Belfast actor, writer, director and comedian Stephen Beggs will be bringing his celebrated one-man show about one of life’s most important experiences – fatherhood – to Seamus Heaney HomePlace for two shows on Saturday 4 November.

My Father’s Chair is a funny and moving performance for families about the nature of fatherhood.  What does it mean to have a Dad?  What does it mean to be a Dad?  What makes the relationship between Dads and kids unique and special?  How does society view the role of fathers in children’s lives?  As a theatre maker and a father himself, Stephen Beggs explores all these questions, creating a funny, challenging and emotional journey for audiences along the way.

The show was partly inspired by Stephen’s relationship with his late father and his own experience of having a child.  As an audience member commented on the show:  “You told your story and by doing so evoked memories good and sad for the adults, while showing children how their parents were once so like them”.

Stephen is a regular visitor to Seamus Heaney HomePlace and directed local school students in a performance for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to the centre earlier this year.  On bringing My Father’s Chair to Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Stephen says:

“Family and the relationship between father and son are major themes in Seamus Heaney’s poetry so I am delighted to be bringing My Father’s Chair to his spiritual home.”

Tickets for My Father’s Chair at Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Saturday 4 November at 11am and 2pm are £5/£3 concession and can be booked online at www.seamusheaneyhome.com

 

Witches and wizards of all ages are preparing to enter a world of mystic and spooky goings-on at Carnfunnock Country Park this Halloween.

Characters from Larne myth and legend will be brought to life at the family-friendly fangtastic night of free entertainment on Saturday 28 October.  Little and large monsters alike will have the chance to meet Li Ban the mermaid, Giant Gobbin Saor or the elusive Lady Isobella of Ballygally.

The event will feature plenty of activities for all the family, from an enchanted maze, to the ghost camp of Vikings and Celts preparing to battle for Larne Lough.

There will be owls, arts and crafts, food demonstrations and lots of live music suitable for a real monster mash.

The highlight of the evening will be a special fire structure created by the awarding-winning Walk the Plank. The Fire Wolf spectacle will begin at 5.40pm.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid, said: “One of the highlights of our Halloween celebrations will be the free event at Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne.   “It is sure to draw the crowds and promise a magical and memorable celebration for the whole family. We are delighted that P&O Irish Sea Ferries are sponsoring this year’s event.”

Karen Wallace, Marketing Communications Manager, P&O Ferries, said; “P&O Ferries is delighted to support this Halloween event and we wish the event every success.  P&O operates the shortest, most frequent crossings across the Irish Sea from Larne to Cairnryan. With some great deals available, there has never been a better time to sail to Scotland.”

Spooky visitors of all ages are encouraged to use the free park and ride bus service sponsored by Translink and Caterpillar which will run regularly from Caterpillar, Old Glenarm Road, Larne, between 1.30pm and 7pm.

Buses will also pick up from Ballygally, taking you straight into Carnfunnock Country Park. All buses are wheelchair and pram friendly.

Derek Menice from CAT (NI) Ltd, said: “We at CAT (NI) Ltd are delighted to be in a position to support the local community for the annual Halloween event.”

Tickets to park directly in Carnfunnock for this mythical event are still available but going fast. Visitors will not be able to park without a ticket.

Parking tickets can be purchased from Larne Visitor Information Centre or call 028 2826 2495.

Tickets cost £5 and are limited to one per household.  Visitors will need to collect tickets in advance.

Council also has a number of free blue badge holder tickets available. Please remember to bring your blue badge when claiming your ticket.

 

23^rd October 2017: With experts stating that the childhood years between three and eight years of age is when parental influence is at its strongest, DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has developed a list of the top activities, attractions and places to stay to maximise precious family time.

Lesley-Ann O’Donnell from Tourism NI said: “All parents understand the significance of spending time together as a family but choosing what to do during this time is also important to capture children’s imagination and explore what Northern Ireland has to offer.”

From building triumphant sandcastles in Portrush to traversing bewildering caves in Fermanagh, there is a wealth of attractions for children to explore and enjoy in Northern Ireland.

