Countdown to Strabane’s Johnny Crampsie Music Festival!

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Strabane’s hotly anticipated Johnny Crampsie Music Festival is looking forward to the arrival of Irish music legends the Fureys and Davey Arthur, who are set to open the 2010 music festival at the award winning Alley Theatre.

The Fureys & Davey Arthur
The Fureys & Davey Arthur

“This year the Johnny Crampsie Festival will be opened by the fantastic Fureys and Davey Arthur, one of Ireland’s greatest ever bands, we are delighted the group have decided to take part in this fantastic North West Festival” commented Mark Diver from CRAIC. “Each year we want to make the festival bigger and better than the last, so in addition to our wonderful opening act, we are delighted to annouce that the festival will be held over 4 days with a host of great bands from across Ireland lined up.”

The Fureys & Davey Arthur have been entertaining people all over the world for 32 years with their music, songs and stories, however this will be their first Johnny Crampsie Festival appearance.   “There is nothing we can say about these legends of Irish Music that people don’t already know, so don’t miss this concert when you can hear them sing all their hits including ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’ and the ‘The Green Fields of  France”

The following night (October 22nd) it will be the turn of North West favourites, CRAIC, who will be performing one of their excellent heart beating sets on stage to the delight of their legion of North West fans. The group, made up of a variety of local Strabane based musicians, including All Ireland Champions, are eagerly looking forward to performing in their hometown theatre.

The Border Collies are set to take the stage on Saturday, October 23rd, the first time the band have performed in the North West after storming the Trad charts in the south of Ireland. The Collies, who recently swept the boards at the Trend Studios and Irish Music Magazine Comhraigh Ceol competition held at the National Concert Hall Dublin, attribute their success to their versatility in terms of instrumentation and song. The band excels in showcasing wonderful musical versatility through arrangements of popular and well-known songs, coupled with their use of both Irish and English language songs. In addition to the performance the Collies will be offering performance workshops to 8-18 yr olds on the 23rd, ideal for those young musicians keen to develop their skills and confidence on stage. To book a workshop please contact Jean Smyth at Strabane District Council on 028 7138 2204.

“After three great nights of music and workshops, the festival then moves to the Strabane Cricket Club for a family fun day of music, with junior sessions from 4-6 p.m and seniors at 7 p.m. till late. For more information on the festival or to book tickets contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or online at www.alley-theatre.com

Peddle Power at Mount Stewart

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Managing a garden the size of world renowned National Trust gardens, Mount Stewart can present many challenges. Working on a site over 100 acres presents the tricky task of moving staff and materials from one part of the property to another.

Until recently this has been achieved by the use of petrol powered utility vehicles which are effective but not very environmentally friendly. Now the gardeners at Mount Stewart are transporting themselves and their flowers around the property using peddle power.

A bespoke bicycle, fitted with a trailer means heavy materials like plant, compost and tools can easily be biked around the vast gardens. Inspired by the child buggies you see while out and about, Paul Stewart, plant and propagation manager at Mount Stewart contacted local supplier, Bike Dock on the Ravenhill Road in Belfast.

Paul comments: “The cycle is not only an environmentally friendly mode of transport but very effective and quick. The bike is fitted with a trailer which is perfectly balanced so you can easily carry bales of compost, plants, tools and other heavy loads. The bicycle is capable of some off-road use which is necessary in a property as vast and geographically diverse as this one. Transportation is as quick as petrol powered utility vehicles and a lot less effort than walking, carrying or using a wheelbarrow or hand cart.”

This innovative venture is another way in which the National Trust are committing themselves to the challenge they set earlier this year of reducing  their consumption of fossil fuels for heat and electricity by 50% by 2020.

Haunted Happenings this Hallowe’en

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Join the National Trust this October and scare yourself silly with the masses of mystical activities and events for young and old, the brave and the not so brave.

Hezlett House will be hosting their very first Haunted House. Blow the cobwebs off your fancy dress costume and come along on the 28 and 29 October to see the house bedecked in all things spooky! There’ll be creepy crafts, a family fun fair and a ghoulish guided tour to keep you on your toes. Hear chilling tales of the strange and peculiar inhabitants of this historic site as you tiptoe tentatively around the grounds.

Experience Springhill House in Moneymore as you’ve never before, by testing your nerve on a spine-tingling tour!  On Saturday 30 October, one of the spookiest nights of the year, you’re invited to walk in the historic footsteps of the Lenox Conyngham family to discover eerie tales and strange happenings at Springhill. Come along and enjoy a ghostly tour of the House with a costumed guide and hear tales of the mysterious happenings over the last 300 years. Past residents might even join you as you wander through their home by night.

