Stars of the literary world will be descending on Bangor this week for the ever popular Aspects Irish Literature Festival which is running from September 25 – 28. Among the famous faces you can expect to see are Martin Bell, Fergal Keane, Simon Weston, Virginia Ironside and of the most famous mods of all time Paolo Hewitt.

Also on this year’s programme Tara West will read from her critically acclaimed novel ‘Poets Are Eaten As A Delicacy in Japan’ followed by a panel discussion on the challenges of mental well-being today’s society hosted by Nuala McKeever. For anyone interested in learning how to slow down and refocus, Ireland’s leading mindfulness expert Padraig O’Morain will be reading from his brilliant handbook “Mindfulness On The Go” and giving lots of advice on how to feel calmer and less stressed in everyday life.

Aspects will host a wealth of local authors too like Sheena Wilkinson who will be reading from her story ‘Each Slow Dusk’ which is part of the anthology of stories ‘The Great War,’ Rebecca Reid will read from her stunning new novel ‘Thickets Wood’ the second novel from the Thickets Wood trilogy and Tony Macaulay will read from his new book ‘All Growed Up,’ a funny and heart-warming sequel to his memoirs Paperboy and Breadboy. Belfast born David Park will also be appearing at the Festival reading from his latest novel ‘The Poet’s Wives.’

For poetry lovers, Damian Smyth will be reading from his latest poetry collection Mesopotamia at The Rabbit Rooms which will also hold The Aspects Poetry Slam, the first ever poetry slam held in Bangor, hosted by Poetry NI. Aspiring poets are invited to bring along their private collections of poetry and share them with the audience with the outright winner being crowned ‘Aspects Poetry Slam Champion!’ Local Poet Nathanial McAuley will be hosting a poetry reading with a difference – entitled simply “Adam,” McAuley takes on the story of Adam and The Garden of Eden through the medium of poetry, animation and live music.

On Saturday, September 27, in The Festival, actor and comedian Michael Smiley will be revisiting some of the stories about his childhood in North Down and his more recent experiences cycling around Northern Ireland for the BBC NI Series ‘Something to Ride Home About.’

And children are catered for too with the return of the ever popular ‘Young Aspects’ where young writers are invited to show case their talents. Then on Sunday 28 September, Flow Studio presents Dr Zeuss Storybook Yoga followed by a special QFT screening of The Cat In The Hat at North Down Museum. Also on Sunday 27, Paula McIntyre will be hosting ‘Food From Down’ in The Courtyard in The Museum, where she will host a number of local producers and chat to them about their food and demonstrate how their products can be used in delicious and easy to prepare recipes.

The programme also includes Bernie McGill reading for her collection of short stories ‘Sleepwalkers,’ The Aspects Book Club hosted by Marie-Louise Muir, “A Better Boy” a dramatic monologue performed by Game of Thrones star Ian McElhinney and lots more! We did say something for everyone! Don’t miss out on these fabulous events – book your tickets now!

To purchase a ticket or download a full programme, please go to:  www.aspectsfestival.com.

Tickets are available at www.aspectsfestival.com from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).

Comedy, drama and music – The Market Place Theatre in Armagh lives up to its reputation of offering something for everyone this weekend.

‘Wilde Without The Boy’ is solo theatrical presentation of, ‘De Profundis’, Oscar Wilde’s bitterly reproachful and, at times, exquisitely-beautiful letter, written from his prison cell in Reading gaol to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, after Wilde had been imprisoned for acts of gross indecency. Spend an hour with a chastened – but still hilarious – Oscar Wilde in his prison cell. See into his astonishingly brilliant mind and beautiful, bruised soul. ‘Wilde Without The Boy’ will be staged on Thursday 2^nd October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 and £8 (concession).

‘Beoga’ is a five-piece band based in County Antrim, Ireland. Formed in 2002, they have become one of the most popular and influential ensembles in modern Irish music. Their unique sound features the twin duelling accordions of Damian McKee and multi-instrumentalist Seán Óg Graham, pianist Liam Bradley, four times All-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and Niamh Dunne, one of Ireland’s premier young talents, on vocals and fiddle. Beoga will perform for one evening only on Friday 3^rd October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

Tony Jameson takes his hilarious sell-out Edinburgh Festival show on the road. ‘Football Manager Ruined My Life’ focuses on Tony’s apparent mid-life crisis [he’s only 33, though] and a realisation that he has spent 20 years playing the same video game. He thinks he’s achieved some good things in his life, but could his life have been any better if he had applied his energies elsewhere? With a warm, amiable and conversational style, Tony brings a mixture of silly stories and references to footballers you may | may not have heard of. Tony will perform on Saturday 4^th October at 8pm with tickets costing £12 or £10 (concession). Tickets for all performances are available through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Fresh Waters campaign is asking local people and visitors to the Drumaheglis, Belturbet, Portglenone and Kilrea areas to capture their adventures along the Lower Bann and River Erne on film, and be in with the chance of winning a digital video camcorder worth up to £200.

