Verdi: La Traviata
Belfast Waterfront
Tuesday 14 April: 7.30pm

Introduce your friends to this magnificent opera
and enjoy £10 off each ticket!

The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd are pleased to confirm that entries have reached over 300 for the 2015 Around-A-Pound Tandragee 100 on 1^st and 2^nd May 2015!

We are also delighted to announce that Traynors Motorstore have returned as a sponsor this year.  Traynors Motorstore has grown to be one of the premier vehicle dismantler and motor factors throughout the UK & Ireland with stores in Armagh, Belfast and Grantham.  Their customers rate them highly as being a “great place for parts, a very helpful bunch” and as having an “A star service”.

We are also very pleased to reveal that Sean Halliday, originally from Northern Ireland who now lives in San Diego, California, has also kindly donated the prize money for the Fastest Lap of the Day.

In addition to some of the stars you can expect to see at the Tandragee 100 National Road Races on Friday 1^st and Saturday 2^nd May 2015 such as Ryan Farquhar, Keith Amor, and Jamie Hamilton, entries so far also include a strong contingent of over 30 competitors from the South of Ireland including Micko Sweeney, James Kelly, Thomas Maxwell, Neil Lyons, Donal Curtin, David Lumsden, Richard McLoughlin, Aron Hatch, Brendan Merrigan, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Shane Egan, Seanie Smith, Damian Horan, Alan Bonner, Sean Leonard, Mick Jordan, Donnachadh Healy, Colin Bowles, Niall Power, Mark Shiels and Andy Farrell, etc.

There is also plenty of interest from further afield such as Billy Redmayne and Chris McGahon from the Isle of Man, Dario Cecconi from Italy, Eric Goedhart from Dubai and Fabrice Faivre from France as well as more local \regulars Davy Morgan, Sam Dunlop, Sam Wilson, Seamus Elliott, Paul Robinson, Stephen ‘Cargo’ Carr, Denis Booth, Nigel Moore, Sarah Boyes and her Dad Stephen Boyes, Yvonne Montgomery, Ian Morrell, Freddie Stewart, Barry Davidson, Philip Shaw, Club Members Robert Cairns, Malcolm Love, William McElroy, Stephen Davison, Anthony McColgan, Gary Hutton and Joe Lockhart, etc.

Entries close on Friday 3^rd April 2015 so there is still time to get on board – there is room particularly in the Classic classes – further details online via www.tandragee100.co.uk or via our Facebook page.

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is looking for young people aged 10 to 25 to take part in their Summer 2015 extravaganza, ‘The Wizard Of Oz’.

This summer, follow the yellow brick road over the rainbow and into The Market Place Theatre as you grab this opportunity to join the cast of our youth production of the timeless classic, ‘The Wizard Of Oz’. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Dorothy and, of course, the Cowardly Lion, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West as you rediscover the real story of Oz.

Auditions for ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ will take place on Saturday 16^th May. Auditions are now open for booking through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com. All auditionees must be available throughout the period from Monday 20^th July until Saturday 22^nd August inclusive for rehearsals, should they be successful. Auditionees should wear loose clothing, trainers & bring a bottle of water. All auditionees should be prepared to act, dance & sing. You do not have to have experience to audition and auditions are completely free, although participation in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ for successful candidates will be £100 for the five-week period. There will be some free places for people/families in receipt of state benefit. Performances will take place from Tuesday 18^th until Saturday 22^nd August.

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.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (April 13 – 19).

• A Taste of Titanic, Titanic Belfast, Queen’s Road, April 17. Taste your way through the story of RMS Titanic with Titanic Belfast’s signature 2 hour food tasting tour, the ultimate combination of culture, history, food and fun! Enjoy a guided journey through the Titanic Galleries and learn about the fascinating story of the world’s most famous ship as you sample culinary delights from the era. Tours will run at 6.30pm, 7.30pm or 8.30pm.

• Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour, Co Down, April 11- September 6. Weekly Weekend entertainment for children and adults alike, from face painting to animal road shows, children’s crafts to science shows and much more! All free! From 2-4pm.

• The Great Gatsby, Riverside Theatre, University of Ulster, Coleraine, County Londonderry, April 15 and 16. The Great Gatsby follows Jay Gatsby, a man who orders his life around one desire: to be reunited with Daisy Buchanan, the love he lost five years earlier. Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby is a classic piece of American fiction. It is a tale of triumph and tragedy, noted for the remarkable way Fitzgerald captured a cross-section of American society. From 8pm.

• Réalta, The Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane, Co Tyrone, April 18. Described by Irish Music Magazine as ‘a full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza’, Réalta carry on the Bothy Band tradition of taking tunes by the scruff of the neck and firing excitement through them like hot flames. The musical rapport between these musicians makes for an unforgettable performance! From 8pm.

• Paws in the Park, Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, April 18. Dogs are always welcome at Castle Coole but especially on April 18. Join our dog walk, enter your pooch in our pet dog show, and pick up some behaviour techniques and grooming tips. From 11am-5pm.

• The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years, Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Armagh, Co Armagh, April 18. From the producers of ‘Do You Come Here Often’ comes a great new show. Relive all the memories of a decade that saw the birth of pop, from the ballads of Ruby Murray, Perry Como and Dean Martin to the early rock’n’roll of Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee and Bill Hailey. Starring Clubsound, Jackie Fullerton, Trevor Kelly and many more. From 8pm.

• Roller Disco, Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, April 17. Whip out your spandex and leg warmers for a fun-packed night. Complete with the best seventies hits, funky music and retro appeal, Roller Disco is the hotspot for clubbing on wheels. So whether you’re a pro skater, an absolute beginner, or simply looking to put a different spin on a good time head down to The Courtyard Theatre for an unforgettable night of disco inferno. From 7pm.

• Genealogy Workshops, Glór Uachtar Tíre, Castlewellan, Co Down, April 15 – May 27. Looking for your Ancestors? Anita Gallagher will co-ordinate a series of seven genealogy workshops. Do you want to trace your family tree, look for the history of your farm, of your people in a townland/town, or find lost relatives? Well here is your chance! The workshops will be run in Irish and suitable for those with intermediate level or above, and will take place on Wednesdays between 7.00pm-8.30pm.

• Boots N’ Bogs Walking Festival, Sliabh Beagh Hotel and Coonian Community Centre, Co Fermanagh, April 16-19. Enjoy a two-day walking festival in the Sliabh Beagh Hills of North Monaghan and East Fermanagh. There are a variety of walks as part of this festival including routes through the lush green landscape, forests and exploratory rambles of the bogs of Sliagh Beagh Hills. Here you will find one of the finest examples of a blanket bog in Ireland. Registration on April 18 at 10.30-11.00am at Slaibh Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon and April 19 at 12.30pm at Coonian Community Centre.

• Spring Fair, Barnett Demesne, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, April 18 and 19. Enjoy a weekend of family fun with activities on an environmental theme. There will be flowers, animals, birds, entertainment and activities.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Special at The Mourne Lodge, Cnocnafeola, Kilkeel, Newry. Two night stay in an en-suite bedroom with a hearty Mourne breakfast each morning and packed Lunch. Includes transport to Newcastle. From £80pp based on four people sharing a four bed en-suite. £90pp based on three people sharing a triple room. £100pp based on two people sharing a private double/twin. £120pp based on single occupancy. Available May 27 – 31. To book call (028) 4176 5859.

• Hilton Belfast Ultimate Tour Experience. From £150pps. Enjoy a two night stay with buffet breakfast and a three course dinner on the first evening in Sonoma Restaurant with views across the River Lagan. Then join the Game of Thrones Tour (Wed/Sat/Sun) on one day including stops at the Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves and Giant’s Causeway (or Giant’s Causeway Tour if Game of Thrones Tour is not running).  Available until Dec 31. To book call (028) 9027 7000.

