Ruby Slippers | marketing and PR agency based in Sheffield

FLIPPIN ‘ECK – YOU COULD BE A WORLD RECORD HOLDER

2012-01-26T06:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever fancied being a Guinness World Record holder?

Join us at The University of Sheffield and take part in breaking the record for the most people flipping a pancake.

The record breaking attempt will take place on Wednesday 15 February at 1.30pm. What a great way to spend half term week!

The current record stands at 405 people simultaneously tossing a pancake for 30 seconds. They can’t break this record without your help!

On the day, you’ll be supplied with a pan and a pancake for the attempt. You just need to register online at:

www.sheffield.ac.uk/acs/worldrecord

For taking part you will receive a souvenir brochure and certificate and on the day, there will also be a pancake race, a pancake party and a pancake eating competition, as well as free soup for all those who take part.

The Big Flip isn’t just about breaking a world record, it’s also a charity event. All donations will be given to three local charities which have been hand-picked by students living in University accommodation – AACT: Asperger’s Children and Carer’s Together, Project Buzz and Paces Sheffield.

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS....

2011-11-23T03:08:00.000-08:00

December is fast approaching and here at Ruby Slippers we have a very keen eye on the 19^th Kelham Island Museum Victorian Christmas Market.

Taking place on Saturday 3^rd (10am - 7pm) and Sunday 4^th (10am - 5pm) December, the Victorian Christmas Market brings traditional Christmas cheer to Sheffield.

There are over 120 stalls with gift ideas for all budgets. Although it is not all about the shopping! Visitors can gather under gas lamps for hot chestnuts, mulled wine, a hog roast and taste sensations from around the world. Entertainment comes in the form of Dickensian themed performers, musicians and the Mighty River Don engine. For the children there are fairground gallopers and even Santa’s workshop!

Niki Connelly, Events and Marketing Officer at Kelham Island Museum said: “The snow thwarted us last year and everyone at the museum was devastated that we couldn’t hold the Christmas Market. This year we’ve gone all out to make up for last year’s snow. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before with loads to do for all of the family and some amazing products on sale.

“Kelham Island is such a magical place and the Victorian Christmas Market has been a staple part of it for 20 years now. It attracts thousands of visitors who browse the Dickensian themed market and enjoy the traditional Christmas entertainment. Be sure to be part of the celebrations.”

Tickets are £5 for adults and then accompanying children are free, however if you have been following our social media ‘Spot the Top Hat’ campaign you might be the lucky winner of a family ticket!

Be sure not to miss this Christmas spectacular and head down to the Victorian Christmas Market on the 3^rd and 4^th of December!

Sheffield Peace Gardens to host its first ever open air theatre

2011-07-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

We want to draw your attention to this fabulous open-air event in the heart of Sheffield city centre...

William Shakespeare’s most famous love story “Romeo and Juliet” and the ever popular ”Twelfth Night” will be performed in The Peace Gardens this July.

Dressed in traditional costumes, British-based classical GB Theatre Company will entertain guests on Thursday 28, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 July.

The Peace Gardens opened in 1998 and this year celebrates its 13th birthday. It's been used for all sorts of events and festivals but never before for live open-air theatrical performances.

Guests will witness shipwrecks, swordfights, hidden identities, forbidden marriage and of course, the amazing verse poetry and prose of the ‘star-crossed lovers.

The cast includes the fabulous Gabriel Thomson (My Family and Enemy at the Gates) as Romeo, and Lucy Wray who is one of London’s hot new talents of the stage plays

Guests can purchase seating or picnic tickets and are advised to bring warm clothing and waterproofs as umbrellas are not permitted during the performance.

Thursday 28^th July - Romeo and Juliet

Friday 29^th July - Twelfth Night

Saturday 30^th

July - Romeo and Juliet

Performances start at 7 pm until 9.30 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office on 0114 256 5567 or online at www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

Seated Tickets: £15.00

Picnic Tickets : £10.00

Concession Price, Seated: £10.00 (Thursday only)

Concession Price, Picnic: £7.00 (Thursday only)

You've heard of 'Flash Mob' but how about 'Flash Pot'?

2011-06-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Be part of our 'Flash Pot'

You will no doubt have heard of a FLASH MOB, well Junior Chamber Internation (JCI Sheffield) have taken this concept and decided to use it for a very good cause...

