Jaw-dropping free running show set to bring high-octane exhilaration for the whole family to the UK in summer 2012

This summer some of Britain’s best loved Stately Homes, parks and leisure centres will provide the back-drop to Freerunning@, a spectacular open-air street dance production. The show brings together some of the world’s best free runners, martial artists and multiple world record holders in an awe-inspiring display of extreme sports athleticism, agility and acrobatics. Venues include Holkham Hall and Harewood House..

Showcasing the kind of thrilling action made famous by street dance troupes like ‘Diversity’, film scenes such as the opening of ‘Casino Royale’, genre defining programmes like ‘Jump London’ (http://bit.ly/HV56XM) and the BBC’s remarkable ‘Rush Hour’ sequence (http://bit.ly/qHqPr) , the show uses exhilarating music, eye-popping staging and stunning choreography to create a spectacle for all the family.

Featuring Creative Director and triple Guinness World Record holder Sam Parham (Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Harry Potter, Woman In Black), the show tells the story of Jake, a homeless teenager who teaches himself Free Running. A successful open audition as a film stunt extra gives Jake his big break, but as punishing schedule filming action scenes get underway he realises how much he still has to learn from the likes of stunt coordinator and martial arts expert Scarlett - played jointly by Guinness world record holder Chloe Bruce (Harry Potter, Clash of the Titans 2) and sister Grace Bruce (Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows). When filming is thrown into crisis, Jake is faced with the biggest challenge of his life, both personally and professionally.

This is the first Free Running theatrical tour to be staged in the UK, which will bring together some of the leading performers in the art. Free Running or Parkour has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with more than 500,000 videos currently on YouTube. It is also set to feature in the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Representing great value for money, audiences at the shows will be able to take in the fantastic surroundings, visit the homes and grounds and enjoy a picnic before the show. There will also be workshops at selected venues, where adults and children have a once in a lifetime opportunity to try out some moves for themselves under the expert guidance of the world-renowned cast!

The show is fully interactive, with audience members becoming part of the production as ‘extras’ in the filming scenes and at other times able to get close up to the action and see the incredible moves first-hand. It is the first production of its kind, combining classical music with contemporary beats to reflect the changing scenes, fusing street-dance with Free Running, choreography with improvisation and the heritage backdrops of the houses with the most exciting street-style action. (see a preview video here: http://bit.ly/HYALq6).

Speaking about the tour, producer Susannah Daley said: “Free Running is one of the most exciting extreme sports around at the moment. It will feature in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and is being promoted as an official sport by the Mayor of London. These athletes are remarkable and audiences of all ages will be able to enjoy their agility, strength and athleticism in an exhilarating show in fantastic settings. Whether you’re young or old, this show has something for everyone and is a great way to entertain the kids during the summer holidays.”

Freerunning@
24th Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
25th Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
11th Harewood, Leeds, North Yorkshire
12th Harewood, Leeds, North Yorkshire

For ticket prices please contact:
Harewood Tel: 0113 218 1000
Holkham Hall Tel: 01328 7131111

Blenheim Palace celebrating the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

Hundreds of Ceramic Delphiniums on display at Blenheim Palace celebrating the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

Scores of ceramic flowers are set to bloom at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad this summer. Around 200 ceramic delphiniums are set to go on display at the entrance to the Formal Gardens as part of a national installation named ‘The English Flower Garden’.

Ceramic Flowers at Blenheim Palace

During 2012, fine ceramic artist Paul Cummins is holding a series of exhibitions at specially selected venues across the UK chosen for their historical and social significance. Cummins has been commissioned to create 12,000 ceramic flowers for display around the country.
Cummins makes each delicate flower by hand with some standing up to six feet tall, taking years to complete. Delphiniums were chosen to feature at Blenheim Palace because they are a favourite of The11th Duke of Marlborough.

In addition to Blenheim Palace, there are five other prestigious locations in England between May and September, including 1,000 roses and 500 tulips that will go on show at The Houses of Parliament. Each bloom will be unique but will form part of the larger flower installation. The flowers are hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel featuring a Majolica glaze and attached to galvanised steel rods, ranging from 50 - 70cm in height, allowing the flowers to move in the breeze.
The work was commissioned as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, which aims to celebrate the arts in conjunction with the main sporting events at the London Olympics. None of the flowers are native to the UK, but aim to represent bringing together people from all over the world.

Ruth Mackenzie, Cultural Olympiad, Director, said: ‘This commission is about world-class artists creating brilliant work which will change perceptions of the work of disabled and deaf artists. Congratulations to the commissioned artists and we look forward to seeing how their work develops.’

