Bring along your youngest scientists for W5’s next Little Sparks toddler sessions on Wednesday 12 October! Visit W5’s under 8s area, the town of Discovery, and take part in a 25 minute ‘Potions for Little Wizards’ workshop as part of your visit!
Children are born natural scientists so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, explore, play and have fun? The town of Discovery is a place where children can learn about themselves and the world around them. Get hands-on with its interactive exhibits, play animal sounds in the farmyard, paddle in a virtual rock pool at the beach or flick through digital storybooks in the castle.
Little Sparks will be held one morning each month in W5. (Term time only) Your special Little Sparks ticket allows you entry into W5 from 10am – 12noon (unless otherwise stated) and sessions are aimed at children aged between 18 months and 4 years.
There will be two sessions held in the morning and each session will be themed and will include a 25 minute workshop at 10:30am or 11:15am with one of W5’s education team. Places are limited and must be pre booked by calling 028 9046 7790 or 028 9046 7793.
Costs
• Children 4 and under: £1 each
• Adults: £5.50
• Additional (non-participating) children over 4: £4.50
Details of up and coming sessions
Workshop: Potions for Little Wizards – 12 October 2016
Get ready for Halloween by learning how to make the most powerful potions for Little Wizards. Watch the magic unfurl with fizzes and pops along the way!
Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): 0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – Feld Entertainment, Inc., the worldwide leader in producing live touring family entertainment, announced that its 34thDisney On Ice spectacular will bring the Academy Award® winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen, to life. Disney On Ice presents Frozen is set to mesmerize audiences when the show arrives into Northern Ireland on FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER; tickets go on sale this THURSDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER.
The entire Academy Award® winning tale will be told live for the first time in this brand new production, capturing the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers. Rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf and the mystical trolls help Anna along the way in this story about love conquering fear. Audiences will get to sing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”
“In our more than 30 years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like this,” says producer Nicole Feld. “While it might seem obvious that Frozen is well suited for the ice, this Disney On Ice production will touch audiences emotionally through innovative show elements and world-class skating.”
Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee add, “Seeing audiences around the world embrace Frozen has been the experience of a lifetime. And to now have the chance to consult with the talented team at Feld Entertainment and watch their creation come to life on ice, is thrilling.”
In Disney On Ice presents Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the magical story based in Arendelle, with special appearances by beloved Disney princesses and favorite characters from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story and Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, who come together to prove that true love is the greatest power of all. Director Patty Vincent says, “Our goal is to showcase these heartwarming characters in a way that allows the audience to cheer and sing along throughout this emotional journey.”
To create a completely immersive experience for the audience, the set design will encompass the space from the ice surface up through the air, drawing everyone into the story and closer to the characters. Families will feel that they are trekking up to the North Mountains with Anna, Kristoff and Sven, and they will tangibly experience the storm inside Elsa. Elsa’s magic will be enhanced by state-of-the art special effects while her emotions will be conveyed through powerful skating.
Producers Nicole Feld and Kenneth Feld have selected the brightest and most creative minds in the industry to put together this spectacular show.
Patty Vincent (Director) – Directed numerous Feld Entertainment ice and stage shows including Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After, Dare to Dream and Treasure Trove; began her career at Feld Entertainment as a skater 31 years ago and has advanced in the company to become the Character Development Director for all touring Disney On Ice productions. In this role, she creates movement that best suits the performers, as well as the animation of the character they portray in each production. Additional credits include co-director of Playhouse Disney Live! and co-director of High School Musical Summer Celebration (stage show).
Cindy Stuart (Choreographer) – Four-time Professional Skaters Association “Choreographer of the Year award” nominee and the 2014 Sonja Henie award nominee; collaborated with Olympic Gold Medalist Robin Cousins on multiple projects; choreographed for US Champion Gracie Gold, US Bronze Medalist Mirai Nagasu, World and Olympic Champions Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao and Olympic Champions Jamie Salé and David Pelletier; choreographer for several Disney On Ice productions, including Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After.
