Join the Ulster Orchestra in a musical celebration of fifty years as Northern Ireland’s world-class symphony orchestra in ‘The Music Of Genius’ at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

Few in history truly deserve the epitaph of ‘a creative genius’ but tonight we can enjoy not one, but two composers who are undoubtedly worthy of such praise! In their short lives [Mendelssohn died at thirty-eight, Mozart only made it to thirty-five] they each wrote some of classical music’s greatest masterpieces and this evening the Ulster Orchestra perform two of the best-loved of these.

Mozart’s brilliant ‘Jupiter’ symphony No. 41 and Mendelssohn’s virtuosic Violin Concerto. The Ulster Orchestra’s Leader, Tamás Kocsis, takes centre stage as soloist and the concert will be conducted by the Orchestra’s sensational young Music Director, Rafael Payare.

The Music Of Genius will be staged on Saturday 1 April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £17.50 and £15 (concession) and a limited number of £5 student tickets are available.

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.

The National Trust is delighted to invite everyone to experience first-hand the myth and legend of the Giant’s Causeway as it celebrates St Patrick’s Day with a weekend festival of traditional music, dance and family fun from Friday 17 March to Sunday 19 March.

The celebrations and festivities will be taking place daily from 11am – 4pm and will be kicking off with the’ Wakey Wakey Finn Children’s Trail ‘, which invites little leprechauns to follow the trail to the stones where they will be rewarded with gold.  Young budding artists can also get involved in the colouring competition which is taking place in the café, to win an exclusive Giant’s Causeway goodie bag.There will also be lots of family fun activities on offer throughout the weekend including face-painting and balloon modelling

Visitors will also be treated to a selection of traditional Irish performances- on Friday the Lir School of Irish Dance Music will be performing Irish dancing; on Saturday visitors will be treated to traditional Irish Dancing from theDominic Graham School of Irish Danceand on Sunday, Harpist Katy Graham will be playing in the café and down at the Causeway stones – weather permitting.

On St Patrick’s Day the Causeway Hotel, located beside the Visitor Centre, will be offering themed menus and drinks, including of course some green Guinness, and  there will also be the opportunity to enjoy some live music from 8pm – 11pm.

So why not come along to the World Heritage Site this St Patrick’s weekend and join in the celebrations and fun!

Spring is in the air and bikers in the greater Ballymena area are keen to get back on the road for another season of motorcycling.

 

For many whom had bikes tucked away over winter the riding season is officially launched by taking part in the annual Easter Egg Run organised by Ballymena Rider Training. Typically held on the Sunday before Easter this year’s event takes place on 9^th April 2017 leaving at 1.30pm sharp from outside Ballymena Honda in Pennybridge Industrial estate

Incredibly the organisers have been making this charity event happen for over two decades and this year sees the 24^th anniversary of the ride out which attracts 100s of bikers on all shapes and sizes of machines. In a procession of bikes numbering into the hundreds each year marshals oversee a scenic tour past Slemish and through the Glens down into Carnlough where there will be a short stop. After a ride along the coast road, the run will return to Ballymena Showgrounds where refreshments will be provided for participants. Cost is a minimum of £5 per bike plus an Easter egg if possible.  The Easter eggs will all be donated to local children’s charities and all other proceeds go to Marie Curie Cancer Care

Over the past 24 years the Egg Run has raised thousands of pounds for charity and many of its participants having been turning up since the first run in the early 90s. Ballymena Rider Training Chief Instructor David McGuckin acknowledges the support from bikers attending the event in the past. “I’m always amazed at the support we get. Many bikers have the Egg Run marked on their calendars as the first proper run out of the biking season, blowing off those winter cobwebs for a fantastic cause. There is always a great atmosphere and each year people make new friends and associates based on the great comradery on the day. It is also learner friendly, something we get asked often, and moves at a sensible pace. I would even encourage those who are not motorcyclists to come along and see the event.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care is a charity that supports patients with terminal cancer and other illnesses and all funds raised will help the charity to continue to do the invaluable work that it does in Northern Ireland

The overwhelming support from the motorcycling fraternity means that in the week following the event organisers will also distribute 100s of Easter Eggs to charities across the borough

“It is important to mention that none of this is possible without the support of local businesses providing a variety of raffle prizes for participants. Without this help and dedicated support the run just simply wouldn’t exist. We have ongoing and valued support of the council (Braid Arts Centre) and these fantastic local businesses that quite frankly are key in making this and many other charity events happen in the first place”

 

Organisers wish to extend the invite to everyone on two wheels to come along and take part. Whether you have a scooter, sports bike, custom or classic everyone can have a fantastic day out whilst helping to raise some money for charity and those without motorcycles are always welcome to come and view the wonderful array of machines as they set off

 

Further Information can be found on Facebook & Twitter (The Annual NI Easter Egg Run) or by contacting co-organisers Gary Olphert – 07710 733292 or Walter Millar – 07507 639699. Organised by Ballymena Rider Training & David McGuckin – 028 2564 3497

 

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the night sky?

Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Service is holding two stargazing events in the coming weeks where you will have the opportunity to learn all about constellations, stars and planets.

It’s part of the ‘Comet Man’ project, funded by the Royal Society.

The events will highlight the life and work of Cushendun born astronomer Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin (1865-1939), who is perhaps best known for predicting the return of Halley’s Comet in 1910, which earned him the nickname ‘The Comet Man’.

His contribution to astronomy is significant, with a total of four astronomic objects named after him including a crater on the moon.

The first stargazing event takes place on Friday 31^st March at Glenmona House in Cushendun. Beginning at 7:45pm, the evening will include a short presentation by Dr Nicholas Wright. This will be followed by an observation session until 10.30pm.

The second event takes place on Friday 7^th May at Ballintoy Harbour from 8:15pm until 10.30pm.

The Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society will provide telescopes and guidance during the stargazing sessions.

Participants are advised to wear appropiate clothing and footwear.  Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

Admission is free however booking is essential as places are limited.  To book please contact 028 2766 0230 or email : Ballymoneyvic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

The annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city and district have a multi-cultural feel this year, as the traditional day of ‘being Irish’ takes a new direction and  welcomes all communities to join the festivities as part of Council’s greater programme for better access and inclusion for all.

The St Patrick’s Day celebrations will run alongside the LegenDerry Food Festival, celebrating all types of food and a host of arts and three multi-cultural events – the ‘Ubuntu Global Festival’, ‘Urban Villages’ and the ‘Communities United Spring Festival’.

There will be two parades, taking place on Friday 17th March in Derry city centre and Strabane town centre, both feature community groups celebrating their own culture through music, dance, food and folklore. One of these is new to the carnival and forms a multicultural group from the local Hindu Association.

The group have promised to bring a splash of colour to the proceedings as they introduce elements of the ‘Holi’ festival to the parade, made possible by the efforts of members Jyoti, Piya, Ravena and Riya. A spokesperson for the group said, ‘The ‘Holi’ festival is traditionally celebrated in India and Nepal but has now become a global festival, often known as the ‘festival of colours’ or the festival of love’. It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and a day to celebrate with others and give thanksgiving.

‘Holi festival may be celebrated with various names and people of different states might be following different traditions. But what makes Holi so unique and special is the spirit of it, which remains the same throughout the country and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated. It is said the spirit of Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society and even the enemies turn friend on this day. People of all communities and even religions participate in this joyous and colourful festival and strengthen the secular fabric of the nation.

‘The traditional celebrations normally see participants play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water. To symbolise this, the group will dressed in colourful attires and will have Indian songs at the background as Holi Songs are an extremely essential part of the festival of colours.’

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock said Council, who organise the St Patrick’s Day ‘Spring Carnival, work in partnership with North West Carnival Initiative to encourage community involvement in all its events. She said, “I’m very happy to see so many multi-cultured groups like Hindu Association take part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade this year.

“Our festival and events team at Council work very hard to ensure all our events encourage community involvement, creativity and family fun. North West Carnival Initiative have done a great job by bringing together different groups and cultures to create the carnival parade.”

The St Patrick’s Spring Carnival titled ‘Forever Young’, will take place from Friday 17th March until Sunday 19th March throughout the city and district. The main parades take place from the city centre and Strabane Town Centre from 2.00pm on Friday 17th March.

The LegenDerry Food Festival, celebrating local food, will take place from Friday March 17th until Sunday March 19th. Chefs, including celebrity chef Brian Turner, restaurateurs and food producers from throughout the local area will display their products to the public over the weekend in the Guildhall Square from 12.00pm until 6.00pm each day.

The Ubuntu Festival will take place on Saturday 18th March across three venues: The Craft Village, Waterloo Place and Bishop Street. The multi-cultural celebration is designed to promote global diversity and represent all cultures that make up the Council area. There will be a range of traditional music and performances, arts and crafts and exhibitions of different cultures at this free event suitable for all the family.

More information on Council’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are available at www.derrystrabane.com/springcarnival.

 

St Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and Northern Ireland has a packed programme of events lined up to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.

Through history, myth and legend, St Patrick’s legacy and his influence and impact breathes within the landscapes, culture and people of his heartland in Northern Ireland.

Walk in his footsteps amid the seclusion and beauty of Slemish Mountain, visit his grave at Down Cathedral, and explore the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland, Armagh, where two majestic cathedrals bear his name.

Rachel Quigg, Destination PR Officer said: “Northern Ireland will come alive this St Patrick’s Day with celebrations, parades, concerts, traditional music and great fun guaranteed no matter which county you visit, with a wide range of family friendly, inclusive events. It is the perfect way to start a weekend in Northern Ireland before exploring the legacy of St Patrick”.

DOWN & ARMAGH

The Home of St Patrick Festival 2017 taking place until 19^th March is directly inspired by the life and work of St Patrick and held in the landscape once his home, in Counties Armagh and Down.

