Total Fireworks £978.71

Fireworks set 3 by Total Fireworks

Do-it-yourself, DIY, displays contain a varied selection of fireworks that could be used to produce your own individual display.

Barrages
• 2 x Midnight Moonsoon
• 2 x Quantum Leap
• 2 x Tracer Fire
• 2 x Shanghai Surprise
• 2 x Brazilian Bombshell
• 2 x Devastation
• 1 x The Matrix
• 1 x Celestial Conquest
• 1 x Champagne Supernova
• 1 x Guns N Roses

Rocket
• 2 x Apollo 5 Pack
• 2 x Scorpion King
• 8 x The Big Guns single rocket

Candles
• 2 x Kaleidasphere
• 2 x Thunderous Power

Mines
• 2 x Moon Boom

Sparklers
• 5 x Giant Coloured Sparklers

Tickets

Tickets to the John Smiths Grand National 2009 at Aintree are still available from Seatwave. The cheapest total ticket price we can find is £50.47. There are only tickets to buy on the Friday and Saturday – none are available for the Thursday. Friday is Ladies’ Day and Saturday hosts the title race – the Grand National Handicap Steeplechase itself.

Grand National Tickets from Seatwave

Accommodation

There are still some hotel rooms within 5 miles of the course. Very few have rooms left for the full 3 days, but there are the occasional rooms for each night - just visit our special search on Laterooms by clicking here or on the banner.

St Patrick’s Day is the national celebration day of Ireland or Eire. It falls on 17th March every year and this year it falls on a Tuesday. There is even more to celebrate this year with the triumph of the Irish rugby team over Scotland this weekend. Irish rugby shirts are selling from £18 – just click on the image below to visit the Guinness shop. The saint’s day inevitably involves drinking down the pub. If you can’t find an Irish pub, and there’s usually one near every railway station, you have just enough time to order your Guinnes online (by clicking here) and practice making shamrocks in the head of beers if you do work in a bar (see video) . However, we’ve also found some less drunken ways to celebrate around the world – including dancing, marching and music.

Irish Rugby Shirts

St. Patrick’s Day Events

There are often parades around towns in Ireland, Scotland and the USA to celebrate gaelic culture, language and music. Participants invariably dress in as much green as possible to celebrate the “green isle”.

*Saturday 14th March 2009, 11am: Parade down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to St Patrick’s Parish Church led by Stockbridge Pipe Band. Irish music and dancing followed by a buffet in aid of the church resotration fund.

*Saturday 14th March 2009, 12:30 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, on Fourth Avenue from Jefferson Street northward to Westlake Park (between Pike and Pine streets), Seattle.

*Tuesday 17th March, 11am: The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cork takes place after the 11am Mass. Starts at the Super Valu and goes to the viewing stand at the East End. Led by the Cullen Pipe Band. Participants and the general public are invited to the Pearse Memorial Hall when refreshments will be provided and a host of talent on stage for what promises to be an exciting show.

*Tuesday 17th March 2009, 12 noon: Dublin. GAA legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh will commentate on the parade, which kicks off at 12 noon from Parnell Square North before weaving through the city centre, taking in O’Connell St, Westmoreland St, College Green, Dame St, Lord Edward St, Nicholas St and finishing at Patrick St. Over half a million people will flood the Irish capital for the celebrations.

*Tuesday 17th February, 1 pm: Kierans Pub 330 2nd Av. S., Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota. $5. 612-339-4499. For dancing an Irish jig: With three stages of music, there will be plenty of dancing going on at Kieran’s Irish Pub. The Belfast Cowboys headline the tent outside. It’s a special St. Paddy’s Day with this year marking the 15th anniversary of Kieran’s.

*Tuesday 17th February, 3 pm (doors lock at 4 p.m. for the challenge): The Nomad Pub 501 Cedar Av. S., Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota. Free. 612-338-6424. For real Irish drinkers: The Nomad Pub offers its annual “Break the Seal” challenge, where beer is free until someone pees. Last year, free beer flowed for two hours. Afterward: dirty limericks by the fire, cover bands and more shenanigans.

*Tuesday 17th February: Brit’s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota. Free. 612-332-3908. Not quite Irish, but close enough: The folks behind Brit’s Pub welcome their Irish friends with a party in the third floor Clubhouse Bar. It has a great view of the Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day parade (which starts at 6:30 p.m.). The Como Avenue Jug Band plays at 7 p.m. Bagpipers, too.

St Patrick's Day celebrations

Fairtrade chocolate has got 20% off in Co-op at the moment. I was sceptical because I had always heard that Fairtrade chocolate isn’t that nice. I opted for 150g of dark chocolate for only 85p. It wasn’t quite as flavoursome as its pricey cousin, Green & Blacks – or as sweet as the ubiquitous Dairymilk. It had a floury complexion, similar to cooking chocolate, and it didn’t quite melt in the mouth. However, it was the cheapest chocolate on offer and did the job of stemming my chocolate addiction for another 24 hours.

