Former Miss NI Lucy Evangelista, Simon Moutray, Lavery’s and Briege Clenaghan, Diageo NI are pictured enjoying a bottle of Guinness Black Lager at the Laverys Bar in the Continental Market.
For the next three Thursdays, in the run-up to Christmas, the makers of Guinness Black Lager are giving fans of Ireland’s newest lager something a little bit special for the festive season.
The Guinness Black Lager team are offering a unique promotion at Laverys Bar in the Continental Market, Laverys Bradbury Place and the Pavilion, in Belfast. Customers who buy just two bottles of Guinness Black Lager between 25th November and 16th December, at these venues, will be given access to the ‘Black Stage Experience’ in Laverys bar, Bradbury Place, for exclusive performances from some of the best artists appearing in Belfast this Christmas, including Foy Vance, Duke Special, Fred Deakin (Lemon Jelly), Cut La Roc and Bentley Rhythm Ace.
Speaking about the programme Senior Brand Manager Sarah Spain said: “Guinness Black Lager is all about creating an enhanced lager experience and we wanted to bring that to life through one of the best events this Christmas.”
“We wanted to give our consumers something special and we think that ‘Black Stage’ access to Laverys in the Continental Market and Bradbury Place is the best possible way to celebrate the festive season. It gives people a chance to enjoy the incredible tastes of the market and then relax with the best taste in music – after all Guinness Black Lager is all about the taste!”
Tickets for the ‘Black Stage Experience’ events and complimentary bus passes from the Continental Market to Laverys bar, on Thursday nights, are available with the purchase of two bottles of Guinness Black Lager at: Laverys in the Continental Market; Laverys Bradbury Place and The Pavilion. Terms and conditions apply.
Oscar-nominated director Mike Leigh has given his backing to The Big Arts Give, the online fundraising campaign in which QFT is aiming to raise £5000 from Monday 6 – Friday 10 December 2010.
Celebrated worldwide for his work as director of such QFT favourites as Vera Drake, Another Year and Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh said:
“The QFT is a great film theatre, which I have much enjoyed using over the years. I fully support the cinema’s involvement in The Big Arts Give, and hope it continues to go from strength to strength.”
A regular award-winner at the Cannes Film Festival and winner of three BAFTAs, Leigh is just one of the many high profile cinema figures who have visited and supported QFT. During its 42 year history, QFT has brought the work of many other great directors – such as Martin Scorsese, David Lynch and Ken Loach – to Belfast audiences for the first time and has been honoured to welcome many of them in person.
Michael Emmerson, who co-founded QFT in 1968 has also added his support to The Big Arts Give:
“Of all the things of which I am most proud in my life, one of the most important is the establishment of the Queen’s Film Theatre. The fact that it has survived and thrived for the last forty years is a testament both to its value to the community and to the excellent management which it has enjoyed over all these years.
If QFT is to last another forty years it needs your help now – so please give generously to ensure that it continues to bring the best of cinema to Belfast.”
Offering local audiences the only real alternative to the multiplex, QFT is the only specialised cinema in Belfast dedicated to showcasing independent, classic and world cinema and reflecting cultural diversity. Without QFT, audiences would have to travel to Dublin for any similar cultural cinema experience.
Last year was a record year for QFT, as 87,000 patrons including almost 6,000 children and young people engaged with film through QFT. As the moving image becomes more embedded in the school curriculum, the QFT Education and Outreach programme is even more important as a unique resource for film-lovers of all ages, offering a range of introductory talks, workshops and other activities to complement film screenings.
The team at the cinema also works closely with creative partners, galleries and museums to present film to new audiences in an exciting and accessible way. QFT has strong links with local charitable organisations and creative collaborations with Autism NI, Unite Against Hate and Outburst amongst many others which reinforce its commitment to the local community.
The Big Arts Give is open online from 10am on Monday 6 – Friday 10 December 2010, so please note those dates in your diary now! To take part, please log on to http://www.thebiggive.org.uk/donate/qfton Monday 6 December and donate whatever you can. A range of campaign events will be taking place at QFT throughout the week.
Every penny you donate through The Big Arts Give will go directly to support the work we do at QFT. Your gift will help us deliver to the highest standards – from the films we show, to the projects we undertake; from our support of local film culture to the quality of our projection experience.
