Year: 2010

COME FLY WITH US THIS WEEKEND IN PORTRUSH!

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The Crowd pleasing Red Arrows Display Team will return to Portrush on Saturday.

UP, up and away for the 2010 NI International Airshow. The popular aeronautical event, held annually at West Bay, Portrush will grace the skies over the seaside resort this coming weekend featuring over twenty different aerial displays from current jets to historic and privately owned planes.

The free event, organised by Coleraine Borough Council, was given a welcome funding boost in 2010 by over thirty local businesses and multinational supermarket chain, Tesco. The necessary capital raised saved the show from being cancelled and has been put towards the delivery of another spectacular event that is set to attract up to a quarter of a million visitors to the area this weekend.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Norman Hillis is looking forward to welcoming the pilots and visitors to his hometown of Portrush, he said; “The NI International Airshow is undoubtedly a major highlight in Northern Ireland’s yearly events calendar.   Annually attracting large crowds to Portrush, the Airshow makes a significant contribution to our local tourism and hospitality sectors and we are indebted to our local businesses and Tesco who pulled together to generously fund the show.

“Residents and visitors to the North Coast can enjoy a full and free programme on land, sea, and air. A particularly poignant element to the Airshow is the Remembrance parade and Poppy drop on Sunday afternoon. The parade on the beach will be followed by a short service and the release of 4 million Poppy petals over the crowds to remember and honour our service men and women, in particular those who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain seventy years ago.”

Aircraft from all over the UK fly in to display at the show. Closer to home is the Wild Geese Parachute Display team from Garvagh who have jumped at every airshow since 2002. 2010 will be their ninth consecutive year jumping into West Bay to support the event.

To entertain the young and young at heart there will be a full offering of ground attractions, including,  exhibitions, trade stalls, simulators, children’s entertainment and road shows.

Coleraine Borough Council would like to draw your attention to the following information: Both piers at the Harbour will be closed to spectators under instruction from the Civil Aviation Authority.  West Strand beach will remain closed until 7pm on each day. All aircraft appearances are subject to weather conditions and technical availability.

West Bay will be closed to all traffic. Please note that vehicle access to West Strand Road and West Strand Avenue is strictly for residents only. Free parking is available at Dunluce Centre, Landsdowne Crescent, East Strand and along the Coast Road to Portstewart..

Disabled parking is available at the Ballyreagh Golf Club car park for holders of valid ‘blue badges’. There will also be limited additional parking for blue badge holders at the Harbour quayside, the painted bays on Kerr Street, the harbour and around Portrush. Tune into Q97.2FM for traffic reports.

For more NI International Airshow details and full line up list, visit www.niinternationalairshow.co.uk , visit the Facebook or Twitter sites or contact Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7234.

Catch up with the latest news from CDC Leisure..

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Breaking news from CDC Leisure today is that the Wombats are to play the Spring & Airbrake on 12th January.  The anticipation surrounding the return of The Wombats continues to escalate. Their upcoming single ‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ received a glorious global premiere on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 where it was named the Hottest Record In The World and was swiftly followed by the news that their October tour dates sold out almost immediately.

Tickets are priced £13 plus £2 booking fee and are available at www.cdcleisure.com The tour’s pre-sell commences on 9am on Wednesday, September 1st from www.the-wombats.co.uk/store before going on general sale from 9am this Friday, September 3rd.

More news from cdc leisure.