Adam Wilson and Melanie Wilson LaBracio (Writers) – The brother-sister writing team started their career together as children putting on elaborate puppet shows for neighbors in their parents’ living room. Their creativity followed them into adulthood, and their ability to capture a youthful voice has yielded a broad range of projects including Trolls, an upcoming DreamWorks Animation feature film based on the iconic Troll toy property; an animated children’s series they are developing for Amazon Studios; and another upcoming Feld production, Marvel Universe LIVE! Their credits extend to other major production companies, including The Weinstein Company, Paramount, Universal and Nickelodeon.
Steve Bass (Scenic Designer) – Multi-Emmy® award winner and holds countless credits throughout the entertainment industry as a scenic designer. As a professional known for his ability to interpret avant-garde concepts into masterful, visual displays, his breadth of experience reads as a playbill of the most prestigious events in Hollywood and theatre. His credits include the 83rd Annual Academy Awards® and several Tony ® and Grammy® award productions, along with Good Morning America, Sesame Street Live and Curious George, as well as collaborating on Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® performances.
Gregory A. Poplyk (Costume Designer) – Emmy®-nominated costume designer known for his expert use of color has worked in all venues from drama to opera to ballet, he is best known for designing large scale musicals. His work has been seen at theatres across the country, among them the Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, New York City Ballet, the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and the Ordway Theatre in Minneapolis. Most recently he created the costumes for the Broadway musical Scandalous and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®Presents Built To Amaze!℠ and DRAGONS℠.
Sam Doty (Lighting Designer) – Credits include Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After, Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®Presents Barnum Bash℠and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®Presents Super Circus Heroes℠; has assisted in the planning and building of every Feld Entertainment show since 2006. Doty’s vast experience with lighting dance shows and his understanding of rhythm and melody play an integral role in his unparalleled ability to translate music and movement into light.
For a complete list of tour dates, visit the Disney On Ice website (http://www.DisneyOnIce.com) and stay current on the latest developments through social media, including instructions on how to access presale codes for tickets as early as May 20th:
Tourism Northern Ireland recently held its training day (Thursday 1 September 2016) for the new round of WorldHost Ambassador Workshop programme delivery at Balloo House in Killinchy, recognising that the borough of Ards and North Down has a fabulous reputation for its food and drink: from growers and producers to suppliers and places to consume.
Pictured at the WorldHost Ambassador training day at Balloo House, Killinchy are (from left to right) Steven Chambers, WorldHost; Louise McKinstry, Tourism Northern Ireland; Danny Millar, Balloo House; Siofra O’Reilly, Sort Training and Clare McGill, Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Tourism Northern Ireland recognises the value that customer service along with great food can deliver for any business and is co-operating with Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver a bespoke programme which presents a golden opportunity for front-line staff to develop their skills and knowledge to power sales in local businesses this year.
The WorldHost Ambassador Workshop gives staff and volunteers the skills to deliver a warm and friendly welcome to customers and visitors, and is particularly focused on their role as an ambassador for their local area. WorldHost Food Ambassador is a recognised and accredited training programme tailored specifically for Northern Ireland’s acclaimed food and drink industry.
Louise McKinstry, Tourism NI said, “We are delighted that Ards and North Down Borough Council have seized this opportunity to shine a light on, and invest further in both their people and their food”.
Candidates will learn how to equip themselves with knowledge about what’s on offer in their local community which can take their service to another level. They will be encouraged to think about what is available in the local area, and how a positive and enthusiastic attitude can have a real effect on the visitor experience and ultimately, visitor spend.
2016, as the Year of Food and Drink offers the perfect opportunity to showcase produce, tastes, venues and to shout about our home-grown classics and to spread the word about our amazing chefs and restaurants, building a legacy for Ards and North Down as the destination of choice for a fabulous food experience.
The programme will commence in the autumn and details can be obtained by visiting www.signalni.com or contacting Ards and North Down Borough Council on 028 9147 3788.
Maria Doyle Kennedy will perform in the intimate setting of The Old Courthouse, Antrim on Friday 23 September at 7.30pm.
