Big Marquee Weekend ready to Roll

We’re delighted to be playing our part in promoting what promises to be a thrilling feast of live music on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland next month.

The historic village of Macosquin, on the outskirts of Coleraine, will play host to the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend featuring top acts from across the Province.

The three-day festival, which runs from 21-23 August, will take place in a professionally-erected marquee - complete with its own stage and fully-equipped bar – sited in the car park of Mary Pat’s Bar.

The entertainment kicks off on the Friday with a clubland night headlined with DJ sets from Ultra Beat and Micky Modelle, plus local support.

Belfast's Oasis tribute band Roll With It who will take to the festival stage on Saturday

Saturday’s highlight will be a Rock v Britpop battle with Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi taking on Oasis look and sound-alikes, Roll With It.  Coleraine band Cellar Door and acoustic solo artist Adam Buick are also on the bill, with DJs Steady and Trigger playing rock and Britpop tunes to keep the party going.

And the weekend is sure to end on a high on Sunday with a country music spectacular starring singer-songwriter Ritchie Remo, popular two-piece JD Country and – in a real coup for the promoters - Ireland’s best known Garth Brooks tribute act, Jason Hughes.  A country DJ will also be there to entertain the crowd between the live performances. 

Event organiser Drew Hutchinson aka DJ Steady 

Drew Hutchinson, who is organising the event with Robert Todd and the bar’s proprietor Hughie Hamilton, said Macosquin - which historians say originated as a 6th-century monastic settlement - was already full of anticipation at the prospect of welcoming so many visitors to the village. 

“The sight of customers swaying in Mary Pat’s is not unusual on an average weekend evening,” he said. 

“But the image of many hundreds of people in the car park gyrating to the beat of high quality live music will be a new one. 

“More seriously, I am thrilled at the line-up we have managed to put together over the three days of the festival.  There really is something in there for all musical tastes and, having spoken to all of the artists, I know that they are looking forward to putting on a great show.

"I'm not aware of an event like this being staged in the Triangle area before.  Tickets are selling very well with enquiries coming from both sides of the border and also from across the water after we posted the details on social media.

“With only a few weeks to go, I would encourage anyone interested in coming along to buy their tickets now because I am confident we will sell out.”

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

​Tickets can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Budget: National Living Wage is Osborne's bunny

The modern-day trend for Chancellors of the Exchequer to pre-brief the contents of their Budget days in advance of the speech itself often leaves the occasion with a hollow feel.  But today George Osborne reversed that trend by producing a surprise bunny from his red box.

In announcing the introduction of a compulsory National Living Wage - starting at £7.20 from next April and rising to £9 an hour by 2020 - the Chancellor managed to blindside most commentators and, most-pleasingly for him, his political opponents.  

Anoraks out there will recall that one of Ed Miliband's most eye-catching policies when leading Labour's General Election campaign was to pledge an £8 per hour National Minimum Wage.  And critics at the time said even that was unaffordable.  However, by committing to cut corporation tax to 18%  - also by 2020 - and reduce employers' National Insurance contributions, Mr Osborne believes he has his £9 an hour conundrum squared. 

Also of note was his renewed determination to "put power into the Northern Powerhouse," a concept undoubtedly damaged by the recently-announced delay to the electrification of the trans-Pennine rail line.     

Control over fire services, planning and children's services is now to be handed to Greater Manchester where council leaders have already agreed to the election of a metro mayor.  And today the Chancellor reaffirmed his desire to devolve significant powers to other Northern cities and city regions if politicians there accept his preferred model of local accountability. 

West Yorkshire leaders remain hostile to the idea.  This tug of war remains one to watch. 

PMQs: EVEL Dave fights back

David Cameron really doesn't like the Scottish National Party.  But neither is he obliged to.

Nowhere is this more apparent than at Prime Minister's Questions where, on a weekly basis, SNP MPs line-up to ritually abuse the First Lord of the Treasury.  We had four of them in the queue today. And his Lordship appears to have had enough of it.  

Today's pre-cooked gripe centred on the Government's proposals for so-called English Votes for English Laws.  This is often shortened to EVEL, which is exactly how the Scots Nats regard the idea.

