The Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland (RNIB NI) invites you to take part in a fun run with a difference! RNIB’s Glow Neon 3km Fun Run will take place on 16 October, 7pm, at the Mary Peters Stadium, Belfast.

This after dark run is inspired by the colourful full moon parties of Thailand. Participants can run, walk or even dance their way around the track under the UV lights to the sounds of a live DJ and whilst being sprayed with luminous colourful paint.

Esther Sands, 20, volunteers with RNIB Northern Ireland and is encouraging people to take part: “Sign up for this first ever Glow run in Northern Ireland and you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause while having a lot of fun! Since I started volunteering with RNIB I’ve seen how important it is that each of their services are able to continue supporting children and adults with sight loss in Northern Ireland. From special events for children with sight loss and their families, to supporting people whose sight has deteriorated to keep doing the things they enjoy .  I’ve met a lot of amazing people, both staff and blind or partially sighted people, and know supporting this event will help make every day better for everyone effected by sight loss here in Northern Ireland.”

RNIB NI Area Fundraising Manager, Hazel Stirling said: “We’re really excited about bringing the first ever RNIB Glow run to the Mary Peters Stadium this year. It’s such a fun and colourful event, you’ll be supporting people with sight loss who live right here in Northern Ireland and I know these events have been a real success when we’ve held them in other locations across the UK.

“As the run is only 3km long, it’s suitable for anyone and an excellent starting point for people who want to get fit. Alternatively, people can just take part as a fun start to their weekend.”

RNIB Glow is open to anyone over the age of 10 and is fully accessible to blind and partially sighted participants. Guide runners are available to support any blind or partially sighted people.

It costs £10 to register. Additionally adults are asked to raise a minimum of £25 sponsorship and children £10. Visit www.rnib.org.uk/glow_neon_fun_run to find out more and register.

This year RNIB Glow events are taking place across the UK every weekend in October so why not be a part of the fun.  We’re asking everyone to get involved on social media.  Join the RNIB Northern Ireland Facebook event or you can join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hash tag #GlowNeon.

Every 15 minutes someone in the UK begins to lose their sight, it can happen to anyone at any time. All money raised from RNIB Glow will help us to provide practical and emotional support to everyone affected by sight loss.

For more information and to get involved, just visit our Glow web page to sign up or contact Hazel Stirling, Area Fundraising Manager at RNIB NI on 028 9032 9373 or email hazel.stirling@rnib.org.uk

The Zoo visits W5 on Saturday 12th and 19th September to introduce a series of small animals, representing both vertebrates and invertebrates from many different habitats.

If you’re brave enough, you can even experience helping to hold an African Royal Python!

On Saturday 26th September, W5 are having their very own Airfix Day celebrating this fascinating and rewarding modelling hobby. Visitors will have the chance to make and take home their very own Airfix model!

From 3rd October, W5 dare you to bring along your family and discover the secrets of Monster Manor! This brand new event for Halloween will run on selected dates until 1st November. It’s really spooky, a little bit scary and a whole lot of fun. So this October why not bring your family along and discover the secrets of Monster Manor for yourselves?

With over 250 interactive exhibits including the ALL NEW technological marvel that is ‘RoboThespian’, W5’s BIGGEST EVER exhibit ‘Climbit’, ‘Discovery‘ a special exhibition area for the under eights , autumn events and science demonstration shows throughout the day, a trip to W5 is really a fantastic day out! And don’t forget all special events are FREE with your admission!

For further information and to download W5’s Autumn Events Guide, visit www.w5online.co.uk.

New Production Features Dynamic Sisters Anna and Elsa from the #1 Animated Movie of All Time Disney’s Frozen

Also watch Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and the crew of Disney Pixar’s Cars takes to the ice.

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Thursday 5 November – Sunday 8 November

TICKETS ON-SALE FRIDAY 18^th SEPTEMBER from 7am

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment, Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular featuring four fun-filled Disney stories, is coming to Belfast in November!

