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A Wizard Day Out at the National Railway Museum, February 2012

Sunday, February 12th, 2012 by RichFox
Harry Potter's Favourite Railway

Harry Potter's Favourite Railway

Dark, cold and snowy February days require inspiring events to capture the imagination, and the National Railway Museum’s Wizard Week does just that.

We came to York for the day and headed straight for the museum amidst a legion of kids dressed as wizards and sorcerers ranging from Harry Potter to Hermione Granger and Merlin. Upon arrival at the Great Hall, we were invited to create a Wizard ID Card complete with our wizard name, magical skills, thumb print and drawing of ourselves, and we proudly sported our ID Cards around our necks for the rest of the day.

Creating Wizard ID Badges at the start of our wizard day out

Creating Wizard ID Badges at the start of our wizard day out

The NRM’s Wizard Week flyer promised a fun-packed day, and we were spoilt for choice as we wandered amongst the Great Hall’s superb collection of locomotives including the magnificent Art Deco streamlined Duchess of Hamilton, the Mallard and the enormous Chinese government steam locomotive.

The Mallard and the Duchess of Hamilton sit side by side at the NRM

The Mallard and the Duchess of Hamilton sit side by side at the NRM

We’d heard rumours a talking dragon had been spotted at the museum, so we raced off to track him down. Derek (as he’s known) was in the Station Hall holding court with kids and adults alike, entertaining them with his sharp Scottish wit. Having spent the last couple of years living at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Derek has flown south to York for the duration of Wizard Week.

Derek regales his audience with tales of dragonlords

Derek regales his audience with tales of dragonlords

At the other end of Station Hall, a crowd were gathered around a marvellous collection of owls, including a snowy owl, European eagle owl, great grey owl and a lovely spectacled owl, wonderful birds with a magical aura enhanced recently by the Potter books and films.

The Falconry Centre near Thirsk presented a collection of owls

The Falconry Centre near Thirsk presented a wonderful collection of owls

As lunchtime approached, we spotted a couple of life-sized wizards heading for the restaurant on the platform and, keeping a low profile, we followed them and watched them select healthy drinks and tasty-looking hot roast pork and stuffing sandwiches. We did likewise, and took our seats amongst the trains in the themed restaurant, counting a dozen or so Gryffindor scarfs around young wizards’ necks on neighbouring tables.

A couple of passing wizards pause for lunch

A couple of passing wizards pause for lunch

Refreshed and raring to go, we raced back to the Great Hall for an explosive trip on a flying carpet in the museum’s year-round attraction – the simulator. Whisked back in time to 5th century Arabia, we were thrown around on an exciting tour of dungeons and labyrinths, and having acquired a taste for flying, we then dashed off to one of the most popular highlights of Wizard Week, the broomstick flying area, where the kids grabbed a broom each and posed in front of a green screen, wind in their hair, flying their brooms over the Hogwarts Express thanks to some trick photography.

Broomstick flying lessons at the National Railway Museum

Broomstick flying lessons at the National Railway Museum

No sooner had we come back down to earth, when we heard there was a wizard duel taking place back in Station Hall. We arrived just in time to witness a good wizard and an evil wizard fighting over a mystical sword, the good wizard resembling a famous headteacher and claiming to be his cousin…

The Good Wizard entertains the crowd before the Bad Wizard shows up

The Good Wizard entertains the crowd before the Bad Wizard shows up

The wizards performed a magical face off much to the delight of the large audience of kids and adults, but we’ll keep the outcome a secret – you’ll have to head down to Wizard Week yourselves to find out if good prevails.

To round off our day, we ventured outside into the snow just in time to see the Hogwarts Express pulling into the South Yard. We jumped aboard and sat in the very carriage in which Harry met Ron and Hermione at the start of their adventures, and enjoyed a short steam-ride with mercifully no dementors in sight.

A ride on the Hogwarts Express rounded off a terrific day

A ride on the Hogwarts Express rounded off a terrific day

And so an action-packed day drew to a close, and we’d not even had chance to see the magic tricks and balloon modelling of the Magic Hatter, or any of the interactive science shows or talks on offer throughout the day, but we did spot our favourite wizards of the day in the Station Hall and hope that these two have a chance of winning the best-dressed wizard competition:

Best dressed wizards of the day

Best dressed wizards of the day

The National Railway Museum’s Wizard Week runs throughout half-term until 19 February, is free to enter and is well worth a visit – we had a fabulous day and if you can get round everything on show in a day, you’ll have done better than us!

