Belfast – Birth of a City, out now!

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A unique new DVD telling the story of Belfast’s early history is out now. “Belfast, Birth of a City” travels through 8,000 years, exploring how the second largest city on the island of Ireland has developed from an ancient ford over the river Lagan.

“As far as we know, there has never been anything produced like this before,” said local historian Joe Curran. “Belfast people have a real love of history so we were surprised when we began this project to discover that no one had done this before us.”
The DVD was produced by local company, Belfast Bohemian Productions. The film’s director James Rea, and writer Joe Curran, worked for a year to put this fascinating story together. Using a combination of dramatised scenes, old photos and present day footage, Joe expertly narrates the development of Belfast from its prehistoric origins through to the beginning of the19th century and the Act of Union when Belfast was on the cusp of becoming a major city. The DVD describes Belfast’s development against the dramatic backdrop of thePlantation of Ulster, the Glorious Revolution and the United Irishman’s 1798 rebellion.
The film has a wealth of fascinating details on the lives of the early townsfolk and it also sheds light on how the streets and entries in the oldest parts of the city came to be named.
“People love to learn more about Belfast’s colourful past. For example, there is now no trace of the original Belfast Castle which was once a defensive stronghold for Norman knights guarding an ancient, strategic ford over the river Lagan. Streets such as Castle Place and Castle Lane echo the location of the old castle but this DVD actually shows what the castle probably looked like and what happened to it.”
The DVD will shortly be available in Irish and Ulster Scots. Belfast Bohemian Productions plan to produce a second DVD continuing the history of Belfast from 1801 through the Victorian period up to 1888 when it finally became a city. “We really want to encourage people to delve into the history of the city. The DVD isn’t meant to be an academic thesis but more an entertaining, informative insight into the
early development of Belfast,” he added.
The DVD is available now; from: HMV, The Wickerman, The Belfast Welcome Centre, Eason, The Ulster Historical Foundation, The Bookshop at Queens, Belfast International Airport Tourist Information Centre.
See website for further information and full details of stockists:
http://www.belfastbohemians.com
Email: info@belfastbohemians.com

Get ‘Black Stage’ at the Continental Market with Guinness® Black Lager

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Former Miss NI Lucy Evangelista, Simon Moutray, Lavery’s and Briege Clenaghan, Diageo NI are pictured enjoying a bottle of Guinness Black Lager at the Laverys Bar in the Continental Market.

For the next three Thursdays, in the run-up to Christmas, the makers of Guinness Black Lager are giving fans of Ireland’s newest lager something a little bit special for the festive season.

The Guinness Black Lager team are offering a unique promotion at Laverys Bar in the Continental Market, Laverys Bradbury Place and the Pavilion, in Belfast. Customers who buy just two bottles of Guinness Black Lager between 25th November and 16th December, at these venues, will be given access to the ‘Black Stage Experience’ in Laverys bar, Bradbury Place, for exclusive performances from some of the best artists appearing in Belfast this Christmas, including Foy Vance, Duke Special, Fred Deakin (Lemon Jelly), Cut La Roc and Bentley Rhythm Ace.

Speaking about the programme Senior Brand Manager Sarah Spain said: “Guinness Black Lager is all about creating an enhanced lager experience and we wanted to bring that to life through one of the best events this Christmas.”

“We wanted to give our consumers something special and we think that ‘Black Stage’ access to Laverys in the Continental Market and Bradbury Place is the best possible way to celebrate the festive season. It gives people a chance to enjoy the incredible tastes of the market and then relax with the best taste in music – after all Guinness Black Lager is all about the taste!”

Tickets for the ‘Black Stage Experience’ events and complimentary bus passes from the Continental Market to Laverys bar, on Thursday nights, are available with the purchase of two bottles of Guinness Black Lager at: Laverys in the Continental Market; Laverys Bradbury Place and The Pavilion. Terms and conditions apply.

Oscar-nominated director supports QFT fundraising campaign!

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Oscar-nominated director Mike Leigh

Oscar-nominated director Mike Leigh has given his backing to The Big Arts Give, the online fundraising campaign in which QFT is aiming to raise £5000 from Monday 6 – Friday 10 December 2010.

Celebrated worldwide for his work as director of such QFT favourites as Vera Drake, Another Year and Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh said:

“The QFT is a great film theatre, which I have much enjoyed using over the years.  I fully support the cinema’s involvement in The Big Arts Give, and hope it continues to go from strength to strength.”

A regular award-winner at the Cannes Film Festival and winner of three BAFTAs, Leigh is just one of the many high profile cinema figures who have visited and supported QFT.  During its 42 year history, QFT has brought the work of many other great directors – such as Martin Scorsese, David Lynch and Ken Loach – to Belfast audiences for the first time and has been honoured to welcome many of them in person.

Michael Emmerson, who co-founded QFT in 1968 has also added his support to The Big Arts Give:

“Of all the things of which I am most proud in my life, one of the most important is the establishment of the Queen’s Film Theatre. The fact that it has survived and thrived for the last forty years is a testament both to its value to the community and to the excellent management which it has enjoyed over all these years.

If QFT is to last another forty years it needs your help now – so please give generously to ensure that it continues to bring the best of cinema to Belfast.”

Offering local audiences the only real alternative to the multiplex, QFT is the only specialised cinema in Belfast dedicated to showcasing independent, classic and world cinema and reflecting cultural diversity. Without QFT, audiences would have to travel to Dublin for any similar cultural cinema experience.

Last year was a record year for QFT, as 87,000 patrons including almost 6,000 children and young people engaged with film through QFT.  As the moving image becomes more embedded in the school curriculum, the QFT Education and Outreach programme is even more important as a unique resource for film-lovers of all ages, offering a range of introductory talks, workshops and other activities to complement film screenings.

The team at the cinema also works closely with creative partners, galleries and museums to present film to new audiences in an exciting and accessible way.  QFT has strong links with local charitable organisations and creative collaborations with Autism NI, Unite Against Hate and Outburst amongst many others which reinforce its commitment to the local community.

The Big Arts Give is open online from 10am on Monday 6 – Friday 10 December 2010, so please note those dates in your diary now!  To take part, please log on to http://www.thebiggive.org.uk/donate/qft on Monday 6 December and donate whatever you can.  A range of campaign events will be taking place at QFT throughout the week.

Every penny you donate through The Big Arts Give will go directly to support the work we do at QFT.  Your gift will help us deliver to the highest standards – from the films we show, to the projects we undertake; from our support of local film culture to the quality of our projection experience.

Further information on The Big Arts Give is available from www.queensfilmtheatre.com/thebigartsgive or by contacting Sarah Hughes, QFT Press and Marketing Officer on tel. 028 90971398, email s.hughes@qub.ac.uk

Ulster Orchestra searches for the ‘Golden Couple’

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One of the Ulster Orchestra’s most popular concerts – Handel’s Messiah – takes place this year in the Belfast Waterfront on the 10 and 11 December, but this year it takes on a different twist, as the Ulster Orchestra searches for a couple whose very first date, over 50 years ago, was Handel’s Messiah.

“With the full orchestra and Belfast Philharmonic Choir, Messiah is always a wonderful part of the Ulster Orchestra’s season and one that has been part of our Christmas repertoire since our foundation,” Lydia Gamble, the Orchestra’s Head of Marketing and Development said. “But this year we are looking for a couple whose first date was to a performance of Handel’s great oratorio over half a century ago.”

She explained that at the Orchestra’s performance of Fauré’s Requiem on 12 November one of the performers was talking to a couple who said that their first date had been a performance of Messiah and they had just celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

“If they are coming to the concert next month we would love them to get in touch beforehand,” Lydia Gamble said, “If they aren’t we would still like them to get in touch by emailing info@ulsterorchestra.com or calling 028 9026 0473.”

PUTTING ARGENTINA IN THE PICTURE FOR THE SMIRNOFF NIGHTLIFE EXCHANGE PROJECT AT THE WRIGHT VENUE

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Smirnoff Ireland curator Siobhan O’Dowd, from Belfast pictured with Argentinean artist Jorge Molina preparing for the SMIRNOFF® Nightlife Exchange Project this Saturday, November 27th at The Wright Venue in Swords.

Ireland will receive the best of Argentina’s nightlife culture as part of this global Smirnoff initiative, which sees 14 countries swap the best of their nightlife on the same night.

The SMIRNOFF® Nightlife Exchange Project at The Wright Venue will feature all that’s great about Argentina’s nightlife with delicious drinks including an Argentinean take on the signature Smirnoff Mule, the best food of Argentina including an asado style BBQ, music from Argentina’s top DJ Elio Riso, and awe inspiring theatrical acts inspired by Argentina.

Tickets for the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project can be purchased on ticketmaster http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Smirnoff-Nightlife-Exchange-tickets for €15 or on the door at The Wright Venue.

For more information and updates about the night visit http://www.facebook.com/SmirnoffIreland.

Drink Responsibly

www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

McFly announce 2011 Arena Tour Tickets On Sale Saturday 4th December

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MCD Present MCFLY Plus Special Guests

Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd - McFly!

The Odyssey Arena, Belfast

14th March 2011

The O2 Dublin

16th March 2011

TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER AT 9.00AM

Ticketmaster
In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):
ROI – 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

“ABOVE THE NOISE”
NEW ALBUM
Released November 12th


Pop heavy-weights McFly  released their sixth studio album “Above The Noise on November 12th.

Featuring hit singles “Shine A Light” and “Party Girl”, McFly push the boundaries with an edgy new rock/R&B sound following the collaboration with American R&B super-producer Dallas Austin (Michael Jackson, Madonna, Pink, Usher).

The new album “Above The Noise” sees the boys return to their old stomping ground; Island Records. After successfully releasing their last album, ‘Radio:Active’ independently (initially and then groundbreakingly given away with the Mail On Sunday) the boys have joined forces with Island in a unique partnership for their upcoming releases.

7 UK Number One singles, 5 Top Ten albums and numerous sell-out tours have secured McFLY’s place as one of the UK’s most successful bands of all time. Most recently, the band have conquered Latin America, completing a string of capacity shows and receiving a nomination for an MTV Latin America Award.

McFly are Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd.

Bryan Adams Announces Irish Concert Dates

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Bryan Adams will be in concert at The O2 in Dublin on Thursday 23rd June and the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Friday 24th June.

TICKET INFORMATION
The O2, Dublin: Tickets from €59.80
Odyssey Arena, Belfast: Tickets from £49.00

Ticket prices are inclusive of booking fee and on sale from Friday, 3 December at 9am

In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide
24hr hotlines: Tel: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300 / ( NI ) 0870 243 4455
Buy online: www.Ticketmaster.ie

Adam’s outstanding live concerts have established him as one of the world’s best rock singers of our time, performing over 120 concerts a year. Constantly in demand, the celebrated rocker has been playing rock n’ roll favourites (“Summer of 69”, “Run to You”, “18 ‘Til I Die”, “It’s Only Love”, “Somebody”, “The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me is You”) to sold-out audiences on six continents for over three decades.

The full band rock tour is being interspersed with Adam’s highly successful Bare Bones acoustic tour, supporting the release of his newest CD of the same name.

About Bryan Adams:

Holder of the record for the longest running #1 hit in the history of the British charts (16 weeks), Adams’ has had 4 #1 singles as well as racked up an impressive array of Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy Award, American Music Awards, Juno Awards and ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards.

Adams was recently honoured to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, performing a duet with Nelly Furtado. This past spring, he was the recipient of the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, a tribute to his fundraising and charitable efforts. A week later he received the prestigious Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. Adams has been awarded the Order of British Columbia and is a companion of the Order of Canada; he has received an award for “Artist of the Decade” and was recently inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame. He also has a star on Canada’s Walkway of Fame and recently added his handprint to the Wembley Square of Fame in celebration of his 25th show at the famed stadium.

Adams continues to push the boundaries, becoming the first westerner to play in both Pakistan and Vietnam. He has achieved #1 status in over 40 countries. Bryan Adams’ live performances have benefited His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Prince’s Trust, Live Aid, Live 8, The Concert for Freedom for Nelson Mandela, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Net Aid, The Canadian Avalanche Foundation and Breast Cancer, as well as campaigns that have saved the rainforests, provided food and comfort for the needy and created whale sanctuaries. Through his own foundation he has also helped build schools in areas of Southeast Asia, devastated by the tsunami in 2004.

Adams is also an acclaimed photographer and donates his fees to his namesake foundation that funds projects supporting the elderly, victims of wars and natural disasters and other disadvantaged individuals. His work has also been on display with Hear the World presents “Hear the World Ambassadors” – featuring exclusive portraits of renowned personalities from the film, music, and fashion industries. His critically acclaimed exhibit, “Modern Muses,” was on display in 2008 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Don’t miss Bryan Adams Live at The O2, Dublin on Thursday 23 and The Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Friday 24 June. Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday 3 December.

