Jetsettersblog

The temperatures are up in the Outback, and come April as they drop, it’s the action that increases with festivals celebrating everything from music to opals and sporting events where horses, camels and humans are the stars. This is a bite size collection of what’s happening in the Outback in 2009.

Julia Creek’s popular Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival (3 –5 April) returns for its 14th year in the tiny town in the north-west of the State complete with the popular Cow Poo Throwing Competition and Outback Bog Snorkelling Race. This annual festival is also famous for the Outback Triathlon, Australia’s Best Butt Competition and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo.

Music lovers need look no further than the Hughenden Country Music Festival (10-12 April), an annual Easter Weekend event. Crooners of all ages compete at the festival which has 10 adult sections and four sections each for Junior and Juvenile contestants. The Grand Champion takes homes $2000 and the Junior and Juvenile Champions, $1000 each. There is also a People’s Choice award and Encouragement award.

2009 welcomes back the biannual Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games (27 April-10 May) – the event with no participation criteria, except a minimum age and where one of the most popular events is the 470km bike ride from Cooper Creek to Cunnamulla. New events in 2009 will include woodchopping, kayaking and shearing.

Barcaldine’s annual Tree of Knowledge Festival (1-4 May) enters a new era in 2009 when it welcomes home the main feature of its festival – the preserved remnants of the Tree of Knowledge which was tragically poisoned several years ago, are returning to the town. The Tree celebrates the town’s proud history as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and this year the festival will include the opening of the Tree’s new memorial. Visitors will also enjoy the Tree of Knowledge Race Cup, drag racing and the Speed Shears Competition.

The camels will be off and racing again at the famous Boulia Camel Races (17-19 July). The town’s regular population of 300 swells to 3000 for the weekend of racing which includes fireworks and entertainment. The event kicks off with a 400 metre Twilight Camel Race on the Friday night and continues over the weekend with Camel Race Heats for the Quarter Mile Flyer and Camel Cup. If you can’t make July, pencil in August for the Hughenden Camel Races, now known as the Sheikh Zayed International Camel Endurance Race (21-23 August), where camels from around the world race for a $50,000 prize purse.

July is opal month in the Outback with the towns of Winton and Yowah each hosting festivals to celebrate our national gemstone. Opal Expo (7-11 July) in Winton, where the Boulder Opal was discovered, showcases the stone in the rough and polished form. Miners sell their opals from the back of their vehicles, there is street entertainment, competitions, dinners and fashions parades. The tiny four block town of Yowah – a two hour drive from Cunnamulla – also hosts an annual Yowah Opal Festival (17 –19 July) each year. Home to the Yowah Nut Opal which was first discovered here at the end of the 19th century, the festival celebrates our national stone and gives visitors the chance to talk to friendly miners, have a fossick themselves, check out priceless collections and enjoy entertainment and markets.

The Mount Isa Rodeo (7-9 August) plans to continue where it left off at its 50th anniversary last year – with plenty of action and adventure. The largest event on the Australian rodeo calendar attracts the best of local and overseas competitors for events at the multi-million dollar, purpose-built Buchanan Park rodeo arena that can accommodate over 5,500 spectators.

Join thousands of visitors who flock to the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for the annual Birdsville Races (4-5 September), an event which has been running since 1882. The remote location lures characters from all over who cheer on the winners and sleep under the stars for this nationally famous event.

Celebrate Cunnamulla’s heritage at the end of year for the Cunnamulla Fella Festival (13-14 November). The Matilda Highway and Adventure Way lead right to this famous Outback town where a bronze statue of the ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ sits on his swag in the centre of town, immortalising the larrikin in all Australians. This action-packed Outback adventure is held in conjunction with the Bundaberg Rum Pro Series PBR Bull Ride.

For more information on these and other events in the Queensland Outback visit www.adventureoutback.com.au

The Rhine Valley Music Festival (24–31 May 2009) features seven private concerts performed by top rank musicians in a variety of historic buildings along one of Europe’s great rivers. The audience lives on a modern and comfortable ship, chartered exclusively for the week, disembarking for concerts or to explore historic towns and sites along the way.

