This Sunday, 26 October, bring your little monsters along to Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport for a ghoulish day of free family fun.

‘Casey’s creatures’, including snakes and lizards, as well as some more unusual animals such as skunks, possums and ferrets will be on show to test the courage of even the bravest of children!

For those of a more timid nature there will be spooky crafts and a balloon modeller will be making weird and wonderful creations.

Traditional music will have the feet tapping to keep you warm courtesy of local group “The Woodworms”.

Set within the picturesque Groomsport Harbour, Cockle Row Cottages are the perfect place to spend an autumnal afternoon.

Cottages Open 11am – 5pm, Free Family Fun 1pm – 4pm.

For more information contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre, T: 028 9127 0069, E: tic@northdown.gov.uk, W: northdowntourism.com.

Pentescost at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast

Bless me people but it’s been one year since I last saw Pentecost.

It wasn’t live that time – but a screening of the 1990 BBC production with Adrian Dunbar as Lenny and Michelle Fairley as Ruth. It was at the Brian Friel Theatre, and followed the inaugural Stewart Parker Lecture, delivered by his friend and Field Day compatriot, Stephen Rea. I was glad  my tissue and I were in the back row, being an emotional fish.

But that was then, this is now. My point is, the play was still fairly fresh in my mind. This play will always be relevant.

Stewart Parker was a celebrant of this city, an enigmatic visionary who left a literary legacy, a theatrical imprint of our troubled social and political history.  Aged only 47 when he died, he left behind a body of work which deserves regular resurrection, lest we forget.

So more power to the Lyric’s Executive Director Jimmy Fay for tackling Pentecost and presenting a production as close to perfect as possible. This is as good as it gets.

Flawless.

Waiting for the performance to start, there’s time to take in the stage set, to let it seep in. Outside, it’s a wet Wednesday night. The walk from the car with a leaky left boot gives me soggy sock syndrome, but the discomfort soon dissipates. Laid out before me, is a living room, circa 1930. The detail is intriguing – from the weeping wallpaper to the cheap tack ornaments, the statuettes, the picture frames (once precious possessions to some poor soul); the tassled tilted lamp shades, the mantelpiece lace, that old biscuit tin stuffed under the sideboard – the one that morphed into a sewing box somewhere in time. A scene of dusty, disheartened domesticity, oddly tarnished and preserved for posterity.

Marian comes on stage and starts casually examining the ornaments, yet with a sense of purpose. Lenny with his trombone enters stage left.

Death lingers there. Inner East Belfast, May 1974 – the Ulster Workers Strike, a small run down terraced house, a living room with kitchen rear-set.

Opening dialogue between estranged husband and wife is terse and clipped; oddly it flows.

“Did you make tea?”

“The gas is off”.

The sitting tenant has died. Lenny of middle class Catholic stock, is now the legal owner, even though Marion reminds him, that ‘property is theft’ in his book. She more than hints at hypocrisy.

The spit and spat dialogue of that opening scene – two tongues that lash and back lash – reveals  characters that unfurl, their familial knowledge of each other, their ambiguous circumstances, yet somehow the theme is loneliness. Lenny has just returned from the funeral of an old woman he never knew, a courtesy required by a split society, a task undertaken sullenly – Lenny laments “being tongue-lashed by the Free Presbyterian notion of a requiem Mass”.

The dialogue is priceless. No word is made redundant – each laden with purpose, each with a job to do; textured language that drips from their tongues unhindered, oftentimes words that are determined to come out, even when they hurt, words that cannot be left unsaid, each tinged with Parker’s worldly wisdom, an opportunity for social, political and religious commentary delivered with ease and wit – and that is precisely the spirit of this play called Pentecost.

The setting; the time; the state we’re in – everything is integral to the plot and the time its set in.

Big questions of church and state are churned up and thrown out before we even know they are upon us. Marion swigs from her whiskey bottle, dissing Lenny for being a faux –free spirit, for his bottomless vulgarity. He slurs her antique business, her bourgeois past times and pseudo interests.

Both Marion and Lenny are dropped into an incongruous setting by a twist of fate. The place is ‘riddled with rot’.

East Belfast is in deadlock.

We’re in the thick of the Ulster Workers Council strike of May 1974, we are reminded throughout of the turmoil outside and within. There is no gas, electricity supply is intermittent, food is sparse, milk is powdered.

Marion is a woman at her wit’s end. She could be on the verge of madness, or the only sane soul in the house. The little, lonely life of Lily Matthews lingers in every icon and item. Marion develops a fascination, and fancies the voice of Lily at first until she appears like the risen dead.

