³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

It's the calm before the storm here.Ìý The next 15 days is theÌýUlster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens.ÌýAnd I'm working across tv and radio, "Festival Nights" and "Arts Extra", this blog, Twitter and Facebook.ÌýI feel like I should have got into better shape for this. So my diary lies open beside me. It reads like an exercise in how to be in as many places at the one time as possible. Tomorrow,Ìýthe opening reception before a tour ofÌýLeon and His Enchanted Garden in Botanic Gardens.Saturday, Ulster Hall, meet tv camera crew and Stuart Baillie to film his Belfast Music CoachÌýTour. Sunday, Crescent Arts Centre, 6pm, onstage interview with writer Claire Keegan. Monday, preview of Colin Bateman show. At last, I'll hear this new National Anthem. They've . been very secretive about it. Tuesday, Crescent Arts Centre 630 to interview John Lynch and Chris Binchy. Then leg it around to the Brian Friel Theatre for 8 to see "Don't Shoot the Clowns". Lie down in darkened room after. Wednesday. Live broadcast of "Festival Nights" from the Queens Students Union. 22.45Ìý ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ 1. Paddy Ashdown one of our guests. Ralph McLean, my co host on Festival Nights says he's nearly finished his book and has really enjoyed it. That means I have to try and read it too before next wednesday. Thursday. Postcards From Dumbworld. Very excited about this. Love Brian Irvine's work and this is his opera's world premiere. Plus I'm going to it with Gerry Anderson!!!! For the telly programme. Friday - Festival Nights live on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ 1, earlier time of 10pm. Saturday - 630pm in the Elmwood Hall, I'm interviewing Colm Toibin onstage.ÌýAnd then heading to see the Martin Creed band on the Belfast Barge after. And if Colm is up for it, he can come too.ÌýI also want to see Owen O'Neill'sÌýVolcano Dancing that night too! Too much decision making. Not good for a Piscean. Sunday, Trilogy in the Waterfront Studio.ÌýYes the one everyone is talking about,Ìýbecause the cast get naked. And 50 local womenÌýdance, also naked.ÌýÌýPlease don't let there be any audience participation. Monday. Pause for breath. And start all over again.ÌýSee you there. And use this blog and the Arts Extra TwitterÌýor Arts Extra Facebook pageÌýto leave your reviews etc on anything you've seen over the festival.