Set on the historic waterfront of Greater Manchester, the area boasts some of the UK’s most iconic venues, as well as a selection of top bars and restaurants, all within one square mile. And with a range of high-quality, yet affordable hotels right on the doorstep, there’s no excuse not to turn your visit into a weekend getaway!

Experience the award-winning IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, with its range of compelling exhibitions, tours and family activities. This half-term visitors can enjoy IWM North’s first ever animated Big Picture Show, Horrible Histories®: Rotten Rationing.  Showcasing new illustrations, by Martin Brown and based on the world’s bestselling children’s history book series, Horrible Histories®. The show is narrated by Rattus Rattus, the famous Horrible Histories rat character, and provides a fully immersive 360-degree experience, transporting visitors into a wartime market.  (Daily shows from May 18).
A spectacular waterside venue housing theatres, galleries, a restaurant, cafe and bar, The Lowry offers visitors the chance to enjoy the very best in visual art and performance. Highlights this half-term include Trip to the Stage: Ockham’s Razor; explore the exciting world of dance and physical theatre with this fun-packed day of workshops and a performance; and Ballroom Sunday, where budding-dancers can enjoy a ballroom dancing workshop followed by a family tea dance. And created specifically for half-term is Half Term Little Artists, featuring crafty workshops and much more, and Half Term Little Actors, which is an interactive drama session with games and stories. The Lowry is redeveloping its gamily galleries and will reopen in a new location, within the venue, in the summer.

Take a boat ride along Manchester’s historic ship canal and explore the city’s picturesque scenery with Manchester Cruises – a brand new sightseeing venture for all the family.

Indulge in some discount shopping on the waterfront at Lowry Outlet, Manchester’s only outlet, with its on-site Vue cinema, six plaza restaurants and over 80 stores offering up to 70% off high street RRP prices all year round.

With too much to see for just a day trip, take the opportunity to rest your head at one of the top-quality, yet affordable hotels in the area, including The Old Trafford Lodge at Lancashire County Cricket Club, and the Copthorne Hotel Manchester, which offers its very own Children’s Concierge service. This unique offering can be added upon booking and features a children’s welcome pack, which includes a teddy bear, bathrobe, toiletries, ice cream on arrival, sweets and a parent’s survival guide!

For more information, visit www.thequays.org.uk
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VisitTheQuays
Follow us on Twitter: @quays_partnership

Enjoy a ‘hard days night’ in Liverpool ‘eight days a week’ as guests ‘come together’ at the new Adagio Aparthotel in Liverpool.

The UK’s first Aparthotels Adagio has opened its doors offering travellers a new and exciting choice of accommodation in the UK – the aparthotel.

A modern and stylish property, Aparthotels Adagio offer comfortable and spacious apartments in urban locations, with fully equipped kitchen and hotels services including 24/7 reception, free internet access, housekeeping. The best of both worlds – Adagio Liverpool offers you the freedom, privacy and flexibility of your own city centre apartment with the service and security of a hotel!

Crash out with friends and family; explore the surrounding countryside of North Wales, Cheshire or the Wirral; enjoy the thrills, art, culture, shopping, theatre and music of the Beatles’ hometown – all from your own city centre apartment, yours for one night, eight days a week or longer.

Located moments from Liverpool Lime Street Station and next to the Central Station, Adagio Liverpool is located in iconic Lewis’s Building in the heart of Liverpool, city centre. Featuring 126 apartments sleeping up to four guests, Adagio is the perfect place to stay with friends and family.

The rooms are fully-equipped and designed to meet the needs of short, medium and long term guests. Each studio apartment features a relaxing living space, a stylish bed that pulls down from the wall and all the luxury fixtures and fittings of the finest UK hotels. The apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchen so you can dine in and really feel at home. One-bedroom apartments feature a separate living space, and every room enjoys the quirky layouts and stunning views that the iconic 19^th century Lewis’s building offers of Liverpool and the surrounding countryside.

The aparthotel boasts various listed features in its public areas including wooden etchings that tell the story of Liverpool dating back to the 11^th century; bold, coloured tiled walls and 1950s ceiling lamps in the former renowned Lewis’s 5^th floor restaurant – now the Adagio breakfast room, lounge and meeting space – which have survived since the building’s hay-day as Liverpool’s leading department store, and have been preserved as the famous Liverpool landmark opens its doors to welcome Adagio guests in the next chapter of its life.

www.adagio-city.com

This first-time event spanned the Centre’s Plaza and the MediaCityUK Piazza from May 4 – May 6 and included 80 artisan food & drink stalls, sell-out live cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs Gino D’Acampo, James Martin and Paul Hollywood and alive music stage that showcased local acts and bands.