Worlds of Enchantment showcases beloved characters from Disney Pixar’s Cars, The Little Mermaid, and Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3, along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Joining these cherished characters are the stars of Disney’s Frozen.

Audiences will enter the fantastical wintery world of Arendelle with royal sisters Anna and Elsa from the  BAFTA and Academy Award^® winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey with the hilarious snowman Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff to find her sister, the magical Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

“Our re-creation of Arendelle and the visual splendor on the ice sets the stage for the magical transformation from summer to winter,” says Producer Nicole Feld.  “While it might seem obvious that Frozen is well suited for the ice, this Disney On Ice production will touch audiences emotionally through innovative show elements and world-class skating.”

In Radiator Springs, life-size Disney Pixar’s Cars characters – Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and the crew – take their high-octane personalities to the ice.  Featuring state-of-the-art, custom animatronics, their eyes and mouths move with every twist and turn on the frozen highway.  Mater has amusing antics in store as the Cars characters rock the ice with jumps, spins and freewheeling fun.

“Worlds of Enchantment connects classic and new Disney stories,” says Producer Kenneth Feld.  “Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they encounter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, built to scale and live on ice.  They will see their all-time favourites like The Little Mermaid and  Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 and discover a story full of action, magic and unforgettable characters with Frozen. ”

To produce Worlds of Enchantment, the Feld father-daughter duo called upon the talents of an incredible creative team consisting of Jay Smith (Director), Patty Vincent (Director Toy Story 3 and Frozen sections), Jerry Bilik (Writer/Adapter), Two-time Emmy^® Award-winner Sarah Kawahara (Choreographer), Cindy Stuart (Choreographer – Toy Story 3 and Frozen sections), Cynthia Nordstrom (Costume Designer), Peter Morse (Lighting Designer), Alex Reardon (Lighting Designer – Toy Story 3 section), Sam Doty (Lighting Designer – Frozen section) and Jeremy Railton (Set Designer).

2015 marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany.

In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and vintage fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September.

We hope to involve the whole town in this event with a specially-themed market and with local traders joining in with 1940s music and costumes. Hop on the free shuttle bus which will leave the town centre every half hour. The first bus will leave South Street at 12pm and the service will run to the Airfield, throughout the day until 8pm.

Once at the Airfield, event-goers can look forward to a fantastic stage programme, commencing at 2pm with a short commemoration service to pay respect and honor the sacrifice, followed by Dave Martin and The Casino Cats with their smooth sounds from the 40s. Next up is the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra, renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing with classic tunes from Glen Millar, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Also on site, will be a vintage fair from Frock Around The Clock, a food fair, a military vehicle display, themed street theatre and vintage dancers making this a memorable day for all the family.

At 6.30pm spectators will be invited to look to the skies as a genuine Spitfire and a Hurricane aircraft perform a special fly-past finale over the Air Field.  Both of these famous aircraft were typical of the planes that fought in the Battle of Britain. The event will conclude with a performance by the NI Military Wives Choir.

Speaking about the event; Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, commented: “This commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be a very special and fitting tribute to the men and women who fought in the Second World War.  It is important that we continue to remember their sacrifice and the programme we have planned will encourage this as visitors have the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic sights and sounds associated with the period.”

Gates to the venue are open at 12noon and car-parking and food is available on-site. People are welcome to bring picnics and picnic chairs and rugs are recommended for your comfort. No alcohol is to be brought on site, bar facilities are available. This is a free event.

There will also be a display of local military artefacts and a wreath laying service at the RAF Ballyhalbert and Ballyhalbert Caravan Park on 12 September 2015, 2.00pm – 4.00pm to remember those who gave their lives in the Battle.

For further information on this event please contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9182 6846 or email ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

U2’s sold out iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE European Tour 2015 will finish with six home shows, being Belfast on 18^th & 19^th November and four shows in Dublin on 23^rd + 24^th, 27^th + 28^th November 2015.

