Popular family bread brand teams up with Replay Theatre Company to launch new production

MORE than 12,000 children across Northern Ireland will enjoy a slice of live theatre thanks to a partnership between Replay Theatre Company and popular bread brand Brennans.

Replay is a charitable organisation set up to give schoolchildren and young people an opportunity to experience live theatre, often for the first time, and Brennans has once again teamed up with the theatre group to launch its latest production, Marianne Dreams, which debuts at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast this week.

Showing in the Northern Bank Auditorium of the Lyric, this is the first time a local company has performed on the Lyric’s main stage, after which the production will tour nine regional theatres and arts centres, reaching thousands of children across the country.

Colin Todd, business development manager of Brennans Bread, claims that the continued sponsorship of Replay provides a chance for the bakery to help deliver creative opportunities for schools across Northern Ireland.

“Brennans is delighted to be partnering Replay to deliver the brilliant new production of Marianne Dreams,” said Colin. “We are very excited that this event will be touring such a wide range of theatres and arts centres, reaching families and schools across Northern Ireland.

“Our partnership with Replay is proving to be the perfect match as it reflects the brand’s core values of family, freshness and quality and we’re looking forward to another year of working together on a theatre programme to feed young imaginations,” he added.

Eimear Henry, executive director of Replay Theatre Company, said: “Brennans support has been invaluable to Replay’s programme of work over the last year and we’re delighted to continue our partnership with such an iconic Irish household brand which will allow us to reach more and more young people across the country.

“This year’s production of Marianne Dreams is a captivating performance which offers a fantastic introduction to the arts and we believe that inspiring the imaginations of young people can help them lead a much more creative and fulfilling life,” Eimear added.

Marianne Dreams will be performed at selected venues across Northern Ireland from March 13 – April 3. Replay Theatre Company is offering free buses to transport children from schools to the venues and ticket prices start from only £4. For further information visit www.replaytheatre.co.org

BUSHMILLS® Irish Whiskey has announced Snow Patrol as the first of a number of artists who will perform at BUSHMILLS Live – the handcrafted whiskey and music festival taking place at the Old BUSHMILLS Distillery on the north coast of Ireland on 20th and 21st June 2012.

Northern Ireland’s very own Snow Patrol, are one of the world’s most popular bands, selling more than 11 million albums since their breakthrough record Final Straw debuted in 2003.

The two-day handcrafted festival will be the first ever staged in an Irish Whiskey distillery. The artists will play a series of intimate gigs in age-old buildings around the distillery. Other performers announced at this stage include renowned musician Foy Vance, who along with David Holmes composed the music for the OSCAR® winning short film, ‘The Shore’ and award-winning singer songwriter and producer Iain Archer.

Snow Patrol’s Jonny Quinn, commented: “Playing live on a bill of great artists and friends, in the Old BUSHMILLS Distillery that’s been around for centuries – it doesn’t get much better than that!”

‘BUSHMILLS Live’ will be a truly ‘money can’t buy experience’. Tickets for the event will not go on general release, instead fans of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey can win the chance to attend the festival by entering a competition on the BUSHMILLS Facebook page – facebook.com/bushmills1608 .

To stand a chance of winning they will have to submit a photo of themselves and friend and explain why they and their friend should be in the audience for ‘BUSHMILLS Live’.

As well as listening to great music, those fortunate to win a ticket to the festival will also have the opportunity to make their own blend of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey.

Commenting, Colum Egan, Master Distiller, Old BUSHMILLS Distillery said: “The line-up for ‘BUSHMILLS Live’ so far is truly remarkable. Snow Patrol, Foy Vance and Iain Archer are known and loved around the world – much like our whiskey.

“What excites me is they, like all the artists who are coming to play, are fans of our whiskey. BUSHMILLS and music have always gone well together. Handcrafted whiskey and handcrafted music – it just makes sense!”

To win tickets to ‘BUSHMILLS Live’ or to find out more, visit facebook.com/bushmills1608 . Entry opens at 16:08 GMT on St Patrick’s Day and closes at 23:59 GMT on 27th April 2012. Terms and conditions apply.
Drink Responsibly- www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

The BUSHMILLS word, the Pot Still device and other associated logos are trade marks. © The Old Bushmills Distillery Co. Limited 2012.

Marie Curie Cancer Care has launched its Great Daffodil Appeal 2012 encouraging people to don a daffodil pin in March to support the essential work of Marie Curie Nurses across Northern Ireland.

This year’s flagship appeal is being backed by Downpatrick race course and local award winning fashion designer MaryRose McGrath who has created a bespoke one of a kind daffodil fascinator to be won by the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ wearing a yellow garment at the Downpatrick race day on 25^th March.

The annual Great Daffodil Appeal aims to raise £140,000 in donations across Northern Ireland to help provide more free nursing care for people with a terminal illness in their own homes and at the local Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

Marie Curie nurse Kasia Patynowska said: “Support for the Great Daffodil Appeal helps Marie Curie Nurses like me to provide more free care to people with cancer and other illnesses in their own homes and at the local Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast.

“We are delighted to have the support of MaryRose McGrath, whose work has graced the pages of fashion’s elite magazines such as Vogue and Elle as well as Downpatrick race course to help us create awareness of our appeal. We would encourage all ladies to come down to the races wearing a yellow garment to be in with a chance winning this beautiful fascinator and help us make a difference by making a donation and wearing a daffodil throughout March.”

Commenting on her support for the campaign, local fashion designer MaryRose McGrath said: “I am proud to be supporting Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. After working in the London fashion industry for a number of years it’s great to be back in Northern Ireland.

“As we are stepping into spring, yellow is the colour of the season and provides the perfect opportunity for the public to wear this colour in support of Marie Curie and also on the race day to be in with a chance of winning my one of a kind fascinator.”

Downpatrick race course manager Richard Lyttle said: “We are expecting the race day on 25^th March to be a great occasion and are looking forward to hosting the Marie Curie ‘Best Dressed Lady’ award – it’s sure to be a fantastic day and we look forward to welcoming all stylish ladies wearing yellow!”

Daffodil pins can be picked up from local stores, schools, street collectors, from Marie Curie Shops or online. To find where you can get a daffodil pin in your local community please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.

For more information on how to get involved in the Great Daffodil Appeal, please contact 028 90882060 or visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

With the much anticipated opening of the Titanic Visitor Centre just around the corner, Northern Ireland based activity providers have launched three innovative ways of exploring Belfast’s historic shipyard by land and sea.

Speed boat sea safaris, bike tours and interactive clue-based mobile apps are each set to enjoy almost automatic ‘must do’ reputations during this year’s Centenary celebrations and Chris Scott, Activity Tourism Manager for OutdoorNI.com, believes that these activity tours will successfully compliment Belfast’s unique Titanic experience.

Speaking at the announcement of the Belfast Sea Safari, Mr Scott added “It’s great to see Northern Ireland’s activity providers flexing their entrepreneurial muscle and embracing the Titanic story. These tours add an entirely new dimension to Belfast’s tourism product and really set the city apart as an exciting visitor destination.”

The maiden voyage of the brand new Belfast Sea Safari sets off from the Belfast Harbour Marina on Saturday 31^st March and Director of the Peak Discovery Group, Andrew Porter, explains “This will be a city tour with a difference! There is so much to see from the waters of Belfast Lough and literally every corner in our Titanic Quarter is steeped in maritime heritage with endless stories to tell.”

These thrilling speed boat tours will follow the route of the Titanic as she left Belfast Harbour in 1912 as well as exploring HMS Caroline and the famous SS Nomadic up close. Mr Porter, who also runs a successful sea safari on Strangford Lough, continues, “We’ll be running these family-friendly tours all summer long and expect them to be popular with visitors to Belfast as well as those native to the capital. We’re confident that the sea safari will be the most exciting way to see the docks and learn a bit more about the fascinating history of where the Titanic tale all began.”

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, Belfast City Bike Tours, have developed a Titanic tour exploring some unique parts of the shipyard only accessible on two wheels. Whilst, Treasure Trails NI have reacted to the Titanic buzz by integrating a clue-based walking route into an interactive mobile app, providing yet another dimension to the Belfast visitor experience in 2012 and beyond.

Visit OutdoorNI.com to find out more about these new activity opportunities taking place in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter this year.

This Mother’s Day, treat your mum to a special day that will really mean something.

Delight her with a delicious afternoon tea or take her to do something that she loves, whether it’s a walk in a glorious garden, an adventure on bikes or an afternoon discovering something new. Whatever you choose to do, give the gift of time this Mother’s Day and make it her special day.

Here’s the National Trust’s top ten places to visit:

Castle Ward

Enjoy a guided stroll around Castle Ward through the exotic Victorian sunken garden and the stunning demesne. Then relax in the Stableyard to the sounds of Vivaldi and other classical works – Walks: 11am to 12.15pm and 3pm to 4.15pm. Music: 1pm to 3.30pm.  Hire a bicycle and explore the miles of new trails or indulge in cream teas in Lord Bangor’s Sitting Room and enjoy a self guided tour of the house.  Mothers receive free entry when accompanied by two paying children under 16 years.

Mount Stewart

With a surprise around every corner the gardens of Mount Stewart are a must-see for garden loving mums. There’s the Spanish pavilion that looks like a theatre set, political planting in the Shamrock Garden and colour-driven beds in the Italian, Sunken and White gardens. Relax in the Bay Restaurant and visit the garden shop to take home a souvenir piece of Mount Stewart.

Rowallane Garden

Be inspired by this enchanting garden’s dazzling array of exotic species from the four corners of the globe. Created in the mid 1860s by the Reverend John Moore, and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore from 1903, this informal plantsman’s garden reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area.  Take a tranquil walk around the Rock Garden Wood or follow the farmland trail to the summit of trio Hill.

The Argory

Say thanks to mum with a day at The Argory.  Enjoy afternoon tea in the Octagon

Room, and live entertainment with craft activities for Mum and the children.  Built in the 1820s, this handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by a wooded riverside estate with wonderful vistas and riverside walks. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900s – the eclectic interior still evoking the family’s Edwardian tastes and interests.

Springhill

Springhill has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor.  Enjoy walks along the way marked paths and strolls around the walled garden overflowing with flowers and herbs.  Its welcoming charm reveals a family home that brings to life the many generations of Lenox-Conynghams who lived here from 1680.

Carrick-a-Rede

Take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Set on the North Antrim Coast Road, amid unrivalled coastal scenery, the 30m-deep and 20m-wide chasm is traversed by an amazing rope bridge that was traditionally erected by salmon fishermen.  Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with fantastic views.

Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House

Visit the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne, and discover the striking 18^th century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruins, then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge.  As an extra treat learn about the reality of life in the rural 17^th century cottage of Hezlett House.  Built in 1691, Hezlett House is one of the oldest thatched cottages left standing in Northern Ireland.

Patterson’s Spade Mill

See history literally forged in steel at the last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles. Hear the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill of traditional spade-making. Guided tours vividly capture life during the Industrial Revolution and dig up the history and culture of the humble spade.

Castle Coole

Savour the exquisite stately grandeur of this stunning 18^th century mansion set in a historic wooded landscape park – ideal for family walks. As one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classical houses, the sumptuous Regency interior provides a rare treat for visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore.

Florence Court

This beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest, offer fantastic opportunities for all the family to enjoy.  There are miles of walking and cycle trails, a playground for the children and the opportunity to discover more about nature with our adventure Tracker Packs.  Alternatively relax in the peaceful gardens and enjoy stunning views to mountain scenery.    At the centre of the demesne lies Florence Court house, one of the most charming and beautiful Georgian mansions in Ulster.

26 Extreme have announced that the Southern Area Hospice Services (SAHS) will be the charity of the year for the Mourne Way Marathon challenge event which will be held on 9^th June 2012.

The event caters for all abilities, whether you are an ‘ultra’ athlete and keen to run the 52 mile (85km) ultra marathon or just a beginner runner who would like to get involved in the 5k or 10k run, there are numerous events on the day that will cater for all.  Registration fees for each event applies and these vary depending on which event you are registering for.  The SAHS are asking all participants to raise a further £30 sponsorship to take part in the Mourne Way Challenge.  On the day the following events will take place in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor: Ultra Marathon (52mile), Marathon (26miles), Challenge Walk (26miles), Half Marathon (13mile), 10k run/walk, 5k run/walk and a children’s race.  The Mourne Way Marathon event initially began in 2009 and was the first off road marathon in Ireland.  Since its inception the numbers have increased year upon year and 2012 is set to have the largest attendance to date.

Local radio host and personality ‘Big O’ will be participating in the 10k run on the day and is already getting into shape for the event. Big O added, ‘I’m very excited about this year’s Mourne Way Marathon and I’ve already started my training.  I hope there are plenty runners and walkers alike willing to get their runners on for a great day out and raise money for a fantastic cause!’

Leanne Rice (Regional Marketing Officer for Newry & Mourne) commented, ‘We are delighted to be involved with the event this year and we are very grateful to 26 Extreme for their support. It is fantastic to see a local event in the Mourne area appealing to athletes locally and internationally as far as New Zealand and Canada.  Last year the interest in the event was incredible with 712 participants and this year I hope that there will be even more interest as we celebrate the Olympic year.  It is fundamental this year, more so now than ever, that we get as much support as possible due to having our highest ever fundraising target on record of £2.23 million!  Unfortunately the cost of living and running costs have increased and as a result we have had to ultimately increase our fundraising target.’

In January it was announced that the SAHS 2012 fundraising target would increase from £2.1million in 2011 to £2.23million. This is a large hike and financially 2012 will be very testing the SAHS a charity.   For a registration pack or further details please contact Leanne or Rachel in the Fundraising office on (028) 30251333 or email quinnr@southernareahospiceservices.org.  A full list of the events on the day can also be found at www.26extreme.com

New Boutique Festival Takes Residency at T13 in the Titanic Quarter

Hydroponic Music – one of the most respected music collectives in Ireland – has launched Titanic Lockdown, a brand new boutique festival set to take place under the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes.   An all-day launch festival will take place on 31^st March whilst dates for a two day music festival have been confirmed as 1^st and 2^nd June.

The launch festival on 31^st March, the opening day of Titanic Belfast, will feature a day-long programme of activity culminating in a night time concert at T13 with cutting edge music performances from Roots Manuva, legendary DJ Gilles Peterson and London’s Soul Jazz Sound System.

Hydroponic founder and resident DJ Michael McKeown stated:  “Titanic Lockdown is unique to the music scene in Northern Ireland – a real music festival for real music lovers in an outstanding venue in unbelievable surroundings.  The all-day launch festival on the 31^st March will feature everything from top class artists, banging DJ sets and loads of local bands to continental food markets, live street art, urban sports demo’s, fashion workshops and firebreathers.  Titanic Lockdown is set to offer real music fans the chance to be part of the launch of Titanic Belfast.”

Titanic Lockdown will take place at T13, home to Ireland’s leading Urban Sports Park & Shared Cultural Space.  The venue will host the indoor concert on 31^st March and will be home to the two-day outdoor music festival on 1^st and 2^nd June.

Artists are currently being lined up for the two-day event in June with Hydroponic Music promoter Andrew McFeeters promising: “Music lovers will not be disappointed.  Titanic Lockdown is in the final stages of negotiations with artists and bands that will draw fans from all over Ireland.  Hydroponic Music and our partners Heineken and NITB are committed to making Titanic Lockdown a must-see event for music fans who appreciate real musical talent across every genre.  Titanic Lockdown will rip up the blueprint of formulaic music events, crossing genres from Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hip Hop, Dance, Soul, Reggae, Funk and World Rhythms.”

To celebrate the launch of Titanic Lockdown the daytime programme of activity on 31^st March between 12pm and 6.30pm is free to all comers.   Under 18’s are welcome to all daytime events if accompanied by an adult.  The evening concert is for over 18’s and will run from 7pm to late with tickets priced at £23 (+ Booking Fee).   Tickets for the launch festival on the 31^st March are available from www.titanic-lockdown.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

To find out more log onto www.titanic-lockdown.com, follow us on twitter @TitanicLockdown (#titaniclockdown) or like us on facebook at Titanic Lockdown.

Web Links:

www.titanic-lockdown.com

Twitter: @TitanicLockdown #titaniclockdown #nimusic

Facebook: Titanic Lockdown

www.hydroponicmusic.com

On Sunday the 28^th October 2012 The Civil Wars will play the Mandela Hall, Belfast as part of Open House Concerts.

Civil Wars’ Joy Williams and John Paul White had a chance meeting a year and a half ago and something magical started.  Since releasing their debut album ‘Barton Hollow’, the Indie-folk/Americana duo have won two Grammy awards (‘Best Folk Album’ and ‘Best Country Due/Group Performance’), sold out London’s Union Chapel (via word of mouth alone) and given a breathtaking debut performance on Later With Jools Holland.

Their music fuses elements of folk, country and bluegrass with songs exploring the conflicts that arise in relationships.  In it’s entirety ‘Barton Hollow’ flows, telling a story and you’re lifted up to join their journey.  Williams’ tone, likened to Alison Krauss, is perfectly complimented by White and the music very much feels like it has its roots, in the roots music sound.   The music is modest, minimalist, and their bare-bones live arrangements need no fleshing out.  It’s in their haunting harmonies that this duo transcend.

Along with their Europe and US tour, the duo have collaborated with T Bone Burnett on the soulful score for Finding North (a documentary investigating hunger experienced by millions of people across America)

‘…they make my heart hurt but make it a bit stronger at the same time too’ Adele

‘…through bands such as The Civil Wars, a new music industry is born’ Los Angeles Times

Tickets are £17 available from https://openhouseconcerts.ticketsolve.com/shows/126523454/events

With spring just around the corner, all four seasons come to L/Derry, Lisburn and Armagh this week as the Ulster Orchestra hits the road today (7 March) for a mini regional tour that includes one of the most popular and evocative pieces of music in the repertoire, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, in Baroque Brilliance, a concert of timeless Baroque classics.

The first concert in this JTI Regional Tour takes place in Derry’s Millennium Forum tonight at 7.30pm and sees Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra perform the Four Seasons alongside music by Bach, Purcell and Handel’s uplifting Water Music. The UO will be at the ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn on Thursday (8 March, 8pm) and Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday (9 March, 8pm).

The concerts, which are under the direction of the Ulster Orchestra’s Hungarian-born Leader, Tamás Kocsis – who performs Vivaldi’s masterpiece – is also the soloist with the UO’s Christopher Blake in Bach’s Concerto for Violin and Oboe.

Looking forward to the tour Tamás said, “Having performed with Barry Douglas last Friday and the historic joint concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on Sunday, this is a busy time for the Orchestra, as we end this week with a family concert back in Belfast this Saturday.

“But I am very much looking to Baroque Brilliance and playing the Bach Double with Chris, as he is a dear friend and a fantastic oboist, so I am sure we are going to have lots of fun performing this wonderful piece.

“The Four Seasons always presents a challenge, being very well known and very transparent. No wonder it’s popular with audiences and performers alike, it is a beautiful set of Concertos,” Tamás said. More…

Also looking forward to the concerts, Christopher Blake, the UO’s Principal Oboe player said, “Nothing beats live music and to hear an orchestra in full flow playing some great pieces of music is quite something. Beats CDs or your iPod!” he said.

Talking about the Bach Double concerto Christopher said, “I have played this amazing concerto with the last two leaders of the Orchestra and am really looking forward to performing it with Tamás who is an extraordinary violinist.

“You need a lot of stamina for it because the music never stops which is unusual for a wind concerto. It is also a challenge to play in different places too, as the environment and acoustics differ from place to place, but we are all really looking forward to this mini tour,” he said.

Tickets are available from each of the venues.

Julian Simmons, who recently underwent life-saving heart surgery, is to host ‘Julian’s Fashion Flaunt’ at Hastings Europa Hotel on Wednesday 21 March.

Julian said:  “I spent nine weeks at the Ulster Hospital and I witnessed daily at first hand the life-saving treatment that is performed in Ward 16.  So raising money for the ward and for the Chest Heart and Stroke is now something very dear to my own heart.”

Siobhan Hanley, Director of Fundraising, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, said:  “We are delighted that Julian has chosen to support Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s life saving work through this event.  Everyone knows somebody affected by a chest, heart or stroke illness and money raised through this event will be spent right here in Northern Ireland.”

Sister Tanya Daly of Ward 16, Ulster Hospital, said:  “The staff of Ward 16 are pleased that Julian has made an excellent recovery.  We are delighted to be involved in this event and would like to thank Julian for his continued support in raising awareness of the great work done in the Ulster Hospital and indeed throughout the health service in Northern Ireland.”

The event which will feature the latest Spring/Summer 2012 collections from House of Fraser, Victoria Square, Belfast, styled by Sara O’Neill, is in aid of Ward 16, Ulster Hospital and Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

Julian’s Fashion Flaunt will be staged by the same award winning production team behind Fall For Fashion. It promises to be a much more than just a fashion show, featuring Style Academy models, Ulster Hospital nurses and of course Julian himself.  Hair is by the artistic team from Toni & Guy with make-up by Oonagh Boman.

Tickets for Julian’s Fashion Flaunt can be purchased from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.  Call 028 9032 0184 or email rhughes@nichs.org.uk.  Early bird tickets are priced at £20.00, rising to £25.00.