Latest news with #Bluewater
Yahoo
2 days ago
- 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."
Daily Record
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
American living in the UK left floored as he admits one thing is 'really different'
An American who is obsessed with visiting different cities around the United Kingdom to rate them in a series of viral videos has been left "impressed" by a shopping centre as it's "insane" An American living in the UK was left flabbergasted by UK shopping centres, branding his native American malls as subpar by comparison. TikToker @kjordyy, who rates different cities across Britain, was awestruck by Kent's Bluewater Shopping Centre and expressed his thoughts in a video captioned: " are we doing? British malls are genuinely insane". He enthuses about the UK malls in the video, claiming they "blow his mind" and insists it's "so much more than a shopping experience". "I don't think you truly understand the complexity of these malls," he declares, amazed at the offerings. His tour showed him that "first of all", the architectural prowess of every centre he visits is "insane". He then marvelled at the discovery of "a moat outside of the mall". Diving into details, he reveals it houses over 280 stores, boasts a cinema with 17 screens and even an adventure park complete with ziplines and skydiving options. Bemused, he noted that such attractions are unheard of in US malls, admitting: "If I were a kid, I just wouldn't leave this place," due to the variety of available activities. Emboldened, @kjordyy announced his intent to try skydiving on-site, something not possible in American shopping hubs. However, after approaching the skydiving and zip line areas, he faced disappointment being told he was "too heavy" to participate. Undeterred, he concluded: "Just the sheer fact that a mall has this, I'm impressed. I'm sad I've got too swole a body for them, but you know what, maybe next time". In the comments, one person encouraged him to "go to the Trafford Centre" for its remarkable features. "Especially the ship area with the restaurants," another added. An individual recounted their astonishment during a visit to the Trafford Centre, saying it "blew their mind". Some commenters were quick to point out that "Bluewater is not an accurate representation of UK 'malls'." One commenter reminisced: "Metrocentre used to have an indoor funfair including a rollercoaster!! It's no longer there now". The impact of the internet on shopping centres was debated, with some arguing that "people are too lazy to go and walk round" nowadays, while others defended the irreplaceable experience of in-person shopping. A woman queried: "Are malls shutting down over there the way they are here? Even our giant mall only has about two stores in it now". Another boasted about their local centre: "I mean my local one is all outside and has a cinema, like 20 shops and 6 restaurants, but there's better further away". Meanwhile, a UK resident described their local centre as having just "a Greggs, McDonald's and the absolute bare minimum of stores," reassuring the TikToker that this isn't the norm.
