Month: December 2010

All the latest news from The Limelight Complex/CDC Leisure

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LATEST NEWS
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD (EX BE YOUR OWN PET ) ANNOUNCE ANNIES SHOW!
Jeff The Brotherhood is Jake Orrall and Jamin Orrall (former members of BE YOUR OWN PET) two brothers who play drums and guitar. They grew up in Tennessee to make music and try to have a good time since its inception, they have played everything from house parties, rooftops, backyards, bars, art galleries and releasing their own records strip comic books and homemade videos.
MONA – BBC SOUND OF 2011 ANNOUNCE ANNIES SHOW IN FEB
The UK & Irish media have already been unequivocal in their praise for Mona with a huge amount of positive articles written about them. NME is a big fan (with several features and an inclusion on the NME’s best new bands of 2010 list) and the band feature on the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll shortlist as well as receiving glowing reviews in the likes of Q Magazine, Clash Music, The Fly, The Guardian, Music News, The Mirror, The Sun – Aunbtie Annies on 16th March
KING BLUES ANNOUNCE BELFAST DATE
“soulful ska with raw folk and a punk rock attitude” or “conscious rude boy ska” – The King Blues come to Belfast on 25th March.
AC?DC – BACK IN DECEMBER
The current set is taken from the Highway to Hell tour with added favourites and other crowd requests lasting over 2 hours.
CHAPEL CLUB FOR ANNIES!
Recently featured on Jools Holland and with their debut album planned for January 2011, London-based rock outfit CHAPEL CLUB has confirmed a performance at Auntie Annies on Saturday 26th February 2010. Tickets priced £11 are on sale Thursday 4th of November at 9am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and Ticketmaster.ie.
JOSE GONZALES RETURNS TO BELFAST – WITH JUNIP
Junip was formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, by José Gonzaléz (guitar, vocals), Elias Araya (drums) and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, moog). Their debut full-length album “Fields” was released in October 2010 on the City Slang label. As a solo artist José Gonzaléz has gained much critical and commercial success across the globe since his wonderfully inventive version of The Knife’s Heartbeats became an unlikely hit back in 2005. They play Auntie Annie’s on Thursday 4th February.
FEEDER RETURN TO BELFAST
Feeder return to Belfast to The Spring & Airbrake on Friday 4th February 2011. Tickets priced £23 go on sale this Friday 22nd October at 9am.

LATEST NEWS
BELFAST MUSIC TOUR
Did you know that the Belfast Music tour now starts off at 2pm on a Saturday at the front of Katy Daly’s Bar. Visit the Spring & Airbrake & Limelight wall of fame with a pint of Guinness then hop on the bus for the rest of the tour. Tickets in advance here
THE LIMELIGHT TOP 50 ANTHEMS – GET VOTING
The Limelight is one of Ireland’s most prestigious venues having hosted some of the best international and local acts in her time. Oasis, Primal Scream, Jeff Buckley, Moby and Snow Patrol are only some of the acts to have come through the gates and onto the stage. Many club nights have come and gone in Belfast but currently Friday nights Dirty Disco and Saturday’s Helter Skelter have grown and remain strong after 10 and 20 years respectively. With over 20 years of charts and playing the previous 30 years 60s/70’s & 80’s there are many memorable songs that come to mind when they think of the 500 capacity club.

Voting is open online for everyone. Go to www.cdcleisure.com and put in your memorable song to be in with a chance of winning a Golden Ticket to any 10 shows in the Limelight Complex in 2011. The final list will be announced at 9pm in KATY DALY’S Wed 22nd December 2010. Entrance is free.

SHAYNE WARD ANNOUNCES IRISH TOUR

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Following his show stopping performance at this year’s Cheerios Childline Concert, X Factor comeback and release of his third album Obsession, Shayne Ward has announced an Irish tour next March.

Shows confirmed for this exceptional vocalists’ Irish tour are as follows:

Tuesday 22nd Belfast, Waterfront Hall
Wednesday 23rd Castlebar, Royal Theatre
Thursday 24th Killarney, INEC
Saturday 26th Dublin, Olympia Theatre

Tickets for the Waterfront Hall show goes on sale from 9am on Thursday 23rd December.