The English Flower Garden has been commissioned by the Unlimited programme, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Unlimited encourages collaborations and partnerships between disability arts organisations, disabled and deaf artists, producers and mainstream organisations to celebrate the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to create original and exciting works. Twenty-nine Unlimited Commissions have been awarded.

The Blenheim Palace flowers will be on show from 1st June to 17th September.

Academy Award Winning Director Martin Scorsese To Produce Feature Length Drama Silver Ghost

Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese is joining Lord Attenborough and Anthony Haas to produce the feature film drama SILVER GHOST. The project will be a co-production between Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and Zuma Productions.

SILVER GHOST will tell the story of motoring pioneer Lord John Douglas-Scott Montagu of Beaulieu, his wife Cis and his secret love affair with his secretary and mistress, Eleanor Velasco Thornton.  It also tells of John’s connection and friendships with Rolls-Royce founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce and British artist and sculptor Charles Sykes. Eleanor was the inspiration for the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, designed by Sykes, that to this day adorns all Rolls-Royce cars.

Martin Scorsese remarks, "When I read the story of SILVER GHOST, I was mesmerised. I immediately thought: this is a picture that has to be made. And when I was asked to come aboard as a Producer alongside Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas, I didn't hesitate for a moment."

"Martin Scorsese is a giant of the cinema and I am thrilled to be collaborating with Marty and Anthony,” said Lord Attenborough. “What a team to bring this extraordinary story to life."

“SILVER GHOST is a most complex love story, not only between men and women, but men and machines. Set at the turn of the last century, it delineates the fascinating story of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce and the highly charged love affairs within the Montagu family.”

John Montagu’s son, Edward, founder of the National Motor Museum, notes, “It is a remarkable story which has long been a family secret.  I am delighted that Martin Scorsese has joined Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas in bringing it to the screen.”

Anthony Haas adds, "SILVER GHOST is one of the great untold stories of the last century which Richard Attenborough and I have developed.  It is a wonderful endorsement to have Martin Scorsese wanting to make this film with us and we are very much looking forward to working together."

“SILVER GHOST covers the thrilling and tragic events during which one of the greatest engineering names in the world was created,” said Sir Ralph Robins, past Chairman, Rolls-Royce plc.

Zuma Productions Ltd was established to produce SILVER GHOST and is headed by producer and creator of BAFTA nominated projects, Anthony Haas, together with his producing partner Richard Attenborough.


National Motor Museum

The world-famous National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has a collection of over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring on the roads of Britain from the dawn of motoring to the present day. There are historic racing cars, modern rally cars and the latest F1 machines as well as World Land Speed Record Breakers and family cars from every motoring era. Visitors to Beaulieu can also explore Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey as well as BOND IN MOTION and World of Top Gear. Open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. 

For more information Tel: 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Jubilee gun salute, regal music and an alternative ‘Queen’… a Royal tribute year for Burghley House

England’s greatest Elizabethan house will be marking Diamond Jubilee year with a summer of celebrations, including a regally themed Battle Proms music spectacular – and a tribute to Britain’s own musical monarch!

As the country gears up for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted adviser - William Cecil, Lord Burghley - is hosting its own patriotic celebrations.

Since being built 400 years ago by William Cecil, Elizabeth I’s chief minister, Burghley House has dominated the sweeping approach to the Georgian stone town of Stamford.

Today, it still packs that ‘wow’ factor – offering a packed family day out with a combined ticket giving access to the House plus two gardens, including the Tudor-inspired Gardens of Surprise.
Regarded by many as England’s greatest Elizabethan house, Burghley will host Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in June as part of their UK tour when up to 10,000 guests are expected to have a picnic with The Queen at an invitation-only summer picnic.
But there will be plenty more going on during the summer, both in the house and in the sweeping grounds, for visitors who want to join in national celebrations.

A Jubilee Jamboree (2nd – 10th June) will offer summer activities for youngsters at an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed festival, boasting tea parties, sporting events and have-a-go fun, including painting your own teacups!

For a spectacular afternoon and evening of summer entertainment, the annual Battle Proms at Burghley (7 July 2012) will this year have a Royal theme too – along with its usual mix of mounted cavalry, Spitfire aerial display and soul-stirring orchestral music.

For 2012 a special Diamond Jubilee Gun Salute will be provided by the gunners of the English Field Artillery Company who will fire a volley of shots from an authentic vintage field gun.
With the magnificent Burghley House as the backdrop, the event closes with the traditional sing-along, flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Rule Britannia, God Save the Queen and Land of Hope and Glory, culminating in a dazzling firework spectacular.

Jubilee celebrations will continue in to autumn at Burghley thanks to its annual Flower Festival (6th-14th October) - when the State Rooms are transformed with floral displays created by local flower societies – which this year will also have a Jubilee theme.
And the alternative Queen?

