After only 17 months since the beginning of the restoration works, and earlier than the scheduled date for the end of 2015, the water of the Trevi Fountain will start flowing again.
On January 2013, FENDI announced the restoration of the Trevi Fountain in Rome under its patronage. This involvement has progressed into an ambitious project for the preservation of cultural heritage of the city of Rome called ‘FENDI for Fountains.’ In addition to the Trevi Fountain, the project also included the restoration of the complex of the “Four Fountains”, which ended in May 2015.
The renovation project, playing with creativity, has given life to one of the most innovative work-sites ever conceived before for this kind of operation, without interrupting the fruition of one of Rome’s most beautiful and visited monument in the world.
The Trevi Fountain, similarly to the Italian fashion house, is steeped in tradition and history. FENDI was founded in the city of Rome in 1925 and has continued to look to the city for inspiration for their runway collections.
easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, is celebrating twenty years of flying.
On 10 November 1995 easyJet’s first ever flight took off from Luton to Glasgow.
Twenty years on, the airline flies over 68 million passengers to 137 airports in 31 countries and operates 788 routes across Europe.
Captain Fred Rivett was at the controls of that first flight which was EZY121 operated by a Boeing 737-200. Lisa Burger (now easyJet’s Head of Customer) checked in the very first easyJet passenger and easyJet’s founder Stelios joined passengers and media on board that first flight. All three and others from the airline’s early days were among the guests at a special birthday event at easyJet’s headquarters in Luton.
easyJet unveiled a special livery aircraft featuring a mosaic of more than 100,000 of its customers’ most-loved holiday snaps and selfies taken during their travels across Europe over the past twenty years. The aircraft symbolises the role that easyJet has played in changing the way that people across Europe travel thanks to its low fares, friendly service and focus on making travel easier and more affordable.
Carolyn McCall, easyJet’s Chief Executive, said:
“We’re delighted to be celebrating easyJet’s success over the past two decades. 20 years ago easyJet changed the way Europe travelled. We challenged the high price monopolies of the legacy airlines and enabled a new generation of people of all ages, incomes and interests to enjoy Europe. Since then we’ve carried over 600m passengers and flown over 4.7m flights but that challenger spirit is stronger than ever in the easyJet of 2015.
“We started with fares to Glasgow from £29 – or as we advertised at the time, the same price as a pair of jeans. A pair of Levis 501s will now set your back £75 while our fares to Glasgow start from £27.49.
“All of this would not have been possible without those who have been part of the easyJet team during that time. They have worked incredibly hard to make travel easier and more affordable for our passengers.
“I also have to thank our fantastic customers for their loyalty and support and, of course, our suppliers and partners for their professionalism and commitment.
“Although today we’re celebrating 20 years of generation easyJet, we’re even more excited about the future. We will continue to challenge conventional thinking and we look forward to where the next two decades could take us.”
Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyJet’s founder and owner of the easyJet brand, commenting from the event in Luton:
“Today is the best possible opportunity to thank all the 30,000 people who make easyJet work on a daily basis. I want to thank those employees and sub-contractors – both on the ground and in the air – who have made easyJet over the last 20 years such a great investment for its shareholders and such a great brand for its customers.”
Captain Fred Rivett, who operated easyJet’s inaugural flight from London Luton to Glasgow on 10th November 1995 commented:
“I remember watching the first passengers step aboard. It was a cold dark morning and the cabin was filled with excited passengers who knew they were part of something new. They had also paid very little for their seats! It was a very proud moment for me and all the crew. The short hop to Glasgow was completely routine but we now know that it was just the start of changing the way we all travel by air.
“The airline has come a long way in such a short time and being here today brings back all the memories. It’s great to get a glimpse of what’s planned for the future.
