Ladies the hunt for the perfect fitting jeans is often as elusive as the hunt for the perfect man.

Although we think we know what we want, in reality our picker can be somewhat off and we need some expert advice on what is right for us.

Helps is at hand from the Fairhill Centre, as the leading retail outlet brings us the latest 3D body scanning technology and combines it with a free body shaping and styling event.The ‘Jeanetics-It’s All In The Jeans’ event will take place on Saturday 12 from 11am-5pm and Sunday 13 March from 1 pm-5 pm.

Grainne Devine from Fairhill said, “SS16 is a massive season for denim and there is nothing more satisfying than getting a well fitting pair of jeans that will make you look and feel great. Our 3D body scanner will define everyone’s body shapecategorising them in one of five shapes. This is a free event and we encourage shoppers to come along to check out their true body measurements. So many of our stores have denim ranges from Topshop, Miss Selfridge, River Island andNext among others so you will make sure you look hot to trot this season.”

In preparation for the Jeanetics event, here are some denim do’s and don’ts to keep you in style for SS16

• Avoid over treated pairs. Ripped, whiskered (the ugly white lines across your thighs) and very worn looking are not a good look this season.

• Watch your length. A little ankle on show is a good thing; a straight pair with material bunched around the ankle is not a popular choice.

• With footwear think opposites: A slim leg benefits from a chunkier shoe (like a brogue or loafer), a stiletto only really looks modern with a boyfriend or looser cut. Skinny heels and skinny jeans is very Wag. Avoid.

• Remember is our body shape can change and the style we wore in our twenties doesn’t mean they will still suit us in our thirties. Get the right fit, rather than just going for the latest trend.

• Keep an eye on the pockets as they can make a real difference in shaping your behind.  A button down pocket will give a curvy J-Lo effect as they will ‘lift’, pocket seams that draw down into a point will give added definition and bigger pockets are also good for balancing.

More information can be found at www.facebook.com/FairhillShoppingCentre

Follow the end of the rainbow to Solitude Park on Saturday 19 March 2016 as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council host a plentiful pot of free fun for everyone with the annual St Patrick’s Family Fun Day.

The craic gets underway at 2pm and runs until 4pm and features a host of music, activities and entertainment guaranteed to get you in the mood for a sensational St Patrick’s party.

The live music kicks off with the fantastic foot tapping Fireside Folk getting everyone up for a jig and a hoolie before the fabulous Nooks take to the stage with their quirky adaptations of modern and classic rock and pop hits.

Activities on offer for younger revellers include fun inflatables and amusement rides, face painting, balloon modellers, arts & crafts workshops, giant garden games plus a ‘treemendous’ treasure hunt with a difference! For those who fancy creating a bit of a splash, Banbridge Kayak and Canoe Club will be offering ‘come and try’ taster sessions.

Come along and meet the Fizzy Fairy the happy-go-lucky magical woodland sprite and some of her friends including Tight-Fisted O’Lanaghan, Medusa, and Leary Quinn the leprechaun who will be sure to have you craicing-up with their mischievous shenanigans

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

Ards, Comber and Holywood will be hosting special free family events over the upcoming Easter Weekend to celebrate the completion and progress of Public realm works, revitalising three of the towns in Ards and North Down.

Alice in Wonderland will help visitors explore Curiously Comber on Thursday 24 March.

The newly refurbished Conway Square will be transformed into Ards Adventure Arena for the day on Friday 25 March.

Hooray for Holywood will see the glitz and glam of ‘Tinseltown’ come to the town on Tuesday 29 March.

Information on all these events can be found at www.visitardsandnorthdown.gov.com

This Spring, Tinderbox Theatre Company is proud to see the return of an audience favourite for an intimate tour at select venues across Northern Ireland.

The Virgin Father, written by award-winning playwright Jimmy McAleavey, directed by Michael Duke, starring Stewart Ennis with stage design from Ciaran Bagnall tells a love story about the temptation to believe.

The intense 70 minute monologue gives audiences a glimpse into the life of Joe (played by Ennis) – a normal man who fell in love with and married Mary, the quiet girl in the village who was carrying someone else’s child. Failing to deal with his wife’s delusions about the pregnancy and keeping his son from joining a cult, Joe finds himself being hunted down after the disappearance of his wife.

