Month: March 2023

Picture This have added extra dates in Belfast, Killarney and Dublin due to phenomenal demand. Tickets for all extra shows are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.ie

 

Last Monday, Picture This announce their long-awaited fourth studio album Parked Car Conversations, to be released 29 September 2023 (via RCA Records, Germany). This album announcement follows the release of two new singles from the band, ‘Get On My Love‘ and ‘Song To Myself’ , both tracks extending Picture This’ status as hit songwriters after their 18-month hiatus.

 

Parked Car Conversations has been named as Picture This’ most ambitious work to be released thus far. The album consists of 15 tracks written by the band over the last three years. Many of them, much like ‘Song To Myself’, illuminate an emotional depth that remained untouched on previous albums, presenting the band – particularly lyricist and singer Ryan Hennessy – at their most vulnerable. The album is a retrospective insight into Hennessy’s personal hurdles that seemed, at the time, impossible to overcome. The strength of overcoming such situations and the growth that comes from it is the focus of Parked Car Conversations.

 

Speaking on the upcoming album, Ryan Hennessy says: “Parked Car Conversations is by far the most personal album we have ever created. There are so many deeply meaningful songs to us on this record and I hope they can be just as meaningful to those who listen. It is an album about everything involved with being human. Love and loss and hurt and euphoria and all of those other complex emotions that flutter in between. The ups and downs of living are conveyed through ballads and anthems alike on this record. It is a truly raw and open album and we’re inviting you in further than we ever have before. 

 

I think Parked Car Conversations is so authentically Picture This both sonically and lyrically and with some gorgeous new flavours that we have never had before. It really is so exciting to be sharing it with the world. This album is a soundtrack. Not to a movie, but to life.” 

 

Sonically, Parked Car Conversations carries the band’s existing characteristics of pop-rock, with hints of indie and folk-pop. Catchy guitar riffs combine with melodic hooks and anthemic choruses, which are embellished by Ryan Hennessy’s stunning vocals.

 

Parked Car Conversations will be available on CD and LP, and ltd. book. The latter forms an intimate and unique insight into the band’s daily life. From the first small gig to their headline show at last year’s Electric Picnic, Ireland’s biggest music event with over 70,000 visitors. Through the studio recordings and video shoots, a complete picture of the band emerges for the first time, which will connect hardcore fans and newcomers alike even deeper with the art and show the band more personally than ever.

 

UK/IRELAND TOUR DATES:

• 11/10: BRISTOL O2 ACADEMY 1
• 13/10: GLASGOW ACADEMY
• 14/10: BIRMINGHAM O2 INSITUTE 1
• 17/10: MANCHESTER ACADEMY 1
• 19/10: BELFAST SSE ARENA
• 20/10: BELFAST SSE ARENA
• 21/10: KILLARNEY INEC ARENA
• 22/10: KILLARNEY INEC ARENA
• 25/10: DUBLIN 3ARENA
• 26/10: DUBLIN 3ARENA
• 28/10: LONDON EVENTIM APOLLO

 

 

Follow Picture This on socials:

Instagram: @picturethis

Twitter: @picturethis

Facebook: Picture This

YouTube: @PictureThisBand

TikTok: @picturethis

 

77 Per Cent of NI Public Benefit from Time Outdoors

Marking the clocks going forward for spring, Outdoor Recreation NI is encouraging people across the country to use the extra hour to ‘Get Out More’.

As days lengthen and the weather improves, there is no better time to explore some of the hundreds of outdoor trails and places across Northern Ireland.

Kerry Kirkpatrick, Communication and Training Executive at Outdoor Recreation NI, says, “Spending time outdoors is  fundamental to our wellbeing. It allows us to connect with nature and to experience the beauty of Northern Ireland. We are lucky to have a plethora of amazing green and blue spaces on our doorstep and I would encourage people across the country to  take advantage of the extra hour that we have gained and get out more.

