Miss Blackpool Ella Green At The Snooker Shoot Out

Miss Blackpool Ella Green talks about her experience of helping out at this weekend's World Snooker Shoot Out tournament in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Blackpool Tower, being Miss Blackpool, and gives away who her favourite snooker player is...!

Miss Blackpool Ella Green At The Snooker Shoot Out

Miss Blackpool Ella Green talks about her experience of helping out at this weekend's World Snooker Shoot Out tournament in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Blackpool Tower, being Miss Blackpool, and gives away who her favourite snooker player is...!

World Snooker Shoot Out At Blackpool Tower

We spent a great afternoon at the Blackpool Tower circus watching some of the last-16 matches in this fascinating tournament.

Ken Doherty was beaten by Aussie Neil Robertson who had to put up with plenty of "Ashes" banter from the jovial crowd while a very tricky last game of the session saw Marcus Campbell beat Anthony Hamilton.But the biggest cheer of the round was reserved for Ronnie O Sullivan, who was in top form as he demolished Mark Selby - who didn't even manage to get a point on the board.

Note: for up to date tournament news and results visit the official competition website at: http://www.worldsnooker.com

In the photos (above):
- Miss Blackpool Ella Green, one of the hostesses for the event with Willie Thorne and Jimmy White ready for the draw for the quarter finals to be made live on Sky Sports.
- Jimmy White shows how it's done on the practice tables in the players' lounge.
- Lucy with Miss Blackpool Ella Green.

We will be running a special feature about the World Snooker Shoot Out Tournament in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on Preston FM at 7pm on Friday 11th February.

As well as our own reflections on the event, this will feature exclusive interviews with players Steve Davis, Ken Doherty and Mark Selby as well as World Snooker's Ivan Hirschowitz and Miss Blackpool Ella Green.

Golf News: Casey ends title drought with thrilling win in Bahrain

Watched by His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Paul Casey ended a 20-month title drought when he captured the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain.

The 33 year old Englishman’s last victory on The European Tour had come in his home country in the PGA Championship at Wentworth, but he got back into the winners’ circle in style after a thrilling final day at The Royal Golf Club.

Casey’s final round 68 on the Montgomerie Course gave him a 20 under par total of 268 and a one shot triumph over Sweden’s Peter Hanson, who played with him in the final group on the course and whose 69 for a total of 269 pushed the Englishman all the way, and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez who posted a closing 67.

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher was fourth while Sweden’s Robert Karlsson, who will go on to defend his Qatar Masters title at Doha Golf Club next week took fifth spot but the tournament, and the final day, was all about Casey.

The now 11 time winner on The European Tour had already tasted glory twice during the week, winning the traditional curtain-raising Pro-Am on Wednesday before, in conjunction with Darren Clarke and amateur Kevin Aherne, he also won the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions Amateur-Pro Team Competition on Friday. But this was the win he truly desired.

Summing up the mood of his people who thronged the 18th green to watch the first ever European Tour golf tournament in their country, His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who presented Casey with the gleaming new trophy, said: “This has been a great tournament for everyone here. I don’t think there is anywhere you can play golf amongst oil pipelines. There is always something unique in Bahrain."

World Snooker Shoot Out At Blackpool Tower Circus

For up to date news and results from the Snooker Shootout Tournament, visit the official website at http://www.worldsnooker.com/

Blackpool Snooker Shootout - Steve Davis Interview

If you weren't able to see him on the Sky Sports coverage earlier today, here is snooker legend Steve Davis telling us how he feels about this new quick-fire knockout competition.




For up to date news and results from the Snooker Shootout Tournament, visit the official website at http://www.worldsnooker.com/

Blackpool Snooker Shootout - Steve Davis Interview

If you weren't able to see him on the Sky Sports coverage earlier today, here is snooker legend Steve Davis telling us how he feels about this new quick-fire knockout competition.




For up to date news and results from the Snooker Shootout Tournament, visit the official website at http://www.worldsnooker.com/

North West Regional Brass Band Championship - Blackpool 27th February

Regular readers/listeners will know that we have been following Nelson Brass Band as they prepare for the 2011 North West Regional Championship following their 4th place finish in the 2010 competition.

In our “Best Kept Secrets... In Conversation” Show on Preston FM on Friday 11th February, Nelson Brass Band Secretary Jonny Earl will be telling us how the band have been preparing and what their hopes are for the competition.

Sunday 27th February 2011 Winter Gardens, Blackpool - Doors Open: 09:30 am
All-Day Adult Ticket - £ 9.00 / All-Day Concessionary Ticket - £ 6.00 / Programme - £ 2.00
Tickets are only available from the Contest Box Office on the day

The event will take place in the Opera House, Empress Ballroom and Pavilion Theatre. It will commence with the Third Section at 9.45 am. in the Opera House, followed at 10.15 am with the First Section in the Pavilion Theatre and at 11 am with the Fourth Section in the Empress Ballroom.

