Go Explore NI!

Awakin Digital Publishing are about to launch a product which will be music to the ears (and candy to the eyes) of tourists visiting Northern Ireland and best of all, it’s free!

Go Explore NI is live on the android platform free and will soon be available to download free on your iphone.  Once it is downloaded by the user it gives you free access to Award Winning walking trails, all in the palm of your hand. ‘It’s like your own little local companion, helping you with directions and maps, getting you to where you need to go and giving you a rich visual experience when you get there. We’ve put great content in the app and are starting to sign up affiliates from various tourist attractions and towns across Northern Ireland.

We’ve kicked things off with a qualtiy tour known as ‘CausewayCompanion.com’ which is specific to the world famous Causeway Coast and has 3 tours on it so far for free.’ ‘We are also launching the Titanic Trail on there too so we can really start to offer the best of the best of experiences and start to bring visitors to the area and build on our BT Goldeneye Award winning experience in Belfast. Our aim as always with our digital tourism products is 3 fold:

1.    put our communities at the heart of all that we do;

2.    be a responsive and indispensable resource for the community, their tourists and the local economy;

3.    embrace innovation and technology which enhances value to our product and our users.

The project has attracted focused marketing partners along the route such as The Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae.  Trevor Kane, Owner of the Hotel points out ‘As a Hotel with visitor experience central to our core values, we believe that being a listed partner and having ourselves as one of the ‘Causeway Companions’ on the route is the best way of attracting new business, to sample our great atmosphere and fantastic hospitality.  It’s a digital age we live in and we are able to offer much to these digital travellers as they journey our world famous route.  It’s even more exciting to see an idea such as this come from a local company’.

The local Community Association also loves the idea – Joyce Rankin had this to say ‘The causeway companion is enabling our organization to have a reach far further than we could enjoy on our own.  As a community group that is designed to help to enhance the quality of life for all residents, raising our profile to a worldwide audience as well as being able to make announcement very inexpensively with such a far reach is invaluable and effective. We are not only keeping it local but are reaching out to the world as well.

Successful digital engagement requires high quality, focused and inspirational ‘ideas people’ with a ‘delivery’ pedigree.  In working with Whatsonni.com and Datasentiment, we have the drive and enthusiasm of local independents committed to developing the best experiences and highest value returns for advertising partners.

For further information please visit www.causewaycompanion.com.  If you are a business wishing to add or create a trail, please contact John at john@awakin.com or on 07796614844.  We are offering you the ability to set up and manage your own affiliated trail so give us a call for more detail.

Lots to talk about this week at the Alley…enjoy!

Start your day with Cafe Horizon’s!

We have taken our time. Investigated. Tested. Auditioned. Now we are delighted to announce our new Cafe will be opening on October 18th!!

Called Cafe Horizons, this new cafe will be run by the successful New Horizons Partnership, who already own the popular “School House” café, based at the North West Regional College Campus in Strabane.

“At Café Horizons we intend to offer customers a great selection, from daily lunchtime specials, sandwiches, wraps, tray bakes and a fantastic breakfast selection” commented Anne Ramsey from the New Horizons Partnership. “As always we will also offer our mouth watering homemade fresh scones and wheten bread, baked daily on the premises!”

Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, mid-morning coffee, a relaxing lunch or a sandwich on the go, we intend to offer the complete range of services to our new customers.” The café is set to open its doors on Monday, October 18th from 9.30 a.m. onwards, for more information visit the Alley Theatre website at www.alley-theatre.com or visit the new Cafe Horizons Facebook by clicking here.

Ticket Info

Tonight (October 13th)  – Comedy Drama with Bruiser – Low Pay – Don’t Pay!

Tickets on sale at the Box Office only, click here for more information.

Top UK clairvoyant  – Sharon Neill – October 20th – Limited tickets. Click here to book.

Do you want a weekend of Craic? The Johnny Crampsie Festival at the Alley Theatre!

As the Johny Crampsie Traditional music festival rolls into Strabane, Join One of Northern Irelands most popular entertainers, The Fureys and Davey Arthur on October 21st. Also performing in the Alley Theatre during the festival is CRAIC LIVE at the Alley. The North West’s leading community Irish Trad group comes together for a unique one night only performance on Friday October 22nd. Also performing are The Border Collies with special guests C.R.A.I.C youth on Saturday October 23rd.  The collies are a fantastic Irish Traditional music Group, who recently swept the boards at the Trend Studios and Irish Music Magazine Comhraigh Ceol competition held at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

Expect a brilliant weekend of Irish Traditional music and Craic. For more information Click Here.

