Citywing Connect Magazine | Issue 14 | October / December 2015

connect

CITYWING MAGAZINE | ISSUE 14 OCT-DEC 2015

There's magic in the air this Winter...

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From 1st September you can have your fixed lines provided by Sure. From the smallest business to the largest enterprise, you can now enjoy the convenience of one provider, one relationship, one bill - and access to Sure’s state of the art business solutions portfolio including Mitel and Red Box products.

Sure is a Platinum Partner for Mitel and Red Box

For further information, please contact one of our account directors at business@sure.com who will be delighted to help you.

You can also call the team on (01624) 692222.

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Welcome aboard.

Thank you for flying Citywing and welcome aboard this flight today.

No matter where you go in the world or who you talk to, the conversation at some stage will invariably turn to the weather.

It’s been a very strange summer for us both in the Island and further afield in the UK in terms of the weather we have experienced. We’ve had record high temperatures, record high rainfall and lots of record wind gusts in between.

So it just leaves me to say that I do hope you enjoy reading the remainder of Connect. We’ve introduced a “Meet the Staff” feature which kicks off with none other than yours truly. Our Sales and Marketing Manager, Donna has kindly put me forward as the Guinea pig to test feedback – so be nice!

Do please sit back, relax and enjoy your flight and we hope to see you again very soon.

As someone who favours the UK and N Ireland for my summer breaks, it’s been a minefield deciding what to pack this year! Waterproofs, shorts and warmer woollies in the same bag have meant complex packing for us all in my family. We went to Belfast and the forecast will at best be described as damp. Having said that, it only rained all day on one day, and we all had a great time.

Thankfully, at Citywing the weather hasn’t had too much of an effect on our punctuality. Because of the weather, we cancelled 4 services between June and August. This was out of 1722 services that were available for sale during the same period, so not bad at all! During this time, our punctuality of flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time has remained high at 97.6%.

This is all helped by the fact that we are based on the Isle of Man. I’ve mentioned before that being based here puts us in the distinctly advantageous position of being able to react quickly. Take the fog that we have experienced over the summer for example. Other airlines serving the island can’t get in to the island when it’s foggy so have to return to a UK point and wait for it to lift. Because we are here and the minute visibility returns (or for the locals when Mannanan lifts his cloak enough for us to see King Williams College) then we’re off, getting you where you should be as punctual as we can be.

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David Buck, Managing Director

www.citywing.com

At Citywing we are committed to looking for ways to improve our service to you.

We would be grateful if you would complete this questionnaire online after your flight.

The forms are collated once a week and automatically distributed to our Quality Manager.

You can access the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Citywing or by scanning the QR code.

All your answers are treated in the strictest confidence.

Thanks for your help and we hope you enjoy your short flight.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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GLOUCESTER Enchanted Trees

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BLACKPOOL A Month of Brilliance

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BELFAST 12 Days of Christmas

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GLASGOW Loves Christmas!

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NEWCASTLE Winter Festival

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GIGS To Note

Designed & Published by The Thought Store - www.tts.im

Advertising Opportunities inflight@citywing.com

Printed by Words & Spaces | www.wordsandspaces.co.im | info@wordsandspaces.co.im >

WWW.CITYWING.COM | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015

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Featured Deals Our website is designed to make our booking process as easy as possible, but if you‘d like to make a booking over the phone, please call our reservations centre on 0871 200 0440 and one of our team members would be happy to help.

Belfast from £29.95

Newcastle from £49.95

Gloucester from £49.95

No debit card fees.

No fuel surcharges.

Guaranteed.

Glasgow from £49.95

Isle of Man £23.95

Jersey from £74.95

Belfast > Blackpool from only £59.95

Blackpool from £23.95

Book online: www.citywing.com OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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For flying visits

Isle of Man | Belfast | Blackpool | Glasgow | Gloucester | Jersey | Newcastle

www.citywing.com

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Citywing Timetable Isle of Man to Blackpool M

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You can now check in on-line for all destinations, up to 14 days before travel.

We recommend a minimum of 40 minutes check-in for all our services.

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Our check-in desks open one hour before departure and close strictly 30 minutes before departure.

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Valid Government issued Photo ID is required on all flights.

BAGGAGE 10 Kgs of hand luggage is free, as long as it fits in the sizer.

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Our luggage allowance per passenger is 20 kilos in total, including all cabin and hold bags. Business Select passengers receive an additional allowance of 5 kgs.

TIMINGS Timings are subject to change without notice or liability.

BUSINESS SELECT Visit citywing.com and discover the benefits of travelling as a Business Select passenger.

Reservations: 0871 200 0440 Timetables subject to change. See Citywing.com

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Citywing News

CITYWING TT 2016 FLIGHTS ON SALE NOW! Flights for next year’s TT Festival are available to book now with Citywing, with an enhanced timetable available to help even more fans visit the world-famous motorcycling event in 2016.

Citywing carried more than 5,000 people to and from the Isle of Man during this year’s TT festival, with a significant increase in passenger numbers on its Belfast and Glasgow routes. With routes also available from Blackpool, Gloucester and Newcastle, Citywing hopes to bring even more TT fans to the Island for 2016.

Additional flights will be available across all Citywing routes over the course of the two-week event between 28 May and 10 June, and tickets can be booked online now at Citywing’s website.

Managing Director David Buck said: ‘Our special TT schedules have been a huge hit over the last few years, and we are very pleased to offer extra flights again for TT 2016. This year’s festival was one of the best yet, and we are already excited Image - Isle of Man TT 2015 to see what is in store for next year! We strive www.iomtt.com to provide our customers with the best possible service, and so we refrain from increasing our fares during peak times such as the TT festival.

‘We would recommend that customers book flights as early as possible so as to avoid disappointment, and we look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers to the Island in 2016.’

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CITYWING TEAMS UP WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR BIG DAY OUT COMPETITION Citywing has teamed up with a number of local businesses to give the winners of a radio competition a ‘Big Day Out’.

Kerry and Elizabeth Melville, from Heysham, flew to the Island last month accompanied by Darren Milby and Jody West from the North West’s The Bay radio station, which ran the competition.

After arriving from Blackpool Airport, the foursome travelled south to Cregneash then onto the Sound Visitor Centre Café for breakfast.

They then climbed the steps of Laxey Wheel before enjoying a delicious meal courtesy of 14North in Douglas. There was just time for a tour of Rushen Abbey before they headed back to the airport for their return flight to Blackpool Airport. Passes for all the attractions were provided by Visit Isle of Man. Kerry said: ‘We’d never been to the Isle of Man so we didn’t really know what to expect, but the food was fantastic and we were given a really warm welcome everywhere we went. Elizabeth and I had a thoroughly brilliant time and will be recommending that our friends and family book themselves a trip very soon!’

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015

Citywing Managing Director, David Buck, said: ‘The competition was part of our wider marketing strategy to promote the Isle of Man as a holiday destination. Thank you to Visit Isle of Man and 14North for contributing to the prize – we hope to repeat the competition in the future.‘

View our latest Offers facebook.com/CityWing twitter.com/MyCityWing

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Meet the Staff Our new feature of “Meet the Staff” kicks off with none other than our Managing Director, David Buck.

David is a well known face in the aviation world on the island but his knowledge and experience of flying started well before his time on the Isle of Man. He first started in aviation in 1983 when he worked for Air Traffic Control for the RAF. After leaving the RAF he has since worked for Air UK, KLM uk, Manx Airlines, BA Citiexpress, EuroManx, Manx2 and now to the present, Citywing which was formed in January 2013.

David is very much a family man who is married to his Hungarian wife, Csilla and together they have 2 children, Kristina and Alex. Family life revolves around the 2 children and their needs, helping them as much as possible to achieve their goals whilst still maintaining a balance in life.

Sport plays a big part in David‘s spare time and you will often find him enjoying some form of activity with the family but largely it will be football, table tennis, badminton and tennis.

Music is another keen interest and David attempts to play the guitar whilst admitting to be a big fan of progressive rock (providing the singers sing properly). He enjoys reading, his favourite authors being Robert Ludlum, Tom Grace and Lee Child.

He also enjoys travelling with the family, with old Eastern Europe a firm favourite travel spot with places like Budapest, Prague and Krakow topping the list..

CITYWING IMPLEMENTS NEW AND IMPROVED RESERVATION SYSTEM Citywing has launched its newly upgraded reservation system, offering a more user-friendly booking process for both customers and Citywing staff.

Developed by INteliSys Aviation Systems, the new ameliaRES system allows exceptional flexibility and will enable Citywing

to implement additional benefits for its passengers. Citywing staff will also notice the advantages of the new system, which comes complete with reservation, flight, fare, and inventory management, as well as travel agent, public web, and call centre booking portals with a full departure control system.

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Citywing Managing Director, David Buck, said: ‘We are delighted to have implemented the new ameliaRES system, which will allow us to take our products forward and tailor them according to our – and our customers’ – needs. The team at InteliSys was very open to our ideas and worked with us to find ways to integrate them into the system. We are really looking forward to the opportunities that this will bring both for our company and for our customers.’

TT 2016 SCHEDULE

NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONLINE AT CITYWING.COM

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Sudoku

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So you do Sudoku do you?

Solution on page 34

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Spot the difference.

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Hey kids! A little birdy tells us there are 8 differences here... how many can you see?

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DID YOU KNOW? The length of the biggest Christmas cracker ever made was 45.72 meters. Santa receives 600,000 letters a year from the UK alone! The tallest snowman every built was 34.44 meters. 10 Million Turkeys are cooked in the UK every Christmas. An average of 3 Christmas trees are planted to replace each one harvested... the average age of a tree when sold is 15. We eat 25 million Christmas puddings in the UK every year. Phew!

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Word Search S T A C G Y A N P I K G

H S O G A Z J F I C Y Y

O P N S R R H W E Z R Y

P I M N E P N L P J C C

P X B O I R E I L T U W

I D J I Q B T G V O V V

N D T T R G T A B A Z H

G P G A G S W R E P L J

CARNIVAL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

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F T T N H H P O A H O F

P E H I N C X R G Z T L

C X I M D V T N H L O S

D E N U X Y I Q B L Q S

S V D L H G I R D W O T

FESTIVE FIREWORKS ILLUMINATIONS

X A G L N A C J Y H E E

C O M I F N C X V I B K

F E S T I V E N D T H R

A T N A S D U M E J K A

MARKETS PARTY SANTA

I I X I J I L X I R H M

S K R O W E R I F P S J

O O U Q L U O H P Q O S

R W V H E G I R C U A V

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A N P Y R P D W K X W J

SHOPPING SINGING THEATRE

P X R S Q Z G I P B N C

I O R S L H D A F X D Z

Win!

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Where’s Wirley?

Our mascot Wirley is hidden in this magazine!

Tell us which page Wirley is flying around on (not this one!)

and you can win a £50 Travel Voucher! email your answer to: Wirley@citywing.com

Good Luck!

Congratulations to our previous winner Margaret Dickson!

Get flying!

Blackpool from £23.95 Gloucester from £49.95 Glasgow from £49.95 Newcastle from £49.95 IOM to Belfast from £29.95 Belfast to Blackpool from £49.95 IOM to Jersey from £169.95

Book online: www.citywing.com OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Christmas in Gloucester

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Christmas in Gloucester is always a bit special, thanks to its beautiful ancient monuments, the country‘s best-loved cathedral, and a strong Victorian heritage.

After all, it was Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert who popularised many of the Christmas customs (such as Christmas trees and Christmas cards) we celebrate today.

Cheltenham Christmas Market Cheltenham‘s Christmas Market under the Christmas lights on the Promenade will feature up to 40 stalls selling a wide range of Christmas gifts, crafts, food and drink in a unique Christmas Market atmosphere.

Enjoy a glass of Gluwine and a bratwurst while you wander and browse along the rows of stalls.

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Gloucester Quays Festive Fayre Tick off your Christmas list at the Festive Fayre with over 80 tempting stalls, boasting the finest seasonal produce from around the country and even further afield. From sweet and savoury chutneys, cheese specialists, artisan chocolates and sweets, to gingerbread houses, hot roasted chestnuts, Christmas cake and fine wine.

You can even place your turkey and meat orders for Christmas day, at the specialist stalls! Pick up unique handcrafted gifts for friends and family and last-minute touches to create the perfect setting at home, including locally grown Christmas trees, handmade decorations, wreaths, scented candles and seasonal plants.

After your seasonal shopping spree, take some time-out as you wander through the twinkling Christmas lights and treat yourself to a creamy hot chocolate and festive-filled crepe. Watch as live music, including brass bands and choirs, plus fun and festive street entertainment and even real life reindeers, bring the market alive.