The formal announcement on what's planned isn't due to be made until tomorrow but, essentially, EVEL will mean that MPs representing English constituencies will have the final say on England-only legislation.  The changes were prompted by the promise - made by Mr Cameron during last year's Scottish referendum campaign - to devolve further powers from Westminster to Holyrood.  

But the SNP are classically unimpressed. First to the oche was newly-elected Angela Crawley who complained that EVEL would affect her rights as an MP. The Prime Minister said the plan would lead to greater fairness.

Her Westminster leader Angus Robertson  - watched adoringly by Alec Salmond, ever-keen to be in full camera view - was next up.  He barked that Scottish MPs would be "excluded from parts of the democratic process in Westminster."  Mr Cameron said the proposals were "measured and sensible," and asked Mr Robertson to start having a think about what exactly the SNP were going to do with all the new powers their colleagues in the Scottish Parliament were about to get.  Oh, and why weren't they arguing to be given responsibility for state pensions in Scotland?  

The third SNP sharpshooter was waistcoated Neil Gray who moaned that a "second class status" for Scottish MPs would be created.  The Prime Minister said this left him "baffled" given that he understood the whole point of the Scottish National Party was to exclude themselves from the UK Parliament altogether. 

And bringing up the rear was similarly attired Chris Law (on the hottest day of the year) who only got halfway through his rehash of well-worn foibles before Speaker Bercow told him to sit down as the House already had "the gist" of his rant. 

With 58 SNPs now in Parliament, such mass ambushes are already familiar fayre at PMQs and are destined to be so for the rest of the Parliament.    

But it is already noticeable that Mr Cameron - who is prone to losing his temper at the Despatch Box - is getting better at dealing with them.  

The response of non-SNP MPs to the onslaught - particularly on the Labour side with a new leader on the way - will be equally interesting to watch as the weeks and months tick by. 

PMQs: FFS? LOL

Today's Prime Minister's Questions shall be remembered mostly not for what happened on the floor of the House of Commons, but for goings-on above and close-by.

Overhead, George Clooney's wife (goes by the name of Amal) attracted the attention of hacks as she gazed down on proceedings from the Peers' Gallery.  She was apparently there to "highlight" the case of former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed who is currently in prison. Not sure what for, but that's where he is.  Downing Street has since announced that David Cameron had a "brush-by" with Mrs Clooney afterwards.  Let's hope Mr Clooney doesn't find out.  

Meanwhile, a cavalcade of protesters in wheelchairs and mobility scooters attempted to storm the Chamber.   They weren't successful although, as I write this, half a dozen of them remain in Central Lobby shouting at police officers.  British democracy at its, well, most typical.

Back inside, there was little drama to report other than the bizarre spectacle of the Prime Minister shouting "FFS!" at the SNP's Angus Robertson.

Mr Cameron once admitted he thought "LOL" meant "Lots Of Love."

Today he claimed "FFS" stood for "Full Fiscal Shambles."

FFS.  

Meet Paul from ASDA

Effective public relations is comprised of lots of different elements, one being how you treat your customers face to face.  And going that extra, often unexpected mile can make the biggest difference of all.

I say this because, on Monday, I visited our local ASDA Living store in Guiseley to buy some batteries.    As I was about to pay at one of the self-service tills, I noticed that I had a single tenner in my wallet so I requested £20 cash back.

A couple of hours later and for reasons I'll not bore you with, I returned to the store to pick up something else.  And then it hit me: I hadn't collected my £20 from the dispenser.  Gutted.

After grabbing my required item, I went to a normal till to pay.  And I mentioned my cash back faux pas to the very friendly assistant - adding that I knew nothing could be done.

She asked me not to rush off and spoke to a colleague.  And a couple of minutes later, Paul (pictured) arrived on the scene.

He asked me how much cash back I'd left behind, I told him and he said he'd have it for me at the door within a couple of minutes. In conversation with him as he handed me the missing loot, Paul advised that an ASDA colleague had spotted the £20, passed it to him and now he was handing it back to me.

"That's the ethos here," he said.  "This store opened two and a half years ago and most of us started working on the same day.  I was asked to consider a management career but I prefer being on the shop floor working with the team and meeting our customers."

And you could tell that every word he uttered was totally sincere.  

What a credit to ASDA Paul and his colleagues are; public relations at its best.

They can expect to see me in their store much more often in the time to come.  

