Claire Walker, her mum Priscilla and Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s Causeway Support Group members Lorna Wilmont and Isobel Houston are urging as many people as possible to put on their best walking shoes and take part in the NICHS Causeway Coast Walk on Saturday 23^rd September.

Claire and Priscilla have been strong supporters of NICHS since Claire’s brother William, passed away in May 2011, aged 25, of heart failure.  William was born with Congenital Heart Disease and was due to have an aortic valve replacement just two weeks after his passing.

Of her brother Claire has said, “William was a member of Moycraig Young Farmers and Coleraine & District Motor Club, he was such a part of the community and just loved by everyone.”  The Walker family has now raised an incredible £23,000 for the charity.  On why she and her family want to continue to support NICHS Claire says “We wanted to raise money for NICHS in Williams memory because of heart conditions like the one he lived with but also because it helps keep us close to him”.

Lorna Wilmount from NICHS Causeway Support Group says “It’s thanks to support from local people like the Walkers that NICHS is able to provide the support that it does.  We are so thankful for them and hope that their story will encourage others to get involved.”

Also pictured, is NICHS Community and Events Co-ordinator Danielle Hollinger. Danielle joined the charity in June 2016 as the Community Support Officer and has recently moved the Community and Events Co-coordinator role.  Of the role Danielle says “I’m so excited about this new position and cannot wait to get out into the community and meet the people who support us.  Without our supporters we wouldn’t be able to provide the live changing services that we do.”

Danielle will be attending the Causeway Coast Walk and says “This is my second year working at the Causeway Coast Walk and I’m really looking to it again this year.  Although I live pretty close to the coast I have never really taken the time to explore it but walking the route last year gave me a great opportunity to really experience the beauty of the coast.”

If you would like to take part and raise vital funds for NICHS why not come along and take part in either the 13 or 26 mile walk along the stunning Causeway Coast, taking in iconic sites such as Whitepark Bay, Ballintoy Harbour and the Giants Causeway.

The Causeway Coast Walk is professionally organised by 26 Extreme, and includes a medal, t-shirt, and a celebratory feed at the finish!  As always, there will be a high level of support en route and walkers can also act as cheer leaders to the runners taking part in the marathon on the day!

If you would like to register for the event or for more information please visit, https://nichs.org.uk/support-us/challenge-events/causewaywalk/ or call 02890 320 184.

 

Bestselling authors, poetry, music, resources for writers, theatre, history and family events, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Aspects Festival 2017 has a packed programme of events which celebrate every aspect of Irish writing.

 

Taking place from 14 – 24 September at various locations around Bangor, the eclectic line-up has something for everyone.

Frank McGuinness, playwright, writer, poet, novelist and librettist will be at Bangor Castle on Friday, 15 September at 7pm where he will discuss his life, works and inspirations with BBC’s Marie-Louise Muir. The unique event will have an extra special element as Four Men and a Dog’s Kevin Doherty will perform some of the music he wrote for Frank’s play Donegal after the interview.

Aspects is delighted to present best-selling author and actress Carol Drinkwater to this year’s Festival. Loved by many for her role as Helen in All Creature’s Great and Small, Carol will be discussing her new work of fiction The Lost Girl at North Down Museum on Friday 22 September at 6pm.

Poetry lovers are in for a treat too with plenty of poetry events featuring on this year’s programme. Donaghadee native, poet Rachel McCrum will be at North Down Museum on Wednesday, 20 September at 8.30pm. Rachel who was the inaugural poet in residence for BBC Scotland in 2015 will be reading from her latest work The First Blast to Awaken Women Degenerate. Peter Fallon, poet, publisher and founder of The Gallery Press will also be at North Down Museum on Wednesday 20 September at 7pm. Recognised as the foremost Irish publisher of poetry, Peter’s experience and knowledge is immense, this event is not to be missed by poets seeking to have work published.

