BABY GENDER REVEAL – GIRL OR BOY?

BABY GENDER REVEAL – GIRL OR BOY?

We’re now into Spring which means sooner or later we will have a new member of the royal family! So the question is….. blue or pink?

Learning the gender of a baby is a very exciting moment for any family, especially the new parents-to-be. In recent years the gender revealing process has become increasingly more creative. So, we’ve found some exciting gender reveal ideas that we want to share with you all.

  1. Gender reveal boxes:
    These have become one of the most popular gender reveal ideas. For this, you take a large box and fill it with either pink or blue balloons. When you open the box, the balloons will fly out to reveal the gender of your baby. (Make sure you have someone double-check that the right colour is used).
  2. Gender reveal party poppers:
    Party poppers are a fun way to get all of your family and friends involved in the baby gender reveal. Everyone grabs a party popper and pops it at the same time to reveal pink or blue confetti. Not sure I would want to be the one to clean up the mess afterwards!Gender reveal football:
  3. Gender reveal football:
    This one is a real game changer (excuse the pun). If you’re a sports fan, you can buy balls for virtually any sport you like filled with bright pink or blue powder that will explode on impact. You can kick a football or hit a cricket ball to reveal a big cloud of blue or pink powder.
  4. Gender reveal bath bombs:
    Slightly less adventurous but a very cute idea – fill a clear plastic tub with water (you could even add a rubber duck on top), then just add a colour-changing bath bomb to the water to reveal your baby’s gender to your friends and family.
  5. Gender reveal cake:
    Most people enjoy eating cake during times of celebration.  Why not get a gender reveal cake? It’s a cost-effective option because it also serves as food for your guests. You can also save money by making a cake yourself. Then just add blue or pink food colouring to cake batter and frost the outside of the cake with a gender-neutral colour like white or yellow.
  6. Gender reveal wristbands:
    Celebrate the arrival of your baby with the addition of It’s a Girl/Boy wristbands! You could then keep them as a little keepsake. Wristbands can be fully customisable, you can choose from silicone, fabric or paper ranges to welcome your new arrival.

Are you planning a baby shower for a friend or family member? Or maybe you’re thinking of throwing a gender reveal event yourself. These kinds of parties are fun for everyone involved! Check out the variety of wristbands on offer at https://jc-leisure.com/

Easter Events!

I’m sure most people will agree with me when I say that age is completely irrelevant when it comes to chocolate. Easter is the best time of year for chocolate indulgence and the UK is packed with chocolate focused Easter events for the whole family to enjoy!

 

Easter Adventure Quest

When? Sat 6 – Sun 28 April 2019

Where? Scarborough Castle

Why not take part in the hunt for dragon eggs this Easter? Help crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail through Scarborough Castle. Courageous adventurers who track down the egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and of course there’ll be a chocolate treat too!

 

York Chocolate Festival

When? 18th -22nd April

Where? Parliament Street & Shambles – York

Yes you heard it, a chocolate festival! Rowntree’s created Kit Kat, Aero and Terry’s Chocolate Orange in the beautiful town of York. This makes it a perfect location to host a chocolate festival this Easter. There are lots of events to attend, such as tastings, craft chocolate demonstrations and plenty of chocolate to eat.

 

Easter Eggventure

When? April 20th

Where? Skipton Castle

Join the Easter egg hunt by following clues around the wood surrounding Skipton Castle. On your way don’t forget to collect your chocolate treats! A fun day out for all the family.

 

Cadbury Egg Hunt

When? 19th-22nd April

Where? Abbey West Green, North Yorkshire

Pick up your trail paper and follow along to learn all about nests, feathers and the life of birds! A lovely day out for the family and there’s also a chocolate prize up for grabs.

 

Organising an Easter Event and need wristbands or lanyards?

Call us now to order your wristbands, passes and lanyards – 01482 804514

Virtual Reality – The Future of Live Events?

Virtual reality is having a real impact on the event industry. The last few years have seen an explosion of VR into the mainstream, which means we can now experience all the joys of live music from the comfort of our own living rooms, the true ‘best seat in the house’.

You might be asking, what makes VR so special? Why can’t we just watch this on TV?

These live streaming events allow you to be completely absorbed in the concert, a full 360 experience. A place where you can access your favourite artist without the hindrances of such things like queuing for a drink or back row seats.