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015

3rd to 20th December 2015 Monday 10:00-18:00 Tuesday 10:00-18:00 Wednesday 10:00-18:00 Thursday 10:00-20:00 Friday 10:00-20:00 Saturday 10:00-20:00 Sunday 11:00-18:00

An Enchanted Experience..

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weather! Look out for hog roast, gourmet burgers, hot dogs, chips, jacket potatoes and baguettes or enjoy a warming hot chocolate with whipped cream (or Baileys!), delicious mulled wine and a selection of tea, coffee and cold drinks to suit all tastes.

Out and about

If you‘d prefer to enjoy your Christmas fare in the fresh air, you can pick up roasted chestnuts, toffee apples, toasted marshmallows and traditional sweets before or after you take to the illuminated trail. You can also purchase hot chocolate and mulled wine to sustain you whilst out on the trail look out for the snack stops on the route

Chrismassy Characters For a festive family outing that guarantees to kick-start your Christmas cheer, this is your chance to celebrate at one of the seven wonders of the Cotswolds, boasting one of the most spectacular arboretums in the world.

There will be a stilt walker every evening for your entertainment. Expect visits from the Christmas fairy and Jack Frost! A lovely traditional carousel will also make itself at home at the event.

A new lighting design is created each year, taking in around a mile of the arboretum’s paths – about a 45 minute walk, pushchair-friendly and accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter.

The illuminated trail

At the heart of the Enchanted Christmas event lies a wonderful illuminated trail which celebrates Westonbirt’s beautiful tree collection.

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Opening times Trail opens: 5pm Last entrance to car park: 7pm Last entrance onto the trail: 7.30pm Admission prices Adult: £10 Students and jobseekers £8 Child 5 - 1 8 years £5 Child under 5 years Free

Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas

Father Christmas, dressed in traditional green, will be there from 5pm each evening for children to share their Christmas wishes and be given a small token gift. You‘ll find him in his chalet along with his helpful elves! Mrs Christmas will be hosting seasonal storytelling near to the restaurant.

Keep undercover!

A giant marquee accommodates food, drink, seating and Christmas gift chalets. So, you can relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere whatever the

Pre-booking Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday 5 October.

We advise you to book in advance to guarantee entry.

Booking is essential for Saturday evenings (28 November, 5, 12 and 19 December) due to exceptional demand.

Contact Box Office and info 03000 680400 boxoffice@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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12 Days of Christmas in Belfast...

1. Christmas Lights Switch On

Join the Lord Mayor and special guests as they light up the city to welcome another magical Belfast Christmas on Saturday 14 November at Belfast City Hall. Free entry wristbands available from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.

2. All I Want For Christmas

4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Don’t miss the chance to bring your little ones to visit Father Christmas in one of his many grottos, watch his parade through the city centre or enjoy a Magical Christmas Experience.

5. Merry Markets

Fill your loved ones stockings with the perfect gifts. From Victoria Square’s luxurious, designer brands and Castle Court’s High Street favourites, to enticing speciality shops & boutiques on the cool Lisburn Road, Belfast’s retailers will help take the stress out of Christmas shopping.

The Belfast Christmas Market returns to the grounds of Belfast City Hall, 14 November – 20 December, offering an array of local and European gastronomic delights, hot beverages, crafts and plants. Why not shop for unique gifts and tasty treats at both St.George’s Market and Folktown Market.

3. It’s Behind You!

6. Party Time

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It wouldn’t be Christmas without a family trip to a festive show. Choose from Cinderella at Belfast Waterfront, Snow White at the Grand Opera House, Little Red Riding Hood at the Lyric, or The MAC’s Rumpelstiltskin.

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Enjoy Belfast’s legendary party spirit for a great night out. Dine in one of the huge selection of restaurants, toast the season in one of the chic bars or cosy pubs and dance the night away in one of the city’s stylish clubs. Don’t forget to book a Value Cabs taxi to get you home!

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7. All That Glitters

Make this Christmas even more magical by popping the question to that special someone.

Let family-run Lunn’s help you choose the perfect ring from their exceptional collection of the finest diamonds.

10. Silent Night

Whether it’s Christmas shopping, a great night out with friends or catching up with family, why not avail of one of the great hotel rates on offer and stay the night. Wake up relaxed, refreshed and ready for a delicious breakfast the following morning.