Spend high sweet chariot

With the 2015 Rugby World Cup now fast approaching, host nation England have come up with an innovative new way of "launching" their new shirt for the competition.

England's official kit manufacturer Canterbury are inviting Red Rose fans to visit their website or Facebook and Twitter pages to commit their support to Stuart Lancaster's team.   And in return, the shirt design will be revealed on their personal social media feeds on Monday 6 July when the kit is unveiled at Twickenham. 

As a dedicated follower of reigning Six Nations champions Ireland, I've felt unable to give my love and will instead have to wait to see the pictures plastered all over the internet that day. 

Also, were I an England supporter, I'm not sure I could justify forking out the £120 being asked for the shirt itself.  My enthusiasm would be lessened further by the realisation that England players may only have it on their backs for a grand total of three games if they fail to qualify for the knock-out stages and have to wear an alternative kit against Fiji, who also play in white.      

Still, I'm sure it's very nice.

PMQs: Osborne makes his debut

A potentially significant Prime Minster's Questions today - and the Prime Minister wasn't even there.

Because with David Cameron in Italy on pre-EU referendum lobbying duties, it was down to Chancellor of the Exchequer and recently-entitled First Secretary of State George Osborne to take his place at the Despatch Box.  Facing him for Labour was Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn.

And Mr Osborne got off to a rather ill-judged start.  Although not having taken PMQs before, he has famously prepped every Tory Leader since John Major for the ordeal.  You might therefore have thought he would've chosen not to preface his response to Mr Benn's first question about Islamist extremism with a poor, pre-cooked quip about "no Benn but plenty of Bennites" standing to be Labour leader.

But having got that out of his system, he soon recovered and handled Mr Benn's five follow-up questions - all on a sombre themes - calmly and in detail.  And the Leeds Central MP deserved at least as much credit for the statesmanlike manner in which he posed them.  Should he have thrown his own name into the Labour leadership hat?  Perhaps but academic, since nominations closed on Monday.     

Moving on, Mr Osborne dealt forcibly with SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson's weak attempt to pin blame for the delayed Chilcot Report on him and David Cameron, pointing out that the Iraq War inquiry is independent.

Questions from the Opposition benches largely returned to non-party political themes after that, including child abuse and the stabbing of a teacher in Bradford.    These were interspersed with invitations from his own side to remind the House of this morning's positive unemployment figures - all down to that "long-term economic plan."  And there were a couple of references to Mr Osborne's beloved Northern Powerhouse project.

Overall, a reasonable debut for someone increasing viewed as a strong contender to answer PMQs as the real Prime Minister before the end of this Parliament.  Further stand-in opportunities will come his way before then.       

At 7-1 with Paddy Power, he might well be worth a punt.

VANBAR Associates joins the Herd

Leeds digital recruitment platform Herd has appointed communications agency VANBAR Associates to provide PR support and boost its business profile.   

Amy De-Balsi, founder of Herd

Herd was founded last year by entrepreneur Amy De-Balsi to act as a link between technology firms in the Leeds City Region and help candidates access the growing number of vacancies in the local digital sector. 

The firm also organises regular networking events and offers members access to industry intelligence and contacts in Yorkshire.

Recent sign-ups include Epiphany, Sky Bet and Leeds City Council.

Mrs De-Balsi said it was an ideal time for Herd to further capitalise on the opportunities the burgeoning Leeds digital community presented, with many London companies now relocating their software engineering functions to the city.

In April 2015 the Government launched the Tech North initiative to help digital firms in Leeds and neighbouring cities work more closely together and promote the North as a prime location for global technology businesses to invest. 

And in his Budget a few weeks ago, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced plans to create new three new Tech Hubs in the North including £3.7million for a six-floor technology business incubator in the centre of Leeds.

“The Leeds digital sector is on the march, as evidenced by the ever-growing number of jobs being created by Herd members and made available on our website and via social media,” Amy said.  

“In our short history, Herd has established a strong record of achievement in filling these roles.  And through our other activities such as providing networking opportunities, we’ve enabled many local tech firms to collaborate. 

“Herd’s partnership with VANBAR Associates will raise our brand profile, increase industry awareness of what we do and attract many more members to our ranks.”  

VANBAR Associates is an integrated communications firm established in 2014, also based in Leeds.

