The next concert in the series of Music In The Chamber concerts at Bangor Castle, is taking place on Friday 12 October and will feature the sensational Connla.

Connla have firmly cemented their place on the Irish music scene with their fresh and exciting approach to traditional music which is steeped in tradition and embraces sensitive and exciting arrangements of tunes and songs alongside ample original material.

Described by Songlines Magazine as a “must see act” Connla are Ciara McCafferty (vocals/percussion), Ciaran Carlin (flutes/whistles), Emer Mallon (harp), Conor Mallon (uilleann pipes/whistles) and Paul Starrett (guitar).

With an EP and two albums all receiving rave reviews, a busy touring schedule that has seen them perform across the USA, UK, Ireland and Europe and a collection of accolades including the number one spot in Songlines list of Essential Irish Albums, early booking is highly recommended.

A band that will not just appeal to traditional and folk enthusiasts, Connla are five hugely talented young musicians making music that is original and exciting.

Their Bangor Castle date is part of a five-venue Northern Ireland tour presented by Moving on Music and supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

A taste of Nashville comes to Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre with three country folk stars performing in ‘On the Road and In the Round’ on Friday 5^th October at 8pm.

Jesse Terry, Lizanne Knott and Michael Logen grace the Danny Boy Auditorium where they will each play a selection of songs from their respective past and present releases. The artists will also combine on duets and never heard before collaborations, and share the stories behind their songs.

A true musical journeyman, New England-based Jesse Terry has released five albums to huge acclaim and performs at international festivals including AmericanaFest and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

A longstanding member of the Philadelphia music scene and partner of Grammy Award-winning MorningStar Studios, Lizanne Knott has been captivating audiences throughout the United States and the UK, garnering accolades from radio listeners and peers around the globe. Frequently featured on BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris show, her music has been included in many films and television programmes.

Grammy-winning folk artist Michael Logen is based in Nashville but tours extensively throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. He has opened for artists including John Legend, John Hiatt, Jonny Land and India Arie and his music is regularly featured in hit shows including Nashville, Suits, Parenthood and One Tree Hill. Michael’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearney, Jonny Lang, Paul Carrack and many others.

For further information visit roevalleyarts.com or call the team on Tel: 028 7776 0650.

 

Returning in style with the fabulous 20^th Anniversary Tour!

The LADYBOYS are back in town!

We’re coming to Belfast

Uncork the champagne! Dress to kill! Party like there’s no tomorrow! Celebrating 20 diamante decorated years, The Lady Boys of Bangkok ‘Wonder Women’ Tour will take the UK’s number one cabaret show to a new level. With some of your favourites from the last 20 glorious years re-imagined, added to new scenes of spectacular costumes, choreography and – of course – hilarious comedy!

Wonder Women celebrates in style with iconic appearances including Cher, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Diana Ross, Pink, Shirley Bassey, even Wonder Woman herself and the “practically perfect in every way” Mary Poppins! From Comic Con to the catwalk… the silver screen to the stage… this year’s show has it all.

The entertainment soars from start to finish. The glamour of Hollywood and the glitz of Las Vegas meet the beloved traditions of classic British music hall. With more songs and big-scale musical production numbers than you could point a perfumed glove at, The Lady Boys of Bangkok adds a splash of colour to the black-and-white normality of everyday life. A chance to luxuriate in a vibrant euphoric bubble of laughter, beauty, splendour and music.

A cabaret like no other cabaret, performed by girls like no other girls! The show features 16 of Thailand’s most alluring and stunning ladyboys – all MALE Thai nationals – and Trevor… a grumpy dwarf from Oldham.

The eye-catching Sabai Pavilion provides a spacious yet intimate cabaret venue like no other. To enter the foyer is to step through the looking glass. You find yourself instantly transported to the exotic surroundings of Bangkok – greeted by the enticing aromas of freshly prepared Thai cuisine and an atmosphere charged with excitement and wonder. There are also two well-stocked bars to keep the drinks flowing and the party going.

Prepare for a night you’ll talk about for years with The Lady Boys of Bangkok as they flirt, tease and tempt! You will laugh, rejoice and sing your heart out at a party with hundreds of friends you’ve yet to meet! Deliciously naughty… risqué but never risky… no-one leaves without a smile on their face and a song in their heart.

