ttf grouptalk - issue 97

THE MAGAZINE FOR GROUP ORGANISERS FROM THE TICKET FACTORY

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Go to: www.theticketfactory.com/groups or call 0800 368 8001

Royal Windsor Horse Show 14 – 18 May 2014Windsor Castle

FEATURING

NEW EVENTS

ISSUE 97 MAR/APR

An Evening with Julie Andrews24 May 2014NIA, Birmingham

BBC Gadeners' World Live 12 - 15 Jun 2014NEC, Birmingham

Chocolate Festival's 29 Mar - 19 Apr 2014Bristol, Brighton, London, Oxford

02 | For more information about any show, event or help with planning your group outing, go to www.theticketfactory.com/groups

at aglance

Royal Windsor Horse Show14 – 18 May 2014 | Windsor CastleSet in the private grounds of Windsor Castle not accessible to the public at any other time of the year, International Show Jumping, Dressage, Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix (carriage driving), International Endurance, over 120 showing classes and outstanding equestrian displays (see below). Patron: HM The Queen, President: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. HM The Queen often visits to watch her horses compete and does so on an informal basis. At other times she will be presenting awards in the main Castle Arena.

Chocolate Festival29 Mar - 19 Apr 2014 | UK TourEvery chocoholic deserves a visit to The Chocolate Festival. Savour the creations of the world’s finest chocolatiers – both from Britain and beyond. You’ll discover dozens of stalls showcasing artisan produced chocolate made from pure ingredients.

Here’s the perfect place to snap up treats for discerning friends and family. Of course, shopping is a hungry business. So treat yourself to the many delights on offer. You’ll find everything from hot chocolate to chocolate cakes, chocolate churros to chocolate pretzels, chocolate chilli to chocolate cocktails.

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The War of The Worlds - The Final Arena Tour5 Dec 2014 | LG Arena, BirminghamDON’T MISS the FINAL Arena Tour of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage! at Birmingham LG Arena on Friday 5th December 2014. Tickets on sale now!

We are delighted to announce X Factor 2013’s, Joseph Whelan, as The Voice of Humanity. Conducted by Jeff Wayne, the most ambitious production yet sees Whelan join and all-star cast featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography, Jason Donovan, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, Les Miserables’ Carrie Hope Fletcher, the 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, 9-piece Black Smoke Band. Plus final Guest Artiste to be announced.

Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth24 Apr – 10 May 2014 | UK TourRick Wakeman and The Jules Verne Symphony Orchestra will celebrate this anniversary with a state of the art, dramatic, live arena presentation of this epochal, classical-rock crossover work touring the world.

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livemusic

Dolly Parton22 Jun 2014 | LG Arena, BirminghamIconic singer, songwriter, musician, actress and philanthropist DOLLY PARTON announces the ‘Blue Smoke World Tour’ will travel across the pond in 2014 for June and July concerts in Europe hitting the LG Arena Birmingham on Sunday 22 June 2014.

Ed Sheeran11 - 31 Oct 2014 | UK Tour Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling, Madison Square Garden conquering singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced his return to the UK/Ireland for his first headline tour since Autumn 2012.

Masterfully blending soulful vocals with organic folk introspection and irresistible hip-hop hooks, Ed Sheeran has enjoyed a meteoric rise. The 22-year old’s debut “+” entered the U.K. Albums Chart at #1 with the highest opening week figures for a debut male solo artist ever and is now certified 6x platinum in the UK. The singer/songwriter is also a two-time BRIT Award winner (Best Male Artist, Best Breakthrough Artist), recipient of an Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Song Musically and Lyrically’ for The A Team and has gone on to become a genuine global phenomenon.



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Il Divo18 Oct 2014 | LG Arena, BirminghamIl Divo - the record-breaking classical crossover group who has sold more than 26 million albums worldwide - will bring “IL DIVO - A MUSICAL AFFAIR: THE GREATEST SONGS OF BROADWAY LIVE” to arenas across the UK.

