World’s Biggest Underground Trampoline Set to Open in Snowdonia, Wales

• Only underground trampoline in the world
• Underground caverns are twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral
• Technicolour changing light displays

A huge slate cavern in North Wales has been installed with the world’s biggest underground trampoline to offer unique and fun-filled adventures, set to open on 4^th July. This giant underground playground is the first of its kind in the world.

Bounce Below brings trampolining to a new terrain. Unlike anything seen before, three huge trampolines are hung in the old slate cavern at varying levels, linked together by 60ft slides.

Visitors are taken to the impressive 100 x 60 foot cavern by an old mining train and kitted out in special overalls and a helmet before being let loose in the caves to bounce, climb and slide in the most unique setting. The walls are kitted out with technicoloured lights which illuminate the subterranean background with vibrant colours.

The LEDs also reveal the beauty of the underground cavern, which was dug out by hand for 4500 hours to remove 500 tons of rubble in a process akin to the slate mining that took place there.

Bounce Below is part of the Zip World group that won international acclaim last March when they installed a pair of mile’8 long zip lines at Zip World Velocity, that sees riders fly through the skies at over 100mph, 500ft in the air.

Bounce Below is located at the world’s largest zip lining zone, Zip World Titan site, near the historic town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the adventure attraction is set to help breathe new life into an ex-mining town that has suffered from unemployment in recent years.

Local entrepreneur, Sean Taylor, wanted to help bring more visitors to the area by creating something you can only find in Wales.

At the site is the Slate Caverns which offers tours 500 feet underground to discover the dangerous mining past of these mysterious 170 year old caverns. A new ‘Deep Mine’ tour was unveiled in April 2014 including caverns which had not been seen for decades.

The partnership of these top attractions creates an unrivalled combination of adventure and cultural tourism for visitors.

A huge slate cavern in North Wales has been installed with the world’s biggest underground trampoline to offer unique and fun-filled adventures, set to open on 4^th July. This giant underground playground is the first of its kind in the world.

Bounce Below brings trampolining to a new terrain. Unlike anything seen before, three huge trampolines are hung in the old slate cavern at varying levels, linked together by 60ft slides.

Visitors are taken to the impressive 100 x 60 foot cavern by an old mining train and kitted out in special overalls and a helmet before being let loose in the caves to bounce, climb and slide in the most unique setting. The walls are kitted out with technicoloured lights which illuminate the subterranean background with vibrant colours.

The LEDs also reveal the beauty of the underground cavern, which was dug out by hand for 4500 hours to remove 500 tons of rubble in a process akin to the slate mining that took place there.

Bounce Below is part of the Zip World group that won international acclaim last March when they installed a pair of mile’8 long zip lines at Zip World Velocity, that sees riders fly through the skies at over 100mph, 500ft in the air.

Bounce Below is located at the world’s largest zip lining zone, Zip World Titan site, near the historic town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the adventure attraction is set to help breathe new life into an ex-mining town that has suffered from unemployment in recent years.

Local entrepreneur, Sean Taylor, wanted to help bring more visitors to the area by creating something you can only find in Wales.

At the site is the Slate Caverns which offers tours 500 feet underground to discover the dangerous mining past of these mysterious 170 year old caverns. A new ‘Deep Mine’ tour was unveiled in April 2014 including caverns which had not been seen for decades.

The partnership of these top attractions creates a combination of adventure and cultural tourism for visitors.

Splendid Hotel packages across the globe

Winter package at The Grove in Wales

The Pembrokeshire Coastline in Wales is the perfect year-round destination with unrivalled walking opportunities. Why not explore our fabulous county and book Winter Warmer Package at The Grove hotel in Wales. The hotel team will pack you off in the morning with a luxury hamper complete with a flask of Chef’s traditional Welsh cawl and tasty bites to keep you warm and toasty.

Return to a roaring log fire, a soothing bath and a massage courtesy of The Grove’s visiting masseuse. Let The Grove’s expert staff look after you both, as you enjoy a delicious candlelit meal beside the fire in our award-winning restaurant.

Package from £150 per person, per night includes:
– Bed and Breakfast for 2 nights in a Classic or Superior Room.
– Luxury Walker’s Hamper in a choice of a basket or backpack.
– Full Body Massage in the comfort of your own room.
– Dinner each night from the Winter A’La Carte Menu
– Favourable rates for upgrading also available on request.
The offer is based on 2 people sharing a Classic or Superior room. Dinner is from the A’La Carte menu. Offer applies to stays between now and the 27th March 2014.
Visit http://www.thegrove-narberth.co.uk for more information

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bigger & Better

The US$239.5 million Carlton City Hotel Singapore, situated next to the Tanjong Pagar MRT station, opened in August. Targeting the business segment, the 29-storeyed hotel has 386 rooms comprising deluxe, executive, club and suit categories. While crystal chandeliers adorn the marble lobby the guestrooms restaurants and bars sport contemporary decor. Spacious deluxe rooms measure 32 sqm: higher floor executive and club rooms also offer panoramic views of the city skyline. There are four bars and restaurants, ranging from all-day dining plate to the rooftop Graffiti Sky bar. Two small meeting rooms each hold 12 people in classroom seating. Facilities include a gym, outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, 24-conceirge service and Carlton club lounge with various privileges.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Brisbane blooms

The Hilton Brisbane opened in 1986, but completed a six year refurbishment last year. With three new meeting rooms, it has now 19 purpose built meeting rooms and 2500 sqm of space, including a dedicated convention level, a small meetings level and unique event spaces such as Vintaged bar + Grill restaurant and the pool deck. The hotel’s grand room can accommodate upto 1100 guests in a cock tail set up or 560 banquet style. The dedicated exhibition space can hold upto 132 trade booths.

