Best Venue

Red Arrows to top off London’s Olympic Handover celebrations

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:16:00 GMT

The skies over Buckingham Palace will be turned red, white and blue this Sunday as the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows perform a spectacular fly by as part of the UK-wide celebrations to mark the special handover moment when London becomes the official Summer Olympic Games Host City.

A crowd of 40,000 who are expected to gather in the Mall for the Visa London 2012 Party as well as millions more watching at home live on BBC1 or via the network of giant screens across the country will witness the unmistakable formation of the nine Red Arrow Hawk jets as they entertain crowds 1500ft above the ground racing as fast as 800 mph across the capital.

The Visa London 2012 Party hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Matt Baker will include performances by multi-million album selling artists including The Feeling, Il Divo, Katherine Jenkins, McFly, Will Young, James Morrison, Scouting for Girls, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Heather Small, and the cast of We Will Rock You. Olympians including Dame Mary Peters, Roger Black, Sally Gunnell, Jason Gardener, and Sharron Davies will also be in attendance.

This is not the first time the Red Arrows have been involved in celebrations around the Olympic Games; they also staged a fly past over Trafalgar Square when London won the Olympic bid in 2005. The acrobatic display team, the public face of the Royal Air Force, is renowned across the world for its spectacular displays. Since forming they have visited 53 countries and taken part in 4,000 shows.

Olympics Minister, Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP commented: 'I am absolutely delighted that the Red Arrows will be part of the UK-wide celebrations to mark the moment when London becomes the official Summer Olympic Host City. It will be a truly historic moment and a fly past by the Red Arrows will round off what we hope will be a fantastic day on the Mall and an exciting weekend of celebrations across the whole country. We have always hoped that the Red Arrows will play a part in the London 2012 celebrations and what better way to start our four year journey to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games than with one of their unique air displays.'

London 2012 Chair Sebastian Coe commented: 'In the same way the Red Arrows captured the mood of the nation when London won the Olympic bid on 6th July 2005, when they flew over Travalgar Square, I have no doubt they will do so once again on August 24th, a remarkable day in the UK’s history. It is about marking a moment in time, a moment when the eyes of the world will turn towards London when the Beijing Olympic Games close and the focus turns to the next Olympic Games Summer Host City. I hope the atmosphere on the Mall and across the entire UK will be electric – it is a very proud moment for us. We want people to be inspired and enthused by this unique occasion, and to share in the magic of the Games coming to London 2012.'
.
Red 1, Wing Commander Jas Hawker, commented: 'As the Commanding Officer of the Red Arrows I am extremely proud that the Team has been given the opportunity to fly over London as part of the Olympic Games Handover Ceremony.

'The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will truly be a memorable event for everybody in this country, showcasing the UK to millions of people all over the world. The Red Arrows represent both the excellence of the Royal Air Force and the best of British. It's a great honour to be involved and something that both myself and my fellow team members feel absolutely privileged to play a part in.'

Featuring unique collaborations and specially-arranged performances, some with a sporting theme, the show from the Mall will link up with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Closing Ceremony at which London Mayor Boris Johnson will be symbolically handed the Olympic Games flag, officially marking the start of London’s tenure as Summer Olympic Host City in front of a worldwide audience estimated to be around 1.5 billion.

The show is for ticket holders only and all the tickets have already been allocated. People all across the country will be able to watch the spectacular show via the UK’s largest-ever network of public giant screens, known as ‘Live Sreens’*. These sites will become the hub of activity for communities centred around the Handover moment – be it sport, music or dance and will include a mass sing-a-long as part of the 'Sing The Nation' programme.
The Beijing Games will be the first ever 24/7 Games. BBC Television will broadcast more than 2,750 hours of coverage, giving viewers access to live coverage, the latest news updates regardless of the time of day and where they are, through the BBC's extensive TV, radio, online, mobile and BBC iPlayer services.

Red Arrows

The Red Arrows promote the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force, assist in recruiting into the Royal Air Force, contribute to Defence Diplomacy, and support wider British interests through the promotion of British industry overseas.
Commanded by Wing Commander Jas Hawker, the Red Arrows consists of over 100 officers and airmen drawn from throughout the Royal Air Force. Officially formed on 1 March 1965, the Red Arrows are based at Royal Air Force Scampton in Lincolnshire.

