Posted January 24, 201411 yr http://i39.tinypic.com/24ecemr.jpg Robbie Williams: Stoke-on-Trent honours pop superstar with tourist trail, street names, exhibitions and school events By The Sentinel | Posted: January 24, 2014 Martin Tideswell looks forward to the city celebrating the 40th birthday of Potteries pop superstar Robbie Williams with fans from all over the world... IT BEGAN with plans for hard-core fans of Robbie Williams to mark his 40th birthday but it has evolved into something much larger and with a unique legacy. It started with the idea of a fans’ festival to be held in the Mother Town of Burslem and has mushroomed into a civic acknowledgement of one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous sons. Robbie is 40 on February 13, and the city of his birth is having ‘a bit of a do’ to celebrate the life of Britain’s most popular male solo artist. RWFanFest was already pencilled in for February as a fund-raiser for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice (DLCH), of which Robbie is a patron. However, following a Sentinel article suggesting our city does something to acknowledge his achievements – the city council has come to the party in a big way. So now, in addition to guided bus tours of Robbie’s old stomping grounds, a charity tribute gig and a fans’ art exhibition, by this time next month visitors to Stoke-on-Trent will be able to learn a lot more about the lad from Tunstall. Council leader Mohammed Pervez said: “Robbie is one of our city’s most famous sons and it is right that his achievements are recognised. “He is very proud of his Stoke-on-Trent roots and these celebrations will not only attract people from the city but from across the country and even further afield. “It is a great way to promote his home city and the events will boost our towns and local businesses.” The council, The Sentinel and our colleagues from the DLCH have created a brand new Robbie Williams tourist trail. At a special ceremony in Tunstall, involving children from Robbie’s former schools – Mill Hill Primary and St Margaret Ward Catholic College – the trail will be officially be unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent on Wednesday, February 5. From February 7, people will be able to visit 11 places across the city where young Robert Peter Williams lived, went to school, honed his football skills or trod the boards. Those who scan QR codes on information panels at the various locations will be able to learn more about them, and Robbie, by linking through to a dedicated web channel. The three partners have also collaborated with Robbie’s dad Pete Conway to create a three-month exhibition, to be staged at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley, entitled Portrait of a Potteries Pop Star, which opens to the public on Saturday, February 8. It will include never-before-seen photographs of young Mr Williams plus personal memorabilia, including signed items, clothing and music industry awards, collected over the years by Robbie’s dad Pete and his mum Jan. With a little luck, this could eventually lead to a permanent exhibition of Robbie memorabilia based here in the city and endorsed by the man himself. Another permanent legacy of next month’s celebrations will be the naming of three streets in honour of the music star at a new housing development led by Sanctuary Group in Middleport and developed by Seddon Construction. Later this year you’ll be able to visit Angels Way, walk down Candy Lane or take a stroll down Supreme Street. Finally, on the day of the pop star’s birthday (Feb 13), schools across the city will be marking it with a ‘Robbie Day’ – the details of which have yet to be finalised but are certain to include musical and arts-based activities for children of all ages. Robbie’s dad Pete Conway says he is thrilled at how events are unfolding. He said: “I can’t believe it and Rob’s chuffed to bits. These are big, big honours being bestowed on him and it’s wonderful to think that a lasting legacy is being created. “All over the world he is this huge star but I think here in the city of his birth people just think of him as ‘our Rob’ and to me, of course, he’s just my lad and I’m exceptionally proud of him.” Pete’s lad may not be in the ST postcode area next month but there will be plenty of people raising a glass to him – including his mum Jan and his pals, stage star Jonathan Wilkes and darts maestro Phil Taylor. Jan said: “I really am chuffed that the city is doing all this to acknowledge what Rob has achieved in his career and what he has done for local communities. “He never forgets where he is from. He is so passionate about the area – he won’t let anyone say a bad word about where he comes from.” Jan quipped: “The only thing I’m disappointed about is that High Lane Oatcakes aren’t named on the tourist trail. I’m sure Rob would approve if they were.” Jonny said he was delighted his friend is being recognised by their home city. He added: “I am incredibly, immensely proud of Rob. He’s won lots of awards and accolades for his music and for being a great entertainer but you couldn’t wish to meet a more humble, grounded, nice bloke. That’s what makes him the man he is. “He’s got a big heart and he loves our city. Lots of celebrities use their