Some may argue that technology can never fully replicate a live concert, which to some extent holds true. The sensory experience, with a wristband placed tightly on your wrist, the sweaty venue and deafening screams from the person behind you, this can only truly be appreciated right there.

Venues such as the 02, NEC and Alexandra Palace are some of the first to hold live stream concerts. This can be watched by fans through the Melody VR app where you can even choose your place in the crowd for 15% off the original ticket price. So, if you’re a Kasabian, Post Malone or Niall Horan fan (just to name a few) then this could be a great option if you miss out on tickets for the next tour!

Futurelands, the world’s first VR festival launched last year. With four hours of live entertainment spread across the virtual festival grounds. I can imagine this was absolutely mind-blowing.

So, who knows what the future holds for VR? Immersive technologies appear to have a unique ability to drive a deeper connection with the audience, which will no doubt make a huge impact on the event scene in the future.

The festival season is fast approaching so if you’re someone looking to plan an event this summer then check out the latest festival wristbands at JC Leisure, where we’ll be more than happy to help you with your order.

Summer Holidays 2018 Activities

Looking for ways to keep your kids happy and entertained this summer? No problem – there’s a wide range of activities to suit all ages going on across the capital.

Dinosaurs in the Wild

Kids love dinosaurs, and now they get a chance to see them in the flesh at this immersive experience. Using dramatic storytelling, seasoned actors, stunning graphics, and impressive animatronics, guests will be transported back to the prehistoric land of dinosaurs. Find this activity just a few minutes’ walk from North Greenwich underground station.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

Need to find a place in Central London where your young ones can blow off a little steam? Just try the wonderful Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Featuring everything from a Peter Pan-inspired giant wooden pirate ship to a real tepee, it’s the perfect place for imaginative kids to burn off some of youth’s boundless energy.

Tooting Bec Lido

There are plenty of lido pools across London, but Tooting Bec is probably the pick of the litter. Emerge from its traditional brightly coloured changing rooms to take a dip in one of the UK’s largest outdoor pools. There’s plenty of room to splash around, but keep in mind that it does get a tad crowded during peak times.

Battersea Power of Summer

The famous power station is livening up London’s summer by presenting a slew of kid-friendly activities. Just a few gems from their programme include a design your own frisbee session, a boat making workshop, and free interactive storytelling. There’s also an imaginative playground running every Thursday to Sunday from July 21 to August 27.

Spitalfields City Farm

This urban farm is just moments from Brick Lane. Get a touch of the countryside in the middle of the city by meeting goats, sheep, donkeys, and more. There’s also gardens with an assortment of flowers and veggies.

Scoop: The Wonderful World of Ice Cream

Ice cream is always going to be a favourite for kids young and old, so head to this Willy-Wonka style pop-up. It features charming vintage equipment, including Victorian ice cream moulds and a huge collection of historic ice cream paraphernalia.

Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery at the Science Museum

The Science Museum is probably already on your list of London summer activities, and it’s better than ever thanks to this new interactive gallery. Find over 50 imaginative exhibits, including friction slides, blowing mist, and a colour room.

44 Big Events in Wales for Summer 2018 that Must Go in Your Diary – Part 3

You’ve already had parts one and two of our top summer activities in Wales. Here’s the final chapter.

  1. Solarsphere

A small, family-friendly star camp holds talks about the cosmos and provides a rich variety of music at Builth Wells from Friday, August 10 to Monday, August 13.

  1. Anglesey Agricultural Show

Featuring everything from animals and livestock to equestrian events and a food hall, the show comes to Mona Showfround, Anglesey on Tuesday, August 14 and Wednesday, August 15.

  1. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Show

Those in the south can enjoy their own agricultural show at Pembrokeshire County Showground from Tuesday, August 14 to Thursday, August 16.

  1. Green Man

One of the UK’s biggest festivals will host The War On Drugs, Fleet Foxes, Teenage Fanclub, and more at Glanusk Estate, Crickhowell from Thursday, August 16 to Sunday, August 19.

  1. Castell Roc

This slightly more intimate music festival comes to Chepstow Castle from Thursday, August 16 to Sunday, August 19.

  1. The Summer Feastival

Enjoy tempting treats from street food traders like Meat & Greek and Brother Thai. Running over four weekends in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff from Friday, August 17 to Sunday, September 9.

