Review of Friday nights gig in Derby - The Smyths and RE: Order (The Smiths and New Order tribute bands)

On Friday 25th Nov 2011, The Smyths and Re:Order performed at the Darwin Suite (Derby Assembly Rooms). I my review I have Photographs, videos, Gig Dates, Set lists....

This was sold out and I can see why, The last time The Smyths performed in Derby was at the Flowerpot Pub where it also sold out. I have never seen a tribute band before so was not quite sure what to expect and here we have two tribute bands together! I managed to get a great position right at the front so had a perfect view of the performance by both bands. Were you there right at the front too? Did you enjoy the gig as much as me?

Re: Order were on first performing lots of well known New Order tracks.
Peter Hook (Jim) had the distinctive very low slung bass guitar.

Here is the Set list for Derby's gig on Friday 25th November 2011 by Re:Order
Regret
Thieves like us
Vanishing point
Atmosphere
The village
Bizarre love triangle
Leave me alone
Paradise
Way of life
Blue Monday
Perfect kiss
True faith
Love will tear us apart
Temptation

Unfortunately their drum machine stopped part way through playing Blue Monday. I enjoyed the performance but personally think they were completely overshadowed by The Smyths.

The Smyths
Next up was The Smyths.

If you are a fan of The Smiths then I can highly recommend you go and see The Smyths, you will not be disappointed.
The Smiths broke up in 1987 and have never reformed, I did not get into them until it was too late so being given the second chance to see them is great.
I was completely blown away by not only their note-for-note performance, but also Graham Sampson's portrayal of Morrissey, he had got all the little quirks and mannerisms of the original artist so right.
I knew most of the songs very well so was able to sing along, Not something I would normally do but was enjoying this gig so much you just had to.
Every track was delivered with such perfection, you wanted it to go on for hours, but alas it had to end after 28 songs. At the end of the gig Morrissey oh I mean Graham climbed down off the stage and shook the hands of everyone at the front of the gig including me. You keep forgetting its not Morrissey.

I would go out of my way to go and see The Smyths again as they are so amazing. If you live in Derby then you will only have to wait until May neext year when they play The Flowepot yet again. I don't know if I can wait that long!

The only down side during the show was some idiot threw something at Graham, he was OK with it but did disappear off stage for a few minutes. The item in question actually landed right in front of me between the stage and the audience barriers, it was a "Happy 40th birthday" badge about 8" across. The crowd shouted "out out out", you know who you are !

At the end of the gig I got a Set List (see below). Apparently after the gig had finished someone fell off the balcony in The Darwin Suite!, The Paramedics were going up the stairs on the way out onto Derby Market Place. Not sure how that happened. Apparently hes going to be in hospital for some time.

Photograph of Graham Sampson as Morrissey:

Photograph by colour blind bob.

There is a set of photographs of both RE:Order and The Smyths taken at this Derby gig by Graham :
Smyths and Re:Order Photos at Derby.

Here is the Set list for Derby's gig on Friday 25th November 2011 by The Smyths:

The boy with the thorn in his side
Sheila
Half a person
Stop me if you think you've heard this one before
Heaven Knows
Handsome devil
Still ill
This charming man
Pretty girls make graves
Reel around the fountain
What difference does it make?
Miserable lie
This night has opened my eyes
Hand in glove
These things take time
You've got everything now
William
Some girls are bigger than others
Panic
Shoplifters of the world
Girlfriend in a coma
Ask
Everyday is like Sunday
How soon is now
Meat is murder
---- oncore ---
First of the gang
There is a light that never goes out
Bigmouth strikes again
End




The tickets for The Smyths and RE: Order gig in Derby:

The Smyths Set List as used by Morrissey aka Graham Sampson at the Derby gig :

The Smyths will be performing yet again at Derby's Flowerpot in 2012 on Friday May 4th (note the year is wrong on this flyer !) :

If your not in Derby then there are plenty of opportunities to see The Smyths elsewhere as you can see.


List of upcoming gigs for The Smyths 2012:
Friday December 16th 2011 - New Cross, South London, The Venue
Saturday December 17th 2011 - Kilburn, The Good Ship
Saturday January 7th 2012 - London, Feeling Gloomy (Islington Academy)
Tuesday January 10th 2012 -  Club Babylon in Istanbul, Turkey
Saturday January 28th 2012 - Darlington, The Forum
Saturday Februray 18th 2012 - St Albans, The Horn Reborn
Friday February 24th 2012 - Wakefield The Black Flag
Saturday February 25th 2012 - Manchester The Ritz
Friday March 9th 2012 - Portsmouth The Wedgewood Rooms
Thursday March 22td 2012 - Putney, The Half Moon
Saturday April 14th 2012 - Blackburn King George's Hall
Friday April 20th 2012 - Sheffield O2 Academy
Saturday April 21st 2012 - Liverpool O2 Academy
Friday May 4th 2012 - Derby, The Flowerpot
Friday May 11th 2012 - Newcastle O2 Academy
Saturday May 12th 2012 – Glasgow O2 ABC
Saturday May 21st 2012 - Liverpool O2 Academy
Friday June 1st 2012 - Bristol O2 Academy
Saturday June 2nd 2012 - Oxford O2 Academy
Friday June 8th 2012 - Birmingham O2 Academy 3
Saturday September 15th 2012 - Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
September 2012 - Leeds The Brudenell Social Club
Saturday November 3rd 2012 - Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
November 2012 - Derby, Assembly Rooms


Videos of The Smyths:
Interview with Graham Sampson by Paul Morley at Derby's Flowerpot!