For more see www.bryanadams.com / www.mcd.ie / www.ticketmaster.ie

Magical Christmas at Florence Court

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Santa Claus is making a special pre Christmas visit to Florence Court in County Fermanagh.  Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in their Christmas home at this charming Georgian mansion and enjoy the Christmas spectacle on 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 December from 12 Noon to 7.30pm.

There’ll be Christmas craft activities for the children, a visit to the elves workshop and a seasonal story.  Every child will receive a beautiful gift, whilst mums and dads can enjoy home made mulled wine and mince pies.

The ‘Taste of Ulster’ awarded Stables Tearoom will be open for delicious home made lunches, treats and afternoon tea. Why not look for that Christmas gift with a difference in our Coach House shop with the wide variety of local goods and great Christmas gift ideas on offer. Visitors will also be able to browse the volunteer run second hand bookshop.

There’s so much to do at Florence Court besides visiting Mr Claus. Why not start your visit with a walk around the designated trails or stroll into the forest to visit the original mother of all Irish Yew trees. The crisp hues of the wintry weather really highlight the stunning backdrop of mountainous views and will heighten your sense of wonder as you take in this gorgeous Georgian estate.

After a fresh ramble outside why not sit back in the Colonel’s room in the Georgian Mansion and listen to 1920’s music by the warmly lit fire. Whilst children can have some fun playing traditional games like draughts, chess or dominos

There really is something for everyone at Florence Court, so come along and join the fun, sample the spirit of Christmas, enjoy Santa, enjoy shopping and savour some fine festive food.

Santa is a very busy man in December so please call and book in advance if you want to visit him this festive season.

Make the most of those few days off work with a visit to Florence court for some winter wonder and blow those cobwebs away. From 27 December to 2 January the National Trust grounds, Coach House shop, tea room and Colonel’s Room will be open from 1pm until 4pm.

Booking for Santa at Florence Court is essential, to book your visit contact 028 6634 8249, 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

The perfect Christmas Gift from Hastings Hotels – and a FREE Christmas Duck with the first 40 tickets sold!

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The PERFECT Christmas Gift Idea

Are you struggling with Christmas gift ideas?  Here’s a great idea! Whats On NI are pleased to offer our readers this exclusive offer from Hastings Hotels.  An intimate evening of love songs for Valentine’s Weekend with Peter Corry – Concert at the Castle.

LIMITED OFFER FOR FIRST 40 TICKETS SOLD

A free Christmas duck with every ticket sold if you contact:

Allyson McKimm  Tel: 02890/674164

and send your cheque payable to Ballygally Castle Hotel to

Allyson at

1066 House, Hastings Hotels Head Office

587 Newtownards Road, Belfast

BT4 1HJ

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


CHRISTMAS STARTS WITH A BANG IN BANGOR!

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Thank goodness for the trusty Christmas sweater…it’s the perfect piece of clothing to wrap up warm in when you come along to the Bangor Christmas fireworks and tree lighting event at the Town Hall on Saturday 20th November, 5.30pm.

Bangor will get a festive feel when Mayor of North Down, Councillor John Montgomery, switches on the Christmas tree lights at Bangor Town Hall on Saturday 20 November at 5:30pm.

From bright flares to explosive bangers, soaring rockets and glittering fountains, the display will be packed full of stunning visual effects and when that has finished the Bangor Christmas tree lights will sparkle into life, brightening even the coldest of nights.

Commenting on the event, Wendy Smith, North Down Borough Council said, “The Town hall is the perfect spot for this amazing show, great music, spectacular fireworks and stunning lights – just the thing to put you in the Christmas mood”.

She went on to say, “On a serious note, please make sure to wrap up warm and follow all safety instructions on the night.  As well as producing an amazing show, safety is our priority at this Christmas Show, so it is extremely important that you obey health & safety rules co-operate fully with marshals.  Remember also that due to the volume of people it may be necessary to close some roads and the Omniplex cinema and leisure centre should be temporarily accessed from the Gransha Road between 5pm and 6pm.”

For further information please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre, Quay Street, Bangor. Tel: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com

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