TourEast London Update

Familiarisation Trips

This quarter, we are offering group travel organisers the opportunity to participate in two fam trips; the first of these includes green open spaces and heritage attractions in Havering, and the second trip will be to Eltham Palace and the surrounding heritage attractions.

For further information about this programme of fam trips please contact Mary Tebje: Mary@visiteastlondon.co.uk

www.visiteastlondon.co.uk

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FOCUS: Discover London's Waterways Groups and Travel Guide 2008

Discover London's Waterways, the Groups and Travel Trade Guide produced by British Waterways will be available from February 2008.

The fully updated version of this comprehensive guide to days-out on the rivers and canals across the capital is an essential resource for all those interested in exploring some of London's most unforgettable landmarks or discovering its hidden gems. With suggested itineraries, essential contact details, maps and background information, BW's Groups and Travel Trade guide is the one-stop reference guide to London's waterways.

The FREE guide will be available in March 2008. For further details please contact Henrietta Ross at henrietta.ross@britishwaterways.co.uk

www.waterscape.com

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Greenwich Observation Wheel - New Attraction for Summer 2008

The Greenwich Foundation and PWR Events Ltd are delighted to announce a new addition to the landscape of Greenwich for summer 2008 – an Observation Wheel that stands taller than Nelson’s Column!  At 55 metres from the ground visitors will be able to take in panoramic views beyond St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London to the west, across the river and past Canary Wharf to the heights of Hampstead Heath, and east to the Olympic site in the Lea Valley.  In the foreground, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site will be laid out in a rare perspective.

The Wheel will be situated within the Old Royal Naval College in front of the Pepy’s Building Visitor Centre and will be open to the public from 21 June to 28 September 2008.  The Wheel is a new attraction for Greenwich helping to boost the profile of the World Heritage Site and enhance the visitor experience at a time when the Cutty Sark remains closed for restoration, and Greenwich pier is under reconstruction.  In addition to welcoming thousands of tourists, one thousand free rides will be offered to local schools.

For further details on ticketing and admissions please contact Paul Savident on 020 8567 2089 or email paul@savident.com

www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org

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Novotel London ExCeL

Two New Attractions Open in London Bridge Area

There’s an exciting few months ahead in the London Bridge area. February sees the opening of two new attractions - London Bridge Experience and the re-launched Fashion & Textile Museum.

The London Bridge Experience is a new £2 million historical attraction which combines an educational experience with stunning visual effects. Based in the vaults and excavated tombs at the southern end of London Bridge it will open its doors to the public on 22 February. Advance tickets are available costing £19.95 for adults and £14.95 for children.

Across the other side of London Bridge station on Bermondsey Street, the Fashion and Textile Museum re-opens after nearly two years. A small permanent exhibition by Zandra Rhodes opened towards the end of 2007 but 8 February sees the first in a programme of changing exhibitions - Peacocks and Pinstripes, a photographic study of the often-overlooked area of men’s fashion. Other new features at the FTM will include a Fashion Cafe and a retail area for designers and manufacturers to showcase exclusive fashion, textile and jewellery items.

Details of the above and more can be found on the website www.discoverlondonbridge.com, including information about the Switched On London festival (7-14 February 2008), February half-term and Easter holiday activities around the London Bridge area.

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Tower Bridge Exhibition - Business is Booming

In 2007 Tower Bridge Exhibition enjoyed strong visitor numbers, even during periods when many other London attractions experienced poor results. Tower Bridge management attribute this success to the exceptional value that the exhibition offers its visitors, with an adult ticket costing just £6.00 and family tickets starting from £10.00.

This year the exhibition aims to improve upon its product offering by updating the interactive panels in the high-level Walkways, drawing upon the stunning London skyline that can be viewed from inside.

Tower Bridge will also continue to impress pedestrians and sailors alike with its legendary bridge lifts; last year Tower Bridge was raised nearly 1000 times, and similar figures are predicted for 2008. If visitors do not get to experience the real thing they can now enjoy the new bridge lift experience animation, situated in the exhibition's Victorian Engine Rooms.