All nine Red Arrows display pilots are fast jet pilots from front-line Royal Air Force squadrons. In 2008, the Team has pilots from all four front-line fast jet types; Jaguar GR3, Tornado GR4, Tornado F3 and Harrier GR9. To apply for selection to the Red Arrows, pilots must have amassed a minimum of 1,500 flying hours, one front-line tour and be assessed as above average in role.

Reds 1 to 5 form the front section known as ‘Enid’, and Reds 6 to 9 are known as ‘Gypo’. The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, perform the highly popular, dynamic manoeuvres during the second half of the display sequence. There is one other qualified Hawk pilot: Red 10, who flies a tenth Hawk aircraft to display venues ready for use in case one of the other nine becomes unserviceable. Red 10’s two primary roles on the ground at every display are acting as the Team’s Safety Officer, maintaining two-way radio contact with the Team Leader throughout the display and as Team Commentator.

Typically, more than 300 requests for Red Arrows’ displays are received annually but only about 75 can ever be fitted into the programme. The Team also complete many flypasts each year as they transit from display to display

London 2012 has always been keen to use the Red Arrows in their celebrations going forward, as they did when they won the bid on 6th July 2005.

The Beach Nightclub

charlotte — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:29:00 GMT

The Beach Nightclub in Newquay Cornwall

The Club in the Centre of Town
Open Every night in the summer season
Fully licensed until 3am

Featuring:

Ladies Nights
Foam Parties
Student Nights
Promotions
Beach Parties

Top DJ’s every night - the Beach is THE place to Party

We love to Party - Everybody does!

The Incredible Hulk Trailer 2008

charlotte — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:19:00 GMT

Title: The Incredible Hulk
Director: Louis Leterrier
Producer: Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd, Kevin Feige
Scenario: Zak Penn
Studio: Universal Pictures
Actor: Edward Norton as Hulk

It looks much better than the last Hulk you may have seen at the cinema. Edward Norton as the Hulk (Bruce Banner) is much more credible!

Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt, The Incredible Hulk kicks off an all-new, explosive and action-packed epic of one of the most popular superheroes of all time. In this new beginning, scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) desperately hunts for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him: The Hulk.

BBC Proms in the Park - 13th September 2008

charlotte — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:14:00 GMT

Key Lime Pie

charlotte — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:03:00 GMT

Emma Crowhurst Recipe

Preparation time 1-2 hours

Cooking time less than 10 mins

Ingredients:
375g/12oz plain or sweetmeal digestive biscuits, crushed
150g/5oz unsalted butter
grated zest and juice of 8 large limes
570ml/1 pint double cream
1 x 397g/14oz can sweetened condensed milk

To Decorate:
crystalized lime zest

Method:
1. Melt the butter in a small pan and stir in the crushed biscuits. Lightly press into the base of a 23cm/9in deep loosed-bottomed fluted flan tin. Chill whilst preparing the filling.
2. To prepare the filling: place the lime juice into a large bowl, add the cream and condensed milk. Whisk for 1-2 minutes. Add the lime zest and lightly stir. Pour into the prepared biscuit base. Place onto a tray and chill for 1-2 hours.
3. Decorate with crystalized lime zest and serve.

Tip:
To make the crystalized lime zest: wash and dry 2 whole limes and peel with a swivel vegetable peeler. Using a sharp knife cut the peel into thin matchstick-sized strips. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and refresh in cold water. Place 50g/2oz caster or granulated sugar into a small pan with enough boiling water to cover. Bring to the boil and heat until it reaches the hard crack stage at 180C/350F. Add the lime zest and remove from the heat. Stir well and pour into a metal sieve over a bowl. As the sugar cools separate the lime zest with a fork and allow to cool completely. When cool remove the lime zest from the sieve and rub off the excess hard sugar. Use as required in the key lime pie recipe.

