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In Memory of the Legendary Grimaldi, Join London’s Clowns at Church

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:43:39 +0000

At a rather unusual yearly event, clowns from all corners of London gather under a single roof to commemorate compatriot Joseph Grimaldi, who is considered by many to be the King of Clowns. Born in 1778, Grimaldi spent most of his years inducing fits of laughter until he was finally laid to rest in 1837. The commemoration is a local church service, held at the Holy Trinity Church in Dalston, East London on the 5th February. The event has been an annual tradition since 1946 and attracts some sixty clowns in full attire; Grimaldi fans and clown enthusiasts fill every other inch of space in the church hall.

Grimaldi was a pantomime clown by profession, and was considered unsurpassable by all who witnessed his performances. As the estate agents Battersea or even Southwark will tell you, some of his acts are often revived at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. Joseph Grimaldi was a true innovator in comedy at the time, using the stage name of Joey in some of his performances, who arguably introduces the concept of the modern clown to the world. Traditionally, the role of the clown was a country bumpkin or fool, but the Grimaldi clown developed into a central character in the Harlequinade, a comical theatrical genre. Joseph Grimaldi was a master of physical comedy and had an uncanny ability to invent tricks and buffoonery and is credited for introducing audience participation to the circuit.

To join London’s clown in commemoration of the comical genius Joseph Grimaldi, make your way down to the Holy Trinity Church no later than 3pm when the service starts. It is however advisable to arrive earlier to get a good seat; the event is popular and attracts the crowds. Often the church overflows with visitors, according to a local property management service. Furthermore, press photographers often take up large sections of the church. After the service, the clowns usually perform a brilliant act for the public, making it a fantastic family event. The Church service for Joseph Grimaldi is free, as is the performance, although donations are always welcome.

Extreme Sports To Get Your Blood Pumping In London

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:21:50 +0000

London is known for many things. The river Thames, London Bridge, bad food, even worse weather (well, that’s not entirely true) and a cauldron bubbling with different cultures and nationalities. If these things don’t somewhat interest you then there are other activities that you would enjoy, especially if you are a thrill seeking, adrenalin pumping individual. In this article we look at some of the extreme sports and activities to be enjoyed in and around London. Get your tough workwear ready and let the rush begin!

Let the Zorbing begin

Zorbing is one of the newer extreme sport pastimes to make the extreme sports list. Pod London is Europe’s premier zorbing destination and has an entire park dedicated to it. Sorry, I should start off with explaining what zorbing exactly is. Zorbing or to zorb is when an individual is placed in a large inflatable ball with two layers of cushions and rolls down and bounces down a steep hill. Sound fun, I’m sure the head rush is insane. Check out http://www.zorbing.co.uk/ for your zorbing experience.

Bungeeeeeeee

Right, just count to three and jump and then scream. Bungee jumping is one of the most extreme sports around in London. How about bungee jumping while having the view of the iconic London Bridge while on your way down? Enjoy spectacular views of London on your way up in the carne and an adrenalin pumping experience on the way down.

Go karting

A great among extreme sports in London is go kart racing. Every petrol head or need for speed individual can get their kicks racing around the track in an incredibly fast go kart. It’s great to do with friends and see who is the most competitive of the lot. A great place to enjoy this extreme sport is in London, you can find more information at http://www.exelement.co.uk/experience/introduction-to-go-karting-1698.php

Get extreme while getting fit

Getting your adrenalin pumping is great but how about combining an extreme sport with physical exertion and fitness. When all of these are combined we get rock climbing. London offers an amazing indoor wall where you can try your luck at this extreme sport before you take it to the mountain side.

These are just some of the extreme sports that you can enjoy in London. Whether a Londoner looking for something new to do or a tourist with adrenalin on the brain, deck yourself out in Dickies workwear and enjoy the ride.