For something different visit Rowallane Garden on the 23 and 24 October to carve out your pumpkin. Scary storytelling and Ghostly Garden Trails will keep all ages amused. Relax in the Garden Kitchen Tea Room with warm Hallowe’en refreshments before heading home with your own uniquely carved pumpkin.

Mount Stewart will once again have its exhilarating Enchanted Garden on the 30 October. Come along in your scariest costume and brave your way through the enchanted gardens on this bewitching Hallowe’en eve! The evening will include a mystical journey through the gardens where music, lights and spooky stories will leave you spellbound.  There will also be an opportunity to view Mount Stewart House during the eerie hours of darkness on our twilight tours.

For those in Co. Armagh, Ardress House has an afternoon of ghostly story telling, fancy dress and face paintings to keep children entertained. A great day out for the whole family on 30 October, so come along and take part in the autumnal activities.

Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh will be a flurry of fun on 31 October with a range of exciting activities for all ages.  From spooky tours of the house to the ever popular Hallowe’en Craft Fair, Florence Court will have plenty to offer visitors this Hallowe’en. Enjoy the gorgeous reds and golds of autumnal foliage while browsing through the range of innovative craft stalls.  Among the crafts on offer are woodturning, handcrafted knit wear, honey, jewellery, loose leaf teas, and wonderful handmade chocolates. With face painting, Hallowe’en crafts and a magician, there will also be plenty of entertainment for children.  Also new this year will be pumpkin lantern making.  Choose your own pumpkin and face design for National Trust staff to carve for you.

Enjoy the outdoors on Hallowe’en night with a guided walk to the summit of the Black Mountain in Belfast for the spectacular views of the firework displays. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

Brighten up the dark nights at the Seapark Fireworks, Holywood

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Trick or Treat?!

There’s a chill in the air and some spooky goings on, as Holywood gets ready for its annual Seapark Fireworks Display on Saturday 23 October 2010.

This fun annual event, that takes place at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood is the perfect remedy to the approaching dark nights with its mix of music, entertainment and glittering fireworks.

Crowds at this year’s event will be able to keep the cold night at bay with wonderful soul warming food made from the freshest and finest ingredients from 5pm.

There will be tantalising gourmet burgers from the Lisburn Road based Rocket & Relish, delicious Asian Noodles from Tuk n Tuk and traditional fish and chips from Gina’s Diner to name but a few.

But seeing as the cold weather will be biting, maybe you’ll want to take comfort in some hearty soup and chunky crusty bread from The Bay Tree or perhaps some sausages and champ from Superchamp.

We haven’t even begun to tell you about the other parts of the event that include a children’s funfair that will be open from 4:30pm, or that Holywood favourites ‘The Jukes’ will be taking to the stage from 6:30pm followed by show stopping fireworks from 8pm that will bring the event to a close.

Commenting on the event, Wendy Smith, North Down Borough Council said, “We’re looking forward to another great night at Seapark this year – good food, good music and spectacular fireworks – perfect ingredients for a fun night for all the family.  Make sure you wrap up warm and bring a torch!”

So come along and join the fun on Saturday 23 October 2010, from 4:30pm at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood.

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

A rocking new choir…that needs a rocking new name?

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Ross Wilson, Courtney Majury and Anna Knight ponder a name for North Down’s new community gospel choir. For your chance to name this rocking new choir and win a brand new ipod nano simply send your name, contact details and most importantly your suggested name for the choir by Thursday 14th October by email to events@northdown.gov.uk or by post to Events Department, Tower House, 34 Quay Street, Bangor, BT20 5ED.

North Down Borough Council in conjunction with a host of North Down schools is putting together a community gospel choir to perform at this years switching on of Holywood’s Christmas Lights.

This rocking new choir, especially one full of talented performers with bundles of star potential and led by the charismatic and internationally acclaimed Marie Lacey, Director of the Belfast Community Gospel Choir, needs a rocking name…

Help us to complete the choir by giving them a name.

Simply send us your name, contact details and most importantly your suggested name for the choir by Thursday 14th October for your chance to win a brand new ipod nano.