charity work to get publicity but Rob does what he does quietly and should be respected for the huge amount of good he’s done for Stoke-on-Trent and all the causes he supports.” Sixteen-time world darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor said: “I love him to bits. I am so proud of Rob and he deserves these accolades. The one thing you’ll always get from Rob is that he will keep Stoke-on-Trent on the map.” RWFanFest kicks off on February 7 and some of Robbie’s most passionate fans from as far afield as Germany, Italy, South Africa and the U.S. are making the trip to the Potteries. Many of the key events will take place in the Mother Town under the watchful eye of the famous Angel on the top of Burslem Town Hall. There’s the Big Birthday Bash charity tribute gig which takes place at Port Vale FC on Saturday, February 8, from 8pm (tickets priced at £15).The event features the UK’s number one Robbie tribute Mike Andrew and an auction of items donated by Robbie’s management company which include tickets for this summer’s Swings Both Ways live tour. Earlier in the day a collection for the DLCH will also be held at Vale’s home game against Swindon Town and during the half-time interval the crowd will be entertained with a performance by Mike Andrew and dancers from the Wilkes Academy. Also on February 8 there’s going to be a street party in Burslem organised by housing and care group Midland Heart. It will take place in Queen Street between 10am and 4pm and include an artisans’ market, funfair, the orchestra from Burslem’s Haywood Academy, local bands, a schools’ baking contest and a ceramic decoration competition for children. Round the corner from Vale Park, Burslem School of Art will be hosting a fans’ art exhibition entitled ‘I’ve been expecting you’ throughout February. FedEx is transporting 70 valuable original paintings by Italian artist and super fan Gabriella Guardamagna from Milan, where the exhibition was first staged, to the UK and back free of charge. Also in Burslem at The Venue in Wedgwood Street, freelance photojournalist Martin Elliott will be staging his Robbie Thru A Lens exhibition. This documents local people’s thoughts and memories of Robbie and includes Martin’s concert photographs of Tunstall’s finest. Martin, who is also contributing a film and images to the exhibition at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, is planning to display some of his images on the windows of the vacant Ceramica building. On February 7, from 8pm, Robbie’s former home in Burslem – The Red Lion Pub, Burslem – is hosting a Robbieoke and 80s/90s Disco hosted by Six Towns Radio and DJ Phat Boy Tim. Finally, as part of RWFanfest, a guided bus tour laid on by 6Towns Radio has been arranged around the newly-created Robbie tourist trail. The tour will be departing from The Red Lion Pub in Burslem on Sunday, February 9, at 11am and returning to the pub again at approximately 2pm. Tickets are priced at £8 and all proceeds will again go to DLCH. Melanie Williams, Head of High Value Partnerships at the DLCH said: “We are very excited about this special weekend and look forward to welcoming Robbie fans from around the world. “RWFanFest is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Stoke-on-Trent to the many visitors that will be coming from across the UK and the world – all in aid of the Hospice. “I’d like to say a special thank you to all the partners who are helping to make RWFanFest so memorable – especially Alan Christian, of The Prince’s Charities, for his invaluable assistance in co-ordinating events around Burslem, Midland Heart, Port Vale FC, Six Towns Radio, members of the community in Burslem and our partners at the city council and The Sentinel.” Sentinel Editor Richard Bowyer said: “We are delighted to play a part in helping the city to honour Robbie. “He is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s greatest exports and someone who has never forgotten his roots so it’s only right that we acknowledge his achievements.” Ticket information and updates on events and activities can be found on RWFANFEST on Facebook and @rwfanfest on Twitter or go to www.donnalouisetrust.org The Sentinel will be publishing a 16-page Robbie Williams 40th birthday souvenir supplement on February 7 – free inside your newspaper. Read more: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Robbie-Will...l#ixzz2rJiACA8Q Edited January 26, 201411 yr by Sydney
January 24, 201411 yr Author City to mark Robbie's 40th birthday http://i44.tinypic.com/14n0nzk.jpg The Swing Both Ways singer, who has carved out a successful solo pop career since rising to fame with boyband Take That in a career spanning more than two decades, celebrates his big day on February 13. The arrival of Robbie's milestone occasion, styled across the city as Robbie Day, will trigger an array of civic celebrations, Stoke-on-Trent council officials have said. The council's leader said that as one of the city's most famous global exports - together with its historic pottery trade - Robbie is dear to the hearts of many in Stoke, not only for remaining true to his Burslem roots but for his local charity work. Mohammed Pervez said: "He is a global superstar, but one who has always remembered his roots. "He is very proud