Barry White, a partner at the agency, said: “I’ve worked with Amy in the past and been immensely impressed by the professionalism, knowledge and skill she brings to the table.

“Under her leadership, Herd has rapidly become a vital resource for digital and tech firms across Leeds City Region.

“VANBAR Associates looks forward to playing our part in assisting Herd to expand its role and membership in the months ahead.”

Sir Gary Verity for Mayor?

Terrific - although not entirely unexpected - news over the weekend when Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity was knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Sir Gary Verity

Bringing last year's Tour de France Grand Depart to Yorkshire was his brainchild, as was the also hugely successful Tour de Yorkshire which will now become an annual event. 

If West Yorkshire's political leaders get their act together and agree a devolution deal with ministers in Whitehall, surely Leeds-born Sir Gary would be a very popular choice to stand for election as the region's first Metro Mayor. 

Just a thought. 

Sunny news for Yorkshire's top businesses

Some very positive news for Yorkshire’s economy today with the publication of a study which highlights the growing post-recession strength of the region’s leading businesses.

The report produced by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP reveals that the revenues generated by Yorkshire’s top 250 companies now exceed £100 billion.  These firms have also created almost 30,000 new jobs over the past 12 months.  

And it’s been the 200 so-called ‘mid-market’ businesses (with less than £300 million in turnover) rather than the largest 50 that have had the most notable relative impact.

According to BDO, these firms have outshone their larger rivals in all of the key performance indicators. These include turnover which has grown by 13.2% for the mid-market companies compared to 5.2% for the largest 50 firms, job creation with employment levels up 11.6% against 4.9%, and overseas sales which have risen 19.3% in mid-market businesses as opposed to 3.6% in the top 50.

But the central message is loud and clear: Yorkshire’s economy continues to prosper and the outlook for future significant and sustainable private sector growth here remains very bright.

News that all of us want to hear on a day the sun is beaming down in God’s Own County. 

PMQs: New class war breaks out in Commons

After last week's understandably subdued exchanges following the sad death of Charles Kennedy, today's Prime Minister's Questions had a much more familiar, shouty feel about it.  And thank goodness for that.   

But whilst Labour's Harriet Harman at least tried to give the impression that she was going about her acting leader duties with the utmost seriousness, David Cameron wasn't all that bothered. 

He led his Conservative colleagues to a majority election victory, you see - the Holy Grail for any party leader.  And he intends to toast his personal triumph for as long as he can possibly get away with it.   

Annoyingly for him, displays of unabated joy from political opponents don't go down well with Ms Harman.

"He doesn’t need to do ranting and sneering and gloating," she spat as Mr Cameron decided against answering her latest question. "Frankly, he should show a bit more class.” 

But, after a brief pause, Mr Cameron chose to continue with his celebrations.

His excitement levels reached new heights a few moments later when Andrea Jenkyns, who snatched the Morley and Outwood seat from the Prime Minister's former bogeyman Ed Balls last month, rose nervously to ask a question.  

"Her election result was one I was dreaming of!" he boomed to cheers from the blue team, as Labour MPs sunk further into their seats.

Barring unforeseen disaster for Mr Cameron, their nightmare seems set to continue until a new Opposition leader is elected in the autumn.  Think summer of discontent. 

PMQs: False start as MPs return to battle

As part of a brand new offering to avid readers of our blog - tinged with a dash of self-indulgence - we at VANBAR associates will provide a brief (and when possible humorous) round-up of Prime Minister's Questions each Wednesday between now and the summer recess in late July.  If it works, we'll keep it going from September.  Here's what happened today.

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Starved of PMQs for more than two months, today was supposed to be the day when a cast of newly-elected MPs burst into our living rooms to wow us with their wit, wisdom and contempt for Parliamentary procedure.  But sadly it wasn't really to be.

Following the death of Charles Kennedy earlier in the week, the House - to its credit - wasn't really in the mood.  A special session to enable MPs to pay personal tribute to the former Liberal Democrat Leader had been arranged for later in the afternoon, and most minds seemed to be on that than the normal cut and thrust which will surely return next week.  

Despite the sombre air in the Chamber, Prime Minister David Cameron did demonstrate continued evidence of a returned Mojo (it's funny what an election victory can do for a man).  He still didn't answer any questions, of course.  But he just looked more confident in not doing so.          