  1. Cardigan River and Food Festival

Another one for foodies, the Cardigan River and Food Festival reaches its 20th year at Quay Street car park on Saturday, August 18.

  1. Race The Train!

This unique annual cross country running event sees runners attempting to beat the steam train of a preserved Talyllyn Railway over a distance of 14 miles at Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway on Saturday, August 18.

  1. Taste of Monmouthshire

Enjoy boutique food and drink from Monmouthshire and neighbouring counties on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19.

  1. The Midnight Gang

An alfresco family theatre performance of The Midnight Gang, based on the book by David Walliams. Introduce your little ones to the theatre at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill on Tuesday, August 21.

  1. Pride Cymru

Celebrate diversity and equality and enjoy the Pride Cymru Parade in Cardiff city centre from Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26.

  1. Rhyl Air Show

A must-see if you love air displays, this action-packed event is heading to Rhyl Promenade from Saturday, August 25 to Monday, August 27.

  1. Music in The Park

Headlined by X Factor star Lloyd Macey, this aims to be the biggest open-air music party in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Join in at Rhondda Heritage Park from Saturday, August 25 to Monday, August 27.

  1. Extreme Sailing Series

Watch GC32 catamarans fly along at speeds of up to 39 knots at Cardiff Bay from Friday, August 24 to Monday, August 27.

Summer Holidays 2018 Activities: Kid-Friendly Guide to London Museums

Nobody ever said keeping the kids entertained through the holidays is easy, but you have a whole host of museums in London that are up to the challenge. For a great day out that captures your kid’s interest while also expanding their mind, check out the following cultural hotspots.

Science Museum

A perennial favourite among younger visitors, the Science Museum can fuel your little Einstein with plenty of interactive exhibits. They can immerse themselves in the new world at the IMAX cinema’s 3D shows, take to the air in the cockpit of a jet in the Fly 360 simulator, or visit interactive galleries like The Wonderlan for the Chemistry Bar, Friction Slides, and Colour Room.

Natural History Museum

If you ask your kids what they’d most like to see at a London museum, they’ll probably put dinosaurs pretty high on the list. Head to the Natural History Museum for a slice of the Jurassic world. You can see extinct creatures from dinosaurs to dodos, but that’s not all. There’s also the Earthquake Simulator for adventurous kids and Andy’s Clock from the CBeebies show Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures.

V&A

If you want to inspire some creativity, try the V&A. There’s everything from hat-making workshops to keep them active to Pop-Up Performances to keep them entertained. There’s even family workshops that are led by a real artist or designer.

British Museum

The British Museum is hard to ignore if you’re looking for kid-friendly attractions. Few children turn away from the macabre fascination of the museum’s famous Egyptian mummies, and older kids will appreciate exhibits taken from throughout the ancient world. Family events include manga comic workshops, shadow puppet workshops, and more.

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern’s Start display aims to introduce kids to the big questions that get the artistic mind ticking. Check out their Family Map for a look at interactive artworks. You can even get stuck in at the 8-14s Studio, a free monthly workshop where artists create group activities inspired by how they themselves work.

Museum of London

Transport your kids back hundreds of years in mock Victorian streets and Saxon homes, give them goose bumps by checking out explorations of London’s sewer system, or explore times ravished by war, plague and, fire. If you want to find out about the toys of times past, try the specially designed exhibition in the Museum of London’s World City gallery.

Leeds Fest 2018 Featured Artists

Leeds Festival 2018 will begin on Friday 24 August and run through to Sunday 26. As ever, attendees can expect a wide range of world-class talent, including these featured artists:

  • Fall Out Boy
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Panic! At the Disco
  • Kings of Leon

Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy’s ‘Young And Menace’ has been nominated for a 2017 MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video, and their 7th studio album ‘M A N   I A’ – released January 19, 2018 – debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. You might remember the hits singles ‘Champion’ and ‘Hold Me Tight Or Don’t.’ This GRAMMY-nominated band has become one of the biggest and best known in the world, and we’re thrilled to see them performing live at this year’s Leeds Festival.

Kendrick Lamar

Growing up in Compton, California and releasing his first mixtape (Y.H.N.I.C.) at the age of just 16, Kendrick Lamar has risen to become one of the biggest names in music. His projects have included Training Day, No Sleep Till NYC, The Kendrick Lamar EP, and most recently The Kendrick Lamar OD, and he’s also released multiple tracks as part of Black Hippy with Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. Now working with such acts as Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and The Game, Kendrick’s fusion of ability and humour always make for a top show.

