Tag: The Centre Livingston

Cinnabon set to open first Scottish outlet in Livingston

Livingston, the Bons are out of the bag!

Cinnabon® is now able to confirm the launch date for its first Scottish outlet.  We are counting down the days to Friday 26th July at The Centre, Livingston.  Get there early to avoid the queues!

Visitors to the shopping centre will see branded hoarding appear from 8th July as the Cinnabon® team works its magic to transform the area to a paradise of Cinnabon’s Ooey-Gooey® goodness and the smell of warm cinnamon and frosting.

Dan Smith, Brand Manager for Cinnabon, is delighted to confirm the first of several openings across Scotland: “It certainly has been difficult keeping this launch a secret, with many people across press and social media guessing that Livingston will be Cinnabon’s first store in Scotland. 

“To say we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response is an understatement and reinforces our decision to open at The Centre, Livingston on Friday 26th July.   

“We have a lot of fans in Scotland, and they have been asking us to open here, and now we’ve delivered!  We’ll be there a few days earlier with the Cinnabon® bus so anyone who can’t wait to get their hands on our famous Bons, should head over to The Centre, Livingston to get a taster.”

With a promise of several more outlets over the coming months, Scotland is going to be awash in frosting from the famous American bakery chain and customers can look forward to a full selection of freshly baked Bons, including the Classic Cinnabon®, ChocoBon, Caramel PecanBon, as well as the official Biscoff Bon, and Choco bon made with OREO.  

In addition, Cinnafans will be able to indulge in the latest Chillattas, the infamous homemade lemonades and a selection of premium hot drinks.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston commented: “We are truly delighted to welcome Cinnabon®, and already, there’s been so much excitement just from our team here at The Centre. 

“Our customers will be thrilled to hear that Livingston is confirmed as the first opening on the 26th July and we’re expecting big queues!”

If you have yet to discover Cinnabon® check out the website for more information on,

  • Cinnabon® Classic – The world-famous cinnamon roll is made with a combination of warm dough, legendary Makara cinnamon, and signature frosting for a freshly baked, irresistible sweet treat.
  • PecanBon – The signature Classic Roll, topped with decadent caramel frosting and pecans for the perfect crunch.
  • Biscoff Bon – The signature Classic Roll, generously coated in Biscoff spread and garnished with their signature biscuit.
  • Choco bon made with OREO – Delicious ChocoBon, topped with frosting then fused together with chocolate sauce and topped with OREO crumbs and a delicious OREO biscuit.
  • Chillatta- The coolest way to enjoy a Cinnabon®. This blended frozen masterpiece comes in a variety of flavours.

And if you can’t wait for the Livingston store to open, you can still get your fix online at www.cinnabon.uk

Bluey & Bingo join in the ‘Superhero Takeover’ at The Centre Livingston

Back by popular demand, the children’s favourite characters, Bluey & Bingo are set to return to The Centre, Livingston on Saturday, 20th and Sunday, 21st of July as part of Comic Con’s ‘Superhero Takeover’, which will also feature two giant, 9ft transformers who are making their debut at the free event.

Following the success of Comic Con’s first visit to the shopping centre earlier this year, the much-loved characters will be joining lots of comic favourites, including Spider-Man, Venom, Iron Man, Sonic and Knuckles in walkabouts and ‘Meet & Greets’, which will take place next to Waterstones and British Heart Foundation.

Two giant 9ft transformers will also be taking part in the fun, located at the main entrance to The Centre, Livingston and over 60 exhibitors, showcasing a variety of movie and television props, one-of-a-kind collectables and selling various merchandise exclusives.

All details for the event, which is free with optional donations to West Lothian Community Foundation, can be found on the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.

The aim of West Lothian Community Foundation is to use football as an activity to promote the educational and health development of people of all ages in the community, with particular emphasis on targeting those who are less engaged with sporting activities, to help them reach their full potential.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Due to customer demand and the huge success of our first Comic Con event earlier this year, we are really excited to welcome them back on the 20th and 21st of July for more superhero fun with walkabouts, ‘Meet & Greets’ and the chance to pick up some limited-edition collectables.