“To help them do this, our OutmoreNI.com website is a vital resource for those who wish to explore the wonderful outdoor spaces that Northern Ireland has to offer.

“The site, which is easily navigated, showcases hundreds of outdoor trails, that are curated to offer something for everyone, from walkers and families to mountain bikers, cyclists, and canoeists. It also contains a vast range of information on beautiful beaches, forests, parks, and nature reserves.

“Of course, we would also encourage people to protect the environment by exploring these areas responsibly and OutmoreNI.com provides a wealth of information on how to do so through its Right Side of Outside campaign.”

Research from the People in the Outdoors Monitor for Northern Ireland (POMNI) report,* which was conducted by Outdoor Recreation NI from November 2020 to October 2021, shows that 77 per cent of people surveyed across Northern Ireland say that getting outdoors is good for their wellbeing.

41 per cent of those surveyed say that connecting with nature is a key motivator for getting outdoors, whilst 72 per cent say that their local greenspace is within easy walking distance.

Supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Sport NI, the OutmoreNI.com website showcases over 850 green and blue spaces and outdoor  trails across Northern Ireland. These include those on our doorsteps, along with hidden gems further afield.

Don’t forgot when visiting an outdoor spot, you can help protect it by following a few simple steps to ensure you stay on the ‘Right Side of Outside’ such as:

• Planning ahead by checking the weather and bringing the right equipment such as clothing, footwear, map, wet suit, paddles etc.
• Keeping your dog on a lead to avoid livestock worrying and disruption to wildlife.
• Only camping or lighting a BBQ in a designated area.
• Avoid starting open fires.
• Only parking your car in designated spaces and don’t forget to consider local access
• Taking your dog waste and litter home with you.
• Get involved and protect the environment by doing things such as taking part in litter picks

To discover new outdoor trails and places to explore throughout Northern Ireland, visit https://outmoreni.com/

Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta, and proudly supported by Electric Ireland is set to take place on Saturday May 6 and will see thousands of people across Northern Ireland come together to mark the most important sunrise of the year.

Launched today, March 29, Pieta and Electric Ireland were joined by representatives from 14 local mental health charities to invite people across Northern Ireland to sign up to take part in this year’s fundraising event.

Taking place on the morning of Saturday May 6, people can either participate in one of the 16 organised walks, or run, swim or cycle in their own time or even take on a special challenge to fundraise for their local communities.

As part of this year’s campaign, Electric Ireland Darkness into Light ambassador and Belfast based medical doctor turned artist Anna McKeever has launched her own fundraising effort and has created an original oil painting entitled Cavehill at Sunrise which she has donated to Darkness into Light.

People are invited to enter the ‘iDonate’ Darkness Into Light raffle to be in with a chance to win this very special painting. One hundred percent of the money raised from the piece will be donated to mental health charities working to support those impacted by suicide in local communities across Northern Ireland.

The bespoke piece showcases one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable landscapes and depicts the overriding sense of hope, strength and light of a vibrant sunrise stretching out over Belfast City.

The work, measuring 100 x 100cm, has been framed in a wooden box frame, hand finished in zoffany ink and is available to view in Anna’s Ormeau Road gallery now until the draw closes at 4.15am on Saturday May 6. The winner will be announced on Tuesday May 9.

Speaking at the launch, Darkness into Light ambassador, Anna McKeever said, “I initially trained as medical doctor and spent my career working in psychiatry and public health, before becoming a full-time artist. I am very aware of the impact mental illness can have, both on a professional and personal level. I am extremely proud to be an ambassador for Darkness into Light. I have created a bespoke oil painting for this year’s campaign, featuring Cavehill at sunrise. Fundraise with me on the Darkness into Light iDonate page to be in with a chance of winning this original artwork.”

To help Anna fundraise for Darkness into Light and be in with a chance of winning this special piece of artwork visit https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/AnnaMcKeeverDILPainting.