One of the Ulster Orchestra’s most popular concerts – Handel’s Messiah – takes place this year in the Belfast Waterfront on the 10 and 11 December, but this year it takes on a different twist, as the Ulster Orchestra searches for a couple whose very first date, over 50 years ago, was Handel’s Messiah.
“With the full orchestra and Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Messiah is always a wonderful part of the Ulster Orchestra’s season and one that has been part of our Christmas repertoire since our foundation,” Lydia Gamble, the Orchestra’s Head of Marketing and Development said. “But this year we are looking for a couple whose first date was to a performance of Handel’s great oratorio over half a century ago.”
She explained that at the Orchestra’s performance of Fauré’s Requiem on 12 November one of the performers was talking to a couple who said that their first date had been a performance of Messiah and they had just celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.
“If they are coming to the concert next month we would love them to get in touch beforehand,” Lydia Gamble said, “If they aren’t we would still like them to get in touch by emailing info@ulsterorchestra.com or calling 028 9026 0473.”
Smirnoff Ireland curator Siobhan O’Dowd, from Belfast pictured with Argentinean artist Jorge Molina preparing for the SMIRNOFF® Nightlife Exchange Project this Saturday, November 27th at The Wright Venue in Swords.
Irelandwill receive the best of Argentina’s nightlife culture as part of this global Smirnoff initiative, which sees 14 countries swap the best of their nightlife on the same night.
The SMIRNOFF® Nightlife Exchange Project at The Wright Venue will feature all that’s great about Argentina’s nightlife with delicious drinks including an Argentinean take on the signature Smirnoff Mule, the best food of Argentina including an asado style BBQ, music from Argentina’s top DJ Elio Riso, and awe inspiring theatrical acts inspired by Argentina.
Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd - McFly!
The Odyssey Arena, Belfast
14th March 2011
The O2 Dublin
16th March 2011
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER AT 9.00AM
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
“ABOVE THE NOISE”
NEW ALBUM
Released November 12th
Pop heavy-weights McFly released their sixth studio album “Above The Noise on November 12th.
Featuring hit singles “Shine A Light” and “Party Girl”, McFly push the boundaries with an edgy new rock/R&B sound following the collaboration with American R&B super-producer Dallas Austin (Michael Jackson, Madonna, Pink, Usher).
The new album “Above The Noise” sees the boys return to their old stomping ground; Island Records. After successfully releasing their last album, ‘Radio:Active’ independently (initially and then groundbreakingly given away with the Mail On Sunday) the boys have joined forces with Island in a unique partnership for their upcoming releases.
7 UK Number One singles, 5 Top Ten albums and numerous sell-out tours have secured McFLY’s place as one of the UK’s most successful bands of all time. Most recently, the band have conquered Latin America, completing a string of capacity shows and receiving a nomination for an MTV Latin America Award.
McFly are Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd.
Bryan Adams will be in concert at The O2 in Dublin on Thursday 23rd June and the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Friday 24th June.
TICKET INFORMATION
The O2, Dublin: Ticketsfrom€59.80 Odyssey Arena, Belfast: Tickets from £49.00
Ticket prices are inclusive of booking fee and on sale from Friday, 3 December at 9am
In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide
24hr hotlines: Tel: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300 / ( NI ) 0870 243 4455
Buy online: www.Ticketmaster.ie
Adam’s outstanding live concerts have established him as one of the world’s best rock singers of our time, performing over 120 concerts a year. Constantly in demand, the celebrated rocker has been playing rock n’ roll favourites (“Summer of 69”, “Run to You”, “18 ‘Til I Die”, “It’s Only Love”, “Somebody”, “The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me is You”) to sold-out audiences on six continents for over three decades.
The full band rock tour is being interspersed with Adam’s highly successful Bare Bones acoustic tour, supporting the release of his newest CD of the same name.
About Bryan Adams:
Holder of the record for the longest running #1 hit in the history of the British charts (16 weeks), Adams’ has had 4 #1 singles as well as racked up an impressive array of Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy Award, American Music Awards, Juno Awards and ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards.
Adams was recently honoured to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, performing a duet with Nelly Furtado. This past spring, he was the recipient of the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, a tribute to his fundraising and charitable efforts. A week later he received the prestigious Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. Adams has been awarded the Order of British Columbia and is a companion of the Order of Canada; he has received an award for “Artist of the Decade” and was recently inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame. He also has a star on Canada’s Walkway of Fame and recently added his handprint to the Wembley Square of Fame in celebration of his 25th show at the famed stadium.