• Spring time weekend getaway for couples, Treetop Apartment, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen. From £80. Enjoy the perfect springtime getaway for two in the beautiful Treetop Apartment. Included are two sit-on top kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids allowing you and your partner to explore the beautiful Upper Lough Erne. Why not paddle to the Hare Krishna Island or to Crom from the Apartment which has direct access to the lakeshore. Excludes Bank Holidays. Available Apr 26 – Jun 30. To book call (028) 6772 2240.

• Shop and Stay, Maldron Hotel Derry, Derry~Londonderry. From £99pps. Enjoy two nights in the heart of the city with a two course evening meal and two cocktails per person on the evening of your choice plus a £20 gift card per room to spend in Foyleside Shopping Centre. A full Irish breakfast will be provided each morning. Available until Dec 31. To book call (028) 7137 1000.

For further information, contact TNI on 028 9023 1221 or view on www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Lally the Scut, a new play by the critically acclaimed Northern Ireland playwright Abbie Spallen and featuring a cast of 12 well known faces from Northern Ireland stage and screen, will premiere at the MAC this April.

A co-production by Tinderbox Theatre Company and the MAC, Lally the Scut is an unflinching satire that promises to be unmissable.

With Spallen’s incisive writing, direction from Michael Duke and with the largest cast to date on the MAC stage, the production will be one of the biggest moments in theatre this year. Set in a borderland town the uproarious, occasionally macabre and always compelling, Lally the Scut draws a line in the mud for Northern Ireland.

Roisin Gallagher, Richard Clements, Alan McKee and Gerard McCabe will be among the stellar cast of actors who will bring the pathos and humour of this affecting story to life.  Audiences can expect to experience a full gamut of emotions and will recognise the plight of characters, who struggle to deal with obstacles from local politics to local gossip. A riveting drama, with plenty of twists, the story centres on how one community pulls together (or not) when a child goes missing.  Who will help Lally and her lost child?  Spallen’s treatment of the story plays out as a commentary on wider Northern Ireland society, and hints at bigger questions on how we best move forward.

Áine McVerry, Director of Marketing & Communications, the MAC said: “Audiences are set to be captivated by this powerful drama which is premiering exclusively at the MAC. We are really excited to be working with Tinderbox and Abbie on this new piece of writing – this really is Northern Ireland theatre having a moment. Earthy, irreverent, honest, disturbing, forceful and funny, the production features some well-known theatre faces and we are thrilled to be working with the 12 strong cast who are all from Northern Ireland. ”

Michael Duke, Tinderbox Artistic Director and Director of Lally the Scut, said: “Lally the Scut is a hugely original and completely enthralling play. We are delighted to work with Abbie Spallen and the MAC to produce work of this scale and imagination, and to work with 12 of the country’s most talented actors to create a spectacular show”.

Tickets are on sale now from themaclive.com starting from just £12.  The show runs from 14^th April – 2^nd May, exclusively at the MAC.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to host three superb musical performances over the coming fortnight, showcasing the musical legacy of Roy Orbison, the hits of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era and one of the country’s up-and-coming traditional bands.

From the producers of ‘Do You Come Here Often’ comes a great new show, ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years’. Relive all the memories of a decade that saw the birth of pop, from the ballads of Ruby Murray, Perry Como and Dean Martin to the early rock ’n’ roll of Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee and Bill Hailey. Starring Clubsound, Jackie Fullerton, Trevor Kelly and many more. ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years’ will take to the stage on Saturday 18^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20 each.

On Thursday 23^rd April, Barry Steele presents his award winning, critically acclaimed theatrical concert ‘Roy Orbison & Friends.’ Using both Original and film footage from the era, and backed by his fabulous band, Barry Steele will take you through a journey in time as he brings the character of Roy Orbison back to the centre stage, where it truly belongs. Add to the mix special friends Paul Molloy and Boogie Williams celebrating the musical legacy of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, you have yourself a spectacular fusion of good old “Rock n Roll” and contemporary musical genius all on one stage. Tickets are priced £19 each.

