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THE WOMBATS + SUPPORT SPRING & AIRBRAKE WEDNESDAY 12TH JANUARY 2011

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The Wombats return to Belfast for a headline date at The Spring & Airbrake on Wednesday 12th January 2011. Tickets priced £13 are on sale this Friday at 9am.  The anticipation surrounding the return of The Wombats continues to escalate. Their upcoming single ‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ received a glorious global premiere on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 where it was named the Hottest Record In The World and was swiftly followed by the news that their October tour dates sold out almost immediately.

‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ has also since been named as Zane Lowe’s Single of the Week.

The single introduces the band’s eagerly anticipated second studio album (title to be confirmed) which is set to launch their unique style to a wider audience when it’s released towards the end of the year.  Produced by Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Lostprophets), ‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ adds an array of new sounds to the band’s famously immediate songwriting.

Following the release of their debut album ‘The Wombats Proudly Present… A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation’, the band’s ascendency continued unabated. The Wombats completed two huge sold-out UK tours which included triumphant shows at Brixton Academy, a unique one-off headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall and a massive homecoming show at the 10,000 capacity Liverpool Echo Arena. They were nominated for Best UK Act at the MTV Europe Awards, and played a plethora of enormous festival appearances including OXEGEN and a co-headline set on the NME/Radio 1 stage at Reading and Leeds as well as storming sets at Glastonbury, T in the Park, Isle of Wight.

The Wombats will play live at Spring & Airbrake, Belfast on Wednesday 12th January  2011.  Tickets are priced £13 plus £2 booking fee and are available at www.cdcleisure.com The tour’s pre-sell commences on 9am on Wednesday, September 1st from www.the-wombats.co.uk/store before going on general sale from 9am on Friday, September 3rd.

The Wombats will play:
January
12th – Belfast, Spring & Airbrake
13th – Dublin, The Academy
15th – Edinburgh, HMV Picture House
16th – Dundee, Fat Sams Live
18th – Newcastle, O2 Academy
19th – Leeds, Metropolitan University
21st – Birmingham, HMV Institute
22nd – Manchester, Academy
23rd – Sheffield, Leadmill
24th – Norwich, UEA
25th – Cardiff, University Solus
27th – Bristol, O2 Academy
28th – London, HMV Hammersmith Apollo

Venue:                         Spring & Airbrake
Date:                           Wednesday 12th January 2011
Ticket Price:               £13 plus £2 Booking Fee
Doors:                         9pm
Support:                      To Be Confirmed
TICKET DETAILS
In person:                    From 22 Ticketmaster outlets province wide (Including Easons) / Katy Daly’s
Bar
24hr hotlines:               Tel: (NI) 0844 277 44 55 (ROI) 0818 719 300
Buy online:                  www.cdcleisure.com

Major Social Networking Seminar to be held the North West

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Strabane’s award winning Alley Theatre has announced this week that a major educational arts seminar is to set to take place at the intimate venue, in association with BT and NWIPP.  Entitled “Like – Building Digital Networks For The Arts”, this groundbreaking North West event will be free to attend for North West students and people working within the Arts Industry.

It is anticipated over 250 students and local artists will benefit from this conference, which will offer various social media workshops offered by Derry’s Nerve Centre and the opportunity to hear leading social media commentators. Throughout the day participants will explore how individuals, whether from an arts or business background can develop a serious and profitable presence via various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and My Space.

John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager stated “We have invited students from across Tyrone to take part in this interactive seminar. Students will be able to learn more about new developments in social media and new skills. Various workshops will be on offer from, how to set up a podcast, to video and movie editing, designing publicity material for events and business, and animation and social networking. We also have a selection of top guest speakers throughout the day including Andy Ferris from the top Northern Ireland record label Small Town American Records, and Mark Nagurski, the newly appointed Digital Champion for Derry and IT commentator.”

“On the day the seminar will host a special celebrity guest host, who will share their secrets about using social networks in their career. We will also have guest speakers from our partners, BT and NWIPP, who will be sharing with the participants information on how new advances online are changing the way individuals are doing business, and what they expect to see in the future in terms of online communications.”

The Alley Theatre will be hosting this major conference due to a REACH funding award from Arts and Business NI, an organisation which develops and supports business involvement in the Arts. Last years Sounds Like Summer Festival, supported by BT and NWIPP was a major event in the North West, and in recognition for this successful event and partnership, funding has been provided to run this exciting event.

