The amazing Celtic Mindfulness event is making a return to the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh on the 24^th & 25^th February.

 

This is a unique healing experience of the land and energy. The perfect way to create inner calmness, helping steer you through the year ahead.

Music, Myth and Mediation will be used to awaken your Celtic soul. Creating focus positivity and stillness for the mind.  Workshops during the event will be facilitated by the excellent Sandra Nelson and Kate Fitzpatrick.

 

Kate Fitzpatrick is an experienced teacher and practitioner in the field of Celtic Wisdom & Spirituality and has guided many people in personal and spiritual development over the past 25 years.

Sandra Nelson is a qualified Reiki Teacher, Artist and Workshop facilitator who has been working within the healing arts for a number of years. Originally from a rural farming background, Moy, Co Tyrone, meditation has been a part of Sandra’s life for many years and is part of her daily practice.

The event will also include light lunch and refreshments.

Admission is £42.50 for a Saturday Pass, £22.50 of for a Sunday pass, or buy a ticket for both days for just £52.50.  Booking is essential on www.visitarmagh.com/celticmindfulness

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

 

The Ulster Automobile Club (UAC), organisers of the UAC Easter Stages Rally are pleased to announce they have received significant support from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

This new event will take place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 of April with the start and centralised service area situated in Ballyclare, adjacent to the Sixmile Leisure Centre. The two-day rally is the second round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2018.

The first six stages of the event on Friday, located close to the rally headquarters in the Dunadry Inn, Templepatrick will start around lunchtime. These classic stages are on fast flowing tarmac roads which will present challenges for all competitors and provide superb opportunities for spectators to enjoy closed road rallying. Just before dusk, the rally will return to Ballyclare for the overnight halt.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill, commented: “It is fantastic news that we are working in partnership with the Ulster Automobile Club. I am excited that this new event is coming to the Borough and I hope everyone is geared up for this action packed weekend.”

Nigel Hughes, Clerk of the Course commented: “We are delighted with the terrific support from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the partnership which is developing with them. We are looking for a large entry and lots of spectators, to make this spectacle just after Easter, a roaring success and of substantial benefit to the local economy”.

The uniqueness of this event will see a separate rally starting on Saturday morning from Ballyclare. Additional competitors will join those who participated on Friday, to contest a further six classic rally stages, focussing around Broughshane and finishing in Ballymena.

Pre-event scrutiny will take place on Thursday 5 April at Sixmile Leisure Centre, which will provide an opportunity for rally fans to see the cars up close.

Regulations for the event are now available from http://www.uaceasterstages.com and www.ulsterautomobileclub.com

Peter Corry is no stranger to Theatre at The Mill and we are delighted to have him back with his brand new show Call of the Celts! on Thursday 22 February at 7.45pm.

This new show will take you on a journey through some of the all-time favourite Celtic classics performed by one the finest voices to come out of Northern Ireland. Featuring classics such as Will Ye Go Lassie Go, The Puca Beast, Caledonia, Song for Ireland and Carrickfergus.

Peter will be joined on stage with his band and dancers for this emotional, fun packed and energetic show. Tickets from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or theatreatthemill.com

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON

Millennium Forum, DERRY: June 25^th

Waterfront, BELFAST: June 26^th

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am

 

Country music icon Kris Kristofferson makes a hugely welcome return for four solo acoustic shows this June, including two in Northern Ireland.

Heralded as an artist’s artist, the three-time GRAMMY winner has recorded 30 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world, in most recent years in a solo acoustic setting, which puts the focus on the songs. “There’s honesty in the sparseness. It feels like direct communication to the listener,” he says. “I still have more fun when I’m with the band, but being alone is freer, somehow. It’s like being an old blues guy, just completely stripped away.”

Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times,” all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.

His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson’s successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films. In 1977 He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in “A Star Is Born.” He’s appeared in cult favourites including the “Blade” trilogy, “Lone Star,” “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Blume In Love,” “Cisco Pike,” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” Recent films include “Fast Food Nation,” “Dreamer:  Inspired by a True Story,” “The Jacket,” “Silver City,” “He’s Just Not That in to you,” and “Dolphin Tale.”

Many would have hung their hat by now. Instead, Kristofferson barely has paused for breath. He’s released several recent high watermarks including the increasingly intimate A Moment of Forever (1995), The Austin Sessions (1999) and This Old Road (2006), and he produced some of his finest work with the deeply personal Closer to the Bone (2009) and Feeling Mortal (2013). Kristofferson has reached living legend status, but that hasn’t changed or hindered his creativity. His current CD, The Cedar Creek Sessions, was recorded live at Austin’s Cedar Creek Recording Studio in June 2014. Released in time for Kristofferson’s 80th birthday in 2016, the double-CD set is a snapshot of the legendary songwriter in the twilight of his life.

In addition to many other awards, Kristofferson is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, winner of the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriter Hall of Fame, and was honored with the American Veteran’s Association’s “Veteran of the Year Award” in 2002. For Kristofferson’s 70th birthday in 2006, his friends and admirers gifted him with a tribute CD, The Pilgrim: A Celebration of Kris Kristofferson. Stars including Willie Nelson, Russell Crowe, Emmylou Harris, Gretchen Wilson, Rosanne Cash, and Brian McKnight recorded 17 of Kristofferson’s compositions for the tribute. In 2007, Kristofferson was honored with the Johnny Cash Visionary Award from Country Music Television and in 2009 BMI lauded Kristofferson with the Icon Award. He received the Frances Preston Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation in March, 2012. In 2014, Kristofferson was honoured with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and the PEN Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award.

Millennium Forum, Derry:

In person at the Box Office

By Telephone: 028 7126 4455

Book On Line: www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Waterfront, Belfast:

In person at the Ulster Hall Box Office

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

 

Tart with a heart Maggie Muff is returns to the MAC in Maggie’s Feg Run, which runs from 13 – 25 February 2018.

The final instalment in the trilogy that gave us the hugely successful 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue and Dirty Dancin’ in le Shebeen, is the brain child of writer Leesa Harker, and once again stars Caroline Curran as Maggie Muff.

Produced by Leesa Harker’s own production company, Red Brick Road Productions, her plays continue to bring a demographic not previously seen to theatres across the province. Leesa said, “I realised quite quickly after 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue that a high percentage of the audience had never been to the theatre before seeing my play. I asked people why they were ‘theatre virgins’ and got responses such as ‘theatre is not for the working–class’ and ‘it’s all one-sided political plays’ and ‘there’s nothing for young people’. I realised I had the potential to make theatre more accessible to those people who felt excluded and so, I decided to set up my own production company.”

The Feg Run

Maggie and Big Sally-Ann are on top form as they head to Benidorm on a ‘Feg Run’ to smuggle cigarettes home and sell for a profit.

What with Billy Scriven getting someone up the duff, and Igor the Dogger being caught out having ten kids and a wife, the chums need a holiday! Sun, Sea, Sangria and Sticky Vicky! Sure what more is there to want?

But here, it turns out to be a holiday they will never forget. We’re talking a dive on a pedalo (and I don’t mean into the sea), a slider from the poke man (not of the ice-cream variety) and some nudists from Rathcoole that have Big Sally-Ann in a tizzy. And you’ll never guess who makes an appearance at the All-Inclusive breakfast buffet……

“Margaret?”  – He’s back.

Don’t miss the grand finale in the Maggie Muff trilogy, at the MAC this February.

Book now at themaclive.com

 

 FANS SECURE TICKETS FOR SOLD OUT HOME SHOWS

 

All tickets for U2’s eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour Belfast date, as well as for their four Dublin shows, sold out this morning, with delighted fans taking to social media to express their excitement at seeing the band bring the tour home later this year. And due to overwhelming demand, Live Nation and MCD have now confirmed a second and final show for Belfast on 28^th October 2018, with tickets on sale from 9^th February.

More

@KieranKelly1988 – Got my U2 ticket. It’s Belfast but I will follow #U2eiTour #U2

 

@YolandaZaw – Here I am, getting papped outside the @3arenadublin with my @U2 tickets!!  #U2 #u2songsofexperience

More

More

@ada102  Just got two standing for Monday #praisebono #U2

 

@CarlMullanYEOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW #U2eiTour2018 @U2

Tamara de Paula from Brazil was among fans who bought tickets in person at Dublin’s 3Arena this morning – “I should be lying on a beach right  now, I have missed my holiday to get a ticket.  I am really excited.”

Second in line was Gregory Fitzsimons, who secured tickets for his 79^th U2 show – “I am also going to the first show in Tulsa. I’ve seen them play in LA, Boston, Connecticut. I even flew home early from honeymoon so I could fly out to Madison Square Garden. My wife still hasn’t forgiven me!”

Another fan Patricia van der Velde added “I live in Ireland because of U2, I moved here because of them because I am such a fan. My husband is even from Cedarwood Road!’

And Montse Fraga, who attended her first U2 gig in 1993 said “There is still the same buzz, perhaps even more now, I am so excited”.

Following last year’s acclaimed stadium run with The Joshua Tree Tour 2017, the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour will see U2 return to indoor venues, picking up where 2015’s ground-breaking iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour left off. The eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour follows the recent release of the band’s 14th studio album Songs of Experience. Just as Songs of Experience serves as a companion piece to 2014’s Songs of Innocence, the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour is a sequel to the 2015 tour. As with every U2 tour, this new arena production will explore the latest in cutting-edge technology. The eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour is a development of the unique and innovative staging of the 2015 tour, featuring multiple performance areas, a state-of-the-art sound system, plus an all new super high-res LED screen nine-times the resolution of the 2015 screen.

Tickets for the additional Belfast show on 28^th October 2018 will go on sale beginning Friday 9^th February at 9am.  All General Admission floor tickets will be paperless and available online or at the relevant venue box office only. Reserved seating tickets will also be available to purchase from 9am on Friday 9^th February both online and via Ticketmaster outlets across the country. See a full list of outlets here

See here for a full list of dates on the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

Excitement is mounting as legendary Irish rockers The Boomtown Rats have just been announced to headline Harmony Live 2018 on Saturday, 2^nd June.

Set up in 2015 as The Holywood Harmony Festival, the newly rebranded Harmony Live is undoubtedly going to be one of the best festivals in the Northern Irish calendar this summer.

Fronted by Bob Geldof, “one of Ireland’s greatest lyricists” (Hot Press), The Boomtown Rats became one of the biggest bands of the late 70s/80s with a string of top ten hits and platinum albums, earning them Brit Awards, Ivor Novellos and Grammy Awards.  Making history as the first Irish band to have a UK number one hit with ‘Rat Trap’, they went on to top the charts in 32 Countries with ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and racked up six era-defining albums:

Festival creator and volunteer Mari Jackson is delighted to unveil The Boomtown Rats as headliners for the second day of the community festival.  She says;

“It is a real coup for the festival and indeed Holywood to welcome such a well-known band to top the bill. Last year’s festival attracted over 15,000 visitors to the town and with such an iconic punk outfit such as The Boomtown Rats headlining, we are confident that numbers will increase this year.  In fact, we have expanded our festival marquee in the rugby grounds to a 1500 capacity tent. We have more exciting headline acts to announce in the coming weeks and are confident that this will be the best festival yet.  Harmony Live will certainly put Holywood firmly on the map as an exciting music and tourist destination, which is great news for the local economy and tourism.”

Lead singer Bob Geldof is looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland.  The Band Aid and Live Aid creator who co-wrote ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ says;

“Is there anywhere in the world better to play Rock ‘N Roll? Is there any crowd more up for it? Are there any people who seem to need it, consume it, rage and rave for it more than that lot up in Northern Ireland? Not in The Rats’ long experience. The best place to play in. The best crowd to play for. Can’t wait.”