For further details please contact Jessica Rees at jessica.rees@cityoflondon.gov.uk

www.towerbridge.org.uk

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London City Airport Fun Day 2008 - Saturday 5 July 2008

The London City Airport Fun Day is now in its 12th year and represents a spectacular day of family entertainment, whilst raising much-needed funds for the local Richard House Children’s Hospice. Their 550mx40m space is remarkably transformed from a working airport into a theme park within a few hours. Last year, Fun Day hosted over 50 attractions and exhibitors and 2008 will be even bigger. The unique event will also feature London’s only Air Show.

During the 6 month promotional period of Fun Day, some 1.5 million passengers will pass LCY. This is combined with a further 315,000 local business people and residents who will be reached by Fun Day specific promotional activity on a number of occasions. The promotion of Fun Day is a unique and cost-effective marketing opportunity to reach over 1.5 million key city business persons. The event itself enables brands to be exposed to a vast audience from east London, making a highly visible contribution to the local community in which they operate and undertake business.

For further details on how to get involved, please contact Bonnie Clayton, Sponsorship & Corporate Partnership Manager, on Bonnie.Clayton@lcy.co.uk or 07970 988636.

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News from the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands

China In London

In February the Museum in Docklands will take part in the Mayor of London's China in London 2008 campaign. London's Chinese community has historically been important in the Docklands area and over the course of the month the museum will host a selection of events celebrating Chinese culture and welcoming in the Year of the Rat. Events include a festival of Chinese film, family dance and craft workshops, tea tasting, a Chinese Variety Show and the traditional New Year Lion Dance.

Annual admission: £5 adults, £3 concessions, FREE for under 16s.
20% discount for groups of 10+, book in advance on 0870 444 3855.

Celebrating the History of east London

Discover the history of east London at Museum of London and Museum in Docklands during east, a festival celebrating the diversity of this part of London from 6 to 12 March 2008. Enjoy a talk from author Iain Sinclair at Museum in Docklands on Thursday 6 March or explore how the East End has been a constant source of stimulation for artists in The Romance of East London at Museum of London. There will also be the chance to meet some characters from east London's history and guided tours of London's Roman amphitheatre, which lies under the Guildhall.

For further information visit www.museumindocklands.org.uk and www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Details of the east festival can be found on www.findeast.co.uk

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News from the National Maritime Museum, Queen's House and Royal Observatory

London’s new planetarium at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich is presenting a choice of new shows in 2008. A children’s show Secret of the Cardboard Rocket and a new Black Holes feature add more choice for repeat visitors. Next to the Planetarium is the new Astronomy Centre which offers lots of different astronomy tasks. Planetarium shows are £6 (concession and group reductions).

The National Maritime Museum opens the world of maritime history, the romance of cruising and the marine environment. The new Atlantic Worlds gallery introduces the story of early settlers in America, the period of transatlantic slavery and the abolition movement. You don’t have to be a ship enthusiast to enjoy this great museum. Its stories of exploration and adventure cut through so many subjects and continents.

The Queen’s House continues to feature the art collections held in Greenwich. A new exhibition from the golden age of Dutch marine paintings opens in June entitled Turmoil and Tranquility. Featured contemporary artists Simon Patterson and Renee Green will present their own shows during the year.

Admission to the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory is free (except for advertised special exhibitions). Bookings for groups should be made to bookings@nmm.ac.uk or on 020 8312 6608.

www.nmm.ac.uk

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Walks, Talks and Tours in Lewisham

Henry, Humphrey, Highwaymen and the Heath...

The first planned walk with Jackie Stater, a local Blue Badge Guide took place on 1 December to coincide with the switch-on of Blackheath lights. The walk started at Greenwich Tourist Information Centre and finished in Blackheath. This FREE walk will be repeated at intervals throughout the year as part of Lewisham's Village to Village trails. Anyone interested should email jo.middleton@lewisham.gov.uk or ring 0208 314 3674 to join the distribution list for this as well as the other walks such as Creekside Crafts and Creatures and River Ravensbourne Rambling.