The Smyths perform at Feeling Gloomy (The O2 Academy in Islington, London):


Hope you enjoyed my review.

Did you know that The Smiths actually performed at Derby Assembly Rooms back in December 1983?
There are over 30 videos on YouTube of this gig from 28 years ago.

Here is a 37 minute clip of the 83 gig by The Smiths.

Whistle Test on the Road video clip at Derby Assembly Rooms.

The Smiths Room in Salford Lads Club, Manchester.
If your a fan of The Smiths then I'm sure you will have been to the Salford Lads Club in Manchester where there is a dedicated "Smiths room".
Google Streetview of The Salford Lads Club.

We visited there a few times and on the last visit in 2006 a really nice guy called Leslie took the time to show us around the entire club including the Smiths Room. In 2007 Leslie was on Channel 4's Secret Millionaire when Chek Whyte gave some money and help towards restoring the building.
You can still watch this episode on the 4od website. Fast forward to 19mins 32secs (you have to endure 3 short adverts first !)

My Photographs in The Smiths Room, Click to view large versions.


There is more information about The Smiths Room here.

More information :
The Smyths website :
www.thesmyths.net

The Smyths on Facebook.

The re:order website :
www.thieveslikeus.co.uk

Re:Order on Facebook.

If you are a Smiths fan go and see them now, go on what you waiting for!!

P.S. You will soon be able to see Graham on this years Christmas edition of Come Dine With Me !
The 2011 Christmas Special Come Dine With Me will be aired on Friday 23rd December, keep an eye out for their performance as guests on this show.

Andy

2011 Markeaton Bonfire and Fireworks, Saturday 5th November from 5.45pm.

Its that time of year again when our annual free Bonfire and Fireworks event takes place at Markeaton Park, Derby.
There will be a Funfair on Markeaton Park from 2pm to 9pm

Stage entertainment from 4.45pm

Bonfire lit at 5.45pm
Fireworks at 6pm

Map for Markeaton Park Bonfire and Fireworks:

View 2011 Markeaton Park Bonfire and fireworks Display in a larger map

Access to Markeaton Park for the Bonfire and Fireworks is restricted for safety reasons.
The main entrance to the park, off the A38, will be open for pedestrians. There will be no pedestrian access through the Mundy Play Centre, or across any of the three bridges into the park.

The main entrance to the Mundy Play Centre will also be closed, and the Mundy Play Centre car park will close at 2.30pm. Anyone who parks in this car park to use the park during the day should ensure that their vehicle is moved by 2.30pm. Markeaton Lane is closed to all vehicles between 3pm and 9pm, to allow safe access for pedestrians. The Police will control the road closure.

Pedestrians coming from The University of Derby car park will be directed across the pedestrian crossing on Kedleston Road and will access the park from Queensway next to the footbridge over the A38. Pedestrians coming along Kedleston Road from the city centre will also be directed via Queensway. Pedestrians from the Quarndon/Allestree areas will be directed down Markeaton Lane into the rear entrance to the park.

If you don't want to get caught up in all the mud, crowds and traffic but want to see the fireworks then I suggest going on the roof car park at Park Farm, Allestree. Don't tell everyone though !

The weather is looking like it may be dry for this year.

Thanks
Andy

The 2011 Derby's Christmas Lights Switch on by Gareth Gates and Joe McElderry, Saturday 19th November 2011. Derby Ice Rink and Victorian Christmas Market.

Gareth Gates will turn on Derby Christmas Lights on Saturday 19th 2011 on Derby Market Place. While Joe McElderry and Dale Diva will be switching on Westfield Derby Christmas lights.

Remember - That's two seperate Christmas switch-ons for Derby.
Joe McElderry inside Westfield Derby at 4pm and then Gareth Gates on Derby Market Place at 6pm.


If you are a new visitor to Derby then see my smartphone drop pin links below.


This is the  very same night that the New Derby casino near the bus station opens.

The show will begin at 3.30pm, on stage in the Market Place, on Saturday, November 19th.
Join a festive parade from Sitwell Street (just off Babington Lane) at 4.15pm or head down to the Market Place and enjoy a variety of entertainment, including DaleDiva, Trinity Band, pantomime stars Linda Robson and Mike McClean, Santa and headline act, Gareth Gates, leading up to the big switch-on event at 6pm.

This year the Derby Xmas light switch on will be done by non other than Gareth Gates !!!
The Pop Idol runner-up will join Birds Of A Feather star Linda Robson for the Derby switch-on, the show is hosted by Captial FM presenters Dino and Pete.

