Tayscreen - a partnership that aims to promote Tayside and Fife for media development which is coordinating the project with Dundee City Council, said: "There'll be seminars, there'll be conferences, there'll be marketing at industry events, whether it might be the Cannes Film Festival or the Lions for advertising, various events where we will fly the flag for the North Sea regions and raise the profile.

"On the whole, we do have to fight quite hard to get projects here, but throughout the North Sea region there's a great deal of crew and facilities and so on.

"If there's exchange of information on where those crew are needed at a particular moment in time it will serve the industry better and hopefully encourage more production."

Welsh motorbike show sees 'Evel Knievel' stunt biker

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:49:00 GMT

A Welsh stunt biker wowed crowds with a tremendous ramp leap at a popular motorbike show.

Wrexham's Jason Rennie jumped 155ft (47m) before an audience of spectators, eclipsing the personal record of his stunt biker hero, Evel Knievel, whose longest ever jump was 146ft (44.5m).

The Llangollen Motorbike Show has seen crowds flock to the north Wales town to partake in various motorbike-related events, including displays and advice clinics.

Mr Rennie had not partaken in jumping stunts for almost a decade before making the leap and has already set his sights on greater goals, with a world record attempt to take place next year.

He told the BBC of his respect for famous stuntman Evel Knievel and spoke of his future plans, saying: "I admired Evel Knievel. He was my hero and 146ft was his farthest ever jump so to beat his record is something special.

"We're pursuing a really big jump of around 400ft (almost 122m) in Abu Dhabi next year - so that will be an enormous jump.

"I want to recapture the record for the longest jump - there's a couple of guys who have flown further since.

"With the ramp set up and design I have drawn up, I really believe we can do it quite comfortably."

The two day show also included a live action arena showing off the talents of other top motorcyclists, including 80 year old Albert Wiggins, who continues to excel as a motorbike trials rider.

Inverness to stage 'bizarre' arts event

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:24:00 GMT

A five day arts event in Inverness will feature "bizarre" structures built from wood in various locations around the city centre.

Re-Imaging the Centre is a project organised by arts group Ganghut and is expected to feature a variety of events that will take place over the course of five days in the north of Scotland city.

The project will include dynamic displays and integrative art as the work of 20 artists will be installed on Inverness city centre streets and members of the public will be invited to attend debates about the artworks, which will be fit into the city as part of Inverness' Streetscape project, a rejuvenation project worth £6m.

The event pays homage to previous arts project Imaging the Centre, which took place in 2006 and was organised by Inverness Old Town Art. During Imaging the Centre, landmark buildings became the canvas for projections of various images over a period of time.

Inverness' Streetscape project was officially completed in June, with a ceremony being held to celebrate the completion of a revamp of the city centre that included many of the Highland city's main streets becoming pedestrianised. Several works of art were also placed around the city, including Church Street's Three Virtues, large ramps made of stone that feature trees bursting up through them.

The project included a heavy influence by local artists, who attempted to encourage members of the public to take a greater interest in Inverness' rejuvenation through the design of "street furniture".

Southampton raises funds for new culture quarter

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:12:00 GMT

Southampton City Council is hoping to raise funds for a new culture quarter that could see the city upping its cultural offerings and providing new tourism opportunities.

The south England city wants to revamp its cultural image in order to provide more experiences for tourists and locals alike and is currently attempting to raise funds that will allow it to develop its offerings and coax more cultural events to take place in the region.

The City Council is now planning to sell some significant artworks currently housed in Southampton art galleries in order to raise millions of pounds for the developments, including pieces by August Rodin, the French sculptor, and paintings by Suffolk artist Alfred Munnings, whose anti-Modernist works are considered monumental to the oppositional productions of the period.

Proceedings from the sale of these works will go towards the building of a £15m centre that will house a variety of attractions, including a museum dedicated to the Titanic. The centre will also make room for more of the city's collection of artworks to be displayed.

Southampton's art collection is believed to be the third most significant collection of artworks in the UK outside of capital London. Other cities considered to contain highly important collections of art include Birmingham, which follows London in terms of significance, and Manchester.

The Southampton collection includes works by Monet, Turner, Lowry and Anthony Gormley. Artworks to be sold will be offered first to other galleries, then private collectors and public auction to raise funds.

Scots Highlands feel the pull of mobile cinema

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:48:00 GMT

A Scottish Highlands project referred to as a "pilgrimage" aims to bring new cinematic experiences to the remotest towns.

Over the next weeks, a team of film fans led by London-born actress Tilda Swinton and film critic Mark Cousins, will travel the Scottish Highlands with the Screen Machine, a mobile cinema in tow.

Currently visiting Kinlochleven, the group began their journey by physically pulling the cinema along north of Scotland roads with hefty ropes in a move that commemorated the importance of bringing film to remote communities. Many Scottish villages do not have cinemas or easy access to these establishments, a fact that Swinton and Cousins wish to acknowledge and highlight in their journey.

Last year, the pair launched a similar film project that brought arthouse films to an old bingo hall in Nairn, Swinton's home town, which is near Inverness. This time, the mobile cinema will bring Icelandic, Iranian and Hollywood road movies to audiences across Scotland.

Mark Cousins spoke to the Guardian as the group hauled the mobile cinema manually during a 40 minute physical ordeal, saying: "Tilda just said to me, 'This is pure bliss', and I feel the same.

"Look at the landscape. Yeah, there's the midges and everything, but look at this, look at that gorgeous light. And we're doing something that feels so fun, so childlike, and so about what our adult selves do, our job, our passion for cinema."

The mobile cinema will be driven to its next destinations in an eight day event.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival gets off to groovy start

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:36:00 GMT

A Scottish festival has kicked off for a 10 day musical extravaganza featuring some of the world's top jazz and blues musicians.

Now in its 31st year, The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival attracts thousands from across the globe to enjoy a plethora of music based attractions in central Scotland, from concerts to free events like Edinburgh's Mardi Gras, which will take place on Saturday August 1 and include a procession of musicians providing the tunes for a march from the City Chambers to the Grassmarket. Once arrived, the musicians will take up their instruments for a three hour outdoor jam session members of the public can attend for free.

Later today, the Edinburgh festival will be officially kicked off by US trumpet maestro Roy Hargrove who will perform at the Queen's Hall for the benefit of hundreds of spectators.

Other big names appearing over the next 10 days include London jazz artist Courtney Pine, Scottish star Jack Bruce, south east England born Martin Taylor and esteemed jazz pianist Jools Holland.

Sunday's events include the free Jazz on a Summer's Day, which invites members of the public to enjoy events taking place in Princes Street Gardens including performances by The Squadronaires and Mike Hart's Society Syncopators.

There will also be special performances from 79 year jazz legend Joe Temperley, from Fife, who will direct the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra as they play a tribute to Duke Ellington, whose band the Duke Ellington Orchestra is regarded as the world's foremost Big Band.

The BBC reports that Brian Fallon, chairman of the Jazz Festival board, said: "We're delighted to continue to expand the festival and to bring so many high quality artists to Edinburgh to delight and thrill both local audiences and visitors."

Suffragette exhibition opens today in Scottish capital

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:25:00 GMT

A new exhibition marking the 100 years that have seen major advancements for women's rights since the famous marches of the Suffragettes has opened today in Edinburgh.

Votes for Women: The Women's Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh aims to commemorate the fight to gain the vote for women that took place in Scotland for a period of over 60 years, beginning in the 1860s.

The exhibition, which is housed in the central Scotland city's Museum of Edinburgh, allows visitors the chance to view a collection of images and eye-witness descriptions of the events that precipitated the winning of the vote for women, a monumental occasion that took place in 1928.

The Suffragettes, or the Women's Social and Political Union, fought unwaveringly for decades to gain voting rights for women in a political sphere dominated by men. Women were subjected to classification of inferiority in comparison to men and, as the exhibition's curator, Helen Clark, told the BBC: "Women couldn't own property, they couldn't hold public positions and they couldn't get the vote.

"Men could stand up and heckle a public meeting, but if women did it, they were physically thrown out in the street."

When the Suffragettes' campaign was at its strongest, a procession took place in Edinburgh's centre, with hundreds of people of both sexes and all ages marching through the town centre, cheered on by spectators as they protested along Princes Street. In celebration and commemoration of this event, Edinburgh will also play host to a re-enactment of the march that will take place on its centenary, October 10.

Deidre Brock, Edinburgh City Council's culture leader, said: "I feel enormous admiration for these brave women."

She added: "This fascinating and informative exhibition will bring to life their struggle for equality, reminding us all of the sacrifices made on our behalf."

Violin concerto premiere to take place at music festival

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:13:00 GMT

The UK premiere of esteemed composter Karl Jenkins' new violin concerto is to take place at the Fishguard International Music Festival in Pembrokeshire.

The South Wales festival is now in its 40th year and, despite fears that it would close just two years ago, appears to be undergoing a period of regeneration.

The Swansea-born composer will conduct the concerto himself and, according to the BBC, sees the performance as a way by which he can support the Pembrokeshire festival.

He told the broadcaster: "Obviously, it's a very well-known festival. But I think it's been - I won't say in decline - but it's been regenerating, I think is a better word.

"I was asked [to take part] and I was happy to say yes.

"Originally, they wanted to do a concert of all my music (but) the resources there didn't lend itself to doing [it].

"It wouldn't have really been practical to do the whole concert of my music. So we decided to do Palladio and the violin concerto."

The concerto was written on commission and is described by its composer as "optimistic" with a "baroque feel".

Speaking to the BBC about the nature of commissioned work, Jenkins admitted that he finds it easier to turn over music when there is a time limit. He said: "The beauty of commissions is there is always a deadline and you have got to finish. I know lots of composers who just keep fiddling and fiddling.

"If there's no date to release it, it just goes on forever."

The violin concerto will be performed tonight at 1930BST

National Portrait Gallery acquires rare piece

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:49:00 GMT

The National Portrait Gallery has obtained a painting that has not been seen by the public for over a quarter of a century.

The work, painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence in 1812, features the esteemed actor John Philip Kemble, who was born in Lancashire in 1757. The painting represents Kemble as Cato, the eponymous lead of the tragedy penned by Wiltshire-born Joseph Addison in the early 18th century.

Purchased for £178,500, the painting will be a central piece in the London gallery's upcoming Lawrence exhibition, due to take place in autumn next year.

It has only been seen by the public once and was originally painted by Lawrence as a commissioned piece for the Earl of Blessington. When the Earl received the eight foot tall artwork, he sent it back to be made into a smaller copy but Lawrence decided to keep it for himself, hanging it in his front room as an example of his skills. The painting was returned to the Earl when Lawrence died in 1830.

Funds for the portrait were collected via donations from gallery supporters, visitor tickets purchased with Gift Aid and a £55,000 grant from independent UK art charity the Art Fund.

According to the BBC, the gallery's 18th century curator said: "As the finest and most resolved of Lawrence's 'half-history' portraits, the work will enrich the gallery's capacity to explore the crucial dialogue between history painting and portraiture in the period."

Until it is placed on exhibition next year, the portrait can be seen displayed in the Regency Collection in the National Portrait Gallery's Weldon Galleries.

Met Office adds cooler forecast for summer

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:37:00 GMT

The Met Office has changed its previous summer weather predictions to reflect expected cooler months ahead.

Despite forecasting summer heatwaves this year, the Met Office has retracted its previous estimations made in July and April and has now forecast a more modest summer, tempered with erratic changes in the weather that could see some fickle skies over the coming months.

The Met Office has forecast a fairly warm for the remainder of July, with temperatures of around 18C in north of Scotland city Aberdeen and 23C in London. However, it's likely that many Britons will be disappointed that the weather appears destined not to rival last month's heatwave temperatures, where some areas in the south east of England reached heights of 30C.

August, however, is expected to see more rain and cooler temperatures, with particular emphasis in the west and north west of England, including areas in western Scotland like Glasgow.

The change in the Met Office's prediction has led to some speculation as to how reliable the forecaster is. However, the organisation was quick to state that it is frequently accurate in its estimations and that people should continue to utilise the advice it dispenses.

According the BBC, Met Office head of forecasting Brian Goulding said: "Seasonal forecasting is a difficult thing to do and this places some limitations on our forecasts. Our predictions for last autumn, winter and spring have all given accurate advice, giving more confidence in our latest summer forecast."

Rail passengers to expect strike disruption

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:36:00 GMT

A planned rail strike has caused National Express East Anglia to warn passengers travelling on affected lines to prepare for service disruption.

Services travelling through Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire are expected to be disrupted as staff members go on strike and rail passengers are advised to make themselves aware of consequential cancellations of rail services and arrange alternative travel if necessary.

There will still be limited services running between Norwich and London at peak times. As well as this, an hourly service will be in operation from Colchester to London and on the Stansted Express Route.

Alternative travel suggested including c2c rail for journeys from Essex, with the Southend to London route being highlighted as most convenient.

Travellers in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk can continue their journeys with First Capital Connect services, which traverse from Cambridge and Kings Lynn to London. First Capital Connect also enables passengers to travel to London from Ely, which can be reached from Norwich.

If strike action does take place, disruptions could continue for as much as 48 hours and National Express East Anglia has stated on its website that passengers will be entitled to receive a refund on their tickets if they cannot travel with the service.

It is expected that normal services around the south East of England will return at the weekend, with all trains running as standard on Saturday.

Javelin train completes Olympic Park journey in seven minutes

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:24:00 GMT

The first timed run of the train that will take thousands of visitors per hour from St Pancras to London's Olympic Park clocked the high-speed vehicle as within the seven minute journey time the venture promised.

The Javelin train can operate at speeds of up to 140mph and aims to be the transport option of choice for the Olympic Games, taking place in London in 2012. It will be put into operation this year, however, with a route from Ashford in Kent to King's Cross St Pancras enabling travellers to make high speed journeys to and from central London.

Next year, the service will include a stop in Stratford.

The inaugural timed journey was boarded by Olympics minister Tessa Jowell, Olympic Delivery Authority John Armitt, London organising committee chairman Seb Coe, 20 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and London mayor Boris Johnson. It took six minutes and 45 seconds, 15 seconds within the claimed journey time - meaning its promise to carry 25,000 passengers per hour should not disappoint.

The train will become strictly a shuttle service during the Olympic Games, taking spectators to the events at Olympic Park on high-speed journeys.

Olympic Park, in Stratford, is undergoing mass development in order to be perfected before the Games. However, the fact that its planned roof will only cover two thirds of the 80,000 capacity arena has caused concerns for some over possible poor weather.

According to the Guardian, London mayor Boris Johnson countered concerns by jokingly claiming: "It is not raining in London 94% of the time. Rumours of our wetness are greatly exaggerated."

Tessa Jowell added: "In the unlikely event that at some point during the Olympics it rains, people are used to putting on a raincoat to watch sport in this country."

London to premier Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:12:00 GMT

The world premier of the film adaptation of Roald Dahl's famous children's story Fantastic Mr Fox is set to grace the big screen during a major UK film festival.

The London Film Festival occurs in October and will include the charismatic tale, first penned by Dahl in 1970, as part of its line-up.

Created using stop-motion animation, Fantastic Mr Fox stars a plethora of big names, with Hollywood stars George Clooney and Meryl Streep taking the lead as Mr and Mrs Fox. Additional voices in the adaptation include Bill Murray as Badger, William Defoe as Rat and Owen Wilson as Coach Skip.

Despite the US-based cast, director Wes Anderson asserted that the film retained its distinctly British flavour. He told the BBC: "Fantastic Mr Fox is a British film, based on a Roald Dahl book, set in the UK, produced in the UK, and so I am especially pleased to have been invited to the opening night movie of this year's London Film Festival."

Anderson will appear at the premier, which occurs on the first night of the south east England festival, alongside Clooney and Streep.

The film was shot in London at the Three Mills Studios using an animation technique which involves taking frame-by-frame photographs of the action, with each frame only displaying minute differences from the one preceding it. It tells the story of Mr Fox and his various attempts to steal chickens from farmers to feed his family.

The London Film Festival opens on October 14 and continues through to October 29. A full programme of events is expected on September 9.

Vintage amusement park receives funding boost

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:49:00 GMT

An amusement park featuring vintage fairground rides has received a financial boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The former Dreamland amusement park in Margate, Kent, has been chosen as the site for redevelopment and reopening as a heritage attraction where visitors can enjoy experiencing working rides from less modern times, including the oldest rollercaster in the UK, the Grade II listed Scenic Railway. Other rides salvaged from closed and unused amusement parks in Blackpool and Southport have also been secured for the attraction.

Costing around £12m, Dreamland will allow free entry for visitors to the park and gardens, and operate on a wristband scheme where revellers looking to enjoy the vintage rides can purchase one for all day access. It is estimated that the south east England amusement park will attract around 700,000 visitors per year and provide a considerable boost to the area's tourism.

Many of the vintage rides have been rescued over the last 10 years by the Dreamland Trust. The honorary secretary of the Trust, Susan Marsh, told the BBC: "We will now work up detailed plans to ensure that we deliver this unique new visitor attraction in the heart of Margate, providing a major boost for the tourism economy and giving the people of Margate what they have so long wished for - a revitalised Dreamland."

Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund amounted to £384,500, but the Dreamland Trust hopes to increase that number to £2m in order to fully realise its vision.

Edinburgh outdoor cinema offers scratch 'n' sniff experience

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:37:00 GMT

Fans of cinematic classic Gregory's Girl flocked to the Scottish capital this weekend to enjoy a unique outdoor showing of the film with an added dimension.

Visitors to the free event, which took place in Edinburgh's Festival Square, were given scratch 'n' sniff cards which released smells when scratched at certain points of the film. Cinema-goers were then treated to such odours as aftershave, freshly-cut grass and sweaty socks.

Gregory's Girl was chosen for the event due to its enduring popularity with film fans and the numerous opportunities to utilise the scratch 'n' sniff at varying points throughout that the film offers. According to the BBC, the event was created from a partnership between the broadcaster, the City of Edinburgh Council and London 2012, where several more cinema screens will be erected in outdoor locations in advance of the Olympic Games.

The central Scotland viewing of the film was made memorable to audience members thanks to the appearance of a penguin, which would be familiar to those who had already seen Gregory's Girl, waving a placard instructing audience members to use their cards.

The BBC reports that the festivals and events head for Edinburgh, Steve Cardownie, said: "This quirky 'Scratch 'n' Sniff' version of Gregory's Girl on the big screen will introduce a new generation to Bill Forsyth's films, which are hugely popular the world over.

"It will certainly be one of the most innovative cultural events of the summer in Edinburgh. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the transformation of Festival Square into an open air cinema with a difference."

Scottish shopping centre exhibits Batmobile

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:13:00 GMT

A Scottish shopping centre has become home to some of the most famous television and film cars, including the Batmobile.

The central Scotland Loch Lomond Galleries currently houses the caped crusader's famous vehicle, as well as Postman Pat's van, Kitt from Knight Rider and the Ford Anglia featured in Harry Potter.

The exhibits have been moved to the gallery after previous museum in Cumbria, in the North West of England, ran out of space. They are part of the original museum's Cars of the Stars exhibit, created by collector Peter Nelson.

According to the BBC, Mr Nelson said: "I have about a hundred spare cars in total, so this is an extra museum to show some of the things that have never been shown in my museum."

The new exhibition also includes the Doc's DeLorean from Back to the Future, the red and white Ford Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch and the Reliant Robin from Only Fools and Horses.

Mr Nelson has been collecting famous vehicles for 30 years and owns some of the most famous cars ever to grace screens, including several Bond vehicles.

He is a big fan of the famous spy and also owns a museum dedicated to James Bond memorabilia, which resides along with the original Cars of the Stars exhibition in Cumbria.

Other cars in the southern collection include the car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Mercedes Staff from Raiders of the Lost Ark and the A-Team van.

Oldest man painting to go on display

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:12:00 GMT

A portrait of the world's oldest man, Henry Allingham, is to go on display at a London gallery.

The painting, which was completed just days before Mr Allingham died, will be shown in London in November and will then be sold in aid of the care home that looked after the soldier, whose life spanned three centuries.

Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall said that the opportunity to paint the soldier was an "enormous privilege", according to the BBC, and spent around three hours with Mr Allingham at the St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel near Brighton in Sussex.

The BBC reports that Mr Hall, from South Wales, said: "He was very alert and articulate throughout, speaking very clearly and singing songs for much of the time. He was quite a thinker.

"He had a tremendous presence."

The portrait will be unveiled on Friday in a BBC documentary, but it won't go on show publicly until November. The painting aimed to capture the subject's "elegant appearance", with careful attention being paid to what Mr Hall deemed were Mr Allingham's most defining aspects.

He told the broadcaster: "I wanted to emphasise his bold fingers and his gestures. I felt that was his means of expression."

The 28 year old artist has also painted images of "Last Tommy" Harry Patch, the last surviving soldier from WWI trenches. Mr Hall stated that he believed it is important to record the soldiers' appearances in this way so that later generations could find ways to connect with them.

Newquay image revamp called for

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:01:00 GMT

Cornwall police have called for a revamp of Newquay's image that could see the city's tourism trade enjoying a boost.

Following concerns that the city has a less than savoury facade to outsiders, Devon and Cornwall authorities are pushing for an overhaul to help Newquay regain its visitor appeal.

According to the BBC, Chief Superintendent Elaine Marshall, Commander for Policing in Cornwall, said: "Newquay has enormous potential, with its great beaches and holiday facilities, especially in the current economic climate."

It is hoped that the new image could bring more tourists to the south west England city on short and long breaks, aided by the recession which has spurred many holidaymakers into planning to holidays at home in order to save money. All over the UK, more and more Britons have turned their sights towards closer holiday destinations as costly flights abroad eat into holiday funds, which are already tight thanks to the slumping economy.

Chief Supt Marshall said: "Together we can make a difference for the residents of Newquay while still maintaining the income needed from tourism.

"I will be inviting a number of key people, including representatives of the residents' association, to a seminar in the next few weeks to start the debate on changing the image of Newquay."

Newquay is already a currently popular tourist destination, largely due to its many beaches and coastal paths. It is known as the Blackpool of the West Country for its entertainment attractions and is much touted for its surfing and night life opportunities.

Great Western rail route electrification announced

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:48:00 GMT

The Prime Minister has announced a £1.1bn rail electrification project that will result in quicker, more reliable train services that are more beneficial to the environment than current services.

Following the announcement, PM Gordon Brown then journeyed along one of the routes that is part of the scheme, leaving London to travel to Cardiff along the Great Western route, which passes between the English capital and Swansea.

The electrification of the Great Western line is expected to take place over the next eight years and will cost £1bn. Cash will also be spent on electrifying other British rail routes, including a four year project to transform the lines between Manchester and Liverpool.

The Scotsman reports that Mr Brown said: "This is the future. It is green, it is faster and it's more reliable. This is about making the railways fit for the 21st century.

"We have set aside money for this. It's an important priority for us."

Currently, around one third of British railway lines are electrified. The Great Western route is the last of the major lines that still uses diesel trains as standard. Once it has undergone electrification, many journeys will benefit from shorter travel times, with Super Express electric trains replacing the elderly InterCity 125 fleet.

The project will also include the electrification of the lines to Newbury in Berkshire, as well as routes to Oxford.

According to the newspaper, transport secretary Lord Adonis, said: "We are electrifying 300 miles of track and we are also looking to extend electrification to other lines. There will be some disruptions while the work is going on but Network Rail plan to keep disruption to a minimum, with much of the work being done overnight."

Venice exhibition to display at National Gallery

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:24:00 GMT

The National Gallery will play host to an exhibition featuring over 50 paintings by Canaletto, a masterful Italian painter, next year.

The exhibition will also include works depicting the same subject matter - the Italian city of Venice - by Canaletto's contemporaries and aims to landscape popular views of the island-straddling city in the 18th Century.

Entitled Venice: Canaletto and his Rivals, the exhibition will arrive at the London attraction in October next year and run from then until January 2011. It will include many of Canaletto's best-known works, such as world-famous oil on canvas The Stonemason's Yard.

Giovanni Canal, known as Canaletto, was born in Venice and painting became a staple of his life as he grew into adulthood. He is known for his distinctive landscape paintings, which usually depicted views across Venice. In later years, he was frequently commissioned by English purveyors and painted several south east England images.

Overall, Canaletto works enjoy immense popularity as collector's items and the highest recorded price paid for one of his paintings took place in 2005, when his work View of the Grand Canal from Palazzo Balbi to the Rialto sold at Sotheby's for £18.6m.

The National Gallery also announced other upcoming exhibitions to take place over coming months, including an exhibition unveiling how scientific researchers determine the authenticity of a painting that is due to run during summer next year. This exhibition will be called Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries and includes a painting believed to be a 15th Century rarity that was later found to be a fake.

Somerset attractions mapped out London tube style

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:12:00 GMT

Major tourist attractions in Somerset have been highlighted on a map designed to grab attention.

In order to boost tourist experience, a London tube-style map has been created that details over 100 of Somerset's major attractions. The map consists of seven different 'lines', coloured to look like London's famous Underground system's route lines.

The routes, which include attractions like museums, gardens, castles, railways, stately homes and archaeological sites are of varying lengths and group attractions together by category.

For example, the 40 mile King's Line takes tourists through a selection of attractions related to Somerset's royal connections to King Alfred, as well as some more mythical attractions focussing around the legendary King Arthur.

The Country Line traverses 23 miles of Somerset countryside and aesthetically beautiful areas, such as parks, gardens and historical sites. The Quantock and Coast Line similarly travels through historical sites, as well as abbeys, castles and museums over a length of 60 miles.

According to the BBC, Natalie Watson, of the Somerset Heritage Service, said: "For a county with a history as rich and diverse as its countryside, Somerset boasts an amazing number of museums and heritage attractions.

"The map and guide celebrate the fascinating, quirky, important and often breathtaking heritage locations in the county."

Visitors to the south west England area can download itineraries for individual lines that explain in more detail information about the attractions, including opening hours, addresses and telephone numbers. These are available for download on the Visit Somerset website.

East Midlands Trains drivers to strike

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:01:00 GMT

Travel to and from the East Midlands could be disrupted following news that drivers for East Midlands Trains are planning to strike after rejecting the latest pay offer from the firm.

The BBC reports that members of the Aslef union will refuse to work on Mondays and Fridays for the next three weeks and that the first walk out will take place this Friday.

The strike is to follow an offer of a six per cent pay increase for some of the 400 drivers, and managers at East Midlands Trains have been reported as saying that the strikes are "crazy". The company claims that it has offered its drivers a pay deal that is above inflation, with those operating on London services turning down a three per cent increase - which would have taken their earnings to £38,500 a year.

However, Aslef has said that 75 per cent of drivers had voted for the strike. According to the BBC, Mike Whelen, of Aslef, said that this was not considered a generous offer by the union. He said: "I don't quite understand how [East Midlands Trains] can say it's a crazy decision.

"The company made a further offer, we put that offer to our membership, it was rejected by a massive amount and therefore the axe has come back into place, so I think the company are more than aware of the situation."

He added that the deal would mean that depot drivers who worked in the yards would be paid less but that issues including the use of technology to report delays also played a part in the decision.

East Midlands Trains has announced that it plans to run at least 70 trains on each strike day and will be supplementing services with buses.

Scottish camping blooms during recession

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:36:00 GMT

Scottish camping and caravan parks are seeing an overwhelming summer crowd as holidaymakers hoping to save look to pitching their tents instead of book flights this year.

According to the Camping and Caravanning Club, based in Coventry, bookings at camping sites have risen by 18 per cent and many motor home companies are also describing mounting sales of camper vans.

Many of the campers are Scots enjoying a cheaper holiday in various sites around the warmer south of Scotland areas, as well as the central area and north of Scotland. The BBC also indicates that some of the rise in numbers are travellers from the US and Europe who are hoping to take advantage of the weak pound.

According to the broadcaster, the chairman of the Gloucester-based British Holiday and Home Parks Association, Colin Fraser, said: "I don't think there's a park in Scotland that's not doing well.

"Things are so good at the moment that if people who are buying touring caravans and tents don't book before they go somewhere, they're quite likely to be disappointed because a lot of parks are full."

Despite the swell in people choosing to camp this summer, there is still an ever-mounting volume of people who are also booking into UK hotels to take advantage of cheap summer rates. As the economic crisis has caused many to holiday at home, there has been a growth in the amount of people searching for cheap hotel getaways and city breaks to save money.

Queen to oversee annual swan count

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:25:00 GMT

The Queen will oversee the annual swan count on the River Thames for the first time today, taking part in a tradition that is held every year in her honour.

The monarch has never before observed the ancient custom, despite claiming ownership to all unmarked mute swans in British open water.

Swan Upping involves travelling up the famous London river and taking a census of all of the swans between Boveney Lock at Eton Wick and Abington in Oxfordshire. This year the starting point was changed from its usual Sunbury in Surrey for the Queen. During the event, cygnets are weighed and measured in the ancient practice, which now also serves a conservational purpose rather than its previous function as a culinary pursuit, dating back to the 12th century.

The Queen will make the journey on a steamer surrounded by skiffs containing workers who will be undertaking the task of counting the River Thames' swan population. The monarch, known as the Seigneur of the Swans while the event is taking place, will also meet the Swan Uppers that mark the swans.

Taking place over a period of one week every year, the event has a long history spanning hundreds of years. However, its purpose has changed since the 12th century, when the census took place to ensure there was always a large supply of swans for royal feasts and banquets. It was around this time that the Crown claimed ownership of all unmarked mute swans for the sole purpose of having plentiful supplies for culinary purposes.

Royal Navy warship opens to the public

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:13:00 GMT

The weekend saw the Royal Navy's newest warship, the HMS Daring, open to the public for the first time.

More than 5,000 people boarded the vessel, which is docked at south west England coastal city Portsmouth, to see the inner workings of the ship and view the way that the modern navy operated on board.

The two day event was organised by Portsmouth Naval Base and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and was part of a weekend of attractions, which included the opportunity to try out the ship's controls, take part in interactive displays and the chance to experience going into battle with the Royal Marines.

HMS Daring is the navy's newest warship and is going into service at the end of this year, over two years later than the original date for its deployment. It will not be fully operational until 2011, which has caused some dismay amidst spectators. However, the ship will be a welcome addition to the Royal Navy's fleet as it will be able to boost support for troops on land when needed.

It is the first of the navy's new fleet for Type 45 destroyers, of which there are a planned five more yet to be built.

According to the BBC, the managing director of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Robert Bruce, said: "This is the first time she has been properly opened to the public and I think they will be amazed.

"I think also there is a really good opportunity for the public to compare old and new."

Highland Games to take place this weekend

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:01:00 GMT

The Inverness Highland Games are set to take place this weekend, with a wealth of exciting and entertaining traditional Scottish sporting events adorning the next few days.

One of Scotland's annual highlights, the Highland Games invite competitors and spectators from all around the world to attend the north of Scotland event and compete for top prizes in a variety of different games.

Amongst them is Kengo Kunota, a Japanese entrant who became interested in the Games whilst living and studying in central Scotland city Glasgow. He is believed to be the first Asian competitor to travel to the Highlands in order to take part and hopes to place well in the hammer throwing and caber tossing events.

In recent years, the Inverness Games have seen exponential growth in terms of events and attendees. Previously, only around 2,000 spectators would be expected for the games but numbers now steadily reach around 10,000 per year.

Other attractions are growing around the Highland event that add an international flair to the proceedings. For example, the 2008 Games saw Chinese lion dancers entertain crowds, as well as cheerleaders and a parachute display. The year before welcomed Strange Fruit, an Australian group, who perform for crowds whilst balanced on 15ft high poles.

However, some discord reared when last year's traditional events - the competition itself - was stopped to make way for the parachute display, with some saying that as positive as all the extras were, they should not interfere with the main games.

Welsh Cavalry marks 50th anniversary

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The 50th anniversary of the Welsh Cavalry was marked by soldiers from 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards marching through Wrexham city centre yesterday.

Around 150 spectators gathered to greet the soldiers on Llwyn Isaf Green and many more were present when the regiment traversed the north Wales city town centre, accompanied by a band. At Llwyn Isaf Green, the soldiers were inspected by Wrexham mayor and the Lord Lieutenant.

According to the BBC, the mayor told the regiment: "You are a great source of pride to us all."

The day was also marked by music and festivities in celebration of the returning soldiers, who were greeted by Wrexham residents, as well as visitors from all over who attended the event to welcome them back.

Speaking to the BBC, Averil Baton Davies, who was there with her daughter, said: "I think it's important to welcome the lads.

"My husband William is a retired sergeant major with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and I'm here taking pictures for him.

"We should show them how much we support them."

Her daughter Cheryl told the broadcaster: "I'm here to show my respect."

The Queen's Dragoon Guards have also recently marched through Swansea to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Swansea, in south Wales, achieving city status. In honour of the occasion, the leader of Swansea council, Chris Holley, awarded the platoon with freedom of the city. He told the BBC: "2009 is an important year for Swansea as it is celebrating the 40th anniversary of city status.

"Giving the freedom of the city to the QDG is our way of recognising that they are part of our community and have been for 50 years."

Golf Open kicks off in Turnberry

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:37:00 GMT

The British Open has gotten off to a powerful start in Scottish location Turnberry.

This year's event sees a return from global golf star Tiger Woods, who is aiming to snag the trophy in the south of Scotland event.

For the last decade, Britain has performed poorly at the international competition, though hopes are high for the 2009 event as several esteemed Brits take to the course, including worldwide number three golfer Paul Casey, currently in second place in the Open.

Joining Casey, who hails from Surrey in the south east of England, is Nottinghamshire-born Lee Westwood and Ian Pouter, from Hitchin in Hertfordshire. However, the threat of American golfer Tiger Woods is enough to bring uncertainty to the competition.

According to the BBC, Berkshire golfer Ross Fisher's coach, Kristian Baker, said: "We're living in an era where Tiger Woods is dominating golf."

Woods, who made a return to the game following a knee operation in February, has already won three major tournaments since. Today marks his attempt to gain a 15th major title, following his participation in The Masters and US Open, in which he came sixth.

He told the BBC: "I've not won a major, but I've come close.

"I've put myself in position and just haven't done it. But three wins this year - it's been a tremendous success."

Woods has won the British Open three times in the past, but was unable to take part last year as he was recovering from surgery. "My day consisted of trying to get from bed to the couch and then back to bed," the golfer stated.

Royal Opera House exec to chair Cultural Olympiad

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:25:00 GMT

The chief executive of the Royal Opera House has been selected as the chair of a new Cultural Olympiad board.

Tony Hall, who presides over the London opera house, will join a board of prominent faces from the British arts world to spearhead the project, which aims to provide a cultural backdrop to the Olympic Games when they take place in the city in 2012.

Reporting to the main Olympic board, the cultural team also consists of Tate director Sir Nicholas Serota, Arts Council chief executive Alan Davey, Barbican managing director Sir Nicholas Kenyon, arts and culture advisor to the mayor Munira Mirza, Royal Shakespeare Company director Vicky Heywood and the Southbank Centre artistic director Jude Kelly.

The group will work on creating a programme of arts and cultural events to run during the course of the Olympic Games and serve as an introduction to British culture for the thousands of international tourists expected to descent on south east England for the event.

According to the Guardian, Mr Hall said: "I have always believed that the Olympic and Paralympic games present a fantastic opportunity for the arts in this country.

"We have the ability to introduce a whole new generation to arts and culture and show the world what a creative and inspirational country this is."

The Cultural Olympiad has just received £16m Lottery money to enable it to plan largescale events. Events that are promised so far include an international Shakespeare festival, a London music festival and a film project that will take part across the whole of the UK.

Welsh cattle market plans approved

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:12:00 GMT

A new cattle market for a Monmouthshire town has been approved by the area's council.

The south Wales town of Abergavenny is expected to see the demise of its historic market in favour of the new version, which will take place 10 miles away from its current location to Raglan, near Newport.

Despite campaigns against the closure of the current market, which is almost 150 years old, the council decided that an overhaul was necessary as the older one was no longer "fit for purpose", according to the BBC. The new market will include the construction of a retail park which will consist of a supermarket and a library, amongst other shops and services.

The cattle market is a popular livestock market that takes place weekly in the south Wales countyside. Moving it to a more suitable location would serve the community further by allowing the council to increase the market and add other attractions to bring more people to the area. The BBC reports that Cllr Bob Greenland stated that the change would not only allow the market to be improved upon, but would also create the opportunity within Abergavenny for developments of its own.

Cllr Greenland said: "It takes us a step further in providing a modern 21st Century market for the farmers of the county.

"It then enables the regeneration of the town centre in Abergavenny, where the existing market is, to move a step forward."

The market attracts farmers and tourists from a variety of locations on a regular basis and serves as a community event for Abergavenny.

Scottish ferry to sail on Sundays

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:01:00 GMT

The popular Scottish mainland to Stornoway ferry service has received the green light to employ new services operating on Sundays.

Caledonian MacBrayne won the opportunity despite some opposition from local authorities and communities and will now deploy its Saturday afternoon timetables on Sundays as well, with the inaugural trip taking place this weekend.

Previously, the ferry operator had been told by authorities that it would not be lawful to operate on Sundays due to the religious beliefs of local communities. However, the company has now managed to schedule voyages across the north of Scotland passageway from Stornaway to Ullapool, near Fort William.

According to the BBC, the chairman of CalMac, Peter Timms, explained that the company would be able to operate legally whilst lowering impact on the community and still convenience those hoping to travel on Sundays: "We believe we can achieve that by operating one return trip a day, departing in the afternoon and returning late in the evening.

"This will minimise the impact on the culture and amenity of the islands, while at the same time providing economic and social benefits."

He added: "We remain acutely aware of the sensitivities surrounding Sunday sailings, but we cannot operate unlawfully nor fail to provide lifeline services when there is a growing demonstrable demand from the communities we serve."

Scottish ferry services are a popular choice for travel, with some routes being the only way to get to particular islands like the Western Isles or Orkney and the Shetlands. There are routes departing from both Scotland's east and west coasts, including some journeys from Aberdeen travelling to the northern isles.

Yorkshire Show expects thousands of visitors

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 151st Great Yorkshire Show is expecting to receive thousands of visitors as it opens later today.

Although the Highway Agency issued a plea for attendees to leave their cars at home if possible, roads around Harrogate, where the event takes place, have seen a massive increase in traffic travelling into the north east England town.

The Great Yorkshire Show has been one of the biggest fixtures in the UK's agricultural calendar since its inception in 1837, when it enjoyed immediate success with crowds swiftly rising into their thousands.

This year, the event expects in excess of 120,000 attendees to descend on the town, which has been home to the event for nearly 60 years. Prior to this, the event moved to different locations and has previously taken place in Hull, Leeds and Northallerton.

Each year, the Great Yorkshire Show boasts similar events that draw thousands to Yorkshire to partake in or spectate. These include such events as cattle shows, as well as displays for pigs, sheep and other livestock, with prizes being awarded to animals considered to be of the best stock.

There is also a large Flower Show, which invites flora fans to enjoy taking in a wide variety of flowers and shrubs arranged into pleasing displays.

The Country Pursuits arena offers up performances from trained hounds, as well as flying displays by Birds of Prey and the Pavilions of Harrogate will open their doors for a wealth of dining opportunities, as well as functions.

Welsh Wakestock festival sees huge crowds

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Welsh music festival Wakestock enjoyed near-capacity crowds this weekend, despite the foul weather that turned the field into a swamp beneath the feet of almost 15,000 people.

The festival, which is held annually in north Wales, combines sporting events and music, with wakeboarding being the flavour of the event. Now in its tenth year, Wakestock has grown in popularity and invites ticket-holders to enjoy a plethora of bands that provide the backdrop to a wealth of wakeboard contests involving competitors trying to top one another's stunts.

This year, headlining bands at the Gwynedd festival included The Zutons and Dizzee Rascal, as well as NERD and Moby, who entertained the crowds over the course of three days.

Looking over Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia mountains, Wakestock provides plenty of attractions for attendees.

When it first began, Wakestock was originally a wakeboarding competition that ended with a big party. However, as the years and attendance numbers grew, the event became a music festival but stays true to its sporting roots.

Wakeboarding involves performing tricks on a surfboard-like board which is pulled across the water by a motor boat. Skilled wakeboarders are expected to be able to perform jumps, flips and 180 degree spins at top speeds, and there was a rail built at Pwllheli marina that allows wakeboarders to perform tricks just metres from thousands of spectators.

Although poor weather caused the Penhros location to turn into a mudbath, festival-goers were not deterred and the music and sports competitions carried on as scheduled.

Apollo Pavilion revamp is officially unveiled

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:24:00 GMT

The Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee has been reopened following a six month restoration programme.

The £400,000 overhaul took place at the Durham landmark in order to restore the original features of the pavilion, which had fallen into disrepair since its creation in the 1960s by Surrey artist Victor Pasmore.

