To enter the competition to win a pair of tickets to see #AdnanSami Live in concert at #LeedsFirstDirectArena this Saturday 18th March, you need to go to Asian Express Facebook page:
1. Like the competition post
2. Leave a comment " I want to win Adnan Sami tickets"
Once you have done this you will automatically be entered into the competition.
Competition closes at 11.30 PM tonight and the winner's name will be chosen randomly and posted on our Facebook page on Friday 17th March at 11am.
SCIENCE IS COOL: Win tickets to Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show with the Asian Express
Astronomer and well known TV personality Mark Thompson will dial up the fun in his newest experiment for the whole family ‘Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show’ at Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds on Saturday 15th October.
You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen before.
Designed for children of six years and up, the brand new Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins, dancing paste, vanishing beakers and even exploding Pringle tubes.
TV astronomer and author Mark Thompson has been enthralling audiences for many years with his fascinating journeys around the Universe.
Now he is turning his infectious enthusiasm to things a little closer to home with this brand new show to be enjoyed by children and grown-ups alike.
“I've still got that boyish enthusiasm for the world of nature,” Mark says. “And that takes you down all the different routes of science: physics, chemistry, biology, geology – it's all fascinating.”
With 20 years of experience in observational astronomy, Mark Thompson has an expert and entertaining ability to bring complex scientific concepts to everyone along with a desire to engage people of all ages with the wonders of science.
As co-presenter on RTS Award nominated show Stargazing LIVE, a regular face on The One Show and the Alan Titchmarsh Show along with regular contributions for Discovery News’ website he brings the image of scientific study into the 21st Century with a bang.
Competition time
For your chance to win one of two family tickets* to Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show just answer the following question:
What type of exploding toothpaste does Mark make in his show?
1. Elephant’s
2. Koala’s
3. Shark’s
Send your answer, along with your full name, address and contact number to competitions@asianexpress.co.uk for a chance to win (terms and conditions apply).
*Family tickets cover entry for four people, maximum two adults
EXCITED: The team at Visit Bradford, along with some of the participating restaurateurs in this year's competition, along with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford
Curry Capital of Britain competition is back
Curryhouses from Bradford are joining forces to cook up some fantastic food...it can only mean one thing – the Curry Capital of Britain competition is back.
The city, which has been crowned victorious in the contest over the past five years aw over 60 honoured guests, VIPs and dignitaries descended on City Hall this week to enjoy a right royal celebration, marking Visit Bradford's official entry into the Curry Capital of Britain competition 2016.
Sitting down to fantastical tables set with faux-grass cloths and gingham-covered vases filled with fresh wild flowers, everyone agreed the atmosphere and ambience was at an ‘all time high’ - and that the thoughtful setting added authenticity and pizzazz to the event.
Having previously won the competition and awarded the accolade of Curry Capital for a record-breaking five years in a row, the stakes were high to ensure that this year's entry was award-worthy of title number six.
This year, the destination marketing organisation's entry has been all about celebration.
The bid launched with the cadets of 2387 Squadron Air Training Corps in Thornbury taking part in a special sponsored Curry Capital Olympics and culminated with an indoor garden party in the Banqueting Suite of City Hall, to tie in with the Queen celebrating her 90th birthday earlier this year.
Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said Bradford had done ‘exceptionally well’ in the Curry Capital awards to win the national competition five years running.
She said: “The quality of our restaurants is, of course, renowned but what has also set us apart is the way which food has been used across all the events to bring communities together.”
Cllr Hinchcliffe added: “I know the tourism team has worked really hard to put in another excellent bid. We're hoping it's another winner.”
As well as Cllr Hinchcliffe and judges from the Curry Capital of Britain competition, other guests included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford – and two winners of a social media competition - to experience the exclusive VIP event; and Grace Neil and Hazel O'Neill – two ladies also celebrating their 90th birthdays this year – acting as honorary 'Queens of Curry' at the royal-themed garden party.
Guests enjoyed an array of garden-party-style finger food – but prepared with an Asian twist by the restaurants taking part in this year's bid.
In addition, guests were entertained with outdoor games, such as a hoop toss and skittles, as well as enjoying a live display of authentic Indian dancing.
Tricia Tillotson, tourism manager at Visit Bradford, said: “It’s been a huge success. Everyone who attended said what a wonderful time they had and that they thoroughly enjoyed the theme of our 'Royal Garden Party'.”