Book now for the incomparable Wonder Women Tour 2018 and you can say “I was there!” for the 20th anniversary of The Ladyboys of Bangkok! With special opening night discounts, great deals for groups and hen parties, and bargain 2-for-1 nights, there is no excuse to miss out on the fun!

The party like no other party… girls like no other girls… a night like no other night!

 “No one leaves without a smile on their face – and that’s the true success of this glitzy, sequin-clad sparkler of a show”

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

 

“Forget the West End – one ticket to the Lady Boys of Bangkok admits you to the equivalent of at least half a dozen musicals, concerts and gigs, all under one roof”

BUZZ, SOUTH WALES

 

“It’s an irresistible, irrepressible evening that guarantees a great night out!”

STEVE BURBRIDGE – THE BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

 

“If you have ever thought you fancied this show and not got round to it, then do yourself a favour and go this year. It’s funny, clever and entertaining from start to finish…You’ll regret it if you don’t”

JACKIE MARSTON – ACCENT MAGAZINE

 

“The Lady Boys of Bangkok are simply the best cabaret floor-show you will see at the Fringe or anywhere else, they are simply fantastic!”

EDINBURGH GUIDE

 

“Escapism, lots of fun….one of the best value for money nights out money can buy ”

DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH

 

“Makes most West End musicals look drab by comparison”

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

 

THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK 2018

 

BELFAST

 

Sat 3^rd Nov – Sat 17^th Nov 2018

 

The Sabai Pavilion, Custom House Square, Belfast, BT1 3FG

 

 

• Mon to Thurs – 7.00pm daily
• Fri & Sat – 7.00pm & 9.00pm
• Sundays – 6.00pm only
• Adults £22.50/Students £17
• Premium Seats £32
• Platinum seats £36
• Champagne Table £400

 

2-for-1 ALL SEATS on Fridays

ALL SEATS £17 on Sun 4^th Nov

 

N.B. Saturday performances – Premium seats £34, Platinum seats £38

 

Box Office open on site from Wednesday 31^st Oct 2018 – 11.00am to 9.30pm daily

To Book Tickets call – 0871 705 0 705

 

LINKS

Web: http://www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyboysofbangkok
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheLadyBoys

From the Directors:

Creative Director, Phillip Gandey spoke of the challenge of creating a new production each year.  “When we brought the Lady Boys of Bangkok to Britain for the first time people were attracted by the sheer novelty. Never before had a company of Lady Boys performed a show in the western world.  Almost two decades on and the Lady Boys of Bangkok is still the only show of its kind this side of Bangkok. But it no longer relies simply on novelty – it is a fantastic, non-stop spectacular theatrical experience. A complete entertainment specially created for a British audience.  It has become an un-missable date for thousands of people who form the heart of a very loyal audience supporting us year after year – sometimes visiting the show more than once in a season and looking forward to the event as their “big night out”.   Hen parties, too find it the perfect event to be at the centre of their celebrations.

“Each show takes a year to plan, rehearse and produce and although it is extremely hard work, there is no better feeling in the world than watching our audiences become totally involved in the pure pleasure of the show.

Executive Director, Carol Gandey, added;” Planning such an extensive tour as the Lady Boys of Bangkok undertake every year is a major project.  Not only is the show performed in our own Sabai Pavilion, but also tours theatres throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles.  But from the feedback we receive we know just how much the tour is appreciated and looked forward to.  Theatres have created a loyal and large following and each year we are constantly adding new theatres and playing to new audiences.  We greatly appreciate the opportunity to reach an audience that otherwise might not be able to see the show.”

 

The Lady Boys of Bangkok

 

The Ladyboys of Bangkok consists of a cast of 16 male artistes. Last year the tour raised over £18,000.00 from audience collections for their chosen charity ‘Safe Child Thailand’ which is helping to end child exploitation in Thailand.

https://www.safechildthailand.org/

 

Gandey World Class Productions

For more than 40 years, Gandey World class Productions has staged some of the World’s most famous shows and memorable productions in cities across the world.  Its portfolio includes Gandeys Circus, The Chinese State Circus, Cirque Surreal, The Ladyboys of Bangkok, Spirit of the Horse and Fist of the Dragon.

For more information visit www.gandey.com

Planning a wedding and looking for something special? The Quirky Weddings Boutique Wedding Fair was created with you in mind! The fair returns to the Waterfront Hall on Sunday October 7h(12-5pm) in association with event sponsors The Clandeboye Lodge.