Map location for Derby's Christmas Lights Switch-on 2011:

View Derby Christmas Lights Switch on 2011. in a larger map

Smartphone mapping pins for smartphone owners:
If you are a new visitor to Derby then you will find my smartphone naviagation pins of use. Simply view this blog on your smartphone and follow my instruction below.

Gareth Gates on Derby Market Place.  <-- Tap this link for accurate location.

Joe McElderry in Derby Westfield.  <-- Tap this link for an accurate location.

When you tap one of the links above, it will launch your mapping application and place a "push pin" onto the map with the exact location of the switch on.
You can then use this marker to get walking directions from where you have parked.

For example on an iPhone you tap the "Directions" button at the bottom and this will pre-fill in the start location with your current location and the end location with the switch on location.

So all you need to do is just tap the "Route" button at the bottom then tap the walking icon and it will show you walking route. If you tap the bottom left icon 3 times then this will turn on follow mode, Centre mode and direction mode. What this means is that a blue flashing dot which represents you will stay in the centre of the screen and orientated in the direction that you travel in.

If you tap the middle button at the top, this will even show you which bus number and when the next bus to Derby from your nearest location.
My push pins are far more accuare than any other map as its not based on the postcode which most maps are. My map is based on local knowlege of the locations.

Parking
If you are looking for somewhere to park in Derby for these two switch-ons then best to get here early as this is going to be popular. This site shows all the local car parks
www.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/derby/

The Derby Victorian Christmas Market
A couple of weeks after the xmas lights are switched on, a Victorian Christmas fair will be held in Derby Market Place. About 30 huts will be in the Cornmarket from December 1st to 24th and will open from 9am to 5pm, except on late-night shopping days, when it will stay open until 7pm.

Useful Links :

Westfield Derby Store Guide Leaflet.



Derby Ice Rink
This year there will be an Ice Rink on Derby Market Place from December 1st until January 8th.
It will be open for skating every day except Christmas Day. This year it will be a real ice rink with proper ice rather than fake ice.

Westfield Derby:
2009 X Factor winner Joe McElderry and DaleDiva will be switching on Westfield Derby Christmas lights from 2pm onwards. He will be turning the lights on at 4pm.




On Saturday 12th November Santa will be opening his brand new Wish Kingdom Grotto with some very special friends including Rastamouse and Sam and Mark.

Derby's Westfield awaits Joe McElderry to turn on this years Christmas lights.

Rastamouse is in da house meeting families and children throughout the day. See the CBeebies favourite for free, make sure you don’t miss out and pick up a free wrist band from Westfield Derby Concierge on the day from 9am.
Plus a free super-glittery craft workshop where kids can make their own tree decorations. All hosted by TV and Gem 106 boys Sam and Mark!

Joe McElderry Poster in Derby Westfield :

Joe McElderry

---------------
Belper:
Belper's Christmas lights will be turned on : Friday November 25th.
This is also the night that the Scouts ping pong ball race will take place on King Street at 7pm.

Long Eaton :
Long Eaton's Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor on Friday 2nd December at 7.00pm.

Bakewell:
The Bakewell Christmas Lights Switch on takes place at 4pm on Saturday 26th Nov 2011.

Ilkeston:
The Ilkeston Christmas Lights switch on will take place on Friday 25th November 2011, The lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Erewash at 7pm.

Ashbourne:
Ashbourne's Christmas lights will be switched on Friday 18th November at 6.30pm, in the Market Place.

Swadlincote:
Swadlincote's Christmas lights switch on will take place on Friday, November 25.
Seven-year-olds Jack Benton and Phoebe Johnson, both pupils at the town's Belmont Primary School, won a competition organised by South Derbyshire District Council.
An array of entertainment will be taking place as part of the celebrations from 11am.
It will include special performances from schools, dancers, cheerleaders, singers and a Santa stilt-walker.
Rides and stalls will be set up along Swadlincote's High Street.

Burton-on-Trent xmas lights
Burton's Christmas lights switch on will be done by Chesney Hawkes on Sunday 20th November 20 at 5pm. This will take place at Burton Market Place and will be followed by a Spectacular Fireworks show !
If your too young to know who Chesney Hawkes is well his song "The one and only" was heard as the ring tone in the 2011 film Source Code
.

Video of Chesney Hawkes:


Andy

Derby of the Dead - Derby zombie walk 2011 videos. A unique event raising money for a good cause.

Shoppers looked astounded as the 150-strong army of zombies invaded Derby on Saturday. This was "Derby of the Dead". Here are some videos of the first ever Zombie walk in Derby. The horror began in the Market Place at noon on Saturday. There is a Facebook page dedicated to the Derby Zombie Walk.



Video of the Derby of the Dead around the Strand, Derby.


The Derby Zombies as seen on Sadler Gate, Derby.


Were you on this walk?

Who is this Actor and what is being filmed here?

Last Sunday morning while on a break in London there was some filming being done on Duke's Road, Camden. I took these photographs on Sunday 16th October 2011.

Anybody know who this actor is and what they are filming?
Looks like its set in the 1940s, I don't recognise the actor. Could be a film or a TV series. I'm sure someone out there will recognise this.

Who is this actor ?