It’s Fairtrade Fortnight at the moment so give it whirl and see if your conscience will overcome your sweet-tooth.

Fairtrade chocolate at Chocolate Trading co £3.45

Fairtrade Chocolate from Thorntons from £1.99

Day Out

If your mother has green fingers, why not take her along to the RHS London Orchid Show 2009. It is taking place on the weekend of Mothering Sunday and is only £5 for non-members. Show highlights include:

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  Orchid Show 2009

  Thousands of orchids to purchase, as well as plants, books and gifts.

• Exhibitors from as far as far afield as Taiwan, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil unveiling new orchids, as well as returning with old favourites.
• ‘The Finishing Touch’ display from NAFAS.
• The best breeders and growers throughout the industry.
• Free talks on orchid-related topics.
• Advice from RHS experts.
• Botanical art exhibition.

The show will be taking place at RHS Horticultural Halls, Greycoat Street and Vincent Square, London SW1. You can book tickets by post or over the phone. Click here to find out more about the show and how to book tickets.

If you can’t make the show, you can give your Mum RHS membership for only £49. It includes magazines, access to seeds from RHS gardens and discounts on tickets to RHS shows, including Chelsea Flower Show which is visited annually by the Queen. Click here for more details.

Yellow bouquet from Interflora

Flowers

Fleurop Interflora can deliver worldwide withing hours – all you have to do is order online, over the phone or in person. Bouquets are usually around £30 – £40 and can include chocolates and other gifts if you wish. Interflora take credit card payment in four main currencies; British Pounds, US Dollars, Euros and Swiss Francs. They can deliver around the world within hours. A handling fee is charged for arranging foreign delivery. This bouquet is £47.20. With the worldwide standard service fee, the final price would be £55.19.

Hampers

FunkyHampers have a special range of Mother’s Day gifts. All of their products will be delivered on the Friday before Mothers Day with a sticker saying Please Do Not Open Until Sunday. All of their prices include a free personalised Mothers Day card and all buyers get the option of adding a half-price extra at checkout. Choose from additions such as Belgian Chocolates and Mum Cakes. FunkyHampers Mother’s Day collection ranges from £9.77 to £44.03 and includes toiletries, flowers and chocolates.

This hamper is only £44.03 from Funky Hampers

Homemade

Here’s a recipe for simnel cake. It’s fairly elaborate and when decorated properly can look pretty special. A good one for adults to make with kids too young to sort out presents on their own. Homemade cards are also thoughtful items to send on Mother’s Day. Try to make it personal and colourful for Spring.

Fairtrade Fortnight is the Fairtrade Foundation’s annual campaign call to people in the UK to promote awareness of Fairtrade and buy products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark. In 2009 it will take place from 23 February – 8 March.

This year’s activities will commence on the 19 February with a top-level conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster.

Regional debates on trade, climate change and ethical shopping:
Oxford 23 February
Cardiff 25 February
Birmingham 2 March
Edinburgh 4 March
Leeds 5 March

Register for the regional debates at www.fairtrade.org.uk

Fairtrade Fortnight’s official public launch will be a sporty day of fun and games for all the family on London’s South Bank, near Gabriel’s Wharf on Sunday 22 February.

There will be a 24-hour world record attempt for the number of people simultaneously eating a Fairtrade banana across the UK between noon on Friday 6 and noon on Saturday 7 March. To help break the record, register online at www.fairtrade.org.uk.

Fairtrade Hampers from Virginia Hayward

Virginia Hayward are purveyors of luxury hampers and gifts. They are joining in the Fairtrade Fortnight with a selection of Fairtrade hampers. They said of the items:

It’s a cause that we passionately believe in, as what could be better than to give a gift in which every product is giving something back to the producers?

Click here to visit Virginia Hayward’s Fairtrade section.

Fairtrade at Adili

Adili have a commitment to ethical trade and retail a large number of ethical brands. You can shop by ethics or by brand, allowing you to pick the items which sit well with your conscience. These bootcut jeans are £49 and have been made from Fairtrade denim:

Fairtrade Denim Jeans £49

Click here to check out Adili’s Fairtrade policies and products.