Written by award-winning playwright Jimmy McAleavey (Monsters, Dinosaurs, Ghosts; Unhome and The Sign of The Whale) – this beautiful yet challenging piece of early work from McAleavey was first shown by Tinderbox in 2009 and has remained an audience and industry favourite ever since. Winner of the Stewart Parker Major Bursary for The Sign of the Whale in 2010, McAleavey’s theatre work has been performed on some of Ireland’s most recognised stages including the Lyric and MAC theatres in Belfast and at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Recently, the talented playwright was awarded £15,000 by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for his impressive contribution to the arts in the region. Previous recipients of this accolade include playwrights Owen McCafferty, Damian Gorman and Carlo Gebler.

Speaking about the tour, Jimmy McAleavey commented:

“I’m delighted The Virgin Father is being remounted at Easter 2016. It’s a play about martyrdom, political conflict and faith – in political ideas as well as religion – so it chimes with the centenary of the Easter Rising. Of course, it’s no coincidence that those particular Irish rebels chose Easter to mount their insurrection.’

Hanna Slättne, Dramaturg at Tinderbox, said:

“The Virgin Father was and remains one of my favourite Tinderbox productions – beautifully written, cleverly directed, perfectly acted and with flawless stage design. The subtle themes of parenthood, faith, childhood rebellion, identity and state oppression are as relevant in 2016 as they were when I first read the script in 2008 and then helped develop it with Jimmy for stage in 2009. This remount of the Virgin Father will give audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Northern Ireland’s modern classics.”

Tour Dates & Venue Locations

15 March, 8pm
Cushendall Golf Club
£8
028 9043 9313 / Tickets on the door

18 March, 8pm
Down Arts Centre
£12
028 4461 0747 / downartscentre.com

19 March, 8pm
The Playhouse, Derry
£10 / £8
028 71 268027 / derryplayhouse.co.uk

29 March – 2 April, 8pm (3pm Sat matinee)
Lyric Theatre Belfast
£12-£15 / £10
028 9038 1081 / lyrictheatre.co.uk

Damien Dempsey has confirmed a return to Mandella Hall, Belfast on Friday 8^th April, as part of his full band Irish tour, having sold out the venue previously in 2014. Tickets are on sale now from all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Damien Dempsey is a singer and songwriter who has never shied away from politics or history. The songs contained on his six studio albums and numerous live releases are essentially songs about people, the human condition, the Irish identity, if you like. For this special performance Damien will draw upon the repertoire you would likely hear at his infamous Christmas shows but with the addition of specially chosen songs that will reflect the occasion the entire country is marking, in tribute to the men and women of the Easter Rising.

March / April 2016 Irish Tour Dates

Wed 16th March – Róisín Dubh, Galway

Thurs 17th March – Róisín Dubh, Galway

Sat 19th March – Dolans, Limerick

Sun 27th March – Vicar St, Dublin

Fri 1st April – Cork Opera House

Sat 2nd April – National Opera House, Wexford

Fri 8th April – Mandela Hall, Belfast

Sat 9th April – Fusion Venue, Drogheda

Easter 1916 was a seminal moment in the evolution of Ireland from an oppressed society to the celebrated multi-cultural country it is now. It was a turning point of sorts, a strong-willed change in the direction and destiny of the Republic.

In more oppressed times, song and oral tradition was a means of communication and radical thought that could bypass the censorship of the ruling classes. Song, of course, has remained one of the most essential forms of documentation of our lives.

In his songs, Damien examines everyday struggles that affect us all, such as depression, poverty, addiction, but more broadly how the weight of history has burdened the mood and confidence of a creative society – not just in Ireland, but around the globe and throughout history. But as much as he faces up to the grave consequences of these subjects what he ultimately manages to do is celebrate the spirit of defiance and freedom with huge, emotional, boisterous heart-lifting songs. Damien’s sense of empathy, love and community all conspire to create an atmosphere of optimism. His voice is booming and proud. His band bring together the ancient and the modern in a rock-steady groove. Musically, Damien’s journey is one of diversity and collaboration, uniting folk, traditional Irish music, rock, Jamaican music and rap into a melting pot that reflects the journey he has seen his own country embark upon.

Don’t miss Damien Dempsey this spring at the intimate surrounds of the Mandella Hall, Belfast. Tickets are priced £18.00 including booking fee and can be purchased online from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets including DV8, Belfast. 24 Hr CC bookings from 0844 847 2455.

www.damiendempsey.com