Send your entries by email or post to:

Email:         events@northdown.gov.uk

Address:    Events Department

Tower House

34 Quay Street

Bangor

BT20 5ED

THE MAGIC NUMBERS ANNOUNCE IRISH TOUR

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The Magic Numbers have announced an intimate date at The Spring & Airbrake on Tuesday 7th  December as part of an Irish tour which they will play:

Thu 2 December:      KILLARNEY, The Acoustic Room at the INEC
Fri 3 December:       CORK, The Pavilion
Sat 4 December:       GALWAY, Roisin Dubh
Sun 5 December:      DUBLIN, Whelan’s
Tue 7 December:      BELFAST, Spring & Airbrake

Tickets for Spring & Airbrake are priced £15 and are on sale this Thursday, 7 October at 9am. Special guests for the tour will be Dry The River.

At the end of 2007, The Magic Numbers finally took their feet off the gas after almost four years on the road. Two albums released in quick succession – 2005’s The Magic Numbers and 2006’s Those The Brokes – had made them platinum-selling chart stars, but toil had taken its toll, culminating one night in a heated, all-family fall-out. The Stodarts and Gannons realised it was time to stop. They needed to reconnect with the joy that music had always given them, and remember the sparks that first flew when Romeo and Sean started playing together as teenagers in a front room in Hanwell, West London, and the fortuitous moments when their sisters Michele and Angela joined them – originally just providing backing vocals then quickly fulfilling and completing their unique sound. Only now, with their real knowledge of the studio, their confidence as songwriters, and their ever-growing love of a wider orchestra of instruments, they could create something they’d always dreamed of.

The band needed to find themselves again outside of each other and so took some time out to work on other inspirational projects. Romeo was invited by Damon Albarn to join his Africa Express project, leading him over to Lagos, Nigeria. He spent an immensely rewarding time working with many African musicians, including Amadou and Mariam, with whom he collaborated on the song All I Believe In, featured on the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack. Alongside this, he played guitar for numerous other artists, both onstage and in the studio, an experience that inspired and rejuvenated him as he began to write. Michele was busy working on songs for her future solo album, whilst preparing for the life-changing experience of becoming a mother to a beautiful baby girl, Maisie. Angela also found time to work with her friends The Boxer Rebellion on their last album. But it was only a matter of time before The Magic Numbers fell back into each other’s arms and got back to work.

After two years away they’ve managed to craft their finest record to date with love and ambition. The Magic Numbers are back, and more special than ever.

Imagine a record that begins with a song so grand and so glorious that it sounds like it’s descending from the heavens, asking us what it is to love, and what it is to feel. Imagine the album that soars from its searching, stirring strings, shifting beautifully between perfect pop, heart-wrenching soul and country folk, woozy with harmonies and deep, dreamy melodies. Imagine it arriving in the world after the birth of a new child, and the death of the man who helped bring it to life.

That record is The Runaway.

Tickets for The Magic Numbers Irish tour are on sale this Thursday at 9am.

For more see: www.themagicnumbers.net /  www.cdcleisure.com / www.myspace.com/drytherivermusic

For further information please contact Dino or Sabrina at CDC Leisure
T: 028 90 269 949 / M: 07501 229 318 / E: dino@cdcleisure.com /Sabrina@cdcleisure.com

Alley launches YouTube Social Media clips

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Mark Nagurski and Mark Patterson

Building on the success of this month’s Alley Theatre social media seminar “Like – Building Social Networks”, supported by BT and NWIPP and funded by Arts & Business NI, the award winning venue has just launched a series of YouTube clips featuring guest speakers from event. Viewers from around the world can now watch Derry Digital Champion, Mark Nagurski, Andy Ferris (Smalltown America Records) and Michele Canning from the NWIPP, share their experience of Social media and how people, whether from an arts background or business, can benefit from the various social media tools.

“Over 260 people involved in the arts industries and New Media courses from across the North West took part in interactive social media workshops, however we had requests from Dublin, Belfast and even Scotland about the event” commented Nathan Flatman from the Alley. “Embracing the theme of the event, we filmed the guest speakers and have shared these clips via our unique YouTube channel, allowing not just the North West, but the whole world to benefit from the discussions and ideas shared on the day from such eminent guest speakers.”

Beverly Coomber from Arts and Business NI commented ““Arts & Business Northern Ireland would like to congratulate BT and NWIPP for working with the Alley on this fun and educational interactive seminar, and we are delighted to see the information and discussion shared on the day can now be accessed via YouTube. This innovative approach to covering the event is the living embodiment of the key message, the power of social media is here to be fully utilised and should be embraced by everyone.” To watch the “Like” clips visit www.youtube.com/alleytheatrestrabane.

A tasty lunchtime treat with the Ulster Orchestra

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Busy Belfast shoppers and office workers are being urged to take a well-deserved lunch break this week and head down to the Ulster Hall for a feast of a different kind.

The Ulster Orchestra’s new lunchtime concert series, supported by JTI, kicks off on Wednesday 6 October with music by Rossini, Borodin and Smetana and a solo appearance by the Orchestra’s very own Martin Wilson, who plays Ferdinand David’s Concertino for trombone and orchestra.

The monthly concerts – always held on a Wednesday – will start at 1.05pm and end no later than 1.55pm, giving people working nearby the Ulster Hall time to get back to work.

“At just £5 per ticket, this is a great way to relax and unwind away from the stresses and strains of working life and daily routine,” said Lydia Gamble, the Ulster Orchestra’s Head of Marketing and Development.

“It is amazing how the music can just transport you to another time and place allowing you to return to work, or whatever you have to do, refreshed and ready for the afternoon! And the good news is, every month for the next eight months we have a lunchtime concert,” she explained.

More…

November’s concert will be on Wednesday 10 November when the Ulster Orchestra will be joined by saxophonist Kenneth Edge who plays Milhaud’s Scaramouche.

There will be lunchtime concerts each month until 8 June next year and further details can be found at www.ulsterorchestra.com or by contacting the box office on 028 9023 9955

All the latest news from the Alley Theatre, Strabane

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It’s Friday and in the spirit of having that “Friday feeling”, we have 2 tickets to giveaway for the new Des Bishop comedy gig coming to the Alley on November 26th. Interested? Well read all the Alley news and maybe you could win yourself a treat at the Alley!

Show updates

Tonight (October 1st) we welcome the Omagh comedian, Kevin McAleer on stage, tickets, priced at £14, £12 (con) are only available via the Alley Box Office (028 7138 4444). See you at the bar at 7 p.m.!

On Saturday the Alley welcomes “Fashion Rocks The Alley”,with a host of top Strabane retailers invading the Alley. Want great fashion, music and a few surprises thrown in? Then book now for this wonderful event, all proceeds going towards St Mary’s Boys Primary School, Strabane. Click here to book.

Next week we have two fantastic shows coming, Stars In Their Eyes with Strabane Grammar School and the wonderful kids magic and mayhem show, “Leon and the Place Between” on October 9th. Both shows have very limited seats, so don’t delay in booking! Click here for a full performance listing.

North West Social Networking conference a major success!

Strabane’s Alley Theatre was at the centre of the digital world last week as it hosted the groundbreaking “Like – Building Digital Networks” conference, aimed at raising the business awareness of students and those involved in the arts via the medium of social media. Over 260 people involved in the arts industries and New Media courses from across the North West, including students from the North West College and Holy Cross College,  took part in a host of interactive social media workshops, whilst listening to expert social media commentators including Derry’s Digital champion Mark Nagurski, Strabane Chronicle’s Michele Canning  and Mark O’Flaherty, Platform Director from BT.

“This unique social networking conference, supported by BT and the Strabane Chronicle, with funding from Arts & Business has made a major impact in revealing the social media opportunities that are available to people online” commented John Kerr Alley Theatre Manager. “This intensive day, not only involved keynote speakers on social media, but it also provided a series of educational interactive workshops from Derry’s Nerve Centre social media tutors. Today will leave an amazing legacy within the North West and we would like to thank all our funders and sponsors for making this wonderful event possible.”

Peter Morris Consumer Director,  BT, said “Supporting young people in developing their online and entrepreneurial skills is something that we are passionate about at BT – nothing demonstrates this more clearly than our long history of involvement with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.  Events like today can show people how  to use social media tools to best effect.  Through continual investment in our own innovations such as BT Infinity we continue to drive online capability providing users with an even greater online experience.  Congratulations to all the team at the Alley for putting on such a successful innovative event today”

“Some people assume that everyone under the age of 30 knows all they need to know about social media but in reality, getting yourself known online, in the arts or business, is a skill that needs developed. With this in mind, it was great to see so many local people taking an active interest in doing just that and I hope there’ll be more events like this in the future.” Mark Nagurski, Digital Champion for Derry.

