Royal Hotel set to host variety show

The concert takes place on Wednesday, 28th March, commencing at 8pm. Seven artists will be taking part in the musical extravaganza at the popular hotel venue.

The compere for the event will be Gary Wilson from Kesh in County Fermanagh.

He is admired for his quick wit, professionalism and charm. Gary, known as ‘The Clown Prince of Comedy’, is always in demand for concerts and other events at home and abroad.

The Steve Farlow Duo will not only be performing on their own spot but will also be providing the backing music for the other artists. The two-piece band is made up of Steve Farlow (Coleraine) and Ted Nesbitt (Belfast).

Steve and Ted have always been involved in country music and have performed at many venues throughout their careers to date.

Alastair Coyles lives in Finvoy, County Antrim, and his singing career began at just nineteen years of age.

He grew up listening to the music of Big Tom, Brian Coll and Daniel O’Donnell, to name three of his favourite performers.

Ritchie Remo, who lives in Claudy, is no stranger to the Royal Hotel.

He has appeared at the popular venue on many occasions and always attracts a large crowd. He is one of the new sensations on the country music circuit.

Not only is he a superb singer, fiddle player and songwriter, but he fast becoming one of the finest and most popular entertainers among the new breed of up and coming stars.

Matt Boyd Memorial Pipe Band is based in Pomeroy. Last year the band had a very successful season, being placed second at the European Championships and fifth at the World Championships.

The members were also named Northern Ireland Champion of Champions.

To top the year off, drum major Alicia Dickson was crowned world adult drum champion in Glasgow. At this musical extravaganza, the band will consist of nine pipers, one bass drummer, three tenor drummers and six side drummers.

The only female taking part in the concert is Pam Campbell, who was born in Gortin but now lives in the nearby Plumbridge. She started singing nearly forty years ago at a young age and is an accomplished guitar player. In the early years, she sang under the name, K’s Country and was then in a three-piece group known as Southbound Express.

After this she appeared solo at various concerts, nightclubs, bars and halls throughout the country. I

The top of the bill in this musical extravaganza is Billy McFarland, from Ahoghill in County Antrim. His musical career has spanned over five decades, a remarkable achievement for the popular entertainer.

He started out at the very beginning of the great showband era, when eight-piece bands were very popular, with the big brass sound echoing around the huge ballrooms.

At that time The Billy McFarland Showband regularly attracted audiences of around two thousand dancers.

This superb line-up of artists make up the concert and the variety on offer makes it a night not to be missed for all music fans.

Some tickets are still available from the reception at the Royal Hotel in Cookstown.

For any further details about the concert, please contact Dessie McLaughlin on the Hillview Promotions hotline 077 4322 9919.