It was one of the most popular films of the 80s and now Ghostbusters is back on the big screen at  Movie House Cinemas for Halloween to celebrate the film’s 30^th Anniversary.

It will be shown from Oct 30 to Nov 2 at Movie House Dublin Road, Cityside/Yorkgate, Glengormley and Coleraine.

It’s a chance to remember 1984 (the bad hair, the big shoulder pads and Sigourney Weaver turning into a dog – or Zuul the Gatekeeper of Gozer) or to introduce the younger generation to one of the most fun Halloween movies of all time.

In case you’ve forgotten, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lead   the cast as the “Ghostbusters,” spirit-exterminators who fearlessly take on the other-worldly evil infiltrating Manhattan, whether it manifests itself as wicked green slime or an ancient tyrant back from the dead to take over the world. The spooktacularly successful franchise captured the imagination of audiences around the world and redefined the action-comedy genre in the process.

There’s lots going on at Movie House this Half Term so make sure to check out the  website at  www.moviehouse.co.uk to find out more.
Bring a friend, grab a popcorn and take your seat at Movie House!

The inspirational Frock Around The Clock – Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair is back bigger and better than ever on Sunday 2nd November 2014 at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, where Northern Ireland’s longest running alternative wedding fair will be showcasing the very best in Irish wedding talent, offering handmade, vintage and bespoke wedding services for creative couples. Come meet with an amazing line-up of fantastic bridal suppliers ready to fulfil all your wedding dreams!

As a big bonus all Brides & Grooms visiting The Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair will be entered into a draw to WIN a fantastic Wedding Competition Package which includes a couples / engagement shoot by You Them Us Photography, 60 x Save The Date invitations by White Picket Fence Weddings, free table runner hire from Magpie Decor, a silver Fionn heart necklace from Isle Ireland Jewellery, a handmade wedding sign from Ivory & Pearl Bridal Boutique, a hessian & lace guest book AND a leather bound journal from Hampton Blue
Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘The Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair is a cool and stylish event aimed at couples who want a personalised wedding; a day that reflects their personalities and celebrates their unique relationship and experiences together. We search far and wide for our exhibitors so that visitors to the event will find fashion-forward inspiration and experts who can create tailor-made wedding products and services to suit their taste, personality and imagination, and also carefully sourced, authentic vintage treasures from dresses and jewellery to china teasets and sparkling glassware, so couples can be sure that no-one else is going to have the exact same look on their wedding day. Our fairs are fun but relaxed, gorgeously glamorous but friendly, and designed to put you at ease and make planning your big day a pleasure. Unlike traditional wedding events, a lot of the products and vintage treasures can even be purchased and taken away on the day!’

The impressive exhibitor list will include stunning gowns from Ivory & Pearl Bridal Boutique and Norma Jean Vintage, bespoke bridal headpieces and jewellery from K Bird Tiara and Emily Loves Vintage, beautiful flowers from Scarlet & Crimson Flowers and handcrafted brooch bouquets from Innocent Chaos, exquisitely designed cakes from The Little Cupcakery and Madame Cocoa, décor & details from Electic Alphabet and Magpie Decor, couture handcrafted stationery from White Picket Fence Weddings and Arbee Cards, inspirational photography from You Them Us Photography, beautiful wedding rings inspired by Ireland from Isle Ireland Jewellery, and crafty wedding supplies from Hampton Blue and Brides Made.

The FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK: Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday 2^nd November from 12-5pm at the Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AP. Admission costs £5 at the door. Updates and details of special offers available on the day will be posted on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockweddings and the exhibitor list is available to view on the website www.frockaroundtheclock.com.

RICHHILL will be a hive of activity later this month as locals will be welcoming artisan food and drink producers to the Village Square to celebrate the county’s  famous apples.

The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre,  which will take place on October 25, is an authentic celebration of Armagh’s distinctive local food and drink and celebrates the Armagh Bramley which achieved PGI status in 2012.

Chefs, food and drink producers, people from the world of local arts and crafts will put on a spectacular display of Co Armagh charm which will celebrate the natural beauty  of Armagh’s orchard country and Richhill’s built heritage.

