Southport: Britain's Favourite Family Day Out

There are few things us Brits enjoy more than a great day out. When it comes to making family time extra special, what better way to share the moments than in a town that offers a treasure trove of stuff to see and do!

When you picture your fun-filled day out, what springs to mind... a trip to the fun fair, taking in beautiful scenery, delicious food to fill your tum, or perhaps a combination of everything? Visit Southport and you can expect to find the hallmarks of British culture at your disposal, all within one convenient location.

If you're already a regular visitor of Southport, this quaint seaside town needs no introduction. But if you're new to North West England, from out of town, or you just need some inspiration for a vibrant place to go sightseeing, you won't be disappointed - that's a promise!

Southport dates back to 1792 and was originally a Victorian town centred around leisure and tourism. While the town used to be part of Lancashire, Southport is primarily known as a place that's close to Liverpool's heart, in Merseyside. Easy to access by car and public transport, this lovable British hotspot is a must-see if you and the family fancy a change of scenery from big cities.

Southport Tourism and Redevelopment

Today, Southport is famous for its holiday resort look and feel, and has undergone lots of development over the years. From the magnificent Marine Way Bridge next to Southport Pier and a revamped theatre on the promenade, to eateries, cafes and local businesses setting up shop on Lord Street - there's always plenty going on here. Popular events include Southport Air Show and Southport Flower Show, not to mention a roster of food and drink festivals, street concerts, theatre and live music to look forward to.

So whether you prefer to ogle historic architecture, enjoy a slice of fairground fun at PleasureLand, or you're looking for modern nightlife and entertainment options, you won't be disappointed on your arrival. In fact, once you've had a taste of what Southport's really like to experience, you may find it becomes your go-to choice for fun family days out, any time of the year.

With guaranteed attractions and exciting events coming around often, here's a few things to add to your September social calendar...

'Rip It Up' at Southport Theatre

Happening this evening at 7.30 pm, this fun theatrical production is all about getting involved in a good ol' 50's sing-along. If you love listening to a retro jukebox, complete with live musicians and plenty of high-octane dancing, don't miss this rock 'n' roll stage show tonight at Southport Theatre. More details here. Be sure to check out the arts in Southport throughout September.

Image Source: Stereoboard

Southport Pier

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing stroll, why not head down Southport Pier where you'll have sea, sandy beaches and coastal views for miles. Don't forget to grab a pink and white ice-cream or some fish 'n' chips on the way. Yes, these British treats are sold 24/7 here, so you can enjoy them even after summer ends.

Silcock's Funland

A popular Southport attraction for the whole family, take cover and go nuts on Funland's slot machines, indoor rides, prize vendors and so much more. With free entry all year round, this Victorian amusement arcade is nostalgia that never goes out of season.

*All Photography Credits: Ray Wood @gr8lite (Except 'Rip It Up' Theatre Image.)

Happy Halloween 2013!

Hey Bloggers!

My apologies for being out of the blogosphere for a couple of months, I'm sure most of you will understand how hectic things can get around this time of year?!

Today's post is just a brief note on the Halloween holiday which is personally one of mine (and my sister's) favourite times of the year, simply because we are secretly goths at heart, haha! ;) Everything about Halloween screams excitement to me, from the sultry make-up looks and darker fashion trends to the seasonal treats and new flavours of coffee, it's all one big novelty. Me and my sister Faye will be spending our day in the Lake District this year, taking snap shots of the gorgeous scenery Windermere has to offer as well as sampling some of their finest luxury chocolates no doubt!

For me and my boyfriend the entire month of October is an excuse to watch all of those much loved horror classics by the likes of: John Carpenter, Wes Craven, George A. Romero and Hammer Horror to name a few. So tonight will be spent watching the original 'Halloween' movie, one of Carpenter's very best in my opinion. :)

Here is a song by the ever so decadent Marilyn Manson to get you all in the spooky mood... Happy Halloween everyone!

Sofia Dourvari hits the Catwalk at London Fashion Week 2013

A Manchester based fashion designer has secured an exclusive catwalk show at London Fashion Week 2013 Off Schedule events.

Sofia Dourvari (the new brand name for Sofia Couture) will showcase her dazzling new womenswear lines for A/W ’13-14 on 15^th September 2013, previewing 15 pieces.

She will also be exhibiting at the event on both 14^th and 15^th September 2013, highlighting her brand new lines and a selection of principal pieces from previous collections.

The designer behind the luxury womenswear brand is Sofia Dourvari, age 30, originally from Athens, Greece. Many of the designs hark back to the designer’s Greek roots with inspiration taken from Greek architecture and flowing lines inspired by the sea and wind.

The Sofia Dourvari collection will consist of black and white leather ensembles, cocktail dresses and statement pieces all showcasing her signature elements: fishtails, ruffles and gathers, structured and elegant flowing dresses, low scoops, and geometric shapes.

Colour is a central theme to the show with graceful, feminine pieces including black, bright red, gold and silver garment details in luxurious fabrics, metallics, faux leather, duchess satin, taffeta, crystal organza and chiffon.

She officially launched the high-end, luxury range of women’s clothing back in 2011 and has already hosted and participated in several successful and acclaimed fashion shows.

Sofia says: “It is a fantastic honour for me to feature the Sofia Dourvari collection at London Fashion Week’s Off Schedule Shows. This is my first London show and I’m hoping to build on the success of my previous fashion shows in Manchester and Birmingham. They were all well-attended with many positive reviews from fashion bloggers, websites and wider regional and national press.”

