Month: February 2026

Drawn Together: A Tribute to Richard Croft at Ards Arts Centre

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is proud to present Drawn Together, an exhibition celebrating the life and work of acclaimed artist Richard Croft PPRUA (1935–2025). Curated before his passing last year, this mini-retrospective shines a spotlight on Croft’s lifelong passion for drawing – the foundation of his creative practice.

The exhibition brings together a selection of sketches alongside their corresponding paintings and prints, offering a rare insight into how Croft developed ideas from initial marks to finished works. Spanning over 70 years of sketchbooks, the collection explores themes of landscape and still life, often evolving into striking abstractions.

Born in London and based in Northern Ireland since 1959, Croft was a respected teacher and artist whose work captured the beauty of local and international landscapes. In 1967 he was elected as an Academician of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts and was President of the Academy from 1997 – 2000.

As part of the programme, Amanda Croft, Richard’s daughter, will host a special gallery talk and tour, sharing personal reflections on his life and artistic journey.

Speaking about the exhibition, Amanda said: “My abiding memory of Richard was that he always had a pencil at the ready – drawings of people, places, ideas for paintings and prints all recorded in sketch books.  We are delighted that Ards Arts Centre is hosting this exhibition of my father’s work.”

The exhibition will run Thu 26 Feb – Sat 21 March 2026 in Ards Arts Centre’s Georgian and Sunburst Galleries. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend the exhibition’s Preview Event at Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 26 February, 7pm – 9pm.

For more information, visit: https://andculture.org.uk/whats-on/drawn-together

Lough in Spring with the Feel Good Festival at Portico of Ards This March

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This March, the Portico of Ards in Portaferry comes alive as the Feel Good Festival (1-31) returns, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and the senses. Against the beautiful coastal backdrop, audiences are invited to embrace the spring season with experiences that are intimate, joyful, and inspiring.

Highlighting this year’s festival are luminous performances that will take you on a musical journey that captures the magic of renewal, all carefully curated to create emotional resonance and connection.

Pic 2 Tessa Ann from Spring Equinox Sound Spa and internationally renowned singer Peter Corry MBE with his new concert One Singer Some Songs.

The festival opens on 1 March with the much-loved The Fureys in their farewell concert, already sold out, setting the tone for a month of unforgettable performances. Comedy fans will be delighted by Emer Maguire on 6 March and Terry McHugh on 13 March, while classical enthusiasts can revel in the soaring harmonies of The Gesualdo Six on 7 March and the cinematic elegance of the Piatti Quartet performing music from the movies on 15 March. Folk lovers will be enchanted by The Henry Girls and Lore on 14 March, and audiences can immerse themselves in the Spring Equinox Sound Spa with Tessa Ann on 22 March, dance the night away 80s style with Spring Break on 28 March, hear the enduring classics of Peter Corry: One Singer Some Songs on 21 March or attend his confidence building workshop that afternoon, and experience the vocal artistry of Niamh O’Sullivan and Gary Beecher on 29 March.

The Portico of Ards itself becomes part of the performance, its historic architecture and breathtaking coastal setting enhancing every note, every laugh, and every shared moment. Each event is designed with curation and intimacy in mind, offering audiences the rare opportunity to encounter artists up close in a space where the surroundings amplify the experience.

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival celebrates artistic excellence and range, presenting Irish and international talent across multiple genres.

Feel Good Festival Director, Neil McClure, said:
“The Feel Good Festival at The Portico of Ards is about more than music – it is about joy, connection, and renewal. This March our carefully curated diverse programme of performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with sound, space, and each other, leaving everyone refreshed and inspired. With a huge thanks to Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their support.”

For tickets and further information visit www.porticoards.com. Follow Feel Good Festival via Portico of Ards on Instagram and Facebook @porticoportaferry and join the conversation with #FeelGoodFestival2026.

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

 

Add value to your winter city stay with The Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast. Starting from £195, guests booking any two nights during February will receive the second night free when staying in one of the hotel’s individually themed luxury suites. Each suite is inspired by creatives, thinkers and cultural figures associated with Belfast. Located within walking distance to Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene, enjoy the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Lyric Theatre, Grand Opera House, as well as Belfast’s buzzing nightlife. Visit https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/offers for more details.

