Latest news with #Bluewater
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'I went to a Mamma Mia party at Bluewater and unleashed my inner dancing queen'
Forget Greece - it turns out you only need a trip to Dartford to unleash your inner dancing queen. Nearly two decades after Mamma Mia! The Movie was released, the rom-com musical still has a hold over pretty much every woman I know. It was fitting, then, that I took three generations of women in my family to a Mamma Mia Party at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater - and we all had an absolute blast. DJ Jude and performer Tony Deluxe (Image: Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater) Stepping out of the lift and into the VIP Gallery Bar was like entering the disco-world of ABBA: everywhere I looked was sequins, sparkles and feather boas. DJ Jude was already getting everyone up and dancing with hits from the film and self-styled "king of disco" Tony Deluxe was bringing enough energy and glitter to rival Donna and the Dynamos. Bottomless prosecco, pizza and chocolates kept the dancing going (Image: Charlotte Anderson) To keep the dancing going, there was bottomless prosecco and pizza, as well as boozy chocolates from Hotel Chocolat. Everyone got the VIP treatment, whether that was regular top-ups from staff or a cool-down fan from Tony Deluxe. Tony Deluxe brought the energy (Image: Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater) The atmosphere was fantastic and the party even continued into the screen. Just when we thought there couldn't be any more dancing, the king of disco led us through easy but high-energy routines to a few ABBA songs, building anticipation to the screening. The dancing continued in the screen (Image: Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater) Singing along to the film was encouraged - everyone knew every word - and although others carried on dancing, I kicked back in the recliner seat to enjoy one of my favourite movies of all time. This was topped off by the popcorn and Lindt chocolate bar waiting for me when I sat down. Time to rest my legs after all that dancing (Image: Charlotte Anderson) It is a film my family and I have seen hundreds of times - but after the Mamma Mia Party at Bluewater it felt like we got to live it.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The character meet-and-greets at Bluewater this summer from Bluey to Peppa Pig
Bluey, Paddington, and Papa Smurf are among the characters delighting children at Bluewater this summer. The Kent shopping centre is hosting a series of free meet-and-greet events every Thursday from July 24 to August 28, featuring popular children's characters and designed to keep families entertained throughout the school holidays. Each day includes five sessions, one of which is adapted for children with special educational needs. James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater, said: "We know families in and around Kent are looking for fun events to keep the little ones entertained through the summer holidays, so we're pleased to offer a free, all-weather option here at Bluewater. "We're looking forward to seeing lots of smiling faces at the centre this summer." The full line-up begins with Papa Smurf and Clumsy Smurf on July 24, followed by Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, and baby pig Evie on July 31. Bluey and Bingo appear on August 7, with Gabby's Dollhouse on August 14, Hey Duggee on August 21, and Paddington rounding off the summer on August 28. Read more All 24 songs Oasis will sing at London's Wembley Stadium - Full tour setlist All the family shows and activities this summer at Orchard Theatre Dartford Beckenham choir releases 'powerful' cover of chart-topping song Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Visitors can register for Bluewater's PLUS+ scheme to receive ticket information and booking links. In addition to the character events, families can enjoy Hangloose Adventure, Dinotropolis, the Bluewater Nature Trail, and the Showcase Cinema de Lux. The centre also offers a wide range of family-friendly dining options, including Wagamama, Pho, and Wingstop.
The Herald
04-07-2025
- The Herald
Robbers who assaulted 5 on farm then killed woman in road crash are jailed
Lengthy jail terms have been served on three Eastern Cape men for their roles in a farm attack and crash during their foiled getaway which left a woman with fatal spinal injuries. Odwa Dyabana, 26, Luthando Ngangelizwe, 29, and Siseko Qhayiso, 31, were convicted in the East London high court of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder and firearm-related offences. Ngangelizwe and Qhayiso each received effective sentences of 25 years' imprisonment. Dyabana received an additional sentence for culpable homicide and reckless driving, bringing his effective sentence to 30 years. All three were declared unfit to possess firearms. A fourth accused, Lundi Magobongo, 26, was acquitted after the court accepted his version that he was a contracted e-hailing driver merely transported the men, unaware of their criminal intentions. The court heard the assailants arrived at Lorain Farm in Bluewater, near East London, on February 20 2024 under the pretence of wanting to buy dogs, National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said. After gaining the farm owner's trust, they lured him to the kennels in his Toyota Land Cruiser. There they produced firearms, tied him up and returned to the farmhouse, where they continued with the robbery.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bear sculpture trail inspired by children's book
A public art trail inspired by a children's book is set to be launched in Kent. The borough of Dartford will receive 30 big bear and 30 bear cub sculptures, designed by local artists, schools and community groups, as a nod to We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury. Running from July to September 2026, the eight-week trail aims to raise awareness of the work of ellenor, a palliative care provider in Kent. Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of trail producer Wild in Art, said: "I have no doubt that the bear sculptures will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike." James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater Shopping Centre, said: "This initiative is a fantastic way to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore Dartford and discover the selection of uniquely-decorated bears and cubs." ellenor is urging businesses to sponsor the sculptures and for artists to register their interest ahead of an open call for designs. Andrew Hubbard, interim chief executive at ellenor, said: "Together we've mobilised creative talent, government funding and local goodwill to create a trail that will engage tens of thousands of visitors and raise vital awareness and funds for hospice care." Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Kent hospice opens Shaun the Sheep art trail Street art bursts into life for mural trail London icons' interactive sculpture trail unveiled ellenor Wild in Art Bluewater Shopping Centre
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
New Dartford bear sculpture trail inspired by children's book
A public art trail inspired by a children's book is set to be launched in borough of Dartford will receive 30 big bear and 30 bear cub sculptures, designed by local artists, schools and community groups, as a nod to We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen from July to September 2026, the eight-week trail aims to raise awareness of the work of ellenor, a palliative care provider in Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of trail producer Wild in Art, said: "I have no doubt that the bear sculptures will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike." James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater Shopping Centre, said: "This initiative is a fantastic way to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore Dartford and discover the selection of uniquely-decorated bears and cubs."ellenor is urging businesses to sponsor the sculptures and for artists to register their interest ahead of an open call for Hubbard, interim chief executive at ellenor, said: "Together we've mobilised creative talent, government funding and local goodwill to create a trail that will engage tens of thousands of visitors and raise vital awareness and funds for hospice care."