Lily Matthews, born 1900, marries Alfie Matthews 1918, just back from Paschendale. Alfie was a gas fitter; Alfie died a violent death at the hands of fenians. If it wasn’t for the fire service, Lily says, she wouldn’t be here now.

Marion reminds her that she isn’t.

We grasp Marion’s strength, courage and wisdom, she has that core of cheesed off, battle weary Belfast woman (brilliantly portrayed by Judith Roddy). At only 33, she is almost hard but not quite. There is hope for her yet. Her mouth is held firm, her caring character under-wraps. She’s the woman who will tell you to catch a grip, yet still be the friend you turn to in times of need.

Enter stage left on cue – here comes the friend in a time of need. Ruth needs help. She turns up unannounced, her head split and bleeding by a thump from her husband’s truncheon. Marion and Ruth’s friendship is incongruous too – different tribes, a shared interest in swimming, a friendship that spanned good times and bad.

“Remember your flat in Magdala Street?” Ruth asks.

Marion remembers it well.  (Ha – I wonder if it was No 37, my old student haunt. I remind myself, ‘tis only fiction).

Ruth is a mess, but with a sharp tongue in her head. The women spat. Ruth has nowhere to go, and now they are three – or is that four – in this Godforsaken place?

There’s room for one more surely. Lenny arrives back the worse for wear from whatever pub was left open in the city. He has Peter in tow, an old friend from uni, just back from Birmingham. A chartered surveyor – someone Marion may find useful. Peter brings with him a new dynamic.

The electricity is back on for a few hours – “Power without responsibility” Lenny quips, a dig at the strikers who have stopped the gas, deliveries of petrol, animal supplies, milk (three quarters of Ulster cows are Protestant you know).

Peter becomes a consequential house guest – back from the conurbation with his big bag of metaphorical museli and his Liliputian wit.

The only one who wants to be there is Marion, tormented by her own ghosts and feeling a peculiar connection with the bitter wee she-ghost. Lily feels put upon. She wants them gone.

Mob law rules. This is Rant City – he rants, she rants, they rant – lots of ranting in this play (and Nolan hadn’t even been invented yet).

Lenny is outraged, he got burgled. He rants about the Ulster Sunday – remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, keep it bleak – remember the historic days in Liliput – the great rising of ’74, when the little people got angry. ‘It’s not a strike, but a constitutional stoppage’ Lenny is on a roll.

Lenny, Peter, Marion, Ruth – these actors have captured their roles to a tee. Roisin Gallagher in particular reminds me of Michelle Fairley in the production for BBC.

The language, the dialogue is so laden and lithe it’s hard to keep up – the Biblical references just keep on rolling… whatever possessed you? Who’s haunting who?

Lily is haunted now by the baby white Christening gown on Marion’s knee, like a lace-white empty sepulchre laid out for all to see. The baby it belonged to is gone, given away; Lily, as it happens, has a heart breaking story to tell, that unravels before our ears – herewith the revealing connection between the older and younger women (the unexplained connection), as Marion’s boy-child Christopher died in infancy. It is a barren house says Marion, how could there be any future in a place like this?

Ruth’s dramatic rant in response to Harold Wilson’s notorious “Spongers Speech” is pure theatre, and from her mouth spills words that spilled out across this land at the time. Parker is reflecting that era right back at us, the hurt, the horror, the disgust, the anger. Ruth becomes a representation of her people, her tribe.

Lenny’s rant in return serves the same purpose, representing his ‘tribe’ – no food, no light, English museli – the ape men are in charge, the people are penned in their own homes; nurses and doctors have to get passes just to get to work; the sewage workers are ordered out – “This is not a protest movement, this is root and branch fascism”. Why are the police not intervening – shops are being looted in Ballyhackamore, Marion’s car is hijacked  – the animals have taken over the zoo, while his QC uncle is sitting very comfortably in his big house in Fortwilliam.

“God I’m hungry” says Peter “Do you want some museli?”

You couldn’t make it up – only a genius could pull this off with such mastery – Parker’s prognosis is gloomy. In fact, it hits me, with a certain despair, that some of the language, the sentiments, the themes are as applicable now as they were forty years ago, sadly – the more things change, the more they stay the same. Like a broken record, stuck in a groove, are we to stay stuck in some never-ending purgatory – in perpetuity?

This is why I believe Parker was a gifted visionary. Pentecost is pure poetry from first to final line. By resurrecting Pentecost at this time, has director Jimmy Fay nudged our recollection of the past so as to prompt us to sing a new song?

I wonder, maybe I digress too much.

The plot thickens. “The four of us” have been thrown together for weeks now under the same roof, with the presence of Lily growing heavy and burdened.

