A young female motorbike racer from Erdington is setting her sights on competing in the British and World Superbike Championships after agreeing a new sponsorship deal.

Jamie Hanks-Elliott, who already has two race wins to her name, has joined forces with automotive power tool and garage equipment supplier AutoJack as she looks to take the next steps in her career. The 17-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of her Grandparents Roy and Rose and parents Paul and Julie, who have all competed in the sidecar championships, with her nan becoming the first woman to stand on the Isle of Man TT rostrum after finishing 2^nd in 1968.

This season will see her ride her Kawasaki 400cc across eight rounds of the Thundersport Championships and the ambition is to finish top five in as many races as possible that take place at tracks including Anglesey, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Donnington. Backing from Wolverhampton-based AutoJack will help Hanks Racing meet race and travel fees, as well as giving them access to vital equipment and tools that will be used in the maintenance and servicing of the bike.

“This is a very big year for my motorsport career, so it’s great to have additional sponsorship on board,” explained Jamie, who will soon be combining racing with studying Sports Rehabilitation at University of Nottingham. “I’ve been racing since I was 13, preferring to ride solo as I could do that at an earlier age.

“The idea was to go into sidecar racing when I was old enough, but I enjoy competing on my own too much and the plan now is to try to get some podium finishes this season with view to wild card entries in the British Superbike Championship.”

She continued: “At first there was only a few girls taking part, but I think a lot more women have been inspired to compete and we certainly match the men we are racing against. When we jump on the bike, we’re all equal.

“The more we progress, the more support I need and at the moment it is very much a family affair with my pit crew currently made up of my Grandad, my Dad and my Mom. Getting more companies on board was the aim, so we’re delighted that AutoJack has joined the likes of Scott Leathers, Tony Else, 100% Suspensions, 151s and PFM Brakes.”

AutoJack has enjoyed significant growth since it was launched in 2016, with automotive enthusiasts, detailers, fabricators and mechanics all tapping into its 100-strong range of high-quality products. This is the first time that the company has entered into a motorsport partnership, with the relationship coming about after a chance meeting between Jamie’s Dad Paul and Managing Director Fred Evans over a power generator used for tyre warmers.

“We see AutoJack as an up-and-coming challenger brand and this is exactly what we see in Jamie - the opportunity to become one of her main sponsors was perfect timing for us,” explained Fred, who runs the business with his brothers Bill and Dave Evans.

“She aligns perfectly with our brand values of always striving to be better and we’re really excited to see how she progresses this season. The deal will help towards race fees and clothing, whilst we are also giving the team access to any product in our range.”

He went on to add: “It’s great to see more women racing on an equal stage with men and we’re confident Jamie has the potential to live up her family reputation and put the Midlands firmly on the motorbike racing map.” AutoJack offers over 100 different products, ranging from tool storage, generators and compressors to socket sets and trolley jacks.

Sales are through the firm’s recently launched new website, Amazon, eBay and The Range, with the company keen to build an automotive distribution network so customers can buy products from shop shelves across the UK.

Fred concluded: “To mark the new partnership, we’ve launched a special 5% discount on your first order once registered…all you need to do is quote #Hanks16.”

Jurassic Encounter - an unmissable, family-friendly event - makes its UK debut, touring London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds from 24 July until 7 November.

Each of the cities will play host to prehistoric playgrounds, featuring more than 50 animatronic dinosaur scenes, including a fearsome, 18m tall T-Rex that breathes and sways its tail as it hunts for prey; an Iguanodon’s furious battle against a Deinonychus; Pterosaurs that screech as they soar through the trees; a 15m tall Brachiosaurus, guarding her eggs and a 16m long Diplodocus, who cries out to passers-by.

And for those who want to relax after walking the perilous path through the dinosaurs’ domain, a refreshment area will offer street food.

Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Dinosaurs have always captured the imagination of children and adults alike, and Jurassic Encounter will be a fantastic, interactive way to learn more about these fascinating creatures. We can’t wait to welcome our guests - and our Prehistoric visitors - to parks up and down the UK this year.”

The tour begins at Grovelands Park in London at the start of the summer holidays (every day from 24 July - 10 Aug) before moving to Birmingham Botanical Gardens (21 Aug - 5 Sep), Glasgow Cuningar Loop (2-17 Oct) and Leeds Roundhay Park (23 Oct - 7 Nov).

