Book Now For Snow White & The Seven Dwarves at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Coronation Street’s notorious knicker-stitcher Janice Battersby (VICKY ENTWISTLE) has taken time out from the famous factory to star in this year’s fun-filled family panto Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from Friday 2 December 2011 to Monday 2 January 2012.

Former Blackpool & Fylde College student Vicky Entwistle is best known as the brash but big-hearted Janice Battersby in ITV1’s Coronation Street, who arrived on the cobbles in 1997 with her slobbish husband Les, step-daughter Leanne and daughter Toyah. She has played Janice for 14 unforgettable years before recently deciding to leave the soap to pursue other acting projects. Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson said of her leaving: "Vicky created a strong and uncompromising battleaxe with a heart of gold lurking underneath - in the true tradition of great Coronation Street women. She'll be missed by us all and we wish her well."

Vicky will play Snow White’s evil stepmother the Wicked Queen and will be joining Grand Theatre family favourite Steve Royle from BBC Radio Lancashire and an all-star supporting cast to be announced.

Snow White is a classic fairytale fantasy jam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, a troubled princess, a seriously wicked stepmother, a handsome prince and, of course, seven cheeky dwarfs! Oh yes it is!



Beautiful princess Snow White has skin as white as snow and lips as red as rubies. But her cruel stepmother the Wicked Queen flies into a jealous rage and plots to kill her when a magic mirror declares her stepdaughter is ‘the fairest of them all’ and Snow White flees to the safety of the seven dwarfs house. But who is the curious old crone selling apples door to door? And can true love’s kiss really save the day? Follow us deep into the magical forest and find out...



This exciting adaptation of Snow White is brought to you by Martin Dodd for UK Productions - the company which has presented some of the most critically acclaimed touring musicals in recent years, such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Anything Goes, Carousel, 42nd Street, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Fiddler On The Roof starring Joe McGann and Singin’ in The Rain starring West End sensation Tim Flavin. UK Productions has also produced pantomimes at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre for the past fifteen years.

 

For performance schedule and ticketing details visit the Grand Theatre website here: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/1/2496/Snow-White-and-The-Seven-Dwarfs.htm

 

 

NOTE: Interview clips with cast members will be posted here shortly

The 3 Musikateers at "Parks" Art Deco Cafe, Blackpool - 2nd October

Exciting new 3 piece jazz swing group The 3 Musikateers will be making a special appearance in the popular Swing Sunday lunch slot at the Parks Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park, Blackpool, on Sunday 2nd October from 1 to 3pm. 



Simon Brady and Gaynor Sutcliffe from the popular UK swing band the Swing Commanders have teamed up with bass player Bob Buller from Clitheroe to form the 3 Musikateers specialising in Gypsy jazz, jazz standards and bluegrass. Their music combines excellent musicianship with an entertaining, vibrant and fun show incorporating songs from Nat King Cole to Dolly Parton interspersed with exiting instrumentals in the style of Django Rindheart and Stephan Grapelli. Each member of the 3 Musikateers each play a variety of instruments and place their own musical slant on each song ensuring a varied and enjoyable foot tapping show to remember



This is a musical experience not to be missed - table bookings can be made now by calling 01253 395191



You can find out more about the 3 Musikateers music by visiting their MySpace site here: http://www.myspace.com/566810728

CD Release: "Acceptance Of Existence" By Honey Bane

Track Listing:



1. The Right Thing To Do

2. Downthing

3. Where Has Everybody Gone?

4. Whose Hell Am I In?

5. Violence Grew

6. Ya Got Me All Wrong (Naked Vs.)

7. Undone

8. This Ain't Reality!

9. The Bomb

10. Don't Tell Me! (It Doesn't Matter)

11. How About This

12. Ya Got Me All Wrong (Dressed Vs)



Available as CD or Download - buy it here: http://www.reverbnation.com/store/view_item_album/artist_310716?item_id=845263

New Live Dates For Sara Creeney - 17th and 23rd September

Saturday 17th September: Alex & Sara’s Acoustic Night

Longton VM Sports & Social club

School Lane, Longton, Preston



Start time 9pm

Tickets £7.50. Members £5.50 (Hot Pot included)

Telephone 01772 616800







Saturday 23rd September: Sara Creeney Solo Date



Sensational Vocalist Sara Creeney will be performing from 8pm onwards



at Bangla Fusion Restaurant, Much Hoole, Preston

Tel 01772...610800.. for table bookings

Missing Andy - Exclusive Interview With Alex Greaves

We played the new single from Missing Andy - "Kings For The Weekend" on our Best Kept Secrets show on Preston FM and have been talking to lead singer Alex Greaves.



You can hear a short clip from the interview right now by clicking on the sound icon below (this will take longer if you are using a Mac...)







Missing Andy hail from Braintree, are Essex born and bred and extremely proud of it. The 5 - piece are part of today’s growing disenfranchised youth and their ‘fist in the air’ songs deal with thorny social issues that a lot of other bands choose to shy away from. Their thought provoking lyrics and their swaggering stance is cut from the same cloth as The Jam, The Clash and fused with The Specials, making a contradiction of modern nostalgia, fuelled by angst-ridden aggression.





Mod requiem ‘Kings For The Weekend’ is an anthemic, no frills behemoth of a song with its pile-driving rhythms and the super burst of crashing guitars and it is released by Invasion Records, on 8th August.

