Year: 2010

GLOBAL GUINNESS CELEBRATION, ARTHUR’S DAY 2010 INCLUDES THE SCRIPT, BRANDON FLOWERS, SNOW PATROL, KELIS, THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS, WESTLIFE AND PAOLO NUTINI

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Consumers around the world join in the global celebration in addition to live music events and celebrations in Ireland, the USA, the Caribbean and Asia

23 September, 2010 – The owners of GUINNESS®, the world’s number one stout, is tonight hosting the 2010 Arthur’s Day global celebration, which kicks off at the world famous St. James’s Gate Brewery. Westlife, The Script, Brandon Flowers, Snow Patrol, Kelis, The Manic Street Preachers, Westlife and Paolo Nutini will perform in local pub venues across, Ireland, whilst millions of consumers across the world will take part in a global “To Arthur” toast which begins at 17:59 in Dublin, Ireland and will finish in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 24 hours later.

Arthur’s Day was created in 2009 to mark the iconic brand’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the 9,000 year lease on St. James’s Gate in Dublin by the beer’s famous philanthropist founder, Arthur Guinness. This year’s events will continue to support the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness with the launch of www.guinnessforgood.com <http://www.guinnessforgood.com> , continuing to build on the good work that has already started in supporting social entrepreneurship around the world.

In total over 60 artists will perform across the country with the celebrations beginning at 17:59 local time with the global toast to Arthur Guinness and his remarkable legacy. Consumers will enjoy the celebration at over 30 venues across Dublin, Cork and Galway from intimate gigs in pubs to music venues and a concert at the St. James’s Gate brewery itself.

Additionally, GUINNESS & Co. has recently committed to increasing the Arthur Guinness Fund™ to €7.4 million by 2012 as it continues its commitment to maintaining the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness, by further supporting the search for the next generation of social entrepreneurs worldwide. As part of this, the Arthur Guinness Fund has launched www.guinnessforgood.com and is also announcing a new three year partnership with Ashoka – the world’s leading community of social entrepreneurs – to enable the deployment of the funds to new social entrepreneurial projects around the world. The global application process will begin just after this year’s Arthur’s Day on Tuesday 28 September 2010.

The GUINNESS, ARTHUR’S DAY and ARTHUR GUINNESS FUND words and associated logos are trade marks. As leaders in social responsibility, Diageo and Guinness & Co. encourage everyone to celebrate Arthur’s Day responsibly.

Drink Responsibly
Visit drinkaware.co.uk for the facts
The GUINNESS word and associated logos are trademarks.

Horslips return to Belfast!

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The Dancehall Sweethearts Are Back On The Road.

Horslips Confirm Irish Winter Tour Dates

A year on from the sell-out triumph of their December ‘09 concerts in Dublin and Belfast, Irish rock legends Horslips are back with a new tour for 2010.

Horslips have confirmed they will play the following concert dates: 27 November INEC, Killarney; 28 November Royal Theatre, Castlebar; 01 December Waterfront, Belfast and 04 December The O2, Dublin.   Tickets for all concerts will go on sale Friday 17 September at 9.00am.

Last December’s concert dates saw Horslips peform songs from their ten albums and from the Rollback unplugged session to rave reviews in the media and huge feedback from audiences North and South.

The two concerts were flagged as “must see’’ and in response to that strong countrywide interest the band  are enthusiastic about taking the show back on the road, this time to a wider audience.

After a brush with illness during the summer which saw the cancellation of Horslips’ “Live At The Marquee”  gig in Cork, Jim Lockhart is fighting fit and raring to go…and Ray Fean will fly in from his gruelling tour schedule Stateside to sit in behind the kit. ‘It’s going to be a bit like the old days”, says guitarist John Fean – Ray’s brother.’We’ll be reaquainting ourselves with room service in towns we used to play in our time on the road. This is a tour I’m really looking forward to.”

MCD Proudly Presents
Horslips
Tickets on sale Friday 17 September at 9.00am

INEC, Killarney
27 November 2010
Telephone: (064) 6671555 Book On Line: www.inec.ie <http://www.inec.ie>

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

The Waterfront, Belfast
01 December 2010
Telephone: 02890 334455, Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

The O2, Dublin
04 December 2010

From 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

www.horslips.com
www.mcd.ie

Best-selling author and screenwriter Colin Bateman confirms guest appearance at Aspects Irish Literature Festival

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Bangor-born author and screenwriter of Divorcing Jack, Colin Bateman, has confirmed that he will be making a guest appearance at the 19th Aspects Irish Literature Festival when it takes place in North Down from 22-26 September.

