Portaferry boy-done-good Ryan McMullan was born and raised in the town and spent his formative years playing music in the pubs.
Cut to a few years later and after touring with the likes of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, Ryan is very hot property and Portico in Portaferry was over the moon when Ryan agreed to perform in his hometown on Saturday 18 April.
The response from fans was overwhelming and the concert sold out in less than a week. Portico’s manager Verity Peet said: “We’ve never sold so many tickets so fast! We knew Ryan would be popular but didn’t realise quite how popular! Thank goodness he’s agreed to a second night or else there would be an awful lot of disappointed people.”
Ryan has chosen local singer-songwriter Rossa Murray to support both his shows (the second one is on Fri 17 April).
In addition to these concerts, Portico has a busy spring season with concerts lined up to suit all tastes. March kicks off with a return from the ever popular Bjorn Identity on Saturday 7 March. The following weekend the Sunday Afternoon Recital (15 March) features upcoming pianist Cahal Masterson with a dramatic programme of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.
Friday 20 March brings the amazing sound of M’ANAM courtesy of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This all male professional choral group is an off-shoot of the well-known Irish group ANUNA. Fusing Icelandic and Celtic sounds they will bring a unique and glorious sound to Portico’s fantastic acoustics.
Meanwhile, Malojian, the psychodelic-tinged pop band, arrives on Sat 21 March, with support from the charming folk music of Mandy Bingham. A week later modern traditional music in the form of Lore combines with the harmonious pop of Saffyre to create a fantastic double bill on Sat 4 April.
March ends with a showing of Ruby! from Little Willow Productions supported by Ards Arts Service on Sat 28. This theatre show is all about the popular 1950’s singing star Ruby Murray.
For tickets or more information on any of these events please visit:
or ring 028 4272 8808. All concerts start at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated and all finish in good time for the last ferry.
(Portico Arts and Heritage Centre is supported by Ards and North Down Council.)