If you’re heading to York for Wizard Week 2012, check out the York hotels and York B&Bs on Hello Yorkshire.

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14 Jul: Picnic in the Park 2012

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 by RichFox
Picnic in the Park - picture courtesy of Thirsk Picnic in the Park

Picnic in the Park - picture courtesy of Thirsk Picnic in the Park

Thirsk’s Picnic in the Park is fast becoming one of the must-see events of the year, and this year’s line up is likely to prove very popular indeed.

Counterfeit Bee Gees, picture courtesy of Thirsk Picnic in the Park

Counterfeit Bee Gees, picture courtesy of Thirsk Picnic in the Park

The Counterfeit Bee Gees will be headlining, complete with state-of-the-art stage lighting and sound and playing everybody’s favourite Bee Gees hits from the last 4 decades. Dominic Halpin & The Honey Bs swinging show band will be supporting and the terrific summer’s evening entertainment will be spectacularly rounded off with a firework finale.

Dominic Halpin & the Honey Bs - picture courtesy of Thirsk Picnic in the Park

Dominic Halpin & the Honey Bs - picture courtesy of Thirsk Picnic in the Park

This year’s event will be the 7th Picnic in the Park and will take place on Saturday, 14 July in the extensive grounds of Thirsk Hall in aid of the charity Action Medical Research.

Tickets go on sale on 1 March and if you buy before 31 April you’ll get “early bird” tickets – £16 for adults (full price £20) and £8 for ages 12-16 (full price £12), under 12s are free (accompanied by an adult).

Tickets can be purchased by calling one of the following numbers:

Thirsk Tourist Information on 01845 522755

The Zillah Bell Gallery on 01845 522479

CB Furnishings at Castlegate, Thirsk on 01845 525575

CB Furnishings at Standard Way Industrial Estate, Northallerton on 01609 772916

or over the counter at Calverts Rug Shop, Thirsk (cash or credit cards welcomed), 01845 521644

There will be food available to buy at the event, or you can bring your own picnic. If you would like to bring your own gazebo, please call Sue Calvert on 07971 177050 to book your pitch.

Further information can be found on the Thirsk Picnic in the Park website, and you can book a Thirsk B&B or Thirsk hotel for the night on Hello Yorkshire.

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11-19 Feb: Wizard Week 2012 at the National Railway Museum in York

Friday, January 20th, 2012 by RichFox
Olton Hall, better known to many as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films, will form part of the event - picture courtesy of NRM
Olton Hall, better known to many as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films, will form part of the event – picture courtesy of NRM

WIZARDRY AND HOCUS POCUS AT THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM IN YORK

It’s time to dig out your broomsticks and dust down that old pointy hat and head down to the National Railway Museum in February for their enchanting family event – Wizard Week.

And with a special prize on offer for the Best Dressed Wizard or Witch, it’s anticipated that kids and big kids from miles around will be turning up in marvellous costumes to give the event a really magical feel (the prize includes a lesson in magic from The Magic Hatter (a real life wizard) and an Owl Experience at Falconry UK). You can uploaded pictures of yourselves dressed as witches or wizards whilst at the event to the NRM’s Facebook page here.

One of the stars of the show will be the steam engine from the Harry Potter films – Olton Hall (or the Hogwarts Express, pictured above), whilst you will also have the chance to fly a broomstick (using green screen technology), meet a talking dragon (called Derek!), watch owl displays and daily wizards duels. Magical science demonstrations will also be on show, presented by the resident wizards and witches at the museum.

Hello Yorkshire will be at the event on Saturday, 11 February and will be posting a blog with pictures during the weekend, so please check back soon to find out how we get on with Derek the Dragon and on our broomsticks…

In the meantime, if you’re planning to go to York for the event and need somewhere to stay, check out some York hotels and York B&Bs on Hello Yorkshire.

Entry to the National Railway Museum in York is free, as are most of the events during Wizard Week although the broomstick flying and craft activities will have a small charge. For more information, please see NRM’s website here.

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11 Feb: Coastival’s Rather Splendid Day Out

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 by RichFox
Slung Low, picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Tony Bartholomew

Slung Low, picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Tony Bartholomew

This year’s Coastival is positively brimming with top talent and splendid shows and promises to be an incredibly memorable day.

