Down

This half term grab your wellies and make a splash jumping in puddles for a chance to win prizes in the WWT Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships at Castle Espie.  Practice makes perfect, so splash about in the practice puddle zone before making your big splash at the puddle jumping arena at Wood Henge Amphitheatre.  Marks will be awarded for height of splash, enthusiasm and creativity!  Puddle jumps are judged every day from 11am – 4pm.

Armagh

‘The Jazzabelles’, at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday evening,  is an original musical by Nick Boyle. Set in 1950s Belfast, it is the story of three girls who long for a better life. After a chance meeting they form a vocal trio, ‘The Jazzabelles’, and dream of performing at the prestigious Floral Hall. When a smooth manager enters the frame it looks like their dream might become reality.

Fermanagh

Join the RSPB’s Fionnbarr Cross this Saturday 20th February to explore Drumgay Lough and learn about the birdlife which makes its home here – from common garden visitors to wonderful wintering wildfowl like tufted ducks and whooper swans. Binoculars will be provided.

Tyrone

Join Goldilocks and the Three Bears for a Sing-along show this Saturday afternoon, 20th February at 2pm.  For the first time ever, the much loved fairy-tale, Goldilocks and the three bears, comes to life on an unforgettable live stage production of song and laugher.  Featuring fantastic costumes, an amazing stage set and colourful lighting it will be an experience for all the family to remember with interactive moments that children and parents alike can enjoy.

Derry/Londonderry

The Millennium Forum is the venue this Sunday 21st February for the  Mind, Body, Spirit Show.  Packed full of stalls and exhibitions focusing on personal development and spiritual awakening, followers of both modern and time-worn medicinal practices can find something to soothe their soul, with sections on health food, hypnotism, reiki, and crystals among others. Those aiming to get in touch with other worlds can head to psychic readings, or aura photography. In addition, three international speakers will spread the word on topics from weight loss to spiritual advice in seminars throughout the day. Family friendly event.

Antrim

The Star of Wild Things – SKY and The Snaptastic Show – TV3 celebrates 20 years of stand up with a brand new hilarious show.  Jason Byrne’s Shows have been getting better every year and his first one was brilliant. So don’t miss the show that is 20 times better than brilliant at the Theatre at the Mill this Sunday 21st February. Strictly Over 16’s Only.

Belfast

Getting married? Don’t miss the Hastings Hotels Wedding Show this Sunday 21st February at the Europa Hotel Belfast. A full team of wedding experts and exhibitors will be on hand to provide you with the advice and tips you need  to create your dream wedding. Wedding Show from 1pm to 4pm with Fashion Show at 3.30pm.

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Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency have recently launched a new booklet, “Ulster-Scots Heritage in Ards and North Down”, to recognise the areas rich history and the huge impact left on the Borough by the Ulster-Scots through the centuries.

The booklet takes the reader from Holywood through Bangor and on to the peninsula villages past Portaferry and back up through Greyabbey to Newtownards. The visitor will travel through villages developed throughout the 1600’s under the settlements of Sir James Hamilton and Sir Hugh Montgomery.

Throughout, it looks at the influence the Scottish settlers had and how they shaped the area as they developed it over the years. Influences including architecture, such as Tower House in Bangor, the oldest building in public use in Ireland and built by Sir James Hamilton in 1637. The importance of trade and the Market Cross in Newtownards dating from when Sir Hugh Montgomery established a thriving market in the town. Villages such as Groomsport and their religious history with the departure of the ill-fated “Eagle Wing” ship attempting to carry Presbyterians from persecution to a new life in America in 1636 and Greyabbey which saw a Presbyterian Minister hanged for his part in the 1798 Rebellion.

