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Events FEATURE London News

Unrivalled shopping and a wealth of festive inspiration – This year, Christmas starts at Spirit!

Festive inspiration from over 700 exciting independent brands at the Spirit of Christmas Fair, 30 October – 5 November at the iconic Olympia London. An exclusive preview feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Discover a diverse collection of carefully curated gifts from small independent brands and designer-makers each one picked for its originality and quality, brought together for this seven-day event. Discerning shoppers can expect a diverse collection of curated gifts to shop from to satisfy all their gifting needs including toys, fashion, homeware, and stylish décor as well as the finest food and drink from award winning artisans and producers.

New official restaurant partner this year is acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro who has curated a special Tapas menu that showcases his signature dishes alongside exclusive creations designed for the show. Prepare yourself for a Spanish twist on a traditional afternoon tea that promises to be an unforgettable experience. These dishes are perfect for sharing with friends or family at the Fair in this new restaurant, ‘José Pizarro at Spirit of Christmas’.

2023 sees the return of the popular complimentary, creative Workshops offering inspiration to visitors who can enjoy a range of interactive sessions including Jemma Cotterrell, The Shoe Loving Stylist on ‘How to dress with positivity and confidence this festive season’, ‘Biscuit decorating’ from Honeywell Bakes, and ‘Spanish party food inspiration’, while in conversation with José Pizarro himself.

Fair Director, Mary Claire Boyd comments “The Fair is a guaranteed place where visitors know they can leave brimming with festive inspiration to help them start planning their festivities and this year is no exception. They can truly curate their own Christmas from exquisite tablescaping, joyful décor and stylish partywear to uncovering the most original gifts for all their family and friends. We have an exceptional line-up of workshops with top chefs including José Pizarro, florists including Paul Thomas Flowers and renowned chocolatiers; Prestat. We champion British craftsmanship from ethical and sustainable brands and our specialist team have been busy sourcing new businesses and uncovering emerging talent that visitors will relish amongst the treasure-trove!”

The gallery level Food Hall offers visitors the opportunity to buy foodie treats and discover new artisans from whom they can source the best for their guests this Christmas including Great Taste Award-winning produce. The Fair boasts four Louis Roederer Champagne bars providing a relaxing place for visitors to rejuvenate with a glass or two in-between shopping. Two adjoining Fairs can also be enjoyed whilst visiting; the Winter Art & Antiques Fair taking place on the Grand Hall gallery, and The Luxury Travel Fair, taking place 2-5 November on the National Hall gallery.

The Fair provides the perfect social occasion and festive ambiance to enjoy with friends and embrace the season of festivities and gifting. With creative workshops, demonstrations, live music, endless festive inspiration and an unforgettable atmosphere, this year, Christmas really does start at Spirit.

Highlights of the Spirit of Christmas Fair will include:

• 700 independent small businesses and designer-makers to shop from

• Brand new restaurant partner: acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro

• Return of inspirational creative workshops hosted by experts including, The Shoe Loving Stylist, Prestat Chocolates, José Pizarro, Paul Thomas Flowers, Honeywell Bakes, Bettina’s Kitchen, Louis Roederer

• Visitors can enjoy a glass of the finest Champagne in the stylish Louis Roederer Champagne Bars  

• The Food Hall hosts an entirely delectable mix of leading artisans, independent producers, Royal Warrant holders and Great Taste award-winners

• Late night shopping Thursday 2 November 10am – 9pm

• Enjoy complimentary entry into the Winter Art & Antiques Fair from the 30 October – 5 November. Presenting a collection of the finest specialist dealers, offering a wide choice of high-quality, vetted art and antiques spanning centuries

• Condé Nast Traveller presents the Luxury Travel Fair also takes place alongside the Spirit of Christmas Fair from 2-5 November 2023. Offering a collection of the finest bespoke and immersive travel experiences


With this unmissable shopping experience spreading over two halls, shoppers may need to pace themselves. Those wanting to peruse the Fair more than once can upgrade their tickets and make the most of a Premium, Weekend or Unlimited Pass!

Opening Times

Monday 30 October 10am – 6pm ***OPENING DAY***

Tuesday 31 October 10am – 6pm

Wednesday 1 November 10am – 6pm

Thursday 2 November 10am – 9pm ***LATE NIGHT***

Friday 3 November 10am – 6pm

Saturday 4 November 10am – 6pm

Sunday 5 November 10am – 5pm

About The Spirit of Christmas Fair  

• The Spirit of Christmas Fair first launched in 2001 

• Visitor numbers were circa 45,000 in 2022

• Organised by Clarion Events and home to unrivalled shopping from small independent brands, inspirational workshops, and exceptional dining

About Clarion Events  

Clarion Events organises more than 200 events each year across the globe, ranging from exhibitions, conferences and seated events.  Well-known for identifying high-value, niche audiences in difficult-to-reach markets and building them into market-leading products, over 12,000 companies trust them with their custom each year, with more than 700,000 people attending their events.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Shopping trends for new year

10 Shopping Trends For 2023!(ianslife)

After a brief absence, high heels are once again in style, which requires us to re-learn how to walk in them. There is no question that the style of business changes…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

There are different styles of military-enlivened apparel other than cover and armed force boots, but there are a few genuinely phenomenal instances of both. Wonderful fitting, organised coats, practical things, and a lot of military-propelled emphases like epaulets, metals, and gold buttons are what you can anticipate. Add similarly striking accessories, flawless makeup, and haircuts to complete the outfits.

Dress Up-Cowboy

The notion of the Wild West is heavily referenced in the patchwork boots, plaid shirts, miniskirts, boot-cut jeans, leather pants, and numerous fringes and zippers. But lately, cowboy fashion has been dominating runways and music festivals alike. Google searches for the same pattern appear to have increased as well.

Party disco diva!

We as a whole settle on one thing we maintain that should accomplish by the end of the late spring. Get up and move. It’s no big surprise that our garments mirror the expansion in dance music discharges all through the warm-climate months, from Drake’s Genuinely, Don’t bother to Beyonce’s Renaissance, as we draw motivation from the ’70s and disco to prepare for a night at the clubs.

The art fashion- Maximalism

After adopting a minimalist aesthetic for years, 2020 has witnessed a sudden increase in extravagant, garish, and outlandish designs that some refer to as maximalism. Maximalism in the arts is a direct response to the minimalist oppositional movement. It’s been called an “aesthetic of excess” in the past. As consumers gravitate toward joyful, fun, and upbeat prints, the upcoming quirky designs start to seep into large consumer markets.

Love wearing heels?.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Heel your revenge!

After a brief absence, high heels are once again in style, which requires us to re-learn how to walk in them. There is no question that the style of business changes. After almost two years in which comfort ruled, with furniture that was great for relaxing around the house, charm is bringing the total inverse of this pattern and getting back in the game. High heels are back, as confirmed by the various clear, tempting, and energetic outfits that embody this style.

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Dubai Technology UAE News

BeanBurds launched augmented reality

BeanBurds_ Salem Ahmed, CEO & Founder of BeanBurds

With this latest AR innovation on BeanBurds.com, customers can view products in real time, from wherever they are…reports Asian Lite News

Innovative UAE startup BeanBurds has launched augmented reality to improve the online shopping experience for coffee connoisseurs. BeanBurds offers specialty beans, coffee machines, tools, accessories and everything needed to craft the perfect brew at home. With this latest AR innovation on BeanBurds.com, customers can view products in real time, from wherever they are. A complete 3D visualization enables shoppers to picture how products such as coffee machines might look in their homes before purchase. It takes the guesswork out of online shopping, especially when it comes to buying coffee machines and setting up a coffee bar at home. It also enables contactless and safer shopping, as shoppers get to see products close up.

BeanBurds Augmented Reality Feature

Salem Ahmed, Founder and CEO of BeanBurds said: “At BeanBurds, we always think of how we can deliver exceptional coffee experiences by identifying customer pain points and fixing them with innovative solutions. I believe AR has immense possibilities in the food and beverage industry. We are excited to launch this feature and exceed customer expectations.”

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Launched in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic to support local coffee roasters, BeanBurds provides coffee lovers in the UAE a one-stop online shopping platform. BeanBurds also has a virtual barista powered by Artificial Intelligence that helps coffee enthusiasts match their personal preferences with the right coffee from a wide range of varieties by several local roasters across UAE such as Coffee Planet, Emirati Coffee Roastery, RoR Roastery, Nightjar Coffee Roaster, Nusantara Coffee Roasters, Saraya Specialty Coffees, Golden Beans to name a few.

Covid-19 has changed the way we shop forever. From buying everyday groceries to buying homes, more consumers are shopping online like never before and this change is likely to last after the pandemic is over. The crisis has presented challenges for many companies, but it has also provided several opportunities; companies that invest ambitiously and timely in their online businesses are likely to emerge as market leaders.

BeanBurds Augmented Reality Feature

Experience augmented reality shopping for yourself by downloading BeanBurds’ mobile app here (link) to find out why shoppers believe it is the next level of online shopping assistance that helps them make better buying decisions.

The UAE is investing time, money and resources in tech innovation and advancement with the ambition of becoming a world leader by the golden jubilee of the Union in 2021. Brands like BeanBurds are paving the way for other businesses to contribute towards the country’s vision, provide value to consumers and emerge as market leaders.

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-Top News UK News

UK offers discounts on shopping, pizza for Covid shots

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said more than two thirds of young people in England have already had a first dose of a vaccine…reports Asian Lite News.

UK is offering several incentives such as discounts on shopping, pizza and Uber reminders in a bid to encourage more youngsters to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Some of the country’s top food and travel businesses such as Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims, have joined the national effort to get as many people as possible inoculated against the virus.

Uber will be sending reminders to all users in August, encouraging them to get the vaccine, and will be offering discounted Uber rides and meals on Uber Eats for young adults who get the jab. This follows earlier Uber campaigns offering free trips to vaccination centres earlier this year and for NHS staff during the height of the pandemic.

Bolt will be offering free ride credit to vaccination centres. A similar scheme by Bolt included offering £250,000 in free ride credit to London vaccination facilities earlier this year.

Other incentives being discussed could include vouchers or discount codes for people attending pop up vaccine sites and booking though the NHS, social media competitions and promotional offers for restaurants.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said more than two thirds of young people in England have already had a first dose of a vaccine.

He thanked all the businesses who are “stepping up to support the vaccine drive.”

“Once available, please go out and take advantage of the discounts,” he said. “The lifesaving vaccines not only protect you, your loved ones and your community, but they are helping to bring us back together by allowing you to get back to doing the things you’ve missed.”

Companies will not ask for, or hold any health data for the incentive scheme, the government said in a statement.

The government is working closely with the NHS to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccine, including through ‘grab a jab’ pop-up vaccine sites across the country.

Over 600,000 people were vaccinated last weekend at these walk-in clinics, from London’s Tate Modern Gallery to a Primark in Bristol. Further sites have been made available this week – including at Thorpe Park in Surrey and Circus Extreme in Yorkshire.

“It is great to see the strong enthusiasm among young people so far to get their vaccines,” Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said. “Getting both doses of the jab is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and avoid unknowingly passing the virus on to someone who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19.”

He also thanked the businesses who have backed this mission – “please get your jabs as soon as you can and grab a bargain.”

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