Month: April 2023

Music lovers- make a date in your diary as the line-up has been announced for the concert bands playing in beautiful Scarva village each Sunday from 16 April – 24 September.

The magnificent Victorian bandstand on Scarva Green will play host to the finest bands from the borough and beyond from 3pm – 4pm each Sunday afternoon as part of the popular concert band series.

What better way to spend a tranquil afternoon than relishing the relaxing music set amongst the award-winning floral display and watching the world go by under a sunny Scarva sky.

The concert programme for the initial weeks is detailed below but keep up-to-date with Visit Armagh’s social channels as the season progresses.

April

• 16^th April – Castlewellan Accordian Band
• 23^rd April – Ballykeel Accordian Band
• 30^th April – Rathfriland Silver Band

May

• 7th May – Aughnaskeagh Silver Band
• 14^th May – Kilkeel Silver Band
• 21^st May – Warrenpoint Silver Band
• 28^th May – Tyrone’s Ditches Pipe Band

Please note: all performances are subject to change.

As well as enjoying the marvelous music, why not take in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area with a stroll or cycle along the Newry Canal Towpath and enjoy an abundance of plant and wildlife. The children’s play area, near Scarva Park is always a big hit with families.

Further details of the season’s programme can be viewed online – visitarmagh.com or by following Visit Armagh on social channels.

If you are looking for something to do this Easter Weekend, here are a few suggestions.  More listings can be found at whatsonni.com

Easter Egg Hunt, Florence Court, Fermanagh

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 7 – 14 April 2023, from 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Find out more HERE

HMS Caroline Easter Trail

Take the HMS Caroline Easter Trail until Sunday 16th April (10am to 5pm).  HMS Caroline – the remarkable First World War ship restored as a must-see floating museum. Berthed in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable visitor attractions with an amazing story to tell!

Find out more HERE

Easter Acvitities at Share Discovery Village

Make the most of the Easter holidays by coming out to SHARE to take part in our Activity Sessions. Suitable for ages 6+ there should be something for everyone.

Find out more HERE

Carrowmena Easter Extravaganza Family Fun

Get together, whether with friends or family & make this an Easter to remember!  Their Action-Packed programme kicks off with becoming a real life Spiderman & making your way up our 20ft ‘Climbing Wall’ before zooming through the air on our ‘Zip Line’ & completing your adventures with some target practice in ‘Archery’.

Find out more HERE

Roar! Live Dinosaur Show, Navan Fort, Armagh

This Easter Monday & Tuesday, you are assured of a roarsome time at Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh with our live dinosaur show!  Watch in amazement as you view the once in a lifetime incubation and hatching of Velociraptor eggs. Learn about six different baby dinosaur species, including what food they eat, with some lucky audience members even getting the opportunity to feed the baby dinosaurs!

Find out more HERE

Ballycastle Seafront Easter Monday Artisan Market

The flagship artisan market of the Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront.  This is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic experience.

Find out more HERE

Who Wants to be a Superhero – W5 Belfast

Calling all superheroes! Don’t miss W5’s FREE interactive theatre show this Easter.  Do you have what it takes to be a superhero? Join W5 for a brand-new interactive stage show and put your powers to the test.

Find out more HERE

 

With days getting longer and the weather improving, parents across Northern Ireland will be contemplating how best to entertain their little ones this Easter. Fortunately, our country offers a plethora of outdoor activities for all the family.

Here are just ten reasons to get your children outdoors this Easter:

 

1. 

   It’s Lambing Season

With lambing season well underway, why not bring the kids along to see some of these adorable creatures gambolling across the countryside.

1. Getting Outdoors Is Cost Effective

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, there’s no better time to get the kids out in the fresh air and take advantage of the many free and healthy activities that our beautiful country has to offer.