Named after the iconic moon mission in 1969, the Apollo Pavilion is considered to be an internationally significant piece of public art and the revamp included the replacement of a staircase allowing access to the structure's upper level, the restoration of two original murals at the site and the repair and replacement of the pavilion's feature lighting. The structure had been vandalised with graffiti prior to the revamp and all of this has since been removed.

The BBC reports that Victor Pasmore's son, John Pasmore, unveiled a commemorative plaque at yesterday's ceremony and said: "I am delighted the pavilion has been restored to its original state and once again reflects my father's vision.

"A lot of time and effort has gone into this project and on behalf of my family and my father I would like to thank all those who have worked hard to highlight his work."

Durham County Council's cabinet member for healthier communities, Eunice Huntington, told the broadcaster: "The refurbishment of the pavilion provides a real boost to the regeneration of this part of Peterlee and will enhance its role as a tourist destination."

The North East England landmark began restoration in January with the bulk of its £400,000 funding coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Actor Briers backs Newcastle theatre overhaul

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:01:00 GMT

Actor Richard Briers will be the guest of honour at the launch of a restoration project set to take place at a Newcastle theatre.

The revamp of Newcastle's Theatre Royal will cost £3.5m and anticipates the work on the Grade I Listed building being completed by 2012, when the theatre turns 175 years old.

Surrey-born Briers, who is most famous for his role in British sitcom The Good Life and Scottish Highlands-based drama Monarch of the Glen, spoke to the BBC of the restoration. He told the broadcaster: "The Theatre Royal is one of our most distinguished theatres with which I have a very long association, having first appeared here in 1958 in "Gilt and Gingerbread".

"It is a great honour to be asked here again to launch this fantastic restoration project."

The installation of new seating in every level of the auditorium will be included in the revamp, as well as the employment of conservation methods to prevent further rainwater damage to the theatre's famous Portico overlooking Grey Street.

The North East England theatre will also benefit from new ventilation systems and new lighting.

The chief executive of the Theatre Royal, Philip Bernays, told the BBC: "The theatre is not only one of the most impressive buildings in Britain, but it is also a major monument of civic pride.

"It has a place in the hearts and minds of every person in the North East and also many further afield."

The Newcastle Theatre Royal was built in 1987 and opened with a performance of The Merchant of Venice. It last received a refurbishment during the 1980s but has since fallen into a state of disrepair.

Former Stone Roses star opens art exhibition

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:49:00 GMT

The former guitarist for rock 'n' roll smash Stone Roses has opened a new art exhibition.

John Squire, who shot to fame playing guitar with the Manchester band, has turned his back on any possibilities of a reunion, despite a current trend that has brought many of the UK's biggest bands together again to perform comeback tours, including Oasis and London-based Blur.

Instead, the star has spent the last five years focussing on his artwork, painting and creating sculptures, the latter of which play the centrepiece on his new exhibition.

Heat, Light, Death and Industry is Squire's largest exhibition to date and consists of two warehouse rooms filled with pieces created from metal sheets welded into the shapes of large cardboard boxes.

Speaking to the BBC, Squire outlined his preferences for an artistic existence rather than his previous guise as a musician, saying: "in this world, you can do anything you want. And it's more open to interpretation than a pop song. It can mean more things - maybe to a smaller audience, but I think ambiguity is the key.

"The relationship that somebody might have with one of these pieces is likely to be more varied than a relationship they'd have with a song I've written."

On display at Gallery Oldham, the new exhibition proved a difficult task for Squire, who had to teach himself how to weld. "I burnt my arms and my scalp on a daily basis, I set fire to my hair, the studio [and had] two visits to A&E to have shards of metal removed from my eye," he told the BBC.

"I couldn't wait to get back to painting to be honest. But I think the results justify that torture."

T in the Park festival gets underway

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:37:00 GMT

Esteemed Scottish music festival T in the Park has kicked off, with thousands of music fans heading to the famous Kinross field for a weekend of stage performances and camping.

Over 120 bands and solo artists will entertain audiences of an expected 85,000 at the three day event, which will bring revellers from all over the UK and beyond together at the Balado airfield near Perth.

Headlining this year's event are Blur, the Killers and Kings of Leon, as well as Lily Allen, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and the Pet Shop Boys. They will perform over 12 stages built in preparation for the central Scotland show.

According to the BBC, T in the Park's director, Geoff Ellis, said of the line-up: "I think it's one of the strongest we've ever had. We try to keep it as diverse as possible and I think we've got in Kings of Leon and Killers two of the biggest international bands around.

"Blur are really on fire, they're back with a vengeance and playing really well.

"It's a really well balanced bill. Bands like the Pet Shop Boys, who've never played T in the Park before and probably the T in the Park audience are not the core kind of Pet Shop Boys fans, but they've so many hits that people will recognise and I know that they're planning a fantastic kind of visual show."

T in the Park is Scotland's biggest festival and takes place during summer each year. The music event is rising in popularity amongst the likes of the Leeds and Reading festivals, as well as bigger events like Glastonbury.

Unst and Stonehaven Scottish festivals kick off

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:25:00 GMT

Two of Scotland's major summer festivals have kicked off and aim to draw a wide range of attendees from all over to enjoy music and celebrations over the coming days.

The Stonehaven Folk Festival, now taking place for the 21st year, will see around 2,000 people visiting the Scottish town, near Aberdeen, to enjoy a broad spectrum of folk-related festivities over the course of four days.

This year's event sees a wide variety of folk musicians performing at the north Scotland location, including bands like the Peatbog Faeries, Karine Polwart Trio, Burns Choir and performers including Cara Dillon and Martin Simpson. There will also be a ceilidh on Friday night, with footstomping tunes provided by FolkHeart.

Going further north, another event that is beginning today is UnstFest, known as Britain's most northerly festival due to its location on the Shetland Islands. UnstFest is an 11 day extravaganza of music, entertainment, sports and local crafts. According to the festival's website, this year's event also invites festival attendees to help organisers attempt to create a new World Record.

With a wealth of activities on offer, from introductions to archaeology to jewellery making workshops and beer-tasting sessions, UnstFest promises to have something for all tastes. There are also plenty of musical events to enjoy, including performances from Alan Nicholson Band, and those who'd like to try their hand at making music of their own can attend a number of teaching classes.

The Aberdeenshire Stonehaven Folk Festival runs from July 9 until July 12 and UnstFest continues on until July 19.

Big Ben anniversary clock 'Little Ben' unveiled

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:13:00 GMT

In honour of the 150th anniversary of major London landmark Big Ben's first peal, its miniature counterpart, 'Little Ben', is being equipped with chimes that will be as loud as its big brother.

Located in the south east England city's Westminster area, Little Ben will join the famous clock tower in announcing the hour in strident tones for one day only - Friday July 10. Between the hours of 0700BST and 1900BST, Little Ben will chime every hour in celebration of the anniversary.

In a press release, Visit London's chief executive, Sally Chatterjee, said: "Perhaps one of London's best kept secrets, it's high time 'Little Ben' came out from the shadows and was given a voice. This unique event will highlight the abundance of hidden gems which makes London such a compelling city to visit."

Members of the public are invited to visit the capital to hear the 30ft replica of the iconic clock tower's vociferous chiming of the hour, an event that is considered to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Friday marks the day before the anniversary of Big Ben's first chime itself, with the inaugural ringing that many Londoners are so familiar with taking place on July 11, 1859.

Part of the "Only in London" campaign being run by Visit London, the 'Little Ben' attraction is just one of many unique features London is now offering for visitors and locals alike. The project aims to highlight such distinctive experiences in order to ensure that tourists make the most of the English capital.

Billy Connolly Edinburgh tickets go on sale

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:12:00 GMT

Following a stunted launch where both phone line and website experienced technical difficulties, tickets for Billy Connolly's Edinburgh shows have gone on sale.

The tickets were scheduled to be made available on Monday, however faults on the Usher Hall website and with the phone line prevented comedy fans from getting through to purchase tickets for the event at the popular Edinburgh venue. The website is still experiencing problems and fans are advised to book over the phone at the moment.

Tickets are available through website Tickets Scotland, however, and in person at Edinburgh store Ripping Records.

Connolly is due to perform at Edinburgh's Usher Hall for four dates over September 19-23.

He is also making six appearances at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium, with each 3,000 seat event selling out within two hours of tickets being released on Monday morning.

Edinburgh City Council's culture convenor, Deidre Brock, told the BBC: "We are working extremely hard to restore online ticket sales as soon as possible.

"The problem has now been identified as being a computer hardware fault.

"Once this fault has been rectified, we will resume online sales through the Usher Hall website.
"In the meantime, Billy Connolly tickets are available via the box office telephone number and our Usher Hall staff are working flat out to take bookings.

"We will be staffing the phone lines from 0900 BST until 1800 BST and tickets can also be purchased from Ripping Records and Tickets Scotland."

Billy Connolly is one of Scotland's best known performers, with a range of talents under his belt including stand up comedy, singing, television presenting and acting.

London Tube stations reopened following flooding closure

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

London Underground stations have been reopened for service following closure last night, when flooding from thunder storms that saw the English capital soaked with rain.

Tube stations Victoria, Hyde Park Corner and Paddington were shut at 1730BST following severe storms that lashed the south east England city with hail and lit the skies with lightning flashes.

However, all stations have now been reopened and are resuming full services after draining, with overground services at Victoria station running as normal.

The event saw thousands of London commuters stranded at the stations during rush hour, when the Underground system processes its highest volume of travellers. They were forced to find alternative routes through the capital.

Sara Livesey, from Kent, spoke to the BBC about the ordeal. She said: "I waited in the office until the rain stopped, thinking I was leaving at a good time and I can't believe this, I'm just dumbstruck. It's only been raining for 20 minutes and this happens, what a joke."

Despite the sour effect that the flooding had on many commuters' moods, some remained optimistic about the inconvenience. Lou Barr, an executive assistant who was also travelling with Ms Livesey, told the broadcaster: "Everyone's really moody, some woman came by us shouting, 'Can you just keep moving?' and we just thought, 'Where?' Everyone's so grumpy but I'm secretly quite happy because it means I don't have to go to the gym."

London transport also took a hit at the beginning of the year, when heavy snow saw buses and rail services roll to a halt for several days.

Last ever Royal Show for agriculture starts

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:49:00 GMT

The last ever Royal Show is taking place in Stoneleigh this week as the conclusion of a 160 year run.

The event has been cancelled and will not be repeated after this year's event due to the falling number of visitors despite the 100,000 people expected to attend this year's agricultural event. However, the Royal Show's past success used to bring it around a quarter of a million visitors during the 1970s and 1980s. the show is now no longer financially secure, hence the decision for cancellation.

However, this year's Warwickshire event promises to be one of the greatest Royal Shows to occur in the 160 years that the event has been taking place.

The West Midlands event will "give everyone a great show" as promised by Denis Chamberlain, the marketing director of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (Rase), who spoke to the BBC earlier.

The show will begin with a pageant that pays homage to its long history before kicking off the action in the Grand Ring, where displays including hunting hounds and horses will impress audiences. There will be competitions for heavy horse turnouts, as well as show jumping, concerts, parades and scurry driving.

A cattle show will also take place, with various prizes awarded to the best cows.

The Royal Show has only ever been cancelled a few times, during the first and second world wars due to cattle plague and foot and mouth outbreaks.

In previous years, the event has also been held in Liverpool and Manchester in the north west of England, as well as its inaugural show taking place in Oxford in 1839. Since 1963, however, Stoneleigh Park has remained the event's main home.

Blackpool chosen to host Royal Variety Show

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:25:00 GMT

This year's Royal Variety Performance will take place in Blackpool and is set to feature dance act Diversity, the winners of popular television show Britain's Got Talent.

The leader of Blackpool's council, Peter Callow, told the BBC that the win was a "major coup" and promised that the north west England seaside town "won't let the Queen down."

Diversity, the London-based dance troupe that beat central Scotland's Susan Boyle to the top of the talent show, will form part of the extravaganza taking place in December in honour of the Queen. There will be a variety of other acts performing alongside the team of dancers, who wowed audiences when Britain's Got Talent was screened during May.

Mr Callow told the BBC that the town would prepare in advance for the event, saying: "It is obviously going to take place in our world famous Opera House, I think a lick of paint might not go amiss."

The Royal Variety Performance has taken place annually since 1912 and was last held in Blackpool in 1955. Since 2003, the show alternates between a London venue and those is a number of other locations each year. The event took place in London last year, with Liverpool hosting the event in 2007.

Blackpool's Opera House is the same building in which the Royal Variety Performance was held when it visited the seaside town over 50 years ago. The venue will be improved before the December 7 performance and is able to seat almost 3,000 guests.

Devon pays tribute to Gormley with penguins

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:12:00 GMT

In honour of its current position as home to esteemed artist Antony Gormley's 'Field' installation, Devon has created a tribute to the work with a difference.

Created by Devon marine attraction Living Coasts, based in Torquay, the homage is comprised of hundreds of terracotta models placed in a similar fashion to Gormley's famous installation, which is comprised of 40,000 clay figures arranged to face the viewer.

Torquay's version, however, comes with a twist - in acknowledgement of Living Coasts' conservation work, the staff and visitors that created the 700 figures in the homage spent two months modelling penguins to replace Gormley's unusual models in the hope of passing on a message about the importance of coastal conservation.

The BBC reports that Living Coasts' Stuart Wright said: "We were inspired when we heard that such an amazing piece of artwork was coming down here.

"We wanted to come up with a response that would tie in with the conservation work we do here at Living Coasts."

"The penguins will remain here throughout the summer but we have decided to gradually remove some from the collective group to reinforce the conservation message that penguins need our help and protecting."

The south west England attraction will have the homage on display around the same time that Gormley's original work will be shown in its location at The Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey.

The "Fields for the British Isles" installation will be available for viewing over summer.

Abba tribute show set for September

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:01:00 GMT

An anticipated tribute performance to Swedish pop sensation Abba has been announced to take place in September.

Thank You for the Music... A Celebration of the Music of Abba will be held in London's Hyde Park and is set to include a plethora of guest singers performing the greatest hits of the famous four piece.

According to the BBC, the songwriting team behind Abba's biggest hits - band members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus - will also take part in the south east England concert and announced in a statement: "This must be the greatest honour that can be bestowed on any songwriter.

"We are absolutely delighted and we hope thousands of Radio 2 listeners will join us there."

The news that Abba members Benny and Bjorn will be involved in the project follows recent rumours that the Swedish quartet are arranging to fill some of the dates at London's O2 Arena the recently deceased Michael Jackson was due to perform, bringing them back together as a band for a reunion tour.

However, Andersson denied the stories, telling television show host Jonathon Ross: "No-one's asked us, and if they did we wouldn't say yes."

Ulvaeus agreed with his bandmate, despite the fact that Abba never officially split up when they stopped recording in 1982, saying: "There is simply no motivation to re-group.

"Money is not a factor and we would like people to remember us as we were. Young, exuberant, full of energy and ambition."

Thank You for the Music... A Celebration of the Music of Abba will take place on September 13. So far, no details of the line up have been released.

Newquay Airport redevelopment approved

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:37:00 GMT

Newquay Airport has received a £24.3m grant that could incur huge benefits for the development of the county Cornwall.

The grant, which needed to be approved by the European Commission, was collected by funding from Cornwall Council, South West Regional Development Agency and the European Union and means that the partial military base can be redeveloped into a completely civilian airport. The Commission has already offered up £19m towards the project.

Over the next two decades, the south west England airport is planned to receive a new terminal, an aviation training centre and proposals to build and refurbish hangars in the hopes of attracting aircraft maintenance and aircraft recycling businesses to set up shop at the airport.

Newquay Airport is also set to include a business park with a four-star hotel for travellers passing through the airport and there will also be an exhibition centre on the site.

Plans for improvements to the public transport system to provide better access to and from the airport, as well as additional car parking space and car hire services, are also underway.

According to the BBC, the redevelopment to the south west airport could mean a massive leap in the volume of passengers currently moving through the business. Following the redevelopments, which could also coax bigger airlines to begin utilising the airport to offer flights from, thus gaining more travellers for the airport, Newquay Airport is hoped to receive a passenger hike by as much as 400 per cent to 1.4 million per year.

Fourth Plinth living statue announced

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:25:00 GMT

The first person to form part of Antony Gormley's latest art project has been revealed.

Rachel Wardell, from Lincolnshire, will step onto Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth on Monday July 6 and remain there for an hour from 0900 BST. She will then be followed by hundreds of other successful applicants who won the honour of taking part in the project.

The One and Other project involves a different person standing on London's famously empty Fourth Plinth every hour over a period of 100 days. It aims to represent the diversity of the general public and focus on unity as well as difference. All proceeds from the project will go towards the NSPCC.

Mrs Wardell, who is a housewife, told the BBC: "I like the idea of the arts as inclusive rather than exclusive and feel like this is something that Antony Gormley, and this project in particular, embrace.

"I wanted to be able to represent normal, everyday stay-at-home mums who aren't normally a feature of major artworks - to show my kids now, and when they're older, that you can do, and be part of anything, no matter how ordinary you are or feel.

"I never expected to get a place so hadn't thought about what to do and I never expected to be first.

"I don't want to say anything about me, but what is important to me is children. That's why I want to raise awareness of the NSPCC".

Mrs Wardell will be followed at 1000 BST by Brighton nurse Jason Clark. Applications are to remain open until the project finishes on September 1.

Birmingham to trademark Balti curry

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:12:00 GMT

Birmingham City Council is considering applying to prevent restaurants outside of Birmingham from using the name Balti for any of their curry dishes.

The new plans could mean that any restaurant currently serving Balti curries on their menus will have to change their offerings to remove the dish.

Advocates of the plan claim that they want Birmingham to be acknowledged as the Balti's "birthplace" and wish the curry to be trademarked with the city's name, much in the vein of Wensleydale cheese from Yorkshire and Champagne in France, each of which claim sole rights to call their products after the area name.

The European Union grants protected designation of origin for foodstuffs that undergo distinctive production, processing and preparation in a region adhering to that area's recognised local practices.

A spokesperson from the West Midlands city told the BBC: "The idea that Birmingham should trademark the term 'Balti' is certainly an interesting one, which is not without its merits.

"The city is not only the birthplace of the dish, but also home to the UK's premier community of Balti restaurants and businesses - The Balti Triangle.

"The city council is always seeking new and imaginative ways to promote the city regionally, nationally and internationally, which, if judged to be feasible and to the benefit of local people or businesses, we would not hesitate in pursuing."

Birmingham curry restaurant owners are keen to get the trademark as it means that many eateries will be prevented from serving the dish incorrectly, as it undergoes a certain preparation and serving method to be considered a Balti.

The Queen marks 10th anniversary of Scottish devolution

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:01:00 GMT

The Queen travelled to the Scottish capital to visit the Holyrood parliament 10 years after it was established.

After meeting political party leaders, the Queen gave an address to MSPs at the Edinburgh building that recalled the beginnings of Scottish devolution and its progression since then.

According to the BBC, the monarch said: "I have followed your progress with great interest, at the Mound, in Aberdeen and here at Holyrood.

"During each visit I have been struck by the spirit of engagement and innovation shown by the members as you seek to fulfil your commitment to serve the people of Scotland.

"The projects and activities which the presiding officer has spoken of are clear examples of your continuing commitment to your founding principles; principles that have served you well over the last decade and which I hope will continue to guide you in future."

Also present at the speech were over 100 children who were born in Scotland on the day the Scottish Parliament was formally given the power to make laws - July 1 1999. The Queen acknowledged them, pointing out that they were children who had grown up only knowing Scotland as a country with its own parliament.

Following her address, the Queen met each of the children, some of which included those who have moved away but returned for Scotland's Year of Homecoming.

First Minister Alex Salmond responded, saying: "We the people of Scotland are enjoying a renewed sense of ourselves and a new hope for the future.

"We look forward to the next 10 years with confidence ... because, whatever the future holds, Scotland can and Scotland will flourish."

Cornwall zoo shows off wildebeest calf

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:49:00 GMT

A Cornwall zoo has had the honour of reporting the first black wildebeest calf born into the UK in several decades.

Newquay Zoo released photographs of the calf, which was born a week ago but so far has been kept hidden from the public. Now that it appears to be in good health, Newquay Zoo is cautiously revealing images of the new arrival, whose gender has so far been undetermined due to the protective natures of its parents.

The animal collections manager at the south-west England zoo, John Meek, told the BBC that the parent wildebeest Malaga and Lazar were brought to the UK in March to form part of Newquay Zoo's new African Savanna collection. They were originally situated in the Czech Republic at Zoo Dvur Kralove.

The calf is the first of its particular species to be born in the UK in decades. Mr Meek said: "The baby was up and about within 20 minutes and is doing extremely well."

The new arrival is one of a string of births taking place at the zoo recently. Just weeks ago, a litter of meerkats were born in the Cornwall zoo, adding four new animals to the enclosure. They are now part of the public display and spokeswoman Michelle Turton said: "They have great characters and are certainly a mischievous little bunch with lots of play fighting and rolling around."

The wildebeest calf is currently unnamed and is being severely guarded by its parents at the zoo, which is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm.

Olympic medallist Chris Hoy receives Edinburgh Award

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:37:00 GMT

Scottish cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who famously won three gold medals for Great Britain during the Beijing Olympic Games last year, visited the Scottish capital yesterday to receive a prestigious new award.

The Edinburgh Award is only in its third year and has so far been collected by Harry Potter creator JK Rowling and crime writer Ian Rankin, whose tales of Edinburgh detective Inspector Rebus have enthralled many.

Set up in 2007, the accolade recognises outstanding achievements made by Edinburgh citizens, as well as their contribution to the city through such achievements.

Hoy was unanimously voted as the winner of this year's award by a panel of judges chaired by Edinburgh's Lord Provost, who described the athlete as an "outstanding ambassador" for the city in central Scotland,, according to the BBC.

The broadcaster reports that, on receiving the award, Sir Chris said: "I was born and brought up in Edinburgh and the support I received in all areas of my life there - at school and university and with my cycling career - is an integral part of my success

"The City of Edinburgh Racing Club was the best amateur track cycling club in the UK, and joining it was the first step towards where I am today."

The cyclist, who currently resides in Manchester, added: "I'm very proud to be from Edinburgh and I hope to move back there one day."

The Lord Provost also said: "Following his incredible achievements in Beijing last summer, he now enjoys the kudos of being the greatest Olympian this city has ever produced."

Sheffield to receive big wheel attraction

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Following the success of proposals for a giant observational wheel to be built in Sheffield, the construction of the structure looks set to start next month.

The wheel, which will be placed in Sheffield city centre, will be 174ft tall and include 42 gondolas, each with an eight person capacity. The structure will be a temporary addition to the area and reside in Fargate until January 2010.

Hoped to bring more tourists to the area, the giant wheel replicates those found in other locations around England and will allow visitors panoramic views of the area, making way for photographic opportunities and the chance to see Sheffield city spreading out below.

Despite some objections to the plans, Sheffield Council has welcomed the addition with open arms. According to the BBC, the report detailing information about the wheel that was set before the council's planning board said: "Similar observation wheels have been located in several cities worldwide and locations nationally include London, Manchester and York.

"The presence of these structures in these locations is widely regarded as a success in terms of attracting increased visitors to centres and adding to their vitality and viability."

When first introduced in London in 1999, the London Eye - also known as the Millennium Wheel - was visited by thousands of tourists eager to take in panoramic views of the south east England city. It has since become the UK's most popular paid attraction, with well over a million visitors taking to the skies in its capsules each year.

UK warned of heatwave set to bring in July

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:24:00 GMT

The Met Office has issued a heatwave warning for England and Wales, with temperatures set to soar during the coming week.

Some areas, notably the east and south-east of England, will be subjected to temperatures as high as 32C and will be the hottest parts of the country during the day and at night.

The rest of the UK is expected to have warm and humid weather, with some areas possibly being hit by thunderstorms.

According to the BBC, the hottest day of the year so far was Monday, with Charlwood in Surrey recording 28.4C at the height of the day.

The Met Office stated that there is a 70 per cent chance of temperatures rising even further, however, to over 30C in London and the south east over the next few days. Spokeswoman Helen Chivers said: "Thursday looks like it will be the hottest day of this spell."

Heatwaves are declared in the UK when temperatures rise above 30C during the day and 15C at night. So far, northern parts of the country have escaped the warnings, though the heat is still predicted to rise. For example, the Met Office predicted that southern Scotland would reach around 23C at the start of the week and rise to 25C later. Islands in the north of Scotland could see temperatures of around 20C.

The BBC reports that hot temperatures will be accompanied by humidity and heavy rain showers, some of which will also include thunder.

Westminster Abbey to undergo first building work in 250 years

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Plans for the transformation of one of London's most famous landmarks have been released. Westminster Abbey is set to receive work to its roof in a new scheme to improve the popular and iconic building.

Westminster Abbey has not had any construction work conducted on it for 250 years and the new proposals would result in significant change for the central London attraction. If they go ahead, the plans involve the Abbey's roof receiving a corona - an architectural structure that is shaped like a crown - on top of its roof.

The design would leave the Abbey's roof looking similar to buildings like St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh and has been costed at around £23m.

According to the BBC, the Dean, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said: "It's extremely exciting. It's the first major development here for a long time.

"There will of course be some people who say 'Don't change our skyline after all this time'.

"I don't think we would go against the bulk of public opinion. If there was an adverse reaction, I expect we would drop it."

However, if public support of the plans is gained, the Royal Institute of British Architects will invite architects to submit designs for the corona in a competition, with the winning design aimed to be completed by 2013, the year marking the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation at the landmark.

Other proposals for Westminster Abby include the opening of the triforium, the Abbey's upper gallery, as a museum which would contain historic artifacts currently not on display anywhere in the UK.

Inverness ceremony set to celebrate city street revamp

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:48:00 GMT

A ceremony honouring the completion of an Inverness city street revamp is set to take place later.

The £6m project allowed the city centre to receive an overhaul which began in January 2007 and was besieged by various problems during the work which held it back for some time.

However, now completed, Inverness residents are to celebrate the north Scotland city's new look with a ceremony to be held later. Marking Inverness' updated image, the ceremony will acknowledge the work of the many artists who were heavily involved in the project and who strived to encourage public interest in the scheme as well as design "street furniture" for the city's updated roads.

The revamp project also unearthed information about some of Inverness' lesser known historical events, including the tale of a loyal canine that rivals Edinburgh's famous tale of Greyfriars Bobby, according to the BBC. The dog was said to have refused to leave the stall it was guarding for its master while at Inverness' old Victorian Market even as the market burned down, an event which took place 120 years ago.

Some of the new artwork adorning Inverness streets includes the Three Virtues on Church Street; large ramps made of stone that have trees standing in their centres.

Ness Walk has also received new cobble stones, as well as some areas having decorative cobbled sections.

Streetscape, though a controversial project, has meant that Inverness city centre has undergone a much-needed revamp and now enjoys a more pedestrianised, picturesque look.

Road, rail and air hub recommended for Edinburgh transport "revolution"

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Independent think tank Reform Scotland has recommended an integrated road, rail and air hub as part of a £25bn upheaval of Scotland's transport system.

The Grand Central hub would be built around Edinburgh Airport and form the focus of what it called a "revolution" in Scottish transport, the BBC reports.

With high-speed rail links between the central Scotland capital and the country's cities; Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Stirling, as well as those in England, the hub could see journey times slashed for rail travellers.

The A9 and A96 would also require improvements which would see both roads expanding to become full dual carriageways.

However, the cost of such a project could be a barrier, particularly during the current economic climate. Reform Scotland estimated the costs of the Grand Central hub to be around £25bn, conceding that there were "major cost implications at a time when our economy is in recession and budgets are coming under increasing strain."

Despite acknowledging the daunting nature of the costs, though, Reform Scotland added: "We need to do this if we are not to be left behind in economic terms by other countries."

The think tank affirmed belief that the Grand Central hub would actually be a boon to Scottish economy, stating: "A transport system that maximises our potential for faster economic growth is an essential part of any successful economic strategy.

"It will not come cheap, but it is a genuine investment in the future prosperity of Scotland and everyone living in the country."

Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart to receive Freeman accolade

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:01:00 GMT

Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart is returning to his Scottish hometown today to be honoured as a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire.

The award recognises Stewart's triumphs in motor racing, particularly his three World Drivers' Championships, which he won during his Formula One career between 1965 and 1973.

According to the BBC, the 70-year-old sportsman said: "It means a lot to me to be returning home. It's a huge compliment to be bestowed with the Freemanship of West Dunbartonshire.

"I have always been very proud of my Dumbarton origins and I am delighted that West Dunbartonshire is proud of my achievements and is granting me with this wonderful honour."

The ceremony will see Stewart touring his old primary school before unveiling an honorary plaque at his childhood home. The award will not be the first the racing prodigy has received: several honorary doctorates have also been awarded to him by Scottish universities in Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow.

He told the broadcaster: "I am really delighted to have this recognition and am looking forward to a visit to my old primary school and to the home where I grew up."

Sir Jackie Stewart is the president of Dyslexia Scotland and has campaigned towards further public standing of the condition since being diagnosed with it aged 42.

Alex Salmond, First Minister, expressed his delight at the Freeman award, telling the BBC: "No less inspirational has been his tireless and very effective work to further the public's understanding of, and government support for the needs of young people with dyslexia.

"It is also particularly fitting, in Scotland's year of Homecoming, that Sir Jackie has been recognised by his 'ain folk'.

"I'm sure it will be a wonderful day for Sir Jackie - one to add to the many memorable moments of his life."

Fans start arriving for Glastonbury festival

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:48:00 GMT

Excited festival fans have begun arriving at the famed Worthy Farm the day before the kick off of this year's Glastonbury Festival.

Weather reports have warned that revellers should prepare against bad weather as forecasts suggest Friday's skies will bring torrential downpours that could turn the festival into "an absolute mud bath", according to the BBC.

The weather on Thursday was predicted to be warm and sunny before turning sour at the weekend, meaning Glastonbury, located in south west England, could fall victim to yet another wet festival following washouts in previous years.

The BBC Weather Centre's Chris Fawkes said: "On Friday the air will become very humid and the heat and humidity will combine for thunderstorms which although torrential, will be very isolated.

"It's an all-or-nothing forecast - if one hits Glastonbury it could make an absolute mud bath for the rest of the weekend, but could easily hit down the road and remain dry."

However, poor weather is unlikely to deter fans. The Somerset festival has experienced torrential rains and thunderstorms in the past, with revellers choosing to embrace the misfortune rather than pack up their tents.

This year's Glastonbury Festival is expected to host around 60,000 music lovers and promises an exciting line-up. Headlining the musical extravaganza in 2009 are Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Britpop icons Blur, who are gearing up to play a series of reunion gigs in London's Hyde Park in July.

The festival first began in 1970 under the title Pilton Festival, when it was attended by a comparatively modest 1500 people.

Welsh aqueduct could become UK's 2009 UNESCO site

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:25:00 GMT

A Welsh aqueduct could become this year's only addition to the United Kingdom's list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain and stands near Wrexham in the north of Wales. Building started on the aqueduct between 1795 and 1805 and the structure is regarded as one of Thomas Telford's greatest triumphs in civil engineering.

The decision will be made by a panel of 21 experts this week, who will also consider 27 other sites from around the world, and will be announced this weekend.

If successful, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct would join other UK world heritage sites, such as Stonehenge, Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, Canterbury Cathedral and the City of Bath.

The aqueduct's bid to become a UNESCO site has seen much support from British Waterways and Wrexham Council. At the panel meeting, it will be the subject of a five minute presentation and recommendation, after which the committee will make its decision.

According to the BBC, the regional manager for British Waterways, Peter Birch, said: "Being considered for World Heritage status is a major accolade and thoroughly deserved for an area that is so rich in history and heritage and we look forward to hearing the news this weekend.

"Regardless of the outcome, this nomination has stimulated huge interest in this fabulous monument and the Llangollen Canal, which we will turn into benefits for the regional economy and local communities."

Currently, the world heritage list includes 878 sites across the world, including the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.

PlaceBook exhibition opens at Scottish Parliament

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:24:00 GMT

The Scottish Parliament will be home to the initial display of an exhibition created by Scottish locals depicting images, films and music inspired by the country's landscape.

The PlaceBook project involved the participation of hundreds of people by asking them to send their films, photos and music to a website designed to let them celebrate their most cherished locations in Scotland.

Entries have now been turned into an exhibition, which will tour the country as part of Scotland's Homecoming celebrations but is opening at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. It features media created by people from all over the country, from videos filmed on the islands in the north of Scotland to photographs taken in south Scotland towns.

According to the BBC, the exhibition's organisers said that a highlight of the display was a video that captured a force 10 storm on film, it was taken from the Seven Navica pipe laying ship as it traversed the North Sea.

The exhibition also includes sights of incredible Scottish landscape, impressive castles and local city streets from across the country, including shots of the Firth of Forth from Dunfermline, Fife.

Irene Watson, a project co-ordinator, told the BBC: "Scotland's landscape has been the muse of many a piece of art over the ages.

"In this year of Homecoming, it's worth remembering that Burns was greatly influenced by his sense of place and many of his writings reflect the sights, sounds and sense of his surroundings.

"The exhibition is designed to bring these wonderful works of art out from the digital world, into the real world, so that we can encourage more people to think about Scotland, what it means to us and how it inspires us every day."

More Michael Jackson tickets go on sale

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:12:00 GMT

More tickets for pop superstar Michael Jackson's This Is It show have gone on sale for hopeful fans looking to snap up seats at the enormously anticipated concerts.

The tickets, of which there are believed to be several hundred per show according to the BBC, will be released to Jackson fans who have signed up to a lottery on his website. The lottery will determine who receives a chance to buy the tickets, which had been kept back from general release until the production had been fully planned.

This Is It will be Jackson's first complete tour in 12 years, though the concerts are confined to the O2 arena in London, which will see hundreds of thousands of fans flock to the south east England city to attend one of the 50 planned shows taking place over summer.

In March, 750,000 tickets were released and were sold in record time. However, it was announced that the opening dates of the series would be pushed back in order to allow the singer more time for dress rehearsals, with some being delayed until as late as March 2010.

According to the BBC, AEG Live President, Randy Phillips, said: "This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals.

"As much as we agonised over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver."

Michael Jackson's This Is It tour opens on July 13 at London's O2 arena.

Five Scottish towns set for £30m overhaul

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:01:00 GMT

A new redevelopment project to pay for a series of improvements for five Scottish towns has been agreed.

The towns, situated in central Scotland's Argyll and Bute areas, will benefit from funding for improvements to a variety of individual projects including the marina in Campbeltown and the esplanade in Rothesay.

Other towns included in the redevelopment plans were revealed to be Helensburgh, Oban and Dunoon. The blueprints for each development were approved on Monday and have been called a "very important milestone" by Argyll and Bute council leader, Dick Walsh, according to the BBC.

Among the myriad plans in store for the towns, which are located close to Glasgow, are several projects to renew the towns for the tourist trade.

For example, Dunoon will benefit from a renovation to its waterfront area that will make it more attractive thanks to £8.3m in funding.

Oban will receive £6.9m to redevelop Oban Bay, including a pontoon for yachts and the reworking of the town centre to provide new and improved routes throughout the area.

Rothesay will be in receipt of £2.4m for the creation of a town centre conservation area and Campbeltown will obtain a £6.5m chunk of the funds to improve its heritage and conservation sites. The money will also be used for restoration work to be done to its Kinloch Road area.

£6.66m has been pledged to Helensburgh for plans including the development of a more sustainable town centre traffic management scheme.

The Chord project is set to begin development work in the five towns soon.

Scottish arts projects battle for prize

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:36:00 GMT

Three art projects have been revealed as finalists in a competition to win a prize of £3 million.

The projects, which hope to win the money so the planned developments can be made into reality, involve major improvements to current Edinburgh buildings, as well as one new construction.

The central Scotland city could benefit from an extension for the main building of Edinburgh College of Art, a new building to house works of Scottish literature and a research centre with outdoor arena at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop.

Chosen from an initial set of thirteen, the finalists beat other Edinburgh projects like the refurbishment of the Queen's Hall and will battle for the grand prize over the next three months.

So far, they have been awarded with £10,000 each and asked to submit detailed plans for the final judgement.

The Scottish Community Foundation run contest has a total of £3m in prize money to award and is being funded by a mystery donor. According to the Scotsman, the competition was described when it was launched last year to be seeking to award the prize money to an "arts facility of cultural and architectural merit in the capital, in either a new or refurbished building."

The newspaper also reports that the chairman of the judging panel, Bob Benson, said: "We are looking for a winner who has a viable idea to create a socially-inclusive arts facility, which will add value to the arts in Scotland. The winning proposal will also have a physicality that will add to the capital's landscape.

"We felt the Scottish Book Trust, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and Edinburgh College of Art all have the potential to deliver these things."

Europe's largest charity bike ride draws 27,000 participants

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:25:00 GMT

The largest charity bike ride in Europe took place on Sunday, where sunny weather bathed the 27,000 cyclists taking to the road in order to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

The event, which takes place every year, asks participants to ride from London to Brighton in a 54 mile race. According to the BBC, since the bike ride's inception in 1980, over 650,000 cyclists have taken part altogether to raise over £46m for the charity so far.

Kicking off at 0600 BST, riders left Clapham Common every half hour until 0930 BST to deal with the huge volume of participants. The earliest arrivals made their way into Brighton from around 0930 BST onwards.

Most riders took around six hours to complete the course, which travelled through Surrey and Sussex, enjoying sunny weather throughout the south England countryside.

A spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation told the BBC: "The day has gone really, really well.

"The weather has been fantastic - dry and sunny but with enough cloud cover to stop people getting too hot."

The broadcaster also spoke to comedian Dave Gorman, who arrived at the finish line in three hours and 59 minutes. He told the BBC: "I wanted to get under four hours.

"I'm really pleased I got up Ditchling Beacon. I'm officially fitter than I was four years ago when I did it last.

"Brilliant people came out to cheer. It's a great event to support the BHF."

Thousands gather to welcome Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:13:00 GMT

Thousands of visitors were present for the dawn of the Summer Solstice yesterday at Stonehenge.

The event, which celebrates the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, involved around 36,500 people gathering at the reputedly mystical South England landmark before sunrise, which occurred at 0458 BST.

Turnout at Summer Solstice has grown year on year at Stonehenge since a four mile exclusion zone around the site was taken off nearly a decade ago. This year, events marking the day included Druid ceremonies, Morris dancing, music and camping at the site.

Police presence was fairly strong at the Wiltshire landmark, though the event was said to be peaceful and enjoyable for the thousands of attendees spending their Sunday morning there.

According to the BBC, Superintendant Nick Ashley said: "The celebration has been peaceful and enjoyable for the majority who were present to celebrate in a safe manner."

Head of Stonehenge, Peter Carson, added: "We were expecting it to be busy this year, but we had ensured that it has been a peaceful and enjoyable solstice.

"There has been a great atmosphere and where else would you want to be on midsummer's day?"

Revellers ensured they arrived at the prehistoric monument in time for the sun rising, with 6,500 cars filling the car park two hours before the due time.

Just before the key event, Druid King Arthur Pendragon told the BBC: "It's a very nice atmosphere and everything's fine at the moment.

"There have been more police present this year, more security, but everything's passed off very jovially and everyone's in a good mood."

Edinburgh Botanics to open all day for midsummer

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:01:00 GMT

The longest day of the year will be marked with special events at Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden this weekend.

The celebration of midsummer on Sunday will include storytelling, music and natural-themed activities taking place at the Edinburgh attraction. The Botanics will also stay open for four hours longer than usual to close at 11pm - allowing visitors to make the most of the year's longest day, when the sun rises the earliest and sets the latest.

This year is the third year in a row that the central Scotland gardens have offered a Midsummer programme to the public and it promises to be packed with attractions for the whole family in addition to the scenic surroundings. Beginning at 2pm, events will include face painting, strawberry potting, hand massages, hat and mask making and healing herbs.

The herbal remedies events will be held by students from the Botanics classes on the healing qualities of herbs and will include demonstrations on how these plants can be used in natural therapy sessions.

As entertainment, the Talking Trees Storytellers invite visitors to hear a few nature-themed tales and the Columcille Ceilidh Band are xpected to play foot-stomping sets to get visitors on their feet for a few dances.

There will also be a Hawthorne "Cloutie Tree", on which visitors can attach notes detailing what nature means to them.

Finally, aerial silks performances will be given by All or Nothing and Strange Bird Zircus in an act called State of Grace.

Midsummer's day falls on Sunday June 21 this year.

Cambridgeshire nature reserve unearths artefacts

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:49:00 GMT

A new nature reserve in Cambridgeshire was discovered to having contained Roman artefacts and human remains in an Iron Age ditch.

The discoveries were made at a former quarry in theeast of England by archaeologists before the reserve is due to open to visitors for the first time in a century.

