Metro, the free urban national newspaper, launches Venture Candy 2011 to find the businesses and entrepreneurs of the future.

Launching on Wednesday 4th May, the Metro campaign invites aspiring business owners to submit applications online, to win a host of prizes that will enable their businesses to grow.

The aim of Venture Candy is to provide budding enterprises with the exposure, profile and support they need to transform themselves into the talked-about brands of the future.

This is the second year of Venture Candy and is an opportunity for Metro, as the newspaper of choice for young urban professionals, to champion emerging new talent.

Metro will drive entries through in paper and online promotions beginning with a cover wrap on Wednesday 4th May. Entrants will have two weeks to submit their applications across 5 categories: Design & Technology; Fashion & Interiors; Food & Drink; Health & Beauty and Green. A panel of judges, including Stuart Trevor, Sarah Beeny, Piers Linney, Jo Malone MBE, Tyler Moorehead and Richard Reed, will then select the best 3 from each category, from a list of the top 100.

The top 15 will then be featured editorially in Metro throughout a week, allowing its urbanite readers to vote for the people and products they want to see succeed. The winners will be announced on 20 July.

The five winners will receive a host of valuable business assets that will give them the business foundations they need to grow:

• £50k minimum ad campaign per category winner (£250k in total) in Metro
• Marketing and branding advice
• Ad campaign creation
• Exposure to high profile panel of successful entrepreneurs
• Business club membership
• Cloud based unified communications solution

Linda Grant, Managing Director, Metro, said: “As one of the UK’s most innovative media brands, Metro is proud to present a competition that celebrates entrepreneurship and creativity and offers readers the opportunity of a life-time to turn their business into a reality. We are looking forward to receiving entries from across the UK that have the potential to become the business success stories of the future.”

Sarah Divan, Head of Brand Extensions, Metro, said: “Following the success of last year’s Venture Candy, we are delighted to launch the competition for the second year. Our judging panel is made up of some of this country’s most successful business people and our urbanite audience will once again have the final vote to decide the five ideas to be awarded the impressive prize package. We are delighted that Metro will continue to champion the great British tradition of invention and creativity and invest in the next generation of budding entrepreneurs through this competition.”

CALLING ALL SHORT FILM-MAKERS –PEDDLE US YOUR FILM FOR A CHANCE TO SEE IT IN CINEMAS AND ON DVD

To celebrate the UK cinema release of THE PEDDLER on 15th July, Network Releasing invites filmmakers to submit their short film to a contest judged by film director Eduardo de la Serna, Time Out Film Editor Dave Calhoun, and Managing Director of Network Tim Beddows. For details on entering the contest please see the attached submission form or visit the link at the end of this news item.

Daniel Burmeister is the most prolific filmmaker you’ve never heard of. Armed with a camera and enough charm to persuade entire towns to join in on his dreams, this tireless, jolly DIY movie veteran rolls in his beat up old car from one backwater Argentine town to another. There, in exchange for room and board, he turns out a feature film in 30 days, transforming these sleepy villages into bustling film sets and the bored populace into avid performers. We are giving members of the UK public the chance to see their own short film in cinemas and on DVD in the spirit of THE PEDDLER. Like Daniel Burmeister, members of the UK public will have to submit their films in 30 days! Described as, “A beautiful film” (Time Out), “A gem” (Evening Standard) and “Be Kind Rewind only for real” (Eyeforfilm.co.uk), THE PEDDLER is one of the most remarkable films anyone is likely to see this year.

The winner and runners-up will be announced at an event screening at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London, on Friday 15th July. The winning film will be played prior to cinema screenings of the PEDDLER at the Riverside on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July, and will also be included with runners-up on the UK DVD release later this year. Deadline for submissions is by 12am on Saturday 11th June 2011 and the contest is open to UK-based filmmakers only. Full details on the contest can be found at:

http://www.networkreleasing.com/microsite/the-peddler/the-contest

TENPILATES OPENS NEW STUDIO IN MAYFAIR

TenPilates, the home of Dynamic Pilates, is proud to announce the much anticipated launch of its Mayfair studio. Opening on the 7th of June, the studio is located in fashionable Hanover Square, London’s commercial, media and social hub. At 2,200 sq ft, the premises is both spacious and flooded with natural light and with a dedicated PT and rehabilitation area, the new Mayfair studio has everything to offer their loyal clientele.

