Year: 2010

Shoreline Festival bigger than ever!

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It’s the highlight of the summer as the famous Shoreline Festival returns with three fabulous days of music and family fun over the August Bank Holiday weekend, running from Saturday 28th to Monday 30th August, climaxing with a spectacular fireworks display over Belfast Lough.

Headlining on August 28th are Conspiracy and two great tribute acts, Pink and Lady GaGa. The next day, back by popular demand are The Big Kahuna, who rocked last year’s festival, followed by the brilliant Eagles and west coast tribute band the Illegals and Eurovision Song Contest winner Niamh Kavanagh.

On August 30th, Live Classics in the Park features the wonderful talents of tenor Adriano Graziani, described as one of the most thrilling voices to emerge from the UK, superb soprano Charlotte Kinder and acclaimed Welsh baritone David Kempster. Bring along your favourite picnic food and a chair and enjoy the ultimate al fresco summer entertainment, which finishes with a fantastic fireworks extravaganza.

There’s so much for all the family to enjoy throughout the festival with a funzone, arts and crafts, brass bands and speciality food stalls.  And not to be missed is the latest craze of water walking in a large inflatable ball, ran by Eden Water Walking.

This is one of the last opportunities to enjoy some summer fun before the schools go back, so get yourself down to Jordanstown Loughshore Park to experience a weekend of FREE family entertainment that will not disappoint you.

For more information follow Shoreline Festival on Facebook, or visit www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline or contact Newtownabbey Borough Council on 90340000.

LENNY HENRY to bring new show “Cradle to Rave” to Belfast & Dublin

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The hilarious LENNY HENRY brings his brand new show “Cradle To Rave” to The Waterfront Hall Belfast on Friday May 13th and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on May 15th 2011.

Ticket information:

Tickets £27 including booking fee for Belfast go on sale on Sunday 8th August & tickets from €30 including booking fee for Dublin go on sale on Monday 9th August

To buy tickets:

The Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Telephone – 02890 334455
Book On Line: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ulsterhall/

In Person – Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Box Office,10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Address: Belfast Waterfront, 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH

Olympia Theatre, Dublin

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

www.lennyhenry.com

www.mcd.ie

“Cradle To Rave” is the brand new one man show from LENNY HENRY, fresh from his award winning stint in Northern Broadside’s Othello. Lenny returns to his roots with a funky, funny and touching show about the thing he loves most: music. “Cradle To Rave” is a musical journey, exploring the role music has played, and will play, at every stage of Lenny’s life from the womb to the tomb. Hit it!

UB40 ‘Signing Off’ 30th Anniversary Tour Belfast Date Confirmed

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UB40 are to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their seminal debut album, ‘Signing Off’, by performing the whole album live during a tour of intimate venues across Ireland and the UK throughout October and November 2010.

UB40 will play The Waterfront, Belfast on 21 November, The National Stadium, Dublin on 22 November and The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on 23 November 2010. Tickets for all shows will go on sale on Friday 13 August at 9.00am.

Taking its name from the unemployment form, ‘Signing Off’ was heralded as a landmark album when it was released in late August 1980.  Considered by many as one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band, ‘Signing Off’ was well received amongst many music fans, including followers of punk and the 2 Tone movement, and struck a chord amongst a large proportion of the UK’s disaffected youth. Mixing reggae and dub, ‘Signing Off’ chronicled the times, and wider social and political issues, as well as the plight of communities throughout the country during the early Thatcher years.

‘Signing Off’ went on to attain Platinum status after spending 71 weeks in charts, peaking at #2. The album features hit singles ‘King’/‘Food For Thought’ and ‘I Think It’s Going to Rain Today’ (#4 & # 6 on the UK singles chart, respectively), along with other UB40 classics such as ‘Tyler’, ‘Madam Medusa’ and ‘Burden of Shame’.

The album artwork for ‘Signing Off’ also famously depicted a replica of the bright yellow unemployment card from which the Birmingham-based band took its name: Unemployment Benefit, Form 40.

Since the release of ‘Signing Off’, UB40 have become one of the most successful reggae groups of all time, with over forty UK Top 40 hit singles and sales of 80million records across the world.

UB40 saxophonist Brain Travers said, “2010 marks UB40’s 30th anniversary, three decades since we started this incredible journey. We had to ask ourselves “How can we celebrate? How can we say thanks to the fans for their unconditional support?” We decided to go back to where we started, downtown to the heart of the cities and the venues where we played our first gigs, then perform our first album ‘Signing Off’ in its entirety, something we have never done before. Of course, there will also be some surprises, but we’ll save them for the night.”

In addition to performing ‘Signing Off’ in it’s entirely, UB40 will perform a second set on the evening featuring some of the band’s most loved tracks.

