The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh has put together an amazing 5-Day line-up for Saint Patrick’s Festival, Armagh 2016 including storytelling, world-class traditional music, a celebration of singer-songwriters, family events, great music and comedy.

The celebrations kick off on Wed 16 March at 6.30pm with renowned storyteller Niall de Burca. Renowned for his shows full of energy, wit and superb timing, Niall has performed in places as diverse as Los Angeles, Iran and the European Parliament in Brussels.  This ‘master of tales’ tours worldwide, inspiring all with his traditional and original stories.

Also on Wed 16 Mar at 9.00pm is a very special evening of world-class traditional music with ‘Brian Finnegan & Friends’. Brian Finnegan from Armagh is hailed as one of the most unique and progressive voices in Irish music. Frontman with the dazzling group ‘Flook’ for more than thirteen years, this maverick flute and whistle player has toured the world and recorded three highly acclaimed studio albums with the band. ‘Flook’ were crowned ‘BBC Band Of The Year’ 2006.

He will be joined in Armagh by some the brightest stars in Irish Traditional Music – John McSherry- Pipes/Whistles | Donal O’Connor – Fiddle/Keys | Niall Murphy – Fiddle | Ed Boyd – Guitar | John Joe Kelly – Bodhran

‘Celtic Spirit’ on Fri 18 March at 8.00pm sees Karl McGuckin (baritone), Liam Lawton, Andrea Begley (winner of BBC The Voice 2014) and a musical ensemble under the musical direction of Mark Cahill join for a night of traditional and spiritual music in celebration of St Patrick. Come and hear the haunting melodies of St Patrick’s heartland resonate in this truly unique performance.

Liam Lawton is a platinum selling liturgical composer and singer of international renown. His music is now implicit in all Catholic services and has been played all over the world.

Karl McGuckin is now heralded as one of Ireland’s leading male classical crossover artists. With a background in opera and musical theatre, Karl recently sold out the Cathedral in Armagh with his Candelight Christmas Concert and can be found on tour with Celtic Tenors.

Andrea Begley rose to international prominence following her meteoric success on BBC’s The Voice. Having now sung in some of the biggest stages the British Isles has to offer, Andrea will fit in beautifully to our concert.

‘Songs From The Heart’ on Fri 18 March at 8.00pm is A Celebration Of Female Singer-Songwriters. This is an intimate and relaxing evening of wonderful original songs, with three of Northern Ireland’s foremost female songwriters. Acoustic instruments and exquisite vocals are sure to create a unique and mellow atmosphere. Mandy Bingham’s songs make a deep and lasting connection to the listener and she delivers them with a voice that is strong, pure and compelling.  Janet Henry’s strong melodies and thought provoking lyrics encompass Americana, folk and country with a voice described as true, soulful and quite simply beautiful. Edelle McMahon blends influences ranging from sean-nós storytelling to starkly confessional acoustics.

On Sat 19 March The Market Place Theatre Presents ‘Family Super Saturday’ With ‘The Merman’s Tale’ at 11.00AM OR 2.00PM. Banyan Theatre Company’s ‘The Merman’s Tale’ is based on a traditional tale by W.B Yeats. Jack is a fisherman, told stories by his grandfather of the Merman, he goes on a quest to find one… Take a magical journey with Jack as he travels beneath the sea  and discovers many wonderous things, and unlocks a secret never before been told. A visual delight told through the use of puppetry, storytelling and music.

POST SHOW ACTIVITIES: Ticket price includes post-show one hour of fun activities including Themed Craft Workshop, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling & Fancy Dress Competition with prizes For Best Dress Boy & Girl. Great value for money! Super Saturdays are recommended for age 4+

On Sat 19 March at 8.00pm is a wonderful concert by Clannad’s Moya Brennan. With ‘Clannad’ she rose to prominence with a pioneering approach to traditional music which has garnered them 15 million record sales worldwide and a string of awards, including a Grammy in 1998. Their sound has since become the benchmark for the Celtic music genre.  Moya’s solo career has continued that success with eight albums to her credit.

Comedy sensations ‘The Nualas’ bring their ‘Glitterbomb’ Tour to The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Sat 19 Mar at 8.30pm. It’s 2016 and Ireland’s favourite all-lady musical comedy sensations, The Nualas, are celebrating their 21st birthday! With scorchingly brilliant new songs, red hot new chat and blistering new shoes, The Nualas are jetting in for one night only to leave you helpless with laughter, delirious with pleasure, and a little disorientated if you can’t remember which door you came in.

The circus comes to The Market Place Theatre on Sun 20 March at 2.00pm with ‘Star Man’. Have you ever looked to the heavens for inspiration or guidance? ‘Starman’, the latest show from the award winning Tumble Circus, is an entertaining expedition into what happens when dreams and life collide. It follows the journey of one man and his life as a circus artist, a dad, and a clown. ‘Starman’ promises an energetic mix of stand-up, slapstick, sequins, and … cardboard! A One Man Circus Comedy Theatre show.

Rounding off the celebrations is ‘Flann’s Yer Only Man’ on Sun 20 March at 8.00pm. ‘Flann’s Yer Only Man’ by Val O’ Donnell is an entertainment based on the life and work of Flann O’Brien, aka Myles na Gopaleen, aka Brian O’Nolan [1911-1966], widely regarded as Ireland’s finest satirist since Jonathan Swift. Val re-enacts a wide range of extracts from the humorist’s novels and his celebrated ‘Cruiskeen Lawn’ column in The Irish Times. These are linked with key biographical events in the writer’s life.

To book tickets for events in the five-day celebration contact The Market Place Theatre Box Office on 02837 521821 or visit www.marketplacearmagh.com

The Saint Patrick’s Festival – Armagh and Downpatrick runs from 10-20 March and is supported by Tourism NI.