THE SSE ARENA, BELFAST
9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (Matinee) MARCH 2016

The Seeing Is Believing Live tour comes to Belfast from 9^th March for the very first time. The show run includes a special matinee show with special family tickets available.

For the first time, Northern Irish Dynamo fans will have the opportunity to witness his magic skills live, in what promises to be a spectacular and unique stage production. This will be one of the most elaborate shows ever to visit the SEE Arena, requiring thirty trucks to transport it on tour.

In 2015 the first run of the tour kicked off in Manchester at the Eventim Apollo to a sold out crowd and travelled to London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Birmingham and Leeds.

In 2016 Dynamo will now also be performing at; Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Sheffield Arena, Echo Arena Liverpool, The SSE Arena, Belfast, Dublin’s 3Arena, First Direct Arena Leeds, Barclaycard Arena Birmingham, The O2 in London and finishing at the Manchester Arena.

Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, hit our screens just three years ago with his first series of Magician Impossible, in that short time he has quickly established himself as one of the world’s most known and most loved magicians, with his series airing in over 180 countries worldwide reaching over 250 million cumulative viewers across the world. He was recently awarded the highest accolade by the magic circle with his promotion to Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, a position only held by 300 magicians worldwide, including HRH Prince of Wales.

Dynamo said of his new venture, “After four series of Magician Impossible, I was ready for a new challenge and for a long time I have wanted to take my show to the stage. I am hoping that like I did for magic on TV, I can reinvent the live magic show and produce something fans have never seen before. This is something I have been working towards for the last 20 years and I can’t wait to amaze audiences what I have in store for them – I can’t wait to get to Belfast, one of my favourite cities.”

Ticket Information

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 028 90 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

This is an 8+ show – under 15s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more see:
Facebook | @Dynamomagician | YouTube

From Andrew Strong, to the Highland Games V Strong Man Competition and an eclectic mix of entertainment for all the family in between, the Dalriada Festival at Glenarm Castle promises to host its strongest, biggest and best festival line-up to date on 16 and 17 July 2016.

Yesterday, Soul Sensation Andrew Strong flew in to launch Dalriada Festival, Ireland’s Biggest Cultural and Heritage Event, in the opulent surroundings of Glenarm Castle.  The star of the epic movie The Commitments says he’s looking forward to his only Northern Irish festival date on Saturday 16th July with his Soul Orchestra, which guarantees to be a sell-out concert. He says;

“This is the 25^th anniversary of The Commitments and I’m really looking forward to celebrating this mile-stone by performing all the movie hits and more at Dalriada Festival.  The setting at Glenarm Castle in the heart of the Glens of Antrim is second to none, and with fabulous acoustics my concert promises to be rockin!”

The launch also unveiled the exciting programme of events to take place at the historic Glenarm Castle on 16^th & 17^th July to include the world famous Highland Games and Strongman, The County Antrim Pipe Band Championships, numerous music, comedy and dance stages, fine foods, and for the little ones, the hugely popular and Official PAW PATROL from Nickelodeon – their first appearance ever in Northern Ireland.

The community of Glenarm will take up the baton from 18^th – 23^rd July and will host an action-packed programme of sporting events and other entertainment including a duathlon, triathlon, super-endurocross, rowing regatta and mountain bike enduro race. The festival will culminate with a street fair, carnival and fireworks finale on 23^rd July.

Nigel Campbell, Events and Marketing Manager for Glenarm Castle, is excited about the forthcoming festival.  He says;

“This is the 6th annual Dalriada Festival and year on year the event gets even bigger and better.  Almost 30,000 people attended our festival in 2015 and we are confident that we’re going to attract even more footfall this year, with such a strong festival line-up. To host Andrew Strong’s only Northern Irish date this year, as well as having Nickelodeon’s PAW PATROL’s first ever appearance in the province, is a real cue. There’s already a great buzz about our festival in the community and further afield and we are indebted to all our sponsors for their continued support, especially The Camlin Group, Tourism NI & Mid & East Antrim Council.  Without their financial commitment to our festival, we just wouldn’t be able to offer this top class entertainment.”

