Month: September 2013

A leading University of Ulster academic has been shortlisted in the prestigious National Award in Entrepreneurship Education competition.

Janet Coulter, Director of Academic Enterprise in the Faculty of Art, Design and the Built Environment, promotes entrepreneurial activities for both staff and students.

She was shortlisted for her leadership on an entrepreneurshipproject, ‘Evolution to Revolution’, which she designed for students within her Faculty.

The project encouraged students to develop opportunities to translate creative ideas into tangible, commercial ventures for the creative industries.

Janet, who is also a Senior Lecturer in Textiles and Fashion,explained: “Design students are adept at creating ideas, but creating and adding ‘value’ to their ideas does not always follow.

“Entrepreneurial thinking helps them to develop their ideas in ways that add value to the economy.

“The project I designed was a starting point for encouraging design students to engage with entrepreneurship and it proved to be very beneficial to the student learning experience.

“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this Award and to have had my work recognized.

“It is particularly satisfying to have been able to clearly connect entrepreneurship with teaching and learning with the University and I hope to be able to inspire more students to engage in entrepreneurship in the future.”

Janet was one of four finalists – and the only individual – shortlisted in the ‘Student Educators’ category of the National Centre for Entrepreneurship Awards (NCEE) competition.

The NCEE specifically rewards those working as enterprise educators, supporting student and graduate entrepreneurship in higher education.

Winners will announced at the International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference (IEEC) in Sheffield next Thursday evening, September 12.

The NCEE is based at Coventry University Technology Park and collaborates with many partners and organisations across the UK and internationally.

It focuses on:

– raising the profile of entrepreneurship in education across the FE and HE sectors;

– stimulating cultural change in institutions to create environments in which entrepreneurial aspiration andendeavour can flourish and is encouraged;

– institutional capacity building through staff development opportunities for embedding enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities within the educational experience;

– supporting the option of starting a business or a new venture as a future life choice amongst students, graduates and staff.

Film fans and big screen buffs are in for a popcorn bucket full of movie magic as Banbridge District Council in conjunction with Iveagh Movie Studios and Cinemagic host Banbridge Film Fest running from Saturday 14 September to Friday 20 September 2013.

Featuring a fabulous mix of film screenings, workshops, outdoor cinema plus the ultimate movie quiz, this celebration of the silver screen is guaranteed to delight movie goers of all ages.
On Saturday 14 September the festival launches with a Cinemagic ‘Stop-Motion’ animation workshop for 7 – 11 year olds at the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio from 10am – 3pm.

At 2pm Iveagh Movie Studios will be showing Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, which was one of the first children’s movies shown when the new ‘Iveagh’ opened in 2004.  Complementary projection tours of the cinema will also take place at 4pm and 5pm where the public are invited to go behind the scenes to see how the big screen comes to life and experience and how things have changed in the projection room over the years.

Too finish off this busy day Iveagh Movie Studios will be screening Mickybo & Me at 8pm. This delightful comedy-drama about the adventures of two Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid obsessed friends was filmed at various locations throughout the Banbridge District including the ‘Old Iveagh’ cinema which closed its doors in 2001.

Why not enjoy a lazy Sunday in the company of the timeless classic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes which was one of the first films shown at the Old Iveagh in 1953.  This screening will take place at 2pm at Iveagh Movie Studios.

Train spotters and railway enthusiasts will enjoy ‘All Change for Banbridge’, a recently discovered cine film made in the early 1980’s about the Banbridge to Scarva railway on Monday 16 September at 8pm at the Iveagh Movie Studios.

On Tuesday 17 September all budding 12 – 16 year old film directors are invited to shout lights, camera, action at a Cinemagic Movie making Workshop where they can learn the A-Z of film-making at Banbridge Old Town Hall from 6pm – 9pm.

The entertainment continues at Iveagh Movie Studios with a one-off screening of the 1986 sky high hit ‘Top Gun’ starring Tom Cruise.  The ever-popular ‘Crazy Tuesdays’ will also be taking place at Iveagh Movie Studios, where all films are only £3!

Following on from Jonjo & Mickybo’s adventures, the original celluloid Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid will take to the silver screen on Wednesday 18 September at 2pm.

Thursday evening will see film buffs battle it out in the Ultimate Movie Quiz. Taking place at 8pm in Banbridge Old Town Hall, a free movie pass for a whole year is up for grabs for the winning team so it’s time to delve into the movie archives and catch up with your film facts.

On Friday 20 September Cinemagic will present a fun filled day for primary schools with a Shadowplay workshop and film screening of the extraordinary adventure, Hugo (U).  Running from 9.30am – 3pm, both the workshop and screening will take place in Banbridge Old Town Hall.

The festival will conclude on Friday 20 September with an all singing, all dancing outdoor screening in Solitude Park of the 2007 version of the hit movie Hairspray which features film legend John Travolta as you have never seen him before! So why not get on your dancing shoes and jive on down to Solitude for this FREE film fiesta.

For more information on the Film Fest log onto www.banbridge.gov.uk or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/banbridgecouncil.  For booking information contact Banbridge District Council on T: 4066 0605 or Iveagh Movie Studios T: 4066 2666 or check out their website at www.iveagh.com .

Theatre at The Mill is delighted to present Cookstown Sizzling Comedy Club in their ‘Next Step Tour’ on Friday 13 September for one night only fresh from a run at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Founded in May 2011, Cookstown Sizzling Comedy Club is the Brainchild of local comedian and promoter Alan Burns. Starting life as a successful monthly Comedy night in the Oldtown Inn Cookstown, the club then went on the road to venues throughout Northern Ireland.

The acts involved are all regular headliners on the Irish Comedy Circuit, including Belfast’s own Paddy McDonnell who will be showcasing his Edinburgh show “Dagger”. Terry McHugh, a North Belfast man now exiled to Tyrone, will be previewing his show “My Other Car is a DeLorean”. Sean Hegarty will be delivering his one-liners in his own hilarious style. Omagh’s Terry Keyes, described as one of the most honest men in Irish comedy will be along to talk to you and the nights will be held together by Comedy veteran Justin McNally and one of Dublin’s finest, Gary Lynch. Hip Hop comedy lyricist Phil McEwan, the new man on the scene Mark Charles, Cookstown’s Jason O’Neill and of course club founder Alan Burns himself will be taking to the stage too.

Cookstown Sizzling Comedy Club runs at Theatre at The Mill for one night only on Friday 13 September. Tickets, which are £10, can be booked online at www.theatreatthemill.com or by phoning the theatre’s Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Down

The NI Classic Scramblers race takes place this Saturday 7th September at Ballycopeland Windmill.  This classic and twinshock moto-cross racing is a spectacular, colourful event, with some great marques of the past such as JAP, SA, CCM, CZ and MAICO. Featuring pre 65, 70 ,77 and twinshock racing along with 85 and 65/50cc youth classes. An event of nostalgia and fun, complete with a friendly atmosphere. Event will be subject to weather conditions.

Armagh

Calling all Bookworms! Browse through the hundreds of second hand books in the Argory courtyard on Saturday and Sunday and stock up on your winter reads! Donations of unwanted books, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event.

Fermanagh

The Dolly Parton Celebration at the Ardowen Theatre on Saturday 7th September celebrates all things Dolly with some of her big hits ‘Nine to Five’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and many more favourites. Donna Fleming will perform as Dolly with her Dolly Bird backing vocalists and four piece live band, bringing not just a concert but the full Dolly Parton Experience!!

Tyrone

Don’t miss the Gathering of the Gales Concert at the Alley Courtyard Strabane this Saturday 7th September.  This free event is an outdoor concert with the North West. Concert Ensemble – a mix of local professional musicians coming together from all over Ireland. Contact the box office to book your free tickets.

Derry

Encóre Contemporary Choir are fast becoming one of the most talked about ensembles the Maiden City has produced in recent years. With their unique and colourful take on contemporary music, they have already delighted audiences throughout the city and beyond, garnering rave reviews wherever they go. Inspired by the rise in popularity of the ‘show choir’, Encóre brings something a little bit different to the City of Culture!  Join them for this, their Millennium Forum premiere this Saturday, as they journey through the decades, 1950s to modern day, performing an eclectic mix of timeless standards and contemporary chart toppers from some of the world’s best loved artists. You’ll be serenaded by the exceptional warmth and energy of the fifty-strong choir, as well as an array of soloists and duos who’ll bring a more intimate element to the evening.

Antrim

This year’s Gig ‘n the Bann takes place from  5th to 8th September in Portglenone.  The Festival is one of the major events of the Summer Festival Calendar, having a most impressive line-up of top performers scanning traditional, Scottish and folk music circles. A great evening for all music lovers.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni and remember to add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

From Brazil to Bosnia, Australia to Austria in total 24 countries will be landing in Belfast for the 2013 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s which was officially launched today (Thursday 5th September) at the George Best Belfast City Airport.

From 17th – 27th October over 70 different performances from all over the world will fill venues in all corners of the city as Ireland’s largest contemporary international arts festival takes off for its 51st year.

Launching the 2013 programme Festival Director Richard Wakely commented, “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is one of only a handful of European arts festivals that can deliver such diversity boasting an eclectic mix of world-class Dance, Theatre, Classical Music, Jazz, Roots based Music, Visual Arts, Talks and Film. It is exciting to welcome the international arts community to Belfast and to see these performers share the billing with our finest local talent. Together they will deliver seven Irish premieres and three UK and Ireland premieres in this year’s line-up and with 95% of all our shows priced at £16 and under it is there to be enjoyed by everyone.”

Opening this year’s Festival on Thursday 17th October will be a first for the UK and Ireland as internationally acclaimed artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada – the Festival’s first artists in residence – reveals his huge land art portrait Wish. The transformation of eleven acres of land in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter into an anonymous portrait using cutting edge technology and revolutionary art practice will be a major talking point. Sharing the billing for opening day is world-renowned tenor José Carreras who will perform with leading Irish Soprano Celine Byrne at the Waterfront Hall.

2013 will witness the launch of a dedicated Music Club at The Elmwood Hall.  This Cabaret style venue will showcase a world of musical influences such as Jazz, Blues, Indie, Fado, Irish and more.  Carminho, Portugal’s brightest new star will make her Irish debut as she opens the Music Club on 18th October and will be followed by names such as; New York’s Hem, Scandinavian new-wave jazz double act Girls in Airports and Oddarrang, Copenhagen Indie rock band Efterklang, stunning vocalist Iarla O’Lionáird and Steve Cooney, one of the most sought after acts on the traditional Irish Music scene – Dervish with guests The Henry Girls, and finally, cult American blues artist Eric Bibb.

This year’s theatre programme will deliver two Irish premieres that feature direct audience participation with Roger Bernat’s theatrical experiment in political theatre Pending Vote and the thrilling Bullet Catch from Rob Drummond which will finish its world tour as part of the Festival – both of these staged at The Lyric Theatre. Also at The Lyric the critically acclaimed Gare St Lazare Players Ireland will bring Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot to Northern Ireland following performances at the Dublin Theatre Festival.  Local theatre features strongly with a diverse range of performances including a historical tale from Kabosh Theatre Company in Belfast by Moonlight at St George’s Church, tales from the Shankhill in Crimea Square and an international collaboration for Belfast theatre company Prime Cut in The Conquest of Happiness at T13 in the Titanic Quarter to name a few.

Belfast Festival will spread its wings this year as the Classical programme ventures into new and unusual venues around the city. For the first time St Gerard’s Church on the Antrim Road in North Belfast will open its doors to the arts with a performance by the one of the world’s finest vocal groups Ars Nova  Copenhagen whilst the Clonard Monastery will play host to La Serenissima’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.  The Waterfront Hall will not only play host to the Festival Opening Concert but will also feature a welcome return for Sir James Galway who will perform a Musical Journey from Rodrigo to Tchaikovsky with the Ulster Orchestra. Queen’s University will provide the setting for The Royal String Quartet from Poland, Chinese American Flautist Sabrina Hu and Derry born Cahal Breslin and the highly acclaimed Brazilian group PianOrquestra. Festival favourites the Ulster Orchestra will bring Festival to a close at The Ulster Hall with The Swan Songs of Strauss – featuring the four last songs composed by Strauss before his death.

For 2013 the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s will feature a Weekend of Dance at The MAC with two UK and Ireland premieres. Memòries d’una Puça from Catalonia’s Sol Picó Cia De Danza is a striking contemporary dance work that reflects the economic and political struggles in Spain. Originating from Belgium is Victor an emotional and beautiful duet delivering an intimate portrait of a relationship.  Bringing dance into public spaces will be a newly commissioned piece from local dance group Maiden Voyage and choreographer Fearghus Ó’Conchúir as they present their piece in the Ulster Museum and The MAC Upper Gallery.

The family programme delivers for ‘big ones’ and ‘little ones’ with an installation in Botanic Gardens offering to transport the younger children away from technology and into an imaginary world of sound, light and movement with The Strange Travel of Seynor Tonet. Whilst a collaboration with East Belfast Arts Festival and the West Belfast Féile an Phobail will promote international, award winning Tumble Circus in their new show Damn the Circus which will take place in both Belmont Park and Falls Park and is an event geared for the older family market.