She continued: “As this year's bid has been all about celebrating extraordinary achievements, from our record-breaking Curry Capital of Britain wins, to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and of course Her Majesty's 90th birthday, it seemed fitting for our bid to culminate in a celebration that was fit for the Queen.
“In fact, yesterday's event even took place in a room where the Queen once dined herself while visiting Bradford.
“Of course, the event would not have been possible without the generous support of all of our stakeholders and sponsors. I'd like to thank them all and whatever the outcome of the competition now, we can honestly say we did our best and have had a brilliant time celebrating our achievements in the process.”
Unlike previous years, the format of the 2016 competition is changing. The initial competition will decide Curry Capitals of England - minus London - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The national winning teams, plus London, will then go head-to-head to compete for the title of Curry Capital of Britain.
Voting for their winner of Curry Capital of Britain 2016 is still open. People can vote via www.visitbradord.com/currycapital, email vote@fedrest.com, or in person via the Visitor Information Centre.
Voting closes for the Curry Capital of Britain competition on 1st September.
The winner of the Curry Capital of England competition will be announced on 13th September, with the overall winner of the Curry Capital of Britain revealed week commencing 10th October.
As a big thanks to our readers and to take some of the stress out of keeping kids happy during the long Summer holidays, Asian Express are giving away three family passes, valid for four people to Diggerland in Yorkshire. Many kids get excited at just the thought of passing a building site and seeing all the JCB diggers, which to them, are larger than life toys!
Fascinated by all of the machinery, little boys and girls dream of sitting inside the cabs of diggers and hope their playrooms will one day come to life. Well, the dream can come true at... Diggerland!
Diggerland is The Ultimate Adventure Theme Park Experience where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full- size construction machinery.
Located in Castleford, Yorkshire, Diggerland is the perfect destination for action, fun and thrill packed family days out.
Fun for all ages from four years old (subject to height restrictions) to 40-plus, Diggerland with its 18 different rides and drives and an array of additional activities is the ideal theme park for small to large groups looking for something exciting and truly unique.
Get to grips with real JCBs and 180/360 excavators, take a head-reeling turn or two on the Spindizzy, rise to lofty heights and enjoy the views on the Skyshuttle, enjoy a bone-rattling off-road ride on the Groundshuttle, or have a go on the Dodgems and Go-Karts!
There are indoor and outdoor play areas, sandpits, coin operated rides and much more where younger visitors can let off steam while their parents can just sit back, relax and watch the fun… or join in!
All parks boast a Diggerland Goodie Store where visitors can mark their day with a memorable souvenir as well as buy gifts, toys and other merchandise, and there are cafeterias that offer a wide selection of hot and cold snacks, meals and beverages. Picnic tables are located in the grounds for those who prefer to bring their own packed lunches.
Asian Express Newspaper are giving away 5 bundles of tickets
As a big thanks to our readers and to take some of the stress out of keeping kids happy during the long Summer holidays, Asian Express are giving away five family passes to the Alton Towers Resort to experience two exciting new attractions in 2016.
Prepare for a new flight on Galactica, the world’s first rollercoaster with fully dedicated virtual reality.
Upon mounting the ride, thrill seekers each receive a pair of specially-modified virtual reality goggles.
Riders then zoom around an 840 metre long track at nearly 50mph. It really feels like you’re soaring into another dimension and experiencing the next frontier of space.
For guests seeking a dining experience with a twist, the UK’s first Rollercoaster Restaurant, launched in May, is set below a vast rollercoaster track where diners can watch as their order tackles two gravity defying loop-the-loops!
The new attractions join over 50 rides and attractions at the Alton Towers Resort.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re after gentle thrills or pure adrenalin pumping experiences!
To be in with the chance of winning a family ticket, simply answer this question:
Galactica is one of the first rollercoasters to feature virtual reality. But how long is its track?
1. 1,000 metres
2. 563 metres
3. 840 metres
Send your answer, name, contact number, and address to competitions@asianexpress.co.uk for your chance to win. Entry closes for this competition on Thursday 30th June. Good luck!
Terms and Conditions
The family pass consists of four tickets and is valid for any one day of the theme park season which runs from 19th March-6th November 2016. The pass is for entry into the theme park only and does not include food or drink. Tickets are non-transferable.
COMPETITION TIME: Mughal’s Sweet Centre and Restaurant will be giving away five boxes of sweets to competition winners this Ramadan
Are you ready for Ramadan? That is the question facing over 1 billion Muslims around the world this June as the countdown to the Islamic holy month is well underway.
