Top Tips for Surviving Festival Season in Staffordshire

It’s that time of year again, festival season is upon us!

Whether it’s a family-friendly outing you are after, or a weekend of hardcore festival raving, there is something for everyone this summer in Staffordshire. 

With the likes of Alton Towers Live coming up in July and V Festival hitting Weston Park for another year in August, revellers will already be starting to dig out their tents and sleeping bags ready to take on the music and mud.

So, if you’re a regular festival fiend, here are some top tips on how to survive the festival season this year, to make the most of everything that’s on offer and enjoy some good old-fashioned ‘organised’ chaos:

- Pitching your tent - claim your territory early, avoiding paths to limit unnecessary noise and the danger of drunken people falling on it. Pitching near a landmark is also useful when the campsite is covered in thousands of tents which all look the same – this also avoids the risk of stumbling awkwardly into the wrong tent…

- Only take what you can carry - the campsite may be a long way from the car park or drop off points, so pack sensibly! Bringing the kitchen sink may not be such a good idea.

- Baby wipes - can be used for everything, from removing make-up to mud stains. They must not be forgotten!

- Earplugs - if you were planning to sleep at all, earplugs are an absolute must! It can get pretty noisy.

- Toilet tip - it’s a little known fact that everyone always uses the end toilets in a row, try going for one that is hard to get to, or either side of the middle – it’s most likely to be the safest option!

- Don’t take any valuables - if you don’t need it, don’t bring it.

- No £10.99 special offer tents - one thing is pretty much guaranteed, you can NEVER be sure of the British weather so unless you have webbed feet, a soaking sleeping bag and sopping tent isn’t a great way to sleep at a festival.

- Chewing gum/ breath mints - this is not for you but for the benefit of the people around you.

- Put your wallet in the bottom of your sleeping bag - as a precautionary measure, this will hopefully avoid people pinching it when you’re asleep.

- And the best tip of all - make sure you have a great time!

For more information about events in and around Staffordshire please visit: www.enjoystaffordshire.com, join the Enjoy Staffs Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.

Places to Picnic in Staffordshire

We were treated to some glorious weather at the beginning of June and we have everything crossed that it will return this week, so that we can all enjoy National Picnic Week in style. Starting today and ending on Sunday 23^rd June, the week celebrates Britain’s love of an outdoor lunch.

When the sun has got his hat on, there’s nothing better than getting the family together for a spot of al fresco dining. To make the most of your picnic, choose from the selection of stunning locations that Staffordshire has to offer. Here are just a few suggestions:

Weston Park is a spectacular 17^th century stately home, set in 1,000 acres of Parkland. Indulge your inner historian in the elegant house, browse the manicured gardens or simply stroll across the grounds in search of the perfect picnic spot.

As Britain’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cannock Chase is a peaceful picnic haven. For some added adventure, work up an appetite on horseback at the Cannock Chase Trekking Centre or visit Swinnerton Cycle Centre, the starting point for technical bike trails.

Take your pick from wandering through the woodland or meandering in the meadows at Coombes Valley. Classed as one of the best places for wildlife in the UK, this is the perfect place for the kids to explore whilst you kick back with a basket of picnic goodies.

Part of the Peak District, The Roaches is just as popular with wanderers as it is with the adventurous climber. To add some punch to your picnic, set up camp on a rocky ridge and soak up the panoramic views on offer.

For more information on great picnic locations in Staffordshire, visit the website.

Also, don’t forget to find us on the Enjoy Staffs Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.

Father’s Day Fun in Staffordshire

This year, forget socks and ties and think a fun-filled Father’s Day. Give your old man a real surprise on Sunday 16^th June and take him along to one of the many events happening in Staffordshire.

If your dad is mad for motoring, visit The Trentham Estate in Stoke-on-Trent for their annual Transport Festival. More than 1,000 classic, contemporary and rare cars will be on display and if that isn’t enough there are plenty of other activities on the Estate such as the High Ropes Adventure Course or the Trentham Monkey Forest. 