She added: “Fashion and design have always been my passions and my philosophy is to create elegant feminine designs that are creative, unusual and suitable for a wide range of occasions, from parties, galas and events, to weddings and formal dinners and even for the office. I like to create timeless designs suitable for ladies of any age, in both classic, practical shapes, in either pencil or skater-style, as well as dramatic floor-length gowns.”

The up and coming designer has lived and worked in Manchester for ten years and she is looking to break into the vibrant UK fashion community. Sofia studied Fashion Design at Salford University then went on to complete a Masters in Textiles Technology at the University of Manchester. During her studies, she won the Best Designer Award in the International Student Festival (2007).

Sofia is keen to secure listings in retail outlets and online so is happy to receive enquiries from store owners, womenswear buyers and fashion websites.

All items are bespoke and Sofia Dourvari offers an alterations service on all garments, making them truly customised and unique to the wearer.

London Fashion Week ’13 Off Schedule shows will take place on 14^th and 15^th September at the Grand Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5DA.

The shows are organised by Fashion’s Finest, a platform for new and established designers to showcase their ranges.

For more details on the London Fashion Week 2013 Off Schedule shows and to purchase tickets visit:

http://fashionsfinest.com/events-tickets/fashion-week-shows

For more information on Sofia Dourvari, visit www.sofiadourvari.com or email Sofia directly on info@sofiadourvari.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDourvari
Twitter: @Sofiadourvari

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Sofia Dourvari was previously known as Sofia Couture.

Fashions Finest offers a platform for all UK and international new and established designers and is renowned for discovering new talent and giving opportunities to those that would not normally be able to afford to participate at London Fashion Week.  The shows attract over 3000 press, buyers and fashionistas who want to see the new trends that are being developed by the designers that Fashions Finest features.

For press enquiries please contact:

PR Consultant: Francesca Gaffey
Email: press@sofiadourvari.com
Tel: 07506 549 071

Bon Jovi Fever! - Etihad Stadium Gig, Manchester - June 2013

Saturday 8th June saw me and my twin sis, Faye heading to our 4th Bon Jovi gig, and it's safe to say that we were as giddy as school girls, haha! Ever since we became Bon Jovi's number one fans back in 2004, we have continued to follow their success and over the years, have laughed and cried to their many number one hits.

For us, going to a Bon Jovi gig is not just any ordinary gig... the emotional connection we have with the band members and the ability they have as performers to connect with their fans on a personal level is truly unique, and we will continue to follow the Jovi clan for as long as they are willing to make music :) We have a connection to this band that conjures many euphoric memories and allows us to celebrate our love for rock music.

So onto the day of the gig where we managed to buy tickets very last minute (only a few days before the gig as they were originally priced at £75 per ticket!) Faye being the bargain hunter she is, managed to track down a much cheaper deal on Groupon, and so made our entry into the Manchester gig possible! :)

The beauty this time around was that Faye lives very close to Etihad Stadium where the gig was held and this made the experience all the more enjoyable as it was much less stressful for travelling. In the spirit of getting merry before the gig started, we drank delicious cocktails that Saturday afternoon and blasted Bon Jovi's greatest hits DVD from Faye's Balcony, just to get us rockin' into the party mood of course ;)

After 2 hours of washing and styling hair coupled with glamorous make-up application, we were ready to see our guys perform a fantastic set list (the songs they performed are listed below). I particularly enjoyed their cover of 'Roadhouse Blues' - a 'Doors' classic! Despite being thoroughly disappointed that Richie was not on stage, he was there in spirit and in my opinion, this show was still their strongest yet! After performing a 3 HOUR long set, Jon, David and Tico proved that they are still every bit as full of energy as they were back in their humble beginnings :) 

Me and Faye both bought a concert programme each as we do at every Bon Jovi gig, to keep as a souvenir. 

I have no doubt that Richie will rejoin the band before the next tour and that they will all continue to make fantastic music together - BON JOVI FOREVER! \m/ xxx

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Note: All images with * caption were taken by Myself and My Sister, Faye. All other images are not my own.

I Heart You, Liverpool.

For me, Liverpool is a magical place… Not just because it is my hometown, but for it’s personality and vibrancy as a standalone city. I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like to these days, so I do miss home like crazy!


What I want to blog about this morning is, Liverpool as a tourist attraction. With countless amounts of clubs, bars, cafes, galleries and shops to choose from, it’s easy to let your bank balance run away with you! However, Liverpool being such a diverse city, there is something for everybody and you don’t even have to spend a penny.


The latest attractions which have caught my eye (from the media coverage) are as follows: Street theatre performance ‘Sea Odyssey’ by French theatre company, Royal De Luxe. With giant puppets roaming the streets of Liverpool City Centre, I’m disappointed that I did not get the chance to see this! Sea Odyssey was part of Liverpool's remembrance for the recent 100th anniversary of the Titanic, and was a 3-day event to keep both locals and tourists entertained.

Also, Saturday 21^st April saw the grand opening of Friends-inspired café, Central Perk in Hatton Gardens. This I am super excited about visiting in the future, not only as I am addicted to coffee, but also because me and my sis are huge fans of the Friends series. Stay tuned for more info on my interpretation of the Central Perk experience!


Finally, I believe there was a tattoo related event, dedicated entirely to customizing Dr. Martens. This would have been fantastic for all of those fashion-conscious individuals browsing the stores of Liverpool One on Saturday. All designs were personalised and inked onto iconic brand Dr. Martens by local Tattooists, Stigma Tattoo. I thought I would give this a mention as the event was an innovative way to promote a business. Also, I will be getting my very first tattoo soon, yay! Designs will be posted soon enough.