The Waterfront Hall: Telephone – 02890 334455
Book On Line – www.waterfront.co.uk
In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide
24hr hotlines tel: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300/ ( NI ) 0844 277 4455
Buy online: www.Ticketmaster.ie

Shayne Ward burst back onto the scene this year with his Top 10 hit single, the infectious Gotta Be Somebody, the first release from his third album Obsession.  The follow-up single of the same name will tie in with the dates.

Shayne’s debut single in 2005, That’s My Goal, sold over 1 million copies in the UK, his album went Platinum in just over a week and reached number one in eight other countries, he’s had two sell out arena tours and received a prestigious Ivor Novello award.  It wasn’t just the UK fans that fell for him either.  Elevated to superstar status in Asia – Shayne had numerous number ones, received countless awards and spent months touring for his adoring fans.  He may have been launched by X Factor but like another vocal great he has already moved beyond that point.  Tony Bennett came second in a talent show for singing waiters and got a Sony contract as a result – he went on to record 100 albums for the label!  The platform might be different but each generation throws up it’s fair share of real talent and that always rises to the top whatever the route!  This time around it’s Shayne Ward!

One listen to his recent album – the first single Gotta Be Somebody, the powerful crescendos in album track Obsession, and vocals bursting with confidence in Foolish and there’s no doubt he’s found his rightful place in pop society. But it’s been quite the journey getting there.

Although he grew up in Clayton, North Manchester, Shayne is fiercely proud of his Irish roots. “Since winning The X Factor its like there’s a major respect for me in the traveling world,” Shayne glows, “ It’s like one of their own has done it. Irish People shout at me in the street as if I’m part of their family – its really warming”. Shayne’s Irish influences permeate his music too, and its no surprise that he is related to Irish folk group The Fureys– “I love listening to proper Irish music – even though some people might find it funny!” he laughs, “It really helps me chill out and reminds me of when I was younger. I’m also a huge fan of artists like Van Morrison, The Dubliners and U2.

Tickets for Shayne Wards Irish tour are on sale this Thursday, 23rd December at 9am.

For more see: www.shayneward.com / www.mcd.ie / www.ticketmaster.ie

DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS – BIG BROTHER STAR BRIAN DOWLING LAUNCHES COCA-COLA’S ‘ULTIMATE’ SAFE DRIVING CAMPAIGN

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Ultimate Big Brother winner Brian Dowling visited Belfast’s Ten Square Hotel recently to officially launch ‘Designated Driver’ Coca-Cola’s award winning Christmas safe driving campaign.

The aim of the campaign, which was developed with the support of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Dept of the Environment, is to reduce instances of drink driving during the festive season.  Consumers who volunteer to be the designated driver on a night out will be rewarded with up to three free soft drinks from the Coca-Cola product portfolio in participating pubs, clubs and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, TV favourite Brian expressed his support for the Designated Driver campaign.  “I’m delighted to be here in Belfast today to help Coca-Cola launch Designated Driver.  We all love a good night out during the festive season and this campaign encourages people to make responsible decisions and ensure they get home safely.  Drink driving is a major cause of road collisions at this time of year but with soft drinks on the house this Christmas, there are more reasons than ever to be the designated driver.”

Since its launch in 2007, the campaign has been evolving and this year Designated Driver will feature an exciting province wide road show.  A team of Designated Driver ‘Chauffeurettes’ will take to the road to spread the campaign’s safe driving message and reward drivers with some fantastic prizes.  The campaign’s website www.designated-driver.co.uk provides a full list of participating licensed outlets and an exciting new free to download iPhone app, which enables users to find their nearest participating Designated Driver pub when they’re out and about.

This year, Designated Driver has also shifted its online presence up a gear with the launch of a dedicated Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cocacoladesignateddriver which will be a fun focal point for all information relating to the campaign and will feature some great new competitions.

Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs & Communications Manager for Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is appreciative of the overwhelming support for Designated Driver.  “As a leading soft drinks supplier in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be in a position to play a role in reducing the problem of drink driving during the festive season.  Working in partnership with our customers all over Northern Ireland, we aim to offer consumers a tangible reward for choosing to be the designated driver on a night out.  We are grateful to DOE, PSNI and all the publicans across the province who support the Designated Driver campaign – without them this initiative would not be possible.  Finally, we would like to thank everyone who makes the responsible decision this Christmas by choosing to be the designated driver.”

Driving home the serious message behind the campaign, Environment Minister, Edwin Poots explains, “I fully support any initiative that improves road safety.  As we plan for Christmas, we have a duty to our own families and friends to ensure we are there to celebrate with them. We also have to ensure other people are able to celebrate with their relatives and friends too.  The safest way to do that is to book a taxi or have a designated driver who will not drink alcohol.

“Last year, 21 people were killed and 115 were seriously injured in collisions attributed to alcohol or drugs.  All of these families’ lives changed forever the moment the drivers responsible took a drink and decided to drive.

“My message to all drivers is clear: just one drink will impair your driving.  It’s your fault if someone dies or is seriously injured because you decided to drink and drive.”

Head of Road Policing, Superintendent Muir Clark adds, “It is critically important for passengers to ensure their designated driver hasn’t been drinking and that people resist the temptation to overload vehicles.

“Sometimes I wish we could show more people the horrific results of someone taking the stupid, selfish decision of getting behind the wheel after drinking. While the number of people killed on roads in Northern Ireland to date this year is half that of this time last year (51 compared to 104), all it takes is one wrong decision, one moment’s inattention or one drink to instantly changes lives forever.

“If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together we can reduce this preventable carnage on our roads.”

Last chance to support the Crescent Arts Centre via the Big Give Campaign!

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Crescent Arts Centre
Donate by Friday 10 December and
Have Your Donation Doubled
We are raising funds for a fully-accessible minibus to enable those from disadvantaged groups to visit the centre and make full use of our extensive outreach programme.
We are pleased to announce that we have been accepted into The Big Arts Give Christmas challenge to raise funds for this initiative, but now we need your help!
We have only have till Friday 10th December 2010 to complete the challenge: if you cannot donate yourself, we would really appreciate it if you could pass this on to someone who may be able to.
Please remember: any amount can make a difference to our appeal!

A massive Thank You to those who have already pledged, and those who intend to donate this week too!

Further Information about the Call Us a C.A.B. appeal
Need
Currently the Crescent Arts Centre does not have the means to provide consistent, disabled access transport for community groups and schools who may not normally have the opportunity to access the centre. Although CAC’s current projects are making an impact within the community, bringing groups to a neutral space would further promote cultural exchange, decrease isolation and increase participation for disadvantaged individuals in the wider community.
Solution
Having access to a designated minibus will enable the current and future groups we work with to come to the centre to showcase the outcomes of their creative projects to a wider audience. This will also give the groups a chance to directly engage and feel a sense of ownership of the space. On average we work with 20 groups per term which we aim to engage in some aspect of the centre – whether its participating in other activities or supporting other community groups’ projects.
Location
The centre is located in South Belfast, in a neutral area near Queens University. The population varies widely from students to families, young professionals and the elderly. The centre will be the utilised further as a venue for the outreach programme to be delivered, as it is perfectly suited to this use. The ‘Call Us a C. A. B! ’ project will use the minibus to travel to all areas of Belfast to transport members of all communities to the centre to engage them in projects taking place there.
Beneficiaries
We have around 20 projects per term engaging an average of 20 participants per project.
This will include primary and secondary schools, refugee groups, disability groups, mental health groups, community centres, women’s groups and young peoples theatre groups. We intend to make full use of the bus every term, and engage each group with at least one activity within the centre.
Impact
The project will enable access to the centre for those that previously wouldn’t have visited/engaged with others. For example, elderly participants will feel less isolated as they will be encouraged to visit the centre via our transport to enjoy interactive activities which will improve their wellbeing.
We will use questionnaires to monitor the participants response to the project, and record the usage of the minibus. Success will be an increase in numbers of 70% to the centre in 3 years.
Why Us?
The Crescent Arts Centre has a long history of developing and implementing a wide variety of highly successful outreach projects in Belfast. Our newly refurbished building and facilities are located in a neutral area which is perfectly suited for executing projects of high impact with elderly people, disabled individuals and disadvantaged youths as well as many other groups and communities.
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Crescent Arts Centre

2-4 University Road

Belfast, Antrim BT7 1NH

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Glasgowbury submissions now open!