1. It’s Good for Their Health

In the People in the Outdoors Monitor for Northern Ireland (POMNI) report,* which was conducted from November 2020 to October 2021, not for profit organisation, Outdoor Recreation NI, revealed that 77 per cent of people surveyed across Northern Ireland say that getting outdoors is good for their wellbeing.

1. It’s a Time for New Beginnings

Why not entertain the little ones with a brisk Easter walk and challenge to them to spot as many spring flowers as they can? Daffodils, primroses, crocuses, and snowdrops all emerge in a riot of colour at this time of year.

1. Spending Time Outdoors Is Educational

With so much change afoot during spring, it’s a great opportunity to educate your family about nature by bringing them along to explore new places and observe the environment around them.

1. You Can Create your Own Easter Egg Hunt

Try creating your own Easter Egg Hunt in the great outdoors. They’re fun for kids of all ages and encourage them to really observe the natural world around them.

1. It Builds Confidence

Exploring the great outdoors helps kids to build confidence by encouraging them to solve problems, try new activities and engage with others.

1. Time Spent in Nature Teaches Responsibility

Exploring the outdoors with your children is an opportunity to teach them how to engage well with nature. From taking your rubbish home with you after a picnic, to keeping your dog on a lead to avoid livestock worrying and disruption to wildlife, there are many ways to instil responsible behaviour in the younger generation.

 

1. It Provides a Different Form of Stimulation

We all know that many children spend a significant amount of time using electronic devices. With this in mind, why not get back to basics this Easter by immersing your kids in the rich sensory experience that our great outdoors has to offer.

 

1. There are a Wealth of Outdoor Activities Available Across Northern Ireland

Outdoor Recreation NI’s OutmoreNI.com website showcases over 850 green and blue spaces and outdoor trails across Northern Ireland. These offer activities for all the family, from enchanting forest walks to cycling or canoeing.

Kerry Kirkpatrick, Communication and Training Executive at Outdoor Recreation NI, says, “Spending time outdoors is incredibly important for our children’s wellbeing. Here in Northern Ireland, we have a wealth of amazing green and blue spaces and I would encourage parents to bring their little ones outdoors this Easter to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Northern Ireland.

“Our OutmoreNI.com website is a vital resource for those who wish to explore the fantastic array of outdoor spaces that Northern Ireland has to offer.

“Easily navigated, the site showcases hundreds of outdoor trails that offer something for all the family. It also contains a range of information on beaches, forests, parks, and nature reserves.

“We would encourage people to protect the environment by exploring these areas responsibly and the OutmoreNI.com website offers a wealth of information on how to do so through its Right Side of Outside campaign.”

To discover new outdoor trails and places to explore throughout Northern Ireland, visit https://outmoreni.com/

Banbridge Busking Festival returns to the streets of Banbridge on Saturday 24^th June.

Registration opens on Monday 17^th April.

Banging tunes, big songs and great live entertainment returns to the bustling streets of Banbridge this June when the well-established Busking Festival – BuskFest – returns to the County Down town.

A big festival highlight and showcase for Banbridge, the hugely popular competitive event attracts thousands of visitors, lifting spirits in a town famous for great local music, food, drink and a warm and friendly welcome.

Registration to take part in the electrifying line-up opens on Monday 17^th April when participants of all ages and abilities are invited to pitch in, rock up and play or sing their hearts out in the hope of winning a big cash prize.

A cash prize of £1000 will be available for the Overall Winner and a further £2000 split between the Best Band, Individual and Junior Categories – including the Best Performance sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and the Spirit of Buskfest sponsored by The Boulevard.

Entrants are urged to get their names in early to be in with a chance to take part.

Budding entertainers and buskers alike are being encouraged to first register online at buskfest.com and make themselves known at the Old Town Hall in Banbridge on the morning of the event when pitch locations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am – 11am.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Paul Greenfield, is counting down the days.

“I’m delighted that Banbridge’s BuskFest is back to entertain and enthuse us all again this year, promising an amazing showcase of musical talent and on-street performance to a vibrant town well-known for its history, heritage and unrivalled retail and hospitality offer.