It is the first time the band will perform songs from their recent album Songs of Innocence to a home crowd. The album released last year, charts the group’s earliest experiences of growing up in Dublin influenced by 70s rock, punk and early 80s electronica and gives insight into how and why U2 came together. With its themes of home and family in songs such as Cedarwood Road, Iris (Hold Me Close) and Raised by Wolves, which deals with the impact of the ‘74 Dublin/Monaghan bombings, Songs of Innocence charts the end of the time of innocence for all four band members and their friends, as teens growing up.

Tickets for the Irish shows go on sale at 9am on Monday 14^th September, will be limited to 2 per purchaser and are priced from £30 to £165 for Belfast and from €30 to €185 in Dublin, plus charges. Tickets can be bought at the 3Arena and SSE Arena box offices and online, with floor tickets being sold with the Paperless Ticket system, to ensure fans have access to tickets at face value. A limited number of student-priced floor tickets will be available for sale online. For full details see www.U2.com/tour

€2,000,000 (€2 million) from these concerts will go to Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme which currently provides high quality subsidised music tuition to some 26,000 children and young people. Music Generation was originally set up with €5m funding from U2’s Croke Park shows in 2009, along with a further €2m raised by The Ireland Funds.

“In the 18 years that I have worked with U2, the home shows are always very special. These shows promise to be brilliant.” – Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring Live Nation Entertainment.

“Finding venues to take this show is actually quite tricky and we’re grateful to our overworked crew who finally cracked the reconfiguring to fit these venues.” – The Edge

The iNNOCENCE + Experience Tour kicked off in May in Vancouver to rave reviews and the US leg saw the band joined onstage by specials guests including Jimmy Fallon, Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, as they performed songs from across their career.

The Dublin and Belfast dates are: Wed, 18^th and Thurs, 19^th November – Belfast – SSE Arena

Mon 23^rd, Tues 24^th, Fri 27^th & Sat 28^th November – Dublin – 3Arena

Saturday 12 September – Friday 18 September

Tuesday 15 September, Valhalla Street Theatre presents ‘Winds of War’ in 1914’

Project 24, Bangor Seafront

7pm – 7.45pm & 8pm – 8.45pm

Calling all Amateur Actors & Actresses, join Valhalla Street Theatre in The Hub at Project 24 for an interactive rehearsal of their up and coming play ‘Winds of War’ in 1914.

Info: project24ni.com

Saturday 19 September – Friday 25 September

Saturday 19 September, Battle of Britain 75

Ards Airfield

12noon – 7pm

FREE

1940s Concert, Vintage Fair, Spitfire and Hurricane Flypast and more.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 19 September, Tea with the Lord (Coach Tour)

Tour Departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 1pm

Tickets: £18 (Ad), £16 (Conc), £9 (Ch)

Embrace the opportunity to visit Ballywalter House, the beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years.

Info:  Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 20 September, Movilla Cemetery Walking Tour

Tour departs from Movilla Cemetery, Newtownards, 2pm

Tickets: £6 (Ad), £5 (Conc), £3 (Ch)

This tour uncovers the stories behind the headstones as it explores the significant role the graveyard’s inhabitants played in the history of the area.

Info:  Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 20 September, En Plein Air Painting Challenge

Project 24, Bangor Seafront

11am – 5pm

Calling all Amateur Artists; bring your easels to Project 24′s Community Garden and The Hub and create your own masterpieces in 4 hours!

Info: project24ni.com

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 September, Aspects Irish Literature Festival

Bangor, various locations

A celebration of the written word through poetry, prose, journalism, comedy, song writing and much more. Programme and Tickets now available via aspectsfestival.com

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, aspectsfestival.com

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall) BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Saturday 29 August – Sunday 27 September

Paintings: Bryansburn Artists

Wednesday 9 September – Sunday 1 November

Paintings: Middletown & Music

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846 Admission Free

Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 September

‘Avalon Pilgrimage’ – Avalon Guitars 

Movie fans can go back in time to 1985 when Marty McFly returns to the big screen with a special 30th anniversary showing of the iconic movie classic ‘Back to the Future’ on Friday 18 September at 8pm in Solitude Park, Banbridge.