Cherry Hilton, a former quarry near Cambridge, has had one of its pits transformed into the nature reserve that will allow visitors to enjoy gorgeous scenery and the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

It was converted by Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust in order to provide new, protected habitation for the area's wildlife and has been under excavation over the last few months by members of Oxford Archaeology East, who discovered 300 fragments of Iron Age pottery in the ditch.

According to the BBC, an ancient monuments inspector for English Heritage, Philip Walker, said: "This is a very significant site because there are not many Iron Age sites left in the region.

"The creation of East Pit Nature Reserve has given us a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the history of this special monument."

The Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust's conservation manager, Martin Baker, added: "We are delighted to welcome people to this new nature reserve to explore wildlife on their doorstep.

"It is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the past while watching wildlife flourish and develop over the coming years."

The reserve will be opened by the Mayor of Cambridge and Colville Primary School pupils later.

Sixth Borders Book Festival kicks off today

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:36:00 GMT

The sixth Borders Book Festival is off to an energetic start today as a range of sell-out talks and events are set to entertain visitors.

The festival, which takes place in the south of Scotland, includes a variety of talks on a wide number of subjects, from children's fiction to a lecture by BBC presenter James Naughtie about Barack Obama.

Talks by Rory Bremner, Michael Palin and John Fortune will also see crowds swarming to Melrose in Scotland's borders region, which has seen ticket sales up 50 per cent on last year.

Including the Family Book Festival, the event will also present a selection of sessions geared towards children, such as nursery stories told by actors Bill Paterson and Diana Quick, a Scots reading of Winnie the Pooh stories by James Robertson and Julia Donaldson, who will speak about the 10th anniversary of her famous children's book The Gruffalo.

Other esteemed authors attending the event include Edinburgh-born Jackie Kay, Fife-born Ian Rankin and Glaswegian James Kelman.

There will also be musical events for attendees to enjoy with performances by folk sensations Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain.

According to the BBC, Alistair Moffat, the festival director, said: "What's particularly striking is the range of tastes. People want to listen to authors right across the spectrum of literature, from children's to history to travel writing and memoir.

"And good old-fashioned lectures seem to be in vogue again with Jim Naughtie's talk on Barack Obama and Ian Rankin's on Muriel Spark selling out within days."

Marble Arch lit up following face-lift

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:25:00 GMT

Following a £2.1m revamp, Marble Arch has been lit up by newly-installed lights aimed to highlight the landmark's renovated features.

The archway, which stands in London's West End, is 181 years old and is a Grade I listed structure. The recent project saw Marble Arch surroundings that had fallen into disrepair undergo a restoration too, including three fountains opposite the landmark that had been broken and unused for 10 years.

They have now been repaired and will join the main Arch in receiving illumination from the new lights, which are blue, white and red.

The lawn behind Marble Arch has also received a new attraction; a 27ft statue by Nic Fiddian-Green depicting a horse has been added as a centrepiece to the area.

Marble Arch used to reside outside Buckingham Palace but was moved in 1851 as, reportedly, it was too small for Queen Victoria's carriage to pass under. It was designed by architect John Nash, whose other works included Blaise Hamlet in Bristol, Foley House in Pembrokeshire and Grovelands Park in Middlesex.

According to the BBC, Colin Barrow, Westminster City Council Leader, said: "The restored Arch, along with the fountains and the newly landscaped grounds, will ensure this grand gateway to the West End gets the recognition it rightly deserves."

English Heritage's senior planning advisor for the London region, Graham Saunders, told the broadcaster: "This is a key historic London landmark set within a particularly challenging location, and this programme of works will significantly enhance its setting and attractiveness for visitors and Londoners alike to enjoy."

Edinburgh International Film Festival gets underway

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:24:00 GMT

This year's Edinburgh International Film Festival is set to kick off later today with the world premiere of a new film directed by esteemed director Sam Mendes.

The festival, now in its 63rd year, is set to see audiences swarm to the central Scotland city to take part in the 11 day event, which will consist of the screenings of an impressive 135 films. Of these, 23 screenings will be world premiers.

Tonight's opening gala will see Mendes be joined by stars of his new film, which is called Away We Go, including Maggie Gyllenhaal and John Krasinski. The BBC reports that Sir Sean Connery, Alan Cumming and Frank Langella are also scheduled to make an appearance at the premiere.

Artistic director for the Edinburgh film festival, Hannah McGill, told BBC Scotland: "Edinburgh has an intimacy that is very special: geographically it's really manageable, and we try very hard to break down barriers between the audiences and the filmmakers.

"Of course there's a glamour element and respect for the visiting talent, but we want the audience to really feel part of it.

"Also we have the advantage of being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world - Edinburgh is really a very special and particularly cinematic setting."

Some of the highlights of the festival, which begins today and runs until June 28, include Steven Soderberg's The Girlfriend Experience and Shane Meadows' Le Donk."

Ms McGill expressed strong enthusiasm for this year's line-up, admitting that it was a tough decision to choose the highlights from the programme.

Bristol airport expansion to go before council

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:12:00 GMT

Plans for Bristol International Airport to be expanded have been submitted to the area's council.

Later today, North Somerset Council will review plans which could see the airport benefiting from the extension of the airport terminal, new aircraft stands and extra space for car parking.

If successful, the proposal would mean that the Bristol terminal would become equipped to handle 10 million passengers a year, with building scheduled to be completed by 2016.

However, MPs for the area have stated that they do not feel the airport has addressed noise issues adequately to respond to complaints from residents living close by, a problem that could evoke public opposition for the project.

The south west England airport's chief executive, Robert Sinclair, told the BBC: "Over the last six months we have listened to a wide range of views relating to the development of the airport.

"In response to requests from the local community, the airport has introduced a new cap on night flights, as well as maintaining the current night noise quota."

According to the BBC, the changes Bristol International Airport has made to reduce noise pollution are not enough to tackle the problem for MPs John Penrose and Dr Liam Fox.

March this year also saw opposition to the expansion by the Green party.

However, Mr Sinclair told the broadcaster that the plans would also take into account the airport's goal of becoming more environmentally friendly. He said: "The airport will also commit to maintaining CO2 emissions at or below 2007 levels with 20% of the additional energy required by the proposed development coming from on-site renewable sources."

Burns Museum unearths valuable relics

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:01:00 GMT

The Burns Cottage Museum in the west of Scotland has discovered a hidden collection of heirlooms from the family of nineteenth century poet Robert Burns, widely celebrated as 'Scotland's Bard'.

The museum is located in Alloway in Ayrshire - Burns' place of birth - and attracts thousands of visitors every year eager to experience a taste of the iconic literary figure.

According to the National Trust for Scotland, the artefacts were sold to the Burns Cottage Museum in the 1930s by the poet's great-granddaughter. They include a portrait of one of his sons, James Glencairn Burns, and a note written to the son in question by General Garibaldi, a famous Italian patriot.

The BBC states that the treasures have been undisturbed for over 70 years, meaning that many of them will never have been seen by the public when they go on display at the museum.

David Hopes, project curator at the museum, said: "These finds are truly remarkable, both in terms of the historical information that they provide about Burns' family, but also given that they are so well preserved after being hidden away in an attic for so many years.

"It's hugely exciting to discover previously unseen mementos of the poet's youngest son."

The boxes of Burns heirlooms were discovered during renovation work in the museum. The £21 million refurbishment is set to be completed in summer 2010 and will be renamed the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, in which the relics will be exhibited.

2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth. Celebrations to mark the occasion are being held throughout the year under the banner Homecoming Scotland, an initiative set in place by the Scottish Government to encourage tourism to the country.

Highlights of Homecoming Scotland include the Homecoming Burns Supper in Alloway, which took place in January, and The Gathering in Edinburgh, slated for July.

Government urged to extend rail network to 40 towns

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:37:00 GMT

A new report is urging the British government to extend the rail network to 40 towns in order to cope with the burgeoning demand for rail travel.

The study, authored by the Association of Train Operation Companies (ATOC), entails reopening 14 lines in England that have been shut since the 1960s, as well as building new lines through towns that have grown considerably in the last few decades.

If they are accepted, the recommendations will cost £500 million and could benefit up to one million extra passengers across the country.

Towns which could see new stations include Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, Hythe near Bournemouth, Blyth near Newcastle and Fleetwood and Skelmersdale in Lancashire - all of which have populations of over 15,000 people.

Chris Austin, author of the ATOC report, said: "They are all large towns which have changed radically since the railways went 40 years ago. Many were old coal mining or manufacturing centres, which now generate large numbers of commuters who need to use the train...

"All the schemes, with support from national and local government, could be completed over the next two decades."

According to the Telegraph, the rail network in Britain has shrunk over the last 45 years but now carries 30 per cent more passengers. What's more, the government expects that passenger numbers will increase by an estimated 22 per cent by 2014.

Other new lines being examined by ATOC include one linking Oxford and Milton Keynes, which would improve access to eco-towns being planned by the government in those areas.

High fliers prepare for Birdman contest

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:36:00 GMT

This year's Worthing International Birdman contest has closed entry applications, having filled its allotted space in advance of the August event.

In two months' time, a selection of 48 participants will take turns to throw themselves off Worthing Pier in an attempt to fly the furthest out to sea using self-constructed flight contraptions built without any form of mechanical aid.

The event is expected to see spectators arrive to view the flight attempts in their thousands and was moved to Worthing following the closure of Bognor pier to the competition as it was shortened by 80ft last year and deemed unsafe for competitors.

A prize of £30,000 is up for grabs to the winner of the competition, who must also fly further than 328ft (100m), and the contest is also set to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

This year's event has a special guest taking part: Jonathan Ansell, who was a tenor singer in X-Factor group G4. The Bognor Regis singer is planned to set the benchmark distance that will determine whether fellow contestants have flown successfully or failed to take off.

According to the BBC, he said on his Justgiving fundraising site: "The thought of leading the way as the benchmark flyer in front of 25,000 people is obviously terrifying, but it is going to be a lot of fun and, most importantly, a brilliant opportunity for me to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care, a charity that is very close to my heart."

Beginning in 1971, the International Birdman contest started at Selsey, near Chichester with a £1,000 prize, which later rose to £3,000 as an award for a flight beating 150ft.

Isle of Wight Festival sees 50,000 music lovers attend

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:24:00 GMT

This weekend saw the esteemed Isle of Wight Festival take place with around 50,000 music lovers in attendance.

The annual event is one of the biggest in the UK and continues to bring thousands of people to the island, situated just south of Hampshire in the south of England, each year.

Acts who took to the stage at this year's event included huge names like The Prodigy, Razorlight, Glasgow's Simple Minds, south Wales band The Stereophonics and Bananarama.

On Sunday, Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young headlined and brought the festival to a close.

According to the BBC, the Isle of Wight Council said that the festival has helped to rejuvenate the island's image and boost the economy.

The Council's assistant director for economic development and tourism told the broadcaster: The festival is hugely important to the island, especially to Newport.

"We estimate it is worth at least £10m spent in the Newport shops, and that is just from people from off the island visiting for the festival.

"If we put on top of that the money spent by the organisers with island businesses and organisations it is worth at least £15m to the island's economy.

"It is a huge figure and in only eight years the event has changed how people see the island and the impression of the place."

The manager of the Newport branch of Blacks, an outdoor store, Annie March, said: "It is a cracking event, it makes a really good atmosphere on the island and it does increase business."

Britain's best public architecture shortlist revealed

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The shortlist for Britain's best public architecture prize has been revealed and consists of 24 finalists.

The projects, which were chosen from a total of 125 submissions, will be marked not only for architecture but will also be examined in terms of their building process, from their contracting to the interior decoration. One winner will be chosen to receive the ninth Prime Minister's award for Better Public Building.

Amongst the finalists are Dunraven school in south London, which has a sports hall constructed from recycled freight containers, and a transformed ring road in Kent.

Another entry is the Cathedral Green Footbridge in Derby, a construction that was inspired by the movement made by hinged blades on a pair of tailor's shears.

The BBC reports that Sir John Sorrell, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) chairman, said: "I think we are reaching a tipping point where a desire for good design is evident in most public building.

"I think most clients will no longer accept badly conceived, lowest cost solutions, even in a recession. The result is a myriad examples of well-designed buildings and spaces: an architecture of the everyday that helps people live more convenient lives in more beautiful places."

The winner of the award in 2008 was Brighton's Royal Alexandra children's hospital. In previous years, the accolade was awarded to buildings including the visitors centre at Dalby Forest in Yorkshire, an eco-friendly site that is made of completely recyclable materials.

Visitor centre opens on Snowdon summit

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:48:00 GMT

A new visitor centre that cost £8.4m to construct on the summit of Snowdon has officially opened.

Following almost three years of demolition and construction work, Hafod Eryri sits 3,560ft above sea level and is expected to attract tourists from all over to enjoy the views from one of its walls, which is built entirely from glass and offers visitors breathtaking panoramas of the stunning North Wales landscape.

The previous café occupying the scenic spot was once described as "the highest slum" in Wales by Prince Charles, according to the BBC.

Now, tourists can walk or take the train up Wales' highest mountain to view the result of what the Snowdonia National Park Authority considers to be one of the most important days in the park's history.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan is expected to walk up the mountain for the opening today. He spoke to the BBC, calling Snowdon "one of the wonders of Wales," adding that the new visitors centre "does justice to that proud and very ancient mountain".

He also said: "This new centre will allow visitors of all ages and physical ability to learn more about the mountain's significance as a unique recreational, environmental and cultural resource."

The chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, Caerwyn Roberts, said: "Five years ago the authority decided to commit the equivalent of its entire annual budget to one project, a project located 3,500ft up at the top of a mountain.

"If it wasn't for the determination and the perseverance of staff, members, and especially the builders, we wouldn't be here today and therefore I sincerely thank them."

The café will be open from 0800 to 2000 every day and the visitors centre includes a disabled lift for accessibility.

Wrexham park undergoes £500,000 refurbishment

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:37:00 GMT

A park that was first established in the 1930s has received refurbishment thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Ponciau Banks Park, a public park in Wrexham, North Wales, was established by miners after using the area for extracting coal. Sold in 1932 for £500, the land was capped by the National Coal Board and developed by a team of 50 local volunteers, as well as International Students.

The park is the only public space in Ponciau and Rhosllannerchrugog, according to the BBC, and has undergone renovation work to improve its band stand, as well as its footpaths, roads and access points redeveloped.

"Everyone should have access to a park," Aled Roberts, Wrexham Council's leader, told the BBC.

"Ponciau Banks Park is an invaluable community area for all members of the public and a great boost to the Ponciau and Rhos area."

The £500,000 refurbishment also saw a skate park being added to the park's other sporting grounds, which include a football pitch. It is hoped that the skate park will attract the attention of local youths who can use it to practice their skateboarding skills. As well as this recent addition, there is also a BMX track that provides a challenge for bikers looking for a course of decent length.

Reopened in January, Ponciau Banks Park has already seen a multitude of visitors and an official ceremony was held at the park on Tuesday.

Council member Paul Pemberton told the broadcaster: "The redevelopment wouldn't have happened without all the hard work undertaken by the Friends of Ponciau Park.

"I'd like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for all their help and support, and all friends and colleagues at Wrexham Council.

"The park looks magnificent and will provide local people with the facilities they deserve."

The Scream to go on display in Glasgow

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:25:00 GMT

The Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow is to open a new exhibition on Friday that will include one of the world's best known works of art: The Scream by Edvard Munch.

Part of a collection comprising of 40 works by Munch, who died in 1944, The Scream is a black and white lithograph recognised across the world for its distinctive style and emotional quality.

The appearance in the central Scotland gallery will also mark the last time that the piece will be on display outside of the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway's capital. The artist is considered to be Norway's greatest and was an influential force during the modern expressionist movement, inspiring hundreds of his contemporaries with his fresh, affecting approach.

The exhibition, which will run at the Glasgow gallery from Friday 12 June until Saturday 5 September, forms the largest collection of Munch's works in the UK since 1973. It aims to illustrate Munch's development of a graphic artist, as well as illuminate the themes that most often recurred throughout his art and offer an insight into his strongest beliefs.

The Hunterian Art Gallery is also providing an events programme as accompaniment, which will include lectures and talks on the life of Edvard Munch, as well as more focussed examinations of individual artworks.

There will also be classes in art for children during the summer holidays and a five day printmaking course for adults that will draw inspiration from the Far East.

The gallery is additionally releasing a fully-illustrated publication to coincide with the exhibition opening.

Edinburgh Fringe programme revealed

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:49:00 GMT

The 2009 programme of the esteemed Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been launched today.

Detailing the breadth of the entertainments planned for this year's summertime event, the programme reveals that 2009's Fringe will be the largest ever Edinburgh Festival. According to The Scotsman, this year's event boasts a record 2,098 shows that will take place across 265 venues.

A quarter of events will be free, meaning that people suffering from the recession will still have the opportunity to take in some shows.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is known for its overwhelming diversity as artists from all backgrounds come together to celebrate the performing arts over the three-week period in August. From the biggest names in comedy to first time performers testing the waters in their first show, the central Scotland event promises a little bit of everything to please audiences.

The Scotsman reports that 35 per cent of this year's Fringe is comprised of comedy shows. Top stand up acts like Stewart Lee, Jo Caulfield and Gloucester-born Julian Clary will be present, alongside Jimmy Carr and TV stars Nicholas Parsons and Clive James.

Talking Heads frontman David Byrne will also be performing at the Fringe and is considered to be one of the highlights of the programme.

According to the newspaper, Kath Mainland, the chief executive for the Fringe, said: "The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the greatest arts festival in the world. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of world-class talent and such a range of work and ideas in one place. The 2009 programme is brimming with energy and inspiration and is packed full of shows to delight, excite, captivate, challenge and entertain."

Exhibition marks Wearside bridge centenary

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:01:00 GMT

The one hundred year anniversary of a Wearside landmark is being celebrated today.

The Queen Alexandra Bridge, which was opened on June 10 1909, resides in north east England and is considered a landmark of the area. Connecting Deptford and Southwick, areas situated in Sunderland, the bridge was built as a replacement to the ferry network previously traversed the River Wear.

In honour of the centenary, an exhibition is taking place that includes photographs of the bridge across the decades, as well as memorabilia to enlighten visitors to the fascinating lifespan of the landmark.

Today, the Queen Alexandra Bridge sees around 35,000 vehicles use it on a daily basis. It was the UK's heaviest bridge when it was built, constructed from 350,000 bricks, 60,000 tonnes of red sandstone, 8,500 tonnes of steel and 4,500 tonnes of granite.

It was named after Queen Alexandra, who was the Empress of India while her husband, Edward VII, reigned between 1901 until 1910.

The bridge took two years to build and the project was helmed by Sir William Arrol, of Renfrewshire, who also played a huge part in the construction of the Dundee to Fife Tay Bridge and the Edinburgh to Fife Forth Rail Bridge, which is still considered to be a marvel of engineering even today, 120 years after it was originally opened.

The exhibition marking Queen Alexandra Bridge is being held at the former Austin and Pickersgill shipyard and welcomes all visitors with an interest in the bridge.

Cornish music festival moves to new venue

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:36:00 GMT

Beach Break Live, a popular student festival usually held in Cornwall, has just announced that it will move to Kent this year due to a disagreement with Cornwall Council.

The organisers of Beach Break Live exclusively told Thisiscornwall.co.uk on Tuesday that they have been given the go-ahead from Kent Council to hold the festival at Port Lympne. Originally, it was slated to be held in St Agnes from June 16 to 19.

According to the BBC, while many authorities - including the police - had no objections to the festival being held at St Agnes Beacon, councillors raised concerns about students partying too close to local cliffs and vetoed the event.

Celia Norowzian, one of Beach Break Live's organisers, said: "We are delighted to still be able to hold Beach Break Live but hope to return to Cornwall in the future. We had mitigation measures in place to address all issues raised and feel we have been let down by Cornwall Council."

The move may not please Cornish festivalgoers, however. Before the announcement of the change of venue, one ticketholder - 20-year-old Rozita Rahman from Plymouth - told the BBC: "If it's going to be on a different site that's not near Cornwall I would definitely expect a refund because it would be very difficult for me to get to."

However, the organisers have stated that ticketholders from Falmouth, Plymouth and Exeter will receive a discount on next year's festival, as they will now need to purchase travel from the south west to Kent in the south east.

Beach Break Live began in 2007 and is now the UK's biggest student festival. Acts confirmed at the festival this year include Dizzee Rascal, The Zutons and Friendly Fires. The event is sold out for 2009.

New London comedy festival set for September

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:01:00 GMT

A new UK comedy festival is set to debut in September.

The week-long Greenwich Comedy Festival will take place in south-east London and is already showing promise that it will be an outstanding event as esteemed comedians are revealed to be making an appearance.

Comedy favourites Ardal O'Hanlon, Sussex-born Jo Brand and Bristol's Mark Watson are amongst the festival's headliners. They will perform alongside a wealth of comedy artists across 30 shows in festival locations the Greenwich Theatre and the Old Royal Naval College.

The festival will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of Up The Creek, a south London comedy club.

While Jo Brand told the BBC that she was "very proud" to be included in the festival's line-up, the broadcaster was also told by Arthur Smith, an esteemed south London comic, that: "As a former Greenwich man I am thrilled to be part of the festival."

Also included in the festival's programme are Mark Thomas, American comedian Rich Hall, Bath-born Russell Howard, Manchester's performance poet John Cooper Clarke and Rob Newman, who was part of the first comedic act to play and sell out Wembley Arena's 12,000 seat stadium alongside partner David Baddiel.

Due for kick-off on Monday September 7, the Greenwich Comedy Festival will run for seven days until Monday September 14 and is set to see a surge of tourists and locals visiting the south east England city's Greenwich area.

It follows on from Scottish capital Edinburgh's Festival Fringe, a three-week long extravaganza famed for its wealth of comedy events taking place across the central Scotland city.

Muriel Spark novel to take stage in Edinburgh Fringe

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:49:00 GMT

A novel by Dame Muriel Spark is set to take to the stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August.

Considered to be one of Scotland's all-time greatest novelists, Edinburgh-born Dame Muriel gave permission for The Girls of Slender Means to be adapted for the stage shortly before her death in 2006. The novel tells the story of a band of women attempting to salvage their lives in wartime London.

According to a letter written to Judith Adams, who wrote the novel's stage script, Dame Muriel deemed the result to be a "very impressive work, technically ambitious and original," the BBC reports.

"I can only send my very sincere good wishes for its success."

As well as The Girls of Slender Means, celebrated show The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, also penned as a novel by Dame Muriel, will take to the stage during the Fringe as a celebration of Scotland's Homecoming year, a 2009 project encouraging Scots across the globe to visit the country and pay respects to its heritage.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an enormous, month-long event that takes place in the central Scotland capital every August. Each year, thousands of acts and tourists descend upon the city to take part in an art, music and performance extravaganza, with many free and cut-price shows taking place as well as larger-scale productions.

The festival's programme is to be revealed on Wednesday and so far includes Yorkshire comic Daniel Kitson's latest show, a new play by London-based Dennis Kelly and a wealth of Scottish folk acts and performances.

Olympic site will revitalise London's East End

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:37:00 GMT

The development of the new 2012 Olympic site in East London is expected to revitalise the waterfront area, according to new reports.

The Times suggests that the site around the Bow Back Rivers and the River Lee is envisaged as the "Amsterdam of the East End". Planners promise to transform the area, which is currently a haven for discarded litter and graffiti artists.

Richard Rutter, the British Waterways regeneration manager, told the newspaper: "Imagine the waterways of Holland Belgium... We want to see riverside cafes, market boats, people hiring punts and materials being loaded from small wharves to be taken off for recycling.

"There is a massive demand in London for living on water and we need to meet it."

The beginning of the area's regeneration is said to be marked by the opening of Three Mills Lock, a £22 million project that links a 3.5 mile long system of forgotten waterways around the Olympic Park in Stratford to a 2200 mile inland network that reaches from Bath to Ripon in North Yorkshire.

The first lock to be built in London in 20 years, Three Mills has been dubbed as a "green gateway", meaning that barges, water taxis and pleasure cruises can travel around the country before mooring at the Olympic site. It will also help water to be made one of the main modes of transport come 2012.

The Bow Back Rivers are one of nine national restoration priorities for British Waterways. After 2012, it is estimated that their use could help reduce local carbon emissions by 440 tonnes a year and generate 160,000 KWh of power through a renovated tidal mill with the capacity to supply power to up to 40 homes.

Unique Lennon exhibition to open in Liverpool

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:25:00 GMT

A unique new exhibition on the life of musician John Lennon will open in Liverpool on Wednesday June 17.

Held in association with The Beatles Story visitor attraction in the city, "White Feather: The Spirit of John Lennon" lets visitors experience a personal narrative of life with the icon by Julian Lennon, John's son, and Cynthia, his first wife.

The exhibition will begin with John and Cynthia's meeting at art college in Merseyside and the birth of their son Julian, while simultaneously displaying the effect of his rising fame on all their lives.

The conclusion involves the story of John and Cynthia's separation and divorce, giving visitors the opportunity to explore how the family coped with this difficult time.

Julian Lennon explains the significance of the white feather as a symbol of peace in his father's life. Also a musician in his own right, Julian is the founder of The White Feather Foundation, a fundraising charity that focuses on environmental and humanitarian issues.

Julian says: "John Lennon is an idol to millions of people who grew up loving his music and ideals, but to me he is the father I loved and lost. I hope this exhibition lets people see another aspect of his life and our time together as a family.

"This collection represents something of great importance to us as it is part of our history. We hope you find it a fitting tribute to a great talent and a remarkable man."

Yoko Ono, John Lennon's second wife and a celebrated artist, recently held an exhibition at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Newcastle. The collection "Between the Sky and My Head" charted her works from the 1950s to the present day.

Royal Cornwall Show opens in Wadebridge

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:12:00 GMT

The Royal Cornwall Show - a major three-day agricultural event - opened at 8.30am on Thursday June 4 and is expected to attract around 130,000 visitors before it ends on Saturday June 6.

The event - held at the showground in Wadebridge, 16 miles from Newquay - is a highlight on the Cornish calendar and attracts a range of visitors to south west England. Show secretary Christopher Riddle said:

"This is an agricultural show of national importance as well as being an event of great commercial significance to Cornwall and the whole south west. There is going to be great entertainment for all the family."

One highlight of the show this year is the return of Dave 'The Bullet' Smith, the human cannonball. The Bullet first attended the Royal Cornwall Show in 2007 and proved so popular with the crowds that he was asked back in 2009. Another entertainer set to make crowds gasp at the event is Kangaroo Kid, who will be performing quad bike stunts.

What's more, visitors at the show looking for an out of the ordinary experience can enjoy 'The Big Lunch', held by The Eden Project. Their stand will offer a 'pick and mix' picnic of locally sourced produce and aims to bring people together.

As for agricultural exhibits, cattle numbers at this year's Royal Cornwall Show are expected to be at an all time high, with almost 1000 trade stands registered. The Cornwall rare breeds support group, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, will be in attendance, showcasing a wide display of animals.

The group has over 50 entries in this year's event, including pigs, sheep and cows. However, the star attraction is expected to be Ulysses, a black wool ram who will be one of the rarest animals on display at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Annual horse fair gets underway in Cumbria

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:49:00 GMT

The annual Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria is underway, marking the start of a week-long event that is the largest horse fair in Britain.

Every year, the Appleby Horse Fair attracts around 10,000 gypsies and travellers, and over 30,000 people in total flock to the town.

The highlight of the fair is widely seen to be its annual tradition of horse washing in the River Eden. This year, around 1500 horses are expected to be washed in the river in front of potential buyers.

In 2007, however, one man was jailed after a pony died during the practice. This year, however, the RSPCA has stepped up its presence at the fair to ensure that the accident isn't repeated.

According to the BBC, Elaine Lomas, Eden District Council's principal environmental health officer, detailed the new arrangements for the fair. She said: "The new measures at Cote Moor are working well and on Monday around 250 caravans and 20 horse drawns were using the site, which is equipped with toilet facilities, a grazing area for horses and a water supply."

Appleby is widely regarded as one of Cumbria's most picturesque towns and dates back to the Norman conquest. Every year, travellers are attracted to its many sights, including Appleby Castle and St Lawrence Church, as well as its proximity to the Cumbria Cycle Way and the Pennine Way.

The town is situated just west of the Lake District and north of the Yorkshire Dales, around 14 miles from Penrith and 25 miles from Kendal.

West coast of Scotland voted 'perfect' island escape

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:37:00 GMT

The islands of the west coast of Scotland have been voted the perfect place for an island escape in Britain, according to a recent YouGov survey.

The poll of 2276 adults from across the United Kingdom were presented with a diverse selection of islands and asked to choose which presented the ideal holiday destinations. The group of islands including Arran, Skye, Islay and Mull in northern Scotland received the highest share of votes with 14 per cent.

According to Scotland's official tourist board, VisitScotland, these islands offer holidaymakers a range of activities, including whale watching, whisky trails, walks, golf and beautiful beaches.

David Else, Lonely Planet's coordinating author for its new guide to Great Britain, said: "The islands are described in our new guide as a great area to visit so we're really pleased that they are getting the recognition that they deserve.

"With more Brits holidaying at home this year, and many people keen to try somewhere off the beaten track, these islands' popularity may be about to take off."

Last month, actor Martin Clunes declared Barra, an island in the Outer Hebrides, as "officially the most beautiful place in Britain". Clunes presented a TV series on Islands of Britain for ITV earlier this year.

In total, 32 per cent of respondents to the YouGov survey chose Scottish Islands as their perfect place to escape. Scotland represents 69 per cent of the UK's total coastline, measuring in at 6200 miles (including islands).

There are 790 islands off the coast of Scotland, of which only 130 are inhabited, with Arran to the south and Shetland the farthest north.

Cornwall and Lake District are top local holiday spots

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:25:00 GMT

Cornwall and the Lake District are the most popular holiday destinations for people hoping to take local breaks in Britain this summer, according to a new survey.

The research reveals that the number of people in the UK going on holiday abroad has fallen from 33 per cent in 2008 to 27 per cent in 2009. Out of those people holidaying at home, 40 per cent will be taking a beach holiday, while 24 per cent are planning a countryside break. 18 per cent aim to holiday at a theme park.

In addition, the amount spent on the average holiday in 2009 is expected to be £567, down from £631 last year. The biggest outlay is expected to be accommodation at a predicted £159, followed by attractions (£105), eating out (£104) and travel (£94).

Cornwall and the Lake District have long been popular with British travellers, with Cornish seaside resorts like Newquay and St Ives attracting holidaymakers in droves.

These two locations are followed by the Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Highlands and Islands in popularity. The only two cities to rank in the top ten are Edinburgh and London, in fifth and sixth place respectively, followed by the Isle of Wight and Devon.

The Norfolk Broads in east England and South Wales round up the top ten holiday locations compiled by researchers.

Anyone planning a holiday in the UK this year will be hoping that the Met Office's prediction of a 'hot and dry' summer will hold true. The last weekend of May saw the hottest day of the year in parts of the country, with some temperatures estimated to rival those seen in Barcelona.

Free art given to Tube travellers for 30th anniversary

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Travellers heading through 10 stations on the Jubilee Line will have the chance to get their hands on a piece of free artwork that is to be handed out at the stations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the London Underground train line, the free prints depict a piece called One Thing Leads to Another - Everything is Connected by Bristol-born Richard Long, who created the work based on a walk through the Cairngorms in the north of Scotland.

According to the BBC, the Curator of Art on the Underground, Sally Shaw, said: "This beautiful work by Richard Long is a window into an entirely different landscape."

The piece itself is also apt for celebrating the London Underground, where its title is reflected in the pattern of trains moving beneath the south west city.

Prints are to be handed out to Tube passengers between 0700 and 1200 BST today and tomorrow at the following stations: Baker Street, Canada Water, Canary Wharf, Finchley Road, Green Park, London Bridge, Stanmore, Stratford, Wembley Park and Westminster.

Long's artwork is the first in what will be a series of contemporary pieces that celebrate the Jubilee Line's anniversary.

The presenting of free artwork overlaps with the opening of a new exhibition at Tate Britain of Long's work. Called Heaven and Earth, the new exhibition is a major event for the gallery and will see a variety of work by the artist on display from the various points in his career.

Multi-million pound refurb for Welsh shopping centre

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:12:00 GMT

A redevelopment costing millions of pounds could see a brand new shopping centre being built in Pontypridd.

The new development would be situated where the dilapidated Taff Vale shopping precinct currently resides and will feature retail outlets and a restaurant. The project is replacing one previously planned for the old precinct which would have seen flats and offices built on the site.

The South Wales town, 12 miles from Welsh capital Cardiff, has long regarded the current Turf Vale shopping precinct as an eyesore and a refurbishment of the unit should result in the aesthetic improvement of the area. It is also hoped that the redevelopment will increase tourism as the town is rejuvenated.

Including space for five large retail units and a restaurant with a bar, the new shopping centre could see a boost to Pontypridd's local economy and tourist trade.

According to the BBC, a spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "While in the very early stages, the authority is hopeful this new development control process indicates the start of the next round of regeneration for the county town of Pontypridd."

Gianni Orsi, the chairman for the Pontypridd Chamber of Trade also told the broadcaster: "I think what we have got is a do-able scheme which is realistic for the town. I think most people in the town look forward to it happening."

Planning applications for the building are expected this week. If accepted, the new shopping centre could be open for business next year.

London underground upgrades languages

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The London Underground has seen an improvement in the language selections on its ticket machines, the BBC has reported.

The upgrade will see ticket machines operating in 17 different languages - a huge improvement on its previous six: English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and German.

Now, tourists from across the globe will be able to benefit from a far wider variety of languages available on the ticket dispensers, which now include Turkish, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, Gujarati, Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Greek and Polish in their language banks. Though a small dent in the 300 languages currently spoken in London, the new instalments are likely to be a welcome addition for those unused to the workings of the underground's ticket machines.

The BBC reports that the Transport Director to the Mayor of London, Kulveer Ranger, said: "Boosting the number of languages on our ticket machines is just another step in making life easier for those who live in, or travel through, the capital."

Mr Ranger also noted that the new languages would improve London's cultural diversity, help people be more confident when dealing with the machines and also support a better tourist experience for visitors to the south east city.

The addition is not all that is expected for the London Underground. Over the coming years, the underground network is set to see many improvements alongside various other areas of London's public transport industry as part of the major programme by Transport for London. The Investment Programme promises to make London's transport sector better through various improvement projects.

Hottest day of the year heats up UK

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:48:00 GMT

This weekend saw soaring temperatures in the UK rival those of Barcelona, according to the Times.

During the last Saturday and Sunday of May, Britons flocked to beaches and parks to enjoy the hot weather, with Sunday being the warmest of the two days. The Solent in Hampshire reported the country's highest temperature, rivalling those in Spanish city Barcelona.

London saw temperatures of 24.9C, Scottish city Glasgow 24.2C and South Walesseaside town Rhyl reached 23.6C. What's more, the heatwave - Britain's highest end of May temperatures in eight years - is set to continue for the beginning of this week.

The BBC reports that weather forecaster Liam Dutton said: "It is going to stay warm and sunny on Monday, with temperatures expected to reach 27C along the M4 corridor."

An onshore breeze will keep eastern coasts cool.

On Sunday, popular beaches like Bournemouth's even had to turn away people wishing to make the most of the hot weather as numbers leapt in visitors to the coastal areas. The Dorset seaside also saw plenty of inflatable boats coasting out to sea with those enjoying the sun taking advantage of offshore breezes.

UK weather predictions have also risen for the next few months, forecasting a summer heatwave that could prove one of Britain's hottest summers in years. The difference in temperatures could see thousands flocking to UK cities or coastal destinations to enjoy clear skies and sunshine, a welcome change from the wet and comparatively cold summers of the past two years.

British Museum unveils latest exhibition

Fri, 29 May 2009 04:25:00 GMT

The British Museum has revealed its latest exhibition - paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries depicting scenes from and beyond the royal court of Jodhpur.

Garden and Cosmos will display artworks that have, until now, never left India but will be housed in the London gallery for the duration of the exhibition. The paintings, which range from precise imitations of real life scenes to large-scale mural-like depictions of landscapes, promise to reveal insights into life before, during and after British colonisation and how the event took its toll on the royal courts.

The exhibition forms part of the British Museum's Indian Summer season. The museum's director, Neil MacGregor, said in a press release: "There is an enduring fascination with the rich diversity of the art and culture of India. Garden and Cosmos epitomises this diversity through the polarities expressed in the paintings, focusing on both the external courtly life of pleasure on the one hand and an internal life of devotion and speculation on the other. I am most grateful to HSBC for enabling us to present Indian Summer."

In collaboration with the museum's season, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will plant an Indian-themed garden on the museum's west lawn, displaying the diversity of the landscape across India and allowing visitors to discover the use of plants in Indian culture as it centres on food, trade and medicinal use.

Stephen Green, of the south east city museum's sponsor, HSBC, said: "The Indian Summer will provide a deep insight into the life, history and culture of this fascinating country."

Indian Summer will run until August 23.

Devon to host hunt for UK rock, paper, scissors champ

Fri, 29 May 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Next month will see a rock competition with a difference taking place in the UK: a hunt for the best rock, paper, scissors player.

Hundreds of challengers are expected to flock to Devon, in the south west of England, to take part in the championship, which will see competitors battling one another in 'best of three' style rules.

Rock, paper, scissors is often relied upon as a way to settle disputes as it is a quick way to decide on a 'winner' who then, presumably, gets their way in the matter.

Held at the Imperial pub in Exeter, the hunt for the UK champ will take place on June 9 and is organised by Wacky Nation, a Tiverton-based company with a penchant for unusual events.

The competition's organiser, Sally Raynes, told the BBC: "Everyone is down in the doldrums because of the recession and this is something that almost everybody enjoys and knows how to play.

"Mums play it with their children to decide bedtimes and students play it to decide who buys the next round of drinks."

The event is expected to see some popularity as the game is one that everybody can easily take part in and enjoys an equal chance of success.

Ms Rayne added: "People say there are certain strategies that can help with the game and others say you have to be quick of eye, but the truth is absolutely anyone can do it and anybody could win."

Top artists get exposed in Edinburgh Art Festival

Thu, 28 May 2009 03:49:00 GMT

This year's Edinburgh Art Festival is promising to be a memorable event for visitors to the month long extravaganza.

Every year, the world-renowned central Scotland city is inundated with tourists around and during August to take part in the city's busiest period of arts, performance, literature and music - the Edinburgh Festival.

Showcasing a globally diverse range of plays, musical performances, comedy, exhibitions, poetry and street shows, the Edinburgh Festival has been one of the most popular ways for artists to get their work in the public eye with a welcoming atmosphere of artistic appreciation and camaraderie.

This year's line-up at the Edinburgh Arts Festival will see a variety of works from the weird and wonderful going on display - such as a project based around cooking catastrophes, invisible graffiti and a sculpture created from yarn.

Appearing at 50 galleries in and around Edinburgh, the artworks from many of Britain's top artists, new artists and those from international locations will be available for viewing throughout the month long event, as well as being displayed in outdoor, public spaces.

The festival's director, Joanne Brown, spoke about the upcoming event to the BBC: "The quality of work being exhibited year round in Edinburgh's galleries was underlined earlier this year when two of the four artists in line for this year's Turner Prize were shortlisted for exhibitions curated in the city.

"The EAF offers a vital platform for Edinburgh's galleries and artists to stage their specially-curated exhibitions for the capital's summer Festival season."

Demi Moore to visit UK in support of Susan Boyle

Thu, 28 May 2009 03:37:00 GMT

Hollywood star Demi Moore is set to fly into the UK this weekend following an offer by Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell that will see the actress and husband Ashton Kutcher show their support for favourite contestant Susan Boyle.

Boyle took the world by storm during the show's auditions when she blew judges and audiences away by singing a piece from Les Miserables. Clips of her performance shot into the top positions on YouTube and many were seen praising her talents, including Moore who posted her opinion on her Twitter account.

This week, fellow judge Amanda Holden got in touch with Moore over the microblogging site and offered her entry to the event, alongside first class flight tickets and a stay in Dorchester for the final, which is taking place in London on Saturday night.

The semi-finals of the talent show have been airing live this week and have so far seen audiences in excess of 15m from Sunday night, where Boyle won the show alongside dance act Diversity, a 10-strong troupe of brothers and friends whose ages range between 12 and 25.

They will join contestants from other nights this week and compete for the chance to perform before the Queen at the Royal Variety Show and win a cheque for £100,000.

So far Boyle, from central Scotland, is tipped as the favourite to win - though events could take a turn on Saturday's live show as contestants strive to put on their best performance yet.

Resident hermit included in Manchester Museum collections

Wed, 27 May 2009 02:37:00 GMT

From the end of June to the beginning of August, Manchester Museum will add a distinctive piece to its collection - a resident hermit, who will spend 40 days in the museum's Victorian Gothic tower.

