Cornwall-based social media fans, mark your diaries - a brand new Cornwall Twestival (@twestivalcor) event is planned for Thursday 25th March 2010.

Building on the success of two very well attended Cornwall Twestivals in 2009, the Vertigo Bar in Truro will play host to Cornwall Twestival Global 2010 on the evening of Thursday 25th March.  Truro will join hundreds of cities around the world as Twitter users and other social media fans come together in the ‘real world’ to have fun and raise money for a global cause. Find out more about Twestival Global 2010.

Twestival Global 2010 official charity: Concern Worldwide

This year’s Twestival Global charity is Concern Worldwide (@concern), a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of poverty.  Find out more about Concern Worldwide.

All funds raised from the March 25th Twestival Global events will go to Concern to help the 72 million children in the world who don’t currently have the opportunity to go to school.

Concern has confirmed that 100% of money raised will be used for material purchases (curriculum, desks, pencils) as well as project activities such as construction of schools; rehabilitation of classrooms; teacher/management training; PTAs; HIV/AIDS school clubs; water and sanitation in schools; health education in schools; education advocacy; vocational/life-skills training for youth, farmers and women; and curriculum development for secondary school/university.

Tickets on sale soon!

We’re planning an outstanding evening of entertainment on the 25th, and we’ll be taking over the popular and buzzy Vertigo Bar in the centre of Truro (see map) for the night.  Tickets will go on sale very soon, and you can follow @twestivalcor on Twitter for updates. We’d love for you to join us and help to raise thousands for this very worthy cause - while having a lot of fun in the process!

Become a Cornwall Twestival Global sponsor

A limited number of sponsorship places are available for local businesses and organisations. To find out more about sponsoring, including the extensive media and publicity opportunities associated with being a Twestival sponsor, contact Rose Robinson on the Cornwall Twestival Global organiser team.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Cornwall Twestival Global 2010, leave a comment here or contact lead organiser Matt Franks.

In the meantime, stay tuned for updates!

Well we are reaching the final build up to Saturday’s big event and what an amazing line up we have instore for you!

As you will have read in our previous post and tweets, we have some outstanding local talent lined up for your entertainment on Saturday. Many of you have already booked your tickets and we can’t wait to welcome you on the night.

So let’s give you a quick run down of who’s coming to the party…

Special Guests and Performers

Sophie Stokes
Sophie’s smooth blues and soul-inspired style, comparable to that of Devon superstar Joss Stone, makes her the perfect Cornish act to open the county’s Twestival.

Paul McGahan and his band Breakthru
One of Cornwall’s best known vocalists, international recording artiste Paul McGahan, takes to the stage with his band Breakthru.

Miss Cornwall
As well as holding the title of Miss Cornwall, Charlotte also had the honour of being named Miss Cornwall Charity after raising the most amount of money in the run up to the final in June.

James Martin, Pirate FM
James is Pirate FM’s “swing jock”  and a producer at the station.  James will be on hand as compere and auctioneer for the night.

Mick Ryan, Fundraiser and Roy Endacott, CEO at Country Holidays for Inner City Kids (CHICKS)
Representing our chosen charity, CHICKS, MIck and Roy will be at the event to tell you more about the important work they do improving the lives of disadvantaged children.

Our Distinguised Guests
So far the following have booked tickets to attend:

Nathaniel Davis (Tee Design and Printing Ltd)
Katy Creates + Guest (PR Dogs)
Samantha Searle (Deborah Clark Associates)
Sandra Boehner (Into Art)
Johnny Pope (Into Art)
Melanie Crate (Nalders Solicitors)
Laura Tregonning (Deborah Clark Associates)
Teri Hudson
Mat Hill (Vitality Monthly)
Lydia Garfitt (Vitality Monthly)
Matt Collins (Ampersand Industries)
Lucy Whittington (Inspired Business Marketing)
Andy Wilkes (Inspired Business Marketing)
Jonathan Lea (Follett Stock)
Mark Grice + Guest (Redfuse Internet Ltd)
Clare Rutt (Friday Girl)
Nicola Moule (Friday Girl)
Peter Graves (Channel Computing)
James Henry (Radix Communications)
Angela Young (Moon Estates)
James Warner
Sarah Wasden (Red Publishing Ltd)
Duncan Gillett (Red Publishing Ltd)
Robert Jenkins + Guest (Big Brave Dog Ltd)
Belinda Waldock (Business Link)
Annie Moore (Cornwall Council)
Charlotte Trevithick-Ryall
David Saunders
Claire Martin

