Cinderella in Brighton & other festive goodies

Like a bit of festive action?

Then get yourself down to the Theatre Royal Brighton for their new production of Cinderella. I was lucky enough to get a free ticket last night, not to mention a rather delicious piece of white chocolate Choccywoccydooodah Royal Palace cake (I got a bit of the turret) and you really can't beat a Christmas musical extravaganza in the run up up to the festive season (and beyond).

The production has taken on a musical production theme this year, so expect lots of singing and dancing, visual wizardry, sumptuous set, glamorous dresses and some top West End performers (don't worry you'll still get the chance to boo).

Oh and there are a couple of real life ponies too, so the kids will love it! A really magical experience.

Cinderella runs until Sunday 17th January at Theatre Royal Brighton.

More festive things to do in Brighton

Or for more festive inspiration to light up your tree this Christmas, why not check out:

• Brighton Christmas Day Swim
• Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
• Get Your Skates on at Brighton Centre
• Holiday on Ice Energia
• Christmas Tree Festival at Brighton Sea Life Centre
  
• Santa’s Powerboat Ride with Sussex Voyages Boat Trips - available over the Christmas and New Year period, including Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Call for details and to book. (Please note trips start in Eastbourne)

A very Merry Christmas from VisitBrighton.

See you in 2011!

Boxing Day and beyond

With all this build up to Christmas Day I often find that Boxing Day feels a bit flat, I think the risk will be even higher this year as it falls on a Sunday and as Douglas Adams said Sunday afternoons are the long dark teatime of the soul.

Fortunately here in Brighton & Hove there will still be lots of events taking place on Boxing Day and throughout the last week of 2010. So here are a few suggestions of things to do from Boxing Day onwards:

• Go skating - Brighton currently has two ice rinks so you can either skate indoors at Get Your Skates On at the Brighton Centre or outside at the Royal Pavilion's Christmas Ice Rink.
• i leave my mark - take a walk along Hove promenade and take part in this unusual charity event. Leave your mark on one of the city's iconic beach huts and help raise money for local children's charity Winston's Wish.
• Christmas Tree Festival - All around the Sea Life Centre there are a variety of Christmas Trees which have been decorated by local businesses. On Boxing Day the centre will be open til 8pm (including mulled wine) when the trees will be judged by a panel of experts. When you're there make sure you look our for the trees by Brighton Pier, Brighton Body Casting, The Oriental and of course our very own LoveBrighton tree.
• Rum Tasting - the bar at Hotel du Vin will be hosting a special rum tasting evening which is sure to warm the cockles as your tastebuds are taken on a tour of the Caribbean.
• For a magical treat why not take the family to see Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Brighton? This fairy tale musical tells the classic story of Cinderella as you've never seen it before.

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink at night image credit - Robert Leighton

Charlotte

Brighton Rock 2011

If you didn't know already (where have you been!?) Brighton Rock was remade on location in Brighton and Eastbourne last year.

Starring Helen Mirren and Pete Postlethwaite, the re-make of Graham Greene's novel is directed by Rowan Joffe and transposes the action from the 1930s to 1964, amidst the imfamous clashes between Mods and Rockers.

Pinkie is played by Sam Riley, who played Joy Division singer Ian Curtis in Control and the film is currently due for release in February 2011.

The film has already had great reviews from festivals its shown at, so we thought we'd share the sneak preview below to get you in the mood for the real thing in February...enjoy!



For more on films made and set in Brighton and Hove, check out our Brighton on Film section and Brighton Movie Map.

Sarah
VisitBrighton

Comedy, cocktails, coffee and a celebrity chef

For a change this week my life has been quite busy…involving lots and lots of shopping, a Christmas night out in Alfresco, laughing until I cried watching Ross Noble at The Dome, having drinks with friends, discovering another ‘only in Brighton’ coffee shop, testing cocktails in a trendy hotel, visiting the Brighton Ballroom in Kemp Town and… ahh yes I forgot to add…having lunch with Heston Blumenthal… didn’t even have a chance to watch the final of X Factor!!

Tuesday night was the VisitBighton Christmas night out…starting at Hove Kitchen on Western Road which is acclaimed as the place for ‘eclectic dining in the hub of Hove’. It was what I could imagine as somewhere perfect for a Sunday roast. After loosing the Big Brighton pub quiz we moved onto Alfresco where we enjoyed our Christmas inspired dinner after exchanging secret Santa gifts.

Then on Wednesday night, after eating in Pho and testing the cocktails in merkaba at myhotel we headed to the Brighton Dome to see Ross Noble. I was constantly checking we were on time as I was nervous from watching his past stand ups where all late comers were ridiculed by Ross throughout the show… if we had to speak he would recognize our accent… and being probably two out of only three Geordies in there it would have been mortifying being part of the show!