In April 2008, the Greenwich Arts & Crafts Market will be extended to Deptford Station. Once the market is up and running there will be FREE walks from Greenwich to Deptford encompassing both markets and incorporating social history and architecture on the way.

With so much going on in Lewisham the council is looking at extending the regeneration tours, which were originally aimed at staff, to partners and external organisations. If anyone is interested please contact Jo Middleton.

www.lewisham.towntalk.co.uk

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Events at Canary Wharf

ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic

10-14 March 2008

East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf E14
Tickets £15-£40

The world's best squash players will be returning to the East Wintergarden for the 2008 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic. Watch the matches from the VIP Bar on the upper gallery or choose prime seating up close to the action or why not push the boat out and enjoy a delicious four course meal in the hospitality area on the gallery.

For further details visit www.canarywharfsquash.com. To book visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0870 150 0541.

Canary Wharf Comedy Club

25 March 2008

East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf E14

Tickets £10

Line up includes Rob Rouse, Kevin Bridges and Dave Fulton plus other acts to be announced. By his own cheerful admission the bouncy Rob Rouse has one of those brains that 'jumps around a bit' and since winning Channel Four's prestigious So You Think You're Funny? Competition at the Edinburgh Festival in 1998, he has become a firm favourite on the London and National circuit.

Young Scottish sensation Kevin Bridges started stand up shortly after his 17th birthday. His wry deadpan style belies his age and his quirky West Scotland perspective makes him a fast rising star in the comedy field.

Opinionated US comedian Dave Fulton comes from the tough talking, risk-taking school of yankee comics. Enjoy his eloquent rants and unique perspective on topics ranging from climate change to the media.

For more events in Canary Wharf visit www.mycanarywharf.com. To book visit www.ticketweb.co.uk or call 08700 600 100.

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London Eastside Venues Guide Available Online

If you are tasked with finding venues in east London, then you will find the London Eastside interactive website, www.londoneastside.co.uk, very useful. This new website was launched last September, and has been very well received by events professionals, catering for a high number of enquiries already.

The London Eastside website offers event organisers and venue bookers a great choice of search options to help them in their event planning. Users can search for venues by type, capacity, postcode and other crucial criteria. The website also includes an events calendar to help with scheduling and an interactive map showing related services, such as accommodation in each area. A handy printed A4 destination guide is also available to supplement the website, giving a snapshot of amenities, transport links and tourist attractions in the area.

For further information visit www.londoneastside.co.uk

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Transport Updates

New Station Opens at Langdon Park on the Docklands Light Railway

A new station, Langdon Park in Tower Hamlets on the Docklands Light Railway opened in December 2007. Situated between All Saints and Devons Road stations on the Docklands Light Railway route to Stratford, the £7.5m station has been funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Leaside Regeneration and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets providing better public transport access, for thousands of local residents who live and work in this part of east London. Local families were presented with free Oyster cards.

Transport for London has also opened the second platform of its new Stratford station. This will offer passengers greater capacity by allowing Docklands Light Railway trains to run to and from Stratford alongside each other. The previous Docklands Light Railway single platform, which was part of the railway’s original 1987 route, has been permanently closed.

For further information visit www.dlr.co.uk

Docklands Pier to be Refurbished

British Waterways began work on 14 January 2008 to refurbish Masthouse Terrace Pier, used by Thames Clippers’ river bus services. Transport for London has provided grant funding of £400,000 for the pier improvement works, which will cost £500,000 in total. British Waterways is providing the remaining £100,000 worth of funding towards the project. The steel structure of the pier will be upgraded, and security improved with the installation of CCTV cameras and a new passenger shelter. Other improvements will include repainting of the pier, refurbishing the handrails, installing new Disability Discrimination Act compliant access ramps and new passenger information boards.

The project will take ten weeks and will require the closure of the pier throughout. During the ten-week closure period, Thames Clippers season tickets will be valid for passengers to use the local D7 bus service to and from Canary Wharf Pier.

For further information visit www.tfl.gov.uk

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