Remembering World Alzheimer’s Day (Tuesday 21st September) with the Fold Brain Bus!

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Today (21st September 2010) is ‘World Alzheimer’s Day’, a day when people around the globe raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Marking the importance of this day, Jim Wells MLA and Chair of the Stormont Health Committee got on board the Fold Brain Bus – a revolutionary mobile therapy unit from Fold Housing Association that is used to help those diagnosed with dementia throughout Northern Ireland.

The Fold Brain Bus contains leading-edge technology that helps to engage people with dementia through cognitive and physical exercises, which are proven to reduce depression, agitation and stress levels.

According to Eileen Askham, Director of Care Services, Fold Housing Association: “With over 19,000 people across the province affected by the disease, and numbers expected to rise, this year’s theme of ‘Dementia, it’s time for action!’ is increasingly important. Our aim in introducing the Brain Bus is to make a real difference to people with dementia – to help them maintain their independence, and give them more choice and control over their lives”

Next stop! The Fold Brain Bus will be visiting Lisburn city centre on Tuesday 28th September 2010 as part of Age Awareness Week. Everyone is welcome to come on board and try out the technology for themselves.

Lookaly August Roundup.

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Lookaly launches free iPhone app

Find the best places nearby and review them on the spot with our new iPhone app.

In fact, there are lots of things you can do with our app (listed here).

And this is only the start. Let us know your feedback and suggestions for future versions.

Download the app →

Free iPod Touch giveaway

Thanks to Mac Sys Ltd we have an Apple iPod Touch 8GB + Apple Care (worth £191) to give away to one lucky Lookaly reviewer.

Anyone who writes a review in September will be entered into the draw. It’s that simple.

Full competition details here →

£5 off any Jacks of London service

Exclusive offer to Lookaly members, £5 off any Jacks of London service in September 2010.

Just mention you’re there for the Lookaly offer (free beer or coffee too)

More info →

Popular places in August 2010 (by review count)

  1. Teatro, Belfast
  2. Tannery, Moira
  3. Pet Connection, Belfast
  4. Wolfe’s Gourmet Burgers, Lisburn
  5. Hooligans, Belfast

Featured Town: Banbridge

Know somewhere good in Banbridge?

Write a review and let us know what you think.

From Our Blog

Lookaly teams up with Virtual Visit

Our primary aim is to help you find the best places and services, we thought the virtual tours would compliment your reviews rather well.

10 Things you can do with the Lookaly iPhone app

Find the best places around you, add new places and review them…

Why we don’t pay people to review

We want our website to grow organically, not based on forced reviews.

Belfast Zoo asks, have you got the snap factor?

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Belfast zoo’s annual photographic competition, sponsored by HB, is coming to a close this Friday 24th September at 4.00pm. The competition is open to all budding and amateur photographers, with the chance to win cash prizes and for your work to be displayed in the zoo.

Categories include:

  • Have you got the SNAP factor?

    best picture taken by a club photographer;

  • best picture taken by a visitor;
  • best black and white picture;
  • best funny caption; and
  • best picture taken by someone under 16.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners in an awards ceremony, at Belfast Zoo, in October 2010.

The zoo is open every day from 10.00am to 7.00pm.  Last entry into the zoo is at 5pm and animal houses close at 6pm.

Why not visit the zoo this week to take that perfect picture that could win you a cash prize and the snap factor at Belfast zoo.

Entry forms and further details are available online at www.belfastzoo.co.uk/photocomp or phone 028 9078 2085

COUNTDOWN TO ARTHUR’S DAY, 17:59 WHERE WILL YOU BE?

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WESTLIFE, THE SCRIPT, IMELDA MAY AND SHARON CORR ADDED TO INCREDIBLE ARTHUR’S DAY LINE UP!

With only days to go, GUINNESS® & CO today announced that Westlife, one of Ireland’s most successful bands ever plus chart topping Irish sensations, The Script will perform alongside other international artists as part of the Arthur’s Day celebrations in Dublin on 23rd September.