I had the tickets to the Ross Noble 2010 'Nonsensory Overload' tour for what seems forever!! He honestly was one of the best comedians I have ever seen… he just talked absolute nonsense and jumped from one point to another then another and another within minutes of each other which left us hooked, confused and in fits of laughter!!

My coffee shop of the week is the Marwood coffee shop which is hidden away in a corner of Ship Street; it was a discovery through a meeting but I have already been back. I loved it as soon as I walked through the door, the quirky manikin hand handle while closing the door just made it! It had a brilliant vibrant, arty atmosphere… it was just what I would describe as ‘typical Brighton’ the tables were made from old doors, a washing line hung throughout and the walls were adorned with an odd collection of photographs from around the city. My favourite of all of course had to be the discovery of the owl that lived in the fridge just on the shelf by the sparkling water! Oh how I love Brighton!!

I have always believed Sundays were made for long sleeps, this week however was an exception, one I didn’t really mind waking up early for…I acted as PA (even having my own radio!) when Heston Blumenthal was filming on Brighton Pier for a new program that will be shown as part of channel 4’s Fish season. They wanted a destination that captured the iconic seaside… Brighton Pier, how perfect! Filming was done throughout the day all along the Pier, a fish and chip van was also set up on the forecourt where he made punters experiment and taste a new sustainable species of fish - Atlantic Wolffish - that was found when in Iceland for the programme. I was made to try this monstrous fish’s cheek, tell him my verdict (it was actually really delicious!) then hold it through its head while SJ gave it a kiss…all in the name of TV (aired in January).

After dealing with the fish brains that I had left on my hands…lots of anti bacterial hand wash, we all went for lunch, yes me and my new ‘bestie’, one of the most famous chefs in the country sitting in Palm Court on Brighton Pier enjoying fish and chips, just chatting!!

After the excitement of the day when we had gotten over being excited about being on TV we went to the Brighton Ballroom to see the ‘award winning’ Knock2bag comedy night. I really loved the Ballroom and could imagine it would be a brilliant place to see a gig but didn’t really get the comedians that were on, it was a lovely night but I spent most of it confused about what was going on, not understanding Paul Foot’s jokes!

So all in all this was quite a busy week, definitely in serious need of a nap and catch up of the X Factor final!

Until next time…
Hope everyone has a Happy Christmas
Sophie

Brighton Earth 350 Official Video

If you took part in the Brighton Earth 350 event donned in a yellow or blue mac a couple of weekends ago, you'll no doubt remember the sub zero temperatures!

Which actually made the event all the more poignant, as 2000 turned up anyway to play their part in the stand against climate change.

If you were there (or even if you weren't) here's a great video of the event. The guys behind the film were given exclusive rights to be the official camera crew and the footage was used on CNN and BBC last week.

You'll even get to see how they mapped out the sculpture of King Canute designed by Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Well worth a watch.



This video was filmed for Earth 350 and B2 events in association with flycreative

www.350.org
www.b2events.co.uk
www.flycreative.co.uk

To find out more about Earth 350 and their campaign against climate change visit their website or check out their official Flickr page.

Sarah
VisitBrighton

Snowday Sophie

Due to being snowed in at home in Newcastle last week I had to have some snow days up home. That meant I didn't have time to explore all the ‘Christmassy’ (if that’s even a word!!) events in the city.


Before I left I did however manage to have a peek at the gorgeous Christmas grotto that is in the Churchill Square Shopping Centre where I started my present buying mission.

On the Tuesday the comedian John Bishop was on at the Brighton Dome. This was the first time I had been into the Dome; I have to say I was pretty impressed as soon as I walked through the door by its grandness. This was his ‘Sunshine Tour’ and as he isn’t really that well known he seemed to be grateful for the large amount of people he classified as ‘those who took a gamble on him actually being funny’. The audience were laughing out loud the whole time, my favourite bit of course were his reactions to the cringe worthy hecklers shouting out completely irrelevantly and his totally northern reaction to the couple that turned up late; one called Phellula and the other who busked for a living. My face being in agony from smiling and laughing so much, was a good sign of a winning comedian and a definite recommend for you to see him from me! I also have to say he defiantly has to be related to Bez from the Happy Mondays!!


You will have to wait until Monday to see how John Bishop compares to Ross Noble, who I have had tickets for what seems FOREVER to go see tomorrow!

Last week we also had dinner at the New Steine Hotel, Bar & Bistro, we received a charming welcome from Mr Herve Guyat, the director, and had faultless service from Mr Stephane Gaucher, who is the general manager of the hotel. We were wined and dined within the charming atmosphere while fully enjoying the evening. I would like to thank them for both their kindness and hospitality.

That’s all from me this week. I know I have been boring; I haven’t even had time to catch up on X Factor!

So goodbye until next week…enjoy the snow!!