The Second Section will follow the First in the Pavilion Theatre and the Championship Section will follow the Third in the Opera House. The whole event is expected to conclude by 7.30 pm.

75 bands have entered the 2011 event with 11 competing in the Championship Section, 10 in the First Section, 16 in the Second Section, 13 in the Third Section and 25 in the Fourth Section.

Nelson Brass Band will be playing in the 4th Section.

To see which bands are playing in which sections, follow the link to the competition site:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.4barsrest.com%2Fnews%2Fdetail.asp%3Fid%3D12831&h=9d9e2

To find out more about Nelson Brass Band and their other public engagements, visit their website at: http://www.nelsonbrass.com/

CD Release: Leika - Space On Tuesday

TRACKLIST:
1. Silly Cow
2. Indigo Skies
3. Sitting Pretty
4. Love Love Love
5. Fake Mission To Mars
6. Mary
7. Shrunken Heads
8. Go
9. Deeper Water
10. Stay
11. Yaris
12. Holding On

The classic two guitars, bass and drums combo with the added saxophone twist make this band stand out among their rivals on the Camden circuit. Citing influences such as The Clash, The Beatles, The Who right through to modern classics such as Kings of Leon , Leika certainly has the material to rise to the level of their heroes. Their debut album 'Space On Tuesday' is crammed full of instant indie classics, stadium rock anthems and radio friendly vibes.

This unashamedly talented bunch of musicians fresh from conquering the legendary venues of London and egged on by radio and record company interest are taking to the road with national bookings, and University dates in the coming months.

'Space on Tuesday' is the accomplished debut album from LEIKA, a London-based band described by industry experts as the missing link between the Buzzcocks and Talking Heads. Their work is unashamedly catchy and radio-friendly, but as original and refreshingly varied as their influences are diverse.

While most albums have a couple of memorable songs (if that), what really sets Leika's offering apart is its strength, depth and utter infectiousness.

For more information about Leika and their music, try the following:

http://www.liveunsigned.com/Leika/?page=&s=leika

http://www.leika.co.uk/

Volvo Golf Champions, Bahrain - Halfway Stage

The international appeal of the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions was perfectly illustrated by the top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage as players from no fewer than four countries shared the lead on 11 under par 133.

Three members of the victorious European Ryder Cup Team at Celtic Manor last October – Sweden’s Peter Hanson, Italy’s Edoardo Molinari (pictured) and Miguel Angel Jiménez of Spain – were joined in pole position by Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin, as the tournament headed for a thrilling climax over the weekend at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain.

Jacquelin, Jiménez and Molinari all carded seven under par 65s on the Montgomerie Course, with the most spectacular scoring coming from the Italian who began his second round on the tenth hole and proceeded to rattle in six birdies in the first six holes.

“It was a fantastic start,” said the 29 year old from Turin. “I’ve never started a round with six birdies before and, come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever had six birdies in a row anywhere in a round ever so it was pretty memorable stuff.”

Jiménez too had a day to remember for different reasons, having to putt for the majority of the back nine with the back of his lob wedge after damaging his putter when it collided with his golf bag. “I'm seriously thinking of carrying on putting with my lob‑wedge tomorrow – after all I made three birdies on the back nine with it today,” he joked.

Swede Hanson had a more up and down day than his three co-leaders, dropping shots at both the par four eighth and the par three 16th in his second round 67. But he more than made up for it with five birdies elsewhere, including four in a row from the 11th, and an eagle three at the par five ninth.

Hanson’s position was all the more impressive considering he came into the tournament on the back of a severe bout of ‘flu. “It wasn’t the best preparation and I’m still having to rest up and be careful with what I do but I’m feeling a lot better and as a result I feel like I'm a little bit more in control of my golf swing and where I'm placing the ball.”

The tightly packed nature of the top of the leaderboard was illustrated by the fact that 29 players finished the second round within four shots of the lead.

Heading the chasing pack on ten under par 134 was another group players from four different countries – England’s Paul Casey, Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and James Kingston of South Africa – with pride of place going to Gallacher who equalled Johan Edfors’ opening day course record 64 with his own eight under par effort.

The cut fell at two under par 142 meaning that 67 professional players qualified.

For more information about the tournament, visit the official website at http://www.volvogolfchampions.com/

Gilbert O'Sullivan Tour Of UK & Europe

Gilbert O Sullivan is set to play 6 UK dates as part of his Gilbertville 2011 tour before heading off to play more dates in Holland, Germany and Denmark.