More photos of the filming :


Filming taking place in Dukes Road, London in October 2011


Filming taking place in Dukes Road, London in October 2011


Filming taking place in Dukes Road, London in October 2011


The filming was attracting lots of attention from passers by, The only reason I spotted it was because of the old bus.




Duke's Road is a side street off Euston Road which is the main road that runs past St Pancras International railway station.

I posted this question on Answerbank HERE.

Here is a Google Streetview of this road.

I found these videos of other filming going on in this location in the past.
Dancing in Dukes Road.

Eurovision Flash Mod Dancing.

Looks like Duke's Road is a popular place!

Post your answers to who and what is going on as a comment to this post.

Thanks
Andy

Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds gig in Derby on Saturday 12 November 2011.

Did you know that Adrian Edmondson has a band called The Bad Shepherds? Well I saw them in London at the Great British Beer Festival and really enjoyed them so much that could not wait to see them again, And thankfully they happen to have a gig in a few weeks in Derby.

Adrian Edmondson &The Bad Shepherds perform in Derby on Saturday 12 November 2011.
The show starts at 8.00pm
Tickets are £17.50 from Derby Assembly Rooms Box Office or the old way by phone 01332 255800

If your old enough then I'm sure you will remember Ade Edmondson as Vyvyan in the early eighties TV show The Young Ones. If your not so old then you may know him as the star of the ITV series The Dales.

The band have a couple of Albums out, the last one was Hook Or By Crook in November 2010.


The Bad Shepherds play punk songs on folk instruments. Not as a gag, but because they really like the noise. They think the songs are better than people remember. They love folk instruments. It works.
They do songs by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, Sham 69, The Undertones, The Ramones, The Buzzcocks, The Specials, Talking Heads, Squeeze and others, even Kraftwerk! Alright, they're not all punk, but they come from roughly the same era.
They've mostly given the songs a kind of Celtic feel, and they've stuck in the odd reel and jig here and there. But occasionally they just thrash!
They've always thought the excitement of a reel taking off is the nearest thing to the excitement of watching punk live in the 70s.

Here is my video of them performing Rise by Public Image Ltd at the Great British Beer Festival.

More info on the band on their website :
http://www.thebadshepherds.com/

Hope you enjoy the show.
Andy

Video - Elvaston Castle, The last days of Summer in the Old English walled Garden.

On a sunny day like today why not visit the local attraction Elvaston Castle?
Did you know it had an elglish Walled Garden?, despite visiting this place many times since the 1980s onwards I had never seen this before. I madea two part video of the gardens below:
Play in full screen and at 720p if you can.

My videos of Elvaston Castle.:


Part II:


thanks
Andy

Derby Feste 2011 Videos. If you could not make it then see what you missed.

Here are my Derby Feste 2011 videos for you to enjoy, as seen in todays Derby evening Telegraph.

Part 1 - Derby Feste 2011


The next three videos feature the amazing Sarruga street parade with the massive animated puppets of sea creatures as they made their way through Derby. Starting on Derwent Street, Market Place, Iron Gate, Full Street and onto Cathedral Green where there was a firework finale which I have also captured on video.

Part 2 - Derby Feste 2011, The Sarruga street parade.


Part 3 - Derby Feste 2011, The Sarruga street parade continues.


Part 4 - Derby Feste 2011, The Sarruga parade ends at Cathedral Green followed by the Fireworks.


Subscribe to my video channel to get notified : www.youtube.com/comedyhunter

Were you there?
Did the Shark get you?

Thanks
Andy

Derby Festé returns for the fifth year on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September 2011.

This weekend see the return for the fifth time of Derby Festé.
There are lots of different events taking place in the city on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September 2011.
Here is a link to the complete brochure for whats going on this year - Derbyfeste brochure.

You can pick up a leaflet from Derby Tourist info on the market place.


Derby Festé 2011 - Trailer, What you can expect to see at this years event in Derby.



Photographs from previous Derby Feste events.






For more details on Derby Feste see their website www.derbyfeste.com

Thanks
Andy

The Derby Big Wheel returns to the City Friday September 16th to Sunday October 30th 2011.

Remember its only in Derby until 8pm on Sunday 30th October 2011.

The Derby Big Wheel returns to the City on Friday September 16th for six weeks. I have tried to supply as much information about it as you could possible want to know such as dates,Times,Prices,Location,smart phone drop pins and even a VR photograph of the ferris wheel on the Market Place!
YOU can help too by posting your reviews of the Derby Big wheel in a comment to this post. Feel free to link to this blog post from Facebook, Twitter etc.

360 degree Virtual Reality Photograph of the Derby Big wheel
The link below will take you to my large interactive 360 degree photograph. You can control the view with your mouse (just like Google Streetview). This photograph will allow you to see exactly where the big wheel is located in Derby Marketplace. You will need a broadband connection to view it.
This was the wheel that was in Derby in 2009, its the same one in 2011.

The Derby Big Wheel full screen 360 degree interactive photograph.<-- Click me now !

The Derby Big Wheel officially opens to the public at 10am on Friday 16th September 2011 and will continue to open 10am until 8pm daily until Sunday 30th October 2011.
The wheel is 60m (197 ft) tall in the Market Place, has 40 observation pods and weighs 365 tonnes!