Ticket prices start at £11.50 and advanced booking is advised, although walk-ups will be admitted, subject to availability.

A special, early-bird discount is available by entering the code EARLYBIRD20 at the checkout before the end of May.

TILT, Birmingham’s only Aerial and Physical Theatre Festival, is back for its 6^th year in the city with an adapted brand-new HYBRID FESTIVAL running live, online and outdoors at a new open space, from Monday 12-Sunday 23 July 2021.

TILT, postponed in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, is one of the largest festivals of its kind outside London and renowned for attracting some of the world’s most talented artistes from the UK as well as internationally. 

The 12-day festival features breath-taking aerial and physical theatre from world class performers, free family outdoor shows and world premieres and discussions. TILT 21 also offers circus sessions for babies and parents and masterclasses and workshops for upcoming artistes, professionals and young people aged 7-14 years.

TILT 21 is produced by RoguePlay, Birmingham’s highly physical theatre company, based at West Midlands Circus and Creation Centre in Digbeth, the city’s historic creative quarter.  RoguePlay, create a unique style of narrative theatre using aerial and ground-based circus, contemporary dance, spoken word and physical theatre.

TILT 21 highlights include a night guaranteed to have audiences on the edge of their seats!  TILTED Circus Night (16 July 7.30pm ticketed) is an absolutely stunning night of live circus and physical theatre from jaw dropping performers from all over the world.  With everything from 5-minute circus acts to new full-length shows TILT 21 features artists such as Mim Wheeler, silk queen from London and Sainbold Janchivdorj, AKA the infamous Boldo (Take That Tour, Cirque Bijou).

On Saturday 17 July members of the public are invited to an afternoon of FREE outdoor shows for all the family.  The afternoon features Around The World In 80 Days, RoguePlay's acclaimed take on Jules Verne’s classic tale.  A colourful acrobatic adventure, with a tactile circus twist which sensitively introduces younger audiences to the issues of climate change.

Following the performance, audience members can give in to their curiosity and join the cast to play on the big-rig Aerial Playground. People of all ages and abilities can try aerial hoop, hammock, and skills on the ladder, with hula hoop, juggling and toys for little ones.

TILT 21 provides fans of physical theatre with the opportunity to see world premieres of brand-new aerial, dance and physical theatre performances by professional young companies. New Work Showcase (17 July ticketed) is an afternoon that will be jam packed with circus awesome-ness from some of the best emerging artists.

Kim Wildborne, Artistic Director of RoguePlay and Producer of TILT Festival said “After a year of uncertainty we can’t express how thrilled we are to return this summer with an even bigger offer!  As well as events taking place indoors TILT 21 audiences will be able to experience a spectacular programme of open-air performances presented at Tea Works, a brand-new cultural open space in Digbeth.”

Kitty Barnes, Creative Director at Tea Works, commented “Everyone at Tea Works is super proud to be hosting this year’s TILT festival.  Not just because we love working with our Digbeth neighbours on projects.  Not just because it’s one of the UK’s biggest festivals of its kind. Mostly it’s because we’re really looking forward to seeing the show!”

Also new to this year is TILT ONLINE which sees some of the in-person classes delivered online.  Participants can join classes from wherever they are in the world, with some teachers teaching via Zoom from their home country, exclusively for the TILT Online programme.

Further festival highlights include SCRATCH THAT! (18 July ticketed) a series of 360-degree online performances showcasing young people's work, community work and a plethora of aerial acts from RoguePlay’s regularly training students.

The festival also offers participatory circus sessions for babies as young as 3 weeks and their parents/carers. RISKY PLAY (18 July ticketed) has endless benefits for children and parents alike, challenging young ones to push their limits, explore their bodies and take risks in a safe environment. TRAINING AND PREGNANCY (14 July FREE time to be confirmed) discusses the difficulties of training when pregnant, safety issues and provides a chance for attendees to share their experiences.

From its base at the West Midlands Circus and Creation Centre in Digbeth, TILT 2021 will also feature masterclasses and workshops, face to face and online, for those wishing to pursue a career in the industry or improve their skills. Drop-In Massage slots are available every day and evening during the festival. And professional photographer; Richard Battye of River Studio, will also be on hand to help workshop participants create their own stunning Aerial Portfolio.

