Council Leader Adam McVey has written to the Russian Ambassador in London to state that Russia’s Consulate is no longer welcome in Scotland’s Capital city.
In line with the decision made by Council on 17 March, the strongly worded letter to Mr Andrey Kelin says the City of Edinburgh Council has severed all existing and future engagements with the Russian Consulate, until Russia withdraws from Ukraine.
In it, the Leader clarifies that this move is a measure against Russia’s war and it’s ruler – and does not oppose Russian citizens, many of whom have expressed opposition to their country’s territorial policies.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: ““Countless Russians around the world and here in Edinburgh have spoken out against this war – but it isn’t these courageous people of conscience the Russian Consulate or Russian Ambassador stand for. Their offices represent Putin’s tyrannical regime and the horrific war crimes being made against Ukraine.
“Our ties will be severed for as long as this illegal invasion persists and our solidarity will remain with the people of Ukraine, many of whom have fled their home country to seek refuge here in Edinburgh. We will continue to do everything within our power to ensure they feel safe, heard and welcome in our city from the moment they land.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day commented: “As a city, we condemn the actions of Putin’s regime and all those who support it by remaining silent. This includes the Russian Consulate and Russian Ambassador, which are no longer welcome in Edinburgh, and I hope this letter spells out our stance loud and clear.
“It’s one of many symbolic actions we are taking against Russia’s war on Ukraine, alongside giving the Freedom of the City to Ukraine’s heroic political leaders Volodymyr Zelensky and Vitali Klitschko, flying the Ukrainian flag above the City Chambers and lighting up the Granton gasholder blue and yellow.
“Our most vital work, however, is taking place on the ground. We’re supporting aid efforts to Poland and Ukraine and helping refugees settle into new lives. We are working closely with partners across all sectors on this and have allocated £100,000 of Council funding to support it.”
The letter in full:
Dear Mr Andrei Kelin,
At the City of Edinburgh Full Council meeting on March 17th 2022, Councillors from all parties voted unanimously to condemn the brutal war perpetuated by Russia and made clear that the Russian Consulate is no longer welcome in Edinburgh until Russia stops this illegal war and Russian troops leave Ukrainian soil.
The Council also agreed to sever all existing and future engagements with the Russian Consul.We are joining many others in opposing this Russian invasion and the murder of innocent Ukrainians.
However, even as those measures are taken, we make clear that our city is not an enemy of the Russian people, we recognise the courageous actions across the Russian population who have expressed opposition to this war at great cost to themselves at the hands of their own Government in Moscow.
We are witnessing the actions of the Government you represent, and the murder of brave Ukrainian civilians and soldiers- which will be investigated as war crimes in due course. Our wholehearted sympathy and thoughts are with the Ukrainian people is resisting the Russian Government’s illegal and senseless war.
Until Russia withdraws from Ukraine, I reiterate that we will not be accepting any civic invitations or collaborations of any kind and I ask that you withdraw the Consul from our City immediately- they are not welcome in Edinburgh.
Craigroyston Primary School Head Teacher says goodbye
‘How lucky I am having something that makes saying goodbye so hard’ – Winnie the Pooh
“I leave today with a heart full of love for my school and a community I am proud to have served for over thirty years’ – Craigroyston Head Teacher Lorna Stewart
Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault in Leith. Officers have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist their enquiries.
The incident happened around 11:30pm on Tuesday, 7 September, 2021 outside the Mousetrap pub on Leith Walk.
A 30-year-old man was attacked and sustained injuries to his face, which required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Officers believe that the man shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would appeal to him or anyone who recognises him to contact them.
The man shown in the image is described as 20 to 30 years old, between 5’10 and 6 foot, of thin build with a short, shaved haircut. He is shown in the images wearing a two-tone The North Face jacket with a black upper section and a light blue lower section.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, of Gayfield CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and our inquiries have been ongoing.