The Original Cornbury Music Festival4 - 6 Jul 2014 | The Great Tew Park, OxfordshireThe Cornbury Music Festival is one-of-a-kind: an eclectic and eccentric musical carnival - a dynamic summer festival disguised as a country fayre - a lovingly crafted, top notch, very English open air party, tailor-made for the whole family.

Like the best of England, The Cornbury Music Festival is eccentric, charming and irresistible - a homespun melting pot where music-lovers share pies and a glass of champagne with superstars, toffs, rockers, crooners, Morris dancers, farmers, urbanites, fashionistas, gourmet chefs and the little old ladies who make exceptional cakes.

familyentertainment


An Evening With Julie Andrews24 May 2014 | the NIA, BirminghamAn Evening with Julie Andrews at the NIA, Birmingham on Saturday 24th May 2014

Iconic star of stage and screen, Dame Julie Andrews, will be returning to the U.K. next May for a tour of speaking engagements, where lucky fans will enjoy a special evening with the much loved legend from the world of entertainment.

In a reduced, theatre seating arrangement, “An Evening with Julie Andrews,” will provide a rare and unique insight into the life and career of the beloved international star best known for her stage performances on Broadway in The Boyfriend, My Fair Lady and Camelot, and her award-winning screen performances in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Victor-Victoria, to mention but a few.

The Lion King The Musical Until 28 Sep 2014 The Lyceum, LondonIf you think the classic Disney film would be hard to top, think again. Even the magic of the movie can’t beat the buzz of The Lion King as it roars into life on stage.

You’ll be spellbound from the start, as a dazzling cast of colourfully costumed creatures troops right past your seat to the rousing strains of Elton John’s ‘Circle of Life’.




call 0800 368 8001I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical 28 Mar - 31 May 2014 London Palladium, LondonIrreverent, mischievous and yet strangely touching I Can’t Sing! is the irrepressible new musical comedy hitting the renowned London Palladium from February 2014.

Go behind the microphones and under the judges’ desks at the biggest show on earth, as I Can’t Sing! exposes the (allegedly) true story behind The X Factor – a gloriously twisted tale of naked ambition, heartache, hunchbacks and talking dogs.

We Will Rock YouUntil 5 Apr 2014 | Dominion Theatre, LondonSeen by over 13 million people worldwide, We Will Rock You is now in its 10th year and is the biggest rock theatrical event of the century! This sensational mega-hit phenomenon continues to raise the roof and brings audiences to their feet with rapturous standing ovations every night.

The 2014 Birmingham International Tattoo29 & 30 Nov 2014 the NIA, BirminghamFor 26 years the Birmingham International Tattoo has thrilled audiences with world class performers joining local groups to create a three-hour spectacle. All the traditional elements of the Tattoo are present again this year - from the Massed Bands, Parade of Standards to the Spectacular Grand Finale - plus much, much more.

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comedy

Joan Rivers8 – 18 Oct 2014 | UK TourJOAN RIVERS RETURNS. We are delighted to announce that the international treasure that is Ms Rivers will return to the UK for 2 weeks in October 2014 for a series of rare performances and what promises to be the hottest ticket in town, so book in early to avoid disappointment. Her last UK tour in 2012 saw her appear to critical acclaim in no less than 11 Sold-Out shows, including London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Plus she has nothing better to do.

John Bishop7 – 9 Nov | the NIA, BirminghamGround control to Major John! Strap yourselves in, set doors to manual and cross check, the new John Bishop national tour is preparing for take off!

The countdown is on for the launch of John Bishop’s latest national comedy caper! After taking eighteen months off to write his autobiography John is limbering up for his next arena mission, and will be zooming into a venue near you in the autumn of 2014.

Lee Evans17 – 21 Sep 2014 | the NIA, BirminghamWIRED AND WONDERFUL was huge… XL was big… BIG was even bigger… ROADRUNNER was record breaking… and now the legendary Lee Evans embarks on his most ambitious tour to date.

