Year: 2010

Our Thursday’s Showcase Narrowed down to final four.

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FINAL FOUR “OUR THURSDAYS” BANDS CHOSEN TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS IN A BID TO SHARE THE STAGE WITH SNOW PATROL ON ARTHUR’S DAY.

Empire Saints, winners of the NI Regional Final

Guinness® & Co today announced the talented four bands who have been selected by a panel of music industry experts to move forward to the ‘Our Thursdays’ National Showcase in Lavery’s, Belfast on 9th September.

‘Our Thursdays’, this year’s addition to the Arthur’s Day celebrations, honouring the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, gives emerging Irish acts the incredible opportunity to be part of the Arthur’s Day artist line up on 23rd September alongside amazing international artists including Snow Patrol.

At the Regional Showcase in Belfast last night, Empire Saints secured a place in the National Showcase on 9th September. They will be joined by Reko, Maud in Cahoots, and Dave Peyton who also secured their places at the Regional Showcases in Cork, Dublin and Galway last night.

The panel of judges involved in the selection of these lucky bands is comprised of music industry experts including members of Snow Patrol, Director of Talent at MTV Europe, Matt Cook and Editor of Hotpress Magazine, Niall Stokes.

Speaking about the four bands, Jonny Quinn from Snow Patrol said “The level of talent that we have seen from the Our Thursdays showcases has been incredible. It has made our job as judges extremely difficult. We look forward to playing alongside one of these guys on 23rd September.”

At the National showcase on 9th September, 3 of the bands will be selected to play official studio venues in Cork, Galway and St James’s Gate Brewery on Arthur’s Day alongside amazing international artists including home grown global phenomenon Snow Patrol and multi-platinum artist Paolo Nutini.

As well as the incredible opportunity to perform to a crowd of thousands on Arthur’s Day, the best three bands will also receive studio time, a digital release with Universal and will find themselves splashed all over the cover of Hot Press magazine in a special feature, with full details to be revealed at the National Showcase.

Our Thursdays events and Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events.

Drink Responsibly. Visit Drinkaware.co.uk

The GUINNESS and ARTHUR’S DAY words and associated logos are trade marks.


BULGARIAN LIFEGUARD LIFTS WHISKEY LOVERS’ ULTIMATE DREAM PRIZE IN GLOBAL COMPETITION

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BUSHMILLS VILLAGE, IRELAND: A 28-year old lifeguard from Svishtov Bulgaria has won a global Bushmills Irish Whiskey® competition with a prize described as ‘the whiskey lover’s ultimate dream’.

Overall winner Ivan Ivanov

Ivan Ivanov was chosen from finalists from nine countries as the winner of the Make it at Bushmills challenge at a gala dinner this evening (Thursday) in the village of Bushmills on Ireland’s north coast. The historic area has a history of whiskey production stretching back more than 400 years.

He will now spend 30 days working alongside Bushmills’ Master Distiller Colum Egan with the aim of becoming the first ever person outside the distillery to create their own blend of one of the world’s best-loved Irish whiskeys. Their prize also includes a month’s luxury penthouse accommodation in Ireland and £5,000 spending money.

Make it at Bushmills has attracted interest from around the globe since its launch in the New York Stock Exchange on St Patrick’s day on March 17. The nine finalists from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Northern Ireland, South Africa, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Bulgaria were chosen by public vote to represent their countries in this week’s two-day ‘Bushcamp’ finale, set by Bushmills’ Master Distiller, Colum Egan.

The contestants included a head sommelier from a French three-star Michelin restaurant, a former Wall Street broker as well as a drumming world record holder from Lisburn, Allister Brown, aged 33 years old.

Following a series of mental, physical and skills-based challenges, the performance of the individual contenders was assessed by a judging panel that included Irish rugby legend, Keith Wood, Foy Vance, one of Ireland’s most respected singer-songwriters and Joel Harrison, a regular contributor to a number of leading whiskey publications.

Ivan said: “Winning the public vote to represent Bulgaria in the final phase of the competition was a real honour. But to be the overall winner is just incredible – I still can’t believe I’ll spend a month making whiskey with the world’s best. It’s the whiskey lover’s ultimate dream.”

Colum Egan said: “Throughout the competition, Ivan has shown that he has the passion and personality to Make it at Bushmills. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to learn how great whiskey is made and I know he’ll grasp this opportunity with both hands.”

Follow Ivan’s progress at the Old Bushmills Distillery on facebook.com/bushmills1608.

Drink Responsibly

www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

‘Blooming marvellous menu’ to be served up at Botanic

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Belfast’s picturesque Botanic Gardens will be the undoubted destination for gardeners and gastronomes alike next month.

The Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party, which is jointly organised by Belfast City Council and Tesco, takes place in the south Belfast park over the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.

The finest food from the best local producers will tantalise and tease the taste buds and sate the appetite of even the most discerning foodie, while there also will be cookery demonstrations, live music and children’s entertainment.

Alongside the food and entertainment will be Belfast City Council’s Autumn Flower Show, the biggest in the Province.  Now in its 29th year, it will see displays of thousands of colourful prize blooms, alongside exhibits of monster-size vegetables and prize-winning fuchsias, bonsai, cacti, and other delights from local gardens, allotments, greenhouses, wine cellars and beehives.

Launching the event, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, commented:

“Over the past number of years, this event has proven to be one of the most popular events staged in the city, and it is an undoubted highlight of both the culinary and gardening calendars.  This year will have more local producers than ever before, and I am delighted that it has the added benefit of being free.”

Caoimhe Mannion, Marketing Manager with Tesco NI, said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Council to host the Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party.  We are committed to supporting producers across Northern Ireland and this event, which celebrates the very best of the region’s food and drink, is testament to that.”

The event is also tipped to be the most environmentally friendly in the city this year, with all the food and drink served in recycled or biodegradable containers and ample recycling facilities available onsite.  Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags and to use public transport or pedal power in getting to and from the event, cycle racks will be provided.  Belfast City Council staff will be on hand to give advice on recycling, home composting and other environmental issues.

The Taste Northern Ireland Garden Party takes place at Botanic Gardens, Belfast, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.  Opening hours are 11am – 6pm (12.30pm – 6pm for the Autumn Flower Show) each day and admission is free.

Botanic Gardens will remain open for the duration of the event, however access will be controlled.

Further information is available by visiting www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events, from the Belfast Welcome Centre in Donegall Place or by telephoning +44 (0)28 9024 6609.

Spotlight falls on Belfast’s music scene

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The spotlight falls very brightly on Belfast’s thriving and creative music scene next month.

More than 100 gigs, featuring the very best in local talent, will be staged at some 30 venues across the city as part of the first ever Belfast Music Week, which runs from September 12-19.

Organised by Belfast City Council – with support from the European Regional Development Fund, through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Competitiveness Programme – Belfast Music Week will showcase both new and existing bands, songwriters and DJs, across all musical genres.

Among the week’s highlights will be:

  • Cashier No 9 (photo courtesy of Bradley Quinn Photography

    live performances by dozens of top local bands including LaFaro, Cashier No 9, Wonder Villains, More Than Conquerors, Farriers, Dutch Schultz, A Plastic Rose;

  • the best of Belfast’s songwriters, performing with live bands ‘In The Round’;
  • three album launches;
  • four record company showcase nights;
  • the launch of a CD called ‘Oh Yeah Contenders: New Music From N. Ireland’, comprising 10 exclusive recordings from upcoming acts, chosen by the votes of local media and industry figures;
  • the induction of The Undertones into Belfast’s very own music ‘Hall Of Fame’, followed by an intimate gig by the band themselves at the Oh Yeah music centre in Cathedral Quarter.

The week will culminate with the free ‘MTV Presents…’ concert, featuring Mark Ronson, at the Belfast Waterfront on Sunday, September 19.  MTV will also be broadcasting their flagship ‘MTV News’ programme from the city throughout the week.

Councillor Conor Maskey, chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “Belfast is one of the great musical cities. Its music receives high international praise and our latest generation of musicians is playing a crucial role in revitalising the city.

“This is an art form that is defining the new mood of Belfast, and Belfast Music Week will profile Belfast’s reputation as the birthplace of exceptional music.”

Councillor Maskey’s comments were supported by local music guru, Stuart Bailie. He said: “It’s great to see how everyone has responded to the possibilities of Belfast Music Week. The venues, the bands and the industry people have come behind this quickly and enthusiastically.”

“It’s a chance to show how our city is alive with music and that we’re looking forward to sharing it with locals and visitors alike,” added the broadcaster, journalist and CEO of the Oh Yeah music centre.

David Neely, of CDC Leisure, said that Belfast Music Week could not be happening at a better time, especially in relation to the creative renaissance which the city is enjoying.

The Undertones“Not since the days of the Undertones, That Petrol Emotion and Stiff Little Fingers has the Northern Ireland music scene been so vibrant and exciting,” he commented.

“With the likes of Ash, Therapy? and Snow Patrol blazing a trail, today’s new pretenders to the throne – General Fiasco, Two Door Cinema Club, The Answer and And So I Watch You From Afar, to name but a few – make the live music scene something the ‘north’ can shout about.  Belfast Music Week will literally…rock!”

Andrew Ferris, managing director of Smalltown America Records, added:“I’ve been in the business for 20 years now and, to be honest, I think this is the best time for the local music scene. The bands are producing commercially viable music, but with a punk spirit. They’re not holding back, they’re not waiting for someone to come along with a cheque, they’re just going for it themselves, and that combination of talent and passion is getting them noticed.”

For more information on Belfast Music Week and for a full listing of gigs visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/musicweek Info is also available at www.belfastmusic.org or you can download the free Belfast Music iPhone app.

Photo Exhibition : Through the Mill

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Through the Mill, a series of thought-provoking images by local photographer David Cleland, captures a living history of aspects of Lisburn’s industrial past.

A two hundred year story ended in 2006 with the closure of Hilden Mill – ‘Through the Mill’, a final chapter, offers us a unique opportunity to see the mill as it is now and a chance to imagine something of the lives of generations of mill workers.

The images challenge us to consider our heritage – what has gone before, what will never return, what is our legacy, and what will become of an architectural and industrial landmark on our doorstep?

‘This series transcends location, with its images capturing urban decay, the natural world and the minutiae of our daily routine, challenging us to consider the supposed  silence of the past and our place in the present’.

DATE: Wed 13 Oct – Sat 23 Oct 2010

COST: FREE

TIME: Mon – Fri, 9.30am – 10pm – Sat,10am – 5pm

Location : Island Arts Centre

Lisburn Civic Centre

The Island

Lisburn

BT28 4RL

For more information visit http://www.flixelpix.com

GLOBAL FINALISTS IN MAKE IT AT BUSHMILLS COMPETITION PREPARE TO DO BATTLE

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Contestants gather on eve of finals

A head sommelier from a French three-star Michelin restaurant, a former Wall Street broker and a drumming world record holder are among the contestants battling over the next two days to win a 30-day stay in Bushmills and the chance to produce their own blend of one of the world’s best-loved Irish whiskeys.

The trio are among nine finalists in the Make it at Bushmills competition that also offers the winner a month’s luxury penthouse accommodation in Ireland and £5,000 spending money.

Representing countries in Europe, North America and Africa, the contenders won their national heats on the strength of a public vote. Now, starting tomorrow morning, they face one final test – the Master’s Challenge – a series of mental, physical and skills-based challenges set by Bushmills Master Distiller to find a worthy winner.

The finalists are:

  • Koen Cassiers (Belgium) – an enthusiast of all things Irish, Koen is a trained guitar maker who enjoys walking and cycling.

  • Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria) – a trained lifeguard and bartender, Ivan recently graduated with a degree in marketing.
  • Loïk Tavernier (France) – the head sommelier at the 3-star Michelin Restaurant Michel Trama in southwest France.
  • Sietse Offringa (Netherlands) – a native of Utrecht currently studying Event Management.
  • Allister Brown (Northern Ireland) – an engineer who holds the world record for being the first person to play the drums for over 100 hours.
  • Kevin O’Sullivan (Republic of Ireland) –a former barman who has worked in Bulgaria and America’s west coast.
  • Lance Ralph (South Africa) – an ardent Bushmills® Irish Whiskey fan who wants to show Ireland what his country has to offer.
  • Nick Ord (United Kingdom) – a bar development consultant to resorts and hotels worldwide and a previous winner of Bartender of the Year.
  • Joshua Wortman (USA) – a film school graduate who now works in the whiskey business following a Wall Street career.

Speaking on the eve of the finals, Bushmills Master Distiller, Colum Egan, promised the competitors an ‘amazing experience’ as they tackle a variety of challenges designed to ensure that only the very best succeeds.

“Over the next couple of days I and my fellow judges will be working hard to select our ultimate winner who must have the skills, the aptitude and above all, the mischievous spirit and unique approach to life that is embodied in Bushmills Irish Whiskey,” adds Colum.

The finalists’ progress will be charted on-line from 25-26 August at the Bushmills Facebook page – facebook.com/bushmills1608.

NORTHERN IRELAND’S TOP OUR THURSDAYS ACTS ANNOUNCED

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TOP NI BANDS BATTLE IT OUT FOR ARTHUR’S DAY SPOTLIGHT

Guinness® & Co have announced the 6 lucky bands who have been selected for the Belfast regional showcase of the ‘Our Thursdays’ competition. As part of this year’s Arthur’s Day® celebrations, ‘Our Thursdays’ is on the look out for emerging talent all over Ireland to offer them the incredible opportunity to be part of the Arthur’s Day line up on September 23rd.

Since July, hopeful bands have been performing in pubs every week all around the country at the Guinness ‘Our Thursdays’ pub showcases where the public decided, via text vote, who would go through each week. The bands that received the most votes at the end of each pub showcase have been named as the official Arthur’s Day artist in that bar on 23rd September.

What’s more, a team of music industry experts including members of Snow Patrol, have had the unenviable task of listening to all the pub showcase winners from around the country and have now whittled it down to the best 24, 6 of who will play at the Belfast regional showcase in The Empire, Belfast on 26th August.

The Belfast Regional Showcase Details:

Date & Location: The Empire, Belfast, this Thursday, 26th August

The 6 Bands:

  1. Bettylee &The Blonde (Limavady)
  2. Naoimh O’Hagan (Belfast)
  3. Picture the Sound (Ballymoney)
  4. Shouting at Planes (Cavan)
  5. Escape Fails (Belfast)
  6. The Empire Saints (Bray)

This event is open to the public and entry is free of charge.

From the regional showcases, four lucky bands will be selected to perform at the national showcase which will take place in Lavery’s, Belfast on 9th September.

At this showcase, the team of music industry experts will deliberate and decide on the three bands that will play in Galway, Cork and at St James’s Gate Brewery on Arthur’s Day alongside amazing international artists including Snow Patrol.

For detailed information about Arthur’s Day and Our Thursdays visit www.guinness.com

Our Thursdays events and Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events.

Drink Responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk

The GUINNESS and ARTHUR’S DAY words and associated logos are trade marks.

Border youth highlight respect and diversity in the North West.

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Last week saw Strabane’s Alley Theatre and the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey present a dramatic theatrical conclusion for this summer’s Border Youth Drama Project. Presented to packed audiences in both venues, this groundbreaking arts scheme, supported by IFI (International Fund For Ireland), has been exploring various themes of diversity, peace and reconciliation over the summer holidays, culminating in a stage performance of song, music, comedy and drama.

“Border Youth is now a firmly established success story in the North West, bringing together over 40 young people from Donegal and Tyrone in a collaborative project that leaves a lasting legacy of theatre skills and friendship between young participants in the border areas” commented Kieran Quinn, Chairman of the Balor DCA. “During the project children have learnt how to socially mix with each other, explore new skills and gained a new found confidence in themselves which they can now use throughout their lives. As the course has progressed I have personally seen how well the young people have mixed as a group and this has developed a new sense of friendship and respect across the borders, which would not have been possible if it had not been for this wonderful summer project.”

“I would like to personally congratulate the International Fund For Ireland for supporting this hardworking project, which we know is making a real difference to the lives of young people living in the border areas” concluded the Balor DCA Chairman.

“The summer has just been awesome, I have really enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing if I can do it again next year”  exclaimed Caoimhne Quinn, one of the young people taking part in Border Youth, on the dedicated Border Youth Facebook page. “I’ve made loads of new friends and I know we will keep in touch”. Border Youth has utilized every possible communication tool to ensure students were kept informed before, during and after the project. Social media tools including a podcast recording, dedicated Facebook page and website were all utilized to engage the young people on the scheme.

Winston Patterson, board member of the International Fund for Ireland, stated “I am delighted with the very professional way in which the Border Youth event was organised. It was very evident from the performances in both pieces of theatre that an enormous amount of thought and work had gone into the summer camp in preparation for both shows. The sensitive treatment of the themes of respect, diversity and reconciliation was impressive and a true measure of the success of the programme so far.”

Strabane District Chairperson, Cllr Michaela Boyle commented at the final night of the scheme, “Over 5 weeks ago these young people did not know each other. In fact many of the young people would not have even traveled to their respective home areas of Strabane or Ballybofey. However through the medium of the arts, the actors you see on the stage have achieved far, far more than putting together an evening of drama and song. This group has developed friendships that will last into adulthood, increased their understanding of other communities and found new levels of confidence in themselves. The reach of this scheme is not confined to the walls of this venue and the students taking part. This year has literally seen the world invited to find out more about Border Youth via a dedicated web site page, Facebook site and a podcast.  I must congratulate IFI and everyone involved in developing this unique project, which has allowed everyone to see what great work is being produced by the young people in the North West.”

Maximising the Economic potential of the City of Culture 2013.

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The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce in Partnership with Derry City Council, Ilex, and The Strategic Investment Board are calling the Business Community to Action on Monday 6th September 2010 in the Waterfoot Hotel at 4.45 p.m. – 7.00 p.m.

We are seeking to facilitate and examine opportunities of “Maximising the Economic potential of the City of Culture 2013.” We are seeking a constructive input from the Private Sector on exploring opportunities in terms of investment, upskilling, physical infrastructure, and the building of new audiences and the attraction of new visitors.

The anticipated outputs include an increase of 2,900 jobs over the lifetime of the Regeneration Plan to 2020 with 1,300 in place by 2013.  It will lead to a doubling in tourism income and performance.  It creates a significant peak in construction activity over the next two years and sustained growth in employment sectors in terms of creative cultural jobs and business services.

The opportunities are tremendous; however the timescale is short so we must move into an action mode in order that we commence the development of our city’s proposition.

The keynote address will be delivered by US Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly who will lead a panel of experts in giving you an update on the City of Culture, What next and how and where we go from here.

We have had significant interest in this event and therefore we anticipate that there will be high demand for places, which will be offered on a first come first serve basis.

To book your place/s please contact our Events Manager Christina McCallion on 02871 262379 or email christina@londonderrychamber.co.uk .

COUNTDOWN TO ULSTER BANK BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN’S 2010 GETS UNDER WAY

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Ireland’s biggest arts festival targets 50,000 visitors and 36 citywide venues in global arts celebration.

The countdown to Ireland’s largest arts festival – the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s – is officially under way.

Unveiled today [Monday 23 August] the Festival programme is bursting at its proverbial seams with the best of international and local music, theatre, dance, visual art and spoken word in a packed 16-day programme which kicks off on October 15.

Taking place at a record 36 venues across the city, the festival will see a school sports hall in North Belfast transformed into the battlefields of Iraq and the tranquil Botanic Gardens turned into a mystical, magical garden. With traditional venues from the Ulster Hall, the Waterfront, Grand Opera House and the Great Hall at Queen’s to a barge on the Lagan, Clonard Monastery and May Street Church, this year’s festival will be the liveliest and the most diverse in its 48th year history further bolstering its reputation as one of the premiere arts events on these islands.

As the festival has grown in size, stature and popularity so too has the line-up – and this year promises to be the biggest yet as organisers look to pull in up to 50,000 visitors from around the world with its top tier attractions.

With round-the-clock entertainment, there really is no better time to take in the city.  Featuring more than 60 show-stopping acts the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s welcomes back world-class comic Michael Palin, sees local legend Paul Brady perform alongside the Ulster Orchestra in his orchestral debut, as Therapy? showcase their seminal Troublegum album in full, army regiment drama Black Watch and renowned Australian circus performers Circa will astonish adults and young people alike with their rigorous and exhilarating routines.

The festival, which last year drew more than 40,000 people to the city, is supported by Ulster Bank, Queen’s University Belfast, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council and receives both public funding and Lottery funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Festival Director, Graeme Farrow, said this year’s line-up would secure Belfast and Northern Ireland’s place as a world-class destination for arts entertainment.

“We thought that last year’s programme would be hard to beat, but I’m delighted to say that we have managed to do just that. With a hectic schedule that is bursting with the most talented artists from every area of the arts world, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

“In a major coup, we will be presenting smash hits from both the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal National Theatre with Alan Bennett’s sensational The Habit of Art and Black Watch in the same programme. We’re tackling big issues with Black Watch, FML and Trilogy, all of which have enjoyed phenomenal success elsewhere. How will Belfast react? We’ll also celebrate the anniversaries of artists as diverse as Chopin; John Lennon; Mahler; Tagore; minimalist composer Terry Riley; Therapy?; jazz legend Kenny Wheeler and rock star Ian Dury while welcoming winners of the Grammys, Turner prize and South Bank Awards.

“Whatever you are in to – this year’s festival has it all. Early booking is not just preferable, it is essential!” Graeme added.

Ulster Bank’s Chief Executive of Retail Markets, Mike Bamber says that the bank’s ongoing commitment to the festival reflects the close and valuable relationship between business and the arts.

“The arts are as much part of the economic fabric of society as they are of our cultural identity and development.  Ulster Bank is proud to partner the ever-evolving Belfast Festival at Queen’s which makes an essential contribution to the cultural landscape of Northern Ireland.

“The festival is achieving deserved international recognition for its scale and the excellence of its content and has helped to raise the global reputation of the city and the province.”

Theatre-lovers can also look forward to the world premiere of Colin Bateman’s first play, National Anthem, gritty teenage play FML from Belgium’s legendary CAMPO outfit featuring some of our own young people and acclaimed proto-feminist play Trilogy. Choreographic superstar Russell Maliphant showcases his latest work and you can even participate in an ancient foot washing ceremony courtesy of Adrian Howell!

Music fans will be treated to special appearances by US singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter, Afrobeat star Tony Allen, French soundtrack composer Yann Tiersen of Amélie fame, and Polish conductor Antoni Wit will give a rare performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.5.

Fred Astaire’s daughter Ava Astaire McKenzie will host a musical tribute night to him featuring original film orchestrations and musical numbers. The award-winning, Belfast-born composer Brian Irvine showcases his new chamber opera based in a bingo hall – Postcards from Dumbworld. Traditional Irish acts such as De Dannan and Anúna along with the Dublin Gospel Choir are also a firm feature.

An impressive selection of talks with established writers, politicians and performers are a key part of the programme and include an audience with Jenni Murray, Peter Hain on Nelson Mandela, Paddy Ashdown, Roddy Doyle and Joseph O’Connor.

Commenting on the diversity of the programme, Professor Ellen Douglas-Cowie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s University said;

“The content and subjects portrayed address topics such as the feminism, teenage life and the war on terror.  There is hard hitting drama, invigorating music, spectacular dance and a series of exquisite talks and tours.  The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s truly has something for everybody.”

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said;

“The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival has established itself as a highlight of our cultural calendar, annually attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the city and beyond to attend a wide range of arts events.  As a platform for showcasing the best local and international acts, the Festival provides an excellent example of the major contribution that the arts make to our social, creative and economic life.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, hailed the Festival as being a highlight in the city’s arts and entertainment calendar.

“Thanks to excellent initiatives such as this, Belfast’s status as a thriving cultural centre of excellence is being secured locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.

This year’s festival runs from the October 15-October 30. For more information on the festival programme or to book tickets, log on to www.belfastfestival.com or contact the festival box office Mon-Fri 9am-6pm and Sat 10am-2pm on 9097 1197.

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