Whether it is by bike, trekking around the walking paths, on a boat or among your local amenities, Fresh Waters wants you to capture the natural beauty, stunning landscapes and key attractions within the four Fresh Water towns.

This is a chance for you to showcase the unique features within your local area and encourage locals, tourists and the wider community to come and visit. Capture up to 5 minutes of your adventure on your smartphone or video camera and email through to freshwaters@rumourmillpr.co. Alternatively, you can submit your photographs accompanied with details of your adventure. The best videos will appear on the official Fresh Waters You Tube channel and one lucky winner be selected.

One reporter, producer, presenter and director, who knows what the Bann has to offer is Darryl Grimason. Speaking about his recent filming antics along the Lower Bann he says: “I know the Lower Bann really well, as an angler and small boat owner. It is an astonishingly powerful river, particularly in winter, when Lough Beg swells with floodwater and thousands of wildfowl, fleeing the frozen north.

“It’s simply spectacular then but I got to know the entire river even better this summer while making Riverland: a new three-part series for BBCNI. Riverland follows the Lagan, Blackwater and Bann from source to sea – in the company of people, places and creatures that make each river so unique.”

To find out more information about this competition, please log onto to The Fresh Waters Official Facebook page Facebook.com/thefreshwaters or follow @the_freshwaters on twitter. Fresh Waters is part-funded by the EU INTERREG IVA Programme.

Due to popular demand, more tickets have been released for the incredibly popular Virginia Ironside and Alf McCreary events at this year’s Aspects Festival which is taking place in Bangor from 25 – 28 September.

Virginia’s hilarious one-woman show is based on her book ‘Growing Old Disgracefully.’ The show, which is taking place at the festival marquee on Friday, 26 September, arose from performing at literary festivals to publicise her book, ‘No I Don’t Want to Join a Book Club!’ and in it, she explains why unlimited free drugs, fun funerals, grandchildren and sex – or even better, no sex – make the sixties the best and funniest time of your life.  Directed by Nigel Planer, this show guarantees to be a laugh a minute so hurry and buy your tickets before they sell out again! Tickets cost £10 / £9 concession.

Popular local journalist Alf McCreary has also had his Aspects event capacity increased due to demand!  At this event, taking place at Bangor Library on Friday 26 September, Alf will read from his newly released autobiography “Behind The Headlines,” a highly personal account of the renowned journalist’s life, from his birth and family ties in Bessbrook during the 1940s, through his long, distinguished and sometimes turbulent career in the Northern Ireland media. Tickets for this event cost £6/£5 concession.

Now in its 23^rd year, this year’s Aspects programme has something for everyone.  Other festival highlights include; Falkland’s War Veteran Simon Weston OBE in conversation with Gerry Kelly, actor Ian McElhinney will perform a dramatic monologue ‘A Better Boy’ Paolo Hewitt in conversation with celebrity hairdresser Paul Stafford, broadcaster Martin Bell in conversation with Gerry Kelly and so much more!

For the full line-up, please download a programme at www.aspectsfestival.com.

Tickets for these events are now on sale at www.aspectsfestival.com or from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).

