SIR ROD STEWART’S LA HOME IS AS FLAMBOYANT AS HIM

ROD Stewart’s LA mansion is a sight to see and it spares no expense as it goes on the market for $70 million. 

For over 50 years, the London-born-and-raised Sir Rod Stewart's distinctive raspy voice and charismatic stage presence have made him a beloved and very successful artist.

 Rod, whose dad was Scottish, has all-time classic songs including Mandolin Wind, Tonight’s the Night, Forever Young, and Maggie May which have provided a soundtrack to generations from baby boomers to Generation Z. 

As popular in the United States as he is in Britain, Rod is still rockin audiences everywhere, especially in his ongoing Las Vegas show that began in 2011 and starts up again in November.  

 One of music’s biggest stars, Rod’s home is also big with 13 bedrooms and 28,500 square feet on over three acres of prime Los Angeles North Beverly Park turf.

 A bit flamboyant, just like the owner, the home has a striking yellow exterior,  a large Las Vegas-style fountain and ornate double doors that welcome visitors to the home’s grand foyer.

 The first floor has two sitting rooms with intricate moldings, traditionally decorated and filled with Old World treasures. 

There is a gourmet kitchen next to the tea room and the den with fireplaces and loggias, a wine room, an exquisite dining room that seats 20, a bar that rivals the best of the European taverns with a large mirror and several oil-painted Renaissance nudes, French doors that lead to the covered loggia, manicured grounds, a wood-paneled library, wood-inlay floors, and in case one bar isn’t enough there is also a green speakeasy perfect for a nightcap – perhaps following a Rod Stewart concert. There is also a 4,500-square-foot guesthouse.

A double staircase leads to the private quarters including the primary bedroom suite with dual bathrooms – one is pink and the other is green.

 There are extra-large closets to hold Rod’s huge shoe collection. Covered terraces that overlook one of LA’s best pools and luscious grounds with city and canyon views. Rod is a huge soccer fan - he was a serious player well into his 60s – so, of course, there is a soccer field. The home is currently for sale at $70 million.

Stewart originally acquired the vacant lot in 1991 for just over $12 million and then hired architect-to-the-stars Richard Landry to build the home. In addition to Stewart, Landry has designed homes for Tom Brady, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Bolton, Kenny G, and Wayne Gretzky.

North Beverly Park is LA’s most exclusive neighborhood with extra-large estates and immaculate landscaping located just north of Beverly Hills, developed in the 1980s for the world’s richest people. Current and former celebrity owners include Adele, Mark Warburg, Denzel Washington and Magic Johnson. The entire neighborhood is gated with 24/7 guards.

Rod has sold over 120 million records worldwide and received numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both as a solo artist and as a member of the band Faces. He has explored various musical genres, including rock, folk, pop, and soul, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Apart from his successful solo career, he has also collaborated with other musicians and bands, such as The Faces and The Jeff Beck Group.

The listing is held by Michelle Oliver from Douglas Elliman. Photos by Ryan Lahiff, courtesy of Douglas Elliman.

To see the full listing and check out more celebrity home news and celebrity home video tours, visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

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

 

FANCY DINNER WITH A LOVE ISLAND OR TOWIE STAR FOR VALENTINES?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples and self love is still a thing but for those who don’t want to face dining alone, Italian-American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s has the perfect solution. 

The eaterie is offering a “Take A-Bae” service offering solo guests a date to dine with - including three UK reality TV stars.

 A line-up of friendly-faced dining partners, dubbed “Valentine’s Baes”, will be available in selectedrestaurants on Valentine’s Day (Monday, February 14) to offer customers some company and conversation. Lucky guests will even have the option of dining with one of their favourite reality TV stars.

 Chloe Veitch, of Netflix’s hit Too Hot To Handle, will be a dinner date option in Frankie & Benny’s London restaurant. Meanwhile, in Birmingham, TOWIE’s James Lock will be waiting patiently to accompany lucky singletons at their table. Finally, in Glasgow, diners can choose to spend their Valentine’s Day with Love Islander Dale Mehmet. 

 

Frankie & Benny’s believes Valentine’s Day should be a day where anybody can treat themselves, bae or no bae. But it’s completely understandable not to want to be the only table-for-one in a sea of couples. 

