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A capital North East knees up


Kathryn Tickell S A capital North East knees up Kathryn Tickell and The Sage Gateshead’s Folkestra ensemble will be flying the flag for north east talent by performing together as JigHop during London 2012 Festival.  

BT River of Music, part of the Festival, is a spectacular weekend of free music from across all the Olympic and Paralympic Nations, presented at iconic sites along the River Thames on July 21 and 22.

Running from June 21 until the September 9 it will bring together leading artists from across the world with the very best of the UK.

JigHop comprises of Kathryn Tickell, Folkestra (The Sage Gateshead’s young folk ensemble) and a selection of professional musicians and artists from the North East including Amy Thatcher, Brendan Murphy, Tom Besford, Robby Graham, Paul Kelly, Mariam Rezaei, Hannabiell Sanders and Kevin Lees.

BT River of Music will act as a curtain-raiser for the sporting celebrations to follow and will feature artists representing all Olympic and Paralympic nations.

Folkestra credit Mark Savage S A capital North East knees up Kathryn Tickell said: “It’s been really interesting watching connections being made through the development of this piece, seeing how traditional clog dancing and B-Boying actually have common ground and how instruments like Northumbrian pipes and melodeon can work collaborating with a scratch DJ.

“There are lots of unexpected collaborations in this project, but none that have felt forced to us as performers. Throughout the project we have worked only with material that we all feel excited about, and that doesn’t compromise the integrity of our individual traditions or genres, but actually informs and enhances them.”

Brendan Murphy added excitedly: “There’s a great combination of artists and something special is brewing.”

JigHop’s performance will take place on the Europe Stage at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 21 July. Other musicians joining them on the Europe Stage include Amira from Bosnia, The Brazz Brothers from Norway and French soul singer Ben l’Oncle Soul.

For those who can’t join in the fun in London, The Sage Gateshead’s JigHop will be performing on NewcastleGateshead’s quayside when the Torch Relay passes through Gateshead on Friday 15th June. Visit www.NorthEastfor2012Games.com for more details.

Access to BT River of Music is free but capacity is limited. To guarantee entry you will need to get tickets in advance. More details at www.btriverofmusic.com

A direct line to a piece of history


K6Telephone M A direct line to a piece of historyBT is selling off its famous old red phone boxes for the first time in more than 25 years.

BT last the iconic K6 or Jubilee red phone boxes direct to the public in the mid 1980′s when thousands were snapped up at public auctions. They were made available as part of an extensive payphone modernisation programme.

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easyJet launches Newcastle – Amsterdam link


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Seats for the new route are now on sale with fares starting from £22.99 (one way, including taxes). It was one of a clutch of new easyJet routes from UK

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Football, fun and fund raising from St James’


A ‘born again’ St James’ Park will host Brazil and Spain in the Olympic football tournament.

The draw for the competition was made by Brazil legend Ronaldo, Robbie Savage and former Spice Girl Mel C. And under the olympic rules branded names for stadiums are taboo.

St James’ – delivering one of Newcastle NUFC’s best seasons for many a long year – is now preparing to provide a

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Make a date with Tom Jones at Chester-le-Street


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The Welsh legend, who has sold more than 100 million records over a glittering career spanning 46 years, achieved worldwide fame

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New ISA limit available for savers


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And with the start of the new tax year, consumers have the chance to benefit from another year’s ISA allowance and protect their hard earned cash from the tax man.

From April 6th 2012,

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Sixties icon pepped up with a little help from new friends


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Belfast Gems


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Family obligations take me back home regularly and announcing this to my editor Brian prompted the suggestion that I should present an insider’s view into the place I call home, even though I have lived in

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Is a dose of austerity good for us?


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Britons are mirroring government austerity measures by cutting back on cigarettes and alcohol – and even becoming vegetarian to save cash.

A study released by savings provider ING Direct shows the sacrifices we are making simply to make ends meet.

As a

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Taking fund raising to the max


Liz Davies her Dad M Taking fund raising to the maxA North East personal trainer is taking on a mammoth challenge in order to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Liz Davies, who lives and works in Gosforth is to run 12 marathons this year in the hope of raising £40,000 for Spinal Research.

However, not satisfied with

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