A series of thought provoking talks cover everything from best-selling author Simon Singh’s investigation of the mathematical aspects of The Simpsons to award-winning Guardian columnist Gary Younge’s interpretation of Martin Luther King. Plus, Mark Carruthers launches his new book of interviews – Alternative Ulsters, Jonathan Aitken discusses Margaret Thatcher, Bernard MacLaverty celebrates the publication of his new Collected Stories,   a poetry reading with the John Hewitt Society and Feargal  Mac Ionnrachtaigh reflects on the role of the Irish language for Republican former prisoners –  all presented in association with the Belfast Book Festival. Finally, Film Noir is celebrated at QFT in association with Cornerhouse as they present 12 classics including Double Indemnity, The Killers, The Last Seduction and The Big Sleep along with a focus on Swiss Film.

Ellvena Graham, Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland said, “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is firmly embedded in the heart of cultural life in Northern Ireland and has established a reputation for delivering world class, international artists and performances to local audiences.  But more than that, it’s about celebrating diversity and improving access to the arts across all communities with new venues for this year’s Festival in the North, South, East and West of the City. The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is also an important contributor to the local economy, encouraging tourism and adding vitality to the City. We are proud to be part of the success and development of the Festival over the years and look forward to another unique and international Festival season.”

Bob Collins, Chair of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s adds a massive contribution to Northern Ireland’s cultural life and international reputation.  We are proud of our commitment to the festival over the last number of years because the investment of public money has enabled this defining festival to continue to aim higher than most, bringing the best and most sought-after arts, from home and abroad, within the reach of everyone.”

The scale and diversity of this annual Festival programme would not be possible without the continuing and generous support of various public and private sponsors, including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the EU and the British Council. Plus, the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s runs from 17th – 27th October at venues all over the city. To find out more and book tickets visit www.belfastfestival.com or call  box office on 02890 971197. ⧣BelFest Ends Further information from: Cathy Law +44 (0)7876358842/festivalpress@qub.ac.uk

The Rocky Horror Show, Millennium Forum, September 2013.

I saw the Rocky Horror Show in the West End London about 25 years ago and was very excited to be invited by the Millennium Forum to see it again for some Transsexual Timewarping fun last Tuesday.

Accompanied  by “the cousin” we opted not to dress for the part but some did and wore it well… it was fabulously filthy, fun and for me, Philip Franks stole the night with his rapid reparti in response to some gender-bending heckling and audience participation ( I use that term loosely) but Philip’s quick responses and good humour were genius.

If you haven’t seen the show get yourself a ticket now – but take  heed, this show is most definitely NOT for children or the faint hearted. So get the heels out, suspenders and basque’s on and lipstick at the ready….and ladies the same goes for you!

A great night’s entertainment with lots of laughter and dancing to the Time Warp.  A well deserved standing ovation for the amazingly talented cast continued for quite some time as the production left everyone on a high and wanting more.

Get your tickets now over at http://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/content/rocky-horror-show and read all about the production, cast and crew over at http://rockyhorror.co.uk/.

2013 marks the 400^th Anniversary of Bangor’s town charter with a year-long programme of events to celebrate the cultural history of the town.

Come to Bangor Town Hall on Saturday 14 September for a musical journey through time.  Swingabella will kick off the night at 6pm supported by an 8 piece band.  This is a close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the 30s and 40s – the Swing Era.  Their repertoire includes the songs of the Andrews Sisters – favourites like ‘Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree’ and ‘In The Mood.’

Next up are Local heroes Otis and The Elevators – everyone has a favourite Blues Brothers number and they’re guaranteed to create an unforgettable party atmosphere and have everyone dancing and singing!

Appearing for the first time in Northern Ireland the next act is a huge hit in the UK.  King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys – this unusually named band is one of the most popular jazz and swing bands in the world, made famous by Ronnie Scott’s clubs, performing classy numbers in Louis Jordan and Eddie Cleanhead style.

On Sunday 15 we are delighted to announce an event called Bangor 400 Voices.

The night will commence with a Church Service at 6pm, followed at 7pm by a celebration of choral excellence which will see local choirs Bangor Ladies Choir, Open Arts Choir, New Irish Youth Choir and Belfast Community Gospel Choir collaborate for a very special concert. Guest soloists Sylvia Burnside and Craig Skene will also be performing accompanied by a house band and string quartet.

On both Saturday and Sunday nights at 10.00 pm the Town Hall will be used as a spectacular backdrop for a 3d lighting projection show which will transport the audience through a journey reflecting on the last 400 years using visuals reflections to energise Bangor Castle and bring it to life as the story unfolds.

Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic to these events but tea, coffee and an array of other foods will be available on the site. So please come along to Castle Park to enjoy this FREE event.

Sunday September 15 sees the return of the Quirky Weddings Alternative Wedding Fair at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

This time the dynamic wedding company will showcase over 120 exhibitors who have been carefully selected.

“Our fairs have always been very popular so this time we took applications from companies who wanted to exhibit. Almost 200 applied and from that we chose the ones we thought best fit the Alternative Wedding Fair.”

Co-Founder Saima Akram explains

“We call it the Alternative Wedding Fair because we do things differently. We aren’t selling some fantasy, fairytale wedding scenario. We showcase people in the industry who are excellent at what they do and those who offer things that are fun, unusual, vibrant and often unique.”

Cate Conway also commented

“We have a really exciting line-up this time. We have unusual venues like Lusty Beg Island and The Nomadic, a company who provide home brew kits for couples who want to brew their own beer or wine for the reception. There’ll be authentic vintage dresses, bridal boutiques and a wedding dress sample sale. We are also possibly the first wedding fair in the province to showcase our cinematographers work in an actual cinema setting too! “

“We also hear from couples who consider themselves to have an ‘alternative look’ that they felt out of place going to a traditional wedding fair, that people expected them to have a very unusual or eccentric wedding. In actuality they wanted the chance to bring out their softer side on their wedding day. We are proud to say we can help with that too.”

The fair will take place in The Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Sunday September 15  from 12pm-5pm. Tickets at the door, £6

I’m With the Band, a co-production between Wales Millennium Centre and Traverse Theatre Company will shortly embark on a UK tour visiting Theatre at the Mill on 20 and 21 September, its only date in Northern Ireland.

A witty and timely response to our changing political landscape, I’m With The Band is written by Tim Price and directed by Traverse Associate Director Hamish Pirie, who were Olivier nominated for their last collaboration, Salt Root and Roe.

In I’m with The Band, pioneering indie rock band, The Union – made up of an Englishman, a Northern Irishman, a Scotsman and a Welshman – is on the verge of breaking up. Financial disaster strikes, Scottish guitarist leaves the band and old alliances are tested as artistic differences divide the group. Can The Union survive?

Wales Millennium Centre and Traverse Theatre Company are delighted to announce the cast for I’m With the Band. Welsh actor Matthew Bulgo is to play Gruff, the Welsh band member, alongside James Hillier (Damien – The Englishman), Declan Rodgers (Aaron – The Northern Irishman) and Andy Clark (Barry – The Scotsman). The creative team includes sound designer/composer Gordon McIntyre, designer Neil Warmington, and lighting designer Philip Gladwell.

Director Hamish Pirie says: “I am thrilled to be working with a company so brimming full of talent on this truly ensemble piece. I’m With the Band will be a work of total theatre, combining the most innovative new writing with synths and song. In a play that investigates the relationships between our home nations, it feels important and right that we have an actual Englishman, Northern Irishman, Scotsman and Welshman in the cast, each bringing their own experiences to the table.”

Writer Tim Price comments: “I’m With the Band is my response to the Scottish Independence question. I love Scotland. Part of me is delighted with the idea that a country I love might become autonomous. But, as a Welshman I am heartbroken at the prospect of a diminished relationship.

“I wanted to find a way to explore the complicated relationships between the home countries. I’m With the Band explores the Independence question, through a rock band losing their guitarist. It asks, could the Union survive without Scotland? And could Scotland survive without the Union?

“Theatre is in a unique position to respond rapidly to national questions, and it is a privilege to contribute to this debate at the home of new writing in Scotland.”

Conrad Lynch, Artistic Director of the Wales Millennium Centre said: “We are delighted to be working with this wonderful cast and creative team and look forward to touring the show to venues across the UK following the run in Edinburgh.”

I’m With the Band premiered in Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of the British Council’s Showcase season, then transferred directly to the St James Theatre in London before touring venues across Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

The UK tour of I’m With The Band is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Wales

To book tickets for further information visit www.theatreatthemill.com Tickets range from £9 to £15. Age guidance 16+.