Visitors to Kielder Water & Forest Park can enjoy special guided tours of the area’s Art & Architecture installations when they launch later this month.The first of the five, three-hour minibus tours, led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, takes place on Wednesday, May 31.Each tour gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the inspiration behind some of Kielder Art & Architecture’s most iconic pieces, as they head off the beaten track and into Kielder Forest.Further tours take place on Sunday, June 4, Sunday, July 30, Sunday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 16. All run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.Lynn Turner, Director of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “These tours take in Silvas Capitalis – the Forest Head, which is a real favourite with visitors, and much more. It’s a great way of getting out and seeing the installations around Kielder Water & Forest Park, and to learn the stories and inspiration behind them.”Transport is provided, with some walking required. Warm, waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear are recommended.Booking is essential and can be made on 0845 1550236. Prices are £10 per person, or £25 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children.For more information, visit www.kielderartandarchitecture.com.

A collection of new journey planners are now available to make bus travel easier for visitors to the north Northumberland Coast. The planners have been designed to give visitors all of the information they need to easily explore the area without having to use their car.Each journey planner tells visitors how to get to all of the major attractions and destinations in the area - including which buses to catch from where they are staying, how long the journeys take and information about any connections. The A4 sheets also include some suggested itineraries and information about discounts and tickets.The planners were launched last Wednesday, when tourism businesses were shown first-hand how good the bus services are, as they took a trip on an Arriva X18. Launching the new planners, Jeff Sutheran, B&B owner from Seahouses and Chairman of the North Northumberland Tourism Association said:“Providing easy to understand travel information to visitors is the most important thing we can do to encourage them to leave their cars behind for a few days during their stay in Northumberland. The owners of accommodation businesses are best placed to provide this information and these journey planners will make that job easier for them.“The holiday cottage industry told us that A4 information sheets are the best way to present this information and we have done that.”Chris Curtis, commercial manager at Arriva North East said:“As a company we invest heavily in providing good quality timetables in many formats as well as our increasingly popular ‘Arriva App’ to make journey planning easier for bus passengers. These new journey planners are aimed specifically at visitors and accommodation providers and will complement our timetables to encourage more ‘car-free days’ to be taken.“The launch of the new planners coincides with the start of the summer timetable on 30th April which providing a more frequent service along the Northumberland coast.”The new planners were funded by the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Sustainable Development Fund and the North Northumberland Tourism Association. Eight individual planners have been produced for Berwick, Belford, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell, Embleton, Alnmouth and Warkworth. The journey planners are available to download in a pdf format from the AONB website http://www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org/getting-around/ . Tourism businesses are encouraged to print out the best planner according to their location and make them available to their customers. Help with adapting the planners for other places is available from the AONB Partnership.

Music at Paxton Festival14 - 23 July 2017www.musicatpaxton.co.uk“Intimate festival presenting the finest international chamber music in a stunning backdrop of works from the National Galleries collection.”Esfahani plays Goldberg VariationsPromenade concert taking in main reception roomsCarducci Quartet play Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro with young Scottish musiciansCello Masterclass with Pieter WispelweySunday morning concertsContinuing this year: two FREE Live Music Now ‘Music at Paxton…Plus’ concertsMusic at Paxton, a summer festival of top class international chamber music, takes place in Paxton House on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders from 14 – 23 July 2017. The daily concerts offer an intimate, friendly and relaxed experience and take place in Paxton House’s splendid Picture Gallery. With its large, domed roof-light that lets in the summer sun, and walls hung high with paintings from the National Galleries of Scotland’s