How about an open air concert in front of the Elizabethan house by Mercury - one of the world’s most authentic tributes to rock’s most flamboyant front man Freddie Mercury and Queen.
Mercury faithfully and accurately recreate the distinctive Queen experience
 and will be playing Burghley on Saturday
 9th June 2012.

For full details visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Chatsworth Throws a Giant Street Party To Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee

Chatsworth will be hosting a 1950s style giant street party in the garden to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee weekend (2-5 June).  Visitors will be encouraged to come along in vintage dress and take part in celebrations that echo those that would have taken place for the Queen’s Coronation 60 years ago.

Visitors can get into the swing and enjoy their picnic at the 100m table in the garden dressed with union jacks, bunting, flags and balloons and take part in traditional village fete games.

A large screen on Salisbury Lawn will show the Jubilee procession on June 5 and special walking tours of the garden will highlight the royal links with Chatsworth, including the visit of 13-year-old Princess Victoria in 1832, the only other Monarch in British history to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

In the house, the robes worn by four generations of the Cavendish family at the Queen’s Coronation and the Devonshire state chariot used by the 11th Duke of Devonshire and the Dowager Duchess to attend the Coronation will be on show. The celebrations continue in the Farmyard, decked out in bunting and flags, with jubilee themed crafts and fancy dress.

Rolls Royce will be displaying a vehicle on Lodge Hill from every year of the Queen’s 60-year reign on Sunday June 3. On the approach to the house, visitors will also see three giant crocheted lions created by artist Shauna Richardson for the Arts Council’s Lionheart project embarking on a tour before arriving in London in time for the Olympic Games.

House, garden, farmyard and adventure playground open on March 11 2012. For more information and ticketing options including a 10 percent discount for online booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

Norfolk Estate’s Jubilee Celebrations to Launch with Charity Concert in aid of Local Hospital

 A Norfolk country estate will be launching its Jubilee celebrations with music from the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and our present Queen in a charity concert in aid of King's Lynn Hospital League of Friends.

On Friday June 1 at 7pm Holkham Hall will be hosting the concert ‘Long May She Reign’, marking the start of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations with music performed by an impressive line-up of talented musicians.

Funds from the concert will go towards King's Lynn Hospital League of Friends, whose main objective is to raise money for the purchase of equipment and amenities in local hospitals.

Performers include the tenor Stephen Miles, pianist Gill Smith, lutenist Peter Trent, the Wensum Chorale and Holborne Recorder Consort, who will make a fitting musical launch to three days of Jubilee celebrations at the hall. Music will include Britten folk songs, lute solos and madrigals from the reign of Elizabeth I and music from the 1950s onwards in a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II.   

Festivities will continue throughout the weekend with a 1950s inspired fun, fashion and food event. On Sunday 3, Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 the Hall, Bygones Museum and courtyard will be alive with activities and events including period cooking demonstrations, a fashion show and rock and roll music – promising to create a lively party atmosphere.

Inspired by the Queen’s 1,000 boat flotilla on the Thames, younger visitors will have the chance to help build Holkham’s own royal flotilla, which will be floated on the lake on Tuesday June 5.

Concert tickets cost £20 and include a glass of wine in The Saloon during the interval. Tickets for the flotilla workshop cost £15 per child.  Normal admission prices apply for the 1950s inspired celebrations. For more information visit www.holkham.co.uk or call 01328 713111.

Music, fashion and food from the 1950s inspire country estate’s diamond jubilee celebrations Holkham Hall

A Norfolk country estate has announced plans to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with music, fashion and food inspired by the 1950s.  

There will be a musical start to the celebrations on Friday June 1 at 7pm, with a charity concert featuring music from the reigns of Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II, with funds from the evening going to the King’s Lynn Hospital League of Friends.

On Sunday 3, Monday 4 and Tuesday 5, 10am to 5pm, Holkham will be celebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with activities, food and entertainment from the decade The Queen came to throne.

Visitors to the hall between 12pm and 4pm can see a fifties fashion show, with guest appearances from Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. The hall will be dressed for the occasion, with the dining room laid for a special Jubilee dinner and demonstrations of 1950s cooking taking place in the Old Kitchen.  Adding to the party atmosphere in the courtyard and Bygones Museum, rock and roll music will be performed along with Max Miller-style comedy, 1950s inspired refreshments and family games, activities and crafts.

In recognition of The Queen’s 1,000 boat flotilla on the Thames, younger visitors can help Holkham build their own flotilla in the ‘Holkham Ahoy’ children’s workshops from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm on all three days. They can watch their creations floated on the lake on the last day of the Jubilee celebrations.

For further information and individual admission prices contact 01328 713111 or visit www.holkham.co.uk.