Beach Party to attract thousands to NI

For the first time ever, the original Funk Soul Brother will be bringing his dance festival extravaganza to the Shores of the North Coast.

Thousands of revellers are expected to be hitting the East Strand in Portrush tomorrow, for the Beach party 2006, to see Fatboy Slim himself, alongside special guests the Audiobullys, Timmo Maas, Jon Carter, Annie Mac, Col Hamilton, Chris Frieze and Marty Pelan.

The musical maestro is no stranger to massive beach parties and recently performed at two critically acclaimed gigs, which well and truly put him on the global map.

The first, in his hometown of Brighton, attracted a crowd over twice the size of Glastonbury, the other in Flamengo Beach in Rio de Janeiro, turned into one of the biggest street parties seen in south America, with over 360,000 turning up to see the man in action.

Revellers at Portrush should expect a massive display of dance music extroversion similar to that experienced in Glastonbury, Fuji and Electric Picnic, as well as the "Palookavision” series at London’s Brixton Academy.

The mother of all video screens is also guaranteed to make its debut appearance to form what has been daubed as the world's biggest DJ box.

To make the event as memorable and enjoyable as possible for all those involved, organisers have issued a running list as well as a 'do’s and don’ts' list for all those attending.

Gates open at 4pm, and the Beach Party 2006 will finish at 11pm.

If arriving by car, follow signs and stewards directions’ to the car parks.

There will be park and ride carparks available for all cars travelling to the event. And remember, if you are coming by car, do not drink and drive.

If arriving by bus, please note where it parks, and be aware that all buses will leave at 12 midnight.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie or by phoning 0870 2434455. Buses are running from the following towns:

Belfast: Departs Glengall Street at 2.30pm

Derry: Departs Rates Office at 3.00pm

Newcastle: Departs Newcastle bus station at 1.30pm – departs Downpatrick Bus station 1.50pm

Newry: Departs Stonebridge at 1.30pm – departs Banbridge Downshire Hotel at 2.00pm

Newtownards: Departs Courthouse at 1.45pm – departs Bangor Bus Station at 2.10pm

Portadown: Departs Railway Station at 1.30pm – departs Lurgan Police Station at 1.55pm – departs Lisburn Lagan Valley Hospital at 2.15pm



Organisers have urged revellers to dress according to the weather conditions – remember these can change quickly at the coast. Be prepared for wet or dry conditions, and hot or cold weather.

People have been urged not buy tickets from any unofficial sources outside the grounds and that tickets will be available from the box office @ Portrush Town Hall from 3.00pm on Saturday.

Also do not bring any alcohol – there are full bar facilities on site for over 18’s.

(EF/SP)