The three-day event also brought in increased sales for the Centre’s retailers; reporting a total sales increase of 33% and a 31%rise in Like for Like sales. The Shopping Centre’s strongest performing category was Sportswear, which was up 112%, followed by the Ladieswear category, which saw a rise of 45.7% and then Gifts, which was up 34.4%.

The event earmarked the Lowry Outlet as THE destination to visit over the Bank Holiday weekend. It was also the largest event seen in the area and extended across to the MediaCityUK complex, one of the largest business and residential developments in the UK, housing companies such as the BBC, SIS, ITV, Salford University and the new home of Coronation Street.

The Centre also benefits from substantial secondary footfall from nearby sporting and cultural attractions such as Manchester United, Lowry Theatre and Imperial War Museum North, which also have a positive impact on footfall and sales.

Helen Anderton, Centre Manager says: “We are delighted with the phenomenal success of the food festival which was a welcome addition to our events offering in 2013. Peel Outlets has exciting plans for the future of the Lowry Outlet, and how the Centre will evolve to play a bigger role in the local and wider communities. Part of that strategy is to support tenants by investing in impactful events that will really appeal to our key audience catchments and drive new visitors to the Centre. Our Victorian Christmas Market event in December 2012 attracted high footfall for us, 13% of which were new customers to the Centre. This event strategy will develop and will position the Lowry Outlet as a major ‘destination’.”

For more information visit www.lowryoutlet.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @lowryoutlet

Sienna Spa, located in the vaults of the historic Free Trade Hall, is the new stand-alone spa at the multi-award winning Radisson Blu Edwardian, Free Trade Hall Manchester hotelotelHhhhhh. Sienna Spa, in partnership with ESPA, the award-winning spa and skincare brand, will provide the ultimate one-stop destination for all things spa.

Designed for total relaxation and rejuvenation and spanning an impressive 3,500 sq ft of space, the new spa offers 8 new multi-functional treatment rooms, which all feature heated massage beds, including a couple’s treatment room, a manicure room for two and a couple’s private steam chamber, plus a seven-bed relaxation room that offers hydrating refreshments for guests, including fruit-infused iced water and a selection of exotic herbal teas.

In addition to its comprehensive menu of results-driven ESPA body treatments, facials and massages, which range from £38 for an Express Treatment to £100 for an Advanced Enzyme Facial Peel and Spa Day packages that range from £125.00 to £200 for a Couple’s Relaxation Day, Sienna Spa features a stylish thermal suite including a herbal sauna, therapeutic steam room, Jacuzzi and a 12ft indoor swimming pool.

The spectacular spa environment also features a fully equipped gym including state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, which allows you to watch films or browse the Internet as you train, free weights and a Power Plate. The hi-tech experience is coupled with a team of personal trainers that offer a range of packages to suit.

The philosophy behind the spa’s new décor is serenity; featuring clean white-gloss changing rooms, natural wood loungers, all white encased treatment rooms and luxurious furnishings. White lace drapes and arbitrarily placed dark wooden mirrors lead the way to the spa’s entrance.

Commenting on the opening General Manager Stephen Miles, said, “The new Sienna Spa in a truly all-encompassing space that will ensure grooming of the highest level; guests can enjoy a menu of relaxing treatments and fitness facilities. We have created a five-star lifestyle offering at the hotel where guests can indulge in a wealth of services. This new-look spa, in partnership with ESPA, will only add to the overall experience.”

Open seven days a week Monday-Friday from 9:00am-9:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am-8:00pm and Sunday from10:00am-6:00pm.

Sienna Spa

Radisson Blu Edwardian, Free Trade Hall Manchester,

Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, GB M2 5GP

For reservations please call: + 44 (0)161 835 8900

For more information: www.siennaspa.co.uk

Wakeboarding, the world’s fastest growing watersport, has landed in Salford Quays. The NEW Salford Wake Park spans a massive 195 meters of pure endurance. Born through a lack of waves and the desire to further surfing, wakeboarding is fast becoming a world dominating sport.