In a light, airy, flexible space, the large 10 bed Reformer studio hosts classes to suit all levels, including Cardiolates, TenPilates’ revolutionary way to get into shape using a combination of spinning and Dynamic Pilates. Its fully equipped gym provides facilities for rehab and personal training sessions, which like Dynamic Pilates classes, can now be purchased either individually or in blocks. TenPilates Mayfair also has onsite treatment rooms, offering a range of therapies including physiotherapy, osteopathy and a range of massages.

TenPilates’ Dynamic Pilates programme is an innovative, results driven workout that uses custom Reformer beds to develop core strength, improve posture and flexibility and build lean, toned muscles. Enjoyable and empowering, the Dynamic Pilates classes deliver impressively effective body-sculpting benefits in spacious, welcoming and supportive environments, and are ideal for anyone who wants to see as well as feel the benefits, fast.

Dynamic Pilates classes are available to suit all levels of ability and fitness. In addition, the studio programme features one-on-one training, pre and post natal and rehab sessions for those recovering from back pain or injury. The addition of a fully equipped gym and therapy rooms at the new studio enables TenPilates to offer clients an all inclusive fitness package, combining cutting-edge Dynamic Pilates disciplines with a range of cardio-fitness, physiotherapy and sports massage services.

David Higgins, co-founder and Master Trainer at TenPilates commented “We are thrilled to be able to offer our services in what can only be described as the heart of London’s social and working environment. Not only can we now provide businesses in the area the chance to work out at a convenient time in a luxurious location, right on their doorstep, it’s also the perfect setting for meeting friends and a stone’s throw away from London’s top bars, restaurants and theatre life.”

Joanne Mathews, co-founder and managing director of TenPilates says: “With the huge demand which followed the opening of our previous Mayfair studio on Berkeley Street, it was clear that this was a popular location amongst our clients. We are delighted to be able to offer so many different services under one roof and we hope that the new studio will attract an even bigger TenPilates following.”

Classes at TenPilates Mayfair can be booked through the dedicated phone line: 0207 495 8642 or online at www.tenpilates.com

Open seven days a week. Prices start at £12.50 for the first class with private personal training sessions starting at £80.
There is no membership or annual subscription and clients pay for the classes they attend.

‘TEAPOTS TO TAPESTRIES’ AT FORTNUM & MASON
16th May – 29th July 2011

An exhibition celebrating artisanal skills and beautifully made objects

‘Teapots to Tapestries’ is a journey into the world where craftsmanship is king, where the experienced eye is superior to the machine and where centuries old skills are kept alive by being practiced every day. The exhibition, held on the first floor of the store from 16th May – 29th July 2011 will highlight and champion traditional manufacturing skills that still prevail today with all pieces being available to buy, from £25.

Each piece on display helps to preserve ancient skills that would otherwise disappear forever, skills that can produce something a machine simply cannot. ‘Teapots to Tapestries’ is a tribute to craftsmen and women who dedicate their working lives to creating things of beauty. As well as learning and perfecting their craft, they often combine it with modern technology and innovative techniques to create something entirely new.

Fortnum & Mason has always prided itself on championing traditional skills and the independent artisan who is focused on perfection, rather than speed or quantity. It is this attention to detail and love of craftsmanship that makes this exhibition so special, each piece unique and unlike any other in the world, a true work of art.

This exhibition will showcase over 2,000 hand crafted items from over 16 traditional manufacturing suppliers, both British and European.

In addition, Fortnum & Mason will host a series of events with the opportunity to meet the master technician of the various crafts:
17 & 18 May: Herend, Master Painter
26 May: Burleigh, Tissue Printing
2 & 3 June: Toye, Kenning & Spencer, Embroidery & Enamelling
11 June: Jonathan Harris, Cameo Glass Engraving
17 & 18 June: Leeds Pottery, Piercing
23 & 24 June: L J Millington, Engine Turning
25 June: Herend, Master Potter
1 & 2 July: Dartington, Glass Engraving
8 July: Jan Constantine, Embroidery
15 & 16 July: Weimar Porcelain, Clay Modelling
22 July: House of Patric, Book Binding
23 July: Julie Spurgeon, Pouncing

Exhibiting craftspeople include:

Burleigh: Tissue Printing
Each of Burleigh’s china pieces is decorated using a process called tissue printing, the same process that was used when the pottery was established in 1851.

Herend: Hand Painting, Gilding and Decorating
For more than 180 years, Herend has been developing skills in colouring, gilding and decorating to become the byword for the world’s finest porcelain.

Toye, Kenning & Spencer: Enamelling
Specialists in combining craft skills with the latest technology.