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The Glasgowbury Site - Small but MASSIVE!

The submissions period for Glasgowbury 2011 is now officially open.

Acts interested in submitting to be considered for next year’s festival have until the end of January to send through their work.

As a festival which caters for new and emerging talent, each year Glasgowbury opens a submissions period to give interested bands and artists the opportunity to get on the bill.

To be considered for next year’s event, interested applicants should send their press pack, an up to date example of their music, and a copy of a downloadable covering letter available from www.glasgowbury.com

Although hard copy postal entries are preferred, this year artists can also submit to Glasgowbury via email but must still provide all essential criteria.

Postal Submissions:

Send your press pack, CD and the completed covering letter to: Glasgowbury Music Group, Unit B1, The Business Centre,  Tobermore Road, Draperstown, BT45 7AG

Email Submissions:

Email your press pack, a link to your songs (do not send song attachments with your email as this will clog up the email system)  and the completed covering letter to: submissions@glasgowbury.com

The deadline for receipt of submissions is Monday 31st January and all successful acts will be informed thereafter.
—
www.glasgowbury.com
small but MASSIVE!

T: +44 (0)28 796 28428

Widow Twankey star announced for the Alley!

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This week Puddle Alley announced that Gary Gamble, one of the Ireland’s leading singers is set to take the lead role in his hometown panto production of Aladdin! Taking the all singing and all dancing role of the panto Dame, the lovable Widow Twankey, Gary is looking forward to stepping out on the famous Alley stage as the comical panto character, who is loved by millions of children across Ireland and the UK.

The singing sensation is certainly no stranger to the entertainment scene and is eagerly looking forward to his panto role at the Alley. Over the past five years, Gary’s performances throughout the UK, Ireland & Spain have seen him make his mark on the Country circuit in dance halls, festivals, concerts and award shows. His forthcoming appearences at the Alley has already seen fans from across the North West start to snap up tickets to see this singing sensation on stage with a host of stars from the Strabane district.

Gary is well-known in the UK and Ireland for his unique and uncanny tribute act to Daniel O’Donnell and his tribute has seen him appear alongside Hugo Duncan, Dominic Kirwan, Philomena Begley, Margo O’Donnell, Big Tom, Declan Nerney and various other great Country stars. Will Daniel be turning up to the panto? On that Gary is keeping tight lipped as “the script is top secret” he states. “However I’m so used to portraying Daniel as an act, this is certainly going to be a new challenge, but very comical, we had children and adults in laughter at our showcase”.

John Kerr, Manager at the Alley Theatre stated “Having Gary in the Strabane community panto this year is something we know will be a big hit with his North West fans. After appearences on Glor Tire, RTE’s Podge & Rodge, TV3 and UTV country music awards, word of his appearance and Puddle Alley’s Traditional Panto has even reached UTV and they intend to interview Gary next week, for one of their television programmes!”

Aladdin is being performed at the Alley Theatre, Strabane, from January 13th – 22nd 2011, with tickets on sale now at the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or book online at www.alley-theatre.com. Starting at only £5 for children and over 60’s, this show is the ideal night out for all the family, early booking advised!

MCD PRESENTS RIHANNA ‘LOUD’ TOUR DUBLIN AND BELFAST CONCERT DATES

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After the smash hit success of her ‘Rated R’ Arena Tour earlier this year, MCD are thrilled to announce that global megastar Rihanna is due to return to the Ireland in October 2011 to perform as part of her brand new ‘Loud’ Tour.  This will be the first chance Irish audiences will get to see her performing her brand new mega-hit singles ‘Only Girl (In The World)’ and ‘What’s My Name’ from her new album ‘Loud’.

Rihanna will play The Odyssey Arena Belfast on 1st October and and The O2, Dublin on 3rd October.  Tickets for both concerts will go on sale this Saturday 11 December at 9.00am.