Check out the line up taking place in various venues throughout Scarborough:

  • Slung Low, the award-winning theatre company, who will be performing a brand new piece especially commissioned for Coastival (the performance will be the first of five parts which will be performed during a variety of festivals throughout North Yorkshire during 2012, so make sure you don’t miss out on the first instalment!)
Slung Low at The Spa, picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Tony Bartholomew

Slung Low at The Spa, picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Tony Bartholomew

  • If music’s your thing, dance ’til late with Craig Charles DJ Funk & Soul Club, the best current funk and soul club sounds and tracks from the roots of black music – also featuring the jazz grooves of Nick Pride & the Pimptones
Craig Charles, picture courtesy of Coastival

Craig Charles, picture courtesy of Coastival

  • Superb comedy shows in the Comedy Gala including Mundo Jazz and Abigail Collins

Abigail Collins - 'Peggy Sued' - picture courtesy of Coastival

Abigail Collins - 'Peggy Sued' - picture courtesy of Coastival

  • Fantastic music in the Acoustic Lounge
  • Productions from Beach Hut Theatre, Inspired by Charms Theatre and LR Theatre
Mundo Jazz, picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Andy Hollingworth

Mundo Jazz, picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Andy Hollingworth

  • Continuous screenings in the Spa Theatre throughout the day and evening of some of the best current international short films
The Pimptones - picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Andy Hollingworth

The Pimptones - picture courtesy of Coastival and copyright Andy Hollingworth

  • There’s plenty for kids to do too, including samba drumming (two sessions, for ages 3-6 and ages 7+)

And there’s lots more going on – check out Coastival’s website here for more information, and if you need a Scarborough B&B or Scarborough hotel for the night, check out Hello Yorkshire’s accommodation pages.

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Whitby shortlisted as one of 3 competing for 5 Live’s City of 2012

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 by RichFox
Vote for Whitby to be 5 Live's "City" of 2012

Vote for Whitby to be 5 Live's "City" of 2012

As the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the UK will be getting a new city as part of the celebrations.

26 towns are competing to become a city, including Doncaster, Goole and Middlesbrough, and the winner will be announced in the next few weeks (a full list of the towns competing can be found here).

BBC 5 Live has decided to run its own competition, stating that size doesn’t matter. Running independently from the Queen’s competition, 5 Live have invited listeners to nominate the villages and towns that matter to them, and they have drawn up a shortlist which is as follows:

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, City A

Bungay, Suffolk, City B

Whitby, North Yorkshire, City C

Naturally Hello Yorkshire is somewhat biased towards the wonderful seaside town of Whitby (CITY C), famed for being the inspiration for Dracula, for its links with Captain James Cook, Whitby jet and Easter Sunday, but you can vote for any of the shortlist by texting CITY A, CITY B or CITY C (Whitby!!) to 85058 from 6am on Tuesday 17 January 2012 to 8am on Friday 20 January 2012 (texts charged at standard message rates but  for a full list of terms and conditions, please see the BBC’s website here).

The winner will be announced on Friday, 20 January 2012 just before 9am and the Tony Livesey show will be presented from the victorious “city” to celebrate.

For further information about Whitby or for holiday accommodation, see here: Whitby tourist information, Whitby hotels, Whitby bed and breakfasts.

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23-29 Jan: European Figure Skating Championships come to Sheffield

Thursday, January 12th, 2012 by RichFox

GB skaters Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

GB skaters Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

Sheffield has a long association with ice skating – top quality steel blades have been made in the city for over 300 years. Even Queen Victoria ordered a pair for Prince Albert in 1849 from John Wilson Skates.

And in January 2012, the ISU European Figure Skating Championships will be staged in Sheffield at the 9,000 seater Motorpoint Arena.

Ice rink at the Motorpoint Arena - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

Ice rink at the Motorpoint Arena - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

Europe’s top skaters will be competing for the coveted European Champion title, including Evgeni Plushenko, the 3-times World Champion, 6-times European Champion and 2006 Olympic Champion, the French skaters Florent Amodio (last year’s Champion) and Brian Joubert (3-times European Champion), Artur Gachinski and Javier Fernandez in the Men’s Championships, whilst 3-times winner Carolina Kostner, Alena Leonova, Kiira Korpi (last year’s bronze medalist) and Elena Gedevanishvili will be amongst those competing in the Ladies Championships.