Supported by both the council and the local community, business and artistic groups, we aim to make this year’s BuskFest an entertaining day for the whole family.”

The competition kicks off on Saturday 24^th June from 1pm and runs until 4pm when the heart of Banbridge will be buzzing with musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers. The prizegiving ceremony then moves to Solitude Park where the winners of each category get the chance to perform on stage.

BBC Radio Ulster presenter, BuskFest judge and compere Ralph McLean is also returning for this year’s event.

“The Banbridge Busking Festival has celebrated the best in on-street entertainment and acted as a catalyst for new and emerging talent who took on the challenge and made their presence felt. This year’s event promises a great day out for everyone.

If you haven’t yet visited BuskFest you are guaranteed a fantastic family day out. Enjoy the great atmosphere of the live music, dynamic street theatre and entertainment. As a music lover, I am delighted to be associated with BuskFest again this year,” Ralph said.

To register for Buskfest go to www.buskfest.com and select “register.”

 

Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced an exciting range of Tourism Experiences for 2023. From guided walking tours to unique immersive experiences, visitors are in for a treat with a range of activities designed to highlight the diverse tourism offering right across the Borough!

The guided walking tours and boat trips promise to be captivating experiences, with local experts taking visitors on a journey through time as they explore the rich historical sites in the area. The Holywood Historical Guided Walking Tour on 6 May and the Comber Historical Walking Tour on 24 June will give visitors the chance to discover the hidden gems of these towns, while the Step Back in Time Tour on 3 June and 12 August will take visitors on a nostalgic journey around Bangor through the years.

For those looking for something more unique, a range of immersive experiences are planned that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Visitors can try their hand at copper smithing in the inspiring setting of Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry on 27 May, create copper floral magic in The Walled Garden Helen’s Bay on 3 June, or even try out their surfing and Zumba skills on 27 August with Surf and Shimmy!

For those who prefer to unwind and relax, a range of suitable activities are on offer. The Wellbeing in the Walled Garden retreat on 11 June offers a yoga, meditation, and sound bathing experience, while the Full Moon Paddle on 29 September promises a peaceful and unforgettable night-time kayaking trip on Strangford Lough.

Foodies will also have plenty to enjoy, with many experiences offering high-quality local food and drink. Celebrate The Coronation of King Charlies III with A Right Royal Afternoon Tea on 6 May, enjoy a Midsummer’s Evening Picnic on 24 June, and Tea by the Sea in Millisle on 20 August are perfect for those looking for unique dining experiences.

For some, the SUP and S’mores event on 5 May promises to ease you into summer. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stand-up paddleboarding trip on the water, followed by a cosy campfire where they can indulge in luxurious s’mores. Yum!

There are also a range of experiences planned for families, such as the Father’s Day Family Canoe Bushcraft on 18 June and the Mystery Picnic at the Ulster Folk Museum on 7 May, where families can solve clues while enjoying a picnic.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:

“Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to providing visitors with unique and memorable tourism experiences that highlight the best of the area’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to check out the full range of experiences on offer, and to book early to avoid disappointment.”

With tickets ranging from just £6 to £150, book now at visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND

Dolphins kindly answered the call to help Portico Arts and Heritage Centre promote its programme to a wider audience this week.

 

A pair of wine bottle nose dolphins have spent several days making appearances in Strangford Lough. While the rollicking frolicking may seem like playful behaviour to the uninitiated, Professor Gluck of the Institute for Dolphinalia identified the key messages in their display with impressive clarity. Astoundinglingly, the dolphins are actually using DSL to sign a marketing message from the Portico of Ards regarding its new season programme.

 

April’s programme includes the annual Tenebrae Service on Good Friday at 7pm with narration from UTV’s Paul Reilly and The Newquay Singers performing Faure’s Requiem. Everyone is welcome – any belief or none. Easter Monday brings magic for kids of all ages with Joe Daly of RTE Junior bringing his amazing magic show at 3pm. 

