Let Kim Dickinson transport you to times gone by with the natural and uncanny likeness of her voice to that of Karen Carpenter.

Yesterday Once More – The Sound Of The Carpenters is at The Courtyard Theatre for one night only on Saturday 27 September.  Celebrate with us the music of one of the world’s greatest duos with songs such as Rainy Days and Mondays, Mr Postman and Close to you.

Born in Liverpool before relocating to Ireland, Kim has supported legendary band The Beach Boys and worked with some of  Irelands finest artists such as Dickie Rock,  Dominic Kirwin, Philomena Begley and Brendan Grace to name but a few.  Her first album was recorded in Nashville and went straight to No. 1 in both the Independent European charts and the Nashville Showcase.

Kim Dickinson was touched by Karen Carpenter’s breath-taking voice, and the wonderful array of The Carpenters beautiful songs. She became and has remained one of their greatest fans today.

Kim Dickinson has the vocal quality and emotion to take you on a journey that will recreate the voice of Karen Carpenter.

For more information and ticket sales contact the Box Office on 028 9034 0202 or visit our website www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

Over the coming weeks, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will play host to a range of folk, classical and pop music performances.

Dick Gaughan has been at the cutting edge of Scottish folk music for four decades. Guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor, composer, arranger, producer, engineer, he’s done it. A stunning singer with a wonderfully expressive voice belying passion, allied to a dazzling guitar technique, Dick just doesn’t deliver gigs which are ‘ordinary’. Dick has recorded quite extensively in many countries and in various combinations, and has also worked as a session musician in a wide variety of musical styles. He has been active as a record producer/engineer, midi programmer, composer and orchestrator – composing music for films for the BBC, Scottish Arts Council and independent producers. He has also penned songs for Billy Bragg, Christy Moore, Mary Black, Roy Bailey and Capercaillie. Dick Gaughan will perform on Saturday 20^th September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

A new series of classical concerts featuring top classical performers with the opportunity to enjoy wine and tapas before the show will commence on Friday 26^th September with award-winning Northern Irish pianist Michael McHale, who has established himself as one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation. Michael will perform a delightful programme of popular classics, including Schubert’s Four Impromptus op.90, alongside music from his début solo album, ‘The Irish Piano’. Tickets are priced £12 and £10 (concession), or £18 and £16 (concession) with tapas and a glass of wine.

It’s time to dig out those flares and boogie on down to The Market Place for our ‘Super 70’s Saturday’ on 27^th September. Kicking things off and celebrating the 40th anniversary of ‘Waterloo’ and the music of ABBA is ‘The Bjorn Identity’, Ireland’s premier Abba tribute show with their authentic Abba in concert experience. Audiences of all ages can discover and re-live the magic of the Swedish Super Group, Abba. With stunning replica costumes and all the glitz of the 70’s, this two hour show features the greatest hits of ABBA including songs from the hit musical ‘Mamma Mia’. The night of nostalgia continues with our 70’s themed disco after the show with Fancy Dress Competition prizes and lots of special offers and promotions in the bar. Tickets for the show are priced £15.

Tickets for all performances can be booked 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 silver screen once again brings a sparkle to Solitude Park in Banbridge with the return of the ever popular free outdoor cinema, screening the smash hit movie Pitch Perfect on Friday 19 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.

Beca brings much needed energy to the ‘Bellas’, taking them out of their world of traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies by adding some contemporary tunes into the mix in a bid to beat their male rivals in the campus competition.

Featuring new takes on old favourites and hits of right now all seamlessly mixed together, mashed-up and arranged like you’ve never heard before, this film is jam packed with music and laughter that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot tasty treats including burgers, hot dogs and super-chips. Other refreshments such as popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion too.

For further information on this free event contact Banbridge District Council’s Leisure and Development Department on 02840660605. Alternatively you can log onto www.banbridge.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/banbridgecouncil.

Internationally acclaimed disabled dance artist, Claire Cunningham arrived in Belfast today (Thursday 4th September) to commence her role as ‘Artist in Residence’ for the 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s and to officially launch this year’s programme.