MCD Proudly Presents
UB40

SIGNING OFF TOUR 30th Anniversary Tour

Tickets on sale Friday 13 August at 9.00am

The Waterfront, Belfast
21st November 2010
Telephone: 02890 334455, Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

The National Stadium, Dublin
22nd November 2010
Telephone: 0818 719 300, Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

The Royal Theatre, Castlebar
23rd November 2010
Telephone: 0818 300 000, Book On Line: www.royaltheatre.ie

Roller Derby Hits Northern Ireland

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Women in Belfast are getting their skates on for a new sport proving to be very different to your average netball game.  It’s an extreme contact sport on wheels that began in America called roller derby.  Northern Ireland’s first derby team will be competing under the name ‘Belfast Banshees’.

When a team in Dublin emerged it spurred on civil servant Hannah ‘Hannahbolic Steroids’ Whitall (24) to start the Belfast team earlier this year.

“The name has Irish folklore mixed in, it’s something to be feared and it’s associated with women,” she said.

Miss Whitall said that roller derby was something she always wanted to do after being involved in ice-skating and rollerblading so decided to start a team herself.    “I set up a Facebook group and everybody joined, it just snowballed really.”  To date The Belfast roller derby Facebook group has attracted nearly 500 members.

During a match two teams skating in a pack will block and tackle their opponents as a ‘jammer’ from each team tries to break through the pack to rack up points.

Roller girls dress up for bouts in little more than their protective padding and have their derby alter-egos adorned on their shirts.  The outfits may be tongue-in-cheek but the action certainly isn’t, as games are extremely fast, aggressive and exciting to watch.

Sound technician Thayna ‘LilyBee’ McLaughlin (27), currently helps train the new team.  She joined a roller derby team two years ago when she was living in Glasgow and says she was “hooked instantly”.  “Traditional sports never really appealed to me, derby just seemed a lot more fun and a challenge. It’s more than just a sport it’s like being part of a community,” she said.  “I have enjoyed training with the Belfast roller derby and as I don’t expect anyone to have skated before it’s great to see everyone improving week by week and building up their skills.”

Recently the Belfast team had an intake of new members and also joined the first all-Ireland roller derby training session in Dublin.   They joined the Dublin Roller Girls and new team Rebel County Rollers from Cork at the Dublin team’s training venue in Inchicore to rough each other up.

Roller derby has become extremely popular, aided this year with Drew Barrymore’s derby film ‘Whip It’, which hit the cinemas in April.

In the past three years the number of teams in the UK has increased from three to at least 20, with three now in Ireland.   The sport has built up globally from grass roots, so Miss Whitall has dedicated herself to getting the team up and skating.

“It’s taken over my life. It’s not necessarily a bad thing but it doesn’t leave room for much else. It’s definitely worth it though.”

The team are still seeking more local girls to sign up, men are also needed to be coaches and referees.

Belfast ladies getting their skates on! Photograph Phillip Walsh

Belfast roller derby are recruiting new members, email belfastrollerderby@hotmail.com for more information

Men are welcome to join and can help with coaching, refereeing and committee work. Each match has up to seven refs so anyone interested should sign up.

Robert Plant – The Band Of Joy Tour Waterfront Hall Show Announced, Tuesday 2 November

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Robert Plant

Album Band Of Joy released September 13th

Robert Plant and The Band Of Joy will play a rare live show at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast

on Tuesday 2 November.

Plant’s hotly anticipated tenth solo album “Band Of Joy”, recorded in Tennessee and co-produced by Nashville legend Buddy Miller will be released on September 13th. It’s Plant’s first album since 2007’s six time Grammy Award winning “Raising Sand”.

The Band of Joy is Buddy Miller (guitar and vocals) Darrell Scott (vocals, mandolin, guitar, accordion, pedal, lap steel and banjo), Patty Griffin (vocals and guitar), Byron House (bass) and Marco Giovino (percussion).

Tickets for the Waterfront Hall,

Belfast go on sale Friday 13 August priced from: £38

Robert Plant and The Band of Joy

Tues 2 November, 2010

Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Dublin

Tickets from £38, on sale Friday 13 August at 9.00am

Waterfront Hall Box-Office: 028 90 334455

www.waterfront.co.uk

From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide By telephone:

Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55

Book On-Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

Here comes the Last Days of Summer.

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Northwest Lifelong Learning an educational Charity in Limavady who operate across the North Coast with partners in Coleraine and Ballycastle, specialising in helping people return to work, will be in Portstewart on the weekend the 28th & 29th August 2010.  A family fun day has been organised on the 28th by kind permission and in association with the Crescent Portstewart.  This will include amusements for the kids, food, and water-skier Richard McCooke from Castlerock will be in attendance.

The event runs from 12 pm – 3 pm.  All under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.  At time of going to press this event is subject to licence.

On Sunday 29th August Northwest Lifelong Learning are holding a club night ‘last days of Summer’ in association with Havana Portstewart from 9 pm – till late.  Tickets are £5 each and are available from NWLLA 63 Irish Green Street, Limavady contact 02877764429 or Trevor Keys 5-7 Society Street, Coleraine.