Fate works in mysterious ways and in this day and age where the music industry seemingly changes the rules every single day, how do a band gain a break? Getting creative Missing Andy found themselves on Sky One’s ‘Must Be The Music’ and embraced the opportunity. In a testament to their DIY take no prisoners attitude, they threw themselves in and made it all the way through to the final where they played at Wembley! Consequently the single "The Way We're Made (Made In England)" reached # 38 in the charts.



Now armed with a batch of new songs, an appearance at this year’s SXSW under their belts, an every growing army of followers on Facebook and Youtube and the driving force of a runaway articulated truck, Missing Andy are the torchbearers of the New Mod.



Missing Andy are; vocals - Alex Greaves, keys - Jonathan Sharpe, bass – Rob Jones, guitar - Steve Rolls and drums - Elliot Richardson.



For more information about the band, try these links:

http://www.missingandy.com/

www.myspace.com/missingandy

www.facebook.com/missingandyofficial

The Blue Pig Coffee House in Lytham presents Drawing and Watercolour classes

The Blue Pig Coffee House in Lytham are going to hold drawing and watercolour classes every Thursday and Friday, starting on 22nd and 23rd September 2011. These classes will be organised and run by Artist Peter Slater.



Classes will be held on the first floor of the restaurant - the room is light and airy and has a good view of Clifton Square.



There will be two 'Get to know' the artist evenings from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, 7th and Thursday, 15th September at the Blue Pig - so if you have always wanted to learn to draw and paint why not go along and see what it is all about.





Contact

Peter Slater on 01253 725406

Mobile:  07870 250612

Website:  www.peterslaterpictures.co.uk

E-Mail:  peterslaterpictures@hotmail.co.uk

Obsessive Compulsive Tour - Exclusive Interview

Manchester  band Obsessive Compulsive have announced tour dates for this Autumn, with more still to be confirmed. The current list is as follows:



30th September: ILKESTON - The New Inn

5th October: PORTSMOUTH - Edge Of The Wedge

7th October: LONDON - Boston Arms

11th October: PRESTON - Dog and Partridge

13th October: GLASGOW - 13th Note

15th October: MANCHESTER - Club Alter Ego

19th November: NOTTINGHAM - LadyFest @ The Maze

26th November: READING - Facebar



For more information and booking links. check out the official OC site here: http://www.obsessivecompulsiveband.com/gigs.php



We had a chat with Kelii Compulsive about the band and their music. Click below to hear an interview clips (this will take longer to load if you are using a Mac...:

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool 1 - Bootle 0

Jason Manford, winner of "Born to Shine", to tour with Alfie Boe

Following Jason Manford’s winning performance on
the live final of Born to Shine (ITV1), on Sunday night, he is now
looking forward to performing with the critically acclaimed Alfie Boe on his UK
tour in December.

Alfie and Jason met earlier in the year, on the
ITV1 series Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford, when at the last minute
Jason had to step in for Matt Lucas who had fallen ill, but was scheduled to
duet with Alfie.

Jason explains “It was an honour to perform with
Alfie on Comedy Rocks earlier in the year and it certainly whet my appetite for
singing opera, which is why it was brilliant that I got professional training
for Born to Shine. Even though I’m used to performing to live audiences on tour
every week, singing alongside Alfie, on his show will take the nerves to a
whole new level.”

Jason Manford performs with Alfie Boe – 17^th December 2011 at Blackpool Opera House, Blackpool.

Jason Manford continues his UK tour – Off
on Tour We Go, which culminates on 29^th November at the O2 Arena in London. For more information go to: www.jasonmanford.com

Cafe Of The Month Award For August: The Blue Pig Coffee House, Lytham

The Blue Pig Coffee House

4 Dicconson Terrace, Lytham, FY8 5JY





The Best Kept Secrets Cafe Of The Month Award for August 2011 has been presented to the Blue Pig Coffee House in Lytham St Annes.



The award certificate was presented by our newly crowned Miss Best Kept Secrets Sammi Marsh and handed to proprietor Samanatha Kneen and chef Luke Jarvis.



Check out the deluxe breakfast menu served from 10am to 11.30 with such delights as creamy porridge, scrambled eggs on toast or even a savoury croissant stuffed with ham and melted cheese. There's also a great range of snacks, meals and drinks available throughout the day.



The Best Kept Secrets ‘Café of the Month’ Award is awarded according to various criteria, including friendly service, diversity of menu, cleanliness of establishment and of course taste of produce, not forgetting that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ known as “The Emilie Test”.



To nominate your favourite cafe, drop us a line to mailto:paul@bestkeptsecrets.biz

Fylde Rugby Big Kick Off v Jersey - Saturday 27th August 3pm

Fylde welcome fellow National One newcomers Jersey to the Woodlands on Saturday (ko 15.00) in the biggest possible start to the 2011/12 season. The visitors, one of the pre-season favourites in the division, are likely to bring a large group of supporters to the most significant game in their long history. Fylde's return to level 3 after a gap of eight seasons is also a major step for the Club and it joins Sedgley Park & Macclesfield as the senior North West clubs below Premiership giants Sale Sharks.



Chairman Michael Brennand is hoping for another large crowd to give the team the very best support: “I ask all rugby followers on the Fylde Coast and in Lancashire more generally to come to the Woodlands to enjoy National One level rugby. It's a very high standard and we intend to continue last season's style of play with open, flowing rugby. But the guys need vocal support as they face what will be a long and very tough season, pitting themselves against famous names such as Blackheath, Rosslyn Park & Tynedale. And what a game to open the campaign!”