Lisa Burger, easyJet’s Head of Customer who checked in passengers on the first flight said:
“I’ll always remember the energy, excitement and hype surrounding our first flight. I recall explaining to customers as we checked them in for that inaugural flight that their confirmation letter or booking reference was all they needed to check-in – and not a ticket as we were ticketless. In exchange we gave them a reusable plastic boarding pass explaining that we had free seating and they could choose where to sit when on board. 20 years ago this was revolutionary. No tickets, free seating, an inflight service where you choose and paid for what you purchased on-board.”
“From day one we began to educate customers how to interact and travel us and that we could make travel more affordable by cutting out complexity, overheads and costs that didn’t add value or that would compromise service. The perception of many was that we would be another airline that would come and go but the Orange spirit that today is still as evident as it was then along with the belief in the model and brand, meant that we defied the odds and revolutionised the way people travel.
“20 years on I still love the opportunities we have to challenge and innovate. We continue to find ways to make travel easier and more affordable for our passengers.”
This is the latest innovation from the pioneering airline which is always at the forefront of technology, from being one of the first airlines to launch online booking in 1998 to introducing aircraft inspections by automated drones earlier this year, and provides an exciting glimpse of things to come for airline uniforms.
Wearable tech features being trialled include:
Cabin crew uniforms
LEDs on shoulders and illuminated hems to provide additional lighting in an emergency
LEDs on jacket lapels displaying important information like flight numbers and destinations
In-built microphones to improve communication between the crew, pilots and passengers
LEDs in ground staff jacket cuffs to help with aircraft movement on the ground
Engineer uniforms
LEDs in jacket hoods to illuminate work areas and leave both hands free for aircraft inspections and maintenance
Multiple reflective laser cut decoration to aid visibility on the air field
In-built video cameras to allow for remote diagnosis of technical issues along with surround sound and a microphone for instant communication capability
Air quality sensor and barometer features to help engineers monitor their work environment and create a map of air quality in different cities for passengers’ information
For this latest innovation the airline teamed up with leading fashion tech company CuteCircuit, a global leader in interactive fashion responsible for many groundbreaking ideas using smart textiles and micro-electronics. Recent collaborations include work with the likes of U2, Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger. CuteCircuit worked closely with easyJet cabin crew and engineers to analyse their everyday movements and design uniforms best suited to their needs.
Tina Milton, Head of Cabin Crew for easyJet, commented:
“Our crew’s primary concern is for the safety of all passengers so it is really exciting to be working on this pioneering new technology which could transform the capability of our uniforms, helping crew to be more easily identified in an emergency as well as helping them to provide great service to passengers.”
Ian Davies, Engineering Director for easyJet, commented:
“With features like the LED hood and video streaming and communications capability these amazing designs offer very practical solutions for engineers working on the ramp whilst enhancing safety at the same time.”
Francesca Rosella, Chief Creative Director and Co-Founder of CuteCircuit, said:
“We are excited to be working with easyJet in creating the future of aviation. The cabin crew uniforms and engineers’ uniforms represent cutting edge developments in wearable technology, and are a first in the aviation industry. The uniforms unite fashionable style with novel functionalities, increasing safety and communication with passengers to create a truly unique inflight experience. We designed with the crew needs in mind and are looking forward to starting trials in 2016.”
easyJet will start wearable tech uniform wearer trials early in 2016.
During the event, attended by more than 500 guests including media, stakeholders, suppliers as well as past and present staff, the airline reflected on the past two decades with an exhibition of memorabilia including the airlines’ first ever adverts – the first of which famously advertised flights for the price of a pair of jeans. A catwalk show showcased the iconic crew uniforms from 1995 to the present and beyond.
As well as reflecting on the past twenty years of success the airline also looked forward to what the next twenty years may hold for air travel announcing a trial of uniforms for its crew and engineers incorporating wearable technology. The uniforms demonstrate how the application of innovative technology could play a role in making tasks easier, helping with communications and enhance safety procedures.