8. The Boys Are Back

Get the guys together for an action packed night of sport. Choose from Ulster Rugby at the Kingspan Stadium, a Belfast Giants ice hockey match at the SSE Arena or a night at the dogs at the Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium. End the night at one of the city’s sports bars including Citigolf or Rockies.

11. Leave it all behind

Avoid the traffic and stress and let Translink take you right into the heart of the city by bus or train.

Find timetable information at translink.co.uk

12. Happy New Year!

Say goodbye to 2015 and welcome in the New Year in Belfast. With sumptuous meals, delicious cocktails and special party nights, a fantastic celebration awaits.

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9. Festive Theatre

There will be plenty of laughs for the grown-ups at the Lyric Theatre’s seasonal show Christmas Eve Can kill You or indulge in the musical classic White Christmas at the Grand Opera House.

In a city bursting with Christmas cheer, there’s no better place to spend time with family and friends this festive season!

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NYE Winter Carnival Parade

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Skating NewcastleGateshead

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NewcastleGateshead is full of festive cheer this winter season with a series of Christmas markets, events and a New Year spectacular culminating in an early evening firework display Newcastle Christmas Intercontinental Market A truly international Christmas Market with stalls from Germany, France, Belgium, Holland and Spain, Newcastle city centre’s Monument area is transformed into a cosmopolitan market place with stalls packed full of unusual Christmas gifts and festive foods including delicious marzipan stollen, Dutch cheeses, plants and bulbs, Belgian chocolates and German sausages.

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Enchanted Parks - Saltwell Park, Gateshead NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Gateshead Council‘s popular after-dark arts adventure in Saltwell Park, Gateshead is making a welcome return this festive season.

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Shopaholics

Newcastle Christmas Market Friday, Saturday 9am-6pm Dec Wednesday, Thursday 9am-7pm / Sunday 10am - 5pm Newcastle city centre hosts the Newcastle Christmas Market from Wed 2 – Sunday 6 December 2015. Come along and soak up the festive atmosphere whilst browsing stalls selling everything from alpaca hats and gloves to Christmas cakes, locally brewed beers, fantastic mirrors, beautiful pottery and gorgeous handmade jewellery.

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The Newcastle Christmas Market incorporates the Farmers Market on Friday 5 December so shoppers can pick up delicious produce just in time for Christmas from a friendly local producer. Santa will be making a special appearance at the market and local choirs will add to the Christmas cheer.

31 Dec

The ever popular Enchanted Parks event will once again breathe myth and magic into Gateshead’s beautiful Victorian park from Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 December.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2015, artists from across the ten years will be showcasing new work when Enchanted Parks opens its doors again. Ticket prices are £8 for adults and £2 for children under 18. Children aged three and under go free. Tickets will go on sale in early November, please check the website for details: www.enchantedparks.com.

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www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival

NYE Winter Carnival and Midnight Fireworks New Year’s Eve always signals a time to celebrate, and NewcastleGateshead presents one of the biggest events across the country in the New Year’s Eve Winter Carnival. For night owls staying in town to celebrate the stroke of midnight in restaurants, bars and attractions along the quayside, don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks, the perfect end to the New Year’s Eve festivities.

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A month of brilliance!

Blackpool’s famous ‘Brilliance’ arches on Birley Street in the town centre will play host to a month of outdoor performance and live music throughout October as part of Blackpool Illumination’s Lightpool programme.

Five weekends will see the street transformed into an outdoor stage with a programme designed to delight and excite for all the family.

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015

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Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October Strictly Night Cycling It’s ballet on bikes at night! Bicycle Ballet are a performance company who create exhilarating outdoor dance performances on bikes, exploring the joyful highs and gritty lows of cycling. The choreographed cycling mixes dance and physical theatre with visual spectacle, comedy and striking soundtracks.

Thursday 8 October National Poetry Day Let the words flow over you. The Brilliance arches are actually a huge permanent sound and light system and on National Poetry Day brilliant poets will read their poems over it live, filling the streets with words and images. This will take place throughout the afternoon and early evening.

Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October Wired Aerial Theatre Wired Aerial Theatre bring their stupendous suspended performance to the skies of Blackpool. Flying high above the audience let them amaze you with feats of aerial skill and agility, and captivate you with their movements. Wired Aerial Theatre are one of the UK’s leading aerial performance companies and previously performed ‘As The World Tipped’ at Blackpool Cricket Club to an audience of thousands and hundreds of thousands around the world.

Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October Circus Steet!

Amazing Circus performers and street artists perform to live music under Brilliance’s spectacular lightshow.

Artists include Acrojou who blend acrobatics, handbuilt structures and sublime visuals, to create unique circus experiences for everyone.

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Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October The Umbrella Project Be part of the illuminations! The Umbrella Project allows you to join a parade with specially created illuminated umbrellas by Cirque Bijou that will take you from the seafront to Brilliance to be part of an amazing art installation. The whole event will be filmed live and made in to a short film to be shown on the LightPools website. Become an illumination. Umbrella holding skills are required.

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Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October The Brilliance Sessions – Live DJ sets Two nights of live music from big name DJs and performers (we know who they are but we can’t tell you yet!) brought to you by Lightpool at Blackpool Illuminations and Blackpool Rocks. Combining an awesome soundtrack direct from some of the UKs biggest dancefloors with the spectacular Brilliance lightshow this is an event not to be missed.

Elsewhere in Lightpool at Blackpool Illuminations Don’t miss Djonny Chen’s Ninth Letter Project from 10 September throughout the illuminations. Indonesian film maker Djonny has interviewed hundreds of residents of the Fylde coast and produced a series of beautiful video portraits that will be projected on a giant screen on the promenade near Gynn Square.

A month of brilliance!

www.visitblackpool.com/illuminations/whats-new-for-2015/ OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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One of the most iconic sights in British culture, Blackpool Illuminations is the biggest free light show in the world.

One of the biggest features of 2015’s display is a spectacular new element to the Illuminations called LightPool. This incredible concept will revolutionise the Illuminations using new creative content and innovative projection mapping technology.

Blackpool Promenade will be completely transformed as 6 miles of seaside will be beautifully lit up, with a stunning projection show adorning The Blackpool Tower building. A film has been specially created for the occasion, and continues the Illuminations’ tradition of offering something new and awe-inspiring. Designed by WarPro and The Projection Studio, who have worked on world famous events like the World Cup and the Olympic Games, the show will run in cycles throughout the illuminations display and is set to be absolutely unmissable.

On top of that, LightPool will be accompanied by a whole host of events and installations across the town, including at the Grundy Art Gallery. Visitors can marvel at its special ‘Sensory Systems’ exhibition, which combines the work of several acclaimed artists who have made light the central theme of their work.

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Grundy Art Gallery

As part of Lightpool, leading artists from around the world will undertake spectacular new commissions involving light both in the gallery and around the town.

“Sensory Systems” brings together five leading artists from around the world - Angela Bulloch, Rafael LozanoHemmer, Ann Veronica Janssens, Anthony McCall, and Conrad Shawcross – who will each create art installations exploring how light can affect your sensory experience.

Many of the artworks are participatory. One piece is voice activated while another invites visitors to walk through a giant cone of light, created by smoke and projection.

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015

Grundy curator, Richard Parry, said: “Light has been at the heart of how artists compose artworks. Whether it’s painting, photography or drawing light is in many respects the starting point. For Sensory Systems, we’ve switched the focus to be on how artists have been fascinated by light itself – both the science and technology behind it but also its ability to affect our senses and the way we experience the world around us. At the gallery we’ve been asking ourselves how we can do something new and exciting to compliment the amazing tourism offer of the Illuminations – something that is interactive and family friendly but also allows space for the imagination and for a certain spiritual reflection if you want to.”

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THE STUNNING NEW DISPLAYS Ballroom Glitz

Drawing on Blackpool’s reputation as the home of ballroom dancing thanks to the success of Strictly Come Dancing, our creative curator, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, has designed Ballroom Glitz. The glamourous section will sit opposite the Sands Venue – who also generously sponsor the display – and you can bet there won’t be a sequin out of place.

Glampire Re-Vamped!

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Crazy Lights

An amazing dynamic new road-section stretching from The Imperial Hotel in North Shore to Gynn Square, this spectacular display features over half a million brightly coloured synchronised ever changing LED lights creating a myriad of patterns and shapes in light!!

