Don’t let your fireworks party plans go up in smoke

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Ah, who doesn’t love a fireworks party? Remember, remember the 5th of November… For most of us, it’s been a special date in the calendar since we were knee-high to a grasshopper; covering our ears with our bobble hats when the bangs got too loud, nibbling on a toffee apple and asking our parents for just one more sparkler before bedtime.

Now you’re all grown-up, you might be thinking about planning your own fireworks party, so here are a few things you need to know to make it truly banging…

Remember, remember…your photo ID

You can’t buy fireworks if you’re under 18, so make sure you have official proof of age such as My ID Card, accredited by PASS, the UK’s national proof of age accreditation scheme and fully endorsed by the Home Office and The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

If you don’t remember your photo ID card, you’ll basically be limited to party poppers…Yeah, imagine the silence in the crowd. Read more

A serial killer, Guy Fawkes and an elf walk into a bar… My ID Card says don’t be the punchline this party season

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The season of parties and nights out is officially here, but are you ready to hit the town?

Vampire teeth? Check. Zombie mask? Check. Sparklers, check? Santa hat. Check? My ID card? What?

Whether you’re ghouling about with your buddies Dracula and Frankenstein on Halloween, heading to a fireworks party or donning your poshest garb for a festive do – you need the new official proof of age, My ID Card.

What’s My ID Card?

My ID Card is an official proof of age card, accredited by PASS, the UK’s national proof of age accreditation scheme. As well as your photo, it has the official PASS logo and hologram and it’s fully endorsed by official organisations such as the Home Office and The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Because PASS carries these endorsements, people like the security staff at festival venues and doormen at clubs and bars will recognise that your My ID Card is the real deal and let you in.

As well as nights out, you can also use My ID Card as official proof of age for loads of other things:

  • purchasing alcohol and e-cigarettes in supermarkets and shops
  • entry into gigs and festivals
  • buying age-restricted computer games and videos
  • watching age-restricted films at the cinema
  • placing bets in the bookies and playing in casinos and bingo halls
  • getting a tattoo
  • using a sunbed

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Everything but the kitchen sink? 5 essential items that you REALLY need to pack for uni

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Getting ready for university? There are so many things to remember, from your own pillow to My ID Card. Check out this list for some essentials.

The results are in and you’re off to uni! Over the past couple of weeks, you’ve probably started making a mental list of things to take with you, or perhaps there’s a slowly growing mountain in the corner of your soon-to be-deserted bedroom (sniff!).

But what do you really need to take with you? Unless you’re planning on hiring an articulated lorry, remember that you can only really take whatever fits in the boot of your parent’s Volvo.

Here are a few things that you definitely can’t leave behind:

Personal documents e.g. passport, My ID Card

 You might need your passport to register for things like bank accounts and Doctors surgeries, but for nights out you’ll probably want to get My ID Card, an official proof of age card, accredited by PASS and fully endorsed by the Home Office and The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Essential for all those nights out, or maybe even just a date at the cinema with that new ‘friend’ who keeps distracting you in lectures…

Cook book

Even if you’re staying in student accommodation and meals are provided, there’s bound to be the odd occasion where you don’t make it down to the lecture hall because your nap assignment over-ran. Or maybe there’ll be the odd night where you just don’t fancy lasagne on ‘Italian night’ – and who wants to be stuck with a bowl of cornflakes for tea?

Mattress topper and pillow 

Ah, when you’re heading off to university, everything feels so fresh and new, doesn’t it? Not to gross you out, but the icky truth is that the mattress in your new room most likely isn’t. Or your pillow. Think of all those dust mites, microscopic bugs, and other peoples’ skin cells and hair. Then think about places that sell mattress toppers and pillows and get down there, now!

Sewing kit

Pins are pictures you save and share on Pinterest, right? And … threads happen on social media sites, too? Err, no.  If you’ve been too distracted by what’s happening on your smartphone to notice The Sewing Fairy (AKA your Mum) sewing that button back onto your favourite shirt, you might need reminding that clothing mishaps will need to be fixed by you from now on. So pack a sewing kit. Don’t worry, there are sure to be videos on You Tube to help you out.