With over 1,000 planned events nationwide, over 150 confirmed artists and 200 hours of live music performance; the excitement around the Arthur’s Day celebrations is mounting, with all ticket sales going to the Arthur Guinness Fund. Arthur’s Day honours the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, the pioneering brewer and philanthropist who signed the 9,000 year lease on the St. James’s Gate Brewery in 1759 and introduced GUINNESS to the world.

Also added to the incredible line up is Sharon Corr, who will play as part of the nationwide celebrations in Cork while Imelda May will also be appearing in a Cork City pub before raising a toast at 17:59 and performing at Galway’s Folan Quay outdoor venue before finally ending her Arthur’s Day with a performance at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin.

Westlife, The Script, Sharon Corr and Imelda May, along with previously announced studio artists such as Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, Brandon Flowers and Manic Street Preachers, will also all be playing a surprise performance in Arthur’s Day pubs in Dublin, Cork and Galway on the night.

Additional pub artists to join the line up include the UK’s Morning Parade and The Shoestrung.

Westlife, speaking ahead of Arthur’s Day said, “We’ve heard the atmosphere last year was incredible, so we can’t wait to get into Dublin and be part of what is fast becoming one of Ireland’s biggest days in the year. It’s a chance to play with some fantastic artists and shock a few fans by rocking up unexpectedly to one of the local pubs. See you on 23rd Dublin!!!”

Orla Flanagan, GUINNESS Brand Manager said, “With only a few days to go the excitement is palpable. We have created an interactive map of Ireland on Guinness.com, where hundreds of Arthur’s Day pub celebrations are listed and the geographical spread of events shows just how much people around the country have embraced it. We have just launched an Arthur’s Day iPhone app, which will be a way for people celebrating Arthur’s Day to share toasts and connect with friends on the day.  After only 72 hours, the app is already No.1 in the iPhone app store!”

Commenting on the additions to the line up, Flanagan said, “Westlife are an iconic Irish band having had huge success over the last 11 years.  We are particularly thrilled that local lads The Script can perform on the day too as they grew up in James’s St, only a short walk away from the home of GUINNESS.  It’s great to see the anticipation building for the big day.

An interactive map of Ireland with a full list of events and artists taking place all over the country can be found on www.Guinness.com/arthursday

The Arthur’s Day iPhone app will give people the ultimate Arthur’s Day experience. Created to allow the whole of Ireland to come together and share in the celebrations on Thursday 23rd September, the app offers information on events taking place throughout the country and allows users to share toasts with friends and on live TV and also track where their friends are toasting on the night via a geo locater and a Facebook link up.  The Arthur’s Day app is available to download free of charge from the the Apple App Store.

The Arthur’s Day celebrations will be broadcast live into pubs across the country via Sky Channel 881 kicking off at 17:45 on the day.  Presented by Patrick Kielty and Colin Murray, the broadcast will feature the live toast at 17:59 at St James’s Gate Brewery, music performances from various venues as well as behind the scenes artist interviews.  A selection of toasts captured via the Arthur’s Day iPhone app will be broadcast via a ticker on Sky Channel 881.

There are a very limited amount of tickets still available for some Cork and Galway pubs via local ticketmaster outlets only with proceeds from all ticket sales benefiting the Arthur Guinness Fund™.

The Arthur’s Day celebrations will begin at 17:59 at St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin on 23rd September. The celebration will then continue with activities and events at various locations in Ireland and throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.

Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events.

Drink Responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

CINEMAGIC PROGRAMME LAUNCH MARKS 20 YEARS OF FESTIVAL MAGIC!

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Movie enthusiasts can look forward to a feast of films in November as the Coca-Cola Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People launches its highly anticipated ‘20th Anniversary’ programme, that includes more than 100 films from around the world- over 20 of which are UK/Irish previews and premieres and over 60 workshops, competitions, masterclasses and exciting film related events!

The celebratory themed Cinemagic Festival opens in Belfast on 11th November and runs for 16 action packed days and nights until 26th November in various Belfast venues including Movie House Cinemas, ODEON, Strand Cinema, and Queen’s Film Theatre. New venues for 2010 include the newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre, Ulster Museum and the Lagan Legacy Barge!