To celebrate its opening, this urban development will host a unique and unmissable FREE event with live music and entertainment from Red Bull, food and drink stalls and the chance to see some of the best wakeboarders in the country go head to head! The Great British Wakeboard Team, including Steph Caller, Alex Newman, Freddy Carter and Lewis Cornwall will compete for a share of the £1000 prize fund. As well as entertaining the crowds with a range of technical tricks and stunts they will aim to be crowned the male and female Salford Wake Battle Champion!

The Salford Wake Park, at Salford Watersports Centre, features revolutionary Sesitec System 2.0 technology, developed by Industry Wake Parks. The system allows riders to be towed by a stand-alone cable, removing the need for a towing boat. The high speed action sport, although very different in principle, has a lot of crossover with other board sports such a surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and water-skiing, with riders balancing on a specially designed board and skimming across the water’s surface.

With two kickers, a manual pad and a rooftop, the course allows beginners to learn and experienced boarders to perfect their stunts. Based at the park is a team of highly qualified and experienced instructors. Local ambassador for Wakeboarding and regular rider at the Salford Wake Park Nick Williamson of Manchester said: “the launch event is going to be such a great day, a real must for wakeboarding fans. I cannot wait to see some of the Uks best wakeboarders battling it out head to head at Salford Quays!’’

Join us at the launch of Salford Wake Park, at Salford Watersports Centre, on Sunday 26th May from 11am.  Media opportunities include interviews with the professionals, GB Wakeboard Team and park’s wakeboarding ambassadors. For further information and to confirm your place please contact Katie at Mason Williams Communications on 0845 0941 007 or katie.burnett@mason-williams.com

-       London’s best shopping districts revealed. Shoreditch and Shepherd’s Bush among up-and-coming areas pushing North Kensington out of the top 10.

-       Customer service in Prada rated equally to Primark.

LONDON, 24 APRIL 2013. London’s number 1 independent shopping guide, Fashion Fabulous London has today launched its new guidebook for 2013 – arriving on sale 30 April.

The third edition of the consumer guide picks out and reviews the top shops in London. The shopping equivalent to the Michelin Guide, the new edition of the book is a must-have for the style-conscious London shopper.

Fashion insiders Tracy Rose and Russell Rose have once again compiled the book by making mystery shopper visits to one thousand retailers across the capital. This year’s updated guide highlights the best shops visited by the couple with in-depth reviews of the hottest outlets.

This year’s Top 200 retailers named in Fashion Fabulous London include new entries from designer-run boutique Antoni & Alison in Farringdon and rising vintage outlet Emporium in Greenwich.

Once again, the West End tops the list of London districts with the most retailers in the Top 200, but new neighbourhoods have arrived in the Top 10 shopping districts.  Shepherd’s Bush, boosted by the presence of fashion destination Westfield London, now sits in the Top 10 ahead of Camden and Islington. Shoreditch has cemented its position as a fashion hotspot by ousting North Kensington from this year’s Top 10.

The changes in the guide’s Top 10 shopping districts reflect the increasing spread of quality retailers across London. Tracy Rose comments, “The West End remains London and the UK’s retail heart. However, we found from our visits across the city that lavish outlets and high-end service is far from limited to the boutiques of Bond Street and Savile Row. We are finding that retailers further afield in the capital are increasingly improving the quality of the customer experience, even in the current economic climate.”

Shops that offered a personal touch to customers were highly commended by the pair. Tracy states, “We particularly enjoy the experience offered by designer-run boutiques, where the customer can meet the creators of the items on sale. Being myself both a fashion designer and an avid shopper, I appreciate how much consumers value knowing about how their clothes were made.

Each of the top retailers reviewed in Fashion Fabulous London receive a rating out of 5 shopping bags on choice, service and wow factor.  Every store was re-evaluated this year with many receiving new ratings: In service, Bond Street’s Prada store lost its five shopping bag rating while Primark on Oxford Street improved on its one shopping bag rating – both now having two shopping bags in the 2013 edition.

Readers of Fashion Fabulous London will discover personal accounts from Tracy and Russell from their visits to each outlet. Tracy recounts the story of a showdown with shoppers in the Alexander McQueen store, with one envious customer snatching a shoe from her grasp. In another review, Russell gets to know Camden’s leftfield Cyberdog shop by trying on a yellow laser print ‘Talk to the Hand’ T-shirt.

Russell Rose comments, “We hope that this year’s guide will be the perfect companion for fashion-lovers looking for either high-end or high street shops. Whether you’re looking for shoes or handbags, we’ve taken the leg work out of finding the best stockists.”

Fashion Fabulous London will be on sale from 30 April 2013 at leading retailers nationwide including Harrods, Selfridges and Waterstones, and online from Amazon.

