| TourEast London Travel Trade Update THE TOURISM VOICE OF EAST LONDON |
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May 2007
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Inside This Issue...Walk the Olympic Park - While You Still Can First Thursdays Late Night Gallery Openings News from the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands Cutty Sark Closed for Restoration - Visitor Centre Now Open Time Out Guide to Greenwich and Docklands 2007 Royal Opening for The Peter Harrison Planetarium Made in Deptford Festival Gets in a Spin for The Tour de France Arts and Events at Canary Wharf |
WelcomeDear ColleagueWelcome to the TourEast London Travel Trade Update packed with developments and destination news, plus reasons why you should be including east London product in your London packages. This edition features new guides including Time Out Greenwich and Docklands 2007, the new First Thursdays Initiative, Made in Deptford 2007, a focus on Medieval Banquet and an invitation to participate in our next familiarisation trip. This newsletter is sent to over 1,200 regional, national and international trade contacts, press, VisitBritain and Visit London. Use the contents menu on the left to browse articles in this newsletter, or simply scroll down the page. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@visiteastlondon.co.uk. Recommend this newsletter to a colleague by telling them to send an email to info@visiteastlondon.co.uk with 'SUBSCRIBE TT NEWSLETTER' in the subject bar. Visit www.visiteastlondon.co.uk/grouptravel.html for all you need to know to plan a successful trip to London, from quirky attractions, colourful markets and great London icons to a range of coach parking and tour guide services Best Wishes TourEast London N.B. Should you not wish to receive news from TourEast London, please reply with 'UNSUBSCRIBE TRADE' in the subject line. |
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TourEast London Update Familiarisation Trips
Feedback from the recent hotel inspection fam trip:
TourEast London is working with VLM Airlines to host six corporate and agent familiarisation trips throughout the summer, visiting the Pool of London, Maritime Greenwich and The O2. Invitation  In the much anticipated run up to The Tour de France, TourEast London will be running a cycling fam trip in June, enjoying views of the city along the Thames Path. If you would like more information please contact: mary@visiteastlondon.co.uk ^ top ^ |
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Focus - Medieval Banquet
Lose yourself in the evening’s celebrations. Whether you choose to dance with the wenches, sing along, join in the medieval revelry or sit back and enjoy the show, it is sure to be a fun-filled night for everyone.
Adults: £43.00, Children (aged 4-14): £28.00 ^ top ^ |
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The O2
In Zone 2 of London’s Underground, The O2 is situated at the North Greenwich station on the Jubilee Line, which provides direct access to central London in less than twenty minutes. In September 2006 AEG Europe acquired a majority stake in Thames Clippers, the capital’s largest fleet of commuter boats, improving transport connections to the Greenwich Peninsula and The O2 via the river. Restaurants and Bars
• Gary Rhodes - a history of stunning restaurants has won him a constellation of Michelin stars and he is consistently revered by his peers as The Chef's Chef. • Frankie & Benny’s - a New York Italian restaurant. • Inc Brassiere - offers stylish ambience with High Street prices, complimented with a wine list packed with classic French favourites. • Las Iguanas - a tasty blend of traditional and contemporary South American food, fresh ingredients and plenty of Latin hospitality. • Nando’s - originating from South Africa with a Portuguese-theme, Nando’s specialises in flame-grilled chicken dishes. • PizzaExpress - brings the true tastes of Italy to The O2.
