Rhythm of the Bann ‘bringing it all back home’ to Coleraine
Fri, June 16, 2017
The Rhythm of the Bann will ripple through Coleraine on Saturday 24th June as the town prepares to host its inaugural music and dance event.
The one-day festival celebrates a fusion of sounds including Ulster Scots, traditional and folk.
Afternoon entertainment on the Festival Stage begins at 12noon, setting the scene for a live concert in the Market Yard later that evening, featuring a specially choreographed dance performance and music from a host of local and international acts.
The celebration of music and dance will showcase the very best of talent from Northern Ireland and beyond, and reflect how our local influences resonate around the world – inspiring the festival strapline ‘We’re bringing it all back home’.
Located at the rear of the Town Hall, the Festival Stage will be graced by a fantastic line-up included the Hampsey Harp School, Grove Pipe Band, the Blue Bells dance troop, Heather Montgomery and friends, Coleraine Grammar School musicians and a cultural dance showcase.
This will be complemented by a host of live musical performances in cafés and bars, and shoppers can also look forward to impromptu song and dance throughout the town centre – helping to create a true festival feel to the day. Venues include The Three Kings, Ground Espresso, Diamond Centre, New Society, The Forum Restaurant, Café Nero, Moores of Coleraine, Coffee Emporium, Heralds at 22 and Pizza Pomodoro.
The evening event will see the old Market Yard venue comes to life as it hosts its first ever live concert. The family friendly evening will open with a bespoke dance spectacular 'Rhythm of the Bann' performed by the Dominic Graham School of Irish Dancing and the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance, accompanied by seven-piece band Ballyrúa , all the way from Spain.
Hosts for the evening are stand-up comedian Tim McGarry and Ulster Scots historian David Hume MBE. The pair will keep the audience entertained throughout the evening with some Ulster Scots recitals and tongue in cheek humour.
Originally from Coleraine, singer-song writer Hannah McPhillimy will bring her unique style of jazz and indie to the event. A multi-instrumentalist with beguiling vocals, she is an exciting addition to the line-up. Having released her first album ‘Seeing Things’ in 2013, she is enjoying a growing reputation, and is excited to be bringing her music back to her home town.
Sullivan and Gold, a talented two-piece are making a return to the North West for the event. The pair, previously likened to Simon and Garfunkel, will play a mixture of old material along with new material and renditions from their latest album ‘Guatemala’, released back in March.
Ballyrúa will perform in Coleraine fresh from the festival circuit in Europe, injecting an instrumental Galician style to the event ahead of headline act, The Peatbog Faeries from the Isle of Skye. They have toured the world with their unique music and light show so be prepared for high octane Scots Celtic music as you’ve never heard it before.
Gates open at 6pm with entertainment beginning at 7pm. Access will be by ticket only from Lime Market Street. No food or drinks can be brought in to the site and bag searches will be in operation. Amenities will be available inside, including food outlets, a bar facility and public conveniences. This is a non-seated event but patrons are welcome to bring their own fold up chairs.
Tickets are available online via Eventbrite or from Coleraine Visitor Information centre on 028 7034 4723, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for 16years and under.
Concert-goers are asked to use car parks within the town centre.
For further details go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com
Comedian Tim McGarry looks forward to the inaugural Rhythm of the Bann event with Helen and Chloe Parker from the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance who will perform in a bespoke dance spectacular along with dancers from the Dominic Graham School of Irish Dancing. The event take place in Coleraine on Saturday 24th June.