MONSTERS is Lee’s amazing new show with over 50 nights in the biggest arenas in the country. Lee will be playing to more fans than ever on this hotly anticpated tour of the UK and Ireland.



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Lee Mack8 Sep - 11 Dec 2014 | UK TourThe multi-award winning star of “Not Going Out” and “Would I Lie To You?”, Lee Mack, is going back on the road with his first live tour in 4 years. Expect his trademark brand of high energy banter, well-crafted gags and sharp one-liners in one of the most hotly anticipated shows of the year.

Jimmy Carr 13 Dec 2014 | Civic Hall, Wolverhampton30 May 2014 | Symphony Hall, BirminghamJimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’. Which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. It’s like being the ‘Tallest Dwarf’ or the ‘Healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal.

‘Funny Business’ is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show. Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags.


homes, food

and gardeningExeter Food Festival24 – 27 Apr 2014 | Exeter Castle and Northernhay GardensRecently awarded ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ at the Devon Tourism Awards, the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink will be held over three days at Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens.

The 2013 Festival attracted 20,000 visitors from across the country, with people flocking to Exeter to indulge in top-notch South West food and drink, see cookery demos from top chefs and to enjoy workshops, live music and food-themed activities for all the family.

BBC Gardeners' World Live 11 – 15 Jun 2014 the NEC, Birmingham

BBC Good Food Show Spring 25 – 27 Apr HIC Harrogate

BBC Good Food Show Summer 12 – 15 Jun 2014 the NEC, Birmingham

BBC Good Food Show Scotland 17 – 19 Oct SECC, Glasgow

Two shows are better that one!

An unbeatable mix of food and gardening takes place in June with the ultimate line up of chefs and gardening experts for your entertainment and inspiration.

Enjoy show gardens, RHS Floral Marquee and familiar faces from BBC2s Gardeners’ World. Be inspired to grow-it-yourself in the Gardeners’ Grow & Eat zone and get ideas for kitchen garden, however big or small your plot. Then enjoy the array of summer fresh produce and ingredients from the Producers’ Village, watch live cookery demos and shop till you drop from hundreds of stands.

All BBC Good Food Show Summer tickets include a seat in the Supertheatre.

*Groups can save over 25% off standard adult ticket prices, and get up to 6 free tickets.

Groups save over 25%




call 0800 368 8001RHS Shows 2014A day out at an RHS Flower Show is one of the highlights of the gardening year and 2014 promises to be no exception.

Set within unique historic locations, each show has its own individual personality, brimming with inspiration from the very best in plants and garden design. It’s an unmissable opportunity to tap into expert advice and shop for all your gardening needs.

Join us for a fantastic day out with family and friends. Complete with scrumptious food, uplifting music and lots of entertainment, it’s a treat that’s not to be missed.

RHS London Plant and Design Show 21 - 22 February

RHS Great London Plant Fair 1 - 2 April

RHS London Spring Fair Late 1 April

Preview Evening 10 April

RHS London Orchid & Botanical Art Show 11 - 12 April

RHS Flower Show Cardiff 11 - 13 April

RHS London Alpine Garden Show 27 April

Malvern Spring Gardening Festival 8 - 11 May

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 20 - 24 May

BBC Gardeners' World Live 11 - 15 June

Preview Evening 7 July

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 8 - 13 July

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 23 - 27 July

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show 31 July - 3 August

RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show 2 - 7 September

Malvern Autumn Show 27 - 28 September

RHS London Harvest Festival Show 7 - 8 October

RHS London Harvest Festival Late 7 October

RHS London Shades of Autumn Show 21 - 22 October

RHS Secret Garden Sundays April - September First Sunday of the Month

RHS Secret Garden Sunday 2 November Christmas Special


sport &live action

Horse of The Year Show8 - 12 Oct 2014 LG Arena, BirminghamThis year’s Show is packed full of entertainment, including the return of the awe-inspiring Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, which will headline the displays. Friday, 10th October, will be the day of choice for dressage fans, featuring the Eilberg Family Dressage Master Class and the Dressage Future Elite Championship. A training session for international riders on the morning of Thursday, 9th October, will enable visitors to see how the professionals get their horses ready for the week ahead. And on the Showing front, the new Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year Championship will welcome some previously unseen talent to HOYS.

