10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 12-18).

· West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, 11a Bruce Street, Belfast, October 15-18. West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK celebrates its 20th season showcasing the hottest trends for the Autumn/Winter season ahead. The event boasts an array of new additions including a menswear show, body image workshop and fashion market, which join nightly catwalk shows and the return of Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday to make for a jam-packed schedule like none before.

· Ocean Film Festival World Tour, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, October 13. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean without getting your feet wet, with this breathtaking collection of short films from above and below the water’s surface. Inspiring and thought provoking, the Ocean Film Festival takes you on a journey across the globe, showcasing the marvel and mysteries of the big blue. Films begin at 7.45pm.

· The Big Draw, The Hub, Project 24, Bangor, Co. Down, October 17. As part of the national Big Draw event, Bangor Shared Space is working with Project 24 Arts to create a giant map of Bangor town. Come along to The Hub at Project 24 and draw your home and family, tell your story, try something new and put yourself on the map. An event for everyone who can draw, and those who think they can’t! Begins at midday.

· It’s A Wonderful Life, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, October 15. This new production of Frank Capra’s iconic film premiered in London last year to rave reviews. Come and experience the magic as the story of George Bailey, whose dreams look set to be dashed by small-town scandal and big business, is re-imagined as a radio play.

· C.R.A.I.C. in Concert, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, October 16. CRAIC (Cultural Revival Among Interested Communities) in Concert is an evening of traditional Irish and Folk music hosted by well-established local group CRAIC. Performed in the cabaret style auditorium of the Alley Theatre, the night promises to be an enjoyable one, featuring a mix of local and guest artists. Begins at 8pm.

· Belfast Glow Neon Fun Run 2015, Mary Peters Track, Belfast, October 16. Inspired by the colourful full moon parties in Thailand, Glow is a night-time fun run with a difference. Run, walk or dance the 3km route while being sprayed with glow water and lit by an Ultraviolet blacklight as you go! Begins at 7pm. Entry fee £10 (plus £25 sponsorship for adults; £10 sponsorship for children).

· Sherlock Holmes and the Ripper Murders, Millennium Forum, Derry, Co. Londonderry, October 15-17. Sherlock Holmes and Dr John H Watson are drawn into one of the darkest plots ever to shake the foundations of England, as the grisly serial killings dubbed by the press as the work of “Jack The Ripper” are the talk of London. Starring Samuel Clemens as Sherlock Holmes. Show begins at 8pm.

· Apple Day, Ballance House, Glenavy, Co. Antrim, October 17. Sample the range of locally grown apples and apple juice on sale, as well as the various craft stalls, face painting and tombola on this day to promote the growing of apples and the preservation of orchards.

· Autumn Playtime, Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Comber, Co. Down, October 17-18. Celebrate the season with fun and outdoor games galore in the Wild Wood and Secret Swamp natural outdoor play spaces at Castle Espie. Free with normal admission; 12-4pm.

· Country Dance, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, October 15. Featuring country acts such as Aidan Clerkin, Brian Kerrigan and Gerry Mac, this event is hosted in Share’s arena, where there is plenty of room to dance and full bar facilities. Begins at 9pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.