The latest James Bond movie Quantum of Solace will premiere in Ballina on Friday October 31, to help raise funds for the new Ballina Arts Centre development. Following the show, attendees will be invited to enjoy a complementary martini (shaken not stirred ) at Brennans Bar where an entire evening of Bond themed entertainment is planned.
The premiere is the first in a series of fundraising activities for the development of a new Arts centre in Ballina. The Arts Centre currently operates out of the old Newman Institute and Director Sean Walsh told us ‘The proposed new venue incorporates a 240-seat Theatre as well as exhibition space. It will not only enable us to provide a much broader programme, but will also act as a hub for the performance arts groups in the area and for the artistic life of the town.’ The development recently received government funding from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism of €1.2m, under the Access II funding scheme. This was added to with funding from Mayo County Council and Ballina Town Council. This leaves a shortfall of €500,000 which must be raised locally within the next six months.
In order to meet this deadline the Ballina Arts Centre Development Group has been established, chaired by Ballina’s Mayor Michelle Mulherin. The premier of the latest Bond adventure will be their first fund-raising event. Michelle said, “We intend to fill the 300-seat main theatre at Ballina cinema with Bond enthusiasts and the fashionista, and the red carpet will be out for all in true movie premiere style’.
In this eagerly awaited 22nd Bond movie, Daniel Craig returns as Agent 007. He picks up where 2006’s Casino Royale left off with Bond contemplating revenge after his betrayal by Vesper Lynd. According to co-producer Barbara Broccoli, however, it is more than just a revenge movie. ‘It’s further complicated by the fact that it deals with Bond’s inner turmoil.” In true Bond style we can still expect lots of action and the usual collection of gizmos and gadgets, evil villains, fast cars and of course the Bond babes.
The premier in Ballina promises to match all the glamour and glitz of the movie. Following the screening the audience will adjourn to the new back bar in Brennans for martinis, complements of Keith and Siobhan Brennan, along with nibbles from the Market Garden Restaurant upstairs. There will also be dancing to music from resident DJ Liam Brennan. The night will be filled with glamour, action and fun, so book you ticket early at Ballina Arts Centre on 096 73593. Tickets are €25, including all entertainment in Brennans following the event. For further information contact Sean Walsh, [email protected].