 

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

 

The Harrison is launching a St Patrick’s Day Long Weekend Break offer. Starting from £249 for two nights, guests staying two nights on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 or Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 over the St Patrick’s Day long weekend will receive 25% off room rates, a traditional Irish cocktail served in Napoleon’s Nose Bar, and live music in-house, creating an authentic celebratory atmosphere. Visit https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/offers for more details.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

whatsonni’s Pick of the Week

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Antrim

Valentine’s Dinner at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat. Begin with a cocktail on arrival before easing into a beautifully crafted five course menu. Starting with an amuse bouche, moving through thoughtful starters and a main designed to impress. And if sharing is your thing, the Chateaubriand is the perfect centrepiece.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

How to Train Your Dragon, Dog Friendly Screening, Market Place Theatre. On the isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won’t stop Hiccup, the son of Chief Stoick the Vast, from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Experience Romance in Timeless Elegance with Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Belfast.  Step into a world of luxury and indulgence this Valentine’s Day with our Afternoon Tea, set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic Suite. Admire the stunning Grand Staircase, soak up the ambiance, and enjoy live music as you celebrate love in style

Find out more HERE

Down

Celebrate friendship, laughter and lifelong friendships in the timeless setting of The Old Inn this Galentine’s Day.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Valentine’s Steak Night at Corrick House – make an evening of it with a relaxed yet indulgent dining experience. Available Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th from 5pm, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s with great food and even better company.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Step into the Creative Zone at Heaney Home Place Bellaghy this Valentine’s Day and make Love HeARTs to take home and share!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Straight off the back of 2025’s smash hit, ‘Maggie’ – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta’s story continues with ‘Maggie’s Menopause!’ at the Burnavon, Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair to Return to Belfast This Spring

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair is set to return to Belfast this spring, marking its third year since launching in 2024.

The Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, bringing charities, community organisations and social enterprises together with people interested in building a career or volunteering with purpose.

The Fair is organised by Charity Jobs NI, a sister company to Happy Jobs NI, and was created to provide a dedicated space for the charity and voluntary sector to connect directly with people who want to make a difference. Free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers, it is now firmly established as a key date in the third sector calendar and focuses on face-to-face conversations that help attendees explore opportunities and leave with clearer next steps.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the event continues to reflect growing interest in purpose-led work across the region.

“Now in its third year and heading into our fourth event, the Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair has really established itself as a key moment in the calendar for Northern Ireland’s third sector. Each fair shows just how much appetite there is for purpose-led work, whether that is people taking their first step into the sector, changing careers, or finding meaningful ways to volunteer.

“What makes this event special is the face-to-face connection. It gives people the chance to explore real opportunities, ask honest questions and leave with a clearer sense of where they can make a difference.”

Open to people at all stages of their journey, the Fair offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of charities and sector organisations in person, learn more about the work they do and explore different ways of getting involved across the charity and voluntary sector.

Previous events have sparked hundreds of meaningful conversations, with past exhibitors including Positive Futures, NOW Group, NI Hospice, NSPCC, Inspire, Barnardos, Simon Community, Autism Initiatives and Cancer Focus NI, alongside new organisations joining each year.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting are now invited to sign up, with early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the Fair continues to deliver clear value for organisations taking part.

“We have seen first-hand how valuable this event is for charities and not-for-profits looking to reach the right people. Exhibitors consistently tell us the quality of conversations makes the day worthwhile, and many go on to recruit staff or volunteers directly as a result. With early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February, this is a great opportunity for organisations to secure their place early and be part of an event that continues to grow in impact and reach each year.”

Bookings for exhibitors are now open, with space for around 30 stands available on the day. Allocation will be managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 9 – 16 February

 