The prolific author will join the Festival’s already stellar lineup that includes fellow Irish crime writers Declan Hughes, author of the Ed Loy PI series and Alex Barclay whose new book, Time of Death, was launched in July 2010.

Bateman will read from his latest book Dr. Yes., which is the latest installment in his Mystery Man series, in which Mystery Man, the owner of the fictional No Alibis bookstore combines book selling with solving crimes in the Belfast area, via many trips to Starbucks.

Festival Director, Patricia Hamilton commented, “As Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival, Aspects has come of age whilst managing to remain true to its original ethos.  It promotes Irish writing in all its forms and has lured big-names to the intimate surroundings of North Down. This year sees a lineup that includes Nobel-Prize winning poet Seamus Heaney, the BBC’s Fergal Keane, Chris Binchy and now Colin Bateman.”

Bateman’s guest appearance will follow the Declan Hughes and Alex Barclay event, Crime Pays, on Friday 24 September, at which all three authors will present readings from their new books.

With tickets still available from the Festival Box office or online at www.aspectsfestival.co.uk, this is sure to be an entertaining event not to be missed.

For general ticket enquires contact the Box Office on 02891 271200 or visit www.aspectsfestival.co.uk

For interviews, photos, review copies contact Eddie Canning on 02891 270371 or email Edward.canning@northdown.gov.uk

Sink Your Teeth in to Joe Echo!

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Last Friday night Walshs Hotel in Maghera saw the premier for the new video by local artist Ciaran Gribben aka Joe Echo.  As a native of mid Ulster I took Joe up on his kind invitation to join him and guests for a night of live acoustic entertainment which included the premier of the video for his new single “Sink your teeth in”.  My friends and I were not disappointed.

Having never met Joe before I was more than pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome I received by this very talented, down to earth softly spoken and mild mannered guy.

The evening’s entertainment kicked off with a treat of a performance by local girl Allie Bradley. Allie, who has collaborated with Aaron Shanley, is Currently recording her own songs under music management company White Mountain Music Publishing & is currently working on her debut album. Her voice is nothing short of stunning.

For further information contact eilis@wmm.ie

Next on the bill was Building Pictures, fronted by Ciaran’s brother John Gribben.  A top performance, thoughtful lyrics with a soulful voice  –  talent is evidently in abundance in the Gribbin family.

The new Building Pictures EP “Closing Doors” is now available at bandcamp – http://buildingpictures.bandcamp.com/album/the-closing-doors-ep

10 things you don’t know about Building Pictures

1.) John Gribbin, a 23 year old from County Derry, Northern Ireland is ‘Building Pictures.’ He is the younger brother of Ciaran (Joe Echo), who recently co-wrote Madonna’s new single “Celebration.”

2.) The Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission (NIMIC) in 2008 selected John to write music under the guidance of established songwriters like Iain Archer (Snow Patrol co-writer) and Eleanor McEvoy (a co-writer of the best selling album in Irelands history).

3.) One of John’s songs, ‘this corner of the room’, was chosen by a London television production company for the soundtrack of ‘Aislings Diary’ RTE1 television in Ireland, and the same song was commissioned for the sound track of ‘Flat Mates,’ for RTP, Portugal’s leading public broadcast channel.

4.) Two songs of Johns, “I’m Serious” and “The Good Will Out” were used on the soundtrack of an online series by Newsweek.com entitled ‘The District,’ which parodies Obama’s first 100 days as U.S president. Check out episode 8 on youtube!

5.) As a member of his brother’s musical alter ego ‘Joe Echo’, where he plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals, 2009 saw John support The Script and James Morrison on their Irish tours, and more recently Paolo Nutini. Summer dates included Oxegen Festival.

6.) John provided backing vocals on the soundtrack of film ‘Heartless’ which is due for release early 2010 and stars Jim Sturgess (Lead role in hit film ‘21’).

7.) June 2009 saw the release of a special edition of ‘Hot Press’ magazine with a free CD of 18 tracks from Glasgowbury festival acts. “Hidden Agenda Types” from Building Pictures was track 14.

8.) 2009 saw the release of two self recorded EP’s, both of which have received widespread airplay on Northern Irelands BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio 1.

9.) John spent the summer of 2009 in New York City gigging with his new found Brooklyn band mates, and also made time to co-write some new songs with established pop writers who have penned songs for the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Robbie Williams in the past.

10.) In recent months John was chosen by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) to be a guest artist on their tour of schools throughout Ireland to give young people guidance with song writing.

Then is was time for Joe to take to the stage to play a set before the video premier.  For those of you like me, who are not overly familiar with the Joe Echo here’s an exerpt from his wesite www.joeecho.com to bring you up to speed ….

2009/10 has been a year of building on Northern Ireland artist JOE ECHO’s foundations through continual touring, writing and recording. His Live work includes shows with The Script, Paolo Nutini, James Morrison, Joshua Radin, Powderfinger and Eskimo Joe amongst others. Following successful 2009 summer festivals he toured Australia for the first time playing a major festival in Perth, shows with Paolo Nutini in Sydney and Melbourne and several headline club dates. Touring in 2010 is a priority and he’s recently secured the services of one of the worlds leading live agents, X-Ray Touring’s Steve Strange. Joe says “I’m really happy to be included on Steve’s great clients list that includes Snow Patrol, Coldplay and Eminem and he’s now become an integral part of the Joe Echo team which has gone from strength to strength in the past year.” Summer shows and festivals this year include Ireland’s Oxegen Festival and a most successful recent appearance at Hard Rock Calling in London’s Hyde Park with Paul McCartney.

His writing over the past year has been as busy as it’s been diverse as he builds on his now extensive catalogue. Following writing stints with various artists from Paul Oakenfold to Groove Armada the year ended with a Grammy nomination for the Madonna worldwide hit “Celebration” which he co-wrote with Madonna and Oakenfold. His songs have appeared in various TV programmes from a US Newsweek series to Australia’s ‘Home and Away’…. Joe has written, recorded and co-produced all of the original songs for ‘KILLING BONO’, a new movie based on Neil McCormick’s memoirs of his years at school with Bono and U2 and his rather less successful rival band as they went through the 1970’s. Described as an “Irish music-based comedy”, it’s written by Ian Le Frenais and Dick Clement the screenwriters of “The Commitments” and “Almost Famous”, is directed by Nick Hamm and stars Ben Barnes and Robert Sheehan. Filming began in January in Belfast in and the movie, through Paramount, will initially open in 300 cinemas across UK and Ireland in early 2011 along with a SONY MUSIC Entertainment soundtrack album. His other movie work includes recording, co-producing and performing the songs for Philip Ridley’s award winning dark fantasy movie ‘HEARTLESS’ starring Jim Sturgess and released this month to five star reviews along with a UNIVERSAL Records soundtrack album and in the US in October. Another song ‘Waves’ appears in the just released ‘Wild Target’ starring Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt with the soundtrack on SONY/EPIC Records. Two other Joe Echo songs feature in ‘Love and Suicide’, the first American movie shot entirely on location in Cuba. He recently re-mixed tracks for Thailand’s multi-million selling female artist Tata Young. He’s just completed the recording of his first JOE ECHO album prior to Summer shows after which there are plans to spend time in LA, Nashville and New York co-writing and showcasing followed by more touring.


With a voice that is extraordinary and versatile, the future looks very bright for Joe Echo. As Brian Casey put it so succinctly, he’s “No Ordinary Joe”

www.joeecho.com

Watch  his new video for “Sink Your Teeth in” shot locally at the Elk nightclub, just outside Toome.

In other news Joe Echo will be appearing on the discussion panel at this years Hot Press Music show on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of October with Killing Bono director Nick Hamm and if you’re in Dublin this Friday night (24th September) Joe Echo will be playing the Dublin City fm Autumn schedule launch with the Flaws and Miracle Bell at The Village. Tickets are 5euro. Bargain!

Remembering World Alzheimer’s Day (Tuesday 21st September) with the Fold Brain Bus!

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Today (21st September 2010) is ‘World Alzheimer’s Day’, a day when people around the globe raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Marking the importance of this day, Jim Wells MLA and Chair of the Stormont Health Committee got on board the Fold Brain Bus – a revolutionary mobile therapy unit from Fold Housing Association that is used to help those diagnosed with dementia throughout Northern Ireland.

The Fold Brain Bus contains leading-edge technology that helps to engage people with dementia through cognitive and physical exercises, which are proven to reduce depression, agitation and stress levels.