For all the family, Stephen Beggs will perform My Father’s Chair at Studio 1A on Saturday 16 September at 4pm. This performance will explore the nature of fatherhood, exploring what it’s like to be a dad, have a dad and the relationship between children and their fathers. This funny and emotional journey will touch and entertain the audience. Age guidance 6 years +.

Young readers are invited to come along to North Down Museum on Saturday 16 September for workshops with Myra Zepf – Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland. The first workshop for children aged 4 – 6 will be a lively, interactive session based on Myra’s book Don’t Go To School! The second workshop at 2pm for children ages 7+ will revolve around story-making. There will be no pens and no paper but an epic brain-storm sparked by creative props!

Join the incredibly talented Joshua Burnside on Saturday 23 September at The Chamber, Bangor Castle for a magical evening of live music. Recently described by The Irish Times as ‘Rumbling, brooding, powerful and magnetic,’ Joshua’s unique folk textures and melodies mesmerise audiences wherever he goes.

Other Festival highlights include Neil Shawcross’ Penguin Book Cover exhibition at Bangor Carnegie Library from 4 to 30 September and author Kelly Creighton will launch her short-story collection Bank Holiday Hurricane with Bernie McGill at North Down Museum on Sunday 24 September at 6pm.

Speaking about the Festival, Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said: ‘I am really excited about this years’ festival! It is packed with incredible local writing talent alongside writing royalty. There are interviews, readings and opportunities to ask your favourite writers a burning question. There are also performance, drama, visual art and workshop events for all ages, all celebrating writing in its broadest form.’

 

For more information on the full programme and to book tickets, visit aspectsfestival.com or phone 028 9127 1200

Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre’s latest events guide features a packed programme of award winning theatre, exhibitions and musical events.

From now until December, there is much to choose from including the amazing Atlantic Arc Orchestra who take to the stage on Friday 13^th October. This collaborative project brings together some of the world’s most respected traditional musicians and features Donal Lunny, Pauline Scanlon, Padraig Rynne, Jarleth Henderson and Sylvian Barou. This high energy eight-piece band take you through a powerful fusion of Irish, Scottish and Breton musical ancestry.

Big screen star and acclaimed songstress Bronagh Gallagher returns to the North West with an intimate performance in the Danny Boy Auditorium on Saturday 11^th November. Hailed as one of the greatest soul voices in Ireland, this is a chance for fans to experience her unique musical talent. With roles in ‘The Commitments’, ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Star Wars’, this Limavady appearance will prove popular with film and music fans alike.

Speaking about the upcoming events, The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird, OBE, said: “Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady provides a wonderful setting for a huge range of events this autumn and winter. The arts sector is an important part of our Council and I would encourage everyone to pick up a guide and start planning their own cultural calendar for the months ahead.”

Other highlights include the return of multi-award winning theatre company Cahoots NI with their new acclaimed production ‘The Assistant’s Revenge.’ There will be a special performance for schools on Wednesday 4^th October at 11.30am.

Barking Dog Theatre present a wonderful adaptation of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ for younger children on Wednesday 18^th October at 10am. Children will also be entertained with a variety of film screenings, including ‘Elf’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in the run up to Christmas.

Expert willow artist Louise Mc Lean will showcase her ‘Bogland, Branches and the Beach’ exhibition from Friday 1^st September until Saturday 23^rd September. An award-winning local artist, Louise’s pieces are influenced by our stunning coastline, rugged landscape, and heritage. Exhibitions will also take place by award winning illustrator and animation artist Corrina Askin and sculptor Ryan Burke.

To book tickets or to find out more information, please contact Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on 028 7776 0650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com

Discover NorthernIreland has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (11-17 September).