“People are demanding more from the internet as they spend more time on line, whether you’re talking music, videos, websites, blogs or downloads, in our ever increasing digital world, online is the place to be” stated Peter Morris, Consumer Director BT.  “As one of the leading providers of superfast broadband we are currently rolling out BT Infinity, our fibre optic technology, across Northern Ireland providing users with an even greater online interactive experience, and all at the speed of light.  It is through events such as ‘Like’ that encourage the use of online skills and we are therefore delighted to provide support for this innovative event.”

Beverly Coomber from Arts and Business NI commented ““Arts & Business Northern Ireland is delighted to support The Alley Arts & Conference Centre to develop its creative partnerships with its local and national business sponsors through the Reach Investment Programme.  Reach exists to encourage and inspire sustainable relationships, which work to maximize return on investment, meet business objectives and deliver tangible benefit through working with the arts. We would congratulate BT and NWIPP for working with the Alley on “Sounds Like Summer 20:10” and look forward to seeing the outcome of “Like”.

“For anyone considering a career in the creative industries, or perhaps even starting a business, an understanding of social media is already becoming a serious advantage and soon it’ll be a necessity. It’s great to see forward-thinking events like this working with students to equip them with the skills they’ll need to make a real impact.” Mark Nagurski, Digital Champion for Derry

John Kerr concluded “As well as local A- Level and GCSE students, we are also inviting local artists, musicians, actors, anybody within the arts fields to register free of charge to hear the guest speakers section. This part of the event starts on September 17th at 10 a.m. sharp. If you work in the arts industry or and want to learn more about developing your presence on the internet for free via social networking, contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 to register your details. If you are a teacher and wish your students to attend please contact the Alley’s Maketing Department on 028 71884760.  Places are free, however limited so early booking is advisable.”  For more information on “Like” visit http://www.alley-theatre.com/about-us/like or contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444.

Culture Northern Ireland Digital Skills Training Programme Launch and Information Session

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You are warmly invited to join us on 15 September 2010 for the official launch of Culture Northern Ireland’s new Digital Skills Training Programme.

The launch will take place simultaneously in the Midtown Centre, Belfast and the Nerve Centre, Derry, from 2pm – 4:30pm. A two-way Skype connection will stream the event between the venues.

Digital marketing expert and mentor for the Arts Council of Ireland, Aoife Flynn, will offer free training in strategic digital marketing.

Get a taste for digital media by trying out some of the equipment for yourself and watching demos. Trainers will be on hand to answer your questions. Beginners and experienced digital media users are all welcome.

For more information on the training programme and to register your attendance, please visit our website at

www.culturenorthernireland.org/training.

View and download the full training brochure.

BEDS AND TEDS GO TO UNIVERSITY SAYS P&O FERRIES

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Teddy bears, fridges and even beds are among the many things that students bring with them to start university life according to the UK’s largest ferry operator P&O.

The company, which operates the shortest, fastest and most frequent crossings between Ireland and Scotland, and estimates it carries thousands of students on these routes each year, has also reported seeing guitars, surf boards, roller blades and even the odd golf club or two on board during the run up to freshers week.

Among the other items routinely transported on P&O sailings are bikes, TV’s and games consoles and according to the company one student even brought a much loved pet.

Tracy Robb, Marketing Manager for P&O Irish Sea, said: “With the huge array of books, electrical items and other worldly possessions needed at the start of university life travelling by ferry remains one of the most popular choices for transporting loved one’s and their luggage in the run up to first term.

“Starting university and leaving home for the first time can be a scary prospect for many and so having a few well chosen items that remind students of home often brings comfort and security in the first few months of term. P&O takes the hassle out of travelling and because there is no maximum luggage allowance or weight restrictions it means that often Teddy gets to go too!”

According to UCAS over 3,000 students make the journey from Northern Ireland to England and over 1,000 move to Scotland to start university life*.

Tracy continues: “P&O operates 20 sailings per day on its routes between Larne and Troon and Cairnryan, and four sailings per day between Dublin and Liverpool**, and with fares as low as £79 for a car and driver P&O offers parents and students a hassle free journey towards the first days of university life.”

*2009 Annual data sets

**Except Sunday and Monday.

For more information on all day trips or to book, visit www.poirishsea.com

Borough’s first ever Big Busking Bonanza!

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7 year old Liam Nachmias gets in some practice for Ballyclare Busking Bonanza with the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Paula Bradley.

Ballyclare will come alive with the sound of music on Saturday 11 September when Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Ballyclare Chamber of Trade will host the Borough’s first ever Big Busking Bonanza.

A wide range of talented performers, musicians and vocalists will take to the streets and with a line up to suit the tastes of both young and old, there will certainly be something for everyone to enjoy.

Speaking at the launch of the event, the Mayor of Newtownabbey Alderman Paula Bradley said;

“I’m delighted to be launching the Borough’s first ever Big Busking Bonanza. We’re hoping that everyone will come along to Ballyclare for this great fun event and enjoy the wealth of talent that will hit our streets.”

Niall McConkey, President of Ballyclare Chamber of Trade said;

“By working in partnership with the Council, local companies hope to deliver a successful Big Busking Bonanza which we hope will become an annual event to put Ballyclare firmly on the musical map and attract visitors to the town centre.”

The talented buskers will be competing for a £1500 prize fund, including Best Individual Act, Best Group Act, Best Street Performer, Best Junior Act and Best Overall Act.

For further information, contact Gillian Lewers on 028 9034 0079, see the Council’s website or follow the Big Busking Bonanza on Facebook.

Musicals versus Opera

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The best musicals have three essential qualities – Brains (intelligence and style), Heart (genuine and believable emotion), and Courage (the guts to do something creative and exciting) and Songs For a New World has bucket loads.  On Saturday 11 September an exciting modern musical about life changing and earth shattering discovery opens at the Riverside Theatre, Coleraine.

In a new world in which today’s answers probably won’t apply tomorrow, everyone recognises struggle and the challenge of finding a way to go forward.  Those moments of discovery in a new set of circumstances that cannot be expressed with mere words – they must be sung with every fibre of your being.  This is what Songs For a New World is all about.

If you ever thought that epic struggle was only ever the preserve of grand opera think again!  The real irony is that grand opera was invented by Renaissance Italians who were trying to copy Greek drama, which they mistakenly believed was sung-through.  So not only are musicals not descended from opera as a poor relation, but opera is descended from the earliest musicals!

This modern musical, direct from Broadway by Jason Robert Brown, is entirely about the music, the challenging vocals and the emotions of the four characters.  Songs for a New World shows the struggle between Fear and Faith, and it asks the question, In the moment of profound discovery what do you do?

“Songs for a New World is more than a show it is an experience of musical energy.  The music ranges through pop, gospel, jazz and classical in a non stop performance.  We defy anyone to just sit and let the music wash over them.  One of the most active parts of the event will be your brain making the connections, running through the consequences and perhaps relating them to your own lives; you have to be quick because the scenes won’t wait for you! said Musical Director Andrew Robinson from the new theatre company Just Tea & Friends.

Tickets £8, concession £6 from the Box Office or online at www.riversidetheatre.org.uk

WEST TO EAST

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At dawn on Saturday the 9th October two Limavady Rotarians intend to proceed on the journey of a life time.

They will be cycling from the West Coast of Ireland in Sligo to the East Coast of Northern Ireland – all inside 36 hours!

Brave Rotarians Peter Jack and Darren Mornin, this year’s Limavady President and President elect intend to be MAMILl i.e. middle aged men in lycra.  It will be frightening sight!

They are raising money for Rotary charities before and during the event and all donations will be gratefully received!

Darren in particular is honing himself to a new level of fitness – he does his exercises every morning, up down, up down –  then he races the other eyelid as well!

They hope to finish at about 6. 00 p.m. on Sunday the 10th and I am trying to work a way of trying to get from Newcastle, back to Limavady without having to sit down….

Sam McCrea (with cowboy hat), will drive the support bus for the 3 days needed to ensure they complete the cycle marathon.  The bus will be decked with buckets which will welcome coins being thrown at it …. sorry, try to aim for the buckets!

SKOOL DISCO at the Limelight THE FINAL COUNTDOWN…

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One of Northern Ireland’s longest-running and most popular midweek theme nights, Skool Disco at the Limelight, is set to close its doors for the final time on Thursday 9 September to make way for a new weekly club starting the following Thursday.

All good things must come to an end, just like those carefree school days which are said to be the best days of anybody’s life.

The Last Skool Disco in The Limelight will be something of a final graduation ceremony for all its loyal customers – anyone who came to the first night in 2002 as a ‘first-former’ would, by 2010 had hopefully finished their university degree and should be now working in the “real world”, if they can get a job that is!

The mix of music, which ranged from 70s and 80s cheesy pop and disco, to 90s old skool rave anthems, was provided by head boys Dave and Pat who will be playing all the classic Skool Disco tracks on the final outing.

No more conga lines, snaking throughout the club whenever Paul Simon’s Call Me Al is played, no more Rocky theme tune no more blur of glowsticks which accompanied Scooter’s Logical Song, no more getting down and dirty (quite literally!) on the dancefloor for Rock The Boat.

As Alice Cooper once said – Skool’s out – for ever!