• Spur Steak Ranches - this South African family steak house is renowned for its famous signature steaks, generous portions and extremely tasty food. • Starbucks Coffee Company - the largest coffeehouse company in the world comes to The O2. • Thai Silk restaurant & bar - renowned for serving the freshest of ingredients this Thai Silk has a buzz that can only be attributed to the consistent quality of the food being served. • Urban Inc - a contemporary and stylish cocktail bar mixing influences old and new. • Wasabi - the new style of sushi of comes to The O2. It is an ideal answer to those uninspired lunches and dinners. • Water Margin - this oriental buffet restaurant is designed along clean, modern lines where diners can enjoy oriental cuisine in a stylish atmosphere at an affordable price. • Zizzi - an impressive Italian restaurant chain with a variety of Italian dishes, calzones, pizza and pasta, all at reasonable prices. Music Events Exciting events confirmed so far in The O2 arena and indigO2 include: The O2 arena
4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th July - Justin Timberlake 18th July - Barbara Streisand 21st July - Keane
21st, 23rd, 26th August - The Rolling Stones 29th, 30th November and 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th December - Take That indigO2
5th July - Natalie Cole 7th July - Bedford Bandstand - Lucie Silvas with Jamie Woon, Foy Vance and Karima Francis 12th July - CAKE 17th July - Blind Boys of Alabama and Mavis Staples
27 July - Aimee Mann Booking information for all music events as well as other scheduled sports, family and entertainment events, including Amir Khan V Willie Lomond on 14th July can be found by visiting www.theo2.co.uk. Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of The Pharaohs
For pre-registration information, visit www.kingtut.org Media Contacts: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs The O2 Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
Four vast open public spaces, situated in the Entertainment Avenue, will host some of the best, most daring and visually ravishing street theatre companies in the world. This exhilarating event will include thrilling new work and return visits from several of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival’s most talked about companies from previous years, such as Plasticiens Volants, Sarruga, Aeroplume, Factoria Mascara and many more. Booking Information All events are FREE. For further information please phone About AEG
For further information about AEG or The O2 visit www.theo2.co.uk |
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Walk the Olympic Park…While You Still Can!
Newham Tour Itineraries – Coming Soon Newham is fast emerging as one of London’s most exciting destinations. A number of new tours will be launched this summer, encouraging visitors to explore Newham, host borough for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. For further information visit www.newham.com/2012Games ^ top ^ |
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First Thursdays – Late Night Gallery Openings Launched on Thursday 3rd May 2007, First Thursdays opens up some of the most cutting-edge contemporary art galleries and popular museums across east London until 9pm on the first Thursday of every month.
First Thursdays is generously funded by Arts Council England and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. First Thursdays is a major part of the Mayor of London’s Late Night London campaign, also launching in May, which opens up London as a 24-hour city. ^ top ^ |
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News from the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands Museum of London and Museum in Docklands have joined forces with the First Thursdays Campaign and Lates, a Mayor of London Campaign. Lates is a season of after-hours art and culture in London to be enjoyed at twilight, evening, sundown or lights-out. Eleven of the capital’s top arts venues will be keeping their doors open for you to sample an exciting series of late night events. London’s Burning
London and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The new gallery, called London, Sugar and Slavery, will reveal how London’s involvement in slaving has shaped the capital since the 17th century, and will challenge what people think they know about the transatlantic slave trade. For further information visit www.museumindocklands.org.uk ^ top ^ |
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Cutty Sark Closed for Restoration - Visitor Centre Now Open
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Time Out Guide to Greenwich and Docklands 2007
Free copies of the guide are available from Greenwich Tourist Information Centre, 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich SE10 9LW. Tel: 0870 608 2000. Email: tic@greenwich.gov.uk The guide is also available as a download online at www.greenwichwhs.org.uk ^ top ^ |
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Royal Opening for the Peter Harrison Planetarium
For further information visit www.nmm.ac.uk ^ top ^ |
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Made in Deptford Festival Gets in a Spin for The Tour de France
For media information contact Tara Munro at tarajmunro@aol.com For further information visit www.madeindeptford.com ^ top ^ |
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Events at ExCeL London
ExCeL London ideally located for access from the M25, M11, A406 and A13 and to London from Prince Regent and Custom House for ExCeL DLR stations, offers coach parking facilities for London. For further information, contact ExCeL London on 020 7069 5000 or email info@excel-london.co.uk For further information visit www.excel-london.co.uk ^ top ^ |
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Arts and Events at Canary Wharf
One of the highlights of a Canary Wharf summer is the BP Summer Big Screen series which sees performances beamed live from the stage at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden to a large screen in Canada Square Park. This year workers and local residents alike will be able to see The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake on 31st May.
