Duke's special Festival/Duke's festival special - Belfast

[treed]

Hi there,

I'm just wondering do you know what date the festival you mentioned having in Belfast is likely to happen. I really don't want to miss it and am trying to organise holidays etc for the summer.

Oh, and did I hear mention of the Ulster Folk museum as a venue? If so I think this would be brilliant. Just visited lately with my kids and thought this would be perfect as a Duke venue, espeicially the picture house!

[ethereal]

I heard (I think it was on one of Duke's recent Radio 2 interviews) that it was happening during the bank holiday weekend at the end of August. However do check your facts before you book your holiday!

[groovelands]

Ah if that's the case I guess it means he won't be playing Greenbelt festival. (Although I probably won't be going this year anyway as I'll be just back from my honeymoon :) )

[MandyK]

I heard (I think it was on one of Duke's recent Radio 2 interviews) that it was happening during the bank holiday weekend at the end of August. However do check your facts before you book your holiday!

For the ignorant American...would someone mind filling me in on what the actual dates are for the bank holiday in August? Not that I'll hold this as the confirmed dates, but just so I might get a ballpark for booking plane tickets and time off and such. Thanks! :)

[Bally]

For the ignorant American...would someone mind filling me in on what the actual dates are for the bank holiday in August? Not that I'll hold this as the confirmed dates, but just so I might get a ballpark for booking plane tickets and time off and such. Thanks! :)

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_073741

Probably too much information!

31st August 2009.

[atkygal]

This belfast stuff should be fab. Am really hoping the gigs will be under 18 too so I can get the kids in!

[matt]

I was actually planning on organising a little festival myself...

Would you all come if I did?!

[treed]

I heard (I think it was on one of Duke's recent Radio 2 interviews) that it was happening during the bank holiday weekend at the end of August. However do check your facts before you book your holiday!

Thanks etereal!

I don't think it's a bank holiday weekend in the south and therefore the kids are probably back to school that Monday but if I can swing it at all I'll be there. Nice way to finish off the summer holidays.

[loopylolly]

hope the festival doesnt clash with college startin :o:o
think ill just be missin a few dayz at the start if it does!!!!

[Carola]

I believe Duke told us the festival will be the 29th of August.

[dukester]

Hi, yeah we are almost at the point of being able to announce the festival but we have a few more things to iron out. If it goes ahead it will be on Saturday August 29th. Here's hoping! We will keep you posted.

[RadioWhatsNew]

I sincerely hope that I can make that little trek up north and back before the beginning of the school term...

I hope :(

[MandyK]

I sincerely hope that I can make that little trek up north and back before the beginning of the school term...

I hope :(

If I can make the 3,300 mile trek, so can you... I have faith in your love of DS! :)

[RadioWhatsNew]

Where there's a will there's a way.....

MandyK, I salute you! :)

[runnerbean]

I sincerely hope that I can make that little trek up north and back before the beginning of the school term...

I hope :(

Ooo slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just listen to me
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free

I hope you make it.

[atkygal]

Def time for a family holiday I feel!

[elvisleslie61]

well i have booked my flights and suggest any one from london looks at ryan air it worked out about £30 return plus £10 each for paying with a debit card.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lets start a campaign to get Tim minchin on the bill!

[RadioWhatsNew]

Ok, before I get too excited, are the dates for 29th August definite?

Methinks Operation DukeBox is go!

x

[Goldilocks]

My question exactly! No point in booking if not. Duke/Stephen can you help us out here at all?

[runnerbean]

well i have booked my flights and suggest any one from london looks at ryan air it worked out about £30 return plus £10 each for paying with a debit card.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lets start a campaign to get Tim minchin on the bill!



Just a little word of caution - make sure you check-in online or you will be charged £20 each way. A colleague and myself were caught out in April.

[meurglys3]

Hmm. flights from Liverpool are currently £16 each way with Ryanair, flying out Saturday coming back Monday.... flight is about 40 minutes...
Might be worth a weekend in Belfast, I've never been...

hmmm.......

Can anyone suggest a hotel or B&B?

[elvisleslie61]

duke confirmed the date and location on Radio 6 (ULSTER FOLK & TRANSPORT MUSEUM (http://www.uftm.org.uk/)) so i dont mind taking a chance and i want to visit Belfast anyway.

cam anyone recommend places to visit in Belfast as well as good hotels.

[claree]

Theres a very nice hotel just beside the museum called The Culloden its 5 star but sometimes have really good deals on. Theres also a B&B in Holywood (town nearest museum) called Rayanne House. Also check out B&B's and Hotels in Bangor.

=]

[thesneakybandit]

I had a whole thread on here once about things to do and places to stay in Belfast... must go search for it.

[elvisleslie61]

thanks guys will check out your recommendations

[thesneakybandit]

Actually, yeah I've no idea where I posted it but here's some copypasta from thesneakybandit over on the Snow Patrol forums from a couple of years ago...


top areas to see good music in belfast
===========================
1. student-ville.
- lavery's, the student's union, the pavillion, auntie annie's.

2. south belfast.
- the limelight, spring and airbrake, katy daly's, the empire.

3. cathedral quarter.
- the black box, mchughs, the john hewitt, the oh yeah building.

hotels and stuff
===========
1. holiday inn, ormeau avanue.
2. benedicts, bradbury place.
3. days hotel, city centre somewhere.
4. madison's, dublin road.
5. malmaison or the merchant if you really want to push the boat out!

er... i don't know of any gigs or anything that are particularly worth coming to belfast for. i don't have my finger on the pulse anymore!

www.hostelbelfast.com is the place to go if you don't want to stay somewhere quite so flashy!

[matt]

^ there's a good list right there.

nice work sneaky!

i'd say if you're looking cheap there's always a lot of B&B's in Bangor and my best friends family have a little flat round the side of their house that's official B&B, so if you were interested in coming I could try get you a cheap price! Only if you're not rowdy though! Lol. I think they can sleep 4 in there? 2 couples maybe? a double bedroom en suite and a double sofa bed. :]

Belfast is DEF worth a visit!

[thesneakybandit]

By that time of the year I'll no longer be living in Belfast so have fun y'all!

:)

[Maggie]

By that time of the year I'll no longer be living in Belfast so have fun y'all!

:)

Em.... and you will be...?????

[MandyK]

By that time of the year I'll no longer be living in Belfast so have fun y'all!

:)

Sneeeaaaaakyyyyyyyyy!!! You won't be that far away...please come out for this? :(

[thesneakybandit]

As of the end of this month I'll be back to being a resident of sunny Portadown!

[Guildford Ghost]

This could be logistically very interesting; I'm due to go up that week to join friends at the Edinburgh Festival... coming home on the 29th. The thought is I could fly from Edinburgh to Belfast, stay there overnight and then fly back down to Gatwick on the Sunday afternoon.

Can anyone confirm it's going to be just the one day and what time it'll be starting? Obviously, I want to get there in time. Being one night as well, I might do something Travelodge-y rather than seek out a cheap guesthouse.

This could be the boardie meet-up of the century. Well, of the August Bank Holiday.

[MandyK]

Anyone have any plane ticket fundraising ideas for Miss Mandy? :)

[Andyru]

This sounds absolutely amazing, though unfortunately I'm at Reading Festival :( Should be brilliant, I hope you guys all have a great time!

[atkygal]

What a dilema though as he's at guildfest the next day ish! Hmm can I persuade hubbie to take kids to festival, nip over to belfast then head back for the sunday? I'm guessing not

[Goldilocks]

I'm confused! I thought Duke was playing Greenbelt the next day. I share your dilemma atkygal. Did think about giving Greenbelt a try instead. Feel I need to make a decision on this because my summer is fast becoming booked up. I don't know how much longer I can stave off 'other stuff' happening.