Bill Coyle, NI Residential Manager at Electric Ireland commented, “For more than a decade, Electric Ireland has proudly supported Pieta and its partner charities in the delivery of Darkness Into Light. This special sunrise event offers hope and solidarity to those impacted by suicide and self-harm across communities in Northern Ireland. We are delighted to welcome Anna on board as an Ambassador and are extremely grateful to her for the beautiful, bespoke and unique contribution she has made to this year’s campaign. With just over a month to go, we would like to welcome everyone to sign up, fundraise and get involved in Darkness Into Light to help raise vital funds for suicide prevention services in local communities.”

Sixteen walks have been organsied at various locations across Norther ireland, they will begin in darkness and continue through to sunrise; symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta said – “Darkness into Light is an opportunity for all communities to bring people together in the spirit of solidarity, comfort, and compassion to help people at a very local level and to raise awareness on mental health and the impact of suicide and self-harm. It is an opportunity to raise vital funds for a number of mental health charities in your local communities. There are many ways to take part in Darkness into Light and raise money for your local mental health charity; whether it’s taking part in one of the 15 local walks across Northern Ireland or by running, cycling or swimming we would encourage everyone to fundraise for your local charity and get up on the 6 May to join us for what is the most important sunrise of the year.”

To find out where your nearest walk is, to sign up and fundraise visit www.darknessintolight.com. Follow the conversation at #DIL2023

The multi-award winning Stendhal Festival is back for its thirteenth instalment this July 6th to 8th and the organisers are guaranteeing the public that they will have a ‘Wail’ of as time as they revealed the first wave of musical acts set to perform at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, this summer.

Topping this years’ bill are a plethora of unique and exceptional musical talents including; The Wailers, Bell X1, Newton Faulkner, The Scratch, Cara Dillon, Turin Brakes and Yazz Ahmed.

Stendhal will of course continue its commitment to showcasing the very best and emerging Northern Irish talent and this year Ballymully Cottage Farm will play host to some unmissable home-grown acts.

Joshua Burnside, Roe, Sasha Samara, Fya Fox, Winnie Ama, No Oil Paintings, Red Eye Pariah and loads more will be taking to the Stendhal stages.

Stendhal will also showcase some of the best emerging and new acts from The Republic of Ireland and this year Sprints, ModernLove, Crow Black Chicken, Overhead, the Albatross and more, join headliners Bell X1 and the Scratch in making the journey over the border.

Stendhal debuts this year include; Manukahunney, Pinkslips, Claire Sands, Invaderband, Boy M5, Search Party, Tramp, Marion Hawkes, Cora Kelly, Emily McCormick, Polar Bolero, Edgy C and GG Carma and Baroda, so there will be ample opportunity to find your new favourite act at the festival this summer.

Dance and DJs are also on the agenda at the event with DJ sets from critically acclaimed ex-Portishead DJ Andy Smith and BBC 6 Music DJ the Fun Lovin’ Criminal himself, Huey Morgan.

Festival Director Ross Parkhill says he is thrilled with how the line-up is taking shape.

“As usual we have a fantastic mix of genres, we have legends like The Wailers and Bell X1, some of the hottest up and coming acts from all throughout Ireland, Ivor Novello Award winners, NI Music Prize winners and there is still plenty more to come,” he said.

“The Wailers are without question our most requested act to return ever following their sensational performance at the Karma Valley Stage five years ago and we can’t wait to see them again.

“We are delighted to finally be welcoming a couple of acts who we have wanted to play here for years in Bell X1 and Cara Dillon. Bell X1 will be performing an exclusive all electric show for us this summer having spent quite a while touring acoustically with a string quartet so that is really exciting and of course then having the Roe Valley’s very own songbird in Cara Dillon, finally playing her home festival, will be something special indeed.

 He added: “We are also so pleased to be welcoming back Turin Brakes for the first time since they headlined the event 13 years ago and we can’t wait to show them the progress that the festival has made over the years, in part thanks to them.

 “Throw in the Brilliant Newton Faulkner, The Scratch and Yazz Ahmed and our headline acts so far are a great mix of styles and have the broad appeal which we hope will see us have another successful year as we continue to recover.” 

Ross concluded by taking the time to say a few words of thanks: “To everyone who has bought their ticket already, thank you so much for your continued faith in us, it means the world to us.

He added: “We’d also like to thank Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Help Musicians NI for their continued support and for the first time this year we’d like to thank a brand new partner, Alchemy Technology Services from Derry/Londonderry. We greatly appreciate the support provided and wish you a warm welcome to our Stendhal tribe.”

Much more programming is still to be announced with more music, the comedy, poetry, family line-ups and more being revealed in the coming weeks.

For tickets and more information visit stendhalfestival.com 

Back by popular demand, Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden return to The Market Place Theatre with ‘Songs From Ireland’, an intimate, musical evening.

You can expect some well-known songs, some you may never have heard of, but they will all reflect the Irish spirit in its many forms; nostalgia, romance, emigration, politics, sentimentality, loss, regret, humour. The songs have all been selected because they say something that resonates with Pat and Dave musically and lyrically.

 

Between songs you will also be regaled with stories from their days in Ireland throughout the years.

The song selection will include those either written or sung by the likes of Paul Brady, Tommy Makem, The Fury Brothers, Christy Moore, Thomas Moore, Brian Kennedy, Bagatelle, Pete St. John, Shane McGowan, Phil Coulter, Mary Black, Jimmy MacCarthy, Van Morrison, Val Doonican, Richard Thompson, Dolores Keane, Christie Hennessy, Horslips, Johnny McEvoy, and many more.

 

‘Songs From Ireland’ will be staged on Wednesday 12 April at 8pm. Tickets priced £15 can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Ballymoney Spring Fair is making a return to the town on April 21st and 22nd – with free family-friendly activities and lots of carnival colour to look forward to.

Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce and FUSE FM, this year’s action-packed event is set to be the best yet, with new venues in the town centre and an even bigger choice of have-a-go attractions on offer.

Look out for vintage cars, live music, dance displays and a showcase of our best artisan produce or indulge in some retail therapy with many of the town’s independent boutiques and businesses offering Spring Fair special offers.

New additions to the programme this year include a Tea Dance in Ballymoney Town Hall on Friday afternoon (April 21^st), and dog friendly entertainment and activities on Saturday (April 22^nd). There’s also something special planned for Church Street on the Saturday – you won’t want to miss it!

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace said he was delighted to see the return of the two-day celebration: “Ballymoney Spring Fair has proven to be a very popular addition to our events calendar, and it brings a great atmosphere to the town. We would love you to join us this year and enjoy a great family day out with us.”

On Friday, FUSE FM will host live music and entertainment at Castlecroft Square featuring Causeway Trad and much more while Saturday’s highlights include performances from Jamie Sloan and Polar Bolero, along with displays from the Kelly Neill Dance Company.

The fun continues on Saturday with a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment. New for 2023 is the Church Street experience, where you can browse the shops while enjoying live music, children’s animation, walkabout characters and a variety of outdoor games.

Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will transform Castlecroft Square in the town centre from 11am – 4pm on both Friday and Saturday. A pop-up market will be on Church Street on Saturday, creating a new buzz at the top of the town. Previous winners of the UK’s Best Community Market, this collective of makers and creators offers everything from knitwear, jewellery, paintings, woodcraft and photography to some of the tastiest artisan food products.

Animal lovers can visit the free petting farm at Seymour Street car park, where attractions include a variety of interesting animals and creatures, while Riding for Disabled will offer horse and pony rides for a small fee. Take the opportunity for a close encounter with a range of birds of prey, with a fun falconry experience for the whole family to enjoy.

A Quiet Time session will run in the morning from 11am to 12noon, for children with additional needs.