With ‘Only Girl (In The World)’ recently hitting the #1 spot, the stage was set perfectly for the release of LOUD, Rihanna’s fifth album, which debuted into the top of the charts. Rihanna’s second single, ‘What’s My Name’ featuring Drake, was another huge success – it’s made Rihanna’s 9th #1 on the Hot 100 and widens her dominance of the charts.

Nominated for 4 Awards at this 2011’s Grammy Awards, Rihanna has earned a reputation of being one of the most exhilarating and talented performers in the world. Her ‘Rated R’ tour earlier this year, sold out multiple arenas across the country and stunned audiences all over the globe with an unrivalled production. With an unbelievable arson of hits such as ‘Only (girl In The World)’, ‘Umbrella’, ‘Disturbia’, ‘Shut Up and Drive’ and a brand new, even more flamboyant stage show, Rihanna’s ‘Loud’ Tour is set to be her biggest and best yet.

Tickets for these shows are bound to fly out the door, so make sure you get yours fast!

MCD Presents
RIHANNA
Plus Special Guests

The Odyssey Arena
Saturday 1st October 2011
Tickets from £47.00 including booking fee

The O2, Dublin
Monday 3rd October 2011
Tickets from €54.80 including booking fee

Tickets On Sale this Saturday 11th December 9.00am

The Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Odyssey Arena Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.odysseyarena.com

Ticketmaster
In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):
ROI – 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

All the latest news from CDC Leisure/Limelight Complex

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LATEST NEWS
MONA – BBC SOUND OF 2011 ANNOUNCE ANNIES SHOW IN FEB
The UK & Irish media have already been unequivocal in their praise for Mona with a huge amount of positive articles written about them. NME is a big fan (with several features and an inclusion on the NME’s best new bands of 2010 list) and the band feature on the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll shortlist as well as receiving glowing reviews in the likes of Q Magazine, Clash Music, The Fly, The Guardian, Music News, The Mirror, The Sun – Aunbtie Annies on 16th March
KING BLUES ANNOUNCE BELFAST DATE
“soulful ska with raw folk and a punk rock attitude” or “conscious rude boy ska” – The King Blues come to Belfast on 25th March.
AC?DC – BACK IN DECEMBER
The current set is taken from the Highway to Hell tour with added favourites and other crowd requests lasting over 2 hours.
NINA NASTASIA SHOW CANCELLED
We regret to inform you that unfortunately Nina Nastasia will not be able to perform her winter UK tour due to health concerns (inc 9th Dec in Auntie Annies). Nina is very sorry that she won’t be able to play and looks forward to coming back to the UK soon.Refunds are available from your point of purchase.
CHAPEL CLUB FOR ANNIES!
Recently featured on Jools Holland and with their debut album planned for January 2011, London-based rock outfit CHAPEL CLUB has confirmed a performance at Auntie Annies on Saturday 26th February 2010. Tickets priced £11 are on sale Thursday 4th of November at 9am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and Ticketmaster.ie.
JOSE GONZALES RETURNS TO BELFAST – WITH JUNIP
Junip was formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, by José Gonzaléz (guitar, vocals), Elias Araya (drums) and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, moog). Their debut full-length album “Fields” was released in October 2010 on the City Slang label. As a solo artist José Gonzaléz has gained much critical and commercial success across the globe since his wonderfully inventive version of The Knife’s Heartbeats became an unlikely hit back in 2005. They play Auntie Annie’s on Thursday 4th February.
OCEAN COLOUR SCENE RETURN TO BELFAST
Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler and drummer Oscar Harrison are performing an up close and very exclusive acoustic show on Thursday 9th December at the comparatively intimate setting of The Limelight as part of a small tour consisting of several shows in Ireland.
FIGHT LIKE APES ANNOUNCE IRISH TOUR
Fight Like Apes have announced an Irish tour to include Belfast Spring & Airbrake on Saturday 18th December. Tickets are £9 and on sale Wednesday.
FEEDER RETURN TO BELFAST
Feeder return to Belfast to The Spring & Airbrake on Friday 4th February 2011. Tickets priced £23 go on sale this Friday 22nd October at 9am.
SARAH BLASKO POSTPONES IRISH DATES
Unfortunately Sarah Blasko will be unable to play her scheduled Irish shows in Dublin and Belfast in December 2010 – Sarah will be visiting the country on her next tour so keep an eye out for future dates. Ticket refunds are available from point of purchase.
BELFAST MUSIC TOUR
Did you know that the Belfast Music tour now starts off at 2pm on a Saturday at the front of Katy Daly’s Bar. Visit the Spring & Airbrake & Limelight wall of fame with a pint of Guinness then hop on the bus for the rest of the tour. Tickets in advance here
THE LIMELIGHT TOP 50 ANTHEMS – GET VOTING
The Limelight is one of Ireland’s most prestigious venues having hosted some of the best international and local acts in her time. Oasis, Primal Scream, Jeff Buckley, Moby and Snow Patrol are only some of the acts to have come through the gates and onto the stage. Many club nights have come and gone in Belfast but currently Friday nights Dirty Disco and Saturday’s Helter Skelter have grown and remain strong after 10 and 20 years respectively. With over 20 years of charts and playing the previous 30 years 60s/70’s & 80’s there are many memorable songs that come to mind when they think of the 500 capacity club.