A time of reflection - when Muslims focus on prayer, fasting and giving to charity - Ramadan starts this year on Tuesday 7th June.
Preparations are well underway for families here in Yorkshire with the stocking up of the essentials already taking place.
Barber Mughal, owner of Mughals Sweet Centre and Restaurant, is one local restaurateur who partakes in the holiday every year.
This June, he said he wanted to give his customers a special treat, with a sweet surprise in store for a handful of lucky visitors.
“Every year at Ramadan, we host iftars in the evening, giving our customers the chance to break their fast with us,” he said.
“We have previously given away free fruit and water during this time, for diners to enjoy before their meal here at Mughals.
“This year we decided we wanted to do something a little extra special and that is why we are giving away five boxes of Mughals hand-crafted sweets to some lucky pre-Ramadan customers.”
Known for their traditional flavours and wide range of treats, Mughals is one of the most well-established sweet centres in Bradford.
Every year, customers from across the city, and further afield, travel to the Leeds Road establishment to get their sweets prior to Ramadan.
Enjoyed after breaking fasts, the treats are a welcome pick-me-up for many and perfect for sharing with family and friends during a time of reflection.
“As ever, we will be open during the evening in Ramadan all the way through to Eid,” Barber added.
“I extend an open invitation to everyone to come down and see us during this holy month and break your fast at Mughals.”
To be in with a chance of winning one of FIVE Mughal’s sweet boxes send your name, address, and telephone number to competitions@asianexpress.co.uk with the subject line Mughals Deadline for this competition is Sunday 5th June 2016
Terms and conditions apply. Competition prize is one medium box of assorted sweets from Mughals Sweet Centre and Restaurant, Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9TY. Only one entry per person is permitted. Winners will be notified via email or telephone within five days of competition deadline.
A 24-year-old air hostess from Leeds has reached the final twenty in the region in a well-established beauty competition.
Fashion-enthusiast, Harpinder Rai, will compete to become Miss Leeds on Sunday 22nd May at The Queen’s Hotel.
Currently travelling the globe, the stunning cabin crew member took ten minutes out of her busy schedule to chat to the Asian Express.
She said: “I have always been interested in entering, as many people have encouraged me to do so but I always held back for some reason.”
However, seeing if she could go all the way to be crowned Miss England was ‘always at the back of [her] mind’.
When Harpinder was in Doha, in Qatar, she came across the Miss World competition and she applied ‘without hesitation’.
“That was it, my mind was engaged with it from the very first second,” she said, “I applied for Miss England and here I am.”
She continued: “I had to go for an audition. I was as natural as I could be – even though this was the first time I had done anything like this – and I aimed to give my best in representing myself well. So far, it’s been a great experience.”
Harpinder is hoping to receive a supportive reaction from the Asian community, “and all communities in Leeds, as I’m representing Leeds as a whole,” she adds.
The brown eyed beauty said to reach the Leeds final is ‘amazing’.
“It feels wonderfully exciting and I have so many positive feelings all at once. I will give my best and not let anyone down.”
Harpinder feels excited and nervous but she is ‘going to embrace all of it’.
“I feel so ready for this. It’s an amazing opportunity,” she added.
For now, Harpinder is continuing to concentrate on the competition so that she can go as far as she can with Miss England.
“It would be more than a pleasure to be able to represent my country internationally as it is something that I am very proud of,” she said.
“Hopefully, I can be a good influence and inspire other people to realise their own dreams, whether that’s in a beauty competition or wherever their talents lie. You should take your chance and go for it.”
If Harpinder wins the Miss Leeds crown, she will go on to compete in Miss England. There, the 50 regional winners from across the UK will travel to Southport in July with the winner bagging £25,000 and the much coveted crown.
CURRY ROYALTY: Bradford will be aiming to become the official Curry Capital of Britain for the sixth year running in 2016
Bradford bidding to find the ‘magic curry formula’ once again
For the past half a decade, Bradford has been the unprecedented Curry Capital of Britain, landing the crown for five consecutive years.
Now, as the bidding process begins for the 2016 title, the city is once again aiming to make history as it looks to make it six in a row.
Visit Bradford, the destination marketing organisation for Bradford Council, will be organising the bid with voting now open for nominations for the restaurants that will form the bidding team.