“We are delighted to be able to support the local charity, West Lothian Community Foundation, at the event who are doing exceptional work connecting with people in the local community and helping them to get fit.”

Ian Bonar from BGCP Comic Con, said: “BGCP is thrilled to return to The Centre, Livingston, the first event absolutely blew us away and was well received by locals and others who travelled from Fife, Dundee, Glasgow and further afield.

“Our goal is to top each visit to the centre.”

Graham Jarvis from West Lothian Youth Foundation, said: “Our huge thanks and appreciation go out to everyone who is supporting us this summer at The Centre, Livingston.

“We are an integral part of the community with a mission to get as many people into sports and as fit as possible which is why partnering with the shopping centre is such a fantastic opportunity for us to help raise even more awareness of our workshops, courses and summer camps.”

The Centre Livingston launches ‘Jump Into Summer’ free events programme

To celebrate some of the sporting events taking place this summer, including the Euro’s, Scottish Golf Open and the Olympics, The Centre, Livingston has invited three charities and a social enterprise to take part in its ‘Jump into Summer’ sports themed events programme, which includes a ‘Beat the Goalie’ challenge in a Euro’s football pop up, basketball and table tennis ‘try outs’ and 44 free daily workshops.

The action-packed event is designed to give visitors the chance to try out a new sport or improve their skills and join in the various free sessions for kids of all ages, running from Saturday, 29th June until Monday, 12th August, from 11am – 4pm each day.

In partnership with West Lothian Community Foundation, a Euro’s football pop up will be located at the activity hub near Waterstones from the 4th – 8th July where shoppers can take part in a ‘Beat the Goalie’ challenge and get help from the coaches on how to improve their technique.

Newly signed players from Livingston FC will also be joining in the fun on Friday, 5th at 1.30pm.

To tie in with the Scottish Golf Open, a golf simulator will also be in situ at the activity hub to encourage people to try their hand at the sport or improve their speed and swing from Friday 12th – 14th July.

Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club will also be taking part in the event with various demonstrations and opportunities for shoppers to see how many hoops they can shoot, from Friday 26th – Sunday, 28th July.

On the 3rd and 4th of August West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club, which is a charity based at The Centre, Livingston will also be providing taster and mini coaching sessions. 

Leaderboards will chart the best results on the day at the sports pop ups with lucky shoppers being in with a chance of winning £25 Gift Cards.

To highlight the benefits of cycling, Livingston based social enterprise, West Lothian Bike Library, will be taking up residency next to Car Park 1 on Wednesday, 7th August from 11 – 2pm, where they will also be carrying out bike safety checks.

From the 29th June until the 12th August, on all 44 days, families can take part in a wide variety of free workshops with activity leaders from workouts and storytelling sessions to painting classes and a one mile lap of the shopping centre on Saturday, 10th August at 11am, with kids receiving a wooden keepsake medal at the end for taking part. 

There will also be a ‘Spot the Sport’ trail to find pictures in 10 shop windows and on completion, families can enter a weekly prize draw to win a £50 Gift Card every week. All activities are free with the option to donate to any of the four summer charity partners.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Our ‘Jump into Summer’ sports themed programme, which links into some brilliant events this summer, is packed with lots of free fun-filled activities for kids of all ages.

“This is a great opportunity for us to give visitors the chance to either try out a new sport or improve their skills with the help of some fantastic coaches.

“The event also gives us another opportunity to support and shine a light on the great work that our summer charity partners are doing in the local community, including West Lothian Community Foundation, Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club, West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club and West Lothian Bike Library.”

For more information on all free activities, check out www.thecentrelivingston.com.

Cinnabon set to open first Scottish site at The Centre Livingston

Cinnabon, the makers of the world’s most famous icing covered cinnamon rolls, which started out it in Seattle in 1985 and is now in over 48 countries, is set to open its first site in Scotland in The Centre, Livingston this summer.