London-based artist Ansuman Biswas, who has previously undergone similar ventures including spending a weekend in a Staffordshire hillside cave, will spend the 40 day period in solitude, though he will not be cut off from the world. With him, the performance artist will be bringing a modem that will let him access the internet, over which he will conduct open discussions with members of the public about particular museum pieces he will select each day.

In the run-up to his stay at Manchester Museum, Biswas has been examining the 4.5 million artefacts housed in the 1890 tower and has not yet revealed the 40 he will select to meditate upon during his stay.

What's more, when he discusses the significance of the objects with members of the public, it could be the case that, should the item prove itself unworthy of public scrutiny, it may not be returned to the collections.

According to the Guardian, Biswas said: "I will be developing a dialogue with the public, drawing attention to certain objects and ask why we care about them - and if we care about them.

"As Joni Mitchell said, you don't know what you've got till it's gone."

As well as spending time considering objects being housed in the museum's Victorian tower, which was designed by the architect of London's Natural History Museum, Alfred Waterhouse, the artist will also use the solitude to compose music.

Forth and Clyde canal makes waves with new development

Wed, 27 May 2009 02:24:00 GMT

Once regarded as an inconvenience to road development, the Forth and Clyde Canal has undergone a massive overhaul that has seen the waterway transformed from a derelict rubbish tip to a landmark of engineering and art work.

The canal, which stretches between Falkirk and Bowling, with stops at Edinburgh and Glasgow, was built from 1768 to 1790 and stopped being used for navigation in 1963, where it proceeded to fall into a state of neglect.

However, campaigners began to sail on it again during the 1970s and, since then, a mass clean up and redevelopment has seen the canal undergoing a rejuvenation. In 2002, the Millennium Link project saw stretches of the canal that no longer linked together become reconnected by the Falkirk Wheel, a development that was opened by the Queen.

Now, the canal is recognised as an attraction. Rather than being seen as a nuisance, the canal stretching from one side of central Scotland to another sees half a million visitors every year to walk and cycle its length and view the many artworks adorning its banks.

Further developments include the Helix project near Falkirk, which will see the addition of two 35 metre tall sculptures depicting horses' heads forming an engineering work to fill a new lock by rocking the sculptures on their axis.

A three way bridge will also be built across the canal junction with a statue by famed sculptor Andy Scott that will hold the bridge's supports like the strings of a marionette.

In the future, more projects and developments for the canal are planned. According to the BBC, British Waterways Scotland's business development manager, Richard Millar, said: "There's been 40 years when development hasn't happened on it.

"And the opportunities that lie out there are tremendous."

South Wales path has stiles removed

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:13:00 GMT

A 33 mile long coastal path in South Wales has had all of the stiles blocking access removed.

The switch is to provide people with mobility problems with easier access to the popular route, which stretches from Milford Haven to Druidston Haven and has seen the stiles separating fields containing livestock replaced with fences.

Wheelchair access has also been added to the South Wales walk in the Dale and Marloes area.

The full Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail is 186 miles long and has so far seen the removal of over 400 stiles, with the remaining 108 due to be removed or replaced in the continued efforts to make the trail more accessible.

According to the BBC, Haydn Garlick, a park ranger, said that the aim was to open the path to those "who may have previously thought it was out of bounds for them.

"The benefit of putting in gates is that it makes the path more accessible for people who have difficulty climbing over stiles."

A majority of the stiles were removed or replaced over the winter so that many of the accessible stretches of the walk could be enjoyed during summer months.

Martun Ryder, a landowner who possesses a 10 mile stretch of the path, told the BBC: "It's a win-win situation because it means the coast path and other footpaths are well maintained and give access not just to local people but people from all over the world.

"The Pembrokeshire coast is unique, it's beautiful on any day of the year."

Natural History Museum to display 'missing link' fossil

Tue, 26 May 2009 01:49:00 GMT

Remains initially discovered in the 1980s which have been the focus of much debate and excitement in the palaeontology field are soon to be on display in London.

The 95 per cent complete fossilised skeleton of Ida, a lemur-like creature, will be shown at the South East city's austere Natural History Museum where it is bound to attract a wealth of visitors interested in its recently-acquired status as 'the missing link': the evolutionary connection between today's higher primates and more distant genera.

The fossil's significance is not dispute-free, however. Many experts debate its importance and are sceptical as to whether it truly is an ancestral link between primates and more remote species.

Originally discovered in Oslo, Ida, with the scientific title of Darwinius masillae, is described as "the closest thing we can get to a direct ancestor," as stated by scientist Jorn Hurum to the BBC.

Its remains will go on display on Wednesday in the London attraction and will allow members of the public to view the preserved fossil, which even features traces of fur clinging to the skeleton.

A mammalian palaeontologist at The Natural History Museum, Jerry Hooker, told the broadcaster: "The key significance of this new fossil is that it is so complete.

"Darwinius masillae has fur impressions and the remains of its last meal in its gut, letting scientists reconstruct its lifestyle as well as learn much more about a very early stage in primate evolution."

"In life it probably looked generally more like a lemur than a monkey, but with a shorter snout and shorter hind limbs."

Ida will be on display in London for just a short time before returning to the University of Oslo later this week.

Edinburgh film festival star line up announced

Fri, 22 May 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Big names were revealed as part of the guest line up for this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Stepping onto the red carpet will be such stars as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Claire Danes, Gael Garcia Bernal, Guy Pearce and Emily Blunt. From closer to home, Scottish stars Alan Cumming, Ewen Bremner, Sean Connery and Glasgow-born Bill Forsyth will also attend the festival, which will run between June 17 and 28.

The annual festival sees hoards of film fans descend on Edinburgh streets to enjoy a wealth of movie screenings, including classic and contemporary pieces. The Film Festival Under the Stars screen - a free outdoor event - has revealed that its line up is to include The Chronicles of Narnia, Charlotte's Web, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Stone of Destiny. The films will be shown on June 19 and 20.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will be opened with Away We Go by Sam Mendes, who will attend the show with wife Reading-born Kate Winslet, who is now an international star.

Hannah McGill, festival artistic director, told The Scotsman: "It's great that so much established talent is coming to the festival.

"Many want to come because they are really passionate about the projects they are involved in

"It is perhaps more personal than the blockbuster end of what they do."

This year's festival has been partnered with Scotland's 2009 Homecoming, a year that promotes the return of Scots and those with Scottish ancestry to their homeland to remind themselves or learn about all that Scotland has to offer.

Woodland Trust to buy Snowdonia valley

Fri, 22 May 2009 01:36:00 GMT

The Woodland Trust is to buy a remote valley in Snowdonia that it plans to manage as a woodland conservation area.

The charity hopes to raise £865,000 to make the purchase of Cwm Mynach in north Wales and recreate its natural beauty by replacing current trees with more indigenous types closer to the species that would more naturally grow there, like rowan, ash and oak.

Nestled between Barmouth and Dolgellau in Snowdonia National Park, the remote valley has a history of slate and gold mining and is now home to a working sheep farm. the current owner is selling the land at less than market value, which has been hailed by the Woodland Trust as a significant opportunity.

Spokesperson for the charity, Rory Francis, told the BBC: "This is a top priority for the Woodland Trust across the UK so we're really hoping we can succeed but it's an amazing mountain to climb.

"The Woodland Trust has got nearly a quarter of a million members and supporters across the whole of Britain, people who care passionately about woodland and people who want to help us to make a difference for our native woodland.

"We're really hoping that not just our members but other people as well will respond to help make this possible."

If successful, the project would see the restoration of oak woodland that dominated the valley hundreds of years ago. Visitors would be encouraged to make trips to the reserve in order to take walks through the forest and enjoy the peace and tranquillity it offers.

The broadcaster reports that Eryl Roberts, the trust's operations manager for Wales, said: "We would want to encourage people to come here for a walk, not to bring their cars up here, and just enjoy the quietness of the valley."

£6.2bn widening of M25 to go ahead

Thu, 21 May 2009 01:12:00 GMT

A £6.2bn contract has been agreed that will go towards maintenance costs for the UK's busiest motorway. The money will also be used to widen the road in some parts, extending it to four lanes between key areas.

Some sections of the road see up to 200,000 vehicles across three lanes, a figure that means extended journey times and significant congestion during certain hours of the day. Lord Adonis, Transport Minister, acknowledged that the improvements would also increase safety on the busy road.

Work to widen the road is expected to be completed by 2010, with all changes due to be implemented by the London Olympics.

Areas set for redevelopment are the section of the road between junction 16 at Uxbridge to junction 23 at South Mimms, Hertfordshire, and the segment between Epping and Aveley in Essex - junctions 27 to 30 - will also be widened.

The Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M) will see a refurbishment carried out to improve its structure.

According to the BBC, Lord Adonis said: "Today marks a major step forward in increasing the capacity of the M25.

"The widening schemes, combined with the maintenance and operation of the M25 network for the next 30 years, will reduce congestion, improve journey time reliability and safety and bring benefits to road users."

Not included in the £6.2bn contract but considered possible sections for development in the future are two more segments - that between junctions 23 and 27 and the road spanning between junction 5 in Kent and junction 7 in Surrey.

Kent buildings win architect award

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:49:00 GMT

Four buildings in Kent have been awarded prizes from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The RIBA chose the four winning projects, all of which enjoy a place by Kent's seaside, acclaiming each one's unique architectural styles.

Deal Pier, Quarterhouse in Folkestone, timber shelter El Ray in Dungeness and Dunkirk's Bofors Tower will now be noted for architectural interest amongst their other tourist qualities.

According to the BBC, judges called the south east England town Deal's pier "a beautiful addition to the town and seascape.

"It provides perfectly the experience a pier building should; that of being part of, as well as framing, views of the sea."

Dunkirk's Bofors Tower is a weekend retreat converted from a WWII gun emplacement where holidaymakers can spend a few days at a highly unusual residence.

The railway carriage that forms the galley kitchen in a four-room timber shelter El Ray helped win the accommodation an award with its "eccentric addition," said judges.

And Folkestone's arts venue, Quarterhouse, which sees live performances bring crowds to the town, as well as housing a restaurant, was a contemporary prize-winner as a new building. The BBC reports that judges described the building as "the focal point and symbol of the regeneration plans for Folkestone.

"The building is a beacon at night, lighting up the street and a bold icon within the street scene."

Kent is well known for its countryside beauty, nicknamed "the garden of England" but its architectural charms are somewhat less known because of this. The awards for buildings in the region could help towards Kent establishing a reputation as structurally, as well as naturally, significant.

Ferry linking Scotland to Belgium completes first voyage

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:37:00 GMT

The first voyage of a new ferry service linking Scotland to mainland Europe has just been completed.

The Scottish Viking, which will sail between Rosyth in Fife and Zeebrugge in Belgium three times a week, finished its maiden voyage this week and passengers were welcomed off the ship by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as it arrived into the Scottish port.

He said: "I'm delighted to welcome the Scottish Viking and its first homecoming passengers to Scotland... Maintaining connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland at a time of global economic challenges.

"But not only will the Scottish Viking allow access to important commercial contacts, it will be a boost for the local economy in Fife, and an environmentally friendly route home for Scotland's friends, family and visitors."

The ferry will be run by Norfolkline, who took over the route after it was discontinued by Superfast Ferries in September. However, its departure from Zeebrugge was delayed by several hours on Monday when the captain suffered a non-fatal heart attack and a replacement had to be found.

The Scottish Viking was built in an Italian shipyard and registered in Italy, and is therefore required to have an Italian captain on board. However, the ferry service will receive €2 million (£1.8 million) from the Scottish Government through a Waterborne Freight Grant.

As part of his welcome, the First Minister gave each passenger on the Scottish Viking's maiden journey a special ticket offer for The Gathering, an international clan gathering due to take place in Edinburgh in July.

The Gathering is part of Scotland's Homecoming Year celebrations, a series of events and festivities taking place throughout 2009 that are designed to put people from across the world back in touch with their Scottish roots.

Chelsea Flower Show in full swing

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:25:00 GMT

The Chelsea Flower Show 2009 has got off to a flying start at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea in London. The show, which traces its origins back to 1833, is widely regarded as the world's most revered gardening event.

Despite fears that the recession may affect the show's success this year - some sponsors were forced to drop out due to budgetary issues - tickets for the event is sold out.

According to the Guardian, a spokeswoman from the Royal Horticultural Society, who organises the show, said: "It's been the same at all our shows. Cardiff had record numbers, Malvern was the same, all London region shows are well up on previous years. Gardening is a good antidote to recession."

This year's Chelsea Flower Show features 42 gardens and opened up to the public on Tuesday. However, Monday's private viewings for special guests, competition judges and the press proved to be a star-studded affair, with ex-Beatle Ringo Star, comedian Stephen Fry, actress Dame Helen Mirren and the Queen all in attendance.

The results of Mondays' judging saw Swedish garden designer Ulf Nordfjell win Gold and Best in Show for his Daily Telegraph-sponsored garden, while Robert Myers' Cancer Research garden won Silver-Gilt. The Most Creative Award went to the Perfume Garden by Laurie Chetwood and Patrick Colins, while Kate Gould's Helios Eco Chic won Best Urban Garden.

Top Gear presenter James May also received a Special Letter for his entry, a Paradise in Plasticine - a garden made entirely out of the modelling clay. Although the rules of the Chelsea Flower Show state that real flowers are required in each plot to qualify, the RHS awarded May with a gold medal, which was also made from Plasticine.

Speaking about his headline-grabbing garden, May said: "It's relatively low-maintenance - Plasticine flowers don't die and you don't get weeds."

Rare baboons expected to attract visitors to Kent animal park

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:24:00 GMT

The recent birth of rare Guinea baboon babies at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent is expected to draw visitors from across the country, according to new reports.

The animal park first took on a group of Guinea baboons, a "near threatened" species, five years ago and 2009 looks set to see the fruits of its successful breeding programme. Two births have been announced since last Christmas, and another five are impending in the coming months.

Simon Jeffrey, head of the primate section at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, said: "We have 25 Guinea baboons currently in the park. At the end of last year they were transferred to a new enclosure with a lot of enrichment activities for them.

"We are delighted with the success of our baboon breeding programme. They are very active during the day and their bright colour and unusual appearance enthrals visitors to the park."

The baboons were moved to a new activity-filled enclosure in 2008, and are fed greens, fruits and vegetables as well as nuts and seeds by staff at the animal park.

Their rare quality and affectionate appearance - a baby Guinea baboon lies hanging on its mother's stomach for its first three months, before switching to her back - means that they're a popular draw for animal lovers in the country.

Earlier this month, Port Lympne also saw the arrival of a baby gorilla, but it isn't the only animal park in Kent celebrating newborn primates. Last month, sister park Howletts near Canterbury welcomed a baby Western Lowland Gorilla, currently an endangered species.

Museum move could boost Cumbria tourism

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:01:00 GMT

The relocation of the Lakeland Motor Museum, a popular road transport museum in Cumbria, looks set to stimulate tourism in North West England.

The award winning museum, which covers 100 years of motoring history, was established in 1978 at Holker Hall, near Grange-over-Sands. However, the new project will see the attraction moved to a new, purpose-built premises at Backbarrow, on the southern shores of Lake Windermere.

The specially designed site will enable museum curators to provide improved display opportunities, in order to facilitate better exhibit interpretations and introduce elements of road history that are not currently covered at Holker Hall.

Edwin Maher, managing director of the Lakeland Motor Museum, said: "We are on schedule for an exciting, eclectic and unique display of some 30,000 exhibits in readiness for a public opening Spring 2010. Meanwhile, the museum will continue to operate at Holker Hall, being open every day until 1st November."

Highlights of the museum's collection include a 1930s garage recreation and the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition, a tribute to Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald, who share 21 world land and water speed records between them.

As the number of Britons holidaying at home looks set to increase this year due to recessionary economic pressures, many tourist hotspots across the country are keen to showcase their attractions. Last week, Lancashire resort Blackpool launched a campaign to promote its more sophisticated side, and seaside towns in north Wales were given a £38 million fund injection for renovations.

The Lakeland Motor Museum's new home could give the Lake District region a similar boost. Mr Maher added: "It is our determined intention to create a world class visitor attraction that will contribute in a very significant way to Cumbria's tourism economy."

New Scotch Whisky tour unveiled in Edinburgh

Sun, 17 May 2009 23:37:00 GMT

The Scotch Whisky Experience - one of Edinburgh's premier tourist attractions - has unveiled its new Scotch Whisky tour, following an extensive £3 million refurbishment.

The five star attraction has revamped its popular tour, which includes a barrel ride that take visitors through the whisky-making process and a purpose-built glass vault that is home to the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection - the world's largest collection of Scotch whiskies, featuring over 3300 malts and blends.

The upgrade is part of the Scotch Whisky Experience's 21st birthday celebrations, and aims to eliminate the stereotypes that surround Scotland's national drink. Visitors at the centre can experience whisky tastings using scratch and sniff aroma cards, sensory rooms and a new demonstration area that offers panoramic views over the Edinburgh skyline.

General Manager, Susan Morrison commented: "This £3m investment has created a 21st century experience for visitors that will inspire and enthuse them about Scotch whisky and its importance to Scotland.

"With everything from the sights, sounds and smells in the fantastic new barrel ride, to the stunning new sensory rooms and demonstration area, there is a modern, fresh feel to whole visitor experience."

The new tour will be presented in 15 languages, including Gaelic. Exhibits are child-friendly and tailored tours for schools and younger groups are also offered.

Visitors who wish to spend more time examining the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection can also book a special tour at the end of the day, as well as securing exclusive use of the site for private dining or whisky tastings.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is located on the city's historic Royal Mile, right next to Edinburgh Castle.

London Eye to undergo green upgrade

Sun, 17 May 2009 23:25:00 GMT

The London Eye, one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, has announced plans to become more environmentally friendly.

As part of a £12.5 million upgrade, Merlin Entertainments Group - the London Eye's operator - will improve heating and ventilation in the attraction's 32 capsules to make it more energy efficient.

In addition, ceiling-mounted television screens and better wireless internet coverage will be installed at the London tourist hotspot. Air conditioning is also expected to be put in place to cope with the heatwaves anticipated to hit the capital in the coming years as a result of global warming

To carry out the renovations on each capsule, they will be removed and will be floated down the River Thames to London's Docklands, from where they will be transported to a workshop in Worcester. They will be replaced by temporary capsules, which will not carry visitors.

David Sharpe from Merlin Entertainments Group, said: "Merlin believes that investment is more important than ever in the current economic climate when both local and international visitors to attractions like the London Eye are looking for real value for their leisure pound.

"Investments like these are also very important in the leisure and tourism industry in the UK as a whole, especially with the Olympics coming to London in 2012."

The upgrade will be the first the London Eye will undergo since it was established on London's South Bank 10 years ago. Designers insist that after this refit, which is expected to be complete by 2012, no maintenance work will need to be carried out for another 20 years.

In a recent survey of over 1000 people, the London Eye recently topped a list of national attractions that Britons would choose to promote, together with Blackpool Tower and the Lake District.

Lothian sculpture gardens continue to grow

Thu, 14 May 2009 23:13:00 GMT

A modern art sculpture park in Scotland's Lothian region is set to open today.

The 90-acre park is a one-of-a-kind project that has seen a collection of outdoor artwork by some of the world's most influential sculptors increase into a modern art tour de force. Already on the map as a must-see attraction for modern art fans, Jupiter Artland park in Kirknewton was created by art-loving couple Nicky and Robert Wilson.

The central Scotland sculpture park brings a variety of renowned artists together in a collection of their work, including pieces by one of the world's leading sculptors, Anish Kapoor, and Angel of the North creator, Antony Gormley.

Both of the above artists have delivered new work to the Lothian park following commissions by the Wilsons in anticipation of its 11 week exhibition that will allow visitors from around the world to view the park on weekends.

The director of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Simon Groom, told the BBC: "It's unbelievable what they have done.

"I can't think of anything that parallels this. For anywhere it's extraordinary, but just outside of Edinburgh it's utterly amazing."

Included in the collection are a series of work by the late sculptor Ian Hamilton Finlay and site-specific work by Cheshire-born Andy Goldsworthy, a figure by Antony Gormley, site-commissioned work by Peter Liversidge, Laura Ford, Cornelia Parker, Shane Waltener and Alec Finley, an orchid by Marc Quinn, a piece by Anish Kapoor and a four acre work by Charles Jencks.

Opening today, Jupiter Artland will be available to visit Fridays-Sundays between 10am and 4pm BST. Opening will extend to include Thursdays during the Edinburgh Arts Festival.

Gordon Brown to mark start of Crossrail construction

Thu, 14 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The Prime Minister will open construction of a new Crossrail route across London later today.

Having been approved in 2007, Crossrail will bring better transport services to the south east England city.

The £15.9bn project will provide towns to the east and the west of the city with easier, swifter access of major London areas; the West End, Canary Wharf and Heathrow.

The project will involve digging tunnels from the east of London to the west, finishing close to Paddington station. The tunnels will stop on all of the railway stations currently in use, creating services between Heathrow, central London, Docklands, Maidenhead in Berkshire, Abbey Wood and Shenfield in Essex.

It is hoped that the new service will ease pressure on the London underground, as well as bring new, faster transport between stations.

London mayor Boris Johnson backs the project and pledged £8m towards the development of a 'tunnel academy', a learning institute focussed on training London workers to work on the project, which is set to create thousands of new jobs.

Mr Johnson recently told the BBC: "We are cultivating hundreds of apprentices working to spark young people's interest in engineering and are investing £8m in the tunnelling academy, which will give many hundreds the skills necessary to be a part of the exciting and rewarding work of building London's long-awaited Crossrail."

Although critics of the project claim that the cost of £15.9bn is too much, particularly during a recession, those behind the Crossrail venture believe it will bring significant returns when it opens in 2017.

Lancashire seaside resort gets a French makeover

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:37:00 GMT

A new video on YouTube has shown popular seaside resort Blackpool with a French twist of sophistication in order to coax more tourists to visit its shores.

The Lancashire seaside town is distributing the video, entitled Blackpool Je t'aime, across social networking sites in a bid to show a more artful side of the town, demonstrating shots of Blackpool tower, the fairground and the trams.

Currently, Blackpool is underground a multi-million pound redevelopment including a £220m project that will see new shops, restaurants and hotels appearing, as well as cafés, supermarkets and office suites close to Blackpool North train station.

The video shows a couple, played by a French woman and an English man, visiting Blackpool's various attractions, such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, before settling down in a café and ordering Lancashire hot pot.

According to the BBC, Blackpool Council's director of tourism, Helen France, said: "Often when we get French visitors - they like to do London, Stratford and Edinburgh and often drop off at a seaside town on the way, and we hope that this will encourage them to come to Blackpool."

Blackpool is a well-known tourist town that receives around 10 million visitors every year. However, its reputation as a somewhat chintzy town means that some people are unaware of its potential for glamour and class.

The French art house-style video aims to change these perceptions and draw in visitors who would not normally consider the town when planning their next holiday.

Welsh towns to receive £38m facelift

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:36:00 GMT

Town centres and sea fronts in the north of Wales are to be the recipients of an upgrade in a £38m scheme that will see them receiving a facelift in order to attract investment.

£19m of the funds will come from the European Union, with the remainder being made up from local councils, the Cardiff-based assembly government and other sources.

The north Wales towns and sea fronts that will be seeing renovations include Amlwch, Colwyn Bay, Llangefni, Caernarfon, Bangor and Rhyl. Populous areas will see projects like the revitalising of vacant properties, new office space and improved CCTV put into place to regenerate the town centre.

The deputy minister for regeneration, Leighton Andrews, told the BBC: "The schemes will target town centres to ensure they will be in pole position to attract private sector investment when the economy improves."

As well as attracting investment, the towns are aiming to receive a boost in tourism. According to the news broadcaster, the leader of Anglesey council, Clive McGregor, said: "The projects will help revitalise these towns by attracting visitors and creating much needed new employment opportunities."

During 2009, £2.4m of the full amount will be spent in initial projects. Added to this will be the remainder of £35m, which will be made available between 2010 and 2013.

The projects will see improvements to various town centre aspects, like the creation of pedestrian precincts, better traffic management, renovations on places of historic interest to enhance heritage tourism and aesthetic enhancements to key buildings.

Sea front areas will see environmental improvements to enhance the areas both in terms of eco-friendliness and aesthetics.

Simpsons cut-out to aid Tibetan orphans in South Scotland auction

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:12:00 GMT

A cardboard cut-out of cartoon character Lisa Simpson is being put up for auction to raise money for Tibetan orphans.

The figure was donated by its owner of almost a decade to a Buddhist monastery in the south of Scotland and will be sold in support of Dumfriesshire charity ROKPA, to help ensure that some of the poorest Tibetan children have access to adequate food and receive an education.

Donor Alan Hill, from Clackmannanshire, next to Stirling, won the two-foot cardboard cut-out in 2000 at a charity auction that followed a one-off performance by the Simpsons cast during that year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

He told the BBC: "Lisa was the star item at an auction of Fringe memorabilia.

"I didn't intend to buy her but the auctioneer was very good and I ended up getting competitive.

"I paid £500 for her and had her specially framed in double sided glass."

Mr Hill's original donation was also in aid of ROKPA and it was his intention that the second time the figure - which is signed by Simpsons creator Matt Groening - went on sale, it would continue to raise funds for the charity.

He said: "I wanted the money to go to the same charity - I knew the auction was raising money for Tibetan children but I couldn't remember the name of the charity so I got in touch with the Fringe office for advice."

Since 1980, ROKPA has been improving the quality of life for the poorest people across the globe, irrespective of cultural background, religion or nationality.

Second Beatles Day to take place in July

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:01:00 GMT

The second Beatles Day event will take place in July and aims to raise funds for two Liverpool charities.

Launched by Julia Baird - John Lennon's sister - and Merseyside actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson, the event will follow last year's inaugural Beatles Day, which saw fundraisers pull together £50,000 for the Imagine Appeal and Liverpool Unites.

This year's event is in aid of Imagine once again, alongside the Marina Dalglish Appeal, a cancer research and support charity created in 2004. The Imagine Appeal raises money for patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, which is where this year's event was officially launched.

The day will be characterised by the addition of a dark-haired floppy wig; a well-known emblem of the Beatles, whose hairstyles it imitates. Chas Cole, promoter of the Summer Pops Festival, helped to come up with the original Beatles Day idea.

He explained organisers' hopes that the wigs would prove a popular symbol of everything they hope to achieve with this fundraising event, telling the BBC: "We are using Beatles wigs as a prop for this day, much as a red nose is used for Comic Relief."

Mr Cole added that Beatles Day is hoped to be a large-scale event, with plenty of opportunities for fundraising: "there are many more events and competitions planned for 2009 with businesses, shops, schools, performers and the general public having the opportunity to be involved."

The sentiment was echoed by Beatles Day organiser Gill O'Neill, who told the broadcaster that event planners would like Beatles Day to become a worldwide affair. She said: "We want people to do their own fundraising events."

"We want schools to take part as the Beatles are now on the National Curriculum."

Edinburgh's Mary King's Ghost Fest gets underway

Tue, 12 May 2009 07:37:00 GMT

The fifth annual Mary King's Ghost Fest is now underway in Edinburgh.

The event, which sees 10 days of paranormal workshops and overnight ghost hunts taking place, is hosted by Mary King's Close, one of Edinburgh's spookiest attractions.

Visitors to central Scotland are sure to be in for a scare as paranormal investigation groups take guests into some of the capital's most haunted locations, including Blair Street Vaults, South Niddry Street Vaults and, of course, Mary King's Close. In these mysterious underground locations, participants will be able to conduct their own investigations into whether or not ghosts really exist.

The festival also includes celebrity ghost hunters like Ciaran O'Keeffe from popular television show Most Haunted and Steve Parsons, a well known name in the ghost hunting field, who will be conducting experiments together and will invite members of the public to join them in various haunted locations throughout the festival.

For the spiritually-minded, there are also workshops available on developing clairvoyance and divination skills, as well as the chance to meet mediums and receive one on one readings from people who claim they can put you in touch with deceased loved ones.

Film screenings will also form part of the May event, including showings of The Others starring Nicole Kidman, a film about supposed mediums The Fox Sisters who caused great confusion 160 years ago, and Tim Burton's 2007 film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Those interested in local history will also be able to attend free storytelling sessions that open up many of the secrets of Edinburgh's paranormal past, as well as extending further out to Scottish tales of terror.

Mary King's Ghost Fest runs from May 8 to May 17 in locations throughout Edinburgh. It coincides with the annual Psychic & Healing Fair in Glasgow.

Harry Potter filming attracts fans to Pembrokeshire

Tue, 12 May 2009 07:13:00 GMT

The latest instalment in the Harry Potter film franchise is being filmed on location, with cast and crew currently recording scenes at a Pembrokeshire beach.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the final chapter in the Harry Potter series, though its movie counterpart is being split into two separate films to be released in 2010 and 2011.

This week's filming on the South Wales beach has attracted hundreds of Harry Potter fans who want to view the set, which was built over the weekend and includes a cottage created from shells made specifically for the film.

The beach, Pembrokeshire's Freshwater West, has also been picked to host filming for upcoming Robin Hood film Nottingham, which is being directed by Sir Ridley Scott. In advance of the June filming for fight scenes on the beach, over a thousand hopefuls queued in Pembroke Dock for the chance to take one of 600 parts as soldiers to battle in scenes alongside Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe.

Rob Lewis, Pembrokeshire's head of tourism, told the BBC: "To have big name films such as these is bound to increase the visitors to the county when they see how beautiful it is on the big screen.

"The film crews that will be staying locally will obviously inject capital into the economy that way. We've also got a lot of the materials sourced locally.

"We've got two months of excitement ahead of us at Freshwater West and a massive, massive publicity boost for Pembrokeshire."

Weekend rains to raise dolphin sightings

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:12:00 GMT

An expert at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) has revealed that this weekend could be perfect for glimpsing dolphins from land over a stretch of the Inner Moray Firth.

According to the BBC, the WDCS' Charlie Phillips, said: "This weekend might be one of the best to see dolphins from land."

The dolphins are expected to come closer into land to hunt for salmon and make the most of rising water levels due to heavy rainfall and the full moon, which will bring tides up.

Mr Phillips suggested that the morning is the best time to view the estimated 40 bottlenose dolphins that reside in the firth. He also told the broadcaster that reports of dolphins around the mouths of Aberdeen's rivers Don and Dee and orca whales, also known as killer whales, at North Scotland's John O'Groats.

However, the Moray Firth is the best location to spot these animals, with regular cruises heading out across the water on wildlife tours.

A study by Aberdeen University and the Moray Firth Partnership is taking place to collect data on dolphin habitation patterns. The figures will then be used to develop tourism projects relating to public interest in dolphins that will help to boost Scotland's economy.

Recently, the Inverness-based Scottish Natural Heritage's policy and advice manager, Claudia Rowse, told the BBC: "We know that dolphins are important to the area but we have no way of quantifying that in economic terms.

"The study will also look at how to maximise economic opportunities such as enhancing the visitor experience, improving interpretation and linking land-based dolphin watching to the promotion of coastal walks and trails."

Fossilised dinosaur footprints opened to the public

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

A set of fossilised dinosaur footprints that were discovered at an Oxfordshire dump are on display as part of the Oxfordshire Museum's new exhibition.

Discovered in 1997, the footprints are the longest set of tracks showing dinosaurs running and are believed to have been created by two different types of saurian reptiles - the carnivorous Megalosaurus and herbivore Cetiosaurus.

The tracks are believed to have been preserved in the limestone at Ardley Quarry and Landfill Site in Oxfordshire for around 170 million years.

According to the BBC, Tom Freshwater, from the Oxfordshire Museum, said: "The footprints are very ephemeral remains that you get from dinosaurs, usually people think of bones.

"We're very lucky that these fleeting momentary impressions have been preserved. The trackways at Ardley showed the dinosaurs running and that's very rare thing.

"They're the longest trackways in the world showing dinosaurs running. So that's why they're so important."

Unveiled at the museum in Woodstock, near Oxford, the footprints form part of the new Dinosaur Garden. They were removed from the site in 2004 and have only recently been moved to the museum.

The dinosaurs that are believed to have created the tracks are very distinctive from one another; the upright Megalosaur was similar to the notorious Tyrannosaurus Rex, whereas the four-legged Cetiosaurus was akin to the Brontosaurus and Diplodocus.

The Dinosaur Garden exhibition also includes a life-sized replica of a Megalosaur, which was one of the first saurian reptiles to be described scientifically after bones were discovered in 1676.

London starts clean up for 2012 Games

Fri, 08 May 2009 06:36:00 GMT

As spring gets underway, work to ensure that the London venue will be in top condition in time for the 2012 Olympic Games continues. Waterways are now being dredged at the Olympic Park in east London so that boats will be able to carry building material to the site.

Work to clear the Londoncanal over 1.4 miles of its length is being undertaken to remove debris from the water and make passage for boats easier. The project will see over 7,000 tonnes of rubble and gravel being pulled from the canal's base, as well as dumped waste such as trolleys, tyres and, as the BBC notes, at least one car.

The broadcaster reports that the aim of the work is also to clean up the canal, giving it a more appealing look for the thousands of spectators at the 2012 Olympic Games. Olympic Development Agency environment manager Richard Jackson told the BBC: "The Olympic Park is characterised by a series of waterways which act as green corridors running through the heart of the site.

"Currently, they are polluted, neglected and under-used, and have been treated as a dumping ground for everything from shopping trolleys to cars.

"This dredging programme is an important step in regenerating the waterways and will help improve water quality, creating better habitats for wildlife and plants."

The Olympics have also seen the emergence of several other schemes that aim to be beneficial to the environment, including plans for 77 new low carbon homes at Osprey Quay in Portland, by Weymouth, which would be completed just before the event begins. The eco-friendly houses would provide an environmental backdrop to the Olympic and Paralympic sailing, which takes place in the South West area.

In-flight marriages proposition from EasyJet

Fri, 08 May 2009 06:25:00 GMT

Budget airline EasyJet is hoping to spice up its flights by announcing that it wants to hold marriage ceremonies in-flight.

The company intends on allowing its pilots to officiate during mid-air marriages for couples wanting a wedding with a difference. Ceremonies could take place over even the shortest flights across the UK, seeing couples flying from Glasgow getting hitched in time to enjoy their honeymoon in Birmingham, or Londoners tying the knot on their way to a romantic break in Edinburgh.

According to The Guardian, EasyJet's regional general manager for the UK, Paul Simmons, said: "We're excited about these plans.

"If there is the opportunity, our pilots could be marrying couples in the air. Future brides and grooms can say 'I will' on the flight from London Gatwick to Olbia, on Sardinia, for example. After their marriage at a height of 30,000 feet they then can go directly on their honeymoon."

However, legal issues could see the plan for in-flight marriages never leave the ground. The newspaper reports that the Deputy Registrar at the Southampton Registry Office, Heather Dsenisi, explained how British marriages can only be held in licensed buildings that are unmoving, permanent structures. She added that EasyJet is not the first company to approach the registry about weddings on vehicles.

"We have plenty of requests to officiate on cruise ships at Southampton harbour, but the best we can offer is a blessing."

Whether or not the budget airline will succeed with its plans is yet to be seen - as well as how popular the service would prove to be should it go ahead.

Edinburgh film festival programme launched

Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:00 GMT

The programme for the 63rd Edinburgh International Film Festival has been launched, with 23 world premieres featuring in its calendar.

The event, which claims to be the world's oldest continually running film festival, will take place from June 17 to 28 in Edinburgh and will showcase a total of 135 different features from 33 countries.

Its Opening Night Gala will be Away We Go, a much anticipated new comedy from Oscar-winning British director Sam Mendes. Other highlights of the festival include 35 Shots of Rum, a new film from French director Claire Denis, Ocean's Eleven director Steven Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience and Andrea Arnold's Fish Tank.

In-depth interviews will be conducted with Medes, Darren Aronofsky (director of the Oscar-nominated The Wrestler), actress Brenda Blethyn, famed Scottish director Bill Forsyth and Bollywood legend Sharmila Tagore.

Sir Sean Connery and acclaimed Scottish actress Tilda Swinton, both of whom are patrons of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, will also be appearing in the Scottish capital for the event.

Hannah McGill, the festival's artistic director, said: "I'm thrilled about this programme, and really looking forward to showing these films to our audience, as well as welcoming this wide array of exciting guests.

"We've been really privileged to see a tremendous range of very varied work from all over the world this year, and the programming team have done incredible work in selecting the best and most innovative films."

The Edinburgh International Film Festival attracts film fans from across the world to the city every year. Since 2008, it has taken place in June - two months before the main Edinburgh festivals season in August.

Positive weather predictions boost UK tourism

Thu, 07 May 2009 06:12:00 GMT

The Met Office's prediction that the UK would see warm and dry weather this summer has led to a surge of domestic holiday bookings, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper claims that many leading travel agents and tour operators are seeing significant increases in bookings from Britons taking their summer holidays at home in 2009, as households cut back on overseas holidays due to the economic pressures of the global recession.

One travel company told the Telegraph that, on the day of the Met Office announcement - Thursday April 30 - online bookings more than doubled. And over last week's Bank Holiday weekend, the number of reservations were up by 103 per cent on the same period in 2008.

Scotland is proving to be one of the most popular destinations for domestic tourists this year, with tourists flocking to the Edinburgh festivals in August, scenic spots in the Highlands and Islands of north Scotland and Homecoming Scotland events across the country.

Other destinations sought out by those holidaying at home are the Lake District- England's biggest national park - and Cornwall in the south west, which is home to several seaside towns like Newquay and Falmouth.

As well as traditional hotels and cottages, camping and caravanning also looks set to be popular in 2009. Jon Dale from The Camping and Caravanning Club told the Telegraph:

"The interest in both camping and caravanning since the turn of the year has been quite incredible. If the weather is as good as predicted by the Met Office then I expect us to have one of our busiest summers on record."

Official tourist board Visit Britain has forecast a 20 per cent rise in the number of people holidaying at home, will Visit Scotland has predicted a 25 per cent increase in domestic tourists.

Railway stations ordered to improve facilities

Wed, 06 May 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Railway stations across England and Wales have been ordered to improve their facilities following a review of stations by transport minister, Lord Adonis.

Lord Adonis embarked on a six-day rail tour of Britain, during which he visited railway stations all around the country. His conclusion was that the overall quality of railway stations was "extremely variable" an sometimes "downright poor". According to the Guardian, one of the low points of his tour included a "tea drought" at Southampton station.

Speaking to the National Rail Conference in London, Lord Adonis said: "I experienced stations where toilet facilities were closed or uncleaned, where there was a lack of refreshments or adequate bicycle or car parking facilities. There was great variability in the quality of bus interchanges, together with the unavailability of local transport information and even basic local street maps."

To address the issue, Lord Adonis has asked Sir Peter Hall, president of the Town and Country Planning Association, and former Virgin Trains boss Chris Green to advise the government on how to facilitate station improvement.

The two "Stations' Champions" will offer guidelines on the minimum levels of service that should be set at stations so passengers can be more confident in the quality of facilities on offer. Advice will also be provided on 'quick win's, better station management, Network Rail initiatives and longer term investment projects to deliver better railway stations in England and Wales.

Current Department for Transport initiatives to improve station facilities include a £370 million scheme to improve access for disabled passengers and the National Stations Improvement Plan, which allocates £150 million in funding to upgrade 150 stations.

The measures are sure to be welcome news to passengers as people across Britain prepare for a summer of holidays at home during the economic downturn.

Route unveiled for Tour of Britain 2009

Wed, 06 May 2009 05:37:00 GMT

The cycling route for this year's Tour of Britain has been unveiled by organisers at the London Transport Museum.

The event will take place in September and will comprise eight stages, visiting a total of 14 venues. 2009 marks the sixth year of the cycling tour, now the UK's largest professional bike race, with 96 world-leading cyclists expected to compete.

The first stage of the race will start on September 12 from Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire to York. The second day sees cyclists race from Darlington to Gateshead, while day three takes them up to the Scottish Borders on a well-established route in Dumfries and Galloway.

For the fourth stage, the competitors will head back down to the North West and Blackpool, before travelling further south to Stoke on Trent for the fifth stage.

And for the first time, stages six and seven will both be held in the south west, with Frome to Bideford on September 17 and Hatherleigh to Yeovil the next day. The Tour of Britain's final stage will be held in London on September 19.

Michael Bennett, technical director of the Tour of Britain, said: "This year's event sees The Tour of Britain race into seven new regional venues and, for the first time ever, we will have two stages take place in the South West region, which will take in both Devon and Somerset.

"On the way from the Grand Depart to the final stage in London, riders will face and experience every kind of challenge that the UK's countryside has to offer, while taking in some breathtaking views of our wonderful country."

Since its inception, the Tour of Britain has become one of the country's most anticipated sporting events, with millions of spectators attracted to race roadsides to cheer on competitors.

Minister looks to Scottish castles to boost tourism

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Michael Russell, the Scottish Culture Minister, has launched a new project to restore castles and tower-houses around the country in an effort to drive investment and tourism to Scotland during the economic downturn.