Described by Irish Music Magazine as ‘a full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza’, Belfast based Réalta carry on the Bothy Band tradition of taking tunes by the scruff of the neck and firing excitement through them like hot flames! With a sound based on the twin uilleann piping talents of Conor Lamb and Aaron O’Hagan, propelled by a dynamic accompaniments on guitar, bouzouki and double bass, Réalta make full use the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. Having toured alongside Altan in Germany, Switzerland and Greece and won the prestigious ‘Danny Kyle Award’ at Celtic Connections Glasgow, these young musicians have earned a reputation for delighting audiences with the enthusiasm, energy and passion they bring to traditional music. Realta will perform on Friday 24^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

Tickets for all events 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.

Fashion lovers are in for a treat this weekend, as The Merchant Hotel’s fabulous Fashion Teas return in sensational style.

On Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th April, the  5*star hotel’s Rita Duffy Suite will provide a striking setting for four individual Fashion Teas, showcasing cutting edge spring/summer collections from a hand-picked selection of Northern Ireland’s top boutiques and designers. Excel Clothing, Art on Fashion, Harper, Gráinne Maher, Goddess & Swift and Ruedi Maguire will wow guests with their spring summer collections, alongside a fabulous champagne afternoon tea.

Models from Style Academy will provide 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 will also be able to shop the collections hot off the catwalk, with pop-up boutiques for each retailer housed in The Merchant for the entire weekend.

On Saturday 11^th April, designer boutique, Excel Clothing will open the spring Fashion Teas 2015 series with a collection that is sure to impress (12.30pm). Quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion will be joined by decadent accessories from designer boutique, Harper at The Merchant (3pm). And in another exciting partnership, leading NI milliner and jewellery designer, Grainne Maher will showcase her latest collections alongside striking spring/summer pieces from Belfast based atelier, Goddess & Swift. Closing the spring Fashion Teas on Sunday 12^th April, NI designer Ruedi Maguire promises to impress with a solo show featuring his dramatic collection of new designs (2pm).

Leading designer store, Excel Clothing has been at the forefront of the local fashion scene for almost three decades. With stunning contemporary stores in Bangor and Newtownards, Excel is home to designer brands including Hugo Boss, Armani, Ted Baker, Barbour, Paul Smith, CP Company, Michael Kors and Belstaff, alongside other contemporary brands including French Connection, UGG Australia, Tommy Hilfiger, Farah Vintage, Calvin Klein. Showcasing their news sping/summer collections at The Merchant’s Fashion Teas, Excel will present a fashion-forward show including Armani, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Michael Kors and Pinko.

In a fitting fashion pairing, luxury designer boutique, Harper at The Merchant Hotel and quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion will come together for the second Fashion Tea.

Exclusive Northern Ireland stockists of Christian Louboutin, Charlotte Olympia and Rachel Zoe, Harper at The Merchant’s coveted red soled heels will be a key feature in this opening show, with a mix of classic shapes and colours and fashion forward styles ensuring fashion lovers are well heeled for spring summer. Taking the work of cool and edgy international artists and transforming it into stunning garments, Art on Fashion creates wearable pieces of art for your wardrobe.  Their latest collection is characterised by sophisticated elegance, featuring bold contemporary graphic artworks and nostalgic retro prints in a spectrum of colours to create a look that is suitable for all occasions. Staking out new territory with the latest bodycon silhouettes and asymmetric dresses, the new Art on Fashion collection offers unique, stand-out contemporary pieces that would be a timeless addition to any capsule wardrobe.

In another exciting fashion marriage, Top NI milliner and jewellery designer, Gráinne Maher joins forces with Belfast atelier Larissa Watson and her artisan clothing label, Goddess & Swift.

