For many people the weekend is a time to get a lie in, or to do the weekly shop, or maybe if they’re feeling really adventurous they’ll even do some hoovering! There are however going to be plenty of reasons to avoid these ‘fun activities’ and instead get out on the streets of Bangor over the summer months to enjoy free Street Theatre Performances, beginning on Saturday 5 June 2010.
Forming part of North Down’s special programme of Summer Entertainment, these fantastic Street Theatre Performances will take place every Saturday in June and from July, every Saturday & Sunday until the end of August at McKee Clock at the seafront, 3-5pm
Commenting on the event, Wendy Smith, North Down Borough Council said, “We are thrilled to be able to bring so many home-grown performers to Bangor as part of our free summer entertainment programme, that we are sure will leave audiences wanting more.”
The entertainment begins on Saturday 5 June 2010 at the McKee Clock at the seafront with Jim & Dr Nick and their unique display of fire juggling and unicycling.
For further information please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre, Quay Street, Bangor. Tel: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
Guinness announced a unique partnership agreement with Snow Patrol to give their fans unparalleled access to Northern Ireland’s top rockers.
The benefits of this agreement became immediately apparent with Guinness releasing some of the last remaining tickets to the Snow Patrol homecoming concert at Ward Park in Bangor on 5 June.
The agreement will also give Snow Patrol followers and music lovers access to unreleased content online at http://www.facebook.com/guinnessireland and a chance to win signed Snow Patrol merchandise.
The event at Ward Park will feature the Guinness stage, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that will provide aspiring local bands and musicians with the chance to perform to thousands of music fans.
Orla Flanagan, Brand Manager for Guinness, explains: “The Guinness brand has a rich heritage in music and entertainment. We’re delighted to be continuing this legacy by embarking on a unique partnership with Snow Patrol that will pave the way for our consumers to get involved in music in new and exciting ways; from opportunities to get their hands on exclusive tickets, to giving up and coming talent the chance to be heard.”
Win Tickets!
Speaking about the partnership with Guinness, Gary Lightbody said: “Guinness has an amazing reputation for supporting music, especially in Northern Ireland”.
“The main incentive for hooking up with Guinness is to be able to use our partnership to support new talent and get new bands in front of a live audience so we can get their music out there. We understand too well, how hard it is to get that break.”
For your chance to be one of the first people to win a pair of tickets to the Ward Park event, courtesy of Guinness, tune into Cool FM from next week (Monday 24th May) or go to www.facebook.com/guinnessireland for further information.
A NORTHERN Ireland production company is looking for quiz buffs to take part in a new game show.
Wild Rover Productions are producing the new National Lottery game show Secret Fortune set to air early next year.
The show, to be aired before the lottery on BBC, will be hosted by Nick Knowles and according to producers is set to put contestants general knowledge to the test in return for an amazing cash prize.
Bosses at the Belfast based entertainment production company added: “We are looking for fantastic Contestant Pairs to take part – a family duo, competitive couple, best friends, colleagues or simply a great twosome that will work together well and potentially win big money.”
So if you think you have what it takes simply email your details to contestants@wild-rover.com for an application form or call 02890 500 758 for more information.
Standard geographic charges apply and calls may be included in your telecom provider’s call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher.
The closing date for returning application forms is 5pm Friday May 28. All applicants must be 18 years and over and be legally resident and currently living in the UK.
With the final bid submission date looming tomorrow is the day for the online community to rally together to show their support. I was invited to a presentation at the Void gallery recently and was impressed to say the least not just by their efforts to date in being shortlisted for the accolade but also by the obvious passion behind the bid.
Fully loaded!
There are many ways to get involved – find out more at www.cityofculture2013.com, none of which require too much time and only a little effort – eg follow @derry2013 on twitter, change your profile on twitter, add a twibbon to your twitter profile by going to http://twibbon.com/join/Derry-City-of-Culture-2013 or even use some of the downloadable artwork on the website to customise your background. Of course you need to tweet about it, about how you are getting involved, retweeting what everyone else is doing and remember to use the hashtag #derry2013.
Do the same on facebook – change your profile pic, post links of support, join the facebook page here – suggest the page to your friends, tag it in your posts, post links to it and the website.
Backing the bid on facebook.
Other simple things you can do include – adding the signature artwork to all outgoing emails, adding an advertising banner to your website (all artwork available to download at www.cityofculture.com) and finally – contact the Culture Office in Derry to let them know what you are doing.
Place a banner on your website!
And finally – you can blog about it! Load your blog up with links and post on all your social media sites just like we are doing.
So come on – take 5-10 mins out of your day to show your support and spread the word – tomorrow’s the big day.
If Derry are successful in their bid it will positively impact on the whole of Northern Ireland, not just the City of Derry by way of investment and tourism.
Click here to read Lyra McKee’s recent article #Derry2013 for Culture NI.
BBC Proms in the Park returns to the grounds of Hillsborough Castle for a spectacular open air concert that brings together local and international artists for BBC Northern Ireland’s biggest outside broadcast of the year. The event at Hillsborough Castle will feature the Ulster Orchestra and guest artists in a programme of popular classics.