Claire’s appointment is representative of a Festival that continues to push boundaries, deliver diversity and encourage debate and is a co-commission with Glasgow 2014 Cultural programme and Southbank Centre London. Featuring Europe’s top theatre directors, internationally acclaimed artists from the worlds of dance, film, theatre and music – the 2014 Festival will showcase a world class line-up of 110 events with 26 premieres from 18 countries filling venues all over Belfast from 16th October – 1st November.

Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Richard Wakely commented, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Claire as our ‘Artist in Residence’ for 2014. As a choreographer and performer Claire is a genuine inspiration – a breathtaking talent and we are privileged to be working with her.  For over 50 years the Festival has been delivering new experiences to audiences and bringing new audiences into contact with the arts.  We strive to spark debate, showcase diversity in its broadest sense and demonstrate that the arts can entertain, delight, inspire and transform.  I am confident that the programme for 2014 does all this and more.”

The 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival will also be welcoming two of the world’s leading theatre directors to Belfast – Peter Brook and Thomas Ostermeier – plus a host of leading ladies in Theatre, Dance and Music including four-time Grammy Award winning Jazz Vocalist Dianne Reeves, legendary soulstress Bettye LaVette, celebrated actress, Charlotte Rampling and two-time Princess Grace Award winning choreographer Camille A. Brown – to name a few.

This year’s event boasts 26 Premieres including: the European Premiere of Camille A Brown’s theatrical and gutsy African-American dance performance Mr TOL.E.RAncE; the UK and Irish Premiere of The Night Dances featuring Charlotte Rampling; the Irish Premiere of the world’s most celebrated Flamenco dancer Israel

Galván; prestigious German Theatre Company Schaubühne Berlin presenting the Irish Premiere of the controversial production An Enemy of the People; the Northern Irish Premiere of The Suit – a moving story of adultery during apartheid from Director Peter Brook and his company Théâtre Des Bouffes Du Nord and the Northern Irish Premiere of Hannavas –  a free family event which will see the African Savannah come to Belfast city centre.

Richard Donnan, Managing Director, Retail Banking as title sponsor Ulster Bank said, “A thriving arts sector is a crucial part of social and economic development and as a key partner of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, we’ve seen it grow and develop to become a truly international event. Its focus on community engagement makes it a perfect partner to us as a business and we’re proud to be the title sponsor. The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is an integral part of the cultural calendar in Northern Ireland and right throughout our business we encourage people to take part. This year, the Festival’s exciting and inclusive programme is offering everyone a passport to the arts and to a unique showcase for Belfast.”

One of the key elements of this year’s programme is the new EMBRACE initiative supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland which will bring audiences ‘up close’ to world class artists in a series of masterclasses, workshops and talks. Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland stated, “Arts Council support for the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens represents one of our major annual investments in the creative and cultural life of Northern Ireland. It’s a fabulous programme this year, offering us the chance to experience extraordinary performances from the likes of Schaubühne Berlin or indeed the amazing Charlotte Rampling, alongside brilliant work from local companies like Kabosh with 20 or Replay with Tiny – possibly Festival’s youngest ever audience of little people aged 0-12months old! Like the Arts Council, the Festival works hard to bring great art within the reach of everyone. So I am delighted that this year, Festival has managed to reach out even further across Belfast, providing more opportunities for communities, families and schools to access and participate in events through initiatives like Embrace. A great programme and well done.”

Alongside international artists the Festival will showcase the very best local talent with World Premieres from our leading local theatre and dance companies including; Maiden Voyage Dance Company’s  in a new cross border collaboration with Dublin’s Liz Roche Company entitled Neither Either; Kabosh’s new production ‘20’ which reflects on the 20th anniversary of the 1994 IRA Ceasefire; Brassneck Theatre’s hilarious new comedy, The Holy Holy Bus; Aisling Ghear’s futuristic and multi-lingual new play, Makaronik and Replay Theatre Company with Tiny for audiences from 0 – 12 months. Plus, More than a Flag – a world premiere from Dan Gordon and Happenstance – a collaboration with young East Belfast Bandsmen commemorating the part East Belfast played in WW1.

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager, Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “This fantastic festival is a perfect platform to showcase all that is great about our arts and cultural offering and brings the very best of world class talent to Belfast.  Covering all genres, it will appeal to many varied audiences and create unique and memorable experiences for all of our visitors.”

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s would not be possible without the support of 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, Visit Belfast 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 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s runs from 16th October – 1st November in venues all over Belfast, for more information and to book tickets ‘Check In’ to www.belfastfestival.com.

Northern Ireland will host over 60 free outdoor activity events as part of Get Outdoors Weekend enticing an estimated 4000 participants from all corners of the country.

On offer over the weekend is a range of adventurous activities from canoeing to archery, climbing and bushcraft.  Each event will be guided by an outdoor expert to show participants the ropes and offer a lot of encouragement along the way.  Participants can also choose from a host of themed guided walks including a nature reserve walk on Rathlin Island and exploring the heritage of Cave Hill on foot.

It was only at age 17 that Kelly Gallagher first tried her hand at skiing, and she believes everyone can find an activity they can enjoy.

She remarked, “My hope is that through Get Outdoors Weekend more people will get excited about what activities there are outside. Through events like this I hope people discover their love for a particular outdoor activity which they want to continue with after the weekend!”

She continued, “It’s a great opportunity to try something new but also to make friends and most importantly fall in love with the outdoors! It’s an amazing way to tell people about local activities that are inclusive to everyone right on their doorstep!”

Families and children are well catered for on Get Outdoors Weekend with 5 family activity days taking place in parks in Omagh, Enniskillen, Newry, Derry and Belfast.  This is particularly important given that only 43% of seven-year-olds in Northern Ireland take part in the recommended one hour of exercise each day, according to a University College London study.  The five events are full of outdoor activities, such as low ropes, treasure trails & laser clay pigeon shooting as well as fun activities such as face painting and arts & crafts, and with everything being offered for free there really is no excuse for families not to get active over the weekend.

Aideen Exley, Marketing Manager for Get Outdoors Weekend, commented, “Increasingly children are leading a more sedentary lifestyle, spending significant quantities of their time in front of a screen.  Doing outdoor activities allows children to feel connected with their environment, play and have fun.”

She continued, “As all the events are free of charge in Get Outdoors Weekend, this is a unique opportunity in the Northern Ireland calendar for everyone to get active and embrace our parks, forests and waterways.”

Asda are the sponsors for Get Outdoors Weekend, and General Store Manager, Steven Henry, from Asda commented, “We’re delighted to lend our support to the 2014 Get Outdoors Weekend. As part of our Community Life initiative, Asda is dedicated to finding new and exciting ways to encourage our local communities to think about their health and wellbeing.”

Many events must be pre-booked in advance and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  For more information and to book onto an event, go to www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com

Get Outdoors Weekend  is coordinated by Outdoor Recreation NI in partnership with financial partners, Big Lottery, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Sport Northern Ireland.  The events are hosted by a range of organisations including local councils, clubs and parks.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland during the European Heritage Open Days, September 13 and 14, when free access will be granted to over 400 properties and events.

• Armagh Planetarium Shows, College Hill, Co Armagh, September 13. Enjoy a unique experience which is quite simply ‘out of this world’.  Get a unique view of the world and beyond in the highly impressive digital theatre.

• Tour of Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Fishermen’s Cottage, Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, Co Antrim, September 13. Cross the bridge and enjoy a truly exhilarating experience. This 30-metre deep and 20-metre wide chasm is traversed by a rope bridge traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with breath-taking views.

• ‘The Fall’ talk, Quarry Industries, 1075 Crumlin Road, Belfast, Co Antrim. September 12. Andrew Wilson location manager for the popular BBC drama The Fall will be giving a talk and answering your questions from one of the most iconic buildings used in the filming of the hit TV series. Recommended for adults only.

• Derry’s Walls Walking Tour, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, Co Londonderry, September 13 and 14. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples in Europe. The walls, built in the 17th century, form a walkway around the old inner city and a tour is a must for all visitors.

• Peter Francis Fahy at Benburb Castle, Main Street, Benburb, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, September 14.  Peter Francis Fahy combines poetry, art, music and drama to recreate two of the most magical tales from the mythological cycle of Celtic mythology. Projected on the walls of the stately Benburb castle, this event will be ideal for adults, children, and all fans of art, animation and Celtic mythology.

• Pot building demonstration, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co Fermanagh, September 14. Delight in a wealth of history by making replicas of medieval pottery vessels such as Ulster Coarse Ware pots used in cooking at Enniskillen Castle Museums. An event suitable for all age groups.

• ‘Game of Thrones’ talk, Castle Ward Mansion, Downpatrick, Co Down, September 13. If you are a fan of hit TV show Game of Thrones then allow location manager Robbie Boake to tell you all about transforming a 17th century farmyard into ‘Winterfell’ and why Northern Ireland has some of the best film locations in the world.

• Living Histroy at Dunluce Castle, Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim, September 13. Come to the iconic Dunluce Castle and enjoy a day of 17th century revelry – meet the ladies and gentlemen of the castle and join in with various games and music.

• Glastry Farm Ice-Cream talk, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle, Co Down, September 14. Will Taylor will give a talk on the history of Glastry Farm, its products, and the importance of local produce. Guests will be able to sample various ice creams and sorbets from the Glastry Farm Ice-Cream portfolio. Complimentary refreshments will be provided on arrival.

• Belfast Civic Trust Bus Tour, Athletic Stores, Queen Street, Belfast, September 12. This tour visits Belfast’s Victorian & Edwardian heritage sites, including the City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Cathedral, Clonard Monastery and Queens University.

Down

Enjoy a fun filled day at the Harvest Craft Fair and Flower Show Killinchy, Saturday 6^th September,  showcasing an array of home produce, baking and crafts. Fancy dress, face painting, bouncy castle and outdoor activities with prizes will also be available. This year T13 are hosting BMX and Urban dance workshops. Learn from the best and improve your skills with all activities fully equipped and safety checked. Afternoon teas with home baking also available.

Tyrone

With colourful characters including a giant serpent, a loveable bird catcher, and a hero on a quest to rescue a beautiful princess, The Magic Flute features some of opera’s most famous arias and a hilarious fairytale story of good and evil. See the Magic Flute this Saturday 6^th September at the Strule Arts Centre.

Fermanagh

The Kingfisher Cycle Trail is a long established part of the Fermanagh Landscape. The fully signed route was the first long distance cycle trail in Ireland. This September 7th the Upper Lough Erne Tourism Development Association are hosting a new Cycling Event aimed at the leisure cyclist, based on the Southern Loop of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail and takes in parts of Fermanagh, Monaghan and Cavan.  There are 3 routes organized, a 75km route, a 40km route and a guided 3km Children’s route within Crom Estate. The Event will start and finish at the National Trust’s Crom Estate and includes a very unique section of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail which is a trip on the 100 year old cot boat from Derryvore Slipway back to Crom Estate to finish.

Derry

The hugely popular Airwaves Portrush Air Show makes a welcome return to the North Coast this weekend on 6th and 7th September at East Strand, Portrush featuring the Red Arrows! See www.airwavesportrush .co.uk for the full programme of events.

Armagh

Saturday 6^thSeptember 2014 sees the inaugural Armagh Bramley Apple Festival take place at the Shambles Market Yard in Armagh City from 10am until 6pm.  The Festival is set to showcase Armagh Bramley Apples in their rightful place at the heart of the County’s historic tradition of culinary apple production and as an iconic Northern Irish food product that we should all take more pride in and celebrate for its unique characteristics. While Armagh Bramley Apples are at the ‘core’ of the Festival, there will be plenty of fun and entertainment for the kids, while the adults can stock up their fridges and pantries from a select line-up of local artisan food producers – or maybe even grab a carry-out lunch as you’ve never had it before from an artisan street food vendor!

Antrim

Bronagh Gallagher first rose to fame as the brassy backing singer from The Commitments. Bronagh has several strings to her creative bow, including a talent for penning thundering power ballads and soulful musings. Bronagh’s soulful sound will transport you to the places she has visited and leave you enthralled and wanting more. See her perform live at the Braid Arts Centre Ballymena this Saturday 6^th September.

Belfast

TOTAL STITCH FEST this Sunday 7^th September at the Ramada Hotel brings together a community of designer-makers who lovingly cultivate a burgeoning handmade and DIY culture, and will feature a curated marketplace of around 60 crafters and artisans from all over Ireland who combine new and traditional craft techniques to produce fresh, innovative work not found at mainstream craft shows, as well as sellers of quality and unique craft supplies.
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