The launch was marked with a special preview of family animation Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer in Movie House Cinemas, Cityside, at which 350 film fans attended and cast members, including Irish actor Robert Sheehan (Cherrybomb, Killing Bono, The Tudors) from E4 drama series Misfits officially unveiled the programme at the cinema!

Commenting on the festival’s programme launch, Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to present our 20th Anniversary Cinemagic Festival that offers more than 150 film and television events for young people that are entertaining, educational and inspiring. With the support of our funders, and our Title Sponsor Coca-Cola we have been able to increase the number of events taking place. The Festival has grown hugely over the years and is a major event on the cultural calendar in Northern Ireland and beyond.

We will be welcoming a host of both international and local industry professionals to the Festival such as Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, acclaimed director Mike Hodges, actor Jason Flemyng, award-winning film music composers Maggie Rodford and David Julyan, and returning for a fifth consecutive year, highly acclaimed film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode will be ‘in conversation’ with the Belfast audiences. We are also holding an international young jury competition, screening a special series of 20th Anniversary films, and holding a Gala Awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall, so it will certainly be a festival to remember!”

Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBC, Island of Ireland:” Coca-Cola is proud to sponsor the Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People once again this year. This year’s 20th Anniversary festival will once again provide participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in many arts based disciplines, giving a unique insight into the world of film and television and showcasing the many and varied talents of the young people of Northern Ireland.

We are delighted to support activities for the 12 – 25 age group such as the exciting range of movie screenings and the Talent Lab masterclass programme for 16-25 year olds, which provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn and gain experience from industry experts.”

Festival Films

Gala Screenings: The Opening Night animated preview, Eleanor’s Secret, directed by Dominique Monfery will delight young audiences and set the standard for the eclectic line-up of films being screened over the 16 days of the largest film festival for young people in the UK and Ireland, with the Closing Night of the film programme being marked with a preview of superhero movie Megamind from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures.

New Family: These films will fascinate both parents and young children alike with fairies, elves and mermaids galore in Princess Lillifee, based on the popular Lillifee story books; Missing Lynx follows the adventures of a group of animals in their quest to escape the clutches of an unscrupulous hunter, and there is fun and frolics all aboard an ocean liner in Jasper: Penguin Explorer.

Irish Features: The festival is proud to be premiering four Irish Features that include A Kiss for Jed Wood, starring Coleraine actress Jayne Wisener; Belfast made Wasteland, a story about fate, luck and circumstance in teenage life; The Runway, directed by Ian Power, that depicts the real-life story of a pilot who had to crash land on Mallow Racecourse, Co Cork, in 1983 in a Mexican Gulfstream II jet; and All Good Children, a richly atmospheric debut feature by writer/director Alicia Duffy, that includes a stunning performance by young Irish actor Jack Gleeson.

Around The World: Fifteen previews from around the world will guide viewers in a cultural whistle-stop tour of countries such as Denmark, England, Norway, France, New Zealand, Finland, Germany, Austria, Australia, Italy and Japan!

Highlights include From Time to Time, the latest offering from director Julian Fellowes; the rollicking spellbinding Monster Busters; Magic Silver, the tale of a small mountain gnome; Glowing Stars which tells the insightful story of a young girl navigating adolescence; Accidents Happen, a wickedly funny fable of family, fate and misfortune in American suburbia; Bran Nue Dae, a charming music driven road movie, starring Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush; and Cosmonaut, an intriguing drama set in 1950’s Italy.

Documentary: From stories of boxing and ballet to mountain climbing, horse-whispering and community spirit, film fans eager to see this year’s documentaries will not be disappointed! The Mountain Within provides a powerful insight into the emotional and physical journeys of a group of seven adults with disabilities as they take on one of the most revered mountains – Mount Kilimanjaro. Shot over four years, New Zealand made This Way of Life is an intimate portrait of a Maori family and their relationship with nature, adversity, their horses and society at large. Sons of Cuba, set in a Havana Boxing Academy follows the stories of three young boxing hopefuls; TuTu Much follows nine young ballet dancers as they plie, pirouette and compete to realise their dreams;and Shelter in Place examines a community battling against environmental pollution and corporate power!

20th Anniversary Screenings: To mark Cinemagic’s 20th Anniversary there is a chance to watch classic films also celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year! Ireland’s travelling cinema, Cinemobile, will screen The Witches, Home Alone and Edward Scissorhands!

Aardman Animations- A Celebration: There is a celebratory spotlight on the innovative and award-winning work of Aardman Animations with screenings of Peter Lord and Nick Park’s Chicken Run, all time favourite Wallace & Gromit: Curse of The Were Rabbit and witty adventure Flushed Away.

Family Favourites: Cinematic groundbreaker Who Framed Roger Rabbit kicks of the family favourites of the festival, that include a retrospective on Jim Henson, who passed away twenty years ago this year, with a celebration of The Jim Henson Company’s work including screenings of Labyrinth and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Comic Book Capers: The much loved comic book film adaptations feature in a new section that includes Superman-The Movie, Rocketeer and Flash Gordon which celebrates its 30th Anniversary and to mark this, the festival will welcome Flash Gordon director, Mike Hodges, who will be answering questions from the audience after the screening.

Studio Ghibli: The work of premiere Japanese animation film studio will be celebrated with three anime films, two directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo, inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale ‘The Little Mermaid and the magical fantasy Howl’s Moving Castle, and Tales from Earthsea directed by Goro Miyazaki.

Short Films: Live action and animated international short film packages, for a variety of ages, will provide the audience with thrills, laughs and surprises in Shorts for Shorties, Animated Antics, New Irish Shorts, Teenage Kicks and Growing Pains.

Masterclasses
Young people (aged 16-25) who are keen to get an inside track on the media industry can do just that as the hugely popular Talent Lab event returns. Promising to be a fantastic mix of creativity and learning, the Talent Lab and Masterclasses include Scriptwriting, Make-up and Costume Design for Film, Visual Effects, Film Production, Acting, Film Journalism, Casting, Screenwriting, Broadcasting and Programme Making.

Special Events
Film critic Mark Kermode will be returning to Cinemagic to discuss his 2010 festival pick- Fitzcarraldo, directed by Werner Herzog. A special screening of Northern Ireland’s Favourite Family Film will be unveiled at a special screening on 21st November but there is still time to vote for your favourite by emailing its title to favouritefamilyfilm@cinemagic.org.uk by 11th October; and Cinema Paradiso, the multi-award-winning homage to the love of cinema, will be screened in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund for Northern Ireland. Songs From The Movies in Victoria Square supported by Arts & Business will thrill young people interested in performing, Cinemagic Stars, an intense 3-day acting course returns, hosted by Suranne Jones, Cinebabies party, an early years festival celebration takes place in Crescent Arts Centre, and a Mini Magic Festival supported by Westwood Shopping Centre features community films and acting workshops. The Festival Jury is open to young people aged, 10-18, passionate about film watching and reviewing and the International Jury will welcome young people from seven countries who will discuss and judge a programme of short and feature length films.

Nursery School Programme
Little ones can enjoy the magic of the latest preschool entertainment programmes and films and participate in early years drama with the Debutots team during the fun-filled Cinebabies events.

Primary School Education Programme
Primary Schools pupils can look forward to participating in a diverse range of festival events that include Movie Magic with the Ulster Orchestra, Dance Along with Film, Once Upon A Time…Storytelling, Early Years Drama, Film Classification, School’s Out, Jury Competition, Read and Draw the Hugglewug Way, History Live, Storytelling with Colin Bateman, Lagan Legacy Screening, Big City Park, The Art of Illustration, Animation, The Art of Shadow Play, Lego & filmmaking and DreamWorks Animation workshop.

Secondary School Education Programme
The festival offers workshop and film packages to complement the post-primary curriculum with a special emphasis on students studying moving image arts and media studies. The highlights include Pitch That Brief, Film Quiz, In Conversation with ‘Skins’, Film Classification, School’s Out, Improve Your Filmmaking Skills, Spanish Short Film Showcase, Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 1, Irish Language Filmmaking Workshop, Orange BAFTA Shorts and Filmmaker Q&A, Empire Magazine Film Reviewing, Jury Competition, Film Music Composition, Entertainment TV Presenting and Current Affairs Broadcasting with UTV, Anime Workshop, Genre Study- Horror, Genre Study- The Western, Moving Image Arts Showcase, The Net Generation.
To view the Cinemagic Festival Programme and book film tickets online visit www.cinemagic.org.uk
Film tickets can also be purchased in person at the Festival Box Office, Belfast Welcome Centre, 47 Donegall Place, Belfast or by telephoning 028 90 24 66 09. Tickets for films will also be available on the door of participating cinemas subject to availability.
To Book Workshops and Masterclasses visit www.cinemagic.org.uk
Telephone Cinemagic 028 90 311 900

JOIN THE ARTHUR’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN YOUR LOCAL

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Toast ‘To Arthur’ At 17.59 on 23rd September

On Thursday, 23rd September, Arthur’s Day, people across Northern Ireland will proudly join the worldwide celebrations to honour the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, the pioneering brewer and philanthropist who signed the 9,000 year lease on the St James’s Gate Brewery in 1759 and introduced GUINNESS® to the world.

The global celebration will begin at 17:59, when pubs and bars throughout the province simultaneously raise a glass to Arthur Guinness and his lasting legacy.  The celebration will then continue at various locations in Ireland and throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.

Barry Fitzpatrick, Guinness Brand Manager said: “This Arthur’s Day, there is only one place to be…and that is in your local pub! Be part of a truly global celebration and get together with your friends and colleagues down at your local pub at 17.59 on the 23rd September to raise a glass to the man himself.

“Bars throughout Northern Ireland will be marking the occasion in their own way.  From fantastic live gigs featuring some of the best in local emerging music talent to live link ups via screen with Arthur’s Day celebrations in other cities across Ireland.  Some outlets will even have some surprise visitors on the night itself!  Check with your local pub to see what they have planned…”

Details of other organised pub celebrations can be found on Guinness.com/arthursday

Drink Responsibly.

Drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

The GUINNESS and ARTHUR’S DAY words and associated logos are trade marks.

All the latest news from CDC Leisure

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Latest News
Pulled Apart By Horses in Annies?
Emerging as one of the most acclaimed and talked-about breakout acts of 2010, Leeds quartet Pulled Apart By Horses have confirmed that they will play Auntie Annie’s on 14th November. They released ‘High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive’ on September 6th, the second single release from their critically acclaimed debut album (see quotes above for proof!).
DJ YODA RETURNS WITH HIS BRAND NEW AV SHOW!
Stand back! Super-dextrous turntablist and AV master DJ Yoda is once again pushing the entertainment envelope by taking his newest show to the biggest screen in town. No stranger to breaking new ground and consistently raising the bar in DJ entertainment, DJ Yoda’s multifaceted AV live shows are renowned for being an audio visual spectacle.
JIM KERR (SIMPLE MINDS) ELECTROSET TOUR ANNOUNCED FOR BELFAST!
Lostboy! AKA: Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr prepares for an extensive European tour including a stop at the Spring & Airbrake, on November 10th. James “Jim” Kerr is the founder and the voice of Simple Minds, one of the most influential British bands of the Post-Punk musical revolution in 1978. “Lostboy! Aka” is a solo album by Jim Kerr.
TRASH TALK SUPPORT CANCER BATS
California rockers Trash Talk wil Support Cancer Bats on their Irish dates. Trash Talk recently won Best International Newcomer at Kerrang Awards 2010. Playing three shows at three venues in one night, Sacramento punk powerhouse Trash Talk lived up to the short, fast and intense spirit that of their debut album” Rolling Stone
CAITLIN ROSE TO SUPPORT DEER TICK
Caitlin Rose releases her highly anticipated debut album Own Side Now in August 2010. Check out what the Guardian has to say. Review
DARWIN DEEZ ANNOUNCES BELFAST SHOW
Indie Chart toppers Darwin Deez have announced a Belfast date at the Limelight on Wednesday 10th November. Tickets are on sale this Wednesday.
Tim Robbins actor / musician plays the Limelight – Sept 27
Actor, director, screenwriter & musician Tim Robbins is set to embark on his first ever European tour including a date at The Limelight on September 27th. He will tour with The Rogue Gallery Band. Tim Robbins is best known for his roles played in The Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River and Bull Durham. He has won many awards for his work in film including an Oscar for directing Dead Man Walking as well as an Oscar and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Mystic River.
SCOTT MCKEON ANNOUNCED AS SUPPORT TO GLENN HUGHES
Guitarist /singer /songwriter Scott McKeon will support Glenn Hughes during his Belfast show in the Spring & Airbrake. Since picking up his first guitar at the age of four, Scott McKeon has devoted himself to the mastery of his craft and can now be considered to be one of the most gifted and naturally talented guitarists, singer/songwriters emerging on the UK blues rock scene. In 1998, Scott was the winner of Guitarist Magazine’s “Young Guitarist of the Year” and by the age of fourteen, he was already fronting his own band. He is already listed as one of the 27 best blues guitar players in the
TINPAN ORANGE TO SUPPORT THE CAT EMPIRE
‘From the minute that Tinpan takes the stage one is struck by the synergy of something so gentle yet powerful. The partnership of Jesse, Emily and Alex is a formidable knock out combination. They all know when to let it breathe or drive it home. The web they weave instantly catches you and you are happy to be their captive.’ – John Butler
Elliot Minor return to The Limelight – September 26th
Elliot Minor will return to The Limelight, Belfast on September 26th during their UK tour. This will be their third time playing to Belfast fans in The Limelight. Elliot Minor are a classically influenced rock band from York, England, previously called The Academ
Boyce Avenue will return to The Limelight – 22nd November
Boyce Avenu have previously played to Auntie Annies and Spring & Airbrake. Boyce Avenue, a Florida-based band popular for its strong acoustic roots and melodic rock sound, consists of the three brothers Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano. They became a YouTube sensation after posting videos of their own songs and covers of their favourite song
Paul Gilbert brings ‘Fuzz Universe’, to lBelfast
Paul Gilbert will bring ‘Fuzz Universe’, his most recent album to life during his return to Spring & Airbrake on Sunday 7th November 2010. Paul will be accompanied on tour by bassist Craig Martini and drummer Jeff Bowders. As a special bonus Tony Spinner will be included in the band as guitarist and vocalist. Tony is known for his powerful mix of rock, blues and shred guitar as well as his stunning vocal abilities. Tony has toured with Paul on his solo tours of Japan in the 90’s. In addition to presenting his new songs for the first time live, Paul will be performing favourites from RACER X, M
SARAH BLASKO TO PLAY AUNTIE ANNIES
‘As Day Follows Night’, Sarah’s third album was voted Album Of The Year by Triple J, Australia’s biggest national radio network and nominated for five ARIA’s. Award winning Sarah Blasko plays Auntie Annies Attic in December
Lisbee set to play Annies Attic.
BBC Radio 6 favourite Lisbee Stainton’s make her way to Belfast this October.
Deer Tick for Annies!
Deer Tick have announced a Belfast show in Auntie Annies. The Rhode Island band, influenced by the likes of Tom Petty and Sammy Davis Jr, consider themselves a rock n roll band. They already have three albums under their belt, with the latest release The Black Dirt Sessions, due for release in June 2010.
GREG DULLI TO EMBARK ON FIRST EVER SOLO TOUR
An Evening With Greg Dulli. 29-City Acoustic Tour Makes Stops In Five Countries and will showcase his solo material in Spring & Airbrake on Thursday 28th October 2010.

Ticket information

Tickets available in Katy Daly’s at the bar – Box Office 02890 327007

19th Aspects Irish Literature Festival returns to Bangor this September 2010

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The Aspects Irish Literature Festival returns to Bangor, Wednesday 22 September to Sunday 26 September.