Gráinne Maher will showcase a range of striking new millinery pieces at The Merchant’s Fashion Teas, alongside her popular Pluck & Devour contemporary jewellery range. A selection from her SS15 collection ‘Bláthanna’, which debuted at London Fashion Week, promises to be a real show-stopper. The collection includes a range of statement Perspex millinery, jewellery and limited edition bags with a colour palette punctuated by rich pinks and pale greys. Combining traditional materials with Perspex and Swarovski, her work is sultry, sculptural and perfectly balances form with function.  Perfectly complimenting Gráinne’s pieces, the Goddess & Swift collection will include its new ‘Irish Siren’ range, populated with Irish Linen sculpted dresses, hand dyed umbre and hand-printed silks and Tailored Irish tweed, creating classic, enduring pieces.

Rounding off the spring series of Fashion Teas, NI designer, Ruedi Maguire will showcase a selection of pieces from his current RUEDI spring/summer 2015 collection, featuring pretty florals, muted pastels and bold pops of colour. Guests will also get a sneak peek into the future, with a preview of his forthcoming autumn/winter collection, ‘future perfect’, with contemporary space-age inspired pieces, accented with pops of neon.

Tickets to The Merchant’s Fashion Teas cost £35 per person and include an exclusive fashion show of your choice, served with champagne afternoon tea.  Tickets can be purchased by calling The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717. Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to The Merchant’s 2014 charity partner, The McDermott Oncology Haematology Day Unit at the Ulster Hospital, Belfast.

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

Northern Ireland’s favourite vintage shopping event, the spectacular Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair, will be returning to Bangor for its Spring into Summer extravaganza, appearing at Clandeboye Lodge on Sunday 19^th April.

The event will showcase over 50 high quality vintage dealers and creative designers from all over Ireland, specialising in vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, stationery, art, artisan food, haberdashery, photography, children and baby goods, and so much more! With all this under one roof it will be easy to find unique treasures for you, your family, and your home.

Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘We are delighted to be returning to Bangor after a 2 year break, and to be back bigger and better than ever with over 50 fantastic exhibitors. This event will also feature the pop-up Vintage Rocks Hair Parlour – passionate and creative, the talented Vintage Rocks stylists will be on hand to offer glamorous vintage hair styling on the day and will also be running a draw for the chance to win vouchers for a Pamper & Style at the Vintage Rocks salon! Come along for some fun and a great day out, browse and shop the unique treasures on offer, eat cake and have some vintage pampering – it’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.’

Now in its 7^th year of delighting customers from all over Ireland, Frock Around The Clock still remains dedicated to sourcing the best in vintage dealers and fresh creative talent, so in addition to many of the old favourites there will also be a number of fresh faces to be seen at the 19th April event, providing a spectacular variety of unique, quality and interesting things to see and buy. Whether you are in search of stunning fashion accessories, authentic vintage treasures, beautifully handcrafted designs, or delicious edible goodies, this event has it all!

The impressive exhibitor list will include The Honeysuckle Bee and Me, creators of beautiful handcrafted goats milk soap and natural soy wax candles, Norma Jean Vintage, offering a fabulous selection of vintage collectibles, The Natural Room Emporium, connoisseurs of authentic vintage furniture and homewares, I of The Needle, purveyor of stylish fabrics & haberdashery,  Tiny Tower Vintage, specialists in vintage china, linens, eiderdowns and collectible books, Bluebird Bakery, creators of scrumptious sweet treats, Vintage Aggy and Molly, showcasing exquisite handmade dolls created from antique haberdashery, and Emily Loves Vintage offering beautiful, limited-edition eclectic jewellery.

The Spring Into Summer Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 19^th April 2015 at Clandeboye Lodge, 10 Estate Road, Bangor BT19 1UR.  Admission costs only £3 for adults, and children go free. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at frockfairsni.com and on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.