Workaholic dads will appreciate a visit to the Churnet Valley Railway for a relaxing day out and a picturesque journey through ‘Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland’. A Father’s Day lunch combined with the rural countryside views will make for a truly chilled day.

For those dads who love a game of golf, the Hawkesyard Estate is hosting a hearty feast and a challenging 18 hole round of golf in their stunning setting, which will no doubt prove a hit with the men in the family.

If you think your dad is more of a high flyer though, visit the Weston Park International Model Air Show on its final day. With a huge aircraft show, 100 trade stands, catering and children’s entertainment, plus much more, this is bound to be the perfect recipe for a fun-filled family day out to celebrate with the man of the house.

For more information on the above and other Father’s Day events in Staffordshire, visit the dedicated section of our website.

Also, don’t forget to find us on the Enjoy Staffs Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.

Staffordshire’s Summer Festivals!

With the sun finally beginning to make an appearance, it’s time to start planning those all-important summer days out! Check out what Staffordshire has in store this summer with a festival guide for the county. 

 

V Festival at Weston Park

Dates: 17^th & 18^th August

Prices: Day tickets from £89.00. Advanced bookings only – visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com, and be directed to V festival official ticket outlets

Location: Weston Park, South Staffordshire

V Festival has become firmly established as one of the UK’s best and most popular music festivals, attracting world class acts and artists from across the globe. This year, headliners at the renowned stately home, Weston Park, include Beyoncé, Kings of Leon and Stereophonics alongside a variety of other popular musicians still yet to be announced.

 

Lymelight Festival

Dates: 4^th – 6^th May

Prices: FREE

Location: Newcastle-Under-Lyme

The Lymelight Festival made for music-lovers, hits Newcastle-Under-Lyme on May Day bank holiday weekend, where 30 local bands and musicians will take to the stage, including headliners Six Towns. There will be something for everyone at the event, with talent such as live street performers, buskers, classical music in the Queen’s Garden, arts and vintage stalls as well as a host of food and real ale producers from Staffordshire.

 

Alton Towers Live

Dates: 6^th July

Prices: £55.00 plus £4.00 booking fee

Location: Alton Towers Theme Park, Staffordshire

This year, Alton Towers Live will feature amazing acts including Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Little Mix, James Arthur, Conor Maynard, Stooshe and Union J who will take to the stage at the UK’s favourite theme park.

Visitors can enjoy chart topping hits whilst also escaping for a great day of family fun and adrenalin-pumping rides such as The Smiler, Nemesis and Oblivion, with a spectacular concert, the event is a sensational addition to the Resort’s theme park season.

 

The Acoustic Festival of Britain

Dates: 31^st May – 2^nd June

Prices: 3 Day Adult Weekend Ticket with 3 nights camping (Friday, Saturday & Sunday night) will cost £105

Location: Uttoxeter Racecourse

The Acoustic Festival of Britain is a 3 day music festival with camping and an eclectic programme of unplugged and acoustic music, from genres such as folk, roots, Celtic, blues, rock, ska, burlesque and much more.

Acts confirmed include The Proclaimers, The Christians, Jenny Belle Star, Quill, Baba Jack, Wonderstuff Acoustic, Ed Tudor Pole, Rusty Shackle, T.Rextasy.

 

Forest Live

Dates: 28^th – 29^th June

Prices: £36.00 per person per day plus booking fee

Location: Cannock Chase Forest at Birches Valley Forest Centre
Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences. The income generated from ticket sales is used to improve the local forests for both people and wildlife.

This two day festival headlined by Blondie and The Lightening Seeds has everything required for a great night out. The gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere with full catering and bar facilities also included.

 

The Great British Music, Food and Drink Festival at Shugborough Estate

Dates: 29^th – 30^th June

Prices: Adult tickets from £5.00

Location: Shugborough Estate

A wonderful festival with a traditional British summer party feel – the Great British music, Food and Drink Festival offers games and activities for the kids, a balloon race, bake-offs, bunting aplenty, excellent live music and, of course, a fantastic array of food and drink from the exhibitors.