The silent ride lasts for 12 minutes so there is plenty of time to take in the great views it has to offer.
The Derby Big Wheel was known as the Cathedral Quarter Wheel in 2009 when it was last in Derby. 

The Big Wheel Derby opening times
10am to 8pm 7 days a week. 16th September - 30th October.

Costs
£5 for adults
£4 for Student/Senior Citizen with I.D. Cards.
£3 for children under 1.4 metres, and free for children under three.
£14.50 for a Family Ticket: 2 Adults / 2 Children
£27.50 Private Gondola is for your own group/party of guests etc: 1 - 6 people prevents sharing a gondola at peak times (may not be necessary at non-peak times).

There is also a VIP Gondola which takes up to 4 people for £40.00. The VIP Gondola has tinted glass and 4 higher standard seats.

If you book online then you can get 10% of the gate prices listed above. Book your Derby Big Wheel Tickets online by using this website here : www.bigwheelderby.co.uk So If you want a discount then book your ticket online to save money.

You can buy a photograph when you finish the ride on the Big Wheel, not sure how much these cost perhaps someone can leave a comment and I will add it to this page.

Map Location
Map Location of the Derby Big Wheel :

View The Derby Big Wheel. in a larger map

Smartphone mapping
If you own a smartphone such as iPhone/HTC etc then you can use my drop pin below to get very accurate mapping for your phone.

Drop pin for Derby Big Wheel <-- Tap this link on your smartphone to get directions.

When you tap the link above, it will launch your mapping application and place a "push pin" onto the map with the exact location of the Derby Big wheel. You can then use this marker to get driving, walking or bus directions from your current location.



For example on an iPhone you tap the Directions button at the bottom and this will pre-fill in the start and end locations so just tap the Route button at the bottom and it will show you either the driving route or the walking route. If you tap the middle button at the top, this will even show you which bus number and when the next bus to Derby Market Place departs !

Hope you enjoy this and get a chance to have a go on it.
Please leave your reviews of it in my blog. How far could you see?
If you have taken a video while on it then please post a comment with a link to it.

You can see the location of the Big wheel in this driving video I made in 2009. Should give you an idea of how big this is and where its located in Derby City Centre.

Thanks
Andy

Derbyshire Brewers Collective - Beer Festival, 9th and 10th September 2011

This weekend is the Derbyshire Brewers Collective Beer Festival

Friday 9th and Saturday 10th  September 2011. 12noon - 5pm and 6pm - 11pm
£3 afternoon session
£5 evening session
Pay on the door.

Derbyshire is rapidly becoming the 'Microbrewery capital of the country' Meet your local microbrewers and try their ales and ciders. 16 of the best brewers in Derbyshire will be manning their own stands, selling their beers and ciders and answering any brewing questions you may have. 
This is a unique event where the experts will be available within the traditional beer festival environment. 
Over 50 beers and Ciders, hot food, quiet area if required, will be available - with evening entertainment being provided by The Spyder Monkeys (Friday) and Soul Town Six (Saturday) - both highly rated and extremely popular Derby bands Come and help celebrate all that is good in Derbyshire

I got this leaflet from Pete on the Amber Ales stand at the last Belper Farmers Market (2nd Saturday of each month)

The flyer for the beer festival, Click to view a larger version.

To learn more about the Derbyshire Brewers Collective see their website :
www.derbyshirebrewers.co.uk

Thanks
Andy

Darley Park Concert, the UK's biggest free outdoor classical concert Sunday 4th September 2011.

Looking for info on the 2012 Darley Park concert see my new post, click here.

My complete guide to this years free Darley Park Concert

UPDATE : Monday 5th September.
Here is a great video someone took at this years show. Really captured all aspects of the Darley Park Concert 2011 :

Video by ditcher41a2

This weekend on Sunday 4th September 2011 is the Annual FREE outdoor classical concert and fireworks display at Darley Park, Derby.
This event normally attracts crowds of around 30,000 This years show will be hosted by Classic FM presenter Mark Forrest.
Among those scheduled to perform are Derby-based orchestra sinfonia ViVA, regular Darley Park Concert conductor James Holmes and international soloist Mary Carewe.
The programme of music will include pieces from Copland, Waldteufel, Joplin, Gershwin, Bernstein, Strauss, Sibelius, Dietrich and Offenbach.

Actor Luke Roberts, from Channel Five show Hi-5 and who will star as Dick Whittington in this year's pantomime at the Assembly Rooms, will also appear. It ends with a spectacular firework finale.

The photograph here is one I took during the amazing firework finale at the 2004 concert.
Some more of my photographs in 2002.

If you are travelling in to Derby from afar then its best to get here early as this event is always very popular.



Map
Here is a detailed map showing the exact location of the Darley Park Concert and where you can park.
Click the link below the map to get a larger version you can print out.

View Darley Park Concert, Derby. in a larger map

Smartphone mapping pins.
If you have a smartphone (iPhone, HTC etc) then you can use my push pins below to get accurate GPS locations to this venue. Just view this blog on your phone and tap the link below to launch your mapping app, a push pin will appear on it and you can use this to get walking/driving directions from your current position.

