‘BEST OF BRITISH’ ALTERNATIVE GUIDE TO FESTIVALS

Avis’ guide to the unusual, unmissable and down-right unforgettable!

The Avis Rent A Car team are getting into the festival mood this summer, dusting off tents and packing up sleeping bags ready for the UK’s best festivals. Here they share some of their best kept secrets with you, from the alternative to the very fishy!

The Out Of The Ordinary Festival 2009 – a three day eco-friendly family festival from the 18th - 20th September, set in the lovely Sussex countryside. A chance to experience the Equinox Sunrise and really get back to nature, with solar-powered music stages, a green market and a zero waste policy. Tickets available via the site from just £57 for three days.

Festibelly 2009 – a one day festival on the 29th August, this is an intimate event with only 1000 tickets on sale. Set in gorgeous countryside in Hampshire, it features up-and-coming new musical talent and street-art battles. At just £25 per ticket you’ll be able to watch some fantastic bands, eat some scrumptious food, and enjoy what’s set to be one big party. Oh and they’re throwing in camping for free!

Solfest 2009 – held on the August bank holiday weekend (28th- 30th August) at Tarnside Farm in West Cumbria, Solfest aims to create a great atmosphere through its sense of community. Welcoming everyone from all walks of life to four music stages, workshops and classes from Yoga to Burlesque; drumming to Sing-A-Long-A-Soundwave! Tickets are £85 for the weekend, and for some added luxury, why not rent a yurt or a squirt for the weekend?

One Love Reggae Festival – head down to Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent from 21st-23rd August for three days of live reggae music. Not only will you be spoilt for choice with five stages playing everything from roots to ragga, but you’ll also have unlimited access to the wildlife park for just £5 extra! Where else in the UK can you chill out to drum beats in the company of rhinos, tigers and elephants? Weekend tickets are £70.

Wizard Festival – is taking place from the 28th- 29th of August in Aberdeenshire. A Scottish festival for families and festival-goers alike in its third year, featuring fabulous bands and family entertainment. A ticket for the entire weekend only costs £70 – including camping!

80’s Rewind Festival – on the 21st - 23rd of August in Temple Island Meadows, Henley on Thames. If you’ve got love for the 80’s then this is the festival for you! All the original acts of the era will be dusting off their spandex and busting the moves on stage once more. You can visit the fun fair, comedy tent and eat all the posh nosh you like at this festival and you can even moor your boat for the weekend if you please! Tickets £90 including camping.

Newquay Fish Festival – being held from the 18th-20th of September, this festival is not just for fans of the fruits of the sea, but those looking for a fun day out too. There will be live bands and entertainers, dolphin and shark-spotting trips, a fresh fish BBQ, beer tent and a sandcastle competition, just to mention a few of the activities lined up.

These are just a few of the different festivals around the UK, from small-and-intimate to big-and-loud, to help the British public enjoy their summertime. So there’s no excuse to stay at home – grab some mates and a couple of tents and head off for some summer fun!

To help you get out and about, Avis staff have compiled a ‘Best of British’ guide on the avis.co.uk website, where you can also take advantage of car rental from just £15 a day at selected locations. For phone bookings call 08445 818181.

Or share your ‘best fest’ suggestions on the www.wetryharder.co.uk blog.

All prices quoted are based on an adult ticket.

Ends.


For further media information contact:
Kally Carder or Victoria Newlands at Nobull Communications.
Tel: 01628 526208
Email: kally@nobull-communications.co.uk, victoria@nobull-communications.co.uk

PR: 1857

Follow in the footsteps of the stars!

AVIS ‘BEST OF BRITISH’ GUIDE TO FILM LOCATIONS

The Avis Rent A Car team invites you into the world of film, by revealing the locations of several iconic flicks! So if you’re stuck for inspiration this Summer, why not rent a car and follow in the footsteps of your favourite movie-stars?

Explore hidden film locations around the UK. For example, did you know…

Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
Remember the scene on the boating lake where Bridget and Daniel go out in paddle boats, and Daniel famously falls into the water? That was filmed at Stoke Park Golf Club in Buckinghamshire. A beautiful country club resort; take your special someone there for a luxurious weekend and relive Bridget’s weekend of romance – hopefully with a happier ending than her and Daniel Cleaver had though!