Adams continues to push the boundaries, becoming the first westerner to play in both Pakistan and Vietnam. He has achieved #1 status in over 40 countries. Bryan Adams’ live performances have benefited His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Prince’s Trust, Live Aid, Live 8, The Concert for Freedom for Nelson Mandela, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Net Aid, The Canadian Avalanche Foundation and Breast Cancer, as well as campaigns that have saved the rainforests, provided food and comfort for the needy and created whale sanctuaries. Through his own foundation he has also helped build schools in areas of Southeast Asia, devastated by the tsunami in 2004.
Adams is also an acclaimed photographer and donates his fees to his namesake foundation that funds projects supporting the elderly, victims of wars and natural disasters and other disadvantaged individuals. His work has also been on display with Hear the World presents “Hear the World Ambassadors” – featuring exclusive portraits of renowned personalities from the film, music, and fashion industries. His critically acclaimed exhibit, “Modern Muses,” was on display in 2008 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Don’t miss Bryan Adams Live at The O2, Dublin on Thursday 23 and The Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Friday 24 June. Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday 3 December.
Santa Claus is making a special pre Christmas visit to Florence Court in County Fermanagh. Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in their Christmas home at this charming Georgian mansion and enjoy the Christmas spectacle on 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 December from 12 Noon to 7.30pm.
There’ll be Christmas craft activities for the children, a visit to the elves workshop and a seasonal story. Every child will receive a beautiful gift, whilst mums and dads can enjoy home made mulled wine and mince pies.
The ‘Taste of Ulster’ awarded Stables Tearoom will be open for delicious home made lunches, treats and afternoon tea. Why not look for that Christmas gift with a difference in our Coach House shop with the wide variety of local goods and great Christmas gift ideas on offer. Visitors will also be able to browse the volunteer run second hand bookshop.
There’s so much to do at Florence Court besides visiting Mr Claus. Why not start your visit with a walk around the designated trails or stroll into the forest to visit the original mother of all Irish Yew trees. The crisp hues of the wintry weather really highlight the stunning backdrop of mountainous views and will heighten your sense of wonder as you take in this gorgeous Georgian estate.
After a fresh ramble outside why not sit back in the Colonel’s room in the Georgian Mansion and listen to 1920’s music by the warmly lit fire. Whilst children can have some fun playing traditional games like draughts, chess or dominos
There really is something for everyone at Florence Court, so come along and join the fun, sample the spirit of Christmas, enjoy Santa, enjoy shopping and savour some fine festive food.
Santa is a very busy man in December so please call and book in advance if you want to visit him this festive season.
Make the most of those few days off work with a visit to Florence court for some winter wonder and blow those cobwebs away. From 27 December to 2 January the National Trust grounds, Coach House shop, tea room and Colonel’s Room will be open from 1pm until 4pm.
Booking for Santa at Florence Court is essential, to book your visit contact 028 6634 8249, 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
Are you struggling with Christmas gift ideas? Here’s a great idea! Whats On NI are pleased to offer our readers this exclusive offer from Hastings Hotels. An intimate evening of love songs for Valentine’s Weekend with Peter Corry – Concert at the Castle.
LIMITED OFFER FOR FIRST 40 TICKETS SOLD
A free Christmas duck with every ticket sold if you contact:
Allyson McKimm Tel: 02890/674164
and send your cheque payable to Ballygally Castle Hotel to
Thank goodness for the trusty Christmas sweater…it’s the perfect piece of clothing to wrap up warm in when you come along to the Bangor Christmas fireworks and tree lighting event at the Town Hall on Saturday 20th November, 5.30pm.
Bangor will get a festive feel when Mayor of North Down, Councillor John Montgomery, switches on the Christmas tree lights at Bangor Town Hall on Saturday 20 November at 5:30pm.
From bright flares to explosive bangers, soaring rockets and glittering fountains, the display will be packed full of stunning visual effects and when that has finished the Bangor Christmas tree lights will sparkle into life, brightening even the coldest of nights.
Commenting on the event, Wendy Smith, North Down Borough Council said, “The Town hall is the perfect spot for this amazing show, great music, spectacular fireworks and stunning lights – just the thing to put you in the Christmas mood”.
