Author: Tina Calder

Venues across Northern Ireland are set to be rocked with the songs and stage show of the Queen of County as the ultimate Dolly Parton tribute is back in the shape of performer extraordinaire, Donna Stewart.

The Autumn Tour will see the Belfast singer perform a packed show of fan favourites to audiences in Belfast, Armagh and Banbridge that will have everyone singing along to the likes of 9to5, Coat Of Many Colours, I Will Always Love You and Jolene. The show not only has lots of Dolly hits, but also some of country rock and pop favourites.

Speaking ahead of the shows Donna said; “I’m delighted to release the first few dates on our autumn tour, we’ll be back on the road from the end of September until Christmas, with lots more Northern Ireland dates to be released. Looking forward to playing an intimate gig at the Belfast barge what a fantastically unique venue. In Armagh well be back at the marketplace theatre one of my favourite venues across Northern Ireland. After playing a successful show at the Linfields Festival in 2015, I’m excited to return to Banbridge, the audience were one of the best we’ve had and I can’ wait to play it again after all these years. So hope to see you all there in your best country get up.”

Donna has established herself as the embodiment of the Queen of Country but it was a dream that came true by chance.

“I started performing as Dolly in 2011,” said Donna. “It was just meant to be for one night at a friend’s birthday, but this led to a stream of bookings.”

After a busy summer show in Belfast, Donna is revved up and ready to go again with a series of dates that have seen standing ovations and rave reviews from audiences.

“Eventually I realised I couldn’t be without Dolly in my life any longer so thanks to my wonderful husband Niall Toman and the rest of the Dolly show crew Anne McAteer, Chantelle McAteer, Chris Logan, Tom Savage and Kenneth McClure, we’re back and bigger than ever before. It’s very much a team effort.

“Let’s face it one of the best things I get to do is to dress up as Dolly.”

And, as always Donna and her team chose their tracks carefully.

“The show aims to emulate country icon Dolly Parton at her 80’s best right up until now, we also play songs from classic country, we aim to please everyone.

“We carefully chose the greatest hits that people love and remember and even if you’re not a die-hard Dolly fan you’ll certainly catch yourself toe tapping and singing along at some point throughout the night.

“Having spent many years in musical theatre both as a director and producer and a performer we make sure to include the pizazz and vibrancy of a West End show no matter how big or small the venue we play in,” explained Donna.

In the new fun, floor-filling show Dolly & Friends provide an energetic unforgettable night. Donna is a stickler for attention to detail and has studied dolly’s voice and performances since the 1980s – even the intonation of Dolly’s voice she uses to introduce songs.

During this show Donna plays custom made Dolly replica guitars & banjo, whilst wearing reproduction costumes made and updated in coordination with Dolly and with real hair wigs styled by the best hair stylists Northern Ireland has to offer – it literally takes thousands to be Dolly.

Donna Stewart will perform as Dolly Parton with the Dolly’s Jukebox show at:

The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh, Saturday 9^th November

The Belfast Barge, Belfast, Friday 15^th November

Belmont Hotel, Banbridge, Saturday 28^th November

For tickets and information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/DollysJukeboxBand/

Leading water supplier Rowell Water is tackling the worrying increase in plastic plaguing the planet with several innovative solutions, including the reusable Roc Bottle.

As suppliers of water coolers in the workplace Rocwell Water want to help everyone reduce the amount of plastic in use.

Brian Patrick Quinn of Rocwell Water is keen to emphasise that the new product is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact. The Roc Bottle concept has been in development for almost a year and will be available in coming weeks.

“The reason we developed the concept was to offer our customers and alternative to the standard single use cups with water coolers,” he said.

“We started to supply compostable and biodegradable cups to our customers but decided we want to do more, offer a premium stainless steel reusable bottle, which we can co brand in any companies logo.”

Roc Bottle is a premium reusable bottle and designed for liquids both hot and cold, so it also can reduce single use tea/coffee cups in the workplace.

The bottle keeps hot drinks hot for 12 hours & cold drinks cold for 24hours.