About CuteCircuit…
Internationally-known fashion house, CuteCircuit, has been pushing the boundaries of wearable technology since its launch in 2004. A global leader in interactive fashion, CuteCircuit has introduced many ground-breaking ideas to the fashion world by integrating new beauty and functionality through the use of smart textiles and micro-electronics. CuteCircuit is headquartered in Shoreditch, artistic heart of London, where the Creative Director Francesca Rosella, and CEO Ryan Genz are the design duo behind all of CuteCircuit’s amazing creations.
About EasyJet… easyJet is Europe’s leading airline offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe’s primary airports, with great value fares and friendly service. easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline. easyJet carries over 68 million passengers annually, of which around 12 million are travelling on business. easyJet flies over 240 aircraft on more than 780 routes to over 130 airports across 33 countries. More than 300 million Europeans live within one hour’s drive of an easyJet airport.
The very first production Bentley Bentayga, the catalyst for one of the biggest investment programmes in the company’s history, left the assembly line at Bentley’s iconic headquarters in Crewe, UK, on Friday 27th November.
Four years on from the initial concept stage, during which time over 1,500 UK jobs have been created, the car – part of an £840 million investment programme – will now enter full production, with deliveries to customers starting in January 2016.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: “Bentley Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment – the luxury SUV.
“This car is a celebration of UK manufacturing at its very best, not only reinforcing our commitment to industry in this country, job creation and significant investment, but to our home in Crewe. This is an important moment in our history, where we reflect and celebrate, but also look ahead to delivering this extraordinary car to our customers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues from all parts of the business for their dedication and professionalism in delivering the Bentley Bentayga. It would not have been possible to deliver this car without the support and belief from the UK Government, our parent company and other business partners. We can all take pride in this achievement.”
The first production Bentayga, finished in paint colour – Anthracite – was handcrafted across 130 hours. During the assembly process, the car passed through a new bodystore, a new paint shop and a new assembly line, all part of this substantial investment.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron, commented: “I am delighted that the first Bentley Bentayga has rolled off the production line in Crewe. It marks the culmination of a period of exceptional hard work by Bentley and its dedicated workforce as they brought this remarkable new vehicle to market.
“The Bentayga represents an ambitious £800 million investment into the Crewe factory backed by £9.5 million from the Regional Growth Fund. It has created hundreds of valuable skilled jobs for the area and secured the future of production onsite.
“Well done to all at Bentley. This is a moment of great pride for everyone who lives and works in Crewe.”
Michael Straughan, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, addressed the company’s 4,000-strong workforce as the car was driven from the final production stage. He said: “This is a proud moment for the entire company. It’s been four years in the making and is a celebration of a sector-defining British handcrafted car.
“Bentayga is the Bentley of SUVs, with a level of attention to detail only achievable thanks to the outstanding skill of a British workforce that blends exceptional craft and skill with modern production techniques and materials.”
Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.
An unparalleled marriage of cutting-edge technology, mechanics and 100% Swiss savoir-faire.
Imperiali Genève has unveiled a world exclusive: the Emperador cigar chest.
Thousands of hours of work, several international patents, 2,675 high-quality components, complex mechanics and the introduction of state-of-the-art technology make this the most prestigious cigar chest in the world, available at the price of one million Swiss francs.
The Emperador invites an array of superlatives; it is a project tinted with folly.
The chest is much more than a luxury product; it is an experience for all five senses – a moment suspended in time available to a privileged few, as only twelve numbered pieces will be produced each year. Combined with a timepiece featuring a tourbillon, this utterly unique object marries the age-old art of Swiss watchmaking with the skills of the best experts from 27 different trades.
Behind the Emperador is Imperiali Genève, a young company aspiring to reinvent existing objects by transcending the bounds of reason.
To innovate, enrich and amaze – such is their leitmotif.
The extraordinary chest is the fruit of their ambitious imagination. Produced in Switzerland using noble materials, it measures 70 cm long, 45 cm wide and 30 cm high.
