Today EastSide Arts announced that, from 3 – 13 August, east Belfast will become a hive of creative energy as details of the EastSide Arts Festival 2017 programme were revealed.

Everyone is invited to come and explore the east of the city, its people and places during a fantastic 11-day festival packed with music and words, theatre, film, tours, visual arts, workshops and community events, all rounded off with the EastSide Family Circus and Big Top weekend.

The Festival will use a diverse range of venues across east Belfast including; C.S. Lewis Square, Strand Arts Centre, EastSide Visitor Centre, Maple Leaf Club, The Bath House,
Skainos Rooftop Garden, St Martin’s Church, Willowfield Parish Church, The Bank, and the Tumble Circus Big Top – to name but a few.

Highlights for this year include; Free Festival Fun Day featuring a purpose-built People’s Pharmacy where creative prescriptions will be handed out to passers-by to brighten their day; EastSide Family Circus at the Big Top on C.S. Lewis Square offering entertainment for the whole family; Big Top Weekend featuring a cabaret evening and performances from both Gareth Dunlop and Ciaran Lavery; other music highlights include Ken Haddock and the Arco String Quartet recording a new album, Anthony Toner, Kaz Hawkins, The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh and Belfast Community Gospel Choir; poetry from Jan Carson, Poetry NI and Glenn Patterson; comedy and magic from Midweek Magic Club to the return of Murder She Got Wrote Off ; theatre including Sam McCready’s adaptation of Robert Harbinson’s No Surrender; Terra Nova’s new anti-racism play, Me You Us Them; a diverse range of cinema screenings at Strand Arts Centre and a special pop-up screening of A Patch of Fog at Wyse Byse Warehouse which was a location for the film; bus, walking, cemetery tours and the  Van Morrison and George Best tours; a host of visual arts, classes and workshops including courses at The Bank with the Belfast Bankers.

During the festival, east and west Belfast will connect with the Translink East West Bus Tour, specially commissioned for the festival, and Féile Unplugged where EastSide Emerging artists will perform.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister said;

“Belfast City Council is delighted to be funding the EastSide Arts Festival again this year – and to see it continue to grow in vision, stature and reach.  A central goal of our Belfast Agenda is to make Belfast a vibrant and attractive city – and thanks to EastSide Arts Festival, we can all look forward to being inspired, entertained, intrigued and uplifted by the arts this August, whatever our age, interests or background.”
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said;

“The Arts Council, as principal funder of EastSide Arts congratulates the festival organisers who continue so successfully to expand opportunities for people to access a wide range of high-quality arts in this part of the city. It is important that we acknowledge how the arts, with support from National Lottery and public funding, continue to make a major contribution to the creative, cultural and economic life of Belfast. We hope many residents, visitors and tourists alike take the opportunity this coming August to visit the east of the city and participate in this year’s excellent festival programme.”

Rachel Kennedy, Director of EastSide Arts Festival, added;

“This year’s EastSide Arts Festival is a noisy celebration of the creative energy of the people of east Belfast. We find ourselves in a flourishing time, an exciting time for artists and communities and we have the pleasure of inviting you to come and explore this part of the city, its people and places for yourself, over the eleven days of the festival. We would like to thank our principal funder, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and funders Belfast City Council and The Executive Office for their vital continuing support. Sincere thanks also to our key sponsors, Arts & Business Northern Ireland, The British Council, Translink, Hewitt & Gilpin, Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park, Forestside Shopping Centre and McCadden for their brilliant support and enthusiasm in being a part of this year’s EastSide Arts Festival.”

 

For full festival programme including tickets visit www.eastsidearts.net or Facebook/EastSideArtsBel and Twitter @EastSideArtsBel  #ESAFest17.

Just when you thought it was safe the word is out that Pirates Off Portrush is back bigger and scarier than every before!

 

Word has reached this publication of a Viking invasion and with the projected tides and wind forecast they’re due to land on the West Strand beach in Portrush at 12.30 on Saturday 1st July!  Will our very own Tavish Dhu make an appearance to save us; and if he does, will he be defeated by the Viking King Magnus Barelegs?  And will Magnus Barelegs manage to capture our Mayor and the main sponsors?  These and many other terrifying possibilities can only be answered by being in Portrush.  The drama all starts at 11.00am with a Pirate Treasure Hunt and all are invited to participate free of charge but make sure you’re in your best pirate outfit as you sail around the town in search of pirate answers!