“If you have any information about this incident or can identify this man, please contact us on 101 quoting incident number 3440 of 8th September 2021 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
BAN THE BRAVADO:SCOTTISH HOMEOWNERS’ ‘HAVE A GO’ MENTALITY COULD BE PUTTING HOMES IN DANGER
More than a third of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt DIY in the home since lockdown
That is in spite of almost two thirds (65%) ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ or below
Almost three quarters of households in Scotland do their own DIY as opposed to calling in a professional – yet well over half (58%) admit to calling in a professional tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job; potentially costing thousands
In response, leading electrical certification body, NICEIC, is encouraging homeowners across the nation to ‘ban the bravado’ and go pro when it comes to electrical DIY in the home
Whilst Scots may be known for their ‘have a go’ mentality, when it comes to safety in the home a can-do attitude may be putting UK homes and families in danger.
According to new research by NICEIC, the UK’s leading electrical certification body, more than more than a third (36%) of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt their own DIY in the home since the Coronavirus lockdowns – in spite of 65% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ at best.
Lockdowns aside, almost three quarters (74%) of households in the country will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; yet 58% admit to having to call in a tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job. Where a professional has been called in to rectify a DIY project which has gone wrong, over a third (35%) has ended up with a bill in excess of £500. A fifth (19%) wish they’d got a professional in to start with.
Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for those in Scotland carrying out DIY themselves (62%) – but well over a quarter (28%) still prefers to avoid having people in their home due to COVID-19.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK homeowners, also found that 53% of homeowners across the UK would be happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications – and it’s not just painting and decorating. Almost a quarter (24%) would dabble in general electricals, 51% in landscaping and 25% in plumbing.
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, said: “With so many Brits forced to stay home during the national lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, its unsurprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and ‘have a go’ when it comes to DIY.
“It is worrying, however, that so many are willing to do this in spite of having a clear lack of experience, qualifications or even ability – especially when it comes to home electrics.
“A botched electrical job can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it’s too late, putting UK homes and families in danger.
“With well over half of Scottish homeowners admitting to calling out a professional when things go wrong, the message is clear – when it comes to electrics in the home, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical contractor such as those with the NICEIC; it could mean the difference between life and death.”
And it would seem a reluctance to ask for help or a belief that ‘I can do it myself’ (55%) has led to over a quarter (27%) of the region’s homeowners waiting until the absolute worst-case scenario before calling a professional tradesperson to fix a botched DIY job in the home.
In fact, 11% of those surveyed admit to ‘Googling it’ and giving it a go when it comes to a DIY job they haven’t done before.
Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety First, comments: “There is only so much that online videos can tell you. Even watching the better ones will not give you the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks.
“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’ If in any doubt, get a professional in – it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones.”
To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, please visit NICEIC.
Edinburgh’s Kaleidoscope Bar scoops top prize at Whisky Magazine Awards
OPEN TO ALL: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar at 28 Queen Street Edinburgh has been announced as Global Whisky Bar of the Year at the prestigious Whisky Magazine 2022 awards. A visit is a must for all whisky adventurers in the city
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s (SMWS) Kaleidoscope Bar in Edinburgh has been named the Icons of Whisky, ‘Global Whisky Bar of the Year,’ in Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards 2022 in London. A huge achievement for the SMWS and superb timing as we head into a restriction-free summer.
The journey of discovery when tasting whisky can be overwhelming but Kaleidoscope Bar offers something quite magical for both SMWS members and non-members compared to rival whisky experiences. From the bar’s remarkable and captivating building to offering guests can’t-buy-anywhere-else whiskies and experiences, a visit to the bar is a must for all whisky adventurers in the city.
Kaleidoscope Bar is a warm, welcoming whisky bar located on the ground floor of 28 Queen Street, an elegant four-story Georgian town house in the heart of Scotland’s capital city. The award-winning bar is open to all, offering fantastic welcome deals to not-yet-members including ‘Membership and a bottle for £99’.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s focus is always on flavour and Kaleidoscope Bar love to experiment with sensory elements to enhance the enjoyment of drinking whisky. Every visit brings something different with a new selection of rare whiskies to explore almost every week alongside creative food pairings, music matches, one-of-a-kind cask cocktails to playing with aroma.