Cllr Jim Speers joined Helen Troughton of Armagh Cider Company, Hamilton Loney, chairman of the Northern Ireland Fruit Growers Association, Assumpta O’Neill from Armagh City and District Council, Chef Mervyn Steenson from Groucho’s and Clive Gordon, chairman of the festival committee, to launch the event on Thursday. (October 2, 2014)

Cllr Speers said: “This event has all the hallmarks of what could become an annual celebration for the village of Richhill and the surrounding communities. It’s a community event whereby we can all enjoy a day which celebrates the Bramley Apple, our food and drink producers and their contribution to the overall economy.”

The event, which is sponsored by Irwins Bakery, Wilsons Country and Gilfresh, runs from 10am-6pm and will feature cookery demonstrations, apple peeling contests, an Armagh Bramley apple tart competition, music from local school choirs, a hog roast and tea dance.

Hamilton Loney said this year is shaping up to be a good harvest for Armagh Bramleys.

He said: “There is a lot to celebrate about the Armagh Bramley. Since it got PGI status we can celebrate the apple’s versatility and why it is known as the number one apple in the world. There are going to be plenty of apples this year and Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is the perfect way to celebrate this.”

This celebration will also put Co Armagh on the map as a great place for ‘experiential tourism’.

Sara McGeary, Tourism Development Officer, Armagh City & District Council said: “Food tourism plays such an important part of the overall visitor experience for any destination. We are so fortunate here in Armagh that we have an abundance of delicious produce, including the Armagh Bramley, which was awarded PGI status in 2012. The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will undoubtedly be an incredible showcase for visitors wishing to sample our rich food heritage.”

Admission to the event is free and people can also pick up recipe books, learn about beekeeping and if you have apples in your garden but don’t know their identity, experts will be on hand to put a name to the apple.

After a successful tour of the US, and a sold-out run at the Brighton Fringe Festival, RSC veteran Tim Hardy brings his solo show ‘The Trials Of Galileo’ to the Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

‘The Trials Of Galileo’ focuses on the events surrounding his trial for heresy in 1633. Galileo’s tragedy was a mistaken belief that all he had to do was show the church his reasoning and his evidence and the church would fall in behind him. He understood the science better than any man alive, but never grasped the politics. Until it was too late. ‘The Trials Of Galileo’ will be staged on Thursday 23^rd October at 8pn. Tickets are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (concession).

Following the huge success of the inaugural event in August why not come along to the second ‘Family Super Saturday’ on Saturday 25^th October. First up, why not enjoy a family lunch at the bistro with tasty food for parents and kids to enjoy [separate cost].

Then join the Three Billy Goats Gruff and watch their tussle with a grumpy Troll, who is determined to stop them crossing the bridge. Lots of trippety-trap and fun with these beautifully made cloth puppets. Then enjoy the second element of the ‘Jack And Billy’ show with a lively version of the famous story about Jack who plants a magic bean, grows a beanstalk and ventures into the Giant’s Castle… Faithful to the original stories, Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre have created a show with baskets and boxes that become a house or even a castle. Just bring your imagination. Performances of ‘Jack And Billy’ take place at 2pm and 3.30pm.

After the show, come along to our workshop and games session where kids can take part in the themed ‘Fun-Craft’ workshop, have their face painted, enjoy balloon modelling, play ‘hook a duck’ and ‘tin can alley’. There will also be fancy dress competitions with prizes for ‘Best Dressed Boy’ and ‘Best Dressed Girl’. Admission to Family Super Saturday is only £6 and is recommended for age 4+. 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.

American bluegrass icons, Old Crow Medicine Show, return to Belfast’s Mandela Hall on Tuesday 21^st October for their fifth Open House concert, in association with the Ulster Bank Festival at Queens.

The spirited seven-piece band from North Carolina, who started off busking in New York in the late 90s, are renowned for their energetic live performances and prolific touring – and it’s clear that Belfast has become one of their favourite destinations.