  1. Ye Big Ride – Pedal & Picnic – Valentines Day, Killinchy, County Down, 14 February. Join us this Valentine’s Day for an electric bike tour and artisan picnic. Take a guided electric bike tour with Strangford Lough Activity Centre’s brand-new fleet of e-bikes. Leaving from their base on Sketrick Island, near Whiterock, explore the back roads with guided commentary throughout. Knowledgeable guides will put you at ease before setting off on a two-hour tour.
  2. Astrofest at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 15 February. Join the Ulster Museum science curator and experts from the Irish Astronomical Association for a full day of talks, demonstrations and interactive activities. Learn how to capture your own astrophotography, handle real meteorites from the Moon and Mars, and ask astronomers anything you’ve ever wondered about space.
  3. Mudfest 2026 at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, County Down, 7 – 15 February. Grab your wellies and head to WWT Castle Espie this February half term and get stuck in with Mudfest – where messy means fun. Get ready to dive into the muddy magic of our wetlands. Mud isn’t just messy – it’s marvellous. It’s the stuff our super-powered wetlands and great family adventures are made of.
  4. Behind the Scenes: Science of the Corn Mill at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 11 February. Discover the remarkable science and engineering behind this centuries-old mill and see first-hand how it transformed grain into flour. A mill is a marvel of early technology – a massive machine crafted from wood, iron, and stone. Powered by renewable energy, it uses cogwheels, pulleys, and massive millstones to grind grain with surprising efficiency. Come and see the inner workers of this amazing building and hear about its history.
  5. NI Science Festival 2026, various locations across Northern Ireland, 11 – 22 February. Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland. The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
  6. Bogland: Past, Present, Future at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 13 February. Hidden behind the farmhouses and thatched houses, you’ll find the last remaining plot of raised bog at the Folk Park. Their curator will tell you about the social history of the bog in Ireland and how essential it was for livelihoods and home heating. Then, hear from Ulster Wildlife and The Conservation Volunteers about bog restoration and how this plot is slowly being transformed into a carbon sink to help fight climate change.
  7. Fall in love with Rathlin Island Slemish Market Supper Club, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 14 February. Northern Ireland’s ‘island of love’ is calling on Valentine’s weekend. Escape the everyday and journey to Rathlin Island for a truly unforgettable romantic experience. Valentine’s Slemish Market Supper Club at the Manor House. Indulge in an intimate six-course island-inspired tasting menu by chef Rob Curley, celebrating Rathlin’s land, sea, and ancient traditions
  8. Stargazing Evening at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 13 February (more dates available). Join in a magical stargazing evening at Armagh Planetarium. Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided observations through telescopes and explore stars and the constellations (weather dependent). This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers and whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, it’s a night not to be missed
  9. Dart Mountain Cheese Experience, Claudy, County Londonderry, until 27 February. A cheese tasting experience that captures the essence of a landscape set in the majestic Sperrin Mountains in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
  10. The Doodle Den at Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, until 28 February. Enjoy the Saturday morning Doodle Den at Enniskillen Castle. Come along to draw, giggle, paint and create in a safe and fun space. Ticket includes admission to Enniskillen Castle Museums. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

Children’s cancer charity launch fundraising initiative for schools

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Cancer Fund for Children have recently launched their ReadOn initiative which encourages primary and secondary school students to explore the joy of reading while raising vital funds in support of children and young people impacted by cancer.

ReadOn can take place anytime throughout the school year but the charity is encouraging schools to embrace this challenge in time for World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

During ReadOn, children are sponsored to read more for fun, at home or in school. The money raised through their efforts fund emotional, social and therapeutic support services for children and families navigating childhood cancer across Northern Ireland.

Speaking on this, Schools and Youth Fundraising Officer with the charity, Rebecca Oates said:

“We are so excited to launch another year of ReadOn and can’t wait to work closely with schools to bring this challenge to life with their pupils. Every week, approximately three children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. By taking part in ReadOn, schools will be teaching their students to embrace reading while also helping other children of a similar age to them.”

ReadOn is being sponsored by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA in Northern Ireland, who have supported Cancer Fund for Children through a range of initiatives.

Speaking on their support, Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing with Henderson Group said: “We are thrilled to help bring the ReadOn initiative to life for another year. Reading is a fantastic way of escapism and learning, vital for children to discover different worlds and cultures, while encouraging focus and mindfulness.

“We are very proud of our continued support of Cancer Fund for Children, fundraising throughout EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores has raised over £2.2 million since 2011, helping support children and their families impacted by cancer.

This year, schools that register for ReadOn can also enter a special competition with Cool FM for the chance to win a school visit from breakfast presenter Rebecca McKinney or Paulo Ross.

To find out more, visit www.cancerfundforchidlren.com/readon.

Ballywillan Drama Group brings a glittering night of musical theatre to Portrush with Broadway Three

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Get ready for a feel-good night out on the North Coast as Ballywillan Drama Group returns to Portrush Town Hall this April with Broadway Three — a fast-paced celebration of musical theatre packed with big numbers, bold harmonies and plenty of surprises.

Running Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th April 2026, Broadway Three is a chance for audiences to experience the thrill of live performance right on their doorstep, with a volunteer community cast bringing the magic of the stage to Portrush for one week only.

Expect an evening of toe-tapping favourites, uplifting anthems and classic show moments — perfect for theatre lovers, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a memorable night out.

Performances take place at 7:45pm each evening, with an additional 2:15pm matinee on Saturday 18th April.

