Be Our Guest, for Derry Disney Gala

Join us for a magical night in the Maldron Hotel Derry, for a Disney themed fundraiser that will have you singing along to those catchy classics.

With performances that would put Lion King’s, Timon and Pumba to shame, it will be a night of fun and energetic performances all on behalf of Aware Defeat Depression and Link Music Academy.

An innovative Derry based company, Link Music Academy, is an organisation where many a local talent, including the Clameens, have a space to develop and grow as musicians. Based on Castle Street, it provides fully functional recording studios, rehearsal rooms with separate rooms for teaching, for those interested in learning how to play drums, guitar, piano, etc. Paddy Danagher, a member of the Link team says; “We want to work with all parts of the community, youth elderly, marginalised, and of course, bring musicians together across the city. The aim to work with a wide variety of clients, linking them with other potential help and resources in Derry, that’s where the ‘Link’ in Link Music comes from.”

The second beneficiary of the night is Aware Defeat Depression. Aware is a not-for-profit organisation that works with people across Northern Ireland who suffer from depression or Bi-Polar Disorder. Their mission is to promote emotional health and wellbeing. They have a network of over 20 support groups, a phone helpline and education and training programmes including Mood Matters, Living Life to The Full and Mental Health First Aid. Aware provide a free space where anyone can come and speak to trained facilitators, over a cup of tea as a way of ridding yourself of the clutter life can provide. Support Service Coordinator, Caroline McLoughlin says “Our vision is a future where people can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and have the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health.”

Organisations like these play a pivotal part in our community, but recent budget cuts have meant less funding for arts and charitable organisations. Many people across Northern Ireland are out working, collecting and fundraising in a bid to help keep places like Link and Aware continue their amazing work. This is what our Disney night is all about.

Event organiser, Aoife Kenny invites; “All to come and enjoy a magical Disney experience. There will be singing, dancing and appearances by some well-known Disney characters. We invite you to dawn your best party clothes and for children, it would be a great chance to dress up for the night, maybe making use of the Elsa costumes that were seen during Christmas. There will be make-up artists and nail technicians there on the night to help enhance the experience in our ‘Pampered Princess’ corner. It would be a great chance to let the normal fall away for a night and enjoy a mix of hits from some beloved Disney films such as Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, plus many more.”

There will be prizes for the best costume plus raffle prizes to be won.

North West singing star, Olivia McBride will be there to blow us away with her big voice trapped in a young body. Dance sensation group ‘Ascent’ will also be performing after their triumph at the Northern Ireland Performing Arts Competition not to mention local musical genius Paul Mooney. A guest MC will be there to take you through the line-up which is composed of brilliant local musical talent.

To capture the night, we have a team of photographers and videographers, who will also provide a photo opportunity to take home. The red carpet will roll out at 6pm in the main foyer, and performances will begin at 7pm. The night will continue until 11pm with a VIP after party access for those over 18 years. Ticket prices are £6 for adults and £3 for children, available on the night, with all proceeds going to charity.

For more information see ‘Be Our Guest’ facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Be-Our-Guest/831701206914901?fref=ts