There's nothing like a good gig to lift our spirits.
There's just something about listening to a familiar song or throwing carefree shapes on the dance floor with your friends that makes us feel good.
Of course, in these strange times, getting dolled up to go to a concert seems like a far off fantasy.
Personally, I have really missed attending gigs by my favourite band, The 4 of Us, with my bestie Louise who introduced me to them some years ago.
At least once a year or sometimes more, we would attend their shows. We sing out loud and dance and have a laugh with Newry-born brothers, Brendan and Declan Murphy, afterwards .
During lockdown, I listen to their albums in the car but it's just not the same as hearing them live in the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen or The Empire in Belfast.
The siblings do a weekly live chat on Facebook and it's always such great fun, like catching up with old friends, who bring a bit of fun into our lives during these darker days.
So, when they announced a few weeks ago that they would be performing an online gig as part of the Out To Lunch festival, I was just over the moon.
Louise and I both registered for tickets and last Saturday, when the day of the gig arrived, we put our `fun during lock-down' plan into motion.
We logged onto our laptops from our homes and at the same time set up a Whatsapp video call so we could see each other and chat.
Then we both popped some fizz just before the gig began.
But what made this THE BEST 4 of Us gig ever was the fact that I was sitting on my comfortable kitchen chair, wearing my comfy slippers and with a fluffy blanket over my legs.
I did actually make a bit of an effort - a glitzy top and some sparkly jewellery - but no make -up. And I didn't care because nobody but Louise could see me.
I have got to say, this was my kind of gig - front row but no sore feet, no spilt drink on my clothes and no pushing around.
And of course, Louise being the best, best friend in the world had organised for a boxed Afternoon Tea to be delivered to me just before the concert, so snacks sorted.
We both sang our hearts out to Mary, Washington Down and She Hits Me although Darren, who was sitting in the front room, said our performance was less than impressive given Louise was about half-a-second behind me in terms of timing but still, it was brilliant.
Well done to the lovely Brendan and Declan for managing to bring us fans a little bit of joy on a cold and windy Saturday afternoon.
We really appreciate you going to such an effort and you can rest assured, it has given me a little lift, which was much needed.
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Britain’s Got Talent will not return to our screens this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After several weeks of speculation, it has now been confirmed that the show will not reappear until 2022.
Bosses said they made every effort but "our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme..." meant plans had to be cancelled.
I can't say I'm that bothered. I'm not a big fan of the show. I thought it always so predictable and repetitive.
A year off might do it the world of good.
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Love Island fans (including myself) are rejoicing this week after it was confirmed that the fab reality show is to return later this year.
Finally, it looks like 2021 may not be a total loss – like its predecessor.
And, the great news is, Love Island bosses have revealed that they have been inundated with more than 100,000 applications for the new, upcoming series.
Applications for this year’s show opened at the start of the year, with islanders to enter a Covid-secure set in Mallorca in July.
Speaking to the media, sources have revealed that they can’t wait to start remotely screen-testing potential participants.
The team reportedly believe that there has been so much interest in this year’s show because so many people have been stuck indoors and may see a chance to appear on the show as a much-needed adventure.
News of the huge influx of applications came after an ad for the show appeared on social media a few weeks ago.
The ad invited anyone looking for a "long hot summer" to apply.
Amid concerns over international travel, producers are planning to reportedly fly out three times as many contestants to cover all bases and participants will have to quarantine.
I just adore Love Island.
There is always so much drama and let’s face it, watching Love Island 2021 may be the closest most of us come to a sunshine holiday this year.
I can’t wait.
