Local entrepreneurs and dating event pioneers, Ben Corby and Sarah Ripley, have launched an event management company that focuses on providing singles of Northern Ireland with more innovative, fun and interesting ways to meet fellow singletons with the hope for romance to blossom.
The company’s flagship event “Hers & His Quiz” is essentially speed dating mixed with pub quiz, with tickets now available for Thursday 26 February, 2015 event at Madison’s Hotel, Botanic Avenue.
The format of the event includes 30 males and 30 females split into teams, with gentlemen moving around tables of single ladies after each quiz round. If there is a potential interest, attendees can write the name and number of their interest, which will then be collected at the end for matches to be made the following day.
Company co-founder and Director, Ben Corby, says that the events have been established in order to meet the demand for high quality singles events that don’t necessarily feel like singles events, that are well run and provide that something different.
“We want to offer those that attend our events the best possible chance of meeting someone, whilst having a fun and enjoyable evening that alleviates any nerves – especially for those that are perhaps new to the dating world.
Romance has a far better opportunity to flourish when people feel comfortable, relaxed and are genuinely enjoying themselves – that is the kind of environment we want to create”, Mr. Corby said.
Various innovative and original singles events have been popular in larger capital cities for years, but Northern Ireland has yet to embrace any kind of novelty event that is designed for singles to meet and mingle without enormous pressure.
“Aside from the odd speed dating event, and sporadic dating site meets, there aren’t many other options for singles to gather that don’t conjure up ideas of desperation and lonely hearts.
“Our events are fun, flirty and just that little bit cool”, Ben said.
Ahead of the release of the highly anticipated third album, Darling Arithmetic, Villagers have announced a run of dates across Ireland this May, Including Belfast.
20 May: DUBLIN, Olympia Theatre
23 May: CORK, Opera House
24 May: LIMERICK, Big Top
25 May: BELFAST, Mandela Hall
Tickets on-sale: Friday 13 February from 9am – from all Ticketmaster outlets and www.Ticketmaster.ie
New album, Darling Arithmetic, released on 13 April 2015
Darling Arithmetic is the third album from Villagers, released on 13 April 2015. Thefollow-up to Conor O’Brien’sdebut, Becoming a Jackal, andits successor, Awayland – both hugely acclaimed and Mercury-nominated – is a breathtakingly beautiful, intimate album entirely about love and relationships.
Darling Arithmetic was written, recorded, produced and mixed by O’Brien at home – the loft of a converted farmhouse that he shares in the coastal town of Malahide to the north of Dublin – revealing a single-minded artist at the peak of his already considerable songwriting powers. It encompasses the various shades of feeling – desire, obsession, lust, loneliness and confusion, and deeper into philosophical and existential territory, across a cast of lovers, friends, family and even strangers. Backing up his supple and emoting vocal and guitar is the subtlest palate of instrumentation – piano, Mellotron (which accounts for the album’s occasional horn and cello tones) and brushes. O’Brien plays every instrument on these exquisite, melodic songs in a sparse, spacious, acoustic-leaning fashion.
On Darling Arithmetic, O’Brien doesn’t only pare back his use of language but looks deep into his own heart and motives. The opening track and first single, ‘Courage’, concerns the most important kind of love – for yourself: “It took a little time to get where I wanted / It took a little time to get free / It took a little time to be honest / It took a little time to be me.”
Now three albums in, Villagers is the front for playfulness and seriousness, mystery and revelation, an open-ended and flexible beast that can be anything its creator wants it to be. By going back to the root of songwriting, O’Brien has reinvented himself.
Tickets for Villagers are on sale at 9am this Friday
With powerful live drama, classical music with a twist, and fun-filled comedy from award-winning playwrights, the line-up at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh couldn’t be more varied.