No-one could have foreseen just how popular this event would become and five years later it’s one of the most popular fixtures in the resort’s diary.  Perhaps the beauty of it is that it can be enjoyed by all the family and it’s absolutely free!  The organisers, script writers and all in the background of this wonderful promotion have surpassed themselves with this year’s production and it’s described as Tavish Dhu’s most dangerous ever adventure!   Be prepared to “shiver your timbers” and “brace your mainbrace” for another day of swashbuckling madness, adventure and laughs!

Brian Moore, who acts as host and Compere of the Amphitheatre Events says of the event, “it’s the perfect combination of slapstick, imagination, music and lots of very innocent fun.  Last year we had people from all around the world in the audience and it’s an absolute joy to be a part of – if you’re only going to visit Portrush once this summer make sure it’s for Pirates Off Portrush!”

Sunday 2nd July – Heritage Fair

Day Two of PIRATES OFF PORTRUSH feature a Heritage Fair at Antrim Gardens in the town.  Again it’s absolutely free and features everything from the 42 piece Northern Ireland Concert Band to musket firing demonstrations!  Food will also play a major part with artisan offerings and a plethora of stands, stalls, demonstrations and competitions guaranteed to enthral all.  The gates open at midday for you to enjoy everything from storytelling to medieval shenanigans!

 

The Millennium Forum has just announced that popular comedian, Sarah Millican, will make a welcome return to the city on Friday 19^th October 2018.

Tickets go on sale from the Box Office at 10am on Friday 30^th June and are priced at £28.50.

Sarah Millican is not a control freak, she’s a control enthusiast. She even controls her own insults, see?

Do you arrange the nights out? Are you in charge of passports on holiday? Then so are you!

Whether you’re sorting the tickets for this show or turning up when you’re told to, welcome. You’ll learn about Rescue Men, what can happen at a bra fitting, the benefits of casserole, plus tips on how to talk to shop assistants and the correct way to eat a biscuit.

Funny, frank and unapologetically filthy.

Sara Millican performs at the Millennium Forum on Friday 19^th October 2018.  Tickets go on sale from the Box Office at 10am on Friday 30^th June and are priced at £28.50.   Telephone 71 264455 or visit http://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/shows/sarah-millican-control-enthusiast/

NB Not suitable for under 16s.  Maximum number of tickets per transaction is 8.

 

sarahmillican.co.uk

@sarahmillican75

 

 

 

GALWAY, Pearse Stadium

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 May 2018

 

DUBLIN, Phoenix Park

Wednesday 16 & Friday 18 May 2018

 

TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY 8 JULY AT 9AM

 

ED HEADLINES GLASTONBURY (WATCH HERE)

26 MILLION ALBUMS SOLD, WORLDWIDE!

WWW.EDSHEERAN.COM

Following his triumphant Glastonbury Festival headline performance, Ed Sheeran is delighted to announce his Nationwide 2018 Ireland stadium tour. Kicking-off at Corks’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 4 & 5 May, Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast on 9 May, Galway’s Pearse Stadium  on 12 & 13 May followed by Phoenix Park Dublin on 16 & 18 May.

General sale commences on Saturday 8^th July at 9am at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets Nationwide.

NB – there are no presales for this tour. All tickets will only become available on Saturday 8^th July at 9am

Ed’s 2018 tour news closely follows the troubadour’s phenomenal Glastonbury headline performance. Commanding thousands at the Pyramid Stage on Sunday evening, pulling in one of the festival’s biggest-ever crowds, and with over 3 million viewers tuning in from home, Ed continues his rise as one of the world’s most successful and unique musical talents.

Released in March this year, Ed’s third studio album ÷ (pronounced “divide”) reigns as 2017’s biggest-selling album of the year thus far, having sold over 8 million copies, globally, in the space of three months. The album is currently 7 times Platinum in Ireland and Ed’s gigantic comeback single “Shape of You” has surpassed 1.5 BILLION streams in less than six months!

It was recently announced that Ed, who was recently awarded a Songwriters Hall of Fame 2017 Hal David Starlight Award for his contribution to music, is soon to be honoured with an MBE for his services to music and charity.