For further information on Canary Wharf Arts and Events email Julia Denman ^ top ^ |
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Discover Thames Barrier Park
The new Thames Barrier Park booklet is now available as a download from www.thamesbarrierpark.org.uk. To ask for a free copy email marketing@thamesbarrierpark.org.uk or call 020 7511 411. Thames Barrier Park is situated in North Woolwich Road, Silvertown, London E16 2HP . Travel direct to the park by Docklands Light Railway to Pontoon Dock Station or bus service 474. Open from dawn till dusk, admission is free with free car and coach parking. The park is fully accessible to those with disabilities. For further information visit www.thamesbarrierpark.org.uk ^ top ^ |
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City Cruises PLC Summer Season Launched City Cruises plc entered its summer season in April 2007 with new timetables and prices.
The River Red Rover ticket, which offers unlimited travel throughout the day between Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers, costs £10.00 per adult and £5.00 per child (5 to 16 years of age). Also available is the Rail and River Rover ticket, which offers unlimited travel throughout the day on the Docklands Light Railway and City Cruises sightseeing service and costs £11.00 per adult and £5.50 per child (5 to 16 years of age).
Further information can be obtained by calling the Sales Centre on 020 77 400 400 or by visiting the website at www.citycruises.com where tickets for all sightseeing cruises and The London Showboat can also be booked online. Gift vouchers are also available. ^ top ^ |
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East London Art Walks
A great opportunity to view several exhibitions in one outing is the weekend programme of art walks. Each weekend, a qualified art professional guide takes visitors around 6 -10 of the most interesting exhibitions within Hoxton, Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, and talks about the history of art in east London. Walks last approximately 2.5 hours. Private walks and group rates are available upon request. Pre-booking is advisable at 020 7739 1743 or by emailing artwalks@commentart.com For further information visit www.commentart.com ^ top ^ |
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Useful Links^ top ^ |
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This year, TourEast London have hosted several fam trips including an art walk for VisitBritain staff, hard hat tours of The O2 for members of the 
' Just a quick note to say thank you for organising such a great day...very informative! It was really useful to see the hotels in all three areas. For me, it was my first visit to Canary Wharf and I am amazed at how busy and vibrant the area is.' Annie Roberts, Sterling Travel Associates. 
Step back in history as you enter the atmospheric Olde Englande setting at the famous Medieval Banquet. Re-live Henry VIII’s era as you sit back and relax by flickering torchlight in the vaulted cellars of Ivory House, St. Katharine Docks.
Let your imagination run wild as you are invited to watch fighting knights and strolling players singing medieval ballads. Enjoy the gastronomic delight of a traditional succulent English four-course meal, served by the finest wenches in the land - while taking advantage of the unlimited wine and beer included in the price. 
During your meal enjoy the entertainment as the main Royal Court show begins. Feel the excitement as your host, Henry VIII, welcomes you and introduces a cast of colourful characters from England’s past. From dancing wenches to court jesters and magicians to the incredible strongman, the amazing array of entertainers provides a breathtaking and magical display.
The venue is perfect for celebrations of all kinds – young or old, for lunch or an evening meal. Regularly hosting business events and private parties, or offering tailor-made entertainment to suit your individual needs, the Medieval Banquet is the perfect choice time after time.
The O2, a world-class entertainment destination on the site of the former Millennium Dome, comes alive in July 2007. AEG Europe have partnered with O2 to create the UK’s most exciting and technically advanced music, sport and entertainment destination - The O2. At its centre The O2 
arena, with a capacity of up to 23,000 will host up to 150 world-class music, entertainment and sport events in The O2 arena in its first year of opening. Within the facility there will also be a smaller music club – indigO2 - with a capacity of 2,200, an 11-screen cinema, an ice rink, a world-class exhibition space and a vibrant ‘entertainment district’ featuring more than 20 bars, restaurants, retail and leisure facilities. 
The O2 has announced the line up for its mouth-watering mix of restaurants and bars, where customers can have anything from a light snack to a first-class dining experience. Outlined below are just some of the many places you can choose to have a meal when visiting The O2. 
• S & M café - prides itself in preparing the highest quality British dishes daily from the finest freshest ingredients. 
24th June - Bon Jovi
26th, 27th, 28th July - Scissor Sisters
2nd July - Jools Holland
21st July - Youssou N’Dour
The much anticipated Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition is coming to The O2 this November. London last experienced the legendary Pharaoh almost 35 years ago with the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition. Drawing over 1.5 million visitors, it was the largest attended travelling exhibition in the history of the British Museum.
