Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts

Friday 22 December 2023

Pope Francis backs Snoop Dogg Christmas song to end homelessness now

In the UK over 160,000 people are homeless. Just off London's Oxford Street, in fashionable Mayfair village, a homeless film director and London band teamed up with Rapper Snoop Dogg to end homelessness now. 

When the hip hop beats of Hard Times and Snoop Dogg's inimitable flow reached the ears of 87 year old Pope Francis he loved it so much he issued, there and then, a Papal Blessing for the charitable endeavour.

Hard Times ft Snoop Dogg

Homeless film director, David Fussell, met London musicians Ooberfuse at the Homeless Restaurant which provides restaurant style meals to Oxford Street's rough sleepers. After a few jamming sessions Hard Times was born. 

Fussell says "the searching lyrics tell the homeless issue from a new point of view. The story isn't told from an on-looker's point of view like the great Phil Collins song Another Day in Paradise. Rather, Hard Times tells the story in the first person, drawing on real pain 'shivering in the cold and the rain'. Hard Times makes it clear being made homeless could happen to anyone of us. It starts 'I never thought that it would be like this / Sleeping in a doorway on the streets like this....'"

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, emphasises "the importance of caring for the most vulnerable in society' and urges that we seize opportunities like this 'to build a more fraternal world."

Twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, a group of volunteers from Central London Catholic Churches distribute food donated by Mayfair eateries like The Connaught and The Mayfair Chippy to the tables of London's rough sleepers in Farm Street's Arrupe Hall.

Hal, a musician from ooberfuse, says "the guy who runs the project, Dominic Robinson is like a modern day Robin Hood! 

"He literally goes to the swankiest restaurants in Mayfair and takes food destined for the sophisticated palettes of the super-wealthy and puts it on the tables of the homeless in Arrupe Hall. It's next level wealth-redistribution!"



(Image courtesy of Myriams-Fotos of Pixabay)


Sunday 17 September 2023

Leake Street venue added by Camm and Hooper

London-based events company Camm & Hooper has expanded its venue portfolio with the addition of 26 Leake Street, which is an absolutely stunning 11,000 sq. ft. post-industrial space located in London’s South Bank. 

The venue features three beautifully renovated railway arches beneath Waterloo station and can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. With its exposed brickwork and cool, eerie atmosphere, 26 Leake Street provides a blank canvas that can be transformed for a wide range of events.

The venue’s unique aesthetic makes it the perfect setting for immersive and experiential events, such as film premier parties, brand activations, fashion shows, music events, or corporate functions. This latest addition to Camm & Hooper’s rapidly growing venue portfolio is a testament to the resilience of the events industry.

Camm & Hooper’s CEO, Derick Martin, said, "We're really delighted to have acquired 26 Leake Street, which joins our versatile London venue portfolio. 

"We now have a venue to suit every occasion, from the Grade II listed Banking Hall and the award-winning Victorian Bath House to South Bank's OXO2 and our newly launched Tanner Warehouse - all beautiful and unique in their own right. 

The aesthetic of the Waterloo arches provides that all-important dramatic backdrop for show-stopping events of every shape and size, with a capacity to cater for up to 1200 guests. Whether it's hosting film premier parties, brand activations, fashion shows, music events, or corporate functions, we are thrilled about this latest expansion to our venue portfolio. Its rapid growth is a testament to the resilience of the events industry and the great team behind the Camm & Hooper brand."

https://cammhooper.com

Sunday 6 November 2011

EDF Energy London Eye welcomes Christmas with all the trimmings

This winter the EDF Energy London Eye is bringing back Eyeskate, and it promises to be bigger and better than last year. Guests are invited to glide across the ice under the silhouette of London’s most iconic landmark, where they can also opt to experience the London Eye or the London Eye River Cruise to enjoy the best of London’s Christmas offerings.

The Eyeskate rink will open with a breathtaking, free performance of the well-renowned Nutcracker on Ice on Friday 18th November at 4pm. Choreographed and performed by the National Ice Skating Association, this enchanting display will bring a sprinkle of festive charm upon guests to the London Eye and passers-by on the South Bank. As the skaters expertly dazzle the audience to the Sugarplum songs, spectators won’t be able to resist the magical mood.

For an additional flutter of festive frolicking the EDF Energy London Eye will host a Spectacular Skate-Off on Sunday 4th December at 11am. This free-to-enter, open-to-all competition, judged by the head choreographers at the National Ice Skating Association, will see budding ice-skaters competing to win. All those who take part in the challenge will receive a complimentary ticket to the London Eye, but the real prize for the winner is being named the London Eye’s ice-skating champion.

Further in-season indulgences will abound at the EDF Energy London Eye this Christmas, as guests are invited to toast the winter cheer and embrace that festive feeling.

New for this Christmas is the Vinopolis Pommery Champagne Tasting Experience. Guests are invited to sample five elegant Champagnes, as experts from Vinopolis, the top London wine and Champagne tasting venue, guide them through the selection. Take-home notes are also provided, to ensure visitors can impress friends at their own Christmas parties.

Individual Mulled Wine Experiences are also on offer, ideal for small groups, couples or families to enjoy a cosy winter warmer. Alternatively, the Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Private Capsule, allows guests to sip on a warming glass of the season’s favourite beverage and devour delicious mince pies, all in their own private capsule.

For those who like to add a touch of glamour to their Christmas celebrations, the Champagne Capsule is the perfect way to indulge. Guests can relax and enjoy feeling spoiled as the host serves chilled Pommery Brut Royale Champagne with the option to add canapés, nibbles or mince pies.

Perfect for amorous couples, the Mistletoe Cupid’s Capsule provides the ultimate romantic opportunity to take in the stunning skyline and indulge that special someone. This charming treat is made complete with mistletoe, a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a box of luxury Charbonnel et Walker pink Champagne truffles.

For more information on the London Eye and to receive a 10% discount on bookings visit www.londoneye.com or follow the London Eye on twitter www.twitter.com/thelondoneye

Friday 4 November 2011

Get yourself Aloft in London. New Aloft Hotel opens with Aloft London Excel

The world's fastest growing mid-market hotel brand introduces affordable, loft-style accommodation to London.

London – Aloft® Hotels have now launched in the UK with the opening of Aloft London Excel in the heart of London’s Docklands. The new destination sensation brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Aloft is created to shake up the staid and traditional mid-market hotel sector by delivering urban-influenced design and an energetic guest experience at an affordable price point.
In the same year that Starwood Hotels launched its world-renowned W brand in the UK market, the innovative hotel giant has brought a second new brand to London, Aloft. With prices starting at £120 per room per night, Aloft London Excel will feature 252 loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar scene, a grab-and-go food pantry and industrial design elements throughout.

Situated next to the ExCeL international exhibition and convention centre, Aloft London offers something new to savvy travellers tired of the bland, one-size-fits-all mid-market hotel model. With East London seeing much regeneration ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, the hotel is perfectly situated within easy reach of the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City and The O2.

Aloft London Excel’s key features and guest facilities include:
  • Stylish and spacious rooms designed by Rockwell Group featuring Aloft’s signature ceilings of nearly three metres high, oversized windows and platform beds
  • Large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and complimentary Bliss Spa products
  • 42” LCD TVs and plug ‘n play docking stations, allowing guests to link their computer and tunes straight to the TV
  • Fast & free wireless access across the whole hotel, including all guest roomsre:mixSM lounge – an open, atmospheric space where guests can play a game of pool, enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the free WiFi
  • wxyzSM bar – the place to meet, mix & mingle, home to signature cocktails and regular DJ nights
  • Quick and easy check-in with the touch-n-go kiosk – touch screen technology which allows guests to choose their exact room and floor, confirm rates, pick-up keys and even print boarding passes
  • re:fuel by AloftSM – a one-stop, 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and beverages
  • re:chargeSM fitness centre – open 24/7 for guests’ gym fix day or night
  • splash swimming pool – an oasis of calm where guests can de-stress and re-energise after a hard day’s work
  • tactic – a suite of five high-tech meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual, plasma TV and complimentary WiFi
  • arfSM – Animals R Fun, an exclusive pet-friendly programme where furry friends can enjoy a stay with an Aloft-branded bed, bowl and complimentary treats and toys

FACTFILE:
Aloft London Excel is the second Aloft property in Europe following the opening of Aloft Brussels Schuman in September 2010. Aloft Hotels represents the fastest brand launch in hospitality industry history with the Aloft portfolio now including over 50 properties spanning six countries: US, China, Canada, India, Belgium and the UAE.

Aloft London Excel has been developed by ExCeL London’s parent company, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), also owners of Aloft Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s first Aloft hotel, which is located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Situated at ExCeL’s Eastern entrance at the Royal Victoria Dock, Aloft London Excel will have direct covered access to Prince Regent Station on the Docklands Light Railway, less than 30 minutes from the shops Oxford Street and the buzzing nightlife of Shoreditch, so this is an ideal hotel for use as a base for Chirstmas shopping and taking in the West End shows!
For details visit www.alofthotels.com.