Voting is open online for everyone. Go to www.cdcleisure.com and put in your memorable song to be in with a chance of winning a Golden Ticket to any 10 shows in the Limelight Complex in 2011. The final list will be announced at 9pm in KATY DALY’S Wed 22nd December 2010. Entrance is free.
BAD MANNERS
Since 1979 BAD MANNERS have had huge chart success with the ‘Can Can, Special Brew, Lip up Fatty, My Girl Lolly Pop, Lorraine, Walking in the Sunshine & Just a Feelin’ they have retained a loyal following and remain an institution in the world of Ska and Two Tone.

Catch up with all the Latest News from the Alley Theatre.

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Forget the snow….Spring is coming

to the Alley thanks to Aladdin

and his crew!

The Alley Theatre went Panto crazy this month, as Aladdin and his crew delivered the new Alley Theatre Events Guide 2011 to Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Cllr Michaela Boyle.

TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE CLICK HERE!

The Alley Theatre, a facility of Strabane District Council, has a packed programme between December to April 2011, including top drama productions from Bruiser Theatre Company, The 25th Strabane Drama Festival, comedy from Jeremy Hardy and Brendan Grace, music for Trad legends De Dannan, Kintra, StageWrite and ballet with Ballet UK and Cinderella.

“This January the Alley will also be welcoming Puddle Alley and its cracking new panto, Aladdin, the biggest community panto Strabane has seen in 25 years” commented John Kerr, The Alley Theatre manager. “The panto is written and directed by Aodh McCay and will feature a large local cast and a very special North West celeb!! We urge patrons to book early for the biggest panto to hit Strabane in 25years and see something truly magical”

“This season we also have a breathtaking exhibition programme. Artworks set to go on display at the Alley will feature some of the best up and coming artists from the UK, Europe and Asia. The intimate venue will also host a large number of established artists, including the highly respected Maurice Harron, famous for his “Tinnies” statues in Strabane.” For more information on exhibitions click here.

“Interested in getting involved? Well the Alley is also offering a superb array of top art workshops for all ages, ranging from DJ workshops, drama classes, painting, dance and lots more. For more information on workshops, please click here.

“Last season we saw excellent attendance levels, something which we know will continue into 2011. As always we have an excellent mixuture of music, drama, comedy and dance, however we always urge early bookings from patrons.”

To view a full listings of all the shows coming to the Alley click here or click here

to download the new guide.

Santa’s Show set for full house

at the Alley!

Tickets now limited for Santa’s hit new show at the Alley, “A Wish For Santa” (Dec 18th at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m).

“We only have 20 tickets per show left, so if you haven’t booked yet, now is the time to snap them up” commented Pauline O’Neill from the Alley Theatre.

This magical tale, featuring the most wanted man in the world, Santa Claus, is the ideal treat for your little ones this Christmas.

The show tells the tale of Santa and his Magic Book of Wishes, which have been stolen, but by who? Who can it have been? Was it the Plunder Pirates? The Robber Robots?? Or worst of all, the Grisly Gift Gremlins???