Fylde's squad building has gone on apace since the end of last season in April. Eleven newcomers have joined the 1stteam squad, some with substantial experience in the higher levels of the professional game. Competition for places in the 20-man squad named for the game will be acute as the rugby managers try to blend this talent into a winning formula. The Club had a superb sequence of seventeen wins and just one defeat in 2011 and will be hoping to continue in the same vein in the new season.



Jersey was, until recent years, a long established club but mainly an attractive venue for touring clubs from England and other European locations. But in the past decade they have risen dramatically through the league structure following numerous promotions. One season in National Two (South) was sufficient as they qualified in the runners-up spot behind the outstanding Ealing Trailfinders team and hammered Loughborough Students 30-5 in the play-off game to reach National One. To rub it in, they beat the Students, albeit a much more inexperienced squad, once again last Saturday by 45-3 in a pre-season warm-up game.



Well informed observers of the National Leagues believe that they will be pressing the top clubs once again this season. With substantial financial backing from sponsors and the local community, they have a squad carefully made up of a majority of locally developed players plus numerous 'imports' from the mainland. Speaking of the Club's ambitions, Head Coach for the past three seasons Ben Harvey said: “We want to get to as high as possible in the league system as can be sustained by the best Jersey-born players.”



“As the Club has become more successful, it has attracted much greater attention and backing on the Island. It's a very enthusiastic sporting environment and the Rugby Club has tapped in to this. The Club knows it has to represent the Island in the most positive way and that's the ethos that has developed. We are also about 'participation' and over 500 youngsters play at the St Peters Ground on Sundays.”



The Club has a core of locally born players in the 1st team squad and does all it can to keep them playing on the Island. No one personifies this more than the highly talented young fullback and goal kicker Michael Le Bourgeois who was top scorer last season with 307 points. But the Club's success is also down to the careful recruitment of players from the mainland. These tend to come and go but some have made a major impact and as Harvey says “they have to embrace and contribute to Island life.” Strengthening the squad this summer sees the arrival of accomplished former Leicester Tigers, London Irish & Bedford fly-half Ross Broadfoot, and two former Welsh U'21 internationals - centre David Bishop (ex-Ospreys, Dragons, Sale & Edinburgh) & scrum-half Nicky Griffiths (also formerly Ospreys & Dragons, & Cornish Pirates).



An even more notable capture is former Welsh full international prop Ben Evans (ex-Cardiff, Sale & Calvisano) who has arrived as player-coach. He joins a fearsomely strong pack including fellow prop John Brennan, towering locks Paul Rogers and Nathan Hannay, and backrower Nick Trower. Amongst the backs, another import who has played a big part in recent success is former Lancastrian County scrum-half Dave McCormack.(ex-Sedgley Park & Otley). Fellow danger men include centre Donovan Sanders and free scoring wingers James Copsey & Ed Dawson.



Fylde's rugby managers face some interesting selection decisions. It's expected that England 7s squad member and Fylde's try scoring star Nick Royle will be available for selection, as will be virtually all members of the squad. Injuries to new back Gavin Cartmel and established hooker Alan Holmes have been the only setbacks so far. One question is whether newcomer Chris Briers will play alongside his elder brother Stephen for only their second ever senior match? For such experienced players it is surprising that they have played just one senior game together, for home club West Park many years ago.



Photo: Newcomer Chris Briers shows off Fylde's new kit, based on a much loved original hooped design.

Best Kept Secrets In Conversation Show on Preston FM - Friday 7pm

There's something for everybody in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show from 7pm this Friday on Preston FM, including:

Music and talk from Spanish soul band The Pepper Pots
The return of Eurovision's Love City Groove
RnB Festival preview from Bright Shapes
Newly crowned Miss Blackpool Hollie Robinson
David Barker - chairman of Abbeyfield Lytham St Annes
Film music with Andrea Quarin (photo)
plus music from Culture Shock & Missing Andy

Tune in on 103.2FM in the Preston area or "listen live" worldwide over the internet at: http://www.preston.fm/

Blackpool Burlesque Show - Rose & Crown - 17th September

SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER - ROSE AND CROWN, BLACKPOOL

£5.00 (in advance) £7.00 (on the door)



Fan dances,sexy and comedy burlesque acts. It's a provocative and humourous stage show.Come along and see at BEAT above the Rose and Crown on Birley St . A fun adult night out popular with everyone. Featuring the famous Kosmic Kitty. A chance to dress up too.



Tickets on the door £7 or buy from staff at the Rose and Crown for £5



DON't MISS THIS NIGHT! Sat Sept 17th,7pm



Book NOW





Featuring:

MIKEY WONG, LETHAL GEM,TILLY TITCH, TOBI JAMES, KOSMIC KITTY, Crystal Cupcakes, CANDY CARNIVAL, AL RUDGE, EVA FOX, TWIGGY and DANDY, RUBY HEELS, Daria D'Beauvoix, LOLA LASHES, Bettie Wishes, MAE FROST, Danni La Blue,Moll Teaser, cherry derriere, Kitty Koko

 

Online booking: http://www.blackcountryburlesque.com/BLACKPOOL%20TICKET.html

Walk the Pendle Way - 4th to 7th October 2011

Why not head off to East Lancashire for some fresh, country air?