collection, it is an idyllic setting for chamber music. The string quartet features prominently and the festival welcomes three this year: the Elias Quartet (Saturday 22 July, 7.30pm) who make their Paxton debut with two pillars of the chamber music repertoire Schubert’s String Quartet in D minor ‘Death and the Maiden’ and Schumann’s Piano Quintet; the Carducci Quartet (Saturday 15 July, 7.30pm) with a programme of Shostakovich, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, and Ravel’s gloriously sunny Introduction and Allegro; and the Quatuor Zaïde from Paris, (Tuesday 18 July, 7.30pm) who open with the glittering sonorities of Debussy, followed by Schubert’s towering G major Quartet. Harpsichord virtuoso Mahan Esfahani returns to Music at Paxton with two recitals this year. Renowned for his championing of the instrument, from the Baroque to the 20th century, Mahan Esfahani’s morning concert features music by Rameau, Martin, and Swiss composer Pieter Mieg (Sunday 16 July, 11.30am). He returns that evening (Sunday 16 July, 6pm) to perform J S Bach’s Goldberg Variations.No stranger to Music at Paxton, pianist Steven Osborne (Friday 14 July, 7.30pm) performs his critically acclaimed interpretations of Rachmaninov’s virtuosic tonal studies Études Tableaux Op 33 and Études Tableaux Op 39 alongside Debussy and Brahms.Following his visit last year, the renowned cellist Pieter Wispelwey returns to complete the set of Suites for Solo Cello by J S Bach (Sunday 23 July, 6pm), with a public masterclass immediately beforehand (Sunday 23 July, 1.30pm).On Thursday 20 July at 7.30pm, Baroque violinist Bojan Cicic brings his star-studded Illyria Consort (Bojan Cicic violin and viola d'amore, Susanne Heinrich viola da gamba, David Miller theorbo and baroque guitar, and Steven Devine harpsichord) for a feast of Baroque music in this celebration of Handel and his London contemporaries including Handel, Carbonelli, Ariosti and Corbetta. Former BBC New Generation artist, soprano Ruby Hughes makes her debut at the Festival, performing Schubert, Schumann and Mahler, with pianist Joseph Middleton (Friday 21 July, 7.30pm).Presenting musicians earlier in their careers and integrating them into the programme remains of key importance to Music at Paxton. The Festival proudly continues its relationship with Live Music Now Scotland and this year sees the return of many of their alumni, some sharing the stage with leading international artists, in addition to those currently under their wing. Featured artists in this year’s Festival are Sirocco Winds, Emma Wilkins (alumni), and Calum Robertson, Marco Ramelli and Aonach Mòr (current). New this year will be the Promenade Concert, taking in some of Paxton House’s reception rooms and featuring music from Emma Wilkins (flute), Esther Swift (harp) and Calum Robertson (clarinet) (Saturday 15 July, 4pm). Aonach Mòr combines the talents of Claire Hastings, Grant McFarlane and Ron Jappy to create an exciting blend of songs and tunes (Sunday 16 July, 3.30 pm) featuring accordion, fiddle and guitar. Sirocco Winds, a brilliant young ensemble of current Masters students and graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, perform Ligeti, Berio, Barber, Schifrin, Gershwin and Piazzolla (Wednesday 19 July, 7.30pm).Young Milan born guitarist and composer Marco Ramelli performs works from Spain and South America (Saturday 22 July, 4pm) in the intimate surroundings of the Dining Room at Paxton House and Benjamin Frith brings a lyrical programme of Scarlatti, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Stanford, designed for a relaxing hour on a Sunday morning (Sunday 23 July, 11.30am).Once again, in conjunction with Live Music Now Scotland and Paxton House, the extremely successful free one-hour taster concerts ‘Music at Paxton…Plus’ return to the festival. On Sunday 14 May at 2.30pm, guitarist Marco Ramelli performs works by Tarrega, Albéniz and Paganin and Calum Robertson (clarinet) and Juliette Philogene (piano) join forces on Sunday 4 June at 2.30pm for a programme of Jean Françaix, George Gershwin and Edward Gregson.Helen Jamieson, Artistic Director for Music at Paxton, said: “This year’s festival is more ambitious than ever and we will be using every available space – from the marquee to the magnificent Dining Room - and every minute of these wonderful musicians’ time to provide the best and most varied event possible. There will be music from Bach to Beamish and from Scottish Traditional to Philip Glass. New this year is a cello masterclass by the renowned Pieter Wispelwey, a Promenade concert, for which Paxton House will open its main reception rooms to our musicians and audiences and two Sunday morning concerts for the early risers.”Music at Paxton offers Sunday morning keyboard recitals, varied afternoon events including folk music in the marquee, two intimate recitals in the Dining Room, and a musical tour exploring some of the principal reception rooms of the 18th century neo-Palladian mansion.