Tickets are £16 and are available to book now via www.ballywillan.com.

Event details

  • What: Broadway Three – Ballywillan Drama Group
  • Where: Portrush Town Hall
  • When: 14–18 April 2026
    • Evenings: 7:45pm
    • Matinee: 2:15pm on Saturday 18 April
  • Tickets: £16

Exciting programme of half-term fun awaits at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

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 Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is gearing up to offer an action-packed half-term programme designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and fun for children and families.

From imaginative workshops to interactive science shows and live performances, there is something to spark every young mind this February.
Children aged 6–12 can immerse themselves in creative adventures, designing characters and worlds inspired by K-pop and mythical demon hunters (Tuesday 10th February), or exploring the colourful and fizzy wonders of art-meets-science with Mini Professors in Colour Magic (Friday 13th February).
For budding scientists and thrill-seekers, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is hosting interactive shows vas part of Northern Ireland Science Festival, that bring learning to life. Families can join W5 on Tour: The Hunt – Extreme Existence for an action-packed exploration of survival and adventure (Friday 13th February), or enjoy the hilariously messy, hands-on science antics of Nick Arnold in Horrible Science, packed with experiments, quizzes, and outrageous facts (Saturday 14th February).
Younger children and families are invited to experience sensory-rich dance and music performances with Moonlight Dream (Tuesday 10th February).
Celebrate the return of spring at Awakening | A Celebration of Light, Together, a free family-friendly event open to all, packed with craft, storytelling, music, and spectacular fire performance (Thursday 12th February, 3–5pm). Inspired in part by Chinese New Year alongside the Celtic festival of Imbolc, this event celebrates how cultures around the world mark the awakening from winter into springtime. This event has received financial support from The Executive Office through Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre’s half-term programme brings families together through creativity, play, and unforgettable experiences, offering something for every child and young person to enjoy.
For more information or to book please visit: https://www.roevalleyarts.com.

Where We Bury the Bones Comes to the Lyric Theatre for One Night Only

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A unique, contemporary music theatre performance created by some of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists will come to Belfast, as ‘Where We Bury the Bones’ arrives at the Lyric Theatre for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Presented by Dumbworld, Where We Bury the Bones is an inventive live performance that blends music, movement, projection and storytelling – exploring how places accumulate history, memory and meaning over time.

On stage, the performance brings together some of the finest musicians from across Ireland, alongside dancers, performers and a soprano singer. A scale model of the site forms part of the visual world of the piece, combining with live movement and projection to create a richly layered and visually compelling experience.

Musically, the work is created by renowned Irish composer Brian Irvine – an Olivier Award nominee, four time Ivor Novello and British Composer Award Winner – whose score blends classical composition with traditional and folk influences, as well as song. The music moves fluidly between styles, creating a sound world that is contemporary, expressive and deeply rooted.

The piece was commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival and takes inspiration from a small stretch of land on the bend of a river; a place shaped and reshaped over thousands of years. Once home to ancient trees, later an abbey and a brewery, and now a public space, it carries the traces of the people who lived there, worked there, loved there and died there. From this starting point, Where We Bury the Bones explores how humans continually write themselves into the landscape, and how those layered histories shape the present.

Speaking about the work, composer Brian Irvine said:

“This piece grew out of a fascination with how places hold stories, whether we’re aware of them or not. The music draws on a wide range of influences – classical, folk, song – because the place itself contains so many layers. It’s about listening closely to what’s already there, and allowing those histories to speak in new ways.”

Directed by John McIlduff, Where We Bury the Bones avoids traditional theatrical form, instead offering audiences something playful, thoughtful and open-ended.

John McIlduff said:

“This isn’t a conventional play, and it’s not a traditional concert either. It’s something in between; a shared experience that invites the audience to look, listen and think differently about place and time. It’s designed to be welcoming and engaging, whether you’re deeply familiar with contemporary performance or completely new to it.”

Since its premiere at Kilkenny Arts Festival in August 2025, the work has received strong critical response and went on to play two nights at Project Arts Centre in Dublin. Reviewing the premiere, the Journal of Music praised Irvine’s score as “consistently excellent… full of colour and widely expressive, from sections of patient piano passagework or arresting pathos to the cataclysmic climax.”

The Belfast performance at the Lyric Theatre offers a rare opportunity to experience this acclaimed work for a single night only, bringing together an exceptional group of artists in one room to create something genuinely distinctive and alive.

Where We Bury the Bones will be performed at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Tickets are available via the Lyric Theatre website.

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