Susy Atkins, Wine Editor of Delicious Magazine at the London Wine Show

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:50:00 GMT

This lively author and broadcaster is well known for her ability to communicate a traditional subject in a digestible, modern manner. Weekly wine columnist for the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine, wine editor of Delicious magazine and a regular on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen, Susy was awarded the prestigious Communicator of the Year award in 2004 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition. The Cambridge graduate started her career as a journalist at WINE Magazine and discovered more about...(read more)

Enrique Iglesias - Can You Hear Me

charlotte — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:44:00 GMT

Can You Hear Me Official Video (UEFA Euro 2008 Soccer Song). In the revised version of "Insomniac"

Miley Cyrus - Fly On The Wall

charlotte — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:29:00 GMT

Official Full Disney Channel Games Performance.

Miiley at the DC games, the entire performance including the 2nd Verse.

American Baked Cheesecake

charlotte — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:58:00 GMT

Ingredients:
25cm/10in sponge (cut from a large bought flan case)
200g/7oz caster sugar
finely grated zest of 3 lemons
4 tbsp cornflour
3 tbsp sultanas, soaked in a bit of bourbon
845g/29¾oz full fat soft cream cheese
3 medium eggs
7.5ml/1½ tsp vanilla essence
1 vanilla pod
Jack Daniels to taste or bourbon (optional)
375ml/12½fl oz double or single cream

To serve:
10 small bananas
25g/1oz butter
2 tbsp sugar
caramel sauce or maple syrup
sprig of mint or basil

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Butter a 25cm/10in loose-bottomed cake tin.
2. Cut the sponge horizontally into 2 discs. Use one to line a buttered cake tin.
3. In a bowl mix together the sugar, lemon zest, cornflour and sultanas using a wooden spoon, then beat in the cream cheese. Add the eggs one by one, also add the vanilla essence, beating constantly until all the eggs are well incorporated.
4. Slice open the vanilla pod, remove the seeds with a sharp knife and place the seeds into the cream mixture, add a splash of bourbon (about 4 tbsp), if using, and mix everything together well. Add the cream and beat well until the mixture is smooth. Pour gently over the sponge base in the cake tin.
5. Sit the tin in a baking tray filled with 2-3mm of warm water to help create steam during cooking. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes until the top is golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool and set completely before removing from the tin.
6. Just before serving, peel the bananas and pan fry in the butter and sugar until brown and slightly caramelised.
7. Serve, cut into wedges, with the bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup.

by James Martin

Preparation time less than 30 mins

Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour

Creamfields - 10th Anniversary

charlotte — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:33:00 GMT

The festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary at its new home in the heart of Cheshire, where, for the first time ever, there will be camping!

Creamfields has established itself as the crown jewel of dance festivals and continues to be in the Top 5 festivals in the UK alongside the likes of Glastonbury, V and Reading. Beginning life in Winchester in 1998, and the following year relocating to Liverpool, 2006 saw the festival move its new home amongst the rolling hills and meadows of Daresbury in Halton (25 mins from Liverpool).

Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2008

MAIN STAGE (Sat)
Fatboy Slim
Pendulum
Gossip
Simian Mobile Disco
The Presets

MAIN STAGE (Sun)
Kasabian
Soulwax
Chic Feat. Nile Rodgers
Hercules And Love Affair
Kissy Sell Out (Live)
Yacht

Gramaphone - Bar, Restaurant, Lounge & Live music venue

charlotte — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:41:00 GMT

The Gramaphone bar restaurant and music venue opened in November 2005. Designed and founded by the makers of the highly regarded East London venue and bar the Rhythm Factory, the Gramaphone is a new contender in London’s live music and club scene.

Its prime location makes it an ideal venue for attracting city workers, Spitalfield’s and Brick Lane market goers creating a welcoming and diverse atmosphere.

The Gramaphone is a 2-floor venue, the upstairs is simple and elegant to accentuate the handsome brickwork arches, the striking bar made of reclaimed printing blocks and an exhibition space that is available to up and coming artists. The downstairs floor is decorated with sumptuous colours which, together with the arches that continue from the floor above, create a more intimate feel.

The late license allows the bar to convert into a cocktail lounge whilst the dance floor downstairs begins to warm up. An extensive cocktail and wine list and a full range of beers and spirits are guaranteed to keep your taste buds wanting more!

The lower floor comprises two small stages, one designed to feature 4 or 5 piece live bands, and the other a DJ stage. There is also a second bar, a cloakroom, and raised seating areas on this floor. The venue has two high quality sound systems complete with state of the art DJ mixers, vinyl, and premium live music equipment.