A recent collaboration with Kingdom Scotland, Scotland’s first fragrance house, incorporated guests’ olfactory systems to show how your sense of smell is key to discovery when enjoying whisky.
Kaleidoscope Bar’s expertly trained staff guide visitors through the colourful world of SMWS whiskies and recommend the best dram for them based on their flavour preferences. It’s the perfect way to discover and learn about SMWS whisky, but also the benefits of being an SMWS member.
The bar is home to an ever-changing collection of more than 500 exclusive single malts from Scotland and beyond – the SMWS recently celebrated its 150th distillery release, from Ireland. The bar also offers the finest craft beers, artisanal spirits, cocktails and wines.
The 28 Queen Street venue hosts a busy programme of colourful whisky tasting experiences, previews of new SMWS bottlings, one-off whisky events and masterclasses as well as private bookings – there’s something for everyone.
Commenting on the prestigious award, Sarah Prior, Venue Manager at 28 Queen Street, said: “To win ‘Global Whisky Bar of the Year’ is an outstanding achievement and to gain that highest level of recognition is amazing.
“We pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming bar with expertise in whisky, but Kaleidoscope is a fantastic bar for anyone to visit, whatever their level of whisky knowledge. If you’re a whisky lover already, it’s a must-visit location.
“The passion our staff have for the Society is embodied in our friendly and first-class service. Being open to non-members gives us the chance to show this love for the world’s most colourful whisky club.
“From ever-changing unique single malt and one-of-a-kind single cask drams to a range of summer cocktails and delicious bar snacks, there’s something to please every guest. As we welcome more visitors to our beautiful city over the summer months, Kaleidoscope Bar will be the place to visit in Edinburgh for locals and tourists alike.”
Begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now and find out more about visiting Kaleidoscope Bar here: smws.com/venues/28-queen-street
Stress can indirectly affect our heart by reducing motivation to eat well and exercise. Feeling stressed can also increase the likelihood that we will use negative coping strategies such as increasing the amount of alcohol we drink.
Stress occurs when we feel that we are unable to cope with the demands placed on us. We can address stress by assessing and changing our demands, and by changing our relationship to the things that cause us stress.
Here are some top tips for helping to manage your stress:
Keep Moving
Regular exercise has been shown to positively influence our ability to manage stress and reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions.
Take Time to Re-Charge
Managing our energy levels throughout the day by taking moments to re-charge can help us to better deal with the demands placed on us. This could be taking regular breaks from work, relaxing through meditation, or even a short powernap!
Challenge your Thoughts
The way we think about our demands will influence how stressed we feel. You can ask yourself questions such as “how would I advise a friend in my situation?” to help re-frame what is going on in your life.
Break it Down
When we have lots to do, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. When this happens, it can be useful to break down your tasks and plan how you will tackle a situation.
Seek Support
It is okay to ask for help. It can help to share stressors with a friend or contact a mental health professional via your GP or another service such as Samaritans.
Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe reveals a further 47 shows joining it’s 2022 line-up
The additional shows go on sale today – Tuesday 05 April
Joining the 2022 Fringe herd are Fringe festival royalty, the original, trailblazing, genre-defining cabaret show, La Clique, hip-hop musical comedy sensation Abandoman and celebrated stand-up star, Rhys Nicholson
Circus Abyssinia and the Olivier Award-winning The Tiger Lillies are both set to return following world tours
A number of family friendly shows are joining the mix including The Gruffalo, the Giant and the Mermaid with Julia Donaldson and The Wonder Games with Maddie and Greg
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is also set to return with a massive line-up of the biggest names at this year’s Fringe supporting The Brain Tumour Charity
Underbelly has unveiled a further 47 shows joining this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe line-up. The 2022 list includes a range of performance royalty alongside up and coming talent set to take Edinburgh by storm.
Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe runs from the 3 – 29 August 2022 across four sites: George Square, Circus Hub on the Meadows, Cowgate and Bristo Square. The line-up includes:
Cabaret and Variety highlights
Born at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004 and subsequently travelling the world to international acclaim, La Clique is widely regarded as the original Spiegeltent cabaret show that created a genre of its own. A decade on from winning the Best Entertainment Olivier Award and fresh from performances in London and Singapore, La Clique promises to be a night of laughs, gasps, naughtiness and the best in international cabaret.
The Tiger Lillies are back. After years away, touring the world, the Olivier Award-winning godfathers of alternative cabaret celebrate their 30th anniversary with a triumphant return to the Fringe. Based on the seminal 18th century ‘Beggar’s Opera’, the band presents a new song cycle One Penny Opera, a world of greed, crime, poverty, and inequality. Expect immense beauty and outrageous comedy from the Grammy-nominated, street opera trio.
Two of the world’s leading alcohol experts, The Thinking Drinkers, return with a hilarious quiz show that gets the rounds in – in more ways than one. With a pen and question sheet in one hand and several world-class drinks in the other, join them on a uniquely absurd, fact-filled journey through time in Pub Quiz. Following a sell-out show in 2018, magician Tom Brace takes a trip down memory lane to Cluedo, Roald Dahl and one film in particular from 1985…with a brand-new magic show for all ages, Embrace the impossible!
Circus highlights
A dazzling showcase of superhuman strength, speed, skill and flight, Circus Abyssinia blends together an unmissable performance of breath-taking contortion, awe-inspiring acrobatics and mesmerising fire-juggling with a rocking, exuberant soundtrack. After touring internationally, including a sell-out run in New York, they return to the Scottish capital with their greatly anticipated new show, Tulu.
Comedy highlights
Ireland’s finest hip hop musical comedian, is coming back to the Udderbelly with his biggest show yet. Using his trademark blend of audience interaction and razor-sharp improvisation, Abandoman will take you on a magical journey, transforming the audience’s likes, loathes and daydreams into hit songs and captivating tales.
Celebrated stand-up star, and now RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under judge, Rhys Nicholson is set to return with his unmissable Rhys! Rhys! Rhys!.
Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer nominee and new act of the year (NATYS) award winner Bilal Zafar returns with a brand-new show, CARE. Also joining the comedy line-up is Deirdre O’ Kane, there’s a point beyond burnout where all you can do is laugh, and shehas well and truly reached it. Don’t miss the star of Sky’s The Deirdre O’Kane Show and Moone Boy, and the voice of Gogglebox Ireland, as she returns to Fringe with Demented.
99 problems. 50 minutes. 1 woman. 1 spider suit. 30 seconds per problem. An insufficient number of solutions. If you currently have or have ever had problems, the new show from award-winning comedian and journalist Ange Lavoipierre: I’ve Got 99 Problems and Here’s an Exhaustive List of them is absolutely for you. This frantic yet beguiling display of self-pity is the holiday from your own problems you’ve been waiting for.
Jason Byrne is set to host a second show at this year’s Fringe. The Paddy Lama-Shed Talks is a one-man play where Jason Byrne brings the full life of Paddy Byrne to the stage playing his dad, keeping him alive in stories full of laughter and tears. Totally unlike anything we’ve seen before from the comedy legend.
Another award-winning Irish comedian, Aidan Greene, has stammered since he was four years old. He’s managed to make that funny. But what if he had never stammered at all? I Know What You Did Last Stammer questions how having a disability can shape a life by looking at a life without it.
Drunk Women Solving Crime is returning to the Fringe following a sell-out debut Fringe run in 2019, this is a true crime podcast with a twist…of lime. Each episode sees the boozed-up panel of hilarious hosts Hannah George, Catie Wilkins and Taylor Glenn welcome a top guest to test out their drunk detective skills and solve true crime cases.