Pendle
Leisure Trust’s Out and About Project is giving people the chance to walk the
famous and beautiful Pendle Way in four days.   The
Pendle Way is a circular 45 mile walk which culminates in climbing Pendle Hill.

You
will complete between 10 and 12 miles each of the four days, from Tuesday, 4th October  to Friday, 7th October 2011.

Wayne
Bowman, the Trust’s Out and About Co-ordinator, says: “The Pendle Way is a
lovely walk and explores all the countryside around Pendle. Along the way we
will be passing through historic villages, areas associated with the Bronte
sisters and Pendle Witch Country. “The
walk is open to anyone wanting to discover the delights of Pendle’s
countryside.

“If
these dates are not convenient, then please get in touch as we are planning to
organise more Pendle Way walks in 2012.”

The
cost of the walk is £80 per person, which includes return transport back to
your car each day.

For
more information or to book a place, contact Wayne Bowman, Out and About Co-ordinator,
on 01282 661315 or email wayne.bowman@pendleleisuretrust.co.uk 

While you are visiting Pendle, why not go and have a look at the wonderful Reedley Marina, which overlooks Pendle Hill and have a coffee or a snack at the Kingfisher Cafe and admire the narrow boats moored there.   Depending on the time of year, Canal Trips are also available.

There is lots to see and do in Pendle - most people just head for Boundry Mill but if you only ever go there you won't see the other amazing things there are to see and do in Pendle.  For instance, did you know that there are two other outlets definitely worth checking out - Pendle Mill, where you will also find the Chocolate Strawberry Restaurant (near B and Q in Brierfield) and Barden Mill, which is beside the Canal and on the edge of Reedley Marina. 

For further information on what to do in Pendle, visit www.visitpendle.co.uk

Illuminations Countdown Spectacular at The Sands, starting 30th August 2011

If you haven't yet been to the fabulous, world-class Sands Venue on the Promenade in Blackpool (between Coral Island and the Albert and the Lion pub) then now is your chance!  The Sands Venue are organising an amazing Illuminations Countdown Spectacular, starting on Tuesday, 30th August 2011.



ENTRY IS FREE to the following events (food is available to purchase if you wish):



Tuesday, 30th August:  The Pepper Pots - fantastic Northern Soul Group - two performances - an afternoon matinee and an evening show.  Food will be available - 2 courses £6.99 or 3 courses £9.99.

Wednesday, 31st August:  Afternoon Tea Dance with the fabulous Frontline Band and lots of room to dance - 2 p.m. until 4.30 p.m.   Delicious afternoon tea available - £6.99.

Thursday, 1st September:  Mexican night - Mexican food and drink available;  Mexican Platter £9.99

EARLY BOOKING IS ADVISED.  
Call the Box Office on 01253 625262 or visit the Sands website on www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk.  



The Sands Venue, Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4TQ

Music Masterclass in Blackpool With Steve White & Sam Gray - 25th October

One of Britain's finest drummers of the last 30 years (Paul Weller, Style Council, Ocean Colour Scene, Oasis and The Who) and new, up-and-coming guitarist and singer-song writer Sam Gray (BBC Radio 2 Playlist) provide an entertaining evening of music, musicianship, song writing and survival techniques of establishing and maintaining a career as a working musician and those all elusive record deals and major tours.





Tickets £10 in advance and available from Uncle Tom's Cabin (Queens Promenade, Blackpool), Electric Avenue (Whitegate Drive, Blackpool), Dazamakiz (North Road, Cleveleys), H W Music (Heatley Street, Preston) and online at http://www.rockbeats.co.uk/ . LIMITED AVAILABILITY

22nd Colne RnB Festival - Last Chance Tickets for This Weekend

With only days to go, excitement and anticipation is running high as Colne gears itself up to the biggest calendar event of the year.After months of preparation, this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival has finally arrived!



The signs are up, the venues have been decorated and the acts have been confirmed for what promises to be a weekend to remember!And music fans have already started to descend on the town, ready to listen to some unforgettable Blues tunes.



With some top-class, quality headline acts, some new, young talent and some Festival favourites, the 22nd Great British R&B Festival is ready and raring to go! From authentic electric Blues, through to rock, jazz and acoustic sets, there really is something for every one of the people travelling to Colne this August Bank Holiday weekend.



The Hamilton Loomis Band kicks-off the proceedings on the International Stage at 7.30pm on Friday, with another 600 musicians following suit at the eight official venues over the four day festival.



Some of the names to look out for include Jack Bruce, Steve Cropper, Robin Trower, James Hunter, Grammy Award Winner Mavis Staples, Sherman Robertson, Sharrie Williams and Mud Morganfield, who will be performing on the International Stage.



In fact, there’s something for all Blues music fans at all of the eight official venues – the British Stage at Pendle Leisure Centre, the Acoustic Stage at the Lesser Muni and the Official Roadhouses sponsored by Barnfield Construction - Colne & Nelson Rugby Club, The Admiral Lord Rodney, The Crown Hotel, The Dressers and The Royal British Legion.



And, of course, the festival isn’t just for music-lovers, it’s for the whole family! There will be a funfair behind the British Stage from 12pm until 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Back by popular demand, a selection of street entertainers will be showing off their crazy antics along Albert Road between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday.