Marion is tired and emotional – she wants rid of the three parasites in the abandoned place she calls home, “I’m staying here with my tongues and you are going home with your trombone”.

Everything is symbol, the trombone is symbol, clashing cymbal; the ghostly noir-esque shadows on the walls, Peter’s bleeding bloody red hand of Ulster, like stigmata – laden with Biblical reference and iconic emblems.

The hovering helicopter heralds the return to ‘normality’. The strike is over. The madness returns.

There is a moment of light relief – the two men reminisce on carefree student days. A friend, an eternal student and chemistry researcher, had synthesized LSD – enough to fill full sweetie jars and pass it off as confectionery. They’d been ‘tripping’ for a few days when they had a brainwave – to pile in the car and head down to the Silent Valley and fill the reservoir with the contents of the sweetie jars, enough to ensure the population of Belfast was filled with peace and love, man – “no more bigotry and hatred”. It wasn’t to be, ironically, for the UVF got there first and blasted the Silent Valley to kingdom come.

Then comes the crescendo. The closing scene like a rush of wind around the walls:

Peter and Ruth quote the Bible chapter and verse.  Revelations. (While we’re on the theme, Marion reveals she found a used condom behind the sofa in the front room).

“Pentecost is upon us” Peter harangues Lenny “so where ‘s the fire in your tongue?” .

He compares Lenny’s trombone efforts as “farting into the wind”. A step too far, the friends come to blows, this dysfunctional ‘holy family’ exposed and overcome.

Ruth’s violent husband is in Purdysburn – she has to learn to forgive; Marion must reconcile with her own self after the death of her infant child, Peter and Lenny struggle with reconciliation – ultimately the only way out is redemption, and all that remains is hope.

“Therefore did my heart rejoice and my heart was glad” Ruth reads from her Gideon.

Pentecost was brilliantly executed by Jimmy Farr, with outstanding performances by this cast – in particular the character of Ruth (Roisin Gallagher). The lighting, sound effects, and stage design deserve special mention as characters in their own right – but the last word must go to detail in the costume design, so cleverly interpreted and re-visited– even made me nostalgic for my old quilted dressing gown and mustard PVC tunic. Eat your heart out 1974, the Lyric went there, oh yes it did.

Briliant, shame it’s over now – can’t wait for the next trip to the Lyric, so much coming up –

Visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk/whatson

• Stewart Parker’s would have celebrated his 73^rd birthday on Monday 20^th October 2014.

His legacy lingers.

• The 2014 Stewart Parker Memorial Lecture was delivered by Adrian Dunbar as part of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s on Saturday 18^th October.

http://www.belfastfestival.com/WhatsOn/EventInfo/The2014StewartParkerMemorialLecture-AdrianDunbar.html

Pentecost ran from the 20^th September to 18^th October.

Director: Jimmy Fay

Cast:

Ruth  – Roisin Gallagher

Lily – Carol Moore

Marian – Judith Roddy

Lenny – Paul Irvine

Peter –  Paul Mallon

Set and costume desigher – Alyson Commings

Lighting Designer – Ciaran Bagnall

Sound designer – Fergus O’Hare

No plans for Halloween weekend? Look no further than The Market Place Theatre in Armagh. With the terrifyingly atmospheric drama, ‘The Haunters’, terribly good music from ‘The Bee Gees Story’, and gothic mystery in ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’, we’ve enjoy spark to lighten up your Bonfire Night.

No-one ever stayed in the dark, brooding house for very long. There was something wrong there, very wrong. A brilliant doctor takes up residence only to die violently. What is the terrible secret hidden behind the doors of the house by the river? When the dead man’s brother decides to investigate he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually lead him into a vortex of terror. He pursues the truth through the gas-lit, fog-filled streets of Victorian London until eventually he is forced to confront the horrifying truth. There in the flickering shadows of the house of fear the secret of his brother’s death is finally revealed and he finds that perhaps death is only the beginning. ‘The Haunters’ will be staged on Thursday 30^th October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £10.50 (concession).

You can’t see the Bee Gees anymore, but you can see ‘Nights On Broadway – The Bee Gees Story’ and still experience a concert of the incredible music written by the brothers Gibb. ‘Nights On Broadway’ presents a tribute to the Bee Gees through their catalogue of hits over four decades from the 60s to the 90s. A blend of classic hits, acoustic medleys and dance floor fillers define the show, with full live band. This is a totally live concert experience which prides itself on musical and vocal authenticity, while the accompanying costume changes compliment the show to give audiences a truly original feeling. ‘Nights On Broadway’ will be staged on Friday 31^st October at 8pm. Tickets are great value at only £15 each.