The Farmers' Market returns this weekend (Saturday 1st April) with a host of friendly faces alongside some new comers.Fresh produce will be available from local favourites Ridgley’s Game, Northumberland Cheese and Castle Bakery from 9am - 3pm.There will also be a craft stall to celebrate the 50th Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering which takes place 21st - 23rd April.Alison’s Ewenique Arts will join the Farmers' Market this month - visit her to draw your own mini “Morpeth Gadgie” or design a postcard to celebrate all that’s great about Northumberland!All designs will feature as part of a community display during the main event later in the month.The market will be joined by Animal Escapades from 11.30am until 1.30pm with their April Fools animal game – visitors will be asked if they are brave enough to put their hand in the pet’s box?Assistant Centre Manager at Sanderson Arcade, Filipa Conceicao said: “We hope to see lots of people this weekend as we plan to celebrate April Fools Day and of course all that is great about Northumberland as the town counts down to The Gathering.“Come down and grab some local produce, tasty treats and enjoy entertainment from Animal Escapades!”Morpeth Market is managed by Northumberland County Council and Sanderson Arcade, working in partnership with Morpeth Town Council, Morpeth and District Chamber of Trade and other local organisations through the Morpeth Market working group.The Morpeth Market is held every Wednesday from 9am – 3pm and the Farmer's Market is the first Saturday of every month.

VisitEngland has named 2017 the ‘Year of Literary Heroes’ in recognition of this year’s milestone literary events including the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and 75 years of The Famous Five. Below are the finalists in each category for this year’s awards (listed alphabetically): 2017 Finalists Afternoon Tea of the Year: • Countess of York, Yorkshire• The Chester Grosvener, North West• The Grand Brighton, South East B&B of the Year:• Dorset House, South West• Grassfield Hall, Yorkshire• St Cuthbert's House, North EastBoutique/Guest Accommodation of the Year:• Daisybank Cottage Boutique Bed and Breakfast, South East• Glazebrook House Hotel, South West• Grassington House, Yorkshire.Business Tourism Award: • Rockcliffe Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, North East• The Crystal by Siemens, London• Warwick Conferences, West MidlandsDog-Friendly Business of the Year:• Letheringham Water Mill Holiday Cottages, East of England• The Lamppost Cafe, Yorkshire• The Oakley Court, South EastFamily-Friendly Accommodation of the Year:• Bosinver Farm Cottages, South West• Darwin Forest Country Park, East Midlands• Mill Farm Eco Barn, East of England• The Olde House, South WestFamily-Friendly Attraction of the Year:• Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, North East• Gallery Oldham, North West• Thames Rockets, London Family-Friendly Food & Drink Business of the Year: • Chester Zoo, North West• The Rainforest Café, London Glamping Provider of the Year:• Longlands, South West• Secret Meadows, East of England• The Dandelion Hideaway, East Midlands GREAT China Welcome of the Year: • Beiwei 55 Degrees Travel Ltd, North East• Blenheim Palace, South East• Lake District China Forum, North West• The Lowry Hotel, North West Guided Tour of the Year: • Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour, East Midlands• Shiverpool, North West• Vintage Adventure Tours, East Midlands Holiday Park/Holiday Village of the Year:• Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate, North West• Poston Mill Country Holiday Park, West Midlands• Tretherm Mill Touring Park, South WestHotel of the Year: • Northcote, North West• The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, South West• The Pheasant Hotel, YorkshireInclusive Tourism Award: • Eden Project, South West• The Deep, Yorkshire• Victoria & Albert Museum, LondonLarge Visitor Attraction of the Year:• The Mary Rose Museum, South East• The Roman Baths & Pump Room, South West• Waddesdon Manor, South EastSelf-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year:• Blakelow Farm Holiday Cottages, East Midlands• Smallshaw Farm Cottages, Yorkshire• The Waternook Estate, North WestSelf-Catering Property of the Year:• Cottage in the Dales - The Byre, Yorkshire• Lendal Tower, Yorkshire• The Chestnuts, South East Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:• Burton Constable Hall & Grounds, Yorkshire• Monkey Haven, South East• Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, South WestSustainable Tourism Award:• Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, North East• Blencathra Centre, North West• National Marine Aquarium, South West Taste of England Award:• The Art School, North West• The Coach House by Michael Caines, South West• The Scarlet Restaurant, South West Tourism Pub of the Year: • The Anchor Inn, South West• The Howard Arms, West Midlands• The Tankerville Arms, North East Visitor Information Provider of the Year:• Gloucester Tourist Information Centre, South West• Oxford VIC / Experience Oxfordshire, South East• Rugby Visitor Centre, West Midlands