Address: Gramaphone, 60-62 Commercial Street, E1 6LT,
Tel: 0207 3775332

New artists and hosts confirmed for Olympic Handover Celebrations, Visa Party

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:18:00 GMT

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Heather Small and the cast of 'We Will Rock You' have been announced by London 2012 as the final line-up joining the performers at the Visa London 2012 Party on The Mall on Sunday 24 August, as part of the UK-wide Olympic Handover Celebrations.

Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Matt Baker, Olympians including Dame Mary Peters, Roger Black, Sally Gunnell, Jason Gardener, and Sharron Davies will also attend to help mark the moment when London becomes the official Summer Olympic City.

On 24 August 40,000 people will gather in The Mall to watch performances from multi-million-selling artists including The Feeling, Il Divo, Katherine Jenkins, McFly, Will Young, James Morrison, Scouting for Girls, and now by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Heather Small, and the cast of We Will Rock You.

Featuring unique collaborations and specially arranged performances, some with a sporting theme, the show from the Mall will link up with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Closing Ceremony at which London Mayor Boris Johnson will be symbolically handed the Olympic flag, officially marking the start of London’s tenure as Summer Host City in front of a worldwide audience estimated to be around 1.5 billion.

Tickets have already been allocated via a ballot, which was oversubscribed, but the public will be able to watch the performances via the UK’s largest-ever network of public giant screens, known as ‘Live Sites’. The event will also be broadcast live to the rest of the nation on BBC One and BBC Radio 2.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chairman Sebastian Coe said: 'At approximately 2.30pm UK time, on the afternoon of 24 August the Olympic Flag will pass from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London in the Olympic Stadium in Beijing and the eyes of the world will turn to us. This will be a thrilling moment.'

Colin Grannell, Executive Vice-President, Partnership Marketing at Visa Europe, said: 'As a global supporter of the Olympic Games for more than two decades we at Visa are proud to sponsor an historic and memorable event for people to celebrate the return of the Games to London after sixty years.'

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: 'It is such an honour to be performing at this event. This is such a big occasion and I am very excited about the Paralympic Olympic Games and Summer Olympic Games coming to London.'

Heather Small said: 'Helping to mark the moment when London becomes the official host city for the next Summer Olympic Games is very exciting, and I'm delighted to be a part of it.'

Sally Gunnell said: 'To see the Olympic Games come to London is a childhood dream, and I am very excited about the Olympic Handover Celebrations happening in The Mall.'

Jason Gardener said: 'I think the celebrations on Sunday 24 August will be fantastic, and a great way to announce to the world that London is hosting the next Summer Olympic Games.'

The Beijing Games will be the first ever 24/7 Olympic Games. BBC Television will broadcast more than 2,750 hours of coverage, giving viewers access to live coverage, the latest news updates regardless of the time of day and where they are, through the BBC's extensive TV, radio, online, mobile and BBC iPlayer services.

Screen breakdown

Live site permanent screens are located in Manchester, Rotherham, Bradford, Derby, Swindon, Liverpool, Birmingham, Hull, Leeds, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Norwich, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, Cumbria and Waltham Forest. This project is a unique collaboration between LOCOG, its partners in the project the Olympic Lottery Distributor, Lloyds TSB, BT, the cities and the BBC. Live site screens will be used during the Games and for Handover.

Additional screens will be erected for the 2008 Games in Canary Wharf (London) and Leicester.

Further screens will also be operating for the handover day in Belfast, Glasgow, Notting Hill, Weymouth, Hackney, Greenwich, Coventry, Kettering, Southend-on-Sea, Herne Bay, Tower Hamlets and Great Yarmouth and other areas funded by local authorities and organisations.

Sing the Nation

A festival to unite the UK in song this August: all kinds of people singing all kinds of music in all kinds of places. There will be singing in museums, libraries, parks abbeys and city centres. All events are participatory. Museum events range from Songs of London at the Museum of London to Sing Yorkshire in Rotherham.

Sing the Nation culminates on August 24th’Olympic Handover ceremonies when regions across the UK will hold mass city sings led by community choirs. From Glasgow to Cardiff, people across the UK will lift their voices. The result is expected to be the UK’s biggest singalong.