The Brisbane Marriot completed the refurbishment of all its meeting, event and pre function spaces early this year. Divided over two floors, the new flexible meeting spaces have the latest technology. The grand ballroom now accommodates 210 people for cocktails and five function venues for 28 – 140 guests theatre style, there is also riverside terrace for outdoor cocktail receptions and M deck for barbeque and drinks.

Empire Hotel HK, Wan Chai.

You can book eight rooms for consecutive nights to receive a complimentary half day meeting under their new ‘Meeting & Stay Free’ promotions which is valid till March 16, 2014. Custom made venue rental, meeting and banqueting packages are also available.
Contact: 852 3692 or email: wc@empirehotelsandresorts.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung

Located in central Taiwan, Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung has multifunctional meeting rooms and a ballroom that fits upto 500 people, equipped with advanced audio visual systems. Full day meeting packages start at NDT 800+ per person, including lunch and coffee break. The offer is valid till December 31, 2013.
Contact: +886 4 3900 8899
http://www.millenniumtaichung.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Okura Garden Hotel, Shanghai

Located in Shanghai’s prestigious commercial, cultural and entertainment hub Okura garden hotel Shanghai offers 10 function rooms, conference amenities and trained meeting executives. Winter half day and full day meeting packages start from RMB 490 and RMB 570 per person with lunch options of a Chinese set menu or Western buffet and tea break.
Contact: 86 -21 64151111 -5322
Email: mkt@gardenhotelsshanghai.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Phuket hotel update

Midway through 2012, three major Phuket resorts changed hands and have now begun to reopen, starting in April with Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, formerly Laguna Phuket, all 225 rooms have been completely refurbished, as have its restaurants and event spaces which can seat 70 delegates theatre style.
Intercontinental Hotel group took over former Evason resort which will reopen next year as the 240 room Intercontinental Phuket Rawal Beach Resort. Minor Hotel group is also transforming the Bundarika in Mai Khao, which will reopen in January as the 77-room Anantara Phuket layan resort and Spa. Meanwhile Regent Phuket Cape Panwa opened on the islands southeast coast last year. The 105 key resorts offers 22 pavilions, 48 suites and 35 pool villas as well as two boardrooms with lounges and several interesting spaces for events – The library, The beach table and the grill’s rooftop lounge.

The 202-rrom Hyatt Regency Phuket opens in Kamala soon, the group’s first Phuket hotel. Further ahead is hotel Indigo Phuket Naithon Beach Resort in 2015 and Park Hyatt Phuket on Koh Siray Island in 2016.

Circa: 2014 – Dylan Thomas’ centenary to be celebrated with elan!

The sixteenth annual Dylan Thomas Festival returns to Swansea, Wales from 27 October until 9 November 2013. This year’s festival will be especially exciting as it lead up to Dylan Thomas’ centenary in 2014.

Jo Furber, Swansea Council’s Literature Officer

Speaking on the festival, Jo Furber, Swansea Council’s Literature Officer, said “The Dylan Thomas Festival celebrates arts and entertainment including music, theatre, art and prose. We are thrilled to welcome our impressive range of talented guests to the 2013 Festival.” She added, “We expect to attract visitors from across Britain and as far a field as the USA, Japan and Australia.

]

With the Dylan Thomas Centre as its hub, festival highlights include the launch of a new centenary commission from Gillian Clarke and a day packed with talks, events, special guests, workshops and Daleks to celebrate Doctor Who’s fiftieth anniversary.

The Dylan Thomas Centre presents an evening based on the fantastically popular Danish drama, The Killing, featuring two of the biggest names writing about it: crime and mystery novelist David Hewson, who has adapted series one and two as novels, and actor, writer and television presenter Emma Kennedy, author of The Killing Handbook.

Fluellen Theatre Company offers a preview and discussion of their new production of Dylan’s Rebecca’s Daughters. There will also be an evening featuring readings from Dylan’s work in his old local, The Uplands Tavern.

The Festival and Bluestocking Lounge join forces to present ‘Wordy Shapes of Women’, a night where burlesque collides with Dylan Thomas’ poetry, preceded by a free creative writing workshop led by performer and poet Primrose Proper on how the art and creativity of burlesque can open a whole new artistic avenue.

Further information and booking details will be available at http://www.dylanthomas.com.

Wales celebrates Come September!