Maria is an Irish singer, actor and filmmaker. Together with her husband Kieran Kennedy she runs a small independent record label (Mermaid Records) and they have released seven albums to date.
Recent acting credits include Orphan Black (for which she won two Canadian Screen Awards). Most recently she completed filming on Jupiter Ascending and A Thousand Times Goodnight which won the Special Jury Prize at the Montreal Festival.
Sing released in 2012 features duets with Damien Rice, Paul Brady and John Prine. Hot Press described Sing as “Maria’s Masterpiece”. Inarguably Sing is her most accomplished and accessible work yet, a celebration of “the power of the voice, the sound a group of people can make when lifting their voices together – the human act of singing”.
Maria commented “Playing live gives me more pleasure than almost anything else. Something extra happens when you’re playing live. It’s the best way to share the songs, I think. The expression of them is different and affected by the people who are in the room. You’re sharing the songs with your audience.”
Maria has sung live with Snow Patrol in 2011 and 2012 and has spent more than two decades performing all over the world from audiences at Glastonbury, Oxygen and the Cambridge Folk Festival, to small, intimate theatres. Maria’s reputation was strong enough to earn her a place singing on the album “The Lady Sings The Blues” alongside Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Tina Turner and Annie Lennox.
Don’t miss your chance to hear the wonderfully talented Maria Doyle Kennedy perform at The Old Courthouse on Friday 23 September. Tickets available from Box Office on 028 9442 8331 or online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice
Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.
Autumn Escape, City Hotel Derry, Derry~Londonderry, from £49.50pps. Situated in a beautiful setting in Derry City with panoramic views of the river Foyle and only steps away from the famous city walls, shops, bars, restaurants, the City Hotel is perfect for a short break. Enjoy a fantastic Autumn Escape at the four-star hotel. This special offers includes one night’s accommodation, a three-course evening meal and full Irish breakfast the following morning. Also included is complimentary use of the Health and Fitness Centre. To book call (028) 71 365 800
Ladies Who Shop, Silverbirch Hotel, Co. Tyrone, from £130 per night. Found in the bustling market town of Omagh, the three-star Silverbirch Hotel is ideal for business trips, family vacations and romantic breaks away showcasing classic interiors in modern, elegant surroundings. Indulge in a ‘guilt free’ shopping getaway in association with Menary’s/Tempest. Package includes one night’s accommodation, dinner, full Irish breakfast, complimentary glass of wine and a £20 voucher for Menary’s/Tempest. To book call (028) 82 242520.
Fitz and Thrones, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, from £215 per night. The luxurious Fitzwilliam Hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city with easy access to shops, theatres and restaurants. This specially themed package is the ultimate break for any fan of HBO’s award-winning Game of Thrones® TV show. Package includes overnight accommodation in a luxurious room, breakfast, a four-course evening meal, Game of Thrones® cocktail and a filming locations day tour. Subject to availability. Available until 30 September 2016. To book call (028) 90 442080.
Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 12 – September 18).
Culture Night, Various locations, Northern Ireland, September 16. Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts through a packed programme of events including tasters, tours, talks, trails, demonstrations, activities and gigs. This year, it will take place on Friday 16th September 2016 in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Armagh and Downpatrick.
Mount Stewart Conversations, Mount Stewart, Co. Down, September 17 – 18. An unmissable festival weekend of debate, ideas, storytelling, art and music on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016. Tickets on sale now for an inspiring, mind-expanding, one of a kind weekend at Mount Stewart. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Invasion Derry, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, September 17 – 18. Ireland’s premier Star Wars costuming club, The Emerald Garrison, will be Invading Derry this September. It includes a line-up of talks, and fun interactive activities as well as the Emerald Garrison’s hugely popular props and replicas. Visitors of all ages will love meeting and posing with over 40 costumed characters including legions of Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clone Troopers, Darth Vader, Wookies and many, many more!