All you need to do is head to one of the above restaurants, choose your dining partner, grab a drink, a bite and relax. 

 

On taking part in the “Take A-Bae” service, Chloe Veitch said: “Why should it just be couples that get to enjoy Valentine’s Day? What about all of us singles? There’s a lot of us out there, I should know!

“I love the idea of this ‘Take A-Bae’ service and giving a bit of love to those who might be solo on the big day. I’m really looking forward to meeting some new people at Frankie & Benny’s on Valentine’s Day and who knows - maybe someone will sweep me off my feet?”

 

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, TOWIE’s James Lock said:“I reckon there’s a lot of people wanting to go out on Valentine’s Day but not bothering because they’re on their own. Hopefully now they might do. I’m good company, easy to talk to and will have a chat with anyone so hopefully I’ll be able to have a bit of a laugh with a few people in Birmingham.

 

One of my first dates was actually at Frankie & Benny’s in Essex, so this will bring back some fun memories.”

 

Love Islander Dale Mehmet said: “Valentine’s Day is always a bit of a sucker punch when you’re single, so I’m excited to play a part in opening the big day up to a few more people. It’s great that Frankie & Benny’s is thinking about those who may be alone but still keen to get out and celebrate.

 

It’ll be good to grab a bite with people on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t have the best of luck finding love on the island so maybe I’ll have a little more luck at Frankie & Benny’s on Monday!”

 

The “Valentine’s Baes” will be in participating Frankie & Benny’s restaurants from 5PM on Monday, February 14:

- Burleigh House, London

- In the Fort, Birmingham

- In the Fort, Glasgow

 

Jon Knight, Managing Director of the leisure & concessions business, said: “This Valentine’s Day we want to make sure we’ve got all our guests covered at Frankie & Benny’s and provide people with comfort food in a welcoming environment, no matter what their relationship status. So, whether you’re single and looking for a date, or would just like to have some company over a meal - we’ll provide the venue, the food and the date (or mate).

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

 

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH LAUNCHES 2022 SEASON PASS

BLACKPOOL Pleasure Beach is enjoying its 125th Anniversary and is launching its 2022 Platinum Club Season Pass, offering unlimited access to the park throughout the year from just £90 for a limited time only.

As regular readers of the Showbizlion.com might know, we are huge fans of the famous Pleasure. Beach and can’t wait to go back there. 

 Existing Platinum Club Season Pass holders can renew for just £90 whilst anyone purchasing a pass for the first time can get one for the great price of £99.  All holders can enjoy all of the rides as well as access to many on park events throughout the season. 

The discounted Season Pass, which would usually cost £189.60, is only available at this reduced price until 30^th September 2021. With a saving of over £90, fun lovers can gain full access to the park everyday of the 2022 season. 

Speaking on the limited time offer, a Blackpool Pleasure Beach spokesperson, commented: “2021 has been a challenging year for many and it’s made us realise the value of spending time with loved ones. 

“We’ve launched our 2021 Platinum Pass at an unbeatable price to give everyone a fun, entertaining and safe experience to enjoy throughout next year.

“We have so many exciting things planned for our visitors, alongside our usual offering of brilliant rides and coasters, the Platinum Club Season Pass really is exceptional value for money.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to some of Britain’s most popular rollercoasters; including the UK’s first double launch rollercoaster – ICON which launches riders with the same acceleration as a Formula One car, The UK’s tallest rollercoaster The Big One, plus many others including classics like the Big Dipper and Grand National.

Home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, there are 12 rides the whole family can enjoy, including an exhilarating ride on classic wooden coaster Nickelodeon Streak and a whirl on SpongeBob’s Splash Bash. Little ones can meet their favourite Nick characters, including PAW Patrol, and be entertained by performances from Team Nick. 

All Platinum Club Season Pass get a range of great discounts at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on everything from food and drink, gifts, and even hotel stays.  More information on these can be found here.

The September Season Pass offer is the cheapest that these passes will be, and with the price set to rise in subsequent months, now is the time to buy or renew.

Further information on the Platinum Pass and the discounted offer can be found here. For further information on Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or to book eTickets, please visit: https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/

 

REVIEW: ITISON GLASGLOW 2020 WILL HAVE YOU FLYING

GLASGLOW returned to Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens and theshowbizlion.com was invited to try it out. 

