Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this Weekend across the North.

Down

There’s something fishy going on in Solitude Park on Friday 7th October 2016 at 7pm when Nemo, Marlin and Dory make a splash on the big screen with a free outdoor screening of the family favourite Finding Nemo.  This animated aquatic adventure follows the comedic and eventful journeys of the fretful Marlin and his young son Nemo.  To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot and tasty treats throughout the event.  So pack a comfy cushion and a cosy blanket and settle down to enjoy a free movie night under the stars at Solitude Park.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this Saturday 8th October for Willow Weaving Saturday! Learn how to use this natural product to create some stunning pieces of work. It is amazing what can be achieved with nimble fingers and willow. In the past they have made fencing, baskets, and even the beautiful pig ‘Sow-Anne’. Now it’s your turn to get involved.  Help make a Celtic Bull for the 2017 Wickerman Celebration. Suitable for 6 years + everyone is welcome to participate!

Fermanagh

Don’t miss this weekend’s Model and Collector’s Fayre in Irvinestown. A fun day with lots to see for adults and children alike, with something to appeal to all interests. Whether you want to view others private collections or layouts or add to your own this is the place to be. See railway layouts, farm models and homemade displays, football memorabilia, die cast cars, motorbikes, lorries, aircraft, construction displays, wooden toys and crafts. Many items will be available to purchase on the day. Refreshments will be available on Saturday. Fayre open Friday evening and all day Saturday.

Tyrone

Once again c21 Theatre Company bring Shakespeare to life on stage at the Alley Theatre, Thursday 6th October. Edited and directed specifically for schools by Arthur Webb, this fast-moving production follows the eventful life of the evil Scottish warrior and his power-hungry wife. Prophecy, witchcraft, murder and revenge all play a part in their tragic demise and guarantee a captivating production for audiences of all ages.

Derry/Londonderry

Take part in the Jungle NI’s Zombie Run on 9th October at 11am. Brave participants will complete a daring 5K obstacle trail whilst being chased by running zombies.  There’s nothing between you and the finish line, apart from some obstacles. Oh, and the Zombie living dead – did we forget to mention that?  Each runner starts with three lives (flags worn around the waist), & as you run the 5k, through mud and obstacles, it’s up to the zombies who will be attempting to steal one of your three lives. It’s up to you to make it to the finish line with as many lives intact as possible.

Antrim

The Ballygally Castle is the setting for Perfect Bliss’ Wedding Fayre on Sun 9th October 2016 from 1.00pm.  The Event will showcase the newly refurbished Hotel, host over 50 Wedding Suppliers, showcase Bridal, Grooms & MOB/G & Occasion Wear on the Catwalk.  All complimented with live entertainment.  There will be some lovely spot prizes to be won throughout the afternoon.

Belfast

Do you want to Unleash Your Creativity? The Crescent Arts Centre, based in the heart of South Belfast, offers over 250 classes, workshops and events each week for both adults and children alike.  If you too love the wooden puppet who was dreaming of becoming a real boy, then you’ll enjoy this Saturday’s workshop, Pinocchio, full of curiosities about his author Carlo Collodi, the characters and the places of the book (including the oak from which poor Pinocchio was hanged – and then saved by the Blue Fairy!), the theme park dedicated to the puppet, the best-known films that he inspired, and so much more.

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.

What’s On Ards & North Down

Friday 7 October – Thursday 13 October

Friday 7 October, Talk: ‘Recording Ireland’s First World War Landscapes’

North Down Museum, Bangor

Starts 1pm

Free. Join us at North Down Museum for an afternoon lecture discussing the archaeological investigations into the training of Kitchener’s Irish divisions during the Great War.

The research brings together archaeological and historical analysis on British training camps in Ireland within a much broader historiography of the First World War.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 8 October, Guided Tours: Tea with the Lord

Ballywalter Park, Ballywalter

Embrace this superb opportunity to visit this beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years.

Become a member of the gentry for the afternoon as the affable Lord Dunleath guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and scones, in the historic conservatory.

2pm – 5.30pm

Tickets £18 Ad, £9 Ch (under 14). Tickets include a light refreshment.