Acclaimed stand-up Dan Cook returns with a brand-new show of high-energy, contemplative idiocy, Loud Bit, Quiet Bit, Loud Bit, Quiet Bit. Another comedy legend set to return this year is Garry Starr withGreece Lightning, where audiences and an overzealous idiot attempt to perform all of Greek Mythology in less than 60 minutes to save his Hellenic homeland from economic ruin.
Fringe favourite Paul Foot returns withSwan Power. Following appearances on ‘8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ on Channel 4 and ‘Breaking The News’ on BBC Radio Scotland, Paulis set to explore topics including Nanna on the rack, murdering Santas and interfering ambulance drivers (self-appointed busybodies!).
In its 4th year, Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit returns for another stupendous evening of comedy to help fight against brain tumours. With previous year’s line-up including including Joel Dommett, Nina Conti, Russell Howard and Iain Stirling, this is the comedy event of the festival! Line-up announcements coming soon!
Theatre Highlights
Set to take the Fringe by storm is DESTINY. Following a teenage girl growing up on a Chippenham council estate: born below the breadline, desperate to see beyond the neighbourhood and find hope in hopelessness. Following sell-out Fringe runs in 2018 & 2019, Box Tale Soup returns with a new version of Swift’s incredible adventure: Gulliver tells tales of lands undiscovered and creatures unheard of, but is he really the same man who disappeared so long ago?
After a sold-out run, The B Collective returns with their exhilarating high-octane show Murder Ballads, adapted from the album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Weaving Cave’s outrageous songs into a darkly comic narrative, the performers take you through stories of betrayals, bar brawls and blood baths. With an interactive investigation involving karaoke, lip syncing and absolute bangers, Coming Out Of My Cage (And I’ve Been Doing Just Fine)is a theatre show to add to the top of your list this year. ‘Mr Brightside’ hasn’t left the UK charts in 18 years. How did it end up like this?
Children’s Shows highlights
The Gruffalo, the Giant and the Mermaid with Julia Donaldson is set to be a firm family favourite this year. Following a sell-out show in 2018, UK’s best-selling author Julia Donaldson returns with a brand-new show based on her much-loved books. Packed full of songs, puppetry, and audience interaction and with book signings after each performance, join Harry and Betty at their scarecrows wedding and see if the grumpy Go-Away Bird would like a friend after all.
As seen on Cbeebies’ ‘Maddie’s Do You Know?’ and CBBC’s Blue Peter and following the huge success of their YouTube family science show ‘Let’s Go Live’, Maddie and Greg can’t wait to challenge each other (and the audience!) in a battle of curiosity, creativity and silliness. Join them for an interactive family show packed with fun, facts, and supersized games at The Wonder Games with Maddie and Greg!
Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe runs from the 3 – 29 August 2022 across 19 venues and 4 sites; George Square, Circus Hub on the Meadows, Cowgate and Bristo Square. Further exciting programme details will be revealed in the coming months.
Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Underbelly, said“After two scunnered years, we couldn’t be more delighted with our festival line-up which has something for everyone!
“The team have done a brilliant job in producing our most dynamic programme to date. With even more exciting acts still to come, watch this space for line-up announcements.”
Free and cut-price things to do over the Easter holidays
Which? is advising families facing cost of living pressures on how they can save money over the Easter holidays with these handy hacks for free, or cut-price, activities.
1. Enjoy a meal out with ‘kids eat free’ offers
When dining out as a family, it is worth checking if nearby restaurants offer discounts for children. Many restaurants and cafes run ‘kids eat free’ offers during the holidays. Which? found several popular chains offered discounts at certain times, including Yo! Sushi, The Real Greek and Morrisons Cafe.
2. Visit a theme park for less
Check the prices at attractions in advance, to save. For example, Which? found an adult day pass bought on the day at Alton Towers costs £62, but only £34 when bought in advance – a 45% saving.