Each city will sing one regional song which connects to that location: Danny Boy in Ulster…I do like to be beside the seaside in Blackpool; Derby Ram in Derby…. Delila in Swansea… Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner in Walthamstow and Greenwich.

Cities taking part in the City sings include: Middlesbrough; Glasgow; Portsmouth; Manchester; Norwich; Hull; Bradford; Coventry; Derby; Birmingham; Swansea; London; Leicester; Blackpool.

Sing the Nation is delivered by Sing London, a not for profit company who delivered Sing London in 2007. Sing the Nation is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, LOCOG and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Olympic Handover Flag

414 Local Authorities throughout the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands will be flying the Olympic Handover Flags to celebrate the moment when London becomes the next Summer Olympic Host City, on Sunday 24th August.

Olympic Handover Flags will be flown at MOD/Service locations in: Royal Artillery Barracks Woolwich, Mitcham Road Barracks in Croydon, School of Physical Training in Aldershot and Colchester Garrison.

Olympic Handover Flags will be flown at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Overseas Missions in : Abuja, Addis Abba, Ankara, Astana Bangkok , Banjul ,Berlin , Beijing, Boston ,Brasilia, Brussels , Bridgetown Canberra, Cape Town, Chicago , Colombo, Dakar, Dar Es Salaam, Doha, Dushanbe, Gabarone, Havana, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kabul, Kingston, Kolkata, Latvia, Lisbon, Lima, Lilongwe, Luxembourg, Luanda, Lusaka, Madrid, Montserrat, Mexico City, Montevideo, Munich, Muscat Nairobi, New Delhi, New York, Panama City, Port Moresby Quito, Reykjavik, Rio, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, Stockholm, St Petersburg, Suva, Tokyo, Valleta, Vancouver, Victoria, Wellington, Yaounde, and Yerevan.

Olympic Handover Flags will be flown at the British Councils offices in: Bahrain, England, Ghana, India, Jordan, Japan, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan and Venezuela.

Sex and the City (2008) OFFICIAL TRAILER

charlotte — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:19:00 GMT

Sex and the City - The Movie. Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, Jennifer Hudson and Lynn Cohen.

Estelle - Pretty Please

charlotte — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:38:00 GMT

Estelle - Pretty Please (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) - PREMIERE - HQ

This is the new official music video for Estelle`s brand new song Pretty Please.

Another standout song from Estelle's new album 'Shine'. This motown-style song features Cee-Lo from Gnarls Barkley.

All the top Wine experts at the London Wine Show 2008

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:47:00 GMT

Robert Joseph Described as "one of the 50 people in the world who would be influencing wine drinking in the 21st century", Robert has proved to be an extremely influential figure within the wine world. He is co-founder of the International Wine Challenge, the world's biggest wine competition, has launched Wine Challenges in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Russia, India, Vietnam and Thailand and has chaired or judged at wine competitions worldwide. In 1983, he founded Wine International...(read more)

Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music

charlotte — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:17:00 GMT

Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music (HQ Live OT 2008)

Heroes parade for Beijing 2008 athletes

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:05:00 GMT

Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes will be welcomed home with a heroes parade on Thursday 16 October.

The parade was announced today by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, alongside the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association.

Further details will be announced in due course.

The Mayor said: 'Just over half way through the Beijing Games and Team GB has put in one of its best ever performances.

'In September our Paralympians will I hope return from Beijing having achieved similar success.

'So to reflect the excitment and pride of the country in our athletes’ superb victories we’ve set a date in the diary now when we can cheer all our heroes and honour their extraordinary feats at this summer's Games.'

The World's best Wine experts are at the London Wine Show October 2008

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:17:00 GMT

Tim Atkin One of Britain's leading wine writers and an internationally recognised expert on the subject, Tim is the wine correspondent of The Observer and Wine Editor at Large of OLN. He also writes for Wine & Spirit, Woman and Home, The World of Fine Wine, The Economist's Intelligent Life, Country House and Observer Food Monthly. He appears regularly as a presenter on BBC One's Saturday Kitchen. The winner of numerous industry awards, Tim has contributed to a number of books on wine...(read more)

London showcases Britain’s sporting credentials

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:28:00 GMT

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) hosted a reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in Beijing yesterday to launch the London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

The event was hosted by Sebastian Coe, Chair of London 2012, British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan, VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright and Olympics Minister Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP and was attended by representatives from over 100 National Olympic Committees from all over the world, as well as representatives from more than half of the International Sports Federations.

