Monday, 10 March 2025
KIRSTY YOUNG’S GLASGOW HOTEL STAY
Monday, 10 July 2023
PULP’S JARVIS COCKER VISITS COLLABORATOR BANKSY’S EXHIBITION IN GLASGOW
PULP legend Jarvis Cocker visited The Banksy exhibition the day after headlining the stage at TRNSMT festival.
Tuesday, 18 October 2022
TAKE THAT’S MARK OWEN AVOIDS RELIGHTING HIS FIRE DURING HOT GLASGOW DATE
Exclusive
Mark Owen narrowly avoided relighting his fire as he finished his first solo gig on Scotland for ten years - and emerged from the venue in his dressing gown.
While the Take That singer was ending his singing set at Glasgow’s Fruitmarket, fire engines arrived across the road following an alarm from a neighbouring building on Albion Street.
Mark, who is on his first solo tour in a decade, played songs from his fifth solo album Land Of Dreams during the concert as well as Take That hits The Flood, Shine and Rule The World.
And the singer whose band are the subject of a new musical movie Greatest Days which is set to be released next year, was overcome with emotion as he received wild applause from his adoring female fans.
At one point during a standing ovation he admitted he was about to cry happy tears.
As the gig drew to a close Mark, who was sporting his new moustachioed look with long hair, managed to style out a wrong turn on stage as he tried to exit through the wrong door.
The star who says he, Gary Barlow and Howard are already talking about releasing a new album, and are looking forward to getting into the studio, was all smiles as he arrived back at his city centre hotel.
The singer had previously met up with some fans on his way to the gig and was happy to pose for pictures.
Following his set in Scotland, he hastily exited the venue in his beige bathrobe and dashed into his chauffeur driven car, managing to avoid the crowds and three fire engines across the road.
Arriving at his hotel The Kimpton Blytheswood Square just after ten pm, he emerged from the vehicle with his towel in hand and insisted on carrying his two brown bags with his performance clothes in them.
He also said he was happy to be back in Glasgow where he has previously recorded song saying: “It’s great to be back in Scotland. It’s cold though so I’m going to dash in.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 9.30pm on Tuesday, 18 October by an automatic fire alarm system on Albion Street, Glasgow.
Mark’s last stay in Scotland in 2015 with his Take That bandmates saw him at Cameron House hotel when he managed to crash a wedding of Dr Elaine McCaffrey, 26, from Paisley, and her new dentist husband Gregor Mcintosh 28, from Stirling.
The star who has a son and two daughters has a long affiliation with Scotland and had his fairytale wedding to Emma Ferguson at Cawdor parish church near Nairn.
Tuesday, 6 September 2022
CALLUM BEATTIE WILL PUT ON INTIMATE GLASGOW HOTEL PERFORMANCES
CALLUM Beattie is celebrating the release of his album Vandals with two intimate full-band performances in a Scots hotel.
The RED Sky Bar, perched on top of Radisson RED Glasgow and with the most unique view in the country, will provide the perfect setting for these very special shows on Tuesday, November 1.
Callum – who is normally found on the main stage at TRNSMT, supporting the likes of Amy MacDonald at the Hydro or on tour or at Montreux Jazz Festival – will perform to just 150 lucky fans at each show.
Callum said: “I love the venue – it’s really something special – and we have had some great times at Radisson RED.
“So when we wanted to put on something really cool for fans, it was the first place we thought of – and luckily they jumped at the idea.
“The whole idea was to keep it small, intimate, so the RED Sky Bar is perfect – and we are doing two performances so 300 fans will get to be part of it overall.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the album release – hanging out with fans, playing old favourites and new stuff from the album and just having a party in this beautiful room overlooking Glasgow.”
Radisson RED has been building an impressive pedigree of big names playing there, from Tom Walker to Arielle Free, George Bowie and Baby Strange as well as massive club nights with international DJs
Curator Graham Chalmers said: “We are thrilled Callum is marking his album release with these very intimate shows in our RED Sky Bar.
“He’s dropped by for an impromptu song or two a few times in the past but we are really pleased he wants to celebrate such a huge occasion with us.
“It will be an incredible evening, seeing him not on a massive stage miles away, but just a few feet from the audience.
“Callum is one of the most exciting talents to come out of Scotland in years and he will be headlining arenas soon, so this is not to be missed.”
The performances will be at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, with each lasting around an hour. Tickets are on sale now priced £30 for each show.
Tickets are available now from these links, one for each show – so follow the link to the one you’d like to attend -
7.30 show - https://buy.stripe.com/4gweYGcSo9FX3VS004
9.30 show - https://buy.stripe.com/bIY6sa7y4bO5fEA005
Strictly over 18’s only.
Wednesday, 10 August 2022
THE INAUGURAL SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDS IS TAKING PLACE THIS OCTOBER IN GLASGOW
FANCY winning an award as an Influencer?
The inaugural SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDS will recognise Scotland’s stars of social media, this October in Glasgow.