 

1. BBQ & Blues Supper Club, Newtownards, Co. Down, 16 September. At the unique setting of Cloud 9 at Ards  Airport this event will feature the best of local barbecued food, drink, and blues music. Scenic helicopter flights will be available as part of the day over the Strangford Peninsula. To book e-mail hello@indiefude.com or call 07510728109/07518384510.
2. Afternoon Tea with Benefits, Malmasion Hotel, Belfast, 16 September. A naughty afternoon tea with a glass of champagne, followed by a makeup masterclass and demonstration with Benefit Cosmetics. A £10 voucher is included with this package to go towards any Benefit product of your choice.
3. Mourne Mountain Marathon, Newcastle, Co. Down, 16-17 September. A competitive event for teams of two, this is Ireland’s only two-day endurance and navigation marathon held each year in the beautiful mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland. Teams will be given a map with markers located in various areas, they must visit these control markers, but design their own route between, along with a self-sufficient overnight camp.
4. Community Tea Dancing, The Old Courthouse, Antrim, 13 September. A great opportunity to dust off those dancing shoes and step out in style. Join Double Trouble for some great tunes from all eras, enjoy a cup of tea and whether you dance or not, these relaxed, friendly and entertaining afternoons are sure to delight. Dance starts at 2pm.
5. Siege Museum, Derry~Londonderry, 11-16 September. The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media. Open Monday-Saturday from 10am.
6. Return to Source Walk, Belfast, 16 September. Discover the source of the River Lagan on Slieve Croob amidst the rolling Dromara Hills. As the River Lagan flows majestically into the Belfast Lough it is one of Northern Ireland’s greatest rivers, however, at the source this mighty watercourse is small enough to step over. The meeting point is Drumbridge car park, at 10am, duration of the walk is approximately five hours.
7. Sperrin and Killeter Walking Festival, Co Tyrone, 16-17 September. Walkers of all ages and abilities have the chance to get outside and explore the beauty, history and heritage of the Sperrins and Killeter regions.  Walks are available at a variety of levels including easy strolls (perfect for families and budding nature photographers), moderate treks and challenging hill walks.
8. Aspects Literature Festival, Bangor, Co. Down, 14-24 September. Ards and North Down Borough Council present this year’s Aspects Literature Festival, celebrating the very best of Irish writing. After the success of last year’s 25th anniversary celebrations, this year’s festival is filled with poetry, music, theatre, history, memoir, exhibitions, interviews and readings.
9. Introduction to Digital Photography, Clotworthy House, Antrim, 12 September. On this six-week course you will learn how to frame photographs and improve your photography skills to create great photos and also cover saving, editing and making photo gifts. Course costs £54-60, to book visit www.theoldcourthousetheatre.com.
10. Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, 11-16 September. Armagh Planetarium offers visitors a unique experience, which is quite simply “out of this world”. In the Planetarium’s amazing Digital Theatre you can relax and experience our planet and beyond, take a tour of the night sky, or even discover some of the myths behind the star constellations. With interactive displays and exhibition areas, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Open Monday- Saturday from 10am.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

 

Tribute events to two key Heaney influences – Patrick Kavanagh and Michael McLaverty

Autumn guests at Seamus Heaney HomePlace include Jennifer Johnston, Colin Davidson, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ciaran McMenamin, Fintan O’Toole and Robert McCrum

Two of Seamus Heaney’s greatest literary influences – poet Patrick Kavanagh and writer Michael McLaverty – are being celebrated with a number of events taking place as part of the newly unveiled autumn programme at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

In a cross-border collaboration funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, HomePlace will be working with the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Monaghan to explore the works of Kavanagh, Heaney and the shared links in their writing.

2017 marks the 50^th anniversary of the death of Patrick Kavanagh – whose poetry Heaney described as combining “bag-apron realism and far-horizon vision” – and events will take place in their respective literary centres in both Monaghan and Bellaghy.

The HomePlace events on Saturday 7 October will include a children’s writing workshop on the theme of home, a lecture by Dr Una Agnew evaluating Kavanagh’s influence on Heaney and their respective literary legacies and a performance of Kavanagh’s ‘The Great Hunger’ by the Lyric Theatre, which will meld spoken word, film, and sound to evoke the poet’s exploration of country life.

One of Ireland’s greatest short story writers, Michael McLaverty, died 25 years ago and on Saturday 28 October family members and literary experts will come together to discuss his life, work and relationship with Heaney.  The event will feature a reading of Heaney’s ‘Tribute to Michael McLaverty’ by actor Vincent Higgins and will be preceded from Saturday 21 October by ‘Fosterage’, an exhibition exploring McLaverty’s life and work, presented in association with Linen Hall Library.

In ‘Capturing Seamus: The Art of the Portrait’ on Sunday 8 October, three artists who have created a portrait of Heaney – artist Colin Davidson and photographers Eamonn McCabe and Geray Sweeney – will discuss the context and experience of working with him and the process of capturing his essence in just one image, in an event chaired by Declan Long.

Often described as the definitive documentary of the life and work of Seamus Heaney, ‘Out of the Marvellous’ was created in 2009 to mark the poet’s 70^th birthday.  Filmmaker Charlie McCarthy will discuss the film with BBC Northern Ireland’s Mark Carruthers following a special screening on Saturday 25 November.

Poet and professional glasses-wearer John Hegley makes his HomePlace debut on Friday 20 October with two shows – ‘Peace, Love and Potatoes’, with poems and songs inspired by memories of his childhood and ‘I am a Poetato’, featuring songs, jokes and rhymes, for children aged 8-12 years.

The fun continues on Thursday 23 November with actor, comedian and writer Ardal O’Hanlon (‘Father Ted’) who will be in conversation with BBC Northern Ireland’s William Crawley about his wide-ranging career, love of literature and famous acting creations.

Looking back at her career of almost 50 years, her reputation and her legacy, one of Ireland’s most important contemporary novelists Jennifer Johnston will be in conversation with fellow author Martina Devlin on Saturday 14 October.

The explosion of new Irish writing talent comes under the spotlight in two events in the HomePlace this autumn.  On Sunday 15 October, ‘Young Blood’ sees three debut authors – actor Ciaran McMenamin, Sally Rooney, one of The Observer’s Rising Stars of 2017 and former journalist June Caldwell – share their fresh and irreverent takes on life in Ireland today.   ‘A Constable Calls’ on Saturday 11 November, meanwhile, looks at the rise of crime writing following political changes in Northern Ireland and includes contributions from authors Eoin McNamee, Liz Nugent and Declan Burke.

Award-winning journalist and commentator Fintan O’Toole makes a welcome return to HomePlace on Thursday 7 December to discuss the issues that have dominated the news over the past twelve months – from President Trump to the UK general election and the consequences for the UK and Ireland of triggering Article 50.

The prospect of death and its aftermath for those left behind are explored in two events.  On Sunday 5 November, author and journalist Robert McCrum discusses his new book, ‘Every Third Thought’, his literary and personal response to his own mortality and his friendship with and memories of Heaney. In ‘Who Am I Now?’ on Saturday 21 October, actress and comedian Nuala McKeever leads an expressive and creative writing session for anyone living with life-changing loss.

There’s plenty on offer for theatre fans too, with ‘Green and Blue’ from Kabosh Theatre Company looking at the realities of patrolling the border during the conflict on Tuesday 17 October; Stephen Beggs exploring the funny, challenging and emotional issue of fatherhood in ‘My Father’s Chair’on Saturday 4 November and Olivier Award-winning actor Guy Masterson (and nephew of Richard Burton!), bringing the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ to life in a one-man show just in time for the festive season, on Thursday 14 December.

Tickets for all October – December events at Seamus Heaney HomePlace are on sale now at www.seamusheaneyhome.com or from box office on tel. 028 79387444.  The full online programme is available to view here. 