[Guildford Ghost]

Yeah, Duke's not billed for Guilfest (seeing as the festival takes place 10 minutes walk from my house, I know these things). Besides, Guilfest this year is the 10th to 12th July. Sure you meant Greenbelt.

[robi]

Aaaah...that clears up a mystery. Shame.

[TheActor]

HELP!! I have heard about the festival but still don't know any details at all! Is there a link with details on it and can someone deliver me the details in one handy private message? Thanks :)

[atkygal]

Thanks GG I did mean Greenbelt. He's def billed as playing so I guess he'll be travelling over for the sun? Think will do festival as kids will prob enjoy it more. still working on hubbie for sat trip to belfast though. Come to festival people - could be fun!!

[elvisleslie61]

hi,
if you listen carefully to the bbc 6 interview when asked about whether he was playing Greenbelt duke said "apparently" though he is clearly billed as playing on the website.
He was however very enthusiastic about his festival and invited marc riley to come.
i guess he will be doing both.

Come on Duke tell us all :)

[dukester]

expect an announcement very soon!

[rustyinn]

I wait with interest..... since I LOVE Belfast, BUT Cheltenham is less than an hour away and Aug. B/H weekend is one of our busiest of the year.

Don't fancy doing an open air Orchard Beer Garden gig when in the area ??

Dave

[medusa]

How soon man? I hear that oxygen is on the menu for you this year, what about the picnic?

[xlaurax]

Can't see anything stopping me being there. (besides an 18+ restriction)
An early 18th birthday present for me I think :) (birthday is the following week)

Can't wait-first Oxegen in mid July then this n August!

[Lady Cara]

I was checking out airfares, even though I'll never be able to afford it and found this:

http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/?fares=more

10 pound fairs from several locations to Belfast on selected days during August. You have to book by midnight tonight though.

I wish I could afford to fly over, but flights to the UK seem to spike in price around that date.

[Mrfizzy]

If I can make the 3,300 mile trek, so can you... I have faith in your love of DS! :)

Mandy - Fizzy and I may be able to wave to you on your plane over the Atlantic as we are flying to JFK on 27th August!
We were so disappointed that this clashes with Duke shows at this time. Belfast is a great town and Greenbelt no problem for us normally :(
Our only compensation is the hope that dedicated Duke fans like yourself will be kind enough to post like crazy so that we can at least enjoy the festivities second-hand :(

[atkygal]

Hurrah, have decided to scrap greenbelt (oh well kids) and go with hubbie for romantic weekend in belfast!! Can't wait, have to seek out another occasion for kids to experience the duke though

[Guildford Ghost]

I'm getting impatient for info; the longer it is, the more the air fares'll cost! Speak, our regal leader! Tell us of piano-led shenanigans!

[Stephen]

Bit of a delay in the news, but gigs involve, Clonmel, Greenbelt, few other Irish dates. Don't book flights for Dukebox! Date may change.

Details soon!

[atkygal]

Phew, just about to click on ryan air but thought would check the forum

[mrs lolly]

Hi Stephen, can you tell us how long until the announcement? We have already booked our hols around Dukebox, staying on the north east coast for a week! :( The sooner we know we might be able to see if we can re-jig! :) We'd hate to come all that way and miss it. Is it likely to be in the next day or so??!

[Stephen]

I'm not in a position to mention dates, but yeah - for the benefit of the good people here, the festival might even be during the next month. Just hold off until things are confirmed, that's all I can advise at this time.
As usual, the reason for the change is totally beyond our control.

[mrs lolly]

Thanks Stephen, that's really helpful and good of you to reply. Maybe we'll just have to come out twice then! Look forward to hearing the news ....

[Guildford Ghost]

Thanks, Stephen. That's actually a lot more helpful than you think. Certainly if the date DOES change, then the astronomical air fares of the August Bank Holiday weekend won't be an issue. Just make it after the 18th July because I'm in a show until then!

[elvisleslie61]

hi stephen are you in a position to let us know when the date for dukebox will be posted especially if it is as soon as next month. you also mentioned a london gig on an earlier post - is that happening.

[atkygal]

The plot thickens!!

[Stephen]

hi stephen are you in a position to let us know when the date for dukebox will be posted especially if it is as soon as next month. you also mentioned a london gig on an earlier post - is that happening.

Should hopefully have news this week, maybe even tomorrow.
London date, clash of dates, might be able to switch them. I'll let you know when I do.

[elvisleslie61]

oh the suspense is killing!

stephen being a massive fan of Batman i am seeing you as Dukes Commisioner Gordon and i hope your bat phone rings tomorrow with some news:redface:

please at least let us know if there is a definate date change for Dukebox because i was the one who optimistically booked air flights as soon as i felt the event was a go

[MandyK]

Certainly if the date DOES change, then the astronomical air fares of the August Bank Holiday weekend won't be an issue.

Wow...it does make a huge cost difference. I'm kind of hoping it is scheduled for later now!

[Delly]

Just make it after the 18th July because I'm in a show until then!

Aah GG, I thought you'd been quiet of late.;)

Never mind everyone's air fare worries, it sadly won't affect me at all cos my other half won't fly! Snail-like ferry for us - 8 hours from Liverpool no less. And paying a fortune for the privilege! Only Duke could make me endure this!
If we arrive just as you are all leaving after the show can someone describe it to me please?:p

[berniecasserley]

I've got a family wedding in Roscommon mid July so Dukebox or the Clomel date around that time would be an added bonus !

Steve, would also appreciate knowing which day his Dukeness is playing greenbelt as I'm off that weekend but working the BH Monday ...ta .

[Goldilocks]

Arhhh! So many things to think about. :confused:

[atkygal]

When when when

[Mrfizzy]

Wow...it does make a huge cost difference. I'm kind of hoping it is scheduled for later now!

We were very sad that we had to miss the August Bank hol dates but are trying not to get too hopeful - you might not be able to shake off the Fizzys by leaving the US after all Mandy!

[MandyK]

We were very sad that we had to miss the August Bank hol dates but are trying not to get too hopeful - you might not be able to shake off the Fizzys by leaving the US after all Mandy!

Yippeee! :D

On a related note...any word/thoughts/speculations on who else might be playing this?

[Guildford Ghost]

I shall be playing. It will be 30 minutes of rabbit noises. It's quite ambient.

Actually, Delly, I'm singing most of the songs in this show I'm in. It'll be a GG-Fest in Guildford in July. We're even in the theatre tent at Guilfest so I shall be able to say I played it!

However... Dukefest. Yesssss.... awaiting those dates...

[Stephen]

Looking more like 29th again...

[atkygal]

Of August? Dam those bank holiday flights costs

[mrs lolly]

Thanks for keeping us in the picture Stephen. As for you atkygal, you can go whatever the date!! ... please hold out for those of us who have already booked our flights for 29th!!

[elvisleslie61]

Thanks for keeping us in the picture Stephen. As for you atkygal, you can go whatever the date!! ... please hold out for those of us who have already booked our flights for 29th!!

i dont want to sound selfish but i will be made up if its the 29th

[Guildford Ghost]

What - lippy and rouge? The Duchess and the Lost Ladies of Zanzibar beat you to it.

[elvisleslie61]

What - lippy and rouge? The Duchess and the Lost Ladies of Zanzibar beat you to it.

hi gg
i have got loads of respect for you but absolutely no idea what this means!

[old git]

August 29th would be perfect for the OGs too!

[Guildford Ghost]

Hi EL61 - you said you'd be 'made up' if Duke played on the 29th.

Throw the word 'Zanzibar' into the search engine of the forums and you might come up with an answer. It's not as obscure as it might at first read.

[MandyK]

Looking more like 29th again...