Robin Hood (filming presently)
Russell Crowe is currently filming a remake of the epic Robin Hood tale, directed by Sir Ridley Scott. The classic tale is being filmed in several locations around the UK, including Bourne Woods in Surrey. Why not hop in an Avis car and head to the area where filming is currently taking place - you might even come across Russell himself, firing arrows and sweeping Maid Marion off her feet!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009)
With the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series now on release, why just admire the scenery on film, when you can experience it first-hand? Locations for filming have been very cleverly chosen, with only the best characteristics and environments used to benefit the magical feel of the films. Fort William in Scotland has been used on more than one of the films and Gloucester Cathedral was used for the Half Blood Prince along with Surbiton Railway station.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
An oldie but a goodie, this classic British film is a heart-warming tale with some unusual props and characters! Starring Dick Van Dyke as Caractacus Potts and Sally Anne Howes as Truly Scrumptious. Filming took place mainly in Buckinghamshire, in places such as Turville, the Lacy Green Smock Windmill in High Wycombe and the area of Hambleden. Easily accessible by car, with some lovely picturesque villages to explore if you’re a fan of this classic film.


Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
A famous British romantic comedy staring Hugh Grant as ladies’ man, Charles, and Andie MacDowell as the American beauty he falls for. Quite a few scenes in this film were shot in different areas of London, such as Camden. However other locations include The Crown Hotel in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, and St. Michael’s Church in Betchworth, Surrey.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Starring Joseph Fiennes as Will Shakespeare and Sandra Reinton as Rosaline - two star crossed lovers! This hopelessly romantic film was set in some beautiful locations around England, including Holkham Beach in Norfolk and Broughton Castle in Banbury. These are two extremely romantic places; why not discover them for yourself?

So why not take a trip into the magical world of movies and discover where your favourite scenes were filmed and acted out. A great day out and, who knows, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the stars on set!

Car rental from Avis starts from £15 a day .

For more movie locations and great ideas on how to fill your summer, visit the ‘Best of British’ guide on the avis.co.uk website.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR GREAT BRITAIN?

Avis survey reveals 45% of us don’t know where Stonehenge is!

With summer 2009 dubbed as ‘The Great British Staycation’, Avis Rent A Car decided to put the Nation to the test to see how well we know our city skylines from our hidden gems.

The findings revealed some shocking results; 45% of us don’t know where Stonehenge is, and over 30% confused the Scottish Sands of Morar for a beach in the Caribbean! British city skylines were mistaken for Sao Paulo and New York, and UK ports were thought as beautiful as those of Cyprus.

However, all is not lost - 74% of respondents confirmed that the Angel of The North is situated in Gateshead and 65% knew that the White Horse landmark is in Wiltshire.

Perhaps the most shocking result of all was that 40% of us could not identify the oldest and largest castle in the world - Windsor Castle - an Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen!

It goes to show that there’s a wealth of world-class destinations and spectacular scenery right here in Britain – from stunning cityscapes to idyllic beaches – and you don’t need to go too far to see them!

As part of its Best of British campaign, Avis is encouraging everyone to explore and discover what we have on our own doorstep. To help you get out and about, Avis Staff have compiled a ‘Best of British’ guide on the avis.co.uk website, where you can also take advantage of car rental from just £15 a day at selected locations. For phone bookings call 08445 818181.

If you have got a favourite Great British destination you’d like to share then log on to http://www.wetryharder.co.uk/?cat=38 and share your Best of British tips!

Ends.

For further media information contact:
Kally Carder or Victoria Newlands at Nobull Communications.
Tel: 01628 526208
Email: kally@nobull-communications.co.uk, victoria@nobull-communications.co.uk


PR Ref : 1852

‘BEST OF BRITISH’ GUIDE TO GREAT DAYS OUT THIS SUMMER

Avis helps keep 13.1million* kids entertained this summer holiday

Avis Rent A Car has scoured the UK as part of its Best of British (BOB) campaign to bring you its guide to great days out, helping to keep the children entertained during the long school summer holidays.