This event is supported by Lisburn City Council.
Tickets to BBC Northern Ireland’s Proms in the Park event are complimentary and will be allocated on the basis of a random draw.
You can apply for tickets at any time until 4pm on Wednesday 2 June 2010. No applications will be accepted after this closing date and time.
A maximum of four tickets will be allocated per household address.
Duplicate applications will not be considered.
Please note under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Park and Ride service will be in operation.
All details are correct at time of publication. Exact timings are subject to change.
Timmy White, recycled interiors designer, will be reupholstering at the Unique Boutique showcase at Victoria Square on June 2. Timmy is responsible for creating the eclectic funky look at new Belfast restaurant Hooligan Teaeatery in the Cathedral Quarter.
If the phrase ‘going green’ is enough to make you see red, then a ‘unique’ home event could transform the way you think about recycling.
Following on from its hugely successful Stitch and Style fashion events which helped hundreds of fashionistas rediscover wardrobe gems, Belfast City Council is now turning its attention to giving homes a ‘green’ makeover.
On Wednesday, June 2, a corner of Victoria Square shopping centre in Belfast will be transformed into a ‘Unique Boutique’ as part of the city’s annual Waste Week (June 1-5), giving visitors tips on how to refresh, restyle and rethink your home – without literally costing the earth.
Councillor Pat McCarthy, chairman of the council’s Health and Environmental Services Committee, said: “It’s no secret that the economy has an impact on social trends; rationing and material shortages during the Second World War led to shorter skirts and lower necklines as fashion got in step with the war effort.
“And now 60 years on, the current economic climate has been forcing people to tighten their belts, with the property market in particular taking a big hit. That old mantra of ‘make do and mend’ has never been more apt and it happens to be in keeping with the council’s ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ message.
“During Waste Week we encourage people to think about the amount of waste they produce, and what they’re sending to landfill. The aim of our ‘Unique Boutique’ event is to get people thinking about what they have around the home that, instead of dumping, can be transformed into something as good as new with a little bit of imagination – maybe it’s a lick of paint, or some simple DIY.
“Best of all, the event is free and we’re hoping lots of people will go away with fresh ideas on how they can add a little bit of ‘green’ to their home.”
Holistic interiors expert Nicola Jones will be speaking on how to style your home the eco way, avoiding sending furniture to landfill and giving tips on how to refurbish second-hand furniture.
There’ll also be a drop-in workshop where you can have a go at transforming old cardies into cushion covers and even knitting a bath mat out of old t-shirts under the experts’ eye.
Alyson McElroy-Jones from The Fashion Souk added: “The last few years has seen a huge rise in demand for all things vintage. People don’t necessarily want to furnish their home from the pages of a catalogue; they want to put their own stamp on their surroundings, as an extension of their own personal style and fashion.
“Also, with the property market still in recovery, many people are opting to spruce up their homes instead of moving house, so this event will be great for anyone who is decorating on a budget or for first time buyers who are looking for a bit of inspiration on how to update any family heirlooms.
“At ‘Unique Boutique’ we’ll be giving people the chance to see some examples of how easy it is to transform an old piece of furniture into something that you’ll love for many more years to come. It’s about setting your own trend – it could be something as simple as changing the frame on a mirror or painting, or making cushions from a pair of old curtains.”
You’ll also be able to put your feet up in one of the display ‘living rooms’, created with second-hand furniture from local charity shops, and there’ll be a chance to take part in an informal discussion about environmental issues and how they affect you.
Also attending will be Timmy White who is the interior designer behind the eclectic funky look of soon-to-open Hooligan Teaeatery in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Throughout Waste Week (June 1-5) there are a number of events organised around the council’s ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ theme.
For more information on recycling or other events that are happening as part of Waste Week visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/wasteweek
Who:A PLASTIC ROSE, MOJO FURY, LOWLY KNIGHTS, SWANEE RIVER, KASPER ROSA, BEAT N DRUM, BLACK BEAR SALOON, AXIS OF, POCKET BILLIARDS, TAKE THE FIFTH, VALKAINE, KEY OF ATLAS, FARRIERS, GENTRY MORRIS, GARETH DUNLOP, TALKING DRUM, WOOKALILY, DOLBRO DAN, THE 1930’S &MANY MORE
Tickets are £20 for a day ticket and £25 for a day ticket plus camping pass.
Expectations are building for Pigstock 2010!
Expectations are building for Pigstock 2010 on Saturday 29th May. With three stages and upwards of 34 of Northern Ireland’s hottest bands this year, it’s going to be EPIC!! The Main Stage (Headlined by A Plastic Rose, with Mojo Fury, Black Bear Saloon, Kasper Rosa, Axis of and more) will showcase bands who like their riffs big and powerful. The Gem Saloon stage will offer up high octane folk, roots and world music showcasing bands like Farriers, Lowly knights & Talking Drum. The Engine Room stage is dark, dirty and noisey with the emphasis on hardcore. This will be Headlined by The Rupture Dogs also playing are BOY, Leap for Lenin, Gascan Ruckus and Mental Deficiency.