Tickets to see The Boomtown Rats at Harmony Live 2018 cost £33.50 available from wegottickets.com and Garry’s Barber Shop and Homebird – both outlets situated on High Street, Holywood

For further information on the festival check out www.harmonyfest.co.uk

www.facebook.com/HolywoodHarmonyFestival

www.instagram.com/harmony_live_holywood

www.twitter.com/HolywoodHarmony

From the creative team that brought you the stunning production of Annie last year, comes a new special Youth Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from Wed 14 – Sun 18 Feb.

One of the most enduring shows of all times, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colours.

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, this magical musical is full of catchy songs including the unforgettable classics Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. A perfect family treat this midterm.

Tickets from £12; Family Ticket: £40 available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online theatreatthemill.com

JOOLS HOLLAND & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

 

With Special guest MARC ALMOND

 

Featuring GILSON LAVIS, RUBY TURNER & LOUISE MARSHALL

 

WATERFRONT, Belfast: Sunday 21^st October 2018

 

 

Following a triumphant show at the Waterfront last year, Jools Holland will return to Belfast in October with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Special guest will be Marc Almond.

Joining Jools once again in Dublin are Gilson Lavis, Ruby Turner & Louise Marshall.

Tickets available FRIDAY:

In person from the Ulster Hall Box Office – located on Bedford Street

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

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

Award winning artist Gilbert & George launch ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast’ at the MAC

One of the world’s most recognisable and provocative artistic duos Gilbert & George opened their most significant exhibition in Ireland in almost 20 years at the MAC, Belfast, last night. The London based artists were in town to open a specially curated exhibition SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast, which will be on show throughout all three galleries in the MAC until April.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Gilbert & George’s first meeting at St. Martin’s School of Art in 1967 and their identification of themselves as ‘Living Sculptures’, two people as one artist. The Turner Prize winning artist is the latest high profile exhibition to be held in the MAC, following Andy Warhol and David Hockney, which drew thousands from across the UK and Ireland, and further afield, to Belfast.

The ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES’ opens with a bold statement of intent: “We want our Art to bring out the Bigot from inside the Liberal and conversely to bring out the Liberal from inside the Bigot.”  The exhibition unflinchingly describes the volatile and mysterious reality of our increasingly technological, multi-faith and multi-cultural world. It is a world in which paranoia, fundamentalism, surveillance, religion, accusation and victimhood become moral shades of the city’s temper. As with much of their work, Gilbert & George themselves take their place in these ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES’ as shattered and spirit like forms.

Speaking at the opening, Áine McVerry from the MAC said: “There are few modern artists who have given their whole lives to their art in the same way that Gilbert & George have, and we are delighted to have this remarkable exhibition in the MAC. Like all Gilbert & George exhibitions, SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast is provocative and challenging, and it is an incredibly exciting exhibition with which to open our 2018 programme.

“It has been almost 20 years since Gilbert & George exhibited in Belfast, and, while the city and community have changed a lot in that time, we still see division, disagreement and, often, an unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Hopefully, visitors from all across Ireland and the UK, and further afield, will take the opportunity over the coming months to visit this exhibition and challenge their own preconceptions.”

Gilbert & George were on top form at the launch event and spoke about their excitement at being in Belfast: “We are thrilled to be back in Belfast. We are so excited to be showing 40 of our SCAPEGOATING PICTURES to the people of Belfast and its visitors.

“We hope you will all find this exhibition exhilarating, thought-provoking, joyful, beautiful and liberating. We love exhibiting in Belfast!”

The exhibition will run until 22 April 2018 in the Sunken, Tall and Upper Galleries at the MAC, Belfast. The exhibition is open daily from 10am-7pm and admission is free.

Visit our website to book a ticket to see Gilbert & George at the MAC: www.themaclive.com