Set in the grounds of the historic Shugborough Estate, this is the perfect recipe for a foodie fun day out for the family.

 

Lichfield Festival

Dates: 4^th – 14^th July

Prices: Various ticket prices

Location: Lichfield

Lichfield Festival brings the best national and international artists and performers to the West Midlands each year for a summer celebration of classical music, dance, drama, film, jazz, literature, poetry, visual arts and world music. Highlights of the 2013 event include The Philharmonia Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, comedians Chris Addison and Alan Davies and rising star Laura Mvula, tipped to be the voice of 2013.

 

Uttoxeter Food & Drink Festival at Uttoxeter Racecourse

Dates: 22^nd – 23^rd June

Prices: Advanced tickets are £3.00 per person, and £4.00 on the day – children under 16 go free

Location: Uttoxeter Racecourse

This two day festival is a celebration of food and drink, showcasing a host of suppliers from around the county.

Browse through food stalls and the Farmers’ Market and enjoy the culinary delights that the exhibitors have to offer. For the thirsty, visit the Real Ale Tent where a selection of Staffordshire’s best local Breweries will be serving up some of their very own real ales.

 

Stafford Festival Shakespeare

Dates : 27^th June – 13^th July

Prices: £10.00 – £23.50

Location: Stafford Castle

2013 will see Stafford Festival Shakespeare stage one of the Bard’s best known farcical comedies. Exploring the balance between reality and fantasy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream fuses the two worlds whilst recounting the tale of two sparring couples.

Our tale takes a nonsensical detour as magic and spells play with our young lovers’ dreams and changes the ‘weight of their hearts.’

Featuring the festival’s much loved combination of original music, celebration and its unique setting, this year’s magical comedy is set to once again be a highlight in Staffordshire’s cultural calendar.

 

Stone Food and Drink Festival

Dates: 4^th – 6^th October

Prices: Gate ticket £6.00 per day

Location: Stone, Staffordshire

Sponsored by Taste of Staffordshire, the Stone Food & Drink festival showcases the very ‘Best that Staffordshire has to offer’ – from the best food in the county’s larder through to artisan producers and the region’s star chefs.

The Cookery Demonstration Kitchen will showcase the talents of Staffordshire’s finest chefs, with a rolling programme of demonstrations ‘on the hour – every hour’ over the three days of the festival. This year there will be more for youngsters in the form of cookery classes, food experiments, fairground rides and entertainment in the ‘Little Foodies’ marquee.

Alongside the Gourmet shopping marquee, where over 70 exhibitors and artisan producers will sell their wares, the Titanic Beer Festival will see the brewery’s entire ‘fleet’ of ales available, plus some seasonal surprises.  Whilst, the new Mercedes Benz of Stafford ‘Talks & Tastings Tent’ will play host to a packed programme of fun and informative talks on topics ranging from whiskey and wine tasting to cocktail making and butter churning.

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For more information about events in and around Staffordshire visit: www.enjoystaffordshire.com/whats-on/ , join the Enjoy Staffs Facebook Fanpage or follow them on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.

Taste of Staffordshire Reveals Finalists for Top Chef Competition!

Following a year of record entries, thirteen top chefs from across Staffordshire have been officially announced as finalists of the 2013 Taste of Staffordshire Masterchef and Young Chef of Tomorrow competition.

The competition is open to all professional chefs, aged 21 and upwards and budding young chefs, aged between 16-21. Six finalists have now been selected for the junior category, and seven for the senior category.

The winner will be decided following a challenging ‘cook off’ on 13^th May at Stafford College. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held at Weston Park later that evening.