Brian said that Roc Bottle will be available to three different sectors, business, education and retail.

“Companies are now wanting to reduce/ban plastic bottles from the workplace,” he said. “We can supply a premium water through our water coolers which allows staff to refill their Roc Bottle with the same quality of water they buy in their local store. It is cost effective and water is always chilled/room temperature plus saves waste costs of plastic bottles in the bins.

“In terms of education we have teamed up with Eco Schools NI to offer our Roc Bottle to education campus’ throughout NI and supply water fountains/chillers to the schools to allow pupils to refill their bottle anytime they want.”

The Roc Bottle will also be available in store to cater for the customers who want to refill on the go.

Following the shocking scenes on David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II and the campaign from BBC programme ‘War On Plastic’ the team at Rocwell Water is acutely aware of the need to be a responsible company.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of water we provide to our customers,” said Brian.

“Rocwell Natural Mineral Water is one of the few companies in Ireland to achieve Natural Mineral Water Status. We meet the stringent EU, UK, Northern Ireland and Irish quality standards and our water, to meet the Natural Mineral Water Status we had a number of criteria, including that our water is naturally free from pollution, contamination and harmful micro-organisms. We have also met the same high standards required for our spring water.”

Rocwell Water also supply mains fed water coolers and fountains, which are more cost-effective, and reduce the need for large plastic refill bottles.

“There are a number of businesses who have switched to mains fed as their use of 19L bottles has increased,” said Brian. “Roc bottle will also work with this model.”

As with everything, however, there is a cost. Rocwell Water’s revenues from disposable and compostable plastic cups will reduce, but they believe it is a price worth paying in the long run.

“The company recognises we all have a responsibility to do better if we can, and we believe if we offer the service of providing Roc Bottle, branded if required, customers will prefer Rocwell as their preferred supplier to the others on the market with a reduction in plastic heading to landfills or using energy to recycle it.

“If we can reduce plastic, encourage people to drink more water it is good for all.”

The Roc Bottle comes in three different sizes. It is made from food grade stainless steel as a premium triple sealed vacuum and is leakproof. Liquids in Roc Bottle will stay hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours.

More information is available at www.rocbottle.com 

A brand-new mixed cuisine restaurant has opened Belfast City Centre.

New hospitality company Global Caterers Belfast have invested £500,000 into a 2,700 sq. ft unit in Wellington Place in the heart of the city.

The opening of the restaurant has created 20 new jobs and is located just minutes from Belfast City Hall and opposite the £70m office scheme Merchant Square.

Fronted by Indian Head Chef, Jainal Abedin and Italian Sous Chef, Luigi Savarese, Mumbai Milano will not just fuse two of the most famous cuisines in the world but has committed to using local Northern Ireland produce throughout their menu.

Chef Jainal, who has worked all over the world including Dubai, London, Bombay and Jersey, said he hopes to bring a global taste to local produce.

He added: “Choosing this location in the city centre was key to ensuring the success of Mumbai Milano, we wanted to both cater for the local market as well as attracting tourists and visitors into the city.

“The location was a no-brainer for us, especially with the Merchant Square development across the way. This part of the city centre is seeing an influx of new offices and student accommodation so there is a market for more restaurants in this area to cater for what is anticipated to be an area of increased footfall. We have identified other sites across the city for potentially expanding the concept to a second location however we are entirely focused on the Wellington Place site for now.

“I’ve always had a desire to fuse both Indian and Italian cuisine, so when we decided to open the restaurant I knew exactly what we wanted to create.

“I am confident the people of Belfast and beyond will love what we have to offer.’’

Chef Luigi, who worked for Paul Rankin for a number of years, brings four decades of experience with him. The chef, who came to Northern Ireland 20 years ago said he was delighted to be on board with the Mumbai Milano team.

He added: “Northern Ireland has a longstanding love for both cuisines; however, it is rare to have a restaurant in which the customer can avail of the standouts from both cultures. People today desire good quality, delicious food, that is good value for money and that is exactly what we offer.

“To be able to showcase these beautiful cuisines and create a fusion menu that we think will both intrigue and excite people is a delight.

“So far the feedback has been great from the public.”

The 120-seater restaurant opened its doors last week and will be open seven days a week. The menu includes everything from traditional Indian curries to authentic Italian pizza and pasta.

General manager Liam Whiteway said: “The menu offers a wide range of classic Indian and Itallian meal options as well as some unique fusion choices.

“All food offerings will be complemented by an extensive drinks and cocktail menu with quirky elements including cocktails infused with candyfloss, honeycomb and other sweet treats.

“The interior fit out is stylish plush fabrics in a luxurious comfortable setting.”

For more information go to http://mumbaimilano.co.uk

The biggest and best gaming and anime convention in Northern Ireland, Q-Con, is promising a fun-packed three day for all ages, including a special series of family events on the closing Sunday.

Now in its 26^th year, the events on Sunday, September 1 will include the Cosplay Masquerade at Elmwood Hall, that will see the best, most creative and amazing costumes on parade.

Hosted by QUB Dragonslayers Q-Con will see over 6,500 attendees across the weekend, beginning August 30, throughout the Queen’s University campus.

And, to release your inner Spidey senses, there will be a screening of ‘Spiderman – Into The Spiderverse’ at QFT on the Sunday, as well as the anime feature ‘Ponyo’ from master animator Hayao Miyazaki on the same day.

“All our events throughout each day are aimed to make sure that all audiences have plenty to get their teeth into,” said Ben Harrison of Q-Con. 

“On the Sunday we’re delighted to make it a day all the family can revel in.

“We know from previous years that parents want to be involved with their children as they all love games – tabletop and video – and they love the whole fantastic world of anime and the imaginative places it takes us into.”

If you want to help shake off the return-to-school blues KopopX will have you moving and grooving in a 50-minute workout to the best of Kpop.

Designed by gaming and anime fans Q-Con attracts people from across the UK and Ireland and further afield, with last year seeing a five percent increase in attendees. People from all ages are present throughout the weekend, with Sunday being particularly family friendly.

“When we see so many people around the university district coming along on trains, buses and in cars dressed up as their favourite comics, games and anime characters it shows just how popular gaming and anime has become, and how Q-Con caters for a demographic so often missed by the mainstream media,” said Ben. 

Taking place across the Queen’s campus, including the Whitla Hall, Elmwood Hall, Queen’s Film Theatre, the Computer Science Building and many other venues it is essential to plan your weekend to pack as much in as you can.

For more information and tickets go to q-con.org.uk

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The biggest and best gaming and anime convention in Northern Ireland is returning to Queen’s University, Belfast for its 26^th year.

With three fun-packed days from August 30 to September 1 the event is expected to attract over 6,500 attendees.

Hosted by QUB Dragonslayers Q-Con promises a host of events, including an appearance from the creator of the classic game ‘Doom’, John Romero, who will challenge people “to beat him at his own game” as well as an exclusive meet and greet.

With 26-years-experience under their belts the volunteer Dragonslayers know how to lay on three days of fantastic – in all senses – experiences.

“Since we began in a few rooms at Queen’s with 150 people Q-Con has exploded in popularity and excitement,” said Ben Harrison. 

“We promise we’re working hard to make sure that 2019 will be even better. From video gaming to tabletop gaming, and live text adventure in The Dark Room, through to our cosplay we are packing the weekend out.”

Designed by gaming and anime fans Q-Con attracts people from across the UK and Ireland and further afield, with last year seeing a five percent increase in attendees. People from all ages are present throughout the weekend, with Sunday devoted to families.

“When we see so many people around the university district coming in on trains, buses and in cars dressed up as their favourite comics, games and anime characters it shows just how popular gaming and anime has become, and how Q-Con caters for a demographic so often missed by the mainstream media,” added Ben. 

“The geeks are coming, and they’re going to have more fun than ever!”

Taking place across the Queen’s campus, including the Whitla Hall, Elmwood Hall, Queen’ Film Theatre, the Computer Science Building and many other venues it is essential to plan your weekend to pack as much in as you can.

For more information and tickets go to q-con.org.uk