Speaking at Barholm Castle in Dumfries and Galloway over the Bank Holiday weekend, Mr Russell unveiled the new Castle Initiative, the first of its kind prepared by the Edinburgh-based Scottish Government.

Mr Russell Said: "The restoration of carefully selected Scottish castles and tower-houses will contribute to a sustainable approach to ensuring that Scotland's historic buildings play a role in the economic development of this country.

"Investment in such projects, whether it's to create rented apartments, a hotel - a great opportunity within the tourism industry - or another commercial enterprise will merge the rebuilding of Scotland's economy with innovative new ways to manage our heritage."

Historic Scotland will lead the project, the main aims of which are to publish an online register of castles and tower-houses suitable for successful restoration, publishing a guide to castle and tower-house restoration, releasing an outline of the history of such renovations in Scotland and identifying exemplary projects in order to enhance public understanding of castle and tower-house conservation.

The first phase of the Castle Initiative involves carrying out an audit of prospective buildings suitable for the Castle Initiative and talking about the inclusion of these buildings in the register with their prospective owners. The preliminary list is expected to be released in June this year.

Scotland is known the world over for its castles, and attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire attract several thousand visitors every year.

National Park extensions set in motion

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:12:00 GMT

Two of England's most popular national parks could be set to extend their borders, as work on identifying the possible expansions begin.

According to Natural England, there are large areas between the Lake District in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales which may be eligible for landscape protection, but do not currently have national park status.

The Telegraph reports that if the new boundaries are approved, they could include the hillsides between Shap and Whinfell and the Orton Fells.

Poul Christensen, acting chairman of Natural England, said: "I am delighted that our work in reviewing parts of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Park boundaries can now continue.

"It is fitting that as we celebrate 60 years of National Parks - and all that they have achieved for people and wildlife - we now have a unique opportunity to look at a major expansion of two of England's most cherished protected areas."

The move to expand the two parks was first debated in 2008, but had to be put on hold until an inquiry into whether the South Downs in southern England should have national park status.

However, now that the South Downs National Park project has been approved, the investigation into expanding the borders of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales has resumed.

The Lake District is England's largest National Park at 885 square miles, and was designated in 1951. It is said to draw 22 million days of visits to North West England a year. The Yorkshire Dales became a national park in 1054 and occupies 680 square miles across the Pennines.

Currently, the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is the UK's biggest, at around 1400 square miles in area.

British travellers interested in "unusual" Scottish holiday experiences

Fri, 01 May 2009 04:49:00 GMT

British travellers are indicating a new wave of interest in "unusual" holiday experiences, according to a new survey from VisitScotland.

The research, carried out by YouGov on behalf of the Scottish tourism board, surveyed over 2200 adults from around the UK, and discovered that 82 per cent of them would be interested in trying one of the "perfect experiences" advertised on the VisitScotland website.

These unique Scottish experiences include a distillery tour and whisky tasting, an island tour on a private yacht and a cooking class with a Michelin star chef, and represent a side of Scotland that's different from the attractions offered in popular destinations like Edinburgh and the Highlands.

In addition, 74 per cent of survey respondents said that they have a lifetime goal that they would like to fulfil on holiday, with 82 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds saying that this was the case.

Noelle Campbell, product manager from VisitScotland, said: "The research backs up what we have known for some time - that people are looking for more from their holiday.

"Many people are choosing not to spend their money on overseas trips this year in favour of holidaying at home and the experiential packages available through our Perfect Day campaign showcase the many unique and diverse opportunities that will make a holiday at home a trip of a lifetime."

Earlier this week, VisitScotland announced it was investing £1 million in a new campaign, which aims to showcase Scotland's more authentic and out-of-the-ordinary holiday experiences to UK residents.

Dubbed 'The Perfect Day', the promotion will be the biggest domestic tourism drive ever launched by the Scottish tourist board and is expected to reach around 36 million people across the country.

UK can expect a warm, dry summer

Fri, 01 May 2009 04:36:00 GMT

The UK can expect a "barbecue summer" in 2009, according to long-range forecasts from the Met Office.

According to the weather experts, the average temperature across the country is likely to be warmer than average, with rainfall near or below average levels over June, July and August.

Ewen McCallum, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "After two disappointingly-wet summers, the signs are much more promising this year. We can expect times when temperatures will be above 30C, something we hardly saw at all last year."

Despite these predictions, there are likely to be some heavy downpours during the season. Yet, the Met Office insists that the constant rainy climate of 2008 and 2007 is unlikely to be repeated.

The news is sure to be welcome to travellers from the UK and overseas who are planning holidays in the country this summer. Recent reports have suggested that not only are more Brits holidaying at home this year due to the weak pound, but travellers from the Eurozone are also capitalising on the current exchange rates.

Reliably hot and dry weather over the summer months is likely to entice more and more people out of their homes and towards the UK's main holiday attractions, including London, the Lake District and the Edinburgh Festival, which was recently voted the number one tourist experience in the UK by Rough Guide readers.

However, government services director Rob Varley warned people not to take Met Office long-range forecast at face value. He said: "Our long-range forecasts are proving useful to a range of people, such as emergency planners and the water industry, in order to help them plan ahead.

"They are not forecasts which can be used to plan a summer holiday or inform an outdoor event."

Kew Gardens gears up for Bank Holiday activities

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has a range of activities and attractions lined up for its visitors over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Anyone visiting the London gardens over the weekend will be greeted by a stunning 'Seed Walk' exhibit by artist Tom Hare. The artwork consists of five large seed willow sculptures that line the mini-Broadwalk - which takes visitors from the Main Gate at Jew to the Nash Conservatory.

The Nash Conservatory is home to the Banking of Life Exhibition at Kew, which is about the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership.

Each sculpture is four metres high and five metres wide, and consists of conker, star anise and devil's claw, amongst other seeds. To enhance the effect, they're also set against spring flower display beds, planted especially for Kew's 250th anniversary, which is marked this year.

Over the course of the summer, another five sculptures will be unveiled at Kew, all of which visitors will be able to interact with and this weekend people will be able to help create a lotus seed sculpture.

Botanical experts also urge visitors in London over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend to catch a glimpse of the famed carpet of bluebells in Kew's conservation area before they die out this season. The area was donated to the Royal Botanical Gardens by Queen Victoria in 1898, and covers 15 hectares (37 acres).

The events mark just one of many festivities taking place in celebration of 250 years of Kew. The gardens will be holding daily walking tours all year and the chance to see behind-the-scenes action at the gardens when booked in advance.

Other events include Great Plant Hunt Week from May 15 to 22, and a scientific conference on Plant Conservation in October.

London tourism boosted by stay-at-home Brits

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:12:00 GMT

London's tourism figures for 2008 were buoyed by an increase in Britons holidaying at home, Visit London has unveiled.

The capital's tourism board stated that London welcomed around 26 million visitors spending £10.5 billion last year - indicating a two per cent and one per cent rise on 2007 figures respectively.

These increases have been put down to an 11.5 per cent rise in visitors from other parts of the UK, with spending from domestic holidaymakers also rising by 7 per cent to £2.4 billion.

In contrast, the total number of international visitors fell by 3.6 per cent to 14.8 million, with the steepest decline seen in the last quarter of 2008 as the global economic recession took hold.

However, the majority of this dip has been attributed to a declining number of business travellers from other parts of the world, as visits and spending from leisure visitors were both up one per cent due to favourable exchange rates.

The statistics have been released just as the capital gears up to launch its new "Only in London" international advertising campaign. The £2 million promotion was announced by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and will see ads displayed in national and regional press in the UK, as well as on the radio, in print and online in selected short and long haul markets.

Boris Johnson said: "I am extremely confident our latest, innovative campaign will reap further rewards as tourists realise London has such a great variety of things to do, to see, and to visit and because of the favourable exchange rate it's unbeatable value too."

According to the Guardian, London attractions that are being promoted as part of "Only in London" include London Zoo, the British Museum and the chance to recreate the cover of the Beatles Abbey Road album cover.

Underground luggage system to revolutionise Heathrow Airport

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:01:00 GMT

A new underground luggage system for Heathrow Airport has been unveiled, in a move that will transform the way the transport hub handles passenger bags.

The £260 million tunnel will provide a link between all of Heathrow Airport's terminals and will start with the creation of a 1.8km long tunnel underneath the airfield at Heathrow. The system is set to be the world's largest integrated baggage system.

In order to construct the tunnel, a £3.3 million tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be used in order to ensure that the challenging excavation - which will have to navigate existing tunnels, including fuel and rail lines - comes off successfully.

The baggage tunnel will pass over two London rail lines, the Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line, but no disruption to these services has so far been caused since work commenced in February.

The underground baggage tunnel will connect Terminals 3 and 5, and will be linked to the existing baggage tunnel network through a soon-to-be-constructed airside building.

The tunnel is expected to be completed by July 2009, by which time the TBM - nicknamed 'Beatrice' in a traditional good luck ceremony - will have excavated 148,000 tonnes of earth.

The project is part of a £4 billion investment across Heathrow's terminals over the next five years in order to enhance the experience delivered to passengers and airline customers at the airport. As part of the scheme, Heathrow's facilities will be redesigned, rebuilt and renovated, and Terminal 1 and 2 will be replaced with the new Terminal 2A.

Just over a year ago, the much-anticipated Heathrow Terminal 5 was opened. However, its first few weeks were blighted by delayed and cancelled flights, as well as the catastrophic failure of its baggage system.

Visit Scotland unveils £1m "credit crunch campaign"

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:37:00 GMT

Visit Scotland, the country's official tourism board, has launched 'The Perfect Day' campaign, a £1 million scheme designed to lure UK residents to Scotland for their holidays this year.

Reports from across the travel industry suggest that many Brits will be opting to holiday at home in 2009 as a result of the weak pound. Visit Scotland's 'credit crunch campaign' aims to capitalise on this trend, and the promotion will reach more than 36 million people through radio, online and print media adverts.

More than 250 Scottish tourism partners will be taking part in the event, including a range of hostels, bed and breakfasts and hotels in Scotland, as well as businesses in flagship sectors like the whisky industry.

Tourists will also be given the chance to take part in out of the ordinary experiences, such as a private themed cruise along the West Coast of Scotland, and the opportunity to accompany the head chef at Bonhams - one of the most celebrated restaurants in Edinburgh - to the city's farmers market to choose your dinner.

Jim Mather, Scotland's Minister for Tourism, said: "As people start to look to tighten their belts during these difficult economic times, this is a great opportunity to encourage people to consider the benefits of a domestic holiday in beautiful Scotland, rather than travelling abroad.

"With our Homecoming celebrations throughout 2009, there is also no better time to visit Scotland."

The discounts on accommodation, attraction and travel offered by Visit Scotland's Perfect Day campaign will be valid until the end of August, which marks the close of the world-renowned Edinburgh Festivals season.

‘Dream’ sculpture unveiled in St Helens

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:36:00 GMT

A group of former miners have a chosen a new sculpture to stand on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery in St Helens.

The art installation, entitled Dream, features a 66 ft (20m) high white bust of a girl with her eyes closed. The sculpture, designed by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, is made from 90 panels of pre-cast concrete and is visible from the M62 motorway.

Mr Plensa's sculpture will join Britain's other motorway art installation art pieces up and down the country, including Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North in Gateshead, near Newcastle Upon Tyne, David Mach's Big Heids on the Edinburgh to Glasgow M8 motorway and Stephen Broadbent's Encounter in Warrington.

Dream's creator spoke to the BBC of his intentions for the piece on a site visit in St Helens: "The piece is trying to talk about the future.

"When I first came to the site I immediately thought something coming out of the earth was needed.

"I decided to do a head of a nine-year-old girl which is representing this idea of the future. It's unique.

"Today is a very special and extraordinary day because it is the first time I could see the piece complete."

Mr Plensa, who has also created work to commission for the BBC, had his design chosen by a panel of former Sutton Manor miners. One of them, Terry Murray, 58, said of the project: "We got together and we thought we could erect something that could rival the Angel of the North.

"In 20 years' time people wouldn't have remembered what this place was. Now they are going to come and ask questions about it."

Festival Cavalcade moved to Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:12:00 GMT

One of the main events at this year's Edinburgh Festival is set to move venue, temporarily. The Cavalcade will be relocated during August's event to a temporary home in Holyrood Park.

The move, which sees the first change of venue for the annual parade in 33 years, has been taken to avoid the Edinburgh Tram Works, which are under construction in the City Centre until November.

It is hoped that by keeping Princes Street closed over the Edinburgh Festival - one of the Central Scotland city's busiest periods - will allow tram operations to catch up on time lost caused by earlier delays.

The Parade is now set to combine with Fringe Sunday and take place on August 9.

Rather than take its usual route down Princes Street, the Cavalcade will parade along Queen's Drive up towards the Commonwealth Pool in the city's Newington area.

The typically cosmopolitan selection of acts from around the world will also perform in the Meadowbank fields, behind Holyrood Palace.

Confusion had surrounded whether the Cavalcade would run this year or not but Event Director, David Todd, told BBC Scotland: "I am excited that I can now reassure people that the Edinburgh Festivals' Cavalcade will happen this year and it will happen in Holyrood Park.

"My concern had been that we would get nearer the time and then the council would announce that Princes Street wasn't going to be reopened for the festival...It must be stressed that this would only be a temporary move, Princes Street is still the cavalcade's home but it gives us the opportunity to try something different."

Magic Numbers to play Scottish summer festival

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:49:00 GMT

Pop act The Magic Numbers have been added to the line-up for Scottish music festival The Wickerman.

The band becomes the third and final headline act to be announced, joining The Human League and The Zutons in leading the South of Scotland event. The festival, which takes place across the weekend of July 24 on farmland near Kirkcudbright, will also see Candi Staton, Billy Bragg and Idlewild perform.

Festival favourites The Magic Numbers, comprised of brother and sister duos Romeo and Michele Stodart and Sean and Angela Gannon, are set to have a busy July as they're also scheduled to play the Cornbury Festival in Oxfordshire and the Cactus Festival in Brugge, both on the weekend of 11 July.

The Wickerman Festival is themed on the eponymous 70s horror movie starring Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward, which was filmed at the nearby Isle of Whithorn. The two day event in Dumfries offers festival goers an eclectic range of live music and DJ sets to rival some of the more commercial music events that litter the summer calendar. The Festival's finale involves the spectacular burning of a 25ft tall wicker man in homage to the paganistic ritual depicted in the much-loved film.

Across the two day festival, over 40 acts will perform in a number of designated areas, including an acoustic village, reggae tent and DJ area. Besides day-long live music, revellers at the family-friendly event can also enjoy a carnival atmosphere, children's area, rides and shops, as well as an open-air midnight cinema and dance tents.

Lenny Henry to star in Othello at London’s West End

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Comedian Lenny Henry will star in Shakespeare's Othello this year in London's West End.

Henry will revisit the character of Moor, which he played in the same production when it toured the West Yorkshire Playhouse, in Leeds.

The TV presenter's Othello garnered concerted approval from theatre critics when he starred in the Northern Broadsides production, earlier this year. His current touring stint is bringing to a close a regional tour, with final shows taking place in Halifax and Newcastle under Lyme.

Critics acclaimed Henry's "simple dignity" and "depth of feeling" in the role made famous before him by theatre greats such as Laurence Olivier, James Earle Jones and, more recently, Hollywood actor Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Although Lenny Henry, 50, is better known for his television comedy work and charity work for Comic Relief, director Barrie Rutter considered him perfect for the tragic demands of Shakespeare's iconic lead. He told the BBC: "If I was ever going to do an Othello I needed a 50-year-old black man, there he was in front of me."

Rutter also told the Guardian that his decision to cast Henry could have been received with a degree of controversy: "knives might be out at me or at Lenny. I don't care. This has come about from a completely genuine desire to do a piece of theatrical work."

Henry's pedigree in subversive comedy, which often centred on observational humour about Britain's black culture, seems to have positioned him well to portray a character subjected to violent racism at the hands of jealous Iago.

Othello, starring Lenny Henry will be at London's Trafalgar Studios from September 18 until December 12, with previews running from September 11.

Never before seen Picasso goes on display in London

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:25:00 GMT

A never before seen portrait by Picasso is to go on display in London prior to being sold at auction in New York, where it is predicted to fetch £16m.

The portrait, which is being displayed at London's Sotheby's, is considered to be among Picasso's most as it remained in his personal collection until his death in 1973. It is entitled La fille de l'artiste a deux ans et demi avec un bateau (the artist's daughter aged two and a half with a boat).

The subject of the painting is the artist's beloved daughter Maya - one of four children fathered by Picasso with numerous wives and mistresses. Maya's mother was Marie Therese Walter - not Picasso's then wife, Russian ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova.

Picasso painted his daughter in his studio during his Guernica period of 1938. Guernica - one of Picasso's best known paintings - depicts the destruction of a Spanish village during the civil war and features a representation of Maya's mistress mother as one of three warring women.

The portrait for sale vividly depicts his daughter's blonde hair, toy boat and patterned dress. He held onto the painting until his death, in Mougins, France in 1973, at which point he bequeathed it to a granddaughter.

Picasso is seen as one of the Spanish masters and works that come up for auction gather significant interest from prospectors and the art establishment alike. His work has frequently made record prices and has been exhibited around the UK, including at the National Museum in Edinburgh. The painting is due to be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York and be on display in the auctioneer's London show rooms until Saturday, along with other works of art from the auction.

Hepworth sculpture returned to Derbyshire

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:13:00 GMT

A sculpture by Dame Barbara Hepworth has been returned to Derbyshire after it was saved from auction by a charity.

The sculpture, Rosewall, was scheduled to be sold privately at a Bonhams auction by owners the Royal Mail. However, having been on display in Chesterfield for 40 years, townsfolk decided it ought to stay and so worked to raise the £500,000 needed to buy the work of art.

The considerable sum was raised in conjunction by the Art Fund Charity, local developers and Chesterfield borough council.

Rosewall, also titled Curved Reclining Form, was created in 1960-62 from Nebrasina stone. It has now been returned to the town's Future Walk in Derbyshire - close to where Hepworth herself grew up, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

The sculpture is considered a significant piece of work and was included in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield, in 2003 as part of centenary celebrations of Hepworth's birth.

It was commissioned using public funds in 1963 by the General Post Office and has remained in the town ever since.

Andrew Macdonald, deputy director of the Art Fund, told the Telegraph that it was touch and go as to whether they would raise the funds expected to secure an outright sale: "We indicated we would commit £300,000 but the message [from the Royal Mail] was 'How close could you get to a million?

"They were prepared to be generous, having seen the furore that they had - perhaps unwittingly - stirred up.".

Ray Russell, the leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, told the Telegraph: "We didn't feel we wanted to pay any money for it because we felt it belonged to Chesterfield, but legally it belonged to Royal Mail. It is great to see it returned here."

The sculpture will now remain on public view in Chesterfield.

New visitor centre for Western Isles

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:00:00 GMT

A visitor centre for the remote St Kilda isles is being considered by the Western Isles Council, the BBC reports.

The Comhairle nan Eilean Siar local authority will conduct a feasibility study into the visitor centre and will look to identify an appropriate site, as well as weigh up its benefits to the Western Isles.

Hirta, the main island of St Kilda, is considered too difficult to reach to offer suitability for a permanent visitor attraction. Therefore, a site within the more accessible Western Isles is being considered, which would act as a satellite visitor attraction between the mainland and the isolated St Kilda archipelago.

St Kilda itself is well renowned for its remoteness and inaccessibility, all of which makes a satellite centre a greater possibility.

St Kilda, which lies 41 miles off the most westerly of North Scotland's Outer Hebridean islands, is an internationally protected area. The cluster of islands and iconic stacks were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 on account of its significance to natural heritage, beauty and habitats.

St Kilda is of global natural significance and is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland in conjunction with Scottish National heritage and the Ministry of Defence. The three bodies work to conserve and conduct research on the islands in terms of both cultural significance and the natural habitats is provides to tens of thousands of birds.

Although the last human inhabitants on St Kilda left the islands over 80 years ago, the archipelago remains a draw for naturalists and conservationists intent on preserving the zoological diversity of its flora and fauna-rich habitat.

The Prodigy confirmed for Radio 1's Big Weekend

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:49:00 GMT

Dance act The Prodigy has been confirmed for Radio 1'a Big Weekend, a two day festival held annually in different locations each year.

2009 sees Swindon hosting the event, which has in previous years occurred in Kent, Preston, Dundee, Sunderland, Birmingham, Derry, Cardiff and Manchester since its inception in 2003. The free music event is Europe's largest and makes a point of allowing new artists the chance to perform in front of massive crowds.

The addition of The Prodigy, whose fifth album Invaders Must Die was released earlier this year, has come as a late announcement from the festival, which is taking place on May 9 and 10. However, the inclusion of such a big name act has pleased many fans and ticket applicants who selected to attend the event on the Sunday the 10th, when they are expected to perform.

The BBC Live Events editor, Jason Carter, said: "We're delighted to have landed The Prodigy to headline Swindon on Sunday 10 May.

"They're a superb live act and we've been working very hard to get them in on the show as a late addition. It's shaping up to be a fantastic weekend of live music."

Other artists hoped to be included in the Big Weekend as late additions include Take That and Britney Spears, though neither has confirmed as to whether they will be available to perform.

This year's Big Weekend will see over 50 acts from the UK and across the globe, including Saturday's headline Snow Patrol, Franz Ferdinand and Kasabian. On Sunday, The Prodigy will be accompanied by Lily Allen and Ne-Yo.

April showers forgotten as UK temperatures soar

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:37:00 GMT

Experts from the Met Office are predicting that the slew of sunny days that have been encouraging Britons to step outside to enjoy the weather are here to stay throughout the remainder of the month.

The South East has seen the hottest temperatures so far, meaning weekend breakers could find themselves heading to Kent and London in order to make the most of the sun's rays.

However, the pleasant days have largely been country-wide, with the north of England seeing temperatures of 20C yesterday, comparable with London's 21C. According to the Telegraph, temperatures are predicted to rise over the remainder of the week into the low twenties by the weekend.

Barry Gromett, spokesman for the Met Office, told the newspaper: "We have been enjoying some great weather over the last week and it's here to stay.

"Usually the average temperature for April is around 14 degrees (57F) and we are have [sic] already seen weather much warmer than that over the last few days.

"Temperatures will certainly be above average for the rest of the week, stretching into the weekend."

The recent amicable weather has seen many Britons heading for the countryside as well as to city parks and gardens to make the most of the heat and shake off the winter blues. Many are also using the weather as a reason to turn to thoughts of holidaying at home - choosing other locations in the UK - for their trips away as the recession forces millions to tighten their belts across the country.

Rare Harry Potter sketches go on sale in Glasgow

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:36:00 GMT

Rare sketches from a series for a Harry Potter book by illustrator Cliff Wright are to go on sale in Glasgow this week.

The drawings, rendered in pencil and pen on paper, were intended for front and back cover images for JK Rowling's third book in the series - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The illustrations will be on display in Glasgow's George Square as part of the annual Glasgow Art Fair. They will be available for sale between Thursday and Sunday, this week, and are expected to fetch a significant sum. One sketch, which was designed to be a front cover image and depicts the book's eponymous hero Harry with Hermione on the back of a Hippogriff - a magical beast that's half horse, half griffin - is on sale for nearly £13,000. The other, an illustration intended for the book's back cover, is a moody rendering of The Grim - an ominous spectral dog - and is expected to take above £11,000.

Illustrator Cliff Wright explained the origin of the front cover image to the BBC: "The image is one of a series of 10 which were sent to the publisher Bloomsbury as rough ideas for character development and composition.

"The designs were also passed on to JK Rowling for her approval and any comments passed back to me. Thus, for example, the Hippogriff was based on a design that was sent through to me from Jo."

The Glasgow Art Fair, which takes place from 23 - 26 April, is widely considered Scotland's premier National Art event and draws visitors from far and wide every year. Art galleries up and down the country, from Aberdeen to London, attend the Art Fair to promote up-and-coming and established artists. Now in its 14th year and with this high-profile sale of original Harry Potter illustrations, the event shows no signs of slowing down.

UK premier for new Star Trek film

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:13:00 GMT

Star Trek had its UK premier in London last night and stars from the movie turned out in force. Brit comedy favourite Simon Pegg arrived with his wife, Maureen, and joined Chris Pine - who plays Captain Kirk - in Leicester Square on a specially-themed blue carpet.

Other actors to join the turn out included Zachary Quinto - who plays Spock - and Eric Bana, who plays a Romulan called Nero.

Fans of the space odyssey franchise - lovingly titled Trekkies - turned up at the London venue in droves, decked out in characteristic fancy dress, Vulcan ears and red, blue and yellow crew shirts.

Spaced-star and self-confessed Trekkie Simon Pegg told the BBC: "For me, tonight is very special. It's the Empire Leicester Square. I saw films here as a child... it's a geek dream come true." Simon Pegg arrived at the premier wearing a kilt - undoubtedly in honour of his Scottish alter ego in the film, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott.

This film - the 11th in the franchise - is simply titled Star Trek and is directed by J.J. Abrams, creator and director of the television series Lost and hit movie Cloverfield.

The film takes Trekkies back to the beginning and follows the lives of a young James T. Kirk and a Spock; the original Vulcan Leonard Nimoy giving a welcomed cameo role in the movie.

The film had its worldwide premier in Sydney, Australia, but London proved to be an ideal hotspot for the British arm of promotions for the much-anticipated movie. Weather in the South East yesterday was reportedly warmer even than Ibiza and the sun shone in London as stars walked the blue carpet, chatting with fans and press.

Skara Brae opens to the public

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:01:00 GMT

The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae in Orkney is to be opened to the public for the first time in over 30 years this Saturday.

Visitors to the 5,000-year-old village will, for the first time since the 1970s, be able to see inside three of the 10 mysterious homes, typically only viewed from surrounding pathways. The open day is part of World Heritage Day events and organisers hope that it will not only raise the profile of the site, but bring attention to conservation and preservation of our most ancient history.

Prehistoric Skara Brae is a popular draw for tourists visiting Orkney in North Scotland. Thought to have been inhabited between 3100-2500 BC, the site was only discovered in the mid nineteenth century. Buried beneath a sand dune for thousands of years, the rudimentary homes were almost perfectly preserved and the Orkadian attraction is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve the settlement's ancient integrity.

The Neolithic site - the most complete in Europe - outdates the building of Stonehenge, and joins a number of areas in the North of Scotland where ancient, bronze age and pictish settlements were founded, including Aberdeenshire in the North East.

Ranger Elaine Clarke told the BBC: "This is a rare opportunity to go inside the houses which were built by these early farmers.

"To get close to the fires where they cooked, the beds where they slept and the shelves where they stored their precious items."

Visitors will furthermore be able to get up close to the famed mysterious carvings and etchings that adorn the brick interiors of some of the Neolithic homes, the meanings of which have not yet been deciphered.

Cranford Heritage home to receive urgent repairs

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:49:00 GMT

The home of literary great Elizabeth Gaskell is to be awarded £262,000 to pay for urgent repairs required on the author's Manchester residence. Gaskell lived in the Regency-style mansion for 15 years before her death in 1865, and wrote many of her most famous books there, including Cranford.

The Grade II-listed detached house is highly regarded as a British literary shrine, considered second in importance only to the home of the Brontë sisters, in Haworth, West Yorkshire. The house boasts a rich literary heritage and renowned authors Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte were visitors to the house on occasion.

Novelist Gaskell, who lived at the house with her husband and four children, is reputed to have greatly enjoyed living on the outskirts of Manchester, in Plymouth Grove. The building, which is now on the Buildings at Risk Register, is owned by the Manchester Historic Buildings Trust, who says a £2 million revamp is required.

English Heritage spokesman Henry Owen-Jones told the BBC: "It is vitally important that this building is saved from dereliction so it can help to tell the story of Manchester and the industrial north."

Elizabeth Gaskell's most recognisable work to-date is Cranford, which was turned into a popular five-part BBC Drama in 2007, starring Judi Dench.

Dench - a patron of the Trust - said: "I am delighted that English Heritage is offering a grant to carry out the work that is needed on Elizabeth Gaskell's house.

"This is a major historical building and it will be wonderful to see it restored to its former glory."

Following developments, the Manchester Historic Buildings Trust plan to open the house and grounds to the public, while on-going refurbishment renovates the house to its former glory.

Welsh tourism providers forecast good business in 2009

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Tourism operators in Wales are reporting that the industry has seen a welcome boom due to good weather and the current economic recession.

Pembrokeshire Tourism, an organisation which represents 500 holiday-oriented businesses, has report that it's seen a "huge upsurge" in bookings this season.

North Wales Tourism also reported a rise in visitors over the previous Easter weekend, and the Caravan Club noted that it has welcomed a 40 per cent increase in the number of bookings so far this year.

Barry Chapman, manager of the Hotel Plas Hyfryd, told the BBC: "Although traditionally it's never really a busy time of year for us, this year broke the mould."

His thoughts were echoed by Nick Evams, the chairman of Pembrokeshire Tourism, who added: "It's encouraging to see more market confidence from a high percentage of our members across the tourism spectrum."

The Caravan Club also added that they experienced a 90 per cent capacity during the past Easter weekend, and that customers seem to be embracing UK-based holidays during the credit crunch.

Fiona Bewers, the club's spokeswoman, said: "I think people in the current climate are looking where they get real value and are making the most of their own time.

"New families are taking up caravanning as a fun option, it gives them flexibility to go when and where they want."

Some tourism experts are forecasting a much more cautious report for the year, but have noted that good weather and last minute bookings have continued to benefit the tourism industry in Wales this year.

Restorations complete on historic Scottish ship

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:24:00 GMT

After two years of work, the historic ship Discovery has been restored.

The Dundee tourist attraction was damaged due to the effects of leaking water and damp weather. The hull has been restored due to a £700,000 project that has left the ship water-tight.

The project saw the wood of the hull and deck repaired using a traditional marine glue of oakum and tar. Heating and ventilation systems were installed in order to counter the damp air which damaged the wood and fixtures.

The RRS Discovery was originally built in Dundee, and had taken a voyage to Antarctica with explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton in 1901.

Mark Munsie, the Operations manager at Discovery Point, told the BBC: "The ship has a much better environment inside now, she's drier, the air quality is better and the big added benefit is that the area has been opened up so the public who visit can see more of the structure of the ship."

New interpretation panels have also been installed to educate visitors about the ship's past and how it was constructed. After its polar exploration the ship was also influential in monitoring whale conservation.

The restoration of the ship in Central Scotland was assisted by a National Lottery grant in order to ensure that the historical is protected.

Mr Munsie added: "It's also hugely important as an economic driver in the city. It's a major part of the tourist offer of the city and it's something we're quite rightly proud of - it's a five-star museum."

Restored Dryden portrait displayed at National Portrait Gallery

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

A restored portrait of the poet John Dryden is to be unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery.

The London gallery has announced that it had acquired the painting through a private collection. It's thought that the piece has never been displayed in public and that it was never catalogued correctly or reproduced.

Northamptonshire-born Dryden was designated the first official poet laureate close to 350 years ago, and the display of the portrait follows announcements that a new poet laureate will be revealed in the next two weeks.

Catherine MacLeod, the curator of the 17th-century portraits at the gallery, told the Guardian: "It is a very high quality painting and extremely sympathetic, you get a real sense of character."

The portrait is said to have been commissioned right after Dryden was designated as poet laureate, and was finished by John Michael Wright in 1668.

The image features inscriptions from six Latin poets, including Virgil and Horace, around the oval surround.

The gallery has acquired the painting for £225,000, and the work will accompany three other Dryden portraits that are currently in the gallery. The other portraits are thought to be from the 1690s, when the poet had already retired from the court position.

Dryden is considered a dominant literary force in Restoration England. Dryden is the only poet laureate of that time to not die while holding the position - he was instead sacked 20 years on as he refused to sign the oath of allegiance during William III and Mary II's Glorious Revolution.

Britons to stay home and enjoy UK holidays in 2009

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

More Britons are choosing to holiday at home this year in a bid to cut costs and save money during the recession.

A report in the Guardian by market research group Mintel has found that total spending in the UK was down last year, and that more people are wary of splashing out on big expenses like holidays abroad.

Of those surveyed, 35 per cent said they had chosen not to book a main holiday in the coming six months. However, while holidays abroad took a hit, many Brits revealed that they'd instead chosen to visit traditional British holiday spots like Butlins.

The Butlins chain boasts three locations along the UK coast in West Sussex, Somerset and Lincolnshire.

The revival of the water park attraction is estimated to be worth about £1.3bn and it is believed to have received 6.4 million visitors last year.

Brits are also cutting costs elsewhere. Almost a third of all adults have admitted to spending less during tough economic times. Mintel reports that many consider the economy and personal finances to be their top worry in 2009.

James McCoy, the head of consumer research at Mintel, said: "Fear alone can cause major spending adjustments. The challenge for retailers is to make consumers feel safe about spending again."

However, it's not been doom and gloom for the tourism and entertainment industry everywhere. Box office sales of theatre productions in London have seen an increase of two per cent. According to a British Lifestyles report, the number of Brits attending the theatre has risen from 36 per cent to 50 per cent over the past decade.

Scottish golf courses take top spots in Golf Digest Top 100

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:48:00 GMT

Scottish golf courses have dominated the American Golf Digest Top 100 courses rankings this year.

Four courses located in St Andrews made the list for the first time this year. The town is famed as the home of golf, and has been labelled the world's "pre-eminent destination" for golf in the magazine.

The seaside town in Fife boasts seven courses overall. The new Castle Course has only been open for four months, but was listed at number 65 in the magazine. The Jubilee Course was ranked number 92 and the St Andrews Links New Course landed in the 63rd position.

However, the Central Scotland town's historic St Andrews Links Old Course took second place overall in what has become the leading golf publication in America.

Alan McGregor, the chief executive of the organisation which manages and maintains the seven public golf courses, told the BBC: "It is a wonderful achievement to have four courses recognised in such a definitive ranking.

"This is no mean feat when you see the calibre of the courses from around the world included in the ranking.

"A great deal of hard work goes into maintaining the courses at St Andrews Links in top condition and recognition such as this from one of the world's leading golf publications is something of which St Andrews and Scotland as a whole should be proud."

The rankings are compiled by 900 golf panellists, specialists and the editors of the magazines 23 editions released worldwide. The poll is expected to be published in the May edition of the magazine.

Heritage Lottery Fund gives boost to UK green spaces

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:36:00 GMT

Six public parks in the UK are set to transform after being given funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Parks in North East England and throughout Scotland are set to be transformed with the funding.

Of the £4.8m allocated to parks in Scotland, more than half is set to go to Duthie Park in Aberdeen. The rest of the money will be allocated to MacRosty Park in Crieff, Burngreen Park in Kilsyth and Cambuslang Park outside of Glasgow.

The funds given to Cambuslang Park are part of the HLF's Parks for People programme, which works towards restoring run-down parks. It is hoped that the programme will revive urban areas that have been neglected.

Colin McLean, the head of the HLF in Scotland, told the BBC: "Parks are an important part of our community heritage.

"HLF's pioneering approach marries people's pride in the history of their parks with the need to provide up-to-date facilities and access."

In England, Barnes Park in Sunderland and Brinkburn Dene in Darlington are to receive more than £2.4m in funding to restore historic features and make improvements on facilities.

Sunderland Council leader Paul Watson said: "This is excellent news for Sunderland and everyone in the city.

"I am very proud that we have now been awarded the funds to restore its historical features and redevelop it for the enjoyment of future generations."

Work on the English parks is set to begin in August, while it's expected that funds for the Scottish parks will have to go through one more approval process before starting.

500 year old Henry VIII tapestry on show

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:25:00 GMT

An exhibition using digital technology to restore the colours of a Henry VIII tapestry is set to open at the Hampton Court Palace.

The London exhibition will display the 500-year-old tapestry, which has seen its colours boosted through digital technology. Light beams will help visitors see the vibrant colours that were originally woven into the work at the Henry VIII's Tapestries Revealed show.

It took experts six years to figure out how to virtually restore the faded threads for the show. Researchers from the University of Manchester and the Historic Royal Palaces have spent years attempting to calculate how much colour had faded from the tapestry's fibres.

The tapestry is part of the Story of Abraham Series, which historians say was woven to commemorate the birth of Henry VIII's son. When the piece was commissioned in 1537 it cost £2,000 and took three years to produce. Master craftsmen made the tapestry, which consists of cloths made from wool and silk interlaced with gold and silver thread.

The tapestry can only be lit up in the exhibition for five short bursts a day, as the delicate fibres could be damaged by the calibrated beams of light.

Kathryn Hallett, a representative from the Historic Royal Palaces, told the BBC: "This project, the first ever 'virtual restoration' of a tapestry, will show how these magnificent works of art would have dazzled visitors to Henry VIII's Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace 500 years ago."

The exhibition is set to open on Friday, and is part of a series that will mark the 500 years since the accession of the king in the 16th Century.

Scottish artist restores “forgotten” mural

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:01:00 GMT

Artist Alisdair Gray has begun to restore a "forgotten" mural which he painted 40 years ago on the wall of a pub in Scotland.

His painting - The Falls of Clyde - was discovered under layers of paint and wallpaper at the Riverside Bar in Lanarkshire. The mural measures 4ft wide and 7.6m long and depicts a view of the Clyde Gorge.

The painting by the writer and artist has been destroyed in some places. Gray began his 10-day project to restore the painting on Monday.

The mural was lost to the public when it was covered more than a decade ago. It was originally uncovered in 2006, when the pub was bought by a new owner who was restoring the venue.

Businessman Andy Boyle said of the painting: "We believe the mural is an invaluable piece of Scottish art history."

The mural was originally commissioned by the owners of the Central Scotland pub, which was formerly known as the Tavern Kirkfieldbank.

The 74-year-old artist is best known for his novel Lanark, as well as a mural he painted on the ceiling of Glasgow's Oran Mor venue. Gray noted that he's aware that other artists painted similar landscape scenes.

He told the BBC: "This part of the river is fascinating for its geology, natural history and the social history of Scotland through its connection with William Wallace, the early industrial revolution, David Dale and the Scottish co-operative movement.

"I have since enjoyed many walks with friends here, especially at weekends when Bonnington power station is switched off and the Clyde Falls can be seen with the full force that astonished Wordsworth and Coleridge."

New aquarium entices visitors to London

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:00:00 GMT

New displays at the London Aquarium are drawing in crowds to see the attraction's eerie atmosphere.

According to a report in the Times, the new displays have cost millions of pounds and include a whale bone viewing tunnel, new fact boards and some new fish.

Visitors to the London centre will see an octopus in its new tank when they arrive and walk through the 10-metre-long whale viewing tunnel which has been built to resemble the rib cage.

Another high-point of the aquarium is the rock pool, which showcases four starfish which guests can touch. Each of the pools are also lined with sea anemones that curl up on contact, wowing the attraction's visitors.

The Times reports, however, that the key draw to the aquarium remains as the shark observation area, where members of the public can view these majestic creatures.

The building is also home to amphibians as well as fish. Visitors are able to watch staff feed sting rays and learn from shark lectures at the attraction, making it an ideal getaway for many tourists. The aquarium offers discounts for families of four, and there's even a quiz to complete after visiting.

Promoters of the new aquarium say the experience will bring visitors closer than ever to the sea life. They note that many of the previous attractions are still on display at the aquarium - including coral caves, green turtles, seahorses and a Pacific shipwreck.

The London Aquarium is located on the South bank of the Thames and is near the London Eye. The attraction is open seven days a week.

The London Aquarium also has affiliations located around the UK including in Birmingham, Brighton and Scarborough.

Bollywood concert to make debut at Proms

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:37:00 GMT

The first ever concert showcasing Bollywood music is set to be played during this year's BBC Proms season.

The Proms event takes place from 17 July to 12 September and features the day-long look at Indian music. It's expected that the event will showcase numerous vocal styles from the country and will end with a Bollywood event at London's Royal Albert Hall.

The annual Proms festival will be comprised of over 70 events and has the audience members stand in a promenade in the hall where it takes place. 2009 marks the 115th anniversary of the South East England event.

This year's programme will feature concerts dedicated to the work of composers Philip Glass and Michael Nyman. There will also be piano features of music by Tchaikovsky and a ballet from Stravinsky.

But there are also a number of unusual events to be held this year, including a cover of the Sex Pistols' God Save the Queen from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Composer Malcolm Arnold will also have his A Grand Grand Overture performed, which features parts for vacuum cleaners, floor polisher and rifles.

The opening weekend of 2009's event will see performances touch on evolution in order to mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth.

In addition, the closing event of Proms in the Park will be a joint event between Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland and Salford's Buile Hill Park.

The concerts during the programme will be broadcast on Radio 3, BBC Four and BBC Two, and the channel will follow the progress of a short orchestral work composed by drum and bass musician Goldie.

