Jon Cowan: Last News

Micky Murray has been selected as the next Lord Mayor of Belfast, set to make history as the city’s first out gay person to hold the position. The news was announced on Monday, April 29, with the 32-year-old describing it as a “significant moment” for the LGBTQ+ community.Speaking after the fact, Murray, an Alliance Pary councillor representing the Balmoral area, said: “In my role as Lord Mayor I want to meet people in all areas of Belfast and recognise those who are making a difference in every quarter, finding ways to work alongside them for the better.He added: “Supporting the most vulnerable is a priority of mine, and I want to use my experience working in the homeless sector to ensure our city does more to help people.“I want to help transform Belfast into a more inclusive city where everyone can enjoy, regardless of who you are or where you’re from.

The London-based artist on why we need more gay male musicians, his diaristic debut EP Sound of My Youth and transforming into his truest self.  

Billie Eilish has announced a worldwide tour in honour of her upcoming album and fans are thrilled that the European leg includes Ireland dates in July 2025. The arena tour was named after Billie’s new record, Hit Me Hard and Soft, which was co-written with her brother Finneas O’Connell.

Alex Ritman In the coming months, British actors’ union Equity and producer trade body Pact are expected to kick off negotiations to thrash out new contracts that will cover the vast majority of U.K. TV and indie film. There’s going to be several major sticking points on the table, many that are near-identical to those that dominated the lengthy and fraught talks between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP in the U.S.

The 32nd annual Roanoke Pride Festival was held at Elmwood Park in Roanoke, Va. on Sunday, April 29.