The American bakery specialises in freshly baked large and mini Bons, which come in a variety of flavours, including the original roll which is the Classic Cinnabon with Makara cinnamon and signature frosting, ChocoBon and Carmel PecanBon.

Visitors to The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest in Scotland with over 150 shops and eateries, will also be able to enjoy various drinks to accompany their Cinnabon sweet treats, including espressos and Chillatas milkshakes at the new kiosk which will be located in the heart of the shopping centre.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to the arrival of Cinnabon, which is guaranteed to be a big hit with fans and those yet to try them out, and we are delighted to be the first site in Scotland to welcome them.

“This is a very exciting time for us at The Centre, Livingston with the recent opening of Rituals and Cinnabon coming soon, which are both great additions to our existing portfolio of fantastic places to shop and dine out.

“We are planning to announce the arrival of even more fantastic new brands to The Centre, Livingston which will really enhance the overall experience for our visitors.”

Under 12’s Football Kit Sponsorship Opportunity

For the second year running, Under 12s football clubs in West Lothian have been given the opportunity to enter a sports kit sponsorship competition, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston, following the success of the partnership with Mid Calder Colts 2014s team last year.

The sponsorship is part of The Centre, Livingston’s ‘Support in the Community’ initiative aimed at helping various local sports clubs, organisations and local charities and social enterprises to raise awareness, funds and to benefit from sponsorship opportunities.

All football clubs with Under 12s teams are being invited to enter the competition by highlighting why their team should be picked to win the kits.

Last year the management team were inundated with entries, with the Mid Calder Colts 2014s application standing out for many reasons including the dedication and team spirit of the young players, the commitment from all of the coaches all year round to make sure all the kids have fun and the welcoming of players from Craigshill Thistle FC which folded due to financial difficulties.

Applications should be emailed to enquiries@thecentrelivingston.com by Thursday, 20th June at 5pm, to ensure the winning team receives the new shorts and branded tops in time for their first football match after the summer holidays.

Gary Anderson, Operations Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Supporting organisations in our community who are going the extra mile and local sports clubs is very important to us.

“By sponsoring another local football club it gives us the chance to help build the team morale even more, by looking and feeling the part when they play their first match in the Autumn, and help them to get off to a flying start.”

All details and terms and conditions can be found at www.thecentrelivingston.com

Big Kid Circus comes to The Centre Livingston

The Centre, Livingston welcomes the Big Kid Circus to the shopping centre for the first time, which is packed with a fantastic variety of performances by talented acrobats, trapeze artists, daredevils and clowns from Wednesday, 29th May until Sunday, 2nd June.

The show by the circus company, which started in 2005 by talented acrobatic performers Biliana and Kiril Kirilov is entitled ‘Illuminations’ and is currently on tour around the UK.

It features a host of exciting performances by artists from around the world, including Europe’s only all-female motorbike stunt riders inside a mesh sphere ball and heart-warming comedy by twin brothers Rolando and Matrakita from Mexico, under the big tent spotlight, situated behind Primark.

Gary Anderson, Operations Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Big Kid Circus to The Centre, Livingston for the first time.

“The ‘Illumination’ show will be a big hit with our visitors, of all ages, whether you are a circus fan or new to it, with lots of brilliant performances guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.”

For tickets and more information check out Eventbrite and Itison.

Big Kid Circus on 13th February 2024 – Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Allan Maxwell)

Superheroes set to descend upon The Centre Livingston this Easter

Shoppers are in for a special treat this Easter as Batman and the iconic Tumbler Batmobile, and his superhero friends, are set to descend upon The Centre, Livingston this Easter for the first time ever on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of April.

The two-day event, from 10am-4pm, will be hosted by Scotland’s largest free Comic Con, with one of the many highlights being ‘Meet & Greets’ with comic-favourites, including Spider-Man, Venom, Iron Man, Bluey, Sonic and Knuckles.

