It’s ‘T-Day’ for the Ulster Orchestra!

By

With a choice of 35 main season concerts – including a world première – and nine lunchtime concerts that feature the work of more than 60 composers from 12 countries from around the world involving more than 20 guest conductors and almost 40 soloists – It’s ‘T-Day’ for the Ulster Orchestra’s as tickets to the 2011-2012 Concert Season go on sale today (18 July).

Entitled ‘World of Music’, the Ulster Orchestra’s 46th Season heralds some great classical music and unique contemporary collaborations with some outstanding local and international artists and a first for Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra in its Taster Concert.

“The Taster Concert on 21 September is a first for the UO,” explained the Ulster Orchestra’s Chief Executive, “as it will be the first time that we have given a concert that features music from the Season ahead. It’s a potted highlight if you like and a perfect way to open the door into our world of classical music.

“It will also be the first time that JoAnn Falletta takes the Orchestra through its paces in her first Season as our new Principal Conductor. Conducting and presenting the concert, JoAnn comes with a huge international reputation. Described by the New York Times as ‘one of the finest conductors of her generation’, she is our first female and first American to hold the post bringing passion and genuine presence to the stage,” he continued.

“The UO is a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s diverse cultural life and this Season we want to continue to take people on a journey through a world of music that is rich and diverse and has the ability to draw people together from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages. It’s going to be a not-to-be-missed Season,” Declan said.

More…

The acclaimed British pianist, Paul Lewis, opens the Season – which runs from September to June – in the Belfast Waterfront on 23 September. The Season also marks a welcome return for a number of local soloists of international standing like Barry Douglas and Sir James Galway – who closes the Season with the James Galway Prom in June.

The young Finish virtuoso violinist Pekka Kuusisto, who wowed the Ulster Hall last November is back in May, and one of last year’s Classical Brit Award winners Jack Liebeck, plays Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in a Beethoven-fest on 30 September.

The popular Russian pianist Nikolai Demidenko also makes a welcome return as does the chart-topping Australian-born classical guitarist, Craig Ogden, who plays Rodrigo’s well known Concierto de Aranjuez.

Tasmin Little, winner of the Critics Award at this May’s Classic Brits for her interpretation of Elgar’s Violin Concerto and a favourite with Belfast audiences, will perform the piece in the Ulster Hall on 21 October.

The UO also marks the Titanic Centenary with ‘The stars, the seas’, a specially commissioned piece by the Orchestra’s Associate Composer Ian Wilson. Inspired by the Belfast-built liner and her sister ship Olympic, the world première takes place in the Ulster Hall on 17 February 2012.

As well as the new, the Season is full of traditional favourites like Handel’s Messiah, the New Year Viennese Gala and Family Concerts which include The Snowman, plus unique collaborations with Brian Kennedy in a big band swing style Christmas celebration, a Burns Night festival and an evening with the Orchestra and Duke Special.

“Tickets start from as little as £6 for a Lunchtime Concert and range from £8-26 for a Friday evening or Saturday night concert,” said Box Office Assistant Janet Armstrong. “And with more people attending concerts than in recent years, if you want to experience a live symphony orchestra for the first time, or you’re a regular concert goer, we’ve a great Season in store for you,” she said.

You can book online at www.ulsterorchestra.com, call the Box Office on 028 9023 9955 or drop into the Ulster Hall to get your tickets.

Bugsy Malone comes to the Grand Opera House!

By

Bugsy Malone runs at the Grand Opera House from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 July. Tickets are priced £10.25 - £15.00 are available from Box Office in the theatre foyer, online at www.goh.co.uk or by calling 028 9024 1919.

Prepare to be amazed as the Grand Opera House Summer Youth Project presents a rip-roaring adaptation of Bugsy Malone from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 July. Join the fun as 250 of Northern Ireland’s brightest young stars sing, dance and shoot their way through this high-octane, pint-sized gangster musical!

Proudly supported by The Co-operative, Belfast Harbour and the BBC Performing Arts Fund, Bugsy Malone is the biggest youth theatre project in Northern Ireland, bringing together 250 local young people aged 8-18 to perform on the magnificent stage of the Grand Opera House.