 

On Sunday 16 April at 3pm, Cuban guitar maestros Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas and grammy-nominated Eduardo Martin combine forces to deliver their lively mix of classical, flamenco and jazz.

 

A Glamourous Night With Ivor Novello and Friends on Sat 22 April offers a unique opportunity to hear classics from the ‘golden age’ of music theatre, including We’ll Gather Lilacs and My Dearest Dear with soprano Ali Darragh, tenor Caolan Keaveney and pianist Matthew Owens.

 

April events conclude with The Legend of Luke Kelly presented by David Hull Promotions. Created and performed by the renowned Chris Kavanagh, the show is not a tribute but a journey through Luke’s music celebrating the memory and music of a true Irish Musical Legend.

 

Portico is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ards and North Down Borough Council and further information on all the events can be found at porticoards.com

The grounds of Belfast City Hall will be packed with free family fun activities on Saturday 22 April for Councillor Tina Black’s Lord Mayor’s Day.

Belfast’s First Citizen is inviting everyone to join her in ‘Celebrating Belfast’ on the front lawns of City Hall between 12pm and 5pm.

There will be something for all ages, including multi-cultural arts and crafts, live music, dance, street theatre and much more. Activities will also take place in 2 Royal Avenue, the city centre’s cultural and events space.

Looking ahead to the day of events, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black said:

“My Lord Mayor’s Day celebrations give everyone an opportunity to come into the city centre and enjoy an action-packed afternoon of free and exciting activities.

“The theme for my year in office has been ‘Celebrating Belfast’ and I have experienced first-hand the amazing work of people from all walks of life to support each other, their communities and the wider city, in these current tough times.

“I’ve been so impressed with so many of the groups and organisations I’ve met that I’ve invited many to them to join me at my event to help showcase the huge variety of talent our vibrant, multi-cultural city has to offer.”

Visitors can enjoy a packed line-up of live music, featuring a Kiddy Céilí, Belfast Dhol drummers, emerging local bands and musicians from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran and Somalia, as well as performances from the South Asian Dance Academy.

Families will love the spectacular aerial circus show and comedy street theatre performances and trying their hand at old-style carnival games. Young people can also have a go at a variety of sports and make your own arts and crafts activities, before enjoying drop-in circus and creative writing workshops.

There’ll also be games and activities for older visitors, as part of our Age-Friendly Belfast programme.

Entry to the Lord Mayor’s Day event is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/lordmayorsday

 

Eduardo Martin, the Grammy nominated and multiple life-time achievement award-winning Cuban guitarist and composer, joins forces with fellow award-winning, London based Cuban musician, Ahmed Dickinson – a guitarist described as a ‘true pioneer’ by Classic FM – to present ‘The Bridge’.

Launching an expansive tour of the UK and Ireland, Martin and Dickinson perform the music of their long-awaited album, ‘The Bridge’: a carefully curated compilation of Eduardo’s most alluring works for two guitars, where rock merges with son montunos; old Yoruba chants, feel-good rumbas and funk- boleros, with cinematic pieces sitting alongside Cuban tumbaos with slap bass. Perfect sound bites exploring the many facets of the guitar tradition from across the Americas. By incorporating the influences of jazz, flamenco, pop, Afro and raditional Cuban melodic and rhythmic intricacies, the music bridges the gap between generations and continents, past and present, uniting teacher and student. Says Dickinson:

“It is a privilege to play with Eduardo. Playing his music gives me a sense of musical sincerity. It is exhilarating to go on stage and convey all these melodies and rhythms that sound fresh, current and honest.” 

Eduardo Martin explains:

“The Bridge alludes precisely to the connections we have established musically, Ahmed and I. Also, the bridge that I establish throughout my compositions, between genres and musical styles that interest me. Finally, it is the connection with the audiences who enjoy our work.” 

