AN East Belfast teenager is heading up a campaign to raise awareness and funds for a leukaemia charity. 19-year-old Strathern Grammar School student Emma Murphy, who lost her school friend Catherine Buchanan to leukaemia in 2013, is encouraging people to take to social media by using the hashtag #99RedBalloons to support blood cancer charity, Leukaemia […]
Teen Joins #99RedBalloons School Leukaemia Awareness Campaign Read More »
ARE you spending the weekend living it up at the Boucher Playing Fields with some of the top stars in the music business at Tennent’s Vital? Here’s a few tit-bits of gossip to get you talking while you get to grips with the travel situation… Anyone heading to Vital yesterday with the hope of catching
Vital Gossip: Showbiz News All About Your Tennent’s Vital Stars Read More »
HAVING not seen the box office adaptation of this play all I had to go on was the synopsis provided on all the marketing material. And I have to say, for me, that’s definitely the best way to see a play. Especially one like this, written by the wonderful Northern Ireland writer Brian Friel. I
ORGANISERS of Tennent’s Vital will welcome a whopping 65,000 people through the gates at the festival this weekend at the Boucher Playing Fields in Belfast. And we have a sneaky peak behind the scenes to give you a taste of what’s to come. View From The Stage Taking to the stage over the 2-day festival
WHEN teenager Danielle McGriskin was diagnosed at just 14 years old with a brain tumour she was almost relieved. For more than a year the Lisburn girl had been plagued by symptoms from headache, nausea and visual disturbances to memory problems and dizziness. Eventually after seeing a number of medical professionals including a neurologist she
AT a young age Aamir Ishtiaque was destined for great things. He was a typical high achiever and child who loved to study. His career path was mapped out. From grammar school in Belfast to university to becoming a doctor. Born in Belfast to Indian parents Aamir, 25, admits he was a bit of a
BELFAST glamour model Jade Entwistle is a rising star on the scene. Looking at the 20-year-old beauty it’s hard to believe she was once the victim of sickening bullies who made her life hell. Jade was subjected to so much bullying that by her mid-teens she had lost 95 per cent of her hair due
Model Jade Was Tormented By Cruel Bullies As A Teen, Now She’s A Top NI Glamour Star Read More »
THREE key looks were unveiled this week as the 2015 autumn/winter Belfast FashionWeek launched. Returning to the city from October 15-18 and once again sponsored by West Coast Cooler, this year’s series of events is set to get welcome the country’s top designers as well as boutique shops, designer brands and high street names to
3 Key Looks For Autumn/Winter Unveiled At The Launch Of Belfast FashionWeek Read More »
A NEW style of self defence is sweeping the country. Pure Krav Maga uses techniques from martial arts such as Wing Chun, Judo, Jujitsu and Aikido as well as fight training and sports such as boxing, wrestling and grappling. And instructor Darren Ansell, 39, said the new self defence technique is attracting more than just
IN five years personal trainer Ross Corry has put on a whopping five stone in weight. And in the world of health and fitness some may think that’s a disaster, especially for a model. But for this Dundonald man every pound of weight has been a step closer to success. Ross, 26, went from skinny
How Belfast Model Ross Went From Skinny Footballer To Ripped Muscle Man Read More »
FORMER chef turned complementary health therapist Mary-Jane Burns says as the summer comes to a close many people may be hoping to change their life and lifestyle. But she advises that change should be made slowly and effectively in order to fully reap the benefits. Before moving to the country Mary-Jane lived a highly stressful
When Mary Gave Up Her High Stress Life She Became Dedicated To Helping Others Read More »
A COUNTY Down rocker is battling the odds to spread the word of god through heavy metal music. Mark Payne, who works in insurance, is the guitarist for ForChristSake a Christian thrash band whose lyrics are dedicated to “praising God”. Signed to American label Roxx Productions, Mark and his fellow bandmates Ignatios Willis, Simon Cochrane, Alan
Despite What People May Think, It Is Possible To Be A Heavy Metal Christian Band Read More »
WHEN most people give up city living they do it for life. But for Suzanne Livingstone and her husband Keith they have returned to country living twice and having made the plunge once again are happier than ever. Suzanne and Keith own Baked In Belfast an artisan company specialising in “happy pottery and quirky jam”.