People can vote for their favourite Asian restaurants from across the Bradford district, with the top four restaurants going forward to represent the district in the Curry Capital of Britain competition.
Patricia Tillotson, Tourism Manager for Bradford Council, said: “We have so many places to get a great curry in our district and we all have our favourite restaurants, so we want people to support theirs by voting in this competition.”
The Curry Capital of Britain is an annual competition which sees cities from all over the UK compete to be crowned the nation’s Curry Capital.
This year, the rules have changed and the competition will decide the Curry Capital of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland plus London who will all then compete for The Curry Capital of Britain title.
It’s expected that over 20 cities and regions will take part in the contest.
Peter Grove founder and organiser of the Curry Capital of Britain competition, said: “Bradford has found a magic formula and understands the underlying message of the event, which is to promote cohesion where there was division.
“They have also used curry as a bonding agent to bring different aspects of Bradford society together. We will be using Visit Bradford’s approach to the competition as a blueprint for other cities.”
As part of the competition, all entering cities must host a range of fundraising events, with proceeds going to The Curry Tree - a charitable fund, raising and allocating money to deserving causes concerned with poverty, disaster and malnutrition.
People can vote for their favourite restaurant to be part of Bradford’s Curry Capital bidding team in one of three ways: online at www.visitbradford.com/currycapital, via email at vote@fedrest.com, or in person at the Visitor Information Centres in Bradford, Haworth, Ilkley and Saltaire.
Voting closes for this stage of the Curry Capital of Britain competition on Monday 6th June.
We've teamed up with O2 for you to win £2000 flights package.
HOW ENTER THE COMPETITION
BAG £2000 WORTH OF AIR TICKETS!!!
The Asian Express Newspaper in association with O2 World Chat is offering its readers a ‘once in a lifetime’ prize of £2,000 free airfare
Hurry for your chance of winning. Simply follow the instructions below and let the world become your oyster. Competition closes 30th April 2016.
1) Text the short code ‘World A’ to 60102
2) You'll receive an SMS message from O2 with the link to download O2 World Chat
3) There are two links - tap the first one to download the app and complete the registration process by inputting your phone number into the app
That's it! You're entered in the competition - good luck!
(Terms and Condition apply - see bottom of page. Standard mobile network cost of text.)
About O2 World Chat
Whether you have family abroad or want to keep up to date with a travelling friend, the O2 World Chat app is all that you need to have access to some of the cheapest rates around.
From just 1p per minute, residents here in the UK can make calls across the world through the free app, available on any UK mobile network.
No longer do you have to rely on typing out long PIN numbers or swapping SIMs when calling abroad, just simply open the app and get connected.
Download the app today and not only will you instantly be able to take advantage of some of the most competitive international rates, but users will also receive first five minutes worth of calls absolutely free to call anywhere in the world. Once this offer expires, simply top up your balance to continue to make calls with those around the world.
The prize draw will be made by O2 on 30th April 2016
The winner will be contacted by phone by The Asian Express Newspaper (**within 2 weeks of the draw being made**)
After discussion with the winner the Asian Express Newspaper will purchase flight tickets to their chosen International destination up to a value of £2,000 and arrange delivery to the winner.
Tickets may be single or return and any class but must be to one destination only and be used on one trip only.
All tickets will be subject to availability and any flight restrictions
The winner must be one of the named flight ticket holders but the winner may select any other individual(s) to accompany. All passengers must be in possession of the legally required travel documentation, visas and rights to travel to the chosen destination.
Any person under the age of 18 must have approval to travel from a parent or guardian and must be accompanied by an adult
No cash alternative is available.
If the value of the flights exceed £2,000 the winner will be responsible to pay the extra amount. Any payment will be due to the ticket supplier as advised by the Asian Express prior to the tickets being issued.
If the winner selects a flight worth less than the value of £2,000 the remaining amount will be lost and the customer cannot try to re-use this.
Istanbul Doner marks 25 years of business with amazing competition
An ‘Istanbulievable’ competition, which will see four lucky takeaway owners presented with keys to brand new motors over the next 12 months, saw its first winner announced last week.
Organised by Istanbul Doner to celebrate their 25th year in business, the competition looks to ‘give something back’ to customers who have helped the nationally-recognised business truly become ‘the King of Kebabs’.
On Friday 6th November, the first winner received their new set of wheels as Blackburn-based Tasty Spot saw a dazzling Hyundai i10 pull up outside their town-centre establishment.
