Details of special events, offers and news from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead covering Autumn - Winter 2013. Highlights include Windsor's new Coronation Arch, Windsor Festival, The Wine Affair, Hallowe'en and Christmas offers.

Windsor Coronation Arch
The Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its patron, Her Majesty The Queen's coronation with the erection of a triumphant floral arch at The Long Walk, Windsor Great Park in September 2013.

Six large archways woven from willow, each representing a decade of The Queen's reign, will span the size of The Long Walk for the public to walk through. Six willow crowns will line the castle gate, each holding a native Elm tree surrounded with native flowers of the season. Four thousand fresh roses, Her Majesty's favourite flowers, will cover the gate's historic stone columns with Berkshire residents invited to provide their own home-grown roses to play a part in this historic celebration.

All proceeds will go towards the Coronation Legacy Fund which is a bursary to sponsor one young, local aspiring gardener through horticultural college every year, for the next 60 years.

Windsor Emporium
Arts, crafts and antiques fair run on the first Sunday of the month to showcase professional Artists, Crafters & Antique Purveyors. Located at Windsor Guildhall, just a few strides from Windsor Castle, exhibitors occupy the beautiful historic rooms full of Royal Ancestral paintings where HRH Prince Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles and Elton John celebrated his civil partnership with David Furnish. A Vintage Tea Room serves homemade cakes and light lunches, courtesy of "Pear of Peas", including pots of fresh Lavazza coffee and Darville's of Windsor Teas.

Hot Tug launches on river Thames
Is it a boat? Is it a mini-swimming pool? Is it a Jacuzzi? Exclusive to the runnymede-on-thames hotel, this latest export from the Netherlands combines a relaxing soak in a hot tub and a cruise along he hotel's picturesque stretch of the River Thames. HotTug uses a specially developed wood-burning stove to keep the water a balmy 38°C, and a silent electric engine to send up to six soakers merrily downstream.

Edward IV Exhibition - until 31 December
This exhibition in the South Quire Aisle highlights different aspects of King Edward IV's character, and his close association with St George's Chapel. Edward was a patron of the arts who was interested in history and literature, commissioning beautifully illuminated manuscripts from the best artists in Bruges, while also supporting William Caxton in his efforts at developing the printed book in England. He was also a keen businessman, personally investing in the trade of wool, lead and tin which operated out of London, and encouraging the rising export of English goods.

The exhibition opens Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm when the Chapel is open to visitors. Windsor Castle admission charges apply.

Autumn Events

Ascot Racecourse
· Autumn Meeting featuring 7th Ascot CAMRA Beer Festival (04-05 October)
· QIPCO British Champions Day (19 October)
· United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular (02 November)
· November Meeting featuring a Christmas Shopping Village (22-23 November)
· Christmas Meeting (20-21 December)

Sculpture for the Garden - 01 September - 31 October
Visitors to The Savill Garden can enjoy a display of imaginative and innovative sculpture inspired by the natural world. All pieces are available to purchase and standard Savill Garden entry fees apply.

Windsor Festival - 16 - 29 September

The festival incorporates performances in the Windsor Castle State Apartments, St George's Chapel, the Waterloo Chamber, Eton College and the Theatre Royal. The full programme of events includes music, theatre, talks, walks and children's activities.

Marlow Food Festival - 29 September
Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel hosts Michelin recognised Chef Clive Dixon, chef-patron of the White Oak, Cookham, and other top local chefs, demonstrating their culinary skills at this year's free entry Marlow Food Festival between 11am and 4pm.  The festival features stalls offering tasty food and drink to try and buy as well as foodie demonstrations and craft stalls.  

Windsor Fringe - 20 September - 06 October
This year's eclectic and innovative festival promises Jazz, Magic, Photography, Walks, Films, Beer Tasting, Comedy, Open Mike, Latin Dance, Poetry, Medieval Merriment, Book Nights, Drama and the popular Artists Open House event.