2018 IRISH TOUR

Friday 4 May                         CORK                                      Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Saturday 5 May                   CORK                                      Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Wednesday 9 May              BELFAST                                Boucher Road Playing Fields

Saturday 12 May                 GALWAY                                Pearse Stadium 

Sunday 13 May                    GALWAY                                Pearse Stadium 

Wednesday 16 May            DUBLIN                                  Phoenix Park

Friday 18 May                      DUBLIN                                  Phoenix Park

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE ON SECONDARY TICKETS – PLEASE READ
Ed and his team have a strict stance against anyone using secondary ticketing websites for profit. On this tour, any tickets that are resold will not be valid – this means no profit to touts and no one getting ripped off. On all the stadium dates you will be required to bring your tickets, booking confirmation and credit card, plus a valid form of ID or you will not be granted entry to the show.

 

Tickets for ED SHEERAN’S Irish Tour 2018 go on sale Saturday 8 July at 9.00am from:-

All Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

24hr Credit Card Bookings:-

0818 719300 (ROI)

0844 277 4455 (NI)

Book on line www.ticketmaster.ie

For more concert information check  www.aikenpromotions.com

NOT only will this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation be one of the biggest sporting events on the island of Ireland, its reputation as a true festival of golf for all ages has been enhanced with the announcement that the practice day on Tuesday will be open to the general public.

With the golfing spectacle now moved to July – when schools have shut for the summer – ‘Family Tuesday’ (July 4) offers a particularly great day out for families to go and see their golf heroes up close and enjoy the many family activities ahead of what is expected to be the biggest Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in the tournament’s 90-year history.

With adult tickets for ‘Family Tuesday’ costing just £15 and kids enjoying free entry up to the age of 16 all week, an entire family can enjoy a fun day out from just £30.

As well as watching reigning champion Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose and many more of the world’s best golfers prepare for the main competition, which tees off on the Thursday (July 6), the tented village will play host to a variety of family-themed activities and entertainment.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Championship Director Simon Alliss said:  “The Northern Irish golf fans have become renowned as some of the best in the world and have always shown up in such huge numbers every day of the week in past editions of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“Family Tuesday gives fans an opportunity to see their heroes up close and personal as they play their practice rounds, and we think that £15 for parents and free entry for children up to the age of 16 represents incredible value for golf-mad families.

“With lots of entertainment lined up for Tuesday, it really promises to be a fun day out for all the family as part of what has become an ever-growing festival of golf in recent years.”

‘Family Tuesday’ will kick-start six days of top class golfing entertainment. Wednesday will see the tournament’s Pro-Am take place with the opening ceremony that evening featuring a live performance on the music stage from local heroes Two Door Cinema Club, who will be playing their only Northern Ireland show this year.

Then the serious business of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will get under way the following morning with play beginning on Thursday July 6 and finishing on Sunday July 9 before the event wraps up with a closing performance from English band Scouting For Girls.

As part of the Rolex Series, with an increased prize fund of US$7 million, fans at this year’s event can expect to see Rory McIlroy defend his title for the first time against some of the world’s best golfers, with Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Rose, Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Danny Willett, Graeme McDowell, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Darren Clarke also confirmed to compete.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com, and begin at £15 for ‘Family Tuesday’ with free entry for children under the age of 16 (limited to three children per adult).

Pro-Am Wednesday tickets, including opening ceremony concert, cost just £20, with tickets for Thursday and Friday costing £40 and day tickets for the weekend costing £45.

An adult season souvenir ticket, which covers six days of world class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, costs just £100 (a saving of £105 over the course of the six days).

Concessions are available for customers aged over 60 and between 16 and 21, while children under 16 are permitted free entry when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

To get a full seated view of all of the drama at the 18th green, grandstand tickets cost an additional £11.50 for Thursday and Friday, £16.50 for Saturday and £21.50 for Sunday.

Official Hospitality packages are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated Hospitality Sales Team, who will be happy to answer any queries and discuss the various hospitality options, on enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com or +44 (0) 1344 840681.

Celebrate ‘Schools out for the Summer’ on Thursday 29 June, as Chapterhouse Theatre Company present an all new production of Peter Pan in the beautiful surroundings of Mossley Mill.

 

 

Bring along your picnics and low back seating and join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter. Far away on the magical island of Neverland they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruellest pirate of them all, Captain Hook.