Sophie

Santa Saturday / Scissor Sunday!

Looking for some inspiration for next weekend?

Howabout a Santa Saturday /Scissor Sunday?

Well someone had to say it, so we thought it might as well be us...

Brighton Santa Dash takes to its festive feet this coming Saturday (11th), with 100s of Santas running along Hove seafront in aid of charity. Entry is just £12, which includes race entry, Santa suit and bespoke medal.

Then on Sunday, Scissor Sisters, one of the biggest names in pop, are doing a last minute matinee performance at the Brighton Centre, following the cancellation of their show last week due to the snow.

You can still grab tickets for the Scissor Sisters at their matinee performance for just £30 from:

• Ticketmaster online
  
• Brighton Centre Box Office on 0844 847 1515.

And if you really want to get clever with the aliteration, you could always pack in some 'seasonal skating' too at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink...!

Enjoy!

Sarah
VisitBrighton

Things to do in Brighton to beat the snow

Let’s be honest, most of us love the white stuff don’t we! Until it gets all slippy that is and it becomes a bit of a pain to go out without good reason.

So if you're starting to get cabin fever from staying in, or working at home, we've got 10 ideas to get you out and about in Brighton and Hove this weekend.

Enjoy!

• Browse for unique art and gifts at Brighton Christmas Artists Open Houses
• Get skating on the Brighton Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
• Catch Santa’s Tickly Tale at Iambic Art Theatre (kids 3+)
  
• Take a sledge out into the countryside around Brighton and Hove
• Catch a film at the snugly Duke of York's Picturehouse as part of CINECITY
• Have a laugh with the Calendar Girls at Theatre Royal Brighton
  
• Check out the Beyond Beach Hut Advent Calendar
• See the new Capturing Colour Exhibition: Film, Invention & Wonder at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
• Do some Christmas shopping at the Sussex Beacon Christmas Fayre at Fabrica
  
• Take some snowy snaps and share them on LoveBrighton's Facebook page!

Hope that inspires a little and whatever you do this weekend, stay warm!

Oh and to be on the safe side, for events & shows, you might want to check they are all definitely going ahead on the day - just in case!

Sarah
VisitBrighton

Hove Christmas Shopping Event - Postponed

UPDATE (3/12/10): Unfortunately due to the current weather conditions and concerns for visitors safety this event has now been postponed. However for anyone who does make it to Hove tomorrow some of the shops are still offering discounts please check our Winter Offers page for special offer details.

For today's blog post I will hand you over to Maddy Carr to tell you about a Christmas Shopping event happening this weekend.

Suddenly everyone is talking about Christmas and looking anxiously at the terrible first draft of their Christmas shopping list! OMG - what to buy Aunt Flo this year – and how to afford it?!

Brighton is known as a great place for shopping, but do you know about the great shops in Hove? Some brilliant lifestyle shops, a great farm shop and specialist sports shop have recently sprung up in Church Road, whilst George Street offers you pressie solutions with jewellery, fabulous glass and accessories, as well as health foods (well, some of us try...) and party make up, wigs and costumes to get your inner child in the John Travolta spotlight!

Just around the corner in Blatchington Road party clothes, kiddies festive footwear, and household goods abound.

Discounts, offers, freebies – and a Funfair!
Make sure you get over to Hove this Saturday (4 December) for a brilliant day in George Street. The shops are going overboard with their 2-4-1 offers, free gift wrap, mince pies or balloons - and the Rockinghorse Charity Shop is giving away a free teddy if you spend a fiver!

Us girls just love shopping and won’t be defeated by that present list, but if the dads have had enough there are pubs and cafes galore, and the children can stamp and scream until you give in and buy a ticket for the carousel rides or a candy floss!

Samba and Swinging Santas
Come down between 11am and 12 noon to catch the Silver Sounds Samba Band – or grab a chair and watch the “Santas of Swing” – Tony and Jackie of Bal-Swing Jive will be togged up in festive gear to swing their way through the day.

Hey Big Spender – win £100!
One lucky customer on 4 December will win £100! The person that spends the most in a George Street shop on the day in one transaction will win £100. All customers have to do is ring Hove’s Town Centre Manager or e-mail with the subject: 4 Dec £AMOUNT with their contact details to enter the competition, and of course, an original proof of purchase must be provided before the winner can receive those hundred smackers!

Don’t forget to put down your shopping bags for a break at 3pm when the At Your Service Awards will be announcing the winners who have been chosen for their excellent customer service. One month’s free bus travel across the city will be awarded to the winning voter.

Shops in other Hove streets will also be putting on special festive offers for the day – so make sure you do your shopping in Hove.

To enter the competition, contact: Maddy Carr, telephone 01273 735442, or e-mail: maddy.carr@btconnect.com

See you there.