Info and Booking: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Sunday 9 and Monday 10 October, Peninsula Food Showcase: Loaves and Fishes (Flyer attached)

Ballywalter Park, Ballywalter

The ancestral home of Lord and Lady Dunleath, is the venue for the Loaves and Fishes, a programme of masterclasses in local seafood cuisine and traditional bread making delivered by chefs of international repute.

Part of the Seafood Week 2016, this unique event is aimed at catering professionals and the public. This event is supported by the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Thursday 13 October, Historical Society Talk: Scrabo Tower and the Londonderry’s

North Down Museum, Bangor

Starts 8pm

Free for members, £4 for non-members

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Tickets now on sale for…

Wednesday 26 October, Guided Walk: Halloween Walking Tour

Conway Square, Newtownards

Discover the ghosts and ghouls of Newtownards

Departs 7.30pm

Tickets £6 Ad, £4 Ch

Info and Booking: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Halloween in Ards and North Down

Saturday 22 October, Seapark Fireworks

Holywood

Fun, food and a fireworks finale

4pm – 9pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Wednesday 26 October, Halloween Walking Tour

Conway Square, Newtownards

Discover the ghosts and ghouls of Newtownards

7.30pm

(Adult £6 / Child £4)

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Saturday 29 October, Halloween Crafty Kids

North Down Museum, Bangor

10am-12noon.

Come along during half-term to make your very own Halloween craft and bring it home. The price includes all materials and children are welcome

to bring a drink or nibbles if they would like (no nuts please) Suitable for ages 5 to 11yrs.

£5, early booking is essential.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 29 October, Halloween Fun Day

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon-4pm.

A perfect afternoon for the little ones! Bricks4kidz Clay, meet creepy crawlies and find out all about them,

Magic shows and all day we will be showing child-friendly Halloween Films.

Little ones can come in fancy dress! Check website for timings of activities.

FREE

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 29 October, Ghostly Grey Abbey

The Abbey, Grey Abbey

Halloween themed food, drinks, tours and activities. Part of the Peninsula Food Showcase. This event is supported by the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

5pm – 9pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Sunday 30 October, Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

Creepy creatures, crafts and traditional music

1pm – 4pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Meet the Maker ‘Nature’s Treasures’

Saturday Until Saturday 29 October

The Space Gallery, Ards Crafts, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards

An exhibition of Jewellery design by Newtownards-based Gillian Downing.

Info: (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Exhibition: Barbara Allen Art

Until Friday 28 October

The Community Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

This watercolour exhibition highlights the seafood’s harvested around our shores.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Exhibition: The Irene Sendler Window

Monday 31 October

The Nostalgia Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

David Esler worked with a group of ex service personnel, nurses and older people who experienced

the conflict in N Ireland to create the Irene Sendler Window in honour of the holocaust hero.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Exhibition: 100 Years of the Cubs

Tuesday 11 October – Thursday 10 November

The Long Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

The adventurous world of Cub Scouts and how it has developed and grown locally throughout the years.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Willow Weaving Saturdays, FREE event at Navan Centre & Fort

Unleash the crafter in you at a free drop in Willow Weaving Saturdays on 8th, 15th and 22nd October 2016.

Join us at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh to learn how to use this natural product to create some stunning pieces of work. It is amazing what can be achieved with nimble fingers and willow. In the past we have made fencing,

baskets, and even our beautiful pig ‘Sow-Anne’. Now it’s your turn to get involved.

Help us to make a Celtic Bull for the 2017 Wickerman Celebration. We are going to make this part by part, legs, horns, ears etc….

Suitable for 6 years + everyone is welcome to participate! Call in and join in all the fun.

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

A new exhibition about Victorian Coleraine opens in the Town Hall on Thursday, October 6th.

A new exhibition about Victorian Coleraine opens in the Town Hall on Thursday, October 6th.  It explores the period from 1837 – 1901 when Queen Victoria was on the throne.

Through images and objects from Coleraine Museum’s collection, the exhibition looks at what was happening in Coleraine during this time and introduces you to some of the people that lived and worked in the town during Victoria’s reign.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the development of the town during the Victorian era, which saw the building of Coleraine Workhouse (1841), the Model School (1847), Courthouse (1852), Railway Station (1855), Coleraine Academical Institution (1860) and even Coleraine Town Hall itself (1859) among other buildings. It is interesting to note that many of these buildings are still in the town today.