The playwriting competition, the Kenneth Branagh Drama Awards for New Writing, reaches out to aspiring playwrights across the world and this year received 307 scripts from 21 countries. Windsor Firestation stages the three winning plays on the 4th, 5th and 6th October with the winning playwright announced on the final night.

The Windsor Fringe was established in 1969, making it the oldest Fringe Festival in England and the second oldest, after Edinburgh, in the UK.

Nature Trail in Windsor Great Park - 26 October - 03 November
At half term, enjoy magnificent displays of autumn colour and explore The Royal Landscape looking for signs of Windsor Great Park wildlife. The trail starts from The Savill Building so park at The Savill Garden car park where normal car parking charges apply.

Ghost Walks for Hallowe'en
Rendezvous Blue Badge Tourist Guides specialising in Windsor provide ghost walks over the Halloween period for pre-booked groups. The walks are fully costumed light hearted comedy walks and we were the first to provide these in Windsor.

Hallowe'en hits Maidenhead - 31 October
Hallowe'en Events in Maidenhead Town Centre include free pumpkin carving workshops, crafts and other spooky activities.

Maidenhead Bonfire & Fireworks - 2 November
Pyrotechnics illuminate the night sky at Maidenhead United's football ground with a riot of noisy bangs and colours above the stadium. Also fairground attractions of inflatable slide, coconut shy and galleon ride.

Windsor Contemporary Art Fair & The Wine Affair - 09 - 10 November
Over 120 contemporary artists and galleries combine forces in one of Berkshire's biggest art events, held at the Royal Windsor Racecourse. Work by internationally renowned names as well as accomplished emerging artists is available from £40 - £4,000.

The event co-hosts with The Wine Affair, with over 20 exhibitors comprising independent growers and merchants giving wine lovers the chance to discover new wines, talk about them with the experts and try them before buying.

Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch On - 23 November
From 4.30pm outside the Town Hall, Maidenhead. Great entertainment followed by a firework finale from the roof of the Town Hall.

Maidenhead Reindeer Parade and Lantern Parade - 14 December
Lanterns made from willow and tissue inspired by the theme of Shakespeare and his plays, carried as part of Maidenhead's most visual parade. A celebratory concert featuring the Maidenhead Community Choir follows.

The Savill Garden Christmas 01 - 31 December
There's free admission into The Savill Garden throughout December to enjoy the beautiful and fragrant plants that thrive in the winter months. The Queen Elizabeth Temperate House is a perfect place to stop mid way around the garden providing a tranquil and warm place to display festive plants from across the world, alongside the National Collection of Mahonia.

The Garden is open from 10am to 4.30pm in winter with last entry at 4pm. The Savill Garden and Building will be closed on 24 and 25 December only and will be open on Boxing Day. (Normal car park charges apply).

For more information call 01784 435 544 or visit www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

Hotel Special Offers
Coworth Park Expert Speaker Event - Tuesday 25 September

Mike Herrick  - ' Mt Difficulty: Learn and taste some key wines from Mt Difficulty's range from New Zealand'
Mt Difficulty is a renowned, pioneer wine estate in Central Otago, on New Zealand's rugged South Island. Michael Herrick has been Mt Difficulty's key ambassador since 2003 and will conduct a tasting of Mt Difficulty's wines, including a celebrated Pinot Noir and a comparison of two different vintages of Single Vineyard Pinot Noir.  This event is a dinner priced at £75 per person including four glasses of wine, beginning 6.45pm for 7.15pm.  Goodie bags will include a generous gift from Mt Difficulty.  

Hotel Christmas offers
Book a Christmas party at Macdonald Windsor Hotel before 30 September and every 13th guest goes free

Inspired by the Christmas celebrity social whirl, Glitterati Parties mean 'dress to impress, paparazzi snappers and the red carpet'. Sip sparkling wine before wining and dining on delicious food prepared from fresh, quality ingredients. Priced from £52 per person, Glitterati Parties take place on selected dates between 29 November and 21 December. Celebrity-style sleepovers are from £100 B&B for two sharing.