Some of the finest musicians in Germany and Switzerland (and Britain), including the Baden-Baden Philharmonic, Andreas Scholl, Basel Chamber Orchestra, Cantus Cölln, Natalie Clein, Basel Chamber Orchestra and Amphion Octet, perform music by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Nikolaus Bruhns, Matthias Weckmann, Schumann, and others.

The historic venues, often dating from the same period as the music performed in them and in some cases with even more specific links, include the Kurhaus in Baden Baden, Church of the Holy Trinity in Speyer, Hambacher Schloss and the Residenzschloss in Mannheim.

The spoken word contributes to the audience’s experience and there are daily talks by musicologist Roderick Swanston and Timothy Blanning, Professor of Modern History at Cambridge.

Launched in 2006, the MS Helvetia II is one of the most modern and comfortable passenger ships on European waters.

Prices range from £2,660 to £4,390 per person and include admission to all seven private concerts, a choice of flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham, accommodation for seven nights on board the river cruiser, all meals including wine, water and coffee, coach travel, talks by a musicologist and historian, interval drinks, all tips, taxes and admission charges, practical and historical information and a detailed programme booklet.

Families seeking a last-minute holiday on a budget but with a beat can follow the ‘Slim Dusty Way’ at the inaugural Wauchope Country Music Festival from 9 to 11 January 2009. The home of Timbertown will begin a new chapter in its history by hosting this event for the first time, and attracting families with its great value - two nights camping and a three day family pass to the Festival costs just $95*.

The town will be abuzz with over 40 of Australia’s top-name performers including Graham Rodger and the 2008 Golden Guitar Winner, Amos Morris. It will also be a truly international affair with performers Louise Morrissey from Ireland, Arly Karlsen from Norway and Melissa Partridge from New Zealand.

Located on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, Wauchope is set on the beautiful Hastings River in Greater Port Macquarie. Well placed within the footprint of Tamworth, geographically and timing-wise, Wauchope is expected to become a major event on the popular Australian country music calendar each year.

The programme includes non-stop music all weekend at Wauchope Showground, a parade through the town on Saturday and concert in Bain Park and a bush concert at Timbertown on Sunday. Families will enjoy a relaxed and friendly vibe with buskers, market stalls, jumping castles, rides, talent quests, ute and shine show, art and photo competition and much more.

Showground entry tickets cost $10 per person per day, a three-day ticket is $25 per person, or a family pass is available for 2 adults and 3 children at $25.00 per day.

Camping will be available at the Showground from $10 per night or Wauchope and nearby Port Macquarie offer a choice of motels and hotels. At the Timbertown Resort and Motel the special ‘Family Bed and Breakfast Deal’ for 4 people costs $149 per night based on 2 adults and 2 children (in a room that accommodates 4) including fully cooked hot breakfast for the family the next day.

Wauchope can be reached by ute, car, train (Countrylink stops at Wauchope) or plane with regular services by Qantaslink, Brindabella Airlines and Virgin Blue to Port Macquarie.

For information contact the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on 1300 303 155 or go online at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

For ticket sales, accommodation and more information go to www.wauchopecmfestival.vpweb.com  or call Debbie on 0411 208 867 or Joy on (02) 6585 1499.

* The cost quoted of $95 is based on two night’s Showground camping from $10 per night and three family day passes at $25 per day.

Following last year’s success, a wide range of events will again be held throughout Japan to welcome visitors during winter. There will be many special events in addition to a welcome campaign, making January and February 2009 a great time to enjoy Japan’s beautiful winter scenery and seasonal winter food.

Nearly a quarter of the 300 department stores and half of the 40 outlet malls throughout Japan are participating in the Yokoso! Japan Weeks 2009 campaign. Various events, hands-on experience tours, and privilege campaigns will be hosted by nearly 600 stores throughout the country. A wide variety of services will be offered as well as free original gifts. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!

Event Period: 20 January – 20 February 2009
Themes of Yokoso! Japan Weeks 2009:
This year’s themes are “Hands-on Experience Sightseeing”, “Enjoy Shopping” and “Regional Features”.