The Coleraine Chronicle started printing in 1844 and its archives provide a wealth of information on the happenings in the town and the people that lived in the area.

It reports on a horse fair in 1857 with 600 – 700 horses in the Diamond! It also gives details of court charges. These include the case of Hugh McNaught, one of the ‘best bad characters’, who was charged for drunkenness in 1898. There are many more stories such as this to be discovered in the exhibition.

Items from the Victorian Coleraine loan box will be available to handle, alongside replica bonnets and Victorian toys. On Saturday October 22nd from 11.30am – 1.30pm there will be a free ‘make and take’ event with local craftspeople and artists in Coleraine Town Hall. This event is suitable for the whole family, so why not come and enjoy the history.

The exhibition is open until October 29th, Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-4pm in Coleraine Town Hall. Entry is free.

WHAT’S ON AT THE MARKET PLACE

This weekend at The Market Place sees Shakespeare, Shaw and superb music to meet your entertainment needs.

There is no greater way to celebrate Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary than with C21 Theatre Company as they bring Shakespeare magnificently to life on stage with the much-loved ‘Macbeth’. Edited and directed by Arthur Webb, this fast-moving production follows the eventful life of the evil Scottish warrior and his power-hungry wife. Prophecy, witchcraft, murder and revenge all play a part in their tragic demise and guarantee a captivating production for audiences of all ages. Macbeth will be staged on Thursday 13 October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13.50 and £11.50 (concession).

On Friday 14 October, London Irish Theatre present ‘Bernard Shaw Invites You’, a one-man show about the author of ‘Pygmalion’ that went on to be a huge screen hit ‘My Fair Lady’ starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. Playwright, orator, novelist, critic, essayist, politician, energetic self-publicist, controversialist – George Bernard Shaw, as he styled himself, divides opinion today as he did in his lifetime. In this award-winning show the man himself invites you to celebrate his 90th birthday on the 26th July 1946. However, his celebrations are rudely interrupted by Paddy O’Keeffe, an obsessive Shavian who is determined to discover the real Bernard Shaw. Tickets are £13.50 and £11.50 (concession).

The 4 Of Us return on Saturday 15 October at 8pm. The musical career of Newry-born brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy spans more than two decades. They shot to early fame with their debut ‘Songs For The Tempted’, which featured the massive hits ‘Mary’ and ‘Drag My Bad Name Down’. The follow up ‘Man Alive’ made Q magazines ‘Top 50 albums’ and included the UK Top 30 song ‘She Hits Me’. The Murphy brothers have notched up an enviable catalogue of timeless songs and six top 20 Irish charting albums, and their music has also been featured extensively on American, British, and Irish TV soundtracks. Their new album ‘Sugar Island’ is being released in September 2016. Tickets are priced £15 each.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this Weekend across the North.D

Down

There’s something fishy going on in Solitude Park on Friday 7th October 2016 at 7pm when Nemo, Marlin and Dory make a splash on the big screen with a free outdoor screening of the family favourite Finding Nemo.  This animated aquatic adventure follows the comedic and eventful journeys of the fretful Marlin and his young son Nemo.  To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot and tasty treats throughout the event.  So pack a comfy cushion and a cosy blanket and settle down to enjoy a free movie night under the stars at Solitude Park.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this Saturday 8th October for Willow Weaving Saturday! Learn how to use this natural product to create some stunning pieces of work. It is amazing what can be achieved with nimble fingers and willow. In the past they have made fencing, baskets, and even the beautiful pig ‘Sow-Anne’. Now it’s your turn to get involved.  Help make a Celtic Bull for the 2017 Wickerman Celebration. Suitable for 6 years + everyone is welcome to participate!

Fermanagh

Don’t miss this weekend’s Model and Collector’s Fayre in Irvinestown. A fun day with lots to see for adults and children alike, with something to appeal to all interests. Whether you want to view others private collections or layouts or add to your own this is the place to be. See railway layouts, farm models and homemade displays, football memorabilia, diecast cars, motorbikes, lorries, aircraft, construction displays, wooden toys and crafts. Many items will be available to purchase on the day. Refreshments will be available on Saturday. Fayre open Friday evening and all day Saturday.