Marks and Spencers

Marks & Sparks have a wide range of Fairtrade products available from cotton pads to bed sheets to baby clothes. There are four different bottles of Fairtrade wine and a breakfast larder which includes egg cups and strawberry conserve – a perfect gift. Click on the image below to look at M&S’s Fairtrade selection:

Marks and Spencer Fairtrade Breakfast Larder Gift Pack

John Lewis

John Lewis stock Fairtrade towels, clothes, flowers, honey and chocolate. Click here to read about Fairtrade cotton (in pdf) or click on the image to visit the John Lewis Fairtrade selection:

Plain Dye Fairtrade Towels

If you work in procurement and are in charge of ordering the sugar, tea and biscuits for your firm, why not buy Fairtrade and mention the fact on your company website? You can order Fairtrade items in bulk from Office Giant (click here) or Office Stationery (click here).

• Interflora last delivery date is Saturday 14th February before 2pm. Interflora do hampers, flowers, chocolates and gifts for men.
• Knickerbox last delivery date Friday 13th February 2009 by 3pm. Knickerbox sell sensual lingerie.
• Adili sell ethical fashion, house & home products online for all the family, but have a dedicated Valentine’s gifts section. Valentine’s gifts can be ordered as late as Thursday 12th February at midday.
• The Apple Store has now taken its last orders for Valentine’s Day.
• Virginia Hayward sells luxury hampers and gifts. The current bestseller is a Valentine’s hamper with a heart-shaped cheese inside. The hamper is £35 and includes:

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    Lago Chocolate Meets Wine 60% Dark Chocolate 100g
    Godminster Heart Shaped Cheese 200g
    The Bit on the Side Caramelised Red Onion 330g
    Tempranillo “Reinares” 2007 75cl
    Country Crunch Savoury Herb Biscuits 150g

  • Virginia Hayward are able to take orders for delivery before Valentine’s Day up until midday on Thursday 12th February 2009.

Eddie Izzard’s Stripped UK tour dates

23 October Nottingham Trent FM Arena
24 October Nottingham Trent FM Arena
26 October Sheffield Arena
30 October Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
31 October Echo Arena, Liverpool

7-8 November MEN Arena, Manchester
11 November SECC, Glasgow
17-18 November NIA, Birmingham
19 November Cardiff International Arena
22-23 November BIC, Bournemouth
26 November Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
29-30 November Brighton Centre

3 December O2 Arena, London
4-5 December Wembley Arena, London

That’s the rhyme which underpins the annual commemorations of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up the houses of Parliament and King James I in 1605. Thankfully, it happened in a cold month, giving Britons a great excuse to gather round a fire and watch some fireworks light up the long Winter nights. With snow due in the UK this week, bonfire night will be all the more cosy and special.

If you have limited space for a bonfire, you can use these patio braziers to minimise the spread of fire or damage to your garden. There are also some bigger, cheaper, more basic versions that are like a metal bin with holes in – available from all decent garden centres.They are less aesthetically pleasing, but do the job. Braziers are very popular with men and a good alternative to the TV. From £69 at Prezzy box. You will need fuel and a good stick to poke it with.

Marshmellows on skewers are essential on Bonfire Night. Watch the fire and cook up a tasty treat at the same time – very popular with the kids. You can buy marshmellows online through A Quarter Of… they are very good at delivering, but you need to be in to sign for the package. Pop the flumps onto the end of a metal skewer or fork and be careful not to heat for too long! You can also roast chestnuts, throw bananas or potatoes wrapped infoil into the fire, or just enjoy the ambience.

Some good fireworks displays this Bonfire Night:

Bonfire nights in Leeds:

“Celebrate Bonfire Night with a bang this year at one of six spectacular community firework displays and bonfires taking place on Wednesday 5th November.

Organised by Leeds City Council these free events will provide an evening of entertainment and fun for all the family.

Once again tens of thousands of people are expected to gather at Roundhay Park to enjoy Leeds’ biggest bonfire and fireworks event. The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and the explosive fireworks display will start at 8pm.

Other events will also be held at Bramley Park, East End Park, Middleton Park, Springhead Park in Rothwell and Woodhouse Moor, where the bonfires will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks displays will start at 7.30pm.”

Click here for more details.

Click here for a list of firework displays in London.

This year’s celebrations in Edinburgh will take place at the Meadowbank Stadium from 6.30pm. Click here for more details.

The bonfire in Cardiff will take place in Coopers Field in Bute Park, just behind the castle, from 5.30pm. Click here for more details.

For a full lowdown on various events in Manchester for Guy Fawkes’ Night click here.

Bristol‘s celebrations will be at Durdham Downs from 6pm and involve an entrance fee.

Birmingham will be having a display at Pype Hayes park for free at 6pm. Click here for more info.

Carlisle Fireshow is this Saturday 1st November. Click here for more.

Glasgow Fireworks Night – click here for details.

In Aberdeen, the Banchory firework display will take place on Saturday 1st Novemember from 6pm. Click here to find out more.

Sparks in the Dark will be lighting up Swansea on 5th November.

Events will be held all over Newcastle, just take your pick.

For any more listings, just check here.