As for stand-in Labour Leader Harriet Harman, she - like the vast majority of her backbenchers - just looked miserable.  And her questions were little different than poor Ed Miliband used to trot out in the weeks leading up to the General Election.  It's going to a long road back for Her Majesty's Official Opposition, and one suspects Ms Harman is rather relieved that she'll be taking a back seat when the journey starts with a new front man or woman come the autumn.

SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson is someone whose face you'll get used to seeing more of in the months and years ahead.  Following his party's resounding success last month - taking all but three seats north of the border - the former BBC journalist is now entitled to ask Mr Cameron two questions at every PMQs.  And today, the word "Scotland" never left his lips, instead concentrating his efforts on the fate of refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean.   His bald SNP colleague Patrick Grady filled the void later in the session, standing up in his tartan tie to shout the name of his native land lots of times at a bemused Prime Minister.  Expect Mr Robertson to be similarly less statesmanlike on Wednesdays to come.

New MPs are not entitled to ask oral questions on the floor of the House until they have delivered their maiden speech, and some will wait weeks for the opportunity.  As a result, the number of unfamiliar Members on their feet today was limited.  But, aside from Mr Grady, there were two of note.  Cat Smith (Labour,  Lancaster & Fleetwood) looked very much like a Sunday school teacher.  And Flick Drummond (Conservative, Portsmouth South) bore all the hallmarks of a church organist.  Perhaps they go to the same church.  

Balls to Blatter

And so the preening peacock that is Sepp Blatter could hold on no longer.

After weeks of immensely damaging publicity for FIFA which included the arrests of seven leading executives and a similar number of indictments against others with links to world football's governing body, President Blatter chose to fall on his sword.

It is noteworthy that, since the news broke yesterday, FIFA's principal sponsors have been queuing up to trumpet their joy at Blatter's impending departure (which could take up to nine months).    

These are the self-same financial backers who were somewhat more reserved in their public words of condemnation last week when they clearly mattered more. 

So why did he finally chose to "do the decent thing?"

Because he "does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world," as he claimed himself?

Was he suddenly dazzled by the glare of the self-awareness and the personal public relations disaster he had become?

Was more pressure being applied behind the scenes by FIFA's sponsors than the watching world was aware of?

Or was it the fact that - according to informed reports in the United States - no-nonsense investigators at the FBI are now closing in on Blatter himself?

Time will undoubtedly tell, and most likely sooner rather than later.

In the meantime,  VANBAR associates stands ready to assist FIFA in rebuilding its shredded global reputation.   (You never know who reads this).  

A touch of class from Charles Kennedy

On this dark morning when news broke of the sad passing of Charles Kennedy, a letter has emerged which confirms why so many political watchers and others will remember him fondly.

He was principled, he was generous in his manner and - as people who knew him well have said - he was immensely entertaining.

Which brings me to the note.   Unbeknown to many begrudging voters, politicians' postbags - real and virtual - are forever bulging with requests for odd and often surreal information.  Some MPs will choose not to respond to these, but others will.  

So, in case you can't read the content of  Mr Kennedy's reply to Mr Lucas of Berkshire above, here it is:

Dear Mr Lucas

Thank you for your letter of support and question regarding The Muppets.  I am very sorry about the delay in replying.

In response to your question I would like to say that my favourite Muppet is Gonzo.  Even though he is blue he is a nice guy.  

Thank once again for your letter and best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Rt. Hon Charles Kennedy MP

He will be greatly missed. 

Power to the people

The United Kingdom is going to the polls today with turnout already appearing likely to be significantly higher than the 2010 General Election when only 65% of voters exercised their democratic right.

Of course, the outcome is seemingly less predictable than any British election in modern times.

The final clutch of opinion polls indicate that the Conservatives are likely to emerge as the party with most seats, but well short of the 326 required for an overall Commons majority.  

And with the Scottish National Party - set for a landslide north of the border - having made clear that they won't do business with the Tories, there is now a very real chance that Labour Leader Ed Miliband will become Prime Minister as head of a minority government.

Whatever lies ahead in the coming days will certainly be dramatic.  But, for now, there are still lots of votes to chase and no shortage of political careers on the line.  

There can be only 650 winners once the final declaration is made at some point tomorrow, leaving 3,321 candidates with shattered dreams.  

In an era where the reputation of politics and its practitioners is "less than positive," one might wonder why anyone would choose to put themselves in the firing line in the first place.

Some undoubtedly do it because of the perceived glamour or opportunity to enhance their personal status.  But, in my experience, the vast majority choose to stand because they believe they can truly make a difference and want to test their ability to effect change for the better. And for that they should surely be commended, not denigrated. 

Churchill famously said: "Democ­racy is the worst form of gov­ern­ment, except for all the oth­ers."  And as with most of his other pronouncements, he was right.

But my favourite election-related  quote comes from US politician Dick Tuck following his defeat in the 1966 California State Senate election.

"The people have spoken...the bastards!" he announced from the stage after his result was formally declared.

I would have every sympathy should any shunned candidate here express similar sentiments in the coming hours. 

Leeds set for place in General Election spotlight

With just a week to go until we traipse off to our local polling stations, all politically-inclined eyes will be on Leeds Town Hall tonight as David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg face questions from David Dimbleby and an audience of voters.      

Yes friends, it's the BBC Question Time Election Special and it's taking place right here in t'Yorkshire.

It's a heck of a coup for Leeds, which has rapidly become the UK city of choice for major events outside the capital including BBC Sports Personality of the Year and the Tour de France Grand Depart.

If you're not from the city or aren't familiar with the Town Hall - opened by Queen Victoria in 1858 - then tune in to BBC1  at 8pm to see the iconic building in all its splendour.     

And if you are, then switch on anyway for a televisual spectacular which could have a significant impact on the General Election outcome.

Just remember that it'll all be over soon.  Honestly.

Back to the past, if you please

Something of a personal highlight on the General Election campaign trail this morning when - shock, horror - someone gave a very straight answer.

Jovial Sky News Political Editor Faisal Islam was in Edinburgh chewing the fat with a selection of Scottish political players and observers, including esteemed historian Sir Tom Divine.

Sir Tom Divine

With just two weeks to go until polling day, minds are beginning to turn to just how many seats the Scottish National Party will take from the Labour Party north of the border. So, understandably, our Faisal wanted to pick Uncle Tom's big brain.

"You're a historian," the Sky man reminded viewers, before asking Sir Tom, "what's your forecast for the future?"

With a hint of rudeness, the great man responded  blandly: "The future is not my period."

Wonderful.  The future seems like a scary place in any case. 

Liar, liar, campaign's on fire

As a father of two young kids, I am forever making clear that telling fibs is not acceptable.  And, to be fair, it is advice they generally heed.

But with the General Election campaign now moving into overdrive, it seems that some politicians had more flexible parents.

When in vote-winning mode, it is prudent politics to emphasise the positives, go easy on the negatives and seek to avoid talking about issues that you don't understand. 

And never tell downright lies.   

Sadly, whoever is advising the Conservative candidate for Argyle and Bute failed to mention the latter to his or her charge in advance of a debate with the other candidates on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning.

Our Tory friend was arguing with his UKIP opponent who ended up losing her cool - and went for the jugular.

UKIP candidate: "Why did you phone the UKIP office and beg us not to put a candidate up against you?"

Conservative candidate: "No I did not."

UKIP candidate: "Yes you did.  I answered the phone."

There you go kids.  Don't tell lies.     

Seven go to Salford

The eyes of the communications and political worlds (together with a few million others) will be focussed on Salford this evening and the hotly-anticipated ITV Leaders' Debate.

It will be the only time in this General Election campaign when Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour Leader Ed Miliband go toe to toe.  But they will not be alone.  

Because what makes the event so novel is the presence and participation of Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg, the SNP's Nicola Surgeon, Nigel Farage of UKIP, Leanne Wood from Plaid Cymru and Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett.     

And anyone who says they know what's going to happen is lying.  In truth, no one has any idea - which is what makes the whole thing potentially so watchable.

But that will not stop the never-ending queue of talking heads lining up to offer predictions, and mandatory handy hints for participants.

The best advice I've heard thus far comes from the man (missed his name, sorry) who coached Clegg to victory in his famous "I agree with Nick" encounter with Cameron and Gordon Brown five years ago:

"Look confident, don't throw up and claim victory afterwards."

Simples.

The fun starts on ITV at 8pm this evening.