 

What’s special about the Boutique Wedding Fair? Saima Akram of Quirky Weddings says

“For a start we hand pick our exhibitors! We have always sold out all the spaces at our fairs so we started taking applications and choosing who best suited the personality of the event. We generally get over 200 applications for the approx 130 spaces. We look for creativity, quality and people who love what they do.”

Cate Conway, the other half of Quirky Weddings says

“Couples planning weddings have access to an infinite amount of ideas on Instagram and from blogs. Wedding inspo can be invaluable but couples often find themselves stuck when they try to find a local company who can bring the ideas to life! This is where we come in. We look for companies who can deliver on trend products and services. Combine that with artists who can customise, personalise and create – and you have the perfect wedding planning event. An afternoon spent with us can result in a couple getting a lot of stuff sorted and ticked off their list!

Visitors can expect to see a fantastic range of carefully chosen vendors. There will be slick suits, dreamy floral displays, creative photography, gorgeous gowns, show-stopping transport, jewellers who can help you make your own rings, incredible cakes, unusual venues and much more. We’ve chosen vendors who are on trend, friendly and excellent at what they do. Expect Insta-worthy ideas for your day!

We have just announced our exhibitor list on our website, quirkyweddings.co.uk, so couples can get a head start on their research! We find lots of couples are quite strategic and make a list of who they want to speak to and come ready to make a bee-line for the companies they are particularly keen to meet! You can feel free to browse at your leisure too though, it’s a ‘no pressure’ event. We don’t like hard sell.”

Doors open at 12 noon and the Quirky Weddings team suggest you get there early. Not only is there a lot to see but also the first 250 visitors will get in half price. (Regular admission is £7)

There will also be copies of the new edition of the  Quirky Weddings free wedding directory ‘The Book’ available so don’t forget to collect yours as you leave!c

From today, Friday 21^st September, everyone will have the opportunity to step into and explore the magnificent world of Montalto Estate as, for the first time in its history, visitors will have access to never-before seen gardens and trails located around the historic estate.

Nestled in the picturesque Co. Down countryside, Montalto is a privately-owned demesne steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. It is famously the site of ‘The Battle of Ballynahinch,’ which took place during the Irish rebellion in 1798. It is also home to an exotic plant collection initially created by ‘The father of Irish Gardening’, Sir Arthur Rawdon.

Montalto Estate aims to reconnect visitors with nature through access to a range of captivating gardens and beautiful walks and trails. The visitor experience will include; public access to the estate’s beautiful gardens with elements including many varieties of flora and fauna along with unique and surprising garden features; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can explore, learn and wonder at their natural surroundings. A purpose built centre, designed in keeping with the look and feel of the estate, includes a welcome area featuring interpretation of the estate’s history; a stylish 120 seat café offering flavoursome and beautifully presented food and a shop that offers a mix of estate produce, local craft products and many other unique and exceptionally designed items.

The beautiful gardens include an Alpine Garden, a Winter Garden, a Cutting Garden, a Walled Garden, a Formal Garden and the Orchard situated within a wildflower meadow. The Winter Garden and Alpine Garden will always be accessible whilst the other gardens will be accessible whenever possible. Four champion trees are located around the lake and the pinetum and over the past three years over 30,000 trees have been planted on the estate.

Active families will enjoy the Woodland Trail and low wood. The impressive purpose built tree house, which was handcrafted onsite, features rope bridges, monkey bars and treetop views kids of all ages will enjoy.  Mini explorers can enjoy the smaller tree house and natural play area.  Everything within this area has been designed to fuel the imagination through exploration and discovery.

For tranquil and picturesque walks you can enjoy the stunning views of The Lake Walk and The Garden Walk. Catch a glimpse of some of the wonderful wildlife that calls Montalto Estate their home or simply take in the beautiful seasonal displays and reconnect with nature.

As part of the visitor experience guests will discover the history and heritage of the estate through the informative interpretation in the welcome area, browse the stylish retail space or have a bite to eat in The Café at Montalto which has been lovingly designed to capture the essence of the estate as well as offering great tasting food.

Ahead of the opening David Wilson, MD for Montalto Estate, said:

“The opening of the estate to visitors marks a very special moment in our history. For the first time we are inviting people to step inside, explore our walks and trails and discover for themselves the magnificence of this beautiful site.  Our dedicated team has worked hard to create a very special visitor experience and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy their time with us.  We hope Montalto Estate will become the perfect complement to the Northern Ireland tourism portfolio and we look forward to sharing details of further developments at the estate in the future.”