There will also be buskers providing their own kind of Blues music at the Cenotaph, the Food Village and outside Pendle Leisure Centre, between 1.30pm and 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. And new for 2011, there will be face-painting and a chance to put your mark on a giant life-painting at the Cenotaph between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday and Monday.



Even if you don’t have your tickets yet, the Muni Box Office is open all weekend. And if you are not bothered about seeing the big names and just want to soak up the atmosphere, you can buy a Pledge Badge for just £5.50, which will give you access to the British Stage, the Acoustic Stage and five roadhouses – that works out at just £1.40 per day!



For a detailed line-up of all the acts and times they will be performing, visit the website http://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/  or call the Box Office on 01282 661234

Evening of Wellbeing at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool on Monday, 5th September 2011 in aid of Children of Watamu's Happy House Children's Home and Children of Chernobyl

Healthy ways to
happiness

There will be a chance to
unwind, relax and raise some money for two children's charities at an Evening
of Wellbeing at Blackpool Hilton Hotel on Monday, 5th September 2011.

With the kids back at school
it's a great time to recharge your batteries and this event aims to make you
feel very special indeed.

Children of Watamu's Happy
House Children's Home, Kenya, and Children of Chernobyl are the two charities which
will benefit from the event staged by Sandra Whittle of Soma Therapies,
Bispham, Jacqueline Winters of the Carleton-based British Academy of Crystal
Healing, together with events coordinator Lynn McCluskey of L.A. Divine
Solutions.

The programme includes
luxurious taster pamper sessions, talks and live demonstrations on a range of
holistic therapies and natural products, ranging from Tai Chi to Beatbox
dancing, crystal healing to oxygenation therapy, plus angel/oracle card
readings.

There will be retail therapy
too, with an interesting selection of stalls to browse.

Lynn McCluskey said: " As
three Blackpool businesswomen we thought an event like this was overdue. We
have all witnessed a growing interest in natural and holistic therapies
over the last few years and know people are always looking to find
different ways of taking care of themselves, physically and spiritually.  "There are lots of
fun and pleasant ways to nurture yourself beside diet and exercise now a
days. So this event is about showcasing lots of different ways to give yourself
a boost, that is all about having fun, pampering, enjoying yourself and feeling
good.

"We hope to have our
visitors heading into autumn with a spring in their step!"

Jacqueline is a recently
published author of “ Messages from Mother Earth” divination cards,  which
will be available on the night, and a leading expert in the field of crystal
healing and vibrational medicine.  Sandra  runs a highly
successful therapy centre and works alongside the NHS to offer exceptionally
high standards of conventional and holistic therapies.  Lynn is passionate about
helping charities raise funds through her business services and also helps
heart- based entrepreneurs deliver their message or products.

All profits will go to
supporting the two locally based registered charities - Children of Watamu was
set up by former Blackpool hotelier Sue Hayward who now devotes her life to
saving and transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Kenya and Friends
of Chernobyl’s Children is a group of local families working together
to bring under-privileged children affected by the devastation of Chernobyl to Blackpool
for a month of recuperation.

The Evening of wellbeing is
from 6pm-10pm. Admission is £5, children and OAP’s free of charge.  

For
advance tickets contact Lynn McCluskey on 0790 808 6776

Photo:  Left to Right:  Jacqueline Winters, Lynn McCluskey, Sandra Whittle 

Obsessive Compulsive to play the Dog & Partridge In Preston - 11th October

Manchester band Obsessive Compulsive will be playing at the Dog & Partridge on 11th October supported by metal band subject 7 - and it's free admission! 



Find more live dates on the band's website: http://www.obsessivecompulsiveband.com/



In May 2010 OC unleashed their long-awaited debut long player on, their own label, Vociferous records. " Dreams of Death and the Death of Dreams" is an intense blend of gentle whispers and heavy, crushing rage, dystopian, bleak and venomous but simmering with vulnerability, the wait was definitley worth it...

 

OC's debut album DREAMS OF DEATH AND THE DEATH OF DREAMS is out now!!! available on CD and download from Amazon/HMV/Play/iTunes and more...

 



 

See The Pepper Pots at Sands Blackpool on 30th August - Exclusive Interview

Spanish Soul/Ska sensations The Pepper Pots will be playing a special live date at the Sands Venue on Blackpool promenade on Tuesday 30th August.



For more information or to book tickets, visit the Sands website at: http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/artists/634/The-Pepper-Pots-(Evening-Show)/1589



We had a chat with Marina - one of the singers - who told us all about the band. You can hear what she had to say by clicking on the spound icon below (this may take longer if you are using a Mac):







The Pepper Pots have a new CD out called "Train To Your Lover". We will be talking to Marina about the new album - as well as playing some tracks from it - in our radio show on 103.2 Preston FM on Friday evening (26th August) from 7pm. If you are living outside the broadcvast area, you can "listen live" over the internet at www.preston.fm

Eurovision History Makers LOVE CITY GROOVE Are Back!

Back in 1995, a rag-tag group of musicians made Eurovision history - twice: not only were Love City Groove the first ethnically diverse group to represent the UK in the massively influential contest, they did so with a rap song. With its insanely catchy chorus and sunshine vibe, the band’s self-titled debut captured the hearts and ears of the nation.



The brainchild of Stephen ‘Beanz’ Rudden and featuring the vocal gymnastics of Paul Phoenix, and dual rapping talents of Jay Williams and Yinka ‘Reason’ Charles, Love City Groove was a huge chart success in the UK, across Europe and in Japan.