“Over the last couple of years we are seeing more and more visitors, both domestic and North American with not only an interest in the general history and heritage of the area but specifically for that of the Scottish settlers that started to arrive in the early 1600’s and who would later leave for the United States and a new life. We are pleased now to have this booklet to give these visitors an additional tool as they explore the borough and our history”. Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The “Ulster-Scots Heritage in Ards and North Down” booklet is a welcomed addition to the range of Ulster-Scots literature available.  This exciting booklet provides a fresh insight to the rich heritage of North Down and the Ards Peninsula and will be a valued resource to visitors and residents alike.  We hope that it will inspire people to explore the Ulster-Scots heritage of the area and we are delighted to have worked with Ards and North Down Borough Council on the project. Ian Crozier, Chief Executive Ulster-Scots Agency.

The booklet is available for download from; visitardsandnorthdown.com, from local visitor information centres and points within the Borough or by calling Bangor Visitor Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or Ards Visitor Information Centre 028 9182 6846.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (February 15-21).

• NI Science Festival 2016, various locations, Northern Ireland, February 18-28. Let your mind wonder over 11 days at the NI Science Festival with over 100 events and infinite ideas. Events are happening across 25 venues throughout Northern Ireland and will focus on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with some of the best scientists from Northern Ireland and beyond discussing their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.

• Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships, Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, Co. Down, February 15-21. Children of all ages are being encouraged to get out into the fresh air and have fun jumping in puddles this February half term. At the Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships kids will be able to compete against each other to see who can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump. Marks will be awarded for creativity, enthusiasm and jumping style, with fantastic prizes on offer!

• Goldilocks and the Three Bears Sing-along Show, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, February 20. Watch the much-loved fairytale come to life on an unforgettable live stage production of song and laughter. Featuring fantastic costumes, an amazing stage and colourful lighting, it will be an experience for all the family to remember with interactive moments that both children and parents can enjoy. Show begins at 2pm.

• The Field, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, February 18-20. Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society returns with ‘The Field’, John B Keane’s fierce and tender study of the love a man can have for land and the lengths he will go to hold on to it. This classic piece of Irish theatre was first presented to the Irish stage in 1965.  Show begins at 8pm.

• Destination Space, W5, SSE Arena, Belfast, every Tuesday until March 29. Backed by the UK Space Agency, W5 have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station! Packed with experiments, investigations and problem-solving activities, linked back to human space flight, young crew members will leave inspired. Visitors can expect to learn about roles in space crew, rocket launches, daily life for astronauts on the International Space Station. Check show times upon arrival.

• The Jazzabelles, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, February 20. Set in 1950s Belfast, this original musical tells the story of three girls who long for a better life, and form a jazz trio after a chance meeting. However the road to stardom is far from smooth, and the Jazzabelles must overcome bullying, blackmail and bigotry along the way. The Jazzabelles is a high energy tale of triumph over adversity performed by top local talent. Show begins at 8pm.

• Dahl At 100, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, February 16. Calling all mischief makers! Inspired by the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, get crafty and create a collection of Dahl inspired characters that reflect your personality. The perfect way to spend a day off during half-term. From 10am – 4pm.

• Alvin and the Chipmunks Clayrazy Workshop, Strand Arts Centre, Belfast, February 16. The Clayrazy and Bricks 4 Kidz instructors guide you through your tailored workshop, teaching you how to create your own model which you then get to take home. Learn new skills while having fun! Suitable for children aged 4 and over. Begins at 2.15pm.

• Half Term, Half Price, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, until February 16. Interested in a day full of activities for all the family? Zip lining, archery, abseiling, orienteering and more are available here to ensure a day full of action, adventure and adrenaline.

• The Funky Wedding Fayre, Bellinis Newry, Newry, Co. Down, February 21. Your wedding day should be as personal and unique as you want it, so the Funky Wedding Fayre, showcasing everything vintage, quirky and alternative for your special day, is not to be missed. Begins at 1pm.

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. 

Down

The world’s most popular toy will bring families closer to nature at Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber.  The Giant LEGO® Brick Animal Trail will be at the Wetland Centre from Saturday 13th February to Sunday 20th March, with the sculptures sitting among some of their real-life cousins. The awesome models, which include a giant otter, a massive mallard and a colossal kingfisher, will form a trail for kids (and big kids) to inspire them to build a better future for nature. Follow the trail around the nature reserve to discover how many LEGO bricks have been used to make each animal. Visitors can also enter a competition to win their own LEGO kit. Trail is included in the admission price.

Armagh

Have a family Valentines lunch this Valentine’s Day at Navan Fort and enjoy the love story that comes to live before your eyes!  Two clans both alike in strength, in fair Emain Macha, where the scene is set…. Join Rohan and Jacinta, as they try to mend the divide between their fathers, Lord McRoche of the South land and Lord Cahill of the North. Will these two young lovers be together again or will their families tear Ulster apart?

Fermanagh

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day with Share Discovery Village and Cruise Fermanagh’s tranquil Lakelands on board Share’s Inishcruiser – a charming way to explore the truly unspoiled countryside of Upper Lough Erne while spending time with a loved one or friend.

Tyrone

Enjoy a Night With the Stars this Thursday 11th February at the Alley Theatre Strabane.  Join six of country music’s most popular stars all on one super show in the company of a live band. Each performing their biggest hits, you will enjoy a night with top stars Ritchie Remo, John Hogan, Frank McCaffrey, Joe Moore, Chris Logue and Keelan.

Derry/Londonderry

This 1/2 Term weekend why not get out and enjoy the great outdoors at Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady.  Interested in a day full of activities for all the family? Come and enjoy a day of action, adrenaline and adventure packed activities with all your loved ones.  Activities will include: Climbing Wall, Zip Lining, Archery, Abseiling, Team Games, Orienteering, Leap of Faith, Crate Stack, Centipede and more.  Minimum age 4 years, but 8 years old for High Ropes, all safety equipment will be provided.

Antrim

Ballymena Festival of Music, Speech and Dance will celebrate its first hundred years with a grand Centenary Concert on 13th February at the Braid Arts Centre.  To mark the Centenary there will be an exhibition on the history of the Festival, as well as a commemorative book funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The highlight of the celebrations, however, will be the concert featuring past performers from across the decades including The Priests, flautist Stephen Rankin and Alexandra Ford.

Belfast

Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with a romantic Valentine’s Titanic Sunday Afternoon Tea. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase, this Afternoon Tea is an experience not to be missed. Children can choose from a special Afternoon Tea menu for those aged 2-11.
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Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke’s Run to Remember on Benone Strand is back on 26th March 2016.

The 5/10k run/walk will take place on Easter Saturday morning on the stunning Benone Beach and is the perfect excuse to plan your Easter Weekend up at the North Coast with family and friends! The event is professionally organised with 26 Extreme, offers a big start and finish with beats pumping, MC, timing chips and medals at the finish for all!

NICHS are looking for runners or walkers to either run to remember someone they’ve lost to a chest, heart or stroke illness or for a friend or family member who is living with one of these conditions every day.

Kerry Anderson, Direct or of Fundraising explains “Run to Remember at Benone is about remembering the 20 people who die every day in Northern Ireland from chest, heart or stroke illnesses as well those living every day with one of these conditions. Last year the event attracted 185 participants and raised over £10,000 for NICHS which is used by us for the care and prevention of chest, heart and stroke illnesses in your local area.”

Kerry continues “We work with people who have these conditions and their families, offering crucial practical and emotional support at what can be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Our support groups provide an opportunity for people to come together and share experiences while benefitting from a structured programme of activities including rehabilitation, exercise and information about their conditions. We do health promotion work in schools, with the homeless and in the workplace. We fund research relating to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. And we campaign at Assembly level for the people who are affected by these conditions and their families. So please do consider taking part in the Benone Run to Remember for NICHS. It will really makes a difference to so many people in NI.”