Giving Up The Rat Race Meant This Couple Could Start A Successful Food Business Read More »
I THOUGHT Jeremy Beadle had risen from the dead and I was being pranked when read about a call centre bring fined in court earlier this week. Apparently a call centre in England were fined a whopping £50,000 for making nuisance calls. “That’s normal” I hear you exclaim…or so you would think. However, the call
EARLIER this month research published by Ofcom revealed smartphones have overtaken laptops as the most popular way of accessing the internet. And a lot of that use is the consumption of live and on demand TV. According to TV Licensing research more than 31% of us across the UK don’t believe we need a licence
Did You Know…You still need a TV licence to watch TV on your phone or tablet? Read More »
A BELFAST visual artist has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Glenn Marshall, who has spent 15 years developing new methods of 3d animation and experimental computer art, has been shortlisted for the Lumen Prize for his work, Particle Man, a project that is supported with funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Now
Belfast Artist Shortlisted For Prestigious Award Read More »
INTERNET sensation Marcus Butler is in Belfast today (August 13) to officially launch his new book. Because apparently for this YouTube star being followed by millions on social networks isn’t enough. The 23-year-old has now brought out a book…Hello Life! And many critics are asking just what does he have to say. Well with over 22
Celebrity Vlogger Marcus Butler Set For Belfast Today Read More »
NORTHERN Ireland has a rich festival programme this year – from country fairs and food festivals to music weekends and world culture celebrations there’s literally something for everyone. Tens of thousands of people across the country will pack their summer schedule not by flying off to sunny destinations across the world but by going on
A COUNTY Antrim business duo are set to go head to head with the dragons tonight (Sunday August 9) on BBC 2. Entrepreneurial Colum McLornan and his business partner Claire Hunter will face scrutiny by top investors on the popular show Dragon’s Den when they present their new food business Rule of Crumb to the
Co Antrim Entrepreneurs To Face The Dragons On BBC2’s Hit Show Read More »
ENTERTAINMENT producer and performer Donna Fleming is best known in Northern Ireland as the country’s leading Dolly Parton tribute act. Stepping onto some of the biggest festival and venue stages in the country and blasting out the superstar’s most popular hits, not many know of Donna’s battle with a deteriorating medical disorder. Donna, a mother of
Behind The Curtain: 6 Things People Who Don’t Have M.E Don’t Understand Read More »
A NEW documentary which takes a unique look inside the world of a Belfast drag queen was screened as part of the city’s Pride festival. Photographer and videographer Tony Webster’s documentary Sassie featuring Scott Shilliday as Sassie Longshaft was premiered at Maverick Bar on the opening night of Belfast Pride last month. In the film
Inside The World Of A Belfast Drag Queen: Sassie Documentary Premieres Read More »
NORTHERN Ireland’s World Oyster Eating Champion has revealed he wants to find someone who he can train to beat him. And although 59-year-old Colin Shirlow says he’s confident he can find a winner to fill his boots – they better watch out. Because the Dromore man reckons he will return to beat his protege. A
Do You Have What It Takes To Beat Northern Ireland’s World Oyster Champ? Read More »
COLIN Morgan fans will be glued to the TV tonight (Sunday August 2) as the season finale of Humans airs on Channel 4 at 9pm. Colin’s character Leo plays a central role in the show and his co-star Emily Berrington who plays Niska has been singing his praises. Speaking of the 29-year-old Armagh star Emily
Colin Morgan Humans Co-Star Says Armagh Boy Is A “Fantastic Actor” Read More »
A NORTHERN Ireland playwright is to be celebrated in a cross-border festival at the end of this month. Tyrone born Brian Friel, best known for his plays Dancing At Lughnasa and Philadelphia, Here I Come! will be honoured in a two-part festival dedicated to his career taking place in Belfast and Donegal. The Lughnasa International
Festival Celebrating NI Playwright Headed For Belfast Read More »
US Alternative Rock luminaries The Lemonheads are headed back to Belfast. Fronted by singer/guitarist Evan Dando, the band are probably best known for their punk infused cover of the Simon & Garfunkel hit Mrs Robinson. The band, who have had a career spanning three decades with nine LP releases will play Belfast’s Limelight 2 on
IF you’ve been wondering where the gorgeous singer Katie Melua has been hiding recently, then you probably could have found her in the garden. The 30-year-old songwriter, who grew up in Belfast, has been touring Europe this summer but when she’s not performing she’s confessed to being a gardening lover. online pharmacy purchase cellcept online