 The Taste of Staffordshire Masterchef 2013 Finalists are:

JEFF THOMAS – SEASONED COOKERY SCHOOL – BURTON UPON TRENT

RICHARD CULLEN – SPOT GATE INN – STONE

SEAN SLEIGH – BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE – BURTON UPON TRENT

PHILIP WHITTLE – THE CHASE GOLF HEALTH AND CLUB SPA – PENKRIDGE

JAMIE  LACEY – THE MIDDLE BELL – BURTON UPON TRENT

ALLAN JONES – THE TERRACE RESTAURANT – KEELE

JOE BAILEY – GREENAWAY HALL GOLF CLUB – STOKE ON TRENT

 

Taste of Staffordshire Young Chef of Tomorrow 2013 Finalists

CLARISSA DARBY – ALTON TOWERS HOTEL – ALTON

DANIEL ASKWITH – THE SHROPSHIRE INN – STAFFORD

JAMES BATLEY – PASCAL AT THE OLD VICARAGE – BURTON ON TRENT

JADE CLARK – BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE – BURTON UPON TRENT

JACK HARRIES – GRANARY GRILL, WESTON PARK – WESTON UNDER LIZARD

ANDREW PLATT – MODDERSHALL OAKS – STONE

The winner of the coveted Masterchef award will win £700, whilst the Young Chef of Tomorrow will win £250 and a once-in-a-lifetime weeks work placement at a Michelin-star restaurant.  Both will also receive annual membership of the British Culinary Federation and a commemorative trophy.

Matt Davies, Group Executive Chef for The Lewis Partnership and Chairman of Judges for the competition said: “We are delighted with the response to this year’s competition. Almost every corner of Staffordshire is represented, and we will have some brand new faces at the cook-off.

“The calibre of entries has continued to improve, and this year promises to be our most hotly contested title to date. It is a great reflection on the level of talent of gastronomic creativity that Staffordshire harbours.”

The Taste of Staffordshire Masterchef and Young Chef of Tomorrow competition was launched  in 2005, and aims to raise standards within the Staffordshire hospitality industry, as well as rewarding inspiring individuals who have an overwhelming passion for quality gastronomy.

For more information visit http://www.tasteofstaffordshire.com.

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For more press information please contact the Taste of Staffordshire Press Office on 01743 234 224  or email enjoystaffordshire@seal.uk.com

With a quack quack here and a baby chick there

It’s that time of year again when cuddly bundles of joy are arriving on Staffordshire’s farms for a serious dose of cuteness-now it’s your chance to get out and meet the new additions to the farmyard family, including fluffy chicks, baby bunnies and little lambs! Bring all the family and help with feeding and cuddling the baby animals to your heart’s content!

Spring has sprung at Shugborough’s Georgian Park Farm, where visitors can help out with bottle feeding the baby lambs! Afterwards, pop into the working water mill and dairy farm to meet rare breeds of cattle.

At Lower Drayton Farm explorers can embark on the ‘Ultimate Family Farm Adventure’ and hitch a ride on the farmyard trailer, explore the chicken coop, rabbit hutches and hay barn to meet the fluffy new arrivals.

There are lots of springtime friends to meet at the National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton-upon-Trent. In the Animal Barn and large outdoor paddocks, you’ll see lots of farm animals including pigs, sheep, cows, Shetland ponies, donkeys and goats. You’ll also find some more unusual animals such as reindeer, alpaca and chipmunks! In the Animal Barn you can also stroke rabbits and Guinea pigs and even bottle feed the baby lambs. Throughout the day there are lots of demonstrations to help you learn more about the animals including egg collecting, cow milking and pony grooming.

Head down to Amerton Farm to meet the Dexter cows, pigs, goats and ponies and while you’re there make sure you feed the chickens and ducks who will be running around freely in the farmyard-to the delight of the youngest visitors! Take a ride on the railway, visit the wildlife rescue centre which cares for sick wild animals and birds, or visit the indoor adventure play barn complete with a tractor track, rope bridges, climbing walls and a bouncy castle.

Easter in Staffordshire!

Whether your favourite part of Easter is eating lots of chocolate eggs or getting together with family and friends, make sure you eggs-perience Easter in Staffordshire – there’s something for everyone!

 

Go mad as a hatter!

Parents looking for amazing adventures for their children this Easter holiday can head to Trentham Monkey Forest near Stoke-on-Trent. Follow the egg-citing Easter trail and go ‘Mad as a Hatter’ at lively weekend performances from Alice in Wonderland characters. Family activities run from 29^th March to 5^th April.