See Sherlock Holmes in the classic adventure by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’. In their inimitable style, Wireless Mystery Theatre turns the immortal mystery into a live old-time radio broadcast. This special new adaptation uses music and sound effects, period commercials and audience participation to create a rollicking caper full of retro charm, high energy, and dark, gothic fun. ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ will be staged on Saturday 1^st November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £10.50 (concession). Tickets for all performances are available through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

In addition to all this, The Market Place Bar & Bistro will be serving up a terrifyingly tasty Halloween menu with offerings such as ‘Creatures From The Deep’, ‘Banshee Beef’ and ‘Zombie Zucchini’. The perfect complement to your Halloween Night Out.

110 Events, 26 Premieres, 18 Countries, 17 Days – One World Class Festival

As the 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s prepares to open the doors to a 17 day, city-wide, celebration of arts and culture Director Richard Wakely warmed up with a host of voices preparing for The Big Big Sing – just one of the 110 events from 18 countries that will be filling venues all over the city of Belfast as part of this year’s event.

With a total of 26 Premières, the Festival officially commences tonight (16^th October) with the Ulster Orchestra Opening Concert featuring Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov and the Orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor, Jac Van Steen.  Artist in Residence Claire Cunningham  – who brings her show Guide Gods to Belfast for its Irish Première –  will join Europe’s top theatre directors and internationally acclaimed artists from the worlds of dance, film, theatre and music as the 2014 Festival strives to push boundaries, deliver diversity and encourage debate.

As an international Festival accredited with contributing £2million to the local economy and supporting over 300 full-time jobs the impact of the next 17 days is important for the city, Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Richard Wakely commented, “We look forward to welcoming NI audiences and visitors to the fantastic range of performances we have to offer over the next 17 days.  We are delivering internationally acclaimed pieces of work to this city which otherwise would not be available and with 88% of our shows under £15, including 23 free shows, I would encourage audiences to try something new!”

The 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival will welcome 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, the legendary Bettye LaVette, celebrated actress, Charlotte Rampling and two-time Princess Grace Award winning choreographer Camille A. Brown – to name a few.

Ellvena Graham, Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, said: “To have a world class event such as the Belfast Festival on our doorstep is a unique opportunity. We’ve been a proud supporter for many years and it continues to develop and flourish. It gives audiences the chance to experience something new and different. As title sponsor we’re very proud to be welcoming these fantastic international acts.  Over the next 17 days I know we’ll see many people take the opportunity to see some truly exciting and engaging performances.”

This year’s hot tickets include the European Première of Camille A Brown’s theatrical and gutsy African-American dance performance Mr TOL.E.RAncE; the UK and Irish Première of The Night Dances featuring Charlotte Rampling; the Irish Première of the world’s most celebrated Flamenco dancer Israel Galván; prestigious German Theatre Company Schaubühne Berlin presenting the Irish Première of the controversial production An Enemy of the People; the Northern Irish Première 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 Première of Hannavas –  a free family event which will see the African Savannah come to Belfast city centre.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, stated, “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s allows our local audiences to experience arts and culture that would otherwise not be available and it is vital for all our communities to have access to these experiences. We work hard, in partnership with the Festival, to ensure that we open the door to the arts and this year’s programme will definitely bring new experiences within the reach of everyone.” Alongside international artists the Festival will showcase the very best local talent with World Premières from our leading local theatre and dance companies. In addition, 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.

Alongside international artists the Festival will showcase the very best local talent with World Premieres from our leading local theatre and dance companies. In addition, 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.

Susie McCullough, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, “This international festival is a vital part of the creative heartbeat of the city and one that positions Belfast and Northern Ireland as a serious cultural hub within a European context. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the Belfast Festival and in doing so provide a great boost for our tourism industry.”

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 the 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.

Two of Northern Ireland’s hottest theatrical writers have been commissioned to pen a pair of entertaining Christmas shows for Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey.

Paul Boyd, who has had several successful West End Shows, will kick off the season on December 1^st until the 13th with Tinseltown – a festive musical exploring the quirkier side of Christmas.

And 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue author Leesa Harker will follow on December 16^th until January 3rd with Slimmer for Christmas, a laugh out loud comedy about the drama of dieting, female friendship and Malteser addiction.

Bernard Clarkson, Arts Centres Manager for Newtownabbey Borough Council, explained: “Christmas is always a special time for the theatre, a time when we present something totally original for our audiences to enjoy, and this year we have two brand new Christmas shows back to back. These shows are aimed at older children and adults – they offer something totally different and a fresh look at Christmas – its unique pressures, foibles and traditions.”