of his connections to Stoke-on-Trent and the celebrations will not only attract people from the city, but from across the country and even further afield." From February 5, Robbie fever will envelop the city, with the singer's former schools joining an official launch which will see a blue heritage plaque unveiled close to where he used to live. A fan-led weekend of events from February 7/9 will also help raise money for the city's Donna Louise Children's Hospice, where Robbie is a patron, incorporating celebrations at the star's beloved Port Vale Football Club. A tourist trail taking in former homes and locations mentioned in his songs is already running, while a new housing estate being built in the Middleport area will feature streets named after his songs - Angels Way, Candy Lane and Supreme Street. Robbie, who has sold more than 70 million records worldwide, embarks on his Swing Both Ways Live European arena tour, kicking off in Hungary, on April 25. Irish Independent
January 24, 201411 yr Okay, which of you ladies would like to give Robbie his proper birthday spanking?? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :P
January 25, 201411 yr Author Stoke-on-Trent to celebrate 'Robbie Williams Day' for singer's 40th birthday. http://i44.tinypic.com/2d0i5qb.jpg Roads in a new housing estate will be named after the former Take That man's songs Robbie Williams' hometown of Stoke-on-Trent is to celebrate Robbie Day on the singer's upcoming 40th birthday, February 13. Stoke-On-Trent council have said that the day will see a blue plaque unveiled near the former Take That man's old home, whilst roads in a new Middleport estate will reference his songs, with Angels Way, Candy Lane and Supreme Street all set for development, reports Digital Spy. Williams, who recently released new album, the Number One 'Swings Both Ways', will play nine dates on his upcoming arena tour, including two shows each in both Manchester and London. Starting in Belfast on June 13, the tour will conclude with the second of two shows at London's O2 Arena on July 9. 'Swings Both Ways' was the UK's 1,000th Official Number One Album, the first being Frank Sinatra's 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers!' in 1956. It was Williams' 11th Official UK Albums Chart Number One, making him level with Elvis Presley. NME/com Edited January 25, 201411 yr by Sydney
January 25, 201411 yr Author 'Too Busy': Robbie Williams Accused Of Snubbing Massive 40th Birthday Celebrations In Hometown, Singer will miss the 'Robbie Day Festival' They'd prepared the goodie bags and loaded up on party poppers, but Robbie Williams' fans in Stoke-on-Trent were left disappointed after the crooner turned down their invitation to their planned birthday party to celebrate Robbie's 40th in February. Robbie, who grew up in the northern town of Stoke-on-Trent, RSVP'd a big 'no' after locals proposed a big party in honour of their favourite local celebrity. The devoted fans have planned a month of festivities to mark the singer turning the big four-oh, with his actual birthday on the 13th February being renamed the Robbie Day Festival. The council have even gone to the extreme lengths to name three streets after Mr Williams' biggest hits; Angels Way, Candy Lane and Supreme Street. People can get involved by taking part in bus tours which will guide visitors around landmarks associated with the singer. Another event includes an exhibit of the 40-year-old's photos and clothing at the Portrait Of A Potteries Pop Star event. Not one to normally miss a party, http://i44.tinypic.com/2ms4zzr.jpg Robbie at the Jingle Ball in Machester in December (WENN) That's not all! Rob's old schools will be unveiling a heritage plaque near the site of his childhood home and his favourite football team, Port Vale FC plan to have a tribute act perform at their home match on the 8th Feb. So after all their efforts, you can imagine that fans of the It Swings Both Ways singer have been left devastated once they heard that Robbie will not be making a visit to his home town for the big day. The organisers got in contact with Rob's rep and were told that the singer is 'too busy' and has 'no plans to visit Stoke in 2014'. A spokesperson for the residents said: "It’s a bit hard to believe that he doesn’t have any free time in 2014 at all." Martin Tideswell, an organizer for the Robbie Day Festival added: "We wrote to Robbie to ask his permission to host these events. He said he was delighted but because of his busy tour schedule it is unlikely that he will be back to Stoke this year." Perhaps Robbie is 'busy' preparing for his upcoming European tour? April marks the beginning of the Swings Both Way tour which will undoubtedly require a lot of Rob's attention. Entertainmentwise/com
