BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Alan Dotchin Blog - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Alan Dotchin Blog
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Alan Dotchin Blog
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250404T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250404T213000
DTSTAMP:20260621T001952
CREATED:20250413T153825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T153825Z
UID:17250-1743795000-1743802200@blog.alandotchin.com
SUMMARY:Dvořák’s New World Symphony
DESCRIPTION:Heroic. Gripping. Music with the ‘wow’ factor.\nWho’s on stage\nConductor Stephanie Childress and pianist Piotr Anderszewski (whose performance The Guardian recently described as ‘raw and astonishing’) are the guest stars for this evening’s concert with Royal Northern Sinfonia. \nWhat they’re playing\nOnly one of the greatest symphonies ever written – Anton Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9\, better known as the New World Symphony. Plus North East composer Benn Lunn’s Sonnet and Beethoven’s bold and exuberant Piano Concerto No.1. \nWhat’s happening in the music?\nIf you had to put together a list of the top 10 symphonies ever composed\, Anton Dvořák’s (pronounced vor-jacques in case you wondered) New World Symphony would almost certainly be it. Yes\, it’s grand and powerful and all the usual adjectives you’d use for big symphonic music\, but more than anything it’s just absolutely packed with great tunes. Even if it’s not yet on your playlists\, you’re more than likely to recognise it through films\, TV and adverts. Of course\, it’s also got a very particular slant\, with his symphony being influenced and inspired by indigenous music of North America\, inspiring him to write music that remains a favourite right to this day. \nEven Sir Ridley Scott is a fan!\nOne of the UK’s most beloved adverts of all time\, the Hovis advert\, featured Dvořák’s New World Symphony. The original advert was directed by Sir Ridley Scott (luxury directing or what?!) and featured the Ashington Colliery Brass Band. \n \nDvořák: The Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” \n \nBeethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 | Margarita Höhenrieder\, Staatskapelle Dresden & Fabio Luisi
URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/dvoraks-new-world-symphony/
CATEGORIES:Classical,Concerts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Stephanie-Childress-768x448-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250405T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250405T121500
DTSTAMP:20260621T001952
CREATED:20250413T153310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T185044Z
UID:17248-1743850800-1743855300@blog.alandotchin.com
SUMMARY:Tyne Theatre & Opera House – Theatre Tours
DESCRIPTION:The theatre was built in 1867 by industrialist and politician\, Joseph Cowen. The Grade I listed building is a unique creation of that era. With its lavish auditorium\, outstanding acoustics and understage machinery\, the Tyne Theatre produced entertainment that amazed the audiences of the time and brought them back asking for more. \nThe one hour tour of the building will explore all areas\, including the understage\, backstage and many other areas never seen on a normal visit. Your tour guide will reveal the theatre’s fascinating history\, and highlight tales of its stars and even its ghosts. \nTours cost £12.50 which includes a hot drink at the end of the tour in the theatre’s cafe 1867.\nMax. 25 people per tour. \nVisitors with restricted mobility will have limited access. Tour includes lots of steps and comfortable shoes are recommended.
URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/tyne-theatre-opera-house-theatre-tours/
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/History-Tyne-Theatre-Opera-House.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250406T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250406T213000
DTSTAMP:20260621T001952
CREATED:20250413T133628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T134125Z
UID:17186-1743967800-1743975000@blog.alandotchin.com
SUMMARY:John Simpson: The Leaders & Lunatics Tour
DESCRIPTION:After a sell-out tour in 2024\, legendary journalist and broadcaster John Simpson CBE is returning to the stage for an exclusive evening packed with unparalleled insights from one of the most distinguished foreign correspondents of our time. \nWith decades of first-hand encounters and personal dealings\, John will explore the enigmatic personas of global figures such as Putin\, Xi Jinping\, bin-Laden and Thatcher. \nJohn will navigate the intricate web of international relations\, delving into the complexities of our global issues – from conflicts\, war and famines\, to world economies and climate change. \nWhat links Mandela and Princess Diana? Or Zelenskiy and Mugabe? John will reveal the common threads linking these figures\, and offer a unique perspective on the impact they’ve had on world affairs. \nAs a household name who has covered almost every major event in the world from the 1960’s to present day\, you will have an opportunity to ask John your questions – what were these leaders and lunatics really like\, and what on earth is going on? Don’t miss John for an evening that promises to entertain\, enlighten\, and inspire with his fearless journalism and captivating storytelling.
URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/john-simpson-the-leaders-lunatics-tour/
LOCATION:Tyne Theatre & opera\, Newcastle Upon Tyne\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/bmp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/qh2xlkss.bmp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250419T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250419T160000
DTSTAMP:20260621T001952
CREATED:20250413T152915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T152915Z
UID:17245-1745056800-1745078400@blog.alandotchin.com
SUMMARY:Greys Monument Tours
DESCRIPTION:Grey’s Monument tours will resume in April 2025 and we’re bringing you an extra event each month. \nMonument tours will now happen on the first and third Saturday of each month from April till September. \nApril Grey’s Monument tours are fully booked. \nTickets for the May openings (3rd and 17th) will go on sale on Saturday 19th April at 9am. \nTicket links will appear here and keep checking this page for future ticket release dates.\n \nMake sure to set your alarm clock – tickets sell out very quickly. \nTickets are for half hour slots between 10am and 3.30pm. Pre-booking is essential. \nClimb the 164 steps to the top of Grey’s Monument on a tour with Newcastle City Guides. The Monument is named after the 2nd Earl Grey\, Charles Grey\, who hailed from the North East and was British Prime Minister in the 1830s – the famous Earl Grey tea blend was named after him too! From here you can enjoy unrivalled views over Grainger Town’s magnificently preserved Georgian architecture. \nPlease arrive no later than 5 minutes before your booking time. If you miss your slot\, we cannot guarantee entry at a later time than shown on your ticket. \nPrice \nTickets are £7 per person\, season tickets are not applicable to Grey’s Monument tours. \nChildren under 5 years are not permitted. \nGroup tours \nGrey’s Monument can be hired for group tours between March and October subject to Guide availability. A minimum charge of £75 + VAT (£90) applies\, which provides up to 2 ½ hours of access and accompanying tour guides. The Guides can provide a commentary on the history of Monument and the surrounding area\, highlighting the local Newcastle landmarks and places of interest. Please note that group tours will not operate from October to February due to the reduced daylight hours and increased likelihood of bad weather and poor visibility. \nTours typically take 30 minutes\, including climb and descent\, with a maximum of 8 guests per tour. A 2 ½ hour hire could therefore accommodate a maximum of 40 people. Group tours depend upon guide availability and whether other events are taking place on Grey’s Monument plinth. Tours can be cancelled at short notice in the event of severe weather or poor visibility. If this happens\, we will try and book your tours on another date. Please email newcastlecityg@gmail.com for more information. \nPlease note \n\nChildren under 5 years are strictly not admitted on Monument tours.\nChildren 5-16 must be accompanied by an adult.\nThere are 164 steps to climb and at some points the staircase is narrow and dark.\nIf you have a fear of heights or confined spaces\, have breathing difficulties\, a heart condition\, or are in the latter stages of pregnancy\, please do not attempt this climb.\nPlease be aware that only 8 people can climb to the top per tour.
URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/greys-monument-tours/
CATEGORIES:Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/153340-Newcastle-Upon-Tyne-And-Vicinity.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250419T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250419T210000
DTSTAMP:20260621T001952
CREATED:20250413T152603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T152603Z
UID:17242-1745089200-1745096400@blog.alandotchin.com
SUMMARY:Ravel’s Tzigane
DESCRIPTION:Passionate. Sensual. An evening of intimate rarities.\nWho’s on stage\nMaria Włoszczowska directs harpist Oliver Wass and musicians from Royal Northern Sinfonia. \nWhat they’re playing\nBe transported to Paris in the 1920s with music by the leading composers of the day\, Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy. \nWhat you’ll hear\nMaurice Ravel Introduction and Allegro (11’)\nClaude Debussy Syrinx (3.5’)\nMaurice Ravel Sonata for Violin and Cello (20’)\nClaude Debussy Danse sacrée et profane (9’)\nClaude Debussy Sonata for Flute\, Viola and Harp (17’)\nMaurice Ravel Tzigane (10’)\nMaurice Ravel arr Tim Mulleman La valse (13’) \nWho’s playing it\nMaria Włoszczowska director\nOliver Wass harp\nRoyal Northern Sinfonia \nWhat’s happening in the music?\nRavel’s fiery Tzigane for violin and piano is at the heart of this concert. Passionate\, fierce and full of breathless virtuosity\, it’s a show-stopper from start to finish. His Sonata for violin and cello has a similarly Hungarian flavour to it\, and was written as a tribute to Debussy\, whose sensual work for harp closes the evening. \nRavel vs Debussy\nThe two composers often get lumped together because they lived at the same time in the same city and admired each others music\, plus its true that there are similarities between their musical styles\, with it being what might be called ‘musical impressionism’. Their differences are pretty stark though. Debussy was much more of an innovator\, whereas Ravel worked within more traditional forms. Ravel was brilliant at taking melodies (sometimes other peoples) and transforming them into something magical for the full orchestra (for example Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition\, which you can hear on 21 February)\, whereas Debussy always originated his own melodies. They were both top-rank composers in their own right\, and a programme of their music is a total treat.
URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/ravels-tzigane/
CATEGORIES:Classical,Concerts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Maria-Fire-Station-900-x-570-768x512-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250425
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250428
DTSTAMP:20260621T001952
CREATED:20250413T152342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T185222Z
UID:17240-1745539200-1745798399@blog.alandotchin.com
SUMMARY:Whitby Goth Weekend
DESCRIPTION:Whitby\, a picturesque coastal town on the North Yorkshire coast of England\, has become one of the most iconic destinations for Goths\, alternative subcultures\, and those who are drawn to the mystique of Victorian and Gothic history. The Whitby Goth Weekend (WGW) is a celebrated event that has been running since 1994\, and it has grown to become one of the most prominent Gothic festivals in the world. The weekend-long event draws thousands of attendees from across the globe\, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in alternative fashion\, music\, art\, and an overarching sense of community. \nThis article will explore the history\, significance\, and cultural impact of the Whitby Goth Weekend\, detailing how the event has evolved and highlighting the experiences of attendees. It will also delve into the role Whitby itself plays in shaping the event\, its connections to the Goth subculture\, and how the festival serves as both a celebration of alternative culture and a fusion of past and present. \nHistory and Origins of Whitby Goth Weekend\nThe Whitby Goth Weekend originated as a small gathering of like-minded individuals who shared an appreciation for Gothic music\, fashion\, and art. The event was initially a celebration of the alternative culture that was already thriving in the UK and around the world\, driven by a strong sense of community among people who often felt marginalized by mainstream society. It was founded by Johann and Lisa Schmitt\, who saw an opportunity to create an event that would provide a safe and welcoming space for people with an interest in the Goth subculture. \nWhitby itself\, with its rich Gothic associations\, was chosen as the perfect setting. The town has long been associated with Gothic culture\, largely due to its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In the novel\, Whitby features prominently as the place where Count Dracula first arrives in England. The atmospheric and haunting landscapes of Whitby\, combined with its Victorian architecture and its dramatic cliffs overlooking the North Sea\, make it an ideal backdrop for a festival that celebrates all things dark\, mysterious\, and alternative. \nThe first Whitby Goth Weekend took place in 1994\, drawing a small but enthusiastic crowd of Goths. Over the years\, it has grown in size and stature\, attracting not just people from the UK\, but from all over the world. The festival’s growth reflects the increasing popularity and acceptance of alternative subcultures\, which have expanded beyond Goths to include fans of steampunk\, Victorian\, punk\, cyberpunk\, and metal cultures\, among others. \nThe Goth Subculture and Whitby’s Role\nThe Goth subculture itself is a multifaceted movement that emerged in the early 1980s\, largely in response to the post-punk music scene. While the genre’s music initially captured the imagination of young people looking for a more somber\, introspective alternative to the mainstream\, Goth culture soon evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle and fashion statement. The music was characterized by its melancholic and atmospheric sound\, with bands like Bauhaus\, Siouxsie and the Banshees\, The Sisters of Mercy\, and The Cure becoming central to the movement. Over time\, the aesthetic and fashion associated with the Goth scene – such as black clothing\, pale makeup\, and intricate\, Victorian-inspired styles – became equally important as the music itself. \nWhitby is deeply embedded in this Gothic tradition. Stoker’s Dracula\, published in 1897\, was a literary phenomenon that shaped the representation of vampires and the Gothic genre in popular culture. In the novel\, Whitby serves as a location in the drama that unfolds around Dracula’s arrival in England\, and the atmospheric surroundings of the town\, including its Abbey ruins and cobbled streets\, provide the perfect stage for the haunting and supernatural elements of the novel. \nThe Whitby Goth Weekend has embraced this literary history and cultivated a direct connection with the legacy of Bram Stoker and the broader Victorian Gothic aesthetic. The town’s Whitby Abbey—with its dramatic setting on a cliff overlooking the sea—remains a major landmark for festival-goers\, many of whom make a pilgrimage to the Abbey to pay tribute to Stoker’s work. \nWhat to Expect at Whitby Goth Weekend\nThe Whitby Goth Weekend is a vibrant and diverse celebration that spans various artistic and cultural expressions\, from