David Wilson, added:

“By opening our estate to visitors, we are ensuring that we help to secure the preservation of Montalto’s long and fascinating history for future generations to enjoy. We hope visitors will get as much enjoyment from Montalto as our family has over the years. When visitors step inside and explore Montalto we hope that they will want to keep coming back.”

Montalto Estate opens Friday 21^st September at 10am. Opening hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.  Access to site including car park, welcome area, café and shop is free.  Gardens, Trails and Walks will be ticketed with prices starting from £7.50 (adults) and Children (age 5 – 16) £5.00 with discounted rates when you book in advance online. Children under 5 are free. Visit www.montaltoestate.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #exploremontalto.

THE annual Regatta for Lough Erne Cots is set to take place on Saturday 22^nd and Sunday 23^rd September as part of Festival Lough Erne in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

This unique water sport is in its third year and is set to attract more visitors than ever due to its fascinating historical background. In the past, the traditional Lough Erne cot was one of the most popular modes of transport for goods around Upper and Lower Lough Erne and some variations are still used today by farmers moving livestock between the islands of Lough Erne.

Fred Ternan, Chairman of Lough Erne Heritage commented: “This is an extra special year for the Lough Erne Regatta because it is the first time in the history of boat racing on the lough that a regatta is being held to find the champion from amongst the many towns and villages taking part.

“Lough Erne Cots form part of Fermanagh’s rich heritage and historical customs as they were used as a mode of transport by people living on the islands and as ferries on Upper Lough Erne until bridges were built in the 1930’s. Much of the materials for some of the county’s most notable buildings such as the Enniskillen Castle were brought in by Lough Erne Cot,” added Fred.

The cot races form part of the Festival Lough Erne which is taking place at Enniskillen Castle on 22 and 23^rd September. The festival is perfect for foodies as it celebrates the very best of local produce as well as all the exciting things to see and do around Lough Erne and further afield around the county.

Not to be missed events include cookery demonstrations by well-known local chefs such as Glen Wheeler, chef and owner of Fermanagh’s newest restaurant 28 Darling Street, Marty McAdam, new Head Chef at Enniskillen Hotel and Stephen Holland, Executive Sous Chef at Lough Erne Resort among others.

 

Local artisan food and drink producers will be showcasing a range of products and live entertainment will go on throughout the weekend ensuring there is something for everyone.

Tanya Cathcart, Marketing Manager at Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism said:

“The Festival Lough Erne is one of the calendar highlights in Fermanagh and attracts more and more people each year. Last year 1,500 people attended the event and we’re expecting this year to be even bigger and better.

“We will be hosting lots of interesting and exciting events including the much-loved Regatta for Lough Erne Cots so why not treat yourself to a fun day out or even a weekend away to enjoy this really unique spectacle.”

Entry to the festival is only £2 per person and under 12’s go free.

For more information go to www.festivallougherne.com

Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 13^th October 2018.  And the popular event is set for a boost thanks to a new partnership with headline sponsor Randox, and a festival cookery theatre compered by NI Food Ambassador Paula McIntyre MBE.

Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens. Festival fun starts at 10am and runs until 5pm in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel.

Now in its 6th year, the line-up for Festival Day boasts a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages, and there is no admission fee.

Festival Committee Chairman Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, said;

“This year the committee has worked effortlessly to bring a bigger and better potato festival to the North Antrim coast on the site of the Giant’s Causeway.  We have more fun-filled events planned with loads of arts and crafts on site and fantastic local chefs doing cookery demos.  Along with a free open day to the Causeway Centre, it will be a great family day out.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the National Trust for their continued support. Every year the National Trust is a key partner and sponsor for the Potato Festival, not only opening up the Giant’s Causeway site and providing the perfect location but giving their staff to co-ordinate the activities on the day. They also coincide the festival with their free Community Open Day – welcoming everyone to enjoy their Visitor Experience and award-winning guided tours for free and providing a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s heritage to local and international visitors while celebrating the legacy of John Clarke.”

This year also sees the first appearance of the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a popular collection of award-winning local artisan food and drink, and hand-made colourful art and crafts.

The Food NI Roadshow is back with its festival cookery theatre, compered by NI Food Ambassador and newly-honoured local chef Paula McIntyre MBE, and featuring a selection of talented homegrown chefs and producers.