According to Eileen Askham, Director of Care Services, Fold Housing Association: “With over 19,000 people across the province affected by the disease, and numbers expected to rise, this year’s theme of ‘Dementia, it’s time for action!’ is increasingly important. Our aim in introducing the Brain Bus is to make a real difference to people with dementia – to help them maintain their independence, and give them more choice and control over their lives”

Next stop! The Fold Brain Bus will be visiting Lisburn city centre on Tuesday 28th September 2010 as part of Age Awareness Week. Everyone is welcome to come on board and try out the technology for themselves.

Lookaly August Roundup.

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Lookaly launches free iPhone app

Find the best places nearby and review them on the spot with our new iPhone app.

In fact, there are lots of things you can do with our app (listed here).

And this is only the start. Let us know your feedback and suggestions for future versions.

Download the app →

Free iPod Touch giveaway

Thanks to Mac Sys Ltd we have an Apple iPod Touch 8GB + Apple Care (worth £191) to give away to one lucky Lookaly reviewer.

Anyone who writes a review in September will be entered into the draw. It’s that simple.

Full competition details here →

£5 off any Jacks of London service

Exclusive offer to Lookaly members, £5 off any Jacks of London service in September 2010.

Just mention you’re there for the Lookaly offer (free beer or coffee too)

More info →

Popular places in August 2010 (by review count)

  1. Teatro, Belfast
  2. Tannery, Moira
  3. Pet Connection, Belfast
  4. Wolfe’s Gourmet Burgers, Lisburn
  5. Hooligans, Belfast

Featured Town: Banbridge

Know somewhere good in Banbridge?

Write a review and let us know what you think.

From Our Blog

Lookaly teams up with Virtual Visit

Our primary aim is to help you find the best places and services, we thought the virtual tours would compliment your reviews rather well.

10 Things you can do with the Lookaly iPhone app

Find the best places around you, add new places and review them…

Why we don’t pay people to review

We want our website to grow organically, not based on forced reviews.

Belfast Zoo asks, have you got the snap factor?

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Belfast zoo’s annual photographic competition, sponsored by HB, is coming to a close this Friday 24th September at 4.00pm. The competition is open to all budding and amateur photographers, with the chance to win cash prizes and for your work to be displayed in the zoo.

Categories include:

  • Have you got the SNAP factor?

    best picture taken by a club photographer;

  • best picture taken by a visitor;
  • best black and white picture;
  • best funny caption; and
  • best picture taken by someone under 16.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners in an awards ceremony, at Belfast Zoo, in October 2010.

The zoo is open every day from 10.00am to 7.00pm.  Last entry into the zoo is at 5pm and animal houses close at 6pm.

Why not visit the zoo this week to take that perfect picture that could win you a cash prize and the snap factor at Belfast zoo.

Entry forms and further details are available online at www.belfastzoo.co.uk/photocomp or phone 028 9078 2085

COUNTDOWN TO ARTHUR’S DAY, 17:59 WHERE WILL YOU BE?

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WESTLIFE, THE SCRIPT, IMELDA MAY AND SHARON CORR ADDED TO INCREDIBLE ARTHUR’S DAY LINE UP!

With only days to go, GUINNESS® & CO today announced that Westlife, one of Ireland’s most successful bands ever plus chart topping Irish sensations, The Script will perform alongside other international artists as part of the Arthur’s Day celebrations in Dublin on 23rd September.

With over 1,000 planned events nationwide, over 150 confirmed artists and 200 hours of live music performance; the excitement around the Arthur’s Day celebrations is mounting, with all ticket sales going to the Arthur Guinness Fund. Arthur’s Day honours the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, the pioneering brewer and philanthropist who signed the 9,000 year lease on the St. James’s Gate Brewery in 1759 and introduced GUINNESS to the world.

Also added to the incredible line up is Sharon Corr, who will play as part of the nationwide celebrations in Cork while Imelda May will also be appearing in a Cork City pub before raising a toast at 17:59 and performing at Galway’s Folan Quay outdoor venue before finally ending her Arthur’s Day with a performance at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin.

Westlife, The Script, Sharon Corr and Imelda May, along with previously announced studio artists such as Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, Brandon Flowers and Manic Street Preachers, will also all be playing a surprise performance in Arthur’s Day pubs in Dublin, Cork and Galway on the night.

Additional pub artists to join the line up include the UK’s Morning Parade and The Shoestrung.