The full tour is as follows:

Friday 18th Feb: Birmingham Town Hall
Saturday 19th Feb: York Grand Opera House
Monday 21st Feb: Worthing Assembly Hall
Tuesday 22nd Feb: Fairfield Concert Hall, Croydon
Monday 28th Feb: Sheffield City Hall
Tuesday 1st March: Liverpool Symphonic Hall
Thursday 10th March: Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Sunday 13th March: Stadthalle, Aurich, Germany
Monday 14th March: Vredenburg, Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht, Holland
Tuesday 15th March: RuhrKongress, Bochum, Germany
Thursday 17th March: Tinghall, Viborg, Denmark

Gilbert O’Sullivan has accumulated numerous top-forty hits, including Clair, Alone Again (Naturally), Get Down and Nothing Rhymed, with number one singles on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as four top-five UK albums.

His live performances showcase his tremendous musical abilities. He will be joined on stage by his 12 piece band, including a string quartet, to present a stunning 2 hour performance.

To find out more about Gilbert and his music, or to buy tickets for his 2011 shows, visit the official website at http://www.gilbertosullivan.net/

Toyah "Sheep Farming..." Live Dates For 2011

Perennial punk goddess Toyah Willcox is playing a special series of concerts during 2011 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough hit "It's A Mystery".

These live dates will include selections from Toyah's first three albums, "Sheep Farming In Barnet", "The Blue Meaning" & the Platinum-selling "Anthem". This period includes some of Toyah's biggest hits and greatest songs.

The set list for these gigs will celebrate the hits but feature a a sprinkling of material not heard since some of Toyah's early tours from the late 70s and early 1980s.

And to to celebrate, in the run up to the first date at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, we will be reposting clips from the fascinating intevriew that we recorded with Toyah last year where she talks about her early career and some of the many interesting things she has been invloved with.

So far, seven dates have been confirmed for the "From Sheep Farming to Anthem" tour and tickets are all on sale now. More dates are being added all of the time so watch this space - or sign up for Toyah news updates on Facebook...

"From Sheep Farming To Anthem" Tour 2011:
20/03/11 Cavern Club/Liverpool http//www.iristickets.co.uk/portal/event/19782
07/04/11 The Horn/St. Albans http//www.thehorn.co.uk/
16/04/11 HMV Institute Library/Birmingham http//www.seetickets.com/Event/TOYAH-WILLCOX/The-Library-at-HMV-Institute/525010
02/07/11 The Regal/Oxford http//www.wegottickets.com/event/103090
05/08/11 Rebellion Punk Festival/Blackpool http//www.rebellionfestivals.com/index.php?page=info
22/10/11 The Slade Rooms/Wolverhampton http//www.iristickets.co.uk/portal/event/21361
23/10/11 Jack Rabbit Slim/Hoylake, Wirral http//www.iristickets.co.uk/portal/event/19783

To find out more about Toyah and her other live appearances, visit the official Toyah website at http://www.toyahwillcox.com/

Special Live Date For Alun Parry

Radical singer / songwriter Alun Parry will be performing a solo full live show with no support on Friday February 18th at Kirkby Unemployed Centre’s Joe Hill Cafe.

Alun has added many new songs to his repertoire since his last album and will also be playing all the old favourites.

This is a full Alun Parry show that starts at 7pm and will last for 2 hours with a short interval and is a rare opportunity to see him play a full extended set.

Tickets are on sale now from: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/106541

To find our more about Alun and his music, visit his website at http://www.parrysongs.co.uk/

Opening Night: Indulge Restro-Bar, Poulton le Fylde

Indulge Restro Bar, 22-24 Breck Road, Poulton le Fylde
FY6 7AA
Tel: 01253 885152

The new Indulge Restro Bar opens for business on Friday lunchtime and we were lucky enough to go and have sneak preview of this new English rustic style restaurant, wine, cocktail and champagne bar.

The venture has been set up by Alan Holliday who has operated the highly successful Mochaccino's Cafe in Blackpool for several years. There's a nicely done out 40 seater restaurant downstairs with a champagne and cocktail bar above - with lots of little nooks and crannies for private gatherings as well as general partying. Live music will be very much on the menu and tonight we were serenaded by a delightful cellist on the purpose-built stage in the corner of the bar area.

The restaurant menu itself looks superb - English dishes with all produce sourced locally - and there will be selected English wines on the list to complement the usual array of popular reds, whites and roses.

Indugle Restro Bar is open from Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays) and the Champagne bar stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (call and check opening times before venturing out...!).

There is some on-street parking adjacent but the large Teanlowe Centre car park is only a few minutes' walk away. In fact, the restaurant is right next door to Poulton railway station so, if you are sure of your train times and connections, you could even let the train take the strain for your evening out at Indulge...

Definitely worth a visit...!

In the photos: Paul & Lucy at the Indulge opening, Lucy with General Manager Martin Richards, Paul with Business Manager Nicky Daniel.


