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Posts on our bed and breakfast accommodation blog about family-friendly things to see and do, places to eat and drink, events and special offers in North East England.

Events, Family-Friendly, Museums & Art Galleries, Places to Visit, Videos

Maker Faire UK 2017

Home > Tyne & Wear > Newcastle upon Tyne > Times Square > Life Science Centre

Maker Faire UK is back in Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April 2017 at the Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP.

Maker Faire UK 2017 Life Science Centre Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP

Maker Faire UK is described as “the greatest show (and tell) on Earth!”

It is a two day family-friendly festival of invention and creativity, bringing together over 300 hackers, crafters, coders, DIY-ers and garden shed inventors from across the globe – people who love to make stuff and who want to share their passion with the public.

You can see some videos of previous Maker Faire’s at Newcastle upon Tyne‘s Life Science Centre here…

If you are looking for hotel accommodation for your visit to the Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

For more events in North East England visit Events.

Published on 18th January 2017 08:44.

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Events, Family-Friendly, Reviews

South Tyneside Magic Festival 2017

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Shields > Mill Dam > The Customs House

South Tyneside International Magic Festival is back this March for it’s 14th year.

South Tyneside Magic Festival 2017

This years South Tyneside International Magic Festival starts on 16th March 2017.

South Tyneside International Magic Festival events are held at both The Customs House and The Sea Hotel.

The Customs House is ten minutes walk from our bed and breakfast accommodation at Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1ES.

The Sea Hotel is located a few minutes walk away at the bottom of our street on Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD.

South Tyneside International Magic Festival opens on Thursday 16th March 2017 with a Family Magic Extravaganza at 6:30pm where a number of children’s entertainers will provide an evening of fun for all the family.

South Tyneside Magic Festival 2017 Family Show

This is followed by two International Gala Shows on Friday 17th March and Saturday 19th March 2017.

All three public shows are held at The Customs House and ticket prices start at £8.

The international magic performers appearing in this years festival are…

Mahdi Gilbert – Lecture, Talk, Close Up, Gala Show
He travels the four corners of the Earth sharing his life and his magic with people. Now is your chance to witness the power of Mahdi in this exclusive whirlwind tour through his magic, his story and his life. You will follow a child born without hands as he discovers magic and develops his passion into the most remarkable sleight of hand man this world has ever seen. Through the performance and thorough explanation of several pieces of magic you will learn how to: ‘Trust Yourself’,’ Break the Rules’, ‘Transform your Liabilities into Assets’, ‘Charm and Disarm’, ‘Believe in the Impossible’ and ‘Make Others Believe in the Impossible’.

Adam Wilber – Lecture, Close Up, Gala Show
‘Artisan’, ‘Artist’ and ‘Pioneer’ are the traits that have made Adam one of the most sought after figures in his field today. Adam has become the GM of the most successful magic store of all time www.ellusionist.com and has gone on to create products such as PYRO, top selling tricks, decks of playing cards and illusions that are used by fellow magicians all over the world.

Asi Wind – Lecture, Close Up, Gala Show
One of magic’s most influential thinkers and performers, Asi Wind is an inspiration to magicians all over the world as they study and perform his creations. It is very rare that Asi gives lectures and workshop in magic conventions, but when he does he is very generous with his time and knowledge. Wind’s recent off-Broadway show, “Concert of the Mind”, completely sold out, it extended its run and received rave reviews and critical acclaim. He is currently performing his one man show “Do you want to change your mind” in London and New York City.

Rob Zabrecky – Lecture, Gala Show
As seen on ITV’s ‘The Next Great Magician’, Rob Zabrecky invents a magical world through a series of strange and beautiful effects, combined with remarkable timing and theatrical edifice. He has become a prime attraction at the Magic Castle, where he has received multiple award nominations by the Academy of Magical Arts.