Hands-on Experience Sightseeing tours give visitors a firsthand experience of the allure of Japan through traditional Japanese culture and unique modern experiences while interacting with the people of Japan. Hands-on Experiences include sushi making, samurai party dinners – where diners can hear cultural backgrounds such as the food culture and folk tales of Edo Period while enjoying samurai party cuisine; and guided fashion tours of the backstreets of Harajuku.

 
Those after a more active experience can try a martial art from Kyushu, Jigen-Ryu. In this experience visitors can try tategiuchi, the practice of running to and striking a tree trunk with a wooden sword from a distance of approximately nine meters. This is the most basic yet most important practice method of Jigen-ryu.

Enjoy Shopping

Yokoso! Japan Weeks will be introducing an extensive welcome campaign with special offers and discounts from department stores to outlet stores, discount stores and consumer electronics retailers across the country.

Regional Features

Yokoso! Japan Weeks will be introducing campaigns for lesser-known regions of Japan through special advertising to highlight to visitors some of the spectacular winter events they can include to make their winter trip to Japan even more memorable. Festivals include the 60th Sapporo Snow Festival, the Miyajima Oyster Festival, and the 500 year-old “Saidaiji Eyo” (The Naked Festival), a festival to call spring to the Bizen Plain. 9,000 naked men compete with each other to capture sacred sticks in the middle of the night during midwinter.

In addition, you will be able to enjoy discounts at accommodations, restaurants, various stores, hands-on experience type tours, discounts for sightseeing facilities, domestic tours, transportation, art galleries and museums, and you will receive commemorative gifts and other bonuses.

For more information please visit the Yokoso! Japan Weeks 2009 website www.yjw2008.jp

Fort William launches 2009 Mountain Festival programme

The best of the best in the fields of climbing, kayaking, and skiing and much more are flocking to Fort William from Friday 06 to Saturday 14 March for the 2009 Fort William Mountain Festival. The launch of the festival today, unveiled a programme that will put the Outdoor Capital of the UK - Fort William and Lochaber - at the centre of Scotland’s events programme in 2009. Presented with The Nevis Partnership, the week long celebration promises a varied and entertaining programme packed with mountain sports, films, lectures, guided walks, skills workshops and fringe activities for all those who want to learn about and celebrate mountain culture.

Highlights of the 2009 Fort William Mountain Festival include:

Fast and Light in the Himalaya - the world renowned mountaineer Adrian Burgess, a pioneer of high-altitude climbs will join forces with Slovenian climbing superstar Marko Prezelj, known for his impeccable style on spectacularly difficult routes, to share the passion that drives them to keep exploring ever-higher and more exhilarating climbs. Following these empowering talks the winner of the second Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan, an annual award to celebrate outstanding contributions to Scotland’s mountains, will be announced.
Paddle Sports evening with Lee Kelly, the legendary whitewater kayaker, photographer and filmmaker.
Snowsports Evening with Myrtle Simpson, the first woman to ski across the Greenland icecap, who will trace the rapid development of Scottish Skiing from an occasional aid to winter mountaineering to the weekend recreation of tens of thousands.
Dave MacLeod, a local climber at the forefront of the modern sport who is opening a new chapter of world-class climbs on Ben Nevis, will host a Climbing Evening. He will explain his unique high-risk, high-stakes approach through inspiring chat and the screening of two incredible films of his recent climbs.

The Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour & International Adventure Film competition evenings - the most inspiring mountain films from the UK and around the world will once again be the festival hot tickets. From jaw dropping action to fascinating mountain culture and wildlife; two nights of thrilling entertainment guaranteed. This year organisers are offering a special Film Buffs ticket that will insure entry to both nights.

Mike Pescod, Chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the festival; said: ‘The 2009 Fort William Mountain Festival encompasses the ethos of the Outdoor Capital of the UK - to promote the mountains as an attractive, accessible and above all enjoyable place to be by pulling together adventure, sport, culture and the environment; all the ways people experience and love the mountains.