We  jumped at the chance because let’s face it, it’s been a long time since we could go out and have some actual fun in a Covid safe environment. 

We took our mask and our own hand sanitiser in case buy they’ve got plenty of sanitiser dotted around the Botanics in case you need some. They ask you just to wear a mask in queues or loos but we kept ours on for the bits where we thought there would be more people. There are stewards all along the attraction asking people to socially distance so it seemed very safe. 

 The attraction this year is centres around superheroes and Itison founder Oli Norman wrote a narrative that sees you start off on a journey of self discovery. It’s a positive message for wee ones - and those who might need it in this time of anxiety. There’s a hero in every one of us. 

We were taken through different zones that were reminiscent of a Superman movie, the crystals, the fire, the lasers and the other worldly props. 

There were pumpkins galore in what might be one of Scotland's largest pumpkin patches and we loved the huge Close Encounters style UFO. 

The marshmallows and fire pit proved a hit and at £3 extra it wasn’t overpriced. 

There’s a good village too if you want to enjoy some tacos and burgers. 

By the end of the night we could feel the power and we loved posing for some superhero pics. In fact,  you could say we were flying. 

Tickets are officially sold out for those year but there are some floating about online - just make sure they are authentic :) 

For peace of mind: 

* A fully outdoor event with one-way system

* Reduced capacity and staggered arrival times

* Widened paths and removal of any pinch points

* Dedicated COVID safety officer

* Socially distanced queue management throughout

* Increased facilities, cleaning and hand sanitising stations along the route

TWO DOORS DOWN GETS A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OUTING

WE can hear the jungle drums and the jingle bells as BBC Two comedy Two Doors Down is coming calling this Christmas.

 

 It was announced in the spring that the award-winning Scottish comedy will be returning to UK screens for a fifth series on BBC Two next year.

But in a surprise move, theshowbizlion.com can now reveal that the BBC has now also signed up for a Christmas special of the comedy to go out this December on BBC Two and BBC Scotland. 

The Christmas special will be filmed in line with Covid-19 industry guidelines but will be taking a side-step from the current pandemic to focus on laughs.

 

Steven Canny, Executive Producer at BBC Studios Comedy which makes the series in Scotland said: “I’m delighted that Two Doors Down is going to give people the neighbourly get-together they have been missing out on in recent times. Eric, Beth, Colin, Cathy, Ian, Gordon and, of course, Christine get together to celebrate in the way that only they can. This special episode is the complete package of uncomfortable comments, barbed compliments and, of course, a ton of laughs.”

 

Further details of the Christmas special will be released at a later date but it will feature Arabella Weir as Beth and Alex Norton as Eric - the long-suffering Bairds  - and Elaine C Smith as Christine, Doon Mackichan as Cathy and Jonathan Watson as her husband Colin Whyte, Jamie Quinn as the Bairds’ son Ian and Kieran Hodgson as his boyfriend Gordon.

 

Graeme ‘Grado’ Stevely and Joy McAvoy, who play young couple Alan and Michelle, will not feature in the Christmas special but will be back for the fifth series, which is due to be recorded and shown next year.

 

Two Doors Down was launched with a Hogmanay special at the end of 2013 before going onto become the much loved series. It last had a Christmas special in 2018, with its fourth series going on to air in 2019. It has received multiple awards including the Best Comedy award at the 2017 Royal Television Society Scotland Awards and Elaine C. Smith won Best Actress at the BAFTA Scotland Awards in 2018. It is one of BBC Two and BBC Scotland’s top performing comedies. Over the course of 2020, Two Doors Down has been shown on the BBC Scotland channel, with all four series available to watch on BBC iPlayer where it has been gathering an army of new fans. In total the four series have amassed more than 30m requests on BBC iPlayer. It is a BBC Studios Comedy production, written by Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp. 

 

The fifth series had been re-commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, and Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, who also gave the go-ahead for the Christmas 2020 special.

 

US BOYBAND 5WEST HAPPY TO TAKE OVER FROM BOYZONE AFTER RECENT TOUR SUPPORT

US Boyband 5West reckon they’ve been handed the baton by Boyzone to carry on their pop legacy after supporting the Irish lads on their last ever tour. 