Our committee

Fiona Campbell-Howes (Radix Communications)
Gemma Ford (The Bedruthan Steps Hotel)
Claire Invest (The Scarlet Hotel)
Robert Rush (PFA Research)
Aren Grimshaw (Tonick Media)
Laura McKay (Deborah Clark Associates)
Shelley Fletcher (Deborah Clark Associates)

Our Event Sponsors and their representatives

Bedruthan Steps Hotel - Gemma Ford

Bedruthan Steps Hotel has been in the same family, cherished and nurtured over 40 years to give our guests memorable holidays on the unique North Cornwall coast.  We are family-friendly and have lots of children’s activities as well as plenty to offer for the adults, including the stunning Ocean Spa, Indigo Bay Restaurant and the breathtaking view from the terrace.

Deborah Clark Associates - Jason Clark and John Casey
Deborah Clark Associates has been established for more than 20 years providing public relations, media and communications management to businesses and organisations across Cornwall, Devon and the wider South West.

Niddocks Internet Marketing - Rob and Andrea Edlin
Niddocks Limited is an Internet Marketing company focusing on providing cost-effective web marketing solutions for small, medium and large businesses throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  Services include SEO, Google AdWords training, management and consultancy.

PFA Research - Robert Rush
PFA Research provides organisations with the essential market intelligence to allow them to evaluate, quantify and address their market and customers, using proven market research and consultancy practice.  PFA Research provides full service, bespoke market research solutions; using tried and tested quantitative and qualitative primary research techniques, including telephone surveys, in-street polling, postal surveys, focus groups, and online research.

The Scarlet Hotel - Claire Invest
Simply put, the Scarlet is a beautiful 37-bedroom hotel built to the highest eco standards, boasting delicious locally sourced food and the best Ayurvedic spa you can imagine.  Discover an escape for adults to eat, dream and play in peace.

Tonick Media - Aren Grimshaw
Tonick Media is a strategic media consultancy and publisher responsible for Cornwall’s only dedicated business magazine and website, Business Cornwall. The company works with clients in Cornwall and further afield to help them get the most out of their traditional and social media marketing activities.

Radix Communications - Fiona Campbell-Howes
From its base in Penryn, Radix provides specialist copywriting, editing and design services to IT-industry clients across Europe and beyond. Radix works with companies such as Adobe Systems, CA, Compuware and Oracle to write and produce everything from brochures and event invitations to newsletters, video scripts and opinion articles.

St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery is known to be one of the oldest businesses in Cornwall and one of only 30 Independently family owned brewers in the UK. It is the South West’s largest wholesale distributor of beer, wines and spirits, and currently holds the title of the UK’s Regional Brewer of the Year 2009.

Worldwide Financial Planning - Peter McGahan and Neil Chamberlain
Truro-based Worldwide Financial Planning is one of the UK’s leading firms of independent financial advisers. Winner of 16 FT awards over the last four years, the firm prides itself on its financial expertise, personal customer service and independence.

UKNetWeb
Operating from a converted engine house on the north coast of Cornwall, UKNetWeb has been providing web design and development services to a range of businesses throughout the UK and further afield since its inception in 1999.

Business Link - Jon Anderson
Business Link provides the information, advice and support you need to start, run and grow a business. Our service is impartial and our motivation is to provide practical solutions to customers and offer a fresh insight and an independent solution to their particular business needs.

Newquay Airport - Josie Slater and Kevin Pickup
As the largest commercial airport serving Cornwall, Newquay offers a real alternative to the long and frustrating land journey by offering flights to up to 20 European and UK destinations for both business and leisure travellers.

Our Media Sponsors and their representatives

Business Cornwall - Toni Eyriey
Pirate FM - James Martin + others
ThisIsCornwall

Our Official Photographer

PR4Photos - Paul Richards

Those sending their apologies through purchase of a Cornwall Twestival Apology Ticket supporting the charity and event:

Alistair Cartwright (ACA)
Charlotte Mahon (The Vine)
Joss Price (Boutique Retreats)
Toby Parkins (UKNetWeb)

The full event line-up can be viewed below (click image to view)

There are atill a few tickets left so tell your friends before they run out. We look forward to seeing you all at 7.30pm Saturday.