House of Patric Ltd: Bookbinding and embossing
Family run business that created bespoke books using traditional hand stitching and embossing techniques.

Julie Spurgeon: Pouncing
The latest collection uses the ancient craft of pouncing, in which powder is rubbed through a perforated pattern on to the surface beneath.

Cumbria Crystal: Glass Blowing
The sole UK manufacturer of handmade English full lead crystal, using handcutting and hand engraving.

LJ Millington: Engine Turning
Handmade English silverware and writing instruments created using spinning, polishing and engine turning techniques.

Weimar Porcelain: Clay Modelling
Its designs are known for the lavish use of cobalt, gold and ornate surface decorations.

Leeds Pottery: Piercing
The earthenware clay pieces are known for their intricate and usually freehand piercing work, creating a beautiful lattice effect and characteristic twisted handles.

Jonathan Harris Studio Glass: Cameo Glass Engraving
Specialising in the techniques of cameo and graal, the glass pieces surfaces are carved by hand through layers of enamel colours, 24 carat gold and silver leaf to reveal intricate designs in outstanding detail.

Caithness Glass: Lamp Work
Creating intricate paperweights using the rare skill of lampwork, where small glass elements are worked in a hot flame and then encased in a final glass piece.

Dartington Crystal: Glass Blowing
Using clean and simple designs and traditional mouth blown glassmaking techniques to create beautiful contemporary crystal and glass.

Royal Brierley Crystal: Hand Glass Cutting
An independent family business which still uses hand crafted and mouth blown techniques to create beautiful pieces. A unique and secret black powder goes into every batch which gives the pieces its highlights and shimmering hues.

Gainsborough Silk: Jacquard Weaving
Dedicated to preparing and dyeing fine silk, cotton and linen yarns in thousands of colours. Looms from the 1920’s work alongside Jacquard models to generate intricately designed textiles.

Le Jacquard Francais: Fabric Weaving
The exceptional hues of the linens are the result of a carefully developed library of over 600 exclusive colours, including 60 shades of red.

Jan Constantine: Hand-embroidery
Charming designs are handworked on natural cotton, linen, wool and silk, reflecting a uniquely modern and truly British spirit.

All items will be available for purchase and prices start at £25.

For further information:
http://www.fortnumandmason.com/events/teapots.aspx

GINO’S GOOD FOOD FIGHT HELPS MUM WIN THE LUNCHBOX BATTLE

Cheeky chappy and much loved TV chef, Gino D’Acampo has teamed up with Cheestrings to launch ‘Gino’s Good Food Fight.’ His mission? To make good food fun for the lunchbox.

Gino’s aim is to eliminate the struggle faced by mums each day of getting healthy food into their children’s lunchbox in a fun way which kids will love. By following Gino’s easy tips, mum can be left feeling confident that her child is eating a balanced healthy meal at lunchtime.

The campaign shows Gino D’Acampo and Kerry Foods/Cheestrings nutritionist Evelyn Hannon creating a set of eight videos to give mum hints and tips on how to make healthy food fun for the lunch box. As part of the campaign, Gino will be hitting the road with Evelyn and visiting mums’ kitchens to answer their own lunch box dilemmas - whether your child always brings their fruit back uneaten or insists on white bread with ham for every sandwich.

Gino explains , ‘My mission together with Cheestrings is to help you mums out there – I know that you’re all doing a great job when it comes to checking your kids are eating the right thing at breakfast and dinner but you don’t know what your little ones are doing with their lunch box once they get through the school gates. My solutions will be quick and simple ways of making good food fun for the lunchbox.”

Kerry Foods nutritionist Evelyn Hannon added: ‘We want to do for the rest of the lunch box what Cheestrings has been doing for cheese for the past 15 years; making good food fun. Cheestrings are rich in calcium, which helps build healthy bones and teeth. Cheestrings is Cheese, simply heated and stretched like mozzarella to give them their distinctive stringy, playful quality. By following Gino’s tips - mum can be confident that she’s giving her child a well-balanced lunch box which will also come back empty!’

To see videos and pictures of Gino on his Good Food Fight with Cheestrings visit www.cheestrings.com

HOTEL PRINCIPE DI SAVOIA TEAMS UP WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS TOLCINASCO GOLF CLUB

Hotel Principe di Savoia, Dorchester Collection’s Milanese hotel, has struck up a unique partnership with world famous Tolcinasco Golf Club enabling guests to enjoy both the beautiful 27-hole Italian course as well as the comfort and glamour of this iconic hotel.