Any word/thoughts on when it will be officially announced so we can start making plans?

[Claire]

Oh the suspense..!!
;)

[Goldilocks]

Oooh...more confusion and dilemmas! :confused:
Feel like a yo-yo. Going. Not going. Going? So want to be going!

[elvisleslie61]

What - lippy and rouge? The Duchess and the Lost Ladies of Zanzibar beat you to it.

wow you have to tell me more oh wise one.

why were they all dressed to impress so at the Pigalle

(i feel that i have missed so much and have so much to catch up on.)
i joined the gang relatively late after seeing mr wilson on jools holland. I have witnessed crowded house (support), proud galleries and the scala and keeping my fingers crossed for Dukebox on Aug 29th.
When did you first become aware of his dukeness? and what other historical facts should i be aware of?

[MandyK]

I shall be playing. It will be 30 minutes of rabbit noises. It's quite ambient.

So, does this mean we are meant to throw lettuce leaves and carrots at you during your performance instead of our thongs? Huh...

[atkygal]

Are your things not edible then? Oh just me! Ha, anyway please give us news soon - I have to organise things or become irrationally anxious!

[MandyK]

Are your things not edible then? Oh just me!

You are genius! Now, does anyone know if rabbits prefer strawberry, chocolate, or passionfruit? Hmmm...

[atkygal]

Poor GG, bet he's blushing now!!

[Stephen]

Pretty sure this will be the 29th of August now...

News soon!

[Guildford Ghost]

Just in the knickers of time!

[Delly]

Poor GG, bet he's blushing now!!

Well? Are you oh thespy one? I bet you're not!

[atkygal]

Now does pretty sure mean book it, or pretty sure mean wait a mo and see what happens next!! Bet he is blushing rather slightly!!

[Delly]

Actually, Delly, I'm singing most of the songs in this show I'm in. It'll be a GG-Fest in Guildford in July. We're even in the theatre tent at Guilfest so I shall be able to say I played it!

Oh, oh, What about Guildford Ghost as one of supports at Duke Box?! Bunny ears could be woven into homage-style dreads ;)

[MandyK]

Bunny ears could be woven into homage-style dreads ;)

I'll be rocking the bunny ears regardless... ;)

[MandyK]

Pretty sure this will be the 29th of August now...

Rats...MUCH more expensive :(

[MandyK]

Just got word that I made a mistake (in my favor) on my DC tax return. That puts me $92 closer to DukeBox. Yippeeeee!

[atkygal]

Now if we only knew when it was.....has anyone got any idea about who will be playing with him?

[MandyK]

Foy Vance, Dan Donnelly, Donal Scullion, and Tim Minchin. Oh wait, that was my dream, not reality ('Dougal! Have you been studying the chart like I told you?!')

[elvisleslie61]

Just got word that I made a mistake (in my favor) on my DC tax return. That puts me $92 closer to DukeBox. Yippeeeee!

good for you hope you can make it if we ever find out when it is.
come on duke and stephen the waiting is killing:o

[Stephen]

29th confirmed!

[Mrfizzy]

29th confirmed!

Thanks Stephen - we are sadly away that weekend but I'm sure you've put many minds at rest and that we can rely on those lucky fans that can go to make fulsome reports for unfortunates like us! :(

[atkygal]

Hurrah hurrah a date at last!! Now we can plan and book flights!! No last minute changes

[mrs lolly]

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ... !

[old git]

29th confirmed!

How, when and where can tickets be obtained Steve?

[runnerbean]

29th confirmed!

Where will we buy tickets?

There is nothing on UF & T Musuem site yet.

[runnerbean]

Great minds OG!

[elvisleslie61]

Thanks Stephen - we are sadly away that weekend but I'm sure you've put many minds at rest and that we can rely on those lucky fans that can go to make fulsome reports for unfortunates like us! :(

sorry you guys cant make it, i will post loads of videos for you!
i am so relieved as i purchased flights as soon as i thought the date was the 29th and its been a long anxious wait.
thanks for letting us know stephen

[old git]

Great minds OG!

:D

[Stephen]

How, when and where can tickets be obtained Steve?
Tickets go on sale on soon. Where, I'll get back to you about.
Duke's Digital Digest members will have priority, but there will be plenty to go round!

[mrs lolly]

Hi Stephen, great news, will children be able to get tickets for Dukebox? (accompanied by very sensible adults obviously!!)

[Guildford Ghost]

Getting more detailed now...

Do I book a flight for very early on the 29th to fly back on the 30th, or do I book one on the 28th? If I arrive the day before, I take it there'll be plenty of you to meet up with? Never done Belfast before.

[MandyK]

JUST BOOKED MY FLIGHT! Wheeeeee!!!!! :)

[elvisleslie61]

:wave:Getting more detailed now...

Do I book a flight for very early on the 29th to fly back on the 30th, or do I book one on the 28th? If I arrive the day before, I take it there'll be plenty of you to meet up with? Never done Belfast before.

we (my wife, 2 of 3 children and i) are doing the early on the 29th leave late on the 30th route and would like to meet up)
will your bunny ears get through customs

[MandyK]

I arrive the morning of the 26th...

[Mrfizzy]

Getting more detailed now...

Do I book a flight for very early on the 29th to fly back on the 30th, or do I book one on the 28th? If I arrive the day before, I take it there'll be plenty of you to meet up with? Never done Belfast before.

If Fizzy and I could come it would be an extra bonus to see the many great spots in Belfast again and an extra extra bonus if a few fans were around to meet up - 28th it is then! ;)

[Mrfizzy]

I arrive the morning of the 26th...

That's great Mandy - I don't want to jinx you but you've got one or two "reasons to be cheerful" going for you!

Unfortunately we're New York-bound early on the 27th! :(

[Ails]

Yay! Can't wait for this :D

[FTFairy]

I'm a little bit lost as I missed the BBC6 interview and there was no listen again feature.:confused:
Is there a particular theme to the event? or will there be a number of different acts playing throughout the night and Duke is the headliner?

[Guildford Ghost]

Oh - my - God.

Just done some internet searching and I can get return tickets (obviously without the taxes etc) for UNDER £10!!! Even with all the expenses it will still be under £100. I'll book tomorrow.

I actually won't be able to arrive until early on the 29th (I'm flying back from Edinburgh on the 28th just to do my Ghost Tour and then off to Belfast the next day) but I can leave quite late on the 30th.

OK - recommendations on accomodation near the venue? Something Travelodgey will do me fine.

The ears WILL be coming, BTW.

[old git]

This is going to be one big boardie meetup...can't wait!

[Guildford Ghost]

Indeed, OG. Sounds like even more of a boardie meet than the ICA gig in 2007. This might be a lot of fun...

[Guildford Ghost]

Batten down your hutches and lock up your carrots!

I've got my flights booked and paid for. Less than £80 inclusive from Gatwick (direct train from home) to Belfast City (I looked on the map and realised this was far more sensible than Belfast International) return.

I'll be there from late Saturday morning until late Sunday afternoon. Just need to know where it's happening and thus where I should book to stay.

Ooh God... I shall finally be meeting Mad Mandy. And you all thought 'The Troubles' were over!

[thesneakybandit]

I reckon everyone should stay.in Belfast and we could get a big Dukebus out to the gig.

[MandyK]

Batten down your hutches and lock up your carrots!

Ooh God... I shall finally be meeting Mad Mandy. And you all thought 'The Troubles' were over!

Fear not, for I travel not with carrots, but with Crunchies :)

[old git]

I reckon everyone should stay.in Belfast and we could get a big Dukebus out to the gig.

What a brilliant idea!