‘Our 2009 programme is bursting at the seams with exciting and inspiring events and workshops guaranteed to get you into the mountain mood. We are delighted to be welcoming a superb line up of guests from the worlds of mountaineering, paddling, music, poetry, writing and broadcasting including Adrian Burgess, Marko Prezelj, Dave MacLeod, Cameron McNeish, Linda Cracknell, Hamish MacDonald and the 4-MALITY Percussion Quartet to Lochaber to showcase their work and share their passion for the outdoors.’

This year’s ambitious programme of new events and old favourites sees a wide selection of cultural and sporting events and activities throughout Fort William and Lochaber during the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year. Residents and visitors of all ages, from extreme adrenaline junkies to outdoor enthusiasts, can discover the excitement of extreme whitewater kayaking, the drama of Dave MacLeod’s envelope-pushing climbs, the fascinating story of Scottish skiing, the secrets of high alpine climbing and the rich heritage of the working mountains in the 21st Century; whilst celebrating the iconic Nevis name and enjoying the very best in mountain films from around the world.

The festival will kick off in style with the ‘Party at Nevis Range’, the official opening ceilidh at the Snowgoose Restaurant at the top of the Nevis Range mountain gondola. Further highlights include an evening exploring the little known yet rich heritage of the Working Mountains in Lochaber. With the help of early photographs and archive material the history of Rio Tinto Alcan, one of the area’s biggest employers, will be explored; from the harnessing of Lochaber’s water power, one of the most ambitious projects of the industrialization of Scotland, in 1929 to supply new aluminium smelters at Fort William and Kinlochleven, to the amazing innovator it continues to be today.

Nevis Connections, a whole day of themed walks, talks, music and adventure, presented by The Nevis Partnership, to celebrate the iconic Nevis name makes a welcome return to the 2009 Festival programme. During the day there will be a choice of two guided walks, one the North Face Walk up the Allt a’Mhuillinn path with stunning views of the majestic North Face of the UK’s highest mountain and the other a winter ascent of Ben Nevis. The 4-MALITY Percussion Quartet, one of the world’s most compelling and innovative percussion quartets who have command of over eighty drums, gongs, cymbals and tuned percussion, will spend the day working with local school pupils and young people to produce Rock and Rhythm, a piece of mountain music inspired by the Nevis landscape. The final multi-media piece will be performed as part of the Nevis Connections Evening, an evening of poetry, prose, photography film and music.

Children and adults will have the opportunity to try out new activities and learn new skills through an expanded programme of daily mountain skills workshops. New for the festival in 2009, world-renowned climber Dave MacLeod will be offering free bouldering master classes for one day only! Highly experienced and fully qualified guides from Abacus Mountaineering, in conjunction with Nevis Range, will lead full day courses in avalanche awareness, winter walking and winter climbing. Kinlochleven’s Ice Factor Indoor Climbing Centre will be offering taster sessions in indoor climbing and ice climbing throughout the festival. For those keen to explore their creative ideas in a stimulating environment the John Muir Trust and Nevis Partnership will be hosting a Writers’ Walk and Workshop afternoon with poet and writer Susan Richardson. Beginners ski and snowboard packages and Back Corrie tours, for the more experienced, will also be on offer at the Nevis Range ski area throughout the festival.

Combine Dublin Hotels and the Temple Bar Trad Festival of Irish Music and Culture

Running from January 28th until Sunday February 1st 2009, people seeking a true taste of traditional Irish festivities only have few weeks to wait.

People seeking a true taste of traditional Irish festivities have a few weeks left until the annual Temple Bar Trad Festival of Irish Music and Culture begins.

From Wednesday January 28th until Sunday February 1st 2009, the Temple Bar cultural area on the south bank of the River Liffey in Dublin is set to come to life with a range of exciting concerts and feature workshops, musical performances, showcases and much more.

Over the course of the five-day extravaganza, many of the pubs and bars in the historic district - which is internationally renowned for its unique and vibrant atmosphere - will play host to musicians from around the country.

They will take part in trad and folk music sessions, which are completely free for people to enjoy.

 Other free events include street performances.

