Around the world, people love to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Many see it as an opportunity for a fresh start, others use it as a catalyst for self-improvement, while many more simply see it as a good excuse to take time off work and enjoy a celebration.

Within the UK, Liverpool is one of the top destinations for New Year celebrations. Each year revellers descend upon the city in their thousands to bring in the New Year. There are a whole host of venues which cater for a vast array of different tastes.

New Year’s revellers who are fans of the Beatles will have the opportunity to choose from a plethora of high quality tribute acts, in authentic Liverpudlian venues. If you’d like to see one of the top acts make sure to book early, as tickets can sell out quickly. For an even more complete New Year Beatles experience visitors could go along to Penny Lane or check out the Cavern Club - the venue where the Beatles played their first gig.

Football fans should have the chance to see one of the Liverpool’s two major teams in action over the New Year period. With many fans of both Liverpool and Everton being based in various locations over the world, the New Year period could be as good a chance as any for them to catch their favourite team in action. However, it’s worth checking the schedules of each side well in advance and booking tickets early - demand can be pretty high to see either of the sides, especially if you’re trying to bag good seats.

As a renowned clubbing hotspot, there’s sure to be plenty to keep nightclub enthusiasts busy throughout any trip to Liverpool. However, the schedules are sure to be especially full over the New Year period, when many clubs will be offering special club nights to bring the year to a close and welcome the new one in. As such, it might be a good common sense option to book tickets for any club night that takes your fancy over the period well in advance - you wouldn’t want to risk being turned away at the door!

If you’re thinking of visiting the city for New Year make sure to start researching hotels in Liverpool as early as possible. Many of the best hotels can end up fully booked, so finding the most suitable one for you and reserving a room early could help you to avoid disappointment.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

With its cobblestone alleyways, cosy pubs, lush gardens and majestic castle, Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh is best described as magical. It’s easy to see how the charming city inspired JK Rowling to conjure up the enchanted world of Harry Potter. If you’re planning a visit to the fairytale-like city, you shouldn’t be at a loss for things to do.

Firstly, a visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the famous Edinburgh Castle. Though nearly every spot in the city boasts views of the towering fortress, you cannot get a better sense of the place than when you’re walking through its ancient stone walls.

The city’s most famous stretch of road is known as the Royal Mile, a charming cobblestone street that stretches from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace. Along the Royal Mile you can shop for souvenirs and gifts while taking in the city’s bustling atmosphere. You can also check out the famous St. Giles Cathedral (probably one of the only cathedrals in the world to feature wood carvings of angels playing bagpipes) and statues of famous Scotsmen such as David Hume.

Once you reach the bottom of the Royal Mile, you can tour the Palace at Holyrood, one of the many homes belonging to the famous British Monarchy. The palace sits next to one of the city’s most dominant features, Arthur’s Seat. The large hill is a favourite destination among tourists and locals alike. Though the hill may look daunting, climbing it is easier than you’d think- most people can reach the top in less than half an hour. While at the peak of Arthur’s Seat you can enjoy views of the city’s skyline and the Firth of Forth.

During your stay in Edinburgh, you can explore the old town’s bustling nightlife by checking out some of its most famous pub’s in the Grassmarket area of the city. The Grassmarket sits directly underneath the castle and features a variety of pubs, including the always-popular Biddy Mulligan’s Irish pub, the historic Last Drop pub and one of the city’s quaintest gastro pubs, the White Heart.

After you’ve explored the old town, you can check out the area of the city known as the New Town. This area includes Princes Street, which is the city’s most popular area for shopping. The New Town is also the location of the Scott Monument, a gothic-style tower built in honour of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. You can climb the tower’s very narrow winding staircases to the very top and take in the view of the bustling city below.

As you can see, there is no end of things to do in Edinburgh. Though this list only skims the surface of Edinburgh activities, it is a good start for anyone planning a trip to the Scottish capital. The city is a popular tourist destination, so there are many hotels in Edinburgh to choose from. Additionally, getting to and from the airport and train stations is fairly easy as Edinburgh is known for having one of the best bus systems in Europe.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Whilst tourists unfamiliar with the city might be a little confused by the suggestion, there aren’t many better places to go Christmas shopping in that Birmingham.

To begin, it’s impossible to talk about shopping in Birmingham without mentioning the famous Bullring shopping centre. This immense building is filled with a range of popular high street brands, such as Topshop, H&M and Forever 21. If you’re needing to purchase a new gadget for a tech-savvy family member or friend, you can check out the Bullring’s Apple store. The Bullring was designed with power-shopping in mind and the range of eateries located in its Food Hall allow you to fuel up on delicious grub before heading back for a second round of shopping.

If you’re shopping for someone who enjoys the finer things in life, you can peruse the Mailbox shopping centre, which includes all the top high-end designers. From Harvey Nichols to Emporio Armani to Hugo Boss, this shopping area is defined by luxury and indulgence.

Another option for last-minute Christmas shopping in Birmingham is the city’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market. Located on Victoria Square and New Street, the market feature a range of stalls offering a variety of German dishes and gifts. You can shop for classic wooden toys, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations and crafts from around the world. While shopping at the markets, you can enjoy authentic German seasonal cuisine such as mulled wine, salted pretzels, crepes, gingerbread, marzipan, and German beer.

After you’ve finished shopping, Birimgham is full of attractions, pubs and restaurants where you can unwind after a long day of being on your feet. If you’re interested in experiencing a bit of Birmingham’s cultural scene, you can explore the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts or see a show at the city’s famous Hippodrome theatre. Sports fans may also enjoy watching an Aston Villa, Birmingham City or West Bromwich Albion football match. If you’ve brought your kids along on the shopping tip, you can treat them to a visit at Birmingham’s best-known chocolate factory, Cadbury World.

As you can see, the bustling city of Birmingham is home to a range of shopping venues for all your last-minute shopping needs. Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be a stressful job, particularly if you work it into a relaxing city break. There are a range of Birmingham hotels that you can stay at for a night or two while you take care of those last-minute purchases. By mixing your shopping in with sightseeing and dining out at Birmingham’s trendiest restaurants, you can transform routine Christmas errands into a mini holiday right here in the UK.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

The party season is nearly upon us and no party girl’s wardrobe is complete without the staple little black dress - or LBD for short. Flattering, fabulous and perfect for most occasions, it is no surprise that the LBD has endured as a fashion must-have for so long.

A dress is probably the most difficult garment to get right, since women come in so many different shapes and sizes, and so does the LBD. Use our quick guide to finding the perfect LBD to see you through the party season and dazzle at every opportunity.

It is the season to sparkle and this year you’re going to find the shops full of LBDs that shimmer and sparkle at every turn. Smaller frames can really pull of a lot of sparkle, go all out with an embellished LBD and turn heads at any seasonal party. For the fuller figured ladies, the trick is in the detail. Opt for a glamorous LBD with sparkly trimmings that subtly catch the light. Embellishments on the shoulders or sleeves work really nicely and draw the eye to the features you most want to enhance.

Petite or boyish figures will suit a high neckline and details such as a corsage or ruffles give the illusion of a fuller bust. If you are short remember to team your LBD with some neutral heels to give you added inches in height, and add a flash of colour with bright make up or nail varnish.

Hiding curves beneath a flowing number tends to make hour-glass body types look bulky. Hour-glass figures should emphasise what they’ve got with a waist cinching wrap dress.

For a fashion-forward look go for a metallic LBD. This new twist on the classic look is a hot look on catwalks for the coming season and now many high street stores are doing their own easily wearable versions. Feathers are also big news and should always be paired with some fabulous red lipstick and a confident attitude.

The lace trend continues well into the winter and adds a sophisticated edge to an evening dress.

Don’t forget to accessorise to really make the most of your LBD during the party season. Choose a bright colour that pops, or for something subtle and sophisticated choose from the range of metallic accessories that you’ll find in the shops this season.

Wear that little black dress with confidence this party season and let yourself sparkle.

Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Manchester is known for its lively culture and vibrant nightlife. Never is this more apparent than on New Year’s Eve, when the city truly comes alive. From trendy nightclubs to cosy pubs, you can choose to ring in the New Year at a range of different venues across Manchester. With so many parties to choose from, it’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time so you can make the most of your stay in the iconic English city.

To begin, the city of Manchester hosts a fireworks show every New Year’s Eve which is best viewed from Hardman Square. The area always fills up quickly with excited tourists and locals wanting to catch the best views of the fireworks, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and secure your space among the crowd.

Another option for the night of New Year’s Eve is the Spinningfields Ice Rink, where opening hours are extended until midnight so people can ring in the New Year while skating around the ice. The fireworks are perfectly visible from the rink, so skaters are able to participate in the countdown along with the rest of the city. If you wish to do so however, it’s more than advisable to book tickets in advance - there’s usually a pretty high demand for them!

Aside from these two events, there are a number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs that host New Year’s Eve parties across the city. One option is the ‘Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Ball’ hosted by the Lounge 31 nightclub. You might also enjoy the New Year’s Eve event hosted by the Joshua Brooks nightclub, one of the city’s most popular late-night venues. If you’re looking to enjoy a New Year’s Eve meal, you can book a table at Henry J Beans, located inside The Printworks. The restaurant/bar offers a dinner menu from 10pm until 3pm.

When planning your visit, you can choose from a range of Manchester Hotels depending on your budget and preferences. Whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the UK or from abroad, the city is fairly simple to navigate, even on the busy night of New Year’s Eve. Aside from the New Year’s festivities, there are a number of other things to see and do in Manchester, including a tour of the famous Old Trafford football arena, seeing a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre and checking out T-Rex fossils at the famous Manchester Museum.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Once the busy Christmas shopping season comes to an end, shops begin to lower their prices and clear out their merchandise to make room for the upcoming season’s goods. January is a great time of year to take advantage of sales, especially in the UK’s premier shopping destination of London.

Some of the most popular shops in London have become synonymous with January sales. The first example is Harrods. January at Harrods is a great time to purchase a new dress or a good jacket and trousers set. January is your chance to splurge on those shoes you’ve had your eye on, and Harrods offers a wide selection of shoes and boots to suit any taste. The high quality of clothing and outerwear makes any sale at Harrods a great deal.

Consider shopping for your New Year’s party dress during this sales period, as most ‘January sales’ actually begin on Boxing Day, December 26. Selfridges is a great place to start your search, as this shop has a range of party dresses and other accessories. With a great line of designer dresses and other clothing, a sale at Selfridges is a great opportunity to purchase that perfect dress.

January is a great time to buy some key investment pieces for your wardrobe that can take you through the year. Visit Liberty for a wide selection of high quality investment pieces, including outerwear, blazers and tops. Liberty’s coats and jackets are designed to last through the elements of London’s winters, and during January’s sales, so you are likely to find a coat that suits your taste. As the weather tends to cool down in January, it’s the perfect time to shop for a great looking coat that will help you finish off the winter in comfort and style.

As London is one of the busiest and most popular shopping destinations in the UK, many shoppers from other cities make a trip to London to take advantage of the great sales found in shops in January. If you are planning a visit to London, be sure to book your travel arrangements and accommodation early to avoid disappointment. Hotels in London try their best to accommodate all visitors during this busy sales season, and booking early will ensure you have a great deal at a comfortable hotel.

Whatever you’re looking to buy, there is sure to be a sale in London this January that will suit your shopping needs. From your dream dress or shoes to reliable investment pieces, January is the perfect time to shop in London.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.