The European Figure Skating Championships have a great pedigree, first taking place in 1891 in Hamburg. An annual event, the “Europeans” first appeared in the UK in 1933 in London, returning to London in 1939 and then Birmingham in 1989.

Jason Thompson - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

Jason Thompson - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

Previous gold medal winners of the men’s, women’s and ice dancing competitions include John Curry in 1976, Robin Cousins in 1980, Katarina Witt in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988 and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1994.

Jenna McCorkell - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

Jenna McCorkell - picture courtesy of National Ice Skating Association (UK)

This year, the British pair of Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland will be going for gold in the Ice Dancing competition, hoping to follow in Sinead and John Kerr’s footsteps who took bronze at last year’s championships in Bern, whilst Jason Thompson and Jenna McCorkell compete in the men’s and women’s competitions.

The 2012 European Figure Skating Championships will be the first to be held in Yorkshire, and will be a fantastic opportunity for spectators to see exhilarating performances by some of the world’s top skaters.

The championships take place from 23-29 January, and for more information and to book tickets, see the Sheffield 2012 official website here.

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5 Jan: Angels Descend on York in ITV’s Eternal Law

Thursday, January 5th, 2012 by RichFox
Left to right: Ukweli Roach as Tom, Sam West as Zak, Orla Brady as Mrs Sheringham, Hattie Morahan as Hannah and Tobias Menzies as Richard. Picture courtesy of ITV.

Left to right: Ukweli Roach as Tom, Sam West as Zak, Orla Brady as Mrs Sheringham, Hattie Morahan as Hannah and Tobias Menzies as Richard. Picture courtesy of ITV.

York is widely fêted as Britain’s most haunted town or city and its inhabitants over its 8,000+ year history seems to have had a penchant for the gory – from pillaging Vikings to Roman Gladiators. Indeed, one of the city’s top attractions is the “steeped-in-blood” York Dungeon.

Tom, Zak and Mrs Sheringham stroll down Low Petergate in York, picture courtesy of ITV

Tom, Zak and Mrs Sheringham stroll down Low Petergate in York, picture courtesy of ITV

So perhaps it’s long overdue that York can now make claim to angels. Not just any angels mind, these are ones which feature in a brand new ITV drama from the writers of Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. This heavenly new programme is called Eternal Law and starts at 9pm on ITV1 on 5 January 2012, starring Samuel West, Ukweli Roach, Hattie Morahan, Tobias Menzies and Orla Brady.

Tom and Zak on the roof of York Minster, picture courtesy of ITV

Tom and Zak on the roof of York Minster, picture courtesy of ITV

The two main characters – Tom and Zak – are lawyers, but not your run-of-the-mill city lawyers – these guys are angels who have been sent to earth to help humans in their everyday lives.

The series promises to be a witty, vibrant and original drama, and York provides the stunning backdrop with its magnificent Gothic cathedral proving to be the perfect setting for the angel storyline.

Richard outside the Mansion House, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Richard outside the Mansion House, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Already a favourite tourist destination (and voted the most beautiful British city and the place most Brits would like to live in a 2011 survey), York is likely to see a further increase in visitors over the coming months as its picturesque locations enjoy superb coverage on film including Stonegate, St William’s College, Bettys Café Tea Rooms and Petergate.

Mrs Sheringham in St Helen's Square, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Mrs Sheringham in St Helen's Square, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Other Yorkshire locations used throughout Eternal Law’s first series of filming include Leeds, Selby, Wakefield, Richmondshire and Kirklees.

Whether you’re looking for angelic lawyers or just keen to visit one of Britain’s best-loved cities, check out the York hotels or York B&Bs on Hello Yorkshire.

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17-20 Dec: Father Christmas on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Friday, December 16th, 2011 by RichFox
Santa Special on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - photo courtesy of the NYMR

Santa Special on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - photo courtesy of the NYMR

Guess who’s coming to town? For an extra special trip to see Santa, why not enjoy a trip back in time on a fabulous steam train to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s popular Santa Special will depart from Grosmont and Pickering stations between 17-20 December. Ticket prices are £13.50 (adult and child fares) and you will experience a wonderful steam journey through the North York Moors National Park, meet Father Christmas and enjoy a mince pie and hot drink (or a festive tipple for adults). Kids will also receive a quality gift from Santa.

In addition, during this period, Christopher Vine, the popular children’s author, will be signing his books about trains at Pickering Station’s shop – they are a perfect stocking filler for young train lovers and can be purchased in the NYMR station shops starting from just £2.99.