“Get your little ones ready for the big day with this wonderful visit to see the real Santa on stage at the Alley! Tickets start at only £5 and we shall have Santa on hand at the foyer to wave all the children goodbye in the foyer at the end of the show!” To book the last remaining tickets call the Alley Theatre Box office on 028 7138 4444 or click here.

Your Place or Mine?

The legacy of the Plantation period is to be the topic of a discussion night set to be chaired by BBC’s Mark Carruthers  at the Alley Theatre on Thursday, December 9th at 7.30 p.m.

A  guest panel including Paddy Harte, retired Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Darrach McDonald, author of Blood and Thunder (Inside an Ulster Protestant Band) and Dr Patrick Fitzgerald, Research Fellow at Queens University will be discussing the lasting legacy of this turning point in Irish and British history.

Also joining the panel will be Cannon David Crooks (past pupil and ‘expert’ on Royal School in Raphoe, also his parish is in Donegal Ulster Scots heartland (Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Taughboyne with Craigadooish, Newtowncunningham and Killea, Rural Dean of Raphoe, and Hon. Canon of St Eunan’s Cathedral, Raphoe, to be also Diocesan Registrar (Derry & Raphoe).

Each panel member will present a 10 minute presentation about their view of the legacy of the Plantation period, which is approaching it 400th anniversary this year. After the presentations, the audience and panel will then discussed this issues raised at this free event, developing a greater understanding of our shared heritage and cultures.

For more information contact Your Place or Mine Project officer, Pauline O’Neill, on 028 7188 4760. This project has been delivered as part of the Culural, Heritage and Identity Programme. It is supported by the Peace III programme and managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the North West Peace III Cluster.

Limited tickets for

Cross Community Carol Concert!

Always one of the highlights of the festive season, the annual Strabane Cross Community Carol Concert (December 20th) is heading for a sell out this week, as eager patrons snap up the last tickets to see RTE’s Chloe Coyle perform on stage at the Alley Theatre.
“This wonderful Christmas event has been a massive fundraiser for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity, and this year will be no exception” commented John Kerr, the Alley Theatre’s manager.
“We have very limited seats left now for the show, which will feature music from St Joseph’s Brass Band and the Derg Valley Choir and special guest perfomer, Chloe Coyle, winner of RTE’s All Ireland Talent Show.”
Only days before Christmas, this show offers the habitual gusto of festive cheer, audience participation, a wonderful programme of readings, carols and recitals.  “All proceeds on the night will go towards Marie Curie Cancer Care (Strabane Branch), so it’s a great way to have a wonderful night out, all in the name of such a good cause. We are only a matter of a few dozen seats away from a sell out crowd, so I urge anyone thinking of booking to snap up the last tickets now at only £5 via the Alley Box office (029 7138 4444) or book online at www.alley-theatre.com” concluded the Alley’s Manager.

And finally…..

Stuck for an idea of what to get your loved ones this Christmas…well check out our suggestions for your Christmas

For the parents?

He’s the king of Irish comedy, that everyone adores….Brendan Grace, who will be at the Alley on Feb 25th. Give your folks a night of laughter with one of the best in the business! Click here for more info.

Your wonderful sister?

You have shared a lifetime together, full of tears and laughter. Why not treat her to a night out at the Alley to see the breathtaking play, Blood Brothers,  which has every emotion possible packed in this award winning show from Willy Russell. Click here for more information.

The brother who always helps out?

Treat him to a night out with top comedy from Jeremy Hardy, star of QI, Radio 4 and the Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. One of the top comedians in the UK and Ireland, he gets a 5 star rating from the Alley! Click here to book now.

For the little ones?

It has to be tickets to see Aladdin in Janaury…OH YES IT IS! For family fun this is a must see show this season, click here for more information.

For those people who have everything,

and you can never work out

what to give them !

We all know someone who has everything and we stress each year about what to get them. Don’t worry anymore, the ideal gift is an Alley Theatre Christmas Gift voucher! Offer them a great night out on you, allowing them to choose from over 50 plus shows per season. For more info, click here.

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