Happy New Year!

Black Tie Balls in York or Berkshire

Welcome in 2011 with a Friendship special - a black tie ball. This year there's a choice between Donnington Valley in the south and the Park Inn at York - an alternative northern venue with a great central location.

The structure for both breaks is a two night stay, arriving New Year's Eve in York, or with the flexibility of arriving Thursday or Friday at the Donnington Valley.

Whichever venue you choose, you will find one or two Friendship hosts on hand to welcome you, your own room in which to relax, modern facilities and plenty of good food. The hotel bar is the place to meet for Friendship’s champagne reception. You can chat and compare travel experiences with plenty of time before and after dinner to get to know everyone.

Our included dinners are leisurely, with good conversation and good wine flowing in equal amounts, while the Friendship disco is huge fun, with music to suit all ages and styles. After all, you’ve got to dance off that dinner!

Whether you are a first-timer wanting to find out what Friendship is all about, or a seasoned Friendship traveller planning to meet up with old friends, you will have a great time.

York

Park Inn Hotel

Berkshire

Donnington Valley Hotel, Spa & Golf Club

This modern hotel could hardly be more central, overlooking the River Ouse and close to all the city sights. Re-furbished in 2009, the 200 bedrooms each offer tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and satelite TV. The Health and Fitness Club is free for residents, though opening hours over the holiday period are limited. York is perfect for coming by train, but car parking is available at a cost of £12 per night.

Our Programme & What’s included

Friday 31 December

Arrive in plenty of time to settle into your room (double for sole use of course) and get ready for the party (there’s an iron/board in your room for any last-minute creases).
We’ll meet in the bar at 7pm for our Champagne reception (included).
Then we’ll move into the Riverside Suite for our Black Tie ball and 5-course dinner, with half a bottle of wine each (included).
After dinner, it’s time to hit the Disco until the midnight countdown…
We re-fuel with bacon butties (included) at around 1am and – eventually, after the last nightcap – to bed!

Saturday 1 January

A late breakfast this morning – the full English is part of the package so you can face the journey home.
Why not join your Hosts for a ramble through the Shambles (the cobbled streets) or visit the impressive York Minster?

Sunday 02 January

Stoke up on the full English breakfast to fortify you for the day ahead.

**Prices in £ sterling**
Date	Day	2 nights	1 night	Ball only	Extra Nights B&B
31 Dec 09	Friday	299	180	85	95

This is a tried and tested favourite for Friendship. You’ll find a full description of the hotel and all its facilities on our Christmas page. The Donnington Valley is a luxury 4 Star Spa and Golf Hotel. Our New Year package here is for two nights, in part because the hotel has a wider range of facilities and people like to stay longer to take advantage of them.

Our programme & What’s included

Friday 31 December

Your double or twin room (for your sole use) is available from mid-afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing soak or shower in the marble bathroom!
Our Champagne reception kicks off around 7pm (included)
Dinner is served: in keeping with our celebratory mood we will enjoy 5-courses with half a bottle of wine included.
Dance the night away in the hotel’s Disco – but be ready for a chorus of Auld Lang Syne at midnight
Bacon butties will be served with our compliments in the early hours… then it really is time for bed!

Saturday 1 January

There’s a leisurely start to the day with a full Brunch laid on (included)
The day is free for you to enjoy the hotel’s facilities (extra cost, where appropriate) or, depending on the weather, enjoy a crisp winter walk in the countryside.
An informal invitation to the bar before dinner (drinks not included)
Tonight we include a three-course dinner, with half a bottle of wine included.

Sunday 2 January

Depart after your full English breakfast, the last meal included in your New Year package.

Alternative Programme: Join us on Thursday 30 December for a two-night stay, with Dinner on Thursday night and breakfast on New Year’s Eve provided. Enjoy all the festivities and food on New Year’s Eve described above, but leave at your leisure on New Year’s Day! The price is the same as for the main programme.

**Prices in £ sterling**
Date	Day	2 nights with Ball	Ball only	Extra Nights B&B
30 or 31 Dec 10	Thur or Fri	335	100	110

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