We are in the Mid – August and it’s the perfect time to experience and discover Wales its rich and varied heritage. This year the Welsh Government has planned a whole lot of events which caters to people of all genres. Whether you’re a fun seeking family, a chilled out couple, or anything in-between, there are plenty of things to do in Wales during these events. Choose from a slow paced day seeing castles, museums and tasting their wonderful local produce, or get lively with some outdoor activities or even a music festival or a sporting event. Rest assured , you won’t be bored in Wales!!!

Abergaveny-food-festival

Wales offers exhilarating events in the coming months

September 2013

Ironman Wales – 8th September 2013

Pembrokeshire, Wales. The bike course for Ironman Wales is a two loop course totalling 180 kilometres of spectacular coastal views through idyllic towns giving rides over 2,000 metres of altitude difference throughout the course! The first loop is longer, extending west from Lamphey to Angle peninsula and Pembroke, returning through Lamphey before turning north through Carew and Templeton to reach Narberth. From Narberth the course travels south through Saundersfoot to return to Tenby via St Brides Hill. On the second lap, cyclists turn east in Lamphey to repeat the same route through Narberth and Saundersfoot to reach the transition in Tenby.

Roald Dahl Day Portmeirion Festival No. 6 – 13th – 15th September 2013

Portmeirion Village, Gwynedd, North Wales.

The official Roald Dahl Day takes place every year on 13 September, on the birthday of the World’s No. 1 Storyteller. This year’s Roald Dahl Day will see fans from all over the world come together to celebrate this most splendiferous of occasions. The swizzfiggling Big Friendly Giant ( BFG ) is famous for catching, creating and making dreams come true. So this year we’re inviting you to Dream BIG with the BFG.

13th – 15th September 2013

Portmeirion Festival No. 6 – 13th – 15th September 2013

Portmeirion Village, Gwynedd, North Wales. Portmeirion is a unique and magical site, offering nature and eccentricity in equal measures. It perfectly reflects our vision of an intimate boutique music and arts festival, sculpted for those who enjoy life’s finer things. A festival which is a scene but not a herd, which explores and embraces individual expression and offers you the chance to put reality on hold for a few days. Lose yourself in your own fairytale in the iconic setting where ‘The Prisoner’ was filmed.

Glyndwr Day – 16th September 2013
Corwen , Denbighshire ,Wales

It was on September 16, in 1400 that the Welsh rebel leader started his revolt by torching the town of Ruthin. Schools, businesses, and community groups in Corwen and Harlech and other places will celebrate Owain Glyndwr Day tomorrow. There will be red and yellow bunting, balloons, services, dancing and lectures in Corwen as well as the launch of a new community bus service. This special patriotic day will also be celebrated in Harlech with children joining workshops and a torchlight procession and everybody encouraged to dress up for the occasion.

ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL – 21st – 22nd September 2013
Abergavenny , Wales

The festival was founded in 1999, by two local farmers, Chris Wardle and Martin Orbach. Over the years the festival has grown to become one of the leading food events in the UK, attracting visitors from all over the country and from abroad. It has remained true to its founding principles. Brewin Dolphin Ltd is the sponsor of the Abergavenny Food Festival. The event now comprises of Around 220 stalls spread across several indoor sites in the centre of Abergavenny and throughout central streets. Around 50 individually ticketed events: Master Classes, Tutored Tastings, Talks, Forays and Debates – featuring some of the brightest lights of the food world. Children’s Food Academy at The Castle (family-friendly venue) – featuring interactive workshops for all ages inspiring the next generation of chefs. ‘Rude Health’ Speakers Corner: soapbox rants from celebrity guests and food luminaries. Rolling programme of Chef Dems in The Market Hall and in the Fish Market at The Priory Centre featuring the region’s finest Restaurant Tasters at St Michael’s Centre where top chefs and restaurateurs from across Wales cook their signature dishes. Party at The Castle: An evening of wild music and fabulous food – capacity: 1,000.

Tenby Arts Festival – 21 st September 2013
Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Tenby is lovingly protected from the outside world by an embrace of 13th-century stone walls, which, ironically, attract—not repel—visitors from all over the world. The town is simply adorable, teeming with the archetypes of pubs and shops one would expect to find in a U.K. city. Theatrical and literary events and Sand Sculpture building on the beach colourful Town Parade exuberantly making its way through the streets of Tenby.

Great British Cheese Festival – 21st – 22nd September 2013
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, Wales

The Great British Cheese Festival has made its home, slap bang in the middle of the beautiful setting of Cardiff Castle. Gather your foodie friends together, and make your way here, to try, taste and buy from the finest selection of Great British cheeses. And with samplings and tastings, masterclasses and demonstrations, you will get a real insight into the subtle art of cheese making.

Porthcawl Elvis Festival – 27th – 29th September 2013

Porthcawl, WalesEvery September thousands of Elvis fans descend on the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl for a unique celebration of The King. The feature events are the Official Shows taking place in the magnificent Grand Pavilion. These include The Elvies, the World’s leading award Show for Elvis Tribute Artists.In addition, The Hi Tide host over 100 shows over the weekend, many with free admission. Finally, over 20 venues in & around the Town form the Fringe Festival, making Porthcawl the largest Elvis event in Europe.