Initial acts confirmed for the 2009 event include some of Ireland’s most accomplished instrumentalists -

including Sean McKeon, Liam O Connor, Ciaran O Maonaigh and Aidan O’Donnell - as well as talent from overseas, including fluting maestro Michael McGoldrick.

Full details about the festival’s events and ticketing information will be made available soon, but given the extraordinary reputation TradFest has earned over the years, it may well be advisable for people to get their Dublin hotels booked well in advance to ensure they are able to attend.

For visitors in search of accommodation www.LateRooms.com offers over 140 hotels in the Irish Capital ranging from serviced apartments to exclusive boutique hotels.

Standard double rooms can be booked for 78GBP per night at the Temple Bar Hotel - it is a 3 star hotel with an average customer rating of 5/6.

For guests wanting luxurious accommodation the Fitzwilliam Hotel, rated 5 stars, has executive double rooms from 167GBP.

This modern property has received fantastic reviews and has an average customer rating of 5/6.

Also it has been voted one of the top 21 coolest hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.

New York City’s Lincoln Center, the world’s largest performing arts complex, is undergoing a transformation as a major redevelopment project unfolds across its 16-acre campus. Re-vitalized public spaces, new restaurants, and striking new theaters will start to emerge in early 2009. And beginning in May 2009, events are planned throughout 2009-2010 for the center’s 50th anniversary. There are many ways for groups visiting New York to experience Lincoln Center including guided tours, Meet the Artist and other special packages, performances and dining. Group itineraries can be tailored to the interests and needs of business, leisure and student groups. A professionally-guided tour includes visits to up to three theaters — the David H. Koch Theater (formerly the New York State Theater), Avery Fisher Hall, The Metropolitan Opera House and Vivian Beaumont Theater — and beginning in mid-February 2009, to a dramatically re-designed, glass-walled Alice Tully Hall. A look-in at a rehearsal is included wherever possible.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Tour takes visitors through several venues at Jazz’s home in the Time Warner Center, featuring views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Tours last approximately one hour, and range in price from $8 to $15, with lower prices for children, students and seniors. A number of special packages (all of which include a tour) can be arranged in advance and customized to meet the interests and needs of any group. The most popular package, Meet the Artist, takes place in one of our intimate theater spaces and includes a private performance and talk by an outstanding artist — an opera singer, classical or jazz musician, dancer or Broadway actor — who shares unique insights about his or her art and career.

Some packages combine the Lincoln Center experience with other cultural attractions; dining can be included as well. Lincoln Center Group Sales can arrange tickets, at attractive discounts, to Lincoln Center Presents performances in the Great Performers, American Songbook, Mostly Mozart Festival, Lincoln Center Festival and Midsummer Night Swing series.

For Lincoln Center guided tours, call 212-875-5370; for special group packages and group ticket discounts to Lincoln Center Presents performances, call 212-875-5190. For an overview of Lincoln Center and more information, visit www.LincolnCenter.org

The Seine Music Festival (14–21 June 2009), a new all-inclusive music festival from AITO Travel Company of the Year Martin Randall Travel, celebrates and explores the music – sacred and secular – of French composers. The audience has exclusive entry to nine private concerts along the Seine and lives on a modern and comfortable river cruiser for the duration of the Festival.

The musical exploration begins in the sixteenth century, through the French Romantics and ‘Impressionists’ (Debussy, Ravel), and ends with the post-war masters Messiaen and Poulenc. Musicians of the highest calibre – including Le Concert Spitituel, Cédric Tiberghien, Modigliani Quartet, Nash Ensemble – perform nine private concerts in châteaux, churches and concert halls beside the River Seine, ranging from grand and splendid – the Chapelle Royale at Versailles – to the small and charming. Scenically, much of the Seine is exceedingly attractive and there are stretches where travellers can feel transported into the paintings of Pissarro, Monet, Sisley and Renoir.

Leading French music specialist Richard Langham-Smith gives talks on the music while architectural historian John McNeill gives talks on the many historic buildings visited and passed.

The MS Viking Seine, launched in 2000, is the most comfortable ship of its size on the Seine.