Keen golfers can perfect their handicap at one of Italy’s most stunning golf courses. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course is to host “The Open” this year, the most important golf event in Italy.

For the first time ever, Hotel Principe di Savoia is offering its guests the ‘Golf Package’, priced from €451 and includes:

• A two-night stay in a luxurious accommodation (including daily buffet breakfast in Acanto)
• One transfer to and from Tolcinasco Golf Club
• One entrance to Tolcinasco Golf Club with complimentary hire of a golf buggy for the day
• Cocktail for two at the Principe Bar
• Complimentary entrance to Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Centre, Hotel Principe di Savoia’s spa located on the 10th floor of the hotel
• Daily complimentary limousine shuttle service to and from the historical centre of the city

After a competitive day on the fairway, guests are invited to take full advantage of Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Centre, indulge themselves with a relaxing treatment or soak in the breathtaking views over the rooftops of Milan and - on a clear day - the Alps, from the comfort of the swimming pool or Jacuzzi.

Two night minimum length stay, valid until 31 December 2011, black-out dates excluded.
Rates are intended per room, per night, taxes and breakfast included.
Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone the Reservation Office on +39 02 6230 5555.

ABOVE 6 AT 6 COLUMBUS
A Rooftop Hideaway in Midtown Manhattan
Thompson Hotels brings a downtown pulse to sleek Midtown Manhattan with the launch of new terrace lounge Above 6, at the tip top of its 6 Columbus hotel. Above 6 marks Thompson’s 3rd open-air retreat in New York City, joining the likes of 60 Thompson’s Above 60, and Thompson LES’s Above Allen. A joint venture between the Pomeranc Group and Rosen Partners, Above 6 is operated by the acclaimed Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill.

Thompson Hotels is recognized in the lifestyle hospitality market for its edge-defining aesthetic, and chic urban locales. With night-life hubs positioned throughout signature downtown neighborhoods, Thompson now seeks to fill an undeniable void of open air lounges in the heart of its mother city.

“We believe Above 6 adds a jewel-box element to Six Columbus that provides our guests with a touch of downtown NYC while enjoying midtown views of Central Park,” - Jason Pomeranc, co-owner Thompson Hotels.

Extending 6 Columbus’ at once sharp and sophisticated design concept – originally conceived by renowned interior designer Steven Scarloff – up to the rooftop, Above 6 will provide patrons with a taste of the city’s fashionable undercurrent, and offer iconic views completely unique to the city’s centre.

The sky-high perch makes an ideal setting for casual après-work cocktails, private sunset events, and socializing between sight-seeing excursions. Above 6 is sure to become an essential destination for the elite traveller and local tastemakers alike. And for its highly discerning clientele, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill has created a summer inspired menu of warm weather elixirs.

The menu features a selection of bespoke refreshments such as the Hummingbird, (Avinyo Cava, St.Germain, Club Soda, and Yama Momo), reinventions of old standards such as the Siberian Sunrise (ZYR Vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, and fresh lime juice), and a carefully curated selection of sakes, wines, and spirits to compliment the breezy summer evenings.

Above 6 is located in the centre of glorious Columbus Circle, and features a retractable roof so that guest can enjoy a tipple come rain or shine. Effortlessly completing the 6 Columbus hospitality experience, the new venue will provide hotel guests with an intimate hideaway amidst a sea of skyscrapers; set to open daily from 5pm – 2am, Tuesday – Saturday.

About Six Columbus

6 Columbus provides a fashionable option for hip successful travelers who want to stay in the heart of Manhattan. 6 Columbus is owned and developed through a joint venture between the Pomeranc Group and Rosen Partners, and managed by Thompson Hotels, the company behind SoHo’s chic and elegant 60 Thompson. Visually, 6 Columbus, designed by the acclaimed Steven Sclaroff, is evocative of the mod 1960s design aesthetic infused with 21st century sensibility and showcases works from one of the world’s most respected fashion photographers, Guy Bourdin. The hotel hosts an uptown outpost of renowned Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grille, who has 5 New York restaurants included in New York Magazine’s “100 Favorite Restaurants,” and Blue Ribbon was rated one of the Top 50 restaurants in New York City by the 2006 ZAGAT Guide.

6 Columbus, 6 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, 212.204.3000. Reservations: 877.6COLUMBUS

PAUL A YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A NEW FLAGSHIP CHOCOLATERIE

Paul A Young Fine Chocolates are delighted to announce the opening of their third chocolaterie and flagship store in the heart of London’s Soho.