The Pre-Games Training Camp Guide contains over 600 sporting venues and facilities throughout the UK which met the standards required to host teams and athletes in the run up to the Games in 2012. Published online, the Guide outlines different venues from all over the country which are suitable training bases for each of the 26 Olympic sports in 2012 as teams prepare for the Games. Developed by LOCOG and VisitBritain, the website showcases the quality and variety of sport facilities in the UK capable of hosting elite athletes. National Olympic Committees choosing to base their athletes at one of these training camps will receive a financial award of up to £25,000 from LOCOG to assist with expenses.

London 2012 Chair Sebastian Coe said: 'We said that we wanted the London Games to be for athletes, and the facilities listed in this Guide will really help overseas athletes prepare well. It also provides a great opportunity for towns throughout the UK to get involved in our plans.

'The process we have been through shows a great spread of high quality facilities throughout the UK that can be used by elite level athletes. The new website will continue to be an asset to keep an up-to-date log of the elite facilities we have across the UK.'

Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, said: 'This was the UK united in its determination to make the most of the opportunities offered by hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is about non-stop action to make 2012 Games for all the UK - taking the initiative in selling the high-class sports facilities available right across the country to foreign teams and international sports federations.'

Simon Clegg, Chef de Mission of Team GB, said: 'The BOA is delighted to have worked in cooperation with VisitBritain and LOCOG to host our fellow NOCs at tonight's event - to mark the launch of the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide. Pre-Games preparation camps are a critical factor in the success of Team GB and the facilities available throughout the UK will greatly assist our fellow NOCs a they prepare for the London Games.'

VisitBritain chief executive, Tom Wright says: 'Britain is a sporting nation: potential visitors rank us 5th out of 38 countries for excelling at sport. Our reputation has been earned in part by the popularity of our world-renowned events and venues at destinations in every nation and region.

'The Beijing Olympic Games is a wonderful opportunity for us to assist the nations and regions of Britain in gaining an insight into what they can expect in 2012. It is a chance for them to showcase their locations to decision makers from the world’s Olympic and sporting organisations, presenting first-hand a flavour of the character and assets of their destinations and the excellence of their sporting facilities so that we can win more tourism business for Britain.'

The event was also attended by representatives from Northern Ireland, Wales and the nine of the English regions of the UK - East of England, East Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire and London, many of whom are part of a delegation led by VisitBritain to promote Britain to a global audience as host nation of the 2012 Games.

VisitBritain showed the assembled guests a new film that promotes Britain’s sporting heritage and will be used to inspire consumers worldwide online at www.visitbritain.com and by the travel trade and media at events, conferences and exhibitions, and in presentations and seminars. It aims to tap into the 41 per cent of potential visitors to Britain who would be very likely to watch a football match if they were to visit and the one in three who watch another sport like tennis, rugby or horseracing. It showcases an exciting and inspiring, modern, 21st century destination with a strong sporting heritage and culture and aims to inspire people to want to visit Britain and ‘be a part of it’.

Flying the flag for London 2012

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:47:00 GMT

On 24 August, more than 400 flags will be raised the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to mark the moment we become the next host of the Summer Games.

Flags will be raised at places including Local Government Buildings, Army Barracks, Whitehall Departments.

They will also fly at the points furthest north, south, east and west in the UK.

Outside the UK, the flag will be flown at overseas missions from Vancouver to Tokyo.

This activity will follow the moment when London Mayor Boris Johnson is symbolically handed the Olympic Flag, officially marking the start of London’s tenure as Summer Olympic Host City.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Sebastian Coe said: 'When the Mayor of London accepts the Olympic Flag on 24 August, the eyes of the world will turn to London and the UK as the next Summer Host City.

'It is a very important and exciting moment for us, and we want as many people as possible to join in the Handover celebrations. We are delighted that so many local authorities share our excitement and are proudly displaying the Handover Flag to mark this very special moment on our journey to 2012.'