Top 10 London shopping postcodes

The top 10 districts in London ranked by the number of Fashion Fabulous London’s Top 200 shops in each district.

For more information:

www.fashionfabulousuk.wordpress.com

Twitter: @fashionfabuk

-ENDS-

Notes To Editors:

Tracy Rose and Russell Rose - Tracy is a world-renowned hat designer, having created stunning headwear pieces for a plethora of celebrities and Royal Ascot attendees. Russell is an established writer and reviewer for a number of titles and has previously collaborated with Tracy on fashion and beauty features. The 2013 Fashion Fabulous London is the third edition of the couple’s must-have retail guide.

Fashion Fabulous London­ – Fashion Fabulous London: 3^rd Edition is published by Monjune Publications (RRP £12.99). Fashion Fabulous London launches in association with Lavazza and La Suite West.

4-6 May 2013, Lowry Outlet Food Festival 2013

Lowry Outlet Shopping Centre is bringing an array of celebrities and exciting attractions to the North West this May bank holiday with its very first Food Festival. The Lowry Outlet Food Festival 2013 will take place on the Centre’s Plaza and the MediaCityUK Piazza from 4-6 May 2013.

Celebrity chefs Gino D’Acampo, James Martin and Paul Hollywood will be hosting a series of hands-on live cookery demonstrations in an undercover marquee across the weekend. Pick up insider tips and recipe ideas to take away with you. What’s more these three top chefs will also host a book signing too, at 3pm each day of the event.

With over 80 tempting food & drink stalls, cookery masterclasses and pop-up restaurants boasting the finest seasonal produce from around the country and even further afield, the Lowry Outlet Food Festival 2013 is the destination to visit over the bank holiday weekend.

The festival will fuse food with music, as there will be a live music stage showcasing local acts throughout the weekend and viewers can relax and sit back on ‘The Green’, which is an installed green lawn. The Lowry Outlet Food Festival couples its live entertainment with a selection of gastro bars, gourmet treats and stylish street food.

The Lowry Outlet Food Festival is a great place to visit for foodie lovers and shoppers alike; for those who want a fun filled family day out or for those who want to browse the stalls and relax at one of the pop-up restaurants. The Lowry Outlet Food Festival has something for everyone and offers exclusive products that cannot be found on the high street.

Now owned by Peel Outlets, the Lowry Outlet Food Festival is based on a similar success festival held at Gloucester Quays Outlet also owned by Peel Outlets, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors. The Lowry Outlet is the perfect place to make your money go further this spring, with savings of up to 70% off RRP! The Centre boasts over 80 stores and a huge selection of fashion, gifts and homeware plus an on-site multi screen Vue Cinema, a food court seating 400, and 5-plaza restaurants!

Tickets for the celebrity chef masterclasses can be booked here http://www.ticketline.co.uk/lowry-outlet-food-festival. For more information visit www.lowryoutlet.co.uk or www.lowryoutletfoodfestival.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @lowryoutlet

The Lowry Outlet continues to support the local & wider communities as in the last year the Centre has opened 12 new stores, with 25,000 square feet of leased space and has created 75 new jobs on The Quays. New brands include Puma, a popular brand that has increased the Centre’s key sportswear offering and The Body Shop, a great bodycare brand on the High Street that’s relatively new to outlets.

The Lowry Outlet boasts a collection of big name brands; offering High Street looks for less. The strongest performing categories, in 2012, is House & Home, which is up 61.5% YOY, stores include M&S Outlet Furniture & Home Accessories, Whittard of Chelsea, Wax Lyrical, Black & Decker and Belledorm. Mixed Fashion is up 14.8%, retailers include Gap Outlet, Marks & Spencer, Cotton Traders, Dickies and Trespass. Footwear is up 10.8% and Leisure showed an increase of 8.6%.

The Centre’s footfall and exceptional category sales were boosted by the introduction of its Victorian Christmas Market event which took place 6^th to 9^th December. The Lowry Outlet recorded its highest ever weekly footfall figures in over 11 years of trading, with over 137,482 shoppers flocking to the Centre. Over the event period, performance figures were at a high; footfall saw a 90% increase and total sales up 33% YOY.

