Chester Literature Festival 2013

Posted on September 26, 2013 by chadmin

There are few festivals that celebrate literature quite like the annual event held in Chester and after the barnstorming success of 2012; it’s no surprise that it’s making its mark again this autumn.

This year, the reputation of the flourishing has attracted some big names and the billing is one not to be sniffed at. The famous names range from every genre imaginable, evidencing the recent lure of the two-week long event. Possibly the most prestigious name is Derek Jacobi, the legendary Shakespearian actor known for his love of all things literary who will be holding a special evening event talking about his life and career – not be missed. Tim Vine is also on-hand to guide you through his Bumper Book of Silliness whilst Richard Bacon also delights an avid crowd by talking about tweeting his mother amongst other things on Thursday evening.

Tim Vine

Celebrity events are not purely the name of game here however with plenty of workshops held by established names in literature for your interest. Brush up on your skills with the likes of Luke Wright, David Lloyd and Ian McMillian & Tony Husband eager to show you their style.

Lunchtime performances take in the spirit of drama which range from the classic to avant-garde. Intimate readings are showcased by the likes of Joy Winkler who is an excitable and determined performer, eager to convey every paragraph and full stop as was intended when she put pen to paper. Another inspirational talk comes in the form of David Lloyd’s self-effacing yarn on his trouble with employment. Stifle a grin as he hilariously guides you through his latest exploits and reads from his book, Seven Streets. Other readings come from the likes of Paul Morley, Patrick Barlow, Fay Weldon, Clive James and many, many more.

The local community also features prominently at this year’s festival with the local university’s lecturers having a chance to talk over the few days. This represents a great chance for anyone interested in further education to sample what their future could hold.

Set aside the middle of October in your diary for a trip to Chester to experience an un-missable occasion from the 13^th to 27^th.

“Book Reading” by moonpointer 1 and “Untitled” by @paulbailey licenses available here.

Creamfields Music Festival

Posted on July 31, 2013 by chadmin

Creamfield music festival returns to Daresbury, Cheshire on the August Bank Holiday weekend of Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th 2013.

Make some noise for undoubtedly one of the world’s biggest and most impressive music festivals that the world has to offer. Holding the reputation for being one of the most impressive outdoor music festivals, the dance festival sets out to provide the clubbing experience in a large outdoor arena, which has now become one of the most renowned and popular open air electronic festivals in the world.

The festival always lives up to its reputation and anticipation, with consistent world-class lineups, with hot and top DJs, an unbeatable atmosphere and combination of stages, venues and arenas. This years event will be huge. You can expect some spectacular sets from:

The Prodigy, Avicii, Tiesto, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Above & Beyond, Eric Prydz, Knife Party, Paul van Dyk, Groove Armada, Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Richie Hawtin, Loco Dice, Sub Focus, Afrojack, Alesso, Marco Carola, Ferry Corsten, Eddie Halliwell, Laidback Luke, Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Nicky Romero, NERVO, Solomun, AlunaGeorge, Madeon, Sasha, Julio Bashmore, Maceo Plex, Eats Everything, Baauer, Jackmaster, Redlight and Maya Jane Coles.

Creamfields has even won awards, when put up against famous festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and V Festival, whereby it won the ‘Best Festival’ award during the Music Week Awards.

If electronic music is your ‘thing’ or if you just fancy a big blowout, Creamfield is most definitely for you.

Accommodation

There are camping tickets, as well as day tickets that are available right now. For hotel accommodation in Chester, you can find a huge array of different types, suited to different budgets. If you aren’t into camping, there are plenty of other options outside of the Creamfields Festival.

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Posted on July 12, 2013 by chadmin

This summer a range a productions will be taking place over the summer months! Some of the country’s finest actors will be performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Cyrano De Bergerac’, and ‘Othello’, three legendary tales that work incredibly out in the open air, with a beautiful and idyllic atmosphere this incredible set of productions have been called the ‘Northern alternative to Shakespeare’s Globe and Regents Part’.

With the beautiful British summer we have been having recently there’s no better time to enjoy this spectacle! (even if it rains, the seating area is covered!)

This is a must for any fans of Shakespeare or theatre in general these productions are an absolute must see, you’ve never seen theatre like this before! Capture the wild nature of the atmosphere during A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Feel the tension as you witness Othello.

The plays themselves are in the right hands! With Olivier award winning Lucy Pitman Wallace helming Cyrano de Belerac while the Artistic director of Three Legged Theatre Company Alex Clifton is taking the reins for both A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as Othello.

The shows have been put on to great acclaim, and they only take place for a limited time over these summer weeks, so don’t miss out! You won’t have a chance to see it again!
The theatres national reputation has attracted actors from all over to get involved in the great production.