[mrs lolly]

We are staying on the coast north of Belfast for a family holiday 25th - 1st Sept :) - would be great to meet up at the weekend with some of you boardies! I also have some links for things to do/ places to go around Belfast from a friend from the area if anyone's interested - quite a few though so not sure that I should post them here! :wave:

[atkygal]

Am going to book tickets now and will prob be early 29 th like you GG. Would be fab to catch up with people. Did anyone have any cheap ideas for hotel? Dukebus sounds very exciting!!

[Thommo]

Mrs Lolly where you outside at the end of the Glasgow show-im sure that's you in my photo-if not forgive these mad ramblings,regards ian

[MandyK]

Am going to book tickets now and will prob be early 29 th like you GG. Would be fab to catch up with people. Did anyone have any cheap ideas for hotel? Dukebus sounds very exciting!!

I have a couple of non-boardie friends who have offered up places to crash (which I may take advantage of for part of the trip), but honestly, if at all possible, I think I'd like to get a place with other boardies. Anyone interested in snagging a (few) room(s) in a hotel/hostel or offering up their Belfast home for boardie slumber party?

[mrs lolly]

Mrs Lolly where you outside at the end of the Glasgow show-im sure that's you in my photo-if not forgive these mad ramblings,regards ian

Hi Thommo, yes that'll be me! will have to see your photos if you're gonna be in Belfast!!

[atkygal]

Once photgraphed never forgotten Mrs Lolly. Def agree Mandy K, there must be a central hotel type place we can all book into

[Goldilocks]

I'm booked! :D :D :D

Flying with Ryan Air from East Midlands I got a return flight for £50. Not too bad!

Will be arriving early Sat morning, like most and leaving late Sun afternoon. Wow! I am so excited!

Don't know where to stay, as have never visited Belfast, or indeed Ireland, before, so if anyone finds a good place please let me know.

Really looking forward to meeting up with everyone. What a party it's gonna be!

[elvisleslie61]

I'm booked! :D :D :D

Flying with Ryan Air from East Midlands I got a return flight for £50. Not too bad!

Will be arriving early Sat morning, like most and leaving late Sun afternoon. Wow! I am so excited!

Don't know where to stay, as have never visited Belfast, or indeed Ireland, before, so if anyone finds a good place please let me know.

Really looking forward to meeting up with everyone. What a party it's gonna be!
posted by claree
Theres a very nice hotel just beside the museum called The Culloden its 5 star but sometimes have really good deals on. Theres also a B&B in Holywood (town nearest museum) called Rayanne House. Also check out B&B's and Hotels in Bangor

[elvisleslie61]

I'm booked! :D :D :D


Don't know where to stay, as have never visited Belfast, or indeed Ireland, before, so if anyone finds a good place please let me know.

posted by the sneaky bandit
Actually, yeah I've no idea where I posted it but here's some copypasta from thesneakybandit over on the Snow Patrol forums from a couple of years ago...


top areas to see good music in belfast
===========================
1. student-ville.
- lavery's, the student's union, the pavillion, auntie annie's.

2. south belfast.
- the limelight, spring and airbrake, katy daly's, the empire.

3. cathedral quarter.
- the black box, mchughs, the john hewitt, the oh yeah building.

hotels and stuff
===========
1. holiday inn, ormeau avanue.
2. benedicts, bradbury place.
3. days hotel, city centre somewhere.
4. madison's, dublin road.
5. malmaison or the merchant if you really want to push the boat out!

er... i don't know of any gigs or anything that are particularly worth coming to belfast for. i don't have my finger on the pulse anymore!

www.hostelbelfast.com (http://www.hostelbelfast.com) is the place to go if you don't want to stay somewhere quite so flashy!

[Goldilocks]

Thanks elvisleslie61 I will look into some of them.

[elvisleslie61]

cant take any credit they were posted to me by the sneaky bandit and claree:p
i am staying in the culloden and am loving the idea that we all meet up somewhere and get a duke bus to dukebox:wave:

[Brixton]

Ohh, it's gonna be a good one!;)

[claree]

i cant wait =]

[thesneakybandit]

Ahh so this is all part of Belsonic!! I would have offered some people a place to stay but as I'll be living in a small two bedroomed cottage with my mum about 50-60 miles away from the gig it wouldn't make much sense. I'm going to miss the big Belfast party house! I still think it would be more cost effective for people to check into a Belfast hotel and then hire a big boardie bus. There's a guy who runs coaches out to gigs and would probably do the bus for £10 a head if he could guarantee getting a good crowd on it. He's reliable and has taken me to gigs in Dublin, to Glasgowbury and to Snow Patrol in Ward Park in the past. Staying somwhere like a Premier Inn or Holiday Inn in Belfast city centre would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a room in the Culloden...

[Delly]

Woo hoo!! Ferry (:() and hotel booked! We've decided to stay 5 nights and see some of the sights. Got Park Inn for £51.75 per room per night btw if anyone's looking for budget accommodation. Best get down to some work before I get sacked now:p Bring it on!!

[Claire]

Bus option sounds good to me! I suggest Big Daves aka The Day's Hotel (;)) to stay, its cheap, somewhat cheerful but most importantly clean!
Fun!! :D

[MandyK]

Bus option sounds good to me! I suggest Big Daves aka The Day's Hotel (;)) to stay, its cheap, somewhat cheerful but most importantly clean!
Fun!! :D

I'm down with the bus idea, and especially with the idea of everyone booking to stay in one place. Now, if only I hadn't had to take out a minor loan just to pay for the flight, I could be a little more picky... :rolleyes: Cheap, clean, and cheerful works for me!

[thesneakybandit]

There's also an International Youth Hostel on Donegal Road which is very cheap but clean, comfy and does a nice breakfast!

[MandyK]

There's also an International Youth Hostel on Donegal Road which is very cheap but clean, comfy and does a nice breakfast!

That's what I'm talking about! We could commandeer one of their dorm rooms... And, believe it or not, I'm a lifetime member of the NI International Youth Hostel Association :)

[Guildford Ghost]

I have no idea where the gig is taking place. Isn't it Belfast? What's all this stuff about us hiring a bus?!

[runnerbean]

I have no idea where the gig is taking place. Isn't it Belfast? What's all this stuff about us hiring a bus?!

It's about 5 miles outside the city centre. A place called Cultra, near Holywood. A bus would be handy for all those staying in the City.

There are normal service buses via Holywood to Bangor.

Try Googling and you can see exactly where it is.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[runnerbean]

There's also an International Youth Hostel on Donegal Road which is very cheap but clean, comfy and does a nice breakfast!

There's another on the Lisburn Road, opposite City Hospital.

[old git]

Tickets go on sale on soon.

I take it that this was an edit then, Steve....Nothing on Ticketmaster today!

[Goldilocks]

Ah! research on this has shown that the venue is on the outskirts of the city on the Bangor Rd, nowhere near the city centre itself. The website for the museum says its 7 miles outside, a 15 min drive. if you wish to check it out here is the link:
http://www.uftm.org.uk/visiting_information/travel_directions/

Hope this clears up the confusion.

[Lady Cara]

Found this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/atl/news_specific269281.shtml):

ATL online can also exclusively reveal what's in store for Saturday, 29th August.

DUKEBOX, a special event curated by the one and only Duke Special will feature friends and very special guests to be announced on ATL online next week.

Ticket details will be confirmed on June 22nd.

[old git]

Good grief... it takes someone on the other side of the world to work it out :redface:;)

[Lady Cara]

Lol, I've been looking these things up both as procrastination and because I really, really wish I could go. :rolleyes:

I even figured out the cheapest flights I could take. Its a pity I can't justify spending over $1000 to fly to the other side of the world by myself, when I could only stay a week before having to get back to uni. Although, if the line-up is good enough, I may still change my mind. :suspect:

I'm certainly determined to get over there eventually. Hopefully there will be another awesome gig planned then. :D

[Guildford Ghost]

Hmmm.... and now a mailout with other gigs announced. Me liking the last one on the list for September...