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Patti Rothberg New CD - "Overnight Sensation"

Track Listing:
1: Make It Real
2: The Stars
3: Get The Rhythm Right
4: Feeling It
5: Sleep With You
6: If You Schmooze
7: As You Will
8: Cut And Dry
9: Hurt Me
10: Interest
11: Let It Slide
12: Long Gone
13: Comin’ Around Again

Available now to buy on download at: http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000068773

Or buy it on CD from 14th February from usual outlets.

We will be running a special interview with Patti in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on Preston FM on Friday 11th February from 7pm (UK time). In it Patti talks about the new album, how she got into music in the first place and her other current projects. She also puts in a terrific live version of "Inside" and we'll be playing a track from "Overnight Sensation".
Preston FM can be heard on 103.2FM or around the world at www.preston.fm

Here's what RockChicksRock.com had to say about Patti's new CD:

Overnite Sensation is a celebration of the reunion of Producer Dave Greenberg and Patti Rothberg! This winning combination of Dave’s melodic dance pop sensibility and Patti’s lyrical gritty rock and roll brought her first album, Between The One and The Nine, International attention and accolades in the mid nineties. Leno, Letterman, Oprah all helped spread the fire. In 1998 EMI America closed its doors and Patti entered the enormous sea of indie rock. Hooking up with producer Freddie Katz in 1998 began a journey which produced two albums, Candelabra Cadabra and Double Standards. All the while, Dave and Patti kept in contact and would record songs true to their respective spectrums- Ultra catchy dance pop and songwriter rock n roll of varying instrumentation and tempos.

Fast forward to 2008. Freddie and Patti went separate ways, and she had a wealth of new material for a new album! Dave and Patti took inventory of what they’d been recording all along, INCLUDING the synthy dance tracks which grace the beginning of Overnite Sensation. These tracks were originally written and intended for Kylie Minogue or Brittney, but Dave and Patti looked at each other liking Patti’s voice already on there and said.. “Why not!!!?” Thus Overnite was born. 14 years is a long time for an “overnight sensation” (and the first album really WAS an Overnite Sensation) so the title is rather tongue and cheek, but is also a reference to the uber pop beginning of the CD which glides into “side two”, a harkening back to Between the One and the Nine days which has songs nice to fall asleep to after a good dance workout

A Little Light Opera Next Week!

This looks as if it should be a very enjoyable evening out. We have seen some of the Michael Hall Theatre School operatic productions before - most notably the little performed Gianni Schicchi - and have always found them to be very professional, well staged and definitely worth a visit.

The fact that the opera is sung in English means that the story is easier to follow and much of Mozart's delightful musical score will be already be well known to even the most dyed in the wool "opera haters"...

These are all local performers and musicians, some very young, some will be making their first appearance in a full scale production so why not go along and give them your support...?

To book tickets call 01253 769031

For more information about The Visual Noise Arts Centre or the Michael Hall Theatre School, visit the website at http://www.visualnoiseuk.com

See Goldblade and GBH Live In Manchester This Friday!

Goldblade will be playing at the Manchester Academy 3 , Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PR on Friday evening (28th January), supported by GBH and Obsessive Compulsive.

Aged 14 + only. Doors 7.30pm
Tickets £10 adv or pay on the door.
For tickets: http://www.fanstar.co.uk/showscreen.php?site_id=6&screentype=folder&screenid=846&categoryfilter=1148

or http://www.goldblade.com

Big Names At The Grand In Clitheroe In April

There are some big names coming to The Grand in Clitheroe in April:

On Tuesday 12th April, former Stranglers Frontman Hugh Cornwell hits town to perform his critically acclaimed solo album 'Guilty' in its entirety and for the first time ever all the Stranglers Epics in one evening. The Raven, Schoolmaam, Down in the Sewer, Toiler on the Sea, Walk On By and Feel Like a xxx will all be performed each evening.
20 VIP Tickets are also available which will give fans the chance to watch the soundcheck, interact with Hugh and receive an exclusively recorded album entitled 'Covered' signed personally on the night by the artist.

Buy tickets from: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/92748

Then, on Friday 22nd April, it’s the turn of The Blockheads to play at the venue.
There's no doubting that the most loveable, eccentric, cocky, funny, schoolboy-rude and artful characters from the punk generation are The Blockheads. Together with Ian Dury they created songs that were clever, insightful, subversive and more often than not, just plain fun.

Clever Trevor (sic), Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3, What A Waste and the anthem for their generation, Sex and Drugs and Rock n Roll, all carried the same trademark mix of humour, indignation, wonderfully witty wordplay and extreme musicianship.

They created their own genre from a previously untried potpourri of funk, punk and English music hall. Dury may no longer be with us but The Blockheads - who celebrated their 30th Anniversary in 2007 - remain one of the hardest working groups to have emerged from the decade that gave us some of the most exciting and original music since the birth of rock and roll.

Doors 7pm Stage 7.30pm
Buy tickets at : http://www.wegottickets.com/event/103082

For more information about these events, and for details of all the other fascinating things son at the Grand in Clitheroe, visit their website at http://www.thegrandvenue.co.uk/

Hugh Cornwell UK Tour In April!

Former Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell hits the road for a series of UK dates in April , performing his critically acclaimed solo album 'Guilty' in its entirety and for the first time ever all the Stranglers' epics in one evening.

The Raven, Schoolmaam, Down in the Sewer, Toiler on the Sea, Walk On By and Feel Like a xxx will all be performed each evening.

As a bonus to fans, Hugh will also perform 'Fan Choice Encores' which can be voted for at http://www.hughcornwell.com/. The five songs with the most votes will end the evening.

20 VIP Tickets are available for each date and will give fans the chance to watch the soundcheck and interact with Hugh before and after the soundcheck, where they will be given an exclusively recorded album entitled 'Covered'. This will be limited to 250 copies and signed personally on the night by the artist.

Tour Dates:
• Weds 6th April – South Parade Pier, Portsmouth
• Thurs 7th April: The Sage, Gateshead
• Friday 8th April: Academy, Manchester
• Saturday 9th April: ABC 1/2, Glasgow
• Sunday 10th April: O Academy 1 / 2, Sheffield
• Tuesday 12th April: The Grand at Clitheroe
• Wednesday 13th April : The Assembly, Leamington Spa
• Thursday 14th April: Komedia, Bath
• Friday 15th April: Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
• Saturday 16th April: Academy, Islington
• Sunday 17th April; Komedia Brighton
Book tickets at http://www.wegottickets.com/ or http://www.allgigs.co.uk/

Book Now For "The Likes Of Us" at Pendle Hippodrome

23rd to 26th February 2011
Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre Present The Likes Of Us
Tickets: Adults £9, under 19s £6, senior citizens £6
(No concession for Senior citizens on Friday & Saturday)
Ticket Hotline 01282 699779 or book online at http://www.phtheatre.co.uk

7th Pendle Beer Festival at Municipal Hall Colne

Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th February 2011

The organisers of this year’s Pendle Beer Festival have conjured up some spooky beers based on a Witches and Wizards theme.

This will, of course, mean a number of home brews from local brewery Moorhouses, so expect plenty of Pendle Witches brew, alongside other top national tipples such as Hobgoblin from Wychwood and Old Hooky from Hook Norton. In fact, there will be more than 100 real ales and ciders to sample.

You could even sponsor one and raise money for Pendleside Hospice at the same time! In return you will receive free admission and a pint!

And judging by last year’s record crowd of over 2,300 visitors, people really do appreciate the care and attention CAMRA volunteers put into serving up a proper pint!

Thursday 4th: 5.00pm – 11.00pm / £3 all day
Friday 5th: 11.30am - 11.00pm / £3 before 6.00pm, £5 afterwards
Saturday 6th: 11.30am - 11.00pm / £3 all day
Admission is FREE for CAMRA members. Join CAMRA at the event and your entrance fee will be refunded
To find out more about the Festival, visit the website at www.pendlebeerfestival.co.uk

Book Now For "Funny Money" at the Nelson Ace Centre

FUNNY MONEY by RAY COONEY – Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th February

Good friends Betty and Vic arrive for Henry's birthday dinner and Jean is frantic because Henry is late. When he eventually arrives, he wants to emigrate immediately, and with good reason: the briefcase he accidentally picked up on the Underground is stuffed with £735,000! When two police inspectors call, Henry, Vic, Betty and a bemused (and tipsy) Jean are forced into a frantic game of cat and mouse. Hilarious innuendo and cruelly funny turns of fate ensue as the two couples assume various identities in their battle to keep the money.

Doors Open at 7.00pm Show Starts at 7.30pm
Tickets are £8.50 and £6.00 for students or under 16s

Box Office: 01282 661080 or www.acecentre.co.uk
To find out more about The Garrick’s future productions, visit their website at www.thegarrick.org

Cinema Review: Black Swan (15)

Black Swan, Cert 15, Odeon Blackpool 24th January 2011
We hadn’t been to the cinema for ages (when I say “ages” I don’t mean “1958 black and white film ages” but probably 2 or 3 years..) but we thought that the release of this ballet- related drama might be worth a look.

Now, don’t go to this film expecting it to be a nice fluffy cosy film about ballet because it isn’;t really – what it is is a deeply moving, thought-provoking, complex psychological drama, the story-line of which is constructed around the much-loved classical ballet “Swan Lake”.

It is convincingly acted with wonderful leads, a strong supporting cast, wonderful dance scenes, including classes, rehearsals, back stage insights and on-stage performances.

However, there are also scenes of violence, bad language, drug taking, eroticism and all sorts of weird behaviour and, on a higher cerebral level, the director would have you think that the characters in the films are also taking on the characteristics of the characters in the ballet - heavy stuff but only if you want it to be...!