Matt Skinner at The London Wine Show October 2008

admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:56:00 GMT

Aged 18, fresh out of school and with little more than surfing on his mind, Matt landed a job at his local wine shop in order to make ends meet. Little did he know that he'd soon discover an insatiable passion and fascination for wine that would eventually see him writing about it, teaching it - and a decade later – becoming an internationally recognised wine expert. Matt has both a refreshing take on the industry and a knack for making wine simple. His first book Thirsty Work sold into a staggering...(read more)

Meet the world's leading wine experts at the London Wine Show 2008

admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:39:00 GMT

23th - 26th October 2008 at the Business Design Centre , London N1 Oz Clarke Oz Clarke's phenomenal wine career began when he captained the wine-tasting team for Oxford University. The colourful character has since gone on to become one of the most familiar and highly esteemed celebrity figures of the wine world. He has been the wine correspondent of The Daily Telegraph and written numerous books and guides on the subject, all received to notable critical acclaim and award. In addition to his...(read more)

Lanson at The Wine Show 2008!

admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:33:00 GMT

Corks will be popping and bubbles overflowing at this year’s luxurious champagne bar, kindly provided by Champagne Lanson. Fancy some sparkle? Come and join the party at this vibrant show feature. Centuries in the dedicated pursuit of perfection have established the House of Lanson as one of the premier champagne makers. Established back in 1760, it was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1860 by Queen Victoria. Today, the marriage of a contemporary dynamism with age-old tradition brings pleasure to millions...(read more)

The Rhône Zone - The London Wine Show 2008

admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:13:00 GMT

Head buzzing with newfound wine expertise and advice? Why not put your feet up with a glass of wine or challenge your friends to an interactive Wii competition in The Rhône Zone chill-out area with great prizes to be won and a free gift for every player! A case of Rhône wine will be up for grabs every day of the show, with all players being entered into a draw to win a weekend in the Rhône Valley. A selection of Côtes du Rhône wines will also be available for sampling so be sure to drop in! Kindly...(read more)

Benefits from London 2012 transport improvements will be felt two years ahead of the Games

admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:10:00 GMT

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has published a document which shows that residents and commuters will benefit from major London 2012 transport projects as early as 2010.

The plans are outlined in 'pace', the second in a series of progress reports on 2012 transport planning, which explains how the ODA is investing £500m in infrastructure to develop and deliver transport facilities that are needed before, during and beyond the 2012 Games.

The ODA’s investment will leave the UK and London with a range of new transport assets, including new trains, platforms, lifts and bigger stations for commuters. There will also be wider benefits, such new transport hubs for deprived areas of London, an increase in the number of people using a wider range of public transport and encouraging more active lifestyles by promoting walking and cycling.

Work that will be finished well before the Games includes includes:

trebling capacity and improving accessibility at Stratford Regional station, with work finished by the end of 2010;
a three-car instead of two-car train service on the DLR to boost on-board capacity by 50 per cent on the majority of the network by 2010;
completion of the new DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal in February next year; and
projects from the £10m to deliver new and improved walking and cycling routes.

The ODA’s investment will complement the extensive transport projects across London and the UK that are being taken forward by the ODA’s delivery partners. From the first phase of the Thameslink project and work to boost capacity on the Jubilee Line by 25 per cent, to improvements to the East London Line and a new western concourse at Kings Cross Station, this work will provide significant long-term benefits to commuters.

ODA Director of Transport Hugh Sumner said: 'The Games will be the catalyst for improved transport links, which are needed to support revitalised communities and future generations in London long after 2012. Stratford Regional Station, for example, currently has 37,000 daily commuters during the morning peak, and we predict that this will rise to 83,000 by 2016. Commuters will benefit from our capacity and accessibility enhancements to the station two years before the Games.

'Ranging from a new DLR station in Stratford to improved transport coordination across the UK, there is no doubt that the Games will deliver unprecedented transport improvements for London long after 2012.'

Peter Hendy, Commissioner for Transport for London said: 'We are getting on with delivering better public transport, cycling and walking facilities well before 2012.

'In the year ahead there are milestones in the upgrade of the Tube, the East London line and the DLR extensions to Woolwich Arsenal and Stratford International as well as for cycling and walking. Together this will increase the capacity, reliability and security of the network so that we are ready to host the 2012 Games and meet the future needs of London.'