It’s Autumnal Arts in abundance as Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council announced details of their ever popular annual arts event.

‘Autumn Arts’ which runs from Friday 9 October to Friday 30 October, features a pulsating programme of musical and literary performances plus a host of workshops and events offering the opportunity to harness your creative and artistic talents. Here are some of the highlights sure to delight culture vultures of all ages.

This festival kicks off on Friday 9 October with a free outdoor cinema showing of Toy Story when the dynamic duo of Woody and Buzz Lightyear take to the big screen at 7pm in Solitude Park, Banbridge.

The Bronte Centre, Rathfriland, plays host to ‘Glass Town’ on Saturday 10 October at 8pm when Victoria Gleason and Katherine McGrath perform dramatic readings of the Bronte family’s own diary extracts using theatrics of monologue, dialogue and poetry. Tickets are priced £5 and available from the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio T: 028 4062 3322.

On Thursday 15 October from 2pm – 4pm The John Hewitt Society will be hosting a Creative Writing Workshop with Maria McManus in the Old Town Hall, Banbridge. The workshop entitled ‘Flight will be focusing on the natural world. Tickets are £5.

Later the same day in the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio a Trio of Poets, namely Maria McManus, Paul Maddern and Deidre Cartmill will be reading from their most recent works from 7.30pm Tickets are £5 available from the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio.

On Saturday 17 October Cinemagic will be offering a variety of workshops for younger arts fans. An Animate with Lego workshop in the Old Town Hall, Banbridge which runs from 10am – 1pm for 7 – 11 year olds and 1.30 – 4.30pm for 12 – 15 years shows how to turn your favourite Lego character into movie stars with Joel Simon from the multi-award winning Flickerpix Animation Studios.

Saturday 24 October offers up Special Effects Make-Up for Film & Television and TV & Radio Sports Presenting workshops. Make-up artist Triona Gogarty will guide 7 – 11 year olds through all the skills and techniques of special effects make up in the Iveagh Movie Studios, Banbridge from 10am – 12.30pm. UTV presenter Denise Watson will give an insight into the world of sports presenting for 7 – 11 years from 1pm – 4pm. Cost for each children’s workshop is £5.

The entertainment continues on the Saturday 17 October at 8pm with ‘Songwriters in the Round’ featuring Anthony Toner, Matt McGinn and Ken Haddock. These three leading Northern Ireland songwriters will perform in an evening of original songs, roots music and plenty of banter! Tickets are £5.

Autumn Arts continues with a wealth of adult workshops including a fantastic Furniture Upcycling class on Thursday 15 October in Banbridge Leisure Centre from 6pm – 9pm. Try your hand at the art of flower arranging with Flowerworks on Friday 16 October in the Old Town Hall, Banbridge from 6.30pm – 9pm. A Stitch in Time on Wednesday 21 October also in the Old Town Hall from 6.30pm – 9.30pm will cover all aspects of embroidery. The Funky Felt Jewellery on Thursday 22 and Tuesday 27 October in the Old Town Hall from 6.30pm – 9pm will give you the opportunity to explore wet felting techniques to turn into your own piece of jewellery.

Colin Hassard makes a welcome return to present his hilarious acclaimed one man show “Breaking Bard” on Saturday 24 October in the Rosehip Bakery, Banbridge at 8pm.  Be prepared to be shaken and stirred as Colin explores the universal themes of love, relationships and learning from your mistakes (not)!  Admission is £5 and booking essential.

The annual Craft Fair returns on Saturday 24th October from 10.30am – 4pm in Solitude Park, Banbridge with a vast range of crafts including, candles, ceramics, jewellery, bags and glassware. Pick up an early Christmas present or two or maybe just treat yourself with something a little special. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 concession.

Tickets for all performances are limited and early booking is strongly advised by contacting Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council on T: 4066 0605, or where highlighted the F.E. McWillam Gallery on T: 028 4062 3322

The Autumn Arts brochure detailing all events and activities is available at various outlets across the Borough and also available to download at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk.

For further information about Autumn Arts contact Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council on T: 4066 0605.