Organisers are hoping to encourage and involve more young people in classical music through the programme, and will be taking the music to communities around London.

Welsh farmers market opens doors to business

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:25:00 GMT

A new farmers market in Wales is about to open its doors for business.

The £4m indoor market in Carmarthen, just north of Swansea, is to be housed in a brand new hall built of Welsh Pennant stone and slate. An old clock tower has also been preserved on the building.

According to the BBC, the city in South Wales has been home to a farmers market for over 800 years.

The 74 traders involved with the farmers market at the moment moved out of their previous home this weekend. The previous building will be demolished in order to start construction on the new £74m St Catherine's Walk redevelopment project.

That project is set to install 30 new shops, a cinema, restaurants and multi-storey car park in the new development. A Debenhams and Apollo cinema are all planned to be opened as part of the project.

Liz Bellamy, the chairwoman of the market tenants committee, said of the new market hall: "We are really looking forward to moving in.

"It should make a big difference, at the moment we are on the outskirts but we expect the new location to bring increased footfall and trade."

Originally, many of the market vendors were against the plan to relocate. They even collected over 30,000 on a protest petition, though many have now changed their minds are pleased with the new building.

The work in Carmarthen is part of a revamp that will also touch the city centre, which is set to be completed next year.

Demand for travel on the rise

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:13:00 GMT

Despite the credit crunch and current economic downturn, the demand for travel this year has surpassed that of 2008.

High-speed rail operator Eurostar is reporting that 68 per cent of adults have plans to take a holiday this year - three per cent higher than figures in 2008. Eurostar's survey has taken a holiday to mean a stay of at least five nights, excluding visits to family members.

The rail company also discovered that taking a holiday is second on the list of priority spending this year - trumping eating out, buying clothes and entertainment costs.

According to Opodo, Richard Brown, the chief executive of Eurostar, said: "It is clear from this report that we value our holidays now more than ever, as we prioritise the need to escape and recharge the batteries.

"However, with all the compromises that people are making to ensure they can still get away, overall value has never been so important."

Of those polled in the survey, nearly half revealed that they prefer to take shorter trips throughout the year as opposed to one long holiday. In addition, many people said that they are relying on 'tried and tested' destinations for their time away.

The rail operator runs service across the English Channel from London,
The group has argued that the consultation process was not lawful, and that the decision was made irrationally. However, the authorities plan to argue that Transport Minister Geoff Hoon had decided to build a half-capacity third runway at Heathrow, instead of his original proposal of a fully-functional runway.

The group will also claim the Heathrow runway proposal was irrational in a number of areas including economics, noise and air quality and a lack of adequate reasons for the decision.

Hillingdon Council leader Ray Puddifoot told the BBC: "The number of organisations backing this challenge is unprecedented.

"It shows that just about everyone other than Geoff Hoon thinks the government has got this wrong.

"For the local authorities the real concern is that the government has not proved that a third runway can be operated without breaching air pollution limits, making noise worse or creating intolerable congestion on local roads and public transport."

The protest against the runway has been backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, who is in favour instead of an alternative Thames estuary airport site. Green groups including Greenpeace and the Campaign to Protect Rural England are also on board.

The airport in South East England has seen plenty of debate surrounding the proposed new runway. In January, opponents of the plan also unveiled their idea which would see the site become the centre of a new rail network.

National Gallery hosts Picasso exhibit

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:49:00 GMT

The National Gallery of England is hosting an exhibit on Picasso this spring.

According to the Times, the London museum's exhibit showcases paintings that demonstrate the painter's talent as destructive and creative.

The landmark exhibition brings Modernist art to the halls of the National Gallery and will include an open room of self-portraits, hung chronologically in order to create a retrospective on the work.

Art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston notes for The Times that Picasso was known for revering his predecessors in the art world, and that his works are therefore classical in their subject matter. According to the critic, the exhibition's paintings depict the artist in many ways - as a mocking heir, monumental painter, determined young artist and charging Spanish bull. The show also displays paintings of traditional male portraiture, the female nude and still life.

The show was previously hosted in Paris - where Picasso's artwork was featured along with works from his well-known predecessors.

In a press release, the National Gallery described how the exhibition "...is organised thematically, showing how Picasso repeatedly turned to the great subjects of the European painting tradition, analysing them as his personal style developed in myriad directions."

The exhibit, known as Picasso: Challenging the Past, will run until 7 June 2009 and is housed in the Salisbury Wing of the museum.

Though the Picasso exhibition will not be touring throughout the UK, the gallery also hosts various touring exhibitions housed in Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery and the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne.

James Bond fan opens museum in Cumbria

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:36:00 GMT

A museum dedicated to the gadgets and cars made famous in the James Bond movie franchise has been opened by a fan in England.

Peter Nelson has spent 20 years and hundreds of thousands of pounds to garner his collection of memorabilia surrounding the fictional secret agent. Now, he has placed his finds in his own museum in Cumbria.

Some of the items on display at the Bond Museum in Keswick, near Penrith, include the Lotus Esprit Turbo car from the Spy Who Loved Me and the original golden gun from The Man with the Golden Gun. Mr Nelson has also found the octopus from Octopussy.

In one case, Mr Nelson went as far as New York City to retrieve a piece for the museum - the Mustang featured in Diamonds are Forever.

He told the BBC: "I got a phone call from a policeman in New York and he said 'I've got the car,' and all the paperwork was there so I went to New York and bought that."

The museum will also showcase the Russian T55 battle tank that was featured in GoldenEye.

The attraction has been timed to open on the 100th anniversary of Bond producer Albert Broccoli's birthday.

Mr Nelson said: "When I was a boy I read the Ian Fleming books first of all, and they really captured my imagination.

"James Bond had that sophistication and glamour and humour, all those things that as a young boy you wanted in your life."

Mr Nelson, a retired dental surgeon, has been collecting 007 items through auctions and donations from Bond filmmakers. He claims that his new North West England museum is the first of its kind in the world.

Mr Nelson also currently runs the Cars of the Stars museum in Kerswick.

Revamp of Scottish cinema complete

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:24:00 GMT

A multi-million pound revamp of Scotland's first purpose-built cinema has been completed.

The Bo'Ness Hippodrome showed its last film over 30 years ago, in 1975. However, the A-listed cinema has just seen £2m in refurbishment and is to be reopened.

The restored cinema will now seat 178 patrons, though at one time it could hold close to 510 viewers. The building has been regarded as an example of pre-art deco architecture.

The Hippodrome originally opened in 1912 and was the vision of local filmmaker Louis Dickson. Now, the theatre will host a special screening of the film Mamma Mia for its reopening.

Adrian Mahoney, the convenor of environment and heritage at Falkirk Council, told the BBC: "Local people will be at the very heart of the launch celebrations - after all, they've waited a long time for the Hippodrome to reopen."

"I hope the revamped building will be a great success - and a real asset to the many attractions we have in the Falkirk area."

The restoration work was funded through a variety of trusts and foundations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Falkirk Environment Trust.

Both the exterior and interior of the building were restored. Projects include the installation of new seating, the reinstatement of the previous 1920s decorative theme and repairs to a copper dome. As well, a new technical outfit has been provided.

The work on the theatre is part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative, which is working to restore significant buildings within the historic centre of the Central Scotland town.

Jean Muir dress collection on UK tour

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT

A new exhibition showcasing the work of fashion designer Jean Muir is travelling across Scotland this month.

The works from the acclaimed designer have arrived in South Scotland, and the collection is full of items that have never been previously put on display. The event is being held at the National Museum of Costume in New Abbey, near Dumfries.

The exhibition follows a previous display at Edinburgh's National Museum of Scotland, which drew more than 41,000 visitors to the works. That collection showcased 18,000 items, including 30 dresses, hundreds of sketches, patterns, fabrics and photographs.

Jean Muir was considered part of the British design revolution that took place in the 1960s, and she has made clothes for a number of celebrities.

Muir was born to Scottish parents in London, and was known to be proud of her Scottish heritage. Her knitwear collections were recognised for their exclusive use of Scottish yarns.

Muir passed away in 1995, and a large collection of her clothes was donated to National Museums Scotland in 2005 by her widower. She was a member of the Museum of Scotland's fundraising committee.

Kristina Stankovski, the exhibition curator, told the BBC: "This exhibition is a fascinating insight into one of Britain's best-loved and respected fashion labels which we're sure will delight visitors from both home and abroad."

She had said of the previous Edinburgh exhibition that the collection provides: "... an insight into the ethos, craft and legacy of one of Britain's most celebrated fashion designers."

The Dumfries and Galloway exhibition is set to go on display this Friday.

Tate Modern to receive expansion

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:49:00 GMT

A proposed extension for the Tate Modern gallery has been given the go-ahead by city planners.

Construction on the £215m extension will start soon, with the extension on the London gallery being completed in 2012.

The addition will be an 11-storey, pyramid-shaped brick and glass structure that will increase the capacity at the currently full gallery. It has been designed by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron.

Southwark Council, which approved the extension, said in a report: "The proposed new building will be an extraordinary and unique addition to London's townscape.

"There have already been great regeneration benefits for the area following the opening of Tate Modern at Bankside."

When the gallery was first opened it was meant to hold about two million visitors per year. Now, the museum welcomes closer to five million.

That Tate, which also has branches in Liverpool and Cornwall, said the project will ease some of the strains and pressures that the current building experiences.

The new extension will lead directly into the gallery's Turbine Hall, and the interconnecting spaces will create a new foundation for the Tate Modern.

The plans were originally approved two years ago, but the gallery chose to revise the extension design. The current structure was designed after plans for a glass-covered cube design were scrapped.

It is thought that the museum has raised close to a third, or about £74m, of the funds towards the refurbishing the building.

Sir Nicholas Serota, the Tate director, told the BBC: "We look forward to creating one of the most exciting cultural buildings in Europe which will bring direct benefits to Southwark and London as a whole."

Festivals weather the recession storm

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Festivals around the UK are weathering the recession well, as many have adopted new practices in order to draw crowds to their events.

Larger festivals including the Glastonbury event in Somerset, and similar festivals in Reading and Leeds have sold out.

Tickets went on sale this weekend for the Reading and Leeds events, which are set to showcase bands including Kings of Leon, Radiohead and the Arctic Monkeys. Tickets for those events sold out within two days.

As well, many festivals have chosen to adopt new ways to draw crowds to events. The dance festival Creamfields held in Daresbury, Cheshire has cut its ticket prices in a bid to attract fans, and weekend camping for the event will be sold at a lower rate.

Camping tickets for the event will now be sold for £100 to attendees - a price £15 less than last year.

James Barton, the Creamfields organiser, said: "We're in the midst of a recession, with most people having to tighten their belts, so we've made the first 5,000 tickets as cheap as we possibly can.

"I hope this goes a little way in easing the cash burden for the people who have been there for us through thick and thin."

Festivals like Glastonbuty, Sonisphere in Knebworth, Camp Bestival in Dorset and Statford-upon-Avon's Global Gathering have all introduced payment plans for tickets. The plans let fans pay for tickets in instalments to ease the burden of high prices.

Unfortunately, some festivals have been cancelled for the year, including the Red List Live festival in Kent and Heavenly Planet in Reading.

Nottingham places bid for World Design Capital

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:25:00 GMT

The British city that designed the infamous chopper bike has put in a bid to be the World Design Capital in 2012.

Nottingham, the original home of the Raleigh Chopper bicycle, unveiled its bid for the title on Tuesday. The application is a combined application from the city council, Arts Council and Nottingham Trent University.

The first chopper bikes were created in the city in 1967, and the town had people ride them around the Market Square as their bid was announced. The BBC noted that the bidding process costs up to £80,000.

Malcolm Wood, a city councillor, said: "Our aspiration to achieve this status puts down a clear marker for furthering Nottingham's strengths in design.

"Culture and creativity are a vital aspect of our societies and this award will help us further raise our profile and reputation at an international level as a diverse and cultural city."

The East Midlands city boasts many iconic works, including a 60m tall steel spire at the University of Nottingham's Jubilee Campus.

Nottingham stopped making the chopper bikes in the city in 2002, when production shifted to Asia. However, there is still a distribution centre in nearby Eastwood.

One of the city's best known designers, Paul Smith, said: "The city has in the past and is currently benefiting from fantastic regeneration, including many new and exciting buildings, again offering opportunities for existing and new creative industries to flourish."

In the past, cities including Turin, Italy and Seoul, South Korea have been recipients of the award. It is still unknown who Nottingham will compete against for the crown in the competition.

Rail stations receive £30bn in funding for upgrades

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:13:00 GMT

Network Rail is planning to bring renovations and upgrades to three of the UK's busiest railway stations.

The five-year plan will see the stations receive £30bn in spending that will upgrade the facilities in London King's Cross, Reading and Birmingham New Street stations. In addition, the plan will also start a London Crossrail project, as well as improved service on the London-to-Edinburgh line.

The money will help the stations receive new concourses, escalators and shops.

However, some critics of the project are wondering if Network Rail can afford to fund the changes, as the company is experiencing a funding squeeze.

National Rail is insisting that they are prepared to take on the projects, and a spokesman told the Guardian: "We're confident of delivery and mindful of the awesome responsibility to both improve services and keep the impact of this massive investment to a minimum."

The company has noted that they plan to minimise funding problems through cost cutting and the introduction of new technology.

In addition, some warn that extensive construction could dissuade people from using the rail network.

Anthony Smith, the chief executive of rail user watchdog group Passenger Focus, said: "If you so muck around people's lives over the next five years that they drift away from the railway it will be counterproductive... It means avoiding disruption and bus replacement services as much as possible."

National Rail is already planning to introduce longer trains, with many noting that some station platforms aren't equipped to accommodate the longer trains planned for busy routes. This could lead some passengers unable to disembark the train through rear exits.

South Downs National Park plans to be announced

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:01:00 GMT

Almost 60 years after it was recommended, the South Downs region has been granted a national park status.

The area stretches between South East and South West England, and was recommended for the status in the 1940s along with 12 other areas. But it has just now been announced that the area will become England's ninth national park.

The designation will give the land a high level of protection under the planning system.

Hilary Benn, the environment minister, told the BBC: "It is fitting that, in this year, the 60th anniversary of the radical legislation that gave birth to National Parks, we are celebrating an addition to the family.

"National park status can be a real boost for the local economy, attracting new visitors, businesses and investment, but above all, the South Downs' wonderful countryside will be protected forever for the enjoyment of everyone."

However, some locals in the area say the designation will now prevent the further development of the A27, which would also benefit the economy. They also dispute the borders of the park, which includes the nearby town of Lewes.

A statement said the land near Sussex and Hampshire probably won't be formally designated a national park until early 2011, due to consultations.

The South Downs National Park is the first new national park to be created since 2005, when the New Forest was designated as such. The exact boundary of the park has been in debate for years, but campaigners believe the plans will go ahead.

Said campaigner Chris Todd: "It's going to be a historic day... Some people have been waiting for this for over 60 years."

Collection of Henry VIII armour to go on display

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:37:00 GMT

The most complete collection of armour from King Henry VIII's personal collection is set to be unveiled at the Tower of London today.

The exhibition, known as Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill showcases the suit of armour which has not been on display in the UK for 70 years. The suit dates back to 1544 and is on loan for the London exhibition from the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The display marks the 500 years since Henry's accession, and the armour will be reunited through the exhibition with its arms. Experts believe it could have been five centuries since the two pieces were found together.

The suit is thought to be Henry's last surviving armour, and was housed at Wilton House in Wiltshire, before being sold privately to the New York museum in 1930s. The suit was only identified as being Henry's in 2003, and was bought by the museum who thought it was a French nobility suit of armour.

Ted Hunter, conservator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, told the BBC: "It's been quite a task to bring the armour over, but we are excited to be able to exhibit this Wilton anime armour with the rest of Henry's arms for the first time."

The display runs from 3 April to 17 January 2010, and documents Henry as a soldier and sportsman. Some of the artefacts include his early guns and one of the oldest surviving footballs, which dates from 1540 to 1570.

Thom Richardson, keeper of Oriental and European armour for the Royal Armouries, noted: "Henry was a pioneer in the use of arms and weapons, such as some of the early muskets, in battle.

"This collection represents the most comprehensive collections of his armour perhaps since he was alive."

East London welcomes new Raven’s Row art gallery

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:25:00 GMT

A new, not-for-profit gallery has opened to the public in London.

The Raven Row gallery is located in East London's Spitalfields neighbourhood, and is a gallery dedicated to the talents of lesser-known artists.

As reported in the Guardian, the new gallery embraces the community's older architecture - the neighbourhood had once been considered "grubby and cold." The author of the report, Jonathan Glancey, noted that the gallery is "Nothing obvious. Nothing forced. No clichés."

Comprised of a pair of houses, the gallery is located at numbers 56 and 58 Artillery Lane, and is in homes that were once used by silk merchants in the 1750s.

The name Raven Row comes from an old nickname for the stretch of Artillery Lane the gallery lies on, and the buildings it now uses once stood empty for about a decade.

Glancey notes that the houses have been graciously restored, and behind the building the architects have dug to create a large, modern gallery space.

According to Glancey: "One occupies an old courtyard, its flat roof crowned with a pair of skylights. The other noses its way under a banal, concrete-framed office block.... A picture window looking into the alley brings daylight into this second gallery."

As well as works from lesser-known artists, the gallery is also welcoming pieces that were once housed elsewhere. Parts of an 18th-century room that had previously been on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as stored in an East England warehouse, are now at home in the gallery.

The architects and designers have decorated the exterior of the gallery in scorched timber in a nod to the fire damage the houses have suffered throughout time. Those who have brought the Raven Row gallery to life have worked hard to restore the old building, and are now housing some of the UK's finest art work on its walls.

Scotland receives funding for 2014 Commonwealth Games

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:13:00 GMT

Sport projects around Scotland have been given funding that coincides with the upcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games.

More than £70,000 has been handed to 79 projects in a bid to help create a lasting legacy after the games are held in Glasgow.

Grants of between £300 and £1,000 have been established in order to promote involvement in sport from the Big Lottery Fund. The organisation's "2014 Communities" scheme gave out the funding to projects which aim to use sport as a way to unite communities and boost volunteering.

Shona Robison, the Sports Minister, told the BBC: "These awards will encourage more people to lead healthier, active lives and really get involved in their communities, the heart of our own legacy aspirations.

"They will also help hugely worthwhile grass roots projects get off the ground across Scotland."

More than 90 per cent of the funding will be handed to projects that are based in towns and communities outside of Glasgow. The Hamilton Academical Women's and Girls Football Clubs received grant money from the organisation this week. In addition, a sea kayaking group from Orkney and a South Scotland archery club in Ettrick also received funding.

Alison Magee, the Scotland chair of Big Lottery Fund, said: "We want to help promote participation in sport and in volunteering and these grants highlight a wide range of different projects so far.

"We'll continue to look for new applicants and make more money available as we play our part in helping to create a lasting difference in communities across Scotland."

Wallace and Gromit exhibition enlivens Science Museum

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:01:00 GMT

Nick Park was in London this week to celebrate the launch of a £2 million Wallace and Gromit exhibition, which has opened in the city's Science Museum.

The Oscar-winning animator was clearly impressed with the World of Cracking Ideas - a recreation of the world inhabited by his famous plasticine characters, which will be on display in the London Science Museum until November.

The fun exhibition features some of Wallace and Gromit's most wonderful fantasies, such as villain rabbits, wacky inventions, avant garde fashions and plenty to do with cheese. Nick Park, who grew up in the North West of England, confesses that many of Wallace's harebrained inventions stem from his own ambitions, many of which involve 'might-be-useful-someday' hording of useless bits and pieces. He tells the Guardian: "To this day I find it really difficult to throw away a cardboard tube or a bit of plastic packaging - I think oh, I could use that for something."

Visitors to the Science Centre can get to grips with some of the processes of inventing and, as it's partly-funded by the Intellectual Property Office, the exhibition is "intended to encourage small visitors not just to fuel the thinking cap with brainwaves...but to come up with and patent their own inventions," according to the Guardian.

Invention boffins - young and old - are encouraged to get their thinking caps on and come up with the products of tomorrow, with Wallace and Gromit's own success leading the way.

South Ayrshire Museum boasts rare Burns book find

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In the 250th anniversary year of Robert Burns' birth, fans of the Bard will be enthused to learn that never-before-seen artefacts are surfacing almost daily, as museums dedicated to the Scots poet clear space for celebratory Homecoming exhibitions.

That's exactly what happened at the Burns Birthplace Museum in South Ayrshire, Central Scotland, when 'A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs' - a book co-edited by Burns - reappeared following a clear-out.

The poet's handwriting can be clearly seen in the flyleaf of the book, which was gifted to the daughter of Burns' employer.

Museum curator David Hopes told the BBC: "Burns gave the book to Miss Graham of Fintry, the daughter of Burns's boss, who was influential in the excise commission."

Mr Hopes explained that museum staff discovered the "hidden treasure" while the museum space was being readied for temporary closure. The Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway is to undergo restoration and preservation work in a £21m project that will see the exhibition reopen in summer 2010.

"It is a rare find and we will now see that it takes pride of place in the new museum," Mr Hopes said.

The book will join other Burns exhibits on public display when the museum reopens. Meanwhile, artefacts and collections from Burns Cottage Museum will be on display at Rozelle House Galleries, Ayr.

Enlightened theme for Edinburgh Festival unveiled

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:48:00 GMT

The Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) line-up has been announced and includes commissioned works, many of which centre on the Festival's theme of Enlightenment and many of which will be firsts for the Scottish arts.

Enlightenment - the 18th Century movement, which saw logic and reason dominate religious rationalisation - has been chosen as a theme to represent Scotland in the festival's 62nd year.

Despite also being the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the festival will see little from the Bard's hand. Instead, this has enabled festival organisers to concentrate on new or unseen Scottish material and to continue the good work the Edinburgh Festival does in launching fresh talent.

Jim Tough, chief executive of the Scottish Arts Council extolled Scotland's virtues in the arts, telling the BBC: "The Edinburgh International Festival is the feast for the senses that continues that exhilarating tradition of the Enlightenment, offering an alchemy of discovery, challenge and creativity that is unique to Scotland."

Under the directorship of Jonathan Mills, the EIF plans to stage a number of inspired collaborations across music, theatre and art. Having secured funding of £180,969 from the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festival Expo Fund, the festival will include key commissioned works; three of which are from Scottish Ballet, including a premier of Petrushka, set to a Stravinsky score.

The festival's visual arts component will see seven new commissions from nine international artists, according to the BBC. There will also be a commission for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra of Italian composer Giorgio Battistelli's Fair is foul, foul is fair, the performance of which will be a premier for the ensemble.

The Festival is positively bursting with world premiers and never-before-seen collaborations and commissions, all of which ought to cement Scotland's reputation as a hub for new arts.

Culture Minister Mike Russell MSP said: "The rich variety of the Edinburgh International Festival programme encapsulates the vibrancy of Edinburgh's Festivals which place Scotland at the forefront of cultural creativity and innovation."

New prized commission for Jerwood Sculpture Park

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:36:00 GMT

The 2009 Jerwood Sculpture Prize has been awarded to Scottish artist Michael Visocchi and his sculpture of electricity pylons.

The sculpture will stand 18 metres tall, be cast in galvanized steel and, despite being a scaled down version of iconic British electricity pylons, will make an impressive statement against the stately landscape of its soon-to-be home - Ragley Hall, in Warwickshire.

Visocchi's design will be the latest commission for the Jerwood Sculpture Park at Ragley Hall, Warwick, which already features commissions of the four previous prize winners. His design, which consists of two scaled down and inverted electricity pylons, is due to be unveiled at the park in spring 2010, the BBC reported.

The Jerwood Sculpture Prize was launched in 2001. It aims to award one commission roughly every 18 months, giving the winning artist time to complete their work before the next commission is announced. The prestigious award nets a £25,000 prize fund for the artist, and Visocchi, who trained at Glasgow School of Art, was chosen from eight shortlisted entrants from a total 120 applicants.

Visocchi hopes that the sculpture will act as a dialogue on current environmental concerns, as he explained to the BBC: "The search to produce and transmit more and more energy is now acknowledged to be directly proportional to negative impacts on global climate.

"The paradox is, however, that pylons are a necessity for a successful and vital link in servicing communities around the country as we continue to consume more energy to satisfy increasingly complex lifestyles."

The BBC reported that until April 9, studies of the winning shortlisted works can be viewed at the Foundation's Jerwood Space - a purpose built gallery in the South East of London.

Capital of Culture Liverpool adds more events

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:24:00 GMT

Liverpool is to see over 100 free events staged in the city to capitalise on its cultural status within Europe, the BBC reports.

Nominated European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool is determined to maintain its reign and the City Council's designated Culture Liverpool team is set to launch a new programme of events to cement its reputation further. As part of the plans, visitors and locals alike can enjoy new arts commissions and exhibitions throughout 2009; free festivals and music events in both theatre and opera will also be taking place.

Venues earmarked for this year's events include the Tate Liverpool, the Anglican Cathedral and Royal Opera House.

Since its nomination and win, cultural goings on in Liverpool has gathered the city an estimated £800m for the economy in the North West of England, according to the BBC.

That most events are free is vital, say councillors, as Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, told the BBC: "Delivering '08 was a huge challenge but the real test is maintaining momentum and these highlights show it is going to pass it with flying colours.

"To be offering so much free culture, that no UK city is even attempting, speaks volumes for the way the city's cultural sector works together."

That new European Capitals for Culture will be announced for 2009, does little to flag the buoyancy of Liverpool's City Council, as Bradley states: "The momentum of '08 will never be lost and Liverpool will forever be a cultural capital.''

Burns' razor to be auctioned in Edinburgh

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:12:00 GMT

A razor that once belonged to Scots Bard Robert Burns is to be auctioned in Edinburgh, this week.

The shaving implement is expected to sell for £1,000 when it comes under the hammer at Lyon and Turnbull Auctioneers, in the Scottish Capital.

The item's current owner, who wished to remain anonymous, claims that Burns once owned the razor, and left it at the house of friend - Mrs Frances Dunlop - in Ayrshire, South Scotland, from where it passed through various hands and into his family, now in Edinburgh.

In a statement, published on the Lyon and Turnbull website, he said of his decision to offer it up to auction: "It was packed away in a box at home and I felt it needed to see the light of day. I hope that a museum or institution might buy it so that it can be on display to the public."

The lineage of the item appears genuine. It is accompanied by a note that states that Robert Burns once owned the razor and goes on to list the names of successive owners.

The razor's claim to fame has been qualified by Auction house director, Campbell Armour, who told the BBC: "Looking at the documentation and story it seems reasonable to think that the razor did belong to Robert Burns. In this anniversary year I am sure that we will see a great deal of interest from around the world, and I believe that this item will do very well at auction in March.".

Should the artefact be purchased and put on display it could offer fans of Burns the opportunity of further insight into the poet's life during the 250th anniversary year of his death.

Edinburgh tram works get back on the rails

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Edinburgh's beleaguered tram development is back on track following a dispute that left operations stalled for four weeks.

Work on the route, which will see commuters able to travel from Leith to Edinburgh Airport, is expected to be delayed by only one week from its original schedule, despite corporate wrangling having derailed plans for a month, the BBC reported.

Tie (Transport Initiative Edinburgh) made the announcement as work resumed on a closed-off Princes Street, yet controversy still surrounds whether the tram works will be halted for the Edinburgh Festival in August.

Major retailers in the central Scotland city, most affected by the closing of Princes Street to all road traffic, have indicated that they would be happier if work continued through August, leaving the Christmas period free for commuters to reach the stores. However, the Edinburgh Festival has long made use of Princes Street and it's thought that significant revenue would be lost to the city should events not go ahead as planned.

Edinburgh City Council stated that the decision over which period of the year would suffer would be decided at a later date.

Plans were delayed over a payment dispute between Tie and its contractor - Bilfinger Berger - who it accused of demanding significantly more money. As finance for the scheme is being drawn from the public purse, it's a sensitive issue for all involved.

The case was independently assessed and an agreement appears to have been reached. Jenny Dawe - Edinburgh City Council leader - told BBC Scotland: "I don't know the precise details of the deal, I think for commercial and contractual reasons that information isn't available at the moment. As far as I'm aware no money is being spent beyond the package of money we have available."

Bath museum undergoes refurbishment

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:25:00 GMT

The historic Holburne Museum in Bath is to undergo a period of refurbishment and development. Though controversial, the plans to see the Grade I-listed heritage property substantially extended and refitted will go ahead and are scheduled to be completed within two years.

The Bath museum will see £10m going towards the build, designs for which aim to illuminate the building with modernity. The Holburne will receive a contemporary ceramic and glass extension in building plans that will make room for new display areas and galleries, an education and visitor centre and a café and shop.

The project, to be partly funded by a £4.8m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, received planning permission in 2007, but campaigners managed to stall the development through strong objections. The action group Halt the Holburne has criticised the proposed new build as "uncompromisingly modern" and "totally inappropriate for a conservation area", according to the BBC.

Despite discontent from some quarters, plans for the museum could see the Holburne reach its ambitions to become one of the country's 'great small museums' in the South East and provide an incentive for people to visit, thus increasing the 33,000 visitors the museum receives annually.

Not only will the museum be refreshed and improved, it will be restored - a move which could help to secure its future comfortably. The repair of a leaking roof, improved disability access and storage facilities are just some of the plans for development, which will serve as further a draw for tourists to the city.

Gala performance kicks off redevelopment plans for Canterbury Theatre

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:13:00 GMT

The Marlowe Canterbury Theatre hosted a star-studded curtain call before closing its doors temporarily to begin redevelopment plans.

The Canterbury Theatre hopes to action some £25.6 million worth of redevelopment plans, but has thus far only secured a definite £20 million. The Theatre has called upon its 'friends' to help raise the added funds required to complete its ambitious redevelopment plan, the BBC reports.

The gala performance saw ex-EastEnders actors John Altman and Sean Williamson, alongside actor Ron Moody in attendance to help raise funds. The theatre also counts stars such as Joanna Lumley and Orlando Bloom among its patrons and aims to secure an additional £6 million in private donations over the next three years.

The project is to be centrally supported by funding provision from Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and the South East England Development Agency, but Chairman of the fundraising scheme, Peter Williams, hopes some 10,000 'friends' of the theatre may get involved to support raising the remaining deficit in finance.

Mr Williams told the BBC: "So far the money has come in from local authorities, from our supporters, the major trusts, and now we're going to say to the general public 'be a star', and by that we mean every single person in Kent can be a star by helping us with this production.

"They can organise coffee mornings, they can organise quizzes, they can organise almost anything."

The project is an ambitious one and plans to create a new 1,200-seat auditorium and a second 150-seat performance area within the current theatre site by 2011.

Reading Abbey ruins to be repaired

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:01:00 GMT

Repair work has begun on the ancient ruins of Reading Abbey, in Berkshire. The Abbey was founded in 1121 and has undergone significant development since its day as an operational cloister. Reading council now seek to further conserve exposed brickwork, which has suffered from water damage.

The council will use traditional stonemasons to action planned repairs, which include sealing and repairing areas of the high walls that have been affected by water seeping into the brickwork, according to the BBC.

Reading Abbey has survived admirably through the centuries; however it's little wonder that the ancient ruins need a little looking after every now and again. The Abbey survived Henry VIII's insurgence in his Dissolution of the Monasteries and withstood the looting of windows and antiquities, as well as numerous building adaptations exacted by the rulers of the days.

The Grade 1 listed remains have been restored previously and the current project aims to protect existing stonework so as to allow the Abbey to withstand the pressures of further centuries.

Situated near Forbury Gardens in Berkshire - South East England - Reading Abbey serves as an important relic for locals and visitors alike. Councillor Graeme Hoskin, member for culture, told the BBC: "The Abbey Ruins are not only hugely important to Reading residents, but are also of national historical and archaeological importance.

"The works to repair and protect the ruins are therefore both extremely specialised and painstaking but it's vital we do this work in order to preserve them for future generations".

Line-up announced for Manchester arts festival

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:48:00 GMT

A galaxy of stars will perform at this year's Manchester International Festival, it has been announced. The event - a highlight of the city's cultural events calendar - will see performances from Mercury-Award winners Elbow and Antony and the Johnsons. An opera by Rufus Wainwright and performances from De La Soul and Kraftwerk are also set to ignite this year's festivities.

The biennial festival was launched in 2007 and, in spite of this being only the second event, it has attracted a stellar line-up, sure to give visitors and locals alike a treat in the North West. the event beings on 2 July and spans 17 days.

Events will take place at various venues around Manchester across 17 days, with some surprising collaborations in the pipe line. Elbow are set to play with the Halle orchestra, "the oldest professional orchestra in the country and the original Manchester band", lead singer Guy Garvey told the BBC. Bury-born Garvey also said that participating in the Festival is a "great honour."

Accompanying pop offerings will be a simultaneous jazz festival, food and tasting events, and theatre and dance performances.

The Festival's inaugural year saw the Manchester draw bands from as far afield North America and China in collaborations with British acts as varied as PJ Harvey, and Blur's Damon Albarn.

This year, Lou Reed will team up with Laurie Anderson to perform in an evening of music and poetry, and German Krautrockers Kraftwerk will play the city's Velodrome.

Edinburgh’s National Gallery to host Turner exhibition

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Edinburgh's National Gallery is to host the only UK exhibition of the work of J M W Turner. The renowned landscapist's impressionistic works are heralded as some of the world's finest, and collections from as far afield as North America, France and Australia will contribute to create an exhibition of over 100 works of art.

Selected works will be on display in Edinburgh's National Gallery on the Mound from 27 March until 7 June, and is certain to draw art enthusiasts from near and far. Entitled 'Turner and Italy', the exhibition will chronicle the artist's enduring passion for the Mediterranean country he visited seven times.

Works on show, at this - the only UK leg of the Turner exhibition - will include 'Rome from the Vatican', 1820, and 'Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino', which dates from 1839.

Turner, who was born in London in 1775, painted predominantly in watercolours and oils and revealed a prodigious talent from a young age. He became obsessed with the work of Renaissance artists, including Titian and Poussin, and it was this fascination through which he yielded his own talent.

Although the artist died in 1851, he left a remarkably enduring legacy. This never-before-seen collection of works aims to reveal Turner's own passions, and how they in turn affected his work in relation to British art.

Michael Clarke, director of the National Gallery of Scotland, said: "Turner was probably the greatest and most inventive of all landscape painters...This will be the most important Turner show ever mounted by the galleries and we are looking forward to it enormously."

Work begins on new Merseyside sculpture

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:36:00 GMT

Construction has started to build a 'landmark' piece of public art in Merseyside.

The sculpture is set to be built off the M62 highway, on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery.

The 20m (66ft) high sculpture is an image of a girl's head with her eyes closed, was chosen by a group of local ex-miners in the North West England town.

Brian Spencer, a Merseyside council leader, told the BBC that the sculpture will be an "incredible sight."

Spencer, who was once a miner at Sutton Manor Colliery, said: "This transformation is particularly poignant given the history of the site itself.

"This unprecedented project just goes to show that hopes and dreams really can come true, and in spectacular fashion, when we all work together with a shared vision towards a common goal."

The art work will be publicly unveiled and launched in May as part of a Channel 4 programme known as the Big Art Project.

Mr Spencer added: "It will be an incredibly sight to witness the birth of this amazing new artwork, which will put St Helens on the map and provide a landmark sense of welcome and arrival for the region as a whole for generations to come.

The sculpture is to be made of 90 individual panels of pre-cast concrete, and will be brought to the site in sections. The art work will be clearly visible from the highway which stretches between Manchester and Liverpool.

The work has been commissioned to Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. Plensa's famous works of art include an illuminated glass dome for the BBC's Broadcasting House in London. He has also designed landmarks including the Crown Fountain in Chicago, and is currently working on an exhibit in front of the Petit Palais in Paris.

‘Tree of Life’ inlaid at Natural History Museum

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

A thin section of an oak tree has been inlaid into the ceiling at the Natural History Museum as part of an exhibit inspired by the Tree of Life.

The wafer-thin slice of oak tree, taken from the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire, is more than 17 metres long and is the museum's largest botany specimen now on display.

The work looks as if it has been placed on a microscopic slide, and was inspired by the Tree of Life diagram representing evolution made by Charles Darwin.

The museum wanted to create a permanent artwork that would commemorate Darwin's 200th birthday, as well as the 150th anniversary of his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.

The artist, Tania Kovats, told the BBC that she wanted to create an "immersive experience" in the London museum. She said: "The tree is a model of connectivity, ancestry and genealogy. Each divergence of the branching form traces change or chance, but with an origin that you can retrace.

"In this humble sketch Darwin was mapping out the future of biological knowledge and set in motion an investigation that we are still engaged with today."

Kovats' work was chosen in the summer of 2008, after 10 artists exhibited their proposal for the artwork in an exhibition.

In addition to the artwork, 200 oak saplings will be planted at the Longleat Estate in South West England this year in order to mark the endurance of Darwin's ideas. The trees will create a growing monument to the theory of evolution.

Scientists discover prehistoric worms at Devon Geopark

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:49:00 GMT

Scientists may have discovered evidence of giant prehistoric worms at a beach in the south of England.

Geologists believe they have found casts of the giant worms that could have lived 260 million years ago. The discovery was made on a beach near Torbay, Devon.

Dr Kevin Page of Plymouth University found the casts while surveying the beach area, and says that the worms could have been 3ft (90cm) long and 6in (15cm) wide.

Experts from the park found large burrow holes that they claim were made by the creatures as they travelled beneath the surface of the ground.

Mr Page told the BBC: "I just couldn't believe my eyes. They are not in the books. They are new... I am very excited, needless to say."

The worms were found at the English Riviera Geopark in South West England, which is one of only 57 sites around the world that works to protect geo-diversity and geological heritage.

Mr Page was scouring the beach for Unesco, the environmental arm of the UN, when he stumbled upon mysterious markings that appeared to show a giant worm.

Mr Page, who is the chairman of the Devon Regionally Important Geological Sites Group, added: "It's extraordinary. We are looking at an entirely new life form... They seem to be some sort of worm.

"These have never been seen before, so we have some of the last vestiges of a different world preserved in the rock."

One beach regular said: "I shall watch that cliff with renewed interest when I come down to sunbathe and sketch in the summer."

Scottish architects join Lego challenge

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:37:00 GMT

Five architect firms from Scotland have accepted a challenge to design a building out of Lego.

The project is sponsored by Prospect magazine, who reports that the competition is designed to show: "how even the humble plastic brick can be turned into a work of architecture in the right hands."

The five practices involved in the challenge are Aedeas, gm+ad and Gareth Hoskins Architects of Glasgow, Michael Gilmour Associates from Aberdeen and international firm RMJM.

Gordon Young, editor of Prospect, told the BBC: "We were amazed at the ambition and scale of some of the entrants.

"We had tower blocks, big blocks and plain odd blocks... It's amazing to think all the teams started out of standard Lego building bricks. Imagine what could have been achieved if they were working with real bricks."

The Lego buildings will be displayed at the Scottish Design Awards Nominations Exhibition this week, as well as the Lighthouse in Glasgow. They will be auctioned off for charity in May, with the winner being announced at the Scottish Design Awards Gala Dinner that month.

Buildings in the running for top awards at the ceremony include the Beatson Cancer Research Building and Moore Street Housing in Glasgow, as well as Quartermile in Edinburgh.

Organisers of the awards have noted that they've seen record entry levels for the awards this year, contrary to the belief that the credit crunch would hinder the industry. Judges say they have seen a range in entries from building design to graphic design.

Money raised from the auction of the Lego designs will be donated to the National Autism Society Scotland.

Edinburgh theatre receives grant for refurbishment

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:36:00 GMT

A historic theatre in Scotland has been granted £500,000 in order to carry out a vital refurbishment on its building.

The King's Theatre in Edinburgh will use the money to ensure that the theatre is wind and water-tight. It's estimated that the theatre, which dates back to 1905, needs close to £12m in funds to upgrade the building and its heating system.

The King's Theatre was awarded the Historic Scotland grant after succeeding in a competitive tendering process. Many are hoping that the award will be the first step towards applying for matched funding from other organisations.

John Stalker, chief executive of Festival City Theatres Trust, told the BBC: "We are indebted to Historic Scotland for recognising the importance and value of the King's, not as some historic artefact but as a living and breathing example of how our rich heritage can continue to serve people today."

Michael Russell, the culture minister, told the BBC: "Many people, myself included, have fond memories of productions at the King's and this Historic Scotland funding will help it keep providing quality entertainment.

"The work done will also accommodate enhanced production facilities which will allow it to continue to attract major productions and give local dramatic groups and audiences a truly magnificent venue."

Mr Russell added that the building will see work done its exterior, foyers and auditorium.

The Central Scotland theatre was originally designed by J.D. Swanston of Fife and James Davidson of Coatbridge.

The King's Theatre has hosted many big names throughout the years, including Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova and actors Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Sean Connery.