The Festival, now in its 19th year, will host an eclectic mix of established talents, from comedian Ardal O’Hanlon, musician Juliet Turner and Dublin-born journalist and television presenter Peter Snow.  New talents in Irish crime writing, Alex Barclay and Declan Hughes will read extracts from their new books.

Tickets are available from at www.aspectsfestival.co.uk

Please note, tickets are limited with some performances already having sold out.

For general ticket enquires contact the Box Office on 02891 271200 or visit www.aspectsfestival.co.uk

Aspects Irish Literature Festival Programme:

Wednesday 22 September
4.30pm Young Aspects Competition Presentation
8.00pm Seamus Heaney

Thursday 23 September
1.15pm Mike Faulkner
7.00pm Mia Gallagher and Chris Binchy)
9.00pm Jonathan Shackleton
9.00pm Ardal O’Hanlon

Friday 24 September
1.15pm The Feldsteins Present
7.00pm Declan Hughes and Alex Barclay
9.00pm Peter Snow

Saturday 25 September
10.00am Creative Writing for Young People
1.15pm Nick Price and Sue Farmer with Danny Millar
3.00pm Writing Workshops
4.00pm Young Aspects Showcase
7.00pm Siobhan Campbell, Katie Donovan and Matthew Sweeney
9.00pm Juliet Turner

Sunday 26 September
3.00pm Fergal Keane
7.00pm Over to You

GUINNESS ‘OUR THURSDAYS’ SHOWCASES CULMINATE IN THRILLING FINALE

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SNOW PATROL MAKE SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE NIGHT TO THE DELIGHT OF EMERGING IRISH TALENT

The Guinness® ‘Our Thursdays’ National showcase took place last night, Thursday, 9th September in Lavery’s, Belfast. From an incredible 800 hopeful bands, four emerging Irish acts, “Maud in Cahoots”, “Reko”, “Dave Peyton” and “Empire Saints” put on performances that really showcased the richness of raw Irish talent in front of a packed audience.

To the delight of the crowd and the four bands who took part, Jonny Quinn made a surprise announcement and revealed that while it had been planned that only three bands would be selected to play alongside the amazing international talent in the studio venues in Cork, Galway and the St. James’s Gate Brewery on Arthur’s Day®, now all four bands will go on to play at the main Arthur’s Day celebrations on the 23rd September.

The four national showcase bands will perform alongside international artists as part of the Arthur’s Day line up in the following venues;

Band                          Venue

Maud in Cahoots         St James’s Gate Brewery, Dublin

Dave Peyton               Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Reko                           Savoy, Cork

Empire Saints             Folan Quay, Galway

Judges present on the night included some of the industry’s top experts including Jonny Quinn and Tom Simpson from Snow Patrol, Matt Cooke from MTV as well as Niall Stokes from Hot Press.

Speaking at the showcase, Jonny Quinn said, “There is no shortage of talent that’s for sure. It has been a great experience for all who have taken part and we are excited about performing alongside the winning band on the 23rdSeptember”.

Not only will the four bands get the opportunity to take part in this unforgettable experience, they will also receive studio time, a digital release from Universal and will find themselves splashed all over the cover of Hot Press magazine in a special feature.

Our Thursdays was a new dimension to the Arthur’s Day programme, which continues the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness. Orla Flanagan, Brand Manager, Guinness said “When we set about developing the programme, we never thought we would get such a huge response with over 800 Irish bands taking part. We are delighted to add these four great acts to the Arthur’s Day line up. Excitement is really building now for Arthur’s Day and I’m looking forward to raising a glass to Arthur at 17.59 on the 23rd September.”

“Maud from  Maud in Cahoots, who were chosen to play alongside Snow Patrol were delighted with the news on the night, “This has been an incredible experience for us and we are so excited about getting the opportunity to perform on Arthur’s Day, alongside Snow Patrol whom we have admired for years. The day can’t come around quickly enough!”

Arthur’s Day is a strictly over 18s event.

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