[Lady Cara]

It's time to announce the final Duke Special shows for this year, as between September and Christmas, Duke will be doing something slightly different, which we'll let you know about very shortly...


Aw, there goes the idea that I might fly over in November... unless the "something different" is something that can be attended.

[Stephen]

I take it that this was an edit then, Steve....Nothing on Ticketmaster today!
And I would have got away with it if it wasn't for those pesky kids!

[atkygal]

Regents park sounds very good indeed. Def so that one. Tickets all booked now and thanks to very lovely friends (mr and Mrs lolly) have accomodation. Should we all wear a carnation so we know who the boardies are? Ha, or carry a chip stick

[Guildford Ghost]

You know what you've got to wear.

[elvisleslie61]

Hmmm.... and now a mailout with other gigs announced. Me liking the last one on the list for September...
tell me more gg
i have just joined digital digest but have heard nothing about this
el61

[thesneakybandit]

There's another on the Lisburn Road, opposite City Hospital.

It's woeful. Stay well clear!!

[runnerbean]

It's as well you know these things Sneaky. I don't know anyone who stayed there, just noticed it on occasions when I was on Lisburn Road. It seemed really busy though.

[robi]

Regents park sounds very good indeed. Def so that one. Tickets all booked now and thanks to very lovely friends (mr and Mrs lolly) have accomodation. Should we all wear a carnation so we know who the boardies are? Ha, or carry a chip stick

I looked on the Regents Park website and couldn't see anything for DS - or for 6th September. How did you book it?

[robi]

Or do you mean Jukebox...

[Guildford Ghost]

EL61... the clues are in the other posts. :) Might be London. Might be 6th September. Might be Regent's Park. Might be a 7-piece band.

Is someone going to be designated bus-finder, then?

[Lady Cara]

tell me more gg
i have just joined digital digest but have heard nothing about this
el61

It came through the mailing list (http://zaphod.uk.vvhp.net/reg/reg.pl?id=3182-55390), not the digital digest. We could post the details for that here since its free, right?

[robi]

EL61... the clues are in the other posts. :) .


Spotted that afterwards! :(

[atkygal]

You know what you've got to wear.

Not those edible things again!

[atkygal]

Soz tickets booked for dukebox - same as you robi couldn't find anything on Regents park website either. Soon though hopefully

[elvisleslie61]

Soz tickets booked for dukebox - same as you robi couldn't find anything on Regents park website either. Soon though hopefully

duke posted this yesterday about regents park

The Regent's park gig may have been a mistake so hold off till we have more news on that, apologies!

where did you buy your dukebox tickets from?

[elvisleslie61]

It came through the mailing list (http://zaphod.uk.vvhp.net/reg/reg.pl?id=3182-55390), not the digital digest. We could post the details for that here since its free, right?
thanks i have now signed up

maybe there should be a newbie guide set up for juniors like me when we join as its so easy to miss out on something

[MandyK]

Not those edible things again!

What...no? I was going to try bring only a carry-on bag this time, so I'll be wearing nothing but edible goodies and bunny ears. I hear your part of the world is fairly warm that time of year, no? ;)

[xlaurax]

Booking it off work today :)

[Stephen]

London isn't happening sorry. Might be repkaced by another gig. Will update news section when I'm at the Mac again!

[Mrfizzy]

London isn't happening sorry. Might be repkaced by another gig. Will update news section when I'm at the Mac again!

Oh no - the Boo Hoos are out to get the Fizzys! Its not as if we have a packed social calendar - this was one of the few Duke dates we could make :(

[Imreallyspecial]

The NI edition of the Daily Mirror said today that Duke is hosting a Belsonic gig which will take place at Custom House Square (central Belfast open air beside the Albert Clock) - is this Dukebox? or as well as? It said 27th July I am almost sure - anyone know - and where the heck do you get tickets for this legendary Folk Musemn Gig - is it actually a myth? Im in for the bus if others are - Ive a mate coming from Portugal so hope its on!!!

[Imreallyspecial]

http://www.hotpress.com/news/5544290.html

Sorry I meant August - check out this link I am assuming it is 2 gigs

[jan]

Spotted that afterwards! :(

Spotted rabbit ears?
xx

[Guildford Ghost]

AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!

This is all going to BUM.

OK, no London gig. Tickets for Dukebox on sale? Concrete plans for getting from Belfast to the venue?

Oh, and ladies, it's rodential hearing appendages I was referring to, not your Ann Summers floosiness! You shocking harlots!

[robi]

Spotted rabbit ears?
xx

:confused: Well, I didn't find Duke Special on the Regents Park website, but I did find a handsome rabbit with VERY LONG BUNNY EARS.

Fine thespian ac-tor + bunny ears = GG ??????

[atkygal]

What...no? I was going to try bring only a carry-on bag this time, so I'll be wearing nothing but edible goodies and bunny ears. I hear your part of the world is fairly warm that time of year, no? ;)

Will be amazing heat am sure - don't wear anything chocolate as could get sticky!!

[atkygal]

That's exactlty what I was talking about GG - edible bunny appendages!!
Is all getting very confusing really whats happening and when. All I know is I will be inbelfast when this gig is sposed to happen and hopefully someone somewhere will sel me some tickets soon ....to something

[elvisleslie61]

That's exactlty what I was talking about GG - edible bunny appendages!!
Is all getting very confusing really whats happening and when. All I know is I will be inbelfast when this gig is sposed to happen and hopefully someone somewhere will sel me some tickets soon ....to something

we could start a trend of wearing chocolate bunny ears, going walkabout all over belfast of in seach of the legend of dukebox.
:innocent:

[Guildford Ghost]

That sounds more like the next promo video to me!

[atkygal]

Brilliant idea -look for the clues.....natty dreads....paul pilots goggles.....a chipstick....where it ends no one knows, the only thing for sure is chocolate ears are no good for hearing.... unless they're wispa's of course

[elvisleslie61]

Brilliant idea -look for the clues.....natty dreads....paul pilots goggles.....a chipstick....where it ends no one knows, the only thing for sure is chocolate ears are no good for hearing.... unless they're wispa's of course

very good indeed;)

i think duke could even make a musical out of this
called stumpy goes to belfast (we hope!)

[Guildford Ghost]

You know what you've gone and done now? You've made a video play in my head. I'm sure many people here remember the 1970's 'Humphrey' campaign by the Milk Marketing Board.

Now you've got me thinking of a pair of bunny ears bobbing along behind a wall and Duke having to feign (feign? I doubt it!) terror and escape.

[elvisleslie61]

You know what you've gone and done now? You've made a video play in my head. I'm sure many people here remember the 1970's 'Humphrey' campaign by the Milk Marketing Board.

Now you've got me thinking of a pair of bunny ears bobbing along behind a wall and Duke having to feign (feign? I doubt it!) terror and escape.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-rse7LGJhw&feature=PlayList&p=F3EC0C9B452434C0&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=13

[alice]

Just to add to your confusion GG there's quite agood train service from Belfast to Cultra - trains go every half hour or so from Great Victoria Street (centre of Belfast) or Central Station (not quite the centre of Belfast - this is Ireland/N Ireland after all). Journey time around 25 minutes to Cultra and a 15 minute walk after that. Unfortunately the last train leaves around 10.45 pm - maybe too early?? Sneaky's bus idea sounds like fun if you could all get together to organise it, or wouldn't it be great if Translinkwould put on a Special Duke train - maybe a petition could be organised?

[loopylolly]

[quote= Sneaky's bus idea sounds like fun if you could all get together to organise it, or wouldn't it be great if Translinkwould put on a Special Duke train - maybe a petition could be organised?[/quote]

Great ideas :):) so canny wait for this :):)

[MandyK]

Is there no one on this forum with an 'in' to the bus companies, private bus hire, etc. etc. etc.? OK, maybe that is a far-fetched hope, but it would be nice. So, what's the latest on both transportation to the gig and accomodations? And Sneaky...are you coming to this?

[thesneakybandit]

John Quigley is the man for all your gig bus needs...

He'll usually do a pic-up in Belfast City Centre somewhere around Days Hotel or The Europa and hang around until the gig is finished to bring all your drunken arses home at whatever time...

http://coachestoconcerts.weebly.com

[Stephen]

No need to get a bus anywhere! The Dukebox festival is happening near(edit - read:in) Belfast city centre.

[atkygal]

Des that mean it's not in the transport museum anymore then? And can kids come? So many questions so little answers!!!

[runnerbean]

Is it Belsonic, in Customs House Square? So handy.

[Playful]

I’d echo the can kids come question, we must remember the dukester has a big sesame tree following here in the UK too!

It’s very bewildering to Yorkshire folk to know what’s happening with this gig. Why not twitter the venue 10 minutes before it starts?

[Stephen]

Is it Belsonic, in Customs House Square? So handy.

It might just be, yes. ;) But wait for official news!
We'll bring you news as soon as possible!

[ethereal]

Does this help those planning travel arrangements?

http://www.belsonic.com/

[Delly]

Just had a quick look at Belsonic website - GG you should be there on 9th August for Flaming Lips - they want you onstage!;)
Please ignore this, it was last year! Imbecile!!

[elvisleslie61]

Does this help those planning travel arrangements?

http://www.belsonic.com/
yes it does thank you :cool:

however i booked my hotel near the transport musuem:mad:

[MandyK]

So, who knows of cheap, nearby accomodations then?

[thesneakybandit]

Any of the places I mentioned earlier. Also, had I not been moving house I would have lived directly across the river from this.

[MandyK]

however i booked my hotel near the transport musuem:mad:

Can you not cancel the reservation, even this far in advance? Hope so!!

Almighty Admin - any word on the supporting acts, or word on when they might be released? (I'm holding out hope that there'll be Duke/Dan Donnelly reunion!) :)

[elvisleslie61]

Can you not cancel the reservation, even this far in advance? Hope so!!

Almighty Admin - any word on the supporting acts, or word on when they might be released? (I'm holding out hope that there'll be Duke/Dan Donnelly reunion!) :)

Hi had to pay a £75 deposit so I can't cancel
but I am delighted to be visiting Belfast so can't grumble

[MandyK]

Looks like some of us girlies will be booking rooms together at the Days Hotel in Belfast...who else is with us?! :)

http://www.dayshotelbelfast.co.uk/

[Stephen]

Looks like some of us girlies will be booking rooms together at the Days Hotel in Belfast...who else is with us?! :)

http://www.dayshotelbelfast.co.uk/

God don't book there! It's right beside Sandy Row. Seriously, anywhere else but there.

[Dawn S]

Looks like some of us girlies will be booking rooms together at the Days Hotel in Belfast...who else is with us?! :)

http://www.dayshotelbelfast.co.uk/

Hi Mandy. I've booked into the Park Inn, along the road from the Days Hotel. I read a few reviews and it seemed good. Hopefully Stephen won't come back and say it's awful as it's already booked and paid for ;)

http://www.belfast.parkinn.co.uk/

This will be my first trip to Belfast, the first time on a plane on my own, and the first time going to a concert/festival without a car, so I'm both excited and nervous (especially as my sense of direction is not great). Would be really nice to meet up with some other fans.

[Stephen]

Hopefully Stephen won't come back and say it's awful as it's already booked and paid for ;)


Ask Sneaky about his Sandy Row experience! :mad:

[Dawn S]

Ask Sneaky about his Sandy Row experience! :mad:

Not wanting to sound a little worried now, but is the Park Inn and the surrounding area safe for a lone female to stay? On the map it seems to be a couple of streets away from Sandy Row.

[Stephen]

Not wanting to sound a little worried now, but is the Park Inn and the surrounding area safe for a lone female to stay? On the map it seems to be a couple of streets away from Sandy Row.
Never heard of it, Googled it there - it's just opened! Yeah that's fine, that's just off Bedford Street - the main link from the City hall to the south of the city. Aye, you'd be grand there.
Don't get me wrong, nearly all of the hotel are fine location-wise. The Days hotel is one of the only ones I'd warn people about.

[thesneakybandit]

Days Hotel ain't that bad Stephen... Well apart from that one time when someone started a riot. That was probably Claire and Brixton though!!

:P

[Dawn S]

Never heard of it, Googled it there - it's just opened! Yeah that's fine, that's just off Bedford Street - the main link from the City hall to the south of the city. Aye, you'd be grand there.
Don't get me wrong, nearly all of the hotel are fine location-wise. The Days hotel is one of the only ones I'd warn people about.

Thanks Stephen.

[Stephen]

Days Hotel ain't that bad Stephen... Well apart from that one time when someone started a riot. That was probably Claire and Brixton though!!
Oh I'm sure the hotel itself is grand, don't get me wrong. I'm thinking more about getting to and from it. Maybe I'm just a wuss. :p

[thesneakybandit]

Wait, I had a Sandy Row experience?

[Ails]

Surely going to and from Days would be grand if there's a load of us all together? Or is it really that bad?

[Stephen]

Wait, I had a Sandy Row experience?
Is that not where your phone went walkies?

[Stephen]

Surely going to and from Days would be grand if there's a load of us all together? Or is it really that bad?
No no a group etc would be grand, just sometimes it doesn't work out that way and people get split up and go to different places etc.

[thesneakybandit]

Sure we've got taxi's in Belfast now!! :)

And no my phone and wallet and stuff went walkies at Lisburn Road end of the Donegal Road.

[xlaurax]

Hi Mandy. I've booked into the Park Inn, along the road from the Days Hotel. I read a few reviews and it seemed good. Hopefully Stephen won't come back and say it's awful as it's already booked and paid for ;)

http://www.belfast.parkinn.co.uk/

This will be my first trip to Belfast, the first time on a plane on my own, and the first time going to a concert/festival without a car, so I'm both excited and nervous (especially as my sense of direction is not great). Would be really nice to meet up with some other fans.

I won't be staying in Belfast for it as I live about 40 minutes outside of it but i'd be more than happy to come up earlier or whatever and meet up with anyone who was interested!

[Delly]

We are also booked in the Park Inn, we stayed in one in York (watching Duke in Jan) and were very impressed. Everything's brand new and very clean, beds very comfy etc. And it's really cheap! (Don't think brekkie's included though). So don't worry Dawn S, you won't be alone! (Although you may end up wishing you were hee hee!)

[thesneakybandit]

I won't be staying in Belfast for it as I live about 40 minutes outside of it but i'd be more than happy to come up earlier or whatever and meet up with anyone who was interested!

Yeah, what Laura said... Although I'm not entirely sure I'm going to be there.

[Guildford Ghost]

Thinking I'll use the Park Inn too. I checked it out on the interweb last night and it's about £50 for a room (as Delly said, no breakfast) which is perfectly OK.

[Nomio]

I've stopped in Days Hotel, on my own, a few times. Never had a problem.

[ethereal]

I would tend to agree with Stephen about Days Inn and its surrounding area...

[atkygal]

Wow this days Inn sounds very mysterious in a dangerous kind of way. Maybe we should all go there and live on the edge - or maybe not!!! Sure mandy K will keep everyone safe!

[Dawn S]

I won't be staying in Belfast for it as I live about 40 minutes outside of it but i'd be more than happy to come up earlier or whatever and meet up with anyone who was interested!

Thanks Laura. That would be nice.

We are also booked in the Park Inn, we stayed in one in York (watching Duke in Jan) and were very impressed. Everything's brand new and very clean, beds very comfy etc. And it's really cheap! (Don't think brekkie's included though). So don't worry Dawn S, you won't be alone! (Although you may end up wishing you were hee hee!)

Thanks Delly. You haven't met me yet so I could be saying the same thing to you ;)

Thinking I'll use the Park Inn too. I checked it out on the interweb last night and it's about £50 for a room (as Delly said, no breakfast) which is perfectly OK.

Hi GG. Looking forward to actually meeting you. I've heard so much about you (from other Duke fans at gigs).

I'm booked in from Friday to Sunday so will try to do some sight-seeing too. If anyone has any suggestions on places to visit I'd be most appreciative.

[runnerbean]

[

I'm booked in from Friday to Sunday so will try to do some sight-seeing too. If anyone has any suggestions on places to visit I'd be most appreciative.[/QUOTE]

Hi Dawn, you must put Castle Espie on your 'to visit' list. A recent quote made by someone was " it is the closest thing to heaven". It is about 12 miles from Belfast, outside Comber, Co. Down, right on Strangford Lough. The visitor centre is amazing. Lovely walks, beautiful views, good grub, and really nice people. You can even feed the ducks!

[Guildford Ghost]

Right, we've all got to be down the front, singing along, bobbing about and a-wearing of the ears!

Dawn - you've heard about me at other gigs???!!! That's just WEIRD.

[Dawn S]

Dawn - you've heard about me at other gigs???!!! That's just WEIRD.

GG - you're legendary :o

By the way I was referring to Duke gigs, not other artists, otherwise that would be VERY weird. I think it was someone I met at the Thekla in Bristol in April who had met/seen you at another Duke gig. I can't remember which one.

[MandyK]

Wow this days Inn sounds very mysterious in a dangerous kind of way. Maybe we should all go there and live on the edge - or maybe not!!! Sure mandy K will keep everyone safe!

Aww shucks...not sure if this is a compliment or not! But seriously, is anyone going to mess with a pack of bunny-ear-wearers? Oh wait... :rolleyes:

I'm down for either location, though it sounds like everyone is leaning towards this second place. Clairebear & Brix? Thoughts?

[old git]

Everyone seems to have accomadation sorted out but has anyone got tickets for the festival yet?.....We might stay at the Europa.

[atkygal]

Everyone seems to have accomadation sorted out but has anyone got tickets for the festival yet?.....We might stay at the Europa.

No tickets but I think the bunny ears will probably get us in! Do they have to be pink?

Oh def a compliment Mandy K. I reckon you could smile them away. Anyway my bunny ears have spikes attatched

[Elaine]

I don't think I can get to Belfast but can possibly go the Greenbelt festival. Stephen, Which day will the Duke be there? Have been on the website but no news of tickets yet. Can u help? Thanks!

[jan]

I don't think I can get to Belfast but can possibly go the Greenbelt festival. Stephen, Which day will the Duke be there? Have been on the website but no news of tickets yet. Can u help? Thanks!

http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/festival/2009/lineup/music

Here's the relevant webpage. Doesn't help much....sorry!
Ah....text just through.......it was meant to be Sunday but may not be confirmed yet.
Foreign Slippers also performing there!
xx

[Goldilocks]

God don't book there! It's right beside Sandy Row. Seriously, anywhere else but there.

Sandy Row? I live by the seaside...is sandy row a bad thing? Should I ask? :suspect:

[Goldilocks]

Oh sorry! Just realised that I've missed a few pages and read Stephen's comment. Now see that you've all answered it for me! This happens when you don't log on for a night...you miss so much on this forum!

Anyway, I will steer clear of the sandy seaside establishment and I am now going to look at the other one that was mentioned. :)

* adds 'buy Bunny Ears' to weekend shopping list *

[Guildford Ghost]

Do you think we could really make bunny ears during encores a DS 'thing'? Could this be our revenge on the very man that doesn't explain the mystery of so many things surrounding names, lyrics etc?

I'm loving the idea of this becoming a boardie 'badge of honour'!

And I really must book my hotel this weekend. However, good point OG - nothing on gig tix yet?

[Dawn S]

... However, good point OG - nothing on gig tix yet?

According to the Belsonic website the tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, 1st July at 9am, but I seem to recall Stephen possibly mentioning that Digital Digest members might be able to get tickets earlier (hope I'm not making that up).

http://www.belsonic.com/

GG - where can I get some of the famous bunny ears from?

[Guildford Ghost]

Eeeeeeeee-Baa-aaay!

[speshjess]

Hi Dawn S,
I'd say Hugh Heffner could supply everyone with Bunny Ears. Think I'll play safe and hit a fancy dress shop tho :)
Re things to see whilst over in NI I have a few suggestions:

Firstly, I know when you're in a strange city getting around may be a concern but please never fear as Belfast has excellent public transport. TRANSLINK is the bus and rail network. The Translink Bus and Rail centre is literally joined on to the v well known and hard to miss EUROPA HOTEL (cos it's so high you can see Europa in red neon from most parts pf the city if you look in the sky) From there you can get trains or buses to most locations in NI, the ticket office is inside the Bus centre complex. Plus v helpful with maps in there and general touristy info.
For getting around Belfast itself there is a Translink METRO bus service- buses go like every ten minutes. There are also two main taxi firms which are EVERYWHERE. (value and fona cabs)
The main shopping precinct- City Centre- and hotels buzz is pretty self contained so once you get your bearings walking round the City Centre is more than possible and the Lisburn Road is a short bus ride away which has more wee boutique shops/ cafes etc.

You could check out the National Trust website/ NI region, as NI is full of beautiful scenery. You have beaches- Bangor is only a short train journey away, or plentiful days out- just depends what interest you.
If you have a day and want to get out of Belfast and explore in a big way, everyone knows about the Giants Causeway which is up in the North (East-I think) of NI- a rental car may be an option for that- up round there are the beatiful Glens of Antrim also. Discover Northern Ireland is another good website.

So in short, in Belfast there are pubs, hotels, shops galore, (big fancy new shopping centre called the Victoria Centre in the City Centre- nice wee reasonable pub beside there called the Kitchen Bar for something to eat- as well as Castlecourt Shopping Centre in the City Centre too which has been there a lot longer). Opposite the Europa there is a wee pub called the Crown Bar which is quaint and has been recently restored due to its beautiful interior and worth a wee stop for a pint of the black stuff. Up the road is Laverys- where I met my hubby- a (not exaggerating) famous Belfast pub.
There is Belfast Zoo, there is even a Castle- Belfast Castle! you could go see. Beautiful with nice gardens. there is culture- museums/ art exhibitions. There are a number of entertainment complexes- The Waterfont Hall, The Grand Opera House, The Odyssey complex (cinema/ clubs/ night life), The Ulster Hall- but you would need to google them all to see what's on.
Google Belfast City Council web site for more info about what's on in the city if you wish and for amenities/ facilities/places to see.

hope that is a help and if anyone needs more info re airports/ ferries/ general stuff in advance I'm sure all us natives will love to help.
Speshjess x

[loopylolly]

[quote=Guildford Ghost;50937]Do you think we could really make bunny ears during encores a DS 'thing'? [quote]

Weird thing is i already own bunny ears :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[MandyK]

Weird thing is i already own bunny ears :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Me too :D

[xlaurax]

Hi Dawn S,
I'd say Hugh Heffner could supply everyone with Bunny Ears. Think I'll play safe and hit a fancy dress shop tho :)
Re things to see whilst over in NI I have a few suggestions:

Firstly, I know when you're in a strange city getting around may be a concern but please never fear as Belfast has excellent public transport. TRANSLINK is the bus and rail network. The Translink Bus and Rail centre is literally joined on to the v well known and hard to miss EUROPA HOTEL (cos it's so high you can see Europa in red neon from most parts pf the city if you look in the sky) From there you can get trains or buses to most locations in NI, the ticket office is inside the Bus centre complex. Plus v helpful with maps in there and general touristy info.
For getting around Belfast itself there is a Translink METRO bus service- buses go like every ten minutes. There are also two main taxi firms which are EVERYWHERE. (value and fona cabs)
The main shopping precinct- City Centre- and hotels buzz is pretty self contained so once you get your bearings walking round the City Centre is more than possible and the Lisburn Road is a short bus ride away which has more wee boutique shops/ cafes etc.

