Celebrating

Gateshead, on the southern bank of the River Tyne, has a rich heritage and distinctive identity. It is a vibrant cultural centre in the north-east of England, home of Sage Gateshead, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Angel of the North. During the Industrial Revolution the town was renowned for its shipbuilding and ironworking industries, fed by nearby collieries, and it also pioneered the development of wire rope and the electric light bulb. Celebrating Gateshead chronicles the proud heritage of Gateshead, its important moments and what draws so many to this vibrant town today, from inventions to industry, landmarks to leisure, and newsworthy events to notable achievements. New buildings and structures such as the award-winning Millennium Bridge, arts centres and quayside have won awards, and other historic areas regenerated for the twenty-first century. Within the fields of industry, sport, philanthropy, art, music and literature many Gateshead people have made an impressive contribution. The authors look back on the royal visits to the town, significant anniversaries and local traditions, and special events such as the National Garden Festival in 1990. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous insight into Gateshead's rich heritage, its special events and important moments, and will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Maidstone is the county town of Kent. The medieval town grew as an agricultural and industrial centre alongside the River Medway and played a pivotal role in the Peasants' Revolt. Industries attracted to the town included paper mills, brewing, textiles and stone quarrying. The town has retained many buildings from its past including the Archbishop's Palace and College of All Saints. Literary connections include Ian Fleming and Jack London and the town's main theatre, The Hazlitt Theatre, is named after the writer William Hazlitt who was born in Maidstone. Celebrating Maidstone chronicles the proud heritage of Maidstone and what draws so many to this flourishing town today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Maidstone's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Maidstone will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Horsham is a market town in West Sussex on a major crossing of the River Adur. The origins of the town date back to Anglo-Saxon times and the area was known early on for horse trading, becoming established as a borough in the early thirteenth century. Horsham was always a successful market town but its wealth was also generated by iron smelting, brickmaking, stone quarrying, brewing and leather making. More recently it has developed financial and service industries in sectors such as insurance and video gaming. Famous brewers like King and Barnes had been established in the town, and continuing the heritage of local brewing there are now craft brewers, gin distillers and vineyards. The population has grown rapidly in recent years due to new housing developments on the outskirts of the town. Celebrating Horsham chronicles the proud heritage of Horsham and what draws so many to this town today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Horsham's rich history, its special events and important moments.

The Sussex seaside towns of Brighton and Hove, now combined as a city, attract millions of visitors every year. Apart from their enviable coastal location and dynamic cultural scene, they also have a wealth of history.In Celebrating Brighton & Hove, local author Kevin Newman highlights the people and events of Sussex's seaside city from the past right through to the present. He looks at the celebrations of yesterday, the remarkable individuals and the feats of great achievement and ambition. Here too are the places that make this favourite coastal city unique, vibrant and irresistible to visitors.The author explores the traditions and history that extend to today, and investigates industry and industrialists that have provided employment and prosperity across the ages. Among the items featured are the festivals and events that Brighton and Hove host, and the local heroes and benefactors. Also included are heartening stories of restoration and rejuvenation. From literature to sporting success, the worthy to the wartime city and inventions to royal visits, Celebrating Brighton & Hove highlights the city's fascinating history and defines what makes it so special today.Illustrated throughout, this book will be a valuable contribution to local history and of immense interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to this seaside city.