Macdonald Windsor Hotel is also offering guests a trip down memory lane to celebrate Christmas with a retro lunch or dinner in a private room surrounded by festive flashbacks.  Serving old style classic recipes family-style; carve your own succulent free-range turkey or Scottish beef Wellington with all the trimmings for your hand-picked group of 8-24 people. Available throughout December, a three-course meal with coffee is from £30 per person at lunchtime or from £40 for dinner plus an optional drinking den.

If you like to party, Macdonald Windsor Hotel's Christmas Dutch Dining Club is a fun-filled festive gathering for smaller groups. From just £30 person on selected dates during December feast and share delicious food bowls street party style with glasses of Amstel beer, then pack the dance floor from day to dusk.

Hollywood Tinseltown Christmas Party Nights at Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa

Enjoy a glittering evening fit for the rich and famous complete with a fun casino at a glamorous Hollywood Tinseltown themed Christmas party nights. Dress to impress - as your favourite celebrity if you like - and walk the red carpet into a sparkling reception. The Academy Awards party package includes a three course festive dinner in a Hollywood themed room, disco with dancing until 1am and seasonal table decorations, or upgrade your guests to the Golden Globe Awards package and enjoy an A-list experience.  Extra treats include a half bottle of wine per person, a camera on each table to record the fun and a midnight snack. Available on selected dates during November, December and January, prices start from £34.50 per person plus a choice of drinks packages.

Exclusive festive lunch or dinner party options in a private function room are available with a choice of menu options, table decorations and themed entertainment packages. The Berystede can accommodate up to 300 guests in the Windsor and Eton Suite; 135 in the Hyperion Restaurant; 100 in the Park and Ascot Suite and 22 in the elegant library dining room. Prices for a three-course meal with freshly brewed coffee plus hats, crackers and festive novelties start from £29.50 for lunch and £32.50 in the evening; or book a Festive Table Taster menu from £28.50 in the library, ideal for celebrating from lunchtime right through to the evening.

Special overnight rates for Christmas party guests start from £49.50 B&B per person based on two sharing including free use of the hotel's luxurious spa with its two pools, thermal suite, Technogym and six treatment rooms offering top to toe pampering for men and women (treatments extra).

Hotel Conference offers
Pumpkin carving contest at Macdonald Windsor Hotel

Macdonald Windsor Hotel is giving all October conferences held at the hotel the chance to enter a pumpkin carving contest to win a second meeting or event worth £3,000 in January or February 2014. Photographs of the carved pumpkins feature in a prize draw on Facebook.

The pumpkin carving competition is part of the four AA red star townhouse hotel's Autumn Madness conference campaign, which also includes special delegate rates and a choice of complimentary offers.
'Autumn Madness' conference delegate rates at Macdonald Windsor Hotel

New conference bookings taking place between 02 September and 29 November can benefit from a day delegate rate of £60 and a 24 hour rate from £195, which includes dinner from the Scottish Steak Club menu in Caleys Lounge and overnight accommodation. These reduced rates apply for a minimum of ten delegates.

Conference organisers booking before 23 September can enhance their event with one choice from a list of offers. These include a free place for one in 20 delegates; toffee apples, peanut brittle and marshmallows on the conference table; a drinks reception after the meeting with Gin Fizz, Irish Cider or Windsor and Eton Beer; upgrade to an executive room for the conference organiser; a glass of Apple Martini and pork crackling straws per person before dinner or a private dining room.

Exhibitions 2014

Maidenhead Heritage Centre hosts two major exhibitions covering both World Wars

"Memories of D-Day" - 13 May to 13 June - marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June 1944. The exhibition is based on dramatic, sometimes poignant interviews with 20 Maidenhead men who took part in the Normandy landings and the following campaign.

"Maidenhead and World War I - The Home Front" - 17 September to 22 November marks the centenary of the start of World War I and looks at the effect of the Great War on those left at home.

www.windsor.gov.uk

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For further information please contact:
Jackie Ellis
Tel: 01273 622656
Email: jackie@tourism-angles.co.uk