Paul has a reputation as one of the world’s leading and most creative chocolatiers. He’ll be bringing his unique range of fresh hand-made chocolates, ice-cream, hot chocolate and brownies to the West End and continuing to wow Londoners with his unusual flavours and daring combinations.

Paul says ‘Soho is in the middle of a renaissance and is again becoming London’s most vibrant food area. I worked here for many years as a head pastry chef and it’s almost like coming home. Our neighbours will be some of the city’s best restaurants, delis and bakeries and our fabulous, indulgent chocolaterie will be a perfect addition.’

Since opening his first chocolaterie in Islington in 2006, Paul has experienced unparalleled success. He quickly opened a second London shop, appeared on a wide variety of television programmes, published his first book ‘Adventures with Chocolate’, and has won dozens of national and international awards, both for his chocolates and his book – including a Gourmand Award for the Best Chocolate Book in the World. Now, Paul becomes the first of the new wave of artisan independent chocolatiers to open a third shop.

As with Paul’s first two shops, all the products sold will be made on the premises by hand using fresh, natural ingredients with strictly no preservatives and no additives.

Opening on Wardour Street, the new chocolaterie will become Paul’s flagship store. It will be one of the largest chocolate shops in London with a spacious kitchen downstairs that has enough room for Paul to host tastings and to develop more award winning products. This will be the only chocolate shop in Soho and Paul’s creativity and passion for his craft will be the perfect fit for this vibrant area.

JET AWAY IN STYLE THIS SUMMER

With a Stay, Park and Fly package at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel

The Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel is offering guests a Stay, Park and Fly package from just £78.50[1]. With a range of packages available for holidays from 4 days to 15 days this offer will be sure to get your holiday off to a flying start!

This jet setter package includes an overnight stay in a double, twin or deluxe bedroom, up to 15 days car parking in the hotel’s car park and 2 for 1 dining from the a la carte menus at the hotel’s Henleys Restaurant & Bar and The Brassiere.

Why not upgrade your package to a Deluxe room for and extra £49? This will include a private chauffeur transfer to the airport at a time of your choice, a complimentary glass of wine when dining and a personal meet and greet at arrivals with your car keys, so all you need do is drive home.

An ideal location for business travellers and leisure visitors alike, the hotel is situated just minutes from the main departures and arrival terminals of Heathrow Airport yet it is a million miles from the standard airport hotel. Here, in luxurious surroundings, a guest’s ease and comfort is a priority. Everything is provided to make their stay stress-free.

For further information please visit http://radissonedwardian.com/stayparkandfly

Terms & Conditions

· Offer is subject to availability and valid until the end of the year

· Offer is based on a double room excluding breakfast and VAT

· 2 for 1 dining offer applies to lunch and dinner from the a la carte menus in The Brasserie & Henleys Restaurant & Bar and excludes beverages and is not to be used in conjunction with another offer

· Packages include 4,8,or 15 days inclusive parking (see parking terms and conditions on website)

· Rates given are subject to seasonal fluctuations

· Rate given, is per room, per night and is only available for the "Heathrow Parking Special" promotion.

· Free cancellations can be made before 16.00 hours on day of arrival (U.K. time). Cancellations after this period will be charged the first night's accommodation.

· Your statutory rights are not affected.
[1] From rate based on a double room, weekend package with 4 days parking

CANARY WHARF CELEBRATES THE SUMMER IN STYLE
A packed programme of music and dance

Those looking to make the most of the long summer evenings should pay a visit to the iconic Canary Wharf for some of the best music and dance performances in the Capital.

This dynamic and cosmopolitan destination has an array of world-class cultural events over the summer months, ranging from the ever-popular Twilight Delights outdoor concerts and Dancing City performances to a series of exciting collaborations with the Royal Opera House, Barbican Blaze, the City of London Festival and some of London’s top West End shows.

DANCING CITY

Celebrating its tenth year at Canary Wharf, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival’s annual outdoor Dancing City returns with leading British and international dance companies and artists. This year features the acclaimed Spanish Producciones Imperdibles performing La Mirada Transparente from Thursday 30 June to Saturday 2 July. The audience sits on reclining seats beneath a transparent stage drawing them into the heart of the performance framed by the Canary Wharf skyline.

On Saturday 2 July the international flavour continues with performances from leading French dance company Compagnie Pied en Sol, the English National Ballet and a UK premiere from an Italian contemporary dance company, Ballo Publico.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE SCREENINGS

Opera enthusiasts can indulge at The BP Summer Big Screens live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden series at Canada Square Park. On Monday 4 July Madam Butterfly, brings the drama, musical richness and sheer enjoyment of this great opera to the to the heart of Canary Wharf. Then for the first time ever, The Royal Opera presents the story of Cinderella as told in Massenet’s opera on Wednesday 13 July.

TWILIGHT DELIGHTS

July and August welcomes Canary Wharf’s free annual Twilight Delights concert series. Canada Square Park hosts a stellar line-up including the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing The Magic of the Movies. Other Twilight Delight concerts include Baroque by Candlelight, Ultimate Motown and A Night at The Opera (presented by Classic FM’s John Suchet), with the series culminating in the Proms Spectacular Finale.

WEST END AT THE PARK

Brand new for 2011, West End at the Park (in association with The Society of London Theatre) brings highlights from some of London’s top West End musicals including Mamma Mia, Chicago, Zoo Nation and Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Monday 11 July and 1 August.

CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL

Canary Wharf welcomes back the annual world music celebration with the City of London Festival @ Canary Wharf this year featuring a three-day celebration of New Zealand and Australian music, dance and film. This year’s festival includes amongst others, Best Female Vocalist at the 2010 Pacific Music Awards, Bella Kalolo; contemporary New Zealand dance company, Footnote Dance; a special evening screening of Whale Rider and Australia’s premiere violinist Julian Ferraretto.

BARBICAN BLAZE AT CANARY WHARF

Barbican Blaze at Canary Wharf performs three world-class outdoor performances in July. The World of Brass on Friday 8 July features Brazilian band Orquestra Contemporanea Da Olinda performing their Latin grooves and rhythms and East London’s jazz and ska inflected Hackney Colliery Band. Storming New Orleans brass outfit Soul Rebels mixes funk, soul, jazz and the spirit of Mardi Gras on Tuesday 19 July.

Extraordinary Voices of the World presents Anda Union with their Mongolian traditions and Louisiana’s Grammy-nominated Feufollet fusing Cajun roots with a contemporary edge on Thursday 28 July. All performances are produced by the Barbican Centre in association with the Canary Wharf Arts & Events.

CANARY WHARF JAZZ FESTIVAL

In August the annual Canary Wharf Jazz Festival celebrates all that is jazz with performances from the 2010 Mercury Prize nominees Kit Downes Sextet; London’s party band of the moment, Ska Cubano; critically acclaimed rising star Sarah Gillespie and British singer songwriter Gwyneth Herbert. Along with the Jay Phelps Big Band and Clare Teal, The Herbaliser, Aquarium and others - this year’s Jazz festival is set to be the best yet.

The big screens of Canada Square Park will also pay homage to the sultry sounds of The Deep South with Rich Mix’s Jazz on the Square screenings of Monk (Friday 12 August), Jazz on a Summer Day (Saturday 13 August) and Monk in Europe (Sunday 14 August).

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The London Symphony Orchestra returns to Canada Square Park on Tuesday 16 August for a special one-off performance of music featured in the film 'The King's Speech' led by the LSO’s Assistant Conductor Clemens Schuldts.

Sian Astrop, Arts & Events Manager at Canary Wharf Group plc comments: “This summer’s programme of free outdoor events is set to be the most engaging and dynamic to date. We cannot wait to welcome in the summer at Canary Wharf with this thrilling line up of events, including new concepts based on emerging popular trends, ground-breaking collaborations and fresh twists to some of the annual favourites. Making the most of our beautiful outdoor spaces, this programme rightfully places Canary Wharf at the heart of London’s cultural scene.”

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING UNLOCKS THE SECRET WORLD OF SCIENCE

The Natural History Museum at Tring is this week launching its summer exhibition. At The Secret World of Museum Science visitors will have the chance to delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes work carried out by curators and researchers every day. The free exhibition runs from 16 May until 6 November 2011 and showcases historically and scientifically significant specimens.

The new exhibition showcases some rarely seen specimens from the world-class collection cared for at Tring and explains their importance to the scientific community. Specimens include:
• blue lorikeet collected on one of Captain Cook’s voyages between 1768–1779
• rare composite skeleton of a dodo
• large-billed reed warbler whose DNA was used in 2002 to confirm a new species had been discovered

Robert Prys-Jones, head bird curator at Natural History Museum at Tring, explains, ‘Specimens that were collected more than 100 years ago are still being used by international researchers for conservation, forensic and academic research. The Secret World of Museum Science explores the relevance of what has been collected and identified at Tring, home to the largest collection of bird specimens in the world, and demonstrates how the collection is being used for current scientific purposes.’

Alice Dowswell, Learning and Interpretation Manager adds, ‘This is an exciting exhibition open to all. We really want to bring alive the work Museum scientists, as well as researchers who travel to see us from around the world, carry out. Visitors will leave with a flavour of the intriguing work we do, and aspire to be the scientists of the future.’

One of the highlights on display is a peregrine falcon egg similar to the ones used to explain the dramatic decline of the species back in the 1960s. By measuring eggshell thickness over time, scientists were able to link the thinning of eggshells and the demise of the peregrine falcon with a pesticide used in farming, which was later banned.

Douglas Russell, egg curator at Tring, concludes, ‘The peregrine falcon eggs, along with the other Museum specimens on show, reveal the important link between natural history and modern scientific breakthroughs. Visitors coming to The Secret World of Museum Science will leave with a real understanding and sense of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on here at the Museum that isn’t obvious at first glance.’

Through displays, games, video footage and rare specimens, visitors will find out how the collections are stored, who comes to use them and how new science and technology is helping researchers unearth more and more enthralling secrets.

The Secret World of Museum Science is a free exhibition and opens on Friday 16 May at Natural History Museum Tring.

Visitor information

Address: The Natural History Museum at Tring, the Walter Rothschild building,
Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AP
Dates: Friday 16 May – Sunday 6 November
Admission: free
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10.00–17.00, Sunday 14.00–17.00
Access: there is lift access to the ground floor and upper galleries of the Museum and to the Zebra Café and car park
Visitor enquiries: 020 7942 6171
Website: www.nhm.ac.uk/tring

WESTFIELD LONDON LAUNCHES INAUGRAL HOME TRENDS SHOW

Free homes and interiors show comes to Westfield London from Thursday 26th – Monday 30th May 2011
12 May 2011 - As London gets set for a May bank holiday weekend full of shopping trips and home improvements, Westfield London will bring the two together under one roof with its first ever free Home Trends Show, sponsored by Dulux, from Thursday 26th – Monday 30th May 2011.
Free Home Trends Show
The five day homes and interiors show will see one of London’s premiere fashion destinations receive its very own home trends makeover as The Atrium at Westfield London is transformed, with the help of event sponsor and colour expert Dulux, into a home set designed to provide visitors with inspiration for every room in the house.
The Westfield London Home Trends Show will feature a packed schedule of live interiors events, personal appearances and workshops throughout the five days designed to inspire, entertain and educate. A full schedule of events will be available soon at www.westfield.com/London.
Here’s just a brief taste of what’s in store for visitors on stage and in The Atrium’s specially built Dulux sponsored ‘house’:
· Surprise celebrity and special guest appearances
· Interiors master classes and ‘how-to’ demonstrations on original and contemporary home ideas
· Live design demonstrations and daily discounts from some of Westfield’s own interiors retailers including Habitat, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Mamas & Papas
A Riot of Colour
With Vogue hailing summer 2011 as ‘a riot of colour’, Westfield London will take this season’s biggest fashion statements from ‘wardrobes to walls’ with the help of Dulux.
Shoppers will be able to enjoy design advice and colour inspiration from Dulux through a range of experiences including:
· The Dulux ‘Let’s Colour Studio’ – a range of easy-to-use electronic tools and services to help create beautiful decorating schemes for the home
· Practical tips on choosing colour and DIY
· Personal consultations from Dulux’s colour and design experts
· Availability of ‘Dulux colour trends for 2011’ on display in the ‘house’
· Daily colour and LCS trends seminars
· An interactive ‘paint by numbers’ wall allowing guests to put their colour skills to the test
· Free Dulux paint tester samples
· A ‘name a paint’ competition with a £2500 room makeover by Dulux as 1st prize.
Other sponsors on hand to offer home and design inspiration include Samsung, Philips and Brita.

Midsummer Carnival in Elizabeth Street – Wednesday 8th June

Elizabeth Street, the fashionable heart of London’s stylish Belgravia, will be hosting their summer street party on Wednesday 8th June. Elizabeth Street is home to some of London’s most stylish stores such as Philip Treacy, Allegra Hicks, Donna Ida, Erickson Beamon and cakemaker to the stars Peggy Porschen. The annual street party promises to be a quintessentially British summertime event – think Pimms, cupcakes and live music! Proceeds go to Help for Heroes.

