New era in country dancing at Tullyglass

A NEW era in country dancing is about to dawn with the re-launch of the Big Band Saturdays at Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena.

For the past 14 years Jayco Entertainments have been associated with the successful series of dances which were inaugurated by bands like Big Tom and Philomena Begley and which in more recent times proved fertile breeding ground for talented new acts such as Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Gerry Guthrie and others.

Now Saturdays in Tullyglass are to become an even better experience for patrons.

The stage is being re-located, an even more convivial atmosphere will prevail, the very best bands will be in vogue and there will be additional innovations all aimed at providing comfort and value for money.

Tullyglass Hotel is rightly proud of its country dancing tradition – indeed, Ballymena has long been a hot-bed for this form of entertainment given that it had its roots in the old Flamingo Ballroom.

And it’s hardly surprising that the Tullyglass will be pushing the boat out for its re-launch night on Saturday, November 5 when Derek Ryan and his band will on stage.

He will be followed on Saturday, November 12 and then on December 3 Declan Nerney will be on stage with top-flight bands such as the Indians, Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell and others to follow in the succeeding weeks.

A spokesman for Jayco revealed that the goal is to rekindle the reputation of the Tullyglass as a mecca for country dancers.

“The venue is extremely comfortable with plenty of parking and the ancillary facilities are excellent – in short, it is perfect for country dancing,” he said.

The choice of Derek Ryan and his band to re-ignite the Tullyglass country fire could hardly be more appropriate.

Derek and his multi-talented band have added a whole new dimension to the entertainment sector and he is destined to become one of the biggest attractions in the country.

Not only is the debonair 27-year-old Derek a hugely talented singer but he is also an accomplished song-writer.

“I have always been interested in writing songs and I have been pleasantly surprised at the reaction to some of my compositions. When I was approached about forming my own band I was very enthusiastic. I am thoroughly looking forward to playing at the new-look Tullyglass,” Derek said.

His band comprises some of the country’s elite country musicians and their all-embracing programme which caters for even the most discerning musical tastes has already been hailed as a winner.

“We are very keen to offer a repertoire that is lively, versatile and entertaining. Our emphasis will be on providing value for money wherever we go,” Derek added.

Concrete evidence of this will surely be on offer at the Tullyglass House Hotel on Saturday, November 5.

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