Shoppers can also save money on days out at theme parks and attractions up and down the country when purchasing groceries at the supermarket.
Which? found that some Carex handwashes have vouchers for half-price entry for Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Sea Life Centres and Sanctuaries valid until May 31 2022.
Meanwhile, selected Kellogg’s cereal packs and snacks offer ‘adults go free’ vouchers for Merlin attractions valid until June 2022.
Tesco Clubcard holders can convert points into Tesco Reward Partners Vouchers, which can be used for as much as three times the saving at theme parks, wildlife parks and more.
3. Learn something new at a free gallery or museum
Many UK national galleries and museums are free to enter and are an easy way to entertain the family for a day out. Which? members highly rated: St. Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Beamish: The Living Museum of the North in County Durham, National Railway Museum in York, Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, Shropshire and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Just remember they may need visitors to book a free ticket before arrival.
4. Burn off the Easter chocolate with some sport
There are many free sporting activities available up and down the country during the holidays. It’s worth checking local council websites for opportunities, some offer free swimming lessons for children, for example.
Alternatively, Parkruns are free weekly events, held every weekend in hundreds of locations around the UK. There are 5k events on Saturday mornings, and junior runs for children on Sundays.
Tennis for Free also offers free tennis sessions for all ages in public parks around the country.
5. Watch the latest movies at a discount
Some cinema chains offer discounts for family films at certain times, usually in the morning. Odeon’s ‘Odeon Kids’, Picturehouse’s ‘Kid’s Club’, and Vue’s ‘Mini Mornings’ all offer discounts for both adults and children.
For example, Vue ‘Mini Morning’ tickets cost £2.49 or £2.99 if you buy online (£3.49/£3.99 at the venue).
Film fans can also get cinema discounts with dining cards Gourmet Society and Tastecard. Both offer up to 40% off some cinema chains and currently offer 90-day free trials.
Anyone who buys a policy through the price comparison website Compare the Market will get 2 for 1 cinema tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a year – those who may have bought a policy recently should check if this offer is available to them. It is also worth checking if your phone provider offers cinema discounts.
O2 customers have access to O2 Priority and can often claim free Odeon tickets to use on Sundays and Mondays. Three Mobile customers can claim £3 adult cinema tickets for Cineworld or Picturehouse using the Three+rewards app and Vodafone customers can get two adult tickets for £7 at most Vue cinemas to use each week, using the My Vodafone app.
6. Catch a theatre show for less
Although usually an expensive outing, it is possible to bag cheaper theatre tickets. Local theatres often host touring West End productions for a fraction of the cost of London shows.
Which? found tickets for The Book of Mormon in Leeds Grand Theatre starting at £15, while prices begin at £40 in London on the same date.
Most theatres offer cheaper tickets for under 30s. For example, the National Theatre offers £5 tickets if you’re under 18, and £10 tickets if you’re under 26.
Every Monday at noon, a number of tickets for Disney shows (The Lion King/Frozen) are available for £25 through DisneyTickets and some shows, including Hamilton, run daily lotteries to enter, with winners able to purchase tickets for between £10-£35 for a performance that week.
Apps such as TodayTix can save visitors up to 66% on certain shows. Which? found tickets for Roald Dahl’s Matilda on Thursday 7 April for £25.
Often, seats at the back of the theatre cost less, but it is worth checking if the view is obstructed. Seatplan allows visitors to check out the view before purchasing tickets.
7. Take the train to save on days out
Some train companies offer cheap train travel for children travelling with an adult. For example, Southeastern, Chiltern Railways, London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway will allow up to four children (aged 5-15) to travel for £1 on a single or return journey when joined by an adult in off-peak times.
Which? found an adult and two children could go from London to Margate and back on Southeastern services for under £30, with the children’s tickets costing £2. If two adults are travelling, they could save money with a railcard – the two together card costs £30 upfront but also saves a third on rail fares for a year.