They will work closely with an experienced team of theatre professionals to present 5 fun-filled public performances of the classic custard-splatting gangster musical!

Auditions for Bugsy Malone were held in March 2011, with over 350 supremely talented young people from across Northern Ireland taking part. They were put through their paces by a professional choreographer, director and musical director, with 250 singing and dancing their way into the final cast.

13 year old Nathan Braniff, a student at Campbell College Belfast, will take on the role of Bugsy Malone.

‘I auditioned for Bugsy because I’ve been to the Grand Opera House many times before and always wanted to appear on the stage myself’ he explains. ‘I’m sure I’ll be nervous when the curtain goes up, but I can’t get wait to get stuck in during rehearsals’.

Nathan is joined by 16 year old Louise Brown from Strathearn School in the role of nightclub singer Tallulah. ‘I love acting and singing – it’s always been an ambition of mine to perform at the Grand Opera House, and I’m really looking forward to stepping out onto the stage on opening night’.

Thanks to the support of sponsors including The Co-operative, Belfast Harbour and the BBC Performing Arts Fund, the Grand Opera House were also able to provide financial bursaries for a number of participants.

Chief Executive Michael Ockwell, who is also directing Bugsy Malone, commented, ‘The Grand Opera House is often the first introduction to live theatre for many young people in Northern Ireland. We feel passionately that it is important to develop the performers of the future, and offer as many young people as possible the opportunity to appear on our magnificent stage’.

‘More importantly, projects such as these provide young people with the opportunity to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication skills, and enhanced self-confidence. The enthusiasm and commitment of the cast has been a wonder to behold and I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the fruits of their labour’ he added.

Bugsy Malone runs at the Grand Opera House from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 July. Tickets are priced £10.25 – £15.00 are available from Box Office in the theatre foyer, online at www.goh.co.uk or by calling 028 9024 1919.

Proudly sponsored by The Co-Operative. Funded by Belfast Harbour and BBC Performing Arts Fund.

Time for afternoon tea!

By

Everyone loves afternoon tea, but playing hostess can be hard work!

Rosie Lee Vintage Teas will take the hassle out of hosting by bringing afternoon tea to you and your guests! Just choose your tea party package and food from the mouth watering menu and Rosie Lee’s will deliver everything you need to your venue. Your food will be freshly prepared using the finest ingredients and served on the vintage china cake stands and plates. Rosie Lee’s provide everything you need from cups and saucers to bunting and table cloths.

Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting with style, a catch up with friends or an engagement party, there will be packages to suit. Rosie Lee’s also offer special packages for Tipsy Teas, Mum to Be Teas, Tiny Teas and Tie the Knot Teas. Menus can be fully customised and adapted for dietary requirements and allergies.

With a passion for all things vintage, all the china Rosie Lees use is pre-loved but treated with care! You can be the host of a party your granny would be proud of! A full menu is available on request and includes delicate finger sandwiches, mini millefeuille, scones with fresh cream and jam and a selection of delicious loaf cakes.

For more information and bookings, email RosieLeeVintageTeas@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/RosieLeeVintageTeas. Rosie Lee’s will also be at Frock Around the Clock in the Holiday Inn, Belfast on Sunday 7th August.

The Belfast Cookery School opens it’s doors!

By

The Mourne Seafood Bars in Belfast and Dundrum are known the length and breadth of the country and beyond as a unique venture in Ireland, all the shellfish served has been sourced from our own shellfish beds and the wide range of specials served in our restaurants are landed each morning in the local ports of Kilkeel and Annalong. The aim is not only to introduce seafood lovers to lesser known but equally delicious species of fish but also to help take the pressure off threatened species such as Cod. Our shellfish beds are in nearby Carlingford Lough where the waters are classified grade A and are constantly monitored to ensure our shellfish arrive at the table in first class condition.