The dramatic sight of 30 cavalrymen performing intricate manoeuvres and showcasing their skills with javelins and other weapons can be seen in Carlisle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July in ‘Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle’.Tickets to attend this unique event celebrating the accession of Hadrian to the Imperial Roman throne 1,900 years ago go on sale from Friday 3 March.Taking place at Bitts Park, Carlisle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July, Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle will showcase some of the exercises the Roman cavalry would have performed at sites across the Wall, many described by Hadrian himself.Bill Griffiths, head of programmes for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and chair of the Hadrian’s Cavalry steering group, said: “This is a rare chance to see the Roman Cavalry in action. “Roman cavalry were famous for their lavishly decorated helmets and body armour. The Cavalry would regularly perform exercises to illustrate their skill and prowess. We are really looking forward to bringing this Roman display back to life!”Bitts Park in Carlisle will be transformed into a Roman Cavalry pageant, complete with mini Hadrian’s Wall visitor village. After passing through the recruitment house, audiences will enter a Roman infantry encampment where they will be invited to join separate teams to cheer on the Roman cavalrymen as they compete with each other in the parade ground. Audiences will also be able to meet some of the cavalrymen and their horses to see close-up the ornate armour and dress.Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle will feature Roman re-enactors, exhibitions from across the wall, crafts and food and drink concessions.Zoe Bottrell, producer of Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle, said: “It is a privilege to be working alongside Alan Larsen and his fabulously skilled horses and riders to create the Turma. It is unique and special event to be able to re-create a bit of history, whilst adding a bit of theatre along the way. We hope that audiences will enjoy this remarkable show of skill and pageantry.”Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle takes place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July at Bitts Park, Carlisle. Performance times are 2pm and 6pm on Saturday 1 July and 4pm on Sunday 2 July 2017. Early bird tickets, available until Monday 1 May, cost £6.50 for children and £9.50 for adults. Full price tickets cost £8:00 for children and £12.50 for adults. A special family ticket (two adults, three children) cost £35.Tickets go on sale at 10:00 on Friday 3 March from www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk/tickets. Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle tickets can also be bought in person at Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle ticket holders can also benefit from discounted entry into some Hadrian’s Cavalry exhibition venues and the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Country bus. For full details visit www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk. Other cavalry-themed re-enactment events will take place throughout August as part of Hadrian’s Cavalry. Venues include Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum (5 & 6 August), Great North Museum: Hancock (19 & 20 August) and Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum (27 & 28 August). Additional Roman-themed re-enactment events can be seen at various English Heritage sites too. For details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle is part of Hadrian’s Cavalry, which opens on Saturday 8 April at 10 museums and heritage attractions along the full 150mile length of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site area. The exhibition brings together a unique group of Roman cavalry objects including ornate helmets, armour and weapons on loan from national and international museums; all shown alongside objects from museums across the Wall. Hadrian’s Cavalry runs until Sunday 10 September 2017. For more information visit www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk

Northumberland National Park has granted planning permission to Brown Rigg Lodges in Bellingham to increase its holiday-let accommodation and recreational facilities.The plans include converting three existing buildings into a bunkhouse with six ensuite rooms, the renovation of a former function hall into a café with kitchen and bar facilities, a new on-site shop and an outdoor seating and children’s play area.Planning has also been approved to create eight new glamping units in the form of static tents, yurts, tipis and geodesic domes which will be supported by a new bathing block and parking area.The business currently provides holiday-let accommodation through four lodges which can sleep up to six people. The new scheme is set to complement and extend its accommodation offering in an area of the National Park popular with visitors.Located just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Bellingham, the site formerly known as Brown Rigg School, covers ten hectares. It was constructed by the National Camps Corporation in 1938 and later used as WWII evacuee accommodation and then as a County Council boarding school for outdoor education until its closure in the 1980s.Tony Gates, chief executive at the Northumberland National Park Authority, explains: “This is an exciting sustainable tourism development which will make a positive contribution to the rural economy.“The plans submitted by Brown Rigg Lodges provide new and varied accommodation opportunities for visitors to stay and enjoy the special qualities of our National Park.“The new glamping units will complement existing accommodation in the local area and the scheme also plays an important role in protecting the history and legacy of the site by giving redundant school buildings a new lease of life.“The conversion is set to ensure their preservation and enable an established rural business to expand which will also benefit the trade of other businesses in the area.“During 2016 Northumberland National Park Authority has approved 96% of all planning applications. We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth of rural communities within the National Park, whilst safeguarding the environment and historic character of the landscape.”