National Rail also offers 2 for 1 tickets at a range of attractions nationwide including Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and London Zoo when purchased with a train ticket.
8. Take advantage of local libraries
As well as borrowing physical books for free, most libraries allow users to borrow e-books and audiobooks. Some can also grant access to digital magazines and newspapers. Check local library offers via on the local council website and sign up for free.
9. Explore the great outdoors
Take advantage of the free parks up and down the country. Check out the Which? guide on the best national parks in the UK. Alternatively, plan a walk using Which?’s guide to the best UK walks.
Those in search of adventure could try geocaching tracking co-ordinates on a smartphone app to find hidden boxes known as ‘caches’. The National Trust has 10 places to try.
10. Seek out free local events
Many local councils offer free events during school holidays, so it is worth checking their websites. Search the local council’s name followed by ‘half-term activities’ to see what’s going on in that area. It is always worth checking out the local council’s website.
For example, Which? saw that Manchester City Council will be running springtime craft sessions and Haringey Council in London will offer free Easter workshops for teens aged 11-16 in creative writing, drama and film.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? Home Products and Services Editor, said: “With the rising cost of living taking its toll on household finances, millions of families are looking to cut down on their spending. However, there are plenty of fun, cheap and free activities you can do during the Easter holidays that don’t need to break the bank.
“Theme parks offer discounted entry if you book in advance, and there are plenty of deals on offer ahead of the Easter holidays. Many cinemas and theatres also offer discounts for children. It is worth checking if your local council is running free events or workshops, while parks and museums are free to enjoy at your leisure.”
Leading entertainment industry training programme and talent management. Stagebox, has announced audition dates taking place across the nation from April 2022.
The annual search sees experts audition passionate performers aged 8-18 years old from across the country (and internationally), offering successful members the chance to benefit from world class training and opportunities in a contemporary supercharged industry accelerator for musical theatre, television and film.
Last year’s auditions saw the Stagebox team meet thousands of performers from across the UK and beyond, and this year they anticipate similar interest. This year, auditionees will be able to select whether they are auditioning for an acting or musical theatre membership and their audition day will see them be put through their paces in this discipline.
Many young performers training at Stagebox have already landed dream roles on stage and screen, thanks to the expert training and management.
Stagebox has secured their clients major lead talent screen roles in Oscar nominated and Emmy award winning productions, including Peaky Blinders (Netflix), Sex Education (Netflix), Robin Robin (Netflix), Ted Lasso (Apple TV+), Avenue 5 (HBO), The Power (Amazon Studios), Pistol (Disney +), BAFTA anthology Superdad (Channel 4), Gentleman Jack (Netflix/HBO), Lagging (BBC) and many more.
Stagebox management clients also continue to star in West End and UK Tour musicals including Frozen, Matilda the Musical, School of Rock, Annie, The Grinch, Mary Poppins and Tina the Musical to name a few.
To further the opportunities for their clients, Stagebox Management has also brokered agency partnerships stateside, working alongside Innovative Artists, Paradigm Talent, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Gravity Hill, KMR, Maverick and more.
Commenting on the upcoming 2022 auditions, Stagebox’s General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “We are so excited to begin our nationwide search for the stars of today and tomorrow.
“We are proud of our inclusive, diverse and extraordinarily talented community and we can’t wait to meet those who will join us on the journey.”
Kirsti Bagger, Head Agent at Stagebox, adds: “At Stagebox, the training is second to none, preparing our young stars for careers on the stage and screen. 2021 was one of our most successful years ever with Stagebox Management clients wrapping on global award-winning feature films and television series and critically acclaimed theatre productions.
“We’re committed to making auditions for Stagebox free as part of our ongoing dedication to inclusivity in the arts. We only open for auditions once a year, and we’re excited to see our 2022 auditionees’ incredible new talent!”
These auditions are guaranteed to fill up fast and limited spaces apply. To register your spot for your preferred audition date, please visit the Stagebox website to apply.