“We’re really excited to be bringing the band back to Belfast for another Open House gig,” says Open House director, Kieran Gilmore, “especially as, since their last appearance here in early 2013, they’ve been inducted into the historic Grand Ole Opry. Belfast audiences have always been tremendously welcoming to the guys, and they genuinely love playing here. After the Grand Ole Opry accolade, they’re bound to receive a raucous reception when they take to the stage on 21^st October.”

The band recently released their ninth album, Remedy, to great critical acclaim, but they’ll no doubt be including their global hit, Wagon Wheel – which last year received the Recording Industry Association of America’s platinum award for 1,000,000 sales – on their set list.

“Once you’ve experienced an Old Crow concert, you’re a fan for life,” says Kieran. “They appeal as much to rock audiences as country ones, and their live shows are truly epic.”

For ticket booking and further information, go to: www.openhousefestival.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 13-19).

• Mourne Madness Trek, Donard Car Park, Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, Co Down, October 18-19. Put your fitness levels to the test and join Autism NI on the challenging Mourne Madness Trek!  You will trek through the stunning Mourne Mountain range in Newcastle and through unspoilt wilderness reaching the summit of the magnificent Slieve Donard and Slieve Bernagh.  This challenge is a great weekend adventure for walkers of all abilities and includes an overnight stay in Meelmore Lodge situated in the heart of the Mournes.

• Donaghadee Ulster Scots Autumn Festival, various, Donaghadee, Co Down, October 15 –19. Donaghadee will celebrate its strong Ulster Scots link with a weekend of Ulster Scots activities including concerts, historical displays, cookery demonstrations, fireworks, a family fun day, re-enactments and more

• Armagh Gaol Halloween Tour, Gaol Square, Co Armagh, October 17-31.  Armagh Gaol has seen and heard many ghostly goings-on since it closed its doors in 1986, although some prison officers and prisoners would suggest this has been going on for much longer.  On this special spooky Halloween tour, you will be regaled with the harrowing stories associated with Armagh Gaol’s long history.

• Harry Hamilton and his Swing Band: The American Songbook, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, October 18.  Join Harry Hamilton and his swing band as they take you on a musical journey through a century of American music.  This innovative collection of popular music showcases the many “Great” songs from the soundtrack of the 20th Century.

• Derek Ryan & His Band, Millennium Forum, 3 Newmarket Street, Co Londonderry, October 15.  Derek Ryan’s rise to become one of the biggest stars of Irish Country music has been phenomenal.  In just over two years few artists have made such an impact on the Irish country scene like the Co Carlow singer songwriter.

• Queen’s Comedy – Howard Read, Felicity Ward and Colin Murphy, Mandella Hall, Belfast, October 15.  Enjoy an evening of comic entertainment with award winning comedians.  Comedy genius Howard Read has appeared on some of the biggest TV shows in the world.  Compere for the night is Colin Murphy, best known for RTE’s The Panel and his BBC shows The Blame Game.

• Oktoberfest, The Quays Bar, Portrush, Co Antrim, October 16-19.  Come and experience a bit of Bavaria at The Quays Bar.  With four days full of fun and frolics including an extensive selection of German and foreign beers, ciders, cocktails and cuisines, competitions, German themed fancy dress, BBQ, music and more, it’s an event not to be missed.

• Ghost in the Glens, Cushendall, Co Antrim, October 16-19.  This 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.

• Nathan Carter in Concert, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, October 15. Back by popular demand, Country Music star Nathan Carter makes a welcome return to Ardhowen Theatre’s stage.

• Juno and the Paycock, Newry Town Hall, Newry, Co Down, October 14.  Juno and the Paycock is one of the true classics of the Irish theatre.  Written by Sean O’Casey, the play looks at the effects of the civil war on a Dublin household already crippled by economic hardship and the efforts, mainly by the mother, to keep the family on an even keel.  O’Casey skilfully brings the audience member from laughter to tears and back again in a flash.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Down

The Land of Far Far Away will be closer than you think when everyone’s favourite mean green thing Shrek bursts onto the big screen in Solitude Park on Friday 10th October at 7pm to kick start Banbridge District Council’s Autumn Arts Programme.  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. Also don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion too.

Tyrone

This Friday 10^th October, the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown will host the 9th annual ‘Tunes4Change’ concert, in aid of children’s charity NSPCC, with Irish Folk Super group Dervish. For the past 25 years they have gone from strength to strength as a high energy band that brings to life magical music from the West of Ireland. The band also features passionate vocals from the powerful singing of Cathy Jordan.  With a few special surprise acts together with the very talented and witty Gino LuPari as compere, this year’s concert is one not to be missed.

Fermanagh

Annually SHARE has been running Ghost Ship Cruises over the Halloween Period.  Participants will board the Inishcruiser to a Halloween Themed setting where a scary sketch will be acted out! Every Sunday in October and Halloween Week.

Derry

Fright Night returns to The Jungle Moneymore on Friday 10th October with a bloodcurdling, screaming vengeance with added special features and ghoulish creatures, and THREE NEW SCARE ZONES!!!  Exciting new features have been added to the original Woodland Trail of Terror, including a Hellish Haycart Ride which will transport you from the farmyard to the mouth of the ancient forest where you can continue your horrifying adventure on foot. You will meet a number of ghoulish characters, some of whom will engage you with their twisted tales of terror others may simply howl with horror. Advance online booking  is essential. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Armagh

Beautifully romantic, touchingly funny and often unbearably poignant, Austen’s most personal novel Persuasion is brought to the stage at the Market Place Theatre this Friday 10th October.  Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth were once hopelessly in love. Persuaded by her family that he is not of her standing, she ends their engagement and he leaves for the sea. Anne soon realises her mistake and spends the next eight years regretting her decision. Then he returns. Having made his fortune, the now wealthy Captain Wentworth comes to seek a wife; a wife with strength of mind and a resolute  character.  Treating Anne with cold indifference, she can only watch with aching heart as he courts another. But will he ever forgive her?

Antrim

See Macbeth performed and transmitted live from The Met Opera New York this Saturday 11^th October.  Star soprano Anna Netrebko delivers her searing portrayal of Lady Macbeth, the mad and murderous mate of Željko Lučić’s doomed Macbeth, for the first time at the Met.  Adrian Noble’s chilling production of Verdi’s masterful adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy also stars Joseph Calleja as the noble Macduff and René Pape as Banquo. Fabio Luisi conducts.

Belfast

As part of Belfast Restaurant Week the Maze Restaurant are hosting Bollywood Night on 10th of October. With a three course fine Indian meal, welcome drink and live Bollywood dancing, it’s a night not be missed! Call 028 9031 1101 or book online at www.mazerestaurant.com

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

Friday November 21^st will see Bangor Abbey play host to a concert to kick off a weekend of events to celebrate Bangor’s most famous Saint, Columbanus.

Following on the back of the success of 2013, this year’s concert is packed with fabulous acts both local and international.

Local group, The Farriers, will return to Bangor Abbey, a venue they can almost start calling home after a sold out concert as part of the Bangor Open House Festival. The group will be delighting the audience in performing their unique and authentic blend of folk & Americana.

Also performing on the night are; The McGinn sisters a trio of siblings who play harp, fiddle and flute/whistle have won many awards.  Their mix of music some of which is self-penned, weaves and darts throughout the Irish tradition.  Their playing reflects the intuition and subtlety that is achieved when siblings perform.

David McCann is one of Bangor’s finest singer/songwriters and a very talented guitarist.  Either solo or with his band “The Sand Runners”, he has impressed audiences throughout Ireland with his sensitive and introspective songs.

David Lennon, a stalwart of the local music scene for over 30 years, has a rich repertoire of traditional songs.  An award winning songwriter from the 1980s, he has performed both as a solo musician and group member throughout Europe.  He was recently heard on Radio Four singing “The White Dove – song of Columbanus”.

