Other News In Brief

Sir Ian McKellen Brings Tour To NI

World-renowned actor Ian McKellen has brought his on stage Tolkien, Shakespeare and You! tour to Northern Ireland.

In celebration of his 80th birthday, the star performed in The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena on Monday, as well as two shows at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast last week.

All profits from the tour were donated to specific causes relevant to each theatre that he performed in, with community theatre in the area now set to benefit.

Mass cinematic fame has come from Ian's role as 'Gandalf' in Lord of the Rings, but this performance saw him create some theatrical magic of his own.

Standing on a bare stage he took the audience on the journey of his fascinating career, he opened up about his personal life and included the audience with regular interaction.

According to Mid and East Antrim Council, Sir McKellen's great-great grandfather, James McKellen, was a minister in Ballymena before leaving in 1840.

While his family have since settled in England, his visit to the Braid provided the perfect opportunity for him to discover his roots while also raising funds to support a community theatre programme in the Borough.

Belfast Giants Make New Signing

The Belfast Giants have announced the signing of Liam Morgan from Union College for the next season.

The 21-year-old Canadian posted 14 goals and 12 assists last season to finish in second place for goals scored and third on points, playing an integral role as his team won the prestigious Belpot Trophy in Belfast last November.

Morgan is set to make his debut in teal during next month's pre-season games against Mora and Herning at The SSE Arena, Belfast.

"I am very excited that this opportunity has worked out for me," the 5'11" player said. He takes up the new appointment after collecting a medal in the 2018 Friendship Four, and said his time in Belfast led him to pursue a career with the team.

Liam added: "My game is more of a gritty game and I definitely score more of my points in the hard areas! My ambitions is to come over and do the best I can for the Giants to contribute as much as I possibly can.

"The Friendship Four was a fantastic experience. I had a great time in the city during the tournament and that is what drove me to play for the Giants."

Closures As Road Works Begin In Bangor

Road works are set to begin in Bangor this weekend.

The scheme will see a section of the B20 Bryansburn Road/Crawfordsburn Road resurfaced from the junction with Westburn Crescent to the Bryansburn Inn. 

These £95,000 works will begin on Saturday 03 August with completion scheduled for Sunday 11 August.

The route will be closed to through traffic from its junction with Bryansburn Road roundabout to its junction with Springhill Road from 6.30pm on 03 August to 10.30pm on 04 August and also from 6am to 10.30pm on Sunday 11 August.

A diversion will be in place via the Springhill Road, West Circular Road, Newtownards Road and Brunswick Road during these times.

The Department for Infrastructure has urged those driving in the area to expect some delays and leave additional time when planning any journeys.



(JG/CM)