A masterpiece of high technology and complex mechanics
The prestigious chest is crowned by a tourbillon timepiece made up of 323 parts and a ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloché dial – the work of a master watchmaker from the Swiss Jura. Meanwhile, access to the 24 exceptional Grand Cru cigars, which are wrapped in four gold leaves and arranged in individual glass tubes around this most sophisticated of creations, is protected by a personal secret code. The user simply brushes a finger over one of the nine touch buttons on the cover spelling the name ‘Imperiali’ to activate the integrated LCD display, which is invisible when the device is sleeping. He then enters his code using the golden touch buttons.
Luxurious and enriched with magnificent details, the Emperador showcases its mechanics – namely the lock and tourbillon watch mechanisms – but is careful to conceal all its electronic components. Only three indicators with mechanical hands are visible to the user. These display, in real time, the relative humidity and temperature inside the chest, the power reserve and the number of cigars remaining. In its quest for perfection and innovation, Imperiali Genève has developed the world’s first self-regulating humidity system, which requires neither water nor human intervention. It guarantees a constant humidity level of 70% and a temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, regardless of external environmental conditions. These variables can also be easily adjusted according to the user’s wishes.
The almost sacred moment of savouring a cigar is elevated by the Emperador’s three exceptional accessories, which once again perfectly combine technology and mechanics. These majestic devices are arranged in an unobtrusive drawer seamlessly incorporated into the front of the chest. The cigar cutter enables the cigar to be either mechanically cut or perforated in the manner of a punch. The table lighter and its three nozzles offer a perfect flame. Lastly, the ashtray opens by the magic of mechanics whenever a cigar is brought near.
A precious moment, an equally precious cigar.
Hundreds of combinations of meticulously selected tobaccos were required to achieve the final result. Rich, complex and balanced, it is the product of the fertile plantations of the Jamastran Valley (south Honduras) and the Jalapa Valley (north Nicaragua), the El Dorado of Cuban emigrants who arrived equipped with their seeds and unparalleled knowledge.
The Emperador cigar is a premium product whose manufacture leaves nothing to chance.
After 48 months of ageing, the leaves are carefully processed with the utmost respect to create an exceptional Grand Cru.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI4xoDwy_IA
About Imperiali Genève…
Imperiali Genève is much more than a brand; it is an art of living. Driven by a love of beauty and an uncompromising desire to innovate by playing with and overcoming the laws of physics, David Pasciuto and Stéphane Nazzal, the creators of the Imperiali brand, revisit and reinterpret everyday objects, transforming them into true masterpieces.
Situated smack bang in the middle of Soho, HOT VOX and THE SPICE OF LIFE brings you right to the centre of London’s best music.
From jazz and Jamie Cullum to legends such as Bob Dylan, this building has had a historic blend of great names through its doors.
Here, HOT VOX concocts a flavour filled night of music, with a perfect blend of artists to give this well loved traditional pub a night to remember.
So spice up your night and taste some of London’s hottest artists!
Tonight, My Pet Shark will be supported by Pike Prada, Pryam, Olivia Cipriani and The Klik.
THE KLIK are a six-piece Rock/Rap/Reggae band from Essex in the UK.
Together for three years, this coming January 2016, The Klik – Toggz (Rapper/ Vocalist), Cobez (Rapper/ Vocalist), Ellis (Vocalist), Ross (Guitarist), Rob (Drummer), Nat (Bass) – have been slowly raising their profile from first-off receiving plays on FRQ.fm, Essex Radio in Maldon and Chelmsford, and internet stations, to now receiving plays on BBC Introducing in Essex, getting big support from Ollie Winiberg, the presenter of the show, being invited in for a live session.
With the release of their Stress Levels EP, the band went from playing local gigs at The Edge in Basildon and Chinnerys in Southend to now playing well-renowned and legendary venues in London such as The Garage in Islington, The Dublin Castle in Camden, culminating in a sold-out gig at Brixton Jamm for Hot Chip’s official after party.
The Klik have also been number one in the Essex Hip Hop Chart on Reverb Nation for a six-week stint, still now bouncing around in the top three.