Described by RTE as “the best of Irish culture” and back by popular demand, are Ards Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. This group of young musicians tutored by husband and wife team Niall and Bronagh McClean, are yearly sought by festival organisers throughout the UK, Europe and now America.  Having headlined the Aviles Festival, Spain and the Bath Folk Festival this summer, 2015 sees them booked to play in New York during the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations and in August in Bobbio, Italy to play at the Basilicia of St Columbanus.

Performing alongside Ards CCE will be, The Smyth sisters a trio of award winning festival dancers with a rich family pedigree.  Their eldest sister Lauren, is the lead dancer with River Dance whilst older brother Conor is the lead in Michael Flately’s production of “Lord of the Dance”.  This is festival dancing at its very best.

Adding a unique twist to this year’s concert will be Marianne McShane, a native of Bangor but now residing in America, Marianne is an award winning story teller who mesmerised audiences with her ancient tales during the Bangor Cross Community Folk Festival in June 2014.  It is a privilege to welcome her back to Bangor for this event.

The theme of the concert and weekend is, “Journey of a Single Day”, a title to reflect the work of Columbanus and his fellow Bangor Saints, including Gall, who departed Bangor circa 590AD and spread the word of Christianity throughout much of modern day Europe including, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

The events are taking place on the Feast Day weekend of St Columbanus and are echoed across those European sites where Columbanus left his legacy.

Other events taking place over the weekend include;

On Saturday 22nd at St Comgall’s Parish Church, Brunswick Road, Bangor, a special children’s story telling event, from 2-3pm, with international story teller Marianne McShane, along with two historical talks focusing on Columbanus and Ireland’s Early Christian Heritage. Lectures run from 12noon-1pm & 2pm-3pm.

On Sunday 23^rd there will be an Ecumenical Church service held in First Bangor Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Bangor at 7pm.

For concert tickets, priced only £10, and more information on the weekends programme, contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk or log on to northdowntourism.com for more details.

Meet Twiga the Giraffe with her daughter Sambah and Tembo the Elephant with her calf Tembito.

Enter into the lives of these great, large-scale, mechanical, African mammals, each with a personality all of their own, and join them as they discover a very different Savannah in Belfast.

Did you notice that Hannavas is Savannah spelt backwards?!

Presented by Catalan company, Sarruga who are making their NI debut at this year’s Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s.

This event is free and you do not need tickets.

Sat 25 Oct
12pm – 3pm Botanic Gardens
Free, family friendly, African-animal themed activities, workshops:
> African animal puppet making/crafts
> Jungle mask making
> Tribal armbands
> African shakers
> African drum circle
> Safari face painting
> Belfast Zoo animal encounter
2pm
> Promenade style performance of the animals around the park

Sun 26 Oct
2pm City Hall Belfast
> Promenade style performance of animals in the grounds of City Hall

Admission Free

Web www.belfastfestival.com

Audiences at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh are in for a musical extravaganza as three separate music acts fill the stage in one jam-packed weekend.

There is no doubt that after thirty-five years as a professional musician Martin Simpson is, right now, better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Martin has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the fifteen years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer – with 12 nominations for ‘Musician Of The Year’, which he has won twice. Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety. Martin will perform on Thursday 16^th October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

Join Harry Hamilton and his swing band as they take you on a musical journey through a century of American music. This innovative collection of popular music showcases the many great Songs from the soundtrack of the 20^th Century. From the classics of the great American masters like Gershwin or Cole Porter, via the ‘50’s most popular hits, to Motown and the newest chapter with songs from recent hit-makes, including Michael Bublé, Ray Charles and Billy Joel. ‘The American Songbook’ will be staged on Friday 17^th October at 8pm. Tickets are £15.

‘The Four Of Us’ bring their 25th anniversary acoustic show to The Market Place Theatre, showcasing songs from their brand new album, as well as songs from their extensive back catalogue. From their first anthem ‘Mary’ – still a radio favourite – through to the UK-charting ‘She Hits Me’, to ‘Sunlight’ – the band has notched up over two decades of radio hits and six top 20 charting albums. Don’t miss this rare chance to catch them live. ‘The Four Of Us’ will perform on Saturday 18^th October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each. 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.