A note for the boys: don’t be put off that this film is about ballet it’s a great psychological thriller in the mould of “Single White Female”, there’s a “Top Gun” style rivalry to be the best, some almost Freddy Krueger scary bits, a bit of sex, bits of violence and - let’s face it: lots of “fit” girls....

We found the film truly brilliant - however it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

UK Exclusive: Patti Rothberg Interview

With many thanks to our friends at PYX106 radio in Albany, New York State, we are able bring you Ellen Zee's interview with American singer Patti Rothberg that was aired on Friday 7th January where Patti talks about how she started out in music and what her current projects are.

Patti has a new CD out on 14th February called "Overnight Sensation".

Please note that due to music licensing restrictions we cannot post the music that went with the interview here at present but the interview will be broadcast in full - with songs (including Patti's live performance in the PYX106 studio) in our Best Kept Secrets show on Preston FM 103.2 on Friday 11th February. Watch this space for more details nearer the time.

Miss Blackpool Competition 2011 - Interview With Karen Cookson

The dates for the 2011 Miss Blackpool competition have now been confirmed: 7 heats at Uncle Tom's Cabin on Blackpool's North Promenade on consecutive Thursday evenings from 23rd June to 4th August and then a swishy black tie Grand Final at the Norbreck Castle on Friday 19th August.

We have produced a special "behind-the-scenes" radio documentary following the progress of the 2010 competition through the heats all the way to the final and this will be aired in the run up to the 2011 competition.

However, to get the ball rolling, here is part of the interview that we recorded with organiser Karen Cookson - herself a former Miss Blackpool - where she explains how she came to be involved with the competition, how it all works and what you need to do to take part. Just click on the icon below to listen:



For more information about the Miss Blackpool competition - full rules, how to enter, past winners etc or maybe you'd like to be a competition SPONSOR... take a look at the official website at http://www.missblackpoolpageant.co.uk

Rebellion Festival 2010 - TV Smith & Gaye Advert Interviews

The 2011 Rebellion Punk Festival will take place at Blackpool's Winter Gardens from 4th to 7th August and top names for the event include Adam Ant, Toyah and Cock Sparrer.

There's also a great Punk Art exhibition attached to the festival which last year had fascinating works by people such as Knox, Charlie Harper, Gaye Advert and many others.

Just to whet your appetite for this year's festival, here are some interview clips we recorded at the 2010 event - TV Smith talks about the popularity of the Rebellion Festival and Gaye Advert talks about her artwork in the exhibition - just click on the icon below to listen:



To find out who else is playing at the 2011 Rebellion Festival, getting tickets and lots lots more, visit the official website at http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/

Julian Smith On Stage At Blackpool Grand Theatre on 21st February

Saxophonist Julian Smith (Britain’s Got Talent runner up) slips into Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Monday 21st February for a cool evening of smooth sounds with Julian Smith in Concert.

His distinctive soprano saxophone sound has already been heard all over the world on Sony’s multi-million selling Classic Chillout CD series under his previous stage name Joolz Gianni.

But Julian shot to national fame after wowing the celebrity judges on ITV1’s prime time reality show Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

Don’t miss this sophisticated evening of cool classics from a truly talented performer.

Julian Smith in Concert is at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Monday 21st February at 7.30pm - All seats £15

Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190, online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Bear Hunt Live At Blackpool Grand Theatre

Discover an exhilarating new stage production of the award-winning children’s classic We’re Going On A Bear Hunt – Live on Stage at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Friday 18th February and Saturday 19th February as Michael Rosen’s delightful book is brought vividly and noisily to life on stage in this fun-filled new adaptation from Sally Cookson set to Benji Bower’s lively score.

Join the intrepid explorers on their quest to find a bear as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the oozy squelchy mud!Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure ideal for children aged 3 and above – plus a few special surprises!

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt – Live on Stage roars into Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Friday 18th February at 1.30pm and Saturday 19th February at 10.30am and 1.30pm. (Running time approx 55 mins).

All seats £10. Schools and groups of 10+ £8.50
An education pack suitable for Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 can be downloaded from http://www.bearhuntlive.com, where a short preview of this family show can also be seen.

For tickets, call the Box Office on 01253 290190, or go online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Historic "Treble" Still On For AFC Blackpool!

While Blackpool FC lost 1-2 at home in the Premier League to Sunderland, AFC Blackpool took a step closer to an historic Vodkat League "Treble" with a 4-0 second half demolition of Holker Old Boys in the 2nd Round of the Division One Trophy.

The "Mechanics" currently sit top of the Vodkat League Division 1, 6 points ahead of the chasing pack with games in hand, and are at home next Saturday to Premier Divsion side St Helens Town in Round 3 of the Vodkat League Cup.