LAST EVER SKOOL DISCO!
One of Northern Ireland’s longest-running and most popular midweek theme nights, Skool Disco at the Limelight, is set to close its doors for the final time on Thursday 9 September to make way for a new weekly club starting the following Thursday.
CHIEF CANCEL ANNIES SHOW
CDC regret to announce that due to radio commitments CHIEF will not be able to play their show in Belfast, ticket refunds will be refundable from the point of purchase
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.
Bubble Gum Goes POP again!
Attention all you Princes of Pop and Disco Diva’s! Wednesday nights in Belfast’s legendary Spring & Airbrake will never be the same again as the normally live music venue is transformed into Bubblegum! A club aimed at those who want to get out and party to the purest sounds of POP and dare we say tunes with a slight hint of fromage.
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
JASON CLARKE TO SUPPORT TOMMY REILLY
The Belfast born singer who has previously supported Paolo Nutini, General Fiasco and Fighting with Wire will be supporting Tommy Reilly in the Spring & Airbrake on 12th September.
CAITLIN ROSE TO SUPPORT DEER TICK
Caitlin Rose releases her highly anticipated debut album Own Side Now in August 2010. Check out what the Guardian has to say. Review
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.
Tim Robbins actor / musician plays the Limelight – Sept 27
Actor, director, screenwriter & musician Tim Robbins is set to embark on his first ever European tour including a date at The Limelight on September 27th. He will tour with The Rogue Gallery Band. Tim Robbins is best known for his roles played in The Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River and Bull Durham. He has won many awards for his work in film including an Oscar for directing Dead Man Walking as well as an Oscar and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Mystic River.
SCOTT MCKEON ANNOUNCED AS SUPPORT TO GLENN HUGHES
Guitarist /singer /songwriter Scott McKeon will support Glenn Hughes during his Belfast show in the Spring & Airbrake. Since picking up his first guitar at the age of four, Scott McKeon has devoted himself to the mastery of his craft and can now be considered to be one of the most gifted and naturally talented guitarists, singer/songwriters emerging on the UK blues rock scene. In 1998, Scott was the winner of Guitarist Magazine’s “Young Guitarist of the Year” and by the age of fourteen, he was already fronting his own band. He is already listed as one of the 27 best blues guitar players in the
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
Elliot Minor return to The Limelight – September 26th
Elliot Minor will return to The Limelight, Belfast on September 26th during their UK tour. This will be their third time playing to Belfast fans in The Limelight. Elliot Minor are a classically influenced rock band from York, England, previously called The Academ
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
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. Tony has toured with Paul on his solo tours of Japan in the 90’s. In addition to presenting his new songs for the first time live, Paul will be performing favourites from RACER X, M
SARAH BLASKO TO PLAY AUNTIE ANNIES
‘As Day Follows Night’, Sarah’s third album was voted Album Of The Year by Triple J, Australia’s biggest national radio network and nominated for five ARIA’s. Award winning Sarah Blasko plays Auntie Annies Attic in December
Lisbee set to play Annies Attic.
BBC Radio 6 favourite Lisbee Stainton’s make her way to Belfast this October.
Deer Tick for Annies!
Deer Tick have announced a Belfast show in Auntie Annies. The Rhode Island band, influenced by the likes of Tom Petty and Sammy Davis Jr, consider themselves a rock n roll band. They already have three albums under their belt, with the latest release The Black Dirt Sessions, due for release in June 2010.
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.
Bowling For Soup Tickets on Sale NOW
Pop Punk Texas outfit Bowing for Soup come to the Spring & Airbrake this October. Tickets are on sale now

THE WOMBATS + SUPPORT SPRING & AIRBRAKE WEDNESDAY 12TH JANUARY 2011

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The Wombats return to Belfast for a headline date at The Spring & Airbrake on Wednesday 12th January 2011. Tickets priced £13 are on sale this Friday at 9am.  The anticipation surrounding the return of The Wombats continues to escalate. Their upcoming single ‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ received a glorious global premiere on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 where it was named the Hottest Record In The World and was swiftly followed by the news that their October tour dates sold out almost immediately.

‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ has also since been named as Zane Lowe’s Single of the Week.

The single introduces the band’s eagerly anticipated second studio album (title to be confirmed) which is set to launch their unique style to a wider audience when it’s released towards the end of the year.  Produced by Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Lostprophets), ‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ adds an array of new sounds to the band’s famously immediate songwriting.

Following the release of their debut album ‘The Wombats Proudly Present… A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation’, the band’s ascendency continued unabated. The Wombats completed two huge sold-out UK tours which included triumphant shows at Brixton Academy, a unique one-off headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall and a massive homecoming show at the 10,000 capacity Liverpool Echo Arena. They were nominated for Best UK Act at the MTV Europe Awards, and played a plethora of enormous festival appearances including OXEGEN and a co-headline set on the NME/Radio 1 stage at Reading and Leeds as well as storming sets at Glastonbury, T in the Park, Isle of Wight.

The Wombats will play live at Spring & Airbrake, Belfast on Wednesday 12th January  2011.  Tickets are priced £13 plus £2 booking fee and are available at www.cdcleisure.com The tour’s pre-sell commences on 9am on Wednesday, September 1st from www.the-wombats.co.uk/store before going on general sale from 9am on Friday, September 3rd.

The Wombats will play:
January
12th – Belfast, Spring & Airbrake
13th – Dublin, The Academy
15th – Edinburgh, HMV Picture House
16th – Dundee, Fat Sams Live
18th – Newcastle, O2 Academy
19th – Leeds, Metropolitan University
21st – Birmingham, HMV Institute
22nd – Manchester, Academy
23rd – Sheffield, Leadmill
24th – Norwich, UEA
25th – Cardiff, University Solus
27th – Bristol, O2 Academy
28th – London, HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Venue:                         Spring & Airbrake
Date:                           Wednesday 12th January 2011
Ticket Price:               £13 plus £2 Booking Fee
Doors:                         9pm
Support:                      To Be Confirmed
TICKET DETAILS
In person:                    From 22 Ticketmaster outlets province wide (Including Easons) / Katy Daly’s
Bar
24hr hotlines:               Tel: (NI) 0844 277 44 55 (ROI) 0818 719 300
Buy online:                  www.cdcleisure.com

Major Social Networking Seminar to be held the North West

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Strabane’s award winning Alley Theatre has announced this week that a major educational arts seminar is to set to take place at the intimate venue, in association with BT and NWIPP.  Entitled “Like – Building Digital Networks For The Arts”, this groundbreaking North West event will be free to attend for North West students and people working within the Arts Industry.

It is anticipated over 250 students and local artists will benefit from this conference, which will offer various social media workshops offered by Derry’s Nerve Centre and the opportunity to hear leading social media commentators. Throughout the day participants will explore how individuals, whether from an arts or business background can develop a serious and profitable presence via various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and My Space.

John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager stated “We have invited students from across Tyrone to take part in this interactive seminar. Students will be able to learn more about new developments in social media and new skills. Various workshops will be on offer from, how to set up a podcast, to video and movie editing, designing publicity material for events and business, and animation and social networking. We also have a selection of top guest speakers throughout the day including Andy Ferris from the top Northern Ireland record label Small Town American Records, and Mark Nagurski, the newly appointed Digital Champion for Derry and IT commentator.”

“On the day the seminar will host a special celebrity guest host, who will share their secrets about using social networks in their career. We will also have guest speakers from our partners, BT and NWIPP, who will be sharing with the participants information on how new advances online are changing the way individuals are doing business, and what they expect to see in the future in terms of online communications.”

The Alley Theatre will be hosting this major conference due to a REACH funding award from Arts and Business NI, an organisation which develops and supports business involvement in the Arts. Last years Sounds Like Summer Festival, supported by BT and NWIPP was a major event in the North West, and in recognition for this successful event and partnership, funding has been provided to run this exciting event.

“People are demanding more from the internet as they spend more time on line, whether you’re talking music, videos, websites, blogs or downloads, in our ever increasing digital world, online is the place to be” stated Peter Morris, Consumer Director BT.  “As one of the leading providers of superfast broadband we are currently rolling out BT Infinity, our fibre optic technology, across Northern Ireland providing users with an even greater online interactive experience, and all at the speed of light.  It is through events such as ‘Like’ that encourage the use of online skills and we are therefore delighted to provide support for this innovative event.”

Beverly Coomber from Arts and Business NI commented ““Arts & Business Northern Ireland is delighted to support The Alley Arts & Conference Centre to develop its creative partnerships with its local and national business sponsors through the Reach Investment Programme.  Reach exists to encourage and inspire sustainable relationships, which work to maximize return on investment, meet business objectives and deliver tangible benefit through working with the arts. We would congratulate BT and NWIPP for working with the Alley on “Sounds Like Summer 20:10” and look forward to seeing the outcome of “Like”.

“For anyone considering a career in the creative industries, or perhaps even starting a business, an understanding of social media is already becoming a serious advantage and soon it’ll be a necessity. It’s great to see forward-thinking events like this working with students to equip them with the skills they’ll need to make a real impact.” Mark Nagurski, Digital Champion for Derry

John Kerr concluded “As well as local A- Level and GCSE students, we are also inviting local artists, musicians, actors, anybody within the arts fields to register free of charge to hear the guest speakers section. This part of the event starts on September 17th at 10 a.m. sharp. If you work in the arts industry or and want to learn more about developing your presence on the internet for free via social networking, contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 to register your details. If you are a teacher and wish your students to attend please contact the Alley’s Maketing Department on 028 71884760.  Places are free, however limited so early booking is advisable.”  For more information on “Like” visit http://www.alley-theatre.com/about-us/like or contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444.

Culture Northern Ireland Digital Skills Training Programme Launch and Information Session

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You are warmly invited to join us on 15 September 2010 for the official launch of Culture Northern Ireland’s new Digital Skills Training Programme.

The launch will take place simultaneously in the Midtown Centre, Belfast and the Nerve Centre, Derry, from 2pm – 4:30pm. A two-way Skype connection will stream the event between the venues.

Digital marketing expert and mentor for the Arts Council of Ireland, Aoife Flynn, will offer free training in strategic digital marketing.

Get a taste for digital media by trying out some of the equipment for yourself and watching demos. Trainers will be on hand to answer your questions. Beginners and experienced digital media users are all welcome.

For more information on the training programme and to register your attendance, please visit our website at

www.culturenorthernireland.org/training.

View and download the full training brochure.

BEDS AND TEDS GO TO UNIVERSITY SAYS P&O FERRIES

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Teddy bears, fridges and even beds are among the many things that students bring with them to start university life according to the UK’s largest ferry operator P&O.

The company, which operates the shortest, fastest and most frequent crossings between Ireland and Scotland, and estimates it carries thousands of students on these routes each year, has also reported seeing guitars, surf boards, roller blades and even the odd golf club or two on board during the run up to freshers week.

Among the other items routinely transported on P&O sailings are bikes, TV’s and games consoles and according to the company one student even brought a much loved pet.

Tracy Robb, Marketing Manager for P&O Irish Sea, said: “With the huge array of books, electrical items and other worldly possessions needed at the start of university life travelling by ferry remains one of the most popular choices for transporting loved one’s and their luggage in the run up to first term.

“Starting university and leaving home for the first time can be a scary prospect for many and so having a few well chosen items that remind students of home often brings comfort and security in the first few months of term. P&O takes the hassle out of travelling and because there is no maximum luggage allowance or weight restrictions it means that often Teddy gets to go too!”

According to UCAS over 3,000 students make the journey from Northern Ireland to England and over 1,000 move to Scotland to start university life*.

Tracy continues: “P&O operates 20 sailings per day on its routes between Larne and Troon and Cairnryan, and four sailings per day between Dublin and Liverpool**, and with fares as low as £79 for a car and driver P&O offers parents and students a hassle free journey towards the first days of university life.”

*2009 Annual data sets

**Except Sunday and Monday.

For more information on all day trips or to book, visit www.poirishsea.com

Borough’s first ever Big Busking Bonanza!

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7 year old Liam Nachmias gets in some practice for Ballyclare Busking Bonanza with the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Paula Bradley.

Ballyclare will come alive with the sound of music on Saturday 11 September when Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Ballyclare Chamber of Trade will host the Borough’s first ever Big Busking Bonanza.

A wide range of talented performers, musicians and vocalists will take to the streets and with a line up to suit the tastes of both young and old, there will certainly be something for everyone to enjoy.

Speaking at the launch of the event, the Mayor of Newtownabbey Alderman Paula Bradley said;

“I’m delighted to be launching the Borough’s first ever Big Busking Bonanza. We’re hoping that everyone will come along to Ballyclare for this great fun event and enjoy the wealth of talent that will hit our streets.”

Niall McConkey, President of Ballyclare Chamber of Trade said;

“By working in partnership with the Council, local companies hope to deliver a successful Big Busking Bonanza which we hope will become an annual event to put Ballyclare firmly on the musical map and attract visitors to the town centre.”

The talented buskers will be competing for a £1500 prize fund, including Best Individual Act, Best Group Act, Best Street Performer, Best Junior Act and Best Overall Act.