UK magic performers appearing in this years festival are…

Amethyst – Gala Show
International illusionists Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke. Highly acclaimed as one of the UK’s top magic and illusion acts, Amethyst have established themselves as world-class performers. With their fresh and dynamic approach they lead the way in cruise ship, corporate and private events. Their unique and versatile shows have taken them around the globe, attracting worldwide acclaim and dazzling audiences in many countries. Amethyst are renowned for their range of spectacular and unbelievable shows featuring breath-taking illusions.

Destiny – Gala Show
Leah Mae presents Destiny, a sophisticated magic and illusion act with stunning illusions and classic magic assisted by Sara Jade. These young girls won The Magic Circle’s Young Magicians of the Year (first ever girls!).

Steve Gore
Steve Gore has been a professional magician for over twenty five years. He joined the Bradford magic circle in 1992, Northern magic circle in 1994 and the British ring in 1995. He was the past president of the Northern magic circle in 2009, past president of the Bradford magic circle in 2000 and due to be it again next year. He has won lots of awards over the years including the Northern Magic Circle stage competition where, with Stevie B, won 1st place for the comedy and the originality award.

The highlight of his magical career was in 2014 when he lectured and performed a week of shows in the parlour of the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. A magical inventor and creator, he has been lecturing for 6 years at most of the clubs in England and started organising lecture tours for 4-5 years. He has built up a contact list of talented and brilliant magicians and friends over the years and will make STIMF 2017 one to remember… for all the right reasons!

Andrew Green – Gala Show
Andrew Green is one of the leading award-winning close up magicians and grand scale illusionists in the UK today. His breath-taking performances of close up magic and illusion have taken him around the world and have seen him performing for Heads of State in India, CEO’s of large global fashion corporations in Asia and at major media events across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

He is proud to have been invited to perform at hundreds of exclusive events for companies such as Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein-Singapore, and for many top celebrities such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Hugh Bonneville, Wayne & Colleen Rooney and at various Hello Magazine and OK Magazine parties.

Simon Hannah – Children’s Show, Lecture
Simon Hannah is one of the most sought-after family and children’s magical entertainers to come out of West Yorkshire. When it comes to professional magical entertainment, Simon comes to you armed with over 25 years’ experience and has performed for some of the UK’s top clients, companies and entertainment establishments such as Royal Household, Ministry of Defence, Butlins, Pontins and Haven.

Mark James
Mark James has worked professionally for over a decade, on land and at sea in over 40 countries worldwide. He’s performed everywhere from The World Famous Magic Castle, Hollywood to The Orient Express. Outside of being a magician he features yearly in pantomime for UK Productions, taking the role of ‘principal comic’ and also provides ‘audience warm up’ for many TV shows such as A Question Of Sport & The Voice!

Last year Mark flew to Ohio to give a lecture for Penguin Magic USA. He’s also performed and lectured at the world’s largest magic convention in Blackpool, UK.

Mark’s show is a non-stop laugh riot that will have you on the edge of your seat and giggling like a child.

Michael Murray – Lecture, Gala Show
As with most mentalists, Michael’s original interest was in the art of magic. At the age of 16, he was offered a job at the local magic store “Magicbox” and from that point on spent almost every moment of everyday practising ‘sleight of hand’ techniques and devouring as much material as possible. Mentalism didn’t appeal to him in the early days until he saw Derren Brown on TV in 2000 and began his calling.

The first product he ever produced was titled “Beyond ESP”, which is now in its third printing and has sold almost 15,000 copies. Having attracted the attention of several world class performers, including Max Maven, Richard Osterlind and Banachek, Michael had quickly established himself amongst his peers.

R Paul Wilson – Q&A
R. Paul Wilson returns with his movie ‘Our Magic’ which will be followed with a Q&A with some of the stars of the movie.

He is an actor, an author, director, producer and one of the world’s foremost experts on the art of deception, as well as an award-winning magician, creator and consultant. The former star of BBC’s hit show ‘The Real Hustle’ now works in the film industry but continues to pursue his love of magic and sleight of hand, performing for clients all over the world.

Our bed and breakfast accommodation in South Shields has been pleased to host both magic festival performers and magic enthusiasts attending previous South Tyneside International Magic Festivals.

You can read a review from a guest who stayed with us during a previous South Tyneside International Magic Festival here…

South Tyneside Magic Festival Accommodation Review

Best B&B in South Shields. From a very warm & friendly welcome on arrival and each morning at breakfast nothing seems too much to make your stay a good one. The place is immaculately clean and well kept and the beds are wonderfully comfortable. The breakfasts are amongst the best I’ve had anywhere; good in quantity and tasted delicious. They also have a 5 Star hygiene rating for their catering. Facilities available in the dining room if you want to prepare a snack or enjoy a takeaway. No problem parking on street outside. I was driving to and from a convention but the beach front, parks, restaurants of Ocean Rd and the town centre are all within a few minutes walk. I highly recommend Annie’s and just hope it doesn’t mean it will be fully booked when I next want to check in. Don’t let the fact that they don’t know they’re rates are too low dissuade you, this place is a real gem of a find. Room Tip: All of the rooms are good. There are two which have a shared bathroom (private keys); these are great value and the bathroom is impressive – huge roll top bath (with a family of plastic ducks!) and a big corner shower.” title=”South Tyneside International Magic Festival Review – Best B&B in South Shields. From a very warm & friendly welcome on arrival and each morning at breakfast nothing seems too much to make your stay a good one. The place is immaculately clean and well kept and the beds are wonderfully comfortable. The breakfasts are amongst the best I’ve had anywhere; good in quantity and tasted delicious. They also have a 5 Star hygiene rating for their catering. Facilities available in the dining room if you want to prepare a snack or enjoy a takeaway. No problem parking on street outside. I was driving to and from a convention but the beach front, parks, restaurants of Ocean Rd and the town centre are all within a few minutes walk. I highly recommend Annie’s and just hope it doesn’t mean it will be fully booked when I next want to check in. Don’t let the fact that they don’t know they’re rates are too low dissuade you, this place is a real gem of a find.

Room Tip: All of the rooms are good. There are two which have a shared bathroom (private keys); these are great value and the bathroom is impressive – huge roll top bath (with a family of plastic ducks!) and a big corner shower.

If you are looking for hotel accommodation for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival at The Customs House in South Shields our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

At the time of writing we still have some availability for the weekend of the South Tyneside International Magic Festival.

Published on 7th January 2017 22:03.

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Events, Family-Friendly, Places to Shop

Christmas Fair at Haven Point

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Shields > Pier Parade > Haven Point

If you are staying at our bed and breakfast accommodation this weekend then you may be interested in visiting Haven Point in South Shields which is hosting a Christmas Fair on Saturday 26th November from 10am until 5pm and also on Sunday 27th November from 10am until 4pm.

Christmas Fair At Haven Point Pier Parade South Shields NE33 2JS

Haven Point’s Christmas Fair will feature over 60 stalls selling beautiful arts & crafts, jewellery, trinkets, decorations and unique festive food – the perfect place to pick up a fantastic selection of Christmas gifts.

The stalls will be located over two floors at Haven Point on Pier Parade and there will be additional small fairground rides outside for children.

If you are looking for hotel accommodation near Haven Point in South Shields our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

Published on 24th November 2016 08:49.

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Events, Family-Friendly, Places to Visit, Theatre

North East Pantomimes 2016

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Shields > Mill Dam > The Customs House

If you are staying at our bed and breakfast accommodation over the next few weeks and want to watch a Christmas Pantomime while you are in North East England then we have compiled a comprehensive list of all the Pantomimes taking place.

Jack And The Beanstalk Pantomime 2016 The Customs House Mill Dam South Shields NE33 1ES

Cinderella at Theatre Royal, 100 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6BR from 22nd November 2016 until 15th January 2017.

Cinderella will be brought spectacularly to life in a sumptuous production packed with special effects, family-friendly comedy, stunning sets, outrageous costumes, and that most magical pantomime moment when Cinderella is transported to the Prince’s Ball with the help of a pumpkin, some mice and lots of Fairy Godmother magic.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Gala Theatre, 1 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA from 24th November 2016 until 7th January 2016.

After last year’s acclaimed and best-selling Cinderella, Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley are back to write, direct and star in the Gala Theatre Pantomime once more as they bring you the heroic and hilarious tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire Theatre, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3EX from 9th until 31st December 2016.

Packed full of hilarious jokes, show-stopping song and dance, larger-than-life characters, colourful costumes, sparkling sets and amazing CGI special effects, Sleeping Beauty is set to be another spectacular pantomime that promises to add a fairy tale touch to your festive season.

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1ES from 29th November 2016 until 7th January 2017.

This year’s production will star Ray Spencer – who many will know as his former alter ego Tommy the Trumpeter – as Dame and panto regulars Luke Maddison as Jack and Steven Lee Hamilton as baddie Fleshcreep.

James and the Giant Peach at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH from 19th November until 31st December 2016.

This adaption of the much loved Roald Dahl story is packed full of songs, a sprinkling of joining in, and of course a giant juicy peach. Northern Stage’s show will capture the imagination of the whole family.

Beauty and the Beast at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 117 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AG from 2nd until 30th December 2016.

This year Newcastle Panto present the enchanting story of Beauty and the Beast.

In a small French village, the beautiful and intelligent Belle ignores her suitor, the vain and boorish Gaston, as she cares for her father, eccentric inventor Maurice.

Aladdin at Whitley Bay Playhouse, Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LZ from 5th December 2016 until until 2nd January 2017.

From the same team that brought you 2015’s smash hit, prepare to be taken on an enchanting journey you will remember forever.

Whitley Bay’s wishes have come true as Boyzone’s Shane Lynch will star as the evil Abanazar.

Sleeping Beauty at Consett Empire, Front Street, Consett, DH8 5AB from 2nd until 31st December 2016.

Starring Leah Bell and full supporting cast, Sleeping Beauty promises to be bursting with magic, hilarious characters, fantastic scenery and lots of audience participation.

The Jungle Book at Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS from 13th until 30th December 2016.

Enjoy the comical adventures of Mowgli the man cub as he battles to survive and become the leader of the pack, as Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book gets the Oddsocks treatment.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Forum Theatre Billingham, Queensway, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 2LJ from 3rd December 2016 until 8th January 2017.

Barnaby as Barni, The Harper Brothers as The Henchmen, Craig Ansell as Dame Polly Pott, Charlie Cairoli as King, Victoria Holtom as Sweet Pea – The Bean Fairy, Kurtis Stacey as Fleshcreep and new to the Forum – Lola Saunders as Jill, Danny Walters as Jack and The Giant as Himself.

If you are looking for hotel accommodation in North East England our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

For more theatrical productions being performed in North East England visit Theatre.

Published on 16th November 2016 22:17.

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Events, Family-Friendly, Leaflets & Guidebooks

Juice Festival 2016

Home > Tyne & Wear > Gateshead

If you are visiting our bed and breakfast accommodation over the half term holiday you may like to visit Juice Festival – a festival for families and under 25’s that takes place from Saturday 22nd until Saturday 29th October 2016.

Juice Festival 2016

You can see the 28 page guide to this years Juice Festival below…

Venues for Juice Festival include…

Discovery Museum on Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA.

Trinity Square, Gateshead, NE8 1AG.

Gateshead Central Library on Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4LN.

Newcastle City Library, New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX.

Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB.

Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH.

Great North Museum Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT.

The Lawnmowers, Swinburne Street, Gateshead, NE8 1AX.

Pelaw Youth Centre, Shields Road, Pelaw, Gateshead, NE10 0QD.

Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BR.

The Cluny 2, Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ.

The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE.

BALTIC, Gateshead, NE8 3BA.

Northumbria University Students Union, Sandyford Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8SB.

Sage Gateshead, Gateshead, NE8 2JR.

BodyZone Ladies Fitness, Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6UF.

If you are looking for hotel accommodation for your visit to Gateshead our bed and breakfast best price and room availability is here Book Online.

Room information including photographs can be found on the Accommodation page of our website.

Published on 1st October 2016 11:50.

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