Panic! At the Disco

Fronted by Brendon Urie, Panic! At the Disco is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning, internationally acclaimed rock band. Their fifth-studio album, ‘Death Of A Bachelor’, debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and their single ‘Victorious’ debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs, iTunes Alternative Songs, Billboard + Twitter’s Trending 140 charts just hours after its release. It was even nominated for “Best Rock Album” at the 2017 Grammys. Urie himself has recently taken to the stage as a cast member in the critically acclaimed Broadway hit Kinky Boots.

Kings of Leon

Ever since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon have sold over 21 million albums and over 38 million singles worldwide. A multi-platinum selling band famous for their exceptional live performances, Kings of Leon has landed all seven of their studio albums on Billboard’s 200 list. They’re expected to be one of the biggest drawers and most popular crowd-pleasers at this year’s Leeds Fest.

The Many Areas of Bestival

One of the best things about Bestival is exploring its varied areas – in fact, you’d be very hard-pressed to see it all. That’s why we’ve put together a quick review of its eight separate zones.

Ambientland

Ambientland lives up to its name with plenty of transcendent tones meant to take your awareness to a higher level. It’s all about soothing grooves to salve the psyche. It includes The Ambient Forest Stage, plus a wide range of installations, paintings, sculptures, performances, music, poetry, and workshops.

Slow Motion

An island of contentment set deep within Bestival’s Colour-infused wonderland, Slow Motion is a great place to unwind. You’ll find Slow Motion Therapies providing a proper spa massage experience, a Lycra 80s Jane Fonda Party, and even Aerial Yoga.

Cuckoo Clump

Billed as ‘the hotbed of the party’, Cuckoo Clump stages include Club Dada and Stacy’s. You can also look here for oddities such as The World’s Largest Disco Ball and the Sunday Best Record Shop.

Colour Field

A world of colour and dance, Colour Field is the beating heart of Bestival, and it’s famous for it’s Bollywood inspired area. However, probably the best attraction is Temple. It features the cream of the club scene, high-tech lasers, insane pyrotechnics, and phenomenal aerial displays alongside state of the art sound. Colour Field is also home to The World’s Biggest Confetti Cannon.

Love-Bot Park

Love-Bot Park contains three awesome stages, including The Box and HMS Bestival. The iconic Love-Bot towers eight meters tall to spread love and joy. For this year, giant astronauts also walk among the Love-Bot crowd. At night, visit the area for light-strewn parades.

The Lawn

Want to kick back and relax somewhere a little more traditional? Well, that’s just what The Lawn is for. Featuring the cosmic haven of Oberon’s Observatory and the delicious treats of The Feast Collective, The Lawn is where you enjoy delicious food and drinks along with more casual tunes.

The Castle Field

If you want big name music, you go to The Castle Field for The Castle Stage. Meet the kooky congregation of Bestival Inflatable Church and take part in a Confetti Wedding Disco. As part of the closing Sunday night finale, The Castle Field hosts the Castle Fireworks Finale.

Caravanserai

A theatrical wonderland that takes traditional gypsy life as its inspiration, Caravanserai is home to Cirque Bijou, Bristol based show makers who push the boundaries of contemporary circus and street theatre.

44 Big Events in Wales for Summer 2018 that Must Go in Your Diary – Part 2

If you’re looking for big events in Wales this summer, we have you covered. Here’s part two of our three-part list.

  1. Monmouth Festival

A free nine-day festival that includes Monmouth Festival Unplugged comes to Monmouth from Friday, July 27 to Saturday, August 4.

  1. Pete Tong

Dance DJ Pete Tong will be performing a massive open-air gig alongside a 65-piece orchestra and a spectacular visual show at Cardiff Castle on Saturday, July 28.

  1. Big Wild Sleepout

See stars, planets, satellites, planes, and possibly shooting stars as you camp out at RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve on Saturday, July 28.

  1. Electric Wave Festival

Featuring Shaun Ryder, Happy Mondays, and more, the Electric Wave Festival comes to Surf Snowdonia on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29.

  1. Party in the Parc

Enjoy live music, street food, and craft stalls at Parc Pantry, Belle Vue Park, Newport on Sunday, July 29.