A pub that has truly stood the test of time… surviving two world wars and retaining its traditional charm. It is thought that there has been a tavern on the site of The Spice of Life since around 1750, although its present incarnation was built in 1898. It was known then as The Cantons, and this name can still be seen in the building’s stonework as well as on the flags held by the rooftop gargoyles overlooking Cambridge Circus. The tavern underwent a few name changes over the next 80 years, becoming The George and 13 Cantons, The Scots Hoose, and then finally The Spice of Life in 1986, when McMullen (the Hertford Brewers) became the owners. The Spice of Life is apparently a reference to a line in the William Cowper poem ‘Task’ …variety’s the very spice of life / that gave it all it’s flavour…”. As well as being a listed building, The Spice of Life also has an esteemed musical heritage. In the 1960’s and 1970’s The Scots Hoose (as it was called then) was a popular venue for folk musicians, and saw many great acts of the time, such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Bert Jansch, The Strawbs and Sandy Denny performing here. Then in the heyday of punk in the late 70’s The Spice of Life became a regular haunt for many punk musicians and followers, including The Sex Pistols. In the late 90’s a thriving Jazz Club started up at The Spice, and has attracted many top acts, such as Jamie Cullum, Soweto Kinch, Darius Brubeck & Daryl Sherman.
McMullen & Sons Ltd, the family brewers of Hertfordshire established in 1827, remain the owners of this historical property to this day.
A Sketchbook Journey Inspired by World Heritage Cities and Sites
A Fellow Traveller by Karen Neale is well worth reading. The watercolours almost leap off the page, they are so immediate, so imbued with the artist’s passion, and curiosity. Each illustration has text to put it in context. It is a brave and encompassing journey – for Karen, and an enormously satisfying read – for us.
Nick Danziger writes the forword, in which he talks of Karen Neale’s passion and courage, as she shared her ‘Fellow Traveller’ project after she was shortlisted for a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship some years ago. Karen’s plan was to visit parts of the world, many of which were not on most tourists’ itineraries.
She travelled for five months through France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, India and Nepal in 2001. During this time she completed 106 annotated, watercolour sketches recording her experiences, 42 of which appear in this book.
Drawing with just a black biro, she became a part of each place for a time. Karen Neale found that sketching erodes cultural and linguistic barriers, as a picture and the process to create it can be universally understood. Almost without exception, people were friendly, informative, inquisitive and afforded her great hospitality. She soon realised that despite different cultures, languages, societal and physical structures, there lies a common universal aspiration. That is to lead an uncomplicated, peaceful life, with a roof over one’s head, food on the table and to be surrounded by family and friends, and taking great pride in our natural and cultural heritage.
I leafed through this album of water colours inspired by World Heritage Cities and found they communicated a profound sense of place, and were full of movement, somehow. No, it’s not as good as going yourself, but it’s still pretty damn good.
I heartily recommend A Fellow Traveller. Just wish I’d been alongside Karen for the trip.
We think this might be one of the greatest ideas ever: on demand champagne delivered straight to your door with two champagne flute. And within ten minutes if you live in certain areas of London. We love.
One of the most extravagant app offerings in town, Gett Clicquot (a.k.a on demand champagne), is being cut to just £39 from an original £50 in line with Black Friday, to truly celebrate the upcoming online and offline shopping frenzy!
Gett partnered with Veuve Clicquot to launch the on demand champagne delivery service this summer. That’s right, a bottle of yellow label, chilled Veuve Clicquot, delivered to your door with two champagne flutes within ten minutes via scooter, throughout specific areas in London.
Users will receive their bottle of champagne, supplied by Amathus, available from 4pm – 10pm every day in and around Central, Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, the City, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Belgravia and Kensington.
Additionally, Gett are offering a Black Cab Friday deal whereby, when 3 rides or more are taken with Gett over the Cyber Weekend, Fri 27th-29th, they’ll be gifting users with £5 free cab credits.
Reunited after seven years, consummate crowd pleasers, G4, know how to put on a show.