This year’s festival literally has something for everyone and will be narrated through walks, talks, bells, drums, processions, music, art and exclusive concerts set in breath-taking locations. Many Irish and international artists will come together for this year’s programme to include world renowned writers such as Elif Shafak and one-time punk royalty, Viv Albertine, and some as far as Australia too arrive to celebrate the life of the Spiritual Father of our island.

Some of the festival highlights include:

• St Patrick’s Vigil commencing at Church of Ireland Cathedral and ending at Roman Catholic Cathedral, Thursday 16^th March

Visitors are invited to meet at St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral at 9pm where Archbishop Richard Clarke will lead the congregation in prayer. He will then guide the congregation via torchlight to St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral to be welcomed by Archbishop Eamon Martin. This symbolic expression of the unity of the Churches is a reflection of St. Patrick’s own journey of uniting the Irish people with Christianity.

 

• St Patrick’s Carnival Procession, Friday 17^th March

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Armagh with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy as the wonderful procession themed around ‘Myths & Legends’ snakes its way through the city centre.

 

• Voice of the Irish Festival Closing Concert at Newry Cathedral, Sunday 19^th March

The Voice of the Irish concert takes its inspiration from St. Patrick writing in his Confessio that it was literally ‘the voice of the Irish’ calling to him to return and introduce Christianity to Ireland. This inaugural concert with its own inspirational complement of up to 100 young musicians from across Ireland performing a programme of popular songs, movie themes and classics interspersed with readings and performances by some of Ireland’s leading actors and musicians. A unique experience of one of the largest orchestral line-ups ever in a wonderful Cathedral acoustic.

BELFAST AREA

In Belfast, the city will mark St Patrick’s Day with a colourful carnival parade and free concert on Friday 17^th March. The streets will be awash with colour from 12 noon as the parade leaves Belfast City Hall snaking its way through the heart of the city to Custom House Square where the annual concert will feature headline act, X Factor runner-up, Fleur East and traditional tunes from band The Rare Aul Stuff. Community groups from across Belfast’s cultural spectrum will take part in this year’s Belfast themed parade, alongside professional and amateur performers, costumed characters, musicians and dancers.

Enjoy a truly traditional St Patrick’s Day at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra, Co. Down with a unique festival of music, seasonal foods and crafts. Listen to storytelling, sample homemade traditional foods and solve the St Patrick’s Day Quiz as you make your way around the Folk Museum. A visit to the stunning ‘Step in Time: A Story of Irish Dance’ exhibition in the Folk Galleries has never been more fitting on this day. With traditional craft demonstrations, music, farming life and all the usual shops, houses and school houses to pop in and out of, there is something for everyone on 17^th March!

DERRY~LONDONDERRY

Derry City and Strabane District Council will mark St Patrick’s Day with an action packed weekend of activities for all the family at their Spring Carnival from 17- 19^th March, a ‘Feast of Great Events’. The theme of this year’s festival is Forever Young and it will run in conjunction with the LegenDerry Food Festival and Ubuntu Global Festival as part of a fun filled three-day weekend. The LegenDerry Food Festival showcasing the talents of our local chefs and producers. Live Cooking Demos, Artisan Foods, Street Theatre, Music. Kids workshops & Activiwill have live cooking demos, artisan foods, street theatre, music, children’s workshops and activities.

 

Further exploration of St Patrick’s heartland and Christian Heritage in Northern Ireland is possible not just on St Patrick’s Day, but year-round with attractions, exhibitions and events making it worth visiting at any time, and an evocative exploration of St Patrick’s heartland is possible by driving the 57-mile Saint Patrick’s Trail or following the Saint Patrick’s Way walking route.

 

For more information on upcoming events and following the trail of Saint Patrick in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

The Iconettes and their live five piece band, The Hitzvilles, will add a touch of glamour to The Old Courthouse on Saturday 1 April as they perform their tribute show – The Sounds of Motown and Soul.

The Iconettes are Northern Irelands most exciting musical, homage to some of the most famous girl groups and divas of the golden era of Motown and Soul.  They will perform hits from The Ronettes, The Three Degrees, The Marvelettes, The Crystals and of course the iconic Supremes. The Iconettes style, glamour and musical influences make this band a huge hit with lovers of Motown and Soul.

Tickets for this fun, sassy and interactive tribute to the Iconic girls from the Motown and Soul era are available from Box Office T: 028 9442 8331or online www.theoldcourthousetheatre.com

Traders are being invited to apply for a place at this year’s seasonally-themed Twilight Markets.

The ‘Spring Picnic’ will take place at St George’s Market on 9 and 10 May, followed by the ‘Summer Beach Party’ on 1 and 2 August and finally the ‘Twinkling Winter’ market on 7 and 8 November.

Last year’s two Twilight Markets between them attracted almost 46,500 visitors.  The expansion of the event to three dates in 2017 looks set to increase those numbers even further.

Belfast City Council is now inviting applications for artisan food and drink producers, artists and craftspeople seeking to be a part of the spring and summer events.  Go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/twilightbelfast for details on criteria for traders, stall hire charges, and how to register your interest to trade.

The closing date for submissions is Monday 10 April.