The audience sitting area. <---- Tap this link to locate the area where you will sit and watch the concert.

Entrance to concert car parking. <--- Tap this linik to located the entrace to the concert car parking.

There are several entrances into Darley Park. Choose the best one for you. Here are the entrances to the park with Google Streetviews. These are all "by foot" !
1) Bottom of Mile Ash Lane.
2) End of Darley Street.
3) Down Darley Park Drive.
4) Off Duffield Road (A6).
5) Bottom of South Drive.
6) End of North Parade.
7) Over Handyside bridge from City Road.

The Darley Park Concert is sponsored by Rolls Royce and in partnership with Classic FM.
Remember to take a torch as some of the paths into Darley Park are unlit and covered with trees so its helps if you have a torch to see where you are walking.

Hope the weather is ok for this event.
Andy

In 2012 the Darley Park Concert will take place on Saturday 30th June 2012  to coincide with the visit of the Olympic torch to Derby.

Pot Fest - Beer and Cider festival at The Flower Pot, Derby 26th-29th August 2011.

There is a Beer and Cider festival starting a week on Friday (The Bank Holiday weekend) at The Flower Pot pub in Derby. It runs from Friday 26th August until Monday 29th August 2011.

There will be Live music, an Ale Garden with 40 Real Ales and Ciders to try. This is to celebrate 40 years of CAMRA.

Here is a flyer for The Flower Pot Beer Festival 2011 :

Their flyer lists two websites but it would appear that neither of them work or have ever worked. They do have a Facebook page but you have to join to see anything. I think I have provided as much info as you could need here anyway. The only reason I'm aware of it taking place is because of a flyer I got from The Derby Beer Festival in July, there does not seem to be any info on the internet about it. There IS now !




The Flower Pot is located on King Street (A6) very near the new Jurys Inn Hotel. You can see The flower pot in this Google Streetview. I did a post on The Flower Pot last year when I saw Midge Ure perform there.

If you have a smartphone then you can use my drop pin below to find your way to the pub using the mapping application.
Smartphone mapping drop pin. <-- Tap this link on your smartphone to get accurate directions.

On Sunday 28th live music will be provided by Lil' Jim's Big Squeeze. The five-piece band were one of the acts to play to thousands of real ale lovers at the Assembly Rooms festival, which took place in July.

They will launch their debut single Cheatin' and Creepin'
Lil' Jim's Big Squeeze website.

Hope you found this of interest.
Andy

Video - Great British Beer Festival 2011 at Earls Court, entertainment by The Bad Shepherds.

Last weekend we visited the Great British Beer Festival in London, this took place at Earls Court.
The strangest thing was going all the way down to London from Derby and the very first flyer that was handed out to me was one for The National Brewery Centre at Burton on Trent !

Here is a short video I took of the live entertainment on Friday night, it was provided by The Bad Shepherds who consist of :
Adrian Edmondson, Troy Donockley And Andy Dinan
For more information and a list of tour dates when you can see them in your area see their website:
http://www.thebadshepherds.com

As it happens they are performing at Derby in November
The gigs page is here:
http://www.thebadshepherds.com/gigs.php

YES Adrian Edmondson is the guy that played Vyvyan in the 80s TV show The Young Ones.

The cover song performed here is Rise by Public Image Ltd (originally released Jan 1986).
My video at the GBBF 2011 :


Were you there? Perhaps you may see yourself at the start of my video.
The Cider in the glass at the end of my video was Tutts Clump a Perry Cider.
Glass Hire at this event was £3 a glass
The GBBF had over 1000 Real Ales and Ciders and ran from 2nd to the 6th August 2011.



The nearest underground tube station to this place is Earls Court underground, the exit to this station brings you right to the entrance to the venue!
If your stopping in London near Kings Cross then its a very simple journey on the Piccadilly Line with no changes.
For more info on The Great British Beer Festival see their website :
http://gbbf.camra.org.uk/home
The 2012 Great British Beer Festival event is taking place at Olympia in London.

Andy

Derby Caribbean Carnival Saturday 16th July 2011 with Procession Route Map.

Update Sunday 17th - I found a video of Saturdays procession 2011.

Here is my complete guide to this years Derby Carnival. Complete with detailed route map for the procession so you know where the best place to stand along the route to get a view of the dancers and their great costumes. I have also provided a smartphone mapping pin. The procession generally moves very slowly so if you have trouble getting here and parking then don't worry as you can soon catch up with the front of it.

On Saturday 16th July 2011 the 36th Derby Caribbean Carnival Parade will take place, show your support for this annual event. Its always very popular and attracts lots of people. Derby's annual Caribbean Carnival has been running since 1975 !

The Procession starts at 1pm from Pear Tree Street in Derby. After leaving Pear Tree Street, it turns right onto Portland Street, right onto St Thomas Road, Left at the mini round-a-bout onto Pear Tree Road, right up Normanton Road to very top where it meets Lara Croft Way/Mercian Way, Down Babington Lane, left onto St Peters Street, down The Corn Market and finally onto Derby Market Place at about 3pm.