Tinseltown is the 21st original stage musical by Newtownabbey writer and director Paul Boyd to be professionally produced, and the creative team behind the show is responsible for some of the most successful original stage musicals ever staged in Northern Ireland, with many transfers to the West End and productions around the world.

“We have created a Christmas musical fantasy with a live band and a big West End musical theatre sound. The show tells the story of a little town hidden in the middle of a forest that was founded centuries ago by Santa Claus. A young boy, who doesn’t believe in Santa, stumbles across the town and one of the town’s residents sees this as her chance to ruin Christmas for everyone once and for all,” he said.

“It is a simple, modern fairy tale presented in a grown up fashion that will appeal to adults and older children alike. The story looks at how all of the crazy, quirky holiday traditions we adhere to came about, and it re-writes the meaning behind them. In essence, Tinseltown is a re-imagining of the reasons behind our traditional holiday, featuring original musical numbers, beautiful seasonal sets and costumes, and it is performed by the most accomplished musical theatre cast to be found anywhere in Northern Ireland this Christmas,” he added.

The cast features musical theatre stars Jane Milligan (from the West End production of Mamma Mia), Rhiannon Chesterman (from the UK touring production of Hairspray), Conleth Kane (from Molly Wobbly and RTE’s Fame the Musical), Christopher Finn (from Theatre at The Mill’s Hunchback and Molly Wobbly), Northern Ireland TV star Nuala McKeever, and the Lyric Theatre Belfast’s former artistic director (previously seen in the West End in Blood Brothers and The Mousetrap) Richard Croxford.

Leesa Harker’s show Slimmer for Christmas is her first without her famed character Maggie Muff. She actually came up with the idea for the show 15 years ago while studying for her Open University degree in English Literature and was delighted when the Theatre at the Mill asked her to write a new Christmas show.

“I just loved the idea of the effort that women make to impress men when quite often the men aren’t really their Prince Charming,” she said.

In Slimmer for Christmas Sami Salt is on a mission. She has exactly six weeks of Flab-Busters classes and video workouts to slim down for the Christmas do and dazzle her gorgeous boss Mark Bond with her svelte shape and super new confidence to boot.

However, her friends have other ideas – each setting her up on a blind date to get her back into the dating scene. Will Sami slim down for Christmas? Will she woo Mark and live happily ever after? Or will she eat her own bodyweight in Maltesers like last year?

Slimmer for Christmas stars Julie Maxwell as Sami with Caroline Curran (star of 50 Shades) as her best friend.

For further information on these Christmas shows contact Theatre at the Mill on 02890340202 or www.theatreatthemill.com.

Armagh promises frightening levels of fun for the whole family this Halloween!

An eerie spotlight will be cast over the City of Armagh with a fun-filled and spooky themed programme of Halloween and October half-term events to suit all ages. From 15th October to 1st November, visitors can enjoy an outdoor concert, arts & crafts activities, terrifying trails, ghostly tours and chilling dramas.

Halloween Concert + Fireworks.

Headline Act: Kian Egan

Mon 27^th October @ The Shambles Yard

As the days draw shorter and the nights grow longer, a spooktacular Halloween party is just what’s needed! An open-air concert and fireworks display with former ‘Westlife’ star Kian Egan will take place at the Shambles Yard, Armagh on Monday 27th October. Kian will be performing tracks from his newly released debut album and will be supported  by ‘The Hair O  The Dawg’ and  ‘The Whistlin’  Donkeys’, before the evening ends with a fireworks  extravaganza lighting up the October night sky. Set to be a great family night, gates open at 6.00pm. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available at www.armagh.co.uk/halloweenconcert or at Armagh Visitor Information Centre on +44 (0) 28 3752 1800.

FAMILY FUN THIS HALLOWEEN

Family fun is guaranteed at The Navan Centre & Fort, with ‘Little Spooks’ from Thursday 30^th October to Saturday 1^st November. Enjoy the shadow puppet show and make your own puppet. Put your nerves to the test as you visit the ‘Boo Barn’.  Watch your step as you tip toe through the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ trail.  Visit ‘Frankenstein’s Workshop’ where he will be busy working on experiments and vile potions.  He might even be looking for you to have a try… beware!! From Saturday 25^th to Sunday 26^th October, families can enjoy a weekend of family fun at The Argory’s ‘Pumpkins and Potions’ event. Come dressed in your most frightening costume and enter the spook shed for some ghoulish tales. Follow the troll, the goblin and the witch on the fantastic Hallowe’en Trail. Carve a pumpkin to take home and join in traditional Hallowe’en activities for all the family. On Tuesday 28^th October, Armagh ‘Planetscarium’ will host a free fun evening  with Twilight Rocket Launching, two free theatre shows and spooky arts and crafts and prizes for the best dressed. Pre-booking essential at +44 (0) 28 3752 3689.