Pigstock’s first year (2008) saw 250 revelers enjoying the best bands from Killinchy and the surrounding area. It was held in a marquee, tucked away in a meadow near Balloo crossroads.
2009 saw a jump to over 800 people. This time the stage was open air, and a professional sound team was employed. Other elements joined the fray in the form of a samba band marching though the field, a selection of urban poets to keep you thinking between bands and two fire dancers to visually astound once it got dark. Overnight Camping became available giving Pigstock a big festival feel.
With three stages on offer and more bands than any other year, Pigstock 2010 is an event you need to be at. Pack your tent for the weekend and join us to start the summer at Pigstock!
I’m Not Made Of Eyes’ is the brand new single released by GENERAL FIASCO on 24th May for Infectious. The track, taken from their debut album ‘Buildings’ as been re-recorded with Gil Norton (Pixes, Foo Fighters etc.) and is the follow up to the radio hit ‘Ever So Shy’. They will also continue to play round the country, with several festivals now being confirmed and dates in May with Kids in Glass Houses.
The video for ‘I’m Not Made of Eyes’ was directed by the internationally successful fashion director Sean Ellis and features the actors Emilia Fox and Shaun Evans, both of whom appeared in his Oscar nominated short film Cashback as well as having many other tv and theatre credits to their names. It is a stylistic and gloriously dark promo where our heroine (Fox) is rescued from a soon to turn nasty scenario by her boyfriend (Evans) from the clutches of some unscrupulous videographers (General Fiasco)!
‘Buildings’ was released in March 2010 and described by Q Magazine as “chock-full of big choruses” and as “(it) has that lust for life which is the hallmark of all great rock ‘n’ roll” by Rock Sound. The last single was added to the Radio 1 playlist and made single of the week on several shows, the video was also on the b-list at MTV2.
New single ‘I’M NOT MADE OF EYES’ 24th May 2010
30th May PINKPOP FESTIVAL – Landgraaf, NL
05th June WARD PARK, (SNOW PATROL SUPPORT) – Bangor, NI
11th June GREENFIELD FESTIVAL – Interlaken, CH
07th July GUILDHALL – Gloucester, UK
09th July RELENTLESS NASS FESTIVAL – Shepton Mallett, UK
10th July T IN THE PARK – Kinrosshire, UK
11th July OXEGEN FESTIVAL – Naas, Kildare, IRE
1 August LONDON, UNDERAGE FESTIVAL *** – (Victoria Park, NME/Youth Music stage)
There will be an open conversation and presentation about the Derry~Londonderry Bid for UK City Of Culture 2013 at QFT on Thursday 13 May from 4.30pm-5.30pm.
The event will cover the following key topics:
1. What kind of ideas are featured in the bid?
2. What’s in it for the arts community outside of Derry~Londonderry ? Why should you support the bid?
To increase the chance of having a story published, make the editors’, freelancers’, reporters’ or journalists’ job easier by presenting the release in a format and style that appeals to them.
Considerations before writing the press release :
1. Why the release is being written: to broadcast information, increase business, update target audiences?
2. Who is the audience?
3. Does the press release contain invaluable or newsworthy information that will be used by the target audience?
4. Is there a just cause for release the information that you wish to broadcast?
5. What do you want recipients to take away from the press release?
Overall tone and structure of the press release :
1. Content – ensure that the release is grammatically correct and doesn’t contain any spelling mistakes, errors, and sources are quoted correctly.
2. Concise – keep it punchy and don’t use unnecessary flowery language e.g. cutting- edge, revolutionary.
3. Factual – present the information for distribute that is true, correct and doesn’t embellish anything that to be communicated.
4. Objectivity – virtually impossible to do, but refrain from using over hyped quotes from sources as they will be presented as being too biased.
5. Timing – The press release may not be topical, but it may be able to incorporate the release with a more recent news event.
Tara Dalrymple
Tara Dalrymple has a BA Hons graduate from Gloucester University in Human Geography and Business Information Technology.
Tara began her career in London working as an account manager for a business to consumer PR agency, moving to international publishers Dorling Kindersley in their marketing and PR department, from there a move into Financial PR for Financial Dynamics working with internet listed companies. With finance and IT industry experience Tara worked as an IT Consultant for investment, Tier one and two banks and financial software companies.
Before moving to Ireland Tara worked for Marks & Spencer in the head office in their licensing department with spend of £98.0m pa across GM and Kidswear spend of £55.0m pa. Internal liaison with film studios, legal, design & licensing agencies regarding contracts negotiation, property selection, deal memos, trend research and product sign-off. Part of DB07 (David Beckham exclusive license held by M&S) team, winners of the LIMA (International Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association) Celebrity/Personality License of the year 2002/2003.
For many people the weekend is a time to get a lie in, or to do the weekly shop, or maybe if they’re feeling really adventurous they’ll even do some hoovering! There are however going to be plenty of reasons to avoid these ‘fun activities’ and instead get out on the streets of Bangor over the summer months to enjoy free Street Theatre Performances, beginning on Saturday 5 June 2010.