Good Food Market, The Argory, Co. Armagh, September 17. In celebration of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, come along to taste and buy a range of locally sourced produce. The once bustling Courtyard at The Argory will come alive with cookery demonstrations, music and country activities. 11.00am – 4:00pm. Normal Admission. Members Free.
Full Moon & Penumbral Eclipse Boat Trip, Castle Ward, Co. Down, September 17. Enjoy the tranquillity of Strangford Lough at twilight, a full moon rising over the water to set off the beautiful scenery of the area. Visit the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, Seal colonies at Cloughey Rocks Nature Reserve and much more. Suitable for ages 3+. Booking Essential: Contact Strangford Sea Safari on 028 4372 3933
Country Comes To Town, Portadown, Co. Armagh, September 17. Country Comes To Town is a cross-community festival with a rural ethos that will appeal to all ages, showcasing diverse crafts, cultures and traditions. The festival includes, vintage vehicles, country music, walkabout performance, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and wood-turning, performing arts, food traders and demonstrations.
Tesco Taste Festival, Custom House Square, Belfast, September 16 – 18. The fabulous Tesco Taste Festival is returning to Custom House Square in Belfast. Now in its eighth year, this free Festival, which attracts around 20,000 visitors, looks set to be even bigger and better than before with tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations and live music.
Star Wars – The Force Awakens (Outdoor Cinema), Solitude Park, Co. Down, September 16. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be screened for the first time under the stars at Solitude Park. Gather friends and family and bring a picnic hamper, rugs and jackets for what is set to be an engrossing evening in the open air.
Titanic: Window on Emigration, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, until 31 January. Set in the context of European emigration, Titanic: Window on Emigration explore the stories of the Irish passengers who travelled on Titanic. The exhibition uncovers the stories of steerage passengers, why they left for America and what happened to many of the 40 Irish survivors.
The Holy, Holy Bus, Grand Opera House, Belfast, September 12 – 17. Take a trip of the soul with this irreverent comedy about three women who climb on board the west Belfast Holy Holy Bus on a pilgrimage around Ireland’s most sacred sites. Suitable for ages 15+.
This Saturday 10th September, Ards and North Down Borough Council, in conjunction with the Ulster-Scots Agency, are hosting a week-long Festival which comes to a fantastic finale at The Commons in Donaghadee featuring a full programme of Ulster-Scots music, activities and food with the highlight of the day being a performance from the world-renowned Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The event will include a Peninsula Picnic Showcase organised by SERC, featuring live food demonstrations and local artisan producers, and lots of Ulster-Scots activities and entertainment. The day will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm. This is a FREE non-ticketed event.
Armagh
Join Paddington Bear at the Shambles Yard Armagh on Saturday 10th September 2016 at 8pm. This FREE open air cinema will have you following Paddington on his journey from deepest Peru to the bustling streets of London. Gates open at 7pm, pack your marmalade sandwiches, wrap up warm and watch Paddington on his adventures around London. This seated family cinema is FREE and available on a first come first served basis so come early to avoid disappointment. For extra comfort feel free to bring your own chair, cushions and blankets.
Fermanagh
Filmmaker Christopher Myers will give a talk at Castle Coole NT this Saturday on recent film projects shot in Fermanagh including feature film Miss Julie (filmed on location at Castle Coole), BBC comedy Blandings and a yet to be released Hollywood action film. The talk will close with a screening of a short film shot on location in Fermanagh close to Castle Coole titled Land is God – directed by Jonathan Beer, produced by Christopher Myers and Fermanagh born BAFTA winner Brian J Falconer. Booking required – 028 9082 3238.
Tyrone
Tyrone Ancient Order of Hibernians are planning a mini St Patricks Day celebration in Tyrone to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death in exile of the Great Hugh O Neill – who passed away in Rome in 1916. Known as Hibernian Day, the event will take place in Kinturk on Sunday 11th September and will involve a parade of AOH bands from across the North.