The O2 will be hosting The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival - London’s only annual festival dedicated to large scale outdoor spectacle, on Sunday 24th June. The Festival will be one of the first free access public events to be held under The O2’s iconic roof. 
AEG is one of the leading music, sports and entertainment presenters in the world. It owns or operates some of the world’s best arenas and theatres such as STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, The Forum (as exclusive bookers of sports and entertainment), the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas, the El Rey Theatre, The Home Depot Center, Nokia Theatre Grand Prairie (Texas) and Nokia Theatre Times Square (New York); numerous sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and The David Beckham Academy; and AEG Live, a collection of companies dedicated to producing, promoting and presenting world-class live entertainment.
Walk the Olympic Park while you still can! Once works begin, part of this walk will become inaccessible. Enjoy it now, while the weather is glorious. Free group walks every Sunday at 11am and 2pm in May and June. No need to book. For further details, go to 
East London is home to thousands of artists and over 160 galleries. First Thursdays is a late night chance to see and invest in art, creating a new social and cultural experience in one of the most vibrant destinations in London. First Thursdays will also present special events and free exhibition previews together with free specially crated tours. First Thursdays is organised by Whitechapel and Parasol Unit and other participating galleries include: Ancient & Modern, Barbican Art Gallery, Bloomberg Space, Chisenhale, The Drawing Room, Hauser & Wirth Coppermill, Herald Street, Hotel, Kate MacGarry, Matt’s Gallery, Museum in Docklands, Museum of London, Victoria Miro, and Vilma Gold.
A dedicated website will launch soon at 
Visitors can explore the Great Fire, the most famous disaster in London’s history, at this free ongoing exhibition at the Museum of London. Using eyewitness accounts, dramatic video installation and a wide range of objects, London’s Burning brings to life real stories of how Londoners lived through the fire which changed London’s cityscape forever.
In October, Museum in Docklands will open the only permanent gallery in London that examines the city’s involvement in transatlantic slavery and its legacy on the capital. Marking the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade by Britain, the new gallery is part of a series of events and projects planned by the Museum for 2007 and 2008. 
This 20-page free guide, produced by Time Out London in partnership with 
On 22nd May HM The Queen accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh will open the new Peter Harrison Planetarium, Weller Astronomy Galleries and Lloyds Register Educational Trust Learning Centre at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich in Greenwich Park. The futuristic, bronze-clad, 120-seat Peter Harrison Planetarium will provide a spectacular introduction to the world beyond the sky. This new attraction at the Royal Observatory contains one of the most advanced digital laser projectors in the world, and the only one of its kind in Europe – giving startling reality to the journey through space beyond our own solar system. The state-of-the-art show is supported by live commentary by the Royal Observatory’s expert astronomy team who will answer questions and act as a tour guide for visitors' interplanetary voyage. The exhibition area will introduce the 'tools' of astronomy and the learning centre will offer National Curriculum science subjects. Admission to the Planetarium will cost £6 for adults and £4 for concessions. There will be no charge for the exhibition and a new café facility will be provided.
Now in its third year the Made In Deptford festival aimed at showcasing SE8's fizzing arts, food, and fashion scene will enjoy an extra spin in the the form of The Tour de France whooshing through its centre during the 7th and 8th July. Not 
only will spectators be able to enjoy a prime vantage point of one of the world's most exciting sporting events but Deptford will be making sure there is an extra dose of 'je ne sais quoi' for visitors with a fabulous timetable of events for all to enjoy. Sparkling fashion shows, frisky french food markets, spanking hot new bands on the open air stage not to mention poetry, comedy, spoken word, open air dance events and art trails are just some of Deptford's delights to be enjoyed over the July weekend – Ooh La La indeed!
Fast on the heels of Shoreditch and Camden, Deptford has been quietly but confidently simmering for some time with a strong flow of creative residents choosing to stay after Goldsmith's and Laban. Any visitor to Deptford will feel the buzz and enjoy the sense of chirpy community offered by an anytime visit to its uncommercialised high street and street markets. Cheeky traders trading their wares alongside vintage sellers and brocanteurs, street art and the established Albany Theatre are year round winners. The maritime history evident around the area also makes interesting reading with stories of pirates and famous explorers abundant in the area's history.