Do you have children aged between 11-16yrs old?

Know someone who wants to learn about musical theatre?

The Alley is delighted to announce a new musical theatre course is going to be held at this award winning theatre this November. Students will have the chance to work with top professionals over 2 days, learning how to put on a production, sing, dance and perform on stage! At the end of the course the group will then perform excerpts from Okalahoma, yee haa!

When:
1st November 2010 – 9.00am – 5.30pm
2nd November 2010 – 9.00am – 8.00pm (showcase at 7pm)
Alley Theatre, Strabane –Showcase admission £3

Who can join?
Anyone, it’s an Open Access project i.e. there are no auditions prior, places are allocated on a first come first served basis to young people aged 11-16 years, interested in Music Theatre, Singing, Acting & Dancing

How do I join?
To Book your place contact:

Jean Smyth, Strabane District Council – 07730900610 jsmyth@strabanedc.com or Anne Delaney, MT4Uth – 07879077800 anne@mt4uth.com

One of the best plays to visit the Alley!

The gripping true life story “I once Knew a girl” comes to the Alley on October 26th. Based on real life events and performed by women who’s life has been affected by the Troubles, this gripping new play will offer an unique insight into some of the most heart moving events over the last 50 years.

Want to hear from the performed themselves, check out the Alley Podcast from the play by clicking here.

Don’t miss this heart wrenching play, of true life stories, performed by the people themselves are shared on stage so that audiences can collectively bear witnesses to issues of suffering, redemption and social justice. FREE ADMISSION. For more information click here

Walk “In the Footsteps of Heroes

This new production coming to the Alley on october 29th, takes the viewer on a nostalgic and provoking journey through World War 1 and World War 2 in the form of sketchs, poetry, famous speeches, music and song. One particular treat will be music from the stunning “Nicola Moody and The Moodettes”.

Also other performances are from Claire and Jackie Mc Elhinney, David Moore, David Gibson, Derek, Ross and Shirley Hussey, Nigel Scott, Neil Moody, The Home Guard and the 9th Battalion Corps of Drums Band.  Tickets now on sale from £9.00 For more information click here.

And Finally

Sorry for saying this…but its only 10 weeks to Christmas! So this is the ideal time to contact the Alley Theatre and book your Christmas Theatre Gift Vouchers! You can order in any size, from £10 upwards and the vouchers last for 12 months, offering your loved one the perfect excuse for a night out in 2011….ho, ho, ho!

Upcoming Performances

  • Sharon Neill

Wednesday 20 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • The Fureys & Davey Arthur

Thursday 21 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • CRAIC LIVE at the Alley

Friday 22 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • The Border Collies

Saturday 23 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • I Once Knew A Girl

Tuesday 26 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • Ballet Ireland – Romeo & Juliet

Wednesday 27 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

Featured Event

Tim McGarry

Tim McGarry from BBC’s Give My Head Peace, Dry Your Eyes and the Blame Game turns his satirical eye on History for his first solo stand up show at the Alley.

Join Tim as he takes a hilarious romp through 5000 years of Irish history, from the English Invaison to “Irisgate”, and St Patrick to Catriona Ruane! Don’t forget, everyone gets a free A – level with every ticket!

Saturday 06 Nov @ 20:00 PM – 22:00 PM

BOOK NOW »

Two Little Boys

Fifty years of sibling rivalry and resentment comes out in this hilarious play set in a Donegal hotel.

Two middle aged brothers can’t let go of their youth. Can the women in their lives help? Not a chance, the women are worse than the men!

The gloves are off in this laugh a minute show….and remember you can always pick your friends, but not your family!

Friday 12 Nov @ 20:00 PM – 22:00 PM

BOOK NOW »

Latest news from CDC Leisure

Latest News


The Lightning Seeds – Show Cancelled!!
‘Unfortunately The Lightning Seeds will be unable to play their scheduled Irish shows in November 2010 – the band plan to visit the country on her next tour so keep an eye out for future dates. Ticket refunds are available from point of purchase’.

The Magic Numbers to play the Spring & Airbrake
The Magic Numbers have announced an intimate date at The Spring & Airbrake on Tuesday 7th December as part of an Irish tour which they will play: Thu 2 December: KILLARNEY, The Acoustic Room at the INEC Fri 3 December: CORK, The Pavilion Sat 4 December: GALWAY, Roisin Dubh Sun 5 December: DUBLIN, Whelan’s Tue 7 December: BELFAST, Spring & Airbrake

Paul Gilbert brings ‘Fuzz Universe’, to lBelfast
Paul Gilbert will bring ‘Fuzz Universe’, his most recent album to life during his return to Spring & Airbrake on Sunday 7th November 2010. Paul will be accompanied on tour by bassist Craig Martini and drummer Jeff Bowders. As a special bonus Tony Spinner will be included in the band as guitarist and vocalist. Tony is known for his powerful mix of rock, blues and shred guitar as well as his stunning vocal abilities. Paul will be performing favourites from RACER X, M

Check out the video here


Bowling For Soup show SOLD OUT!!
Sorry folks – The ‘Bowling For Soup’ show has Sold Out!

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.

Pulled Apart By Horses in Annies?
Emerging as one of the most acclaimed and talked-about breakout acts of 2010, Leeds quartet Pulled Apart By Horses have confirmed that they will play Auntie Annie’s on 14th November. They released ‘High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive’ on September 6th, the second single release from their critically acclaimed debut album (see quotes above for proof!).

DJ YODA RETURNS WITH HIS BRAND NEW AV SHOW!
Stand back! Super-dextrous turntablist and AV master DJ Yoda is once again pushing the entertainment envelope by taking his newest show to the biggest screen in town. No stranger to breaking new ground and consistently raising the bar in DJ entertainment, DJ Yoda’s multifaceted AV live shows are renowned for being an audio visual spectacle.

JIM KERR (SIMPLE MINDS) ELECTROSET TOUR ANNOUNCED FOR BELFAST!
Lostboy! AKA: Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr prepares for an extensive European tour including a stop at the Spring & Airbrake, on November 10th. James “Jim” Kerr is the founder and the voice of Simple Minds, one of the most influential British bands of the Post-Punk musical revolution in 1978. “Lostboy! Aka” is a solo album by Jim Kerr.

TRASH TALK SUPPORT CANCER BATS
California rockers Trash Talk wil Support Cancer Bats on their Irish dates. Trash Talk recently won Best International Newcomer at Kerrang Awards 2010. Playing three shows at three venues in one night, Sacramento punk powerhouse Trash Talk lived up to the short, fast and intense spirit that of their debut album” Rolling Stone

DARWIN DEEZ ANNOUNCES BELFAST SHOW
Indie Chart toppers Darwin Deez have announced a Belfast date at the Limelight on Wednesday 10th November. Tickets are on sale this Wednesday.

TINPAN ORANGE TO SUPPORT THE CAT EMPIRE
‘From the minute that Tinpan takes the stage one is struck by the synergy of something so gentle yet powerful. The partnership of Jesse, Emily and Alex is a formidable knock out combination. They all know when to let it breathe or drive it home. The web they weave instantly catches you and you are happy to be their captive.’ – John Butler

Boyce Avenue will return to The Limelight – 22nd November
Boyce Avenu have previously played to Auntie Annies and Spring & Airbrake. Boyce Avenue, a Florida-based band popular for its strong acoustic roots and melodic rock sound, consists of the three brothers Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano. They became a YouTube sensation after posting videos of their own songs and covers of their favourite song

GREG DULLI TO EMBARK ON FIRST EVER SOLO TOUR
An Evening With Greg Dulli. 29-City Acoustic Tour Makes Stops In Five Countries and will showcase his solo material in Spring & Airbrake on Thursday 28th October 2010.

Ticket information

Tickets available in Katy Daly’s at the bar – Box Office 02890 327007

Countdown to Strabane’s Johnny Crampsie Music Festival!

Strabane’s hotly anticipated Johnny Crampsie Music Festival is looking forward to the arrival of Irish music legends the Fureys and Davey Arthur, who are set to open the 2010 music festival at the award winning Alley Theatre.

The Fureys & Davey Arthur
The Fureys & Davey Arthur

“This year the Johnny Crampsie Festival will be opened by the fantastic Fureys and Davey Arthur, one of Ireland’s greatest ever bands, we are delighted the group have decided to take part in this fantastic North West Festival” commented Mark Diver from CRAIC. “Each year we want to make the festival bigger and better than the last, so in addition to our wonderful opening act, we are delighted to annouce that the festival will be held over 4 days with a host of great bands from across Ireland lined up.”

The Fureys & Davey Arthur have been entertaining people all over the world for 32 years with their music, songs and stories, however this will be their first Johnny Crampsie Festival appearance.   “There is nothing we can say about these legends of Irish Music that people don’t already know, so don’t miss this concert when you can hear them sing all their hits including ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’ and the ‘The Green Fields of  France”

The following night (October 22nd) it will be the turn of North West favourites, CRAIC, who will be performing one of their excellent heart beating sets on stage to the delight of their legion of North West fans. The group, made up of a variety of local Strabane based musicians, including All Ireland Champions, are eagerly looking forward to performing in their hometown theatre.

The Border Collies are set to take the stage on Saturday, October 23rd, the first time the band have performed in the North West after storming the Trad charts in the south of Ireland. The Collies, who recently swept the boards at the Trend Studios and Irish Music Magazine Comhraigh Ceol competition held at the National Concert Hall Dublin, attribute their success to their versatility in terms of instrumentation and song. The band excels in showcasing wonderful musical versatility through arrangements of popular and well-known songs, coupled with their use of both Irish and English language songs. In addition to the performance the Collies will be offering performance workshops to 8-18 yr olds on the 23rd, ideal for those young musicians keen to develop their skills and confidence on stage. To book a workshop please contact Jean Smyth at Strabane District Council on 028 7138 2204.

“After three great nights of music and workshops, the festival then moves to the Strabane Cricket Club for a family fun day of music, with junior sessions from 4-6 p.m and seniors at 7 p.m. till late. For more information on the festival or to book tickets contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or online at www.alley-theatre.com

Peddle Power at Mount Stewart

Managing a garden the size of world renowned National Trust gardens, Mount Stewart can present many challenges. Working on a site over 100 acres presents the tricky task of moving staff and materials from one part of the property to another.

Until recently this has been achieved by the use of petrol powered utility vehicles which are effective but not very environmentally friendly. Now the gardeners at Mount Stewart are transporting themselves and their flowers around the property using peddle power.

A bespoke bicycle, fitted with a trailer means heavy materials like plant, compost and tools can easily be biked around the vast gardens. Inspired by the child buggies you see while out and about, Paul Stewart, plant and propagation manager at Mount Stewart contacted local supplier, Bike Dock on the Ravenhill Road in Belfast.

Paul comments: “The cycle is not only an environmentally friendly mode of transport but very effective and quick. The bike is fitted with a trailer which is perfectly balanced so you can easily carry bales of compost, plants, tools and other heavy loads. The bicycle is capable of some off-road use which is necessary in a property as vast and geographically diverse as this one. Transportation is as quick as petrol powered utility vehicles and a lot less effort than walking, carrying or using a wheelbarrow or hand cart.”

This innovative venture is another way in which the National Trust are committing themselves to the challenge they set earlier this year of reducing  their consumption of fossil fuels for heat and electricity by 50% by 2020.

Haunted Happenings this Hallowe’en

Join the National Trust this October and scare yourself silly with the masses of mystical activities and events for young and old, the brave and the not so brave.

Hezlett House will be hosting their very first Haunted House. Blow the cobwebs off your fancy dress costume and come along on the 28 and 29 October to see the house bedecked in all things spooky! There’ll be creepy crafts, a family fun fair and a ghoulish guided tour to keep you on your toes. Hear chilling tales of the strange and peculiar inhabitants of this historic site as you tiptoe tentatively around the grounds.

Experience Springhill House in Moneymore as you’ve never before, by testing your nerve on a spine-tingling tour!  On Saturday 30 October, one of the spookiest nights of the year, you’re invited to walk in the historic footsteps of the Lenox Conyngham family to discover eerie tales and strange happenings at Springhill. Come along and enjoy a ghostly tour of the House with a costumed guide and hear tales of the mysterious happenings over the last 300 years. Past residents might even join you as you wander through their home by night.

For something different visit Rowallane Garden on the 23 and 24 October to carve out your pumpkin. Scary storytelling and Ghostly Garden Trails will keep all ages amused. Relax in the Garden Kitchen Tea Room with warm Hallowe’en refreshments before heading home with your own uniquely carved pumpkin.

Mount Stewart will once again have its exhilarating Enchanted Garden on the 30 October. Come along in your scariest costume and brave your way through the enchanted gardens on this bewitching Hallowe’en eve! The evening will include a mystical journey through the gardens where music, lights and spooky stories will leave you spellbound.  There will also be an opportunity to view Mount Stewart House during the eerie hours of darkness on our twilight tours.

For those in Co. Armagh, Ardress House has an afternoon of ghostly story telling, fancy dress and face paintings to keep children entertained. A great day out for the whole family on 30 October, so come along and take part in the autumnal activities.

Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh will be a flurry of fun on 31 October with a range of exciting activities for all ages.  From spooky tours of the house to the ever popular Hallowe’en Craft Fair, Florence Court will have plenty to offer visitors this Hallowe’en. Enjoy the gorgeous reds and golds of autumnal foliage while browsing through the range of innovative craft stalls.  Among the crafts on offer are woodturning, handcrafted knit wear, honey, jewellery, loose leaf teas, and wonderful handmade chocolates. With face painting, Hallowe’en crafts and a magician, there will also be plenty of entertainment for children.  Also new this year will be pumpkin lantern making.  Choose your own pumpkin and face design for National Trust staff to carve for you.

Enjoy the outdoors on Hallowe’en night with a guided walk to the summit of the Black Mountain in Belfast for the spectacular views of the firework displays. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

Brighten up the dark nights at the Seapark Fireworks, Holywood

Trick or Treat?!

There’s a chill in the air and some spooky goings on, as Holywood gets ready for its annual Seapark Fireworks Display on Saturday 23 October 2010.

This fun annual event, that takes place at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood is the perfect remedy to the approaching dark nights with its mix of music, entertainment and glittering fireworks.

Crowds at this year’s event will be able to keep the cold night at bay with wonderful soul warming food made from the freshest and finest ingredients from 5pm.

There will be tantalising gourmet burgers from the Lisburn Road based Rocket & Relish, delicious Asian Noodles from Tuk n Tuk and traditional fish and chips from Gina’s Diner to name but a few.

But seeing as the cold weather will be biting, maybe you’ll want to take comfort in some hearty soup and chunky crusty bread from The Bay Tree or perhaps some sausages and champ from Superchamp.

We haven’t even begun to tell you about the other parts of the event that include a children’s funfair that will be open from 4:30pm, or that Holywood favourites ‘The Jukes’ will be taking to the stage from 6:30pm followed by show stopping fireworks from 8pm that will bring the event to a close.

Commenting on the event, Wendy Smith, North Down Borough Council said, “We’re looking forward to another great night at Seapark this year – good food, good music and spectacular fireworks – perfect ingredients for a fun night for all the family.  Make sure you wrap up warm and bring a torch!”

So come along and join the fun on Saturday 23 October 2010, from 4:30pm at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood.

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.

A rocking new choir…that needs a rocking new name?

Ross Wilson, Courtney Majury and Anna Knight ponder a name for North Down’s new community gospel choir. For your chance to name this rocking new choir and win a brand new ipod nano simply send your name, contact details and most importantly your suggested name for the choir by Thursday 14th October by email to events@northdown.gov.uk or by post to Events Department, Tower House, 34 Quay Street, Bangor, BT20 5ED.

North Down Borough Council in conjunction with a host of North Down schools is putting together a community gospel choir to perform at this years switching on of Holywood’s Christmas Lights.

This rocking new choir, especially one full of talented performers with bundles of star potential and led by the charismatic and internationally acclaimed Marie Lacey, Director of the Belfast Community Gospel Choir, needs a rocking name…

Help us to complete the choir by giving them a name.

Simply send us your name, contact details and most importantly your suggested name for the choir by Thursday 14th October for your chance to win a brand new ipod nano.

Send your entries by email or post to:

Email:         events@northdown.gov.uk

Address:    Events Department

Tower House

34 Quay Street

Bangor

BT20 5ED

THE MAGIC NUMBERS ANNOUNCE IRISH TOUR

The Magic Numbers have announced an intimate date at The Spring & Airbrake on Tuesday 7th  December as part of an Irish tour which they will play:

Thu 2 December:      KILLARNEY, The Acoustic Room at the INEC
Fri 3 December:       CORK, The Pavilion
Sat 4 December:       GALWAY, Roisin Dubh
Sun 5 December:      DUBLIN, Whelan’s
Tue 7 December:      BELFAST, Spring & Airbrake

Tickets for Spring & Airbrake are priced £15 and are on sale this Thursday, 7 October at 9am. Special guests for the tour will be Dry The River.

At the end of 2007, The Magic Numbers finally took their feet off the gas after almost four years on the road. Two albums released in quick succession – 2005’s The Magic Numbers and 2006’s Those The Brokes – had made them platinum-selling chart stars, but toil had taken its toll, culminating one night in a heated, all-family fall-out. The Stodarts and Gannons realised it was time to stop. They needed to reconnect with the joy that music had always given them, and remember the sparks that first flew when Romeo and Sean started playing together as teenagers in a front room in Hanwell, West London, and the fortuitous moments when their sisters Michele and Angela joined them – originally just providing backing vocals then quickly fulfilling and completing their unique sound. Only now, with their real knowledge of the studio, their confidence as songwriters, and their ever-growing love of a wider orchestra of instruments, they could create something they’d always dreamed of.

The band needed to find themselves again outside of each other and so took some time out to work on other inspirational projects. Romeo was invited by Damon Albarn to join his Africa Express project, leading him over to Lagos, Nigeria. He spent an immensely rewarding time working with many African musicians, including Amadou and Mariam, with whom he collaborated on the song All I Believe In, featured on the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack. Alongside this, he played guitar for numerous other artists, both onstage and in the studio, an experience that inspired and rejuvenated him as he began to write. Michele was busy working on songs for her future solo album, whilst preparing for the life-changing experience of becoming a mother to a beautiful baby girl, Maisie. Angela also found time to work with her friends The Boxer Rebellion on their last album. But it was only a matter of time before The Magic Numbers fell back into each other’s arms and got back to work.

After two years away they’ve managed to craft their finest record to date with love and ambition. The Magic Numbers are back, and more special than ever.

Imagine a record that begins with a song so grand and so glorious that it sounds like it’s descending from the heavens, asking us what it is to love, and what it is to feel. Imagine the album that soars from its searching, stirring strings, shifting beautifully between perfect pop, heart-wrenching soul and country folk, woozy with harmonies and deep, dreamy melodies. Imagine it arriving in the world after the birth of a new child, and the death of the man who helped bring it to life.

That record is The Runaway.

Tickets for The Magic Numbers Irish tour are on sale this Thursday at 9am.

For more see: www.themagicnumbers.net /  www.cdcleisure.com / www.myspace.com/drytherivermusic

For further information please contact Dino or Sabrina at CDC Leisure
T: 028 90 269 949 / M: 07501 229 318 / E:
dino@cdcleisure.com /Sabrina@cdcleisure.com

Alley launches YouTube Social Media clips

Mark Nagurski and Mark Patterson

Building on the success of this month’s Alley Theatre social media seminar “Like – Building Social Networks”, supported by BT and NWIPP and funded by Arts & Business NI, the award winning venue has just launched a series of YouTube clips featuring guest speakers from event. Viewers from around the world can now watch Derry Digital Champion, Mark Nagurski, Andy Ferris (Smalltown America Records) and Michele Canning from the NWIPP, share their experience of Social media and how people, whether from an arts background or business, can benefit from the various social media tools.

“Over 260 people involved in the arts industries and New Media courses from across the North West took part in interactive social media workshops, however we had requests from Dublin, Belfast and even Scotland about the event” commented Nathan Flatman from the Alley. “Embracing the theme of the event, we filmed the guest speakers and have shared these clips via our unique YouTube channel, allowing not just the North West, but the whole world to benefit from the discussions and ideas shared on the day from such eminent guest speakers.”

Beverly Coomber from Arts and Business NI commented ““Arts & Business Northern Ireland would like to congratulate BT and NWIPP for working with the Alley on this fun and educational interactive seminar, and we are delighted to see the information and discussion shared on the day can now be accessed via YouTube. This innovative approach to covering the event is the living embodiment of the key message, the power of social media is here to be fully utilised and should be embraced by everyone.” To watch the “Like” clips visit www.youtube.com/alleytheatrestrabane.