With temperatures set to soar this summer, put down those Wii remotes and pack some suncream - Avis has some great deals on car rental with selected locations offering cars from just £15 a day to help you get out and about.

From rock-pooling in Dorset to daring the dungeons in Edinburgh, there’s something for every family, easy to reach by car and to suit all budgets:

Best for outdoor adventure

For a family fit for adventure, head to Dorset’s Moors Valley Country Park and explore its tree-lined trails on foot or by bicycle. Or for those wanting more of a challenge, why not sign up for a tree-top adventure? Get yourself harnessed and prepare for rope bridges, Tarzan swings, scramble nets and ladders - the Go Ape challenge will really put you through your paces.
§ £ Low cost (Country Park) - £ Expensive (Go Ape)

Best for battle-troopers

Bring battleships to life by heading down to The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent. Explore three warships – the Victorian sloop Gannet, World War-II destroyer Cavalier and the Cold-War submarine, Ocelot, before discovering The Royal National Lifeboat Institute’s historic collection of 17 lifesaving vessels.
§ £ Reasonable, tickets last 12 months too

Best for rock-pooling

Best for rook-pooling, Devon’s Shoalstone beach is a family favourite. This shingle rock beach is a minefield of rock-pools, home to secretive sea creatures seeking sanctuary until the next tide. During the summer months, it is manned by lifeguards, so swimming in the 25 metre sea water swimming pool is safe with care.
§ £ Free

Best for car buffs

If you have a budding Jeremy Clarkson in the family then you should head down to Beaulieu in Hampshire for the day. Its world-famous National Motor Museum showcases over 250 vehicles taking you through the motoring ages. Between the James Bond experience, veteran bus ride and go-karting there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
§ £ Reasonable

Best for re-living fairytales

The Beatrix Potter Trail set within the idyllic Lake District is truly breathtaking. Explore the scenes where our childhood favourites Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkins’ tales unravelled. Between the lakes and the trees, prepare yourself for a trip full of adventure and fresh air.
§ £ Reasonable

Best for getting ahead at school

It may sound like homework, but a trip to Hampton Court Palace will not only help you get to the top of your class but you’ll be in danger of having one of the best days of your holidays too! Try to memorise all of Henry’s wives whilst attempting to conquer the maze created in 1702! Don’t miss the vast Tudor kitchens; here 800 meals were produced twice a day, so no more complaints from Mum please.
§ £ Reasonable

Best for cycling

The Lizard Peninsula, South Cornwall, is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Here, the cycling enthusiast will be spoilt for choice. The famous Penzance to Lizard Point path is a popular trail and at 34 miles it has a difficulty rating of 6/10. The stunning views, stretching as far as the eye can see, will help spur you on!
§ £ Free

Best for underground adventure

Aladdin’s cave, eat your heart out! Venture down into the caverns that surround the enchanting village of Castleton. Some say this Peak District village should have been called ‘Caveton’, and its easy to see why; you enter the cave via an old lead mine and then by boat, as the entrance is partially flooded. Once inside you can enjoy the walks round the stalactites, stalagmites and the ‘Bottomless Pit’ shaft!
§ £ Expensive

Best for horror stories

The Edinburgh Dungeon and the Real Mary King’s Close, seemingly haunted with witches, grave robbers and executioners, are guaranteed to get your imagination running wild! Prepare for a day of shocking surprises, ear piercing screams and flashing lights. This is not for the faint-hearted and it is advised that families stick together!
§ £ Expensive


Keep the peace - rent a bigger car, so you can let them bring a friend and their parents too! Going to the seaside needn’t be a squeeze, rent an estate and have room for the kids and the sun loungers.

To find your nearest Avis location and take advantage of the deals on offer visit http://www.avis.co.uk/weekend_inspiration?cid=GBDPWL000000-00043 or call 08445 818181 .

For more great ideas on how to fill your summer holidays visit the ‘Best of British’ guide on the avis.co.uk website. Or share your own suggestions on the http://wetryharder.co.uk/?cat=38 blog.

* http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1163

Ends.

For further media information contact:
Kally Carder or Victoria Newlands at Nobull Communications.
Tel: 01628 526208
Email: kally@nobull-communications.co.uk, victoria@nobull-communications.co.uk



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