Three years on since its Spectacular! Moulin Rouge inspired debut show, Peter Corry’s Red Velvet Cabaret is back in Theatre at The Mill on Saturday 9 September with the fantastic new production, MAGNIFIQUE.

 

Featuring an eclectic mix of music from a quirky line up of performers, MAGNIFIQUE is a fun, intimate and dramatic show in classic Red Velvet Cabaret style.

Peter Corry, director and show host, comments: “We are very excited to bring back another spectacular show with the Red Velvet Cabaret. MAGNIFIQUE promises to be a laugh out loud/cry in your wine sort of night.

“It is packed full of songs from just about everywhere, from classics by Queen to opera arias, hits by Lady Gaga to the iconic Billy Joel and musical favorites from the Rocky Horror Picture Show and the wonderful Moulin Rouge. This unique evening of entertainment is cabaret the way it should be, up close and personal!”

For tickets contact Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or online www.theatreatthemill.com

 

Some of County Down’s finest food and drink artisanal producers will be at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle on Saturday 30^th September for the annual Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival.

Drinks exhibitors at the festival this year include Whitewater Brewery, Tempted Cider and Kilmeggan Cider, Shortcross Gin and Echlinville Distillery, home to Dunville Whiskey and Echlinville Gin along with local food producers including Kearney Blue Cheese and Fivemiletown Creamery.

This year there will also be a new addition at the Festival with a Slieve Donard Street Food Stall with some delicious local treats to taste.

Stephen Meldrum, General Manager at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, said:  “We are thrilled to announce the return of the Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival following the inaugural event in 2016 which was a huge success.

“The Festival will showcase many of County Down’s finest brands who will be there to talk about what they do with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to get totally drawn in.  On top of that there will be lots of food and drink to sample to ensure a good time is had by all.

“We at Hastings Hotels are huge supporters of working with the finest local food and drink producers and we can’t wait for guests to come along and see for themselves just why the Slieve Donard holds them in such very high esteem”, concluded Stephen.

This fabulous food and drink event, supported by both Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Tickets for the event cost £14 per person, which includes three drinks tokens and a souvenir glass, and are available from the Slieve Donard reception or by calling the hotel on 028 4372 1066

Belfast’s McPeake have launched their debut EP ‘Gypsies in the Wood’ and are appearing at Ranfurly House on Saturday 16th September before heading back to Nashville.

McPeake are a unique Irish trio that have developed a soul stirring, emotive sound that is genuine and classic yet contemporary. A band with a rare combination of tradition and innovation laced with pop lyrics and radio friendly hooks on traditional instruments. They have brewed a unique sound of mixed ingredients from Folk, Americana, Traditional Irish and Indie, creating a rustic and spell-binding edge.

McPeake has built their success through rave organic word-of-mouth and good old fashioned touring of the US festival circuit in a transit van!

The four generations of the McPeake family have been whispered as ‘folk-royalty.’ Their beloved song “Wild Mountain Thyme” has been on the lips of music lovers across the globe. This hauntingly beautiful folk anthem has been covered by music superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Glen Frey (The Eagles), James Taylor and Bob Dylan, to name but a very few.

Francis McPeake I, penned ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ Francis McPeake II influenced Van Morrison, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan; Francis McPeake III taught John Lennon the Uilleann Pipes; and now Francis McPeake IV has formed the new band McPeake which figured prominently in the BBC Proms in the Park and EMMY Award-winning PBS Special “Music of Ireland.”

McPeake are currently in the studio completing the full-length Gypsies in the Wood album to be released this autumn.

Francis says, “The great heritage and tradition that I come from is something that we pay homage to. Our music is not a departure from this tradition but, as we see it, a development.”

McPeake are: Francis McPeake IV: Uilleann Pipes / Low Whistles, Mairead Forde: Fiddles, Paul Hughes: Vocal, Guitar.

Tickets for the performance in the Square Box, Ranfurly House, Dungannon are on sale now at £16 at www.dungannon.info or via Box Office on 028 8772 8600.