Sixteen years later, Love City Groove the band look set to recreate Love City Groove the single’s success, with a refreshed version of the track, featuring Paul’s inimitable voice on that chorus and fiery New Yorker Moxiie, whose mellow vocals ease Love City Groove into 2011 and give this pop classic a contemporary edge.



Love City Groove are signed to David Ambrose’s label, Strawberry Hill Records. Ambrose is a formidable power in the music industry and certainly knows what’s what, having in his time been responsible for signing Duran Duran and Blondie, among others, and starting Fleetwood Mac.



Bright and breezy, soulful and blissed-out, Love City Groove is a perfect nugget of summer pop that’s impossible to resist. Don’t even try, just get back in the Love City Groove – you know you want to.



Love City Groove was released on Strawberry Hill Records on August 15.



NOTE: WE WILL BE FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BEANZ IN OUR SHOW ON PRESTON FM ON FRIDAY 26th AUGUST FROM 7pm - AND ALSO PLAYING THE SONG - SO LISTEN LIVE AT www.preston.fm





 

Search Amazon.com for LOVE CITY GROOVE

Cafe Review - Pavilion Restaurant & Tea Rooms, St Annes

We finally managed to get along to the Pavilion Restaurant and Tea Rooms in Ashton Gardens, St. Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire for their Sunday only (until 11.30 a.m.) full English breakfast and it was well worth the wait.



As you can see from the photo, two sausages, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms and toast - and it was absolutely delicious.



The Pavilion are now also offering evening meals on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a special  menu.



For further details and/or to book, please call the Pavilion Restaurant and Tea Rooms on 01253 724440.

Joe Pasquale Coming To Blackpool Grand Theatre - 28th August

Joe Pasquale is back, from outer space, he's just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face!



Well there's no need to look sad anymore as comedy king Joe Pasquale returns to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Sunday 28th August as part of his Pull My Finger! tour.



Since being crowned ‘King of the Jungle’ in the 2004 series of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Joe Pasquale (dubbed the hardest working man in comedy) hasn’t stopped! After running this year’s London Marathon in aid of Diabetes UK, presenting The Paul O’Grady Show and attempting to break a world record (for the most amount of martial arts throws in a minute) Joe is back on tour with his brand new show Pull My Finger!



A veteran of live comedy, Joe has been performing for over twenty years. In between stand up gigs he has voiced characters for Hollywood movies (Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties and Horton Hears a Who!), appeared at five Royal Variety performances and become a mainstay of the British pantomime season.



As well as performing, Joe has also qualified as a pilot, taken up boxing and competed in Celebrity Total Wipeout alongside Fatima Whitbread and Sally Gunnell! This summer Joe brings his madcap humour and zany slapstick to the Grand Theatre with Pull My Finger! But it’s not just any finger! Is it a chocolate finger? I hear you ask. Is it an iced finger? Or is it a long thin thumb that looks like a finger? No, it’s the fickle finger of fate, and we dare you to pull it.





Joe Pasquale brings his Pull My Finger! tour to the Grand Theatre for one night only on Sunday 28th August, 7.30pm. All seats are £18.50.

 

To book for any show you can call the Box Office on 01253 743339 or click on http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/, or visit the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

FA Cup: Squires Gate 1 - Colne 0

Miss Blackpool 2011 Final - Result & Interview

Result:

1st Hollie Robinson

2nd Jessica Bradder

3rd Joanne Walker



others in last 8:

Ashley McKeever

Kim Braithwaite

Beth Dust

Sophie Jarvis

Kayleigh Cooper.

Well done to all involved - a sensational evening!

You can hear a short interview with Miss Blackpool 2011 Hollie Robinson by clicking 

HERE


To see the rest of our photos, have a look at: www.facebook.com/paulandlucy

For all the best photos from official photographer Howard Barton, go to: http://www.preciousimagephotography.co.uk/

Review: Sands Charity Swing Night in aid of Brian House - 7th August

Don't worry if you missed this sensational event because The Sands have promised to organise lots more similar evenings.



The evening started with a sumptuous, three-course meal served in style before the entertainment started. Richard Shelton, star of Emmerdale and Rat Pack Confidential among other productions, was the compere for the evening.  The Sands Proprietor, Peter Swann, who is also an accomplished singer, started by singing "The Lady is a Tramp" and then outlined his future plans for The Sands Venue, explaining that the name comes from the idea of the sands of time and change - bringing back the elegance of a by-gone era - great food, entertainment, service and luxury - for our enjoyment today.



Mr Swann assembled a wealth of talent for the evening, accompanied by The Sands own house swing band, led by Neil Sutcliffe.  Among the stars present who sang some fantastic numbers were Liam O'Brien (Emmerdale), Michelle Hardwick (The Royal), Graeme Hawley (Coronation Street), Rachel Lescovac (Coronation Street), Natalie Anderson (Emmerdale and "Wicked) and Robert Cavanah (The Royal), Kelsey-Beth Crossley (Emmerdale).  We were also entertained by Burlesque entertainer Amber Topaz.   Paul Ellis, who sings in the Deli on the ground floor during late afternoon and evening, sang during the interval.   There was a raffle and auction to raise funds for Brian House.



The evening sped by and all too soon the whole ensemble gathered on stage to sing "New York, New York".   Once again, we were over-awed by the versatility of some of our finest actors and actresses.



Please try not to miss the next Sands Charity Event.



