Month: January 2026

TITANIC Belfast has announced the launch of a series of new accessibility initiatives as part of its continued commitment to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming visitor experience for every guest.

With accessibility and inclusion a key focus for the world-leading visitor attraction, it has announced the introduction of Sensory Backpacks and Quiet Sessions, expanding its range of accessibility supports designed to enhance comfort, independence and enjoyment for visitors with additional needs.

These new initiatives build on Titanic Belfast’s continued investment in inclusion infrastructure and visitor services in recent years – which has included Changing Places facilities, multimedia guides featuring British Sign Language and close working relationships with a range of charities and organisations including Mencap and Orchardville.

The new Sensory Backpacks are available to borrow free of charge and aim to support neurodiverse guests and individuals who may benefit from additional sensory resources during their visit.

They have been designed primarily for children aged five – 12, although they are available to support any visitor who requires and have been thoughtfully themed around animals associated with Titanic. Each backpack contains a variety of items including ear defenders, sunglasses for brighter areas, emotions and senses cards, a range of fidget and sensory toys, drawing materials, smelling cubes with aromas associated with Titanic, a visual contents list and a sensory trail.

In addition, Quiet Sessions have been launched to support visitors who may prefer reduced noise, softer lighting and a more relaxed atmosphere. The sessions will give guests the opportunity to discover the Titanic Experience in a calm and sensory-friendly environment in an inclusive way to explore the galleries at their own pace. Afternoon sessions will take place on Monday 26^th January and Monday 23^rd February and a morning session is scheduled for Sunday 22^nd February.

Paula Bradley, Head of Operations at Titanic Belfast said: “We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a visit to Titanic Belfast in a way that feels comfortable, welcoming and accessible to them.

The introduction of new Sensory Backpack and Quiet Sessions reflect our long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusion. With the support of teams from across the business as well as external stakeholders, we have been working to bring these new initiatives to fruition. As a leading visitor attraction, it’s important to us that people with additional needs are given the same opportunities as everyone else to allow them to enjoy their visit to Titanic Belfast.”

For more on Titanic Belfast’s accessibility information or to book a Quiet Session please go to www.titanicbelfast.com.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has released their January to May 2026 programme and it’s packed to the rafters with spectacular entertainment featuring top local and international performers, so whether you’re someone who loves live music, comedy, crafts, or film, you will be sure to find something to enjoy at The Market Place! Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect over the next few months.

The crème de la crème of the comedy circuit will be arriving in Armagh with stand-up performances from Jake O’Kane, Adam Kay, Bronagh Diamond, Jason Byrne, Emma Doran, Conal Gallen and many more. Get ready for many unforgettable nights of laugh-out-loud humour and antics.

There’ll be plenty of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking drama to choose from also. National Theatre Live will bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life with their contemporary take on the famous tragedy. Isosceles Theatre Company tell the engrossing tale of ‘The Man Who Left The Titanic’. ‘The Marian Hotel’ casts a light on the dark history of mother and baby homes in Ireland. Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Return Of The Native’ is a profound exploration of human desires.

As ever, music features high on the bill with thrilling performances by Sharon Shannon, Kimmie Rhodes, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Grainne Duffy and countless more. In addition, the best tribute acts around will be taking to the stage paying homage to some of the greatest names in music history, from Celtic Soul’s amazing rendition of Van Morrison’s timeless music to ‘Icons Of The 70’s’ an electrifying celebration of the legendary artists of the 70’s, and from ‘Proud Mary’ which captures the essence of Tina Turner, to ‘Beautiful Crazy’ an authentic celebration of one of the biggest country stars on the planet – Luke Combs.

Younger audiences aren’t forgotten with shows like ‘Flowers & Friendship Bracelets’, the ultimate pop concert celebrating five of the hottest artistes of the moment. Steven Lee’s ‘The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep’ is a gentle, heartwarming story time musical for families to enjoy together.

