Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

Down

Myra Zepf, the first ever Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland, is set to create the magical story behind this year’s Footsteps in the Forest. From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.  The two-day event returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August when actors will guide adventure-seekers through the forest in a theatrical tour in search of dragons and to help overcome Gullion’s witch, the Cailleach Bheara.  The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this for the annual celebration of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. The 30ft Wickerman will proudly oversee the many and varied activities taking place during this evening of music, dance, crafts, and displays of ancient Celtic traditions & custom this Saturday 4th August. Enjoy performances by, among others, Hatch jaw, Trad Folk Experience. Get into step with dancing, observe the amazing agility of the World of Owls demonstrations. Be transformed with Henna body art and traditional face painting, and join our Celtic characters in their preparation for the great ceremony of the burning of the Wickerman.  Pre-booking essential, limited tickets available.

Fermanagh

Arts Over Borders presents The  Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Legnabrocky, Enniskillen, 1st to 5th August.   The 6th Beckett Festival returns with its uniquely adventurous mix of site-specific events in our landscape, world class song in our churches and its engaging talks and discussions on a wide range of themes for everyone to enjoy.

Tyrone

Rock around the clock with The Soda Popz at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday 4th August. This sensational seven piece band pays a memorable tribute to some of the best-loved hits from that fabulous era! Take a nostalgic trip back to the dance hall days with this action packed, fully costumed, toe tapping show which has been wowing audiences all over the country! Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Connie Francis and much more… So put your glad rags and dancing shoes on for an uplifting night of timeless classics!

Derry/Londonderry

See the second instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the eighth main instalment of the Star Wars franchise this Friday 3rd August at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady.  Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order. Tickets are only £3.

Antrim

From 31st July to 4th August, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks.  Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Belfast

Come along to Orangefield Park on the Connswater Community Greenway for Greenway Celebrations! There’ll be environmental activities, sports, historical tours, local food stalls, entertainment, street theatre and so much more!  Part of The EastSide Park Fest.  Two days, two parks in east Belfast and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy! This August we are excited to announce the first EastSide Park Fest offering a whole weekend of fun in C.S. Lewis Square and Orangefield Park where we guarantee there is something or everyone. Admission is free.

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.