For further information regarding what's on at The Sands Venue, Blackpool, call 01253 625262 or visit their website http://www.the-sands.co.uk/



Photo Caption:  Sands owner Peter Swann with reigning Miss Blackpool Ella Green and Miss Blackpool finalist Kimberley Braithwaite

CD Release: Culture Shock "Everything" 3 CD Box Set

CD 1 

Go Wild 1. Punks On Postcards 2. Go Wild (My Son) 3. Messed Up 4. Six Foot Rooms 5. Ten Per Cent Off 6. Circles 7. Mother's On The Phone 8. All (Messed Up) Together   

All The Time: 9. Countdowns 10. Twenty Questions 11. Upside Down 12. The Time It Takes 13. Four Minutes 14. Northern Ireland 15. Northern Ireland Dub 16. Onwards



CD 2

Onwards & Upwards 1. Pressure 2. Colour T.V. 3. Fast Forward 4. You Are Not Alone 5. Joyless 6. If You Don't Like It 7. Civilisation Street 8. United 9. Catching Flies 10. When The Fighting's Over 11. Open Mind Surgery 12. Don't Worry About It 13. I.S.D. 14. Stonehenge 15. Home Economics 16. New York, New York



CD 3

Living History (Demo) 1. No Chance In A Million 2. Living History 3. Colour T.V. 4. United 5. Stonehenge 6. Punks On Postcards 7. You Are Not Alone 8. If You Don't Like It 9. Six Foot Rooms 10. Ten Per Cent Off   

Reality Stop No 44: 11. Don't Worry About 12. Fast Forward 13. Open Mind Surgery 14. Television Shop 15. Catching Flies 16. Pressure 17. When The Fighting's Over 18. Human Zoo 19. I.S.D.



Released On Bluurg Records / Fish 51



Review:

I have to admit that I missed Culture Shock the first time around - a mixture, I suppose, of girlfriends, working abroad and then working in "pop music" radio for a number of years meaning that I took my eye off the ball as far as the punk scene was concerned - certainly after the A Heads split up - and Beki left Vice Squad - sparking that mid 80s demise of quite a lot of the late 70s/early 80s bands, I lost touch (no internet in those days..).



I am, therefore, very pleased that all of Culture Shock's releases have now been put together in one 3 cd box set entitled "Everything", which means I can catch up all at once. It comes wth a great 60 page booklet which has all the lyrics, a short history of the band and reviews from various fanzines relating to the original album releases.



Presumably, Culture Shock's music falls into the caterory of what John Robb calls "Post Punk" but this is a very light and lively mixture of ska / punk and reggae with lots of social comment and bit of humour - very easy to listen to and certainly worth buying to complete your collection of Warminster punk classics and at 51 tracks for a tenner (or less, depending on where you buy it from...) you really couldn't get better value for money.



Order Links:http://www.subhumans.co.uk/

http://www.activedistributionshop.org/shop/compact-disc/2095-culture-shock-everything-box-set.html

Fylde Flyers Ice Hockey Fixtures Announced For 2011/12 Season (Revised)

EIHL Division 2 Fixtures 2011/2012 Season
(Home Matches in Bold)

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESFUL STAGING OF THE FLYERS' FIRST HOME MATCH AT THE SUB ZERO ICE RINK IN CLEVELEYS , THE CORRECTED FIXTURE LIST FOR THE REMAINER OF THE SEASON IS NOW AS FOLLOWS:

Away 18/12/2011 v Flintshire Freeze 6.40pm
Home 07/01/2012 V Sutton Sting 5pm
Away 08/01/2012 V Sutton Sting 4.45pm
Home 14/01/2012 V Bradford Bulldogs 5pm
Home 21/01/2012 V Hull Stingrays 5pm
Home 28/01/2012 V Solway Sharks 5pm
Home 04/02/2012 V Solway Sharks 5pm
Away 05/02/2012 V Hull Stingrays 5pm
Home 11/02/2012 V Lancashire Raptors 5pm
Home 18/02/2012 V Lancashire Raptors 5pm
Away 19/02/2012 V Sheffield Senators 4.30pm
Away 25/02/2012 V Bradford Bulldogs 4.30pm
Home 10/03/2012 V Sheffield Senators 5pm
Home 17/03/2012 V Flintshire freeze 5pm
Away 18/03/2012 V Sutton Sting 4.45pm
Home 24/03/2012 V Sutton Sting 5pm
Home 31/03/2012 V Flintshire freeze 5pm
Home 07/04/2012 V Sheffield Senators 5pm
Home 14/04/2012 V Hull Stingrays 5pm
Away 15/04/2012 V Lancashire Raptors 5.45pm

To find out about the Fylde Flyers first ever home game - v Bradford Bulldogs on 10th December, and lots more besides - click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2011/12/ice-hockey-fylde-flyers-soar-to-victory.html

Tea Dances at the Langdales Hotel, Clifton Drive North, St. Annes on the Sea, Lancashire

David Windle will be entertaining in the ballroom at the Langdales Hotel on Wednesday afternoons for dancing from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Entry is just £3.50, which includes a cup of tea.



Dancing is one of the best forms of exercise there is so why not get out your dancing shoes and join in the fun.



Starts Wednesday, 17th August 2011.