Having reformed in November 2014 for a ‘One Night Only’ show in London, G4 quickly realised that a public appetite for more G4 was definitely still there.
With the occasional prom feel and doo-wop backbone, their harmonious blends had the Norwich Cathedral spire in a spin and the roof bosses twitching, with the handsome wooden arches and stained glass acting as the perfect backdrop for this sell-out performance, the first of their Christmas By Candlelight tour.
G4 made good on their promise to fill the set full of G4 classics as well as tracks from the ‘Christmas By Candlelight’ album, offering up ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘You Raise Me Up’, backed up by accompanying guitarist and pianist, combining in acoustical heaven.
In their younger years, churches and choir singing played a huge role in group’s Christmas experiences.
With that in mind, G4 were inspired to run a singing competition called Christmas Star Search, designed to identify talented young singers under the age of 16. The winner (to open the tour in Norwich and close the tour in Brighton), was Toby Peters, who joined the group onstage to sing the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.
The Cathedral fell silent, a pitch-perfect performance.
With their truly immersive and harmonious blends, they were joined by the Norwich Rock Choir for ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’ – a haunting performance, synonymous with the reputation of this exuberant collection of beautiful singers who went on to accompany with exceptional harmonies.
This was the 21st time the Rock Choir have performed with G4, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with a fantastic collaboration with the reunited group.
Throughout the tour, a member of the audience is invited on stage to be serenaded by the group, a genuine touching indication of the passion G4 feel towards their loyal audience.
This was the 21st time the Rock Choir have performed with G4, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with a fantastic collaboration with the reunited group.
Opening the second half with ‘Silent Night’ from the back of the Cathedral, the quartet respectfully stepped down the main aisle to the haunting pipes of Norwich Cathedral organ.
Since reuniting, G4 have played to over 15,000 this year alone and dedicated their last song, ‘Bring Him Home’ (Les Misérables), to all people with missing friends and family.
Ending the show with a medley of Christmas favourites, the sing-along audience were left in no doubt that Christmas was just around the corner and G4 were back for good… which suggests that niceness really does go a long way.
With a series of eight shows in beautiful churches and cathedrals nationwide, these intimate shows see Jonathan, Ben, Mike and Nick share the songs from their eagerly-awaited new album, “G4 Christmas” including Christmas classics and carols, all delivered up-close and personal in some of the UK’s most iconic historic venues. “G4 Christmas”, G4’s fourth album, created with Pledge Music, released on 16th November.
Due to the overwhelming demand for G4, they are delighted to return to the stage in 2016 with their new and exciting ‘Back For Good’ tour, which is set to further showcase their flawless vocals in even more towns and cities nationwide.
Join G4 in what promises to be yet another spellbinding performance. Tickets now on sale! Available direct from the venues below: 3rd April 2016, 7.30pm POOLE The Lighthouse 0844 406 8666 Buy Tickets 4th April 2016, 7.30pm IPSWICH Regent Theatre 01473 433100 Buy Tickets 5th April 2016, 7.30pm – CROYDON Fairfield Halls 020 8688 9291 Buy Tickets 6th April 2016, 7.30pm SKEGNESS Embassy Theatre 01507 613100 Buy Tickets 7th April 2016, 7.30pm DORKING Halls 01306 881717 Buy Tickets 8th April 2016, 7.30pm LONDON Cadogan Hall 020 7730 4500 Buy Tickets 10th April 2016, 7.30pm AYLESBURY The Waterside 0844 871 7607 Buy Tickets 11th April 2016, 7.30pm BIRMINGHAM Town Hall 0121 345 0600 Buy Tickets 12th April 2016, 7.30pm LEEDS City Varieties 0113 243 0808 Buy Tickets 13th April 2016, 7.30pm PORTSMOUTH Guildhall 0844 847 2362 Buy Tickets 17th April 2016, 9.00pm EASTLEIGH Concorde Club 023 8065 1478 Buy Tickets 18th April 2016, 7.30pm TORQUAY Princess Theatre 0844 871 3023 Buy Tickets 19th April 2016, 7.30pm STOKE Victoria Hall 0844 871 7649 Buy Tickets 20th April 2016, 7.30pm GRIMSBY Auditorium 0300 300 0035 Buy Tickets 21st April 2016, 7.30pm – FOLKESTONE Leas Cliff Hall – 0844 871 3015 Buy Tickets
About G4…
G4 are a four-piece British vocal troupe who first came to prominence when they finished second in Series 1 of The X Factor in 2004, and are known for their operatic delivery of modern pop songs. Originally a barbershop quartet,[1] the members met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which the name G4, standing for “Guildhall 4”, derives.
