Alan Simpson

Portrush man Alan is a fresh new talent to the airwaves.

He first hosted his own entertainment-based programme on Radio Ulster for a short stint during the summer of 2006.

Alan, a self-professed "bletherer" who describes himself as "forever young, perpetually silly", has been in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years now.

Best known for his work with one of Northern Ireland's best-known nightclubs, which he continues to do, Alan also comperes at a number of high profile events, including the Milk Cup, Irish Cup Finals, international matches, the International Air Show, the Portrush Raft Race, major concerts, such as the recent Fatboy Slim Beach party in Portrush, and a range of charity events.

Born in Ballymoney "in black and white", as Alan says, his family moved to the 'Hugo country' of Strabane when he was a child before moving to his beloved Portrush when he was nine-years-old.

Alan was educated at Coleraine Academical Institution, which actor James Nesbitt, BBC Northern Ireland presenter Mark Carruthers and comedian Alan McKee also attended.

Alan has always been comfortable behind a microphone.

At his first job in a shirt factory Alan says he used to sneak into the office to use the Tannoy system to tell jokes to other staff while his boss was away.

His penchant for entertaining others soon landed him in trouble, however, when his boss returned unexpected one day, only to fire Alan for his antics.

A Northern Ireland man through and through, Alan moved to London in his early 20s, only to return to his home of Portrush because he "didn't know anyone".

On returning home, Alan moved into concert promotions, bringing bands such as Ian Dury and the Blockheads, The Stranglers and The Undertones to Portrush.

In the early Eighties, Alan moved into DJing, playing disco classics at one of Northern Ireland's most famous nightclubs.

Alan continues to enjoy a long career with this nightclub and has become a well known name for organising major dance events in Portrush.

Alan cites talking to new people, from "the ordinary to the extraordinary", and his home of Portrush as his passions.