You can’t get enough…

The 1st fair rocked the Black Box. We had a benchmark to surpass…the 2nd AWF was a roaring success and that has raised the benchmark even higher!

As ever we know it’s all down to having the support and participation of our suppliers and of course you – the quirky couples – coming along to indulge in Quirky delights!

We are determined to fully welcome 2012 with a great big bang…won’t you join us?!

More updates will follow for the next Alternative Wedding Fair, 19 February 2012

Look out for our flyers around Belfast and join us on facebook.com/QuirkyWed.

Apologies – No online tickets!

Hey guys! Previously we mentioned about the tickets being on sale online, this is not the case this time round and we apologise for any confusion caused!

Confirmed Suppliers

AM:PM Cabaret Club Arbee Cards Afternoon to Remember Bespoke Music Bloomin’ Sweetz Breckenhill Catch Challas Spitroast Co Couture Crumbs Cakes Dazzle Me With Your Tips Ember Jewellery Emma Hutchinson Photography Fatted Calf floralearth Harlequin Hoop Dance Heathfield Hilden Brewery iMakeAnything Inkwell Cartoon and Caricature jBird Bakery Jacqui Bennett Karen Sufferin Make Up Artist Lavery’s Lily Cupcake Lauren Rutherford Photography Lifting the Veil Little White Dress Love 22 Make A Wish Foundation Marryokes

Merville House Moon Monkeys Productions My Little Hat Box My Little Kitchen National Trust Our Events NI Paper Bark Party Table Paula McManus Photography Prestige Candleabra Pretty Pin Up Pure Pictures Remember It To Me Roadrunner Photography Ruby Bijou SAK Designs She Likes Surprises Something Borrowed Starlight Weddings Sugar Mama’s Sweets n Treats Tea Boutique The Adventure Team The Knievals Tiffany’s on the Square Ulster Cancer Foundation Vintage Bride Vintage Rocks Vintage Routemaster VW Wedding Hire The Windrose

Admission

Price is just £5.00!

A new BBC NI television series, created by the team behind Slim Chance: Fix My Family, is giving you the chance to help change your family’s life.

We are looking for families with teenagers struggling to keep the peace with each other. Teenagers, has the atmosphere at home become unbearable? Parents, do you feel you have lost the respect you deserve?

Whatever the problems, and however serious the issues, we hope to help to resolve them and restore mutual respect amongst the whole family.

Has communication broken down in the family home?
Does your family share more anger than laughter?
Do you want a chance to put things right?

Think you might be interested? Want to know more about it?

Just call and have a chat with one of our team in strict confidence.

What have you got to lose?

Tel: 02890-326061
Or email us at: teens@terntv.com

Series Synopsis

Tern TV, and the team behind last years BBC One NI series ‘Slim Chance: Fix My Family’, have begun work on the second “Fix My Family”. In this series – ‘Fix My Teenage Family’ – we aim to explore a number of issues that affect Northern Irish teens and their families today.

Whatever the problems, and however serious the issues, we hope to help to resolve them and restore mutual respect amongst the whole family.

Parents have always had a rough ride, but in this modern age, it is getting tougher. Parents feel like they’re losing control in the family home whilst teenagers think that they are not being listened to. Inevitably, this results in a communication breakdown between family members.

We’re offering Northern Irish families the opportunity to take a bit of time out from the stresses and strains of daily life, and with the help of our team of experts, tackle the difficulties that are rocking the stability of the family unit the most.

Rising Northern Irish band Trucker Diablo have made their debut appearance on the hit game Rock Band on
Xbox!

Since Saturday the band’s song Drink Beer, Destroy has been available to download and play on the game

through the Rock Band Network Store!

Already fans have been posting videos and photos of their attempts

at the game, for example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fn3PfwUubQ

One fan “re-created” the band in Rock Band form and posted on their Facebook.

The song Drink Beer, Destroy has in the past week been played on BBC Radio 1, Kerrang Radio and Kerrang TV

Look out for the band on the road around the UK and Ireland over the next few months including an appearance at Hammerfest!

TRUCKER DIABLO

www.facebook.com/truckerdiablo

www.twitter.com/truckerdiablo

www.truckerdiablo.com

Ricky Warwick –Thin Lizzy
“One of the best new bands from Northern Ireland!!

Cormac Nesson –The Answer

“Great album guys..Refreshingly honest Northern Irish rock n roll”

Joe Elliot- Def Leppard

“Absolutely Rockin stuff”

Classic Rock Magazine (Featured on April Edition 2011: Track 14)

This track has a huge groove that owes something to the Almighty and Thin Lizzy

Dom Lawson – Metal Hammer
“Excellent arse-kicking rawk action!”

Andy King –Total Rock
“Sounds like an anthem to youth, drinking and err… destroying! Aaah I remember those days!!

The National Lottery “Secret Fortune” – hosted by Nick Knowles – is back for a brand new series!

By putting your general knowledge to the test, you could win a great cash prize.

We are looking for fantastic Contestant Pairs to take part – a family duo, competitive couple, best friends, colleagues or simply a great twosome that will work together well and potentially win BIG MONEY.

To receive an application form today, EMAIL contestants@wild-rover.com

Or call 02890 500 758 for more information

Standard geographic charges apply and calls may be included in your telecom provider’s call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher

The closing date for returning application forms is 17:00, 11th of March 2012.

All applicants must be 18 years and over and be legally resident and currently living in the UK.

Brit nominated, acoustic guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner has announced a return to Belfast ahead of his new album to be released later this year. Newton Faulkner revisits Belfast at The Limelight on Saturday 26th May, having sold out The Waterfront Hall, St Georges Market and Spring & Airbrake on previous occasions. Tickets are on sale priced £17.50 this Friday at 9am from www.ticketmaster.ie, www.limelightbelfast.com and all usual ticket outlets.

As well as playing his classic hits, Newton will be giving fans the chance to hear new material on the tour as he showcases songs from his forthcoming LP.

He has sold over 1million albums in the UK alone. His debut ‘Hands Built By Robots’ spent over10 months inside the Top 40 Album Charts and become one of the Top 20 Biggest Selling UK digital albums of all time.

Newton is currently putting the finishing touches to his new album, taking a back to basics approach and recording most of it at home.

Sat        26-May   Belfast                  The Limelight

www.newtonfaulkner.com

A ‘Celebrate Independent Fashion Showcase’ will launch Belfast Independent Retail Week (BIRW) next month and ‘A Mad Hatters Tea Party’ will mark the end of the initiative which runs from 5-11 March.

In between Belfast independent retailers will also be participating in a Visual Merchandising and Customer Care competition, shopping promotions and other in-store events.

Customers will get the opportunity to win Grainne Maher necklaces, a mountain bike, a Designs Satchel, and a Swedish massage.

Retailers are getting behind Belfast City Council’s efforts to boost trade and improve service in the independent retail  sector with more than 160 signing up for the first ever Belfast Independent Retail Week.

This runs from 5-11 March and while celebrating the range and quality of the independent traders in Belfast, aims to raise their profile by highlighting quality neighbourhood shopping across the city.

Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “This is a tough economic climate for everyone but independent retailers in particular need a boost because they don’t have the resources that larger chains can call on. Many are one person or family businesses which employ small numbers but small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they are what differentiate one city from another and they are a vital service in local communities.

“We want to help them promote their service and encourage customers to recognise the importance of supporting independent retailers. It is satisfying that so many local retailers are signing up to participate in this initiative which covers not just the city centre but those neighbourhood areas in all quarters of the city.”

The Fashion Event is a flagship catwalk show to promote independent fashion designers, retailers and jewellery makers and will take place in the Great Hall from 12.30pm-1.30pm on Monday 5 March. Independent retailers will also be offered the chance to have a pop-up shop in City Hall.

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Sunday 11 March is a family event to showcase food products from Belfast. Families will be invited to follow a Mad Hatter’s food trail, enjoy storytelling and children’s craft and play along the way.

Tickets for both events are free and are available from Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau.

A series of workshops are also taking place in the run up to BIRW to enhance key skills within the independent retail sector. This includes customer care, creating fabulous displays and loyalty schemes, why retailers should be trading online and using social media to drive custom.

Students from Belfast Met will be helping shops create displays and these will then be judged during BIRW. Councillor Stalford said: “By involving students we are also providing some hands on experience that will be invaluable when they come to look for work.

“It also emphasises that we are working very much in partnership with the retailers and service trainers as well as business forums across the city. We want independent retailers to know that we place value on what they provide and we are happy to support them in whatever way we can,” added the Councillor.

More information on BIRW is available on www.belfastcity.gov.uk/retail

Local girl Christine Watson, founder of Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing, has been appointed to offer WorldHost training in Co Down, Belfast, England, Scotland and Wales.

Launched by Ministers’ Arlene Foster and Stephen Farry, the training is planned at a critical time for the economy, as Northern Ireland prepares to host a series of world-class events in 2012 and 2013.

Christine said:  “It’s a very exciting time for the retail and tourism industries in Northern Ireland and delivering excellent customer service at each and every customer touchpoint is essential.  WorldHost is supported until end March 2012 by a generous funding package from DEL which reduces the cost by a staggering 89% to just £20 per participant for eligible businesses in the tourism industry in Northern Ireland.

“Our tourism industry which spans hospitality, leisure, retail and transport can capitalise on this year’s unique opportunity, to raise its profile on a worldwide stage, creating lasting impressions and encouraging repeat visits and positive word of mouth endorsement of Northern Ireland as a must visit or top tourist destination.”

The first WorldHost course for tourism related businesses in the Banbridge district is scheduled for 6th and 7th March at the Belmont Hotel.  Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  To register your interest or book places, email your details to cwatson@watsonsmarketing.com

With over one million people trained worldwide, WorldHost customer service training gives front-line staff a comprehensive grounding in the principles of customer service and acting as an ambassador for their local area. Originally developed in Canada and widely perceived as the global leader for customer service – WorldHost also has a track record of being used to support world-class events. The programme was used to train 39,000 tourism staff and volunteers in the run-up to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and is also being used at London 2012 to train thousands of staff and contractors working at the Olympic and Paralympic venues.

Christine is accredited by People 1st, The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and WorldHostTM.  A professional Chartered Marketer Christine is also a Customer Service Assessor for the Centre for Competitiveness Gold Star award and an innovation agent, technical mentor and marketing expert to small businesses in NI and ROI for the EU via Noribic’s iFactory and Castlereagh Borough Council’s Evolution programmes.

Originally from Newcastle, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Christine’s career achievements to date include attracting hundreds of thousands of retail tourists into Banbridge from the Republic of Ireland positioning the area as a retail tourism destination.

If you’re looking for that special place to take your loved one this Valentines Day then Belfast Zoo is the destination for you.

Come along for the perfect romantic day out and learn about all the animals in love. To take part in our Woo at the Zoo tour phone 028 9078 2085 and book your ticket.

As if that wasn’t enough we are giving you the chance to win a once in a lifetime experience feeding the giraffes.

By purchasing an animal adoption for your loved one and by answering a simple question, you will be automatically entered into a prize draw for the ‘Woo at the Zoo’ competition.

The winner will be announced on facebook and will receive their chance to feed the giraffes on Sunday 12 February 2012.

To be in with the chance of winning follow three simple steps. Choose the animal you would like to adopt, the level of adoption you would like (bronze, silver or gold) and answer the following question:

Question: Which of our monogamous animals presents a gift of a pebble to his lifelong mate?

(a)   Moloch gibbons

(b)   Gentoo penguins

(c)   Pygmy marmosets

Phone 028 9078 2085 or email adoption@belfastzoo.co.uk for more information and to apply.

Terms and conditions

• You must answer the question when you apply for your animal adoption.
• This promotion is valid from 1 February 2012 and ends on Friday 10 February 2011 at 3pm.
• The winner will be selected at random and once a winner has been selected, the decision is final.
• The winner will be notified on Friday 10 February 2011 at 3:30pm.
• This prize is for a maximum of 2 people.
• Payment for your animal adoption must be received before 2:30pm on Friday 10 February 2011 in order to enter.
• Belfast Zoological Gardens reserve the right to re-organise the prize due to unforeseen circumstances.

The first ever Ulster Association of Youth Drama Conference will be held at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, on Wednesday 29 February.

Aimed at those working directly in the youth drama sector in Northern Ireland, the one day event, themed ‘engage, inspire and create’, will offer attendees a varied programme of performance, keynote speeches, workshops and a panel discussion session.

Some of the UK’s leading drama experts will be on hand to impart their knowledge and engage with the delegates.  Colin Bradie of Promote YT, Scotland, and theatre director and writer Phil Clark will give keynote addresses; Ali Campbell, a leading expert in Boal Techniques, will present facilitation masterclasses, Danny Braverman, a director and writer, who has particular experience in community theatre, will host a workshop on drama and citizenship and Tracy Dempsey of Soul Ambition will inspire delegates on how to engage with young people through social media.