• Ballynahinch Harvest and Country Living Festival, Montalto Estate, Co Down, September 27-28.  Enjoy this bustling festival where you and the entire family can get involved in living history re-enactments celebrating the famous Battle of Ballynahinch, international clay shooting and a medieval jousting tournament along with many more activities. You can also delight in the fine food festival that brings together select artisan food and drink producers.
• History Takes Time, Fermanagh Living History Weekend, various locations, Co Fermanagh, September 26-28.  Bring family and friends and learn a thing or two about Fermanagh’s historical past with a weekend full of events.  Take a tour of Belleek Pottery, visit the Marble Arch Caves and step back in time at Florence Court.  With something for everyone it’s sure to be a great weekend for all.
• Belly Laughs Belfast Comedy Festival, various locations, Belfast, Co Antrim, September 24 – October 05.  The Belly Laughs Belfast Comedy Festival returns with a packed programme of fun and humour including comedy bus tours, musical cabaret, sketch shows, improv, comedy poetry, music hall seminars, storytelling, comedy writing workshops, kids events, silent comedy films – something for absolutely everyone who likes a laugh.
• Larne Loves Food, Narrow Gauge Road, Larne, Co Antrim, September 27.  Come see and taste what Larne has to offer at the Larne Loves Food event.  There is lots to entertain people of all ages including food demonstrations by chefs from local restaurants, food stalls with local food retailers and producers, family entertainment and special promotions by local restaurants and cafes.
• Irish Golf Expo, Kings Hall Complex, Belfast, Co Antrim, September 22. Get up close and personal with golf professionals who will offer expert advice through live demonstrations and interactive workshops. There will be golf simulators and a driving range to tee off on as well as an outdoor kid’s golf area.
• Game of Thrones Archery Experience, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward Estate, Downpatrick, Co Down, September 28.  Step into Winterfell and take aim where young Bran was taught archery by Jon Snow. Have a go at archery in the very place where the BAFTA award winning TV show was filmed – in Clearsky Adventure Centre courtyard aka ‘Winterfell’.
• Teddy Bears Picnic, Portstewart Prom, Townhall, Portstewart, Co Londonderry, September 28.  Kids are invited to bring their bear along to Big Telly’s Teddy Bears Picnic from 2-5pm for an afternoon of furry fun and delicious delights.
• Cultural Crafts with Thai Arts NI, An Creagan, Barony Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone, September 27.   Explore arts and crafts from across the world at An Creagan where a programme of workshops will be delivered by ethnic artists.  Workshops are FREE but have limited availability and suitable for ages 16+.
• Cajun Bluegrass Club with Wookalily, The Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Co Armagh, September 27.  Featuring the best of Bluegrass and Cajun music with timeless songs and food that is as spicy as the music with ‘Honey Island’ chicken Jambalaya and Cajun and garlic potato wedges highlighting just a ‘taster’ of the menu.

• Canoe Tours on the River Lagan, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, Co Antrim, until September 30.  Enjoy a relaxing paddle to explore the beautiful Lagan Valley, visit the secret garden at Minnowburn and maybe afterwards call into the Lockkeepers for coffee and cake.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

ULSTER BANK BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN’S SHOWCASES LOCAL AND EMERGING TALENT FROM ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND

Local artists and organisations from all over Northern Ireland will be taking part in Ireland’s leading contemporary international arts festival, the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, as they join the impressive line-up of Europe’s top theatre directors and internationally acclaimed artists in dance, film, theatre and music, filling venues all over Belfast from 16th October – 1st November.

Fans of classical music should look out for local rising stars, Soprano, Emma Morwood, described by The Sunday Times as a ‘radiant Pamina’ for her role in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and up and coming conductor, Eugene Monteith.  Eugene who hails from Strabane, will take charge of the baton at the Emerging Conductors lunchtime concert with Ulster Orchestra, following an intense week of masterclasses for emerging conductors led by Guest Principal Conductor Jac van Steen.

Be transported back to the golden age of the romantic Parisian salon with the fabulous, Quercus Ensemble, who are offering up a wonderful  evening of songs, games and dances at the Café De Paris featuring a specially commissioned work by Northern Irish composer Patrick Brennan.  Quercus Ensemble is a dynamic mixed chamber ensemble founded by Kim Vaughan (cello) from Derry and featuring many of Northern Ireland’s top young professional musicians.  This event is part of the Northern Lights Mini-Fest presented with Belfats Music Society in an annual showcase of outstanding young classical musicians from Northern Ireland.

World-renowned pianist and star Barry Douglas performs with the Ulster Orchestra in the concert, A Fanfare to Fate, an evening which also celebrates the work of local composer Simon Mawhinney, with a performance of ‘The Pot of Pulgarve’.

Richard Wakely, Director, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, said, “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s aims to bring the world’s leading artists and performers to Belfast, but we also aim to bring Belfast to the world, by offering a platform to the outstanding, home-grown talent we are fortunate to have in the region.  From showcasing the more established professionals such as world-renowned pianist Barry Douglas, the Ulster Orchestra and the award-winning Kabosh theatre company, to the array of emerging talented singers, musicians and dancers, the Festival provides an opportunity for Belfast and Northern Ireland to stand up and be proud of our artists and thriving arts sector.”

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music at the Arts Council, commented: “As one of Northern Ireland’s premier arts events, the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, offers the ideal platform for the very best local and emerging artists to showcase their talents, alongside top international acts. It’s a wonderfully eclectic programme which provides genuine excitement and enjoyment to audiences, helping to bring great art within the reach of everyone.”

Belfast based dance company, Maiden Voyage, will premiere their 20^th original production, Neither Either, in a cross border collaboration with Liz Roche Company, Dublin.  The dance workshop, aimed at schools, takes its inspiration from the writings of the great Seamus Heaney and is a free workshop with the aims of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Kabosh’s new production, 20, reflects on the 20th anniversary of the 1994 IRA Ceasefire in this unique multi-sensory experience of Belfast which takes place in the enchanting setting of the Dome, Victoria Square.

If you’ve ever wondered how artists work, wonder no more as Belfast Open Studios open their doors for a glimpse into the creative processes that result in the artworks often shown in galleries and museums.  Studios taking part include, Flax Art Studios, Creative Exchange, Paragon, QSS Bedford Street and Platform Arts.

Other local highlights includes;

• Brassneck Theatre’s hilarious new comedy, The Holy Holy Bus, is a bittersweet Belfast comedy which follows four females on their pilgrimage to the holy sites of Ireland.  This performance is produced by the producers of A Night With George and Man In The Moon.

• Aisling Ghear’s futuristic and multi-lingual new play, Makaronik, written by Dave Duggan, is set in the year 2084 and if futuristic yet set in tradition – think if Beckett’s Endgame and Ridley Scott’s Bladerunner.

• Replay Theatre Company presents ‘Tiny’ a new show for babies which comes with its own magical theatre space with sounds, lights and textures and is performed to just a few babies at a time.  This show is now sold out.

• More than a Flag, is a world premiere from Dan Gordon and Happenstance – which involved Dan working with 18 young East Belfast bandsmen to create a special performance commemorating the part East Belfast played in WW1.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s presents great and diverse works of art from home and abroad, bringing audiences something very special that they cannot see elsewhere, all combining to deliver one unique festival which runs throughout the city from 16 October – 1 November.  The 2014 festival features 110 events with performers from 18 different countries and 26 premieres, covering classical and contemporary music, film, dance, theatre, talks and visual arts.

The festival would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and public sector funders including Title Sponsor, Ulster Bank, Principal Funder, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Queen’s University, Belfast City Council, British Council, O2 International Sim, Belfast Harbour, Arts & Business NI and Department for Social Development, plus, the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s box office is now opens with some shows now sold out.  Check-in at www.belfastfestival.com for details and tickets.

On Saturday 27 September, Michael Smiley the award-winning actor and comedian from Holywood will be making a very special appearance at the Aspects Literature Festival.

Having recently pedalled his bicycle around Ireland recalling funny stories from the past and meeting other enthusiasts and characters from his BBC NI series ‘Something To Ride Home About.’

For Aspects audiences, Michael will read from ‘A Place Apart’ by travel writer and cyclist Dervla Murphy.  Michael will also be in conversation with BBC NI’s Joe Lindsay recounting stories about some of the characters he met on his journeys during Series One of ‘Something To Ride Home About.’  Joining him onstage will be acclaimed local photographer and cyclist Bill Kirk and the famed Belfast Workshop owner Austin Brown.

Actor, writer and comedian Michael Smiley is well known for this 2011 role as a hit man Gal in Ben Wheatley’s ‘ Kill List’ and cycle courier Tyres, in cult TV series ‘ Spaced.’ Other roles include the devilish O’Neill in ‘A Field In England,’ computer expert Benny in BBC1’s ‘Luther,’ George Lusk in the BBC’s ‘Ripper Street’,  Baxter in Channel 4’s ‘Black Mirror’s White Bear’ and most recently he was on our screens as Colonel Morgan Blue in Dr Who.

A successful stand-up for 20 years, Michael was an award-winning international headliner, and his trilogy of self-penned one man plays brought him acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe. His play,’ The Immigrant,’ premiered at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast in May 2012. His BBC series, ‘Something to Ride Home About,’ about him cycling around his native Northern Ireland, screened in 2014.

In 2014, he will be appearing as Reynolds with Jude Law and Ben Mendelsohn in Kevin McDonald’s’ Black Sea’ and as Shannon alongside Stephen Graham in David Leon’s ‘Orthodox.’

Tickets for this event, which is taking place at The Festival Marquee, in The Walled Garden, Bangor, are on sale now at www.aspectsfestival.com and cost £15/£12 concession.

Now in its 23^rd year, this year’s Aspects programme has something for everyone.  Other festival highlights include; Falkland’s War Veteran Simon Weston OBE in conversation with Gerry Kelly, Sheena Wilkinson reading from the collection of short stories ‘The Great War,’ Paolo Hewitt in conversation with celebrity hairdresser Paul Stafford, broadcaster Martin Bell in conversation with Gerry Kelly and so much more!

For the full line-up, please download a programme at www.aspectsfestival.com.

Tickets for these events are now on sale at www.aspectsfestival.com or from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).

Down

The silver screen once again brings a sparkle to Solitude Park with the return of the ever popular free outdoor cinema with a screening of the smash hit movie Pitch Perfect on Friday 19th September at 8pm.   The 2012 musical comedy tells the tale of Beca, the new girl at school who is finding it hard to fit in. However things start to change when she joins  ‘The Barden Bellas’, an all-girls a cappella singing group, made up of a mix of mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sing together.  To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot tasty treats and other refreshments.  Don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion too!

Tyrone

After two successful sell-out events last year at The Burnavon, the American Wrestling Roadshow is set to return to Cookstown on Saturday, September 20th with another two events at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Coming from successful tours in France, Spain, Japan, Germany, the United States, Mexico and beyond, this night promises to leave your hair standing, heart pumping and your blood boiling!

Fermanagh

Get Outdoors this weekend at the Fermanagh Family Fun Day at Castle Archdale Saturday 20th September. Experience the great outdoors with free activities including climbing, canoeing, guided cycling, guided walks as well as bouncy castle and face painting. Some activities must be pre-booked at www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com.

Derry

This Saturday 20th September enjoy a host of demonstrations that will take place at Ness Woods Country Park Killaloo including birds of prey, fly tying and angling demonstrations as part of Get Outdoors Weekend. The National Trust will also be in attendance providing an insight into some of their historic sites. Turn up on the day, no booking required.

Armagh

Armagh City & District’s third ‘Culture Night’ this Friday 19th September promises to be even better this year, with a jam-packed programme for you to choose from, including theatre and drama, dance, visual arts, talks and tours, exhibitions, music, workshops, storytelling, folk displays, craft and so much more. All events are FREE and open to all age groups. With so much happening, what will you choose to see? ‘Culture Night’ is a nationwide initiative and is Ireland’s largest platform to showcase its rich cultural and artistic diversity and provides the opportunity to all to participate in free arts and cultural events.

Antrim

Bushmills will come alive to the 3rd Annual Salmon and Whiskey Festival 19th to 21st September.  Artisan stalls, street performers, whiskey tastings in the Distillery and a Salmon station will keep guests amused during this popular celebration of local culture, heritage and produce. Inland Fisheries Group will open a hatchery and salmon station to the public and will provide tours, talks and river walks. Visitors can learn about the Salmon Fishery Research Centre and the essential research they carry out. There will also be cast and fly tying demonstrations for the fishermen and women out there.  Ballycastle Town Market will take place in the village on Saturday 20th from 12 noon – 5 pm (Free Entry)

Belfast

The Autumn Fair will be hosting a range of free outdoor activities as part of Get Outdoors Weekend in Botanic Gardens this Saturday.  There will be a climbing wall, archery sessions, a Kidz assault course, bug hunts and much, much more all for FREE!  Other things to see at the fair are the award-winning blooms, fruit, vegetables and cacti on display. There will be live music and a variety of stalls selling food, plants, crafts and jewellery. And we’ve face painting and other free activities for kids too!

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.com

Evocative drama and toe-tapping music are the order of the day this weekend at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Patrick McCabe is one of Ireland’s most daringly original writers. ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ is the stage version of his highly acclaimed novel ‘The Butcher Boy’ which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Set in 1960’s rural Ireland, it is a poignant and provocative journey into the heart and mind of Francie Brady, a young man driven beyond the boundaries of his mental and emotional health. Over 30 characters will be played by two versatile actors, Patrick McBrearty and Stefan Dunbar, in a powerfully evocative and rewarding theatre experience.

‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ will be staged on Thursday 25^th September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (concession).

The Market Place Theatre Cajun / Bluegrass Club returns by storm on Saturday 27^th September at 8pm with the best of bluegrass and Cajun music and food that is as spicy as the music. Providing the music for the evening are ‘Wookalily’, a female-led Americana folk band with roots in bluegrass and country. They turf out timeless songs from the bogs of Northern Ireland to the bayous of Louisiana. Their style has an old-timey feel with a young-timey appeal.

Tickets are priced £10 for the music only, and £20 for music and supper. Tickets for all performances are available through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.