The aim of the ‘Flash Pot’ is to get as many people as possible to come together at The Cathedral Archer Project (based at Sheffield Cathedral) on Thursday 30th June at 1pm and build a giant pot noodle pyramid. All of the pot noodles will be donated to the Cathedral Archer project who support Sheffield’s homeless citizens (pot noodles are one of the most practical items that the project can use as they can distribute them to their clients who often have no means to cook a hot meal).

The idea is that people will just bring along a pot noodle and have fun by placing it in the pyramid then going about their business as if nothing has happened!

Be part of the JCI Sheffield ‘Flash Pot’ event

Date: Thursday 30^th June 2011

Time: 1 pm

Location: Sheffield Cathedral

Essential: Bring along a pot noodle... it's for a good cause!

40 of the UK’s finest artist blacksmiths arrive in Sheffield to fire-up Easter event at Abbeydale Hamlet

2011-04-22T02:14:00.000-07:00

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet will be the host to the largest gathering of blacksmiths in UK on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April.

The event, part of Galvanize Sheffield, is set to attract over 40 blacksmiths from the British Artists Blacksmith Association (BABA) who will fire up 30 forges and work together to produce a spectacular piece of public art. The artwork will later be handed over to the City of Sheffield and go on display in The Winter Garden.

This is the first public event at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet for the 2011 season.

Visitors will have the opportunity to try out blacksmithing and forge their own artwork.

Blacksmith demonstrations will take place across both days from BABA members and there will be a ‘Family Forge’ area where children and families can get involved and have a go at forging hot iron to make something of their own to keep.

Abbeydale’s Living History Character’s will be on hand and taking tours around the Hamlet and Whirlow Hall Farm will fire up a Hog Roast.

The ‘Forge In’ event at Abbeydale is part of the Galvanize Sheffield festival of contemporary metalworking and is linked to ‘Something for the Garden’ exhibition which is on display in the Winter Garden. It is being delivered in partnership with Galvanize Sheffield, BABA and is supported by Sheffield Town Trust. Local Blacksmiths involved in the event will include; Ridgeway Forge.

Information about Galvanize Sheffield Festival: www.galvanizefestival.co.uk

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet website: www.simt.co.uk

Ruby Slippers supports Galvanize Sheffield 2011

2011-04-07T02:14:00.000-07:00

Here at Ruby Slippers we are currently delivering the PR activity to support Galvanize Sheffield, a festival of contemporary metalwork taking place in Sheffield from 24 March - 24 April 2011 – and it is already causing quite a stir.

The festival showcases a wealth of stunning and thought provoking objects featured in exhibitions, workshops and tours happening across the city.

Galvanize Sheffield is here to show that Sheffield is home to some of the finest Silversmiths and metalworkers in the UK. The city is a hub for talent, design and creativity and the spotlight is firmly on Sheffield and the future of metalworking innovation.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is a month-long celebration of metalwork. It will provide opportunities to explore Sheffield’s rich industrial heritage and tread a well worn path around some of the most industrial corners of the city. We also get to explore the latest design innovations, as Galvanize showcases some the most practical products through to the most intricate and indulgent treasures.

There are many exhibitions taking place over the city:

Beneath the Skin at Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery displays precious objects and reveals their story from conception to realisation.

Sheffield’s civic relationship with metal is demonstrated with exhibits and pieces in the Town Hall collection – the Graduate Commission has just been revealed.... see some of the coverage in The Star here.... it is a new drinking cup which will be used at ceremonial occasions as an ice-breaker and conversation starter. Below is 'Organism' by Junko Mori exhibited at Interchange Talk, Butcher Works Gallery.

In the Winter Garden you will be bedazzled by Darren Richardson’s festival commission, a bench made from spectacular steel spheres.

There is an exhibition of photography charting the industrial process at Bank Street Arts and in the Crucible foyer, showing work of Sheffield born fashion designer Johanna O’Hagan.

Galvanise tours, talks and workshops are well under way (many already sold out) but there are plenty more that you can get involved with ....

Explore the heart of the formal industrial Sheffield and the old metalworking industry with a guided walk around Kelham Island. Enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea at the Silversmith’s Tea Party. Women of Steel event at The Milestone in Sheffield and meet women silversmiths leading the way in metal work and jewellery. You can also try silver etching, jewellery making and an our overall favourite create your very own silver spoon.

Sheffield is sparked up and all set to show how the city is leading the way in metal design and innovation.

For more information about the festival or any media enquiries please contact Nichola Atherton at Ruby Slippers on nichola@rubyslippers.co.uk

Sheffield events, networking and social occasions...

2011-03-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

What’s been going on in Sheffield you might ask...