Ryan Black, Chair of Ulster Association of Youth Drama, said:  “NI2012 is certainly a year of opportunity for arts and culture.  We want to embrace ‘our time, our place’ with a thought provoking Conference, offering learning and best practice to anyone who wants to explore the use of drama when working with young people or those studying for a career in the industry.

“Basically we would encourage theatre leaders, professional artists, youth leaders, academics teaching drama, community and voluntary groups, public sector support organisations, arts officers, performers, workshop facilitators and students pursuing a career in drama to attend.

“We are committed to leading a co-ordinated approach to the development of the sector stimulating good practice, growth in participation and audiences.  Face to face interaction is key to working together to achieve this and we are both excited and confident that we are offering something unique to those who plan to attend ‘The Next Stage’.”

Gavin O’Connor, Youth Arts Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “The Arts Council has long been a supporter of the Ulster Association of Youth Drama and its first conference will create an opportunity for theatre professionals and young people to share their experience, knowledge and ideas, through a structured process of discussion and debate.”

The Conference will also feature a Youth Theatre Forum open to all young people aged 16 plus who have an interest in arts, theatre and drama.

Delegate fees range from £10.00 to £25.00.  To book your place at ‘The Next Stage’ log onto www.eventelephant.com/UAYDConference or email lesley@theeventor.com

Andrew Lloyd Webber starts a nationwide search on ITV1 for the next musical superstar#1

The prize on offer is a unique opportunity to play the title role in new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar across the UK,
starting at London’s O2 arena

And the final decision will be in the hands of the British public

ITV1 and Andrew Lloyd Webber today announce ‘Superstar’– a brand new show that will give the British public the chance to choose the country’s next major rock star.

The winner’s life-changing prize will be the leading role in a new arena tour of the legendary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar which will open at London’s O2 arena.

Superstar will help talented singers achieve their potential and Andrew Lloyd Webber hopes the British public will help him discover an extraordinary new voice to fill the country’s largest arenas.

Andrew Lloyd Webber says: “Presenting a new, 2012 version of Jesus Christ Superstar for arenas is truly exciting. Some of the best performances of this show have been in rock venues and I’m thrilled to see the show return to its roots. ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new, British Superstar.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber has previously discovered brilliant new stars for West End productions of The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Oliver! and The Wizard of Oz. Theatre audiences have grown, there has been an increase in musical theatre licensing by amateur societies and a surge in applications at stage schools.

“It is the public who lead the casting process and they’ve got it absolutely right four times already. It’s been wonderful to see the careers of so many of the contestants blossom, so it will be especially fascinating to see who the public chooses as their Superstar!” says Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Auditions will take place across the country during February-March in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. The UK’s most promising new talent will perform on stage in the hope of impressing the casting panel for a place in the final live shows.

The casting team will whittle down the numbers for the live shows featuring those they believe have potential to become a superstar.

Lloyd Webber will be joined by a carefully selected panel of judges to help him in his search. But ultimately it will be up to the British public to decide who they want to be his Superstar and play Jesus.

Elaine Bedell, ITV’s Director of Entertainment & Comedy, says: “We are asking ITV viewers to help us find a new superstar – in every sense of the word. We’re looking for the kind of performer who can fill arenas – and produce a rocking performance to match.”

Peter Davey, Executive Producer, says: “This is a massive, exciting opportunity and Andrew is looking for special talent. The winner will overnight become both an acting lead and – dare I say – a rock god overnight. There’s never been a bigger role or greater challenge ……… and it will be fascinating to see who the British public pick as their “Jesus”.

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV Studios says: “Live primetime entertainment is at the heart of ITV Studios and we’re delighted to be working with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to bring this nationwide search to ITV1.”

Superstar is executive produced by Peter Davey with Katharine Begg as series producer.

Superstar is an ITV Studios production for ITV1.

How to Apply:

Please go to www.itv.com/superstar for full details on how to apply and audition, website will be live from midnight Wednesday 18th January 2012. Anyone can apply over the age of 18 yrs, be it professional or amateur.

For further press information on the show please contact;
Gary Smith on 0207 157 3016 or gary.smith@itv.com

For further information on pictures please contact;
Shane Chapman on 0207 157 3043 or shane.chapman@itv.com