SKOOL DISCO’S FINAL COUNTDOWN

THE LIMELIGHT, ORMEAU AVENUE

THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

DOORS 10PM-2AM, ADMISSION £4 (£3 in Uniform)

Our Thursday’s Showcase Narrowed down to final four.

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FINAL FOUR “OUR THURSDAYS” BANDS CHOSEN TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS IN A BID TO SHARE THE STAGE WITH SNOW PATROL ON ARTHUR’S DAY.

Empire Saints, winners of the NI Regional Final

Guinness® & Co today announced the talented four bands who have been selected by a panel of music industry experts to move forward to the ‘Our Thursdays’ National Showcase in Lavery’s, Belfast on 9th September.

‘Our Thursdays’, this year’s addition to the Arthur’s Day celebrations, honouring the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, gives emerging Irish acts the incredible opportunity to be part of the Arthur’s Day artist line up on 23rd September alongside amazing international artists including Snow Patrol.

At the Regional Showcase in Belfast last night, Empire Saints secured a place in the National Showcase on 9th September. They will be joined by Reko, Maud in Cahoots, and Dave Peyton who also secured their places at the Regional Showcases in Cork, Dublin and Galway last night.

The panel of judges involved in the selection of these lucky bands is comprised of music industry experts including members of Snow Patrol, Director of Talent at MTV Europe, Matt Cook and Editor of Hotpress Magazine, Niall Stokes.

Speaking about the four bands, Jonny Quinn from Snow Patrol said “The level of talent that we have seen from the Our Thursdays showcases has been incredible. It has made our job as judges extremely difficult. We look forward to playing alongside one of these guys on 23rd September.”

At the National showcase on 9th September, 3 of the bands will be selected to play official studio venues in Cork, Galway and St James’s Gate Brewery on Arthur’s Day alongside amazing international artists including home grown global phenomenon Snow Patrol and multi-platinum artist Paolo Nutini.

As well as the incredible opportunity to perform to a crowd of thousands on Arthur’s Day, the best three bands will also receive studio time, a digital release with Universal and will find themselves splashed all over the cover of Hot Press magazine in a special feature, with full details to be revealed at the National Showcase.

Our Thursdays events and Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events.

Drink Responsibly. Visit Drinkaware.co.uk

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


BULGARIAN LIFEGUARD LIFTS WHISKEY LOVERS’ ULTIMATE DREAM PRIZE IN GLOBAL COMPETITION

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BUSHMILLS VILLAGE, IRELAND: A 28-year old lifeguard from Svishtov Bulgaria has won a global Bushmills Irish Whiskey® competition with a prize described as ‘the whiskey lover’s ultimate dream’.

Overall winner Ivan Ivanov

Ivan Ivanov was chosen from finalists from nine countries as the winner of the Make it at Bushmills challenge at a gala dinner this evening (Thursday) in the village of Bushmills on Ireland’s north coast. The historic area has a history of whiskey production stretching back more than 400 years.

He will now spend 30 days working alongside Bushmills’ Master Distiller Colum Egan with the aim of becoming the first ever person outside the distillery to create their own blend of one of the world’s best-loved Irish whiskeys. Their prize also includes a month’s luxury penthouse accommodation in Ireland and £5,000 spending money.

Make it at Bushmills has attracted interest from around the globe since its launch in the New York Stock Exchange on St Patrick’s day on March 17. The nine finalists from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Northern Ireland, South Africa, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Bulgaria were chosen by public vote to represent their countries in this week’s two-day ‘Bushcamp’ finale, set by Bushmills’ Master Distiller, Colum Egan.

The contestants included a head sommelier from a French three-star Michelin restaurant, a former Wall Street broker as well as a drumming world record holder from Lisburn, Allister Brown, aged 33 years old.

Following a series of mental, physical and skills-based challenges, the performance of the individual contenders was assessed by a judging panel that included Irish rugby legend, Keith Wood, Foy Vance, one of Ireland’s most respected singer-songwriters and Joel Harrison, a regular contributor to a number of leading whiskey publications.

Ivan said: “Winning the public vote to represent Bulgaria in the final phase of the competition was a real honour. But to be the overall winner is just incredible – I still can’t believe I’ll spend a month making whiskey with the world’s best. It’s the whiskey lover’s ultimate dream.”

Colum Egan said: “Throughout the competition, Ivan has shown that he has the passion and personality to Make it at Bushmills. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to learn how great whiskey is made and I know he’ll grasp this opportunity with both hands.”

Follow Ivan’s progress at the Old Bushmills Distillery on facebook.com/bushmills1608.

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