You could check out the National Trust website/ NI region, as NI is full of beautiful scenery. You have beaches- Bangor is only a short train journey away, or plentiful days out- just depends what interest you.
If you have a day and want to get out of Belfast and explore in a big way, everyone knows about the Giants Causeway which is up in the North (East-I think) of NI- a rental car may be an option for that- up round there are the beatiful Glens of Antrim also. Discover Northern Ireland is another good website.

So in short, in Belfast there are pubs, hotels, shops galore, (big fancy new shopping centre called the Victoria Centre in the City Centre- nice wee reasonable pub beside there called the Kitchen Bar for something to eat- as well as Castlecourt Shopping Centre in the City Centre too which has been there a lot longer). Opposite the Europa there is a wee pub called the Crown Bar which is quaint and has been recently restored due to its beautiful interior and worth a wee stop for a pint of the black stuff. Up the road is Laverys- where I met my hubby- a (not exaggerating) famous Belfast pub.
There is Belfast Zoo, there is even a Castle- Belfast Castle! you could go see. Beautiful with nice gardens. there is culture- museums/ art exhibitions. There are a number of entertainment complexes- The Waterfont Hall, The Grand Opera House, The Odyssey complex (cinema/ clubs/ night life), The Ulster Hall- but you would need to google them all to see what's on.
Google Belfast City Council web site for more info about what's on in the city if you wish and for amenities/ facilities/places to see.

hope that is a help and if anyone needs more info re airports/ ferries/ general stuff in advance I'm sure all us natives will love to help.
Speshjess x

I live in the Glens of Antrim, in one of the Glens you have to visit to get to the Giant's Causeway so if you did decide you'd like to come down this way, i'd be more than happy to meet up/join you/show you around a bit. Also, if you were to decide to go to the Giant's Causeway, one attraction which is on the way and most people do if thery're going to the Causeway is the Carrick-A-Rede ropebridge.

There's also a Belfast Welcome Centre in the city centre for any help you could need-I've been in there a few times to book tickets and stuff and they always seemed more than helpful!

There's lots going on...just depends on what you'd be interested in doing!

_____
I'm all for the bunny ears idea! lol

Typical...i'll be in Dublin on Wednesday when the tix are released!

[MandyK]

Also, if you were to decide to go to the Giant's Causeway, one attraction which is on the way and most people do if thery're going to the Causeway is the Carrick-A-Rede ropebridge.


Carrick-A-Rede is the only thing I missed when I was there in the spring and I would LOVE to go if any other early-birds are up for a field trip!

[xlaurax]

Carrick-A-Rede is the only thing I missed when I was there in the spring and I would LOVE to go if any other early-birds are up for a field trip!

Provided I wasn't working, I would love to join everyone for a jaunt down the Antrim Coast! I am an absolute disgrace though-I live about an hour max. away from them and I have never done Carrick-A-Rede (this is the fault of my family though-they are all scared of heights and will not do it with me) and have not done the Giants Causeway since I was a child!

[Guildford Ghost]

Is the Harland & Wolff shipyard accessible? If I'm going to be in Belfast, I really should see the dry dock where The Titanic was built.

Because I'm a bloody BLOKE, OK?

[thesneakybandit]

Is the Harland & Wolff shipyard accessible? If I'm going to be in Belfast, I really should see the dry dock where The Titanic was built.

Because I'm a bloody BLOKE, OK?

There's loads of Titanic related tours... I work right beside the shipyards.

[Maggie]

I live in the Glens of Antrim, in one of the Glens you have to visit to get to the Giant's Causeway so if you did decide you'd like to come down this way, i'd be more than happy to meet up/join you/show you around a bit. Also, if you were to decide to go to the Giant's Causeway, one attraction which is on the way and most people do if thery're going to the Causeway is the Carrick-A-Rede ropebridge.

There's also a Belfast Welcome Centre in the city centre for any help you could need-I've been in there a few times to book tickets and stuff and they always seemed more than helpful!

There's lots going on...just depends on what you'd be interested in doing!

_____
I'm all for the bunny ears idea! lol

Typical...i'll be in Dublin on Wednesday when the tix are released!

And of course, Up in my original part of the world (Ballycastle) you have the Auld Lammas Fair on the Monday and Tuesday.

[Guildford Ghost]

Ta, Sneaky. I should have remembered I actually know one of the Titanic tour guides (he's a Ripper enthusiast) called Colin Cobb.

Still coming along on my tour in a few days?

[speshjess]

Hi GG, go see www.titanic-quarter.com (http://www.titanic-quarter.com) for more info on the whole Titanic thang.
Alternative "blokey" (not really) activities I could suggest would be one of the Tourist bus tours round Belfast but I can't recommend it - or un -recommend it - as I have never done it so it may be tosh. Or not ? I don't know- but I'd say it would be of interest possibly. Not as boring as it sounds.
Or standing looking at Samson and Goliath for a while- boys like that sort of stuff too!

[thesneakybandit]

Black Taxi Tours are where it's at for the boys...

[ethereal]

Isn't there a new bus tour run by the Oh Yeah centre, taking in music-related Belfast landmarks, such as the original Cyprus Avenue? I do believe it points out the part of the city Duke comes from too...

[xlaurax]

Isn't there a new bus tour run by the Oh Yeah centre, taking in music-related Belfast landmarks, such as the original Cyprus Avenue? I do believe it points out the part of the city Duke comes from too...

There is indeed, yup, hadn't thought on that!
http://www.ohyeahbelfast.co.uk/
http://www.gotobelfast.com/default.aspx?page=7570

The Oh Yeah centre also have an exhibition on at the minute documenting the journey of N.Irish music if anyone was interested in that and it's right in the heart of Cathedral Quarter, the artsy area of Belfast so there's usually something going on in and around there to be keeping you busy.

[xlaurax]

And of course, Up in my original part of the world (Ballycastle) you have the Auld Lammas Fair on the Monday and Tuesday.

Also never been to the Lammas Fair!

[claree]

I actually know one of the Titanic tour guides (he's a Ripper enthusiast) called Colin Cobb

I know him too GG =]

Isn't there a new bus tour run by the Oh Yeah centre, taking in music-related Belfast landmarks, such as the original Cyprus Avenue? I do believe it points out the part of the city Duke comes from too...

Yep there is indeed runs every sunday from 2pm outside the Ulster hall and then ends at the Oh Yeah Centre.

[Guildford Ghost]

Claree - smaller world than you know. I'm speaking at a Conference in October and Colin is the MC!

[elvisleslie61]

[quote=Guildford Ghost;50937]Do you think we could really make bunny ears during encores a DS 'thing'? Could this be our revenge on the very man that doesn't explain the mystery of so many things surrounding names, lyrics etc?

loving the idea, though out of respect to the GG maybe only he should wear them until the encore :wave: