#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.

Ladies the hunt for the perfect fitting jeans is often as elusive as the hunt for the perfect man.

Although we think we know what we want, in reality our picker can be somewhat off and we need some expert advice on what is right for us.

Helps is at hand from the Fairhill Centre, as the leading retail outlet brings us the latest 3D body scanning technology and combines it with a free body shaping and styling event.The ‘Jeanetics-It’s All In The Jeans’ event will take place on Saturday 12 from 11am-5pm and Sunday 13 March from 1 pm-5 pm.

Grainne Devine from Fairhill said, “SS16 is a massive season for denim and there is nothing more satisfying than getting a well fitting pair of jeans that will make you look and feel great. Our 3D body scanner will define everyone’s body shapecategorising them in one of five shapes. This is a free event and we encourage shoppers to come along to check out their true body measurements. So many of our stores have denim ranges from Topshop, Miss Selfridge, River Island andNext among others so you will make sure you look hot to trot this season.”

In preparation for the Jeanetics event, here are some denim do’s and don’ts to keep you in style for SS16

• Avoid over treated pairs. Ripped, whiskered (the ugly white lines across your thighs) and very worn looking are not a good look this season.

• Watch your length. A little ankle on show is a good thing; a straight pair with material bunched around the ankle is not a popular choice.

• With footwear think opposites: A slim leg benefits from a chunkier shoe (like a brogue or loafer), a stiletto only really looks modern with a boyfriend or looser cut. Skinny heels and skinny jeans is very Wag. Avoid.

• Remember is our body shape can change and the style we wore in our twenties doesn’t mean they will still suit us in our thirties. Get the right fit, rather than just going for the latest trend.

• Keep an eye on the pockets as they can make a real difference in shaping your behind.  A button down pocket will give a curvy J-Lo effect as they will ‘lift’, pocket seams that draw down into a point will give added definition and bigger pockets are also good for balancing.

More information can be found at www.facebook.com/FairhillShoppingCentre

Follow the end of the rainbow to Solitude Park on Saturday 19 March 2016 as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council host a plentiful pot of free fun for everyone with the annual St Patrick’s Family Fun Day.

The craic gets underway at 2pm and runs until 4pm and features a host of music, activities and entertainment guaranteed to get you in the mood for a sensational St Patrick’s party.

The live music kicks off with the fantastic foot tapping Fireside Folk getting everyone up for a jig and a hoolie before the fabulous Nooks take to the stage with their quirky adaptations of modern and classic rock and pop hits.

Activities on offer for younger revellers include fun inflatables and amusement rides, face painting, balloon modellers, arts & crafts workshops, giant garden games plus a ‘treemendous’ treasure hunt with a difference! For those who fancy creating a bit of a splash, Banbridge Kayak and Canoe Club will be offering ‘come and try’ taster sessions.

Come along and meet the Fizzy Fairy the happy-go-lucky magical woodland sprite and some of her friends including Tight-Fisted O’Lanaghan, Medusa, and Leary Quinn the leprechaun who will be sure to have you craicing-up with their mischievous shenanigans

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

Ards, Comber and Holywood will be hosting special free family events over the upcoming Easter Weekend to celebrate the completion and progress of Public realm works, revitalising three of the towns in Ards and North Down.

Alice in Wonderland will help visitors explore Curiously Comber on Thursday 24 March.

The newly refurbished Conway Square will be transformed into Ards Adventure Arena for the day on Friday 25 March.

Hooray for Holywood will see the glitz and glam of ‘Tinseltown’ come to the town on Tuesday 29 March.

Information on all these events can be found at www.visitardsandnorthdown.gov.com

This Spring, Tinderbox Theatre Company is proud to see the return of an audience favourite for an intimate tour at select venues across Northern Ireland.

The Virgin Father, written by award-winning playwright Jimmy McAleavey, directed by Michael Duke, starring Stewart Ennis with stage design from Ciaran Bagnall tells a love story about the temptation to believe.

The intense 70 minute monologue gives audiences a glimpse into the life of Joe (played by Ennis) – a normal man who fell in love with and married Mary, the quiet girl in the village who was carrying someone else’s child. Failing to deal with his wife’s delusions about the pregnancy and keeping his son from joining a cult, Joe finds himself being hunted down after the disappearance of his wife.

Written by award-winning playwright Jimmy McAleavey (Monsters, Dinosaurs, Ghosts; Unhome and The Sign of The Whale) – this beautiful yet challenging piece of early work from McAleavey was first shown by Tinderbox in 2009 and has remained an audience and industry favourite ever since. Winner of the Stewart Parker Major Bursary for The Sign of the Whale in 2010, McAleavey’s theatre work has been performed on some of Ireland’s most recognised stages including the Lyric and MAC theatres in Belfast and at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Recently, the talented playwright was awarded £15,000 by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for his impressive contribution to the arts in the region. Previous recipients of this accolade include playwrights Owen McCafferty, Damian Gorman and Carlo Gebler.

Speaking about the tour, Jimmy McAleavey commented:

“I’m delighted The Virgin Father is being remounted at Easter 2016. It’s a play about martyrdom, political conflict and faith – in political ideas as well as religion – so it chimes with the centenary of the Easter Rising. Of course, it’s no coincidence that those particular Irish rebels chose Easter to mount their insurrection.’

Hanna Slättne, Dramaturg at Tinderbox, said:

“The Virgin Father was and remains one of my favourite Tinderbox productions – beautifully written, cleverly directed, perfectly acted and with flawless stage design. The subtle themes of parenthood, faith, childhood rebellion, identity and state oppression are as relevant in 2016 as they were when I first read the script in 2008 and then helped develop it with Jimmy for stage in 2009. This remount of the Virgin Father will give audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Northern Ireland’s modern classics.”

Tour Dates & Venue Locations

15 March, 8pm
Cushendall Golf Club
£8
028 9043 9313 / Tickets on the door

18 March, 8pm
Down Arts Centre
£12
028 4461 0747 / downartscentre.com

19 March, 8pm
The Playhouse, Derry
£10 / £8
028 71 268027 / derryplayhouse.co.uk

29 March – 2 April, 8pm (3pm Sat matinee)
Lyric Theatre Belfast
£12-£15 / £10
028 9038 1081 / lyrictheatre.co.uk

Damien Dempsey has confirmed a return to Mandella Hall, Belfast on Friday 8^th April, as part of his full band Irish tour, having sold out the venue previously in 2014. Tickets are on sale now from all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Damien Dempsey is a singer and songwriter who has never shied away from politics or history. The songs contained on his six studio albums and numerous live releases are essentially songs about people, the human condition, the Irish identity, if you like. For this special performance Damien will draw upon the repertoire you would likely hear at his infamous Christmas shows but with the addition of specially chosen songs that will reflect the occasion the entire country is marking, in tribute to the men and women of the Easter Rising.

March / April 2016 Irish Tour Dates

Wed 16th March – Róisín Dubh, Galway

Thurs 17th March – Róisín Dubh, Galway

Sat 19th March – Dolans, Limerick

Sun 27th March – Vicar St, Dublin

Fri 1st April – Cork Opera House

Sat 2nd April – National Opera House, Wexford

Fri 8th April – Mandela Hall, Belfast

Sat 9th April – Fusion Venue, Drogheda

Easter 1916 was a seminal moment in the evolution of Ireland from an oppressed society to the celebrated multi-cultural country it is now. It was a turning point of sorts, a strong-willed change in the direction and destiny of the Republic.

In more oppressed times, song and oral tradition was a means of communication and radical thought that could bypass the censorship of the ruling classes. Song, of course, has remained one of the most essential forms of documentation of our lives.

In his songs, Damien examines everyday struggles that affect us all, such as depression, poverty, addiction, but more broadly how the weight of history has burdened the mood and confidence of a creative society – not just in Ireland, but around the globe and throughout history. But as much as he faces up to the grave consequences of these subjects what he ultimately manages to do is celebrate the spirit of defiance and freedom with huge, emotional, boisterous heart-lifting songs. Damien’s sense of empathy, love and community all conspire to create an atmosphere of optimism. His voice is booming and proud. His band bring together the ancient and the modern in a rock-steady groove. Musically, Damien’s journey is one of diversity and collaboration, uniting folk, traditional Irish music, rock, Jamaican music and rap into a melting pot that reflects the journey he has seen his own country embark upon.

Don’t miss Damien Dempsey this spring at the intimate surrounds of the Mandella Hall, Belfast. Tickets are priced £18.00 including booking fee and can be purchased online from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets including DV8, Belfast. 24 Hr CC bookings from 0844 847 2455.

www.damiendempsey.com

Moya Brennan, widely considered Ireland’s First Lady of Celtic Music will play three shows in Northern Ireland in March as part of the St. Patricks’ Celebrations across the province.

Moya with her band play the following concerts;

Friday 18 March – The Millennium Forum, Derry – Tel: 028 71 264 455
Sat 19 March – The Market Place Theatre, Armagh – Tel: 028 37 521 821
Sun 20 March – The Lyric Theatre, Belfast – Tel: 028 90 381 081

When Bono stated recently, “I think she has one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced”, he was heralding what many people know already about The Voice of Clannad, Moya Brennan. She sings like nothing you’ve ever heard before! So it makes sense that her live solo shows – with all the musicality and power of Clannad but with added, heart-warming intimacy – should be such a rich and moving experience. Her effortless vocals and timeless music pay homage not only to her vibrant traditional Irish heritage but also her grasp of contemporary forms.

“I’m thrilled to be coming to Northern Ireland again”, says Moya “It’s been a while since I played there and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with audiences who have an enthusiasm and appreciation which I rarely come across anywhere else. This is going to be very exciting!”

With Clannad she rose to prominence with a pioneering approach to traditional music which has garnered them 15 million record sales worldwide and a string of awards, including BAFTA and Ivor

Novello Awards for their Theme from Harry’s Game and a Grammy in 1998. Their sound has since become the benchmark for the Celtic music genre. Sister Enya joined Clannad for a time before pursuing her own successful career.

Moya’s solo career has continued that success with 8 albums to her credit and more in the pipeline. Her live show has developed into a visual (as well as sound) spectacle with rhythm, atmosphere and vibrant harmony.

Besides her solo work Moya has been much in demand for a number of other projects and is both vociferous and active in her championing of Irish arts and culture abroad. Her career to date includes 25 albums, numerous film scores and she has sung with many great artists, including The Chieftains, Robert Plant, Bruce Hornsby, Michael Crawford, Paul Brady, Shane MacGowan and, of course, Bono.
Her voice continues to be in demand in dance music and includes collaborations with Chicane(Saltwater), DJ Roger Shah and Schiller.
Moya is currently writing the soundtrack for a 26 episode Sci-fi TV animation series which will be broadcast later in 2016.

In recent years she has been involved in a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned harp virtuoso, Cormac De Barra. who will join Moya for her Northern Ireland concerts. Their two albums, Voices & Harps and Affinity
have been widely acclaimed. Moya’s band will also include her
daughter, guitarist, Aisling Jarvis (herself an emerging solo singer-singwriter, and Derry-born keyboard player Feargal Murray.

For further info on Moya Brennan, her music and and additional ticket booking details of all her shows visit www.moyabrennan.com

Last year Downpatrick Racecourse celebrated 330 years of racing in Northern Ireland.

In conjunction with Down Royal Racecourse they rounded off their celebrations in December with the Byerley Turk Ball which raised over €25,000 for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, a charity which raises money for jockeys who have been injured while racing. The Byerley Turk is a famous horse that was one of three stallion’s who are the forefathers of almost all of today’s Thoroughbred race horses. He won a race at Downpatrick on Thursday 16^th March 1690 while on his way to fight in the Battle of the Boyne. The Ball was a great success and a wonderful night was had by all.

Following on from a hugely successful year the racecourse is hoping to emulate their success for the upcoming 2016 season. On Sunday the 20^th of March 2016 Downpatrick Racecourse will hold the Toals Bookmakers Ulster National.

This race meeting is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and this year Downpatrick are holding an exciting ‘Lady with Yellow’ competition where the most glamorous lady on the day wearing a splash of yellow in their outfit will win a Spatisserie Experience at the luxurious Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle, Co Down. The yellow theme is to support Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal which takes place in March.

The racecourse offers Hospitality and Punter’s Packages which can be booked online at www.downpatrickracecourse.co.uk. They are also taking bookings from Clubs, Charities or Societies who are looking to raise some much needed funds for their club through a ‘Day at the Races’ Fundraising package. Contact Ashley on 0044 28 4461 2054 or info@downpatrickracecourse.co.uk for more details.

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