The north-west seaside resort of Southport can trace its origins back to 1792 when William Sutton, a pub landlord from Churchtown, built a bathing house in a sparsely populated area a few miles down the coast. Although widely mocked at the time, Sutton realised the potential for a resort close to the newly constructed Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Within thirty years Southport, as it was renamed, was attracting over 20,000 visitors annually.In this book, Margaret Brecknell celebrates the town's significant events and achievements, together with its notable local people from across the centuries. Southport was viewed as more upmarket than its emerging rival, Blackpool. Among those attracted here were 'The Greatest Showman' P. T. Barnum and the future French Emperor Napoleon III. Southport later hosted some of the twentieth century's best-known entertainers including Charlie Chaplin and The Beatles. In the 1970s, the legendary Grand National winner Red Rum was trained on Southport Beach.With people increasingly choosing to holiday abroad, Southport has reinvented itself as a destination for day trippers. In recent years, a large-scale rejuvenation project has taken place near the seafront with the aim of restoring some of the resort's most popular attractions, such as the Victorian pier, to their former glory. Southport has much to celebrate in its past, but can also look forward to the future with renewed confidence.Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents, visitors and all those with links to this seaside town.

In our fast-paced lives, it can be hard to stop and appreciate all the great things about the places where we live. Celebrations bring people together, make us feel a part of something bigger, and give us a real sense of community. In Celebrating Sunderland author Marie Gardiner reveals the people, places, achievements, and events of this great city. We look from dizzying heights at the Sunderland International Airshow after its humble beginnings at Sunderland Airport, to the town – and later, city – putting on its best for the parties and parades through its streets. Discover how one local architect changed lives and created a lasting legacy after a heart-warming encounter with a homeless boy. Relive past glories in the form of FA Cup wins, feats of derring-do, and awards for valour. Join us as we put up the bunting, string the lights, and dress to impress for Celebrating Sunderland. Illustrated throughout, this immensely engaging book will appeal to local people, visitors and all those with connections to the city. It will evoke many memories, be a source of civic pride and provide a valuable contribution to local history.

Wakefield was an important market town in the Middle Ages, as well as an inland port on the River Calder. It prospered through trade and industry in textiles, coal mining, tanning and grain, becoming the county town of West Yorkshire in the Industrial Revolution and its parish church achieving cathedral status in 1888. The Victorian era left a legacy of grand civic buildings in the city, and it is still the administrative centre for many services in West Yorkshire. Manufacturing continues to be strong in Wakefield, although the coal mines have closed and some heavy industry moved away, but the city has also regenerated itself in recent decades, not least by its waterfront and celebrating its cultural heritage by opening the Hepworth Wakefield museum in honour of the famous artist Barbara Hepworth, who was born and brought up in Wakefield. Celebrating Wakefield chronicles the proud heritage of Wakefield, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Wakefield's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has much to celebrate. The city has been central to Scottish life and its history for many centuries. Its festivals attract visitors from all over the world, the quality of its architecture has been awarded the highest accolade of World Heritage status, and nature also gifted Edinburgh with the most stunning of settings. Its eminent scientists, engineers, philosophers and men of letters are internationally renowned. It is this combination of factors that make Edinburgh the United Kingdom's second most popular tourist destination. In Celebrating Edinburgh, local authors Jack Gillon and Fraser Parkinson highlight some of the significant aspects of the city's history and identity: its notable individuals, achievements, events and culture. Chapters focus on different themes such as its literary prominence – Edinburgh was UNESCO's first City of Literature in 2004 – and the authors, past and present, who have lived here, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Burns to Ian Rankin and JK Rowling. Here too are the world-famous Fringe Festival, Military Tattoo and Hogmanay celebrations. The city's exceptional architecture and its place as the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment in the eighteenth century are also highlighted, together with its natural heritage and fringe of villages including Leith and Portobello. Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents, visitors and all those with links to this marvellous city.

As Portsmouth approaches its centenary year as a city, this timely book celebrates the history of many of its wonderful traditions and locations and also attempts to capture the spirit of its proud people. Mudlarking, the Pompey Chimes, Charlotte Street market, Spice Island, Fratton Park and the Spinnaker are just some of the unique elements that have contributed to the colourful character and the enduring memories of Portsmuthians and their beloved historic city. The country's original, premier naval port as well as a large garrison town, Portsmouth punches above its weight in terms of defence heritage attractions – but there is far more to be discovered. What shapes and makes the city, apart from its geography and natural resources, is its people. Over the years, through individual effort, entrepreneurship, innovation, bloody-mindedness and collective action, they have made their city a proud one, rich in history and achievement. Illustrated with over 100 images, this book offers a wealth of social history and will inspire the memories not only of local residents, but also of anyone who has ever known the city. And for current visitors who wish to dig deeper into an understanding of what our city is and means, Celebrating Portsmouth is a good starting point. All readers will discover a rich source of heritage, of surprises and of inspiration leading to a deeper appreciation of this proud island city.

Gloucester's history stretches back almost 2,000 years to its foundation by the Romans. This city has had royal connections throughout, from the Saxon warrior queen Aethelflaed to being the burial site of King Edward II in the cathedral but has also been associated with important names in manufacturing and industry, including the Gloster Aircraft Company and the Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, Moreland's matches and Wall's ice cream. The importance of Gloucester's port in its history can also be seen today in its docks and quays. The city was besieged during the English Civil War but held out against the King's much larger army. It also has proud military connections with the Gloucestershire Regiment. Famous names associated with Gloucester include the eighteenth-century philanthropist Robert Raikes, the banker and miser Jemmy Wood and the Victorian poet W. E. Henley, as well as legendary or folk tale figures such as King Lucius, Humpty Dumpty and Doctor Foster. Celebrating Gloucester chronicles the proud heritage of the city, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic place today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Gloucester's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Gloucester will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and will provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool has been popular with visitors for over 200 years. The arrival of the railways in 1846 brought ever more people to what soon became a large town, and its famous Illuminations, Golden Mile, three piers, Pleasure Beach, iconic Tower and ballroom, Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens still attract many today. There has always been much to celebrate in Blackpool, which has had frequent visits from royalty and celebrities. Benefactors to the town resulted in the establishment of the Edwardian baroque-style building in Queen Street in 1908 that houses the Grundy Art Gallery and the Central Library, and its historic tram system has had a massive investment boost. Recently, the Comedy Carpet, one of the largest pieces of public art ever commissioned in the UK, was laid out in the space outside the Tower, illustrating how Blackpool is constantly reinventing itself. Celebrating Blackpool chronicles the proud heritage of this town, its important moments and what draws so many to it today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Blackpool's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. It will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The Lancashire city of Preston has an illustrious history stretching back to Roman times. From the thirteenth century onwards it became renowned for its textiles and it was later one of the major towns of the Industrial Revolution. Originally at heart of the cotton industry, the town is now a sprawling university city and has achieved remarkable things. This proud heritage, a strong sense of local identity and character has given the city and its people much to celebrate throughout the centuries.In 'Celebrating Preston', local author Keith Johnson chronicles the significant and positive aspects of the city's history from inventions to industry, landmarks to leisure, and newsworthy events to notable achievements. Discover those Preston folk who toiled willingly to make their vision of a more prosperous and pleasant place come to fruition. New buildings and structures have been cause for celebration, as have the numerous public parks developed within the city's boundaries. Within the fields of industry, commerce, art and literature many Prestonians have made an impressive contribution. The author looks back on the royal visits to the city and the occasions when local people turned out to acknowledge military and sporting heroes, or simply to commemorate historic and national events.Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Preston's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. 'Celebrating Preston' will be a valuable contribution to local history while providing a source of many memories. It will be of great interest to local residents, visitors and those with links to the city.