For the very first time, the country’s top influencers – and movers and shakers of the online world will be honoured for their endeavours on Sunday the 23rd of October, 2022.
And the city’s Radisson RED will lay out the red carpet for a night of fun and frolics as Radio 1 presenter and broadcaster Arielle Free hosts.
A glitzy reception will see finalists walk towards a phot wall before enjoying a glass or two of glamorous rose Whispering Angel.
Fifteen award categories will showcase finalists in categories spanning Food, Drink, Health & Wellbeing, Family and Lifestyle, as well as Travel, Interiors & Design, Arts & Culture, Style, Beauty and Visual.
And a panel of illustrious judges supported by a raft of prestigious partners will decide on who will rise to the top.
Special recognition will be made to those influencers who define Inspiration and whose social endeavours are underpinned with a positive contribution to diversity, equality, and/or inclusivity.
A headline VisitScotland: Year of Stories - Influencer of the Year category will also recognise inspirational, distinct and original storytelling anchored on one or more of the five Year of Stories themes: iconic stories and storytellers, new stories, people and places, local tales and legends, and stories inspired by nature.
MARY MCGOWNE, Founder, Scottish Influencer Awards said: “Delighted to be launching the Scottish Influencer Awards in Glasgow in celebration with a host of prestigious partners. This is a timely opportunity to recognise the best of Scotland’s social and digital community, and the positive contribution many are making towards the country’s image and appeal at home and internationally.
Nominees will be trusted voices; independent and passionate arbiters of good taste with the power to propel valuable messaging to their highly engaged followers. From initially being on the fringe to now playing an important centre stage role in bringing stories and campaigns to life, we are pleased to be shining a spotlight on the best of Scotland’s influencer community.
We are particularly excited to be welcoming Arielle as our host. She is one of our favourite people and we are thrilled she can take the time out her busy schedule to come home for the occasion.”
ARIELLE FREE, Host of the Scottish Influencer Awards added: “Completely thrilled and honoured to be hosting the Scottish Influencer Awards in Glasgow.
It’s going to be an amazing way to celebrate Scotland’s most influential stars of social.
I can’t wait for October to come around when we can toast the country’s wealth of outstanding digital talent in my home town of Glasgow.”
Stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland that highlight the diversity of voices across Scotland and underline responsible tourism and sustainability themes are of particular interest.
To be eligible as a potential nominee, Scottish-born or Scottish-based influencers must have shared compelling, informative, original and creative content in 2022 across one or more of the award categories.
All forms of social mediums including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, podcasts or other innovative and publicly accessible digital platforms will be considered.
Influencers may nominate themselves or invite others to do so on their behalf through the entry form found on the official website:www.scottishinfluencerawards.com
There is no fee to nominate.
The SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDS celebrations will continue in style at Radisson RED Glasgow on Sunday 23rd of October at the hot-ticket Whispering Angel Official After Party with Special Guests Illyus & Barrientos. A suitably special soundtrack for this much anticipated new event in Scotland’s social calendar.
Tickets are on sale now to the Scottish Influencer Awards 2022 at £45 per person and include red carpet arrivals, Whispering Angel reception, awards ceremony with Arielle Free and Whispering Angel Official After Party with Illyus & Barrientos. Available via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-influencer-awards-tickets-390972608597
Thursday, 24 March 2022
MANCHESTER CITY MOXY HOTEL REVIEW: GET AHEAD WITH A HAT
THEY say that to get ahead you should get a hat and Moxy Hotel Manchester City boasts a whole wall of them.
The Marriott Bonvoy’s experiential hotel brand, officially opened in Manchester at the start of the year and presents its ever stylish vibe to the heart of Spinningfields.
You can’t really get more City than where it is.
With its pink neon signage on top of its metal panelled exterior, the contemporary neighbourhood hotel offers a youthful fun atmosphere to those looking for a place to be.
For those travelling by train, plane or bus, its centrally located and a nearby NCP car park accommodates those who travel by car - remember to download the app first though.
The minute you walk in you know you are in for some sociable times.
All guests arriving are offered a premixed cocktail (there’s a zero alcohol option too) just to kick off your free time.
The lounge area of the hotel offers quirky furnishings with colourful scatter cushions and little nods to the surrounding culture and history.
At Moxy City Manchester, you’ll find test tubes on shelves - a nod to the chemists that used to be there, cushions in the shape of knots - a reminder of the cotton that was made there, and hats aplenty - addressing the old hat factory there.
There were also old style gym lockers against one of the walls and a football table and annexed off of that a private office type space for board meetings or communal gatherings.
At weekends there’s DJs behind one of the desks at the entrance and card and board games aplenty as well as books to read to pass the time.
It’s got a cool, uncomplicated vibe and the smiles on guests faces says it all.
On arrival one of Moxy’s artists was completing a colourful mural on the back wall.
We checked in, got our welcoming drink, and caught a lift which was emblazoned with the lyrics Love Will Tear Us Apart - a tribute to Joy Division’s Factory Records link to the city.