It was from this ethos and passion for food that the Belfast Cookery School was born. The School is dedicated to helping those who want to share our passion and learn more about food and the way it should be prepared. Our aim is to encourage students to enjoy their cooking experience and to create an atmosphere of fun and learning that stays with them long after the class is over. The School itself is nestled at the heart of Belfast city centre within perfect distance of all major travel routes and public transport, not to mention hotels, pubs, clubs, shopping and other tourist destinations. The courses themselves last from a couple of hours to a full day and there are a wide variety of different classes available to suit all palates.

As the courses are designed for all ages and levels of experience anyone can come and sample what we have to offer. Our facilities are designed to accommodate up to 16 students at a time and the Classroom is fully equipped with sinks and ovens as well as individual cooking stations complete with hobs, utensils and ingredients. Under the expert guidance of our well seasoned chefs, students are given a step-by-step lesson in creating a delicious meal which they are then invited to enjoy together. As we provide each student with a folder detailing the meals they have created they can go home and confidently impress family and friends with what they have learned.

In the School students are encouraged to work however they feel most comfortable, whether this is individually, in teams of two or groups of four. Those who come to us in groups may wish to add an extra dimension to their experience by competing against family, friends or colleagues to see who can create the tastiest dish. The mood in the classroom should always be one of excitement and we will do whatever we can to ensure that this is the case for everyone who comes through our doors. With this in mind the School is an ideal venue for team building events, company nights out or indeed for entertaining clients. The School will also run a number of “Cook Your Own” events, wherein students are welcome to bring along a meal of their choice to prepare under the guidance of our chefs. In addition to this we will be providing a number of cookery classes for children, we recognise the importance of getting kids interested in fresh healthy food from a young age and building their confidence in the kitchen. While the youngsters get creative upstairs parents will be invited to relax in our restaurant and enjoy a spot of lunch – well away from the noise and washing up!

Belfast Cookery School is designed to be inclusive to everyone, sadly our building, because of its age, style and location is not wheelchair accessible. We were not to be deterred in our efforts however and the lovely people at Fleming Fulton School on the Upper Malone Road (a stones throw from Belfast city centre) have agreed to work in conjunction with us, enabling students who use a wheelchair to avail of our classes and chefs in their fabulous purpose built facilities.

Our website contains full information about us as well as an insight into the background of our chefs. Class information, dates, times and prices are easily accessed and you can book and pay online using our booking our calendar. Please feel free to sign up to our mailing list or follow us on facebook or twitter, we look forward to seeing you in the classroom very soon!

Belfast Cookery School
53-54 Castle Street
Belfast
BT1 1HE

Tel: 02890 234 722
Email: info@belfastcookeryschool.com

Twitter @belfastcookery

www.belfastcookeryschool.com

BELFAST PAIR TO REPRESENT NORTHERN IRELAND AT ‘BUSHMILLS® WHISKEY WORLD GAMES’

By

A married couple from Belfast have been named as Northern Ireland’s representatives at ‘Bushcamp’, the global final of Make it 2 Bushmills, a competition hosted by the makers of BUSHMILLS® Irish Whiskey.

Richard Roberts who works in Customer Service aged 59 and his wife Carol Roberts, a Health Professional aged 55, will be taking part in the final, dubbed the ‘BUSHMILLS® Whiskey World Games’ on the north coast this August.

The competition offers two friends the chance to win two weeks working at the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery, where they will make their own unique blend of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey, stay in luxury penthouse accommodation and get £5,000 spending money. Then, the winning friends will get VIP access to the ultimate BUSHMILLS party back in their home city.

Richard and Carol were selected by public vote on Facebook to compete against pairs of friends from ten other countries at Bushcamp, in a number of challenges to find the ultimate winners of Make it 2 Bushmills. Some of the challenges they can expect to face include barrel-rolling, coopering and beach golf.

The final will be judged by the BUSHMILLS Master Distiller Colum Egan and some famous fans of BUSHMILLS, including Kevin Baird of Two Door Cinema Club, Jonathan Galkin of DFA Records and Rob Allanson of Whisky Magazine.

Colum said: “Bushcamp is going to be the World Games of Whiskey, played out in true Bushmills style. Kevin, Jonathan, Rob and I will be challenging the finalists to try out some of the things that the team at the Old Bushmills Distillery do on a daily basis as well as some of the things that we like to do in our spare time…all with a Bushmills twist.

“But of course, being the Old Bushmills Distillery, we’ll not be forgetting the whiskey itself. A couple of the challenges will test how passionate the friends are about BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey. All will be revealed when we welcome them here in August!”

Bushcamp will take place from 16th – 18th August at the Old Bushmills Distillery, in Bushmills village and the surrounding area, with the winning pair of friends being announced on the evening of the 17th.

Visit facebook.com/bushmills1608 to follow Richard and Carol’s progress and for more information on Make it 2 Bushmills.

Drink Responsibly

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 2011.

Wanted – ‘Giant’ talent for NI’s largest arts event!

By

Sally Maidment of Young at Art is on the look out for more than 500 creative cast and crew to participate in an epic, ambitious event, Land of Giants which is scheduled to take place on Belfast’s Titanic Slipways on 30th June 2012. Combining acrobatics, aerial dance, carnival, circus, physical performance, music, multi-media and pyrotechnics, the event will present a spectacular production to an audience of over 20,000 people at the City’s newest open air events space. Also pictured are Will Chamberlain of Belfast Community Circus School and David Boyd of The Beat Carnival.

Giant Events Company, organiser of Land of Giants, the largest arts event ever seen in Northern Ireland, is on the look out for more than 500 creative cast and crew. An epic, ambitious event, Land of Giants is scheduled to take place on Belfast’s Titanic Slipways on 30th June 2012. Combining acrobatics, aerial dance, carnival, circus, physical performance, music, multi-media and pyrotechnics, the event will present a spectacular production to an audience of over 20,000 people at the City’s newest open air events space.

As the planning and preparation work for the event are building speed, the organisers are asking for local creative talent to get in touch to find out how they can be a part of this unique opportunity, working either behind the scenes or centre stage in a wide range of paid and voluntary roles.

From musical director and costume designer through to health and safety and stage management there are numerous backstage opportunities available. An array of performers will be required including aerialists, circus and physical performers, drummers, musicians and singers. Land of Giants also hopes to offer a series of apprenticeships in areas such as design, production, lighting, sound, special effects and community engagement.

Land of Giants has been awarded £750,000 by Legacy Trust UK and is one of only four UK Community Celebrations to be funded by the organisation. The four national events, which are taking place in Scotland, the East Midlands and South East England as well as Northern Ireland, will enable communities across the UK to come together to stage large-scale outdoor celebrations as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

Dugald Mackie, Chair of Legacy Trust UK, said: “The Olympic games are about more than sport. They are a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of people across the world. We believe that Land of Giants will inspire and encourage people throughout Northern Ireland to get involved and will leave a lasting legacy for the region.”

Partnership funding has also been committed from a range of sources including Belfast City Council, Arts Council for Northern Ireland’s National Lottery Fund and Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
The consortium behind Land of Giants represents a wealth of talent in the fields of creativity and event management. This consortium, comprised of Beat Initiative, Belfast City Council, Belfast Community Circus School and Young at Art, aims to deliver a world class event to put Belfast firmly on the map for quality outdoor arts and community engagement.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall O’Donnghaile, applauded their work in coming together to create one of the biggest community arts initiatives seen in Belfast commenting: “The drive, energy and passion for delivering a unique high quality experience will engage tens of thousands of people and is a welcome investment in the arts in the city.

“Belfast City Council and the Land of Giants partners regard this as a first step towards creating extraordinary experiences for audiences in 2012, but with potential for 2013 City of Culture, the World Police and Fire Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Speaking about the opportunities available Will Chamberlain from Belfast Community Circus School said: “Land of Giants is just one year away today and we would like to invite people from throughout Northern Ireland to get in touch and get involved. The abundance of indigenous creative talent has an amazing opportunity to be part of a unique event being developed here, staged here, and delivered by people based here.

“Investment in the project is an investment in the future of the arts and events industry as we anticipate that those who join the Land of Giants Creative and Production teams will be inspired to use their skills to contribute to the major events set for Northern Ireland in 2013 and beyond. The training and development opportunities on offer throughout this project will result in the arts and events sectors becoming more confident and enabling them to promote the highest quality product both at home and for export. We want to encourage people to push themselves and to be ambitious for the future of outdoor arts and events in Northern Ireland.”
In addition to the personnel required to deliver the events on the 30th June 2012, the three partner organisations Young at Art, Belfast Community Circus and Beat Initiative will be employing their own teams to create and deliver a 12 month long programme of training and community participation to deliver the cast of hundreds for the final event.

To express interest in getting involved in Land of Giants please visit www.landofgiants.info

Have a SUPer summer on the Causeway Coast – learn Stand Up Paddleboarding!

By

Learn to Surf SUP! Stand up Paddleboarding is great fun – it’s great exercise for all ages (over 12s) and abilities, it’s real adventurous and leaves you feeling so positive after you get up and SUP!

What's SUP?

Here’s a short introductory video about what you’ll learn.

Enjoy this cool experience in Summer with NI’s premier Surf SUP School – SurfSUPNI.com, who are based in Portballintrae on the Giants Causeway Coast. Here are some of our sizzling summer packages! (Sorry couldn’t resist that one!).

Learn to Stand up Paddleboard (approx 2 hours) – £30

1. SUP’er weekender experience (1 lesson + 1 hour follow up 2. SUP that weekend) – £40

3. SUP it and Sea Weekly pass (1 lesson + 3 x 1 hour follow up SUP’s that week)- £55

4. SUP’r Club – bring along a full group and get 20% off or 1 person free

Can it really be this SUP’er dooper? Yes.. and some! Don’t forget if you book any of our online packages and you use discount code ‘supdude11’ we’ll give you £5 off! So why not SUP it and Sea this summer with SurfSUPNI.com. Book online or call John on 07796614844 for more details.

THOUSANDS OF VISITORS EXPECTED TO ATTEND BELFAST’S FIRST PHOTO FESTIVAL .

By

Guests at last night’s programme launch for the inaugural Belfast Photo Festival were told that the event – which has been two years in the making – aims to attract thousands of visitors to exhibitions being held in 25 different locations across the city. With famous names such as Simon Norfolk, Paul Seawright and Sophie Ristelhueber exhibiting alongside up and coming local artists, the Festival hopes to promote Belfast and Northern Ireland as a hub for photographic arts.

Supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, business advisors PwC, the University of Ulster and Iris Colour, the Belfast Photo Festival is Northern Ireland’s first major photographic event celebrating some of the finest national and international contemporary photography and visual culture and will be held in the city from 4th – 14th August 2011.

3. Michael Weir, Chair and Director of the Belfast Photo Festival and Howard Hastings, Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board look through a selection of photos which will be displayed as part of the Festival which runs from 4th – 14th August

Through exhibitions, interactive events and the open submission section – which attracted 600 entries – the organisers hope to inspire future photographers, artists and entrepreneurs and offer new, exciting, welcoming and sometimes challenging experiences to audiences through the Festival’s programme of events. Within these events the Festival also aims to also foster and develop critical debate, analysis and documentation of photographic arts practice in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Mayor, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, voiced Belfast City Council’s support for the event. “In this part of the world we are proud to boast many award-winning and internationally renowned contemporary photographers,” he said.

“This festival will present their high standard of work as well as highlighting the importance of photography in recording and documenting our colourful history”.

Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said: “Exciting new events such as the Belfast Photo Festival are very important in attracting domestic and international visitors to spend time in our vibrant cities.  The visitors that come to these events, and the financial benefit they bring, are of vital importance in stimulating growth and delivering economic value to many sectors of the local economy.  I’m pleased NITB is supporting the inaugural Belfast Photo Festival through the Events Funding Programme.”