If you are a car driver and are around this area then expect to have to wait while the carnival passes through.

Samantha Glasgow from Normanton is the 2011 Derby Caribbean Carnival Queen, she will lead the procession through the streets of Derby.

Here is a HD video I took last year of the Derby Carnival:


I have taken quite a few photographs at these events over the years but have only got around to uploading photographs I took at the 2005 Derby Carnival. Have a look at my photographs here - 2005 Derby Carnival Photographs on www.derbyphotos.co.uk.

Derby Carnival Procession Route Map
Here is a detailed map showing the complete route that the 2011 Derby Carnival Parade will take on 16th July 2011. Click the link below the map if you want a large version you can print out:


View Derby Caribbean Carnival Procession Route Map. in a larger map

Smartphone mapping pin.
If you have a smart phone (iPhone,HTC,iPad etc) then you can use a navigation drop pin I have made for you. While viewing this blog on your phone tap the link below :

Smartphone push pin <-- Tap me on your smartphone to get exact location of the start of the Derby Carnival.

Smartphone push pin <-- Tap me on your smartphone to get an exact location of the end of the Derby Carnival.

When you tap the link above, it will launch your mapping application and place a "push pin" onto the map with the exact location of the carnival parade start. You can then use this marker to get driving, walking or bus directions from your current location.
For example on an iPhone you tap the Directions button at the bottom and this will pre-fill in the start and end locations so just tap the Route button at the bottom and it will show you either the driving route or the walking route. If you tap the middle button at the top, this will even show you which bus number and when the next bus departs !



360 Degree Views of the Carnival route, use your mouse to look around.

360 view of Pear Tree Street where the parade starts at 1pm.
360 view of St Thomas Road where the parade turns left up Pear Tree Road.
360 view at the bottom of Normanton Road.
360 view at Lara Croft Way (note that this no longer looks like this since the Derby inner ring road was completed)

The Derby Carnival 2011 Poster that you may have seen posted about Normanton.

On Sunday 17th July 2011, the Caribbean Carnival will descend upon Osmaston Park, where music acts will perform on stage. There will also be a fun fair, catering stalls selling Caribbean and European foods and arts and crafts stalls.

The weather forecast for the Derby Carnival does not look that good at the moment but hopefully the rain may go for the procession. If you are driving in from another city then you can always have a look at my local webcams to see for yourself if its raining right now.
 
Thanks
Andy

At the Derby beer festival again

Its day 4 of the Derby summer beer festival. This is a live post from the Beer festival, perhaps you are here too. There is only one more day of the festival to go now.
After being here for a couple of hours I got the rather devastating news that "Pickled Pig Porkers Snout" had run out !!

This band are performing in the Darwin suite. They are The Little Giants.





These Ladies performed in the Main Hall then again in the Darwin Suite.


Tomorrow (Sun 10th July) the beer festival is open from 12.00 to 14.30 and is FREE.
For more details on the festival see my post - Derby Summer Beer Festival 2011.

I managed to find a video of Derby Beer Festival that was filmed from the balcony.

-- Post From My iPhone

Location:Market Pl,Derby,United Kingdom

Thanks
Andy

Video - Ticknall Scarecrow Trail, July 2011. Scarecrows take over the village!

Here is my latest local video. This features most of the Scarecrows that were on show around the village of Ticknall in Derbyshire.
This is Ticknall Scarecrow Trail 2011, where the entire village is taken over by scarecrows !
I have photographed most of the scarecrows but missed a few of them.

Did you visit this event? Which scarecrow did you like best.


Or use this link to watch it : Video of Ticknall Scarecrow Trail 2011.

This is a HD video rendered at 1080p so looks great in fullsreen mode at 720p or 1080p if you have a fast pc and net connection.


The music I have used in my video is Beyond My Sound by 808Chunk used under creative commons license "Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)"



Thanks
Andy

The 2011 Derby City Charter Summer Beer Festival, On until Sunday 10th July.

This years Derby summer beer festival opened on Wednesday 6th of July and is ongoing until Sunday 10th July. So there is still time to go along and enjoy the real ales and ciders.
This is at Derby Assembly Rooms which is on Derby Market Place near the Quad.

If you have never been to a beer festival before then you are missing an experience, there are not just beers on sale there are ciders and Perries.  You can get some hot or cold food too. T-shirts and glasses are available to buy. And live music to watch each day.

Its best to arrive by foot, there is plenty of parking outside for your Beer Scooter :)

If your looking for a downloadable pdf guide to this years festival then click the link below. It lists all the beers and ciders along with their location in the hall :
Complete Beer list and guide by CAMRA.

When you pay the entrance fee, you go up the stairs and turn left to either hire a glass or buy a glass.
Its £2.50 for glasses which you can redeem at the end if you like.

Here are the opening times for the three remaining days of the festival.

• Fri 8th July - 11.30 to 16.00 then 17.00 to 23.00
• Sat 9th July - 11.30 to 16.00 then 18.30 to 23.00
• Sun 10th July - 12.00 to 14.30

Admission Prices

• Fri Lunch: £2 17.00-18.30: £3 Eve: £6
• Sat Lunch: £3 Eve: £6
• Sun Lunch: Free

Admission is free to CAMRA Members.

