Meet This Way Up

If you are looking for a talented band in Belfast, Northern Ireland and beyond, then This Way Up are the answer.

We perform music to suit all functions, specialising in weddings and corporate events.

About our band

Colin Beckinsale (Lead Male Vocalist) commenced his singing career when as a child he featured on radio and television commercials. A talented performer and songwriter being recognised as one of Ireland's leading vocalist. Whilst Colin and This Way Up predominantly merge current and classic pop hits, the band also specialise in country music. Also Colin has produced his own country tracks on an international level and is a well regarded published artist in Nashville, Tennessee USA, aka the home country music.

He wrote the hit dreaming of you that went straight to number 1 in the Irish country music charts for 6 consecutive weeks after Irish country singer Patrick Feeney (one of the Three Amigo's) covered it. Dreaming of You was also featured in the soundtrack of the film of the year and best British film since Trainspotting: Divorcing Jack, written by Colin Bateman and starring David Thewlis.

Colin as also written, performed and recorded a country music EP entitled "A Thousand Beards To Nashville" which is available to purchase from all good online stores.

Donna – Louise Burnett From Dundee to centre stage in Northern Ireland, Donna-Louise Burnett has been captivating audiences since childhood, following in her father’s footsteps as a winner of the prestigious Leng Medal Scottish Singing Competition. Her early passion for musical theatre led to performances in a wide range of productions, including Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, Grease, Annie, Blood Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rent and many more. This strong foundation in theatre, combined with her natural vocal ability, opened doors within the music industry, where she recorded radio jingles and commercial advertisements. Donna-Louise later made the move to Northern Ireland, settling first in Belfast and then Carrickfergus, where her performing career continued to flourish. She became a featured vocalist with leading ABBA tribute band Re-Björn, taking on the iconic role of Agnetha and delighting audiences with both vocal accuracy and engaging stage presence. Now based in Carrickfergus, her path aligned with Colin Beckinsale and This Way Up. Sharing not only a hometown base but also a deep-rooted passion for live performance and the vibrant showbusiness scene of Blackpool—Britain’s entertainment capital—both have performed there and developed a strong mutual appreciation for classic and contemporary live music. This shared connection, along with a natural musical chemistry, led to Donna-Louise becoming a welcome addition to This Way Up, one of Northern Ireland’s most sought-after, multi award-winning Wedding & Corporate Entertainment Pop Function Bands. Colin also penned her single Don’t Be Still My Broken Heart, further cementing this collaboration—one that feels as though it was always destined to happen.

Phil Croker (Guitar & Vocals) is a highly experienced musician and vocalist, being a full time member of This Way Up for more years than perhaps we would care to mention. He brings energy to the band's lively stage presence. He is the nephew of Brian Croker, founding member of award wining 70's & 80's band American Express. Inheriting his uncle's guitar playing and singing talent, he developed his musicianship growing up in Australia before returning home to Northern Ireland. Phil has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things music and as such is the band's musical director.

Ron Dillon (Drums & Percussion) began playing percussion in school, after which he played drums in the local sliver band progressing to playing professionally in bands of almost every genre. This lead him to premier venues such as Belfast's Odyssey Arena, the Ulster Hall and King's Hall etc. Culminating with him becoming a full time member of This Way Up where he has remained now for the past 6 years.

Darren Couser (Piano / Keyboards) has played keyboards in Northern Ireland's music scene for some years now. His expertise is such that he has been called upon to deputise with other popular bands if or when he is available. He is also an electrical / electronics whizz and has become an integral part of This Way Up.

Watch us play

This Way Up are accredited with having played at numerous festivals, weddings, dinner dances and charity balls and in venues such as Belfast City Hall, Slane Castle, Belfast King's Hall, stately homes and major hotel groups throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

This Way Up take pride in being the only Irish band who can boast being the band of choice for a famous professional Manchester United football player.

Contact

Meet our Management - CT Entertainment

C.T. Entertainment is based in Newtownards, Co. Down and is both a supplier and manager of quality entertainment acts for the past 30 years; they have extensive experience of providing quality acts for all occasions.

The agency has represented many national acts in Ireland and has a varied roster of quality local and Irish based acts. The company is owned and managed by Cecil Thompson, who is ably assisted by his administrative assistants.

CT has been in the entertainment business in Ireland for many years, not just as a promoter and manager, but also as an advisor to various venues on how to best to promote their premises by entertainment or otherwise. During the last 30 years Cecil has built up an enormous list of contacts within the business, and can find and provide any act that you require.

Cecil believes in doing the job right, and that is why, when you book through CT, you get the assurance of knowing that the act you have booked, will be the act that turns up, at the agreed fee, for the agreed duration. Nothing is left to chance.

Contact

"Hi I just wanted to say a big thank you for playing at our wedding last Thurs in the Manor House you were an outstanding band and I will definitely recommend yourselves. Everyone had such a great time and it was great to see everyone up and dancing."

- Lauren & Steven

For a talented band for your special event or function in Northern Ireland and beyond,

call This Way Up on 028 9042 8800 today