She went on to say, “On a serious note, please make sure to wrap up warm and follow all safety instructions on the night. As well as producing an amazing show, safety is our priority at this Christmas Show, so it is extremely important that you obey health & safety rules co-operate fully with marshals. Remember also that due to the volume of people it may be necessary to close some roads and the Omniplex cinema and leisure centre should be temporarily accessed from the Gransha Road between 5pm and 6pm.”
For further information please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre, Quay Street, Bangor. Tel: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
Pictured at the launch are Fred Smyth, Head of Branches East, Bank of Ireland with one of the many businesses taking part in "Show Your Business", Phil Moore, Partner of Dundonald business, Philtec, the all-Ireland agents for global pneumatic tube systems and ‘Invisa-beam’.
“Tangible demonstration” of support for SME recovery and growth
One of Northern Ireland’s leading banks is to throw open the doors of its branches throughout Northern Ireland for the second time this year so that local businesses can use the space to showcase their products and boost their sales.
Bank of Ireland said its plan for a series of “Show Your Business“ events during its Enterprise Week in November was an important step and a further tangible demonstration of its commitment to support local small and medium sized enterprises.
The bank, which is actively promoting its package of loans and advice for start-ups and existing small businesses, hopes to use all its 44 branches for the campaign and provide an opportunity for up to 500 businesses to promote their products or services to the public.
The branch events runs from November 19th-26th as part of an all-island small business support initiative by Bank of Ireland. In the same week, Bank of Ireland will hold two major seminars in Belfast and Derry around the themes of motivation and business recovery and to outline the funding and support available from the bank for businesses.
Fred Smyth, Head of Branches, East, Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland said: “Following the success of our Enterprise Week earlier this year, during which we opened some branches to local businesses, we now want to go further and use as many of our branches as we can to help entrepreneurs of all types. We have made a public commitment to support the SME sector and our planned events are a tangible demonstration of that.
“Bank of Ireland’s commitment to the SME sector remains steadfast and we continue to approve four out of every five credit applications we receive. Since we launched our Essentials for Business package of finance and advice for new and existing small businesses almost two years ago we have assisted more than 3,000 people, and we continue to sign up 100 new businesses a month.
“We’ve also been focused on supporting customers in difficulty, making sure we have our most experienced bankers available to help in areas such as working capital requirements.”
Mr Smyth said that feedback from events held last May was very positive, with businesses welcoming the practical support which branch showcasing events offered them.
“Smaller companies have a pivotal role to play in sustaining and growing the economy of Northern Ireland and all the evidence points to the existence of a strong and dynamic SME sector.
“Research among our managers and business advisors in Northern Ireland indicates that progressive and more innovative businesses that have adapted to changes in the marketplace as early as possible are best positioned to take an advantage of an upturn in the economy
“Our message to entrepreneurs is – if you have a viable business, with a good business plan, sound knowledge of your market and is capable of meeting its commitments then we will help you identify and meet the full range of your financial and banking needs.”
Dundonald based business Philtech was established in 2004 by husband and wife team Philip and Rhoda Moore. Philtech are the all-Ireland agents for two global products; a pneumatic tube system that enables hospitals to move drugs, blood samples and x-rays between different sites via underground tubes. It also enables financial institutions to move large amounts of cash between premises. Phil-tech also manage ‘Invisa-bean’ a bed monitor that works as an early warning fall monitor for those working with the elderly.
Phil-tech has been a customer of Bank of Ireland since April. They opened their account with Bank of Ireland as they wanted to be with a financial institution with an all-Ireland presence and where they could meet with their relationship manager when they wanted.
Philip Moore, Partner of Philtech, said: “I appreciate what Bank of Ireland has done for us in such a short space of time. Their expertise in helping us to keep the company lean and flexible has been invaluable and our business manager has given us useful insights into more efficient ways to manage cash flow and keep our accounting up to date. Phil-tech is participating in Enterprise Week as we believe it is a good platform to create awareness about the company and what we do.”
Bank of Ireland’s planned events will be widely promoted and advertised in order to attract both the public and other businesses to the branches to maximise sales and networking opportunities for the owners displaying their goods and services.
For up to date information on Bank of Ireland Enterprise Week, go to www.bankofireland.co.uk