I love the ciders they had on.
The best one was "Pickled Pig Porkers Snout" a Med Sweet cider at 6.5% but we also tried "Three Cats" a local brew, "Old Goat" and "Westons Old Rosie". There was a cider called Woodthorpe Hall Ruby Suzie which was 10.5% which I did not try !!

Here are a few photographs I took on Thursday afternoon.

the stage at Derby Summer Beer Festival 2011


This is The Bill Bailey Jazz Band who were performing on Thursday afternoon.


This was the view in the Main Hall on Thursday 7th July. I'm standing near the ciders.


I found this review of the Cider I liked..
Pickled Pig Porkers Snout.

Pop along and enjoy the real ales and ciders.
Leave comments of which Beers and ciders you liked.

Thanks
Andy

Mercia Marina festival 2011 is this weekend, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July.

This weekend Mercia Marina at Willington have their annual festival. This is the third festival, if your looking for something to do this weekend then why not pop along there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival is open from noon to 10pm on Saturday July 2nd, with live music and a fireworks display and on Sunday 3rd July doors are open between noon and 6pm.
Note that the live music and a fireworks display are only on Saturday.

There will be a raffle for a chance to win a ride in a hot air balloon!, Looks like the weather for this event is going to be good so show your support and have a look.
Check out the latest local weather here.

Why not have a look at the Mercia Marina live webcam to see whats going on. You may even spot someone you know walking past the camera. Their webcam looks out over the marina where all the narrow boats are moored up.

If you have never been to Mercia Marina then have a look at my 360 degree VR photograph which I took just outside the Willow Tree Tea rooms.

How to get to Mercia Marina Festival :
Mercia Marina is located on Findern Lane, Derbyshire.
If you have a smart phone (iPhone,HTC,iPad etc) then I have created a drop pin for you. While viewing this blog on your phone tap the link below :

Mercia Marina smart phone drop pin <--- Tap me !

When you tap the link above, it will launch your mapping application and place a "push pin" onto the map with the exact location of the entrance to Mercia Marina. You can then use this marker to get driving, walking or bus directions from your current location.
For example on an iPhone you tap the Directions button at the bottom and this will pre-fill in the start and end locations so just tap the Route button at the bottom and it will show you either the driving route or the walking route. If you tap the middle button at the top, this will even show you which bus number and when the next bus to Mercia Marina departs !

In this Google Street view of Mercia Marina you can see the entrance.




Here is their poster detailing whats going on at Mercia Marina at this years festival.

Example screen capture from my iPhone using the smart phone drop pin link I have provided above, in this example I have tapped the bus icon (middle button). As you can see it shows you which bus to catch, where from and at what time!

Now there is no excuse for not being able to find the marina. I'm sure it will be well sign posted anyway.

Last year, 5,000 people visited the Mercia Marina festival ! I wonder how many will attend this year?

Thanks
Andy

Video of Ellen MacArthur opening Heage Windmill on Saturday 23rd April 2011

Here is my latest short film, filmed in HD last Saturday.
Heage Windmill in Derbyshire opens up each year at Easter and closes at the end of October.
This year Heage Windmill was officially opened by the world famous Yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur on Saturday 23rd April.
This particular opening was even more special as its the 10th Anniversary season since its restoration was completed in 2002.

I was invited as a guest because I created their virtual reality tour in the interpretation centre located in the bottom of the mill. The weather on the day was glorious and sunny but unfortunately there was no wind at all so the sails were not moving.
There was a great turn out for this opening, a marquee had been erected near the windmill for the buffet which had a slideshow running in the corner telling you all about the windmill.



I have hopefully captured the feel of this event in my short film. Ellen MacArthur was born within a stones throw of Heage Windmill at Whatstandwell, famous for her world record of the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005.

Ellen MacArthur arrived at the mill on a 1954 BSA Bantam motorbike (which she refers to in her speech).

I met Dame Ellen after she had been on the tour around the mill with her parents, she is a lovely down to earth lady. She said she was really impressed with my VR Tour system and had used it when she had been on two previous visits.

If you would like to visit Heage Windmill this weekend and want more information then please visit their website:  Heage Windmill website.Why not visit this weekend after Fridays Royal Wedding celebrations.

The Ellen MacArthur Trust Aims to support, empower and enliven children suffering from cancer or leukaemia by introducing them to the joys of sailing on the sea
www.ellenmacarthurtrust.org

If you are not sure of the driving route to the mill then view my Driving to Heage Windmill video.
To plan your driving route to the mill use my map here : Heage Windmill Map Location.
You can buy their flour at the windmill or at the local farmers markets such as Belper Farmers Market.



Hope you like my film of this historic Derbyshire event. I hope Heage Windmill have a great year due to this publicity, the more visitors they get the more donations they will get to keep this mill running for future generations to appreciate.

If you have not seen my local videos before and enjoyed this one then subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow my blog to get notified about any new videos I make.

Thanks
Andy