Join Marty as he travels back to 1955 in the delightfully daft Doc Brown’s plutonium-powered DeLorean time machine with the seemingly simple task of making sure his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love which will enable him to journey back to his own era.

Unfortunately things don’t go quite to plan and so ensues a series of madcap mishaps and crazy capers. Will Marty get is parents to fall in love? Will he find the Doc Brown of 1955? Will he ever manage to get back to the future! There’s only one way to find out by setting the controls to Sept 18 2015, destination Solitude Park!

This family favourite will delight film fans and would-be time travellers of all ages. To add to the cinema experience tasty treats including popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Booking is not required for this fabulous free outdoor cinema event, just come along and enjoy this time twister of a tale, and don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion.

For event updates see www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or telephone the events team on 028 4066 0609.

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s biggest ever ‘Culture Night’ has just been launched and takes place on Friday 18^th September in various locations around Armagh City & District.

A jam-packed and vibrant programme of over 100 events featuring art, readings, workshops, demonstrations, tours, music, dance, drama, exhibitions and family fun takes place in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh, throughout Armagh City Centre, and across the district including a wide programme of events in Poyntzpass.

It may be entitled ‘Culture Night’ but events kick off on Fri 18^th Sept from as early as 10.00am with music classes for babies ‘Doh Ray Me’ in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh. At 1.00pm there is a bi-lingual tour of Iron-Age Armagh led by Cairde Teo and departing from Armagh City Hotel.

Evening events kick off at 5.45pm in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh with a Hip Hop Dance School on the Theatre Veranda.

Over 100 events then run between 6.00pm and 11.00pm in 30 venues across the City & District. A full programme is now available and some of the highlights include:

• Tours Of The Historic Mall, Armagh Gaol, St Patrick’s COI Cathedral, Palace Demesne, Armagh County Museum
• Schools Culture Night Performances In Market Place Theatre
• Artist exhibitions by Armagh Art Club, Anne Callanane, Maria Cardenas, Andrew Haire, Armagh Pipers Club, Ulster Scots Community, Armagh County Museum
• Dance performances from JD Dance, Bulgarian Folk Dance, Tennessee Twisters, Hip Hop Dance School, Lithuanian Folk Dance, Jiving Crew, Hungarian Folk Dance, Tasagh Scottish Dancers, Taylor Scallon Irish Dance, Armagh Set Dancers, Karma Indian Dance
• Music from Banbridge Buskfest Winners, Appleby SEC Makaton Choir, DJ Sets, Armagh Pipers Club, solo performers in cafes around the city, Jazz Jams, South Ulster Sinfonia, U3A Choir, Armagh Rhymers, The Oriel Singers, Men’s Shed Choir, SRC Music Department, The New Rhythm Band, Cup O Joe, The Hanna Sisters, Finnvola Trad Rock
• Workshops in Wood Turning & Music Making
• Demonstrations of Graffiti Art, Martial Arts, Yoga
• Readings & Drama In Public Library & Visitor Information Centre & City Library
• Poyntzpass – Over 20 events in various locations in Poyntzpass including music, dance, choirs, food tasting and exhibitions

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Darryn Causby commented:

“Armagh will highlight the unique mix of culture that exists within our Community.  The Council fully recognises that Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon districts are areas very rich in cultural terms and have a strong and hugely talented mix of local people from right across the whole spectrum of culture. Culture means many things to many people and the programme presented here today is certain to appeal to the widest possible audience”.

The full programme is now available in outlets across Armagh and from The Market Place Theatre Box Office or can be downloaded at www.marketplacearmagh.com. More details on the performers and performances can be found online and at www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh