The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh

THE ULTIMATE EAGLES & FLEETWOOD MAC TRUBUTE

Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs. 

The best of two legendary bands in one night? It’s almost too good to be true.

"Niamh is outstanding" - The Rolls-Royce of Irish Rock – RTE

Songs like “Take It Easy”, “Dreams”, “Life In The Fast Lane”, “Don’t Stop”, “One Of These Nights”, “Gold Dust Woman”, “Desperado”, “The Chain” and “Hotel California” – and many others: all in celebration of two of the greatest rock bands of all time who have sat at the top of the billboards for over 40 years.

Aside from the headline albums, the show consists of many other Eagles and Fleetwood Mac hits, as well as some of the solo work from individual members and other ‘connected’ artists.

The Illegals are a band of experienced musicians performing mostly in theatres and rock venues throughout the country, putting on a formidable show and giving thousands of fans an experience they won’t forget.

“REGINALD D HUNTER JOINS THE TOP RANK OF STAND-UP COMEDIANS WORKING TODAY…A COMEDIAN GOING FOR BROKE, FLYING IN THE FACE OF RECEIVED OPINION IN A WAY THAT IS SIMPLY EXHILARATING……THIS IS COMEDY OF A RARE SCOPE” ★★★★★ Times

“COMPELLING ONSTAGE CHARISMA. HE REMAINS A TOWERING PRESENCE IN ABSOLUTE CONTROL.” ★★★★▪Evening Standard

Reginald D Hunter makes his County Down debut this Autumn at Newcastle Community Cinema with support from N.I native Teresa Livingstone (more support tbc)

Since his arrival in the UK Reginald’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV have garnered him a cross-generational fan base. His TV appearances have included Have I Got News For You?, and two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South & Songs of The Border, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.

Reginald has been performing comedy in the UK for over 20 years. During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects.  His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is always meticulously thought out and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs.

PADDY RAFF - LOOK WHO’S RAFFING

Fresh from his record-breaking 5 night sell out run at the SSE Arena, award winning comedy writer and stand-up comedian Paddy Raff is going on tour across Northern Ireland & beyond with his brand new show ‘Look Who’s Raffing’ featuring his own brand of musical & observational comedy for a night full of laughter not to be missed.

Since beginning his stand-up career in 2018, Paddy has become one of the biggest selling comedians in Ireland. Having been dubbed the ‘comedy king of the Coronavirus lockdown’ by the Irish Times, Paddy’s eponymous sketch show was commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland, garnering huge success resulting in a Celtic Media Festival ‘Best Comedy’ award, an RTS NI award nomination, and a 2nd series of The Paddy Raff Show which aired in early 2022.

With his smash hit 4th stand-up show ‘Me, Myself & Nigel’ selling out a record 5 nights at the SSE Arena and the 2nd series of his BBC NI sketch show a ratings hit across NI, ‘Look Who’s Raffing’ is a show not to be missed!

Later with….....is an intimate live performance music show featuring an eclectic mix of local established and new musical artists, with the main focus on showcasing the fabulous wealth of original bands, musicians and artists on our very doorstep. 

Boasting five musicians/bands, each with a distinct style, performing within a small audience, with no stage or platform to elevate the musicians, they play within the audience creating an intimate and personal live music experience.

Headling the evening will be ‘Cormac Neeson’, lead singer with Irish rock band, The Answer, who is now carving out a solo career after his critically acclaimed debut album ‘White Feather’, was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee in January 2018. Cormac said himself of the project, 'I have had the great opportunity to write with some of Nashville's finest writers and artists over the last 12 months and these collaborations have added a vibrancy and focus that will give this album it's own unique identity'.

Neeson, who prior to becoming a father, lived the proverbial rock 'n' roll dream, selling hundreds of thousands of records with The Answer and touring the world supporting iconic bands including The Rolling Stones, The Who and AC/DC, is happy to be living a quieter life these days with his priorities now permanently set in a different direction.

Why Cormac maybe be settling into a more laid back way of life then our next band is very much as the beginning of their musical journey as ‘Lemonade Shoelace’, fresh from supporting ‘Yungblud’ in Mexico no less, aims to load up the senses with colour, rich melodies and textures of sound that embrace the last 50 years of popular music. The tracks are written, recorded and produced entirely in a small home studio by one person, delivered in a classic yet futuristic style. This is the project of 23 year old Ruairí Richman, a graduate of the BIMM institute in Dublin and a native of Newcastle, Co. Down. He namechecks Air, Flaming Lips, John Lennon and Tame Impala. “I knew I wanted to get something bold and colourful,” Ruairí says. “Not just visuals but music you have to listen twice to. I love music where every time you listen to it, you hear something else in the song. Interesting music.”

Belfast-Based Instrumental Duo ‘String Ninjas’ are made up of Fingerstyle Guitarist Gavin Ferris & Electric Violinist Mick Conlon! There may only be 2 in the band, but their sound is as big as their personalities! Gavin takes care of the Rhythm, Bass & Harmony thanks to his virtuosic and percussive Guitar style, while Mick handles the bulk of the melody lines thanks to his classical training and desire to sound like Hendrix on Violin! Wowing audiences with their own distinctive arrangements of modern-day classics. From 90s Dance Music to Classic Rock, Pop to Jazz, Bluegrass to Trip-Hop, no genre is safe!

Zimbabwean-born, Belfast-based artist ‘Leo Miyagee’ has been steadily making a name for himself as one of the most unique voices in the city’s ever-expanding hip-hop scene and is just one example of how the Belfast music story has becoming more fresh and diverse. Every time Leo puts out a record, he tells you more about his travels, his timeline and his challenges. Each installment, he says, is part of a saga…His new album, Act III is out now

Our final act the bill for the evening is up and coming singer-songwriter ‘Cora Kelly’, who’s musical journey began in primary seven when she took up the guitar and piano in her native Killough, Co Down. Since then Cora has dreamed of making it big. Inspired by her musical idol Beyonce, who she saw perform live while a young teenager, she has written music with master collaborators in Nashville and perfected her own unique sound, a fusion of pop, country and blues.

The evening will be hosted by Radio Ulster presenter and Newcastle resident David ‘Rigsy’ O’Reilly, who alongside Matthew Grainger will be introducing the bands and conducting interviews.

So join us for a truly unique evening of live music and interviews in a relaxed and intimate setting with a fully licensed bar. One not to be missed!

THE ILLEGALS WITH NIAMH KAVANAGH

THE ULTIMATE EAGLES & FLEETWOOD MAC TRUBUTE

Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs. 

The best of two legendary bands in one night? It’s almost too good to be true.

"Niamh is outstanding" - The Rolls-Royce of Irish Rock – RTE

Songs like “Take It Easy”, “Dreams”, “Life In The Fast Lane”, “Don’t Stop”, “One Of These Nights”, “Gold Dust Woman”, “Desperado”, “The Chain” and “Hotel California” – and many others: all in celebration of two of the greatest rock bands of all time who have sat at the top of the billboards for over 40 years.

Aside from the headline albums, the show consists of many other Eagles and Fleetwood Mac hits, as well as some of the solo work from individual members and other ‘connected’ artists.

The Illegals are a band of experienced musicians performing mostly in theatres and rock venues throughout the country, putting on a formidable show and giving thousands of fans an experience they won’t forget.

STEPHEN RAFFERTY + CORA KELLY

Following on from the huge success of his debut EP - Blinded By Darkness, Newcastle resident singer/songwriter Stephen Rafferty has gained almost hero like worship locally with his sell out shows in Newcastle, Belfast & Manchester. His unique style and voice has gained notable attention nationally, so much so he was recently selected as the winner of the Youth Action Northern Ireland ‘Next Big Thing’ competition. The nationwide competition focused on finding the very best in upcoming musicians across N.Ireland with the ultimate prize being put to the public vote with Stephen taking home the coveted prize.

Stephen’s debut album, set for release later this year (2022), hopes to develop new sounds and styles of playing and is set to feature seasoned musicians such as Marty Galbraith, Paul French, and Brian Willoughby to feature alongside emerging talent such as Cora Kelly.

Stephens music can be found on streaming sites such as Spotify, Apple Music & Amazon Music

MICKY BARTLETT - DECKCHAIR

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE

Fresh from a run of sell out Ulster Hall shows, Micky Bartlett takes his smash hit show Deckchair on the road across Northern Ireland.

"Bartlett is one of the finest comedy talents this country has ever produced." - Belfast Live

Having sold-out shows in Australia, America, and all over Europe, this gig is not to be missed, packed with hilarious jokes. If you love laughing until your belly hurts, this is the show for you!

"A funny funny man!"- Patrick Kielty

"One of the most consistently funny people I've ever worked with." - Adam Hills

As part of The Anchors 10th Year Anniversary since Rob, Kate, Paddy & Emily took over the reigns we'll be hosting a full on Weekend of Live Music, Drink Promos and Craic aplenty!

On Sunday afternoon we'll be hosting a full on Sunday Brunch with Live Music, Good Food & Cocktails!

Sunday Brunch Line-Up
2pm - The Anchor Uke's
4pm - The String Ninjas
6pm - TBC

There will be a £5 ticket price to cover Brunch

10th Anniversary Weekender
Friday 6th - Live Comedy with Colin Geddis
Saturday 7th - Discobeard
Sunday 8th - Sunday Brunch with the String Ninjas

Colin Geddis returns to the Anchor this December with his new Transblender show!

Join us Friday December 15th for an evening of raw Comedy not for the faint hearted!

His new show ‘Transblender’ takes the venomous social satire from his viral videos, and combines it with his “sidesplittingly inappropriate” comedy.

Colin Geddis stormed into the comedy scene in 2009 after his series of YouTube videos ‘I AM FIGHTER’ gained millions of hits. Since then he’s not only continued to dominate the viral world, but his stand up comedy has crowds flocking to wherever he is.

The Anchor launches its first ever Sunday Brunch with the superb 4 piece Transgroak! Lay back and enjoy Sunday afternoon drinks, live music and your ticket will include Sunday Brunch for a mere £8....

Transgroak is the brain child of Yacine Aouissi and Tonino Villar. They met under a bamboo tree in Laos in 2013. Since then the pair have toured the world with their team of international musicians. They have travelled extensively playing a variety of styles blending world , funk and folk music into a sound that’s distinctly their own. This summer sees their album launch and European tour, as the band grows into their unique live sound with a lineup of exquisite players and strange instrumentation. Not a guitar band. Not a band to be missed. The sounds are refreshing, with no room for repetition or middle of the road craft. The band have made waves all over Europe and Asia.