GO GOURMET IN BURY ST EDMUNDS

An up and coming food festival is making its triumphant return next weekend.

The warm climate, rolling fields and fertile soil of Suffolk and surrounding counties yields some of the country’s finest food and drink. Now the area’s top suppliers are coming together for the “St Edmunds Real Beer and Food Festival at Greene King”, celebrating quality local produce and giving thousands of people a real taste of the region.

The picturesque Suffolk town of Bury St Edmunds will play host to the two-day long foodie spectacular, which takes place in Greene King’s Brewery Gardens on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May. Visitors can browse the stalls, sample the ware, learn some of the art of food preparation and take part in tutored tastings. Or they can simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the live music on offer.

Hundreds of locally sourced products - from cheese, chorizos, chillies and chutneys to fish, smoked meat, ice cream and fudge – will be showcased by the best and most enthusiastic producers of the region. And people will be able to drink it all in with fruit juices and cider from around the county and beer brewed on site by local brewer Greene King.

Producer taking part to demonstrate the richness and variety of the area’s produce include:

Greene King
A full bar in the food marquee will serve a quality range of award-winning ales; including St Edmunds, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Greene King IPA, Strong Suffolk Vintage Ale and Old Bob. All brewed in Bury St Edmunds using the very best local ingredients including barley malted just two miles from the brewery and water from the chalk wells below the town

Jimmy’s Farm

Choice cuts of meat and quality sausages made from British, free range and award winning pigs, raised nearby on Jimmy Doherty’s Suffolk farm

English Whisky Co.
England's first registered whisky distilling company in over one hundred years, based just over the border in Norfolk and also using fine barley from the region

Aspalls
A range of award winning, cyders, apple juice and vinegars

Yum Yum Tree Fudge
Artisan fudge hand made in Suffolk

The Artisan Smokehouse
A family-run smokehouse that produces award-winning smoked delicacies including smoked beef, salmon, duck and cheese

Purely Pesto
A range of delicious handmade pestos, hummus, soups and sauces

Bhajiman
Easy mix spice kits, made from the finest quality and freshest ingredients

Suffolk Food Hall
Gourmet Suffolk burgers served with Greene King Suffolk Springer Beer Chutney

Suffolk Smokehouse
Tasty smoked cheeses, chillies and olives

Breckland Orchard
Posh pop from Norfolk!

Five Winds Farm Smokehouse & Butchery
A traditional Suffolk butcher with high quality meat, poultry & game from local farms

Sweet Things
Suffolk produced pastries and other sweet treats based on continental recipes

Munchy Seeds
Delicious healthy snacks including tasty pumpkin and granola mixes

Greene King Brewery Tap
The Brewery Tap will be open with Greene King’s full range of beers, plus hot roast Suffolk rare breed beef baps, posh veggie burgers and ‘Strong Suffolk’ beer brownies! Brewery tours will take place every hour during the Festival (booking essential)

Tickets to the St Edmunds Real Beer and Food Festival are £3 each. Tickets for the Master Classes in Beer Tasting are £12 and for the fun tutored tasting events are just £2.50. Call Greene King’s Visitor Centre on 01284 714297 to book.

To find out more visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/StEdmunds

CELEBRATE SUMMER JAZZ AT ST PANCRAS GRAND CHAMPAGNE BAR

This summer, the Searcys St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar will be hosting a series of Jazz, Soul, Funk and Motown musical performances and inviting guests to indulge in a flute of bubbles and quintessentially English nibbles.

Running throughout June and July, from 7.30pm till 8.30pm, six Monday nights will play host to a wonderful act as detailed below:

• Monday 20th June ~ Louise Golbey (nu-jazz/soul)
• Monday 27th June ~ Elisa Caleb (jazz)
• Monday 4th July ~ Zarif (pop/soul)
• Monday 11th July ~ Kate Threlfall (pop/soul)
• Monday 18th July ~ Daniel E Walker (motown/soul)
• Monday 25th July ~ Chapter Two (funk/soul)
In the elegant St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar, the longest Champagne Bar in Europe, Asparagus with beurre blanc and a glass of Champagne or Pimms Royale with strawberries and cream will be served,each for £12.00.

Sparkling Champagne, delicious food and great music in a stunning and unique venue, makes the St Pancras Champagne Bar the perfect spot to enjoy these coming summer nights.

For bookings, call 020 7923 5459 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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