Eddie Rowan from Tourism NI is proud to be supporting the festival.  He says;

“The Dalriada Festival of Sport, Music and Food is recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural family events. This event certainly helps to boost our economy and puts the Antrim Coast firmly on the ‘Best tourist attraction’ map.  It’s encouraging that people travel to the festival from all over Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Europe, The Middle East, America and Canada to enjoy the wide range and diverse program of events on offer.  Tourism NI is delighted to yet again support the Dalriada Festival and we wish the festival every success for 2016.”

Mid and East Antrim Council’s Alderman Tommy Nicholl added;

“The Council is very pleased to support Dalriada Festival again this year.  The Festival offers a really unique visitor experience and we recognise the positive social, cultural and economic impact that the event has had on the Borough and indeed for Northern Ireland in recent years. We’re looking forward to another packed programme of events this summer.”

Day passes for 16^th and 17^th July are now on sale via www.dalriadafestival.co.uk and with an incredible but limited 33% DISCOUNT if purchased before 22^nd March. Children Under 12 also go FREE. Saturday evening concert tickets for Andrew Strong and camping packages are also on sale via the website. Saturday night concert tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ie priced at £28.50.

For festival tickets and transport packages direct from Belfast contact www.irishtourtickets.com or phone 028 90310101.

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to host an exhibition of work by design and visual artist Lise McGreevey.

Her exhibition Powerful Natures which celebrates the amalgamation of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils will be on display in the Conservatory Gallery, Clotworthy House from Tuesday 15 March – Saturday 23 April 2016.

Powerful Natures, which was inspired by the creation of our new amalgamated  council (Antrim and Newtownabbey) in April last year, is an abstract body of work that takes a fresh, innovative look at the natural and concrete beauty of the two boroughs. The artworks are all designed from original photographs taken on location in both towns and explore the historical and cultural landmarks and beauty of the borough, thus reflecting on the makeup of the districts represented by the council rather than just depicting the hierarchy and establishment of the actual council itself. The title of the collection not only reflects the artworks, but also the joining of the two borough councils into one new stronger entity.

Lise McGreevey is a Belfast based Visual Artist with several years exhibiting experience, including two previous shows at Mossley Mill, who has recently increased her brand and diversified to include producing digital photographic design collections to market as licence to use to fashion and interior design houses.

To reflect the dual nature of her exhibition, Powerful Natures will also be shown at the Flax Gallery, Museum at the Mill , Newtownabbey from 28 April – 28 May 2016.

St. Patrick’s Day is popular for celebrations around the world, but the ultimate place to spend the day is right here in Northern Ireland. There is something for everybody and countless ways to spend this exciting time, from fun parades and concerts to seminars and craft days.

There are opportunities for the whole family to learn about Ireland’s Patron Saint upon whom this day is based including not to be missed experiences such as the Saint Patrick’s Trail and Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk.

Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer for Tourism Northern Ireland explains why St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy a fun day out with friends and family.

“There is a huge array of events and activities planned for St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland. Wherever you are and whatever the weather, St. Patrick’s Day is sure to be a great family day out, as many events are indoors as well as outside.”

History and legacy

St. Patrick is a figure that fascinates many as his profile is iconic throughout the world, even inspiring buildings and landmarks to turn green in his honour on March 17.  For those who would like to uncover more about the history and legacy of this renowned saint, there are lots of activities, trails and walks to try out which will help you to understand more about his life.  Visit his grave in the grounds of Down Cathedral or explore Armagh where two impressive cathedrals bear his name.

Follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail through a host of Christian sites at Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover the fascinating links between Northern Ireland and St. Patrick.

Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk is perfect for those who like to get out and about whilst also finding out more about the history and heritage of an area. Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, this 82 mile signed walking trail takes participants through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral. Participants can stamp their Passports at the 10 locations along the route and then present their completed Passport to receive a certificate of achievement.

Places to take in along the way include the Palace Demesne, Acton Visitor Centre and The Saint Patrick Centre.

Events all around Northern Ireland

Tourism NI has put together a guide of St. Patrick’s Day festivals and events across Northern Ireland for the whole family to enjoy:

Belfast

If you’re in the centre of Belfast on March 17, you will not be able to miss the festivities taking place in the city including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert. Belfast city centre will be awash with colour as the parade leaves City Hall at midday, making its way down to Custom House Square, where a free concert featuring local musicians and dancers, along with special guests, will take place.

The atmosphere will continue in the coming days with a special St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at St. George’s Market, from March 18-20, featuring live traditional music throughout the weekend, special trader offers and lots of family fun.

Co Antrim

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day mood early by celebrating all things Irish at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Giants Causeway. Taking place on March 12-13, there will be face-painting, balloon modelling and a treasure trail, perfect fun for the whole family.

On St. Patrick’s Day itself, the annual Ballycastle and District Horse Ploughing Championship will take place. A traditional event for more than 100 years, it promises to be fun for all the family with many skilled ploughmen taking part and a great bank holiday atmosphere.

Co Armagh

One of Armagh’s key events of the year, is the St. Patrick’s Festival which takes place from March 10-20, opening with a celebratory event honouring St. Patrick through words, music and dance, the John Anderson Choral Event.

Over the following ten days, a wide range of activities and events will take place including an Ulster Orchestra concert in the Church of Ireland Cathedral, a Celtic Spirit concert in the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and one of Northern Ireland’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day precessions on the day itself.

Co Down

From March 11-19, Newry will be playing host to its St. Patrick’s Festival, a week of fun and frolics for the whole family including a variety market, arts and crafts workshops, musical events and more, culminating in a parade with a Feasts and Wild Beasts theme.

Also, on March 17, you can pay a visit to St. Patrick’s Day at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where a unique festival of music, seasonal food and crafts will be taking place, with costumed guides taking visitors back to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations of a hundred years ago as well as a themed quiz to be solved.

Co Fermanagh

As is the case every year, the Enniskillen St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be a lively event for all the family with a colourful parade and a family fun day, all happening on March 17.

March 17 also marks the start of Easter Extravaganza at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea which will give families lots to look forward to. Until April 3, visitors can enjoy a variety of land, water and art activities in one or two hour taster sessions.

Co Londonderry

Children and adults alike will enjoy the fun and excitement at Hezlett House as Leprechauns have escaped from the trees of Downhill and hidden themselves around the house. To join in with the Leprechaun Hunt and discover the fascinating story of Hezlett House, come along on March 17 from 10am.

St. Patrick’s Day also marks the beginning of Legenderry Food Festival in Guildhall Square in Derry~Londonderry, with opportunities to try and buy lots of delicious Northern Ireland produce, with a host of activities such as cookery masterclasses, live music and craft activities for kids.

Co Tyrone

Omagh’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this year have the theme “Sharing Heritage and Traditions” giving everyone the opportunity to come out, get involved and enjoy the multicultural atmosphere and amazing display of creative talent on offer.

Also on March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day – The Emigrants’ Farewell at the Ulster American Folk Park. Watch a dramatic re-enactment featuring music and songs of the so-called “American Wake” when thousands of people left Ireland in the 18^th and 19^th Century.

To find out more about what is happening in Northern Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local visitor information centre.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Golden Years Winter Break, Marine Court Hotel, Bangor, Co. Down. From £210 per couple. Beautifully situated overlooking the marina on Bangor’s seafront, the 3 star Marine Court hotel offers spacious ensuite bedrooms, Oceanis health and fitness club, Nelson’s Bar and Bar Mocha  with entertainment. Couples can stay two nights including an evening meal for £210, and get a third night free, with complimentary use of Oceanis health and fitness facilities. Available until 31 March.  To book call (028) 9145 1100.

• Sleepy Sunday, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Chalets, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £35pps. Snuggle up and enjoy one of the 4 star Killyhevlin’s famous sleepy Sundays. The offer includes an overnight stay on a Sunday night with complimentary room upgrade. Use of the Killyhevlin Health Club is included as well as full cooked breakfast on Monday morning. Available until 24 March. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

• March Hare Madness, Europa Hotel, Belfast. From £47.50pps. Lasting through all of March, this special offer contains all the ingredients for the perfect city break. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on arrival, luxurious 4 star overnight accommodation with free wi-fi, and a full Irish breakfast in the morning. Available until 31 March. To book call (028) 9027 1066.

Tourism NI has put together a list of just 10 of the exciting things to do during the St. Patrick’s Festival taking place in Armagh, Downpatrick and Newry (March 10-20).

• St. Patrick’s Carnival Procession, Armagh City Centre, March 17. Celebrate Saint Patrick in Armagh with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy. The theme for this year’s procession is Feasts and Wild Beasts so expect the fun, the furry and the fantastical as the parade makes its way from Palace Demesne at 1.30pm, through the city centre and ending up in the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.

• Beoga in Concert, The Great Hall, Downpatrick, March 16. Beoga (Gaelic for ‘lively’) have become one of the most exciting and influential groups in modern traditional Irish music, whose unique sound features the twin duelling accordions of Damian McKee and Seán Óg Graham, pianist Liam Bradley, four times all-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and Niamh Dunne on vocals. They will be joined by renowned Irish Dancers including home grown sensation Celtic Storm who have toured the world in various shows.

• Following in the Spiritual Footsteps of Saint Patrick, Armagh and Downpatrick, March 19. An opportunity to follow in the spiritual footsteps of Saint Patrick, starting at Navan Centre and Fort, through Armagh City to Slieve Patrick, Saul and Downpatrick. There will be a screening of the film, “Footsteps of St. Patrick” during the day as well as a night of traditional music from Cathal Hayden, Donal Murphy and Seamie O’Dowd. Begins at 10.45am with a bus departing Downpatrick at 9.15am. Pre-booking is essential through either Armagh or Downpatrick Visitor Centres.

• The Ulster Orchestra, St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, March 19. In this special concert, the Ulster Orchestra makes a very welcome return to Armagh, under the baton of Robert Houlihan with two special guest soloists. The evening’s music has been specially chosen to celebrate the relationship between the spiritual and the earthly as reflected in our human experience. Show begins at 7.30pm.

• An Evening with Patrick, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, March 15. Armagh Cathedral Partnership invites you to an evening of music, story, poetry and prayer at the Market Place Theatre. During the evening, a guest speaker will invite the audience to reflect on Patrick and Ireland Today. It promises to be a very special evening as part of Armagh’s St. Patrick’s celebrations. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Show begins at 8pm.

• St. Patrick’s Landing and Food Banquet, Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, March 13. The re-enactment of St. Patrick’s landing will take place at Inch Abbey, using the River Quoile where visitors will have the opportunity to purchase food from the medieval banquet. Begins at 2pm, with free park & ride available from Down Business Park at 1pm.

• St. Patrick’s Family Fun Day, The Shambles Yard, Armagh, March 17. Let your creativity flow in the wild beasts craft corner, be entertained by the talent on the community stage or take part in family activities pitting your wits against the last man standing in this fun afternoon for all the family. From 2.30 – 5pm.

• Celebrate Saint Patrick: Festival Choral Event, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, March 12. This reflective and celebratory event honouring St. Patrick will combine some of Ireland’s greatest choirs with actors, singers and some special guest artists. It is sure to be an atmospheric evening with some world class music. Begins at 8pm.

• Artisan Food Market, St. Patrick Square, Downpatrick, March 17. The market will offer excellent food produce of local provenance in a traditional style marketplace setting. Make sure to visit and enjoy a tasty treat. From 10am – 6pm.

• St. Patrick’s Day Concert, Armagh City Centre, March 17. Crowds gathering in the city centre will be entertained by a full programme of music including popular country-blues band, The Nooks, with broadcaster Lynette Fay as MC for the afternoon. Show begins at 12.30pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland. 

Down

Join  Downpatrick Racecourse for their first horse racing meeting of 2016 on Wednesday the 2nd of March!  ‘Day at the Races’ fundraising packages available on certain race days to raise some much needed funds for your club or charity.

Armagh

Conal Gallen is back at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 5th March, with what promises to be his best show yet, jam-packed with over two hours of hilarious jokes, stories and songs which will have you in stitches from start to finish!  Loved by audiences young and old, Conal has proved time and time again why he is Ireland’s funniest man with his hilarious, side-splitting brand of comedy. Early booking is strongly advised.

Fermanagh

Visit Fermanagh’s most popular visitor attractions for FREE! Many of Fermanagh’s visitor attractions will open their doors for free as part of the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend which takes place 4^th to 6th March 2016. The open weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to visit and experience some of Fermanagh’s top visitor attractions, free of charge.

Tyrone

Ed Masters, Ireland’s biggest illusionist, brings  his jaw-dropping new show ‘Life of Illusion’ to the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Friday 4th March. Juxtaposing traditional sleight of hand magic and big box illusions with mind-boggling predictions and cutting edge escape stunts, this family-friendly show is bound to thrill and amaze audiences of all ages!

Derry

After their hit Stitched Up which sold out at the Lyric, c21 present another satirical, biting comedy from Jenkinson, Love or Money at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady this Saturday 5th Marcy.  Eilis is a forty-something solicitor who’s back in the dating game whilst trying to rebuild her law career. Online she meets Connor and sparks fly, but will she choose love or money? Finance and fidelity entangle in a tug-of-love to keep business – and love – afloat in this hilarious play.

Antrim

Thirteen of Jane Austen’s heroines come to life in “Austen’s Women” this Friday at the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, boldly revisiting of some of literature’s most celebrated works. Using only Austen’s words, Rebecca Vaughan becomes Emma Woodhouse, Lizzy Bennet, Mrs Norris, Miss Bates and nine other beautifully observed women in critical moments from the major novels (including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma) and lesser known or unfinished works. Directed by Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson (Morecambe).

Belfast

Mum’s go Free this Sunday at Belfast Zoo!  Don’t forget to visit all of the animal ‘mums’ at feeding time and to take your mum to the cafe for a free cuppa!
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Newtownabbey Full Length Drama Festival returns to The Courtyard Theatre from Mon 14 – Sat 19 March, with a rich selection of exciting plays by amateur dramatic groups from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The Programme kicks off on Monday 14 March with Rosemary Drama Group presenting   Kindertransport by Diane Samuels.  Between 1938 and the outbreak of the war, almost 10,000 unaccompanied German children were sent by their parents to foster homes in Britain. Many parents did not survive the war. Nine year old Eva ends up in Manchester. When her parents fail to escape from Germany, the child changes her name and begins a process of denial of her roots. Eventually through her own daughter she is forced to confront her past.

On Tuesday 15 March Theatre 3 Newtownabbey perform Lee Blessing’s A Walk in the Woods. A wood on the outskirts of Geneva, two superpower arms negotiators – a Russian and an American – meet informally after long frustrating hours at the bargaining table.  As seasons pass a strong friendship develops between the two men, and when the Russian announces he is retiring, the American looks upon his leaving with both genuine regret and fears about who will replace him.

Wednesday 16 March, Bart Players perform in Rumours. This riotously funny farce centres on the efforts of 8 party guests to spare their unfortunate host, and themselves from scandal. It opens with Ken and Chris who have found their host Charley, a government minister, in his bedroom with a bullet wound to his ear lobe. Neither his wife nor the servant is there. As the other guests arrive, the tissue of lies they weave to cover up the scandalous event becomes more and more fantastic. And then two police officers arrive! 

Thursday 17 March, The Clarence Players will take to the stage in Brighton, a gentle comedy.  Jack, a professional actor, arrives in the Sisters of Calvary Nursing Home having been paralysed in an accident. We follow him on his journey of acceptance of his condition.

On Friday 18 March, Ballyshannon Drama Society performs Old Times by Harold Pinter.  Deeley and his wife Kate are visited by Anna, a mysterious friend pf Kate’s from long ago. What begins as a trip down memory lane quickly becomes something more, as long-simmering feeling of fear and jealousy begin to fuel the trio’s passions, sparking a seductive battle for power?

Belvoir Players round off the Festival on Saturday 19 March with their moving performance of After Dresden by Philip Orr.  The play interweaves the stories of the formation of the Ballycastle based Corrymeela Community for peace and reconciliation with the WW2 experiences of the Corrymeela founder Ray Davey (called Tom Moore in the play) and the murder of a young man in the N.I. troubles in the 1970’s.   A central part of the action outlines Davey’s relationship with the matriarch of a German family, Frau Klein, during his time at Hohnstein.

Why not join us for what promises to be a Festival of moving, funny, at times ironic, and often hilarious productions performed by some of the best community companies performing in Ireland today.

Festival tickets are available in person at one of our box offices, by telephone on 028 9034 0202, or online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

#proud #SR16 #Belfast

BBC Northern Ireland personalities Barra Best and Lynette Fay and Miss Northern Ireland, Leanne McDowell, are getting behind the 2016 Belfast Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.  They’re calling for people to sign up to run, walk, swim or cycle themselves proud.

No sporting talent? No problem!  It’s all about getting active in a good cause and everyone’s welcome to join in the Belfast’s official Flagship Games on Sunday 20 March.

Whether you’re eight or eighty; a committed athlete or usually more of a couch potato, you can choose your own pace to raise cash and change lives.

Belfast is one of just six cities across the UK chosen to host a 2016 Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Flagship Games and the main Event Village will be at Custom House Square, with activities and festival vibe from 9am through to 1pm.  That’s the starting point for the Belfast Mile which loops around the city centre … tackle just one mile at a walk, jog or run … or go for three or six miles: the choice is up to you! Join host Pete Snodden and warm up with Better Gyms and Fitness Freddie, get on down with the Queen’s Elite Dance Team and enjoy the music and craic!

Queen’s Sport PEC will be the venue for the Swim challenge, with the option to Swim alone or as part of a team over 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k. It’s also the starting point for the Family Cycle which finishes at the Event Village.

Calling on people to get up and get into the spirit of Sport Relief on Sunday 20 March, Barra Best said, “This is fun fundraising and, whatever your level of fitness or ability, there’s an opportunity to have a go, have a laugh and, most important of all, raise money that will help to transform people’s lives.”

Having challenged Barra to go head to head with her in the Mile, Lynette Fay added, “It’s all for a good cause after all. Half of all the money raised by the public for Sport Relief is used to make a difference here at home. The other half is used to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities. What’s not to love?  Get together with friends and family and make this a day to remember!”

Backing the call for sign ups, Eamonn Donaghy, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: “The Community Foundation is delighted to be distributing grants in Northern Ireland on behalf of Sport Relief. We have seen first-hand how these grants can make an amazing difference in communities throughout Northern Ireland, including in disadvantaged or rural areas with poor facilities. We would encourage people to support the Belfast Sport Relief Games in March so that along with Sport Relief, the Community Foundation can help make life that bit better for even more people here.”

To sign up for a Belfast Games event and walk, run, swim or cycle yourself proud, visit www.sportrelief.com/belfast where you’ll find tips and inspiration for fundraising. Registration for either the Belfast Mile or Family Cycle costs: Adults £11, Child £5 and Family £27 (2 adults & 2 children). Registration for the Swim costs £12 for Adults, Concessions* £9.

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY 11th MARCH AT 9AM

#tennentsvital

Tennent’s Lager and MCD today (4^th March) confirmed that Tennent’s Vital is back for 2016 with a red hot line up for Boucher Road Playing Fields on Thursday 25^th August.

Taking to the main stage for what promises to be a phenomenal headline set will be Red Hot Chili Peppers joined by special guests, Fall Out Boy.

One of the most successful acts in rock history, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold over 60 million albums, including five multi-platinum LPs.  They have six Grammy Awards to their credit, including ‘Best Rock Album’ for Stadium Arcadium, ‘Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group’ for Dani California, ‘Best Rock Song’ for Scar Tissue and ‘Best Hard Rock Performance With Vocal’ for Give It Away …  creating for themselves a worldwide fan base that spans the generations.  The band holds the all-time record for most No.1 singles at Alternative Radio – a total of eleven singles with a combined 81 weeks at No.1. No surprise, then, when the band which came together in LA back in 1983 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

The US giants of rock  last played Belfast as part of the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2011, and RHCP’s return to Northern Ireland has been hotly anticipated with much speculation on whether singer Anthony Kiedis, bass player Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer would play Tennent’s Vital.

Chicago’s favourite rockers, Fall Out Boy, made it big on the international stage with a run of amazing albums. Infinity On High hit the No.1 album slot in 2007 and Save Rock And Roll took the slot again in 2013.  American Beauty/American Psycho was their sixth studio album, spinning off three solid chart singles: Centuries, Uma Thurman, Irresistible (featuring Demi Lovato).  The album also includes an alternate version of Immortals, the band’s RIAA Gold, UK No 1 single from the soundtrack of the record-setting Disney movie, Big Hero 6.

Although the Illinois foursome – of Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Andy Hurley and Joe Trohman – have been making mega hits for 10 years,  it wasn’t until November last year that they won their first American Music Award for favourite artist.

Brian Beattie, Marketing Director for Tennent’s NI, said:

“It’s fantastic to be announcing we’ve secured The Chili Peppers to headline Tennent’s Vital 2016 – they’re undoubtedly one of the biggest bands in the world with a great reputation for their amazing live shows so we’re expecting big things!  Fall Out Boy is a fabulous addition to the bill and we’re well into negotiations to secure still more big names to make this an amazing Summer of music in Belfast.

“Tennent’s Vital has earned a unique place as a highlight of Northern Ireland’s music calendar and each year we have to up the ante by delivering top international plus fresh home-grown talent. You may feel that 2015 was, literally, a hard act to follow, but 2016 is already shaping up to be something special – all credit to our industry-leading partners at MCD!  And there’s more to come, with further announcements due over coming months.”

Last year’s Tennent’s Vital saw a top line-up including Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, The Script and Kodaline play to some 65,000 music fans at Boucher Road Playing Fields, and this year’s event is set once again bring some of the best musical talent on the planet to Belfast for an unforgettable festival experience.

Fans can get their hands on tickets for Thursday 25^th August, headlined by Red Hot Chili Peppers and featuring Fall Out Boy, when they go on sale on Friday 11th March from www.ticketmaster.ie. Fans of Tennent’s Lager on Facebook will have exclusive priority access to the Tennent’s Vital pre-sale from Wednesday 9th March – join www.facebook.com/tennentslagerni to find out how to reserve your ticket before they go on sale to the general public.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Tennent’s Vital 2016 – Thursday 25th August at Boucher Road Playing Fields will go on general sale from 9am on Friday 11^th March, priced as follows:

• Thurs 25 August, Boucher Road Playing Fields – Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fall Out Boy: £49.50 including booking fee.
• Tickets can be secured via Tennent’s Vital’s official ticket partner www.ticketmaster.ie
• Tickets are also available in person from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide or via the 24hr Telephone hotlines: (NI / UK) 0844 847 2455/ (ROI) 0818 719 300.

Tennent’s Vital is an over 16s event.  However, a parent aged 25 and over can take up to two under 16s to the show.  Parents will be required to show age identification and sign a consent form in order to gain admission on the day. Under 16s must be accompanied by their parent at all times. Bars will operate a strict Challenge 25 policy.