Q Radio Bus and the PSNI tractor are making their debuts in the event’s exhibitor area, with a new ‘Kidzone’ featuring bouncy castles, potato-inspired activity workshops, ‘The Mighty Spud’, balloon-modelling, face-painting and a petting farm.

And for potato enthusiasts there will be a series of specialist talks on a range of topics including John Clarke and breeding your own potato varieties, as well as an exhibition of all John’s varieties.

Cutting Edge Helicopters will be back in the air again offering spectacular helicopter sightseeing flights (fee applies), and on the eve of Festival Day (Friday 12^th October) a ‘Super Spud Tour’ will be held along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, celebrating the area’s unique potato breeding and growing heritage.

This ticketed tour, offered by Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, will include a potato producer tour, themed lunch and an opportunity to enjoy a delicious cocktail featuring Ireland’s first potato-distilled vodka.

Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, said;

“This sponsorship means a great deal to Randox and we are delighted to work, for the first time, alongside the dedicated and enthusiastic committee behind this fantastic event. The local community has played a significant role in the successes of Randox over the past number of years and we believe it is important to give the same support and encouragement back wherever we can.

“The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is well-known in the area and attracts an impressive number of visitors, from both near and far. Like the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, we at Randox are dedicated to supporting local quality produce, evidenced in our production of meats, jams, chutneys and apple juice straight from Dundarave Estate in Bushmills and CherryValley Estate in Antrim. The food and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is among the best in the world and we are pleased to help showcase award-winning local producers on a national platform.”

As well as Randox as the main sponsor, the festival has benefited from financial help from The National Trust, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, NI Regional Food Programme (DAERA), Jamison Potatoes, McCurdy Potatoes, Wilsons Country, Manor Fresh, Active Packaging, First Trust Bank and Food NI.

Have you already been consumed by the return of BBC Strictly Come Dancing? Well if you have the glitter ball trophy in your sights dust off your own dancing shoes and Dance for a Difference this autumn.

Self Help Africa and British Red Cross is searching for 32 fledgling fox-trotters, budding ballerinas and up-and-coming congo stars for an entertaining competitive dance off in front of a live audience hosted by broadcaster Claire McCollum in The Whitla Hall, Belfast, on Saturday 1 December. Dancers will be trained by professional choreographers for nine weeks leading up to the event, to be fully prepared to stake your claim on the glitter ball trophy.

Dance for a Difference aims to raise vital funds for people both at home and abroad through the British Red Cross and Self Help Africa.

Frankie McClure of Self Help Africa said: “If you like to dance or have always dreamed of being professionally trained now’s your chance to take part in a fun event for a great cause. We’re not looking for our dancers to already be Strictly standard, if you’re a beginner you are more than welcome to join in. You’ll learn from professional choreographers, with all the glitz and glamour you would expect, and you’ll dazzle the audience with your moves at our Dance for a Difference extravaganza! We are dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural Africa and this event gives us an opportunity to raise vital funds for Self Help Africa’s life changing work across sub-Saharan Africa. Funds raised will to help rural farmers and their families grow and sell more food, improve diets, diversity and grow incomes.”

Charlotte King of British Red Cross said: “We’re so excited to launch our search for this year’s Dance for a Difference stars! You might not know your Pasodoble from your Rumba, but if you’ve always dreamed of taking the dance floor by storm and learning to dance just like the TV stars now’s your chance to make that dream come true.

“You’ll train once per week at Queen’s PEC in Belfast, starting on October 2^nd with Ballroom Blitz NI’s professional dance trainers helping each and every one of us on our way. And all the money you raise will be used to fund local Red Cross work including support to people after house fires, floods and other emergencies, independent living services, which assist vulnerable people on their return home from hospital and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, community first aid training and support for refugees and asylum seekers.

“Across the UK, the Red Cross responds to an emergency every four hours. Red Cross volunteers provide practical and emotional support for local people facing these situations every week. The charity also works in many local schools to help young people develop the skills and confidence to take humanitarian action.

“If you’re interested please don’t be shy and get in touch with either myself or Frankie – it’ll be nice to see you … to see you, nice!”

To register for a chance to win Dance for a Difference contact: Frankie McClure on 028 9023 2064 or email frankie.mcclure@selfhelpafrica.org or Charlotte King on 028 9073 5367 or cking@redcross.org.