Alarm clock

“Nah, don’t need that! Got my phone,” we hear you cry. That’s all well and good until it runs out of battery, you drop it down the loo, or lose it somewhere. There are only so many times you can shuffle in late to a lecture mumbling the excuse “sorry, alarm didn’t go off”, so save them for the morning after a big night out instead.

cocktails

Psst! University isn’t all about partying (obviously!) but remember that those bar staff and doormen at clubs and bars will ask you for proof that you’re over 18 years old before they let you in, so definitely don’t forget to pack My ID Card. It’s an official proof of age card, accredited by PASS. My ID Card only costs you £15 and if you apply today you could have one just in time for Fresher’s Week.

Don’t ruin your A-level celebrations by forgetting your photo id

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You’ve waited all summer to open that envelope and see how well you’ve done in your A-levels. Maybe you aced it, well done! Grades weren’t quite what you were expecting? It’s not the end of the world. One thing’s for sure, after all that blood, sweat and tears, it’s definitely time to let your hair down.

Are you planning to escape to a festival field with your tent and wellies? Some of you might just want to shake it off on the dancefloor or in the mosh pit, or throw a party complete with celebratory fizz and fireworks. Or perhaps you’re off to get a tattoo to remember this moment forever, and ever.

After weeks of stressing over what you wrote on that maths paper, you might feel 100 years old but you’re probably only 18 so, don’t forget your photo id…

Over 18s with ID card enjoying summerDon’t get left at the festival gates
There are still a few major festivals left to enjoy this summer: Reading & Leeds, Creamfields, Bestival, The End of the Road. Proof of age in the form of recognised photo id may be required on entry and in order to purchase alcohol. The advice from some festival organisers is to bring PASS approved ID so that you don’t risk losing official documents such as passports. Photocopies are not accepted.

My ID Card is an official photo id card, accredited by PASS, the UK’s national proof of age accreditation scheme. As well as your photo, it has the official PASS logo and hologram and it’s fully endorsed by official organisations such as the Home Office and The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

184213130Who’s in the club?
Not you? Oh dear. It’s not only the security staff at festival venues that recognize My ID Card, doormen at clubs and bars will also ask for photo id as proof that you’re over 18 before they let you in. It’s not nearly as much fun dancing around your bedroom by yourself.

Remember that amazing gig we missed…
…said no one, ever. Chances are that you and your hometown buddies are going to be heading off in different directions this autumn, be it moving away to university or starting new jobs and apprenticeships.
Make some brilliant memories by going to watch the bands you love, rather than enduring the humiliation of rolling out the old “I must have left my photo id in my other jeans” line in front of an impatient queue of fans (that’ll be the band’s fans, definitely not yours).

Baby, you’re a firework
If you’re saving for uni (or just blew all your cash this summer already), maybe you’re planning on keeping it homely with a house party or BBQ at your place. No celebration is complete without champagne and fireworks, but you will be asked for photo id before anyone will sell these to you.

photo-idCome on, let your colours burst
Some people see their tattoos like a map of their life. If you’ve knocked it out the park with your A* grades and love the inked-up look, getting a tattoo can quite literally mark your great achievement forever. You can even get an A* tattoo if you really want to!

Tattoos can also symbolise the beginning or end of a significant chapter in your life, such a finishing school or moving away for new adventures. But before you settle into that chair, remember you’ll need to show the tattoo artist your photo id.

How to apply for photo id
It’s easy to apply for My ID Card (PASS accredited) and it only costs £15. Other forms of photo id such as passports can be more expensive to obtain and replace and they take longer to apply for. Waiting for your A-level results may have seemed like an eternity but the good news is that you can get your My ID card in as little as 5-10 days.

photo-id-card

Photo ID experts offer ten tricks to help you look better in photos

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Grab your phone and take a minute to scroll through your Instagram profile. Take that holiday photo album off the shelf. Have a rummage through the cards in your wallet. Which photos are you quite chuffed with? Which ones do you look at and want to die of shame?

Try to spot patterns in the pics you do and don’t like. Are you smiling in the selfies you love? What pose were you actually attempting to strike in that unflattering Facebook post? Did you keep closing your eyes in those photos you had to get re-done for your photo ID card?

