Latest news with #VIPexperience
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
It's a Record-breaking Year at the 'Humpback Highway'—With Over 45,000 Whales Expected
Each year, as temperatures drop in Antarctica, a great migration begins. Tens of thousands of humpback whales—more than 45,000 by some estimates—set off on an epic 6,200-mile journey north that runs along Australia's east coast. They are bound for warm tropical waters where they breed and calve before taking the same route back to the Southern Ocean. Locals call it the Humpback Highway, and from June through November, it offers one of the world's most reliable and awe-inspiring whale-watching experiences. At the heart of the spectacle is Moreton Bay, a protected stretch of water just offshore Brisbane that the whales pass through. The migration reaches its peak in August, when larger pods appear and there is a surge in social behavior: tail slapping, pectoral waving, and the unmistakable breach. This year, the outlook is especially promising. Sightings are already up, and with the humpback whale population increasing, some skippers are predicting it could be the most active season yet. For travelers, access couldn't be easier. Brisbane is one of the only major cities in the world where you can leave your hotel after breakfast and be scanning the ocean for whales by midmorning—no long drives or complicated transfers required. Tour companies like Brisbane Whale Watching pick up guests 40 minutes north of the city and boast a whale-sighting guarantee. For larger groups, or a small, VIP experience, Sovereign Lady Charters has a 74-foot private-use yacht that fits up to 35 guests and departs 30 minutes east of downtown Brisbane. You might also be able to glimpse the massive migration by taking a ferry to North Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay and watching from. Cape Moreton on Moreton Island is another land-based viewing point. To reach the cape, take a ferry to Moreton Island and walk the Cape Moreton track to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Queensland's only stone lighthouse. It is a great place to catch the Humpback Highway as it passes by the shores of the island. Not all whale watching requires a boat. North Stradbroke Island (known to locals as 'Straddie') is reachable by ferry and offers commanding views from Point Lookout, a clifftop path where whales can often be seen breaching just offshore. For something even wilder, head to Moreton Island, a national park of towering sand dunes and quiet beaches. From the ferry landing, hike the Cape Moreton Track to the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse (the only stone lighthouse in Queensland) and take in sweeping views of the Pacific. Whale season off the coast of Brisbane runs from June to November and peaks in August. According to new research from Griffith University, Moreton Bay is becoming more than just a migratory corridor—it's now a key resting and nursing zone for mother whales and their calves on their return journey south.
CBC
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Want to skip lines at the CNE? That will cost you $452.99
The Canadian National Exhibition is offering VIP tickets to visitors this year — but the price does not come cheap. Last week, the CNE revealed its first-ever VIP experience package, which has a jam-packed list of fun perks for visitors. The price tag, however, is not that fun. Each pass is $452.99, but passes can only be purchased in packages of four, adding up to a total of $1,811.96, according to the CNE's website. The VIP package was created after a pilot last year for fans who wanted benefits and special perks, a spokesperson for the CNE told CBC Toronto in a statement. "The VIP ticket is an optional offering for those who see the value in its benefits and unique experience. In CNE terms, it's like choosing to indulge on the four-pound taco, that is just as delicious as the $1.99 taco," said Tran Nguyen. The CNE did not clarify when asked how it arrived at the $452.99 price tag. The VIP tickets include skip the line privileges, unlimited rides, a ride fast pass, front-row seats to Bandshell performances, reserved space at the VIP Bandshell viewing area, a choice of front row and skip the line at either CNE SuperDogs or the Acrobatic Ice Skating Show, $50 in food vouchers, drink tickets, select merchandise and treats, and a CNE collector pin set. VIP pass holders can also access a dedicated concierge team to help curate experiences and accompany them on their CNE journey. Nguyen said there's been positive feedback from VIP ticket inquiries so far. "Advance ticket sales for the 2025 CNE are currently tracking in line with sales at the same time last year, and there has been a positive response from VIP ticket inquiries and quantities sold to date," said Nguyen. Advance sale ride all day passes, featuring unlimited midway rides, cost $47.24 per person. Meanwhile, standard advance sale admission passes, covering grounds admission and access to all shows and exhibits, cost $25.11 per person. Last year, the CNE welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors, the festival said in a release. The annual summer event is in its 146th edition and is known for its over the top carnival foods, shopping, rides, and performances.