Don’t forget The Market Place also offers a superb range of interactive workshops for adults and children, but be quick, because these are sure to be as popular as ever, and tickets won’t hang around for long.

Details of all events can be found online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

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 Instagram (@marketplace.armagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Three days of classical and jazz concerts, leading Irish and British musicians, family events and masterclasses

The inaugural Newry Piano Festival takes place from 6-8 February 2026, bringing together leading pianists from Ireland and Britain for three days of classical and jazz performances, concerts, and events.

Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands – Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne – give concerts at the Festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.

The Festival is organised by Newry Chamber Music and marks an exciting new addition to Northern Ireland’s music festival calendar. Concerts, as well as family events, involving music and storytelling, as well as piano masterclasses, will take place in Newry Town Hall and the Newry Chamber Music Hub at The Quays Shopping Centre.

“This Piano Festival grew out of a pilot piano masterclass series we held last January with my brother, David Quigley. The response was exceptional and confirmed there is a real appetite for high-level piano performance and training in our region,” said Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music.

“While this is our first festival dedicated exclusively to the piano, it grows directly from the artistic values Newry Chamber Music has developed over the past 25 years — a commitment to excellence in chamber music and solo performance, and to presenting artists of the highest international standard. The piano has always been central to that tradition.

“With concerts, masterclasses, and open platforms spanning classical and jazz, this festival positions Newry not only as a place where great music is enjoyed, but as a destination where inspiring artistic work happens — attracting performers, students, keen amateur players, and audiences from across the country.”

An extraordinary series of firsts marks the Festival’s opening concert (Newry Town Hall, 6 February, 7.30pm) as David Quigley and Finghin Collins give their first performance together, with a programme featuring two world premieres by leading Irish composers Philip Martin and Sam Perkin.

Quigley and Collins will perform these works on two magnificent Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, kindly loaned to the Festival from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Orchestra. The programme also features work by Mozart, Rachmaninov, Joan Trimble, and Elaine Agnew.

In another coup for the Festival, acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne will give the closing concert (Newry Town Hall, 8 February, 2.30pm) with a beautifully crafted programme centring on the waltz, including works by Schumann, Satie, and Ravel, along with Schubert’s mighty Sonata in Bb Major.

Osborne will also give a public Piano Masterclass (Newry Town Hall, 7 February) for aspiring young pianists – an amazing opportunity for the participants, piano teachers, and enthusiasts alike.

American composer Leonard Bernstein will be celebrated when the Rob Barron Trio (Newry Town Hall, 7 February, 8pm) perform imaginative and improvised re-interpretations of Bernstein’s music from West Side Story, Candide, On The Town, A Quiet Place, and Wonderful Town. The trio will be joined by the award-winning British jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile.

In a further treat for Jazz fans, Rob Barron will perform a Sunday morning concert (NCM Hub, The Quays Shopping Centre, 8 February, 1 1.30am), treating listeners to George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and other Broadway masters. Then at 1pm, Barron will give a Jazz Masterclass for beginner and intermediate musicians.

Newry Piano Festival will also host a delightful family event, when David Quigley and Finghin Collins again join forces for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, and be joined by acclaimed actor Séamus O’Hara (House of Guinness, Blue Lights), who will narrate Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant.

Aspiring and amateur pianists and performers of all ages can look forward to the Open Keys at the Quays open-mic piano concert (NCM Hub, 7 February, 4pm), where people can share music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“We want this Piano Festival to draw people to Newry and the wider region,” says Joanne Quigley McParland, “to experience outstanding artists and inspiring performances, while discovering an area known for its extraordinary landscape and superb hospitality, and now firmly recognised as a centre of excellence in classical music on these islands.”

For more information and booking, see https://newrychambermusic.org/piano-fest. To be considered for Steve Osbourne’s Piano Masterclass, or to perform at Open Keys at the Quays, email concerts@newrychambermusic.org.

Newry Piano Festival is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.