Prices range from £2,840 to £4,390 per person and include admission to all concerts, a choice of return Eurostar trains between London St Pancras and Paris, accommodation for seven nights on board the river cruiser, all meals including wine, water and coffee, coach travel, talks by a musicologist and historian, interval drinks, all tips, taxes and admission charges, practical and historical information and a detailed programme booklet.

 (www.martinrandall.com/festivals)

Bristol is the place to be for a winter wonderland of festive events and celebrations. Visit Bristol for a short break, a shopping trip or to simply soak up the atmosphere as the city sparkles with light and colour. There is so much to unwrap this winter that a special website www.visitbristol.co.uk/winter has been created to showcase the array of seasonal activities taking place in the city.

Destination Bristol, the destination management partnership for Bristol & South Gloucestershire, has developed the website as a ‘one stop shop’ providing details of every Christmas activity and winter event imaginable. It has been designed for both residents and tourists alike.

Kerrie Grist, Marketing Executive for Destination Bristol said, “Visitors to the site will find everything they need to know from ice skating and carol concerts to christmas shows and meeting Father Christmas. www.visitbristol.co.uk/winter is designed to raise the profile of the city and bring benefits to our members and local traders by promoting Bristol as an excellent winter destination.”

Bristol Winter Highlights:

Ice Skating…

For the first time this year there is a special ice-rink on the terrace of the Avon Gorge Hotel. Skate against the beautiful backdrop of the illuminated Clifton Suspension Bridge until 21st December 2008. Other ice-skating opportunities include special family disco sessions and ice-karting at Bristol Ice Rink and the ever popular outdoor ice-rink at the Mall Cribbs Causeway shopping centre will be open until 4th January 2009.

Santa Spotting…

Climb aboard a twinkling Bristol Ferry Boat for the chance to enjoy a magical sailing around Bristol’s exciting harbour with Santa!

Other places to spot Santa in Bristol, include a special grotto at Bristol Zoo Gardens or find him at the Mall Bristol or in his castle at the Mall Cribbs Causeway. There is a special SantaLand at Wookey Hole Caves or get yourself booked onto a Santa Steam Special at Avon Valley Railway, complete with a mince pie for Mum and Dad!

Christmas is set to be a cracker at Brunel’s ss Great Britain too - join Santa and carol singers over mulled wine, and hot roasted chestnuts, plus walnut-gilding and gift making workshops on 13 & 14 December. On December 17 & 18 enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch in the First Class Dining Saloon.

Carol Services…
Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens for an evening of beautiful carol singing (20 – 21 December 6pm-8pm), complete with a bonfire, spectacular animal lights, hot mulled wine and minced pies. Three animal houses will also be open late.

For a more traditional carol service, Bristol Cathedral on College Green has various themed services leading right up into the New Year, whilst John Wesley’s Chapel, the first Methodist building in the world, is hosting carol services followed by coffee and mince pies on 16 & 18 December. St Mary Redcliffe Church has various events including Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 21 December.

Christmas Shows and Panto…

Don’t miss out on attending the best ball in Bristol this year when Cinderella hits the stage of The Bristol Hippodrome until 11 January. This fantastic production has stunning sets and costumes, amazing song and dance routines, romance, laughter, audience participation and real Shetland ponies. Starring, Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, top comedian Bobby Davro and Michelle Collins, best known as Cindy Beale in EastEnders.

Other Christmas treats for the whole family include the famous ‘Snowman’ at the Colston Hall on December 21 and ‘A Christmas Carol’ running at the Tobacco Factory Theatre from December 11 to January 18.

Non- Christmassy Events…
Bristol is also home to many non-festive events and activities to keep you busy this winter. Visit the Planetarium at Explore-at-Bristol for the special Winter Night Sky. Join this presenter-led show to find out about the space we can see this winter, running daily from Tuesday 16 December through to March 2009. Free with a ticket to Explore.

Beat off the winter blues with a Pirate Walk around Bristol’s ancient harbour. Tours running every day including Christmas Day.