To Register:
www.nichs.org.uk/benone
For more information please contact Cheryl Brown on 028 90266740 or cbrown@nichs.org.uk.

For further information on Run to Remember:
Tel: 028 9032 0184
www.facebook.com/runtorememberNICHS

Dave was in the original cast of CATS. On opening night he was sacked. He was not a happy pussy.

After a sold out run at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this comedy about the greatest musical star that never got to shine finally makes it to the Baby Grand.

Starring Gerard McCarthy, CAT isn’t so much a love letter to musical theatre . . . more a death threat.

Not for the faint hearted:  contains high kicks and swearing!

Written by Jamie Beamish & Richard Hardwick.

• The Grand Opera House, Belfast: Thursday 18^th February 2016 – 8pm
• The Grand Opera House, Belfast: Friday 19^th February 2016 – 8pm

Tickets for Grand Opera House are available:

In person at the GOH Box Office

By Telephone: 028 90 24 1919
Book On Line: www.goh.co.uk

In the modern world of sport, cutting-edge science is being employed to develop new materials, equipment and techniques, all with the aim of making us better, stronger, faster!

From 18-21 February, W5 is teaming up with Queen’s University, Sport Northern Ireland’s Sports Institute, Ulster University, The Greenpower Education Trust and others to bring you four fun days of interactive sports exhibits, displays, inspirational talks, demonstrations and workshops!

In addition to Formula Student single seater racing cars from Queen’s University and Ulster University, our interactive exhibition area will include a stunning full size Formula One car with the latest simulation software! Can you set the fastest lap on one of the world’s most famous racetracks? Also on display will be electric racing cars designed and built by local schools as part of the Greenpower electric car challenge.

Why not tackle a virtual rugby player, check your reaction time or see if you can jump as high as a top basketball player! How good is your iron shot? Find out in the golf simulator; and our range of visual sports simulators will allow you to test your skill and your nerves as you kick conversions in rugby or take penalties against a virtual goalkeeper in an intense stadium environment.

Better, Stronger, Faster is part of the 2016 NI Science Festival and is FREE with admission to W5. For further information, visit w5online.co.uk.

The Other Half is a unique collaboration between the leading lights of crime fiction and country music!

Presented by Lakin McCarthy, The Other Half featuring Mark Billingham and My Darling Clementine is at The Old Courthouse on Thursday 25 February at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £10 & £8 (Concession). To book, call 028 9446 3113 or book online at

www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

In a rundown Memphis bar, Marcia – a washed-up Vegas showgirl – works double shifts and reflects on her single doomed shot at happiness, while her customers tell the stories of their own troubled lives. This will be an evening of stories…tales of love, loss and murder!

‘Country romanticism and hard-boiled crime come together in a story that perfectly emphasizes the drama contained within the music.’

The story is written and narrated by bestselling crime author Mark Billingham, whose Detective Thorne series has been adapted for TV starring David Morrissey.  The tales are sound tracked by the fantastic My Darling Clementine, the internationally acclaimed Americana duo whose powerful and poignant songs echo the best of country music duos through their close harmonies and musical skill.

“Where literature and music collide is a perfect wrap for this latest project by top selling crime fiction writer Mark Billingham and the UK’s premier act for keeping the flame of classic country alive My Darling Clementine”. Threechordsandthetruthuk

An ‘open day’ recruitment drive is taking place for the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall on Saturday, 27 February.

Up to 70 people will be recruited at the one day recruitment event to create a pool of casual workers for the two top city centre venues.

Organisers hope they will attract diverse interest from as wide a cross section of the public as possible, including people with caring  responsibilities and those able to work hours outside the usual ‘9 to 5’.

A number of exciting casual opportunities will be available; Assistant Duty Manager, Client Support Assistant, Box Office Assistant, Production Technician, Host, Porter and it is expected that the casual work will be available from April following initial training.

Potential applicants are asked to bring photographic ID along on the day.  Application forms will be available online and at the jobs kiosk in Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street in Belfast from 11 February. These can be completed in advance or may be completed on the day.

The open day will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 27 February at the new look Belfast Waterfront.

For further information go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/<http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/>jobs

Have you ever wanted to visit the Pyramids in Egypt, experience the Niagara Falls or the Great Wall of China or see at first hand a Mini Shuttle? Now you can — or at least the Lego version of 70 wonders of the ancient and modern world that are on display in Derry.

The seven Wonders of the World are among the many unique and intricate LEGO designs that are featured in the 70-piece Brick Wonders exhibition in Derry for a 12-week showcase that has captured the imagination of thousands of LEGO lovers across the world.

The exhibition arrived in Derry for its first visit to the island of Ireland after a hugely successful showcase in Rome. The exhibition, secured by Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of its Science and Innovation Programme, will be hosted at the Nerve Centre from until 02 May 2016 and is expected to be a huge draw for families and LEGO enthusiasts across Ireland especially during the mid-term break and Easter holidays.

Tickets for the exhibition are selling well and fans are encouraged to book their 90-minute slot in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets are currently on sale via the Nerve Centre box office on 028 71 260 562 and www.nervecentre.org. Prices: Under 2 yrs Free; Child (2-16yrs) £4; Adult (16+) £5; Family (1 Adult + 3 Children) £15; Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £15. A £1.50 booking fee will apply. Group bookings (15+) can be made via Nerve Centre at the number above.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion speaking ahead of the launch on Friday says securing the Brick Wonders exhibition is a major coup for the city.

“The Brick Wonders exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for families to see at first hand over 70 LEGO models of the Wonders of the World featuring not only the Seven Wonders of the World but a range of ancient, modern and historic exhibits such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef and Niagra Falls. It’s an ideal midterm break activity and a huge draw for LEGO enthusiasts across the country,” she said.

Warren Elsmore, creator of Brick Wonders, has recreated the Wonders of the World in painstaking detail and is hugely excited to bring the exhibition to Derry. “We are delighted to bring the Brick Wonders exhibition to Ireland and particularly to Derry, after a very successful run in Rome. The Brick Wonders exhibition is great fun and a fantastic way for me as an artist to show the versatility of LEGO and the amazing wonders of the world through time. While many of the original seven ancient wonders of the world have crumbled away, the Brick Wonders exhibition shows them in full LEGO glory while at the same time exhibiting some of the new wonders of the world and treasures from the past millennium that remain standing today.”

Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy withDerry City and Strabane District Council said in addition to the exhibition, the Council is organising a LEGO trail across the Council area to showcase the winning entries of the Brick Wonders LEGO competition, which attracted over 140 participants creating unique designs of significant landmarks.

“The LEGO trail will be an opportunity for the public to view the winning entries of our competition at a host of locations across the Council area including a number of shopping centres, leisure centres, the Alley Theatre in Strabane,  Altnagelvin Hospital, the Visit Derry offices and Ebrington. It is our way of showcasing the creative talent of the entries and to promote the exhibition to a wider audience.”

In addition to the exhibition and trail, a series of workshops are being held, details of which are to be announced later in the week.

Elsa Edwards, legacy officer with the Council added:  “The arrival of Brick Wonders in Derry is fantastic for the city and district. It’s a fantastic learning tool for kids and a good way of encouraging young people, families and LEGO enthusiasts to interact and be creative. We have a special break-out area just off the exhibition space where you can get involved in creating LEGO and interacting with each other in a series of games and experiments. The Brick Wonders Exhibition is another way of encouraging children and young people to become interested in the STEM subjects and to use their creative and design talents to come up with unique creations and intricate designs.”

For more information on the exhibition and to purchase tickets visit www.nervecentre.org.

School bookings can be made through Derry City and Strabane District Council, contact Elsa Edwards on Tel: 02871253253 or Email: elsa.edwards@derrystrabane.com