London’s Wedding Show: A Premier Bridal Affair

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:07:45 +0000

If you are a wedding coordinator or involved in the art of creating the perfect wedding, or are the blushing bride to be, you simply cannot miss the bridal extravaganza that is the National Wedding Show. Being London’s premier showcase for absolutely everything concerning weddings, the National Wedding Show 2012 promises a bigger and even better event at London Olympia this year, displaying everything from venues such as a party boat charter to delicate adornments for your gown.

The National Wedding Show, running from the 24th to the 26th February, will host 250 selected exhibitors, which include the Designer and Boutique Area, offering the largest selection of wedding dresses under a single roof. For a bride one of the most important aspects of the wedding day is that you look and feel absolutely amazing. Whether you’re looking for a well known brand or an exclusive top designer, the National Wedding Show will be the event to cater for your wedding dress dreams. Furthermore, designers will be available on hand to give you expert advice on the dress to best suit your body shape, different materials, trends for the year and accessories. Other great features of the National wedding Show include bridal tips, practical advice sessions and beauty coaching at the ‘How to Look Good Show’ as well as design and decor ideas from ‘Rock My Wedding’.

For the exhibitor, a spot at the National Wedding Show is a very lucrative opportunity and allows one to showcase your product or service to a massive targeted audience. The National Wedding Show attracts over 50,000 visitors a year, which includes grooms and brides to be, mothers of the bride, best men and bridesmaids. Thus to find inspiration for your big day, whatever your taste or role, whether having an extravagant wedding boat reception or a private family affair, you will find everything you need at the National Wedding Show.

Globe to Globe: Thirty Seven Plays, Thirty Seven Countries, Thirty Seven Languages

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:12:03 +0000

For the first time in theatrical history, thirty seven international production companies from around the world will perform all of Shakespeare’s thirty seven plays in thirty seven languages. Aptly titled, Globe to Globe, the festival will run for six weeks during London’s spring at the Globe theatre. The massive project not only celebrates one of the greatest masters of the English language, but also the myriad of cultures and languages around the globe and in London. It’s one of the most ambitious projects of its kind, and can be referred to as a ‘cultural Olympiad’ ahead of London’s 2012 Olympic Games. Any interpreter London offers will be the first in queue for tickets to experience this incredible collaboration.
The task of selecting countries and companies took much consideration as the Globe to Globe 2012 project received immense enthusiasm from countries around the world. Selection was partly made on what languages are spoken in London, like Urdu, Yoruba and Polish. Even Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost will be performed solely in British Sign Language (BSL), which is used by the deaf community, who must usually rely on a translation service London has to enjoy Shakespeare’s plays. However Globe to Globe also had the enormous task of sourcing the most varied and talented international companies, as in the Chicago Q Brothers who will perform Othello in Hip Hop. Countries like Georgia and Armenia, who have a long history of performing Shakespeare’s plays, also made the cut.

Some of the international companies performing in the Globe to Globe Shakespeare plays include South Sudan, the youngest country in the World that has only recently emerged from civil conflict, staging Cymbeline. The determined group Roy-e-Sabs from war-torn Afghanistan will also grace the stage with The Comedy of Errors, despite their visa and rehearsal hurdles; a true symbol of triumph against adversity during such times. The South African Isango will perform Venus and Adonis, famous Lithuanian director Eimuntas Nekršius will stage the great Hamlet, with the Israeli National Theatre company Habima presenting The Merchant of Venice in Hebrew. Enjoy the cultures and languages of the world on a single stage at the Globe to Globe festival.

New Years Eve London Party Ideas

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:19:05 +0000

As one of the central hubs of the world, London is sure not to disappoint when it comes to New Years Eve festivities. However, with so many options available for the big countdown, deciding on what London New Years Eve party to go to can become quite a task. Below is a short list of New Years Eve ideas in London that appeal to different party flavours, from an extravagant themed party to a party boat charter.

Medieval banquet party at St Katherine’s Dock, Tower of London

If you feel the need for a dress up party this New Years, coupled with a New Years Eve dinner in London, then the Medieval Banquet should be on your short list. Hosted by King Henry the VIII and his court, this London New Years Eve Ball includes stunning entertainment by knights, jugglers, magicians and minstrels. A five course meal is provided that is accompanied by unlimited red wine and ale and champagne will be served at midnight to all the guests. Just ensure you dress up in medieval attire for this dinner theatre experience.

Torture Garden New Years Eve Ball

London is home to some of the best New Years Eve Clubs in the world. For a New Years Eve fetish party in London make your way to the Torture Garden New Years Eve Ball. This party allows those with a fetish streak to indulge in their wildest fantasies for the countdown. Wear burlesque, drag or bondage- as long as you dress up to the max you will have the fantasy party of a lifetime. Also included are performances from contemporary burlesque and circus stars. This London New Years Eve event is sure to get your freak on.

River Cruises

The beautiful Thames winding its way through the City provides New Years party goers a guaranteed magical evening on river Thames boat trips. If you are looking to see the New Years in with your lover, boat cruises offer the perfect romantic experience. It also provides the best view of the famous New Years Even London fireworks by the London Eye, which are always a spectacle to admire. The display will begin as Big Ben chimes midnight and dazzle sky gazers for ten minutes. It’s expected to pull 250,000 people from various viewing locations for this New Year Eve London 2011 celebration.

Office Christmas Party: Tips for the Organiser

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:54:11 +0000

It’s just over a month until Christmas and if you don’t have all the details of your Christmas office party planned yet, it’s best you get on this one quickly. There are a few simple rules and tips that you can follow to ensure that your Christmas office party is a success, to guarantee everyone’s arrival and to make sure that everyone has a great and safe time.

The venue is one of the most important aspects of the office Christmas party and can either induce anticipation and excitement or notes of boredom. First of all, never hold the office Christmas party at the boss’s house. It will only serve to remind everyone how much larger his or her salary is compared to theirs. Furthermore, it’s likely that not everyone will be able to relax and enjoy themselves, and not worry about spilling chips and dips on the sofa. Office party venues set the tone for the entire the evening. If you want an active office party with a team building aspect to it, bowling or disc golf are activities that usually go down well, but make sure it’s something that everyone can do. Cruising on Thames river boats is always a fun idea for an office party in London, and really gets people in the celebratory mood.

As the organiser of the Christmas office party, it is not only your idea to make that everyone has a blast, but also that the celebrations happen safely. If you are worried that staff member might consume too much alcohol, have a day time office party as opposed to a night one- people will automatically drink less. Extending invitations to family members also serves to control drinking. Another idea is to have office Christmas party games and activities that keep the hands busy, although too many and it might start to feel like a children’s party. Striking the correct balance is a delicate yet important aspect.

Lastly, if the office party is a drinking affair, organise a kitty for taxis or remind colleagues to keep money aside for one. Especially if travelling to and from a specific location, like a Thames party boat, where alcohol will be consumed, you might want to consider organising transport for the office. Use these office Christmas party ideas to turn the festive season into something the office wants to celebrate together.

Club 10, A Birthday Venue London That Scores

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:14:21 +0000

Everyone wants to celebrate their birthdays with their friends and family and that may be enough for them. Some of us would like to enjoy a quite night at home, going out for an intimate dinner with our significant others or a small personal get together. There are some of us where our birthdays are grand affairs which we have waited all year for and we want to spoil ourselves and all of our friends to a magical night out at an amazing birthday venue London. For those of us that are on the more extravagant side, there is a magical place and one of the best birthday venues London awaiting you under the iconic St Paul’s cathedral, Club 10.

Get your delectable birthday cake London and head to Club 10 for a memorable night at one of the best London birthday party venues where all of your needs, from beginning to end are catered for in the most professional of manner. This new venue offers fine dining with a range of expertly created dishes from mouth sized canapés to fresh sushi. The cocktail list will have you trying every single multi colored drink offered and will have you coming back to the talented barman for more at this birthday venue London. Your guests will love the stylish and relaxed ambience of Club 10 with soft colored lighting just adding that extra feel to the already lovely venue. Club 10 prides itself on an eclectic mix of music genres to suit any type of party attendee with live acoustic and jazz acts while your guests enjoy the food and then able DJ’s for later in the night when everyone is ready to dance and jive the night away. Whether it is for an 18th birthday party venues London or a larger number like thirty or sixty, Club 10 will not disappoint.