Westlife, speaking ahead of Arthur’s Day said, “We’ve heard the atmosphere last year was incredible, so we can’t wait to get into Dublin and be part of what is fast becoming one of Ireland’s biggest days in the year. It’s a chance to play with some fantastic artists and shock a few fans by rocking up unexpectedly to one of the local pubs. See you on 23rd Dublin!!!”

Orla Flanagan, GUINNESS Brand Manager said, “With only a few days to go the excitement is palpable. We have created an interactive map of Ireland on Guinness.com, where hundreds of Arthur’s Day pub celebrations are listed and the geographical spread of events shows just how much people around the country have embraced it. We have just launched an Arthur’s Day iPhone app, which will be a way for people celebrating Arthur’s Day to share toasts and connect with friends on the day.  After only 72 hours, the app is already No.1 in the iPhone app store!”

Commenting on the additions to the line up, Flanagan said, “Westlife are an iconic Irish band having had huge success over the last 11 years.  We are particularly thrilled that local lads The Script can perform on the day too as they grew up in James’s St, only a short walk away from the home of GUINNESS.  It’s great to see the anticipation building for the big day.

An interactive map of Ireland with a full list of events and artists taking place all over the country can be found on www.Guinness.com/arthursday

The Arthur’s Day iPhone app will give people the ultimate Arthur’s Day experience. Created to allow the whole of Ireland to come together and share in the celebrations on Thursday 23rd September, the app offers information on events taking place throughout the country and allows users to share toasts with friends and on live TV and also track where their friends are toasting on the night via a geo locater and a Facebook link up.  The Arthur’s Day app is available to download free of charge from the the Apple App Store.

The Arthur’s Day celebrations will be broadcast live into pubs across the country via Sky Channel 881 kicking off at 17:45 on the day.  Presented by Patrick Kielty and Colin Murray, the broadcast will feature the live toast at 17:59 at St James’s Gate Brewery, music performances from various venues as well as behind the scenes artist interviews.  A selection of toasts captured via the Arthur’s Day iPhone app will be broadcast via a ticker on Sky Channel 881.

There are a very limited amount of tickets still available for some Cork and Galway pubs via local ticketmaster outlets only with proceeds from all ticket sales benefiting the Arthur Guinness Fund™.

The Arthur’s Day celebrations will begin at 17:59 at St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin on 23rd September. The celebration will then continue with activities and events at various locations in Ireland and throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.

Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events.

Drink Responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

CINEMAGIC PROGRAMME LAUNCH MARKS 20 YEARS OF FESTIVAL MAGIC!

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Movie enthusiasts can look forward to a feast of films in November as the Coca-Cola Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People launches its highly anticipated ‘20th Anniversary’ programme, that includes more than 100 films from around the world- over 20 of which are UK/Irish previews and premieres and over 60 workshops, competitions, masterclasses and exciting film related events!

The celebratory themed Cinemagic Festival opens in Belfast on 11th November and runs for 16 action packed days and nights until 26th November in various Belfast venues including Movie House Cinemas, ODEON, Strand Cinema, and Queen’s Film Theatre. New venues for 2010 include the newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre, Ulster Museum and the Lagan Legacy Barge!

The launch was marked with a special preview of family animation Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer in Movie House Cinemas, Cityside, at which 350 film fans attended and cast members, including Irish actor Robert Sheehan (Cherrybomb, Killing Bono, The Tudors) from E4 drama series Misfits officially unveiled the programme at the cinema!

Commenting on the festival’s programme launch, Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to present our 20th Anniversary Cinemagic Festival that offers more than 150 film and television events for young people that are entertaining, educational and inspiring. With the support of our funders, and our Title Sponsor Coca-Cola we have been able to increase the number of events taking place. The Festival has grown hugely over the years and is a major event on the cultural calendar in Northern Ireland and beyond.

We will be welcoming a host of both international and local industry professionals to the Festival such as Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, acclaimed director Mike Hodges, actor Jason Flemyng, award-winning film music composers Maggie Rodford and David Julyan, and returning for a fifth consecutive year, highly acclaimed film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode will be ‘in conversation’ with the Belfast audiences. We are also holding an international young jury competition, screening a special series of 20th Anniversary films, and holding a Gala Awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall, so it will certainly be a festival to remember!”

Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBC, Island of Ireland:” Coca-Cola is proud to sponsor the Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People once again this year. This year’s 20th Anniversary festival will once again provide participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in many arts based disciplines, giving a unique insight into the world of film and television and showcasing the many and varied talents of the young people of Northern Ireland.

We are delighted to support activities for the 12 – 25 age group such as the exciting range of movie screenings and the Talent Lab masterclass programme for 16-25 year olds, which provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn and gain experience from industry experts.”

Festival Films

Gala Screenings: The Opening Night animated preview, Eleanor’s Secret, directed by Dominique Monfery will delight young audiences and set the standard for the eclectic line-up of films being screened over the 16 days of the largest film festival for young people in the UK and Ireland, with the Closing Night of the film programme being marked with a preview of superhero movie Megamind from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures.

New Family: These films will fascinate both parents and young children alike with fairies, elves and mermaids galore in Princess Lillifee, based on the popular Lillifee story books; Missing Lynx follows the adventures of a group of animals in their quest to escape the clutches of an unscrupulous hunter, and there is fun and frolics all aboard an ocean liner in Jasper: Penguin Explorer.

Irish Features: The festival is proud to be premiering four Irish Features that include A Kiss for Jed Wood, starring Coleraine actress Jayne Wisener; Belfast made Wasteland, a story about fate, luck and circumstance in teenage life; The Runway, directed by Ian Power, that depicts the real-life story of a pilot who had to crash land on Mallow Racecourse, Co Cork, in 1983 in a Mexican Gulfstream II jet; and All Good Children, a richly atmospheric debut feature by writer/director Alicia Duffy, that includes a stunning performance by young Irish actor Jack Gleeson.

Around The World: Fifteen previews from around the world will guide viewers in a cultural whistle-stop tour of countries such as Denmark, England, Norway, France, New Zealand, Finland, Germany, Austria, Australia, Italy and Japan!

Highlights include From Time to Time, the latest offering from director Julian Fellowes; the rollicking spellbinding Monster Busters; Magic Silver, the tale of a small mountain gnome; Glowing Stars which tells the insightful story of a young girl navigating adolescence; Accidents Happen, a wickedly funny fable of family, fate and misfortune in American suburbia; Bran Nue Dae, a charming music driven road movie, starring Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush; and Cosmonaut, an intriguing drama set in 1950’s Italy.

Documentary: From stories of boxing and ballet to mountain climbing, horse-whispering and community spirit, film fans eager to see this year’s documentaries will not be disappointed! The Mountain Within provides a powerful insight into the emotional and physical journeys of a group of seven adults with disabilities as they take on one of the most revered mountains – Mount Kilimanjaro. Shot over four years, New Zealand made This Way of Life is an intimate portrait of a Maori family and their relationship with nature, adversity, their horses and society at large. Sons of Cuba, set in a Havana Boxing Academy follows the stories of three young boxing hopefuls; TuTu Much follows nine young ballet dancers as they plie, pirouette and compete to realise their dreams;and Shelter in Place examines a community battling against environmental pollution and corporate power!

20th Anniversary Screenings: To mark Cinemagic’s 20th Anniversary there is a chance to watch classic films also celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year! Ireland’s travelling cinema, Cinemobile, will screen The Witches, Home Alone and Edward Scissorhands!

Aardman Animations- A Celebration: There is a celebratory spotlight on the innovative and award-winning work of Aardman Animations with screenings of Peter Lord and Nick Park’s Chicken Run, all time favourite Wallace & Gromit: Curse of The Were Rabbit and witty adventure Flushed Away.

Family Favourites: Cinematic groundbreaker Who Framed Roger Rabbit kicks of the family favourites of the festival, that include a retrospective on Jim Henson, who passed away twenty years ago this year, with a celebration of The Jim Henson Company’s work including screenings of Labyrinth and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Comic Book Capers: The much loved comic book film adaptations feature in a new section that includes Superman-The Movie, Rocketeer and Flash Gordon which celebrates its 30th Anniversary and to mark this, the festival will welcome Flash Gordon director, Mike Hodges, who will be answering questions from the audience after the screening.

Studio Ghibli: The work of premiere Japanese animation film studio will be celebrated with three anime films, two directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo, inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale ‘The Little Mermaid and the magical fantasy Howl’s Moving Castle, and Tales from Earthsea directed by Goro Miyazaki.

Short Films: Live action and animated international short film packages, for a variety of ages, will provide the audience with thrills, laughs and surprises in Shorts for Shorties, Animated Antics, New Irish Shorts, Teenage Kicks and Growing Pains.

Masterclasses
Young people (aged 16-25) who are keen to get an inside track on the media industry can do just that as the hugely popular Talent Lab event returns. Promising to be a fantastic mix of creativity and learning, the Talent Lab and Masterclasses include Scriptwriting, Make-up and Costume Design for Film, Visual Effects, Film Production, Acting, Film Journalism, Casting, Screenwriting, Broadcasting and Programme Making.

Special Events
Film critic Mark Kermode will be returning to Cinemagic to discuss his 2010 festival pick- Fitzcarraldo, directed by Werner Herzog. A special screening of Northern Ireland’s Favourite Family Film will be unveiled at a special screening on 21st November but there is still time to vote for your favourite by emailing its title to favouritefamilyfilm@cinemagic.org.uk by 11th October; and Cinema Paradiso, the multi-award-winning homage to the love of cinema, will be screened in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund for Northern Ireland. Songs From The Movies in Victoria Square supported by Arts & Business will thrill young people interested in performing, Cinemagic Stars, an intense 3-day acting course returns, hosted by Suranne Jones, Cinebabies party, an early years festival celebration takes place in Crescent Arts Centre, and a Mini Magic Festival supported by Westwood Shopping Centre features community films and acting workshops. The Festival Jury is open to young people aged, 10-18, passionate about film watching and reviewing and the International Jury will welcome young people from seven countries who will discuss and judge a programme of short and feature length films.

Nursery School Programme
Little ones can enjoy the magic of the latest preschool entertainment programmes and films and participate in early years drama with the Debutots team during the fun-filled Cinebabies events.

Primary School Education Programme
Primary Schools pupils can look forward to participating in a diverse range of festival events that include Movie Magic with the Ulster Orchestra, Dance Along with Film, Once Upon A Time…Storytelling, Early Years Drama, Film Classification, School’s Out, Jury Competition, Read and Draw the Hugglewug Way, History Live, Storytelling with Colin Bateman, Lagan Legacy Screening, Big City Park, The Art of Illustration, Animation, The Art of Shadow Play, Lego & filmmaking and DreamWorks Animation workshop.

Secondary School Education Programme
The festival offers workshop and film packages to complement the post-primary curriculum with a special emphasis on students studying moving image arts and media studies. The highlights include Pitch That Brief, Film Quiz, In Conversation with ‘Skins’, Film Classification, School’s Out, Improve Your Filmmaking Skills, Spanish Short Film Showcase, Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 1, Irish Language Filmmaking Workshop, Orange BAFTA Shorts and Filmmaker Q&A, Empire Magazine Film Reviewing, Jury Competition, Film Music Composition, Entertainment TV Presenting and Current Affairs Broadcasting with UTV, Anime Workshop, Genre Study- Horror, Genre Study- The Western, Moving Image Arts Showcase, The Net Generation.
To view the Cinemagic Festival Programme and book film tickets online visit www.cinemagic.org.uk
Film tickets can also be purchased in person at the Festival Box Office, Belfast Welcome Centre, 47 Donegall Place, Belfast or by telephoning 028 90 24 66 09. Tickets for films will also be available on the door of participating cinemas subject to availability.
To Book Workshops and Masterclasses visit www.cinemagic.org.uk
Telephone Cinemagic 028 90 311 900

JOIN THE ARTHUR’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN YOUR LOCAL

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Toast ‘To Arthur’ At 17.59 on 23rd September

On Thursday, 23rd September, Arthur’s Day, people across Northern Ireland will proudly join the worldwide celebrations to honour the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, the pioneering brewer and philanthropist who signed the 9,000 year lease on the St James’s Gate Brewery in 1759 and introduced GUINNESS® to the world.

The global celebration will begin at 17:59, when pubs and bars throughout the province simultaneously raise a glass to Arthur Guinness and his lasting legacy.  The celebration will then continue at various locations in Ireland and throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.

Barry Fitzpatrick, Guinness Brand Manager said: “This Arthur’s Day, there is only one place to be…and that is in your local pub! Be part of a truly global celebration and get together with your friends and colleagues down at your local pub at 17.59 on the 23rd September to raise a glass to the man himself.

“Bars throughout Northern Ireland will be marking the occasion in their own way.  From fantastic live gigs featuring some of the best in local emerging music talent to live link ups via screen with Arthur’s Day celebrations in other cities across Ireland.  Some outlets will even have some surprise visitors on the night itself!  Check with your local pub to see what they have planned…”

Details of other organised pub celebrations can be found on Guinness.com/arthursday

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