Please book tickets in advance (01751 472508 or www.nymr.co.uk), timetable below:

Pickering

Saturday 17 December to Sunday 18 December

Departs:

09:45

11:20

14:40

15:15

Monday 19 December to Tuesday 20 December

Departs:

11:20

13:40

15:15

Grosmont

Saturday 17 December to Tuesday 20 December

Departs:

11:30

13:45

15:30

And if you need last-minute accommodation this Christmas, try the Pickering B&Bs or Pickering guest houses on Hello Yorkshire.

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From 25 Nov: Northern Art Prize 2011

Thursday, November 24th, 2011 by RichFox
Northern Art Prize 2011 - image courtesy of the Northern Art Prize

Northern Art Prize 2011 - image courtesy of the Northern Art Prize

If you’re looking for bright, fresh talent (or if you’re a Northern-based artist keen to enter an up-and-coming prize), check out the Northern Art Prize, and their new exhibition which starts tomorrow at Leeds Art Gallery.

The annual prize is now in its 5th year and celebrates the tremendous diversity of artists working in the North of England. Welcoming entrants who work in any media, and from all age groups and nationalities, the Northern Art Prize was set up in 2007 by Leeds City Council, Arup and Logistik with the aim of encouraging future talent and helping to make art accessible to all.

Four artists have been short-listed for this year’s prize. They are:

Liadin Cooke – using watercolours and sculpture, Cooke’s thoughtful work takes subjects apart before reforming them in her highly distinctive style

Leo Fitzmaurice – a sculptor and creator of humorous installations, Fitzmaurice utilises everyday objects from an unusual standpoint

James Hugonin – a painter of highly detailed work, Hugonin uses thousands of colours within a complex grid to create highly absorbing paintings

Richard Rigg – through sculpture, Rigg alters the state of everyday objects to challenge the viewer’s perspective (including a piano with every key tuned to middle C)

The winner will receive £16500, whilst the runners up will each be awarded £1500 – the announcement of which artist has won this year’s prize will be made on 19 January 2012.

In the meantime, head down to Leeds Art Gallery from 25 November to 19 February 2012 to pick out your favourite and experience the rich artistic talent of our area.

And if you need accommodation in Leeds during the exhibition, check out the Leeds hotels on Hello Yorkshire.

 

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25-27 Nov: The Little Festival of Everything

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 by RichFox

 

Little Festival at The Fauconberg Arms in Coxwold

UPDATE 25 NOVEMBER: Starts tonight – big party atmosphere followed by a weekend of great entertainment – come and check us out!

There’s a lot going on in Coxwold, North Yorkshire this weekend – a brand new festival packing in around 100 music, theatre, poetry and dance events into just three days at the Fauconberg Arms pub in Coxwold.

And the best thing is – it’s free!

It’s likely to be a whole lot of fun whether you’re on your own, with your partner, or part of a large family – there will be plenty of surprises, and things which will excite you, challenge you and move you – the organisers promise things for those of us who are adventurous, or daring, or inquisitive, or quiet.

The event is a collaboration between the Fauconberg Arms and the Flanagan Collective,  and it’s being billed as much, much more than a rural festival, more like in fact one of the best arts parties of the year as many talented artists from all over the UK will be there performing, trying out ideas and having fun.

The whole event will be streamed live so the world can watch too.

The pub will be putting on a special menu for the event, and the whole thing will be very flexible – no set meal times and no limitations on where you can take your drinks.

The organisers are keen for people to come along and enjoy themselves, and have therefore strived to make things as easy as possible – that’s why all events are FREE, to ensure people come back again and again throughout the weekend should they wish. It’s a fabulous opportunity to enjoy all manner of different work from renowned artists who perform all over the UK including at the Edinburgh Festival. Here they will be testing out work, and engaging with visitors and the audience – there will be great conversations, chatter, fabulous food and drink.

If you’d like more information, check out the Little Fest website here. You’ll note that some events will be ticketed (though still free), whilst others you can just turn up – for those that are ticketed, please contact the organisers on 01347 868 214 to book your free place.

The organisers are planning more events for next year, and hoping the Little Festival of Everything will become a much-loved annual event.

 

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Posted in Easingwold, Gigs, Concerts & Festivals, North Yorkshire Events, North Yorkshire Moors Events, Thirsk Events, York Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

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