fashion and music to theatre and literature. The festival is typically held twice a year – once in spring and again in autumn – and it consists of several key elements that draw people to Whitby in droves. \n1. Live Music and Performances\nThe centerpiece of the Whitby Goth Weekend is its live music performances\, which attract some of the best Gothic\, alternative\, and industrial bands from around the world. Each festival features a lineup of performers who reflect the wide range of subgenres within the alternative music scene. Attendees can enjoy concerts and club nights at various venues around Whitby\, including the Spa Pavilion\, a historic building that serves as the primary location for live gigs. \nThe festival provides a stage for both established acts and emerging talent\, and the performances often feature genres like darkwave\, post-punk\, gothic rock\, industrial\, metal\, and EBM (electronic body music). Some of the festival’s most celebrated acts have included The Damned\, Sisters of Mercy\, Fields of the Nephilim\, and Attrition\, among others. \n2. Alternative Fashion and Street Style\nThe Whitby Goth Weekend is as much about fashion as it is about music. Many attendees see the festival as an opportunity to express themselves through alternative fashion that draws inspiration from a range of sources\, including Victorian Gothic\, punk\, steampunk\, cyberpunk\, and dark Victorian. Black lace\, corsets\, spiked collars\, fishnet stockings\, and combat boots are commonly seen\, with many festival-goers taking inspiration from both contemporary and historical Gothic imagery. \nThroughout the weekend\, the streets of Whitby are filled with elaborate costumes and dramatic fashion statements\, as people walk through the town\, visit shops\, or attend the various events. Many vendors at the festival sell Gothic-inspired clothing\, accessories\, and jewelry\, offering an opportunity for festival-goers to add unique pieces to their wardrobe. \n3. Shopping and Vendors\nIn addition to the music and fashion\, the Whitby Goth Weekend features an array of vendors selling Gothic\, steampunk\, and alternative merchandise. The Gothic Market is a popular event within the festival\, where people can browse a wide range of alternative clothing\, jewelry\, home decor\, artwork\, books\, and collectibles. This marketplace also offers a chance for independent artisans and creators to showcase their work and connect with a broader audience. \nThe market is held in the Whitby Pavilion\, where attendees can find everything from handcrafted jewelry\, art prints\, vintage clothing\, and Gothic-themed homewares. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit\, a quirky gift\, or a piece of artwork to take home\, the shopping experience at WGW is an essential part of the festival’s appeal. \n4. Special Events and Themed Activities\nOne of the key draws of the Whitby Goth Weekend is its unique array of special events and themed activities. The festival includes walking tours of Whitby\, many of which focus on the town’s rich literary and Gothic heritage\, including a Bram Stoker tour and a ghost walk. There are also costume contests\, themed photography sessions\, panel discussions\, and book signings\, as well as social gatherings for attendees to meet and connect. \nThe Cultural Impact of the Whitby Goth Weekend\nThe Whitby Goth Weekend has played a significant role in fostering the growth and visibility of alternative subcultures. It has also acted as a bridge between generations of Goths\, drawing newcomers to the scene while allowing older fans to relive the early days of the subculture. It has become a cultural institution\, cementing Whitby’s place in the global Gothic landscape. \nThe festival also holds importance in the context of tourism for Whitby\, boosting the local economy and showcasing the town’s unique charm. The town has become a pilgrimage site for Goths\, and the event draws fans of Gothic culture from as far afield as Europe\, North America\, and even Japan. \nConclusion\nThe Whitby Goth Weekend is more than just a celebration of Gothic culture; it is a community event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. The festival is an opportunity for participants to celebrate their love for alternative fashion\, music\, and art\, while immersing themselves in the rich history of Whitby itself. Over the years\, it has grown into a cultural phenomenon that continues to play a major role in shaping the Goth subculture\, as well as influencing the wider world of alternative culture. For both veterans of the scene and newcomers alike\, Whitby Goth Weekend remains one of the most important and unique events on the alternative calendar.
URL:https://blog.alandotchin.com/event/17240/
CATEGORIES:Carnivals & Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/bmp:https://blog.alandotchin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mugb99jc.bmp
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR