Author: mark

The Impact of Charity Wristbands In Fundraising

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Covid-19 has had a major impact on all organisations, both at a personal level and professionally. Charities have particularly suffered as a result of the pandemic due to the major fundraising events they rely so heavily on being cancelled. It was estimated by ‘Charity Finance’ that over the course of the past 12 weeks charities would miss out on over £4b due to these cancellations. Cancer Research UK, The Children’s Society and Sue Ryder are some of the charities sounding the alarm about the scale of the challenge charities face, finding themselves in a difficult position to continue operating and providing society the support it requires.

One effective way to continue raising funds is to create a unique design and message on a fabric or silicone wristband. This allows charities to develop a tangible brand, showcasing the name of their charity and the valuable cause it supports. At JC Leisure we encourage charities to get in touch with those businesses that are open (e.g. retailers, supermarkets, garages), and ask them if they will allow you to sell your personalised charity wristbands through their outlet. So, what key factors do charities need to consider?

Make sure you select the right size for your charity wristbands!

When picking the correct size Charity Wristband from JC leisure you need to take into consideration your target audience, who will be wearing your charity wristband? For example, if your target audience are both adults and children, don’t worry! We offer different size wristbands to ensure you cater for all ages and increase the reach of your special cause.

How to portray your unique cause!

When customizing your charity wristbands, you need to take in into consideration your charity’s identity. Charity wristbands provide valuable advertising space that you should capitalise on. We recommend including your social media links and website address in the design to encourage ongoing marketing and support for your charity.

How do I price a wristband?

It is commonly known that the most popular price point is £1 per wristband. Bearing this in mind, if you ordered 1000 Plain Silicone wristbands from JC Leisure, this would total at 18p per wristband meaning you have the potential to make 82p profit! There is fantastic margin to be made through fundraising.

If your charity is seeking quality, affordable wristbands to continue raising funds, please contact us at info@jc-leisure.com or call 01482 804514. We are here to help you help others and will also happily promote your unique causes through our social media outlets.

Face Masks – The New Fashion Accessory?

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The need for wearing face masks or face coverings has been widely debated as we move through the Covid-19 pandemic. But now, thanks to evolving science and a better understanding of exactly how face masks protect us, most health officials seem to finally be on the same page, recommending that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth when venturing into a community setting.

 

Could face masks become a new trend?

 

It’s not at all uncommon to be an asymptomatic carrier of coronavirus — which means that even if you have no symptoms at all, you could potentially transmit the virus to someone else.

 

As we start to navigate life beyond the stay-at-home orders, it’s likely that we will need to continue to use face masks if we want to prevent continued transmission. 

 

The coronavirus pandemic is not an excuse for a fashion show, but as we lose our ability to communicate through smiles and visual cues with most of our face covered up, many brands are already coming up with alternative ways of making a first impression.

 

Can face masks be functional and fashionable? Of course, you can choose your face mask colour and design by the way the mask fastens on your face. You can protect yourself and others in style by making a statement and creating a slogan on your mask

 

 

Face masks in the workplace

It is highly likely that employers will be asked to give workers face masks when coronavirus lockdown eases. The emphasis will be placed on “non-surgical” coverings to protect the supply of higher grade face masks for NHS Staff and frontline workers.

The issue of face masks at your organisation’s point of entry presents an opportunity for you to promote your message at the same time as offering a safe distance solution in these difficult times.

Used on public transport, indoor environments, outdoor events, visits to the shops or garden centres, or just as a great addition to streetwear outfits! We are pleased to announce that we are now supplying microfiber face masks for use as you see fit.

It’s important to note that these microfiber masks are not medical-grade, and do not fully protect you from the virus. They can, however, help reduce the spread of the virus by those who are asymptomatic and offer incremental protection against liquid particles. Overall, a mask is better than no mask.

 

 

Available in a wide choice of plain colours and pre-printed patterns our full range can be seen on our website https://jc-leisure.com/product-category/accessories/face-masks/ or alternatively our design team can help create a design for you incorporating your logo and/or message.

 

POP UP FOOD AND THE OSCARS

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Pop up food stalls are an integral part of festival life. The larger the festival the wider the choice. You can find food offerings from every continent with an ever- increasing eclectic mix of fayre to tantalise your taste buds. Usually by the time you get to the front of the queue, you and your pals are more than ready for it!

Burgers, pizzas, wraps, curry and of course, if you’re in the UK, fish and chips, are pretty much par for the course with a few artisan versions thrown in for good measure. Trend watchers often use the larger festivals to view ‘what’s hot and what’s not’.

That can be anything from clothing and wellies through to glamping, body art and food and beverage.

Festivals have seldom been slow to try something new and the mobile catering vans were quick to capitalise on the growing vegan culture. Whilst festival catering may have been trail blazing vegan alternatives for some time now, surely it has been given a massive seal of approval by the recent Oscars after-party, ‘The Governor’s Ball’. A large part of the menu served was vegan created by the noted American/Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck.

So, whatever your preference in cuisine is, pop up food stalls are as an integral part of the festival experience as waving your wristbands and mobile phone in the air to your favourite anthem.

Bon Appetit!

St Patrick’s Day – Event Wristbands

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Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

The Irish really know how to celebrate, so when it comes to St Patrick’s Day in England, the Irish communities have no problem showing us how it’s done. A day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, the occasion is always one big welcoming bash. Expect lots of dancing, hearty traditional dishes, a huge parade and as many pints as you can handle.

Struggling to find ideas to celebrate St Paddy’s Day?

From parades to concerts and even a Guinness Village, there are bags to do that won’t cost you a small fortune! Here are some events we recommend…

Every year, London hosts the great St Paddy’s Day Parade and Festival. With marching bands, Irish dancing and extravagant floats, this is a great spot to celebrate! You can then head to Trafalgar Square to watch performances from well-known Irish acts. This is a great one-day festival, even the pints are coloured in green!

Parades also take place at various cities across the UK.  Leeds go all out for St Patrick’s Day, with the city hosting a highly attended Parade. Tapton Hall in Sheffield is hosting a Beer Festival in order to celebrate the day. In addition to a favourable amount of beer, this event will also have a range of food stands and feature bands such as Don Barrell Gents, Quick Steel and Chris Cooper Band.

Manchester lays claim to the UK’s biggest Paddy’s Festival. With more than 70 floats, bands and marching groups making their way through the streets. The parade starts at noon on the Sunday before St Patrick’s Day (March 15th). It’s all part of Manchester’s week-long Irish festival of music, dance, art, food, drink, comedy, and family fun in mid-March.

Have you got your St. Patrick’s Day wristbands ready for March 17th?

 

Spring Sporting Events

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Sports lovers have a great range of choice in Britain every Spring. Famous attractions, for both competitors and spectators include the London Marathon, Tough Mudder and the London Landmarks Half Marathon!

This year, the London Marathon takes place on Sunday the 23rd of April. One of the most celebrated events in the world of sport, it attracts athletes from all over the world and is sure to have spectators lining the streets for a glimpse of friends, family and their favourite athletes.

Tough Mudder is the World’s best mud run! Located up and down the UK from London to Scotland, this is a true test of strength and endurance as you tackle your way through 23 different obstacles over a 5km course! The ‘Challenge Series’ of Tough Mudder has no timing chips, it’s simply about how you get around the course and how many people you can help on the way – a true team sporting event!

The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes place on the 29th March this year. This route goes past London’s most iconic landmarks. Take in fabulous views of Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Shard and the London Eye, to name a few. Like most fun runs, the event is organised by a charity, which means all the profits from the event will go to good causes.

 

 

Wristbands for Sporting Events

Whether you use them for general admission or special access (VIP areas, reserved seats, etc.), wristbands allow your staff to see if participants and guests are where they should be. Custom wristbands are an ideal way to advertise your event, secure control access and promote your sponsors.

Europe’s Best Ski Resorts

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It’s approaching that time of year when people head to the Alps to snowboard or ski through some of Europe’s most pristine alpine villages and mountains. Remember that skiing is not just for the experts, most resorts have easy and intermediate terrain, and many have dedicated slopes and lifts just for learners and beginners. Europe hosts some of the best ski resorts in the world, spread across France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. Here, the pistes are classified by a colour-coding system from blue (easy) to black (expert level).

 

 

So if you’re thinking of booking a skiing or snowboarding holiday this year, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ski resorts in Europe….

 

1.  Val-d’isere, France

Close to the Italian border, Val-d’lsere is considered the most user-friendly major European resort, with reliable snow and a staggering amount of skiing opportunities on the 300km of skiable terrain. There’s skiing available for all levels and abilities, including slopes for children and ski instructors for those keen to learn the techniques.

Val-d’Isere is also home to the most famous day club in skiing – La Folie Douce with a world-famous bar/club and cabaret show. Also, we can’t forget about the amazing European food! Ski resorts are well-known for their good restaurants, especially the fondue!

 

2.  St. Moritz, Switzerland

Renowned for its world-class skiing, St. Moritz is known for its long intermediate runs and other outstanding intermediate terrain, and with more than 20 lifts to choose from, you’ll find slopes and pistes for every skill level. St. Moritz closest mountain, Corvigila, is not only the birthplace of winter sports but is also responsible for the start of winter tourism over 150 years ago! Since then, St Moritz has hosted two winder Olympics. With amazing dining restaurants and family friendly chateaus, this resort should definitely be on your list.

 

 

3.  Chamonix, France

Near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix first became famous as the first site of the winter Olympics. The altitude of the mountain and the glaciers around Chamonix have a cooling effect that preserves the snow, assuring it some of the best and longest lasting snow conditions in the Alps. Year-round, cable cars take visitors up to nearby peaks panoramic views; skiers and boarders have an amazing array of slope to choose from! While in summer, the same lifts access hiking and biking trails.

 

 

Wristbands are often used at ski resorts for access to the slopes or party venues. If you’re looking for wristbands to suit your access needs we’ve got just the ticket!

www.jc-leisure.com

 

PICK OF THE UK FESTIVALS FOR 2020

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With the festival season beginning again in the coming months, we thought it might be useful to pick out a few that are worth checking out.  Tickets for some of these might be in short supply so it might be a good idea to start planning soon.

 

Isle of Wight Festival
11th June – 14 June 2020
Newport, Isle of Wight

The first Isle of Wight Festival was in 1968, however it was the unexpected popularity of the 1970 festival that has meant it has gone down in folklore.  600,000 people attended and this led to the UK Parliament adding a section to the Wight County Council Act 1971 preventing overnight open air gatherings of more than 5,000 people on the Island without a special licence from the Council.  The 1970 festival had a pretty cool line up in its day with the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Jethro Tull.

The festival was resurrected in 2002 and has gone from strength to strength attracting top class acts.  The 2020 lineup includes Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol and The Chemical Brothers.
https://isleofwightfestival.com/

 

Download
12th -14th June 2020
Donnington Park

If you are into Heavy Metal and Hard Rock then Download is one for your diary.  This genre is too often overlooked at festivals but has a massive following and if this is your thing you will feel quite at home here.  This year’s line-up includes KISS, Iron Maiden and System of A Down. This looks like being Heavy Rock heaven.
https://downloadfestival.co.uk/

 

Glastonbury
24th-28th June 2020
Pilton, Somerset

A visit to Glasto at least once in your life is pretty much on every festival goer’s bucket list.  First started in 1970, it has become the holy grail of festivals worldwide. This year’s acts include Taylor Swift, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney and countless others.  As its official title is 2020 Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, you can be sure to have an extensive range of differing music and art forms to enjoy.  This year is the 50th Anniversary so big things are expected! Glastonbury is always good for broadening the mind!
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

 

Trnsmt
10th – 12th July 2020
Glasgow Green, Glasgow

Trnsmt came about following the demise of T in the Park.  It is held on Glasgow Green close to the city centre. There is no overnight camping so budget accommodation may be in short supply.  It is close enough to enjoy all of Glasgow’s bustling nightlife and culture. This year’s line-up includes Courteeners, Ian Brown, Sam Fender and Blossoms who are guaranteed to really get the crowd going.
https://trnsmtfest.com/

 

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
17th – 26th July 2020
Edinburgh

This Jazz and Blues festival is probably one of the best in Europe, which runs through July and precedes the Fringe, which starts on 2nd August.  140 concerts over 11 venues gives you a chance to experience Blues and Jazz veterans along with some extremely talented newcomers, some of whom may well become household names in the coming years.
https://www.edinburghjazzfestival.com/

 

Latitude
16th – 19th July 2020
Southwold, Suffolk

Sitting amongst the beautiful Suffolk countryside, Latitude is probably more family friendly than most with a range of activities to suit different age groups.  This would be a good place to introduce your kids to festival life. Music will be supplied by Haim, The Chemical Brothers and Liam Gallagher. Bill Bailey will be one of the comedy headliners this year.  With theatre and crafts and a ‘healing area’ there is plenty to keep you occupied over the festival.
https://www.latitudefestival.com/

  

Cambridge Folk Festival
30th July – 2nd August 2020

There has been a reawakening of folk music in the last decade, some even say it’s the new rock and roll.  Every year the Cambridge Folk Festival attracts a plethora of highly talented musicians from around the world to play to an audience that appreciates good musicianship, good story telling, and good company.  Folk music has a much broader appeal now attracting a more diverse and younger audience than ever before, and that is demonstrated in the list of acts performing.
https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival

 

Green Man
20th-23rd August 2020
Brecon Beacons

Set against a stunning backdrop of the Brecon Beacons, Green Man takes on a slightly folkier stance.  Like some other festivals you will find a range of other things to keep you occupied from comedy, performing arts, literature, film, science and stuff for kids and teens.  There are upwards of 90 singers and bands and hundreds of other performers.
https://www.greenman.net/

 

Creamfields
29th- 30th August 2020
Daresbury, Warrington

The Creamfields dance phenomenon continues to pull in the crowds and this August Bank Holiday looks set to carry on the trend.  An impressive list of artists includes Camelphat, The Chemical Brothers, Pendulum, Annie Mac and Tiesto. You can pretty much guarantee a stunning lighting and pyrotechnic back drop to all the acts.
https://www.creamfields.com/

 

Reading and Leeds Festival
28th – 30th August 2020
Reading and Leeds

These festivals have become something of a right of passage for those leaving school and entering the wider world as well as die-hard festival veterans.  This year you can see Liam Gallagher, the Foo Fighters and a host of others. Many great memories have been created at Reading and Leeds over the years.
https://www.readingandleedsfestival.com/

2020 Outdoor Escapes

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Firstly, we would like to say Happy New Year to all our customers! What a year 2019 has been, we’re looking forward to continuing to work alongside all our clients, new and old! 2019 New Year festivities are officially over and as we all get back to reality, let’s subside those January blues with a little something to look forward to…

Now, like most people, you may have made some new year resolutions to tackle (hopefully successfully) in 2020! We know that day to day life can sometimes be overwhelming and it’s nice to take a break to escape out into the outdoors and explore the countryside when we can. If you’re fortunate enough to live in the UK – we have some stunning landscapes and national parks that are great for weekend getaways!

 

 

Here are some of our top picks for UK outdoor escapes…

 

Savernake Forest

Savernake Forest stands on a Cretaceous chalk plateau between Marlborough and Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire. This forest has some beautiful scenic walks, simply putting one foot in front of the other can be excellent therapy. With multiple famous park maps, you can choose between a 13 mile trek alongside canal boats or stick to a shorter 2 mile wooded forest route.  If you don’t fancy a walk or the weather isn’t quite up to scratch then you can always visit the Museum of the Great Western Railway, documenting the UKs industrious railway history.

 

Snowdonia

Snowdonia is a mountainous region in north-western Wales. As the first official national park in Wales, Snowdonia is a true marvel, its rolling hills, streams and mountains are a sight to behold. There are multiple activities you can take part in here, including some famous treks and forest camping. If you’re more of a water lover, overlooking the forests and mountains, you can also experience the world’s only inland surf lagoon! There’s also castles and the Snowdon Mountain Railway to explore over the weekend.

 

Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is one of the most magical walking spots in the country. Camping here is an unbeatable getaway, you can spend hours walking along the vast rivers and forests. Here, there’s fun for all the family with rock climbing, caving, canoeing and kayaking! You can return here every year and still find a new activity!

 

 

At JC Leisure we sell a range of wristbands which are ideal for organising events, kids clubs or camping sites across all of these outdoor escape locations. Head to our website to browse the selection we have on offer and purchase your customised wristbands.