Having first met as student and teacher at the Superior Institute of Art in Havana, the venerable musician and composer Martin instantly recognised in Dickinson a young man who knew the musical path he wanted to travel. The composer keenly followed Dickinson’s career over the years and a strong musical friendship developed. The pair first began to work together in 2014, when Dickinson invited Martin to London to perform a concert of his works at the Bolivar Hall. Since that performance, their musical partnership has flourished, pausing only for the time of the pandemic. Both artists are hugely in demand as solo performers, so to see them perform together in this project is one not to be missed.

This is a rare opportunity to catch guitar master, Eduardo Martin, on these shores. The collaboration with Ahmed Dickinson shares their rich culture and heritage, through the duo’s much celebrated artistry. Martin tells us, “This will be the first time we have been able to travel together since the pandemic. Playing live again fills me with a very great emotion. We have waited a long time and the feeling of anticipation and excitement to perform together again has only increased.”

Ahmed Dickinson and Eduardo Martin bring their music to Northern Ireland at the following venues 16^th  April, Portico of Ards at 3:00 pm.

For full tour dates and to listen/watch go to http://linktr.ee/Cubafilinrecords

Full EPK with images, album information, artist interviews and biographies available here. Further links at www.ahmeddickinson.com and https://cubafilin.com/ Press queries to dickinsonahmed@gmail.com

Taking place from May to August 2023 at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, the upcoming events programme is overflowing with brilliant musicians, poets, authors, and artists.

Setting the tone for a wonderful summer season is ‘Ellipses’ by Maria McManus and Keith Acheson, featuring the very talented Arco String Quartet.

Poet Alice McCullough brings her critically acclaimed one-woman show ‘Earth to Alice’ to The Helicon on 12^th May, this event is taking place in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival, which runs from 11^th – 21^st May 2023.

Audiences will enjoy several genres of music throughout the season, featuring renowned performers such as Mundy (27^th May), Lisa Lambe (3^rd June), Ruth McGinley (1^st July), Luka Bloom (8^th July) and Colm Mac Con Iomaire (26^th August).

A film screening of the Oscar-nominated Irish-language feature film An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) is planned for 10^th June.  This coming-of-age drama tells the poignant tale of a young girl sent to live with distant relatives in eighties rural Ireland.

Playwright, author and poetry aficionado Roger McGough brings ‘Alive & Gigging’ to HomePlace near the end of June.  This will be Roger’s second visit to The Helicon following a memorable sell-out appearance in 2019.

Then there is the special announcement of the debut performance of Brian Bilston in The Helicon in November.  Brian Bilston has gathered a huge following on social media and has been described as ‘Twitter’s unofficial Poet Laureate.’

The highlight of the summer is a weekend of events to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney.  Seamus Heaney HomePlace will welcome a number of award-winning poets from across Ireland and the UK over the course of this commemorative weekend.  The weekend will close with a poignant screening of Seamus Heaney and the music of what happens.

This special weekend is taking place from 25^th – 27^th August 2023 at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy and is part of a full programme of events happening throughout the summer.  A weekend pass for all five events is available to book.

Councillor Córa Corry, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council which owns and operates Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said:

“As always, I am impressed with the variety and quality of events on offer this summer at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.  I look forward to welcoming you to Bellaghy to celebrate the arts and enjoy the performances in the intimate setting of The Helicon.  The beautifully curated season demonstrates the significance of poetry and the ongoing influence of Seamus Heaney.”

Brian McCormick, Manager of Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said:

“The upcoming summer programme is full of award-winning performers and artists and maintains the standards our audiences have become accustomed to. The highlight of this season is a weekend of events to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney.  Through marking this significant date, HomePlace brings to a close a brilliant summer season of events.”

The summer programme will be on sale from 10am on Monday 3^rd April at: https://seamusheaneyhome.com/upcoming-events/