Latest news with #RUAS
Hype Malaysia
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Local Alt-Rock Band Servants Takes 'Love Shouldn't Hurt This Much' Tour Across Malaysia
Malaysian alternative rock band Servants has officially launched their debut album tour, marking a significant milestone in their eight-year journey as a band. The 'Love Shouldn't Hurt This Much' tour successfully opened on 9th August 2025, at RUAS in Penang, bringing the emotional depth of their debut full-length album to live audiences for the first time. A Long-Awaited Live Experience For Servants – comprising vocalist Amirul Nazreen, guitarists Imran Khoo and Afif Jaafar, bassist Muhd Ridzuan, and drummer Rohaizad Rahmat – this tour represents more than just promotional dates. It's the realisation of plans that were derailed during their 2019 EP era when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of their intended touring schedule. 'This is our first tour ever,' the band explains. 'When we released our EP 'Holding On While Letting Go,' we had planned a tour that couldn't happen due to the pandemic. Now we want to gain new experiences by managing this tour ourselves.' Strategic Route Planning The three-city tour was carefully planned based on direct fan engagement. Rather than following traditional touring routes, Servants conducted their own survey among followers and listeners, identifying the locations with the highest demand for live performances. 'We conducted a small survey among our followers and listeners, and from many states, these three locations received the highest number of requests for us to perform,' the band reveals. This data-driven approach to touring reflects a modern band's direct relationship with their audience, bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers. Remaining Tour Dates: Ipoh – 17th September 2025 at Ladyboss – 17th September 2025 at Ladyboss Johor Bahru – 4th October 2025 at Embrace Hall DIY Ethos & Community Building Servants is managing this tour completely independently, using it as a learning experience. 'We want to find new experiences by managing this tour ourselves. It's a starting point to see the potential and challenges in managing a tour, before we plan something bigger and more organised in the future,' they explain. At each stop, they're featuring 2-3 local bands as opening acts. 'We believe there are many great talents in these states that lack exposure,' the band states. 'We hope that with this opportunity, more people can discover and appreciate their work.' This approach turns each show into a celebration of local music scenes, perfectly matching the independent spirit that has defined Servants since 2016. Taking Their Music To New Territories The challenge for any band touring behind a deeply personal album is translating intimate, emotional material to live settings. 'Love Shouldn't Hurt This Much,' released 15th November 2024, deals with heavy themes including mental health struggles, addiction, loss, and trauma across its nine tracks and 31-minute runtime. Songs like 'Contrast,' which tackles addiction through complex time signatures, and 'Past Midnight,' featuring collaboration with Dean from Kids on the Move about battling overthinking, present unique challenges for live interpretation. The album's centerpiece, 'Selamanya Bukan Milik Kita,' originally features keys, strings, and poetry that require creative solutions for live performance. Beyond these artistic challenges, the tour serves strategic purposes for geographical expansion. 'We want to bring our music to states we've never visited for live performances,' they explain. This expansion into new markets is crucial for building a sustainable touring career and developing the fanbase necessary for future, larger-scale tours. Join The Movement With two dates remaining, Servants is using this tour as a stepping stone for future plans. 'Our main objective is to expand our reach and introduce our music to new listeners,' they explain. The DIY approach has taught them valuable lessons about managing everything from logistics to promotion. The tour proves independent Malaysian bands can thrive while lifting others up. Don't miss Servants' final shows in Ipoh (27th September) or Johor Bahru (4th October) for a true celebration of local alternative music.
Belfast Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Balmoral Show: ‘Dancing diggers' steal the show on opening day
Live | Thousands of visitors are flocking to the 156th edition of the Balmoral Show, being held across the next four days at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn. Organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, it is Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event and will feature over 600 trade stands. Balmoral show returns for 2025 Over 100,000 people are expected to enjoy the show, which also includes livestock competitions from showjumping to sheepshearing, vintage machinery and live music, between Wednesday and Saturday, 14-17 May. Catch some of today's highlights by following our live blog below. 19 minutes ago Not sure what to caption this... It looks like a couple of grannies riding around on modified Segways? Sure, why not. 22 minutes ago Dancing diggers continuing to thrill the crowd! The dancing diggers are in full swing showing off some moves! Today 11:29 AM Katie Nallon wins the 1.35m RUAS national championship Today 11:23 AM Llamas in the house! Today 11:15 AM DUP MLA Edwin Poots meets some new friends... Today 11:05 AM Young Farmer Club of Ulster sheering competition fully under way Today 10:47 AM 🐑 1st place in the Beltex category! Today 10:43 AM Plenty of kit on display for the next generation of farmers Today 10:39 AM Quite the selection of hats on display at this stall 🎩 Today 10:37 AM Irish Moiled Cattle getting judged now Today 10:28 AM Sandbox skills on display Today 10:25 AM Dressed for the occasion Our reporter Abdullah Sabri understood the assignment with today's outfit 🧑🌾 Today 10:08 AM Unlucky! Our man Abdullah had a crack at spin to win at the Ulster Scots stand, but didn't take a top prize. 📖 Today 09:54 AM Bus loads of visitors continue to pour into the car park Today 09:41 AM NI Secretary makes an appearance Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn visits the Ulster Bank stand. . Press Eye Today 09:34 AM National Show Jumping 🏇 It's over to the main horse ring now as 'Tokyo Drift' and her owner make leaps and bounds. Today 09:28 AM Beef Shorthorn podium time! Beef Shorthorns secure podiums spots at the cattle ring breeding competition with first (#313) and second (#321) place.