The Tour de France kicks off on Friday 6th July but on Sunday 8th July it will hit the streets of Deptford. Stage One of the race will briefly race through Lewisham along Evelyn Street from Lower Road to Creek Road. The riders will also be preceded by the publicity caravan, a huge carnival with floats and vehicles from the race’s sponsors providing music and freebies to spectators.
Based on the Channel 4 TV series, Grand Designs Live from 8th - 10th June is the ultimate exhibition for people passionate about home and garden design. Whether your project is a total self-build, refurbishment, garden design, or even just tweaking a room with the latest furnishings, Grand Designs Live offers you a wealth of products, information, services and advice on how to spice up your home. A full programme of seminars and expert advice sessions will take place each day. Both are free of charge to attend and operate on a first come, first served basis. Visit the TourEast London ExCeL London page soon to win tickets to Grand Designs Live. 
Star Wars Celebration Europe will officially mark the 30th anniversary of the saga bringing together the best of LucasFilm’s inspirational Star Wars universe to ExCeL London from July 13th - 15th, 2007.
Star Wars Celebration Europe includes live entertainment, celebrity guests from all six movies, special film and video presentations, an exhibit of original movie props and costumes, exclusive merchandise, pop culture tributes, interactive events, a costume contest, a 2000 seat theatre and will offer a glimpse of what the future holds for the galaxy far far away! 
As well as offering over 200 shops, bars and restaurants, Canary Wharf's
diverse arts and events programme attracts increasing numbers of visitors
each year. The East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf's open spaces and the %202006.jpg)
Until 1st June, new or recent sculptures by Andrew Sabin, Franz West and Keith Wilson are showing in Jubilee Park at Canary Wharf, including works made especially for this exhibition. Sabin focuses on the fake geology of the park; Wilson draws upon its location near the Thames and the fact that it is a public space and West’s coloured form stands out against the green of the park’s grass and foliage.
The UK’s premier motor show, the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, will run from 11th to 17th June 2007 and is free to visit. Building on the success of its eleven year heritage, 2007 will see the biggest and finest Motorexpo ever to come to the estate; which offers the ideal setting for many of the world’s best car manufacturers. With over 200 shops, bars and restaurants located at Canary Wharf, this year’s Motorexpo will be the perfect day out, offering visitors a unique opportunity to view many of the world’s greatest vehicles in a relaxed, business atmosphere. 
Discover 22 acres of lawns, trees and uniquely contoured Yew and Maygreen hedges, great places to picnic and play, magnificent views of the Thames Barrier, and a fountain plaza where 32 jets spring from the ground. The Green Dock features colourful flowers and shrubs which reflect the river’s ever changing spectrum of tints, shades and shapes creating a micro-climate where sub-tropical species of plants and butterflies abound.
In the coffee shop, visitors can indulge themselves with excellent gourmet coffees, hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, salads, snacks, pastries, confectionery and ices while enjoying panoramic views in a relaxing atmosphere.
The sightseeing service operates from Westminster Millennium Pier to Greenwich via Waterloo Millennium Pier and Tower Millennium Pier. The cruises run at regular intervals throughout the day from 10am (from Westminster Millennium Pier) to 18.00 (Westminster Millennium Pier to Tower Millennium Pier only), except between the 5th June and the 27th August 2006, when the first boat will be at 09.40 (from Westminster Pier) and evening cruises will operate until 20.50 (Westminster Millennium Pier to Tower Millennium Pier only).
The London Showboat, an unforgettable evening of top quality entertainment and superb food operates every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. The new price of £66 per person includes a welcome drink, four-course dinner, half a bottle of wine, the river trip, cabaret and dancing. Boarding is at Westminster Millennium Pier at 7.00pm, returning at 10.30pm.
Comment Art is the perfect information source for the small hidden-away spaces of contemporary art in east London. Comment Art publish the quarterly East London Art Map, a free, comprehensive guide that encourages discovery of east London as an exciting place to live, work and visit. Listing over three hundred art galleries, public art installations, studios and art schools. To obtain a free copy of the art map please use the TourEast