Rock Choir is the UK’s largest and most popular contemporary choir, with nearly 20,000 members in over 320 local communities nationwide. It offers adults and teenagers the chance to sing and perform popular contemporary songs, with no auditions and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience. Rock Choir is for anyone who just loves to sing! The choir’s popularity is phenomenal and its achievements are extraordinary. It has released two top twenty albums and performed en-masse at the 02 Arena (London), the Liverpool Echo Arena, Wembley Arena, Hammersmith Apollo, NEC and the Royal Albert Hall. In 2011, Rock Choir was the subject of a popular 3-part ITV1 documentary ‘The Choir That Rocks’ and has made numerous other TV appearances, including BBC Breakfast, The One Show, Good Morning Britain, The Paul O’Grady Show and The Alan Titchmarsh Show. Rock Choir’s uplifting ethos of fun, friendship and community spirit is a huge part of its attraction. At an individual level, it helps improve people’s self-confidence, enables them to develop new singing skills and enjoy a dynamic new social life. Singing together and achieving such a great sound gives members a huge sense of fulfilment. Added to this is the glamour and excitement of performing in public, which, for many, is a truly liberating experience!
Jo Youle, Chief Executive of the charity Missing People says “We’re thrilled to have been chosen by the wonderful G4 boys as their charity partner for the Christmas album and tour. Not only will their powerful and inspirational voices uplift and inspire us, they are also supporting our Home for Christmas Appeal which will help us to offer a lifeline to missing people and their families at what can be an incredibly lonely and heartbreaking time of year.” Every two minutes, someone goes missing in the UK. For their families the thought of Christmas without them is heartbreaking. The charity Missing People offers a lifeline when someone disappears, bringing missing adults and children home to their loved ones and supporting the families left behind. Missing People’s Home for Christmas Appeal is aiming to raise £20,000 to help the charity provide their vital helpline at the most difficult time of the year. G4 will be supporting the Home for Christmas Appeal by holding a series of collections at their Christmas By Candlelight tour.
Norwich Cathedral is an English cathedral located in Norwich, Norfolk, dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity. It is the cathedral church for the Church of EnglandDiocese of Norwich and is one of the Norwich 12 heritage sites.
The cathedral was begun in 1096 and constructed out of flint and mortar and faced with a cream-coloured Caen limestone. A Saxon settlement and two churches were demolished to make room for the buildings. The cathedral was completed in 1145 with the Norman tower still seen today topped with a wooden spire covered with lead. Several episodes of damage necessitated rebuilding of the east end and spire but since the final erection of the stone spire in 1480 there have been few fundamental alterations to the fabric.
The large cloister has over 1,000 bosses including several hundred carved and ornately painted ones.
Norwich Cathedral has the second largest cloisters, only outsized by Salisbury Cathedral. The cathedral close is one of the largest in England and one of the largest in Europe and has more people living within it than any other close. The cathedral spire, measuring at 315 ft or 96 m, is the second tallest in England despite being partly rebuilt after being struck by lightning in 1169, just 23 months after its completion, which led to the building being set on fire. Measuring 461 ft or 140.5 m long and, with the transepts, 177 ft or 54 m wide at completion, Norwich Cathedral was the largest building in East Anglia.