Green Live, the brand-new live event launching in October 2021 for sustainable, green, eco-friendly consumers are proud to announce Citroën as headline sponsor.

In today’s world, the way we live and make purchase choices is having a decisive impact on the planet. So Green Live is hosting a two-venue event at Westfield London W12 and centre:mk, Milton Keynes to put the spotlight on eco-friendly brands, products and services to inspire sustainable living.

The United Kingdom remains one of Citroën’s largest markets globally, with 80,000 vehicles sold in the UK alone during 2019. As part of Citroën’s electrification strategy that will see an electrified variant of each model in its line-up by 2025, the brand has already launched a number of 100% electric models. Last year saw the launch of new ë-Dispatch medium van and new ë-SpaceTourer MPV whilst new ë-C4 small family car joined the range earlier this year offering a range of up to 217 miles from a single charge (WLTP). Later this year sees the launch of compact new ë-Berlingo Van, new ë -Relay Large Van and new ë-Berlingo MPV.

Eurig Druce, Citroën UK's Managing Director, commented: “Since 1919, Citroën has created automobiles, technologies and mobility solutions to respond to evolutions in society. Being an audacious and innovative brand, Citroën places serenity, wellbeing and economy benefits front and centre. 

“Here at Citroën we believe in ‘Electrification for All’, whether that be the form of our compact new ë-Berlingo Van, new ë-C4 or our ë-SpaceTourer MPV offering seating for up to nine, there really is something for everyone. Whichever electrified Citroën model you choose, on top of the significant running cost savings, consumers can also enjoy the serenity on-board our vehicles, being free of noise, vibration and our innovation suspension system on selected models.

“To be the headline sponsor for Green Live is an extremely important ethos of ours, as we want to continue to showcase passion for the environment, sustainability and reducing carbon emissions for a better, greener future.” 

“We are extremely proud to announce Citroën as headline sponsor for Green Live” says Exhibition Organiser, Mike Bickerdike. 

“The electric vehicles (EVs) transition is huge globally, and the next couple of years will see the biggest shift in how our vehicles are powered in more than 100 years. A world with no petrol and diesel vehicles will be a much more sustainable and green world, and it’s one that Citroën are proud to support consumers with moving forward.

“We look forward to working with the Citroën team at Green Live, and helping people make the transition to Citroën’s electric vehicles.” Green Live are also proud to announce partnership with Treepoints and MoreTrees.

A staggering 25,000 carbon absorbing trees have been agreed to be planted on behalf of the first 25,000 people to register for the two upcoming events to leave a living legacy for the event. Treepoints will plant a total of 12,500 for the first 12,500 people to attend Green Live London. And MoreTrees will plant a total of 12,500 for the first 12,500 people to attend Green Live Milton Keynes. 

Niki Tibble, Co-Founder, MoreTrees commented: “We’re super excited to be sponsoring Green Live and helping ethical consumers discover ethical brands - in our home town.

“Milton Keynes is known as the City of Trees, so naturally we wanted to plant a tree for everyone who pre-registers for the event. By working together, we can make a huge impact in the fight against climate change, deforestation and extreme poverty. We can’t wait to meet everyone at the event, discover new ethical brands ourselves, and plant 12,500 trees to ensure Green Lives makes a Green impact.” 

Green Live will take place in Westfield, in London and centre:mk for three days per venue and will showcase over 80 sustainable brands and speakers.

Cadbury World has announced that it is set to reopen from Monday 17 May for heaps of family-fun, with an exciting brand-new stage show, character story time sessions, and new customisable chocolatey gifts.

Following months of closure, the attraction, in Bournville, in Birmingham, is excited to welcome guests through the doors once more and has a new stage show for visitors to enjoy. Freddo’s Circus show will run every weekend and throughout school holidays, from Saturday 22 May until Sunday 10 October. Visitors will be able to laugh along with ‘Freddo the Clown’, have their mind’s read by ‘The Great Fredeedo’ and be amazed by the juggling skills of ‘Spin Master Freddo’.

Perfect for the little ones, the chocolatey attraction will also be offering an all-new parent and toddler pass, so one adult and child aged four and under can enjoy discounted entry Monday to Friday during term time, with combined tickets priced at just £16. Toddlers will also get the chance to sit down for a special story time with Freddo every Thursday, from 20 May – 1 July, excluding 3 June. Visitors can hear the tale of Freddo’s adventure at the circus, featuring marvellous magic, cool dance moves and even some circus tricks. There will be five sessions available throughout the day, at no additional cost.

The attraction has also released new customisable handmade treats, including personalised plaques, hand-decorated slabs and even footballs, all made from delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate – the perfect gifts for chocoholics. Guests can pre-order their personalised treats online and collect their items from The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop whilst at the attraction, or have them delivered directly to their door. 

Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy a day choc-full of fun with an assortment of chocolatey zones to explore. From catching the talented chocolatiers in action in the Chocolate Making zone to experiencing the sensation of diving into a pot of liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk in the 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, Cadbury World offers a memorable and fun-filled day out for all the family.

The outdoor African Adventure Play Area is also open and offers the perfect place for younger visitors to make the most of the sunshine, filled with tube slides, climbing zones and rope bridges. With a separate under 5s zone for mini-explorers to enjoy, it’s also the perfect place for adults to relax with a drink or snack from the outdoor refreshments takeaway kiosk.

Gerrard Baldwin, general manager at Cadbury World, said: “We’re delighted to welcome guests back to enjoy everything Cadbury World has to offer, our team will be on hand throughout the attraction to ensure that all of our visitors have a fun, safe and memorable day out. We’ve got so many things for people to enjoy this summer, from Freddo’s brand-new Circus stage show to our Circus-themed story time sessions.

“We’re also excited to launch our new parent and toddler pass, so families with pre-school age kids can experience all our chocolatey wonders at a discounted price.”

In line with government guidelines, Cadbury World has introduced a number of additional hygiene and safety measures in all areas. These include reducing the numbers of guests admitted, social distancing measures, enhanced cleaning regimes, plus hand sanitising stations available throughout.

This summer, Selfridges is launching a one-of-a-kind wedding experience for couples looking for a non-traditional ceremony in an iconic location.

Selfridges is a social space, a place for friends, where everyone is welcome. ​In 2021 more than ever, Selfridges is committed to making the world brighter.​With this sense of optimism, Selfridges teams have been thinking about how to bring friends together again, offering new ways to celebrate the special experiences everyone has been missing. This summer, Selfridges will offer a wedding experience for couples looking for a non-traditional ceremony in a venue like no other.

Over the last year, restrictions around ceremonies and receptions have halted or postponed over 150,000 couples’ plans – that's over 60% of the number of weddings scheduled to happen in 2020. Newly engaged couples are struggling to find wedding venues, booked up far in advance. ​Emerging from this is a trend for alternative, more intimate celebrations. Not only will Selfridges offer a solution that responds to an unprecedented demand for wedding venues, it will also consider alternatives for couples seeking non-traditional ways to celebrate their love.​

A newly acquired wedding licence will allow ceremonies to be hosted in the grade II listed building on Oxford Street for a limited time this year, with three curated micro-wedding packages available: Just-The-Two-Of-Us, Earth Lovers and All-Out Extraordinary. All packages will be centred around extraordinary Selfridges experiences that are special and inspiring, such as a wedding breakfast in Brasserie of Light, a private screening of a favourite film in The Selfridges Cinema or DJ set with Sink The Pink, and can be tailored to meet individual couples’ needs. The ceremonies will take place in a dedicated Wedding Suite on the fourth floor of Selfridges London, which will be made over for each wedding depending on the chosen package.

As part of resale initiative Resellfridges and Selfridges’ Project Earth commitment to explore circular retail models, ‘The Corner Shop’ will see a wedding takeover this August, with a specially curated collection of vintage and pre-loved womenswear, menswear and accessories for the wedding party and guests as well as those getting married. ‘The Wedding Shop’ will offer bespoke gift lists and through dedicated services, customers will be able to make appointments for everything from wedding day makeovers and styling appointments to custom-made floral arrangements and canapé consultations.

Rebecca Warburton, Selfridges Director of Events & Customer Experiences, says: “We’re driven by making our customers’ worlds brighter through unforgettable experiences. For those looking for a truly unique way to get married this summer, we’re excited to launch weddings at Selfridges. Bringing together some of our amazing experiences, we can’t wait to create custom packages in celebration of people's love for each other.”

Enquiries and bookings for Weddings at Selfridges can now be made.