On 1 March 2022, Prince Charles attended the official ceremony in Southend-on-Sea to mark the town becoming a city. Southend's city status had been tirelessly campaigned for by Southend West's MP Sir David Amess before his tragic death. He sought recognition for the important role Southend has played through history, both within Essex and the country as a whole. Southend developed from a small fishing village on the Thames Estuary into a popular and fashionable resort in the nineteenth century following the visit of Princess Caroline of Brunswick and Lady Hamilton. Later that century Southend's first pier opened. It was later rebuilt and is the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.34 miles. The pier has its own railway but there is much more to Southend than its pier, with its range of seaside attractions drawing many to its rich calendar of events, regenerated shopping centres, entertainment and cultural venues, conservation areas and local airport. Celebrating the City of Southend chronicles the proud heritage of Southend, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Southend's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating the City of Southend will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and will provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Derby has been variously described as the 'crossroads of history', 'the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution', 'the real ale capital of the world', 'Jubilee City' and 'the most haunted place in the country'. It is all of these and much, much more. For over a century it was an important railway-manufacturing centre, and the city has made a significant contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the country, particularly famed Enlightenment artist Wright of Derby. Britain's first factory was established in Derby in 1721, and in 1745 Derby became the southernmost point reached by Bonnie Prince Charlie in his abortive attempt to overthrow King George II and seize the Crown. In the twentieth century Derby became the home of Rolls-Royce, which alone has contributed to a number of world-beating achievements. But Derby's greatest asset is its people. The inventiveness of individual engineers, artists and scientists has been supported by the craftsmanship and skill of the workforce throughout its history. Celebrating Derby chronicles the proud heritage of this dynamic city, its important moments and what draws so many to it today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Derby's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Over the last few years Bristol has received many accolades such as the UK's 'happiest city', 'most desirable location to live', 'kindest and most selfless people', and 'most artistic city'. Although such titles can be subjective, there's no doubt that there is much in Bristol to celebrate both in its past and its present. Bristol has changed over the centuries, being a port, an industrial centre, a university city, absorbing new people and ideas into the old. In this book, local author Cynthia Stiles looks at some of the accomplishments, actions and events that have given Bristol its distinct identity and character, and made it a place worth celebrating. Among the subjects she highlights are the city's traditions, festivals and diversity; its arts scene – from works by Banksy to statues and sculptures in the streets – and the notable people including philanthropists, physicians and politicians. Here too are the city's sportspeople and achievements, together with its royal connections across the ages. Other chapters focus on the revival and regeneration of old buildings, the shipbuilding and aviation industries, and the city as a centre for today's film-makers such as the BBC Natural History Unit and Academy Award-winning Aardman Animations. Illustrated throughout, Celebrating Bristol will be a valuable contribution to local history and of immense interest to residents, visitors and anyone with links to this fascinating city.

An exciting new local history series from Amberley. Reviews and coverage in local press and media. ​Sales potential in heritage sites as well as bookshops.

From its heyday in the nineteenth century as a major centre of wire making, textiles, chemical production and brewing through to its Second World War role as the largest US Army Air Force base in Europe and subsequent reinvention as a new town in the late 1960s, Warrington is now the largest town in Cheshire, with a proud heritage and distinctive identity. Celebrating Warrington highlights some of the significant aspects of the town's history including its important moments, worthy individuals, notable achievements and newsworthy events. Local heritage curator and author Janice Hayes brings together a superb collection of images and stories from Warrington Museum and Archives. There are a number of firsts the town is famous for from within its industries, entertainments, sporting successes, seasonal, national and local events and celebrations. Discover Warrington's unique Walking Day parades and explore how this unique local celebration has evolved. Remember travelling fairs and when the circus and other travelling entertainers came to town. Join the crowds at Warrington sporting events and be part of the welcome home parades for the town's successful rugby league team. Readers can witness the excitement around the unveiling of new enterprises and heritage sites, or the launch of locally built ships and the opening of the Thelwall Viaduct. Then there are the reflective acts of remembrance for national and local events from major conflicts to local tragedies. Open the family album to discover how Warrington has recorded key milestones in people's lives or marked royal events from coronations and jubilees to when Warrington turned out to welcome its royal visitors. Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to local residents, visitors and all those with connections to the town.