CALUM Best was living it up in California this week as he made a trip home to the States to see his mum Angie. The 34-year-old son of footballing legend George Best, who grew up in America, charted his trip on social media saying on Instagram: “The joy I felt today, being back in Malibu
TYRONE songstress Janet Devlin has admitted to being Marvel mad. The sexy superhero fan is so obsessed with Marvel she recently stopped by the Marvel HQ in New York to talk about her love of Iron Man and Guardians of the Galaxy and show off her new Captain America handbag. Janet rose to fame in
Singer Janet Devlin Reveals Why She’s Such A Geek Read More »
The Rainbow Factory Studio Theatre, is welcoming Youth Action NI’s production of Calamity Jane to the theatre between August 10-15. The production is an adaptation of the 1953 film of the same name starring Doris Day which is loosely based on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane and explores an alleged romance between
Whip Crack Away…Calamity Jane Comes To The Rainbow Factory Read More »
GRAMMY nominated Hozier is the final name to be confirmed for this year’s Belsonic festival. He will take to the stage at Custom House Square on Monday August 24 along with Little Green Cars and Wyvern Lingo. The Irish singer, songwriter & multi instrumentalist shot to international success in 2014 following the release of Grammy
Irish Artist Hozier Completes Belsonic Festival Line-Up Read More »
TWO Northern Ireland young people who have been battling cancer were given the chance of a lifetime recently by British sports hero Dame Ellen MacArthur. Danielle McGriskin, 18, from Lisburn and Craig Lindsay, 20, from Castlereagh took to the high seas with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, a nationwide organisation which aims to rebuild confidence
2 Young NI Cancer Survivors Take To The High Seas Read More »
AN inspirational teenager who was struck down by a debilitating illness just four years ago is to represent Great Britain at paralympic level this week. Claire Taggart, 20, from Larne has Functional Dystonia – a condition that contracts muscles in her body forcing them into fixed abnormal positions. But despite having increasing problems with her
Inspirational Larne Teen Joins GB Paralympic Squad Read More »
10 NORTHERN Ireland sports heroes jetted off to the US to compete in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games. They are among 88 athletes across the country who will represent Team Ireland at the games which began in Los Angeles on July 25. Running until August 2, the games will see local competitors ranging
Meet Northern Irelands 10 Special Olympic Sporting Heroes Read More »
WHEN it comes to band t-shirts theres usually two schools of thought. There are the people who buy a t-shirt at every single concert they’ve ever been to – it’s more often than not the fan’s way of supporting the artist. And I’ve certainly clocked up a few in my time while supporting smaller artists. However,
IMAGINE the scene…I’ve tried on at least five dresses of which three I knew I hadn’t a hope in hell of fitting into even with the help of heavy plant machinery. *Sigh* I exasperated as I imagined how my fully sequinned vintage number would look on me in a parallel universe whilst the voice inside my
Comment: The Image Of Insanity And The Love Of Fat Pants Read More »
THIS week UTV will screen the concluding programme in a six-part series charting the restoration of Mount Stewart stately home. On Monday July 27 at 8pm viewers will see the big reveal as the 18th Century mansion is finally opened to the public following an extensive refurbishment and renovation programme. And the viewing public is
3 Years In The Making, Mount Stewart Restoration Finally Revealed On Screen Read More »
WE’VE all done it…whether cramming for exams, redecorating on a deadline or writing that dreaded report. Or maybe you’re one of the lucky people who stayed up all night while travelling, partying or playing video games. Do you remember that awful hour before you cross the “sleep barrier” and the elation when you finally do. No
Could Losing Sleep Be Causing Permanent Damage To Your Brain? Here’s The Science! Read More »
A NEW energy drink is set to take the Northern Ireland market by storm. As a result most health conscious consumers they might be considering taking a wide berth. But maybe this one is worth a second look. While most energy drinks have earned themselves a bit of a reputation for containing all sorts of
Health Conscious Energy Drink…Is That Even Possible? Read More »
AFTER finding themselves the victim of funding cuts at Queen’s University the future of the Belfast Festival hung in the balance earlier this year. However, with a whole host of supporters on board the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival (formerly the Belfast Festival At Queen’s) is back with a bang vowing “the show must
New Era As Belfast Festival Returns Vowing “The Show Must Go On” Read More »