The Langdales Hotel

318 - 328 Clifton Drive North

St. Annes on the Sea

Lancashire FY8 2PB



01253 721342



info@langdaleshotel.co.uk

www.lnagdaleshotel.co.uk

Last few days of Ceramic Art and Art Exhibition, Lytham Heritage Centre, Lytham, Lancashire

If you are heading to Lytham for the 1940s Wartime Weekend from 19th to 21st August 2011, why not pop in to the Lytham Heritgage Centre right next to the fabulous Blue Pig Cafe.



This wonderful exhibition of the work of Marie Kershaw Ceramic Artist and Mike Hutchinson Artist is only on until 21st August. Entry is free and it is definitely worth a visit to see Marie's figures, platters, mugs and brooches, etc. and Mike's paintings of planes, trains and dancers, etc.

"All Sorts and Everything" Exhibition of Ceramic Art and Paintings at the Heritage Centre, Lytham, Lancashire.



Open from 10 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. daily until, and including, Sunday 21st August 2011.  ENTRY FREE

1940s Wartime Weekend 19 - 21 August 2011, Lytham Green, Lytham, Lancashire

A fantastic weekend of nostalgic entertainment, the 1940s Wartime Weekend on Lytham Green starts off with a Big Band Dance at the Lowther Pavilion on Friday, 19th August and follows that with a 1940s style disco on Saturday, 20th August again at the Lowther Pavilion.



There will be a Wartime Memorabilia Fair, Historic Vehicles, Battle History, talks, demonstrations, a living history camp, family entertainmet zone, mock WW2 battle scenes, replica Spitfire and vehicle procession.



For further information go to www.visitlythamstannes.co.uk, www.touristinformation@fylde.gov.uk or call 01253 725610

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool 1 - Ashton Athletic 0

story to follow

Lancashire Songwriter Emma Holbrook Interview

Singer songwriter Emma Holbrook came into the Preston FM studio today to talk about her music. 

Her song "Angel Face" was featured in our recent  programme of music from the Lancashire Songwriters Facebook Group and she has more original material on the way.

You'll be able to hear our interview with Emma in the next Lanncashire Songwriters Showcase, which  will be broadcast in the Autumn.

For more information, check out the Facebook group or - if you have written your own material and would like to have it included in a future show, drop us a line to: paul@bestkeptsecrets.biz

TEA DANCES AT THE SANDS VENUE, BLACKPOOL

Please note that there will be no Tea Dance at the Sands Venue on Tuesday, 30th August.  However, there WILL be a tea dance there on Wednesday, 31st August - a special one-off.   So if you are free, why not go along, listen to the music of the amazing band Frontline, enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea, with sandwiches, cheese scone, fruit scone with jam and cream, and cake with tea or coffee and join in the dancing if you wish.



Afternoon Tea Dance £9.99 per person.



The Sands Venue,

Champagne Bar and Restaurant/

Licensed Deli/

Box Office,

Palatine Building, Promenade,

BLACKPOOL FY1 4TQ

01253 625262

Miss Blackpool Ella At Monterey Beach Hotel - Photos & Interview

Ella Green made one of her final appearances as Miss Blackpool on Monday evening  as she visited the Monetery Beach Hotel in St Annes for the big band dance night.



She met members of the band and mixed with holiday makers and local dancers for the evening - she even picked up a few dance steps and had a bit of a quickstep...! (more photos can be seen on www.facebook.com/paulandlucy  )



We had a chat with Ella about her past 12 months being Miss Blackpool, her thoughts on this Friday's final  and how she now felt about having to hand her crown over at the end of the week.



You can hear what she had to say by clicking on the sound icon below now (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):







LAST FEW TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE FINAL AT THE NORBRECK CASTLE HOTEL ON FRIDAY 19TH AUGUST - £35 EACH - CALL KAREN NOW ON 01253 820226



More info at: http://www.missblackpool2011.co.uk/

The Pepper Pots at the Sands Venue, Blackpool - 30th August

Please note, there is no Tea Dance on Tuesday, 30th August because world renowned Northern Soul band, The Pepper Pots, are making a very special appearance at The Sands Venue.

Fronted by a trio of female vocalists, the band painstakingly recreates 1960's ska, soul, Motown and reggae. Imagine if The Supremes formed a ska band. That, in a nutshell, describes The Pepper Pots!

The producer of their latest CD, is the legendary Bob Ohlsson, who was a Motown sound engineer during the classic period of the label between 1965 and 1972. Bob has worked with leading artists including; Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Temptations and Gladys Knight & the Pips to name a few.

In terms of live gigs you can expect a highly accomplished musical performance accompanied by superb vocal harmonies and with over 300 appearances around the globe the band have been thrilling audiences from Tokyo to Los Angeles!! "Witnessing a concert of The Pepper Pots, there is a feeling of having taken a trip back in time with a fun and modern twist?.

Don’t miss this fantastic band performing its only UK date in 2011.... Tuesday 30th August at The Sands Venue.

Ticket options:

2 shows in one day!

2pm Afternoon Show (Doors open 12pm. Tickets £6. Food Available)

8.30pm Evening Show (Doors open 6.30pm. £8 Ticket Only or £15 inc 2 course meal).

Info and bookings: http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/news/169/The-Pepper-Pots!

The Sands Tea Dances - Tuesdays from 2 pm - 4.30 pm with Frontline live band and scrumptious afternoon tea all for £9.99 - are to continue until the end of the year.  Even if you don't dance, just go along for the atmosphere of this wonderful venue, the music and the afternoon tea.