All you need to do is organize your fabulous birthday cake which is so easy with online birthday cakes and you are good to go. Have a magical evening eating, drinking and being merry while celebrating your birthday in style at this iconic birthday venue London.

Check them out at www.clubten.co.uk

Not Just Another Hen & Stag Do: A novel idea for a hen or stag night

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:58:54 +0000

Hen, Stag or Hag Do’s are becoming a major part of any up and coming wedding, and are demanding almost as much attention and planning as the actual nuptials itself. There are now so many different varieties on offer, from Stag weekends away, to high Teas at the Waldorf, Treasure Hunts through Bath and Hen nights in London or quad biking and paintball. Here is one more interesting and slightly different idea for a Hen, Stag or Hag Do:
London Boat trips and River Party Boat companies are offering Hen and Stag River cruises through London. For the novel Stag do or to be part of the stag weekend you are invited to go on a 4 hour river cruise through London. Complete with Poker, a professional croupier and including a full fish and chip dinner, bubbly and bar on board, it’s an evening complete with great food, manly competition and great fun.

For the ladies a great hen night party is a 4 hour river cruise complete with bubbly, girly canapés and disco dancing for all that crazy, fun dancing girls seem to do when there are no men around!

You may also choose to combine your Hen and Stag do to form a Hag night, and with your friends and family board at the great party waterfront of Richmond upon Thames, travel at a leisurely pace through Kingston all the way up to Hampton Court palace. It’s is a great idea to celebrate your Stag, Hen or Hag Do in London is style.

Family Fun Day in London

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:49:41 +0000

An absolutely fantastic activity for kids in London is a trip to The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in South Kensington. They often have fabulous evening events over the summer, lending itself a slightly bohemian air during a warm summer evening. Adults’ enjoying picnic hamper’s filled with wine and nibbles whilst the children go off exploring the gardens is safe and relaxing as all adults have to be accompanied by a child. Unaccompanied adults will be denied access.

The main feature is the huge wooden pirate ship centred in the middle of the playground. With its mast and ladders it is any child’s wonderland and will create hours of play. There is also a sensory trail, tepees’ to play hide and seek in, and a beautiful sandy beach surrounding the pirate ship. The bronze statue of Peter Pan in the gardens demands a visit, and will inspire a fabulous game of Pater Pan where the kids are Peter and the Lost Boys or Princess Tiger Lilly and the Indians, and the parents are the nasty Captain Hook and his mangy crew of pirates.

It is a fun, free, great activity for the whole family and is often used as a selling point for South Kensington estate agents looking to sell London apartments in the area. So if your free one weekend and are wondering about what to do with the kids that’s free and fun, The Princess Diana Memorial Garden is a great place to start.

Alan Carr’s Spexy Beast Comes to Town

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:44:04 +0000

Alan Carr has become majorly success and is quickly on the way to become a household name. The Manchester-based stand up comedian is being heralded as one of Britain’s fastest rising comic talents; he has been leaving audiences breathless the length and breadth of the country for the last couple of years. Since winning the BBC New Comedy Award for Stand-up 2001 and City Life Best Newcomer of the Year, Alan Carr has risen to become one of the hottest young stand-up stars in Britain.

Alan Carr is back on stage in the autumn of 2011 with a brand new live stand-up show, ‘Spexy Beast’. One of the funniest men in Britain is certain to entertain and amuse his crowds. These West End festival tickets are open and going fast out of popularity. After a few years of rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities on his very own chat show, award-winning Alan Carr returns to his stand-up roots in his first major comedy tour in four years.

Alan Carr is one of Britain’s most successful and treasured comedians. His unique humour and effortless stage presence have earned him a catalogue of awards. His massive UK tour will embark soon and is certain to tickle funny bones nationwide. Alan Carr ticket sales are flying off the shelf and all that are interested should make haste not to be left behind in the dust.