Author Archives: DUKES Blog Admin

Sundance Film and Music Festival returns to London

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This year’s Sundance Film and Music Festival is set to take place at The 02, London. The Sundance Festival offers four sensational days of live music and the UK premieres of American independent films, fresh from the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park city, Utah.

This year’s film festival boasts, amongst a variety of extraordinary films, Lake Bell’s award winning “In a World….” which is the story of an underachieving vocal coach, who is motivated by her father to pursue her aspirations of becoming a voice-over star which sets her on a path to change the voice of a generation.

Musically, Sundance London presents a fantastic range of genres, including newcomer Alex Burey, a 17 year old soul singer from Croydon and Lesley Pike who is known across Northern America and the UK for her engaging and comical live shows of electronic music which hold a hint of a 1980s influence.

Alongside film and music, Sundance London offers a range of special events which are designed to bring a unique experience to festival goers, one such event is the Filmmakers Hub Talk which is an exciting opportunity to have a sit down talk with some of the festival’s filmmakers.

The bonus to this amazing experience is that it is affordable, individual screenings cost £14 which includes a booking fee. However, if you’re an avid film enthusiast, you might be more interested in the festival’s packages; such as: the sky superscreen pass which is £280.

Just a 25 minute, no fuss train journey from the hotel to the o2 Arena, DUKES London is a great place to stay while attending this remarkable festival. You can take the opportunity to wind down after the excitements of the day in our infamous bar or alternatively you can relax in one of our luxurious suites.

THE LONDON MARATHON RETURNS TO THE CAPITAL

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Later this month, Virgin will once again be sponsoring the world renowned London Marathon. This phenomenal marathon is one of the world’s largest fundraising events, with a record number of 37,227 people finishing the marathon in 2012.

The London Marathon is one of the world’s best sporting experiences, not only for athletes and charity enthusiasts but also for the spectators.

This occasion unites people from all over the world with the simple notion of charity fundraising and support. The fundraisers are represented by the runners and the support is evident in the masses of spectators, not letting anyone give up and cheering until the last runner.

Each year, the race grows in size, stature and popularity whilst never losing the intrigue and excitement that encompassed the first race on the 29th March 1981. Using the Thames as a handrail of sorts, the marathon starts in Greenwich Park and ends in The Mall, which means the runners pass by many of London’s familiar sights; such as Tower Bridge, the Docks, The Embankment, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Simply put, this event is a charity marathon but it is much more than that. This annual event gains popularity each year because people want to do more than just donate money; they want to showcase their support in a number of ways.  Let us not forget that the participants not only run but do so in fancy dress! This introduces a whole new aspect of fun to one of life’s great challenges. The London Marathon is an interactive and engaging fundraiser, bringing with it an opportunity to unite the community.

Why not treat your family to a great afternoon tea after the run? Whether you’re a participant in the race or simply giving your support, Dukes London provides a tranquil and relaxing place to settle after a hard day on your feet.  Come along for a well-deserved drink in our bar and treat yourself to one of our infamous martinis.

 

THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RETURNS TO LONDON

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Why not come and experience the most iconic flower show in the world this May at London’s Chelsea Royal Hospital? The brightest new ideas and the latest gardening trends make this show the one everyone wants to see; and this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Chelsea Flower show with what is said to be an extra special event of magnificent displays and superb show gardens.

For the 2013 centenary show expect to see 15 spectacular Display Gardens, 11 Fresh Gardens demonstrating the best of contemporary garden design and eight Artisan Gardens. In addition, 150 exhibits from nurseries and florists in the Great Pavilion and up to 250 trade stands. This year’s gardening celebrations will be one not to miss.

The day isn’t just all flowers and gardens however; there will also be a ‘100 years in pictures’ presentation of historical photographs, capturing the growth of the Chelsea Flower Show, from a display of just 224 gardeners to the world famous exhibition it has become today. A concert, hosted with Opera Holland Park, will also be held on the Friday evening as part of the centenary celebrations. And don’t forget you can enjoy some sumptuous food and drink throughout the day.

Exhibits to look out for in particular this year include a garden modelled on London’s Olympic Park, ‘The Evolving Garden’ which shows how environmental issues have affected our gardens and relax among beautiful summerhouses decorated by top UK designers and artists, including Wayne Hemmingway, Cath Kidston and Rob Ryan.

Tickets are selling out quickly but are still available here, http://rhs.atgtickets.com from £28-55 per person, with discount for RHS members.

Just 10 minutes down the road, Dukes Hotel is the perfect place to stay whilst visiting the Chelsea Flower Show. Unwind after a day on your feet in our luxurious suites or treat yourself to a Martini in our legendary bar.

Chelsea Flower Show 2013