Blackpool to see £220m regeneration

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:12:00 GMT

A plan to transform Blackpool, one of England's most famous seaside resorts, is set to begin in 2011.

The town of Blackpool will undergo £220m in changes - transforming the area to include new shops and restaurants amongst myriad other additions.

The Talbot Gateway project is set to include new office space, a supermarket and cafes located on a site near the Blackpool North train station. The development aims to establish the Blackpool town centre as a natural retail, business, civic and cultural hub along the coast, according to the project's website.

Organisers are hoping that the plan will give the resort a tourism boost, as well as create hundreds of jobs in the North West region. The Gateway project agreement is a joint venture between the Blackpool Council and Muse Developments.

Sir Howard Benstein, the chairman regeneration body ReBlackpool, told the BBC: "This project will transform a neglected and under-utilised area of the town into a welcoming, family-friendly gateway, encouraging more people to visit, providing better services for local people and encouraging inward investment."

The project is only one of a number planned in order to help revitalise the Blackpool area.

In 2007, more than 9.8 million tourists visited the resort - a figure that pales when compared to close to 20 million a year during the 1980s. Recently, the resort lost a bid for a super casino licence.

Work is expected to start on the Talbot Gateway project after local consultations and planning permission procedures are done. In addition, the town is expecting to sign an agreement for a new casino later in the year.

Charity founder portrait on display at National Portrait Gallery

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:49:00 GMT

The National Portrait Gallery is set to display a new portrait of charity founder Camila Batmanghelidjh.

The portrait was painted by Dean Marsh, who was commissioned to make the painting after winning the National Portrait Gallery's BP Portrait Award in 2005.

Ms Batmanghelidjh told the BBC: "I hope my being on the walls of such a prestigious environment and being painted by such a talented artist as Dean Marsh will serve to inspire children to follow their dreams no matter what the struggle.

"Every day we are enriched by our ability to love... However, I never thought it would lead to my fat bottom on the walls of the National Portrait Gallery!"

Batmanghelidjh founded the Kids Company, which helps tens of thousands of young people living in inner cities. Originally from Tehran, she went to school in South West England and the University of Warwick in Coventry.

The Kids Company was originally housed in a disused railway arch in south London, but has since then gone on to raise more than £40m.

Marsh has said that his painting was inspired by 19th century French portraits. He also noted that he was drawn to the philanthropist's distinctive style of dress.

Marsh said: "It was a privilege to meet and paint somebody who has had such a positive effect on so many kids' lives."

The portrait of Batmanghelidjh hangs on the walls of the Gallery near other works included in the collection of BP Portrait Award-winning artists. Some of those portraits include Edinburgh-writer J K Rowling, physicist Sir Peter Mansfield and Dame Helen Mirren.

Plans unveiled for heritage amusement park in Kent

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Plans have been unveiled for the building of what's being called the world's first heritage amusement park.

The park in Kent will be built at the former Dreamland park on the Margate seafront, and will feature the Grade II listed Scenic Railway - known as the oldest rollercoaster in the UK. In addition, the park will boast vintage rides that have been salvaged from older parks in Blackpool and Southport.

Last year about 40 per cent of the Scenic Railway was destroyed in an arson attack, but experts believe the structure can be repaired for use.

A representative from the Dreamland Trust, who is organising the construction of the park, told Kent Online: "Margate's main selling point is the iconic Scenic Railway, so where better place to build the world's first heritage amusement park than next to the UK's most famous piece of amusement park heritage?"

The park would also showcase dozens of other rides that have been saved from destruction from amusement parks around the country.

Plans for the £12m heritage amusement park were unveiled to the public for the first time on the weekend. The public can view the plans at a free exhibition at the West Coast Bar in Margate.

A representative from the regeneration company told the BBC: "We have had meetings with the Heritage Lottery Fund and they have been really positive.

"We have spent months and months putting [the plans] together."

Community to welcome new £2m football centre

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:24:00 GMT

Council planners have given the go-ahead for a new £2m football centre to be built in England.

The centre is to be built at the Bradley playing fields in Grimsby, just east of Sheffield. The facilities will include a full-size, all-weather floodlit football pitch with new changing rooms, a training area and social facilities.

The North East Lincolnshire Council had previously teamed up with the FA in order to get the project proposal passed.

In a press release, a representative from the Lincolnshire County Football Association said: "The Bradley Playing Fields Project is a key strategic priority for investment into football infrastructure in the area."

Mark Cullum, the council's project manager, told the BBC: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for North East Lincolnshire Council to develop a world-class football development centre that will be the envy of the rest of the country.

"Nowhere else will have such extensive state-of-the-art grassroots football facilities all on one site."

The plan will also see the current car park, drainage and security infrastructure at the Yorkshire location improved.

Organisers are hoping that the project will create a centre to promote excellence in football in the region. Mr Cullum added: "It is hoped that this development will inspire a generation of young people from North East Lincolnshire to keep active through football and succeed at the highest level possible."

This Is Grimsby is reporting that the new pitch will be used by local teams, as well as hosting local cup-final matches.

Royal Opera House seeks funding for northern base

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:01:00 GMT

A new northern base for the Royal Opera House is seeking funding to help realise plans made for the company's expansion.

It was announced last year that the ROH was planning to establish a larger presence at the Palace Theatre in Manchester in a move that a report from Arts Council England said had the "potential to transform the artistic life of the North West."

However, the report also concluded that millions of pounds will be needed for the project, which the ROH has called for via government funding.

The Royal Opera House is currently based in London's Covent Garden, but is seeking a northern home for the Opera and Royal Ballet.

It has been estimated that the company would need £100m in order to refurbish the theatre, as well as an additional £12-£15m in funding in order for the rest of the project. Fundraisers have noted that the money would probably have to come from central government, according to the BBC.

Alan Davey, the chief executive of Arts Council England, told the BBC: "This is an ambitious and exciting proposal which could bring real benefits to audiences and arts organisations working across the North West of England."

He added that the project would need enthusiastic support from the community and that assessments still need to be done in order to establish running costs. It's estimated that the plan will create more than 500 full-time jobs in the region and that it would provide a unique place for artists to gather in the community.

Cancelled Welsh festival expected to return next year

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:49:00 GMT

A music festival that has been cancelled in Wales could come back to life next year.

The Sesiwn Fawr annual music festival, held at Dolgellau just south of Snowdonia, has been cancelled this year due to financial difficulties.

But a public meeting has spurred support for bringing the North Wales festival back. Fundraising plans are already in place to help solve the festival's debt problem of £52,000 over the next year.

Organisers had previously decided to cancel this year's festival after weather conditions led to poor attendance in 2008. Around 40 people attended the subsequent town meeting, which was held to discuss steps the festival should take next.

Bethan Gwanas, a director of the Sesiwn Fawr festival, told the BBC: "We wanted to know which way the wind blew and we are so glad that those who came here are so supportive.

"No-one wanted to see the Sieswn come to an end."

Currently, a small event is planned for next year. Ms Gwanas noted that a relaunch will take the festival back to its musical roots, and that organisers were hoping to cast a new light when trying to bring in more families with children.

She said: "What came across the strongest was that the event had got a bad name because people were drunk in the street, and causing damage, and we must stop that.

"I'm all for Sesiwn, but maybe a smaller show than it has been, as it has definitely put Dolgellau on the map."

Michael Jackson reveals UK performance dates into 2010

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:48:00 GMT

Pop star Michael Jackson has revealed that he'll play concerts well into 2010 during his next farewell tour.

His residency at London's 02 Arena will last for 37 nights, and Jackson has announced that he'll play seven shows during the beginning of 2010.

Jackson, who has won 13 Grammy awards during his career, has previously said that the performances in London will be his last in the UK. The BBC reports that some fans have already experienced technical problems when attempting to purchase tickets for the first 10 shows.

Pre-sale tickets for those shows sold out earlier this week, but fans complained about problems when attempting to purchase online.

Ticketmaster director Chris Edmonds told the BBC: "Unfortunately due to a technical issue, we were unable to facilitate all immediate ticket requests. Apologies to those fans who were unable to log on, but fans should keep on trying to purchase tickets."

Edmonds previously noted that demand for the shows was "unprecedented."

London's O2 Arena is set to have a busy summer season, with bands including Blur and Oasis set to play the arena. Reunited Blur is also expected to play at festivals and at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

Already pre-bought tickets are appearing illegally on websites such as eBay with price tags hitting as high as £10,000.

Tickets for the shows are available on both Jackson's official website and ticket site Ticketmaster. The next slew of concert tickets will be available this Friday from 0700 GMT on both websites.

Grand opening of British music museum

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:24:00 GMT

The new British Music Experience attraction has recently opened to visitors.

The attraction tracks 60 years of British pop music, and is housed at the O2 Arena in London. The exhibitions and displays at the museum will combine memorabilia donated from stars including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Oasis.

According to promoter Harvey Goldsmith, more than 100 artists have donated close to £5m worth of memorabilia to the museum's displays.

The museum is set to have plenty to draw visitors, including the dance craze lessons and the opportunity to learn some musical instruments. Drums, guitars and keyboards are all available for visitors to learn how to play in an interactive studio.

He told the BBC that the UK was lacking a museum that "reflects the rich history of fantastic talent that we have spawned continuously that has conquered the world."

The museum will be divided into seven musical eras, from 1945 to the present day.

The 1975-85 zone will contain David Bowie's Ashes to Ashes clown suit, as well as a blue silk suit worn by Birmingham-born Roger Taylor of Duran Duran in the video for their song Rio.

Manchester's Noel Gallagher of Oasis has donated his Union Jack guitar to the 1993-2008 area, and a guitar owned by Blur's Graham Coxon is also on display.

The project cost £9.5m and is spread over 22,000 square feet. Organisers are hoping to bring in close to 350,000 visitors a year at a ticket price of £15.

The British Music Experience is launching a decade after a similar museum opened in Sheffield. The National Centre for Popular Music was also an interactive journey through British musical history, but closed after 16 months due to poor visitor turnout.

The O2 venue where the museum is housed is also considered a leading musical venue, and has recently scored big performances from Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson and Prince.

Original Shakespeare portrait revealed

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:01:00 GMT

A portrait thought to be the only one made of Shakespeare during his lifetime is set to be unveiled this spring.

Experts believe that the painting captured the playwright six years before his death, dating the artwork back 400 years to 1610.

The art was unveiled in London, and has been inherited by art restorer Alec Cobbe. Mr Cobbe's family has held the painting for centuries through its link to Shakespeare's only literary patron - Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd Earl of Southampton.

The portrait will go on display at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon from April 23, which was Shakespeare's birthday.

Professor Stanley Wells, chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, told the BBC: "The identification of this portrait marks a major development in the history of Shakespeare in portraiture. This new portrait is a very fine painting."

Mr Cobbe originally recognised the significance of the portrait when he visited an exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery. While there he saw a portrait that was originally accepted as a life portrait of Shakespeare, and he immediately recognised it as a copy of the painting in his family collection.

There has long been controversy surrounding the accuracy of some portraits claimed to be of Shakespeare.

Experts believe that the most accurate depictions are in the form of a bust of the playwright originally placed in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, or from an engraving made in the title page of the first collected version of his plays. These portrayals are considered accurate as they were created shortly after Shakespeare's death in 1616 by people who had met him.

Patrick Stewart honoured with third Olivier award

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:49:00 GMT

Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart has been awarded his third Laurence Olivier prize.

Stewart won the award for his role as Claudius in Hamlet, starring in the Royal Shakespeare Company production which also featured Dr Who star David Tennant as the title role. The Yorkshire-born actor won best supporting actor for his role in the play.

The Olivier awards are handed out by the Society of London Theatre to honour excellence in the best of London's West End stage productions.

The remainder of the ceremony saw other big names collect accolades.

Sir Derek Jacobi took home the best actor award for his role as Malvolio in the Twelfth Night. Douglas Hodge received an award for his cross-dressing performance in La Cage Aux Folles, which was also named best revival.

Best new musical title went to the popular Jersey Boys and actress Elena Roger won the best actress in a musical award for her role as French songstress Edith Piaf.

A production of The Barbican, which was originally transferred from the National Theatre of Scotland in Glasgow, collected three awards during the evening. The award for best new play was swept up by The Black Watch, which has seen significant audience turnouts since its opening.

An honourary Olivier was handed out by the director of London's Old Vic, who gave the award to playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

The awards ceremony was first started in 1976 and was known as The Society of West End Theatre Awards until 1984, when it became the Laurence Olivier Awards in 1984 when the famed actor agreed to bestow his name upon them.

Zoo welcomes new tigers in conservation project

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:37:00 GMT

Bengal tigers are set to be introduced to the Noah's Ark Zoo Farm as part of a new conservation programme.

The BBC reports that the north Somerset attraction will welcome the tigers to a new £200,000 one-acre enclosure built specially to house the new cats.

Permission for the new enclosure at the South East England zoo was granted after two years of negotiations between the park's bosses and the North Somerset Council.

It is expected that the building housing the Bengals will be built behind a 5m fence, and will include basking platforms, as well as pond and eye-level platforms for visitors. The new home for the tigers will also boast several tunnels, which will allow the tigers to seek privacy and give them space to be examined or treated.

The zoo hopes to breed the Bengal tigers, which are currently an endangered species.

Chris Wilkinson, head keeper at the zoo, told the broadcaster: "We hope to breed our Bengal tigers in the near future as their long-term future in the wild is severely limited."

He added: "Tigers are highly endangered in the wild so it is therefore essential that breeding in captivity continues wherever possible.

"Tigers are very good climbers and swimmers. This adaptability saves them from natural disasters and floods...

"However, when it comes to fighting against their biggest mortal enemy, the human, tigers fall short of a weapon in their arsenal."

Elephants and bears are next on the list of animals the zoo owners hope to incorporate into the attraction, as well as a new cafe and teaching facilities.

Unique whisky collection unveiled

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:25:00 GMT

A collection of whiskies from around the world is set to go on display in Scotland this spring.

The collection was built up over 35 years by Brazilian Claive Vidiz, who searched the world to create his collection of 3,384 bottles.

The collection has been bought for an undisclosed amount of money by whisky manufacturer Diageo. The collection will be on display in a specially-designed vault in Edinburgh at the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile.

Mr Vidiz told the BBC: "To split up a collection which I have devoted more than 35 years of my life to would have broken my heart, so I am truly thrilled Diageo has purchased it in its entirety.

"It is now in the hands of a company which is at the heart of the Scotch industry, and I am certain they will cherish and develop the collection."

The collection arrived in Central Scotland from Brazil last October and is expected to go on display in the spring.

At the time, chief executive of VisitScotland, Philip Riddle, said: "The return of such an important and interesting collection of Scotch whisky to Scotland is fantastic news, particularly as we look forward to Homecoming Scotland 2009."

The bottles are currently stored in a high-security location in Scotland. They were shipped across the Atlantic Ocean on board a container ship and are part of a £2m investment in the whisky tourist business.

Among the rare bottles include a Strathmill single malt, which was produced in order to celebrate the Speyside distillery's 100th anniversary. Experts have said that the unique collection is "invaluable", as it ranges from popular to extremely rare whiskies.

Thousands participate in banana challenge across UK

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:24:00 GMT

Thousands of people across the UK are set to take part in a bid to set the new world record for eating bananas this week.

The attempt accompanies an initiative to boost Fairtrade products during the annual Fairtrade Fortnight. More than 30,000 people have pledged to eat Fairtrade bananas in the hours leading up to noon on Saturday.

Events across the UK have been schedules to coincide with the record breaking attempt. Those who live in Garstang, Lancashire - one of the UK's first Fairtrade certified towns - will watch participants in American Fairtrade town Media, Pennsylvania take part in the record attempt via video link.

Leeds is expected to host its own banana-eating ceremonies in the city centre Friday and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to head to London's Trafalgar Square for a similar event on Saturday.

Organisers of the event are hoping to promote Fairtrade bananas, which they say guarantees a minimum price for the fruit which helps pay plantation workers good wages. Fairtrade banana growers can also earn a premium for investing in economic, social and environmental improvement through the regulations.

The banana-eating event marks the end of the annual Fairtrade Fortnight.

The Fairtrade Foundation wants to double the amount of Fairtrade bananas sold in shops in the UK by 2012.

Harriet Lamb, the charity's executive director, told the BBC: "We are calling on people to make a simple decision when they shop.

"By choosing Fairtrade, consumers are ensuring producers are given the chance to receive a minimum price and Fairtrade premium, which in turn enables them to earn a decent living and support their families."

Harris Tweed to be showcased on runway

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Scottish designers will showcase clothing made of Harris Tweed at a new event aiming to renew interest in the traditional fabric.

The event in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis in North Scotland, will feature works from designers including Glasgow-based Deryck Walker, who has been named Scottish designer of the year. A piece from New York designer Lusmila McColl will also be exhibited at the event.

The celebration of Harris Tweed comes days after the closure of the Kenneth MacKenzie tweed mill on the Western Isles. The mill has been closed for at least one year, and staff have been paid off.

Since the closure of the MacKenzie mill, two mills now remain in production. The Carloway Mill and Shawbost mill are still working to produce the tweed fabric.

Carloway Mill is run by Harris Tweed Textiles (HTT), and representatives say the mill is still working to "push boundaries" with the cloth. Carloway Mill is currently working with designers to push new uses for the fabric.

In the past, the mill has worked with Lewis designer Ann McCallum, who has been known for creating a tweed wedding dress. The lamb's wool gown and matching coat will be on display at Friday's celebration.

A spokesman for HTT told the BBC: "Harris Tweed Textiles has the Scottish determination to succeed in a global market and we will continue to push Harris Tweed to be used in fresh and innovative ways.

"This event will showcase the exciting designs and versatility of Harris Tweed for au couture, fashion, soft furnishings and more."

Harris Tweed is protected by a 1993 act of parliament and is traditionally woven by islanders on Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their homes.

40th anniversary plans for Glastonbury already underway

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:48:00 GMT

Big plans are underway for the 40th anniversary of the Glastonbury festival taking place next summer.

Organisers are hoping to mark the event by booking 40 bands from the past 40 years to play the festival in 2010.

The festival was founded by Michael Eavis in 1970, and is held each year on his dairy farm near Pilton, Somerset. His daughter Emily noted that they are planning a celebration for next year's anniversary.

She told the BBC: "We want to have a band from every year on the Pyramid Stage.

"We'll have a lot of the biggest performances on some of the tiniest stages."

Ms Eavis also announced that this year's event won't feature its famous Left Field arena, which has hosted artists including Kate Nash, Reverend and The Makers, The Automatic and Billy Bragg in the past.

The South West England event takes place this year from 24-28 June.

Ms Eavis reassured that fans will not be disappointed with the other areas enlarged.

She said: "Trash City, which was a real hit, is going to be expanded and it's going to spill into Shangri La.

"That whole area is going to be like a late-night den with snake pits and all sorts."

This year's festival will see performances from Bruce Springsteen and Blur, who have been officially confirmed as headliners. The full line-up announcement won't be made until May or June.

Ms Eavis said: "We have got the best possible line-up that we could get for this year. I think Jay-Z, we've got a lot to thank for him, because we've never had so many bands wanting to play."

Work begins for war memorial in Wales

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:37:00 GMT

Work to restore a landmark war memorial in Wales has begun.

The memorial is in the centre of the city of Bangor, just west of Beaumaris in Gwynedd. The Memorial Arch features the names of 8,500 men from Gwynedd who lost their lives during World War I. Previously, the landmark had been closed to the public because of its poor condition.

The North Wales memorial will be restored with grants and a public appeal, which raised the £165,000 needed for the project. Restoration work on the memorial includes replacing the ground floor.

The arch was originally built in 1923 and features the name of poet Hedd Wyn. The arch is maintained by Bangor University, and is situated near the edge of the campus.

The university's director of estates, Mike Goodwin, told the BBC: "The University is committed to preserving one of the region's most important war memorials.

"The work involves the complete replacement of the suspended ground floor together with associated repairs to various elements."

The public appeal for restoration money was launched more than a year ago. As part of the attempts to raise funds, 400 letters were sent to those who may have an interest in WWI or local history.

Posters were also hung in buses and throughout the city during the campaign, and a website was launched which provided a virtual tour of the inside of the memorial.

Cadw, an arm of the assembly government which provides fund for Welsh historic monuments, donated a grant of £46,800 for the work. From there the War Memorials Trust, Bangor University and public funds raised the remainder of the money.

The Killers, Oasis expected to headline V Festival

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:24:00 GMT

Headline acts for this year's V Festival have been announced, and organisers are calling the event 'eclectic.'

The Killers and Oasis will both headline the event this summer, and other acts include The Specials, Fatboy Slim, Razorlight, Snow Patrol, Keane and Elbow.

The event is hosted between twin cities - Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire each summer. Other acts at this year's event include The Ting Tings, MGMT , and Lady GaGa, with a performance from Pete Doherty also confirmed.

Organisers are requesting that fans choose to purchase their tickets through the V Festival website.

Bob Angus, festival director, told the BBC: "We're genuinely thrilled to have such an eclectic line-up this year.

"Our headliners are two of the biggest acts in music today and with them being joined by some really exuberant newcomers, this summer's V Festival is set to give festival fans something to shout about."

Previously, the festival has hosted crowds that were upwards of 150,000 strong. Last year's event was headlined by Amy Winehouse, Muse and The Verve. This year marks the event's 14th anniversary.

The Killers have played the festival in the past, in 2004 and as headliners in 2007. Oasis have also previously been headliners, when the band topped the bill in 2005.

Tickets for the V Festival go on sale on Friday 6 March, with the event being held on 22 and 23 August.

The V Festival is just one event set to hit the UK this summer. Other music festivals include Glastonbury, held in Somerset, and the T in the Park Festival in Central Scotland.

Plans unveiled for Scottish golf course

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:49:00 GMT

Plans for a new golf course in Scotland have been unveiled.

The 18-hole course is intended to be built in Angus and will also be accompanied by a youth academy, a five-star hotel and spa. The development, which is backed by Ryder Cup winner Darren Clarke, is expected to cost an estimated £55m.

The decision to build the new North Scotland resort is expected to be made by planning officials in due course.

The plans could create upwards of 100 jobs in the area and were proposed by local entrepreneur Mike Forbes. Mr Forbes currently runs the Kingennie country resort near Dundee.

Supporters of the golf course and youth academy note that the Gold Youth Academy would be the first of its kind in Scotland. It is expected that the academy would be fronted by Rudy Duran, who has previously coached champion golfer Tiger Woods.

Mr Clarke noted that he had become part of the initiative after visiting Kingennie during the Open in 2007. He said: "It struck me that the land surrounding the resort had the ideal topography for an amazing golf course capable of offering professionals and amateurs alike a real challenge."

"I am very excited about being involved in this project, my first signature course in Scotland, which would make sure that golf tourism opportunities extend beyond adjacent Carnoustie and St Andrews."

An open exhibition of the plans will be held on Friday 6 March, and the public are welcome to attend the meeting.

St David celebrations begin in Wales

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:37:00 GMT

Events are taking place in Wales and around the world to celebrate the Welsh patron saint St David.

In Wales, Cardiff was home to the sixth national 1 March parade, and another parade took place in Wrexham.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen saw a world record of visitors for the holiday yesterday. Usually, the garden welcomes about 300 people on a Sunday in March, but an estimated 2,500 turned out for the St David's Day event.

David Hardy, spokesman for the Garden, told the BBC: "We set out to host a world record for the greatest number of people dressed in Welsh costume gathered in one place.

"In fact we were told there is no such record at the moment so what we've done today is actually the benchmark for the future.

"Estimates are that we had 201 people gathered for the world record attempt but it has not been made official yet."

London mayor Boris Johnson also sent his well-wishes for the event, and is currently flying the Welsh flag over City Hall.

Jean Peace, of Pontyates, Carmarthenshire, said she was glad to take in the festivities at the gardens, adding: "I think it was a fantastic idea and hopefully an event like this will convince people to visit the garden more often."

Elsewhere in the UK, events were held to commemorate the day, including a fancy dress fun run in Aberystwuth. The Chester Zoo also offered free entrance to anyone named David.

Events also took place internationally with people in New York, Wellington and Chonquing, China celebrating the day.

Museum opens after being delayed by snow

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:36:00 GMT

A museum whose opening was delayed after snow storms has finally reopened to visitors.

The Crich Tramway Village, near Matlock in Derbyshire, was due to open for its 50th season in February. However, the worst snowfall to hit the region in close to 20 years halted maintenance on the museum and forced it to stay shut.

The weather prevented newly-laid tracks from being laid and tested, and the trams at the museum could not be moved to be serviced. Staff at the museum noted that since the museum is located 300m above sea level, it took longer for the snow to melt.

Laura Greaves, a museum representative, told the BBC: "Being on such high ground, the snow has stayed so we have been unable to do any track maintenance or get the trams out of the depot to the workshops for servicing.

"The guys in the work sheds have done a brilliant job of getting everything ready, and have had a huge workload to make sure we can open for the weekend and it is safe for the visitors."

The East Midlands attraction will be open every weekend in March, and will open daily from April.

Previously, the museum said they could lose an estimated £27,000 as a result of the closure and late opening.

At the time of the snowfall, curator Glynn Wilton said: "We have 60 tram cars in here - about 15 of those actually run as part of a fleet we operate for the public.

"[The bottom of the depot] is covered in snow and we would have to clear all of that in order to get the trams running out."

Glastonbury founder says Blur set to perform

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:24:00 GMT

The founder of the Glastonbury Festival has said that fans can expect to see rock band Blur perform at the event this summer.

Michael Eavis told the BBC: "You can look forward to that, but it's not officially announced yet."

Rumours have been swirling that Blur would be headliners at the festival since it was announced that the band would be reuniting nine years after last performing together as a band.

The festival is held each year on Eavis's Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset. This year's event takes place from June 26 - 28 and sold out five months in advance.

It was also recently confirmed that the band would play the T in the Park festival in Central Scotland, as well as comeback shows in Manchester and London this summer.

News of the performance at Glastonbury follows a performance by Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon at the NME Awards this week.

After the NME performance, Eavis added: "There's a bit more work to do on that yet, but you will not be disappointed, I can assure you."

The Glastonbury Festival managed to scoop up the NME award for best live event for the eighth year running at the ceremony.

Eavis went on to confirm that pop star Lily Allen would also perform at the event, saying: "We've got Lily Allen, of course, and she was practically born at the festival anyway, because he parents used to come.

"I think her new single is the best song she's ever made, so she'll be very high up on the bill on the Friday night - not headlining though."

UK museums vie for top arts prize

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:12:00 GMT

A number of museums and galleries around the UK have been nominated for the 2009 Art Fund Prize.

The Prize is awarded to a project that demonstrates "originality, imagination and excellence" in the art world. The long list consists of 10 museums and galleries, and the list will be shortened to four in April. The winner of the £100,000 prize will be announced on 18 June.

Two museums on the list are a pair of Scotland's most popular destinations - Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the National Museums Scotland.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery has been nominated for the second time in recognition of its dedication to programmes and educational events about the Scottish Enlightenment. The National Museums Scotland is nominated for the Changing Nation exhibit displayed in Edinburgh, which charted life in Scotland during the war, as well as social change.

Another museum up for the prize is the Wedgewood Museum in Stoke-on-Trent, which is nominated for its world-renowned collection of 250-year-old pottery. The Wedgewood exhibit combines ceramics with manuscripts, documentation, correspondence and factory equipment.

For the first time a museum from Northern Ireland has also been nominated, as The Braid: Arts Centre and Mid-Antrim Museum in County Antrim has been nominated for its exhibition exploring the history of the region from prehistoric times to recent history.

Other museums and galleries nominated include the Museum of Reading, the National Trust Museum of Childhood in Derbyshire, Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, the Victoria & Albert in London and the William Smith Museum of Geology in Scarborough.

Scottish art projects receive £3m in grants

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Eleven arts projects will receive a slice of £3m in funding through grants from the Scottish Arts Council.

The art will be funded through money the Arts Council distributes from the National Lottery.

A project from Edinburgh, the Puppet Animation Festival and Puppet Lab, will be receiving £450,000 to put towards their Big Man Walking venture. The project will see the creation of a 25ft puppet which will post images to the Internet from a camera in one eye.

The grants, called Inspire Fund projects, will benefit other schemes in Shetland, Inverness, Dundee, Stirling and Glasgow.

Iain Munro, co-director of arts at the Scottish Arts Council, told the BBC: "The imagination involved in them is testament to the fertile arts sector that exists in Scotland today.

"Each of these unique projects will contribute a distinctive programme for long-lasting participation in the arts for those who take part, stirring their creative imaginations for years to come."

Symon Macintyre, who works with the Puppet Lab, said the giant puppet will be travelling to communities around Scotland. He added: "People will be asked to show the giant what they are proud of in their communities."

In Inverness, the funding will be given to Eden Court, which has plans for a dance project that would be staged on water sites including Loch Morlich and Neptune's Staircase in Fort William.

Arts Extreme, a partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Transition Extreme, will be using their funding to help engage people in sports like climbing and skateboarding, in order to create a "large-scale, site specific spectacle."

UK cities lure tourists despite recession

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:48:00 GMT

Several attractions in the UK saw an increase in tourist numbers during 2008, bucking the economic downturn which had many predicting lower numbers.

Many attractions in London experienced attendance increases, including the British Museum, which welcomed 5.9m visitors - a 10 per cent increase over the number in 2007.

The biggest draws also included some of the city's range of free admission museums, galleries and attractions, such as the Tate Modern. The numbers, from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) did not take into account key tourist attractions including Madame Tussauds and the London Eye.

Of those attractions charging admission, the Tower of London saw the highest rankings in the survey, with 2.16m visitors - again, a 10 per cent increase over 2007 numbers.

According to the BBC, ALVA is a private organisation which represents tourist attractions that draw over one million viewers each year.

Robin Broke, director at ALVA, told the BBC: "In the current financial climate, a healthy tourism industry is more vital than ever."

The Association is predicting that there will be a fall in numbers during 2009 due to the recession, despite the strong numbers during 2008.

Liverpool also saw an increase in tourism numbers, as its year as the 2008 European Capital of Culture helped boost the number of visitors to the city.

The Tate Liverpool museum saw a 67 per cent increase in the number of visitors they welcomed, bringing the number up to 1.08m. In addition, the Merseyside Maritime Museum saw a 69 per cent increase, as they welcomed 1.02m visitors.

Music artists gear up for NME awards

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:37:00 GMT

Stars in the music world are gearing up for this year's NME Awards due to take place tonight.

The ceremony in London this evening will feature Britpop pioneers Oasis, who lead the way with seven nominations - including nods for best and worst band, best live band, best album and best video.

The Manchester band's last NME award was awarded them in 2006 for best video.

American rock band Kings of Leon are up for four awards, including best international and live band. The winners will be announced at the ceremony in Brixton Academy and are chosen by the magazine's readers.

In the category for best British band, Oasis will be up against previous winners Devon-formed Muse, as well as Bloc Party, Radiohead and Last Shadow Puppets.

They'll also compete in the best live band category against the Kings of Leon, Muse, Radiohead and the Killers.

Singer Noel Gallagher has also been nominated in the best dressed category, and will go battle it out with US President Barack Obama for the hero of the year award.

Gallagher told the BBC: "Seven nominations, you say? Is that all? I always knew my time would come in the best dressed man in the world category."

The ceremony also sees singers Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty nominated for the second year running in the worst dressed and villain of the year categories.

This year, The Cure will accept the NME award for godlike genius, which is the ceremony's equivalent to an outstanding achievement prize. Past winners of the award include Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream and Ian Brown.

Plans could bring outpost of V&A museum to Dundee

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:36:00 GMT

Plans that would see a Scottish city host an outpost of the Victoria and Albert Museum are currently in the works.

Those supporting the project believe that the new museum in Dundee would showcase the city's design heritage, including arts such as computer gaming and comics.

At the moment, a feasibility study is being presented to a conference in the city. The study notes that the museum, currently based in London, could be open by 2013, bringing in more than 400,000 visitors.

The idea is a joint effort between the Victoria and Albert Museum, Dundee University and Dundee City Council. The conference is being held in order to showcase the results of the feasibility study, and will also feature contributions from the director of the V&A, Mark Jones.

According to the BBC, the V&A in London is thought to be one of the world's premier museums for art and design.

A business plan for the Dundee outpost museum would feature local showcases on illustration, comics, animation, interactive media and computer gaming.

The release stated: "Dundee should celebrate being the birthplace of Grand Theft Auto as well as The Beano.

"If curated carefully, to avoid nostalgia or parochialism, these two themes could provide a useful bridge to popular culture."

It has been suggested that the Dundee version of the museum could be housed in a £42m building that would be part of the city's waterfront. The opening and construction of the museum would create 900 jobs.

The release notes that the museum could employ about 60 direct staff and that it could bring in around £1m revenue per year.

Queen Mother statue to be unveiled

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:24:00 GMT

A memorial to the Queen Mother has been unveiled beneath a sculpture of her husband, King George VI. The memorial was unveiled by the Queen, and three generations of Royal family gathered for the event, including the Prince of Wales and Princes William and Harry.

The bronze statue was placed beside that of King George VI near Buckingham Palace in London.

The sculptor, Scottish-born Philip Jackson, created the monument for the Queen Mother who died in 2002 at age 101.

Prince Charles noted that the location of the statue was fitting, saying: "At long last my grandparents are reunited in this joint symbol, which in particular reminds us of all they stood for and meant to so many during the darkest days this country has ever faced."

Funding for the statue was raised through the sale of £5 coins to mark the Queen's 80th birthday. The statue itself portrays the Queen Mother in her youth, wearing Order of the Garter robes.

Mr Jackson said that he chose to portray the Queen Mother as young due to a nearby statue that could have her confused with someone else.

He said: "Most people know the Queen Mother as an elderly woman and that would have made her look like King George's mother."

Mr Jackson added that he wanted his tribute to her to capture her sense of fun.

The Queen last opened a Royal memorial in July 2004, when the £5.2m Diana Fountain was unveiled. The BBC reports that opening was derided and praised in equal measure, and that the fountain was later closed after it flooded.

Doors open to Agatha Christie holiday home

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The holiday home of novelist Agatha Christie will open up to the public for the first time this weekend.

Greenway House in Devon has been subject to a National Trust £5.4m restoration after it was given the house in 2000. The house was owned by Christie from 1938, and she made it her holiday home until 1959.

Previously, only the 278-acre estate had been open to the public, as the house near Dartmouth was occupied by Christie's daughter and her husband until they passed away in 2004 and 2005.

The National Trust makeover aimed to restore the South West England property to its 1950s appearance, as it would have looked when being enjoyed by the author and her friends and family. The rooms now open to the public include the drawing room, bedroom, dining room and 'fax room' which will display her novels.

Matthew Prichard, Christie's grandson, told the BBC: "What I wish most is that the people who visit it feel some of the magic and sense of place that I felt when my family and I spent so much time there in the 1950s and 1960s."

The house and gardens will be open to the public during the last few weeks of restoration, as the Trust would like to showcase the process. Traffic restrictions mean that there is very little parking, and visitors are being encouraged to adopt 'green' ways to visit the house, including using the local ferry or cycling and walking.

The restoration of the house also included funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Devon Renaissance and public fundraising.

London plays host to new Russian festival

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:48:00 GMT

The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced plans for the city to host a new Russian festival.

The festival, called the Maslenitsa, is usually held to mark the beginning of the Russian spring. The festival is due to be held in London on Sunday March 1 at Pottersfield Park near London Bridge.

The free event will showcase live Russian folk music, dancing, a tug-of-war and performances from the Russian Orthodox Cathedral choir. The event is set to run from 13:00 to 18:00.

Mr Johnson told the BBC: "This will be a celebration of everything great about Russia, from the quintessentially Russian 'blini' to classical Russian opera, jazz and traditional folk dance.

"Russian Londoners are a thriving community who have made a significant contribution to the capital both economically and culturally. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy this fantastic festival offering."

London has also hosted other Russian festivals in recent years, including the Winter Festival held in Trafalgar Square. The festivals mark a growing link between the two countries.

Russian musical acts are expected to play at the festival, including Andrey Kondakov's jazz ensemble, the Chelsea Cossacks band, and a balalaika ensemble from Manchester.

The city will also play host to various theatre and dance performances for young people in the Scoop, with participants coming from groups across London as well as Russia. The festival has been sponsored by a number of organisations including the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Russian Embassy in London.

Eurostar train returns to full service

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:25:00 GMT

The train service that links the UK to mainland Europe has returned to full service for the first time since last year.

The service through the Channel Tunnel was disrupted following a fire in 2008. Repairs to the train route cost more than £60m and were officially completed on February 10.

Currently, Eurotunnel shuttle and freight trains have returned to full capacity.

Eurostar reports that it took longer to restore the full service because the company needed to determine a new timetable. A new direct service from Ashford, Kent to Brussels has been delayed since December due to September's blaze.

The BBC reports that full Eurostar service is expected to begin this week, with the first Paris-bound train leaving from London. The high-speed services between London, Paris and Brussels will be running at 100 per cent capacity.

As well, six freight trains that run between Folkestone, Kent and Calais will also run each hour.

The fire took place on September 11 last year when a lorry on a freight train in the tunnel went up in flames about seven miles from France. The fire took 16 hours to extinguish and 32 passengers were led to safety.

The fire caused damage to a section of the tunnel known as Interval 6, which caused all services to stop in the area for two days before the tunnel was reopened.

Since its opening to traffic in 1994, the Channel Tunnel has seen several incidents, with a fire in 1996 the only one to cause major injuries. Another fire in 2006 saw 34 people being rescued after a fire broke out on a lorry.

Ryanair to allow mobile phone use on board

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:12:00 GMT

Discount airline Ryanair is now the first carrier to allow in-flight mobile phone service on routes across the UK.

The airline installed the technology on 20 aircraft that will serve routes including London to Dublin. They also have plans to upgrade the rest of their 170-strong fleet of aircraft. Calls made on board will cost between £1.50 and £3 per minute, with emails between £1 and £2 and texts around 40p.

The move has been cautiously welcomed by the Air Transport Users Council. The service will only be switched on for flights above 10,000ft.

At the moment, passengers using Vodafone and O2 networks are able to use the service, and Ryanair is negotiating with other operators. Only six people can make calls at one time, though officials say this is likely to change.

A Ryanair official has noted that passengers on routes between Dublin and London can use the service, and availability elsewhere depends on the fleet. Ryanair provides service out of other UK airports including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

Michael O'Leary, chief executive officer for Ryanair, told the BBC: "It will be very welcome for people who want to make and receive urgent or important calls... I think the big users here would be teenagers, people generally visiting friends and family."

Previously, mobile phone use had been banned on airlines because of evidence that it interfered with communication and navigation systems. However, new technology developed for Ryanair weakens the signal from phones to prevent that.

James Fremantle, of the Air Transport Users Council, said: "Our request to the airlines is not to forget the people who don't want it and try to bring in a code of practice to limit disruption to other passengers by only allowing its use at certain times of flight."

Tate, National Gallery come to truce over historic divide

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:01:00 GMT

Two main players in the British art world - the National Gallery and the Tate Museums - have reached a truce over a four-year disagreement surrounding where the cut-off date lies between their collections.

The deal comes days before the opening of a new display dedicated to Picasso at the National Gallery, which many believe should be housed at the Tate due to the agreement.

In an agreement made in 1996, the two London-based museums stated that the dividing time line between their collections should be at 1900. The agreement terms ended in 2007 and have only just been reaffirmed, despite discussions between the galleries requesting otherwise.

According to the Guardian, the Tate Modern, which also has museums in Liverpool and St Ives, covers international art from 1900, as well as British art from 1500 to the present day. The National Gallery displays international art up to1900.

However, the National Gallery has challenged the strict boundary. In March 2008, museum director Nicholas Penny said: "The idea is not to have an agreement. We are not happy with 1900 as a final, absolute point of the end of the National Gallery."

The Guardian notes that they were not able to see the new agreement, but that it is understood that the same terms from 1996 have been agreed upon. The cut-off date is said to have a practical meaning, as the two galleries share collections on long-term loans depending on the date.

The National Gallery has been attempting to develop its involvement in modern and contemporary art, and has a high-profile artist-in-residence programme to do so.

The two museums have worked together on projects in the past, the most recent being after 18 works were bequest to the institutions in 2007. Those paintings were originally displayed at Tate Britain before being split between the galleries.

Duran Duran booked to play Lovebox festival

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:48:00 GMT

The Lovebox music festival has secured pop legends Duran Duran as headline acts at the event this summer. The group will join other acts including NERD and festival-founders Groove Armada as headliners during the concert.

The show is to be the only UK festival that Duran Duran plan on playing, with the two-day event taking place in London's Victoria Park from 18 July. The band is best known for hits including Rio and Planet Earth.

The event will take place on a new expanded 40-acre site this year. It's rumoured that Duran Duran were asked to play the event after Groove Armada bumped into them at a party in Ibiza.