Don your finest garb, be it black-tie or tartan, for the 250th anniversary celebrations of Burns Night, on board Brunel’s ss Great Britain on 24 January 2009. Enjoy hot toddies on the Promenade Deck, followed by a sumptuous banquet in the First Class Dining Saloon, and poetry from Scotland’s favourite bard, Robert Burns.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is back in Bristol from 13 December - 11 January. ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008′ showcases the most prestigious wildlife and nature photography competition of its kind in the world and is one of the most popular exhibitions at Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery. Entrance is free.

Winter Warmers on Bristol’s Doorstep…

Out and about, Bristol offers an abundance of winter treats. Among the treasures, discover Tyntesfield, a National Trust property just a stone’s throw from the city. Every weekend throughout December, children will be able to find clues leading them to Father Christmas’s grotto where they will receive a special present. Festive tours of the gardens and bookings for carol concerts are also taking place.

Further afield see Santa Claus in his cave at Cheddar Caves & Gorge and don’t miss the magic of Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum. Take a walk through the famous Enchanted Wood and explore The National Arboretum lit up at night. See Father Christmas plus lots of other festive excitement. Now in its 12th year this event is attended by around 30,000 people each year.

Shopping and Christmas Markets…

Other distinctive features on the winter website include a guide to Christmas shopping covering Christmas store opening hours, great gift ideas, places to shop plus Christmas markets and festive fayres.

Visit Cabot Circus – Bristol’s new £500 million shopping and leisure development as it celebrates its first Christmas. Shoppers will be treated to enchanting entertainment with wandering street performers, colourful costumes and a spectacular giant snow globe from Saturday 6th December.

The new shopping quarter includes a landmark House of Fraser store and a Harvey Nichols boutique catapulting Bristol into the elite of UK shopping destinations. In addition, the historic buildings at Quakers Friars have become the centrepiece of a new European style piazza, featuring apartments, restaurants, cafes and a 13-screen cinema, as well as a brasserie from internationally-renowned French chef Raymond Blanc.

Alternatively, Bristol is home to many fantastic markets. Find special gifts and tasty Christmas treats at the historic St Nicholas Market at the Corn Exchange. The weekly Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday.

There is also a Christmas Market on Castle Park, open daily until Sunday 21 December 2008 from 10am to 10pm. The market features a collection of German style trading huts selling a range of products such as confectionery, cheeses, crepes, candles, festive clothing and pottery plus the added attractions of a Bavarian style beer house and a Giant Wheel providing shoppers and visitors with a distinctively different view of Bristol’s skyline.

Special offers and Festive Packages…

Visitors to the winter website site can also take advantage of a free Christmas party and New Year’s Eve venue-finding service under the Eating & Drinking section and provides staying visitors with accommodation and festive short-break offers.

Visitors and residents can benefit from great savings when you travel to Bristol with First Great Western trains. Take a train journey before end May 2009 and qualify for 2for1 entry into many of Bristol’s favourite attractions, such as Bristol Zoo Gardens, Explore-At-Bristol, Brunel’s ss Great Britain and many other fantastic offers, including hotel and restaurants discounts.

See www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/2for1offers  for details.

Kerrie Grist said, “As well as visitors to the city, I’m sure local people will also find the website a very useful tool to discover events and promotions on their doorstep! If like me you are seeking original ideas on where to take the children to see Santa or are seeking novel suggestions for New Year then www.visitbristol.co.uk/winter could have the answer.”

For further details about all of the above events and more, the winter in Bristol website is now live at www.visitbristol.co.uk/winter

MARIINSKY BALLET FESTIVAL

18-23 March 2009

The Mariinsky Theater Trust and Exeter International have once again joined forces to create an exclusive tour for the 9th annual International Mariinsky Ballet Festival.

The combination of world-class performances and the beauty of St. Petersburg itself, have made the ballet festival a major occasion on the dance calendar.

Experiences include a rare stop at the Hermitage Storage Rooms, a visit to the exclusive and never opened to the public Vaganova Ballet Academy and a backstage tour of the Mariinsky Theater.

Exeter International is offering this unique opportunity to just a few discerning travelers at an extraordinary value- starting at just $4,995 per person, double occupancy. The tour starts in St. Petersburg on March 18th and ends on March 23, 2009.