Transport will be available to and from last days of summer at an additional charge.  To keep up-to-date with these events, watch local press or check out our digital media partner http://www.whatsonni.com

More information, including the bus schedule to follow later.

Lookaly roundup July 2010

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Popular Places in July

  1. The Other Place, Belfast
  2. Fenaghy Veterinary Clinic, Ballymena
  3. Little Wing Pizzeria, Belfast
  4. Ruby’s Diner, Belfast
  5. Doorsteps, Belfast

Featured Town: Lisburn

What we’ve been blogging

What happened to my review?
Why sometimes reviews will be removed, and other times they’ll remain.

Why complaining customers can be a good thing for your business
The negative feedback is far more important than the positive. Don’t ignore it, take it on board and make the necessary changes to improve.

How to deal with negative comments and bad online PRWhether it’s using Facebook, Twitter, a blog or an online review website, people are free to say what they think, and you as a business owner can’t ignore this.

Lookaly is a user review site that lets you find the best places and services in Northern Ireland. Anyone can rate and review somewhere based on their experience.

Hogfest Update 14th August

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The 14th of August is only a few days away!  Plans are well underway for the 2010 Hogfest to be held at LCDI in Limavady.

Kidsfest will run from 3 pm – 6 pm with a £5 entry fee for 1 adult and 3 children.  This will give a limited number of free rides on the provided amusements and include a free BBQ, drink, face painting for the kids.  Kidsfest is a fancy dress event with prizes for the best dressed.  The Texas Kickers Line Dancers will also be there in the afternoon.  Anything else we can get to entertain will be there on the day.

The Hogfest itself begins at 7 pm.  Tickets to the Hogfest are £20 per person.  No under 14s will be permitted and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  A complimentary glass of wine will be provided.  Tickets must be retained to get access to the food.  Entertainment will be provided in the form of music, thanks to Big Band Sound and the Derry Jazz Quartet.  Snail Racing will be a bonus, with a Charity Auction and various draws throughout the evening.  Spot prizes will be given for best headgear, best creative dress, and best hen party/stag party/group dress!

A tour of the old workhouse will also be provided commencing at 9 pm.

Transport will be provided by Roe Valley Rural Transport for a limited number who live in outlining areas, to bring them both to and from the event.  LCDI will also be providing a drop off service for those who live in Limavady town taking them home from the event.  Please telephone to confirm pickup. Details are outlined below:

Bus Timetable
Time Location Pickup/drop off
6:30 pm Greysteel – (Nicholls Shop) Pickup
6:40 pm Ballykelly – (Outside Tommys Chippy) Pickup
6:30 pm Aghnaloo (Spar Shop) Pickup
6:30 pm Dungiven (The Castle) Pickup
Buses returning to these locations at 12 am
Limavady town drop off’s will be between 11 pm & 1 am

Tickets for both events are available from Northwest Lifelong Learning, 63 Irish Green Street, Limavady.  Telephone 77764429.  Don’t forget to check out the Northern Constitution or http://www.whatsonni.com.

Whilst we will promote sponsors through various media, it is the responsibility of individual sponsors, to put up signage on site.  Before doing this please contact us.  Anyone who wishes to donate a raffle or auction item please contact NWLLA for collection or leave it at our offices on Irish Green Street.  All dontations must be made before 3 pm on Friday 13th August.

Tickets are selling out fast for both events so contact Northwest Lifelong Learning to secure yours TODAY!

The committee are busy contacting businesses in the Roe Valley area, asking for their much needed support.  If you are reading this and would like to donate something – no matter how small please give NWLLA a call on the number above.  The last 7 days have seen lots of donations.

Hogfest/ Kidsfest Running Order

2.00 pm – Health & Safety Briefing

3.00 pm – Kids Fest Gates open

3.00 pm – Q102 Broadcasting

3.00 pm – 6.00 pm Texas Kickers Line Dancing

3:30 pm – Children’s Food Available

4.15 pm – Fancy Dress Judging Main Stage

6.00 pm – Kids Fest Close

7:00 pm – Hogfest Gates open

7.00 pm – Q102 finishes

7:30 pm – Limavady Big Band Sound Main Stage

8.00 pm – 10.00 pm- Food

8.00 pm -10.00 pm – Snail Racing

9.00 pm – Derry Jazz Quartet

10.30 pm – Raffle

11.00 pm – Charity Auction

12.00 pm – Close

Limited Transport Available for the Limavady town residents provided by LCI 11.00 pm – 1.00 am

Limited Transport Available for Dungiven,, Greysteel, Ballykelly, Aghanloo Residents provided by Roe Valley Rural Transport leaving LCDI @ 12.00 am

Grand Auction!

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Grand Auction of toys, books, furniture, bric-a-brac, etc with all proceeds going to raise money for the Village Hall. Viewing starts at 11:30 am and the Auction starts at 12:30. You can donate your “treasures” just bring them to the Hall on the 6th August from 1pm-6pm.

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