Look out for media coverage of Cornwall Twestival - this story appeared on Sky this morning - Tweeting For Charity: Twestival Events Begin

The recently crowned Miss Cornwall, Charlotte Holmes, will be showing her support for all things Cornish at Cornwall Twestival Local as she joins forces with Pirate FM’s James Martin to host the evening’s three auctions.

As well as holding the title of Miss Cornwall, Charlotte also had the honour of being named Miss Cornwall Charity after raising the most amount of money in the run up to the final in June. Already a keen supporter of Cornwall Twestival’s nominated charity, CHICKS, Charlotte is hoping she can help the organisers raise as much money as possible for CHICKS on the night.

With just nine days to go to Cornwall Twestival Local on Saturday 12th September, we’re delighted to bring you the full line-up of the event’s activities, auction prizes and star performers.

Held at the spectacular Bedruthan Steps Hotel near Newquay, the Twestival will kick off at 7:30pm with a welcome drink courtesy of St Austell Brewery. Until 8.30pm you’ll be treated to a live performance from one of Cornwall’s top up-and-coming singer-songwriters, Sophie Stokes, as you mingle and sample a delicious buffet. Sophie’s smooth blues and soul-inspired style, comparable to that of Devon superstar Joss Stone, makes her the perfect Cornish act to open the county’s Twestival.

From 9pm the event moves up a gear with the first of the night’s three auctions, hosted by Pirate FM’s James Martin. The first auction will include three items:

• Family ticket to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
• Goody bag and make-over cards from Body Shop Truro
• Family ticket to Newquay Zoo

Headline act - Paul McGahan and Breakthru
After the first auction, guests are in for a real treat as one of Cornwall’s best known vocalists, international recording artiste Paul McGahan, takes to the stage with his band Breakthru. Known as the UK’s top Bono soundalike, Paul recently appeared on the Jonathan Ross Show alongside U2. With four albums in the bag and a new album, “REFLEX”, due out in January 2010, Paul and Breakthru will be a fantastic headline act for Cornwall Twestival Local.

The second set of auction items will be on offer from 10:30pm. Guests will have the chance to bid for:

• Zipwire experience for two at Lusty Glaze
• Hair and beauty package from Mamouchi and the Great Escape in Truro
• Luxurious and cleansing massage treatment in the brand new Hammam Room at Ocean Spa at Bedruthan, with use of the hydro spa

Breakthru will return to the stage at 10:45pm for a final half-hour set before the top three items are auctioned off from 11:15pm. Don’t miss this chance to get your hands on these great prizes:

• Vocal Master Class and Make Me a Star Recording Session complete with a professionally finished CD with Vikki St Leger, a professional vocal performance coach
• Two return flights to any of Air Southwest’s nine year-round destinations
• Two night break at the Scarlet Hotel

100% of the money raised through ticket sales and the auction will be donated to the nominated charity, CHICKS – Country Holidays for Inner-City Kids. This has been made possible through the generous donations of our sponsors who have paid for the costs of staging the event.

Click here to view / print the full event schedule.

Book your ticket today!
Cornwall Twestival Local tickets are selling fast, so don’t leave it too late - book yours today and join us on the 12th for what promises to be a brilliant night!

Huge thanks from all of us on the Cornwall Twestival Local team to Newquay Cornwall Airport, who came on board today as our final event sponsor.

As the largest commercial airport serving Cornwall, Newquay offers a real alternative to the long and frustrating land journey by offering flights to up to 20 European and UK destinations for both business and leisure travellers.

Its newly refurbished terminal offers passengers enhanced facilities including an executive lounge, new cafes and retail. The airport is continuing to go from strength to strength and is committed to ensure this is delivered sustainably. Find out more about Newquay Cornwall Airport at www.newquaycornwallairport.com or follow it on Twitter at @Newquay_Airport.

Newquay Airport is just a few miles from the stunning Twestival venue at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, so if you’re thinking of making a flying visit to Cornwall on the weekend of the 12th September, why not come and join the party? Tickets are just £20 a head and selling fast, so book yours today!

The Twestival Cornwall Local team are delighted to announce that Country Holidays for Inner City Kids (CHICKS) has been voted the official Cornwall Twestival Local charity. CHICKS will receive the full proceeds from all Twestival Cornwall Local tickets sold, as well as proceeds from the auction on the night itself and any additional funds raised at the event.

CHICKS provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged and vulnerable children aged 8 to 15. They include children in care; those suffering poverty, illness or bereavement; child carers; victims of abuse and crime; and children whose parents are addicts.