Voting opens from 8am Tuesday 7 February to decide the winner of VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar 2017.The competition, run by VisitEngland and supported by The Daily Mirror, features 10 shortlisted candidates who need your votes to win and be crowned Tourism Superstar 2017. Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to watch a short film featuring the Superstar finalists and have your say on who takes the title by casting your vote online from 8am Tuesday 7 February.http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/british-breaks/vote-now-decide-who-your-9736671 The voting will open on Tuesday 7 February and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2017 (25 March - 2 April). VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said: “The sheer calibre of this years’ entrants is testament to the outstanding customer service that is the foundation of England’s tourism industry. I really encourage you to join in and vote as we celebrate our Tourism Superstars who consistently go above and beyond customers’ expectations, and who contribute so much to ensure visitors have a great time.”VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative is in its sixth year and recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.Kevin Robson, Tour Guide and Owner of Wild Dog Outdoors is the Northumberland nomination.Kevin set up Wild Dog Outdoors in 2013 and is primarily a tour guide of Hadrian’s Wall, providing insightful and passionate tours on the Wall’s Roman and ancient history. He delights in regaling visitors with tales of Northumberland’s place in Britain’s history and exploring the iconic sites within the county. Anyone who goes on a tour with Kevin is treated to secret stories and anecdotes, usually the reserve of archaeologists and historians, which bring the locations to life. Most of all Kevin loves to enchant all those around him, using his skills to bring the magic of Northumberland to life. Other shortlisted candidates are:Gemma Garwood, Falmouth Town Crier, CornwallGemma, 32, is currently the youngest Town Crier in the UK. She has been in the role since March 2016 and quite literally shouts Falmouth’s praises whilst walking round the town making people smile. Gemma is very active in the local community and eagerly spreads the message of Falmouth as a premier tourism destination far and wide. She is a trained performer and took on the role with the aim of breathing new life into an old tradition. Gemma does more than just shout about her town, she helps improve it, for example she coordinated spring cleaning efforts with local businesses in March 2015 and will be getting stuck in again this year. Most recently she was involved in the GB High Street of the Year Awards and is currently organising a competition to elect a young Town Crier for Falmouth from local primary schools.Peter Jay, Volunteer, Cotswold Water Park Trust, WiltshirePeter has been a volunteer for the Cotswold Water Park Trust for more than five years during which time he has had a significant impact on the visitor experience. As the Water Park is spread over three counties, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and a bit of Oxfordshire and has 150 lakes, it can be a confusing place for the first time visitor. Peter helps tourists navigate the area and all its activities by manning an information desk at the busy Gateway centre, which sees more than 250,000 visitors annually. Every Saturday and on many Bank holidays and school holidays Peter, and often his wife Jenny, can be found helping visitors with advice, leaflets, maps, local information and much more and always with a friendly smile and an enthusiastic disposition. Peter is known for ‘going the extra mile’ with visitors whether by helping a Japanese tourist whose hire car had a puncture or locating the owners of lost car keys. In addition to manning the desk, Peter manages 12 volunteers on the information desk, drawing up the rota and training new volunteers.Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, Co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, DerbyshireGillian and Jane set up the registered charity Accessible Derbyshire 2014 to raise awareness of the wide-ranging challenges faced by disabled people, their families and carers as both visitors and residents. Drawing on and inspired by their experiences of raising three children with a range of physical and mental disabilities, they work tirelessly to improve access to accommodation, attractions and activities across the Peak District and Derbyshire area. They do this by sharing information offering practical help and investing in equipment and support services. They also offer training and advice to a broad range of businesses, organisations, groups and individuals. The charity’s motto is: “one life, live it”.Karl Gibson, Pub Landlord, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, NottinghamKarl has been running Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem since 2012. The pub, which is said to be one of the oldest pubs in England, dates back to 1189, and the cellars, where the beer for the castle was once brewed, are set in the caves of the adjacent Nottingham Castle and date back to 1070. In addition to his landlord duties, Karl also provides tours of the infamous pub cellars free of charge and acts as an unofficial tourist information centre. He is very knowledgeable about the city of Nottingham and its attractions as well as its history and enjoys enlightening visitors with tales of medieval brewing techniques and revealing the cellars gory history which saw prisoners chained to the walls.Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish bar, NorwichDuane has owned the Grosvenor Fish Bar since 2012 shortly after he first landed on England’s shores. Originally from Miami, he spent much of his later life in New York before selecting Norwich as his home. Duane has brought his own American brand of customer service to Norwich and meets and greets every customer. He entertains the queue with his humour and banter and speeds up the process with his knack for remembering regular customers’ usual orders. Duane has a larger than life personality and is a warm and welcoming host who goes out of his way for his hungry customers. He is not just a fish and chip shop owner but acts as a tourism advisor helping visitors decide what to visit in Norwich, where to shop and what to look out for.Alan Anderson, Park Ranger, Auckland Castle, DurhamAlan has been a Park Ranger at Auckland Castle for more than 17 years and still works tirelessly to maintain its deer park and gardens to the highest possible standards. Alan unlocks the park daily at 5am – even on Christmas Day – and is out come rain, snow or shine maintaining 200 acres of ancient parkland and woodland and enhancing the natural habitat of the local wildlife. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities Alan works with students from local schools who are at risk of being expelled, mentoring them and teaching them about the park and its wildlife. This work has been so successful that one of the students is now hoping to become an apprentice at Auckland Castle. Alan is a truly warm and engaging person and is a real treasure of the Castle. Full of knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and dedication, he is always happy to lend a hand and has become a firm favourite for many visitors. Liz Hill, Founder, Rural Concierge, HerefordshireLiz started her own business in 2013 providing travel itineraries and tours to visitors and residents for groups and individuals. Liz is passionate about Herefordshire and making it accessible for all to visit the attractions and gems of the county. Rural Concierge is primarily online, but Liz can also be found at her kiosk in Hereford’s Butter Market. Along with her team, where they come face to face with visitors providing them with a wealth of information and advice about how to get ‘off the beaten track’ within the area. And this is how Liz delivers above and beyond what would be expected of a tourism professional and why she won the Best Rural Tourism Business Award at the National Rural Business Awards in 2016. Paul Schofield, City Tour Guide, Hull & East YorkshirePaul is a freelance English Heritage Accredited tour guide mainly focusing on the city of Hull and the East Yorkshire market town of Beverley. Paul is an unassuming, dedicated local hero and ambassador for Hull and East Yorkshire. For the last 28 years, rain or shine, Paul can be found at the head of a group of visitors uncovering the hidden treasures of Hull to tourists. Paul’s depth of knowledge of the area, its history and its people truly enhance the experience for all those who tour the city with him. He talks about everything from the architecture, to its ties to the abolition of slavery and the historic importance of Hull in England’s history. His welcoming and friendly nature combined with his enthusiasm and passion for the region are what made Paul the only double winner of the Remarkable Yorkshire Passion Award at the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Tourism Awards in 2010 and 2016.Leye D Johns, Host & Compere, Viva Blackpool, LancashireLeye started his working life in the NHS but, as a natural showman, what had been a second job as a live entertainer took a more serious turn when he and a co-investor set up Viva Blackpool. In 2012, Viva Blackpool transformed a large empty Mecca Bingo Hall into a one room entertainment and events complex, dedicated to providing quality entertainment to Blackpool’s residents and visitors. Despite a tough start Leye has persevered with his demanding role putting a smile on the faces of more than 50,000 visitors. In the process he has brought much needed jobs to the local community whilst supporting numerous charities. Viva is a year round venue ensuring visitors are entertained and leave Blackpool with happy memories.