Southampton has been a major port on the south coast of England since the Middle Ages. As a gateway to the country, over the centuries Southampton has welcomed people from all over the world, as well as being an important embarkation point, most famously for the Mayflower and Titanic, the former evidence of its Nonconformist tradition. The town grew rapidly following the building of the docks in the nineteenth century and the development of the shipbuilding industry, particularly with companies such as Thornycroft and Harland & Wolff and the aviation industry as the birthplace of the Spitfire but its importance in the Second World War, including its naval base, meant that it became a target for aerial bombardment and much of the city was destroyed. In subsequent decades the city was rebuilt and today has been redeveloped as a commercial and financial centre, but retaining its many green spaces, and proud of its traditions and the many famous names associated with the city over the years. Building on the author's previous titles Secret Southampton and A–Z of Southampton, Celebrating Southampton chronicles the proud heritage of Southampton, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Southampton's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The Sussex seaside town of Eastbourne was developed as a resort from a collection of villages in the nineteenth century by the Duke of Devonshire. The new town grew rapidly and by the end of the nineteenth century Eastbourne was a large borough, attracting new residents and visitors. Eastbourne's proximity to occupied France during the Second World War forced many away from the town, which suffered from repeated air raids and heavy loss of life and buildings. Recent decades have seen further significant changes to Eastbourne. It has become a conference centre and built a new marina on a shingle bank at the edge of the town and still continues to attract many, including to its beach, pier, parks and gardens, theatres and Beachy Head nearby. Over the years many notable characters have been associated with the town, including champion swimmers, racing drivers, scientists, air-aces and authors. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Eastbourne's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Eastbourne will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Situated in the south-west of Ireland, the port city of Cork is right on the very edge of Western Europe and has always been open to influences from Europe and the wider world. The amalgamation of these influences has created a vibrant and historic twenty-first-century city. It is no surprise that, with such a wide range of influences, Cork has developed a very distinct culture. Corkonians have an immense variety of strong cultural traditions, from the city's history to its sports, commerce and education. Then there is its maritime heritage, the festivals, literature, art, music and the rich Cork accent. In Celebrating Cork, local author Kieran McCarthy highlights the wealth of the city's heritage and its citizens' diverse achievements. The book explores some of the reasons why Cork is so special in the hearts of Corkonians and its many visitors. It takes the reader through the familiar and lesser-known layers of Cork's importance in Atlantic Europe. Different chapters focus on the history of its port; the documents and maps which defined the city's sense of identity; the Arts and Crafts movements, which can be viewed within the cityscape; its key institutions and charities; its engineering feats; and perhaps why Cork is known for its rebel nature. Illustrated throughout, Celebrating Cork will be of great appeal to residents, visitors and all those with connections to the city. It will be a source of civic pride as well as a valuable contribution to local history.

- An exciting new local history series from Amberley - Reviews and coverage in local press and media - Sales potential in heritage sites as well as bookshops - Author lives locally and is available to publicise the book

Leicester is built upon the work of the innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers of past centuries. Henry Walker looked for a meat substitute during rationing after the Second World War and created the world-famous potato crisp brand. Another local man, Henry Curry, used metalworking skills acquired maintaining steam engines to construct bicycles, and his business would later become Curry's PC World. In this book, author Stephen Butt celebrates the heritage, culture and identity of the city. Leicester is the home of the UK's first mainland local radio station. It's where Gary Lineker first kicked a ball, and Thomas Cook envisaged worldwide holidays. It's where composer Sir Michael Tippett decided upon a musical career and Sir David Attenborough found his calling as a naturalist. The city's universities are at the forefront of research. Dr Alec Jeffries pioneered DNA fingerprinting in the 1980s, and many technologies combined to verify the remains of Richard III, discovered under one of the city's car parks. The National Space Centre is at the heart of the brand-new Leicester Space Park, which will be home to the Leicester Institute for Space and Earth Observation. From Roman engineering to space travel, there is much to celebrate in Leicester's two-thousand-year history. Illustrated throughout, this engaging and informative book will be of interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.