UK Ice Skating Rinks – Christmas Family Fun

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Christmas 2019 is fast approaching and several ice-skating rinks across the UK have already opened up their doors this winter! Getting your skates on and heading to the ice rink creates the ideal opportunity for date night or to keep the kids entertained. Whether it’s your first time on the ice or you’re a regular skater – it’s fun for everyone involved!

We’ve picked our top ice rinks for you to visit this winter….

 

 

  1. Brighton
    Right in front of the spectacular Royal Pavilion, go greener this year and head to Brighton’s Ice-skating Rink, powered completely by wind and solar energy! First-time skaters can head over to the beginners’ area, complete with penguin skate aids. And if you’d rather sit and watch, the rink-side Bar & Kitchen serves up festive treats and drinks. The ice rink is open now until Jan 19th.

 

  1. Somerset House – London
    London’s most beautiful ice rink returns for 2019! One of London’s favourite winter traditions, Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Masonhas something for everybody, with skating lessons, late-night DJs and the Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade for seasonal shopping! Enjoy gourmet dining in Fortnum’s Lodge, or soak up the rink atmosphere with a Baileys Hot Chocolate in hand at the Skate Lounge. Open now until Jan 13th.

 

  1. Cardiff
    Cardiff Winter Wonderland is now open! Unveiling its brand-new Alpine Ice Trail for the first time. The Trail will be an open-air ice-skating experience running 250m long, making it amongst one of the longest Ice Trails in Europe and guaranteed to be the only one found in the UK this winter. 300 visitors can enjoy skating on the ice during each skating session. Open now until Jan 5th.

 

  1. Yorkshire Winter Wonderland – York
    Head to York Designer Outlet this year to experience the centre piece of York’s Winter Wonderland! Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the magical setting makes for a perfect family day out with fun fair rides and the après-skate café overlooking the ice rink. Open now until Jan 5th.

 

Looking to stock up on wristbands for this winter season? Tyvek wristbands are perfect for single-day events -waterproof and tear/stretch resistant, they’re durable for all day activities, including ice skating! Shop online now at:

https://jc-leisure.com/product-category/wristbands/tyvek-wristbands/

 

 

2019 Top Christmas Markets

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It’s Christmaaaas! Or at least it’s well on the way. If you’re getting into that Christmas spirit and want to plan a festive day out with friends or family, then you have come to the right place. The UK’s high streets hosts some of the finest Christmas markets to explore.

 

 

Wherever you are across the country, I’m sure there will be an accessible Christmas market not too far. Here’s some that we think you should visit:

Southbank Winter Festival – London : Nov 8th – Jan 5th

Southbank Centre is set to be magically transformed into a festive wonderland once again this year, with a variety of charming traders from around the world selling Christmas gifts and treats. In addition to the arts and crafts stalls, there are also a mixture of food and drink pop-up stands offering Asian, Greek and Indian cuisines, the foodie’s equivalent of heaven. One to watch out for is the new Bar Under the Bridge, serving up cheese-themed food along with delicious cocktails. https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/winter

 

Bath Christmas Market – Nov 28th – Dec 15th

Bath Christmas Market is one you don’t want to miss. The award-winning market hosts 150 sparkling wooden chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque streets. You’ll be supporting Bath’s small businesses with many local makers and designers showcasing their products, everything on sale is either sourced or made in the area – a great opportunity to stock up on Christmas gifts for your loved ones! https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/

 

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market – Nov 7th – Dec 23rd

This iconic annual extravaganza was first brought to Birmingham by the organiser of Frankfurt’s own Christmas market in 1997! Since then it’s become an annual event in the city’s calendar, with multiple stores spread out across the city centre. This market has now become the largest authentic German market outside of Germany or Austria, offering a huge range of gifts and traditional goods including all the classic festive foods such as roasted almonds and salted pretzels. https://www.thebfcm.co.uk/

 

George Square Christmas Market – Glasgow – Nov 24th – Dec 29th

Glasgow is the perfect place to visit at Christmas! This year the Christmas markets return to George Square offering amazing street food and festive gifts. The centre-piece of the market must be the traditional carousel and iconic Big Wheel, a great place to take the kids for a family day out with family focused street entertainment. George Square comes alive during Christmas, with a huge 15 metre Christmas tree and over 50 traders from across the globe.

 

Are you planning a Christmas event this year and require customised wristbands and lanyards? Head to our website www.jc-leisure.com to create your own festive themed design.