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Robbie Williams' Bath gig 'chaotic' premium ticket holders say
Premium ticket holders say they feel let down after paying double the price for a "chaotic" experience at a Robbie Williams sold-out event on Friday was the first of two performances to be held at the Royal Crescent in Bath, Somerset. The singer performed to 15,000 people in what was described as "the most intimate show of his tour".But those who splashed out on a Golden Circle ticket said they did not receive the VIP experience they were promised and were instead "crammed" into the promoters Senbla said the issue has been "rectified for this evening's concert by putting into place stronger communications lines between our security teams and event staff". A Golden Circle ticket cost about double the price of general claimed to offer a spacious standing experience, access to a VIP hospitality area, a dedicated entrance and food and drinks before the show. But Peter Hayes, from Gloucester, said the reality was "really disappointing"."We've paid £266 for the Golden Circle and were promised lots of different things," he said."We've come through pretty much the same entrance as everyone else, and the Golden Circle is currently inaccessible. "There's so many people crammed in, there's no way I want to go into that."I've actually found myself in the ordinary ticket area, just happy to be in a bit of space."Mr Hayes said he had to queue for more than 90 minutes to be served at the bars, one of which had run out of everything except soft drinks by 19:45 BST. Daisy, from Leicester, told the BBC on Friday: "It's absolutely packed, there's no staff anywhere and there's no directions for anything. "It was chaos, so I did not get searched or anything, which didn't really reassure me."Rina Pengilly said she had bought the premium tickets four months prior as a surprise for her father. "It was meant to be a very special occasion and we can't even get in," she said. "My dad needs special assistance so I wanted to be in the Golden Circle for his own safety, so that's why it's disappointing." A spokesperson for Senbla denied claims that the tickets for the Golden Circle section were oversold. "Last night Robbie Williams wowed the audience with a spectacular show, the first night of two he is performing in Bath," they said."There was a very small issue with Golden Circle ticket holders yesterday evening, where later into the concert there were pinch points causing delays to the entry of the Golden Circle section. This section was not oversold."We have ensured that this has been rectified for this evening's concert by putting into place stronger communications lines between our security teams and event staff."
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fallen Hollywood star Will Smith charging fans £400 to see him perform and have their picture taken with him... at bizarre concert tour date in BRIXTON
Hollywood A-lister Will Smith is heading to Britain on an unlikely tour of places including Brixton - charging fans hundreds of pounds for pictures with him. The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and Men In Black actor will be hitting venues including the O2 Academy in Brixton, south London, Wolverhampton's Civic Hall, Cardiff Castle and Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Tickets for the shows alone have gone on sale at prices from £61.60 upwards - but the actor is also promoting more expensive closer encounters. His Brixton appearance scheduled for August 28 this year has standing tickets available for £60 apiece, alongside what is called a 'Will Smith First Entry Merch Package' offer costing £228. This promises an 'Exclusive Will Smith Merchandise Pack', a commemorative VIP laminate and an 'on site VIP host'. Yet buyers are told to note: 'THIS VIP PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE A MEET & GREET. THERE IS NO ARTIST INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS PACKAGE.' Alternatively, however, customers can spend £415 apiece on what is highlighted as a 'Will Smith Group Photo and Soundcheck Experience'. This offers not only the merchandise pack and the VIP laminate but also acess to a pre-show soundcheck and a 'Group Photo Opportunity with Will Smith'. Hollywood star Will Smith, pictured here at the premiere of Bad Boys: Ride Or Die in California last May, is heading to Britain on a concert tour His British visit includes venues in south London, Scarborough and Wolverhampton Fans are being given the chance to meet Oscar winner Will Smith at his UK performances The American rapper and actor, 56, is travelling across the Atlantic to perform tracks from his recent release Based On A True Story - Smith's first full-length album in 20 years, following 2005's Lost And Found. The tour, expected to also include such hits as Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and Miami, lands in England with a date at the seaside resort Scarborough, with Smith performing on on August 24 at the town's Open Air Theatre. This will be followed with a gig at Cardiff's Bute Park on August 25 and a concert at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse on August 27. Smith is due to perform at London's Brixton Academy the day before a final gig at University of Wolverhampton at the Halls on August 30. The star's Cardiff appearance on August 25 comes with the offer of what is dubbed the 'Ultimate Will Smith VIP