BBL Playoff Final11 May 2014 | Wembley Arena, London Playoff Final Day on 11 May is one of the most eagerly-anticipated during the BBL season as the stars of the British game, lay it all on the line in pursuit of this coveted piece of silverware in the illustrious surroundings of London’s Wembley Arena.



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2014 Premier League Darts 1 May 2014 | the NIA, BirminghamDarts' biggest roadshow event will celebrate its tenth staging next year, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen set to defend his title against the likes of six-time winner Phil Taylor.

WWE Live14 - 20 May 2014 | UK Tour

WWE® have announced that its unique brand of action packed entertainment is returning to the UK. Fans will be able to see all their favorite WWE Superstars under one roof including World Heavyweight champion John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton, CM Punk, AJ, The Bella Twins and many more.*

*Line-up subject to change.


lifestyleshows

BodyPower Expo16 – 18 May 2014 the NEC, BirminghamAfter five successful years, the BodyPower Expo returns to the NEC, Birmingham. Showcasing an unrivalled array of attractions from the fitness industry, visitors can expect appearances from leading global athletes across 14 sports, world leading experts offering cutting edge advice, interactive features appealing to the fitness athletes and enthusiasts of all levels, as well as a huge exhibition stretching over 4 halls of the NEC.

Gadget Show Live9 - 13 Apr 2014 the NEC, BirminghamOn top of being able to get hands on with the newest tech on the market there will be fantastic features for all the family, bringing the tech to life.

See The Gadget Show presenters in a stunning hour long show in the Super Theatre, bringing you presenter challenges, audience competitions and mass gaming challenges. As always there will be plenty of giveaways and outstanding technology on display.



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Miniatura The International Dolls House Modelling Show20 & 21 Sep 2014 the NEC, BirminghamOwning your ‘ideal’ house is more attainable than you think…although you may need to downsize! Property owning dreams through miniature real estate can be fulfilled whether you are seeking a chocolate-box thatched country cottage with wisteria draped over the door or maybe a grand three-storey Victorian town house, a rustic Tuscan villa or modern coastal property! The hobby of collecting miniatures and doll houses offers endless choices and is one of the most fulfilling and creative past-times, that is easily accessible. And each house invariably tells a story or depicts a period in history in all its’ scaled down glory.

Miniatura is the largest doll house and miniatures event in the UK and brings the best of the hobby together all under one roof. The next Miniatura show will be held from 29-30th March at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Paul Hollywood28 Apr - 6 Dec | UK TourTV’s baking star Paul Hollywood brings his first ever live show to the UK in 2014. With dates across the country, Paul Hollywood Live - Get Your Bake On! sees Paul take to the stage for an evening of baking, comedy and fun.

“When I was approached to do a tour, I jumped at the chance; I can’t wait to share my passion for baking with a live audience”

Get Your Bake On will see Paul demonstrate recipes, reveal some of the secrets of being a TV chef and take the audience on a journey through his life in baking. The show will culminate with four lucky randomly chosen audience members coming on stage to bake with Paul.

The Royal PalacesTower of London | Hampton Court Palace | Kensington PalaceExperience 1000 years of history and discover the stories that connect these Royal Palaces.

*Gardens only. Images © RHS Anna McCarthy / Lee Beel / Jerry Harpur. Reg charity no. 222879/SC038262

Call 0800 368 8001 For more information visit rhs.org.uk/groups

RHS GARDENS AND SHOWSTHE WORLD’S FINEST DAYS OUT FOR GARDEN LOVERS

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ttf grouptalk - issue 97

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