 

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner. With beautifully designed costumes, music and songs, join Peter and his friends for what promises to be the most magical evening of the summer. Gates open from 5pm and show starts at 6pm. Tickets available online www.theatreatthemill.com or Box Office

T: 028 9034 0202.

Summer officially arrives at the Ward Park Bandstand on Sunday 2^nd July when this much loved music in the park programme starts.

Now in its 12^th year, happening every Sunday throughout July and August, between 3pm and 5pm. This year’s line-up offers a different vibe each week including Rock ‘n’ Roll, brass, blues, flamenco and punk ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy!

First up will be the fantastic Jazzmeisters playing a cool mix of hot swing and classic standards made famous by icons such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and modern maestro Jamie Cullum.

Please note this week’s performance is at the later time of 4pm to facilitate the Somme Service in the park.

So gather friends, family and a picnic and enjoy!

Look out for details of each week’s artist in local press and keep up to date with all summer events at www.vistardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

‘Race of Legends’ 2017 launch with look back at original Road Racers

 

THE youngest national road race in Ireland, the Armoy Road Races, confirmed this week that leading TT newcomer at the Isle of Man TT 2017, Adam McLean, will be at this year’s races on the renowned three-mile circuit come Friday 28^th and Saturday 29^th July 2017.

Joining Adam (McLean), a previous winner of the Junior Support at Armoy, will be local men William Dunlop, Neil Kernohan, Paul Jordan, Darryl Tweed, Paul Robinson, Gary Dunlop, Hexham rider Dominic Herbertson and Moto3/125 GP race winner Christian Elkin, winner of Moto3/125 GP race in 2016. With entries yet to close (3^rd July) and the 2017 TT just finished, many riders are now turning their attention to Armoy and confirming their attendance.

The announcement was made at the official launch of the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’, which was held at Gracehill House, Stranocum on Wednesday 21 June 2017 alongside a keynote presentation from David Wallace, the film producer of Road Racers and a local Dunloy man.

2017 is the 40^th anniversary of the original 1977 documentary, which truly captured the heady mixture of three local men, their families and their passion, drive and love of road racing. He gave a short presentation on why and how the film was made but having won two BAFTAs for other work, David freely admits that “the Road Racers film gets talked about more than anything else. I wanted to produce a genuine documentary in Road Racers that would give an insight into something very special but I was taken by surprise by its success.”  Some key scenes of the film depict the three riders, Joey Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy, riding through the village of Armoy where they often tested their bikes.

Bill Kennedy MBE, Chairman and Clerk of the Course, AMRRC said, “We are delighted to host, film producer and local man, David Wallace. It is difficult to comprehend that this film, Road Racers, was made 40 years ago, let alone the impact this film would have in years to come, the place it has in people’s hearts and the iconic level that it has reached across the whole road racing community.

“The Armoy Road Races came about as most of you know, after a bit of craic in a local pub. It’s hard to believe come September that we will be in our tenth year and that we continue to celebrate all of our road racers, past and present, including the reputed Armoy Armada.

“It is also hard to be believe how exceptionally fast 2017 is disappearing but we are on target with our planning. With additional monies from the Department of Communities and some work on the roads, courtesy of Transport NI, these races are set to be one of the best.

“William Dunlop was man of the meeting in 2016 and I’ve no doubt he will be keen to revisit his Armoy winning streak. As of yet, brother, Michael Dunlop, who retains the title of Race of Legends winner, having won in six successive years has yet to confirm his entry but the Club is hopeful he will race on his home course come July.

“VIP Corporate Hospitality Tickets are selling exceptionally well with folks from as far away as Wexford and Shropshire as well as Aberdeen en route. It’s getting down to those last few weeks, last minute riders’ entries, final preparations for setting up the course and then we will be ready for the best national race in Ireland.”

Also in attendance were the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird, Terence Brannigan, Chairman of Tourism Northern Ireland, members of the Armoy Club and other guests and sponsors including title “Race of Legends” sponsor, Roadside Kia.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Joan Baird, who attended the launch said, “The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to continue their support of the Armoy Road Races. For us it is one of our key sporting events and we are only too happy to be involved and show our support.”

Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI Chairman also commented, “Armoy Road Races are one of Northern Ireland’s prime motorsport gatherings, attracting motorcycle riders and spectators both locally and internationally.  As the event goes from strength to strength it has an important role to play in tourism, in contributing to the economy and in enhancing our reputation as a destination.