CHICKS gives these children a free, fun-filled break in Devon or Cornwall, where they make new friends, enjoy new experiences, grow in confidence, motivation and ambition, and leave with an increased sense of self worth.

The money raised at Cornwall Twestival Local will go towards purchasing games & equipment for the children’s centre including; a pool table, volleyball stands, netting & balls, 30 pairs of wetshoes, equipment for beach activities & swimming plus additional equipment for other outdoor team/ball games.

CHICKS was founded in 1992 by two teachers who realised the difference that a respite break in the countryside could have on disadvantaged children. In 1992 camps for 20 children were held exclusively under canvas and were only run during the summer on a farm near Lydford Gorge.

CHICKS now owns two residential retreats; Moorland Retreat near Tavistock in Devon, nestled in the foothills of Dartmoor, and Coastal Retreat, near the Cornish coast at Tywardreath. In 2008 CHICKS provided respite breaks for 800 children and aims to increase this to 1,200 children a year by 2010. There are currently 27 children from Cornwall booked on a free CHICKS break this year, although they expect this number to rise based on numbers from previous years. In the past 5 years, they have helped a total of 222 children from Cornwall alone.

During their stay the children take part in many new and exciting outdoor activities such as horse riding, swimming, abseiling, body boarding, rock climbing and trips to the zoo. In quieter moments the children can bounce on sunken trampolines, enjoy face painting and reading, participate in arts and crafts and play board games. The weeks are designed to encourage potential and improve confidence whilst having fun. All activities are ‘challenge by choice’. No child is ever forced to take part. Part of the uniqueness of CHICKS lies in the dual goals of providing fun and care.

Please help us to support CHICKS by buying a ticket for Cornwall Twestival Local, donating a prize for the Twestival auction, or making a donation with one of our £15 ‘apology’ tickets.

Many thanks to the businesses that are generously sponsoring Cornwall Twestival Local. Without them there wouldn’t be an event! Here’s a little bit about each of our sponsors below.

Bedruthan Steps Hotel
Bedruthan Steps Hotel has been in the same family, cherished and nurtured over 40 years to give our guests memorable holidays on the unique North Cornwall coast.  We are family-friendly and have lots of children’s activities as well as plenty to offer for the adults, including the stunning Ocean Spa, Indigo Bay Restaurant and the breathtaking view from the terrace.

Deborah Clark Associates
Deborah Clark Associates has been established for more than 20 years providing public relations, media and communications management to businesses and organisations across Cornwall, Devon and the wider South West.

Niddocks Internet Marketing
Niddocks Limited is an Internet Marketing company focusing on providing cost-effective web marketing solutions for small, medium and large businesses throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  Services include SEO, Google AdWords training, management and consultancy.

PFA Research
PFA Research provides organisations with the essential market intelligence to allow them to evaluate, quantify and address their market and customers, using proven market research and consultancy practice.  PFA Research provides full service, bespoke market research solutions; using tried and tested quantitative and qualitative primary research techniques, including telephone surveys, in-street polling, postal surveys, focus groups, and online research.

The Scarlet Hotel
Simply put, the Scarlet is a beautiful 37-bedroom hotel built to the highest eco standards, boasting delicious locally sourced food and the best Ayurvedic spa you can imagine.  Discover an escape for adults to eat, dream and play in peace.

Tonick Media
Tonick Media is a strategic media consultancy and publisher responsible for Cornwall’s only dedicated business magazine and website, Business Cornwall. The company works with clients in Cornwall and further afield to help them get the most out of their traditional and social media marketing activities.

Radix Communications
From its base in Penryn, Radix provides specialist copywriting, editing and design services to IT-industry clients across Europe and beyond. Radix works with companies such as Adobe Systems, CA, Compuware and Oracle to write and produce everything from brochures and event invitations to newsletters, video scripts and opinion articles.

St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery is known to be one of the oldest businesses in Cornwall and one of only 30 Independently family owned brewers in the UK. It is the South West’s largest wholesale distributor of beer, wines and spirits, and currently holds the title of the UK’s Regional Brewer of the Year 2009.

Worldwide Financial Planning
Truro-based Worldwide Financial Planning is one of the UK’s leading firms of independent financial advisers. Winner of 16 FT awards over the last four years, the firm prides itself on its financial expertise, personal customer service and independence.

UKNetWeb
Operating from a converted engine house on the north coast of Cornwall, UKNetWeb has been providing web design and development services to a range of businesses throughout the UK and further afield since its inception in 1999.