Beverly Coomber from Arts and Business NI commented ““Arts & Business Northern Ireland is delighted to support The Alley Arts & Conference Centre to develop its creative partnerships with its local and national business sponsors through the Reach Investment Programme.  We would congratulate BT and NWIPP for working with the Alley on this fun and educational interactive seminar”.

For more information on the “Like – Building Digital Networks” Conference, including images, information handouts and video’s, visit www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre or www.alley-theatre.com for more information.

And finally ….

Want to see Des Bishop at the Alley on November 26th?

We have two tickets to give away for his new show at the Alley, all you have to do to win is simply answer the following question and email your name, address, telephone number and email to nflatman@strabanedc.comand cross your fingers!

Winners will be announced on October 8th.

Tickets for this new show are very limited, for more information on this cracking gig which cleaned out Edinburgh of all the SOLD OUT signs, click here.

Question

Des’s new show is about his Dad nearly being picked to play which silver screen secret agent?

was it?

A) James Bond

B) Jason Bourne

C) Jack Bauer

Don’t forget to send your name, answer and contact details to nflatman@strabanedc.com

We look foward to hearing from you! Good luck and have a great weekend!!!!

Upcoming Performances

  • Fashion Rocks at the Alley

Saturday 02 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • Stars in Your Eyes’

Tuesday 05 October 2010 Wednesday 06 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • Leon and the Place Between

Saturday 09 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • Concerto – Malaga – Massimo Paris

Monday 11 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

  • “Low Pay? Don’t Pay”

Wednesday 13 October 2010

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  • American Wrestling Invasion Tour

Thursday 14 October 2010

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW »

Featured Event

Wonderful children show at the Alley

Leon and the Place Between – A wonderful new musical adaptation by Paul Mc Eneaney and Ursula Burns from the popular children’s story by the same name, written by Angela McAllister.

When little Leon goes to see a magic show with his brothers and sisters, he is the only one who truly believes in the magic. Magician Abdul Kazam appears on the stage to entertain the audience with his spellbinding illusions and fascinating conjuring tricks.

When Abdul asks for a volunteer Leon knows that it must be him. He bravely steps onto the stage, through the door and into ‘the place between’. It is a place where magic becomes real, full of mystery and illusion. But when his adventure is over will Leon be able to find his way back to where his brothers and sisters are waiting for him?

This is a delightful tale all about magic and the power of believing.

The show features a live music, magic, circus, dance, illusion and lots lots more! Ideal for all ages.

Saturday 09 Oct @ 00:00 AM

BOOK NOW »

NI Sporting Stars Launch Dairy Council’s ‘Milk in Action’ Website

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International rugby professional Bryan Young and rising sports star, pro-biker Jacob Dickson, urged young people to ‘Milk it for all it’s Worth’ today as they helped launch a dynamic new website from the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland.

www.milkitforallitsworth.eu is designed to deliver a fun, high impact, digital resource that explains the nutritional qualities of milk in a way that will resonate with the younger generation in Northern Ireland, especially those involved in sport.

The ‘Milk it for all it’s Worth’ site offers an interactive way of learning about the benefits of the nutrients milk provides through its quizzes and games and downloadable video clips. It provides users the chance to upload their own videos as well as the opportunity to win great prizes at its competition section.

Commenting on the new website, rugby star, Bryan Young, said: “My father is a dairy farmer so I know only too well the benefits of drinking milk. I’ve grown up drinking milk and enjoy it first and foremost because of its taste and secondly because I think you can’t beat the stuff for its nutritional value.

“I’d recommend that young sports people or anyone who enjoys being active check out the ‘Milk it for all it’s Worth’ website. It’s a fantastic and fun site where you can get some tips on how to eat healthy so that you can give your best performance, whether you’re into rugby, dance, snowboarding or athletics.”

Twelve year old biker Jacob Dickson from Dromore, added: “This website is seriously cool. It tells you what you need to know about milk in an exciting way.  I always knew that milk was good for me but if I’m honest I didn’t really understand the number of nutrients in milk and their benefits.

“Mountain biking and BMXing can be pretty intense so it’s important that I have the energy to keep going, especially during competitions. The website has helped me understand how the nutrients in milk such as calcium, protein, vitamin B12 and B2, iodine and potassium can help with an active lifestyle”

Visit www.milkitforallitsworth.eu for yourself to see how a balanced diet can improve your game and to be in with a chance to win some itune vouchers!

The ‘Milk it for all it’s Worth’ website is part of the Dairy Council’s ongoing Milk in Action campaign. The initiative is financed with aid from the European Union.

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