Belfast Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Balmoral Show: Sheep shearing, cattle judging, and show jumping under way on opening day
Live | Thousands of visitors are flocking to the 156th edition of the Balmoral Show, being held across the next four days at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn. Organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, it is Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event and will feature over 600 trade stands. Over 100,000 people are expected to enjoy the show, which also includes livestock competitions from showjumping to sheepshearing, vintage machinery and live music, between Wednesday and Saturday, 14-17 May. Catch some of today's highlights by following our live blog below. 10 minutes ago Katie Nallon wins the 1.35m RUAS national championship 16 minutes ago Llamas in the house! 24 minutes ago DUP MLA Edwin Poots meets some new friends... 35 minutes ago Young Farmer Club of Ulster sheering competition fully under way 46 minutes ago The winner doesn't look too pleased, though... 52 minutes ago 🐑 1st place in the Beltex category! Plenty of kit on display for the next generation of farmers Today 10:39 AM Quite the selection of hats on display at this stall 🎩 Today 10:37 AM Irish Moiled Cattle getting judged now Today 10:28 AM Sandbox skills on display Today 10:25 AM Dressed for the occasion Our reporter Abdullah Sabri understood the assignment with today's outfit 🧑🌾 Today 10:08 AM Unlucky! Our man Abdullah had a crack at spin to win at the Ulster Scots stand, but didn't take a top prize. 📖 Today 09:54 AM Today 09:41 AM NI Secretary makes an appearance Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn visits the Ulster Bank stand. . Press Eye Day one of the Balmoral Show. Press Eye Today 09:34 AM National Show Jumping 🏇 It's over to the main horse ring now as 'Tokyo Drift' and her owner make leaps and bounds. Today 09:28 AM Beef Shorthorn podium time! Beef Shorthorns secure podiums spots at the cattle ring breeding competition with first (#313) and second (#321) place. Today 09:23 AM The cattle judging has begun! Dexter cattle, once an endangered species, are now lining up to be analysed by a judge. He's the looking for the proportions and mannerisms of the cow to match the breed. Today 09:17 AM Our reporter is on the ground Our man Abdullah Sabri has arrived and will be keeping us up to date with all the going on! Today 09:15 AM The gates are open! PressEye Live Blog Software
Belfast Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Balmoral Show set to dazzle as Northern Ireland's biggest agricultural event returns
The Balmoral Show is ready to roll into the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, promising four days of farming, food and fun. On Tuesday organisers, exhibitors and farmers were busy putting the final touches in place. Running from Wednesday to Saturday, the 156th edition of Northern Ireland's largest agri-food event is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet. Organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), the four day show is expecting 100,000 visitors coming to see over 3,500 livestock and 600 trade stands. From livestock competitions and showjumping to sheep shearing, artisan food, vintage machinery and live music, there's something for everyone. Parade rings will showcase the finest farm breeds, while stalls will offer everything from local crafts to cosmetics, all set to the backdrop of live entertainment. There's plenty to keep younger visitors entertained too, including the Kids' Farm, where little ones can get up close to a variety of friendly animals. While the Balmoral Show has something for everyone, its heart remains in the farming community. Rhonda Geary, group operations director with the RUAS, said it will showcase 'everything that's excellent about agriculture'. 'It's just a celebration of everything to do with agriculture,' she said. 'We will have food, farming, our livestock, our horticulture, our equestrian. There's just a bit of everything here at the Balmoral Show.' Rhonda said that in its 150-year history the show has 'grown and developed', expanding to twice its size since it was staged at the King's Hall in Belfast. 'We have almost 600 trade stands here as well - you can buy a hot tub here, you can book a holiday,' she explained. She added 'We have the NI Good Food pavilion, where there's over 65 trade stands. We have a nice cookery theatre where we will have people like Paula McIntyre do demonstrations throughout the day.' The event will showcase over 600 cattle across a range of classes, drawing competitors from across the region. Rhonda added: 'It's just the highlight of the year, it's the big thing in the agricultural calendar, where all the farmers come together, competing for that red rosette that they all want to take home.' On Tuesday as the final preparations were being made, farmers were arriving with their cattle, washing and grooming them before carefully settling their prized animals in their show pens. Gemma McCorry (21) from Ballinderry was among the early arrivals, getting a head start on the busy days ahead. Back for the first time since the Covid pandemic, Gemma is hoping to showcase her cattle in the junior heffer class this morning. But this will mean an early start. 'My plan would to hopefully wash her at 4.30 or 5 in the morning and then let her air dry for a bit. Then she'll need blown off and then groomed - the likes of shave and foam and a bit of spray - and I'll have her ready for 9 o'clock.' But despite the hard work, Gemma, who was there with her family, said she is looking forward to the start of the show. She said: 'It's a lot of hard work, and you couldn't do it without the society and the craic of all the other people here with you, like my family, there's loads of people here. It's a great week off work.' David Lest (39), from Armagh, was also busy preparing his Dexter cows and calves for the show — with plenty of help from his daughters, Lily and Sarahjane, who were kept busy caring for the young calves. 'That's their responsibility for the week, they have to look after them,' he said. This will be the family's third Balmoral Show with the Dexter breed, which he said they were quite fond of, 'especially for the wee ones'. It's not just cattle on display - visitors can also expect a variety of other animals, including rabbits, poultry and more. Mark Cairns (31) from Poyntzpass in Co Armagh arrived early and was preparing his four Dutch rabbits, explaining the care they receive ahead of the competition. 'We make sure that they are cleaned, that they have their nails clipped and their teeth are good and are in good condition because these are the things the judges will be looking for tomorrow,' he said. 'You're obviously up against other competitors who have other rabbits in the class to see who will be the best.' Mark explained his fiance introduced him to showing rabbits after bird flu restrictions prevented poultry competitors taking part. Once again this year, poultry showing will not take place due to restrictions. Mark added: 'It's good to see the people we would normally see and show against them but with rabbits and guinea pigs instead of poultry.' Food lovers can explore dozens of artisan producers in the Northern Ireland Food Pavilion, with plenty of free tastings on offer. Stephanie Buyers (33), representing Finnebrogue Naked, was among the early traders setting up their food truck. Planning to sell a selection of bacon, sausages and ham – made without nitrates and free from artificial additives – Stephanie said this was their first time with the truck. She said: 'I think it's a fantastic set up here at the show, the weather is amazing and we think it's going to be a great turnout. "We're really excited to get meeting some of our shoppers and get people trying some of our products.' 'From the Food Pavilion you will find loads of local artisan business, loads of local suppliers, some fantastic brands and lots of new ones you don't get to see in the supermarkets.' The Balmoral Show runs daily from 8.30am to 6pm. This year visitors can make use of the new event app, which features an interactive showgrounds map, a detailed timetable and full accessibility support. Full event schedules and parking information are available at Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, and use public transport where possible, as traffic delays are expected around Lisburn and the A1.
Agriland
12-05-2025
- Agriland
Balmoral Show 2025: How to get there
The Balmoral Show 2025, the biggest agricultural show in Northern Ireland, takes place this week from Wednesday (May 14) to Saturday (May 17). Ahead of the event, the show organiser, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has provided information for people travelling to the event, including for those travelling by car and by public transport. The Balmoral showgrounds are located just outside Lisburn, near the boundary between counties Antrim and Down, about 13km southwest of Belfast city centre. The nearest train station is Lisburn train station, about 15 minutes from the showground, from which a complimentary shuttle service to the event site will run. The organisers have said that they operate a strict 'no dogs' policy at the Balmoral Show, with the exception of dogs taking part in displays or verified assistance dogs. Visitors with dogs will not be able to enter the show and dogs are not permitted to stay in the car parks due to the risk of heat exhaustion. For those travelling by public transport, the free shuttle bus service will operate from Lisburn Train Station to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, where the show takes place. The estimated journey time on the days of the show is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The first shuttle bus will leave the train station at 9:00a.m each morning, with the final returning shuttle bust departing the showgrounds each evening as follows: Wednesday (May 14) – 6:30p.m; Thursday (May 15) – 8:30p.m; Friday (May 16) – 7:30p.m; Saturday (May 17) – 6:30p.m. NI (Northern Ireland) Railways and Enterprise Railways (which runs between Dublin and Belfast) will be making additional stops at Lisburn Train Station to help travelers avail of the shuttle bus service. If travelling by car, visitors are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey and, if possible avoid peak times such as rush hour. Those travelling from the west or northwest of Lisburn are advised to take the Northern Ireland M1 (which runs between Belfast and Dungannon in Co. Tyrone), exiting at junction 8, and then following the signage. Those travelling from the Lisburn itself should take the Moira Road out of the city and follow the signage. If travelling from Belfast or the north east of Northern Ireland, you should travel south on the Northern Ireland M1, coming off at Sprucefield and following the signage. Motorists travelling from the south should take the A1 dual carriageway (which is a continuation of the Republic of Ireland's M1/N1 motorway), and then follow the signage. Car parking is available on the showgrounds at a daily rate of €10 per car. Car parking must be paid by cash only, on the day of your visit.