Experience', priced at £1,290 per person. This promises a photo opportunity with Smith, an exclusive guided stage tour, access to the pre-concert soundcheck and a signed and framed 'vintage-style poster'. Smith has faced controversy in recent years, most notably when slapping comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022 - and his choice of venues for his forthcoming tour come in contrast to Rock's most recent UK appearances. Rock was presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood when he joked about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Married couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are seen here attending Apple Original Films' LA premiere of Emancipation at Regency Village Theatre on November 30 2022 Will Smith walked on stage and hit Oscars ceremony host Chris Rock at the March 2022 event He compared her to the shaved head look of Demi Moore in the 1997 movie G.I. Jane - and Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia, did not laugh at the joke. Smith approached the stage and slapped Rock across the face with his right hand. Rock responded by telling the shocked audience: 'Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me.' That same evening, Smith won the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard as Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. While Smith's scheduled venue in Brixton has a capacity of 4,300, his rival Rock performed at London's 20,000-seat O2 Arena in September 2022, following gigs at UK venues including London's Royal Albert Hall and the Utilita Arena Birmingham. The venue choices have prompted some surprise online, appearing as a contrast to fellow major US acts such as Taylor Swift opting for the likes of Wembley Stadium. Taking to X/Twitter after the tour was announced, one fan tweeted: 'Love to be in the room when Will Smith's management team are explaining to him how the hell Wolverhampton* ended up on the list of places on his tour.' Another wrote: 'Sorry… Will Smith - THE Will Smith is touring… playing London, Manchester SCARBOROUGH and …… WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALL. How random.' Will Smith fans have been responding on social media to his UK tour announcements Also posted was: 'Bit artists playing obscure areas will never not be funny because why is Will Smith playing in WOLVERHAMPTON?!?!' Further responses included, 'Just heard Will Smith is playing Scarborough's open air theatre in August. To put it in football terms it's like when Socrates played for Garforth Town', and 'Will Smith coming to Wolverhampton was not on my 2025 bingo card'. Smith is also taking his tour to several European festivals, such as the Moroccan festival Mawazine in Rabat. The Oscar-winning actor announced the news of his concert dates in an Instagram post in March this year, writing: 'I'M GOING ON TOUR THIS SUMMER!! 'We're hitting up UK & Europe to bring U all the hits, some new joints, and a few surprises. All these years, I've NEVER done a headline tour and I can't wait to see you guys!!' Smith gained recognition in American hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince who released Grammy-winning single Parents Just Don't Understand. In the 1990s, he starred in the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air about a fictionalised version of himself, born and raised in West Philadelphia, sent to live with a wealthy uncle in Los Angeles. His debut solo album, Big Willie Smith, was released in 1997 and included the hit song Men In Black, which accompanied the film of the same name and peaked at number one in the UK singles chart. Smith gained recognition in American hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince who released Grammy-winning single Parents Just Don't Understand (pictured in 1989) Pictured left to right are Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith and Trey Smith at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, on March 27 that year Across his career, Smith has starred in dozens of films including The Pursuit Of Happyness in 2006, the following year's I Am Legend and Suicide Squad in 2016. In January, he released track Beautiful Scars, featuring rapper Big Sean, as well as a music video where they re-enacted a scene from 1999 science fiction film The Matrix. He has released other singles that will all feature on his new album, including Tantrum with Joyner Lucas, You Can Make It featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, and Work Of Art, which was a collaboration with rapper Russ, featuring his son Jaden. MailOnline has contacted Smith's representatives for comment.
Wall Street Journal
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Donors Promised ‘VIP Experience' to Military Events With Trump
Donors are being offered a 'dedicated VIP experience' to several events that President Trump is planning with the U.S. military this summer, according to several donors familiar with the matter. Those who give to America250, a committee created to support what Trump envisions as a large national celebration next year for America's 250th birthday, will be given special access to three events, according to a pitch shared with donors. Those include a military parade Trump is planning in June on his birthday, a 'military readiness' event he is leading at Fort Bragg military base with thousands of troops also in June and an Independence Day celebration in Washington, the people said.