From skating and ice sculpting to shopping and Santa Claus, Canary Wharf has Christmas wrapped up

The iconic, cosmopolitan Canary Wharf will be buzzing with Christmas cheer over the winter months with a stellar line-up of festive events and an impressive 200 shops, bars and restaurants offering tempting treats and an array of gifts, perfect for under the tree.

Returning for the 7th year, the spectacular Canary Wharf Ice Rink – London’s longest running ice rink - will welcome skaters from Saturday 12 November 2011 to Sunday 19 February 2012. Launched last year by Olympic medallist and Dancing on Ice contestant Sharron Davies MBE and the The Imperial Ice Stars, the rink offers some of the best facilities in London...and with The Park Pavilion home to Canteen, ROKA, the parlour and Wahaca on its doorstep, those who prefer to wrap-up warm and soak up the ambiance are well catered for too.

For little ones brimming with holiday spirit, Canary Wharf offers an array of magical events and performances to enchant even the most lively and excitable of children. Celebrations kick off with Santa’s Arrival Weekend on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December 2011, as Santa’s Grotto - a spectacular sleigh pulled by two giant reindeer – arrives in Jubilee Place. With Santa in residence every weekend throughout December and during the final week before Christmas, there is plenty of time to tell him your Christmas wishes and support the Richard House Children’s Hospice, who receive a donation for every child that visits.

On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December 2011, Santa and his friends will also be busy entertaining in Canary Wharf’s East Wintergarden at Santa’s Showtime, a spectacular free festive show for all the family to enjoy.  Elsewhere, those ‘Little Helpers’ looking for a more hands-on activity should visit the shopping malls for free art and craft workshops and face painting, running every weekend throughout December.

With the children busy preparing for the festive season ahead, why not take the opportunity to go Christmas shopping. The annual festive shopping event returns on Thursday 1 December 2011, with fashion shows, on-stage entertainment, demonstrations, tempting in-store discounts and goodie bag giveaways enticing Christmas shoppers to both Cabot Place and Jubilee Place.

With an impressive array of luxury and aspirational brands including Tiffany & Co, Links of London, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Aquascutum, Hackett, Myla and Jaeger London, Canary Wharf has something for everyone, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or that perfect party dress for the celebrations ahead.

Looking to 2012, Canary Wharf will once again host the world-class London Ice Sculpting Festival from Friday 13 - Sunday 15 January 2012, welcoming international artists back to Canary Wharf for a fantastic three days of fast-paced sculpting, chiselling and carving.

Camille Waxer, Chief Administrative Officer at Canary Wharf Group plc comments: “Canary Wharf really comes alive at Christmas. With so many unique festive events, one of the London’s best ice rinks and a first-class retail and restaurant offering, Canary Wharf buzzes from the moment the Christmas lights turn on to when the last skater leaves the ice in February.”

All Canary Wharf Arts & Events are listed at www.canarywharf.com

Winter Wonderland celebrates its 5th year with a magical new Ice Rink


The UKs spectacular winter event returns to Hyde Park for the 5th year running with FREE admission and even more entertainment and new attractions. Friday 18th November 2011 to Tuesday, 3rd January 2012 10am to 10pm every day (on 18th November 2011 only - opens at 5pm)


Since its launch in 2007, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has attracted a staggering 8 million visitors, it's firmly becoming the Capital’s most popular and dazzling winter event, offering the best Christmas day out. With beautifully decorated attractions set out across 20 acres of historic parkland, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland provides festive fun over seven whole weeks in the heart of London. 

Celebrity fans including Prince Harry, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer & Matthew Vaughn, Chris Martin, Tom Cruise, Liam Gallagher, Louise & Jamie Redknapp, Alexandra Burke, Fearne Cotton and Liz Hurley have all been spotted enjoying Winter Wonderland’s festivities.

At night the ice rink will be transformed, as suspended above the rink will be 108,000 pea-lights illuminating the ice, creating a magical atmosphere for skaters. With 1000 skates available for hire, PWR Events are expecting 120,000 skaters to take to the new ice rink over the seven week run. 

Other favourite attractions making a welcome return include the iconic Giant Observation Wheel and the beautiful Angels Christmas Market. The Market will feature over one hundred wooden chalets offering unusual and handmade gifts, including ceramics, candles, glass-work, jewellery, clothing and beauty products.

A number of stalls will also feature traditional Christmas items such as wooden toys, nativity scenes and decorations. Last year Father Christmas handed out over 50,000 presents to well behaved children in Santa Land, and he will make a welcome return this year as an ever popular free attraction.
                                                                                                                    
The UK’s favourite circus, Zippos Circus also returns to Winter Wonderland for a third season, with two completely new shows – a daytime show for all the family, Zippos Christmas Circus and an evening show for older thrill seekers, Zippos Cirque Extreme.

Zippos Christmas Circus explores how Christmas is celebrated around the world, with outstanding circus acts and even Father Christmas! At under an hour in length this bite size show is perfect for family audiences.
For thrill seekers everywhere, Cirque Extreme is a jaw dropping, daredevil show which combines some of the most thrilling and dangerous acts the world of circus has to offer.  

Top of the bill is the Motorbike Globe of Death, a beyond-thrilling spectacle starring three extraordinary Brazilians riding together at up to 60mph in an unbelievably small steel globe.  Also on show will be death defying antics on the Adrenaline Wheel and Swinging Trapeze, reckless fire juggling and acrobatic Break Dancing. 

This year, there will be even more bars, cafes, restaurants and eateries. Highlights include the new Carousel Bar, which rotates gently whilst you sip your mulled wine and the Bavarian Village where you’ll find Bratwurst, bars and live music, which has become a popular hot spot for the after work crowd. In addition, there will also be the authentic Spiegel Saloon situated within a stunning ballroom, with its cosy booths, tables and chairs and cabaret acts you can shut out the crisp winter air whist enjoying a fantastic range of warming meals.

There will also be three new and exhilarating thrill rides in the Alpine Adventure area alongside the ever popular Power Tower, Christmas Coaster, Avalanche and Ski Jump Swing as well as more traditional rides and games throughout Winter Wonderland.

With 500,000 Bratwursts on order and 330,000 cups of mulled wine ready to be served, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is set to be a fantastic day out for everyone, so be sure to book your tickets early and make Winter Wonderland part of your Christmas tradition.

Follow them at:

Listings
Tickets are now on sale for the Ice Rink, Giant Observation Wheel & Live Big Top shows: Cirque Extreme and Zippo’s Christmas Circus.
Dates:                    Friday 18th November 2011 – Tuesday 3rd January 2012 (closed Christmas day)
Times:                    10am – 10pm daily (except 18th November – opens from 5pm)
Entry:                     Winter Wonderland is FREE to enter, there is no admission fee
Online:                   www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Box office:             0844 858 6755 (See Tickets) / 0844 847 1771 (Ticketmaster)


Thursday 3 November 2011

Christmas in Belgravia: Camels, Carol Singers, Christmas Lights and the best of Festive Shopping!

This Christmas Grosvenor’s picturesque Belgravia estate will be transformed into a winter wonderland. With the annual Belgravia Christmas Sunday, Christmas Lights Switch-On events and tempting offers across its many unique boutiques, bars and restaurants, Belgravia celebrates the festive season in style. Not only that, but with a brand new online gift guide, savvy shoppers can plan ahead and track down the perfect Christmas gift before the festive season begins.

On Sunday 4 December, Pimlico Road and neighbouring Elizabeth Street will celebrate Belgravia Christmas Sunday. A haven from the busy high street, visitors can soak up Belgravia’s unique charm and take in the stunning Christmas lights, while enjoying the delicious food and drink on offer and browsing some of the stalls that line the street.

The three-wise-men will also be paying a visit, bringing real camels into the heart of London’s best loved village! Joining them will be Father Christmas and a host of ‘Christmas helpers’ and carol singers who will entertain throughout the day. A festival of twinkling lights, Christmas cheer and only 10 minutes walk from Victoria (national rail & tube) Knightsbridge and Sloane Square (tube); Belgravia Christmas Sunday is one of London’s most authentic festive events.

Meanwhile, Motcomb Street will kick off the Christmas season with the inaugural Motcomb Street Christmas Lights Switch On on Thursday 1 December from 6-8.30pm. With entertainment from the Household Cavalry Quintet, the IDMC Gospel Choir, jazz bands and more, this charming cobbled street will come alive with Christmas cheer.

Launching for the very first time this year will be the Mayfair & Belgravia Christmas Inspiration website. By visiting www.grosvenorlondon.com keen shoppers can browse a selection of festive gifts on offer throughout the estate, creating their very own unique ‘Wishlist’. From glamorous to gourmet; stocking filler to budget blow out, this online gift guide has inspiration for everyone – and maps to plan the perfect shopping trip!