Passport and ID Card photos do have to follow strict guidelines but you can be more creative with selfies and photos of you with your friends and family. Whatever the occasion, if you need a few pointers on how to make the lens love you, take a look at these top tips. You’ll never feel camera shy again.

Wakey wakey, sleepyhead
To avoid looking like you’re having a snooze, close your eyes before the picture is taken and open them slowly just before the camera clicks.

Demon eyes
Halloween only happens once a year, so avoid red eyes in photos on the other 364 days by looking towards (but never directly at) a light before the camera shutter closes. Brighter lights shrink your pupils, minimising the zombie look.

How many chins?
Most of us have been photobombed by a crowd of our own chins at one time or another. Try this trick: tip your chin down, imagine sticking out your forehead, and elongate your neck.

Find a new angle
They say that turning your head to a three-quarter position will deepen your features and create a more flattering effect than being head-on to the camera. Whilst this is great advice for fun snaps, do remember with passport or photo ID card pictures that the rules state you need to be facing the camera and looking forward.

Diet schmiet
Lost your gym pass down the back of the sofa? For a full body shot where you want to look slimmer, put your hand on your hip, angle your body to the side and turn your head towards the camera. Who needs boot camp now? If you’re taller than the photographer, keep in mind that a photo taken from just above you will be more complimentary than one taken from below.

Hold the cheese
Cheese is for crackers. But unless it’s a photo ID card or passport photo, you are allowed to smile. Make it seem more natural by thinking of the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you. Not that many laughs lately? Say “money” instead. The sound makes the corners of your mouth rise, creating a smiley illusion that will disguise even the grumpiest mood.

Don’t be a goofball
All the celebs know this one. Tuck your tongue up behind your teeth before you crack that smile. It will make your grin look less wide. Sounds weird but it works like a charm.

Background issues
Your make-up looks alright in the mirror. The doc says there’s nothing wrong with you. So why does your skin tone always end up looking slightly odd in photos? Standing in front of a white background helps most camera settings find the right color balance for you.

Lost in the shadows?
When you stand directly under a light, it can cast strange shadows on your face. Depending on the setting, try facing a window or stand sideways-on to a soft lamp.

Britain’s next prop model
That camera devil makes bad photos from idle hands. Cuddle a puppy, pick a flower, clasp a cocktail or hug your mates – just hold on to something! It makes you look less random and adds interesting context to photos with friends and family.

One photo that it’s always worth showing off is your My ID Card – official proof that you’re over 18. Check the My ID photo requirements here.

Over 18s with ID card enjoying summer

Got an ID card? One stupid mistake to avoid this summer

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Whether you’ve been waiting ages for the holidays to arrive after a punishing round of revision and exams, or you’ve been properly busting a gut at your job (or both!), there’s only one thing that matters right now – and that’s your summer. But don’t forget your over 18 proof of age ID card.

Hello, summer

Your plans might include endless days of tanning your pasty bits down the beach (whether that’s Ibiza or Margate) with a BBQ and some beers, clocking-up frequent flyer miles with your festival fairy wings or superhero cape, or sweating the night out in a neon nightclub glow.
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What bike to buy in 2016

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What bike 2016?  Looking to purchase a new bicycle? Top brands will be revealing their latest collections througout 2016. From aero bikes and endurance bikes to hybrid bicycles and disk brake road bikes – there’s something for everyone. Here’s three suggestions for which bike to buy in 2016.

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Ten attractions to visit in London

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London is a great place to explore.  From city districts, riverside restaurants, and elegant shopping parades through to the eloquent streets of yesteryear where you could believe you were back in the Victorian era – there is so much to see and do in London.  Here are 10  visitor attractions to visit in London. Discover how you could save 10% on your entrance fees…

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UK festivals calendar 2016 – have you got your ID card for festivals?

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Music festivals have been part of the UK culture for many years.  The Glastonbury festival first took place in 1970 and has seen famous artists such as The Rolling Stones, Beyonce and Oasis.  Just 1500 tickets were issued for the first Glastonbury concert, whilst today the festival sells out its 135,000 tickets almost immediately – even before the line-up is confirmed.

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