Not long after having chart success with Little Freddie Goes to School, featuring vocals by the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, Bangor composer Stuart Leathem was out for dinner at a restaurant in his city when he noticed a painting hanging on the wall.
Bangor’s Barry’s Amusements given new lease of artistic life
The watercolour depicted the derelict Barry’s Amusements building, which used to stand on the Bangor seafront.
The dark, nostalgic energy of the painting fitted perfectly with the themes on Stuart’s new album, Watching Other People Having Fun. It was painted by the mother of the front of house manager of the restaurant, Angie McKee, who granted permission to Stuart and his musical partner Esther Trousdale for it to be the cover art of their new album.
Stuart Leathem with artist Angie McKee and his new red vinyl record featuring her art, and Nicky Hillis, who owns the original painting by Angie.
They have also sold out Bangor’s Court House — next to what was once Barry’s Amusements — for the album launch. The building beside the Court House, built in 1895 as The Grand Hotel on Quay Street, became Barry’s Amusements in 1927 and remained so until 1982. It was demolished a few years later and then replaced by the Marine Court Hotel in 1994.
The limited edition red vinyl of the album is available from www.watchingotherpeoplehavingfun.com
Dubai chocolate spotted in Spar. Credit: Reddit
Choc and awe at price of Dubai treat
The viral ‘Dubai chocolate’ has finally hit local shelves, with confectionery brand Meltz bringing the decadent bars to Spar shops across the province.
However, it doesn’t come cheap. Many users on Reddit have shared their outrage that the indulgent sweet treats are currently costing up to £12 each in some locations.
It was created by Sarah Hamouda, who is the founder of the Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier.
The luxurious treat, which has unique fillings, has garnered millions of views and rave reviews on social media sites such as TikTok.
Sunday Service at Show Some Love’s Green House
‘Show Some Love’ shown to all of UK
Belfast-based charity Show Some Love debuted to millions of viewers across the UK at the weekend as part of BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live programme.
Co-founders Connor Kerr and Becky Bellamy invited Radio Ulster presenter Gemma Bradley to one of their monthly ‘Sunday Services’, which involves partying instead of praying, and has been serving the local LGBTQIA+ community with a sanctuary to gather and reflect for nearly a year.
It is also welcome to everyone who wants a sense of community, but maybe doesn’t feel that religious services are for them.
“We have a host and we sing ‘hers’ instead of ‘hymns’,” explained Becky. “We always have some wisdom like in a sermon, but the main point of it is to learn a wee bit, but also to have fun and express yourself.”
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