ADULT CHILLS

The historic Armagh Gaol will open its doors for a series of spooky, special edition Halloween Tours on Fridays & Saturdays from 17th October to 1st November. The Gaol has seen and heard many ghostly goings-on since it closed its doors in 1986, although some would suggest this has been going on for much longer. Built on an old military barracks there have been noises and ghoulish carry-ons within the walls that have seen 3 men executed and many more deaths over its 200 year history. On this special spooky Halloween tour, you will be regaled with the harrowing stories associated with Armagh Gaol’s long history. Pre-booking essential at www.armaghgaoltours.com.

Be afraid, be very afraid… Halloween Night at Navan promises to be a ‘horrifying’ experience. Definitely not for the faint hearted! Join the guided walks through what can only be described as hair-raising trails, but perhaps your guide is the scariest of all… Through the bloodcurdling screams, be careful of your surroundings, you never know what’s lurking in the undergrowth, what can pop out from behind a tree, or where your guide is leading you!

Make the spine chilling visit to The Market Place Theatre this Halloween for thrilling drama’s, including ‘The Haunters’ on Thursday 30^th October and ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ on Saturday 1^st November.

Great Value Breaks

With so many events this Halloween it’s the perfect time to enjoy an overnight break to Armagh with a wide range of accommodation available. Enjoy one night’s dinner bed & breakfast for only £62.50pps at the Armagh City Hotel or stay at the newly refurbished Armagh City Youth Hostel from only £18pps or £48 per family. For full details on accommodation available in Armagh visit www.armagh.co.uk/stay.

For further information on any events this Halloween contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre on +44 (0) 28 3752 1800 or visit www.armagh.co.uk/halloween

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 20-26).

• City of Derry International Choral Festival, October 22-26.  More than 70 school, local, national and international choirs will bring the city alive with music as they take part in a range of activities from competitions and workshops, to evening concerts and choral trails, in various venues throughout the city.

• The Food and Drink Show Northern Ireland, King’s Hall Pavillion, Belfast, October 24-26. Enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of the delicious food and drink available from a wide range of local food and drink producers as well as producers from further afield. The Moy Park Celebrity Chef Theatre will deliver a three-day, star studded spectacle of demonstrations from James Martin, John Torode, Simon Rimmer and Rachel Allen. There is something for the whole family at this year’s event, including a series of workshops and demonstrations specifically for children.

• ‘Earth to Alice’ 21/with Alice McCullough, Banbridge Library, Banbridge, Co Down, October 21. One of Northern Ireland’s most talented, up-and-coming spoken word entertainers invites you to join her for a fun-filled evening as she explores the boundaries of stand-up comedy, poetry, storytelling and theatre.

• Wild Colonial Boys, Ballymena Tourist Information Centre, The Braid, Ballymena, Co Antrim, October 22. Ballymena Times editor and well-known local historian, Dessie Blackadder, gives an entertaining public talk on some of the many Ballymena soldiers who fought in various campaigns during the First World War.

• An Evening with Maggie Ferris and Guests, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, October 26. Popular singer, Maggie Ferris, returns to her hometown of Coleraine, for an eclectic evening of culture, music, song and dance. Maggie’s special guests will include her sister, Ann McCay and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists, The Innova Dance Company.

• Pumpkins and Potions, The Argory, Moy, Co Armagh, October 25 – 26. Come dressed in your most frightening costume and enjoy a weekend of family fun at this Irish gentry house. Enter the spook shed for some ghoulish tales and follow the troll, the goblin and the witch on a fantastic Halloween Trail. Carve a pumpkin to take home and join in The Argory’s traditional Halloween activities.

• Autumn Family Favourites Cookery Course, Belle Isle Cookery School, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, October 24. Learn how to cook and prepare traditional and popular seasonal dishes in the beautiful surroundings of Belle Isle’s purpose-built, state-of-the art cookery school.

• Bettye LaVette, Elmwood Hall, Queen’s University, Belfast, October 20. Since the 1960s, has been filling the music scene with her blues, country western, and R&B hitsBettye LaVette, has been filling the music scene with her blues, country and western and R&B hits. In one of only a few European performances this autumn, the ‘Great Lady of Soul’ will be marking her Northern Ireland debut by opening this year’s Belfast Festival at Queen’s Music  Club.

• Songs, Games and Dance at the Cafe de Paris, Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, October 23. Quercus Ensemble, Northern Ireland’s exciting and dynamic chamber ensemble presents an evening of classical cabaret inspired by the world’s most romantic city.

• Titanic: Window on Emigration, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone. Until 31 January. Have you ever wondered what life was like for the emigrants from Ireland who boarded Titanic?This exhibition looks at the stories of some of the Irish emigrants. Set in the context of European emigration, you can explore the stories of the steerage passengers and why they left for the New World.Explore a third class cabin on Titanic, listen to the voices of those involved and bring to life the stories of the people who handed over their tickets in Queenstown on 11 April 1912 for a journey to a new li.  Have you ever wondered what life was like for the emigrants from Ireland who boarded Titanic? This exhibition looks at the stories of some of those people. Visitors can explore a third-class cabin and listen to the voices of those who left Ireland hoping for a new life.  

Down

Castle Ward will host their annual festival Pumpkinfest this Saturday and Sunday.  Choose your pumpkin, scoop out the insides and draw on your own unique designs before handing them to the expert carvers. Create your own scarecrow to enter the scarecrow pageant.  Castle Ward’s 18th century mansion also plays host to the witch’s spooky cellar for you to explore.  Live music is provided by Lawrence T & The Wolfmen and Cup O’Joe on Saturday, and Matt McCrum on Sunday.  Other activities include organic pumpkin soup sampling, an autumn trail, horse and carriage rides (weather permitting) and free-flow mansion tours from 12pm to 5pm (ground floor only, last entry 4pm).

Tyrone

Up in that pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artistes of all time in Ireland, rubbing shoulders with Bono and the Boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter who is  playing live at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown this Friday evening, 17th October.  He has written at least four titles that can be added to the list of Great Irish Songs – the anthems ‘The Town I Loved So Well’ and ‘Ireland’s Call’, and the haunting ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’ and ‘Steal Away’.

Fermanagh

On Friday 17th October 9pm, The Young Folk return to Ardhowen Theatre’s gallery bar after their outstanding performance earlier this year. The band members Anthony Furey, vocals/guitar; Tony McLoughlin, bass/mandolin; Paul Butler, piano/vocals and Karl Hand, drums/percussion, over the past 12 months, have played in New York, Italy, UK (the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival, where they shared a stage with The Waterboys and The Staves) and Ireland for the launch of their debut album, ‘The Little Battle’.   Dubliner Magazine labelled them as “a unique prospect” “one of the most promising young Irish bands of recent years” (Eamon Carr), “not because of their impressive resume, but because of the raw energy and passion they bring to the stage”

Derry

The Auction Room Maghera announce the live performance of Grammy-nominee Eric Taylor Wednesday 15^th October. Eric Taylor is a master storyteller and has been one of the finest southern songwriters for the last four decades. Influencing such well-known artists as Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, Taylor tours extensively throughout North America and Europe. He has appeared on Austin City Limits, Late Night With David Letterman, NPR’s “Morning Edition” and BBC Radio. A mesmerizing performer whose shows will leave you wanting more.

Armagh

On the Armagh Gaol’s special spooky Halloween tour, you will be regaled with the harrowing stories associated with Armagh Gaol’s long history.  Tours are carried out in low light conditions and are not for the faint hearted!  Suitable warm clothing and flat shoes must be worn.  Tours available 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th and 31st October at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00.

Antrim

The Ghost in the Glens Storytelling and Music Festival 16th to 19th October is a Storytelling festival based in Cushendall which will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim. The festival will include storytellers and musicians from the local area as well as featured guests from the rest of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. It aims to strengthen the cultural links and celebrate the diversity of the population living in the Glens today.

Belfast

The Eclectic Emporium is a once a month opportunity to buy unique, quality and enviable items for your wardrobe and home from Irish crafters, designers and vintage dealers, and have an inspirational day out at the same time.  Showcasing unique handcrafted designs, authentic vintage & all things unusual, the Eclectic Emporium will be popping up again on Sunday 19th October at The Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ.  Run by the Eclectic Collective, the Emporium pop-up will feature around 20 purveyors of loveliness each month, offering great vintage, handcrafted and re-designed fashion, furniture, home decor, jewellery, crafts, gifts, collectibles, curiosities, stationery, art, sweet treats, and much more!  Belfast Empire, Sunday 19th October, 12-5pm, admission free.

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

Fashion lovers sampled a stunning showcase of the latest trends from a selection of Northern Ireland’s top boutiques and designers over the weekend, with the return of The Merchant Hotel’s fabulous Fashion Teas.

On Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th October, the  5*star hotel’s Rita Duffy Suite provided a striking setting for five individual Fashion Teas, showcasing cutting edge autumn/winter collections from Harper at The Merchant & Gráinne Maher; Art on Fashion; Castle Couture and The Boudoir, alongside a fabulous champagne afternoon tea.

Models from Style Academy provided a round table fashion show, allowing guests to get up close and personal to the new season collections whilst sipping Moet et Chandon champagne and enjoying melt in the mouth patisseries. Guests were also given the opportunity to shop the collections hot off the catwalk, with pop-up boutiques for all five retailers housed in The Merchant for the whole weekend.

A packed schedule of five shows included: decadent accessories from designer boutique, Harper and leading milliner and jewellery designer, Grainne Maher; stunning autumn/winter collections from quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion; beautiful bridal collections from Castle Couture and two shows from Dungannon boutique, The Boudoir.

Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to the hotel’s 2014 charity partner Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

The Merchant’s Fashion Teas will return once again to showcase spring fashion trends from a range of top local designers and boutiques on Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th April 2015. For further information and to book tickets, visit themerchanthotel.com or contact The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717.

A Spellbinding Halloween Garden Party at Carnfunnock

The witches and wizards of Carnfunnock Country Park cordially invite you to their annual Spellbinding Magical Garden Party on Saturday 1^st November 2014, 2.30pm-6.30pm.

If you are an aspiring witch or wizard, then dust down your hat (or add a cobweb or two) and comb your beard for the wizarding world’s event of the year.  Our experts in Owlery will be in attendance along with the legendary Julius Drake; Dragon Hunter and Storyteller, who will be on hand to troubleshoot – or pour cold water! –  on any dragon problems you may have.

There will be live music, stalls, magic shows and an opportunity to create your own wand or phoenix mask. The mystical corners of Carnfunnock Maze will come alive with special magical guests who may need your help in finding their way out!

As with all good garden parties there is a dress code and this year we hope that you will take part in the best dressed witch or wizard competition. This will take place at 4.15pm on the green front of the Visitor Centre.  There are a variety of categories this year for all ages.  Larne Alive encourages everyone to dress up and take part!  Why not also take part in the Larne Alive pumpkin carving competition?  Simply bring your carved pumpkin to the path at the top of the Visitor Centre; registration will be from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Winners will be announced at 4.45pm at the best dressed competition.

This year’s Halloween event is different from previous years due to the arrival of a flock of fiery phoenixes which have migrated to the Walled Garden! This is a rare occurrence (happening once in every 725 years) and these magical beings turn their surroundings into a beautiful glowing garden!  A beautiful array of fiery installations will fill the garden and you are invited to explore flame-lined paths amongst copper flowers that breathe fire, intricately carved flaming flower boxes, and scorching sculptural trees.

Within the Amphitheatre in the Walled Garden you will be able to enjoy a special show called Shadowplay.  A carousel of optical illusion reveals fantastical characters and mysterious tales of old; as shadows weave back and forth against the night sky, all set to a hypnotic musical score.

This special garden will form the finale to this year’s event and will be open from 4.30pm with last admission at 6.30pm.  It will take approximately 30 minutes to tour the garden. The Fire Garden has been created by Walk the Plank. The Fire Garden can be accessed anytime from 4.30pm-6.30pm, but to help plan your visit please note that there is a maximum capacity allowed in the garden at any one time and a one in one out system will be in operation.  Please note the walled garden will not be accessible until 4.30pm.   The Fire Garden will be accessible from the Visitor Centre steps entrance or the lower car park gate entrance.  The exit point will be the Home Farm lane gate or the lower car park gate. The Maze will not be accessible via the walled garden. Please use the car park pathway to access the Maze.

It is highly recommended that members of the public bring a torch or lantern to the event as it will be getting dark from 4.30pm.

Larne Alive would like to express their sincere thanks to P&O Irish Sea Ferries, Translink and Caterpillar, Northern Ireland for their kind sponsorship of this year’s event.

Joanna Walsh from P&O Ferries added commented

“As ferry partner for the event, we are pleased to transport The Walk the Plank Fire Garden Team to Carnfunnock to entertain the crowds. They’ll make the shortest fastest and most convenient crossing across the Irish Sea”.

Admission to the event is free; however car parking charges will apply.  Parking in the Carnfunnock Country Park is limited.  Additional car parking is available at Drains Bay and Carnfunnock Bay.

There will be a free bus service operating for the event, check out www.larne.gov.uk or local press for more details. Please visit www.larne.gov.uk for details on shuttle bus services.  Visitors choosing to walk into the park from Drains Bay Car Park should use the path and bring a torch.

All outdoor events are subject to change or cancellation due to adverse weather.  To avoid disappointment, members of the public are therefore strongly advised to check www.larne.gov.uk or contact 028 2826 0088 before making their way to the event.  Please visit www.larne.gov.uk for additional details about this event.  More information on the event can also be found on www.facebook.com/larnealiveofficial.