Perfectly designed to meet all takeaway needs, the i10 offers a simply sophisticated motor which only allows Istanbul-serving takeaways to continue providing their delicious meals to the public.
Tasty Spot’s, Azhar Mahmood, received the keys from Istanbul’s owner, Josh Agaoglu, and said he was delighted to have been the first winner of the competition.
“Ever since the competition began, we have been entering with every doner kebab purchased,” he said. “We go through around eight to 10 kebabs a week so have entered numerous times in hope of winning.
“I still cannot quite believe we actually won a car and a huge thank you must go to the Istanbul Doner team who we are so proud to be working with.
“We have always used Istanbul for our kebabs ever since we set up because they are the best in Britain, and competitions like this only build on our relationship.”
Having previously given away a Mercedes Benz to mark 10 years of operations, Istanbul Doner decided this year that four businesses would benefit from another car giveaway.
Mr Agaoglu said he was delighted to see the first winner announced and looked forward to seeing where the next vehicle would be heading.
“We have great satisfaction of seeing our long, loyal customer rewarded and enjoying being Istanbul customers,” he said.
“Everybody deserves to share in our success because we have only been able to achieve what we have thanks to our workforce and of course customers.
“It was brilliant to give our first car away to Tasty Spot and I can’t wait to see who will win the next Istanbul i10.”
TRIUMPHANT: The Palestine All-Stars team clinched the national title last month after defeating the nation’s best five-a-side teams. Team pic includes: Adam Zaman, Anees Younis, Aadam Chhibda, Abdullah Mayat, Muhammad Omar, Aamir Aswat, Rafaqat Hussain, and Youssef Elmanea.
A five-a-side team from Kirklees showcased their skills to the rest of the country last week as they won a nationwide competition held at England’s training base.
Palestine All-Stars, made up mostly of students from Dewsbury and Batley, qualified for the StreetGames Football Pools Fives national championship after success in their regional contest.
Competing at St George’s Park, in Burton-upon-Trent, the local team came up against squads from up and down the country, kicking off the competition against the Scottish representatives - Summerston.
Despite a humbling defeat, the All-Stars bounced back to qualify from their group and advance into the knockout stages and eventually made it all the way to the final.
As fate would have it, the North-East representatives were once again drawn up against Summerston and with the national title just one win away, a close encounter was always expected.
Eventually winning 2-1 in the final, the All-Stars, claimed the prestigious trophy ahead of the 11 other regional teams who had qualified for the finals.
SKILLS: Abdullah Mayat runs with the ball as the All-Stars progress in the tournament.
Team representative, Adam Zaman, from Dewsbury, said he was delighted to lift the trophy following an ‘amazing experience’.
“We had initially qualified for the tournament after winning the North-East regional competition and so were invited to the national championships last month,” he said.
“The experience there was one I’m sure none of us will ever forget.
“As well as having the chance to play against some of the country’s top five-a-side teams at St George’s Park, we also met former England manager, Graham Taylor, and Under-21 manager, Gareth Southgate, which was fantastic.”
Going into the final, Zaman added that the whole team wanted to bounce back with a win, following an opening game defeat, and did just that to lift the trophy.
“We knew what we were up against when playing the Scottish team in the final,” he continued.
“They had beaten us in the first game which made us even more motivated to show what we can do, so when we won, it was just crazy.”
Gareth Southgate, national ambassador for the StreetGames Football Pools Fives, praised the standard of football on show throughout the tournament.
Before the final he said: “If the standard of the football so far is anything to go by then this should be an absolutely fantastic final – and what better place to hold it than at the amazing facilities at St George’s Park.
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most of the competitors to show what they can do in the same place where England’s very best train for their international duties.”
Despite their success in the five-a-side game, many members of the All-Stars team are now competing in 11-a-side competitions locally in Kirklees.
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Prepare for a new flight on Galactica, the world’s first rollercoaster with fully dedicated virtual reality.
A 24-year-old air hostess from Leeds has reached the final twenty in the region in a well-established beauty competition.
The brown eyed beauty said to reach the Leeds final is ‘amazing’. 
From just 1p per minute, residents here in the UK can make calls across the world through the free app, available on any UK mobile network.
Download the app today and not only will you instantly be able to take advantage of some of the most competitive international rates, but users will also receive first five minutes worth of calls absolutely free to call anywhere in the world. Once this offer expires, simply top up your balance to continue to make calls with those around the world.
