Entertainment News

The Photography Show has announced new show feature, the Wedding and Portrait Stage, sponsored by Loxley Colour, for the forthcoming edition at NEC Birmingham, 19-22 March 2016. Set in the thematic surroundings of a mock-up chapel, visitors will take to the pews to hear from speakers renowned for their expertise in the wedding and portrait genres, including Kevin Mullins, Kate Hopewell-Smith, Brett Florens, Drew Gardener, John Denton, Neil Freeman, Stephen Perry, Marcia Michel, Marian Sterea, Robert Pugh, Adam Bronkhorst, Lisa Devlin, Steve Howdle and Stephanie Thornton.

Good news for all those concerned that the ‘Famous Five’ or ‘Mr McGregor’s Garden’ would soon be forgotten in this new digital era. According to a new poll of 1,000 children from all over the UK, Enid Blyton and Beatrix Potter were some of the most widely recognised names when children were asked about significant cultural, artistic and literary figures.

One lucky Birmingham shopper got more than she bargained for during their latest shopping expedition at Bullring Shopping Centre; the chance to drive home for Christmas in a brand new MINI One. Kelly Breakwell from Great Barr was the lucky winner of Bullring's competition to win the new MINI One; MINI's new style icon worth £13,935.  Shoppers could enter the competition simply by downloading the Bullring PLUS app and scanning the car's QR code for the chance to win the ultimate Christmas gift.

Actor John Altman, who is starring in this year's pantomime at the Grand Theatre, is taking time out from rehearsals to support Alzheimer’s Society by calling into one of Wolverhampton's dementia cafés. Best known as Nasty Nick in Eastenders, John has supported Alzheimer’s Society for many years and will be spending time at the dementia cafe at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Thursday (17 December) to join in the Christmas merriment with carols and mince pies.

While One Direction, Ellie Goulding, Hozier and Rod Stewart vied for BBC Music Awards at Birmingham’s Genting Arena, a series of intimate sessions at venues such as the city’s Glee Club gave the next generation of A-list music makers rare access to leading music industry figures.

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio presenter, Trish Adudu, will introduce a number of the very best acts from Coventry. Featuring; Sandra Godley, AfroJosh, U.V. Beatz, Ruder Than U, MOBO nominees - Cho3en, the Coventry & Warwickshire Gospel choir and the Allesley School of Dance at the Albany Theatre in the city. Sandra is a 2013 MOBO nominated singer, whose work has won her recognition nationally and internationally.

The South East's most beautiful winter ice rink is open for its sixth year, now until January 17 2016, on the Royal Pavilion's Eastern lawns in Brighton. With the former Royal pleasure palace as the backdrop, huge rink side bar and restaurant with a 40 metre terrace, this hidden gem of a rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those wanting to skate in a beautiful setting as well as sit down to eat après ice.

The closing date for entries is 7 February, so there's still time to get snapping for Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2016, the world's most prestigious celebration of all that is special and significant about food photography and film. The competition is open to everyone - professional and amateur, young and old - from across the world and boasts a prize pool worth £10,000.

2015 marks the 30^th anniversary of music icon Shakin’ Stevens’ classic ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’, which topped the charts in 1985 and continues to re-chart globally each year.  To celebrate the occasion, and for a cause close to his heart, Shaky has re-recorded the hit adopting a Folk/Rock style, and renamed it as ‘Echoes Of Merry Christmas Everyone’, with the proceeds of sales for this year going to The Salvation Army.  

All 3 days of the brand new Liverpool International Horse Show will be action-packed with world class sporting action from the UK's best riders including Team GB's Olympic gold-medallists as the greatest show jumpers from around the globe, who are travelling to Liverpool for this spectacular show. This high energy event will take place on the city's waterfront over the New Year holiday from 1-3 January 2016 and is the newest international sporting event to be held in Liverpool.

British Airways i360 in Brighton has opened Gift Voucher sales for Christmas gifts, offering the opportunity to give someone an experience they will never forget on the exciting new attraction.  Gift options include the chance to “fly” up to 450 feet on a British Airways i360 Flight or take in the stunning night time views with a Champagne Sky Bar Flight. Afternoon Tea Vouchers include a flight on the BA i360 and sumptuous tea by the sea, while Fast Track Flight Vouchers include priority boarding and a complimentary guidebook.

A Massive thank you to everyone who attended The Phoenix Newspaper 5th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Bethel Convention Centre, as well as all of the exhibitors and attendees during the PhoenExpo 2015 and the Jamaica Grand Market in the daytime. Congratulations to the winners on the night!

Birmingham’s best nightlife was rewarded at this year’s Best Bar None Awards, which took place at the International Convention Centre. Thirteen awards were handed out to venues across the city which champion best practice in the licensing and entertainment trade. Le Truc, an independent French bistro in Ladywell Walk, Southside, was the night’s big winner receiving two awards for Best Restaurant Bar and Overall Birmingham Best Bar None 2015.

World Travel Market London 2015’s Conference and Event program experienced a 6.2% increase smashing through the 18,000 barrier for the first time. WTM London 2015 hosted more than 100 conferences and events with a total attendance of 18,097. Furthermore, the number of unique delegates attending the sessions increased by 2.2% to 9,027 compared to WTM London 2014’s 8,829. In 2013, the number of unique delegates attending the sessions was 8,482 and in 2012 it stood at 7,494.

The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, made a State Visit to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Valletta from November 26 to 28. The Prince of Wales, accompanied by The Duchess of Cornwall, also attended CHOGM in support of The Queen.