PwC Managing Partner Hugh Crossey praised the festival as showcasing the regional image: “PwC is delighted to support the Festival and to be part of an event that is building a prestigious international reputation. Expanding Northern Ireland’s international reputation as a cultural centre builds investor credibility, expands tourism potential and facilitates economic regeneration. This is a great example of how culture and the economy can converge.”

Festival Director and Chairman of the Board, Michael Weir explained what the Belfast Photo Festival aims to “The event will offer photography in Northern Ireland’s visual culture and history is something we aim to highlight, while also embracing and showcasing upcoming photographic talent both at home and abroad through seeking out new/emerging talent.

“We aim to deliver Northern Ireland’s first festival of photography and visual culture, while helping to provide a forum and promote the growth of the current photographic infrastructure and practice throughout the country. We will also be supporting audience development across the arts and cultural sectors, which will be aided through our mobilization of the existing visual arts infrastructure.”

The full programme of events is available at www.belfastphotofestival.com

Laugh Til You Burst With Pete Dobbing & the Hilarious Beautiful Su!

By

Looking for something to do with the kids this Saturday, 2nd July? Then come along to The Sunken Gardens where North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme continues with the hilarious Pete Dobbing.

After being abandoned by his mother and father and raised by wild audiences, Pete quickly picked up valuable life skills such as (a) balance on top of a 10ft ladder while strumming Hendrix on a ukulele and (b) escaping police issued handcuffs. (All of which are surprisingly useful!).

This charming kilted gentleman, a Covent Garden stalwart, has a show which will have you laughing until you burst… absolutely, completely and utterly brilliant street theatre.

Pete’s show starts at 3pm and runs til 5pm so don’t miss it!

Then the fun continues on Sunday, 3rd July, at The Sunken Gardens, with the fabulous Beautiful Stu!

Stu won the hearts of every crowd he entertained at the World Championship in 2008, and in the process sneaked a surprise 2nd place.

With lightning improvisation and a frankly disrespectful lack of actual skill, this charming scamp will win a place in your hearts and in your pockets. Stu is naturally hilarious and a true crowd pleaser!

Stu’s show kicks off at 3pm and runs til 5pm so come along for an afternoon of pure entertainment!

The Summer Entertainment Programme will see live street theatre at The Sunken Gardens every Saturday & Sunday in July and August (from 3 – 5pm). There will also be live music at The Bandstand in Ward Park every Sunday from 3 – 5pm during July and August.

Keep an eye out in local press for details on each artist or for more information phone our Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.northdowntourism.com

Get ready to Groove in Groomsport!

By

Put  Saturday 2nd July in your diary for Groomsport’s annual Music & Fireworks display.

This free event has all the elements for a fantastic evening out with three top-class live music acts, food & drinks available on-site, a funfair for children. The evening will conclude when an amazing Motown-themed fireworks display will illuminate the night sky.

Compering the evening’s entertainment will be Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan who will guide the audience through the event’s performers. The evening will kick off with The Dirty Blues Band, a brilliant bluegrass modern country outfit.

Ronnie Greer Almost Big Band showcases the superb blues and jazz guitarist Ronnie Greer, the band has the added talent of Anthony Toner and will guest star Grainne Duffy, it will be pure quality with an all- star line-up.

The headline act will not disappoint, The Soul Foundation are a captivating, energetic and emphatically in your face 11 piece soul band that encapsulates the raw power of the sixties soul megabands. They will be belting out recognisable songs from that era, think Wilson Picket, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and the Commitments and you are on the right track. Groomsport is sure to be alive with the sound of Soul!

Commenting on the event, Alison Stobie, North Down Borough Council Tourism Manager said, ‘I’m thrilled with this year’s line-up. We want everyone to have a good time but please stay safe, please be aware that there is a strict no glass bottle policy, so any drinks consumed must be from the bar area.’

‘to help make it an even more enjoyable evening, our partners Translink are putting on a special late night service with buses at 11.30pm and 12midnight back to Bangor.’

The event kicks off at 7pm and will conclude at 11pm with a magnificent fireworks display.

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.