Theshowbizlion.com recently caught up with the four funny lads during their visit to Scotland to chat about their music and new single The Stars About You. 

‘Fun and poppy’ are how the four amigos describe their music and they are keen to bring a new energy to the stage. 

Luke , 17, Owen, 19, Jon Paul, 21 and Peet, 29 had to audition for a place in the band and they admit they are lucky to all get on. 

The band, who initially began as a five piece,  made their first live performance as a group in South Africa at The President’s Ball before headlining Cape Town’s Mr Gay World 2019. An invitation to perform at Grand Canaria Pride (supporting Eurovision’s Conchita) was followed by spots at Pride Festivals in the UK where the group then hit the road to perform at county shows, holiday resorts, high profile charity events (including a tribute for England legend Duncan Edwards), under 18 nights, and their own school tour.

Linguist Luke who used to live in Monaco and is described by the other lads as seventeen going on forty eight said: “We auditioned in LA and we met in Nashville in February and that afternoon we recorded our first single. Every day it feels like we are fine tuning this so its pretty cool.”

Peet, the loveable redhead in the band couldn’t wait to come to Scotland to explore his ancestry. 

He said: “My great grandma was from Scotland and I’m really into finding out more.”

The boys have been learning a lot from their elders including Ronan Keating who they describe as a father figure. 

Charmer Jon Paul explained: “We met Ronan just  before we went on stage and he was in flip flops with a sweater on. We had fifteen seconds before we sang and were shaking and he just was so casual and said good luck.  He was looking like a dad and he’s a living legend.”

Owen, who was keen to try the haggis on his trip and loves fast cars, can’t wait to come back to Scotland with the rest of the band and make some new Scottish friends.  

He said: “We’ve really enjoyed and appreciated all the shows we’ve done so far this year. We aren’t expecting things to fall into our laps and are prepared to work really hard, to get out there and perform wherever we can and to as many people as possible. It’s been so encouraging to see the reaction from the audiences to our songs and our shows.”

 The boys new single ‘Stars About You’ is out now co-written with Grammy Award winning producer Bryan Todd (Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus). 

RICHARD JOBSON GETS CROWD CHANTING FOR BORIS AT REWIND

Beverley Lyons 
SKIDS singer and actor Richard Jobson got the crowd at Rewind festival chanting  Boris Johnson Is A W****r.
The outspoken singer who had already had a go at Leo Sayer for blocking him from the top spot of the charts and even called him a little midget s*** last year for denying the band a number one album was in high spirits. 
As he performed Into The Valley, Masquerade, and Ever Fallen In Love at the nostalgia fest he couldn’t resist having a go at Boris. 
Talking of the possible prime minister to be, Richard said to  the crowd ‘Boris Johnson is a wanker and he’s not welcome in Scotland.” As the lively crowd cheered on, he baited them: “Altogether now. Boris Johnston Is A Wanker.”
The crowd of thirteen thousand revellers gave a rousing rendition of the chant.

Richard joined other stars from the eighties and nineties af Rewind in Perthshire’s Scone Palace including Toyah, Midge Ure, Hazel O Connor, Bjorn Again and Belinda Carlisle. 

Revellers dressed as Rubik Cubes, Wonderwomen, The Krankies and other eighties and nineties icons for the occasion. 

From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

BLACKPOOL ROCKS

FORGET the rollercoasters...As I dangled from the ledge of the Blackpool Tower watching the tiny match box cars below I felt like a true daredevil. 
Ok, there might have been some ultra durable glass in between me and the 600 foot drop onto the people below but it made for a great picture.
The Tower wasn't the only thrill on my three day trip to the seaside resort.

There was the time I ate bugs at Madame Tussauds complete with wax effigies of Ant and Dec in the jungle in between posing with a variety of stars like Bruce Forsyth, Alan Carr, Susan Boyle, the cast of Corrie and The Queen.
And who could forget my face to face encounter with a shark and the chance to stroke a starfish at Blackpool Sea Life and the thrill of crashing into the waves at indoor seaside resort Sandcastle.

Ok so I might have woosed out of going on the Big One ( whiplash can sometimes be a handy excuse) and perhaps I didn't do the most exciting of water slides at Sandcastle but I definitely gave Blackpool my all - and I got it back, big time.
'Blackpool has it all' is Visit Blackpool's slogan and it would be hard to argue otherwise.
No, it doesn't have the designer shops of Miami or Paris (unless you count the cheeky replicas) but it has a unique character that you can't find elsewhere.
It's one of the cheeky picture postcards of old, the kiss me quick innocence of a bygone age, the simple pleasures that a stick of rock can bring.

There is no pretension in Blackpool. You take it as you find it and an open mind is necessary to make the most of your time there.
The weather, on a good day, can rival anything overseas and the seaside side will refresh even the most jaded of minds.
There are so many hotels, guest houses and B and Bs to choose from depending on your budget and your requirements. We opted for the South Shore Carousel hotel on the recommendation of a friend and it had everything we needed during our three day stay.
Although it is officially an AA rated three star it has 92 comfortable, clean and modern rooms with ensuite facilities, an English and continental breakfast (complete with vegetarian and gluten free options) and a well priced all day menu for families wanting to snack or dine throughout their stay.

Prices range from £60 -130 a night depending on the time of year and it is a popular venue for weddings.
As it's on the South Shore five minutes away from the Pleasure Beach and other colourful attractions it is frequented by a lot of families so is bustling at night.
We made the most of our time in Blackpool with the brilliant Blackpool Resort Pass which allowed us to visit major attractions over a seven day period.
There are two available types - the original resort pass for £55 which gives you up to six amazing attractions - the Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land, the Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D experience, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Sea Life Blackpool and Madame Tussauds.
The £80 pass gives you all that as well as Blackpool Zoo, Sandcastle Water Park and Blackpool Model Village and Gardens. You can also pay extra for bolt ons like afternoon tea, Funny Girls and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Blackpool has plenty going on this year and if you miss the summer season there's an air show this August, the Blackpool Illuminations Switch On Weekend from September 1-3, the World Fireworks Championship throughout selected dates in September and Nickelodeon's SLIMEFEST on October 21, 22 and 23.
For more info check out visitblackpool.com

MAHABIS LAUNCH NEW FLOW OUTDOOR SLIPPERS PERFECT FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS

WHEN it comes to summer the showbizlion likes something lightweight, cool and comfortable on our feet. 

We were thrilled to get our hands or should we say paws on a brand new pair of Mahabis Flow to try them out. 

Mahabis are award-winning slippers that you can wear outdoors as well as in and they feature a light, 3D woven upper that gives you the freedom to move, without the weight.

The slippers have an adaptable foam insole that contours to your foot, and their now iconic neoprene heel for an ergonomic fit, and the durable, indoor/outdoor sole. All of which make the mahabis flow ideal for relaxing or exploring - home and away.  

We wore ours on some expeditions to Glasgow Green and around the city centre and it felt like we were walking on air. The shoes look really smart paired with some nice cotton or linen trousers or shorts for summer. 

With mahabis flow you can bring the comfort of home with you wherever you go. As well as functioning as your classic slipper, they also compress and comfort during flights, breathe and flex while you sightsee, and their minimalist design adds to any capsule wardrobe.

Mahabis told us: “We set out to design a slipper that gives you a feeling of freedom during your downtime. So we created our lightest, most flexible mahabis ever, using a custom-engineered, single-piece upper with a 3D open weave. It's not only ultra-lightweight, our team succeeded in constructing a glue-free upper so your feet get unobstructed airflow. We hope you'll love the lightweight comfort of the mahabis flow, whilst relaxing however you wish.”   The mahabis flow is available in seven eye-catching colours and we opted for sand because we are optimists that they won’t get dirty on the Glasgow streets. 

The Core Collection with Scandanivian-inspired colours features 

• Larvik Light Grey upper with Larvik Light Grey sole
• Nora Navy upper with Ilen Ivory sole
• Nora Navy upper with Skien Black sole
• Skien Black upper with Skien Black sole

The Pastels Collection, a reflection of this season’s colour trends

• Fjord Green upper with Alta White sole
• Andora Sand upper with Alta White sole
• Hamara Pink upper with Hamara Pink sole

The mahabis flow range is available from www.mahabis.com for £79.00. (AD)