Take a walk on the wild side!

Do something different this Easter and go lama trekking around the beautiful National Forest and Peak District. Enjoy a five mile trek on gentle terrain, with a picnic stop half way with a furry friend. Storytelling and creative workshops can also be included during this Easter period. Open every day throughout the Easter holidays, booking is essential to avoid disappointment by calling 01283 711702.

Get naked from the knees down and enjoy a 1km walk through the woodlands and meadows of Trentham Gardens on their barefoot walk. Tantalise your toes with an array of testing textures including mud, bark, babbling streams, logs, hay, grass and pebbles.

Why not test your limits on the Climbing Wall at Trentham Gardens and see if you can make it to the top! Will you take on the challenge for just £2.50 for two climbs! Open from 29th March – 1^st April, no booking required.

If you prefer to relax, ride around the parkland in style from 29th March – 14^th April in one of Trentham’s traditional carriages or if you would rather to be the one holding the reigns enjoy a pony ride (children only).

Dab-hand in the kitchen?

Why not enter this year’s Easter Bake Off at Emma Bridgewater? Aspiring bakers can join Emma Bridgewater‘s Bake Off and create their finest Easter Cake to enter into their competition. Judging will take place at 3pm on Saturday 30th March and there will be a prize for the winner! Booking in advance is recommended.

Are you and the family up for the Great Egg Challenge? Visit the National Memorial Arboretum this Easter holiday from 23^rd March to 14^th April and take part in this family activity by following the trail around the Arboretum, completing numerous egg challenges along the way. At the end of the course, return the egg and be entered into the prize draw!

Rest your head

Head to Drayton Manor Theme Park’s hotel a 4-star hotel which is set in a unique location amongst 280 acres of lakes and parkland as well as being next door to the theme park’s top attractions and rides!

DraytonManorTheme Park in Staffordshire has a cracking offer for families looking for an action-packed day out over the Easter holidays.  Between Friday 29^th March and Sunday 14^th April, all pre-booked adult tickets (ages 12+) will cost just £20 and child tickets (ages 4 – 11) will be priced at £13. Ticket prices for 2 – 3 year olds have been halved and will cost £2.50, whilst under 2s go free. Car parking is just £2 instead of £3.

New for the 2013 season is A Fish Story, an underwater musical adventure film, which will be screened in the park’s sensational 4D Cinema.

The park is also home to Europe’s only Thomas Land™, which is a must-see attraction for fans of all ages of the little blue engine and his friends.

For the perfect place to stay overnight and make the most of the Easter weekend, Alton Towers Resort is offering egg-citing short breaks, including two tickets for the price of one to enter both the waterpark and theme park! Test your nerves on the terrifying rides, watch Ice Age the 4D Experience at the new 4D cinema, or try out the wonderfully wacky waterpark.

All aboard!

If you’re looking for a day out with a difference visit Churnet Valley Railway. Trains will be running on all three days over the Easter weekend, and on the Easter Sunday they have a number of egg-citing activities for children to enjoy! All three stations (Cheddleton, Consall and Kingsley & Froghall) will be open for families to join in the Easter egg hunt, hunt the rabbit, do egg painting and join in with other Easter activities!

Shriek and save!

Staffordshire’s Thrill Hopper ticket offers a great way to save in Staffordshire this Easter. You can visit four of the county’s major attractions -  Alton Towers Resort, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Waterworld and the SnowDome – for just £60.00 per person or £170.00 for a family of four (two adults and two children under 12). The Staffordshire Enjoy Card also offers discounts, deals and exclusive benefits in and around the county, and for more Easter money saving tips visit the Enjoy Staffordshire website http://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/enjoycard

For more information about Easter events in and around Staffordshire visit: www.enjoystaffordshire.com/easter , join the Enjoy Staffs Facebook Fanpage or follow them on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.

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For more information please contact the Destination Staffordshire Press Office on 0121 616 5800 or email enjoystaffordshire@seal.uk.com