Eighties music icons Heaven 17 will be one of the many attractions at a new look North East Chilli Fest next year. Organisers have confirmed that the ever-popular celebration of food, drink, music and entertainment will be bigger, longer and take place in a new spectacular location."After five amazing years at Seaton Delaval Hall we want to take the Chilli Fest to a new level and for that we need a far bigger space,” said Mark Deakin.But the festival, which each year has attracted thousands of visitors over a weekend, will not be moving far. Its numerous stalls, bars, marquees and stages will be set up on a 27 acre event site in Seaton Sluice overlooking the sea.“We had lots of offers to go elsewhere,” said Mark, “and it might have made sense, but we live nearby and know that so many people from around here really love popping along.”The 2017 Chilli Fest – which for the first time is taking place on three days: 30 June, 1 and 2 July – also attracts people from all over the UK. A camping area will be set up next to the main site and festival goers are being offered early bird tickets to help them maximise their experience at a reasonable price.“Given all the uncertainty about going on holiday abroad, I think 2017 will definitely be the year of the staycation,” said Mark. “So we want to make it a festival to remember, with something for everybody.”There will be tents devoted to comedy, cabaret and dance. There is going to be a Kids Zone, an Alternate Zone and – in addition to Heaven 17 who headline on Friday night – numerous musical acts, including Smoove and Turrell, Nick Pride and The Pimptones, Dennis, SoShe and the Monster Ceilidh Band. Although the Chilli Fest celebrates everything to do with our fiery favourite, the vast range of food available is designed to suit all tastes. “I love Christmas as much as anybody, but at this time of the year when it’s cold and dark you also need something to look forward to and note in your diary,” said Mark. “That’s why we’re announcing it now.”Tickets for the event are on sale through the 2017 Chilli Fest website:A pass for all three days costs £20. There are a limited number of early bird tickets available for £15. A weekend pass plus camping costs £30 person and there are a range of tickets available for each day from £8 - or £5 for an early bird discount. Tickets for children under five are free and it is £3 for children aged between five and 15.

Lindisfarne Festival, which is held at Beal Farm overlooking Holy Island, has been shortlisted for best Grass Roots Festival at the UK Festival Awards 2016, following a phenomenal second year in September 2016. The over 18’s event which has enjoyed year on year growth of 30% in revenue and footfall are also releasing their first wave of early bird tickets for the 2017 event on Monday 28th November, the same day they will find out if they have won the coveted award. The annual UK Festival Awards, sees the cream of British festivals being recognised for hard work, vision and creativity in what has been an exceptionally challenging year for the industry.The Grass Roots Festival Award recognises the courage, commitment and often personal sacrifice invested by their organisers, but also celebrates their dedication to retain the authenticity of their festival brand keeping them close to their original roots, supporting local communities and new music whilst maintaining an independent spirit and resisting commercial saturation.Conleth Maenpaa, Founder of Lindisfarne Festival said;“As a young, independent festival, it is an honour to be shortlisted alongside some of UK’s most established events. In just two years, we have come a long way from a concept to now being recognised as not only the number one music festival in the North East but also a well-regarded player on the UK festival scene.I won’t sugar-coat it; it’s been a hell of a tough ride to get here. Last year was a struggle for both ourselves and the festival industry on the whole. The industry is changing, as we see many festivals unfortunately pulling the plug (eg: Wickerman, Down to the Woods) and others such as T in the Park forced to take a year or so off. We almost had no choice but to sell-out in order to push ahead but on deep reflection we feel our team, our festival-goers and our region deserves better than a corporate driven, money-hungry, festival monster. That’s not what Lindisfarne Festival is about.Lindisfarne Festival is all about creating community and providing a safe & fun place where people can get together, escape the day-to-day, and immerse themselves in new experiences and great music (across 6 stages) in an area of outstanding natural beauty. We have turned down big investment from corporates so that we can maintain our much loved grass-roots vibe and hope to continue to grow organically year-on-year, by listening and learning from our customers and getting bigger and better as we go.”Conleth added;“The first batch of early bird tickets for the 2017 event go on sale on Monday 28th November and we are encouraging people to buy early- not only to save money, but to enable us to secure the best acts and deliver the best line up possible.”Lindisfarne Festival 2017 takes place 31st August – 3rd September. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available at only £65 for the weekend (Fri – Sun) and £75 for the full festival (Thurs – Sun), saving up to £25 on face-value tickets which will be priced at £99 for (Thurs- Sun) tickets and £89 for (Fri- Sun) tickets, which will go on sale in the New Year.

NORTHUMBERLAND has been announced as the winner of the Silver award in the Best UK Holiday Destination/County at the prestigious 2016 British Travel Awards.The announcement was made on 23 November at a glamorous Gala Awards ceremony, held in London and attended by close to a thousand travel industry people.For a team with just six full-time members of staff, it is a great achievement for Northumberland Tourism. Still seen as a relatively ‘hidden gem’ within the tourism industry, this is the third consecutive time Northumberland has claimed a Silver at the awards, surpassed only by long-standing tourism giant Cornwall.Just a day after a successful night for Northumbrian businesses at the North East England Tourism Awards, Northumberland Tourism director Jude Leitch is thrilled with the result:“Once again, this is a great result for Northumberland, showing the county is consistently within an elite handful of counties much-loved by tourists around the UK.“Whilst we didn’t achieve the top spot, we placed higher than Yorkshire and Devon – two very popular destinations. This is something of which we can be extremely proud.“This year’s social media voting campaign “Share the Northumberland Spirit” highlighted the locations and landmarks around the county which make Northumberland so special and unique, encouraging visitors and residents alike to vote for Northumberland. In a time where staycations are becoming increasingly popular, we hope our Silver award recognition will encourage an even bigger portion of the general public to come and see our beautiful county for themselves.“We want to thank voters, supporters and everyone involved for their overwhelming support throughout the campaign.”British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said:“Northumberland is to be congratulated on winning Silver for Best UK Holiday Destination/County. Competition was fierce this year with more companies entering the competition than ever before - but ultimately it is the travelling public who decide the winners by voting for the travel companies they consider the best in the business. The British Travel Awards is the largest awards programme in the UK and to win is truly an accolade and testament to the great products and services travel companies offer to their customers.”

Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark, Northumberland, is celebrating after winning a record three Gold awards at the 2016 North East Tourism Awards.The sustainable hotel, restaurant and observatory achieved the Gold Awards for Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Pub and the Taste Award, as well as winning a Bronze in the Hotel of the Year category and a Highly Commended Award for Dog Friendly Business.This is the first time in the history of the awards that a business has won three Gold Awards in the same year.Katie Meyrick-Scott, general manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have won not just one but three North East Tourism Gold Awards. To also receive Bronze and Highly Commended awards in two further categories is a huge achievement for us and is fantastic recognition for the hard work of all the team. We’re now looking forward to representing the North East at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2017”.Organised and delivered by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance, the North East England Tourism Awards showcase the high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors to the region. The winner of each category is automatically entered into the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which will take place in April 2017.Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said “A huge congratulations to Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant for winning three golds at this year’s North East England Tourism Awards. As always the businesses shortlisted were of an extremely high standard so to not only win one gold award but three is a great achievement. The North East of England has a fantastic tourism offer, and Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant are one of many businesses playing a key role in welcoming visitors to the region.”More information about the awards can be found at www.NorthEastTourismAwards.com.