As Blackpool FC are without a game that day, this might represent a good opportunity for Blackpool football fans to come along and give their support to the "other" tangerines and soak up the friendly family atmosphere at Jepson Lane!

To find out more about AFC Blackpool and their excellent youth set up, visit their website at http://www.afcblackpool.co.uk/

Showgirl Wanted For "One Night In Vegas" Tour

Martyn Lucas, producer and star of the fantastic "One Night In Vegas" show is holding auditions for a new Vegas Showgirl for the show's 2011 5th anniversary tour, which will be playing around 100 dates in total around the country.

The auditions will be held at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe on the 5th February
and interested parties are asked to contact dance captain Jen Rankin on dollyluvskenny@hotmail.com.

You can find our more about the show by visiting the website at www.onenightinvegas.co.uk

There's also an in-depth interview that we recorded last summer with Martyn Lucas running at various times on easy listening internet station Wireless Radio at www.wirelessradio.biz

Book Now: Jazz Evening At The Pavilion Restaurant, St Annes

There's a great evening of music and fine dining in store at the recently-opened Pavilion Tea Rooms and Restaurant in Ashton Gardens, St Annes on Saturday 5th February as proprietor Tony High stages his first "Evening Of Dinner Jazz".

On offer is a three course Table D'Hote menu and music from the highly respected Mike Lovell Jazz All Stars with Rosie all for just £17.95 per person!

This evening is bound to sell out very quickly so early booking is essential. For reservations, call 01253 724440

Even better: why not drop by in the meantime to book your table and try some of their delicious snacks, drinks and main meals beforehand...

We tried the place not long after it opened. You can hear our review by following the link below:
http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2010/11/review-pavilion-ashton-gardens-st-annes.html

Miss Blackpool 2011 - Dates Announced!

The dates for the 2011 Miss Blackpool competition have just been announced.

NEW VENUE FOR HEATS - CoCo Night club at Che Bar in Blackpool Town Centre!

The heats will be held on Thursday evenings as follows:
23rd June - Heat 1
30th June - Heat 2
7th July - Heat 3
14th July - Heat 4
21st July - Heat 5
28th July - Heat 6
4th August - Heat 7

The final will be held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 19th August.

NEW 2011 COMPETITION WEBSITE LAUNCHED -  read more here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2011/04/miss-blackpool-2011-new-website.html

Coronation Street Debut For Andrew Lancel

Actor Andrew Lancel - who previously starred as DI Neil Manson in popular TV police drama "The Bill" - has made his first appearance in Coronation Street playing the role of Frank Foster.

He was also to be seen on ITV's lunchtime chat show "Loose Women" talking about his new role so we thought now might be a good time to post the FULL VERSION of the interview that we recorded with Andrew when he came to Blackpool back in October last year before the Corrie role was announced (see picture left Andrew with Lucy at The Sands venue).

Here you can hear him talking about his time in "The Bill", his love for singing, Everton Football Club and what he thinks about the Sands Venue in Blackpool. Just click on the icon below to listen:

Fever Dance On Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour

We are very proud to advise that OUR dance teachers – Fever Dance Company from Preston - are appearing on the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour that is playing at arenas around the country until 13th February.

Fever Dance Company’s Adult Formation Team – current British Latin champions - will be dancing with the stars; its Junior Team will also be joining the tour for some dates when the adult dancers can't get time off from their day jobs.

The company, which is based on Mornington Road, Preston, was chosen after Strictly judge Craig Revell- Horwood saw a video of them competing.

Fever Dance boss Stephen Holland told the Lancashire Evening Post: “We got a phone call the week before Christmas asking us if we could do the Strictly Tour with our Adult Form and it’s all sort of spiralled from there.

“Obviously everybody has jobs so we are drafting in the Junior Team as well. Everyone is really excited.”

The company will perform on all 35 dates of the tour and will be performing a showstopping routine with the professional dancers, including Kristina Rihanoff, Ola Jordan and Artem Chigventsev.

They also dance in the finale with the professionals and celebrities like actress Patsy Kensit, Olympic athlete Colin Jackson, film star Jimi Mistry and the Rt Hon Anne Widdecombe.

To find out more about the Strictly Live Tour 2011, visit the website at http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/

To find out about Fever Dance Company, dance classes and competition teams, go to http://www.feverdancecompany.com/

In the photo: Paul & Lucy with Jillian Donaldson and Hannah Slater from the Fever Dance Latin Formation Team

Duggie Chapman - "Thanks For The Memory" : Grand Theatre Review

This afternoon, Duggie Chapman,MBE, Water Rat and King of Variety and Music Hall took an enthralled audience at Blackpool's Grand Theatre on a fabulous journey through British entertainment heritage with his excellent “Thanks for the Memory” presentation of wonderful archive film clips.