We encountered a couple of greyhounds waiting for their floor - as the hotel is pet friendly.
The room itself was spotless and a sign told us everything had just been given a swoosh of anti bacterial liquid including the remote control (always comforting).
The mirrors are perfect for selfies and the mood lighting is a perfect start to the weekend - with a motion centred light under the bed for those night time bathroom excursions.
Closets are open walled and everything is minimalistic so there’s less clutter and more sleek lines.
The platform beds had fresh white mattresses and the pillows had just enough bounce while in the bathroom there are walk in showers and the pink hand and body soap smelled lovely too.
We resisted watching Netflix on the telly to explore the surrounding area of Spinningfields and its cool mix of shops and restaurants.
We were a guest of Ducie Street Warehouse and loved the freshly made food and trendy atmosphere in spacious surroundings and also visited our favourite Chinese restaurant The Rice Bowl, with its gluten free vegetarian options and stylish tables, the following day.
Breakfast at The Moxy is even better than you’d imagine.
There is much more than muffins and cookies, as guests can enjoy a self service hot or cold buffet with cold meats and cheeses, breads, fruits, an extensive cereal bar, yoghurts, a traditional English brekkie, and a mix of hot and cold drinks.
Machines will dispense regular breakfast drinks - with a separate fridge offering more choice to those who wish to pay a little extra for the drink of their choice.
The Moxy bar has a host of cocktails on offer too with beers, spirits, wine, Moxy syrup blend, non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy,or the booze fuelled Disco Diva in a disco ball with Vodka, Vanilla, Limoncello, Citrus Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Prosecco.
There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7 for those late night cravings.
Staff at the nine storey hotel were so friendly and informative about the local surroundings and history.
They went out their way to help with any requests too.
The Moxy is perfect for an easy and energised staycation. For full transparency we were a guest of the hotel for our stay but would definitely revisit.
Rooms are available from £99.
.To book your stay at Moxy Manchester city visit www.MoxyManchesterCity.com | @MoxyMcr #PLAYON #ATTHEMOXY
Tuesday, 18 January 2022
MOXY MANCHESTER HAS ARRIVED AND IT’S READY TO WELCOME YOU
MOXY Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy’s experiential hotel brand, has officially opened in Manchester bringing fun and adventure to guests.
Moxy Manchester City from KE Hotels is in the heart of Spinningfields, so you can enjoy the shops and bustling surroundings after an Uber stylish stay.
Theshowbizlion.com hasenjoyed stays before on both Glasgow and Edinburgh Moxy and the cool and trendy vibe with lots of neon signs and quirky artwork caught our eye the last time round. The cocktails are party ready and the beds gave us a glorious night’s sleep.
Young at heart, the city’s newest hotel opening, Moxy Manchester City is the place to be for a social staycation, offering affordable fun and endless adventure with rooms from £99.
Step into Bar Moxy – the social heart of the hotel, which also serves as the hotel’s front desk, where a cocktail is served at check-in, alongside the room key.
Bar Moxy and the social atrium space has a modern and industrial feel, with local-inspired artwork, curated Manchester-style illustrations and illuminated signs across the lobby. A foosball table, card games and board games and communal lockers also feature in the 24/7 space. From brightly coloured pouffe seating, hidden corners, and laid-back sofas to seats at the urban-style wrap-around bar, there’s something for all occasions.
Featuring a light bites menu and vibrant cocktail, Bar Moxy will also have DJs playing every night to draw hotel guests out of their rooms and locals out of their homes.
An extensive drinks menu of beers, spirits, wine, and cocktails are available- featuring Moxy specials, Got MOXY: Gin, with MOXY syrup blend, a non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy: MOXY Syrup Blend and Chilled Tea and the star of the show, Disco Diva: the ultimate sharing cocktail served in a disco ball with Vodka, Vanilla, Limoncello, Citrus Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Prosecco. There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7.
The 146 stylish and smartly designed bedrooms can be as productive or as playful as needed. From plush platform beds to a fun-size workspace and comfy lounge chairs. Moxy Manchester City rooms feature walk-in showers, TVs with Netflix, open-wall closets, and motion activated LED guidelights. Plus, they’re pet friendly, so pooches can come too.
Moxy hotels are designed with social media-lovers in mind; Moxy Manchester City is the first Manchester hotel to have a digital ‘Guestbook’ wall. The Guestbook streams photos, and videos that Moxy guests have shared to the social sphere. Moxy moments are shared on the wall, which constantly changes as the social feed is updated.
The contemporary neighbourhood hotel is a rising nine-storey build that’s clad in weathered-effect metal panels to give an urban contrast to the original façade that has been retained from the former hat factory.
Moxy has thoughtful crew members, offering a first-class service and a whole load of fun. To book your stay at Moxy Manchester city visit www.MoxyManchesterCity.com | @MoxyMcr #PLAYON #ATTHEMOXY