“Given that this event is built on such a strong heritage, this is a great opportunity for many of the visitors who come to the races and stay, to explore the area and visit the many other sights and events that it has to offer.”

Mr David Boyd, Roadside Kia, title sponsor said: “Now that the TT is over, it’s getting to the stage that most of us are patiently waiting for the next road racing event. The Armoy Road Races is one of the must attend events and I for one, along with my team at Roadside Kia, just can’t wait until Race Week. We are very proud to be associated with this event.”

Bill Kennedy concluded: “I’d like to finish by thanking event sponsors Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism NI for their very kind support.  I’d also like to thank our title sponsor Roadside Kia. Without the support and sponsorship from these organisations and other sponsors present here today, the event just wouldn’t be possible.

“I often don’t get a chance to publicly thank the many hard working Club members and volunteers but as with the sponsors these races wouldn’t happen without their input. Now there’s still a bit of work to be done, but I look forward to seeing you all on Friday 28^th July and Saturday 29^th July 2017!”

This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with the races taking place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017 culminating in the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.

This year’s Outdoor Theatre in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will feature three fabulous productions – David Walliam’s Billionaire Boy, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Murder on The Terrace by David-Kerby Kendall, all brought to life and adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions.

A popular event on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts’ Calendar, these productions will be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Taking place on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July, Billionaire Boy tells the tale of how Mr Spud made his billions and lost it all and how his son Joe became the richest boy in the world! A charming tale of love, loss and friendship which is both hilarious and poignant, Heartbreak Productions’ adaptation of Billionaire Boy is suitable for ages 7+. Shows take place at 2pm and 6pm – although the 6pm show on Wednesday 19 has already sold out!

Northanger Abbey is taking place on Thursday 20 July at 7pm, come and indulge in some fantasy, be it romance, intrigue or even something a bit darker in Jane Austen’s classic tale. Social commentary, humour and parody ensure this outdoor performance will be the perfect summer evening’s entertainment. The show is suitable for ages 8+.

If solving mysteries is more your thing, then Murder on The Terrace might be the one for you! Taking place on Friday 21 July at 7pm, this farcical romp through English entertainment, is an original interactive outdoor murder mystery – part Downtown, part Agatha Christie and a whole lot of fun! Bring your sleuthing skills to see if you can figure out ‘whodunnit!’ Suitable for ages 12+.

Ticket-holders are reminded that these are out-door events so please dress for the weather. They are fully seated performances, chairs will be provided so please don’t bring your own and picnics are welcome but please note that picnic space is limited due to seating arrangements.

To book a ticket, please go to  www.ardsarts.com or call 028 9181 0803.

The Super Milk Wild Air Run saw over 20,000 people partake in the inflatable 5K obstacle course last summer.

The dynamic fun run features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course. This year the event is coming to Belfast for the very first time and will take place in Stormont Estate 24th June. 2017 sees the course return bigger and better than before with new obstacles, including Europe’s largest inflatable slide which is 60M long!

The Super Milk Wild Air Run can be undertaken by all fitness levels and the focus is on fun, not endurance. It can be undertaken by the fitness fanatic right through to the armchair athlete and everyone in between. The 10 obstacles combine agility, creativity and a vast amount of fun. The event is for both adults and children, seven years and up, and is a very enjoyable day for anyone from 7 to 70.

Event Manager Ronan O’Kelly said “We can’t wait to come to Belfast this summer. This event truly shows how fun it can be to get outdoors with friends or family of all ages, it’s really an event that everyone can partake in. The course can be walked or ran, it isn’t a timed event and the focus truly is on fun and getting active.”

Begin the race by tackling the staircase start-line, zig-zag through the maze and have a ball in the giant ball pit. Before you can claim victory over the Super Milk Wild Air Run you will finish with Europe’s biggest inflatable slide. There will also be a ‘Chill Zone’, an area for both participants and spectators to relax and enjoy music, games and food and drink from local vendors.

The event will kick off its first wave at 10:00a.m with additional waves running in 20-minute intervals until 6:00p.m.

Tickets for the Super Milk Wild Air Run are on sale now at www.wildairrun.com. Full priced tickets are £26.00 for adults and £16.00 for children. Family tickets (£72) and group rates are also available. Spectators can cheer from the side-lines for free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wildairrun.com. The event will also travel to St.Columb’s Park, Derry on 22nd July.