There will also be over 60 exhibitors with must-see, one-of-a-kind collectables, movie and television props, a gaming zone and merchandise exclusives.

The Tumbler Batmobile, which is replica of the car used in the 2005 Batman Begins movie, will be situated at the Almondvale Boulevard entrance on both days where shoppers will have a chance to get their picture taken with the famous armoured vehicle.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to welcome Comic Con to The Centre, Livingston for the very first time on the 6th and 7th of April, which is gearing up to be a fantastic weekend for comic-fans.

“With opportunities to get photos with superhero favourites and the famous Tumbler Batmobile, and also check out the interactive displays and gaming zone, it will make for a great, fun day out for all of our visitors to the shopping centre.”

Ian Bonar from BGCP Comic Con said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Comic Can at The Centre, Livingston this Easter.

“It will be a great event for superhero fans especially when the character-favourites including Batman, Spider-Man and Iron Man make their special appearances, which always creates a fantastic buzz everywhere they go.”

The event will take place in various areas at The Centre, Livingston, including across from Waterstones, adjacent to New Look and next to Hotel Chocolat.

Children’s author Yvonne Banham takes over the reading chair at The Centre Livingston Book Club

Children’s author Yvonne Banham, who was a nurse for ten years before deciding to embark upon her lifelong dream of becoming a children’s novelist, will be taking over the reading chair at the free Book Club at The Centre, Livingston on Saturday, 16th March.

The aim of the book club is to give visitors to the shopping centre the opportunity to join in regular storytelling and interactive sessions with award-winning authors and discover new books.

Yvonne, who was also a lecturer in Higher Education and won a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, (SCBWI), Undiscovered Voices Award in 2020, grew up on the island of Walney, off the coast of Cumbria and spent lots of time huddled on the wild beach with a scary book. 

When she left school, she couldn’t decide whether to be a nurse, an artist, or a writer, so she tried them all and decided she liked words best. 

Yvonne, who now lives in Stirlingshire and writes paranormal/fantasy fiction for readers age 10-14 years old, will be talking about how she became an author and read extracts from her book, ‘The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie’. 

The book is a ghost filled, paranormal ‘whydunnit’, packed with ghouls, shapeshifters and a grumpy gargoyle played out with lots of humour in the dark underbelly of Edinburgh’s Old Town with themes of friendships, trust, personal boundaries and the joy of found family.

Her interactive sessions will include tips on crafting your own scary story with ghosts, monsters and magical creatures, making the ‘monster’ the hero, and what makes a great villain. Kids will also have the chance to create their own bookmark.

The two 45-minute sessions on Saturday, 16th March will take place at 11am and 1pm across from Waterstones where Yvonne’s book can be purchased and personally signed on the day.

Yvonne said: “I love any opportunity to talk about books, reading and writing, so was thrilled to be invited to The Centre, Livingston to take part in their brilliant Book Club initiative. 

“I’m really looking forward to talking about Delores Mackenzie’s spooky Edinburgh adventures as well as chatting to readers about their own fantastic ideas.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming the very talented author Yvonne Banham to our free Book Club which is designed to give our shoppers the chance to meet lots of award-winning authors and hear extracts from the fantastic books they’ve written.

“The sessions are very interactive and great fun, with visitors also getting the chance to pick up a copy of the books from Waterstones and get them personally signed on the day too.”

Authors and illustrators who have taken up residency at the Book Club since it launched last year, include Catherine Rayner, Justin Davies, Morag Hood, Lindsay Littleson and Linda Erskine.

Further details can be found on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and @shopthecentre on Facebook and Instagram.

Book Club author announced

The Centre, Livingston announces the next storyteller to take over the reading chair at its Book Club on Saturday, 16th December, is the award-winning author, Lindsay Littleson, a former teacher from Glasgow who has written nine books, including her latest, Euro Spies, which was published in April this year.