Today’s lecture took us back to the 1920s and 30s when many of our greatest music hall and theatre entertainers were filmed at the Pathe Pictorial studios in Wardour Street, London. These are what Duggie calls his ‘silver ghosts’ – from Leslie Sarony to Will Fyffe and the Three Whippets to Troise and his Banjoliers we see and hear what these entertainers were like, as well as what the audiences of the day were wearing.

In the second half, Duggie’s journey took us into the 1950s when variety was in great demand. We saw film of singers such as Margo Henderson, Alma Cogan and Adam Faith and early footage of Mike and Bernie Winters and Morecambe and Wise.

An extremely entertaining show – definitely not to be missed. Our thanks to Duggie, his production team and the Grand Theatre for a wonderful afternoon.

If you get the chance to see this or any of Duggie’s other nostalgic variety presentations and shows, do give it a try...! LB

(Proceeds from the sale of programmes at Duggie's lectures are donated to the Grand Order of Water Rats, arguably the most prestigious show business Order in the world.)

Ooh er Missus! Up Pompeii at Blackpool Grand Theatre...

Treat your loved one to some cheeky fun this Valentine’s Day with an updated version of the unforgettable BBC comedy Up Pompeii from Monday 14th February to Thursday 17th February starring Damian Williams (Sky 1’s Are You Smarter Than Your Ten Old?)

Travel Up Pompeii with TV’s Damian Williams in his hilarious homage to Frankie Howerd based on the memorable characters created by Talbot Rothwell and Sid Colin.

The ever-popular and always uproariously funny Damian is the irrepressible Lurcio the slave – a role made famous by the late, great comedian Frankie Howerd. Set in ancient Pompeii (pre-eruption) with a whole host of double entendres, gorgeous girls and Damian’s acid asides to the audience - it’s guaranteed to be an orgy of laughter!

The much-loved 1970s BBC comedy Up Pompeii was famous for its risqué gags, its scantily clad girls and its tongue-in-cheek humour. As well as Lurcio the slave, other main characters were Lurcio's bumbling old master Senator Ludicrus Sextus, the senator's promiscuous wife Ammonia, his daughter Erotica and his eternally virginal son Nausius along with locals Senna the Soothsayer and Plautus. Guest stars included a number of girls from the Carry On films with Barbara Windsor, Wendy Richard and Valerie Leon all having parts.

The stage play of the popular TV comedy was also originally written for Frankie Howerd by Miles Tredinnick in 1988, but was never staged as he was offered the very similar role of Pseudolus in the hit musical A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum in the West End. It was then due to be staged in the early ‘90s, however Howerd sadly died before it went into production. But now it’s time to titter again!

Up Pompeii is at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from Monday 14th February to Thursday 17th February. Monday 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday 7.30pm, Wednesday matinee 2pm

Tickets from £12. / Opening night all seats £15.

Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190, or go to the website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

The Great American Soulbook at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Open The Great American Soulbook at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Sunday 13th February for an exceptional evening of live music starring sensational soul legends Gary U.S. Bonds and Ben E King.

Duggie Chapman MBE presents the celebrated soul singer Gary U.S. Bonds (New Orleans, Quarter To Three) direct from Las Vegas for one night only, performing some of the world’s most-loved tunes from one of the most-loved eras of music. Gary will be teaming up with very special guest star and soul legend Ben E King (Stand By Me, Spanish Harlem) for the amazing concert which features some of the greatest soul songs ever written from In The Midnight Hour, Respect and Soul Man to Green Onions, Mustang Sally, Under The Boardwalk, Midnight Train To Georgia and many, many more.

Gary and Ben will be joined by a stunning eight-piece live band made up of some of the UK’s greatest musicians from the bands of Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck and Jerry Lee Lewis, performing unforgettable songs that have provided the soundtracks to so many people’s lives.

The Great American Soulbook starring Gary U.S. Bonds with very special guest Ben E King is at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Sunday 13th February at 7.30pm.

Tickets from £19.50 - Concessions available

Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190, or visit the website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Hamlet - The Comedy! at Colne Muni.

Hamlet – The Comedy! Thursday 10 February , Municipal Hall, Colne
Oddsocks Theatre Company's riotous, but family-friendly, production of Hamlet – The Comedy finds the young student prince returning home for Christmas to discover there’s something rotten in the state of Denmark - and it’s not just his dirty washing!

His mum has married Uncle Claudius and his dead dad only puts in a ghostly appearance – it’s enough to make a teenager go mad!

Things will never be the same again in the Hamlet household. But as this is Oddsocks, it will all be sorted out in raunchy, rebellious and rambunctious fashion!

Magician and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Paul Daniels will play the part of Hamlet’s father’s ghost via a hologram.

Be prepared for Shakespeare - with belly laughs, singing, dancing and some rocking music by Rob Harris, lead guitarist with Jamiroquai!

Tickets: £12 Adult / £9 Concessions / £32 family

For bookings and more information, visit the website at www.themuni.co.uk