  1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

50 years since first performing, the Festival Arts Theatre Company returns with a Shakespearean favourite at Bishops Palace in St Davids from Tuesday, July 31 to Thursday, August 16.

  1. The Gruffalo’s Child

Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler comes to New Theatre, Cardiff from Thursday, August 2 to Sunday, August 5.

  1. North Wales Blues and Soul Festival

Enjoy the laid-back crowds at this three-day festival at Kendrick’s Field, Mold from Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5.

  1. National Eisteddfod

Held in Cardiff for the first time in a decade, this fantastic annual celebration of Welsh arts and culture features a whole host of entertainment at Cardiff Bay from Friday, August 3 to Saturday, August 11.

  1. Llangollen Motorcycle Festival

LlanBikeFest presents an all bikes, family-friendly festival at the Royal International Pavilion, Abbey Road, Llangollen on Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5.

  1. Big Welsh Bite

Embrace the culinary creations of Wales at this annual two-day food festival. Visit Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd on Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5.

  1. Simple Minds, The Pretenders and KT Tunstall

Simple Minds are coming to Wales to premiere the new studio album, Walk Between Worlds. Find them and their guests at Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil on Sunday, August 5.

  1. The Gower Show

This great traditional agricultural show comes to Penrice Castle Park, Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea on Sunday, August 5.

  1. The Reluctant Dragon

This new adaptation by Michael Whitmore, Quantum Theatre is on at Oystermouth Castle on Thursday, August 9.

  1. Brecon Jazz

This huge annual event brings jazz musicians from across the globe to venues throughout Brecon from Friday, August 10 to Sunday, August 12.

20 Great Traditional Festivals in Europe – Part 2

You’ve already checked out part one of our top 20 traditional festivals, now find out about everything from traditional Croatian music to Slovenian costume drama in part two.

11.Sing Up a Storm in Croatia

Visit the Klapa music festival in medieval Omiš from 29 June-21 July to see groups of singers compete in this highly expressive a cappella. Check out the Cetina canyon while you’re there for kayaking, ziplining, and rafting.

12.Enjoy Truffles in Croatia

The Subotina festival, Buzet will be making an enormous omelette from 2018 eggs and 10kg of truffles. The event celebrates the area’s heritage, with artisans showing their wares across cobbled streets.

13.Embrace the Ukulele in the Czech Republic

From 28-29 July the Czech Ukulele festival will be in full swing at Unetice, near Prague. Beyond the music, you can enjoy straight-from-the-brewery-tap beer.

14. Enjoy Wine in the Czech Republic

Beer isn’t the only top Czech drink. The annual Pálava wine harvest provides a fine excuse to sample more refined tipples. On Sunday, King Wenceslas IV and his entourage will proceed through the town centre in full royal regalia.

15.View Viking Re-Enactments in UK

No need to go abroad for traditional European festivals. The Largs Viking Festival takes place from 1 – 9 September right here in North Ayrshire. It’s like travelling back to a Viking village for the week.

16. Enjoy Devon Culture in the UK

The Widecombe Fair in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon takes place on 11 September. The gorgeous sheltered valley hosts everything from morris dancing competitions to hawking. You’ll also see vintage cars, terrier-racing, and the Dartmoor Hill Pony Display Team.

17. See a Giant Union in Belgium

The La Ducasse d’Ath, in Ath, Wallonia showcases a procession of seven giants from 24 August-8 September. It’s a 700-year-old festival celebrating the marriage of the biblical Goliath and his fight with David.

18. See Costume Drama in Slovenia

Kamnik’s Dnevi Narodnih Noš is happening from 7-9 September. Expect a parade of elaborate floats and carriages and lavish costumes at this gateway to the Alps. By the way, this is the beer capital of Slovenia, with six award-winning microbreweries.

19. Get Medieval in Sweden

Visby, Gotland is the place to watch knights joust on galloping horses from 5-12 August. The entire island steps back in time, and there are more than 500 events across seven days.

20. Feel Midsummer Madness in Denmark

The Sankt Hans festival at Skagen, Jutland rounds out our list on 23 June. The sun barely sets at this northernmost tip of Denmark during this time of the year. It’s a great place for bonfires and dancing on the beach at Skagen, where one grand bonfire is lit with a straw witch figure on top.