Simon Le Bon, singer for the group, told the BBC: "The band are big fans of the festival and we were delighted to be asked by Tom and Andy [Groove Armada] to take part.

"We were on the road for the whole of 2008 and are now back in the studio working on new music."

Le Bon said that playing the festival will be a "real highlight" for the group.

The news comes amidst announcements for other acts performing in festivals across the UK this summer. It was also announced this week that band Kasabian will headline the two-day Great Escape festival in Brighton from 14 May.

Three hundred artists will perform at the event in 34 venues.

In addition, recently reunited rock band Blur are expected to play the T in the Park festival in Central Scotland on 11 July.

Medieval jewellery on display for first time in UK

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:37:00 GMT

Two collections of medieval jewellery and coins have gone on display in the UK for the first time.

Some of the pieces in the collection date back to the 14th century, and have originated from Jewish communities in Germany and France, according to the BBC.

The Wallace Collection display is being housed in London, and showcases three of the earliest known examples of Jewish wedding rings. Some experts have noted that the items are thought to have been buried by families during the Black Death, when Jews were blamed for the spread of the plague.

Stephen Duffy, a representative from the Wallace Collection, has noted that the items are: "very rare and unusual survivors from the medieval period.

"This is not simply an exhibition of treasures, there is also a very poignant element as these items were almost certainly buried by Jewish families at a time when they feared death or expulsion."

The exhibition is located in Manchester Square and is open from 19 February until 10 May. The treasures displayed consist of two hoards of gold and silver jewellery.

The largest parts of the display were found buried in Germany in 1998, near the site of Europe's oldest synagogue. A German archaeologist and curator of the exhibition, Karin Sczech, told the BBC: "It is impossible to put a value on such unique objects.

"As well as being precious stones and materials, the items have great cultural and historical significance."

She added that the weight of the silver was 30kg but that a price could not be put on the collection.

Brit Awards set to take place in London

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:25:00 GMT

Music stars are set to attend this year's Brit Awards when the event kicks off later today.

North Wales-born star Duffy and Coldplay are favourites to win at the ceremony taking place tonight in London. Both artists have four nominations and are set to perform alongside the Kings of Leon, Girls Aloud, U2 and Take That.

The awards ceremony this year takes the theme of music festivals, with the stage decorated with caravans, ducks and tee-pees.

The Pet Shops Boys are expected to receive an award for outstanding achievement and will be performing a duet with Lady GaGa to close the ceremony.

The ceremony follows last week's Grammy awards in America, where Brit stars stole the show and many of the main awards. Coldplay took home the award for song of the year for their single Viva La Vida and Adele was named the best new artist.

However, the big winner of that evening, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, was snubbed at this year's Brit Awards - having received no nominations. Other nominations at the awards include Mercury Prize winners Elbow and Scouting for Girls - each with three nominations.

Those who are watching the awards from home will be allowed to vote for Best British Single during the show. Nominations in that category include Coldplay, Duffy, Girls Aloud, Leona Lewis and Scouting for Girls.

The ceremony will be hosted by Gavin and Stacey stars Matthew Horne and James Corden. They will also receive special help from former Brit-winner Kylie Minogue. The ceremony is set to air live at 20:00 GMT on ITV1.

Artists to use vacant shops along high streets

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:13:00 GMT

Artists and curators across the UK have been taking over "slack space" left over by closing shops during the recession, transforming the spaces into "creative squats", galleries and studios.

According to the Guardian, former branches of shops like Woolworths and Carphone Warehouse have been 'colonised' as places to house community cafes and performance art events to promote the work of local artists.

This use of empty space has occurred in previous economic downturns, when many architects, magazine publishers and artists moved into vacant spaces.

The Guardian reports that more shop spaces along high streets will become vacant as the year goes on, as one in six shops are projected to close during the recession.

Artists Justin Mitchell and Emily Firmin are planning to open a papier-mache workshop in an old greengrocer's shop in London.

Firmin told the newspaper: "Rather than letting lots of pound shops appear, we are encouraging people to start businesses. We know recessions are awful but can be a good time for artists as creative ideas start appearing while otherwise redundant people are sitting at home fiddling and doing creative stuff."

Artists in Dursley, Gloucestershire have also colonised a number of disused shops which they plan to use to sell their paintings, photographs and ceramics. And the creative use of these empty spaces is spreading, according to the Institute of Community Cohesion.

Ted Cantle, executive chairman of the Institute said: "I'd like to see more local shops and services operating in the high street so there would be more differentiation, say, between Southampton and Sunderland."

Currently, many old branches of Woolworths are being turned into artist's spaces, including a store in Stroud, Gloucestershire and one in Dorchester.

Tram plans for Welsh city back on track

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Councillors in a Welsh city are putting long-held plans for a tram system back on the agenda.

The multi-million pound tram system for Swansea has councillors looking at various proposals for the transport scheme.

Councillors in the South Wales city have been discussing the feasibility of building a new transport network and, so far, most of the proposed ideas lead from trams to a monorail.

Rob Speht, a Liberal Democrat councillor in the city, has been campaigning for the scheme which would see Swansea linked to nearby Llanelli and Port Talbot by the tram. Speht has been campaigning on the issue for several years, and told the BBC: "Over the past year or so around 1,000 people have signed petitions to persuade Swansea council to look at bringing trains back.

"In Swansea there is a deep well of sentiment for trams, as the very first tram in the world - Mumbles Railway - was built here more than 200 years ago."

Speht said that the city would be inspired by others around the world that use tram systems, including Nottingham, Manchester, and other European cities.

He added: "Swansea's city centre economy is stifled by the fact that you can't get people in and out fast enough... If you look at the city, it was designed really before cars came into being.

"If you think about growth and economic development, if you want a vibrant city centre, then it is naturally limited by cars."

The discussion on Monday was the first step towards re-examining the options to open a tram system in the city. Speht added that the project could cost an estimated £400m, and that private donors would be included in the funding. It's expected that the project could take five to eight years.

Bansky work to be auctioned for charity

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:36:00 GMT

A new piece by 'guerilla' graffiti artist Bansky will be auctioned off to help raise money for a UK-based charity.

The work, titled 'Go Flock Yourself', depicts a young boy spray-painting a flock pattern onto wallpaper. The proceeds will go to The Prince's Trust - a charity founded by the Prince of Wales, which helps young, unemployed people get into training programmes and jobs.

The Prince's Trust Success Collection will operate alongside two exhibitions for the auction of urban art. The first, ArtCore, will compile art from clubs and raves from the days of acid house. The second, Urban Art, will feature Banksy's work alongside donated pieces from other street artists such as Adam Neate, Guy Denning, Goldie and Nick Walker.

The paintings will be displayed at Selfridges department store in London prior to the 26 February auction.

One Bristol graffiti artist donating work to the auction was once himself supported by The Prince's Trust organisation when starting his career as an artist.

The artist, Dicy, told BBC News that the charity "gave me the confidence and backing to start my own design business when no-one else would. Now I'm incredibly proud to give something back."

Although pseudo-anonymous, Bansky is believed to be from Yate, Gloucestershire, near Bristol. His artwork, which is often satirical, usually focuses on culture, politics and ethics. His style combines graffiti writing and a distinctive stenciling technique.

Henry VIII love letter to go on display at British Library

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:24:00 GMT

A love letter written by one of history's most notorious kings is to go on display at the British Library in London.

The letter - composed in 1528 by King Henry VIII to his second wife, Anne Boleyn of Norfolk - demonstrates the monarch's romantic side in his courting of Boleyn. Anne herself had refused any pre-marital sexual relations with the king, presumably encouraging the king to hasten their marriage.

In the letter, the King assures Anne that "henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone," then speaks of his "unchangeable intention" to marry her. He also apologises for ever suggesting that Boleyn could be a mere mistress. The letter is signed "H seeks A.B, No Other Rex," alongside Anne's initials in a heart.

However, history shows that the king's devotion did not last: Henry ultimately had his second wife beheaded at the Tower of London in 1536, going forth to marry four other women throughout his life.

The letter to Anne was concealed in the Vatican for almost five centuries, but is now being prepared for public display at an exhibition on Henry VIII.

The event is being curated by historian Dr David Starkey, who commented to BBC News: "Henry is not only England's best-known king - with his wives, his girth and his bloodthirstiness - he is also our most important single ruler.

"When he came to the throne, Henry was the pious prince who ruled an England at the heart of Catholic Europe.

"When he died, he was the great schismatic, who had created a national church and an insular, xenophobic politics that shaped the development of England for the next 500 years."

The exhibition - called Henry VIII: Man and Monarch - will also display portraits, tapestries, armour, official documents, maps and books. The London event will run from 23 April to 6 September 2009.

Welsh theatre comes back to life

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:01:00 GMT

A 90-year-old theatre in Wales is reopening its doors after a long campaign from community members.

The Scala Theatre in Prestatyn, Denbighshire - near Liverpool - was forced to close its doors in 2000 after being saddled with huge repair bills. But community members rallied together to raise £3.5m that has turned the theatre into an arts centre, bringing the screens back to life again.

The original theatre opened in 1913, according to the BBC. The theatre took over the town hall building and held up to 400 people during its peak in the 1940s. The new arts centre in its place hosts two digital film screen theatres, an IT media centre, café and bar.

Sandra Pitt, chairperson of Friends of Scala, said the project was a tribute to the dedicated members of the community who refused to accept that the theatre would stay shut. She told the BBC: "When they threatened the fact that it was going to be disposed of, the people of the town were in an uproar.

"We decided to set up a small group to get it back, which is what we have done... We thought they would just do up the old cinema and we would have it safe again."

Pitt added that the extra features on the theatre give it a 'wow' factor: "It's not just a cinema and theatre, there's the IT media room, the café bar - it's a fantastic facility for such a small town.

We never even dreamt of having this."

The project in the North Wales town was funded by the assembly government, the Arts Council for Wales, the Foundation for Sports and the Arts, the UK Film Council and both the town and county councils.

The cinema will open on Friday night, with a showing of the Oscar-nominated animated film Bolt. The first week will also see the theatre showing award winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Rowling leaves her mark in Edinburgh

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:49:00 GMT

It's no secret that author JK Rowling placed a spotlight on Edinburgh when she created her famous Harry Potter books in the city. But the Gloucestershire-born writer has now left her mark in Scotland's capital city a second time - with engraved imprints of her hands in the grounds of Edinburgh City Chambers.

The accolade - called the Edinburgh Award - recognizes residents of Edinburgh who have raised the city's profile through a contribution to science, technology, culture, sports, enterprise, education, or charity. The honour was awarded to novelist Ian Rankin last year.

Of her win, Rowling told BBC News: "I was delighted to receive the Edinburgh Award, as this city and its wonderful inhabitants have meant so much to me for the last 15 years.

"I think it is particularly appropriate for a writer's hands to be represented, so I am deeply honoured to have my keyboard-chipped fingernails, not to mention my pen-induced friction callous, commemorated in the place where I produced Harry Potter."

George Grubb, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, also added: "With the installation of the beautifully crafted stone bearing Ms Rowling's handprints, the City Chambers quadrangle is fast becoming a lasting visual testimony to some of Edinburgh's greatest living citizens.

"Our city is home to a huge wealth of talented individuals who truly put Edinburgh on a global stage through their achievements."

Nominations are now being accepted by officials for the Edinburgh Award 2009. Applicants must meet various criteria to be considered, including either having been born in Edinburgh or having resided there for the past twelve months.

Scottish bridge to go dark during Earth Hour

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:36:00 GMT

Scotland's Forth Rail Bridge is due to participate in the global Earth Hour celebrations by turning of the lights for one hour in March.

The bridge, located just outside Edinburgh, will join the list of iconic world landmarks that will plunge into darkness as a show of support for climate change action. The rail bridge is set to turn off the lights for an hour from 20:30 on March 28.

Earth Hour is an initiative from the environmental group WWF and other landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House have also joined in the pledge to go dark.

Officials insist that the switch-off won't affect rail services that plan to operate over the bridge.

The director of WWF Scotland, Dr Richard Dixon, told the BBC: "We are delighted that Network Rail has agreed to involve one of Scotland's most recognised landmarks in supporting WWF's Earth Hour.

"Climate change is the biggest problem facing the planet and WWF's Earth Hour 2009 will be the biggest show of support ever. People in Scotland can join concerned individuals and communities from over 70 countries around the world in a dramatic hour of action on climate change."

In the UK, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and attractions in London and Belfast are planning on turning out the lights.

Network Rail's Scotland director, Ron McAuley, said: "Climate change is an issue which affects us all and we are pleased to be able to lend our support to Earth Hour 2009."

Earth Hour began in 2007, when 2.2 million businesses and homes in Sydney, Australia turned off their lights for one hour.

Iconic Manchester sculpture to be taken down

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:24:00 GMT

A large piece of public art in Manchester is due to be taken down after being surrounded by safety concerns and legal battles.

The B of the Bang sculpture, located outside Manchester Stadium, cost £1.4m to build and has seen problems since it was first unveiled in 2005. One of its 180 steel spikes was dislodged after the first few weeks it was erected and 22 have since been removed.

Manchester City Council has decided to put the sculpture into storage and says it will only be re-erected if the technical problems and funding - between £2m and £3m - could be resolved. One option being considered is removing the steel spikes and replacing them with ones made of a lighter material.

The leader of the Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, told the BBC: "Thomas Heatherwick's B of the Bang is a magnificent artistic statement that was just right for modern Manchester... It is regrettable that technical problems have undermined that artistic vision."

Leese went on to explain that the council is dedicated to solving the problems surrounding the sculpture, but said there would be no city council funding made available to support its rebuilding.

Mr Heatherwick has previously said that he would not move the sculpture from the North West England city and asked for a private donor to help maintain the sculpture. He told the BBC: "I love the city and I'm not interested in building it anywhere else. The city was committed to doing it, I was committed to do it for the city. I'm pretty determined that it stays there."

Free theatre ticket programme launched to increase attendance

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Half-a-million theatre tickets will be given away for free across the UK in a bid to increase audience turnout and encourage more young people to attend.

The scheme, named A Night Less Ordinary, is being promoted by Arts Council England in order to encourage more people under the age of 26 to observe live theatrical productions.

Venues across the UK will be participating in the giveaway, including more than 200 theatres from Cornish village halls and the National Theatre. Venues involved include the Nuffield in Lancaster, the Carriageworks in Leeds and the Soho Theatre in London.

Stage actor Rupert Perry-Jones commended the decision to attempt to entice young people to the theatre. He told the BBC: "If young people don't start going now then nobody is going to be going to the theatre in about 10-20 years' time. We'll have no audiences there."

Mr Perry-Jones said attending theatrical production is a more "intense" experience than watching TV or film. He added: "I think an experience in the theatre is like no other. When you watch a moving film you do cry, but compared to a moving play - a play that really gets you - it stays with you forever."

Under the A Night Less Ordinary scheme, free tickets are available to anyone under 26 from the initiative's website.

Barbara Matthews, a representative of the Arts Council England, expects the scheme to last for close to two years. She said: "Although going to the theatre is not as expensive as many people think - there are all sorts of theatres of ranges and sizes across the country - the best way of getting people to have a go is say 'OK, come for free and give it a try'."

Aer Lingus plans eight more routes from Gatwick

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:49:00 GMT

Irish airline Aer Lingus is planning to introduce eight more routes to Europe that will depart from Gatwick airport.

The introduction of the new routes is expected to create 160 new jobs at the airport just outside London. The plan would see Aer Lingus stretch their routes to cities like Faro, Malaga, Munich, Nice, Vienna, Dublin, Knock and Zurich, with the new flights expected to start in April.

An Aer Lingus spokesman said the company expects the routes to compete with EasyJet, an airline that also recently released new flight plans from the airport. The spokesman added that Aer Lingus has already sold 75,000 tickets for the new routes.

The news follows an announcement made last autumn that Aer Lingus plans to introduce more routes from its airports in Belfast, Dublin and Cork. The routes take passengers to locations in Italy, Germany, Bulgaria and Portugal.

The company is also planning another deal with American airline United Airlines, which would give Aer Lingus customers access to the North American flight network.

Autumn saw discount airlines like Aer Lingus and EasyJet experience an increase in traffic and passengers, helping them buck the trend that saw airlines around the world suffering from the economic recession.

Last month, Aer Lingus rejected a bid placed on it by fellow discount carrier Ryanair, which the company said "greatly undervalued" the importance of the airline.

Aer Lingus also offers flights from other UK cities including Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle and Manchester.

Flood alerts in southern Britain as heavy snow starts to melt

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:48:00 GMT

Flood alerts are spreading across southern parts of the UK, as February's melting snowfall combines with heavy rain and strong winds.

The Environment Agency has issued 93 flood warnings as extreme weather conditions hit Somerset, the Midlands, east Wales and Gloucestershire.

According to the BBC, a combination of heavy rain, melted snow and the "tide-locking" of rivers is the main cause of the flooding.

Craig Woolhouse, head of flood defences at the Environment Agency, told the broadcaster: "We are not going to see severe flooding like we saw in summer 2007. Over the evening we have seen a number of isolated properties flooding and standing water on roads, but nowhere near the number of properties we had back in the summer [of 2007]."

Rainfall levels are so heavy that some areas of Sussex and Middlesex recorded most of its annual rainfall for the month in a period of 24 hours.

Bristol International Airport was also closed due to heavy snowfall but has now re-opened and expects to operate its full flight schedule. Virgin Trains also cancelled some of its West Coast mainline services between London and Birmingham and Manchester on Monday and Tuesday.

Other recorded incidents due to the stormy weather include 250 emergency calls to Essex police, flooded roads in Oxfordshire, overnight flooding in Hampshire and winds of 50 miles per hour in some southern coastal areas.

The reports follow last week's heavy snowfall in the south of England, and similar weather in parts of Scotland at the weekend.

Project launched to save the red squirrel in Scotland

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:13:00 GMT

A new £1.3 million project is being launched to save the red squirrel in Scotland. Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) aims to protect the species in the country, which is thought to be home to 75 per cent of the UK's red squirrel population.

SSRS will be based in Dunkeld in Perthshire, and will aim to both conserve red squirrels in the north of Scotland and control the population of grey squirrels, which compete with reds for food and can pass on the fatal squirrel pox virus.

Organisations involved in the project include the Inverness-based Scottish National Heritage, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, all of which are headquartered in Edinburgh.

According to the BBC, Scottish Environment Minister Mike Russell, said: "The red squirrel is one of our most beautiful and valuable native species. Therefore its loss would be absolutely unforgiveable.

"Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels is a true partnership organisation and I am hopeful that its activity will see the red squirrels able to thrive once again in this country and ensure that future generations are able to enjoy them."

Although many have welcomed the plans proposed by SSRS, some have also criticised the body as its strategy to curb the population of grey squirrels may involve culling segments of the species.

However, Stuart Brooks from the Scottish Wildlife Trust defended the plans. He said:

"Work is under way on a vaccine for squirrel pox but it is not around the corner and habitat improvements are a key component of our longer-term strategy.

"To do nothing now will certainly consign our native squirrel to a painful and lingering death."

Work begins to restore church paintings

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:48:00 GMT

Work has begun to restore medieval wall paintings recently discovered in an English church.

A team of special conservators will be carrying out the work on Suffolk's St Mary's church for the next five weeks. The paintings are thought to be dated from the 13th century and reportedly show local saint King Edmund as well as scenes from the life of Christ.

The paintings were originally discovered during a previous restoration in 1864, when lime wash was removed from the walls of the church in Lakenheath. The work is being funded by a £32,500 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, according to the BBC.

The first in a series of lectures on the paintings and the conservation work at the church will be held on February 13.

The East England church is planning to open its doors to the public during the work's progress, allowing them to see the paintings as the conservation unfolds.

Project manager Matthew Champion told the BBC: "This project has taken many years to get off the ground and has been strongly supported by the local parish.

"We want to open the doors of the church and let everyone see exactly what is taking place."

Mr Champion noted that the paintings are an important part of the history of the community that everybody in the region should be proud of.

He said: "We want local people to understand that these wall paintings are more than just pieces of medieval art."

Scottish towns share funding to maintain historic character

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Across Scotland, nine communities have received funding to help them maintain their historic character.

Kelso and Cumnock in South Scotland; Haddington, Callander, Paisley, Cumbernauld Village and Kirkcaldy in Central Scotland; and other towns including Blair Atholl and Stromness have all received the £5m support package. The money is part of the latest rounds of grants from Historic Scotland's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

The funding is the third round to be given to communities, and in the past Kilmarnock, Dunfermline and Dalkeith have been amongst recipients.

The money granted through the scheme can be used for a variety of reasons, including for repairs and improvements to private homes and businesses. The money can also help restore local landmarks in order to bring them back to use.

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani told the BBC: "These grants provide vital support for councils who want to breathe new life into areas that have not had the means to do so in recent years."

Fabiani added that the money will no doubt help transform the areas involved, saying investment in maintaining and improving the historic character of communities is essential.

She said: "We are committed to the economic recovery of Scotland's towns and cities.

"Historic Scotland's CARS grants, together with the government's recently announced £60m Town Centre Regeneration Fund, will help to achieve that."

Since the programme was launched in 2007, more than £8m has been distributed among 16 councils. The funds are meant to target historic areas that suffer from social and economic disadvantages which make it hard to attract business investment and sustainable growth.

Reunited Blur to headline T in the Park festival

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:36:00 GMT

Recently reunited rock band Blur has plans to headline this year's T in the Park and Oxegen festivals.

The band will join Kings of Leon, Katy Perry and Glasgow-based Snow Patrol during the UK and Irish festivals, which are expected to take place this July.

Blur's appearance at T in the Park, at Balado in Kinross-Shire, will follow their two sold-out shows held in London's Hyde Park at the beginning of July.

Blur officially reunited at the end of 2008 after they recruited former guitarist Graham Coxon back into the band. They will headline the main stage at the event in Central Scotland on 11 July.

Geoff Ellis, T in the Park festival director, told the BBC: "It's fantastic that Blur have reformed and we're delighted to be able to confirm them for T in the Park this year, especially as the last time they played the festival was 10 years ago."

The bands performance at the festival will be the first since 1999. They also played the King Tut's tent at the first T in the Park festival when it was held in 1994. Their appearances this summer will be the first time that Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree have played as a band since 2000.

Ellis added: "Blur are an incredibly influential band whose closing performance could include festival anthems in the shape of Coffee & TV, Tender, Song 2, The Universal and Parklife, to name a few."

The Oxegen festival takes place near Kildare, Ireland.

Heavy snow halts travel in South England

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:24:00 GMT

As even more heavy snow falls in England, transportation has been ground to a halt.

Flights from Bristol International Airport in North Somerset have been suspended after heavy snowfall in the region overnight.

Those hoping to drive are being warned by police not to use their cars, as many roads around the airport are being described as "impassable." The snow has also affected transport between Clevedon and Avonmouth to the north.

A spokesman said Bristol City Council had ordered 200 tonnes of salt, but some in the region are not expecting that to be enough.

The council spokesman told the BBC: "We are relatively confident that we have sufficient supplies to cope with the predicted weather conditions."

The status in Bristol follows another day of heavy snow in the region, which earlier this week crippled the London transport system. Severe weather warnings are in place across the country, and road, rail and air transport everywhere has been badly affected.

The South West of England and South Wales were badly hit with snow overnight, and up to eight inches is forecast in many places. About 200 people had to be rescued by emergency vehicles after becoming stranded in their cars on the motorway near Devon.

One woman who had been stranded in her car told the BBC: "The snow was coming down so thick and fast and it just meant that you could hardly see anything."

The snow that fell earlier this week led to previous transportation disruptions, with all flights leaving from Heathrow airport cancelled as well as train services. Train services only resumed service two days ago after digging out from under the snow.

Wales jazz festival on hold

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:13:00 GMT

An upcoming Welsh jazz festival has been postponed for a year, according to event planners.

The Brecon Jazz Festival will instead take place during 2010, as the Arts Council of Wales said the responsibility to organise a successful event in just six months was unrealistic.

It was hoped that the festival in South Wales would go ahead this August, despite news that the firm behind it had ceased trading in December.

Two businesses are on the shortlist to rescue the Brecon festival for 2010. Originally, four parties had applied to stage the festival, but two had dropped out from the bidding process last week.

The final decision, between the Hay Festival and a partnership between Celtic Spirit Group and music events company ESIP, will be made in April.

The Brecon Jazz Festival is held every August and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008. However, the festival suffered poor ticket sales after bad weather and ran into financial difficulties. The arts council was then appointed to oversee the event's future.

The festival, located in the town just north of Cardiff, regularly sees about 70,000 visitors flock to the event from around the world.

Chief executive of the Arts Council of Wales, Nick Capaldi, told the BBC: "We're acutely aware of the festival's contribution to the local economy in Brecon, especially in the current economic climate. But trying to rush through a major event in little over six months is, in our view, too big a hurdle to leap."

Martin Weale, the mayor of Breacon, noted that he was disappointed in the decision to halt the festival this year. He said: "I don't think anyone expected a postponement and the financial implications for the town and surrounding area are worrying."

BB King scheduled to play arenas across the UK

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Well-known blues legend BB King is planning to play a four arena tour in the UK this summer.

Though King announced his retirement from touring outside the United States in 2006, the musician is planning to tour with 75-year-old British blues veteran John Mayall. The tour will see Mayall perform for the first half of the show, while King would play the second.

The pair is expected to play shows at the Manchester MEN Arena, Birmingham NEC Arena, Cardiff CIA and London Wembley Arena near the end of June. The performances will kick off in Manchester, with the double-bill tour set to be one of the most spectacular concert tours to travel the UK.

According to the BBC, King announced his retirement from international touring in 2006, when he said: "I think the clock is ticking, yes. In fact, I know it is.

"Frank Sinatra sang about the September of [his] years. I think I'm in the November of my years."

83-year-old King started his professional career in 1947, and best known for his hits Every Day I Have The Blues and The Thrill Is Gone, both performed on his guitar named Lucille. During the 1950s King averaged about 275 concerts a year, but in 1956 he managed 342 gigs.

King has won 14 Grammy awards and in December he performed with the Foo Fighters and John Mayer in Los Angeles. His most recent album Riding With The King, was a collaboration with Eric Clapton which won his most recent Grammy.

Tickets for the performances are set to go on sale the morning of Friday 6th February.

Glastonbury sells out five months in advance

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:48:00 GMT

Glastonbury tickets have sold out almost five months ahead of the summertime event, with no headliners confirmed as of yet.

Organisers had launched an early ticket scheme in October 2008, which allowed fans to place a deposit on tickets and pay the remaining amount by February 1, 2009. According to the ticket-selling authority, the majority of fans completed their payments by the deadline. Cancelled or returned tickets will be re-sold on April 5.

Organisers of the south west England event had also announced in September that fans would be able to buy an unlimited number of tickets this year. By early October 2008, half of the event tickets had already been sold.

The rate of ticket sales - as well as the ultimate sell-out - significantly contrasts last year's event, which left 3,000 tickets unsold at the door just a day before the festival opened to the public.

Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis told BBC News: "We're chuffed to bits, especially when you look at the weather outside.

"It's shaping up to be another vintage year with a brilliant line up to be unveiled in June."

Although no headliners have yet been confirmed, some artists rumoured to be making an appearance include Bruce Springsteen and Blur. Last year's line-up included a few controversial choices, including U.S. artist Jay-Z.

The festival - which is held each year on Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset - is scheduled to take place June 26 - 28, 2009.

London train services resume as normal

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:36:00 GMT

Trains in and around the South East have resumed services after heavy snow.

Rail services between South East England and London have returned to normal after severe weather conditions caused disruption early this week.

Trains did not operate between Kent and Sussex on Monday due to heavy snowfall, with reduced services starting up on Tuesday. However, train operators Southern Railway and Southeastern have now said they are attempting to run a full timetable of services.

A spokesperson for Southern Railway told BBC News: "Southern is running a normal timetable today. However, with a number of units out of place, some trains have been cancelled.

"Services may also be subject to short-notice alterations, delays and cancellations.

"We apologise for the disruption and any inconvenience caused. We are working hard to restore the full timetable."

Southeastern also added: "Today we're planning to run the normal timetable service on all routes.

"You'll understand the ice and snow has caused problems over the last couple of days so it's likely there may be some delayed, diverted or cancelled services if the icy conditions continue.

"But we - and Network Rail - will be doing our best to endeavour to operate a full service for passengers."

However, both train operators have said there could still be some delays or cancellations, encouraging passengers to check with their train line before travelling.

In addition to train services picking up, airport operator BAA has also said it plans to run a "full or near-full schedule" of flights at Gatwick and Heathrow airports starting today.

Snow brings a halt to West End productions

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Heavy snowfall that fell across England yesterday brought a halt to several West End productions in the evening.

Newly-opened productions including Oliver!, Avenue Q, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and Jersey Boys all had their London shows called off.

A performance at the Royal Opera House, as well as A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Novello, was also cancelled due to the weather.

The BBC reports that the Delfont Mackintosh Theatres said: "Due to adverse weather conditions, we are unable to guarantee whether our full staff, cast and company can travel into central London."

The Novello said that anyone with tickets to its Monday performances could arrange and exchange after snow brought public transit to a halt in the city.

In London, public transportation was affected as bus service was suspended, the Tube saw delays, and motorways were deemed dangerous. Promoters at the West End shows said they could not guarantee that their cast would be able to travel into the city to perform.

Much of England saw travel disruptions as heavy snow coated the region and an extreme weather warning was released for England, Wales and parts of Scotland. South-east England saw some of the worst snowfall it has experienced in 18 years, and the snow caused all runways to be closed at Heathrow airport.

Yesterday, forecasts were pointing to more snow falling in much of England as well as in Eastern parts of Wales and Scotland.

Treasure found in English Channel shipwreck

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:25:00 GMT

Explorers probing the depths of the English Channel have discovered what they claim is a legendary British warship that sank in a fierce storm in 1744.

The team found the wreckage of the warship H.M.S. Victory, which is thought to have held 900 men and four tons of gold coins that could be worth $1 billion (about £705m). The wreckage was discovered last year and its identity was confirmed after close examination of 41 bronze cannons found on the bottom of the Channel.

Gregory Stemm, head of the discovery team, announced the find at a news conference in London on Monday. Two of the cannons have been lifted from the bed and given to the British Defense Ministry, he said.

Currently, the team members are negotiating with British authorities regarding the disposition of the artefacts and treasure before the divers attempt more recoveries.

According to the New York Times, Stemm said it was a "momentous discovery" at the news conference, adding: "I'm surprised we've been able to keep it under wraps for nine months."

The Victory was thought to have sunk off the Casquets, a group of rocky islets off of south west England. However, the rescue crew have said they found the wreck about 60 miles from that site.

When the team found the wreck, they discovered a seabed covered with hull remains, iron ballast, two anchors, a copper cooking kettle and 41 bronze cannons.

The Discovery Channel is expected to air a segment about the ship on its weekly programme "Treasure Quest" on Thursday. In the past, Stemm and his team have searched the deep sea and have found treasures valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

Big night for British film at Standard Film Awards

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:13:00 GMT

Those involved in the British film industry were honoured at the London Evening Standard Film Awards last weekend.

Hunger, the film dramatisation depicting the final days of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands took home the top prize at the event in London. The film, directed by artist Steve McQueen, took home the best film award.

Some UK films that have been tipped for Oscar nominations missed out on main prizes during the evening, including Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and Reading-born Kate Winslet, for her role in The Reader.

However, The Reader did take home the prize for best director, which was handed to Stephen Daldry. Scottish actress Tilda Swinton was named best actress for her character in the kidnap-drama Julia.

Boyle did see his widely acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire take home one award of its three nominations - the prize for technical achievement.

The London Evening Standard film critic Derek Malcolm told the BBC: "This year we have really seen the British film industry come of age. We are seeing British films triumphing over big-budget Hollywood epics."

More accolades were handed out throughout the night, including the Peter Sellers award for comedy which was handed to Sally Hawkins for her work in Happy-Go-Lucky. Filmmaker Mike Leigh took the Alexander Walker Special Award for his contribution to the British film industry.

Malcom added: "The winners reflect the huge talent and diversity that we have in this country and the judges were delighted to have the opportunity to honour incredible quality produced both in the bigger budget films, and the smaller independent productions this year."

Heavy snow disrupts airports and roads across England

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:01:00 GMT

Heavy snow has led to travel disruptions across much of England. An extreme weather warning for England, Wales and parts of Scotland has been released, as road and rail travel has been badly hit with up to 15 cm of snow.

South-east England has experienced some of the worst snow it has seen for 18 years and all London buses have been pulled from service. The bad weather has also caused runways to be closed at Heathrow airport. More snow is forecast to fall later today and on Tuesday.

Passengers expecting to fly today are being urged to check their flight information, as flights departing from across the UK have been affected by the closures at Heathrow. Scheduled morning flights from Scotland to Stansted, Gatwick and London City airports have been either delayed or cancelled.

Snow has also hit Scotland, but the impact has been far less than in England. Wales is bracing itself for its first heavy snowfall of winter and is expecting up to 10 cm to fall over the next few days.

Disgruntled commuters in London hoping to take public transportation were left stranded in the snow as bus services were cancelled and some Tube lines have been suspended. On motorways, drivers are being warned of dangerous driving conditions.

Forecasts point to further snow falling in much of England as well as in eastern parts of Wales and Scotland. The snow in England is expected to be accompanied with strong winds and blizzard conditions.

Turner landscape painting sells for £9m

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:48:00 GMT

A landscape painted by Joseph Mallord William Turner has managed to fetch £9.1m at auction in Sotheby's in New York.

The Temple of Jupiter Panellenius, a 6-foot-wide oil landscape, was sold at the second highest price ever for a painting by the British master.

According to the BBC, the painting was secured by an unknown telephone bidder. Bloomberg news reported that the painting has an "irrevocable bid" which means the anonymous bidder promised to bid up to a certain sum.

The painting is one of only three which depict Greece by Turner, and was originally exhibited in 1816. The image shows an ancient Greek scene of figures dancing, with a temple in the background.

It remained in the private collection of fine art dealer Richard Feigen for 25 years before it went up for sale this month.

In the past, the Turner painting toured Paris, London and Los Angeles before being sold at the Sotheby's auction in New York as part of its Important Old Masters Paintings sale.

On Wednesday, as part of a separate sale at Christie's in New York, four additional Turner paintings sold for close to £1.3m. The record price that a Turner painting has earned was achieved at Christie's in April 2006, when a Venetian landscape by the artist sold for £25m.

Turner was born in London and travelled Europe widely where he studied in France and Switzerland as well as at the Louvre in Paris. However, he was known to have painted images of the Sussex countryside in South East England, as well as other famous images of shipwrecks and natural catastrophes.

Plan to rejuvenate Scottish golf course released

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:36:00 GMT

New plans to create a leisure, tourist and residential development in Scotland have been recently unveiled.

The £40m golf and homes plan from the Deveron Glenisla company would see the improvement of the Glenisla Golf Course and Deveron Homes in the Perthshire region.

Nick Somerville, director of the golf course, told the BBC: "Growth and sustainability of the course and club house needs to come from attracting more visitors and members into the local area.

"The area struggles to attract overnight visitors due to a lack of modern accommodation and other attractions that would facilitate a longer stay in town."

50 to 70 jobs would be created in the area of Alyth and in Central Scotland region, while further posts would be created in construction.

Somerville added: "We hope to develop the golf course and surrounding area so that it will attract tourists to stay and play for a couple of days, to enjoy Glenisla and other surrounding courses.

"The proposals for additional housing, a hotel and potential business units all contribute to making this vision viable."

Previously, it was released that the rejuvenation of the area would see plans for a 40-bed retirement home, 180 houses, 20 flats and a hotel. According to the Scotsman newspaper, there have also been plans to develop business units to boost the economic health of the town.

A representative from Deveron Glenisla told the Scotsman: "Deveron Glenisla are confident that these plans will help Alyth and Perth and Kinross move to the forefront of the domestic and international tourism market."

David Tennant wins Shakespearean performance award

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:13:00 GMT

Actor David Tennant has won a best Shakespearean performance award from the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards.

His turn at the role of Hamlet started in Stratford-upon-Avon, and continued to the West End London production until he injured his back.

Judges for the award said it was a very strong year for Shakespearean performances and Tennant shares his award with Derek Jacobi, who played the role of Malvolio in Twelfth Night.

Recently released figures have shown that the last year has seen soaring admission to West End theatrical productions. Attendance was at an all-time high, partly driven by star names like Tennant and Kenneth Branagh.

Branagh won the award for best male performance in Ivanov, and according to the BBC, one critic said Branagh's performance in the Chekhov play was "beyond praise."

It was a big night for everyone involved in three West End productions in particular. Twelfth Night, The Chalk Garden and Ivanov swept the awards ceremony, taking home awards all across the board for acting, directing and writing.

Other winners at the awards included Margaret Myzack, who played Mrs St Maugham in The Chalk Garden, and Ella Smith who took home the best newcomer award at the ceremony.

Martin Harvey also took home a major award for his role in the musical Dirty Dancing. The Critics' Circle awarded this year's Spotlight Best Male Dancer Classical Award to the Swindon dancer-turned-actor.

The musical La Cage Aux Folles, starring television personality Graham Norton, was also triumphant during the awards ceremony, with the show having been recently moved to the Playhouse Theatre, London.

Runway opponents unveil alternative rail plan

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Opponents of Heathrow Airport's third runway have revealed a plan that would see it become the centre of a rail network.

The 2M Group, a coalition of 22 councils, said their £1.5bn proposal could reduce the demand for flights from the west London airport. The rail hub would link the airport to 150 stations within a 25-mile distance.

The launch of the rail network idea comes after rebels in the Labour party cut the government's majority on the matter to 19, voting in favour of an opposition motion that demands a rethink of Heathrow's expansion.

The 2M Group believes their idea would allow Heathrow to be linked more effectively with the existing rail network, and could take around one million cars off the road, according to the BBC.

The Transport Secretary, Geoff Hoon, has already given the go-ahead for construction for the third runway. However, two ministerial aides who would have seen their seats most affected by the third runway, quit their jobs to vote against the government on Wednesday.

The vote on Wednesday was not big enough to defeat the government, but was the biggest Labour rebellion since 1997, with almost 50 Labour members having signed a motion protesting the expansion of the airport.

When the approval for the runway was given on 15 January, Mr Hoon noted that the new runway would help ease traffic on nearby motorways, as well as around Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

He also announced that steps would be taken to minimise noise and emissions that would stem from the new runway.

Plans announced for Edinburgh’s Princes St. Closure

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:49:00 GMT

Coordinators of the Edinburgh tram project have announced the dates for full closure of road traffic down Princes Street.

The work, which will shut down the road to vehicle traffic, will begin on Saturday 21 February and last until November, with a break in August that will allow traffic for the duration of the Edinburgh Festival.

According to the BBC, temporary traffic systems will be put in place in order to minimise disruption due to the street closure.

Councillor Phil Wheeler said he's confident that traffic in the Central Scotland city will be kept moving, saying: "People travelling around Edinburgh by foot and all other means of transport will be kept well informed through a multi-media advertising campaign about parking, bus routes and other useful information.

"It will also include other tips about how to carry on shopping around the tram works."

The work starting in February will see the start of laying the rails for the first section of Edinburgh's future tram network. The site will stretch the width of Princes Street between South Charlotte Street and South St David Street.

During the construction, buses, taxis and cycles will be diverted onto George Street and general traffic will be able to travel along Queen Street.

Ian Craig, the managing director of the city's Lothian Buses, said: "We continue to work closely with the city council in order to keep Edinburgh moving whilst these necessary works are being undertaken."

Mr Wheeler added that all the shops along Princes Street will still be open during the construction time, which is crucial for businesses in the city.

DaVinci Code street in for a makeover

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:36:00 GMT

A road that was featured in the blockbuster The Da Vinci Code novel is the subject of plans that could reinvent it as a public square.

Great Queen Street in London's West End was once a secret pathway that was used by royalty. The street links Covent Garden and Drury Lane and planning officials are hoping to increase pedestrian use of the area.

Plans would include creating an "oasis" beneath newly planted trees in the area. The improvement will cost £640,000 and should be completed by summer.

Great Queen Street is near the Freemason's Hall, which is considered one of London's few grand Art Deco buildings from the 1930s that is still used for its original purpose.

The Masons of England use the hall as a headquarters and the building was featured in The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's fictional tale of the Knights Templar. The Freemason's Hall is one of many UK landmarks in the book, which also includes the Rosslyn Chapel outside of Edinburgh.

Westminster council has confirmed that the freemasons support the plan to enhance the surroundings of their headquarters.

The plan, entitled Clear Zone, is part of many general improvements being made by several central London councils to encourage people to start walking short distances. Plans include widening pavements, removing parking bays and creating more step-free crossings.

Councillor Chris Knight told the BBC: "The new square will transform a lacklustre junction into a new public square that will improve residents' quality of life and benefit businesses and visitors in central London."