Diamond Island

The iconic Gynn Island is transformed into a beautiful section of glittering chandeliers and tiaras as the Illuminations wave their magic making it the key focal point prior to the stunning display at the Cliffs.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s second 2015 work is a spooky take on the vampire but in LLB’s own glamourous style.

The sleek, shiny tableau takes the concept to frightening new lengths and, we can promise you, looks incredible.

Street to Shore

From the makers of Blackpool’s successful graffiti festival, Sand, Sea and Spray, comes Street to Shore. Sticking with a guerrilla style of design, Sand, Sea and Spray boss Robin Ross – also a key member of the Friends of Blackpool Illuminations, is promising four stunning new tableaux for the Cliffs at Bispham by artists from around Britain and beyond...

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Glasgow loves

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Christmas!

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GlasgowLoves Christmas!

Glasgow is the perfect place to visit this Christmas - stylish shopping, superb eating and drinking and a jam-packed events programme against a city centre backdrop of glittering festive lights.

Below are the pick of the best events coming up in Glasgow over the festive period.

George Square | 16th November - 31st December Open 12noon-10pm Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm Sat-Sun A festive hub of activity with free, family friendly entertainment 7 days a week! As well as the popular Christmas lights, tree and festive displays, you can enjoy daily activities in the pavilion bar area or have fun on the fantastic fairground rides including the much-loved carousel.

Eat, Drink & be Merry

Glasgow on Ice | George Square 27th November – 31st December Open 12noon-10pm Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm Sat-Sun The coolest day out this winter as Glasgow On Ice returns to George Square! Skate under the sparkling Christmas lights, enjoy some festive food & drink and absorb the amazing atmosphere on the double-deck pavilion with fantastic views over the ice rink. Just remember to wear your winter woollies!

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The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair | SECC 20th – 23rd November countrylivingfair.com/glasgow Head along to the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair this festive season and pick up some unique gifts to delight your loved ones, as well as some inspirational decorations to bring that magical Christmas sparkle to your home. It‘s your chance to meet hundreds of artisan designers and makers along with regional food producers from across the UK.

George Square

Style Mile Christmas Carnival | City Centre 22nd November | 12-4pm The Style Mile Christmas Carnival dazzles Christmas shoppers as it sprinkles some seasonal sparkle throughout the city centre. Heralding the start of the festive season there will be lots of surprises in store as the procession brings the streets and precincts alive with festive cheer.

Style Mile Parade

Santa Dash | George Square | 6th December Santa Claus is coming to town! With Glasgow’s city centre a merry place to be as thousands of Santa’s pound the streets to raise money for good causes. Every single runner will receive a dashing Santa suit to wear on the day and a Santa’s little helper medal at the finish line. So get yourself on Santa’s good list and register today!

Perfect for Presents

For more information visit:

glasgowloveschristmas.com Snow White >

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Perfect for Presents | Glasgow’s Style Mile All year round Shop for Christmas gifts and decorations in Glasgow’s fabulously festive Style Mile! With extended festive opening hours, many stores are open until 8pm or later, making time to search for the perfect gift. When the shopping is done relax, have a drink or enjoy a meal and soak up the enchanting festive atmosphere in Glasgow City Centre.

Peter Pan | Clyde Auditorium 12 December 2015 – 3 January 2016 secc.co.uk/peterpan Hold on to your Santa hats! This festive season, Peter Pan promises to take audiences from the comfort of their seats to the depths of the ocean with a dazzling 3D underwater sequence. Starring Glasgow’s very own Pop Idol Michelle McManus, David Hasselhoff and The Krankies, it’s sure to be a pantomime spectacular.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | King’s Theatre 4 December 2015 – 10 January 2016 atgtickets.com/glasgow The King’s Theatre are delighted to bring together Scottish comedy legend Gregor Fisher, Capital FM presenter Des Clarke and Juliet Cadzow for the fairest (and funniest) panto in the land, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Oh yes it is!

Glasgow Christmas Markets | St. Enoch Square 13th November – 20th December The much-loved Glasgow Christmas Markets encompass a variety of colourful stalls, offering a selection of gifts, artisan products and global cuisine set in a festive village of rustic cabins and stalls.

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Whether you‘re shopping for a special gift or a stocking filler, Glasgow’s Christmas markets will be sure to please!