In addition to this, sales at the centre’s Plaza restaurants are up by a massive 17.7% YOY and Food Court sales are up 6.7%. This rise is a direct result of the increased numbers at MediaCityUK which has boosted weekday sales in particular. MediacityUK houses companies such as the BBC, SIS, ITV and Salford University and is continually developing in commercial and residential aspects. The Centre also benefits from substantial secondary footfall from the likes of the Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United Football Club, which has also played a significant part in the restaurant’s sales increase in 2012.
Jason Pullen, Managing Director of Peel Outlets, says: “We’re delighted that the Centre continues to push forwards, delivering positive footfall and sales for our tenants. As the Centre is now owned by Peel Outlets, the strategy is to build on the success of 2012 with events, brand offering and marketing, and really position the Centre to increasingly meet the needs of our diverse audience catchments. It’s a very exciting time for us all.’

For more information visit www.lowryoutlet.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @lowryoutlet

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar turns up the volume on its ‘Live From’ events this month with free music nights taking place every Thursday during November. With free entry to all, the quintessentially English bar and restaurant plays host to some of the hottest new talent over the next three weeks.

On November 8^th Jamie Abbott and Lizzie Deane take to the stage from 7pm.

A singer-songwriter from London with extensive live experience as a crowd pleaser already under his belt, Jamie Abbott is one to watch for the future, performing upbeat songs and catchy melodies.

Jamie Abbott - http://www.jamieabbott.co.uk/

Following Jamie at 8pm will be classically trained singer turned soulful funk and blues songstress Lizzie Deane. With one of the most powerful voices in the business Lizzie is constantly in demand to sing with acts like Boy George, Belinda Carlisle and Mica Paris.

Lizzie Deane - http://www.lizziedeane.comNovember 15^thsees Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson take to the stage and the return of Ilona to Live From. Leslie Mendelson’s voice is filled with soft seductive tones and her music reflects gorgeous lyrical emotion. Originally from New York, she has now relocated to the UK to work with legendary manger Bill Kerbishely of The Who and Led Zeppelin fame.

Leslie Mendelson - http://www.lesliemendelson.com/

New artist Ilona is a singer/songwriter who moves, entertains and inspires audiences all at the same time. Her music is powerful and her compelling performance has already taken her around the world from the tip of Norway to the heart of LA, from the BBC to Hop Farm Festival and even to entertaining team USA during the Olympics.

Ilona – http://www.ilonamusic.com

On November 22^nd Essex born R&B Singer, Rajiv will be performing his infectious music and cool melodies which are rapidly making waves on the UK music scene. During his time at University, Rajiv honed his skills, not only as a singer, but also as a skilled producer receiving support from BBC Radio 1 among others.

Rajiv - http://www.rajivmusic.com/

Following Rajiv on the November 22nd bill is Jem Cooke. Jem Cooke has been writing songs since the age of 13 and in 2005 she started to perform acoustic sets. Her beautiful voice, storytelling lyrics and bubbly personality have won her legions of fans and she is about to release her new album in the UK shortly.

Jem Cooke - http://www.jemcooke.com/home.php

The final Live From on November 29th sees performances from Jamie Lawson and Leanne Robinson.

Jamie Lawson’s reputation as an artist and writer has soared in the last year. A number one single in Ireland and a Youtube page that boasts well over half a million views have given him the perfect platform to build a following for his beautiful voice and music.

Jamie Lawson - http://www.jamielawsonmusic.co.uk/

From judge’s houses on the X Factor to Live From Gillray’s Leanne has amazed audiences with her powerful vocals, stage presence and heart felt songwriting. A BRIT School graduate, and also University graduate, this independent young lady is now ready to take the entertainment world by storm.

Leanne Robinson - http://leannerobinson.com/

With Gillray’s as the setting, guests are in for an exclusive night of chic entertainment, fine cocktails and an atmosphere oozing sheer musical sophistication. 

“Live From Gillray’s” starts at 7pm and entrance is free for all guests – arrive early to avoid disappointment!

An English steakhouse of the finest design, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar pays homage to top quality beef. The menu features nine cuts of steak, with the Bull’s Head – weighing in at an incredible 1000g – at its helm, whilst the bar offers a selection of no less than 39 English gins.

For something new, try one of Gillray’s bespoke Gin of the Month cocktails. Also available are a range of in-house gin infusions and tinctures including blood orange, cardamom and mandarin and fennel seed.
 
Non-gin drinkers can choose from ten English beers, six English vodkas and a selection of the finest English wines.

Offering a sophisticated and stylish Thames-side destination, with stunning views over the illuminated Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, there is simply no better place to enjoy English gin with a touch of vintage glamour.

For further information on the acts please visit their websites.