January 25, 201411 yr Author Robbie Williams: Fans from across the world praise Stoke-on-Trent's plans to honour singer's 40th birthday http://i40.tinypic.com/n2ih77.jpg Potteries pop superstar Robbie Williams is being honoured with a series of tributes to mark his 40th birthday next month. Here, fans from all over the world react to the news... ‘As somebody who’s been fund-raising for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice for the last five years (who also happens to be a huge Robbie fan) it’s always puzzled me that Stoke-on-Trent hasn’t made more of the Robbie connection! It’s fantastic that Robbie is finally being publicly recognised by his home city as the brilliant ambassador for Stoke-on-Trent he is.’ Christina Royal, aged 47, Sudbury, Suffolk ‘Rob does so much behind the scenes for Stoke-on-Trent with his Give It Sum charity and asks for no recognition or publicity in return. He keeps it real despite his fame and never forgets where he came from.’ Nikki Rae, aged 40, London ‘I think it’s absolutely great news! Not only does he really deserve it but I’m also thrilled by the fact that even though I sadly can’t attend the RWFanfest I now one day can do this tour of Robbie’s home city – and one day I will!’ Susi Husted, aged 32, Vejen, Denmark ‘He deserves it all. He never forgets his roots has had bad times but come out the other side. He does so much that most people are probably unaware of. it couldn't happen to a more deserving man than our Robbie. There will never be another Robbie. He is one of a kind and feel honoured to be one of his ‘Friendlies’. just wish I could be there but I will be in spirit. Marie Mooney, Oxford ‘Robbie’s music has influenced my life a lot and I am very happy to give my honours back to the community! I met him last year during the Take The Crown tour in Tallinn and it was a dream come true adventure! I will not be able to take part in RWFanFest but in spirit I’m there.’ Katrin Charles, aged 37, Estonia. ‘I’ve been a fan for a long time! I wish I could be there but due to work and other commitments I can’t. I have met some lovely people through the fan groups. Robbie is very lucky to have such a great loyal bunch of fans and most I know have been with him through it all.’ Liz Ross, Edinburgh ‘I think the plans are fantastic – and it’s great that a group of hard core fans started all this!’ Beverley Reilly, aged 52, London ‘I am thrilled that all these events and activities are being held to honour Rob for all he’s done. It also allows us fans and ‘Friendlies’ to finally be a part of something to commemorate and celebrate the life of such a wonderful, talented, funny and giving man.’ Michelle Thornton, aged 4, Colne, Lancashire ‘It’s fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent has acknowledged Robbie in this way. He’s always so proud of his heritage and mentions Stoke at every opportunity. Now he will have a lasting legacy in the city.’ Emma Lowton, Kidsgrove ‘I’m sure Robbie will be quite moved by what you have organised to celebrate his 40th birthday. An amazing event in his home city with his dad and the ‘Friendlies’. What more could he ask for? I really wish I could come!’ Céline Noraz, aged 34, Grenoble, France ‘This is wonderful news. I have been a fan from the start. Robbie is the best. Robbie is one in a million. I am proud to be a ‘Friendly’. I have had so many wonderful Robbie moments at gigs and he means so much to me and to us all. Happy birthday, Robbie!’ Sarah Page, aged 33, East Sussex ‘Love, love, love this! It gives us the chance to actually see all the things we’ve heard about over the years and I get to share it with really good friends that I have met along the way through our mutual admiration of a great man. Really excited for this! Marie Bolton, aged 40, Coventry ‘About time is all I can say!’ Maddi Shaw, aged 40, Wakefield, West Yorkshire ‘I think it’s an amazing idea. I’ve been a fan of Robbie's since I was five. I have never loved a famous person like I do Robbie. He is just an absolutely talented, lovely, funny person. I’m so happy for his success and also happy he has settled down with Ayda and Teddy. He will always and forever be my number 1 idol.’ Carmen Howell, aged 26, Lincolnshire ‘I’ve been a fan since 2003. Through the years I’ve been collecting RW things – mostly CDs. I think it is great to celebrate Robbie in his home city. He’s done good. I saw him last year at his tour, and I will this year too. He should know he has a lot of male fans too!’ Hans Christian, aged 23, Denmark ‘I think this is fantastic! Such a lovely guy. When I’m down our Rob always makes me smile.’ Julie Letcher, aged 40, Sheffield ‘At 64 I’m probably one of his older fans! The list of what Rob gave me is too long to be written here. I even started again to learn English! It’s normal for me to celebrate his birthday – a bit like someone in my family. After all we are all part of the great family of ‘Friendlies’ and thanks to him I’ve met so many great people.’ Regine Fournier, Paris ‘I love this! Brilliant. Be excited to get the newspaper!’ Vikki Prout, aged 29, Newcastle-under-Lyme ‘It is amazing what has been arranged to celebrate Robbie’s birthday and a fitting honour to a man who has given us so much joy. I feel I have been on a real journey with him over the years and now is my time to give back to him by being part of this tribute to him.’ Christine Mizzie Plant, 40(ish), Yorkshire ‘This is great! Rob deserves it. Shows what a dedicated group of fans can do!’ Emma Dixon, aged 34, Dover ‘It’s wonderful that Stoke-On-Trent are honouring one of its greatest exports in such a fantastic way! Robbie may always be jetting around the globe on tour or off promoting the latest album, but his heart is always in Stoke. As he said himself on tour last year, he is the original ‘Stokie Blokey’. His loyalty is unwavering.’ Chellby Newman, aged 33, Benfleet, Essex ‘I’ve been a massive Robbie fan for the last 20 years. I have been to many concerts and football matches following our beloved Rob. Now I have the Robbie trail to add to my list. A weekend in Stoke is definitely on the cards for me!’ Nikki Pitchford, aged 41, Nottingham ‘Wow! I am so made up that Stoke has given this to Rob. He has done amazing things for the city for the past 23 years and given so much to the community. I am so proud to be a ‘Friendly’. You have all done an amazing honour by giving something back to him. Looking forward to coming down for RWFanFest.’ Angela Saunders, aged 37, Whitburn, West Lothian Read more: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Robbie-Will...l#ixzz2rPYoyJWd
January 25, 201411 yr Author Saturday, 25 January 2014 Robbie Williams snubs hometown birthday celebrations Robbie Williams has rejected the chance to return to his hometown for his birthday celebrations. The organiser of a party in his honour has said the offer to attend was snubbed because he is too ''busy'' with his music career. Martin Tisdewell told The Sun newspaper: ''We wrote to Robbie to ask his permission to host these events. ''He said he was delighted but because of his busy tour schedule it is unlikely that he will be back to Stoke this year.'' Locals in Stoke-on-Trent have organised a month of events to celebrate his 40th on February 13 as part of the Robbie Day Festival which will include renaming three streets after his songs. According to reports in The Sun newspaper, the road names will be Angels Way, Candy Lane and Supreme Street, while bus tours will be organised to travel to landmarks associated with the former Take That singer. While the local community with be coming together to celebrate the star, one resident struggled to accept he wouldn't ''have any free time'' to come back to his hometown. They said: ''It's a bit hard to believe that he doesn't have any free time in 2014 at all.'' Xpose.ie
January 26, 201411 yr Author I used Google translator for this so forgive me if it does not all make sense but you get the gist of the story anyway :P http://i42.tinypic.com/sncmdt.jpg Robbie Williams is 40 years old in February His home city of Stoke-on-Trent directed him to a big party in honor of The star gets his own trail and three streets are named after songs of the singer His father Pete is overwhelmed by the efforts of the city Next month celebrates pop star Robbie Williams (39) his 40th Birthday and his entire hometown in England celebrates with him. In Stoke-on-Trent already be preparing for the 13th February made as if it were a national holiday. What the Stoke Sentinal reported expected the city fans from around the world. What had started as a small party for the closest followers of the singer, now degenerates into a veritable festival. Besides bus tours through Robbie's old home, there will be an art auction and a charity concert. It has even been specially created a tourist path with eleven stations, which is then to be inaugurated in February solemnly by the mayor. To honor the birthday child in the long term, all three roads to songs of the singer are named: Angels Way, Candy Lane and Supreme Street. Robbies father Pete Conway appeared touched by the effort: "I can not believe it and Robbie is thrilled about it. This is all a great honor for him and it's great to know that his legacy will endure. Throughout the world he is a superstar, but for us it's just 'our Rob' and for me getting my boy and I 'm unlikely proud of him. " How well do you know modest about Robbie? Find it out in our quiz! ( Quiz in link below , you may need translator tool for this ) :) http://www.promiflash.de/robbie-williams-s...t-14012560.html
January 26, 201411 yr Author If ya wanna win a mug , try here <_< Wade Ceramics Ltd @WadeCeramics Jan 24 You can still enter our #competition to #win a 40th bday #RobbieWilliams mug! Visit our Facebook page for more info.. http://ow.ly/sV4dA
January 26, 201411 yr He's getting some bad press about his non-appearance. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/362254/...irthday-parties
January 27, 201411 yr Author He's getting some bad press about his non-appearance. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/362254/...irthday-parties Ayda's working, he's busy being Daddy , let them get stuffed :angel:
January 31, 201411 yr Author News Stoke-on-Trent @newsstoke 4h City Council costs of Robbie Williams 40th birthday celebrations: PotterieEYE, through an FOI, received... http://bit.ly/1kkufuT #stoke http://www.potteye.co.uk/city-council-cost...PotteriesEYE%29
January 31, 201411 yr I'm not following. Is the total cost to the council £2722? :unsure: Not a great amount. Unless of course it's £2,722,000 :o Anyway, I still think Robbie should turn up. -_- Stoke has been very loyal to him.
January 31, 201411 yr Commemorative mugs now. He's just like the Royals... :lol: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Etruria-fir...tail/story.html
February 3, 201411 yr Author Robbie Williams paintings go on display for his 40th birthday http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke...dshire-25967959