A classic of modern Irish theatre, ‘Catalpa’ is the story of the 1875 whale-ship rescue of six Irish prisoners from Fremantle penal colony in Australia – all in the vibrant imagination of a screenwriter. ‘Catalpa’ is about heroes and visionaries, political intrigue and personal loyalty, with hot romance, mixed-up rebels and battles at sea. An epic adventure story that challenges the nature of heroism, a celebration of the power of live theatre. ‘Catalpa’ will be staged on Thursday 19th February at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £10.50 (concession).
‘Night Music In Armagh’ is a series of classical concerts featuring top classical performers, artist talks and the opportunity to enjoy wine and tapas before the show. The next concert on Friday 20th February at 8pm, features Jonathan and Iryna Johnston [flute and piano]. Jonathan, former ‘Young Musician of the Year’ winner, has performed throughout the world. Sir James Galway recently wrote: ‘Jonathan Johnston belongs to a select few of whom I consider to be the best flautists of their generation.’ A graduate from Prokofiev Music Academy, Iryna was already playing Mozart sonatas by the age of nine, and has won many prestigious piano competitions. The programme includes Verdi, Schubert, Chopin, Bizet and Brahms. The two artists will also give a FREE post-show talk on their musical careers. Tickets are priced £12 or £10 (concession). The pre-show wine and tapas costs an additional £6.
From the producers and directors of ‘The History Of The Troubles’ and ’50 Shades Of Red, White And Blue’, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ is the hilarious new comedy from award-winning playwright, Brenda Murphy [‘A Night With George’]. Packed full of Belfast humour, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ has had audiences rolling the aisles, and will be staged at The Market Place on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February at 8pm.
Set in an isolated cottage on the snow-trapped Black Mountain, the play tells the story of a bizarre love triangle. Pregnant Patsy from West Belfast has gone there to have her baby with the support of her two friends: older woman and academic Sally and beautiful American Law student, Madison. But when Patsy’s ex-boyfriend and baby’s father, Joe arrives on the scene to try and win her back, Patsy announces she’s now in love with Sally. When naïve Joe learns that Madison is also a lesbian, he believes he has stumbled into Lesbian Headquarters Central. Throw in a turkey baster and the baby’s imminent arrival and the scene is set for a monumental tug of war. Tickets are priced £15 each. Please note that this production contains adult themes and strong language.
Tickets for all performances can be booked on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.
Don’t be stuck for something to do this mid-term weekend. Bundle up and venture out to The Argory and Ardress for some family fun!
At Ardress House, children can explore the play park and become acquainted with the farmyard animals; the chickens, geese, donkey’s, Shetland ponies and Soay sheep will be only too happy to see you after the long winter months. The fun doesn’t end there as you can roll down a really big hill, hold a scary beast or even make a grass trumpet.
Just a short ten minute drive from Ardress, you’ll find The Argory which at this time of year is lined with carpets of beautiful snowdrops. Explore the many walks and have a go at skimming a stone in the Blackwater River, climb a tree or simply run around in the rain. For all our little outdoor explorers, we’ve got some fantastic and fun adventures this spring. Come and complete your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ – there’s endless adventures to be had. Pick up a scrapbook in Visitor Reception and see how many you can tick off!
Mum and Dad will love the Courtyard Coffee Shop; snug, warm and full of home baked produce, speciality teas and coffees. Pick up an essential read in the Bookshop and treat yourself to something from the Gift Shop; bulging with shelves full of new stock and special offer items for your home and garden.
Ardress House and The Argory are open from Saturday 14 – Tuesday 17 February, 12noon – 5pm, Normal admission, National Trust Members go free. For further information on opening times please visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory or call 028 8778 4753.
NORTHERN Ireland’s muckiest and best off-road challenge is back, much to the delight of the hundreds of people that have signed up to get down and dirty for charity.
MUDDY GOOD FUN... Rugby legend Paddy Wallace gets ‘jaffa-caked’ in mud alongside the reigning McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness champion Keith Clarke ahead of this year’s race. Northern Ireland’s muckiest and best off-road challenge is back, much to the delight of the hundreds of people that have signed up to get down and dirty for charity on Sunday April 19 at Foymore Lodge in Portadown. Competitors will run, crawl and belly-flop their way across four and a half miles of bogs and ponds, under cargo nets and through water sprays and muddy trenches and those taking part in the wacky race are being encouraged to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, charity partner for event.
McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness is taking place on Sunday April 19 at Foymore Lodge in Portadown, with two races on the day at 11am and 2pm, giving one thousand wacky participants the chance to belly-flop their way across four and a half miles of bogs and ponds, under cargo nets and through water sprays and muddy trenches. What’s more, rugby legend Paddy Wallace will kick off the event when he helps to get the morning crowd warmed up.
Marie Curie Cancer Care is the official charity partner of the event, which is now in its seventh year, and to date competitors have raised almost £112,000 which equates to 5,500 hours of nursing care.
Event organiser Johnny Davis said: “We are delighted with the continued success of McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness which attracts people from as far away as the United States of America and Germany. It is Northern Ireland’s most unique event which gives people the chance to get mucked up to the eye balls and challenge themselves to four and a half miles of sheer determination through the muckiest fields, bog and ponds in the country.
“It is fantastic to see how hundreds of people have embraced McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness and every year we see people returning for more fun,” Johnny added.
Tim McAuley, NI Account Manager for McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes is delighted to support the event.
“McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness is a fantastic event for people wanting to give themselves the ultimate challenge of getting the heart racing in the great outdoors with plenty of bogs, muddy trenches and water sprays to look forward to. We will be on hand with Jaffa Cakes to keep energy levels up throughout the mucky festivities and with only one gram of fat per biscuit they are the perfect partner for the event.
“In addition to having a fun day out it provides people with a great opportunity to raise some much needed funds for our charity partner Marie Curie Cancer Care and I am thrilled to say competitors have raised almost £112,000 during the seven years we have been supporting the event,” Tim added.
Suzy McIlveen Marie Curie Cancer Care’s partnership manager said: “Marie Curie is always delighted to get ‘very muddy’ in partnership with McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness and this year is no exception! Participants of this iconic event have already supported a phenomenal 5,550 hours of Marie Curie Nursing locally, both at the Marie Curie Hospice Belfast and in homes right across Northern Ireland.
“Our Nurses are supporting people with all terminal illnesses, helping people and their families make the most of the time they have together. We are urging participants of this year’s event to fundraise for Marie Curie to enable us to continue to reach more people and their families across Northern Ireland,” Suzy concluded.
McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness 2015 will take place at Foymore Lodge in Portadown on Sunday April 19. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third male and female individuals and the winning teams. There is also a prize for the best fancy dress costume and spot prizes.
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 the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.
Midweek 2 Night Retreat, Bushmills Inn Hotel, Co Antrim. The Bushmills Inn is the perfect retreat from everyday life and a great base from which to explore the north Antrim coast. Relax for two nights in our Mill House accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning and a dinner a la carte credit of £50 per room on one evening. From £128 per person. Available until 30 March. To book call (028) 2073 3000.
Traditional Afternoon Tea, Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Enjoy Bed and Breakfast and Traditional Afternoon Tea. The Resort features 120 luxurious rooms & en-suites, the Faldo Course, the Castle Hume Course along with the Thai Spa. From £68 per person sharing. Available 31 Dec. To book call (028) 6632 3230.
Dinner B&B plus a bottle of wine, The Cuan Licensed Guest Inn, Strangford, Downpatrick, Co Down. The ever popular Dinner B&B offer at £58.00pps has got even better with the availability of the meal for two including a bottle of wine now available with the package at no extra cost! Available until 31 March. To book call (028) 4488 1222.
Days Hotel/Tickets to Crumlin Road Gaol Package, Belfast, Co Antrim. This exciting package includes two tickets to the Crumlin Road Gaol, one night’s accommodation at the centrally located Days Hotel, Belfast and a delicious buffet breakfast. From £69.10 pps. Available until 31 Dec. To book call (028) 9024 2494.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (February 8-15).
‘Robot Overlords’ Drive-in Screening, Crommelin Park, Donaghadee, Co Down, February 8. To celebrate the release of the hotly anticipated film ‘Robot Overlords’, which was shot in Northern Ireland in 2013, the Belfast Film Festival will present drive-in screenings at specific locations used during filming!
Valentine’s Day Crafts for Children, The Nautilus Centre, Kilkeel, Co Down, February 5-7.Valentine’s Day is a great excuse for a crafty session with the kids – after all there is nothing better than getting a little something made by someone you love!
Ulster Orchestra – Lunchtime Concerts, Ulster Hall, Belfast, February 11. Relax and listen to beautiful live music on a Wednesday lunchtime during the Ulster Orchestra’s annual concert with Conductor Nicholas Collon and Tamás Kocsis on Violin.
Valentine’s Day Special ‘Johnny Cash and June Carter’, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast,February 14. Capturing the unmistakable sound of the ‘man in black’, and accompanied by June Carter and band, you will experience what it was like to be at a real Cash show. There is also an added extra for Valentine’s Day offering a sumptuous four course meal in the basement area of the Gaol.
‘In The Mood’ with The PM Big Band, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co Armagh, February 14. Enjoy a night out with this popular band. Bringing a classic mix of vocals and instrumentals from The Great American Songbook including selections from Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and other legends from this ageless and ever-popular musical genre.
The Jungle NI, Valentine’s Day Special Offer for Couples, Moneymore, Co Londonderry, February 14. Give your loved one the gift of adventure and treat them to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at The Jungle NI! You can choose from Tarzan Tree Top Adventure Course, Downhill Zorbing, Classic Clay Pigeon Shooting, Extreme Paintball and much more!
Singing Nina: The Life in Song Of Nina Simone,Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co Tyrone, February 14. Known for her powerful and emotive performances, vocalist Victoria Geelan and her trio of outstanding local musicians bring their celebration of a woman who defied convention and categorisation. This event is a treat for Jazz fans and music lovers alike.
Valentine’s Sing-along at Arthur Cottage, Cullybackey, Co Antrim, February 14. Get into the Spirit of Valentine’s Day with a traditional night of music with a romantic twist. Sit by the fire and enjoy listening to romantic songs and love ballads performed by a selection of fantastic local artists.
Newtownbutler Traditional Weekend, St Mary’s Parish Hall, Co Fermanagh, February 6-8. The weekend festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance features some of Ireland’s finest music families. The toe-tapping uplifting event is great for couples and for families.
Over the Wire, MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, February 10-14.Engross yourself in this gripping play by multi-award winning writer Seamas Keenan as you follow the stories of five prisoners pitched into a world of violence, paranoia and hunger as they struggle against British soldiers, each other and their own personal demons.
Please note some of the events require pre-booking.
The Slieve Donard Resort Wedding Fair takes place this Sunday 8th February from 1.00pm. With over 40 wedding suppliers, a live catwalk show, live entertainment throughout the day & fantastic spot prizes you can be assured of an informative day out. Admission is free. Join a Hotel tour to view the Chandelier Room set for a Wedding, the Spa facilities, Bridal Suite & more.
Armagh
Peter Corry returns to the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 7th February with an evening celebrating some of the greatest songs from the movies. Peter will take you on a journey down memory lane with some of the most iconic and memorable songs ever written for films from the past to the present. From the heat of Casablanca to fun of Mama Mia, the sultry Moulin Rouge to the wonderful World of Disney…..acclaimed international singer Peter Corry will delight you with a host of movie memories.
Fermanagh
The Newtownbutler CCE Trad Weekend takes place this weekend 6th – 8th Feburary. Enjoy this weekend Festival of Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional music families – Maguire, Hanna, Connolly, Fitzpatrick, Bogue, Keaney, Kearins, Leonard.
Tyrone
The Strule Arts Centre Omagh is the venue for the 2015 Omagh Jazz and Big Band Festival. Commencing the weekend will be Omagh’s very own Ray Moore on Friday evening. Ray needs no introduction to local audiences. He was a founder member of the fabulous ‘Plattermen’ and the man who kept the Jazz flame alive in Omagh. He brings a master’s touch to this inaugural festival which takes place Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February.
Derry
Titanicdance makes a welcome return to the Millennium Forum this Thursday Friday and Saturday. This Irish Dance sensation that tells the story of the world’s most famous ship from its beginning in the Belfast shipyard to its tragic end in the Atlantic Ocean. It embarked on an emotional journey of hope, aspiration, love, heartbreak and sadness that left audiences wanting more and bringing them to their feet. A cast of 28 world class Irish dancers and musicians set the scene for a breath-taking romantic performance that’s led by and choreographed by Principal Dancer and Creative Director, Raymond Sweeney.
Antrim
Legendary Irish singer/songwriter Andy Irvine returns to Ballymoney Thursday 5th February, following his hugely successful performance here a few years ago. With his impressive repertoire of Irish traditional songs and dexterous Balkan dance tunes, he creates an exciting new fusion of Irish and World Music not to be missed.
Belfast
Get your skates on every Saturday with Kelly’s Roller Disco for some fun and fitness all rolled into one for all the family. See kellysrollerskating.co.uk.
Love is in the air at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh this Valentine’s night out with our annual and hugely popular treat from The PM Big Band.
Why not treat the loved one in your life to a night out at the theatre with our special Valentine’s Evening of fine food and swinging music. Start the evening with a pre-show 5-course meal in the Market Place Theatre Bar & Bistro. All five courses and a bottle of house wine is just £55 per couple.
Then get ‘In The Mood’ with our ‘swingtastic’ Valentine’s Special with The PM Big Band. They bring a classic mix of vocals and instrumentals from The Great American Songbook including selections from Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and other legends from this ageless and ever-popular musical genre. Adding a little spice, the band will flavour the evening with big band versions of some modern classics ensuring an evening of music to appeal to everyone. Tickets for The PM Big Band are priced £12 each, or are on offer at only £8 when booked along with the 5-course meal.
Tickets for all performances can be booked on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.
The 2015 Adelaide Black Horse Motorcycle Festival returns to the King’s Hall Pavilion in Belfast from February 6th-8th.
Moto cross rider – Martin Barr, Promotion Girl – Oonagh Griffin, British Superbike Rider – Stuart Easton & Show Promoter Billy Nutt
A special welcome to our sponsors, Adelaide Motorbike Insurance and Black Horse and of course to our guest riders, Martin Barr and Stuart Easton.
We’re indebted to our sponsors for their valuable support and we are delighted to have them back on board for another year.
Sponsor Adelaide Motorbike Insurance is now a brand of Cornmarket Insurance Services. MD, Sam Geddis commented:
“We continue to support motorcycling by investing in sponsorship and motorcycle safety initiatives like our Adelaide Advanced Motorcyclists Group, that enables motorcyclists to become Advanced Riders and thereby, safer bikers. This in turn helps to reduce their motorbike insurance costs if they insure with Adelaide. Visit the Group at the Festival for the latest show offer. The 2015 Adelaide Masters Series, Ireland’s biggest motorcycle racing series, officially launches at the Adelaide Blackhorse Motorcycle Festival on Saturday, 7 February revealing details of the championship at both Mondello Park and Bishopscourt.”
Dave Macey, Market & Franchise Development Manager, added: “We hope everyone attending this year’s Festival will have a thoroughly enjoyable time with what promises to be a great event, showcasing all that the motorcycle world has to offer.”
Stuart Easton was in a class of his own as the popular Scotsman returned to the Macau Grand Prix in November for the first time in four years. It was Stuart’s fourth Macau GP victory, adding to his successes in 2008, 2009 and 2010 before serious injury saw him miss the 2011 race.
A double British Supersport champion, Stuart returned to the MCE British Superbike Championship last year and won the Riders Cup for Paul Bird’s Kawasaki team.
Martin Barr our top motocross rider will be competing on KTM machinery backed by the KTM UK Importer and will be running his own team. He is looking forward to a good season and free from injury.
Both Dunlop brothers – William who will be riding for the local TAS team on BMW machinery and his younger brother Michael riding the Milwaukee Yamaha will be making appearances during the show as will Alastair Seeley who like William is also on BMW’s.
Stuart Easton 2014 Macau GP Winner will be making a return appearance.
Mar-Train Racing’s Dean Harrison, Honda Racing’s Conor Cummins and Dubliner Jack Kennedy, who will compete in BSB this year for Team WD-40 Kawasaki, are also among the special guests in attendance at the Festival over the course of the weekend.
Organised for the 20th year by Nutt Promotions, the Festival attracted a record number of visitors in 2014.
Floor space at this year’s festival is completely sold out, not only in the main King’s Hall Pavilion, but the Alexandra Hall is also filling up quickly with classic and vintage machines and auto jumble.
An amazing display of machinery will be exhibited in this hall, with the star of the show being a 1911 Royal Enfield V-twin.
There will also be a special display of Suzuki RG500 Grand Prix racing bikes, plus the Gold Wing Club will be present with a display of their magnificent machines.
All the major manufacturers are represented, including Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Honda, Ducati, KTM, Harley Davison, Triumph, AJS and WK.
Yamaha’s eagerly-anticipated R1-M will take centre stage along with Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 MotoGP special.
An updated version of BMW’s very successful S1000RR will also be on show, along with Moto Plus Kawasaki showing new h2. All major manufacturers will have all the latest models available to them on show.
The Off-Road Village has now been filled with the latest bikes and visitors will be able to obtain all the information they need about events planned in 2015.
The Northern Ireland Karting Association [NIKA] will also be on hand to provide details on how to become involved in the sport.
A special emphasis this year has been placed on career opportunities in the motorcycle industry and as such, it is anticipated that a large number of students from across Ireland will avail of the chance to examine the possibilities that may be open to them.
Students from schools, colleges and universities will be able to gain free entry at the special time of 12 noon on Friday, February 6th. Students will also be granted free admission on Saturday and Sunday, February 7th-8th when accompanied by an adult, who will receive half-price admission.
In addition to the main exhibition of the latest machinery, the PSNI will again be in attendance to promote the BikeSafe initiative in partnership with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The 2015 Adelaide Masters Series, Ireland’s biggest motorcycle racing series, will be officially launched at the Festival and details of the championship will be available all weekend at the Mondello Park stand.
The official charity for the 2015 Adelaide/Blackhorse Motorcycle Festival will be Eilish Degnan Cancer Foundation.
Formed by Eilish’s son, Gerry Degnan, the aim of the charity is to raise funds to help children suffering from all forms of terminal illness.
Compere Matt Roberts presenter for World Superbikes & British Superbikes on Euro sport will host the ever popular chat shows. With guest adventurer Geoff Hill who will be given talks and slide shows of his travel around the world.
The 2015 Adelaide Black Horse Motorcycle Festival has something for everyone and opens to the public from 2pm-10pm on Friday, February 6th and from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, February 7th-8th.
Admission is £12, (£6 for senior citizens), while children under the age of 16 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Local entrepreneurs and dating event pioneers, Ben Corby and Sarah Ripley, have launched an event management company that focuses on providing singles of Northern Ireland with more innovative, fun and interesting ways to meet fellow singletons with the hope for romance to blossom.