Tyrone

Once again c21 Theatre Company bring Shakespeare to life on stage at the Alley Theatre, Thursday 6th October. Edited and directed specifically for schools by Arthur Webb, this fast-moving production follows the eventful life of the evil Scottish warrior and his power-hungry wife. Prophecy, witchcraft, murder and revenge all play a part in their tragic demise and guarantee a captivating production for audiences of all ages.

Derry

Take part in the Jungle NI’s Zombie Run on 9th October at 11am. Brave participants will complete a daring 5K obstacle trail whilst being chased by running zombies.  There’s nothing between you and the finish line, apart from some obstacles. Oh, and the Zombie living dead – did we forget to mention that?  Each runner starts with three lives (flags worn around the waist), & as you run the 5k, through mud and obstacles, it’s up to the zombies who will be attempting to steal one of your three lives. It’s up to you to make it to the finish line with as many lives intact as possible.

Antrim

The Ballygally Castle is the setting for Perfect Bliss’ Wedding Fayre on Sun 9th October 2016 from 1.00pm.  The Event will showcase the newly refurbished Hotel, host over 50 Wedding Suppliers, showcase Bridal, Grooms & MOB/G & Occasion Wear on the Catwalk.  All complimented with live entertainment.  There will be some lovely spot prizes to be won throughout the afternoon.

Belfast

Do you want to Unleash Your Creativity? The Crescent Arts Centre, based in the heart of South Belfast, offers over 250 classes, workshops and events each week for both adults and children alike.  If you too love the wooden puppet who was dreaming of becoming a real boy, then you’ll enjoy this Saturday’s workshop, Pinocchio, full of curiosities about his author Carlo Collodi, the characters and the places of the book (including the oak from which poor Pinocchio was hanged – and then saved by the Blue Fairy!), the theme park dedicated to the puppet, the best-known films that he inspired, and so much more.

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.

Go Potty for Autumn Arts!

Autumn Arts, which runs from 15 October to 29 October, features a wide variety of wonderful workshops and exciting events in a number of locations within the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, offering the opportunity for culture vultures of all ages and abilities the chance to harness their creative and artistic talents.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Garath Keating, recently got hands-on at the launch of Autumn Arts, the Councils popular annual arts programme, when he took to the potter’s wheel to create a masterpiece in clay with a little help from the folks at Scarva Pottery Supplies.

Speaking at the launch a slightly clay covered Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon,  Councillor Garath Keating said,

“I am delighted to be involved with Autumn Arts. The programme is a perfect palette of arts, crafts, music and movies. The events and workshops highlight the terrific artistic talent we have on our doorstep and give everyone the chance to show off their creative side.”

Highlights include Arts in the Garden at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio on Saturday 15 October where an abundance of artists and craftspeople will demonstrate the skills and techniques involved in producing amazing works of art.

You would be potty to miss Perfect Porcelain Clay with local ceramicist Brendan Fitzpatrick on Thursday 20 October. This workshop which will give you the chance to create a delightfully delicate ceramic and is just one of the many workshops Autumn Arts has to offer.

Look for the pop up art gallery taking pride of place in Newry Street, Banbridge throughout October which will showcase the work of many local artists.

The annual Craft Fair in Solitude Park on Saturday 22 October gets a tasty twist this year with the addition of a fabulous food marquee which plays host to celebrated chef and author, Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador who will be presenting a series of mouth-watering cookery demonstrations throughout the day.

For mini movie fans Cinemagic will be presenting a cinematic celebration of the wonder and magic of Roald Dahl on 28 and 29 October to mark the centenary of the amazing author’s birth. Filming screenings including The BFG and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will delight children who can then continue the wonderment with a selection of workshops based on Dahl’s best loved stories.

This is just a small selection of the many events and activities Autumn Arts has to offer, so as the leaves on the trees turn from green to brown it’s time to turn your thoughts to all things creative.

Full details of the packed programme including booking information can be found in the Autumn Arts brochure which is to download at the link below or by contacting Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0605