At Castlecroft look out for balloon modelling, children’s craft workshops and Animated Street Theatre from 12noon – 3pm.

Visitors can enjoy a programme of performances from various dance troupes throughout the town. Live music will also feature at The Diamond.

To accommodate ever increasing visitor numbers, Seymour Drive will host the hugely popular free family games and activities on Saturday from 12noon – 4pm. Those feeling adventurous can try their hand at archery, bottle shy, horseshoe toss and rodeo sheep.

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Vintage and Classic Car Show with Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club at Station Square from 12noon, showcasing a range of restored vintage vehicles, then joining the carnival parade at 3.30pm. Old time cars, tractors and impressive lorries from local hauliers will join the spring-themed spectacle of music and colour, setting off from the Town Hall and travelling along High Street, Main Street and Meeting House Street.

For more information about the event go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com and make sure to follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Family Friendly Events to Take Place on Site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium From 5th to 16th April 2023

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of family friendly Dome Shows will take place on site during the Easter break, from 5th to 16th April 2023.

These will include:

The Astronaut George Toddler Dome Show. Running daily at 10:30am from 6th to 16th April, except for 9th April, this show is a perfect introduction to the planets in our Solar System for pre-school children.

This full-dome show sees Astronaut George investigate the best planet to live on and the dangers lurking on the surface of other planets in our Solar System.

The Perfect Little Planet Family Dome Show. This 30-minute show will run daily from 5th to 16th April at 11am, except for 9th April. Visitors will explore our Solar System from the perspective of a family from another star system who are seeking the perfect vacation spot.

Come fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive down the ice cliffs of Miranda, sail through the rings of Saturn, feel the lightning storms at Jupiter and walk on the surface of Mars.

The Our Solar System Dome Show. This live family dome show will run daily for 35 minutes from 5th to 16th April at 12pm, except for 9th April. The popular interactive show, produced by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, will allow visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy a tour of our Solar System. Come see the planets up close, safely gaze at the Sun and let your presenter guide you to where you want to go.

The Look Up! A Spring Night Sky Tour Dome Show. Produced by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, it is suitable for adults and children aged over 8, this live, presenter-led, 30-minute show will run daily from 5th to 16th April at 1pm, except for 9th April.

The show will take visitors on a seasonal tour around the night sky, as seen from Ireland. Its presenters will guide the audience through the beautiful sights and constellations that can be seen at this time of year. The show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky.

The We are Stars Dome Show. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 6, this 30-minute show will run daily from 5th to 16th April at 2pm, except for 9th April.

Narrated by Andy Serkis, this show offers an immersive experience that perfectly balances scientific understanding with family entertainment. It seeks to answer some of the most profound questions of all time and explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, our explosive origins and the connection between life on Earth and the evolution of the Universe.

The Magic Globe Dome Show, which will run daily from 5th to 16th April at 3pm, except for 9th April. This 30-minute show is suitable for families.

Visitors will learn how a little girl called Mia accidentally discovers a mysterious piece of astronomical machinery whilst on vacation at her grandpa’s. They will also learn how Edmund, Mia’s eccentric uncle, attempts to trick the girl into using the tool’s secret powers to change the world’s seasons, with interesting consequences.

The Passport to the Universe Dome Show. Narrated by Tom Hanks and running daily at 4pm from 6th to 16th April, except for 9th April, this 30-minute show is suitable for adults and children aged over 6.

Visitors will embark on an incredible journey through the observable universe and fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, and out into the vastness of space to experience stunning cosmic destinations.

Ria Mee, Education Officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says, “We welcome visitors to enjoy our Easter Holidays Dome Show programme.

“Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a globally renowned centre for astronomical research, and we aim to inspire Northern Ireland’s next generation of STEM leaders. As such, we have created and curated a compelling series of Dome Shows to educate and entertain the whole family.”

All Dome Show tickets include exhibition entry. Children Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com