Eat, Drink and Be Merry | All year round Refuel and rest those weary feet after a hard day’s Christmas shopping! Warm your innards with an indulgent hot chocolate, sup a pint by a crackling fire in a cosy pub or splash out on a Christmas cocktail at one of Glasgow’s stylish bars - you really are spoilt for choice with the city’s eclectic dining scene.

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Glasgow on ice!

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Nollick Ghennal. .as Blein Vie Noa! All Aboard

Enjoy festive fun and fine dining on the Steam Railway Dining Car. Built around 1904 and lovingly restored by Isle of Man Railways, the beautifully appointed Dining Car is one of only a handful of narrow gauge dining cars in the world. A variety of dining experiences are available throughout October 2015 until 2 January 2016.

For more information visit www.iombusandrail.info or email steamdining@gov.im

> Throughout December see the Manx

Museum transformed for Christmas as they Light up the Museum with illuminated exhibitions, lights and decorations. Free Entry to the Museum. Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm. Further details can be found on www.manxnationalheritage.im

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Summerhill Glen

1 December 2015 - 6 January 2016 Daily from 16:30 until 22:30

Wander through Summerhill Glen in Douglas to see its magical transformation as it’s illuminated by Christmas Lighting.

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Unmissable

Island

Dara O Briain: Crowd Tickler

Thursday 29 & Friday 30 October 2015 | Villa Marina | Douglas Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, The Apprentice You’re Fired and Star Gazing Live. Not forgetting his most recent shows Dara O Briain: School of Hard Sums for Dave and Dara O Briain’s Science Club for BBC2. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers working today Tickets £23.50 (inc 2% booking charge)

Shed Seven with special guests The Inspiral Carpets | Tuesday 1 December 2015 | Villa Marina | Douglas In what has become biennial tradition, Shed Seven are hitting the road this December for a UK tour. For these Christmas dates we’re excited to announce that Manchester’s finest Inspiral Carpets will be joining us as special guests. So expect a whole night of classic Shed and Inspiral hits!

Tickets £22.95 (inc 2% booking charge) Kevin Bridges ‘A Whole Different Story...‘ 2015 Tour | Thursday 17 December 2015 | Villa Marina | Douglas Scotland’s biggest export, Kevin Bridges, dubbed as “brilliant” by one of his comedy idols, Billy Connolly has had an astonishing rise to success. His 2012 tour, Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues… smashed box office records selling a staggering 45,000 tickets on the first day!

Tickets £25.50 (inc 2% booking charge)

Tel: 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com

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Gigs to note Belfast Odyssey Arena

O2 Academy Newcastle

One Direction Tue 20, Wed 21, Thu 22 Oct 2015

Happy Mondays Sat 14 Nov 2015

Shed Seven Thu 03 Dec 2015

Imagine Dragons Tue 17 Nov 2015

The Maccabees Thu 19 Nov 2015

Scouting for Girls Thu 10 Dec 2015

U2 Wed 18, Thu 19 Nov 2015

The Fratellis Sun 22 Nov 2015

The Charlatans Thu 17 Dec 2015

The Prodigy Tue 01 Dec 2015

Nero Fri 27 Nov 2015

Simply Red Wed 02 Dec 2015

Booking for all O2 Academy events: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Andre Rieu Thu 03 Dec 2015 Def Leppard, Whitesnake + Black Star Riders Mon 07 Dec 2015 Simply Red Wed 02 Dec 2015 Booking: www.odysseyarena.com

SSE Hydro Glasgow 50 Cent Plus Special Guests Wed 04 Nov 2015 U2 iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015 Fri 06, Sat 07 Nov 2015 Imagine Dragons Sun 15 Nov 2015 The Prodigy Mon 23 Nov 2015

Alt-J Mon 07 Dec 2015

Paul Weller Tue 24 Nov 2015

Stereophonics Wed 09 Dec 2015

Faithless Wed 25 Nov 2015

Def Leppard & Whitesnake Thu 10 Dec 2015

Status Quo Fri 04 Dec 2015

Mumford & Sons Sun 13, Mon 14 Dec 2015

Simply Red Sat 05 Dec 2015

Texas - 25th Anniversary Concert Fri 18 Dec 2015

Duran Duran Sun 06 Dec 2015

Madonna - Rebel Heart Tour Sun 20 Dec 2015

Booking for all SSE Hydro events: www.ticketmaster.co.uk OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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