The aim of the Book Club, which is situated across from Waterstones, is to encourage a love for reading, the joy of discovering new books and the chance for visitors to the shopping centre to meet different authors each month.

It follows on from the installation of the shopping centre’s free book recycling vending machine to enable people to swap their favourite novels.

Previous authors who have been welcomed at the Book Club include Linda Erskine, Justin Davies and last month, the multi award-winning author and illustrator Catherine Rayner, who has just launched her 21st book, Molly, Olive and Dexter – The Guessing Game.

Lindsay, who began writing for children in 2014 and won the Kelpies Prize for her first children’s novel, The Mixed-Up Summer of Lily McLean, will be taking over the reading chair at the Book Club on Saturday, 16th December at 12noon and 2pm.

Her novel, Guardians of the Wild Unicorns, was published in 2019 and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for both the Stockton Children’s Book Prize and East Sussex Children’s Book Prize.  

Her WW1 novel Shell Hole was shortlisted for the Dundee Great War Children’s Book Prize, which inspired her to write another two historical books, A Pattern of Secrets, set in Victorian Paisley and The Titanic Detective Agency. 

At the Book Club, located in The Wintergarden adjacent to Aerial Adventures, Lindsay will be reading extracts from her latest novels at 12noon, Euro Spies and The Rewilders, which was long listed for the 2022 SPARK! School Book Award.  Both are aimed at 8 – 12 year olds.

At 2pm the author will be reading her favourite festive book, Santa Trap by Jonathan Emmett, aimed at 4 – 7 years – Christmas attire is encouraged!

Lindsay said: “I’m really looking forward to my storytelling sessions at the Book Club in The Centre, Livingston. It feels particularly special as I get to read exciting extracts from two of my novels and my favourite Christmas story!”

 

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “The Centre, Livingston Book Club has been a big hit with our visitors to the shopping centre since we launched it in October.

“It’s great to welcome a different author every month and hear them reading from their award-winning books and this month, it’s even extra special with Lindsay also reading her favourite festive book.”

Details of the Book Club can be found on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and @shopthecentre on Facebook and Instagram.

First-ever Breakfast with Santa events launched at The Centre Livingston

The first-ever ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events launched last weekend, (2nd and 3rd of December) at The Centre, Livingston with proceeds going to the children’s charity CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

The breakfast events, which are a first for the shopping centre, are running over the first three weekends in December, on both Saturday’s and Sunday’s, in The Wintergarden, adjacent to Aerial Adventures.

Over 100 people attended the first weekend and enjoyed a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Santa and a story from his favourite festive book, and a hearty breakfast, followed by a personal chat with him in his Grotto, then presented with a special gift.

Families also had the chance to join in some festive fun activities, hosted by Santa’s elves, including party games, dancing, reindeer food making and designing their own Christmas tree decorations.

Tickets for the remaining ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events on the 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th of December are £14.95 for children, which includes a present from Santa, and £10.95 for adults, with £3 from every ticket sold going to CHAS.  Bookings can be made on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “We are delighted our ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events got off to such a fantastic start at the weekend and will help us to raise even more money for the children’s charity, CHAS.

“It was great to see generations of families joining in all the activities and having such a fantastic time, and Santa too who really enjoyed taking part in the dancing games and reading his favourite Christmas story to the kids.”

The Centre, Livingston also organised it’s second Elf Toddle Walk this year with all funds going to CHAS once again and welcomed the charity into the shopping centre at the weekend to help raise money and awareness.

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are very excited to be a part of yet another heart-warming initiative by The Centre, Livingston. ‘Breakfast with Santa’ is not just about bringing joy to families; it’s about creating a positive difference in the lives of those we care for at CHAS. 

“It is wonderful that some of the CHAS families had the opportunity to join in the festive spirit and meet Santa.

“Our gratitude knows no bounds to The Centre, Livingston and the compassionate community whose generosity and unwavering dedication fuels our mission. Thank you!”