Derry/Londonderry
Join Alice and all her friends, including Mr Bloom from CBeebies in Maghera Walled Garden for some blooming good fun on Saturday 10 September from 12pm -5pm. Mr Bloom will be bringing his practical gardening tips and delivering fun workshops while children can also meet Alice and all her friends from Wonderland including the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, The White Rabbit and many more guests. Alice inspired interactive workshops and activities, other magical characters from Wonderland, music and food stalls are also on offer throughout the afternoon in this free family event.
Antrim
Join Jacqueline from whatsonni for a night full of entertainment, fine dining and fundraising for the Mid Ulster Dementia Support Group at her Gala Fundraiser this Saturday 10th September. The venue is the fabulous White River Hotel in Toome. Arrive in Black Tie on the Red Carpet at 7pm for a drinks reception and canapes. Pose for the press before the night kicks off with a sumptuous three course meal by renowned chef Michael Lennon! Email info@whatsonni.com to reserve your ticket (only a limited number of tickets available).
Belfast
Tickling your ribs and bending your mind this Saturday at the Ulster Hall, five funny friends of the Integrated Education Fund entertain in support of increasing opportunities for children of all traditions and backgrounds to learn together. Tim McGarry, David Meade, Wendy Wason, Neil Dougan and Colin Murphy offer a one-off special night of comedy, telepathy and philanthropy!
For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.
September is a wonderful time for lovers of Northern Ireland’s wide and tempting ranges of breads and buns.
IS THIS ENOUGH FLOUR MUM? Little bakers Ben and Cerys O’Neill are celebrating Bread and Baking Month by cooking up a storm at James Street South Cookery School. As part of Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016, Tourism NI is encouraging everyone to put an apron on and try out a new baking recipe or local product this September. NI is home to lots of delicious treats and bakes such as wheaten bread, fifteens, Soda Farls and Potato Bread so if you haven’t sampled any of these why not have a go at baking your own! To find out more about Bread and Baking Month go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/yearoffoodanddrink2016/ and for more information on short breaks in Northern Ireland go to www.discovernorthernireland.com.
Not only is this month dedicated to Bread and Baking in the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 calendar but the latest Great British Bake Off competition has just gotten underway meaning it’s almost impossible to avoid tray bakes, bread rolls and delicious scones.
Tourism Northern Ireland’s Communications and Destination PR Officer Rachel Quigg explained why everyone should put an apron on and try out a new baking recipe or local product this September:
“There is no better time to find out more about NI’s rich bread and baking heritage. There are lots of delicious treats and bakes native to Northern Ireland which are known all around the world like wheaten bread, fifteens, Soda Farls and Potato Bread so if you haven’t sampled any of these why not have a go at baking your own!
“There are also a variety of fun food experiences where you can try a variety of baked goods whilst enjoying music and family fun, such as the Belfast Bred Tour and the Tesco Taste Festival,” added Rachel.
Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of NI based foods, producers, events and recipes for you to enjoy:
LOCAL DELIGHTS
Baking is very popular in NI and in particular tray bakes with afternoon tea. One of the most famous bakes from NI are the always popular, fifteens. This traditional Northern Irish treat gets its name from the fact that you need fifteen of each of the main ingredients (digestive biscuits, marshmallows and glace cherries) to make them. Fifteens are a popular sweet treat thanks to how easy they are to make.
Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 saw the inaugural Ulster Fry-Day back in January, a celebration of this hearty local breakfast. Our variation on the morning fry-up wouldn’t be nearly as popular however, if it weren’t for two inspired pieces of Northern Irish baking: potato bread and soda bread. Potato, or “tatie” bread is a form of unleavened bread in which potato replaces a major portion of the wheat flour, and soda bread is soft, thick and fluffy. Both of these are popular breads on their own but they truly come into their own when they are served with bacon, sausage and eggs in a hearty Ulster Fry.
Other baked institutions in Northern Ireland include the Belfast Bap, dreamt up by a Belfast man to keep thousands of people alive during the famine and it is still being eaten today.
Another popular bread unique to Northern Ireland is Veda which was invented by Scot Robert Graham in 1904. It’s so popular that many people living abroad rely on their relatives to send them a Veda to satisfy their craving.
MUCH LOVED BAKERIES
Over one hundred years ago, W.D. Irwin and his wife Ruth opened a small bakery in Portadown, Co. Armagh, baking fresh bread for local people, delivering far afield and expanding, before the introduction of its iconic nutty crust loaf gave it a place in the history books. Nowadays, Irwin’s is situated in a purpose-built plant bakery on the Portadown outskirts and is found on shelves all over the country. It is still a family-run business and their scrumptious products include Veda, batch bread, fruit bread, and many more.
Another iconic Northern Irish brand is Ormo. Established in 1875, Ormo bread and pancakes have been loved by generations. Situated, until recently, in its famous Ormeau Road building in South Belfast, Ormo products are still being lovingly made by a 400-strong workforce in Hovis Bakeries nearby and include favourites such as pancakes, wheaten bread and soda farls.
A favourite amongst those with a sweeter tooth is French Village, a wholesale bakery in East Belfast producing cakes, muffins, cupcakes and all sort of treats for any occasion. There are also two French Village restaurants in Belfast where customers can pop in and sample freshly made delectable delights.
Another of Northern Ireland’s much loved bakery’s is JBird Bakery which offer cupcakes and muffins in a huge range of scrumptious flavours such as Madagascan vanilla, decadent chocolate, red velvet, coffee crème and coconut and raspberry.
The Heatherlea Bakery was first established in 1937 and was taken over by Paul and Patricia Getty in 1990 who have carefully grown the business. The bakery offers a range of fresh breads and cakes which have won coveted national Great Taste Awards in various categories. Try out some of their tasty treats at their cafés in Bangor or Belmont in Belfast.
EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Some of the best Northern Ireland food producers will be present at the Tesco Taste Festival in Custom House Square, Belfast on September 16-18. Now in its eighth year, the festival showcases everything great about Northern Ireland food and drink producers, suppliers and chefs, with tastings, demonstrations, tips and entertainment for all the family.
The Belfast Bred Tour runs until September 10 and participants can discover the city’s fascinating culinary history in the company of Barney, a cheeky chef from RMS Titanic. The tour is written by Seth Linder, performed by Michael Lavery and Stephen Beggs and directed by Kabosh’s Paula McFetridge. This mouth-watering tour offers the chance to chat with local chefs and savour a range of free samples at each location including Sawers Deli, Mourne Seafood, the John Hewitt and St George’s Market.
Orchard Acre Farm in Irvinestown is the perfect location for enhancing baking skills as they host a programme of farmhouse and modern cookery classes, Irish craft courses and foodie events. Tours are also available for visitors as well as presentations of the gardens, orchards and farm. From afternoon teas to seven course dining experiences, there is something for everyone and all the food is naturally home grown and made from scratch.
Suitor Craft Gallery and Coffee Shop in Dungannon offers a wide range of beautiful gifts, specialising in high quality traditional wooden toys, handmade jewellery and ceramics. Not only this, but every day, fresh homemade baking is served up, with scones, toasties and other sweet delights, and all through September, Ulster bread-making is being celebrated there, making it a unique and mouth-watering place to stop on your travels.
Those wanting an interactive day out involving some of our local baked delights need look no further than a session at James Street South Cookery School. Located in a purpose-built kitchen above the Bar and Grill on James Street South, it offers hands on cookery classes for all abilities, including bread making, and gorgeous desserts. Other cookery schools around NI which are available to test out culinary skills at include the Belfast Cookery School, Aine’s Kitchen Cookery School in Newry and Belle Isle in Co Fermanagh.
For those who have an interest in baking traditions of old, travel back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, where the story of the Irish emigration to America in the 18th and 19th century is told, bringing to life people’s daily routines and activities from the time.
The Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival takes place in Killyleagh to commemorate and celebrate one of Northern Ireland’s most famous legends, Sir Hans Sloane who invented the recipe for milk chocolate. Fun events to look out for include a Chocolate Ball on September 24, the Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Family Fun Day on September 25 and the Hans Sloane Chocolate and Fine Food Family Fun Day.
Community Ticket and A Night for Belfast initiatives make hundreds of festival tickets available across NI
Launching Ulster Bank's free ticket schemes for this year's Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival are Ulster Bank Arts Ambassadors Siobhan McKenna and Trudi Cole. The Community Ticket and A Night for Belfast initiatives will make hundreds of tickets available to individuals and community groups throughout Northern Ireland. More information at: http://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/ulsterbank/
Hundreds of tickets for this year’s Ulster Bank International Arts Festival are being offered to the public free of charge as part of two initiatives from the event’s title sponsor, it is announced today.
The Community Ticket scheme will make 150 tickets available to community groups throughout Northern Ireland while members of the public can apply for 150 free tickets through the A Night for Belfast initiative.
Richard Donnan, Head of Northern Ireland at Ulster Bank welcomed the scheme, saying:, “As title sponsor of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, one of our key focuses is to provide as many people as possible with access to the arts. This year’s programme is packed full of world class performances and we are confident that once people have experienced the buzz of the festival, they will continue to engage with the arts throughout the year.”
“I would strongly encourage community groups and members of the public to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy what promises to be a very exciting line up.”
Richard Wakely, Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival also welcomed the move by Ulster Bank saying: “We are always looking for ways to bring new audiences to the Festival and therefore applaud our title sponsors for again helping us make the Festival more accessible and inclusive.”
The 150 general public tickets are available for one of the Festival’s most hotly anticipated performances, the Irish Premier of David Greig’s version of Aeschylus’ The Suppliant Women, which promises to be an extraordinary theatrical event.
The 150 community tickets will be available for both The Suppliant Women and Taylor Mac’s 10-decade musical spectacular in which the glittering New-York artist gives his cultural take on the years before, during and after the First World War.
This Saturday, September 10, Ards and North Down Borough Council in conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency is hosting “Donaghadee Lights Up” at The Commons, Donaghadee.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers who will perform at Donaghadee Lights Up, at The Commons Donaghadee on Saturday August 10. A world-renowned bagpipe act, the group tour the globe with their unique ground-breaking fusion of traditional music and rock/pop anthems. Their live performances are high-octane and energetic and draw huge crowds wherever they go – Donaghadee will be rocking!
The FREE event will be the finale event of the Ards and North Down Ulster Scots Festival which will be running from September 4 with activities taking place across The Borough.
Featuring an afternoon of live food demonstrations from local chefs and artisan food stalls as part of the Peninsula Food Showcase, the highlight of “Donaghadee Lights Up” will be a performance by the world class Red Hot Chilli Pipers at 7.30pm and the evening will then culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a world-renowned bagpipe act who tour the globe with their unique ground-breaking fusion of traditional music and rock/pop anthems. Their live performances are high-octane and energetic and draw huge crowds wherever they go – Donaghadee will be rocking!
At 9.30pm, a spectacular fireworks display will end the evening and celebrate the end of the Ulster Scots Festival. The festival will be a celebration of Ulster-Scots heritage, from talks, including Tim McGarry’s “Ulster-Scots Odyssey” at Bangor Library, to music, from the popular Cup O’Joe, at the Hop House, Bangor, coupled with historic walks and family fun; there should be something for all tastes throughout the week.
So for some fantastic live music and family fun, come along to The Commons Donaghadee this Saturday! The Peninsula Food Showcase runs from 12 noon to 6pm. The Ulster Scots Agency Juvenile Band will take to the stage at 7pm, followed by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and fireworks finale. An event not to be missed!
For more information, phone Ards Visitor Information Centre on 028 9182 6846 or visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com
Children are born natural scientists so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, explore, play and have fun? The town of Discovery is a place where children can learn about themselves and the world around them. Get hands-on with its interactive exhibits, play animal sounds in the farmyard, paddle in a virtual rock pool at the beach or flick through digital storybooks in the castle.