1. Pet animals at Streamvale Open Farm
   Located in Dundonald, Streamvale Open Farm provides children with the opportunity to see a range of animals in ‘Pets’ Corner’, cuddle the pups, baby rabbits and chicks and bottle feed the goats and lambs. If you want to spend a night nearby, the family-friendly 4* La Mon Hotel & Country Club is situated just a ten minute drive away.
2. Follow fairies and dragons at The Giant’s Lair, Slieve Gullion
   The Giant’s Lair is a woodland walk featuring a trail of intertwined fairy houses and arts features creating a childhood land with dragons, giants and fairies. The Adventure Playpark is located nearby and includes a specially designed toddler’s area as well as adventure and play equipment.
3. Monkey around at Jungle NI
   Nestled in enchanting woodland among the rolling Sperrin Mountains, Jungle NI offers a range of adventures for children and adults alike. Younger children can enjoy the Gruffalo trail while children over one metre can be harnessed and monkey around in safety on the playground high ropes. Jungle NI also offers the opportunity to nestle from the wilds and camp in style by staying in funky glamping pods.
4. Have a ‘Zooper’ day out at Belfast Zoo
   As one of NI’s oldest and most popular attractions the zoo provides a fun day out for all. Your monkeys can swing by the new reptile and amphibian house, waddle over to the penguins and other favourites at feeding time and pick up a special ‘zoovenir’. After a long day of getting up close and personal with animals, the whole family can relax at the nearby 4* Clayton Hotel.
5. Get a diver’s view of marine life at Exploris Aquarium
   Entertain and educate your children at the same time with a trip to Portaferry’s Exploris Aquarium. Here they can learn about many species via the unique touch-tank talks and create new memories at the seaside rock pools in the Kids Zone. After a fun-filled aquatic day, why not take the Strangford ferry and spend a night glamping at Castle Ward in one of the family pods which accommodates two adults and three children.
6. Glide along an underground river at The Marble Arch Cave.  The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest showcaves, offering the chance to see fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers. The tours are suitable for people of all ages and children in particular love gliding along an underground river in the electrically powered boats.

7. Climb trees at Gortin Glen Forest Park
   Gortin Glen Forest Park is located six miles outside of Omagh and offers the opportunity climb a variety of trees, mountain bike and canoe on the lakes. You can pack a picnic or make use of the barbecuing facilities on site to fuel your next adventure in the brand new play sculpture. For those who wish to explore the local area over a couple of days you can pack a tent and set up camp in the park.
8. Create masterful sandcastles at East Strand Beach, Portrush
   The East Strand beach is around 2.5 miles long so there is plenty of sand available to create everything from masterful sandcastles to exquisite sand sculptures. Your littles ones can have a blast splashing in the water and you can join them (if you’re brave enough!). After a fun day of frolicking on the beach, you can take a 5 minute drive to Morelli’s which offers some delicious Italian ice cream.

The early childhood years are so formative, but with such a range of fun family experiences, activities and events in Northern Ireland, parents can be inspired to make the most of this valuable family time.

To book your fun family break in Northern Ireland visit DiscoverNorthernIreland.com

Friday 27 – Thursday 9 November

 

Friday 27 October, Friday Night Live – Eilidh Patterson Band

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

8pm |  £7 [BYOB – no spirits]

One of Northern Ireland’s best loved songwriters who seamlessly blends folk and bluegrass, with her crystalline voice remaining the focus throughout.

028 9181 0803,  ardsarts.com

 

Saturday 28 October, Not So Scary Halloween
North Down Museum, Bangor 

2pm-4pm | Free [magic show £1]

Come along and meet owls and creepy crawlies, enjoy a magic show, make Halloween crafts and have your face painted as your favourite Halloween inspiration.

028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Saturday 28 October, The Haunted Hub
Project 24, Queen’s Parade, Bangor

6pm-8pm | Free
Don’t be scared! Brave The Haunted Hub, with eerie sounds, freaky fun, bubbling brews and so much more!

0300 013 3333, project24ni.com

Saturday 28 – Tuesday 31 October, Spooky Sea Serpents and Scarium Secrets
Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry
Open 10am-5pm | Normal Admission
The Craken pirate ship has risen from its watery depths this Halloween and the pirate ghosts are having a spookily good time on their Exploris adventure. So come and enjoy the fun for all the family.
028 4272 8062, explorisni.com

 

Sunday 29 October, Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages
Groomsport Harbour

1pm-4pm | Free
Come along to Cockle Row Cottages for glitter tattoos, ‘Tales of the Wild’ animal roadshow, Plant and Play wildlife workshop and creepy crafts.
028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 4 November, Seapark Fireworks

Seapark Recreation Grounds, Holywood

4pm-9pm | Free

Keep the winter cold at bay with delicious refreshments and enjoy a lively family funfair and music by local favourites ‘The Jukes’. Then watch as the skies come alive with fireworks at approximately 8pm.

028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 1 November, Lives in Translation

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

8pm | £8

Kabosh Theatre’s hard-hitting, powerful new production based on interviews with female Somali asylum seekers and their support workers

028 9181 0803,  ardsarts.com

Music is back with a bang at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre with two rocking shows.

After an absence of a few years, Britain’s Got Talents’ ‘RJ Rocks’ returns with a bang! With an all-new show and an all-new band, RJ brings his tribute show back to the 1970s and 80s with some of Rock’s greatest acts: The Who, Guns ’n’ Roses, Rod Stewart, Queen, Status Quo and Bon Jovi – all the hits, all the memories and all the entertainment! Fans know that RJ puts his heart and soul into every show and an enjoyable evening is guaranteed! Featuring an all-star band whose members have played with artists such as Elton John and Mike and the Mechanics. RJ Rocks The 70’s and 80’s will be staged on Saturday 28 October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 each.

Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading vocalists playing homage to the legendary Roy Orbison in his hit show, ‘The Roy Orbison Story’. He has stunned audiences across the globe with his uncanny similarity and ability to authentically revive the exquisite toe-tapping sound of this music giant. Barry Steele is quite simply unmissable, as he takes you on this specially produced musical journey in time, in which we celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Big O and The Traveling Wilburys. The show also features chart busting hits originally made famous by George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Jerry Lee Lewis, Del Shannon and of course The Big O. Backed by a big screen and phenomenally talented musicians, the result is an incredible fusion of ‘60s solid gold classics and ‘80s contemporary musical genius, all on one stage. ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ is on stage for one evening only on Friday 3 November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £21 each.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.

Shonky: The Aesthetics of Awkwardness

On 20 October 2017, the MAC opens a major exhibition entitled Shonky: The Aesthetics of Awkwardness, curated by artist John Walter. Shonky is the fourth in Hayward Touring’s series of Curatorial Open exhibitions. For Shonky, Hayward Touring have worked in partnership with the MAC, Belfast, DCA, Dundee and Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre to choose and develop the proposal, in a scheme that places collaboration at its heart, whilst aiming to nurture diverse curatorial talent and to expand the parameters of the contemporary curatorial landscape.

The exhibition aims to explore the nature of visual awkwardness through the work of artists and architects Arakawa and Gins; Cosima von Bonin; Niki de Saint Phalle; Benedict Drew; Justin Favela; Duggie Fields; Louise Fishman; Friedensreich Hundertwasser; Kate Lepper; Andrew Logan; Plastique Fantastique; Jacolby Satterwhite; Tim Spooner and John Walter.

Hugh Mulholland, Senior Curator at the MAC commented: “The Hayward Touring Curatorial Open, continues to play a critical role in developing relationships not only between curators and selected artists, but between each of the touring venues. It has been a great pleasure to get to know John Walter and the team at Hayward Touring over this past year and to be introduced to new artists; some whose profile is growing and others who are rightly being repositioned in the public consciousness. Our involvement in this exhibition has also forged new links with colleagues at DCA and Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre. We are delighted to be the first venue on the tour and are confident that our visitors will be enthralled by the Shonky aesthetic.”

Curator John Walter said: “I’ve been using the word shonky for years, and whilst writing my doctoral thesis I realised that there was a critical value in the word. Understanding shonkiness helps to unlock a whole array of visual and cultural issues that may not otherwise be considered. It has been a privilege to have the time, resources and support of Hayward Touring as well as the stages of the touring venues and the catalogue to bring my vision of shonky into the world and give it a home.”

Shonky: The Aesthetics of Awkwardness opens today (Friday 20 October) and runs until 14 Jan 2018 in the MAC’s Tall and Upper Galleries. The exhibition is open daily from 10am-7pm and admission is free.

For more information please visit: www.themaclive.com

The mists of time will descend on Armagh on the last weekend in November for a celebration of the city’s glorious and historic past for the annual Georgian Festival.

A packed schedule of unique events for history buffs, tourists, families and foodies alike, will provide an unforgettable weekend across the city.

Undoubtedly one of the landmark events of 2016 was The Great Georgian Banquet which returns on Friday 24^th November.

A sell-out success last year, the Banquet provides a memorable experience of gastronomy and entertainment in the lavish surroundings of the Archbishop’s Palace. Music and stories of the time will provide a real flavour of Georgian high society and a night guests will cherish and enjoy.

Alderman Gareth Wilson, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said:

“Armagh’s Georgian Festival is back, bigger and better than before, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors and locals to enjoy all that Ireland’s oldest city can provide as it comes alive in history, folklore and culture.

“Our Festival continues to grow from strength to strength in offer, scope and potential. Whether it is an interest in history, something different to entertain the kids or a unique way to get in that festive spirit, Armagh’s Georgian Festival has something for everyone.”

Visitors can uncover the city’s secrets of Armagh’s stunning Georgian streetscape with walking tours, mock trials in the Courthouse, or a traditional horse and carriage ride around the iconic tree-lined Mall.

Having written extensively on the city, renowned author, historian and BBC broadcaster Dan Cruickshank will provide an insight into Armagh’s architectural heritage in the magnificent surroundings of the Royal School, while The Rokeby Lecture in the Armagh Robinson Library will discuss Gulliver’s Travels, the most widely read book by an Irish author.

For children of all ages, the Festival provides many wonderful ways to be immersed in the wonder of times gone by. The Children’s Christmas Market at the Shambles will have games, storytelling, music, live reindeer and fire performances as night draws in.

‘Georgian Day’ itself on Saturday, 25^th November, will have over 100 merchants and stalls lining the streets with artisan produce and crafted goods including a food village. Living history characters, live music and carol singers will fill the air with festive cheer for expected crowds in excess of 20,000.

Now in its 14^th year, Georgian Day culminates in the unmissable spectacle of the annual Animated Light Show which continues to attract thousands to watch Market House burst into life, transforming it into a shimmering canvas. This year’s ‘Five Gold Rings!’ show promises to be a show to remember.

Why not extend your visit and Georgian experience with an overnight stay in Armagh on Saturday 26 November? Overnight accommodation packages, staying at the Armagh City Hotel or Charlemont Arms Hotel are available to book online via www.armagh.co.uk/georgian.