For further information, contact Gillian Lewers on 028 9034 0079, see the Council’s website or follow the Big Busking Bonanza on Facebook.

Musicals versus Opera

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The best musicals have three essential qualities – Brains (intelligence and style), Heart (genuine and believable emotion), and Courage (the guts to do something creative and exciting) and Songs For a New World has bucket loads.  On Saturday 11 September an exciting modern musical about life changing and earth shattering discovery opens at the Riverside Theatre, Coleraine.

In a new world in which today’s answers probably won’t apply tomorrow, everyone recognises struggle and the challenge of finding a way to go forward.  Those moments of discovery in a new set of circumstances that cannot be expressed with mere words – they must be sung with every fibre of your being.  This is what Songs For a New World is all about.

If you ever thought that epic struggle was only ever the preserve of grand opera think again!  The real irony is that grand opera was invented by Renaissance Italians who were trying to copy Greek drama, which they mistakenly believed was sung-through.  So not only are musicals not descended from opera as a poor relation, but opera is descended from the earliest musicals!

This modern musical, direct from Broadway by Jason Robert Brown, is entirely about the music, the challenging vocals and the emotions of the four characters.  Songs for a New World shows the struggle between Fear and Faith, and it asks the question, In the moment of profound discovery what do you do?

“Songs for a New World is more than a show it is an experience of musical energy.  The music ranges through pop, gospel, jazz and classical in a non stop performance.  We defy anyone to just sit and let the music wash over them.  One of the most active parts of the event will be your brain making the connections, running through the consequences and perhaps relating them to your own lives; you have to be quick because the scenes won’t wait for you! said Musical Director Andrew Robinson from the new theatre company Just Tea & Friends.

Tickets £8, concession £6 from the Box Office or online at www.riversidetheatre.org.uk

WEST TO EAST

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At dawn on Saturday the 9th October two Limavady Rotarians intend to proceed on the journey of a life time.

They will be cycling from the West Coast of Ireland in Sligo to the East Coast of Northern Ireland – all inside 36 hours!

Brave Rotarians Peter Jack and Darren Mornin, this year’s Limavady President and President elect intend to be MAMILl i.e. middle aged men in lycra.  It will be frightening sight!

They are raising money for Rotary charities before and during the event and all donations will be gratefully received!

Darren in particular is honing himself to a new level of fitness – he does his exercises every morning, up down, up down –  then he races the other eyelid as well!

They hope to finish at about 6. 00 p.m. on Sunday the 10th and I am trying to work a way of trying to get from Newcastle, back to Limavady without having to sit down….

Sam McCrea (with cowboy hat), will drive the support bus for the 3 days needed to ensure they complete the cycle marathon.  The bus will be decked with buckets which will welcome coins being thrown at it …. sorry, try to aim for the buckets!

SKOOL DISCO at the Limelight THE FINAL COUNTDOWN…

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One of Northern Ireland’s longest-running and most popular midweek theme nights, Skool Disco at the Limelight, is set to close its doors for the final time on Thursday 9 September to make way for a new weekly club starting the following Thursday.

All good things must come to an end, just like those carefree school days which are said to be the best days of anybody’s life.

The Last Skool Disco in The Limelight will be something of a final graduation ceremony for all its loyal customers – anyone who came to the first night in 2002 as a ‘first-former’ would, by 2010 had hopefully finished their university degree and should be now working in the “real world”, if they can get a job that is!

The mix of music, which ranged from 70s and 80s cheesy pop and disco, to 90s old skool rave anthems, was provided by head boys Dave and Pat who will be playing all the classic Skool Disco tracks on the final outing.

No more conga lines, snaking throughout the club whenever Paul Simon’s Call Me Al is played, no more Rocky theme tune no more blur of glowsticks which accompanied Scooter’s Logical Song, no more getting down and dirty (quite literally!) on the dancefloor for Rock The Boat.

As Alice Cooper once said – Skool’s out – for ever!

SKOOL DISCO’S FINAL COUNTDOWN

THE LIMELIGHT, ORMEAU AVENUE

THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

DOORS 10PM-2AM, ADMISSION £4 (£3 in Uniform)

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