Well here is an update of the events in Sheffield that we have been involved with, including a few cheeky snaps.

We’ve also highlighted a few more events that you might want to consider over the next few weeks.

International Women's Day event at SOYO Sheffield 'She's electric'

Our 'Ruby Slippers' style contribution to IWD showcased a handful of talented females from Sheffield. Organised by yours truely and Bettina Yard from Morgan Dias we raised awareness and gathered donations for City Hearts charity based in Sheffield.

Entertainment was provided by two female stand-up comedians from Sheffield, Sarah Profit and Fern Brady, brilliant!

Exhibiting at 'She's electric' was:

Jessica Flinn of Jessica Flinn Designs

Jennie Beard of Handsley Beard

Niki Connolly jewellery designer

Caroline 'The Girl with the golden cup' Tea Alchemist

Thank you to everyone for your donations, money, toiletries and generally having a lot of fun, helped by the delightful cocktails of course!

Tim Rumboll, Lstn Audio Video Production, Bea Marshall, Moogaloo and James Wilson of We Love Sleep - enjoy those coktails guys!

Over the next few weeks there are a few more events in Sheffield that are worth an extra look...

JCI Sheffield new members event - Thursday 17th March, Tulip Lounge, Sheffield, 6 pm

Galvanize Sheffield - 24 March - 24 April 2011, at 20 venues across Sheffield,

Ruby Slippers, Marketing and PR agency Sheffield

International Women's Day celebration event 'She's electric...'

2011-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

International Women’s Day celebration event

‘She’s electric...’

Date: Thursday 10 March 2011

Venue: SOYO, Rockingham Street, Sheffield, S1 4EB

Time: 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm

At Ruby Slippers we love a good event, so we've decided to get inviolved with International Women's Day and throw a party to celebrate the dynamic and talented ‘women’ we have in Sheffield. International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world and here in Sheffield we have our fair share of vibrant women to shout about. So we are inviting both men and women to join us and celebrate.

This is an evening to forge new networks and join together with other passionate, creative and entrepreneurial souls.

Entertainment will include a stand-up comedy set with two female comedians from Sheffield, Sarah Profit and Fern Brady and a range of inspiring and talented local businesses will be showcased on the night.

Welcome drink and nibbles provided.

RSVP - please book and register you details.

We are taking this opportunity to raise money for....

City Hearts is a residential programme founded in Sheffield for women overcoming serious life issues. The project provides refuge for women and helps them get the support they need. We’re hoping you will make a small donation on the night or bring along some of the following items so each woman can be provided with a welcome pack when they arrive at a safe house:

Toothpaste | toothbrush | wash cloth | shower scrub | towel | soap | shower gel | shampoo | brush & comb | tampons & sanitary towels | deodorant & antiperspirant | cotton wool & tissues | moisturising creams

RSVP

Don’t forget to let us know you are coming along - please register you details.

Behind the scenes...

This event has been organised by two business owners that live and work in Sheffield. Nichola Atherton is the Director of boutique marketing and PR agency Ruby Slippers, and Bettina Yard is Director of Morgan Dias Immigration Consultants.

EVENT SPONSOR... This event has kindly been sponsored by Working Women.

Win tickets to Kelham Island Museum's Victorian Christmas Market with our social media and online PR campaign

2010-11-26T04:19:00.000-08:00

It’s the time of year when Christmas is just around the corner and in Sheffield, Kelham Island Museum will kick off the December festivities with their annual Victorian Christmas market.

Ruby Slippers is working with SIMTto launch a social media camapaign and competition, fallowing the general public in Sheffield to win tickets to the Christmas market. in Sheffield. We are asking people to identify the location of the 'Top Hat’, the symbol of the 2010 Victorian Christmas Market.

The hat has been photographed in and around Sheffield in various ‘secret’ places. The photographs will appear via a number of social media channels including the Kelham Island Museum website, facebook and twitter sites, also local blogs and more tradtional PR channels. You are invited to post a response and guess the location of the hat.

Can you guess the location?

Will you arrive using this mode of transport?

Photographs will be posted on the Kelham Island Museum website www.simt.co.uk/news, facebook site (Kelham Industrial Museum) and twitter sites @KelhamIsland.

The ‘Top Hat’ competition can be entered online by emailing ask@simt.co.uk or posting a response on facebook or twitter.

Kelham Island Museum Christmas Market

This year’s market is themed around ‘A wonderful world of Dickens at Christmas’ wirth over 100 market stalls.