Business Link
Business Link provides the information, advice and support you need to start, run and grow a business. Our service is impartial and our motivation is to provide practical solutions to customers and offer a fresh insight and an independent solution to their particular business needs.

We would like to say a big thank you to the whole team at Worldwide Financial Planning, FT Award winning Independent Financial Advisers, for agreeing to come on board as a sponsor for Cornwall Twestival Local.

Check out their website to learn more about them or follow them on Twitter - @WorldwideFP

Cornwall will join cities from across the world next month and host its very own Twestival Local event on Saturday 12 September 2009. Buy your ticket now!

Cornwall Twestival Local, which is one of only 14 events planned in the country, will be held at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel, a spectacular cliff top location near Newquay. The event will take place on Saturday September 12 from 8:00pm and will raise valuable funds for a nominated charity - to be announced very soon.

A series of Twestival Local events are being held at locations across the globe between the 10th and 13th September. The Twestival concept, which started on the micro-blogging platform, Twitter, aims to connect people offline at the same time as raising money for worthy causes.

With a venue so closely associated with the sea, the event’s theme will be ‘Beach Chic’ – smart evening wear with a beach-inspired twist.

Early Bird discount for first 25 tickets
The first 25 tickets are on sale now, priced at an early bird rate of just £15 per person. After these tickets have sold out, all remaining tickets will be available at £20 per person. All of the money raised through ticket sales and at the event itself will be donated to the nominated charity.

Great auction prizes to be won
The event, which will get underway at 8:00pm on Saturday 12 September, will include live music, a DJ and a charity auction which will feature top prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes already donated include:

• A two-night stay at the Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall’s luxury eco hotel
• Two return flights to any of Air Southwest’s nine year-round destinations
• A complete hair and beauty package at Mamouchi & The Great Escape in Truro
• Family Pass to the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, for 2 adults and up to 3 children
• A goody bag and makeover cards from the Body Shop, Truro branch
• A luxurious, cleansing massage treatment in the new Hammam Room at Bedruthan Steps Hotel and free use of the hydro spa
• Family ticket to Newquay Zoo
• **NEW** Vocal Master Class and Make Me a Star Recording Session complete with a professionally finished CD with Vikki St Leger, a professional vocal performance coach

The Cornwall Twestival Local team

The Cornwall Twestival Local event is being organised by volunteers from across the Cornish business community. One of the organisers, Aren Grimshaw, Marketing Director at Tonick Media, said: “We’ve had to make the event happen in a small space of time but we’re really excited about the concept and we hope to bring together a wide range of people from across the county and beyond. We’re lucky enough to have the Bedruthan Steps Hotel hosting the event, with such a stunning location overlooking the North Cornwall coast the event is sure to be extremely popular.”

“In February, Cornwall hosted a Twestival event and guests helped raise money for a global charity. This time around we’re upping the ante with the style of event and really hope it attracts even more people and we raise valuable funds for a charity closer to home. Make sure you don’t miss out, book your ticket now!”

Cornwall Twestival Sponsors
A range of local companies have already pledged to sponsor Cornwall Twestival Local. Businesses already signed up to sponsor for the event include:

• Bedruthan Steps Hotel
• Deborah Clark Associates
• Niddocks Internet Marketing
• PFA Research
• Radix Communications
• Scarlet Hotel
• Tonick Media
• UKNetWeb
• Worldwide Financial Planning

PR4Photos will be the official photographers for the event.

Make a weekend of it!
Guests attending the event will be eligible for discounted room rates at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel. Double and twin rooms are available for £55 per person per night.

Become a sponsor
Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or wanting to donate a prize to the auction should contact either Laura McKay or Shelley Fletcher at Deborah Clark Associates on 01208 77900.

To keep up to date with developments, follow Cornwall Twestival on Twitter on @TwestivalCor.

Vote for the OFFICIAL Cornwall Twestival Charity

We have now launched a UserVoice forum to field your votes on which charity should receive all the funds raised at Cornwall Twestival Local in September. Please go to http://cornwalltwestival.uservoice.com/ to add your vote.

Cornwall Twestival Twitter and Facebook Accounts

Cornwall Twestival now has its own Twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/twestivalcor and a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cornwall-Twestival-Local/111977552099?ref=nf - sign up on either to keep up to date with the latest news and information on the event.

Get Involved

We are looking to put together a team of volunteers very shortly. We will need support in organising and funding the event - if you can help please get in touch by emailing cornwalltwestival@googlemail.com