The shows will be running in repertory until the 25th of August, book your tickets now for only £14.50 for a picnic terrace or £45 for VIP tickets!

Not local to the area? why not try and find some accommodation in Chester and make a trip of it?

Chester Rocks

Posted on June 17, 2013 by chadmin

2013 sees one of Chester Rocks’ hottest line ups to date with stunning acts ‘The Wanted’ performing on the 15th of June with special guests Union J, and Jessie J will be performing on the 16th of June, with special guests Lawson.

These fantastic acts will be performing right on Chester Racecourse, one of the finest and renowned outdoor music venues there is.

Jessie J is taking the music scene by storm and just announced she had a special ‘treat’ lined up to for comic relief. Meanwhile The Wanted have just been awarded the ‘People’s Choice Award’ in the USA.

Chief Executive Richard Thomas announced the line up with “Everyone at the racecourse is really excited to be hosting Chester Rocks again, this is a fantastic event for Chester and the North west to have; The Wanted and Jessie J on two consecutive days is amazing, I have no doubt that demand for tickets will be very high and attract attention from across the UK.”

The event is set to be a massive spectacle of music and fun, you definitely don’t want to miss out on Chester Rocks and see these 4 incredible acts.

If you arent local to the area there’s a variety of accomodation in the area to make full use of

Chester Regatta

Posted on June 14, 2013 by chadmin

The annual Chester regatta is returning to us once again on Saturday the 15th of June. The regatta includes a rowing competition, the oldest of its kind in the world which was first established in 1733. Over 200 crews to battle it out in a knock out style series of fast-paced races, for all ages and racing boat styles.

This is an awesome day out for all the family to enjoy, presenting the chance to be a part of an event which is a vital part of not only Chester’s history, but the history of regattas worldwide.

The venue of the race is The River Dee, the regatta ground is based at Sandy Lane next to the Sailing Club races kick off at the red house and end just past the sailing club.
Food and drink will be readily available at the regatta ground, with a number of different stalls to get goods from.

Over 22 clubs will be competing overall, with a great course, great location and a wide range of events. The course is 750 metres wide and straight, with plenty of room to warm up at the start. There’s easy boating and a lot of rigging space to make the experience as smooth as possible. The wide range of events covers all levels so everyone can get involved! With sections for Juniors, Seniors, Masters, Novices and even open, all boat classes. The winners will be rewarded with specially engraved Victor Ludorum Trophies in the junior and senior trophies, for the most successful club/school or university to keep. In the refreshments tent there will be bacon/sausage butties, burgers, cakes, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, including beer, and even more munch to be had!

Chester itself is a lovely city, there’s loads to do, especially in summer, so you’d do well to make a weekend out of it all, there’s Roman Walls to walk, a 13th century Cathedral, lots of amazing cafes and pubs. There’s plenty of accommodation in Chester, with hotels from budget to 5*, bed and breakfasts. Why not stick around and make a weekend of it?

Regardless this year’s Chester Regatta is sure to be a phenomenal event and a perfect way to spend a weekend of precious summertime.

Chester Music Festival

Posted on June 7, 2013 by chadmin

The MBNA Chester music festival is uniquely created, produced and performed by leading international soloists and chamber musicians. The Incredible and charismatic Giovanni a Guzzo leads the festival.

picture by http://www.flickr.com/photos/34053291@N05/

The festival is made entirely by the musicians themselves, leading it to be called “The Musicians’ Festival”.

The Festival features performances such as the Handel Coronation Anthems, Benjamin Britten, Britain Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Martin Roscoe, Craig Ogden, Cerys Matthews, Sophie Rosa, Ksenija Sidorova on the accordion, Tina May, and so much more!Tina May, a gifted lyricist, consummate vocalist and dazzling entertainer will be bringing to life the music of Edith Piaf, France’s most beloved entertainer, national icon and musical legend. Tina May creates unbelievable atmosphere with her beautiful voice and enthralling stage presence.

Bringing the festival to a close is the absolutely incredible Ensemble Deva; Giovanni Guzzo leading, Mirijam Contzen, Sophie Rosa and Sophie Mather on Violin. There’s also Richard Williamson and Kay Stephen on Viola. To top it off, Hannah Roberts and Mikhail Nemstov playing the cello.

A collection of the finest musicians in the area to present an absolutely breathtaking concert that you are not likely to forget in a hurry.

This festival brings quality music to enjoy over June, and with a season ticket you can enjoy all the great sounds of Ensemble DEVA for only £75, that’s 50% off what you would pay to go and see them all individually! You also get a year’s membership, which is normally worth £35!

Without a doubt, if you are in the areas then you definitely need to see one or two concerts; it would be a travesty if you were to miss out on such a rare collection of talent. Chester music festival is a treat for the ears and the mind, an unforgettable time to be had

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