It will take place at Kelham Island Museum, Alma Street, Sheffield, S3 8RY on Saturday 4^th December 10am - 7pm and Sunday 5^th December 10am - 5pm. Children FREE, adults £4 and concessions £3

Blogging and marketing communications... are blogs worth the time and effort?

2010-10-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Is a blog a useful part of the marketing mix?

I've just come across this article on Marketing Review about blogging which I think is pretty interesting and worth sharing via our Ruby Slippers blog....

www.marketingreview.biz/marketing/should-i-be-blogging-for-seo/

A lot of our clients ask, what is a blog? Do you have one and is it worth bothering with as part of the marketing mix?

So, to answer the first question... what is a blog?

According to Wikipedia here's the definition of a blog:

A blog (a blend of the term web log)^[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Blog can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.^[2]

Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (Art blog), photographs (photoblog), videos (video blogging), music (MP3 blog), and audio (podcasting). Microblogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts.

The second question... should I have a blog?

I firmly belive that out of all the internet marketing tools available to use in your business, a blog is one of the most useful and versatile. A good blog provides lots of benefits and one of the most significant is that a great blog can improve the SEO profile for your website.

The reason that most businesses have websites is to act as a shop window for their products and services, and so it is ultimately the goal to attract lots of traffic to the site. For this reason it is important to consider SEO.

Search engines are still the number one source of traffic to the majority of websites. So, if you want to see the volume of traffic to your website increase, it is important to think about ways to bring more visitors to your site through search engines. The simple answer could be a blog!

Blogs help to create keyword rich content, which put simply means, you choose the keywords to feature in each blog and this can help your entire site rank higher in search engines.

So, get writing! If you write regularly enough and about topics that are relevant for your site, business and audiences then you should benefit in terms of how well your site ranks. Quality does count though, so write relevant and interesting content!

Hope that helps... contact us at http://www.rubyslippers.co.uk/ or call 0114 221 7487 if you want more info or advise.

The Milestone gastro pub in Sheffield

2010-10-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today our Ruby Slippers blog has to be dedicated to The Milestone gastro pub in Sheffield.

Ruby Slippers started working with The Milestone as their PR and marketing agency back in December 2008 and have enjoyed watching them go from strength to strength...

Today is quite a day for Sheffield gastro pub... The Milestone were crowned winners of the White Rose Awards, Yorkshire Pub of the Year 2010 and later today will appear on Gordon Ramsey’s Best Restaurant TV programme!

We are really proud at Ruby Slippers to have worked with such an enthusiastic team and have enjoyed some delicious food along the way.

Well done to all the Milestone team – you deserve it!

Event at Abbeydale Hamlet in Sheffield this weekend

2010-09-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

At Ruby Slippers we really enjoy working with Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust and the team at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, and are looking forward to the 'steam' event taking place this weekend.

Families and steam enthusiasts are expected at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet for an event dedicated to the mighty power of steam on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd October.

The two day ‘Steam Gathering’ celebration will feature a collection of steam powered machines including steam rollers, traction engines, and road locomotives.

Miniature steam engine The Kelham Island Flyer (usually housed at Kelham Island Museum) will be in steam and bring the former industrial hamlet to life with the sights, sounds and smells of a working steam engine. Families can view all the working engines and will be encouraged to ask the owners and drivers all about them.

Ridgeway Forge will demonstrate a range of time-honoured skills and visitors can watch traditional forge work whilst hearing tales of how our ‘steel city’ was built on the vibrant metal work industry. Joining them is Sheffield Antiques, who will have a stall selling vintage items, reminiscent of the era.

Abbeydale’s colourful living history characters will be on hand to entertain the crowds and offer guided tours of the hamlet. The costumed characters will share tales from the past about Sheffield’s nautical links and explain how whale oil was used as lubrication in steel making industries. The characters will entertain youngsters with traditional tales of the sea, and merry sea shanty songs.

Niki Connolly, events and marketing officer for Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust told us, “Our annual Steam Gathering event looks set to draw-in a huge crowd and once again promises to be the most popular on the Abbeydale calendar. Last year we had an amazing 2800 visitors attend across the weekend and this year we hope to attract even more, including families and steam enthusiasts alike. This is the last in our series of family focused events and we hope it is going to be a hugely popular day. “

The Hamlet will open to visitors at 10 am and close at 5 pm on both days. Refreshments can be purchased in the cafe and the book shop will be open throughout.

Ruby Slippers work with SIMT to raise the profile of venues and promote their events. For more info about marketing, PR and event management in Sheffield visit www.rubyslippers.co.uk